(CNN)  President Donald Trump launched an unprecedented public attack against the leadership of the US military on Monday (Tuesday in the Philippines), accusing them of waging wars to boost the profits of defense manufacturing companies.

"I'm not saying the military's in love with me -- the soldiers are, the top people in the Pentagon probably aren't because they want to do nothing but fight wars so that all of those wonderful companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else stay happy," Trump told reporters at a White House news conference.

Trump's extraordinary comments come as several defense officials tell CNN relations between the President and Pentagon leadership are becoming increasingly strained.

They also followed efforts by Trump to convince the public that he had not made a series of reported disparaging remarks about US military personnel and veterans, which were first reported by The Atlantic magazine.

A former senior administration official confirmed to CNN that Trump referred to fallen US service members at the Aisne-Marne cemetery in crude and derogatory terms during a November 2018 trip to France to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Other outlets, including Fox News, have confirmed much of The Atlantic's reporting, which Trump and the White House vehemently deny.

Some have expressed concern that the President's Monday accusations against the military's top brass could have a corrosive effect.

"The President's comments about the motivations of military leaders not only demeans their service and that of those they lead; he lends credence to the very disdain and thoughtlessness he tries to deny," retired US Navy Rear Admiral and CNN analyst John Kirby said.

The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment on Monday's remarks.

While Trump has publicly disparaged the service of several high-profile veterans such as the late Sen. John McCain and his former Secretary of Defense, retired Gen. Jim Mattis, Monday's broadside was on a new level targeting leaders he appointed to carry out his orders.

Trump has also repeatedly touted boosting the defense budget as one of his administration's major accomplishments, citing it as evidence of his support for the military, spending that has also benefited defense contractors.

Top commanders exhausted and worried

CNN has previously reported that relations between Trump and his Defense Secretary Mark Esper are tense, with Trump believed to be on the verge of replacing him. But, less than two months from the presidential election, the Pentagon's top commanders are growing increasingly exhausted and worried about their relationship with the President, several defense officials tell CNN.

A critical area of concern is how the Pentagon would respond if Trump invokes the Insurrection Act to put US military troops on the streets to deal with civilian protestors as he continues to stoke divisions across the country in the run up to the election. Trump floated the idea last month and, after he first made the threat in June, Esper publicly broke with him by saying he opposed any such move.

To avoid a new showdown with the White House, for the last several weeks, top military officials -- including General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff -- have been getting regular briefings on civil unrest in major cities across the country. The idea is to be ready with alternative plans for state-activated National Guard and other federal civilian law enforcement rather than have active duty troops potentially clash with protesters, according to several defense officials.

Another issue that could lead to a clash between Trump and military leadership is the $740 billion defense bill that would strip the names of Confederate generals in the face of vocal opposition from Trump who said he'd veto any move.

The entire Joint Chiefs have made it clear they want to eliminate what they see as the divisive symbols of the Confederacy.

Milley did not hold back on the issue in appearance before Congress in July, stating that "those officers turned their back on their oath," referring to the names on the bases. "It was an act of treason, at the time, against the Union, against the Stars and Stripes, against the US Constitution."

Military leadership have embarked on several initiatives aimed at improving racial inclusion. Officials say it is vital work to ensure that when troops go to war, they are a cohesive fighting force.

There are also very real concerns about the aftermath of November's election, particularly if the result is not immediately clear after election night.

Last month Milley told members of Congress that the military will not play a role in the election and won't help settle any disputes if the results are contested.

"In the event of a dispute over some aspect of the elections, by law U.S. courts and the U.S. Congress are required to resolve any disputes, not the U.S. Military," Milley wrote in a letter to the House Armed services committee.

"I believe deeply in the principle of an apolitical U.S. military," Milley wrote.

Despite what Milley stated, should there be some kind of constitutional crisis if the election result is unclear, the military could well be put in a tricky position especially as Trump's opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden, floated the idea they might become involved in an interview in June.

"I promise you, I'm absolutely convinced they will escort him from the White House with great dispatch," Biden said, referring to the US military's Joint Chiefs of Staff.

On top of that uncertainty there are concerns Trump may launch military action against an adversary before Inauguration Day, regardless of who wins the White House are also front and center for the top brass.

This story was first published on CNN.com 'Trump launches unprecedented attack on military leadership he appointed'
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Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

A little more than half of New Mexicans oppose removing public memorials to controversial conquistador Juan de Onate, according to a Journal poll completed last week.

While 53% of those queried said they oppose renaming public buildings or removing statues of Onate, 27% said they support doing so. The remaining 20% were evenly split between mixed feelings/depends and undecided/didnt know/wouldnt say.

Memorials, sculptures and naming rights became a hot issue this summer, after protests over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Throughout the country, statues memorializing colonizers and slave owners were taken down or were the subjects of protests.

Brian Sanderoff, president of Research & Polling Inc.  which conducted the survey  said younger people were significantly more likely to support removing the memorials to Onate than older people. He said 36% of those under 50 support it, compared with 22% of those 50 and over.

We do see significant differences based on age, which doesnt shock me, Sanderoff said. Oftentimes at the protests you see a lot of young people  they tend to be idealistic and have more intense feelings.

But opposition still outpaced support in all age categories.

Sanderoff said the responses tended to fall along ideological lines  with 57% of those who identify as liberal supporting the removal of statues, compared with 9% of those who identify as conservative. He said this also carries over to different regions of the state, with people from the more conservative northwestern and eastern regions being more likely to oppose removal. For example, 69% of those in the northwest part of the state and 75% of those on the east side opposed moving the statues, while 44% of those in the Albuquerque area and 40% of those in the Las Cruces/southwestern area opposed removing them.

Party affiliation is (also) a big predictor of support levels on this question, Sanderoff said.

A similar phenomenon is playing out among those with different education levels, Sanderoff said. Among those with a high school degree or less, 68% oppose removing the memorials. The percentage decreases at each additional education level, and among those with a graduate degree 46% oppose it.

In the era of President Trump, weve found that people with higher education attainment levels tend to be more liberal, more Democrat, more likely to support social justice movements, he said.

But Sanderoff said hes been thinking a lot about this question and cautioned that the poll did not measure how strongly people feel about the issue, especially for those to whom it is more personal.

So we learned what percent think it should be removed, but that doesnt resolve the greater issue, which is that there are some people in our multicultural society that have very strong feelings toward these matters, Sanderoff said. The state will continue to try and resolve them, hopefully through a lot of listening and a lot of healing.

Among Hispanics, 28% supported removing statues while 54% opposed it. Anglos expressed similar opposition: 24% supported their removal and 53% opposed it.

Sanderoff said Native Americans were polled, but because they make up such a small percentage of likely voters  4%  the group was too small to report on statistically.

Elena Ortiz, a member of Ohkay Owingeh and chair of The Red Nation-Santa Fe Freedom Council, said she and her fellow activists and tribal members have been hurt by the presence of monuments to conquistadors for a long time. She said the issue shouldnt be decided by public opinion.

The loudest voices are always the ones that are angry about having their culture taken away, Ortiz said. They dont take into account that what theyre choosing as representations of their culture are violent to another culture.

In New Mexico, many of the demonstrations centered around Onate, who settled New Mexico for Spain in the late 16th century and was infamous for his treatment of Native Americans. In July the Las Cruces Public Schools board voted to remove the name from one of the citys high schools. And two statues of him were removed in as many days in mid-June.

In Alcalde, north of Espanola, county officials removed a statue of Onate from the Rio Grande National Heritage Area ahead of a planned protest in order to protect it.

In Albuquerque, the figure of Onate was removed from La Jornada sculpture on the Albuquerque Museum grounds after violence erupted at a demonstration and a counterprotester shot a protester, seriously injuring him.

Officials in both areas said the statues were removed temporarily. Neither has been returned.

The issue reverberated around the state, and school districts and the University of New Mexico began discussions about renaming facilities named for controversial figures. Monuments to other historical figures, including Kit Carson and Diego de Vargas, were also called into question, and a statue of de Vargas  the Spanish governor of Santa Fe de Nuevo Mexico who led the reconquest of the territory after the Pueblo Revolt  was removed from Cathedral Park in Santa Fe.

While Ortiz said she would have responded that she supports removal of Onate memorials from free, outdoor spaces  especially when the works were paid for with public funds  she thinks there is an opportunity to educate people about what he did by putting the statues in a museum instead.

Theres a way of saying these statues were put up at a time when we were not as aware of the impact of glorifying violent figures as we are today, Ortiz said. Human beings, human societies evolve and begin to change and really strive to make communities safe welcoming inclusive places.  Were not trying to erase history; were trying to contextualize it, and were trying to reframe the narrative.

Methodology

The Journal Poll asked respondents: You may have heard the news about replacing the name of Spanish conquistador Juan de Onate, on public buildings and removing his statues in New Mexico. Do you support or oppose removing these public memorials to Onate in New Mexico?

The poll is based on a scientific, statewide sample of 457 likely general election voters who also voted in either the 2016 and 2018 general elections  or both.

The voter sample has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.6 percentage points. The margin of error grows for subsamples.

The poll was conducted from Aug. 26 through Sept. 2, and all interviews were conducted by live, professional interviewers, with multiple callbacks to households that did not initially answer the phone.

Both cellphone numbers (74%) and landlines (26%) of likely general election voters were used.
By Musheera Ashraf, TwoCircles.net

Noida: Aftab Alam, a 45-year-old taxi driver left his home at 2 pm on Sunday, 5th September to drop a client at Bulandshahr. He called back his son Sabir in the evening, informing him that he had completed the trip and would return home. Little did he know that he would be lynched midway and would return dead.

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Aftab, who originally belonged to Muzaffarpur district of Bihar, came to Delhi 20 years ago. Aftab started driving a taxi in 2006.

His only dream was to provide us a good education, says Sabir, eldest of the 3 sons of Aftab Alam. He left no stone unturned to get us admission in good schools, he added.

Mera dil dehal raha hai sochkar ki mere papa ko kaise mara hoga unhone (My heart sinks thinking of how they would have killed my father), Sabir says.

The incident occurred between Bulandshahr and New Delhi.

According to Sabir, while Aftab was returning from Bulandshahar, he gave a lift to a few men who forced him to drop them. Sabir got a call from his fathers number where he could listen to the conversation between the men and his father. Maybe he sensed that their intention was not good so he called me and put the phone aside to make me hear the conversation, he said.

Sabir told TwoCircles.net that he heard them forcing his father to drink alcohol, while his father kept denying. I heard them asking my father, Are you Muslim? It was something unusual so I started recording, Sabir added.

In the recording available with TwoCircles.net, one of the men is heard saying Jai Shri Ram Bol. Anxious and afraid to hear this, Sabir ran towards the nearest police station Mayur Vihar Phase 1, but he was not entertained till a sub-inspector came after an hour. He helped me and tried to track the whereabouts of my father, he said.

As instructed by the police Sabir went to Badalpur Police Station to lodge an F.I.R.

Sabir alleges that, the police didnt inform him though they already knew about it from the police who were on duty near the area of the incident.

When I asked about the whereabouts of my father they told me he is in the hospital and told me to come to the police station first, he says.

I kept on saying, Mujhe Papa se Milwa Do, but they continued investigating for 2 hours, Sabir added.

Sabir broke into tears while recalling the details. Finally around 1 oclock I was taken to hospital where I saw my fathers dead body in a bad condition, he said, adding, The assailants have beaten him badly. They are calling it a case of loot, but it is clear that this is mob lynching.

Sabir says that had it been a case of loot, the assailants would have taken his fathers car or something else. Papa ko gaadi se nikalkar unhone maara, maine darwazay ki awaaz suni (They took my father out of the vehicle and killed him. I heard the cars door being opened), he said.

The killing of Aftab has left the family in shock. My mother doesnt want to live anymore. We are consoling her and we tell her that she has to live for us, Sabir said.

Aftab is survived by a wife and 3 children.

According to Sabir, whatever his father Aftab earned he would spend 80 per cent of it on his childrens education. My younger brothers are in 12th standard. He was proud of his bright and hardworking children, Sabir said.

Sabir insists that his fathers death is a case of mob lynching.

The police have told Aftabs family that they have collected the footage of 3 people from the nearest toll plaza but have denied showing the photographs to Aftabs family.

They say we are investigating, says Sabir, adding, Mob lynching is becoming normal in UP.

Pinning his hopes on a fair investigation, Sabir says he will fight to get justice for his father. I am the eldest son of the family. But I dont have proper knowledge of such cases. I just wanted to study, he says.

When contacted, the Badalpur Police told TwoCircles.net that the case has been registered for robbery and murder. The policeman who attended the call denied having any knowledge regarding the call recording in which one of the men can be heard forcing Aftab to say Jai Shree Ram.
A vast majority of borrowers are in the essential services supply chain with tiny and micro businesses, and this has sprung back.

Micro-finance institutions (MFIs) have something to cheer about: collections are back to 85 per cent of the pre-Covid lockdown levels.

Yet Manoj Nambiar, managing director of Arohan Financial Services and chairman of the Microfinance Institutions Network, is not enthused: The nature of this business is such that collections have to be closer to the 100 per cent mark.

On expected delinquencies after the loan moratorium ends, he says nobody has an idea on that front.

What explains the rebound in collections?

The resilience of borrowers is remarkable.

"A vast majority of borrowers are in the essential services supply chain with tiny and micro businesses, and this has sprung back, notes Udaya Kumar, managing director and chief executive officer (MD & CEO) at CreditAccess Grameen.

In the numbers

Industry-wide data on MFIs is hard to come by due to the lockdown, but an uptick in stress was evident even before the pandemic.

The Equifax-Sidbi Microfinance Pulse Report puts the MFI industrys delinquency in December 2019 at 3.40 per cent - the highest across five quarters.

Delinquencies in the 1-29-day bucket had gone up 48 basis points to 1.79 per cent in December 2019, over September 2019. They could only have moved up since.

As for MFI business after Covid, a recent update by the credit bureau CRIF High Mark puts outstanding loan balances at Rs 235,000 crore at the end of May 2020, a year-on-year growth of 1.2 per cent, even though it was 21.4 per cent over June 2019.

The number of loans disbursed in FY20 stood at 41 lakh, down 26 per cent over FY19.

In the last week of March 2020, less than one lakh loans were disbursed, accounting for a meagre 1.75 per cent of disbursements for the month, compared to 25 lakh loans in the last week of March 2019 (and 45 per cent of disbursements).

Only one lakh loans were disbursed in the first two months of Q1FY21 - a huge drop from the average monthly disbursement volume of 52 lakh loans in the same period last year.

To the extent disbursals have been affected, delinquencies as a percentage of the outstanding will only go up.

So, how did CRIF High Mark source data during the lockdown?

We collaborated with our financial institution partners and, using the strength of data analytics, created insights.

"This deeper analysis of existing customers has enabled lenders to be empathetic to their customers and address their needs for emergency or top-up loans, says Navin Chandani, MD & CEO.

Capital concerns

Says Poonam Upadhyay, associate director at CRISIL Ratings: We expect MFIs to focus on raising additional equity over the next few quarters as a buffer against potential credit losses or higher provisioning.

In FY17 and FY18, after demonetisation, MFIs (including some that are small finance banks, or SFBs, now) raised over Rs 4,000 crore in equity.

One sticking point could be that given the gap between current and pre-pandemic collection levels, there is a risk of increase in credit losses, and its potential impact on capitalisation after the moratorium ends.

Satin Creditcare has raised Rs 120 crore via a rights issue to augment its capital base to meet future requirements.

I call it comfort capital, says H P Singh, the companys founder-chairman and managing director. Was the rights issue a post-Covid decision?

No, we had planned it earlier. After the pandemic, it makes all the more sense to fill up your tank.

It could also be that specialised institutional investors in the MFI space may opt to take on exposure to the sector through SFBs.

This is also linked to the place of standalone MFIs in the recently announced loan-recast scheme.

There is a lot riding on MFIs, given the role they play in delivering credit to those at the bottom of the pyramid.

With stress already having set in before the pandemic, the next quarter may not be a pleasant one for the sector.

Loan recast and MFIs

Do MFIs need to offer loan recasts?

The applicability and benefit to MFIs emanating from the resolution framework for Covid-19 stress is uncertain, says Poonam Upadhyay of CRISIL Ratings.

Industry sources feel this may need a clarification from the central bank, and point to the earlier confusion over the moratorium on term-loans announced on March 27.

Banks continued to demand that their loans be serviced - by non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and standalone MFIs.

The air was cleared after a statement by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das in late April that NBFCs and MFIs were eligible for it, and there was nothing in the RBIs circular that prevented this from being offered.

In phase-1 of the lockdown, nearly 70 per cent of MFIs borrowers did not opt for a moratorium on their loans.

Neither this nor better collection figures may be a fair indicator of the resilience of the sector.

According to CRISIL Ratings, after demonetisation, most MFIs had reported 98-99 per cent collection efficiency for incremental disbursements done after April 2017.

And yet, their loan-book of November 2016 saw credit losses of between 3 per cent and 13 per cent, with strong correlation to geography and socio-political influence.
The Google-Woolpert relationship gives us access to lower rates for the same Google services and provides personalized technical supportits a win-win for us.

Woolpert has been hired to provide Frayt Technologies Inc. with Google Maps Platform services and technical team support. Frayt is a Cincinnati-based technology company that matches customers who have shipping and delivery needs with professionals who can provide those services, on demand and within the hour. Frayt operates online via desktop and mobile app and is active in 34 states.

The Google Maps Platform supports Frayts mapping needs and its application programming interfaces (APIs), which enable the rapidly expanding startup to process its escalating volume of calls. Frayt co-founder and CTO Josh McCord said the company recently launched a revamped shipping and delivery app that will be supported by the Google Maps Platform and the Woolpert technical team.

The Google-Woolpert relationship gives us access to lower rates for the same Google services and provides personalized technical supportits a win-win for us, McCord said. Were very fortunate that our firm continues to expand to meet demand, and it is a huge comfort to know that we can fully support that growth while best serving our customers.

Woolpert, a global mapping and geospatial industry leader, has been a Google Maps Platform partner since 2013, a Google Cloud Partner since 2015 and a Google Premier Partner since 2016. The firm facilitates Google services for clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies, providing access to all Google services and additional technical, software and GIS support.

Specific to Frayts needs, Woolpert Google Senior Account Executive Jeremy Quam said the firm also has worked extensively with Google transportation teams and is helping Google build dispatching APIs. Woolpert also has extensive logistics experience and recently launched GeoAwareness, a quick-start solution to improve online ordering and curbside pickup.

Frayt has developed an outstanding business model, leveraging the on-demand culture we live in today, Quam said. Our experience makes us a great fit for Frayt, and were excited that we can help them navigate the startup bubble and expand and optimize their services. We are looking forward to seeing them continue to excel.

About Woolpert

Woolpert is committed to a vision to become the premier architecture, engineering, geospatial (AEG) and strategic consulting firm, and one of the best companies in the world. Its a vision weve been fine-tuning for decades. It guides our decisions and investments, provides our clients with optimal solutions and offers our employees unrivaled opportunities. Woolpert is recognized as a Great Place to Work by its employees and is Americas fastest-growing AEG firm. With more than a century of experience, close to 1,000 employees and 30 offices, Woolpert supports public, private, federal, and U.S. military clients nationally and around the globe. For more information, visit woolpert.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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
Seen is an aerial view of the construction site of SK Battery America's factory in the U.S. state of Georgia, provided by SK Innovation, April 28. / Courtesy of SK Innovation



By Baek Byung-yeul



While SK Innovation and LG Chem are locked in a dispute over alleged theft of trade secrets regarding electric vehicle (EV) battery technology  ahead of a USITC final ruling expected Oct. 5  SK is also feeling pressure from Georgia Congressman Doug Collins, who is raising questions over the hiring of undocumented workers at the company's new plant in his state.



The two companies have been continuously releasing competing press statements on the dispute, with SK stating it didn't need LG Chem's trade secrets as it had developed its own battery technology over decades of research at a cost of more than 1 trillion won, a claim LG refutes.



After the USITC preliminary ruling in favor of LG Chem, the company said it was open to talks for a settlement, while SK said the necessary procedures were underway. SK has no viable option but to settle the case as the scheduled final USITC ruling could potentially jeopardize production at its battery plant in the state of Georgia.



The accusations by Congressman Collins add another twist, as if they are confirmed they would undermine customer and client confidence. SK has already invested a sizable amount into the Georgia plant and recently said it will invest more.



But the U.S. lawmaker is actively pursuing the issue, sending a letter to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requesting an investigation into whether there was an attempt to illegally employee undocumented workers in August to construct the plant.



Collins cited information that CBP officers caught 33 Korean nationals at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport attempting to enter the U.S. without proper work permits in May. He claimed this was not a one-time incident as he thinks "these Korean nationals were part of a larger scheme to illegally bring foreign workers into the United States," according to a statement released on his website Aug. 20.



The hiring of undocumented workers issue seemed to be resolved after the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) expelled the Korean nationals in May, but Collins has raised the issue again.



The congressman said he sent another letter to the ICE and the CBP, calling for them to investigate the case Aug. 27 citing an Aug. 21 report in The Korea Times.



Regarding the issue, SK Innovation's public relations sent a statement to the newspaper, Tuesday, elaborating that some of the information in the article "might be misunderstood" by readers.



In the article, SK Innovation said the Korean workers had been hired only to build the factory and that the Georgia plant would be operated by American employees once construction was completed. "SK Innovation has said the new Georgia factory will provide about 2,600 new jobs in the Jackson Country area. We hired the Korean workers because they were specialized in constructing battery factories," an SK Innovation official was quoted as saying in the report.



In the statement, SK Innovation explained that it was not interfering with the hiring process of the construction workers. Contractors and subcontractors hire workers considering various factors such as expertise, schedule, availability and type of work performed. SK further stated that some jobs, such as the installation of equipment, must be carried out by employees of the company that supplies it. Korean workers are carrying out these sorts of tasks as specific equipment is being supplied by Korean companies.



"SK Battery America has repeatedly stressed the importance of compliance with applicable laws and notified the contractors that any recurrence of such an event is unacceptable. Also, it is explicitly stated in SKBA engineering, procurement and construction contracts that contractors must comply with applicable laws," the statement read.


Harrahs Philadelphia and The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono both presented live cards on Monday (Sept. 7), and longshots provided their share of Labour Day fireworks at both tracks.

At Harrah's Philadelphia, Quick Fun N set the tone for the day in a $20,000-$25,000 claiming handicap pace, rallying from last at the half to win as the longest shot on the board in 1:53.3 while paying $28.60. Corey Callahan drove the the Real Desire gelding for owner-trainer Pete Vumbaca. In the seventh race, Pepper Guy rallied up the far inside to win while paying $51.80 for driver Victor Kirby. Prices stabilized a bit in the second half of the day, but the cards average win mutuel was still $18.37.

Simon Allard, George Brennan and Daniel Dube led all drivers for the day with three wins apiece.

At Pocono, the chalk was a much more visible presence, with eight of the cards 14 races won by favourites. The major exception to the rule was Show Me The Magic ($24.00), who has now won three of his last seven starts for trainer Jim Ray  his last two wins with Kevin Wallis guiding him home.

Anthony Napolitano drove four winners at Pocono for the second straight card; Tyler Buter also checked home first four times on Monday.

The most impressive winner on the Pocono card was the Muscle Massive sophomore gelding Focus Pocus, who trotted a :27.3 third quarter to reach the lead and then held off a late bid by Celebrity Rolex by 1-1/4 lengths to break maiden in 1:55.2. Focus Pocus, co-owned by driver Tony and trainer Linda Schadel.

Pocono will be back in action Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 8), with a $188,882.98 carryover for its Rainbow Pick-5. Harrahs Philadelphia resumes its normal schedule on Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 9).

(PHHA)
Facebook FB is making vigorous efforts toward labelling posts related to voting information, per a Bloomberg report. Users may start seeing an addendum to their messages or labels directing readers to authoritative information about the upcoming presidential election in the United States.



These labels will link to a new voter information hub similar to one about Covid-19. The labels will read "Visit the Voting Information Center for election resources and official updates." Facebook expects the voter hub to reach at least 160 million people.



Moreover, Facebook will block campaigns from submitting new political advertisements in the week leading up to Election Day on Nov 3, preventing candidates from posting uncontested messages ahead of the vote.



Despite such efforts, Facebook continues to face widespread criticism about how it handles election-related misinformation on its platform as the presidential election nears, one in which many voters may be submitting ballots by mail for the first time.

Facebook, Inc. Price and Consensus

Facebook, Inc. Price and Consensus

Facebook, Inc. price-consensus-chart | Facebook, Inc. Quote

Facebooks Efforts to Combat Challenges Ahead of Elections

Facebook is creating a new Voting Information Center that will appear at the top of News Feed and Instagrams feed, directing users to information on how and where to vote, including information on how to register to vote and how to vote by mail. Users can also turn on alerts that will remind them to vote and direct them to polling places come November.



The Voting Information Center will also contain links to posts that discuss voting, including posts from politicians in an attempt to share authoritative information and as part of an effort to get 4 million people to register to vote in the 2020 U.S. elections.



Notably, Facebook removed 50 deceptive networks last year and another 18 so far this year that sought to manipulate public debate from Russia, Iran and the United States.



The company also disabled 1.7 billion fake accounts during first-quarter 2020. This was followed by Facebooks swift announcement of new content policies for the social platform at June-end, including tighter restrictions on advertising and labels for harmful posts from public figures and politicians.



Moreover, Facebook has also put a ban on posts that make false claims, suggesting that ICE agents are checking for immigration papers at polling places, which is a tactic used to discourage voting.



Furthermore, this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company eliminated a category called pseudoscience as an option for advertisers in April 2020. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Story continues

Others Prepping Policies Related to Political Content

Apart from Facebook, tech companies like Twitter TWTR, Alphabet GOOGL owned Google and Microsoft MSFT are leaving no stone unturned to curb misinformation and fake news.



Last week, Microsoft announced new tools to tackle the menace of deepfake content and disinformation. The company unveiled Microsoft Video Authenticator, developed by Microsoft Research in collaboration with its AI, Ethics and Effects in Engineering and Research (AETHER) Committee and Responsible AI Team.



The tech giant also introduced another tool that includes two components to enable people to differentiate between authentic and fake media.



Meanwhile, in June, Google eliminated ads, which were misleading users searching for voting related information. Reportedly, users searching terms like register to vote, vote by mail and other related terms were getting directed to ads that charged them huge fees especially the ones providing registration information.



Moreover, Twitter has prohibited ads related to elections, candidates, parties and other political content on its social platform. The ads also cannot mention specific legislations.



We believe these efforts are expected to bolster the brand value and trustworthiness of these companies in the long haul.

The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All

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Lai Ching-te, vice head of Taiwan's executive body, and Mei-Hua Wang, Taiwan's Minister of Economic Affairs, took part in the opening ceremony and award presentations of 2020 Smart City Online on September 2. Ms. Wang conferred the System Integration Award 2020 to award winners in recognition of their contributions. In a move to demonstrate how Taiwan has exhibited leadership globally with cutting-edge smart city solutions, award winners have been invited to share their successful cases at the online seminar of the 2020 World System Integrator Conference to be held on September 22.

Noodoe Corporation, one of the four awards winners, impressed industry players with Noodoe EV OS, an advanced cloud-based operating system serving as the "brain" that orchestrates the operation of charging stations throughout a city. Innovative cloud-based features of the solution include an automated EV charging service, universal payment processing and central management. Thanks to partnerships with leading Taiwanese manufacturers, Noodoe has combined Phihong Technology's EV charging pile technology and Chih Kang Material Company's metal column processing technology with its own abilities in UI design and in building, deploying and managing EV charging networks. Following the completion of several installations, Noodoe has started operating the charging stations at a number of hotels located throughout Southern California in the U.S.. Headquartered in Taiwan, Noodoe serves as an illustration to the world of how Taiwanese firms are working together to provide cutting-edge solutions.

LILEE Systems has established a firm footprint in the US with its Made in Taiwan (MIT) autonomous buses. Its award-winning Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system installed in Jacksonville, Florida integrates cutting-edge self-driving technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, high-definition maps, vehicle-to-infrastructure communications and remote control, into one solution. With help from LILEE Systems, the city has built the Smart Transportation Innovation Corridor, a thoroughfare for autonomous vehicles, connected local business hubs and implemented a new public transportation system that is more cost-efficient and stable than traditional bus and light rail transit systems. Successful application of the ART system serves to demonstrate not only Taiwan's expertise in the integration of self-driving vehicle systems as well as provision of a full range of services including vehicle modification, sensor integration, construction of connected vehicle networks as well as security and control systems, but also Taiwan's position as a world-class supplier to facilitate integration of autonomous vehicle systems worldwide.

With a focus on environmental protection and green energy designs, PaKing Technology's award-winning advanced smart parking and AI analysis solution combines the Internet of Things technology and the application of cloud data. It offers visual and voice-assisted parking services that reduce the amount of time needed to locate an available parking space once a driver has entered a parking lot or garage while recording any special requests from the driver as well as his or her service usage information. In addition, the solution enables reservation and management of premium or specially-designated parking spots (such as spaces with charging piles or spaces allocated to VIPs, the handicapped or women with children). With the solution, property management staff can implement a precise marketing strategy by providing consumers with parking spots that meet their needs based on their profiles and preferences coupled with the types of businesses and organizations that depend on the particular parking lot or garage for access. Currently, the solution has been successfully deployed at Singapore Changi Airport, the Mira Place in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, Grandeur Heights shopping center in Macao, and Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, among other locations. Having started its business in Taiwan, PaKing Technology has expanded into the Southeast Asian market, with the aim of eventually building a global presence.

Geosat Aerospace & Technology has won the award for its intelligent agricultural spraying and data value-added application service platform. By integrating unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sensing technology, AI data analysis and a precision spraying system mounted on a UAV, the company offers smart agricultural services in the international market regardless of the climatic environment of the farm or agricultural business needing the service. The firm has established operations in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia with its solutions deployed and verified in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as in some other countries and regions with tropical climates over the past two years. Of particular note, Geosat Aerospace has further expanded its footprint in the Malaysian market by establishing a joint venture with Malaysian listed company SWS Capital in 2019 and signing a memorandum of cooperation with Malaysian state-owned firm FELCRA. By doing so, the company has demonstrated its ongoing efforts to promote Taiwan-made UAV drones and application services worldwide while showcasing Taiwan's competence in system integration.

The System Integration Award has been held for five years with the number of applications received increasing year by year. This year's event has seen active participation of system integrators from diverse sectors, including smart city, smart transportation, intelligent energy saving and intelligent agriculture. Via the award, the four system integrators have exhibited their solidarity as Taiwanese manufacturers to the world by successfully promoting their local solutions to countries and regions across the globe, in the hope of moving the industry towards higher value-added system integration.

Registrations for the System Integration Award 2021 will kick off on September 15, 2020. System integrators from various sectors are welcome to participate in the event. For details about the event, please contact the organizer, the System Integration Promotion Alliance Project Office, IDB, Ministry of Economic Affairs.

SOURCE Industrial Development Bureau (IDB), MOEA
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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.
Black Lives Matter protesters tore down a police barricade in Rochester, New York, last night after the death of Daniel Prude.

Meanwhile similar rioting was quelled by police in Los Angeles who fired pepper balls at demonstrators after they launched concrete and bricks at deputies.

Demonstrators in Rochester were filmed taking down steel barricades put up outside the City Public Safety Building which was guarded by riot police last night.

It follows similar action by protesters over the weekend, praised by the Democrat mayor for their 'spirit,' in response to video which recently emerged of Prude's death.

Police shoot pepper bullets, tear gas, flashbacks to disperse crowd in #SouthLA pic.twitter.com/pfMnKZX8x8  Jorge Ventura Media (@VenturaReport) September 8, 2020

Demonstrators in Rochester were filmed taking down steel barricades put up outside the City Public Safety Building which was guarded by riot police last night.

Organizers kneel in the street during a standoff between demonstrators and police officers in front of the Public Safety Building after a march for Daniel Prude on September 07

Demonstrators march for Daniel Prude on September 07

Naked protesters stage a demonstration to protest the death of Daniel Prude at Rochester's Public Safety Building in Rochester, New York, U.S. September 7

Demonstrators shield themselves during a standoff with police officers in front of the Public Safety Building

Demonstrators march towards the Public Safety Building for Daniel Prude in Rochester last night

Prude, 41, had a spit hood placed over his face by Rochester police and stopped breathing after he was pinned to the ground for two minutes on March 23.

Prude's brother had called the police over his erratic behaviour - he was in the street naked and high on PCP, a powerful hallucinogen.

He had been taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation earlier that night but was released after a few hours, his brother told officers.

His death sparked outrage after his relatives on Wednesday released police body camera video and written reports they obtained through a public records request.

Seven police officers were suspended Thursday, and state Attorney General Letitia James said Saturday she would form a grand jury and conduct an 'exhaustive investigation' into Prude's death.

Mayor Lovely Warren and Police Chief La'Ron Singletary have faced calls for their resignations over the delay in releasing details of Prude's death.

Police union officials have said the officers were following their training.

In Los Angeles last night, there were also violent clashes with officers over the shooting of Dijon Kizzee.

Protesters in Rochester last night stand in front of City Hall while making their demands

Demonstrators march towards the Public Safety Building for Daniel Prude last night in Rochester

Black Lives Matter protesters march through Rochester last night

Protesters in Rochester, New York, last night

Protesters use umbrellas and homemade shields in an attempt to protect themselves from pepper,"less-lethal" munitions and teargas in Rochester, New York, on September 5, 2020

Twelve rioters were arrested in the fracas after deputies said that chunks of concrete, bricks and rocks were hurled at them.

Police fired back pepper bullets, flash bangs and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators in south LA.

It comes after Kizzee, 29, was shot dead after he ran from officers attempting to stop him for a code violation when he was on his bicycle near West 109th Place and South Budlong Avenue on August 31.

He punched an officer when he was apprehended and in the scuffle, dropped a semi-automatic handgun on the street, prompting the police to open fire.

President Donald Trump tweeted yesterday that Rochester was among cities that had 'bad nights,' while Rochester Mayor Warren commended activist leaders, police and community elders for a night of calm protest Sunday.

Protesters have demanded police accountability and legislation to change how authorities respond to mental health emergencies.

Protesters march onto the freeway as they demand justice for the killing of Dijon Kizzee, in Los Angeles, California, USA, on September 5

Family members of Dijon Kizzee, a black man who was killed by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies, get emotional at a protest, in Los Angeles, California, USA, 05 September

Free The People ROC released a statement Monday saying marches will continue until Warren and Singletary resign, officers involved in Prude's death are fired and prosecuted, and the Rochester Police Department is stopped from responding to mental health calls and defunded.

Protesters gathered in a Rochester park Monday evening before moving to the city's Public Safety Building by nightfall, for a sixth consecutive night of demonstrations.

Police lined up under the Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge late in the night and announced on a loudspeaker that the gathering outside of the building had been deemed unlawful, and threatened that refusing to leave could lead to arrests.

On Sunday, police said more than 1,000 protesters marched to the Public Safety Building, with community elders acting as a buffer between officers and protesters. The Police Department said no arrests were made.

'Last night the world saw the true spirit of Rochester,' Warren said in a statement, adding that she had told the police department Sunday 'to adopt a smaller and more restrained posture.'

Trump, however, mentioned Rochester in a Monday morning tweet about cities he said 'all had bad nights' and were 'weakly run by Radical Left Democrat Governors and Mayors!'

'Get the picture?' the Republican president added.

Demonstrations before Sunday had intensified into clashes between police and protesters, with officers dousing activists with a chemical spray and firing what appeared to be pepper balls to drive them from barricades around the headquarters building. At points, fireworks were shot off and a bus stop was set ablaze.

Warren, a Democrat, urged people to ignore Trump's comments, accusing him of trying 'to bait people to act with hate and incite violence that he believes will benefit him politically.'

This summer, Trump has repeatedly portrayed Democratic mayors as weak leaders who have let their cities be overrun by violence and disorderly protests, casting himself as the president of 'law and order' who will protect the country from chaos.

Shootings, killings and other crimes have increased this summer in cities including New York, Chicago and Detroit, though crime overall remains lower than it has been in years past.

Trump has sought to tie street violence to protests. Criminal justice experts say the crime spikes defy easy explanation in a year with historic unemployment and a pandemic that has killed more than 180,000 people.
There were eleven cases of Covid-19 in Leitrim and Longford was also listed among the other counties with confirmed cases reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre today.

Also read: Keenans of Tarmonbarry closes following a diagnosis of Covid-19 among staff

There were no additional deaths nationally.

As of midnight Sunday 6th September, the HPSC has been notified of 102 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 29,774 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

Of the cases notified today;

45 are men / 57 are women

75% are under 45 years of age

48% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case

19 cases have been identified as community transmission

56 in Dublin, 11 in Leitrim, 6 in Galway, and 29 cases are located in Carlow, Cavan, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Tipperary, Westmeath and Wexford.

There has been a total of 1,777 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: We are monitoring with growing concern the number of cases nationally, particularly in Limerick and Dublin. The next seven days are vital; everyone needs to reduce their contacts and assume any person you do meet may be carrying the virus.

Professor Pete Lunn, founder and head of the ESRIs Behavioural Research Unit, said: Now is the time to plan for the winter months ahead. Take control of your own environment by ensuring your household is up to date on, and actioning, the public health advice. Make it a habit to get outside, to socialise and exercise safely and automatically physically distance from others. Adapt to covid-responsible behaviours in and out of the home.

Plan for the milestones; such as Halloween, Christmas and New Years Eve within a COVID-19 environment. Be innovative in how you can celebrate safely with loved ones.

This year will bring added challenges so prioritise your mental and physical health, know how you will invest in them each week.

Choose your close network of social visitors this winter and prioritise members of your family or friends who may be more isolated.

Dr. Abigail Collins, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE, added: In order to keep our schools open, we must be vigilant in our own homes  be prepared for the choices and actions every individual in your household will have to take over the coming months. If we can take control of our homes and ensure they are COVID-compliant over the winter period, we will maximally protect our communities. In this pandemic, actions on a small scale have the greatest impact.

Rachel Kenna, Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health, stated: It is important that we remain alert to COVID-19. We know how to act, now it is time to refocus our efforts. Know how to wear a face covering appropriately and how to safely remove and dispose of it. Incorrect use of a face covering can increase your risk of infection. I would urge all families and households to watch the how-to-guide on face coverings and practice safe use.
A 13-year-old autistic boy has been left hospitalised in serious condition after he was shot by Utah police following a 911 call from his mother requesting emergency mental health assistance, according to reports.

Golda Barton, the teenagers mother, spoke to KUTV following the shooting, which took place on Friday, explaining that she had called 911 to ask for a Crisis Intervention Team to assist her son, Linden Cameron, who she said was having a mental breakdown.

Ms Barton said that she told police that 13-year-old Linden, who has Aspergers, was unarmed and unable to regulate his reactions, and that he needed transporting to hospital for treatment.

So, you call them, and they're supposed to come out and be able to deescalate a situation using the most minimal force possible, Ms Barton told the local broadcaster.

When two officers arrived, the mother said she was asked to wait outside while they entered the house. She said that within minutes of police entering her home she heard an order to get on the ground and several gunshots.

Linden has injuries to his shoulder, both ankles, intestines, and bladder, according to his mother, and is still recovering in hospital.

Salk Lake City Police Sergeant Keith Horrocks said in a press conference on Saturday that police were called to a home in Glendale, Salt Lake City, on Friday to a report of a violent psyche issue involving a juvenile who had made threats with a weapon.

Sgt Horrocks said the boy fled on foot away from the address and was shot by an officer during a short foot pursuit. He said he believed the boy was in serious condition".

No weapon was found as of Friday, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

Why didnt they Tase him? Why didnt they shoot him with a rubber bullet? Ms Barton asked on KUTV through tears. You are big police officers with massive amounts of resources. Come on. Give me a break.

Ms Barton told the broadcaster that her son suffers from severe separation anxiety and Friday was her first day back at work in almost a year.

Salt Late Citys mayor, Erin Mendenhall, has called for transparency into the incident and a swift investigation into the shooting for the sake of everyone involved.

Recommended 36 year old man dies in Utah police custody

While the full details of this incident are yet to be released as an investigation takes place, I will say that I am thankful this young boy is alive and no one else was injured, Ms Mendenhall said in a statement to The Tribune.

No matter the circumstances, what happened on Friday night is a tragedy and I expect this investigation to be handled swiftly and transparently," she said.

Neurodiverse Utah released a statement on their Facebook page on Sunday condemning the handling of the incident and the actions of officers.

Police were called because help was needed but instead more harm was done when officers from the Salt Lake Police Department expected a 13-year-old experiencing a mental health episode to act calmer and collected than adult trained officers, they said.

More details on the case are expected to be released within 10 business days as the investigation continues and when police body camera footage is released.

Additional reporting by the Associated Press
This was followed by impressive gondolas with passengers in the garb of an era that, keeping a tradition of seven centuries, honor the once naval cleric and the wealth of the Most Serene. The first Regatta was organized in the waters of "Serenissima" in 1315 by the then Doge Giovanni Soranzo on the occasion of the arrival of the Queen of Cyprus Katerina Kornarou, to send the imposing message of Venetian rule in the Mediterranean.
Murray Resources, a leading Houston-based recruiting and staffing firm, today announced its world-class speaker line-up for its upcoming Hot Topics in HR: All-Star Summit. The event, to take place on Friday, October 2nd, is a half-day, virtual conference focused on the ideas and topics at the forefront of the leadership and human resources communities.

Launched in 2011, previous Hot Topics in HR events have included talks on Generations in the Workplace, Ignite Brilliance in Your Leadership, The Science Behind Employee Engagement, Accountability: The Key to a High-Performance Culture, and other critical leadership and HR-related topics.

Hot Topics in HR: All-Star Summit Speaker Lineup:

Kevin Sheridan



Best Selling Author, Keynote Speaker

The Virtual Manager: Cutting-Edge Solutions to Hiring, Managing, Motivating, and Engaging Mobile Employees

Dr. Earl Suttle



Founder, Leadership Success International

Becoming the Leader Within Ourselves

Mikki Williams



Hall of Fame Speaker and TEDx Speaker

The Art and Heart of Storytelling

Event Details:



Half-day Virtual Conference via Zoom

Friday, October 2nd, 2020

9:30am - 2pm central

3.5 CE Credits

For more information / to register: https://HotTopicsSummit.com

Marsha Murray, President of Murray Resources, Since we launched the Hot Topics in HR series almost a decade ago, were proud to have hosted some of the most renowned speakers in the leadership community and to have over three thousand professionals attend our events. The All-Star Summit is the culmination of those efforts and the first half-day conference weve hosted. Were excited that three of the top leadership speakers in the country, Kevin Sheridan, Dr. Earl Suttle, and Mikki Williams, will be sharing their wisdom with our community.

Keith Wolf, Managing Director of Murray Resources, To be able to host speakers of the caliber of Kevin, Dr. Earl, and Mikki is a real thrill for us. With the support of our amazing sponsors, BenefitU, Bohreer Law, and Finch CPA Firm, were excited to be able to host this event for the leadership and HR communities at a very reasonable cost. Our hope is that as many professionals as possible are able to attend and benefit from the conference.

For more information about Hot Topics in HR: All-Star Summit, and to register, please visit: https://HotTopicsSummit.com

About Murray Resources

Founded in 1988, Murray Resources is a leading Houston recruiting firm and staffing agency. The company serves a base of over one thousand client companies, including numerous Fortune 1000 companies and high-growth small and medium-sized organizations, in the areas of administrative, accounting, customer service, engineering, executive / leadership, finance, human resources, IT / technology, light industrial, manufacturing, marketing, operations, and sales. Murray Resources 95% Performance Evaluation Score represents one of the highest placement satisfaction rates in the industry. The company has been named a Best Places to Work by the Houston Business Journal and the #1 Fastest Growing Woman Owned Business in the Personnel Category by the Houston Business Journal. For more information, contact Murray Resources at 713.935.0009 or visit https://murrayresources.com.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Federal Government to immediately rescind its decision on the increase in the price of petrol to N160 per liter.

The party gave the advice in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja on Monday.

Mr Ologbondiyan said the demand by the citizens was an immediate downward review in the pump price of fuel, adding that the attempt to justify the increase to N160 was unacceptable to Nigerians.

The PDP totally rejects this attempt to hinge the increase in fuel price on presumed removal of oil subsidy, he said.

He described as illogical predicating the increase in the price of the commodity on a faulty comparison with costs in other countries.

He said the comparison was not correct as the daily standard of living, the purchasing power and living wage of the average Nigerian in the last five years could not be compared with what was obtainable in those countries.

(NAN)
1776 is a year very close to my heart, and indeed all British hearts.

It was the year we lost control of Americans and the consequences were apocalyptic  not least for me personally.

Let's be very clear: if it wasn't for King George III's shocking incompetence and weakness, then there would have been no Declaration of Independence, no United States of America, and a Union Jack flag would today be flying proudly over the White House as I, King Piers I, was served my morning tea in the Oval Office by a liveried butler before addressing my people across the countrymy BRITISH people, or at a push, my British-American people.

So, 1776 is a very important, and frankly rather depressing year for we Brits.

But it's a considerably more important one for Americans, who wouldn't exist as Americans free from British colonial rule without the events that happened that year.

Indeed, it is the single most important year in America's history because it's the year America effectively began.

That's why the annual July 4 celebrations are always celebrated so fiercely and proudly by Americans, and in a rather more subdued manner back in my home country.

For the vast majority of Americans, it signifies the greatest day in the country's history.

History matters.

History is the bedrock of any country, good, bad and ugly.

History is what informs, educates and inspires future generations.

As Dr Martin Luther King Jr said: 'We are not makers of history. We are made by history.'

But what's happening in America right now is a concerted effort to rewrite the country's history, led by the New York Times, which has become a hotbed of ultra 'woke' liberal journalism during the Trump political era.

Last year, the paper began the '1619 Project' which it said, 'aims to reframe the country's history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of (The United States) national narrative.'

The interactive ongoing Project was timed to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first African slaves to Virginia in 1619 - and suggests that this date represents the 'nation's birth year.'

It also stated, even more controversially, that the reason for the War of Independence was not a desire to be free of British rule but a desire for slavery to be continued.

In NYT reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones' introductory essay to the 1619 Project  for which she won a Pulitzer Prize - she wrote that 'one of the primary reasons the colonists decided to declare their independence from Britain was because they wanted to protect the institution of slavery.'

But this extraordinary claim has been hotly disputed by many leading US historians.

In December 2019, five of them - Sean Wilentz, James McPherson, Gordon Wood, Victoria Bynum and James Oakes - sent a letter to the NYT objecting to the framing of the project and accusing the authors of a 'displacement of historical understanding by ideology.' The letter specifically disputed Hannah-Jones' assertion that colonists' desire to get rid of the British was fuelled by a desire to continue with slavery.

Gordon Wood  himself a Pulitzer Prize winner for History - said: 'I don't know of any colonist who said that they wanted independence in order to preserve their slaves. No colonist expressed alarm that the mother country was out to abolish slavery in 1776.'

Other experts tried to make Hannah-Jones correct what they saw as her massively inaccurate rewriting of history.

Leslie Harris, a professor at Northwestern University, revealed she helped fact-check the project and alerted Hannah-Jones about problems but allegedly received no response from her.

Harris said she 'vigorously disputed' the claim that protecting slavery was a major reason why the American Revolution was fought.

'Far from being fought to preserve slavery,' she wrote for Politico, 'the Revolutionary War became a primary disrupter of slavery in the North American Colonies. Lord Dunmore's Proclamation, a British military strategy designed to unsettle the Southern Colonies by inviting enslaved people to flee to British lines, propelled hundreds of enslaved people off plantations and turned some Southerners to the patriot side. It also led most of the 13 Colonies to arm and employ free and enslaved black people, with the promise of freedom to those who served in their armies.'

In March this year, after an avalanche of similar criticism, the NYT finally corrected Hannah-Jones' essay to say that 'protecting slavery was a primary motivation for some of the colonists.'

That's a pretty big clarification, and by this time much of the damage was done in fuelling the notion that America's greatest year, 1776, was not in fact something to celebrate but something to condemn because it wasn't about fighting for independence but about fighting for the right to keep slaves.

The debate has raged ever since, and now, unsurprisingly, President Trump has got involved after it was claimed that some state-funded schools in California  a Democratic state  have started using the '1619 Project' as part of their curriculum.

'Department of Education is looking at this. If so, they will not be funded!' he tweeted on Sunday.

When questioned about it yesterday, he said: 'We grew up with a certain history and now they're trying to change our history.'

This prompted a predictable firestorm with many furious liberals accusing Trump of being a 'white supremacist' and his supporters defending him for protecting American history.

As with everything right now, the debate has swiftly turned toxic and viciously partisan.

But on this issue, I find myself siding with Trump.

The 1619 Project undoubtedly provides a huge amount of very important information about the history of American slavery and I would encourage people to read it.

But the central tenet of the main author's belief is historically wrong, incredibly damaging, and it should not be part of any school curriculum.

American kids should not be told that their country's great War of Independence was waged to maintain slavery.

That's not why most colonists fought it; they fought it to end British colonial rule and establish the United States of America.

Young Americans should feel proud of that victory, not ashamed, and should be taught that their country began in 1776 with the glorious Declaration of Independence, not in 1619 with the ignominious arrival of slaves to Virginia.

To reframe the dismantling of British rule as a battle to maintain slavery in the way the NYT has done is not just misguided, it's disgraceful.

It also, like so much of the culture war stuff that has exploded since George Floyd was so despicably killed, plays right into Trump's hands.

As I've written before, the struggling President is desperate for the election in November not to be a referendum on his woeful handling of the coronavirus pandemic which has cost nearly 200,000 American lives and devastated the economy.

If he can make it about liberals trying to make Americans ashamed of their history, it will be a vote-winner for him.

Yet liberals seem totally oblivious to this and continue to perform acts of stupendous political self-harm.

The past two weeks have seen a series of ugly confrontations involving Black Lives Matter protesters haranguing and abusing white people eating in restaurants across the country.

In Rochester, New York, they screamed 'F**k the white people' at elderly diners and then stole their drinks from the table.

The video footage of these kind of horrible racially charged scenes does nothing but scare middle Americans and potentially encourage them to vote for Trump  as well as diminish the effectiveness of the BLM protests.

The President is already gleefully using the clips, and the 1619 debate, in his usual inflammatory way - not just to rally his base, but also to rally many independent voters who may not love or even like Trump but share his view that the ongoing cancel culture assault on everything they hold dear as Americans is getting completely out of hand.

I agree with them.

History will not be kind on the Democrats if they let Trump win again through their own stupidity  even if they try and rewrite it themselves.
A White Island eruption survivor has shown off her incredible recovery from horrifically burned legs after the devastating volcano blast.

Stephanie Browitt suffered burns to 70 per cent of her body and needed her fingers amputated after being caught in the horror eruption near Whakatane, New Zealand, last December.

47 people were trapped on the island when the volcano blew, sending ash, rocks, debris and 300C steam into the air at more than 100 metres per second.

The 24-year-old is among 26 survivors of the blast and now wears a full face mask to protect her healing skin.

Stephanie Browitt (pictured) suffered burns to 70 per cent of her body in White Island eruption

Ms Browitt is among 26 survivors of the blast and now wears a face mask to protect her skin

Ms Browitt took to Instagram on Tuesday to show how well her legs have recovered from her burns treatment.

She uploaded three pictures of her legs dating back to April 27, highlighting the incredible transformation her body has gone through in her healing.

'My skin colour is improving amazingly and it's so exciting to see,' Ms Browitt posted.

'I'm also starting to find areas of my legs that have returned back to being soft and supple like skin should feel.

'Any sight of improvement is always a great boost of motivation for me to keep going and to stay strong and hopeful.

'I know that this journey has definitely made feel so grateful towards my body and what it can do.

Ms Browitt took to Instagram to show a recovery sequence of her legs from the burns. Photo from 27 April

Ms Browitt's skin colour on her legs is shown returning to form in a picture dated 15 July

'My skin colour is improving AMAZINGLY and its so exciting to see,' Ms Browitt posted with this pictured dated 8 September

'The human body is just amazing. We should definitely feel thankful towards our bodies and what they can endure for us.'

Ms Browitt spent seven months recovering in hospital after the eruption.

Her 21-year-old sister Krystal and father Paul were among 16 Australians who died in the blast.

When first responders arrived on the scene after the explosion, Mr Browitt urged them to save his girls before coming back for him.

Krystal was killed in the initial blast, while Mr Browitt died later in hospital.

Ms Browitt has previously said despite the time that passed, she remembers the eruption like it was 'just yesterday'.

'Honestly, every time it's the ninth of each month I can feel my heart racing and my body tense as the memory of it floods back in my mind,' Ms Browitt wrote on Instagram.

The White Island volcano erupted on December 9 2019, with 47 people trapped on the island leaving 21 dead

'I get anxious. I hate it so much, it does not get easier. It just hurts more and more when I think about how much time has passed since I was last with my dad and sister.'

Ms Browitt said she keeps wishing she could turn back time and at least have looked for her sister and father and sat with them during the aftermath.

'We're just picking up the pieces of our new lives and doing the best that we can do,' she said.

'I just want to thank everyone for your kindness, compassion and constant support. You guys manage to put a smile on my face, even if just for a second.'

Ms Browitt's (pictured) sister Krystal and father Paul died in the horrific eruption in December 2019

Before the tragedy more than 18,000 tourists would visit the White Island volcano each year.

Six days before the eruption, on December 3 2019, volcanologists raised the alert level of White Island to level two, which is the most dangerous level a volcano can be classified as without erupting.

This was due to an increase in tremor levels, gas and unrest at the site.

A similar eruption occurred at White Island in 2016, but it was at night and no one was there.
Rijiju, the Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister and an MP from Arunachal Pradesh, said in a tweet: "China's PLA has responded to the hotline message sent by Indian Army. They have confirmed that the missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh have been found on their side. Further modalities to handover the persons to our authority are being worked out."

Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh): Five persons from Arunachal Pradesh, who went missing on Friday, have been found in the Chinese territory, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday.

When contacted by IANS, Upper Subansiri district Superintendent of Police Taru Gussar said that he is very busy with the developments and can't speak to the media at the moment.

Earlier on Tuesday morning, Gussar had said that the family members of the five missing persons, who many suspected were kidnapped by the Chinese PLA soldiers, didn't inform the police.

"People from this area go to the forest for hunting, which is a traditional practice among the tribals of this region. I cannot say anything till I get any confirmation about what exactly happened," Gussar had told IANS over phone.

Earlier in the day, Congress' deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, had urged Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to ensure the safe return of the five youth from Arunachal Pradesh.

"I am writing to you to register my grave concern regarding the condition of the five young men from Arunachal Pradesh who have gone missing from the Upper Subansiri district during a hunting exercise. Their family members have made statements alleging that they have been abducted, holding the Chinese People's Liberation Army responsible for the incident," Gogoi wrote to Rajnath Singh.

Rijiju had earlier said that the Indian Army has sent a hotline message to the PLA about the reported abduction of five persons from Arunachal Pradesh.

The state's Directorate of Information and Public Relations had earlier tweeted: "Arunachal Govt is closely monitoring the case of 5 missing boys in Nacho village, Upper Subansiri District. District Administration has been directed to assist all concerned agencies to trace the missing boys."

The local media in Arunachal Pradesh had also reported that the reported kidnappings occurred in a forest area near Nacho in Upper Subansiri. According to media reports, the abducted persons -- Toch Singkam, Prasat Ringling, Dongtu Ebiya, Tanu Baker and Ngaru Diri, all from the Tagin community -- had gone to the forest for hunting. Two other villagers, who had managed to flee the spot, had informed the other villagers.

The India-China border is about 170 km from Daporijo, the headquarters of Upper Subansiri district, which itself is 280 km from state capital Itanagar. A team from the Nacho police station has been sent to the forward area village.

Arunachal Pradesh's northeast section shares a 1,080 km-long border with China.
Around 13,000 foreign workers in were not allowed to resume work after they missed the deadline to undergo the mandatory fortnightly COVID-19 testing, officials said on Tuesday.

The AccessCode Status for these 13,000 foreign workers will remain "red" and they cannot return to work, said the Ministry of Health.

This is to protect the health and safety of the other workers, it added.

The workers missed the September 5 deadline to undergo the fortnightly Rostered Routine Testing (RRT).

Once these workers have undergone their RRT, their AccessCode will be restored to "green" and they will be allowed to return to work.

As part of the safeguards to ensure the safe restart of work, workers, many of them from India, staying in dormitories, are required to undergo rostered routine testing every 14 days.

The Ministry of Manpower, Economic Development Board, Building and Construction Authority, and Health Promotion Board have been engaging the employers since August and reminding them to schedule their workers for RRT before September 5 deadline.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday reported 47 new cases, taking the country's tally to 57,091.

There was an imported case who had been placed on stay-home notice upon arrival in The rest were migrant workers here.

(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.)
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 Rajput case: Rhea Chakraborty arrested by NCB, bail plea rejected

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Mumbai, Sep 08: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Tuesday arrested Rhea Chakraborty under various sections in the suspected drug case angle linked to the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. She has reportedly been booked under several sections of the NDPS Act which was introduced in 1985 with the aim of combating the menace of drug trafficking.

The court rejected Chakraborty''s bail application. The NCB told the court that she was an "active member" of a drugs syndicate and procured drugs for Rajput, her boyfriend.

The NCB, however, said it did not want her custody as it had already questioned her for three days.

Earlier, she was questioned by the NCB for about eight hours on Monday and six hours on Sunday.

The agency earlier said it was getting "her cooperation" in the drugs case probe linked to case of death of Rajput (34), who was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14.

FIR against Sushant Singh Rajput's sisters, doctor after Rhea Chakraborty's complaint

Sushant Death Case: Rhea Chakraborty arrested by Narcotics Control Bureau in drug case|Oneindi

After the questioning session on Monday, NCB Deputy Director General (south-west region) Mutha Ashok Jain told reporters that the agency was doing a "professionally thorough and systematic job" and it will inform the court about its "findings in detail" in this case.

The agency has said it wants to question the 28-year- old actress and confront her with her younger brother Showik Chakraborty (24), Rajput''s house manager Samuel Miranda (33) and his house staffer Dipesh Sawant to ascertain their roles in this alleged drug racket.

The NCB said it obtained mobile phone chat records and other electronic data that suggested some banned drugs were allegedly procured by these people.

The NCB arrested the three men in this case last week.

Rhea Chakraborty was earlier questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that are probing different angles surrounding Rajput''s death.

In her interviews given to multiple TV news channels, the actress had said she has never consumed drugs herself. She had, however, claimed that Rajput used to consume marijuana.

A total of nine people have been arrested till now by the NCB with seven directly linked to this probe, while two were arrested when the investigation was launched under criminal sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The NCB probe began after the ED shared with it a report following the cloning of two mobile phones of Rhea Chakraborty that suggested talks about procurement, transaction and consumption of banned drugs.
In his new book set to be released Tuesday, President Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen alleges that Trump went on a rant about former South African president and anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela after he died in 2013.

Cohen claims that Trump once said Mandela "was no leader" and that he "f---ed up" South Africa, which he described as a "s---hole." In response, the Nelson Mandela Foundation condemned the comments and Trump, calling him "arrogant, superficial, and misinformed" and arguing that he is in no position to "offer authoritative commentary on the life and work of" Mandela.

The comments, if true, are striking, especially coming from someone who went on to become the American president. Mandela is one of history's most iconic civil leaders and, although some of his methods received criticism from the right and far left (for differing reasons) during his fight to end apartheid, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Mandela is now widely revered throughout the world, including in the United States. But Trump, after all, is not known for sticking with convention or refraining from disparaging people otherwise held in high esteem.

The White House didn't specifically address the alleged Mandela insults, but generally dismissed the accuracy of Cohen's book.

The President of the United States being condemned by the Nelson Mandela Foundation was not on my 2020 bingo card https://t.co/qQsk7ujFDK  Ben Jacobs (@Bencjacobs) September 8, 2020

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The Lincoln Project's inevitable ad on Trump's toxic comments on U.S. troops uses his own slurs against him


ATHC has begun a contactless thermal scanner pilot program targeting local retailers, hospitality, restaurants and commissary kitchens and other meal prep providers as well as recreational facilities and NYC's premiere property management firms

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / Accelerated Technologies Holding Corp. (OTC PINK:ATHC) begins contactless thermal scanner pilot program with one of New York City's largest commissary kitchens in an effort to assist food prep providers with added internal controls and enhanced peace of mind for their customers.

As part of this program the ATHC completed installations for a commissary kitchen which supplies semi-finished and finished products to approximately 30 of its retail locations. Additionally, installations have been completed for one of the oldest Property Management firms in NYC and a township recreational facility in Nassau County.

ATHC is taking initiative in the new potentially mandated standards for safe reopening's and for ongoing operations. The Company believes businesses and municipalities will look to expand this program for the safety of employees, customers and visitors.

Contactless Thermal Scanners automatically detect and trigger an alarm, with or without facemask and identify visitors via facial recognition, upon scanning the target's temperature. Its efficiency and accuracy will significantly reduce exposure to the viruses while following the physical distancing regulation protecting visitors, workers and customers.

We are examining options to complete integrations between ATHC's business processing systems which include revenue growth, payment solutions, autonomous marketing, operational efficiency systems, BI and analytics and the next generation of thermal scanning utilization.

"We understand that a significant component in returning to the workplace. Customer and employee confidence will depend on how businesses implement health safety controls and the ability to provide transparencies of these controls to their visitors, customers and staff. To prevent the spreading of Covid, this is even more critical within the food preparation industry. As part of our initiative, we will look to expand this equipment to gain controls in our efforts to assist in gaining a foot hold on this pandemic" said Alex Lemberg; President of Accelerated Technologies Holdings Corp.

The thermal scanners distribution are part of an ongoing partnership between ATHC and Canadian based BeMotion Inc.

"As we continue to discuss additional North American opportunities with ATHC, we are pleased with the speed of distribution of the DUO 32 thermal temperature scanners by Accelerated Technologies and their team. The strategic placement of the DUO 32 within the commissary kitchen environments, recreational facilities and well-established property management firms will continue to drive responsible re-opening strategies and management. Said Hussein Abu Hassan. CEO BeMotion

For more information:

Contact: Alex Lemberg

Email: alemberg@acthorp.com

Phone: (516)-253-1203

Information about Accelerated Technologies Holding Corp. (OTC Markets: ATHC) is available online and will be updated in the coming days. Please visit https://athcorp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements.

Statements made in this communication include certain forward-looking statements, management's objectives, strategies, beliefs, and intentions. The Companies do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update forward-looking statements which are frequently identified by such words as "may", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements represent management's best reasonable judgment based on current facts and assumptions. The Company makes no representation that reasonable business people in possession of the same information would reach the same conclusions. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of competitive risks and the availability of financing. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward looking-statements and readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance thereon. Any and all statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as "continue," "will," "may," "could," "should," "expect," "expected," "plans," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of ATHC and are difficult to predict. An example of such risk and uncertainty is whether the Company will be successful in developing additional innovative solutions in the future and/ or the market acceptance of such solutions.

SOURCE: Accelerated Technologies Holding Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/605226/Accelerated-Technologies-Holding-Corp-OTC-Markets-ATHC-Begins-Contactless-Thermal-Scanner-Pilot-Program-With-One-of-New-Yorks-Largest-Commissary-Kitchens-Property-Management-Firms-and-Recreational-Facilities-in-Nassau-County
"Any film that gets made  even a bad one  is a miracle," says Roderick MacKay, whose film The Furnace is the only Australian film selected for this year's Venice Film Festival.

MacKay says making The Furnace, a slice of historic fiction about the cameleers who came from Afghanistan and India to provide desert transport to prospectors during the gold rush, is the hardest thing he's ever done.

Ahmed Malek was surprised to learn some of the complex stories from Australia's colonial past.

There was the challenge of making a film in five languages. Then there was the day they shot an action sequence in a gorge and the mercury topped 55 degrees. Egyptian actor Ahmed Malek, who plays cameleer Hanif, recalls the torment of wearing multiple layers in that heat. But he was better off than the actors playing colonial troopers in hats, boots and thick woollen jackets. "I have to tip my hat to our troopers, who just soldiered on," says MacKay. "Like troupers! It was all tricky, but worth it."

Covid-19 has thinned the ranks of critics in Venice, but what English-language reviews there are of The Furnace have been enthusiastic. Trade magazine Screen described it as "weighty, surprising and beautifully made", predicting that it was "likely to win attention for its sensitive exploration of a little-known area of Australian history". The Guardian's Xan Brooks took it in the spirit of a Western; he said he was "immersed in the action, living each twist and turn of the trail" and that it was "tough as old leather and as unadorned as cow hide". Four out of five stars.
(TNS)  Personal information from donors to the University of Missouri's four campuses was stolen during a May data breach at Blackbaud, a company that provides fundraising software for not-for-profits and educational institutions.In a statement sent to donors and released to theon Friday, the Columbia campus stated it was informed of the data breach in late July and that hackers gained access to personal data stored in the company's cloud-based system.No credit card numbers, bank information or Social Security numbers were exposed because MU did not provide that data to Blackbaud, the university stated."However, data such as names, street addresses, date of births, phone numbers and email addresses, as well as wealth holdings and net worth, could have been accessed during this incident," the statement read.Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla issued a similar statement "This incident affected a significant number of other higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations and foundations, and included unauthorized access to personal data stored in the donor management platform," the Rolla campus stated.In a statement issued July 16 , Blackbaud described the hacking as a ransomware attack that obtained a copy of its online data. The company stated it was able to stop the attack before it shut down its system but was unable to prevent the data breach."Because protecting our customers' data is our top priority, we paid the cybercriminal's demand with confirmation that the copy they removed had been destroyed," the company stated. "Based on the nature of the incident, our research, and third party (including law enforcement) investigation, we have no reason to believe that any data went beyond the cybercriminal, was or will be misused; or will be disseminated or otherwise made available publicly."In an email, Eric Stann of the MU News Bureau stated that the university had conducted an investigation of the incident and "shared this information as appropriate to their respective audiences."
Residents of Sukwai, a farming community in the Atwima Nwabiagya North Constituency of the Ashanti Region, have expressed concern over the bad nature of their roads and bridges, making movement difficult for motorists to adjoining communities.



Nana Adjei Addo, the Chief of Sukwai, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the community was virtually cut off from the rest of the constituency.



He said the bad nature of the roads had brought untold hardships since the people found it difficult to undertake meaningful economic activities.



Sick and pregnant women are dying needlessly as a result of the poor nature of the roads, which make it almost impossible for effective emergency services in the area, he said.



Nana Addo said the community had, over the years, not seen any development project to improve the living conditions of the people.



He called on the Government to go to their aid and open up the area to promote socio-economic activities to enhance the living conditions of the people.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A man wearing a face mask or covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walks past the closed Donelon's Bar in the rural village of Dunmore, west of Ireland, on September 3, 2020. PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images

DUBLIN  Irish pubs are set to re-open on Sep. 21 after weeks of delays, although owners will have tight coronavirus restrictions to follow. Ireland is one of the last European countries where "wet pubs," which do not serve food, are still closed. These pubs have been shut since March when the pandemic took hold and lockdown measures were introduced.



Under the original lockdown easing schedule, pubs were due to re-open in August but that had been pushed back repeatedly. Pubs that serve food, as well as restaurants and hotels, re-opened in late June under restrictions.



The new rules will put all pubs on a relatively similar footing, requiring table service and limiting group sizes. In cases where two-meter distancing isn't possible, customers can only stay for 105 minutes and all customers must be off the premises by 11:30 p.m.



Pubs will also have to adhere to local restrictions if they arise, which may mean closing again. The decision is welcome but overdue, Donall O'Keeffe, the chief executive of the Licensed Vintners' Association, said.



"We feel there was little justification for the Government to have repeatedly delayed the reopening," he said.



Speaking after a cabinet meeting today, Irish lawmaker Simon Harris, who was health minister at the beginning of lockdown and is now minister of higher education, said that while pubs will re-open, the experience will be different.



"The risk from a public health point of view in such pubs now is no greater than the risk in another setting like a pub with food or like a restaurant, because remember what we're not proposing to do on Sep. 21 is re-open pubs, packed bars, crowded places," Harris said.



"We're talking about allowing a pub to re-open with table service and not having to serve chicken goujons to justify it."



Pub owners have undergone a protracted process in getting the go-ahead to re-open, which has drawn much ire from trade groups.



The delay in August for pubs came as the daily number of new Covid-19 cases in the country spiked to around 120 cases a day on average, up from single- and double-digit figures in July. Health authorities have issued a warning about rising cases in Dublin and Limerick, which may lead to pubs having to close in those counties if local restrictions are put in place.

To offset the frustration over the last postponement, the government introduced a 16 million euro ($18.9 million) support package on Aug. 28 for pubs, in addition to existing support mechanisms. This fell short of the mark in the eyes of pub owners with trade groups calling it "crumbs."



It included a waiver on court fees and a levy related to the renewal of pub and other liquor licenses this year.



Padraig Cribben, chief executive of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland, told CNBC that of the 16 million euro package, around 9 million euros will cover the waiver of license fees, the levy and related court charges.



That will leave 7 million euros, which is around 2,000 euros per pub, to be distributed through grants, Cribben said.



"We were quite clear and recognized that every business was closed from March until Jun. 29 and we were looking for support from Jun. 29 forward. Now if you take Jun. 29, it'll be about 12 weeks that this was meant to cover, it's about 150 euro a week. That won't cover too many costs." Cribben added that a more effective approach to licensing would have been to extend all licenses by 12 months rather than waiving the fees.

Overheads

Marie Mellet, the seventh generation of her family to run Mellett's Emporium in Swinford, Co. Mayo, said that the support package does little to address the expenses pubs are still racking up while they're closed. "We have ongoing costs. Insurance, light, heat, security, pest control, the list goes on. Every pub is different but for us, it would be about 350-400 euro a week," she said. "The support package that we got was 1,600 euros, which is enough for four weeks and we've been closed for (over) 25 weeks." She added that waiving fees on licenses does not put much-needed money in the hands of pub owners and "that's exactly what we need now." Pub owners also face possible defaults on mortgages as a six-month moratorium on mortgage payments expires at the end of September. All the while legal battles have been brewing with insurers over the last number of months.

A man speaks on a mobile phone as he passes Glynn's bar, the only open pub in the rural village of Dunmore, west of Ireland, on September 3, 2020. - In the pubs of Dunmore in the west of Ireland, the Guinness glasses gather dust and the kegs are stacked dormant. AUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images

Closures
Countrys leader has kicked off her governing partys campaign  before Novembers general election.

Myanmars leader Aung San Suu Kyi has kicked off her governing partys campaign  before Novembers general election.

It is likely there could be a delay because of a recent rise in coronavirus cases.

The election commission is set to decide whether the vote will still go ahead as planned.

Al Jazeeras Florence Looi reports.
The founding population of the New Guinea singing dog, a small-to-medium-sized canid thought to be extinct in the wild since the 1970s, is not, in fact, extinct, according to an analysis of the nuclear genomes from a dog population discovered during a recent expedition to the New Guinea highlands.

The New Guinea singing dog was first described in 1897, and became known for its unique and characteristic vocalization, described as a wolf howl with overtones of whale song.

Originally classified as a distinct species, Canis hallstromi, its taxonomy remains controversial in part due to the availability of only captive specimens for genetic analysis and debate regarding their origin.

Though genetically similar to the Australian dingo, it represents a distinct population, as evidenced by both morphology and behavior.

Only 200-300 captive singing dogs exist in conservation centers, with none seen in the wild since the 1970s.

The New Guinea singing dog that we know of today is a breed that was basically created by people, said senior author Dr. Elaine Ostrander, a researcher in the National Human Genome Research Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health.

Eight were brought to the United States from the Highlands of New Guinea and bred with each other to create this group.

Another New Guinea dog breed found in the wild, called the Highland wild dog, has a strikingly similar physical appearance to the New Guinea singing dogs.

Considered to be the rarest and most ancient dog-like animal in existence, it is even older than the New Guinea singing dogs.

In 2016, an expedition led by the New Guinea Highland Wild Dog Foundation in collaboration with the University of Papua reported the existence of 15 wild dogs on the western side of the island near the open-cut Grasberg Mine, the largest gold mine in the world.

A subsequent 2018 field study led to the collection of blood samples from three individuals in their natural environment, as well as demographic, morphologic, and behavioral data.

Initially we were searching for a dog that didnt want to be found, said James Mac McIntyre, a zoologist and the director of field research at the New Guinea Highland Wild Dog Foundation.

The Highland wild dogs are shy and reclusive. They reside in the rough rocky terrain above the tree line. We spent long days in thin air and often cold rainy conditions.

The wild dogs nuclear genome confirmed that the Highland wild dogs are the original New Guinea singing dogs.

Detailed DNA testing confirmed that the Highland wild dog is a direct ancestor of the New Guinea singing dog, said co-author Dr. Kylie Cairns, a conservation biologist in the Centre for Ecosystem Science at the University of New South Wales.

Both canids are close genetic relatives to the Australian dingo  forming their own lineage unlike any other in the world.

We found that New Guinea singing dogs and the Highland wild dogs have very similar genome sequences, much closer to each other than to any other canid known, said co-author Dr. Heidi Parker, a staff scientist in the National Human Genome Research Institute.

In the tree of life, this makes them much more related to each other than modern breeds such as German shepherd or bassett hound.

The evidence of wild populations is welcome news to conservationists, who hope to diversify the gene pool of the captive population.

Many had feared the population was extinct, or heavily mixed with domestic dogs, Dr. Cairns said.

Now that we know there is a wild population, programs can help diversify and conserve the captive population.

The results were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

_____

Suriani Surbakti et al. New Guinea highland wild dogs are the original New Guinea singing dogs. PNAS, published online August 31, 2020; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2007242117
Kim Kardashian West and Kanye Wests relationship and relationship troubles have been thrust back into the limelight since Kanye announced on Twitter that he had been trying to divorce Kim for a while. Since then, the two have reportedly been spending a lot of time together as a family with their children. So, where does Kim and Kanyes relationship stand now?

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West | Marc Piasecki/GC Images

What did Kanye say about Kim Kardashian West?

After Kanye revealed that he and Kim almost aborted their oldest daughter North, he took to Twitter to bash Kim and her family.

Kim tried to bring a doctor to lock me up with a doctor, he wrote in a now-deleted tweet. If I get locked up like Mandela Yall will know why.

Kriss dont play with me, he continued, calling out Kims mom. You and that Calmye are not allowed around my children. Yall tried to lock me up.

He even went as far as to say that the horror film Get Out was about him.

Kim was trying to fly to Wyoming with a doctor to lock me up like on the movie Get Out because I cried about saving my daughters life yesterday, he said.

But one of the most concerning tweets came when Kanye wrote about trying to leave Kim.

RELATED: The View: Meghan McCain Reacts to Kanye West 2020 Presidential Run Announcement

I been trying to get divorced since Kim met with Meek at the [Waldorf] for prison reform, he wrote in a now-deleted tweet.

What did Kim have to say?

After Kanyes Twitter incident, Kim took to Instagram to address the things that he had said.

As many of you know, Kanye has bi-polar disorder, she wrote. Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand. Ive never spoken publicly about how this has affected us at home because I am very protective of our children and Kanyes right to privacy when it comes to his health. But today, I feel like I should comment on it because of the stigma and misconceptions about mental health.

She went on to say that sometimes, because of the disorder, Kanyes words do not align with his intentions and asked fans to show him and her family empathy.

RELATED: Kanye West Has Dropped Almost $6 Million On His Presidential Campaign, Despite These Massive Obstacles

Where do things stand between Kim and Kanye now?

Though they went through a very public rough patch, Kim and Kanye are doing better now. They have been spending a lot of family time together at their ranch in Wyoming and Kim even recently attended Kanyes Sunday Service event in Atlanta on Sep. 6.

Kim and Kanye are doing well, a source told People. Kanye is in a better mental state. Their marriage still needs work, but Kim is getting across to him. He is not shutting her out and wants to be with his family.

Kim is doing everything she can to keep things between her and her husband peaceful.

Kim continues to be incredibly patient and understanding about Kanyes desire to run for president, the source said. She just wants to get through the next few months peacefully. She is kind of standing back while Kanye does whatever makes him happy.
Ted Wayman, a reporter for WCVB, was the victim of a stabbing reported near Dartmouth and Boylston streets in Bostons South End neighborhood on Sunday, according to the Boston Globe.

The television station confirmed that Wayman was reporting on a story Sunday evening when the incident took place, the Globe reports.

A photojournalist working with Wayman helped him with his injuries, the Globe reports. Police responded to a call about a stabbing around 9:05 p.m. on Sunday.

Wayman was taken to a local hospital and is going to be fine, Ro Dooley Webster, a spokeswoman for WCVB, told the Globe.

Boston police identified 44-year-old Cirilo Aldana-Peraedes as the suspect in the stabbing. Police said Aldana-Peraedes used a pair of scissors to stab the victim in the forearms.

Aldana-Peraedes was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
BANGALORE, India, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Simplilearn , world's leading online bootcamp for digital economy skills training, today announced its partnership with the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) to introduce a Post Graduate Program (PGP) in Project Management. The six-month comprehensive program will provide learners with practical leadership and digital skills to lead and excel in complex transformational projects and become a digital-age project leader. This new offering is ideal for mid- and senior-level leaders in the operations field, aiming for a career progression in the digital economy.

The Post Graduate Program in Project Management is based on Simplilearn's Blended Learning model, which offers a combination of online self-paced videos, live virtual classes, and hands-on projects. With more than 150+ hours of learning, aspirants will have access to mentorship sessions and interactive peer learning through group projects, discussions, and masterclass sessions from the University's top faculty. The program also offers one mid-program project and one Capstone project to complete the six-month-long learning experience.

This comprehensive program covers the four pillars of digital project management: managing complexity and delivering value, cost-quality-risk tradeoff, understanding and crafting strategy, and implementing best practices. The curriculum includes core topics such as Project Management, Quality Management, and Risk Management aligned with the official body of knowledge prescribed by the Project Management Institute, and Axelos. Beyond the core topics, the program addresses essential knowledge of digital transformation and the use of design thinking to reinvent the customer experience.

Upon completing the program, the graduating participants will receive a joint certificate of completion in the Post Graduate Program in Project Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Simplilearn. They will also earn credits towards the online MBA program at the Isenberg School of Management, UMass Amherst, and receive official membership in the UMass Amherst Alumni Association.

Industry reports estimate that there will be 22 million jobs for project management professionals by 2027. Commenting on the partnership with UMass Amherst, Mr. Anand Narayanan, Chief Product Officer, Simplilearn said, "The role of today's project manager is evolving, with the expectations to drive growth and create disruption in a fast-paced digital world. Along with leading teams and aligning outcomes to business goals, it is essential for a project manager to possess skill sets in new-age digital tools and project management software. Through the PGP in Project Management, aspiring leaders in the field will be empowered with the framework and skills required to succeed in a digital ecosystem. We are happy to collaborate with the University of Massachusetts Amherst, one of America's top 25 public research universities and provide our learners an online program that will help them become a digital-age project leader. We've trained leaders at over 1,000 companies across 150 countries with the purpose of inspiring and equipping professionals to be better and do better."

The University of Massachusetts Amherst has collaborated with Simplilearn in the past for several other professional skilling programs. As noted by Isenberg School of Management Dean Anne Massey, "Information technology has become pivotal to the success of businesses everywhere. Accordingly, the role of the individual in charge of operational strategy has become increasingly essential and in-demand. By establishing a partnership with Simplilearn through the Post GraduateProgram (PGP) in Project Management, we hope to provide learners an efficient, flexible program that gives them the ability to upgrade their skills and be even more prepared to take on today's fast-paced global economy."

About Simplilearn

Simplilearn enables professionals and enterprises to succeed in the fast-changing digital economy. The company provides outcome-based online training across digital technologies and applications such as big data, machine learning, AI, cloud computing, digital marketing, and other emerging technologies. Based in San Francisco and Bangalore, India, Simplilearn has helped more than 1 million professionals and 1,000 companies across 150 countries get trained, acquire certifications, and reach their business and career goals. The company's Blended Learning curriculum combines self-paced online learning, instructor-led live virtual classrooms, hands-on projects, student collaboration, and 24/7 global teaching assistance. For more information, visit Simplilearn.com.

About the University of Massachusetts Amherst

The University of Massachusetts Amherst, founded in 1863, is the flagship of the five campus UMass system and ranked #24 among national public research universities, ascending more than 20 places in recent years. As the largest public university in New England, it incorporates modern teaching methods with new communication and information technology, yet remains an immersive, residential campus serving approximately 30,000 students across an array of academic programs.

About the Isenberg School of Management

The Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has one of New England's top-ranked public business school undergraduate programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1947, Isenberg is AACSB accredited and has 3,800 undergraduates majoring in seven business disciplines, ranging from accounting and marketing to sport and hospitality and tourism management. More than 1,500 students are enrolled in nationally and internationally recognized on-campus and online graduate programs. The school's 48,000 alumni live and work in more than 80 countries, and many of them serve as mentors, guest lecturers, and network connectors for Isenberg.

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The Uttar Pradesh government could take action against three women officers - two from the Indian Police Service (IPS) and one from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) - after the CBI indicted them for negligence in handling complaints of a minors rape in 2017 and her fathers murder the next year, said a senior government official familiar with the development.

Former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2019 by a Delhi court in the rape case, the official said. Sengar, an MLA from Unnaos Bangarmau assembly constituency, is serving the jail term.

A four-time lawmaker, Sengar had an exceptional hold over the Unnao region before his sharp fall from grace right before the Supreme Court transferred the trial to the national capital. When it first appeared that he may be arrested, several MLAs had approached the state government claiming that he was being framed.

A senior official said the CBI had recommended action, for negligence against IPS officers, Pushpanjali Devi and Neha Pandey, who were posted as superintendent of police (SP) in Unnao between June 2017 and April 2018, and IAS officer Aditi Singh, who was district magistrate of Unnao during the same period.

The official said the CBI has also recommended action against another IPS officer, Ashtabhuja Singh, who was additional SP in Unnao during the same period and was later promoted to IPS cadre in July 2019.

The CBI had submitted its recommendations to the state government in the second week of August

The agency, which had investigated and prosecuted the lawmaker after the intervention of the Allahabad High Court, said it had found the officers negligence in initiating action and registering FIR against Kuldeep Sengar, despite repeated complaints against him by the rape survivors father between June 2017 and April 2018.

The girls father - she was a minor when she was raped - was attacked by the former MLAs aides on April 3, 2018 and sent to jail after framing him in a false case. The girls father succumbed to the injuries sustained in the attack on April 9, 2018 as he was not provided proper treatment during the judicial custody, the official said.

The state government started to take action against Sengar and his aides when the matter was highlighted by the media after the self-immolation bid by the rape survivor and women members of her family near the chief ministers residence in Lucknow on April 8, 2018, and the death of the girls father.

Sengar was finally arrested from Lucknow on April 14, 2018 after the state government handed over the case to CBI on April 12, 2018. The CBI charged Sengar and his aides in two cases; the minors rape and her fathers murder.

Sengar was sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2019 by a Delhi court in the rape case.
Amidst this challenging time where many businesses are in crisis, Consulus is officially launched in the Philippines to offer solutions for innovation and growth through this period of change. Consulus Philippines will be based in Manila, working in tight collaboration with the Consulus World Centre. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a great reset. While the new normal is still evolving, organizations must strive to evolve too. Innovation is now a necessity 
The planned protest in Port Harcourt by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has been called off following an agreement reached on Monday night by the Rivers State government and the NLC.

The protest, which was scheduled to take place Tuesday, was to be led by the president of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, and other national leaders of the workers union.

The Rivers government, in the agreement, accepted, among other things, the implementation of the new national minimum wage and the payment of salaries to health workers withheld in 2017 as punishment for embarking on strike.

The government also accepted to unseal the NLC secretariat in Port Harcourt which was forcefully closed because of the industrial dispute.

Tammy Danagogo, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government; Rufus Godwin, the Head of Service, Rivers State; and Paulinus Nsirim, the Commissioner for Information signed the agreement on behalf of the Rivers government, while Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Secretary General Secretary of NLC; Musa Lawal, Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress, and other local labour leaders signed for the workers.

The NLC president, Mr Wabba, earlier accused the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, of plotting a violent attack against the planned workers rally in the state.

READ ALSO:

We have received very credible information that the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike has mobilised two local government councils around Port Harcourt metropolis to engage armed thugs under the guise of putting up a counter-protest to the workers protest billed for Tuesday, September 8, 2020 in Port Harcourt, Mr Wabba said in a statement.

The plan is to unleash violence on workers during our protest.

The Rivers government, in a response by the Attorney-General, Zacchaeus Adangor, however, said there was a subsisting court order which restrained the NLC from protesting in the state.

The NLC president is a defendant in the suit which was filed at the National Industrial Court, Lagos, by the Rivers government, the attorney-general, Mr Adangor, said in a statement.

The case of the Government of Rivers State before the National Industrial Court is that the organized labour cannot declare a strike action in Rivers State without strict compliance with the conditions precedent prescribed in the Trade Disputes Act, Cap, T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and the Trade Unions Act, Cap. T14 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, the Rivers government had said in its press statement.

Our commitment to the enthronement of the rule of law in our State rather than rule by force, informed our decision to seek judicial redress against the organized labour.
When DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi took office 18 months ago, he breathed life into hopes of ending bloodshed and lawlessness in the east of his vast country.

Eyeing the armed groups responsible for the mayhem, he revived the offer of an amnesty, money and the chance of a new life in the military if the fighters renounced violence.

The new government is reaching out to you, he declared.

Today, little of that pledge seems to have turned into action.

Frustration among militiamen who are willing to lay down their arms is growing, as is the death toll in the Democratic Republic of Congos east.

Over eight months, around 1,300 people were killed in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, according to a UN estimate in June. More than 100 armed groups are active in the region, according to experts.

Ituri legislator Gratien de Saint-Nicolas Iracan said an incursion into the city of Bunia last Friday by several dozen heavily-armed militiamen was aimed at putting pressure on the government over the reintegration programme.

Several sources say the fighters belong to the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO), a notorious ethnic militia blamed for the massacring of hundreds of civilians.

They were telling the government, we want money in exchange for giving up our weapons, the legislator said, adding that failure to push ahead with Tshisekedis plan was not making it easy for them to return to the peace process.

 Nobody has called us 

Members of one armed group, the Ituri Patriotic Resistance Force (FRPI), signed an agreement in February with ministers from the central government, but say they are still waiting for the deal to be implemented.

In neighbouring North Kivu, 485 members of another group called the Nduma Defence of Congo-Renovated, or NDC/R, have mustered on Rumangabo military base near Goma after surrendering in late August.

We told the authorities in Kinshasa about what we wanted to do, but nobody has called us so far, said NDC/R leader Desire Ngabo.

Bertrand Bisimwa, head of a Congolese Tutsi group called M23 that was defeated in 2012 after mounting a rebellion in North Kivu, said that the Congolese government has no serious programme to support (Tshisekedis) appeal to armed groups.

Researcher Christoph Vogel said that since early 2019, there had been several large waves of surrenders in North and South Kivu, with a thousand fighters at each mustering point in those provinces.

But many fighters headed back into the bush, because there was no support.

Incorporating former Congolese militiamen into the armed forces has been a routine practice since the Sun City agreement of 2002 which ended the Second Congo War.

World Bank and western countries have typically contributed to previous demobilisation, disarmament and reinsertion initiatives.

But, I havent seen the Congolese government approach funders to finance a new overall and national programme of this kind, noted Vogel.

Adding to the entanglement is a moral debate about who should have the right to benefit from such funding.

We cannot continue to reward killers, the UNs representative in DR Congo, Leila Zerrougui, said last week, angered by the handing out of ranks to former militiamen.

 Discouraging 

NDC/R leader Ngabo said its not the right time to make remarks like this. Its discouraging armed groups who want to leave the bush and surrender their weapons.

Researcher Judith Verweijen noted the UN had supported the peace agreement with the FRPI in Ituri, under which a law would be drafted to offer an amnesty, excluding war crimes and sexual violence.

One of the bloodiest groups is the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group initially founded by Ugandan Muslim rebels.

Months after Tshisekedis offer of an outstretched hand to armed groups, his armed forces last October launched an offensive against the ADF.

The militia has since killed hundreds of civilians in the Beni region as a further warning against the authorities, giving another spin to the cycle of violence.

st/mbb/ri/dl

DDR CORP.
The first-degree murder trial of Michael Durant resumed Tuesday in Kitchener with the Crown putting the finishing touches on its case.

At issue was the fallout from Judge Gerald Taylors decision to exclude videotaped testimony of the victims former boyfriend, John McNeil, as part of the Crowns case.

Durant, 47, is accused of killing a 32-year-old Niagara Falls woman in August 2003. The victims body was discovered in a ditch near Darby Road and Grassybrook Road on the outskirts of Niagara Falls.

McNeil died in 2004, one year after his girlfriend was murdered, and eight years before Durant first went to trial.

The Court of Appeal overturned Durants conviction in 2019.

The high bar that is set for hearsay evidence has not been met, Taylor said Tuesday.

The judge found the evidence problematic because McNeil was a heavy drug user and was either under the influence or self-admittedly in withdrawal from heroin during police interviews.

Taylor also found McNeil had reasons to prevaricate in his statements, which cant be tested in court under cross-examination.

The trial, however, isnt necessarily finished with the McNeil tapes. Defence attorney Joe Wilkinson wants to use some of McNeils statements in his defence of Durant.

Taylor told Crown attorney Andrew Sabbadini and Wilkinson he will rule when the statements are re-introduced by the defence.

Earlier in the trial, Durant was overheard on a wiretapped conversation with his former wife, Dana Arnold, blaming the murder on McNeil and Raymond Gallon. Gallon is also deceased.

The first-degree murder trial began in Kitchener in January and was on recess when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down much of the provinces court system.

There were procedural hearings over the summer that didnt involve any witnesses. The judge ran the hearings from his chambers, and Durant had the option of joining the proceedings by phone from prison.

With Taylors ruling Tuesday, the Crown has rested its case. Wilkinson is ready to begin his case Wednesday.

The chain of events

How we arrive here: Durant was convicted and sentenced to life with no possibility of parole for at least 25 years in November 2012, but the Court of Appeal overturned the verdict in February 2019.

When was Durant arrested: Durant has been in custody since Niagara Regional Police arrested him in January 2006.

Why was the retrial ordered: The Ontario Court of Appeal had ruled the initial trial judge erred in allowing the Crown to combine this offence with another in the same trial. The judges also noted the trial judge should have excused one of the jurors who knew a family member of one of the victims. The trial judge should also have allowed the jury the option of finding Durant guilty of a lesser offence, manslaughter.

What is the Crowns theory? The victim died of blunt force trauma to her head inflicted by the accused, with a hammer in his wifes garage. The victim loaded into the trunk of a car driven by his former wife. The accused dumped the body beside a rural road on the outskirts of Niagara Falls, where it was discovered later that week. The defence has yet to present its case.

Why is the victims name being withheld? In June 2019, Superior Court Justice Stephen Glithero issued a publication ban on anything that would identify the victim. The ban also includes information about the application for the ban. The victim is officially known as DD in the trial, as per the judges order.

Why is the trial being held in Kitchener? Glithero granted Durant a change of venue, typically requested by the defence when the accused believes he or she cant get a fair trial because members of the jury were exposed to extensive media coverage. Change of venue applications arent typically used when a judge conducts a trial alone. In this case, Durants lawyers elected a jury but then changed course at the 11th hour.
Annie, she shouted, looking up into his light eyes.

Ah, Annie, he said. He smiled, and the eyes almost disappeared. Im glad you came. After perhaps a few seconds too long, he let go of her and turned a little so he could gesture at a long table set in the middle of the room, a table covered with wine bottles, with three or four towers of clear plastic cups, with multiple ashtrays, some half full, with baskets of bread and two huge wheels of Brie, one of them already ravaged. He said somethingshe thought maybe, Have at itbefore he turned to greet someone else and she and Jeff moved away, obediently, to get some wine.

[ Return to the review of Monogamy. ]

After the first few conversations they tried to have as a couple leaning forward, shouting at people one or the other of them barely knewthey drifted apart. Annie looked at the spines of the books on the shelves, at the people standing in groups near her. She found herself talking briefly to someone shed known years before in a photography class, but even as they were speaking, she could watch his eyes moving around the crowd, trying to spot someone perhaps more promising. She talked to several people she didnt know quick, shouted exchanges. How do you know Graham? Yes, what a perfect night for a party. Did we really need another bookstore in Harvard Square? Thank God the rain stopped, I thought Id go mad.

She went back over to the big table a few times to get more wine, one time lingering to eavesdrop on a long conversation between a man and a woman who clearly didnt know each other very well. She was asking him many, many questions about a trip hed taken recently, and listening with what seemed like great interest to his account of how strange the people were, sort of innocently open, he said. Annie was trying to figure out what country he was talking about, and then she realized it was not a country at allit was Chicago, the city shed grown up in. She laughed out loud, and a man standing near her stared at her for a moment. She looked back at him and smiled before she turned away.

And through all of this, she kept seeing Graham as he moved around the room, as he embraced people, men as well as women, as he threw his head back to laugh. His shirt was visibly damp with sweat by now, his skin slightly pinked from the heat. Or perhaps, she thought, just from excitement. When passersby stopped to look in the open doorway, trying to figure out what was happening in here, he would call out Come in! come in! He seemed so ingenuously happy and enthusiastic that she couldnt help smiling as she watched him. At one point he caught her glance and looked steadily, quizzically, at her for a moment before smiling back. As if he were really registering her, Annie thought. Maybe hed noticed her too, here and there in the square, though that seemed unlikely, she was so much less noticeable a persona personagethan he was, in his size, his ebullience.

Several times she spotted Jeff somewhere in the room too, once leaned over a woman, listening attentively. She recognized this posture. Hed assumed it with her too when he was picking her up at the party where theyd met. She watched him now for a few moments. It seemed to be working in this instance toothe woman gazed up at him, apparently dazzled. He was good at it.

At some point she went outside to cool off, standing among a small group of people gathered there. She fell into a conversation with a tall, middle-aged man who vaguely resembled Al Pacino. She couldnt place his accent. New York? He was a friend of Grahams, he said. His partner, in fact.

Partner? she asked. Was he gay then, Graham? She felt a quick jolt of disappointment.

Yeah, you know, the guy who owns the bookstore with him. Oh! she said.
SHANGHAI, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The 8th Filtration & Separation Asia (FSA) combined with the 11th China International Filtration & Separation Exhibition will be held in Hall N1 of Shanghai New International Expo Center from December 9 to 11, 2020. Now the visitor online pre-registration system has been officially opened. Register for FSA 2020 immediately and meet exhibitors face to face.

Filtration & Separation Asia (FSA) combined with China International Filtration & Separation Exhibition, which is hosted by China Filtration & Separation Society (CFS), CNTA Science & Technology Co., Ltd (CNTA) and Informa Markets, is a leading professional exhibition in filtration and separation area.

As a famous and important exhibition in Asia area, this every-2-year event aims to provide a trade and technical communication platform for exhibitors and visitors, where the up-to-edge filtration technologies, technical solutions and know-how can be found and discussed. The scale of the FSA2020 exhibition has expanded to 12,500?, an increase of 12% compared with 2018. It is expected to have 235 exhibitors, and the audience is expected to reach 10,000.

The exhibit category covers filter media, filter media production equipment and accessories, chemicals, filters, filters production lines, testing & analysis equipment, services and others.

PARTS OF FSA2020 EXHIBITORS

Exhibitor Technical Presentation, the concurrent activity, will invite more industry experts and well-known exhibitors to participate and share the latest industry technology and information.

Join FSA2020 to find suppliers, make purchase orders and learn about frontier markets. We are looking forward to your arrival.

Please click the link or scan the QR code below to register:

https://www.ubmconlinereg.com/FNS20/exhibitionen/'source=PR

For more information, please contact the organizer:

For more exhibit inquires

Icy Fan

T:+86 21 6157 7235

E:Icy.Fan@informa.com

For visitors and media partner inquires

Susanna Zhang

T:+86 21 6157 3924

E:Susanna.zhang@informa.com

About CFS

CFS--China Filtration &Separation Committee, founded in May 2008, is approved by the Ministry of Science & Technology of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People's Republic of China. It is the only comprehensive trade association of filtration &separation in China. Now there are more than 100 members covering all the fields of Filtration & Separation, such as: filtration & separation machinery manufactures, filter media producers, membrane manufacturers, air filter, liquid filter, cartridge, bag filter, testing instruments manufacturers, institutes & universities engaged in filtration & separation etc.

About CNTA

CNTA is devoted to:

Technical innovation and R&D in nonwovens, filtration

Import and export of nonwovens (roll goods, converted products), filter media, and related raw materials, machine parts, equipments, chemical, instruments etc.

Consulting of investment, cooperation, trade, etc. for foreign companies.

Organising international S&T exchange, conference and exhibition etc.

Promoting trade, cooperation, between Chinese companies and foreign partners.

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1249717/FSA2020.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1249715/PARTS_OF_FSA2020_EXHIBITORS.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1249716/SCAN___REGISTER.jpg
A first-in-the nation proposal to potentially free thousands of prisoners early had looked like a sure thing.

Relatives and friends of inmates around the state said many prisoners had already been told they would be released mid-September, anticipating that a bill to reduce sentences for some during a public health emergency (S2519) would be approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor.

While it squeaked through the state Senate on Aug. 27, the proposal stalled in the Assembly, which wont meet again until Sept. 21. And if the bill is changed as some predict, it will take longer to reach Gov. Phil Murphy.
Statement of Senator Risa Hontiveros on the filing of admin charges against PNP officers linked to shooting of 4 soldiers in Jolo, Sulu

We welcome the filing of administrative charges against the Philippine National Police (PNP) officers linked to the murder of four Philippine Army operatives last June 29, 2020 as an important step forward in achieving justice not only for the fallen soldiers, but also for the 14 people killed in the twin bombing incidents in Jolo last August 24, 2020.

The four soldiers were tracking the two female suicide bombers who later allegedly carried out the deadly Jolo blasts when they were shot to death by PNP personnel at a checkpoint. Malalim ang koneksyon ng dalawang insidente na ito. Kailangan ang kumpleto at walang cover-up na imbestigasyon para malaman natin kung ano ang nangyari, sino ang may pakana, at mapigilan ang ganyang klaseng karahasan sa hinaharap.

Authorities investigating these two incidents should be provided a free rein so they could conduct an impartial, comprehensive and independent investigation. This is why I continue to call on the PNP leadership to temporarily relieve the entire Jolo, Sulu police force.

Sa ganyang paraan, maiibsan ang pangamba ng publiko at mawawala ang anumang haka-haka na napasok na ng mga terorista ang ating Philippine National Police. I urge the PNP to undertake all necessary measures that will build back public confidence in our national police force after such a troubling event.
Slate's Who Counts? series is made possible by the support of Slate Plus members and readers like you.

On Friday, a North Carolina court dramatically expanded the number of voters eligible to participate in the 2020 election. The state may not disenfranchise citizens who owe fines, fees, and other debts from a felony conviction, the Wake County Superior Court ruled on Friday. And while the court limited its order to those affected by wealth-based voter suppression, its reasoning portends a broader ruling in the near future that could restore voting rights to 70,000 more North Carolinians on probation or parole.

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Many felon disenfranchisement rules, including North Carolinas, are rooted in overt white supremacy. After Reconstruction, racist Democrats in the state sought to revoke Black citizens suffrage. They accomplished this task, in part, through vague criminal laws that stripped convicted felons of their civil rightsthen enforced these laws disproportionately against Black people. North Carolinas current statute is rooted in an 1877 law spearheaded by a representative who later presided over the lynching of three Black men. At the time, Democrats argued that felon disenfranchisement was necessary to stop the honest vote of a white man from being off-set by the vote of some negro. Its purpose, alongside other Jim Crow measures like the literacy test, was to secure white supremacy.

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The law continues to work as intended, as documented in an expert report by University of North Carolina professor Frank R. Baumgartner. Today, Black North Carolinians represent 22 percent of adults and 42 percent of the disenfranchised. Black residents are denied the right to vote at three times the rate of white residents in 44 counties. The states disenfranchisement regime targets two groups of people: those on probation or parole, and those whove completed their full sentence but still owe court debt. Notably, judges may extend an individuals probation or send them back to prison because they havent paid off these fines and fees.

Few do manage to pay off these debts. Like Florida, North Carolina practices cash register justice, funding its criminal system by extracting money from those who encounter it. Any person charged in district court is billed a minimum of $173. They must pay $25 for a criminal record check, $60 for a public defender, and $600 for lab analysis of evidence. Those sentenced to community service must pay $250; those placed under house arrest with electronic monitoring must pay $90 upfront, then $4.48 a day; those sentenced to a local jail must pay $40 a dayon top of the $10 a day they paid if detained before conviction. People on probation must pay $40 a month to fund their own supervision. Judges have authority to waive court debt. But they are also elected, and fearful of retribution at the polls if theyre deemed soft on criminals. In 2015, North Carolina Republicans passed legislation publicizing each judges annual waiver rate in an effort to shame them out of waiving fines and fees.

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Experts estimate that about 70,000 North Carolinians are disenfranchised because theyre on probation or parole, while a larger numberprobably more than 100,000owe outstanding court debt. The average probationer owes at least $2,400 in financial obligations.

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In 2019, a coalition of voting rights advocates sued to restore voting rights to all these individuals under the North Carolina Constitution, which provides sweeping protections for the right to vote. Fridays 21 decision handed them a limited victory. The court found that North Carolina had imposed an unconstitutional property qualification on the right to vote while unlawfully discriminating against the indigent. Its order restored suffrage to any resident denied the ballot solely because they cannot afford to pay court-imposed fines and fees. It also clarified that anyone who has finished probation but still owes money can vote. And it announced that the deeper issuewhether the entire regime is tainted by illicit racial biasis open to dispute. In the next few months, then, the court will also decide whether it must strike down felon disenfranchisement for all North Carolinians on probation or parole.

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Actually, it seems the court nearly extended suffrage to probationers and parolees on Friday. At an earlier hearing, the two judges in the majority, Lisa Bell and Keith Gregory, acknowledged that the whole scheme is rooted in unconstitutional racism. These judges Friday opinion recounted this history of racism, as if it were poised to strike down the disenfranchisement law, before retreating to its narrower holding. Moreover, the dissenting judge, John Dunlow, faulted the majority finding discriminatory intent as a motivating factor behind the law. But the majority did not, in fact, make this conclusionat least, not yet. Unless Dunlow drastically misread the decision, it seems he has accidentally published a retort to an earlier draft of the majority opinion. Put simply, the writing is on the wall: Bell and Gregory think North Carolinas felon disenfranchisement scheme is unconstitutional, but theyll reach that conclusion after a full trial, not at this preliminary stage, two months out from an election.

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For now, the courts decision will ensure that as many as 100,000 indigent ex-felons can participate in this years election. Republican lawmakers have not yet said if they will appeal Mondays decision. But if they do, they will almost certainly lose at the North Carolina Supreme Court, which has a 61 liberal majority thats especially attuned to racial justice. (Because the case involves the state constitution, the U.S. Supreme Court has no authority to intervene.) It took nearly 150 years, but the state judiciary is finally on track to abolish a system designed to preserve white supremacy.

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The Nelson Mandela Foundation has hit back at disparaging comments attributed to US President Donald Trump about Black world leaders, including the late anti-apartheid hero and South Africas first Black president.

In a book to be published this week, Trumps former personal lawyer Michael Cohen alleges that the president described Mandela as a poor leader, according to the Washington Post which reported on Saturday that it had obtained a copy of the book.

According to the newspaper, Cohen wrote that following Mandelas death in 2013, Trump said: Mandela f***ed the whole country up. Now its a s***hole. F*** Mandela. He was no leader.

Cohen also alleged that Trump said: Tell me one country run by a Black person that isnt a s***hole. They are all complete f***ing toilets.

In a statement on Monday, the foundation said it did not believe leaders conducting themselves in the way Trump did were in position to offer authoritative commentary on the life and work of Mandela.

Using the Xhosa clan name by which Mandela was affectionately known, the statement added: Reflecting on leadership, Madiba once said: A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger. You dont have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial, and uninformed. We would recommend these words to Mr Trump for consideration.

Disgraced felon

Cohen worked closely with Trump for years before turning against him, most publicly in testimony to Congress last year before Trumps impeachment.

He is currently is serving a three-year sentence for, among other things, making false statements to Congress.

White House Spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany responded by attacking Cohens credibility.

Michael Cohen is a disgraced felon and disbarred lawyer, who lied to Congress. He has lost all credibility, and its unsurprising to see his latest attempt to profit off of lies, McEnany said in a statement.

Trump has called Cohen a rat, and a liar, and Cohen has said he faced repeated death threats from Trump supporters.

Cohen is serving time for tax evasion, false statements and campaign finance violations [File: Mandel Ngan/AFP]

Cohen also alleged that Trump was dismissive of minorities and that Trump said during his 2016 presidential campaign that he would not win the Hispanic vote, the Washington Post reported. According to Cohen, Trump said: Like the Blacks, theyre too stupid to vote for Trump.

Cohen is serving time for tax evasion, false statements and campaign finance violations, the last related to payments to silence women who alleged affairs with Trump before the 2016 election.

He was released to home confinement in May given the risks of catching COVID-19 in prison but then was briefly imprisoned again in July. A federal judge then ruled Cohen had been subjected to retaliation for planning to publish his book and ordered him released again.

Trump, a Republican, is seeking re-election and will face Democrat Joe Biden at the polls on November 3.
A Tesla motorist who was driving on autopilot last week in Las Vegas shows how the autonomous vehicle managed to avoid an accident just when it appeared it was about to collide with a truck.

I was on Tesla autopilot driving home overtaking a truck, the driver told ViralHog of his trip on September 1.

The driver was in a 2018 Long Range rear-wheel drive sedan that has an upgraded chip for eventual full self-driving.

In the video, a truck is seen swerving into the Tesla drivers lane.

A Tesla 2018 Long Range rear-wheel drive sedan was riding along a Las Vegas highway on September 1

The vehicle approached a large truck, which is seen on the right-hand side

The Tesla swerves to the left to avoid hitting the truck, which was encroaching into its lane

The next events happened very quickly, but I am pretty sure the vehicle jerked initially to the left.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the truck nearing my car and heard it slamming on and locking up its brakes, the driver said.

From there you can see me swerving a little too quick check the lanes for another vehicle and get back to my lane before just overtaking to get away.

The driver added: Without the autopilot avoiding the collision initially, there was no way I could have cleared the left lane fast enough to swerve safely to stop an accident.

Another camera angle shows the truck (left) as it nearly hits the Tesla

The vehicle's autonomous technology managed to avoid an accident

Without the autopilot avoiding the collision initially, there was no way I could have cleared the left lane fast enough to swerve safely to stop an accident,' the driver said

The driver was operating a 2018 Long Range four-door rear-wheel drive sedan like the one seen in the above stock image

There was no damage to either vehicle. The footage was captured by video mounted onto the car.

In July, Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk said that his company is 'very close' to achieving complete autonomous driving technology.

'I'm extremely confident that level 5 or essentially complete autonomy will happen and I think will happen very quickly,' Musk said in remarks made via a video message at the opening of Shanghai's annual World Artificial Intelligence Conference on July 9.

'I remain confident that we will have the basic functionality for level 5 autonomy complete this year.'

Tesla is also developing new heat-projection or cooling systems to enable more advanced computers in cars, Musk said.

Tesla, other automakers and tech companies, including Alphabet-owned Waymo and app-based ride share company Uber, are investing billions in the autonomous driving industry.

However industry insiders have said it would take time for the technology to get ready and public to trust autonomous vehicles fully.

The California-based Tesla currently builds cars with an Autopilot driver-assistance system, which still requires some human input.

Some customers, however, have reported malfunctions with the technology.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk told an artificial intelligence conference in China this past July that his company is 'very close' to achieving complete autonomous driving technology. Musk is seen above via a video message at the opening of Shanghai's annual World Artificial Intelligence Conference

A federal probe was started after a 12th Tesla crash in December was believed to be tied to the auto pilot system. The technology at the time was suspected in four fatal accidents.

The most recent deadly crash happened in March 2019 in Delray, Florida, when driver Jeremy Banner's 2018 Tesla Model 3 slammed into a semi-truck, killing the 50-year-old driver.

National Transportation Safety Board investigators said Banner turned on the Autopilot feature about 10 seconds before the crash, and the Autopilot did not execute any evasive maneuvers to avoid the collision.

The three other fatal crashes date back to 2016.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 01:32:14|Editor: huaxia

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TEHRAN, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran's chief nuclear official Ali Akbar Salehi said on Tuesday that a new and more modern centrifuge hall has been under construction in the mountainous areas near Natanz after the July 2 explosion.

"It has been decided to establish a more modern, vaster and more comprehensive hall in all aspects in the heart of the mountains near Natanz, and this has already started," Salehi said, as quoted by semi-official Fars news agency.

Talking in the sidelines of a briefing session at the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, the Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) explained the July 2 explosion occurred in a special hall for advanced centrifuges.

On July 2, the AEOI announced an "incident" had occurred at an industrial shed under construction in Natanz, without causing casualties or disrupting ongoing activity in the facilities.

Later in August, the AEOI reported that Iran's security services had concluded the explosion in Natanz was a "sabotage act." Enditem
School District is Welcoming Back its Teachers and Students for Classroom Learning with Protective Equipment

TOCCOA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / Galaxy Next Generation, Inc. (OTCQB:GAXY) ("Galaxy" or the "Company), a provider of interactive learning technology solutions, is pleased to announce it has received a committment for up to $600,000 in Cov-Shield products from a school district in southern Texas. The city is a top ten most populous city in Texas.

The school district encompasses 31 schools for its more than 1,400 teachers and over 23,000 students. The committment is for up to 35,000 Cov-Shield units as it gets ready to welcome back its teachers and students into a safe and protected classroom.

Gary LeCroy, Galaxy's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are very excited to work with this large school district in southern Texas in sharing a vision and strategy for teachers and students to be back in the classroom in a safe and protected environment. Their trust in our products supports the value-add our Cov-Shield solutions provide as schools try to manage the social distancing requirements of the CDC for a September return to the school classroom."

About Galaxy Next Generation, Inc.

Galaxy Next Generation (OTCQB:GAXY) is a provider of interactive learning technology solutions that allows the presenter and participant to engage in a fully collaborative instructional environment. Galaxy's products include Galaxy's own private-label interactive touch screen panel as well as numerous other national and international branded peripheral and communication devices. Galaxy's distribution channel consists of 22+ resellers across the U.S. who primarily sell the Company's products within the commercial and educational market. Galaxy does not control where resellers focus their resell efforts, although generally, the K-12 education market is the largest customer base for Galaxy products - comprising nearly 90% of Galaxy's sales.

For additional information, please visit our website at: www.galaxynext.us

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of management and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect the company's current plans and expectations, as well as future results of operations and financial condition. A more extensive listing of risks and factors that may affect the company's business prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the reports and other documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investors Contact:

IR@GalaxyNext.us

p888-859-1274

SOURCE: Galaxy Next Generation, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/605087/Galaxy-Next-Generation-Receives-Committment-for-Up-to-600000-in-Cov-Shield-Products-from-School-District-in-Southern-Texas-to-Provide-Protective-Equipment-for-Schools
People weaning face masks cross a stream at Cheonggye stream in downtown Seoul, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020. AP



South Korea's new virus cases stayed below 200 for the sixth consecutive day Tuesday, but sporadic cluster infections across the nation continued to put health authorities on edge.



The country added 136 more COVID-19 cases, including 120 local infections, raising the total caseload to 21,432, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).



It marked a slight increase from 119 additional cases reported Monday, the fewest in 24 days.



South Korea has been scrambling to contain a flare-up in virus cases as daily infections have been in the triple digits since Aug. 14 due to cluster infections tied to churches and a large-scale rally in central Seoul in mid-August.



New virus cases soared to a five-month high of 441 on Aug. 27, but they have been on a downward trend on stricter social distancing measures, which health authorities called a "positive" sign in the virus fight.



The KCDC said the enhanced social distancing scheme, called Level 2.5 measures, currently being imposed in the greater Seoul has begun to have an effect.



After the eight-day operation, the country extended the tougher virus curbs by another week from Monday in the capital region, home to half of the country's 51.6 million population, as virus cases spiked at an alarming pace.



Under the scheme, eating at restaurants and small eateries is only allowed until 9 p.m. Franchise coffee chains, bakeries and ice cream parlors are permitted to offer only takeout and delivery.



The country also extended its Level 2 social distancing measures across the country by another two weeks until Sept. 20 as cluster infections continued to pop up nationwide.



Of the newly identified local infections, 67 cases were reported in Seoul and 29 from Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, just west of Seoul, reported two more cases.



Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southeastern port city of Busan adding one cases and the southwestern city of Gwangju reporting 12 new infections.



Cases traced to Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul, a hotbed of the recent spike in new infections, reached 1,163 as of noon Monday.



The church-tied cases marked the largest cluster infection after more than 5,000 virus cases traced to the minor religious sect of Shincheonji were reported in Daegu in late February and early March.



Cases tied to the anti-government rally in Seoul on Aug. 15 reached 532.



Sporadic cluster infections showed no signs of letup, with cases traced to a call center in eastern Seoul reaching 18. Infections tied to an eatery at a traditional market in Gwangju came to 11.



Health authorities remain vigilant against a potential rebound in virus cases due to people's movements during the upcoming Chuseok fall harvest holiday.



This year's Chuseok holiday runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4. The Korean autumn harvest celebration is one of the country's biggest traditional holidays and serves as a chance for family members to visit their hometowns.



The country, meanwhile, reported 16 imported cases, with four cases coming from India and another four from Turkey.



South Korea reported five more deaths, raising the death toll to 341. The fatality rate was 1.59 percent.



The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients reached 151 as of midnight, down 11 from the previous day.



The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 16,636, up 339 from the previous day.



The country has carried out 2,066,078 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3. (Yonhap)


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New Delhi: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Deputy Commandant, Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Himachal Police officials arrived at Kangana Ranaut's Manali home on Tuesday to chalk out plans of the actress' security ahead of her visit to Mumbai on September 9.

Meanwhile, a police team has also been deployed outside Kangana's home after the Centre approved Y security for her.

Kangana is set to arrive in Mumbai on September 9 amid the controversy surrounding her and Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut over the actress' statement comparing Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Last week, Kangana took to Twitter to claim: "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?"

Earlier on Monday, Kangana was granted Y category security by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, meanwhile, said, "Kangana Ranaut is the daughter of our state. Her father has written to me, expressing his concerns over her security. I have informed my DGP to assess the threat and take appropriate action. A police team will be deployed with her in Manali today."
Two Nigerian men have been arrested for allegedly scamming a German state that tried to buy 2.3m euros (2m) of personal protective equipment (PPE).



Nigerian police say they cloned the website of a Dutch company to obtain an order from the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.



When the PPE didn't show up, a state government representative visited the company's offices in the Netherlands.



The company then informed him that they had never done business with him.



The representative notified the Dutch police and investigations led to Nigeria where the two suspects were arrested in the commercial capital, Lagos. They are due to appear in court soon.



The suspects, Babatunde Adesanya and Akinpelu Hassan Abass, were members of a "sophisticated transnational criminal network", Nigerian police said in a statement.



The pair allegedly cloned the corporate website of ILBN Holdings BV in order to carry out the scam on Freiherr Fredrick Von Hahn, who represented North Rhine-Westphalia. The PPE was needed for the battle against coronavirus.



Two more arrests have also been made in the Netherlands.



According to Nigerian police, Mr Von Hahn was "disturbed" when the PPE did not arrive, only to find out that "the company never did business with him and that the transaction was a scam".

Source: BBC









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Minister Catherine Martin has accepted the resignation of former Primark executive and Failte Ireland board member Breege ODonoghue following confirmation that Ms ODonoghue travelled to Spain during the summer.

She is the second board member to resign after travelling abroad on holiday despite Failte Ireland's 'Staycation' campaigns nationwide this summer.

The Irish Examiner reported earlier this evening that Ms O'Donoghue resigned from the board of Failte Ireland after queries from the newspaper.

It reported that she travelled to her house in Marbella, Spain, this summer.

Read More

The Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Ms Martin said she was "disappointed" to learn that Ms O'Donoghue travelled abroad.

We are all aware of the devastating impact that COVID19 restrictions have had on the Tourism and hospitality sectors and I am disappointed to learn that a second member of the Board of Failte Ireland travelled abroad this Summer, notwithstanding Government advice.

"In order to support our own industry, and in line with the prevailing Government health advice, Failte Ireland has been to the forefront in promoting domestic holidays. Ultimately, staying at home supports our tourism industry at a devastating time, showing solidarity in the face of a pandemic that is costing lives and livelihoods across Ireland and the world," she said in a statement this evening.

Ms O'Donoghue resigned this evening and Ms Martin accepted it on the basis that it would be not tenable for her to continue. She thanked her for her service.

"I rang Ms ODonoghue this evening and she has offered her resignation which I have accepted. I wish to thank Ms ODonoghue for her service as a member of the Board of Failte Ireland and her important contribution to the work of promoting tourism in Ireland during this time. I have accepted her resignation as I believe it would not be tenable for her to continue in the role, given all of the circumstances."

She added that she has sought a meeting with the Board of Failte Ireland "at the earliest opportunity".

"I have sought a meeting with the Board of Failte Ireland at the earliest opportunity at which I will make clear that members of the Board are expected to show leadership during this time of unprecedented crisis in the sector which they represent," the Minister added.

Ms O'Donoghue retired from her post in Primark in September 2016.

Michael Cawley, the chairman of Failte Ireland, resigned earlier in the summer after the Irish Independent revealed that he travelled abroad on holiday.

Failte Ireland did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Independent.ie.
BEIJING, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- China Online Education Group ("51Talk" or the "Company") (NYSE: COE), a leading online education platform in China, with core expertise in English education, today announced that its board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to US$20.0 million of its Class A ordinary shares in the form of American depository shares between September 8, 2020 and September 7, 2021.

The Company's proposed repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market and through privately negotiated transactions, in block trades and/or through other legally permissible means, depending on market conditions and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. The Company's board of directors will review the share repurchase program periodically, and may authorize adjustment of its terms and size. The Company plans to fund repurchases from its existing cash balance.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "aims", "future", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", "likely to" and similar statements. Among other things, 51Talk's business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as 51Talk's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. 51Talk may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about 51Talk's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: 51Talk's goals and strategies; 51Talk's expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its brand and platform; 51Talk's ability to retain and increase its student enrollment; 51Talk's ability to offer new courses; 51Talk's ability to engage, train and retain new teachers; 51Talk's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; 51Talk's ability to maintain and improve infrastructure necessary to operate its education platform; competition in the online education industry in China; the expected growth of, and trends in, the markets for 51Talk's course offerings in China; relevant government policies and regulations relating to 51Talk's corporate structure, business and industry; general economic and business condition in China, the Philippines and elsewhere and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in 51Talk's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and 51Talk does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About China Online Education Group

China Online Education Group (NYSE: COE) is a leading online education platform in China, with core expertise in English education. The Company's mission is to make quality education accessible and affordable. The Company's online and mobile education platforms enable students across China to take live interactive English lessons with overseas foreign teachers, on demand. The Company connects its students with a large pool of highly qualified foreign teachers that it assembled using a shared economy approach, and employs student and teacher feedback and data analytics to deliver a personalized learning experience to its students.

SOURCE China Online Education Group
As the pandemic drags on, the tech industry is leading the way in progressive work-from-home policies, and its set to drastically disrupt the way software developers work.

Google and Facebook have announced they will extend working from home for all employees until at least 2021; Twitter and Slack have told employees they can work from home forever." Such changes could signal a permanent shift in the way all companies view remote work.

The implications for developers are dramatic. Always in short supply, talented developers may no longer feel compelled to relocate as a condition of permanent employment, even at the most dynamic companies.

Take Stripe, the San Francisco-based fintech darling, which established a designated remote engineering hub in 2019, to complement its physical hubs in San Francisco, Seattle, Dublin, and Singapore.

"We are establishing a fifth hub that is less traditional but no less important: Remote," CTO David Singleton wrote in a blog post in May last year. "We are doing this to situate product development closer to our customers, improve our ability to tap the 99.74 percent of talented engineers living outside the metro areas of our first four hubs, and further our mission of increasing the GDP of the internet."

Stripe went on to hire a hundred remote engineers, primarily in the US and Canada to start with. "We have seen such promising results from our remote engineers that we are greatly increasing our investment in remote engineering," Singleton added.

More and more technology businesses operate with almost entirely remote staff today, with the likes of GitLab and Zapier successfully growing their business with large, distributed engineering teams.

When it comes to those companies, this is by design, with both relying on strongly codified principles around remote work to help set expectations and ensure everyone is on the same page, even if they aren't in the same physical location. Take GitLab's Remote Manifesto, or Zapier's mountains of content, like CEO Wade Foster's blog on how to transition to remote work in a hurry.

[Also on InfoWorld: How developer teams went remote overnight]

For more established companies this pivot is more challenging, with many implications to considernot least of all pay, productivity, and wasted office costs.

The remote shift is already here

The most recent State of Salaries report by tech hiring platform Hired found that 55 percent of global tech talent would not be willing to accept a reduced salary if their employer made work from home permanent. Furthermore, 90 percent of tech workers believe the same job should receive the same pay, regardless of remote work, but, when factoring in cost of living, 40 percent say they support location adjustments.

Still, more than half of respondents indicated that they would be likely to move to a city with a lower cost of living if they were able to work from home permanently. All signs point towards a developer jobs market that is increasingly open to remote work and is also seeing the opportunity to live in more affordable cities with better work-life balance.

The July 2020 Compensation Trends Report by Hired asked 2,300 tech professionals what theyd do if their employer asked them to work from home full-time, with 42 percent of those respondents based in the Bay Area and 40 percent of New Yorkers surveyed keen to move to a less expensive city if possible. Only 33 percent of those based in the UK had the same inclination.

Recent statistics released by online real estate marketplace Zillow showed an unprecedented exodus from San Francisco in the first half of 2020, with housing inventory in the city up 96 percent year-on-year, as the city's tech workers look to escape the sky-high rents of the Bay Area. London has seen a similar surge in interest from middle class homeowners looking to move out of the city post-lockdown.

Two out of three San Francisco-based tech workers also said they would consider leaving the Bay Area if they had the option to work remotely, according to an anonymous survey of 4,400 workers by Blind, as reported by Business Insider.

When it comes to preferred destinations, secondary tech hubs like Seattle, Los Angeles, Austin, and San Diego topped the list in the US; with Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Madrid and Manchester the most desirable in Europe for those leaving London, according to the Hired report.

Why go remote?

The benefits of distributing engineering teams are also compelling for employers. Remote hiring can open up new, diverse pools of talent, especially younger or underprivileged talent who may not be able to afford the rents in expensive tech hubs like San Francisco, New York and London.

"From a hiring perspective, employers recognise that access to a much wider, more diverse candidate pool are just a few of the benefits that come with hiring remote employees. Then of course there are the obvious cost-savings associated with eliminating physical office space," Mehul Patel, CEO at Hired tells InfoWorld.

There are major opportunities to earn for developers looking further afield too. Research by Seimens company Mendix found the highest demand for developers in areas with low supply were located on the outskirts of Philadelphia and the smaller cities of Sioux Falls in South Dakota and Tupleo, Mississippi. The states of South Dakota, Utah and Nebraska topped the table for developer droughts, with major opportunities for developers to fill a need in those locations.

"As firms move to outer locations with lower office [and] home rents, we might expect US tech talent to relocate to these new hotspots of tech growth and start-up innovationreinforced by recent migration away from dense urban centres during the COVID-19 crisis," the researchers concluded.

Employees desire flexibility

The majority of tech workers surveyed by Hired have signalled their preference for more flexible working after the pandemic hopefully subsides. Up to 60 percent of tech workers across all demographics and geographies said they would prefer to go into the office 2-3 times a week once it is safe to return.

When adjusted for age, this statistic shifts, as older tech workers are less inclined to go back to the office. In fact, 41 percent of respondents aged 45 and older and 38 percent of those aged 36-44 said they did not want to return to the office at all, compared to 32 percent of respondents aged 26-35 and 27 percent of those under 25.

Some parents are also less eager to return to the office as they balance childcare responsibilities with work, with 39 percent saying they have no desire to return to the office post-COVID, compared to 33 percent of those without children.

One year after establishing its remote engineering hub, Stripe engineering manager Jay Shirley wrote that "one demographic we have noticed interact interestingly with remote-friendly policies is engineers with family responsibilities. They often need to make hard choices about which housing markets to live in to support their family and their career. When we had fewer remote roles, we unwittingly narrowed our applicant pool of engineers with families, and missed hiring talented engineers."

All of this points to a more flexible working world for developers. The onus now will fall on employers to increasingly offer more options to work remotely, allowing for moves to cheaper cities or to only commute into the office 2-3 days a week. How that impacts their office costs and culture will be the difficult trade-offs being discussed in boardrooms today.
It has come to my attention that the job of being a parent may not have a defined conclusion. I had a lot of misconceptions about parenting before I became one myself, chief among them that it would be easier than it is, but I also assumed there would be some sort of wind-down of my duties once I hit a certain age. That, in essence, I would retire from parenting. I now understand that the job of being a parent will only end when I do.

You think that chucking them out the door to their first flat, or off to college, or off to parts foreign, might bring your role to a close; that after that there might be the odd request for money that you can laugh down the phone at, but no - it's really starting to look like there is no end. I fear I shall be a parent forever and the grave is the final destination on this white-knuckle hayride, and the milestones whizzing by me are less a time for reflection and more of a warning that time is devouring me, one year at a time. Which is to say that in this, the year of our Lord 2020, my youngest child has started school.

I should probably have taken the day off work to mark the occasion, but that would just lead to crowing from the others about why I didn't do the same for them. So instead my long-suffering wife had the honour of providing security detail on our little terror as we shoved him through the school gates and into the weary arms of the Department of Education.

It all went over well, and she was able to go back to an empty house for the first time in months. To simply sit, and be, after six months of existing as the matriarch of a deranged Swiss Family Robinson was, by all accounts, heaven. But for every moment of peace and solitude in a parent's life, there is a corresponding mental breakdown looming; for each ending, there is a beginning, and for every moment of peace, there is another massive headache. The youngest is starting school and the eldest is facing into the Leaving.

For the past month, there have been repeated calls for her to be allowed to drop out. I trot out the old classics, such as "I hated school too", "hard as it is, getting on in life without it is actually harder" and the old chestnut beloved of parents everywhere, an emphatic "no". It got to the point where her hatred of school was discussed with a medical professional. Granted, it wasn't a psychiatrist but rather her rheumatology consultant, to whom she made her case - that her lupus was causing brain fog, that she wasn't able to focus in school, that she was falling behind because of the condition.

Perhaps somewhat predictably, the consultant asked some simple questions and then deduced that maybe staying up until 2am in the maze of TikTok is not the most direct route to a functioning brain. This was not well received, as I think there had been an expectation that we would be given a giant tub of Ritalin and all would be well: our student would have laser focus and would achieve 600 points in the Leaving.

Secretly I was relieved, as the appointment we were attending was at a Rituximab clinic, and Rituximab is not a drug that you want to play pharmaceutical Jenga with. There is no point in listing the side-effects, but the most important one right now is that her immune system is compromised. So she can't afford to miss school, as she missed so much last year - even managing to miss virtual classes - that she is already behind, but she also can't afford to be exposed to infection, which she is more likely to be exposed to in school.

So a fun year begins: not the most important year in a young life, but one that has to be endured and survived in order to make what follows after that a little bit easier. I'm not expecting any miracles, or setting a bar at any point about "good enough", but I'm also pig-headed enough to not give in and to know that the Leaving, and all the psychological trauma that goes with it, is the lesser of two fairly benign evils - of the known unknowns of education and career, and the unknown unknowns of dropping out and winging it.




Home prices in Seoul and its neighboring area have shown signs of stabilizing due to the government's measures to cool prices and supply more homes, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Tuesday.







"Market sentiment in the greater Seoul area, which had showed signs of overheating, appeared to have become calm in August," Hong said.







Last month apartment prices in Seoul largely remained flat, Hong said, citing industry data.







Apartment prices in Seoul rose 0.01 percent in the final two weeks of August, compared with a gain of 0.04 percent in the first week of last month, Hong said.







In particular, apartment prices in Seoul's Gangnam Ward remained flat last month, Hong said.







In July, the government announced its toughest measures yet to rein in rising housing prices, as a series of steps, including tax hikes and loan regulations, failed to put the brakes on soaring home prices.







The government also announced it will supply 132,000 homes, including 110,000 homes in Seoul, in the capital city and neighboring areas by 2028 by easing restrictions on the construction of residential buildings.







As part of the supply measure, the government will start selling 30,000 public units next year and another 30,000 homes in 2022 in the greater Seoul area, Hong said. (Yonhap)


Lily James and Armie Hammer are newlyweds dragged into a world of mystery and intrigue in the first trailer for the 2020 adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca.

The preview, released on Tuesday, shows the couple falling in love and tying the knot, until Lily's Mrs de Winter grows suspicious of her husband's late first spouse and begins to doubt his motives.

Rebecca, set to be released on Netflix and in select cinemas on 21 October, is based on the acclaimed 1938 novel of the same name, and was previously adapted for screen by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock in 1940.

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Love story? Lily James and Armie Hammer are newlyweds dragged into a world of mystery and intrigue in the first trailer for the 2020 adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca

In the trailer, Lily's character begins the story as a shy ladies companion who is spotted by the dashing Maxim de Winter (played by Armie) while on a holiday with her mistress in Monte Carlo.

The couple fall madly in love and marry mere weeks later, with the unnamed Mrs de Winter joining her husband at his sprawling Cornish estate in Manderley.

The trailer then shows Mrs de Winter being introduced to home's housekeeper Mrs. Danvers (played by Kristin Scott Thomas), who forever compares her to Maxim's first wife, the illustrious Rebecca, who was supposedly killed in a boating accident.

Unusual: Kristin Scott Thomas plays the sinister housekeeper Mrs. Danvers, who warns Mrs de. Winter of her new husband's mysterious past

Things take a dark turn as Mrs de Winter grows suspicious of her husband, and grows convinced Manderley is haunted by the spirit of his first wife.

The trailer offers a glimpse of the iconic novel's twists and turns as Mrs de. Winter tries to learn the truth about her charming husband's past.

The film - which also stars Keeley Hawes, Sam Riley and Tom Goodman-Hill - is directed by Ben Wheatley, who began his career working British crime thrillers, before helming the Tom Hiddleston-starring High Rise in 2015.

Sweet: The preview, released on Tuesday, shows the couple falling in love and tying the knot, until Mrs de Winter grows suspicious of her husband's first spouse, the illustrious Rebecca

Rebecca was first adapted by Hitchcock in 1940, his first US film, and was produced by the legendary David O. Selznick, who also produced Gone With The Wind.

Starring Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine, the thriller won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

In an interview with the Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye, Lily revealed that co-star Kristin was 'so absolutely terrifying' as scary housekeeper Mrs. Danvers.

Epic: Rebecca is based on the acclaimed 1938 novel of the same name, and was previously adapted for screen by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock in 1940

Sinister: The trailer offers a glimpse of the film's twists and turns, as Mrs de Winter learns more about her husband's first wife

In fact, revealed the actress this summer, Lily said she felt compelled to obey her costar's every command while they were filming the new version of Daphne du Maurier's gothic thriller.

'I almost jumped out of a window when she told me to!' Lily admitted, as she spoke about the film adaptation of the classic romantic murder mystery.

Fortunately, the stars enjoyed much light between takes when they weren't inhabiting their characters, all of them oppressed by the shadow of Rebecca.

'Oh, God, we were really hamming it up when we weren't in front of the cameras!' Lily told Baz.

Key interior scenes were captured at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, while the lush grounds of Manderley were actually filmed at Mapperton, in Dorset.

Rebecca is released on Netflix on October 21.
Judge issues verdict of guilty against actor Efremov in fatal crash case

 RAPSI, Eugeny Varlamov

11:41 08/09/2020

MOSCOW, September 8 (RAPSI)  Judge Elena Abramova on Tuesday found Russian actor Mikhail Efremov guilty of committing a deadly road traffic accident under the influence of alcohol, a RAPSI correspondent reported from the Presnensky District Court of Moscow.

The court stated that during the trial Efremov denied his guilt. Thus, his final plea during the stage of arguments will not be considered as a mitigating circumstance.

On September 3, a prosecutor demanded an 11-year imprisonment for Efremov and driving ban for 3 years. That day, the court heard the parties arguments. Before the beginning Efremov made a plea of guilty. Earlier, he refused to admit his guilt and said he remembered nothing.

The famous actor stands charged with committing a traffic offense in a drunken state that led to a victims death. He could face from 5 to 12 years behind bars if convicted.

On the evening of June 8, Efremov driving his car crossed into the oncoming lane in central Moscow and collided with a delivery service vehicle. He was arrested on the scene. Alcohol and drugs were reportedly found in his blood. Victim Sergey Zakharov was taken to hospital where he died early in the morning of June 9.

On June 9, Moscows Tagansky District Court ordered Efremov to be put under house arrest; the measure is still in force. In particular, he was banned from communicating with other case parties, using mobile phone and Internet.




We all know how the "Ghostbusters" story goes: Hilarious paranormal film with lots of slime and former "Saturday Night Live" stars Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray hits big in 1984, spurs two sequels (one in 1989 and one forthcoming in 2021) and a reboot (in 2016), and becomes an instant classic.

But before it was released, nobody knew that was going to happen.

Which brings us to the very different cinema world of the early 1980s, where apparently stars of films that had all that classic potential still had to make promotional videos urging theater owners to actually show the movie. Turns out that both Akyroyd and Murray made just such an ad, and screenwriter/actor Todd Spence has thankfully shared it on Twitter (warning: there's one F-bomb):

This is amazing. Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray shot this short film for independent theater owners to sell them on showing GHOSTBUSTERS.



And check out that original theme song too. Rad stuff. pic.twitter.com/rODR2GXXIE  TODD SPENCE (@Todd_Spence) September 8, 2020

"This is amazing. Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray shot this short film for independent theater owners to sell them on showing GHOSTBUSTERS. And check out that original theme song too. Rad stuff," he wrote in the tweet. (A longer version lives here, on YouTube; the full version features unfinished scenes from the film and is 13 minutes long.)

In the video, the comedy duo speak to theater owners at the industry event ShoWest, which was held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The film was still being filmed in Burbank, California, when they made the clip, according to Spook Central: The Ghostbusters Companion webpage, so they had to talk it all up despite not having even wrapped.

"(T)his (movie) is gonna make 'E.T.' look like 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' you know what I'm saying?" quips Murray, deadpan. "This is gonna be the kind of thing that your children are gonna say, 'Dad, I can look up to you now, but I never could before.' Isn't it worth it? Isn't it worth it? God, I mean, we made a lot of cheap movies for you guys that made a lot of money, but now we kind of spent a little more than we're supposed to."

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GHOSTBUSTERS, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, 1984. ((C)Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection)

Adds Aykroyd, "Columbia Pictures has spared no expense to make this... a fine science fiction comedy spectacle." He lets everyone know it's a PG film, after which Murray says that stands for "pink gums."

"I mean, the people who can come in and eat and eat and eat that sugar and popcorn and those soft drinks," says Murray.

"And the thickness of the sucrose syrup on the floors of your theaters after this film is over, after every screening. I mean, we're talking inches and inches," says Aykroyd.

But if that wasn't enough, the video features one more gem toward the end  the debut of the "Ghostbusters" theme song, and it goes a little something like this:

"Front line, anytime/ Take it right to the Ghostbusters/ Cool heads under fire/ Never mess with the Ghostbusters"

Photo of Ray Parker Jr. (Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images)

Now, wait a minute. What happened to Ray Parker Jr.? To "who you gonna call"? Well, it turns out that the movie wasn't the only thing that wasn't totally finished  there was more than one potential theme song being considered. The one in the video is from Glenn Hughes and Pat Thrall, and it can be heard in its entirety here.

Fortunately, everything ultimately worked out like it was supposed to: Theater owners loved "Ghostbusters" almost as much as the audience, and Ray Parker Jr. came up with his signature tune and line about who you should call in case of paranormal infestation. And now we all know who to call: Ghostbusters!
The Clarion Project reports that Harvard University has selected Saeb Erekat  who serves as secretary general of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)  to be a fellow at the Kennedy Schools Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Erekats duties will include mentoring students and giving seminars in the schools The Future of Diplomacy Project.

Erekat is rabidly anti-Israel, as one would expect from a PLO official. Clarions Meira Svirsky informs us that Erekat called random stabbing attacks on Israeli citizens by Palestinian terrorists self-defense. In addition, says Svirsky:

In 2015, Erekat compared Israel to ISIS saying, There is no difference between the terrorism practiced by the group led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Israels terrorism. He called Israels expansion of settlements terrorism at a time when settlements had seen nearly zero physical expansion for 25 years. In negotiations with then-Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Erekat admitted that the settlements took up only 1.1 percent of the areas Palestinians wanted for a state. Erekat denies archaeological evidence of the Jewish history in Jerusalem. Erekat claimed his family had lived in Israel for 9,000 years, yet evidence shows that the family comes from the Huwait region of Arabia.

He also accused Israel of assassinating Yasser Arafat.

Erekat isnt just a liar. Hes also a failed diplomat. Hes been involved in every Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiation since 2000. None has been fruitful. Yet, Erekat will be lecturing Harvard students on diplomacy.

Why did Harvard grant a fellowship to such a man? Partly, I assume, because the powers-that-be share his anti-Israel views.

But there may be more to it than that. Svirsky says the Palestinian Authority (PA), which essentially serves as the governmental arm of the PLO, made six donations to Harvard between the 2017 and 2019. The donations totaled $2,625,000.

Yet, the PLO routinely pleads poverty as it seeks, and receives, donations from the U.S. government and the EU. According to Svirsky, as of December 2018, the U.S. had given the Palestinian Authority $5 billion in taxpayer dollars since 1994.

Much of this money lines the pockets of top PA executives. However, Israel maintains that it is also used to support terrorism.

And now we learn that the PLO is using a portion of its U.S. funded subsidy to purchase influence at Harvard, along with a seat at that institution for one of its virulently anti-Israel leaders.

Sickening.
The Queen will return to work at Buckingham Palace in October as she and Prince Philip cut their Scottish summer holiday short for a two-week break at Sandringham.

The monarch, 94, and Duke of Edinburgh, 99, typically remain at Balmoral, in Aberdeenshire, until next month but will now depart earlier, Buckingham Palace said today.

The Palace confirmed the Queen hopes to resume 'selected audiences and engagements' in London in October for the first time since the coronavirus crisis struck the UK in March.

She and Philip will depart from Balmoral next week and travel to Norfolk together to 'spend time privately' at the Sandringham Estate, where the Duke spends much of his retirement at Wood Farm.

The Queen will then return to Windsor in October, from where she will travel to Buckingham Palace for working visits.

The Queen, 94, and Prince Philip (pictured together at Windsor), 99, arrived at Balmoral at the start of August and have enjoyed visits from family in the weeks since. They will now travel to Sandringham when they leave Balmoral next week, it has been announced

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived at Balmoral (pictured), in Aberdeenshire, at the start of August and have enjoyed visits from family in the weeks since. Stock image

In a statement, the Palace said: 'The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will depart Balmoral Castle during the week commencing September 14 to spend time privately on the Sandringham Estate.

'Subject to the finalisation of the autumn programme, Her Majesty's intention is to return to Windsor Castle in October and to resume the use of Buckingham Palace for selected audiences and engagements.

'These plans will be kept under review and will of course be subject to all relevant guidance and advice.'

The Duke of Edinburgh, who spends much of his time on the Sandringham Estate, has yet to confirm his plans.

MailOnline has contacted Buckingham Palace for more details.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived at Balmoral, in Aberdeenshire, at the start of August and have enjoyed visits from family in the weeks since.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will now spend at least two weeks 'privately' at Sandringham (pictured)

Pictured: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrive at Balmoral Castle on August 4

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have spent time on the estate, as have Princess Anne and Prince Andrew.

It comes following reports that the Queen is set to make Windsor Castle her main home and won't resume residence at Buckingham Palace this year, according to a royal source.

Her Majesty would like to 'commute' to London for engagements if it is safe to do so, the Sunday Times reported.

It is believed the Queen's absence from Buckingham Palace will be her longest during her 68-year reign.

The Queen would usually go back to the premises in October following her summer break in Balmoral.

It is believed that proposals are being reviewed for how the Queen (pictured in March) could safely attend commemorations at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday in November

Instead, following her time in Sandringham, she will return to Windsor Castle where she self-isolated with the Duke of Edinburgh from March 19 prior to their Scottish holiday.

A royal source said: 'There is a desire to get Buckingham Palace up and running again as a working palace, but only if all the relevant advice suggests that it is appropriate to do so.'

It is believed that proposals are being reviewed for how the Queen could safely attend commemorations at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday in November.

But Her Majesty apparently won't be returning to Buckingham Palace again until the threat from COVID-19 is extinguished.

However, it is thought that the Queen will be spending her usual Christmas break at Sandringham in Norfolk.
After decades of setbacks, the American labor movement has made some headway in the last few years.

Striking teachers have won better pay and working conditions in a few states. Air traffic controllers effectively ended a 2019 government shutdown by refusing to work without pay. The percentage of Americans who say they support unions has risen to 65 percent, according to Gallup.

And Joe Biden has sent signals that, if elected, he may make labor policy a higher priority than Barack Obama or Bill Clinton did. (Biden told A.F.L.-C.I.O. members yesterday that he would be the strongest labor president you have ever had.)

But the most intriguing sign of a potential union resurgence comes from the other side of the political spectrum. As conservative policy experts have begun imagining a post-Trump Republican Party, some are arguing that it should drop its longtime antipathy to unions.

Republicans now rely on working-class votes, these experts point out, and unions have a long record of lifting workers living standards. The decline of unions, on the other hand, has contributed to slow-growing living standards for most Americans. A stronger labor movement, according to this view, would be better than high taxes and big anti-poverty programs.
Politician and representative of the Coordination Council for members of the Belarusian opposition Maria Kolesnikova attends a news conference in Minsk on Aug. 24, 2020. (Vasily Fedosenko / Reuters)

Belarusian Protest Leader Detained After Failed Attempt to Expel Her

KYIVProminent opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova was detained by Belarusian authorities on Tuesday, a border official said, after thwarting what a Ukrainian government minister described as an attempt to expel her from Belarus.

The Interfax Ukraine news agency said the activist had deliberately ripped up her passport so that Ukrainian border officials would not be able to let her through.

Deputy Ukrainian Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko said on Facebook that Kolesnikova, who had been missing for the past 24 hours, had successfully prevented a forcible expulsion from her native country.

People attend an opposition rally to protest against police brutality in Minsk on Sept. 6, 2020. (Tut.By via Reuters)

The fate of Kolesnikova, a key figure in weeks of mass protests over the disputed re-election of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, had been a mystery since supporters said she was snatched in the street by masked men in the capital Minsk on Monday.

Maria Kolesnikova was not able to be deported from Belarus as this brave woman took steps to prevent herself from being moved across the border. She remained on the territory of the republic of Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko is personally responsible for her life and health, Gerashchenko said.

Kolesnikovas whereabouts were unclear. Two other opposition figures who had gone missing around the same time as her, Anton Rodnenkov and Ivan Kravtsov, did however enter Ukraine in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the Ukrainian border service said.

This image made from video shows Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko armed with a Kalashnikov-type rifle near the Palace of Independence in Minsk on Aug. 23, 2020. (State TV and Radio Company of Belarus via AP Photo)

Kolesnikova has now been detained, I cant say concretely where she is, but she has been detained, Anton Bychkovsky, a representative of the Belarusian border service, told Reuters by phone.

She was detained in connection with the circumstances under which they (the group) left the territory of Belarus, he said.

Leaders Scattered

With the detention of Kolesnikova and the arrest or flight of other opposition figures, Lukashenko has attempted to cripple the leadership of the protest movement, yet it shows no sign of abating after four weeks of mass demonstrations and strikes.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who stood against him in an Aug. 9 presidential election that the opposition says was rigged, said on Tuesday that he was heading an illegitimate regime.

Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addresses the nation of Belarus from an undisclosed location in Lithuana, on Aug. 17, 2020. (Reuters/Screenshot of video address)

Lukashenko does not have any legitimacy as the president of our country. He does not represent Belarus anymore, she told a Council of Europe committee from her headquarters in Vilnius, Lithuania, where she fled after the election.

Lukashenko, facing the biggest challenge to his 26-year-old rule, retains the backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has said he will send Russian police to back him if needed.

Lukashenko denies vote-rigging and has accused foreign powers of trying to topple him in a revolution. He has responded with a crackdown which some of those detained say includes torture and beatings.

A girl covers with an old Belarusian National flag as people stand near the place where Alexander Taraikovsky died amid the clashes protesting the election results, in Minsk, on Aug. 24, 2020. (Dmitri Lovetsky/AP Photo)

Diplomats told Reuters on Monday that the European Union is preparing a package of sanctions against 31 Belarusian officials over the election and the subsequent violence.

Kolesnikova, a member of the opposition coordination council, was the last of three female politicians left in Belarus who joined forces before the election to challenge Lukashenko.

In an interview with Reuters last month, she called on the West not to recognize him as president and said his rule was crumbling.

By Pavel Polityuk
The ruling eliminates Evo Morales from having parliamentary immunity against sedition and other charges against him.

A Bolivian court has blocked deposed former President Evo Morales from seeking a seat in the Chamber of Senators in the countrys October elections, arguing that the ex-leader, living in Argentina, does not meet residency requirements.

Morales sent a tweet saying he would not appeal Mondays decision, though he said before the ruling that the court was acting under threats and pressures, and he considered the ruling political and illegal.

The ruling eliminates the possibility that Morales could obtain parliamentary immunity against sedition and other charges against him, but his Movement Toward Socialism party still controls the Legislative Assembly and polls indicate it remains the frontrunner for the October 18 vote.

Bajo amenazas y presiones de procesos, el dirimidor tomo una decision politica ilegal e inconstitucional. La historia demuestra que podran inhabilitar a Evo pero no podran proscribir al pueblo.  Evo Morales Ayma (@evoespueblo) September 7, 2020

After 14 years in power, Morales resigned under pressure from the military and police on November 10 amid widespread protests and disturbances alleging he was attempting to fraudulently claim re-election. He went into exile, first in Mexico and later in Argentina.

After several people in the line of succession also stepped aside, conservative Senator Jeanine Anez claimed the interim presidency. Her administration has tried to reverse many of Moraless leftist policies and foreign alliances.

A recent poll by the Unitel televison network showed the candidate of Morales party, Luis Arce, supported by 26 percent of those surveyed, trailed by former President Carlos Meza, Anez and five other candidates. It is likely a second round would be held.

A woman holding a sign reading, Paedophiles will not return during a protest outside a court of justice before an appeal filed by former President Evo Morales in an attempt to qualify as a candidate for senator in the October 18 general elections, was rejected, in La Paz, Bolivia [David Mercado/Reuters]

Last month, Bolivias justice ministry filed a complaint against Morales for statutory rape and human trafficking in connection to his alleged relationship with a 16-year-old girl.

Morales denounced the complaint as part of a dirty war.

Bolivias deputy minister of transparency, Guido Melgar, said the government had reviewed photographs, audio files and messages that the woman, now 19, sent to the former president by mobile phone when she was underage.

This suggests that there was a relationship of infatuation between the two people, Melgar said. According to the information, this lady went everywhere with Morales when he was president.

The woman, however, accused the police of forcing her to say she had a relationship with Morales, in a letter sent to Bolivias Ombudsmans Office.

I have been a victim of police harassment, she said in the letter. They told me that if I did not say everything they imposed on me, they would prosecute me for sedition and terrorism. They forced me to testify under pressure, without a lawyer.
There was a significant spike in cases over the weekend sparking fears of a second wave. (Getty)

Fears of a second wave of coronavirus must not stop the UK from getting back to normal, an Oxford scientist has warned.

Professor Sir John Bell, regius chair of medicine at Oxford University, said Britain needs to stop being terrified by the COVID-19 virus and consider the damage already caused by the lockdown restrictions.

On Monday the number of new coronavirus cases rose to 2,948 in a 24-hour period.

It meant the UK had seen another significant spike in cases for the second day in a row after an increase of 3,287 new cases on Sunday - the highest daily increase since 22 May.

The spike in infections reported in the past few days was to be expected as life slowly returns to our streets and workplaces, Prof Bell wrote in the Daily Mail.

They are concerning and, yes, we must be prepared for a second wave of COVID-19 while working hard to contain localised outbreaks to prevent it.

We must not, however, let this hamper our efforts to return to normality.

On Monday, Englands deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, said he was concerned the country had experienced a big change in infections.

He added: Weve been able to relax a bit over the summer, the disease levels have been really quite low in the UK through the summer but these latest figures really show us that much as people might like to say oh well its gone away  this hasnt gone away.

And if were not careful, if we dont take this incredibly seriously from this point in were going to have a bumpy ride over the next few months.

Professor Van-Tam said the 17-21 age group had seen a much more marked rise in infections but there was also a more general trend upwards.

Prof Bell urged people to get back on public transport (Picture: Getty)

Prof Bell also said most of the new infections were among the young, who normally experienced moderate or no symptoms. But added we had not yet seen a jump in hospital admissions or deaths.

He urged the UK to claim back our old lives and get back on public transport, to offices and to concerts.

Story continues

Professor Andrew Haywood, of UCL Epidemiology and Health Care, responded directly to Prof Bell on Radio 4 on Tuesday morning.

He said he was concerned a lot of restrictions, including a return to schools and universities, were being lifted at the same time we expect to see high levels of transmission.

He added: I think we very much have to balance our return to normality.

The thing that concerns me is that we low that respiratory infections spread most effectively in the winter and would normally peak over the winter months.

Coronavirus: what happened today

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THUNDER BAY, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / Wolfden Resources Corporation (TSXV:WLF) ("Wolfden" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an update to its ongoing 5,000 metre drill program and exploration program at its wholly owned Pickett Mountain Project in Northeastern Maine. Seven holes have been drilled to date (see Figure 1), to test for potential extensions of the two main lenses of massive sulphide mineralization that host the mineral resource. Three of the seven holes have intersected massive sulphide mineralization, including a record high-grade intercept, and two of the holes still have pending assays. The program will move to test further step-out targets (within 300 to 2000 metres) by late September.

Results received to date highlight hole PM20-02 that targeted the western edge of the West Lens and surprisingly, returned the highest base metal grade intercept on the property to date with 3.1 metres at 44.05% ZnEq (including 27.93% Zn, 13.98% Pb, 0.83% Cu, 98.1 g/t Ag and 0.66 g/t Au) at a vertical depth of approximately 200 metres below surface (see Figure 2). True width is estimated at 2.4 metres. Immediately below the massive sulphide mineralization is a 9-metre stringer-type copper zone that returned 1.32 % Cu and 8.2 g/t Ag. The true width of the copper stringer zone is unknown.

"Results from PM20-02 indicate that there still remains considerable upside in expanding and upgrading the Pickett Mt. mineral resource," stated Don Dudek, VP Exploration. "Although much of our focus is on finding new lenses along trend and in the footwall of the deposit, we will undoubtedly return to an infill and expansion drill program in due course. Our knowledge of how and where the massive sulphide mineralization was deposited continues to grow with every drill hole and will be useful in the search for additional resources. "

The historic hole 77 (as see in Figure 2), which intersected the plane of mineralization about 45 metres to the west of PM20-02, had an approximate 45-metre wide stringer zone with some Cu-stringer mineralization zones, but sub-economic sulphides. The western edge of the West Lens mineralization occurs between these two holes and, depending on the orientation of the feeder zone, which is inferred to be oriented parallel to the western margin of the West Lens, it may be possible, to add additional higher-grade resources with infill drilling.

Story continues

Diamond Drilling Program Outline

Seven of the fifteen planned drill holes have been completed to date as per the drill plan outlined in the Pickett Mountain Project presentation and on the attached plan map. Those holes that have intersected massive sulphide and stringer mineralization have been sampled and sent to an independent laboratory for assessment. Additional assays are pending in the coming weeks and where the total laboratory around time has been approximately seven to eight weeks. The various holes are designed to test new targets and support the development of an updated geological model with a goal to discover additional resources proximal to the Pickett Mountain deposit.

Ground Work

Mapping and sampling (rock and soils) has been completed on the new grids and select target areas within the 30 km belt. Additional reconnaissance-style soil sampling is planned in areas with favorable volcanic rocks that have no record of any previous work. The goal of this work is to identify new potential basins that could host massive sulphide mineralization similar to Pickett Mt. Drilling in these areas is planned for this fall.

About Wolfden and the Pickett Mountain Project

With the support of major investors Kinross Gold Corporation and Altius Minerals, Wolfden plans to explore and develop its wholly owned Pickett Mountain Project in Maine, USA, one of the highest-grade polymetallic projects in North America (Zn, Pb, Cu, Ag, Au). This relatively advanced project is well-located near excellent infrastructure which will support straight forward development.

Pickett Mountain Mineral Resources* as at January 7, 2019 using a 9% ZnEq cut-off

2.05 Mt at 19.32% ZnEq of Indicated (9.9% Zn, 3.9% Pb, 1.4% Cu, 102 g/t Ag & 0.92 g/t Au) 2.03 Mt at 20.61% ZnEq of Inferred (11.0 % Zn, 4.4% lead, 1.2% Cu, 111 g/t Ag & 0.92 g/t Au)

Upcoming Milestones

5,000 metre exploration drill program underway to further expand resources and discover new zones Preliminary Economic Assessment September 2020 Approval of the ongoing rezoning petition in 2021 would be a significant milestone Securing additional high-grade projects and exploration drill targets in Maine

The information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Don Dudek, P. Geo., VP Exploration, and Ron Little P.Eng., President and CEO, who are Qualified Persons' under National Instrument 43-101. The metal prices used to determine Zinc Equivalent (ZnEq) grades are US$1.20/pound for zinc, US$1.00/pound for lead, US$2.50/pound for copper, US$16.00/troy ounce for silver, and US$1200/troy ounce for gold. For further information on the project, see technical report entitled "National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report, Pickett Mountain Project Resource Estimation Report, Penobscot County, Maine, USA" dated January 7, 2019.

For further information please contact Ron Little, President & CEO, at (807) 624-1136 or Rahim Lakha at (416) 414-9954

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation) that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information includes statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance of the Company, and include, without limitation, statements relating to information about future activities at the Pickett Mountain Project that include plans to complete a preliminary economic assessment in 2020, receive approval of a rezoning petition by 2021, and secure other high-grade projects and exploration drill targets in Maine. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information in this news release, including without limitation, the following risks and uncertainties: (i) risks inherent in the mining industry; (ii) regulatory and environmental risks; (iii) results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; (iv) risks relating to the estimation of mineral resources; (v) stock market volatility and capital market fluctuations; and (vi) general market and industry conditions. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. This forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management on the date hereof and is expressly qualified by this notice. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada at www.sedar.com. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by applicable law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Wolfden Resources Corporation





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/605074/Wolfden-Announces-Record-High-Grade-Intercept-at-Pickett-Mt-in-Maine-441-Zn-Equivalent-over-31-metres




Anunt de selectare a participantilor si participantelor la cel de-al doilea curs de instruire din cadrul Programului educational pentru dezvoltarea competentelor lucratorilor de tineret
Gov. Doug Ducey has no plans to use state resources to make up for the fact that more than 430,000 Arizonans will soon see their jobless benefits cut by more than half. "It's on Congress,'' he repeated Thursday.
South Sudan's health minister Elizabeth Achuei Yol (C) awards a certificate to a member of the Chinese medical expert team in Juba, South Sudan, Sept. 6, 2020. The Chinese medical expert team finished its anti-virus missions in South Sudan and Guinea, and left for China from Juba on Sept. 6. (Photo by Gale Julius/Xinhua)

JUBA, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- The seventh batch of Chinese medical team in South Sudan on Sunday had left the country after completing a 17-month medical assistance mission in the east African country.

The Chinese medics were replaced by the eight batch which arrived in South Sudan about two weeks ago.

During their stay, the 15-member team, from China's Anhui Province, provided about 8,000 free medical consultations across South Sudan.

The medical team was joined in the trip back to China by another eight-member Chinese medical expert team returning from anti-virus missions in Guinea and South Sudan.

South Sudan's health minister Elizabeth Achuei Yol said the Chinese medics have been resourceful to the people of South Sudan.

"We are honored and happy for the great job the Chinese have done and continue to do in South Sudan. We are particularly proud of the skills the expert team passed to our medical staff," Achuei said during a joint farewell ceremony for the Chinese medical teams on Sunday.

"We will never forget the good things China has done for us especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. I want this relationship to be promoted for the future generations," she added.

Hua Ning, Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, said China will continue to support South Sudan's quest to build a strong and resilient health care system.

"Good friends will always feel close even though they are thousands of miles away from each other. So, we are determined to push forward the relation between China and South Sudan," Hua said.

While in South Sudan, the two medical teams provided several training sessions to medical students, health workers and also shared experience on the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gardai are investigating the circumstances behind a violent attack by a number of youths on a man in playground in Edgeworthstown, the Leader can reveal.

A video of the alleged attack, which has been seen by the Leader, shows over half a dozen teenagers surround a man as he sat on a wall at a playground, known locally as 'The Green'.

A number of young males can be seen remonstrating with the man before launching a vicious attack on the man as he lay on the ground.

Another man who attempted to come to the victim's aid was also set upon by the group, forcing him to the ground with a barrage of punches and kicks to the body.

One of the alleged suspects can also be heard shouting: "Welcome to Ireland" as a demand is made for a mobile phone.

It's not clear, however, at this stage if the alleged assault is being treated as racially motivated.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Granard Garda Station on (043) 6686512.
 Flash

With their own concrete actions, individual politicians in the United States are destroying and ending the free market, competitive neutrality, the rule of law, and international rules that the U.S. has always flaunted, a Chinese spokesperson said on Monday.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a press briefing in response to remarks made by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Under Secretary of State Keith Krach, who attempt to discredit the Communist Party of China and call on countries and companies to join the so-called "Clean Network" program.

Noting that the U.S. frequently withdrew from international agreements, sanctioned staff of international organizations, launched trade wars, brutally suppressed foreign high-tech companies, and arrested Chinese corporate executives with no sound excuses, Zhao said the remarks by the above-mentioned U.S. officials further proves the U.S. "diplomacy of lies, cheating, and theft."

Zhao said that the U.S. used "coercive and deceptive" tactics in its effort to create the so-called "Clean Network."

He said that through projects such as PRISM, the Equation Group, and ECHELON, the U.S. has built an empire of spying, wiretapping, and hacking.

"The U.S. has been notorious for various misdeeds in these respects. It has no right to point fingers at other countries," Zhao said.

"It is the United States that refuses to compete in a fair, equal, and transparent manner," Zhao said, calling on the international community to resist perverse actions of the United States.
A second member of tourism promotion body Failte Ireland has resigned after holidaying abroad.

Breege ODonoghue, who sits on the board, stepped down after it emerged she spent time in Spain, which is not on Irelands Green list.

It comes after former chairman Michael Cawley left his role after he was holidaying in Italy despite the Government asking citizens to take a staycation.

The Irish Examiner newspaper reported that Ms ODonoghue went on holiday to her second home in Marbella for a week in July and another week August.

In a statement, the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Catherine Martin said she accepted the resignation of Ms ODonoghue.

Ms Martin said: We are all aware of the devastating impact that Covid-19 restrictions have had on the tourism and hospitality sectors and I am disappointed to learn that a second member of the Board of Failte Ireland travelled abroad this summer, notwithstanding Government advice.

In order to support our own industry, and in line with the prevailing Government health advice, Failte Ireland has been to the forefront in promoting domestic holidays.

Ultimately, staying at home supports our tourism industry at a devastating time, showing solidarity in the face of a pandemic that is costing lives and livelihoods across Ireland and the world.

I rang Ms ODonoghue this evening and she has offered her resignation which I have accepted.

I wish to thank Ms ODonoghue for her service as a member of the Board of Failte Ireland and her important contribution to the work of promoting tourism in Ireland during this time. I have accepted her resignation as I believe it would not be tenable for her to continue in the role, given all of the circumstances.

Ms Martin said she has sought a meeting with the board of Failte Ireland.

I will make clear that members of the board are expected to show leadership during this time of unprecedented crisis in the sector which they represent, she added.
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Experiencing Iceland's amazing geothermal lagoons is a real hassle for Britons at the moment, as they have to quarantine for up to 14 days upon arrival in the country.

Luckily, they can now enjoy a similar experience right here in the UK, because the country's first geothermal lido has opened in Cornwall.

It is a new feature of the open-air Jubilee Pool in Penzance and contains natural saltwater heated to a toasty 35C.

The new geothermal lido, left, at the Jubilee Pool in Penzance, where natural saltwater is heated to a toasty 35C

The pool, pictured, is the first of its kind in the UK. Its normal capacity will be 50 - although it is currently capped at a social-distancing-friendly 15

The geothermal pool, which opened to the public last week, is part of a 1.8million investment programme

The pool, in the foreground, is heated by extracting warm water from a geothermal well that is 1,345ft (410m) deep

The geothermal pool, which opened to the public last week, is part of a 1.8million upgrade for the Art Deco Jubilee Pool, which is divided into three sections - the geothermal pool, a much larger non-heated main pool and a smaller learner pool for children.

Some of the money was raised via a public share offering, with 1,400 shareholders, of which 970 are local to Penzance, stumping up 540,000.

The idea of introducing a geothermal section was first mooted 10 years ago by Charlie Nixon - the brother of former Jubilee Pool director Martin Nixon - who experienced bathing in geothermal pools in New Zealand and told Cornwall Council how people often struggled in the Cornish pool's chilly temperatures.

It is hoped that the new geothermal pool can remain open all year round and its normal capacity will be 50 - although it is currently 15 due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The Jubilee Pool's website explains how the pool is heated using a geothermal well that is 1,345ft (410m) deep.

It says: 'The system operates by extracting warm water from one geothermal well, taking the heat out of that water using heat pumps and distributing it to the pool via a heat exchanger, before re-injecting the cooler water back into the ground.

A local family, with a long history of using the Jubilee Pool, were the first people to experience using the new geothermal pool

The geothermal pool is open Tuesday to Saturdays with hour-long sessions available. Adult tickets cost 11.75

A young swimmer tries out the new geothermal pool. It is hoped it will 'act as a showcase for geothermal, low carbon heat supply'

'The initial pool heating results suggest that it's about 80 per cent geothermal, but ultimately all the energy is coming from our geothermal well. We are using the heat pumps to concentrate that energy to the exact temperature required for the pool.

'This combined system means that the temperature of the pool can be sustained with a very low carbon footprint.

'The system is the first of its kind in the United Kingdom and will act as a showcase for geothermal, low carbon heat supply.'

However, the website does point out that although it is the first geothermal lido, it is not the first geothermal bath in the UK: 'The Romans beat us to it by 2,000 years in Bath!'

As well as the geothermal pool, the 1.8million investment also paid for upgraded changing facilities and showers, a new cafe with double the seating capacity and a new multi-purpose community space.

The geothermal pool is open Tuesday to Saturdays with hour-long sessions available. Adult tickets cost 11.75.
A worker of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), the political wing of the Popular Front of India, was stabbed to death in Kannavam in the politically-volatile north Kerala district of Kannur on Tuesday, the police said.

According to the police, he was travelling with some of his family members and the assailants who came in two motorbikes waylaid him and crashed into his vehicle. When he stepped out of the car he was stabbed repeatedly and he died on the spot. The police said deceased Syed Mohammad Salahuddin was one of the accused in the murder of ABVP leader Shyma Prasad two years ago. The seventh accused in Prasads murder case, he was out on bail. Though police suspect the alleged role of the RSS in the murder, they said details will be known only after a proper investigation.

Kannur is notorious for RSS-CPI (M) clashes and of late workers of the SDPI and Popular Front have also been involved in violent clashes. Last week, three workers of the ruling CPI (M) were injured while country-made bombs they were assembling went off accidentally. All three injured are involved in political murder cases but the embarrassed party later distanced itself from the incident and disowned them.

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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 Inc.s 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.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Jonathan Oatis)

Topics Politics
Chennai: The alleged large scale siphoning off of funds meant for the States farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, which envisages an annual cash payment of Rs 6000 to each of the 9.5 crore farmers in the country, saw not just the BJP submitting petitions but also the DMK demanding a CBI investigation into the scam.

Looting seems to be the prime objective of the State government, led by Edappadi K Palaniswami, said DMK President M K Stalin in a statement on Monday, saying that the Central funds had been swindled by paying fake farmers the money.

In the Chief Ministers district of Salem alone 10,700 fake farmers had received the money meant for farmers, Stalin said, adding that it was a state-wide scam running into Rs four crore.

He also alleged a similar scam in the Prime Ministers Housing scheme, Pradhan Manthiri Awas Yojana, saying that in Thiruvarur district alone 150 cases of fake drawing of money meant for providing houses to the poor had been detected.

Stalin demanded a BJP investigation into the farmers fund scam and said the State government had pulled it off by appointing favourable agricultural officers. He even doubted if the Centre was conniving at the corrupt practices of the State government.

The central scheme envisages paying the Rs 6000 to farmers in three instalments and swindle has taken place in the release of the first instalment of Rs 2000 each.

The BJP, as announced earlier, submitted memoranda to all district collectors in the State on Monday demanding action against those who had illegally siphoned off funds meant for farmers. In Chennai, BJP leader V P Duraisamy and Karu Nagarajan presented the petition to the Chief Secretary.

The petition urged the State government to appoint an enquiry commission to go into the scam and take action against all those who were responsible for the swindling of funds meant for farmers. It was a crime to take the money illegally, the petition said.

Reacting to the allegation, Textile Minister O S Manian said in Nagapattinam that the State government has launched an investigation into the scam. It happened because the Centre simplified the procedures for enrolling into the scheme.

Initially they were identifying the beneficiaries through the village administrative officers and then through officials of the agricultural department. Then when they allowed for direct application, fake cases started drawing money, he said, adding that the State government was implementing the scheme only with the Centre guidance.

Agricultural Minister R Doraikannu said in Thanjavur that the government had ordered an investigation by the CB-CID after receiving information of illegal drawing of money meant for farmers. Not only would the funds be taken back from the fake farmers but also action be taken against them, Doraikannu said.
Theres one other aspect of the hybrid approach that makes it the best tack that CPS can take in the midst of the pandemic. Parents can opt out and have their children taught through remote learning only, if they choose. Ultimately, parents are in the best position to weigh whats right for their children. No one knows their kids better than they do. They know how receptive their children are to remote learning, or how disengaged they can be from it.
Minn. pastor says its OK for parents to give kids a 'good spanking' for discipline

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A column published last Saturday on theologian John Pipers Christian theology website, Desiring God, by a Minnesota pastor argues that a good spanking should be an option for parents who want to discipline their children.

Sam Crabtree, a small group pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis who authored the 2019 book Parenting with Loving Correction, wrote in response to critics who oppose spanking and other forms of corporal punishment as methods of discipline for children.

While describing spanking opponents as well-intended with valid concerns, Crabtree argued that there is such a thing as good spanking when parents opt to discipline their children.

... [M]any who oppose spanking sweep all corporal punishment into a single bucket without distinguishing between wise and foolish parental correction, as if factors like timing, dose, implement, and advance instruction make no difference, wrote Crabtree, a former public school teacher and who serves as chairman of the board of the Bethlehem College & Seminary.

Just as bad preaching doesnt disqualify all pulpits, and bad writing doesnt mean we should banish publishing, and a bad haircut doesnt mean you should go Nazarite, so bad spanking doesnt mean there isnt good spanking.

Crabtree went on to contend that a good spanking involves applying a predetermined amount of physical pain in direct response to a childs defiance.

Defiance starts in the heart and works its way out into behaviors of the body (tantrums, disobedience, mouthiness, rebellious facial expressions), he explained.

[S]o spanking works in the opposite direction: it moves toward the heart by first gaining the attention of the body, commonly via the well-padded buttocks.

Crabtree then laid out six principles of good spanking.

Those principles include understanding that the perfect loving Father uses the rod, parents modeling correction through confessing and repentance, not overusing spanking for discipline, applying corporal punishment with utmost consistency and limiting the severity of the punishment such as not breaking skin or hitting eyes.

The sixth principle, he explained, is recognizing that spanking must be accompanied by other tools of parenting.

Wise parents dont start with spanking, but with other measures: rewards, interruptions, the look of disapproval, loss of privileges, restitution, he explained.

The use of corporal punishment when disciplining children has been a source of controversy in recent times, with some countries considering it tantamount to abuse and banning the practice.

In 2018, the health journal BMJ published a study that analyzed data from 88 countries. The study concluded that nations that banned spanking had lower rates of youth violence.

Whether bans precipitated changes in child discipline or reflected a social milieu that inhibits youth violence remains unclear due to the study design and data limitations, concluded the study. However, these results support the hypothesis that societies that prohibit the use of corporal punishment are less violent for youth to grow up in than societies that have not.

In a 2016 piece for Scientific American, contributing editor Melinda Wenner Moyer wrote that despite multiple studies indicating that spanking is harmful, some researchers remain skeptical.

Studies suggest, for instance, that the effects of spanking can differ depending on the circumstances, she explained.

Two studies have found no associations between spanking and mental health problems among kids who were spanked less than once or twice a month; other research has shown that spanking has much less of a negative effect on preschool kids than on infants and adolescents.

Moyer added that when it comes to the question of corporal punishment for children, there was a chicken-or-egg question tied to it: Are kids spanked because they act out, or do they act out because they are spanked  or both?

Danny Huerta of the prominent Colorado-based national Christian ministry Focus on the Family argued in a 2019 piece that child spanking could be either appropriate or inappropriate.

Used correctly and infrequently as part of a comprehensive parenting toolkit, a spank can be that last resort discipline method you use when you need to create attention and a clear understanding why the behavior should never happen again, he wrote.

Used inappropriately, spanking can be dangerous. Ive found some parents who use spanking as their main discipline tool and, many times, use it when theyre frustrated or angry. Ive also noticed some parents spank and move on, skipping the important teaching element.
Over Rs 429 crore have been paid to more than 12 lakh PACL investors with claims of up to Rs 10,000, markets regulator Sebi said on September 8.

The regulator found that PACL Ltd, which had raised money from the public in the name of agriculture and real estate businesses, has collected more than Rs 60,000 crore through illegal collective investment schemes (CISs) over a period of 18 years.

A panel headed by retired Justice R M Lodha had initiated the process of refunds in phases for investors, who invested money in PACL. In a statement, Sebi said the committee "as on date, successfully effected refund with respect to 12,48,344 eligible applications (with claims up to Rs 10,000) aggregating to Rs 429.13 crore".

The committee had, after making the refund to over 9.72 lakh investors having claim amount up to Rs 8,000, initiated the process of refund to investors with claim amount between Rs 8,001 and Rs 10,000, and has effected payment with respect to 2.76 lakh investors, it added.

In December 2015, Securities and Exchange Board Board of India (Sebi) had ordered attachment of all assets of PACL and its nine promoters and directors for their failure to refund the money which was due to investors.

Sebi had asked PACL as also its promoters and directors to refund the money in an order dated August 22, 2014. The defaulters were directed to wind up the schemes and refund money to the investors within three months from the date of the order.
An Irish stands under the Bord Bia banner at the Anuga Food Fair in Cologne

Bord Bia has controversially asked farmers to rate the farm organisations and other industry bodies such as the Department of Agriculture, co-operatives, Teagasc and ICBF.

The state food marketing body asked farmer respondents to an online survey to quantify the level of trust they place in ICSA, IFA, ICMSA, Beef Plan and other industry bodies and organisations.

The survey includes Bord Bia among the farm bodies.

The options available to respondents in relation to the question on the farm organisations and farm bodies range from do not trust at all to trust completely.

Bord Bia claims the survey results will help inform its operations so that it is better able to meet the needs of farmers in Ireland and make improvements to its services.

However, the farm organisations are not impressed with the survey, or the fact that it is being carried out on behalf of Bord Bia.

Meat processors

Its a bit Irish that Bord Bia are asking farmers what they think of their farm bodies, one farmer representative said.

Meanwhile, a co-op board member said it was telling that the survey asked what farmers thought of their co-ops but didnt ask what they thought of the privately-owned meat processors.

The protests and blockades last year were outside the meat factories not the farmer-owned co-ops; did Bord Bia not know that? he commented.

A spokesperson for Bord Bia explained that the survey was specifically looking at farming organisations and bodies rather than at privately owned businesses. However, she added that farmer attitudes to private companies may be added in the future.

The survey seeks to assess the performance of Bord Bia in terms of both communication and its role in supporting the farm sector.

It looks to establish how farmers access information generally, and more specifically market and technical information from Bord Bia.

The comprehensive online survey, which Bord Bia insist is confidential, asks a range of background questions of the farmer, including sex, age, education, marital status, primary farming enterprise, size of holding and size of herd.

The survey is focused heavily on the environment and sustainability, and seeks to establish the main energy sources used on the farm, and whether mechanisms to limit water and electricity usage are employed.

Other issues covered in the survey, which Bord Bia hope will be completed by around 500 farmers, include:

What influences on-farm decision making: whether it is return on investment, compliance with regulations, animal welfare, consumer or market preferences or environmental considerations;

What mechanism farmers use to spread slurry;

Grass usage on the farm;

Usage of soil analysis;

Farmer attitudes to climate change.

PGI application

The surveys line of questioning risks further inflaming the already fraught relations between the IFA and Bord Bia regarding the marketing bodys proposed application to the EU on Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for grass-fed beef.

The IFA is strongly opposed to the omission of young bulls from the proposed PGI programme, maintaining that it excludes one of the most profitable Irish beef enterprises.

However, Bord Bia has pointed out that young bulls are finished indoors on high rates concentrates which is not compatible with a grass-fed beef application.

In addition, it claimed that young bull finishing is not a production system that is unique to Ireland, and therefore does not meet with PGI qualifying criteria.
~ABVO-SXM Union, WICSU PSU Union and Total Cleaning Company updated.~

Simpson Bay:--- The Airport is prepared to embark on a 107-million-dollar renovation development despite setbacks due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The trailblazers of the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) proclaimed during a virtual Public Outreach Campaign with the media, that the preliminary works for the Airport Terminal Reconstruction Project is planned to kick off with the start of Phase 2  Mold Remediation, Surface Decontamination, Dismantling and Removal process in September 2020. Additionally, the bids submittal was published by the aviation company for the Waste Management Disposal contract with an intent to commence works late September, following the official award of the contract.

The development materialized given the desolation of the Terminal Building by the untimely hurricanes Irma, Maria, and Jose in 2017. A series of assemblies were hosted since October 2019 during the ongoing Public Outreach Campaign by the Corporate Communication Department with the intent to offer information disclosure and attain feedback from stakeholders about the Airport Terminal Reconstruction Project. The Public Outreach Campaign is interrelated with the approved Stakeholders Engagement Plan (SEP), to maximize and manage the awareness of the project.

The Public Outreach Campaign encompassed both internal and external stakeholders like the Simpson Bay Community Association, Beacon Hill Community Council, the Tourism Stakeholders Committee, Air Service Development Committee (ASDC), Concessionaires, Airlines, and Handlers, and Airport staff. Furthermore, the Management and staff of the Total Cleaning Company, WICSU-PSU union, and ABVO-SXM union were all addressed by the Project Director of the Project Management Unit, Mirto Breell during meetings which reconvened in July 2020. Recipients were also able to view a preview of the project through an audiovisual, granting access to a virtual tour of the project, which announced the trajectory of the complete timeline and associated events.

The SXM Airport will be one of the largest and most cutting-edge terminals in the region, reintroducing a new Executive lounge, state of the art baggage systems, hurricane proof doors, installation of additional escalators, enhanced public amenities and new technologies to improve security screening. We are also happy to announce that additional features will also include the Hold baggage screening areas, Check-in area, Departure hall area with Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBB), car rental relocation area, airlines and executive offices and mechanical rooms, disclosed the PMU Project Director during the Public Outreach Campaign with the media.

The process of the bid submittal for the Mold Remediation project included a total of twenty-one companies that forwarded an Expression of Interest (EOI) towards the project. All parties joined the first virtual tour to gain more information on the project in August 2020. Six (6) contractors also expressed interest in the vacant Supervising Engineer position, Breell added.

When the media queried about the start and completion date of the project, the PMU Director reaffirmed that the contractors mobilization begins in September 2020 with both the Mold Remediation and the Waste Management projects, which is scheduled to be accomplished by January 2021. Moreover, the start of the reconstruction will officially begin in April 2021, while the updated completion target date is projected for February 2023.

We have the funding back in place, and now we are finalizing the bidding documents to go out in September 2020, for the bids to be completed and the work to proceed. Our current focus is to get the reconstruction completed and the Terminal Building back to pre-Irma conditions once again. As there is work shortage due to the COVID-19, we hope that this works in our favor allowing more contractors to be readily available for the renovation project.

We dont believe that COVID-19 will be here for the next twenty years, but we are looking at how we can implement sneeze guards, touchless systems, and safety guards at the SXM Airport. Plans are being deliberated to include removal safety guards for the protection at the Check-In counters, gates, and Immigration counters, concluded the Project Director.

This project is implemented by the Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) and the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB). It is being subsidized by the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, which is managed by the World Bank, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) through a loan from the Government of Sint Maarten to PJIAE N.V.

For further insight into the development of the Airport Terminal Reconstruction Project, web users are encouraged to visit our web page at www.sxmairport.com and click the construction tab. An alternative website can be searched on behalf of the National Recovery Program Bureau at www.nrpbsxm.org
As hospitals filled with COVID-19 patients and the coronavirus infected physicians and nurses, state medical boards took a hands-off approach to doctor discipline: Emergency actions against doctors' licenses dropped 59% from April through June of this year compared with the same period last year.

Emergency license suspensions and restrictions dropped 85% in April alone, according to the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, which administers the National Practitioner Data Bank and provided the analysis to USA TODAY. HRSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services intended to improve health care for the vulnerable and support training of medical professionals.

Such state medical board slowdowns might be expected if the pandemic prompted overwhelmed health care facilities to take fewer of their own emergency actions against doctors. But a separate analysis of data from January through June showed only a 2% drop in emergency restrictions of doctors' clinical privileges.

More: As COVID-19 spread, the feds relaxed rules, and hospitals tried to contain the outbreak. Other infections may have risen.

When a hospital decides a doctor has done something so dangerous it immediately prevents them from practicing medicine there, it's likely to be serious enough the physician shouldn't be practicing anywhere and should at least temporarily lose his or her license, safety experts say.

The drop in emergency license suspensions worries patient safety advocates, because many hospitals still have compromised and vulnerable patients. That makes errors and complications more likely and dangerous.

"It's a perfect storm: A doctor shortage, doctors are strained by the stress of the pandemic, and sicker patients," said Dr. David Sherer, a retired anesthesiologist and author of the book "Hospital Survival Guide."

Public Citizen Health Research Group's Azza AbuDagga said the data is particularly alarming because only 2% of medical board complaints even make it to the formal hearing stage. It already takes a year or more from the time a doctor is accused of harming a patient to when it gets to the data bank, she added.

Story continues

Medical bias: From pain pills to COVID-19, racial discrimination in health care festers

Declines between 50% and 100% in six states  New York, Indiana, Texas, Maryland, Michigan and Kentucky  drove the overall drop. Kentucky took 10 doctors' licenses away on an emergency basis in the first six months of 2019 and none between January and June this year.

Sandra Radna, a New York City medical malpractice attorney, said her clients often wait three to five years for complaints to be investigated by New York's Office of Professional Responsibility, the disciplinary body for doctors and other health care providers there.

"Its difficult enough for people when something terrible happens and they are looking for justice," said Radna. "For it to be that slowed down when everybody else is working on all-electronic communications doesnt make sense. They couldn't pivot like everything else can?"

Patient safety advocates and plaintiff lawyers also blame a combination of state budget pressures and what Dallas medical malpractice lawyer Kay Van Wey calls health care workers' "hero status" amid COVID-19.

She represented about 10 victims of former neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch, called Dr. Death in the podcast of the same name. Duntsch was sentenced to life in prison in 2017 for one of two deaths he caused. More than 30 patients, including Philip Mayfield, who Van Wey said sustained a "horrific spinal injury," were seriously injured.

"He didnt create the problems that allowed him to hurt so many people," Van Wey said. Other than Duntsch losing his license and being sentenced to prison, "nothing has changed." The Texas Department of State Health Services fined Baylor Medical Center at Plano $100,000 for failing to report its evidence and investigation to the medical board but later reversed the citation and penalty.

The Federation of State Medical Boards, which represents the boards of all 50 states and Washington, D.C., said its data show medical boards' emergency and non-emergency disciplinary actions against doctors were down 14% from January through June. It attributes all of the decline to COVID-19.

Philip Mayfield, shown with wife Angela, suffered a "horrific spinal injury" during an operation by former neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch who is now serving life in prison.

The sharp drop in inpatient visits with or without a decline in complaints to state boards is a likely explanation, said federation president Dr. Humayun Chaudhry. Members told the federation their work was affected early in the pandemic, but they have adapted.

Critics will say, "How come you didnt do something about someone being a bad doctor?" Chaudhry said. But state medical boards can only "register the complaints that get raised with them."

"They are delighted to get information," he said. "It's part of their mandate."

The medical board federation doesn't have data, but also believes some of the boards were affected by staff reductions. Illinois patient safety advocate Richard Pallardy said furloughs further slowed consideration of the complaint his family filed in 2018 about his 63-year-old mother's death after a misdiagnosis at a Chicago hospital. His father hasn't heard from the Illinois state agency that disciplines doctors since April to discuss his complaints against six doctors.

"He thinks they're stretching it out, but they have been stretching it out anyway," Pallardy said.

Diane Pallardy, 63, died in 2016 at a Chicago hospital after she was misdiagnosed as having multiple myeloma.

Spokesman Joe Knickrehm said the federation has "always strongly advocated for states to adequately fund their state medical boards."

Some states, led by Florida, actually took more emergency actions during the pandemic. The Sunshine State more than doubled the number of doctors it stopped from practicing, from four in the first six months of 2019 to 10 in the first half of 2020.

HHS extended free searches of the National Practitioner Data Bank because of COVID-19 through September. There was far less to see, but when HRSA, which is administered by HHS, dropped fees in March, searches rose 32% through June.

It typically costs $2 a search to find a doctor's disciplinary record or $2 a year for a continuous query of one doctor. Hospitals are required by law to query the data bank once every two years for anyone on staff with clinical privileges, and at least once when doctors get privileges.

The public can search the data bank for state or national numbers, but not the names of doctors disciplined. Consumers can verify doctors' licenses and disciplinary records, however, in the medical board federation's public database.

Docs with bad records can often still practice: Heres what needs to happen to fix this.

Hospitals are required to report any actions that limit or revoke a doctor's clinical privileges for more than 30 days. But often, said Public Citizen Health Research Group's AbuDagga, hospitals will take actions that aren't reportable or allow problem doctors to resign.

"Hospitals are reluctant to take actions against physicians, especially the ones who fill a lot of beds," said Robert Oshel, a former associate director of research and disputes for the National Practitioner Data Bank.

Some charged with regulating doctors don't even avail themselves to the information that is out there. After analyzing 15 years of data involving doctors accused of sex abuse, for example, Public Citizen sent letters to every state medical board in late August to encourage them to regularly consult the data bank. Only 30% of the very few doctors disciplined by hospitals for sex abuse faced medical board action, AbuDagga said.

"Some states have never even queried the data bank," AbuDagga said.

What's really showing things down?

Medical boards get complaints from individuals, hospitals and medical malpractice settlements.

Most courts were shut down for months because of the pandemic, and plaintiff attorneys say hospitals were slower than usual to produce documents while battling the virus in the Northeast. Complicating matters for patients and their lawyers: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave hospitals and doctors immunity from civil lawsuits for anything stemming from COVID-19 treatment.

The pandemic also may have slowed complaints, as errors would be harder to detect in hectic hospital environment where only the sickest COVID-19 patients were admitted and many were already near death.

The pandemic-timed drop in medical board action, though, was still far higher than the decrease in hospital-levied actions to restrict or terminate doctors clinical privileges on a non-emergency basis. Those reports were down 18% between Jan. 1 and June 30, according to an analysis for USA TODAY by Oshel.

Licensing boards would be expected to take about the same number of emergency actions during the pandemic, seeing hospitals are still doing emergency revocations of clinical privileges, Oshel said.

"Maybe the boards and their staff are overwhelmed with COVID-19 issues or don't work remotely very well," Oshel said.

Author and anesthesiologist Sherer blames the physician shortage that worsened as the pandemic sidelined more doctors for what he sees as the increasing reluctance of medical boards to restrict or suspend licenses. He said he gets job offers every week, often dangling salaries of $600,000 or more.

"Ten years ago, in my wildest dreams I wouldn't have expected such lucrative and plentiful offers," Sherer said.

Chaudhry of the Federation of State Medical Boards denies any such link.

"The guiding light, our North Star, is to protect the public," he said. "It's the facts of the complaint and the case. The workforce issue does not factor into individual cases."

Even if they don't have as many new cases because doctors' offices were closed, Van Wey has suggestions for Texas' medical board.

"Get cracking on your backlog," she said. "There's plenty of work for them to do and no shortage of doctors whose practices need to be removed. If they run out of things, they can give me a call."

O'Donnell can be reached on social media at @JayneODonnell and email at jodonnell@usatoday.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amid COVID-19, more bad doctors may be avoiding disciplinary actions
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Linkedin Tim Collings (Agence France-Presse) Monza, Italy  Tue, September 8, 2020 08:35 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c43549f0 2 Sports Pierre-Gasly,Formula-1,Formula-One,car-race Free

Pierre Gasly's first ever Formula One victory at the weekend's Italian Grand Prix might have been a dream come true but it won't bring him back into the fold at Red Bull.

Driving for AlphaTauri, Gasly on Sunday became the first French winner of a F1 GP since Olivier Panis in Monaco in 1996, and was so excited after his maiden triumph that he missed French President Emmanuel Macron's initial congratulatory call.

"I'm still struggling to realize what's happened," said Gasly, who was only three months old when Panis won on the rain-soaked streets of Monte Carlo in a Ligier.

The 24-year-old is under contract with Red Bull, who demoted him to their subsidiary team, Alpha Tauri, after last season.

His victory inspired paddock speculation of a return to the senior outfit, where successor Alex Albon has struggled this year. Even six-time champion Lewis Hamilton has pointed out that Red Bull need a stronger team-mate for Max Verstappen.

However on Monday, Red Bull's influential advisor Helmut Marko made clear that the team had no plan of offering Gasly a return.

"That is currently not a consideration," said Marko. "Gasly is one of our Red Bull drivers, he is currently with AlphaTauri and is doing a great job there... But we also need a team leader there."

Gasly made it clear he believed he was worthy of a chance.

"I think I'm ready but... it's not up to me to make that call," he said. "All I've done since they moved me back to Toro Rosso [AlphaTauri's previous name] has been to focus on myself and just show what I can do.

"When I get the right tools in my hand, I'm really happy with the performances we've done... We'll see what happens."

Team chief Franz Tost said Red Bull were aware that Gasly had suddenly become attractive to other teams.

"If we lose him, that means the team did a good job because otherwise they wouldn't take him, but I'm optimistic he will stay," Tost said.

In winning, Gasly emulated Sebastian Vettel by claiming his maiden victory at Monza with the Faenza-based team, 12 years on from the four-time champion's rain-lashed win from pole position.

Gasly said he took a few seconds on the podium to consider his position and fix the moment in his memory.

"It was amazing," he said. "I just wanted to take the time to figure out what was just happening to me because it was so amazing.

"I had a lot of thoughts crossing my mind and wanted to enjoy that. Even without the tifosi and their passion, it was a fantastic moment."
I hope you were able to have a safe Labor Day Weekend, also known as the unofficial end of summer, especially down the Shore. It was a strange one, thats for sure. My colleagues Lauren Schneiderman and Astrid Rodrigues were out capturing pictures and videos of what it was like.

Its also a time of transition for Philly sports teams. While the Sixers and Flyers have made their playoff exits in recent weeks, the Eagles kick off their season this Sunday, the Phillies won a roller coaster game yesterday, and the Union are back playing games and scoring highlight-worthy goals.

 Josh Rosenblat (@joshrosenblat, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

Labor means a lot to Philly. But the specifics of what that looks like have changed over the years, my colleague Juliana Feliciano Reyes reports. Low-wage service workers, both union and nonunion, are using their increasing political power. Rank-and-file workers are challenging establishment labor leaders. Highly educated workers are turning to unions to help make sure that seemingly progressive institutions maintain their values.

Even with these changes though, American workers union membership is the lowest its ever been. At the same time, public support for unions is at its highest in nearly two decades, according to a Gallup poll. Yesterday, on Labor Day, Philly workers rallied for pandemic protections.

In August, Philadelphias gun violence crisis surged to unmatched levels in recent city history. The Police Department reported that 275 people were shot. Thats by far the highest single-month total since at least 2007. It was the fourth month in a row that the victim tally grew to marks the city hasnt seen in years, according to police data.

The explanations vary depending on whom you talk to. Some city officials, such as Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw and District Attorney Larry Krasner, have routinely pointed to systemic issues that they say have gotten worse during 2020, including poverty, lack of opportunity, and easy access to guns. U.S. Attorney William McSwain and rank-and-file members of the Police Department have blamed Krasner for being too lenient on criminal defendants.

Last week, a major Democratic political group presented a chart that projected each partys path to victory in the presidential election. Pennsylvania sat dead center as the state most likely to decide the winner.

Its impossible to name just one key to winning the state, my colleague Jonathan Tamari writes. Instead, Tamari offers five key questions that could help determine who wins the Keystone State, including whether the suburbs continue to turn blue and how much COVID-19 will impact voters.

What you need to know today

Through your eyes | #OurPhilly

Love getting some green with my Philly skyline pics. Thanks for sharing, @jasonbatesimagery.

Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and well pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout out!

Thats interesting

Opinions

While wages are key, losing a job means losing much more than income. With work so ingrained into all aspects of American life, culture, and value systems, when work disappears so can a sense of purpose and identity.  writes The Inquirer Editorial Board about how this Labor Day was unlike any other.

What were reading

Your Daily Dose of | Dinosaurs

More than 70 lifelike animatronic dinosaurs invaded the Wells Fargo Center parking lot this weekend, bringing folks from across the region. The traveling show is billed as North Americas biggest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit. Its scheduled to run through Sept. 20. You can check out pictures here.
By William Schwartz | Published on 2020/09/07

The French designer brand Chloe recently released some new photos of Seo Ye-ji, who has done a recent photoshoot for the fashion brand. The "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" actress has been a hot commodity in promotions lately, since much of the hype for that drama originated from her distinctive wardrobe. Multiple styles of outfits and handbags are on display in the shoot.

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The various backgrounds also help to delineate an otherworldly fairy tale quality, another aspect that has quickly become a major aspect of Seo Ye-ji's brand. The moon can be seen in varying sizes, with Seo Ye-ji herself appearing gigantic in perspective next to small plants and mounds. As far as acting goes, Seo Ye-ji will next appear in the feature film "Recalled".

Written by William Schwartz
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A 12-year-old boy is recovering from a gunshot wound suffered Monday, Sept. 7.

The injuries are not life-threatening, Grand Rapids police said.

The shooting happened Monday evening near Calvin Avenue SE and Adams Street, police said.

It appeared to be a drive-by shooting, police said. Investigators think the shooting stemmed from an earlier dispute or altercation but did not say if the victim was the intended target.

Read more:

State trooper hospitalized after possible fentanyl exposure during drug search

Michigan Republican Party headquarters vandalized with anti-police graffiti

Police identify father killed in Montcalm County rollover crash
An aircraft with registration number ET-AUC, operated by Ethiopia Airlines and conveying 120 passengers and 13 crew members from Addis Ababa, arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 1:32 p.m, on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the flight is the first commercial flight to be recorded at the airport since it was shut down in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Speaking with reporters after the flight arrived, Rabio Yadudu, the Director-General of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), described the feat as a huge breakthrough in the aviation industry in the country.

The director-general recalled that the Federal Government of Nigeria closed the nations airspace due to COVID-19 pandemic in March.

The international flight that just arrived is a life saver to all of us in the aviation industry. The past seven months have been challenging to everybody in the sector.

The first flight that did come into domestic wings gave us a lot of confidence that we were coming back. Now the international flight. I believe every stakeholder in the aviation sector is happy.

Having multiple international flights in a day depends on the preparation of the airline. Our airport has resumed operation and we open our doors for the airlines. Some airlines are ready to resume today while some will be ready within the week, he said.

According to him, FAAN is ready to accommodate and work with airlines that are not restricted.

Mr Yadudu commended passengers for their patience and compliance with stated policy to avoid spreading COVID-19 in the airport.

Tedious process

Some passengers who spoke with NAN frowned at the tedious nature of the processes they went through.

They complained about the long period it took to fill the COVID-19 Test Form online.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos comes alive. (PHOTO CREDIT: @NigerianCAA)

According to Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) twitter handle (@Nigerian CAA), the BA, Emirate, Ethiopia, ASKY and Air Cote d`Ivoire flights are scheduled to arrive Abuja Monday.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos comes alive. (PHOTO CREDIT: @NigerianCAA)

(NAN)
(Bloomberg) -- The most popular Chinese-owned social media from WeChat to TikTok are increasingly censoring content in the U.S. and elsewhere, taking practices honed for years behind the Great Firewall to an international audience.

ByteDance Ltd.s TikTok often buries or hides words that reflect political movements, gender and sexual orientation or religion in most countries where it operates, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said in a report released Tuesday. Most of the content censored on WeChat supported pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, as well as messages from the U.S. and U.K. embassies regarding a new national security law enacted by Beijing at the end of June that has provoked protests across the city.

TikTok, which began as a place where teens lip-sync to music, has become a forum for political protest including the Black Lives Matter movement, said Fergus Ryan, one of the authors. Hashtags related to LGBTQ+ issues were also suppressed in several languages, according to the report. Other topics censored in the past included criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The findings may lend ammunition to the Trump administration, which banned TikTok and Tencent Holdings Ltd.s WeChat after accusing the apps of bending to Beijings will in censoring content, potentially influencing the November elections. While social media services like Facebook scrub content such as hate speech, Washington accuses services like TikTok of blocking content considered sensitive to the Communist Party. WeChat has long complied with controls back home, while TikTok -- which operates only outside China -- has pushed back against claims its influenced by that countrys government.

Read more: WeChat Is Chinas Everything App, and We Is Looking Suspicious

TikTok is a more curated experience where the platform has a huge amount of power to decide what content to serve up to users, said Ryan. Most of these hashtags are categorized in TikToks code in the same way that terrorist groups, illicit substances and swear words are treated on the platform.

Story continues

A Tencent representative declined to comment. The Australian institute cited TikTok as saying some terms were partially restricted due to relevant local laws. It was also cited as saying it strongly supports our LGBTQ creators around the world, and is proud that LGBTQ content is among the most popular category on the platform with billions of views.

As weve said before, TikTok user data is stored in the U.S. and Singapore, with strict controls on employee access, a TikTok spokesperson said. We have never shared user information with the Chinese government, and wouldnt do so if asked.

Washingtons moves against TikTok and WeChat underscore how the concept of an internet decoupling is becoming reality. The Trump administrations ban on TikTok and WeChat takes effect in mid-September, when both apps are likely to get taken off app stores but may continue to be accessible to many American users. WeChat can be a powerful vector in countries like the U.S. where the Chinese diaspora is substantial, because it is often a major source of information for that population.

But principles like free speech do not form part of those apps core values, rather theyre more likely to over-censor to align with local government wishes, according to the report.

ByteDance is now embroiled in sensitive discussions about a TikTok takeover in the U.S. with suitors including Microsoft Corp. and Oracle Corp., a deal estimated to fetch upwards of $20 billion. But uncertainty around the deal escalated sharply last week after China asserted its right to approve or block the sale of technology abroad, complicating an already complex process under scrutiny from the White House. The law underscored how Beijing wants to retain some control over content moderation and that it considers ByteDances algorithms to be a matter of state security, Ryan said.

The rubber really hits the road with the algorithm, he said. TikToks algorithms are extremely sophisticated and powerful.

(Updates with TikToks comment from the seventh paragraph)

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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2020 Bloomberg L.P.
Armed with a mask and a sticker-covered face shield with a unicorn horn growing from the top, Karen David looks like she stepped out of a childrens fairy tale rather than the first day of school.

A button pinned to her shirt with a photo of her smiling face helps make up for the fact that her kindergarten students at Greenbank Public School, just north of Port Perry, cant see what their teacher looks like.

Parents and my fellow teachers often refer to me as Ms. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus because I try to engage with the kids at their level, making things fun and as hands-on as possible, said David, who has been teaching with the Durham District School Board for 19 years.

In kindergarten, youre closer with the kids, helping them with their jackets or reading a story, and you cant be that talking head at the front of the classroom. So by wearing the visor as standard practice, Im able to reach the kids at a more personal level. But I want them not to be scared of it. Im trying to be more approachable.

These are just a few of the extraordinary measures teachers like David and her colleagues across the Durham District School Board are taking to make students feel welcome on their first day back for what is already an unusual start to the school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Tuesday was also the first time in more than a month when Ontario reported more than 200 new COVID-19 infections.

Students at the DDSB are returning this week but with staggered starts based on the first initial of their last names. So many classes were unused or at only a fraction of capacity.

Other school boards, such as the Durham Catholic District School Board, Peel District School Board and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, offered orientation Monday but no in-person classes. The Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board start in-person classes next week.

Given the first-day excitement, combined with the numerous safety precautions and rules students are expected to follow to minimize the spread of COVID-19, the inevitable question Tuesday was: how did the first day back play out?

David, who welcomed back eight of her 28 kindergarten students at Greenbank, said it went really well, all things considered.

The kids who had the toughest time were not the junior kindergartens, who had never been to school, but the senior kindergartens, who had a big change in expectation, said David, noting that shelves and countertops are bare and the usual materials kids in her class play with are gone.

Instead, David has filled dozens of nylon bags normally used for laundry delicates with hands-on materials such as Lego, blocks, tinker toys and magnetic balls and sticks that each student can play with at their desk and which can be easily sanitized at days end.

David said most students struggled with remembering to stay apart, a situation she foresaw and sought to nip in the bud by making a rope with erasers attached at one-metre intervals for students to grab when lining up.

The first days the honeymoon phase, she said. We know things will slip as class numbers get bigger next week.

At Alexander Graham Bell Public School in Ajax, core French teacher Johanna Saunders said the first day back went relatively smoothly with the caveat that only a quarter of the schools students were in attendance.

Come next Friday, when all students are welcomed back at once, Saunders will have six classes of about 25 students.

Saunders said she has to make changes to how she teaches and the kinds of in-class exercises provided to ensure students dont get too close to each other.

A lot of the things we do are games, and we cant really do that because (students) cant roll dice and they cant play with popsicle sticks and all the things that we used to do, said Saunders, who teaches students in grades 5 through 8. Im used to moving around the room, the kids are used to sitting in groups  Its hard.

Outside Seneca Trail Public School in north Oshawa on Tuesday morning, parent Lori DaSilva-Lacelle, who has two boys at the school, said she had confidence in her childrens teachers.

Were just going to play it day by day. Thats all you can do.

The Star estimates there were a few dozen parents and students who arrived Tuesday morning at Seneca Trail, a public school that normally has more than 500 students enrolled for in-person classes.

Heather Mundy, a superintendent with the DDSB, said some parents are still deciding on their comfort levels for in-person classes.

Part of the staggered entry gives us a chance to affirm attendance, and based on that were going to look at the class sizes, were going to look at the actual school sites and were going to ensure that we set all of our students up for a safe and successful year, she said.

On the other side of the GTA at the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, students will similarly have a lot of things to get used to this year. For starters, no sports, lockers, or even lunch with friends in the cafeteria.

But one thing remained the same  first-day jitters.

Sophia Baranowski headed into her first day of high school orientation  and first school day in six months  at St. Marcellinus Secondary School in Mississauga. Baranowski was among about 200 other students attending orientation.

At first I was really nervous about getting lost, said the 13-year-old Grade 9 student.

Usually senior students welcome the newbies. But teachers guided Baranowskis cohort through the building at this years orientation, which was heavily focused on health and safety protocols  assigned seats on buses and written records of who has used which washroom so the information is available should contact tracing become necessary.

Baranowski said she didnt mind not being assigned a locker because she wouldnt need to worry about rushing back and forth between classes. But she said the masks students wore with their black and red school uniforms made it a bit hard to breathe.

While she felt comfortable with only half of the Grade 9 cohort and staff in the school, Baranowski said she worried a little about crowding when the upper grades return.

About 20 per cent of St. Marcellinuss 1,800 registered students have elected to learn online, said principal Annibale Iarossi. The remaining 80 per cent attending in person have been divided into two cohorts with each attending school two days a week and alternating Wednesdays between 8:30 and 11 a.m.

The school is keeping most standard classes to about 15 students with the spacing required by public health, he said.

That gets more challenging for specialty classes such as cosmetology or hospitality, said Iarossi.

You have to have creative ways to do that. Were not having cafeteria services so for hospitality, the space does become a little bit bigger when the cafeteria provider is not in there, he said.

Like every school in the province, the absence of sports and other clubs will make St. Marcellinus a different school this year, said Iarossi.

Our schools provide more than literacy and numeracy, he said. They find themselves in the arts, on the fields and on the courts, through debating, through student leadership activities and chaplaincy. Its that piece that were going to have to modify and change. Not everything is going away, but definitely were going to adapt.

Phys. ed. teacher and volleyball and track coach George Kalaouzis said he expects activities will be more individually focused than in the past.

The Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSA) has already cancelled all championships so there will be no school sports, at least for the fall.

For a lot of kids, teams and being part of a team is an important part of their high school tradition. As a coach I feel sad Im not going to be able to do that with them, especially for last years graduating class and this years Grade 12s, who will more than likely be missing out on that. Its going to be a difficult time for them. Its not fair but its in the best interest of student safety, he said.

As of Sept. 3, 53,000 Peel District School Board students had registered for online learning and 102,000 planned to attend in person or use the adaptive model.

Normally we have a spectacular Grade 9 orientation with lots of community building activities worked in, said Heart Lake Secondary School principal Alvin Au.

This year, a lot of those welcoming activities are being done virtually, including an online tour of the Brampton school.

We started the day with a strong message about mental health and the need and priority to be in good mental health, said Au.

After six months at home, students wont be rushed into the curriculum. Teachers will spend time on community-building activities, such as exploring the history of students names, social distance greetings such as foot bumps, waves and air hugs.

These are the little things that we can do to bring us closer together, he said.

Like students, staff are being challenged by the unknowns of the year ahead.

This is new, he said. We havent done this before. I see a lot of people doing their very best.

Liam Dancy, 13, expected Grade 9 would be different from elementary school but the orientation at Cardinal Ambrozic Catholic Secondary School in Brampton was heavier on health and safety than academics.

Theyre very strict, he said. The hallways are one-way traffic. There is soap and sanitizer in every classroom.

Dancy said he was happy to go back to classes that officially start next week and he felt fine wearing a mask all morning, though it makes his glasses fog up.

It would have been cool to have a locker but its really not that big a deal, he said.

The whole thing seemed very organized, just very clean and empty.

Although many of his friends are in the other group of Grade 9 students that will attend school when Dancy is learning at home, his mother thinks that the COVID cohort will be tightly bonded by their unique experience.

It might strengthen their friendships, said Karen Dancy. Its not ideal but it will be something to remember.

Elementary students in both Peel District School Board and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic Board begin their staggered returns to school on Wednesday.

Kris Rushowy answers your back-to-school questions

Because parents and caregivers still have a lot of questions about the new normal in schools, here are some Toronto Star stories addressing key concerns.

How safe is it to return to the classroom in the age of COVID-19? The Star asked experts for science-based perspective

Its a question that has been on the minds of thousands of Ontario parents, students and teachers for some time now: just how safe is it to return to the classroom in the age of COVID-19?

Masks? In school-testing? Busing? This Star database answers all your questions about how 10 school boards are handling the essentials

With the school year about to begin, we took a look at the plans of the 10 GTA boards to make schools safe for kids, from cleaning to way-finding and everything else in between.

Classrooms will look very different from what students are used to. Here is a visual guide

Screening, sanitizing, and sitting apart is the new reality.

150 Toronto schools were over-capacity before the COVID-19 shutdown. Now some are scrambling to find space for students

Leading up to GTA schools reopening, the school boards in the City of Toronto are grappling with a significant logistical challenge that could impact dozens of elementary schools  and possibly hundreds of families  throughout the year: the need for more space.

Once the students are in class, ventilation has been a key point of concern

Parents, teachers and advocates worry poor ventilation, especially at older schools, will pose an extra risk to students. Education Minister Stephen Lecces promise of $50 million for ventilation has done little to allay those fears.

Not everyone is heading back to school at the same time. School boards have a staggered return to class

Here is a rundown of start dates for GTA boards this fall.

For those students learning from home, school boards are also racing to accommodate

Boards are racing to make sure kids staying home this fall have access to the computers and internet they need for remote learning. But big gaps remain, say some advocates, as the pandemic puts a spotlight on the digital divide in the GTA.

Kenyon Wallace is a Toronto-based investigative reporter for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @KenyonWallace or reach him via email: kwallace@thestar.ca
The chief of police as well as several other high-ranking law enforcement officials in Rochester, New York have resigned following protests and accusations of a cover-up in the wake of the killing of Daniel Prude, a black man who was placed in a hood while in custody in March.

Mayor Lovely Warren also announced during a city council meeting that the entire command staff had resigned.

Rochester Police Chief LaRon Singletarys resignation follows New York Attorney General Letitia Jamess announcement of a grand jury investigation into Mr Prudes death.

As a man of integrity, I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character, chief Singletary said in a statement. The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for. The mischaracterisation and the politicisation of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr Prudes death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for.

Seven officers were suspended for their roles in Mr Prudes death. Nightly demonstrations against his killing have followed widespread protests against police violence against black Americans across the US.

Officers found Mr Prude, whose family says had struggled with mental health and drug issues, naked in the middle of a street in the early morning hours of 23 March.

He followed officers orders to get on the ground and place his hands behind his back, according to recently released police video from the scene that the family obtained through a public records request after months of uncertainty.

As he tried to rise, police placed a spit hood over his head and pinned him to the ground for two minutes. He died seven days later on 30 March after he was removed from life support.

An autopsy report from the Monroe County Medical Examiners office confirmed Mr Prude died from complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint" and compounded by acute intoxication by phencyclidine, or PCP.

The death was initially reported as the result of a drug overdose, a characterisation that the familys attorneys argue was intended to insulate the police from mishandling the arrest.

The Prude family and the Rochester community have been through great pain and anguish, the states attorney general said in a statement on Saturday. My office will immediately move to empanel a grand jury as part of our exhaustive investigation into this matter.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement following Attorney General James announcement that justice delayed is justice denied and the people of New York deserve the truth.
The hormone, ghrelin, may help protect the elderly population from muscle loss, according to a study being presented at e-ECE 2020. The study found that administering a particular form of ghrelin to older mice helped to restore muscle mass and strength. As muscle-related diseases are a serious health concern in the elderly population, these findings suggest a potential new treatment strategy for muscle loss to enable the aging population to remain fit and healthy.

Age-related skeletal muscle mass loss, in absence of any underlying disease, is defined as sarcopenia, which leads to deterioration of elderly people's quality of life. It causes a decline in muscle mass and functionality, often resulting in poor balance, higher risk of falls or fractures, immobilisation and loss of independence.

Ghrelin is a hormone involved in metabolic regulation and energy balance through activation of appetite, but also plays an important role in protecting against muscle wasting. Both acylated (AG) and unacylated (UnAG) forms are present in the body, but UnAG does not bind to the AG receptor (GHSR-1a), so does not increase appetite. A growing body of evidence indicates that UnAG is acting at an unidentified receptor, which also mediates some common AG and UnAG biological activities, including a strikingly protective effect against muscle wasting. Ghrelin levels decline as we age and may be involved in the development of sarcopenia, but the role of AG versus UnAG in this process has not been investigated previously.

Dr Emanuela Agosti, and her team at the University of Piemonte Orientale in Italy, investigated how unAG affected age-related decline of muscle mass and function, by either deleting the ghrelin gene in mice, or overexpressing unAG. Muscle function as they aged was assessed through a wire hanging test, during which "falling" and "reaching" scores were recorded, to assess whole body strength and endurance. Both the deletion of the ghrelin gene and the lifelong overexpression of UnAG reduced age-associated decline in muscle mass and function. Despite both groups of animals displaying similar aging tendencies in body weight and muscle mass, the mice overexpressing UnAG maintained better muscle structure, performance and metabolism, more typical of muscle in younger mice.

"Understanding the causes and effects of sarcopenia will improve our ability to prevent, detect, and hopefully manage this disease. These findings provide novel understanding and point to UnAG, or analogues, as a possible therapeutic target for future treatment," Dr Agosti comments.

The study indicates that UnAG, or possibly drugs that mimic it, can preserve muscle function and reduce the risk of age-related sarcopenia, without causing weight gain and obesity.

"Due to the worldwide increase in the elderly population, sarcopenia has an important social impact greatly affecting both aged people's quality of life and government health care costs. Therefore, therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing and/or reducing sarcopenia are of pivotal importance." Dr Agosti adds.

Dr Agosti and her colleagues now plan to identify the receptor mediating UnAG biological activities. This will help better define the molecular pathways involved in AG/UnAG actions and to design treatments that may reduce loss of muscle mass in sarcopenia and other similar conditions.

###

Abstract

1483

Both ghrelin deletion and unacylated ghrelin overexpression preserve muscles in aging mice

Emanuela Agosti, Marilisa De Feudis, Elia Angelino, Roberta Belli, Maraiza Alves Teixeira, Ivan Zaggia, Tommaso Raiteri, Andrea Scircoli, Andrea Graziani, Flavia Prodam, Maurilio Sanpaolesi, Paola Costelli, Elisabetta Ferraro, Simone Reano, Nicoletta Filigheddu

Sarcopenia, the decline in muscle mass and functionality during aging, might arise from age-associated endocrine dysfunction. Indeed, muscle wasting follows the general decline in trophic hormones and the establishment of a chronic mild inflammatory status characteristic of aging. Ghrelin is a gastric hormone peptide circulating in both acylated (AG) and unacylated (UnAG) forms that have anti-atrophic activity on skeletal muscle. AG is the endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a), and it is involved in metabolic regulation and energetic balance through induction of appetite, food intake, and adiposity. UnAG does not induce GH release and has no direct effects on food intake, but it shares with AG several biological activities on cell types lacking AG receptor. In particular, both AG and UnAG have direct biological activities on skeletal muscle, including promotion of myoblast differentiation and protection from atrophy, in all likelihood by activating a common receptor. Also, UnAG promotes muscle regeneration, stimulation of muscle satellite cell activity, and activates autophagy and mitophagy at higher extent than AG in muscles of nephrectomyzed mice. Age-dependent hypoghrelinemia could participate in the establishment of sarcopenia by facilitating the progression of muscle atrophy and limiting skeletal muscle regeneration capability. Here, we show that both the deletion of the ghrelin gene (Ghrl KO) and the lifelong overexpression of UnAG (Tg) in mice attenuated the age-associated decline in muscle mass and functionality, seen as larger myofiber areas, lower levels of Atrogin-1, an increased mitochondrial functionality compared to old WT animals. Also, both Ghrl KO and Tg animals displayed reduced systemic inflammation and maintenance of brown adipose tissue functionality. While old Tg mice apparently preserved the characteristics of young animals, Ghrl KO mice features deteriorate with aging. However, young Ghrl KO mice show more favorable features compared to WT animals that result, on the whole, in better performances in aged Ghrl KO mice. Altogether, the data collected suggest that, in Ghrl KO mice, it is the lack of AG the major determinant factor of their overall better conditions and advocate for the design of analogs to UnAG rather than AG to therapeutically treat sarcopenia in humans.
Actor Rhea Chakraborty was arrested on Tuesday after being questioned for five hours by the Narcotics Control Bureau on Monday. She is the 10th person to be arrested by the central agency in a drugs case linked to the probe into the death of Sushant Singh Rajput.

Rhea Chakraborty has been arrested and due process of informing the family has been completed, announced NCB deputy director KPS Malhotra after the 28-year-olds questioning for the third consecutive day. She was at the NCBs south Mumbai office for six hours on Sunday, and eight hours on Monday. The actor reached the bureau office at 10.30 am on Tuesday. The formal announcement of her arrest was made five hours later. An NCB official said she will be produced before a magistrate via video conferencing at 7.30 pm today

Rhea Chakrabortys family and lawyer had earlier indicated that they anticipated the actors arrest after her brother, Showik, was arrested on Friday.

Congratulations India, you have arrested my son, Im sure next on the line is my daughter and I dont know who is next thereafter, Rheas father, Lt Col Indrajit Chakraborty (retd) said in an emotional statement over the weekend.

Rhea Chakraborty is ready for arrest as its a witch-hunt, her lawyer Satish Maneshinde said before she was first questioned by the NCB on Sunday. As the NCB formally placed her under arrest, Maneshinde described it as travesty of justice.

Three central agencies hounding a single woman , just because she was in love with a drug addict suffering from mental health issues for several years under the care of five leading psychiatrists in Mumbai, who ended up committing suicide due to consumption of Illegally administered medicines and used drugs, Maneshinde said.

Also Read: Rhea Chakraborty gives NCB names of Bollywood celebrities in drugs case: Report

The NCB is one of the three central agencies that moved in after a controversy erupted over the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajputs death in his Bandra flat on June 14, the Central Bureau of Investigation and the federal financial crimes agency Enforcement Directorate are the other two.

Sushant Singh Rajputs autopsy had indicated that he died by suicide. His father, however, filed an FIR against Rhea Chakraborty in Patna, accusing her of driving his son to suicide and misappropriating his money. Chakraborty has denied the allegations on several occasions.

Sushant Rajputs sister Shweta Singh Kirti welcomed news of Rhea Chakrabortys arrest. GodIsWithUs, she tweeted.

Bihar police chief Gupteshwar Pandey, who had initiated the criminal case against Rhea Chakraborty before handing over the case to the CBI, said the investigations had exposed the actor.

Rhea Chakraborty is totally exposed in the sense that she had a connection with drug peddlers. This has been established. That is why she has been arrested, Bihar director general of police Gupteshwar Pandey said, according to news agency ANI.

Also Read: Swara Bhasker defends Rhea , says evidence that Sushants family lied is emerging

The NCB registered its case after it came across WhatsApp chats retrieved from Rhea Chakrabortys phone about an alleged conversation about procuring drugs between her and a Sushant Singh Rajputs house manager Samuel Miranda.

According to NCB officers, Rheas brother Showik instructed Sushant Singhs domestic help Dipesh Sawant and Samuel Miranda to get 5gm of marijuana from a peddler Zaid Vilatra on March 17.

On April 17, Rhea and Dipesh Showik instructed Sawant to receive a delivery of 10gm of hashish from Kaizen Ebrahim near Mont Blanc building, said NCB officials. On May 1, Showik allegedly told Sawant to receive marijuana from a person named Dwayne, and had received 50gm of marijuana from Dwayne on May 2.

Five people, who were accused of supplying or arranging drugs to Sushant Singh Rajputs employees on various occasions, were the first ones to be arrested before the NCB caught Sushant Singh Rajputs employees, house manager Samuel Miranda, domestic help Dinesh Sawant and Rheas brother Showik. On Sunday, the NCB had arrested Anuj Keshwani on charges that he had supplied drugs to peddler, Kaizen Ebrahim.
Australia may have to build its way out of our deepest recession since the 1930s through a $220 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is weighing up adding projects to the government's existing 10-year $100 billion infrastructure plan to transform the nation, deliver jobs, and increase long-term productivity.

In this episode, national editor Tory Maguire is joined by chief political correspondent David Crowe to discuss the likelihood of the government's investment in the projects.

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.
The sheriff's deputies arrived at the dusty lot east of Temecula half an hour after midnight Monday. A caller had reported an assault.

They discovered a gruesome scene: Six people dead from gunshots. A seventh victim, a woman, was still alive, but died shortly after at a hospital.

Along with the bodies, investigators discovered what Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco described as the makings of an "obvious large-scale illegal marijuana processing center." There were hundreds of plants, a makeshift greenhouse, a lab for using butane to extract valuable THC from pot plants, and more than 1,000 pounds of processed marijuana with a street value in the millions, the sheriff said.

Marijuana at a property where seven people were shot to death. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Authorities didn't identify any of the victims Tuesday. Bianco said his investigators were pursuing a theory that multiple assailants had carried out the killings, and he suggested at a news conference Tuesday evening that the sprawling operation had been overseen by sophisticated criminals.

"This was not that they just happened to be growing marijuana," he said. "This was a very large operation, a very organized-crime type of an operation."

California may have created a legal market for marijuana in 2018, but its black market remains robust; growers who raise and harvest their crop illegally can evade expensive licensing fees and other regulatory costs, undercutting their above-board competition.

A view of the property at the illegal marijuana grow house. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Violence, law enforcement officials say, is an omnipresent threat with illegal grows. Illicit harvests bring in huge quantities of cash to operators who typically are blocked from using banks or relying on law enforcement for protection. The killings this week add to seven other homicide cases linked to illegal marijuana operations that Riverside County detectives have investigated this year, the sheriff said.

Bianco said at least 20 people were living on the property in the small community of Aguanga on the edge of the Cleveland National Forest, which included a house, a trailer and other makeshift dwellings. The victims were found "in or around" one of the structures, although the sheriff didn't say which one. Bianco declined to say whether any guns were found at the property.

Story continues

The broken passenger window of a car on the property. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Trash littered the grounds Tuesday. Women's clothing and soda bottles were strewn across the trailer's front porch. A pickup was parked out front, its doors flung open to show clothing draped on the seats and an envelope on the floor marked "$8,300."

Behind the trailer was a greenhouse, its cover torn open. Grow plugs, used to sprout marijuana seedlings, were scattered on the ground. Six metal folding chairs had been arrayed in a row; a seventh was nearby, empty boxes of pizza and water bottles stacked atop it.

A metal chair with boxes of pizza and water bottles. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Taped to the home's front door was a handwritten note that read in English, "Welcome to our home, please take your shoe off before enter the house," and a similar message beneath it in Lao, the primary language spoken in Laos. All of the witnesses interviewed at the scene were Laotian, Bianco said.

A tent and debris at the property where seven people were shot to death. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

On Tuesday morning, Eric Nguyen, 29, came to the property to retrieve his clothes from the house. Nguyen, who lives in Ohio, said he had come to California to seek medical treatment and visit marijuana dispensaries. He said he didn't witness the shooting but encountered sheriff's investigators when he returned to the home.

Nguyen said he and others staying in the home were friends of the owner. Authorities have yet to conclusively identify the property's owner, but they believe the home was being rented out, Bianco said.

The sheriff said his department's probe would be complex and span state lines. "This is not going to be an easy investigation," he said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Department at (951) 955-2777.

Times staff writer Luke Money contributed to this report.
Sure, it might be warm Wednesday, but what about the rest of the week?

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Azerbaijan ambassador to Russia hastens to "sweeten" the "sediment" of statement by US embassy in Baku

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Foreign ministers of Israel and Turkey have talk for 1st time in 13 years

Fly Arna shareholders appoint companys Board of Directors

628 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

CSTO chief: Necessary to work on Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation, demarcation

FBI search congressman's home in connection with Azerbaijan probe

Newspaper: Armenia PM again goes way of black and white

Newspaper: Scenario devised after war to be implemented in Artsakh

EU Special Representative for South Caucasus arrives in Armenia

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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

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NEWS.am daily digest: 20.01.22

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

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SANTA FE, N.M.  New Mexico officials approved the start of production work by film crews in a sign the industry could soon be back in business after a suspension because of the coronavirus.

Film companies will follow specific guidelines created by a industry task force as they resume, The Santa Fe New Mexican reported Saturday.

The companies will also be required to adhere to public health rules for all businesses in the state, including a face mask mandate, social distancing and frequent hand-washing.

Youre going to start to see some activity at studios statewide, said Liz Pecos, president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 480.

Pecos said several hundred of the 1,500 crew members in the film workers union have returned to work.

Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has not yet announced when public health restrictions will be eased to allow filmmaking to fully resume.

It may be a matter of weeks. It may be a matter of months, Pecos said, noting the union supports the governors health mandates.

The New Mexico Film Office adopted guidelines for film production companies and workers that were drafted by members of the industry. All cast and crew members are expected to wear masks as often as possible while submitting to regular virus testing. The rules also require the presence of a COVID-19 compliance officer.

Each company must draft a plan to ensure worker safety, Pecos said.

The state Economic Development Department said about 80 film productions were shot in New Mexico in fiscal year 2020, bringing nearly $400 million into the state economy.

The figure was a decrease from fiscal year 2019, when the state received $525 million in direct spending by film productions.

Aspects of the film and television industry are already back to work, including pre-production work, set construction, location scouting, etc., with required COVID-safe practices in place, Economic Development Department spokesman Bruce Krasnow said in an email.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some  especially older adults and people with existing health problems  it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
Without even knowing it, people all across the state and country drive past businesses founded by alumni from the University of Texas' McCombs School of Business .

Named after Red McCombs, an auto dealership owner who donated $50 million to the school, the program has churned out 95,272 living alumni who inhabit 50 states and 106 counties.
Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik has demanded a unanimous resolution in the State Legislative Assembly for a legal action against the actress

Mumbai: The ruling parties in Maharashtra have slammed the Centres decision to provide Y-level security to Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut with state home minister Anil Deshmukh calling it surprising and sad.

Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik has demanded a unanimous resolution in the State Legislative Assembly for a legal action against the actress saying she has maligned the image of Maharashtra and Mumbai.

It is surprising and sad that those who insult Mumbai and Maharashtra are being given Y level security by the Centre. Maharashtra is not only of the NCP, Shiv Sena or Congress but of the BJP and the public too. People of all parties should condemn it, if one insults Maharashtra, said Deshmukh.

Following a spat with the Shiv Sena leaders, Kangana has been granted Y-plus category security by the home ministry ahead of her visit to Mumbai on September 9.

Sena MP Sanjay Raut had asked the actress not to return to Mumbai after she had criticised Mumbai police saying Mumbai feels like Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) to her.

Vijay Wadettiwar, relief and rehabilitation minister, termed the Centres decision as politically motivated. By giving security to Kangana, the Centre and the BJP have endorsed her comments against Mumbai police and Maharashtra. This is betrayal of the people of the state, he said.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, without taking names, took a jibe at the actress saying some people do not have gratitude towards the city where they live and earn fame and livelihood. Paying a tribute to Anil Rathod, a former Shiv Sena MLA and minister who died recently, the CM said, Anil bhaiyya came from Rajasthan and made Maharashtra his home. But some people dont have that gratitude.

Meanwhile, Sarnaik said that he has submitted a letter to deputy speaker Narhari Zhirwal demanding action against Kangana. Zhirwal has directed the state home minister to take necessary action within 24 hours and submit a report, he said.

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi has also condemned Kangana saying those who earn their livelihood in Maharashtra, but speak ill about the state, have no right to live here. Such people should not be given any security as they do not have trust in the police and government here, he said.
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Linkedin Andreas Harsono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 8 2020

Sixteen years after the murder of Indonesias leading human rights activist, the architects of Munir Said Thalibs killing remain free while his wife and two children are still traumatized over the loss of their husband and father.

Munir was found dead on Sept. 7, 2004, on a Garuda flight from Jakarta to Amsterdam. An autopsy by the Netherlands Forensic Institute concluded that Munir was killed by arsenic poisoning. He died about two hours before his flight landed at Schiphol airport.

Suciwati, Munirs wife, immediately went to Amsterdam to pick up his body, burying him in their hometown in Batu, East Java. The murder prompted global news headlines and outrage. Under pressure from Suciwati, an Indonesian human rights community and foreign governments, the Indonesian government acceded to demands to investigate.

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One of Hollywood's most in-demand stylists, Erlanger has dressed her celebrity clientele in Forevermark diamonds on numerous occasions, most recently accessorizing Lupita Nyong'o at the 2020 SAG Awards.

As a bride-to-be herself, Erlanger realized that walking down the aisle is the closest thing to walking down the red carpet for most women and requires the same attention to detail, so she launched a bridal styling vertical of her business in 2019. Forevermark diamonds set in platinum were a natural fit for Erlanger's first foray into bridal jewelry design.

"Over the years, I have counted on Forevermark to deliver the most exquisite diamonds for the most memorable occasions for my clients," says Erlanger of her affinity for the diamond brand. She continues, "While diamonds are incredibly important at a big award show they are even more so on your wedding day; you want to choose something that is personal, that is 'authentically you' and that symbolizes your commitment of forever."

Forevermark x Micaela is made up of seven engagement ring styles available in a range of diamond shapes including round, oval, and cushion, and two wedding bands, one women's and one men's. Erlanger is currently designing two additional wedding bands which will be added later to the collection, one of which will be her own wedding ring for her nuptials taking place in spring 2021.

"The collection encompasses everything that I know my brides are looking for: clean, delicate lines, settings that allow the diamonds to "float", timeless platinum settings, hidden details that incorporate just a little extra sparkle, and most of all, enduring style. I'm so very proud of what we have created," says Erlanger of her designs.

Forevermark and Erlanger chose to design the collection exclusively in platinum because the most rare, beautiful Forevermark diamonds deserve to be set in the most precious, radiant metal. "Platinum is incredibly durable, so it's ideal for everyday wear, and its natural, luminous finish perfectly highlights a Forevermark diamond's brilliance," says Erlanger, whose own engagement ring is set in platinum.

As inspiration for the collection, Erlanger accompanied Forevermark on a 2019 trip to visit De Beers Group's Orapa diamond mine in Botswana to see firsthand how Forevermark's natural treasures are discovered and how diamonds give back to their local communities. "I want to ensure that I am giving brides something special and memorable, and that is what Forevermark offers  the most beautiful diamonds in the world with unmatched beauty, and a commitment to making the world a better place," says Erlanger of the experience.

The Forevermark x Micaela collection is now available exclusively through www.forevermark.com and participating Forevermark Authorized Jewelers.

ABOUT FOREVERMARK

Every Forevermark diamond undergoes a journey of rigorous selection. Our unique inscription is an assurance that every Forevermark diamond meets the exceptional standards of beauty, rarity and is responsibly sourced. Forevermark is the diamond brand from De Beers Group and benefits from over 130 years of diamond expertise.

FOREVERMARK DIAMONDS BEYOND the 4Cs

Forevermark goes beyond the standard 4Cs to select diamonds that are genuine, natural and untreated. Forevermark diamonds are cut and polished by master craftsmen to reveal their ultimate beauty and natural brilliance.

FOREVERMARK DIAMONDS ARE RARE

Less than one per cent of the world's diamonds are eligible to be inscribed as Forevermark.

FOREVERMARK DIAMONDS ARE RESPONSIBLY SOURCED

Each Forevermark diamond is responsibly sourced and embodies our principles of integrity, striving to create opportunities for women and our dedication to protection of the natural world. The inscription is an assurance of the physical integrity of our diamonds throughout their journey, as well as the conscientious integrity with which we run our business.

FOREVERMARK INSCRIPTION & GRADING

Each Forevermark diamond is inscribed with an icon and individual number as an assurance that it has met Forevermark's standards of beauty and rarity and that it is responsibly sourced. The Forevermark inscription is placed on the table facet of a Forevermark diamond. Invisible to the naked eye, the inscription is 1/5000th of a human hair and can only be seen using a special Forevermark viewer available at Authorized Forevermark Jewelers. Authorized Forevermark Jewelers are able to supply a Forevermark Diamond Grading Report to their customers providing an accurate blueprint of the qualities - cut, color, clarity and caratage - of each Forevermark diamond. For more information and to find your nearest Authorized Forevermark Jeweler, visit www.forevermark.com.

ABOUT MICAELA

Micaela Erlanger is a Celebrity and Bridal Stylist based in New York City. Her work has been seen on the biggest red carpets around the globe, and in the pages of top fashion publications worldwide. As one of the most sought-after Celebrity Stylists in the industry, Micaela's unprecedented ascent to power stylist has been profiled by Vogue, Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar and numerous other publications. Having been repeatedly named as one of the most "Most Powerful Stylists," by The Hollywood Reporter, this is a position she has sustained since 2013. Her diverse high-profile clients include Meryl Streep, Lupita Nyong'o, Common, Diane Kruger, Common, Lucy Hale, Amanda Hearst, and Shailene Woodley to name a few  all of whom are perennially on the best-dressed lists. Micaela is known for creating breakout fashion moments on a campaign trail with her ability to transform clients into style icons on the red carpet.

In 2019, Micaela launched her Bridal styling business focusing on styling and consulting to brides and bridal brands. She is the author of "How to Accessorize: A Perfect Finish to Every Outfit" and has written for such publications as Vogue.com, HarpersBazaar.com, TMagazine.com and Time Magazine.

Micaela is a platinum jewelry brand ambassador, working closely with Platinum Guild International, Platinum Born and other platinum jewelry brands.

A self-described glamour-girl, Micaela's inspirations vary from modern art to classic Hollywood film, but the hallmark of her work derives from her meticulous attention to detail, in-depth collaboration with her clients, and her unfailing dedication to creating fashion moments that will stand the test of time. Find her @Micaela

SOURCE Forevermark

Related Links

https://www.forevermark.com


A woman browses an e-commerce website on her phone (Photo: dantri.com.vn)

Dao Duong Thanh, development director at Moca, a popular mobile payment firm in Vietnam and partner of ride-hailing firm Grab, said more than 61 million people in the country access the internet through the mobile devices and spend as much as three 3 hours and 12 minutes online daily.

Thanh said since his firm's partnership with Grab in 2018, Moca has built a cashless regime for Grab's ecosystem, which covers not just rides, food and package deliveries but also other services such as electronic payments for utility bills and mobile phone top-ups.

By mid-2020, 43 percent of all transactions on Grab were classless, claimed Thanh as his firm observed a steady growth of users, indicating a shift in consumers' habit in favour of online, cashless payments, reported VNS.

Hoang Quoc Quyen, a PR executive from Tiki, a major e-commerce platform in Vietnam, said the development of 4G infrastructure, fibre optic internet technology and more than 100 million registered mobile phone subscriptions in the country have laid the foundation for the rapid development of e-commerce and electronic payment.

A relatively young population quick to adapt to and adopt new technologies, coupled with one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, made Vietnam a fertile ground for the digital economy, including e-commerce. Online shopping not only offers a faster and more convenient shopping experience but also reduces risks on the buyers' side compared to traditional cash-based transactions.

Opportune time for Vietnam to boost rice exports

Export prices of Vietnams 5% broken rice have climbed to USD488-492 per tonne, up US$25 from a month ago and marking the highest levels for years.

Photo for illustration (Source: nhandan.com.vn)



Purchasing prices in the Mekong Delta also rose significantly against previous crops, up to VND6,200 per kilogram, generating good profits for rice farmers.

According to the Vietnam Food Association, Vietnamese rice price rises were partly thanks to many countries increasing their reserves to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, with Vietnams ST25 rice named the worlds best rice, global consumers have paid more attention to Vietnamese rice in general, helping to boost both export volumes and prices.

In other good news, Vietnamese rice has begun to penetrate high-quality markets with Vinaseed recently announcing it will ship 50 tonnes of Japonica rice to Australia. The company already exported VJ Pearl Rice and RVT fragrant rice to the Netherlands and the Czech Republic in July at a price of US$1,040 per tonnes.

Such varieties have received the FSSC 22000 certificate on processing, packaging and shipping from Bureau Veritas, a world-leading British certification company. This is one of the comprehensive food safety standards necessary to penetrate demanding markets such as the EU and the US.

Besides Vinaseed, many Vietnamese rice exporters are also working to meet the stringent requirements of the EU, especially as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement has already come into force, under which the EU is giving Vietnam an annual quota of 80,000 tonnes of rice with zero tariffs.

This is a special opportunity for Vietnamese rice exporters to build and promote their image as well as outlining new strategies for production and export by focusing on speciality rice varieties designed to target discerning markets with higher prices and also reduce reliance on traditional markets, which mainly purchase lower-quality rice at lower prices.

Flights from/to Da Nang starts from September 8

Budget airline Vietjet is resuming domestic flights from and to the central city of Da Nang on September 8 as the COVID-19 outbreak in the city has been put under control, in accordance with a decision of the Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.

Budget airline Vietjet



According to initial plans, Vietjet will resume Da Nang - Hanoi and Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City routes with a frequency of one return flight per day for each route. The move meets the travel demand of people as well as contributes to economic recovery in Da Nang in particular and the Central Highlands region in general.

Passengers on flights from and to Da Nang are arranged to sit at a safe distance and take sufficient measures to prevent the pandemic, including wearing masks at airports and on aircraft; filling mandatory health declaration; and installing Bluezone app on smartphone (if possible).

To ensure the health of the community and to prevent the pandemic, Vietjet has been strengthening the coordination of disease prevention measures, strictly controlling health check procedures for passengers and crews before and after each flight, and following required medical regulations. All Vietjet flights are in accordance with all global supreme standards and recommendations from authorities, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in order to ensure the health and safety for passengers, flight crews and the community.

Vietnam had no new COVID-19 cases to report on the whole of September 7, with the national count remaining at 1,049, according to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control on September 7.

The figure includes 691 cases infected domestically, of which 551 related to the outbreak in the central city of Da Nang since July 25.

Also on September 7, 38 patients were given the all-clear, bringing the total of this group to 853. Meanwhile, the countrys total deaths related to COVID-19 still stood at 35, most of them the elderly with serious underlying diseases.

Among the active patients, 14 have tested negative for the novel coronavirus once, 19 twice and 33 three times./.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : The Congress has decided to put up a joint opposition candidate for the post of Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, sources said, ahead of the election scheduled for September 14.

The Congress will consult other opposition parties on this and the candidate will be decided accordingly as the matter was discussed in the Congress' strategy meet.

However, the numbers are tough in the upper house as the NDA candidate can sail through with support of many like-minded parties like AIADMK, JD-U, and Akali Dal and several opposition parties may skip the polls as recently the BJP has gained numbers and Congress' strength has reduced "but if all the non-NDA parties support the opposition candidate then the BJP may find it tough," said a Congress MP.

The election for the post of Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha will be held on September 14, the day Parliament's monsoon session convenes.

The post fell vacant after Janata Dal-United MP Harivansh Narayan Singh's term in the Upper House expired. He has since been re-elected to the Rajya Sabha from Bihar.

The election will be held at 3 p.m. on September 14. The nominations will be accepted till noon on September 11.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday appealed to the chiefs and people of Bono East Region to vote for him and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates in the December 2020 Elections.

He said in about three-months, Ghanaians would go to the polls on December 7 and implored the people to remember the hard work he had done to retain his government in power.

The President was addressing a durbar of chiefs and people of Kajaji to kick start his five-day working visit to the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions.

President Akufo-Addo specifically mentioned that the electorate in Sene East, Sene West, Pru East and Pru West had since 1992 voted in "one way", saying it was time the people changed the voting pattern in favour of the NPP in the forthcoming general elections.

This, he said was the surest way they would see improvement in their socio-economic livelihoods.

President Akufo-Addo emphasised the implementation of the Free Senior High School educational policy, Planting for Food and Jobs and many other social intervention programmes by the government to motivate the electorate to maintain his government.

He also called on the electorate in Sene East to vote for Mr Nicholas Betagan, the NPP"s Parliamentary candidate.

---GNA
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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

As many as 2,302 people have been infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the past 24 hours in Iran, said Sima Sadat Lari, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Trend reports citing the ministry.

According to Sadat Lari, 132 more people have died from the coronavirus over the past day.

Sadat Lari added that the condition of 3,713 people is critical.

The official said that Iran's Tehran, Mazandaran, Gilan, Qom, Isfahan, Razavi Khorasan, East Azerbaijan, Kerman, North Khorasan, Semnan, Yazd, Zanjan, and Qazvin provinces are considered 'red' zones.

So far, more than 3.43 million tests have been conducted in Iran for the diagnosis of coronavirus.

Iran continues to monitor the coronavirus situation in the country. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 391,100 people have been infected, and 22,542 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 337,400 have reportedly recovered from the disease.

The country continues to apply strict measures to contain further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease.

The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19.

The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019.
Rohingya refugees flee to Bangladesh in 2017 - Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters

Two deserting soldiers from the Myanmar army have claimed they were told by commanding officers to shoot all that you see and hear during a brutal military operation against the countrys Rohingya Muslim minority in 2017.

The witness statements from the two soldiers is the first time that members of the military have openly admitted to participating in what a United Nations fact-finding mission has described as a genocidal campaign against the Rohingya.

They are reported to have been transferred to the International Criminal Court in the Hague, in what could be a major boost to efforts to hold the Southeast Asian nation to account over genocide charges.

In videoed confessions viewed by the NGO, Private Myo Win Tun, 33, and Private Zaw Naing Tun, 30, confess to killings and rapes during the army clearance operations, with both independently claiming they were acting on orders from commanders to exterminate all [Rohingya]."

This is a monumental moment for Rohingya and the people of Myanmar in their ongoing struggle for justice, said Matthew Smith, CEO of Fortify Rights. These men could be the first perpetrators from Myanmar tried at the ICC, and the first insider witnesses in the custody of the court. We expect prompt action.

About one million Rohingya refugees live in cramped camps in Bangladesh - Cathal McNaughton/Reuters

The brutal military purge of the Rohingya population in 2017 caused some three quarters of a million people to flee rape, arson and murder into neighbouring Bangladesh where they continue to languish in squalid refugee camps with little hope of returning home.

The New York Times reported that the two men were transferred to the ICC on Monday and placed in custody although not under arrest. Fortify Rights has called for the court to offer them witness protection.

The Myanmar government, and its civilian leader, former human rights icon Aung San Suu Kyi, has repeatedly denied there was a concerted campaign of atrocities against the Rohingya.

Last year Ms Suu Kyi personally travelled to the Hague to defend the country against charges of genocide in a separate case pursued by a Gambian-led prosecution team at the International Court of Justice.

Story continues

In the taped confessions  which could not be independently verified but which echoed victim testimonies  Private Zaw Naing Tun confesses to killings, burying bodies in mass graves, and other crimes against the Rohingya in five villages in Maungdaw Township during the 2017 operations.

Myo Win Tun describes his involvement in killing Rohingya women, men, and children, and he admits to rape in Taung Bazar village and surrounding villages in Buthidaung Township in September of the same year.

The soldiers provide the names and ranks of 19 direct perpetrators from the Myanmar Army, including themselves, as well as six senior commanders in the Myanmar Army who they claim ordered or contributed to atrocity crimes against Rohingya, including a lieutenant colonel, a colonel, and three captains.

The confessions were filmed separately by The Arakan Armyan ethnic armed group currently engaged in armed conflict with the Myanmar Army in Rakhine State. Both describe the location of mass graves.

These confessions demonstrate what weve long known, which is that the Myanmar Army is a well-functioning national army operating with a specific and centralised command structure, said Mr Smith.

Commanders control, direct, and order their subordinates in all they do. In this case, commanders ordered foot soldiers to commit genocidal acts and exterminate Rohingya, and thats exactly what they did.
The mother of a 16-year-old schoolgirl who was left fighting for her life after taking ecstasy has shared a picture of her in hospital as a warning to parents of the danger of drugs.

Remy Turner was rushed to hospital after she took MDMA, also known as ecstasy, and suffered a seizure in Guernsey in July.

The teenager was unconscious and was placed in a coma for six days as she battled for her life.

Her mother, Louise Turner, has shared a picture of Remy in a coma and described it as the most terrifying experience of her life, adding doctors called her a 'miracle' child when she woke up.

She said: 'Seeing your little girl linked up to literally dozens of tubes and machines in ICU with what must have been like 15 doctors and nurses all crowded around her bed is not something you forget.

'I was told three times that Remy wouldn't make it.

Remy Turner, 16, spent six days in a coma after she suffered a seizure when she took party drug MDMA, also known as ecstasy

Louise Turner, pictured with her daughter, said she was told on three occasions that Remy wouldn't survive

'Her dad and step-mum flew over from Jersey, pretty much to say their goodbyes.'

After falling ill on Friday, July 31, Remy was rushed to Princess Elizabeth Hospital on the Channel Island, but showed no sign of recovery for the first three nights.

Machines were feeding her, breathing for her and, ultimately, keeping her alive.

Ms Turner said: 'We took pictures of her in the ICU, because she was totally unaware of all the fear, all the tears, all the hurt we'd been through wishing, hoping, praying that she would be okay.

'Remy is still trying to understand it all now, but I shared some of the photos on Facebook as well to raise awareness of how serious it can be to take drugs.'

After six days of heavy sedation, she woke up.

Remy, who lives with her family in Guernsey, said: 'When I woke up the doctor asked me what day I thought it was, and I still just thought it was that Friday evening. I didn't know how much time had passed.

'I was so confused, I didn't understand any of it.'

For nights afterwards she could not be left alone as she was having terrible nightmares, hallucinations and had forgotten how to walk.

Remy, from Guernsey, had to rely on machines to breathe for her and feed her as she battled the effects of the drug

Thankfully, the recovery happened much quicker than expected, and Remy is already off her anti-seizure medication.

Her family say she will not be able to enjoy a drink however, as her liver will not be able to cope.

Remy added: 'I really regret the choice I made, and I wish I never did it. I will never do anything like this again.

'It's difficult to explain how I feel now. The stress and pain I put our friends and family through is something I never want to do again.

'I want to help people now. I'm not going to preach because I don't think people will ever stop taking drugs, but I want to tell my story to show what can happen when you make those choices.'

More than two months after nearly losing her life, Remy (left) has accepted taking the drug was 'stupid,' as Louise (right) launched a fundraising campaign to thank the doctors and nurses who battled to save her daughter

Ms Turner said Remy acknowledged it was a 'stupid' thing to have done, but now the pair want to raise awareness of the risks of taking drugs and use her story to prevent others from making a similar mistake.

Grateful to the staff at the hospital and emergency ambulance service that saved Remy's life, the family has set up a GoFundMe page.

Louise added: 'I want to give something back to everyone who was so incredibly supportive and helpful while Remy was in hospital.

Remy is now off her anti-seizure medication, but is still unable to drink as doctors say she will not be able to cope

'We're asking for donations so that I can put some money on a tab at a restaurant or something and treat everyone there to say thank you.

'The team at the hospital and ICU were incredible. They kept a diary of her time in hospital to show how ill she really was. I don't know how we can ever repay them, but this fundraising project is a start at least.'

The fundraising campaign has already doubled its initial 700 target.
SEATTLE, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Nordstrom today launched Make Your Voice Heard , a nationwide non-partisan voter participation initiative. In partnership with nonprofits When We All Vote and the National Urban League , Nordstrom aims to educate, inspire and make it easy for Nordstrom employees and customers to make their voice heard  both through responding to the 2020 Census and by voting in upcoming primaries and elections.

"We believe every voice matters and our country is stronger when we all participate in the democratic process," said Pete Nordstrom, president and chief brand officer. "This initiative is a direct result of feedback we heard from more than 50,000 Nordstrom employees from all regions of the U.S. They told us they want to be actively engaged in their communities and help find solutions to the challenges we're facing. Enabling them to make their voices heard by voting is a meaningful and productive way we can support our people and our communities."

By partnering with When We All Vote and the National Urban League, Nordstrom aims to help increase participation in upcoming elections. Together, the organizations will bring the Make Your Voice Heard campaign to life through virtual learning series, digital volunteer opportunities, curbside voter registration and a suite of online resources related to the 2020 Census, voter registration, education and participation.

"As we continue to strive to change the culture around voting, expanding our work with a partner like Nordstrom through their Make Your Voice Heard initiative is critical. With this partnership, we will be able to reach new eligible voters via the entire Nordstrom community of employees and customers, helping us to fulfill our mission to increase voter participation in every election," said Stephanie L. Young, Chief Officer for Culture and Communications, When We All Vote.

"We are proud to declare Nordstrom as an official partner of the National Urban League for this election and beyond to support our mission to provide economic empowerment and educational opportunities for underserved Americans. We will support Make Your Voice Heard through initiatives aimed at increased voter registration, 2020 Census participation, diverse corporate recruitment, community-based volunteerism, and much more. We are committed to making a difference and cannot wait to get started with Make Your Voice Heard," said Marc Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League.

To make getting to the polls easier and ensure everyone has the time to vote, Nordstrom is making November 3, 2020, a holiday for all its U.S. Employees. While Nordstrom stores and operations centers remain open, the company will work with employees to set schedules which will enable them to get to the polls. Another way Nordstrom is supporting employees to participate in the voting process is by partnering with Civic Alliance to connect employees to volunteer opportunities. Finally, Nordstrom will provide its store, fulfillment center, distribution center and call center employees discounted rides to the polls through Lyft.

Nordstrom is also introducing an exclusive collection of Nordstrom Made "VOTE" apparel for Men, Women and Kids to celebrate voters' rights. The styles include t-shirts and sweatshirts featuring VOTE graphics priced from $19 to $60 and a portion of every Nordstrom Made VOTE purchase will be donated to When We All Vote and the National Urban League.

ABOUT NORDSTROM

Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion retailer based in the U.S. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 355 stores in 40 states, including 100 full-line stores in the United States and Canada; 248 Nordstrom Rack stores; two clearance stores; and five Nordstrom Local service hubs.

Additionally, customers are served online through Nordstrom.com , Nordstrom.ca , Nordstromrack.com , HauteLook.com and TrunkClub.com . Nordstrom, Inc.'s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

About Urban League

For more than a century, the National Urban League has been the authority on our nation's civil rights issues  impacting policy in Washington and implementing effective programming in urban communities across America. Our data-driven national management structure and evidence-based solutions inform policy and enact real change through legislative action. While our service model is local, the impact of our work reverberates on a national scale. We work to provide economic empowerment, access to health care, educational, job, and housing opportunities and the guarantee of civil rights for the underserved in America.

About When We All Vote

When We All Vote is a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit launched by Co-Chair Michelle Obama in 2018 on a mission to change the culture around voting by bringing together citizens, institutions, brands, and organizations to increase participation in every election. They are also on a mission to close the race and age voting gap and empower all eligible voters to cast their ballot by harnessing grassroots energy, establishing strategic partnerships, and implementing digital organizing strategies. Learn more here .

PRESS CONTACT

Michael King

[email protected]

SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  Dr. Ahmed el-Rabii spent years treating Palestinians wounded by Israeli fire during wars and clashes in the Gaza Strip. Now that the coronavirus has reached the blockaded territory, the 37-year-old physician finds himself in the unfamiliar role of patient.

El-Rabii is the first Gaza doctor diagnosed with COVID-19 and is among dozens of health-care workers infected during the local outbreak, which was detected late last month. The spread among front-line workers has further strained an already overburdened health-care system.

Speaking from one of the two hospitals designated to treat coronavirus cases, el-Rabii said the threat in many ways is more terrifying than war.

During fighting, you only fear being hit by shrapnel by mistake, he said. But with the virus, you constantly worry because you do not know how or from where it will hit you: from a patient, from your colleague, or by touching the elevator or any other surface.

Since 2007, Gaza has been under an Israeli-Egyptian blockade meant to isolate Hamas, the Islamic militant group that seized control of the territory that year from the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority.

The blockade is believed to have played a key role in slowing the arrival of the coronavirus. Few people can move in and out of the territory, and Hamas placed anyone returning to Gaza into mandatory quarantine centers for three weeks.

Before last month, the handful of Gazas coronavirus cases were confined to the isolation facilities. But on Aug. 24, the first cases were detected among the general population, and the numbers have multiplied since.

Despite limited testing capacity, over 1,000 active cases have already been detected. Nine people have died.

The outbreak has been especially hard for Gazas medical workers. For more than a decade, they have been on the front lines treating injuries during conflicts with Israel. They have worked in an ailing health system gutted by the blockade and intra-Palestinian political feuding that left doctors, nurses and other medical workers with only partial salaries.

Now, the virus is straining medical workers physically, mentally and financially. Ahmed Shatat, a Health Ministry official, said at least 68 medical workers have been infected.

Experts have warned that a wider outbreak in Gaza, home to some 2 million Palestinians, could be catastrophic because of the fragile health sector.

Gazas health system is woefully underequipped to cope with a large outbreak, with only enough intensive care beds and ventilators to cope with a few dozen serious cases, the International Committee of the Red Cross warned last week.

Shatat said there already was a shortage of medical workers even before the outbreak.

To help alleviate a staffing crunch, the Health Ministry has shortened the mandatory quarantine times for doctors and nurses who may have been exposed to the virus, from three weeks to two weeks. But it is still struggling to sufficiently staff the quarantine centers and isolation hospitals. Hundreds of workers are in protective isolation due to possible exposure, and pregnant workers and those with underlying health issues are excluded.

Advanced health systems in the world could not sustain the outbreak, so how could our fragile, besieged, aid-dependent health system stand up to the crisis? Shatat said.

After graduating medical school in Egypt in 2008, el-Rabii returned home to Gaza to grim prospects, and the only jobs available were in the Hamas-run administration. In 2010, he was offered a job, but the cash-strapped government could not afford to pay his full salary.

Mostly, we got 40% of our salaries. This makes the doctor look for extra work at private clinics and hospitals, he said.

Before he caught the virus, el-Rabii used to work 24 hours in full personal protective equipment in the sweltering summer heat. He would go home for a two-day break and return to the hospital for another 24-hour shift. It was exhausting, he recalled.

Now, with the coronavirus, everything has shut down, and work at private clinics has stopped so you are only left with the public job, he explained.

El-Rabii has worked at Gazas main hospital, Shifa, for the last 10 years. After the coronavirus outbreak, he was assigned to a team treating people with respiratory disorders.

A female patient tested positive for the coronavirus. Immediately, all doctors and nurses were tested, and el-Rabii was found to be infected. It was a shock, especially since we know little about the spread of the virus in Gaza, he said.

At a newly opened hospital funded by the Turkish government, el-Rabii spends most of his time confined in his room, reading the Quran, praying, and answering phone calls from friends and family members.

Haitham Ibrahim, a laboratory specialist, has been doing nonstop tests for the past two weeks at the lab of Khan Younis hospital in the southern Gaza Strip, the second hospital where COVID-19 patients stay.

He doesnt do coronavirus tests, but the 34-year-old lab technician does regular blood exams to monitor the status of infected patients.

I often fall asleep from extreme exhaustion, he said in a phone interview. We take rests between shifts, but when you get off the heavy protective clothes you feel as if your body has melted.

Ibrahim says he sometimes believes the patients are in a better situation than the medical workers. The patient comes for 20 days and he recovers, but we will stay under this pressure, unsure when the virus will hit you, indefinitely.

Because of potential exposure during a two-week stint at work, Ibrahim is now spending two weeks in a quarantine center. When he returns home, he will have to remain in self-isolation for an additional 14 days before returning to the lab for another work cycle.

The lengthy separation from his family meant that he missed his youngest daughters first steps. I have five children and when I call them, I evade their questions about when I will come back home, he said.

Like most public workers, Ibrahim has only been receiving 40% of his base salary for years. This month, Hamas government announced a 10% pay increase  giving him an extra 100 shekels, or $30.

We hope our work will be rewarded after the crisis ends. Now its time to focus on the work and overcome the pandemic, he said.
Slowly but surely travelers are returning to the skies, and Southwest Airlines is ready to welcome Californians back with a 2-day sale. If you can book by midnight Wednesday, roundtrip fares are running as low as $80 within California, $100 to/from neighboring states and just $200 to and from Hawaii.

According to the TSA stats, nearly one million travelers passed through airport security on both the Friday before and the Monday after the holiday weekend. That's still a long way from the 2.5 million or so flyers passing through airport security each day this time last year, but it's a big jump from the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic when daily airport security screenings hit a low of around 90,000.

If you've felt stuck at home and are ready to strap on your mask, pack your hand sanitizer, and do your best to remain socially distant while traveling, Southwest has a deal for you. (Keep an eye out for other airlines rapidly adding matching fares today and be sure to check local coronavirus guidelines for any place you are considering traveling to. UPDATE: JetBlue just announced $198 roundtrips from the Bay Area to east coast cities, $49 Calif fares.)

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Here are some sample roundtrip fare deals from Bay Area airports for trips between Sept. 29 through March 4, 2021  a nice big window for travel. As usual, the deals are not good around holiday peak periods, and may require travel on certain days of the week to get the lowest fares. Hawaii fares are good from Nov. 1 - April 8, 2021- hopefully the state's much anticipated, and delayed, coronavirus testing program will be in effect by then.

$78: All intra-California routes

$98-$118: Las Vegas or Reno/Tahoe

$158: Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Boise

$198: Denver, Albuquerque

$198: Hawaii, including Kona (Big Island), Lihue (Kauai); Honolulu, Maui are $258.

Look and book these fares on Southwest.com. These are remarkably good rates for trips that extend all the way through next spring. See all the fine print here.

As of noon Tuesday, United has bested Southwest's roundtrip intra-California fares by $1, coming in at $77. Alaska and Delta have beat Southwest in Seattle and Portland with many fares from the Bay Area running as low as $97 round trip for fall travel.

Be sure to check around with other airlines, or use a meta-search tool like Google Flights or Skyscanner, to compare deals. And remember, with airlines loosening rules around changes and cancellations, you can book now and changes your plans later if you need to.

Read all recent TravelSkills posts here.

Chris McGinnis is SFGATE's senior travel correspondent. You can reach him via email or follow him on Twitter or Facebook. Don't miss a shred of important travel news by signing up for his FREE weekly email updates!

SFGATE participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
Aluminaire House ...this structure, which we brought to Palm Springs three years ago, will soon be reassembled with private funds raised by the Aluminaire House Foundation, and be on permanent display outside of the museum.

The Aluminaire House Foundation announced that it has donated the historic Aluminaire House to Palm Springs Art Museum to be part of the museums permanent collection. The historically significant aluminum and metal prototype residence, designed by Albert Frey and A. Lawrence Kocher in 1931, will soon be located outside on the grounds of the museum. Pending final approvals from the City of Palm Springs, assembling the structure will begin in 2021.

Palm Springs Art Museum has a long tradition of honoring Albert Frey, so donating the Aluminaire to be a part of their world-class collection was an obvious choice, said Aluminaire House Foundation, California Chapter member Mark Davis. We are thrilled that this structure, which we brought to Palm Springs three years ago, will soon be reassembled with private funds raised by the Aluminaire House Foundation, and be on permanent display outside of the museum.

The Aluminaire House is considered a masterpiece of modernist design, recently listed by Architectural Record as one of the most important buildings completed worldwide in the past 125 years. New York architects Michael Schwarting and Frances Campani worked diligently for more than 25 years to save, protect and document Aluminaire, and formed the Aluminaire House Foundation to locate a suitable permanent home for the structure. Once Aluminaire is reassembled, the full arc of Albert Freys career in America, from 1931 until his death in 1998 in Palm Springs, may be experienced in the city and at the museum.

The Aluminaire House is an excellent addition to our robust Albert Frey collection, which also includes Frey House II (1963-64), the residence the architect lived in until his death in 1998," said Steve Maloney, Chair of Palm Springs Art Museums Board of Trustees. We are honored that the Aluminaire House Foundation chose to donate this important work to Palm Springs Art Museum so that we can present it to the public. We look forward to celebrating the next chapter of this essential Palm Springs architect who is so strongly associated with bringing international modernism to the desert.

Freys connection with the museum dates back to its origin; his firm co-designed the original Palm Springs Desert Museum, and he served as a member and president of the board of trustees. Frey generously bequeathed his archive of drawings, personal and working papers, photographs, scrapbooks, and other documentsalong with his Frey House II residence, which sits on the hillside above the museum.

"While Albert Frey, who is called the father of 'Desert Modernism,' brought International Style to Palm Springs and enjoyed acclaimed fame, he remained less known in his own home country, Switzerland," says Benedikt Wechsler, PhD, Consul General of Switzerland in San Francisco. "It is exciting to see the Aluminaire House find a permanent home at Palm Springs Art Museum, and this project is a testimonial to Freys practice and important legacy."

In conjunction with the reassembly of The Aluminaire House, Palm Springs Art Museum is organizing a major Albert Frey exhibition for 2021-2022, which will be presented at the Museums Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion. It will be accompanied by a major publication that features archival materials from the museums collection, including a newly donated selection of Frey archival materials that will be presented and published for the first time.

About the Aluminaire House

In 1931, the Allied Arts and Industries and the Architectural League of New York unveiled the starkly modern, all metal Aluminaire home, constructed mostly of aluminum and glass components, which inspired the name. It was intended to be mass-produced and affordable, using inexpensive, off-the-shelf materials. Aluminaire caught the attention of the public, so much that in just one week on exhibit, more than 100,000 visitors toured the home. The three-story house, assembled in just ten days, was designed by A. Lawrence Kocher, the managing editor of Architectural Record, and Albert Frey, then a 28-year-old Swiss architect who had recently immigrated to America after working in Paris for the great architect Le Corbusier. It was the first all-metal house constructed in the United States, and of such importance in the architectural world that images of it were featured in the prestigious exhibition, The International Style  Architecture Since 1922 at New Yorks Museum of Modern Art in 1932. Aluminaire emboldened a new architectural movement in the United States. While intended as a display of products, Aluminaire was also an overt demonstration of bringing together the ideas of mass production and high-density community planning.

When the 1931 exhibition ended, the building was purchased by architect Wallace K. Harrison, who relocated it to his country estate in Huntington, on Long Island, outside of New York City. Used first as a country house, then added on to, it was later relocated elsewhere on the estate, undergoing significant changes. After years of poor maintenance, the severely deteriorated structure became at risk for demolition in the late 1980s. A concerned group of preservationists, led by architects Michael Schwarting and Julio M. San Jose, Dean of the New York Institute of Technology, saved it, dismantled it, and arranged for it to be donated to the school for their campus, where it was restored and reassembled by architecture students with Prof. Schwarting. When that campus closed, Schwarting and Campani took charge of the house and formed the Aluminaire House Foundation in 2011. The house was again dismantled in 2012 and put into storage in New York where it languished in a shipping container.

Schwarting and Campani were invited to Modernism Week several years ago to present on Aluminaire. To an auditorium full of architectural enthusiasts, they presented their story about studying the home for more than 20 years, saving it from demolition, dismantling it once, reassembling it and then having to dismantle it yet again and put into storage, homeless. That day, an idea was hatched by a core group of local 'believers,' who thought Palm Springs would make the perfect home.

Immediately after this, the California chapter of the non-profit Aluminaire House Foundation was registered, dedicated to raising funds to move the house to Palm Springs and reassemble it here for permanent display. This local committee, including Tracy Conrad, Mark Davis, Brad Dunning, Beth Edwards Harris and William Kopelk, began the task of raising funds to secure the permanent location for the architecturally significant house. In 2017, the disassembled house was shipped to Palm Springs and has been in storage. Funds are being raised by the Aluminaire House Foundation to reassemble the masterpiece, which will now be on the grounds of Palm Springs Art Museum.

The Aluminaire Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit registered in California and New York. For more information and to send a donation, please visit aluminaire.org.
With W H O rapidly losing its credibility, the whole world is watching this vaccine development battle helplessly and with fear and anxiety.





by N.S.Venkataraman





It is known that it normally takes six to seven years to adequately test a new drug / vaccine by way of clinical trials and then place it in the market for the benefit of the patients.









As it is known , clinical trials have to be carried out in four phases, one phase after another, when hundreds of people would undergo clinical trial. Such people undergoing trial are expected to be those living in different climatic conditions with different food habits, various age groups, men and women as well as people suffering from ailments related to the new drug/vaccine in question. While this is so, it is a matter of high concern and it is also shocking that several pharmaceutical firms and research agencies claim that vaccine for COVID 19 would be available for treating patients in a few weeks from now, after their carrying out clinical trials for a few months and on people whose number would be much less than the stipulated level. This is a calculated risk.





In recent times, quite a number of drugs which duly underwent clinical trials and put into the market after approval by authorities, have been later on banned for use due to adverse effects noticed over a period of time. It is also known that several vaccines and drugs have side effects and what is suitable for one person have often proved to be unsuitable for another person. Some experts say that over use of drugs could be detrimental. Given such scenario, one tend to think whether launching a drug after inadequate clinical trials could be termed as an irresponsible act





While allopathic drugs and vaccines normally undergo clinical trials as per stipulated procedures, there are many traditional medicines in Ayurvedic, Unani , Siddha and other systems, which are also prescribed by a few doctors who practice in traditional medical treatment, for COVID 19 patients. With regard to such traditional medicines, complaints are often made that they have not been subjected to fool proof testing and clinical trials and many experts think that it would be unwise to use such traditional medicines in patients with COVID 19 ailment. Such traditional medicines are also advocated for use to treat COVID 19 patients by some governments.





Even as the drugs that have undergone extensive clinical trials are prescribed by medical doctors, it is often seen that there is difference in view with regard to diagnosis and prescriptions between different doctors , depending upon their level of expertise, experience . In such circumstances, it is often said that in the case of major ailments or surgeries , it is preferable to get the testing and advice from more than two doctors by the patient before undergoing the procedure.





All such scenario only indicate the absolute importance of carrying out extensive clinical trials before introducing the new vaccine in the market for treating COVID 19 patients. If vaccines without detailed clinical trials would be introduced, it would amount to playing with the life of innocent patients.





With such background in view, recent claims of several pharmaceutical firms and research agencies about the development of vaccine for treatment of COVID 19 is creating a sense of scare amongst laymen.





Russia granted regulatory approval to a COVID 19 vaccine in August, 2020 after less than two months of human testing , prompting some experts to question its safety and efficacy. Even when doubts persist, an article has been published in the Lancet Medical Journal, with preliminary results from phase 1 and phase 2 trials . This publication appears to be premature and give credibility to the claim of Russia about the new vaccine developed by it even before the completion of adequate clinical trials.





U S public health officials and Pfizer Inc. said that a vaccine could be ready for distribution as soon as late October,2020. Obviously, this could be done only without adequate test and trials, which could be an extremely counter productive exercise.





GAVI vaccine aims to procure Covax and deliver two billion doses of vaccines by the end of 2021 and some countries have secured their own supplies through bilateral deals.





Novo Nordisk, the Danish drug maker says that its research shows that GLP-1 drugs, which help patients keep blood sugar levels in check, could be a very meaningful therapy in helping people with diabetesto battle COVID 19.





So many other research agencies as well as China have claimed that COVID vaccine would be available very soon.





While such tall claims are being made, W H O says that none of candidates has exhibited clear signal of efficacy so far.





The current situation is that in their rush to out beat each other, several pharmaceutical firms, research agencies and a few countries are making tall and unsubstantiated claims on development of COVID vaccine , which is creating false sense of hope amongst people all over the world.





Is it that these pharmaceutical firms and research agencies want to continue the clinical trial even as the vaccine is made available in the market and want to prove or otherwise of its efficacy by trial and error method, when they would change the dosage or evolve new conditions for administering the vaccine etc.





If this would be their approach and attitude, then they may save time but lose lives.





With W H O rapidly losing its credibility, the whole world is watching this vaccine development battle helplessly and with fear and anxiety.
It was not a voluntary trip, Ukrainian Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko posted on Facebook, referring to the actions against Kolesnikova and the other two opposition figures. It was a forced departure from their native country in order to compromise the Belarusian opposition, to make it look like the opposition leaders threw hundreds of thousands of protesters against Lukashenkos regime and fled to cozy Ukraine.
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden sent a message in Spanish to Cuban-American voters joining in the Catholic celebration in honor of Our Lady of Charity, considered the patron saint of Cuba and affectionately known as Cachita.

On the feast of Our Lady of Charity, Jill [his wife] and I pray that the love and compassion that Cachita inspires will fill the hearts of her believers around the world, the former vice president said in a statement addressed to Cubans in South Florida shared with el Nuevo Herald and posted on social media.

This challenging time for our nation and for the world reminds us of the importance that we can all live and practice our faith freely, added Biden.

The Republican campaign also sent a congratulatory tweet to Our Lady of Charity believers.

Pope John Paul II described Cachita as the loving mother of all Cubans, and today we join them in celebrating her, the Republican campaign posted on Twitter. May God bless you!

The message is directed at people from a nation where religious freedom is restricted.

According to the human rights organization Solidaridad Cristiana Mundial, the Cuban government has intensified the harassment and detention of members of religious groups that advocate greater religious and political freedom.

Biden said that both he and his wife join all those who seek a future in which the Cuban people are free to determine their own destiny.

We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fight for human rights, freedom and democracy on the island, Biden said.

Bidens campaign told el Nuevo Herald that they have prepared a program to celebrate the anniversary under the hashtag #CaridadConBiden.

The program includes community prayer, charity work, a caravan for the saint and a space to make calls on behalf of the Democratic candidate.

The devotion to Our Lady of Charity spread in Cuba after small statue was found floating on the waters of Nipe Bay, to the east of the island. Historians believe that a possible date of the find was 1612, although there are debates on the subject.

Story continues

The statue, carrying a child and the Christian symbol of the cross, was venerated by the Mambises, the fighters for Cuban independence against the Spain. Pope Benedict XV declared her patron saint of Cuba at the request of the Mambises in 1915.

Our Lady of Charity has also been recognized by Cubans of the Yoruba religion as Oshun, the African orisha related to fertility and love.

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook: @MarioJPenton
Two separate Libyan delegations are heading to Cairo on Tuesday to discuss a deadlock between rival factions in the conflict-hit country, Saudi news agency Al-Arabiya reported sources as saying.

A first delegation, comprised of members of the Libyan State Council, left Misrata Airport for Cairo, Al-Arabiya reported.

The second one includes four MPs and the national security advisor to the head of the Government of National Accord (GNA), Fayez Al-Sarraj.

He will present an initiative to solve the crisis, Al-Arabiya added.

No further details were given.

Libyan delegations are currently holding talks in Morocco in the hopes of reaching a resolution to the conflict.

The delegations participating in the talks have decided to extend the period of negotiations to a fourth day on Thursday, according to Al Arabiya television.

A Libyan source told Ahram Online that there are also talks ongoing between Libyan delegations in Geneva, and that Cairo has been informed about them as it is expected to play a pivotal role in solving the crisis.

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CHICAGO, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global online pharmacy market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 20% during the period 20192025.

Key Highlights Offered in the Report:

The global online pharmacy market would realize an incremental growth of around $88 billion in revenue between 2019 and 2025. Contributing over 60% market share in 2019, North America continues to dominate the online sales of pharma products. Online sales of OTC medicines is expected to contribute over $90 billion market revenue by 2025. The growth of the online pharmacy market in Europe is expected to be in double digits throughout the forecast period. COVID-19 pandemic has driven the online sales in major European countries where brick-and-mortar sales are otherwise dominant. Germany continues to lead the online pharma sales in Europe . Expected positive changes in the regulatory framework allowing online sales of Rx medicines will drive the German market by 15% CAGR during 2019-2025. APAC, led by India , China , and Japan , is expected to witness strong traction in demand for online pharma products and will contribute an incremental revenue of nearly $30 billion between 2019 and 2025.

Key Offerings:

Market Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20192025

Market Dynamics  Leading trends, growth drivers, restraints, and investment opportunities

Market Segmentation  A detailed analysis by platform type, medicine type, and geography

Competitive Landscape  7 key vendors and 43 other vendors

Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/online-pharmacy-market-size-analysis

Online Pharmacy Market  Segmentation

The global OTC drugs market is likely to record the highest growth rate in Latin America and APAC in the coming years owing to the rapidly growing population, coupled with the growing middle-class population and increase in disposable incomes, which will increase access to OTC medication.

and APAC in the coming years owing to the rapidly growing population, coupled with the growing middle-class population and increase in disposable incomes, which will increase access to OTC medication. The rising incidence of chronic illnesses such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, would drive selling incentives for prescription medications in the market. The rise in new diseases would also have a high effect on the market share of prescription drugs online.

The presence of desktop computers and laptops in households has increased over the years. Consumer PC penetration per capita in North America was increasing at a high rate and is still higher than across the world. The penetration of PCs is increasing steadily in Europe as most households in Europe have PC.

Online Pharmacy Market by Platform Type

Mobile Users

Desktop Users

Online Pharmacy Market by Medicine Type

OTC Medicines

Prescription Medicines

Online Pharmacy Market  Dynamics

The role of the pharmacies has been changing over the years. It is no longer just a supplier of medicines and medicinal products but also involved in the provision of other health care services. It can be found in hospitals, communities, laboratories, and academic institutions, among others. The importance of Pharmaceutical care is growing with the increase in the need and demand for self-care, such as self-medication. Self-care is gradually enhancing due to an increase in health awareness among the population in both developed and developing countries. The increase in demand for self-care is due to several factors mentioned below and is expected to increase the demand for online pharmacies, especially for OTC medicines.

Key Drivers and Trends fueling Market Growth:

Rise in Economic Growth, Per Capita Income, & Healthcare Expenditure

Increased Collaboration among Stakeholders

Growing Internet Penetration

Rising Implementation of E-Prescriptions in Hospitals and Other Healthcare Services

Online Pharmacy Market  Geography

North America's online pharmacy industry is powered by state-of-the-art technologies and latest apps for current applications, increasing the internet of things and the introduction of cloud-based solutions in virtually any field, especially in the medical sector. The pharmacy automation market in North America is growing enormously. Pharmacy automation comprises automatic processes to handle and dispense medications, counting small objects, mixing and calculating liquids and powders for compounding, updating, and tracing records in the database and inventory management. This is expected to boost the online pharmacy market in North America during the forecast period.

Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/online-pharmacy-market-size-analysis

Online Pharmacy Market by Geography

North America

US



Canada

Europe

UK



Germany



France



Italy



Spain



Sweden



Switzerland



Netherlands



Poland



Russia



Czech Republic

APAC

China



Japan



South Korea



Australia



India

Latin America

Brazil



Mexico



Argentina

Middle East & Africa

South Africa



Saudi Arabia



UAE

Prominent Vendors

Zur Rose Group

SHOP APOTHEKE

Kroger

Walmart Stores

CVS Health

Cigna (Express Scripts)

Giant Eagle

Other Prominent Vendors

UK Meds

NorthWestPharmacy.com

Japan Health Center

AMX Holdings

BioPlus Specialty Pharmacy

Carepoint Pharmacy

Medvantx

parafarmacia-online

GoGoMeds

Newpharma

MonCoinSante

MEDS

AZETA

LloydsPharmacy

Oxford Online Pharmacy

Chemist 4 U

Simple Online Pharmacy

myCARE

The Canadian Pharmacy

Juvalis

Apotea

Chemist Direct

Lekarna WPK

Pharmacy2U

Index Medical

InhousePharmacy

Prvalekarna

Cocooncenter

DeOnlineDrogist

MedExpress

Farmacia Internacional

Foundation Care

Lekarnar

BestPharmacy

Pharm24

Pharmacy4u

Vamida

Sanicare

1MG Technologies

Netmeds

MedLife

Nunokame

Walgreens Boots Alliance

Explore our health & wellness profile to know more about the industry.

Read some of the top-selling reports:

About Arizton:

Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.

We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.

Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.

Mail: [email protected]

Call: +1-312-235-2040

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SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence
On The Incredible Dr. Pol, now in its 17th season, the 78-year-old country veterinarian has a staff of top-notch vets helping him out in caring for the communitys farm animals, as well as smaller pets.

Heres your chance to get to know his most recently hired vets, Dr. Ray Harp and Dr. Lisa Jones!

Dr. Jan Pol of The Incredible Dr. Pol | Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

The Incredible Dr. Pol just launched Recheck recently

RELATED: The Incredible Dr. Pol: Catch Up With Dr. Emily and Whats New for the Popular Veterinarian

Dr. Jan Pol and his son, Charles Pol, have recently begun a new YouTube show designed to complement the Nat Geo Wild hit. It airs right after each new episode of The Incredible Dr. Pol on the shows YouTube channel.

Its a Dr. Pol fans dream come true, as Recheck offers lots of bonus content including in-depth interviews with special guests and, of course, with Dr. Pol himself.

Charles announced the news about the show in June 2020, saying Its going to be a fun after-show, well have special guests from the episodes, well talk to some of your favorite veterinarians, and well even have the ability to have fans come on the show, visit the veterinarians, and visit with Dr. Pol.

Meet Dr. Ray Harp

Dr. Ray Harp, 38, joined the staff of Pol Veterinary Services in July 2019. He explained to Charles and Dr. Pol his journey in realizing his vocational choice. As it turns out, he and his wife regularly watched The Incredible Dr. Pol and it played a role in his decision.

RELATED: The Incredible Dr. Pol: When Dr. Pol Retires, Who Will Run His Veterinary Clinic?

Well, when I was deciding whether or not I should go to vet school, we were actually watching Dr. Pol, Harp said. And my wife said, I think you should just go ahead and apply. That looks like a lot of fun. So, thats how I ended up going to vet school and I graduated. She had been checking the want ads for me and it turned out that Dr. Pol was hiring.

The couple lived in Kansas City, where Harp worked at an animal hospital. It was there that he decided to pursue his doctorate in veterinary medicine at Kansas State University.

So we came up and visited and everything worked out and here we are, he said.

Meet Dr. Lisa Jones

In an episode of Recheck from August 2020, Dr. Jones shared that, as a child, she was home-schooled, which is a fairly common schooling practice today but twenty or thirty years ago, was not.

Yeah, all the way up until I went to college, I was home-schooled, she said.

Dr. Pol interjected, No wonder shes so smart!

Charles then posed an interesting question, asking Dr. Jones to speak to those children being schooled remotely from home during COVID-19.

Dr. Jones reassured students today saying, I think [home-schooling] was a very unique experience; we had a lot more flexibility in our schedule. If we had a nice day outside, we could all go out and stare at flowers and identify roots for science class. We were able to go on some pretty cool field trips and see a lot of the country.

A Cornell University graduate, Dr. Jones added, I think my education set me up pretty well to get me where I want to go.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has urged all sides involved in the Debenhams dispute to get back around the table to hammer out a better deal for former workers.

Mr Martin described the treatment of striking Debenhams staff as shabby, shoddy and unacceptable.

It comes after six protesters were arrested in Dublin on Tuesday after former staff held sit-ins at the companys stores in Dublin and Cork.

Workers have been protesting since April in a dispute with the firm over redundancy terms after 1,000 workers lost their jobs when the chain went into liquidation.

Mr Martin said: I have to say that the treatment of the Debenhams workers has been very, very shabby and shoddy and unacceptable.

The failure to honour collective agreements that these workers had entered into is, in my view, unacceptable and the manner in which theyve been treated is unacceptable.

He said the offer made to workers paled into relative insignificance in comparison to what they would have expected.

In my view what has to happen now is all sides to get back around the table, he added.

Trade union Mandate and the workers are demanding four weeks pay per service year.

Liquidator KPMG withdrew a proposed one million euro offer that was made to workers last week.

Mr Martin added: Weve kept in close contact with Mandate in relation to this dispute and the continuation of this dispute and also in relation to efforts to try and bring about a resolution to it.

Mr Martin said the government has committed to reviewing company law to close loopholes.

KPMG have withdrawn the "offer" made to exDebenhams workers. The Govt have let these workers down very very badly. Offers outside liquidation guidelines CAN be made (one just was) and a better offer (4 weeks per year of service) needs to be put in place now. #OccupyDebenhams  Mick Barry TD (@MickBarryTD) September 8, 2020

Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald said that workers have been treated in an appalling manner.

Given what has unfolded today, including the arrest of some Debenhams workers, I want you to set out what it is that you have actually done, Ms McDonald said.

This is in fact a test case for your government.

You gave a commitment that the government would review company law that leaves workers in such awful situations, with a view to amending it.

I want to know where is that review at?

You may say that this is very complicated and complex, but you also know that you have options available to you to protect workers, and to prevent rogue companies from treating their staff in such a disgraceful way.

Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Mick Barry accused Mr Martin of having sight of the last weeks insulting offer before it was put to the workers.

You speak of these workers having suffered shoddy treatment, Mr Barry added.

Well one of the parties that has treated the workers shoddily now is both yourself, your party and your government, by standing by and allowing such an insulting offer to be put before them in the first place.

Expand Close Taoiseach Micheal Martin (Julien Behal/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Taoiseach Micheal Martin (Julien Behal/PA)

Mr Martin denied seeing the offer before it was made to the workers and called for Mr Barry to withdraw the allegation.

A garda spokesman said: Six persons have been arrested at Henry Street in Dublin for trespassing under the Public Order Act.

An act of criminal damage is also being investigated.

The six protesters were detained at Store Street garda station in Dublin but have been released pending further investigations.

Protesters are also calling on the Government to waive monies owed to it through the liquidation process so they can be used to boost the redundancy packages.

KPMG has warned that the blockade of stock removal is slowing the liquidation process.

The dispute has lasted more than 150 days.
Erik Hon

In driving corporatization, the market regulator SEBI is paving the way for advisers to build a sustainable business while dealing with big-business competition, shifting customer profiles, and the growing importance of corporate governance and compliance.

Viewing the recent SEBI updates to the registered investment adviser (RIA) regulation solely through the lens of investor protection is seeing only half the glass. With the push for corporatization, the regulation paves the way for strong structural growth, not only of advisory/distribution businesses themselves but also of ecosystemsregulatory and market-driventhat can improve their economics and scale. Such support is critical at a time when individual distributors are facing some pretty serious questions about their relevance and competitiveness in the market.

Lets look at two contemporary trends to understand this well.

Commoditization of distribution and entry of big business: VC-funded fintech with deep pockets has made free transactional services a basic expectation. The direct-to-consumer approach has unlocked profitable access to the vast small-ticket, high-volume retail investor base, making the market attractive for big business. Hints about upcoming announcements from Amazon and Jios wealth management ventures are clear indicators of the increasing competition.

Customer preference for direct plans: My recent conversations with mutual fund distributors reveal that more and more customers have started to ask them about: a) direct plans; and b) conflict of interest. Data from AMFI also shows that the share of the distribution channel has shrunk by half in recent years, falling from 38 percent in FY13 to 17 percent in FY20. The share of investments in direct plans has almost doubled from 23 per cent in FY13 to 45 percent in FY20. In this scenario, we can expect the downward pressure on total expense ratios (TERs), and thus distribution commissions, to continue.

To compete and grow in such a market, advisers would have to move towards better professional qualifications, a more digital operational structure, and greater staying power (capital adequacy) in any case. The regulatory push is a timely enabler towards this state.

The need for scale

SEBI has barred individual advisers from running a hybrid (distribution + fee-based advisory) model while mandating a corporate license for advisers who wish to run both models together. The message is clear: distribution and advisory are both legitimate, but entirely different business models in terms of practice, infrastructure, and revenue. The decision to run one or the other, or both, has to be intentional, with the right resources to create a profitable, compliant, and resilient business. Resilience is especially important in this context because practices without a formal succession plan or continuity can have a seriously adverse impact on investors.

The push to corporatize has left the mid-size and smaller distributors feeling forced. For them, scaling up to form a company is akin to losing the unique branding of their individual practice, built mainly on relationships and personal reputation. However, with commissions trending down and big businesses moving in, size becomes vital to survive in the new landscape. Even without the regulation, consolidation rates amongst mid-size practices have picked up as they prepare to compete against deep pockets. By making market structures clear and standardized, the regulation now enables more resilient, future-ready corporate practices.

Delivering value as a distributor or as an advisor has also become a lot more expensive today. Customer acquisition has almost become a loss-leader activity, making traditional cost-based competition irrelevant. Increasingly, the focus is shifting towards value-based premiums, and practitioners need to invest in significant professional and operational infrastructure to achieve that. They can only become profitable if they have the staying power to earn back their capital outlays.

Growth ecosystems

In developed markets, only corporate entities can apply for a financial adviser license. The license requirements are onerous and serve as a high entry barrier. Individuals have to join a licensed company, and the company has to ensure proper governance and compliance of their advisers. This structure also helps build the confidence of investors when dealing with qualified and licensed advisers. Studying these markets reveals the role of professional ecosystems such as platforms, business advisory firms, and guilds in supporting and accelerating these businesses.

From qualifications to professional standards, best practices, technology, compliance, research, and marketing support, these ecosystems have led the growth and acceptance of advisory in their respective markets. With SEBIs regulatory amendment, there is enough clarity now for similar growth ecosystems to develop around the RIA business model in India as well.

I see the following trends in growth acceleration for corporate advisory practices.

-Corporate RIAs to grow by recruiting and retaining good advisers as not many will be able to apply for the license and/or be keen to run a company

-More organised talent acquisition and development channels to emerge that attract new talent and intern them for the regulatory two years before eventually placing them in corporate practices

-Consolidation, either through business succession or collaboration, between mid-size and smaller practices to achieve scale

-The emergence of an RIA channel, akin to the distribution channel, beyond T1 and T2 cities; considering that advisers generally attract better quality clients and have no impact on TERs, we should see active support from AMCs in developing such a channel

Conclusion

(The writer is the Managing Director of iFAST Financial India Pvt Ltd)

Corporatization is not the end of boutique advisory practices, nor of the personal customer relationships that have differentiated practitioners for decades now. However, as direct-to-consumer platforms open the floodgates on retail investor acquisition, the markets will see a significant churn of advisory businesses. Eventually, many of the new investors will seek personalised advice and hand-holding, but it will take time for the dust to settle. Surviving through this churn is only possible if advisers invest in making their practices more professional and resilient. And SEBIs mandate to corporatization is the best way to do so.
Latte Liberals May Support Defunding Police, but People Need Proper Policing, Says Al Sharpton

Rev. Al Sharpton said Tuesday that the idea of defunding police might be something latte liberals may support but communities who are living amidst surging violent crime need proper policing.

Sharpton, a host on MSNBC, made the comments on the networks Morning Joe where he was asked about crime in his native New York City. The city has seen a surge of violent crime amid the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic. In August, the city saw a 166 percent increase in shooting incidents across all boroughs except Staten Island compared to same month last year, with 242 incidents reported last month. Meanwhile, the number of murders rose by 47 percent compared to the same time last year, with 53 cases reported.

Weve always heard about the tale of two cities. On the side of the city that I come from, which is Blacker and poorer, weve seen more in terms of gun usage. I got a lot of attention when I did the eulogy for George Floyds funeral, but I also, a month later, preached a 1-year-old kids funeral in Brooklyn who was killed by a stray bullet, Sharpton said on the program.

Six people were shot over Labor Day weekend at a festivity in Brooklyn, so I would say statistically were not much higher than where we were, but on the ground it is certainly feeling more violent, feeling more unsafe in unsafe communities, he added.

Chicago police stand guard as demonstrators protest outside the departments 7th District station in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 11, 2020. The protest was held in response to the August 9 shooting and wounding of a 20-year-old man who allegedly fired at officers in the Englewood neighborhood. The protest was met with resistance from a small group of Englewood residents. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

When asked about the push by other Democrats to defund the police, Sharpton said that the idea to take policing off is one that a latte liberal may go for as they sit around the Hamptons discussing this as some academic problem, but people living on the ground need proper policing.

Yes, we need more resources in different areas like mental health, but we do not need our grandmothers prey to those that are being the users of products of the big gun manufacturers in this country, he said.

The defund the police movement that emerged during the protests calls for the reallocation of funds away from police departments to other social programs, while some call for abolishing the police altogether. The movement claims that police departments are systemically racist and that police funding can be better used elsewhere to help African American communities.

One of the prominent groups pushing for the defunding of police is Black Lives Matter, whose leaders claim to be trained Marxists.

Amid the activists calls, New York City officials had decided to shift roughly $1 billion from the city police budget to other agencies and canceled a nearly 1,200-person police recruiting class among other changes.

An The Epoch Times National Poll conducted by Big Data Poll found that a majority of American voters reject the push to defund the police, with 61 percent opposing and 24 percent supporting it.

Similarly, a Siena poll conducted in June also found that 57 percent of voters in New York state oppose measures that reduce funding to police departments.

Meanwhile, a recent Gallup poll found that 61 percent of African Americans surveyed want the police presence in their area to remain the same. Meanwhile, 20 percent of African Americans say they prefer police to spend more time in their area, while 19 percent say they prefer less time.

Al Sharptons comments come during a time when tensions between the African American community and law enforcement have been highlighted following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died while in Minneapolis police custody in late May. Floyds death sparked protests and riots across the country calling for police reform and a change in criminal justice policy.
Wellington, Sep 8 : New Zealand reported six new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, taking the overall caseload in the country to 1,431, according to the Health Ministry.

The new cases comprised two imported ones in managed isolation facilities and four community infections, reports Xinhua news agency.

The two cases in managed isolation were a man and a woman who arrived in the same flight from the Philippines on September 3.

There are four new cases in the community were all linked to the Mt Roskill Evangelical Fellowship Church group within the Auckland August cluster.

Auckland Regional Public Health is actively tracing and testing their contacts, the Ministry said.

Meanwhile, border and managed isolation and quarantine facility workers will be required to undergo regular Covid-19 tests, the government announced on Monday.

From August 31, adults on all public transport in New Zealand were required to wear face coverings to prevent virus transmission, with fines for non-compliance.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Sustainability experts want the state government to pull back on its 'road-obsessed' COVID-19 stimulus plan and consider cleaner transport projects such as bike-friendly peak-hour trains, a twelve-fold increase in planned cycle paths, a trackless tram and electric buses.

Climate change advocacy group Clean State raised concerns the state government was too reliant on new road projects to restart the pandemic-affected economy, which contracted a record 6 per cent in the June quarter.

Clean State research and policy director Chantal Caruso.

Clean State claims its transport projects plan, part of its green jobs report released in June, would create about 6000 new jobs while reducing congestion and cutting carbon emissions.

The plan includes massive increases in bike infrastructure, a locally-built trackless tram network and pivoting WA's diesel bus manufacturing facility in Malaga into an electric bus maker.
The chief executives of nine drug companies have pushed back against US President Donald Trump's quest for a coronavirus vaccine before the country's election day in November.

The drug companies have publicly pledged not to seek regulatory approval for any vaccines before their safety and efficacy has been established in Phase 3 clinical trials.

President Donald Trump is pushing for a coronavirus vaccine by election day, but drug companies say they will not hurry proper clinical trials. Credit:AP

"We believe this pledge will help ensure public confidence in the rigorous scientific and regulatory process by which covid-19 vaccines are evaluated and may ultimately be approved," the executives wrote in their joint statement.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on Friday that a statement from the companies would be forthcoming.
The Japanese government tried to melt the freeze between Washington and Tehran by proposing a swap deal involving Iranian oil and U.S. grain, Kyodo reports, citing unnamed government sources.

The proposal was made by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who became the first Japanese PM to visit Iran in 41 years in June 2019. The deal was to be worth several billion dollars and initially met with positive reactions in both Tehran and Washington, according to the Kyodo sources.

The deal indeed looked like a win-win situation: Iran needed food and markets for its sanctioned oil. The United States, on the other hand, needed new markets for its grain and soybeans as the trade war with China had had a negative impact on sales, Kyodo reported.

The barter nature of the deal would skirt U.S. sanctions on Iran but removing these sanctions was not on the table, which led to Iran eventually refusing the deal as it insisted sanctions must first be lifted. What is more, Tehran, for obvious reasons, did not trust the U.S. and insisted that Washington makes a commitment first before Tehran accepted the deal.

U.S. sanctions aimed at stifling Irans primary source of foreign income have decimated these exports, but Iran is still sending oil abroad. The amount of this oil is higher than the official figures suggest.

According to TankerTrackers.com data, as of August, Iran was exporting as much as 600,000 barrels daily, using ship-to-ship transfers with transponders turned off to avoid detection, skirting U.S. sanctions. The daily average number compares with an estimate of 227,000 bpd made in a U.S. Congressional report.

Most of the oil Iran exports ends up in China, whether directly or indirectly, coming from Indonesia or Malaysia.

According to official data from the Central Bank of Iran, the income from exports of oil, gas, condensates, and oil products totaled $29 billion in the last Iranian year, from March 2019 to March 2020.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
President Bashar al Assad said on Monday he wanted to expand business ties with Russia to help Damascus cope with new U.S. sanctions on Syrias already crippled economy that threaten to undermine military gains achieved with Moscows help, Reuters writes in the article Syria seeks Russian investment as U.S. sanctions hammer economy. Assad, speaking in comments made during a meeting in Damascus with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and carried by state media, said he wanted Russian investment in key areas of the economy.

Officials from Syria and Russia, whose military support since 2015 helped Damascus reverse gains by Islamists and other rebels, have said the two sides plan to boost trade ties and will review energy, mining and power projects. Borisov told a televised news conference that Moscow had presented in July an agreement to expand economic ties that was being studied by Damascus. He said he expected it would be sealed in December, during his next visit to Syrias capital.

Russia turned the tide for Assad and with the regime now facing its gravest challenges, Moscow is in a better position than any other time to further squeeze Assad, said one Western diplomat who follows Syria. Although Assad has now regained most of the territory he lost, the economy is in tatters, leaving many Syrians in poverty as the currency has lost 80% of its value.

Russia has criticised the new U.S. sanctions that took effect in June under the so-called Caesar Act. Washington says the sanctions, which penalise foreign firms dealing with Syrian government entities, aim to cut off revenue for Assads government and him push him back into U.N.-led talks to end the conflict.

Syria is pinning its hopes on Russia, its biggest foreign ally, to help it shore up its economy. Syrias main regional ally, Iran, is itself also struggling to cope under a separate round of U.S. sanctions.

Hussam Taleb, a Syrian pro-government analyst, told Syrian state television the Russian visit would anger Washington which he said was fighting us in our livelihood by passing the Caesar Act to deprive us of our wealth.

Western diplomats say Russian President Vladimir Putins military involvement in Syria, its biggest Middle East intervention in decades, secured Moscow major regional influence and a bigger foothold in a naval base in Syrias Tartus port.

***

Yesterday, following the talks in Damascus, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during a joint press conference with Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov and Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, denied rumors that the Russian Federation uses Khmeimim Airbase to deliver to Libya weapons and mercenaries to support Khalifa Haftar. The Russian Federation is constantly accused in abusing the situation in various countries from Libya to Africa, Europe and even the US. We have never been presented with any facts. The fact that such statements immediately get into media space without initiation of the bilateral and multilateral mechanisms to clarify any concerns on a particular topic, suggests that the authors of such statements are pursuing their own goals.

We, along with all other members of the UN Security Council, supported the introduction of an arms embargo on Libya by a special resolution. We remember that a few months later, some European countries publicly, through their general staffs, military representatives, declared that they support the extremists fighting against Gaddafi and supply them with weapons. These are documented facts. By the way, this arms embargo, its importance, the need to comply were confirmed during the Berlin conference on Libya in January this year, where the Russian Federation participated and the results of which were enshrined in another UN Security Council resolution, which everyone needs to comply with, " Lavrov said.
It was Kangana Ranaut who initiated dialogue on Bollywoods deep-rooted connection with drugs. Kangana had tweeted that some Bollywood stars should take tests for drug abuse.

I request Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Ayan Mukerji, Vicky Kaushik to give their blood samples for the drug tests, there are rumours that they are cocaine addicts, I want them to bust these rumours, these young men can inspire millions if they present clean samples. @PMOIndia,

she wrote.

Now, she herself is being questioned for her connection with drug peddlers. It was after ex-boyfriend Adhyayan Suman openly claimed that the actress persuaded him to do cocaine. He told DNA, On her birthday in March 2008 at The Leela, she had invited everybody that she had worked with. She said Lets do cocaine in the night. I had smoked hash with her a couple of times before and didnt like it so I said no. I remember getting into the biggest argument that night because I said no to cocaine.

Kangana has openly dared Mumbai police that she will leave Mumbai if she's found guilty of any drug connections. She tweeted,

I am more than happy to oblige @MumbaiPolice @AnilDeshmukhNCP please do my drug tests, investigate my call records if you find any links to drug peddlers ever, I will accept my mistake and leave Mumbai forever, looking forward to meet you.

I am more than happy to oblige @MumbaiPolice @AnilDeshmukhNCP please do my drug tests investigate my call records if you find any links to drug peddlers ever I will accept my mistake and leave Mumbai forever, looking forward to meet you https://t.co/gs3DwcIOvP  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 8, 2020

People are now appreciating Kangana for her guts and are saying that the Bollywood mafia is trying to malign her image.

Haha they're trying their best to Prove u culprit & save m@fia involved in Dr*gs Peddlers.



Now Rhea Chakroborty is arrested & they know they're unable to Save her. That's why they started targeting u.They dunno u ain't afraid of dr*g test as ur clean.#WorldUnitedForSSRJustice  Pooja ( Justice for Sushant ) (@Beingrealbeing) September 8, 2020

Truth is always confident !  !!!Reet!!!! (@CuriousReet) September 8, 2020

They are so desperate to take revenge on you ..that whatever they can use against u ..they will...if they dig ur past...u dig out all past graves and all Bollywood personalities involved that induced you to drug use in past. They are giving you an opportunity to expose bollywood.  Jj (@jyotjain) September 8, 2020

Powerful



Tight slap on @rautsanjay61



Hatts off.... To the queen#WorldUnitedForSSRJustice pic.twitter.com/1NuUEeNzFI  Subramanian Swamy FC  (@swamyfc39) September 8, 2020

Yeah. If they do drug test of Kangana, then they have to do test entire Bollywood stars also. Don't be partial Mr. @AnilDeshmukhNCP



Now we demand drug test of entire Bollywood stars including kangana. It's fair enough now.  Priya Verma (@spriyaofficial) September 8, 2020

What do you have to say about it? Let us know in the comments section below.
Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/08/2020 -- The Latest research study released by HTF MI "Global Private Bodyguard Service Market" with 100+ pages of analysis on business Strategy taken up by key and emerging industry players and delivers know how of the current market development, landscape, technologies, drivers, opportunities, market viewpoint and status. Understanding the segments helps in identifying the importance of different factors that aid the market growth. Some of the Major Companies covered in this Research are G4S, Securitas, Allied Universal, US Security Associates, SIS, TOPSGRUP, Beijing Baoan, OCS Group, ICTS Europe, Transguard, Andrews International, Control Risks, Covenant, China Security & Protection Group, Axis Security & DWSS etc.



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Browse market information, tables and figures extent in-depth TOC on "Private Bodyguard Service Market by Application (Commercial & Personal), by Product Type (, Service & Equipment), Business scope, Manufacturing and Outlook  Estimate to 2025".



The global impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have significantly affecting the Infrastructure in overall market in 2020. The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought effects on many aspects, like flight cancellations; travel bans and quarantines; restaurants closed; all indoor events restricted; over forty countries state of emergency declared; massive slowing of the supply chain; stock market volatility; falling business confidence, growing panic among the population, and uncertainty about future. Know more with latest edition of Global Private Bodyguard Service Market Study; Early buyers will receive 20% customization free on report



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At last, all parts of the Global Private Bodyguard Service Market are quantitatively also subjectively valued to think about the Global just as regional market equally. This market study presents basic data and true figures about the market giving a deep analysis of this market based on market trends, market drivers, constraints and its future prospects. The report supplies the worldwide monetary challenge with the help of Porter's Five Forces Analysis and SWOT Analysis.



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Customization of the Report: The report can be customized as per your needs for added data up to 3 businesses or countries or 40 analyst hours.

On the basis of report- titled segments and sub-segment of the market are highlighted below:

Global Private Bodyguard Service Market By Application/End-User (Value and Volume from 2019 to 2025) : Commercial & Personal



Market By Type (Value and Volume from 2019 to 2025) : , Service & Equipment



Global Private Bodyguard Service Market by Key Players: G4S, Securitas, Allied Universal, US Security Associates, SIS, TOPSGRUP, Beijing Baoan, OCS Group, ICTS Europe, Transguard, Andrews International, Control Risks, Covenant, China Security & Protection Group, Axis Security & DWSS



Geographically, this report is segmented into some key Regions, with manufacture, depletion, revenue (million USD), and market share and growth rate of Private Bodyguard Service in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering China, USA, Europe, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia & South America and its Share (%) and CAGR for the forecasted period 2019 to 2025.



Informational Takeaways from the Market Study: The report Private Bodyguard Service matches the completely examined and evaluated data of the noticeable companies and their situation in the market considering impact of Coronavirus. The measured tools including SWOT analysis, Porter's five powers analysis, and assumption return debt were utilized while separating the improvement of the key players performing in the market.



Key Development's in the Market: This segment of the Private Bodyguard Service report fuses the major developments of the market that contains confirmations, composed endeavors, R&D, new thing dispatch, joint endeavours, and relationship of driving members working in the market.



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Some of the important question for stakeholders and business professional for expanding their position in the Global Private Bodyguard Service Market :

Q 1. Which Region offers the most rewarding open doors for the market Ahead of 2020?

Q 2. What are the business threats and Impact of COVID scenario Over the market Growth and Estimation?

Q 3. What are probably the most encouraging, high-development scenarios for Private Bodyguard Service movement showcase by applications, types and regions?

Q 4.What segments grab most noteworthy attention in Private Bodyguard Service Market in 2019 and beyond?

Q 5. Who are the significant players confronting and developing in Private Bodyguard Service Market?



For More Information Read Table of Content @: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1809388-global-private-bodyguard-service-market



Key poles of the TOC:

Chapter 1 Global Private Bodyguard Service Market Business Overview

Chapter 2 Major Breakdown by Type [, Service & Equipment]

Chapter 3 Major Application Wise Breakdown (Revenue & Volume)

Chapter 4 Manufacture Market Breakdown

Chapter 5 Sales & Estimates Market Study

Chapter 6 Key Manufacturers Production and Sales Market Comparison Breakdown

..

Chapter 8 Manufacturers, Deals and Closings Market Evaluation & Aggressiveness

Chapter 9 Key Companies Breakdown by Overall Market Size & Revenue by Type

..

Chapter 11 Business / Industry Chain (Value & Supply Chain Analysis)

Chapter 12 Conclusions & Appendix



Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.
The French national cyber-security agency warns of a surge in Emotet attacks targeting the private sector and public administration entities.

The French national cyber-security agency published an alert to warn of a significant increase of Emotet attacks targeting the private sector and public administration entities in France.

The Emotet banking trojan has been active at least since 2014, the botnet is operated by a threat actor tracked as TA542.

In the middle-August, the Emotet malware was employed in fresh COVID19-themed spam campaign

Recent spam campaigns used messages with malicious Word documents, or links to them, pretending to be an invoice, shipping information, COVID-19 information, resumes, financial documents, or scanned documents.

Emotet malware is also used to deliver other malicious code, such as Trickbot and QBot trojan or ransomware such as Conti (TrickBot) or ProLock (QBot).

According to the French national cyber-security agency, the number of Emotet attacks increased for several days, and the attacks are targeting almost any business sector.

Il convient dy apporter une attention particuliere car Emotet est desormais utilise pour deposer dautres codes malveillants susceptibles dimpacter fortement lactivite des victimes.https://t.co/R0wUX3PH7c  CERT-FR (@CERT_FR) September 7, 2020

For several days, ANSSI has observed the targeting of French companies and administrations by the Emotet malware, reads the alert issued by the ANSSI (Agence Nationale de la Securite des Systemes dInformation).

Special attention should be paid to this because Emotet is now used to deploy other malicious code that may have a strong impact on the activity of victims.

ANNSI provided a list of recommendations to organizations to prevent Emotet attacks:

 Make users aware not to enable macros in attachments and to be particularly attentive to the emails they receive and reduce the execution of macros.

 Limit Internet access for all agents to a controlled white list.

 Disconnect compromised machines from the network without deleting data.

 Generally speaking, removal/cleaning by antivirus is not a sufficient guarantee. Only the reinstallation of the machine ensures the erasure of the implant.

 Send the samples (.doc and .eml) available to you for analysis to ANSSI in order to determine the IoCs that can be shared. This point is essential because the attackers infrastructure evolves frequently, access to recent samples is therefore essential.

The notorious Emotet went into the dark since February 2020, but after months of inactivity, the infamous trojan has surged back in July with a new massive spam campaign targeting users worldwide.

In August, the Emotet malware has begun to spam COVID19-themed emails to U.S. businesses after not being active for most of the USA pandemic.

Emotet botnet new document template (source Bleeping Computer)

At the end of August, the botnet operators switched to a new template, named Red Dawn, for the malicious attachments employed in new campaigns.

Pierluigi Paganini

(SecurityAffairs  hacking, botnet)
The inquiry into Victorias ill-fated quarantine hotels program has heard the Victorian government failed to meet the needs of returned travellers while they were vulnerable and at the mercy of official agencies.

Victoria Police have also given evidence to the inquiry that they were worried as early as mid-April about returned travellers wandering in and out of the hotels where they were supposed to be undergoing mandatory isolation.

But after weeks of evidence to the inquiry, it remains unclear who took the fateful decision to hire private contractors to provide security for the hotels.

Counsel assisting the inquiry, Ben Ihle, opened this week's hearings on Tuesday morning saying that those quarantined were vulnerable and at the mercy of the government and its agencies to meet their basic health and human needs.
File Photo

Indore: An 11-year-old boy was nabbed here in Madhya Pradesh for allegedly killing a 10-year-old girl on suspicion that she had killed his pet, a rat, police said.

The boy allegedly crushed the head of the girl, a student of class 5, with a stone in Lasudia police station area, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) HC Mishra said, adding that the victim died on the spot.

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Photo

The boy told police that he suspected the girl had killed his pet rat after an argument, he added.

"He also harboured a grudge against the victim as she used to defeat him in games on mobile phones," Mishra said.

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The boy will be sent to a child correctional home after the case work gets over, he said.

Murder Meanwhile, another police officer ruled out the possibility of the boy raping the girl after killing her.

He said police are awaiting postmortem report.
 Flash

China on Monday urged the United States to show sincerity, respond to China's reasonable request, and extend visas for all Chinese journalists working in the United States as soon as possible.

"If the United States is bent on going down the wrong path and doubles down on its mistakes, China will be compelled to take necessary and justified responses to firmly safeguard its legitimate interests," foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a daily press briefing.

Zhao made the remarks in response to press queries about whether tensions could escalate as some media reported that China has refrained from renewing the expiring press credentials for journalists from U.S. media outlets.

Denying the reports as untrue and blame-shifting, Zhao said extensions of press credentials for U.S. journalists are being processed, during which time their work and life in China will not be affected.

"For some time, the United States has been escalating political suppression of Chinese media, which has now reached a hysteria extent," he said.

Since 2018, around 30 Chinese journalists have had their visa application indefinitely delayed or denied.

In February 2020, the U.S. designated five Chinese media organizations in the United States as "foreign missions" and then placed a cap on the number of their staff, in effect expelling 60 Chinese journalists.

In May 2020, the United States limited visas for Chinese journalists to 90 days, requiring them to apply for a visa renewal every 90 days.

"Such moves have severely disrupted the normal work of Chinese media in the United States, seriously harmed the reputation of Chinese media, and hindered the people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two sides," he said.

The United States, while branding its press freedom, discriminates against Chinese media and even uses Chinese journalists as hostages to put pressure on China, Zhao said, adding that this reveals its hypocrisy regarding so-called press freedom. "It is bare-faced double-standards and hegemonic bullying."

The spokesperson said that China has always been willing to maintain communication and consultation with the United States on resolving the issue concerning the two countries' media and journalists, based on equality and mutual respect.

The United States, however, has been rude and arrogant during the consultations, ignoring China's legitimate concerns and requests and exerting maximum pressure on China using Chinese media and journalists as hostages, according to Zhao.

"If the United States cares about their journalists in China, they should extend visas for all Chinese journalists as soon as possible, rather than using journalists of the two countries as hostages for the selfish political interests of a few politicians," he said.
Although it found there were inexcusable failures in Pennsylvanias criminal justice and mental health systems a federal appeals court panel ruled Tuesday that the states court system cant be sued by advocates for a mentally disabled man who spent nearly a decade in custody awaiting trial in a murder case.

The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts simply has legal immunity despite the wrongs done to Craig Geness, Judge L. Felipe Restrepo concluded in the opinion from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit.

It seems Geness was the victim of inertia within the court system that held his case in an excruciating limbo until the homicide charge against him was dismissed. The case lingered so long even though Geness was almost immediately deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial on charges regarding the death of another resident of his assisted living community in Fayette County in 2006.

The case began when the other man died after falling from a porch. Initially the incident was deemed an accident, but police later charged Geness, who was in his early 50s, Restrepo noted.

Even though he was repeatedly deemed incompetent to stand trial with no likelihood of improvement, action on Geness' case was continually deferred. For years his case was simply continued from court session to court session while he sat behind bars, Restrepo wrote.

A county judges order to transfer Geness to a psychiatric facility wasnt obeyed, the circuit judge notes. Five years after his arrest, Geness was transferred from prison to another long-term care facility, although his murder case remained on the docket.

It wasnt until December 2015 that a county judge dismissed the charge at the request of the district attorney due to Geness' inability to stand trial.

The lawsuit was filed the following year. Geness' advocated claim the handling of his case violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and his constitutional right to due process of law. The AOPC appealed to the circuit court after a U.S. Western District judge refused to grant the state court system immunity against the suit.

In reversing that decision, Restrepo found the claims in Geness' suit dont pierce the immunity shield in the U.S. Constitution that protects state governments from most types of lawsuits. Besides, the circuit judge found, AOPC had no power over the disposition of his case, and there is simply no allegation or argument before us regarding how AOPCs alleged failure to contact the Supreme Court connects to Genesss disability.

Still, he wrote, the human suffering endured by Geness due to the mishandling of his case cannot be overstated.

The circuit courts ruling does not affect other claims in Geness' suit that target the state Department of Human Services.

Judge Thomas L. Ambro filed a dissenting opinion opposing the decision to free the AOPC from the Geness suit. Ambro said the suit against that agency should have been allowed to continue to determine why the AOPC never alerted the state Supreme Court about how Geness' case was languishing.

Mr. Geness languished in custody without a trial for over nine years before the case against him was dropped because he would never be competent to stand trial and substantial evidentiary issues impaired the commonwealths prosecution. This came after it was determined early on that he was incompetent and unlikely to improve, Ambro wrote. To say that Mr. Geness suffered a grave injustice at the hands of the system for justice is inadequate. There are no words.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : The effect of the ongoing pandemic has rippled through the whole healthcare ecosystem; and healthcare workers continue to battle on the frontlines to treat as many patients as possible. Many patients with Covid-19 needed intensive care, and with great support and impeccable clinical acumen, patients have emerged victorious. However, those who have been critically ill, and those who were treated for prolonged periods in intensive care units may need a few more months to recover fully, despite completing treatment for Covid-19.

There is significant evidence that some people with relatively mild symptoms, who were treated at home, may also have a prolonged sickness, even after beating the infection, says Dr Rahul Pandit, Director-Critical Care, Fortis Hospital, Mulund.

"It is observed that the virus not only affects the lungs but also has an impact on one's heart, brain, the digestive system, and kidneys amongst other organs. This new phenomenon that has emerged is termed as the 'Post Covid-19 syndrome," he says.

He points out that patients who have recovered from Covid-19 might experience:

Abnormal heart rate

Chronic fatigue

Persistent diarrhea

Rapid weight loss and digestive issues

Mild to severe inflammation in the brain

Nausea

Loss of appetite, taste and smell

Reduced exercise tolerance

Disturbed sleep patterns

Muscle weakness

Neuropsychiatric implications like Depression, Insomnia, etc.

HOW SOON, AND WHY DO THESE SYMPTOMS SHOW UP?

The symptoms, especially fatigue, may be a continuation of the recovery process and some symptoms may be only noticed after the patient is discharged. In almost 80 per cent of patients, fatigue post illness stays for several weeks and gradually resolves. Poor exercise tolerance, disturbance in sleep wake cycles are noticed usually when the patient returns to confines of his home. The most difficult are the neuropsychiatric and depressive symptoms; it needs specialized training like that of a Clinical Psychologist to diagnose it.

HOW SOON CAN A PERSON START SEEKING POST COVID CARE?

It is important to seek post COVID19 care right from the 1st follow up post discharge, or usually around 2 weeks post discharge. Then as per requirements, clinical support, physical rehabilitation and psychological support can be offered.

REHABILITATION PROGRAM TO TACKLE POST COVID SYNDROME:

The post-Covid-19 Syndrome must be tackled through clinical assessment, psychological intervention and comprehensive rehabilitative care. An expert panel of doctors, at a dedicated post Covid-19 OPD must help clinically assess the patient. This is the first step towards helping the patient tackle the residual impact of the infection. Physical rehabilitation will play a crucial role in assessing the impact on mobility, decreased/ increased exercise tolerance and muscle weakness. Also, psychological evaluation plays a big role in addressing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) amongst those who have battled severe COVID19 and had a prolonged stay in the hospital. These areas of focus will help diagnose and treat the long and short term complications amongst Covid-19 survivors.

HAVE PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS? HERE'S HOW COVID IMPACTS YOU:

Those with pre-existing conditions such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity, etc. must be evaluated to gauge the seriousness of the disease before, and after contracting Covid-19. It is noticed that due to the impact on ACE 2 receptors during Covid-19, the blood glucose levels are usually high. This is compounded by steroids, which patient receives. Especially in diabetics, patients may need a short course of Insulin before returning to tablets; dosage may also need alterations. Similarly, Hypertensive patients may need altering of their medication regime, post Covid-19 Tachycardia (a condition that makes your heart beat more than 100 times per minute) may need betablockers to be added to the routine medication. Similarly, patients with Chronic Lung Disease or Asthmatics may need additional evaluation of the Pulmonary Function Test.

(Puja Gupta can be contacted at puja.g@ians.in)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- Syndicated from IANS
Baltimores mayor said 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 reported.

Youngs announcement came a day after Governor Larry Hogan announced all businesses in Maryland would be able to open later this week under Phase Three. But any local jurisdiction can decide not to open as much as the state plan allows.

Under the state plan, movie theaters and performing arts centers will be able to open at 50% capacity beginning 5 p.m. Friday. All retail stores as well as houses of worship will be able to increase capacity from 50% to 75%.

Montgomery County officials also said Wednesday they do not immediately plan to move into Phase Three, news outlets reported. Howard and Harford counties said they would move forward, while others did not immediately announce plans.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
ALBANY, N.Y., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In recent period, the world is witnessing remarkable adverse effects such as increased levels of greenhouse gases. Key reason for this situation is growing urbanization as well as industrialization. Owing to growing awareness about this fact, major companies from all across the world today are inclined toward use of sustainable packaging systems. This factor will drive the growth of the global sustainable packaging market in the tenure of 20182026.

Analysts at TMR underline that the sustainable packaging market will grow at a CAGR of approximately 5.3% in the tenure of 20182026. Major market players will focus on development of environmentally friendly products.

Download PDF Brochure  https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php

Key Findings of Sustainable Packaging Market Report

The sustainable packaging market is all set to show growth at a CAGR of about 5.3% in the forecast period of 2018 to 2026.

Among all material types, paper & paperboard segment is projected to show dominance in this period.

The above-mentioned market segment was expected to hold share of approximately 55.1% in 2018.

Another segment plastic is foreseen to show growth at a CAGR of 5% in tenure of 20182026.

Sub-segment PLA from plastic segment will show prominent growth and will create incremental opportunity of US$ 10.2 Bn in the forecast period.

in the forecast period. Metal (aluminum) segment was projected to touch the value of valuation of US$ 33.3 Bn in 2018.

in 2018. The value of abovementioned segment is expected to touch approximately 52.1 Bn by 2028 end.

Other segment will show expansion at a CAGR of around 4.6% during tenure of 20182026.

Geographically, Europe is foreseen to contribute largest share of the sustainable packaging market during the forecast period.

Explore 279 pages of top-notch research, incisive insights, and detailed country-level projections on Sustainable Packaging Market (Packaging Type - Trays, Bags, Boxes, Bottles & Jars, Films, Pouches & Sachets, Drums, IBC, and Others; Material - Paper & Paperboard, Plastic, Metal (Aluminum), Others; End Use Industry - Food, Beverages, Automobile & Electronics, Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Agriculture, Cosmetics & Personal Care) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2018 - 2026 at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sustainable-packaging-market.html

Sustainable Packaging Market: Key Driving Factors and Promising Avenues

Millennial population today is aware about the concerns of the greenhouse effect. As a result, they are consciously preferring the use of products that are environmental friendly. This factor is generating demand avenues in the global sustainable packaging market.

Major players in the sustainable packaging market are concentrating on the use of plant-based and biodegradable plastics in place of conventional plastics.

Government bodies of several geographical regions are showing more concern regarding the mounting levels of packaging waste. Thus, they are promoting use of biodegradable and bio plastics for packaging purposes. This factor is fueling the growth of the growth of the sustainable packaging market.

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Sustainable Packaging Market: Competitive Assessment

Gamut of players in the global sustainable packaging market are focused on fulfilling the rising need of green packaging. Similarly, they are concentrating on the use of environmental friendly raw materials in their production process.

Several companies operating in the sustainable packaging market are growing spending on research activities. Through this move, they intend to help in reduction of carbon emission footprints. As a result, they are looking for the development of biodegradable plastics through these research activities. This factor will impact positively on the expansion of the global sustainable packaging market in the forthcoming years.

Important companies working in the global sustainable packaging market are Amcor Limited, Gerresheimer AG, Sonoco Products Company, Ball Corporation, Smurfit Kappa Group PLC, Crown Holdings, Inc., and Tetra Laval International S.A.

Analyze global sustainable packaging market growth in 30+ countries including US, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Russia, Poland, Benelux, Nordic, China, Japan, India, and South Korea. Request a sample of the study

The Sustainable Packaging Market can be segmented as follows:

Packaging Type

Trays

Bags

Boxes

Bottles & Jars

Films

Pouches & Sachets

Drums

IBC

Others

Material

Paper & Paperboard

Coated Unbleached



Bleach Paperboard



Molded Fiber pulp



Corrugated Board

Plastic

PLA



PHB



PBS



Starch Based Plastics



PHA



Others (PCL)

Metal (Aluminum)

Others

End Use

Food

Bakery & Confectionery



Diary



Meat & Poultry

Beverages

Carbonated



Non- Carbonated

Automobile & Electronics

Chemical

Pharmaceutical

Agriculture

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Region

North America

Latin America

Europe

Asia Pacific (APAC)

(APAC) Middle East & Africa (MEA)

Access TMR Press Releases - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/press-releases.htm

Explore Transparency Market Research's award-winning coverage of the Global Packaging Industry:

Fine Mist Sprayers Market  The rising demand for better dispensing systems for liquid products is anticipated to increase sales of fine mist sprayers. Globally, the fine mist sprayers market was valued at nearly US$ 1.2 Bn in 2018 and is anticipated to witness a CAGR of ~5% during the forecast period.

Seafood Packaging Market  Rise in adoption of high-quality packaging that extends shelf life of seafood products is anticipated to bolster market growth. Globally, the seafood packaging market is estimated at ~US$ 4.4 Bn in 2019 and is projected to register a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period of 2019-2027.

Saturating Kraft Paper Market  The global saturating kraft paper market is projected to grow at a CAGR of ~4% during the forecast period. The market growth can be primarily attributed to a host of factors, including rising demand from packaging, furniture, and retail sectors. Manufacturers operating in the current market landscape are expected to focus on the production of saturation kraft papers with greater tear-resistant properties.

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About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyse information.



Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Moscow on Tuesday on a four-day visit to Russia to attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrives in Moscow on Tuesday. Photograph: Courtesy @IndEmbMoscow/Twitter

'EAM @DrSJaishankar landed in Moscow; received by Ambassador and senior officers from Russian Foreign Ministry,' the Indian Embassy in Moscow tweeted.

His trip to Moscow comes days after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Russian capital to attend a meeting of the defence ministers of the eight-nation SCO of which both India and China are members.

During his stay in Moscow, Jaishankar will attend the meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of SCO.

It will be the third CFM meeting that India will be attending as a full member of SCO.

On the sidelines of the SCO meet, he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Thursday amidst the escalating border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh.

On Friday, Defence Minister Singh held an over two-hour meeting with his Chinese counterpart Gen Wei Fenghe in Moscow on the margins of the meeting of defence ministers of the SCO bloc that primarily focuses on security related issues.

It was the highest level face-to-face contact between the two sides after border tension erupted in eastern Ladakh in early May.

On his way to Russia, Jaishankar made a stopover in Tehran on Tuesday and held talks with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, covering various aspects of bilateral relations and regional developments.

'A productive meeting with FM @JZarif during a stopover in Tehran. Discussed strengthening our bilateral cooperation and reviewed regional developments. Thank him for his gracious hospitality,' he tweeted.

The Iranian foreign ministry, in a tweet, said the two sides emphasised on their will to further expand bilateral ties in 'all aspects'.

Defence Minister Singh had also made a visit to Tehran on his return from Moscow and held talks with his Iranian counterpart

Brigadier General Amir Hatami and discussed ways to bolster bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional security issues, including the situation in Afghanistan.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : Close to 18 million hectares of land have already been restored in Africa as part of the Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative, says the first comprehensive assessment status report.

The report, 'The Great Green Wall: Implementation Status and Way Ahead to 2030', states that over 350,000 jobs were created and around $90 million in revenues was generated from 2007 to 2018 through the GGW activities across Africa from Senegal to Djibouti.

Over 220,000 people received training on sustainable production of agro-pastoral and non-timber products to support the shift to more responsible consumption and production. The restored area will sequester over 300 MtCO2e (million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents) by 2030, roughly 30 per cent of the envisioned target for the GGW.

The report, released on Monday at a virtual meeting of the Environmental Ministers from Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Djibouti with international organisations and development agencies, also indicates that to reach the target restoration of 100 million hectares of land by 2030, the GGW countries need to restore 8.2 million hectares of land every year at an annual financial investment of $4.3 billion.

The initiative also aims to create 10 million jobs by that date.

The GGW was formed in 2007 under the leadership of the African Union Commission and Pan-African Agency of the GGW, and with the financial support from the government of Ireland.

The initiative unites African countries and international partners to transform the lives of millions of people by growing an 8,000-km long and 15km wide mosaic of trees, grasslands, vegetation and plants along the southern tip of the Saharan desert.

Once complete, the GGW will be the largest living structure on the planet, three times the size of the Great Barrier Reef.

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw said, "The GGW is yielding immediate benefits for the local communities and long-term ecosystem benefits at the international level.

"It shows that when countries dare to dream, work together and make the right choices, we can prosper and live in harmony with nature. And where innovative ideas emerge, positive, dramatic change that benefits both the local and international communities will happen." According to the report, four per cent of the intervention zone demarcated specifically under the GGW was restored. The additional 16 per cent comes from regions restored in other locations in these countries.

The GGW initiative was conceived in response to widespread land degradation and extreme poverty linked to recurrent and severe droughts in Sahel.

Sahel is located on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, stretching from the Atlantic Coast of West Africa to the Red Sea in the East.

The key challenges the countries faced include financing, raising awareness about the initiative globally, scaling up the projects, coordinating fundraising and improving the governance, institutions and monitoring mechanisms.

The GGW was created in 2005 in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso during the Cen-Sad Summit. The African Union endorsed it in 2007.
MEXICO CITY: Under pressure from the United States to reduce migration, the Mexican government diverted money from a fund intended to spur regional development to instead renovate immigration detention centers and bus migrants away from the U.S.-Mexico border.

According to information obtained by The Associated Press through public records requests, the administration of President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador designated more than $4 million from the Mexico Fund last year to immigration containment purposes.

In late May 2019, President Donald Trump threatened devastating tariffs on all Mexican imports unless Mexico acted to contain the flow of migrants crossing its territory. Furious negotiations produced an agreement that averted the crisis. Mexico deployed its newly created National Guard to intercept migrants and agreed to expand a program that allowed the U.S. to make asylum seekers from other countries wait in Mexico while their cases were processed in U.S. courts.

Unnoticed at the time was an adjustment the Mexican government made in June 2019 to its Mexico Fund, which supported development projects in Central America and the Caribbean. In a decree, the government said the fund required a new vision that allows for better use of resources and that it could now also be used for the registration, control and tracking of immigration flows and equipping detention centers.

The AP requested comment from the Foreign Affairs ministry about changing the objectives of the fund known officially as the Infrastructure Fund for Mesoamerican and Caribbean Countries and whether it was done under pressure from the U.S. government. The ministry answered only by listing improvements made to immigration detention centers.

Tonatiuh Guilln, who resigned as head of Mexicos immigration agency a week after the agreement with the U.S., said the diversion of the development funds was a dramatic turnaround from the funds mission and illustrates what happened last year: a recomposition of the immigration vision completely oriented toward containment that leaves us without tools and resources to design development strategies, which had been the governments objective.

President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador had campaigned on a different, more humanitarian approach to immigration. Mexico would support countries in Central Americas Northern Triangle that were the principal senders of migrants with the goal of making migration an option, not a necessity. During the first three months of his presidency Mexico issued 15,000 humanitarian visas to Central Americans traveling in caravans.

Lpez Obrador has maintained the same language and launched some development programs in Central America, but government actions changed after Trumps tariff threat. Guardsmen swept thousands of migrants off Mexican highways. Guilln was replaced by Mexicos prisons director. Deportations increased. And border cities, already plagued by cartel violence, filled with some 60,000 asylum seekers returned by the U.S. to wait out a process that lasts months and sometimes years.

Many asylum seekers were assaulted, kidnapped and extorted. Some, traveling with children, decided to give up.

The Foreign Affairs ministry provided documents detailing that in July 2019, the Mexican International Cooperation Agency for Development sent some $3.3 million from the fund (at the exchange rate then) to detention centers and in September 2019 more than $700,000 went to transporting asylum seekers south.

The Mexican government has not said how many of those migrants were bused south away from the border, but the Foreign Affairs ministry said months ago that more than half of those waiting had decided voluntarily to return to their countries.

Theyre inviting people to self-deport without the necessary information and without explaining the repercussions it would have on their asylum cases, said Maureen Meyer, vice president and Mexico director for the advocacy organization Washington Office on Latin America.

The fact that the Mexican government diverted funding designated to address the economic push factors driving migration to the U.S. in favor of moving asylum-seekers away from Mexicos northern to southern border, and to improve conditions in Mexicos detention centers, is a clear sign of how the Lpez Obrador administration has shifted its migration priorities in response to the demands of the Trump administration.

The program sending asylum seekers back to wait in Mexico stalled this March when the U.S. effectively suspended its asylum process at the southern border due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the U.S. government continued sending migrants who had crossed illegally back to Mexico.

In April, the Mexican government tapped the fund again for more than $700,000 for ground transport, free and voluntary, of people in the national territory, nearly the same amount as 2019. The AP confirmed at the time that the Mexican government was moving migrants in buses from the northern border south to the border with Guatemala. Many were left there without a way to continue because the pandemic had closed borders.

Since 2011, the Mexico Fund has disbursed nearly $150 million to 11 countries, most of that designated during the two prior administrations for infrastructure projects in Central America.

Last year, Lpez Obradors administration also designated more than $62 million from the Mexico Fund for extensions of two social programs to Honduras and El Salvador. It was not clear how much of that money had been disbursed.

Asked to comment on use of the fund, Mexicos Foreign Affairs ministry said that theres no money left and that in May, the government ordered an end to the fund once its commitments are fulfilled, which could take years, as part of Lpez Obradors mission to eliminate such pots of money that he sees potential targets of corruption.

Guilln, the former immigration agency director, said, It is clear the original objective of this fund was distorted and its also clear that we dont have sufficient information about the spending.

__

AP writer E. Eduardo Castillo contributed to this report.

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 Tampa Bay Times investigative report released last week exposed a policing operation in Pasco County, Florida, which has deployed mass monitoring, targeted intimidation, and harassment tactics against hundreds of resident families for years under the pretense of preempting crime. The extraordinary Times report gives a chilling glimpse into brutal police-state measures utilized by one of the largest police districts in the state.

Since 2011, the Pasco County Sheriffs Office has implemented their system as an intelligence-led operation with the stated intention of reducing property crimes. The agency, which has 650 law-enforcement officers and oversees a county of approximately 500,000 residents in the Tampa Bay area, would use the information it gathered to make predictions about where future crimes were likely to take place, who was likely to commit them, and use this as a mechanism for tracking individuals.

The main subjects for the Sheriffs Offices operation were county residents with past offenses who the office deemed probable to commit future crimes, even if there was a significant gap in the arrest records or police reports.

Sheriffs office records as well as countless testimonials from victimized families demonstrate that this nearly decade-long intelligence operation spanned a wide range of invasive and unlawful activities.

Law enforcement officers would invariably terrorize residents at their homes, make arbitrary requests to question individuals placed on their monitoring lists and surveil their movements. Sheriffs deputies would write exorbitant tickets, inundating families with court dates and fines, often based on thinly justified and even fabricated legal violations, ranging from missing mailbox numbers to overgrown grass in their front yards.

In interviews with Times journalists, 21 families labeled as targets by the program recounted how deputies would invariably pound on their front doors all hours of the day and night. Nearly half of the families interviewed said deputies sometimes surrounded their homes, lined their streets with patrol cars or shined flashlights into their windows to initiative a campaign of aggression and intimidation.

One of the more menacing products of the program was its prioritization of young people, a demographic that made up a majority of those earmarked for monitoring and attack by the Sheriffs Office. Among the 20 addresses visited by enforcement teams, more than half were home to middle or high schoolers that were chosen as targets.

In several cases, young people were seen as targets after having only one or two arrests.

The Times recounted the case of Rio Wojtecki, a 15-year-old, who was aggressively harassed by law enforcement from September 2019 to January 2020 after violating trespassing laws and stealing motorcycles.

Dispatch logs showed that Pasco deputies went to his home at least 21 times to solicit information about criminal activities, despite Wojtecki already having a state-assigned probation officer checking in on him.

In addition to Wojteckis home, deputies went to his moms car dealership, his friends house, and checked his gym to see if he had signed in. In the aftermath of one visit by police, the teen suffered from an anxiety attack triggered by the constant threats from law enforcement and was taken to the emergency room.

Another instance of police harassment involved a teenage target that deputies had spotted smoking a cigarette with a friend at his home. After both refused to come outside and the teens father, Robert A. Jones, refused to make them go, the police arrested Jones for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The charges were later dropped but deputies arrested Jones nine days later for missing a court hearing. Less than three months later, Jones was arrested again after having his vehicle and home searched randomly by police in which a small amount of marijuana was found. Jones told the Times, It was like a gang. They were like, How can we get this dude?

Jones was later forced to move his family to a motel to get away from the harassment, and then eventually moved out of Pasco County.

Dalanea Taylor, who is now 20, reported being harassed repeatedly by officers for her arrest record as a minor, despite going months without being arrested or having any legal troubles. Deputies routinely showed up at her home and asked who she was hanging out with, demanded information she had on certain people, and wanted to know if she was in a relationship. Once, after Taylor posted a photo with a male friend on Facebook, deputies asked about the friend and later she said a deputy followed her in a patrol car as she walked down her neighborhood street.

The initiative was launched by Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco when he took office in 2011. According to the Times, Nocco had far less experience in law enforcement duties than the outgoing sheriff but had close ties with the state Republican Party.

When asked about the surveillance program by the Times, Nocco, an appointee of former Governor Rick Scott, told reporters that deputies were ordered to identify residents and take them out, in order to thwart criminal activity before it occurred.

Upon taking office, Nocco made intelligence gathering his offices central axis. Deputies were responsible for practicing intensive monitoring strategies against potential suspects. One section of deputies involved in the effort, known as the Strategic Targeted Area Response (STAR) team, were the most rabid in the programs objectives.

Email reports document STAR deputies driving by targets homes, determined to find any evidence of wrongdoing they could use for legal prosecution. In one email thread, deputies reported spotting an orange mountain bike outside one young offenders house and checked to see if any bicycles matching that description had been reported stolen.

Deputies also recorded and exchanged information relating to non-criminal, personal descriptions of targets, such as changes in bodily appearance or school development. In one thread, officers noted that one high school-aged target has cut his hair, which is now short. For the same youth the record noted after summer break he will be going to 9th grade at Shwettman (Education Center). He claimed not to be associating with any of his friends.

According to the Times, Pasco County deputies manufactured its lists of potential offenders based on their arrest history, various fragments of unspecified intelligence, and haphazard decisions reached by police analysts. The system was built for officers to locate and interrogate any listed name, often without probable cause, a search warrant, or evidence of a crime.

Police analysts are tasked with scavenging police reports, property records, Facebook pages, bank statements and surveillance photos to enable deputies to investigate and track their targets, according to the agencys latest intelligence-led policing manual. Individuals or families placed on their secret lists are labeled what the department calls prolific offenders. The manual further describes them as people whove taken to a career of crime and ominously designated as not likely to reform.

To identify potential prolific offenders, the department uses an algorithm that assigns targets with scores based on their criminal records. People are issued points for each time they are arrested, even after charges are dropped, while targets are also susceptible to acquiring points for merely being identified as a suspect. According to the intelligence manual, a potential offenders score is enhanced by an indefinite amount if they miss court dates, violate probation or simply appear in five or more police reports, even if they were listed as a witness or the victim.

Pasco County Sheriffs Office officials told the Times that a computer generates the scores and creates a list of offenders every 90 days but a special group of police analysts run through the lists manually and make a determination about which 100 people should be listed. Analysts work with command staff to pick out district targets, those who the department believes it has enough evidence on to charge with crimes. Deputies are then tasked with visiting prolific offenders and other targets as part of their daily responsibilities. In a forum with the Council of Neighborhood Associations in 2012, Nocco described the routine as bothering criminals.

The intelligence manuals mission statement states plainly that the program is ultimately designed to coerce and bully as many listed targets in the county as it possibly can and instill fear in the population. If the offender does not feel the pressure, the manual states, if the offender is not arrested when they commit their next crime, or if the offender is left to feel their punishment is menial, the strategy will have no impact.

According to one former deputy involved in the directive, the program was set up to make their [targets] lives miserable until they move or sue. Over the course of just five years the program targeted nearly 1,000 people in Pasco County. One in ten of those surveilled and harassed by the sheriffs office were minors under the age of 18 during that same period. In many cases, deputies would continuously and ferociously harass their suspects until they found any reason to arrest them.

A one-time STAR team member and former corporal, Royce Rodgers, said in an interview with the Times that Pascos program involved directed harassment. Rodgers and his team would frequently visit peoples homes simply to make them uncomfortable. In one approach, which was not logged into the agencys official records, he and other agents parked five patrol cars outside a targets home all night and went to the house six times in a single day. They would do the same to targets friends and relatives, even if they have nothing to do with the offender, Rodgers said.

If a so-called target or their family members or associates refused to speak to deputies or answer questions, STAR team deputies were told to look for any code enforcement violation to legally entrap their victims, such as faded mailbox numbers or forgotten bags of trash in front of houses. We would literally go out there and take a tape measure and measure the grass if somebody didnt want to cooperate with us, Rodgers said.

Times reporters analyzed thousands of pages of court and police documents, hours of body-camera footage, and obtained the target list, which had previously been kept hidden from public scrutiny. In fact, the programs methods were largely hidden from public view even though Nocco routinely praised its supposed accomplishments in community forums and debates.

Six weeks prior to publishing the story, the Times shared its findings with the Sheriffs Office, with Nocco and other top agents declining to comment on the allegations advanced by reporters.

The agency instead responded to the story in a 30-page statement defending the Sheriffs intelligence-led program, calling their practices basic law enforcement functions and justifying their achievements with statistics showing a decline in property crimes such as burglaries and auto thefts. These crimes, however, declined in Pasco County at a rate similar to the seven largest nearby police districts throughout the time the program was in full swing.

The Times report elicited significant backlash and condemnation from criminal justice experts. Matthew Barge, an expert in police practices and civil rights who addressed police misconduct cases in Baltimore and Cleveland, called the program morally repugnant. David Kennedy, a renowned criminologist at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, told the newspaper that Noccos initiative was [o]ne of the worst manifestations of the intersection of junk science and bad policing and an absolute absence of common sense and humanity.

Such insidious tactics are not unique to the Pasco County Sheriffs Office. In Hillsborough County, the fourth largest district in the state of Florida and home to Tampa and its immediate suburbs, the Sheriffs Office has recently started using arrest statistics to predict future crimes and identify repeat offenders. In one of the counter-statements released by the Pasco agency, it said that departments in both counties have discussed techniques on gathering intelligence. Pasco County police were given a $95,000 federal grant to upgrade their computer systems and hire a trained team of civilian analysts.

The Chicago Police Department, which infamously and secretly operated a black-site interrogation and torture facility in Homan Square for several years, has also acknowledged using an intelligence system for identifying people it labels likely to be involved in gun-violence incidents. Earlier this year Baltimore implemented an aerial surveillance program using a plane equipped with high resolution cameras to film the entire city and track individuals movements.

In New Orleans, a deal was struck in 2012 between the city government and Palantir, a secretive technology contractor with ties to the Pentagon and US intelligence agencies, for conducting surveillance on the entire city without the populations knowledge.

In a blatant violation of the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, Palantirs data mining software was contracted to create statistical models to predict certain behaviors people would engage in beforehand. This operation was based on factors such as family and other personal relationships, as well as geographical location, socioeconomic factors and social media posts.

These developments over the past several years underscore the campaign of the ruling class to establish dictatorial forms of rule to crush growing working class resistance, while militarizing police agencies, local crime units and federal forces to spearhead anti-democratic and reactionary attacks on the working class. This process has accelerated under President Donald Trump, who has incessantly encouraged attacks on workers and escalating repression of opponents of police violence through repeated fascistic invocations of law-and-order.
The chief of the Rochester Police Department and his command staff announced their retirement Tuesday following days of anti-police protests in the city over the death of Daniel Prude.

Just days after insisting that he did not intend to resign amid protests, Rochester Police Chief LaRon Singletary released a statement Tuesday announcing his retirement and calling criticism of his handling of the investigation an attempt to destroy my character.

As a man of integrity, I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character, the police chief of the city in upstate New York said in a statement.

The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for, Singletary continued. The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prudes death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for.

The citys top cop added that he is honored to have served Rochester for two decades and commended his staff.

Mayor Lovely Warren told the Rochester City Council that the entire police departments command staff also announced their retirement on Tuesday.

Prude, a 41-year-old black man, was declared brain-dead and died in the hospital seven days after he was arrested on March 23 as he experienced a mental health crisis. Last week, attorneys for Prudes family released police body camera footage showing officers placing a spit sock over the head of Prude, who was naked, and holding his face to the pavement for two minutes. Prudes brother had called the police for help.

The Monroe County medical examiner ruled Prudes death a homicide, citing complications of asphyxia as well as excited delirium and acute PCP intoxication as causes of his death.

Singletarys retirement will be effective September 29.

The attorney for Prudes children called the police chiefs decision to retire an important and necessary step to healing and meaningful reform in the community.

Story continues

Clearly, the conduct of the officers in Mr. Prudes case was inhumane, and the subsequent cover-up was unacceptable, read a statement from attorney Antonio Romanucci. We look forward to securing justice for Mr. Prude and to having Rochester leaders do the hard work needed to address issues of systemic racism and training protocols in the police department.

More from National Review
Nixon Gear, the high-tech manufacturer of precision gears at 1750 Milton Ave., turned 100 this year. Nixon will be among the companies recognized this month at the Manufacturers Association 107th annual Celebration of Manufacturing.

Nixon might not have been around for its centennial if Sam Haines and his father, Samuel T. Haines, hadnt bought the company, put it on a solid financial footing, and had the fortitude to weather tough times.
Arabella Del Busso will star on Channel Seven's upcoming series SAS Australia, despite fans threatening to boycott the show if she appears.

The controversial ex-WAG can be seen standing next to Schapelle Corby, 43, during a scene in the show's latest trailer.

The influencer, 30, appears very briefly, wearing her hair in long, dark braids that are pulled off her face into a ponytail.

Incoming! Arabella Del Busso (pictured) will appear on Channel Seven's upcoming series SAS Australia, despite fans threatening to boycott the show if she appears

On her Instagram account, Arabella wore the same long braids in pictures shared seven and eight weeks ago, likely around the time the show had just finished production.

A spokesman for the network confirmed filming has wrapped.

The confirmation of her appearance comes after public outcry, with many calling to boycott the reality show due to her involvement.

The model first made headlines when she went to the police with a video of her ex-partner Josh Reynolds yelling at her.

There she is: The controversial ex-WAG (right) can be seen standing next to Schapelle Corby, 43, (left) during a scene in the show's latest trailer

New look: The influencer, 30, appears very briefly, wearing her hair in long, dark braids that are pulled off her face into a ponytail

The charges against the 31-year-old Wests Tigers player were dropped in February, but fans aren't happy that Arabella has now landed a role on a major reality show.

Angry rugby league fans vented their frustration on Twitter after it was revealed that Arabella would be joining the cast.

'I'll never watch Channel Seven putting a loser like that on shows how much credibility they have,' one critic tweeted.

Same look: On her Instagram account, Arabella wore the same long braids in pictures shared seven and eight weeks ago, likely around the time the show had just finished production

Done and dusted: A spokesman for the network confirmed filming has wrapped

'I, for one, will not be tuning in... Absolutely disgusted in your efforts for ratings,' another added.

Arabella last appeared on television in May, when she addressed her bitter split with Josh on Channel Nine's 60 Minutes.

During the interview, Arabella tearfully denied faking pregnancies and miscarriages during her tumultuous relationship with the footy star.

Not happy: Angry rugby league fans vented their frustration on Twitter after it was revealed on Sunday that Arabella was tipped to be joining the cast

Harsh: 'I'll never watch Channel Seven putting a loser like that on shows how much credibility they have,' one critic tweeted

No stranger to attention: The 30-year-old model first made headlines when she went to the police with a video of her ex-partner Josh Reynolds (left) yelling at her. The charges against the 31-year-old Wests Tigers player were dropped in February

However, she did admit to passing off another woman's ultrasound scan as her own in order to 'spite' her then-boyfriend.

Filming for SAS Australia begun earlier this year in Queenstown, New Zealand.

But production was later relocated to the NSW Snowy Mountains due to travel restrictions being enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notorious: Arabella last appeared on television in May, when she addressed her bitter split with Josh on Channel Nine's 60 Minutes. During the interview, Arabella tearfully denied faking pregnancies and miscarriages during her tumultuous relationship with the footy star

The lingerie model joins the growing list of celebrities set to appear on the show, including convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby and publicist Roxy Jacenko.

Candice Warner, Merrick Watts and Nick Cummins are the only other celebrities confirmed to be joining Roxy and Schapelle.

The military-style program will see the contestants endure sleep deprivation, interrogation techniques and physical challenges.

SAS Australia premieres in October on Channel Seven






By Kim Se-jeong





Supreme Court Justice Lee Heung-ku
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Australia announces a deal for 84 million vaccine doses

AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccine candidate, AZD1222, as a potential candidate for an emergency use authorization (EUA) via the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through the Phase 3 clinical trials findings point to significant efficacy and safety. Australia is positioning itself to receive the first doses of the investigational product, originally developed by University of Oxford. Australia approved a second vaccine purchase involving 26 million doses to be manufactured locally by CSL.

The Australian Government has made a $1.7bn AUD ($1.34bn USD) supply and production agreement for COVID-19 vaccines: with the first doses set to come from AstraZenecas vaccine in January 2021.
New study suggests that high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation is effective against prostate cancer with decreased side effects and improved recovery time

LOS ANGELES -- For some prostate cancer patients, radical treatment (surgery or radiation) are treatment standards. However, these procedures may cause side effects including urinary incontinence or impotency.

A new study from USC Urology with Keck Medicine of USC demonstrates that focal (or targeted) high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation of the prostate is an effective alternative to surgery or radiation, with encouraging outcomes and shortened recovery time.

Focal HIFU ablation is an outpatient procedure that uses a focused ultrasound beam to raise the temperature inside the prostate to approximately 90 degrees Celsius (194 degrees Fahrenheit) to destroy targeted areas of prostate tissue. The procedure takes around two hours and the patients are often discharged home the same day.

The study, published in The Journal of Urology, followed 100 men in the United States who underwent a HIFU procedure for prostate cancer between 2015-2019. This is the first and largest study examining the outcomes of focal HIFU ablation as a primary treatment for prostate cancer in the United States.

During follow-up, 91% of HIFU patients successfully avoided radical treatment. Also, 73% of patients did not experience treatment failure, which the researchers defined as clinically significant cancer recurrence, metastases or mortality, or the need for additional hormone therapy, chemotherapy, surgery or radiation.

The results demonstrated that focal HIFU carries a low risk of complication and can help preserve quality of life. In fact, all patients remained continent and there was no significant decrease in sexual function. There also were no serious adverse events or major complications. Minor complications, including difficulties with urination and urinary tract infection, occurred in a small proportion of the patients, and were addressed without major interventions. Patients were typically discharged the same day as their procedure and resumed regular activities shortly thereafter.

"This positive data empowers urologists to use focal HIFU ablation to effectively address prostate cancer without the intrinsic side effects of radical treatments," says Andre Abreu, MD, urologic surgeon with Keck Medicine and first author of the study. Abreu is also an assistant professor of clinical urology and radiology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. "We hope this study encourages prostate cancer patients to talk to their doctor about all potential treatment options to ensure that they receive a personalized care plan that addresses their individual needs."

Urologists worldwide have used HIFU ablation to treat prostate cancer patients for many years; however, the technology was only approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prostate tissue ablation in 2015. Keck Medicine was among the first U.S. institutions to use this technology following the FDA approval.

"USC Urology is dedicated to refining cancer care through collaboration and innovation," says Inderbir S. Gill, MD, founding and executive director of USC Urology and senior author of the study.

"Throughout screening, diagnosis and treatment, it is important to balance accuracy and efficacy. Our physicians will continue working toward better methods to personalize that balance for every prostate cancer patient," continues Gill, who is also Distinguished Professor and chair of the Catherine and Joseph Aresty Department of Urology, Shirley and Donald Skinner Chair in Urologic Cancer Surgery and associate dean for clinical innovation at the Keck School.

In 2010, USC Urology launched a focal therapy and image-guided surgery program to develop more accurate methods to diagnose and treat prostate cancer. Since the program's inception, USC Urology has increased its annual image-guided prostate biopsies six-fold, with the vast majority of these procedures using a combination of MRI and ultrasound imaging. Additionally, USC Urology physicians are skilled in the most innovative therapies, including focal HIFU, cryoablation and robotic prostatectomy.

USC Urology physicians also collaborate with Keck Medicine radiologists and pathologists to create tailored, multidisciplinary treatment plans for each prostate cancer patient.

This year, U.S. News and World Report ranked Keck Medicine No. 9 in the country for Urology.

###

For more information about Keck Medicine of USC, please visit news.KeckMedicine.org.
This is the disturbing moment a doctor, her employee and a police officer were beaten by their neighbors and guests after they asked them to tone down the music level.

Surveillance video captured the moment Dr. Dalila Penaranda and domestic worker Carmen Perez were attacked in Barranquilla, Colombia, last Friday.

A separate video shows Penaranda talking to Martin Parra and Fanny Franco outside their apartment where at least 30 people, including musicians, gathered to celebrate the 18th birthday party of the couple's daughter, completely ignoring the country's ban on large gatherings.

Dr. Dalila Penaranda and her home employee were attacked by her neighbor tenant and guests who gathered for a birthday party last Friday in Barranquilla, Colombia. The doctor approached the apartment of Martin Parra and Fanny Franco and asked them to lower the music volume before the argument escalated into a melee

Carmen Perez suffered several bruises to her face after she was attacked outside her boss doctor's apartment in Colombia

Assad Baraque (pictured in the orange shirt) and Jalim Rebaje (pictured in the blue shirt) punched Dr. Dalila Penaranda after she went to her next door neighbor's apartment to get them to lower the music volume

Penaranda could be heard telling Franco, 'it's not the appropriate time for a party; it's the same story every weekend.'

The exchange between the physician and Franco grew tense when Franco smacked Penaranda in the face.

Subsequently, a guest identified as Assad Baraque could be seen in the video striking Penaranda in the face before his friend Jalim Rebaje stepped in and punched the doctor.

As the cops and several other party guests attempted to break up the melee, Perez fell to the floor before Rebaje kicked her face.

A police officer also is seen sustaining blows during the chaos.

Jalim Rebaje is expected to be brought up on charges after he was seen on a surveillance video punching a doctor and kicking her employee in the face

Assad Baraque and Jalim Rebaje are two of four individuals who will be charged with assaulting a doctor and her home employee in Barranquilla, Colombia

According to the Barranquilla Metropolitan Police Department, a total of 8 million Colombian pesos in fines were given to Baraque, Rebaje and three other guests, Parra and Franco, and the building management.

Franco, Baraque, Rebaje and a fourth person were expected to brought up on charges Thursday, according to Colombia's attorney general's office.

Barranquilla mayor Jaime Pumarejo slammed the apartment tenants and party guests for the attack and hosting the party.

'Parties are prohibited, there is nothing to celebrate,' Pumarejo said. 'We will find authorities ready to act against those who violate this measure. They cannot play with the suffering of families who lost a loved one, or jettison the city's efforts to regain normalcy.'
The Bandra police station has registered a first information report (FIR) against late actor Sushant Singh Rajputs sisters Priyanka Singh and Mitu Singh and also Dr Tarun Kumar, an associate professor of cardiology in Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, for abetting suicide, cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy under section 464, 465, 466, 468, 474, 306, 120 (B), 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) along with section 8 (c), 21, 22, and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, on the basis of a complaint filed by actor and Rajputs live-in partner Rhea Chakraborty.

Rajput was found dead allegedly by suicide at his Bandra apartment on June 14.

HT has a copy of the FIR.

Also Watch | Mischief: Rhea slammed by Sushant kins lawyer for filing new complaint

N Ambika, deputy commissioner of police (DCP) (headquarters-1) and a spokesperson for Mumbai Police, said, As per Rheas compliant, an FIR has been registered at Bandra police station. In line with the Supreme Courts (SC) order, the case is duly transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation.

On Monday, Rhea , who is at the centre of a raging controversy over her boyfriends death, filed a six-page complaint against the three persons cited above at Bandra police station for allegedly prescribing medicines for the deceased that are banned under the NDPS Act, 1985 and the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines, 2020.

The complaint will further queer the pitch in the high-profile case that has caught the nations imagination.

The CBI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have been carrying out separate probes into the case.

In her complaint, Rhea had said that she had stayed with Rajput from December 2019 to June 8, 2020. She had stated that during the course of her relationship she had learnt that Rajput was undergoing treatment for various mental health issues and had been diagnosed with suffering from bipolar disorder by multiple renowned doctors. However, the deceased (Rajput) was not disciplined in respect of his treatment and would often abruptly stop his medication to the dismay of his doctors and myself, the complaint stated.

On the morning of June 8, the deceased had been on his mobile phone incessantly and when I asked what he was doing, he showed me the messages he was exchanging with his sister Priyanka Singh. I was shocked upon reading the said messages, as Priyanka had sent him a list of medications to take, the complaint stated.

Rhea stated that she had explained to Rajput that given the seriousness of his condition, and the fact that he already had medications prescribed by doctors, who had examined and treated him over several months, he ought not to take any other medication, least of all medication being prescribed by his sister, who has no medical degree.

Rhea stated that this led to a disagreement between them, as Rajput insisted that he would only take the medicines that Priyanka was prescribing. The deceased proceeded to ask me to leave the house as his other sister Meethu Singh was coming to live with him and she would take care of him, Rhea stated.

She had left Rajputs house shortly after the disagreement and never got to meet him, as he was found dead in his Bandra apartment on June 14.

Rhea stated that she was shocked to learn about Rajputs father registering an FIR at Rajiv Nagar police station in Patna on July 25. It was preposterous that such false allegations were being made out over 40 days after the demise of the deceased, stated the complaint.

Rhea stated after the ED registered a case against her and her family members, all of them had handed over their mobile phones to the agency, which had proceeded to take a full data download of their devices.

It appears that based on certain messages that come to light from the aforesaid data download, the NCB also registered a case against various accused, including me, stated Rhea.

She stated that certain WhatsApp messages exchanged between Rajput and Priyanka on June 8 have come to light that are disturbing and disclose the commission of various offences.

In the said messages, Priyanka had advised the deceased to take various medication controlled under the NDPS Act, 1985. Shockingly, it has now come to light that Priyanka had subsequently on the same day sent him a prescription by Dr Tarun Kumar, an associate professor of cardiology in Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, Rhea stated.

The said document appears forged and fabricated. In addition, Dr Tarun Kumar appears to have prescribed medication under NDPS Act, 1985 to the deceased without any consultation as mandated by law. The drugs prescribed by Dr Kumar were prohibited from being prescribed electronically under the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines issued on March 25, 2020, which constitutes Appendix 5 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics Regulation, 2002), the FIR added.

Rhea has stated that in the said prescription, Dr Kumar has prescribed Nexito 5 milligrams (mg), Librium 10 mg, and Lonazep MD 0.5 mg to Rajput to overcome his anxiety. It is pertinent to note that the tablet Librium is Chlordiazepoxide which appears at item number 36 in the list of psychotropic substances under the NDPS Act, 1985, while Nexito and Lonazep MD contain Clonazepam that appears at item number 38 in the list, the complaint stated.

Rhea has also claimed that the prescription prepared by them is fabricated because Rajput was shown undergoing treatment at an outdoor patient department (OPD) in a hospital in Delhi, while he was living in Mumbai. The deceased died only five days after he had obtained the said prescription, where he was unlawfully prescribed psychotropic substances at the behest of Priyanka and Dr Kumar, the complaint added.

.
The suspect, Albulkadir Masharipov of Uzbekistan, was convicted of 39 counts of murder and one count of attempting to overthrow the constitutional order. He was handed 40 separate life sentences without parole. The court also sentenced him to a total of 1,368 years in prison for the attempted murder of 79 people who escaped the attack with injuries.
Aryzta is best known here for the Cuisine de France brand. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland.

Cuisine de France owner Aryzta has blasted calls by shareholder advisory firm Glass Lewis for investors to back rebels seeking to install their own chairman at the baked goods giant.

In a letter to shareholders, Aryzta chairman Gary McGann said the embattled company respectfully disagrees with recommendations from Glass Lewis ahead of an extraordinary general meeting by Aryzta next week.

There is no silver bullet that any strategic initiative or additional board-refreshment process can deliver, it warned. Aryzta needs a proven, coherent board with an executive team singularly focused on accelerating the turnaround strategy. We believe the proposals we have put forward represent the best interests of all stakeholders.

Switzerlands Veraison and Spains Cobas, activist investors who between them own more than 20pc of Aryzta, have mounted a months-long campaign to revamp the Aryzta board. The activists insist the baked goods group - whose customers include McDonalds, Subway, Walmart and Lidl - must offload at least 600m worth of assets to cut debt. Its business has been hit hard by the Covid pandemic.

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Aryzta wants to install Andreas Schmid as the groups new chairman next week, succeeding Gary McGann.

But the rebels are vying to have their own candidate, Urs Jordi, elected to the post. Mr Jordi is former boss of Hiestand International, the company that was originally acquired by Irish group IAWS to create Aryzta.

Glass Lewis said last month that given what it described as the urgency and magnitude of issues facing Aryzta, it would be appropriate to back Urs Jordi as chairman. The advisory firm added that while Mr Schmid is an experienced executive, he does not have the same level of experience in the bakery industry as Mr Jordi.

Aryzta, whose chief executive is Kevin Toland, said a report from Glass Lewis contains emotive language similar to that used by rebel shareholders. The baked goods firm added that a claim by Glass Lewis that the Aryzta board has engaged in tactics to delay the EGM and launched a chaotic strategy process followed by a last-minute attempt to sell the company has no basis in fact and is inconsistent with the information provided in our engagement with Glass Lewis.

The effect of the shareholder groups proposals is to introduce significant risk to the business, risk that Aryzta believes would present significant, additional operational and financial stress, said the company.

It added that it could not recommend the activist shareholders board nominees to investors without a rigorous and thoroughly engaged process.

It would be a failure of our duties as a board and of our obligations to all stakeholders, it said.

Glass Lewis recommendations effectively support significant board changes with consequent average board tenure of just over one year, Aryzta insisted. Again, we believe that this presents significant risk for the effective functioning of the business and runs counter to the more balanced, compromise proposals we have put forward.

Aryzta said it entirely rejects any suggestion that Mr Schmid would have insufficient time to devote to Aryzta. He is a member of a number of boards. The company said he has specifically committed to Glass Lewis to reduce his existing mandates to give sufficient time to Aryzta.

The baked goods company also rejected claims that 800m raised from shareholders in 2018 had not been used effectively. It pointed out that 455m was used to cut debt and that its capital structure has been improved.
The IT industry body NASSCOM is seeking immediate intervention on the classification of IT-BPM as intermediary that makes them liable for 18 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST). This would impact the sector and render Indian firms less competitive in the global scene, the agency said in a report.

What is the issue?

There's lack of clarity on if back office support should qualify as exports. In couple of cases, it was ruled that ITeS firms that offer back office services are not classified as exports and hence termed as intermediaries making them liable for tax.

For instance, the Advanced Ruling Authority (AAR), Maharashtra, held in the case of VServ Global that back office support services do not qualify as export and hence liable for 18 percent GST. It was upheld by the Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling, Maharashtra.

But there have been cases where AAR has ruled in favour of these firms, creating more confusion in the industry.

To clear this, in July 2019, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs issued a circular clarifying the definition of intermediary for IT-BPM sector. However, it lacked clarity and resulted in more litigation. It was later withdrawn.

So these companies, the report said, have been under significant scrutiny in GST regime and have been facing challenges in claiming refunds. Companies facing denial of refunds have increased, and so has the number of queries, audits and investigations. The AAR rulings have not helped either.

"This increasing trend of revenue authorities in trying to tax services provided by IT-BPM sector is concerning," the report said.

This is a concern given that there are over 500 global-in house delivery centres that employ over 3.5 lakh people and the GST imposed would affect the sector adversely.

Urgent intervention

NASSCOM has urged the government to intervene immediately as it impacts the industry and remove the classification of intermediary for IT-BPM companies in a recommendation sent to the Department of Revenue and GST Council related to the issues faced by the IT-BPM industry.
LONDON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- AppyWay, the leading kerbside management and smart parking technology firm, today announces the launch of its 20 million Series B funding round. This will be used to support organic growth of the platform, strategic acquisitions, further technological investment and international scalability.

Founded by Dan Hubert in 2013, AppyWay is helping to digitise and integrate what is a highly fragmented, but high potential, market for mobility. In the UK, the market is valued in the billions of pounds, and worldwide is predicted to be worth 256 billion by 2025.

Now hosting the largest dataset of the UK's kerbside restrictions, AppyWay offers the most advanced platform of accurate, standardised data, APIs and tools for smart kerbside management in the world. It does this through effectively digitising the kerb, with IoT sensors establishing robust kerbside demand data, then enriching this via a wide range of sources including payment operators, navigation and traffic solutions, mobility and last mile operators, mobile as a service (MaaS) apps, and electric vehicle and infrastructure apps.

Through one Mobility API, AppyWay's proposition helps to rejuvenate high streets by addressing parking difficulties, easing congestion, reducing pollution and improving air quality creating smarter, cleaner, efficient cities, more important than ever post-COVID-19. It also helps raise safety standards and enables kerbside compliance for drivers, fleets, and CAVs.

As part of its organic growth, AppyWay plans to invest in data capture and improving parking yield. It will also put money into data as a service (DaaS) for mobility service providers and vehicle original equipment manufacturers. Its broader strategy around acquisitions is to accelerate city adoption and expand product functionality.

The new funding will build on the 10.8 million raised to date, including a 7.6 million Series A round that drew in blue-chip investors including Sumitomo Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company and Aviva Ventures, West Hill Capital, and Breed Reply.

Among the organisations that will benefit most from AppyWay's platform are councils and fleets and logistics firms. In the UK, councils spend 1 billion a year operating parking services, while the cost of managing kerb regulation runs to 216 million a year. Similarly, UK drivers waste four days a year looking for a parking space and the overall congestion cost to the UK economy is 6.9 billion year.

The fund-raising is being managed by Cavendish Corporate Finance.

Dan Hubert, Founder and CEO of AppyWay, said: "We're thrilled to announce this funding round, which will help us move further towards our goal of helping local authorities and businesses unlock the potential of their kerbs. Whether it is residents, drivers, businesses and councils, all stand to benefit from the mobility revolution that is underway."

Phil Smith, Non-Executive Chairman of AppyWay and ex-Cisco UK and Ireland CEO, said: "By transforming the parking experience, we believe you can transform the entire driving experience. AppyWay is at the forefront of digitising and integrating the mobility market as well as helping to deliver the cleaner, smarter more efficient cities on which so much of our future economic prosperity depends."

Jon Edirmanasinghe, Partner, Cavendish Corporate Finance, said: "AppyWay helps pave the way for a new era of smart cities through digital infrastructure and is led by a world class management team, occupying a unique market position by utilising IoT alongside a wide and established partner network."

https://appyway.com/press
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8) The government is eyeing a strict implementation of the proposed no home quarantine protocol for COVID-19 patients, a top official said Tuesday.

Speaking to CNN Philippines, Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano said the move which has yet to be approved by the countrys COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force is seen to curb the spread of the mysterious virus in households.

Magkakaroon ng amendment yung JMC (joint memorandum circular) between DOH and DILG. So what we are going to do is really strictly implement the no-home quarantine, Ano said in an interview with The Source, referring to the Department of Health and the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Very important kasi na talagang mailabas sila sa bahay, kasi nahahawa 'yung pamilya. That is for the good and for the sake of their family members Ang talagang pinakamaganda talaga, lahat ay ma-isolate natin, rich or poor, he added.

[Translation: Its very important that we get them out of their homes, because families may get infected. That is for the good and for the sake of their family members. Its better if we isolate all patients, rich or poor.

Ano cited the establishment of numerous quarantine facilities around the country, with some hotels also serving as isolation centers.

He, however, stressed that officials will still be considerate and will make exemptions for the policy if patients reasons are justified. He noted health and local officials would conduct inspections to make sure that houses are fit for the quarantine measure.

While there is no timeframe yet for the policys rollout pending IATF approval, Ano said officials are hopeful it will be implemented within the week.

Pero huwag magalala ang ating mga kababayan, kasi we are very considerate. Gusto lang natin mapababa etong mga confirmed at positive cases. We will be considerate, but we really have to enforce strictly the no-home quarantine, Ano said.

[Translation: But the public should not be worried, because we are very considerate. We just want to lower our confirmed and positive cases. We will be considerate, but we really have to enforce strictly the no home quarantine.]

COVID-19 National Task Force chief implementer Carlito Galvez, meanwhile, supported the proposal to disallow home quarantine for now, citing positive developments in areas which implemented the same policy.

So talagang kailangan po 'yung isolation pace natin ay very aggressive and absolute na lahat po ng positive kailangan po natin i-isolate. Kasi nakita po natin even 'yung mayayaman po na nagho-home quarantine, nagkakahawaan po ang kanilang mga kamag-anak, Galvez said during the governments Laging Handa media briefing in the same day.

[Translation: We really need to have a very aggressive and absolute isolation pace for those positive cases. Because were seeing that even those who are rich, who can afford home quarantine, they are still reporting transmission among family members.]

Guidelines for home quarantine?

With households seen as one of the sources of widespread COVID-19 transmission, testing czar Vince Dizon said the task force will lay down guidelines to help the public stay vigilant against the virus even inside their homes, such as constant wearing of face masks.

"We are looking at various interventions like wearing of masks even when you're at home, and also trying to avoid situations where we put ourselves in vulnerable situations like when we have family gatherings, for example, where we eat around a dinner table, we share utensils, we share serving utensils when we serve food," he told CNN Philippines on Tuesday.

The Health Department currently does not prohibit home quarantine as long as the patient has his own room and toilet and does not live with vulnerable people, including the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.

Previously, patients who cannot comply with the home quarantine protocols were fetched from their homes under the "Oplan Kalinga" program and brought to government quarantine facilities to control the COVID-19 transmission.

The government also earlier launched a two-week house search program in an effort to detect and isolate residents with symptoms of the coronavirus. Under the protocol, health and village workers knocked on houses to look for symptomatics, who would then be given real-time polymerase chain reaction tests for the virus and would be isolated for the time being.

To date, coronavirus infections in the country have surpassed the 238,000 mark, with 1,383 new infections reported on Monday. Recoveries have climbed to 184,906, while the death toll stood at 3,890.
Natural compounds continue to play a key role in drug development. Many clinically approved drugs are either unmodified natural products or their semi-synthetic derivatives. This book series presents reviews of exciting new bio-active natural products that have huge potential as drugs. Each volume presents comprehensive chapters contributed by eminent scientists. The volumes focus on drug candidates which are in the later stages of drug development and are being evaluated in clinical trials. The series, therefore, highlights the importance of natural products in our lives.

The second volume covers the following topics:

- A review of recent patents and natural products in clinical trials to treat schistosomiasis

- Natural products: the new intervention regimen for metabolic disorders

- Fluorine-containing drugs and drug candidates derived from natural products

- Natural products for the management of cardiovascular diseases

- Implication of natural compounds for the prevention of ocular diseases

###

About the Editors:

Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman, Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Cambridge University (1968) has 1,232 international publications (45 international patents and 341 books). He received the following awards: Fellow Royal Society (FRS) London (2006), UNESCO Science Prize (1999), Honorary Life Fellow Kings College, Cambridge University (2007), Academician (Foreign Member) Chinese Academy of Sciences (2015), Highest Civil Award for Foreigners of China (Friendship Award, 2014), High Civil Award Austria ("Grosse Goldene Ehrenzeischen am Bande") (2007), Foreign Fellow Chinese Chemical Society (2013), Sc.D. Cambridge University (UK) (1987), TWAS (Italy) Prize (2009). He was the President of Network of Academies of Sciences of Islamic Countries (NASIC), Vice President TWAS (Italy), Foreign Fellow Korean Academy of Science & Technology, President Pakistan Academy of Sciences (2003-2006) and (2011 -- 2014). He was the Federal Minister for Science and Technology of Pakistan (2000 --2002), Federal Minister of Education (2002) and Chairman Higher Education Commission/Federal Minister (2002-2008), Coordinator General of COMSTECH (OIC Ministerial Committee) (1996-2012), and the Editorin-Chief of Current Medicinal Chemistry.

Dr. Shazia Anlum is a Professor of the Chemistry Department and the Director of Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. She is an experienced medicinal and natural product chemist. She has authored and co-authored more than 112 research papers (cumulative Impact Factor: 200), a US patent, has edited 08 books and has published 03 chapters in international books. She has accomplished the synthesis of several naturally occurring aminoglycosides- that can be used as antibiotics. Several students have completed their MS degrees under her supervision and a couple of others are pursing for MS/PhD degrees.

As recognition of her contributions to science, she has been awarded with 03 International awards like Fellowship from Islamic World Academy of Sciences, Postdoctoral fellowship from Ministry of Culture and Education, Spain and a Young Chemist Award from Third World Academy of Sciences, Italy. She also has several national awards to her credit.

Prof. EI-Seedi obtained a Doctorate (Ph.D.) degree in Organic Chemistry, Channel program at Kemisk Institute, Aarhus University, Denmark / Menoufia University, Egypt. Prof. EI-Seedi is a Former Fellow of the Japanese Society of Promotion of Science as a Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Japan. He worked in internationally recognized laboratories including Kunglia Tekniska hogskola (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden, Uppsala Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Sweden, University of Malaya, and Menoufia University, Egypt. Prof. EI-Seedi has published original papers, reviews, chapters in high level peer-reviewed International Journals including one paper in The Lancet. Most recent awards are: 2017 Price for the best presentation and paper from the Association of Arab Researchers in Bees (AARB) 2017 and 2015: Award from STEFELSEN Foundation for Pharmacognosy: For many years of Scientific Contributions to Pharmacognosy Research and thereby increasing the knowledge about bioactive Natural Products and building contributions with Developing Countries.

Keywords:

Natural products, clinical trials, schistosomiasis, cardiovascular diseases, ocular diseases, bioactive natural products, metabolic disorders

For further details, please visit: https://bit.ly/3h3n8cj
BANGKOK: Two soldiers who deserted from Myanmars army have testified on video that they were instructed by commanding officers to shoot all that you see and that you hear in villages where minority Rohingya Muslims lived, a human rights group said Tuesday.

The comments appear to be the first public confession by soldiers of involvement in army-directed massacres, rape and other crimes against Rohingya in the Buddhist-majority country, and the group Fortify Rights suggested they could provide important evidence for an ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court.

More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar to neighboring Bangladesh since August 2017 to escape what Myanmars military called a clearance campaign following an attack by a Rohingya insurgent group in Rakhine state. Myanmars government has denied accusations that security forces committed mass rapes and killings and burned thousands of homes.

Fortify Rights, which focuses on Myanmar, said the two army privates fled the country last month and are believed to be in the custody of the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands, which is examining the violence against the Rohingya.

According to Fortify Rights, privates Myo Win Tun, 33, and Zaw Naing Tun, 30, who served in separate light infantry battalions, gave the names and ranks of 19 direct perpetrators from the Myanmar army, including themselves, as well as six senior commanders  they claim ordered or contributed to atrocity crimes against Rohingya."

The videos were filmed in July while the soldiers were in the custody of the Arakan Army, an ethnic guerrilla group in Rakhine engaged in an armed conflict with the government, and included subtitled translations into English, the human rights group said. They were posted on Fortify Rights page on a video-sharing site, where the Associated Press viewed them.

The AP was not able to independently corroborate the soldiers accounts or ascertain whether they made their statements under duress.

However, U.N. agencies and human rights organizations have extensively documented atrocities carried out against the Rohingya by Myanmar security forces. The International Court of Justice agreed last year to consider a case alleging that Myanmar committed genocide against the group. The courts proceedings are likely to continue for years.

Myanmar has long considered Rohingya Muslims to have migrated illegally from Bangladesh, even though their families have lived in Myanmar for generations. Nearly all have been denied citizenship since 1982, effectively rendering them stateless. They are also denied freedom of movement and other basic rights.

In separate videos, the two soldiers were shown seated stiffly in military uniforms with a sheet covering the background, as an off-screen male voice asked them questions. The details in the questions, as well as the ready answers about events that occurred about three years earlier, made it evident the content was prepared, if not actually rehearsed. However, the violent acts the men described echoed the vast number of accounts of atrocities collected by U.N. investigators and independent human rights workers from Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

After answering questions about his name, serial number and military units, Myo Win Tun said the commander of the 15th Military Operations Center, whom he named as Col. Than Htike, gave an order to shoot all you see and all you hear when raiding Muslim villages. He said in one operation, they killed and buried 30 people: eight women, seven children and 15 men and elderly.

He asserted that Col Than Htike ordered his unit to exterminate all Kalar a derogatory name for the Rohingya and that they shot the men in their foreheads and kicked their bodies into a hole. They also raped the women before killing them and he admitted to carrying out one rape.

He said his unit appropriated mobile phones and laptops, and also seized cattle, an allegation that has been widely reported.

Staring directly at the camera with barely any perceptible movement, Zaw Naing Tun recounted how his unit wiped out 20 Rohingya villages.

The soldier said about 80 people in all were killed, including children, adults and the elderly of both sexes. The killings were sanctioned by his battalion commander, Lt. Col Myo Myint Aung, he said.

In one incident, 10 villagers suspected of belonging to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, the Rohingya insurgent group, were captured and tied up, and then shot on the orders of a captain, he said, acknowledging that he was one of the shooters.

Zaw Naing Tun said he was present when a sergeant and a corporal raped three Rohingya women in the course of searching houses, but asserted he did not carry out any rapes.

He acknowledged taking part in looting, saying his unit officer declared what you take is what you get ahead of a raid on a market.

We entered into the market, destroyed locks and doors, and then we took money, gold, clothes, food and mobile phones, he said.

Fortify Rights said the two deserters arrived at Myanmars border with Bangladesh in mid-August and asked Bangladesh authorities for protection. Bangladesh officials then notified the International Criminal Court about their presence, and said they are no longer in Bangladesh, according to Fortify Rights.

Asked about the two soldiers Tuesday, the ICCs Office of the Prosecutor said it does not comment on its ongoing investigations, adding in a statement that it has been independently and impartially collecting evidence from a variety of sources regarding the alleged atrocity crimes.

These confessions demonstrate what weve long known, which is that the Myanmar army is a well-functioning national army operating with a specific and centralized command structure, Fortify Rights chief Matthew Smith said in a statement. Commanders control, direct, and order their subordinates in all they do. In this case, commanders ordered foot soldiers to commit genocidal acts and exterminate Rohingya, and thats exactly what they did.

Under the legal doctrine of command responsibility, higher-ranking officers are held responsible for heinous acts carried out by those serving under them.

That the two men described similar atrocities in separate areas also may indicate operational consistency between battalions, coordination, and intent to commit genocide, Fortify Rights said.

It said the video confessions appeared to be credible because their content was consistent with other evidence previously unearthed by the group and other investigators, such as the U.N.-empowered Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar.

Fortify Rights urged that the two former soldiers be tried by the ICC and that the court put them in a witness protection program.

It is reasonable to assume Myo Win Tun and Zaw Naing Tun could plead guilty to the crimes to which they confessed in exchange for becoming insider witnesses for future trials. Such a development would significantly advance efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for atrocity crimes against Rohingya, the group said.

The International Court of Justice is the U.N.s top court. It settles disputes between nations and does not prosecute individuals. The International Criminal Court, which seeks to hold individuals responsible for crimes, has not issued any public indictments in the investigation it is conducting. Both courts are based in The Hague in the Netherlands.

___

Associated Press writer Mike Corder in The Hague, Netherlands, contributed to this report.

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
To get the best measurements of Earth's atmosphere, you sometimes have to leave it. This November, the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich spacecraft will do just that.

When a satellite by the name of Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich launches this November, its primary focus will be to monitor sea level rise with extreme precision. But an instrument aboard the spacecraft will also provide atmospheric data that will improve weather forecasts, track hurricanes, and bolster climate models.

"Our fundamental goal with Sentinel-6 is to measure the oceans, but the more value we can add, the better," said Josh Willis, the mission's project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. "It's not every day that we get to launch a satellite, so collecting more useful data about our oceans and atmosphere is a bonus."

A U.S.-European collaboration, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich is actually one of two satellites that compose the Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS (Continuity of Service) mission. The satellite's twin, Sentinel-6B, will launch in 2025 to take over for its predecessor. Together, the spacecraft will join TOPEX/Poseidon and the Jason series of satellites, which have been gathering precise sea level measurements for nearly three decades. Once in orbit, each Sentinel-6 satellite will collect sea level measurements down to the centimeter for 90% of the world's oceans.

Meanwhile, they'll also peer deep into Earth's atmosphere with what's called Global Navigation Satellite System - Radio Occultation (GNSS-RO) to collect highly accurate global temperature and humidity information. Developed by JPL, the spacecraft's GNSS-RO instrument tracks radio signals from navigation satellites to measure the physical properties of Earth's atmosphere. As a radio signal passes through the atmosphere, it slows, its frequency changes, and its path bends. Called refraction, this effect can be used by scientists to measure minute changes in atmospheric physical properties, such as density, temperature, and moisture content.

The precise global atmospheric measurements made by Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich will complement atmospheric observations by other GNSS-RO instruments already in space. Specifically, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service meteorologists will use insights from Sentinel 6's GNSS-RO to improve weather forecasts. Also, the GNSS-RO information will provide long-term data that can be used both to monitor how our atmosphere is changing and to refine models used for making projections of future climate. Data from this mission will help track the formation of hurricanes and support models to predict the direction storms may travel. The more data we gather about hurricane formation (and where a storm might make landfall), the better in terms of helping local efforts to mitigate damage and support evacuation plans.

How It Works

Radio occultation was first used by NASA's Mariner 4 mission in 1965 when the spacecraft flew past Mars. As it passed behind the Red Planet from our perspective, scientists on Earth detected slight delays in its radio transmissions as they traveled through atmospheric gases. By measuring these radio signal delays, they were able to gain the first measurements of the Martian atmosphere and discover just how thin it was compared to Earth's.

By the 1980s, scientists had started to measure the slight delays in radio signals from Earth-orbiting navigation satellites to better understand our planet's atmosphere. Since then, many radio occultation instruments have been launched; Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich will join the six COSMIC-2 satellites as the most advanced GNSS-RO instruments among them.

"The Sentinel-6 instrument is essentially the same as COSMIC-2's. Compared to other radio occultation instruments, they have higher measurement precision and greater atmospheric penetration depth," said Chi Ao, the instrument scientist for GNSS-RO at JPL.

The GNSS-RO instrument's receivers track navigation satellite radio signals as they dip below, or rise from, the horizon. They can detect these signals through the vertical extent of the atmosphere - through thick clouds - from the very top and almost all the way to the ground. This is important, because weather phenomena emerge from all layers of the atmosphere, not just from near Earth's surface where we experience their effects.

"Tiny changes in the radio signal can be measured by the instrument, which relate to the density of the atmosphere," added Ao. "We can then precisely determine the temperature, pressure, and humidity through the layers of the atmosphere, which give us incredible insights to our planet's dynamic climate and weather."

But there's another reason why probing the entire vertical profile of the atmosphere from orbit is so important: accuracy. Meteorologists typically gather information from a variety of sources - from weather balloons to instruments aboard aircraft. But sometimes scientists need to compensate for biases in the data. For example, air temperature readings from a thermometer on an airplane can be skewed by heat radiating from parts of the aircraft.

GNSS-RO data is different. The instrument collects navigation satellite signals at the top of the atmosphere, in what is close to a vacuum. Although there are sources of error in every scientific measurement, at that altitude, there's no refraction of the signal, which means there's an almost bias-free baseline to which atmospheric measurements can be compared in order to minimize noise in data collection.

And as one of the most advanced GNSS radio occultation instruments in orbit, said Ao, it will also be one of the most accurate atmospheric thermometers in space.

More About the Mission

Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS is being jointly developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), NASA, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with funding support from the European Commission and support from France's National Centre for Space Studies (CNES).

The first Sentinel-6/Jason-CS satellite that will launch was named after the former director of NASA's Earth Science Division, Michael Freilich. It will follow the most recent U.S.-European sea level observation satellite, Jason-3, which launched in 2016 and is currently providing data.

NASA's contributions to the Sentinel-6/Jason-CS mission are three science instruments for each of the two Sentinel-6 satellites: the Advanced Microwave Radiometer, the GNSS-RO, and the Laser Retroreflector Array. NASA is also contributing launch services, ground systems supporting operation of the NASA science instruments, the science data processors for two of these instruments, and support for the international Ocean Surface Topography Science Team.

To learn more about NASA's study of sea level rise, visit: https://sealevel.nasa.gov



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American help in defending our independence will send a strong signal to the Chinese, argues Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi greets then United States vice-president Joe Biden as then House of Representatives speaker Paul D Ryan looks on after Modi had addressed a joint meeting of the US Congress, January 8, 2016.

Biden, the Democratic party nominee, could be elected America's next president. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

It is for the first time in its 73 years as an independent nation that India faces the daunting prospect of a two-front threat, from China and Pakistan.

Military preparations aside, Indian diplomacy has to work to deal with the situation so brilliantly conducted by Indira Gandhi in 1971, nearly half a century ago.

One possible way out of the present crisis is to build alliances with like-minded countries that are affected by Chinese aggressive tactics.

A Peace and Friendship Treaty with the US is one such idea whose time has come. We already have a similar treaty (renewed in 1993) with Russia.

American help in defending our independence will send a strong signal to the Chinese. The government of the day seems to be cautious for the fear of criticism of a 'sell out' etc by the usual suspects.

But history is witness that when faced with the Chinese threat, both Jawaharlal Nehru and later Indira Gandhi had no qualms in seeking American and Soviet help respectively.

As time passes, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Chinese have long term strategic objectives (destabilisation of the Indian economy) behind the aggressive moves on the Line of Actual Control with India.

The Indian response so far has been tactical, both on the military as well as economic front. Due to this dichotomy, we have failed to get any results.

It is time India took certain bold measures to deal with strategic threat posed by China and China-Pakistan combine.

China, with its unprovoked actions at the most inopportune time for us as we battle COVID-19, has shown that it is not interested in any long term co-operative relationship with India.

The Chinese seem to have come to a conclusion that their power is now adequate to browbeat us and they do not think India as a serious competitor.

In short, the nation of 'little emperors' (since the bulk of the young Chinese population are only children) has only disdain for the lumbering Indian elephant!

While India does face multiple challenges on the health, economic and military fronts (the China and Pakistan alliance), we are also unique amongst the nations in the world to have friendly relations with the US, Russia, the European Union, the Arab world and Israel.

Among these relationships, India-Russia relations stand on a different footing. India signed a 20 year treaty of Peace, Friendship and Co-operation with the erstwhile Soviet Union on August 9, 1971.

In the face of the dire threat from a combine of Pakistan-China and the US, this brilliant move made sure that we did not have to fight on two fronts!

During the 1971 War for the liberation of Bangladesh that followed, the Soviet Union kept the Chinese in check by deploying 44 mechanised divisions on the Sino-Soviet border that had seen bloody clashes in 1969.

It is also believed that Soviet nuclear submarines patrolled the Indian Ocean to deter the US 7th Fleet.

For all intents and purposes, the policy of non-alignment was dead in 1971. It is necessary to state this as some bhakts were still dreaming of 'Non-Alignment 2.0' as late as 2012.

Historically, even earlier, India has sought help from other countries to deal with the Chinese. On October 28 and 29, 1962, American C-130 transport aircraft airdropped arms and equipment to the beleaguered Indian Army.

In a letter on November 19, 1962, then prime minister Nehru wrote to then American President John F Kennedy asking for the deployment of American air power to safeguard Indian cities so that the Indian Air Force could be used against the invading Chinese.

The Chinese hastily declared a unilateral ceasefire on November 21, 1962 as the US, free from the Cuban missile crisis, had alerted its strategic bombers based at Subic Bay in the Philippines on November 20, 1962.

Both in 1962 and 1971, when it came to the Chinese threat, India had no qualms in seeking help from other countries, the holy grail of non-alignment not withstanding.

It is foolhardy to expect the Americans to take on the Chinese for the sake of the Indians. But American help in creating a defensive shield can free the IAF's offensive resources to deal with Chinese aggression.

There is unlikely to be any fallout on India-Russia relations since Russia is well aware that ultimately the Chinese aim is to grab vast fertile areas of the Amur basin in the Russian Far East. In the long term, China poses a greater threat to Russia than India.

Like in 1971, the ever pragmatic Chinese are likely to become extremely cautious on the Indian border once we have defensive help from the US.

After all, once we signed the peace treaty with the then Soviet Union, China did not lift a finger to help its 'Iron Brother' Pakistan during the 1971 War.

Colonel Anil A Athale (retd) is a former Chhatrapati Shivaji Chair Fellow at the United Services Institute of India. A military historian and co-author of the official history of the 1962 War with China, the colonel was a research fellow at the Kennedy Center in 2003.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has initiated preliminary negotiations with Facebook and private equity fund KKR for investment in its retail business. The two companies already own stakes in RIL's Jio platforms. Facebook and KKR are among 13 investors that pumped in over $20 billion in Jio platforms for an over 30 per cent stake.

RIL has reportedly invited these stakeholders to also put in money in Reliance Retail once the monetisation process of the company begins following the acquisition of Kishore Biyani-led Future Group's retail business.

Also Read: Jio receives Rs 43,574 crore from Facebook for 9.99% stake

Sources told Business Standard that while discussions are on, there is no guarantee if the deal will come through as it will be predicated on expected valuations of Reliance Retail after the acquisition of the Future Group companies.

American private equity investor Silver Lake Partners is also reportedly holding talks and is eyeing a $1 billion investment in Reliance Retail.

Meanwhile, responding to the speculation, a Reliance spokesperson told the publication that the company does not comment on "media speculation and rumours...as a policy".

Also Read: Reliance Retail-Silver Lake deal talks: 10 key points

Facebook is the largest investor among all 13 strategic investors in Jio platforms, holding a 9.9 per cent stake worth Rs 43,574 crore.

The social media giant has an alliance in the retail business of the Ambanis, who are the promoters of Reliance.

Private equity investor KKR has picked up a 2.32 per cent stake for Rs 11,367 crore in Jio platforms whose other investors are Google, Intel, Qualcomm, Vista Equity Partners, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and Mubadala.
Rio Tinto chief executive Jean-Sebastien "JS" Jacques has been a condemned man since late May, when, under his stewardship, the company blew up one of the oldest and most culturally significant Indigenous sites in the world to expand an iron ore development. This week is slated for the determination of his corporate sentence.

The public pressure that shareholders  the jurors metaphorically speaking  have applied to the Rio Tinto board to appropriately account for the destruction of the archaeologically and culturally rich Juukan Gorge has been unrelenting and has escalated over recent weeks.

Rio Tinto chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques (right) enjoying the company of his chief financial officer Chris Lynch. Credit:Eddie Jim

But that's not a patch on the excoriation that the miner's chairman, Simon Thompson, and its directors have received privately.

Shareholders have asked for heads to roll. A board meeting this week will decide whether they will prevail.
Former political prisoner of the Kremlin, public activist Volodymyr Balukh was beaten on the night of September 8, Ukrainian film director Oleh Sentsov said.

"Volodymyr Balukh was beaten tonight. He was found only in the morning. He is in the hospital now. His condition is serious. Details are being investigated," Sentsov wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.

As reported, on August 31, the European Solidarity party announced at the congress that ex-political prisoners Volodymtr Balukh and Roman Sushchenko were included in the political force in the local elections.

Volodymyr Balukh, a Crimean farmer, was sentenced by the decision of the Russian-controlled Crimea's Rozdolne district court to five years in a colony on the basis of two criminal cases. He was involved in the case of illegal possession of weapons and explosives (Part 1 of Article 222 and Part 1 of Article 222.1) and Part 2 of Article 321 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (disruption of the activities of institutions that ensure isolation from society). He was released as part of the mutual release of detainees between Ukraine and Russia on September 7, 2019.
UN agencies are providing medical aid and other assistance to a group of nearly 300 Rohingya refugees who have been allowed to disembark in Indonesia after being stranded at sea for more than seven months.

Reports say approximately 330 Rohingya refugees embarked on their journey in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh early this year. Their odyssey finally ended early Monday after surviving a sea journey that lasted more than seven months.

Most of the refugees are women and children. After landing in northern Aceh, Indonesia they told aid workers that more than 30 of the passengers had died en route. The UN refugee agency reports the refugees recounted the desperate conditions aboard their sea vessel and their anguish at not knowing when or if they would ever be rescued.

UNHCR spokesman Babar Baloch tells VOA the refugees are describing a traumatic ordeal.

It is really, really troubling that seven months, desperate refugees have been adrift in the sea without finding a safe port or safe land to disembark," said Baloch. "Refugees have told UNHCR staff that they departed Bangladesh in early February this year and tried to land repeatedly in different countries without success.

He says UNHCR has not been able to verify details of the refugees accounts as yet and is continuing to seek further information.

UNHCR has access to the refugee arrivals and is interviewing them with assistance of interpreters as required" said Baloch. "At this stage, our main priority is the safety and health of the people, which consist of many vulnerable women and children.

UNHCR and International Organization for Migration aid workers are supporting local authorities in Aceh to assess the needs of the refugees. They are testing all arrivals for COVID-19 as required by Indonesian authorities.

The agencies say they also are providing first aid, medical and trauma care, as well as shelter, water and other essential needs.
Find the latest information on the Dolan Fire from the Los Padres National Forest.

With strong northerly winds fanning flames, a wildfire burning in the rugged mountains of California's Big Sur coastline exploded Tuesday. By Wednesday morning, it grew to over 73,000 acres, triggering new evacuations and trapping firefighters, Cal Fire officials said. It is 40% contained.

The fire pushed south through the night and continues to burn actively, just south of the Hermitage (a rural Camaldolese Benedictine hermitage) and Lucia, a small settlement of restaurants and motels located along State Route 1 on the Big Sur Coast.

"We have resources going in for structure protection, just south of Hermitage," said Cal Fire Operations Chief Reggie Bray. "That's where we're going to focus all of our effort today. Crews are in there now to see what it looks like."

The fire also grew significantly along its eastern edge, moving within the boundaries of Fort Hunter Liggett. Bray said firefighters are looking at where to build a containment line on the fire's east side.

The fire trapped 14 firefighters who were battling flames around the Nacimiento Station Tuesday morning, officials said. Firefighters suffered from burns and smoke inhalation. Three patients were transported to Community Regional Hospital in Fresno for assessment and care. A hospital spokesperson confirmed that one injury is critical and two are fair. The Nacimiento Station was destroyed.

Los Padres National Forest

New evacuations were issued Tuesday, including an order for the Gorda area (Zone L) and a warning for Salmon creek (Zone M). Find all evacuation information from the Monterey County Office of Emergency Services.

The Dolan Fire was sparked by a suspected arsonist on Aug. 18 near Dolan Road and Highway 1 in the Los Padres National Forest. It nearly doubled in size in the last 24 hours, growing from 36,237 acres on Monday to 73,089 acres Tuesday.

The blaze leveled a sanctuary for the endangered California condor and the fates of several condors, including a chick, remained unknown. The 80-acre sanctuary founded in 1997 used to release captive-bred condors into the wild.

Highway 1 is closed north of Vista Point south to Pacific Valley as a result of the fire. The fire has shuttered the following California State Parks: Andrew Molera, Garrapata, Julia Pfeiffer Burns, John Little, Limekiln, Pfeiffer Big Sur, Point Lobos and Point Sur.

The almost 900 personnel assigned to the fire are also battling record heat and falling rocks along the highway. Officials said the heat means a high probability of fire ignition and heat exhaustion for crews.

Amy Graff is the news editor for SFGATE. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), in collaboration with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), on Sunday, 6 September 2020, conducted the annual entrance examinations in off-line mode for admission in different streams in the National Defence Academy (NDA), at eight centers in J&K. Over a thousand candidates participated in the exam.

These were the first off-line examinations held in J&K since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020. Official sources said of the 1,000 candidates, 485 were from Kashmir alone. While 379 candidates appeared at the center set up at Amar Singh College in Srinagar, 199 more attended at the centre at S.P. Higher Secondary School. Over 500 candidates have reportedly appeared at six centres in Jammu.

Official sources said that due to the coronavirus pandemic, the observers from the UPSC did not oversee these exams in J&K and other stations this year. Consequently, concerned Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners were engaged to discharge this duty. For the first time since March this year, special trains were operated to ferry the candidates from Baramulla and Banihal in the morning and back to home stations in the evening under strict Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Prescribed distance of two sq metre was maintained between the candidates even as the examination halls were fumigated and sanitized. Hand sanitizers were available and each candidate wore a face mask. Authorities had made elaborate security and surveillance arrangements at the centers as well as for smooth passage of the candidates through train and other modes of transportation.

Deputy Commissioner Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, who visited both the centers in the summer capital, said the candidates as well as the staff on exam and security duty observed all Covid-19 SOPs. He said it was for the first time that an examination was held in Kashmir under Covid-19 SOP.

The exam was held for various positions against vacancies in the Indian Armed Forces - Army, Navy and Air Force of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) all over India.

The UPSC prepares a list of candidates who obtain the minimum qualifying marks in the written examination as fixed by the Commission at their discretion. Such candidates shall appear before a Services Selection Board (SSB) for intelligence and personality test where candidates for the Army/Navy wings of the NDA and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of Indian Naval Academy will be assessed on officers potentiality and those for the Air Force in addition to the above will have to qualify Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS). Candidates with Air Force as one of the choices would also undergo CPSS if they qualify SSB and are willing.

The qualified candidates will then be placed in a single combined list on the basis of total marks secured by them in the written examination and the SSB tests. The final allocation/selection for admission to the Army, Navy, Air Force of the National Defence Academy and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of Indian Naval Academy will be made up to the number of vacancies available subject to eligibility, medical fitness and merit-cum-preference of the candidates.

(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Store cattle prices are 100 to 120/hd ahead of last year as concerns over numbers and decent factory returns boost the trade.

A number of mart managers have also told the Farming Independent that the customary bumper autumn cattle sales are unlikely to be as big as previous years.

This is said to be further underpinning the trade as finishers look to replace cattle earlier than other years.

Cattle have done well this year, with the finishers getting them sold at not bad prices and thats putting confidence into the ring. Its a far cry from the mess that we had this time last year because of the blockade, Stephen Hannon of the Aurivo Group commented.

Delvin Mart manager Thomas Potterton agreed and explained that trade has been remarkably good all along and despite a fall of maybe 40-60/hd over the last three weeks his figures show that prices are from 100-150/hd stronger than this time last year.

However, with numbers more akin to October, Michael Harty of Central Auctions warned there was there a danger that a serious break in

the weather might damage the

trade.

This view was echoed by Brendan Egan of Castlerea who said we need a couple of weeks of dry weather so that men can sell when it suits rather when they feel they have to.

It comes as factory prices for in-spec cattle are also said to be holding, with bullocks making around the 3.80c/kg mark when bonuses are included, while some 22,548 applications for the Beef Finisher Payment have been received to-date.

Jim Bushe of New Ross emphasised the importance of the resurgent live trade to the North commenting that the Northern men are not making it simple for our factory boys.

Brexit talks

However, it is widely agreed that with the trade remaining strong factory prices would need to improve if those buying stock for finishing in the run-up to Christmas are to cover themselves.

With concerns mounting over the stalled Brexit talks, the general consensus among mart managers was that the Covid crisis had kept it out of the news with farmers more than happy to concentrate on the here and now.

Several of those interviewed commented that when the marts re-opened those selling realised the ring is where you find the real value of what you have.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / Sarama Resources Ltd. ("Sarama" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a significant increase and upgrade in mineral resources for the Tankoro Gold Deposit, which is the key component of its Sanutura Project (the "Project") in south-west Burkina Faso.

The Sanutura Project represents the consolidation of the Company's South Hounde and ThreeBee Projects into a single, 100%-owned, advanced-stage exploration project covering approximately 1,500km (refer Figure 1) that hosts a significant, well-defined mineral resource base and a suite of exploration targets.

The updated mineral resource estimate at the Tankoro Gold Deposit now stands at:

9.4Mt @ 1.9g/t Au for 0.6Moz gold (indicated); plus

for gold (indicated); plus 43.6Mt @ 1.4g/t Au for 1.9Moz gold (inferred)(1).

This represents a significant increase over the 2016 inferred mineral resource estimate of 43.0Mt @ 1.5g/t Au for 2.1Moz Au(2) (refer Appendix B) which was reported on an unconstrained/semi-global basis compared to the 2020 mineral resource estimate which is reported using open pit shell and underground mining shape constraints.

The mineral resource contains a significant higher-grade component of 6.3Mt @ 2.5g/t Au for 0.5Moz gold (indicated) plus 24.7Mt @ 1.8g/t Au for 1.5Moz gold (inferred)(3) using a 1.0g/t Au cut-off. This highlights the presence of higher-grade zones within the greater mineralised system which will be the focal point for development. Infill drilling in certain higher-grade areas has increased geological confidence considerably, allowing for the maiden classification of parts of the mineral resources as 'indicated'.

The combined oxide and transition component of the mineral resource totals 0.2Moz gold (indicated) plus 0.7Moz gold (inferred)(4), representing a significant increase to the previous estimate of 0.6Moz gold (inferred)(2) for corresponding material types. This increase reflects the Company's exploration focus on near-surface, oxide targets to provide early plant feed to support a potential staged development of the Project.

Highlights

Mineral resources of 0.6Moz gold (indicated) plus 1.9Moz gold (inferred) (1)

(indicated) plus (inferred) Significant amount of higher-grade material of 6.3Mt @ 2.5g/t Au for 0.5Moz Au (indicated) plus 24.7Mt @ 1.8g/t Au for 1.5Moz Au (inferred) (3) contained within the mineral resource

material of 6.3Mt @ 2.5g/t Au for (indicated) plus 24.7Mt @ 1.8g/t Au for (inferred) contained within the mineral resource Oxide and transition material increased to 33% of the mineral resource and now totals 0.2Moz Au (indicated) and 0.7Moz Au (inferred) (4) which has the potential to provide early feed for a multi-stage mine development

material increased to of the mineral resource and now totals (indicated) and (inferred) which has the potential to provide early feed for a multi-stage mine development Approximately 25% of the mineral resource upgraded to ' indicated ' classification with drilling increasing geological confidence in high-grade zones

of the mineral resource upgraded to ' ' classification with drilling increasing geological confidence in high-grade zones 70% of the defined mineral resource is situated within 150m from surface

Mineral resources extend approximately 16km along strike within a lithological and structural corridor approximately 1.4km wide, illustrating the scale of the mineralised system

within a lithological and structural corridor approximately 1.4km wide, illustrating the scale of the mineralised system Metallurgical testwork demonstrates gold recoveries of 93% for oxide and 91% for fresh rock

of and Work programs to focus on exploration and planning to support feasibility work due to commence in late 2021

Mineral Resource Estimate

The independent mineral resource estimate for the Tankoro Gold Deposit was undertaken by Cube Consulting Pty Ltd (Perth, Western Australia) and incorporated the results of exploration activities undertaken at Sarama's 100%-owned Sanutura Project since the previous mineral resource estimate in January 2016.

The updated mineral resource for the Tankoro Gold Deposit of 9.4Mt @ 1.9g/t Au for 0.6Moz Au (indicated) and 43.6Mt @ 1.4g/t Au for 1.9Moz (inferred)(1) (refer Table 1) is principally contained in an extensive package of mineralised lenses interpreted to extend over a semi-continuous strike length of approximately 16km in a trend that spans approximately 1.4km across the strike (refer Figure 2). A large portion of the mineral resource has only been drill-tested to approximately 70m depth, however drilling of certain higher-grade zones has shown the system to extend to 550m depth where it remains open.

The mineralized corridor, as presently defined by drilling, lies within a 30km-long, gold-in-soil geochemical anomaly that remains a key focus for ongoing exploration.

A second mineralised trend in the east of the Project area, also defined by a large gold-in-soil geochemical anomaly extending for 30km, hosts mineralisation which contributes to the Project's mineral resource base for the first time. This demonstrates the potential of the Project to host mineralisation of significance outside the historically well-drilled areas and remains an exploration target.

The mineral resource features a higher-grade component of 6.3Mt @ 2.5g/t Au for 0.5Moz Au (indicated) plus 24.7Mt @ 1.8g/t Au for 1.5Moz Au (inferred)(3) which reflects the presence of numerous higher-grade zones within the mineralised system. These zones are typically located in areas of structural complexity with an associated increase in the volume of the package of stacked lodes, which the Company would seek to leverage to provide early plant feed in a potential mine development. Figure 2 illustrates the core areas of the MM and MC Prospects which feature higher-grade mineralisation in structurally complex settings.

A significant increase in the oxide and transition components of the mineral resource to 3.2Mt @ 1.6g/t Au for 0.2Moz Au (indicated) plus 20.1Mt @ 1.0g/t Au for 0.7Moz Au (inferred) has been delivered by the update (the previous mineral resource estimate for these components in 2016 was 0.6Moz Au(2) (inferred)). Sarama has specifically targeted this type of material in recent drilling programs to provide early plant feed for a potential staged mine development. Forward exploration programs will continue to target this material.

The revised mineral resource estimate benefits from the addition of approximately 66,000m air-core (1,176 holes), 12,000m reverse-circulation (117 holes) and 14,000m diamond drilling (49 holes) within the Project area since the 2016 estimate. This drilling has confirmed gold mineralisation to be hosted predominantly within altered porphyritic intrusions and meta-sedimentary rocks along an anastomosing shear zone, with higher-grade mineralised zones located at structural intersections. The mineralized structural corridors are located in a sequence of metasedimentary rocks that include mudstone, sandstone, greywacke and conglomerate.

Sub-vertical felsic porphyry units of multiple intrusive phases are the dominant host unit for gold mineralisation, however the sedimentary sequence also hosts gold mineralisation associated with quartz veining and disseminated pyrite-arsenopyrite. Recent oxide-focussed drilling in the south of the Project has delineated several flat-lying lenses of mineralisation, dipping in both easterly and westerly directions, which are considered highly amenable to mining by open pit methods.

Various phases of alteration have been noted, with chlorite-carbonate-hematite alteration progressively overprinted by sericite-albite assemblages. Higher-grade zones of mineralisation are associated with well-developed, structurally controlled silica-albite proximal alteration zones and elevated sulphide (pyrite) content.

Structural interpretation within the immediate area of the inferred mineral resource is based on detailed core logging and ground and airborne geophysical data. This work has resulted in the correlation of higher-grade zones of mineralisation with apparent cross structures, a key relationship which will be used to generate near-fields and distal targets in future exploration programs.

In addition to the stated mineral resources, an exploration target of a further 3.5-4.3Mt @ 1.2-1.4g/t Au for 135-190koz Au(5) of modelled and estimated mineralisation is contained within the open pit shell and underground blockouts. A secondary exploration target of 12.0-14.7Mt @ 1.2-1.4g/t for 0.5-0.7Moz Au(6) has been modelled and estimated outside the constraining mining shapes. While the potential quantity and grade of these exploration targets is conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource, they present viable exploration targets for the Company to pursue.

Table 1 summarises the updated mineral resource for the Tankoro Deposit and Appendix A contains detailed breakdowns as well as notes outlining the methodology used for interpretation, estimation and classification.

Table 1 - Mineral Resources(A,B) - All Prospects

Geological Classification Material Type (C,D) Reporting Cut-off Grade(E) Tonnage Above Cut-off Grade Average Grade Above Cut-off Grade Contained Gold Above Cut-off Grade Metal Contribution g/t Au Mt g/t Au koz Au % Indicated Oxide (OP) 0.2 2.5 1.5 123 21% Transition (OP) 0.3 0.7 1.7 38 6% Fresh (OP) 0.5 6.1 2.1 409 70% Sub-total (OP) 9.3 1.9 570 98% Fresh (UG) 1.6 0.1 2.4 11 2% Total Indicated 9.4 1.9 582 100% Inferred Oxide (OP) 0.2 16.8 1.0 551 29% Transition (OP) 0.3 3.3 1.1 115 6% Fresh (OP) 0.3-0.5(F) 20.1 1.4 924 49% Sub-total (OP) 40.2 1.2 1,589 84% Fresh (UG) 1.6 3.4 2.8 305 16% Total Inferred 43.6 1.4 1,894 100%

Table Notes

A. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not demonstrate economic viability.

B. All tonnage, grade and ounces have been rounded and minor discrepancies in additive totals may occur.

C. Weathering classification is based on visual assessment of drill core and cuttings by geologists and does not represent a definitive geo-metallurgical classification.

D. Mineral resources are reported as a mining shape-constrained subset of the modelled mineral inventory following assessment for 'reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction' by the generation of open pit optimisation shells ("OP") and underground mining blockouts ("UG"). The assessment is not supported by a preliminary economic assessment or a feasibility study and the geological classification and reporting categorisations do not imply that mineral resources demonstrate economic viability. OP and UG constrained mineral resources are exclusive of each other.

E. Cut-off grades were determined using a gold price of US$1800/oz, metallurgical recoveries supported by testwork and based on oxide material being processed by a CIL flowsheet and transition and fresh material being processed by a flotation+BIOX+CIL flowsheet and operating cost assumptions for mining, processing and G&A activities considered appropriate for the anticipated configuration of a potential development at the Project.

F. Fresh material at the Guy, Legbenege and Poggle Prospects is assumed to be free-milling and reported at a cut-off grade of 0.3g/t Au. All other OP fresh mineral resources reported at a cut-off grade of 0.5g/t Au.

The Company will prepare and file a technical report under National Instrument 43-101 within 45 days of the date of this news release.

Sarama's President and CEO, Andrew Dinning commented:

"We are very pleased to be able to present a combined picture of our 100% owned assets in our southern Hounde Belt development area. The significant increase in the mineral resource has a material impact on the project development picture, as does the material increase in oxide and transition material which now represents a third of the quoted mineral resource.

Our next key step in advancing this project is to integrate the high-grade Bondi Deposit, which has a significant historical resource, while also targeting near field resources which when combined, give us an exploration target in excess of 3 million ounces of gold and will facilitate the development of a long-life, multi-stage asset that can be built and paid for well before we have exploited the oxide resource.

The project provides significant optionality and leverage to the gold price and remains key to the development of the southern Hounde Belt."

For further information on the Company's activities, please contact:

Andrew Dinning or Paul Schmiede

e: info@saramaresources.com

t: +61 (0) 8 9363 7600

Figure 1 - Sanutura Project Location

Figure 2 - Tankoro Deposit - Western Corridor Mineralisation Plan
Malaita, a province with close ties to Taiwan, announced a referendum on separation. Last year, the Solomons broke off diplomatic relations with Taiwan and recognised China. Internal political issues are behind the push for Malaita independence. Taiwan and the United States are playing a role in the regional power game.

Beijing (AsiaNews)  Malaita, the most populous province in the Solomon Islands, has announced a referendum on independence. Provincial authorities, which are closely aligned with Taiwan, accuse the central government of planning to sell out the country to China.

A year ago, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare broke off diplomatic relations with Taipei in favour of Beijing. Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani recently said that the vote for independence could be held as early as this month.

According to several observers, the criticisms levelled at Sogavare for his relations with China overlap with political, ethnic and cultural rifts that caused civil strife between 1998 and 2003.

The people of Malaita are very religious. The persecution of Chinese Christians and the undemocratic nature of the Chinese regime are a major concern for the local population.

The provincial government also lashed out at the national government for authorising air links with China, the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic.

Suidani said he would prevent Chinese from visiting the province. Local activists urged islanders to protest against Beijing, and called for the closure of all Chinese-run businesses on the island.

As reported by The Guardian, Taiwan is monitoring the situation. Since 2016 when Tsai Ing-wen was elected Taiwanese president, China has poached several of Taiwans diplomatic partners.

Taiwan, which China considers a "rebel province", has formal relations with only 15 states. After the Solomon Islands and Kiribati broke off relations last year, only four are left in the South Pacific.

To counter Beijing's "predatory" strategy, the Tsai administration has promoted relations with semi-independent states like Somaliland. Malaita could be another such state, even if its chances of gaining independence are minimal.

Local authorities could nevertheless receive support from the United States, which has repeatedly accused China of trying to expand its influence in the South Pacific.

According to press reports, last year Beijing asked the Solomon Islands to let it set up a naval base in Tulagi Island.
In a video published by a far-right media outlet, a La Crosse Catholic priest attacks the leaders of the church, and degrades practicing Catholics who are Democratic, calling them Godless hypocrites who are going to hell.

Heres a memo to clueless baptized Catholics out there: You cannot be Catholic and be a Democrat. Period, Father James Altman said in the video.

Their party platform absolutely is against everything the Catholic church teaches. So just quit pretending that youre Catholic and vote Democrat. Repent of your support of that party and its platform, or face the fires of hell, he said.

Altman is the pastor at La Crosses St. James the Less, a Catholic parish located on the North Side of La Crosse. The Diocese of La Crosse said that it has no statement on the video.

In the video, which was published on Aug. 30 by Alpha News MN, the pastor takes a direct aim at the hierarchies in the Catholic church, calling leaders hypocrites and gutless cowards for not getting more involved in politics and taking a stronger stance against certain issues.

His strongest message, though, was for Democrats within the church.

Altman rattled through the Democratic platform, using conspiracy theories and exaggerations to denounce many of them, from climate change to immigration, and womens rights and systemic racism.

Specifically in the video Altman uses common right-wing messaging like calling climate change a hoax and labeling Black Lives Matter protesters as Marxists, while also labeling Planned Parenthood as the most racist organization on the face of this planet saying it was founded to wipe out Black babies, and calling the Southern Poverty Law Center one of the most Godless, communist, anti-American, left-wing radical organizations in the United States.

The video is produced to show photos of Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden and other Democrats as Altman labels the group as Godless, and spends some time denouncing Father James Martin, who spoke at the Democratic National Convention.

I guess its OK for James Martin to spout off for the Democrats on their national stage, but God forbid a priest speak out against their Godless platform, Altman said.

Altmans messages are not new in an extremely divided religious group, which has become more politically polarized in recent years.

In a Pew Research finding from 2019, it shows that registered Catholic voters were nearly evenly split between Democratic and Republican parties.

But to Altman, any practicing Catholics who vote Democratic are imposters.

I actually researched, and researched all the data, the information, I crunched the numbers and finally came up with a pretty close approximate total of how many Catholics voted for Obama in 2008 and 2012  zero, Altman said.

Wrap your minds around that, dear family. There are a lot of pretenders, a lot of imposters, Altman added. There are zero faithful Catholics who voted for that Godless politician.

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Flames burn at a home leveled by the Creek Fire along Highway 168 on Tues., Sept. 8, 2020, in Fresno County, Calif. (Noah Berger/AP Photo)

California Fires Bring More Chopper Rescues, Power Shutoffs

SHAVER LAKE, Calif.Helicopters rescued more people from wildfires Tuesday as flames chewed through bone-dry California after a scorching Labor Day weekend that saw a dramatic airlift of more than 200 people and ended with the states largest utility cutting power to 172,000 customers to try to prevent more blazes.

Rescue helicopters pulled dozens of people from the Sierra National Forest through the morning, the California National Guard said.

California has already set a record with 2 million acres (809,000 hectares) burned this year, and the worst part of the wildfire season is just beginning. The previous record was set just two years ago and included the deadliest wildfire in state history, which swept through the community of Paradise and killed 85 people.

That 2018 blaze was started by power lines amid strong winds and tinder-dry conditions. Liability from billions of dollars in claims from that and other fires forced the Pacific Gas & Electric utility to seek bankruptcy protection. To guard against new disasters, the company last year began preemptive power shutoffs when fire conditions are exceptionally dangerous.

Thats the situation now in Northern California, where high and dry winds are expected until Wednesday. PG&E said it has learned from past problems and will seek this year to make the outages smaller in size, shorter in length and smarter for customers.

More than 14,000 firefighters are battling more than two dozen fires around the state. Two of the three largest blazes in state history are burning in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Firefighters Nick Grinstead and Trevor While battle the Creek Fire in the Shaver Lake community of Fresno County, Calif., on Mon., Sept. 7, 2020. (Noah Berger/AP Photo)

California was not alone: Hurricane-force winds and high temperatures kicked up wildfires across parts of the Pacific Northwest over the holiday weekend, burning hundreds of thousands of acres and mostly destroying the small town of Malden in eastern Washington.

In Southern California, fires burned in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties, and the forecast called for the arrival of the regions notorious Santa Ana winds. The U.S. Forest Service on Monday decided to close all eight national forests in the region and to shutter campgrounds statewide.

Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behavior. New fire starts are likely. Weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire, said Randy Moore, a forester for the Forest Services Pacific Southwest region that covers California.

Lynne Tolmachoff, spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire, said its unnerving to have reached a record for acreage burned so soon. September and October usually are the worst months for fires because vegetation has dried out and high winds are more common.

While the two mammoth San Francisco Bay Area fires were largely contained after burning for three weeks, firefighters struggled to corral several other major blazes ahead of the expected winds. Evacuation orders were expanded to more mountain communities Monday as the so-called Creek Fire burned through the Sierra National Forest in Central California.

The Creek Fire burns along a hillside in the Cascadel Woods community of Madera County, Calif., on Mon., Sept. 7, 2020. (Noah Berger/AP Photo)

It was one of many recent major fires that displayed terrifyingly swift movement. The fire advanced 15 miles (24 kilometers) in a single day during the weekend. Since starting Friday from an unknown cause, it has burned 212 square miles (549 square kilometers). Forty-five homes and 20 other structures were confirmed destroyed so far.

Debra Rios wasnt home Monday when the order came to evacuate her hometown of Auberry, just northeast of Fresno. Sheriffs deputies went to her ranch property to pick up her 92-year-old mother, Shirley MacLean. They reunited at an evacuation center.

I hope like heck the fire doesnt reach my little ranch, Rios said. Its not looking good right now. Its an awfully big fire.

Mountain roads saw a steady stream of cars and trucks leaving the community of about 2,300 on Monday afternoon.

Firefighters working in steep terrain saved the tiny town of Shaver Lake from flames that roared down hillsides toward a marina. About 30 houses were destroyed in the remote hamlet of Big Creek, resident Toby Wait said.

About half the private homes in town burned down, he said. Words cannot even begin to describe the devastation of this community.

A school, church, library, historic general store, and a major hydroelectric plant were spared in the community of about 200 residents, Wait told the Fresno Bee.

Sheriffs deputies went door to door to make sure residents complied with evacuation orders. Officials hoped to keep the fire from pushing west toward Yosemite National Park.

Early Tuesday, California National Guard and Navy helicopters rescued 13 people from the China Peak area and 22 from Lake Edison and flew them to Fresno, the Guard said. Late in the morning, a twin-rotor CH-47 Chinook landed with 46 more people and four dogs from Lake Edison.

On Saturday, National Guard rescuers in two military helicopters airlifted 214 people to safety after flames trapped them in a wooded camping area near Mammoth Pool Reservoir. Twelve people were hospitalized, two of them with serious injuries.

One of the Southern California fires closed mountain roads in Angeles National Forest and forced the evacuation of the historic Mount Wilson Observatory. Late Monday night, the Los Angeles County Fire Department told residents of Duarte, Bradbury, and Monrovia near the forest to get ready for a possible evacuation.

Cal Fire said the so-called El Dorado Fire in San Bernardino County started Saturday morning when a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device was used by a couple to reveal their babys gender.

By Marcio Jose Sanchez and Christopher Weber
Mickey Rourke was seen arriving in Athens, Greece, ahead of his shoot for Man Of God on Tuesday.

The actor, 67, made sure to put safety first as he left the airport with a mask securely placed over his nose and mouth amid the coronavirus pandemic.

He put on a casual display for the outing, as he paired a simple grey hoodie with a pair of distressed denim jeans.

Comfortable: Mickey Rourke put on a casual display in a grey hoodie and distressed jeans as he arrived in Athens to film new drama Man Of God on Tuesday

Mickey complemented his look by wearing a white fedora over his long blond hair which was pulled back into a ponytail, while he shielded his eyes with a pair of black shades.

He finished off the casual look by wearing a black v-neck shirt, while he stepped out in a pair of white shoes.

Mickey takes on the role of 'Paralyzed Man' in Man Of God, Yelena Popovic's drama about Greek saint Nektarios of Aegina and his trials and tribulations.

Signature look: Mickey complemented his look by wearing a white fedora over his long blond hair which was pulled back into a ponytail

Staying safe: The actor, 67, made sure to put safety first as he left the airport with a mask securely placed over his nose and mouth amid the coronavirus pandemic

Casual: Mickey finished off the casual look by wearing a black v-neck shirt, while he stepped out in a pair of white shoes

Mickey's outing comes after he seemingly reignited his most ongoing feud with Robert De Niro in July, which originally restarted last year.

In an Instagram post, Mickey claimed that director Martin Scorsese wanted him to be in his 2019 crime film The Irishman, but De Niro refused to work with him.

He wrote in the lengthy barrage of words: 'Hey Robert De Niro, thats right i am talking to you, you big f***ing crybaby.

'A friend of mine just recently told me that a few months back you're quoted as saying to newspapers Mickey Rourkes a liar he talks all kind of s**t!'

New project: Mickey takes on the role of 'Paralyzed Man' in Man Of God, Yelena Popovic's drama about Greek saint Nektarios of Aegina and his trials and tribulations

Helping hand: Mickey was met at the airport by a woman who took his bag

Relaxed: Mickey appeared to be in good spirits as he stepped out of the airport after his flight

Rourke made the revelation about Scorsese wanting to set up a meeting about a possible role in The Irishman, and DeNiro's rebuttal of him being in the film, during an appearance on an Italian talk show last September.

De Niro's reps were quick to respond at the time with a statement saying Rourke was 'never asked to be in The Irishman nor was he ever even thought of, discussed or considered to be in the movie,' in a Page Six article titled -- Robert De Niro: Mickey Rourke is lying about The Irishman snub.

'Listen Mr.Tough Guy in the movies, you're the 1st person that ever called me a liar and it was in a newspaper,' Rourke continued in the Instagram post.

Call out: Mickey's outing comes after he seemingly reignited his most ongoing feud with Robert De Niro in July, calling him a 'crybaby' and a 'tough guy'

It's at this point that The Wrestler star made a harsh promise to the two-time Academy Award-winner.

'Let me tell you something, you punk a**, when i see you i swear to God on my Grandmother, on my brother and all my dogs, i gonna embarrass you severally 100%.'

He concluded the post by signing-off: 'Mickey Rourke 'as God is my witness.'

Snubbed again? Rourke claimed famed director Martin Scorsese wanted him to be in his 2019 crime film The Irishman, but De Niro refused to work with him (pictured in Angel Heart)

Rourke has been very open about how he used to look up to DeNiro as an acting role model before they starred together in Angel Heart. But that all changed for him when he went to introduce himself on the set.

'About five minutes later, [De Niro] comes over he said, I think it's better if we don't talk because of characters in the movie. It's better if we dont say hello, talk or anything,' Rourke added in the 2019 interview.

'It hurt my feelings a little bit 'cause I looked up to him.'

He added, 'I don't look up to [DeNiro] no more; I look through him, I came up from the s***. He doesn't know that life. I lived that f***ing life, so every time I look at him in the face, I look right through his ***hole.'
- President Edgar Lungu and the people of Zambia are mourning the death of a 22-year-old fish

- The fish identified as Mafishi lived in a pond in Copperbelt University and it was believed to have given students of the institution good luck

- The students lit candles and marched around campus to mourn the fish

PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see Legit.ng News on your Facebook News Feed!

The president of Zambia, Edgar Lungu, has mourned the death of a fish believed to have lived for 22 years.

The fish, who lived in a pond in Copperbelt University (CBU), is being mourned by everyone in Gambia.

The fish identified as Mafishi lived in a pond in Copperbelt University and it was believed to have given students of the institution good luck. Photo credit: Edgar Lungu/Facebook

Source: Facebook

According to a report by BBC, the students of the institution lit candles and marched around campus to mourn the fish identified as Mafishi.

Legit.ng notes that for the last two decades, CBU students have believed that Mafishi would bring them good luck in exams.

Reacting to the death of the fish on Facebook, President Lungu quoted Mahatma Gandhi: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

"I'm glad you received a befitting send-off. We'll all miss you."

According to CBU student leader, Lawrence Kasonde, the death of the fish is still being investigated.

He said: "It is yet to be buried, we are planning on embalming it."

In other news, a video of a group of baby pigs trying to save a fish went viral on social media and got people talking about how compassionate animals could be.

There is no doubt that animals are compassionate and they go out of their way to help one another, the viral video has further proven it.

In the video, the baby pigs found a fish lying lifeless on the floor and they used their snouts to push it into a nearby river.

The baby pigs were aware of the fact that fish were created to survive in water and not on land, and when they found it on the latter, they wasted no time to push it back to where it belonged.

Nigerian man rescues, shelters snakes and other wild animals for a living| Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  A fast lane arrangement between the Philippines and China is in the works to facilitate essential business and official travel amid the pandemic, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said Tuesday.

This is part of the two countries' commitment to push forward the ongoing government-to-government projects, which have resumed at 80 percent capacity, the Chinese consulate said in a statement.

"Both sides are working closely to establish a 'fast lane' for the movement of the key personnel and trying their utmost to help the projects resume full capacity," the statement read.

In early June, China established a fast lane with Singapore, its first travel deal with a Southeast Asian country. It started out with six Chinese provinces and Singaporean municipalities, which would be expanded amid discussions on the gradual resumption of commercial flights.

China has a similar arrangement with South Korea, Germany, and is in talks with other countries, according to its foreign ministry.

During a video conference with the Philippines' Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez on Monday, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian commended the "smooth" implementation of projects under Manila's massive "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program and Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, the embassy said.

"[Huang] expressed his belief in the Philippines construction of an increasingly healthy and stable business environment that would exert a positive influence on the bilateral economic and trade cooperation in wide areas of mutual interest," the embassy said.

Huang expressed hopes more projects would be implemented soon, while Dominguez said the Philippines is working toward the timely completion of flagship programs, the Chinese Embassy added.

RELATED: China insists PH projects comply with laws of both countries

On the eve of the 122nd anniversary of the Philippines' Independence Day, President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, agreed to pursue bilateral cooperation under the new normal. In the same phone conversation, Xi promised that the Philippines would be prioritized once China develops a vaccine against the coronavirus disease.

The virus has infected more than 27.3 million people worlwide since it was discovered in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The Philippines has recorded the most infections in Southeast Asia.

The two countries are embroiled in a long-standing dispute on the South China Sea, a global waterway that Beijing claims almost entirely. An international tribunal in The Hague recognized the Philippines' sovereign rights to areas within its exclusive economic zone that China contests, but the Duterte government agreed to set aside the arbitration win for cooperation.
Patna, Sep 8 : A lawyer at Danapur court was gunned down by two unidentified assailants in Patna's Naubatpur area on Tuesday.

The incident occurred at 11.30 a.m. when advocate Harender Singh was on his way to Danapur court. Two unidentified men intercepted him near Surya Temple and opened fire at him, following which he died on the spot due to a gunshot injury on his chest.

The attackers after executing the crime, waved their firearms in the air to scare away passersby and fled from the spot.

The SHO of Naubatpur police station said the identity of the attackers had not been established yet. "We are making efforts to trace them," he said.

"The attackers waited at the Surya Temple and it indicates that they knew the daily route of the deceased. We have some clues, including the registration number of vehicles. They will be put behind the bars soon," the SHO added.

Following the incident, the victim's relatives reached the spot and staged a protest there before leaving and taking the body with them. However, the police managed to take the body in the evening for post-mortem.
By Associated Press

LONDON: A British judge told WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Tuesday that his extradition hearing will proceed without him if he continues to speak from the dock and interrupt witnesses.

Vanessa Baraitser briefly adjourned the hearing at London's Central Criminal Court after Assange interrupted defense witness Clive Stafford Smith, who was giving evidence.

Assange's outburst couldn't be heard by journalists following proceedings by video link.

Assange is fighting an attempt by American prosecutors to extradite him to the US to stand trial on spying charges.

US prosecutors have indicted the 49-year-old Australian on 18 espionage and computer misuse charges over WikiLeaks' publication of secret US military documents a decade ago.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of 175 years in prison.

Assange's lawyers say the prosecution is a politically motivated abuse of power that will stifle media freedom and put journalists at risk around the world.

Addressing Assange, the judge said: "You will hear things, no doubt many things, you disagree with during these proceedings."

"If you interrupt proceedings it is open to me to proceed in your absence," she added.

On Monday, when the hearing opened, Baraitser rejected requests by Assange's lawyers to delay his extradition hearing until next year so they can have more time to respond to U.S. allegations that he conspired with hackers to obtain classified information.

The case has already been delayed for months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Stafford Smith, who founded the nonprofit rights organization Reprieve, told the court Tuesday that WikiLeaks helped expose alleged US war crimes in Afghanistan and at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

American authorities allege that Assange conspired with US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to hack into a Pentagon computer and release hundreds of thousands of secret diplomatic cables and military files on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In a new indictment announced in June, the US Justice Department expanded its case, accusing Assange of recruiting hackers at conferences in Europe and Asia, recruiting a teenager to hack into the computer of a former WikiLeaks associate and conspiring with members of hacking groups known as LulzSec and Anonymous.

US prosecutors say the evidence underscores Assange's efforts to procure and release classified information.

Assange's lawyers argue that he is a journalist entitled to First Amendment protection and say the leaked documents exposed US military wrongdoing.

The case is due to run until early October.

The judge is expected to take weeks or even months to consider her verdict, with the losing side likely to appeal.
Mr N V Subhash, grandson of PV Narasimha Rao and Telangana BJP leader said that a resolution passed by the Telangana Assembly recommending nations highest civilian award to late Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao is laudable and he extended his support to the initiative.

Hyderabad: A resolution passed by the Telangana Assembly recommending nations highest civilian award to late Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao is laudable and we support Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for taking initiative as part of the Centenary celebrations of the dynamic leader, son of Telangana soil and father of economic reforms in the country, Mr N V Subhash, grandson of PV Narasimha Rao and Telangana BJP leader has said.

The resolution in the Telangana State Assembly recommending the Centre to announce Bharat Ratna to PV Narasimha Rao, he said on Tuesday that the dream of crores of people in two Telugu States and also people across the country. Recalling that the UPA government had rejected the Assembly resolution passed during the united Andhra Pradesh seeking Bharat Ratna for PV Narasimha Rao, Subhash said the Congress partys real intention was exposed and it should be a lesson for senior leaders in the party.

Expressing hope that the Central Government would consider and announce Bharat Ratna to the visionary leader PV Narasimha Rao, the BJP leader said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has great respect for PV Narasimha Rao and he would be honored appropriately. Narendra Modi remembered PV on several occasions praising his services to the nation.

Also read: Cong Parliamentary Strategy group meet underway; Dissenters, top leadership unite ahead of Monsoon session

Also read: Rhea Chakraborty arrested by NCB in drug probe

In the recent Maan ki Baat programme also Modi has called him a great son of India. He reiterated that Rao led the country at a very crucial time in Indias history terming him as a great political leader and a scholar, he said. Narendra Modi Govt. also constructed a memorial at Ekta Sthal in Delhi & announced a postal stamp to commemorate on the occasion of centenary celebrations.

He said cutting across political affiliations and people from different sections of the society also wanted the central Government to announce Bharat Ratna to Late P V Narasimha Rao in coming days.

Also read: With spike of over 75k cases, Indias Covid-19 tally reaches 42,80,423
There is no doubt that Arlene Foster would declare herself as strong a unionist as exists in Northern Ireland. But at what stage does her loyalty veer to a position that no matter what ignominy Westminster heaps on her and the wider unionist community she remains faithful to all its tenets.

She knows as well as anyone that it was unionists' supposed allies, the Tory Party, who have consistently slipped the stiletto into their backs, first by getting rid of the Stormont Parliament, then agreeing to the Anglo-Irish Agreement which gave Dublin a say in Northern Ireland's affairs and most recently reneged on promises that there would be no border down the Irish Sea as a result of Brexit.

Indeed Arlene has been hung out to dry several times by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson leading to the situation this week where her leadership judgement is being called into question.

At the weekend she said the protocol drawing a border down the Irish Sea is law and must be accepted. To hear the leader of the largest unionist party make such a statement after her unswerving support for Brexit must have seemed like another dagger in the back for many unionists.

What made matters worse was that the party's chief whip, Sammy Wilson was quick to chip in with a strident demand that the protocol must be changed and the sea border erased. Was it just coincidence that the government was revealed at that very moment to be drawing up new legislation which would override part of the protocol if a mutually acceptable agreement was not reached with the EU by December 31 when the UK finally leaves the EU?

Surely Arlene will have learned that the wisest thing to do when Boris speaks is to prepare for the opposite of what he says. The EU negotiations appear to change on a whim and not just by a change of emphasis but in contradiction of what went before.

All this is not just another embarrassing episode for the DUP. Arlene is First Minister and as such has a role representing the whole of Northern Ireland. Her stance on Brexit ran contrary to feeling in the province and now that the spectre of a no deal becomes more real she must realise that the province would suffer more than any other part of the UK in such an outcome.

There appears to be indiscipline within the DUP and she must exercise her diminishing authority to deal with the looming political crisis. She could begin by accepting that the word of the Prime Minister may not mean exactly what is uttered. The evidence is clear.
Surf cameras have captured the chilling moment a man was killed by a great white shark at a netted Gold Coast beach in the first fatal attack in the region since 1958.

The horrific incident unfolded just metres away from other surfers at Greenmount Beach at 5pm, when the 46-year-old man was bitten on the leg.

At least 40 surfers were in the water when the man was hunted down.

Footage from a Swellnet surf camera shows the 46-year-old sitting in the water at the end of the line-up before the shark grabs him and pulls him under.

Water can be seen splashing around before the black silhouette of the shark swims away from shore.

Some surfers just metres away seem oblivious to what is happening.

A surfer has been killed by a great white shark at a netted Gold Coast beach in the first attack in the region since 2012. Pictured: members of the public and paramedics covering the man who was treated on the back of a beach buggy

The horrific mauling unfolded at Greenmount Beach just after 5pm when the man, believed to be in his 60s, was bitten on the leg

Surf cameras have captured the horrific moment a man was killed by a great white shark at a netted Gold Coast beach in the first fatal attack in the region since 1958

The man is then seen floating face down in the water before fellow board-riders drag him to shore.

The bite stretched from the surfer's upper thigh to his knee and a tooth from the predator remained lodged in his longboard.

Coastalwatch footage shows the moment directly after the attack, when a surfer paddled the victim to shore with the help of other beachgoers.

Lifeguards are seen waiting on shore for them before frantically working to treat the severe injury.

The water was evacuated as lifeguards attempted to save the victim before paramedics arrived.

Emergency crews rushed to the popular tourist spot but the man could not be saved and he was pronounced dead minutes after they arrived.

Surfer Jade Parker told 7News he first spotted a school of fish and up to 30 birds near the victim, which is what attracted the shark to the surfer.

He had been walking along the footpath near a lookout when he noticed some commotion in the water.

A surfer has been killed by a shark at a netted beach after he was found floating face down in the water at Greenmount Beach (pictured)

Coastalwatch footage captured the moment a surfer brought the injured man to shore with the help of other beachgoers

'There were four or five people yelling and pointing at the water, and I looked out to where they were pointing and I spotted a board floating and a body was next to it,' he said.

Mr Parker just assumed the surfer had been knocked out because he wasn't moving so he ran down to the beach and swam to the victim, who was in waist deep water.

'There were about three on the scene before me and they were all trying to drag him in with the board he had. I helped drag him into the beach as well.'

When they arrived on the sand lifeguards were waiting with a stretcher but Mr Parker said he was 'pretty much gone' by the time they arrived.

Mr Parker said the injury stretched from the 'groin area to just below his knee'.

'It was pretty much all taken... there was nothing there, it was just hanging there by not much,' he said.

Surfer Jade Parker told 7News he first spotted a school of fish and up to 30 birds near the victim, which is what attracted the shark to the surfer

Pictures show paramedics and lifeguards desperately tending to the man's injuries in the back of a beach buggy

Queensland Ambulance Supervisor William Houghton said the man had been surfing with a few other gentlemen.

'It was actually witnessed by one of the other surfers, they saw him being attacked by the shark,' he said.

Mr Houghton said lifesavers provided first aid on the beach.

'It was a pretty traumatic event for everybody concerned,' he said.

Greenmount Beach, located near the Queensland-New South Wales border, has shark control equipment including drum lines.

It is not yet known how the shark avoided the nets to get to the man.

Pictures show paramedics and lifeguards desperately tending to the man's injuries in the back of a beach buggy.

Members of the public were seen holding up a sheet to cover him as he receives treatment for the bite.

Police officers are seen at the beach following the death of a man after he was bitten by a great white shark

Greenmount Beach, located near the Queensland-New South Wales border, has shark control equipment surrounding it including nets

The horrific mauling unfolded at Greenmount Beach just after 5pm by a great white shark (stock image)

The man was surfing near the Tweed Heads and Coolangatta Lifesaving Club when he was attacked.

Beaches north and south of Greenmount were immediately cleared and the police helicopter is searching for the shark.

The attack is the first on the Gold Coast since 2012, when a 20-year-old surfer was mauled at Nobby Beach.

It is the first fatal attack in the region since in 62 years when Peter Gerard Spronk was killed in 1958.

He was mauled by a shark 250m off Surfers Paradise beach and died of his injuries despite lifesavers coming to his rescue.

Beaches across the Gold Coast are expected to be closed on Wednesday.
Princess Beatrice was seen in public today for the first time since her wedding as she enjoyed a trip to the baby shop The Little White Company with new husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.

The Queen's granddaughter, 32, donned a facemask as she popped into the store in London, while her new husband Edo, 36, patiently waited in the car for her.

The royal could be seen carrying a white bag from upmarket highstreet brand The White Company's children's range as she strolled through the city's streets.

Her appearance is the first time she has stepped out in public since the couple tied the knot in a secret ceremony on July 17.

Princess Beatrice, 32, was seen in public today for the first time since her wedding as she enjoyed a trip to baby shop The Little White Company with new husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 36

The royal opted for a casual look and donned a facemask as she stepped out to shop in London earlier today

Princess Beatrice opted for a trendy blue pleated midi skirt as she stepped out in London today, pairing the look with a smart black military style blazer.

Meanwhile she ensured she stayed comfortable with a pair of casual white trainers.

The royal wore her red hair in a relaxed flowing style over her shoulders, and ensured she stayed safe during the trip by wearing a medical grade mask.

She carried her phone in one hand, and clutched a bag from The Little White Company in her other.

The royal slipped back into the car alongside her husband a short while later, carrying the singular shopping bag from The Little White Company

It appeared the royal kept the shopping trip brief, and slipped into the car alongside her husband with just one shopping bag.

The White Company sells everything from 20 scented candles to 200 cashmere jumpers, while the children's range sells clothing, toys and blankets.

It is Princess Beatrice's first appearance since marrying Edo in July and comes after the couple returned from a low-key honeymoon in France.

Earlier this summer the couple, who had a secret wedding with just 20 guests, were spotted by an eagle-eyed tourist as they drove a small car absolutely packed to the roof with stuff in the south of France.

The royal paired a trendy navy midi skirt with a black military style jacket as she stepped out for the shopping trip earlier today

It was such a surprise to see them, the tourist said. Edo was behind the wheel and they looked just like any other couple enjoying the beautiful drive.

The couple tied the knot on July 17 with Beatrice wearing a 1953 Norman Hartnell dress borrowed from the Queen and the Queen Mary tiara the monarch wore on her own wedding day.

Beatrices father, Prince Andrew, walked her down the aisle but he has not featured in any of the publicly released pictures amid the controversy over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

A source said Beatrice and Edo had planned to skip a traditional honeymoon, but decided at the last minute to take a trip across the Channel.

Princess Beatrice carried a bag from upmarket high street children's brand The Little White Company

The wedding was arranged in a couple of weeks, and with lockdown their choice of honeymoon destinations was severely curtailed.

They werent going to bother but at the last minute they decided to pack up the car and head out. Theyre a very down-to-earth couple.

It is understood that they are planning a trip to Lamu Island, off Kenya, where Edos family own a home and where he took Beatrice in the early days of their romance.

The property developer fell for the Princess after meeting her at the wedding of her sister Princess Eugenie to Jack Brooksbank in October 2018.

It marked the first time the Queen's granddaughter has been seen in public since her secret wedding in July

At the time he was living with his fiancee Dara Huang, 38, the mother of his four-year-old son Wolfie.

Ms Huang was said to be distraught when Edo began dating Beatrice, but the three are now firm friends. Dara was devastated at the beginning but she has always maintained good relations for the sake of their son, said a friend.

She and Beatrice get along well. Beatrice is very kind and sweet to Wolfie.

It emerged that Ms Huang, who runs Design Haus Liberty, an architecture firm, has moved her UK base into the same West London building from which Edo runs his property business.
More security review meetings on anvil as NSA briefs PM Modi about situation along LAC

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Sep 08: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed about the situation along the Line of Actual Control.

The Indian Army Chief on the other hand briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after China said that India had fired warning shots, a claim that India has strongly denied.

PM Modi was briefed by National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval earlier today. Top sources confirmed to OneIndia that several meetings are on the anvil today to take stock of the situation along the LAC.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar left for Moscow and is scheduled to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi on September 10. Jaishankar would tell Yi to honour all bi-lateral agreements signed between the two countries since 1993.

Honour bi-lateral protocols since 1993: What to expect from the Jaishankar-Wang Yi meet

After China claimed that Indian forces had fired shots, an official statement from India said that it is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation along the Line of Action Control. However, China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate.

At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to any aggressive means, including firing.

It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres while engagement at the military, diplomatic level is in progress.

In the instant case on September 7, 2020, it was the PLA which was attempting to close in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops., PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate the Indian troops.

However despite grave provocation, the Indian troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner.

The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility. However, India is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs. The statement by the Western Command is an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience the official statement also read.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 12:48 [IST]
2020 was a year marked by hardships and challenges, but the Fauquier community has proven resilient. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you for your continued support, wed like to offer all our subscribers -- new or returning --

4 WEEKS FREE DIGITAL AND PRINT ACCESS.

We understand the importance of working to keep our community strong and connected. As we move forward together into 2021, it will take commitment, communication, creativity, and a strong connection with those who are most affected by the stories we cover.

We are dedicated to providing the reliable, local journalism you have come to expect. We are committed to serving you with renewed energy and growing resources. Let the Fauquier Times be your community companion throughout 2021, and for many years to come.
A woman who violently lashed out at police when they attempted to arrest her son in Sydney's north-west eight years ago has been granted parole over the manslaughter of Detective Inspector Bryson Anderson.

Fiona Barbieri, who is in her early 50s, was experiencing an ongoing psychotic illness in late 2012 which was marked by conspiracy theories and persecutory delusions involving her neighbour in the semi-rural suburb of Oakville.

Fatally stabbed: Inspector Bryson Anderson. Credit:Kylie Pitt

Ms Barbieri believed the neighbour was involved in the criminal underworld, was stalking her and her 19-year-old son Mitchell, and was intimidating her to make her move out of her property so he could buy it.

On December 6, 2012, an electrician was installing floodlights near the boundary of the two properties when Ms Barbieri and her son confronted him armed with a baseball bat and a compound bow. Mitchell Barbieri shot two arrows and police were called.
Six officers in Bristol Township have been disciplined for sharing a co-worker's personal cellphone number with a disgruntled resident, sources said. Two of the officers have been fired. Read more

In February, six Bristol Township police officers stopped for a 2 a.m. nightcap at the 7C Lounge, the bar attached to the Fraternal Order of Police locals headquarters in Northeast Philadelphia. There, they got to talking with another patron, who complained about being pulled over years ago by one of their colleagues.

The man couldnt remember the name of the officer, so the cops helped him, suggesting who it might have been, based on a description provided. Then, sources familiar with the investigation say, they gave the man the officers personal cellphone number, and watched him leave harassing voice mails and text messages. When the officer, off-duty and at home, finally picked up, the caller threatened his life, and knew the name of the street he lived on with his wife.

Now, two of the officers who egged on the caller have been fired, and the four others who witnessed it have been suspended, according to township officials, who confirmed the details of the incident but declined to release the officers names. All six have filed grievances with the township to try to reverse the discipline, and their union says the call was a simple prank.

Neil Morris, a labor attorney working with Bristol Township, said the punishment was appropriate.

The township is very concerned that an officers private contact information was given out to someone else for absolutely no reason, said Morris, an attorney with the Center City firm Offit Kurman. And the officer was then victimized by that person and the officers who were manipulating that person.

Richard Poulson, legal counsel for the Bristol Township Police Benevolent Association, said Tuesday that the grievances against the township are in their early stages, and will likely take months to resolve. He characterized the calls and texts as a prank that has been blown out of proportion by the township.

The call and subsequent investigation took place in February, with the officers being disciplined in late July, sources said. Both came to light this week, first reported by Tom Sofield, who runs the news site Levittown Now.

Law enforcement sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the investigation said the officer who received the calls filed a police report when he reported for work hours later. At the time, he had no idea that his coworkers had been involved.

Detectives in Bristol Township traced the phone number used to contact the officer to the man the other officers had encountered at the bar, the sources said. He agreed to an interview, and explained how he had gotten the officers contact information.

As it turned out, the sources said, he had been given the wrong information: The officer he had called was not the one who had pulled him over.

The six officers involved also agreed to interviews and admitted to giving the man their coworkers number, but said they didnt hear him make any threats to the officer, the sources said.

Neither Bristol Township Police Chief Robert Coulton nor Bristol Township Manager Randee Elton returned calls for comment.

Prosecutors have declined to file criminal charges.

Bucks County District Attorney Matthew Weintraub said he made the decision after being contacted by township officials investigating the incident.

While, reprehensible, inexcusable, and callous, the officers accused of this conduct lacked criminal intent, and therefore no crime was committed, Weintraub said in a statement.
By Associated Press

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump says he's open to an investigation of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy following published reports that former employees of DeJoy, a major donor to Trump and other Republicans, said they felt pressured to make campaign contributions to GOP candidates.

The president also said Monday that DeJoy should lose his job if campaign finance irregularities are uncovered while describing the GOP fundraiser as a "very honest guy."

Trump replied "sure, sure" when asked at a news conference whether he would support an investigation into DeJoy.

DeJoy already faces unrelated scrutiny from Congress for U.S. Postal Service changes that some fear will slow delivery of mail-in ballots for the November 3 elections.

Asked if DeJoy should lose his job if a campaign finance scheme is uncovered, Trump replied: "Yeah, if something could be proven that he did something wrong, always. Always."

The Washington Post reported online Sunday that several ex-employees of DeJoy's former business, New Breed Logistics, said DeJoy or his aides urged them to make political contributions.

Others told the newspaper that DeJoy would later give bigger bonuses to reimburse for the contributions.

Such an arrangement would be illegal.

Monty Hagler, a spokesperson for DeJoy, told the Post that DeJoy was unaware that any workers felt pressure to make donations.

Hagler also said DeJoy believes he has always complied with campaign fundraising laws and regulations.

DeJoy was put in charge of the Postal Service in June after a career in logistics and set in motion a series of policy changes that have delayed mail and sparked concern over the agency's ability to process a flood of mail-in ballots expected this fall due to coronavirus fears.

The House Oversight Committee recently subpoenaed DeJoy for records about widespread mail delivery delays that have pushed the Postal Service into the political spotlight.

He has appeared before Congress twice in recent weeks to testify about the changes, some of which he said he has put on hold until after the elections.
Some Oregon school districts were forced to cancel virtual classes on Tuesday due to widespread power outages and fire danger, officials said.

Roughly 100,000 people were without power Tuesday morning, mostly concentrated in the Portland metro area, after gusts of up to 60 mph blew through the region overnight bringing down tree limbs and power lines.

In other parts of the state, danger from fast-spreading wildfires prompted closures in parts of Marion County.

Classes in the following school districts were cancelled on Tuesday:

Oregon City

Molalla River

Colton

Canby

Cascade

Gervais

Oregon Coast Community College

Western Oregon University

Portland Public Schools, the largest district in the state, was planning to hold classes Tuesday, but some schools were warning families that teachers may not be able to attend due to outages and that students should be prepared to work on their own for the day.

The Oregon Zoo said it would be closed to customers on Tuesday as well due to high winds in the heavily wooded area.

This story will be updated.

-- Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale
Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has called on West African leaders to stick to their constitutional term limits.



"It is important that as leaders of our individual member states of Ecowas, we need to adhere to the constitutional provisions of our countries, particularly on term limits. This is one area that generates crisis and political tension in our sub-region," he said.



The comments follow decisions by Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara and Guinea's President Alpha Conde to run for third terms in their respective countries.



President Buharis comments were made during an in-person summit of leaders of the regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), held in Niamey, the capital of Niger.



President Ouattara's decision to run for a third term following the sudden death of his preferred successor triggered protests in Ivory Coast. His critics say the move is unconstitutional.



Violent protests have also been witnessed in neighbouring Guinea where 82-year-old President Alpha Conde is seeking a controversial third term in October.



The one-day Ecowas summit on Monday was attended by eight heads of state, including the presidents of Ghana, Senegal and Burkina Faso.



Other topics covered included the ongoing political crisis in Mali. The leaders called for a swift transition to civilian rule in the country following a military coup on 18 August.



The regional bloc has already imposed sanctions on Mali and asked for elections to take place within a year.



Meanwhile Mali's toppled President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita flew out late on Saturday for treatment in the United Arab Emirates.



The junta said Mr Keita must return to Mali in the next three months after receiving medical treatment abroad - a time-limit it said was agreed with Ecowas.



This was the first in-person regional summit in more than six months. West African leaders have been meeting virtually in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Source: BBC









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Press Release

September 8, 2020 Dispatch from Crame No. 904:

Sen. Leila M. de Lima's Statement on the EJKs in San Isidro Labrador Parish Duterte's brutal war on drugs continues, and the senseless killings remain unabated and unnoticed. Not even a global pandemic can stop this climate of murderous impunity that has gripped us since 2016. And it has become an even deadlier virus, taking away lives, gangland-style while people grapple with ways to survive this health and economic crisis. Fr. Robert Reyes has been lighting candles at the San Isidro Labrador Parish since July for those killed by motorcycle-riding tandems in the slums of Brgy. Pinyahan, QC. Sunod-sunod ang patayan. As if the deaths from this pandemic are not enough. But our alarm is now not only for the number of people being slain, or how the killings in Fr. Reyes' parish which started in January have become more brazen with some happening in a 4-week span during the pandemic, pati na rin sa kawalan ng kaukulang aksyon ng mga otoridad sa mga karumal-dumal na patayan. We've witnessed all of these happening over and over again, ever since Duterte openly endorsed shoot-to-kills and DIY arrests of those perceived violators of his "peace and order" campaigns. What is more alarming now are the muted cries for justice, as orphaned loved ones mourn in dreadful silence rather than suffer the same fate. They're too scared to complain. Sabi nga ni Fr. Robert, mas kinakatakutan na ngayon ng mga residente ang mga nakamotorsiklo kaysa ang pandemya. We cannot blame them. Justice under this regime isn't exactly for the oppressed and marginalized. But we should never allow those muffled cries to turn into indifference. Hindi dapat tayo masanay kahit kailan sa lagim at dilim sa ating bayan. We should regain our voices and refuse to be silenced. Resist! We must never stop sounding the alarm bells, sa mga simpleng kuwentuhan man yan, sa mga usapan sa social media, sa kalsada, hanggang sa plenaryo ng Kongreso at Senado. Kailangan managot ang may sala! As I write this dispatch, I received reports from my staff of two more killings in Brgy. Pinyahan, one in V. Luna, and the other, along NIA Road. Fr. Robert will be lighting more candles for his murdered parishioners and we know those will not be the last. Let us join him in his grief and rage... Access the handwritten copy of Dispatch from Crame No. 904, here: https://issuu.com/senatorleilam.delima/docs/dispatch_no._904
has confirmed 10,273 new cases in the past 24 hours, more than 300 new deaths from COVID-19 were registered in that period, the country's Health Ministry informs.

Brazil's total number of confirmed cases now stands at 4,147,794. In the past 24 hours, 310 new coronavirus-related deaths were confirmed in with the total death toll now standing at 126,960, the ministry said on Monday.

On Sunday, reported more than 14,500 new cases and over 440 new deaths from COVID-19. On Saturday, Brazil's health ministry reported that the death toll had surpassed 125,000.

A week ago, Brazil's COVID-19 death toll stood at around 121,000. Thus the country has seen a weekly increase of about 6,000 coronavirus-related deaths.

According to the health ministry, 3,355,564 people have recovered from COVID-19 in Brazil.

Brazil has the second-largest coronavirus death toll of all the countries in the world and is also second in terms of the total number of confirmed cases. It is surpassed only by the United States, which has registered over 6.2 million coronavirus cases and more than 189,100 deaths from COVID-19, according to the latest data from Johns Hopkins University.

(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.)
You may want to keep a few N95 or KN95 masks handy, even if you wont be using them every day. It comes down to whether youre concerned about spreading Covid-19, afraid of contracting it yourself, and wondering what can be reasonably expected of you.

NIOSH Approved N95 Mask Particulate Respirator

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When the Covic-19 pandemic truly began forcing Americans out of their offices in March 2020, most of us had a rash of new terms to learn  unfamiliar terms like shelter-in-place and social distancing  while dealing with the fact that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) had initially discouraged people from wearing masks at all, only to reverse their advice a few days later.

One cause for this confusion was the many different types of mask: Cloth masks, NIOSH-approved N95 masks, KF94 masks and KN95 masks.

In short, the CDC currently recommends that anyone who is unvaccinated or living in an area with a high number of Covid-19 cases should wear their mask indoors.

Different types of masks

The most common misconception about the now-normal face coverings we all wear is that they prevent you from contracting the disease, when their chief function is to keep you from spreading it.

N95 masks are different: their primary function is to filter incoming air, meaning they minimize the risk of you contracting the virus: The 95 in their name comes from the fact that every N95 mask has passed a CDC test to prevent at least 95% of particles at least 0.3 microns wide. However, this extra security has a cost: N95 masks must be carefully fit, require far more meticulous cleaning, and have a limited number of re-uses.

NIOSH approval comes from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, an agency that has been part of the CDC since 1973.

KN95 masks are subject to similar regulations as N95 masks, meaning they must also prove in a laboratory setting that they prevent 95% of objects 0.3 microns across from passing through, and are frequently made out of the same materials, but they receive their KN95 designation from China instead of the United States.

It is important to note that this doesnt have anything to do with where the mask is manufactured (many NIOSH-approved N95 masks are manufactured in China), but simply refers to the country that gave the mask its label.

KF94 is a certification used by the South Korean government, and offer a broadly equivalent amount of protection to a properly worn N95 or KN95.

KN95 individually wrapped for $1.99 each at WellBefore

KN95 - Individually Wrapped wellbefore.com $1.99 Shop Now

How to judge a specific mask

The CDC tests KN95 masks and keeps a whitelist of masks that meet the American standards. If youre shopping for KN95 masks, you should look for the manufacturer on that list.

That might be little comfort to someone purchasing a mask for an immunocompromised or otherwise at-risk friend or relative. Luckily, consumers have a lot of options when it comes to researching their masks.

If Im the customer, before I purchase a mask I would ask for the test results, says Shahzil Amin, founder of WellBefore. The company should have the test results, and the factory on those test results should match the factory theyre promoting. They should be FDA registered, so you can find the company on the FDA website.

I also feel that if you have a good quality product, your customers will review it and give good scores.

3M NIOSH N95 Respirator Masks for $5.99 each at WellBefore

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You can read reviews of WellBefore's masks on their website. One of WellBefores N95 mask manufacturer, Shandong Haidike Medical Products Co Ltd, appears on the FDAs list of approved manufacturers. Major universities have also purchased their products.

Most importantly, you should do your own independent research. "Don't be scared or hesitant to ask the company you're buying from all the questions on your mind," Amin says (WellBefore offers live email, chat, and phone support on their website).

"Every week we're donating," he adds. "I'm trying to search for more places to donate to. I know they're out there. I want to make more donations, to a non-profit or an organization or even a person at the end of the day."

You can request donations from WellBefore here.

How to use masks

You can purchase WellBefore's Makrite N95 masks for $1.99. Their KN95 masks, which are FDA registered though not approved, are available individually wrapped for $2.95

Because of their limited use, extreme requirements, and price, it is advisable to reserve KN95 or N95 mask use for extreme situations like flying or surviving a wildfire, especially given the mask shortage that struck earlier this year. Unless you are immunocompromised or otherwise high-risk, ordinary face masks are perfectly acceptable for most day-to-day errands.

VTER Cotton Face Breathing Mask - Pack of 5 - Comfortable Washable Cotton Mask (White) VTER Uniqlo $15.00 Shop Now

Since there is no magic bullet or 100% guarantee against preventing the contraction of spread of COVID-19, the use of all masks should be reserved for necessary travel only. The best way to bring the pandemic to a conclusion continues to be getting your vaccination and avoiding high-risk settings as much as possible.

The article has been updated to reflect changes to the CDC's guidelines.
It is not a good time for companies to invest in commercial office space while they are looking at what the future of work looks like.

That is the explanation offered by one person familiar with Googles decision to pull the plug on renting office space for a further 2,000 workers in Dublin.

Google currently employs around 3,400 staff directly in Ireland with a further 4,600 working as contractors or indirectly. The tech giants decision not to go ahead with a lease on the Sorting Office building in Dublin makes perfect sense.

This wasnt the right time to commit to a lease on a massive new office space. Google already has thousands of staff working from home because of Covid.

Read More

Presumably, a reasonable number of those want to continue working remotely and there is the possibility that other tech rivals will shift to more remote-working too.

This is a real setback for the office market in Dublin and something that could have a negative impact on the wider commercial-property sector. However, if remote working is to become a panacea for some large employers, it could have bigger implications for the wider Irish economy.

If you can work from home, then presumably home can be anywhere. It doesnt have to be in Ireland at all. I have already come across examples of staff working for big tech companies who wanted to return to their home country to work there during the pandemic.

Google has staff from 70 different countries in Ireland speaking 75 different languages.

Initially tech companies were amenable, depending on what kind of work the employees did, but heading home could have raised complications with their tax status. If the worker is currently tax resident in Ireland they must comply with rules about how long they stay in the country.

They could work abroad for a period of time but they would have to return to Ireland to maintain tax residency here.

It is still possible many of those workers will examine a longer term return to where they are from, but it seems unlikely that we will see a wholesale dismantling of the physical structures behind the presence of these tech giants in Ireland.

If anything, tech companies were the ones who championed the idea that the office or workplace was king. They built swimming pools, gyms, restaurants, games areas, everything they thought would make their office more attractive for smart and talented people to work in.

And, of course, it encouraged them to spend more time in the office, thereby increasing productivity. Bean bags and good coffee would get the collegiate creative juices flowing.

The question now is whether remote working triggered by Covid will prove that all of this thinking was complete tosh. Lots of them dont need creative juices at all in technical jobs that can be done remotely.

In truth, it is far too early to say what the longer-term consequences will be. Tech companies have told their employees they can continue working from home well into 2021.

Even before the whole Covid crisis started, some like Amazon were already hiring staff in Ireland on the basis that they would work from home anyway.

Big corporations are now in the early stages of a massive Covid-induced experiment and they dont want to predict the outcome, never mind create it.

There is enormous competition for staff between the big tech companies, especially in Dublin. What one does, others want to follow. But none of them really knows what the future of work looks like.

So why would Google commit to a lease on a massive 202,000 sq ft office in the heart of Dublin when it is likely there will be free space at existing Google sites in the near future as more staff choose remote working.

Remote working may provide some opportunities for regions or rural Ireland if people want to move there for lifestyle reasons.

But there is a deeper more worrying change that could start to take hold when it comes to future inward investment and hiring practices, whether it is expansion or brand new projects.

What if remote working means not moving to Ireland at all? It ultimately depends on what jobs people do in these multinationals.

For example, there are already lots of product engineers located in different countries performing their job for operations elsewhere. These are not the product development software engineers, but more operational staff who make sure the data centres and the networks are all functioning properly.

Other functions like HR, finance or legal might be able to operate from somewhere else entirely. But it really depends on the need for regular team interaction and of course that bit of imaginative spark that comes from people meeting up regularly.

Working remotely also presents huge problems for managers trying to assess the performance of staff, especially new hires. They want to ensure new hires hit the ground running, but that is more difficult when there isnt some level of proximity.

One tech company will follow another on this. It is the ultimate end logic of a truly globalised economy. People are employed by global corporations in multiple jurisdictions and are doing tasks that are spread across multiple countries.

Ireland is already a valuable hub for tech talent. That will not be abandoned any time soon. But if we expect lots of the new jobs created by tech companies to involve people moving to Ireland, then it may be easier for some of them to remain at home.

Every 1,000 FDI jobs in Ireland creates 800 other jobs in the domestic economy, according to the American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland.

True remote working might not be all good news and could just leave us with the Corporation Tax.
After three days of questioning, Rhea Chakraborty was remanded to 14-day judicial custody on Tuesday after being arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in a drugs case linked to the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput. She will remain in custody till September 22.

Her lawyer will approach the sessions court on September 9. Rhea's bail application was dismissed on Tuesday. She will go to jail on September 9 at 10 am.

The sections of the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act invoked against her include 8(c) (sale, possession or manufacture of banned drugs), 20(b) (ii) (possession or use of a small quantity of banned drugs), as per her lawyers. "Rhea has been arrested under sections 27A, 21, 22, 29 and 28 of NDPS," said K P S Malhotra, Deputy Director of NCB.

After the arrest, she was taken for medical tests including COVID-19 test to the civic-run Sion hospital in Central Mumbai. Before leaving for the hospital in a vehicle with NCB officials, the actor, clad in black, waved at media persons. She was accompanied by a woman police official too.

It has been learnt that Rhea confessed before the NCB that she used to smoke cigarettes filled with marijuana (ganja). Rhea told the NCB officials during the questioning that she used to smoke a drugs-filled cigarette with late star Sushant Singh Rajput. Rhea also claimed that Sushant was consuming drugs since 2016.

At the hospital, her antigen test for COVID-19 came out negative, officials said. She was then taken to the NCB office around 7.15 pm, where she was to be produced before the court through video conferencing.

Speaking to media persons, Mutha Ashok Jain, NCB Deputy Director-General, South West region, said the central agency had enough evidence to arrest her.

Earlier the NCB had arrested her brother Showik Chakraborty, Sushant Singh Rajput's manager Samuel Miranda and his domestic help Dipesh Sawant in the case.

Rhea Chakraborty was recently interrogated by the CBI probe team as she is the main accused in the abetment of suicide case filed by Rajput's father, and also by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case. She has denied all the allegations many times.

Various angles surrounding the death of Sushant are being probed by three federal agencies, including the ED and the CBI.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against actor Sushant Singh Rajput's sisters and others for abetment to suicide and criminal conspiracy by prescribing him medicines banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The case was registered after the actor's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty claimed they prescribed drugs to him without consultation.

An offence has been registered against Sushant's sisters Priyanka Singh and Meetu Singh, Delhi-based doctor Tarun Kumar and others.

Rhea in her complaint claimed these persons hatched a conspiracy and obtained false prescription on the letterhead of a government hospital for banned medicines and administered the same to the actor without supervising doses and quantity.

Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Bandra residence on June 14.
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Pawn Stars is a popular reality series that debuted on television in 2009. Following the day-to-day happenings in a family-owned pawn shop in Las Vegas, Nevada, Pawn Stars appeals to history buffs and fans of reality television alike.

After more than 10 years on the air, Pawn Stars has earned legions of fans and made a lot of headlines. However, one of the most interesting aspects of the show is the off-camera story of Chumlee, one of the series stars. From police raids to felony weapons charges, Chumlee has had a troubled relationship with the law.

What is Pawn Stars about?

Pawn Stars premiered on television in 2009 and follows the daily activities at the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. The family-owned business is helmed by Rick Harrison, Ricks son, Corey Big Hoss Harrison, and Chumlee Russell, a close personal friend of Corey. Also featured in early episodes of the show was Ricks father, Old Man Harrison. The show tracks the owners and proprietors as they interact with customers, wheeling and dealing to snag the coolest pieces for the pawn shop.

The show has undergone a number of format changes over the years, from the tragic passing of Old Man Harrison to an updated hour-long run time. However, the dynamic between the series stars has remained consistent, with Rick Harrison, his son, and Chumlee frequently locking horns over the way that the shop is run. Pawn Stars celebrated its 16th season in 2019, and although COVID-19 has caused some hiccups in the production of new episodes, the show is still going strong.

Chumlee is one of the stars of Pawn Stars

Chumlee Russell has been a fan-favorite on Pawn Stars since the series first debuted. On the show, Russell is laid-back and easygoing, and although he frequently makes blunders when buying items for the shop, he has remained close with the entire Harrison family. Russell has often taken on the role of the comic foil, and for many fans, the show wouldnt be possible without his humorous influence.

Still, Chumlee Russells personal life has been riddled with controversy, and in 2016, he made headlines in a big way.

Chumlees troubled relationship with the law

In early 2016, Chumlee Russells home was raided by Nevada police in response to sexual assault allegations. During the raid, police found everything from Xanax to crystal meth, as well as multiple weapons, only a few of which were registered to Russell, according to USA Today. Perhaps the most bizarre item that the police found during their raid was a stripper pole. The reality star was subsequently arrested.

He denied the accusations of dealing drugs, and ultimately accepted a plea deal that would keep him out of prison  as long as he could behave himself through 2019.

In spite the difficult circumstances, Russell was able to pull himself out of trouble and stay out of it. In 2017, he opened his very own candy store, Chumlees Candy on the Boulevard, and he embarked on a healthy lifestyle that has seen him lose a great deal of weight.

These days, Russell is doing better than ever, and even opened up in a recent interview, admitting that hes never minded looking like the dumb one on Pawn Stars. In fact, he admitted, the role has worked out really well for him, and in spite of his setbacks, hes living the life he always imagined. It is likely he will continue to appear on the show for years to come.

RELATED: Pawn Stars: Rick Harrison Spends Almost Half the Year Living Off-Grid
NDC Communicator, Brogya Genfi has described the partys manifesto as a "winning manifesto".



After going through our manifesto, I will say it is one of the best any political party would have produced so far in the country, he said.



Speaking on UTVs 'Adekye Nsroma' program, Brogya Genfi highlighted some portions of the manifesto that will interest Ghanaians saying, "as a social democratic party, we seek to harness the best qualities in all our people to transform the destiny of our nation and among many beautiful things captured in our manifesto include 1. We will introduce and begin the implementation of a Free Primary Health Care Plan, will increase maternity leave period from three months to four months and also legalize the okada business to help regularize their operations . . . So, we have beautiful things captured in our manifesto that will benefit every Ghanaians''.









































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#AdekyeNsroma #UTVGhana #DespiteMedia





A post shared by UTV Ghana (@utvghana) on Sep 7, 2020 at 3:03am PDT





Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/[email protected]









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The United States is considering targeted sanctions on people involved in human rights abuses and repression in Belarus, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on September 8 that also expressed deep concern over the reported abduction of Belarusian Coordination Council member Maryya Kalesnikava.



Pompeo commended the courage of Kalesnikava and two other Coordination Council members who were allegedly abducted and forcibly deported to Ukraine and of the Belarusian people in asserting their right to hold free and fair elections in the face of unjustified violence and repression by the Belarusian authorities.



The statement specifically cited brazen beatings of peaceful marchers in broad daylight and hundreds of detentions on September 6.



Pompeo said the United States is considering the sanctions in coordination with its partners and called on Belarusian authorities to end the violence against their own people, release all those unjustly detained, including U.S. citizen Vitali Shkliarov, and engage in meaningful dialogue with genuine representatives of Belarusian society. Shkliarov is a political consultant who was detained in July.



Germany, which currently holds the rotating EU Presidency, earlier on September 8 demanded information on those who went missing and the release of political prisoners, and the French Foreign Ministry issued a statement strongly condemning the arrests and forced exile of members of the Coordination Council and the detention of numerous demonstrators in recent days.

Belarusian border officials said they detained Kalesnikava at the border with Ukraine. The deputy interior minister of Ukraine called the circumstances of Kalesnikava's detention an attempt at a "forcible expulsion" with the aim of "compromising the Belarusian opposition" after weeks of massive anti-government demonstrations.



Kalesnikava reportedly arrived at the Alyaksandrauka border checkpoint at around 5 a.m. on September 8 in a car with two other opposition organizers who went missing the previous day, council press secretary Anton Randyonkau and executive secretary Ivan Krautsou.



Speaking to journalists in Kyiv, Randyonkau said Kalesnikava tore up her passport, escaped from the car, and returned to the Belarusian side of the border, where she was taken into custody.



All three are members of the Coordination Council that has pressed for a peaceful transition of power since President Alyaksandr Lukashenka was declared the runaway winner of the August 9 election, which the opposition says was fraudulent.



Belarusian State Border Committee representative Anton Bychkouski initially said that Kalesnikava, Randyonkau, and Krautsou had all left the country early on September 8.



But Belarusian state television later quoted Bychkouski saying that Kalesnikava, a Coordination Council presidium member, was detained trying to cross the border while the other two had entered Ukraine.



Ukraine's State Border Service later confirmed that Kalesnikava did not enter the country but that Randyonkau and Krautsou had arrived and were being processed.

Ukrainian Deputy Interior Minister Anton Herashchenko appeared to confirm that version of events in a Facebook post describing the Belarusians' arrival at the checkpoint as "a forcible expulsion from a native country with the aim of compromising the Belarusian opposition."



Herashchenko said Kalesnikava "was unable to be removed from Belarus because this brave woman took action to prevent her movement across the border."



Lukashenka's exiled opposition challenger, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, issued a Wcall for Kalesnikava's immediate release.

WATCH: Tsikhanouskaya Urges International Pressure On Lukashenka In PACE Address

"Maryya Kalesnikava must be released immediately, as well as all previously apprehended members of the Coordination Council and political prisoners. The Coordination Councils goal is to be a negotiating platform," Tsikhanouskaya said, according to her press service.

Several hundred people gathered in Minsk in the evening on September 8 for a march to support the repressed. Marchers carried banners supporting Kalesnikava, calling her our hero.



RFE/RLs Belarus Service reported that more than 50 people were detained.



Meanwhile Lukashenka, who has led the country for 26 years, was quoted by Russian media as vowing once again that he won't step down but he appeared to acknowledge that he might have been in power too long.



"Yes, maybe I overstayed a bit," Lukashenka said.



He reportedly repeated his suggestion that a new election might be held after constitutional reforms are effected -- an offer that opposition leaders suggest is a delaying tactic to quell the mass demonstrations.

With reporting by Current Time, AFP, TASS, AP, Interfax, and Reuters
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reports there were two boating-related fatalities over the 2020 Labor Day holiday period from Sept. 4-7.

The fatal incidents occurred on Watts Bar Lake and Old Hickory Lake. TWRA officers were dispatched to a third fatal incident on the Hatchie River but it was reported to be medically related.

The Watts Barr single vessel incident occurred Saturday shortly before 6 p.m.

near Blue Springs Marina. A 23-foot Chaparral cuddy cabin boat ran aground. Don Campbell, 55, of Ooltewah was pronounced dead at the scene. The mother is in stable condition at UT Medical Center ICU and the child was treated and released from UT Medical Center to family members.

The Old Hickory single vessel incident occurred Sunday at approximately 3:30 p.m. Madison Renee Shipley, 23, from Winona Lake, Ind., who had recently moved to Nashville, fell from a pontoon boat while in the Drakes Creek section of the lake. Her body was recovered around 9 p.m.

TWRA boating officers made four boating under the influence (BUI) arrests. Officers investigated other incidents which involved five serious injuries and six which had property damage.

The Labor Day incidents bring the number of state boating fatalities to 24 in 2020. There have been 54 incidents resulting in 70 injuries and 76 involving property damage.

The TWRA Boating and Law Enforcement Division compiled the Labor Day weekend statistics after receiving reports from the agencys four regions.




Kuhn also railed against the rampant negative stereotypes about older people in the media, charging, in testimony before Congress, that old people are depicted as dependent, powerless, wrinkled babies. So the Panthers monitored how older people were portrayed on television  if they appeared at all  and then lambasted network executives for demeaning caricatures, and got some eliminated.

But crucial to the Panthers progressive agenda were intergenerational alliances to promote issues that remain of pressing concern today: affordable housing, better access to health care, racial equality in employment, economic justice and environmental protection. Their motto was age and youth in action. Kuhn was also outspoken about the ravages of racism and sexism.

Were the elders of the tribe, she said. We are concerned about the tribe surviving. Older Americans, she said, are most free to transcend special interests and seek public interests. She shared her home in Philadelphia with panther cubs, youthful activists, and argued against age-segregated housing that isolated older people from the young. She was especially perturbed by how the generations were pitted against each other in the media, with older people cast as getting benefits they didnt deserve.

So why have she and the Panthers been mostly forgotten? In part, its because Kuhn was such a charismatic leader that once she died, the organization began to drift. In the decades since, theres been a shift away from activism on the part of older people and toward more institutionalized forms of political power; these, in turn, have certainly seen some success. Starting in the 1980s, the American Association of Retired Persons expanded and built up its lobbying activities. Now called simply AARP, it focuses almost exclusively on issues affecting older people, like ageism and preserving their safety net. Its magazine combats stereotypes but emphasizes self-actualization, not activism, a safer and often more comfortable message. It does not seek to unite old and young in the name of broader social justice efforts.

Today were seeing the limitations of that narrower agenda.

On the one hand, many older people, including older women, are more visible and powerful than ever before. Disengaged is the last word you would use about Nancy Pelosi, Maxine Waters or Elizabeth Warren, not to mention Joe Biden.

On the other hand, the fate of nursing home residents in the coronavirus pandemic  a true debacle  has revealed the persistence of ageism. Weve seen narratives about the pandemic pit old and young against each other, with the old cast as expendable and the young as irresponsible.

At the same time, the Trump administrations cruel, destructive and divisive policies continue to expose great inequities in our country across multiple lines  race, gender, class and age. Kuhns activist agenda, both age and youth in action, is more relevant, and more necessary, than ever.
WORMERVEER, Netherlands, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bunge Loders Croklaan (BLC), the specialty oils and fats business of Bunge Limited (NYSE: BG), officially announces the opening of its state-of-the-art shea butter processing facility in Tema, Ghana with the launch of the Where Life Grows campaign that celebrates the company's efforts to build a resilient and sustainable shea supply chain in Africa.

"Our latest investment in Ghana plays a critical role in strengthening BLC's global infrastructure for processing and supplying high-quality shea products to our customers around the world, while also bolstering the entire ecosystem of regional crushers and local shea collectors in the West African region," said Aaron Buettner, President BLC. "The facility allows us to meaningfully support and empower the local shea communities through the transfer of knowledge of value adding processes and by investing in local skills development. We are proud to join forces with local communities to help build and advance the African shea industry together."

Operational since 2019, the facility is BLC's first shea processing plant in Africa and the largest of its kind on the continent. "The facility is a fully automated solvent fractionation plant that processes raw shea butter made from locally collected and crushed shea nuts," said Antoine Turpin, General Manager West Africa at BLC. "Currently, the facility provides employment to 73 people from mostly the local community. Its strategic location not only allows for a more efficient production process, it also delivers on BLC's commitment to building a more sustainable supply chain for shea."

Where Life Grows

The campaign, a tribute to the long-standing shea legacy in the region, is designed to celebrate BLC's ongoing commitments and efforts within its shea sustainability program. The program was set up three years ago with the objective to empower shea collecting women, create socio-economic value in their communities, and conserve and regenerate the shea landscape in the region. Shea, also recognized fondly by the locals as the tree of life, has become a vital ingredient in both food and non-food products, driving up demand for shea butter with a CAGR of 6.27% by value and 7.9% by volume until 20241. 16 million women in Africa living in rural communities and their families depend on the shea industry to financially support their households and contribute to their communities.

"We believe that the key to building a better tomorrow for shea communities is by investing in sustainable trade and income diversification," explains Ben Vreeburg, Sr Director Sustainability for Tropical Oils, Bunge Loders Croklaan. "This belief is what brings our shea sustainability initiatives to life and the Where Life Grows campaign captures our commitment to create value to the countries and communities where shea is originated."

As a founding member of the Global Shea Alliance, BLC works to ensure the female shea collectors in its supply chain are empowered through training, and by donating tools that enhance the women's safety, improve their physical well-being, and make the collection process more efficient. BLC has also contributed to programs designed to increase the value and quality of the collected crop, such as building warehouses and developing partnerships with local crushers, which in turn increases the financial gain for the women's cooperative groups. Furthermore, as a result of climate change impacting livelihoods of communities in the Savannah ecological area, BLC has committed to conserve and protect the shea landscape through reforestation and shea parkland restoration projects and the investment in energy-efficient stoves for the shea communities.

For more information on our shea sustainability initiatives, please visit our shea dashboard and shea projects overview and learn more about the Where Life Grows campaign here.

About the Shea Processing Facility

The processing facility is a fully automated solvent fractionation plant that processes raw shea butter made from locally collected and crushed shea nuts into two major products - shea olein and shea stearin. Shea stearin is being processed further in our facilities in The Netherlands, Malaysia, US and Canada to produce ingredients that can be used in many food and non-food applications. For example Cocoa Butter Equivalents (CBEs) are used in chocolate confectionery.

BLC's sustainability commitments

BLC's shea sustainability initiatives underpin the company's vision to build 21st century value chains that are transparent, verified sustainable and create positive impact on the ground in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals across the areas of health and education, socio-economic development and environmental management.

About Bunge Loders Croklaan:

Bunge Loders Croklaan (www.bungeloders.com) is a leading global producer and supplier of plant-based specialty oils and fats for the food manufacturing and food service industry. It operates as part of the global B2B edible oils business of Bunge Limited (NYSE:BG). Its products are used in a wide range of applications, from bakery and confectionery to culinary and infant nutrition. With in-depth knowledge of ingredients, applications and processes, the Bunge Loders Croklaan team closely cooperates with customers to develop tailored solutions and create innovative products to meet their business goals and differentiate them in in the marketplace.

About Bunge:

Bunge (www.bunge.com,NYSE: BG) is a world leader in sourcing, processing and supplying oilseed and grain products and ingredients. Founded in 1818, Bunge's expansive network feeds and fuels a growing world, creating sustainable products and opportunities for more than 70,000 farmers and the consumers they serve in over 60 countries. The company is headquartered in St. Louis and has almost 25,000 employees worldwide who stand behind more than 350 port terminals, oilseed processing plants, grain silos, and food and ingredient production and packaging facilities around the world.



1 Research and Markets Global Shea Butter Market Outlook to 2024 - High Price of Cocoa Butter & Rising Demand for Chocolate Propel Market Growth, (2019).

SOURCE Bunge Loders Croklaan

Related Links

http://www.bunge.com


Day walks, volunteer initiatives and efforts to bring Aucklands outdoor community together are on the agenda for a new regional trust tasked with enhancing the scenic stretch of Te Araroa trail that passes through the Auckland region.

Chaired by Clayton Wakefield, the new Te Araroa Auckland Trust will work closely with Te Araroa Trusts national board and executive director to strengthen connections and enhance the walking experience.

The regional trusts focus will be on the more than 200km of the national trail that passes through Auckland on its way down the country from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

The other appointments to the Auckland trust are film freelancer Stacey Ngawhika, accountant Rob Hargrave, police sergeant Spencer Matthews, school principal Chris Bradbeer, change manager Liz Corin, outdoorsman Nigel Corey-Wright and trail angel Denis Stanton.

Te Araroa Trust executive director Mark Weatherall said the appointment of the Auckland trust was part of a national effort to re-invigorate Te Araroas regional trusts across New Zealand.

Many of our appointments have walked the whole trail or sections of it in the past, so they have an intimate understanding of what makes Te Araroa so special, Mr Weatherall says.

Mr Wakefield said he and his fellow Auckland trust members were looking forward to championing the national trail locally.

The trail in Auckland takes in everything from remote beaches to parks, ancient volcanoes, and even Queen Street as it passes through the countrys largest city. It crosses New Zealand from east to west and includes a crossing of the Waitemata Harbour  where else in the world do you get such an interesting walk?

Mr Wakefield said the Auckland regional trusts focus over the coming year would be on expanding the number of volunteers working to enhance the trail and strengthening links with the many councils, walking groups, iwi and businesses the trail touches. The trust would also encourage more Aucklanders to explore the trail and was already planning a series of public day walks on local trail sections over the summer, he said.

Many Aucklanders already walk parts of it without really knowing it. Its New Zealand's national walking trail  now internationally recognised as one of the great trails of the world.

The full Te Araroa trail stretches 3000 km, taking in some of the countrys most spectacular scenery, more than 20 towns and cities, and many significant cultural sites such as the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Whanganui River.
West Virginia University announced Monday that it would suspend in-person classes at its main campus because of concerns over a recent spike in coronavirus infections.

The university said in-person undergraduate classes would be canceled Tuesday at its main campus in Morgantown and then shift to online-only instruction through Sept. 25. The school said graduate-level and professional courses would continue to be offered in person during the same period.

In a statement, university officials said the decision was made "in direct response to a recent increase in positive cases in students on the Morgantown campus, as well as concern for the probability of increased cases following several reports of parties held this holiday weekend where groups should have been in quarantine."

West Virginia University enrolls nearly 30,000 students across all its campuses and programs. The state had nearly 11,600 confirmed cases of the coronavirus as of Monday afternoon, according to NBC News' tally.

Full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak

"This pause in face-to-face undergraduate instruction will give us time to monitor the steadily climbing cases of COVID-19," Dr. Jeffrey Coben, associate vice president of health affairs and dean of the School of Public Health, said in a statement. "There is increasing evidence that crowded indoor gatherings, such as those that occurred over the weekend, can serve as super-spreader events."

The university said that it suspended 29 students Sunday amid "ongoing COVID-19 investigations" and that "additional sanctions are pending."

Universities and colleges across the U.S. are wrestling with how to prevent students from spreading the coronavirus and struggling to make the transition to in-person learning during the pandemic.

Corey Farris, the dean of students at WVU, said students who had traveled home for the Labor Day weekend "and have their materials to learn remotely" should stay where they are, while students who did not travel should remain in Morgantown.

Story continues

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government's leading infectious disease expert, has urged colleges not to send students home if possible.

"It's the worst thing you could do," Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said last week on NBC's "TODAY" show.

"When you send them home, particularly when you're dealing with a university where people come from multiple different locations, you could be seeding the different places with infection," he said.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - For the first time, a Black woman will lead Kentuckys Louisville Metro Police Department, which has been been heavily criticized since officers fatally shot Breonna Taylor in March.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 7/9/2020 (500 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Protestors march past the Churchill Downs racetrack before the running of the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - For the first time, a Black woman will lead Kentuckys Louisville Metro Police Department, which has been been heavily criticized since officers fatally shot Breonna Taylor in March.

Mayor Greg Fischer announced on Monday that Yvette Gentry will serve as interim chief of the department, according to The Courier-Journal.

Gentry is a former Louisville Metro Police deputy chief who retired from the force in 2014. She will be the first woman and the third African American to serve as chief of the Louisville Metro Police. Interim Chief Robert Schroeder plans to retire at the end of September after four months in the role. Schroeder took over on June 1 when Fischer fired longtime Chief Steve Conrad after learning officers did not have body cameras turned on during the fatal police shooting of the owner of a popular West End eatery.

Gentrys appointment comes at a low point in relations between police and Black residents in Louisville. Protesters have marched for more than 100 consecutive days since Taylor, a 26-year-old Black emergency medical technician, was shot and killed as officers attempted to serve a no-knock search warrant at her apartment. Protesters want serious changes to the citys police and other systems they say have perpetuated systemic racism.

Taylors death is under investigation by the FBI and Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who is expected to announce in coming weeks whether criminal charges will be brought against the officers. Authorities have said the officers fired back after Taylor's boyfriend started shooting at them.

In an emotional speech after Monday's announcement, Gentry addressed residents of the West End neighbourhood who have been at the heart of more than 100 days of protest over racial injustice since Taylor's death.

"Im not here just to help you unboard your beautiful buildings downtown," she said. "Im here to work with you to unboard the community that I served with all my heart in west Louisville, that was boarded for 20 or 30 years."

She said the past four months have been tough on police officers as well as on protesters, adding that its tough "seeing things just feel so hopeless."

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"I will just say: That is just a glimpse of how a lot of people have been feeling for a long time, and we cant go back," Gentry said. "I think our city is at a point of reckoning that only truth can bring us out of. Only truth can break us out; only truth can take away darkness."

Gentry told the newspaper in an interview that she doesnt want to be the permanent police chief  and didnt apply for the position.

"When you live in Louisville, and you raise your kids here, like I do, and your familys here, I want that chief to be successful," said Gentry, a Louisville native. "So, even though I wasnt interested in the full-time job, I realized that somebody has to stand in the gap."

Fischer is expected to name a new leader by the end of 2020.

In an interview, Gentry acknowledged that improving community relations, reducing crime and boosting officer morale simultaneously wont be an easy task, but said she's in as "good a position as anyone could be."

"Being a Black woman, and a veteran and a former police officer, when youve worn all the hats of people who are out here, wanting to be heard, and youve worked in a place where youve tried to be heard and didnt necessarily feel like you were, I just feel like I have that type of experience that I can bring in there," Gentry said. "People are just so far apart. And maybe, I can be in the middle and I can bridge it."
DUBLIN, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Dry Type Transformer Market by Type, Technology, Phase, Voltage and End Use: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global dry type transformer market was valued at $5.4 billion in 2019, and is projected to reach $7.3 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2020 to 2027.

Dry type transformer is a type of transformer that is designed on a comparatively modern technology that uses natural or forced air cooling instead of oil. Unlike liquid fill transformers that require oil or liquid to cool, dry type transformers use only high temperature insulation systems that are environmentally safe. It consists of no moving parts; therefore, it requires minimum maintenance, while offering reliability and long-run cycle. As these transformers are completely hazard-free, they can be easily installed in hospitals, schools, factories, chemical plants, and buildings where fire safety is a great concern. By technology, the global dry type transformer market is segmented into cast resin and vacuum impregnated (VPI) dry type transformers. In a cast resin transformer, the live part consisting of the core and windings is encapsulated inside a resin, which is in liquid form when put in the molds along with hardening agent, while in the vacuum pressure impregnated ((VPI)) transformer, the live part is impregnated under pressure by epoxy varnish in vacuum chamber. VPI offers access to the live part even after impregnation, at the same time offering excellent fire protection ratings.



The global dry type transformer market is driven by its wide applicability in the distribution of electricity. The expansion of electricity distribution network across the globe and rapid industrialization in developing countries drive market growth.



Heavy to small scale industries employ machinery that have specific voltage requirement. Some industries, such as oil & gas, mining, and marine have specialized voltage requirements, as fire safety is important in these sectors. In an effort to reduce the dependence of coal-based electricity generation, countries have agreed to increase the adoption of renewable energy generation in the total electricity produced. The percentage of renewable energy is to be increased on a yearly basis. For instance, European Member states such as Germany are required to provide a 10-year National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) that will be inspected every two years. Further, countries are required to publish the results in their respective national renewable energy progress reports. This leads to investments in offshore solar and wind farms that require transformers for integrating with central power grid. Such expansionist policies increase the demand for power transmission and distribution grid expansion projects. This is a major driving force for the global dry type transformer market.



Dry type transformers have some disadvantages over liquid-filled transformers. Compared with liquid transformers such as oil-immersed transformer, dry type transformer such as cast resin transformer has relatively poor heat dissipation performance, while the heat dissipation performance of the oil radiator is better. The complex construction of dry type transformer makes it costlier than oil-immersed transformer. These factors are expected to restrain the adoption of dry type transformers; thereby, hampering market growth. Furthermore, development of solid-state transformers as a replacement for conventional transformers is also likely to limit market growth during the forecast period. However, expansion and replacement of power grids with smart grids will increase the demand for digital dry type transformers during the forecast period. Digital dry type transformers can supply the user with information on its performance.



This will enable the user to analyze the data and schedule the maintenance and retirement schedule of the transformer. Informed decisions will prevent or at least reduce the downtime of the transformer; thereby, increasing productivity and profitability. In addition, the development of 3D core VPI transformer for the electric vehicle charging stations has the potential to offer fresh opportunities for the dry type transformer market.



Key Benefits

The report provides an in-depth analysis of the current and emerging market trends and dynamics in the global dry type transformer market.

It offers detailed quantitative analysis of the current market and estimations through 2019-2027, which assists in identifying the prevailing market opportunities.

Comprehensive analysis of all regions helps determine the prevailing and future opportunities in these regions.

Comprehensive analysis of factors that drive and restrict the growth of the global dry type transformer market is provided. For instance, worldwide high energy demand and need for upgrade of existing transmission infrastructure will drive the global dry type transformer demand; however, high initial cost and availability of substitutes are expected to be a major restraint for market growth.

Exhaustive analysis of the global dry type transformer market by type, technology, phase, voltage, and end use helps understand the ratings of dry type transformer that are currently being used along with the variants that would gain prominence in the future.

Impact of COVID-19



Most of the industries have become non-operational during this pandemic event. In terms of end-use industries, the industrial sector accounts for the majority demand for dry type transformers; therefore, the COVID-19 situation has directly affected the ongoing demand for dry type transformers.

Renewable energy generation is the largest consumer for dry type transformer in the industrial segment, which is also affected to a great extent during the pandemic.

Complete or partial lockdown situation globally has led to supply chain disruption, leading to delays in project construction, having a direct impact on the commissioning of renewable electricity projects, biofuel facilities, and renewable heat investments

In the global solar industry, more than 40% of the supply chain is reliant on supply from China and other Southeast Asian countries

and other Southeast Asian countries China is the known source of this pandemic and the country is the most affected one in terms of material supply and material transport due to the COVID-19.

is the known source of this pandemic and the country is the most affected one in terms of material supply and material transport due to the COVID-19. The above factors have impacted the growth of the global dry type transformer market.

Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1. Introduction



Chapter 2. Executive Summary



Chapter 3. Market Landscape

3.1. Market Definition and Scope

3.2. Key Findings

3.2.1. Top Investment Pockets

3.2.2. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

3.3. Market Dynamics

3.3.1. Drivers

3.3.1.1. Increase in Demand for Electricity Throughout the World for Different End Uses

3.3.1.2. Rise in Adoption of Renewable and Non-Conventional Energy Sources

3.3.2. Restraint

3.3.2.1. Development of Solid-State Transformers (Ssts)

3.3.3. Opportunities

3.3.3.1. Development and Adoption of Smart Grids and Digital Dry Transformers

3.3.3.2. Application of 3D Core Vacuum Pressure Impregnated (Vpi) Dry Type Transformer

3.4. Value Chain Analysis

3.5. Impact of Key Regulation

3.6. Parent-Peer Market Overview

3.7. Impact of Covid-19 on the Global Dry Type Transformer Market

3.8. Patent Analysis, 2015-2019

3.9. Supplier Analysis



Chapter 4. Dry Type Transformer Market, by Type

4.1. Overview

4.1.1. Market Size and Forecast

4.2. Dry Type Converter Transformer

4.2.1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors, and Opportunities

4.2.2. Market Size and Forecast, by Region

4.3. Dry Type Rectifier Transformer

4.3.1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors, and Opportunities

4.3.2. Market Size and Forecast, by Region



Chapter 5. Dry Type Transformer Market, by Technology

5.1. Overview

5.1.1. Market Size and Forecast

5.2. Cast Resin

5.2.1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors, and Opportunities

5.2.2. Market Size and Forecast, by Region

5.3. Vacuum Pressure Impregnated

5.3.1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors, and Opportunities

5.3.2. Market Size and Forecast, by Region



Chapter 6. Dry Type Transformer Market, by Phase

6.1. Overview

6.1.1. Market Size and Forecast

6.2. Single-Phase

6.2.1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors, and Opportunities

6.2.2. Market Size and Forecast, by Region

6.3. Three-Phase

6.3.1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors, and Opportunities

6.3.2. Market Size and Forecast, by Region



Chapter 7. Dry Type Transformer Market, by Voltage

7.1. Overview

7.1.1. Market Size and Forecast

7.2. Low-Voltage

7.2.1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors, and Opportunities

7.2.2. Market Size and Forecast, by Region

7.3. Medium-Voltage

7.3.1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors, and Opportunities

7.3.2. Market Size and Forecast, by Region



Chapter 8. Dry Type Transformer Market, by End Use

8.1. Overview

8.1.1. Market Size and Forecast

8.2. Industrial

8.2.1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors, and Opportunities

8.2.2. Market Size and Forecast, by Region

8.2.2.1. Marine

8.2.2.2. Chemical

8.2.2.3. Oil & Gas Industry

8.2.2.4. Renewable Energy Generation

8.2.2.5. Railway

8.2.2.6. Others

8.2.2.7. Market Size and Forecast, by Industrial End-Use

8.3. Commercial

8.3.1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors, and Opportunities

8.3.2. Market Size and Forecast, by Region

8.4. Others

8.4.1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors, and Opportunities

8.4.2. Market Size and Forecast, by Region



Chapter 9. Dry Type Transformer Market, by Region

9.1. Overview

9.2. North America

9.3. Europe

9.4. Asia-Pacific

9.5. Lamea



Chapter 10. Competitive Landscape

10.1. Introduction

10.1.1. Market Player Positioning, 2019

10.2. Top Winning Strategies

10.3. Product Mapping of Top 10 Player

10.4. Competitive Heatmap

10.5. Key Developments

10.5.1. Key Acquisition and Product Launch



Chapter 11. Company Profiles

11.1. Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd.

11.1.1. Company Overview

11.1.2. Company Snapshot

11.1.3. Operating Business Segments

11.1.4. Product Portfolio

11.1.5. Business Performance

11.2. Eaton Corporation plc

11.3. Fuji Electric Co. Ltd.

11.4. General Electric Company

11.5. Hammond Power Solutions Inc.

11.6. Hanley Energy Gcc

11.7. Hitachi Ltd.

11.8. Hyosung Heavy Industries

11.9. Kirloskar Electric Co. Ltd.

11.10. Power Sp. Z O. O.

11.11. Schneider Electric Se

11.12. Siemens AG

11.13. Tbea Co. Ltd.

11.14. Voltamp Transformers Ltd.

11.15. Weg Group



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But the court rejected his application for an injunction against Australian Border Force and WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson, who gave the Commonwealth an exemption to transfer the detainee to WA.

The 68-year-old Pakastani national had been trying to block his transfer to the Yongah Hill Detention Centre near Northam by arguing in the Supreme Court he had health issues and wanted to stay near family members in Victoria.

A man labelled a risk to security by Australias internal spy agency will be flown from coronavirus-crippled Melbourne to a detention centre in WA to keep him safe from the pandemic.

Justice Ken Martin said it was valid to relocate the man, dubbed 'BNL20', to WA because he would be safer here than in a Melbourne detention centre.

When contrasting the present respective Victorian and Western Australian positions in terms of a community exposure spread risk and thus, a threat of contracting COVID-19 by a vulnerable person, it must be said that for the present, as a location, Western Australia is now perhaps one of the safest places in the world to be, Justice Martin found.

BNL20 is facing deportation after his visa was cancelled last year. He had arrived in Australia in 2010 and has been fighting authorities for the right to stay here ever since.

In 2013, the Refugee Review Tribunal found that the man should be protected by Australia under the Refugees Convention.

But the Supreme Court was told that in October last year, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisations director-general assessed BNL20 to be directly or indirectly a risk to security under the ASIO Act.
Many students are still waiting for their timetables and some educators still have no idea what theyll be teaching  they dont even know if theyll be in a school or working virtually.

Welcome to the start of the 2020-21 school year. Its going to be rocky.

With the threat of COVID-19 looming, students in some boards are returning this week, and others next week, with elementary and most high school students heading back to full-time classes, though teens in urban areas will get a mix of in-person and online.

Boards have scrambled to hire teachers to lower class sizes where they can after last-minute funding announcements from the province and have redeployed thousands of others. High school timetables have been created, then rejected by the province, and revamped. Furniture, even books and large plants, have been removed from classrooms to allow for distancing between desks.

Educators and parents are worried, and exclusive polling for the Star by Campaign Research shows Ontarians also have mixed feelings.

In an online poll, just 39 per cent agreed younger students can return to school safely this fall full-time, with 50 per cent disagreeing. Similarly, they arent sure if teachers can return safely either. About 80 per cent of those surveyed said classes should have 20 students or less; about two-thirds expect schools will be shut down at some point because of a COVID-19 outbreak.

Chaos reigns supreme, said University of Toronto education professor Charles Pascal, a former deputy minister of education. Its totally unprecedented that teachers, the day before they are supposed to go into class, still dont have their assignment.

He blamed a lack of confidence in the provincial governments back-to-school safe return plans for the high number of families opting to have their kids learning remotely this fall.

If 30 per cent of parents are keeping their kids at home (in the Toronto District School Board), which means 50,000 students will be at home ... that safe return doesnt feel very safe for far too many families, said Pascal, of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

Kris Rushowy answers your back-to-school questions

Thunder Bay elementary teacher Lisa Dampier said her class size has actually gone up to 27 kids, meaning physical distancing recommendations cant be met.

We couldnt get a metre between the desks  so students can reach out and touch the person sitting closest to them, she said, noting there are several classes with close to 30 kids at Westmount Public School. Im concerned that we cant do everything possible we need to do.

However, she said, Im trying to be really confident about it.

On Monday, Education Minister Stephen Lecce released a statement about the start of the school year, saying this year is like no other in our past ... We will overcome any challenge on the horizon, so long as we continue to work together in the interests of our students and aggressively work to stop the spread in our communities.

Whether your first day of school is in-class or online, I want you to know we are behind you every step of the way. Ensuring your schools are safe and thoroughly cleaned, educators trained, supported by the doubling of public health nurses in schools, masking, and cohorting. All designed to keep you safe, he said.

But in the Toronto public board, the countrys largest, high school teachers are in waiting mode  to find out what they are teaching and where, said Leslie Wolfe, president of Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation local.

The board is starting high school classes next week, after hearing from the province at the 11th hour about modifying its schedule, urging more time for teens to get in-person time with their teachers, forcing a revamp.

Its a lot of work and very little time, said Wolfe. And its incredibly stressful for teachers not to know at this late date what they are teaching, or where they are teaching.

Classes start Tuesday in the GTA in the Durham District School Board, and some Peel District School Board students will start attending orientation sessions. Other boards return over the next seven days.

Teacher unions have expressed concerns about poor ventilation in schools, proper personal protective equipment, and especially about class sizes. Both the provincial and federal governments have pledged funds, and boards were also given permission to use up more of their reserves to hire teachers.

In Toronto, both the public and Catholic boards have decided to bring in more teachers to lower class sizes in those areas of the city hardest-hit by the novel coronavirus.

Campaign Research principal Nick Kouvalis said while most of Ontarians surveyed are concerned about contracting the virus, they see measures like physical distancing and handwashing as positive moves to keep schools open.

However, he added, most people prefer a mixed model of learning, with kids both in class and at home.

Campaign Research surveyed 1,129 people across Ontario last week using Maru Blues online panel. 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.

Jennifer Brown, president of the Elementary Teachers of Toronto, said the excitement teachers normally have getting ready for the first day of school  its now fear.

Brown also said its inexcusable that teachers have yet to find out what class they are assigned to, and that schools where in-person enrolment is lower than expected, there are plans for triple-split classes  combining Grades 3, 4 and 5, for example.

Ashleah Genovy, a middle school teacher in Peel, was told before March Break  and before COVID-19 shut down schools across the province  that shed have a Grade 8 class. She now has no assignment.

Genovy doesnt understand how Grade 8 students can be in classes in the high 20s when, just a year up in Grade 9, they are in classes of 15 in local high schools.

Mike Foulds, with the Bluewater District School Board, has 32 students in each of his two high school classes. However, he notes, school doesnt start until Thursday, so that could change.

While he feels some trepidation, he is excited to get back to work.

One of his children is heading off to college, where there are no in-person classes, yet my public school is going to have over 30 kids in the class, he said. Somebody didnt do a good job planning at the provincial level ... the (Bluewater) board has done well, working with the unions and with the constantly changing demands of the education ministry.

Julie Altomare-DiNunzio, president of the Toronto Elementary Catholic Teachers, said there will be no choir practice or singing in schools. No wind instruments. No assemblies, per guidance from Toronto Public Health, and no field trips requiring group transportation.

Students will be at individual desks instead of in small groups, and even something as simple as scissors for crafts, which used to be passed around and shared by everyone, will now have to be kept in Ziploc bags.

Altomare-Di Nunzio said students at schools in her board will get passports  available in 12 languages  that they will have to show to indicate this screening has been done.

Students and staff with symptoms wont have to have a COVID test before coming back unless theyve had contact with a positive case, but they will need to be symptom-free for 24 hours before coming back to school.

When outbreaks happen some or all of a school will be dismissed, depending on the situation.

We know its spreading, and its going to be inevitable that were going to have cases, she said.

We might be fatigued and tired, but the virus is not tired.
Andersen Global strengthens its presence in Eastern Europe by signing a Collaboration Agreement with Turcan Cazac, the leading business law firm in the Republic of Moldova.

Founded in 1999, led by Managing Partner Alexander Turcan, Turcan Cazac holds a Band 1 ranking in Chambers Global and has been recognized as the leading commercial and corporate law firm in Moldova since 2001 by Chambers Global, Chambers Europe, Legal 500, IFLR1000 and Best Lawyers. The firm's current portfolio includes over 500 foreign companies operating in Moldova with a full-service capability in M&A, finance, corporate and commercial, litigation and employment.

"Over the years, our firm has built a reputable position in providing the leading law practice for the country. Our tax practice has also been growing and has become an important area of the firm," Alexander said. "The collaboration with Andersen Global will further our firm's growth and capability in delivering the highest level of client services internationally, and we look forward to working together."

"Turcan Cazac is a leader in the Moldovan market, and this collaboration reflects our desire to align ourselves with firms that share our vision and underscores our commitment to provide best-in-class service seamlessly to our clients," Andersen Global Chairman and Andersen CEO Mark Vorsatz said. "Additionally, Alexander and his team have working relationships with several of our collaborating firms in the region. This creates significant connectivity and establishes a strong foundation as we continue to expand our global platform in the region."

Andersen Global is an international association of legally separate, independent member firms comprised of tax and legal professionals around the world. Established in 2013 by U.S. member firm Andersen Tax LLC, Andersen Global now has more than 6,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 196 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005061/en/

Contacts:

Megan Tsuei

Andersen Global

415-764-2700
FAA is investigating flaws involving Boeing 787 Dreamliners but said it is early to say if it will need new inspections.

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has said it is investigating manufacturing flaws involving some Boeing 787 Dreamliners but said it was too early to say whether it will require new inspections.

Boeing said in August that airlines operating its 787 Dreamliners had removed eight jets from service as a result of two distinct manufacturing issues in fuselage sections.

The FAA could require inspections covering hundreds of 787 jetliners after production issues at one plant, a person briefed on the matter confirmed. The Wall Street Journal reported the potential inspections earlier, citing an internal government memo and people familiar with the matter.

The agency continues to engage with Boeing, the FAA said on Sunday. It is too early to speculate about the nature or extent of any proposed Airworthiness Directives that might arise from the agencys investigation.

Boeing said, The rest of the in-service fleet has been determined to meet limit load capability, and we are inspecting production airplanes to ensure any issues are addressed prior to delivery.

Boeing said some aeroplanes have shims that are not the proper size, and some aeroplanes have areas that do not meet skin flatness specifications.

Individually these issues, while not up to specifications, still meet limit load conditions. When combined in the same location however, they result in a condition that does not meet limit load requirements, Boeing said.

In the memo dated August 31, Boeing told the FAA that it had manufactured some parts at its South Carolina facilities that failed to meet its standards, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Such a safety directive could potentially cover up to about 900 Dreamliners delivered since 2011, the person briefed on the matter confirmed.

It is not clear how many aeroplanes may have just one of the two reported issues.
Former White House press secretary Sarah Sanders defended President Trump Tuesday in a fiery appearance on 'The View' where she spoke to her former boss's 'heart' but admitted he didn't always treat military members with respect.

Sanders, who is promoting a book that lavishes praise on her former boss even amid tell-alls by other former aides, was grilled on ABC's 'The View' about last week's story in the Atlantic magazine that described Trump as calling fallen military members 'suckers' and 'losers.'

She has said repeatedly that one key passage in the story, where Trump refused to go to visit a cemetery where Marine dead are buried on the centennial of the end of World War I, didn't happen.

'Im telling you I understand who he is in his heart,' Sanders said.

'Im not saying that there werent some moments that were heated, that were not of the highest level of respect,' former White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in an exchange with Meghan McCain on ABC's 'The View.' She was speaking about a report charging President Trump disrespected military members as 'suckers'

She was challenged by co-host Meghan McCain, whose father famously clashed with Trump. 'I like people who weren't captured,' Trump said in 2015 in reference to McCain, who spent 5 1/2 years in a Vietnamese P.O.W. camp.

Meghan McCain brought up Trump initially not wanting flags to fly at half mast, then ultimately relenting. She said she had spoken to him by phone. 'I think hes aware that theres been serious damage done' by his comments,' she said.

'It's not because Im a surrogate for the president. Its because I witnessed it with my own eyes. I saw the president day in and day out treat the men and women of our military with respect,' Sanders countered.

Sanders got grilled on ABC's 'The View' as she promotes her new book

Meghan McCain brought up famous feuds between Trump and the late Sen. John McCain

'I like people who weren't captured,' Trump said in 2015 in reference to McCain (lower right), who spent 5 1/2 years in a Vietnamese P.O.W. camp.

Trump repeatedly brought up McCain's vote not to repeal Obamacare both before and after his death

McCain spent more than five years in a North Vietnamese POW camp and sustained injuries when his plane went down over Hanoi

McCain also brought up Trump's attacks on Khizr Khan and Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman

'I watched him lean over and touch a veterans face who had lost his arms because he wanted to feel human contact,' she continued. 'Im not saying that there werent some moments that were heated, that were not of the highest level of respect. But when it comes to who this president is, at his heart, and how he feels about the men and women of our armed services, I can say from my own experience he has a great level of respect.'

She may have been referencing the time Trump touched the face of a man at a rally in Rock Hill, S.C. The man had two prosthetic arms, and Trump signed one of them. But a fact-checker debunked many media posts about the incident. Although the man wore a commo hat, there isn't evidence he served in the military. He also was born without his arms.

Trump's 2016 campaign posted a video of the encounter during the campaign. It had subbed in the video after another video had to be taken down when it was revealed it contained an image of a veteran bearing Russian military insignia rather than U.S. medals and ribbons.

Meghan McCain also brought up Trump's past attacks on gold star father Khizr Khan during the 2016 campaign and on purple heart Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman during impeachment.

She said she was at first inclined to disbelieve the Atlantic story. 'The problem with the story is it seems like something he would do,' McCain said.

She told Sanders it had to be an 'uncomfortable' conversation.

'I was with the president in those moments. I was with the president when he made the decision to send an aircraft for your father. there's no denying the fact that not only did Donald Trump dislike your father, your father disliked the president. They had some very heated exchanges,' she said.

Sanders said she was with Trump when plans were made for the canceleed visit to the Aisne-Marne cemetery outside Paris.

But co-host Joy Behar got Sanders to admit she was not 'standing next to the president' when former chief of staff Gen. John Kelly visited the graveside of his son at Arlington Cemetery.

According to the Atlantic, which quoted sources with knowledge of the visit Trump turned to Kelly at the grave site of Kelly's son, Robert. 'I dont get it. What was in it for them? Trump reportedly said. Kelly was Homeland Security Secretary at the time.

'I was not standing next to the president for that, no,' Sanders responded.
Australian journalists flee China fearing arrest ABC journalist Bill Birtles recounted a whirlwind week of political manoeuvering, and said 'it's a relief to be back in a country with genuine rule of law'

Two Australian journalists fled China Tuesday under diplomatic protection amid rapidly deteriorating relations between Beijing and Canberra, as the United States warned that the situation for foreign reporters in the country could get worse.

Their dramatic overnight exit came following days of secret wrangling that had seen both men holed up in Australia's diplomatic missions to escape the clutches of China's feared security police.

Bill Birtles and Michael Smith had to consent to questioning before they were allowed to leave China, shepherded out of the country on a late-night flight by Australian diplomats.

Both men were quizzed about fellow Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who has been detained since last month.

Beijing acknowledged Tuesday for the first time that she was being held on national security grounds -- a broad category that can include crimes resulting in lengthy prison sentences.

Birtles, who works for public broadcaster ABC, said Tuesday his "interrogation" in a hotel room had touched on Cheng's case, but that he did not think that was its primary objective.

"I believe that the whole episode was really one more of harassment of the remaining Australian journalists, rather than a genuine effort to try and get anything useful for that case," he told ABC.

China confirmed the two men had been questioned, but insisted the move had been legitimate.

"As long as foreign journalists obey the law... they have no reason to worry," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said in Beijing.

Several reporters for US media have had their visas revoked and been forced to leave the country -- in what critics have interpreted as targeting of Western media outlets by the Communist Party.

- 'Why is the CCP afraid?' -

The United States said Tuesday that it had been informed by China's foreign ministry of unspecified tighter rules for foreign media.

"These proposed actions will worsen the reporting environment in China, which is already suffering a dearth of open and independent media reporting," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus wrote on Twitter.

Story continues

"Why is the CCP afraid of independent and investigative media reporting?" she said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party.

Reporters Without Borders said at least 19 foreign correspondents have been forced to leave China this year and said the move "increasingly threatens the international community's right to be informed".

The Foreign Correspondents' Club of China said the two Australians' ordeal marked "a significant escalation" by Beijing and warned that foreign journalists "now face the threat of arbitrary detention for simply doing their work".

The episode began almost a week ago, when police carried out synchronised midnight raids on Birtles's home in Beijing and Smith's in Shanghai -- where he was correspondent for the Australian Financial Review.

Both were barred from leaving the country and told they would face questioning.

"I felt like I suddenly, unintentionally, had become a pawn in some sort of diplomatic tussle," said Birtles.

They fled to their closest Australian diplomatic missions until agreeing to answer Ministry of State Security questions in return for safe passage home.

- Impeding coverage -

James Curran, an Australian former intelligence analyst and prime ministerial adviser, told AFP the media crackdown and the fact no major Australian media were now represented in China would only hinder public understanding.

"The lens through which we are going to get a picture of this country is going to become increasingly shrouded, if not blocked altogether," he said.

Author and former China correspondent Richard McGregor said the incident "marks a new low".

"Other countries grappling with China will take note. If their bilateral relationship deteriorates, then their own nationals will be in the firing line as well," he said.

Australia has increasingly pushed back against what it sees as China's more aggressive projection of power and influence across Asia since President Xi Jinping took power in 2013.

"They just seem to be taking the view that as a rising power they should be able to flex their strategic, ideological and rhetorical muscle, and that other countries are just going to have to put up with it," Curran said.

Beijing was particularly infuriated by Australia's role in international calls for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, which emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

A Chinese envoy in Canberra recently portrayed Australia's behaviour as a betrayal that caused "indignation, anger and frustration" in China.

Since then, China has taken steps to curb key Australian imports and encouraged Chinese students and tourists to avoid the country.

arb-dm/sct/sst
GSK Consumer Healthcares leading antacid brand in India, ENO has launched the third phase of the successful #WhatARelief campaign to drive relevance for the brand. As the country prepares itself for a longer stint of social distancing, the in-home food experiments continue to be a relevant trend, as validated from the recipe search data from Youtube. Riding on this wave, ENO has partnered with Google to create a unique campaign where the communication is customized as per the recipe being searched by the user.

The brand first picked up the top recipes being searched on YouTube (which had high correlation with acidity) and then developed customized 6 second creatives for each recipes. The ENO advertisment is customised basis the recipe searched and plays before the recipe video commences, making the whole experience a very personalized one for the viewer.

Vijay Sharma, Area Marketing Lead, OTC & Expert Marketing ISC, GSK Consumer Healthcare said, With prolonged confinement at home, food continues to be an expression of relief and people are seeking and trying new recipes that they can themselves make at home. We want people to enjoy their culinary experiments without having to worry about any interruption that may happen on account of acidity, as their trusted ally Eno is always there to take care of it. We had received an overwhelming response to the previous phase of this campaign and thats why we are extending it  now making it far more personalised with this unique idea.

With this campaign, the brand will drive relevance via contextual conversations and present itself as a reliable ally against acidity. The campaign has already garnered a massive reach of over 14 million consumers on Youtube within a week of its launch.
Ransomware attacks detected and blocked by Kaspersky on computers of small-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Southeast Asia have dwindled from 1.4M hits in the first half of 2019 compared to just half a million in the first half of 2020, based on the latest figures from the cybersecurity company.

All six countries in the region --- Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam were monitored with fewer detections of ransomware attacks from January to June 2020 versus the same period last year. Singapore has logged the highest reduction of ransomware detections at 89.79% followed by Malaysia at 87.65% and Indonesia at 68.17%.

Kaspersky experts, however, observe the rise of targeted ransomware from notorious APT group highlighting the need for more sophisticated protection for enterprises in all shapes and sizes

Globally, Indonesia and Vietnam landed in fourth and eighth places, respectively, in Kasperskys overall ranking of countries with the most detected ransomware attacks in the second quarter of 2020. China, Brazil, and Russia were the top three in cybersecurity companys worldwide ranking for this period.

Ransomware is a malicious software that infects ones computer, locks the computer screen or encrypts important files with a key, and displays messages demanding a fee to be paid in exchange for the promise to have the computer to work again. This class of malware is a criminal money-making scheme that can be installed through deceptive links in an email message, instant messaging, or website, as well as a number of more sophisticated techniques.

Cybersecurity experts from Kaspersky have been forecasting as early as two years ago the decline of ransomware up to this year. Kaspersky projected that ransomware will tail off because of increased public attention. Continuous reporting as well as initiatives such as the No More Ransom project, which was co-founded by Kaspersky, provided resources to assist individuals and businesses to recover their data and devices from ransomware attacks. Resources included free decryption tools.

According to the cybersecurity company, the observed decrease in the region is mainly due to two reasons: one is the decline of one of the biggest ransomware groups that hit organizations worldwide in 2017 and two, because of upgrades in software systems that reduced the vulnerability of computer systems. The Microsoft Windows operating system has been the target of this malevolent malware.

The main factor that contributed to this decrease is the gradual decline of the WannaCry ransomware which was one of the top verdicts in our statistics. Most probably, with systems getting patched, this uncontrolled worm gets less targets over time, says Fedor Sinitsyn, Senior Malware Analyst at Kaspersky.

But while WannaCry is somehow waning in its assaults, the cybersecurity company say it is not a reason for SMBs to put their guards down.

Our industry has been unfaltering in our advanced research and resolute reporting of sophisticated attacks and we see its important contribution in the weakening of some ransomware campaigns. But we can never be complacent. Prolific attacks may always fly under our radar and we need to continue to watch out for them, says Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.

The spray and pray tactic of ransomware creators may be over but we are also observing the rise of the more dangerous targeted ransomware. It is good news that ransomware detections against SMBs in the region have become lesser in quantity, but the recent headline-grabbing incidents involving Maze ransomware and the recent WastedLocker attack which allegedly earned $10 million in one infection should be a clear reminder for all companies, however small, that we need to beef up our cybersecurity now more than ever against this costly threat, Yeo adds.

If your organization has become a victim of a ransomware attack, Kaspersky recommends to disconnect the infected computer from any network and the internet and then isolate it. And to never pay the ransom demanded by the cybercriminals.

Kaspersky recommends that as in a real-life hostage situation, its best not to negotiate with cyber attackers. Paying the ransom is not a guarantee that the compromised data will be returned and yielding encourages this sort of crime, the cybersecurity company said.

As humans are the first line of defense, the global cybersecurity company is also offering a three-month free Automated Security Awareness Training. This training program which can help develop awareness and better habits online is available until end of September 2020 and works with up to 500 users.

Kaspersky Southeast Asia is also giving a buy 1 year license get 1 year license for free promotion for its unparalleled endpoint solutions which include:



Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business

Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Cloud and Cloud Plus

Kaspersky Security for Microsoft Office 365

Kaspersky Hybrid Cloud Security.

Aside from endpoint protection, Kaspersky also recommends the following steps to avoid falling victim to ransomware:


Kangana Ranaut has issued a warning to the movie mafia and said that their attempts to harm her might bring them momentary happiness but will later blow up in their faces. She said that if they were smart enough, they would know that (her) end is (her) beginning.

In a tweet, Kangana wrote, Movie Mafia today you might break my face n my house using your powerful friends, it will give you momentary happiness but if you are clever you will know my end is my beginning, you will end me here I will rise somewhere else ... trust me it will hurt you even more.

Movie Mafia today you might break my face n my house using your powerful friends, it will give you momentary happiness but if you are clever you will know my end is my beginning, you will end me here I will rise somewhere else ... trust me it will hurt you even more   Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 7, 2020

On Monday, Kangana claimed that officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation showed up unannounced at her office in Mumbai and threatened to demolish the entire structure. They have forcefully taken over my office measuring everything, also harassing my neighbors when they retorted @mybmc officials used language like, Wo joh madam hain, uski kartoot ka parinam sabko bharna hoga (everyone must pay for the ladys behaviour). I am informed tomorrow they are demolishing my property, she tweeted, along with a video of some men in her office.

Also read | Why is Akshay Kumars wife not a big star?: Twinkle Khanna has hilarious meme as her answer

I have all the papers, BMC permissions nothing has been done illegal in my property, BMC should send a structure plan to show the illegal construction with a notice, today they raided my place and without any notice tomorrow they demolishing entire structure, she added.

Kangana has been in the eye of a storm after she criticised the Mumbai Police and compared Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Her comments drew sharp responses from Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh, among others.

Meanwhile, 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. She has been given Y-plus category security by the Union home ministry ahead of her visit.

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Bigg Boss Telugu 4 hosted by Nagarjuna Akkineni was launched last Sunday (September 6, 2020) with much fanfare. The 16 contestants of the show- Monal Gajjar, Surya Kiran, Lasya Reddy, Abhijeet Duddala, Mehboob Shaikh, Amma Rajasekhar, Karate Kalyani, Noel Sean, Sujatha, Devi Nagavalli, Harika, Divya Vadthya, Akhil Sarthak, Gangavva, Ariyana Glory and Syed Sohel Ryan have entered the house wherein they will go through various tasks and daily routines like cleaning and cooking in groups.

It is to be noted that the housemates are going through regular health and temperature checkups keeping in mind the COVID-19 regulations and social-distancing norms.

Going by the first day of the show, the fourth season is gaining pace gradually, thanks to the fan following of the contestants. Well, let us tell you that seven contestants have been chosen for the nominations this week through a task assigned by Bigg Boss. In the task, the 16 contestants were divided into 8 groups with two members each. Each group was made to stand near a window, wherein the other housemates chose one for the week's nomination.

Nominations This Week

Abhijeet Duddala

Surya Kiran

Akhil Sarthak

Divya Vadthya

Mehboob Shaikh

Sujatha

Gangavva

The Voting Procedure For Bigg Boss Telugu 4

 The users have to install the HotStar App on their respective mobile phones (Available in Android and iOS)

 Create an account using email id, phone number or social media account

 Click 'Bigg Boss Telugu 4' in the search bar

 Click on the Vote icon and cast your vote to save your favourite contestant

 Users have 10 votes each day, which they can either use for a single contestant or can split among the other contestants on the list

 It is also to be noted that the vote bank closes on Saturday at midnight

Nagarjuna's Remuneration Per Episode Of Bigg Boss Telugu 4 Will Stun You!

Bigg Boss Telugu Season 4: Contestants List & Biography
The Grace Community Church pastor John MacArthur told Falkir Center podcast that President Donald Trump called him to thank him for his stand against California authorities who banned the indoor worship services during COVID. Pastor John MacArthur is currently in an ongoing legal battle with LA.

"He called me after the Sunday morning service and he was very gracious and said, 'I just want to thank you for taking a stand. Church is essential, and I'm glad you're doing what you're doing,'" said MacArthur sharing his conversation with the President on the podcast.

During the podcast, the pastor shared the conversation he had with the President. They talked about why certainly from a biblical standpoint, Christians should not vote Democratic. "There's no way that a Christian can affirm the slaughter of babies, homosexual activity, homosexual marriage, or any kind of gross immorality. No way we could stand behind a candidate who was affirming transgender behavior, which of course is really the 'reprobate mind' of Romans 1."

MacArthur is not the only high profile Christian who supports Trump. Franklin Graham also supports Trump and stated "I'm just asking that God would spare this country for another four years to give us a little bit more time to do the work before the storm hits, and I believe the storm is coming and you're going to see Christians attacked, you're going to see churches closed, you're going to see a real hatred expressed toward people of faith. That's coming."
Boeing said Tuesday that it expected deliveries of its popular 787 Dreamliner to be delayed as it and the Federal Aviation Administration look into quality control concerns with the plane, a wide-body jet capable of carrying hundreds of passengers long distances.

Last month, the company said it had grounded eight planes already in service for inspection and repair after finding that it had fallen short of its manufacturing standards. On Tuesday, Boeing said it had identified another failure to abide by its own guidelines during production of a horizontal stabilizer, though it said there was no immediate safety risk.

We are taking time to thoroughly inspect completed 787s to ensure that they are free of the issues and meet all engineering specifications prior to delivery, the company said in a statement. We expect these inspections to affect the timing of 787 deliveries in the near-term.

Boeing said the new problem stemmed from excess force in assembling components of the stabilizer at its Salt Lake City facility and could affect the parts life span. A total of 893 airplanes are believed to be affected, the company said, and it is examining whether repairs are needed on any jets now in service.
More than a hundred organisations from around the world warn against new barriers to access to abortion care in Slovakia.

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International human rights organisations are calling on Slovak MPs to not limit reproductive rights in Slovakia as the parliament prepares to vote on abortion-related legislation that may be passed after repeated unsuccessful attempts in the past.

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The amendments, proposed by a group of MPs around Anna Zaborska, of the conservative wing of the ruling OLaNO, have been passed into the second reading in the parliament prior to the summer break. On September 8, a different group of ruling coalition MPs surrounding Jana Ciganikova of Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) are expected to present their amending proposal to the proposed amendments of Zaborska.
Conducting a special drive, the south-east division police arrested 20 drug peddlers, including five students  two BE students  and a policemans son. Around 10 drug peddling cases have been registered and 187 kg ganja worth Rs 1.2 crore has been seized.

The Parappana Agrahara police arrested two people and seized 165 kg of ganja worth Rs 66 lakh.

Vishwas C V alias Vishwa of Bettadasanapura works at a kebab shop and is also the son of a Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) head constable. He was caught while transporting ganja in a car.

Vishwa and tractor mechanic G Ambarish (36), of Doddamale village near Malur, had a common friend from whom they bought ganja. He is still at large and efforts are on to nab him. Vishwa is also involved in crimes like theft, robbery, and preparation for dacoity.

The Tilaknagar police arrested four students  Adithya Vora alias Gujju (23) of JP Nagar and Prashant S (21) of Jayanagar, both BE students; Puneeth Kothari (22) of Jayanagar, a BCom student; and Nachiket S (19) of Banashankari 3rd Stage, a BCA student. They seized 1.5 kg ganja, 25 grams of hydro-ganja, 5 MDMA tablets, LSD and 8 hydro-ganja plants, worth Rs 4 lakh in all.

The Suddaguntepalya police arrested two persons, including BBA student Yakoob P N (24) and Harikrishnan P K (23), both from Kerala. MDMA and cocaine worth Rs 15 lakh seized from them.

They also arrested an interstate gang of drug peddlers and seized ganja oil and ganja worth Rs 30 lakh.

The arrested are Surakatti Prabhakar (36) and Korra Kamaraju (35), both from Visakhapatnam, and Deepu Raju (36) of Bengaluru.

The Electronics City police arrested a rag picker Rauf Ali Mandal (35), a native of Kolkata, and seized two kg ganja.

In another case, Janeen Elyango Kolyango (30), from Congo and residing in Horamavu, was arrested and MDMA worth Rs 15,000 was seized from him. Similarly, the Bandepalya and Koramangala police arrested eight drug peddlers.
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 7, 2020 / Tara Electra, boss lady of Unruly Agency, has built her empire off her network of celebrities and influencers. The phrase "Your network is your net worth" holds true when you see what Tara has built. Led by her strong business intuition and a motivated heart, Tara is the woman behind every executive decision.

Tara's work ethic is unmatched, which has helped her create a massive network in Los Angeles. She was recently given a shoutout on Instagram by Tana Mongeau for "making her millions of dollars." Tara hasn't spoken out on the subject, but it would not surprise us to know that this was due to the multi-million-dollar business deals she has created for her talent. She has been able to turn those relationships into multi-million-dollar businesses.

Tara Electra, known as @taruhhh on Instagram, has been seen alongside many celebrities. She's seen in the mix of their wildest nights and outings at festivals and parties, as well as their biggest meetings for deals in assisting building their careers. Tara seems to be behind the scenes of some of the most viral brand campaigns across social media and is known very well among the influencer community as well as followed on social media by the biggest stars on the internet.

We see the talents across the internet building their multi-million-dollar deals but dont always know who is behind the scenes, making those opportunities a reality for these internet stars. From what we have seen on social media, the talent keeps Tara very close as she seems to be the go-to person for their next big move.

We are eager to see what Tara Electra will capitalize on next in her career. Follow her on Instagram to see more.

Company: Tara Electra

Email Address: Tara@electricmind.co

Website: @taruhhh

SOURCE: Tara Electra

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/605068/Tana-Mongeau-Gives-a-Shoutout-to-Tara-Electra-for-Making-Her-Millions-of-Dollars
The local government watchdog withdrew an investigation into a councillor's alleged misconduct because her council had gone into administration, only for her to take up a seat at the newly merged organisation the following year.

Georges River Liberal councillor Rita Kastanias has lost a long battle with the council to prevent it from releasing a confidential, independent report from 2016, commissioned by her former Hurstville Council over claims regarding her Lugarno cafe business.

Georges River councillor Rita Kastanias.

The report, which Cr Kastanias claims is flawed, found she engaged in misconduct and breached conflict of interest provisions relating to a nearby business, @ The Corner cafe in Peakhurst.

According to the report, a "campaign of complaints and agitation" was carried out against @ The Corner cafe by a friend of Cr Kastanias, Steven Rafeletos  a refrigeration repairman who also had a commercial relationship with the councillor.
Travelers from Delaware, Ohio, Maryland and West Virginia will have to self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving in New York because of an upward swing in the number of coronavirus cases in those states, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday.

At the same time, New York removed Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands from its mandatory quarantine list.

The state has been updating the list since first requiring the quarantines in June for travelers arriving from areas where the coronavirus is still spreading rapidly.

All told, 35 U.S. states and territories are now on New Yorks quarantine list. States are added when they have an overall positive test rate of 10% or higher, or more than 10 people per 100,000 residents who test positive for the virus, based on a seven-day rolling average.

Essential workers are exempt from the quarantine requirement, as are travelers who were in a state or territory on the quarantine list for less than 24 hours.

An additional 57,826 New Yorkers were tested for the virus Monday, and the state confirmed 557 new cases for a positivity rate of 0.96%. Its the 32nd consecutive day that New Yorks rate has stayed below 1%.

New York now has 440,578 confirmed cases of the virus since the beginning of the pandemic. A total of 445 New Yorkers were hospitalized with the virus Monday, an increase of 32 patients from the previous day.

An additional five people in New York died due to the virus Monday. The statewide death toll is now 25,366.

MORE ON CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources

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Coronavirus at NY colleges: Cases rising among UB, SUNY Oneonta and Cornell students

Coronavirus in NY: Beard trims, facials, lip waxing are back, with two catches

Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com
Relocation helps villagers in NE China on road to prosperity

Residents of Nanshan village in Kazuo Mongolian autonomous county in northeast China's Liaoning province have been able to live better lives thanks to a relocation project.

An old house in Nanshan village. (File photo)

Due to its location in the mountains, Nanshan village in Gongyingzi township lacked water and farmland. Residents lived in shabby houses and had difficulty obtaining drinking water, medical care and education.

109 out of the total 284 households in the village were stricken by poverty and the poor population in the village had reached 253.

Jiang Xiurong, a villager, receives interview from People's Daily Online in her new house. (People's Daily Online/Tong Zongli)

This all began to change in July 2016, when Gongyingzi township launched a relocation project in the village. With a total investment of 6 million yuan, the town constructed 2,100 square meters of housing and relocated 28 households in the village, including 12 registered poverty-stricken households.

About one year later, it also built 1.9 km of roads, laid 3.2 km of water supply pipelines and 4,260 square meters of greenbelt in Nanshan village in a bid to improve the local facilities.

Residents now have better access to safe water, a heating system in winter, education as well as medical care.

Aerial view of the old Nanshan village. (People's Daily Online/Wei Qingcheng)

Aerial view of the new Nanshan village. (People's Daily Online/Wei Qingcheng)

By making the most of its local advantages, Nanshan village has developed photovoltaic power generation, characteristic planting and breeding industries to help the residents become more prosperous.

It has developed a standardized snow peach orchard with an area of about 200,000 square meters, planted tobaccos and gourds, and also bred cattle and sheep, leading local villagers onto the road to wealth.
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Figure 1

Fenelon Gold, Plan View

Fenelon Gold, Plan View

TORONTO, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wallbridge Mining Company Limited (TSX:WM) (Wallbridge or the Company) is pleased to report that initial drilling on the new ground acquired through its recent acquisition of Balmoral Resources Ltd. (Balmoral) has greatly expanded the ultimate size potential of the Fenelon Gold System.

Recent drilling has extended gold mineralization 500 metres to the west and 850 metres to the south of Area 51. This greatly expands the ultimate potential size of the Area 51 vein network gold mineralization on Wallbridges 100%-owned Fenelon Gold Property (Fenelon or the Property). The Area 51 vein network, along with the Tabasco, Cayenne and Gabbro Zones, form parts of a large gold system (Fenelon Gold System) located within and adjacent to the Jeremie Diorite, which has now been traced for over 1.8 kilometres (see Fig. 1 ).

The new, greatly expanded, footprint of the Fenelon Gold System, together with our ongoing infill and step-out drilling program on the original Area 51, Tabasco and Cayenne areas, dictate that we need to consider a significant increase and acceleration of our drilling program to define the full potential of what is rapidly becoming a very large system with multi-million ounce resource potential, stated Marz Kord, President and CEO of Wallbridge. In the coming weeks we will continue to outline the potential of this gold system by also exploring the virtually untested extensions of the Tabasco-Cayenne Zones toward the southeast.

Highlights:

Initial drilling yields high-grade intersections expanding Area 51 vein network 500 metres to the west:



FA-20-160 106.0 g/t Au over 0.60 metres

FA-20-165 6.76 g/t Au over 5.65 metres, including 18.89 g/t Au over 1.95 metres



Note: Further assay results are pending from both drill holes.

Initial drilling to the south of Area 51, on the newly acquired ground, between Area 51 and Balmorals Ripley and Reaper discoveries, has intersected strong Area 51-style gold mineralization in Jeremie Diorite, including visible gold in four of six holes drilled to date (assay results are pending for these six drill holes)





These new gold-bearing veins are up to 850 metres south of the last previously known intersections of Area 51-style veins on the original Fenelon Gold Property, which returned 121.0 g/t Au over 0.51 metres, 3.79 g/t Au over 10.25 metres (including 43.19 g/t Au over 0.75 metres) (see Wallbridge Press Release dated December 3, 2019 )





Drill holes testing the Ripley-Reaper area returned wide, low-grade intersections of Area 51-style gold mineralization:



FA-20-162 1.12 g/t Au over 43.40 metres, including 3.28 g/t Au over 11.00 metres

FA-20-157 0.91 g/t Au over 22.35 metres, including 1.23 g/t Au over 12.00 metres

Story continues

The high-grade assay results from holes FA-20-160 and FA-20-165, a 500-metre step-out to the previously known gold mineralization, are very important in that they demonstrate the continuation of the Area 51 vein network to the west, said Attila Pentek, Vice President Exploration of Wallbridge. Similarly, our recent exploration drilling has also proven the continuation of strong Area 51-style mineralization toward the south, up to 850 metres past the last veins intersected by our previous drilling and extending all the way to the Sunday Lake Deformation Zone, where Balmorals Ripley-Reaper discoveries are located.

2020 Drilling Program Update

To August 31, 2020 approximately 63,000 metres of the planned fully-funded 100,000-metre 2020 drilling program have been completed. Currently, five of six drill rigs are focusing on expanding the Tabasco-Cayenne-Area 51 mineralization on the original Fenelon Gold Property, carrying out a combination of 50-100-metre step-outs and tighter-spaced in-fill drilling. The sixth drill rig is active on the newly-acquired portion of Fenelon to test the connection of the Tabasco-Cayenne-Area 51 gold system to the Ripley-Reaper Area and the Sunday Lake Deformation Zone. Consideration is being given to increasing the scope and size of the planned 2020 and 2021 drilling programs to be able to fully assess the ultimate size potential of what is a rapidly growing gold system.

Final assay results of six surface drill holes (FA-20-149, -150, -151, 156, -157, and -162) and partial assay results of two drill holes (FA-20-160 and -165) of the 2020 exploration drill program on the newly acquired portion of the Fenelon Gold Property are reported in the Tables and Figure below. All figures and a table with drill hole information of recently completed holes are posted on the Companys website under Current Program at https://www.wallbridgemining.com/s/fenelon.asp .

Figure 1. Fenelon Gold, Plan View

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ec9ea66-3826-42d7-b800-b413c7696f7c

Table 1. Wallbridge Fenelon Gold Property (Newly acquired portion) 2020 Drill Assay Highlights (1) Drill Hole From

(m) To

(m) Length

(m) Au

(g/t) Au Cut(2)

(g/t) VG(3) Zone/Corridor Section

FA-20-149 158.40 165.15 6.75 0.94 0.94 Reaper Zone 10350 FA-20-150 No Significant Mineralization* FA-20-151 628.70 629.35 0.65 15.10 15.10 Area 51 South Extension 9975 FA-20-156 703.00 703.75 0.75 10.01 10.01 VG Ripley Zone 9975 FA-20-157 399.50 421.85 22.35 0.91 0.91 Ripley Zone 10350 Including 399.50 411.50 12.00 1.23 1.23 Ripley Zone 10350 FA-20-160(4) 512.75 513.35 0.60 106.00 106.00 VG Area 51 West Extension 9375 FA-20-162 233.50 236.50 3.00 2.25 2.25 Ripley Zone 10125 FA-20-162 350.00 423.90 73.90 0.89 0.89 Ripley Zone 10125 Including 350.00 359.50 9.50 1.15 1.15 Ripley Zone 10125 And 380.50 423.90 43.40 1.12 1.12 Ripley Zone 10125 Which Further Includes 407.00 418.00 11.00 3.28 3.28 Ripley Zone 10125 FA-20-162 535.00 536.40 1.40 2.69 2.69 Ripley Zone 10125 FA-20-165 275.40 281.05 5.65 6.76 6.76 Area 51 West Extension 9375 Including 276.90 278.85 1.95 18.89 18.89 Area 51 West Extension 9375 *metal factor of at least 5 g/t*m and minimum weighted average composite grade of 1 g/t Au

(1) Table includes only highlight assay results of the exploration drill program on the newly acquired portion of the Fenelon Gold Property

(2) Au assays cut at 140 g/t.

(3) Intervals containing visible gold ("VG").

(4) Assays are pending above and below this sample.

Note: True widths are estimated to be 50-80% of the reported core length intervals.

Assay QA/QC and Qualified Persons

Drill core samples from the ongoing drill program at Fenelon are cut and bagged either on site or by contractors and transported to either SGS Canada Inc. or ALS Canada Ltd. for analysis. Samples, along with standards, blanks and duplicates included for quality assurance and quality control, were prepared and analyzed at SGS Canada Inc. or ALS Canada Ltd. laboratories. Samples are crushed to 90% or 95% less than 2mm. A 1kg riffle split is pulverized to >95% passing 106 microns or 85% passing 75 microns. 50g samples are analyzed by fire assay and AAS. At SGS, samples >10g/t Au are automatically analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish or screen metallic analysis. To test for coarse free gold and for additional quality assurance and quality control, Wallbridge requests screen metallic analysis for samples containing visible gold. These and future assay results may vary from time to time due to re-analysis for quality assurance and quality control.

The Qualified Person responsible for the technical content of this press release is Luiz Felipe Salim Amaral, P.Geo., M.Sc., Project Geologist of Wallbridge.

About Wallbridge Mining

Wallbridge is establishing a pipeline of projects that will support sustainable 100,000 ounce-plus annual gold production as well as organic growth through exploration and scalability.

The Company is currently advancing the exploration and development of its 100%-owned Fenelon Gold Property, which is located along the Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend, an emerging gold belt in northwestern Quebec with an ongoing, fully funded 100,000-metre exploration drill program in 2020.

As announced on May 22, 2020, Wallbridge has completed the Plan of Arrangement whereby the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Balmoral, in an all-stock transaction. The Balmoral transaction secures for Wallbridge a buffer of several kilometres surrounding its rapidly expanding Fenelon discovery providing room for growth, as well as future mine development flexibility. The transaction, along with a recent option agreement signed with Midland Exploration, also significantly expands Wallbridge's land holdings in Quebec along the Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend (from 10.5 km2 to over 900.0 km2), improving the Company's potential for further discoveries in this under-explored belt.

Wallbridge is also pursuing additional advanced-stage projects which would add to the Company's near-term project pipeline. Wallbridge is also the operator of, and a 17.8% shareholder in, Lonmin Canada Inc., a privately-held company with a large portfolio of nickel, copper, and platinum-group metals (PGM) projects in Ontario's Sudbury Basin.

For further information please visit the Company's website at www.wallbridgemining.com or contact:

Wallbridge Mining Company Limited

Marz Kord, P. Eng., M. Sc., MBA

President & CEO

Tel: (705) 682-9297 ext. 251

Email: mkord@wallbridgemining.com

Victoria Vargas, B.Sc. (Hon.) Economics, MBA

Investor Relations Advisor

Email: vvargas@wallbridgemining.com

This press release may contain forward-looking statements (including "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) relating to, among other things, the operations of Wallbridge and the environment in which it operates. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Wallbridge has relied on a number of assumptions and estimates in making such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the costs associated with the development and operation of its properties. Such assumptions and estimates are made in light of the trends and conditions that are considered to be relevant and reasonable based on information available and the circumstances existing at this time. A number of risk factors may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or outcomes of such exploration and/or mine development to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including, without limitation, whether such discoveries will result in commercially viable quantities of such mineralized materials, the possibility of changes to project parameters as plans continue to be refined, the ability to execute planned exploration and future drilling programs, the need for additional funding to continue exploration and development efforts, changes in general economic, market and business conditions, and those other risks set forth in Wallbridge's most recent annual information form under the heading "Risk Factors" and in its other public filings. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and such information is inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and may be beyond the control of Wallbridge. Although Wallbridge has attempted to identify important risks and factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors and risks that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Consequently, undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements. In addition, all forward-looking statements in this press release are given as of the date hereof.

Wallbridge disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, save and except as may be required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this disclaimer.




Angela Bell was sworn in as the director of the Montgomery County Youth Aid Panel program in August. The program turns 20 this year, and has seen more than 10,000 juvenile offenders avoid jail by completing community service and behavioral health and anger management programs. Read more

When a teen crosses paths with a cop in Abington, chances are he or she will soon be hearing from Jan Harris.

Shoplifting, vandalism, minor drug possession  as the director of youth programs for the Montgomery County townships police department, shes handled those cases and more. In her experience, they stem from stupid decisions by kids who got caught. The same decisions that teenagers have been making for generations.

But Abington, like 32 other police departments in the county, gives nonviolent juvenile offenders an option. If they consent to completing the Youth Aid Panel program, they can avoid prosecution by performing community service, writing letters, and taking anger management classes that allow them to look inward and understand why what they did was wrong.

Unlike other diversion programs, the panels are staffed by volunteers from the community. Teachers, accountants, and office workers who spend their off hours developing programs tailored for these teens.

The program turns 20 this year, marking the occasion with a new countywide coordinator and a collaboration with Philadelphia. And those who have been involved for years say its a quiet success, and an option most are unaware of until its handed to them.

 READ MORE: Juvenile justice during COVID-19 is closer to no justice at all | Editorial

Court is a negative, and I just feel that its better to invest in the youth in a positive way, said Harris, whose panels are some of the busiest in the county. If it takes a village, were going to raise kids in the community and teach them.

More than 10,000 teenagers have circulated through Montgomery Countys Youth Aid Panel program since its inception in 2000, according to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. Last year, 489 participated, with 94% completing it and avoiding a criminal record.

For many participants, the program becomes a crash course in empathy. They have frank conversations about why what they did was wrong, sometimes reinforced by volunteer work or restitution payments to reverse the damage theyve caused, Steele said.

Theres a lot of science and work thats been done out there on the lack of brain development, the district attorney said. So you look at that and see an avenue here, a diversionary way to try to not put them into the system, try not to create a record.

And one of the reasons why this is so effective is that you have these community members, these panelists, who are familiar with their communities, he added. By going in front of your friends mother for something like this, it may be much more effective than going before a judge out at the youth court, because you have attachments to the community.

The program goes beyond the youth it helps. In Montgomery County, case management services are available for the teens families, connecting them with benefits they otherwise wouldnt have access to. Proponents say it is a holistic approach: Food insecurity, mental health issues, and other problems are often underlying factors that led the teens to their arrests in the first place.

Angela Bell, an assistant district attorney in Steeles office, has been studying diversionary programs like these for years. In August, she was sworn in as the new coordinator for the Youth Aid Panel, and has spent the last few weeks identifying ways to make it even better.

We have to look at it like an investment in our community and our future, Bell said. When we keep kids out of the criminal justice system, we keep them in school.

Currently, kids between 10 and 17 are eligible for inclusion in the Youth Aid Panels. As a rule, teens accused of major violent crimes are excluded from the program, but recently, more latitude has been given to those with prior misdemeanors on their records, or who have gone through the program once before.

 READ MORE: I am proof that children shouldnt be prosecuted in adult court | Opinion

The way I would describe it is as more of the global outcome that we can all get, by taking a little bit of time while theyre young to point them back in the right direction if they make a mistake and make sure they stay on a productive path, Bell said.

In the last year, Steeles office started collaborating with its counterparts in Philadelphia, after noticing an increasing number of teens from the city arrested for shoplifting and petty crimes around the King of Prussia Mall.

Thanks to a grant from the state Commission on Crime and Delinquency, Montgomery Countys Youth Aid Panel has been able to accept these Philly teens, who are then referred to services near their own neighborhoods.

Jordan King, the director of juvenile diversion programming for the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office, said the cross-county partnership was a natural fit: The city has been operating its own Youth Aid Panels since the 80s. Philadelphias are also spread out geographically, with one in each of the citys police districts.

Instead of stigmatizing the kid for doing what theyve done in the past, our program works to stigmatize the act, to make sure they dont repeat their actions, King said. And we move them toward support to keep them in that frame of mind as they develop.

Success stories do trickle back to the group, according to Faith Harris, the program manager for juvenile diversion in the district attorneys office. Theyve heard from college graduates who write thankful letters, or Army recruits who credit the program with stopping them from moving on to more serious crime.

There are hundreds of individuals who are right now living and breathing working among us, and you would never know they made a mistake in life and never know that they went through the Youth Aid Panel, Harris said. Thats the point of this program.

In Montgomery Township, a small municipality near Lansdale, Mary Bauer has seen the truth of this firsthand since she joined the local Youth Aid Panel in 1994.

The types of crimes have changed during her tenure  theres a new, troubling trend of sexual-based offenses, mostly unsolicited sharing of nude pictures, among the young people she deals with, something that worries her as a mother of two daughters.

But the job has remained the same. And as she continues her work with teens, she says shes reminded of its importance.

Theyll come in with the attitude of its not a big deal, and well turn it around, Bauer said. A lot of it is about respecting themselves, and respecting other people, putting it in terms of What if someone did this to your sister? It resonates with them, and they learn from it.

Imagine how full our jails would be, she added, if everyone was in there for one dumb mistake.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8) -- The absolute pardon granted by President Rodrigo Duterte to US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton is one of the signs of the improving Philippines-United States relations, an international studies professor observes.

"It's clearing the air, trying to create a better situation for the two countries to interact and to stabilize the relationship that has been rocked by early pronouncements of President Rodrigo Duterte," said Renato de Castro, international studies professor at De La Salle University.

When Duterte assumed presidency in 2016, he pursued an "independent" foreign policy which is seen as a way for the Philippines to lessen its relations with US and to forge stronger ties with China and Russia.

Duterte also announced on February the Philippine government will terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), a protocol for American personnel in the country which contains controversial provisions like relaxed visa and passport policies for American troops and the authority granted to the US government to retain jurisdiction over military personnel if ever they commit crimes locally.

The VFA termination has been suspended in July "in light of the political and other developments in the region."

De Castro mentioned other signs of improving Manila-Washington ties under the Duterte administration, such as when Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin Jr. invoked the use of Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) if Philippine navy ships will be harassed by Chinese counterparts in the hotly-contested South China Sea.

MDT is an agreement signed by the Philippines and US in 1951 to strengthen the assistance between the two countries when either of them will be attacked by a foreign force.

"This is the first time that a ranking Duterte administration official invoked the MDT. President Duterte, at the start of his term, always showed that he was very skeptical that the United States will come to our assistance," De Castro told CNN Philippines' Rico Hizon.

The international studies professor also cited as a sign of improving US-Philippines ties the statement of new Armed Forces Chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay during his confirmation hearing, where he assured the continued interaction of the Philippine military to their American counterparts.

De Castro added these signs will most likely alarm Beijing on the ties between Manila and Washington.
We will continue to deal with Chinese PLA in firm, resolute manner: Army chief

China responds to Indian Army's hotline message, confirms 5 missing Arunachal youth on their side

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Sep 08: Amid growing tension between India and China over the border issue, Beijing on Tuesday confirmed that the missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh have been found by their side.

Taking to twitter Union Minister Kiren Rijiju posted, "China's PLA has responded to the hotline message sent by Indian Army. They have confirmed that the missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh have been found by their side."

"Further modalities to handover the persons to our authority is being worked out," he added.

China's PLA has responded to the hotline message sent by Indian Army. They have confirmed that the missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh have been found by their side. Further modalities to handover the persons to our authority is being worked out.  Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 8, 2020

The five villagers from the Nacho area of Upper Subansiri district who were part of a 7-member group which went for hunting in a jungle were reported missing by their families through social media last Friday.

China had earlier brushed off concerns over the whereabouts of the five youths and needled India, saying it has never recognised the northeastern state which it claims is part of south Tibet.

'China's position on the east sector of the China-India boundary, or Zangnan (the southern part of China's Xizang (Tibet) ), is consistent and clear,' Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing, adding the Chinese government has never recognized the so-called 'Arunachal Pradesh'.

'I'm not aware of the situation you mentioned,' the spokesperson said when asked about any updates about the missing Indian nationals. The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) condemned the Chinese statement dubbing the state as part of 'South Tibet'.

The development comes at a time when the Indian army has enhanced its deployment along the 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control(LAC) in view of the tense border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh.

In March, a 21-year-old man was abducted by the PLA from Asapila sector near the McMahon line. While his two friends managed to escape, Togley Sinkam was taken away at gunpoint, his family had said. After 19 days in captivity, the youth was released by the Chinese army.
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows speaks to members of the press outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington on Aug. 28, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Trump to Release Supreme Court Pick List In Coming Days: Meadows

President Donald Trumps anticipated list of picks for the Supreme Court will be released shortly, according to White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.

Weve been working very closely, the president has, with the White House general counsel, getting input from a number of others, and so Im excited about the list, Meadows told reporters at the White House on Tuesday. The president will be signing off on that in the coming days.

Expectations have been building for the release of the list, which Trump earlier said would come at the beginning of September.

I will be releasing a new list of Conservative Supreme Court Justice nominees, which may include some, or many of those already on the list, by September 1, 2020. If given the opportunity, I will only choose from this list, as in the past, a Conservative Supreme Court Justice, Trump wrote in a tweet in June.

Meadows said the president was working on the list but that other priorities had taken precedence.

Weve been working on the SCOTUS picks. I dont know that theres been a delay as much as there has been a whole lot of other priorities that weve been working on and so Im optimistic that youll see those SCOTUS picks in coming days, Meadows said.

Trump first released a list of possible Supreme Court nominees in 2016 with input from conservatives affiliated with The Federalist Society, with experts widely crediting the move as winning over many evangelical voters. Current Supreme Court justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh were on that list. The president has made the confirmation of 200 federal judges, including two Supreme Court justices, a big part of his reelection platform, in line with the Republican goal of filling every appeals court opening by the end of the year.

In June, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) urged Trump to revamp his process of compiling his list of potential Supreme Court nominees after warning that some conservative voters have expressed deep disappointment with a recent run of the highest courts left-leaning rulings. In an interview with Politico, Hawley singled out a June 15 high court decision expanding the 1964 Civil Rights Acts ban on sex discrimination in hiring beyond biologically-determined sex, to also cover sexual orientation and gender identity.

Hawley called for religious conservatives to be more involved in discussions around judicial picks. Who actually goes out and votes for judges? Hawley told the publication. Its conservative Catholics, conservative Jews, evangelicals, Mormons. That coalition of folks is vitally important to the Republican Party. I think they feel just shocked at whats going on with the Supreme Court, so I think its vital that they be heard from and involved in this process.

Trump has touted his judicial appointments as an important accomplishment of his administration, warning that, if Democratic nominee Joe Biden wins the race for the White House, this would mean more liberals on the Supreme Court.
Ibuprofen can be taken by coronavirus sufferers because it will not increase their risk of death, a study has found.

The painkiller was left on supermarket shelves after the NHS stripped it from its advice on how to treat the infection and France's health ministry warned it could 'have negative effects'.

There were fears that the anti-inflammatory effects of the pills could dampen the immune system's battle against Covid-19.

Inflammation is a natural process used by the body to fight disease and injury but ibuprofen is taken when the swelling gets too excessive or painful.

Earlier in the year NHS officials warned that people with coronavirus symptoms should avoid taking the drug in case it did turn out to have a negative effect.

But scientists in Denmark now say the drug - which can cost as little as 2 per 16-tablet packet - does not increase Covid-19 sufferers' risk of death, hospitalisation, admission to an intensive care, or chance of needing a ventilator.

'Considering the evidence, there is no reason to withdraw well-indicated use of NSAIDs during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic,' they said in the study, published in the esteemed journal PLOS Medicine.

Ibuprofen was left on supermarket shelves amid warnings over how it could worsen coronavirus infections. But a Danish study said they found no evidence that it had this impact

Scientists at the University of Southern Denmark monitored how the infection progressed in 9,236 people - including 248 who took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen - to reveal whether the drug negatively impacted the severity of the disease.

They found that there was no significant difference between risks for those who did or did not take the drug.

For those who took an NSAID their risk of dying 30 days later was 6.3 per cent, hospitalisation was 24.5 per cent, ICU admission was 4.9 per cent, and chance of being put on a mechanical ventilator was 4.5 per cent.

WHY DID EXPERTS SAY IBUPROFEN COULD WORSEN CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS? Ibuprofen is an (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation, and is used to decrease pain or fever. Scientists say theres no evidence that ibuprofen makes COVID-19 worse, but there were fears this was the case at the early stage of the pandemic. This is why: Professor Paul Little, primary care research, University of Southampton, said: 'There is now a sizeable literature from case control studies in several countries that prolonged illness or the complications of respiratory infections may be more common when NSAIDs are used.' Experts say paracetamol should be a first choice because: 1. Ibuprofen may dampen the body's immune response to infection because it is has anti-inflammatory effects. This may slow the recovery process, Professor Ian Jones, a virologist at the University of Reading, said. 2. Ibuprofen may aggravate aggressive pneumonia caused by the virus. He added that it is likely the coronavirus acts in a similar way to SARS, in that it reduces an enzyme which regulates salt and water in the blood. This can lead it pneumonia. Ibuprofen may aggravate this, Professor Jones said. 2. NSAIDs can cause stomach irritation and stress on the kidneys if taken over a long period of time. This could be exacerbated in those who already have kidney or stomach problems brought on by severe illness, such as COVID-19, experts said. Advertisement

This differed little from the results for patients who did not take the drug. The study said their risk of death was 6.1 per cent, hospitalisation 21.2 per cent, ICU admission 4.7 per cent and chance of being put on a mechanical ventilation 3.9 per cent.

Professor Gino Martini, chief scientist at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in the UK, was not involved in the study but said: 'At the start of the pandemic there was research that indicated that there could be issues in administering ibuprofen to Covid-19 patients.

'It was right that because of the uncertainty involved, a cautious approach to using ibuprofen was taken as evidence was collated and reviewed.

'This current study indicates that ibuprofen is safe to use if you have Covid-19 and if you've got any doubts, speak to your pharmacist who can advise you further.'

Dr Rupert Payne, a consultant senior lecturer in primary care at the University of Bristol, said the health data in Denmark is 'extremely good', making the area 'ideal' for this sort of research.

'A further strength is that, unlike many other countries, NSAIDs are generally only prescribed via prescription, so most patients using these medications would have been picked up by the analysis. This provides reassurance.

'However, there is a possibility that doctors prescribing NSAIDs were more cautious about their use in sicker, older patients - particularly early on in the pandemic, when there was more uncertainty about their safety.

'This could mean that the reason NSAIDs appear safe is simply because they were only being used in people at less risk of complications.

'The only way we would be able to know for certain (if ibuprofen is safe) would be to conduct a proper randomised clinical trial, and this would be challenging to do.'

The participants were all Danish citizens who had lived in the country for more than a year. Their median age was 50 years and 58 per cent of them were female.

As many as 535 individuals included in the study died of coronavirus, while 1,512 were hospitalised, 290 were taken to an ICU, 235 needed mechnical ventilation, and 61 required renal therapy.

The results clash with previous studies and official advice on the drug - commonly used to treat pain caused by headaches, periods, muscle injury, cold and flu, and arthritis - that warned coronavirus sufferers to steer clear of Ibuprofen.

The Danish study says that fears over treating coronavirus patients with ibuprofen originated from a study on diabetic rats.

It was then followed by several others claiming there were risks taking the medicine including a South Korean study published in June that involved 1,824 hospital patients.

It said the drug raised the risk of death by 85 per cent, and the risk of serious kidney or heart complications by 85 per cent.

The Royal Pharmaceutical College said those that still had doubts about using the drug should speak to their GP. Its London-based office is pictured above on Google Street View

On the NHS website's page about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) the health service says there is 'no clear evidence' that taking the medicines can make coronavirus worse

Fears were only heightened when the UK's chief medical officer, Sir Patrick Vallance, said it would be 'sensible' to avoid the drug in light of concerns about its safety.

French health minister Olivier Veran brought the issue to the fore when he claimed the anti-inflammatory could 'aggravate the infection'.

But scientists at King's College London disputed the claims after reviewing 13 other studies into the effects of NSAIDs on coronavirus patients.

Their study, led by Dr Beth Russell, said: 'Since the outbreak of the novel Covid-19 infection, various contradictory information has been circulated regarding the potentially negative effect of treating patients with NSAIDs.

'Our search did not identify any strong evidence for or against the use of ibuprofen for treatment of Covid-19 specifically.

'The current literature does not give conclusive evidence for or against the use of NSAIDs in the treatment of Covid-19 patients.'

The Danish study says that fears over treating coronavirus patients with ibuprofen originated from a study on diabetic rats.
On September 4, the number of new cases of COVID-19 surpassed 300,000 globally for the first time. After a brief peak in mid-August, the seven-day running average is climbing again, with over 267,500 infections each day. There have been over 27 million cases since the start of the pandemic in December 2019, a period of nine months.

The first 10 million cases were reached on June 27 and the first 20 million on August 9. Cases are expected to exceed 30 million in the second half of this month, after which the number of new cases is set to increase its pace, according to the global projections made by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), based in Seattle, Washington.

According to Worldometer Dashboard, on September 6, 2020:

* Globally: total cases 27,234,299; total deaths 886,192

* Europe: total cases 3,797,637; total deaths 209,970

* North America (including Mexico and Central America): total cases 7,658,021; total deaths 280,295

* South America: total cases 6,688,579; total deaths 211,692

* Asia: total cases 7,755,652; total deaths 152,104, with India at the epicenter

* Africa: total cases 1,304,400; total deaths 31,332

* Oceania: total cases 29,289; total deaths 784

Based on IHMEs current global projections, by December 1, 2020, the cumulative number of deaths will exceed 1.92 million, an additional million victims over the next three months. By various regions, the figures are as follows:

* East Asia and Pacific: 131,736 deaths, with a peak of 4,820 deaths per day

* South Asia: 404,016 deaths, with daily deaths at 9,716

* Europe and Central Asia: 406,204 deaths, with 5,441 deaths per day peaking in the last week of December at 9,670 daily deaths

* Latin Americas and Caribbean islands: 478,124 deaths, with a peak of 1,600 daily deaths

* North America (the US and Canada): 339,647 deaths, with a peak of 3,137 daily deaths

* North Africa and the Middle East: 113,839 deaths, with an initial peak of 1,671 followed by a second surge mid-December

* Sub-Saharan Africa: 50,033 deaths, with a peak of 809 deaths per day

Daily deaths are projected to start climbing after October 1 and then rise sharply after November 1. By December 1, current projections for the daily number of deaths stand at 26,870. Hospital resources expected in use in December include 1.87 million hospital beds, 399,463 intensive care unit (ICU) beds and 340,307 ventilators. These projections are driven by dropping temperatures in the fall and winter season that drive people indoors, compounded by declining mask usage, which stands at around 60 percent, and declining social distancing measures.

India has become the epicenter of the pandemic as daily COVID-19 infection rates continue their ascent unabated. On September 6, the country recorded a single-day high of 91,723 new cases. With over 4.28 million cases, it is second only to the United States, with 6.48 million cases. Though India ranks third in number of deaths, this is most certainly a gross underestimation. Testing rates remain abysmally low, and most of the population that live in rural areas lack access to medical attention, making a diagnosis attributable to COVID-19 nearly impossible. On the other hand, more than half the population is under the age of 25, which is known to be a factor for improved outcomes.

With 634,000 cases and over 67,000 deaths, Mexicos crude case fatality rate has been one of the highest, at above 10 percent. It is fourth in terms of deaths behind the United States, Brazil and India. Recent government statistics place the number of excess deaths from March to August from all causes at 122,765 more than previous years, indicating a gross underestimation of COVID-19 deaths. Excess mortality has been predominately among people between 45 to 65 years of age. Late last week, Hugo Lopez Gatell, a health official for the Mexican state, informed the press that they had run out of death certificates.

On Friday, France saw a spike in new cases reach close to 9,000, the largest daily increase since the beginning of the pandemic. As Bloomberg noted, the surge is arriving just as schools are preparing for the arrival of 12 million students. Yet, Macrons government is pushing back against any future lockdown measures. Health Minister Olivier Veran, speaking on Frances BFM TV, a 24-hour rolling news and weather channel, said, I cant imagine a total re-confinement and the president doesnt want to consider a general re-confinement.

Across Europe, cases have been on the rise as lockdowns were eased and summer travels were permitted. Repeatedly, leaders of every country have cited the crippling economy and public fatigue as justification for not reviving future lockdowns or containment measures. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has even called the reopening of schools a moral duty, a necessary strategy for recovery from the pandemic. Behind these sentiments lies the policy of herd immunity working through political figures to force the population to accept as inevitable that which is preventable.

In an opinion piece in the New York Times Dr. Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, said of the growing number of cases throughout Europe, Lockdown measures can bring case numbers low enough that testing and tracing can break chains of transmission. European countries have already taken a severe economic and social hit to contain COVID-19, but to finish the job and truly crunch the curve, they need to build up a massive diagnostic capacity to be able to run large, fast and accurate testing services. This is a difficult project but not impossible.

NPR recently sat down with the head of IHMEs team, Chris Murray, as well as Dr. Ashish Jha of Brown University and Kalipso Chalkidou of the Imperial College School of Public Health in London to discuss these horrific but possibly controversial figures.

Murray said that according to his teams calculations, When you look at the huge epidemics that unfolded in Argentina, despite considerable efforts at lockdowns, the big epidemics that occurred in Chile, the epidemics in Southern Brazil and South Africa and contrasted them with what was happening in the Northern Hemisphere, in places with similar social distancing mandates, where things were actually on average, improvingthats where in the statistical analysis, we see a very strong correlation with seasonality.

Dr. Jha said that the projections of 410,000 deaths in the US by January 1 are highly implausible. He explained, We have gotten so much better at taking care of sick patients, I think mortality has probably fallen by about 50 percent. Yet, Murray countered that his team found that death rates have failed to improve even after advancements in treatments and various therapies. Dr. Chalkidou added that many countries across the globe lack reliable health statistics, making determination of the cause of death impossible. This means its likely that vast numbers of COVID-19 deaths are going uncounted. We also dont have good data on comorbidities that increase peoples chances of dying of COVID-19.

These chilling conversations and reports deserve thoughtfully consideration. They provide a disastrous prognosis that the near-future trajectory of the pandemic will have devastating consequences if immediate measures are not taken to stem the transmission of this contagion. Yet, massive political efforts are being employed to open schools and force society to return to pre-pandemic existence for the sake of the financial markets. That these startling figures do not assume the primary focus in current world events is criminally negligent and the hallmark of the criminality of the ruling elites.
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Linkedin Ghina Ghaliya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 9 2020

Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi has found himself in hot water again as lawmakers question him over his controversial remarks on radicalism and the ministrys preacher certification program.

In a working meeting on Tuesday, lawmakers of House of Representatives Commission VIII overseeing religious affairs asked him about his recent remarks about the spread of radical teachings among civil servants and society through good-looking hafiz (Quran memorizers).

Chairman of the commission Yandri Susanto lambasted Fachrul, saying the minister was too ignorant for saying such remarks, putting the hafiz on a par with radicals.

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MENLO PARK, Calif., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- LIPAC Oncology LLC today announced the successful completion of a Phase 2A marker lesion clinical trial designed to predict long-term (two-year) recurrence free survival rates in patients with low-grade highly recurrent Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) treated with LiPax (paclitaxel). LiPax, a proliposomal paclitaxel formulation in development for intravesical installation in the treatment of NMIBC, demonstrated a 56 percent responder rate in patients treated with LiPax alone.

"Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer is difficult to treat and highly recurrent. By pairing a simple outpatient procedure (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor or TURBT) with LiPax, we have an opportunity to substantially improve both clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients," said Michael Oefelein, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of LIPAC Oncology. "This data adds to the positive evidence observed in our Phase 1 trial, with an 83 percent recurrence free survival rate following one year of treatment."

Persistence of LiPax above therapeutic levels was demonstrated up to 72 hours following intravesical instillation. In the study, LiPax was well tolerated. No significant adverse events were observed, and patients' urinary health related quality of life was maintained during and after installation of LiPax, as measured by patient reported outcomes.

"Together, the results of our Phase 1 and Phase 2A clinical trials support moving LiPax into Phase 2B development for Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer," said TR Thirucote, Chairman and CEO of LIPAC. "LiPax's ongoing promising results in bladder cancer provides further validation of our drug delivery technology that is being used in the development of LIPAC's other pipeline assets. We look forward to advancing our orphan-designated programs for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma, Ovarian Cancer, Mesothelioma, and malignant plural effusion into the clinic in 2021."

Based on a patient's biopsy results obtained from TURBT, NMIBC is stratified into three risk categories: low, intermediate, and high risk. To reduce recurrence and prevent progression, the American Urological Association NMIBC guidelines recommend intravesical therapy after TURBT. The low to intermediate risk category targeted by LiPax is estimated to comprise 90,000 Americans, yet no intravesical agent is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this disease.

About LiPax

LiPax is a novel, investigational formulation of paclitaxel in Phase 2 development for the treatment of NMIBC. LIPAC Oncology's proprietary formulation utilizes their proliposomal technology platform to enhance the persistence and penetration of bladder tissue by paclitaxel. LiPax is designed to enhance the standard of care of outpatient endoscopic tumor removal through a histological risk assessment followed by intravesical instillation using a standard urinary catheter. LIPAC Oncology completed a Phase 2A clinical trial in August 2020 and intends to advance the program to a pivotal study to further investigate LiPax in the treatment of this condition.

About LIPAC Oncology LLC

LIPAC Oncology is a pharmaceutical company utilizing the proprietary proliposomal delivery system to enhance and reformulate proven cancer drugs into more effective treatments that include many orphan indications. The company was created in 2016 as a subsidiary of TesoRx Pharma LLC, a pharmaceutical company which has leveraged the platform technology to create therapeutic candidates for other indications. For more information, visit lipaconcology.com.

About TesoRx Pharma LLC

TesoRx Pharma LLC is focused on rapidly developing and commercializing pharmaceutical products in rare and specialty markets with limited treatment options and high unmet needs. Its growing pipeline includes assets in urology, oncology and rare diseases that have been formulated with TesoRx's proprietary proliposomal delivery technology. The company was founded in 2010 through a collaboration with Western University of Health Sciences that includes joint R&D efforts at the TesoRx Centre of Excellence in Pomona, California. For more information, visit tesorx.com.

CONTACT: Elissa Johnsen, (312) 285-3203, [email protected]

SOURCE LIPAC Oncology LLC
[September 08, 2020]

Canadian consumers are receiving maximum advertised Internet speeds

OTTAWA, ON and GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 8, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, the CRTC released a new report which finds that the vast majority of participating Canadian Internet service providers (ISPs) have met or exceeded the maximum download and upload speeds they advertise.

The report demonstrates that the quality of Internet service is consistent across the participating ISPs, regardless of the time of day. The report also provides regional performance metrics and compares the performance of various forms of fixed and wired Internet technologies.

The data was collected from October 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019. The CRTC is currently collaborating with ISPs to continue to provide reliable and continuing analysis of Internet performance.

We encourage Canadians who are interested in participating in the next phase of the project to submit a request at Measuring Broadband Canada.

This report is the second edition to be published by the CRTC.

Quotes

"Over the last few months, Canadians have relied on their Internet services for nearly every facet of their daily lives as they avoided unnecessary trips outside of their homes. While the data was collected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are encouraged by the results that show that Canadians generally receive the Internet speeds for which they pay. This report provides valuable insight on the performance of Internet services across Canada and will inform future policy decisions. We are grateful to the thousands of Canadians who volunteered for the Measuring Broadband Canada project, as well as the ISPs who contributed to the success of the project."

- Ian Scott, Chairperson and CEO, CRTC

Quick facts

Participation by ISPs in the current study was voluntary. Participating ISPs were: Bell Aliant, Bell Cnada , Bell MTS, Cogeco, Northwestel, Rogers, Shaw, TELUS and Videotron.

, Bell MTS, Cogeco, Northwestel, Rogers, Shaw, TELUS and Videotron. The Measuring Broadband Canada project helps Canadians, the CRTC and ISPs obtain independent, accurate and reliable data on the performance of broadband Internet networks.

Testing was performed by using a device called a 'Whitebox.', which connects to a customer's router and performs routine tests that measure the quality of the customer's Internet connection, including upload, download, and latency.

The Measuring Broadband Canada project is independent of the CRTC's Broadband Fund.

SamKnows is a UK-based global leader in broadband measurement and has been working with governments, ISPs, content providers, application developers, consumer groups, and academics to accurately measure Internet performance since 2009.

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SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  As officers continue to investigate a deadly Sunday crash, investigators on Monday released the names of the victims.

Capt. Anthony Duff said the victims, both city residents, have been identified as 23-year-old Edwin Deida and 21-year-old Julisa M. Myers.
A church called Asbury Memorial Church in Savannah, Georgia officially split from the United Methodist Church over the division on the LGBTQ ideology.

The United Methodist denomination's vote last year to strengthen bans on same-sex marriages and ordination of LGBTQ pastors contributed to the members of Asbury Memorial Church to express their desire to leave the Methodist Church.

Asbury Memorial Church voted in September 2019 regarding the split from the denomination and the results yielded a 309 to 7 vote with the majority voting to support the split.

The United Methodists' South Georgia Conference approved the separation on August 15.

The divided theological stances over LGBTQ inclusion in the United Methodists Church fundamentally brought the anticipation of a more extensive split from the main Protestant denomination at the The United Methodists 2020 Conference. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it might take another year until the Conference can take place to discuss the topic of the split.

The pastor of Asbury Memorial Church, Rev. Billy Hester, believes LGBTQ members helped the church grow so his congregation chose not to wait until the next United Methodists Conference to break apart from the Methodist denomination.

"Our LGBTQ members have helped us become a growing, vital congregation in the Savannah community. Asbury Memorial has always been a welcoming, all-inclusive congregation and we are excited about our future as an independent non-denominational church." Pastor Hester said.

Pastor Hester announced the official independence from the denomination after the Conference approved the separation.
New Delhi: After the Central Crime Branch (CCB) wing of the Bengaluru police raided the residence of famous Kannada actress Sanjana Galrani on Tuesday morning, she was arrested and sent to a 5-day police remand by the court.

The CCB raided her house in connection with the drugs conspiracy and was taken into custody for interrogation. After Ragini Dwivedi, Sanjana is the second actress in CCB net. As per sources she was very close to Rahul ( another accused in the case ). He gave certain information to CCB about Sanjana.

Now, the CCB has stepped up is probe and search warrant has been issued to raid Viren Khanna's house. It has been learnt that along with other things, one fake uniform found with belt, cap, shoes and no stars have been found at Khanna's house.

Viren 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.

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 sandalwood drug scandal.
Dominic Cooper opted for two wheels on Monday as he navigated a London street on his electric bicycle.

The actor nursed a bandaged hand after venturing out for a solitary bike ride in the bustling capital following a comparatively peaceful trip to rural Scotland.

Sporting a blue jacket, matching chinos and a woolen beanie hat, Dominic, 42, looked relaxed as rode his Gocycle, widely considered to be one of the best electric bikes on the market.

Here he comes: Dominic Cooper opted for two wheels on Monday as he navigated a London street on his electric bicycle

But with his right hand swathed in bandages, the actor showed caution while steering the two-wheeler one handed.

The appearance comes after the Hollywood star enjoyed a rural Scottish getaway with girlfriend Gemma Chan and close friends Richard Madden and Lily James.

Richard and Gemma starred together in Eternals while Lily and Dominic co-starred in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

Injured: The actor nursed a bandaged hand after venturing out for a solitary bike ride in the bustling capital following a comparatively peaceful trip to rural Scotland

The foursome posted several snaps of their rural getaway together to social media.

Dominic, Gemma and Richard decided to avoid the hustle and bustle of their respective homes in the city to stay in Blair Athol, a village in Perthshire known for its rustic stone buildings and scenic landscape.

Preacher star Dominic and Crazy Rich Asians actress Gemma live together in London, but decided to escape the city to meet up with Scots-born Madden, who had spent isolation in Los Angeles with actor Froy Gutierrez.

Richard and Gemma have been long time friends and joined one another last year on the red carpet at the SAG awards.

Rural trip: The appearance comes after the Hollywood star enjoyed a rural Scottish getaway with girlfriend Gemma Chan and close friends Richard Madden and Lily James

During her trip to Scotland, Gemma explored the local farm life posing with lambs, while the boys made the most of their Land Rovers and even jumped on the bonnet of one for a socially distanced picture.

Richard said of the trip: 'Best time with my favourite people. Thank you Land Rover for the hot wheels.'

Referring to the song The Bonnie Banks of a Loch Lomond, Dominic added: 'You take the high road and Ill take the low road and Ill be in Scotland before you.'

He and Gemma confirmed their relationship in September 2018 and she was previously in a long-term relationship with Jack Whitehall.

Dominic's most high-profile romance was with his Mamma Mia! co-star Amanda Seyfried, 34.
Pemberton was convicted of homicide and has been serving a prison term of six to 10 years for the killing of Jennifer Laude in a motel in Olongapo city, northwest of Manila. His lawyer, Rowena Garcia-Flores, told The Associated Press that Pemberton was already aware of Dutertes decision when she called him.
SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Tencent pledges the use of blockchain technology in its biggest annual philanthropic campaign to ensure data traceability and enhance transparency in charitable programs, taking the lead in leveraging technology to promote sustainable development of public welfare sector.

Tencent kicked off its "99 Giving Day" campaign on September 7th, with a focus on public participation, inclusion and transparency. Blockchain technology will be applied to all fundraising projects during this year's three-day online charity campaign.

"Tencent has extensive experience in the application of blockchain technology, such as in the tax field. Blockchain has the power to make public welfare initiatives more transparent and more digitalized. There is no need to worry about issues like 'data tampering'," explained Ge Yan, secretary-general of Tencent Charity Foundation, expressing her confidence in the application of blockchain technology in online charity activities.

In fulfilling its corporate mission of "Value for Users, Tech for Good", Tencent also launched a tech support platform this year to help charity partners better leverage digital capabilities in implementing their philanthropy projects. The Chinese Internet giant announced a "Public Welfare SaaS Project" to open up some internal technologies to outside partners through open-source cooperation, in an initiative to digitalize and move projects to the "Cloud". According to the latest statistics, 50 organizations have already joined the partnership. This number is expected to exceed 100 by the end of the year.

This year's "99 Giving Day" comes at a time when social welfare is more important than ever for holding together and supporting each other as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect people from all walks of life.

Tencent Charity Foundation will use 299.99 million yuan of funds to match donations from the public. An additional 100 million yuan will be donated as a non-targeted charitable contribution. This marks Tencent's sixth year leading the charity campaign, connecting hundreds of thousands of NGOs, enterprises and different sectors of the community for joint participation.

In addition, Tencent will allocate 200 million yuan of funds from its Anti-Pandemic Funds to help public welfare organizations recover from the epidemic, favoring those with a proven track record, as well as outstanding performance in this year's campaign. Tencent set aside the new funds from its 1.5-billion-yuan in domestic funding, which was announced earlier this year to help fight the epidemic.

SOURCE Tencent
What lies beyond the pandemic? MassForward is MassLives series examining the journey of Massachusetts businesses through and beyond the coronavirus pandemic.

________________

With government regulations on restaurants concerning social distancing and capacity, many business owners are putting their thinking caps on and looking at how they can get through the colder months when outside dining will be less viable.

Winter months have been historically difficult for restaurants, even pre-pandemic when they could be at full capacity, with people choosing to hunker down at home in the face of dark evenings and frigid temperatures. Now that Gov. Charlie Baker has issues guidelines on distancing in restaurants, capacity for indoor seating for many has been more than halved.

Nadim Kashouh, owner of Nadims Mediterranean Grill told MassLive that during the summer he can seat 90 people inside and out. As the weather gets colder and people look to be seated inside, this will cut capacity by more than 65 percent, to just 30 seats at his Springfield restaurant.

Whats going to happen to the food and how are we going to bring it out, said Kashouh emphasizing that outside dining isnt viable. I can guarantee you, by the time we leave the kitchen when the food is nice and hot, to go outside in the 20, 30, or 40-degree temperatures, its going to cool the food rather quickly.

Nadim Kashouh, owner of Nadims Mediterranean Bar and Grill on Main Street, Springfield. (Douglas Hook / MassLive)

The pandemic has been particularly rough on the restaurant industry with about 10% of the states workers, some 300,000 restaurant employees, being largely idled, said Steve Clark, Vice President for Governmental Affairs for the Massachusetts Restaurant Association.

In Springfield, Kashouh said many factors make him worry about the winter months. With Symphony Hall closed and none of the Thunderbird games open for the public, downtown foot traffic has been light in comparison to prior years.

We dont have concerts, conferences, events [and the] casino is running at half capacity. So, its a little worrisome, Kashouh added.

The MRA has been looking into how to address the concerns of business owners. Clark said they are looking into investing in outside heaters to provide businesses during the winter. Clark added that over the coming months restaurateurs have to get even more creative.

I think a lot of the smart operators are thinking about that right now, said Clark. [A] restaurant was one thing in March of 2020, is going to be something totally different in March of 2021.

The Envoy Hotel, Boston. (Jason Wessel)

Getting creative is exactly what the Envoy Hotel and Lookout Roof Top bar, which looks out over Boston harbor, have been doing to bring more people to their restaurant.

Joe Mellia, the general manager at Envoy told MassLive that he is looking to enclose the booths with plexiglass to accommodate an additional 36 people. He is still waiting for ownership approval from the state that would be in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines on social distancing.

Additionally, we have heat lamps where we will place couches for groups of 2 to 4 people to sit at, Mellia said.

Each year Envoy will erect igloos in November for outside dining during the winter months. Mellia said that usually, they would be able to accommodate 10 people, but due to the COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the state, that number has been decreased to six.

We are exploring that option, but Im going to be honest with you, its not a cheap option, said Kashouh who has been looking to rent them. For one of the igloos we are looking at, its $1,200. That is a lot of money.

The igloos at Lock 50. (Aviva Luttrell / MassLive)

Ed Russo, owner of Worcester restaurant Lock 50, mirrored Kashouhs concerns with costs. Unlike Kashouh, he owns all eight igloos that are annually erected at his restaurant, but the cost of heating them with the diminished clientele might not be sustainable. It costs roughly $800 per month to heat the igloos, according to Russo.

Before we could put six to eight people [in each igloo], now were not going to have the luxury of doing that, said Russo. So, logistically, were not sure how theyre going to work out this year.

Loft 50 will have more outdoor heaters for the winter to keep the 80 seats available outside warm during cold weather, according to Russo. Before the pandemic, Loft 50 had a total capacity of 165. Now, even with the new COVID-19 guidelines imposed on eateries, the total has only dropped to 145 people, including outdoor seating.

Were going to ride it out, said Russo. Im not wholly concerned to be honest, because the demographic of folk that we get at Lock 50, theyre kind of a folks that actually are not timid to go out.

The MRA is looking at how they can assist with the costs of the igloos as one of the options they are trying to make available to restaurateurs.

Theres definitely a number of operators that are talking about that and how do they make it happen, said Clark. Again, were trying to push for funds so that they can streamline that purchase or at least be able to make that purchase if they want to.

Clark said that the restaurant industry is very pliable and will survive the pandemic and come through the other side but there are going to be more challenges ahead.

I know all businesses are suffering, said Kashouh. But the restaurant business is coming into some very challenging times right now, so everybody has put their thinking cap on and be creative.

MassForward is MassLive's series examining the journey of Massachusetts' small businesses through and beyond the coronavirus pandemic.

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Jack Brooks Foundation (JBF), the nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, educating and motivating individual Americans to participate in The Voting Process, and HeroX , the social network for innovation and the world's leading platform for crowdsourced solutions, today launched the crowdsourcing competition "Help America Vote Challenge" to find effective methods for increasing U.S. participation in elections at the local, state, and federal levels. The United States is well behind most of their peer democratic countries, with only 56% of the voting-age population casting a vote in the last presidential election. That percentage drops even lower in non-presidential elections.

HeroX

Low voter turnout in U.S. elections has been reported for several decades. There are many barriers to participation, such as transportation issues, long wait times at the polls, voter apathy, and scheduling conflicts with employers. The COVID-19 pandemic is now an additional barrier to voter turnout. When elections have poor voter turnout, the results do not reflect the needs and wants of the general public, whether it is a position on an important policy or the selection of a particular candidate for office. Bringing more Americans into electoral politics means that those we elect and the policies we support are true and accurate reflections of our values.

"Voting is the cornerstone of democracy, and we must motivate every American to engage in the voting process in every election," said Jon Bassana, President and CEO of The Jack Brooks Foundation. "Congressman Brooks was deeply committed to all his constituents, no matter their political leanings. The Foundation's work is inspired by the Congressman's conviction: voting amplifies the voices of constituents, which means our elected leaders will better reflect and represent the people."

The Jack Brooks Foundation seeks submissions that propose compelling, non-partisan approaches to improving voter turnout. JBF wants more Americans, irrespective of party affiliation, to exercise their constitutional right to vote, so proposed solutions must be non-partisan. The goal is to improve voter participation, not to impact the outcome of elections.

"Exercising your right to vote is a democratic imperative," said Christian Cotichini, CEO, HeroX. "Our crowdsourcing platform will help identify voter turnout solutions from across the U.S., which is, in essence, the most democratic way to improve our democratic process."

The Challenge: Individuals submitting to this "Help America Vote" challenge must identify an obstacle to voter participation and then propose an approach to reduce or eliminate it. The Jack Brooks Foundation believes that increased voter participation is beneficial to this country, regardless of the voter's political affiliation and preferences. As such, all proposals to improve voter turnout must be non-partisan in nature and scope, and must be submitted by U.S. citizens.

The Prize: A total of up to $15,000USD will be distributed to the top three respondents: Grand Prize: $7,500, Second Prize: $5,000, and Third Prize: $2,500.

The Jack Brooks Foundation may also use submissions to identify potential collaboration partners following the conclusion of the Challenge.

How to Become a Solver: The prize is open to any US citizen aged 18 or older, participating as an individual or as a team.

To accept the challenge, visit https://www.herox.com/helpamericavote

ABOUT HEROX

HeroX is a social network for crowdsourcing innovation and human ingenuity, co-founded in 2013 by serial entrepreneur, Christian Cotichini and XPRIZE Founder and Futurist, Peter Diamandis. HeroX offers a turnkey, easy-to-use platform that supports anyone, anywhere, to solve everyday business and world challenges using the power of the crowd. Uniquely positioned as the Social Network for Innovation, HeroX is the only place you can build, grow and curate your very own crowd.

Explore the latest challenges at www.herox.com

ABOUT THE JACK BROOKS FOUNDATION

The Jack Brooks Foundation is a nonprofit organization developing independent and nonpartisan initiatives designed to empower, educate and motivate individual Americans to participate in The Voting Process. Every U.S. citizen has the right to vote, and we inspire people to exercise that right. Our initiatives change the way Americans think about and participate in this nation's representative democracy. More information can be found at www.jackbrooksfoundation.org .

Media Contact:

Alexandra Pony

[email protected]

250.858.0656

SOURCE HeroX

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Ryan Tubridy has described his ex-girlfriend as "amazing" for speaking out about how she was subjected to a campaign of intimidation that lasted two years while she was working in UCD.

Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain, an assistant professor at UCD's School of Mathematics and Statistics, went public on her ordeal in an interview at the weekend, detailing how she had been subjected to regular harassment by a professor, Hans-Benjamin Braun.

The campaign lasted two years and the assistant professor reported the issues to authorities at Belfield.

It culminated in a court order being issued that barred Prof Braun from contacting her for five years. She has since received an apology from UCD president Andrew Deeks.

"(She was) harassed by a colleague which she describes as a horrific experience," Tubridy said. "Coming forward like that takes enormous courage and I would also argue it takes great generosity because you have to be very much giving of yourself and of your family and your privacy.

"It's generous for those who will now go into college after hearing about this and may well avoid the same experience because of what she did. So kudos to her."

Further Education Minister Simon Harris said it was time to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment at third level.
The citizens brought home from the Philippines (Photo: tuoitre.vn)

The repatriation flight was arranged by Vietnamese authorities, the Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines, Vietjet Air, and relevant agencies of the Philippines.



The passengers on the flight included children under 18 years old, pregnant women, the sick, students without accommodations, labourerss with expired labour contracts and stranded tourists.

The Vietnamese Embassy sent its staff to the airport to provide support for the citizens.

During the flight, security, safety and hygiene measures were carried out to protect their health and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Upon landing at Can Tho International Airport, all crew members and passengers received health check-ups and were sent to concentrated quarantine sites.

Under the Prime Ministers direction, more flights will be arranged in the coming time to repatriate Vietnamese citizens with disadvantaged circumstances, depending on their needs and quarantine capacity at home./.
Nekane and Carla Barnes with their parents Brian and Charo at home in Malahide

The anxious wait for 60,000 students all over the country came to the end of another stage yesterday when the calculated grades Leaving Cert results were finally made available.

From 9am they were logging-on with their phones and laptops at home to see if their final grades matched the expectations they would have had if they had actually sat the exams.

The students at Malahide Community School we caught up with thought the system worked well.

Excitement

While Leaving Cert results day is usually a big social occasion at any school, yesterday was different.

There were no mass-gatherings, instead it was a behind-closed-doors affair, and only a handful of students made the trip to see teachers.

Expand Close Ruth and Ben Somers at home in Swords / Facebook

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The real excitement was in kitchens and living rooms.

At their home in the Gainsborough estate in Malahide twins Ruth and Ben Somers (18) both had different attitudes to the system, yet both were happy.

"I was really upset when the Leaving Cert was cancelled, but there was no option really," Ruth said.

"I had studied a lot and knew what I wanted to achieve and I wasn't sure what the teachers would predict for me. I didn't know if the grades would be based on my mocks or my Christmas exams and I felt I had no control," she added.

"There were a lot of smart people in the year too and I was afraid the grading system might mean I'd drop a grade or two.

"But I was pleased in the end when I got five H1s and 2 H2s to give me 613 points."

Ben said that when the Leaving Cert exams were cancelled he just felt the matter was out of his hands and there was no point worrying about it.

"In the end I think I got the results I would have got anyway and the grading system reflected the Leaving Cert," he added.

Ruth is now hoping to study medicine, either in Glasgow or Galway.

Ben hopes his points will allow him study earth and ocean science or marine science in Galway, having got 521 points.

"We'll have to wait until the CAO offers come out on Friday, because the points could be very different this year," said Ben.

In Kinsealy Lane, another set of twins, Nekane and Carla Barnes (18) were also hopeful they could get their chosen courses. "I was happy with the results. I think they were pretty much bang-on in comparison to what I would have expected if we had sat the exams," Nekane said. "When I first heard that we would be assessed on predictive grades I wasn't happy.

"I didn't want predictive grades and I kept all my school books and studied just in case, but I was happy with the grades in the end and got 510 points."

"I'm hoping to study international business in DCU," she added.

Carla said she was a bit sceptical of the predictive grades, but thinks she may have done better than expected.

"I stuck with the online classes during lockdown, and did what the teachers advised, but in the end when they exams were cancelled I felt we couldn't control the outcome," she said.

"I got 489 points and hope that will be enough to let me study Arts in Maynooth."

Both Nekane and Carla said that Covid-19 had stolen important school moments from them when the lockdown came.

"We missed our last day in school, and saying goodbye to our classmates, and the rituals of the Leaving Cert, and meeting the teachers today," Carla said.

Happy

Two students who did make it to Malahide Community School were pals Shane O'Neill and Adam Bowles.

"I'm hoping to do primary teaching but don't know if I got enough points for it, but I think I have enough for Arts which was my second choice," said Shane (19).

"Overall I'm happy with the predictive grades," he said. Adam (18) said he was also fairly happy.

"I hope to work in farming in the future so I might continue with my part-time farming job or I might have an option of a Teagasc course.

"I'm happy with my grades. I think the teachers knew us well enough to grade us," he added.
TV Channel Ukraine 24: we want to go beyond the news market and catch up with the top six TV channels in Ukraine

The exclusive interview of Dmytro Beliansky, a member of the Supervisory Board of Media Group Ukraine, responsible for the development of the news segment in the group, to the Interfax-Ukraine agency

At this point, the TV channel Ukraine 24 has been on the air for some six months. Why did you decide to launch a news channel only now? After all, the Media Group Ukraine (MGU) itself has already celebrated its 10th anniversary this year?

We launched the TV channel Ukraine 24 right when the Ukrainian public needs coincided with the willingness of the MGUs team to meet it. We have been waiting for this moment for many years, and the time has come on 16 December 2019, when we started broadcasting with 4.5 hours of daily in-house content. Technical broadcasting started on 2 December. As of now, by the autumn, we are in the top three (among the news channels  red.), and I believe that by the channels first anniversary, Ukraine 24 will rightly take the first place and hold it for a long time to come.

The phenomenally fast growth is due to the fact that the TV channel Ukraine 24 was launched not as a stand-alone project, but directly as a project of the MGU. Plus, of course, Segodnya news has been in need of more space on the air of the Ukraine TV channel, nationwide leader of television viewing, for a long time. Therefore, both the launch and the success of Ukraine 24 were determined by the very logic of the development of the MGU.

Speaking of us in general, we started producing so much high-quality informational content that we needed another publishing platform to run it.

Speaking about the public needs, it is no secret that before the launch of Ukraine 24, the news channel market could be compared to a situation where a newspaper still offers its customers nothing but newspapers supporting certain political parties. Sure, they are well done, properly covering the current affairs, but one way or another, they support certain parties. That is, they represent only a certain perspective. In this environment, an ordinary, well-made newspaper would make a splash.

Today, the news channel market size is about 8-10 points of the share. What are the expected limits of leadership? Perhaps this is an opportunity to take up to 50%. Therefore, when considering the highest ambitions of the TV channel Ukraine 24, based on the current market capacity, we are looking at about 4 points of the market share. At the same time, to achieve technical leadership in this segment, 1.5-2 points of the share would be enough for us. And 4 points is already a call for reaching a position among the TOP-6 channels in Ukraine and, technically, among the rest of them, as well.

How do you define the channels mission?

When a nation-wide news channel is launched, it can only have one mission. The same as with any news  to serve the community. The news is the foundation of our channel. Therefore, at any given moment, a person turning the TV channel Ukraine 24 on will be able to watch the most topical events happening in the country and around the world that very minute. For example, the coverage of events in Belarus became the main driver for Ukraine 24s viewing in August, especially against the background of the fact that our competitors either did not cover them at all due to their political restrictions, or the quality of their coverage was not at the highest level, as they have neither the amount of editorial resources as we have, nor the expertise, the skills.

What was the most challenging when launching the TV channel?

It was not developed from scratch, but on the inside. Yet, at the same time, as a separate project with its own rules, restrictions and a fundamentally different system of news production. We became the first of the largest media groups in Ukraine to launch a news channel, so there was no one to copy from. We relied purely on our own experience. And while before us, news channels in Ukraine were usually developed first and then launched, we were forced to, as they say, turn the web-cam on at the stage of building the foundation.

It was difficult to see the contrast in perception between the content made by the same team of professionals for the Ukraine TV channel and for the TV channel Ukraine 24. We kept in mind the story of the ugly duckling. Fortunately, we read it quickly and with the same ending: by spring, we turned into a swan, spread our wings and took into the sky.

Today, everyone having anything to do with the TV channel Ukraine 24 feels proud of their work. The launch of the project became a kind of a social lift for the newsroom team. For example, our anchors  Vika Malosvitna, Serhii Nikiforov, Vera Sverdlyk, Masha Skyba, Katia Fedotenko  used to be the reporters for the Segodnya show on the Ukraine TV channel just a year ago. And now they are the stars of Ukraine 24, anchoring the news and the in-house talk show run by the channels team  Ukraine Tomorrow  which airs at 21:00 on Fridays and sums up the news of the week. Under normal circumstances, this path to the success in this job takes much longer.

In general, how did you build the team?

The MGUs news team under the Segodnya brand has been in place for a long time, and it is still headed by the permanent newsroom leader and editor-in-chief Yurii Suhak. Therefore, it was more about enhancement of the team for us. Regardless of the concept for the TV channel Ukraine 24, we understood that we were talking about a new player in the already established market. And until the project reaches unconditional leadership, we will have to play by the rules of this market. By the time of our launch in Ukraine, one way or another, the news channel market had already taken its shape. Wonderful, talented people have been working there, gathering a large audience and developing successful interesting formats. At the same time, all these people need to grow further, and they have a very clear understanding of the conditions they have to work in.

In this situation, Ukraine 24 was able to make a unique offer: to invite the best professionals to do what they are interested in, without any restrictions. For instance, Yevgeny Kiselev has joined our team, hosting the Real Politics weekly final analytical show at 22:00 on Sundays. Tigran Martirosyan hosts feature length Saturday interviews at 21:00 and the Ukraine Elects final show on local elections at 21:00 on Sundays. Vasyl Holovanov hosts the Holovanovs Time show at 21:00 on weekdays. Violetta Lohunova anchors the Ukraine Today main daily news show at 20:00 on weekdays. And there are many others.

I should note with particular pleasure that the launch of the TV channel Ukraine 24 allowed for us to bring our own personnel from the market back in the family. The best have come back. Vlad Hruzynskii from Suspilne, Yulia Halushko from 112 Ukraine, and Tala Kalatai from Pryamiy. Daryna Ohir, who used to be the chief news editor and now acts as the general producer, has returned rebuilding the television technology of our News Group. In the new season, Natalia Vlashchenko will also join the Ukraine 24 team.

Yet, I can tell you with authority that the main HR sensation on the market related to our acquisitions to the Ukraine 24s team is still to come. It will definitely take place this year.

Your prime time is filled with authorial content. Moreover, the anchors and hosts have their personal opinions, subjective assessments. At the same time, the news on the channel is deliberately unbiased, impartial. Is this a conscious approach?

Our authorial programs are created by outstanding, strong stars of television journalism. Yes, each of them is definitely a leader expressing a certain type of opinion, and each is partly subjective, but a professional approach is always maintained. In fact, we managed to put together a true channel of diverse opinions. It would be sacrilege not to make it our advertising slogan. And there can be no mistakes along the way.

When we started cooperation with Yanina Sokolova, when we recruited her to the TV channel Ukraine 24, naturally, we expected that the owner of the YouTube Silver Play Button would attract a huge audience to the channel due to her popularity in social media. Moreover, her audience is very tempting for television  I mean young people and adult men over 35 years of age. That is, the top audience, both from the perspectives of the TV channel and advertisers. But when the product aired, we saw that our television audience did not watch it. Cooperation with Yanina brought no ratings, but at the same time, the very presence of her projects on our air allowed the channel to confirm the audiences trust in one of the basic principles of our success. Indeed, we give the floor to absolutely everyone. The conversion did not work, but I am very pleased with the collaboration with Yanina.

In your opinion, why is cross-platform approach still so poorly developed in media in Ukraine?

This is actually a growth area. And the biggest challenge for the industry, which everyone is trying to address in their own way. How to take a writing journalist, make them a TV star, and at the same time help them remain a writing star? There is no perfect recipe yet. It is clear now that there is no direct platform conversion. One cannot take a YouTube celebrity or a popular blogger and drag them onto a TV screen and expect their entire audience to watch. One needs to try to cover all these platforms at the same time, getting the necessary traffic from each of them.

How do media groups interact with large online platforms like YouTube today? Are you often banned for your own content based on copyright claims?

All Ukrainian TV channels had such problems, but now it is not as pressing as it was several years ago. Personally, I often watch our airs on YouTube in order to understand how it is perceived by the viewers. I read the comments, see how people react to certain things.

The cooperation with YouTube is based on anti-piracy initiatives and legislation. And we, as a media group working with our own content, are extremely interested in making all anti-piracy initiatives work. Almost all of Ukraine 24s content is available on YouTube now.

How do you monetise the content available on YouTube?

We have sufficient experience in monetising the content on YouTube, but digital advertising is not limited to this platform alone. As a media group, we always look at two advertising markets simultaneously, the television market and the online advertising market. And today we have a very good share in both markets.

Both of these markets are large enough. The digital advertising market is already larger than the TV advertising market, but it also has significantly more players.

These days, the self-censorship and the most tolerant attitude towards any format of phenomena and events is being actively promoted all over the globe, people are trying to deliberately distance themselves from negative content. How do these trends affect the work of TV channels?

In fact, this is the development of the history of the emergence of the standards of journalism themselves: how to call a spade so that the editorial office is not burned down to the ground? Therefore, now all of us are looking for a new language of communication with our viewers. Very complex events often act as triggers for rapid change. One way or another, professionals are the winners  those who are able to live and develop in the already existing constraints. Is it inconvenient for the channel to blur people who accidentally got into the frame? No, it is not. Because in this case we are working with cleared information. Does this give us an advantage over someone who will publish the same picture without blurring? Yes, it does, because their content will be blocked very quickly. Do we benefit from trying to use feminitives? Definitely. But we are deliberately looking for a way to use them so that, on the one hand, we do not go too far, and on the other hand, keep pace with the development of the language, which today has become most labile and changes every day. As to how each of us affects the media market as a whole... Everyone knows that news is made for competitors. We look at all of each others materials, we analyse our colleagues at our planning meetings, we argue, sometimes we even quarrel. But all changes in the media industry are happening much slower than they actually happen in the real field. In any case, we try to speak the language of our viewer. And if someone reproaches our presenters saying the use of feminitives is illiterate... Well, sometimes it is better to talk about something in an illiterate rather than offensive manner.

You have repeatedly emphasized the apolitical nature of the TV channel Ukraine 24, and your broadcast, in fact, does not meet the expectations of any of the political forces represented in Ukraine. Do you think it is dangerous?

No, quite the opposite. After all, we have the opportunity to show both sides. If we boycotted one of the parties, we could have had some issues, but we show and will always show everyone. Furthermore, at the time of the creation of Ukraine 24, the state, the government in the broadest sense of the word, did not have its own home channel. There were only a number of party channels in the country, one of which is in rather strict opposition, and the others are in a segment where it is not very proper to even show up on air. Therefore, the time of our start coincided with the period for the authorities, when they were especially interested in fair conditions for an appropriate statement, and I believe such combination of factors had a very positive effect on the success of our channel.

Tell us about the changes in the cost of the staff in the market. With a recent launch, you likely have the most current information now...

No matter how much the staff costs on the market, we cannot hire people without focusing on the salaries at the TV channel Ukraine; otherwise, or our team would simply lose motivation. Obviously, we always knew that as soon as we entered the market with the launch of Ukraine 24, we would heat it. Any entry of a major player into the market means that people who are paid at a specific salary level will demand a certain raise. But it only works for launching a product as a start-up  with a separate budget, a separate team, a separate office, after all.

But we are not a start-up. Ukraine 24 was launched primarily as the home channel of the Segodnya newsroom. Therefore, we can agree on some exclusive formats of cooperation only with our stars and celebrities. But the operator who goes to work with them will receive the best conditions, yet within the existing rates on the market. That is why our launch did not stir up the prices.

Will Ukraine 24 have its own website? Or will you develop the segodnya.ua website?

We have two brands  the Segodnya brand and the Ukraine 24 brand. The Segodnya brand is a news brand. On the other hand, Ukraine 24 is the resource which we would like people to use to search for the news. Therefore, we are interested in the existence of Ukraine 24 everywhere, on all platforms  TV and digital.

Are there any plans to launch a network of regional news channels?

We are currently using the reporter network of the TV channel Ukraine. We have three mobile news offices abroad: in Europe, the USA and Russia. If everything goes according to our plans, we expect to open at least two more offices abroad. But there are no plans to create a network of regional TV channels in Ukraine. I do not see any added value here. We are doing a number of projects dedicated to the regions within Ukraine 24. But, in fact, we are interested in a certain centralisation, in the ability to take other content in. We can easily broadcast the material of our 34 TV channel in Dnipro on the air of Ukraine 24. In a similar way, we can include the products of Ukraine 24 on the air of the Ukraine TV channel  if necessary and depending on the importance of the event. Developing a monobrand is more beneficial for us. And, to be honest, for the country as well.

Do you plan to launch any projects in economics?

There are such plans. We are currently developing a number of projects. This topic is very important for us. In general, taking a look at the audience of any news TV channels, one will see it consists of the following categories. Older people (50+ y.o.) are the #1 audience. There is #2 audience, which basically does not count; those are VIPs, the so-called influencer audience. Its share is quite small compared to the first audience. But there is also the remaining majority. And these are the people who should turn the channel on, get interested in its programming. And that is a growth area.

We found out how to work with this audience correctly, and we plan to move in this direction: economics, sports, and other topics. Taking the lead in the news channel market is an intermediate goal for us. We need to grow into a nationwide news channel.

Will there be any topic-specific programs such as technology, economics, travel?

Any information needs of the audience will be met. Another thing is that there is a launching sequence for these stories. We have a very strong analytical service at the MGU. We do not make decisions intuitively, but based on serious research. Therefore, first of all, we will move in that direction where we can reach success.

What is your assessment of the work with cable providers?

We have been dealing with agreements with cable operators for a very long time. We have devoted tremendous efforts to pass this milestone quickly. But there is one more issue here: as long as the client does not update the application on the TV, the new channel simply does not appear there. And virtually no one does this, ever. And this is the fundamental difference between those TV channels that have been on the market for a long time, and those that are just starting to work.

The second issue is the quality of the content. We are currently focused on the production of the content that will allow us taking part of the audience away from existing players in the news channel market.

And when we win the first place, we will move on: to travel, to technology, to other topics that are interesting to the public. Now we are airing only the in-house products, that is about 14 hours of our own content. In the autumn, we plan to start broadcasting earlier and extend weekend broadcasting.

Who do you consider to be Ukraine 24s immediate competitors? Who are you looking up to when developing the channel?

News is made for competitors. The channel was created by the MGU, a leading media group. There are four large media groups on the market and none of them currently have a news channel.

For us, the launch of Ukraine 24 has significantly strengthened the news team. The one known to the national viewer as Segodnya on the TV channel Ukraine. It strengthened the staff, strengthened through the development of skills, which are theoretically unthinkable for a national news team. I mean the speed of working with information: decisions are made instantly, broadcasting starts instantly, etc. We have invested a lot in our newsroom, bought some new equipment. And every penny invested in Ukraine 24 strengthens the Segodnya team and strengthens the MGU.

Tell us about the channels budget, sources of financing. What time frame have you planned for reaching self-sufficiency?

The Media Group Ukraine is a business model. Like any business model, it is divided into two components: money-makers and money-spenders. The news, of course, is the spender. But it is impossible to be a media group without incurring the cost of news production.

In general, the issue of self-sufficiency is a matter of several years. All we can do from the part of news production is to cut costs as much as possible, try to spend as smartly and as little as possible, but without losing the quality of what we do.

We spent much less on creating Ukraine 24 than we could have in case of creation of a stand-alone TV channel. This amount is comparable to the cost of news production during this period. The costs are not that huge that the media group had to postpone the period of reaching self-sufficiency for years, take a loan from the IMF or sell stories. We do not sell news. And someday it will definitely pay off.

Advertisers on news channels: who are they, what are their goals, what is the difference compared to other channels, the opportunities to attract advertising within a large media group?

These are mainly the automotive industry, pharmaceuticals, beverages. There is interest in other areas, but only occasional. Furthermore, everything depends on the audience: on the one hand, adult men who have seen a lot in life, on the other hand, our audience includes that segment of people who really make decisions, are active and can spend more. Therefore, advertising on Ukraine 24 is certainly very important for us, but it very much depends on the speed of our growth. Because once we take the lead by the end of the year and maintain the same dynamics next year, this will become a completely different commercial offer. Then we will be able to offer advertisers a general wide audience.

What are your plans for next year?

The main expectation of the next year is that the Ukraine 24 project should enter stable operating conditions. While now we can confidently say that the project has succeeded, then by the beginning of next year we should be able to say, OK, this is working. The channel should have its own manager who will develop the channel further, as part of the MGUs business strategy, and make it stronger every day.

Today, besides me, this project is being developed with the same attention and degree of effort by my colleagues: Oleksandr Barinov, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the MGU and Yevgen Bondarenko, CEO of the MGU. There is no longer a shadow of doubt that TV channel Ukraine 24 will be a stable leader for many years, will enjoy the success and trust of all Ukrainians, will serve society and create comfortable jobs for journalists on the market. We believe that this is exactly what its shareholder, Rinat Leonidovych Akhmetov, expects from the MGUs new project.

Do you think that the talk show format has been greatly devalued in Ukraine in recent years since it became almost omnipresent? How are good talk shows different from bad talk shows, in your opinion?

From the point of view of a member the Supervisory Board of the MGU, Freedom of Speech by Savik Shuster is an example of a good talk show in Ukraine. It differs from bad talk shows in that good talk show is hosted by Savik Shuster and produced by Pavlo Yelizarov. Another good social and political talk show that I watch is called Main Topic. It is hosted by Olena Kot and produced by Yevgenia Fedichkina; she also makes the Friday news show Ukraine Tomorrow for Ukraine 24.

But there is hope that we will soon add some worthy positions to this short list. Right now, we are working to launch a range of political talk shows on the TV channel Ukraine 24. On Wednesdays at 09:00 p.m., we will have Talk Show N1 hosted by Vasyl Holovanov, and on Thursdays at 09:00 p.m., we will have People Vs. with Natalia Vlashchenko.

Was the quarantine a challenge or an opportunity for Ukraine 24? How did the team work under these conditions? What has changed in the work of the editorial office?

Basically, quarantine is a disaster for the editorial office. Journalism is about people, it is always a scene... Everyone should communicate with each other, live as one family, this is fun. And when you bring a bunch of new people to the newsroom, half of them are wearing masks, and people cannot meet; when they shy away from each other, one has to invent new forms of communication. When the lockdown affects the plan for the development of a new newsroom, one has to wait. So the quarantine was not easy for us from the point of view of development. And in this sense, I am happy that we were implementing exactly that type of scenario along which we began to move. Supposing Ukraine 24 was developed as a stand-alone start-up, this would lead to the situation when we would have to postpone our ambitions indefinitely. And since we did this within the MGU and with the help of our team, we have definitely achieved success.
RAMALLAH: The Palestinian leadership has watered down its criticism of the normalisation deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates before an Arab League meeting in Cairo on Wednesday at which the accord will be debated.

A draft resolution presented by the Palestinian envoy, a copy of which was seen by Reuters, does not include a call to condemn, or act against, the Emirates over the U.S.-brokered deal.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also issued instructions on Tuesday banning any offensive statements or actions towards Arab leaders, including UAE rulers.

Announced on Aug. 13, the accord was the first such accommodation between an Arab country and Israel in more than 20 years, and was forged largely through shared fears of Iran.

The draft Palestinian resolution to be debated by Arab foreign ministers said the Israel-U.S.-Emirates announcement doesnt diminish Arab consensus over the Palestinian cause, the Palestinian cause is the cause of the entire Arab nation.

The trilateral announcement doesnt change the principal Arab vision based on the fact that the two-state solution on the 1967 borders is the only way to achieve peace in the Middle East," the draft said.

The tone is markedly different from that of Abbas, whose office on Aug. 13 called the accord betrayal" and a stab in the back of the Palestinian cause.".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have described the accord as historic, and urged other Arab countries to follow suit.

Emirati leaders said the deal shelved Israeli plans to annex territory in the occupied West Bank.

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
MOLINE, Ill. and CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Elliott Aviation ("Elliott" or the "Company"), a leading provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul, fixed based operations services, and aircraft sales and brokerage services to the business aviation industry with locations in Moline, IL, Des Moines, IA, and Minneapolis, MN, is pleased to announce that Melissa Maddox has joined the Company's Board of Directors.

Mrs. Maddox joins Elliott with over 20 years of experience in the business aviation industry. Most recently, Mrs. Maddox was Vice President and General Manager for StandardAero in Houston, TX, where she was responsible for P&L management, finance, human resources, operations, quality assurance, strategy, procurement, logistics, regulatory compliance, sales, and customer service. Mrs. Maddox led StandardAero's facilities located at IAH and HOU airports, which offered engine, airframe, avionics, interior, sheet metal, and paint services. Mrs. Maddox has held executive roles to include Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Risk Management with StandardAero, Vice President of Finance for Landmark Aviation and Finance Manager for General Electric Aircraft Engines. Mrs. Maddox holds an MBA from Augusta State University and a BS from the University of South Carolina.

"We are very excited to have Melissa join the Elliott Aviation Board of Directors to support our collective vision for the future of the Company," said Greg Sahr, President & CEO of Elliott. "Melissa has deep experience and strong relationships throughout the business aviation industry, and we expect that, as a result, she will make significant contributions to the Company's growth strategy going forward."

Summit Park, a private investment firm based in Charlotte, NC, led a recapitalization of Elliott in January 2020. Mrs. Maddox's addition to the Board of Directors is consistent with the firm's strategy of investing in leadership to position the Company for growth and continued success.

About Elliott Aviation

Elliott Aviation has been developing and delivering aviation solutions to its partners for over 80 years. As one of the longest-standing companies in aviation, the Company offers a complete menu of high-quality products and services including aircraft sales (as Elliott Jets), avionics service and installations, aircraft maintenance, accessory repair and overhaul, paint, and interior. Serving the business aviation industry nationally and internationally, Elliott has facilities in Moline, IL, Des Moines, IA, and Minneapolis, MN. The Company is a member of the Pinnacle Air Network, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), National Air Transportation Association (NATA), and the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA). For more information, visit www.elliottaviation.com.

About Summit Park

Summit Park is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based private investment firm focused exclusively on the lower middle market. The firm invests across a range of industries, including business and consumer services, light manufacturing, and value-added distribution in the Eastern half of the United States. The firm's capital can be used to facilitate a change in ownership, to support expansion and growth, to provide partial liquidity to existing owners, or to support an industry consolidation plan. For more information, visit www.summitparkllc.com.

CONTACT: Rachel Hannon, [email protected]

SOURCE Summit Park

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There are some things that are not discussed in the media, Zelensky said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reacted to the ceasefire violations in Donbas, saying Russia must adhere to the agreements reached at the level of the Trilateral Contract Group.

"We react immediately," he told journalists during a working trip to Sumy region when asked why he does not respond to the ceasefire violations in the east of the country, an UNIAN correspondent reports.

"There are some things that we do not discuss in the media, because our task is to protect not only one person, but to protect 40 million people of our independent Ukraine... As for [ceasefire] violations, I'll tell you frankly: this is a difficult job for today, which only can be, namely to save the lives of our Ukrainians," Zelensky said.

Read alsoTwo Ukrainian soldiers injured in landmine blast in DonbasAccording to the president, it is difficult for him to "communicate superficially on this topic" since he is "very deep in this topic." "I cannot answer very superficially, especially when you communicate with parents who have already lost their children," he said.

"As for the 42-day ceasefire: the truce had been observed until the provocation that took the life of our soldier. At the level of foreign ministers, and not only, we contacted the Russian Federation, which must comply with the agreements that were [reached] at the level of the Trilateral Contract Group," Zelensky added.

Escalation in Donbas: latest
Two men have been cleared of assaulting a garda as the officer hung out of the passenger window of the vehicle while it reversed at speed.

Garda Conor Murray had said driver Jonathan Coelho (29) and passenger Federico Carvalho (31) repeatedly hit him as he struggled to stop himself being thrown out of the car.

The jury took 18 minutes to return the unanimous not guilty verdict on day five of the trial yesterday.

Coelho, of Duleek, Co Meath, and Mr Carvalho, of Blessington Street, Dublin, had denied causing harm to Gda Murray on July 31, 2019, at St Lukes' Avenue, Dublin 8.

Coelho was acquitted of an accusation he had denied of endangerment by dragging Gda Murray in through the passenger window.

He pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving.

He admitted driving at speed through red lights and in the wrong direction along busy streets before crashing into a lamppost.

After the jury delivered its verdicts Judge Melanie Greally told Mr Carvalho he was "free to go".

Keith Spencer, defending Coelho, said his client had been in custody since the date of the offence in July last year after bail was refused as he was considered "a flight risk".

He asked for an early sentence date on the dangerous driving charges his client had admitted at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Greally adjourned the case to Friday for sentence and remanded Coelho in custody.

She acknowledged he has now spent over a year in custody.

During the trial the jury had heard the car was stopped at red lights when a Garda car flashed its lights.

The car then broke the red lights and during a high-speed chase drove dangerously around the city streets before crashing into a lamppost.

In interview Coelho said he did not stop the car for gardai as he had no insurance.

Gda Murray said he was pulling the passenger from the car when the driver started the car again and began reversing.

He said he had to run along the side of the car to prevent being dragged under it.

Handbrake

"The passenger and driver pulled me half way in to the vehicle," he said. His upper body was inside the car and the passenger put his head in a head lock, Gda Murray said.

Gda Murray told the jury that while hanging half-way out of the moving car, he managed to pull up the handbrake and slow the vehicle.

Gda Murray said the driver repeatedly kicked him.

He said the driver gave him a final kick, hit his face and he was thrown from the car.

In interview Mr Carvalho, who had been getting a lift home, said that he repeatedly told the driver to stop the car. He said he was terrified and was holding on.

He said the garda was struggling with the driver. He denied hitting the garda and said he would never hurt anybody.

Mr Spencer, defending Coelho, said it was not possible his client could have taken his foot from the clutch and executed a sideways kick to Gda Murray's face while keeping the other foot on the accelerator.

He said his client's stated intention was to flee and it made no sense he would pull a garda into the car.

Oisin Clarke, defending Mr Carvalho, said his client thought he was getting a lift home with Coelho and had been "an innocent participant in something that had gone horribly wrong".
A further 30 people have died after contracting coronavirus in the UK, with more than 2,400 new cases confirmed amid fears of a surge in infections.

It is the highest daily death toll since July. As of 9am on Tuesday, there had been a further 2,420 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus. Overall, 352,520 cases have been confirmed.

The figures for new cases and deaths do not include those from Northern Ireland and only represent those for Britain, according to the dashboard.

The Government said 41,584 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Tuesday, an increase of 30 on the day before.

Separate figures published by the UKs statistics agencies show there have now been 57,400 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

It comes after figures showing that the UKs coronavirus infection rate has risen above 20 cases in 100,000 people  the level at which the Government considers imposing quarantine restrictions on foreign countries

A further 2,948 cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the 24 hours up to 9am on Monday, after 2,988 cases were announced on Sunday  the highest figure since May 22.

In England, a further eight people who tested positive for coronavirus died in hospitals, NHS England said on Tuesday.

This brings the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 29,619.

The patients were aged between 43 and 92 and all had known underlying health conditions.

The dates of the deaths were between September 5 and September 7.

Another three deaths were reported with no positive Covid-19 test result.

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

Meanwhile, three more confirmed coronavirus patient have died in Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

This is the first time three deaths have been recorded in one day since June 30.

It brings the total number of Covid-19 fatalities to 2,499.

Speaking during the Scottish Governments daily briefing, the First Minister said 21,719 people have tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up by 176 from 21,543 the day before.

This represents 2.3 per cent of people newly tested, down from 2.4 per cent yesterday.

Of the new cases, 91 are in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 32 in Lanarkshire and 16 in Lothian.

There are 267 people in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, an increase of 11 in 24 hours.

Of these patients, six were in intensive care, up one.

Meanwhile, there have been a further 150 cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 18,664.

Public Health Wales said no further deaths had been reported, with the total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic remaining at 1,597.

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The numbers released by devolved authorities differ from the official figures, which will be published later today. Northern Ireland is yet to release their figures.
The Russian government is in talks with India for the production of the Covid-19 vaccine candidate Sputnik V and permissions to carry out Phase 3 clinical trials in the country. The Indian government on Tuesday confirmed Russias statement, adding that talks are under active consideration.

On the issue of vaccine production, India has reached out to domestic vaccine manufacturers known in the field for quality and high production capacities. Authorities also said India will partner with Russia for clinical trials if needed.

The Russians have developed a vaccine using the adenovirus vaccine platform. The government of Russia approached Indian government through appropriate channels and sought help on two counts; one was to consider the manufacture of their vaccine through our network of companies and second, to explore the possibility of carrying out Phase-3 clinical trials after following our regulatory processes, said Dr VK Paul, member (health) of Niti Aayog and head of the national task force on Covid-19 management.

The Russian government had granted emergency approval for the Sputnik-V vaccine early last month and were going to carry out Phase-3 trials subsequently. Moscow has faced flak and warned against the vaccines use due to its approval based on early trials. But Russia has dismissed such criticism as an information war.

However, according to preliminary findings published in The Lancet journal, results from early-phase non-randomised vaccine trials showed that two formulations of the vaccine have a good safety profile detected over 42 days, and induced antibody responses in all 76 participants within 21 days.

There has been significant movement, outreach has been extended to several companies in India. Two-three have come forward and are also in touch with the Russian government and the vaccine team. On the regulatory front, Indian scientists have looked at the data. There would be Phase-3 trials in the normal course of things and if required. We are paving way for the trials as per requirements of science and regulations, Dr Paul added.

He said India has attached great importance to the request and partnership offer of Russians as they are a special friend to India and he also called the collaboration a win-win for both countries as well as the world.
A Bolivian Archbishop warns that the electoral campaigns should not be a reason for conflict but rather an opportunity to do right and serve the common good.

By Vatican News

As Bolivia approaches its general elections, Archbishops Ricardo Centellas of Sucre has appealed to the countrys people not to take the electoral campaigns as a war.



His appeal came during his homily on 6 September, at a Mass commemorating the 113th anniversary of the countrys service of Rural Education, Escuela di Cristo (School of Christ).

September 6 also marks the beginning of the electoral campaigns in Bolivia, with voting set to take place on 18 October after several postponements to avoid the spread of the new coronavirus.

Promoting the common good

"The election campaign should not be understood as a war"; instead, what matters is to try to promote the common good, said the Archbishop.

"Let us try to walk together as Bolivians," he continued, "and to experience that we are all called to live with dignity". The pre-election period, therefore, should not be lived as a conflict, but rather be "full of humility and unity, without going in search of the weaknesses of others, but focusing on what unites so that all Bolivia may win".

The Archbishop's exhortation was, above all, to improve the living conditions of the poor: "Let us not forget", he said, "that most of them do not have a salary and this is what we must take care of: make sure that no one is excluded", because "we are all called to live with dignity".

Concerns over electoral system

Concerns have been raised from many quarters about certain flaws in the electoral system, such as incorrect procedures for registering candidates, that could jeopardise the legitimacy of the vote. In the meantime, the Electoral Tribunal has given the go-ahead for the voting campaign, but has reaffirmed that it must be carried out in compliance with current anti-accounting regulations and all security protocols established at municipal and national level.

Elections during Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused over 5,000 deaths in Bolivia. Archbishop Centellas urged the faithful to live "this special time praying, all together, for life", because "the community experience also strengthens the family and if we do not stay united, we will weaken". "Unity is strength", concluded the Archbishop, inviting the citizens to "always remain united, not only in adversity".
Around 13,000 foreign workers in Singapore were not allowed to resume work after they missed the deadline to undergo the mandatory fortnightly Covid-19 testing, officials said on Tuesday.

The AccessCode Status for these 13,000 foreign workers will remain "red" and they cannot return to work, said the Ministry of Health.

This is to protect the health and safety of the other workers, it added.

The workers missed the September 5 deadline to undergo the fortnightly Rostered Routine Testing (RRT).

Once these workers have undergone their RRT, their AccessCode will be restored to "green" and they will be allowed to return to work.

As part of the safeguards to ensure the safe restart of work, workers, many of them from India, staying in dormitories, are required to undergo rostered routine testing every 14 days.

The Ministry of Manpower, Economic Development Board, Building and Construction Authority, and Health Promotion Board have been engaging the employers since August and reminding them to schedule their workers for RRT before September 5 deadline.

Meanwhile, Singapore on Tuesday reported 47 new coronavirus cases, taking the country's tally to 57,091.

There was an imported case who had been placed on stay-home notice upon arrival in Singapore. The rest were migrant workers here.
Four Belarus-based employees of San Francisco-based PandaDoc were arrested in recent days, according to the company, after CEO Mikita Mikado spoke out about a government crackdown and disputed election there.

The big picture: The move comes amid weeks of protest in Belarus following an Aug. 9 election that opposition leaders say was rigged. Mikado, who is from Belarus, founded his company there before moving its headquarters to the U.S. in 2014.

Driving the news: In a post to a new SavePandaDoc website, the company said its Minsk office was raided Sept. 2. Per the post, four PandaDoc employees, including the director of the office, were arrested, ostensibly for embezzlement. PandaDoc says those charges are "completely untrue."

"This action is purely an act of repression against the founders of PandaDoc who have been supporting some of the victims of the Belarussian government in the weeks since the stolen presidential election," the company said in a statement.

What's next: The company, which develops sales-process software, is encouraging people to post videos and take to social media with the hashtag #SavePandaDoc. "We are hoping that maximum publicity will show solidarity and pressure to have our colleagues released," the company said.
LONDON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In a time where large gatherings are tricky, protesting across the UK has been in conflict with COVID guidelines, but is there a way you can manage this? The Move One Million protest took place on Saturday 5 September in Trafalgar square with c.600 people taking part. All participants were tracked using checkincognito and each household stood at a suitable distance apart whilst wearing facemasks. The protest showed that large gatherings can still be held without conflicting with COVID prevention measures.

Move One Million is a protest against the culture of corruption in South Africa with an aim of getting one million people protesting across the world at the same time. It is taking place worldwide.

checkincognito provides consumer centric, accurate visitor registration with privacy and usability at its heart. Already being used in hundreds of pubs and restaurants across the UK, this was the first time that the technology was applied in a large-scale outdoor gathering.

Adriaan Brink, CEO of checkincognito, said: "We not only feel strongly about supporting the Move One Million movement but also supporting those who want to stand up for their beliefs. We are proud to have supported the Trafalgar Square protest by providing a convenient and secure solution for tracking those who attended. This is something that could be rolled out across events throughout the UK and look forward to working with local authorities to supply our robust solution."

Hayley Reicheit, organiser of Move One Million, London, said: "With the U.K government severely clamping down on protesters in light of Covid-19 and thereby forcefully restricting freedom of speech, we implemented extremely strict measures including the use of checkincognito track and trace. Many attendees informed us that the London Metropolitan police present thought it was the most well executed protest of Summer 2020. Adriaan and his team registered 584 people, around 90% of our attendees, in a quick efficient manner. We believe this could be a key element in assisting police to allow for freedom of speech through carefully controlled and socially distanced protests."

Media contact:

Adriaan Brink

checkincognito

7947 704978

http://checkincognito.com

SOURCE checkincognito
A 19-year-old Richmond man who authorities said described himself as an ISIS recruiter is accused of making a bomb threat against the University of Houston during a Zoom lecture, federal prosecutors said.

Ibraheem Ahmed Al Bayati was taken into custody Friday and appeared in federal court Tuesday on charges of making threats to destroy by means of fire or explosives and making a threat over interstate commerce, according to the Southern District of Texas U.S. Attorney's office.

Al Bayati joined a university Zoom lecture Wednesday under the name Abu Qital al Jihadi al Mansur, officials said. He is not a University of Houston student, but gained access to the lecture when a student shared the link, said university spokesperson Shawn Lindsey.

According to the criminal complaint, Al Bayati interrupted the lecture and said, "What does any of this have to do with the fact that UH is about to get bombed in a few days?"

In Arabic, he then said, Islamic State will remain, in reference to the foreign terrorist group known as ISIS. He repeated the phrase with his index finger raised and left the call to the gasps of students, officials said.

The index finger gesture is sometimes an indicator of radical Islamic ideology, according to the complaint.

During an interview with an FBI special agent, Al Bayati said the whole thing was a joke devised by him and a friend, according to court documents.

A phone search showed that Al Bayatis friend texted him a link to the Zoom class and wrote: Say some Arabic s and leave lmaooooo.

Al Bayati described himself as a known ISIS recruiter, according to court documents. He is also accused of seeking ISIS supporters on social media and helping an individual make a pledge to join ISIS.

Al Bayati made his first court appearance Tuesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon. The accused man sat at a wood table with his arms shackled in front of him while the court appointed David Adler to be his attorney. Adler did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A detention and probable cause hearing was scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday. Alamdar Hamdani, the lead prosecutor on the case, said the government will review three phones and a laptop to determine if Al Bayati is a danger. Hamdani will call a witness to present more evidence at the next hearing.

If convicted on the bomb threat charge, Al Bayati faces up to 10 years in prison. The interstate commerce threat charge carries a maximum five year sentence.

The FBI conducted the investigation.

A separate case involving a University of Houston student linked to ISIS drew controversy last year.

Asher Abid Khan completed an 18-month prison term after he was convicted of plotting to join ISIS and recruiting a friend to join with him. Khan backed out but his friend died in ISIS training in Syria.

Attorneys with the Justice Department said Khans unusually light sentence was an enormous error, but a Houston federal judge decided in December that Khan need not serve additional time because he had shown remorse.

anna.bauman@chron.com
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.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne has urged Australians not to visit China after two innocent journalists rushed home following interviews with state police.

Bill Birtles of the ABC and Michael Smith of the Australian Financial Review landed in Sydney on Tuesday after a five-day negotiation with police who claimed they were linked to a national security case.

Government travel advice website Smartraveller was updated on July 7 to warn Aussies they face the risk of arbitrary detention in China based on national security grounds.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne (pictured) has reminded Australians not to go to China

Government travel advice website Smartraveller (pictured) was updated on 7 July to warn Aussies they face the risk of arbitrary detention in China

Do not travel advice is in place for every country in the world due to Australia's strict response the coronavirus pandemic. Australian citizens can only leave the country if they have an exemption.

Senator Payne on Tuesday reminded Australians to follow the Smartraveller advice.

'Can I say to all, please, observe the advice of DFAT provided on smart traveller,' she said.

Smith and Birtles were approached by Chinese police after the detention of Australian journalist Cheng Lei, an anchor for state TV, was arrested.

The two journalists were told they were persons of interested into an investigation into Ms Lei and were told they could only leave China after submitting to a one-hour interview.

Chinese soldiers walk outside the Great Hall of the People at the end of a ceremony to honour people who fought against the Covid-19 pandemic in Beijing on Tuesday

Bill Birtles is seen at Sydney Airport on Tuesday following a frightening rush to leave China

The pair flew back to Australia following intense questioning by China's Ministry of State security.

Birtles said the ordeal 'felt political' and amounted to 'harassment'.

He was first warned to leave China last week by Australian diplomats and had booked flights for Thursday morning.

But during farewell drinks in his apartment on Wednesday night, seven police officers showed up and told him he was banned from leaving China.

The officers said he would be contacted the next day and would be questioned over a 'national security case'.

He then spent the next four days staying in the Australian Embassy in Beijing as Chinese officials demanded an interview.

Birtles refused to speak to them but on Sunday agreed to be interviewed so his travel ban could be lifted.

Michael Smith (pictured), the China correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, returned to Sydney from China on Tuesday

The following morning he flew from Beijing to Shanghai and then back to Sydney.

Smith had also been questioned by Chinese officials who arrived at his home around 12.30am on Thursday.

He then sought refuge at the Australian consulate in Shanghai before returning to Sydney.

'It's great to be back home safely after a difficult five days,' Mr Smith said on Tuesday.

'The late night visit by police at my home was intimidating and unnecessary and highlights the pressure all foreign journalists are under in China right now.'

The departure of Birtles and Smith means there are currently no accredited Australian journalists in China.

It comes after it was revealed Ms Lei, who has two children in Melbourne had been detained in China since August 14.

It is not known why Ms Lei, who is a high profile anchor for state broadcaster CGTN in Beijing, is being detained.

Tensions between China and Australian have grown in recent months after Scott Morrison called for an independent inquiry into the origins of Covid-19.
Image: Qatar Airways

The four times weekly service to Africas largest city will be operated by Qatar Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: We are delighted to resume flights to Lagos and further expand our network in Africa. We know the Nigerian diaspora is spread across the globe and we are thankful to the Nigerian Government for their support in helping us to reunite family and friends with their loved ones. With our mixed fleet of fuel-efficient aircraft, we are able to resume Lagos services with the right sized aircraft that will enable us to respond quickly to passenger demand and increase frequencies, offering our passengers more flexibility to travel when they want.

With 44 weekly flights to 10 destinations across Africa and plans for further resumptions in line with the easing of entry restrictions, we are committed to supporting the recovery of international tourism across the continent while also maintaining vital supply chains to support African businesses.
President Donald Trump announced an expanded ban on offshore oil development near the coasts of Florida and the southeast U.S. as he made a case for his environmental record in the must-win Sunshine State.

The president said that he was issuing an order to extend a moratorium on offshore drilling on Floridas Gulf Coast, and expanding it to the states Atlantic coast as well as the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina.

This protects your beautiful Gulf and your beautiful ocean, and it will for a long time to come, he said in a speech in Jupiter, Florida.

Trump also touted other environmental accomplishments and praised Americas crystal-clean air and water. He highlighted efforts to protect the Florida Everglades and stem harmful algal blooms known as red tide that can unleash toxins into the air and cause respiratory illnesses to nearby communities. He also celebrated his State of the Union promise to plant a trillion trees by 2030 to help combat climate change.

Trumps appeal comes as he woos voters in Florida, a winner-take-all state that has 29 votes in the electoral college and is key to deciding presidential contests. Trumps environmental record -- and skepticism of climate change -- is also a detriment in the state.

Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden both have 48% support in the state among likely voters, according to a NBC News/Marist poll released Tuesday. Among registered voters, Trump leads Biden 48% to 47%. Four years ago, Trump won Florida by slightly more than 1 percentage point.

Even before the president started speaking Tuesday afternoon, he drew criticism from conservationists as well as Biden, who said Trumps environmental record is nothing to crow about.

Trump has called the climate crisis a hoax, Biden said in an emailed statement. He has eliminated rules designed to keep our air and water clean. And, dangerously, he has opened up additional public lands, both on land and offshore, to the possibility of new oil and gas drilling, a deeply unpopular threat to Floridas natural environment and tourism-based economy.

The issue of offshore drilling has been a political hot potato for Trump. Shortly after taking office, he ordered the Interior Department to consider scheduling new sales of drilling rights along U.S. coastlines, with an eye on annual auctions of territory in the western and central Gulf of Mexico, Arctic waters north of Alaska, and the mid- and south-Atlantic. The agency responded in January 2018 with a draft plan opening the door to selling drilling rights in more than 90% of U.S. coastal waters.

But by spring 2019, administration officials had decided to delay their plan to expand oil leasing until after the 2020 election, worried that the president and Republicans in the southeast U.S. would lose votes if they pushed forward with selling new drilling rights in the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific oceans.

Florida leaders have cautioned that oil spills could cripple the states tourism economy and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster had urged Trump to rule out drilling near the southeast U.S.

I applaud this announcement today, which is a result of the many conversations we have had over the years and is a huge win for Florida, Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott said in a statement.

Environmentalists downplayed Trumps pronouncement, casting it as an election-year stunt that would not offer enduring protections to Floridas coasts.

Offshore oil drilling is dirty and dangerous and Trumps message sounds more like political speech than a move toward permanent protection, said Diane Hoskins, a campaign director for Oceana Action. These coasts do need real protections and we hope the president formally withdraws his current proposal otherwise, its hard to see how this statement has any benefit to coastal economies.

It was not immediately clear Tuesday how Trump was moving to insulate the area from drilling.

An existing federal law bars the government from selling new leases in an area of the eastern Gulf of Mexico about 150 miles from the Florida coast but that moratorium is set to expire in 2022. Trump cannot extend the existing eastern Gulf leasing ban without Congress.

Trump could act alone by invoking an obscure provision in a 67-year-old federal law that empowers presidents to withdraw U.S. waters from oil and gas leasing. Former President Dwight Eisenhower used the approach to protect coral reefs near Key Largo, Florida, in 1960, and former President George H.W. Bush did the same to block oil leasing along the West Coast, Northeast U.S. and southern Florida for a decade.

But after former President Barack Obama indefinitely withdraw some 120 million acres of Arctic waters from future oil leasing in his final months in the White House, Trump repealed the declaration and ordered his Interior Department to sell drilling rights in the region anyway. The Justice Department is now defending the move before a federal appeals court.

Eastern Gulf of Mexico is a big draw to oil companies because it is close to existing pipelines and infrastructure, including refineries in Texas and Louisiana. The area also is believed to have major oil and gas reserves. Energy companies already discovered a jackpot of natural gas roughly 30 years ago -- at least 700 billion cubic feet and as much as 3 trillion cubic feet -- in the Destin Dome, located about 25 miles south of Pensacola, Florida.
Mumbai, Sep 8 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested three members of Kabir Kala Manch -- a frontal organization of banned terrorist organization CPI (Maoist) -- in the Bhima Koregaon Elgar Parishad case, the agency said on Tuesday.

Sagar Tatyaram Gorkhe, 32, Ramesh Murlidhar Gaichor, 36, were arrested on Monday while Jyoti Raghoba Jagtap, 33, was nabbed on Tuesday under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). All the arrested persons are residents of Pune.

The case was filed in the Vishram Baug Police Station in Pune on April 4, 2018 regarding incitement of people and giving provocative speeches during the Elgar Parishad organized at Shaniwarwada, Pune by the activists of Kabir Kala Manch on December 31, 2017. The Elgar Parishad promoted enmity between various caste groups and led to violence resulting in loss of life and property and a statewide agitation in Maharashtra.

During investigation, the NIA found that senior leaders of the CPI (Maoist), an organisation banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, were in contact with the organizers of the Elgar Parishad as well as the accused arrested in the case to spread the ideology of Maoism and encourage unlawful activities.

The Pune Police filed a chargesheet and a supplementary chargesheet in this case on November 15, 2018 and February 21, 2019 respectively. The arrested Kabir Kala Manch persons -- Gorkhe, Gaichor and Jagtap -- are FIR named accused persons, the NIA said.

The NIA took up the investigation of the case on January 24 this year and arrested Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha on April 14. Further, Hanybabu Musaliyavirtil Tarayil was arrested on July 28.

The NIA said that Gorkhe, Gaichor and Jagtap were propagating Maoist activities and ideology and were co-conspirators with the other arrested accused. The arrested persons were in contact with absconding accused Milind Teltumbde about the urban network of the CPI (Maoist), said the NIA.

"Also it is established that during their visits (of Kabir Kala Manch members) to the jungle, they underwent weapons and explosives training and awareness programmes on various topics related to the Maoist movement." As per the evidence, the NIA said Milind Teltumbde discussed the Elgar Parishad programme in June 2018 which was organized at Pune and the subsequent inroads made by the CPI (Maoist) in the organization through members of the Kabir Kala Manch and other frontal organizations.

The arrested accused were produced before a special court at Mumbai earlier on Tuesday and were remanded to four-day NIA custody for interrogation.
The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) on Tuesday floated a tender to initiate process for the detailed project report (DPR) for the 753km high-speed railway corridor between Mumbai and Nagpur.

The tender will be floated to carry out a survey to identify overhead, overground and underground utilities that will be required for the project. The survey will also include identification of power-sourcing options for substations along the Mumbai-Nashik-Nagpur high-speed railway corridor.

The rail project is slated to save the commuting time by up to 50% from Mumbai to Nagpur. Currently, the shortest railway distance between the two cities is 11-and-a-half hours by Duranto Express.

DPR will be prepared on the basis of the details we get from the survey. It will be crucial as it will determine the area required, pathway of the railway corridor and other technicalities. Once the data is received, we will begin preparing the DPR, said a senior NHSRCL official.

NHSRCL stated that if the trains are operated at a speed of 320km per hour, the travel time will be reduced significantly.

The speed of train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will be 320km per hour. Similarly, the Mumbai-Nagpur corridor will be 753km, [but] the exact speed and time taken will be determined after the DPR is prepared. However, we expect the travel time to come down by up to 50%, the official added.

The DPR will also include identification of locations for railway stations, land required for construction of railway lines and station premises.

Passenger associations welcomed the move and stated that the reduction in travel time will help boost the economy of Maharashtra.

Maharashtras capital is Mumbai, but Nagpur is a very important city in the state. The reduction in the travel time will not just help passengers but will also allow the easy flow of business between both the cities, said Subash Gupta, president, Rail Yatri Parishad.

DPR will also be prepared for Delhi-Varanasi (865km), Delhi-Ahmedabad (886km), Chennai-Mysore (435km), Delhi-Amritsar (459 km), Mumbai-Hyderabad (711 km) and Varanasi-Howrah (760 km) high-speed railway corridors.
India has overtaken Brazil to record the second-largest number of confirmed coronavirus cases globally.

On Sunday, India became the first nation to record more than 90,000 new daily infections, taking its total cases to more than 4.2 million with 71,642 deaths.

While fatalities still trail the US and Brazil, they are increasing rapidly, with almost 1,000 deaths announced daily over the past week.

Covid-19 initially spread in India's cities, but is now taking hold in its rural hinterlands where only 20pc of doctors are based.

More than 60pc of active cases are in five predominantly rural states - Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

Dr Yogesh Jain, a public health expert from Chhattisgarh state, said immediate action was necessary.

"As the disease accelerates in rural areas, we risk causing mayhem there," he said. "We really have to think quickly and add village-level community isolation facilities as home quarantine is not possible for the 69pc of our population there."

Public health experts have attributed India's Covid-19 surge to mismanagement.

On March 25, Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, announced the country would enter a two-month lockdown, with citizens only permitted to leave their homes to purchase food and medicines.

However, 90pc of Indians are employed informally without a contract or sick pay. Confined to their homes, up to one quarter of its population found themselves unemployed and its economy shrunk by 23.9pc from April to June.

Millions of internal migrants, who form the backbone of urban economies, were also stranded in the country's cities without any method of earning money.

Millions of starving workers attempted to return to their remote towns and villages, taking the virus with them.

An estimated 400 million Indians were pushed further into poverty by the lockdown, according to the International Labour Organisation. ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / Talisker Resources Ltd. ("Talisker" or the "Company") (CSE:TSK)(OTCQB:TSKFF) is pleased to announce results from holes SB-2020-008, SB-2020-008W1, and SB-2020-009, as well as partial results from an additional four holes from the Company's 17,000m drill program at the Bralorne Gold Project located in British Columbia.

Partial holes highlights include:

SB-2020-015 - Bralorne Area

12.70 g/t Au over 1.3m from 150.70m to 152.00m in the Charlotte Zone Within a broader zone of 9.94 g/t over 4.00m from 149.20m to 153.20m



102 g/t Au over 0.50m from 466.10m to 466.60m at the 55 Vein Within a 30.98 g/t over 1.7m from 465.60m to 467.30m

8.64 g/t Au over 1.80m from 665.15m to 666.95m at the 53 Vein

SB-2020-012 - Bralorne Area

14.76 g/t Au over 1.00m from 701.50m to 702.50m at the 71 Vein

SB-2020-013 - Bralorne Area

7.67 g/t Au over 0.60m from 153.90m to 154.50m at the Empire Zone Within a broader zone of 1.70 g/t over 6.85m



Complete hole highlights include:

SB-2020-008 - Bralorne Area

6.83 g/t Au over 1.50m from 763.50m to 765.00m at the 53 FW Vein

SB-2020-009 - Bralorne Area

4.52 g/t Au over 6.15m from 211.00m to 217.15m in a New Zone Including 4.88 g/t over 0.75m from 211.00m to 211.75m And 5.69 g/t over 0.90m from 212.50m to 213.40m And 4.86 g/t over 0.50m from 213.40m to 213.90m And 5.56 g/t over 0.60m from 214.40m to 215.00m And 6.35 g/t over 0.50m from 216.65m to 217.15m

6.73 g/t Au over 0.85m from 610.45m to 611.30m at the 55 HW Vein

Terry Harbort, President and CEO of Talisker commented, "These results, again highlight the high-grade nature of the Bralorne deposit and demonstrate the location of these high grades within broader mineralised envelopes. With the installation of our automated core saw at site we have increased our sample production rate and will be releasing the remaining results of these holes and the newly completed holes shortly."

Full details including drill maps are available on the Company's website at www.taliskerresources.com. The Company will be hosting a webinar to discuss the results the week of September 14th. Further details will be provided when the webinar is scheduled.

Bralorne Gold Project

Drill Holes SB-2020-008, 008W1, 009 and partial results for SB-2020-011, 011A, 012, 013, 014, 015. Diamond Drill Hole Name Sample Number From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) Au

g/t Interpreted Structure Method Reported SB-2020-008 B0218594 763.50 764.15 0.65 6.75 53 FW Vein Au-SCR24 SB-2020-008 B0218595 764.15 765.00 0.85 6.89 53 FW Vein Au-SCR24 SB-2020-009 B0219081 210.50 211.00 0.50 1.64 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-009 B0219082 211.00 211.75 0.75 4.88 New Zone Au-SCR24 SB-2020-009 B0219083 211.75 212.50 0.75 3.47 New Zone Au-SCR24 SB-2020-009 B0219084 212.50 213.40 0.90 5.69 New Zone Au-SCR24 SB-2020-009 B0219085 213.40 213.90 0.50 4.86 New Zone Au-SCR24 SB-2020-009 B0219086 213.90 214.40 0.50 3.98 New Zone Au-SCR24 SB-2020-009 B0219087 214.40 215.00 0.60 5.56 New Zone Au-SCR24 SB-2020-009 B0219088 215.00 215.50 0.50 3.10 New Zone Au-SCR24 SB-2020-009 B0219089 215.50 216.15 0.65 3.78 New Zone Au-SCR24 SB-2020-009 B0219091 216.15 216.65 0.50 2.91 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-009 B0219092 216.65 217.15 0.50 6.35 New Zone Au-SCR24 SB-2020-009 B0219093 217.15 217.65 0.50 1.60 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-009 B0219094 217.65 218.45 0.80 1.85 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-009 B0219095 218.45 219.20 0.75 3.47 New Zone Au-SCR24 SB-2020-009 B0219096 219.20 220.25 1.05 0.97 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-009 B0219097 220.25 220.75 0.50 1.09 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-009 B0219588 610.45 611.30 0.85 6.73 55 HW Vein Au-AA24 SB-2020-009 B0219589 611.30 611.80 0.50 1.94 55 HW Vein Au-AA24 SB-2020-009 B0219591 611.80 612.55 0.75 0.25 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-009 B0219655 663.80 664.40 0.60 0.38 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-009 B0219656 664.40 665.00 0.60 0.16 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-009 B0219657 665.00 665.50 0.50 0.31 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-009 B0219658 665.50 666.20 0.70 0.20 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-009 B0219659 666.20 667.15 0.95 2.99 55 Vein Au-AA24 SB-2020-009 B0219661 667.15 668.15 1.00 3.30 55 Vein Au-AA24 SB-2020-009 B0219662 668.15 668.65 0.50 0.11 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-011A B490091 290.00 290.50 0.50 5.89 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-011A B490092 290.50 291.25 0.75 1.80 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-011A B490093 291.25 292.25 1.00 1.68 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-011A B490094 292.25 292.75 0.50 0.04 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-011A B490095 292.75 293.25 0.50 0.08 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-011A B490096 293.25 293.75 0.50 0.16 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-011A B490097 293.75 294.25 0.50 0.16 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-011A B490098 294.25 294.75 0.50 0.08 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-011A B490099 294.75 295.25 0.50 0.86 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-011A B490101 295.25 295.75 0.50 2.41 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-011A B490102 295.75 296.25 0.50 1.66 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-011A B490103 296.25 296.75 0.50 0.63 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-011A B490104 296.75 297.25 0.50 1.45 New Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-012 B835739 701.50 702.00 0.50 1.33 71 Vein Au-AA24 SB-2020-012 B835741 702.00 702.50 0.50 28.20 71 Vein Au-GRA22 SB-2020-012 B835743 703.20 704.20 1.00 0.29 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-012 B835744 704.20 705.00 0.80 1.30 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-012 B835745 705.00 705.80 0.80 1.03 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-012 B835746 705.80 706.40 0.60 2.71 51 Vein Au-AA24 SB-2020-013 B490661 151.25 151.75 0.50 0.74 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-013 B490662 151.75 152.50 0.75 0.22 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-013 B490663 152.50 153.25 0.75 0.62 Vein Halo Au-AA24 Bralorne Gold Project

Drill Holes SB-2020-008, 008W1, 009 and partial results for SB-2020-011, 011A, 012, 013, 014, 015. Diamond Drill Hole Name Sample Number From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) Au

g/t Interpreted Structure Method Reported SB-2020-013 B490664 153.25 153.90 0.65 3.22 Empire Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-013 B490665 153.90 154.50 0.60 7.67 Empire Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-013 B490666 154.50 155.20 0.70 0.12 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-013 B490668 156.20 156.90 0.70 0.11 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-013 B490669 156.90 157.55 0.65 0.16 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-013 B490671 157.55 158.20 0.65 0.88 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-013 B490672 158.20 158.90 0.70 1.76 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-013 B490673 158.90 159.40 0.50 2.55 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-013 B490674 159.40 160.10 0.70 2.26 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-013 B490675 160.10 160.60 0.50 0.21 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491015 138.00 139.00 1.00 1.60 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491016 139.00 139.70 0.70 1.08 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491017 139.70 140.60 0.90 0.62 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491018 140.60 141.20 0.60 2.79 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491019 141.20 142.00 0.80 3.72 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491021 142.00 142.50 0.50 4.51 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491022 142.50 143.20 0.70 6.13 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491023 143.20 143.70 0.50 3.31 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491024 143.70 144.20 0.50 3.08 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491025 144.20 145.00 0.80 1.69 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491026 145.00 145.70 0.70 1.81 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491027 145.70 146.55 0.85 5.27 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491028 146.55 147.10 0.55 1.81 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491029 147.10 147.65 0.55 2.60 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491031 147.65 148.60 0.95 1.21 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491032 148.60 149.20 0.60 7.14 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491033 149.20 150.00 0.80 12.95 Charlotte Zone Au-GRA22 SB-2020-015 B491034 150.00 150.70 0.70 4.45 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491035 150.70 151.30 0.60 12.70 Charlotte Zone Au-GRA22 SB-2020-015 B491036 151.30 152.00 0.70 12.70 Charlotte Zone Au-GRA22 SB-2020-015 B491037 152.00 152.60 0.60 8.23 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491038 152.60 153.20 0.60 8.09 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491039 153.20 154.00 0.80 3.14 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491041 154.00 154.70 0.70 0.72 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491042 154.70 155.20 0.50 0.43 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491043 155.20 155.90 0.70 4.32 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491044 155.90 156.65 0.75 3.16 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491045 156.65 157.40 0.75 0.15 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491046 157.40 158.20 0.80 1.13 Charlotte Zone Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491279 465.60 466.10 0.50 0.61 55 Vein Au-SCR24 SB-2020-015 B491281 466.10 466.60 0.50 102.00 55 Vein Au-SCR24 SB-2020-015 B491282 466.60 467.30 0.70 1.96 55 Vein Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491392 663.90 664.45 0.55 5.53 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491393 664.45 665.15 0.70 4.04 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491394 665.15 665.70 0.55 2.40 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491395 665.70 666.35 0.65 19.95 53 Vein Au-SCR24 SB-2020-015 B491396 666.35 666.95 0.60 2.10 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491404 670.00 671.00 1.00 5.10 Vein Halo Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491405 671.00 671.50 0.50 2.69 53 FW Vein Au-AA24 SB-2020-015 B491406 671.50 672.00 0.50 1.99 Vein Halo Au-AA24 Notes: Diamond drill hole SB-2020-008 has collar orientation of Azimuth 197; Dip -53. SB-2020-009 has collar orientation of Azimuth 199; Dip -61. SB-2020-011A has collar orientation of Azimuth 215; Dip -53. Diamond drill hole SB-2020-012 has collar orientation of Azimuth 167; Dip -57. SB-2020-013 has collar orientation of Azimuth 160; Dip -45. SB-2020-015 has collar orientation of Azimuth 205; Dip -52. True widths are estimated at 60 - 90% of intercept lengths and are based on oriented core measurements where available. Method Reported includes the most up to date information as of the date of this press release.

SB-2020-015 targeted the 55 Vein intersecting a 0.50m vein grading 102.00 g/t Au from 466.10m to 466.60m. This structure is flanked by heavily altered wall-rock which produced 0.61 g/t over 0.50m in the hanging wall and 1.96 g/t over 0.70m in the footwall. At the 53 Vein target 19.95 g/t over 0.65m was encountered and followed by 2.10 g/t over 0.60m in a consecutive sample (two samples located between 665.70m and 666.95m). From 670.00m to 672.00m the 53 FW Vein produced 5.1 g/t over 1.00m, 2.69 g/t over 0.50m, and 1.99 g/t over 0.50m between 670.00 and 672.00m depth.

SB-2020-015 encountered a large mineralized zone (The Charlotte Zone) from 138.00m to 158.20m defining a composite grade of 4.04 g/t Au over 20.20m with a high-grade core of 12.7 g/t Au over 1.3 m. This zone correlates with a similar broad mineralized zone encountered in SB-2020-009 (4.52 g/t over 6.15m) 145m away. In addition, the zone correlates with similar mineralisation intercepted in SB-2020-011A which produced 1.34 g/t Au over 7.25 m from 290.00m to 297.25m 190m away, giving a total traceable length between holes of 235m.

Hole SB-2020-008 targeted the 55 Vein but intersected a suspected drift in the 55 Vein position at 554.5m. The drift was crossed, and the hole continued to the target. A known stope was crossed at 756.1 to 757.3m. The 53 Vein target area yielded two consecutive samples of quartz vein yielding 6.75 g/t over 0.65 m and 6.89 g/t over 0.85m between 763.5 and 765.0m.

Hole SB-2020-008W1 is a wedge off of hole 8, to achieve at a shallower dip angle 337.55 m. This hole attempted to clear overtop of the intersected drift at 554.5m that was encountered in hole 8. At 547.1m the hole intersected a void measuring 4m across and was abandoned.

SB-2020-009 intersected an unanticipated New Zone at 208m which yielded 4.52 g/t over 6.15m. 9 samples of brecciated and sheared quartz yielded values greater than 3 g/t Au triggering over-limit screen metallic analysis. At the 55 HW Vein position a 0.85m quartz vein produced 6.73 g/t from 610.45 to 611.30m. At the 55 Vein target a banded vein with strong mariposite alteration yielded 2.99 g/t Au over 0.95m and 3.3 g/t Au over 1.0m in consecutive samples.

In SB-2020-010 only the top 300m have been assayed so far. No significant grades have been reported at this time.

SB-2020-011 deviated off course after collaring and was abandoned at 38.2m without intersecting any prospective zones. No assays we collected.

SB-2020-011A is the re-collar of hole 11. A new zone was intersected producing 1.34 g/t Au over 7.25m from 290.00m to 297.25m from assays up to 5.89 g/t over 0.50m. Hole 11A has received assays for the intervals 286.50m to 301.90m. The remainder of the assays are currently pending.

SB-2020-012 cut 14.76 g/t Au over 1m in two consecutive samples grading 1.33 g/t over 0.50m and 28.2 g/t over 0.50m in the 71 Vein. Just below this at the 51 Vein 3 consecutive samples produced 1.30 g/t Au over 0.80m, 1.03 g/t over 0.80m, and 2.71 g/t over 0.60m between 704.20 m and 706.40 m depth. SB-2020-012 has been assayed between 698.50m and 735.35m. The remainder of the assays are currently pending.

SB-2020-013 was drilled to intersect the close to surface structure cut by SB-2020-005A (19.97 g/t Au over 5.1m released June 9, 2020). From 153.25m to 154.50m two consecutive samples yielded 3.22 g/t over 0.65m and 7.67 g/t over 0.60m. These two samples sit within a larger zone (Empire Zone) that produced 1.70 g/t Au over 6.85m from 153.25m depth. Hole 13 has been assayed between 147.00m and 164.60m. The remainder of the assays are currently pending.

SB-2020-014 was drilled from the same pad as SB-2020-013. Full assays are still pending. No significant results have been received so far.

About Talisker Resources Ltd.

Talisker (taliskerresources.com) is a junior resource company involved in the exploration of gold projects in British Columbia, Canada. Talisker's projects include the Bralorne Gold Project, an advanced stage project with significant exploration potential from a historical high-grade producing gold mine as well as its Spences Bridge Project where the Company holds ~85% of the emerging Spences Bridge Gold Belt and several other early stage Greenfields projects. With its properties comprising 291,339 hectares over 322 claims, six leases and 181 crown grant claims, Talisker is a dominant exploration player in the south-central British Columbia. The Company is well funded to advance its aggressive systematic exploration program at its projects.

For further information, please contact:

Terry Harbort, President & CEO

terry.harbort@taliskerresources.com

+1 416 361 2808

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release relating to the drill results at the Bralorne Gold Project has been approved by Leonardo de Souza (BSc, AusIMM (CP) Membership 224827), Talisker's Vice President, Exploration and Resource Development, who is a "qualified person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Sample Preparation and QAQC

Drill core at the Bralorne project is drilled in HQ to NQ size ranges (63.5mm and 47.6mm respectively). Drill core samples are minimum 50 cm and maximum 160 cm long along the core axis. Samples are focused on an interval of interest such as a vein or zone of mineralization. Shoulder samples bracket the interval of interest such that a total sampled core length of not less than 3 m both above and below the interval of interest must be assigned. Sample QAQC measures of unmarked certified reference materials (CRMs), blanks, and duplicates are inserted into the sample sequence and make up 9% of the samples submitted to the lab for holes reported in this release.

Sample preparation and analyses is carried out by ALS Global, at their laboratory in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Drill core sample preparation includes drying in an oven at a maximum temperature of 60C, fine crushing of the sample to at least 70% passing less than 2 mm, sample splitting using a riffle splitter, and pulverizing a 250 g split to at least 85% passing 75 microns (code PREP-31).

Gold and in diamond drill core is analysed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) of a 50g sample (code Au-AA24), while multi-element chemistry is analysed by 4-Acid digestion of a 0.25 g sample split with detection by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) for 48 elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Ge, Hf, In, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Re, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Sn, Sr, Ta, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, U, V, W, Y, Zn, Zr).

Gold assay technique Au-AA24 has an upper detection limit of 10ppm. Any sample that produces an over-limit gold value via the Au-AA24 technique is sent for gravimetric finish via method Au-GRA22 which has an upper detection limit of 1,000 ppm Au. Samples where visible gold was observed are sent directly to screen metallics analysis and all samples that fire assay above 3 ppm Au are re-analysed with method Au-SCR24 which employs a 1kg pulp screened to 100 microns with assay of the entire oversize fraction and duplicate 50g assays on the undersize fraction. Where possible all samples initially sent to screen metallics processing will also be re-run through the fire assay with gravimetric finish provided there is enough material left for further processing.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Talisker's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the operations of the Company and the timing which could be affected by the current global COVID-19 pandemic. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to Talisker. Although such statements are based on reasonable assumptions of Talisker's management, there can be no assurance that any conclusions or forecasts will prove to be accurate.

While Talisker considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in project parameters as plans continue to be redefined, risks relating to variations in grade or recovery rates, risks relating to changes in mineral prices and the worldwide demand for and supply of minerals, risks related to increased competition and current global financial conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic, access and supply risks, reliance on key personnel, operational risks, and regulatory risks, including risks relating to the acquisition of the necessary licenses and permits, financing, capitalization and liquidity risks.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and Talisker is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

SOURCE: Talisker Resources Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/605059/Talisker-Intersects-102-gt-Au-over-05-m-within-3098-gt-over-17m-at-Bralorne-Gold-Project
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 21:03:06|Editor: huaxia

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A school is seen empty in Aden, Yemen, on Sept. 8, 2020. (Photo by Murad Abdo/Xinhua)

ADEN, Yemen, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of students should have returned to their classes in the government-controlled areas in the south of Yemen where the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down.

However, a strike by teachers demanding a pay rise, along with the political disagreements between the parties, broke off the planned process for students.

"Our schools are without teachers and we, as students, decided to stay at home because no one will teach us there," said Najib Ahmed, a high school student in the southern port city of Aden.

"We are missing the classes," he added.

A few number of students returned to their schools in Aden's neighborhood of Mansourah, only to find empty classrooms.

"I fully prepared myself and returned to school but found my classes without teachers and none of my classmates was there," said Alaa Mohsen, an Aden-based student.

However, a high school teacher named Khaled Raad said it's "unfair" to go back and teach with such a low salary.

"I'm working as bus driver because my monthly salary as a teacher is not sufficient to buy even the basic needs for my family members," Raad complained.

Following several months of suspension because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Yemeni Ministry of Education announced on Sunday the cautious and progressive resumption of public education that starts from high schools.

The Ministry published special programs to help students catch up on their missed classes and encourage them to return to school.

However, some parents in Aden remain worried about the lack of effective precautionary measures against COVID-19 infection at the crowded schools.

"In Yemen, we used to have schools without water and electricity, so how can we install handwashing basins? Also, no one can afford to buy soap or face masks throughout the whole year," said Bassim Ali, a father of two children in Aden.

"Most of the families are poor and haven't got paid for several months, so we can't buy daily face masks for children and it's better to remain at home," the father added.

The Yemeni government has so far confirmed 1,989 coronavirus cases in the areas under its control, including 573 deaths.

The Houthis aligned with Iran launched a large military campaign and seized the capital Sanaa in late 2014, forcing Yemen's internationally-recognized President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and his government to flee to the southern port city of Aden.

Then, the pro-Houthi forces backed by armored vehicles attacked Aden, forcing Hadi to escape again to neighboring Saudi Arabia.

A Saudi-led coalition intervened militarily and began pounding the Houthi-controlled Sanaa in March 2015, in response to an official request from Hadi to protect Yemen against Iran's influence.

Three-quarters of the Yemenis, or more than 22 million people, urgently require humanitarian assistance, including 8.4 million who struggle to find their next meal. Enditem
Hotel operators are looking towards recovery in the coming two years and will use the current restrictions to refresh, rebadge and make selective acquisitions to their portfolios in preparation for a return of guests.

Speaking at the AHICE2020 conference, being held in Sydney with guests online, a number of developers and operators are confident of survival but at a slower pace than expected, particularly after an extension of border closures.

Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport is the latest Australian development from Pro-invest Group.

Private owner and developer Dr Jerry Schwartz, who is lobbying to get a helipad allowed on the top of his Sydney Sofitel hotel in Darling Harbour, said he would seek to refresh his stable of hotels in the coming year.

"We were beginning to see some signs of improvement until the borders were closed and that saw the conference sector hard hit," Dr Schwartz said.
During lockdown overseas domestic workers became even more vulnerable to abuse, but one woman is helping them escape.

It is just after 7am on a rainy morning in July and 57-year-old Sheila Tilan is pacing up and down a private road that leads to one of Londons most exclusive streets.

She is wearing white trousers and a black shirt, just as she said she would.

Joggers pass by and a security guard sits in a nearby cabin, guarding a gate that leads to multimillion-pound mansions.

Sheila pretends to talk on her mobile phone so as not to draw attention to herself.

About an hour later, a tiny woman carrying a schoolgirls backpack and wearing baggy pink trousers emerges from one of the houses.

She walks towards Sheila and the two embrace briskly. They have been in telephone contact for weeks, but this is the first time they have met.

Sorry, I had to make breakfast, Florence* says in a whisper.

That morning, like every morning for the past four years, Florence, who is from the Philippines and looks younger than her 28 years, had made breakfast and tidied the living room of her employers house.

But this morning would be different, because the night before she had packed her belongings into the backpack and resolved to wear the three pairs of trousers and four t-shirts she could not cram into it.

Sheila Tilan co-founded the Filipino Domestic Workers Association when the tied visa was introduced in 2012 [Ylenia Gostoli/Al Jazeera]

Sheila is visibly relieved that her first rescue since the country went into lockdown in late March has been successful. But the past few months have been so busy that she has forgotten she no longer has a key to the apartment the Filipino Domestic Workers Association (FDWA), of which she is co-founder, uses as an informal safe house.

Recently, the apartment has become a haven for migrant workers who became homeless after losing their jobs during the coronavirus crisis.

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With cafes and restaurants only serving takeaway food, Sheila and Florence find a bus stop to sit at as they wait for someone to bring them the key.

Florence admits with an embarrassed smile that it is the first time she has walked down these streets.

A year and six months, I dont go out, she explains in broken English, her mood suddenly sullen.

Florence had first begun working for her employers, a diplomatic family, in Kuwait, and says that since they moved to London, she had only left the house to accompany members of the family on shopping trips.

Relations had turned sour during lockdown, she says, with the family installing a camera to monitor her, and withholding her pay (which was below the United Kingdoms minimum wage) and passport.

The UK police are currently looking into the allegations and confirmed to Al Jazeera there have been no arrests.

Importing abuse

200416205200648

In 2019, the UK government issued just under 23,000 Overseas Domestic Worker (ODW) visas, aimed at workers temporarily accompanying their employers from abroad. About half of these six-month visas were issued to workers from the Philippines.

Some 200 to 300 workers enter the country with a diplomatic household every year.

A 2017 freedom of information request shows that more than 70 percent of ODW visa applications to the UK are from Gulf countries whose kafala migrant sponsorship system, also used in Lebanon and Jordan, has been described by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as inherently problematic.

The kafala system places this undue power with the employer that is magnified in relation to domestic workers, Ryszard Cholewinski, a senior migration specialist in the ILOs Regional Office for Arab States, explains, adding that live-in domestic workers in hard-to-monitor private homes are at particularly high risk of forced labour.

[The ILOs forced labour] indicators include things like withholding of passports and restricted movement of workers, which is exacerbated in the case of domestic workers as many of them are unable to leave the house, Cholewinski adds.

A lack of social security often means that even middle-income families in Gulf countries are forced to hire outside help to care for children and the elderly. Employers feel that they have made an investment and that the worker should stay with them for a number of years, Cholewinski says.

The ILO estimates that 80 percent of the at least 67 million adult domestic workers worldwide are women, and that one in five is an international migrant.

In the UK, changes to the immigration rules in 2012 introduced a tied visa system that critics argued merely recreated the kafala, as a worker could not quit their job without becoming undocumented and risking deportation. The government countered that victims of abuse could be channelled through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), the UKs framework for modern slavery victims, with referrals made by designated first responders, including NGOs and the police.

An independent review of the ODW visa, commissioned by the government and published in 2015, recognised that the UK was inviting an average of 17,000 potentially vulnerable individuals into the country every year and recommended that workers be given the universal right to change employer and apply for visa extensions. As a result, domestic workers are now able to change employer while their six-month visa is still valid. But critics say the time limit makes the changes merely nominal.

Before becoming prime minister, Theresa May (who was then home secretary) had aimed for her political legacy to be leading the global fight against modern slavery. The 2015 Modern Slavery Act was hailed as landmark legislation aimed at making it easier to prosecute criminals  with the most serious offenders facing a life sentence  and to protect victims. But it ran counter to the Conservative governments hardline immigration policies  designed to create a hostile environment for undocumented migrants.

Home Secretary Theresa May delivers her keynote speech to delegates during the Conservative Party Conference on October 6, 2015, in Manchester, England, where she argued that the UK needs an immigration limit [Christopher Furlong/Getty Images]

The government argued that the rules governing the ODW visa would work to prevent those who were not abused using it as a way into the country, while still offering protection to genuine victims.

In practice, victims may spend years with an insecure immigration status that gives them limited or no right to work or access welfare, essentially keeping them in a cycle of exploitation that the coronavirus pandemic  with its accompanying disruption and rise in unemployment  has only made worse.

Precarious immigration status

The safe house is an airy three-bedroom apartment in an upscale neighbourhood of west London. Its owners live abroad, so Sheila persuaded them to put it to good use.

Exhausted after a two-hour police interview, Florence collapses on a sofa in what used to be a childs bedroom.

The policewoman said its very hard to establish a case [of] modern slavery when she signed a paper stating that she received this amount, says Sheila, referring to Florences contract and visa paperwork, which claim she received double the 400 pounds ($525) a month Florence says she was actually paid.

If you are telling me that its so hard to establish a case, and if I am the victim, then I will feel like youre not helping me, because youre not aware of whats going on, what experience I had, she continues, frustrated.

Sheila was a single mother of three sons when she travelled to the UK as a domestic worker in 2003. Her mother looked after her sons back in the Philippines while Sheila hopped from job to job in London. Immigration rules were more relaxed at the time, enabling her to become a permanent resident. She has since become a point of reference for the community, a role that, coupled with Florences young age, makes her feel protective towards her.

There has been a year-on-year rise in the number of referrals to the NRM. In 2019, 10,627 potential victims were referred  a 52-percent increase from 2018, and nearly double the 2017 figure. But observers believe the number of referrals is just the tip of the iceberg. When it comes to domestic workers, academics and frontline workers say that many prefer not to be referred for fear of what the process will involve.

There is absolutely no guarantee that someone who has been ill-treated and possibly trafficked will manage to be recognised as a victim of trafficking, Virginia Mantouvalou, a professor of human rights and labour law at University College London, explains.

Data suggests the uncertainty is magnified for potential victims without a UK or European Union passport: only 3 percent of those from outside the EU who were referred in 2019 had received a final decision confirming them as victims (known as conclusive grounds) by the beginning of 2020, while the figure for UK and EU nationals was 14 percent and 7 percent respectively. Overall, eight in 10 referrals had only received an initial reasonable grounds decision  identifying them as potential victims.

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According to the charity Kalayaan, which has been assisting domestic workers in the UK for more than 30 years, domestic workers who enter the NRM face an average wait of 24 months before being recognised.

Right to work

By the time Ana*, who is in her 40s, applied to the NRM during lockdown and received a positive reasonable grounds decision from the authorities, she had lost her right to work.

Potential victims whose six-month visa expires before they are recognised as such are unable to work legally in the country while their case is decided and are expected to survive on 39.60 pounds ($52) a week provided by the government as part of its victim support programme. In some cases, they are provided with accommodation, but according to Kalayaan this can be difficult to set up and many survivors opt instead for community support.

The agency that brought Ana from the Philippines to Abu Dhabi in 2011 first took advantage of her free labour for two weeks before handing her over to her designated employer. She says she was verbally and physically abused by the family she worked for and was soon returned to the agency, which sold her to another family for $3,000.

She recounts working almost 24 hours a day as she took care of a baby while also being responsible for household chores.

I was doing everything. Cleaning, cooking, everything, she explains over the phone as she is self-isolating due to her frail health, which she says deteriorated after she left the Philippines.

They didnt give me proper food and I didnt have time to have a proper rest  I [was] very depressed and stressed.

Whenever she left the house with the family, she was asked not to speak to anyone.

Her family back home had no guarantees she would be able to send them money as her employers once held back her salary for six months.

Florence in her bedroom, contacting her family on the day of her rescue [Ylenia Gostoli/Al Jazeera]

Then the family moved to London three years ago and one day she was asked to buy sugar at the local supermarket. She never returned.

She found low-paid, part-time undocumented work as a carer for the elderly, but when the coronavirus pandemic struck, she began to worry.

I stopped my work because of the pandemic, because of my asthma, she explains. I had symptoms of COVID and I [was] scared to go to the hospital.

Despite government reassurances that everybody is entitled to care regardless of immigration status, undocumented workers are often afraid of accessing healthcare for fear of being reported.

Ana has now approached the Voice of Domestic Workers, another community support group, and applied to the NRM. She has avoided destitution thanks to a friend who was able to accommodate her.

Sheila and Florence making lunch at the safehouse [Ylenia Gostoli/Al Jazeera]

Starting over, doing the same

Josephine*, 38, thought she could breathe a sigh of relief when she was recognised as a victim of modern slavery earlier this year, until she found out that the two-year domestic worker visa she received was a shaky foundation on which to rebuild her life. The conditions of her visa are that she is only allowed to work in a private household, and has no access to welfare.

Compared with her previous employer, a woman she says would beat me on my head and body, make me ashamed in front of a lot of people, the elderly couple she works for in London treat her like part of the family. But due to travel restrictions, they were stuck outside the country after going on holiday, and Josephine was left in London with no work and no income.

I didnt have money to pay rent. [For] two months I didnt send money to my kids, the single mother of three teenage children in the Philippines explains. I didnt have any option but to seek help from my fellow Filipinas.

Josephines work was suspended again recently due to the ill health of the man she cares for. But she feels she has little leverage to enforce her rights, negotiate pay or seek alternative employment.

[When] I tell [employers] that I have a working permit for only household work, and thats all, they can only pay me the minimum wage.

Josephine, who has applied for asylum, wants to study to become a qualified carer. Maybe when I get a final decision from the Home Office I can work as a caregiver, based on what I know, she says.

Even though she has the skills and experience that are in such short supply in the social care industry, this is an economic sector that she cannot tap into, Avril Sharp, a policy and casework officer at the charity Kalayaan, explains.

Sharp says that a number of domestic workers in the charitys network reported losing their jobs and becoming destitute at the height of the crisis.

Florence, Amelia and Lili (all names have been changed) relaxing at the safe house they have been sharing for a week [Ylenia Gostoli/Al Jazeera]

The risks are heightened for those undocumented in the UK who have lost their jobs, Sharp adds.

Strengthening the rights of domestic workers

Florence is likely to be referred to the NRM, but conviction rates for modern slavery offences remain low.

There is a huge discrepancy between referrals under the NRM and prosecutions under the Modern Slavery Act, says Mantouvalou. This may be due to the difficulty of the situation, the fact this is a particularly hidden crime, because the police dont have the right training yet. There are great weaknesses in the system.

The immunity that applies to diplomatic households further complicates the picture.

At the same time, the problem is not just that you cant prosecute all these employers. The big problem is the vulnerability these workers have because of their visa. Its more effective to improve the visa, to strengthen the right of domestic workers, than to just start prosecuting all these mean employers, Mantouvalou adds.

At the safe house, Florence is entertaining her new flatmates by singing Celine Dions My Heart Will Go On. They are Amelia, a carer of Jamaican origin who had been evicted by her landlord weeks earlier; and Lili, who lost her job as a live-out cleaner when she was told her services would not be needed during lockdown. Both are part of an army of invisible undocumented workers who were left with no support and facing destitution when work dried up during the pandemic.

Sheila, who cooked everyone fish for lunch with Florence as her helper, looks over the scene with amusement and a hint of pride, knowing she is the one who made this temporarily carefree atmosphere possible. They will think about Florences two children, who need her help during lockdown in the Philippines, tomorrow.

Sheila and Florence making lunch at the safehouse [Ylenia Gostoli/Al Jazeera]

I wish the government would create more jobs at home, so that people will stop leaving the country, Sheila reflects. People were forced to leave the country because there is no opportunity, no job, even if you finish your schooling, if you are a professional. You need to leave the country to find a place where you can work and you will be paid and can support your family.

*Names have been changed to protect identities.

This reporting was supported by the International Womens Media Foundations Howard G Buffett Fund for Women Journalists.
A little bit of kindness can really go a long way. When a police officer in the Omaha suburb of Bellevue, Nebraska, noticed that a mom of three he had pulled over at a traffic stop couldnt afford to buy car seats for her children, he used his own money and bought them for her.

A few weeks ago, when Officer Jim Severn of Bellevue Police Department was training another officer who had pulled over the woman for broken taillights, he noticed that the young children who were all below the age of 7 werent safe at the back seat of the car. Thus, after the other officer finished having a conversation about the initial reason he pulled over the mom, Severn decided to raise his concern.

I mentioned there were no car seats in the back and I asked her if she was able to get the car seats, Officer Severn told KMTV. She was hesitant to answer my question, and then after speaking with her for a couple minutes, I said dont let your pride block you from answering the question.

Upon finding out that the woman couldnt afford to buy them, the sympathetic officer decided to take action and promised to help the mom on the spot.

The quick-thinking officer then went back to check with his supervisor at the police department, who suggested seeking out help from some organizations within the Omaha metro that would give away car seats.

However, Severn, who has served in law enforcement for 16 years, decided to act on his own rather than go through an organization. I just felt like the quicker option was for me to just go buy the car seats for her, he explained.

After having a conversation with Severn and having him share his intent to help the woman, Severns wife also got involved to help in the effort to get the young family some new seats.

Officer Severn kept his promise to the mother. When he showed up at her house a few days later to deliver the brand-new booster seats for the children, she was surprised, to say the least. I dont know if she didnt know if we were actually going to follow through with it, Severn said. However, he was happy to see that the kids were running around, playing around the house.

Making the children much safer with his purchase had its own rewards. Ive been in situations where I couldnt afford something and people have helped me out and so its just kind of paying it forward, the officer added.

The officer couldnt help but feel good about his gesture. I try and help out as much as I can, Severn said. Thats one of the best parts about my job is to help somebody who legitimately needs the help.

Severn believes that the attention he has received for the kind act is hardly merited, as there are plenty of other officers in his department doing the same thing.

Almost on a daily basis, officers around the country are doing something like that, he maintained.

When the police department wanted to make mention of Severns act, he was initially opposed to the idea. I told my sergeant when all of this was starting to happen, I said, I dont want the recognition, Severn explained.

However, they insisted that the officer accept the recognition.

Severn continued to emphasize that police officers dont perform acts of kindness for the kudos they might receive but stressed that they want to just help people.

We dont need a pat on the back constantly because we want to help the community because thats what were part ofwere part of the community, he concluded.

We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.nyc
(Photo : Screenshot from Twitter post of @MarcusJlaczyrh) Mutant Mice Become More Muscular After Long Stay in Space; Could Muscle and Bone Loss be Prevented? (Photo : Screenshot from Twitter post of @bethbeck) Mutant Mice Become More Muscular After Long Stay in Space; Could Muscle and Bone Loss be Prevented?

Recent study found that the mutant "mighty mice" retained their muscle during a month-long stay in space, at the International Space Station (ISS). It noted that when these genetically-engineered animals returned to Earth, they became even more bulked-up and ripped. Scientists said that these mice now have the physiques of ripped bodybuilders.

Also Read: Family Continues Watching "The Bachelor," While a 6-ft Python Is Taken Out from Behind the TV Cabinet

The researchers' findings suggest that muscle and bone loss could be prevented when astronauts go on prolonged space flights, such as Mars missions, and when people on Earth are confined to bed or wheelchairs in hospitals.

Also Read: [VIRAL] New Hotel Will Let You Dine With 'Giraffes,' But You Might Have Some Trouble Booking It

Dr Se-Jin Lee, a scientist of the Jackson Laboratory in Connecticut, led the research team that sent 40 young female black mice aboard a SpaceX rocket, which was launched to the space station in December 2019. The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Lee said that 24 mice, who didn't receive the treatment, lost considerable bone and muscle mass up to 18% because of weightlessness. However, the eight genetically engineered mighty mice maintained their bulk compared to the regular mice.

The muscles of mighty mice are just like those of the similar mice that stayed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. "Mighty mouse," the treatment the animals received, involves blocking a pair of proteins that typically limit muscle mass.

The treatment dramatically increases the animals' muscular structure when they returned to Earth.

More works should be done before the treatment is used in humans

All 40 mice were brought back in good condition after the SpaceX capsule parachuted into the Pacific off the California coast in Jan. Some of them were injected with "mighty mice" medicine.

They quickly built up more muscle compared to the untreated ones. The experiment was completed during the COVID-19 crisis in the United States.

"The only silver lining of COVID is that we had time to write it up very intensively and submit the results for publication," said Dr Emily Germain-Lee, the wife of Dr Se-Jin Lee and a scientist of Children's Medical Center.

Although the research gave positive results, the couple said that much more work is still needed before the treatment can be applied to humans.

"We're years away. But that's how everything is when you go from mouse to human studies," she added.

Also Read: [STUDY] Scientists Discover Reef Manta Rays are "Homebody" Animals; They Make Long-term Use of Marine-Protected Areas

This article is owned by TechTimes,

Written by: Giuliano de Leon.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
After the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments guaranteed people of color the right to vote, the powers that be made a concerted effort to undercut that freedom. There were the poll taxes, which basically said: You can buy food and clothes for your children or you can vote. There were the literacy tests, which the Civil Rights attorney Debo Adegbile claims are misnamed, because they werent really tests of ones literacy. They were traps. They were designed to never let you answer them correctly. (We see one example where the voter is asked to name the clerk of the superior court. Could you?) And there were the so-called black codes, passed in 1890, which were rules against things like loitering, which could get someone tossed off the voter rolls. By the early 1900s, the resurgence of the Klan had taken this already borderline lawless situation and upped the ante with its own violence.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 11:48:05|Editor: huaxia

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WELLINGTON, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- About one in 14 workers say they expect to lose their job or business by mid-2021, New Zealand's statistics department Stats NZ said on Tuesday.

A survey of employed people in the June 2020 quarter showed 7 percent felt there was a high or almost certain chance of losing their job or business within the next 12 months, Stats NZ said.

At a national level this represented 185,000 workers. A further 18 percent, or 468,000, felt there was a medium chance, while 4 percent, or 105,000, stated they did not know what their job security was going to be over the following year, it said.

Most people surveyed said there was little or no chance of losing their job or business, which was 71 percent or 1.86 million, statistics showed.

The household labor force survey was collected over a three-month period from April to June and asked employed people about their perceived job security over the next 12 months.

During the collection period, New Zealand dropped from COVID-19 alert level 4 in April, when non-essential workers were required to work from home and students did distant learning, to alert level 1 by June when life almost returned to normal.

"People who felt the chance of losing their job or business was high or almost certain were considered to have low job security," labor market statistics manager Andrew Neal said in a statement.

"As you might expect, people were more anxious and uncertain about their jobs under the higher alert levels than in level 1," Neal said.

Small businesses have been vulnerable during the pandemic. Self-employed people who did not have staff or employees of their own felt more insecure about losing their business than employees felt about losing their job, he said.

Ten percent of self-employed people without employees reported low job security, compared with 6 percent of employees, he added. Enditem
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) at the State Department in Washington, U.S. June 23, 2015. Yuri Gripas | Reuters

"Damaging," "reckless" and "disastrous" are some of the words Joe Biden has used to describe tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on allies and rivals alike. He may keep some in place anyway if he is elected president of the United States in November. Republicans largely abandoned traditional party goals such as unfettered trade and balanced budgets to embrace Trump's "America First" agenda. For Democratic-party challenger Biden, with a history of supporting free trade but also attuned to voices calling out for a different approach, the task is not so simple. Biden is backed by labor unions who want job protections and infrastructure spending, and progressives who want action on climate change, lower drug prices and human rights, while facing demands from farmers and U.S. corporations eager for tariff cuts and a less disruptive China trade relationship. The mix of conflicting interests adds up to a wait-and-see approach that could keep many of the tariffs Biden would inherit from Trump in place for years, say former and current advisers, lobbyists and trade analysts. "It's unclear how he will balance these different competing forces," said Mary Lovely, a Syracuse University economics professor and senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

The series of staggered tariffs the Trump administration imposed on $370 billion worth of Chinese goods in 2018 and 2019 have cost U.S. importers some $61.6 billion to date, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data and have been blamed for eroding U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. Duties on steel, aluminum, washing machines, solar panels and European Union goods added another $12.2 billion in punitive collections through Sept. 2. The U.S. trade deficit with China narrowed in 2019, but Census Bureau data on Thursday showed the nation's trade gap in July jumped to $63.6 billion, its widest in 12 years, with China accounting for nearly half of it. Trade experts say Biden's hands may be tied. "I don't see any scenario in which he can go in, in the first 6-12 months, and lift those tariffs," said Nathan Sheets, a former Obama administration Treasury undersecretary who negotiated with China on economic issues. "The current political environment - left, right and center - is going to require Biden to be tough on China," said Sheets, now chief economist with PGIM Fixed Income.

From free trade to fair trade

Biden has backed free trade over his three decades in Congress, during a period when increasing globalization was viewed as a path to prosperity. He supported the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Chinas entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001.

As vice president, he was a vocal proponent of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Obama administrations attempt to counter Chinas growing influence in Asia. That support for free trade has given ammunition for Trump to attack Biden as being soft on China and allowing U.S. jobs to migrate to low-wage countries. Biden has struck back, saying he is not afraid to use trade barriers - but only when they make sense. I will use tariffs when they are needed, but the difference between me and Trump is that I will have a strategy - a plan - to use those tariffs to win, not just to fake toughness, Biden wrote in a statement to the United Steelworkers union in May. Steel and aluminum tariffs would stay until a global solution to limit excess production - largely centered in China - can be negotiated, it said. Biden's "Made in All of America" economic plan suggests the use of carbon-based tariffs to punish countries failing to meet climate goals, a move that could please progressives eager for the United States to take a stand on global warming. The plan also vows reform of the World Trade Organization, and aggressive trade enforcement actions against unfair practices by China and other countries, including currency manipulation, dumping of below-cost exports, and state-owned company abuses, or unfair subsidies. The Trump administration aimed to address Chinese dumping and state subsidies, but the Phase 1 trade deal does not.

Making peace with allies on trade
The Cabinet is meeting today to discuss plans to allow all pubs reopen on September 21.

However, Dublin pubs may have to wait longer to reopen than those in other counties due to the rise in new Covid-19 cases in the capital.

Senior government and public health sources suggested reopening pubs in Dublin would not be possible if cases continue to rise at the current rate of infection.

Read More

The Cabinet is meeting today to discuss reopening pubs as soon as September 21 following weeks of intense lobbying by publican representative groups.

The move to reopen pubs that do not serve food comes after months of resistance from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) who insisted allowing them to open will be detrimental to the fight against the coronavirus.

The Taoiseach and his ministers are unusually meeting today to discuss the reopening of pubs before receiving official advice from Nphet on their plans.

A senior Government source said it would be ridiculous to reopen pubs in Dublin if the current trajectory continues in the same direction.

A public health source said: I know theres huge pressure on the Government but I cant see how you can open pubs in Dublin at the moment.

Yesterday, the Acting Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn called on people in Dublin and Limerick to be more vigilant as the number of new cases in both counties continued to rise.

"We are particularly concerned about Dublin and Limerick. We've seen an increase in cases in those two counties in particular over the past number of weeks, Mr Glynn said.

"I can't say it strongly enough tonight that people in Dublin, in particular, need to adhere to physical distancing, they need to cut down their social contacts, added

Mr Glynn said there needs to be a "higher level of risk perception" and that if "if you meet people, meet them outside" instead of inside the house.

Limits of gatherings of six and 15 should be "absolute maximums, not targets" he said.

Speaking on RTE, Higher Education Minister Simon Harris said he takes seriously the warnings from Mr Glynn and said the next seven days are "crucial" in tackling the virus.

"We need to make decisions based on public health advice. We need to hit reset in terms of our conversation on Covid. We need a new national plan... which will outline to people what will the next few weeks and months look like and try give certainty to publicans, businesses owners and students and everybody across our country," he added.
Elon Musk wears a protective mask as he arrives to attend a meeting with the leadership of the conservative CDU/CSU parliamentary group, in Berlin, Germany September 2, 2020. Tobias Schwarz/Pool via REUTERS

Elon Musk met with Volkswagen chairman Herbert Diess in Germany last week.

As part of the meeting, Musk test-drove VW's competing electric ID.3.

VW shared a minute-long video of the test-drive around a rainy German airfield.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Volkswagen has shared video of its chairman Herbert Diess accompanying Tesla CEO Elon Musk on a test drive of its electric hatchback, the ID.3.

The meeting took place over the weekend in Germany, near the automaker's headquarters, while Musk was in the country to tour Tesla's forthcoming factory near Berlin as well as to meet with politicians and executives about the company's partnership with Curevac to develop "RNA microfactories."

In the short video, Musk can be seen driving the four-door car out of an airport hangar and around what appears to be an airport.

"It's not a race machine," Diess says at one point.

"I just wanted to see what the acceleration was like," Musk replies.

At one point, he reaches as much as 106 kilometers per hour, or about 65 miles per hour.

"I think for a non-sporty car it's pretty good," Musk said regarding the car's handling and steering. The duo also discuss lane-keeping technology and emergency assistance technologies.

"Just to be clear: We just drove the ID.3 and had a chat  there is no deal/cooperation in the making," Diess said in his LinkedIn post.

Watch the full video here:

Read the original article on Business Insider
MOSCOW -- Russia's Health Ministry says the first batch of the country's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine has been released for civil distribution.



The ministry said on September 8 that the first batch of the vaccine, developed by the Moscow-based Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, passed all necessary quality tests and shipments to regions around Russia will begin in the near future.



The ministry also said that a mass, countrywide COVID-19 vaccination campaign will begin next month following post-registration tests.



Despite a lack of published data, Russia approved the vaccine for domestic use on August 11. President Vladimir Putin said at the time of the announcement that the vaccine provided "sustainable immunity" and that one of his own daughters had been inoculated.



This raised concerns among some scientists that Russia was rushing to use a vaccine without going through the rigorous scientific tests normally conducted on such medicines.



Pharmaceutical companies have called for postponing the new vaccine's registration until the completion of a third phase of clinical trials. More than half of the doctors surveyed by the polling agency Doctor's Manual said they did not trust the new vaccine.



On August 15, the Gamaleya center and Binnopharm pharmaceutical company started producing the vaccine.

Russian authorities have said that they expect the number of vaccines needed to cover Russia's entire population will have been produced within one year.



Russia has recorded just over 1 million cases of the coronavirus, with almost 18,000 deaths.
Wireless earbuds are smaller and cheaper than ever, yet its tough to know what kind of sound you can expect from these tiny devices before you buy. To help you make the right choice, our editors tested 40 pairs for at least two weeks of running and cross-training. These 17 models passed our tests, but two rose above: The Jabra Elite Active 75t is the best pair of truly wireless running earbuds, while the Anker Soundcore Spirit Sweatguard took the title for best budget earbuds. Learn more about our top picks below, then keep scrolling for more information on what makes an excellent set of wireless earbuds and reviews of the 15 great runners up.

The Best Running Earbuds

Jabra nailed the shape on the Elite Active 75tthese truly wireless buds fit test manager Dan Roe better than any others hes tried. Credit that to the angular build that nests snugly in the outer ear canal, without giving you that tightly sealed, high-pressure thud with each foot strike. The sound quality is crisp, dynamic, and full, rivaling Apples AirPods Probut these Jabras will cost you less and offer about 90 more minutes of battery on a single charge. (However, the hear-through mode isnt quite as impressive.) For dust and water protection, theyre rated IP57, meaning they should withstand a sandstorm or a monsoon; thats especially good news for Roe, who killed a pair of AirPods in six short months with his sweaty ears. Competing earbuds from Apple, Bose, Jaybird, and others may offer even better sound or superior comfort or exceptional ambient awareness modes, but none do all of those things better than the 75t.

The Best Cheap Running Earbuds

Assistant digital editor Jessica Coulon has been using the Anker Spirit SweatGuard for the past eight months, and the $33 buds havent ceased to impress. The sound quality is better than you get from a cheap pair of wired Skullcandy headphones, Coulon says, although the SweatGuard could use a bit more bass. The earbuds stay in place, thanks to four included ear tip sizes and two wing sizes, and the connecting cord wasnt distracting, save the occasional snag. The metrics are impressive, too: An IPX7 waterproof rating and eight-hour battery life rival earbuds at the $100 level. The quality and lack of ambient sound leave something to be desired but, for $33, theres a lot to like about this offering from Anker.

The Three Types of Buds

For the sake of making useful comparisons, we segmented our test pool into three categories: truly wireless; truly wireless with a hook over the ear; and wire-connected, which means theres a wire or band joining the two earbuds to each other. We also added a fourth category of cheap earbudsunder $70. Heres what to expect from each type.

Dan Roe

The Bose SoundSport Free (a previous favorite of ours) has no over-ear hooks or connecting wires.

Trevor Raab

Over-ear hooks help keep the Beats Powerbeats Pro in place.

Trevor Raab

Designs like the JBL Reflect Mini 2s use a connecting wire to store batteries, microphones, and antennae.

Trevor Raab







These buds have neither connecting wires nor hooks that extend around your ear; you just push them in and go. Being compact makes them lightweight, and their small batteries means shorter runtimes, although all of our test models came with charging cases that allow you to juice them up on the go. They also tend to be the most expensive. An example is the Jabra Elite Active 75t above.

Adding a hook can improve an earbuds fit, since theres a second point of contact to hold it in place. The hook can also store antennae or a battery, helping these buds play longer than their truly wireless counterparts. Theyre generally marginally cheaper than truly wireless models, but some cost more than $200 anyway. Examples include the Beats Powerbeats Pro, JBL Endurance Peak, and Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100.

These earbuds are still untethered from your phone, but they use a wire or band to connect the buds and store batteries, microphones, or an antenna. If you can get past the connecting wire, youll enjoy better battery life (eight or more hours, compared to four from truly wireless) and a significantly lower price.

How We Tested

To keep the playing field level, we asked for the same feedback from all of our testers, thinking about which qualities were important to us as runners who use these devices. Heres how we evaluated:

Sound Quality

Our staffers arent audiophiles, so evaluating sound quality is largely subjective. Still, weve all used earbuds before, and we asked our testers to compare to others theyve tried and provide specific feedback on the way their test buds made their favorite songs and podcasts sound.

Fit and Ambient Sound

Dan Roe

This design tends to fit snug in the ear canal to stop it from loosening mid-run.

Trevor Raab

Over-ear hooks take some pressure off the ear canal to hold these buds steady.

Trevor Raab

Some wire-connected designs use over-ear hooks and some, like these from JBL, dont. These buds are typically smaller (because the connecting wires house some of their electronics), and less weight can mean less fiddling with the fit.

Trevor Raab







How an earbud fits affects how much outside sound it lets in, and theres no ideal balance for everyone. Some runners like buds that fit deep in their ears and block all outside noise, allowing them to focus on the tunes, while others prefer lots of environmental sound from a looser fit. (The latter fit is safer for running outside and among other people.) So although we didnt rank the earbuds by ambient sound, we did rank them based on whether they stayed in our testers ears.

And because isolating you from the outside world should lend a clearer sound, we expected better sound quality from earbuds that fit snug in the ear than we did from earbuds that let in a lot of noise. For the best of both worlds, some of the pricier models offer an ambient sound mode, which uses the devices microphone to bring in outside noise while maintaining a tight fit.

Connectivity

We also asked testers to evaluate how quickly and easily the buds connected to their phones, and how far they were able to get from their phones before the signal cut out. And we recorded any mid-run connectivity issues.

Quality

In two weeks of testing, we encountered few quality issues, but we also asked our testers to discuss how the earbuds feltyoud expect a $200 set of buds to feel premium compared to a $40 pair. For long-term quality assessment, we checked user reviews from Amazon and other retailers looking for persistent issues, and well update our findings if any issues crop up as we continue to run with these models.

Water- and Sweat-Resistance

None of our testers had issues with water or sweat ruining their buds, but in a longer test scenario, moisture can and will destroy earbuds that arent capable of repelling it. So we factored in each devices IP, or Ingress Protection , rating. The rating consists of two numbers. The first indicates dust protection, the second is for water protection. X in place of either number means theres no data (so an IPX rating means dust protection wasnt evaluated). The second number, for liquid ingress, is the one that matters most to runners.

A score of one or two means an earbud can withstand dripping water; Scores of three to six mean it will survive increasing amounts of rainfall for longer periods of time. The gold standard is a score of seven to nine, meaning the earbud can be submerged in varying depths of water without failing. Most earbuds in this test have an IP rating, and most ratings were IPX4 or above.

Battery Life

We checked manufacturers claims against our testers experience and noted discrepancies where they occurred.

Well continually update this roundup with our test impressions of the latest wireless earbuds for runners, and tell us what you think about your buds in the comments.

Jaybird Vista

These compact buds are more durable than ever

Jaybirds new set of buds has two extra hours of run time over the popular Run XT. The Vista lasts six hours on a single charge, long enough to get you to the finish line of your next 26.2. Jaybird also beefed up the durability, completely sealing the buds from moisture and dustgo ahead, try to kill these with sweat; we havent been able to. The brand also built its own Bluetooth chip, improving the connection with your phone. The buds stuttered a little in the most challenging environments in NYC, but stayed interruption-free far more regularly than the aforementioned Run XT. Bonus: Theyre smaller than all but AirPods and have a pocketable case that stays closed in your gym bag.

Jabra Elite Active 65t

A small package with high-end sound that stays put

The Elite Active 65t is no longer Jabras top sport earbud, but its almost as good as its successor and $60 cheaper. (The 75t has slightly better battery life, fit, and sound, and a much better HearThrough mode.) Both of our testers found a secure fit with the three included sizes of silicone inserts, and special projects editor Kit Foxa regular AirPods usersaid the Jabras had the best sound quality of any wireless headphones hed tried. The earbuds also previously topped BestProducts.coms list of quality workout headphones. The bass isnt as impressive as offerings from Bose and Sennheiser, but the buds still thump when youve established a tight seal and deliver a balanced sound across hip-hop, rock, folk (Foxs second favorite), and podcasts (his favorite). The lightweight buds didnt move once our runs began, and the hear-through mode brings in ambient sound when necessary. However, the ambient sound quality still isnt great when theyre sealed properly in your ears. Roe said he went down an insert size, losing some of the in-ear sound quality to gain ambient noise for outdoor running. The five-hour battery life is enough for most runs, and the small charging case packs an additional 10 hours. Sound investment: Jabras warranty covers the earbuds for two years of dust and sweat damage.

Bose Soundsport Free

Exceptional sound but inconsistent connectivity

If youre going to pay $200 for anything Bose, it should first sound very good. The Soundsport Free delivers. The sound quality is amazing, said video producer Pat Heine. Deep bass and crisp high tones. I mean, its Bose, not just a bass boost. At 60 percent of his devices highest volume setting, he could still hear nearby cars, so theres a decent amount of ambient sound as long as youre not blasting your tunes. However, the buds required continuous adjustment during runs, and the biggest gripe was connectivity. Heine said the earbuds would cut out when he moved his hand between his iPhone 6 and his ears, even with his phone in a pocket on his chest. Runner-in-chief Jeff Dengate had no problems, however, when using a pair with his iPhone XS.

Beats Powerbeats Pro

Big battery, expansive sound, stays putnear perfect

The Powerbeats Pro is the complete packageboth well-rounded as wireless sport headphones and literally a large box that contains the earbuds and an additional 15 hours of juice. Not that youre likely to need it; the buds last for nine hours on a single charge. The sound you get from the Powerbeats Pro is really expansive, said Dengate in his full review . Every song sounds like youre listening in a larger room, with speakers positioned away from you. Ambient noise starts out minimal but increases as sweat causes the earbuds to lose some of their seal. The music gets a little hollower, but the awareness means youll pick up loud environmental noises like sirens and horns. Bluetooth pairing is immediate with an iPhone, and a five-minute quick charge delivers 90 worth of playback. The Powerbeats are rated IPX4 so theyll withstand a rainstorm (but not submersion), and despite their large size, the buds keep a low enough profile to be comfortable with a hat and sunglasses.

JBL Endurance Peak

Comfortable with quality sound, but dont expect to hear much else

After six runs and some in-office use, one tester said shed buy JBLs Endurance Peak with her own money. Music sounded clear and balanced. Using the smallest ear tips, the buds stayed in her ears and the hooks didnt ruin the fit of her sunglasses, staying comfortable after hours of wear. On anything but low volume, ambient sound was minimal. And despite being larger than many similar headphones and bearing the Endurance moniker, they delivered just four hours of battery life.

Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100

A safe balance of ambient noise and great sound

Features director Matt Allyn used the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100 in midtown Manhattan traffic and on a serene Pennsylvania rail trail, finding their sound and awareness worked well in both areas. On the rail trail, I could still make out the sounds of bird flapping nearby, he said. He also felt aware enough to Citibike around New York City wearing them, although they struggled with interference from other devices (most wireless models weve tested have this problem). The buds hover over the ear canal, rather than fitting within it, and use the hooks to stay in placethey didnt require adjustment once running. However, the hooks do make them less comfortable to wear with sunglasses.

Plantronics BackBeat Fit 2100

Lightweight, with lots of ambient sound

The BackBeat Fit 2100 has been around for a while, so the originally $100 pair of earbuds can now be had for $50 to $70 on Amazon. At 26 grams, theyre ultra-light, and the rubberized connecting wire is rigid, eliminating bouncing against your neck. The ear tips sit just outside your ear canalthat pumps up ambient sound and lets you hear traffic but prevents the sound quality from being as good as it could be. We havent had any issues with our test pair, although a worrisome number of Amazon reviews chronicle a hissing noise that develops after a couple of months.

Aftershokz Trekz Air

The ultimate headphones for urban running awareness

For road runners who arent comfortable jamming an earbud in as cars whiz past, theres the Trekz Air. These headphones use bone conduction technology to transfer sound through your cheekbones, leaving your ears open to hear potential hazards before they sneak up on you. Compared to in-ear designs from Jaybird and Bose, the sound is admittedly thinner and quieter, but I find it totally suitable for the occasion, said Dengate in his full review . The headband is lighter and slimmer than the previous model, which allows you to wear sunglasses with the headphones. A six-hour battery life and a sweat-resistant IP55 rating puts the Trekz Air on par with truly wireless buds of a similar priceyoure losing an in-ear headphones full sound but gaining total awareness.

JBL Reflect Mini 2

Clear sound and a secure fit for less than competitors buds

The JBL Reflect Mini 2 also isnt the newest pair of headphones, but, as with the BackBeat Fit 2100, a price drop to $60 (down from $100) makes them an attractive value proposition. And theres a lot more to like than the reasonable price: The buds form a tight seal in your ears and dont move after youve started to trot. The downside for outdoor runners is the lack of ambient sound, which also isolates your tunes from the outside world. Image editor Jimmy Cavalieri also used them while mowing his lawn. Although I could still hear my lawnmower, the earbuds blocked out enough engine noise that the quality of the audio still sounded good without having to max out the volume, he said. The sound quality was clear enough that if you concentrate and really listen to the music, you can identify each instrument. The connecting wire between the buds is lightweight and hardly noticeable mid-run, and the Reflect Mini 2 connected via Bluetooth fast and stayed connected up to 100 feet away. The earbuds also sport reflective cables for nighttime visibility, an IPX5 water-resistant rating, and an impressive 10 hours of battery life.

Bose SoundSport

A comfortable, in-ear fit with excellent sound

The Bose SoundSport Wireless are among the best in this test because of their superior fit and impressive sound quality. Test editor Bobby Lea quickly dialed in the comfort so the buds didnt pop out mid-workout, despite the big speaker housing. And the sound quality was as crisp and dynamic as youd expect from Bose. The earbuds quickly connected to Leas iPhone 7 and stayed tethered more than 100 feet away from it. Alas, the buds dont let in much ambient sound. They make you largely oblivious to the world around you, even at half volume, Lea said. The SoundSport will give you a quality audio experience, just dont let it ruin your awareness.

Jaybird Tarah Pro

The ultrarunners choice for all-day audio

The Tarah Pros biggest selling point is its claimed 14-hour battery life. We got 12 to 14 during testing, but theres more to like about these ultra-optimized earbuds. Our music sounded clear and crisp, with an even balance of bass and treble. After gear & news editor Drew Dawson mixed and matched insert sizes, he found a fit that didnt irritate his ear canal. Ambient noise was minimal because of the in-ear fityou might hear a diesel truck, but a Prius could sneak up on you if youre not aware. He appreciated small, overlooked details like the cinch that keeps excess cord from bouncing around and the magnetic earbud backs, which snap the buds together when theyre around your neck so you dont lose them on the trail.

Cheap Earbuds

Mobvoi TicPods

Lots of ambient sound for outdoor use

These AirPod lookalikes function similarly to the pricey Apple earbudstheyre not bass-heavy, nor do they block most outside noise. I listened to a podcast and it sounded just like they were talking next to me, said associate features editor Taylor Rojek after riding her bike with them in. And music was not super bass-heavy. On initial impressions, the TicPods dont feel cheap. We had no connectivity issues, and the four-hour battery life and an IPX5 waterproof rating make them worth considering if youre after truly wireless buds for a low price.

TCL SOCL500TWS

Lightweight and comfortable

These TCL earbuds are a little pricier than wed normally consider cheap, but at $70, theyre significantly more affordable than the leading truly wireless models. The buds are lightweight and stayed in our testers ears after he swapped tip sizes (there are three), requiring minimal adjustment on the run. The sound is balanced but light on bass, though you turn up the low end and get pumping beats using your phones EQ. The main issue is connectivity: The Bluetooth signal cuts out when you put something between the right (master) earbud and your phone. The interruption didnt happen while running but while straying a few unobstructed feet from the phoneeven turning your head, such that your dome is between the earbud and the phone, is enough to interrupt the signal. So the TCL SOCL is a decent mid-range options for people who only use the buds while running, but not so great for people who set their phone down and continue to listen while exercising or hanging around the house.

Aukey EP-B60

Sacrifices some sound for a secure fit

These headphones feature a convenient trick: Separating the magnetic buds activates them and connects them to your phone, and snapping them back together turns them off. The wing-shaped tips provide a steady fit; we didnt have to adjust them whatsoever mid-run. The EP-B60 is IPX6 water-resistantenough to withstand typical running conditionsand the buds are light enough to stay comfortable on a long run. (The bouncing wire and control panel eventually fade into the background, although they might annoy some runners.) This is all good news for a $40 set of earbuds, but with sound quality, you get what you pay for: Music playback is tinny and hollow, so audiophiles best look elsewhere.

Skullcandy Inkd Wireless

Get these handy budget buds while you still can

The Inkd Wireless has recently been replaced by the Inkd+, which introduces rapid charging and active voice assistant functions. Weve yet to try the shiny new version, but after seven months of testing its predecessor, Roe found the original worth a recommendation (especially considering the sale price on Amazon). The eight-hour battery means they dont require charging after every other run, and theyve stood up to all the times hes pulled them by the earbud from the depths of his gym bag. The sound and fit are decent, featuring Skullcandys characteristic, noise-blocking, in-ear fit and deep (if slightly muddy) bass. The tips at the ends of the band tend to bounce around on your collarbones if you dont tuck them beneath your shirt collar, so the band will eventually fall off your neck if youre not wearing a shirtRoe used a string to tie the ends of the band together, fashioning a necklace that stayed in place while running. For that, theyre not perfect, but theyve still shown us great quality and value.
Two Brisbane councillors have refused to pay fines stemming from separate conduct orders made against them in the past financial year, and the council is powerless to force them to do so.

The council's annual report for 2019-20 details the conduct orders issued by the council's independent councillor conduct review panel, naming three representatives across the political spectrum.

Greens councillor for The Gabba, Jonathan Sri. Credit:Tammy Law

LNP administration councillor Angela Owen, who was found to have incorrectly used council Cabcharge cards, complied with the orders to apologise and make a formal statement in the council chamber.

But Labor opposition leader Jared Cassidy and Greens councillor Jonathan Sri did not comply with orders made by the review panel, including the payment of fines to the council.
A group of teacher aides and personal aides in Warren County are facing significant cuts to their salaries and may lose their health care coverage.

The Belvidere Board of Education is considering reducing full-time aides' contracts by 35 percent to part-time status. The eight affected aides would receive 65 percent of their full-time salaries and will no longer be eligible for health care benefits.

The board is not scheduled to vote on this matter at its Sept. 9 meeting but may take action at the Sept. 23 meeting.

Due to pandemic concerns, Belvidere students are returning to schools for the 2020-21 school year with a hybrid schedule of in-person and virtual classes.

Half the student population will attend school physically in the morning and be out by 12:20 p.m. without any in-school lunches provided. Virtual classes will be provided to the other half of students in the afternoon.

Board President Maryann Stephen said at an Aug. 26 meeting that the boards finance committee had discussed the matter.

Why, when you only have kids going to school part-time, why would you have full-time employees? Stephen said at the meeting. That didnt seem to make sense to us.

The aides' salaries would range from $12,748 to $14,978 this school year with the proposed reductions. Without having to pay the full salaries and cutting the healthcare benefits, the district would save $200,000 this year, according to Stephen.

The finance committee would have preferred to have students return full-time and keep the full-time aides, according to several committee members, but the teachers' union had said teachers did not want to come back full-time.

The hybrid schedule that was developed by a committee including students, parents, teachers, administrators, and board members included a shortened school day for students because lunch cannot be served according to the guidelines set by the governor in the Road Back due to indoor dining capacity. That was the only reason for the shortened student schedule, according to Mary McLane Cassidy, who said shes an officer with the teachers union.

Several board members said at the Aug. 26 meeting they were not convinced that turning full-time aides into part-time employees was the right direction.

With the uncertainties of the pandemic and not knowing how the hybrid schedule will affect students and teachers, aides may be as needed as ever, board member Melissa Duckworth said.

I think it is pretty unfair to ask teachers to go back in this situation right now, having to do virtual at the same time as classroom, Duckworth said.

The matter was tabled at Duckworths request until the personnel committee can discuss the issue.

Several parents and district teachers urged the board at the Aug. 26 meeting to keep the aides as full-time workers.

District kindergarten teacher Lori Indyk said Suzan Krainatz, the aide she works with, is invaluable. She considers Krainatz a co-teacher and part of the dream team.

Special Education teacher Michelle Sucigan echoed Indyks sentiment.

These women are essential to our school, Sucigan said.

John Best is a freelance contributor to lehighvalleylive.com. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
JUNO BEACH, Fla., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) and NextEra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: NEP) today announced that members of the senior management team will participate in various investor meetings and conferences throughout September. They plan to discuss, among other things, long-term growth rate expectations for NextEra Energy and NextEra Energy Partners.

In addition, Rebecca Kujawa, executive vice president, finance and chief financial officer of NextEra Energy, and chief financial officer of NextEra Energy Partners, is scheduled to participate in a panel presentation at the Barclays CEO Energy-Power Conference on Sept. 8, 2020 at 3:05 p.m. ET. A live audio webcast and a copy of the presentation materials will be available at www.NextEraEnergy.com/investors or www.NextEraEnergyPartners.com. For those unable to listen to the live webcast, a replay will be available for 90 days by accessing the links listed above.

NextEra Energy, Inc.

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) is a leading clean energy company headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida. NextEra Energy owns two electric companies in Florida: Florida Power & Light Company, which serves more than 5 million customer accounts in Florida and is the largest rate-regulated electric utility in the United States as measured by retail electricity produced and sold; and Gulf Power Company, which serves approximately 470,000 customers in eight counties throughout northwest Florida. NextEra Energy also owns a competitive clean energy business, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. Through its subsidiaries, NextEra Energy generates clean, emissions-free electricity from eight commercial nuclear power units in Florida, New Hampshire, Iowa and Wisconsin. A Fortune 200 company and included in the S&P 100 index, NextEra Energy has been recognized often by third parties for its efforts in sustainability, corporate responsibility, ethics and compliance, and diversity. NextEra Energy is ranked No. 1 in the electric and gas utilities industry on Fortune's 2020 list of "World's Most Admired Companies" and ranked among the top 25 on Fortune's 2018 list of companies that "Change the World." For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.GulfPower.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.

NextEra Energy Partners, LP

NextEra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: NEP) is a growth-oriented limited partnership formed by NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). NextEra Energy Partners acquires, manages and owns contracted clean energy projects with stable, long-term cash flows. Headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, NextEra Energy Partners owns interests in geographically diverse wind and solar projects in the U.S. as well as natural gas infrastructure assets in Texas and Pennsylvania. For more information about NextEra Energy Partners, please visit: www.NextEraEnergyPartners.com.

SOURCE NextEra Energy, Inc.; NextEra Energy Partners, LP
COVID-19 is showing no signs of stopping, at least in India, where cases have again started to pile up exponentially. Seeing the second wave of cases, we all desperately wait for the release of a vaccine to help us contain the spreading of the novel coronavirus.

However, Russia has already started getting its vaccine today.

Reuters

The first batch of Sputnik V Russian vaccine developed by Gamaleya National Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology as well as the Russian Direct Investment Fund has been rolled into civil circulation according to the Russian Health Ministry.



The ministry said in a statement, "The first batch of the 'Gam-COVID-Vac' (Sputnik V) vaccine for the prevention of the new coronavirus infection, developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Health of Russia, has passed the necessary quality tests in the laboratories of Roszdravnadzor (medical device regulator) and has been released into civil circulation."

The vaccine was registered by the authorities last month on August 11th, where Putin had assured his citizens that the vaccine is safe and effective against the novel coronavirus stating, I know that it works quite effectively, forms strong immunity, and I repeat, it has passed all the needed checks. Reports also hinted that his daughters were vaccinated with Sputnik V and were healthy.

Concerns still remain

Even though Russian authorities claim that the vaccine is ready for the masses, concerns surrounding the vaccine still remain, particularly since it was launched only within months of being under development and didnt have adequate testing.

The sample size for initial phases of human testing was small and a large phase 3 trial isnt complete yet. However, it looks like we might have an answer to this soon.

Reuters

Russian vaccine trial in India

Reports have also hinted that the vaccine will be undergoing trials in India this month.

Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Monday, "The post-registration studies involving more than 40,000 people started in Russia on August 26, before AstraZeneca started its Phase 3 trial in the US with 30,000 participants. Clinical trials in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Philippines, India and Brazil will begin this month. The preliminary results of the Phase 3 trial will be published in October-November 2020."
BOSTON - The states highest court has denied a new trial for the man convicted of first-degree murder in the 2011 stabbing death of Amanda Plasse of Chicopee.

In a ruling issued Tuesday, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled that it found no grounds to overturn the guilty verdict or to order a new trial for Dennis Rosa-Roman.

Rosa-Roman of Springfield was convicted in 2016 of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with no right to parole. At the time of his arrest in 2013, he was 22 years old.

Plasse, 20, was found dead inside her apartment on School Street on Aug. 26, 2011. She had been stabbed multiple times and died of blood loss in her kitchen.

We are beyond thrilled, said Plasses mother, Michelle Mathieson of Chicopee. This has been a long time coming. Were very happy. Absolutely.

She said she learned Tuesday morning from one of the State Police investigators on the case that Rosa-Roman had been denied a new trial.

I cant imagine having to go through that again," she said.

Rosa-Roman was convicted following a trial that included eight days of testimony. The jury deliberated for 5 hours before returning with a guilty verdict.

Rosa-Roman appealed the conviction, charging that police violated his Miranda rights, which grant suspects the right to remain silent, and as a result statements he made to police should have not been allowed as evidence during the trial.

The appeal also charged the original trial judge erred repeatedly at trial by not allowing defense challenges during the selection of jurors, by failing to strike the prosecutors opening statement, by striking a portion of the defenses opening statement, and by failing to properly instruct the jury when it began deliberations.

The ruling, authored by Chief Justice Ralph J. Gants and supported by justices Frank M. Gaziano, Kimberly S. Budd, Elspeth Cypher and Scott Kafker, notes the court reviewed all records from the time Rosa-Roman emerged as a possible suspect through the conclusion of the trial and and found no basis to set aside or reduce the verdict of murder in the first degree or to order a new trial.

In this 2016 file photo, Dennis Rosa-Roman is led into Hampden Superior Court for his trial for the murder of Amanda Plasse. The state Supreme Judicial Court on Tuesday denied his appeal for a new trial.

Rosa-Roman first came to the attention of investigators in October 2013, more than 2 years after the murder. A state police investigator reviewing the case file noticed a crime scene photo from Plasses bedroom showing a dry-erase board with the words Dennis was here and the date of Aug. 11, 2011. This was 15 days before Plasse was found murdered.

A review of cell phone contacts named Dennis led police to Rosa-Roman, who was at that time living in Westfield.

When police briefly questioned Rosa-Roman outside his Westfield residence on Oct. 29, 2013, he admitted knowing Plasse because he said he regularly sold marijuana to her.

Police at the time retrieved a cigarette that Rosa-Roman had discarded and were able to use it for a DNA sample that matched the sample found under Plasses fingernails. Police also noticed in that first interview that he was wearing sneakers similar in size and shape to bloody footprints found at the crime scene.

He would be formally interviewed by police at the Westfield police station on Nov. 1 and again on Nov. 5, and for a third time that same day at the Chicopee police station on Nov. 5.

According to the SJC ruling, Rosa-Roman was properly advised of his Miranda rights, and waived his right to remain silent.

In his appeal, he sought to disallow statements he made to police after he waived his rights to remain silent. The SJC rejected the argument.

During the interviews, he changed his story about his connection to Plasse, and about when he saw her last multiple times. He claimed he had never been inside her apartment. But when asked about the photo of the dry-erase board in her bedroom, he conceded he had been inside the apartment.

Well, I have been in her house. But, like, I just dont want people to look at me like Im a  murderer, he told police.

Two hours into the Nov. 5 interview, police received confirmation that his DNA matched a sample found under Plasses fingernails and confronted him with that information.

He replied that he was there at the time Plasse was killed, that he knew who killed her, and that he tried to stop him from killing her.

He told police the killer was his own drug dealer, but he could not reveal his name out of fear for his and his familys safety.

His defense attorney, Donald Frank, told the jury that Rosa-Roman was present at the murder, but was unable to stop it from happening. He repeated that the real killer was Rosa-Romans drug dealer but he was unable to identify.

He charged that investigators had information about other suspects but failed to pursue them.

The family of Plasse sued the city of Chicopee and its police department in 2015, charging her civil rights were violated after officers at the scene took cell phone photos of her body and then shared them with members of the public.

The city agreed to settle the case for $100,000.
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The "Europe E-Cigarettes Market Growth, Trends and Forecasts (2020 2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Europe E-Cigarettes market is estimated to witness a CAGR of 12.98% during the forecast period (2020 2025).

The E-Cigarettes market in Europe is on the rise owing to the increased use by consumers driven by health concerns and have observed desired results in their attempts to quit/ decrease their usage of conventional/ combustible cigarettes. Despite concerns being voiced by a few medical professionals over the long-term usage of e-cigarettes, the low-risk factor associated with the use of e-cigarettes in comparison to conventional/ combustible cigarettes is driving the growth of the market in the region.

Specialist retail stores such as tobacconists, vape shops have been observed to be the most popular channel. The online retail channel has been impacted by the introduction of the Tobacco Products Directive 2014/14/EU (TPD) in the European Union, owing to which a few countries in the region have banned cross-border distance sales of e-cigarettes.

Key Market Trends

Rising Dual-Use Among Consumers

Aiming to reduce their use of conventional/ combustible cigarettes, consumers in the region are increasingly using use e-cigarettes concurrently. Also, as e-cigarettes mimic the experience of smoking conventional/ combustible cigarettes, consumers are increasingly using them to satisfy their nicotine dependency. This dual-use has significantly increased the number of e-cigarette users in the region and is expected to drive the market over the forecast period, as it has been observed that dual users usually aim to gradually decrease their use of conventional/ combustible cigarettes over time, which increases the prospect of repeat purchase of e-cigarettes in the region.

United Kingdom to Hold A Significant Market Share

The United Kingdom is the largest market for e-cigarettes in Europe, the second-largest market in the world, owing to which it is driving the market in the region. E-cigarette use in the country is growing owing to the rising number of users coupled with support from health authorities.

Unlike the U.S. where e-cigarettes have not yet been approved as a cessation device, authorities in the U.K. believe these devices to be a means for people to transition from the much harmful habit of using conventional/ combustible cigarettes. On the distribution front, it has been observed that the online retail accounts for a significant share of the market and, the fastest growing channel to be specialist vape shops.

Competitive Landscape

Europe E-Cigarettes market is consolidated and comprises of a few large players, who hold most of the share in the market. Key strategies adopted by the large players are product innovation and, mergers and acquisitions. Some of the major players in the market are British American Tobacco plc, Philip Morris International Inc., Altria Group, Inc., Imperial Brands plc, Japan Tobacco Inc., among others.

Company Profiles

British American Tobacco plc

Philip Morris International Inc.

Altria Group, Inc.

Imperial Brands plc

Japan Tobacco Inc.

J Well France SARL

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/hdwf53

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005398/en/

Contacts:

ResearchAndMarkets.com

Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

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UPDATE: Intersection is open

KENT COUNTY, MI  Wyoming police are on the scene of a serious crash at Burton Street SE and Godfrey Avenue.

The crash happened around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, when the driver of a dump truck going east on Burton tried to stop for a traffic light at Godfrey and lost control. The dump truck went to the westbound lanes and hit a westbound vehicle, initial investigation showed.

The driver of the passenger vehicle was pinned in and had to be removed by firefighters. The driver is in critical condition at a local hospital, police said.

The driver of the dump truck was not hurt.

Police said the intersection is expected to be closed until 1:30 p.m. Police asked motorists to avoid the area.

Read more:

Woman suspected estranged husband after her parents fatally beaten with hammer as they slept

Free weekly dinner available to Kalamazoo-area college students

Michigan Republicans to Big Ten: Reconsider canceling fall football season
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A 17-year-old boy killed his 14-year-old friend in a slum near Dover Terrace , a posh residential area in south Kolkata on Monday after an altercation, police said.

Police who nabbed the accused have booked him for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Officials said that the 14-year-old boy was playing a game on his fathers mobile phone when the other approached him and asked what game he was playing. He, however, didnt answer and instead questioned what the other boy was carrying in his hand. The elder one was carrying a tube of adhesive.

This kicked off an altercation and led to a scuffle between the two. The elder boy kicked and punched the younger one on his chest and abdomen. The latter fell unconscious. He was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead, said an officer of the local police station.

Locals said that the two teenagers were old friends and used to play and fight frequently.

Initially when the fight started no one cared as they were two friends and used to play and fight regularly. But on Monday when they became violent a few neighbours intervened. But by then the kid had fallen unconscious, said Ghutan Singh, a neighbour who was an eyewitness.

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The Middle East and North Africa has been, traditionally, at the core of French diplomacy. Prior to World War I and until World War II, France had been an active great power in shaping the destinies of millions of Arabs, not to mention the diplomatic efforts made by successive French governments under the Fifth Republic to implement UN resolutions related to the Palestinian question. Whether its the founder of the Fifth Republic, General Charles De Gaulle, or his successors, from the Right and Left, all adopted pro-Arab and pro-Palestinian positions in the context of French support for these resolutions. The Declaration of Venice in June 1980 on Palestinian rights was adopted by the then European Community due to French efforts under former French president Valery Giscard dEstaing.

Throughout the 1990s and the first two decades of the third millennium, till President Donald Trump was elected in November 2016, various US administrations have been very active in Middle Eastern politics, be it the Palestinian question and the Peace Process or other crucial regional issues. In this historical context, the role of the European powers and the European Union were secondary to the American role. In the Peace Process, the European Union became a member in the Quartet, and a decade later, three leading European powers  namely, France, Germany and Great Britain  co-signed with the United States, Russia and China the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the JCPOA) in July 2015 to curb Iranian nuclear activities. On the other hand, France and other European powers had joined the International Coalition to Degrade and Defeat Daesh (the terrorist group known as the Islamic State) under the leadership of the United States in 2014.

At the end of 2018, the Trump administration announced its troop drawdown in Syria, alleging that the Islamic State group had been defeated. In later months, the US administration made clear that US global strategy would center on containing China in the Pacific-Indo region. The age of deep American involvement in the Middle East is coming to a close.

The two visits by French President Emmanuel Macron to Beirut on 6 August and 31 August, and then his lightening visit to Baghdad on Wednesday, 2 September, signal a reinvolvement by the French in the Middle East as well as in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa, a traditional domain for French diplomacy. Some would argue that the three visits mark a strategic shift in the Middle East for years to come where France would play a greater diplomatic and military role after the departure of American troops from the region in the next three years, unless the Democratic candidate in the US presidential elections in November, former vice president Joe Biden, wins and decides to roll back the Trump decision to withdraw American forces from the Middle East.

Needless to say, France, on its own, cannot make up for the military presence and diplomatic clout of the United States in the region. For its role and influence to be effective it would need local and European partners and allies to shoulder costly military involvement in the Middle East.

For one, its newfound role should be supported openly by the United States, which would call for more political coordination with Washington  coordination that has not been smooth most of the time, particularly when it comes to the Palestinian question and how to deal with the theocratic regime in Tehran.

Secondly, French diplomacy  to succeed in the region  should steer away from taking sides in the Sunni-Shia confrontation across the Middle East, especially between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The exercise of balancing the interests of both camps will not be easy, especially if President Trump would be re-elected and his administration would continue implementing its maximum pressure strategy against Iran.

Thirdly, how French diplomacy would deal with the situation and the future of Syria would determine, to a great extent, its success or lack of in the Levant. To succeed in Lebanon would necessitate a minimum of coordination with Syria, and understandings with Iran. This would be key in unlocking the intractability of the role of Hizbullah in the future stability and security of Lebanon. French diplomacy cannot ignore the Shia of Lebanon, in particular the hundreds of thousands of followers of this Party of God.

Fourthly, recent developments in Arab-Israeli relations in light of the tripartite agreement between the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Israel  which is expected to be followed by similar agreements with other Arab countries, if we are to believe statements by American and Israeli officials in this respect  would call on the French government to adopt a new approach in tackling the Palestinian question, aiming to reconcile the growing trend of normalisation with the resumption of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, on the one hand, and the ultimate implementation of the two-state solution on the other. A complicating factor facing French diplomacy will be the fate of annexing Palestinian territories and the Jordan Valley to Israel proper. For the time being, the Israeli annexation plan is on hold because of an American veto, but no one can predict for how long this veto would remain in force.

Despite, the challenges and the obstacles, one thing is sure  renewed involvement by France in Middle Eastern affairs is welcomed by Arab governments, and that is a very good starting point for President Emmanuel Macron in his quest to make France an indispensable and reliable partner in the search for security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East and North Africa.



*The writer is former assistant foreign minister.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 10 September, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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HARBOR BEACH - Harbor Beach Community Schools welcomed students back to class on Tuesday, with superintendent Shawn Bishop greeting students getting off the bus.

Despite the rain, many parents took advantage of the school's first day policy, allowing parents to walk their children inside as long as they followed mask requirements and limited their stay to five minutes. This practice only applied to the first day, to accommodate students who were nervous about returning as well as those experiencing their first day of school. Many young students were eager to show off their unique masks, backpacks, and first day attire to returning classmates and school staff.
Trumps echoing of potential Chinese interference while labeling Russian influence a partisan hoax is causing concern.

President Donald Trump retweeted a baseless claim that China is interfering to help ensure a victory for former Vice President Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.

Trump tweeted, Of course they want Biden. I have taken $Billions from China and given it to our Farmers and U.S. Treasury. China would own the U.S. if Biden & Hunter got in!

President Donald Trump takes questions after delivering remarks during a news conference at the North Portico at the White House on Labor Day. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

The tweet was accompanied by the sharing of an article about a radio interview of author and columnist Gordon Chang posted on Breitbart, during which he insinuates that the Chinese Communist Party is trying to make life very difficult for Trump by fueling violent Black Lives Matter protests.

From what little evidence we have about Chinas troll-farm activity, with its bots and with all of its others, they seem to be favoring Vice President Biden, trying to make life very difficult for President Trump  as well as fueling the protests, of course, Chang said on Sundays broadcast of The Cats Roundtable on New Yorks WABC 770 AM. I think that Beijing has decided that its voting for the Democratic Party candidate.

Read More: Reporter refuses Trumps request to remove mask at news conference

U.S. intelligence did assess last month that China and Iran both prefer that Trump loses in November, however, they have offered no evidence that either country is actively working behind the scenes to influence Americas election.

In a public statement last month, Bill Evanina, the U.S. top intelligence official, wrote that while China will continue to weigh the risks and benefits of aggressive action, to date, the country is more focused on public efforts like criticizing the Trump administration.

Read More: Michael Cohen says Trump once leered at his teenager daughter

The intelligence community maintains that Russia is still actively working to get Trump re-elected in efforts similar to 2016, which include the frequent use of social media bots and spreading misinformation, like describing Black Lives Matter protests as violent. A report from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project released last week showed that nearly 93% of Black Lives Matter demonstrations decrying police shootings were peaceful.

Story continues

Trumps amplification of potential Chinese interference while continuing to label Russian influence a partisan hoax, is causing concerns for Democratic leaders. Rep. Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, accused Attorney General William Barr of lying to the American public when he told CNNs Wolf Blitzer that China is more actively meddling in the election than Russia.

Bill Barr is just flat-out lying to the American people, Schiff said, and its tragic, but its as simple as that.

Have you subscribed to theGrios Dear Culture podcast? Download our newest episodes now!

The post Trump pushes misleading claim China is interfering in election for Biden appeared first on TheGrio.
London, Sep 8 : UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he wants a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union (EU) by an October 15 deadline, warning that a failure could mean the country would end its membership with the bloc without a deal.

"There needs to be an agreement with our European friends by the time of the European council on October 15 if it's going to be in force by the end of the year...

"If we can't agree by then, then I do not see that there will be a free trade agreement between us," the Prime Minister said on Monday in a Downing Street statement.

The UK would then have a trading arrangement with the EU like Australia's, Xinhua news aency quoted Johnson as saying.

EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier is scheduled to start talks here on Tuesday with his British counterpart David Frost.

With Brussels also saying a future deal must be drawn up by October to enable it to be ratified by the 27 EU member states, time is running out for both sides.

Britain's national newspapers on Monday turned the "Brexit battle of words" into front page news.

Both the Times and the Daily Express headlined Johnson's message that a no-deal could be a good outcome for Britain.

Overshadowing the eighth round of talks between both sides was the confirmation that Johnson's government will publish Wednesday details of an amended bill that will have implications on trade and border arrangements between Northern Ireland and the neighbouring Ireland.

Downing Street described the proposed amended bill as a stand-by arrangement if trade talks with the EU break down.

At a briefing for political journalists Monday, Downing Street said the move was to clarify the Brexit withdrawal agreement signed by Johnson in January.

The government claims, according to the Guardian newspaper, were that it would not amount to overriding the agreement, but new proposals would go beyond what was set out the Northern Ireland protocol.

Meanwhile, there was widespread criticism of the planned move from Dublin, the Scottish government and the main opposition Labour Party, local media reported.

The UK ended its membership of the EU on January 31, but is sticking with the EU's rules under a transitional arrangement that is scheduled to end on December 31.

If no deal is in place, the UK and the EU will return to trade under World Trade Organization rules.
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Linkedin Anuj Chopra (Agence France-Presse) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia  Tue, September 8, 2020 09:00 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4356dd2 2 World Saudi-Arabia,Jamal-Khashoggi,saudi-royal-family,death-sentence,Murder-trial,murder-case,murder-plot Free

A Saudi court on Monday overturned five death sentences over journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder in a final ruling that was condemned by his fiancee and slammed by a UN expert as a "parody of justice".

Eight unnamed defendants were handed jail terms of between seven and 20 years in a verdict that comes after Khashoggi's sons "pardoned" the killers in May, paving the way for a less severe punishment.

The court ruling underscores Saudi efforts to draw a line under the October 2018 murder as the kingdom seeks to reboot its international image ahead of November's G20 summit in Riyadh.

"Five of the convicts were given 20 years in prison and another three were jailed for 7-10 years," the official Saudi Press Agency said, citing a spokesman for the public prosecutor.

None of the defendants were named in what was described as the final court ruling on the murder, which triggered an international outcry and tarnished the global reputation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Hatice Cengiz, the Turkish fiancee of the slain journalist, branded the verdict a "farce".

"The ruling handed down today in Saudi Arabia again makes a complete mockery of justice," Cengiz said on Twitter.

Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, slammed the ruling as "one more act today in this parody of justice".

"These verdicts carry no legal or moral legitimacy," Callamard wrote on Twitter. "They came at the end of a process which was neither fair, nor just, or transparent."

Khashoggi -- a royal family insider turned critic -- was killed and dismembered at the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul in October 2018, in a case that tarnished the reputation of the de facto ruler Prince Mohammed.

A critic of the crown prince, the 59-year-old Khashoggi was strangled and his body cut into pieces by a 15-man Saudi squad inside the consulate, according to Turkish officials. His remains have not been found.

Riyadh has described the murder as a "rogue" operation, but both the CIA and a United Nations special envoy have directly linked Prince Mohammed to the killing, a charge the kingdom vehemently denies.

'Last nail in coffin'

Callamard also criticized the fact that "high-level officials" behind the murder have "walked free from the start", and that Prince Mohammed has remained protected against "any kind of meaningful scrutiny".

In December, a Saudi court exonerated two of the crown prince's top aides over the murder -- deputy intelligence chief Ahmed al-Assiri and the royal court's media czar Saud al-Qahtani.

Both aides were part of Prince Mohammed's tight-knit inner circle and were formally sacked over the killing.

"Since the beginning, there was never any intent to hold those responsible to account, only repeated attempts to cover it up," Ines Osman, director of the Geneva-based MENA Rights Group, told AFP.

"This verdict is the last nail in the coffin, saying 'the case is now closed'."

The closed-door trial of 11 suspects ended in December with five unnamed people sentenced to death and three others handed jail terms totaling 24 years over the killing.

But the family's pardon paved the way for Monday's reduced sentences, including granting clemency for the five people on death row.

The Washington Post reported last year that Khashoggi's children, including his son Salah, had received multi-million-dollar homes and were being paid thousands of dollars per month by authorities.

Salah rejected the report, denying discussing a financial settlement with Saudi Arabia's authoritarian rulers.

In July, 20 Saudi suspects including Assiri and Qahtani went on trial in absentia in Turkey.

The former top aides were formally charged in March with "instigating the deliberate and monstrous killing, causing torment".
West Australians are enjoying a normal life with little to no coronavirus restrictions thanks to the state's ongoing hard border.

One young Perth woman posted a video of a packed crowd at Metropolis nightclub in Fremantle to TikTok on Saturday, boasting about the city's nightlife.

The video montage showed revellers dancing at a Teletubby-themed rave, Hannah enjoying some drinks and finishing the night off with a Halal Snack Pack.

'And thats on Perth having no restrictions and no COVID cases,' she captioned the post, which is not entirely true.

A man in his 60s tested positive to COVID-19 and is in hotel quarantine after returning to Perth on Monday. WA has only four active cases.

WA venues still have gathering limits requiring them to provide two square metres per patron but they do not have patron registers or require people to sit down.

WA woman Hannah (left) posted a video of a packed crowd at Metropolis nightclub (right) in Fremantle, south of Perth, to TikTok on Saturday, boasting about the city's nightlife

Jealous Melburnians and Sydneysiders flooded the comment section, wishing their respective cities could return to the vibrant nightlife of old.

'Cries in Victorian,' one woman commented.

'Never thought I'd be jealous of Perth,' a Sydney man commented.

'Counting the days down to sit on a Revs couch,' a Victorian man said, referencing the popular club Revolver on Melbourne's Chapel Street.

One woman wrote: 'Adelaide's got no cases and we still have to sit down in town.'

Even people in the US were envious, with one writing: 'America could never.'

The video montage showed revellers dancing at a Teletubby-themed rave (pictured), Hannah enjoying some drinks and finishing the night off with a Halal Snack Pack

Social media posts from Perth's nightclub district Northbridge show glamorous revellers drinking, dancing and hooking up with no social distancing in sight.

WA dropped most of its restrictions on June 27, removing existing gathering limits except for the two-square-metre rule.

Events and unseated performances except for festivals became permitted, while alcohol could also be served unseated and casinos could reopen with restrictions.

WA Premier Mark McGowan is adamant that his state's hard border will remain in place despite pressure from Prime Minister Scott Morrison to reopen.

By stark contrast, Melbourne is still in the middle of a Stage Four Lockdown, meaning that all hospitality venues are closed, even for seated service.

People can only leave their homes for permitted work, essential shopping and exercise while a curfew bans people from leaving their houses from 8pm to 5am.

The closed Elephant & Wheelbarrow pub in Melbourne. The city is completely devoid of nightlife as there is a curfew and venues can only provide delivery or takeaway options

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews revealed his 'roadmap to recovery' on Sunday, saying that Melbourne's Stage Four restrictions will last another two weeks and the city's lockdown won't be fully lifted until November 23.

Meanwhile, Sydneysiders are enjoying a middle ground between Perth's almost-complete reopening and Melbourne's total lockdown.

Music festivals are not permitted and nightclubs are closed but cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars are allowed to operate with one patron per four square metres or a maximum of 300 patrons, which ever is lesser.

Customers can only drink when seated and can only sit in a maximum group of 10 whiles standing, dancing and mingling with other groups is forbidden.

Many venues also require people to scan QR codes with their phones to view the menu and order drinks, completely eliminating the need to walk to the bar.

Security guards and COVID marshalls have the right to kick people out of bars for breaking restrictions by unnecessarily standing or dancing.
The Indian Army on Tuesday rebutted the Chinese claim that Indian troops illegally crossed the LAC and fired warning shots at Chinese troops, saying that it did not transgress across the Line of Actual Control(LAC) or resort to use of any aggressive means in eastern Ladakh.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army(PLA) late on Monday night had alleged that Indian troops crossed the LAC and "outrageously fired" warning shots near the Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh.

The relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours has deteriorated since a clash in the Ladakh region on June 15 in which 20 Indian troops were killed.

In a statement, the Army said it was the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive maneuveres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political levels is in progress.

"In the instant case on September 7, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own (Indian) troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops," the Army said.

It said despite the "grave provocation", Indian troops exercised "great restraint" and behaved in a mature and responsible manner.

"At no stage has Indian Army transgressed across LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing."

The Army termed the statement issued by the Western Theater Command of the PLA as an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience.

"The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility, however is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs," the Army said.

Senior Colonel Zhang Shuili, a spokesperson of PLA's Western Theater Command, in a statement had alleged that Indian troops again illegally crossed the LAC and outrageously fired warning shots on Chinese border patrol soldiers who were about to negotiate.

"The Chinese border defence troops were forced to take corresponding countermeasures to stabilise the terrain situation," said Zhang, spokesperson for the Western Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Zhang said India had violated agreements reached by the two countries and warned their actions could "easily cause misunderstandings and misjudgments".

The Indian troops crossed the LAC at the west section of the China-India border into the Shenpao mountain region near the south bank of Pangong lake, he alleged. He had also called for India to withdraw the troops who crossed the border and investigate the officers who opened fire.
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Linkedin Yingzhi Yang and Brenda Goh (Reuters) Beijing and Shanghai  Tue, September 8, 2020 12:52 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c436a934 2 Science & Tech TikTok,Bytedance Free

TikTok owner ByteDance said on Tuesday it would hand out cash bonuses to employees working to help it "overcome challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and changing macro environment".

Full-time employees who have worked for 26 or more working days between July to August will be given a bonus worth half their August base salary, according to a letter from ByteDance to its employees that was seen by Reuters.

"Thank you for your hard work and dedication," the letter says. ByteDance has said it has over 60,000 employees globally.

The bonus could run into hundreds of millions of yuan, based on ByteDance's hiring advertisements and company sources.

ByteDance confirmed the letter but did not provide details.

ByteDance has come under global scrutiny amid concerns about TikTok's collection of personal data and censoring of political content. The United States has said it will ban the short video app unless ByteDance sells the app's US operations amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing.

ByteDance has said the Chinese government does not have any jurisdiction over TikTok content.

TikTok has also faced challenges in India, where it was among dozens of Chinese apps banned in June following a border clash between the countries.

"The TikTok team and especially the deal team have been working day in and day out," a company source said, adding staff morale at TikTok had been hit by the global challenges as well as the departure of its CEO Kevin Mayer who quit after just three months.

ByteDance founder and CEO, Zhang Yiming, said in an earlier letter that the staff had been working "endless hours" amid the surrounding "noise".

ByteDance's cash bonuses, which come as many companies face financial pressure due to COVID-19 and a slowing economy, was on Tuesday among the most discussed topics on Maimai, China's version of LinkedIn.

Late last year, Chinese telecoms giant Huawei also said it would hand out 2 billion yuan ($293 million) in cash rewards to staff as a mark of recognition for work in the face of a US trade blacklisting.

Topics : TikTok Bytedance
The Congress will formulate its strategy for the monsoon session of Parliament, beginning September 14, at a meeting on Tuesday.

The meeting of the partys parliament strategy group will be chaired by Congress president Sonia Gandhi and attended by Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, AK Antony, Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh, KC Venugopal, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Gaurav Gogoi, K Suresh, Manickam Tagore and Ravneet Singh Bittu.

Sonia Gandhi is also the chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP).

Also Read: Expelled Uttar Pradesh Congress veterans asks Sonia to rise above enchantment of the family

In the meeting, the Congress will discuss the issues to be raised in both the Houses during the session, such as the border standoff with China in Ladakh and Facebooks alleged nexus with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the governments handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, the economic crisis and the decline in GDP, GST compensation to states, job losses and agrarian distress. It will also seek a discussion on the PM CARES Fund.

The party will raise the issue of the sale of 32 Public Sector Undertakings and the handing over of railways and airports to private parties.

A Congress functionary said the party will talk to other like-minded opposition parties to present a united front in Parliament on all critical issues confronting the country. A meeting of the opposition parties is expected to be held later this week.

Opposition leaders are keen to work closely with each other to take on the government in Parliament. This was expressed by Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Shiv Sena chief and Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader and Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren at a recent meeting of non-NDA chief ministers with Sonia Gandhi on JEE/NEET and GST issues.

Also Read: Opposition planning joint offensive against govt in Parliament

In the meeting, the Congress will also discuss the report submitted by a group, headed by former finance minister P Chidambaram, on the partys stand on the 11 ordinances that the government is likely to bring in the monsoon session.

This will be the first time that some of the 23 signatories to a letter to the party president seeking a complete overhaul of the organisation will come face-to-face with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi after the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on August 24.

Four of the 23 signatories who are CWC members Azad, Sharma, Mukul Wasnik and Jitin Prasadacame under fire from other colleagues at the meeting for writing the letter.

After chairing the meeting, Sonia Gandhi is likely to leave the country for a health check-up and will not be able to attend the full monsoon session of Parliament.
Politically motivated street fights have become more common during his presidency. Conflicts at protests have led to injuries in recent weeks in places such as Kalamazoo, Mich.; Bloomington, Ind.; and Weatherford, Tex., as protesters of police misconduct have clashed with counterprotesters who are sometimes dressed in Trump-branded apparel and claim to be helping to keep the peace. In one case, a gun-wielding Trump supporter in Kenosha, Wis., was charged with murder after allegedly killing two protesters and injuring a third. (A supporter of a far-right group was fatally shot during a counterprotest by Trump backers in Portland last month. The suspect, a backer of the far-left antifa movement, was killed by law enforcement Thursday.)
The government on Tuesday gave three months extra time for businesses to hold their annual general meetings (AGMs) in view of the rising cases of coronavirus infections.

An official statement from the ministry of corporate affairs said the decision will benefit 12 lakh active companies. The earlier deadline of 30 September now stands extended to 31 December.

The ministry has asked registrars of companies (RoCs) to issue orders in this regard. Even applications already filed by companies seeking extra time but were not approved or rejected are also covered for this relief.

The ministry said it had received representations from various associations seeking extra time to hold AGMs. This is for the first time that such relief generally is given to all companies," said the statement.

The statutory requirement for companies under the Companies Act, 2013 is to hold their AGMs within six months of the end of the financial year. If needed, companies can approach RoCs for extension. Audited accounts of companies are approved at AGMs.

Earlier, the government had relaxed the procedures so that companies could clear financial statements, report of the board of directors and proposals of mergers and acquisitions by videoconference till end of September. Tuesdays announcement giving extra time for holding AGMs comes at a time India has overtaken Brazil in the number of coronavirus cases reported. India has so far reported over 4.28 million coronavirus cases.

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Days after over 60 employees of roadside restaurant Amrik Sukhdev and 10 workers of Garam Dharam in Haryanas Murthal tested positive for the novel coronavirus, four more roadside eateries on the Delhi-Chandigarh highway were sealed as 14 staffers tested positive for the infections.

Last week, the Amrik Sukhdev Dhaba, situated on the NH-44, was sealed and sanitised as per the protocol. A sub-divisional magistrate along with field teams was instructed to implement the containment measures, Sonipat DC SL Punia had said.

After the news surfaced, the health department began undertaking tests on employees of more dhabas located along the 8km stretch and subsequently, five staffers of Pahalwan Dhaba, three from Kubair Hotel, one from Jhilmil and Aahuja dhabas and four others tested positive on Monday, Hindustan Times reported.

A health official told the publication that these eateries would be sealed and would be thoroughly sanitised. The official added that around 950 samples have been taken from several eateries in the last week and close to 100 employees have tested positive for Covid-19.

Samples of employees were taken after videos being circulated on social media showed coronavirus norms being violated at these eateries, which are popular among travellers. Meanwhile, the Sonepat district administration has not yet filed an FIR against the owners of these eateries.

Murthal is famous for its eateries which dot a stretch on both sides of the Ambala-Delhi national highway. Travellers are seen stopping by for their popular parathas and other delicacies. Sonipats Deputy Commissioner Shyam Lal Punia last week told news agency PTI that the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, all the eateries had already been instructed 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 JS Punia had said the majority of those infected at the Sukhdev restaurant were workers who had recently returned 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 was quoted as saying.
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- SME's North American Manufacturing Research Institution has announced the 2020 winners of its S.M. Wu Research Implementation Award. GM inventors Sheri Kurgin, PhD, and Jie Gu, PhD, were recognized for their COMP system and method invention, which was developed to perform global offset compensation in multiaxis machine tools. The patented and commercialized COMP system and method has been integrated in all the new machine tools in production for more than eight years.

The S.M. Wu Research Implementation Award was established in 2006 to honor the late Shien-Ming Wu, PhD, FSME. The award, named for Wu, a University of Michigan professor, highlights outstanding original research presented as a paper at SME's annual North American Manufacturing Research Conference that shares significant commercial and/or social impact after implementation.

"The S.M. Wu Award is designed to showcase manufacturing research and its evolution from concept to reality," said Robert Ivester, PhD, FSME, deputy director of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and international director, SME Board of Directors. "Doctors Kurgin and Gu are joining an impressive group of researchers whose work has taken manufacturing to a whole new level."

Among the list of previously awarded original research are selective laser sintering, laser-assisted machining, assembly systems, simulation models for machining processes, machine tools and DEFORM, a finite-element modeling package.

In addition to announcing the Wu Award, NAMRI | SME also released its new selection of officers and directors comprising its board of directors.

Officers:

President  Lihui Wang , PhD, FSME, PE, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm

, PhD, FSME, PE, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, President-Elect  Brigid Mullany , PhD, University of North Carolina at Charlotte , Charlotte, North Carolina

, PhD, , Secretary  Livan Fratini , PhD, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy

, PhD, University of Palermo, Palermo, Scientific Committee Chair  Ihab Ragai, PhD, PE, Penn State Behrend, Erie, Pennsylvania

Scientific Committee Chair-Elect  Robert Gao , PhD, FSME, Case Western Reserve University , Cleveland

, PhD, FSME, , Past President  Albert Shih , PhD, FSME, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor , Michigan

, PhD, FSME, , Second Past President  Hitomi Yamaguchi Greenslet , Dr. Eng., FSME, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida

Directors:

Jeffrey Abell , PhD, FSME, PE, General Motors, Warren, Michigan

, PhD, FSME, PE, General Motors, Joseph Budzinski , DePuy Synthes Joint Reconstruction, Raynham, Massachusetts

, DePuy Synthes Joint Reconstruction, KC Morris , PhD, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland

, PhD, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Dale Lombardo , GE Aviation, Niskayuna, New York

, GE Aviation, Tony Schmitz , PhD, FSME, University of Tennessee, Knoxville , Tennessee

For additional award information and background on NAMRI | SME, visit sme.org/namri.

About NAMRI/SME

The North American Manufacturing Research Institution of SME (NAMRI | SME) brings together researchers from leading companies, government laboratories, academic institutions and industrial think tanks located around the world to advance the scientific foundation of discrete-parts manufacturing. This group's work covers refining fundamental technologies and developing emerging technologies and processes for material removal and material forming, as well as research on manufacturing modeling, simulation, monitoring and control systems. Learn more at sme.org/namri.

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Lincoln Police Officer Mario Herrera, who was shot while police were serving a warrant last month, died early Monday morning at an Omaha hospital.

"It is with a very heavy heart that I have to pass on devastating news to all of you. At approximately 3:30 this morning, Mario died. Carrie and his 4 amazing children were able to be with him. I am at a loss for words as we try to process this. Please pray for Carrie, his kids and our entire family," said the post, written by Herrera's sister-in-law, Melissa Wood, on a CaringBridge page.

In a statement, LPD said it was "devastated by the loss of one of our most outstanding police officers."

"Mario was an exceptional investigator, a selfless teammate, and a tireless public servant. Empathetic, kind, and utterly committed to serving victims and protecting his community, Mario was an exemplary human being who just happened to be a Lincoln police officer.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them (the family) as they grieve his death. Please continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time," the statement said.

The department said it will hold a news conference Tuesday morning.

Mayor Leirion Gaylor-Baird said in a statement: "Sadness does not begin to describe fully our community's sense of loss with the passing of Investigator Mario Herrera.

"Our hearts are with his wife, Carrie, and their four children, and we remain forever grateful for their family's profound sacrifice in service to keeping our community safe," she said.

Gov. Pete Ricketts ordered flags in the state to fly at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset Friday, which is Patriots Day, in honor of Herrera.

Susanne and I were devastated to learn of the passing of Investigator Mario Herrera, Ricketts said in a news release. Investigator Herreras service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. I also want to thank people across the state who stepped up to support the Herrera family in the midst of this terrible tragedy. From holding prayer vigils to donating blood, the communitys response was powerful and inspiring. Now more than ever, it is critical for all of us to come together and support the men and women who put on the uniform and risk their lives every day to help keep our communities safe.

Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while members of the Metro Area Fugitive Task Force, the department's gang unit and the criminal division were serving a warrant at a house near 33rd and Vine streets after getting information that 17-year-old Felipe Vazquez  who was wanted for second-degree assault in connection with Edward Varejcka's stabbing death in March  was there.

Vazquez and Orion Ross, 19, allegedly broke out a window of the house and escaped, firing shots at Herrera and other officers. Vazquez and Ross have been charged with escape using force or a deadly weapon, and Vazquez faces an additional count of possession of a stolen firearm and no doubt more charges in wake of Herrera's death.

Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner, whose department is leading the investigation into the shooting, said last week that evidence showed that Vazquez fired the shot that hit Herrera.

Herrera, who was there in a number of capacities, including as an interpreter, was struck in the torso. He was not wearing a ballistic vest.

He was initially taken to Bryan West Campus and then was transferred to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, where he had been in critical condition ever since and had undergone numerous surgeries.

There had been an outpouring of community support for Herrera and his family. A GoFundMe page had raised more than $126,000 as of Monday evening. People also showed up in droves to donate blood, and residents who live in his neighborhood tied blue ribbons around trees.

LPD said on its Facebook page that officers will be draping their badges in honor of his memory.

Herrera is the first LPD officer to die in the line of duty since 1968, when Officer George Welter died in a motorcycle crash while responding to a call. Before that, the last time an LPD officer was killed in the line of duty was in August 1967, when Detective Paul Whitehead was shot after stopping a suspicious vehicle.

The last law enforcement officer in Lancaster County to be killed in the line of duty was Lancaster County Sheriff's Deputy Craig Dodge, who was shot in March 1987 while responding to a domestic violence call in Hickman.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2647 or molberding@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LincolnBizBuzz.

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CINCINNATI, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cincom Systems, Inc., a global supplier of enterprise software solutions, today announced a new release of CPQSync by Cincom that provides an enhanced selling environment for sales reps, partners and customers.

Updates in this release for users of the cloud-based configure-price-quote solution focus on the following, while also adding several other new features:

Quote-to-Order Integration into Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (F&O) Microsoft Power Automate Certified Connector

According to David Allison, Cincom CPQSync Senior Product Manager, "In this release, we expand our footprint in Dynamics 365 by building an integration into F&O, which allows customers to generate sales orders from Dynamics 365 CE. We also have a certified connector for Power Automate that will allow partners and customers to further automate processes and data between CPQSync, Dynamics 365 and other enterprise systems. Both of these additions assist customers in moving to a digital, connected, quote-to-order experience."

These enhancements further empower CPQSync by Cincom users to take the frustration out of buying and selling complex products and services. With CPQSync, companies can get more from their Microsoft Dynamics 365 investment. As a native, Microsoft Azure, multi-tenant solution fully embedded within Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement (CE), there are no popups or new windows. The solution is open platform with APIs that enable extensibility, and businesses can integrate workflows with Microsoft Power Automate and Power BI-based reporting.

About Cincom

Cincom is a global software company with a legacy of innovation dating back to its founding in 1968. The company's solutions help clients improve their most critical business processes and operating results. For more information about CPQSync, visit cincom.com/cpqsync or send an email to [email protected]. If you are a reseller, VAR or partner in the Microsoft CRM Channel, please contact Claire Oancea, Channel Development Manager for TeamSync by Cincom, at [email protected].

Media Contact:

Carla McQueen

(513) 612-2113

[email protected]

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Cincom, CPQSync and TeamSync are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cincom Systems, Inc. All other trademarks belong to their respective companies.

2020 Cincom Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved

SOURCE Cincom

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The Brisbane City Council is pushing ferry operator Transdev to repair eight wooden-hulled ferries pulled off the river over safety concerns, even though replacement vessels have arrived from Sydney.

At the weekend, Brisbane lord mayor Adrian Schrinner announced the arrival of four ferries from Sydney, nicknamed KittyCats, to be operated by new contractor SeaLink from November to take over the CityHopper and cross-river routes cancelled by the withdrawal of the wooden ferries.

The remaining cross-river ferry operating the Bulimba to Teneriffe route has a steel hull rather than a wooden hull. Credit:Lucy Stone

Transdev will cease operating the council's ferries at the end of October after SeaLink won the $417 million 10-year contract to run Brisbane's public ferries.

In July Cr Schrinner pulled the wooden-hulled ferries off the Brisbane River, saying conflicting reports commissioned by the council and by Transdev raised differing levels of safety concerns.
China will impose sanctions on senior US officials who visit Taiwan, and American companies that they have ties with, the editor in chief of the Global Times newspaper said on Tuesday. Hu Xijin said on his official Twitter account that those being sanctioned would never be allowed to enter mainland China, and that any U.S. companies they have ties with would lose access to the Chinese mainland market. The Global Times is published by the People's Daily, the official newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party.
EXTON, Pa., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With the increasing prevalence of diabetes across the United States, concern about diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains high among nephrologists, who consistently rank it as one of the disease areas with the greatest unmet need. To better understand nephrologists' perceptions of the disease, Spherix recently conducted the third wave of their quarterly study, RealTime Dynamix: Diabetic Kidney Disease (US), which reveals promising trends regarding the use of SGLT2 inhibitors among nephrologists for the treatment of DKD. This research, based on the responses of 100 US nephrologists, will be continued in Q4 with a multi-specialist report evaluating trends and expectations across nephrologists, endocrinologists, primary care providers, and cardiologists.

Despite the expanded indication of Relypsa/Janssen's Invokana in late 2019 as the only SGLT2 inhibitor to treat kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes, uptake has been slow within the nephrology community. This trepidation has been driven by the belief that managing diabetes is the primary care provider's or endocrinologist's responsibility, as well as concern around an increased risk of lower limb amputation.

However, key events through 2020 are changing the narrative and positioning the DKD market, and specifically SGLT2 inhibitors, for change. In fact, data collected in Q3 2020 already demonstrates a sizeable increase in the percent of nephrologists initiating patients on Invokana. The data was collected just prior to the end of August, when the FDA removed Invokana's black box label warning regarding increased risk of amputation among type 2 diabetes patients, indicating that the benefits of the drug far outweigh the associated risk. This move will likely help ease nephrologist's concerns when prescribing Invokana in the future.

The results of AstraZeneca's Phase III trial of Farxiga (DAPA-CKD) demonstrated a reduction in the composite measure of deteriorating renal function in both patients with and without type 2 diabetes. Although nephrologists currently show a 5 to 1 preference for Invokana over Farxiga, that ratio could certainly shift if Farxiga were to snag an expanded indication, not just in diabetic CKD patients, but in non-diabetics as well. If approved, roughly one-third of nephrologists report that Farxiga could become their preferred SGLT2 inhibitor. More so, it is likely the new data will bolster the use of SGLT2 inhibitors overall among nephrologists, as they report increased confidence in the SGLT2 class and a positive impact on their intended use of the class as a result of the findings.

Interestingly, the SGLT2 class is not the first area in which Relypsa and AstraZeneca have gone head-to-head with comparable drugs. In the hyperkalemia market, Relypsa's Veltassa and AstraZeneca's Lokelma continue the ongoing battle for nephrologists' potassium binder of choice. In the past month, nephrologists predictably report that their interactions with sales representatives for all SGLT2 inhibitors fall behind those for hyperkalemia products, Veltassa and Lokelma. Relypsa's advantage to cover both Veltassa and Invokana is strong  and one that AstraZeneca will absolutely capitalize on for their Lokelma representatives if/when Farxiga gets DKD approval.

Adding more complexity and potential to the market, Novo Nordisk's once weekly injectable GLP-1 agonist, Ozempic (semiglutide), is currently in a Phase III clinical trial (FLOW) to evaluate if it can slow the progression of CKD in patients with type 2 diabetes. If Ozempic achieves its label expansion, it will introduce an entirely new drug class to physicians' armamentarium to treat DKD and make big waves in the market where SGLT2 inhibitors are just beginning to gain traction.

Looking ahead, while nephrologists' future use of SGLT2 inhibitors looks promising, questions remain to optimize product success. Some nephrologists will continue to be reserved in prescribing SGLT2 inhibitors, deferring to other physicians to drive prescribing, especially for patients with underlying type 2 diabetes. Additionally, as more products receive indications for use in CKD patients, differentiation will be crucial for success  not only among nephrologists, but also among payers to ensure product access. As it currently stands, approximately nine out of ten nephrologists report that they feel the SGLT2 inhibitor brands evaluated in Spherix's survey are at least moderately interchangeable. Future promotion of SGLT2 inhibitor brands through messaging and targeting will need to be creative and plentiful as the market continues to evolve.

About RealTime Dynamix

RealTime Dynamix: Diabetic Kidney Disease (US) is an independent service providing strategic guidance through rapid and comprehensive quarterly reports, which include market trending, launch tracking, and a fresh infusion of unique content with each wave.

About Spherix Global Insights

Spherix Global Insights is a hyper-focused market intelligence firm that leverages our own independent data and expertise to provide strategic guidance, so biopharma stakeholders make decisions with confidence. We specialize in select immunology, nephrology, and neurology markets.

All company, brand or product names in this document are trademarks of their respective holders.

For more information contact:

Kristen Henn, Business Development Manager

Email: [email protected]

www.spherixglobalinsights.com

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(NEW YORK) -- COVID-19 has infected over 6.29 million Americans as of Monday and killed nearly 190,000 -- according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that, should social distancing guidelines be ignored, the country could suffer 400,000 deaths by winter.

As schools are now widely in session following the Labor Day weekend, several universities announced that they are either cancelling in-person learning or have expelled students for disobeying social distancing guidelines. West Virginia University announced the suspension of nearly 30 students and have opted for all-virtual learning for the next three weeks following "increasing evidence that crowded indoor gatherings, such as those that occurred over the weekend, can serve as super-spreader events" and a rise in COVID-19 cases.

Northeastern University also announced that 11 students have been dismissed from campus after they were found in violation of COVID-19 guidelines. New York University also announced that 20-plus students were suspended for defying the institution's health and safety measures.

A study from the United Kingdom finds that a rise in COVID-19 diagnoses in the country were largely from "more affluent, younger people," according to Britain's Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock.

"The problem is that spreading the disease amongst young people then leads to older people getting it," cautioned Hancock. "We are seeing problems of social distancing in some cases."

In tandem with breakouts affecting college campuses, the U.S. announced 31,395 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, which is half of the record high of 77,255 that was noted on July 16.

Sunday also saw an additional 403 fatalities, which is the lowest daily death toll since August 2.

Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Some of the nation's biggest planned infrastructure projects should be re-appraised as analysts warn billions of dollars are being sunk into works that may not still be warranted in the wake of the COVID-19 recession.

Infrastructure experts say a sharp slowdown in population growth coupled with workplace changes started during coronavirus lockdowns may make some projects more worthy of consideration while making others less vital.

Analysts have called for major infrastructure projects to be re-appraised, saying the coronavirus' impact may have made some more viable and others less so. Credit: Kate Geraghty

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will use the October 6 delayed federal budget to unveil a suite of new infrastructure projects while the Reserve Bank has urged states and territories to spend up to $40 billion on their own public works.

But analysts say there has to be scrutiny of those projects to make sure they will provide long-term productivity improvements and are necessary.
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalnys medical condition has improved and that has allowed doctors to take him out of an induced coma, the German hospital that is treating him said. Navalny, 44, is responding to verbal stimuli and is being weaned off mechanical ventilation, the hospital said, adding that it remains too early to gauge the potential long-term effects of his severe poisoning.

1/2  The condition of Alexei #Navalny has improved. The patient has been removed from his medically induced coma and is being weaned off mechanical ventilation. He is responding to verbal stimuli.  Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin (@ChariteBerlin) September 7, 2020

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Navalny, a fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, became sick during a flight to Moscow from the Siberian city of Tomsk. He was treated in a Siberian hospital and was then evacuated to Berlin on Aug. 22. Germany said last week there was unequivocal evidence that Navalny had been poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent from the Novichok group, which led the German government to call on Moscow to investigate. That nerve agent was the same that British authorities said was used to poison a Russian double agent and his daughter in England in 2018.

Navalnys allies have directly blamed the Kremlin for the poisoning while Germanys government is demanding answers. German Chancellor Angela Merkels office is making clear her frustrations over the way Moscow has refused to answer questions about the case. Germanys foreign minister, Heiko Maas, said Sunday that what happens with the Navalny case could lead the government to change its backing for a controversial German-Russian gas pipeline project.

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Germany is not the only country demanding answers. On Monday, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab summoned Russias ambassador to express his deep concern about the poisoning and said that it is imperative for Moscow to carry out a full, transparent investigation. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied it had anything to do with the poisoning and a spokesperson said that effort to link Putin to the poisoning were absurd.
The Pound Sterling to Euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate fell to a two-week low on the back of rising concerns over the state of the ongoing UK-EU negotiations on Brexit.

After the resignation of the head of the UK governments legal department the mood towards the Pound widely soured.

Reports of hardening attitudes in the EU also put pressure on GBP exchange rates, with the risk of a no-deal scenario continuing to pick up.

With the penultimate round of Brexit talks now appearing unlikely to yield any major breakthroughs, and could even see negotiations collapse, the GBP/EUR exchange rate naturally slumped.

Euro Strength to Falter Ahead of ECB Policy Announcement

Support for the Euro could fade on Thursday, however, as markets brace for the European Central Banks (ECB) September policy announcement.

While no changes in policy are expected at this stage investors are still keen to gauge the outlook of ECB policymakers.

If the general tone leans more towards dovishness this would fuel bets that additional stimulus measures could be in store before the end of the year.

On the other hand, signs of relative optimism within the central bank may encourage EUR exchange rates to trend higher.

As long as the ECB appears confident in the Eurozones ability to recover from the Covid-19 crisis this should limit the potential for further Euro losses.

Lack of Brexit Breakthrough Set to Limit GBP/EUR Exchange Rate Upside

Brexit worries look set to dominate the outlook of the Pound for some days to come, however, thanks to the souring in relations between the two sides.

Without signs of progress towards a potential deal the GBP/EUR exchange rate may struggle to find any particular traction this week.

Even so, Fridays set of UK gross domestic product figures could encourage some renewed demand for the Pound.

Any indications that the economy has started to bounce back from the Covid-19 slump may give GBP exchange rates a boost.

However, another monthly contraction from the NIESR gross domestic product tracker for August could spur the Pound to shed further ground against the Euro ahead of the weekend.
As an infectious diseases physician at east Torontos Michael Garron Hospital, Dr. Janine McCready knows how it feels to face a looming unknown under COVID-19.

We really remember how stressful and demanding it was during those early months in February, March, April, she recalls.

How we were working through things with our staff, and trying to keep everyone safe.

Now she and her colleagues are stepping up to help teachers and principals in a similar spot with a new program to support neighbourhood schools welcoming back students this September.

Michael Garron Hospital and the East Toronto Family Practice Network, a network of family doctors in the east end, are leading regular virtual town halls with over 70 public and Catholic schools in the hospitals catchment area. Under the program, at least 10 of the higher-risk schools will be matched to doctors so they can have a direct line of support. There will also be pop-up community testing near schools later this month.

While there are big differences between hospitals and classrooms, educators have been thrust into a new role as the first line of defence against the virus, helping kids learn how to don and doff masks, screening for symptoms and monitoring for outbreaks.

They also have to master new infection control and prevention principles at a breakneck speed.

So as they kind of work through all the challenges of looking at the guidelines and implementing the safety measures in this new normal, some of the expertise and the lessons that we learned through wave one might be useful, McCready said.

The questions are different but it takes similar problem solving.

Drawing on existing partnerships and collaborative work done in community long-term-care homes in the spring, the team has identified about 74 schools, serving about 34,000 students, that will be able to participate in regular virtual town halls with specialists to ask questions and get support.

There will be community pop-up testing near Thorncliffe Park and Crescent Town School in the third and fourth week of September, the time when teachers start to see the sniffles and coughs and colds, McCready said.

At least 10 higher-risk schools have been identified, based on factors like socioeconomic status and the numbers of families in multi-generational homes. These schools will be paired with a physician, a kind of fast track hotline they can call with questions.

Questions like, what should they do if five kids in a class suddenly call in sick? Or, do parent volunteers need to wear masks?

The answer to the latter is yes, said Dr. Karen Chu, a family physician at the East Toronto Family Practice Network.

Shes been fielding calls in her office for weeks now from concerned parents, teachers and grandparents, and hopes the program can soothe some of the back-to-school fears.

Schools will need to report outbreaks to Toronto Public Health, but while theyre waiting also send a quick note to the physician theyre partnered with.

So were getting to them and providing support before the anxiety rises and people are very nervous about a situation, she said.

In the Toronto District School Board, classes are back starting Sept. 15.

Toronto Public Health has identified 81 schools as higher-risk, based on case counts, and socioeconomic factors. Most are in the northwest corner of the city which has been disproportionately hit by the virus, but there are some in east Toronto as well, including Thorncliffe Park Public School.

The board has identified another 13 schools, looking at things like enrolment and the state of classrooms, where smaller classes are needed.

Class sizes in those schools will be capped at 15 kids for kindergarten and 20 for grades 1-8.

As part of the TDSBs return-to-school plan, trustees approved more than $30 million to lower class sizes across the system with a particular focus on areas that are at higher risk for COVID-19. There, class sizes have been reduced even further to maximize physical distancing, said spokesperson Ryan Bird.

The Toronto Catholic District School Board, with classes returning starting Sept. 14, is also prioritizing higher-risk schools, identified by Toronto Public Health. The board is working to provide Plexiglas desk shields in classes over 15, and adjusting windows so they open 12 inches (30 centimetres) instead of four in schools without mechanical ventilation systems, according to a spokesperson.

Staff are also working with the City of Toronto to identify specific locations for temporary classroom space and/or recreation space. Additionally, class sizes will also be lowered to the greatest extent possible to achieve physical distancing in TPH high-risk areas, the spokesperson added.

As a family doctor, Chus not the expert on COVID-19, but she recognizes, sometimes when you get information its hard to figure out how to actually apply it in your situation.

She doesnt know exactly what principals will want, but this was also a way to say, hey, were here and were listening, you let us know what you do or dont need.

The program will roll out over the month of September, and may continue past then, depending on the situation.

Hopefully, after a few weeks or months, if community transmission is low, then teachers can focus on actually teaching, Chu said.

I think the first part of the year is really just going to be getting used to being in this new normal.

Correction: This story has been corrected from a previous version that misstated the name of the Toronto Catholic District School Board.

Has your child been assigned to a large class or has your school kept class sizes low? We want to hear from you. Tell us about your familys experience with in-person school by emailing schools@thestar.ca . Please include your school board in the email.
If the Trudeau Liberals introduce a break-the-bank throne speech when Parliament returns, Canadians should cover the Peace Tower with rotten tomatoes all the way up to our national flag, flapping so majestically in the breeze. Every opposition member should vote unanimously to bring down this spendthrift government on a confidence vote and force an election. Canadians, fighting for their own financial survival, should not be held hostage to an even larger, already enormous, tax bill that will eventually have to be paid. It is time for all Canadians to come to their senses and signal to our government that Enough is enough.

Jim McDonald, Dundas
One of the issues which has dominated the media landscape recently is the legalization of Okada business.



Constitutionally, the practice of okada is illegal in Ghana.



However, many indigenes have taken to doing the okada business to make ends meet. The business is gradually booming and has become a primary source of livelihood for many low-income earners in Ghana.



Reacting to this phenomenon UTVs 'Adekye Abia', Communication team member of NDC, Brogya Gyenfi pointed at how Manhyia North MP, Collins Owusu Amankwah patronized the service of an okada rider.



Brogya Gyenfi said; "It is illegal but an MP of a State boarded an okada to his programme. So, if he finds the need to use it then its good and must be pushed for its legalization. All that I am saying is that even the lawmakers know how important okada is in our congested cities like Accra and Kumasi, then why dont we use the right channel and make the law for everyone to patronize as it will by far not help only the poor and marginalized but even the big men as well."





Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A firefighter douses flames as they push towards homes during the Creek Fire in the Cascadel Woods area of unincorporated Madera County, California on September 7, 2020

Wildfires in California have torched a record more than two million acres, the state fire department said Monday, as smoke hampered efforts to airlift dozens of people trapped by an uncontrolled blaze.

The Creek Fire in northern California has so far spread to 135,525 acres, destroyed 65 structures and is out of control, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said in an update.

Several communities in the area northeast of Fresno have been ordered to evacuate due to immediate threat to life.

Dozens of people have been trapped by the rapidly-expanding fire and Fresno Fire Battalion chief Tony Escobedo said smoke was hampering efforts by military choppers to rescue them.

"The difficulty of the helicopters trying to get through the smoke has proven a challenge during the day," he told reporters Monday night.

"They weren't able to land several times, several attempts throughout the day," he said.

"We are going to try to do it again this evening with their night vision capability. We have reports in excess of 50 people or more," (trapped in several locations) he said.

Fresno Fire Department tweeted that "military pilots tried valiantly to land but heavy smoke conditions prevented a safe approach, another effort will be made shortly to evacuate the trapped people in Lake Edison and China Peak using night vision."

Map of California showing active wildfires as of Sep 7.

People trapped were currently safe in temporary areas of refuge, said Lieutenant Brandon Purcell from Fresno Sheriff's Office, calling the fire "an unprecedented disaster for Fresno County."

Over the weekend, military helicopters rescued more than 200 people trapped by the fire near Mammoth Pool Reservoir.

The region has seen many major fires in recent years but Sierra National Forest forest supervisor Dean Gould said at the briefing Monday night that Creek Fire was likely the most aggressive and "is in a class by itself."

The fire department said 976 personnel were battling the blaze, which had continued to grow "under extreme conditions."

'Record-breaking'

The record two million acres destroyed was hit as the wildfire season still has roughly two months to go in the most populous US state and as thousands of firefighters were battling flames during a scorching heatwave.

The rapidly-expanding Creek Fire in northern Califorinia has so far spread to 135,525 acres, destroyed 65 structures

"In the past 33 years we have not seen a single year go over two million acres until this year," said Cal Fire spokeswoman Lynne Tolmachoff.

"This is definitely record-breaking and we have not even come close to the end of fire season yet."

At least seven people have died as a result of this year's fires and some 3,800 structures have been damaged or destroyed, according to Cal Fire figures.

The last time the number of acres burned got close to two million was in 2018, the same year as the devastating Camp Fire, when a little more than 1.9 million acres (769,000 hectares) went up in flames.

More than 14,100 firefighters were battling 24 different wildfires as of Monday afternoon, the fire department said in a tweet.

Another rapidly growing blaze, the Oak Fire, began Sunday in Mendocino county and has already grown to 1,000 acres.

Residents evacuate with their pets during the Creek Fire in the North Fork area of unincorporated Madera County, California on September 7, 2020

Evacuee Clay Brazil waits to be picked up during the Creek Fire in the North Fork area of unincorporated Madera County, California on September 7, 2020

Cal Fire said that 83 personnel were on hand to battle the blaze, which was uncontained.

Evacuation orders were in effect throughout southern California on Monday afternoon.

Record temperatures over the three-day Labor Day weekend have aggravated already dangerous fire conditions and further stressed exhausted California firefighters.

The state has been baking under scorching conditions with temperatures reaching a record 121 degrees Fahrenheit (49 Celsius) on Sunday in Woodland Hills, an all-time high for Los Angeles county, the National Weather Service said.

Explore further Firefighters struggle to contain blaze in southern California

 2020 AFP
The signing ceremony of the U.S.-brokered normalization agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates will take place at the White House on Sept. 15, according to White House officials.

Why it matters: This will be the first signing of a peace agreement between Israel and an Arab state in more than 25 years.

Details: White House officials said President Trump will attend the ceremony alongside a senior Israeli delegation headed by Prime Minister Netanyahu and a senior Emirati delegation headed by Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed  a senior member of the royal family.

It will be the first-ever public meeting between an Israeli prime minister and an Emirati minister.

Many meetings have taken place in the past, but they were kept secret.

Between the lines: The agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates will be a "treaty of peace" with the same legal and diplomatic status as peace agreements Israel has previously signed with Egypt and Jordan, Israeli and U.S. officials tell me.

Israel wants the agreement to carry the most serious status, demanding the greatest commitment from both parties, Israeli officials explain.

Officials also hope the agreement will send a message of long-term stability, rather than a temporary deal.

This story is breaking news. Please check back for updates.
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Linkedin Galih Gumelar and Ghina Ghaliya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 9 2020

Democracy and public health are under threat as the 2020 simultaneous regional elections in 270 regions across Indonesia may emerge as new sources of COVID-19 infections in the country, experts and lawmaker have warned.

The Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) has found that 243 prospective candidates ignored health protocols when they brought along large entourages to register their candidacies with the local offices of the General Elections Commission (KPU) from Sept. 4 to Sept. 6.

These prospective candidates and their supporters violated a KPU regulation that prohibits mass-gatherings during all stages of the elections, from the preparations starting from June 15 to the final vote count a week after the Dec. 9 polling day. The regulation says the KPU can only issue a warning to the candidates and campaign teams.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 8

By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend:

The value of trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Iran amounted to $139.9 million over 1H2020, compared to $207.09 million during the same period of 2019, Trend reports with reference to Kazakhstans Statistics Committee.

The share of Iran in the total value of Kazakhstans trade turnover stood at 0.3 percent during the reporting period compared to 0.4 percent during the same period of 2019.

Kazakhstans export to Iran amounted to $84.9 million over the period from January through June 2020, compared to $165.9 million during the same period of 2019.

Irans share in the total volume of Kazakhstans export also amounted to 0.3 percent during the reporting period of 2020 compared to 0.6 percent during the same period of 2019.

In turn, Kazakhstans imports from Iran stood at about $54.9 million over the reporting period, compared to $41.1 million during the same period of 2019.

Irans share in the total volume of Kazakhstans import amounted to 0.3 percent during the reporting period of 2020 compared to 0.2 percent during the same period of 2019.

The total volume of Kazakhstans trade turnover amounted to $42.5 billion over the period from Jan. through June 2020 which indicates a decrease from $46.1 billion during the same period of 2019.

Kazakhstans export amounted to $26 billion during the reporting period of 2020 ($28.6 billion in the same period of 2019), whereas imports amounted to $16.5 billion ($17.5 billion in 2019).

---

Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh
New Delhi:

After veteran actress Meryl Streeps criticism at Golden Globes, US President-elect Donald Trump took to twitter to express his anger. Trump said that Meryl Streep is one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood. Trump defended the attack by saying that he never mocked a disabled reporter.

"Meryl Streep, one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood, doesn't know me but attacked last night at the Golden Globes. She is a Hillary flunky who lost big. For the 100th time, I never "mocked" a disabled reporter (would never do that) but simply showed him "groveling" when he totally changed a 16-year-old story that he had written in order to make me look bad. Just more very dishonest media," wrote Donald Trump on Twitter.

Earlier, Meryl Streep, this year's Cecil B DeMille Award winner at Golden Globes, slammed US President-elect Donald Trump in a politically-charged speech, as she cited actors like Indian-origin Dev Patel to highlight Hollywood's rich diversity.

Streep, an ardent supporter of Trump's rival Hillary Clinton, took the next President down in her scathing acceptance speech, without naming him and cautioned against powerful people using their position to "bully others".

The 67-year-old actress echoed British actor Hugh Laurie's earlier comment about how the Hollywood Foreign Press Association is part of "the most vilified segments in American society right now", Streep said the association was made of -- Hollywood, foreigners and the press.

(With PTI inputs)

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
A handcuffed Florida man who was arrested on a domestic battery charge died after bolting from police custody and jumping into Boca Ciega Bay, where he drowned, authorities said.

Treasure Island police arrested Donnie Brownlow Jr, 33, after responding to a domestic disturbance Sunday evening around 7:40pm, The Tampa Bay Times reported.

He was in custody on charges of domestic battery, obstruction, felony driving while license suspended and violation of probation.

Police in Treasure Island, Florida, arrested Donnie Brownlow Jr, 33, after responding to a domestic disturbance Sunday evening around 7:40pm

An officer was escorting Brownlow to a van that would bring him to jail when he made a run for it. He jumped into Boca Ciega Bay, where he drowned, authorities said

Records indicate that Brownlow had several run-ins with the law since 2013. He has been charged with driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, fleeing arrest, child neglect, aggravated battery, and driving with a suspended license

An officer was escorting Brownlow to a van that would bring him to jail when he made a run for it, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

Paramedics from the Treasure Island Fire Department pulled Brownlow from the water and performed CPR.

Brownlow was brought to the Palms of Pasadena Hospital, where he died around 9:40pm.

Records indicate that Brownlow had several run-ins with the law since 2013.

He has been charged with driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, fleeing arrest, child neglect, aggravated battery and driving with a suspended license.
Congress will return to session tomorrow to continue its talks over coronavirus relief bill.

The House of the Representatives is not set to return to session until Sept. 14, which is a week from today.

Congress and the House's stimulus talks ended in a stalemate when they both broke for their late summer recesses without reaching a deal on the next stimulus check.

The two parties have different stands about how much should be reallocated for the next stimulus check.

Democrats have proposed a package that costs over $3 trillion, although they are now open to reducing the amount by around $1 trillion.

Democrats have been urging for direct payouts of $1,200 per individual, with the total payments of as much as $6,000 per family.

Meanwhile, Republicans proposed up to $1,200 per individual, subject to annual income with an additional $500 per dependent.

Where They Left Off

Many are hoping that there would be a quick resolution on the next stimulus check during the last voting sessions.

Both Houses of Congress and both parties were vocal in supporting another round of stimulus relief.

They also agreed where support was needed the most.

Both parties and houses of Congress approved of another set of stimulus check, extended unemployment aid, and funding for small-business, among others.

However, both parties disagree on how much aid should be provided to different groups. For example, the Democrats prefer the extended unemployment aid to continue at the full $600 per week.

Meanwhile, Republicans believe that as an excessive amount that encourages some people to remain on unemployment benefits instead of looking for new employment.

The Republicans also reject providing extensive financial aid to state and local governments, saying that it would be bailout for some agencies that were already mismanaging their money.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin informally agreed last week to avoid government shutdown by keeping a stopgap government funding bill free of controversial changes.

The congressional discussions could begin as soon as this week if Senate Republicans introduce around $500 billion to aid small businesses, schools and colleges, vaccines and contact tracing, the U.S. Postal Service and employer liability protection.

This aid funding will not include any state and local budget.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a letter on Thursday that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) won't get Democratic votes for that aid package.

"As we return to session in the Senate, Leader McConnell is planning another round of partisan games. In the upcoming session, Leader McConnell and the White House may cut their original, inadequate, $1 trillion 'skinny' bill in half," Schumer was quoted in a report.

Schumer was not part of the Pelosi-Mnuchin conversation.

Senate Republicans, however, are deeply divided on whether to spend any more money on COVID-19 aid, which makes it hard for them to push through their minimized aid bill.

"I don't know if there will be another package in the next few weeks or not," McConnell was quoted.

Check these out:

IRS to Resolve Stimulus Check Errors for Qualified Recipients

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$484 Billion: Congress Passes the Latest Coronavirus Relief Bill to Aid Businesses and Hospitals
Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat (File image)

The appointment of General Bipin Rawat as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on December 30, 2019, was justifiably hailed as one of the major initiatives of the Modi government. For many, it was a step long overdue. Most professional militaries, with CDS or equivalents, have added muscle to their war-fighting capabilities.

The announcement of putting in place a CDS, which came from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2019 Independence Day speech, stressed upon the urgent need for a joint culture for the three services. Given Indias recent military history, in the decades preceding the Kargil conflict, joint service endeavours were largely a cosmetic exercise.

The Kargil war heightened the appreciation that modern wars cannot be fought with outdated structures, where the army, navy and the air force conducted operations independently. It was no longer a state secret that military operations required a great deal of synergy  vast technological changes, an altering battlefield milieu, appearance of new threats and challenges, cyber and hybrid wars and, last but not the least, nuclear warfare. All these made an integrated approach not just desirable, but an imperative.

A longstanding demand

To be sure, the idea was not new. Post-1947, Indian military had realised the importance of joint endeavours. This vision was translated into reality by the setting up of joint institutions like the National Defence Academy (NDA), the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and the National Defence College (NDC). These institutions covered a wide canvas, from pre-commissioning training to mid-career training, culminating in the highest level of formal training an officer undergoes.

But somewhere along the way, the focus was diffused enough for the services to slip into separate compartments. Over a period, this compartmentalisation has become institutionalised. The demand for joint approaches came up, mostly at the conclusion of each war that India fought. The CDS has been in the recommendation stage of several committees since as early as the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war. The most notable among them were the LK Advani-led Group of Ministers (GoM) after the Kargil war and the Naresh Chandra Task Force (NCTF) of 2012.

To that extent, CDS General Rawat has been going about his work in right earnest. He is working on redesigning existing military commands into theatre commands and establishing new joint commands that will combine the resources and assets of the three defence forces, based on threats at Indias borders with its neighbours. ``The work on establishing theatre commands will begin next year and will be completed within three years, the CDS told reporters earlier this year. In place of the 17 commands that India has now, there could be five to six integrated commands.

There are several new theatre commands on the anvil. The work will start first with establishing an Air Defence Command that will combine the air assets of the three services, the CDS said. There will also be a Peninsula Command, which will be responsible for Indias Exclusive Economic Zone.

This will lead to `seamless integration between the navys eastern and western commands with coordination being done by the naval headquarters in Delhi. There is also a proposed joint training and logistics command, in addition to a space command.

Add to this, theatre commands created out of the existing northern, western and eastern commands. Some of these like Air Defence will come under the Indian Air Force while the Peninsula Command would be under the Indian Navy.

Lets hear the other side

There are sceptics, however, who are not too impressed with this proposed restructuring of the Indian military forces. Analyst Pravin Sawhney, who retired after 14 years as an officer in the Indian Army and now edits Force, a news magazine on Indian defence, believes that the CDS is determined to implement massive military reforms involving structural, operational, and operational support and logistics amounting to hundreds of crores of rupees spread over a decade, which he had himself initiated as army chief.

These reforms are predicated on the two-front war fighting fantasy. This scheme of things has two fundamental flaws. One, as CDS, he should now consult other services chiefs to incorporate their professional opinion. And two, Ladakh, which has been a gamechanger for Indian military, should be studied carefully for lessons learnt. So, the reforms need to be reviewed before implementation. The two-front war thinking will be found to be not valid in a changed situation where both LoC and LAC have become active, he told this writer.

In addition, what was never said, but mostly understood and implied, was that the appointment of a CDS would also tinker with the delicate chain of command in the higher military, considered a sin qua non in all affairs concerning the defence services. The question to ask is this: has the appointment of a CDS whittled down the role of the Indian Army chief in particular and the two other service chiefs in general? Given the current standoff with China, who would be operationally in command, should things get sticky along the LAC?

As per a 2001 Group of Ministers (GoM) observation, the CDS would be a four-star flag officer from either of the three services, who will be primus inter pares (first among equals) with the other three chiefs and function as the Principal Military Adviser to the Defence Minister and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

Pravin Sahwney believes the situation is tenuous with the CDS as the new tri-service boss, and the three service chiefs like his staff officers. He is convinced that the chain of command, considered sacrosanct in the military, is being broken. Why should the CDS be briefed by officers when he goes to Ladakh? It is the job of the service chiefs to brief him, he asserts.

Somehow, the CDS has assumed the role of the de facto army chief. During the ongoing Sino-India standoff, the Indian Army chief has issued no statement on the tense border situation, a role that traditionally 26 of his predecessors have enjoyed. While experts believe that the appointment of a CDS was bound to whittle down the position of the three service chiefs, General Mukund Naravane has assumed the lowest-ever profile of a serving Indian army chief, even though all the three service chiefs remain head of operations in their domain.

One official who has worked with successive army chiefs, however, believes that the current positioning and issuing statements on China are tactical. The army chief is deliberately maintaining a low profile, while the CDS does the talking. It is the way things should ideally work, he points out.

Army planners certainly had a vision about the role of the CDS. Wrote a former vice-chief of army staff, Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, in a column last year: ``We must visualize the CDS, not as just another appointment in the higher defence structure, but as the head of an entire eco-system, which should be set up simultaneously or soon after appointing a CDS, so that the PMs directions for joint systems, as a precursor of change are fully met.

Some others like Lt Gen Satish Dua (retd), former Corps Commander in Srinagar, who has also served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, believes that the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) is the biggest game changer.

In a crucial order issued on January 9, 2020, titled Allocation of Work and Staff between Department of Defence and newly created Department of Military Affairs, the new rules of business were clearly laid down. With the decision to amend the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, to create a new Department of Military Affairs, the allocation of subjects between the Department of Defence (DoD) and DMA has been demarcated. The DMA, currently headed by Gen. Rawat, is going to play a crucial role in the Ministry of Defence.

Gen. Dua believes that the transition to CDS may take a few years, as it takes time for people to adjust to change. The CDS is the professional head of the armed forces and, as a strategic military commander, he will translate national objectives into military objectives and create military capabilities accordingly, he told this writer.

As for the claim made by some that the CDS is a political appointee, Gen. Dua queries: How is it a political appointment? Just because he has by necessity, been appointed by the leadership, who are also politicians, that does not make him a political appointee.

Lt Gen AK Singh (retd), Distinguished Fellow with Centre of Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) and R Chandrashekhar, erstwhile member of the Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service in their well-presented joint article, have put forth the view that The simultaneous creation of a Department of Military Affairs as a separate vertical within the Ministry of Defence with the CDS as its ex-officio Secretary are each and together tectonic shifts that have moved the balance in civil-military relations to a new normal. It has also disruptively altered the entire edifice of the structure of decision making relating to matters of military. Clearly, the test of such thrust and parry may come sooner than expected.
An investigation into clocking has revealed that there could be as many as 2.5 million cars and vans on Britain's roads with doctored mileage, putting buyers at risk of purchasing vehicles that have covered misleadingly long distances..

Rapid Car Check reviewed the mileage of seven million cars and vans and found that 443,061 - or 6.3 per cent - had discrepancies with documented records.

The study outlined which models are most likely to have been clocked by devious owners and unscrupulous sellers, with French brands dominating the top of the standings headed by the Citroen Dispatch van.

Clocked: An investigation has found that there could be almost 2.5 million cars and vans on Britain's roads with adjusted mileage, putting second-hand buyers at risk of paying over the odds for motors

By adjusting a vehicle's mileage using cheap devices, or service providers found online, crooks can demand more money for a vehicle they are selling on the used market, putting buyers at risk of purchasing models that have been driven further than advertised.

This not only means a consumer could be paying over the odds for a second-hand car or van, but also be at risk of facing more repair bills for wear and tear issues that tend to crop up when vehicles hit higher mileages.

Essential maintenance meant to be done at set mileages could also have been skipped.

Having tapped into the Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency's data, the vehicle history checking firm said 443.061 (5.9 per cent) of the seven million motors checked had inconsistencies between the odometer reading on the car and the documented MOT history.

It said these instances could be a result of deliberate criminal activity to wind down the displayed mileage of the vehicle.

However, some of the cases identified could have innocent explanations, such as MOT testers keying in a vehicle's mileage incorrectly when completing a certificate.

Another 50,249 motors (0.7 per cent) investigated were found to have discrepancies due to entries being made in miles, whereas others were in kilometres.

The smallest sample was 21,347 cars and vans (0.3 per cent) found to have a combination of lowered mileages and mixes of miles and kilometres.

According to the latest official vehicle license statistics, there were 38.9 million licensed vehicles in Great Britain as of the end of September 2019.

With 6.3 per cent of motors found to have mileage inconsistencies in the investigation, Rapid Car Check suggests that as many as 2,408,231 vehicles on British roads could have been clocked at some point.

The Citroen Dispatch van was identified as the model most likely to have been tampered with. Some 2,448 of the 8,188 examples checked were found to have mileage discrepancies

The Renault Scenic of all ages (not just the latest model pictured) was second in the list of most-clocked cars and vans

The Peugeot Expert van - the sister commercial vehicle to the Citroen Dispatch - rounded out the top 3 most clocked motors. Of the 20 vehicles found to have adjusted mileage, more than half were French brands, suggesting these could be easy targets

Of all the cars and vans checked by the company, the Citroen Dispatch commercial vehicle was identified as the model most likely to have been tampered with.

Some 2,448 of the 8,188 examples checked were found to have mileage discrepancies, working out at almost one in three (30 per cent).

And it wasn't the only French car identified as being an easy target for clocking.

Second in the list is the Renault Scenic MPV. The family car had a mileage discrepancy rate of 29.6 per cent.

It was closely followed by the Peugeot Expert, which is the sister-van to the Citroen Dispatch. Some 28.6 per cent of examples checked had mileage inconsistencies.

Of the top 20 most clocked cars, 11 were from French brands Citroen, Peugeot and Renault, suggesting these are easy targets for those with access to devices that can adjust a car's mileage.

You can see the full list of the 20 most clocked motors in the table below.

The 20 cars and vans most likely to be clocked 1. Citroen Dispatch (van) - 8,188 reviewed, 2,448 discrepancies (29.9%) 2. Renault Scenic - 19,717 reviewed, 5,840 discrepancies (29.6%) 3. Peugeot Expert (van) - 8,371 reviewed, 2,397 discrepancies (28.6%) 4. Renault Grand Scenic - 11,209 reviewed, 3,134 discrepancies (28.%) 5. Ford Transit (van) - 145,209 reviewed, 16,116 discrepancies (11.1%) 6. Vauxhall Combo (van) - 21,756 reviewed, 2,403 discrepancies (11.0%) 7. BMW X5 - 20,510 reviewed, 2,167 discrepancies (10.6%) 8. Peugeot 206 - 37,422 reviewed, 3,839 discrepancies (10.3%) 9. Vauchall Vectra - 45,973 reviewed, 4,704 discrepancies (10.2%) 10. Citroen Xsara - 22,284 reviewed, 2,254 discrepancies (10.1%) 11. Fiat Punto - 40,881 reviewed, 4,032 discrepancies (9.9%) 12. Ford Transit Connect (van) - 32,964 reviewed, 3,162 discrepancies (9.6%) 13. Peugeot 307 - 21,795 reviewed, 2,042 discrepancies (9.4%) 14. Mercedes Sprinter (van) - 26,020 reviewed, 2,235 discrepancies (8.6%) 15. Toyota Avensis - 25,431 reviewed, 2,152 discrepancies (8.5%) 16. Renault Clio - 87,553 reviewed, 7,262 discrepancies (8.3%) 17. Renault Megane - 47,508 reviewed, 3,918 discrepancies (8.2%) 18. VW Passat - 89,797 reviewed, 7,196 discrepancies (8.0%) 19. Citroen C4 - 36,205 reviewed, 2,872 discrepancies (7.9%) 20. Peugeot 207 - 48,463 reviewed, 3,822 discrepancies (7.9%) Source: Rapid Car Check

Clocking was a common practice in the days of analogue odometers, as it was fairly simple to wind down the mileage

Why is clocking back?

The act of clocking, which was prevalent in the days of analogue vehicle odometers that were simple to wind back, has become more common thanks to new technology.

More people are accessing online services to adjust digital mileage displays in a bid to avoid financial penalties for going over mileage restrictions agreed as part of finance deals on models.

The practice is estimated to cost motorists over 800million a year because cars are worth less than their mileage suggests - and it's increasingly difficult for those who fall victim to seek compensation.

HPI, which also offers a vehicle checking service, said a recent rise in clocking cases was partly a result of motorists looking for ways to avoid having to pay additional fees on car finance deals as a result of exceeding contracted mileage.

Barry Shorto, Data Relations Manager at HPI

Barry Shorto, head of industry relations at HPI, told This is Money last year: 'Criminals are increasingly using more advanced technology to make it easier for them to clock vehicles and cover their tracks.

'The continued development of technologies to alter digital odometers, easy access to this technology via the internet and similarly, the ease of access to mileage adjustment services online, some of whom will behave legitimately, others less so, are all exacerbating the trend.

'The increase in mileage-related finance arrangements such as Hire Purchase and Personal Contract Purchase may also be a contributing factor as motorists look to avoid costly penalties for exceeding mileage allowances.'

Exceeding these limits can be costly for those who finance their vehicles.

Penalties can vary from 3.6p to as much as 72p for every single mile over the agreed limit.

By adjusting the mileage so that it display a figure within their pre-agreed limit, many avoiding these additional charges and - those with PCP deals - hand their clocked cars back to dealers who are then likely to unknowingly sell them with tampered mileage.

Experts say the act of clocking is making a return due to the high demand for car finance. Monthly payments are partly based on drivers covering no more than a contracted mileage during the period of their deal, and going over this can result in steep additional charges

Is clocking illegal?

The act itself of clocking a car's odometer is not an offence.

It is illegal to sell a car without disclosing known mileage discrepancies, but it is not illegal to adjust a vehicle's odometer mileage.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England and Wales, has previously called for a ban on DIY 'mileage correction' tools, which can be bought online from about 100.

Cllr Simon Blackburn, chair of the LGA's Safer and Stronger Communities Board, described clocking as 'a rising major fraud, which not only rips off motorists, but can have dangerous implications'.

He advised buyers of used cars to 'make thorough checks to ensure that the vehicle is showing its true mileage and that its service history and MOT certificate are accurate'.

Blackburn added that clocking is 'tarnishing the reputation of honest used car dealers and sellers', warning that 'councils won't hesitate to bring any car dealer or private seller to justice who shows a blatant disregard for safety and consumer rights'.

Experts say that it is for this reason that it is becoming increasingly difficult for buyers of second-hand clocked vehicles to seek justice and compensation.

While buyers can screen the annual mileage of older vehicles using the government's MOT checker, new cars don't have their first MOT until they are three years old - meaning there's little in background assessments consumers can make for nearly-new models on the market.
The market erased gains in the last hour of trade and closed the session on a negative note on September 8 as India-China border tensions and weak global cues dented sentiment.

The BSE Sensex was down 51.88 points at 38,365.35, while the Nifty50 fell 37.60 points to 11,317.40 and formed bearish candle on daily charts.

"Geo-political conditions always invite the sale or liquidation of a long position. Technically, for the second time, the Nifty closed below the 20-day SMA support, which is negative and could invite further weakness at 11,100 level," Shrikant Chouhan, Executive Vice President, Equity Technical Research at Kotak Securities, told Moneycontrol.

Currently, traders should either be stock specific or intraday traders, he advised.

Technology stocks and Reliance Industries supported the market, but the sell-off was led by metals, pharma, and select banks, auto and FMCG stocks.

The broader markets underperformed frontliners as the Nifty Midcap index dropped 1.4 percent and Smallcap declined nearly a percent.

We have collated 15 data points to help you spot profitable trades:

Note: The open interest (OI) and volume data of stocks given in this story are the aggregates of three- month data and not of the current month only.

Key support and resistance levels on the Nifty

According to pivot charts, the key support levels for the Nifty is placed at 11,259.47, followed by 11,201.63. If the index moves up, the key resistance levels to watch out for are 11,406.17 and 11,495.03.

Nifty Bank

The underperformance of Bank Nifty against Nifty50 continued on September 8 also, falling 200.65 points to 22,744.40. The important pivot level, which will act as crucial support for the index, is placed at 22,569.13, followed by 22,393.87. On the upside, key resistance levels are placed at 22,991.93 and 23,239.46.

Call option data

Maximum Call open interest of 20.16 lakh contracts was seen at 11,500 strike, which will act as crucial resistance in the September series.

This is followed by 12,000 strike, which holds 16.23 lakh contracts, and 11,800 strike, which has accumulated 15.23 lakh contracts.

Call writing was seen at 11,400 strike, which added 1.97 lakh contracts, followed by 11,900, which added 60,000 contracts, and 12,100 strike, which added 57,300 contracts.

Call unwinding was seen at 12,000 strike, which shed 1.06 lakh contracts, followed by 11,700 strike, which shed 11,175 contracts.

Put option data

Maximum Put open interest of 29.82 lakh contracts was seen at 11,000 strike, which will act as crucial support in the September series.

This is followed by 11,300 strike, which holds 18.52 lakh contracts, and 11,200 strike, which has accumulated 15.34 lakh contracts.

Put writing was seen at 10,700 strike, which added 3.73 lakh contracts, followed by 11,100 strike, which added 1.84 lakh contracts and 11,200 strike which added 1.78 lakh contracts.

Put unwinding was witnessed at 11,500, which shed 32,700 contracts, followed by 11,600 strike which shed 15,375 contracts.

Stocks with a high delivery percentage

A high delivery percentage suggests that investors are showing interest in these stocks.

8 stocks saw long build-up

Based on the open interest future percentage, here are those 8 stocks in which long build-up was seen.

64 stocks saw long unwinding

Based on the open interest future percentage, here are the top 10 stocks in which long unwinding was seen.

50 stocks saw short build-up

An increase in open interest, along with a decrease in price, mostly indicates a build-up of short positions. Based on the open interest future percentage, here are the top 10 stocks in which short build-up was seen.

16 stocks witnessed short-covering

A decrease in open interest, along with an increase in price, mostly indicates a short-covering. Based on the open interest future percentage, here are the top 10 stocks in which short-covering was seen.

Bulk deals

Future Consumer: Enam Finance sold 1 crore equity shares in the company at Rs 10.13 per share on the NSE.

Future Supply Chain Solutions: Edelweiss Crossover Opportunities Fund offloaded 4,21,609 equity shares in the company at Rs 129.33 per share and Dhunseri Ventures sold 2,27,744 shares at Rs 129.2 per share on the NSE. Tejas Tradefin LLP net bought over 3 lakh shares in the company at Rs 129.2 per share.

Strides Pharma Science: Societe Generale acquired 6,26,279 shares in the company at Rs 612 per share. However, Brookdale Mauritius International sold 6,26,279 shares in the company at Rs 612 per share.

Tejas Networks: Mayfield XII Mauritius FDI sold 44,42,733 shares in the company at Rs 66.46 per share.

(For more bulk deals, click here)

Earnings on September 9

Indiabulls Ventures, CESC Ventures, Emami Realty, Eveready Industries India, Lovable Lingerie, Shriram EPC, Texmaco Infrastructure among 45 stocks to announce quarterly earnings on September 9.

Stocks in the news

IRCTC: The government plans to sell about 15-20 percent stake in IRCTC via offer for sale (OFS).

IDBI Bank: The lender has sold its remaining 0.21 percent stake or 10,25,683 shares of National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).

Future Consumer: The company reported a loss of Rs 68.37 crore in Q1FY21 against a loss of Rs 175.47 crore QoQ. Revenue from operations fell to Rs 380.5 crore against Rs 947 crore QoQ.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company: New business premium grew to Rs 892 crore in August 2020 against Rs 849 crore in July.

Power Grid Corporation: Cabinet has approved asset monetisation of the company's subsidiaries via InvITs.

Indian Hume Pipe: Company has received Rs 134.82 crore water supply contract in Odisha.

FII and DII data

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) net sold shares worth Rs 1,056.52 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DIIs) net bought shares worth Rs 620.29 crore in the Indian equity market on September 8, as per provisional data available on the NSE.

Stock under F&O ban on NSE

Seven stocks -- Bank of Baroda, BHEL, Canara Bank, Indiabulls Housing Finance, Vodafone Idea, Jindal Steel & Power and Punjab National Bank -- are under the F&O ban for September 8. Securities in the ban period under the F&O segment include companies in which the security has crossed 95 percent of the market-wide position limit.

: "Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd which publishes Moneycontrol."
U.S. President Donald Trump shocked the oil industry today with a surprise announcement that he would extend the existing moratorium on oil drilling on parts of Floridas, South Carolinas, and Georgias coast, according to Politico.

The announcement was a complete surprise, according to Politico, even to congressional aides, lobbyists, and industry officials who have been working on this very issue.

The announcement is a complete shift from the White Houses previous stance, which sought to open up those areas to oil drilling, although most had expected the President to wait until after the election.

President Trump had declared his intention to open up those areas to drilling years ago, but Floridas Governor Rick Scott at the timea Republicanwas a staunch opponent of the plan, citing his states strong tourism industry.

Rick Scott now serves as a Senator. Florida Senator Marco Rubio, also a Republican, is a fierce opponent to opening up these areas to oil drilling as well.

Back in 2018, Florida voters werent so sure how they felt about a ban on offshore oil drilling; 54% of voters were in favor of a ban, while 42% were against.

Floridas 29 electoral votes will be hard fought for on the campaign trail this year as a critical swing state, and it appears that the White House views the battleground state as anti-coastal drilling. Related: Oil Prices Tank On Global Demand Concerns

According to a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) analysis of API polling data, however, the oil industry has strong support in key battleground states, with 93 percent of voters in critical states seeing it as important for the U.S. to produce enough energy to keep it from relying on foreign oil, while 92% believe that keeping oil and gasoline prices affordable is important. 82% of voters recognize the value that oil and gas have on their lives, and 73% believe that nat gas and oil will still be a significant part of Americas energy needs in 2040. Whats more, 63% believe that the nat gas and oil industries will be critical for helping the economy recover from the current pandemic.

For Florida specifically, nearly two-thirds of Florida votersincluding a majority of Democrats, say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports access to oil and gas produced in the U.S.

82% of Florida voters support continued investments in the oil industry, while 84% want to minimize harm to the environment.

The move may be just the ticket for the President, lying somewhere between protecting the treasured coast while still being seen as supportive of the overall industry.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The website ( https://CollegeCentral.com/caccjobs ) makes it both FREE and easy for all employerslarge and small, public and privateto register just once and then post an unlimited number of jobs to California's community college students and alumni! This is an extraordinarily useful resource for employers hiring in today's climate, even with temporarily closed or restricted campuses, and students completing their classes remotely.

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Joy Miller, CCN's Career Services Central National Sales Manager, explains, "The timing now is ideal, with California's community colleges well positioned to help their state's economy rebound fast, and to quickly fill the state's hiring needs in this era of rapid economic and technological change."

CCN's Career Services Central is the exclusive online career office management platform for career centers at all schools participating in the Consortium. Joy Miller sums it up: "Community colleges can have a great impact on the state's economy. The California Community Colleges Jobs Consortium website allows employers to easily recruit the state's diverse, home-grown entry-level talent by removing as many barriers as possible, simplifying the hiring process. This is especially critical given the added current complications of closed campuses and remote learning."

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Representative Carolyn B. Maloney, Democrat of New York and the chairwoman of the House Oversight Committee, on Monday called on the Postal Services board of governors to suspend Louis DeJoy, the postmaster general, while she investigates allegations that he asked former employees to make campaign contributions to Republicans and gave them bonuses to defray the cost.

If these allegations are true, Mr. DeJoy could face criminal exposure  not only for his actions in North Carolina, but also for lying to our committee under oath, Ms. Maloney said in a statement. We will be investigating this issue, but I believe the board of governors must take emergency action to immediately suspend Mr. DeJoy, who they never should have selected in the first place.

Ms. Maloneys committee on Wednesday issued a subpoena for documents she said Mr. DeJoy had withheld from Congress related to mail delays and communications with the Trump campaign. Since then, Mr. DeJoy, a Republican megadonor and onetime executive of a shipping company based in North Carolina, New Breed Logistics, has been accused of cultivating an environment at his former company that left employees feeling pressured to make donations to Republican candidates, and rewarded them with bonuses for doing so.

The practice was described to The New York Times by three former employees at New Breed Logistics who said that workers would receive bonuses if they donated to candidates he supported, and that it was expected that managers would participate. A fourth employee confirmed that managers at the company were routinely solicited to make donations. The four former employees spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of professional retaliation.
(Newser)  A bright spot in COVID times: The founder of jellybean company Jelly Belly is launching a nationwide treasure hunt that sounds more like something out of a storybook than real life. David Klein, who no longer owns Jelly Belly, is giving away a Florida candy factory to the lucky winner. Participants will be looking for, yes, golden tickets; those who find one will win $5,000and the grand prize winner will get the key to the Candyman Kitchen, ABC 7 reports. Not just anyone can join the hunt, however; you'll need to pay $50 to get the riddle required to play, and each state's treasure hunt will cap participation at 1,000, per a press release. (Read more Jelly Belly stories.)
In 2020 DDoS attacks continue to increase both in volume and in frequency. Nexusguard Research just reported a 542% increase in DDoS attacks in the first quarter of 2020 when compared with the last quarter of 2019. The NexusGuard research team also detected unusual traffic patterns from ISPs which included traffic generated from infected devices.

In rare harmony, Kaspersky also reported that DDoS attacks have doubled in the first quarter of 202 when compared to the last quarter of 2019. Kaspersky also found that DDoS cyberattacks are increasing in duration  the average attack duration increased by 24% in the first quarter of 2020 compared with the same quarter one year ago.

DNS and DDoS attack vectors have emerged as one of the critical weapons of choice to support fraud, extortion, and malicious attack. Threat actors may be politically motivated, part of organized crime, or even nation-state cyberwarfare operatives.

The COVID-19 pandemic was the genesis of this new opportunity as the disease continues to impact businesses and economies worldwide. The net result is that 2020 has become the year of the teleworker. The use of online services from home and other remote locations became more critical than ever. Students are online. Employees are serving customers online. Many of us are working from home and highly dependent on internet connectivity. The mix of devices we use often includes our laptops and mobile devices. Threat actors have moved with lightspeed to leverage this opportunity.

But just when you thought it could not get worse, it does. DDoS for hire (otherwise known as booter services) allows threat actors to access thousands of pre-configured servers that can be used to launch DDoS assaults against any organization. Booters are web-based services that provide criminal DDoS services for hire. These tools are often referred to in polite conversation as IP stressors, which are legitimately used to test your networks and servers for resiliency. Certainly, stress testing your own network is normal. But deploying such technology to create a DDoS attack against external parties is illegal and malicious criminal activity. The great majority of these servers are hijacked, and malicious activity is usually completely unknown to their owners.

As you would expect, booters are sold on the dark web using untraceable currencies such as Bitcoin. An informal survey showed that you could purchase the use of a compromised server for between $10 to $150 or more. You get the passwords and access to the server. Some criminal enterprises sell access to the use of booters as a service and vary pricing by the number of attacks you wish to launch, the duration of the attacks, and even price out the addition of customer support!

As quickly as law enforcement agencies can find them and shut them down, new ones still seem to spring up. The number of these servers for sale at times looks quite large, with many tens of thousands of hijacked servers accessible at meagre cost for a motivated attacker.

The DDoS attacks launched by these threat actor booter sites take us back to basics. As always, the mix of readily usable attack techniques includes DNS amplification and DNS reflection. They may be used alone and in combination. An amplification attack is a technique used by threat actors where a small query can trigger a massive response. In this scenario, threat actors flood the server with short requests that require long responses, allowing a small compute resource to overload the targeted DNS server. The DNS server is so busy attempting to respond to all these malicious requests that it doesnt have time to respond to legitimate ones, and network activity grinds to a halt.

The reflection attack vector sends queries that appear to come from the target of the attack. The huge volume of responses, which are amplified, are then sent to the target effectively overwhelming the target. In this scenario, the attacker sends a query to a recursive name server with a spoofed source IP address. Instead of the real IP address, the threat actor places the target (victim) IP address as the source IP address. The recursive name server retrieves the answer to the query from the authoritative name server and sends it to the target.

A sophisticated threat actor can combine the two techniques by spoofing the targets IP address and sending a carefully crafted query that will result in a large payload. This double punch can be an overwhelming DNS DDoS attack scenario. This allows the threat actor to attack two different targets at the same time easily.

Comprehensive and intelligent protection against DNS DDoS attacks should be an essential part of your cybersecurity architecture.

Edited by Maurice Nagle
The National Portrait Gallery has unveiled three more images selected by the Duchess of Cambridge for her Hold Still exhibition.

Kate Middleton, 38, joined by a panel of five judges to select the best images from more than 31,000 submitted for the nation-wide contest earlier this month.

At the time the royal, who is a keen amateur photographer, said she was 'overwhelmed' by the public's response to her community photography exhibition, saying it was 'so hard' to whittle the images down to a top 100.

Now the gallery has unveiled a further three images taken during the pandemic and selected by the Duchess and the other judges to be displayed as part of the exhibition.

Three further images selected by Duchess of Cambridge, 38, for her Hold Still contest have been unveiled by the National Portrait Gallery (pictured Kate Middleton during the judging last month)

Sharing the news online, the gallery tweeted: 'We are excited to reveal three more images from #HoldStill2020 community photography project.

'Spearheaded by the Duchess of Cambridge, the final 100 will feature in a digital exhibition, launching on Monday 14 September.'

It went on to reveal the images were Rainbow By Helen Pugh, Keep smiling through. Just like you always do. Til the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away By Jessica Sommerville, Empty by Julie Thiberg.

In one photograph, a young girl could be seen drawing a huge rainbow onto a window pane, while in another a boy was pushed around an empty supermarket.

Among the images selected by Kate Middleton and the judging panel was one shot of an elderly woman beaming through a window

Another of the images chosen by the Duchess for her community photography project was a photograph of a young boy staring out at empty supermarket shelves

Another image shows an elderly woman smiling through a window to the photographer on the other side.

The unveiling of a further three winning photographs comes weeks after Kate appeared in a video alongside the judging panel and said 'it's been great' to work on the project.

As the Duchess, who spearheaded the campaign and is a keen amateur photographer, discussed choosing the top 100 images, she joked: 'It's going to be so difficult to edit this down.'

Joining her was Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, Lemn Sissay MBE, writer and poet, Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England and Maryam Wahid, photographer, to chose the top 100 entries.

The final of the three images to be unveiled was a snap of a little girl painting a rainbow on a window pane

The royal appeared in high spirits in the clip, asking the group of judges: 'What's going to happen next?' as she laughed and joked with the panel.

Announcing that the top 100 images had been selected, the Duchess said: 'I've been so overwhelmed by the public's response to Hold Still, the quality of the images has been extraordinary, and the poignancy and the stories behind the images have been equally as moving as well.'

She continued: 'So I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has entered and taken part.

'And a big thank you to my fellow judges. I hugely appreciate the time and dedication that they have shown towards the project.'

This is one of the photos selected by the Duchess of Cambridge ahead of showcasing the final 100 images in a digital exhibition from September 14

A snapshot of the Duchess on a video call with the other judges was also shared.

In the clip, the royal appeared elegant in a forest green top, which was emblazoned with black-and-white flowers.

Kate wore her hair in a relaxed side parting, and opted for a set of drop earrings for the occasion.

Meanwhile Lemn said the experience had been surprisingly emotional, revealing: 'I didn't expect the judging process to be so emotional.

This is one of the photos selected by the Duchess of Cambridge ahead of showcasing the final 100 images in a digital exhibition from September 14

This is one of the photos selected by the Duchess of Cambridge ahead of showcasing the final 100 images in a digital exhibition from September 14

'As I studied the portraits in this most public crisis I was drawn into the most private moments.

'A nation through portraiture. Intimacy and inspiration, bravery and hope, determination and love and loss and laughter...

'We have been in this together and in these portraits of private struggles and victories, the quiet moments, the tears and laughter are caught on camera for ever in Hold Still.'

She added that the collection of portraits 'made her proud to be British', saying: 'It made me proud of my fellow citizen. It made me remember who we are and what we have been through. I didn't really know until now.'

Kate Middleton, who is a keen amateur photographer, launched the community contest during lockdown to capture the mood of the nation

The news comes after the Duchess teased the final 100 portraits had been chosen with an email screengrab, which was posted on Twitter

Last month, Kate used the initial of her first name Catherine to sign off an email to judges of her Hold Still portrait contest.

Taking to Kensington Royal Twitter account, Kate shared an email teasing the final 100 photographs picked to feature in the Hold Still exhibition - a campaign she spearheaded which aims to capture a snapshot of the UK amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Alongside the caption: 'An email was sent yesterday... Eyes#HoldStill2020,' the contents of the email read: 'Dear judges, I am thrilled we have chosen the final 100 portraits. I thought you might like to see the images all together so please find them attached.

'I couldn't have done it without you so thank you so much for your help. C.'

This moving image submitted to the project shows a hospital worker on the floor in despair. It's titled Heartbroken Hero

Throughout lockdown the Duchess shared regular updates via Instagram, offering up some of her favourite shots and explanations on why they make such an impact.

Images included photos of exhausted healthcare workers and socially distant neighbours.

Other images submitted to the Hold Still project include one of a family dinner table where a little girl is trying to sing Let It Go from Disney's Frozen and another snap of children living next-door to each other playing musical instruments in front of their houses.

Kate previously told how she had been 'struck' by the many 'incredible' images seen already, 'which have given us an insight into the experiences and stories of people - some desperately sad images showing the human tragedy of this pandemic'.

The relationship between a toddler and an elderly woman is captured in this image, 'Social distancing

People from across the UK were invited to submit a photographic portrait which they have taken during these extraordinary times for the community project.

Participants were also encouraged to provide a short written submission to outline the experiences and emotions of those depicted in their photograph.

Hold Still was completely free, open to all ages and abilities, with the exhibition set to focus on three core themes - 'Helpers and Heroes', 'Your New Normal' and 'Acts of Kindness'.

Emergency services workers are celebrated in this image called Customised PPE, taken in the back of an ambulance

The idea was to create a unique photographic portrait of the people of our nation in lockdown as we 'hold still' for the good of others, and celebrate those who have continued so we can stay safe.

The exhibition will reflect resilience and bravery, humour and sadness, creativity and kindness, and human tragedy and hope.

Hold Still will also act as a reminder of the significance of human connection in times of adversity, and that although we were physically apart, as a community and nation, we all faced and rose to the challenge together.

The top 100 photographs will be exhibited in online from 14 September, with selected images shown in towns and cities across the country later in the year.
Buying a home at an auction often leads to a great deal. Many auctions in Kenya list homes that you can purchase on a budget. You will find discounted investment properties that go for between 40 and 80 percent of their original value. But before you can buy a house at an auction, you need to understand how the process works, the risks involved, payment options, and whether you can get one on a mortgage or loan.

Image: gettyimages.com

Source: UGC

An advantage of buying a house at an auction is that prices are lower. The agents tend to list them based on the unpaid balances of the taxes, mortgage, or lien. That means you can bid for a home that has a significant discount from its current market value.

Some of the properties you will find at Kenyan auctions include commercial real estate, vacant land, single-family homes, and residential real estate. The price for each property is often listed based on various factors.

How do you purchase a home at auction?

There are many benefits of buying a home at an auction. Those who have gone through the process will also tell you that there is some level of risk involved. However, if you are a first-time buyer, there are several things you should do in order to get a good deal and minimise risks.

1. Find auctioned houses near you or countrywide

Finding a property that is under auction isn't hard. You just have to decide on the best platform that you can easily access. Here are the most common places where you will always get homes being auctioned every other day.

Newspapers

Local newspapers are the best sources finding for properties for auction. A top example is The Star, which features classifieds of properties on auction every single day. You can find them both in print and their digital platform.

READ ALSO: 20 tips for first-time buyers when buying homes in Nairobi

Auctioneer websites

Image: gettyimages.com

Source: UGC

Many auctioneers have online property auctions. They are also the best sources for learning more about upcoming auctions, including property location, bidding location, price, and whether a down payment is necessary. Examples include Leakeys Auction, Garam Auctioneers, Valley Auctioneers, and Lolwe Auctioneers.

Local banks

Banks are probably the best sources for getting information about houses for sale. Many of them list properties that owners failed to pay, either on mortgage or loan. Almost all banks in Kenya have homes on auction, including the Nic-Bank. If you want to buy a house at an auction as a first-time buyer, your local bank the best place to start your search.

Housing Finance

Housing Finance Group is a mortgage finance institution in Kenya. The mortgage financier is, by far, the best source for getting information on cheap house auctions. They have different types of mortgages to choose from too.

You can also use government sources to find auctions for sale, including the Judiciary and Treasury, among others.

READ ALSO: The exact process for buying land in Kenya

2. Inspect the house on auction

Inspecting the residence listed for auction is crucial before bidding on it. That allows you to analyse the property and determine its general condition, including other factors like location, amenities, and condition. While many homes tend to be in excellent quality, others are ragged.

You need to look at the shape of the house so that you can decide if it is worth buying or not. Furthermore, that will tell you whether the value listed makes sense and whether it will need repairs once you buy it.

However, most houses sold at auction in Kenya tend to be in great shape since their original owners failed to pay taxes, mortgages, or loans.

3. Get the necessary financing

Image: twitter.com, @lizmwendwa4

Source: UGC

There are different rules when it comes to financing a property that is under auction. Some auctioneers need cash while others will ask you to show proof that you will pay for the house within a specific timeframe. A good number will ask you to deposit a percentage of the money in advance and settle the rest afterward.

Can you buy a home at auction with a loan?

Since you need financing, it is possible to buy a home at an auction with a loan or with a pre-approved mortgage. This type of mortgage comes in handy if you do not have enough money to buy the house out of your pocket.

You do not have to borrow the whole amount. Many banks will be willing to give you a small amount that can cover the difference. However, you must borrow the loan before bidding on the home.

READ ALSO: Freehold vs leasehold land: What's the difference?

How do you buy a house at auction with no money?

If you do not have money, you have the option of buying a house at an auction with a mortgage. The option applies at auctions that only allow a financed bidder to buy a home. In that case, applying for a mortgage before attending the sale will be the best bet for you. It will give you some resources to show that you can complete the purchase if you win the bid.

3. Set a budget for the auction

You need to set a budget for the bid. That will allow you to determine the maximum amount of money you are willing to bid for the house based on the current market value. One way of doing that is to look at the most recent sales listings for the home.

Also, consider how much the original owner paid for the property. A budget will help you to calculate how much money you will need to borrow in the form of a loan or whether you will need to finance the bid on a mortgage. Since you will have already inspected the house, budgeting will allow you to figure out if you will need to set aside more money for repairs.

4. Go to the auction

Image: gettyimages.com

Source: UGC

Once you know the location of the home auctions, you need to attend it armed with enough money to bid on them. You will need to show proof of financing. That may include bringing with you a cashiers cheque or a bank statement showing you have money to buy the house. If the auction needs you to pay some cash in advance, ensure you have at least 20% of the value of the property.

5. Register to receive a bidding number

Once you arrive at the location of the auction, register with the auctioneer and fill in the paperwork. You will then get a bidding number to use. The function of the number is to allow you to raise it when making your bid.

READ ALSO: A list of the best property developers in Kenya

6. Hold up your number to bid on the property

When the auction begins, the auctioneer will call out a bid on the property. If the price is within your budget, hold up your number to bid. As the bidding continues for the same house, you will notice the prices increasing. Continue holding up your number until you are the last person to make the highest bid.

Note that the initial amount can increase as more people bid on the property. Also, pay attention to the rules of the auction because sometimes the highest bidder may not buy the house. Instead, there may be a reserved bid. That allows anybody to come in and buy the house at the final price.

7. Finalise the purchase

Before you leave the auction, you will have to pay the fees involved or any down payment. You will then receive a certificate of sale or a receipt showing that you are now the individual who has acquired the new house. A review of the auction will happen within a specified timeframe to allow you to take possession of the property. Ensure to finalise all the paperwork and pay the money in full.

READ ALSO: List of the best real estate companies in Kenya

Is it easy to buy a house at auction?

If you are asking yourself how can I buy a house at auction and whether it is easy, it all depends on how you understand the process. The essential step is to prepare yourself with enough money to outbid the rest. At the end of the end, buying an auctioned house is as easy as the money in your pocket.

You can buy a house at an auction in Kenya as long as you understand what the process entails. The essential step is to prepare yourself by first inspecting the property. Next, set a budget or look for enough financing to give you some room to outbid others.

Tuko.co.ke has created a list of banks offering the cheapest mortgage rates in Kenya. These rates are not inclusive of fees such as facility arrangement, legal costs, stamp duty, valuation fees, and insurance.

For many potential homebuyers in Kenya, getting financing at lucrative rates has always been a challenge. With this list, things can be a little easier.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
I changed to energy supplier E.ON in August 2019 and took up its offer of a smart meter. I think it installed the dumbest one they had in stock.

From the word go, the 'in house display' has not worked. The engineer said it would take a few weeks to sort itself out. I rang several times over many weeks and kept being told it would sort itself out.

In March I was promised a call from the complaints department but it never came. I have chased it up on numerous occasions.

Meter misery: A reader was handed a 900 energy bill after E.ON claimed her faulty smart meter would sort itself out

My monthly payments dropped from 123.67 to 17 in March. I rang again, knowing this would not cover usage. I was told I was more than 300 in credit, which I knew could not be right as it was estimating the bill.

When I supplied actual readings, my online bill was more than 900.

L. O., by email.

You began complaining to E.ON last November but were given the moronic response that your daft meter would sort itself out!

For a 'can't be bothered' customer service response, this is up there with the best. When your complaint dragged on, E.ON rolled out the Covid excuse of having 'limited resources'. (I am sick to the back teeth of energy companies using Covid-19 as an excuse for poor service. Phone, internet and email can all be handled by people working from home.)

Now, I would love to tell you precisely what happened but, although I have received a general statement from E.ON, two batches of follow-up questions I sent have not received a response.

However, you tell me after my intervention engineers arrived to replace your smart meter. But the new one also did not work, so they installed an old-style one.

In the meantime, you paid 700 in two installments.

E.ON could not get a reading from your original smart meter so you were given an estimated reading, which resulted in a 204 rebate.

A graph you sent me suggests your use in spring rocketed while we were basking in two months of sunshine and warmth.

Your direct debit was then moved back to 125, a better reflection of your actual usage.

E.ON says: 'A communication issue affecting the meter and her in-home display meant we were unable to collect accurate readings on her energy usage. Unfortunately this led to us basing her bills on estimated use.'

E.ON failed to offer compensation. When your contract comes up for renewal, you know what to do.

You have YOUR say Every week Money Mail receives hundreds of your letters and emails about our stories. Here are some about our report on life insurers forcing terminally ill policyholders to prove that they have less than 12 months to live. My friend's wife was given 18 to 24 months to live with treatment and nine months without it. The insurer refused to pay out on her life cover, so she told them she would be having the treatment and going to the Press. The firm paid out. N. L., by email. My husband had motor neurone disease and died within six months of diagnosis. We tried to get a major insurer to pay out on our life cover, but it rejected the claim. It told us it would reconsider if we sent a letter from his consultant. K. K., Bury. Life insurance should be just that. It is unfair to mislead the policyholder into thinking they have security, only to pull the rug from under their feet at a difficult time. Laws are needed to protect policyholders in these circumstances. R. P., Bristol. I work in the industry and know it's very rare for the Financial Ombudsman to rule in a policyholder's favour with these kind of cases. Always read your documents and make sure you have a full understanding of what you're covered for. J. D., Southampton. Some insurers exploit how successful doctors have become at treating cancer. It means you can be diagnosed as terminally ill, but still be alive five years later. If you need to renew your policy, no firm will cover you. E. S., by email. About 21 years ago my uncle was told he had terminal bowel cancer. He had a life policy and received his payout a week before he died. The simple option is to not bother with life insurance and save instead. Insurers will always try to wriggle out of paying. N. M., Manchester.

In December last year I booked a cruise to the Norwegian fjords and took out travel insurance with Staysure.

I had a colonoscopy on February 14 after a screening test and was told that I had a tumour. On March 19 I had surgery to remove a section of my bowel.

At the end of March, before the final payment was due, I cancelled the cruise because my medical future was uncertain.

I put a claim into Staysure for my 920 deposit. It is refusing on grounds that I wasn't covered for cancellations caused by Covid.

P. W., Whitstable, Kent.

I'm afraid your claim got caught up in the pandemic and a mistake was made. When I pointed out your problem, Staysure immediately refunded the full 920 including the 65 excess. It has also given you 100 as a goodwill gesture.

A Staysure spokesman explains: 'We pride ourselves on doing things the right way. Since the pandemic, we have seen unprecedented volumes of customer queries and claims.

'We have worked extremely hard to ensure the disruption to our customers is minimal but recognise Mr W. has been impacted. We are confident that this was a symptom of the crisis and not a reflection of our processes.'

Straight to the point A chimney leak at my elderly parents' house resulted in water damage to their living room. I have been trying to sort their 1,250 claim with insurer Covea Insurance since July 9, but staff are being unhelpful and obstructive. J.C., by email. Covea Insurance says it aims to deliver high service standards but occasionally mistakes are made. It regrets what happened here. It has now settled your parents' claim and offered 150 compensation. *** I want to buy a new home using savings to avoid being in a chain, then sell my present home soon after. There could be a short period when I own two properties. Would I have to pay capital gains tax (CGT) when selling my current home? T. B., Essex. You shouldn't have to pay CGT if you sell your current home within two years of buying your new one, according to AJ Bell. You will have to pay the additional 3 per cent stamp duty on your new home, but you can reclaim this if you sell your existing home within three years. *** Virgin Mobile keeps texting to say a new Sim card is on the way. But it has not arrived and Virgin says it will cut me off if I don't replace my existing one. I can't get through on the phone. A. P., Surrey. The Sim card was mistakenly sent to your old house. A new one has been sent to your current address. It adds that some call centres were closed during lockdown but customers would have got through eventually. *** I paid for a 1,460 Bertazzoni dual-fuel cooker in June. The retailer, AO, initially failed to deliver it on the day it promised and then, after arranging an alternative date, did not send an engineer to install it. L.C., by email. AO has apologised and refunded the cost of the engineer. It has arranged an alternative solution to connect your cooker.

My sister-in-law has severe dementia and is in residential care. Post Office Money wrote to her on January 10 to say her 10,240 loyalty bond paying 1.35 per cent matured in 20 days.

There were reinvestment options of 1.35 per cent, 1.4 per cent or 1.47 per cent.

We wrote to say we had applied to the Court of Protection to take over her affairs and asked Post Office Money to roll her money over.

But it could not. On February 18 we sent the Court of Protection Order and proof of our identities. But it would not accept our authority to act on behalf of my sister-in-law.

Her 10,240 is now in a Post Office account paying only 0.01 per cent interest. We have tried, unsuccessfully, to close this.

After further letters and phone calls, it agreed to accept copies of our passports, driving licences and council tax bills, subject to their being authorised by our local postmistress. This cost more than 30. We sent the documents on May 29.

We have now been told the Post Office has a backlog and has no idea when it will be able to deal with this matter.

To add insult to injury, it sent a letter, dated May 23, saying my sister-in-law's signature was required as ours do not match its records.

K and S. J., Norwich, Norfolk.

The Post Office has worked with its banking provider, the Bank of Ireland, and you have received an apology for the poor service.

The account has been closed and the funds transferred to the account you requested. You will also receive 250 in compensation.

You tell me that after covering the bond interest and costs there should be about 150 surplus.

Your generous decision is to give 100 of this to the care home to provide extras for residents and 50 to the Salvation Army in Norwich to help homeless people.
Airline bosses told of their fury last night after ministers unveiled plans for regional travel corridors  only to use the new rules to slap restrictions on seven Greek islands.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the long-awaited move to treat islands as separate to their mainland would bring much-needed relief to Britains travel sector.

But no islands were made exempt from quarantine under the new rules. Instead, the change has ruined the holidays of an estimated 70,000 Britons on Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and Zakynthos with restrictions from 4am tomorrow.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the long-awaited move to treat islands as separate to their mainland would bring much-needed relief to Britains travel sector

Limited flight schedules mean many will not be able to return in time. Insiders say it is likely more islands will be added to the quarantine list after Thursdays weekly review  but none removed. A spokesman for British Airways owner IAG said: It was evident in July that islands should be treated separately. The Government is being too slow in making obvious decisions. For most families summer is now over and the damage to the industry and the economy is done.

Campaigners have been calling for regional travel corridors for some time, saying it will allow quarantine-free holidays to go ahead to islands or safe regions of Covid-hit countries. Speaking in the Commons yesterday, Mr Shapps said infection rates on the islands are too high to be exempt. Karen Dee, of the Airport Operators Association, said: Treating islands separately to a mainland, for the purposes of quarantine, is a welcome step in the right direction for Government policy. But the quarantine requirement is devastating the UK aviation industry and this change is unlikely to improve consumer confidence significantly. It is essential that we find a safe alternative.

Campaigners have been calling for regional travel corridors for some time, saying it will allow quarantine-free holidays to go ahead to islands or safe regions of Covid-hit countries

Industry has been calling for government action on a testing regime for the aviation system for months, while the sector has suffered through its worst summer in a generation. Rory Boland, of Which? Travel, said: This approach continues to cost travellers dearly, either through paying extortionate airfares in the scramble to get home, or because speculation that their destination may be added to the quarantine list causes them to needlessly cancel a holiday.

Its clear that the current travel corridor system is not working for passengers, and is further damaging confidence in the sector. A major reassessment of the Governments approach is needed.

The regional policy will only apply to land that has a clear boundary  such as an island  and internationally comparable data on coronavirus cases, the Department for Transport said.
PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/09/2020 Up to 2,000 pigs have been killed in a fire in Kilkeel, County Down. The pigs were inside a large shed at Carrigenagh Road when the fire broke out at 20:54 BST on Monday, a spokesman for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said. One man suffered minor injuries in the blaze. Four fire engines were called to the scene. The NIFRS said the blaze was brought under control by 23:50 BST. The Fire Service said the number of animals killed was estimated at between 1,500 and 2,000.

Up to 2,000 pigs have been killed in a fire in Kilkeel, County Down. Pic Pacemaker

Up to 2,000 pigs have been killed in a fire in Kilkeel, County Down. Pic Pacemaker

Up to 2,000 pigs have been killed in a fire in Kilkeel, County Down. Pic Pacemaker

Farm owner Trevor Shields surveys the scene of devastation as up to 2,000 pigs have been killed in a fire in Kilkeel, County Down. Pic Pacemaker

Up to 2,000 pigs have been killed in a fire in Co Down.

Fire broke out a large shed on the Carrigenagh Road, Kilkeel at around 9pm on Monday.

Four fire engines - from Kilkeel, Newcastle and Warrenpoint - were sent to the scene along with an animal rescue team, a command support unit and water tanker.

Firefighters "worked in difficult conditions to prevent the fire spreading to adjacent buildings," the Fire Service said in a statement, before bringing the blaze under control just before midnight.

One firefighter suffered minor burns to his feet in the incident. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

It's thought between 1,500 and 2,000 pigs were inside and the cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Group Commander Martin Healy said the fire was well developed when he and colleagues arrived on the scene.

"The firefighters worked in obviously very difficult conditions - in darkness and underfoot - to extinguish the fire," he said.

"Actually we had to try to protect the other sheds as there's a lot of other pigs housed in them and thankfully we were able to stop the fire spreading to those sheds.

"But unfortunately we were unable to save between 1,500 and 2,000 pigs within the shed the main blaze was contained in."

He told BBC Radio Ulster the incident was a "very difficult scene to witness".

"We spoke with the farm owner and obviously our sympathies go out to him and all his staff on the devastating loss and he said himself he was devastated for the loss that he did suffer."
Natural8 2020 WSOP Online Hands of the Week: Negreanu Beat By Straight Flush

September 08, 2020

Natural8 was home to the WSOP 2020 Online which featured 54 Bracelet Events from July 19th through September 6th. All the Natural8 Winner's Circle have been claimed with up to $700,000 in Sponsorship awarded.

The 2020 World Series of Poker (WSOP) online bracelet events are in the books. Since the beginning of June, 85 WSOP gold bracelets were awarded on the digital felt across two different clients: WSOP.com and GG Poker, which includes Natural8.

Each week, weve highlighted a Hand(s) of the Week, which have included bad beats, lucky suck outs, and game-changing swings.

WSOP Online 2020 - Natural8 sponsorship up for grabs! Win WSOP Gold bracelets on Natural8 for up to $700,000 in sponsorships, including a Las Vegas Package and opportunity to join Team Bling as an ambassador. Ready to play?

Samuel Vousden Ladders Up Nearly $50K

On Day 3 of Event #77: $5,000 NLH Main Event, there were 16 players remaining in Level 22 (250,000/500,000/60,000) when Day 1a chip leader Samuel Vousden, who was first to act, raised to 1 million and Craig Timmis opted for a three-bet to 2.5 million in the cutoff, which Vousden called.

Both players checked the flop and Vousden activated his time bank before leading the turn for 1,557,500, as Timmis came along.

Onto the river, Vousden made it 1.5 million to go and Timmis then moved all in with the superior stack. Vousden was sent deep into the think tank and he called for the 8,850,956 on top that he had behind.

Timmis flipped over and Vousden earned the double with .

That big call allowed Vousden to hold on a bit longer and instead of busing in 16th place for $113,465m he went on to finish in 12th for $161,686.

Stoyan Madanzhiev Benefits from Satoshi Isomaes Failed Bluff

In the same tournament, it was Level 24 (350,000/700,000/85,000) and down to five players when a big hand went down.

It all started rather innocent with a cutoff raise to 1.54 million by Stoyan Madanzhiev and Satoshi Isomae then three-bet out of the small blind to 4,483,500, which Madanzhiev called.

They headed to the flop on which Isomae continued for 11,605,800 into a pot of 10,092,000 and was called.

No betting action followed on the turn and Isomae then moved all in for 23,411,295 on the river. Without using his allotted time bank, Madanzhiev called and Isomae tabled for a stone-cold bluff.

Madanzhiev had flopped two pair with and earned the huge pot, sending Isomae out in fifth place for $949,937 while Madanzhiev went on to become the Main Event champ for $3,904,686.

Negreanu Beat By a Straight Flush

Meanwhile, in Sundays Event #83: $10K WSOP Super MILLION$, $5M GTD, GGPoker Ambassador Daniel Negreanu was looking to cash in on some bracelet events. Unfortunately, his last chance to get it done came up short due in no small part to being beat by a straight flush.

The evidence... https://t.co/2VinTNIJ83  Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker)

Negreanu went on to close out his 2020 WSOP online series with yet another min-cash, eventually falling in Level 28 (20,000/40,000/5,000) to Ivan Galinec. It happened when Galinec raised to 70,000 from under the gun and Negreanu defended his big blind.

The flop came , Negreanu shoved for 223,475 and was called by Galinec with the bigger stack.

Daniel Negreanu:

Ivan Galinec:

Negreanu had flopped a pair of tens but Galinec held the overpair.

The rest of the board was completed with the and the to eliminated Negreanu.

Want to play on Natural8? Get a head-start with exclusive newcomer promos like the WSOP First Deposit Bonus, $8 Extra Bonus, and $500 Weekly First Deposit Freeroll.

Sharelines Here's @natural8 2020 WSOP Hand of the Week feat. Daniel Negreanu getting beat by a straight flush.

Chad Holloway Chief Editor Follow on:
In photosynthesis, solar energy is converted into chemical energy, which is then used in nature to produce organic molecules from carbon dioxide. In plants, algae and cyanobacteria, the key photosynthesis reactions take place in two complex structures known as photosystems. These are located in a special membrane system, the thylakoids. However, many details of their molecular structure and the way the proteins are incorporated into the membranes have yet to be explored. A team led by Professor Conrad Mullineaux from the Institute of Biology and Chemistry at Queen Mary University London, UK, Professor Annegret Wilde and Professor Wolfgang Hess from the Institute of Biology III at the University of Freiburg and Professor Satoru Watanabe from the Institute of Biosciences at the Agricultural University of Tokyo, Japan, has published a study in the current issue of Nature Plants: The mRNAs are transported to the thylakoid membranes and the respective proteins are produced there on the spot.

The researchers used molecular genetic, bioinformatics and high-resolution microscopic approaches at the single cell level for their investigations. The results confirm that mRNA molecules encode much more than just the sequence of the protein. They also carry signals that appear to control the position and coordination of the photosystem structure. The team was able to identify two proteins likely to be involved in this process by interacting with these mRNAs. The researchers say this opens the way to a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved and provides new approaches to make these processes useful for photobiotechnology.

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Conrad Mullineaux was a Fellow at the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS). The teams of Annegret Wilde from the Research Group for Molecular Genetics of Prokaryotes and of Wolfgang Hess from the Research Group for Genetics and Experimental Bioinformatics are part of the Research Training Group 2344 MeInBio - BioInMe: Investigation of Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Gene Regulation with High-Resolution High-Throughput Methods, funded by the German Research Foundation. Satoru Watanabe conducted research during a one-year stay as a Research Fellow at the University of Freiburg.

Contact:

Professor Dr. Annegret Wilde

Institute of Biology III

University of Freiburg

Phone: 0761/203-97828

E-Mail: annegret.wilde@biologie.uni-freiburg.de

Professor Dr. Wolfgang Hess

Institute of Biology III

University of Freiburg

Phone: 0761/203-2796

E-Mail: wolfgang.hess@biologie.uni-freiburg.de
Even the screening of acclaimed director Christopher Nolan's new film Tenet at the cinema in Bulimba's high street has failed to spark a comeback for the riverside Brisbane suburb that residents wanted.

Balmoral Cineplex has been the heart of Oxford Street. Businesses thrived as the cinema attracted people daily, until it was forced to close this year.

At its height, the Balmoral Cinemas would have a queue coming out the door to pay for movie tickets. Credit:Jocelyn Garcia

The Balmoral cinema reopened in late June and operated under a 20-patron rule before restrictions eased further.

Oxford Street Business Association president Gayatri Aegerter said despite the cinema reopening, there was "hardly anyone" in the once-bustling street.
Well, new reports suggest that we might be seeing a new Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 launch pretty soon. Because the device has recently grabbed multiple certifications.

In the Unpacked event which happened in August 2020, Samsung unveiled its two flagship tablets, the Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7 Plus.

However, new sources reveal that the company is already working on another Android tablet. Notably, the Android tablet market is not that exciting.

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We have players like Huawei, Samsung, and some other scratching their heads off in this segment. But none have been able to capture what Apple has done with their iPads.

On a positive note, it is a good sign that those who have the Android ecosystem around them can look forward to a new Android tablet from Samsung in the coming months.

Furthermore, the live images and battery capacity of the new Galaxy Tab Active 3 has also popped up with build numbers. Moreover, it suggests that the Galaxy Tab Active 3 will come in both WiFi and dual-SIM variants.

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Galaxy Tab Active 3 is spotted with multiple model numbers in Bluetooth SIG certification

Besides, as per the Bluetooth SIG certification, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 is spotted with multiple model numbers. These are SM-T570, SM-T577, SM-T577_DS, SM-T575, and SM-T575N.

However, the leaked Bluetooth SIG certification fails to tell us anything more about the device apart from the model numbers and SIM card support.

But there is nothing to worry about Galaxy Tab Active 3 specifications. Because the device has previously popped up on Geekbench, which reveals quite a few things about the tablet.

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Firstly, it is rumored to come with an Exynos 9810 processor, coupled with 4GB of RAM. Moreover, the phone will come with Android 10 OS out of the box.

It could come with a 4,900 mAh battery capacity

Notably, the device is also spotted in the FCC certification and Safety Korea certification. The certifications reveal that it will pack a 4,900mAh (or a 5,050mAh typical) battery.

Besides, the model number of the battery is EB-BT575BBE. Live images of the Galaxy Tab Active 3 were also leaked, which shows thick bezels on top and three capacitive keys at the chin.

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All in all, the devices leaks are already making rounds of the internet before its launch. Apparently, this also suggests that the company is working with full force to launch Galaxy Tab Active 3 in the near future.

However, nothing is confirmed because all these are leaks are based on speculations. We will have to wait for official confirmation from Samsung to say anything affirmative.
Kentucky congressman against mandates says he has COVID-19
Victoria reported 55 new cases on Tuesday and eight deaths. The current 14-day average for metropolitan Melbourne is 78.6, down from 84.8 on Monday. For regional Victoria it is 4.9, down from 5.3. In Melbourne, the target to start easing restrictions is 30 to 50 cases. Victoria's Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton admitted on Tuesday that Melbourne's unique overnight curfew was not a public health measure recommended by him or based on medical advice, but said it had "probably" been a useful tool. Health Minister Greg Hunt continued the federal governments criticism of the Victorian government on Tuesday, saying Canberra was yet to be given all the information behind the projections.

Wed like to see all of those details of the modelling released. Not just to the Commonwealth, but to the public in terms of the assumptions, the predictions, the basis for it, Mr Hunt said. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has been critical of the Victorian government's road map out of lockdown. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Doherty Institute epidemiologist Professor Jodie McVernon said Victoria may never reach the goal set by the government of zero cases over a fortnight, while business leaders accused the government of failing to properly consult with industries and their COVIDsafe proposals. Mr Andrews revealed a series of measures to enhance contact tracing on Tuesday, including new local contact tracing response units and the deployment of a team of government experts, including Australian Chief Scientist Alan Finkel, which will travel to NSW to glean public health improvements. The Victorian government's projections, prepared by researchers from Melbourne University and the University of New England, suggested case numbers would begin to rise again in early November if stay at home restrictions were lifted while Victoria has a fortnightly average of above 25 cases per day.

A Victorian government spokesperson said: The modelling reflects current Victorian data, however we will continually update our modelling into the future based on the most up to date evidence. Professor Catherine Bennett, Deakin University's chair in epidemiology, said that risk could be significantly lower if it took ongoing improvements in contact tracing into account. "Each parameter in a model drives the model. If you overestimate how long people are in the community and infectious, by underestimating the efficiency of contact tracing, then that potentially changes your outputs dramatically," she said. "You will alter the likelihood of having a resurgence before Christmas, and you will alter the threshold numbers that keep you in a safe range. It impacts that story about risk [of a third wave], and it impacts the sweet points that you come up with to tell you how many cases you can safely manage with your contact tracing system."

Under the Victorian government's road maps, a 9pm curfew and bans on home visits will be applied until the state has a 14-day average of five or less cases per day. The government has slated this to happen by October 26, but said it could happen earlier if case numbers are driven down. The Prime Minister on Monday suggested that threshold could be increased if Victoria improved its contact tracing. "NSW is the gold standard. That is where we have to get everybody to, to ensure that Australia can be open," Mr Morrison said. Loading A government spokeswoman said Victorians could beat the road maps by adhering to public health guidelines.

"Victorias contact tracing system is already comparable with NSW, nationally agreed benchmarks and worlds best practice, which is reflected in the model," she said. Professor Sutton revealed on Tuesday that it was not his decision to implement an 8pm curfew in Melbourne as part of stage four restrictions. "It wasn't something I was against from a public health perspective. I was consulted on it, but it was a separate decision-making pathway," he said on 3AW radio. Asked if he would have introduced it, the Chief Health Officer said "I'm not sure". "I hadn't reflected on it. I think it has been useful. So if I put my mind to it, probably [yes]."
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President Donald Trump compared rival Joe Biden to a flashlight with a 'dying battery' on Tuesday  the same day the Homeland Security Department warned Russia is seeking to spread 'disinformation' about Biden's mental health.

Trump's tweets on the subject were nothing new: he regularly tries to raise doubts about Biden's mental and physical fitness for office. On Tuesday, he tweeted out video of podcaster Joe Rogan, who made the flashlight comment on his show.

Trump also retweeted a printed tweet to drive home the point. 'Biden, to me, is like taking a flashlight with a dying battery and going for a long hike in the woods,' Rogan says in the clip.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly sought to attack the mental fitness of rival Joe Biden. 'He's shot,' Trump said in Florida Tuesday

Trump has repeatedly tried to label Biden 'Sleepy Joe' and claims he is mentally deteriorating. 'He's shot,' Trump claimed again during a campaign speech in Florida Tuesday afternoon.

The attacks came as DHS put out its bulletin on Russia's efforts to muddy candidates' mental health, having taken no previous public action on the subject since a draft document was circulated in July.

The bulletin warned that Russian was pushing 'unsubstantiated allegations' that Biden was in 'ill-health,' and was reported by ABC News.

'Look at how [Trump] steps and look at how I step. Watch how I run up ramps and he stumbles down ramps, OK?' Biden said

The Department of Homeland Security issued a bulletin warning Russia was pushing efforts to denigrate Biden's mental health

The bulletin was delayed after it got circulated in July for review by Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf

Trump asserted on Twitter that 'there were no mini-strokes'

A draft of the bulletin warned Russia was likely to 'denigrate' the health of U.S. candidates

Trump retweeted the podcaster's quote comparing Biden to a 'dying battery' Tuesday

The claim about promoting 'allegations about the poor mental health' appeared in a bulletin titled in draft form: 'Russia Likely to Denigrate Health of US Candidates to Influence 2020 Election.'

'Russia is using both covert proxy websites and overt state media to amplify these allegations, often in conjunction with other election-related malign influence narratives, which is consistent with their tactics in 2016 to undermine a former presidential candidate,' it claims.

The bulletin, not intended for public release, predicts that 'this narrative will resonate with some American voters and reduce their confidence in him as a candidate.'

Last week, Trump kicked off a new defense of his own health by seeking to swat down a new book that reported Vice President Mike Pence was put on stand-by during Trump's unscheduled visit to Walter Reed Naval Medical Center outside Washington.

Trump tweeted 'there were no mini-strokes' even though the book, by New York Times reporter Michael Schmidt, did not mention mini-strokes.

Trump is 74. Biden is 78.

Biden responded to Trump's attacks on Monday. 'Look at how [Trump] steps and look at how I step. Watch how I run up ramps and he stumbles down ramps, OK?' he told ABC 27 News, a local affiliate in Pennsylvania.
CASEVILLE, MI  Huron County Sheriffs deputies rescued nine people from the Saginaw Bay in two separate incidents on Sunday, Sept. 6.

Deputies were dispatched to the first incident about 4 p.m., responding to the offshore area west of Sleeper State Park. Four males on an inflatable dingy were quickly being blown offshore by gusty southerly winds, reports Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson.

Deputies deployed patrol boats from Caseville and Port Austin and located the men in their under-inflated craft more than 2.5 miles offshore in three- to four-foot waves.

The Detroit-area men were brought aboard deputies 28-foot Caseville Patrol Boat and their dingy was brought aboard their 31-foot Port Austin Patrol Boat. All were taken back ashore.

Deputies received shore assistance in this incident from Michigan Conservation Officers.

In the second rescue, deputies responded to the Port Austin Patrol Boat around 9 p.m. after receiving word that five kayakers had left Turnip Rock in the dark and were heading into southerly winds gusting faster than 35 miles an hour. Information had also been received that one of the kayakers was exhausted and they were having a difficult time getting back in.

With the assistance of the Port Austin Police, at around 9:15 p.m. deputies were directed to the kayakers, who were by then north of the Port Austin breakwall. The family of five from Taylor, which included 6-, 10-, and 14-year-old children, were all on tied together kayaks trying to make it in.

The younger children were very cold, as everyone was dressed in swim gear and tired, Hanson said. A one-person kayak was even occupied by a parent and child. Fortunately, all had life jackets.

Deputies brought all five people aboard their 31-foot patrol boat and took them to the state dock to be checked out by waiting Central Huron Ambulance personnel. After warming up, all refused further treatment.

Apparently it was their first trip out there and they decided to stay out late to get some sunset pictures, Hanson said.

The responding deputies in this incident will be conferring with the prosecutors office at some point this week to discuss charges ranging from reckless operation, to not being properly lighted to be operating at night, as well as too many people on a one-person kayak.

Fortunately, it didnt happen in this case but literally things could have went south real fast for the family given the wind and time of day, the sheriff said.

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SRS Yadav, senior Samajwadi Party leader and MLC  fondly known as Babu ji  succumbed to Covid-19 late on Monday at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow. He is the third leader from Uttar Pradesh to have been killed by the deadly virus.

Yadav was among the senior leaders and advisors of the Samajwadi Party and had also worked with SP patriarch Mulayam Singh and party national president Akhilesh Yadav. Not only this, he was also known as the one man army", who used to look after the administrative work at the SP and had a say in many important decisions of the party.

The MLC used to work at a cooperative bank before joining politics. While at his job at the bank, the leader came in contact with Mulayam Singh Yadav. When MSY became the chief minister for the first time in 1989, he made Yadav his Officer on Special Duty (OSD).

We are shocked at the death of senior SP leader, MLC and in-charge of party office, Shri SRS Yadavji from Corona. The state has lost a dedicated socialist today. A warm tribute to him," Akhilesh Yadav tweeted.

The news of MLCs death came hours after IAS officer Sushil Kumar Marua, who was posted as Special Secretary in the Language of Department, passed away at the same hospital after being tested positive for coronavirus. He is the first serving IAS officer in the state to have succumbed to the deadly virus.

As per the data of UP Health Department, 5,649 fresh cases of Covid-19 were reported in the state in the last 24 hours on Monday, taking the total tally to 2,71,851. Also, 56 fresh fatalities were reported in the state that took the number of deaths in the state to 3,976. So far 2,05,731 patients have been discharged from hospitals while there were 62,144 active cases in the state.

A case of re-infection has also been reported as Mohanlalganj MP Kaushal Kishore again tested positive for Covid-19. He gave the information by tweeting and also informed that he was being admitted to Medanta hospital.
A 17-year-old who raped and robbed a pregnant woman while threatening her with a screwdriver has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years.

The teenager, who cannot be named because of his age, followed his terrified victim through a park, grabbed her, and took her phone and cash after she asked him for directions at a bus stop.

After taking her valuables, he pulled out the screwdriver and raped her.

The sickening attack happened near Hatton Road, in Feltham, west London on January 7 after the pregnant victim asked her attacker for directions at a bus stop

But to make sure he was caught, the woman offered the teen 500, which she kept at her home, if he went there with her.

He agreed but told her he would 'shoot her' if she didn't hand over the cash or if she tried to call the police.

Once back at the house, the victim used another phone to call for police while her attacker waited outside.

Despite arriving after the attacker had left, officers scoured the area and found him nearby.

The boy tried to run away but officers took chase and caught him. When he was searched, they found the stolen cash and phone along with the screwdriver he used to threaten her.

The attack happened near Hatton Road, in Feltham, west London at around 1am on January 7.

The victim had left her home at 11:30pm to go to the shops.

The teenager previously pleaded guilty to rape and robbery and was yesterday sentenced to eight-and-a-half years behind bars when he appeared at Isleworth Crown Court.

DC Emma Rogers, from the Met Police, said: 'I would like to thank the victim for her bravery during this horrific assault.

'I hope that she finally has some closure to an ordeal that has been so traumatising for her and her family.'
QUAKERTOWN, Pa. (AP)  Two people were found dead after a house fire at the home of an elderly couple in a rural area in eastern Pennsylvania, authorities said.

Fire crews in Bucks County were sent to the residence in Haycock Township after a neighbor reported seeing smoke and flames through the thick trees at about 4:30 p.m. Friday.

Fire Chief Harry Grim said arriving volunteer firefighters reported flames shooting high above the house, and more than 15 fire companies came to assist, putting out the fire within an hour.

Authorities said the remains of two people were found in a living room area of the first floor. Coroner Meredith Buck said the two have not been positively identified, but the deaths were ruled accidental due to smoke and soot inhalation and thermal burns.

On WMFZ-TV, the daughter of the couple who lived in the home identified the victims as Dotsy Guetter and Bob Mattea. She said Guetter had Alzheimers disease.

The house is a total loss.

Grim said it was just second fatal fire in about 30 years in the township. The cause is under investigation.

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Bengaluru to host centre for Rural Self Employment Training Institutes

The centre is setting up a national academy for capacity building through imparting training for rural self employment, a unique initiative to address the issue of rural poverty.

Nagendra Nath Sinha, secretary, Rural development carried out the e-foundation stone laying ceremony of the new training Institute building of National Academy of RUDSETI (NAR) on Thursday.

RSETI is a unique initiative where state governments, the centre and commercial banks are working together to address the issue of rural poverty.

NAR will undertake monitoring, mentoring and capacity building of the Rural Self Employment Training Institutes staff (585 RSETIs are spread across 566 districts of the country), state/UT Rural Livelihood Mission staff and the concerned bank officials on behalf of the ministry of rural development.

The setting up of RSETI is also important in furthering the efforts of mitigating unemployment problem in the country. While praising the role of NAR in standardising the activities of RSETIs, he advised the NAR to accelerate the efforts in this direction and felt that the establishment of new campus of NAR would be a good support in this regard.

At present, these trainings are conducted in rented premises in Bengaluru or different premises in states/UTs. This proposed campus development in Bengaluru will cost about Rs25 crore.

A Manimekhalai, sxecutive director, Canara Bank, admired the role of NAR over the years and assured full support of Canara Bank in future endeavors also.
Guest commentary: Who needs diversity, equity, or inclusion?
Comes as Britains aviation minister Kelly Tolhurst was quietly replaced after airline bosses savaged the lack of progress

Company is latest to join campaign for Covid testing at UK airport borders

The boss of EasyJet last night became the latest business chief to pledge support to the Daily Mails campaign to Get Britain Flying Again with border tests.

Demanding a shift away from the current policy of imposing quarantine restrictions on people returning from many countries, chief executive Johan Lundgren said there was still time to rescue our airline industry.

He told the Mail: The first step is to put in place a cutting edge science based regime for quarantine and travel and we need testing in place for those who travel from the red zones. This is just common sense.

Yesterday some families were forced to pay thousands of pounds to return home early from seven Greek islands after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced that the islands were being added to the quarantine list.

Calls from EasyJet to push forward with Covid tests at the border come as Britain's aviation minister Kelly Tolhurst was quietly replaced after airline bosses savaged the government's lack of progress

EasyJet said it planned to cancel flights following the decision to impose restrictions on the islands of Crete, Lesvos, Mykonos, Santorini, Serifos, Tinos, and Zakynthos.

The carrier, Europes biggest airline, said the move means it will have flown less than 40 per cent of its pre-pandemic schedule.

The current downturn has forced the airline to cut 4,500 jobs and close its bases at Southend, Stansted and Newcastle airports. And there could be more bad news on the way, with Sicily and Sardinia potentially becoming the latest islands to be added to Britains quarantine list tomorrow, industry experts have warned.

Mr Lundgrens warning in todays Mail also comes as Portugal and Denmark risk fresh quarantine restrictions based on a rise in the number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents over seven days.

Although Sicily could be added, mainland Italy is likely to stay off the quarantine list because coronavirus cases are not rising as rapidly there.

Amid fresh fury over the lack of testing yesterday, Britains aviation minister was quietly replaced. Kelly Tolhurst was reshuffled to the local government department hours after airline bosses savaged the lack of progress on a border testing regime.

The chief executive of EasyJet, Johan Lundgren, demanded a shift away from the current policy of imposing quarantine restrictions on people returning from many countries, saying there is still time to rescue our airline industry

The move follows reports that Downing Street and the Department for Transport (DfT) are finally leaning towards plans to halve the 14-day quarantine period by testing passengers eight days after they arrive in the UK.

Industry insiders hope the new aviation minister, Robert Courts, is being brought in to help overhaul the coronavirus travel rules.

The MP for Witney will be responsible for helping Mr Shapps thrash out a testing plan. He faces a furious Commons debate tomorrow at which dozens of Tory MPs are expected to come out in favour of testing.

Whitehall sources said there is nothing untoward about Miss Tolhursts move to a new ministerial post in the local government department. But the timing has raised eyebrows as it comes amid growing anger from industry bosses and Tory MPs over the slow progress on testing.

Miss Tolhurst was given the transport brief in February and has presided over the worst crisis in the history of British aviation.

Industry insiders hope the new aviation minister, Robert Courts, is being brought in to help overhaul the coronavirus travel rules

Her tenure has been dogged by criticism over the disastrous 14-day quarantine policy, inaction on airport testing measures and claims of scant engagement between ministers and industry leaders.

At the height of the row, the DfT cancelled two weeks worth of meetings with airlines and airport bosses. Yesterday Willie Walsh, the boss of BA owner IAG, used his last speech as chief executive of the airline group to attack the quarantine rules.

He said: Quarantine restrictions have had a huge impact on the already troubled aviation industry. Transatlantic restrictions have been particular significant.

We support the need to protect public health, but believe that there needs to be a more constructive approach by governments. Long quarantine periods should be reduced through effective use of airport testing as has already been demonstrated in numerous countries.

Dozens of business chiefs and MPs are supporting the Mails call for testing at ports and airports. Mr Shapps has said he is working night and day to come up with a testing plan which could see the quarantine time reduced to just eight days.
No injuries have been reported and no structures have been damaged in the blaze, Cal Fire spokeswoman Cathey Mattingly said.

Firefighters made good progress on the fire Monday, as there was no major wind event, according to a news release from the San Bernardino National Forest.

"The hard work of crews on the ground, dozers and aircraft have enabled a lot of great work to be accomplished as fire lines continue to be constructed around the fire in preparation for the upcoming Red Flag Santa Ana Wind event starting at noon tomorrow and lasting through Wednesday," they added.

Surveillance video reviewed by investigators showed a couple with several children walking into the grass while another person appears to light a device, Cal Fire investigator Capt. Bennet Milloy said Monday. After it ignites, the family is seen scrambling and grabbing water bottles to try to douse the growing fire. Everyone involved has cooperated with investigators, Milloy said.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has insisted that the outcome of the forthcoming governorship election in the State would determin...

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has insisted that the outcome of the forthcoming governorship election in the State would determine the chances of the South-West in the 2023 presidency.

Akeredolu said this after he mobilised traditional rulers to have a meeting with the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu.

This was shortly after commissioning the Revenue House to mark his second term kick-off.

Although Tinubu is yet to confirm if he would run for the foremost position, the former Lagos State Governor is believed to be eyeing the 2023 presidency.

Tinubus political foot soldiers are already putting pseudo pressure groups and campaign outfits ahead of the contest.

And Governor Akeredolu stressed that what happens in Ondo in October would go a long way to determine chances of the South-West in the 2023 presidency.





The October 10 election in Ondo State is not about Akeredolu but about the future of Ondo State and the entire Yoruba nation because whatever the outcome will be shall determine our seriousness in the quest for the 2023 presidency, the governor said.
BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Turkmenistan vows to continue to promote productive cooperation with China and expects China's stable development to have a positive impact on global economic growth, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to China Parahat Durdyev has said.

The ambassador made the remarks on Saturday in an interview with Xinhua at the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).

Acknowledging the traditional friendship between the two countries, Durdyev said energy is the main direction of bilateral cooperation, and that Turkmenistan has contributed to China's economic development by providing clean energy.

"The gas pipe connected us with such a visible, tangible thread," said the ambassador, pointing out that the first energy bridge built from Turkmenistan to China in 2009 is now working effectively, and is contributing to the positive progress of bilateral cooperation in other areas.

This year, bilateral cooperation is focused on the fight against COVID-19, he said, adding that China's successful control of the epidemic and the current CIFTIS offer hope that the same positive trend would prevail in other countries in the future.

"You can see thousands of people communicate here and exchange opinions freely, without any fear that something might happen. This is the result of the work that the Chinese authorities and the Chinese people have done, working hand in hand and helping each other," he said.

In addition, the humanitarian sphere of Turkmenistan-China relations has a serious legislative, intergovernmental and even interdepartmental framework that allows both sides to implement interesting projects, including tourist group exchanges, exhibition visits, conferences and scientific seminars, he said.

The diplomat called China one of the most interesting destinations for Turkmen youth. Many students from Turkmenistan study in China both on the state and private level, and receive a good education, which helps to develop relations between the two countries, he said.

"Turkmenistan and China are reliable strategic partners. This is a well-known fact," said the ambassador, stressing Turkmenistan's readiness to promote productive cooperation with China in the future.

"I have great respect for what China has managed over the past 40 years of reforms, especially in the fight against poverty... I hope that in the future the country would develop at the same positive, even and stable pace in order to increase the wealth of its people and at the same time have a positive impact on the development of the world economy," the ambassador said.
Mumbais lifeline, the suburban local railway network that has been suspended for the public since March 22 because of the raging coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak, is unlikely to resume before November.

The suspension of train services has led to the passengers getting angry and staging protests outside railway stations.

Around 300 angry commuters staged a protest outside Virar railway station on Monday afternoon, demanding permission to travel by local trains. The incident occurred at around 11 am when office-goers gathered outside the station and demanded the resumption of suburban train services.

Also read: Hi-tech ideas pour in to boost last-mile link for Metro lines

The protest petered out within half an hour after the agitators were pacified by the Railway Protection Police (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and local police personnel.

Earlier on July 22, angry commuters at Nalasopara had demanded that they be allowed to travel by local trains. The protesters had broken barricades and stood on tracks to disrupt train services.

At present, frontline essential service workers, who are battling the Covid-19 pandemic, are only allowed to commute by suburban trains in Mumbai.

Railway officials said train services, which were suspended on March 22 due to Covid-19, are unlikely to resume in their full capacity until Diwali in mid-November.

On June 15, a limited number of local train services resumed for employees working in essential services. Nearly 700 train services are being operated daily on the Central and Western Railway routes.

There has been no discussion regarding the resumption of suburban train services for the public. A trial-based system of a quick response (QR) code is being tested in a bid to control crowds on the railway stations. Train services in full strength are not likely to resume before Diwali. said a railway official

The delay in the resumption of train services has angered passengers.

Passenger associations have sought Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackerays intervention to resolve the crisis.

We met Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, who assured us that the issue would be taken up. There has been no communication from the state government so far. People are angry because under the unlock guidelines, Mumbai is being gradually reopened, but local train services are still shut. Passengers commute is greatly inconvenienced. We have written to CM Thackeray for his immediate intervention. If he doesnt respond, we will start an agitation on railway tracks, said Madhu Kotian, president, Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh.

A report, prepared by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) on the Covid-19 situation and submitted to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) authorities, has stated that train services in Mumbai can be resumed from November 1.

Dr. Sandeep Juneja, dean, School of Technology and Computer Science, TIFR, said that the civic authorities would have to remain vigilant after the train services resume. He also pointed out that by November 1 a major chunk of the population in Mumbai and its suburbs would have been directly or indirectly infected by SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease.

By November 1, a significant section of the population in Mumbai and its suburbs will be infected by the virus. Local train services can resume if we take the following measures such as wearing of facial masks, introducing staggered office timings, and maintaining social distancing norms inside compartments. We do not expect that the resumption of train services will lead to a spike in Covid-19 cases. The current occupancy in truncated suburban train services is 30%, which can be increased to 50% over the next two months. We will also have a clearer picture about the contagion before the suburban train services become fully operational, he said.

Railway experts have stated that the train services in the city should resume immediately because Metro rails have started operating. Metro rails and aircraft are air-conditioned, where the risk of the spread of virus is much higher. Precautions are being taken and the services have started. Similar precautions, including crowd control, should be undertaken and suburban train services should be thrown open for the public. Operating select train services for a few people will be discriminatory, said Subodh Jain, ex-general manager, Central Railway.

Railway officials pointed out that partial train services were started on the request of the state government. We had started select suburban services from June 15 for essential staff on the request of the state government. On July 1, we added a few more services for additional categories permitted by the state government . We are taking every possible step to ensure social distancing norms are maintained by way of QR code-enabled contactless checking, etc. This will definitely help us to streamline the system even after more services are added. said Shivaji Sutar, chief public relation officer (cpro), Central Railway.

State government officials stated that the situation is being monitored and a decision on the resumption of suburban train services would be taken at an appropriate time. Now, employees working in pharmacy have also been permitted to travel by local trains. The situation is being monitored. A final decision on the resumption of train services will be taken at an appropriate time, said a state government official, requesting anonymity.
LA PAZ, Bolivia: A Bolivian court has blockied ousted former Prsident Evo Morales from seeking a senate seat in the countrys October elections, arguing that the ex-leader, living in Argentina, doesnt meet residency requirements.

Morales sent a tweet saying he would not appeal Mondays decision, though he said before the ruling that the court was acting under threats and pressures, and he considered the ruling political and illegal.

The ruling eliminates the possibility that Morales could obtain parliamentary immunity against sedition and other charges against him, but his Movement Toward Socialism party still controls the Legislative Assengly and polls indicate it remains the frontrunner for the Oct. 18 vote.

After 14 years in power, Morales resigned under pressure from the military and police on Nov. 10 amid widespread protests and disturbances alleging he was attempting to fraudulently claim reelection. He went into exile, first in Mexico and later in Argentina.

After several people in the line of succession also stepped aside, conservative Sen. Jeanine ez claimed the inteim presidency and her administration has tried to reverse many of Morales leftist policies and foreign alliances.

A recent poll by the Unitel teleivison network showed the candidate of Morales party, Luis Arce, supported by 26 percent of those surveyed, trailed by former President Carlos Meza, ez and five other candidates. Its likely a second round would be held.

The telephone poll of 2,343 people was conducted Aug 26 to Sept. 3 and had a margin of error of 2 percentage points.

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
Midland County recorded six new confirmed coronavirus cases Tuesday, bringing the pandemic total to 387 cases, 97 probable cases, and 11 deaths.

Midland County has added 53 confirmed cases since last Thursday, with a significant number of those cases attributed to an outbreak at Northwood University, according to Fred Yanoski, Midland County Department of Public Health director/health officer.

Over the last few weeks, we have experienced a rise in our local cases," he said. "... We are working closely with their staff to quickly identify and isolate cases, and to quarantine others who may have been exposed. The Northwood team has done a tremendous job responding to this challenging situation.

Northwood University, as of Tuesday, has 31 confirmed coronavirus cases, according to the university's website.

"Twelve of those students have returned home and 17 are isolating on campus in a separate isolation area," the website states. "Two have recovered. There are clear interconnections for the cases, and at least 10 are attributable to off-campus activity outside of Midland. We also have 10 tests outstanding with results pending. In the cases to date, students are experiencing mild or no symptoms as they isolate and recover."

Yanoski said it is important to note the cases are connected.

"Even though some of these cases may have other contacts around the community, it is certainly valuable to know that the majority of cases have direct exposures in that group. It certainly helps us to put the risk in perspective for the rest of our community. That being said, we are still seeing additional spread in the community so we need to keep doing the right things.

An outbreak at Central Michigan University since the school started classes in mid August has resulted in 270 cases, 253 confirmed and 17 probable, as of Tuesday, according to the Central Michigan District Health Department

Around Michigan, there have been many outbreaks associated with the return to the college campus setting," Yanoski said. "The majority of cases can likely be attributed to the behaviors of these students, and the lack of COVID precautionary measures." He listed parties, social gatherings, lack of masks/social distancing.

Yanoski said there have been no positive cases associated with the return this month of some K-12 students in Midland County.

At this point, we have not been notified of any COVID cases from our local K-12 schools, which is certainly great news," he said. "If we can limit the transmission in the community, then we will have a better chance at keeping schools operating safely.

State plans to report K-12 coronavirus data

The state announced plans to begin reporting school outbreak data for K-12 schools on a weekly basis beginning Monday, Sept. 14.

The announcement was made in a response sent to the Michigan School-Related COVID Outbreak Transparency Coalition, which is made up of nearly 30 media industry representatives, including Kate Hessling, editor of the Daily News, as well as Mike Reitz, executive vice president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy based in Midland. The coalition, under the auspices of Michigan Press Association, sent a letter earlier this month to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer calling for the state to be transparent and timely in reporting school outbreaks consistently, including building and the severity.

While the state responded positively to the request, reporting lag issues are anticipated. The coalition on Tuesday referenced a story by Crains Detroit Business, that shows how the school outbreaks listed in the states new report will be up to seven to 10 days old by the time the state publicly releases the information. The state asks county health department for information on a Wednesday, which is due Friday and then released Monday, the story reports. Crain's reports there is no real-time infrastructure for quickly informing the public about students or school personnel who test positive for coronavirus. The current disease-tracking system was built in 2004 and is outdated, the publication reports.

The state said data will include the name and address of the building and the number of cases associated with the outbreak. A COVID-19 outbreak is defined as two or more cases with a link by place and time indicating a shared exposure outside of a household, states the letter.

"We caution parents, students and staff not to let their guard down in the absence of cases at their school," the letter states. "Furthermore, the presence of an outbreak in a building is not necessarily an indication that proper precautions are not being taken."

Yanoski reminds people of mitigation practices to help diminish the spread of the disease.

We should all still be very mindful of our behaviors, and how they could impact COVID transmission. If we have learned anything, it is that COVID is highly transmissible in close settings where social distancing and masks are not used. We must continue to practice social distancing, mask wearing and other safe practices that prevent spread.

In Tuesday's state report, there were 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.

Tuesday, Sept. 9 daily numbers

Bay County: Seven cases were added; pandemic total stands at 791 cases, 90 probable, 43 deaths.

Gladwin County: One case was added; pandemic total stands at 74 cases, seven probable, two deaths.

Isabella County: Two cases were added; pandemic total stands at 509 cases, 59 probable, nine deaths.

Saginaw County: 15 cases were added; pandemic total stands at 2,507 cases, 172 probable, 130 deaths and three probable deaths.

The state on Tuesday added 441 new cases and one death.

Overall, Michigan is at 107,812 cases and 6,539 deaths.

Testing

The state report shows as of Sept. 8, Midland County has performed 11,726 diagnostic tests and 784 serology (antibodies) tests, totaling 12,510 tests. Gladwin County is listed as having administered 4,585 diagnostic tests and 132 serology (antibodies) tests, totaling 4,717 tests.

Midland Countys seven-day rolling positivity rate on Sept. 4 was listed at 4.3%, and medium risk of spread. Gladwin County was listed at 0.7% and low risk. The Saginaw region, which includes 12-counties including Midland, Gladwin, Bay and Saginaw counties, was listed at 2.8% and low risk and Michigan at 3.2%, 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. 7, 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 Sept. 7, 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 Aug. 27, the Midland County health department website lists 284 recovered cases and 29 hospitalizations since the pandemic start.

The state lists the total recovered at 80,678 cases, as of Sept. 4, which represents COVID-19 confirmed individuals with an onset date on or prior to Aug. 5, according to the state website, mich.gov.

Midland County Health Department data

People younger than 40 make up 56.1% of total Midland County cases, confirmed and probable, as of Aug. 27.

Of Midland Countys 403 confirmed and probable cases, 85 cases are in 0-19 age range; 79 in 20-29 age range; 61 in 30-39 age range; 60 in 40-49 age range; 57 in 50-59 age range; 25 in 60-69 age range; 20 in 70-79 age range, and 14 in 80+ age range, as of Aug. 27.

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 Aug. 27, 82.1% of cases have fallen within the 48640 and 48642 (mostly Midland) zip codes. Next highest were 48657 (Sanford) with 6.5% of cases and 48618 (Coleman) with 5.7% of cases.

Cases by race, as of Aug. 27: 86.2% were listed as caucasian; 2.6% as Black; 3.6% as Asian; 1% listed as two or more races; and 7% 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 57.7% 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.
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP)  Russias foreign minister said Tuesday that Moscow is ready to help ease rising tensions over Turkey's search for energy reserves in the eastern Mediterranean, and rejected any actions that could lead to further escalation.

Sergey Lavrov said Moscow could help start talks if asked by all the countries involved in the tense standoff.

Russia considers as unacceptable any steps that could further escalate tensions," Lavrov said after talks with Cypriot counterpart Nicos Christodoulides.

"We would be ready to contribute to building good neighborly relations in the event this is requested of us by those involved," Lavrov said, adding that Moscow has repeatedly called on leaders in the region to resolve these differences though dialogue and within a legal framework."

Greece and Turkey have faced off against each other in recent weeks as Turkish survey vessels and drill ships continue to prospect for gas in waters where Greece and Cyprus claim exclusive economic rights.

Greek and Turkish armed forces have been conducting military exercises in the area in a show of muscle-flexing to underscore each sides resolve.

European Union members Greece and Cyprus accuse Turkey of violating international law and of gunboat diplomacy. Turkey insists its defending its rights and those of the breakaway Turkish Cypriots on ethnically split Cyprus to their rightful share of the areas potential gas deposits.

Christodoulides said Turkey's destabilizing actions" are also hampering attempts to resume Cyprus reunification talks.

Its therefore essential at this juncture for the international community to intercede with Turkey especially all U.N. Security Council members like Russia, with the aim of immediately ending Turkeys unlawful actions and behavior that clearly dont adhere to the framework of international law," Christodoulides said.

The EU is mulling imposing tougher sanctions on Turkey over what it calls its illegal actions if talks fail to end the standoff.

In Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu accused Greece of rejecting all efforts to negotiate a way out of the impasse.

Story continues

We have given our support to all initiatives and have said that we are ready for a dialogue without any preconditions, Cavusoglu said. Greece, by saying no to initiatives, has shown that it does not favor a dialogue.

Greece insists there can be no real negotiations before Turkey ends its provocations and pulls back its warships and research vessels.

Lavrovs visit to Cyprus comes a month after Anastasiades asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to personally step in so that Turkey is convinced to cease its unlawful actions.

But speaking during a meeting with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, Russia's top diplomat also expressed Moscows concern over what he said was a deplorable U.S. bid to stir up trouble in the eastern Mediterranean.

Lavrov claimed that the U.S. is trying to pit countries in the region against each other and to pursue the course of who is not with us is against us."

He was alluding to Washingtons decision to partially lift a 33 year-old arms embargo on Cyprus that U.S. officials said was designed to prevent an arms race hindering United Nations-facilitated talks to reunify the island.

The embargo was directed against the southern, Greek Cypriot part of the island, where Cyprus internationally-recognized government is seated.

Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup aimed at union with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence and claims 44% of Cyprus' exclusive economic zone as falling within its own continental shelf.

Washington said it was lifting the arms embargo against Cyprus for one year  with the option of renewal  to let it procure non-lethal equipment.

Turkey reacted angrily to the partial embargo lifting and announced that Russia would also be conducting live-fire naval exercises this month in areas in the eastern Mediterranean where Turkish research vessels are prospecting for gas.

Cyprus is striving to bolster relations with the U.S., but not at the expense of its ties with Moscow or Beijing, on whose support it often counts in the United Nations.

The U.S. ambassador to Cyprus, Judith Garber, said last week that the lifting of the embargo had no connection to valued partner and ally Turkey, but aimed to strengthen regional security and to counter malign actors in the region.

Garber said Washington waived a requirement that Cyprus cease to offer refueling and other port services to Russian warships, but that it would continue to encourage Cypriot government authorities to deny those services.

We believe that Russia is playing a very destabilizing role in the region, especially in Syria, Garber said.

_____

Associated Press writer Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he prefers a fixed term or an easing of retirement rules for military officials to lend more "stability" among uniformed ranks.

Instead of pushing the heads of military forces out of their posts as they reach 56 years old, Lorenzana said it would be better to set a later retirement age or forgo this requirement via fixed terms for top officials.

"Ang (proposal) namin ay maybe maximum age ng AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) na 62, pero 'yung mga heneral na 'yan  'yung mapo-promote ka ng heneral  magkakaroon ka ng tatlong taon sa ranggo na 'yan every time you get promoted para ma-stabilize natin ang leadership ng AFP," Lorenzana told lawmakers during a budget hearing on Tuesday.

[Translation: Our proposal is maybe set the maximum age for AFP to 62, and the generals who get promoted can get three years on that rank so that we can stabilize the leadership.]

Currently, the heads and top officials of the AFP, Philippine Navy, and Air Force are forced to step down on their 56th birthday. The same rule applies to the head of the Philippine National Police, which results in a change of command every few months.

AFP Chief-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gabay backed the move, saying there could also be a three-year tenure for certain ranks and high-ranking positions.

"We welcome that proposal of 56 as an optional age of retirement, wherein military personnel could transfer through lateral entry to other agencies so we could offer expertise also to other agencies," he said.

If they take a civilian post in government, military officials will be allowed to work until they reach 65 years old.

Several appointees of President Rodrigo Duterte like Lorenzana are former military generals.
She's arguably the most controversial star on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

But Brandi Glanville has now hinted she could swap her glamorous life in Los Angeles for Australia one day.

During an episode of her podcast Brandi Glanville Unfiltered, the 47-year-old said: 'I want to be Aussie! I really want to. I just want to move there.'

'I just want to move there!' Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Brandi Glanville says she wants to relocate to Australia one day

She added: 'I've only been there once, but I feel in love. Everyone there is hot! Like every single person.'

Brandi also called herself an 'honorary Aussie' and said that her gay Australian friends in California 'don't judge me for my drinking'.

However, the reality star admitted that her last visit Down Under came with its fair share of drama, as she was 'almost arrested' during a night out.

'I almost got arrested, but the police ended up carrying me to my room which was so awesome,' she laughed.

'The police ended up carrying me to my room': The reality star said that she 'almost got arrested' the last time she was in Australia. (Pictured with Richard Wilkins in Sydney in 2014)

Brandi's been open about her love of Aussie men, and she recently set her sights on Love Island Australia's hunky twin brothers, Josh and Luke Packham, who are 26.

Last week, she tweeted out a shirtless photo of the handsome siblings with a heart emoji.

When contacted for comment, Josh told Daily Mail Australia that his girlfriend and co-star Anna McEvoy made him aware of the flirty tweet.

'Anna sent it to me and I wasn't sure who it was at first, but it's pretty cool that Americans are watching the show and seem to be enjoying it,' he said.

Keen? Brandi's been open about her love of Aussie men, and she recently set her sights on Love Island Australia's hunky twin brothers, Luke and Josh Packham, who are 26

Luke seemed more open to the idea, saying: 'I thought it was fun seeing Brandi's Twitter with our photo on it. If I didn't have a girlfriend I could imagine myself in a nice mansion in Beverly Hills!'

Josh and Anna were crowned the winners of Love Island Australia's second season last year.

The couple have been going strong ever since and officially moved in together back in early June.

Luke has also found love since the show, although he's kept his relationship out of the spotlight.

Meanwhile, Brandi has been single since her highly publicised fling with Denise Richards was featured on the latest season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
The extradition hearing of Julian Assange, founder of anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks, opened in London Sept. 7, the latest development in a long legal saga.

Assange is fighting an attempt by American prosecutors to extradite him to the U.S. to stand trial on spying charges. U.S. prosecutors have indicted the 49-year-old Australian on 18 espionage and computer misuse charges over WikiLeaks publication of secret U.S. military documents a decade ago. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 175 years in prison.

Here is a look at key events, and a photo gallery capturing key moments in Assange's legal troubles.

 August 2010: Swedish prosecutors issue arrest warrant for Assange based on one woman's allegation of rape and another's allegation of molestation. The warrant was withdrawn shortly afterward, with prosecutors citing insufficient evidence for the rape allegation. Assange denies the allegations.

 September 2010: Sweden's director of prosecutions reopens the rape investigation. Assange leaves Sweden for Britain Sept. 27.

 November 2010: Swedish police issue an international arrest warrant for Assange.

 December 2010: Assange surrenders to police in London and is detained pending an extradition hearing. High Court grants Assange bail on Dec. 16.

 Feb. 24, 2011: District court in Britain rules Assange should be extradited to Sweden.

 Dec. 5, 2011: Assange is granted an appeal to the Supreme Court.

 May 30, 2012: Supreme Court rejects Assange's appeal.

 June 2012: Assange asks the Supreme Court to reopen the case; the court refuses. Assange enters Ecuadorian Embassy in central London, seeking asylum on June 19. Police set up round-the-clock guard to arrest him if he steps outside.

 Aug. 16, 2012: Assange is granted political asylum by Ecuador.

 July 2014: Assange loses his bid to have an arrest warrant issued in Sweden against him canceled. A judge in Stockholm upholds the warrant alleging sexual offences against two women.

 March 2015: Swedish prosecutors ask to question Assange at the Ecuadorian embassy.

 Aug. 13, 2015: Swedish prosecutors drop investigations into some allegations against Assange because of the statute of limitations; an investigation into a rape allegation remains active.

 Oct. 12, 2015: Metropolitan Police end their 24-hour guard outside the Ecuadorean embassy but say they'll arrest Assange if he leaves - ending a three-year police operation estimated to have cost more than 12 million pounds ($17 million).

 Feb. 5, 2016: Assange claims "total vindication" as the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention finds that he has been unlawfully detained and recommends he be immediately freed and given compensation. British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond calls the finding "frankly ridiculous."

 April 6, 2017: After Assange makes some comments on Twitter, Ecuador's president-elect, Lenin Moreno, warns Assange that, as a condition of asylum granted in 2012, he is not allowed to meddle in politics.

 May 19, 2017: Swedish prosecutors drop their investigation into a rape allegation against Assange, and the European arrest warrant is withdrawn because there is no prospect in the "foreseeable future" of bringing Assange to Sweden - as he is inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. Prosecutors stress that Assange had not been found innocent. British police say he is still wanted for jumping bail in 2012.

 September 2018: Ecuador's president says his country and Britain are working on a legal solution to allow Assange to leave the embassy in "the medium term."

 October 2018: Assange seeks a court injunction pressing Ecuador to provide him basic rights he said the country agreed to when it first granted him asylum.

 November 2018: A U.S. court filing that appears to inadvertently reveal the existence of a sealed criminal case against Assange is discovered by a researcher. No details are confirmed.

 April 2, 2019: Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno blames WikiLeaks for recent allegations of corruption.

 April 11, 2019: London police arrest Assange at the Ecuadorian embassy for breaching bail conditions in 2012, as well as on behalf of U.S. authorities, shortly after Ecuador's government withdrew his asylum status.

 May 1, 2019: Assange is sentenced to 50 weeks in prison for jumping bail in 2012.

 May 13, 2019: Sweden reopens rape investigation.

 Nov. 19, 2019: Swedish prosecutor drops rape investigation.

 Feb. 24, 2020: Assange extradition hearing opens with plans to continue hold second hearing in May.

 May 4, 2020: Judge delays extradition hearing amid COVID-19 pandemic.

 June 25, 2020: US files new indictment against Assange that prosecutors say underscores Assange's efforts to procure and release classified information.

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From Dadi Sa in Balika Vadhu to Dadi in Badhaai Ho, Surekha Sikri has played several badass roles in her career. The renowned 75-year-old actress was recently rushed to Mumbai's Criticare hospital after having suffered a brain stroke. Reportedly, she is currently in the ICU.

Twitter

"I rushed her to the hospital and she is currently being treated. I couldnt get her admitted to any other hospital because of high fees. We do not have that kind of money," the nurse who looks after her told Navbharat Times. She also appealed to the film industry for financial help.

Twitter

Earlier in 2018 as well, she had suffered a brain stroke after she fell in the bathroom. She had hit her head then.

BCCL

She has won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress thrice, for her roles in Tamas, Mammo and Badhaai Ho recently. She had accepted her award in a wheelchair as everyone welcomed her with a loud cheer and a standing ovation.


The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday revoked its order of mandatory closure of markets on Sunday, reverting to the pre-coronavirus lockdown arrangement.

According to a statement, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said in a review meeting that markets will now close as per their earlier schedule instead of the weekly closure on Sunday.

He said except containment zones, hotels and restaurants should be made operational in all areas and it should be ensured that all safety measures are followed.

The latest decision comes after the state administration on September 1 had decided to lift the weekend lockdown in the state on Saturdays.

Adityanath also asked the officials to create more employment opportunities as the Covid-19 induced lockdown has left a huge number of people unemployed.

He also said that except hotels and restaurants should be allowed to operate in all areas and by following all safety measures listed by the union health ministry in regards to the coronavirus disease. The restrictions will continue in the containment zones.

(With inputs from PTI)
A hot potato: Despite Covid-19 cases continuing to rise, companies are taking different approaches when it comes to employees returning to the office. Some have already called staff back, while others are sticking with a remote work policy until at least next year. In Netflixs case, CEO Reed Hastings says his workers wont be returning until the majority are vaccinated.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Hastings let it be known that hes not a fan of working from home, believing that a lack of in-person interaction negatively impacts business. He was also asked whether companies will shift more towards working from home once the Covid-19 pandemic is over.

If I had to guess, the five-day workweek will become four days in the office while one day is virtual from home. Id bet thats where a lot of companies end up, said Hastings.

Vaccine development timeline, courtesy of The New York Times

The CEO was asked when his own workforce will return to the office. Interestingly, his plan is to wait until after a vaccine has arrived. Its probably six months after a vaccine. Once we can get a majority of people vaccinated, then its probably back in the office.

Most scientists put the arrival of a Covid-19 vaccine sometime next year, though the bigger problem might be convincing people to take it; many fear a rushed development and testing time means the vaccine could be unsafe. Hastings said he wants a majority of people vaccinated before an office return, so its unlikely to be mandatory.

Most big tech firms have set 2021 as the date for worker returns. Microsoft isnt opening its physical offices until next year, while Google said in July that employees could work from home for an additional 12 months. Amazon has also extended its remote working policy until January 8, 2021. Apple, however, began the first phase of reintroducing staff to its Silicon Valley HQ on June 15.
File photo

In a good sign of recovery in India, the COVID Care Centre at the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre, that was touted to be the biggest such facility for the treatment of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients in the country, will be shut from September 15, as it is not getting patients. Read more

Here's more top news of the day:

1) Karni Sena, Who Threatened To Cut Deepika Padukone's Nose, Now Wants To Protect Kangana Ranaut

File Photo

The Hindu fringe outfit Karni Sena, who shot to infamy during the release of Deepika Padukone's Padmaavat, and threatened to cut the actor's nose in 2017, now wants to protect Kangana Ranaut. Read more

2) Another Poaching Gang Busted As Mangaluru Forest Officers Seize 20 Skins, 2 Blackbuck Heads

ANI

In a major blackbuck trafficking haul, officers of the forest trafficking squad busted a huge network involved in the sale of the skin of blackbuck in Karnatakas Mangaluru. Read more

3) Sniffer Dog 'Rana' Just Helped Officials In Arrest Of Tiger Poachers In Bandipur, Karnataka

Agencies

The poachers had shot dead the tiger at Nagaraole and mutilated it for its claws and teeth, officials said. All the five involved have been arrested within 10 days, they said, adding the tiger claws and teeth have been recovered from them. Read more

4) Four More Dhabas In Murthal Sealed After 14 Staff Members Test Positive For COVID-19

Twitter

65 employees of Amrik Sukhdev dhaba and 10 of Garam Dharam, owned by Bollywood actor Dharmendra, had tested positive for COVID-19 last week forcing the local authorities to seal them. Read more

5) Despite Thousands Of Deaths, Some Indians Still Believe COVID Pandemic Is A Hoax

Reuters

Fake news is travelling much faster than the coronavirus pandemic in the country. Fake posts, rumours and conspiracy theories have been making rounds on social media, which claim coronavirus isn't a reality. Read more
South Africa: Torching of Clicks stores no way to resolve conflict

Government has expressed concern at the vandalising and torching of Clicks stores across the country, saying it goes against the spirit of peace and respect for human rights.

In a statement on Monday, government said it noted the public outrage following the Clicks advertisement, where black hair is portrayed as dry and damaged.

Government said while it is equally disturbed by the crude racist display by the advertisement in question, acts of lawlessness, including vandalism and burning down Clicks stores, on Monday were of concern.

It said this goes against the spirit of peace and respect for human rights that have shaped this country since the dawn of democracy.

Government also spoke out against engaging in lawless behaviour, saying that this kind of behaviour is not the responsible way to resolve conflict.

As the matter is being ventilated, government called on all South Africans to resist the temptation to take the law into their own hands, to remain calm and follow the correct and legal channels to address their concerns.

It called on citizens, who witness any form of intimidation or act of violence, to contact the nearest police station or call the toll free number on 10 111 to report such incidents.

We remain committed to the values of democracy. Any form of discrimination or violation of human rights for whatever reason cannot be tolerated, as it undermines the progress made in building a united democratic country, said Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu.

Government said the fight against discrimination remains the priority of government and it is for this reason that in March 2019, Cabinet approved the National Action Plan to Combat Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance -- a tool that empowers government to act against such injustices.

Even in the face of resistance by a small minority, we continue with efforts to build a united South Africa that we can all be proud of. In the spirit of social cohesion, let us all cherish and respect one another, regardless of colour, background, gender and religion, Mthembu said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2020-09-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
B oris Johnson was today warned that his hopes of a free trade deal with Donald Trump face being torpedoed in the US Congress if he violates the Good Friday Agreement.

The threat was levelled by US congressmen sympathetic to the Republic of Irelands fears that the Prime Minister is using the Irish border issue as a bargaining chip in this weeks talks with the European Union.

Brendan Boyle, a Democrat member of the US House of Representatives, said: If the UK in leaving the European Union, which is fully their right to do, in such a way that it violates the Good Friday Agreement, there will be no US-UK free trade agreement, period. So the UK needs to understand, there will be consequences that stretch well beyond trust [in its] dealings with the EU on this matter.

The issue flared up when government plans emerged to publish legislation that could potentially over-ride aspects of the Withdrawal Agreement signed in January which commits the UK and the EU to legal measures to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland the Republic.

The disclosure caused concern in Brussels where it was seen as a ploy to increase pressure on EU negotiators to make concessions leading to a free trade deal. Downing Street played down the row, denying it was a bargaining move and insisting new laws would only be needed to tidy up loose ends in the Withdrawal Agreement.

Mr Boyle, a member of the ways and means committee overseeing US taxes and tariffs, made clear he did not trust this version of events. I thought, like most of us on this side of the Atlantic, that the issue was resolved, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

He said No 10s explanation was not consistent at all with the reporting that Ive read and warned all parties against acting in a cavalier way.

Mr Boyle denied that he was making a threat over the possible impact on a UK-US free trade deal, saying its just a statement of reality and reflected the strength of feeling among Democrats.

Brexit briefing: 114 days until the end of the transition period

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick today said Britain was ready to leave the EU trading bloc and trade on World Trade Organisation terms unless it was shown more flexibility by the EU side.

Last night David Frost, the UKs chief negotiator, called for more realism from the EU before his eighth round of talks with EU counterpart Michel Barnier starting today, aimed at securing a deal on trade and future cooperation.

We have now been talking for six months and can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground, Mr Frost said. We need to see more realism from the EU about our status as an independent country.

But Mr Barnier said he would be seeking clarification about the Northern Ireland issue.

And European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen warned there could be no backtracking by the UK on its previous commitments if it wanted to reach a free trade agreement.

(The) protocol on Ireland-Northern Ireland is essential to protect peace and stability on the island and integrity of the single market, she said.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said the Government was proposing limited clarifications to the law to ensure ministers can preserve the gains of the Good Friday Agreement in the event of no deal.

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The Internal Market Bill to be tabled tomorrow will ensure goods from Northern Ireland continue to have unfettered access to the UK market while making clear EU state aid rules, which will

continue to apply in Northern Ireland, will not apply in the rest of the UK.
Headrest canopies and fabric barriers between seats could start appearing in airplane cabins as the embattled industry tries to ward off the coronavirus.

Airlines desperate for governments to lift travel restrictions and passengers to return are looking at ways to reassure the public that their health wont be compromised on a flight. New-look seats and fresh cabins could be a start.

One of the biggest companies in that business, Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH, has designed a range of modifications to keep passengers apart and protect them from infection.

Airlines are considering installing Recaros equipment as temporary cabin makeovers, according to Chief Executive Officer Mark Hiller. They need fittings that are easy to maneuver, lightweight and available at short notice, he said.

There is definitely large interest from across the different regions, Hiller said in an interview.

With a coronavirus vaccine possibly years away, airlines need to persuade the public it is safe to fly when an infected passenger might be next to them. Sporadic flareups around the world are putting people off: Global traffic in July was down almost 80% from a year earlier, a steeper-than-expected slump, the International Air Transport Association said last week.

Of the planes that are flying, many are half empty. Aircraft typically must be 70% to 80% full to turn a profit, so that increases the appeal of devices that let passengers sit side by side without touching heads, brushing shoulders or nudging elbows.

Airlines are also figuring out how to apply a disinfectant coating developed by Recaro onto their seats, Hiller said. The German company says it has revamped the substance to repel viruses including Covid-19.

While the industry has for months said theres little chance of catching the virus on a plane because there are hospital-grade air filters on board, that argument has been undermined by breakouts on some flights.

All 187 passengers and six crew on a TUI AG flight from the Greek resort of Zante to Cardiff last month were asked to self-isolate after at least 16 confirmed cases were identified on the Aug. 25 service.

Recaro, which sold about 150,000 aircraft seats last year, isnt immune to the crisis gripping the aviation industry, despite potential demand for its designs. Hiller said revenue is expected to drop almost 60% this year.

Even if airlines arent going to buy new planes, they might go for new cabins that are more comfortable or adapted to Covid, he said.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)

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Indian Army officers are convinced China is maintaining the pretence of dialogue and negotiations in order to create the opportunity to occupy more Indian territory.

Senior Indian planners apprehend this might be a Chinese ploy to divert attention from Depsang, in Northern Ladakh, which might be China's actual target.

Ajai Shukla reports.

IMAGE: People pay tribute to Special Frontier Force commando Nyima Tenzin, who lost his life at the Line of Actual Control, during his funeral in Devachan, Leh, September 7, 2020. Bharatiya Janata Party General Secretary Ram Madhav and BJP MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal can also be seen. Photograph: PTI Photo

The failure of three months of military and diplomatic dialogue in persuading Beijing to withdraw its troops from Eastern Ladakh was underlined on August 30 when hundreds of soldiers of China's People's Liberation Army crossed into the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control south of Pangong Tso, occupied a mountain called Helmet Top and began building fortifications.

Credible government sources say when Indian soldiers from the nearby Thakung post intervened, physical clashes broke out, though there are no reports of firing or casualties on either side.

Sources say the PLA now occupies Helmet Top as well as a nearby feature called Black Top, both of which are on the Indian side of the LAC.

From here, Chinese soldiers can observe and track Indian movements across the Pangong lake and as far away as India's tactically vital Chushul garrison.

'On the night of 29/30 August, PLA troops violated the consensus arrived at during military and diplomatic engagements and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo,' the Indian Army stated.

'Indian troops pre-empted this PLA activity on the southern bank of Pangong Tso lake, undertook measures to strengthen our positions and thwart Chinese intentions to unilaterally change facts on ground,' said the army statement.

Indian officials, however, are keeping silent about a counter operation, launched on August 30 night by soldiers of a secretive Indian commando force called the Special Frontier Force.

Consisting of soldiers recruited from the Tibetan refugee community in India and formed into what are termed 'Vikas battalion', an SFF detachment is reported to have occupied key heights that China claims as their own.

There are differing accounts of what transpired, but, according to one source, the SFF detachment clashed with Chinese troops and inflicted significant casualties on them.

One Tibetan SFF officer was killed and at least two injured in the operation.

The PLA Western Theatre Command, which is responsible for the entire India-China border, accused India of 'illegally crossing the line' on August 31 at two points -- the south bank of Pangong lake and near Rezang La.

The PLA statement said India had 'blatantly provoked and caused tension on the border' and had 'undermined the consensus reached' at the diplomatic and military talks.

Stating that 'this move by the Indian side seriously violated China's territorial sovereignty', the PLA said it is 'taking necessary countermeasures, will pay close attention to developments and resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and peace and stability in border areas'.

The Pangong sector has been bitterly contested since the PLA trespassed across the LAC in mid-May. The bulk of the Chinese force occupied the Pangong lake's northern bank, up to a point called Finger 4.

Several hundred more climbed the hills that overlook Pangong lake from the north and entrenched themselves on a dominating height called Green Top, where they still remain.

Another 2,000 crossed the LAC into the Pangong lake's south bank and began patrolling up to a mountain called Black Top, which adjoins Helmet Top and Indias important Thakung post.

Both Black Top and Helmet Top are on India's side of the LAC. The PLA's occupation of these features has effectively shifted the LAC westwards, to China's advantage.

Sources on the ground say the PLA brought along enough building materials to Helmet Top to construct fortifications for three-four infantry companies (300 to 400 soldiers).

On the north bank of the Pangong lake, the PLA has shifted the LAC to its advantage by about 8 km, from Finger 8 to Finger 4.

On the south bank, however, the strongly held Thakung post -- which has a mixed garrison of army soldiers and Indo-Tibetan Border Police troopers -- continues to dominate the Pangong lake's southern bank and observe Chinese activity on the lake and even on the north bank.

India has reinforced Eastern Ladakh strongly and there is anger amongst soldiers and young officers at what they perceive as Chinese perfidy.

Many are convinced China is maintaining the pretence of dialogue and negotiations in order to create the opportunity to occupy more Indian territory.

Senior Indian planners apprehend this might be a Chinese ploy to divert attention from Depsang, in Northern Ladakh, which might be China's actual target.

Depsang offers the shortest and easiest route for Indian armoured columns to reach the strategic Tibet-Xinjiang road (Highway G219), the security of which is Beijing's core sensitivity in this area.

PLA intrusions 15 km into the Depsang sector have currently blocked Indian patrols' routes to the LAC.

The Chinese are also clinging to advantageous positions they occupied in the Hot Spring -- Gogra area -- despite an agreed withdrawal plan.
BEIRUT - Italys prime minister said Tuesday his country will support Lebanons economic and social growth, expressing hopes that a new government is formed quickly  one that would start the reconstruction process in the wake of last months Beirut explosion and implement badly needed reforms.

Giuseppe Conte is the latest senior foreign official to visit Lebanon after the Aug. 4 blast in Beiruts port that killed 192 people, wounded more than 6,000 and caused wide destruction and damages, estimated in billions of dollars.

Italy, one of Lebanons largest trade partners, sent aid in the immediate aftermath of the explosion. It is still not known what ignited nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate that had been stored at Beiruts port for six years. Italy also sent a field hospital that Conte described as very advanced, and a team of military engineers that are working at the port.

Conte made his comments after meeting Lebanese President Michel Aoun. He then visited other officials, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and outgoing Prime Minister Hassan Diab.

Lebanon can rely on Italy and Italys role in the European Union and the international community, he said.

The international community has warned it would not provide financial assistance to Lebanon unless it implements reforms to fight widespread corruption and mismanagement that have brought the tiny nation to the brink of bankruptcy. Lebanon has been passing through its worst economic and financial crisis in decades, made worse by coronavirus and the port blast.

In late August, Lebanons ambassador to Germany, Mustapha Adib, a dual Lebanese-French citizen, gained majority support from parliament members to form a new Cabinet. The outgoing Cabinet resigned six days after the explosion.

Adib promised to carry out the mission as he prepared to form a new Cabinet, saying he will work on reaching a bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund. Lebanon has one of the highest debt ratios in the world at 170% of GDP and defaulted on paying back its debt for the first time in March.

During a visit to Beirut last week, French President Emmanuel Macron said Lebanese politicians have committed to a road map that begins with a government of experts to be formed in two weeks and to quickly enact reforms.

Many Lebanese have lost faith in the political class that has been running the country for decades, blaming it for the corruption that has reached unprecedented levels in recent years.

Time has come to look forward and build confidence between citizens and institutions and open a new page of Lebanons history, Conte said.

Also on Tuesday, a small fire broke out at Beiruts port in an open area where rubble and debris from the blast were being piled. State-run National News Agency said the fire was quickly extinguished.

Video and photos of the white smoke billowing from the port were circulated on social media with some warning people to stay away. The fire was a reminder of the flames and smoke that preceded the massive blast last month that traumatized the nation.
Babloyan said he needs to travel to Belgium on a short trip related to his current work as head of Armenias largest childrens hospital.

Im glad that I received permission to leave because [the trip] is necessary not for me but our country, our people and those children who are treated at the Arabkir Medical Center, he told reporters. He said he will return to the country on October 4, well before the next session of his trial slated for November 18.

Babloyans lawyer, Aram Vartevanian, said trial prosecutors did not object to the permission granted by the judge presiding over the trial.

In Vartevanians words, the judge had already allowed his client to travel to Switzerland earlier this year. The 72-year-old pediatric surgeon cancelled that trip because of the coronavirus pandemic and his hospitals involvement in the Armenian authorities efforts to contain it, said the lawyer.

Babloyan and one of his former aides, Arsen Babayan, were charged last October with abusing their powers and forging documents to help Armenias former leadership install Hrayr Tovmasian as chairman of the Constitutional Court in March 2018. Babayan was arrested but freed on bail three weeks later.

The Special Investigative Service (SIS) indicted the two men as Tovmasian faced growing government pressure to resign. It claimed that the former Armenian parliament elected him court chairman in breach of the countrys constitution.

The SIS said that Babloyan illegally accepted and announced the resignation of Tovmasians predecessor, Gagik Harutiunian, before receiving a relevant letter from him. It said that Babayan, who was the deputy chief of the parliament staff at the time, backdated the letter to enable Tovmasian to head the Constitutional Court before the entry into force of sweeping amendments to the Armenian constitution.

The amendments introduced a six-year term in office for the head of Armenias highest court. Tovmasian, 49, became chief court justice under the previous constitution which allows him to hold the post until the age of 70.

Both defendants strongly deny the accusations. Babloyan, who served as parliament speaker from 2017-2018, claimed to be subjected to crude political persecution at the start of their trial in May. He accused the SIS of committing pathetic and blatant violations of the due process.
ARCHIVED - Spain re-negotiates tourist corridors with the United Kingdom



Foreign Affairs Minister Gonzalez Laya sees the opening of "a window of opportunity" for Spanish tourism

Theres no doubt that the loss of international tourists due to the multiple restrictions on travel to Spain and mandatory quarantines imposed by nations across Europe on those visiting Spain has been a hard blow for the tourism sector, which has predicted that by the end of the year its losses will amount to nearly 100 billion euros.



So any straws are worth clutching at and the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arancha Gonzalez Laya, announced on Tuesday that Spain will negotiate "tourist corridors" with the United Kingdom after an announcement from the UK Government relating to a rethink of its strategy for travel recommendations within the framework of the coronavirus to analyze the epidemiological situation of islands separately.



The Spanish Government hopes that safe "tourist corridors" to the Spanish offshore islands can be confirmed, "the agreement that has been reached with the United Kingdom is that the corridors can be launched with an archipelago approach, now it will be necessary to negotiate in which place, and based on what information Spain should provide," Gonzalez Laya explained in an interview with RNE radio.

.

The minister has made it clear that this agreement has yet to be finalized but has defended that "the important thing is that a window of opportunity that did not exist before is opening."



The new British approach, announced on Monday, has not meant any change for the Balearic Islands or the Canary Islands at the moment, and those who enter the United Kingdom from the Spanish archipelagos continue to have a two-week quarantine.



British Transport Minister, Grant Shapps, stressed that the rate of infections in the Balearic and Canary Islands is still too high, and indeed, the contagions rate is higher now than when London first imposed a quarantine for travellers from all over Spain, which included the archipelagos. In fact, the first consequence of the new British policy has been to impose a quarantine on travellers from seven Greek islands  excluding the remainder of Greece.



However, Gonzalez Laya maintains that , "it is important news" especially for the Canary archipelago, which has "a specificity of winter tourism that is almost more important than that of summer," and is a popular winter sun destination.



The Minister explained in the interview that the Government is "fighting on two fronts", in both Brussels and in the United Kingdom so that, as the Covid pandemic progresses and it becomes clear that it will be necessary for us all just to live with it, the methods used to make decisions are harmonised within the EU, based on " territorialized "data.



Spain is amongst the EU partners calling for harmonization and uniformity in European measures, and asking the EU to set standard levels against which travel restrictions or recommendations can be made, based not only on the numbers of infections, but also on asymptomatic, hospitalized cases, ICU admissions and the number of tests performed.



Spain is currently reporting considerably higher case rates per capita than many of its more important target markets, but is also carrying out considerably more tests than many of these same countries and does not want to be penalised for its attempts to locate and quarantine asymptomatic cases rather than pretending they dont exist in order to publish artificially low case rates.



Asked about the outbreak of the pandemic in Spain and whether it could be due to the fact that the borders were opened too soon, she pointed out that all countries are experiencing new outbreaks although "perhaps in Spain they began earlier than in other countries". She also said that "it is not surprising", because infections have grown as freedom of movement has increased.



"It is a reflection of the situation with which we are going to have to live," she said: the opening of spaces and return to activity must be made compatible with "control and responsibility so that Covid does not run amok."

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Thats why Woodsons family is hoping Congress and Trump will make it happen. Trone said he is writing a letter to the president this week to appeal to him directly to choose to honor Woodson, and White House spokesman Judd Deere said the White House will look into it. President Trump believes Cpl. Waverly Woodson, like all of those who have bravely served, is a hero, Deere said, adding that Trump is inclined to support the legislation to honor Cpl. Woodson.
Facing a tariff threat from President Donald Trump's administration, the Mexican government was forced to divert money from a fund set to promote regional development and instead spent it on renovating immigration detention centers and transporting migrants away from the United States-Mexico border.

According to information obtained by The Associated Press through public records requests, the administration of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador designated more than $4 million from the Mexico Fund last year to immigration containment purposes.

In late May 2019, President Trump threatened devastating tariffs on all Mexican imports unless Mexico acted to contain the flow of migrants crossing its territory.

Furious negotiations produced an agreement that averted the crisis. Mexico deployed its newly created National Guard to intercept migrants and agreed to expand a program that allowed the U.S. to make asylum seekers from other countries wait in Mexico while their cases were processed in U.S. courts.

Migrants (photographed July 18, 2019) sit in a bus that was organized by the Mexican government, which took them from an immigration center in the border city of Nuevo Laredo to Monterrey, Mexico, after they were returned to Mexico by United States authorities

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's (left) administration moved more than $4 million from the Mexico Fund in 2019 to stop the flow of migrants to the United States-Mexico border after President Donald Trump (right) threatened Mexico with import tariffs on Mexican goods

Unnoticed at the time was an adjustment the Mexican government made in June 2019 to its Mexico Fund, which supported development projects in Central America and the Caribbean.

In a decree, the government said the fund 'required a new vision that allows for better use of resources' and that it could now also be used for the 'registration, control and tracking' of immigration flows and equipping detention centers.

The AP requested comment from the Foreign Affairs ministry about changing the objectives of the fund known officially as the Infrastructure Fund for Mesoamerican and Caribbean Countries and whether it was done under pressure from the U.S. government. The ministry answered only by listing improvements made to immigration detention centers.

Tonatiuh Guillen, who resigned as head of Mexico's immigration agency a week after the agreement with the U.S., said the diversion of the development funds was a 'dramatic turnaround' from the fund's mission and illustrates what happened last year: 'a recomposition of the immigration vision completely oriented toward containment that leaves us without tools and resources to design development strategies, which had been the government's objective.'

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador had campaigned on a different, more humanitarian approach to immigration.

Mexico would support countries in Central Americas Northern Triangle that were the principal senders of migrants with the goal of making migration an option, not a necessity. During the first three months of his presidency, Mexico issued 15,000 humanitarian visas to Central Americans traveling in caravans.

Lopez Obrador has maintained the same language and launched some development programs in Central America, but government actions changed after Trump's tariff threat.

Guardsmen swept thousands of migrants off Mexican highways. Guillen was replaced by Mexico's prisons director. Deportations increased. And border cities, already plagued by cartel violence, filled with some 60,000 asylum seekers returned by the U.S. to wait out a process that lasts months and sometimes years.

Many asylum seekers were assaulted, kidnapped and extorted. Some, traveling with children, decided to give up.

The Foreign Affairs ministry provided documents detailing that in July 2019, the Mexican International Cooperation Agency for Development sent some $3.3 million from the fund [at the exchange rate then] to detention centers and in September 2019 more than $700,000 went to transporting asylum seekers south.

An agent from Mexico's National Migration Institute speaks to a Guatemalan migrant who was detained after attempting to cross into the U.S., at the border between the U.S. and Mexico, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on August 20, 2020

A border wall section (photographed August 20, 2020) which was allegedly built with money from Trump supporters who donated in the crowdfunding campaign called 'We Build the Wall'

The Mexican government has not said how many of those migrants were bused south away from the border, but the Foreign Affairs ministry said months ago that more than half of those waiting had decided voluntarily to return to their countries.

'They're inviting people to self-deport' without the necessary information and without explaining the repercussions it would have on their asylum cases,' said Maureen Meyer, vice president and Mexico director for the advocacy organization Washington Office on Latin America.

'The fact that the Mexican government diverted funding designated to address the economic push factors driving migration to the U.S. in favor of moving asylum-seekers away from Mexico's northern to southern border, and to improve conditions in Mexico's detention centers, is a clear sign of how the Lopez Obrador administration has shifted its migration priorities in response to the demands of the Trump administration.'

The program sending asylum seekers back to wait in Mexico stalled this March when the U.S. effectively suspended its asylum process at the southern border due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the U.S. government continued sending migrants who had crossed illegally back to Mexico.

In April, the Mexican government tapped the fund again for more than $700,000 for 'ground transport, free and voluntary, of people in the national territory,' nearly the same amount as 2019. The AP confirmed at the time that the Mexican government was moving migrants in buses from the northern border south to the border with Guatemala. Many were left there without a way to continue because the pandemic had closed borders.

Since 2011, the Mexico Fund has disbursed nearly $150 million to 11 countries, most of that designated during the two prior administrations for infrastructure projects in Central America.

Last year, Lopez Obrador's administration also designated more than $62 million from the Mexico Fund for extensions of two social programs to Honduras and El Salvador. It was not clear how much of that money had been disbursed.

Asked to comment on use of the fund, Mexico's Foreign Affairs ministry said that 'there's no money left' and that in May, the government ordered an end to the fund once its commitments are fulfilled, which could take years, as part of Lopez Obrador's mission to eliminate such pots of money that he sees potential targets of corruption.

Guillen, the former immigration agency director, said, 'It is clear the original objective of this fund was distorted and it's also clear that we don't have sufficient information about the spending.'
The California Department of Insurance fined self-storage company, c, $250,000 for offering and selling more than $2.1 million in insurance products to its renters without an insurance license.

SmartStop Asset Management, LLC and its affiliates, collectively SmartStop, control, manage, or contract with other entities to manage self-storage facilities that are leased to California renters.

On July 27, the CDI issued a cease and desist order to SmartStop, requiring the unlicensed company to immediately stop selling insurance products to their California storage unit renters. The order alleges between October 2017 and July 2019, SmartStop offered and sold roughly 19,500 insurance policies to California consumers without an insurance license from the department as required by law.

The CDIs investigation discovered SmartStop charged renters more than $2.1 million for renters insurance, retaining more than $1.8 million as operating fees. It was not disclosed to renters that they would be paying high fees to SmartStop for insurance that actually cost far less.

Topics California
Exiled Belarus opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, in a virtual appearance before the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on September 8, urged international pressure, including sanctions on President Alyaksandr Lukashenka and his government. Tsikhanouskaya told the PACE representatives that Lukashenka no longer represents Belarus and any future international treaty agreed with him would not be upheld by a democratically elected Belarusian government.
ome economists are confident that Indias economy will recover quickly once we unlock fully, even if the coronavirus continues to infect a manageable" share of the population. This view underestimates the long-lasting damage that covid-19 has caused to people and businesses. Discouraged entrepreneurs will wait a while before summoning the courage to reopen and hire again. Therefore, it is imperative that the government undertakes urgent, carefully-targeted measures to enable the country to rebound from an unprecedented economic collapse.

Interventions must focus on sectors that employ large numbers and whose multiplier impacts are substantial. Of these, manufacturing is down by about 40%, construction down by roughly 50%, and trade, hotels, etc., are down by 47%, by the first quarter output data for 2020-21. While agriculture has grown marginally, at 3.4%, this sector supports half our population and still needs assistance. Additionally, Indias large informal economy has been hurt badly, but the gross domestic product (GDP) figures do not fully capture the magnitude of this devastation.

Anyone facing the loss of a quarter of ones income will cut down discretionary spending. Some people will tap into savings to honour financial commitments. Those working on smaller margins may fall into debt traps. They will cut expenditure on even essential items like food. As people curtail expenses, tax revenues will shrink, leaving central and state governments with limited space to undertake welfare programmes and other strategic expenditure.

This can spiral into a vicious cycle, leading to depression. The conventional Keynesian wisdom is for governments to reverse course through significant fiscal interventions. Unfortunately, the central governments response to the crisis is unconscionable. It has sought to hide behind calling the crisis an act of God", and terming the contraction an exogenous shock". It is not. It is the result of grave economic mismanagement.

In pre-covid years, Indias economy was vibrant until it experienced the twin shocks of demonetization and a hasty goods and services tax (GST). The government did not restore the health of banks balance sheets, impeding investments and pushing stalled projects to a record high. Indias officially recorded growth rate slumped from 8.3% in 2016-17 to 4.2% in 2019-20. The unplanned lockdown pushed this slowdown into a GDP collapse of -24% in the first quarter of 2020-21.

India had ample time to prepare itself for the virus and ensuing economic challenges. The Modi government, it seems, chose to do neither. Instead, it gave us slogans: a 20 trillion package and atmanirbharta (self-reliance). In July, two months after the mega announcement, the consumer confidence survey of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported record despondency. The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy estimates the loss of 20 million salaried jobs since the lockdown. The central government has displayed reluctance to honour its constitutional commitment to states on compensation for GST-intake shortfalls, crippling them at a time when they are at the frontlines of coping with covid-19.

Yet, India may still be able to avert an L-shaped economic curve, where, after growth collapses, it stays low and stagnant. We must ensure a V curve by pumping in massive resources to save businesses and provide people a minimal financial cushion. Such government expenditure is not a stimulus; it is life support. Simply put, L is for Losers and V is for Victors.

Unfortunately, it appears that the Narendra Modi government set its heart on a J curve, where J stands for jumla (false promise). It seems to have bet that if enough people and businesses fell for its 20 lakh crore jumla, their unleashed animal spirits would turn the economy around. People, however, saw through this. So India became the worst performer among the worlds large economies, and tops the global chart of new covid infections.

The government must increase its fiscal deficit instead of exhorting entrepreneurs to dive deeper into debt. Enterprises already burdened by debt will be wary of undertaking new projects. Hence, interest subvention and extended loan moratoriums are crucial to revive private investment.

For construction, the sector with the strongest multiplier impact, the government should fast track and creatively finance its 100 trillion infrastructure pipeline. It should revive its realty fund aimed at helping stalled residential projects reach completion, after incorporating lessons from the previous rollout. Healthcare and green infrastructure investments will enhance Indias resilience.

Micro, small and medium enterprises and artisans, especially in the informal sector, will need income-support to stay afloat. Belatedly, the government announced an unemployment support scheme last month. It can emulate the Paycheck Protection Program of the US, under which loans are provided to units on the condition that employees are retained for a period. This can enable the formalization of the informal sector and add large numbers of workers to provident fund rolls.

While agriculture saw positive growth on the back of record rabi procurement, rural India will confront crashing prices and falling exports in the July-September quarter, in addition to a loss of remittances. Before covid-19, a suppressed National Sample Survey report exposed drops in food consumption and worsening malnutrition in rural India. For both the rural and urban poor, an expanded Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, a threshold level of food rations from our substantial stocks, and direct cash transfers must be continued.

RBIs annual report reiterates that private consumption is the key to an economic recovery. People will spend and jump-start demand if they are back at work and confident of their future. The central government can instil that confidence through careful, deficit-financed and well-aimed initiatives that generate a multiplier effect and initiate a virtuous cycle of growth. Once India is back in business, the resulting growth will generate revenues to repay the deficit.

The need of the hour is a meaningful tranche of government expenditure that puts spending power in peoples hands. Only that will enable our people, businesses and economy to survive, revive and thrive.

M.V. Rajeev Gowda and Akash Satyawali are, respectively, a former member of Parliament and chairman of the All India Congress Committees research department, and outreach coordinator at the department.

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Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty on Monday (September 7) filed a complaint with the Mumbai Police against the actor's sister Priyanka Singh and Dr Tarun Kumar of Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital over what she claimed a "bogus medical prescription" to help Sushant procure medicines to treat anxiety. Rhea also mentioned in her complaint that Priyanka molested her and demanded sexual relationship with her in 2019.

"Priyanka Singh started touching to my body with unusual behaviour and then she started molesting me and started demanding sexual relationship," Rhea said in her complaint.

The complaint was registered at Bandra Police station under U/S 420 ,464,465,466,468,474,306 r/w 120B /34 IPC AND Sec 8(1),21,22 ,29 of NDPS Act.

"(Sushant Singh Rajput) died merely five days after obtaining the prescription in which he was unlawfully prescribed psychotropic substances," Rhea Chakraborty said in her complaint.

"It is imperative that the actions of Priyanka Singh, Dr Tarun Kumar and others be investigated and that it be determined as to how they came to provide the deceased with such a bogus and unlawful prescription," she added.

In her complaint, Rhea said that the forged prescription sent via Whatsapp to Sushant by his sister depicted the late Bollywood actor as being at a Delhi Out Patient Department when he was in Mumbai.

Rhea's complaint is based on WhatsApp texts between Sushant and Priyanka from June 8, six days before the actor was found hanging at his residence in Mumbai.

The chat shows that Priyanka suggested Sushant to take Librium for a week, Nexito every day and Lonazep for "whenever there is anxiety attack".

Notably, these medicines are prescribed to treat depression and anxiety. The Whatsapp chat also revealed that Priyanka told Sushant that she can help him connect with the "best doctor in Mumbai, all confidential".

Rhea claimed that she left Sushant's apartment on June 8 and the actor had showed her the messages he had received from her sister. Rhea added in her complaint she tried to dissuade Sushant from taking the medicines suggested by his sister, but the actor "insisted" on only taking medicines "his sister was prescribing him".

"The deceased then proceeded to ask me to leave the house as his other sister Meethu Singh was coming to live with him and would take care of him. It was thus that I came to leave our residence and this was also the last time I saw the deceased alive," Rhea mentioned in her complaint.

Rhea also said that Sushant was undergoing treatment for mental health issues and was suffering from bipolar disorder. "However, the deceased was not disciplined in respect of his treatment and would abruptly stop his medication to the dismay of his doctors and myself," she noted.

The 28-year-old Rhea is being probed over allegations that she mentally harassed the actor and stole a huge amount of money from his accounts. The agencies are also probing whether she had a role in Sushant's death.

Rhea was also questioned for two consecutive days by the Narcotics Control Bureau, which has arrested her brother Showik and two personal staff of Sushant in its probe into a drugs angle in the death of the actor.
Steven Guilbeault was an environmental activist before he landed less than a year ago as heritage minister in Justin Trudeaus government.

Oddly enough, Guilbeault is finding that background to be good preparation for his looming battle with tech giants such as Facebook and Google, and the resistance theyre showing to having their power reined in by governments around the world.

This is the type of thing you would expect from a big polluter, what a big polluter would say 20 years ago, Guilbeault said during a conversation on Tuesday in his ministerial office in Gatineau, Que., across the river from Parliament Hill.

It was that feeling  a combination of surprise and deja vu  that hit Guilbeault last week when Facebook announced it was playing hardball with the Australian government. Faced with looming legislation that would force the tech giant to pay for news it circulated on its platform, Facebook declared that it would simply block all Australian news on its sites worldwide.

To see Facebook react the way they did, Guilbeault said, I mean, especially after all the bad press theyve been getting, Im like, Really guys? 

This is also a minister who has said that data is the new oil, so the polluters metaphor isnt just tossed off the top of his head. In Guilbeaults view, the tech giants are failing to appreciate that a reckoning is coming for big social-media corporations that fail to assume their societal responsibilities  much like those big polluters of the last century.

I think you can bully one country around, you may be able to bully two countries, but at one point, they wont be able to do it, Guilbeault said. Soon enough, its going to be France and its going to be Australia and Canada will be on board  and I suspect we will find other allies internationally who will want to do this.

In another interview last weekend, Guilbeault used the word immoral to describe the tech giants and he says it isnt one he used lightly. Yeah, I dont think that the way theyve been operating is very moral.

In addition to his 25-year career with the Quebec conservation group Equiterre, Guilbeault is the author of three books. His latest was a deep dive into the role of artificial intelligence in the climate fight, so he comes to the tech-giant battleground with some considered opinions on data and social good.

Guilbeault isnt giving out specifics yet on exactly when and how Canada intends to make corporations like Facebook and Google pay for news, but he clearly sees it as one of the chief ways that government can work to ensure the long-term viability of more traditional media organizations.

Some of the battle plan is already out there. Last years Liberal election platform contained a promise to levy a three per cent tax on revenue that digital giants generate through sales of online advertising and user data  a measure that would have been in Budget 2020 had it not been postponed by the pandemic.

Erin OToole had a similar idea in his Conservative leadership platform too, so this isnt a political deal-breaker in a minority Parliament.

It is almost bound to turn up in the coming speech from the throne, along with some other tough talk aimed in the direction of Facebook, Google and others.

As Guilbeault points out, the tech giants should be able to see where the political winds are blowing, not just in Canada but around the world.

The standoff between Australia and Facebook hasnt deterred him, and hes talking a lot to counterparts in France about their efforts to make the tech giants pay. Frances plan revolves more around ideas related to copyright, but Guilbeault said the aim is the same.

There are going to be some differences, but conceptually yeah, were trying to ensure that media get compensated fairly for further use of their content by web giants like Google and Facebook. Ultimately, thats what everybodys trying to do.

Well  almost everybody. One wild card in all of this, of course, is the looming U.S. election and the question of whether Donald Trump stays in office.

The president has made loud noises before about any foreign attempt to tax the tech giants, which are largely based in the U.S., seeing this as a declaration of a trade war.

Guilbeault says hes not about to start any wars. Im not  I just want to make sure that people are treated fairly.

He prefers to see this campaign as similar in size and scope to the ones he waged for the environment; making polluters pay 20 years ago and making the tech giants pay today. Im still an activist.

Susan Delacourt is an Ottawa-based columnist covering national politics for the Star. Reach her via email: sdelacourt@thestar.ca or follow her on Twitter: @susandelacourt

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Asif Pervaiz, 37, who has been in custody since 2013, given death penalty for sending blasphemous text messages.

Islamabad, Pakistan  A court in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore has sentenced a Christian man to death for having committed blasphemy, his lawyer says, in the latest case of Pakistans strict religious laws being applied against minorities.

Asif Pervaiz, 37, has been in custody since 2013 when he was accused of having sent blasphemous text messages to a former supervisor at work, lawyer Saif-ul-Malook told Al Jazeera.

The court rejected his testimony wherein he denied the charges and sentenced him to death on Tuesday.

The complainant was a supervisor in a hosiery factory where Asif was working under him, said Malook.

He denied the allegations and said that this man was trying to get him to convert to Islam.

Speaking in his own defence in court earlier in the trial, Pervaiz claimed the supervisor confronted him after he quit work at the factory, and when he refused to convert he was accused of having sent blasphemous text messages to the man.

Blasphemy laws

Muhammad Saeed Khokher, the complainant in the case, denies wanting to convert Parvaiz, according to his lawyer, Ghulam Mustafa Chaudhry.

He has taken this defence after the fact, because he had no other clear defence, Chaudhry told Al Jazeera. Thats why he accused him of trying to convert him.

Chaudhry said there were other Christian employees at the factory, but none have accused Khokher of proselytising.

Pakistans strict blasphemy laws prescribe a mandatory death penalty for the crime of insulting Islams Prophet Muhammad, and strict penalties for other infractions such as insulting Islam, the holy Quran or certain holy people.

There are currently at least 80 people in prison in Pakistan for the crime of blasphemy, with at least half of them facing life sentences or the death penalty, according to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

Those accused under the laws are mainly Muslim, in a country where 98 percent of the population follows Islam, but the laws disproportionately target members of minorities such as Christians and Hindus.

Aasia Bibi case

In one of the most high-profile blasphemy cases in the countrys history, the Supreme Court ruled in October 2018 that a Christian woman, Aasia Bibi, had been framed in her case and that the laws had inadequate oversight for false accusations.

Those accusations can have deadly consequences. Since 1990, at least 77 people have been killed in connection with blasphemy allegations, according to an Al Jazeera tally.

Those killed have included people accused of blasphemy, their family members, lawyers and judges who have acquitted those accused of the crime. Bibi fled Pakistan in 2019 due to threats against her life.

The latest such murder took place in July when a man accused of blasphemy was shot six times in a courtroom during a hearing in his case.

His murderer was apprehended and was garlanded with roses by far-right supporters during subsequent court appearances.

This month has seen a sharp spike in blasphemy cases being registered in Pakistan, particularly in the most populous province of Punjab. Many of these cases have targeted the countrys sizeable Shia Muslim minority, which forms roughly 15 percent of the population.

Since a series of large-scale sit-in protests on the issue of blasphemy in 2017, political parties have increasingly been including messaging on blasphemy in their platforms.

The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) political party, formed by firebrand scholar Khadim Hussain Rizvi ahead of the 2018 polls, campaigned on a platform based on defence of the blasphemy laws.

While it won few seats, it garnered the fourth-highest share of the countrywide popular vote by a single party.

Asad Hashim is Al Jazeeras digital correspondent in Pakistan. He tweets @AsadHashim
An Amber Alert was issued this afternoon for a 10-year-old Miami girl who has been missing for more than 48 hours.

Randi Canion was last seen at around 11pm on Saturday in the area of North Bayshore Drive and 78th Street, which is a residential neighborhood located a couple of blocks from the ocean.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued the Amber Alert shortly before 2pm, stating that Randi may be traveling with an unidentified white man in a white van with an unknown license plate.

Randi is 5-foot-3 and weighs 140lbs. She has long black braids and brown eyes.

Police in Miami are looking for 10-year-old Randi Canion who went missing at 11pm on Saturday

Randi is pictured with her mother, left and right. The girl will be turning 11 in less than two weeks

Randi was last seen in the area of North Bayshore Drive and 78th Street in Miami

The Miami Police Department has not shared any additional details concerning the child's disappearance.

Randi's mother has been posting messages on her Facebook account, urging people to continue looking for her missing daughter.

'Im here in Miami and I will not rest to my Princess is home !!' she wrote. 'Yall please dont give up on my baby !! Please dont ! I really see everyones efforts and Im eternally grateful.'

According to the girl's mother, Randi will be turning 11 years old in less than two weeks, and the two had been looking forward to spending the child's birthday together.

Randi's mother has been posting messages on Facebook, asking people to continue looking for her missing daughter. Randi is 5-foot-3 and weighs 140lbs. She has long black braids and brown eyes

Recent posts indicate that Randi has a younger brother and a baby sister who was born in late June.

Randi is said to be a member of Westview Baptist Church in Miami, where a pastor appealed to the public for help in finding her on Facebook.

It is unknown what Randi was last seen wearing, but she could have a light-blue surgical mask on her face.

Anyone with information on Randi Canion's whereabouts is being asked to call 305-603-6300 or 305-579-6111.
The Queen of England will open the gates of her royal estate in Norfolk to movie buffs with wheels. A royal drive-in at the price of 32.50 per car.

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to the renaissance of drive-through events throughout the world. Widely popular in the US, drive-ins have spread to Europe these past few months, especially for cultural events where social distancing is required.

The trend is even extending to the Queen of England herself, whos set to host film screenings in her private Sandringham House estate, in the South East of the UK.

From Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27, visitors in their cars will be able to park at Sandringham Country park where they will be provided with transmitters to hear the movie audio in their vehicle. A giant LED screen will confer cinematic quality to this drive-in experience.

1917" by Sam Mendes will be the first film presented during this outdoor event, on September 25 at 5pm, followed by Oscar-winning picture Rocketman" by Dexter Fletcher (about Sir Elton John) at 9 pm. The very first installment of Toy Story," as well as the musical The Greatest Showman" and Oscar-winning Bohemian Rhapsody" will be on view the next day. For the last day of drive-in screenings, Moana," cult musical Grease" and Oscar-winning A Star is Born" with Lady Gaga will end the weekend.

Want to watch a movie at the Queen of England's house? Now you can! Don't expect to share the popcorn with her though. https://t.co/mHBN13X2M6 Dan Maz (is live in studio) (@MazOfRadio) September 7, 2020

The Queen of England Has opened her own DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATER. https://t.co/A0Hj1q0dkm Doug Winship (@dawinship) September 6, 2020

Guests can already book their tickets online. General admission costs 32.50 per car but that you can upgrade your drive-in night with private access to a deckchair, table and popcorn delivered to the side of your vehicle, for an extra 7.50 per person.

A first-come, first-placed policy will apply, all while respecting social-distancing guidelines.

(With inputs from AFP)
(CNN)  Pfizer and BioNTech are confident they can have a vaccine against the novel coronavirus ready for regulatory approval by the middle of October or early November, BioNTech CEO and co-founder Ugur Sahin told CNN Tuesday.

"It has an excellent profile and I consider this vaccine ... near perfect, and which has a near perfect profile," Sahin said in an exclusive interview with CNN.

US drug giant Pfizer and German firm BioNTech say they plan to provide 100 million doses of their vaccine candidate, BNT162, by the end of the year, and up to 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

In July, the US Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Defense announced a $1.95 billion agreement with Pfizer to produce 100 million doses of a Covid-19 vaccine. The deal also allows the US government to acquire an additional 500 million doses.

Sahin told CNN he believes that approval for emergency use will be granted quickly by regulatory authorities, adding that the company's "understanding of the mode of action, in combination with the safety data coming in from the running trial" meant that they have "a lot of confidence" in it.

"Yes, we believe that we have a safe product and we believe that we will be able to show efficacy," he said.

Sahin claims antibody responses in both young adults and the elderly have proven to be strong so far, with minimal side-effects.

"We don't see frequent fever. So only a minor proportion of participants in this trial have fever," Sahin said. "We see also much lower symptoms like headache or like feeling tired. And the symptoms that are observed with such vaccines are temporary, they are usually observed for one or two days and then are gone."

But while BioNTech and Pfizer say approval could happen by mid-October, federal officials have told CNN they believe this is an optimistic timeline.

"I don't know any scientist involved in this effort who thinks we will be getting shots into arms any time before Election Day," an official who is familiar with Operation Warp Speed, the federal government's effort to develop coronavirus vaccines, previously told CNN.

Meanwhile, Moncef Slaoui, the chief adviser to Operation Warp Speed, told NPR last week that it is "extremely unlikely, but not impossible" that a Covid-19 vaccine could be authorized for emergency use by the US Food and Drug Administration before the end of October.

President Trump, however, has vouched for a quicker timeline, in August saying he was "optimistic" a vaccine would be ready by November 3.

"[It's] going to be done in a very short period of time -- could even have it during the month of October," the President said at a press briefing Monday. "We'll have the vaccine soon, maybe before a special date. You know what date I'm talking about."

Sahin told CNN he believes that approval for emergency use will be granted quickly by regulatory authorities.

Still, BioNTech and Pfizer were two of nine biopharmaceutical companies to sign an unusual pledge to uphold "high ethical standards," suggesting they won't seek premature government approval for Covid-19 vaccine.

This pledge, released on Tuesday, states: "We, the undersigned biopharmaceutical companies, want to make clear our on-going commitment to developing and testing potential vaccines for COVID-19 in accordance with high ethical standards and sound scientific principles."

Sahin told CNN the companies will quickly get regulatory approval for their vaccine once the candidate is submitted, adding: "I believe, given that we have addressed the full package which is required for vaccine development including scientific studies, pre-clinical studies, safety tolerability testing and efficacy testing, there should not be too much time between emergency use authorization and full approval."

Pfizer and BioNTech's vaccine is one of 34 in clinical trials around the world, according to the World Health Organization.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine could be ready for approval by mid-October  but there are still 'unknowns'"
Fox News Brian Kilmeade suggested Tuesday that protesters aligned with anti-fascist groups  known broadly as Antifa  in Portland and other American cities should be locked up and treated like Al-Qaeda members in interrogations.

Asked on Fox Business Network about the ongoing unrest in Oregon, Washington and Michigan, Kilmeade said protests  which are largely centered on racial justice  will end when the cops are empowered to stop it, when a mayor will go and use the resources of federal government to help stop it.

In the clip, first highlighted by Media Matters John Whitehouse, Kilmeade said law enforcement should deeply interrogate protesters affiliated with the loose network of groups known as Antifa. They should, he said, sit there, lock them up, and interrogate them almost like you would Al-Qaeda because they are undermining our country the same way these Islamic extremists were doing it. We were dead serious about that. We are not dead serious about this.

Also Read: Trump Defends 17-Year-Old Vigilante Charged With Murder of 2 Kenosha Protesters

The interrogation of Al-Qaeda members included waterboarding and was criticized widely, notably by the late Republican Sen. John McCain, who said in 2018, The torture of detainees in U.S. custody during the last decade was one of the darkest chapters in American history.

In 2014, then-president Barack Obama said the interrogation crossed a line and was torture, warning against doing it again.

When we engaged in some of these enhanced interrogation techniques, techniques that I believe and I think any fair-minded person would believe were torture, we crossed a line, the former president said. And that needs to be  understood and accepted. And we have to, as a country, take responsibility for that so that hopefully we dont do it again in the future.

Watch Kilmeades comments below:

Brian Kilmeade likens protesters in the streets to Al Qaeda pic.twitter.com/kzXdwjza2d

 John Whitehouse (@existentialfish) September 8, 2020

Read original story Fox News Brian Kilmeade Suggests Treating Antifa Protesters Like Al-Qaeda in Interrogations At TheWrap
The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven nations have condemned the "confirmed poisoning" of Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, and demanded that Russia quickly find and prosecute those behind the "abhorrent" attack.



"We, the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, are united in condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the confirmed poisoning" of Navalny, they said in a joint statement released by the U.S. State Department on September 8.



The top diplomats from the major industrial democracies also called on Russia "to urgently and fully establish transparency on who is responsible for this abhorrent poisoning attack andto bring the perpetrators to justice."

Navalny, a 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner who has led nationwide protests against Russian President Vladimir Putin, was flown to Germany on August 22, two days after falling ill on a flight in Siberia.

German experts say tests show that he was poisoned with a Soviet-style military-grade nerve agent from the Novichok group, prompting international calls on Russia to swiftly investigate the case.

Russian authorities have refused to open a criminal investigation, saying that no hard evidence of poisoning has been found.

The Kremlin has also vehemently denied allegations by Navalnys team, his relatives, and others who believe that Russian authorities are behind the poisoning.

Navalny continues to be treated at Berlins Charite Hospital, which on September 7 said the Kremlin foe had been removed from his medically induced coma and that he was responding to verbal stimuli.

However, the hospital also said that it remains "too early to gauge the potential long-term effects of his severe poisoning."

Germany briefed the G7, which the United States is chairing this year, on its determination that Navalny "is the victim of an attack with a chemical nerve-agent of the 'Novichok' group, a substance developed by Russia," the G7 statement said.

"Any use of chemical weapons, anywhere, anytime, by anybody, under any circumstances whatsoever, is unacceptable and contravenes the international norms prohibiting the use of such weapons," it added.

The G7 ministers said that they will continue to monitor closely how Russia responds to international calls for an explanation of the hideous poisoning."

The statement came on the same day as the United Nations high commissioner for human rights called for for the Russian government to "fully investigate" the poisoning of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, calling the incident an "assassination attempt."



In her September 8 statement, High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet said that German specialists have "unequivocal proof" that Navalny was poisoned by a Novichok nerve agent while flying from the Siberian city of Tomsk to Moscow.



"Navalny was clearly someone who needed state protection even if he was a political thorn in the side of the government," Bachelet said, noting that Navalny had been repeatedly harassed and attacked for years before the August 20 poisoning.

"It is not good enough to simply deny he was poisonedIt is incumbent on the Russian authorities to fully investigate who was responsible for this crime -- a very serious crime that was committed on Russian soil," she said.



Bachelet added that numerous "current or former Russian citizens" had been targeted for assassination by poison or other means both within Russia and abroad, saying it was "profoundly disturbing."



Among the Kremlin opponents who have been killed or targeted in recent years are investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya, former Russian security officer Aleksandr Litvinenko, former Russian Deputy Prime Minister and opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, and former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal, among others.



Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, were poisoned by Novichok in the British city of Salisbury in 2018, and British investigators have implicated Russian security agencies.



Germanys minister for Europe, Michael Roth, said on September 8 that Berlin was looking at "the entire set of instruments" in deciding how to respond to Navalny's poisoning.



Chancellor Angela Merkel has said "only Russia can and must answer" questions about the case.

In the United States, the top Democrat and the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee are calling for a formal U.S. investigation into whether Russia has used chemical weapons in violation of international law or has used lethal chemical weapons against its own nationals  a request they say triggers a required 60-day evaluation period under the 1991 Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act.

In a letter on September 8, Eliot Engel (New York), the Democratic chairman of the committee, and Michael McCaul (Texas), the panels ranking member, urged President Donald Trump to enact additional sanctions on Russia if the Russian government is once again determined to have used a chemical weapon against one of its own nationals.

The White House last week described Navalnys poisoning completely reprehensible and said Washington was working with the international community to "hold those in Russia accountable.

Meanwhile, the German Embassy in Moscow told the Russian news agency TASS on September 8 that that the German ambassador would "take part in a discussion" at the Russian Foreign Ministry the next day.



The chief toxicologist of the Omsk region, where Navalny was treated after his flight to Moscow made an emergency landing in the city of Omsk, said on September 8 that "there wasnt a single indication of poisoning" in the Navalny case.



Aleksandr Sabayev called the German diagnosis "just a fanciful assumptionwith no documented or clinical proof."

With reporting by TASS, AP, Reuters, and AFP
The next two to three months will be a make-or-break period in Connecticuts handling of the coronavirus pandemic, as the change of seasons drives more people indoors and closer together, Gov. Ned Lamont and one of the states top epidemiologists warned on Tuesday.

In the shorter term, it could be several weeks before state health officials learn whether the Labor Day holiday led to a resurgence of the virus in the state.

I think November will be a period of risk, so my job is to make sure that we keep our discipline, something that Connecticut has really led the country in, and make sure we realize that this is really a very crucial 60, 90 days coming up, Lamont said during a morning forum in New Haven. Thats an urgency I have to repeat. Im afraid this is not a 10-year or 100-year phenomenon. I think its going to be more frequent than that, and we have to be ready.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the Yale School of Public Health that was a combination victory lap and look ahead for graduate students, Lamont and Dr. Albert Ko, a professor at the school who co-chaired the governors committee on reopening the state, said that as responsive as Connecticut residents have been over the last six months, the virus isnt going away anytime soon.

Later, during the governors daily news briefing, Ko said that Connecticut has learned from other states that were experiencing the pandemic even while cases here were decreasing sharply. He said that Connecticut is dealing quickly with outbreaks in Norwich and Danbury.

With the rules on travel restrictions and quarantine, we could be in the containment phase, Ko said, praising those who wear face masks and continue social distancing while state government and medical experts have learned from other states that experienced outbreaks after opening bars, sports and other events.

Ko said that while the incubation period of typically five to seven days after someone is transmitted the virus, it takes some time thereafter, possibly as long as five weeks, to develop the infection.

We should be vigilant now, and were going to have to be vigilant in the next several weeks in order really to see what happened over Labor Day, said Ko, who doubts there will be a viable vaccine until early in 2021.

You really want to take Vladimir Putins vaccine? Lamont quipped about the Russian presidents professed medical breakthrough.

Lamont said that Connecticuts cautious reopening, in which bars and music and theatrical theaters remain closed while restaurants may operate only at a fraction of their indoor occupancy, has put the state in a good place, with infections well under one-percent of daily testing.

We didnt want to back track as we saw in other states, Lamont said. I thought that would be a body blow to our confidence. The governor reported six new fatalities in the pandemic over the long weekend, along with a net reduction of eight patients, bringing the hospitalization census down to 50.

As colder weather drives more people indoors, state residents will be challenged to remain vigilant and stick to the proven tactics of social distancing and wearing masks.

Were not out of the woods yet, Lamont said during the hour-long meeting on a stage at the graduate school, in which he voiced confidence that kindergarten through eighth grade education should be safe.

Im a little more worried about colleges, Lamont admitted during the morning session at Yale.

Others participating in the socially distant panel were Indra K. Nooyi, former PepsiCo CEO who co-chaired the reopening committee with Ko; New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker; New Haven Health Director Maritza Bond and Dr. Sten H. Vermund, dean of the School of Public Health. About 225 watched it on Yales Youtube channel.

What made this different from other states was that first of al,l it was done early, Ko said, stressing that even at the peak of the epidemic, Lamont and his top aides were thinking about a timeline to return to a new normal.

We were at the peak of the epidemic, but thinking proactively, Ko said, adding that the campaign to address the virus was multi-disciplinary, so the governor brought together health experts as well as members of the business, social services and educational communities, led by Nooyi.

I think it got at this idea of well-being rather than public health, Ko said. What differentiated, I think, Connecticut, was that we put well-being ahead, whereas other states just led with either public health or they led with one of the sectors like business, and I think thats how we got that special formula.

When we first started, we were looking at other states to see how well they were doing their reopen plans because every state was heading up a reopen committee, Nooyi said. But as we reached about the five or six-week mark, most states were calling us to say Whats Connecticut doing, because we like your approach.

Elicker said he was most-disappointed with the problems that state and local governments had in preventing COVID from killing thousands of people in the states nursing homes and senior housing complexes.

I think we will be thinking for many years to come of, could we have saved lives by doing certain things differently that we should have known to do differently, Elicker said. Its easy in hindsight to say we would have done some things different, but we lost a lot of people in nursing homes. I think that there are things that we could have potentially done to help protect those individuals more. These types of decisions will weigh on us for a very long time.

Bond praised New Havens corps of contact tracers, who call COVID patients in attempt to list and track down people who might have been within six of the patients for more than 15 minutes, and who could be likely to be infected as well.

kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT
Labor leader Anthony Albanese is calling for a dramatic boost to infrastructure, education and manufacturing to help regional Australia recover from an economic slump he is calling the "Morrison recession".

Mr Albanese will dismiss Prime Minister Scott Morrison as "all talk and no walk" on creating jobs outside the big cities, while promising a Labor plan at the next election to revive the regions.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese will call for a rethink of how Australians approach working from the regions after the pandemic. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The regional policy statement promises greater infrastructure spending, more regional manufacturing and more support for regional universities, technical colleges and schools.

"Our nation is in the Morrison recession," Mr Albanese says in a draft of the speech, to be delivered in the NSW north coast city of Coffs Harbour on Wednesday morning.
A team of Canadian scientists has recently discovered a wide-range interaction between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and host proteins using proximity-dependent biotinylation approaches. The study is currently available on the bioRxiv* preprint server.

SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, is a deadly virus that has already claimed over 890,000 lives worldwide. To date, no specific medicine or vaccine has been identified to tackle the virus spread. To effectively design and develop therapeutic interventions, it is of utmost importance to determine the virus-host protein-protein interaction patterns, which is a prerequisite for virus survival and replication inside host cells.

Transmission electron micrograph of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles, isolated from a patient. Image captured and color-enhanced at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Credit: NIAID

In the current study, the scientists performed proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) with the miniTurbo enzyme to 27 N- and C-terminally tagged SARS-CoV-2 proteins in a lung adenocarcinoma cell line to characterize intracellular localization of viral proteins and to map virus-host protein-protein interaction network.

Why are BioID approaches better than conventional affinity purification approaches?

The SARS-CoV-2 genome contains one large 5 open reading frame (ORF) that encodes two large polyproteins, which undergo viral protease-mediated proteolysis to generate non-structural proteins (NSP1  NSP16). In addition, the SARS-CoV2 genome encodes structural proteins, including spike protein, viral envelope, membrane proteins, and nucleocapsid. All these proteins together form the SARS-CoV2 proteome, and the interactions between viral proteins and host proteins are the essential requirement for the virus to continue its lifecycle inside host cells.

The conventional affinity purification approaches are the golden standard for analyzing biochemically stable protein-protein interactions; however, these approaches are not very suitable for studying weak or transient interactions and interactions that occur at poorly soluble intracellular locations, such as membranes.

The proximity-dependent biotinylation approach involves the fusion of a bait protein with a bacterial enzyme (biotin protein ligase) to facilitate covalent biotinylation of lysine residues of any proteins that are in the vicinity of the bait. Because of the covalent biotinylation, it is possible to use strong cell lysing conditions so that all cellular components (organelles, membranes, protein complexes) can be solubilize and analyze to identify interacting proteins. Afterward, all biotinylated proteins are purified using streptavidin affinity purification together with mass spectrometry.

The BioID approach used in the current study

Initially, an E. Coli BirA enzyme with a single mutation was used in BioID; however, the catalytic activity of the enzyme was relatively low. To overcome this issue, new BirA variants, such as miniTurbo, have been identified.

In the current study, the scientists conducted BioID with miniTurbo, which is an N-terminally truncated BirA protein containing many additional mutations that significantly improve the catalytic activity of the enzyme. The scientists expressed miniTurbo-tagged viral bait proteins in a human lung alveolar epithelial cell line using the lentiviral delivery system.

Generation of a SARS-CoV-2 - host proximity interactome in A549 cells. a, Schematic of the virus proteins profiled in this study, mapped on the genomic viral RNA (*profiled in wild type and mutant forms; **not profiled). b, Representative immunofluorescence images demonstrating miniTurbo-tagged SARS-CoV-2 proteins targeting to different subcellular compartments and miniTurbo-tagged LMNA as a representative host protein. c, Summary of immunofluorescence data (number of baits in each category indicated in parentheses. d, Overview of the dataset. e, Overlap of the proximity interactions reported here with previously reported interactions for SARS-CoV-2 or any coronavirus. f, Cytoscape representation of the most abundant (length normalized spectral counts; up to 25 are shown) proximity interactors for each viral bait see covid19interactome.org/#network for an interactive version of this image.

SARS-CoV-2  host protein interactome

Using the miniTurbo-based BioID approach, the scientists identified proximity interactions of 7810 viral proteins with 2242 host proteins. The scientists also found that the majority of viral proteins are localized in the cytoplasm; however, many proteins are also associated with the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, and other organelle membranes.

Three viral proteins (NSP7, NSP8, and NSP12) were found to form a complex that interacts with the host proteome. The host proteins that interacted with NSP7/8 included components of the minichromosome maintenance protein complex, DNA damage checkpoint proteins, histone binding proteins, ubiquitin system proteins, proteasome components, etc. similarly, the interactome analysis of two viral proteins, NSP4 and NSP6, revealed that these proteins might be associated with membrane reorganization and viral replication organelle formation.

The viral ORF9B was found to interact with several host mitochondrial outer membrane proteins, and also with the proteins responsible for host innate immune system regulation. Regarding the utilization of host protein synthesis machinery for virion production, several viral proteins were found to interact with host ribosomal components and cytosolic RNA-binding proteins. Analysis of the viral nucleocapsid protein interactome revealed that this protein might be responsible for inhibiting host cell stress granule formation, probably by preventing the interaction between various host proteins that are essential for stress granule formation.

Study significance

The scientists created a website, namely covid19interactome.org, and uploaded the current study findings so that the entire dataset can be widely available to the scientific community. The dataset established in the current study classifies a large number of new viral-host protein-protein interactions that can be used to study the SARS-CoV-2 lifecycle in more detail, as well as to identify new therapeutic targets.

*Important Notice

bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
Photo Illustration of PUBG app with Banned text on an iPad device in Guwahati, India, on Sept. 2, 2020. India has banned more than 100 additional apps with linkage to China, including popular mobile game PUBG citing cybersecurity concerns as geopolitical tensions between India and China rise.

The owner of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds has cut ties with Chinese tech giant Tencent in India, in an effort lift the ban on a mobile version of the game.

PUBG Corporation, the South Korean company that develops and publishes PUBG, said Tuesday that it would drop Tencent as the publisher of its PUBG Mobile game in India.

Last week, the Indian government added PUBG Mobile and 117 other apps with links to China to a blacklist including the likes of TikTok and WeChat due to alleged national security risks.

"In light of recent developments, PUBG Corporation has made the decision to no longer authorize the PUBG MOBILE franchise to Tencent Games in India," PUBG Corporation said in a statement Tuesday. "Moving forward, PUBG Corporation will take on all publishing responsibilities within the country."
A pastor who officiated a Maine wedding that led to three coronavirus deaths and 147 infections is continuing to preach in person.

Pastor Todd Bell welcomed worshippers into Calvary Baptist Church in Sanford on Sunday, where he announced during his sermon that he'd hired a high-profile lawyer to defend his congregation's religious rights, the Press Herald reported.

Bell gained notoriety in Sanford and surrounding communities after he officiated the August 7 wedding in Millinocket that fueled a large outbreak in central Maine.

Despite at least 10 members of his congregation testing positive for the virus in the wake of the wedding, Bell has insisted on holding in-person services at Calvary Baptist without masks or social distancing.

The pastor's staunch defiance of pandemic precautions has led some local organizations to suspend collaboration with the church's outreach programs.

Bell addressed the controversy in his sermon on Sunday, urging congregants to ignore critics and listen to him instead.

Pastor Todd Bell (pictured) has continued to hold in-person services at Calvary Baptist Church in Sanford, Maine, even after he officiated a wedding that was linked to three coronavirus deaths and 147 infections

Bell welcomed worshippers into Calvary Baptist Church in Sanford (pictured) on Sunday

Sunday's service was broadcast via livestream on the church's website without video, so it was unclear how many people attended or whether they adhered to the state's mask mandate, social distancing guidelines and 50-person limit on indoor gatherings.

In the livestream, Bell was heard inviting attendees to greet the people around them, according to the Press Herald.

During his sermon, Bell said that the church had continued to hold full-time classes through its affiliate youth academy.

He described how God sent a 'perfect rainbow' as a sign of support for that decision at an orientation event for the school last week.

The pastor also described how people outside the church had told him to 'go back to North Carolina' - where he lived prior to moving to Maine in the 90s - after he was tied to the wedding outbreak.

'People think I'm a weirdo,' he said. 'They really do, and I'm glad I'm among friends here today.'

It's believed the church stopped streaming video of services after footage from previous services on August 26 and 30 showed congregants standing close together and singing without masks - sparking criticism in the community.

Bell is seen giving a sermon during an in-person service on August 30, where worshippers ignored the state's mask mandate and social distancing guidelines

Bell defended his insistence on holding in-person services in a radio address on Friday, revealing that he is seeking legal counsel from David Gibbs III, the founder, president and general counsel for the National Center for Life and Liberty (NCLL).

The NCLL bills itself as 'a legal ministry that protects the rights of churches and Christian organizations nationwide'.

Bell did not specify what kind of work Gibbs would be doing for the church.

Gibbs confirmed to the Press Herald that he is working with Calvary Baptist but did not say if he was formally representing the church or what legal issues he might address.

On the NCLL website, Gibbs recommends that churches follow state and local regulations requiring that masks be worn during services.

He also notes that courts are likely to uphold governors' orders regarding the pandemic.

Bell is seeking legal counsel from David Gibbs III (pictured) of the National Center for Life and Liberty

Churches around the country have repeatedly fought against COVID-19 restrictions - which in some cases have banned them from holding in-person services altogether - arguing that the rules violate religious liberty.

In Maine, Governor Janet Mills' executive order limits indoor gatherings to 50 people and outdoor gatherings to 100 people, and requires that people keep physical distance at such gatherings.

Last week, Maine Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew warned that the state has the authority to crack down on any activities that threaten public health, including religious services.

'We have those enforcement tools and, if needed, will use them,' Lambrew said.

Bell addressed the outbreak linked to the Millinocket wedding he officiated during a sermon last month, telling the congregation: 'It was a beautiful wedding.

'Six families from our church went there. We never expected to get COVID. Nobody expected to experience the things that happened because you went to a beautiful wedding like that.'

He said he had been on the receiving end of negative social media comments for officiating the wedding before quoting a Bible verse that reads: 'Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.'

'Men have reviled me,' he said.

Bell's Calvary Baptist Church went ahead and held indoor services on Sunday - just one day after CDC officials revealed they were investigating an outbreak of COVID-19 at his place of worship. Footage from a livestream of a service showed Bell giving a sermon

The wedding was held at the Tri-Town Baptist Church before about 65 people attended a crowded reception at the Big Moose Inn - exceeding the state's restrictions on social gatherings.

Last week officials announced that 147 coronavirus cases had been linked to the wedding, among people who attended and who contracted the virus second-hand.

'One of the things we've learned over the past six months of working with outbreaks and COVID-19 is that no outbreak is an island,' Maine CDC Director Dr Nirav Shah said during a press briefing on Friday.

'What this really hammers home is that outbreaks are not isolated events. One outbreak can quickly lead to several more outbreaks, especially in a close geographic area.'

MCDC spokesperson Robert Long told NBC News that three people have died from the outbreak and none of them had even attended the wedding.

Maine CDC officials announced that 147 coronavirus cases have been linked to an indoor reception at Big Moose Inn (pictured) in Millinocket, Maine

The map above shows case clusters linked to the Millinocket wedding

One of those victims was Theresa Dentremont, an 83-year-old woman who died at Millinocket Regional Hospital on August 21 after contracting the virus.

Detremont did not attend the wedding, but hospital staff believed she may have been infected by someone who did.

Her 97-year-old husband Frank Dentremont, who is a WWII veteran and the oldest resident of resident of East Millinocket, was hospitalized at the same facility a few days later with COVID-19.

His son, Frank Dentremont Jr, revealed in a Facebook post that his father had since miraculously recovered and was due to be discharged from the hospital on Wednesday.

Theresa Detremont, 83, (pictured) died from coronavirus after officials said she came into contact with someone who attended the Millinocket wedding

Dentremont Jr told the Washington Post that he recalled hearing about the wedding, but believed his father and stepmother would have been safe.

The couple had been self-isolating at their home for much of the pandemic given they fell into the high-risk COVID-19 category.

'I had heard the stories about the wedding thing,' he said.

'I thought: "My dad and stepmom weren't there. They've been quarantining themselves; they'll be fine." Who could have known?'

He also said he isn't angry at those who went ahead with the wedding. The bride and groom have not been publicly identified.

'Nobody did this consciously,' Dentremont Jr said. 'If they knew they were the ones at fault, I'm sure they'd feel terrible.'

He has described his stepmother as a 'vivacious woman and wonderful mom' who loved quilting and handing out handmade tree skirts as Christmas gifts.

The other two victims have not yet been publicly identified.

Theresa Dentremont, 83, died in Maine's Millinocket Regional Hospital on August 21 after becoming infected with coronavirus. Her 97-year-old husband Frank Dentremont was hospitalized at the same facility a few days later with COVID-19 but has since recovered

More than 230 miles south, the York County Jail in Alfred reported a number of cases related to the outbreak.

Infections rose from 18 to 72 cases after an employee of the jail attended the wedding - a 54-case increase that affected nearly all levels of the detention center.

The numbers are broken down into 46 inmates, 19 staff members and seven family members of jail employees.

The employee who attended the wedding was among one of the first staffers to receive a positive diagnosis.

Another group hit by the recent outbreak were residents at Maple Crest Rehabilitation Center, a nursing home in Madison.

NBC News reported that the nursing home amassed 19 cases associated with the wedding, including eight residents and 11 staffers. A staff member of the nursing home attended the wedding.

Nursing homes and elderly citizens were also noted as vulnerable during the pandemic.

And finally, an outbreak was found at Calvary Baptist Church as 10 people tested positive for COVID-19.

Officials have said that the church's cases have not been formally linked to any other outbreaks, but an investigation is ongoing.

'We're still investigating if there are any linkages among them. We have some hypotheses but as with any scientific endeavor, we've got to have more than just reports and unconfirmed notions,' Shah said.

The York County Jail in Alfred reported a number of cases related to the wedding outbreak

The owner of the Big Moose Inn, Laurie Cormier, released a statement last week that explained the venue misinterpreted capacity rules and overbooked the venue.

'It is important to note that because Big Moose Inn has separate rooms for dining as well as outdoor seating, the facility's approved capacity during this time is 80 persons,' Cormier wrote.

'We understood that there could be no more than 50 persons in our largest room. We did make an error in the interpretation of that rule.

'Our interpretation was that we could take a wedding party of more than 50 persons, and split them between two rooms as long as it didn't exceed our total capacity or a specific room's capacity.'

Cormier added: 'The State - perhaps, rightfully so - assumes that individuals from a larger group would ignore the room restrictions, and take the opportunity to co-mingle.

While the US has amassed the largest number of coronavirus cases in the world, Maine's cases and deaths have remained relatively low compared to other states.

Just over 4,700 cases and 134 deaths have been recorded in the state over the course of seven months.

Across the US, more than 6.3 million cases and 189,206 deaths have been reported to date.
MUMABI: Actor Rhea Chakraborty was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Tuesday in a drug case linked to Sushant Singh Rajput death case. According to reports, she is the tenth person to be arrested in connection with the case.

Reacting to the development, Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey said, "Rhea is totally exposed in the sense that she had connections with drug peddlers. This has been established, that is why she has been arrested." He added that Narcotics Control Bureau must have found evidence against her.

Her brother Showik Chakraborty and her associate Samuel Miranda have also been arrested in the same case. Both of them have been sent to the NCB custody till September 9.

Rhea had earlier filed a complaint before Mumbai Police requesting that a FIR be registered against Sushant Singh Rajput's sister Priyanka Singh, Dr Tarun Kumar of RML Hospital, Delhi and others under IPC, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines.

In her complaint to the SI, Bandra Police Station, rhea stated that Priyanka Singh had sent Sushant a prescription by Dr Tarun Kumar and he 'appears to have prescribed medication controlled under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 to Sushant without any consultation as mandated by law.'

The CBI has registered an FIR against Rhea and others in connection with the actor's death. The Enforcement Directorate had on July 31 registered an Enforcement Case Information Report in the late actor's death case after an FIR was filed by Sushant's father KK Singh against Rhea Chakraborty in Bihar on July 28.

Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14.
Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Tuesday under several sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. The arrest comes at a time when Rhea has been subjected to scrutiny and media trial following the suicide of her boyfriend and actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

Rheas arrest has once again stoked a debate, but this time about patriarchy and how the media treats women who are in the lens as opposed to men.

As the news of the actors arrest instantly went viral on social media, her name started to trend on Twitter and Google. Interestingly, another top (related) search was patriarchy.

Photographs of the actor coming out from her car in a T-shirt that read: Roses are red, violets are blue, Lets smash patriarchy, Me and you." surfaced on social media earlier in the day. While many people endorsed her message, many others opposed it and even dubbed it as arrogant".

Rhea reached the NCB office with a message on her clothes. Decode her arrogant message. #WorldUnitedForSSRJustice pic.twitter.com/zn7OCBHS1w Anurag Sinha (@anuragsinha1992) September 8, 2020

Since then, the tweet has been met with a lot of criticism and outrage where netizens pointed out that how the media trial meted out against Rhea is outright misogynist and sexist.

And now, netziens, including Bollywood celebrities, are taking social media by storm by sharing the message on Rheas t-shirt and pleading #JusticeforRhea.

Roses are redViolets are blueLets smash the patriarchy Me and you.#JusticeForRhea pic.twitter.com/DV0icPL45u Ankur Tewari (@ankurtewari) September 8, 2020

Roses are redViolets are blueShe is not guiltywhich is so true#JusticeForRhea Parth (@heistkid) September 8, 2020

Roses are redViolets are blueLets smash the patriarchy Me and you.#JusticeForRhea pic.twitter.com/vejtsU6TYn Mohammad Usman Gani (@750Saify) September 8, 2020

Roses are redViolets are blueLets smash the patriarchy Me and you.#JusticeForRhea pic.twitter.com/cnXIEMNmXQ Alizey Baloch (@iAlizeyBaloch) September 8, 2020

Roses are redViolets are blueLets smash the patriarchy Me and you.#JusticeForRhea pic.twitter.com/ze07xyfC3y Muriel (@Muriel9854) September 8, 2020

Roses are redViolets are blueLets smash the patriarchy Me and you.#JusticeForRhea #JusticeForRhea pic.twitter.com/xVMzeLK4j6 Keerthi Jai (@imkeerthijai) September 8, 2020

"Roses are RedViolets are blue,Let's smash Patriachy,Me and You." #JusticeForRhea Rhea reaches NCB office with a message on her clothes  pic.twitter.com/SgLHDw3xai Adrita Dutta (@DuttaAdrita7) September 8, 2020

On Sunday, photographs of visibly disturbed and irritated Rhea Chakraborty struggling her way out of the prying reporters hounding her with cameras and microphones emerged on social media, where journalistic ethics were heavily questioned.

While the past few days have seen a new low for several media channels as well as the paparazzi, social media has not been far behind in adding fuel to what many are now referring to as the witch-hunt of Chakraborty.

After her arrest, trolls and so-called seekers of justice for Rajput found a tweet posted by Chakraborty as far back as 2009. The cryptic post read, just stepped out of a weird scary engrossing story of an Indian girlwho served 4 n a half year jail sentence for narcotic trafficking".
Australian astronomers say they've found no technological signs of alien life in a study of more than 10 million star systems.

Perth-based researchers used the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) radio telescope in the Western Australian outback, in a project dubbed 'looking for ET'.

The MWA searches for powerful radio emissions at low frequencies, similar to FM radio frequencies on Earth that allow radio broadcasts.

These emissions from space, known as 'technosignatures', could possibly indicate the presence of an intelligent aliens with technological innovations similar to our own.

The team completed the 'deepest and broadest search' of a patch of sky known to include at least 10 million stars, in the southern constellation of Vela.

But the researchers concluded that, in this part of the universe, other civilisations are 'elusive, if they exist' at all.

Scroll down for video

A 20-second exposure showing the Milky Way overhead the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) radio telescope in Western Australia

'The MWA is a unique telescope, with an extraordinarily wide field-of-view that allows us to observe millions of stars simultaneously,' said Dr Chenoa Tremblay at Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia.

'We observed the sky around the constellation of Vela for 17 hours, looking more than 100 times broader and deeper than ever before.

'With this dataset, we found no technosignatures  no sign of intelligent life.'

The team stressed that the area searched was still a comparatively tiny portion of outer space.

'As Douglas Adams noted in The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, "space is big, really big,"' said Professor Steven Tingay from the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) in Perth.

'Even though this was a really big study, the amount of space we looked at was the equivalent of trying to find something in the Earth's oceans but only searching a volume of water equivalent to a large backyard swimming pool.

'Although there is a long way to go in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, telescopes such as the MWA will continue to push the limits  we have to keep looking.'

The team observed the sky in a supernova remnant in the Southern constellation of Vela, where there are around six known exoplanets.

However, it is likely that a vast number of exoplanets remain unknown in this system.

Using the MWA in the frequency range 98-128 MHz over a 17-hour period, the Vela Supernova Remnant was observed with a frequency resolution of 10 kHz.

The northern portion of the Vela Supernova Remnant. The team observed Vela which the team observed with a frequency resolution of 10 kHz. Within the field of study there are six known exoplanets

At the positions of the six exoplanets, the astronomers found no narrow band signals consistent with radio transmissions from intelligent civilisations.

In total, combined with two previous surveys, the researchers have now examined 75 known exoplanets at low frequencies without finding a trace of civilisations.

'Our results clearly continue to demonstrate that searches for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) has a long way to go,' the authors say in their research paper, published in Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia.

Earlier this year, MWA was responsible for detecting the 'biggest explosion since the Big Bang' from a supermassive black hole in a galaxy 390 million light years away.

The extremely powerful eruption occurred hundreds of millions of years ago in the Ophiuchus galaxy cluster, and was five times as powerful as the previous 'largest explosion' record holder.

It was so powerful it punched a cavity in the cluster plasma  super-hot gas surrounding the black hole  big enough to fit 15 Milky Way galaxies inside it.

The MWA is a precursor for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), a 1.5 billion observatory with telescopes in Western Australia and South Africa.

The Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) is a low frequency radio telescope and is the first of four Square Kilometre Array (SKA) precursors to be completed. It allowed the team to dive deeper into the distance galaxy to uncover the secret

Dipole antennas of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) radio telescope in Mid West Western Australia

It's is one of four official SKA precursor telescopes  instruments that provide information to help guide the SKA.

The SKA precursor telescopes were designed primarily as engineering testbeds for the future SKA.

'When building something the size of the SKA, its important to try on a smaller scale first to test and refine technologies and anticipate potential challenges on a larger scale,' said Richard Schilizzi, former director of the SKA project.

With the SKA, scientists will be able to survey billions of star systems and seek technosignatures 'in an astronomical ocean of other worlds', according to Professor Tingay.

'Due to the increased sensitivity, the SKA low-frequency telescope to be built in Western Australia will be capable of detecting Earth-like radio signals from relatively nearby planetary systems,' he said .
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Etihad Airways will cover the cost of hotel quarantine if travellers contract coronavirus while overseas in a desperate attempt to get people on flights.

The 'COVID-19 global wellness insurance cover' is included in every Etihad Airways ticket travelling from September 7 to December 31.

'Our COVID-19 global wellness insurance cover is an extension to your travel insurance, giving you extra peace of mind as you travel the world,' the airline said.

'If you're diagnosed with COVID-19 whilst you're away, we'll take care of your medical expenses and quarantine costs. No stress, no hassle. Simple.'

Pictured: Passengers arrive at Sydney International Airport off a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong on August 23

The national carrier for the UAE said insurance is valid for 31 days from the first day of travel.

But Australians are unlikely to make the most of the safety offer, with overseas travel banned for another three months.

Last week the Federal government announced the travel ban had been extended until at least December 17.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the decision came following advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.

'AHPPC has advised that the international and domestic COVID-19 situation continues to pose an unacceptable public health risk,' he announced on Thursday.

'The extension of the emergency period is an appropriate response to that risk.

Etihad Airways will cover the cost of hotel quarantine if travellers contract coronavirus while overseas in a desperate attempt to get people on flights. The 'COVID-19 global wellness insurance cover' is included in every Etihad Airways ticket travelling from September 7 to December 31

'The human biosecurity emergency declaration ensures the Government has the powers to take any necessary measures to prevent and control COVID-19 and protect the health of all Australians.'

Cruise ships and regular international flights will remain suspended under an extension to the human biosecurity emergency period.

The overseas travel ban has been in place since March 18 and was due to end on September 17 before the three-month extension.

Australian citizens and permanent residents are banned from leaving unless they're a resident of another country, an offshore freight, boat, aircraft or essential worker or a government official.

Others can apply for an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.

Australians are unlikely to make the most of the safety offer, with overseas travel banned for another three months. Last week the Federal government announced the travel ban had been extended until at least December 17. Pictured: Two women arrive in Sydney in August

Following the latest national cabinet meeting last week, Mr Morrison said the cap on international arrivals would be revised.

Some 4,000 Australians are able to return home each week under the current caps, with Sydney allowing the greatest number.

It's unlikely more flights will travel there, with Mr Morrison saying states had to help ease its load.

'We want to get more Australians home,' he said on Friday.

'And we need to do that safely as well, and not compromise the quarantine arrangements we have here as well.'

According to the Sydney Airport website, at least one Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi arrives in the city each day.

Etihad Vice President Duncan Bureau said the safety and wellbeing of guests and employees remains a top priority during and beyond the flight.

'This additional cover will not only instill confidence to travel but also reassure our guests that we are doing all we can to keep them safe and protected,' he said.

'As more countries start opening their borders, we are making it as easy as possible for our guests to plan their next trip, hassle free.'
CALGARY, AB, Sept. 8, 2020 /CNW/ - E3 METALS CORP. (TSXV: ETMC) (FSE: OU7A) (OTC: EEMMF) (the "Company" or "E3 Metals"), an emerging lithium developer and leading lithium extraction technology innovator, today announced the receipt of a government grant totaling $98,798 from Alberta Innovates that will assist in funding a project to determine the development plan and costs of brine production from the Leduc Reservoir in Alberta. This work is being completed through a joint collaboration with Scovan Engineering Inc. and Fluid Domains Inc.

Alberta has abundant lithium resources that have not been produced commercially to date. E3 Metals has developed the key to unlocking this brine resource  a proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") technology that is being optimized and scaled up in collaboration with global lithium producer Livent Corporation (NYSE:LTHM). This technology allows the Company to extract lithium from its lithium brine resource at faster production and higher recovery rates than others in the industry.

E3 Metals was successful in receiving funding through the Voucher program at Alberta Innovates. The Company will be integrating its DLE technology with traditional oilfield methods. Using the drilling, reservoir and facilities expertise based in Alberta, this project aims to optimize and deliver project solutions along with capital expenditure estimates for lithium brine production and brine pre-treatment.

"The development work included under this grant will lay the foundation as we begin work towards project feasibility," commented Chris Doornbos, chief executive officer of E3 Metals Corp. "This grant greatly assists the Company's advancement and we appreciate the support from Alberta Innovates."

This will be the first work of its kind in Alberta that focuses on lithium, supporting a new and highly prospective industry, aligning with the Canada-US Joint Action Plan on Critical Minerals strategy, which secures supply chains for critical minerals needed for important sectors. The delivery of this work supports E3 Metals' growth and advancement as the Company moves towards the goal of battery grade lithium compound production in Alberta.

About Scovan Engineering

Scovan Engineering is a Calgary-based firm that specializes in offering innovative and sustainable solutions for industrial, renewable and emerging energy projects. Their multidisciplinary team provides engineering, procurement and construction management services (EPCM). Key management personnel includes president Donovan Nielsen, a professional mechanical engineer from the University of Alberta with experience in steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), fuel cells and other innovative energy technologies.

About Fluid Domains Inc.

Fluid Domains is a hydrogeology consultancy that provides technical support to clients from many sectors, including: energy, consulting companies, municipalities, mining, policy development and expert testimony. Gordon MacMillan, P.Geol., is a key management person who will be heavily involved with the project. Mr. MacMillan is an owner of Fluid Domains and has 20 years of experience providing strategic leadership on modelling and hydrogeological characterization.

About Alberta Innovates

Alberta Innovates is a provincially funded corporation with a mandate to deliver 21st-century solutions for the most compelling challenges facing Albertans. They do this by building on the province's research and technology development strengths in the core sectors of health, environment, energy, and food and fibre, and platforms such as clean technology, digital technology for business transformation, data-enabled innovation, and innovative production and distribution. They work with partners to diversify the provincial economy, improve environmental performance and enhance Albertans' well-being through research and innovation. albertainnovates.ca

About E3 Metals

E3 Metals is a lithium development company with 6.7 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) inferred mineral resources1 in Alberta. E3 Metals is currently advancing its proprietary direct lithium extraction (DLE) process in partnership with Livent Corporation, a global leader in lithium production, under a joint development agreement. Through the successful scale up its DLE process towards commercialization, E3 Metals plans to quickly move towards the production of high purity, battery grade, lithium products. With a significant lithium resource and innovative technology solutions, E3 Metals has the potential to deliver lithium to market from one of the best jurisdictions in the world. E3 Metals also continues to work with partners at the University of Alberta and at GreenCentre Canada. For more information about E3 Metals, visit www.e3metalscorp.com .

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Chris Doornbos, President & CEO

E3 METALS CORP.

Chris Doornbos (P.Geo), CEO and Director of E3 Metals Corp., is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and has read and approved the technical information contained in this announcement.

1. E3 Metals has released information on three 43-101 Technical Reports totaling a resource of 6.7 Mt LCE. The Central Clearwater Resource Area (CCRA) Technical Report, identifying 1.9Mt LCE (inferred), is dated effective October 27, 2017, and the North Rocky Resource Area (NRRA) Technical Report was dated effective October 27, 2017, identifies 0.9Mt LCE (inferred). A third report for the Exshaw West Resource Area (EWRA), identifies 3.9Mt LCE (inferred) and was filed on June 15, 2018, effective June 4, 2018. All reports are available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com)

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements concerning the potential of the Company's projects and technology, as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. Forward looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, the effectiveness and feasibility of emerging lithium extraction technologies which have not yet been tested or proven on a commercial scale or on the Company's brine, competitive risks and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available at www.sedar.com. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE E3 Metals Corp.

For further information: Tel: +1 (587) 324-2775, Email: [email protected], Website: e3metalscorp.com

Related Links

http://www.e3metalscorp.com


An angry mob beat a man to death at a village in eastern Uttar Pradeshs Kushinagar district on Monday after he allegedly shot and killed a teacher, the police said. The lynching took place in the presence of policemen who arrived at the scene after the teachers murder.

A video clip on social media showed policemen in riot gear failing to stop about 30 people from beating the man with sticks. The motive for the teachers murder is yet to be established, the police said.

The incident occurred at Rampur Bagra village under Tariya Sujan police station. The accused was beaten severely by a violent mob before he could be rescued by the police team that reached there, Kushinagars superintendent of police Vinod Kumar Mishra said . The team took him to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

According to the police, the man reached the house of a resident of the area, Sudhir Singh, on a scooter at around 8am and claimed to be a friend of his elder brother. Singh was a teacher at a government school in Bihar, according to locals. The man was asked to wait inside the house by family members because Singh was having a bath.

He waited for him (Singh) and had tea. As soon as Singh came out, he shot him dead, the SP said.

The man tried to run out of the house after killing Sudhir Singh, but he saw people from the neighbourhood gathering outside. So, he went inside and climbed onto the roof. He fired a few shots with his pistol to scare away the crowd. Our police team reached the spot within a few minutes. While they were trying to apprehend him, the crowd turned violent and started attacking him, which resulted in his death, the Kushinagar SP said.

Tariya Sujan station house officer (SHO) Harendra Mishra said the man was aged around 25 and his brother told the police over the phone that his name was Aryaman Yadav, a resident of Nanda Nagar Dargahi in Gorakhpur district. The pistol used by him in the crime has been recovered, the SHO added.

The bodies of both the man and Sudhir Singh have been sent for a post-mortem examination. The police registered a complaint in the matter. A first information report (FIR) of murder was lodged by Singhs family, the police said.

(WITH AGENCY INPUTS)

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Two Australian journalists working for the nations media outlets in China have been rushed out of the country following an extraordinary diplomatic stand-off.

Two Australian journalists working in China for their countrys media outlets were forced out and have returned to Sydney following a diplomatic standoff.The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Bill Birtles, correspondent of the ABC in Beijing, and Michael Smith, the Australian Financial Reviews Shanghai-based correspondent returned to Sydney on Monday after living for five days under protection in the Canberras diplomatic missions in the country According to the report, the two journalists had to leave after a diplomatic stand-off in which police demanded an interview with both reporters.

The duo were forced to seek the protection of Australias diplomatic mission after the Chinese security officers visited them on Wednesday last week and told them that they were persons of interest in a national security case.Australias Foreign Minister Marise Payne put out a statement today saying that the Australian Government has provided consular support to two Australian journalists in China to assist their return to Australia and engaged with Chinese Government authorities to ensure their wellbeing and return to Australia.

It further said that Australias current travel advice for China warning Australians that they could be at increased risk of arbitrary detention and which was updated on July 7, remains appropriate and unchanged. We encourage all Australians who are overseas, or are seeking to travel, to closely monitor Smartraveller, it said.The Foreign Minister further said that Canberra continues to provide consular support to Australian citizens detained in China, including Cheng Lei.

ALSO READ: Jaishankar to attend SCO Foreign Ministers meet in Russia today

We are unable to provide further comment owing to privacy obligations, she said.Last month, Australian television anchor Cheng Lei working with CGTN, Chinas state-run news channel, was detained in a highly sensitive case.A statement by Foreign Minister Marise Payne confirmed Cheng Lei was being held by authorities in the Chinese capital and Australian diplomats were permitted to speak to her last week via video conference, reported ABC. The statement informed that formal notification was received on August 14 from Chinese authorities regarding Leis detention.

Relations between China and Australia have deteriorated the in recent times over a series of issues including trade issues.Lei has not been charged but is being held under what is called residential surveillance at a designated location, a form of detention in which investigators can imprison and question a suspect for up to six months while cutting them off from lawyers and the outside world.

She is the second Australian, after writer and former Chinese Government employee Yang Hengjun, to be detained in Beijing.Yang, who is under an espionage investigation was taken by authorities in January 2019.

ALSO READ: Xi angered by Indian defiance along border: Reports
Vitaliy Katsenelson, chief executive officer at IMA, bought one of the best banks in the world for less than book value. Here he shares his insights.

Svenska Handelsbanken, based in Sweden, is one of the best-run banks in the world. Its greatness starts from how it is structured.

When we look at a financial company, we zoom in on its performance during a past financial crisis. The Great Recession was the ultimate stress test so far for financial firms being subjected to incredible pain. Svenska sailed through the crisis as if 2008 was just another year  its loan losses spiked from 0.1% to 0.2%. (By comparison, JP Morgans losses were 3.5% in 2008.)

Svenska is decentralized. The branches are responsible for their own profits and losses and underwriting decisions. Each branch strives to achieve above-average performance and thus pull up the profitability of the whole company. Svenska does not pay bonuses, and thus there are no short-term profit incentives. Instead, the employees are owners of the firm  they own about 10% through a special account funded by the company.

Svenskas lending practices are very conservative. Loan-to-Value for Svenska-generated mortgages is 55%. House prices would have to drop 45% before Svenska would start losing money on mortgages. The coronavirus crisis may rival the magnitude of the Great Recession, but Svenskas conservative lending practices and incredibly strong balance sheet should get us through the thick and thin without even minor scratches.

Svenska also pays a 7.5% dividend, which it has raised over time with earnings. In early March European governments asked all banks to suspend their dividends due to the coronavirus. They did not want to run into political issues like the airlines did in the U.S., where bailout money will go to plug the hole freshly created in companies balance sheets by share buybacks. Svenska complied (begrudgingly); however, it said that just as in any other banking crisis over the last fifty years, it would not need government assistance. It will not actually cancel its dividend but postpone the decision on paying it until fall 2020.

We wanted to own Svenska for a long time and finally got the opportunity. We bought one of the best banks in the world for less than book value, or less than 10 times earnings. Earnings will likely grow about 5% a year; and in addition, at some point Svenskas valuation will come back to normal, increasing 50-80%. Svenska has historically traded at 1.5-1.8 times book.

What exactly is book value, or BV?

If you look at a companys balance sheet, BV is the difference between the companys assets and its liabilities  it is the companys equity. We rarely use it as yardstick of value when we analyse nonfinancial companies, and for a good reason: a large chunk of the assets (and some of the liabilities) on a typical companys financial statements are divorced from economic reality.

In the very, very old (manufacturing) economy, the cost of land and building a factory, less a companys borrowings, was indicative of what the companys equity (book value) was.

However, even then the BV measure was not without flaws, as it recorded the value of long-term assets (land, for instance) at cost. If land appreciated over the years, its value in the companys financial statements did not change.

BV in todays economy is even less relevant for most companies.

Take Apple, for instance: One of the most valuable companies in the world, it doesnt even own its factories. The value that you dont see on Apples balance sheet is that sparkle in Apple customers eyes when they use the companys products. That sparkle is the intangible good that Apple created by building (often) revolutionary products. That good  Apples brand  is created by R&D (research and development) and marketing, and both of these expenses are income statement items and never make it to the balance sheet, at least not in a tangible, easily observable form.

To make things even more complicated, share buybacks are not kind to BV. Despite Apples earnings rising from $37 billion in 2013 to $57 billion in 2020, its BV declined from $123 billion to $78 billion over the same time period.

How could this happen?

Apple bought a few hundred billion dollars of its own stock in the open market and reduced its BV. We can keep going into the not-so-exciting weeds of BV, but we wont just trust us; share buybacks distort the BV of the company.

When we analyze Apple, along with many other things we pay close attention to its assets (mainly cash, accounts receivable, and inventories) and its liabilities (accounts payable and debt), but we pay little attention to its BV.

Financial companies are different beasts.

Their assets (loans) and liabilities (customer deposits and borrowings) must be marked to market (values) quarterly, and thus book value becomes a useful metric. At 1x book, we basically bought Svenska at its liquidation value and paid nothing for the companys future ability to grow, its superior return on capital, its unique culture, etc. In other words, buying a poorly run bank at BV may or may not be a bargain, but buying one of the best-run banks in the world at BV is an incredible steal.
TEHRAN, Iran, Sept.7

Trend:

Iran's priority in academic year is physical attendance in schools, by following health protocols of the National Headquarters of Fighting Coronavirus, said Minister of Education Mohsen Haji Mizaei, Trend reports via IRNA.

"Students should choose one option of either physical attendance or online learning," said Mirzaei.

"It is not mandatory to physically attend schools and if students prefer, they can choose online learning," he said.

"We insist more on physical attendance since the educational content would be better represented, our responsibility is to provide services to all students, however if students are ill or their families have concerns, there are other options," he added.

"The teaching hours would be short based on protocols issued by the Health Ministry, so some parts of education would be provided online to all the students," he said.

"There were no reports of any coronavirus infections among students in recent days," he added.

"The statistics from recent days show more than 50 percent of students attended schools, while the rest preferred online learning," he said.

"Iran's online "Shad" educational network would undergo an upgrade in the next two days and would have capacity for live classes. The app is free and students and teachers can use it," he said.

The National Headquarters of Fighting Coronavirus has decided to open schools from September 5. The teaching hours of each course has been reduced from 90 minutes to 30 minutes.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 22:53:40|Editor: huaxia

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JERUSALEM, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Israeli researchers have grown palm trees with dates from a 2,100-year-old seed, the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES) in southeastern Israel said on Tuesday.

Elaine Solowey, director of the Center for Sustainable Agriculture at AIES, told Xinhua that "this was a big surprise, a kind of a miracle. I did not think anything would come out of this seed after so many years, as it showed no signs of life."

It is one of hundreds of seeds discovered decades ago in the Qumran caves near the Dead Sea's northern shores.

According to the researchers, the seeds survived mainly due to the unique conditions at the Dead Sea, hundreds of meters below sea level, which have protected them from harmful sun radiation.

Solowey noted that a previous tree from one of the seeds was germinated back in 2005, but it was a male tree that did not bear fruit.

The seed, from which the current female tree was germinated, was treated since 2014 by heating, with moisture added slowly and gradually to prevent rotting.

When the seed showed signs of life, the researchers began feeding it with fertilizers and hormones, and transferred the sprout from a planter to the institute's ground.

At the end of the process, the tree yielded 111 large red dates, stiffer than today's dates, with a taste similar to that of honey. Enditem
COLOGNE, Germany  No matter who wins the upcoming U.S. presidential election, German defense officials have telegraphed in recent months that they regard Americas retreat from Europe a challenge they can try to manage, but not avoid.

The assumption has major consequences, potentially throwing the European economic powerhouse into the kind of geopolitical drivers seat that leaders here have long sought to avoid, and for which the country is ill prepared.

On the one hand, the message of America losing interest in the continent has given fresh impetus to the defense ministrys plea of keeping defense spending up despite the economic hardship wrought by the coronavirus pandemic.

But Berlins judgment also has darker undertones, reflecting a mistrust towards Washington nursed from years of abrasive relations with U.S. President Donald Trump and his emissaries. While another Trump term would likely continue to shake the traditional liberal world order, the idea that Democratic challenger Joe Biden could clinch the presidency and remake U.S.-German bonds is met here mostly with shrugs.

That is because the bigger forces at play  particularly how U.S. attention is now consumed by China  are unlikely to change either way, said Carlo Masala, a professor for international relations at the Bundeswehr University in Munich. In addition, he predicted that the dynamic of Washington keeping the pressure on Germany for greater financial, political or even operational commitments would remain the same under Biden.

There is a bipartisan consensus that Germany and Europe dont invest enough in their own security, and that they are free riders unable to adequately support the United States in its role as a global superpower, Masala said.

Germany floats a new NATO spending yardstick: 10 percent

That image is partly of Germanys own making, robbing Berlin of a substantive comeback to Trumps tirades. With roughly 1.2 percent of its gross national product spent on defense, the country is far from meeting the NATO-wide spending target of 2 percent by 2024.

Story continues

On other fronts, however, officials here should be more confident as a decades-long ally, said retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, a former commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe.

He said Berlin seemed almost meek, for example, when it came to countering the false charge by Trump that Germans were unduly making money off American installations that the Pentagon has long used to train, stage and command forces.

The U.S. president has used that narrative to justify the withdrawal of roughly 12,000 troops from Germany, undercutting the Pentagons claim that the move is the result of some kind of thorough analysis rather than a punishment aimed at Berlin.

Germany is the United States most important ally in Europe when it comes to economic and security cooperation, especially now that the U.K. seems to have a weaker position in Europe, post-Brexit, Hodges said.

But, he added, A relationship takes two. Germany has always held the United States to a higher standard, and its unfortunate when the Americans cant live up to that. But its equally unfortunate when Germany doesnt live up to the expectation of leadership in Europe, including defense spending.

Germans will have plenty of time to debate their trans-Atlantic vision in the 2021 election year, when the era of Chancellor Angela Merkel comes to an end. There is every expectation in Berlin that reltions will go from bad to worse if Trump remains president, and such a scenario could quickly sideline Germanys scrappy cadre of trans-Atlantic optimists.

After months of haggling, Lockheed moves on German air defense bid

If Biden wins in November, however, he could face a Berlin government so set on the expectation of an American withdrawal that it crowds out any potential to imagine another trajectory.

There may be something of a self-fulfilling prophecy at play, said Sophia Becker, a research fellow at the Berlin-based German Council on Relations (DGAP). When you say, Nothing will change, then truly nothing will change.

German attitudes towards the United States will be closely watched by future leaders in Washington, she added.

To be sure, touchpoints exist between the two countries defense objectives, even beyond the traditional focus on Europe and Russia. For example, government officials in Berlin recently rolled out a set of policy guidelines for the Indo-Pacific region, which calls for strengthened ties with governments there, including in the field of security cooperation.

If we miss the runway, then well have nothing in hand other than a bouquet of flowers come Nov. 4, said DGAP analyst Christian Molling, referring to the chance of a Biden win. We should start packaging the gifts now.

Whatever happens, I hope Germans will take the long-term view, said Hodges. Germany has been through decades of US election cycles. The idea that only the past three years have been bad is not entirely true.
[September 08, 2020] Aspect Announces Integration with Google's Verified Calls Today, Aspect (News - Alert) announced plans to integrate its enterprise contact center dialer products with Google's newly introduced Verified Calls service. The new service aims to solve the problem of differentiating legitimate inbound calls versus spammers in the following ways: Branding: It shows the brand's logo or identity, which helps aid recognition and recall Verification: It signals a business has been authenticated, so its identity is legitimate Context: It gives the consumer the information they need, including the reason for the call Consumers still rely on voice calls to communicate with businesses. According to our recent report, the Aspect Consumer Index 2020, it's the preferred interaction channel when urgency, security or privacy is critical. Herein lies the fundamental issue: customers often don't answer calls if they don't recognize the number. It's easy for spammers to disguise themselves as legitimate callers. Google's (News - Alert) Verified Calls service addresses this key business problem. "We integrated Google's new feature to facilitate good calls," said Michael Harris, Aspect Chief Product Offier and CMO. "Our enterprise customers are among the largest financial institutions in the world and they need to reach their consumers. Likewise, consumers need to answer those calls with confidence. We view Verified Calls as a giant step in the right direction."

Verified Calls is a feature on Google's Phone app, which comes preloaded on many Android (News - Alert) phones and will be available for download starting later this week on even more Android devices. To learn more about Aspect contact center solutions, visit: https://www.aspect.com/call-center-solutions/call-center For more information about Google's Verified Calls, visit Google at: g.co/cloud/verified-calls About Aspect Aspect is on a mission to simplify and improve customer engagement. Our enterprise software is used by millions of agents every year and supports billions of consumer interactions around the world. Our best-of-breed contact center and workforce optimization applications help companies keep agents engaged while providing exceptional customer service experiences. Our flexible, highly scalable solutions for self-service and live interaction management and workforce optimization are available on-premises or in any hosted, private or public cloud environment. For more information, visit www.aspect.com. Follow Aspect on Twitter (News - Alert) at @AspectSoftware. Read our blogs at http://blogs.aspect.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005690/en/

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KYIV, Ukraine - A leading opposition activist in Belarus was held on the border with Ukraine on Tuesday after she resisted an attempt by authorities to deport her as part of government efforts to end a month of protests against authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 8/9/2020 (500 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FILE - In this Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020 file photo, Maria Kolesnikova, one of Belarus' opposition leaders, gestures during a rally in Minsk, Belarus. Maria Kolesnikova, a leading opposition activist and several other members of an opposition council in Belarus went missing Monday Sept. 7, 2020, and their colleagues feared they were detained as part of the authorities' efforts to squelch nearly a month of protests against the re-election of the country's authoritarian leader. (Tut.By via AP, File)

KYIV, Ukraine - A leading opposition activist in Belarus was held on the border with Ukraine on Tuesday after she resisted an attempt by authorities to deport her as part of government efforts to end a month of protests against authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Maria Kolesnikova, a member of the Coordination Council created by the opposition to facilitate talks with the longtime leader on a transition of power, had been detained Monday in the capital of Minsk along with two other council members.

They were driven early Tuesday to the border, where authorities told them to cross into Ukraine. When they arrived in a no-man's land between the countries, Kolesnikova ripped her passport into small pieces to make it impossible for the authorities to expel her. She remained in custody on the Belarusian side of the border after the incident.

Two other council members who crossed into Ukraine, Ivan Kravtsov and Anton Rodnenkov, described Kolesnikova's action with open admiration.

FILE - In this Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020 file photo, Maria Kolesnikova, one of Belarus' opposition leaders, gestures on the way to the Belarusian Investigative Committee in Minsk, Belarus. Maria Kolesnikova, a leading opposition activist and several other members of an opposition council in Belarus went missing Monday and their colleagues feared they were detained as part of the authorities' efforts to squelch nearly a month of protests against the re-election of the country's authoritarian leader. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky, File)

She was shouting that she wont go anywhere, Rodnenkov said at a news conference in Kyiv. Sitting in the car, she saw her passport on a front seat and tore it into many small fragments, crumpled them and threw them out of the window. After that, she opened the back door and walked back to the Belarusian border.

He said that Maria is in great shape, full of energy and spirits, as always.

Anton Bychkovsky, spokesman for Belarus' Border Guard Committee, confirmed she is in the custody of Belarusian authorities but refused to give any details of what happened on the border.

Belarus has used similar tactics to force other opposition figures to leave the country, seeking to end a month of demonstrations that followed the reelection of Lukashenko in a vote that protesters see as rigged. Lukashenko has ruled the country for 26 years, relentlessly stifling dissent and keeping most of the economy in state hands.

The 66-year-old former state farm director has rejected criticism from the United States and the European Union, which said the Aug. 9 election was neither free nor fair and shrugged off their demands to open a dialogue with the opposition.

Belarusian opposition supporters with old Belarusian national flags gather in front of police line toward the Independence Palace, residence of the President Alexander Lukashenko, in Minsk, Belarus, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020. Sunday's demonstration marked the beginning of the fifth week of daily protests calling for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's resignation in the wake of allegedly manipulated elections. (AP Photo/TUT.by)

In Washington, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement state the U.S. and its allies are considering additional sanctions targeted at Belarus, and he expressed concern about the attempt expulsion of Kalesnikava.

We commend the courage of Ms. Kalesnikava and of the Belarusian people in peacefully asserting their right to pick their leaders in free and fair elections in the face of unjustified violence and repression by the Belarusian authorities, which included brazen beatings of peaceful marchers in broad daylight and hundreds of detentions September 6, as well as increasing reports of abductions, Pompeo said.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition challenger to Lukashenko, left for Lithuania a day after the election under pressure from authorities.

Addressing the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly on Tuesday, Tsikhanuskaya called for international sanctions against Lukashenko and other government officials.

We need international pressure on this regime, on this one individual, desperately clinging onto power," she said.

A woman covers herself by an old Belarusian national flag reacts as opposition supporters gather in front of police line toward the Independence Palace, residence of the President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk, Belarus, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020. Sunday's demonstration marked the beginning of the fifth week of daily protests calling for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's resignation in the wake of allegedly manipulated elections. (AP Photo)

Tsikhanouskaya stated that Lukashenko doesn't have any legitimacy after stealing the vote, warning other countries against deals with the Belarusian government.

He does not represent Belarus anymore, she said.

In separate comments about the attempt to expel Kolesnikova, Tsikhanouskaya praised her as a real hero, and said that such actions are incapable of breaking the will of the people or their desire to change their countrys future.

Kolesnikova, a 38-year-old flute player who led a popular arts centre, entered politics just before the election. She led the campaign headquarters of a top potential challenger to Lukashenko, and when he was barred from running and jailed on charges widely seen as political, she joined Tsikhanouskayas campaign.

Another associate of Tsikhanouskaya, Antonina Konovalova, disappeared Tuesday after a court fined her for taking part in a weekend protest.

Police officers detain a woman during a rally in support of Maria Kolesnikova, a member of the Coordination Council created by the opposition to facilitate talks with Lukashenko on a transition of power, was detained Monday in the capital of Minsk with two other council members, in Minsk, Belarus, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. A leading opposition activist in Belarus is being held on the border with Ukraine after she resisted attempts by authorities to deport her from the country as part of a clampdown on protests against authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko. (AP Photo)

As evening fell, police dispersed several hundred demonstrators rallying in Minsk in solidarity with Kolesnikova and detained at least 45 protesters, according to the Viasna human rights centre.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed very serious concern at the repeated use of force against peaceful protesters, as well as reported pressures on opposition civil society activists, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

The U.N. chiefs message is that the Belarusian people should be able to exercise their political and constitutional rights peacefully in a democratic environment, the spokesman said, and the current crisis that were seeing in Belarus needs to be resolved through an inclusive dialogue amongst the Belarusian people.

After a brutal crackdown on protesters by police in the initial days after the vote that stoked international outrage and swelled the ranks of protesters, authorities in Belarus have switched to threats and selective arrests of activists and demonstrators.

Belarusian prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into members of the Coordination Council, accusing them of undermining national security by calling for a transition of power. Several council members were arrested and others were called for questioning.

Police officers detain a woman during a rally in support of Maria Kolesnikova, a member of the Coordination Council created by the opposition to facilitate talks with Lukashenko on a transition of power, was detained Monday in the capital of Minsk with two other council members, in Minsk, Belarus, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. A leading opposition activist in Belarus is being held on the border with Ukraine after she resisted attempts by authorities to deport her from the country as part of a clampdown on protests against authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko. (AP Photo)

Last week, Pavel Latushko, a former minister of culture and ambassador to France who joined the opposition council, travelled to Poland after facing threats and being questioned. His departure came a day after Lukashenko warned that Latushko had crossed a red line and would face prosecution.

On Saturday, Tsikhanouskaya associate Olga Kovalkova also moved to Poland after the authorities threatened to jail her for a long time if she refused to leave the country.

Kovalkova said agents of the Belarusian State Security Committee, or KGB, put her into a car, where she was told to lie on the floor, unaware where they were taking her. She was dropped off in no-mans land between the Belarus and Poland border, and Polish border guards asked a bus driver headed for Poland to take her on board.

The French Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation of arbitrary arrests and the practice of forced exiles of several members of the Coordination Council, as well as of numerous demonstrators in recent days.

We call on Belarus authorities to end without delay these actions, to free those arbitrarily detained, and open a national dialogue, the ministry said.

A woman with her child react as police officers detain protesters during a rally in support of Maria Kolesnikova, a member of the Coordination Council created by the opposition to facilitate talks with Lukashenko on a transition of power, was detained Monday in the capital of Minsk with two other council members, in Minsk, Belarus, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. A leading opposition activist in Belarus is being held on the border with Ukraine after she resisted attempts by authorities to deport her from the country as part of a clampdown on protests against authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko. (AP Photo)

Despite the pressure on opposition activists, daily protests have continued and crowds have swelled on the weekends. An estimated 100,000 attended a rally Sunday, despite heavy rain.

Speaking in an interview with Russian journalists, Lukashenko said it's tragic for him to face massive protests, but insisted that he has retained the support of most of the country.

I must protect what has been built with our hands, protect the people who have built it, and they are an overwhelming majority, he said.

Amid Western criticism, Lukashenko has relied on support from Moscow, his main sponsor and ally. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he stands ready to send police to Belarus on Lukashenko's request if rallies turn violent but there is no need for that yet.

Lukashenko blamed the U.S. for instigating the protests and warned Russia that it could face similar demonstrations in the future.

If Belarus collapses today, Russia will come next, he said.

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Observers say Lukashenko hopes to stem the protests with selective repressions against the opposition leaders and soothe public anger with vague talk about constitutional reform and a new election at an unspecified date. The Kremlin has endorsed his promise of such a reform.

The authorities' scenario is clear  push all the leaders out of the country and step up repressions against demonstrators while imitating a dialogue on a constitutional reform under the patronage of the Kremlin, said Valery Karbalevich, an independent Minsk-based analyst. Lukashenko hopes that the rallies of 100,000 will fizzle after the expulsion of opposition leaders, but so far it has had an opposite effect, helping fuel more protests.

___

Associated Press writers Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow, Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Elaine Ganley in Paris and Monika Scislowska in Warsaw, Poland, contributed to this report.

___

Follow all AP stories on the developments in Belarus at https://apnews.com/Belarus
Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris spoke with Jacob Blake on Monday, telling the 29-year-old who was shot in the back by Kenosha, Wis. police that she was proud of him.

Blake told Sen. Harris that he was proud of her, and the senator told Jacob that she was also proud of him and how he is working through his pain, lawyer Ben Crump said in a statement.

Harris spoke with Blake, who is in the hospital with massive internal injuries and is paralyzed below the waist after the shooting, via phone while meeting with some of his family in the airport after she landed.

Harris also spoke about the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and implicit bias training, Crump said.

Harris called the meeting really wonderful saying, I mean theyre an incredible family and what theyve endured and they do it with such dignity and grace. And you know, theyre carrying the weight of a lot of voices on their shoulders.

Asked by reporters about a message, Harris said, Just to, one, to express concern for their well-being and of course, for their brother and their sons well being and to let them know that they have support.

In a CNN interview later Monday, lawyer BIvory LaMarr said Harris spoke almost as a family member who was essentially counseling the family on grief and how to deal with these things and providing a good outlook to our community.

Police had been responding to a call last month that Blake, who had a warrant out for his arrest, had taken a womans keys and refused to return them. Blake allegedly broke into the same womans home in May and sexually assaulted her before stealing her truck.

When the police arrived, Blake admitted to having a knife in his possession, according to Wisconsins Department of Justice. Police instructed Blake to drop the knife as he is seen on video holding something in his hand, though it is unclear what. Division of Criminal Investigation agents later recovered a knife from the drivers side floorboard in Blakes van.

Story continues

Video of the incident appears to show an officer shooting Blake several times in the back from close range as Blake tried to enter his van where his three children waited.

Blake pleaded not guilty to charges of third-degree sexual assault and misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and trespassing in a Zoom hearing from his hospital bed last Friday.

More from National Review
By Akbar Mammadov

Azerbaijans Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov and World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus Sebastian Molineus have discussed the cooperation during a video-conference meeting held recently.

During the meeting, the minister said that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to relations with the World Bank. He reminded that presently, four loan and 18 technical assistance projects of the World Bank are being implemented in Azerbaijan. He noted that Azerbaijan values the support measures provided by the World Bank to minimize the challenges posed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the socio-economic impact of the pandemic.

The minister also spoke about economic reforms and structural changes, economic diversification, development of the non-oil sector and measures to increase competitiveness.

Congratulating Sarah Michael on her new appointment as the World Bank Country Manager for the South Caucasus, Jabbarov expressed confidence in the success of mutual cooperation.

In turn, Molineus said that the World Bank supports the reforms in Azerbaijan and is ready to share its experience in a number of areas.

It should be noted that Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev and World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Anna Bjerde held a meeting in July, to discuss expanding cooperation in a number of areas.

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Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97

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In a major success for security forces, Bandipora Police arrested three terror associates (OGWs) and recovered incriminating materials in Hajin area of Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday (September 8).

Sources told Zee Media that Hajin police station recieved information from reliable sources that some miscreants at the behest of local active terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba had hoisted Pakistani flags at Hajin's main market with an aim to create fear pyschosis and incite anti-national feelings among the common people of Hajin.

An FIR was registered at Hajin police station under relevant sections of law and investigation was initiated. During the course of the investigation, three persons namely

Mujeeb Shamas, Tanweer Ahmad Mir and Imtiyaz Ahmad Sheikh were identified and they were arrested by the police on Tuesday.

All three are residents of Mir Mohalla in Hajin and had admitted to their involvement in the crime. One hand grenade, some clothes, sewing machine and other incriminating materials used in preparing flags was also recovered from them.

This year around 113 terror associates were arrested across Kashmir valley from their information dozens of terror hideouts were busted and huge amount of arms and ammunitions had been recovered.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone conversation with President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, the Ukrainian presidents press service reported on Monday evening.

During the talk, President Zelensky said he hopes that the date of a meeting of leaders of the Normandy Four countries (Ukraine, France, Germany and Russia) will be set after the meeting of their advisers.

"I hope that after the meeting of the advisers to leaders of the Normandy Four countries, we will understand when a meeting of the leaders of these countries should take place. We all need to make efforts to achieve peace," Zelensky said.

He thanked official Vilnius and personally Gitanas Nauseda for the continued support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Also, President Zelensky informed President Nauseda of the current security situation in Donbas. President Zelensky expressed deep concern over the ceasefire violation by the illegal armed groups, which took place on September 6. One Ukrainian soldier was killed and another one was wounded.

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The MSME Tool Room Hyderabad, under Central Institute of Tool Design (CITD), has invited applications from qualified and experienced individuals for filling Nine (09) vacancies to the post of Engineers (07), Senior Engineer (01) and PS to Principal Director (01) through direct recruitment on a fulltime basis to be posted at Hyderabad, Chennai and Vijayawada in India. The application process towards the same started on September 7, 2020 and closes on September 28, 2020.

CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Engineers, Senior Engineer and PS to Principal Director Organisation MSME - Central Institute of Tool Design (CITD) Educational Qualification Bachelors Degree in concerned discipline; B.E/B.Tech Degree in relevant engineering discipline Experience Refer to the advertisement Job Responsibilities null Skills Required Desirable Job Location Hyderabad, Chennai, Vijayawada Salary Scale In the range of Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,42,400 per month Industry Bachelors Degree in concerned discipline; B.E/B.Tech Degree in relevant engineering discipline Application Start Date September 7, 2020 Application End Date September 28, 2020

MSME Recruitment 2020: Age Criteria And Fees

Candidates interested in applying for Engineers post through MSME Recruitment 2020 must meet the age criteria as per the MSME norms, with relaxation (upper age limit) for reserved categories as specified in the MSME Recruitment 2020 notification.

For details regarding application for Engineers post through MSME Recruitment 2020, refer to the official MSME Recruitment 2020 notification.

PNB SO Recruitment 2020: PNB Recruitment For 535 Manager And Sr. Manager Post, Apply Before Sep 29

MSME Recruitment 2020: Education And Eligibility

Candidates applying for Engineers post through MSME Recruitment 2020 must possess a Bachelor's Degree in concerned discipline; B.E/B.Tech Degree in relevant engineering discipline from a recognised University/Institution with relevant years of experience in the concerned field a detailed in the MSME Recruitment 2020 notification.

MSME Recruitment 2020: Selection And Pay Scale

The selection for Engineers post through MSME Recruitment 2020 will be done through Shortlisting, Interview and Document Verification as mentioned in the MSME Recruitment 2020 notification.

Candidates selected for Engineers post through MSME Recruitment 2020 will be paid emolument in the range of Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,42,400 per month as specified in the MSME Recruitment 2020 notification.

RITES Recruitment 2020 For Engineer And Inspecting Engineer Posts, Apply Offline Before September 30

MSME Recruitment 2020: How To Apply

Candidates applying for Engineers post through MSME Recruitment 2020 must fill the application form in a prescribed format post-download from the CITD website and submit their applications on or before September 28, 2020 to the address specified as MSME Recruitment 2020 notification.

Download MSME Recruitment 2020 Notification PDF here
This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (forward-looking statements). Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation: economic statements related to the PEA, such as future projected production, capital costs and operating costs, statements with respect to Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resource estimates, recovery rates, timing of future studies including the feasibility study, environmental assessments and development plans. These statements are based on information currently available to the Company and the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. In certain cases, forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "could", "estimates", "expects", "may", "shall", "will", or "would". Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the PEA, the estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, the realization of resource estimates and reserve estimates, any potential upgrades of existing resource estimates, gold metal prices, the timing and amount of future exploration and development expenditures, the estimation of initial and sustaining capital requirements, the estimation of labour and operating costs, the availability of necessary financing and materials to continue to explore and develop the Companys properties in the short and long-term, the progress of exploration and development activities, the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, and assumptions with respect to currency fluctuations, environmental risks, title disputes or claims, and other similar matters. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect.
Tucked away in a forest canopy in the Texas Hill Country is one of Airbnb's most popular destinations for 2020.

Airbnb found that a Hill Country tree house is as one of its most requested destinations nationwide. Perched high above ground, the Live Oak Treehouse boasts a whimsical, dreamy treetop bungalow. This luxurious, off-the-beaten-path Airbnb rental features a cozy book nook, hot tub, first-class amenities and refreshing views of Palo Alto Creek.

The home's surrounding town of Fredericksburg has itself been crowned as one of the top 10 trending spots in the U.S. for a holiday getaway, according to a Sept. 1 press release from Airbnb.

Airbnb identified a few defining trends for the fall in the release. Americans are feeling the longing to travel, but still staying to close to home, the company reported. Unique stays at cabins and tiny homes are becoming more popular. Travelers are doing more nearby stays within 300 miles, but there's been a slight uptick in searches for international destinations, according to Airbnb.

TEXAS GETAWAY: This Texas city takes top spot as one of the America's best cities for quick getaways in 2o20

"With domestic trips accounting for the majority of bookings globally, and more than half of all bookings made in August** for trips within 300 miles of the guests origin, its clear that nearby escapes are here to stay this fall," Airbnb wrote.

For travelers who could do without the treetop experience, there are several other options for your vacation getaway in Fredericksburg, including one of the quaint Sunday House historic cottages or this modern ranch-style house called The Hideaway.

Here are some other popular destinations for fall, if you're planning for trips outside of Texas:
An unemployed man, Prosper Dzokah, has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by an Accra Circuit Court for robbing a lady of her handbag containing GHS70 and other personal items at Teshie in Accra.

Charged with robbery, Dzokah pleaded guilty and he was remanded on July 16, this year into police custody by the court presided over by Mr Emmanuel Essandoh.

Appearing at the court today, the trial judge convicted Dzokah on his own plea.

Prosecuting Inspector Eric Pobee, said the complainant, Gladys Ashie, resided at Teshie while Prosper also resided at Manet Tobinco Lane at Teshie.

On July 7, this year, at about 11:45 pm, the complainant who had closed from work alighted from a bus at Teshie Ebenezer junction.

Chief Inspector Pobee said Dzokah had armed himself with a knife and was lurking in the dark at the said junction.

According to prosecution, Dzokah on seeing the complainant ordered her to surrender her handbag or he would stab her with the knife.

For fear of her life, the prosecution said Madam Ashie handed her handbag containing a Samsung phone, cash of GHS70.00, a Voter ID card, Name Tag, umbrella and a purse over to Dzoka.

The prosecution said Dzokah on July 10, this year extended his nefarious activities to Teshie Trinity School Junction at Agblezaa where he attempted to attack another female but he was arrested by one General Sergeant Emmanuel Oduro who was near the scene.

The prosecution said a search conducted on him showed that Dzokah had the Samsung Mobile phone he had earlier on robbed from Madam Ashie as well as her (Ashie's) Voter's ID's Card.

The prosecution said Sergeant Oduro retrieved Madam Ashie's brother's number and informed him that his sister's phone had been retrieved.

Around 2:00 am, the complainant and her elder brother proceeded to the Teshie Trinity Park and assisted the Policeman to the container shop where he had hidden the bag and its content, prosecution added.

---Daily Guide
NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Nuveen Executive Chairman Vijay Advani will retire at year end in a planned transition that will allow him to focus full time on his passions for responsible investing, the use of artificial intelligence in asset management and government policy.

Mr. Advani joined Nuveen in 2016 as Chief Operating Officer and was elevated to Chief Executive Officer the following year. He moved into the Executive Chairman role this past January when Jose Minaya was named CEO and agreed to remain in that role during Mr. Minaya's first year of leading the firm.

Upon retiring, Mr. Advani plans to consult for entrepreneurial and specialty firms to develop their environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) and impact investing and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. He will also seek to increase uptake of responsible investing principles and practices via board roles.

"Vijay put Nuveen in the strongest possible position to continue meeting the diverse and complex needs of our clients while also leading our efforts to grow in new markets around the globe," said Mr. Minaya. "His contributions to Nuveen, to our parent TIAA and to me personally over the last few years have been invaluable."

As CEO, Mr. Advani oversaw the continued growth of Nuveen's global asset management business, capabilities and investment products, including the increase of assets under management to over $1 trillion. The firm posted positive organic growth in 2018 and 2019 amid broad industry outflows, further integrated its platform of investment specialists, centralized shared services and began offering its capabilities under a newly established brand, Nuveen, a TIAA company. Mr. Advani also established Nuveen Labs, a specialist team that employs artificial intelligence, machine learning, analytics, and Big Data to enhance Nuveen's investment processes and develop proprietary data measurement and metrics for responsible and impact investing.

"It has been an amazing honor and my proudest professional accomplishment to help lead Nuveen," said Mr. Advani. "This company has amazingly talented people and a breadth of private and public market capabilities unlike any other serving our clients and the world we live in. As I transition to my new life, I do so confident that Nuveen is poised for even greater things under the excellent leadership of my colleague and friend Jose Minaya."

Roger W. Ferguson Jr., President and CEO of TIAA, added: "Under Vijay's leadership, Nuveen ascended to the top tier of global asset managers and expanded its reach to help an increasingly diverse array of clients. And as he approaches retirement, his smooth and orderly transition of his responsibilities to Jose completes our leadership succession planning for Nuveen, which remains foundational to TIAA's mission and growth. I thank Vijay for his many contributions."

Mr. Advani serves on the board of the Global Impact Investing Network and is an advisory board member for The Hive Incubator in Palo Alto, California. He is on the Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute and is a charter member of TiE Silicon Valley, which connects tech start-ups with sources of investment capital and executive expertise. He previously served on the board of FCLTGlobal, a non-profit that seeks to focus institutional investing on long-term societal benefits. Mr. Advani was also recently named Chairman the U.S.-India Business Council.

About Nuveen

Nuveen, the investment manager of TIAA, offers a comprehensive range of outcome-focused investment solutions designed to secure the long-term financial goals of institutional and individual investors. Nuveen has $1 trillion in assets under management as of 30 June 2020 and operations in 27 countries. Its investment specialists offer deep expertise across a comprehensive range of traditional and alternative investments through a wide array of vehicles and customized strategies. For more information, please visit www.nuveen.com.

GPS-1319284PR-E0920

Contact

Jessica Greaney

Nuveen Media Relations

646.508.0435

[email protected]

SOURCE Nuveen

Related Links

http://www.nuveen.com


NAHA, Okinawa -- A U.S. soldier and a civilian cook who pleaded guilty to robbing an Okinawa currency exchange of nearly $65,000 at knifepoint last spring were sentenced to prison terms with labor Tuesday by a panel of three Japanese judges.

Army Pvt. Demetrius Moton Jr., 21, and assigned to Kadena Air Base, received 4  years in prison with labor for his part in the May 12 robbery near Camp Foster's front gate. Hassan Smith, 34, a cook for Kadena's Child Development Center, received 3  years with labor.

The pair pleaded guilty July 13 in Naha District Court and threw themselves upon the mercy of the court a week later. The two faced up to 20 years imprisonment under Japanese criminal law, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Prosecutors requested six years each.

The judges were not swayed by efforts to repay the money.

"Both defendants are guilty," Chief Judge Hironobu Ono said at 2:55 p.m. after brief deliberations with the other judges.

"Moton pointed a knife at the manager while robbing the store," Ono said before sentencing the two. "Even though Moton played the leading role, Hassan could not avoid the responsibility of robbing the exchange store during the daytime where some resistance was inevitable and received a fair amount of money from Moton. Hassan's criminal responsibility is significant."

They will receive credit for 50 days served and have 14 days to appeal their sentence to the Fukuoka High Court, Ono said.

After the sentencings, lawyers for the pair said they would discuss possible appeals with their clients.

According to previous testimony from both men, they scouted the exchange before entering in masks. Moton went behind the counter, brandished a knife and threatened an employee. He and Smith made off with $64,700 in Japanese and U.S. currency, which the pair split.

Moton sent some of the money to his family in the United States and gave some to a local girlfriend; Smith sent his share to a friend in Germany, according to earlier testimony.

Japanese police and Air Force investigators focused on the pair immediately after the crime and Smith confessed to investigators on May 15.

Defense attorneys for the men submitted statements Tuesday showing efforts to pay back the outstanding balance of the stolen money to the exchange's insurance agent. The balance was listed as just over $6,000 at a previous hearing.

"I am so sorry for the victim," Moton said prior to sentencing. "I will pay back the rest of the money to the insurance company as soon as the Army pays me."

"Please forgive me and give me a second chance," Smith added.

Prosecutors entered a statement from exchange manager Mitsuru Araki, who questioned the men's sincerity.

"I will not forgive both defendants just because they transferred the robbed money back to the insurance company," said Araki's statement, which was read aloud. "Both apologized to me last hearing; however, I felt like it's just superficial. There was no sincerity."

Upon hearing the verdict, Smith's wife, Air Force Staff Sgt. Danielle Smith, stared forward shaking her head. Smith looked at her with red and teary eyes; she did not meet his gaze.

Moton showed no emotion as police cuffed him and escorted him and Smith from the courtroom.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kaduna State has confirmed the murder of its kidnapped officer, Mr Bulus Sanda.

NSCDC Commandant in the state, Babangida Abdullahi Dutsinma, made the confirmation in a statement by the commands Public Relations Officer, Mr Orndiir Terzungwe, in Kaduna.

He said that the late Sanda who joined the corps in 2010 was abducted from his residence at Mararaba-Rido, Chikun Local Government area of the state.

The commandant said that the officer had served the corps in in different locations, adding that he was dedicated to his duty in an exemplary manner.

His last location was Kaduna-North Division. He even received an award a day before his abduction and eventual death, he said.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 23:08:06|Editor: huaxia

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HARARE, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- China is playing a significant role in helping Zimbabwe fight COVID-19, the African country's information minister told Xinhua.

"COVID-19 has wreaked havoc among our people, especially the economy," said Monica Mutsvangwa, Zimbabwe's minister of information, publicity and broadcasting services, adding that lockdowns during the pandemic have caused a number of problems to her country, which has registered 7,298 cases as of Monday.

However, "with the help of our best friends like China and many others, we have managed to contain this virus," she said.

Since the country's first case of COVID-19 was recorded in March, the Chinese government and Chinese enterprises in Zimbabwe have made a notable contribution to Zimbabwe's fight against the novel coronavirus, the minister noted.

"We have seen the People's Republic of China through the embassy here donating almost on a weekly basis," she said.

Besides medical supplies, "we have also seen a lot of support in terms of what we require to contain the disease," she said. "I am talking about all kinds of help," referring to China's sharing of its anti-epidemic experience with local health authorities.

In May, a 12-member medical team from China was dispatched to Zimbabwe to help the African country fight COVID-19. During their stay there, Chinese medical experts from the team toured four of the country's 10 provinces to share their experience with local medical staff, donated medical supplies to the hospitals they visited, and presented a report with their recommendations on fighting COVID-19 to the Zimbabwean government.

In a letter to the medical team, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed gratitude, lauding its "unwavering support by sharing the expertise garnered from China's victorious battle against the COVID-19 pandemic." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-07 22:41:47|Editor: huaxia

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This couple in Tianjin, China once had to give up rice paddy cultivation due to industrial development. Now with the improved environment, the Lis have again returned to their long-cherished profession.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / XPhyto Therapeutics Corp. (CSE:XPHY / OTCQB:XPHYF / FSE:4XT) ("XPhyto" or the "Company"), a next generation bioscience company, is pleased to announce an update on its rapid COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) screening test.

XPhyto and its exclusive diagnostic partner, 3a-Diagnostics GmbH ("3a"), are developing a rapid, disposable, point-of-care lateral flow screening test to detect COVID-19 viral RNA from patient saliva samples and nasal and throat swabs (the "Test"). On July 6, 2020, the Company announced successful validation of its working prototype to concurrently detect the COVID-19 virus and viruses in the broader coronavirus family (including SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV). On August 10, 2020, the Company announced commercial milestones targeting European regulatory approval in Q1 2021.

3a has taken possession of COVID-19 RNA isolated from live viable virus for its second round of proof of concept prototype testing. This evaluation process is currently underway and results are expected within 30 days. Pending successful evaluation results the Company will proceed to advanced prototype production and usability testing scheduled for Q4 2020. Test development and optimization continues to proceed on an expedited basis at 3a's research lab and in collaboration with third party contractors and academic partners in Germany.

"In general, the scientific understanding of the COVID-19 virus and an active infection is rapidly evolving. It's a dynamic situation but XPhyto is bolstered by the emerging scientific literature that supports the use of saliva tests over nasopharyngeal swabs and molecular (RNA) tests over other forms of detection, which may be susceptible to false negatives," said Hugh Rogers, CEO of XPhyto.[1][2]

XPhyto and 3a are developing rapid screening tests for COVID-19 and other high-risk pandemic threats, including H1N1 (swine flu) and H5N1 (avian flu), with a specific focus on early pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic stages of infection. H1N1 and H5N1 development programs are currently funded through grants from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The Company's screening tests include enhanced RNA-probe lateral flow assay tests as well as novel biosensors delivered via XPhyto's oral dissolvable drug delivery platform. The product pipeline is comprised exclusively of next generation rapid, low-cost, easy-to-use, saliva-based screening tools designed to be self-administered, making them ideal for decentralized population-scale screening.

The Company is not making any express or implied claims that its product has the ability to eliminate, cure or contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

About XPhyto Therapeutics Corp.

XPhyto is a diversified bioscience company with strategic assets and investments in the field of next generation drug delivery and rapid pathogen screening systems, as well as medical cannabis opportunities focused on European markets. Through its 100% owned subsidiaries and exclusive collaboration agreements, XPhyto is pursuing clinical programs for the transdermal and dissolvable oral delivery of conventional and cannabis based narcotics for neurological applications, as well as rapid dissolvable oral biosensor and lateral flow assay-based screening tests for dental health applications and high-risk pandemic threats such as SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19), H1N1 (swine flu) and H5N1 (avian flu). XPhyto has two exclusive cannabis collaborations with the Technical University of Munich, and two exclusive 5-year engagements with the University of Alberta, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences for cannabis extraction, isolation, formulation, and analytical testing.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Hugh Rogers"

Hugh Rogers, CEO and Director

Investor Inquiries:

Mr. Knox Henderson

Tel: 604-551-2360

info@xphyto.com

www.xphyto.com

Forward looking statements

This news release includes statements containing forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "develop", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "potential", "propose" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and in this release include the statement regarding the Company's goal of building a successful diagnostic, drug delivery, and medical cannabis company. Forward-looking statements are only predictions based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including: that the Company may not succeed in developing a commercial product; that the sale of products may not be a viable business; that the Company may be unable to scale its business; product liability risks; product regulatory risk; general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; currency risks; competition; international risks; and other risks beyond the Company's control. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

[1] Wyllie, A., Fournier, J., Casanovas-Massana, A. et al. Saliva or Nasopharyngeal Swab Specimens for Detection of SARS-CoV-2. New England Journal of Medicine, Correspondence To the Editor (2020, August 28). [2]U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2020, August 26) COVID-19 Update: FDA Authorizes First Diagnostic Test Where Results Can Be Read Directly From Testing Card [Press Release]. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-diagnostic-test-where-results-can-be-read-directly-testing-card. SOURCE: XPhyto Therapeutics Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/605083/XPhyto-Provides-Update-on-Covid-19-Rapid-Test
Notwithstanding its nimble handling of a pandemic, Justin Trudeaus government will be vulnerable in the next election if voters dont see meaningful action replace Canadas passive rhetoric on Chinas human rights, trade and hostage diplomacy.

This summer, the Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights and the Commons Special Committee on Canada-China Relations heard harrowing testimony from witnesses who say Chinese government agents threaten them and their families in Canada and in China.

Canadian Chinese and Canadian Uighur activists told of being threatened with rape or even death if they keep speaking out against violations committed by China against the Uighurs, or the persecution of Hong Kong residents clinging to political rights.

Witnesses pleaded for Canada to stop this intimidation campaign being co-ordinated by the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa and its consulates in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. All people in Canada are entitled to the protection of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including Chinese Canadians or citizens of China here in Canada as students or for other purposes.

Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagnes nonresponse to calls to protect Chinese Canadians amounts to tacit consent for Beijing to continue acting as if ethnic Chinese, Tibetans and Uighurs within Canada should still be subject to repression by Chinas Communist regime.

Sadly, this is consistent with Canadas nonaction on China. Regarding offering sanctuary to Hong Kong activists facing persecution due to repressive moves by Beijing, we are told that Ottawa is thinking it over. Ditto to applying Magnitsky sanctions against Chinese officials complicit in genocidal measures against Uighur people, including forced sterilization of women.

These sanctions are already applied against officials in Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and other countries engaging in human rights abuses less serious than Chinas. If Ottawa defers these decisions as long as they have delayed ruling on Huawei 5G, Canadas sagging reputation as a weak link in maintaining international rules-based order will be confirmed.

Magnitsky sanctions would seriously impact Chinas red nobility, who park dubious assets in Canada. For them this country serves as a bolt hole in case of being on the losing end of factional struggles that characterize Chinas unstable nondemocracy.

This includes Meng Wanzhou, the Huawei CFO with a $5-million, six-bedroom residence plus a $13-million estate more than triple that size in one of Vancouvers toniest neighbourhoods. (Meng was carrying seven passports when detained by Canadian authorities.) People like this are not so concerned about military conflicts or decoupling from the West, as they are of Magnitsky cancellation of their visas and confiscation of their overseas money and assets.

To maintain power, Party General-Secretary Xi Jinping must be seen as protecting the interests of Communist elites. If they believe his mismanagement of relations with Canada will impact them directly, Xi has a major problem. But this point appears lost on Canadian policy-makers, those same people who seem in no hurry to consider a Canadian iteration of Australias Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act.

That law has led to numerous former senior Australian government people resigning from the lucrative China-related boards and consultancies. Such plums are a key tactic of Chinas covert and corrupt approach to cultivating influential Western friends.

What of the sotto voce reservations expressed about the impact of Canada doing anything that China would not like on the fate of hostages Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig? After more than 600 days of incarceration, Ottawas refrain we are working very hard to achieve their release has worn thin. The fact is, Beijing will hold these two innocent men for as long as it benefits the furtherance of Chinas agenda in Canada, regardless of any impact on Chinas global credibility.

Currently, Beijing has got us where they want us. The tragic fallacy of Canadas silence is that the longer we remain passive in the face of Chinas appalling violations of international trade, diplomacy and human rights, the longer we can expect Kovrig and Spavor to remain in Chinese prison hell.

Charles Burton is a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa, and non-resident senior fellow of the European Values Center for Security Policy in Prague. He is a former professor of political science at Brock University, and served as a diplomat at Canadas embassy in Beijing.

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Hundreds of Rohingya Muslim refugees stranded at sea for more than six months after repeatedly being denied port by regional authorities were rescued Monday by local fishermen in Aceh, Indonesia, officials said.

The rescue was carried out around midnight after the fishermen spotted the refugees near Ujong Blang Beach in Aceh, according to human rights groups. Two of the 300 or so passengers, who included 14 children, were taken to the hospital. Around 30 were reported to have died over the boats long months at sea.

Before the rescue, the fishermen contacted Indonesian officials, who had earlier prevented the boat from docking. In June, a separate boat with Rohingya refugees was also rescued by Indonesian fishermen after the authorities initially threatened to turn them away.

The Rohingya refugee crisis intensified in 2017 when the Buddhist-majority military in Myanmar unleashed what the United Nations has described as a campaign with genocidal intent. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya poured across Myanmars border with Bangladesh, bringing accounts of massacre and rape.

In the years since, the bulging refugee camps in Bangladesh have become places of misery and predation, and many Rohingya have set out for other countries, dismissing promises from the authorities in Myanmar that it is safe for then to return.

Rohingya refugees are still willing to risk everything in search of safety, Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, said in a statement Monday. It is appalling that the Indonesian authorities are waiting for local fishermen to take the initiative in carrying out these rescues. The government, not private individuals, should have saved these lives.

Last spring as the coronavirus spread across the globe, hundreds of Rohingya refugees set out on boats from southern Bangladesh for Malaysia and were pushed back by both Malaysian and Thai authorities in part because of pandemic-related restrictions, rights groups have said.

In May, the United Nations warned that measures to prevent the spread of the disease should not result in the closure of avenues to asylum, or in forcing people to either return to situations of danger or seek to land clandestinely, without health screening or quarantine.

The Indonesian government pledged to work with the United Nations to ensure the well-being of the nearly 300 refugees rescued Monday and to provide shelter.
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They are both successful models who have been linked to Brooklyn Beckham.

And gal pals Lottie Moss and Hana Cross showed that they also share a sense of style as they headed out in matching ensembles for a night on the town.

The pair partied until the early hours at London's Cirque Le Soir nightclub on Monday in white dresses and black jackets.

Matching in monochrome: Lottie Moss and Hana Cross showed that they also share a sense of style as they headed out in matching ensembles for a night on the town

Lottie, 22, looked sensational in a figure-hugging satin dress in a cream hue that complemented her tanned complexion.

Layering up, the blonde bombshell donned a cropped black jacket that she teamed with patent thigh high stiletto boots.

She finished off the look with a small Off White handbag and a pair of gold hooped earrings.

Out and about: The pair partied until the early hours at London's Cirque Le Soir nightclub on Monday in white dresses and black jackets

A vision in white: Lottie, 22, looked sensational in a figure-hugging satin dress in a cream hue that complemented her tanned complexion

Sartorially in sync with her friend, Hana also looked sensational in a little white dress, which featured a crochet overlay and thigh-skimming hem.

Giving her tanned and toned pins an extra boost, the brunette beauty teetered along in white barely-there heels.

Hana completed her ensemble with a black embroidered denim jacket and delicate gold choker.

These boots were made for partying: Layering up, the blonde bombshell donned a cropped black jacket that she teamed with patent thigh high stiletto boots

All about the accessories: She finished off the look with a small Off White handbag and a pair of gold hooped earrings

Ready to party: Lottie is a regular on the party scene and is often seen out painting the town red on a daily basis

Lottie and Hana - who are both signed with Storm Model Management - have been firm friends for months and are often seen out partying together.

The couple became friends last year when Hana was dating David and Victoria Beckham's son, Brooklyn - so it caused shockwaves when it emerged Lottie had a fling with the photographer prior.

News of their alleged fling came to light in November, with a source telling The Sun on Sunday that David and Victoria were 'less than impressed' after finding out.

Delightful duo: Lottie was joined by a male friend on the outing with the pair strolling together

Loving life: The duo seemed in high spirits as they chatted away together and giggled

Brooklyn and Lottie have been pals for a number of years and it is claimed that she made it clear their liaison wasn't a serious thing.

The alleged fling was said to be 'embarrassing' for the Beckham family, as both Brooklyn and his parents have socialised with Lottie's supermodel sister Kate in the past.

After connecting with Brooklyn, the model is said to have become pals with now ex-girlfriend Hana, who split with the photographer over the summer.

A dream in cream: Sartorially in sync with her friend, Hana also looked sensational in a little white dress, which featured a crochet overlay and thigh-skimming hem

Leggy lady! Giving her tanned and toned pins an extra boost, the brunette beauty teetered along in white barely-there heels

All about the accessories: Hana completed her ensemble with a black embroidered denim jacket and delicate gold choker

Delightful duo: Hana was also joined by another friend as they headed out together

Back in September, reports surfaced Victoria and David were relieved when Brooklyn and Hana split in August after nine months together.

A source told The Sun at the time: 'Brooklyn and Hana have called off their romance for good. David and Victoria very glad and relieved and are backing him 100 per cent.'

Hana has since moved on from her turbulent romance with Brooklyn and is dating Nasser Alfallah, who is a Loyola Marymount University student in Los Angeles and is originally from Kuwait.

Meanwhile Lottie has been linked to I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star Roman Kemp, with the pair reportedly enjoying a kiss after a 'fun, tipsy date'.

As for Brooklyn, he announced his engagement to actress and heiress Nicola Peltz in July but has sparked rumours that the pair have already wed in secret.

The duo also sparked pregnancy rumours when Nicola referred to a 'baby' in a cryptic post.
Protestors have been blockading oil and gas facilites in southern Tunisia since July demanding new investment and jobs

Operations at blockaded oil and gas facilities in Tunisia's impoverished south have been halted for nearly two months, protesters and authorities said Tuesday, as energy firms threatened to lay off staff.

Demonstrators have been staging sit-ins and cutting off production since mid-July to demand the state follow through on promises to create thousands of jobs under deals ending previous rounds of protests.

They have cut off a key pipeline that normally transports half of the North African country's oil and hundreds stormed a crude production site, slashing gas production by around 40 percent and halving that of oil, according to the energy ministry.

"Our sit-in will continue and the oil valves will stay closed pending a meeting with the new government soon," Khalifa Bouhaouach, a protest organiser, told AFP.

The protests in the long-marginalised southern region of Tatouine have come as bitterly divided politicians in Tunis, some 420 kilometres (260 miles) to the north, squabbled over the formation of another new government to lead a country wracked by economic woes and the coronavirus pandemic.

Demonstrators are demanding that the new government of Hichem Mechichi, sworn in last week, honour a 2017 pledge to invest millions to develop the region.

Tunisia's south is one of the countries most marginalised regions, burdened with above-average unemployment, failing infrastructure and a stunted private sector.

In July dozens of demonstrators set up a protest camp in the desert near El-Kamour, before hundreds forced their way into the oil production site on Thursday, pushing their way past troops deployed to guard it.

Tunisia's modest oil sector normally produces up to 40,000 barrels per day, just over half of it from Tataouine, where Austria's OMV, Italy's ENI and Anglo Tunisian Oil & Gas have exploration rights, according to the energy ministry.

Successive governments have promised more investment in the region, but many of these promises have not been fulfilled.

Story continues

Officials in mid-August proposed creating 250 jobs over three years, according to Bouhaouach, who slammed the offer as "unacceptable".

Tataouine already suffered over 30 percent unemployment, one of the highest rates in the country, before the coronavirus pandemic wiped out thousands of informal jobs and strangled illicit cross-border trading networks with Libya and Algeria that bring vital income to many of the region's households.

Energy firms affected by the shutdown in early August wrote to president Kais Saied, according to media reports confirmed by the energy ministry, threatening to close down facilities and potentially lay off "thousands" of workers.

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RFE/RL has returned to Hungary, launching an entirely digital Hungarian Service, SzabadEuropa.hu, in response to the countrys steep decline in media freedom.
New Delhi:

Six persons were on Tuesday killed and over two dozen injured when a roadways bus lost control and rammed into a stationary bus in Fatehganj West area.

The incident took place this morning on National Highway-24 when a roadways bus coming to Lucknow from Delhi hit a private bus standing alongside a road due to a technical problem, police said.

The injured were rushed to the hospital where condition of four of them was stated to be critical. The bodies of the victims have been sent for postmortem.

More details are awaited.

Bareilly: 6 dead and more than 30 injured after a bus rammed into a parked bus on NH24 pic.twitter.com/Mt4zPWbNOY a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 10, 2017

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Despite a rather dry summer, winegrowers in the Moselle are satisfied with the quality of the grapes this year.

The harvest kicked off this week for a number of Luxembourg's vineyards, albeit with some changes thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.

Saisonsaarbechter/Reportage Maxime Gillen

The primary difference this year applies to seasonal workers, for whom it is no longer a simple case of crossing the border in Luxembourg. The Viticulture Institute has therefore distributed test vouchers to winegrowers, to enable seasonal workers to take coronavirus tests where required.

Serge Fischer, head of the Institute, explained they had also issued guidelines to raise awareness among farmers and winegrowers, as well as publishing leaflets in languages such as Romanian and Polish, to help seasonal employees cope with the new demands.

To date, 1,300 test vouchers had been issued, said Fischer. However, some vineyard owners have opted not to employ any seasonal workers from abroad, as is the case for the Domaine Clos Mon Vieux Moulin. Luc Duhr of the vineyard explained they had engaged friends and family members to help with the harvest instead, allowing them to operate a more flexible harvest and ensure the grapes were picked at the optimal time.
Egypt's sugar reserves are estimated at 1.4 million tons of sugar, which is sufficient for consumption for more than six months

A ban on Egypts import of white and raw sugar will continue for an additional three months to give a chance for local companies to clear their stocks of sugar, Trade and Industry Minister Nevine Gamea announced on Tuesday.

Egypt's sugar reserves are estimated at 1.4 million tons of sugar, which is sufficient for consumption for more than six months, Gamea said, according to an official statement.

The decision, which will come into effect once published in the official gazette, excludes white sugar required for pharmaceutical industries. For raw sugar, only specific quantities approved by the ministries of trade and supply can be exempted from the import ban.

Gamea said the decision aims to protect local industry from the volatile changes in global sugar prices.

She referred to the drop in petroleum prices accompanied by a drop in sugar prices, especially raw sugar, causing imported sugar to become less expensive than that produced locally, which in return seriously harms local industry.

The link between the prices of sugar and oil is based on the fact that sugarcane can be processed to produce both sugar and ethanol, which is used as fuel.

The import ban was originally put in place last June due to a rise in sugar imports that led to the accumulation of sugar at local companies. Egypt consumes 3 to 3.2 million tons of sugar annually, including 2.4 million tons of locally-produced sugar, according to Supply Minister Ali Mosselhy.

Raw sugar is made up of light brown crystals that contain molasses, before it is refined, while white sugar undergoes more steps.

Due to the spread of coronavirus globally, including in Brazil, which is known for producing almost half of the worlds supply of sugar, the use of transportation dropped dramatically and therefore demand for fuel also dropped.

This caused farmers in Brazil to focus on the production of sugar rather than ethanol from sugarcane, causing a large increase in sugar production and exportation.

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The case's prime accused Swapna Suresh was on late Monday was taken to the state-run Medical College Hospital after she complained of a chest pain.

Swapna, who is presently in judicial custody and lodged at the Viyur jail near here, complained of uneasiness, and was taken to the hospital, where she is being examined.

The Investigation Agency (NIA), which had taken over the case, had arrested Swapna and her associate Sandip Nair from Bengaluru on July 11, after they were on the run since July 5 following the arrest of an accomplice by the Customs Department.

Her bail plea was last month rejected by the special NIA court at Kochi and since her arrest she has been questioned on numerous occasions by the various central agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate and the Customs.

The case first surfaced when P.S. Sarith, a former employee of the UAE Consulate here, was arrested by the Customs on July 5 when he was facilitating smuggling of 30 kg gold in diplomatic baggage to Thiruvananthapuram from Dubai.

It turned murkier when the name of Swapna, a former employee of the Consulate, and the employed with the IT Department, surfaced and more so, when her links with powerful IAS official M. Sivasankar, who held the dual posts of Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the state IT Secretary, came out.

Sivasankkar was subsequently removed from the posts and then suspended from service.

--IANS

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(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.)
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

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 should be called"coronials" to start, followed by "quaranteens," being two popular ideas.

But as COVID-19 drags on, economists and epidemiologists don't really know how the pandemic will affect birth rates. While some forecast a loss of up to half a million births due to job losses and anxiety about public health, others say other factors unique to the pandemic complicate the situation.

In June, Brookings, 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 after the 1918 pandemic, Levine said. During the Spanish flu, economic activity didn't 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."

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 pandemic's 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 what's 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 isn't 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 aren't delaying treatments."

When Main Line Fertility paused services in March, Bloom said, some patients became more anxious.

"We're dealing with a special group of patients though, and that's 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 world's population, said Levine.

"The baby boomers have had influence throughout their lives," he said. "This generation will be the same way."

2020 The Philadelphia Inquirer

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Previously delayed due to the pandemic, the first train for Ho Chi Minh Citys metro route No. 1 project is back on schedule, anticipated to arrive in Vietnam in October.

Six Japanese experts in charge of logistics and import procedures for the train will land in Vietnam on September 18 and undergo 14-day quarantine following their arrival, the Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) confirmed on Thursday last week.

Following the experts' quarantine, the first metro train of line No. 1 is expected to reach Vietnam in mid-October aboard a cargo ship from Japan.

Based on the design specifications, the train consists of three cars, with a total length of 61.5 meters.

Its top speed is 110 kilometers per hour on above-ground sections and 80 kilometers per hour on underground rails.

The metro train boasts a maximum capacity of 930 passengers, including 147 seats and standing space for 783 people.

In the future, the train is expected to receive another three cars as an extension.

Prior to this plan, the train was slated to arrive in Vietnam in June but did not make it as the countrys visitor restriction mandate barred the related Japanese experts from entering.

For the moment, the Japanese contractor Hitachi is conducting the last steps of technical inspection for quality assurance before sending the train to Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City's metro line No.1, which runs from Ben Thanh in District 1 to Suoi Tien in District 9, is 19.7 kilometers long, with 2.6 kilometers running underground and 17.1 kilometers of elevated railways.

About 85 percent of the project is expected to have been completed by the end of this year, and the metro has a planned public opening in late 2021.

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The fiancee of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi branded the Saudi justice system a farce yesterday after it jailed five people for 20 years over the journalist's murder but did not identify them or explain what role they played in his death.

The kingdom's public prosecution office announced it had commuted the death sentences of five defendants in Khashoggi's murder trial, handing down 20-year sentences instead, while a further three people had been jailed for seven to 10 years.

But Hatice Cengiz, who was due to marry Khashoggi before he was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018, called the trial a "mockery of justice" in a statement.

"The Saudi authorities are closing the case without the world knowing the truth of who is responsible for Jamal's murder," she added. "The international community will not accept this."

In his newspaper columns, Khashoggi was an outspoken critic of the Saudi government and of Mohammad bin Salman, the kingdom's crown prince and de facto ruler.

The crown prince has been accused by the CIA of personally ordering Khashoggi's murder, a charge that he vehemently denies - though in September 2019 the prince indicated some personal accountability, saying "it happened under my watch".

Saudi authorities blamed the death on rogue agents.

The murder caused a global uproar in 2018 and tarnished the reformist image of Prince Mohammed, son of King Salman and the kingdom's de facto ruler.

In May, the family of the slain journalist said they forgave his murderers, paving the way for a reprieve for the five defendants sentenced to death.

Many Saudis hailed the ruling in comments on Twitter, a platform favoured by pro-government supporters.

Some Saudi observers said the ruling ended one of the most difficult political cases the kingdom has faced.

Others said the ruling makes Saudi Arabia the "land of justice", a "country where rights are never lost."

But Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur for extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions accused Saudi Arabia of making a "mockery of justice" by not punishing more senior officials who, she said, were behind the murder.

She said on Twitter the trial was not fair or transparent and "the responsibility of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has not even been addressed."
The northern end of Penn's Landing at Market Street. A developer for the site and another section to the south could be named this week. Read more

The nonprofit overseer of development along central Philadelphias Delaware River waterfront could decide as soon as Wednesday on a bidder to remake Penns Landing into a new district of apartment towers, shops, restaurants, and  possibly  a new arena for the 76ers.

The Delaware River Waterfront Corp.'s board of directors plans to vote on a developer for Penns Landing after hearing presentations for the site and fielding public comments beginning Wednesday morning, a spokesperson said.

The meeting will conclude a selection process that began last fall, when DRWC announced 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 Interstate 95 between Chestnut and Walnut Streets.

The 7.4-acre northern development site, bounded by Market and Chestnut Streets, 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.

The selection process had been moving along quietly until late August, when The Inquirer reported that the Sixers were among the bidders for the site. People familiar with the proposal by team owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer have said it will include a 19,000-seat arena nestled among apartments, a hotel, a dozen or so restaurants, a supermarket, and a public school building.

The Durst Organization of New York has also confirmed itself as a bidder, but no details of its proposal have been shared. Durst already owns a string of waterfront properties north of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, including a Vine Street lot where it plans a 25-story apartment tower.

Another bid is coming from a group led by developer Hoffman & Associates of Washington, whose plan calls for a dense cluster of high-rise buildings at the northern parcel, with a row of shorter towers fronting boat slips to the south.

The Hoffman proposal also names concert promoters Live Nation and Bowery Presents as potential music venue operators. Hoffman and the Sixers both envision moving the African American Museum from Seventh and Arch Streets to the waterfront, where it would join an upgraded Independence Seaport Museum.
Germinator Rhode Island will offer services to businesses and residents throughout Northern Rhode Island and its surrounding areas. Were looking forward to working with Matt as we enter the Rhode Island market, said Jeff Gill, CEO of Germinator. Our continued expansion has helped us to better serve communities across the U.S. during such a difficult time.

Germinator Mobile Sanitizing and Disinfecting is pleased to announce the opening of its newest franchise, Germinator Rhode Island. The location will offer services to businesses and residents throughout Northern Rhode Island and its surrounding areas, providing a 100% safe and non-toxic sanitizing and disinfecting process. The company uses breakthrough technology scientifically proven to help reduce the threat of harmful bacteria and viruses similar to the novel coronavirus.

Germinator Rhode Island will be owned and operated by Matt Banoub. Prior to launching the franchise, Matt founded Aten Energy Conservation, a Rhode Island-based weatherization company. Since 2010, Aten Energy has helped over 1,700 Rhode Island homes earn the EPAs Energy Star designation. Their work over the last decade has earned Aten Energy numerous Century Awards from the U.S. Department of Energy and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, as well as the 2019 Rhode Island SBA Microenterprise of the Year Award.

The advancement of healthy housing and building science has been my lifes work, but 2020 presented new challenges to keeping our indoor environments safe and hygienic, said Banoub. Germinator Rhode Island utilizes a non-toxic treatment process to sanitize and disinfect your home or business, which is safe for you and your pets. We are committed to providing the highest quality mobile sanitizing and disinfecting services for residential, commercial and institutional clients in Northern Rhode Island and its surrounding communities.

Since February, Germinator has been on a rapid national expansion trajectory, launching in major cities across the U.S. with more in the pipeline for the coming months. The Atlanta-based company was founded in 2015 with the vision of providing a safe, effective and non-toxic method of proper sanitizing and disinfecting for businesses and households.

Were looking forward to working with Matt as we enter the Rhode Island market, said Jeff Gill, CEO of Germinator. Our continued expansion has helped us to better serve communities across the U.S. during such a difficult time. Matt has strong leadership experience and a track record of success, making him the perfect choice to lead Germinator Rhode Island.

Germinator utilizes a two-step process to sanitize and disinfect surfaces as well as provide long-lasting protection against odor-causing bacteria, bacteria that cause stains and discoloration, fungi such as mold and mildew, and algae. The first step  Genesis  harnesses the power of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) to destroy bacteria, mold, mildew, viruses, and odors caused by bacteria. HOCI is a non-toxic, near-neutral pH, hospital-grade sanitizer and disinfectant. The second step applies the Germinator's Shield  an invisible microbial coating that protects surfaces for an extended period against the growth of mold, mildew, and odor-causing bacteria. Both products are EPA registered and safe for humans, pets, and the environment. The companys highly trained field specialists employ best practices using electrostatic sprayers and wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as appropriate.

Upholding the highest standards of sanitization and disinfecting, Germinators claims are scientifically supported and within EPA regulations. In an effort to research and further validate its practice of sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces, the company created the Germinator Scientific Advisory Board. The board is made up of key leaders such as Dr. Roscoe M. Moore, Jr - Former Assistant United States Surgeon General for five administrations.

"During these unprecedented times, the need to focus on sterilizing agents within our country's airports, public spaces, and offices in order to decrease the spread of viral pathogens such as Coronavirus is essential," states Dr. Moore. "I am extremely happy to be a part of the Germinator team and lend my expertise in public health and regulatory affairs to what I feel is an immense asset to the containment effort."

The company continues to expand across the country, providing communities with a proactive solution to help free environments from harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses. Enjoy peace of mind and the freedom to live and work in a sanitized and disinfected environment. Area Businesses and residents interested in learning more can visit GerminatorRI.com or call (401) 386-3275.
Opponents of the government plan another big rally in downtown Seoul on National Foundation Day on Oct. 3.

A previous anti-government rally on Liberation Day on Aug. 15 has been blamed for causing a resurgence of coronavirus infections.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Monday, nine groups have officially registered their plans for rallies in 33 locations downtown. Some 72,000 protesters from rightwing groups, leftwing labor unions, anti-U.S. and anti-Japanese groups, are expected to gather in various parts of the city.

The leader of the ruling Minjoo Party, Lee Nak-yon, warned of tough consequences should the rallies go ahead. "Illegal acts that threaten the lives of citizens cannot be condoned for any reason," he said. "We must punish and stop them according to law."


While Australians are definitely more fashion-focused than we were even a decade ago, some things remain the same. Double denim will always be a gamble, R.M. Williams boots will always be in demand, and Tarocash will always be there if you need a suit thats more artificial than the cheese at McDonalds.

Thats the stereotype, anyway.

Tarocash, for the uninitiated, is a menswear brand that sits somewhere between Lowes and Zara. They principally make affordable  usually aggressively polyester  suits, shirts and other mens clothing items. For late Gen X kids, Millennials and younger Australians, your first suit was probably from Tarocash, and its probably still gathering dust somewhere in your wardrobe.

Tarocash is a genuine suburban phenomenon in the Antipodes, boasting over 115 standalone stores across Australia and New Zealand as well as countless online stockists. They fill a niche in the market: they make cheap, cheerful formal wear for every occasion, whether thats your Year 11 formal, the Melbourne Cup or a court appearance.

Naturally, fashion snobs look down on Tarocash. The Betoota Advocate, Australias leading source of satire and social commentary, often makes light of the infamous Cash for its supposed trashy reputation. But the brains behind the Advocate, Clancy Overell and Errol Parker (real names Archer Hamilton and Charles Single) have harsh words for anyone who genuinely hates Tarocash, they told DMARGE exclusively.

They havent gone out of business, like countless other clothing brands recently, which shows theyre doing something right. Nobody loathes Tarocash and if you do, wake up to yourself. Theyre a pillar of suburban life.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Betoota Advocate (@betootaadvocate) on Aug 25, 2020 at 11:47pm PDT

It reveals a truth about the business: it might not be your cup of tea, but its hard to deny Tarocashs success.

The last eighteen months have been incredibly tough for most industries, but the fashion industry  and retail more broadly  has been hit harder than most. At a time when many ready-to-wear brands are going under thanks to the pandemic and fast fashion continues to dominate the space, that Tarocash continues to thrive is evidence that theyve got a winning formula.

Its easy to be snobby or classist about Tarocash, but isnt it a good thing that formalwear brands continue to thrive in Australia? Dressing with a sense of decorum is fashionable, no matter who you are (or what your bank balance looks like).

RELATED: Menswear Experts Explain What Will Happen To Australias Suit Culture If We Dont Go Back To Work

Founded in 1987 in Melbourne by South African brothers Stephen and Michael Leibowitz, Tarocash grew so successful that the brothers founded Retail Apparel Group (RAG), which also has Aussie brands Connor, Rockwear, Johnny Bigg and yd. in its stable. Somewhat ironically, RAG is now in South African hands under The Foschini Group.

Few brands make the same sort of affordable formal menswear that Tarocash do  you wouldnt go to H&M for a suit, for example. Tarocash has also always kept its finger on the pulse of Australian fashion, constantly offering clever designs, patterns and cuts that suit average Australian men. Theyve also had a long tradition of using unconventional models for their clothes, using men of diverse backgrounds and body shapes. Most blokes on fashion runways for luxury brands look like they subsist on nothing but cigarettes and nose beers.

Tarocash is to business attire what Casio is to the watch world. Some men covet Patek Philippes and Ermenegildo Zegna suits, and others dont. We shouldnt look down on other men who dont care about the same sorts of things we do. More to the point, lets not pretend were too good for Tarocash. Every man needs a good, cheap suit.

In short: dont be a wanker; embrace the Cash.

Read Next
Editor's Note: Today's profile is of former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic Party presidential nominee. Check in tomorrow for a profile of Vice President Mike Pence, the Republican Party vice presidential nominee.

Former Vice President Joe Biden is the Democratic Partys nominee for president of the United States. He has sought the presidency two times before, but this is his first time as a nominated candidate.

The 77-year-old has been in national politics for many years --- first as a senator and two terms as vice president. If he wins the election November 3, and takes office in January, he will be the oldest person to serve as U.S. president.

Biden has described his Republican Party opponent, President Donald Trump, as unfit to lead the country.

Its time for respected leadership on the world stage  and dignified leadership at home, Biden said.

The coronavirus crisis has led Biden to campaign mainly from his home in Delaware. He has made a few visits to Wilmington, the states biggest city, and to nearby Pennsylvania, for speeches and policy discussions with small groups of people. But he has avoided large gatherings, following guidelines set by the countrys top health experts.



Early successes and personal life

Biden graduated from the University of Delaware and the Syracuse University College of Law. In 1972, at age 29, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, representing Delaware. Just weeks later, Biden faced tragedy. His wife and one-year-old daughter were killed in a car accident.

Biden was left a single father of two sons. He briefly considered leaving his Senate seat. But he decided to stay in office. Unlike most lawmakers, however, he did not move to Washington. He did not want to uproot his little boys. Instead, he traveled daily to and from Washington on the train, so he could be home with his sons every night. The senator continued this custom for 36 years, until he became vice president and moved to Washington.

Biden was a candidate for president in 1987 and 2007. After Barack Obama was nominated as the Democratic Partys 2008 presidential candidate, he asked Biden to join the campaign as his running mate. They won election and Biden began serving as Vice President. Voters reelected the men in 2012.



Foreign policy

While in the Senate, Biden was a longtime member of the Foreign Relations Committee and served two times as its chairman. He opposed the Persian Gulf War in 1991 but supported the invasion of Iraq in 2003. He also supported U.S. and NATO intervention in Bosnia Herzegovina in 1994. While serving as vice president, Biden helped shape U.S. policy toward Iraq, including the withdrawal of troops in 2011. He also supported the NATO-led military intervention in Libya that same year.

As a senator, Biden helped to write anti-crime bills, including a federal ban on assault weapons. The ban lasted 10 years, until 2004, but was not extended. He also supported strong punishment for crime, although his position on that issue has changed. He now argues that the U.S. imprisons too many people, especially black and brown people.

Biden has said that he considers the Violence Against Women Act the single most important legislation he helped guide through Congress as a senator. It was in effect from 1994 until 2018, when the law expired during an extended government closure.

Biden was closely involved with two historic Senate hearings on Supreme Court nominations. In the first, in 1987, Biden chaired the hearing of Judge Robert Bork, a conservative nominee for the high court. It lasted a record 12 days and led to a Senate rejection. Critics say the hearing marked the first modern political fight between Democrats and Republicans over Supreme Court nominees.

In 1991, Biden chaired the Supreme Court hearing of Clarence Thomas, another conservative. Anita Hill, a lawyer and co-worker of Thomas, accused the nominee of sexual harassment and appeared before the committee. Thomas denied the accusations. Biden as chair barred other witnesses from speaking in support of Hill. Womens groups and liberal legal activists sharply criticized Bidens actions. The Senate narrowly confirmed Thomass nomination and he serves on the Supreme Court to this day.



His policies

Bidens campaign slogan is Build Back Better. If he wins in November, many people expect Bidens policies as president to be similar to those of Obama's. He would support steps to strengthen the U.S. economy and deal with climate change. He would increase support for military alliances in Europe and Asia that President Trump has criticized. He would protect the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

On other major issues, Bidens plans appear to still be taking shape.

Over the years, Biden has worked with Republican lawmakers to reach compromise agreements. He is proposing new uses of the federal government's power to support U.S. manufacturing and technology companies.

He accuses of Trump surrendering in the fight against the coronavirus. Biden says if he is elected president he will, in his words, stop the political theater and willful misinformation that has heightened confusion and discrimination.

Im Caty Weaver.

Ken Bredemeier wrote this story for VOANews.com. George Grow adapted his story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

unfit  adj. not in good physical condition; not of the necessary condition or quality to meet a purpose

dignify  v. to make something seem worthy

graduate  v. to successfully complete a study program

running mate  n. a candidate for the lesser of two closely linked political office

assault  adj. involving or connected to a military attack or raid

harassment  n. aggressive pressure

confusion  n. lack of understanding; a breakdown of order

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Five boats sank in a Texas lake during a nautical parade in support of President Donald Trump as tightly packed boats created large waves, officials said Sunday.

Boaters began calling for help almost immediately after the procession for Trumps reelection got underway on a lake west of Austin on Saturday, according to Kristen Dark of the Travis County Sheriffs Office. Deputies ultimately responded to 15 distress calls and received three other reports of boats taking on water. No one was injured or killed.

Images of the event show the water of Lake Travis choppy with the wakes of dozens of boats flying American, Texas and Trump 2020 flags.

Dark said that weather on the roughly 19,000-acre (7,690-hectare) lake was calm, but that the tightly packed boats created large waves in areas. Deputies have found no evidence of foul play, she said.

The first call for help came at 12:15 p.m., and later distress calls were for boats taking on water, stalled engines and capsizing, Dark said.

Three of the boats that sank were towed to shore, while the other two were still at the bottom of the lake, she said.

Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services received no calls for service related to the parade, a spokeswoman said.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Texas
By PTI

PESHAWAR: At least 19 people have been killed and dozens were battling for their lives after six units of the famed marble mines in Pakistan's Ziarat Ghar mountain collapsed, causing large boulders to fall on them, according to media reports on Tuesday.

The mines collapsed on Monday night, instantly killing 12 miners, the Geo News reported.

The death toll rose after seven more succumbed to injuries at the District Mohmand Hospital.

Majority of the deceased include labourers and few others who had gathered at the foothill in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Safi town near the Afghanistan border, about 85 km from provincial capital Peshawar.

Mohmand District Police Officer Mohmand Tariq Habib told Geo News that 15 to 20 people are still buried under the rubble.

He said the rescue operations were hit due to darkness on Monday night and that heavy machinery had been mobilised on Tuesday for rescue operations.

Deputy Commissioner Iftikhar Alam said the death toll is expected to rise, according to the daily.

Around 45 labourers were busy in excavation operations when the mine collapsed, the Dawn newspaper reported.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said nine people have been rescued, it reported.

Rescue Officer Bilal Faizi said most of the injured were in serious condition.

"An operation to rescue those trapped underneath the rubble is currently underway. Five ambulances and one recovery vehicle have been sent to Mohmand from Peshawar," Dawn News reported, quoting a PDMA statement.

Mohmand district is a tribal agency area.

It is famous for its marble reserves.

The rockslide incident brought back memories of a similar mine collapse incident in 2015 in Mohmand which killed 12 labourers.

ALSO WATCH:
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 19:58:02|Editor: huaxia

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QINGDAO, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Xu Guang, the former vice governor of central China's Henan Province, stood trial at the Intermediate People's Court of Qingdao, in east China's Shandong Province, on Tuesday, pleading guilty to charges of taking bribes while in public office.

Prosecutors accused Xu of taking advantage of his various positions, including Communist Party chief and mayor of the city of Zhoukou, to seek benefits for various companies and individuals in project contracting, business operations and job promotions between 2004 and 2018.

In return, he accepted money and gifts worth 12.65 million yuan (about 1.85 million U.S. dollars), according to prosecutors.

During the trial, the prosecutors presented evidence, and the defendant and his lawyers cross-examined the evidence. Both sides gave their own full accounts of events.

In his final statement, Xu pleaded guilty and expressed remorse.

The trial was open to the public and was attended by legislators, political advisors, journalists and members of the public.

The sentence will be announced at a later date. Enditem
By Neil Jerome Morales

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday pardoned a United States Marine convicted of killing a transgender woman in the country nearly six years ago, sparking condemnation from activists who described the move as a "mockery of justice".

Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton was jailed in 2015 for killing Jennifer Laude near a former U.S. navy base. A trial court signed off on his early release last week for good conduct, but was blocked by an appeal from Laude's lawyers.

"Cutting matters short over what constitutes time served, and since where he was detained was not in prisoner's control - and to do justice - the president has granted an absolute pardon," Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin announced on Twitter.

One of Laude's lawyer was dismayed by the pardon and questioned Duterte's commitment to a foreign policy that he insists is independent and not dictated by U.S. interests.

"We see the welfare of our countrymen are set aside," lawyer Rommel Bagares told DZBB radio.

Cristina Palabay of human rights group Karapatan described Dutere's independent foreign policy as "bankrupt".

"We view this as not only a mockery of justice but also a blatant display of servility to U.S. interest," Palabay told Reuters.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte had "erased the punishment" but the conviction of Pemberton stands.

"He is still a killer," he said.

Roque was a lawyer in the prosecution of Pemberton and last week criticized his early release, likening Laude's killing to the "death of Philippine sovereignty".

Duterte's tirades and threats against United States are frequent and famous, but he has yet to downgrade ties and in June decided against scrapping a bilateral troop deployment agreement central to the defense alliance.

Speaking on television, Duterte said Pemberton was treated unfairly.

Story continues

"This is how I see it," he said. "So release him. Pardon."

He added: "There is a time you are called to be fair."

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Martin Petty)
Sports

Barty pulls out of French Open

New Delhi, Sep 8 (IANS) | Publish Date: 9/8/2020 9:55:51 AM IST

World No.1 and reigning champion Ashleigh Barty has confirmed that she will not participate in the French Open scheduled to be played later this month due to health concerns and a lack of preparation. Barty also said she would not be playing at all in Europe this year.

Last years French Open was the most special tournament of my career so this is not a decision I have made lightly, Barty said in a statement on Instagram.

There are two reasons for my decision. The first is the health risks that still exist with Covid-19. The second is my preparation, which has not been ideal without my coach being able to train with me due to the state border closures in Australia.

The 24-year-old, who had defeated Marketa Vondrousova in the 2019 final at Roland Garros to win her first Grand Slam title, further stated that although she is disappointed, the health and well-being of her family and team would always be her priority.

I wish the players and the French Federation all the best for a successful tournament, Barty wrote.

I now look forward to a long preseason and the summer in Australia. It has been a challenging year for everyone and although I am disappointed on a tennis front, the health and well-being of my family and my team will always be my priority. Thank you to my fans for your continued support, I cant wait to play for you again, she concluded.

The French Open was originally scheduled to start in May but because of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was moved back to September 27-October 11.
LA PAZ, Bolivia  A Bolivian court on Monday rejected a legal appeal by former president Evo Morales, deeming him ineligible to run for a Senate position in an October election re-run of a voided vote late last year.

Mr. Morales cannot be a Senate candidate for his Movement for Socialism party because he does not meet the residency requirements, Judge Alfredo Jaimes told local media.

Mr. Morales, Bolivias first Indigenous president, held power for 14 years before stepping down last year when a disputed election sparked widespread protests. Jeanine Anez has served as interim president since Mr. Morales resigned last November.

The former president, now living in exile in Argentina, was barred from running for president again in the next general election, which was initally scheduled for May but has been delayed until Oct. 18 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Even as this controversy rages, news came that another book on the Delhi riots of 2020 is slated to hit the stands in September

Enough ink has been spilled on Bloomsburys decision to withdraw publication of the book, Delhi Riots 2020: The Untold Story, and the ensuing controversy. Bloomsbury decided to withdraw the because of their 'deep sense of responsibility towards society'. This, after having contracted the authors to write the book, reviewing and approving the draft and later the final draft, editing it, proof-checking it, getting a legal team to review and approve the contents of the book, designing the cover, typesetting it, sending it for the initial print run, and sharing the final draft of the book with the authors.

People have inferred from tweets that this was done at the behest of an author and that pressure was brought to bear on Bloomsbury India by its UK office.

How the round peg defence of free speech will be squared with the square hole of censorship and bowing down to an unaccountable, secret cabal is a topic that will be debated in the time to come. Leaving that debate for another time, lets look at a few other issues here.

First, and this is bound to be controversial with people, but the fact is that among the major publishers in India, Bloomsbury India had been more liberal, in a manner of speaking, in providing space to non-Left voices. Bloomsburys parent company in the UK perhaps saw the Delhi Riots book as the final straw and decided to put its foot down. Perhaps the Left-liberal group that sees itself as the sole arbiter of what is free speech and what should be proscribed feared this book more than others. In any case, Bloomsbury Indias catalogue and a determination of its ideological composition is, of course, somewhat subjective, because even with exhaustive data on each publishers catalogue, segmenting an author and any book into the definitive categories of right-wing or left-wing is, at the end of the day, an exercise filled with subjectivity. More on this later.

Second, several authors, who had books in different stages of publication with Bloomsbury, announced they were withdrawing their book in protest against the Bloomsburys decision. In the long run we are all dead, as John Maynard Keynes famously wrote in 1923. In the short and medium term, however, it is equally undeniable that this also leaves the nascent and fragile right-wing literary ecosystem that much worse off. While it is uncontestable that authors be rightly outraged by a publishers surrender to the voices of intolerance from the Left, withdrawing publication of a book already well advanced in the publishing process was perhaps inadvisable. Publishing with established houses and with small, independent publishers should not be an either-or, nor should it be viewed in zero-sum terms.

Third, the solution to censorship from the Left lies not in abandoning that space, but in fighting for the right to have ones voice heard. It is an unequal battle everywhere in the world today. The Left-liberal ecosystem has spent decades in entrenching itself and shunting voices from the right out of the public space. This victory of censorship has not been overnight. In 1969, about one in four professors were at least moderately conservative, according to survey data collected by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. According to one study in 2009, the percentage of conservative academics in the field of History had dropped to seven percent, in Literature to three percent, and in Sociology it was down to eight percent.

No one is going to argue that this is entirely because of self-selection. A subtle and overt drive to eliminate diversity of opinion  especially dissenting opinion  from the public space has been ongoing for the last several decades. One particularly chilling manifestation in recent times, reminiscent of the acts of totalitarian regimes, goes by the name Cancel culture.

Coming back to the first point, is Bloomsbury a publisher that is less, or more, biased against right-wing authors? A somewhat unscientific method of using Amazon Indias search feature to look at books published since 2018 by some of the major publishers threw up some interesting results.

Some of the notable books by Penguin by Left-leaning authors are: The Doctor and the Saint, by Arundhati Roy (Apr 2019), The Young and the Restless by Gurmehar Kaur (May 2019), Fearless Freedom by Kavita Krishnan (Feb 2020), Azaadi, by Arundhati Roy (Sep 2020), Why I Am a Liberal, by Sagarika Ghose, and 2019: How Modi Won India, by Rajdeep Sardesai (Nov 2019). On the other side of the ideological spectrum, there is The Man Who Saved India by Hindol Sengupta (Aug 2018) and Exam Warriors, by Narendra Modi (Feb 2018). Being Hindu by Hindol Sengupta, and The Ocean of Churn by Sanjeev Sanyal were published in 2015 and 2016, respectively. A decidedly Left bias, one may presume.

Harper Collins has The Swachh Bharat Revolution, by Parameswaran Iyer (Sep 2019), Swami Vivekananda, by Makarand Paranjape (Apr 2019), Blood Island: An Oral History of the Marichjhanpi Massacre of 1979, by Deep Halder (May 2019), and a The India Way, by S Jaishankar (Sep 2020). On the Left side, there are A Desolation Called Peace, by Ather Zia and Javaid Iqbal Bhat (May 2019) with essays that  explore the aspiration for Azadi as a historical and indigenous demand., Inquilab: A Decade of Protest, by Various (Sep 2020), Inside the Tablighi Jamaat, by Zia Us Salam (July 2020), Mission Bengal: A Saffron Experiment, by Snigdhendhu Bhattacharya, The Virtual Hindu Rashtra, by Rohit Chopra (Apr 2019), and Majoritarian State, ed., Angana Chatterji, et al (March 2019). Again, a pronounced Left bias.

Context is a recent boutique imprint launched by Westland, owned by Amazon, and which seems to specialize in what may well be called Hinduphobic literature. Sample some of their releases - Malevolent Republic: A Short History of the New India, by KS Komireddi (May 2019), Kashmir: Land of Regrets, by Moosa Raza (Aug 2019), Ascetic Games: Sadhus, Akharas and the Making of the Hindu Vote, by Dhirendra Jha (Apr 2019), Sebastian and Sons: A Brief History of Mrdangam Makers, by TM Krishna (Jan 2020), Hindutva: Exploring the Idea of Hindu Nationalism, by Jyotirmay Sharma (Apr 2019), Hindu Rashtra, by Ashutosh (Mar 2019), An Ordinary Man's Guide to Radicalism: Growing up Muslim in India, by Neyaz Farooquee (Feb 2020).

Rupa provides us with a The RSS: Roadmaps for the 21st Century, by Sunil Ambekar (Oct 2019), Bharatiya Janata Party, by Shantanu Gupta (Dec 2019), Hindu Dharma and the Culture Wars, by Koenraad Elst (May 2019), and Mann Ki Baat, by Bluekraft Digital (Mar 2019), while also giving us Kashmir: Rage and Reason, by Gowhar Geelani (Aug 2019), Visible Mulsim, Invisible Citizen, by Salman Khurshid (July 2019), Politics of Jugaad, by Saba Naqvi (Mar 2019).

Aleph seems to be similar to Context, both in provenance and ideology; independent but promoted by Rupa. Some of its releases are: My Sons Inheritance: A Secret History of Lynching and Blood Justice in India, by Aparna Vaidik (Feb 2020), The Hindu Way: An Introduction to Hinduism, by Shashi Tharoor (Sep 2019), Which of Us are Aryans?, by Romila Thapar (Feb 2019), Prelude to a Riot: A Novel, by Annie Zaidi (Sep 2019), Ayodhya: City of Faith, City of Discord, by Valay Singh (Dec 2018).

Concluding with Bloomsbury, the scales look, or looked before this controversy, a lot more balanced. Consider Nullifying Article 370 and Enacting CAA, by Sanjay Dixit (Aug 2020), What Is Hinduism?, by David Frawley (Oct 2018), Who Killed Shastri?: The Tashkent Files, by Vivek Agnihotri (Aug 2020), Ready To Fire: How India and I Survived the ISRO Spy Case, by Nambi Narayanan (Mar 2018), The Great Indian Conspiracy, by Praveen Tiwari (Mar 2019), Amit Shah and the March of BJP, by Anirban Ganguly (Apr 2019), RSS 360: Demystifying Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, by Ratan Sharda (June 2018), Operation Lebensraum: Illegal Migration from Bangladesh, by Hiranya Bhattacharyya (Mar 2018), Mahaviri: Hanuman Chalisa Demystified (May 2018) and Kumbha: The Traditionally Modern Mela(Feb 2019), by Nityananda Misra, Krishna Gopeshvara (May 2018) and Krishna Yogeshvara (Dec 2019) by Sanjay Dixit, A Long Dream of Home: The persecution, exile and exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, by Siddhartha Gigoo (Jan 2018), JNU: Nationalism and India's Uncivil War, by Makarand Paranjape (Sep 2020), several books by Sandeep Deo (including Kahani Communisto Ki, Toilet Guru (Sep 2019), and others), The Real Modi, by Ajay Chaturvedi (June 2018), and others. On the other hand, its not as if books with a pronounced Left bias were not there - Shaheen Bagh: From a Protest to a Movement, by Ziya Us Salam (July 2020), Allahu Akbar: Understanding the Great Mughal in Today's India, by Manimugdha Sharma (Oct 2019), India After Modi, by Ajay Gudavarthy (Nov 2018), to name just a few.

Garuda Prakashan, a nascent publishing house that launched in 2018 with Vivek Agnihotris Urban Naxals, claim they received 30,000 pre-orders for Monica Aroras book that was pulped by Bloomsbury. It is possible that this event may propel Garuda to become sustainable, and that other publishing houses may also emerge that give a voice to right-wing authors, but ceding the space that had been created with much difficulty among mainstream publishers seems like a case of two steps forward and one step back.

Even as this controversy rages, news came that another book on the Delhi riots of 2020 is slated to hit the stands in September. Titled Delhi Riots: Conspiracy Unveiled, its written by Aditya Bhardwaj and Ashish Kumar, the book is said to draw from a report submitted to the Union Home Minister in June 2020, and is being published by Prabhat Prakashan. The right-wing intellectuals struggle to find a platform continues, ironically with a right-wing government at the Centre for six years now.

Views expressed are personal
In a nationwide investigation, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Indian Railways has disrupted the operation of illegal software called Real Mango used for cornering confirmed railway reservation.

Field units of RPF have been able to apprehend 50 criminals so far including the Kingpin (system developer) and key managers involved in the operation of this illegal software and block live tickets worth more than Rs five lakhs. Five key operatives of the illegal software have been arrested from West Bengal. The software has now been fully decimated.

Operation of an illegal software called Rare Mango (later changed its name to Real Mango) was revealed on August 9 during action against touts by the field units of RPF. The RPF units of North Central Railway (NCR), Eastern Railway (ER) and Western Railway (WR) apprehended some suspects and initiated the process of understanding and unravelling the operation of RareMango/Real Mango Software.

In course of systematic unravelling of the working of the illegal software, it has been found that--1) Real mango software bypasses V3 and V2 captcha; 2) It synchronises bank OTP with help of a mobile app and feeds it to the requisite form automatically; 3) The software auto-fills the passenger details and payment details in the forms: 4) The software logs in to the IRCTC website through multiple IRCTC Ids; 5) The illegal software is sold through five-tiered structure: System Admin & his team, Mavens, Super sellers, Sellers and Agents and 6) System admin is receiving payment in bitcoins.

In view of the apprehension of increase in touting activity after the restart of the passenger services, drive against touts was intensified by the RPF. It may be noted a coordinated nation-wide action by RPF between December 2019 to March 2020 led to arrest of 104 criminals involved and disruption of many illegal softwares like ANMS/ Red Mirchi/Black TS, TikTok, I-Ball, Red Bull, MAC, N-GET, Cycle, Star-V2 etc.

The information supplied by RPF helped CRIS/IRCTC to strengthen security features in the PRS system due to which the software stopped functioning at that time.
The new prime minister (Mustafa al Kadhimi) is decidedly hostile to Iran. He has ordered the removal of many pro-Iran commanders in the security services and disbanded some units that were dangerously pro-Iran. Kadhimi went to the U.S. in late August to meet with the American leader and discuss improving U.S.-Iraq relations. Such a meeting was important because Kadhimi is the first post-Saddam (2003) prime minister that is not heavily influenced/controlled by Iran.

Kadhimi is not dependent on political parties and became prime minister because of that and the fact that he was anti-Iran, a former director of national intelligence and on good terms with the United States. He fled Iraq in 1985 as a teenager because of his opposition to Saddam. He ended up in Britain where he became a citizen, completed his education and began a successful career as a journalist. He returned to Iraq in 2003 and was eventually offered high-level government jobs in Iraq because he was seen as capable, not beholden to any political party and not corrupt. Kadhimi is expected to block Iranian efforts to control Iraq and reduce the crippling corruption. While Kadhimi has a lot of popular support for both of these policies, carrying them out is difficult and dangerous. The Iranians will kill troublesome foreign politicians if they have the opportunity. There is plenty of opportunity in Iraq. Corruption in Iraq is driven by party politics and the need for cash to buy votes and supporters. Party officials and the many party members who depend on corrupt deals to sustain they lifestyles will not change without a fight. Kadhimi has one very effective weapon here, his good relations with the Americans. That means U.S. officials made it clear that if anything happens to Kadhimi, the U.S. would cut or end most of its economic and military aid. While the corrupt politicians want to hang onto their plunder, they could lose it all if Iran becomes too powerful in Iraq and the Americans leave. Many Iraqis proclaim their dislike for the United States, but their animosity towards Iran, Turkey and their Arab neighbors is even greater. Then again Iraq has been self-destructive in the past and bad habits like that are difficult to shed.

The Iranian Threat

Iran still has enough loyal (to Iran) Iraqi militias to be a threat to the Iraqi government. Most Iraqi politicians and voters want less Iranian influence. Iran wants fewer foreign troops in Iraq. That is a point of contention because Iraqis realize the foreign troops offer some assurance that Western and Arab states would actively assist Iraq if Iran sought to take control via a civil war or invasion. Civil war is the more likely option, but only in an emergency, such as Iraq appearing to succeed in disbanding all the pro-Iran militias.

Iran has ordered its associates in Iraq to try terror, as in kidnapping and assassination, to extract cooperation from Iraqi officials. Iran also ordered its militiamen to fire on demonstrators who were protesting corruption in Iraq. In response to that the prime minister officially announced that the security forces had orders to not shoot at protestors but to use force against anyone who is harming protestors. Iran was not mentioned but this announcement made it clear that anyone shooting at protestors was working for Iran. Same with the growing number of kidnappings and assassinations. Some of these are the work of ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) but a growing number are carried out by pro-Iran Iraqis. If the victim has been speaking out against Iran it means the attacker wasnt Islamic terrorists and Iran was probably responsible.

Reduced support for Iran within the Iran-backed Iraqi PMF militias crippled the Iranian attack plan against American forces in Iraq. This Iranian campaign began in October and has included over fifty attacks so far. Few of these efforts did any damage and caused even fewer casualties. General Soleimani, commander of Iranian terror operations in Iraq, was trying to fix that when the American got to him in January 2020. Iran expected the death of Soleimani would trigger more anti-American anger among Iraqis. Didnt happen. Most Iraqis saw Soleimani as more of a threat than the Americans. Iran was next door and forever threatening. The Americans were far away and had left once before, in 2011, and had to be asked to return in 2014 to deal with the ISIL invasion. The Americans are again eager to leave, the Iranians are not. Most Iranians want less money spent on subverting Iraq and more spent on building the Iranian economy and raising the standard of living. That is not a priority with the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps) and its Quds Force that specializes in destabilizing other countries, like Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.

The Turkish Threat

For several months Iran and Turkey have been cooperating in a military effort to get Kurdish separatists out of northern Iraq. The current Turkish campaign began June 16 and is still active, more so than any previous campaign against PKK activity in northern Iraq. Turkey has established about 30 temporary bases on the Iraqi side of the border indicating that Turkish ground forces, which have already advanced as far as 40 kilometers inside Iraq, will be in Iraq for a while.

The Turks consider the current operation a continuation of a smaller cross border offensive that began at the end of May. Turkish warplanes, armed UAVs and artillery hit nearly a thousand targets in a combat zone extending from border areas of Dohuk province (on the Syrian border) to Hakurk, the mountainous region where the borders of Iraq, Turkey and Iran meet. There were also airstrikes against a refugee camp outside Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdish north. Iran cooperated in this operation by attacking PKK and local Iranian Kurd separatists found inside Iran opposite the Iraqi Hakurk region.

By early August the June offensive killed or captured 320 Kurdish separatists in northern Iraq. Troops raided over 320 locations, about 15 percent of them caves and seized a lot of weapons and equipment. Turkey declared that most of the ground (search and seize) operations were completed and Turkish troops would begin withdrawing. The Turks warn that unless the Iraqi Kurds are more effective in keeping Turkish and Syrian Kurd separatists out, the Turks will be back.

The Iraqi Kurds have frequently asked the PKK to get out of Iraq. For a long time, the Iraqi Kurds tolerated the PKK presence with the understanding that the PKK would not be violent inside Iraq and would stay away from Iraqi Arab and Kurd population centers. Over the last decade the PKK has increasingly violated that understanding and the Turkish attacks have become more frequent and intense. Iraqi Kurds will not go to war with the Turkish Kurds but now the PKK accuses Iraqi Kurds of supplying the Turks with information about where PKK camps are. There is no proof of that but more damage is done to the PKK-Iraqi Kurd relationship.

September 7, 2020: North of Baghdad a roadside bomb was used to attack a supply convoy for foreign troops in Taji. So far this year there have been one of two of these attacks a month. Not much damage is done and when someone does claim credit it is a pro-Iran militia.

September 6, 2020: Outside Baghdad three rockets were fired at the airport. Some damage to four cars occurred when one of the rockets landed in a parking lot. Sometimes no one claims credit but all of these attacks are believed the work of a pro-Iran militia.

The U.S. revealed that since 2014 American warplanes carried out 35,000 airstrikes on ISIL targets in Iraq and Syria. Those airstrikes continue, but at a lower intensity because of the much-diminished ISIL manpower and activity.

Oil export income in August was $3.52 billion, versus $3.49 in July. Oil sold for $43 a barrel compared to $40 in July and $34 in June. Iraq has to cut production to about three million BPD (Barrels Per Day) for the rest of the year, from the 3.8 million BPD in August. This being done to maintain its membership in OPEC (the oil cartel) and to make up for several instances of overproduction since late 2019. Iraq is more dependent on oil income than any other Gulf nation. Because of lower oil prices and lower oil demand the Iraqi GDP is expected to shrink at least ten percent in 2020. The monthly government payroll is $4.5 billion and so far, this year oil income has only been able to cover a third of that.

The 2020 government budget is $135 billion but taxes, mainly on oil income, are less than $90 billion. The shortfall must be obtained elsewhere. The Arab Oil states are willing to help, but only if Iraq can reduce the Iranian operations in Iraq and control the corruption. Most Iraqis agree with both of these demands but there are doubts that the current Iraqi politicians can deliver. Despite a year of violent anti-corruption protests and national (parliamentary) elections that have most politicians denouncing corruption, not much has changed. Its not that Arab states cannot reduce corruption because several Gulf states have. The UAE is now less corrupt than Israel and Saudi Arabia is carrying out reforms. So why not Iraq? Unless the Iraqi politicians can demonstrate real change, the Arb oil states are reluctant to provide the emergency cash. If Iraq cannot get the loans it will not be able to pay salaries and pensions that a fifth of the population depends on. Most of the salary and pension payments are actually bonuses or adjustments. A lot of this is bribes and outright theft. So how the government actually makes the cuts, if no loans are obtained, will reveal how serious the current politicians are about reducing corruption.

Another problem with the reduced income is that it makes it difficult to do anything about the growing electricity shortage. Decades of corruption in the construction and management of power plants. This is a very volatile issue with all Iraqis. Jobs and working/living conditions depend on there being a steady and sufficient supply of electricity. There is neither and this creates anger in the workplace and at home. The unreliable electricity supply also cripples other essential utilities like water supply and sanitation.

September 5, 2020: In Baghdad and Basra police raided several locations where illegal weapons were bought and sold. Many of the weapons were heavy machine-guns and mortars, which civilians are not supposed to possess. Civilians may own a rifle or pistol if they notify police and list the weapon on their ID card. Police arrested 13 people and seized hundreds of weapons, including some technicals (pickup trucks with a heavy machine-gun mounted in the cargo bed). The Arab Tribes Council in Anbar province also demands the disbanding of PMF militias, or at least withdrawing them from Anbar where they often attack Sunni tribesmen for no reason. With ISIL largely gone from Anbar the major threat to the tribal population are the Shia PMF brigades, especially the ones loyal to Iran.

The U.S. has managed to get two Iraqi Islamic terrorist web sites removed from the Internet. Aletejahtv.com and Aletejahtv.org were operated by Iran backed Katab Hezbollah. This is an Iraqi version of the Lebanese Hezbollah Iran helped organize in the 1980s and has supported ever since.

September 4, 2020: ISIL claimed to have carried out a hundred attacks in Iraq during August. That was about 25 percent more than in July. The number of attacks has remained about a hundred a month for several years now. Since early 2018 nearly all the ISIL attacks reported in Iraq could be classified as terrorism. This reflects a known trend that began in early 2018 as ISIL concentrated on maintaining a presence in the area north of Baghdad (Kirkuk, Diyala, and Salahuddin provinces). During 2018 ISIL carried out about 130 attacks a month and these attacks rarely involved bombings populated areas to kill civilians. There were also more ISIL operations involving threats of violence to intimidate civilians or local security forces. There was less use of violence because ISIL has fewer bomb builders and suicide bombers as well as the people who recruit, train and supervise suicide bombers carrying out their attack. Bombs were mainly used against security forces. The guerilla tactics can be seen by the number of attacks, especially along the main roads north from Baghdad to Kirkuk and the border with the Kurdish controlled north. Attacks involving kidnapping and murder (mainly to terrorize the population into not interfering with or reporting on ISIL activity) are more frequent. The number of these attacks went from seven in March 2018 to over 200 a month by the end of 2018. Most of these attacks did not involve violence but all involved threats. ISIL was counting kidnapping and extortion activities (which sometimes involved non-lethal violence). These operations were important because they raised money and kept locals in line. This increase in activity shows how effectively ISIL has established base areas to operate from. ISIL claims to control over 20 villages in rural areas between Baghdad and the Kurdish noeth. Most of the ISIL bases are in the Hemrin Mountains, which extend from Diyala province through northern Salahuddin province and into southern Kirkuk province. In early 2018 it was believed that there were 500-1,000 armed ISIL members operating in the Hemrins and about the same in desert areas near the Syrian border from west of Mosul south to include Anbar province. Those numbers more than doubled by the end of 2018 and continue to grow in 2019 and 2020. ISIL has also managed to reestablish itself in Mosul and that can be seen by the continued arrests of known ISIL members in Mosul and surrounding areas. West of Mosul (to the Syrian border) support for ISIL is particularly strong.

The main point of this is that ISIL is defeated but not destroyed. The main reason for that is the nature of Islam which, alone of all major religions, demands extreme measures (death) for those who try to leave Islam, Moslems or non-Moslems who criticize Islam (death) and trying to convert a Moslem to another faith (death). The list is very long and Islamic scripture also preaches justice and honesty but it also justifies being violent when defending Islam against real or imagined threats. All this is a problem that many prominent Moslems are now openly recognizing and seeking a solution for. That in itself is a brave and unusual act. Yet it is deemed necessary because many of the worst aspects of Islamic not only encourage terrorism but also limits academic, economic and social progress. Meanwhile Islamic terrorism continues to mainly kill other Moslems. While Islamic terror groups preach the importance of killing non-Moslems it is also noticed that nations that are mainly non-Moslem tend to be better run, wealthier and more capable to halting or limiting Islamic terror activity. In many Moslem nations, like Iraq, a large minority of the population continues to support Islamic terrorism as a cure for all problems real or imagined. The Islamic terrorists tend to go where they are least unwelcome.

A growing number of Iraqi Arabs recognize these destructive aspects of Arab Moslem culture and are willing to try and deal with it. That is still difficult in Iraq, where religious disagreements often lead to murder, all in the name of God. This shift in attitudes expresses itself in most Iraqis opposing Iranian efforts to turn Iraq into an Iranian puppet state that will serve as a front line in the Iranian effort to dominate all of Arabia. To that end most Iraqis want the 5,200 American and 1,000 other foreign troops to stay. Not just for help (which is considerable) in dealing with Islamic terrorism but in keeping the Iranians out. The U.S. plans to reduce its Iraq force to 3,500 by the end of 2020 and NATO forces are also shrinking.

September 3, 2020: In Baghdad rockets were fired at the headquarters of G4S, the British company that provides security for the Baghdad airport. There was property damage but no casualties. Someone, apparently Iran, was sending a message to G4S that the British firm should tolerate Iran doing whatever it wants at the airport. That is no longer allowed and using a foreign firm means it is less likely Iran or anyone else will get their way via intimidation.

In eastern Syria (Deir Ezzor province) an airstrike, apparently Israeli, attacked an Iranian base, killing nine Iraqi Hezbollah militiamen.

August 23, 2020: In northwest Syria (Idlib province) an Iran backed Iraqi PMF militia provided 250 militiamen for a planned offensive against Islamic terrorist rebels who still control half the province.

August 19, 2020: In Baghdad another PMF (Popular Mobilization Forces) weapons and ammo storage warehouse exploded. There were two similar incidents in July and all where warehouses belonged to Iran-backed PMF brigades.

August 15, 2020: In eastern Syria (Deir Ezzor province) an airstrike, apparently by armed Israeli UAVs, attacked an Iranian base, killing 23 Afghan and Iraqi mercenaries and destroying large quantities of ammo and weapons. This could be seen by the number of secondary explosions (caused by the UAV missiles).

August 10, 2020: In eastern Syria (Deir Ezzor province) an airstrike, apparently Israeli, killed 14 Iranians and Iranian mercenaries, some of them from Iraq.

August 4, 2020: In eastern Syria (Deir Ezzor province), near the Iraq border an Israeli airstrike hit several Iranian targets next to the Al Bukamal crossing into Iraq. Fifteen Iranian mercenaries were killed. Since late April Israel has carried out twenty or more airstrikes in Syria. Nearly half the attacks were in Deir Ezzor province, where the Al Bukamal crossing is, as well as other Israeli targets further away from the Iraq border. The rest of the airstrikes were all over southern Syria, wherever Iranian forces were operating.
P resident Donald Trump's wealth has dropped by $600m after the coronavirus pandemic slammed his office buildings, hotels and resorts, according to Forbes magazine.

Meanwhile, Amazon Chief Executive Jeff Bezos topped Forbes' list of richest Americans for the third year in a row.

The aggregate wealth of the Forbes 400 list rose to a record $3.2 trillion, as the richest Americans continued to do well despite the devestating economic effects of the pandemic. More than 1.8 million Americans have lost their jobs since the start of the outbreak.

Eric Yuan, chief executive officer of Zoom Video Communications, which has become ubiquitous in the work-from-home era, was one of 18 newcomers on the list with a net worth of $11 billion.

Trump's wealth has sunk by over half a billion / via REUTERS

The US President's ranking dropped to No. 352 from 275 last year as his net worth fell to $2.5 billion from $3.1 billion.

The Trump Organisation's property portfolio includes office buildings, hotels and resorts, all of which have suffered from the effects of the pandemic.

Mr Trump has long refused to release his tax records, and has been locked in a battle with Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, who subpoenaed Trump for eight years of personal and corporate returns.

It comes as Mr Trump publicly thanked Boris Johnson for his support.

On Tuesday the US presdident tweeted a reference to a newspaper article saying the Prime Minister had praised Mr Trump while he was foreign secretary in 2017.

The Telegraph piece said Mr Johnson had told US diplomats that President Trump was living up to his campaign slogan to "make America great again".

The Mar-a-Lago Club is one of Trump's many resorts / AFP via Getty Images

Mr Trump responded to the report by stating that he was "working great together" with the UK leader.

Along with a link to the article, President Trump tweeted: "Thank you Boris, working great together!"

The newspaper piece quoted Mr Johnson as telling the American ambassador to the UK that Mr Trump was doing "fantastic stuff" on foreign affairs as president.

Mr Trump appears to have enjoyed a closer relationship with Mr Johnson than with his predecessor in Number 10, Theresa May.

The newspaper piece reported that the then-foreign secretary's praise of Mr Trump was revealed in leaked notes of the meeting.

Mr Johnson told US officials that Mr Trump was becoming "increasingly popular" in Britain, according to the report.
Highlights Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates in a blog post said he always asks two questions which are seemingly obvious but significant.

The questions are: Who has dealt with this problem well? And what can we learn from them?

Gates said he uses these questions from his Microsoft days till date for global health concerns like COVID 19.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in a blog post wrote about two questions he has been asking since he was a teenager while dealing with problems in life.



The questions are: Who has dealt with this problem well? And what can we learn from them?



"Ever since I was a teenager, I've tackled every big new problem the same way: by starting off with (those) two questions. I used this technique at Microsoft, and I still use it today," Gates wrote in a GatesNotes blog post. "I ask these questions literally every week about COVID-19. They seem like obvious questions, but sometimes it's surprisingly hard to find the answers."



Gates has been active in the fight against coronavirus by contributing worldwide through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It is especially not easy to answer such questions with aspects related to global health.



"There are low and middle-income countries that have made huge leaps in, for example, delivering vaccines or ending malnutrition. But anyone who wants to identify those countries, find out how they did it, and apply the lessons in their own country would have their work cut out for them," he wrote.



Gates contributes to Exemplars in Global Health Program through Gates Venture and Gates Foundation. The program which has been active for two years has a coalition of experts and leaders from universities to the World Health Organization that gathers information of various countries on issues like mortality of children under 5, vaccine delivery, the role of community health workers, preparedness and response in the face of an epidemic and the limitation of childhood physical and mental development resulting from poor nutrition.



"Exemplars is all about figuring out how to improve health care based on evidence of what works," Gates wrote. "It will help governments use time and money more efficientlyand with the COVID-19 pandemic, there has never been a greater need to get the most impact out of every dollar spent."



Gates also introspects by asking himself several other questions: "What was I excited about? What could I have done better?" he wrote in an end-of-year blog post in 2018.



Gates also asks himself questions like, "Did I devote enough time to my family? Did I learn enough new things? Did I develop new friendships and deepen old ones?" he wrote.
T ens of thousands of people with "long Covid" have had symptoms of coronavirus for more than three months, reports suggest.

The term refers to those who struggle with long-term symptoms of Covid-19 such as breathlessness and fatigue.

Some have described how doing shopping or climbing stairs can leave them bed-ridden for days. While others have been previously fit and healthy and are now confined to a wheelchair.

Professor Tim Spector, who is leading the Covid Symptom Study app, said that 60,000 people have been ill for more than three months.

The professor of genetic epidemiology at Kings College London, told BBC Radio 4s File On 4 that data from the app shows that around 300,000 people have reported symptoms lasting for more than a month and up to 60,000 people reported having symptoms for more than three months.

On Monday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that some people were still experiencing symptoms six months after contracting the virus.

Speaking on LBC radio, Mr Hancock said: Long Covid, where people six months on are still ill, is prevalent among younger people.

Medical staff wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) at the back of an ambulance outside Lewisham hospital / REUTERS

But Professor Spector said he is frustrated that data from the app is not being more widely used.

Theres a big danger these (people) might end up being forgotten, he told File On 4.

Meanwhile, the programme asked commissioning groups and health boards across the UK whether they had set up post-Covid clinics for patients who were not admitted to hospital with the virus.

Of the 86 who responded, 10 said they were already running such facilities. A further 16 said they were planning or redesigning services. Many patients will be seen by their GP, or existing services.

NHS Englands new Your Covid Recovery website offers personalised support for all patients recovering from Covid.

Recovered Covid-19 patient still suffering effects of virus

Lynne Turner Stokes, professor of rehabilitation medicine at Kings College London, told File On 4 the website had some good resources but that we have to do much more.

A spokeswoman for the NHS in England said: At the same time as treating more than 108,000 coronavirus patients and keeping other vital services running throughout the pandemic, the NHS has played a leading role in patient recovery and scientific discovery which is saving lives here and around the world.

While experts globally continue work to understand more about the short and long-term impact of this new disease, NHS teams are rapidly expanding aftercare and support to all patients who need it, including new and strengthened rehab centres and community services providing tailored treatment in every part of the country, such as the first of its kind Seacole centre, and a new online health advice and support platform, which patients said they wanted to help them recover at home.

Matt Hancock said long-Covid is more prevalent among younger people / PA

It comes as new guidance published on the Government website sets out some of the long-term health effects for some people who have had Covid-19.

The guidance states that around 10 per cent of mild coronavirus cases who were not admitted to hospital have reported symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks.

And a number of people admitted to hospital reported continuing symptoms for eight or more weeks following discharge.

Persistent health problems following acute disease have included: respiratory symptoms and conditions such as chronic cough, shortness of breath; lung problems including inflammation and scarring; heart issues including chest tightness, heart failure and scarring; protracted loss or change of smell and taste; mental health problems including depression, anxiety and cognitive difficulties.

People also reported experiencing: inflammatory disorders such as muscle pain; gastrointestinal problems; continuing headaches; fatigue, weakness and sleeplessness; liver and kidney dysfunction; clotting disorders and thrombosis; problems with the lymph nodes and skin rashes.

Additional reporting by PA Media.
The Houston Chronicles Live Updates blog documents the latest events in the coronavirus outbreak in the Houston area, the state of Texas and across the U.S. with a focus on health and economic impacts.

The Houston Chronicles ongoing coverage is available to subscribers. Subscribe now for full access and to support our work.

Total coronavirus cases:

 660,075 cases in Texas, including 13,691 deaths.

 160,309 in the Houston region, including 3,073 deaths.

 More than 6.3 million in the U.S., including 189,182 deaths. Click here to see a U.S. map with state-by-state death tolls and the latest coronavirus case counts.

 More than 27.2 million in the world, with over 890,971 deaths. More than 18.3 million people have recovered. You can view the worldwide totals here.

Resources on COVID-19 and Texas' reopening: Use our interactive page to track the spread of cases through Harris County and the rest of Texas. For a detailed look at our state, check out the Chronicle's Texas Coronavirus Map. To get regular updates on our coverage, sign up for our coronavirus newsletter.

Latest updates from today:

9 p.m. Surrounded by Fort Bend ISD, Houston ISD and even Spring Branch ISD, its difficult for Alief ISDs high school football programs not to notice everyone else starting fall practice this week.

Alief ISD started the academic year online and is phasing in extracurricular activities later than most. Elsik, Alief Taylor and Hastings are thought to be the only Houston-area schools still awaiting a start date for practice. They know it inches closer, though.

(Tuesday) was just a breath of fresh air just to say, Hey guys, I cant give you an exact date, but soon, first-year Hastings coach Tomas De La Rosa said Tuesday, describing the message to players via Zoom. Not far, but soon.

- Adam Coleman

7 p.m. Texas saw an increase of 2,917 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday with 98 newly reported deaths, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis of state data.

The case increase brought the overall total to 660,075 to 662,992. There are now 13,789 deaths statewide.

The state's rolling average for new cases is now at 3464.9. The positive test rate increased from 7.24 percent to 8.41 percent, the lowest its been since June 18. The rolling average of viral tests is now at 43,653.

The Houston region's case count is 161,314, up 1,005 from Monday. Harris County added 514 new cases Tuesday, and is at 112,039 cases total. There have been 3,104 deaths in the Houston region, up 31 from Monday.

Statewide, there were 3,701 patients hospitalized for lab-confirmed COVID-19. There are 54,453 total staffed hospital beds, 13,469 beds available and 1,414ICU beds available. There are 7,426 ventilators available.

- Stephanie Lamm

4 p.m. Thirteen more COVID-19 deaths were reported Tuesday in Houston and 333 new cases were confirmed, officials said.

City health officials reported a 6.6% positivity rate, which Mayor Sylvester Turner called in a tweet "some good news regarding the citys positivity rate."

The city has recorded 898 COVID-19 deaths and confirmed 66,265 coronavirus cases.

3:15 p.m. Two more people in Montgomery County died of COVID-19 related complications and 112 active cases of the infection were confirmed since Friday, health officials said.

The two individuals who died were identified as two Conroe men, one in his 50s and the other in his 30s. Both died at a hospital. As of Tuesday afternoon, the county had 1,406 active COVID-19 cases, officials said.

3 p.m. Five more people in Harris County outside of Houston have died of COVID-19 and 181 new cases of the virus were confirmed, officials said Tuesday afternoon.

1:34 p.m. Who pays for COVID-19 test costs when the providers charge upward of $1,000 for a nasal swab? Health insurance companies say they're taking on the bills, but if legislators don't cap the prices, patients might soon see the costs in their premiums, Chronicle reporter Gwendolyn Wu writes.

11:53 a.m. A Houston Independent School District website was operating once again after experiencing technical complications Tuesday morning, school officials said.

10:25 a.m. Houston Independent School District experienced technical difficulties Tuesday morning as the school year started for many at home and in classrooms.

School officials did not immediately elaborate on the technical issues but referred parents to an alternative site. A news conference was scheduled for later Tuesday morning.

"Please know we are working swiftly to get everything moving again for you," school officials wrote in a tweet.

9:30 a.m. Visits at Texas assisted living facilities resumed after state officials released guidelines permitting some meetings following months of separation to help curb the threat of the coronavirus. The Chronicle's Emily Foxhall reports.

8:20 a.m. Thousands of students in the Houston region started returning to school Tuesday morning for the first time since mid-March, when schools closed to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Students in numerous districts, including Cypress-Fairbanks, Katy, Conroe, Spring Branch, La Porte, Magnolia and Santa Fe ISDs, planned to return after opting to go to school rather than attend online.

Follow The Chronicle's coverage via reporters Shelby Webb and Jacob Carpenter here.

8:15 a.m. Gov. Greg Abbott extended a disaster proclamation for all counties in the state in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Abbott issued the original declaration March 13. He encouraged people to continue practicing recommended health guidelines like wearing masks, practicing social distancing and sanitizing hands.

"Renewing this disaster declaration helps ensure that we have the resources and strategies in place to help communities across Texas respond to COVID-19," Abbott said in a statement issued Sunday evening. "Working together, we will slow the spread and keep our communities safe."

8:13 a.m. Not everyone is happy about the way Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is handling the state's COVID response. The state is one of just three governors nationwide who have had unilateral control over their states coronavirus response, writes Taylor Goldenstein.

It's a move that has miffed Democrats some Republicans. Read more about it here.

8 a.m. The statewide total on Monday went from 658,862 to 660,075, according to the Chronicle's Stephanie Lamm. Thirty-eight deaths were reported, bringing the total to 13,691 statewide.

In Houston, the number of COVID cases went up by 87 to 160,309. Two more deaths were reported in the region on Monday, bringing the total to 3,073.
Mexico City, Mexico, Sept. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JORGE LEAL KIRCHBACH- an expert on economic and tourism issues and a partner at Fibra Kapital, professes that the integration of technology in the tourism industry is the key to its eventual rebound. With 20 years of experience investing in hotels, he already has anticipated in previous months the complications that the current crisis will bring to the tourism industry.

After hotel occupancy rates dramatically plummeted in previous months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Leal Kirchbach noted that the industry experienced dreadful setbacks. Cutting down of salaries and forced under-staffing in many hotels and airlines pushed such occupancy rates to an all-time low.

According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), worldwide tourism took a dramatic fall by 60 to 80 percent during the lockdown. In such circumstances, Kirchbach affirmed that technology is a great tool to set the industry back in motion. By doing so, the industry should be able to orderly accommodate travelers while abiding to the protocols and precautions on health standards.

Such a dire prediction matches a forecast provided by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) saying that over 100 to 120 million people could lose their jobs in the economic sector. Fibra Kapital is one of the hospitality oriented financial firms taking a strong initiative in the scene. Its vision of contributing and saving tourism in Mexico during the pandemic should translate into regional economic development.

In the belief that Mexico has a huge potential when it comes to the tourism industry, Kirchbach started an alliance with Bancrea- a bank with strong presence in the hotel industry. His objective for sparking a connection with the bank is to allow consolidation of hotel assets in Mexico through financial support and investments. For him, such action could support the recovery of the economy.

"Both hotels and the means of transport such as buses, planes, and boats must adopt new technological solutions to provide tourists with a safe experience that meets their needs," said Jorge Leal Kirchbach.

"The 'new normality' requires new digital measures. Therefore, it is necessary to accelerate the implementation of advanced technology; most likely, after this health crisis, it will continue to operate to create a more solid industry in the future, to be able to face a similar situation." He added.

Despite the uncertainty about the output for long-term tourism, Kirchbach strongly encourages the pursuit of a possible breakthrough. He also emphasized that some of the new hygiene measures must be applied permanently.

Through the presence of technological strategies and platforms in the sector, the consolidation of Fibra Kapitals real estate hotel portfolio will conform a successful platform for the coming years. The benefits of incorporating technology in a specific niche have been proven effective by many other sectors such as transportation and communications.

Should you want to take a look at the portfolio by Fibra Kapital, visit http://www.fibrakapital.com/.

Media Details

Name: Fibra Kapital

Contact:5551037505

Email: contacto@fibrakapital.com

Website URL: http://www.fibrakapital.com/
Weve all heard about the rumors regarding the nature of Zendayas relationship with her Euphoria co-star Jacob Elordi. Though they never confirmed they were romantically involved, the actors have made several moves that left fans convinced they were together. But now, theres speculation that they ended their rumored relationship after Elordi was linked to model Kaia Gerber. Heres everything we know about their relationship so far.

(L-R) Zendaya and Jacob Elordi | Steve Granitz/WireImage; Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images North America

Zendaya was linked to Jacob Elordi after they starred in Euphoria together

According to POPSUGAR, Zendaya and Elordi met on the set of Euphoria, a drama following the lives of a group of high school students that premiered in June 2019. Two months later, Zendaya and Elordi were photographed exploring Greece together.

They looked like they were getting a little cozy. At one point, they were walking with each other and being a little flirty, a reported eyewitness told Us Weekly at the time.

Storm Reid, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, and Maude Apatow in February 2019 | Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

Jacob Elordi gushed over Zendaya in a later interview but denied their relationship

Pushing back on romance rumors, Elordi told GQ Australia in December 2019 that Zendaya was like his sister.

Zendaya is an amazing creative, you know? he continued. Shes super dope to work with. Shes an incredible artist and a very caring person to all of us. But were all really close.

But after they were seen kissing in February, an insider confirmed to E! News that they had allegedly been together for months.

Jacob and Zendaya have been seeing each other for months now, the source shared. They started as close friends but it became romantic after their show ended.

They have been inseparable since last summer and have been making time for each other in between projects, the insider continued. Jacob has met Zendayas family and everyone adores him. They have a lot of fun together and have a lot in common.

RELATED: Who Has Spider-Man: Far From Home Star Zendaya Dated in the Past?

Is it over?

Thats what many people are asking after Elordi was seen out with Gerber on Zendayas birthday on Sept. 1. E! News obtained pictures of the stars at the celebrity hotspot Nobu in Malibu. However, a source said they were just friends.

Jacob definitely has interest in dating Kaia, but there is nothing serious going on there, the source shared. They have many mutual friends and have hung out many times in the past. They both have very chill personalities and similar interests. Jacob makes Kaia laugh and her family adores him.

Though the source suggested things were strictly platonic, the romance speculation continued over Labor Day weekend when a fan saw and snapped a photo of Elordi and Gerber allegedly holding hands in New York.

So far, none of them have addressed the latest speculation. But if its true, we wish them all the best.
President Trump on Sept. 1 tours an area of Kenosha, Wis., damaged during protests over the police shooting of Jacob Blake. (Associated Press)

To the editor: Americans, don't bother yourselves with any knowledge that might be available to you from the history of 1930s and 40s Germany under its absolute dictatorship. Go ahead and cast your vote this November for our "pro-vigilante leader," as columnist Harry Litman calls President Trump.

Then sit back, and be very careful of that which you will have wrought upon yourselves and the rest of our beloved country, as it will no longer be a "thinly veiled" dictatorship.

Michael D. Leventhal, Rancho Mirage

..

To the editor: As someone who served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1962, I am puzzled that the Trump supporters driving around in their macho trucks defending their hero don't realize that the president was a draft dodger who avoided service during the Vietnam War.

Some hero. This makes me cringe every time I see when a decorated Marine must salute him and he salutes back.

Chris Ingalls, Huntington Beach

..

To the editor: Each political party has invested in fear. Democrats are spending millions to further scare people about COVID-19, and Republicans are spending millions to scare people about riots and social unrest.

Skilled message makers gin up fear on both sides. Undecided voters are hearing they will be too sick to leave bed when rioters come to burn down the house. The police won't be able to help if they vote one way, and it is sure to keep happening if they vote the other.

Exaggeration leads each side to dismiss the other side's fears. Mask efficacy becomes something for people to fight about (it really isn't) and unrest is seen as possible anywhere (not really). Having one's fears dismissed is hugely divisive, particularly when there are true dangers at the base of those fears.

Violence and division are the only returns that come from investing in fear. In dismal times, stirring America's hopes and aspirations is better than stoking our fears and insecurities.

Right about now, we could all use some multimillion-dollar ad campaigns designed to make us feel more secure. Neither party is appealing to our best instincts right now, but both can take consolation in seeing such handsome dividends on their investments so far.

Paul Franckowiak, Phoenix
Plans are being made across the country for how to safely send students back to school in the fall as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Here is a look at what the various provinces have said about getting kids back to classes.

British columbia

British Columbia has laid out its plan for studies to resume in learning groups this fall. School districts are to post final back-to-school details online by Aug. 26.

Back to class: Schools were initially scheduled to welcome students back full time on Sept. 8, but the province announced it is pushing back the restart date by two days to Sept. 10.

Groups: Students will be sorted into learning groups to reduce the number of people they come in contact with. For elementary and middle school students, groups will be no larger than 60 people. Secondary school groups will be capped at 120.

Physical distancing: Students and staff dont need to maintain physical distancing within their learning group, but contact should be minimized. Outside the group, physical distancing is required. Students should be more spaced out in classrooms.

Masks: Students and staff will not be required to wear masks in schools, but the province says its a personal choice that will always be respected. It says provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry recommends non-medical masks be worn by adults and older students when they are unable to physically distance like in hallways and on buses.

New routines: The province is urging schools to stagger recess, lunch and class transition times and take students outside whenever possible.

Transportation: Middle and high school students are asked to wear masks on buses. Students should be assigned seats, and a transparent barrier may be used to separate the driver.

Kris Rushowy answers your back-to-school questions

Alberta

The province is planning to fully reopen schools from kindergarten to Grade 12 this fall. Measures will be tightened if an outbreak occurs and class sizes could be reduced to 20.

Back to class: School will be back in session with extra safety measures, but the province says there are programs to support remote and alternative learning.

Groups: Schools should sort students into cohorts by class when possible to minimize contact with others.

Physical distancing: Physical distancing is recommended when possible. Rooms should be rearranged to increase space between desks.

Masks: Masks will be mandatory for staff and many students in some school settings. Students in Grades 4 to 12 must wear masks in all common areas, such as hallways and on buses. Staff are required to wear masks whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained. Mask use will be optional for kids in kindergarten through Grade 3. The government says all students and staff will receive two reusable masks as part of the policy.

Transportation: Parents are asked to bring their children to school if they can. Students who take the bus will sit in the same seat every day.

New routines: Schools are advised to consider a no sharing policy, with each student bringing their own supplies. Class, lunch and recess schedules will be staggered.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan first unveiled a set of back-to-school guidelines in June, but released more details and made some changes in August.

Back to class: Students will return to class on Sept. 8 after the province pushed the date back from as early as Sept. 1

Groups: Groups of students and staff members assigned to them should stick together throughout the day and try not to mingle with other groups. Schools should aim to minimize the number of different instructors who interact with students throughout the day.

Physical distancing: Officials say maintaining physical distance is less practical for younger children, and the focus should be on limiting physical contact. Officials suggest limiting hugs and hand holding and suggest using alternative greetings such as air high fives. Schools are also to have dedicated quarantine areas where symptomatic students can go before they are picked up by parents.

Masks: The province says its up to school boards to decide whether to make masks mandatory for students and staff. The chief medical health officer advises Grade 4 to 12 students should wear them in busy areas such as hallways and on buses.

Transportation: Parents should take their kids to school when possible, and pickup and drop-offs should happen outside. Students using school transportation should be assigned seats, and a partition may be used to separate the driver.

New routines: Start times, recess, lunch and class transitions may be staggered to allow for more space for physical distancing. Schools should rearrange their classrooms to space out students. Students and staff are asked to bring hand sanitizer. In school public health visits for routine vaccinations will include COVID-19 testing, with parental consent.

Manitoba

The Manitoba government says students are going back to the classroom on Sept. 8 with new guidelines.

Back to class: All students from kindergarten to Grade 8 are to have in-class instruction five days a week. High school students will also be in class full time, however, there may be some days of remote learning.

Groups: When physical distancing isnt possible, students will have to be organized into cohorts of no more than 75, and minimize contact with others. In these cases, there must be at least one metre between their desks.

Physical distancing: The province says students are required to maintain a two-metre distance to the greatest extent possible. When it isnt possible, physical barriers may be an option. Spaces should be arranged to encourage separation.

Masks: Masks are strongly recommended for students in Grades 5 to 12. They are required when taking the bus.

Transportation: Masks are required for students Grade 5 and up, as well as drivers, on buses. Parents are encouraged to transport their children to school if they can.

New routines: Lunch and recess are to be staggered to minimize congestion, and in many cases teachers will change classrooms instead of students.

Ontario

Ontario students will be back in class September, but their schedules and class sizes may vary depending on where they live.

Back to class: Elementary students and many high schoolers will be in school five days a week in standard class sizes. However, secondary students at two dozen boards that are higher risk will only attend class half the time, and will spend the rest of the week working on curriculum-linked independent work. Parents will also have the option to keep their kids out of class, and boards must provide options for remote learning.

Groups: For high schoolers in high-risk districts, class sizes will be capped at 15. Meanwhile, elementary students wont be broken up into smaller groups, but will be grouped into cohorts and their exposure to different teachers will be limited.

Physical distancing: While Education Minister Stephen Lecce said the aim is to keep students one metre apart from each other, a guidance document says only that schools should promote as much distancing as possible rather than being strictly enforced.

Masks: Masks will be mandatory for students in Grades 4 through 12, and will be strongly encouraged for younger kids when theyre in indoor common areas. Staff will be expected to wear masks.

Transportation: Some school boards may have more than one student assigned to a seat. When physical distancing isnt possible, masks will be mandatory for students in Grades 4 to 12, and younger students will be encouraged but not required to do the same.

New routines: Students in some districts will have to preregister for in-person schooling. Some schools may limit or even ban visitors, including parents. Breaks will be scheduled to allow students to wash their hands.

Quebec

All elementary and high school students in Quebec will be required to attend class in September unless they have a doctors note indicating theyre at high risk of COVID-19 complications or they live with someone at risk. Those students will be allowed to study remotely.

Back to class: Class attendance is mandatory for elementary and high school students. For Grades 10 and 11, schools have the option of alternating schedules where students attend one day out of every two  as long as schools cannot maintain stable classroom bubbles. Grade 10 and 11 students are encouraged to attend classes as much as possible.

Groups: Each classroom will be its own bubble and students will not be required to maintain a two-metre distance between classmates.

Physical distancing: Students will need to keep a two-metre distance from all school staff, as well as all other students outside their classroom bubble. There are no physical distancing requirements for children or teachers in preschool.

Masks: All students in Grade 5 and up  as well as all school staff  must wear a mask inside all common areas of the school except the classroom. Masks can also be removed when students are eating.

Transportation: No more than 48 students will be allowed on a school bus, with no more than two students sitting on the same bench. Preschool and elementary school students are strongly encouraged to wear masks, while older students are required to wear them.

New routines: When schools return in the fall, teachers will move from classroom to classroom, but students will stay put.

Backup plans: In the event of an outbreak in one class, the entire classroom bubble will be sent home to continue studies remotely. Authorities are also putting together an emergency protocol in the event of a second wave to ensure instruction continues online if entire schools are again forced to close. Ideas include quickly distributing tablets or laptops to students needing them and establishing a digital platform to continue courses and maintain communication.

New Brunswick

The province has outlined a set of requirements schools must follow in developing their plans for the fall.

Back to class: Students in kindergarten to Grade 8 are to attend school full time, while those in Grades 9 to 12 are to be taught using a combination of in-class and remote instruction. At-home course work can include online learning, guided projects and experiential education.

Groups: For kindergarten through Grade 2, group sizes will be reduced to about 15, wherever possible. Group sizes should also be shrunk for Grades 3 to 5. Grades 6 to 8 will resume at regular class sizes. Students in Grades 9 to 12 will not be grouped because of their schedules and course options.

Physical distance: Grade 9 to 12 classrooms are required to maintain a one-metre distance, while a two-metre distance is recommended in common areas at all grade levels.

Masks: All students will be required to bring a mask to school, but masks will not be mandatory inside the classroom. Students in Grade 6-12 must wear masks on the school bus and in common areas of school buildings, while children in kindergarten to Grade 5 are encouraged to do so. Teachers for kindergarten to Grade 8 can choose whether they want to wear a mask or shield in the classroom while teachers for Grades 9-12 will be required to wear one when they cannot physically distance from students.

Transportation: Curtains will be installed inside school buses to separate drivers from students. If physical distancing is not possible, drivers will be required to wear a mask or face shield. Students must sit in the same seat every day. Students in kindergarten to Grade 5 will sit alone or with a member of their household. Students in Grades 6-12 wearing masks will sit two to a seat, and if they are sitting alone or with a member of their household, they do not have to wear a mask.

New routines: Arrivals, breaks and lunches are to be staggered. Public access to school buildings will be limited, and students, staff and visitors may also be subject to screening. High school students will be expected to have their own laptop or similar device, and some subsidies will be available. Drinking fountains will be replaced with water bottle-filling stations.

Prince Edward Island

Schools on the Island are preparing to welcome all students back to class, while drafting backup plans for remote studies if required.

Back to class: Schools are to reopen for teachers and staff on Sept. 1 and for students on Sept. 8.

Groups: Students will be organized into cohorts when possible and limit their exposure to others.

Physical distancing: Students will be taught about the importance of physical distancing, and extra teaching and cleaning staff may be hired. Schools are also asked to reduce class sizes as much as possible, reconfigure classrooms and make use of spaces such as libraries and multipurpose rooms.

Masks: The province says all staff and students in Grades 7-12 are strongly recommended to wear masks when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Students from kindergarten through Grade 6 may wear masks when physical distancing is impossible. Staff interacting with children who have complex medical needs are strongly recommended to wear face shields and gloves.

Transportation: Parents are asked to take their kids to school whenever possible. To reduce the number of riders on buses, schools may add vehicles and routes or implement walk-to-school programs. It is strongly recommended that all students and drivers wear masks on the bus.

New routines: P.E.I. education authorities are revising curricula for this school year to make up for learning gaps caused by lockdown constraints. Schools will stagger schedules to minimize congestion. The provincial school food program will be expanded next year in keeping with public health precautions. Elementary school students will stay in their classrooms for lunch.

Nova Scotia

Education Minister Zach Churchill says the provinces objective is for schools to return to 100 per cent capacity in the fall, but its plan includes measures to address the possible onset of a second wave of COVID-19.

Back to class: The province aims to have all elementary and high school students in classrooms by Sept. 8.

Groups: Students will be asked to keep to cohorts.

Physical distancing: Students and staff will be encouraged to maintain a two-metre distance whenever possible. Lecture rooms will be reorganized to increase space between desks.

Masks: Masks are not required in classrooms, but students and staff may choose to wear them. While its recommended that they bring their own, masks will be provided to those who dont have one. Staff and students in Grades 10 to 12 must wear masks when physical distancing is difficult.

Transportation: Students who take the school bus will be required to wear non-medical masks.

New routines: Only students and staff will be permitted to enter school buildings. When possible, teachers will be asked to move their classes outdoors. Students will be asked to bring their own computers to school, and the province says it has acquired an additional 14,000 devices for those with limited access to technology.

Backup plans: If a COVID-19 outbreak occurs during the academic year, schools will move to a blended learning model with smaller class sizes and home learning for older students.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The provinces back-to-school plan aims to maximize in-class attendance with the option of a return to remote learning if the COVID-19 risk increases.

Back to class: The provinces plan outlines three scenarios  in-class instruction, remote learning or a combination of both, depending on the COVID-19 risk in a particular community.

Groups: Cohorting by class is recommended when its feasible, but students schedules shouldnt be disrupted to support smaller groupings.

Physical distancing: Schools should aim to create a two-metre distance between desks, or as much distance as possible. However, provincial authorities say these precautions should not interfere with the daily school routine, and strict physical distancing should not be overemphasized to children, because it is not practical and can cause psychological harm.

Masks: The province does not recommend masks for children, but says their use should not be stigmatized for those that choose to wear them. Staff will not be required to wear masks if physical distancing is possible.

Transportation: It will be up to school districts to determine their transportation operations, considering precautions such as assigning seats and separating the driver with a physical divider.

New routines: All students must bring their own supplies in keeping with a no sharing policy. Parents will be allowed to accompany kindergarteners for their first day. It says suggestions will be provided to school administrators to accommodate parents.

Backup plans: In the event of moderate-to-widespread transmission of COVID-19, school districts will move to online learning. Classroom attendance should be limited to about 50 per cent when the COVID-19 risk in a community is considered low to moderate. Newfoundland and Labrador says it will spend $20 million to purchase laptops for teachers and students in Grades 7 through 12 to support remote learning.

Yukon

The territorial government says its making plans for the next school year that include flexibility around the number of students in classes if theres a second wave of COVID-19 or increased risk of transmission. It says each school will determine how it will adjust its operations to meet those guidelines, and school principals and staff are expected to share that information prior to September.

Back to class: Preliminary plans indicate that in rural communities, all students will return to school full time. In Whitehorse, however, kids in kindergarten through Grade 9 will return to full-day in-school instruction, while Grades 10 to 12 will spend half their day in the classroom, and the rest learning remotely.

Groups: Class sizes may be smaller to meet safety restrictions.

Masks: Wearing masks is a personal choice.

Transportation: Bus school and schedules will be posted to the territorys website.

New routines: Schedule shakeups may mean that some students wont have their regular teacher or the same classmates. School meal programs may be adapted with new safety measures and pickup options.

Backup plans: The territory has outlined a spectrum of school options if the risk to the community increases, ranging from rotating schedules to suspension of face-to-face learning.

Northwest Territories

All N.W.T. schools have submitted plans to reopen their doors this fall. The territory says education authorities are taking a flexible approach in their planning to account for a potential second wave of COVID-19 in the fall.

Back to class: While plans will vary from school to school, the territory will offer in-person instruction whenever possible, while ensuring alternative options are available.

Groups: Students in kindergarten through Grade 6 will be in classroom bubbles, and wont have to practise physical distancing within these groups.

Physical distancing: For Grades 7 to 9, students are asked to maintain a one-metre distance from each other, and two-metre distance from staff. Grade 10 to 12 students are asked to allow for two metres of distance from their peers and instructors.

Masks: Students of all ages may be required to wear masks in situations where physical distance cannot be practised, such as moving through the hallways.

Transportation: There may be changes to bus schedules, and all riders will be required to wear masks.

New routines: More time will be spent learning outside. School hours and schedules may also look different. Students are asked to label personal items and not share.

Backup plans: The territory says schools are preparing to shift between in-person, distance and blended learning at short notice should there become active COVID-19 cases.

Nunavut

The territory has released a four-stage plan for reopening schools based on the risk of the novel coronavirus in a community.

Back to class: There are no reported COVID-19 cases in Nunavut, so all schools are set to reopen this fall with enhanced cleaning and safety precautions.

Groups: It is recommended that schools cohort students by class and limit mixing as much as possible.

Physical distancing: Distance requirements will depend on what stage a community is in, and will primarily be achieved by limiting school attendance.

Masks: In most cases, the use of masks is not recommended for children. If there are exceptions, parents will be notified, and masks will be provided.

Transportation: As it stands, bus schedules are set to resume. Students older than 13 may be required to wear masks.

New routines: Group activities will be limited. Students wont be allowed to share food in lunchrooms.

Backup plans: The territory says schools could go part-time if contact tracing were to identify a possible source of COVID-19. All schools would be closed if community transmission were to take place.
The online forum features a speaker lineup of world-renowned scholars who will discuss an array of bio-engineering technologies that will improve our quality of life and even extend our life span. This is the GSI's third online forum since the first one in April that covered the socio-economic implications of the global pandemic and the second one in June focusing on the education sector.

In hosting the third round of the GSI Forum series, KAIST President Sung-Chul Shin stressed the power of science and technology saying, "In this world full of uncertainties, one thing for sure is that only the advancement of science and technology will deliver us from this crisis." Korean Prime Minister Sye-Kyun Chung will also deliver a speech explaining the government's response to COVID-19 and vaccine development strategies.

The President of the National Academy of Medicine in the US will share ideal policies to back up the bio-engineering and medical sectors and Futurist Thomas Frey from the Davinci Institute will present his distinct perspectives on our future lives after COVID-19. His thought-provoking insights on advancements in the bioengineering sector will examine whether humanity can put an end to infectious diseases and find new ways to lengthen our lives.

Two distinguished professors in the field of genetic engineering technology will share their latest breakthroughs. Professor George McDonald Church from Harvard Medical School who developed genome sequencing will deliver a keynote speech on how the advancement of gene editing and genome technology will overcome diseases and contribute to extending human life spans.

Professor Kwang-Soo Kim, a KAIST alumnus from Harvard Medical School who recently reported new discoveries for Parkinson's disease treatment by reprogramming a patient's own skin cells to replace cells in the brain, will introduce the latest clinical cell treatment technologies based on personalized therapeutics.

Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer of Illumina Susan Tousi, a leading genome sequencing solution provider, will describe genome analysis technology and explore the potential for disease prevention.

KAIST medical scientist Jeong Ho Lee, who was the first to identify the causes of intractable epilepsies and has identified the genes responsible for several developmental brain disorders. Professor Jin-Hyung Lee from Stanford University and Dr. David B. Resnik from the National Institute of Environmental Health Science will also join the speaker lineup to discuss genetics-based personalized solutions to extend human life spans.

The forum will also invite about 50 young scientists and medical researchers from around the world to participate in an online panel session. They will engage in a Q&A session and a discussion with the speakers.

About KAIST

KAIST is the first and top science and technology university in Korea. KAIST was established in 1971 by the Korean government to educate scientists and engineers committed to the industrialization and economic growth of Korea.

Since then, KAIST and its 64,739 graduates have been the gateway to advanced science and technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. KAIST has emerged as one of the most innovative universities with more than 10,000 students enrolled in five colleges and seven schools including 1,039 international students from 90 countries.

On the precipice of its semi-centennial anniversary in 2021, KAIST continues to strive to make the world better through the pursuit in education, research, entrepreneurship, and globalization.

KAIST

http://www.kaist.ac.kr

Press Contact:

Younghye Cho

[email protected]

[email protected]

SOURCE KAIST(Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)
Human rights activists have urged the Indonesian government to intervene to stop the prosecution of nine men arrested and accused with organising a gay party in Jakarta.

The defendants, who were among 56 men detained during a police raid on the event at a hotel last week, have been charged with facilitating obscene acts in a case which campaigners said highlights a growing threat to LGBT+ people in the country.

Forty-seven men were released, but the other nine were charged under a pornography law which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine.

This latest raid fits into a disturbing pattern of Indonesian authorities using the pornography law as a weapon to target LGBT people, said Kyle Knight, senior LGBT+ rights researcher at Human Rights Watch. The government has been inciting hostility toward LGBT people for several years, and there is no accountability for abuses such as police raids on private spaces.

Amnesty International also called for the release of the men, who were arrested on 1 September.

Recommended Sharia court in Indonesia sentences two gay men to 85 lashes each after being caught having sex

Usman Hamid, the organisations executive director, said: There is no legal justification for criminalising the behaviour these men are accused of. Such a gathering would pose no threat to anyone. The authorities are being discriminatory and violating the human rights to privacy and family life, freedom of expression, and the freedom of assembly and association.

Homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, apart from in conservative Aceh province. However, no laws protect LBGT+ from discrimination and the country's gay and lesbian community has recently come under siege.

Police have set up a special task force to investigate homosexual activity. In February, members of the countrys House of Representatives proposed a bill that would define homosexuality as deviant and require LGBT+ to report to authorities for rehabilitation.

According to a police report on last weeks raid in Jakarta, a 31-officer unit had been monitoring the private gathering before the arrests.

The men were charged under 2008 laws which prohibit the creation, dissemination or broadcasting of pornography containing deviant sexual intercourse, a term which it defines as including sex with corpses, sex with animals, oral sex, anal sex, and gay sex.

The combination of exploiting the discriminatory pornography law and a lack of accountability for police misconduct has proved to be both dangerous and durable, Mr Knight said. So long as the government permits police raids on private gatherings under a discriminatory law, it will fail to curb anti-LGBT harassment and intimidation.

Human Rights Watch said authorities must halt arbitrary raids on private spaces, investigate those that have taken place, and punish those who took part in the raids and those responsible in their chain of command.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has previously called on Indonesian authorities to release people detained on the basis of their sexual orientation and combat anti-gay stigma in the country.
Fire crews battled numerous blazes across the state Monday as high temperatures and ominous winds meant thousands of people across California were facing expected power shut-offs.

With the new fires roaring over the holiday weekend, flames have burned more than 2 million acres in California this year, setting a dismal record.

The fires forced evacuations and the closure of national forests throughout the state and prompted daring rescues, highlighting the extremes that this years fire season has brought. The new blazes came even as firefighters gained a handle on the big fire complexes burning around the Bay Area.

New evacuations were ordered for Fresno and Madera counties as firefighters struggled to get a handle on the Creek Fire, a massive, fast-moving blaze that scorched dried vegetation in the Sierra National Forest and threatened thousands of structures.

The Creek Fire exploded to 78,790 acres Monday  growing by more than 33,000 acres since Sunday  and was completely uncontained, according to Cal Fire. The fire continued to threaten 5,296 structures. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The blaze isnt going away anytime soon. Firefighters expect to reach full containment of the Creek Fire by Oct. 15, but the fire is still burning rapidly because of dead and downed material, Cal Fire said. Some 80% to 90% of the trees in the area where the fire is raging have died because of the ravages of the bark beetle.

Cal Fire said 14,800 firefighters were battling 23 major fires in the state, the Associated Press reported. California has seen 900 wildfires since Aug. 15, many of them started by an intense series of thousands of lightning strikes. There have been eight fire deaths and more than 3,300 structures destroyed.

The previous record for acres burned was set in 2018. Fires that year burned 1.98 million acres and killed more than 100, most of them in the deadly Camp Fire that burned through the Butte County town of Paradise.

Because of unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions and limited firefighting resources, all campsites and day-use sites in national forests were temporarily closed throughout the state, according to the Forest Service. Campfires, gas stoves and any other kind of ignition source were also banned.

The U.S. Forest Service announced Monday that the Stanislaus, Sierra, Sequoia, Inyo, Los Padres, Angeles, San Bernardino and Cleveland national forests in California would be closed indefinitely because of fire danger.

In the Sierra National Forest, hundreds of trapped people had to be rescued by helicopter Saturday afternoon from the Mammoth Pool Reservoir northeast of Fresno after the Creek Fire blocked the only road leading out of the area.

Pilots with the California National Guard said the flying conditions were the most difficult theyd ever faced  smoke choked out visibility and the winds were gusting erratically. They had to use night vision goggles to see clearly.

There were points along the route where we were just about ready to say thats enough, but right about that decision point, the visibility would get a little bit better, we could see the next ridge, Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Rosamond said at a Monday news briefing.

Reports on the number of people trapped at the lake kept growing, alerting them to how dire the situation was. When the officers arrived at the lake, all of the surrounding vegetation was in flames, they said. The crew prioritized evacuating burn victims and those with serious injuries who needed quick medical attention, packing as many people as could safely fit into the aircraft.

The ground rescue was preceded by the dramatic airlift of 214 people and 11 pets who were stranded in the area Saturday as the fire exploded through the dry forest and tore into the camping area.

Two helicopter crews on a Chinook and a Blackhawk flew through smoke, ash and heavy winds to rescue the campers. Twenty, some with burns and broken bones, had to be hospitalized. Two were seriously injured.

The remaining people trapped were rescued Sunday night, said Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue.

The U.S. Forest Service was able to get a ground crew through to evacuate about 20 people and 15 dogs. A few horses were left behind and were expected to be brought out Monday, according to the Sheriffs Office. No information was immediately available on injuries.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

It was very emotional, especially when I looked back and saw children that were the same age as my children, Rosamond said. It just felt really good to be able to get them all out.

A rescue attempt by military pilots using night vision Monday evening to rescue hikers and campers trapped near China Peak and Lake Edison was unsuccessful, the Fresno Fire Department said Monday.

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park was closed as a precaution Monday afternoon in case the Creek Fire crosses into the park, which remains open.

Thousands more people were evacuated in Fresno County. On Monday, Auberry and North Fork were placed under a mandatory evacuation order. Evacuation orders were also expanded to more mountain communities where firefighters worked through the night to save small towns as the fire roared.

Sheriffs deputies went door to door to make sure residents were complying with orders to leave. Officials hoped to keep the fire from pushing west into rural towns along Route 41 and possibly Yosemite.

The Creek Fire has charred more than 123 square miles of timber after breaking out Friday. The 850 firefighters on the scene had yet to get any containment after three days of work in sweltering heat.

Another fire in Mendocino County was reported early Monday afternoon. The Oak Fire quickly grew from 3 acres to 25 acres in the span of 10 minutes, forcing dozens of people out of their homes as mandatory evacuations were ordered for parts of the Willits and Covelo areas and closing a section of Highway 101. Cal Fire warned that the blaze has a rapid rate of spread. By late Monday, the uncontained blaze had grown to 1,000 acres and damaged one structure.

Despite the heat and wind, firefighters were making progress at three other fires in Northern California, having contained about 80% of the CZU Lightning Complex raging across San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties and at least 91% of the fires involved in the LNU Lightening Complex, which is blazing in several counties. Meanwhile, the SCU Lightning Complex fires that have burned 396,624 acres in several counties, including Alameda, Santa Clara and Stanislaus, were 94% contained, according to Cal Fire.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Joaquin Palomino contributed to this report.

Cynthia Dizikes and Sarah Ravani are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: cdizikes@sfchronicle.com, sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @cdizikes, @SarRavani
Rising Covid-19 cases are being driven by people in their teens and 20s, where cases have tripled since July, official data shows, while the number of positive tests among older generations has continued to fall.

MailOnline analysis shows infections have surged from 9.2 to 28 cases per 100,000 since July 4, 'Super Saturday', in those aged 20 to 29 in England.

And the case rate has also quadrupled among teenagers - those aged 10 to 19 years old - over July and August, before schools reopened, from 4.1 cases per 100,000 people to 16.2.

At the same time, cases in those over 80 have dropped drastically since the height of the pandemic, when they made up the majority of Covid-19 cases, and have halved since July.

Infections among older people  those who are most likely to get seriously ill or die if they catch the virus  have fallen steadily since lockdown.

Those groups may be more likely to take social distancing rules seriously and to continue staying home to protect themselves because they understand the risks the virus brings, scientists have said.

While fears grow of a severe second wave of Covid-19 hitting the UK, the fact that most cases are among younger, healthy generations offers reassurance that hospitalisations and deaths will not be a direct result of small spikes.

Health officials are rattled, however, and are warning young people to stop going to parties and large gatherings and to respect the social distancing laws. Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday appeared on Radio 1 to tell youngsters 'Don't kill your gran' as deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam said people had 'relaxed too much'.

MailOnline analysis shows infections have surged from 9.2 to 28 cases per 100,000 since July 4, 'Super Saturday', in those aged 20 to 29 in England.

At the same time, cases in over 80 year olds have dropped drastically since the height of the pandemic, when they made up the majority of Covid-19 cases, and have halved since July. Infections have stayed stable among those in their 60s and 70s, while very slightly increasing in those between the ages of 40 to 59 years old

Cumulative cases in those aged between 10 to 19 and 20 to 29 over the course of the pandemic. It shows cases have increased from July 5

Cumulative cases in those aged between 70 and above 80 over the course of the pandemic. It shows cases have continued to decline over the summer

On Sunday and Monday together, almost 6,000 new cases were reported by The Department of Health.

Calling the figures 'concerning', Mr Hancock told LBC radio yesterday: 'The message to all your younger listeners [on LBC] and everybody is that even though you are at a lower risk of dying from the coronavirus, if you're that age, if you're under 25, you can still have really serious symptoms and consequences.'

He said the most important point to get across was that the uptick in cases in the past few days have been in younger people under 25, 'especially 17 to 21 year olds'.

He said: 'Over the summer we had particular problems in some of the areas that are most deprived. Actually, the recent increase we've seen over the last few days is more broadly spread and is not concentrated in poorer areas.

'It's actually amongst more affluent younger people especially that we've seen the rise.

'And that is where people really need to hear this message and abide by it - which is that everybody has a responsibility for social distancing to keep themselves safe and to keep others safe.'

He later said on BBC Radio 1: 'The question is, how much are you willing to risk the lives of yourself and others by breaking the social distancing rules?

'Don't kill your gran by catching coronavirus and then passing it on. And you can pass it on before you have had any symptoms at all.'

'PEOPLE HAVE RELAXED TOO MUCH', WARNS TOP MEDIC Coronavirus must be taken very seriously again or the UK will face 'a bumpy ride over the next few months', a deputy chief medical officer has warned after a 'big change' in infections. Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said on Monday that the public had 'relaxed too much' over the summer and described the rising number of cases as of 'great concern', despite the Health Secretary insisting it was not out of control. The deputy chief medical officer for England issued the warning as Caerphilly in south Wales prepared to be placed under local lockdown and stricter measures were extended in Scotland. In an interview with journalists, Prof Van-Tam said: 'This is a big change. It's now consistent over two days and it's of great concern at this point. 'We've been able to relax a bit over the summer, the disease levels have been really quite low in the UK through the summer but these latest figures really show us that much as people might like to say 'oh well it's gone away' - this hasn't gone away. 'And if we're not careful, if we don't take this incredibly seriously from this point in we're going to have a bumpy ride over the next few months.' He said that the rise is 'much more marked' in the 17-21 age group, but noted there is a 'more general and creeping geographic trend' across the UK. 'People have relaxed too much,' Prof Van-Tam said. 'Now is the time for us to re-engage and realise that this is a continuing threat to us.' Advertisement

The daily cases given by the Department of Health are not broken down into age categories. However, Public Health England (PHE) give a more in-depth analysis of cases in a weekly report, showing how people of different age groups, ethnicities and parts of England have fared.

This can be applied to the population of each age group - 2019 data from the Office for National Statistics - to give a case rate per 100,000 people.

MailOnline analysis shows the rate of cases per 100,000 people has tripled in those aged 20 to 29 years old from July 5 to August 30, from 9.2 to 28.

Similarly, the rate in 10-19 year olds has tripled from 4.1 to 16.2 in the same time period.

In comparison, the infection rate has continued to decline in the older populations, particularly in the over 80s.

Some 6.6 cases per 100,000 people were diagnosed in the week to August 30, almost half the 11.8 in the week to July 5.

Infections have stayed stable among those in their 60s and 70s, while very slightly increasing in those between the ages of 40 to 59 years old.

PHE has a similar analysis, but with broader age bands, showing the same trends.

In the age group 15 to 44 years, cases have risen from their lowest point of 8.8 on July 5 to 21.9 now. At the worst point, the rate was 45.7 in the week ending April 26.

In that same week, one of the worst of the pandemic, the case rate in over 85s was 293.9. But now, it has dropped significantly to 8.6.

This the lowest it has been since the pandemic began, showing cases are continuously fizzling out in the older groups while rising in youngsters.

However, the data does not factor in that at the start of the pandemic, it was mostly people in hospitals - who were old and very unwell - that could access tests, and younger, healthier people were very unlikely to show symptoms serious enough to get one.

Now the situation is very different, and its possible for anyone to get a test even if they are not showing any symptoms. This may skew the results slightly.

In PHE's most recent report, the agency gives its own case rate per 100,000 people in the week from August 23 to August 30, and its highest in those in their 20s.

There were 26.5 cases per 100,000, four times higher than that of those in their 80s and beyond, at 6.2.

There are disparities across the country, however, with case rates higher in the north-west, where swathes of towns have been put under tighter Covid restrictions due to rising cases.

There were 49.3 cases per 100,000 people in their 20s in the north-west compared to 17.3 in both the South West and South East - the lowest of all regions.

In London the rate was 24.9, higher than the East (20.1), East Midlands (18.9). Yorkshire and the Humber (35.7), North East (34.9), and West Midlands (29.2) are on the higher end of the scale.

Similar patterns are seen in those in their teens, with the North West (26.2) and North East (24.2) at the top of the table, and the South West (12.6) and South East (16.5) at the bottom.

Data from Public Health England shows for the broader group of those aged between 15 and 44, the case infection rate has doubled over August from 8.8 to 21.9

But they have continued to decline in the older age groups

A number of restrictions on people's lives have been lifted during the summer, allowing those of working age and younger to work and socialise in pubs, parks and summer barbeques

Case rates in young people are higher in the north-west of England. There were 49.3 cases per 100,000 people in their 20s in the north-west compared to 17.3 in both the South West and South East - the lowest of all regions

The Eat out To Help Out scheme over August also drove younger generations to restuarants in their millions, helping kickstart the economy again. Pictured: People queue for Burger King in London for a discounted meal, August 31

Dr Andrew Preston, a reader in microbial pathogenesis at the University of Bath, said a rise in infections among young people was ' inevitable'. Pictured: Diners in Chinatown, August 11

ONS DATA SHOWS INFECTIONS HAVE FALLEN OVER SUMMER Weekly data published by the Office for National Statistics suggests that coronavirus cases in England have declined over the summer. The figures, based on mass testing done in random households around the country, are estimates of how many people are catching the virus each day. The estimates started high in May, during lockdown, then fell in June and July as lockdown ended. There was a spike at the end of July but testing suggests cases have stablised. Here are the ONS's weekly estimates of new cases per day: August-25: 2,000

August-20: 2,200

August-13: 2,400

August-09: 3,800

August-02: 3,700

July-26: 4,200

July-19: 2,800

July-12: 1,700

July-05: 1,700

June-27: 3,600

June-21: 3,100

June-13: 3,800

June-07: 4,500

May-30: 5,600

May-24: 7,700

May-17: 8,70 Advertisement

The North and Midlands are seeing considerable hikes in cases generally, with Bolton, Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester seeing infection rates reaching levels seen in April - the peak of the crisis - May and June.

It comes after a number of restrictions on people's lives were lifted, allowing those of working age and younger to work and socialise in pubs, parks and summer barbeques.

'Super Saturday' on July 4 was the biggest step out of lockdown, when pubs, restaurants and bars were allowed to re-open their doors.

People in England flooded to their favourite spots in their droves after several months in lockdown.

Afterwards came the successful Eat out To Help Out Scheme in August, giving diners 50 per cent of their food bill designed to boost the struggling hospitality industry. It drove the younger generations to restuarants in their millions, helping kickstart the economy again.

Meanwhile, the older generations, some of whom may have been significantly vulnerable to Covid-19 due to health conditions, have continued to voluntarily keep shielding or be extra cautious, scientists say.

Dr Andrew Preston, a reader in microbial pathogenesis at the University of Bath, said a rise in infections among young people was 'inevitable'.

He told MailOnline: 'Easing of restrictions equates to increasing interactions between people which, as the virus was still circulating at that time, means increased transmission.

'The disproportionate increase in infections among the younger age groups is due to a number of factors.

'If you feel less at risk from infection, you're bound to take fewer precautions. It is clear that social distancing is not being adhered to in a number of mainly social situations.

'But was it naive to expect strict adherence in pubs and other venues? But also, are these younger age groups leading the effort to restart the economy by going out and spending?

'It highlights that probably, it is impossible to restart the economy, with service and hospitality being so central to it, without increasing infections.'

PHE data does not clarify the proportion of each age bracket that are tested for Covid-19, and so it is not clear if younger people are more likely to come forward to get a test than those who are older, which would possibly explain the higher cases.

During the height of the pandemic, in March and April, testing was almost exclusively for older people.

For weeks it was only possible to get a test if the person was very unwell or in hospital - which would less likely be the case for young people.

Therefore the significantly higher case rate in the older generations during the months of March and April compared to younger is not a completely fair comparison.

There would have been hundreds of thousands of people of younger generations who could not get a test, and therefore would not show in the data.

But currently, ministers imply there is a true rise in transmission among younger people - and not just a concentration in testing there.

There has not been a rise in hospitalisations or deaths in the past few weeks, which further shows that older, vulnerable groups are not yet catching the disease more.

Hospitalisations have not risen in tandem with cases, further showing older or vulnerable groups are not catching the disease

NORTH EAST COUNCILS URGE AGAINST HOUSE PARTIES Council leaders in the North East have raised concerns about the rising number of positive coronavirus cases in young adults. They say the average number of new cases has doubled in just over a week to about 80 per day, and that figure is expected to continue to rise. They also highlighted incidents where 'reckless' people have gone out after having a test, and before they have received results, and then infected others. The joint statement came from the council leaders in Newcastle, Sunderland, County Durham, Gateshead, Northumberland, North Tyneside and South Tyneside, as well as the North of Tyne elected mayor. It said: 'Don't assume, if you are a contact, that a negative test means you are OK  it doesn't, you could be incubating the virus. 'If you are asked to self-isolate, it is really important that you do so whatever your test status at the time. 'We have seen cases where individuals with symptoms have had a test, then gone out and infected others before getting their results  reckless and selfish behaviour.' The group said a 'significant minority' continued to think it was acceptable to have house parties  despite household transmission being the 'biggest danger'. It said: 'A significant minority believe it is OK to have house parties, hold events with unregulated crowds, ignore the rules  well it isn't. 'Household transmission remains the biggest danger. 'By not following the guidance, advice and legislation you are at greater risk of spreading the virus to your own family, which as we have seen can lead to tragic consequences.' Businesses have been warned that if they fail to properly record their customers' details, in the event of an outbreak they could be shutdown. 'Failure to do so will leave us with no alternative than to shut those premises down,' the leaders warned. 'We all have to do our bit and to play our part if we are to prevent a potential second wave,' the statement says. 'The impact that would have on our health service and the possibility of an economically-damaging lockdown would be devastating. 'We ask that individuals protect themselves to protect others and to protect our region, as well as call on all businesses to make sure their premises and operations are Covid-secure.' They stressed the need for social distancing to continue, as well as for people to wash their hands and wear face coverings when required. People who are asked to self-isolate by track and trace teams should continue to do so for the required time, even if they have a negative coronavirus test. Advertisement

Dr Preston said: 'I would say it is too early to tell what the outcome of this increase will be.

'If it remains focused on cohorts who generally don't suffer disease, or suffer only mild disease, then in theory it might not amount to a major problem.'

However, there is concern that in time, cases among younger people will climb into those groups as families socialise together.

Downing Street warned yesterday the 'concerning' number of cases would generally be expected to lead to a rise across the population as a whole.

Mr Hancock has repeatedly expressed his fears this will happen, saying it was a pattern seen in the US and other parts of Europe.

Dr Preston said young people are most often 'dangerous asymptomatic carriers'.

'This could mean we could build up high levels of infection without necessarily knowing about it, and there is the risk this could lead to a tipping point where it spills over into vulnerable populations and then we have a serious issue,' he said.

He said the rise in cases in people of teenage years and beyond eventually comes down to the 'impossible balancing act of public health versus the economy'.

'Can we get the younger age groups to shoulder the burden of economic activity while allowing the older age groups and vulnerable to shield effectively?

'Only if the two cohorts don't interact, so perhaps that's where attention could be focused: on doing everything we can to protect those who are likely to suffer serious illness if they become infected. This will decrease the seriousness of the almost certain rise in case during the next few months.'

However ministers have spoken out against plans to ask people to shield based on their age - as modelled by some scientists as a way out of lockdown.

Sir David Spiegelhalter, professor of public understanding of risk at the University of Cambridge, recently said: 'The elderly and frail seem to be far better protected than they were at the start of the epidemic, but they need to be able to get their freedom back.'

Oxford professor Sir John Bell today urged the government to keep focusing on the economic damage being done by tight restrictions.

He wrote in the Daily Mail today: 'The spike in infections reported in the past few days was to be expected as life slowly returns to our streets and workplaces.

'They are concerning and, yes, we must be prepared for a second wave of Covid-19 while working hard to contain localised outbreaks to prevent it.

'We must not, however, let this hamper our efforts to return to normality.

'Much of the increase in infections is among the young, who tend to experience moderate or no symptoms. Crucially, we have not yet seen a jump in hospital admissions or deaths.'

It comes after Professor Carl Heneghan, a medicine expert at the University of Oxford who has followed Government statistics closely during the outbreak, said he believes it is safe for much of normal life to return carefully and dangerous for young people to stay in a lockdown.

He wrote in an editorial for Daily Mail on September 1: 'It is vital that people understand that the mortality rate and the number of hospital admissions are the key figures  not the infection rate.

'The evidence is becoming clearer. Young people provide no protection to older members of society by staying away from school, university and work. But they wreak terrible long-term damage in other ways by maintaining their social isolation.

'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.'

Dr Simon Clarke, an associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading, has warned of using young people as 'scapegoats'.

He told MailOnline this week: 'While data do indicate that infections are occurring mainly in a young age demographic, I know of no evidence to suggest that large numbers of younger people are breaking any rules and they shouldn't be used as easy scapegoats.

'It's just as possible that the current control regulations are insufficient or inappropriate for the way younger people lead their lives.

'Greater clarity is needed here before blame is laid or fingers pointed.'

It comes after yesterday's caseload of almost 3,000 pushed the country's infection rate above the quarantine threshold it uses for other counties.

The weekly rate of new cases of Covid-19 in the UK has risen above 20 per 100,000 people. In the seven days to September 7 the rate stood at 21.3 cases per 100,000.

This is up from 13.9 per 100,000 for the seven days to August 31, PA news agency analysis reveals.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, said on Monday that the public had 'relaxed too much' over the summer and described the rising number of cases as of 'great concern'.
Newly appointed state election commissioner C Parthasarathi meets Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao (left) accompanied by chief secretary Somesh Kumar (right). (Photo: Twitter/TelanganaCMO

Hyderabad: Former IAS officer C Parthasarathi has been appointed as the State

Election Commissioner of Telangana for a tenure of three years. Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan issued the orders on Tuesday.

The post was vacant since the retirement of V Nagi Reddy in April this year.

Parthasarathi was commissioner for civil supplies after the formation of Telangana, and subsequently served as commissioner for information and public

relations and principal secretary of agriculture and cooperation.

He retired as director-general of the Environment Protection Training and Research Institute (EPTRI) on April 30, 2020.

A graduate in agricultural sciences, Parthasarathi has an M.Sc. degree in agronomy from the Agriculture University at Rajendranagar.

Following his appointment, Parthasarathi met chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao at Pragathi Bhavan accompanied by chief secretary Somesh Kumar.
By PTI

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) ranking 2019, covering different states and Union Territories, lacked clarity on some counts, the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation has claimed, and urged the Centre to disclose the criteria details applied in deciding the status.

The EoDB ranking, as published on the website of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), did not reveal either the criteria adopted for scoring and ranking or disclose the feedback from the states and UTs, according to S Harikishore, Managing Director, KSIDC.

As the states nodal agency for industrial promotion, KSIDC has approached the Centre seeking the details in this regard, Harikishore said.

The EoDB ranking was published on the DPIIT website on September 5.

As per the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) of 2019, each state had to complete 187 missions.

Of these, Kerala has accomplished 157 missions, which comes to 85 per cent of the mandated missions.

This details in this regard are not available on the website that put out the ranking,according to him.

While it was stated that the ranking would be decided based on the Reform Action points and feedback scores obtained from states and UTs concerned, the details of this process are also not available on the website, the official pointed out.

The details on the yardsticks adopted for the scoring and ranking have not been shared among the states or revealed on the website, which has resulted in lack of clarity regarding the process of ranking.

This is why KSIDC decided to approach DPIIT on the very day the ranking was published, Harikishore said.

Lakshadweep, which has not carried out any reforms as cited on EoDB website, has been ranked 15th.

Several criteria announced by DPIIT for EoDB ranking based on BRAP in 2018-19 have been changed in the current ranking,the official claimed.

For instance, the North-eastern States and UTs have been considered together in the current ranking, he said.

For the last four years, Kerala has made steady and systematic progress in formulating and implementing reforms suggested under BRAP.

The record of Kerala in securing the goals set by the Centre in this regard has steadily increased---percentage figures from 2015-16: 22.8 per cent,2016-17 : 26.9 per cent, 2017-18 : 52.56 per cent, and 2018-19 : 85 per cent.

Kerala government has drawn up and proactively implemented a slew of innovative measures during this period to make the state industry-friendly.

Some of the major steps taken by the government in the last three years included announcement of an investor- friendly industrial policy that has created the most conducive ecosystem for industrialists and service providers.

As many as seven Acts have been amended to bring in the comprehensive Kerala Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act-2018, which has made the investment process fast and transparent, he said.

Other reform-oriented initiatives that have substantially improved industrial and business atmosphere for multiple sectors and categories included enactment of Kerala Micro Small Medium Enterprises Facilitation Act-2019, which has considerably eased the investment procedures, including pollution control clearances.

Kerala State Single Window Clearance Board and Industrial Township Area Development Act was a decisive step forward that fast-tracked the investment process across the sectors.

Over 100 projects were showcased at the global investor meet ASCEND Kerala 2020 held in Kochi in January, where major investment decisions were clinched from entrepreneurs from India and abroad converged at the conclave.

During this period, the state also launched the Invest Kerala portal and Kerala Single Window Interface for Fast and Transparent Clearance (K-Swift).

Kerala has also made considerable progress in key parameters such as digital connectivity, skill development and infrastructure development.

Since 2016, as many as 52,137 MSME enterprises have been started in Kerala, which account for 40 per cent of all businesses the state has in this job-generating sector.

The state has clocked an estimated investment of Rs 4,500 crore in MSME sector alone, which itself vouch for the strides made by Kerala in industrialisation, the official added.

PTI UD BN WELCOME 09081703 NNNN
Australian shoppers are obsessing over the world famous Toffifee caramel cups - complete with a creamy hazelnut filling, topped with chocolate.

The cult product has been a fan favourite snack in Europe for decades but the treat has made its way onto shelves at Aldi stores for just $1.99 for 12 pieces.

Home chef Merna, from Sydney, shared a now-viral TikTok video of her glowing review, saying: 'I went out and got these Toffifee hazelnut caramel little treats from Aldi... and wow, these are honestly crack.

'These are so good. How have I never tried them before?'

Australian shoppers are obsessing over the world famous Toffifee caramel cups - complete with a creamy hazelnut filling, topped with chocolate

The video has since been viewed more than 55,000 times, with many European followers saying Toffifee have been around for a while.

'How do you only know about them now?' one woman said.

Another person added: 'This is a normal candy in Europe...' while one woman said: 'You can get them everywhere in the UK.'

Many people who have tried the snack said: 'It's literally the best' while others suggested eating the caramel cups after keeping them in the freezer.

The cult product has been a fan favourite snack in Europe for decades but the treat has made its way onto shelves at Aldi stores for just $1.99 for 12 pieces

The caramel cups have been a huge hit among Australian shoppers for years, with the product selling out every time it launched in stores for a limited time only.

'Toffifee is only available this week at Aldi in Australia. Woohoo! I stocked up and bought 60 large boxes,' one shopper previously said on social media.

'I hope it lasts until next year when they're available again! Why can't they be sold all year round? There's such a market for them.'

But customers will no longer have to worry about missing out on getting their hands on the sought-after treats - as the retailer confirmed they are here to stay permanently on shelves.

'Toffifee has previously been available at Aldi as a limited edition product and has only recently become part of the everyday range,' an Aldi spokesman told Daily Mail Australia.

Made by the same creators of Werther's Original and Knoppers, Toffifee features a caramel shell filled with a creamy nougat, a crunchy hazelnut, and topped with a drop of rich chocolate.
The additional $300 weekly unemployment checks given to Americans who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic might end as soon as next week.

This because the $44 billion federal funding for the additional unemployment benefit is about to run out.

After the stimulus check of $600 ended back in July and with the second stimulus check still in limbo, President Donald Trump had signed a memorandum on August 8.

The memo provided an additional $300 weekly unemployment checks to the unemployed Americans. This is on top of regular unemployment benefits.

Trump signed the memorandum when it became clear that it would take time for the Congress to reach a deal for a second stimulus check.

However, the $44 billion that Trump allocated for the additional $300 weekly unemployment checks from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is about to dry up soon.

According to a report on Yahoo, the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget was expecting the federal budget to last only until the week ending on August 29.

Although the budget has lasted longer than that, Arizona, the first state to distribute the additional $300 weekly unemployment checks, is now preparing for the checks to end until the week ending on September 12.

FEMA, though, has not yet announced until when the funds will run out.

There is also no guarantee that Trump will be able to bypass Congress for additional funding once again.

FEMA stated that those states that have been approved to give out the additional $300 weekly unemployment checks would have at least three weeks covered from the federal fund.

Some 45 states, including Arizona, have been approved to send out the enhanced checks.

However, only six states have started handing out the additional $300 weekly unemployment checks, according to Market Watch.

While no state who has applied for the FEMA grant has been rejected, South Dakota said they would not avail of the enhanced check.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said that they would not be applying for the additional $300 weekly unemployment checks because her state is fortunate enough not to need the grant.

Noem said that her administration is grateful for the additional flexibility, but there is no need to receive it.

South Dakota has already recovered about 80 percent of its job losses, especially since their economy was never shut down.

Unlike the stimulus check of $600, not all unemployed Americans are eligible to receive the additional $300 weekly unemployment checks.

The reason for that is because unemployed Americans who get less than $100 in state benefits are not enough to trigger the state to get the federal funds, according to an article of USA Today.

Some Americans are upset that Congress went into recess until the Labor Day without deciding on the second stimulus checks.

And, they are blaming both Republicans and Democrats for that.

Should the additional $300 weekly unemployment checks dry up, Americans would next hope that second stimulus checks will soon be on the way. Otherwise, they would go hungry and homeless.

Check these out:

Stimulus Checks Put on Hold Prompts Americans to Spend Less on Groceries

Stimulus Funds Mailed to Dead People Recovered by Treasury

Disagreement Continues on State and Local Funding
In this 2018 photo, Assistant Professor Rana Ashkar sits in her Roberson Hall office. Credit: Virginia Tech

For more than a decade, scientists have accepted that cholesterola key component of cell membranesdid not uniformly affect membranes of different types. But a new study led by Assistant Professor Rana Ashkar of the Virginia Tech Department of Physics finds that cholesterol actually does adhere to biophysical principles.

The findings, published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, have far-reaching implications in the general understanding of disease, the design of drug delivery methods, and many other biological applications that require specific assumptions about the role of cholesterol in cell membranes.

"Cholesterol is known to promote tighter molecular packing in cell membranes, but reports about how it stiffens membranes have been so conflicting," said Ashkar, who is a faculty member in the Virginia Tech College of Science. "In this work, we show that, at the nanoscale level, cholesterol indeed causes membrane stiffening, as predicted by physical laws. These findings affect our understanding of the biological function of cholesterol and its role in health and disease."

According to the study, cell membranes are thin layers of fatty molecules that define cell boundaries and regulate various biological functions, including how viruses spread and how cells divide. To enable such functions, membranes should be able to bend and permit shape changes. This bending propensity is determined by how packed the molecular building blocks are; tighter packing results in stiffer membranes that cannot bend so easily, Ashkar added.

Cholesterol's impact on cell membranes at the molecular level

Cholesterol is found in high quantities in bacon, egg, cheese, and many other comfort foods. While too much cholesterol can harm the body, regulated amounts of cholesterol in cell membranes are absolutely necessary for the normal function of cells. Anomalies in cholesterol amounts are often associated with various disease conditions.

Besides cholesterol, our cell membranes are primarily formed of lipids, which are small, fatty molecules that self-assemble into bilayer structures when present in waterand nearly 60 percent of the human body is made of water. Together, lipids and cholesterol form the barriers that define our cells and regulate the cellular exchange of nutrients.

At the molecular level, cholesterol possesses a slick and rigid structure. When it interacts with our cell membranes, it jams itself right in between lipids, which results in a more densely packed membrane. According to structure-property relations, this would naturally result in a stiffer membrane.

Yet, for the past 10 or so years, physicists and biologists have assumed that cholesterol had nearly no effect on the stiffness of membranes formed of cis-unsaturated lipids, a common type of lipid found in our cells, despite its well-documented effect on lipid packing.

"It defied our understanding of what cholesterol does to cell membranes," Ashkar said. "It also contradicts standard structure-property relationships in self-assembled materials."

These perceptions are important because in ideal circumstances, cell membranes should maintain a semi-rigid structure: rigid enough to keep its form, but flexible enough to allow for the dynamic movement of signaling proteins and functional domains. Misconceptions about how cholesterol stiffens cell membranes impact our understanding of membrane function.

The data initially made little sense, but as she probed deeper, Ashkar found a clear case of how soft materials can "apparently" exhibit different properties, depending on the parameters of the observation method. She found that over short length and time scales over which important signaling events occurwe're talking nanometers and nanosecondsthe added cholesterol induces membrane stiffening that one would expect.

Proving her point

To contradict an established doctrine in science requires more than just one set of data points. "We found these results a while back, but they were met with skepticism because they're so against the existing notions," Ashkar said.

Ashkar's first tests used neutron spin-echo spectroscopy, a unique probe that enables the study of materials on the nanoscale. These experiments were performed at the two major neutron scattering facilities in the United States, the NIST Center for Neutron Research and the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Ashkar bolstered her evidence with computer modeling simulations, in collaboration with George Khelashvilli, an assistant professor at the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Physiology & Biophysics, and further validated the experimental findings with recent nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, in collaboration with Michael Brown, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Arizona. The data consistency in all three methods provided thorough evidence for Ashkar's hypothesis and confirmed standard structure-property relations in lipid membranes.

"These results call for a reassessment of existing constructs of how cholesterol affects lipid membranes," Ashkar said. "If we don't have the right assumptions, we cannot make the right predictions, and we will not have the right design for the treatment of viruses, diseases, or other biological anomalies."

Explore further A new model has been developed that simulates the accumulation of lipids in membranes
The has informed the it has punished the delinquent policemen in connection with the of three people, including two sadhus, in the state's Palghar district earlier this year.

The affidavit, filed by the state's Assistant Inspector General of Police, said 18 policemen have been given varied punishments and some of them have also been dismissed from service or made to retire compulsorily.

In the affidavit, the said after completion of departmental inquiry against the policemen, the Special Inspector General of Police, Konkan range, issued show cause notices dated July 27, to these police personnel.

"The police personnel have replied to the show cause notices. After considering their replies to the show cause notice and after hearing them, the Special Inspector General of Police, Konakan range has issued final orders on August 21 imposing punishment upon the delinquent police personnel...," it said.

On August 6, the apex court had directed the to inform it on the action taken against the police personnel involved in the case.

The Maharashtra Police have also sought dismissal of petitions against it in the top court with costs, citing that two charge sheets have been filed in the matter so far.

On August 6, the Maharashtra government, through an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, opposed the PILs for transferring the Palghar case investigation to the CBI or a court-monitored probe. The government informed the top court that enough has been done, as 300 accused have been charge sheeted and 6 police officials suspended already.

In the affidavit, the state police said that considering the seriousness of the Palghar case and large number of accused involved, and in "order to maintain the complete fairness, independence and the transparency in the investigation, (the police) transferred the said case to the specialised unit of state criminal investigation department (CID), Pune with effect from April 20."

A bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and R. Subhash Reddy had asked the Maharashtra government about the action taken against the erring police officials as months have passed after the lynching incident. The top court asked for inquiry reports, details of investigation and asked the police to submit a charge sheet in the case before it for scrutiny.

The top court's order came on the PIL filed by advocate Shashank Shekhar Jha.

--IANS

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(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 story of Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyers Venice home is one of ultimate artistic license. With their selections of architect, interior designer, and landscape designer over the course of the seven-year project, the couple proved their aptitude for directing a team of collaborators with strong individual vision. Its always exciting to surround yourself with people whose taste you absolutely love, who you really trust creatively, then not micro-manage but actually let them come up with their creations and ideas, so youre not getting a watered-down version, Paquin says. Their interior designer, Arabella McIntosh of Palm Beach Black, reaped the benefits of this philosophy when decorating the 7,100-square-foot home. They let me lean into ideas and pushed me to new territories, she says.

While the pair actually listed the property this summer with Halton Pardee, its genesis is so personal and rich its worth telling. Both moved to L.A. for the first time when they were cast on True Blood, where they met, and as a Pacific Oceanloving Kiwi and a Brit, it was basically beach or bust for each of them. Before getting married in 2010, they bought a bungalow and adjoining lot with an eye to expand it for their growing family. (To this day, they head across the street to the beach with their kids, barefoot.)

And so David Hertz, a longtime Venice architect known for rooting his ecologically sensitive projects in occasionally outlandish materials (like the wings of a decommissioned 747) was hired to marry the bungalow, the vacant lot, and a duplex into one cohesive home. It took seven years, but he did itseamlessly.

Photo: Brandon Arant / Courtesy of Halton Pardee & Partners

His concept was to create a home like a ship, with teak decks, stainless-steel railings, and reclaimed wood wrapping the exterior. Moyer had told Hertz, I want the outside to look like driftwood. The architect presented him with five pieces of wood. One stood out to Moyer, who turned it over to find a picture of the Hollywood Bowl. The venues Alaskan cedar seating had been replaced after 100 years, and they could have this authentically weathered wood. The actor had recently done Chicago at the iconic amphitheater and he loved the provenance.

Story continues

The effect is warm and layered, a little romantic and moody, and oozing with intrigue and playfulness, says McIntosh, who was hired last June relatively spontaneously after dinner party conversation sparked bonding over a shared appreciation for patina and antiques. The family was leaving for five months to film the second season of Flack (produced by their production company CASM, and airing on Amazon in 2021) in London the next day, and McIntosh got a tour as they packed. Steves brief was banged up and lived in, she says. And he specifically told me to leave some budget for some weird shit.

Photo: Brandon Arant / Courtesy of Halton Pardee & Partners

The homes layout is inverted, with the living spaces on top and bottom, and bedrooms occupying a breezy hideaway on the second floor. The third floor is open-plan living at its finest: the ample kitchen opens to the generous green leather banquette dining area, and from there one gazes at the family room and onto the large ocean-view rooftop deck (outfitted by landscape designer Selena Souders). A transitional space features a translucent photovoltaic solar canopya sort of trellisthat beautifully filters sunlight while generating electricity from it. There are also skylights that open to draw prevailing breezes in to passively cool the house with natural ventilation, says Hertz.

Photo: Brandon Arant / Courtesy of Halton Pardee & Partners

All parties buy into the philosophy of conscious design, and elegant yet relaxed furniture by Arne Norell, Kurt stervig, Vladimir Kagan, and Stephen Kenn intermingle with oddities like a vintage gas mask, rubber mannequin, and pendant light made from a repurposed truck hubcap. When McIntosh discovered an empty space on a first-floor wall by the dining-slash-ping pong table made from salvaged maple floorboards from a bowling alley, her solution was personal. Her mother, an artist visiting from Australia, painted a close-up of Paquins eye, which she put in a gilded frame inside a larger one. I found it really spectacular and creative and cool, and I was bummed it wasnt me that thought of it, says Paquin, who recognized her eye immediately.

Photo: Mell Lawrence / Courtesy of Big Red Sun

See the video.

With their time in the highly personalized Venice abode coming to a close, Moyer admits the decision to list it came with some emotional reckoning. He still remembers fondly the time before the house was even finished, when they brought home their twins and spent days hanging out with the little ones inside a 14-by-14-foot baby fence up on the third floor. Making this home was no brief journey, but their needs are now condensed. We were ready to move on, he says. You put your heart and soul into these things, but letting go is really productive in terms of moving forward. We feel like its time to see what that next chapter is.

Inside Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyers Driftwood-Like L.A. Abode

Photo: Jess Isaac / Courtesy of Palm Beach Black

Photo: Jess Isaac / Courtesy of Palm Beach Black

Photo: Jess Isaac / Courtesy of Palm Beach Black

Photo: Jess Isaac / Courtesy of Palm Beach Black

Photo: Brandon Arant / Courtesy of Halton Pardee & Partners

Photo: Jess Isaac / Courtesy of Palm Beach Black

Photo: Jess Isaac / Courtesy of Palm Beach Black

Photo: Mell Lawrence / Courtesy of Big Red Sun

Photo: Brandon Arant / Courtesy of Halton Pardee & Partners

Photo: Brandon Arant / Courtesy of Halton Pardee & Partners

Photo: Brandon Arant / Courtesy of Halton Pardee & Partners

Photo: John Ales

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
Award-winning blueswoman Shemekia Copeland opens her forthcoming album with a song inspired by the last voyage of the slave ship Clotilda -- and featuring the talents of Alabama guitar heroes Will Kimbrough and Jason Isbell.

Copeland, the daughter of Texas Bluesman Johnny Copeland, has carved out her own status in the industry: Honors include being named Living Blues' 2020 female artist of the year and having her 2018 album Americas Child named album of the year by Mojo magazine. Shes also been nominated for three Grammy awards.

Her newest project, Uncivil War, will be released Oct. 23. Like Americas Child it is produced by Kimbrough, a multitalented Mobile native who has spent the last couple of decades in Nashville, and whose credits include writing and performing with Jimmy Buffett. North Alabama native Isbell is new to this particular party, but Alligator Records claims in promotional materials that he makes his entrance in style.

The track that opens the album is Clotildas On Fire, co-written by Kimbrough and John Hahn, Copelands longtime manager and lyricist. Alligator says it features Isbell playing the most ferocious blues guitar of his career. Thats some pretty tall talk; the track hasnt been made publicly available yet, so fans will have to wait a while to hear it for themselves. (Alligator has, however, released the title track, which can be found on Youtube and other outets.)

The lyrics for Clotildas On Fire can be found on Alligators website. After a couple of verses describing the horrors of the voyage into slavery, it concludes on a hopeful note: Her flame no longer lights up at night/ now dreams survive and hope burns bright/ people still come from miles around/ to praise the folks of Africatown/ who rose from the ashes of sad history/ to stand unchained proud and free.

Shemekia & Jason burned it up & I helped, Kimbrough said in a text exchange on Tuesday. "Clotilda had just been found in the Delta, I thought we should write a song about it. I dont think anyone had before. Shemekia was into it. We started studying up, John sent me these really fantastic lyrics. I knew it needed to rock. I knew it still had to be Blues. I wrote the music & the melody. Then Shemekia made it her own. We were blessed with a world-class rhythm section: Lex Price on bass, Pete Abbott on drums.

We tracked the song as a quartet. Jason finally became available  Hes busy ha ha  Jason listen to the song once and then did one or two passes of lead guitar, slide guitar. He was done. He got it. Im really really glad we wrote this song. Shemekia and Jason simply burn on it. So grateful to play a role.

Isbell said in a Tuesday tweet that it was an honor and a real pleasure to be involved.

An honor and a real pleasure to appear on Shemekia Copelands upcoming album- yall check it out https://t.co/4ryWwVfYSl  Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) September 8, 2020

Alligator describes Uncivil War as an album that tackles the problems of contemporary American life head on, with nuance, understanding, and a demand for change, and one that brings Copelands fiercely independent, sultry R&B fire to songs more personal than political.

For more information on the artist and the album, visit www.alligator.com.
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Published Sept. 8, 2020

On Sept. 3, 2020, after a long day of interviews with the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors in Baton Rouge, Ronald Berry, D.B.A., was announced as the ninth president of the University of Louisiana Monroe.

PHOTO: Dr. Ronald and Dr. Christine Berry enjoy a light moment during the UL System presidential search interview in Baton Rouge on Sept. 3, 2020. Ronald Berry was selected as the new president of the University of Louisiana Monroe.

Jeanette Robinson/ULM Photo Services

During his interview, Berry spoke of his vision for ULM to continue to serve as a beacon for opportunity and inclusiveness for Northeast Louisiana. He emphasized his belief in the importance of approachability and accountability in his leadership style. Berry was joined by his wife, Christine, who is a faculty member at the university.

I measure success by happiness, Berry said. Faculty will be excited to come to work, and students will be excited to come to learn. Im interested in the intangibles  the lives we change and the communities we improve. We will change lives on the bayou.

Berrys selection is the culmination of a seven-month search process.

I promise you we will work as hard as we can. We will make miracles happen on the bayou. We will change lives, Berry said immediately after being named president.

President Berry

Berry, a native of Winnsboro, LA, and a two-time graduate of ULM, has served ULM for 25 years. He advanced through the academic ranks as assistant professor, associate professor, and full professor of Information Systems. Berry began his academic administration career as Department Head of Computer Information Systems, Interim Dean, then Dean of the College of Business and, most recently, Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences.

A sign stating Student Centered: Excellence Driven hangs in his office and serves as Berrys motto.

As a first-generation student who came from an impoverished household, Berry understands and appreciates ULMs impact on students and the communities the institution serves. Forty-three percent of ULMs undergraduate students are Pell Grant recipients, and 31 percent of the fall 2020 freshman class are first-generation.

"The vision for ULM must continue to be to transform lives and serve as a catalyst for breaking the cycle of poverty in Northeast Louisiana and bringing true equality, inclusiveness, and opportunity for all citizens in our region." Dr. Ronald Berry 9th President of ULM

I believe strongly that where a student begins life does not predetermine their path through life or final destination. The vision for ULM must continue to be to transform lives and serve as a catalyst for breaking the cycle of poverty in Northeast Louisiana and bringing true equality, inclusiveness, and opportunity for all citizens in our region, stated Berry.

As Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences, Berry has built a diverse leadership team, spearheaded the colleges academic program accreditations, received substantial external funding, made and improved alumni relations, created partnerships locally, statewide, and nationally, and built a culture of student-centered learning.

Berry has worked closely with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, serving two years on the executive board as Vice President for Membership and Vice President for Business Advocacy and six years on the board of directors. Berry served as chair of the United Way of Northeast Louisiana for two years and seven years as a board member.

It will be an honor and privilege to serve the ULM family and community as the ninth president. Throughout the search process, I was inspired and overwhelmed by the support, enthusiasm, and excitement around ULMs future and look forward to collectively realizing our full potential, stated Berry.

Berry had his partner, best friend, and wife First Lady Dr. Christine Berry with him throughout the entire presidential search process.

First Lady Christine Berry, Ph.D., CPCU, ARM, ARe

Dr. Christine Berry moved many times as a child and young adult. She has lived in eleven different states but has lived in Monroe for nearly 20 years and considers it home.

Berry is the Kim Sledge Endowed Chair and Professor of Risk Management and Insurance, Director of the Small Business Risk Management Institute, and Program Coordinator for the Risk Management and Insurance program. Prior to joining ULM in 2001, Berry was a Risk Management Consultant and later the Director of Education with reinsurance brokers E.W. Blanch and Benfield Group in Minneapolis, MN, and Dallas, TX. She also served as an Assistant Professor of Risk Management at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.

Berry earned a B.S. in Finance from West Virginia University and a Ph.D. in Risk Management and Insurance from Florida State University. She has also earned Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, Associate in Risk Management and Associate in Reinsurance designations.

Berry has worked closely with the Louisiana Department of Insurance during her time in Louisiana. She was appointed by Governor Blanco to serve on the Louisiana Insurance Rating Commission and later served on the Property and Casualty Insurance Commission.

We want the ULM community and Northeast Louisiana to know how much their support has meant to us since even before this process began. Words cant express how excited we are to be a part of this amazing group of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader community, and look forward to working together to create a bright future, stated Berry.
Donald Trump has blasted Black Lives Matter protesters in Pittsburgh who were seen on video interrupting diners' lunch and downing their beer, branding them 'thugs' and 'Biden voters'.

Cellphone footage taken Saturday shows a crowd taking over the outdoor dining space with one person, identified as Nique Craft, approaching the older couple's table before drinking their beer in front of them.

Craft, who identifies as nonbinary, said Monday that the couple invited them over for a drink and to discuss the situation. But the elderly couple, who wish to remain anonymous, say that is not the case and instead say they want an apology from the protesters who surrounded them.

In a Facebook post Craft later said they would 'rather die than apologize' and complained of 'Emmet [sic] Till level hate'.

Craft, who identifies as nonbinary, said Monday that the couple invited them over for a drink and to discuss the situation. In a Facebook post Craft said they would 'rather die than apologize' and complained of 'Emmet [sic] Till level hate'

When demonstrators entered the outdoor dining space, Nique Craft (pictured) person took a couples' drink and drank it before leaving. The couple say they did not invite them to drink their beer and have demanded an apology from the demonstrators

On Tuesday morning Donald Trump waded into the situation on Twitter

On Tuesday morning Donald Trump waded into the situation on Twitter, challenging his rival Biden to 'utter the words, LAW & ORDER!'

The president wrote: 'BLM Protesters horribly harass elderly Pittsburgh diners, scaring them with loud taunts while taking their food right off their plate. These Anarchists, not protesters, are Biden voters, but he has no control and nothing to say. Disgraceful. Never seen anything like it. Thugs!

'....And because of weak and pathetic Democrat leadership, this thuggery is happening in other Democrat run cities and states. Must shut them down fast. Biden and his most Liberal in Senate running mate, Kamala, wont even talk about it. They wont utter the words, LAW & ORDER!'

Protester Craft, who was wearing a Nazi Lives Don't Matter t-shirt, had told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the incident sparked when protesters marched through the area and three men shouted 'Blue Lives Matter.'

It's unclear if these men were diners or pedestrians in the area.

Posting to Facebook Tuesday Craft wrote: 'My humor is petty. Since everyone wants to ignore the truth of what happened and now this lady is lying about it, I'm done retelling the assault that lead up to this. Or about this lady offering to buy me a beer.

'That's not the story anyone cares about. So, this beer, was terrible. It was worth every minute though. This lady said she wants me to apologize and I never ever ever will do that. I'd rather die.'

In a interview with The Pittsburgh Current in June Craft told how they were adopted by a white woman. Craft said: 'She thought if a black person just articulated well and wore a suit, you wouldnt get shot. So I wasnt raised with my heritage, and that was super irresponsible on her part.'

That same month Craft was accused of riot, harassment, and other offenses related to a protest in the city. Craft is said to have been part of a group who trapped patrons inside the 941 Saloon by duct-taping the front door shut, according to NPR.

In 2018 Craft was described as an 'unemployed chef' in an article about their former drug addiction. In it they said their 'drug of choice is heroin', describing jail time and being homeless. They also referred to their adoptive white, German mother who 'occasionally extolled the virtues of Hitler', according to the article.

Protester Craft, pictured, had told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette , the incident sparked when protesters marched through the area and three men shouted 'Blue Lives Matter'

Craft says that since the video of her drinking the beer appeared on social media, she has been inundated with abusive messages online.

They added on Facebook: 'I used to be a terrible person. I can still be a horrible person, namely to people who are horrible to me.

'I drank a beer for f***s sake. This is Emmet [sic] Till level hate I'm getting and it's honestly scary given how that story ended.

'No, I'm not comparing myself to him, I'm comparing the reactions of many to the same people who were responsible for his death.'

On Monday they wrote: 'This old hueless broad asked if we wanted a beer, so she could chastise us on the tactics of self defense against a white male who came at me just swinging. When I drank the beer, the lady said, "go ahead, you can have it."'

In June Craft was accused of riot, harassment, and other offenses related to a protest in the city. Craft is said to have been part of a group who trapped patrons inside the 941 Saloon by duct-taping the front door shut, according to NPR

Craft, who identifies as nonbinary, said Monday that the couple invited them over for a drink and to discuss the situation. In a Facebook post Craft said they would 'rather die than apologize' and complained of 'Emmet [sic] Till level hate'. They are pictured protesting in June

Craft leads chants at a Black Lives Matter rally on June 6 in Pittsburgh

Craft told the Post-Gazette that one man grabbed Craft's hair and placed a hand on Craft's chest, saying he was trying to stop a confrontation from happening.

After the initial confrontation Craft said that the older man seen in footage chastised protesters for their actions. But Craft claimed the man's wife invited them over for a drink and to discuss the situation.

'So, being a theatrical, snarky type of person that I am, I said that I dont have time to wait for you to order another beer; I will take the one you have,' Craft said.

The couple denied this was the case.

The unnamed pair told KDKA that they support the movement and were happy to see the earlier demonstrations, but said the group in the viral footage 'is not part of that movement'.

They said that they kept quiet to avoid escalating the situation further, as one protester, identified as Lorenzo Rulli, told them 'f**k the white people that built the system'.

In response to their drink being taken the couple say they do not want jail time for Craft but want the protester to 'be accountable for her actions, apologize and to clean the mess up'.

Lorenzo Rulli, who wore a purple shirt and shouted at the older couple, said that the videos also didn't show a number of agitators who harassed demonstrators that day.

'We dont target businesses,' he told Post-Gazette. 'Our restaurant industry in the city supports us very much.

'We were talking to people that were talking to us. The beer that was consumed was an offer. The glass that fell was a mistake.'

He added that people at the restaurant were cheering for demonstrators, and he only approached the older couple after they disparaged him.

'The reason I engaged the individual man and his wife is because ... her husband called me "an embarrassment" and "disgusting,"' he said.

Lorenzo Rullie (left and right): 'The reason I engaged the individual man and his wife is because ... her husband called me "an embarrassment" and "disgusting"'

Craft (pictured) said a confrontation began after a group of men yelled 'Blue Lives Matter' at protesters and one man reportedly swung at bike at people

Black Lives Matter protesters screamed in the face of white elderly outdoor diners during protests in Pittsburgh on Saturday, disturbing video shows

Police in Pittsburgh are said to have launched an investigation into the clip.

The demonstrations are in response to several black Americans who have died in police custody, with the recently shared footage of the death of Daniel Prude in Rochester, New York in March, sparking the new wave of outrage.

Similar scenes have played out across the county with a diner in Washington D.C. last week cornered by a group of anti-racism protesters outside a restaurant. In another incident, diners in Rochester were also confronted by a large group of demonstrators.
ISTANBUL  Russia is offering to mediate with Turkey in a dispute over energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean Sea after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan questioned the European Unions sincerity on resolving a bitter row with members Cyprus and Greece.

Turkey has long been at odds with neighboring Greece and arch foe Cyprus over what demarcates maritime borders in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. Now, a Turkish seismic research ship backed by naval warships is exploring in the disputed waters, pitching tensions to their most dangerous levels in decades.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a news conference after meeting Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades in Nicosia on Tuesday that Russia was prepared to step in to resolve differences through dialogue and within a legal framework, should it be invited to do so.

A Russian entry into the eastern Mediterranean fray follows months of attempts by the European Union, led by Germany, to defuse tensions. Russia enjoys good relations with both Ankara and Nicosia and is involved in energy projects across the eastern Mediterranean, but Moscows interventions could complicate the European-led process. The United States, embroiled in an acrimonious election campaign, is conspicuous in its absence.

Last week, NATO said its members Greece and Turkey would begin technical talks to reduce the risk of accidents; already the military buildup at sea led to a collision with a Greek ship last month. Those talks have been delayed until Thursday. Greece said last week Turkey must end its provocations before it will sit down for talks.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu accused Greece on Tuesday of rejecting reconciliation efforts. "Greece has made it clear that it is not in favor of dialogue by saying no to the recent initiatives," he said. If Greece is so confident, then it should sit at the table. It should tell everyone why it is justified.

Erdogan spoke by phone on Sunday with Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, which will discuss the dispute at a meeting scheduled for Sept. 24. Michel has said Europe will use a carrot and stick approach with Turkey and the EU has already imposed some sanctions on Ankara.

In a readout of the call, Erdogans office said European politicians were engaging in provocative rhetoric" and "President Erdogan called on EU institutions and member states to remain fair, impartial and objective and act responsibly about regional issues, the eastern Mediterranean in particular.

Marc Pierini, a former EU ambassador to Turkey and now a visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe, said many in Europe are sympathetic to Turkeys assertions. These political and legal claims have validity, and you can see that translated in the repeated availability of the European Union, Greece and Cyprus to negotiate but not with a gun to the head.  This is the opposite of European political culture, he told Al-Monitor.

At the heart of the dispute is Greeces argument that its dozens of islands near the Turkish coastline should be considered when determining its continental shelf, in accordance with the UN Law of the Sea. Turkey has not signed that treaty and wants the continental shelf measured from its mainland.

Turkeys standoff with Cyprus, which it invaded in 1974 in response to a Greek Cypriot coup, has long defied resolution. Ankara wants Turkish Cypriots in the islands breakaway north to have a stake in the potential gas bonanza but the international community only recognizes the Greek Cypriot government as the islands legitimate authority.

Every political, diplomatic and military wrong or disrespect committed against our nation does not force us from our path but instead strengthens our resolve, Erdogan said on Monday after a cabinet meeting. A country with 780,000 square kilometers [485,000 miles] of land is trying to imprison us on our shores with its 10-square-kilometer islands. When we spoiled this game, we found ourselves alone.

Indeed, Turkey was left out of the EastMed Gas Forum earlier this year, which brings together Egypt, Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Jordan, Greece, Cyprus and Italy to create a major energy hub in the region. Turkeys disputes with Egypt, Cyprus and Israel kept it on the sidelines.

Russia is holding two military exercises off the coast of Cyprus, and the United States is lifting part of a longstanding arms embargo on Cyprus, put in place to protect Turkish Cypriots. France flew fighter jets to Cyprus last month to patrol the exclusive economic zone claimed by Nicosia.

Turkeys military is participating in exercises in northern Cyprus, the breakaway Turkish Cypriot enclave that only Turkey recognizes. For its part, Greece said on Monday it will upgrade its military with arms purchases and more personnel.

Erdogan argues Turkey is too great a power to count out in the new energy game in its backyard. He is pouring billions of dollars into the military and has said that Turkey will provide all of its own arms by 2023, and its navy may soon outgun Greeces.

Turkey is a growing military power and will have a larger force projection capacity in the next few years. But this is exactly why the war narrative used now is not acceptable. Because all of NATOs mechanisms are not functioning [with Turkey], the level of trust is not what it was. The problem is the bipolarity: Turkey is in NATO when its convenient, and its not in NATO when its not convenient, Pierini said.

He said European leaders are flummoxed by Turkeys timing and the degree of its hostility, considering initial gas discoveries are nearly a decade old and extraction of any gas is a distant, expensive prospect.

One explanation may be that the bellicose rhetoric taps into a rich vein of Turkish nationalism, a sentiment that Erdogan has stirred repeatedly in recent months as opinion polls show support for his ruling party slumping amid a deep economic contraction, worsened by the coronavirus pandemic.

All politics are local [and] this may be useful with the Turkish public, Pierini said. But negotiations would eventually mean a compromise, and will that be politically feasible?
Twenty-three new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Winona County Tuesday by the Minnesota Department of Health, along with two cases being accurately added to the countys total from other counties.

Winona Countys total has now broken 600, landing at 622.

The increase comes after the county broke 300 on Aug. 24.

No new COVID-19 deaths were confirmed Tuesday, leaving the total at 17.

No information about the newly diagnosed cases or the transferred cases was released by state or county officials, but is expected to be released Wednesday evening.

In Minnesota, 387 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed Tuesday by the MDH.

The cases bring the states total to 81,608, with 74,235 no longer needing to be isolated.

Of these positive cases, 8,880 are health-care workers.

Statewide, 1,616,738 COVID-19 tests have been completed, with 1,201,870 residents having been tested.

Two new deaths were reported in the state, bringing the total to 1,862.

Of these people, 1,361 resided within long-term care or assisted-living facilities.

Statewide, 6,760 people have required hospitalization because of COVID-19, with 257 remaining in hospitals Tuesday.

Of the currently hospitalized patients, 135 are in intensive care.

For daily Minnesota COVID-19 situation updates, visit the Minnesota Department of Healths website.

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.


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China on Tuesday said its troops were forced to take "countermeasures" after Indian soldiers crossed their tense Himalayan border and opened fire. (AFP Photo)

BEIJING: China on Tuesday said its troops were forced to take "countermeasures" after Indian soldiers crossed their tense Himalayan border and opened fire.

The relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours has deteriorated since a clash in the Ladakh region on June 15 in which 20 Indian troops were killed.

Beijing's defence ministry accused India of "severe military provocation" after soldiers crossed the Line of Actual Control in the western border region Monday and "opened fire to threaten the Chinese border defence patrol officers".

"The Chinese border defence troops were forced to take corresponding countermeasures to stabilise the terrain situation," said Zhang Shuili, spokesperson for the Western Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Zhang said India had violated agreements reached by the two countries and warned their actions could "easily cause misunderstandings and misjudgments".

He called for India to withdraw the troops who crossed the border and investigate the officers who opened fire.

Both sides have sent tens of thousands of troops to the disputed Himalayan border, which sits at an altitude of more than 4,000 metres (13,500 feet).

Their troops have had a number of showdowns since a clash in the Ladakh region on June 15 in which 20 Indian troops died. China has also acknowledged suffering casualties but not given figures.

Defence ministers from both countries talked in Moscow on the sidelines of an international meeting last week -- with both sides later releasing rival statements accusing each other of inflaming the showdown.

And earlier this week an Indian minister said Delhi had alerted China to allegations five men had been abducted by the People's Liberation Army close to the disputed border.

There was no immediate comment or confirmation of Monday's incident from the Indian military.
A piece of lockdown artwork by a Derry schoolboy has made it into a new book about the impact of the pandemic.

Eight-year-old Josh Cullen, a pupil at Hollybush Primary School, is the youngest person across Ireland to have his work published in a collection of global lockdown writing.

The 48-page digital book, titled Near and Far are all the same these days, includes short stories, poems and drawings which capture peoples feelings and observations on lockdown.

The project was coordinated in Northern Ireland by childrens writing centre, Fighting Words NI.

It was launched in May by Danish organisation Ordskaelv , who collaborated with writing centres around the world, calling on poets, writers and artists to articulate what lockdown meant for them.

Eight editions of Near and Far were produced to represent the eight different countries that participated in the project.

While this is the first time that Josh has participated in a Fighting Words NI project, he is already a huge fan of reading and is part of a group of local children who exchanged letters and drawings with residents of William Street Care Home in the city during lockdown.

Delighted that his drawing of a sunflower was used to illustrate Near and Far, Josh said: I wanted to draw something, make a good piece of art. I love drawing.

The message I wrote was about hope for the future because flowers kept growing even when everyone was in lockdown.

Luckily lockdown didnt caused Josh too much stress and gave him more time to spend doing his favourite thing - reading.

I thought lockdown was good cos I got to stay at home. Ive read over 70 books and I got to see my friends from bookclub on Zoom.

Emily DeDakis, Operations Manager at Fighting Words NI said; When we launched Global Writing Lockdown in April, it was a real unknown, we didnt know how people would respond.

Weve been delighted with the submissions that cover so many feelings and emotions- frustration and boredom as you might expect, but also some hilarious observations and reflections on life in a time of Covid.

What is clear is that people crave an outlet to express their feelings about this strange new situation we find ourselves in and Near and Far will serve as a record of how we coped (or not) during the first few months of living in a pandemic.
He has also told how his son apologized to the Wagner PMC operatives before Belarus handed them back to Russia.

Alexander Lukashenko, a long-time Belarusian leader who has recently claimed a landslide win in a controversial election that sparked massive protests across the country says he would not have extradited the group of Russian mercenaries detained in Belarus in early July to Ukraine.

That's according to Roman Babayan, editor-in-chief of Moscow Speaking radio station, who attended an interview Lukashenko gave Russian media on Tuesday.

According to him, Lukashenko has lingered on the topic of Wagner PMC mercenaries detained in Belarus in the heat of the election campaign.

"The essence is as follows: he got a tip from the border between Russia and Belarus that a bus was crossing in, carrying 33 men. Moreover, the tip came from a bus driver, who he claimed was not a security operative or an agent, just an ordinary Belarusian. But he was vigilant. Lukashenko told to watch out for that person," Babayan said.

Read alsoUkraine intends to prosecute Russian mercenaries at national level, apply int'l toolsAfter that, Lukashenko allegedly ordered the security agencies to monitor mercenaries' movement. After they were detained, information emerged that they were supposed to fly further to Istanbul.

"I then summoned chiefs of special services, and then I turned to both Ukraine and Russia to send in their prosecutors, but they never came. And then I sent my son, who is a security adviser, to apologize to these people and I asked, where they would like to go. They said: 'We want to go to Russia.' And so they went," Babayan quoted Lukashenko as saying.

Lukashenko noted that Belarus would not have extradited these men to Ukraine had Kyiv demanded it, Babayan added.

Wagner PMC exposed in Belarus
Find all of the most important pandemic education news on Educating N.J., a special resource guide created for parents, students and educators.

Nearly 11 percent of New Jersey school districts are still working on reopening plans detailing how they will implement social distancing, health checks and other coronavirus safety measures as the new school year begins, state officials said.

As of Tuesday, 810 reopening plans were submitted to the state and 723 were approved. The remaining 87 unapproved plans include one that hasnt been looked at yet and 86 that have been returned to the districts with questions or requests for changes, state Department of Education officials said.

Gov. Phil Murphy said he didnt expect schools to have to delay opening because their reopening plan had not been approved.

I dont know of any plans ... to keep schools from opening. I think these are largely either technical or staffing issues that are being resolved, God willing, as we speak, Murphy said.

School districts must show how they will meet more than 100 pages of state guidelines on everything from social distancing in classrooms to screening students for coronavirus symptoms at the door before entering school buildings.

When plans are returned to districts for revision, the department keeps open active lines of communication to ensure that these plans end up where they need to be, Murphy said at his coronavirus press briefing Tuesday.

State officials have declined to name the districts that have had their reopening plans returned for revisions, though the Department of Education released a list of 607 approved districts that had been approved as of Friday.

Murphy also declined to identify the one reopening plan that has not been reviewed yet, saying only that it was a single school, not a town-wide public school district.

Of the plans that have been finalized, 388 school districts are reopening with hybrid plans mixing in-person and remote learning and 69 districts have all in-person classes. The remaining 238 are starting the school year all-remote with students learning at home and and 28 are some combination of remote, hybrid or in-person classes among various schools in the district.

The numbers include public school districts, charter schools and private schools for students with disabilities. The totals do not include other private, Catholic and religious schools that were not required to submit detailed reopening plans to the state.

So far, state officials were not aware of any COVID-19 cases reported at reopened schools, Murphy said.

We should all expect that there will be, without question, Murphy 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.
SAN ANTONIO  A shoplifting suspect who was fatally shot after authorities said he stabbed a San Antonio police officer in the face and a supermarket loss prevention officer in the head has been identified.

The San Antonio Express-News reported Monday that the Bexar County medical examiners office had identified the suspect who was fatally shot Friday as Major Carvel Baldwin. The medical examiners office said that 61-year-old Baldwin, who was Black, died from a gunshot wound.

The police officer who was stabbed has been identified Saturday as Corey Rogers, a four-year veteran. Police said hes been released from the hospital.

Rogers responded a call Friday afternoon about a shoplifter at an H-E-B supermarket. Police said Saturday that Rogers, off-duty Floresville police Officer Roland Casillas and the supermarkets loss prevention officer, Michael Rios, escorted Baldwin out of the store.

Baldwin said he wouldnt go to jail and lunged at Rogers, stabbing him in the face with a knife, authorities said. Police noted that Baldwin then placed Rogers in a chokehold while trying to slit his throat.

Baldwin also tried to stab Rogers in his torso, but police said he couldnt penetrate Rogers protective vest. Rios and Casillas moved to help Rogers as Baldwin dragged him away.

Authorities added that as Rios and Casillas intervened, Baldwin stabbed Rios in the head. Rogers then broke free. The suspect again repeated he wasnt going to jail and moved toward the men.

Rios and Casillas then fired at Baldwin, police said.

Rios, 28, was taken to a hospital and expected to make a full recovery.
FAW-Volkswagen innovates with responsibility, leads the future of cooperation between industry, universities, and research

 On September 2, the Awarding Ceremony of FAW-Volkswagen  China Environment Protection Foundation Automotive Eco-friendly Innovation Project and Corporate Social Responsibility Innovation Forum were held in the FAW-Volkswagen Changchun headquarter.

 At the Awarding Ceremony, FAW-Volkswagen presented the awarded teams of the first Automotive Eco-friendly Innovation Project 4.5 million yuan to promote cooperation between industry, universities, and research and technological results application.

 On the Forum, experts from different sectors shared views on new ways of cooperation and innovative models of corporate social responsibilities.

Responsibility and innovation are our response to the call of time. On September 2, the Awarding Ceremony of FAW-Volkswagen-China Environment Protection Foundation Automotive Eco-friendly Innovation Project and Corporate Social Responsibility Innovation Forum were held in the FAW-Volkswagen Changchun headquarter. Presented at the forum were Chairman of the China Environmental Protection Foundation Xu Guang, Vice Secretary Wang Zhengang, research associate, doctoral advisor, and Director of Auto Development & Research Center in Tsinghua University Li Xianjun, Director of Vehicle Emission Control Center of Ministry of Ecology and Environment Ding Yan, Member of the Board of Directors and President of FAW-Volkswagen Liu Yigong, FAW-Volkswagen labor union president Liu Yanchang, Vice President (Technical) of FAW-Volkswagen Mr. Andreas Dick along with other officials of related departments at FAW-Volkswagen.

The Awarding Ceremony of FAW-Volkswagen-China Environment Protection Foundation Automotive Eco-friendly Innovation Project and Corporate Social Responsibility Innovation Forum were held in the FAW-Volkswagen Changchun headquarter.

Providing seed money for cooperation between industry, universities, and research

Social citizenship encourages corporations to integrate business development and social progress. In the 30th founding anniversary, the FAW-Volkswagen unveils corporate social responsibility strategy 2.0 that aims at harmonious and shared development. The first Automotive Eco-friendly Innovation Project is one innovative step of the strategy.

Corporations should focus on social demands to benefit from the shared values with the society and achieve mutual sharing, co-existence and win-win, said Liu Yigong, Member of the Board of Directors and President of FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co.,Ltd, As for the intention and vision of the project, Liu stressed that in face of the strategic opportunities of industrial transformation and ecological protection advancement, as leader of the industry, FAW-Volkswagen should leverage the advantages in technology, experience, and system to press ahead with innovation, promote industry-university-research cooperation, and technological result transformation for environmental technologies of the auto industry in China.

Liu Yigong, Member of the Board of Directors and President of FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co.,Ltd,delivered a keynote speech.

The co-host China Environmental Protection Foundation spoke highly of FAW-Volkswagen and congratulated on the success of the first Automotive Eco-friendly Innovation Project. In recent years, FAW-Volkswagen has attached great significance on green development concepts and held public fund-raising project with our Foundation to make significant contributions to environment protection, said Xu Guang, Chairman of the Foundation. During the pandemic, FAW-Volkswagen started the Automotive Eco-friendly Innovation Project with us as an important measure that implements new development concepts. It again shows the responsibility of the leading company in the auto industry, Xu added.

Xu Guang, Chairman of the China Environmental Protection Foundation, addressed the forum.

FAW-Volkswagen provides 4.5 million yuan as seed money for the Project. Ten research teams including Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences team led by Xie Minghui, Jilin University team led by Xu Nan, and Transport Planning and Research Institute team led by Wu Rui were awarded 200 thousand yuan. Three teams, Beihang University team led by Xu Xiangyang, Solid Waste and Chemical Management Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment team led by Li Shuyuan, and Institute of Process Engineering of China Academy of Sciences team led by Liu Chunwei, received 500 thousand yuan. Tsinghua University team led by Wu Ye was awarded one million yuan. On the ceremony, the guests presented the teams the awards and sent congratulations.

Liu Yigong, Member of the Board of Directors and President of FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co.,Ltd, and Xu Guang, Chairman of the China Environmental Protection Foundation, presented the award for the first prize winner.

Liu Yanchang, FAW-Volkswagen labor union president, vice Party chief, and Wan Zhengang, deputy secretary general of China Environmental Protection Foundation, presented the awards for the second prize winners.

Liu Yanchang, FAW-Volkswagen labor union president, vice Party chief, and Wan Zhengang, deputy secretary general of China Environmental Protection Foundation, presented the awards for the second prize winners.

Vice President (Technical) of FAW-Volkswagen Mr.Andreas Dick and Li Xianjun, Tsinghua University Vehicle Development Research Centre Director, presented the awards for the third prize winners.

Guests and the teams took photos.

Pooling resources for innovation in social responsibility

The chief expert of the review committee of the Project, Li Xianjun, also Tsinghua University Vehicle Development Research Centre Director, delivered a keynote speech on Industry-University-Research Cooperation and Innovative Industrial Development. He pointed out that industry-university-research cooperation is the key to innovative industrial development, expressing hope for the Project to be an example for the cooperation in China and lead the basic research and push forward technological result application.

Li Xianjun, Tsinghua University Vehicle Development Research Centre Director, delivered a keynote speech.

Li Zhihong, Secretary of the FAW-Volkswagen Board of Directors and Director of President Office, shared the innovation of the Project with her speech on Innovation Empowering. She said that the Project aims at improving the environmental protection technology along the industrial chain and achieved innovation in model, sphere, and content. Looking ahead, FAW-Volkswagen will keep on forward thinking and focus on heated topics of the society and the auto industry to promote technology progress and corporate social responsibility.

Li Zhihong, Secretary of the FAW-Volkswagen Board of Directors and Director of President Office, delivered a keynote speech.

Wang Zhengang, Deputy Secretary General of China Environmental Protection Foundation, elaborated in terms of auto environmental protection innovation led by technology and public welfare that the support of FAW-Volkswagen heralds the future of corporate social responsibility by auto companies and it has provided feasible solutions and manpower to green vehicles. The Project is a good example for innovative social management and modernization of national governance.

Wang Zhengang, Deputy Secretary General of China Environmental Protection Foundation, delivered a keynote speech.

Ding Yan, Director of Vehicle Emission Control Center of Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Vice President (Technical) of FAW-Volkswagen Mr. Andreas Dick, Xu Xiangyang, Professor of Vehicle Engineering Department in Beihang University, and Li Xianjun, Tsinghua University Vehicle Development Research Centre Director, had extensive discussions on corporate social responsibility innovation and auto environmental protection technology development. They provided constructive suggestions and references to corporate social responsibility innovation, industry-university-research cooperation, and technological results application.

Experts from different sectors held discussions on new ways of corporate social responsivity innovation

Vice President (Technical) of FAW-VolkswagenMr. Andreas Dick, said that the auto industry is in profound changes in multiple dimensions. In terms of environmental protection, auto companies shoulder important responsibilities. Environmental protection is more than the product but also sources of electricity. FAW-Volkswagen emphasizes on energy conversion and has long-term plans on technology and production. This October, FAW-Volkswagen will launch the first MEB vehicle. At that time, the electricity in the MEB factory in Foshan will come from clean energy.

Vice President (Technical) of FAW-Volkswagen Mr. Andreas Dickintroduces the results and plans in environmental protection of the company.

Innovation is how we seek the future. Looking forward, FAW-Volkswagen will continue to play a leading role in technological innovation, leverage advantages to offer industrial solutions to technological result application, and call on all sectors of the society to shoulder social responsibilities to create more value and make more contributions to the transformation of the Chinese auto industry and the high-quality economic growth in China.
FBI Deputy Assistant Director Peter Strzok testifies at the Committee on the Judiciary and Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Joint Hearing on Oversight of FBI and DOJ Actions Surrounding the 2016 Election" in Washington on July 12, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Documents Show Former Officials In Real Trouble in Durham Investigation: Meadows

Newly reviewed documents show that former FBI agent Peter Strzok and other officials involved in the counter-intelligence probe against Donald Trumps 2016 presidential campaign are in trouble, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said.

U.S. Attorney John Durham is reviewing the origins of that investigation and landed his first guilty plea last month.

While he doesnt have visibility into the timeline of Durhams probe, Meadows said hes reviewed additional documents that say that a number of the players, the Peter Strzoks, the Andy McCabes, the James Comeysand even others in the administration previouslyare in real trouble because of their willingness to participate in an unlawful act.

And I use the word unlawful at best, it broke all kinds of protocols and at worst people should go to jail as I mentioned previously, Meadows said during a virtual appearance on Fox Business Mornings With Maria on Monday.

Strzok, McCabe, and Comey are former high-level FBI officials.

Strzok, best known for exchanging biased text messages about Trump with an FBI lawyer he was having an affair with, was fired by FBI officials in 2018.

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows speaks to members of the press outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington on Aug. 28, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

The former agent sat down for an interview with CBS that ran over the weekend. He insisted that the counter-intelligence probe, dubbed Crossfire Hurricane, was opened on a legitimate basis.

Meadows said it was easy for Strzok to make claims when not under oath.

In all of his interview, I can tell you this: Its not backed up by the facts. Its not backed up by documents that Ive seen. And ultimately his house of cards will come falling down, Meadows said.

The facts that have come out show that officials treated Trump very differently, in an inappropriate way, and they must be held accountable, he added.

Durhams criminal investigation is being kept under tight wraps, prompting much speculation about when another development will come, or even if any other people will be charged.

United States Attorney John Durham (L) (Department of Justice) and Attorney General William Barr. (R) (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Trey Gowdy, a Fox News contributor who used to serve in the House of Representatives, said over the weekend that theres concern that Durham is dragging his feet.

Durham, he said, is going to access documents that the FBI never shared with Congress and hell write the definitive accounting of what happened.

Whether or not therell be more indictments or not, I dont know and I like to assume that there will not be, he said, adding: That puts me in a small minority, but Im assuming that the Clinesmith indictment will be the only one.

Kevin Clinesmith recently pleaded guilty to altering an email to say Carter Page, a former Trump campaign adviser, was not a CIA asset when the CIA had said the exact opposite.

The altered email was used to obtain spy warrants against Page, enabling the FBI to conduct surveillance against Page and people he was linked to in the future and past.

Meadows, meanwhile, said Trump supports the declassification of all documents, along with full transparency.

He has nothing to hide, he said.

Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said last week that hes coordinating with Durham to declassify more documents.
BANGKOK : Thailand, which once was the strongest ally of China in the South China Sea region, had decided to not only postpone the procurement of two submarines from China but has also put on hold the Chinese proposal for building a canal in the Bay of Bengal and replaced it with its own project.

According to EurAsian Times, under a 2015 deal, Thailand was one of the first countries to buy Chinese naval hardware and finalised its purchase of three submarines in 2017, with the first one expected to be delivered in 2023.

Following a public outrage on the USD 724 million purchase of two submarines from China amid the country's declining economic situation, Thailand decided to not only postpone the procurement of two submarines from China but has also put on hold the Chinese proposal for building a canal in the Bay of Bengal and replaced it with its own project.

"The navy will negotiate with China to delay for another year," Anucha Burapachaisri, a government spokesperson, was quoted as saying.

"The Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has given priority to the concern of the public who are worried about the economy," he added.

Thailand has also taken a step back from the Kra Canal proposal, thus, dampening Beijing's hopes for a strategic alternative to the Strait of Malacca.

The Kra Canal proposal was to construct a 120-kilometre mega canal cutting through the isthmus of Kra in Thailand.

Citing a report in the Foreign Policy, EurAsian Times reported, "The real concern is that it [Thai Canal] would further undermine the independence of poor southeast Asian countries like Myanmar and Cambodia, which have comparatively weak civil societies that are highly vulnerable to Chinese interference. And it absolutely imperils Thailand."

Thailand's step to replace this proposal with its own project will be a relief for all.

With Thailand is going against the interests of China, the latter is now left with almost no allies in the South China Sea region.

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It was unclear who would be in charge of police Tuesday night if demonstrators come out for a seventh straight night

Top police leaders in New Yorks third-largest city are retiring en masse amid criticism of the citys handling of the suffocation death of Daniel Prude, the mayor of Rochester said Tuesday.

LaRon Singletary, the citys police chief, is among those retiring, as is Deputy Chief Joseph M Morabito and possibly other senior commanders, Mayor Lovely Warren said.

Warren made the surprise announcement of the retirements at a City Council briefing being held online. Council members had expected the chief to appear in person to discuss continuing protests against the death of Prude, a 41-year-old Black man who died several days after an encounter with police March 23.





As you all know, this has been a very challenging time for the city of Rochester, and the chief was not asked to give his resignation because I do believe that hes giving his very best, Warren told council members.

In an emailed statement to local TV station WXXI, Singletary said Tuesday that the events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity.

The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for, he said in the statement. The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prudes death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for.

Singletary, who spent his entire career inside the Rochester Police Department, was appointed chief in April 2019. He said he looks forward to continuing to serve our community in my next chapter.

Protesters march for the sixth consecutive night of protest on September 7, 2020, following the release of video evidence that shows the death of Daniel Prude while in the custody of Rochester Police in Rochester, New York. [Maranie R Staab/AFP]

This is great news, said Iman Abid, speaking for Free the People ROC, which has held nightly protests since details of Prudes death emerged. It says to the people that people are able to move things and to shape things. The police chief wouldnt retire if it werent for something that he felt he was accountable to.

But, she said, nightly protests will continue to push other demands, including the resignation of the mayor, defunding and demilitarising of police, and development of a state law barring police departments from responding to mental health crises.

Warren did not know when the retirements would take effect. It was unclear who would be in charge of police Tuesday night if demonstrators come out for a seventh straight night, as expected. Demonstrators have called for the resignations of both Singletary and Warren, who are both Black.

Singletary, who spent his entire career inside the Rochester Police Department, was appointed chief in April 2019.

Officers found Prude running naked down the street put a hood over his head to stop him from spitting, then held him down for about two minutes until he stopped breathing. He died a week later after he was taken off life support.

His brother, Joe Prude, had called 911 seeking help for Daniel Prudes unusual behaviour. He had been taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation earlier that night but was released after a few hours, his brother told officers.

His death sparked outrage after his relatives last week released police body camera video and written reports they obtained through a public records request.

Seven police officers were suspended a day later, and state Attorney General Letitia James said Saturday she would form a grand jury and conduct an exhaustive investigation into Prudes death.

Police union officials have said the officers were following their training.
08.09.2020 LISTEN

A Parents Teachers Association (PTA) meeting at the Bishop Bowers School held on September 7 ended in hot exchanges, this portal has gathered.

This was when management of the School led by the Headmistress, Matilda Quist, and the PTA Chairman, Mr Agyare brought the issue of continues payment of the monthly tuition fee of 200 per head for e-learning lessons which were started in May this year.

Some parents had argued that apart from the fact that the 200 fee per head for students in kindergarten to class three and 250 from class four to junior high school the over 900 students was way too high, management should also consider the fact that they have not only assumed the role of teachers at home and its related inconvenience yet still paying fees but some of them have lost their jobs due to the effect of the Covid-19.

Not even the argument that the charge was high in view of the absence of students on campus hence a reduction in the use and expenditure on utilities (electricity and water) in this period of Covid-19 where students have been asked to stay home could suffice.

Instead, the Headmistress, her Assistant, a representative of the Diocesan Archbishop of the Catholic church and the PTA chairman insisted parents should continue paying the amount.

Their argument was that teachers needed to buy computers and internet data to be able to send lesson notes and assignments, an argument which provoked a heated debate and shutdown by angry parents, compelling the PTA Chairman who made the claim to apologise.

Apart from that, they also claimed a reduction would affect the running of the school and a continuation of the e-learning service because they were still paying teachers their full salaries as was during the normal times before the emergence of Covid-19.

They therefore insisted parents continue to pay the 200 and on top of it made the e-learning mandatory for all students.

Aside that they also insisted that parents who do not pay the full amount of 800 for lessons from May to August should not be given their wards report cards for the exams which was written about three weeks ago.

This is what provoked some parents who had sat in the meeting which lasted almost four hours to start walking out of the assembly Hall where the meeting was being held, with some swearing heaven and earth that they will not pay the fee.

Others stressed the need for the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education to step in to intervene since they said the school management was taking undue advantage of the Covid and e-learning to fleece parents.

Interestingly, it has turned out to be a lie since reliable sources and a number of teachers who spoke to Daily Guide said it was far from the truth.

It has emerged that in spite of the outrageous mandatory 200 charge for all students from kindergarten to primary three, the school only pays teachers less than half of their basic salaries.

---DGN Online
The Hechinger at Tenleytown was Norm Linskys second home as he fixed up his Forest Hills house. The best part is I got to know John Hechinger himself a little in the 80s, wrote Norm. He was the Old Lion of D.C. politics pre-home rule. . . . Back then, meeting him was like  to me  meeting a real rock star.
During todays session of the Council of Elders of Yerevan, Deputy Mayor Tigran Virabyan said the name of the acting chief architect of Yerevan will be announced in 15 days and explained that there is still no agreement on all the issues.

There are issues that are being considered. Taking into consideration the amount of work that has to be done, the salary is low, and so it is hard to find a specialist, the official added. As far as the nomination of the head of the General Education Department of Yerevan Municipality is concerned, First Deputy Mayor Hrachya Sargsyan said there is still no nomination.

The positions of chief architect of Yerevan and head of the General Education Department of Yerevan Municipality remain vacant after Artur Meschyan and Anna Stepanyan resigned in August.
The Queensland government has entered into a partnership with operators of fast tour boats to get tourists to North Stradbroke Island from Howard Smith Wharves  a 65-kilometre journey  in 40 minutes.

But Redland City mayor Karen Williams, whose council area includes many of the Moreton Bay islands, said she could not see how people could get from the Brisbane CBD to North Stradbroke Island in that time.

River to Bay is a new fast boat partnership with the Queensland government that has piloted trips from Brisbane CBD to North Stradbroke Island.

"The harbourmaster would be having conniptions at the speed they would have to travel down the Brisbane River," she said.

"But the bigger question for me is, who is going to fund the marine infrastructure at Amity [Point]?"
Many of the big listed insurers have been shifting emphasis toward general insurance such as car, home and business cover. Piecemeal disposals have offered private equity the chance to roll up disparate assets and reap economies of scale. Big portfolios of existing policies may not offer growth, but they generate cash and release capital over time. Then theres the opportunity to grab a role managing the insurers assets  as in the Blackstone-backed takeover of Fidelity & Guaranty Life in 2017.
THE flattening of the curve of coronavirus infection should not be a reason for us to be over confident and put our guard down. Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force against Covid-19, warned of a possible second wave of the virus infection if we discontinue what we have accomplished so far.

The discipline imposed on the people to wear face mask, observing social distancing, staying at home, and frequently washing our hands with soap or putting on alcohol has proven to be effective in preventing the transmission of this deadly virus in the meantime that the vaccine is not yet available.

The goal, Galvez said, is to avoid a potential second wave of infection. Strict enforcement of the quarantine and health protocols are the main factors in the flattening of the curve of infection. Cebu City is a classic example that it saw a surge in Covid-19 cases during the general community quarantine (GCQ) period than when the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was enforced.

Galvez said the provinces under Region-4A (Calabarzon) that were placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) together with the National Capital Region last month saw a downtrend from a peak of 1,584 new cases to 829 cases. Cebu City tremendously dropped to 46 new cases as of September 4 from a peak of 997 in July 30. The drop in Covid-19 infection in Cebu City was largely due to the strict enforcement of the quarantine and health protocols by the police and soldiers.

Mandaue City recorded 86 percent recovery rate from Covid-19. SunStar-Cebu reported that as of September 7, Mandaue City has 1,839 recoveries out of the total 2,139 confirmed Covid-19 cases. The city has 198 active cases and 102 deaths. Mayor Jonas C. Cortes issued Executive Order 83, the city's guidelines for MECQ, which is similar to Cebu City's quarantine guidelines.

Mandaue City and Cebu City still do not allow the traditional PUJs to operate. Only buses, modern PUJs, and taxicabs duly authorized by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are allowed to operate in Cebu City and Mandaue City. But in Mandaue City, tricycles are allowed to operate per EO 83.

Story continues

As I've said before and I will say it again that while majority may already have complied with the minimum health standards that the government has implemented, there are still those who do not comply with the proper wearing of face mask and social distancing, particularly in public markets that strict enforcement is still a must.

***

The plan of the Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) to expand its operation in the countryside to spread the economic opportunities is good news not only for the call center agents, but also for the local government units that are outside of the urban centers, like the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

Wilfredo Sa-a, IT-BPM consultant, told SunStar Cebu that BPM companies can build pop-up sites in different towns or cities outside of the metro area to generate employment and stimulate economic activity in the province. The only problem perhaps is the internet connection. But Dito, the third telco, could probably serve the purpose.

I remember about a year ago that former Bogo City mayor Junie Martinez in our meeting said that Bogo is open for IT-BPMs to operate in their city. Martinez said this could afford opportunity for call center agents who are from Bogo to return home. The dispersal of IT-BPMs and other industries to the countryside could also reduce the in-migration to urban centers.
JERSEYVILLE  A six-county Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy hopes to attract logistics and intermodal operations similar to those already seen in St. Louis and the Metro East.

About 50 representatives from Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Christian and Montgomery counties have partnered to complete the Western Illinois River Valley Economic Development Strategy CEDS. They were joined in the work by U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville; state Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield; and state Reps. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, and Avery Bourne, R-Morrisonville.

The planning was directed by Shari Albrecht, executive director of the Jerseyville Economic Development Council, and Jennifer Russell, Zach Kennedy and Will Andresen of the University of Illinois Extension.

By completing this process and having our plan now in place, we are eligible for federal funding opportunities, said Albrecht.

Each local government has to be part of a regional economic development initiative to be eligible for federal grant funds, she said. Having this plan, this strategy, in place now lays out ways for us to pursue funding that was not an option before it.

This is a big deal for our area, as each of the six counties involved are interrelated, she said. We are all part of a bigger picture.

The CEDS is a regional economic development tool that serves as a roadmap, according to Litchfield City Administrator and Economic Development Director Tonya Flannery.

The plan gives specific details on projects that are identified within the region and serves as comprehensive plan for grant applications, she said. It can guide decision making on resources to leverage the greatest benefits on projects included in the plan.

Participants in the process included three representatives from each of the six counties. Each county provided $1,900 for the effort, with an in-kind grant from University of Illinois valued at $45,000.

Further effort toward a final document came from a 30-member CEDS Innovation Team comprised of representatives from each of the counties who came together to provide additional input on the regions economic development strengths and weaknesses and further define the plan.

The resulting document articulates a detailed demographic profile of the area with an analysis of its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, as well as the potential for growth and an action plan for sustaining and growing the regions economy.

One of the strongest aspects of the CEDS planning work has been recognition that the real work begins after the plan is completed, said Gillespie City Treasurer Dan Fisher who also is president of the Grow Gillespie initiative.

The CEDS recognizes that attitudes are as much a part of a communitys infrastructure as its brick and mortar structures, he said. The plan is a real team effort and its a solid representation of the aspects and aspirations of our diverse region.

The plan states the six counties are primed for regional logstics and intermodal operations as seen in St. Louis and the Metro East. Two such projects are already under way in Jersey and Montgomery counties, connected by Illinois 16.

 Jerseyville is in the initial stages of developing a rail facility and logistics park  the Mid-American International Gateway (MAIG) industrial park  along with Kansas City Southern (KCS) Railroad and the Stonemont Financial Group development firm based in Georgia.

Expanding KCS rail service within Jersey and Greene counties would bolster the new U.S. 67 corridor, planners state, aided by the proximity to the Mississippi and Illinois rivers and KCS established lines in the counties. With the recent addition of an Enterprise Zone, and with other economic development tools in place, Stonemont continues its commitment to the construction of the rail-served, inland logistics industrial park in Jerseyville, the plans states.

The economic ripple effect of Jerseyvilles MAIG development is expected to affect the entire region. Anticipated tenants include warehouse facilities, light manufacturing, assembly operations and other possibilities, creating 1,000 jobs. Targeted industries include automotive manufacturers and suppliers, business support services, trade and logistics, plastics manufacturers, agri-business and related sectors.

 Litchfield has developed two industrial parks and nearly 200 acres that has provided jobs for thousands over the past 40 years with a workforce of 700 employees currently, according to the plan. With limited space available in Litchfields current parks, development is under way of the Interstate 55 Commerce Center at the intersection of I-55 and Illinois 16.

The city bought 130 acres adjacent to the Litchfield interchange for the industrial park, with an additional 120 acres under option. It is designed to include 20-25 lots, with city officials anticipating about 20 new businesses and the potential of adding 600 to 1,000 jobs.

The project also includes extending utilities across I-55 on the west and servicing bulk water supply to regional water districts. It calls for improving Illinois 16 with an additional lane in each direction approaching the industrial park for truck-turn capacity and additional traffic.

The main benefit of having a completed regional economic development strategy is that it provides a framework upon which to design and implement economic development projects, said University of Illinois Extension Community and Economic Development Specialist Zach Kennedy. While economic development can and does occur in piecemeal fashion, the establishment of common regional goals affords the opportunity to work toward regional success in a more organized and systematic fashion.

A secondary benefit, which should not be undervalued, is that having a regional strategy that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) recognizes makes the region eligible to apply for EDA assistance under its Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs, Kennedy said. This funding could be crucial for local communities to implement their identified projects, and subsequently move the region forward.

Pat Pinkston, who works with the Carrollton Square redevelopment initiative, said access to federal funds is critical for the projects and efforts, especially in light of the pandemic.

We are actively developing strategies and projects informed by the CEDS document that will qualify for the funding from the EDA and other federal and state agencies, Pinkston said. Getting this document in place lays a key cornerstone to the future for the region.

I believe that rural America is at a turning point, said Pinkston, and COVID-19 can accelerate a change. Rural areas offer the lifestyle that many of us are seeking  relational, safe, affordable, etcetera  but rural America has not transformed to provide the amenities and services that people require like high speed broadband, modern day care, modern restaurants, coffee shops, and other amenities and activities that people have come to expect in more urban areas.

If we can provide those kinds of services and amenities on top of the foundational characteristics of rural communities, many will choose to return or seek these towns, Pinkston said. Those that can demonstrate that those services and amenities are present, or are on the future roadmap, will have opportunities for growth and prosperity.

JEDC Partners in Progress lists as its mission to increase the economic vitality of the Jersey, Greene and northern Madison County region. For more information, contact Albrecht at sharialbrecht@jedc-il.us or 618/639-5332, or visit jedc-il.us.
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WASHINGTON  Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced plans Tuesday to vote on a slimmed-down coronavirus relief bill later this week in the Senate, an effort to put Democrats on the defensive after weeks of stalled talks.

The legislation is not expected to advance, since that would require support from Democrats, who've held out for a larger package. McConnell has struggled even to unite Republicans behind the bill, and is likely to suffer some GOP defections.

But a month after bipartisan talks collapsed on Capitol Hill, McConnell is aiming to pressure House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., by unveiling legislation that funds some key priorities including small businesses, enhanced unemployment insurance, child care, the post office, and schools.

In a statement Tuesday, McConnell alleged that Pelosi had refused to negotiate on a targeted relief bill despite bringing the House back into session last month to pass a bill that would provide $25 billion for the U.S. Postal Service.

"Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer said a targeted deal on jobless benefits and the Paycheck Protection Program would be 'piecemeal,' but then Speaker Pelosi came rushing back to pass the most piecemeal bill imaginable: Postal Service legislation that completely ignored the health, economic, and education crises facing families," McConnell said.

"Everything Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer have done suggests one simple motivation: They do not want American families to see any more bipartisan aid before the polls close on President (Donald) Trump's reelection. They have taken Americans' health, jobs, and schools hostage for perceived partisan gain."

In a joint statement, Pelosi and Schumer dismissed McConnell's bill, saying it "doesn't come close to addressing the problems and is headed nowhere."

"This emaciated bill is only intended to help vulnerable Republican Senators by giving them a 'check-the-box' vote to maintain the appearance that they're not held hostage by their extreme right-wing that doesn't want to spend a nickel to help people," Pelosi and Schumer said. "Democrats want to work on bipartisan legislation that will meet the urgent needs of the American people but Republicans continue to move in the wrong direction."

Pelosi and House Democrats passed a $3 trillion measure in May that would have funded another round of stimulus checks, unemployment benefits, hospitals, coronavirus testing, and provided money to states and cities, among other things. The White House and Senate Republicans dismissed the bill and said they would not consider it.

In late July and early August, Pelosi and Schumer met multiple times with White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in an effort to come up with a compromise. But they failed, with Democrats refusing to consider a bill costing less than $2 trillion, and Republicans and administration officials dismissing that figure as too high.

The House and Senate adjourned last month with no agreement. But the Senate is coming back into session Tuesday afternoon and the House returns next week, giving lawmakers one last chance to make a deal before adjourning through the election.

Senate Republicans and administration officials believe Pelosi will come under growing pressure from moderate members of her own caucus who face tough reelections and have been uneasy about the failure to act on additional economic stimulus. McConnell's new legislation is partly an attempt to attract the attention of such lawmakers.

"I'm optimistic in the next two weeks that the pressure and the voice of the American people will start to have an impact on members of Congress," Meadows said Tuesday on Fox Business Network.

McConnell has been working with administration officials for weeks to try to finalize the new Senate GOP bill, which he is calling a "targeted" coronavirus relief bill, but he's faced competing pressures from Senate Republicans. Some conservatives didn't want to spend any more money at all after Congress dedicated around $3 trillion to pandemic relief in the spring, while a handful of vulnerable incumbents who are up for reelection in November have been eager to vote on generous new aid for their constituents.

A $1 trillion bill McConnell released in July was quickly rejected by many Senate Republicans, leaving the GOP without a unified position in the last round of negotiations. The new legislation, which McConnell planned to unveil later Tuesday, costs about half that much. It also repurposes unspent funds from the small business Paycheck Protection Program and other areas to keep the cost even lower and assuage conservative concerns.

The legislation includes $300 weekly enhanced unemployment benefits through the end of the year, to replace a $600 weekly benefit that expired for some 30 million unemployed workers on July 31. It does not include new benefit checks to individual Americans, but it does include a new round of small business funding, $10 billion for child care and $10 billion for the U.S. Postal Service, among other provisions.

The legislation includes a compromise aimed at resolving a dispute over a push by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to include a tax credit to reimburse donations to state-level scholarship funds, which help families pay for private school tuition and other educational expenses. Some fellow Republicans opposed this idea, and McConnell's legislation attempts to resolve it by including tax credits for just two years  instead of a permanent tax credit as Cruz had sought.

The bill could serve as a new starting point for talks with Democrats, although a better-than-expected August jobs report may have reduced the urgency for action. President Trump and members of his administration have been speaking bullishly about the economic recovery they say is underway, even as millions remain unemployed.

"We can live with it  we can absolutely live with it," White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Bloomberg last week when asked if the administration would be willing to not reach a deal with Congress.

At the same time, Congress is facing a Sept. 30 deadline when agency-wide funding will expire and the government will begin to shut down without action. Pelosi and Mnuchin have already begun work on a so-called "continuing resolution" that would extend government funding at existing levels through the election, in order to avert a shutdown.

_____

The Washington Posts Jeff Stein contributed to this report.
Popular social media platform TikTok has been accused of censoring political and social topics including LGBTQ+ issues, the crackdown on Uighurs in China and protests in the United States.

A report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute found the video platform was a "powerful political actor with global reach" that censored topics and actively demoted and suppressed content to make it harder to find.

TikTok has been accused of censoring political and social topics. Credit:Getty

The findings will place further pressure on the company within Australia as its Chinese owner, ByteDance, continues negotiations to sell the platform to a US company and avoid a ban by the Trump administration.

Some Australian Liberal MPs privately want a ban on TikTok but Prime Minister Scott Morrison has decided the social media platform does not present any major national security concerns after receiving advice from security agencies.
Lets talk about my day yesterday:

First, I woke up and went on a run. I turned on an app on my phone that tracks my distance and pace and compares it with my past performance.

After my workout, I headed to Starbucks for a coffee. I used the Starbucks app to pay for my drink  for every dollar I spend on the app, I earn a star that can be redeemed for a reward later on.

Then, I came home and opened my laptop. Ive spent the summer trying to learn some basic French (a quarantine hobby of mine), so I headed to Duolingo to take my daily French lesson. I complete some small vocabulary and grammar exercises while the programs mascot  a lime green owl named Duo  cheers me on and rewards me with virtual gems.

I hadnt even started working, and already my morning had been gamified from start to finish. Thats the power of gamification: Its principles can be used everywhere, for all kinds of products. It can motivate us to run a little longer, spend some more money or keep working toward a goal.

But what exactly makes gamification so effective? Heres a super-simplified explanation, from a Gen Zer who uses it every day:
British consumers increased their spending again in August as they went on staycation holidays, bought equipment for working from home and went back to shops to buy clothes, surveys showed on Tuesday.

Barclaycard said its measure of spending rose in annual terms for the first time since before the lockdown, up 0.2% year-on-year as people bought more fuel to go on holiday in Britain and to begin returning to their workplaces.

There was also an increase in spending in restaurants, pubs and bars as diners took advantage of the governments Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme that run during August.

The overall increase was the first since February. Spending on clothing rose for the first time since March 2019 as people ventured back to shops.

By contrast, spending on travel  including airlines and travel agents  slumped by 61%.

Britains economy suffered a record 20% contraction in the April-June period before recovering a bit in May and June. Its prospects depend in large part on how confident households are about getting back to something resembling normal life.

Its encouraging to see the first uplift in spending after such a turbulent time for retailers, Raheel Ahmed, head of consumer products at Barclaycard, said.

However, a surge in online orders meant the recovery might be a long one for bricks-and-mortar stores.

Economists are also warning that unemployment will rise sharply as the government scales back its job protection scheme.

Separately, the British Retail Consortium said spending at retailers rose by 3.9% compared with August 2019, the biggest increase in more than two years excluding distortions caused by the timing of Easter.

The shift to working from home boosted sales of food, computing, furniture and televisions, the BRC said.

But many retailers who rely on commuters were at risk of closure if people continue to stay away from offices and other places of work, BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said.

Government will need to act fast or September will see more shops close and more job losses realised, she said.

Barclaycards measure of consumer confidence in the economy sank to 19%, its lowest since it began polling six years ago.

But households confidence in their finances remained steady at 68%, as many people increased their savings by not going on foreign holidays this year.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)

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At Germany's busiest airport in Frankfurt, the longest lineups these days aren't at check-in or security but at the state-of-the-art COVID-19 testing centre just outside the main arrivals hall.

Wearing distinctive red T-shirts, employees with Centogene, the private testing lab that runs the facility, usher passengers through an assembly-line setup, where they often meet Dr. Peter Bauer, the neurologist and geneticist who oversees the operation.

"We are giving back some freedom to people," Bauer told CBC News in an interview.

Since the facility opened at the end of June, Centogene said, more than 150,000 travellers have taken its rapid COVID-19 test.

"They are anxious about how to move in society, how to travel and how to meet people, and with a negative test  and most tests are negative  they get some freedom," Bauer said.

Airlines support testing passengers

Canadian air carriers Air Canada and WestJet have both recently started voluntary COVID-19 testing at airports in Toronto and Vancouver in the hopes of convincing the federal government that airport testing is a safe way to get people flying again.

And the national association that represents Canada's largest air carriers is lobbying Ottawa to consider easing the 14-day quarantine for incoming travellers in exchange for a negative COVID test, much like Germany has been doing all summer.

Chris Brown/CBC

Germany is one of the only places in Europe that offers such testing in an airport setting that's convenient for travellers.

Some countries, such as Russia, require COVID-free certificates to enter, with tests taken within 72 hours, and Frankfurt was one of the only places that was possible.

We transited through the airport there and took the tests as part of our return to the CBC's Moscow bureau two weeks ago.

At the Frankfurt facility, both incoming and outgoing passengers have the option of getting tested  although it's mandatory for anyone arriving from a designated "high-risk" area, which includes the United States.

Story continues

Results in as little as 3 hours

Passengers first register online and then wait in a physically distanced line to receive a takeout-sized red box containing several test tubes and two long throat swabs.

They then proceed down the line to a private area, where a technician scrapes the backs of their throats with the swabs  often to the sound of much gagging and coughing.

Chris Brown/CBC

"Going through the throat, it's much less painful [than going through the nose] but with as much sensitivity," Bauer said.

Next, one of six doctors at the facility does a visual check for any signs of the typical COVID-19 symptoms: a dry cough, fever and shortness of breath. The samples are then sent to a nearby lab, and in as little as three hours the test results and doctor's certificate arrive by email.

Throughout the summer, German citizens have been given the test for free, although local media have reported that Chancellor Angela Merkel's government may alter the rules to make it a user-pay system going forward and reinstate a quarantine for those who don't take the test.

Transit travellers who require a test to reach their destination country are charged 59 euros, or about $100 Cdn, and they are guaranteed results within 12 hours. A premium test that gets results in three hours costs roughly double.

Chris Brown/CBC

"We believe testing is the only way to make travel more secure," said Volkmar Weckesser, Centogene's chief information officer.

"When you look at the tourist industry, do we really want to destroy it completely? Do people really not want to travel anymore and just stay at home? I don't believe that," Weckesser told CBC News.

Canada's airline industry has given airport testing its full-throated endorsement.

"We would like to see Canada on a targeted basis start 'safe zones' and air bridges based on testing," said Mike McNaney, president and CEO of the National Airlines Council of Canada.

End blanket quarantine?

McNaney said it's long overdue for Canada to move out of what he calls "stage zero," which is the same place the industry was in back in March. He said a "blanket" quarantine from all countries, regardless of their health situation, no longer makes sense.

He said the volunteer testing programs that Canada's two largest airlines have initiated are a positive step and should allow government regulators to develop "science-based practices and procedures" that can provide alternatives to quarantines and blanket restrictions.

Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

Centogene claims the tests that come back positive amount to roughly one per cent, although certain high-risk countries regularly have much higher numbers  up to eight per cent.

"We have many positives from Kosovo, Croatia and Serbia, [and other] countries like Ukraine and Russia  the United States as well  which doesn't say anything about the quality of the testing [in those countries], just that COVID-19 is there," said Bauer, the facility supervisor.

Testing could speed transmission, critics say

But airport testing has its detractors, who argue that such mass testing misses a lot of cases and could potentially speed the transmission of the virus across borders.

"Do we want COVID to spread or do we want it to not spread? And that's the line in the sand for me," said Colin Furness, an infection control epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of Toronto.

"We know that you have a lot of false negative tests. There are a lot of different reasons," he said. "It can be because the swab was not taken well, it could be that you have not incubated enough virus."

Furness said the sensitivity rate of such tests is 65 per cent, meaning roughly a third of cases are missed.

"We need to think about travelling less," Furness said.

Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press

Centogene's Weckesser argues it's not practical to wait for a vaccine to resolve the COVID-19 crisis. He said the world needs to carry on with business  and that includes travelling.

"A vaccine may be available next year, we don't know when, and it will take quite a long time to vaccinate everybody," he said.

Beyond that, if regular vaccines provide immunity for only a few months at a time, then testing facilities like the one in Frankfurt may be around for years to come, he said.

But statements by Canada's chief public health officer haven't given the airline industry much hope of a change in the 14-day quarantine law any time soon. Dr. Theresa Tam has said that more research is needed.
David Kilcullen is one of the worlds leading authorities on insurgencies. For decades he has studied them. As an infantry soldier in the Australian army and an adviser to the U.S. Army, hes fought against them. His latest scholarly work has focused on their role in urban conflicts.

So when Kilcullen says that America is in a state of incipient insurgency, its worth sitting up, taking notice, and trembling just a little.

The official definition of an insurgency is the organized use of subversion and violence to seize, nullify, or challenge political control of an area. An incipient insurgency might be happening when inchoate actions by a range of groupsfollowed by organizing, training, acquisition of resources (including arms), and the buildup of public supportlead to increasingly frequent incidents of violence, reflecting improved organization and forethought.

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Kilcullen argues that this is what weve been seeing the past few months in the waves of provocations and street violence that have blown through American cities since the May 25 police killing of George Floyd. By and large, the protesters havent been at fault. Its been the extremistsleft and rightwho have tagged alongside the protests and counterprotests, exploiting the disorder.

In some cases, the violence has been committed by individual idiotsas Kilcullen calls themsuch as, most notably, Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old self-appointed vigilante who, after reading radical right-wing ravings online, drove from his home in Illinois to Kenosha, Wisconsin, armed with a semi-automatic rifle, and wound up shooting three people, killing two of them, in the wake of demonstrations over the police shooting of Jacob Blake.

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The incidence of violence is rising. According to a new report by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (which usually monitors violence in war-torn countries), 20 violent groupsleft and righthave taken part in more than 100 protests related to the George Floyd killing. In June, there were 17 counterdemonstrations led by right-wing militant groups, one of which sparked violence. In July, there were 160 counterdemonstrations, with violence in 18.

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Armed militias are nothing new in the United States. A decade ago, Kilcullen counted about 380 right-wing groups and 50 left-wing ones, many of them armed. In the early 1990s, the faceoff between the FBI and the Branch Davidians, outside Waco, Texas, left 80 people deadand inspired Timothy McVeigh and his gang of extremists to blow up a federal building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people. In the late 1960s and early 70s, left-wing groups such as the Weather Underground set off bombs all over the country; police waged deadly shootouts with the Black Panthers in Oakland, California, and Chicago; and marchers for and against the Vietnam Warmainly students and hard-hat workersclashed in violent street battles.

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But except for the last set of clashes (which didnt involve organized groups, much less insurgencies), those earlier incidents rarely corresponded with the divides between the nations political parties. This is one way in which the current conflicts are differentand, potentially, more dangerous.

Another difference and danger is the prevalence of cable TV networks and social media, which amplify and spread the shock waves. Incidents that in the past might have stayed local now quickly go viral, nationwide or worldwide, inspiring others to join in.

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After Rittenhouse shot three people in Kenosha, right-wing militants touted him as a hero. FoxNews host Tucker Carlson hailed him for deciding that he had to maintain order when no one else would. Frequent Fox guest Ann Coulter said she wants Rittenhouse as my president.

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Kilcullen also has observed, in the militias social media, a steady rise of dehumanizing rhetoricthe left calling the right parasites, the right calling the left (especially the left wing of Black Lives Matter) rats. The trend parallels, and intensifies, the mutual hostility between Democrats and Republicans in Congress and politics broadly.

Meanwhile, a powder keg is building. FBI background checks for gun sales hit 3.9 million in Junean all-time high. Many of them were for first-time gun buyersby definition untrained, possibly rash in their actions. An estimated 20 million Americans carry a gun when they leave their homes. It takes just a few trigger-pullers to set off a conflagration; even in intense insurrections, such as the postwar rebellion in Iraq, only 2 percent of insurgents actually fired their weapons.

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Kilcullen sees a pattern similar to the patterns that precipitated insurgencies in Colombia, Libya, and Iraq. The key factor is the rise of fear. He cites Stathis Kalyvas book The Logic of Violence in Civil War as observing that fear, not hate, drives the worst atrocities. Every civil war and insurgency of the last 50 years has been driven by fear, Kilcullen told me. Todays politics and social tensions are dominated by three fears: fear of other social groups, fear that those other groups are encroaching on ones territory, and fear that the state no longer has the ability to protect the people.

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Things do not have to get worse. Incipient insurgency doesnt mean inevitable insurgency. We are still in the very early phase of this rampagea pre-McVeigh moment, as Kilcullen puts it. And the extent of disorder has been exaggerated, usually for political motives. When violence has occurred during protests, it has been confined to just a few blocks; it hasnt spread throughout a city. Contrary to Trump and other Republican politicians, New York is not a hellscape, Portland is not ablaze all the time, and Chicago is not more dangerous than Afghanistan.

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In other words, there is still time for political leaderslocally and nationallyto calm the storm, douse the flames, and stifle the violent provocateurs across the spectrum, while also addressing the underlying social, political, and racial issues that sparked the (legitimate) protests.

Unfortunately, President Donald Trump has no interest in calm. Instead, he is deliberately fanning the flames as part of a cynical election strategy. He has declined to criticize Rittenhouse, viewing his actions as self-defense. In general, he rails only against left-wing militants such as antifa activistsnever against the right-wing ones, such as the Boogaloo Bois, Patriot Prayer, or Proud Boys. More than that, he has lumped antifa alongside the truly peaceful protesters of Black Lives Matterand alongside the Democratic Party. His words encourage some police, in some cities, to take the same view. (In Kenosha, police were caught on camera tossing water bottles to armed right-wing militants, thanking them for coming out to help.)

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Trump is also threatening to cut off federal aid to cities with Democratic mayors and rising crime rates, calling them anarchist jurisdictions. He has painted his opponent, Joe Biden, as a weak politician in thrall to leftist radicalsignoring Bidens long record as a left-centrist and his repeated denunciations of violence and looting, regardless of the cause.

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Trumps aim is to incite fearfear of violence, disorder, changeand to paint himself as the bastion of law and order. Its an odd tactic for an incumbent president, and its unclear whether the ploy is working. But, as Kilcullen and Kalyvas point out, hes right about the fears potency. And the first violent incidents can spark a self-reinforcing cycle of violence, retaliation, and retaliation for that. It doesnt matter what the original grievance is, Kilcullen says. It becomes self-sustaining.

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The report by the Armed Conflict Location a& Event Data Project concludes:

In this hyper-polarized environment, state forces are taking a more heavy-handed approach to dissent, non-state actors are becoming more active and assertive, and counter-demonstrators are looking to resolve their political disputes in the street. Without significant mitigation efforts, these risks will continue to intensify in the lead-up to the vote, threatening to boil over in November if election results are delayed, inconclusive, or rejected as fraudulent.

In short, the authors write, The United States is in crisis. The upcoming electionhow it plays out, as well as how it ends upcould determine how deeply into crisis the country continues to plunge.

For more of Slates news coverage, subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts or listen below.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Dialysis Patients Citizens (DPC) today applauded the introduction of the Jack Reynolds Medigap Expansion Act, new legislation sponsored by U.S. Representative Cynthia Axne (D-IA-3) in honor of founding DPC Board member and longest serving president Jack Reynolds. This bill would expand Medigap coverage for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients under the age of 65.

"My top priorities in Congress have been to protect those living with pre-existing conditions and making health care accessible for those in need of treatment," Rep. Axne said. "For someone like Jack who had kidney disease from a young age, access to dialysis was critical  but without insurance, the cost of treatments can be too far out of reach. This bill opens up existing insurance coverage options to cover these conditions for anyone who needs it, to help thousands of Americans live longer without causing financial ruin."

"We applaud Congresswoman Axne for introducing the Jack Reynolds Medigap Expansion Act, which would greatly improve the lives of thousands of Americans suffering with kidney disease," said DPC Board President Andrew Conkling. "By changing the current law to ensure that all ESRD patients under the age of 65 have access to supplemental insurance plans, this legislation would make high-quality, lifesaving care more affordable and accessible for all kidney patients, regardless of what state they live in. Congresswoman Axne's bill is a fitting tribute to the late Jack Reynolds, a lifelong Iowan who was a founding Board member and the longest serving president of Dialysis Patient Citizens. Jack was on dialysis for more than 45 years, and he often credited his longevity to the financial security he felt from having Medigap coverage so he could focus on the things he needed to do to stay healthy. Jack effectively empowered kidney patients through advocacy and education, and as immediate Past President, Jack made this issue a priority for DPC, asking that the late-Rep. John Lewis include it in his broader bipartisan kidney community bill. We thank Rep. Axne for pulling out this one critical piece from the broader bill to both honor Jack's memory, and to elevate this specific patient priority with her colleagues in Congress."

"On behalf of our entire family, I want to thank Congresswoman Axne for introducing this bill to honor Jack's legacy," said Jack's mother, Pat Reynolds. "After nearly losing his life in a farm accident at four years old that left him with a serious abdominal injury, Jack dedicated decades of his life to advocating for better kidney care for patients both in Iowa and across the nation. Medigap coverage was an immense help to Jack, and played a major part in enabling him to continue working as a champion for the kidney community. We know Jack would be both honored and humbled to have this bill introduced in his name, and we sincerely appreciate Congresswoman Axne's leadership."

BACKGROUND:

Current law does not ensure that all Medicare beneficiaries, specifically those under the age of 65 such as many dialysis patients, have access to supplemental insurance, also known as "Medigap," to cover their substantial out-of-pocket costs.



Medigap policies are standardized, private insurance policies that cover costs not covered by Medicare, such as copayments and deductibles.



Under Federal law, Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older are guaranteed access to Medigap policies, but beneficiaries under age 65, including many with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), do not share this protection.



Only about half of all states allow Medicare beneficiaries under age 65 to purchase Medigap policies.



In 2013, 61% of Medicare beneficiaries with ESRD were under age 65, and only 11% had Medigap coverage.

To learn more about Jack Reynolds, please click here for his obituary. You may find a video celebrating Jack's lifetime of service to the kidney community, prepared by DaVita, by clicking here , and a video honoring Jack as the recipient of the DPC Education Center's award for Patient Education and Public Service by clicking here .

SOURCE Dialysis Patient Citizens

Related Links

http://www.dialysispatients.org


Luckman Alabi and his wife, Anastasia Kobiaba Wricketts are in the grips of the Central Regional Police for allegedly molesting their 12-year-old son leading to his death.



Alabi and his wife, residents of Ayikoayikoo in Cape Coast are respectively, the father and stepmother of the deceased.



Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Irene Serwaah Oppong, Regional Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Cape Coast.



She said on Sunday, September 06, at about 0700hours, Corporal Sampson Babayi together with three others, arrested suspect after a distress call received from an informant that Mr. Alabi was beating his 12-year-old boy now deceased in his room.



Narrating the incident, DSP Oppong said in the process the boy escaped from the back door to the balcony and jumped from the last floor of the three-storey building but unfortunately, he landed on his head and suffered a severe head injury.



The boy was rushed to Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) but was pronounced dead on arrival.



The body has been deposited at the hospital's morgue for preservation and autopsy and the suspects are currently in Police custody, assisting in investigations.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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By Ayya Lmahamad

Azerbaijan has transported 8,500 tons of bitumen to Ukraine, ADY Express, subsidiary company of Azerbaijan Railways has reported.

Bitumen produced by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan at the Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery was delivered to Ukraine in 130 tank wagons from Azerbaijan to Georgia and from there by ferry across the Black Sea to Ukraine.

The unloading process has already taken place at Orlovshchina station.

The transportation process consisted of two stages. In the first stage, 4,500 tons of bitumen was shipped on 70 tank wagons while during the second stage 4,000 tons of cargo were loaded and transported on 60 tank wagons.

Bitumen transportation to Ukraine is a joint project of ADY Express, and the Department of Marketing and Economic Operations of SOCAR. Azerbaijan will transport bitumen to Ukraine on a regular basis.

It should be noted that Azerbaijan accounted for 59.3 percent of neighboring Georgias exports of bitumen in the period between January-July 2020, and became countrys largest exported of bitumen. The country exported 33,900 tons of bitumen to Georgia in the reporting period.

ADY Express LLC has been set up considering Azerbaijans role as a major transit country due to high demand of railway freight services. The company provides online services to forwarders and large cargo owners to attract and increase volume of transit cargo passing through the country.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Well have the vaccine soon, maybe before a special date, the president said on Monday. You know what date Im talking about.

The move was welcomed by some researchers who said that the statement could increase public confidence in a coronavirus vaccine at a time when skepticism was running high. Theres absolutely a desperate need for this vaccine, said Dr. Judith Feinberg, the vice chairwoman for research in medicine at West Virginia University in Morgantown. I love the fact that the nine big vaccine manufacturers today said they would not do anything premature  I think theres enormous pressure to do something premature.

Three of the companies that signed the pledge are testing their candidate vaccines in late-stage clinical trials in the United States: Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca.

Pfizer has said repeatedly over the past week that it could apply to the F.D.A. for emergency approval as early as October. On Tuesday, its chief executive, Dr. Albert Bourla, predicted in an interview on the Today show on NBC that the company would have an answer about whether its vaccine worked by the end of October, but acknowledged that did not mean its vaccine would be available to the public by then.

Moderna and AstraZeneca have been less specific, saying only they hope to have a vaccine by the end of the year. Last week, Modernas chief executive said the company was slightly slowing its enrollment in order to include more people from groups that had been most affected by Covid-19.
The PLA's claims come two days before S Jaishankar is slated to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 10 September in Moscow

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Monday claimed that Indian soldiers fired warning shots along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, prompting it to take take countermeasures to stabilise the situation on the ground.

NDTV quoted a PLA spokesperson as alleging that Indian troops "illegally crossed the LAC and entered the south bank of Pangong Lake and the Shenpao mountain area".

The spokesperson termed it a "serious provocation of a very bad nature" and added, "We request the Indian side to immediately stop dangerous actions."

However, India has denied firing shots along the LAC, News18 quoted government sources as saying.

A week ago, Indian troops occupied strategic heights on the south bank of Pangong Tso and Rechin La, which gives them a commanding view of the terrain in the Chushul sector, according to The Indian Express.

Through the occupation of the strategic heights, India is reportedly hoping to make the Chinese return to disengagement talks.

The Chinese army's claims came shortly after Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar said the state of the border with China cannot be de-linked from the state of the overall relationship with the neighbouring country.

The external affairs minister also described the situation in eastern Ladakh as "very serious" which, he said, calls for "very very deep conversation" between the two sides at a political level.

Jaishankar is set to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 10 September in Moscow on the sidelines of the meeting of the foreign ministers of the eight-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Last week, the Indian Army had said that the Chinese army had carried out "provocative military movements" to unilaterally change the status quo on the southern bank of Pangong Tso lake on the intervening night of 29 and 30 August.

Government sources had then told PTI that a sizeable number of Chinese troops were moving towards the southern bank of Pangong Tso lake in an attempt to occupy the area but the Indian Army quickly made significant deployment to foil the bid.

With inputs from PTI
On the run: The girl attempts to escape from the area of the protests. Photo: Reuters

Police tackled a 12-year-old girl to the ground and arrested her during protests in Hong Kong against delayed parliamentary elections.

A video widely shared online shows riot officers pushing the girl to the ground as she tried to dash away. She was later charged for allegedly violating coronavirus social distancing rules, police said.

The girl's mother said: "She was just trying to buy art supplies with her brother."

The video has sparked outrage online, gathering more than a million views on Twitter. On the local internet forum, LIHKG, one comment criticised the police for being "loud and impolite" like a "mad dog chasing after people who run".

In a statement on Facebook, the police said the girl was running in a "suspicious manner" that required officers to chase and subdue her with the use of "minimum force".

The arrest came amid demonstrations against delayed elections, with hundreds of protesters facing off against thousands of riot police.

Expand Close The girl is held on the ground by Hong Kong police. Photo: Reuters / Facebook

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About 290 people were arrested in one of the largest demonstrations since a draconian national security law was imposed by Beijing on the territory.

The new law, introduced on July 1, criminalises acts deemed as secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign collusion, making them punishable by life imprisonment.

Protest slogans and songs are banned and books deemed politically sensitive have been pulled from public library shelves.

During the protests, activists were arrested for a range of alleged infractions, including chanting anti-government protest slogans, engaging in unlawful assembly, misconduct in a public place, and failing to produce identification.

Clashes erupted on multiple occasions as police fired rounds of pepper balls while protesters hurled water bottles and an umbrella towards them. ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
By PTI

MUMBAI: After three days of interrogation, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Tuesday arrested Rhea Chakraborty in a drug case linked to actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death, following which she was sent in judicial custody till September 22 by a local court.

The court rejected Chakraborty's bail application. The NCB told the court that she was an "active member" of a drug syndicate and procured drugs for Rajput, her boyfriend.

The NCB, however, said it did not want her custody as it had already questioned her for three days.

She was produced by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) before an additional chief judicial magistrate through video- conference after her arrest.

Her lawyer Satish Maneshinde said they will approach sessions court for bail.

NCB told the court that she was confronted with all other accused including her brother Showik during her interrogation, and facts in their statements were verified.

Rhea disclosed her involvement in the procurement of drugs for Rajput and related financial transactions and also her instructions to co-accused Sammuel Miranda, Dipesh Sawant and Showik Chakraborty, it claimed.

"Therefore, it is clear from her statement that Rhea is an active member of the drugs syndicate connected with drug supplies," the agency said.

ALSO READ | Rhea Chakraborty's arrest hailed by NDA in Bihar; DGP says stand vindicated

The sections of the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act invoked against her include 8(c) (sale, possession or manufacture of banned drugs) and 20 (b) (ii) (possession or use of small quantity of banned drugs), as per her lawyers.

After the arrest, the 28-year-old Rhea was taken for medical tests including a COVID-19 test to the civic-run Sion hospital in Central Mumbai.

Before leaving for hospital in a vehicle with NCB officials, the actor, clad in black, waved at media persons.

At the hospital, her antigen test for COVID-19 came out negative, officials said.

She was then taken to the NCB office in south Mumbai around 7.15 pm, to be produced before the court through video-conference.

Speaking to media persons, Mutha Ashok Jain, NCB Deputy Director-General, South West region, said the central agency had enough evidence to arrest her.

But no contraband was recovered from her and the NCB doesn't need her custody for interrogation, he said.

"(The Persons) with whom we had to confront her, they were already in our custody. We are calling her for questioning for the last three days and after her interrogation we are satisfied," he said.

Earlier the NCB had arrested her brother Showik Chakraborty, Sushant Singh Rajput's manager Samuel Miranda and domestic help Dipesh Sawant in the case.

In the morning, when Rhea reached the NCB office at Ballard Estate in South Mumbai around 10.30 for questioning, she was seen carrying a bag.

In her TV interviews, she has maintained that she never took drugs. Her lawyer Satish Maneshinde called her arrest a "complete travesty of justice.

"Three central agencies hounding a single woman, just because she was in love with a drug addict and a person suffering from mental health issues," he added.

Rajput, who allegedly hanged himself at his Bandra residence here on June 14, had been treated by five leading psychiatrists in the city, Maneshinde claimed.

Rhea was recently interrogated by a CBI probe team as she is the main accused in the abetment of suicide case filed by Rajput's father, and also questioned by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case.

She has denied all the allegations many times.
TDT | Manama

Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) chief executive and National Committee to Combat Trafficking in person chairman Ausamah Abdulla Al Absi received yesterday US Embassy charge daffaires Margaret Nardi. The LMRA chief highlighted the efforts made by the Kingdom in the field of human rights and combatting the crime of trafficking in persons. He stressed the Kingdoms efforts in this regard.

He also emphasised Bahrains keenness to further develop the labour market and upgrade the existing systems, in order to achieve goals and preserve the rights of all. Al Absi referred to the proactive efforts made by the Kingdom to address the negative effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, explaining that Bahrain has launched a month-long grace period to rectify the conditions of free-visa expatriate workers, from the beginning of April until the end of 2020.

He also pointed out other measures taken, such as suspending the monthly work fees and the fees for issuing and renewing work permits for expatriate workers. The LMRA chief affirmed that these measures contribute to handling any layoffs, preserved the workers rights, and protected them from falling into the trap of extortion, exploitation or even trafficking.

For her part, the US embassy charge daffaires praised the pioneering role played by Bahrain in the field of human rights and preserving the rights of everyone, regardless of race, gender or religion. She praised the tireless efforts made by the Kingdom during the COVID-19 crisis, describing that as a pioneering model. She also lauded Bahrains periodic review o
* Chilean peso leads losses * Mexico's peso set to break 4-day winning streak * Trading volumes muted due to Brazil, U.S. holidays (Adds details, updates prices) By Susan Mathew and Ambar Warrick Sept 7 (Reuters) - Latin American currencies weakened in slim trade on Monday as commodity-linked currencies were pressured by signs of waning demand in China, while tensions between China and the United States also weighed on sentiment. Oil prices fell and gains in metal prices were capped after data showed that China's imports slipped in August, although exports surged. China is one of the largest export destinations for Latin America. Data also showed China's iron ore imports fell 10.9% in August from a month earlier, easing from a record high. News that Washington may impose sanctions on China's biggest chipmaker, SMIC, rattled markets with the possibility of retaliatory action from Beijing. Mexico's peso fell slightly and was set to break a four-day winning streak, despite official figures showing Mexico's measure of spending on machinery, equipment and new construction posted its biggest monthly rise on record in June after plummeting earlier in the coronavirus pandemic. Chile's peso led losses among its peers after data showed the value of shipments of copper fell 13.2% year-on-year in August to $2.761 billion, hit by a dip in production and low prices. Chile is the world's top world copper producer. Among stocks, Chile's IPSA index rose 1%, while Mexican stocks added about 0.5%. Trading volumes were muted due to market holidays in Brazil and the United States. In Argentina, the government said it successfully restructured over $40 billion of local-law foreign currency debt on Friday, on top of its recent $65 billion international bond revamp, which will help the country dig itself out of its ninth sovereign default. The peso, however, fell to new lows. It has been heavily controlled by the government after a spell of volatility last year. A central bank survey showed Argentina's economy is likely to contract 12% in 2020 due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a slightly more positive outlook than a month earlier. In another positive move, S&P Global Ratings on Monday upgraded Argentina's long-term sovereign credit rating to "CCC-plus" from "SD," citing the conclusion of prolonged foreign and local law foreign currency debt restructurings. Key Latin American stock indexes and currencies: Stock indexes Latest Daily % change MSCI Emerging Markets 1094.48 -0.46 MSCI LatAm 2012.57 0.17 Mexico IPC 36666.74 0.6 Chile IPSA 3854.64 1.16 Argentina MerVal 45766.26 1.533 Colombia COLCAP 1240.39 0.01 Currencies Latest Daily % change Mexico peso 21.5850 -0.09 Chile peso 774.7 -0.48 Colombia peso 3710 0.09 Peru sol 3.5357 -0.28 Argentina peso 74.6400 -0.27 (interbank) (Reporting by Susan Mathew in Bengaluru; Editing by Leslie Adler)
New Delhi, Sep 8 : K Rajaraman, Additional Secretary for Investment and IER in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, has said that there is a need to create an environment for fintech companies to partner large financial institutions and offer innovative solutions.

Addressing a web conference 'PICUP Fintech', organised by FICCI jointly with Indian Banks' Association (IBA), Rajaraman said: "With all the partnership that we have, we should be able to have an environment which enables fintech industry to innovate.

He noted that this scenario will provide better penetration of financial services, security, and lower cost of business and, ultimately, offer better convenience and comfort to the users.

Rajaraman further said that there are opportunities for fintech to collaborate with companies in the insurance and pension sectors also.

"There is an opportunity for us to harness and marry the fintech companies with the flagship programmes of the government. I urge the insurance industry to collaborate on micro insurance and micro pension schemes rolled out by the government," he said.

To promote innovations in the fintech sector, the officer said that most of the last- mile KYC and other issues are being sorted by the regulators.

"Securities and Exchange Board of India, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, and Reserve Bank of India have already rolled out regulatory sandbox, which will enable the next wave of innovations benefiting the financial services sector," he added.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April, 2019 in Beijing, China. Kenzaburo Fukuhara | Kyodo News | Getty Images

SINGAPORE  After more than four years in power, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is still struggling to show that his country has benefited from a closer alliance with China. In a dramatic shift in the Philippines' foreign policy, Duterte declared in 2016 the country's "separation" from the U.S.  a military ally  and announced closer ties with China. Among other things, the president also set aside his country's territorial dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea, in exchange for billions of dollars that China pledged in infrastructure investments. But much of that promised investment has not materialized, with projects delayed or shelved, while anti-Chinese rhetoric has grown louder within Duterte's own government and among the Philippine public.

So on all counts, Duterte is increasingly accused of having abased himself before Beijing and gotten nothing for it. Greg Poling Center for Strategic and International Studies

"China has launched just two of the pledged infrastructure projects  a bridge and an irrigation project  and both have hit major snags that could scuttle them altogether," said Greg Poling, senior fellow for Southeast Asia and director of Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "Beijing has also not backed off on harassing Filipino forces and civilians in the South China Sea. So on all counts, Duterte is increasingly accused of having abased himself before Beijing and gotten nothing for it," Poling told CNBC in an email.

Rising domestic political pressure

Duterte's conciliatory approach toward China is not shared by most of the Philippine public, who continue to view other global and regional powers more favorably. In a July survey by pollster Social Weather Stations, Filipinos were found to trust the U.S. and Australia more than China. Notably, trust in China was worse than the same survey conducted in December last year. Such deterioration in public sentiment against China coincided with the coronavirus pandemic  which ravaged the Philippine economy  and Beijing's continued aggression in the South China Sea, where the two countries have overlapping territorial claims.

All that "increased domestic political pressure on Duterte to recalibrate his pivot to China," Peter Mumford, practice head for Southeast and South Asia at Eurasia Group, told CNBC via email. The Philippines in recent months made several foreign policy moves against China that analysts said were noteworthy coming from the Duterte government: In April, the country's foreign affairs department released a statement that showed solidarity with Vietnam after a Chinese surveillance vessel rammed and sank a Vietnamese fishing boat in the South China Sea;

The department released another statement in July on the anniversary of an international tribunal ruling that dismissed China's territorial claim of nearly 90% of the South China Sea, and called on Beijing to comply with the verdict. The Philippines and China have for years clashed over competing claims in the resource-rich sea, through which trillions of dollars of global trade good pass annually. The Philippines  under former President Benigno Aquino III  took China to court. In 2016, shortly after Duterte took office, an international tribunal ruled that portions claimed by both countries belong to the Philippines alone. China ignored the ruling. Critics said Duterte did little to demand compliance from Beijing. Even as China-skeptic voices within his administration grew, Duterte stayed mostly silent, analysts noted.

Running out of time

As a whole, remarks critical of China from Duterte's own cabinet "do not signal an imminent shift in the administration's stance towards China," said Dereck Aw, a senior analyst at Control Risks. He explained to CNBC that those comments "should be viewed as deliberate attempts to placate domestic stakeholders, such as growing parts of military and the public, that are skeptical about Duterte's China policy."
In a historic mission today, India successfully flight tested Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) DRDO declared on Twitter.



This indigenously-developed HSTDV is powered by a scramjet engine, which will serve as the building block for next-generation hypersonic cruise missiles.

DRDO with this mission, has demonstrated capabilities for highly complex technology that will serve as the building block for NextGen Hypersonic vehicles in partnership with industry.  DRDO (@DRDO_India) September 7, 2020

DRDO has called this a giant leap in indigenous defence technologies and significant milestone towards an atmanirbhar Bharat.

Chairman DRDO congratulated all the scientists, researchers and other personnel related with HSTDV mission for their resolute and unwavering efforts towards strengthening Nations defence capabilities.

Also Read: Chandrayaan-3 To Be Launched In Early 2021, Will Not Include Orbiter

Twitter

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO scientists for the 'landmark achievement' and said that with the successful HSTDV flight test, using the indigenously developed scramjet propulsion system, all critical technologies have now been established to progress to the next phase.

Successful flight test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island off the cost of Odisha today. pic.twitter.com/7SstcyLQVo    / RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 7, 2020

The HSTDV test was conducted from the Dr Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast at 11.03 am. It is designed to cruise at Mach 6 speed and it is aimed at demonstrating autonomous flight of a scramjet integrated vehicle, which can have multiple civilian applications, including launching satellites at a low-cost, as well as military uses in the shape of long-range cruise missiles, TOI reports.

DRDO with this mission, has demonstrated capabilities for highly complex technology that will serve as the building block for NextGen Hypersonic vehicles in partnership with industry, DRDO posted on Twitter.

Also Read: ISRO Is Planning To Create 'Moon Craters' In Karnataka

DRDO today successfully demonstrated the Hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology with the flight test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV).



Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh has congratulated Team @DRDO_India for this landmark achievement. pic.twitter.com/WMPhVzvAJx    / RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 7, 2020

Only three other countries - US, Russia and China, have demonstrated this capability till now.

A scramjet engine operates efficiently at hypersonic speeds and allows supersonic combustion in comparison ramjet engine operate well at supersonic speeds around Mach 3 but their efficiency drops at hypersonic speeds.

In June last year, the maiden launch of HSTDV, powered by the solid rocket motor of an Agni ballistic missile, had failed. However, with the recent success, India has joined the top three nations in the hypersonic missile club.
The author of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's biography Finding Freedom has told how he is 'grateful' that it is still 'riding high' as a bestseller a month after its release date.

The controversial biography written by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand has raised eyebrows for its gushing praise and intimate knowledge of the Duke, 35, and the Duchess of Sussex, 39 - but the Duke and Duchess of Sussex claim they were not interviewed and did not contribute to the book.

Taking to Instagram, royal correspondent-turned-author Omid addressed his 22, 000 followers and penned: 'So grateful to see Finding Freedom still riding high on The Sunday Times bestseller list almost a month since release. Thank you again for the continued support.'

To those asking for more language options, the list is growing (15 and counting!) and we'll have more details soon...'

Omid Scobie (pictured), who co-wrote Finding Freedom with Carolyn Durand, has taken to Instagram to say he's 'grateful' that the biography is still 'riding high' on The Sunday Time best seller list almost a MONTH since it was first released

The biography (pictured) offers a window into Meghan and Harry's lives during their time as senior royals, and is full of details on their shock exit from the royal family

It comes after the book was declared a bestseller with 31,000 copies sold in the UK in the first five days of its release, according to figures from data provider Nielsen Book.

The book has also topped Amazon US and Amazon UK best-sellers charts.

The biography offers a window into Meghan and Harry's lives during their time as senior royals, and is full of details on their shock exit from the royal family.

It addresses the alleged rift between brothers Harry and William, as well as the relationship between their wives.

Omid went on to reassure those asking for more language options, that 'the list is growing' - with 15 and counting! (pictured)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 on March 9, 2020 in London

Scobie said that while they did not interview the couple, 'many' friends gave them insights - providing 'a lens to the couple through their friends and their circle of aides'.

The royal commentator gave several high-profile interviews to publicise the book in the week since its release.

But royal expert Katie Nicholl said the authors may be the 'only winners' from the publication of Finding Freedom.

Writing in Vanity Fair, she asked if the book was 'worth it for Harry and Meghan' before adding: 'The irony of Finding Freedom is that, locked down in their rented mansion in LA, the Sussexes have less freedom than they did when they lived in Windsor.'

Meanwhile she added that the book's authors write that the monarchy had lost two of its greatest assets.

She concluded: 'They, perhaps, might be the only winners in this rather sad story.'

The book had reached number one on Amazon's Top 10 New York bestseller in 24 hours list on the day of its release for pre-order.

Meanwhile in July, 14 days before its release, the biography also topped the media giant's bestsellers list as royal fans rushed to pre-order their copy.
EAST LANSING, MI  Michigan State University has 124 students who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus since Aug. 30, and officials say large gatherings are probably to blame.

The majority of the 124 students live off-campus, according to a university news release. The numbers only reflect students tested at an MSU location, or self-reported a positive test, because students are not required to report to MSU or use MSUs testing, the release states.

The increase of positive COVID-19 cases is likely connected to multiple large student gatherings throughout East Lansing since mid-August, officials said, adding it doesnt appear they are the result of one particular event.

Two MSU employees also have tested positive for COVID-19, per the universitys database. That number is up from one employee during the week of Aug. 24. During that same week, three students tested positive, per the universitys database.

Moving classes online was best decision for public health, Michigan State University president says

Everyone who tested positive was told to self-isolate and contact tracing was started, according to the release.

President Samuel Stanley Jr. announced Aug. 18 that MSU would do remote learning and only a small number of students would be allowed to move into the dorms. Undergraduate classes started Sept. 3.

Some students are attending large gatherings without wearing a mask, which is the fastest way to spread the coronavirus, Stanley, who is also a medical doctor, said in the release.

This increase in positive cases among students is disappointing, but not unexpected, Stanley said in the release. This spike in cases should serve as a wake-up call to our community about the importance of personal responsibility and following health guidelines. Please, avoid large gatherings, wear a face covering, practice physical distancing and wash your hands frequently.

Michigan reports 11 coronavirus outbreaks at K-12 schools and 11 on college campuses

Stanley met with MSUs Greek Life to discuss requirements for conduct, the release states. MSU is also asking people in the East Lansing area to join the COVID-19 Early Detection Program, which is supposed to identify and manage areas that could have future outbreaks.

Since Aug. 7, people in downtown East Lansing are required to wear masks both indoors and outdoors. Stanley and East Lansing Mayor Aaron Stephens created a video to tell people about safety expectations.

Everyone must be vigilant and must follow safety guidelines, Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail said in the release. The health department is working in close partnership with the university and the city of East Lansing, but we need the students to join us in our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Michigan has 107,371 positive cases across the state, with 6,538 deaths, as of Monday, Sept. 7.

Read more from MLive.com:

Michigan sees 1,156 new coronavirus cases Sunday and Monday

With Michigan casinos operating at limited capacity, state officials look to move up start of online betting

Barricaded gunman arrested in Jackson after countywide search for gunfire suspects
When Kangana Said That She Was Once A Drug Addict In A Video Posted On Her Instagram Handle

What is interesting to note is that Kangana herself had admitted that she was once addicted to drugs. In a recent video posted on her Instagram handle, dated March 2020, Kangana said, "When I left home, within one or two years I was a film star. I was a drug addict. My life was in such a turmoil that I was in hands of such people that only death could have helped me in coming out of situations. Such dangerous things happened in life while I was still a teenager. Just think how dangerous I am."

Kangana's Own Statements Incriminate Her

Rhea Chakraborty has been arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau which is investigating the drug angle of Sushant case. The arrest has been made under Sections 8 (c), 20 (b), 27 (a), 28 and 29 of NDPS Act.

Section 8 (c) prohibits, among others, the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and Section 20 (b) prohibits, among others, the use of cannabis.

In this regard, Kangana's own admission of having used drugs in the past incriminates her of having committed offences under the NDPS Act.

"Who Was Supplying Her Drugs?" Asked Sachin Sawant

Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant, who has asked the NCB to probe Kangana's drug links, was quoted as saying, "Some videos have emerged in which Kangana Ranaut has confessed that she was a drug addict. Who was supplying her drugs? The NCB which is probing the matter, should go and investigate her."

Kangana Declares She Will Leave Mumbai If Links Are Found

"I am more than happy to oblige @MumbaiPolice@AnilDeshmukhNCP please do my drug tests investigate my call records if you find any links to drug peddlers ever I will accept my mistake and leave Mumbai forever, looking forward to meet you," tweeted Kangana.

Other Such Declarations Made By Kangana

Declarations such as these which fly in the face of facts, evidence and her own previous statements, may seem illogical but are not uncommon and are in fact characteristic of Kangana.

She had recently said that she will return her Padma Shri if she could not produce evidence that the movie mafia' is responsible for Sushant Singh Rajput's death.

Kangana has done neither.

Instead, she has continued to make more such absurd statements for which she gathers a social media following that refuses to see reason.
The prime minister witnessing the MoU signing ceremony between the MPI's Foreign Investment Agency and JETRO at the Government Office

Yesterday (September 7, 2020), the Vietnamese prime minister met Japanese businesses who are planning to invest in Vietnam. The meeting takes place when the Japanese government has released financial assistances for its businesses to relocate to other countries, including Vietnam. The first 15 enterprises receiving support from the Japanese government have announced plans to relocate to Vietnam.

Lauding Japanese firms as serious and reputable investors who keep an eye out for environmental protection, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc confirmed that Vietnam is large enough for them to develop any investment and business plans, restructure strategies, and relocate the supply chains of Japanese investors.

Japanese ambassador Yamada Takio confirmed that a lot of Japanese businesses are interested in Vietnam as a destination in the "new normal" after COVID-19. He also proposed to resume transport between the two countries, emphasised accelerating the disbursement of public investment projects, mobilise more FDI into Vietnam, as well as improve the credit ranks of Vietnam.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that in addition to issuing some amended laws, the government has already established a task force to attract more FDI and support big investors with investment procedures. In the new normal, Vietnam is going to resume commercial flights to some safe countries, including Japan, with shorter entry procedures, ensuring both pandemic prevention and facilitating business.

At the meeting, Japanese investors also discussed ways to improve human resources, develop some new industries, supporting industries, and research and development.

The representative of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) proposed creating some investment incentives in manufacturing industries, infrastructure, and energy in public-private partnership (PPP) projects, or allow Japanese companies to contribute capital to state-owned enterprises.

For example, in Japan, there are a lot of "satellite" businesses partnering and supporting big companies, establishing a strong and complex manufacturing chain. Thus, Vietnam should lure the entire chain to relocate to the country, instead of only the big enterprise.

Therefore, JCCI suggested the Vietnamese government to consider applying special incentives for large-scale investment projects and whole supply chains (instead of one business only).
Stung by the criticism of the CPI-M that blamed the Congress party for political murders of two of their cadres, two-time former Congress Chief Minister claimed that it was the CPI-M which was responsible for the murders in Kannur district, which is traditionally known as the bastion of the red party.

Quoting the figures which he said he got through RTI, Chandy alleged that starting from 1984 to 2018, in Kannur district there were 125 political murders.

"In 78 of these murders CPI-M workers are accused, BJP for 39 other parties 7, while the Congress is accused in just one case. However the maximum killings are attributed to BJP at 52, CPI-M at 46, Congress 19 and others 7," said Chandy.

Chandy also pointed out there is no proper and authentic data about this topic for the past five decades.

"During 1996-2001, when the Left ruled, Kannur district witnessed 30 murders and it came down to 10 when the UDF ruled from 2001-06. Likewise it rose to 30 during 2006-11, when the Left returned to power, only to see the numbers again coming down to 11 when the UDF was in office from 2011-16," said Chandy and added that only the UDF can maintain proper law and order in the state.

Chandy also said that at the moment five political murders in Kannur district are being probed by the CBI.

--IANS

sg/kr

(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.)
TDT | Manama

More than 3,000 volunteers of different ages and nationalities have so far received a dose of the inactivated coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine since the start of phase three clinical trials in Bahrain last month, the Ministry of Health announced yesterday.

The ministry indicated that work is progressing in full swing at Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre to receive volunteers who wish to join the #4Humanity campaign. The ministry affirmed the importance of cooperation and participation in supporting national efforts aimed at confronting the COVID-19 pandemic and limiting its spread, and stressed that volunteering is crucial in developing a safe and effective jab that protects society and humanity.

The ministry praised all those who have come forward to date to take part in the trials. It also hailed the efforts of medical and administrative staff who have received the volunteers and conducted medical examinations of them, while providing all the necessary care in monitoring their health and ensuring their safety.

Volunteers are welcome to visit the centre between 8am and 8pm every day as the medical team continues to follow up on applicants, who will need to go through a thorough screening process, as per the approved protocol. The phase three Bahrain trials are being held in collaboration with UAE-based artificial intelligence company G42 Healthcare, and it aims to involve 6,000 citizen and resident volunteers.

The vaccine has been developed by Sinopharm CNBG, the sixth largest producer of vaccines in the world. The Bahrain trials are set to be conducted over 12 months, and they follow the success of the first two phases of clinical trials held across China. The trials are open to interested volunteers above the age of 18, who do not suffer from chronic or underlying conditions.
ORLANDO, Florida, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- HostDime, a pioneer in global edge data center infrastructure, has earned the coveted Tier III Design Certification from the acclaimed Uptime Institute for their 20,000 square foot data center in Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil. This comes at a time when high availability global data centers are so vital with the current pandemic.

Uptime Institute's standards are recognized worldwide for data center availability, reliability, and overall efficiencies; they are the industry standard for Design and Construction excellence.

HostDime Brazil's eye-catching, vertical facility has the great distinction of being the first Tier III data center in the entire state of Paraiba. It is the first state between Sergipe and Rio Grande do Norte to meet these international standards. The data center facility was inaugurated in 2017 and underwent a rigorous process to achieve this design certification. HostDime's in-house engineers acted as the sole developer and design engineer for the facility.

"The certification obtained by HostDime Brazil confirms compliance with our internationally recognized standards. The entire process was followed from beginning to end by a team of national and international engineers who oversaw every detail of the design of the project," said Mozart Mello, CEO, Uptime Institute Brazil.

Facilities must pass strict design requirements covering mechanical, electrical, structural, and site elements. Tier III data centers must have a maximum downtime of 1.6 hours per year and 240 uninterrupted hours of activity in case of a power outage. Uptime Institute certified facilities signal to investors, customers, and the marketplace that the infrastructure will have 24/7 availability.

Currently, global edge data centers are at the forefront of the massive digital movement due to Covid-19. Many have shifted to work from home, businesses have shifted to online order, and more applications have moved to the "cloud", aka moving more data to purpose-built data centers. Societal activity has moved toward more online activities, driving consumption and the need for data centers more than ever.

Globally localized edge data centers like HostDime's Brazil data center are ideal for national and international enterprises looking to place their mission-critical workloads and data closer to the end users in Brazil, the largest country in Latin America. With a population of nearly 220 million, having data locally in Brazil to serve these users is vital. Backhauling data outside the country adds undesirable latency. Separately, there is a massive global need for more localized uses at the edge, with streaming video, video conferencing, and the IoT at an all time high, as well as the upcoming 5G adoption. Data centers are the backbone of this global digital movement.

Since construction completed in 2017, the data center has operated with a standard Tier III structure proven by independent audits. The Uptime Institute certification shows a continuous search for excellence in HostDime's operations.

"Proving excellence in our infrastructure paves the way for Brazil's much needed data center ecosystem. It also strengthens the global character that HostDime has; to offer the high availability of a certified data center confirms we are part of this new cloud edge adoption here in Brazil." - Filipe Mendes, CEO, HostDime Brazil.

HostDime Brazil also boasts other certifications, like ISO 27001, which ensures a high quality in Information Security management, and ISO 20000, that validates the management of quality of IT services, and SOC 2 Type 2, which confirms the security and high availability of customer data. HostDime is also proudly a "Great Place to Work" certified company.

About HostDime Global Corp

HostDime.com, Inc. is a global data center infrastructure provider offering an array of cloud products from bare metal servers to colocation services that cater to a range of clients, from entry to enterprise-level operations. Since 2003, HostDime has built data centers with humble beginnings in Florida. HostDime designed purpose-built and privately-owned data centers in Florida, USA as well as Mexico, Colombia and Brazil, and operates data centers in partner facilities in Hong Kong, India, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

HostDime.com, Inc. currently has over 350 employees globally. Consistently ranked as one of the most reputable global data center providers, HostDime has 15+ years of experience and 25,000+ active clients.

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Durham, NH - After a fraternity party at the University of New Hampshire, now a cluster of coronavirus infections has been linked by the health officials to the event that was organized inside the school premises.

The Department of Health and Human Services of the state of New Hampshire shared on Sunday that they are currently investigating the potential outbreak that was connected to the event of the Theta Chi last weekend.

Officials coming from the University of New Hampshire released that over 100 individuals are present to the event on August 29 which also includes students but the alarming side was the non-wearing of masks by the event attendees, CNN reported.

The officials also added that eleven individuals linked to the party organized by the Theta Chi have tested positive with COVID-19.

President of the University of New Hampshire, James W. Dean Jr. shared in a statement that he wants to make clear that reckless behavior is the kind of behavior that undermines the planning of the academic institution and will lead them to shift to a fully remote mode teaching and learning.

University Parties Cause Cluster of Cases

The latest cluster at campuses all over the country has most of them linked the issue to parties conducted by fraternities.

It is a major challenge for colleges and universities to prevent such big parties and events within their premises.

Moreover, the University of Notre Dame and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill have sent students to their respective homes to have their virtual classes after the cases arose just days into the semester.

Read also: Coronavirus Cure? Studies Using Virgin Coconut Oil as Treatment Ongoing

On the other hand, officials coming from the academic institutions Northeastern University and New York University have suspended their respective students who they found out participated in the gatherings that violated the imposed safety protocols that should be observed in such events.

Earlier this summer, clusters of coronavirus cases were linked by three schools such as the University of California, Berkeley, University of Washington, and the University of Mississippi to the parties that were conducted by the fraternities.

Students Involved to Face Conduct Charges

The University of New Hampshire shared that they will pursue student conduct charges against the people who attended the party and the organizers of the event.

According to CBS News, school officials also stated that they suspended the responsible fraternity for the event, the Theta Chi fraternity.

Despite the bad news that was brought by the said event that resulted to the new string of cases of COVID-19, still, the President of the University shared in the message to the campus community that the overwhelming majority of the learners were abiding to the safety measures that was imposed by the academic institution.

Based on the latest count of the state, New Hampshire has tallied 7,447 coronavirus cases as of Sunday. But despite the alarming rise of cases in the state due to the recent events, still, the state of New Hampshire is still thankful as 91% of the cases that were reported have recovered already with only 248 cases that are active.



Related article: Maine Wedding Dubbed as COVID 'Super-Spreader' Records 3 Deaths, 144 Cases

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
After an incident of firing that took place on LAC on Tuesday, China has claimed that the Indian soldiers had crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and fired warning shots in the south bank of Pangong Lake in Ladakh. Indian Army has refuted these claims in a latest statement and called out China's lies.

Chinese soldiers fired in the air while attempting to close in on Indian positions across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the Indian Army said today adding that Chinese PLA troops has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres.

The firing is apparently taking place on the LAC after a halt of almost four decades. In a detailed statement the Army said on Tuesday that the Chinese troops yesterday were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate.

The Armys statement came after China claimed that Indian troops illegally crossed the LAC near Pangong Tso on Monday and accordingly Chinese troops were forced to take countermeasures to stabilise the situation. It added that despite this provocation, the Indian troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a responsible manner.

Also read: After abducting 5 Arunachali youth, China provokes again says never recognised so called Arunachal Pradesh

Also read: Sushant Singh Rajput death case LIVE news updates: Rhea files forgery case against Sushants family over alleged fake prescriptions

Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility, however, it is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs, it further said and refuted the statement by the Western Theatre Command (one of the five commands of Chinas PLA) as an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience.

Earlier, sources told ANI that an incident of firing had taken place on the LAC in the Eastern Ladakh sector where troops of India and China have been engaged in a stand-off for over three months.

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.

India and China have been engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including the 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.

Also read: India enters elite club, successfully tests indigenously made hypersonic vehicle, Rajnath congratulates DRDO chief
The community free fridge is stocked and looking abundant. My heart is so full but I could use some help! I need people to tape up and hand out flyers today in the Bethlehem area! Message me for more details  Posted by Liz Blasco on Sunday, September 6, 2020

A project aimed at providing free fresh food to underprivileged communities has its first fridge up and running in the Lehigh Valley.

The Fridge For The People LV project is working to post refrigerators around the region, giving easy access to fresh and nutritious food to all community members in need.

Organizers Liz Blasco, of Easton, and Melanie Lino, of West Bethlehem, got their first fridge running and stocked this weekend, outside The Flying V restaurant, 201 E. Third St. in Bethlehem.

As of Tuesday, the fridge was teeming with fresh vegetables, eggs, milk, butter and prepared foods.

Blasco saw community fridges from around the world popping up on social media. Lino recently started Afros in Nature, which offers grassroots support for BIPOC in nature as a source of healing, and heard Blasco was working on a fridge project.

We kind of joined forces, Blasco said. Were trying to get as many fridges in the Lehigh Valley as possible.

The pair spoke of areas prone to poverty that become food deserts, where residents have limited access to affordable and healthier food options.

While Little Free Pantries and similar neighborhood projects focus on dry and non-perishable goods, the fridges offer fresh produce and prepared foods, without people having to find transportation to go get it, Blasco said.

Lino, who owns Made by Lino and Lit Coffee Roaster & Bakeshop, discussed how it is easy for some residents to have a fresh salad or a fresh grain bowl, but that cost, access to ingredients and a place to cook with them is out of reach for others.

Keeping people healthy and nourished is important, she said.

Getting the project from idea to stocking the shelves took a different manner of logistics.

I learned very quickly the cost of transporting the fridge is a lot more than I thought it would be, especially because they have to be transported upright, Blasco said.

Planning also includes building shelters over the fridges to protect them from the elements, separate storage for dry goods and supplies to keep rodents out.

Were just troubleshooting all of the things, so they are safe and not a burden to anyone who wants to host, Blasco said.

After working to stock and protect the Bethlehem fridge, the pair are now looking for more fridges, hosting locations and supplies to expand. They have their sights on spaces in Allentown next, including a new nonprofit cafe space Lino is working on in the coming months.

We havent tackled Easton, but well get there, Lino said.

They are also partnering with the Lehigh Valley Period Project, which collects monetary donations and donations of new and unused period products to be distributed around the Lehigh Valley.

Information on how to volunteer, donate, host a fridge or provide supplies can be found on the fridges Instagram account.

The first Fridge For The People LV sits on Bethlehem's South Side.Sarah Cassi | For lehighvalleylive.com

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Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com.
Dublin has suffered a surge in Covid-19 cases in recent weeks with 201 newly infected people reported over the weekend.

Given the size of its population, areas of social deprivation and higher levels of movement of people, it is no surprise it is the county that has clocked up the largest number of cases during the pandemic. But what is triggering this latest surge?

Worst-hit areas

The impact of the spread is not being felt equally across the capital. In the two weeks to last Saturday, the highest number of cases was in Dublin north with 131 infections, followed by north-west with 130 - built up areas with a lot of young people.

Dublin south city, which has flat complexes, had 100 cases and the south-west, including large suburbs, had 110 new diagnoses. Dublin south and south east had lower numbers.

Socialising

GPs are reporting an increase in calls from patients with possible symptoms but the numbers turning out to be positive can be low.

They are seeing people who have been told they were a close contact of somebody who has tested positive for Covid and are urged to have a test themselves, although not feeling unwell.

Acting chief medical officer Ronan Glynn has recently appealed to Dubliners to reduce their social contacts. So some of the spread is due to get-togethers where there is not enough physical distancing.

Living conditions

Dr Niall O'Cleirigh, an inner-city GP, pointed to the difficulty in telling his patients who live in small local authority flats to self-isolate if they have the virus.

The HSE offers the Citywest hotel, 9km from city centre, to some people who cannot self-isolate. Dr O'Cleirigh said this may be akin to telling an inner-city resident to go to the Aran Islands.

Community transmission

Dr Andrew Jordan, a GP in the sprawling suburb of Tallaght in south west Dublin, said it was difficult to pinpoint what was happening in the community to lead to the rise in spread. He observes good compliance with Covid-19 rules generally.

However, there may be more virus circulating in Dublin that cannot be accounted for. Around one in five people diagnosed in the capital do not know the source, compared to one in three nationally.

Dr Jordan said he had also recent experience of a nursing home - which managed to have no cases of Covid-19 during its worst months - report three cases among residents, all of whom are doing well. This ties in the with the fear that if there is greater community transmission locally, it could weave its way back into nursing homes.

Hospitalisations

The numbers of patients with confirmed Covid-19 in Dublin hospitals on Sunday remained low. The highest was in Beaumont with 16 cases, followed by St James's Hospital with six, and four in Tallaght Hospital. Five others were spread among the Mater Hospital, Connolly Hospital and St Vincent's Hospital.
KYIV, Ukraine - A leading opposition activist in Belarus was held on the border with Ukraine on Tuesday after she resisted an attempt by authorities to deport her as part of government efforts to end a month of protests against authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Maria Kolesnikova, a member of the Coordination Council created by the opposition to facilitate talks with the longtime leader on a transition of power, had been detained Monday in the capital of Minsk along with two other council members.

They were driven early Tuesday to the border, where authorities told them to cross into Ukraine. When they arrived in a no-mans land between the countries, Kolesnikova ripped her passport into small pieces to make it impossible for the authorities to expel her. She remained in custody on the Belarusian side of the border after the incident.

Two other council members who crossed into Ukraine, Ivan Kravtsov and Anton Rodnenkov, described Kolesnikovas action with open admiration.

She was shouting that she wont go anywhere, Rodnenkov said at a news conference in Kyiv. Sitting in the car, she saw her passport on a front seat and tore it into many small fragments, crumpled them and threw them out of the window. After that, she opened the back door and walked back to the Belarusian border.

He said that Maria is in great shape, full of energy and spirits, as always.

Anton Bychkovsky, spokesman for Belarus Border Guard Committee, confirmed she is in the custody of Belarusian authorities but refused to give any details of what happened on the border.

Belarus has used similar tactics to force other opposition figures to leave the country, seeking to end a month of demonstrations that followed the reelection of Lukashenko in a vote that protesters see as rigged. Lukashenko has ruled the country for 26 years, relentlessly stifling dissent and keeping most of the economy in state hands.

The 66-year-old former state farm director has rejected criticism from the United States and the European Union, which said the Aug. 9 election was neither free nor fair and shrugged off their demands to open a dialogue with the opposition.

In Washington, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement state the U.S. and its allies are considering additional sanctions targeted at Belarus, and he expressed concern about the attempt expulsion of Kalesnikava.

We commend the courage of Ms. Kalesnikava and of the Belarusian people in peacefully asserting their right to pick their leaders in free and fair elections in the face of unjustified violence and repression by the Belarusian authorities, which included brazen beatings of peaceful marchers in broad daylight and hundreds of detentions September 6, as well as increasing reports of abductions, Pompeo said.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition challenger to Lukashenko, left for Lithuania a day after the election under pressure from authorities.

Addressing the Council of Europes Parliamentary Assembly on Tuesday, Tsikhanuskaya called for international sanctions against Lukashenko and other government officials.

We need international pressure on this regime, on this one individual, desperately clinging onto power, she said.

Tsikhanouskaya stated that Lukashenko doesnt have any legitimacy after stealing the vote, warning other countries against deals with the Belarusian government.

He does not represent Belarus anymore, she said.

In separate comments about the attempt to expel Kolesnikova, Tsikhanouskaya praised her as a real hero, and said that such actions are incapable of breaking the will of the people or their desire to change their countrys future.

Kolesnikova, a 38-year-old flute player who led a popular arts centre, entered politics just before the election. She led the campaign headquarters of a top potential challenger to Lukashenko, and when he was barred from running and jailed on charges widely seen as political, she joined Tsikhanouskayas campaign.

Another associate of Tsikhanouskaya, Antonina Konovalova, disappeared Tuesday after a court fined her for taking part in a weekend protest.

As evening fell, police dispersed several hundred demonstrators rallying in Minsk in solidarity with Kolesnikova and detained at least 45 protesters, according to the Viasna human rights centre.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed very serious concern at the repeated use of force against peaceful protesters, as well as reported pressures on opposition civil society activists, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

The U.N. chiefs message is that the Belarusian people should be able to exercise their political and constitutional rights peacefully in a democratic environment, the spokesman said, and the current crisis that were seeing in Belarus needs to be resolved through an inclusive dialogue amongst the Belarusian people.

After a brutal crackdown on protesters by police in the initial days after the vote that stoked international outrage and swelled the ranks of protesters, authorities in Belarus have switched to threats and selective arrests of activists and demonstrators.

Belarusian prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into members of the Coordination Council, accusing them of undermining national security by calling for a transition of power. Several council members were arrested and others were called for questioning.

Last week, Pavel Latushko, a former minister of culture and ambassador to France who joined the opposition council, travelled to Poland after facing threats and being questioned. His departure came a day after Lukashenko warned that Latushko had crossed a red line and would face prosecution.

On Saturday, Tsikhanouskaya associate Olga Kovalkova also moved to Poland after the authorities threatened to jail her for a long time if she refused to leave the country.

Kovalkova said agents of the Belarusian State Security Committee, or KGB, put her into a car, where she was told to lie on the floor, unaware where they were taking her. She was dropped off in no-mans land between the Belarus and Poland border, and Polish border guards asked a bus driver headed for Poland to take her on board.

The French Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation of arbitrary arrests and the practice of forced exiles of several members of the Coordination Council, as well as of numerous demonstrators in recent days.

We call on Belarus authorities to end without delay these actions, to free those arbitrarily detained, and open a national dialogue, the ministry said.

Despite the pressure on opposition activists, daily protests have continued and crowds have swelled on the weekends. An estimated 100,000 attended a rally Sunday, despite heavy rain.

Speaking in an interview with Russian journalists, Lukashenko said its tragic for him to face massive protests, but insisted that he has retained the support of most of the country.

I must protect what has been built with our hands, protect the people who have built it, and they are an overwhelming majority, he said.

Amid Western criticism, Lukashenko has relied on support from Moscow, his main sponsor and ally. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he stands ready to send police to Belarus on Lukashenkos request if rallies turn violent but there is no need for that yet.

Lukashenko blamed the U.S. for instigating the protests and warned Russia that it could face similar demonstrations in the future.

If Belarus collapses today, Russia will come next, he said.

Observers say Lukashenko hopes to stem the protests with selective repressions against the opposition leaders and soothe public anger with vague talk about constitutional reform and a new election at an unspecified date. The Kremlin has endorsed his promise of such a reform.

The authorities scenario is clear  push all the leaders out of the country and step up repressions against demonstrators while imitating a dialogue on a constitutional reform under the patronage of the Kremlin, said Valery Karbalevich, an independent Minsk-based analyst. Lukashenko hopes that the rallies of 100,000 will fizzle after the expulsion of opposition leaders, but so far it has had an opposite effect, helping fuel more protests.

___

Associated Press writers Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow, Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Elaine Ganley in Paris and Monika Scislowska in Warsaw, Poland, contributed to this report.

___

Follow all AP stories on the developments in Belarus at https://apnews.com/Belarus

Read more about:
Firefighters make their way up a hill as the El Dorado fire approaches in Yucaipa on Saturday. (Los Angeles Times)

Gender reveal parties, the pointless trend in which expectant parents think up increasingly bizarre ways to communicate to their friends and family whether their baby will have a penis or a vagina, would be harmful even if one wasnt responsible for the 10,000-acre El Dorado fire currently burning in San Bernardino.

For one thing, they conflate biological sex with gender identity. A fuzzy ultrasound image of a penis doesnt necessarily mean your kid will identify as a boy  much less one who likes blue more than pink and trucks more than tiaras. About 1.4 million adults in America are transgender. Thats small as a percentage, but its more people than the population of 10 U.S. states. (When was the last time you heard someone argue that citizens of Rhode Island dont actually exist?)

For my age group, Gen Z, this is common knowledge. More than a third of Gen Zers personally know someone who uses gender-neutral pronouns. Almost 60% agree there are valid gender identities beyond man and woman. Neither of these realities can be captured by a pink-blue binary. Gender reveal parties  a misnomer, since all they reveal is a babys sex  are regressive, antiquated and reinforce harmful gender stereotypes. And thats just the ones that go right.

Because the ones that go wrong have a body count.

The El Dorado fire has so far forced 20,000 people to evacuate. Its only 7% contained and could get much worse as gusty winds pick up. And it started during a gender reveal photo shoot, when a couple set off a pyrotechnic device meant to produce colored smoke  pink or blue, naturally. In a grassy field during triple-digit heat, the blaze spread quickly.

El Dorado isnt the first wildfire to have been sparked by a gender-reveal stunt. In 2017, a similarly explosive gender reveal in Arizona set off a 47,000-acre fire that caused more than $8 million in damage. (It was a boy, in case youre wondering.) (Or at least it had a penis.)

In 2018, another pyrotechnic gender stunt set off a car fire in Australia.

Story continues

And in 2019, a woman in Iowa was killed by a gender reveal pipe bomb.

This dangerous gender-reveal one-upmanship has gotten so bad that the blogger credited with kicking off the trend back in 2008, Jenna Karvunidis, took to Facebook to beg people to cut it out.

Stop it. Stop having these stupid parties. For the love of God, stop burning things down to tell everyone about your kid's penis. No one cares but you," wrote Karvunidis.

If youre thinking of having an elaborate and explosive gender reveal party, please take Karvunidis advice and just dont. (Really, dont have a gender reveal party at all! But Im just an overly woke twentysomething. What do I know?)

And if you absolutely must tell the world what kind of junk your future kid is working with? Please, Im begging you: stick to a cake.
FHI2020-Insights



September 8, 2020



61% of younger doctors ranked telehealth as the digital health technology that would have most improved their experiences during COVID-19, overtaking artificial intelligence (AI) (53%)

47% of younger doctors reported greater appreciation from patients; 44% experienced greater collaboration with colleagues across different skill sets

Only 9% of younger doctors surveyed are more likely to leave medicine as a result of their experiences during COVID-19, while over one third (38%) are more likely to stay

Amsterdam, The Netherlands  Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced the results of its latest piece of Future Health Index (FHI) 2020 research. The Future Health Index Insights: COVID-19 and Younger Healthcare Professionals survey supplements the main FHI 2020 report, capturing feedback from 500 doctors under the age of 40 in five countries: the United States of America, China, Singapore, France and Germany. The findings reveal how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the attitudes and experiences of younger doctors, and how they believe the healthcare industry should change in response.

Healthcare professionals, including the younger generation, have experienced unprecedented levels of stress and were often faced with limited resources in recent months. We must acknowledge the heroic sacrifices that frontline healthcare professionals have endured in the fight against COVID-19. We owe it to them to listen to their voices as we consider the future of the healthcare industry, said Jan Kimpen, Chief Medical Officer, Royal Philips. Our FHI Insights survey reveals that despite the challenges theyve faced, younger doctors are as committed as ever to their vocation. The research spotlights how young doctors perceive change, and is relevant to leaders focused on reshaping how healthcare is being organized and delivered.

Telehealth overtakes AI in the eyes of younger doctors

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted younger doctors to change their attitudes to the relative benefits of different health technologies. It has led to a shift in priorities, with younger doctors recognizing the immediate value of telehealth. Before the pandemic, 60% of younger healthcare professionals ranked AI as the top digital health technology that would most improve their work satisfaction, with 39% identifying telehealth as the top technology. 61% of younger doctors now rank telehealth as the digital health technology that would have most improved their experiences at this time, with AI falling to 53%.

Story continues

Younger doctors surveyed believed that there is room for improvement in how these technologies are used in everyday practice. When asked what would have helped them leverage the health data available to them during the height of the pandemic, nearly half (47%) of younger doctors pointed to better integration of healthcare data between hospitals/practices and between different IT systems or electronic medical records.

Younger doctors want more digital technology

For many younger doctors, working through COVID-19 has shown what a more technologically forward-thinking workplace could look like, with 44% reporting the pandemic exposed them to new ways of using digital health technologies.

As the healthcare sector prepares for the future, many younger doctors hope these advancements will become permanent fixtures of their post-COVID-19 workplace environments. When asked what changes in healthcare they most hoped would become outlast the pandemic, younger doctors ranked exposure to new types of digital health technologies (29%), new ways to use digital health technologies (29%), greater appreciation from patients (29%), and accelerated availability of digital health technologies (28%) as their top responses.

Many younger doctors are more committed than ever to their careers

The pandemic is presenting healthcare professionals with even greater workplace hardships and moral dilemmas, which are very likely to exacerbate existing levels of burnout and related mental health problems [1]. However, according to the FHI 2020 Insights survey, many younger doctors (38%) say they are more likely to stay in medicine as a result of their experiences working during COVID-19. Most (53%) said COVID-19 had no effect on them wanting to stay in or leave the profession, and only 9% said they were more likely to leave the profession.

Many younger doctors also reported changes in their day-to-day work during the pandemic, which could lead to increased career and personal satisfaction. 47% reported greater appreciation from patients, while 44% experienced greater collaboration with colleagues across different skill sets. Younger doctors in China stood out by reporting a deeper feeling of purpose at work (70%) since the onset of COVID-19.

Since 2016, Philips has conducted original research to help determine the readiness of countries to address global health challenges and build efficient and effective healthcare systems. For details on the Future Health Index methodology and to access the 2020 report in its entirety, including the FHI Insights: COVID-19 and Young Healthcare Professionals research, visit the Future Health Index site.

[1] National Academy of Medicine: https://nam.edu/initiatives/clinician-resilience-and-well-being/clinician-well-being-resources-during-covid-19/



Research methodology

The Future Health Index Insights: COVID-19 and Younger Healthcare Professionals survey was fielded from June 19 to July 30, 2020 in 5 countries (China, France, Germany, Singapore and the United States of America) in their native language. The survey was conducted online and offline (as relevant to the needs of each country) with a sample size of 100 per country for doctors under 40 years old, who have completed their first medical degree. The survey length was approximately 10 minutes. The total sample from the survey includes 500 doctors under 40 years old.

For further information, please contact:

Kathy OReilly

Philips Global Press Office

Tel. : +1 978-221-8919

E-mail : kathy.oreilly@philips.com

Twitter: @kathyoreilly



Joost Maltha

Philips Global Press Office

Tel. : +31 6 10 55 8116

E-mail : joost.maltha@philips.com

Twitter: @joostmaltha



About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2019 sales of EUR 19.5 billion and employs approximately 81,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.



Attachment








The minister noted that while fighting the COVID-19 pandemic is a priority, the Government has also worked on a long-term agenda to strengthen the fiscal and tax policy.





"In recent years, we have regulated and implemented a set of measures aimed at fighting tax evasion and avoidance, which are tools that will help us fight corruption, too," Alva expressed on Monday during an interpellation session at Congress headquarters





In this way, she said, information about the people behind the principal assets, business and financial arrangements, as well as economic operations here in Peru and abroad will be available through the automatic exchange of information with other countries.





"There are companies that although required to pay taxes use legal mechanisms and complex business structures to avoid fulfilling their tax obligations in their countries, and it is my administration's duty to work towards making it stop," the high-ranking official pointed out.





The Final Beneficiary Registry stands out among the regulations implemented. It contains information on the owners of companies, entities, assets, financial accounts, trusts and investment funds that produce economic activity in Peru, as well as the properties and financial resources of Peruvians around the world.





(END) MDV/RMB/MVB
An Iowa teenage girl's starvation death could have been prevented if social workers had thoroughly checked her home just months before the 16-year-old's emaciated body was found, according to a state watchdog.

The Iowa state ombudsman released its findings Tuesday in the case of 16-year-old Sabrina Ray, who was starved, beaten and made to wear diapers before dying of malnutrition in May 2017.

Sabrina weighed just 56 pounds - the same weight as a healthy 7-year-old - when cops found her body at her home in Perry.

The report revealed social workers had received 11 child abuse reports in the five years leading up to the teen's death which included concerns that she looked extremely thin and that she and her siblings were forced to eat their own vomit.

Her adoptive parents Marc and Misty Ray, who took in foster children, adopted four children and ran an in-home daycare, are currently behind bars on kidnapping and child endangerment charges.

Sabrina Ray's starvation death could have been prevented if social workers had thoroughly checked her home just months before the 16-year-old's emaciated body was found, according to a state watchdog. Pictured Sabrina

The ombudsman's report pointed to a number of failures by the Iowa Department of Human Services to protect Sabrina and ruled that the teen's life could have been spared if social workers and contractors had been more thorough when they investigated the girl's living conditions in the months prior to her death.

It revealed the DHS had received 11 child abuse reports against the Rays in the five years between 2010 and 2015.

Despite the reports, the Rays took in Sabrina as a foster child in 2011 and adopted her in 2013.

Some of the allegations in the reports after Sabrina moved to the home included comments that Sabrina looked extremely thin and unhealthy, according to the report.

Other reports accused the Rays of forcing their foster children to drink soapy water, stand over cold vents and eat their own vomit.

They also alleged the Rays beat and belittled the children in the house.

Authorities found locks, alarms and coverings on the doors and windows in the bedroom where Sabrina died, according to the report.

Police said she slept on a thin mattress on the floor and apparently used a toilet in the room intended for toddlers.

Sabrina's adoptive parents Marc and Misty Ray (left and right), who took in foster children, adopted four children and ran an in-home daycare, are currently behind bars on kidnapping and child endangerment charges

The Iowa state ombudsman released its findings Tuesday in the case of 16-year-old Sabrina Ray (pictured), who was starved, beaten and made to wear diapers before dying of malnutrition in May 2017. She weighed just 56 pounds - the same weight as a healthy 7-year-old - when she died

There was a baby monitor type camera inside the room and the window was covered, the report notes.

There were also locks and alarms on food and beverage pantries in the kitchen and family room, it reveals.

According to the ombudsman, just months before Sabrina's death a department inspector failed to check the room she was being kept in during an inspection of the home and so did not discover these conditions.

The inspector reportedly misunderstood a policy requiring a complete examination of the house.

Other DHS workers noted in their assessments that Sabrina Ray appeared thin, but said they didn't have the training necessary to recognize malnutrition.

'There were plenty of official eyes and ears on this family,' the ombudsman said in its report.

'When it came down to it, there was not sufficient communication among DHS officials.'

The report revealed social workers had received 11 child abuse reports in the five years leading up to the teen's death which included concerns that she looked extremely thin and that she and her siblings were forced to eat their own vomit

The report noted similarities between the case and the incident involving Natalie Finn, a 16-year-old girl who weighed just 85 pounds when she died of starvation in 2016.

Her mother, Nicole Finn, was later convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping and child endangerment.

But the report added that Finn deliberately obstructed authorities' attempts to inspect the home, whereas DHS worker and contractors had regular access to the Ray home.

The Iowa Department of Human Services didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

In its written response to the ombudsman's report, the agency said it would take steps to ensure that welfare and child regulatory staff are alerted to any allegations of in-home abuse.

The agency said it would also explore using medical professionals for consultations in cases.

Cops were called to the home on the evening of May 12 2017 to a report of a young female not breathing.

The report noted similarities with the case of Natalie Finn, a 16-year-old girl (left) who weighed just 85 pounds when she died of starvation in 2016. Her mother, Nicole Finn, (right) was later convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping and child endangerment

One officer on the scene described what he saw inside the home as 'the most horrific scene in my entire career and life'.

Officer Josh Sienkiewicz said: 'It is hard to put into words the feelings that come over me - the smells, the pain, the anguish, the fear and the evil.'

The cops found Sabrina lying on a small mattress on the floor wearing a diaper and tank-top and described her body as 'nearly withered out of existence.'

Her adopted sisters were in the room with her lifeless body when they arrived at the home.

An autopsy later revealed that, based on the size and condition of her internal organs, Sabrina was likely subject to starvation over a long period of time.

The Rays, who ran a daycare center they called Rays of Sunshine Daycare, were sentenced along with several of their family members in January 2019.

Misty was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on kidnapping charges in January 2019.

Marc was sentenced to 80 years for kidnapping and child endangerment.

Sentencing Judge Terry Rickers branded their actions 'cruel and evil' as he told the court how the teen's 'skin barely cover[ed] her skeleton'

'Sabrina lies there, malnourished, emaciated, diaper-clad, covered in various wounds and bruises. Her rash and skin barely cover her skeleton,' he said.

'Mr. Ray and Mrs. Ray, your actions and your treatments of your daughters in this case could be fairly described as both cruel and evil.'

Misty was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on kidnapping charges in January 2019

Marc was sentenced to 80 years for kidnapping and child endangerment

Sabrina's adoptive brother Justin Dale Ray (left), grandmother Carla Bousman (center), and cousin Josie Raye Bousman (right) were charged in connection with Sabrina's death

Prosecutors told how the couple abused the adopted and foster children in their care.

'Rather than love and care for these girls, the defendant locked them in a room, starved them, abused them, pitted them against each other, denied them basic necessities and used them as slave labor,' prosecutor Stacy Ritchie said.

Sabrina's brother, Justin Ray, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for drop-kicking her down a basement staircase.

Josie Raye Bousman, Sabrina's 21-year-old cousin, was charged with three counts of kidnapping, child endangerment causing death and obstructing prosecution.

The teen's adoptive grandmother, Carla Bousman was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to neglect of a dependent person and two counts of child endangerment, among other charges.

She was handed new charges in May 2019 after allegedly trying to escape prison.
In addition, throughout his award-winning career Dobson worked on several soap operas, including The Bold and the Beautiful, playing judge Devin Owens from 2006-2007, and as Mickey Horton in Days of Our Lives in 2008, according to Variety. House of Lies, Hawaii Five-0 and Anger Management were other credits.
Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has launched a team to compete in an all-electric offroad racing series, though he won't be behind the wheel.

Hamilton said on Tuesday his new team will be called X44 in a nod to his F1 car numberitself derived from the number of his childhood go-kartwhen the Extreme E series launches in 2021.

Extreme E will race identical, purpose-designed electric vehicles in remote locations in Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Greenland and Brazil.

Organizers say they want to raise awareness of damage to the environment and will have a legacy program to protect the areas hosting the races. There will be no fans on site and teams will travel on a converted cargo ship with an on-board laboratory.

"Extreme E really appealed to me because of its environmental focus," Hamilton said in a statement. "Every single one of us has the power to make a difference, and it means so much to me that I can use my love of racing, together with my love for our planet, to have a positive impact."

Hamilton's team will have one male and one female driver, to be named later.

Explore further Link between champion horses and offspring careers revealed

 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Capital budgets adopted in cities in Alabama and beyond often devote tax money to build sidewalks, pave roads, dig ditches and realign sewer lines. Or perhaps they lay aside the funding to purchase dump trucks, install road signs and set up new swing sets at the parks.

Rarely does the capital budget supply taxpayer dollars to revitalize a citys housing stock. In Mobile, however, the City Council  in a unanimous vote Tuesday  gave the go-ahead to do just that.

Under the plan, the city amended its Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)  which is the equivalent of an annual capital budget  to include an option for expending funds for neighborhood revitalization projects.

This will be transformative for long-neglected neighborhoods, said council President Levon Manzie, who pushed for the amendment and whose District 2 takes in some of the citys oldest residential areas as well as downtown.

I have 19 distinct communities, Manzie said of his district. There are areas in all of those communities in need of revitalization.

Tuesdays vote came less than a week after Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, during his State of the City address on Thursday, unveiled a plan to add 1,000 quality and affordable homes within the citys oldest neighborhoods east of Interstate 65. His plan calls for building new houses and revitalizing existing houses, finishing all the work by 2026.

Stimpson has yet to provide specifics, such as public and private costs, where all the revenue would come from, or the names of the neighborhoods and streets where the work would take place.

Manzie, meanwhile, is moving on somewhat of a parallel track to the mayors plan.

Manzie, on Tuesday, said the newly passed budget amendment represented the legal clearance that he needs to allocate $300,000 of the $3 million of CIP money his District 2 will get during fiscal year 2020-21. The citys fiscal year begins on October 1.

The $300,000 will be set aside for a neighborhood revitalization pilot effort, Manzie said. He said last week that his goal is to refurbish at least 30 to 60 homes in one community next year. He said Tuesday, If it works well, well expand.

He said that his goal is similar in intent to Stimpsons overall goal, which he said that he supports. He said the biggest difference is that his plan has a pathway of being financed. We are not sure how the 1,000-home initiative will be paid for.

Stimpson, on Thursday, said his housing plan will gain momentum from new projects and exciting announcements coming in the next few months. He later told the media that Jamie Roberts, the citys senior director for Neighborhood Development, is working to itemize how the plan will be executed.

Stimpsons plan to build or renovate 1,000 homes within the next six years is part of a two-pronged approach aimed at boosting the citys lagging population count. The second prong is annexation, which was the subject of controversial debate and vote by the City Council late last year. By one vote, the council refused to pass a referendum that would have opened the way for the annexation of 13,000 people living immediately west of the city.

Manzie was one of the three council members to vote against the referendum. Had the annexation moved forward, Mobile would have likely added enough residents to at least temporarily call itself the second-largest city in Alabama, behind Birmingham.

Manzie, last week, denied there was any quid pro quo that would, in effect, tie together support for his own housing plan with a flipped vote on annexation.

There is a big push that, Weve got to grow, and weve got to grow, said Manzie. There is more than one way to grow. The only way I know that works is if we invest in what we already have so others will invest in it as well. We have housing stock and communities that are just as deserving of our attention and resources as (compared) to any other community.
New York

Five people, including a 6-year-old boy and his mother, were shot early Monday at an unofficial celebration of J'Ouvert, a daybreak event that typically marks the start of Carnival in Brooklyn but was canceled this year because of the coronavirus.

The gunfire erupted shortly before 3 a.m. at the crowded intersection of Nostrand Avenue and Crown Street in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, according to police. The boy was shot in his left leg and taken to Kings County Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The mother, 47, and three men  all adults  were also shot in either their feet or legs and were hospitalized.

Investigators remained uncertain Monday about how many shooters were involved. Terence A. Monahan, chief of detectives of the New York City Police Department, said on Twitter on Monday morning that two men had been arrested in connection with the shootings and that two guns had been recovered. Monahan added that the investigation was "in its early stages and is ongoing."

Video obtained by the New York Post shows scores of people marching through the streets, some playing musical instruments, when shots rang out. The video then shows people fleeing or taking cover behind lampposts. One person can be seen collapsing against a fence, presumably wounded, aided by police and passersby.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

One of the victims, Kelly Barthold, 34, said in an interview Monday that he was on a sidewalk moving with the J'Ouvert crowd when he heard a gunshot.

"When they start shooting, I run," Barthold said. He added that he heard a second shot, kept running and then the gunshot hit him. The third bullet he heard knocked him to the ground, he said.
She's one of Australia's most controversial NRL WAGs.

And it appears Arabella Del Busso refuses to let the haters get her down.

On Tuesday, the 30-year-old brunette bombshell hit out against negative energy on her personal Instagram page - and appeared to offer advice to others.

Wise words: On Tuesday, controversial ex-WAG Arabella Del Busso (pictured) said the secret to overcoming haters is to simply live your life with 'integrity and love'

'You can't control how other people receive your energy...' she began.

'Anything you do or say gets filtered through a lens of whatever personal issues they are going through... which is not about you so just keep doing your thing with as much integrity and love as possible.'

This comes after rumours swirled that Arabella will appear on Channel Seven's new reality show, SAS Australia.

'Nothing has been confirmed yet,' the brunette bombshell said when she was approached for comment.

Revealed: This comes after rumours swirled that Arabella will appear on Channel Seven's new reality show, SAS Australia. 'Nothing has been confirmed yet,' the brunette bombshell said when she was approached for comment

Angry rugby league fans vented their frustration on Twitter after it was revealed on Sunday that Arabella could possibly join the cast.

'I'll never watch Channel Seven putting a loser like that on shows how much credibility they have,' one fan tweeted.

'I, for one, will not be tuning in... Absolutely disgusted in your efforts for ratings,' another added.

'It's very controversial at the moment, but hey haters will hate,' Arabella said in response to the backlash.

Not happy: Angry rugby league fans vented their frustration on Twitter after it was revealed on Sunday that Arabella was tipped to be joining the cast

On Sunday, News Corp reported the lingerie model was among the growing list of celebrities including convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby and publicist Roxy Jacenko.

The military-style program will see the contestants having to endure sleep deprivation, interrogation techniques and physical challenges.

To date, Candice Warner, Merrick Watts and Nick Cummins are the only celebrities to confirmed to be joining previously announced Roxy and Schapelle.

SAS Australia will premiere in October on Channel Seven
By Online Desk

Ace cinematographer PC Sreeram on Twitter today stated that he had rejected a film offer as it had controversial actress Kangana Ranaut as the lead.

PC Sreeram on twitter wrote, "Had to reject a film as it had Kangana Ranaut as the lead. Deep down I felt uneasy and explained my stand to the makers and they were understanding. Some times it's only about what feels right. Wishing them all the best."

Had to reject a film as it had Kangana Ranaut as the lead .Deep down i felt uneasy and explained my stand to the makers and they were understanding. Some times its only abt what feels right . Wishing them all the best.  pcsreeramISC (@pcsreeram) September 8, 2020

This is not the first time that an actor or technician had turned down an offer to work with Kangana. Many actors in the past have avoided working with Kangana due to various reasons.

In 2019, director Krish had revealed why he quit Kangana Ranaut-starrer 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi' midway.

In an interview with SpotboyE, Krish said, I think Kangana has done 20-25 per cent of the first half. I didnt shoot a song and I didnt shoot her entry scene. In the second half, she has even re-shot some scenes which I had done in a different way. But its okay now. The film is looking brilliant. I am happy that she didnt spoil it much.

Krish claimed that Kangana had told him that Zee Studios did not like his work in the film.

He said, Kangana even told me that Zee Studios hadnt liked what I had made. It was looking like a Bhojpuri film. I laughed. People know my previous work. We argued but she wanted her own way. I just couldnt understand.

Following his exit, Kangana took over as the director of the historical film.

Kangana has been in the midst of many controversies over the last few months, where her comments and statements regarding nepotism, Karan Johar and Sushant Singh Rajput's demise have triggered widespread debates on social media.

Recently, Kangana 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.

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.

The 'Queen' actor on Sunday was provided with 'Y' level security as she said that she feels unsafe.
At least 37 million people have been displaced as a direct result of the wars fought by the United States since Sept. 11, 2001, according to a new report from Brown Universitys Costs of War project. That figure exceeds those displaced by conflict since 1900, the authors say, with the exception of World War II.

The findings were published on Tuesday, weeks before the United States enters its 20th year of fighting the war on terror, which began with the invasion of Afghanistan on Oct. 7, 2001; yet, the report says it is the first time the number of people displaced by U.S. military involvement during this period has been calculated. The findings come at a time when the United States and other Western countries have become increasingly opposed to welcoming refugees, as anti-migrant fears bolster favor for closed-border policies.

The report accounts for the number of people, mostly civilians, displaced in and from Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, the Philippines, Libya and Syria, where fighting has been the most significant, and says the figure is a conservative estimate  the real number may range from 48 million to 59 million. The calculation does not include the millions of other people who have been displaced in countries with smaller U.S. counterterrorism operations, according to the report, including those in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and Niger.

This has been one of the major forms of damage, of course along with the deaths and injuries, that have been caused by these wars, said David Vine, a professor of anthropology at American University and the lead author of the report. It tells us that U.S. involvement in these countries has been horrifically catastrophic, horrifically damaging in ways that I dont think that most people in the United States, in many ways myself included, have grappled with or reckoned with in even the slightest terms.
Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia:

Total fintech investment in EMEA declined significantly, given the lack of mega M&A deals. During H1'20, the region saw $4.6 billion in fintech investment, said a study.

VC investment in fintech remained strong in H1'20, accounting for US$4 billion in investment, said the bi-annual report on global fintech investment trends from KPMG International.

During H1'20, challenger banks attracted five of the 10 largest deals in EMEA, including Germany-based N26 ($570 million), UK-based Revolut ($500 million), Sweden-based Klarna ($200 million), UK-based Starling Bank ($123 million), and France-based Qonto (US$116 million).

"The deals reflect the growing focus on challenger banks as they work to scale and become competitive, not only in Europe but globally. In H1'20, Revolut and N26 both joined Klarna in the US market," said the report.

While the innovation expected from open banking is taking longer to materialize than expected, Europe continued to move forward with its fintech agenda. During H1'20, the European Commission consulted on a new digital finance strategy and fintech action plan for Europe to guide its activities over the next 5 years.

The next 6 months could be rocky for fintech investment in Europe depending on the length of time it takes to recover from COVID-19. The challenger banking space will continue to be hot as digital banks continue to grow and enter new markets. Tokenized assets will one key area to w......................

To view our full article Click here
Washington, Sep 8 : Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Kamala Harris privately met the family of Jacob Blake, the African-American man who has been paralyzed from the waist down after being shot seven times in the back by a police officer last month in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Benjamin Crump, an attorney representing the Blake family, said in a statement that Harris on Monday spoke with the family in Milwaukee during her first appearance in the key swing state, reports Xinhua news agency.

She asked about how they were handling the trauma of the August 23 shooting and the Democrats' legislation efforts focusing on police practices and law enforcement accountability, Crump said.

During the meeting with the family, Harris spoke with the 29-year-old Jacob Blake on the phone.

After the meeting, the California Senator told reporters: "They're an incredible family... And what they've endured, and they just do it with such dignity and grace. And you know, they're carrying the weight of a lot of voices on their shoulders." She added that her message to the Blake family was "to express concern for their well-being, and of course for their brother and their son's well-being. And to let them know that they have support", CBS News reported.

The Blake family is launching a civil suit against the Kenosha Police Department over the shooting.

The police officer, Rusten Sheskey, who shot Blake is on administrative leave pending an investigation.

Harris' meeting came a week after Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden visited the family in Kenosha on September 3.

Biden and his wife Jill met Blake's father, brother, two sisters and members of his legal team in private.

Jacob Blake and his mother called into the meeting for about 15 minutes from the hospital.

Kenosha has become a new epicentre of protests and riots against police brutality and racism last month.

Nationwide protests were triggered earlier this year after George Floyd, an unarmed African-American man, died in Minneapolis on May 25 after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

While Biden has made race relations a pillar of his run for the White House in response to the movement, President Donald Trump has focused on violent aspects of the demonstrations and doubled down on his support for police officers.

Wisconsin is a critical battleground state in the November 3 presidential election.

In 2016, Trump won the state by roughly 23,000 votes.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
CENTRAL LAKE, MI  An outbreak of brown algae is tainting the otherwise incredibly clear  and cold  blue-green waters of Torch Lake, a glacier-carved gem set into the lush land of northwest lower Michigan.

The Antrim County lake is often compared to the Caribbean for its crystal-clear, jewel-like shades of blue and green. The brown algae outbreak is tainting that picturesque beauty and covering the lakes sugar-sand bottom with thick mushy, squishy mats, The Associated Press reports.

RELATED: Torch Lake is Michigans own slice of the Caribbean

The golden-brown algae was first noticed about a decade ago, said Rick Welsh, a part-time lakeshore resident and member of the Torch Lake Protection Alliance.

Its oozy, yucky and mucky, Welsh said. It easily comes up when disturbed.

Results are due in the fall from the alliances recent investigations into the algae, he said.

The algae appears to be non-harmful, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

Torch Lake is part of a 75-mile string of northwest lower Michigan lakes, streams and rivers called the Chain of Lakes that flows into Lake Michigans East Grand Traverse Bay. The Chain includes Elk Lake, Lake Bellaire, Lake Skegemog, Clam Lake, Intermediate Lake and others.

During an outbreak in 2015, the brown algae was also spotted by air in Lake Charlevoix, Lake Bellaire, Elk Lake, Walloon Lake and Grand Traverse Bay.

Torch Lake is Michigans largest inland lake by water volume; it has a surface area of more than 18,000 acres and a maximum depth of nearly 300 feet. There are 48 public access points scattered along 41 miles of shoreline.

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A VinFast President SUV seen in a dealership in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Hai.

Vietnamese automaker VinFast has launched a luxury SUV, the VinFast President, to take on global brands like Lexus and Mercedes.

To cost VND4.6 billion ($198,200), the seven-seater looks similar to VinFasts first SUV, the Lux SA2.0, but with more advanced technologies and frills like massage and heated seats.

Its 420HP V8 engine could go from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 6.8 seconds and offers a top speed of nearly 300 kph.

VinFast will produce only 500 units and sell them exclusively in Vietnam. The first 100 customers will get a 17 percent discount on the price.

In its segment, the VinFast President costs 45 percent lower than the Lexus LX 570 and 33 percent lower than the BMW X7.

Industry insiders admitted it lacks some premium features often seen in luxury cars such as captains chairs, TV screens and a high-end sound system.

The V8 engine of VinFast President. Photo courtesy of VinFast.

The vehicle signifies the ambition of VinFast, a unit of Vietnams largest conglomerate, Vingroup, to enter all segments of the auto market after bringing out its first vehicle in July last year.

Its other offerings are the VinFast Fadil hatchback, Lux A2.0 sedan and Lux SA2.0 SUV.

The company sold 5,124 cars in the first quarter of this year to rank fifth in sales behind Hyundai, Toyota, Kia, and Honda.
- President Edgar Lungu and the people of Zambia are mourning the death of a 22-year-old fish

- The fish identified as Mafishi lived in a pond in Copperbelt University and it was believed to have given students of the institution good luck

- The students lit candles and marched around campus to mourn the fish

The president of Zambia, Edgar Lungu, has mourned the death of a fish believed to have lived for 22 years.

The fish, who lived in a pond in Copperbelt University (CBU), is being mourned by everyone in Gambia.

The fish identified as Mafishi lived in a pond in Copperbelt University and it was believed to have given students of the institution good luck. Photo credit: Edgar Lungu/Facebook

Source: Facebook

According to a report by BBC, the students of the institution lit candles and marched around campus to mourn the fish identified as Mafishi.

For the last two decades, CBU students have believed that Mafishi would bring them good luck in exams.

Reacting to the death of the fish on Facebook, President Lungu quoted Mahatma Gandhi: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

"I'm glad you received a befitting send-off. We'll all miss you."

According to CBU student leader, Lawrence Kasonde, the death of the fish is still being investigated.

He said: "It is yet to be buried, we are planning on embalming it."

In other news, a video of a group of baby pigs trying to save a fish went viral on social media and got people talking about how compassionate animals could be.

There is no doubt that animals are compassionate and they go out of their way to help one another, the viral video has further proven it.

In the video, the baby pigs found a fish lying lifeless on the floor and they used their snouts to push it into a nearby river.

The baby pigs were aware of the fact that fish were created to survive in water and not on land, and when they found it on the latter, they wasted no time to push it back to where it belonged.

Source: YEN.com.gh
In Nothing to Lose: The Authorised Biography of Ma Anand Sheela, we have an account of Sheelas life, her relationship with Bhagwan Rajneesh, and the story of what actually happened behind the closed doors of the cults ashram

The following excerpt from Nothing to Lose: The Authorised Biography of Ma Anand Sheela has been republished here with permission from HarperCollins India. From heading an ashram at Rajneeshpuram, Oregon, US, in the 1980s to allegedly spearheading what is known as the largest bioterror attack in American history and spending 39 months in prison, Ma Anand Sheelas life is one that intrigues. Manbeena Sandhu authors an account of Sheelas life, her relationship with Bhagwan, and the story of what actually happened behind the closed doors of the cults ashram.

***

One crisp and clear spring morning of 1984, a very anxious sounding Bhagwan called upon Sheela. Abandoning all activity at once, Sheela slid inside her car. The zipping Mercedes nosed into the buzzing Red stream of morning crowd and pulled into Bhagwans driveway. Butterflies fluttered around boxwood hedges and sun shone upon Bhagwans swanky Rolls-of-the-day as Sheela strode past it and twisted the brassy doorknob to enter inside the Gurus abode.

Bhagwan was sedately seated in his lounger, lost in thought. Sheela bowed and the glazy-eyed Guru motioned her to sit by his feet. Bhagwans face wore an expression of sullen reflection and as his lips parted to break the baleful silence, Sheela felt a sharp pang of fear creeping down to the pit of her stomach.

Seela, buy me thirty new Rolls Royces this month, Bhagwan said in the most nonchalant manner. Sheelas face clouded over and she gaped at Bhagwan, paralyzed with shock. The air of dismal discord that had suddenly engulfed the room was palpable to the Guru as well as the disciple.

Sheela cleared her parched throat and croaked, But Bhagwan, thirty new Rolls Royces will cost three to four million dollars  Do whatever you have to do, Seela  said the unconcerned Bhagwan with a determined air.

On Firstpost: Rajneesh aide Ma Anand Sheela talks of Netflix documentary Wild Wild Country, and controversial past

Sheelas body felt frigid and all her muscles were tense. Something inside of her had just snapped and collapsed. She was shocked at the sordidness of Bhagwans reaction, shocked at the grossness of his insatiable greed, shocked at the obvious lack of concern for the well-being of his people.She flexed her numb ankles and somehow managed to scoot and bow before shuffling out the door. She drove homewards in a zombie-like state, wearing an expression of grave reflection. Her answer to Bhagwan was clear in her mind. Even though she loved Bhagwan, she was not prepared to sacrifice the welfare of her people to fulfill the Gurus outrageous demands.

Sheela spent the rest of her day going about her daily chores in the most robotic manner. In the evening, she paced back and forth in her room with a cup of black coffee in her hand, taking anxious sips of the drink, lost in deep rumination. There was not enough money to meet the basic needs of the commune members, let alone catering to Bhagwans extravaganza. Credit was stretched to the limits. The ranch was not bought in a lump sum, it was a multi-million dollar mortgage by the owner of the land that Sheela was scampering to pay each month. Even though money was trickling in through donations, casinos, fundraisers, nothing would be enough to fulfil Bhagwans outrageous demands.

Sheela finally took a deep breath and stood still, placing the cup wearily on the glass table and decided to go right ahead and say yet another clear No to her beloved Bhagwan. Hearing Sheelas defiant answer, the Guru was overcome with bitterness. Bhagwan decided to employ a nifty ploy to break into the bulging wallets of his wealthy sannyasins. This way he would kill two birds with one stone  he would teach Sheela a lesson and also attain his thirty new Rolls Royces that his longing heart so ardently desired.

The rays of the morning sun brought a succinct little note from Bhagwan that lay ominously enveloped at Sheelas door. Sheela fumbled and opened it with an impatiently distraught hand and upon reading it, her face lost colour. The note listed the names of about fifty to sixty affluent sannyasins and an underlined message from Bhagwan instructing Sheela to invite these guests to a meeting in his living room the next day. Sheela folded the note with a solemn expression, forcibly pushing down her anger and resentment, knowing that Bhagwan was playing yet another dirty trick on his sannyasins and unfortunately, she had to play the part of an unwilling mediator. She leaned over to pick up the handset and made arrangements to contact each of the listed sannyasins to personally extend Bhagwans invitation.

The invitees were jumping up and down upon receiving this special invitation from Bhagwan and they ogled at the invites as though they represented the door to nirvana. The next morning, the deep pocketed honourable guests gathered at Bhagwans house, anxiously awaiting the Gurus speech. Sheela swallowed every unpleasant feeling she had and seated herself composedly at Bhagwans feet. All the while, her eyes wandered to the window to catch a glimpse of the birds in flight and her squirming heart longing to be free in some distant land.

As Bhagwan cleared his throat to speak, the whispering sannyasins suddenly fell silent. Bhagwan concentrated his attention on the gold signet ring glittering on one of the sannyasins little finger as he began to speak in his hypnotically entrancing voice that was his time-tested armour. The time has come. I will soon leave my body  Sheela winced at the overtly pronounced prophecy that she had heard umpteen times before.

Her eyes swiftly wandered to locate the sound of sobbing that seemed to emanate from one corner of the room. Suddenly, she found herself cringing in disgust at Bhagwans lowly means of exploitation as Bhagwan droned on about his upcoming day of final departure. Bhagwan concluded his talk by declaring twenty-one people enlightened, the Bodhisattvas, who would collectively form his inner circle that would lead the commune after the Gurus imminent demise. Sheela wanted to run out the door and disappear, but she had to survive through yet another meeting with the recently enlightened Bodhisattvas that was scheduled by Bhagwan to take place an hour later.

In the following meeting, Bhagwan changed his tone and offered his Bodhisattvas an opportune way through which they could keep their Master in the body, only a little while longer. An enlightened being needs material attachment to stay in his physical body. If you all can somehow buy me thirty new Rolls Royces, this new attachment will keep my body on earth a little bit longer. Bhagwan continued, Poor Seela is not responsible. S(h)ee has to take care of the commune and its needs. I cannot put more pressure on her. For her, it would be easy to lead the commune without me. There would be fewer disputes when I would be no longer in my body 

While Sheela sat silently with a solemn face, sobbing sannyasins were readily moving forward and unloading their bulging wallets at Bhagwans holy feet. Much to the relief of his panicked sannyasins, Bhagwan finally decided to postpone his demise.

The next morning Sheela had to fulfill her duty of driving Bhagwan to the Buddha Hall. She was broken inside, and for the very first time in her life, she did not look forward to being in Bhagwans company. The Master and the disciple did not exchange any words. Sheela drove him straight-faced in a zombie-like state and the arrogant Master just turned his face and peered out the window. When Bhagwans gaze fell upon some sannyasins who were prostrating at the holy feet of the Bhagwan-declared enlightened Bodhisattvas, the Guru almost jumped out of his skin and Sheela burst out laughing deliriously. A silent slap had stung the face of the Guru who was well-known for not tolerating any enlightened competitors. Sheela broke her silence by informing Bhagwan of the rollicking night-long parties that recently enlightened lot had thrown the night before. Bhagwan was speechless with fury.

A few pensive moments later he said, Seela call a meeting immediately, so that I can beat some sense into their inflated heads! Yes, Bhagwan, smiled Sheela.
CHICAGO: Spooked by COVID-19, Martha Jones of Southern Kentucky will not let her three children trick-or-treat this year. Instead, she is transforming her sun deck into a mini-haunted house and setting up games, a grill and a bonfire in her backyard.

Itll give the children something to be excited about without going door-to-door for candy," said Jones, a 31-year-old chocolatier.

Hundreds of miles away in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, 43-year-old musician Paul Lee is figuring out how to make sure his two kids can safely go trick-or-treating - the Halloween custom in some countries of children wearing costumes and going from house to house, asking for candy with the phrase Trick or treat."

In the weeks leading up to the Oct. 31 event, Jones and Lee will see very different ads on social media and websites from candy maker Hershey Co, based on where they live, how likely they are to be on lockdown, and what Halloween activities they have been searching for online. This is part of a new marketing strategy in partnership with Alphabet Incs Google, Hershey executives told Reuters.

Hershey will tailor digital ads to households using search data provided by Google to overcome fresh challenges that threaten to derail this years Halloween.

The Pennsylvania-based candymaker struck a deal with Google last month for access to data showing whether people are more or less likely to go outside based on what they search for. For instance, a person who sought out business hours for nearby stores or vacation ideas suggests the likelihood to go outside.

So Jones and other people staying home for the holiday could see videos and clips on social media of people eating KitKats and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups under twinkly lights in their backyards or living rooms. In places where people are more inclined to venture out, they might see ads of mask-clad kids and adults going door-to-door for candy.

On a weekly basis, we can change how were talking to consumers based on what were seeing geographically," Phil Stanley, Hersheys chief sales officer, said in an interview in August.

The move is one of many strategic changes to marketing and logistics that U.S. candy companies are making ahead of Halloween, after a disappointing Easter.

Halloween is typically the candy industrys biggest holiday season by sales, followed by the periods around Christmas, Easter and Valentines Day. For Hershey, Halloween represents a tenth of its roughly $8 billion in annual sales.

This year, anticipating a sharp increase in online sales and fewer trick-or-treaters, Hershey, Mondelez International Inc and their rivals are shrinking candy packs, spending more on digital marketing, setting up Halloween store displays earlier in the year, and keeping aside more e-commerce inventory for retailers trying to make up for lost brick-and-mortar sales.

Hershey, which relies on trick-or-treating for about half of its Halloween sales, told Reuters it plans to increase digital media spending on Halloween by 160% versus last year, targeting mainly e-commerce shoppers. Mondelez, which makes Sour Patch Kids chewy candies, said it too plans to spend more this Halloween on social and digital media.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Only about one-third of U.S. parents plan on sending their kids trick-or-treating this year, according to Matt Voda, CEO of marketing analytics firm OptiMine Software. So thats the big dilemma for candy companies - how do you overcome that potential shortfall?"

A key part of the industrys marketing strategy is convincing people that going out is no longer an essential part of Halloween.

The message candy makers are pushing is that shoppers should buy candy for Halloween-at-home in the three months leading up to the event. Retailers like Walmart Inc and Target Corp reinforced this idea when they started setting up Halloween displays as early as August, a move that has so far driven a 24.8% increase in Hersheys seasonal sales.

The trick is convincing the right people to shop for home celebrations while not alienating others who plan to continue to go door-to-door with their kids.

We have the ability to tailor our advertising by ZIP Code," said Hershey spokeswoman Allison Kleinfelter, referring to a postal code used by the U.S. Postal Service to designate locations. Our team can see where there are differences like in cities or large states."

The Google data that Hershey is mining weekly flags which people are more likely to go out and the degree to which local governments are restricting movement in their areas. Hershey said the data - which is completely anonymous, showing only the data points of unnamed users - is used with research from shopper surveys, retailers and municipalities.

Its impossible to say how much more Hershey is going to be able to sell before Halloween, whether itll be enough," Wells Fargo analyst John Baumgartner said. But will they keep it from being a complete washout? Its possible."
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2020) - Metals Creek Resources Corp. (TSXV: MEK) (the "Corporation") is pleased to announce diamond drill results from the initial two drill holes of the Corporation's first diamond drilling program on the Dona Lake Gold Project (the "Project") in the Pickle Lake Gold Camp, Ontario. A total of 1411 meters were drilled in two shallow holes that tested both the Main Zone and B Zone stratigraphy and a deep hole testing for the continuation of gold mineralization below the lower most level of the Dona lake Mine (455 level).

Hole DL-20-002 was collared to test the continuation of gold mineralization immediately south of Dona Lake mine workings at approximately 220m below surface. The first zone which is interpreted to be the Main Zone and returned a core length intercept of 8.45 grams per tonne (g/t) Gold (Au) over 3.15 meters (m) (254.85-259.00m). This intercept was a part of a broader zone of mineralization returning a core length intercept of 5.67 g/t Au over 5.15m (254.85-260.00m). Mineralization is hosted within silicate-sulfide iron formation and characterized by stringer to semi-massive pyrrhotite ranging from 3 to 40% with local pyrite and magnetite. Alteration includes strong silicification with associated quartz veining and locally moderate to strong grunerite, garnet and biotite in conjunction with strong folding.

A second zone of mineralization further down hole returned a core length intercept of 2.34 g/t Au over 9.2m (278.60-287.80m). Mineralization is hosted within silicate-sulfide iron formation with 1 to 6 percent disseminated to stringer pyrrhotite as well as trace to 1 percent pyrite and local magnetite. Alteration consists of Strong silicification with quartz veining and local biotite, garnet and grunerite. This second zone of mineralization is interpreted to B-Zone.

Hole DL20-001 was also collared to test the continuation of gold mineralization south of the Dona Lake mine at 121m level below surface. The Main Zone returned a core length intercept of 4.53 g/t Au over 1m (139.00-140.00m). Mineralization consisted of 1 to 2% disseminated pyrrhotite with associated strong silicification and quartz veining.

Table 1. Drill Hole Intercepts.

Drill Hole Meters From Meters to Gold g/t Total Meters DL-20-001 137 153 0.74 16 Including 139 140 4.53 1 DL-20-002 254.85 269.2 2.43 14.35 including 254.85 260 5.67 5.15 Including 255.85 259 8.45 3.15 and 278.6 287.8 2.34 9.2 Including 286.7 287.8 5.89 1.1

Drill intercepts reported in holes DL20-001 and 002 are not true widths. There is insufficient data at this point to determine a true orientation.

The Corporation is still awaiting assays for hole DL20-003. Hole 003 was drilled to test for the continuation of gold mineralization below the lower most level (455 level) of the Dona Lake mine. Assays will be reported once they are received and compiled.

Alexander (Sandy) Stares, President and CEO of Metals Creek states "Being that Metals Creek is in the early stages of its planned exploration programs, this initial drilling clearly demonstrates that there is additional gold mineralization outside of the previously mined area of the Main Zone at Dona lake. We anxiously await the results from the final, deeper hole drilled in this program (DL-20-003) as we prepare for a follow up drill program."

The Dona Lake Gold Project was optioned from Newmont Corporation (previously Newmont Goldcorp - see news release dated 13 June 2019) and is located in the Pickle Lake Greenstone Belt which is host to several historic mines including the Dona Lake mine, the Central Patricia mine and the Pickle Crow mine. Dona Lake is accessible by an all-weather road southeast from the Town of Pickle Lake. The Project consists of 32 patented and leased mining claims and 35 map staked claims totaling approximately 1,063 hectares and covers the past producing Dona Lake Mine.

Currently there are four known gold bearing oxide iron formations that host gold mineralization on the Dona Lake Gold Project. During compilation work by Corporation personnel, it was determined that the deepest hole found to date was drilled approximately 100m below the mine workings of the Main Zone (455m). This hole (455-2) was drilled by Placer Dome (Mine Operator) and returned a down hole intercept of 4.36 g/t Gold over 21.08 meters indicating the continuation of mineralization at depth below the bottom level (455 Level) of the Dona Lake Mine Main Zone.

A second zone (B Zone), footwall to the Main Zone, was partially drilled off by Placer Dome (Mine Operator) but only saw limited development and test mining and is open at depth with limited drilling along strike. B Zone is defined as a steeply plunging zone with intersections including 14.17 g/t Au over 15.31 m, 9.9 g/t Au over 10.6 m, 7.85 g/t Au over 5.85m and 12.44 g/t Au over 4.6m.

The above-mentioned historic drill intercepts are historical in nature and have not been verified or validated by the Corporation. Reported intercepts are not true widths. At this time there is insufficient data to calculate a true orientation.

A Presentation for the Dona Lake Gold Project can be viewed at:

http://www.metalscreek.com/upload/documents/dona-lake-presentation-april-2020.pdf

Michael MacIsaac, P.Geo and VP Exploration for the Corporation and a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for this release, and supervised the preparation of the information forming the basis for this release.

All split core samples were sent to Act Laboratories. The precious metals were analyzed utilizing a standard fire assay with an atomic absorption finish. As part of the Corporations QAQC protocol, approximately 10% of the samples submitted for assay were also sent for check assays. Standards and blanks were inserted randomly into the sample shipments as part of the sampling protocol. Samples with fire assay results above 1.0 g/t gold are re-analyzed using a gravimetric finish and samples with fire assay results above 5.0 g/t gold or samples showing visible gold are analyzed using the pulp metallic method.

About Metals Creek Resources Corp.

Metals Creek Resources Corp. is a junior exploration Corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, is a reporting issuer in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, and has its common shares listed for trading on the Exchange under the symbol "MEK". Metals Creek has earned a 50% interest in the Ogden Gold Property from Newmont Corporation, including the former Naybob Gold mine, located 6 km south of Timmins, Ontario and has an 8 km strike length of the prolific Porcupine-Destor Fault (P-DF). In addition, Metals Creek has signed an agreement with Newmont Corporation, where Metals Creek can earn a 100% interest in the past producing Dona Lake Gold Project in the Pickle Lake Mining District of Ontario.

Metals Creek also has multiple quality projects available for option in Ontario and Newfoundland which can be viewed on the Corporation's website. Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact the Corporation at the number below.

Additional information concerning the Corporation is contained in documents filed by the Corporation with securities regulators, available under its profile at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Alexander (Sandy) Stares, President and CEO

Metals Creek Resources Corp

telephone: (709)-256-6060

fax: (709)-256-6061

email: astares@metalscreek.com

www.MetalsCreek.com

Twitter.com/MetalsCreekRes

Facebook.com/MetalsCreek

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/63358
Last Sunday, Luis Martin Pages, a 29-year-old who lives in North Miami Beach, turned himself over to police right after he allegedly shot his mother which caused her death.

When an officer arrived at Pages's Residence, Miriam Gonzalez, the 59-year-old victim, was found lifeless at the crime scene.

Argument over orange juice

According to Fox News, a Florida man shot his mother after their arguments regarding a car, air conditioning remote control, and an orange juice.

Luis told the police that he lost his cool during the argument with his mother. He also told the officer who responded to his emergency call that he was responsible for his mother's death and asked law enforcement to take him into custody.

The numerous arguments began that morning because of an orange juice and Luis's confrontation with his mother, Miriam, about her car that he wanted to borrow because he was going to look for a job. But his mom declined his request because it was labor day on the weekend, and no establishment would be open.

The conversation triggered the fatal incident between the two individuals, said Luis, when a detective interrogated him. Also, the Florida man told the inspector that his mother also threatened him with a knife because of a separate argument about the remote control of their air conditioning.

Also Read: Jacob Blake, Shot by Kenosha Police, Answers Domestic Abuse Charges from Hospital Bed

Reports revealed that Luis stated he could not recall how many times he shot his mother with his gun. However, he added that he always carried six bullets in the gun and knew that he used all of them because when he tried to shoot himself, the barrel was empty. The police officers charged Luis with one count of second-degree murder with a deadly weapon.

The Florida Man is an internet meme used when people who live in or come from Florida have various unrelated crimes or news articles; this trend was popularized in 2013. Florida man crimes are some of the strangest and outrageous news reported by media outlets. There is quite a few recent news regarding several Florida men.

Deadly misunderstanding

A Florida man allegedly shot the 19-year-old Devyne Pritchett on Sunday morning. According to BayNews9, the victim was high on drugs when the killing happened. The drugged but unarmed Pritchett broke into an apartment complex last Sunday. He had a verbal dispute with a man walking his dog that same day, and the man pushed him to the ground.

When the second man from the third floor approached them, Pritchett raised his hand in the shape of a gun and uttered "pow pow pow' to Bryan Medeiros; the man who killed him. Medeiros followed Pritchett armed with a real gun and shot the unarmed 19-year-old, causing the shooter to be charged with manslaughter and carrying a concealed firearm.

According to 247WallSt, crime is a common occurrence in Florida. The state sees a crime rate that is slightly higher than the national rates for violent and property crime.

In 2018, Florida had 3.8 violent crimes per 1,000 people. Nationwide, the rate was at 3.7. Only 14 percent of all crimes reported by state officials were violent crimes. While Florida ranks 28th for the total crime rate across the nation, it has the 30th lowest violent crime rate. In the same year, law enforcement agencies only reported 81,980 cases of violent crimes.

Related Article: Starving 9-Year-Old Who is Locked in Closet Dies Covered With Vomit Due to Stepmom's Abuse

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The elder Mr. Rust, a 64-year-old towboat captain, said inmates would instruct him to use Western Union and other transfer services to send payments to their girlfriends, wives or other relatives, who would deposit the money into the mens commissary accounts or keep it for themselves.

Ryan Rust also repeatedly called and texted  by cellphone, of course. It got to a point where he was asking for money every day, his father said.

The Alabama Department of Corrections said it never received an official complaint from the Rust family about any extortion, although his father said he had reported some of the incidents to prison officials.

Jeff Rust acknowledged that his son had tried to escape and attempt suicide, and probably owed money for drugs and the use of a cellphone. The threats became more than just words when Ryan was stabbed twice, his father said, over what he believes was an unpaid debt.

At first, the demands emanating from the Easterling medium-security prison in Clio were for $30 here, $50 there, Mr. Rust said. But once they found out he could call his daddy for money, it got terrible.

The extortion continued with Ryans transfer to the Bullock medium-security prison in Union Springs, where he was stabbed again, and from where the family received one of the more horrifying threats. They were going to take baby oil and something else and heat it up in the microwave, Mr. Rust said. Then throw it on him if we didnt pay.
Photo: The Canadian Press FILE- In this Sept. 3, 2020 file photo, Rochester, N.Y. Mayor Lovely Warren addresses the media during a news conference in Rochester, N.Y. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, Warren announced that top police leaders in Rochester are retiring en masse amid criticism of the city's handling of the suffocation death of Daniel Prude in March 2020. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)

Top police leaders in New York's third-largest city are retiring en masse amid criticism of the city's handling of the suffocation death of Daniel Prude, the mayor of Rochester said Tuesday.

LaRon Singletary, the citys police chief, is among those retiring, as is Deputy Chief Joseph M. Morabito and possibly other senior commanders, Mayor Lovely Warren said.

Warren made the surprise announcement of the retirements at a City Council briefing being held online. Council members had expected the chief to appear in person to discuss ongoing protests over the death of Prude, a 41-year-old Black man who died several days after an encounter with police March 23.

As you all know, this has been a very challenging time for the city of Rochester, and the chief was not asked to give his resignation because I do believe that hes giving his very best, Warren told council members.

In an emailed statement to WXXI, Singletary said Tuesday that the events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity.

The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for, he said in the statement. The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prudes death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for. 

Singletary, who spent his entire career inside the Rochester Police Department, was appointed chief in April 2019. He said he looks forward to continuing to serve our community in my next chapter.

This is great news, said Iman Abid, speaking for Free the People ROC, which has held nightly protests since details of Prude's death emerged. It says to the people that people are able to move things and to shape things. The police chief wouldnt retire if it werent for something that he felt he was accountable to.

But, she said, nightly protests will continue to push other demands, including the resignation of the mayor, defunding and demilitarizing of police, and development of a state law barring police departments from responding to mental health crises.

Warren didnt know when the retirements would take effect. It was unclear who would be in charge of police Tuesday night if demonstrators come out for a sixth straight night, as expected. Demonstrators have called for the resignations of both Singletary and Warren, who are both Black.

Singletary, who spent his entire career inside the Rochester Police Department, was appointed chief in April 2019.

Officers found Prude running naked down the street put a hood over his head to stop him from spitting, then held him down for about two minutes until he stopped breathing. He died a week later after he was taken off life support.

His brother, Joe Prude, had called 911 seeking help for Daniel Prudes unusual behaviour. He had been taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation earlier that night but was released after a few hours, his brother told officers.

His death sparked outrage after his relatives last week released police body camera video and written reports they obtained through a public records request.

Seven police officers were suspended a day later, and state Attorney General Letitia James said Saturday she would form a grand jury and conduct an exhaustive investigation into Prudes death.

Police union officials have said the officers were following their training.
A ndronis is one of Santorinis most renowned hospitality groups with hotels, restaurants and shops as part of its luxury collection. We experienced two of its key properties, each with a distinct style.

The lowdown: Built high on the crest of the cliffs, the cave-like Luxury Suites are spellbinding. Each of the 29 suites is carved into the signature white stone. The balconies, which either come with a pool or a hot tub, overlook the Caldera.

Waking up to breakfast served on the private terrace with panoramic sea views is about as good as it gets.

As the sun goes down and the village begins to twinkle there is a sense of magic.

Arcadia is the contemporary lifestyle option. Named after the mythical home of the god Pan, it was built last year and made for those seeking modern Greek design with lovely Aegean sea views.

Rooms come with private pools and terraces so they are discreet whilst having access to all the amenities of a five star hotel. On site there is a spa, gym, restaurant and yoga area with daily classes.

Location: Both properties are in Oia, the most picturesque village in Santorini famous for magnificent sunsets. The Suites are on the main strip so they are ideally located for late night strolls along the promenade filled with boutique shops, cute restaurants and bars. They also have the benefit of incredible views over the Caldera. Arcadia is set back on a side road offering privacy and idyllic sunset views from its terraces.

Which rooms? The Grand Suite is perfect for couples. A king size bed sits under an arch and looks out onto the veranda with a Jacuzzi. The design is traditional with the emphasis on the curved stone. A stay here feels as if you are hidden away in a secret cave.

At Arcadia, the Sunset Suites have private infinity pools and are spaciously designed with a power shower and double sinks in the bathrooms. Accessories such as woven baskets and wicker chairs give the spaces a fun and fresh style.

Whats on the menu? Lycabettus is billed as one of the worlds most beautiful outdoor dining rooms. It lives up to its reputation with endless ocean views from the cliff edge. Dining under the stars, with every dish beautifully presented, is a wonderfully romantic experience.

Chef Nikos Leivadias is a Santorini veteran and sources his ingredients from around the island. He takes special care to balance Greek cuisine with an innovative fine dining experience. Supper here is one to remember.

At Andronis, Pacman has a beach club vibe with a sprawling infinity pool, sunken bar and restaurant area. There are two menu options; Sushi and Greek. Both are delicious but dont leave without trying the salt-crusted sea bass. This is a great place for sunset cocktails too.

Is there a spa? Yes. At Arcadia the Evexia Spa is a must for some chill out time. The thorough menu of facials, massages and therapies is centred around Ila products. Wellbeing treatments are made with an emphasis on relaxation and self-care. The relax and rebalance facial will leave your skin glowing.

Also try walks around the Kneipp pool which balances hot and cold water detoxes. For those who like to keep fit, there is a state-of-the-art gym.

Who is it best for? Santorini is one of the worlds most romantic destinations so it is always a hit with couples. However, a trip here with a pal to soak up the beauty will not disappoint.

Anything else I should know? Excellent service is the common theme throughout both properties. The staff here are attentive and warm with a genuine desire to ensure you have a brilliant stay.

When to go: the usual season runs from April to October but check the website for the latest updates.

How to book: visit andronis-suites.com and andronisarcadia.com for rates and availability.

How to get there: Tickets to Santorini are available on wizzair.com and on the airlines mobile app, with fares starting from 21.99 and flights operating twice a week. Passengers are recommended to purchase WIZZ Flex with their flight tickets to be able to customise their booking for peace of mind. By doing so, you can cancel the flight up to three hours before departure without any fee and get 100% of the original fare immediately reimbursed in airline credit, as well as change dates and routes an unlimited number of times. Book at wizzair.com.

Travel advice: the latest COVID-19 travel guidance for Greece can be found at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece.

Follow @thedesigneditor for more travel and design ideas.
Demonstrators gathered outside the Old Bailey Central Criminal Court in London yesterday demanding freedom for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Longstanding supporters were joined by others who had travelled from across the UK. Despite difficulties posed by COVID-19, some came from Switzerland, France, Portugal, the United States, and Australia.

Placards included, Jail the War CriminalsFree Julian Assange, Dont Extradite Assange! Journalism is Not a Crime and Political PrisonerTortured by UK Govt: No Extradition.

Assanges father John Shipton addressed the protest from a speakers platform opposite the courts entrance. Holding his phone to the microphone, Shipton played the soundtrack to WikiLeaks Collateral Murder video published in April 2010 which had exposed US war crimes in Iraq. The sound of an Apache helicopter and the crews voices could be heard. The gunships pilots request permission to open fire, with the chilling response, Light em all up.

John Shipton speaking outside the Old Bailey

Shipton explained, Just as you heard the lie that those people had weapons, the same lies are spread about Julian over and over again. Its 11 years that hes been banged up. Julian has two young children. What concerns me today is the rights of those children They were able to visit [Belmarsh Maximum Security Prison] the other day, but they werent allowed to embrace their father under the regulation that if they touched each other, Julian would have to spend two weeks in self-isolation in quarantine, in jailas if the circumstances are not dire enough.

John Pilger, investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker, told the crowd, Assange believes that journalists are the agents of people, not power; that we, the people, have a right to know about the darkest secrets of those who claim to act in our name. If the powerful lie to us, we have the right to know. If they say one thing in private and the opposite in public, we have the right to know. If they conspire against us, as Bush and Blair did over Iraq, then pretend to be democrats, we have the right to know.

Pilger delivered an impassioned attack on those who have enabled the US State Departments war on Assange and WikiLeaks, The imperial shock troops would be those who called themselves journalists: the big hitters of the so-called mainstream, especially the liberals who mark and patrol the perimeters of dissent.

John Pilger speaking outside the Old Bailey

And that is what happened. I have been a reporter for more than 50 years and I have never known a smear campaign like itthe fabricated character assassination of a man who refused to join the club, who believed journalism was a service to the public, never to those above.

Assange shamed his persecutors. He produced scoop after scoop. He exposed the fraudulence of wars promoted by the media and the homicidal nature of Americas wars, the corruption of dictators, the evils of Guantanamo.

Pilger continued, He exposed the official truth-tellers in the media as collaboratorsthose I would call Vichy journalists. None of these imposters believed Assange when he warned that his life was in danger, that the sex scandal in Sweden was a setup and an American hellhole was the ultimate destination. And he was right, and repeatedly right.

The extradition proceedings at the Old Bailey were described by Pilger as the final act of an Anglo-American campaign to bury Julian Assange. It is not due process. It is due revenge. The American indictment is clearly rigged, a demonstrable sham. So far, the hearings have been reminiscent of their Stalinist equivalents during the Cold War.

He continued, It is said that whatever happens to Julian Assange in the next three weeks will diminish if not destroy freedom of the press in the West. But which press? The Guardian? The BBC, the New York Times, Jeff Bezos Washington Post?

No, the journalists in these organizations can breathe freely. The Judases on the Guardian who flirted with Julian, exploited his landmark work, made their pile then betrayed him, have nothing to fear. They are safe because they are needed.

Both Pilger and WikiLeaks Editor-in-Chief Kristin Hraffnson were denied access to the court.

Hrafnsson told reporters, I wasnt allowed in the courtroomI was offered a seat on a balcony overlooking another room where journalists were working and watching a video screen that I couldnt see I could barely hear anything as well.

Asked how he felt about being excluded from the courtroom, Hrafnsson replied, How does it make me feel, to be a representative of the organisation on trial here alongside Julian Assange, and not sitting in the courtroom? I call this an absolute abomination As far as Im concerned its a secret trial.

WSWS reporters spoke with demonstrators outside the court.

Agatha

Agatha said, "I have come from Germany because Julian Assanges case is so important. For him as a human being, to save his life, for press freedom and freedom of speech. Its important for the whole world that democratic values should be upheld.

I became active in Assanges defence last February when I read Nilz Melzers account of the smears and lies. So I came over to Britain in February for the hearings and to demonstrate in front of Belmarsh Prison.

The governments in the US, in Britain and Australia are persecuting Assange because he revealed their war crimes. He showed the world the ugly crimes they committed in Iraq. They want to make an example of him, to intimidate journalists.

It should be an international fight to free Julian Assange. The people of the world should stand up to save his life, free speech, free journalism and democracy.

Anna Price is a teacher and psychotherapist. She said, I'm absolutely shocked by the assault on Julian Assanges human rights and all our human rights in this case and I think the UK needs to stand up and stop it. We need public opinion behind Julian Assange.

Anna

Assange is being persecuted because they want to hide from us their crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan and government corruption. This is a warning to any whistle-blowers or journalists or publishers who tell us what's going on in the world.

After seeing Assange dragged from the Ecuadorian Embassy, Anna said, I realised something really horrific was happening in our society. I could not believe that a publisher and journalist was being arrested like that. What shocked me the most was that there was only one camera that filmed it, one camera! So where were the rest of the press? You know they've all been silenced on this case. I think public opinion is incredibly important and ever since April 2019 my main goal has been to try and raise awareness of Julian Assanges fight and how it affects us all.

Cheryl, a longstanding campaigner in defence of Assange, said. I think that hes not going to get any justice. Its a kangaroo court. Hes still not able to talk to his lawyers on a regular basis Remember he said that when they have finished with me they are going to come for you too? He also said that the US uses the UK as a vassal state to get him. This is exactly what they wanted, to get him on spurious charges.

Cheryl

He has no charges to answer. They lied about this rape allegation [concocted by the Swedish authorities]. When the rape allegation served its purpose, they kicked him out of the embassy and he is now theirs to torture. It was always a vindictive campaign to attack this guy and put him away for daring to expose war crimes. Nothing more, nothing less.

Judge Vanessa Baraitser has connections to the case, which undermines the whole objectivity of all her rulings. She should not even be there. The US is in charge of that judge, I suspect, and she does what they tell her to do. You would expect that sort of thing to happen in some small South American country. The government talks about the rule of law, and nothing they do is about the law.

Home Secretary Priti Patel went to Israel using government funds, chatting to a murderous rogue state. She was never persecuted. Boris Johnson is dropping bombs on Yemen, and hes not been prosecuted. But Julian Assange must be tortured because he dared expose their crimes.

The media is now the parrot of the state. They are not the Fifth Estate anymore. They are the Fifth Column. Nicely dressed, but enforcers of the surveillance state, the rogue state. They just do as they are told. They are not there to do the news and journalism. They are there to pacify us and make us think that we get the news, but its all fake.

The Labour Party has become a version of the Tories, and I noticed a lot of bad things happened under Jeremy Corbyn. He never stood up for his followers. Corbyn had the momentum, and he couldve told his followers about Assange, the same ones that took him to victory. In this supposedly democratic country, we shouldve been fighting. Instead he remained silent.

When they were calling Corbyn anti-Semitic, he knew it was a lie. But he wouldnt take them to court. When people who supported him were thrown under the bus, he let this happen, like Ken Livingstone, Marc Wadsworth and Chris Williamson. He never said anything. Now I see him talking on Twitter. We should say where were you when you were our leader? Why didnt you talk up when you were our leader? Now youre back to being a backbencher, now you are talking. That is cowardice. The Labour Party is like the Torys brother. We have no opposition now.

Corbyn lost a lot of support because of this. He will never be anything now, because people see him as a bloody coward. The same thing happened with Bernie Sanders in the US. They had the momentum and they threw it away.

Assange should be freed and compensated. Hes being persecuted for doing journalism, the type of journalism that they all should be doing. I pray that he is never extradited to the US because going there would be a death sentence, The US is a rogue state. Its an international criminal state that has no concern for justice, for democracy, for free speech. They are quite happy to see people being killed on the streets, so I say that we should never let this man leave for the United States, never!

Martin Zuker, a retired history teacher, said, The USA, as it says on my notice here, does not have universal jurisdiction. That is why we are here today, to make sure that Julian Assange is freed from the corrupt system, the kangaroo court, which is continuing in this building today.

Martin Zuker

The allegations are that he exposed the war crimes in Afghanistan. Because they want to gag freedom of speech. They dont want to be accused of war criminality, the invasion of Iraq, with the UK in collusion. The media is being governed by the big corporate companies, the BBC and Sky News. There is no socialist media where we are allowed freedom of speech. They want to keep the truth covered about why they are operating with such injustices. Its an industry of stealth.

Elsa

Elsa said, We are here to support and to protect Julian Assange. He's the greatest journalist of our time. He has been punished for telling the truth. He has been brutally persecuted by the United States and the United Kingdom.

They wanted to keep war crimes concealed. But Julian Assange published those crimes and we the people must know because we must hold our governments to account.

We are here because this extradition case has been very unjust. They are not delivering justice. They are delivering business, bending down to whatever the United States administration wants. We must fight in this historic battle to free Julian Assange. We must fight to win, or our children will be next. If we dont defend Julian Assange, journalism is dead. The truth is dead. The freedom of the press is dead.

The media does not represent the people. The media is there to represent corporations and the rich. They only defend their salaries. They don't care about the truth and about the rights of many people suffering in the UK and across the world.

Elleane Green

Elleane Green said, I have supported Julian for a long time now. I'm convinced that if we don't manage to turn this around, we are the last free people on the planet because no future generations will ever hear the truth about anything.

They will never hear about evil because evil will be hidden and it's a future which I cannot bear to contemplate. All our children, our grandchildren, will live in darkness and evil and I'm not prepared to go into that without a big fight.

Julian has been in incarceration for nearly 10 years and all the media which benefited from his exposure of diplomatic cables has abandoned him. I cant forgive the Guardian for many things, but this is one of the biggest. They are a most despicable, disgusting newspaper. They are short of money and I hope no one is giving them any or buying their paper.
Google-owned thinktank Area 120 has a new project, dubbed Orion WiFi, that could make every carriers coverage much better. Thats according to recent reports detailing the project.

Orion WiFi would work with established businesses and venues to extend WiFi to cellular providers. For example, users could go into a mall and gain immediate access to better data coverage through that establishments WiFi network. In effect, for customers, it would bolster and augment networks indoors.

Area 120 is, in fact, already working with major hardware manufacturers to make Orion WiFi happen. And carriers such as Republic Wireless and Google Fi are already committed to filling in gaps in their networks using Orion WiFi. Major partners include Cisco Systems, CommScope (RUCKUS), and Juniper Mist.

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Heres why you wouldnt even notice if Orion WiFi was in use

Now, through its partnerships, Area 120 has worked to ensure that businesses wont need to upgrade their equipment. It should be completely compatible without that. So businesses should essentially just be able to sell their bandwidth to carriers. And end-users shouldnt notice any major differences either.

Thats not only because theyll be using the local WiFi as though its part of their network either. But because whether Orion WiFi is used will depend entirely on the networking environment. And on carriers.

Addressing the latter reason first, carriers such as Google Fi will be taking on the extra cost to gain access to business networks via Orion WiFi. Thatll earn businesses some money. But it will also be an extra outflow of money for the carriers. So there are no guarantees that carriers will use it in a way that could be described as widespread.

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Additionally, if the networks in question are slower than the carriers own network, switching wont even occur. So malls, stores, restaurants, and other venues will need to have decent WiFi to take advantage of Orion WiFi.

but this could make a big difference in the 5G era

With all of that said, Orion WiFi could make offerings from MVNOs and carriers much better, especially on 5G. The fastest 5G implementations dont penetrate walls well and are otherwise easily obstructed. Slower 5G implementations, which nationwide build-outs are based on, arent a lot faster than 4G. Although the slower 5G connections do offer better latency and bandwidth.

So Orion WiFi could potentially prop up mobile networks when customers move indoors or goes to a venue.
"Typically, HeadCount registers voters through music events and concerts," said Stephen Yalof, President and Chief Operating Officer of Tanger Outlets. "With most concerts cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we're glad to be able to do our part in supporting this important work by activating our open-air shopping centers for civic engagement."

Tanger will provide its shoppers with a quick and seamless voter registration process through its partnership with HeadCount. On Saturday, September 5, Tanger hosted voter registration stations at 24 of its open-air locations nationwide, guiding shoppers through the registration process in socially-distanced, outdoor areas.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Tanger Outlets to get people registered to vote in time for the November election," said Andy Bernstein, Executive Director of HeadCount. "Tanger's national footprint will allow us to engage a broad number of potential voters and involve them in the political process."

To learn more about HeadCount and its mission, visit www.tangeroutlet.com.

About Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (NYSE: SKT), is a publicly-traded REIT headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina that presently operates and owns, or has an ownership interest in, a portfolio of 38 upscale outlet shopping centers. Tanger's operating properties are located in 20 states and in Canada, totaling approximately 14.1 million square feet, leased to over 2,700 stores which are operated by more than 500 different brand name companies. The Company has more than 39 years of experience in the outlet industry. Tanger Outlet Centers continue to attract more than 180 million visitors annually. For more information on Tanger Outlet Centers, call 1-800-4TANGER or visit the Company's website at www.tangeroutlets.com.

About HeadCount

Since 2004, HeadCount has registered over 650,000 voters and worked with a long list of musicians and partners including Ariana Grande, JAY-Z, Beyonce, March for Our Lives, RuPaul's DragCon, MTV, and Dead & Company. With 40,000 volunteers, HeadCount ranks as one of the most active grassroots civic participation organizations in the United States.

CONTACT:

Quentin Pell

[email protected]

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A young woman discovered she'd been harbouring a deadly brain condition since birth when she collapsed while on a night out.

Jade Henderson, now 23, from Hartlepool, was thought to be a healthy 22-year-old when she fell to the ground within minutes of meeting her friends in Hebburn, South Tyneside.

She was rushed to hospital where she spent ten days fighting for her life in a coma after 'a ticking timebomb' brain bleed was found inside her head.

Medics discovered Jade had an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) - a tangle of blood vessels which disrupts blood flow and oxygen circulation - and that she'd had it since she was born without anyone knowing about it.

Three more AVMs have since been discovered in Jade - who had to learn to read, walk and talk again after first leaving hospital - which will need careful treatment and monitoring.

Jade Henderson (pictured left, recently, and right, last year, before her collapse), now 23, from Hartlepool, was thought to be a healthy 22-year-old when she fell to the ground within minutes of meeting her friends in Hebburn, South Tyneside

Jade (pictured with her mother Sharon) was rushed to hospital where she spent ten days fighting for her life in a coma after 'a ticking timebomb' brain bleed was found inside her head

Her mother Sharon Henderson, 50, who was told Jade probably would not survive, said: 'She died twice on the table. Her heart stopped beating. She had a stroke as well.'

'They asked me if I wanted to come in and say goodbye to her. I was in a daze, I was trying to be normal for everyone else but my daughter had this silent killer and there was nothing I could do.'

Jade added: 'All I can remember is waking up on a high dependency ward and asking for chips and gravy.

'I couldn't believe it when they told me what had happened to me. I thought they were joking.'

Jade collapsed at around 7pm on November 9 last year. She was first taken to South Tyneside Hospital and then transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary where surgeons operated until 4.30am the next day.

Medics discovered Jade (pictured before her injury) had an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) - a tangle of blood vessels which disrupts blood flow and oxygen circulation - and that she'd had it since she was born without anyone knowing about it

Three more AVMs have since been discovered in Jade (pictured in hospital after her operation) - who had to learn to read, walk and talk again after first leaving hospital - which will need careful treatment and monitoring

They found that Jade had an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which disrupts blood flow and oxygen circulation - and that she'd had it since she was born, according to Sharon.

WHAT ARE ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATIONS? An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a specific term used to describe a tangle of blood vessels with abnormal connections between arteries and veins. High pressure arteries containing fast flowing blood are directly connected to low pressure veins, which normally only contain slow flowing blood. This means that blood from the arteries drains directly into the veins - without stopping to supply the normal tissues in that part of the body with essential substances like oxygen and nutrition. Over time this can lead to the normal tissues becoming painful or fragile. It also means that the AVM gets progressively larger over time as the amount of blood flowing through it increases, and it can cause problems due to its size. Finally, it may also mean that the heart has to work harder to keep up with the extra blood flow. Some doctors describe an AVM as 'a ring road that bypasses the high street of a town'. Traffic (or blood) will use the bypass rather than the high street which suffers as a result. AVMs are thought to affect approximately 1.4 in every 100,000 people. Source: Great Ormond Street Hospital Advertisement

AVM's only affect one per cent of the UK population and most cases are men. The AVM had burst in Jade's head.

The next day, she was rushed back into surgery with another bleed and had to have part of her skull bone removed, said her mother.

Experts have since discovered that Jade has three more AVMs which need careful treatment and monitoring to get rid of.

Jade needs gamma knife radiation treatment at Sheffield Hallamshire Hospital, where she's set to be treated on September 10.

Incredibly, because the rupture happened on the left side of her brain, it may have saved her life because a bleed on the other part could have been fatal.

Jade explained: 'The cognitive side of the brain is the opposite side to what you write with.'

Cabin crew member Jade, who now has aphasia (a condition affecting her speech), dyslexia and a loss of part of her eyesight, remained in hospital from November 9 to December 18 and had to learn how to read, write, walk and talk all over again.

She was allowed home over Christmas and New Year and then went into rehabilitation where she stayed until a week before the pandemic restrictions started in March.

Now, Jade, who is determined to live each day as it comes, and her mother have spoken out to raise awareness of AVMs during AVM Awareness Month.

Jade said: 'You don't know AVMs are there until you either have a bleed or you get really bad headaches and go for a CT or MRI scan, or an angiogram. I want to help others. I am so grateful to everyone who helped me - family, friends, everyone.'

Mother Sharon told of the day her daughter's life was changed so dramatically, recalling: 'No one is aware of these things. It is a silent and deadly killer.

'Jade was a normal healthy 22-year-old doing all the normal things that 22-year-olds do. She loved dancing. On this day, she had gone to meet her friends and phoned me at ten to 7 to say she had got there safely.

'At one minute past 7, I got a call to say she had collapsed. She had complained of a headache and her ear popping and then she collapsed.

Her mother Sharon Henderson, 50, who was told Jade (pictured recently) probably would not survive, said: 'She died twice on the table. Her heart stopped beating. She had a stroke as well.'

'When I got to hospital, they took me to the family room and told me it was really serious. They told me I might be walking out of here without her. I was walking around dazed like I was not there.'

It was down to the quick intervention of her friends at the scene and the expert help Jade received in hospital that she survived.

Sharon added: 'They told me that if it had been 10 minutes longer, she would have been dead. Everyone who came to her aid deserves to be praised.'

Sharon also praised the hospital staff at South Tyneside and the RVI and said: 'I can't thank them enough. It is down to them that she is still here.'
KK Singh to press appropriate directions to prohibit Susan Walker and any other medical practitioners to make public/media statements about his son Sushant Singh Rajput's medical consultations.

Sushant Singh Rajput's father KK Singh has filed a complaint against Dr Susan Walker with the Medical Council of India.

In his complaint, Singh said any consultation between his son and Moffat was "strictly confidential", and disclosure of it would be misconduct under the Indian Medical Council (IMC) regulations.

News agency Asian News International, shared a copy of the complaint letter filed under Regulation 8.2 of the IMC (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 (*2002 Regulations) for professional misconduct committed by Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) namely, Walker under Regulation 7.14 of the 2002 Regulations.

The letter stated that according to Regulations 7.14 of the 2020, a registered medical practitioner shall not disclose the secrets of a patient that have been learnt in the exercise of his/her profession. Also mentioned is Walker's claim that Rajput had consulted with her for certain alleged mental conditions for which she had given her consultations and opinion.

Singh, in his complaint, said Walker gave a news interview to a journalist where she disclosed Rajput's medical condition. He requested MCI to initiate required proceedings against Walker, and also asked the board to press appropriate directions to prohibit her and any other medical practitioners to make any further public/media statements Rajput's medical consultations.

Here is the update

Sushant Singh Rajput's father KK Singh filed a complaint to Medical Council of India stating, "any consultation between Sushant Singh Rajput & Registered Medical practitioner Susan Walker was strictly confidential & disclosure of same would be misconduct under IMC regulation." pic.twitter.com/ImOsddhEs1  ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2020

On 1 August, journalist Barkha Dutt tweeted an interview with Walker who claimed it was her "duty" to go public. She claimed that the late actor had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Earlier this month, a report by India Today accessed the statement of given to Mumbai Police on 16 July. The statement mentioned Rajput's bipolar disorder diagnosis, and the deterioration of his condition in October and November 2019. The medical professional also said that Rhea Chakraborty had informed her that Rajput was getting suicidal thoughts.

On 14 June, Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai, after which the Mumbai Police had lodged an Accidental Death Report (ADR).

*

A collection of Suicide prevention helpline numbers are available here. Please reach out if you or anyone you know is in need of support. The All-India helpline number is: 022 2754 6669
MILAN  The Tods Group is eyeing 2021, relying on a loyal customer base and the fundamentals of its brands, focusing on the development of its digital tools to overcome the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, the Italian luxury group reported a net loss of 80.6 million euros in the first six months of the year, compared with a loss of 5.7 million euros in the same period last year.

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Revenues fell 43.5 percent to 256.9 million euros, compared with 454.6 million euros in the first half of 2019, impacted by the lockdown enforced practically worldwide. In the second quarter, sales totaled 104.1 million euros, down 56.3 percent compared with the same period last year.

Chairman and chief executive officer Diego Della Valle addressed a world that has completely and drastically changed in the wake of the pandemic, after a positive start to the year, noting that the second quarter was worse than the first, given the closure of almost all of the groups stores for most of the period.

We have adopted a policy of strong prudence and have decided to limit product deliveries on both sales channels, to reduce the risk of unsold stock, said Della Valle. We have focused even more on the e-commerce channel, which is growing very well, is giving us excellent results and which allows us to reach also many new customers.

The entrepreneur said that over the past few weeks, the group is registering encouraging signs of recovery, particularly in China, where we are recording double-digit growth rates, while Europe and the Americas remain weak, heavily penalized by the lack of tourists. The results of the current year will therefore be certainly affected by the pandemic, even if it is still too early to quantify the impact, given the low visibility on the evolution of the situation. We are already working on 2021, implementing our medium-term strategic plan, maintaining a strict policy of attention to costs and efficiency, which is giving us good results.

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Della Valle expressed his confidence in the groups features and tools necessary to overcome this exceptional crisis and return to growth, thanks above all to the great respect that our loyal customers have for our brands and for the excellent quality of the products and thanks to the solid financial structure, which we are used to having. We are now highly focused on the development of digital communication, which will allow us to attract a world of new consumers, which we have not yet reached; together with a strong creative innovation, they will bring us the growth we expect, as soon as the markets will normalize.

In the first half of the year, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, which exclude an extraordinary inventory write-down of 30 million euros, amounted to 12.3 million euros, down 84.7 percent compared with 80.4 million euros in the same period of 2019, hit by the higher incidence on sales of operating costs, despite a prudent review of unnecessary costs, said chief financial officer Emilio Macellari in a conference call with analysts.

The company reported an adjusted operating loss of 64.1 million euros, compared to an operating profit of 5.8 million euros in the first half of 2019.

The worst moment of the pandemic happened in the second quarter as, for the entire month of April and the first half of May, 53 percent of the groups stores were closed, Macellari observed.

The restart of activities was gradual, and of different intensity, in the various areas of the world. The most reactive market was Mainland China, where revenues recorded double-digit growth in the second quarter, progressively accelerating and showing a very positive trend, with increased local spending in China, said chief executive officer Umberto Macchi di Cellere on the call. On the contrary, Hong Kong and Macao remained much weaker. There were good results also in Korea, which controlled the pandemic, and Japan. Europe and the U.S., the latter also troubled by social tensions and structural problems, Macchi di Cellere said, were still very weak, due to the absence of tourists.

All in all, we are definitely seeing improvements compared with the first half, he said.

Sales of the Tods brand fell 46.1 percent to 124.5 million euros. Roger Vivier revenues were down 39.2 percent to 61.4 million euros. Sales of Hogan decreased 41.9 percent to 58.4 million euros and those of Fay by 42.2 percent to 12.4 million euros.

By category, sales of shoes fell 42.4 percent to 211.8 million euros, and those of leather goods and accessories dropped 51.8 percent to 30 million euros. Revenues derived from apparel amounted to 14.9 percent, down 38.1 percent.

By geographic market, Italy was down 47.6 percent to 65.6 million euros. Sales in Europe totaled 61.2 million euros, down 46.9 percent. Revenues in the Americas were down 52.8 percent to 16.1 million euros. Sales in Greater China totaled 74.3 million euros, down 33.4 percent, and sales in the Rest of the World fell 42 percent to 39.7 million euros.

Retail sales totaled 185.1 million euros, down 42 percent and sales to third parties amounted to 71.8 million euros, down 47 percent.

We have done our best to speak to and consolidate our relations with our partners, agreeing on some controlled reductions, without ever pushing them more than their potential, said Macchi di Cellere.

Macellari echoed this, adding that the group had granted delayed payments as a sign of proximity and fair cooperation.

As of June 30, the groups distribution network included 292 directly operated stores and 112 franchised units, compared to 288 DOS and 114 franchised stores at the end of June last year.

In the first half of 2020, the group invested 14.9 million euros in tangible and intangible fixed assets, compared to 22.4 million euros in the first half of 2019, mainly channeled into its store network, such as the new Tods flagship in Tokyos Ginza.

As required by the accounting standard IFRS 16, as of June 30, the group accounted for lease liabilities of 422.5 million euros, compared to 416.9 million euros at the end of June last year. Net of these liabilities, the net financial debt amounted to 157.9 million euros which compared to net debt of 92.4 million euros at the end of June last year.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Doctor's prescription is not mandatory from now for those voluntarily going for RT/PCR test to detect COVID-19 infection in the national capital, the Delhi High Court Tuesday said, while expressing concern over the sharp and alarming increase in the number of cases.

Till now it was mandatory for a person to have a doctor's prescription or symptoms to get tested for the virus.

A bench of justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad said people need to carry Aadhaar card for Delhi address proof and fill a form as prescribed by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for COVID-19 testing.

The ICMR form specifies the category of patient as per the testing guidelines.

The high court noted there was a sharp increase in the number of cases in Delhi and asked private laboratories to allow 2000 COVID-19 tests per day for those who voluntarily wish for it.

As the sanctioned strength of conducting RT/PCR test is 14,000, the remaining 12,000 testing capacity per day is available with the Delhi government, it noted.

RT/PCR, short for Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction, is a laboratory technique widely used in the diagnosis of genetic diseases and to measure gene expression in research.

The bench examined that there is a sharp rise in cases of COVID-19 in Delhi between August 31 till date and the figures are rather alarming.

On August 31, the number of cases in Delhi were 1358 and on September 7, it went up to 2077.

Delhi government said it was mulling over the issue of allowing RT/PR tests without prescription and needed one more week to make a decision.

However, the high court said having regard to the sharp increase in the COVID-19 cases, it was of the opinion that the situation does not call for any delay.

Henceforth from now, those who want to voluntarily get themselves tested, they need not obtain a prescription from a doctor.

The person concerned will only be mandated to fill the ICMR form and attach Aadhaar card to show the proof of a Delhi residence, the bench said.

It further said the private laboratories should prioritise the results of testing samples sent to them by the Delhi government and thereafter give reports of private persons.

In case Delhi government sends additional samples to the private labs, they shall also be catered without any delay, it said.

Delhi government counsel Satyakam informed the high court that in pursuance to its last order, COVID-19 testing camps have been set up at Inter-State Bus terminals (ISBT) Anand Vihar, Sarai Kale Khan and Kashmiri Gate and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station and New Delhi Railway Station.

Indian Railways has started operating more trains so testing at stations will also be increased proportionately, he said.

The high court was informed that presently two mobile van facilities are deputed in each district in Delhi for the testing.

The bench directed the Delhi government to ramp up the mobile facilities from two to four on the sites which the state deems appropriate, if possible at prominent metro terminals.

The high court said Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) should advertise about the nearby COVID-19 testing camps at prominent spots near the entry and exit area of the stations.

This should also be uploaded on Delhi government's website for the convenience of citizens, it said.

As the Delhi government counsel said that the third Sero-survey had commenced in the city on September 1 and concluded on September 7, the high court directed him to place on record the sero survey report along with a fresh status report before the next date of hearing on September 16.

During the hearing, central government standing counsel Anurag Ahluwalia, submitted that social distancing norms are not being followed in district courts and testing camps be organised there.

To this, the bench said camps are being set up at the high court and district courts here on rotation basis and social distancing is something which the legal community has to ensure.

We have opened courts on the saying of lawyers and they should ensure social distancing is maintained. It was the bar associations which were asking for physical hearings. While judges, court staff and support staff are coming to courts, lawyers are desisting from coming to courts and court masters are flooded with requests to put matters through virtual hearing, the bench said.

Ahluwalia and Satyakam submitted that physical hearing be done away with for some more time as the situation is very bad in Delhi and added that lawyers will make a representation on this.

The bench said they can give a representation to this effect to the Delhi High Court Chief Justice who is the final authority to take decisions.

The high court had on August 31 expressed concern over spike in cases of COVID-19 in the city and had directed the Delhi government to re-strategise the testing so that maximum number of cases which are turning out to be asymptomatic can undergo a test at private laboratories to prevent spread of coronavirus infection.

It was hearing a PIL by advocate Rakesh Malhotra seeking increasing the COVID-19 testing numbers in the national capital and getting speedy results.
Prof. Anthony K. Mbonye

Before Uganda reported the first case of COVID-19 on the 21st of March 2020, the government implemented early mitigation measures including closure of schools and public gatherings that were instituted on the 18th of March, 2020. Thereafter, additional mitigation measures were instituted including the suspension of all public and private transport, closure of the Ugandan airspace, and a curfew that banned all movement between the hours of 7:00 pm and 6:30 am.

This initial response led by the President was timely and it greatly curbed the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Few sporadic cases of truck drivers were reported originating from neighbouring countries, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Initially the confusion of mishandling returnees at Entebbe International Airport had been reported, where one of the senior administrators at the Ministry of Health claimed there was no money to quarantine the returnees. Uganda nearly lost the war on COVID-19 at this point. What helped was that not many planes landed at the airport and this saved what would have been a grave situation.

Hurriedly, the government assembled a national task force chaired by the Prime Minister and a scientific committee was also assembled by the Health Minister. Both committees did not have eminent people who had training in infectious diseases nor experience in managing epidemics. Instead the committees were staffed by acquittances and friends of some sort of kind. Uganda has had several devastating epidemics of Ebola Hemorrhagic Fevers, Yellow Fever and Cholera, which are more infectious and highly lethal. Experienced doctors like Prof. Francis Omaswa, Dr. Sam Okware, Dr. Sam Zaramba, Prof. Anthony Mbonye, Dr. Jacinto Amandua, Dr. Jackson Amone, Dr. Miriam Nanyunja, Dr. Kenya-Mugisha, Dr. Benard Opar, Dr. Godfrey Bwire, Dr. Jenipher Wanyana, were not called to give a hand. Was this deliberate or an oversight?

Most unfortunate of all this was that the Director General of Health Services, who is supposed to lead the technical team in such an epidemic, was relegated to the back bench. Instead the Minister of Health and her Permanent Secretary saw it as an opportunity to appear on television cameras, and they did all sorts of menial things including advertising how to use masks, a task usually done by junior health educators.

The scientific team has claimed and convinced the President of Uganda, who has subsequently announced to the nation that Uganda will soon surprise the world with a vaccine, a new drug to treat COVID-19 and diagnostic tests. The team of scientists have accordingly been allocated billions of shillings. Anyone who knows the infrastructure and scientific excellence that is required of vaccine and drug development would simply know that this was a hoax aimed at siphoning money under the pretext of fighting COVID-19.

For once Ugandans should stand up and one day demand for accountability for these billions of shillings in the hands of these masqueraders.

Ugandans have many surprises though, some members of the scientific committee will one day claim that they have developed a vaccine.

I also recommend that the Ministers of Health, the Permanent Secretary and all members of the scientific committee should participate in the first phase of that vaccine trial. If they dont, no Uganda should volunteer.

By now, many Ugandans are wallowing in the effects of the prolonged lockdown. For example how many jobs have been lost? How many businesses have been closed? What has been the overall impact on the economy? And how many people have died due to poor access to health services?

Does Uganda have these statistics?

Whereas the initial lockdown was necessary, one month was enough to identify the source of COVID-19 cases. After identifying that these were truck drivers, intense surveillance, testing and isolation at border points should have been intensified while the lockdown was lifted. But this didnt happen and this has partly led to escalation of community transmission that could end up in a disaster for Uganda.

With a prolonged lockdown, directing focus and prioritization of health systems to fight COVID-19 may have had an impact on access to non-COVID-19 diseases. We therefore applied an age-based COVID-19 mortality data from China to the population structures of Uganda and non-African countries with previously established outbreaks, comparing theoretical mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost. We then predicted the impact of possible scenarios of the COVID-19 public health response on morbidity and mortality for HIV/AIDS, malaria and maternal health in Uganda.

The results are very astonishing, based on the population age structure alone. Uganda is predicted to have a relatively low COVID-19 burden compared to an equivalent transmission in the comparison countries, with 12% of the mortality and 19% of the lost DALYs predicted for an equivalent transmission in Italy.

In contrast, scenarios of the impact of the public health response in Uganda on malaria and HIV/AIDS predict additional disease burden outweighing that predicted from extensive SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Emerging disease data from Uganda suggests that such deterioration already may be occurring. The results predict a relatively low COVID-19 impact on Uganda due to its young population, with a high risk of negative impact on non-COVID-19 disease burden from a prolonged lockdown response. This may reverse hard-won gains in addressing fundamental vulnerabilities in women and childrens health in Uganda. (Published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 23rd July 2020).

For the current enraging community transmission, there is need to intensify surveillance, COVID-19 testing, isolation and partial lockdown of hotspots. There is no need for another total lockdown of the country. The airport and borders should be opened and rapid testing and self-isolation followed through. But these measures may have to be implemented by a totally new team since the current one is embroiled in corruption and mismanagement.

Conclusively, Ugandas COVID-19 management has not been guided by evidence and scientific analyses. It has rather been adhoc and based on fear and imagination. The community transmission and deaths being currently observed is out of this mismanagement and may be a disaster for the country.

================================

This story was first published by the East African Center for Investigative Reportings online publication Vox Populi. PML Daily has been authorized to publish this story under the Centers Collaborative Investigative Journalism Innitiative.

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A 'trusted lieutenant' who was caught with cocaine and bundles of cash during a police search was handed a two-year sentence on Tuesday.

Ryan McCrory, from Bloomfield Street in Belfast, appeared at Belfast Crown Court via a videolink with Maghaberry, where he was informed his sentence will be divided between a year in custody and a year on licence.



McCrory's barrister Joe Brolly said his 33-year old client only became involved in the drugs operation because of debts he accrued due to a "pathological addiction" to gambling.



The father-of-two pleaded guilty to three offences arising from the police search, which was carried out on November 27 last year under the Misuse of Drugs Act.



He admitting possessing cocaine with intent to supply, possessing cannabis with intent and possessing criminal property namely 22,350.



When officers searched the property, bundles of cash were located along with quantities of cocaine and two kilograms of herbal cannabis.



Cash was found in a black rucksack, while several separate quantities of cocaine were located - including 650 grams with a 74% purity found in the kitchen.



Police also seized the the cutting agent benzocaine along with scales and other drugs paraphernalia. When arrested, McCrory told police "you picked a good day to come".



During Tuesday's sentencing, Judge Stephen Fowler QC said the cocaine was valued at around 100,000. He added that due to the presence of the cutting agent and the quantities of the Class A drug, he felt McCrory was a "trusted lieutenant" as opposed to simply storing the drugs, and that the cocaine was "being cut for onward supply."



Defence barrister Joe Brolly said there was "no suggestion" that McCrory had prior involvement with drugs, and that he only became involved after borrowing cash from "black market money lenders" due to his gambling addiction.



As he sentenced McCrory, Judge Fowler spoke of the "tragedy and pain" Class A drugs such as cocaine bring to people, which he branded as "dreadful."



Saying he was taking into account McCrory's early plea, lack of relevant record and rehabilitative steps he has taken whilst in custody, Judge Fowler imposed the two-year sentence and ordered the destruction of all the drugs seized.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 8, 2020 14:00 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c436dd9e 1 National money-laundering,Benny-Tjokrosaputro,Hanson-International,Jiwasraya Free

The National Police have named Benny Tjokrosaputro, the president director of publicly listed property firm PT Hanson International, a prime suspect in a money laundering case involving a shell bank.

Brig. Gen. Helmy Santika, who helms the financial crimes unit of the National Polices Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim), accused Benny of having collected illicit funds through his position at the company.

[Benny] is the main perpetrator who collected illegal funds through the legal body PT Hanson International and the cooperative Hanson Mitra Mandiri, Helmy said on Monday as quoted by kompas.com.

However, he said the police needed to question Benny further. The businessman is on trial for his alleged involvement in a widely publicized graft case involving state insurer PT Asuransi Jiwasraya.

Bennys detainment will need to wait until after the examination at the [Jakarta] Corruption Court," Helmy added.

Benny was among the suspects named by the Attorney Generals Office (AGO) in the high-profile Jiwasraya graft case earlier this year.

Indonesian Anti-Corruption Community (MAKI) coordinator Boyamin Saiman previously reported Hanson International to Bareskrim, alleging that the company had committed a financial crime.

Boyamin claimed the company had collected public funds in violation of the countrys Banking Law.

The Banking Law stipulates that [individuals] carrying out banking practices, such as accepting investments, savings or deposits, without authorization may face up to 10 years [in prison], Boyamin said.

He added that Hanson International had allegedly collected Rp 2.4 trillion (US$ 162.1 million) since 2016 to purchase land in Lebak regency, Banten and Bogor regency, West Java. (rfa)
Member of Parliament(MP) for Manyhia North constituency, Collins Owusu Amankwah has cautioned Ghanaians against the schemes of NDCs flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.



According to him, Mr. Mahama is full of deceit and deceptive promises, hence will do everything to lie for votes.



"If we are not careful, he can legalize armed robbery in this country," he said on UTVs 'Adekye Nsroma' program.



"Was it not this same NDC and Mahama who brought the operation of okada business to Parliament to ban their activities? So what has changed that all of a sudden, he has become so desperate to legalize okada business in the country? What has changed that he has become so desperate to the extent of making all sorts of promises? Hon. Collins Owusu Amankwah questioned.





















Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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WATERLOO  Three tenants at a house in the university campus area face charges after more than 100 students gathered on Hickory Street West for a house party Monday night.

Waterloo Regional Police, along with Waterloo bylaw officers, were called to the house at about 10 p.m. to break up the party.

Police spokesperson Cherri Greeno said three tenants were charged with breaking provincial emergency orders for having more than 50 people gathered at a residence.

Acting medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang scolded the students and warned of increased enforcement.

Large gatherings and parties will not be tolerated, she said. We are doing this not because we dont want you to have fun, but because this is not the right thing to do when were still in a pandemic.

Disease outbreaks elsewhere have been connected to large gatherings where public health measures were not followed, she said.

Our actions matter. What we do makes a difference in terms of reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our community, she said. We all need to keep following the public health measures.

This means avoiding big parties, wearing a mask when required, limiting your social circle to 10 or fewer people, and practising physical distancing with people not in that circle, she said.

We have to be very vigilant, Wang said. I understand its been six months and its hard for people to be under restrictions. But there are ways to socialize and have fun safely ... We dont need to have large parties where the risk is really high.

Police also reminded students not to gather in large groups and to abide by public health guidelines, to avoid putting others at risk.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. Artsakhi writer Vova Arzumanyan presented on September 8 The Armys Son, a book dedicated to the memory of Captain Armenak Urfanyan, the 26-year-old Artsakh serviceman who was killed in action during fierce battles in 2016 when Azerbaijani military launched an offensive in what became known as the April Four Day War.

Speaking about the title of the book, Vova Arzumanyan  who is the Editor-in-Chief of the Artsakh-based Vardanank newspaper  said that the phrase is connected with what Urfanyan had once told his mother.

Mom, Im no longer your son, I am the armys son, Urfanyan told his mother once.

The book includes memoirs of Urfanyans mother, interviews with co-servicemen, as well as poems by Arzumanyan himself dedicated to the captain and the other heroes of the war.

Overnight April 1-2, Captain Urfanyan and his troops came under enemy fire in a heavily outnumbered ambush from Azerbaijan. During the fierce battle, the captain destroyed multiple attacking enemy fighters and one engineering-reconaissance armored vehicle. He was killed in action from tank fire.

He was awarded the posthumous Medal for Combat Service of Artsakh and the 1st Class Combat Cross Medal of Armenia.

In August 2020, President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan awarded the posthumous Hero of Artsakh title to Urfanyan.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
Visakhapatnam, Sep 9 : Expressing concern over the allegedly rising instances of attacks on Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh, state BJP president Somu Veerraju on Tuesday warned of an intense agitation if the people behind the six-decade-old wooden chariot fire incident in Antarvedi, are not brought to book.

With no arrests made yet in this connection, the BJP's state president warned that they would no longer remain silent on the matter.

"On Wednesday, I'm reaching Antarvedi and from there I will give a call for a statewide agitation on the issue," he told IANS.

Demanding an inquiry into the incident by a sitting judge of the High Court. Veerraju said: "The incident at Antarvedi is the height of intolerance against temples and Hindu faith. The responses to such incidents do not reflect any seriousness on the part of the state government. The BJP is taking the Antarvedi incident very seriously." Following a mysterious fire accident on Saturday night, the six-decade-old wooden chariot or temple car of the deity, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Antarvedi in East Godavari district of the state, got burnt and reduced to ashes.

Devotees and Hindu groups smell a conspiracy and consider the incident as yet another assault on Hindu religion and faith ever since the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government came to power in the state.
(Newser)  A judge threatened to have Julian Assange thrown from the London courtroom where he's fighting extradition to the US from Britain on Tuesday after he shouted from the dock during witness testimony. "If you interrupt proceedings and disrupt a witness who is properly giving their evidence, it is open to me to continue without you in your absence," Judge Vanessa Baraitser told the Australian-born WikiLeaks founder, who faces an 18-count indictment on espionage charges in the US, per Reuters. "This is obviously not something I wish to do. I am, therefore, giving you a clear warning," Baraitser said.

story continues below

Assange had shouted the word "nonsense" as James Lewis, a lawyer for the US government, told a witness that Assange was facing extradition for releasing the names of US informants, rather than for handling leaked documents, per the Daily Beast. The witness, Clive Stafford Smith, founder of legal charity Reprieve, had defended WikiLeaks as exposing war crimes and human rights violations, per the Guardian. Baraitser said Assange would have to wait his turn to dispute any claims made to the court. The outburst came on the second day of the hearing, which is to continue for another month. (Read more Julian Assange stories.)
Two people were stabbed at Jenkinsons Beach in Point Pleasant Beach Monday afternoon, and two suspects were taken into custody, officials said.

It is completely under control, Mayor Paul Kanitra told NJ Advance Media around 4:40 p.m. There was no ongoing threat to the public, he said.

Officers were called to a fight involving a knife around 3:30 p.m. near 300 Broadway and found the two male victims, according to Point Pleasant Beach Police Chief Joseph Michigan. The victims were rushed to an area hospital. The extent of the injuries was not clear.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer confirmed two individuals were in custody and said his office was investigating. More details would be released later, officials said.

Video shared on social media showed borough lifeguards and other emergency officials rush to help an apparently injured person.

Thanks to the quick and heroic work of our brave officers, the suspect is now in custody and there is no further threat to the public. Thank you as well to the lifeguards and first aid teams that responded equally as quickly, Kanitra wrote on Facebook later Monday.

Labor Day marks the end of the summer tourism season at the Jersey Shore.

The Chief of Police will be issuing a statement on the incident at Jenkinsons Beach later this evening. Thanks to the... Posted by Mayor Paul Kanitra on Monday, September 7, 2020

@News12NJ stabbing at point Pleasant Beach. Lifeguards and police were really quick in responding. pic.twitter.com/lZUYagGC1M  Kelly McCullough (@arnettchicago) September 7, 2020

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) INTERPOL i-24/7 desk has uploaded 150,000 Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (STLD) to INTERPOL Global System (IPSG) in Lyon, France seamlessly.

The services spokesperson, Sunday James, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr James said that INTERPOL i-24/7 was a major system supporting arm manned by officers of the NIS at the unit in the service headquarters.

He said that the Comptroller-General, NIS, Muhammad Babandede, was updated in a brief on the development by the team in view of the report received of the success so far.

He added that the Nigerian SLTD detection and tracking system domiciled at the NIS Headquarters has successfully yielded result and worth appreciating by Nigerians and the global community.

This is an effort put in place by the Service team to rid the world of attempts and deliberate acts leading to identity theft, frauds and other organised crimes perpetrated globally using SLTD.

This integration according to INTERPOL POLICE GLOBAL SYSTEM (IPSG) is the first in Africa and 54th in the World.

READ ALSO:

By implication, this feat has enabled Nigeria to upload 150,000 SLTD to IPSG-Lyon, France through a secure channel on Monday 7 Sept. 2020.

This success was achieved with the immense support of the Interpol Global System (IPSG) United States National Central Bureau (USNCB) Washington, National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja and the NIS team.

The successful integration and uploading of such quantity of Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) among member nations on the Interpol Global System (IPSG) was worth recognising  he said. (NAN)
Munich Re said it faces claims of at least 100 million euros ($118 million) stemming from the deadly explosion that ravaged much of downtown Beirut last month.

The German reinsurer said losses in the low three-digit-million euro range are expected, mostly relating to property, according to a company statement on Monday. The blast caused as much as $4.6 billion in physical damage, according to an initial assessment led by the World Bank. Munich Re said previously that it faced a major loss from the explosion.

More than 180 people were killed and thousands injured when a vast consignment of explosive material detonated at Beiruts port on Aug. 4, devastating surrounding neighborhoods.

Error! Filename not specified.A vehicle sits at a damaged gas station following the explosion at the Port of Beirut on Aug. 4.

Munich Re said it expects a similar volume of losses from damage caused by hurricanes Hanna, Isaias and Laura in July and August, according to the statement. By contrast, the California wildfire season isnt seen having a material impact on the company.

Losses related to Covid-19 have slowed in recent months, according to the statement. Munich Re suffered a 1.5 billion-euro hit in the first half of the year. The reinsurer issued a profit warning in March and halted a share-buyback program, citing a surge in claims related to the outbreak, especially from the cancellation and postponement of large events. The company has not issued a new profit guidance for 2020.

Photo: A vehicle sits at a damaged gas station following the explosion at the Port of Beirut on Aug. 4.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics COVID-19 Profit Loss
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 04:19:19|Editor: huaxia

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ALGIERS, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Algerian Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad said on Monday that the final date for reopening school will be determined according to the data of COVID-19, the official APS news agency reported.

Djerad said that the date will be related to the health status in the country, adding that "we do not want to risk the health of our children and our families at this point."

Algeria on Monday reported 289 new COVID-19 cases and six new deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total infections to 46,653 and the death toll to 1,562, said the Ministry of Health in a statement.

Meanwhile, 240 more patients were discharged from hospitals, bringing the total number of recoveries to 32,985, with 43 patients still in intensive care units.

The 2019-2020 school year in Algeria was suspended on March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On June 15, the Ministry of National Education set Oct. 4 the date for the start of the 2020-2021 school year.

On Feb. 25, Algeria recorded its first infection with COVID-19.

China and Algeria have offered mutual help in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

In early February, Algeria sent medical donation to help China combat the coronavirus. In return, China has sent two batches of medical aid to Algeria on March 27 and April 15 respectively.

A Chinese medical expert team arrived in Algeria on May 14 for a 15-day mission to help fight the coronavirus, through sharing China's experience in curbing the spread of the contagious disease. Enditem
As calls for opening up and getting back to business grow louder around this nation, it is well worth examining the situation in Europe, where lockdowns that began in March in countries such as Italy, Greece, Spain, France and Germany ended in May and June.

Last Saturday, Italy  where the first wave of the virus killed more than 30,000 people  reported more than 1700 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the previous 24 hours, the highest level since early May. Greece, which avoided such a dire initial experience of the pandemic, was inviting tourists back in June but is now struggling to contain outbreaks on holiday islands.

On Monday, Spain became the first country in western Europe to register 500,000 infections. Last Friday, France recorded 8975 new cases, having reached a low of 272 new cases at the end of May.

In Germany, where the COVID-19 death toll has not yet reached 10,000, more than 1000 cases a day are being recorded after numbers dropped to an average of fewer than 500 in July and August. But the government's handling of the crisis there through targeted lockdowns has widespread public support, despite a series of high-visibility protests.
On Monday night, India repelled  yet again  a possible attempt by Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) to intrude into Indian territory across the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This comes a week after India successfully resisted such attempts, and held on to strategic positions on the southern banks of the Pangong Tso. The escalation in tensions in eastern Ladakh is not surprising. With both armies, mobilised in large numbers and staring at each

other in close proximity, it is but natural that skirmishes will happen  especially when one army, PLA, wants to change the facts on the ground and force India to accept a new reality. It is also natural because over the past fortnight, there has been a sharp uptick in rhetoric on both sides.

All of this indicates that the India-China relationship has broken down at two levels. The first is with regard to the border management framework that has been in place for close to three decades. It is clear that China no longer sees the advantage of maintaining peace and tranquility on the border  and is keen to maintain this peace only on its terms, after wresting territory over which it has no legitimate claim. This is unacceptable to India, and rightly so. The second is with regard to the broader framework of the relationship. For years, India has convinced itself that the dynamic with China has both a cooperative and competitive element  and while this was true, it is also now clear that the competitive dynamic is on the ascendant, and is becoming sharply adversarial.

With external affairs minister S Jaishankar scheduled to meet his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Moscow on Thursday, it is this breakdown that must be the focus of the discussion. Is it the case that China has decided that it is comfortable with a hot LAC, and an outright adversarial relationship with India? If that is so  and the conversation will give the Indian establishment a sense of Beijings mood  India has no choice but to prepare itself in the military, economic, diplomatic domains and respond accordingly. Or is it the case that China has read Indian motivations wrong, that apprehensions can be allayed, and Beijing can be persuaded to disengage and de-escalate? If that is so, it will help tackle the immediate crisis  even though the long- term orientation of the relationship will still be troubled.

India must hope for accommodation, even as it prepares for confrontation.
Google today is introducing a new feature for Android phones that will help legitimate businesses reach their customers by phone by having their brand name and reason for calling properly identified. The feature, known as "Verified Calls," will display the caller's name, their logo, a reason why they're calling and a verification symbol that will indicate the call has been verified by Google.

The feature arrives at a time when spam calls are on the rise. U.S. consumers received 61.4 billion spam calls in 2019, according to a recent report from RoboKiller, representing a 28% increase from the prior year. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission also says that unwanted calls are its top consumer complaint.

Google's new system gives legitimate businesses a way to share their information with consumers, along with their reason for calling on the incoming call screen. This, however, only works with those participating businesses who have chosen to sign up with one of Google's partners in order to have their calls verified.

According to Google's website for the service, businesses can get started with Verified Calls by working with a partner such as Neustar, JustCall, Telecall, Zenvia, Prestus, Aspect, Five9, Vonage, Bandwidth, IMImobile, Kaleyra, Quiubas Mobile or Datora.

Image Credits: Google

Once set up, a business will send Google's Verified Calls server its number, the customer's phone number and the call reason, like "scheduling your internet installation," or "your food delivery," for example. Google then sends this information to the Android device's Google Phone app. The device compares the incoming call information with the information Google received from the business and, if there's a match, the Phone app displays the call as "Verified." Google says the customer phone number and call reason is deleted within minutes of verification to protect consumer privacy.

Story continues

The feature is enabled by default in the Google Phone app for Android devices, which comes pre-loaded on many Android phones and will be available for download for more Android devices later this week. At launch, it will work on select Android Pie and higher devices, including many flagship Samsung and LG devices.

Google says it pilot tested the new feature for a few months before going live and found that verification did increase the chances of someone answering a call. It did not share the specific results.

Image Credits: Google

However, Google's existing Verified SMS system for text messages has been adopted by a number of brands, including 1-800-Flowers, Banco Bradesco, Kayak, Payback and SoFi, for example. Google claims a study in the U.S. and Brazil found that Verified SMS increased customer trust in brands, and improved metrics like likelihood to purchase, brand satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.

Verified Calls is launching first in the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, Spain and India, with more countries to follow.

Google already offers a way for consumers to fight incoming spam with its Google Assistant feature, Call Screen. This feature allows the Google Assistant to answer the call on the user's behalf, then ask them who's calling and why. A transcript is sent to the phone's owner, who can then choose to send a suggested response, pick up or hang up.

But Call Screen works automatically in English in the U.S., and can be used manually in Canada, according to Google's Help documentation. Verified Calls, meanwhile, is offered in more countries worldwide and leverages industry partnerships to work, instead of AI, making it a broader solution.
51 Shot, 10 Dead Across Chicago on Labor Day Weekend: Police

At least 51 people were shot, 10 fatally, over Labor Day weekend in Chicago, officials said.

As of 10 p.m. Monday night, police told ABC7 that there were at least 51 shooting victims and 10 deaths over the weekend.

Among the fatalities was an 8-year-old girl who was shot and killed Monday while riding in an SUV on Chicagos South Side, officials told the news outlet.

The girl and three adults were in the SUV at a stoplight when a gunman opened fire from a vehicle behind them, apparently targeting someone in the car, officials said.

Our victims vehicle was parked facing northbound on Union Avenue with the offenders vehicle directly behind it, said Chicago Police Chief of Operations Brian McDermott. When the light turned green, the offenders vehicle immediately opened fire on the victims vehicle.

The same shooting left three others in critical condition, police told WMAQ-TV.

Officials detailed other fatal shootings over the weekend. At around 1 a.m. on Sunday, a 36-year-old unnamed woman was shot and killed in a home on the 6100 block of South Carpenter Street in Englewood, police said, adding that a suspect came inside her home and opened fire, killing her, according to CBS Chicago.

In another instance, at around 2:25 a.m. Sunday, a man was gunned down near the Westhaven Park Apartments on the Near West Side. He was outside at a large gathering when he was shot in the shoulder and foot, and later died, officials told the CBS affiliate. Police said that witnesses were uncooperative with police.

Chicago officials said that a man was shot and killed by police officers after he stabbed an officer with a butcher knife. That occurred in the 5000 block of West 50th Street in Vittum Park after 1 a.m. on Saturday, according to WMAQ. Officers tried to deploy a Taser to subdue the suspect but were not successful. The man then lunged at officers, police said, adding that three officers were taken to the hospital.

In another incident on Sunday morning, a 32-year-old woman was stabbed to death while she was working at a Walgreens in Wicker Park, authorities said. She was at her job at around 9:35 a.m. when someone approached her, stabbing her several times before leaving the scene, officials said.

Last weekend, around 55 people were shot and 10 were killed across the city, authorities told the Sun-Times.

According to a website that tallies news reports of fatal shootings and non-fatal shootings in Chicago, at least 495 people have been killed so far in 2020 and about 2,900 were shot overall.
afaq, a Philly-based poet and activist, revisits the Cooper River Trail with Adrienne Mackey as they listen to the poetry afaq wrote for the new app, Trail Off, in Pennsauken Township, NJ on Wednesday, Sept. 02, 2020. Trail Off is a new app that offers audio experiences for 10 trails in the region. Each audio story has been penned by a different author, including afaq. Mackey is the founder of Swim Pony, the performing arts group behind the app. Read more

The first time back out on the trail was strange. The pair, Adrienne Mackey and afaq, both Philadelphia-based artists, needed a break after revisiting the Cooper River Trail in Pennsauken. They were trying out TrailOff, the soon-to-launch free app that offers GPS-activated audio storytelling for 10 trails in the region.

Mackey had spent two and half years working with others artists to create the app; afaq was the one whod composed poetry to accompany that trail.

for the purpose of this journey, ill carry your wounds for you. so take a moment. breathe. release yourself. let go of all that is too heavy. look to the light. shout if you need to. leave it with me, afaq recites in the app.

When afaq first started visiting the Cooper River Trail for the project last year, the writer was experiencing early symptoms of an illness thats still yet to be diagnosed. It had been more than a year already that afaq had been feeling poorly, but because they had been uninsured, they didnt know how grave their condition was. They experienced fatigue, an irregular heartbeat, fevers, chronic pain, and dizziness, as well as weekslong hospital stays and blood transfusions. Since late December, afaq has spent most days inside. At times, afaq lost the ability to roll over. The writer has ventured outside fewer than 20 times in 2020, mostly in cars. With a new mask, afaq could explore the waterfront trail in a wheelchair.

I know like everyone has their own unique story. For me, I am rolling away with what I needed today, afaq said. My hope is that people will come here and leave questions for themselves for the world. And they might never be answered, to be honest. But I just want people to find a moment to breathe  to find or make that time or make that space.

TrailOff was never intended to be a relaxation app, and its creators certainly didnt see the pandemic coming. Even so, TrailOff arrives suited for the times  its a nature activity where you dont need a lot of people, all you need is your headphones and yourself.

You know that thing that happens when youre walking around a city listening to music and it sort of feels like your story mingles with the world? We actually kind of curated that experience on purpose, Mackey said.

Swim Pony Performing Arts, which Mackey founded in 2009, partnered with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council to produce the app. They selected artists through an application process, then paired each with the trail that would be their muse. The artists took different approaches. While afaqs The Way Sand Wants for Water is a poetic meditation on the landscape and the scars of colonialism, Carmen Maria Machados River Devil II: The Return, written for Schuylkill River Trail in Manayunk, is a spooky, witty story that draws upon the Jersey Devils Philly ties.

As I was walking the trail and thinking about it I was like, Oh man, thatd be a great place for a horror story, Machado recalled in an interview.

Machado, who authored the acclaimed memoir In the Dream House, is a horror fanatic who picked the Jersey Devil after searching through folklore for a monster from around these parts, or at least, nearby.

I feel bad. If I had known it was going to launch in the pandemic I might have chosen a slightly more soothing story line, Machado said, but also maybe people will find it deliciously distracting, and theyll forget for a few hours that were in the middle of a global pandemic, once-in-a-lifetime situation.

While some authors narrated their own pieces, others collaborated with voice actors. Michael Kiley, a theater artist, handled sound design. The stories are planned to unfold as you reach different spots in the trail. So, if one segment ends before you reach the next designated point, you can expect to hear music or sound design. For some stories, Swim Pony sought out musicians of different backgrounds to pair with the cultural themes in play. For example, for A Sycamores Psalm, a story by donia salem harhoor on the Perkiomen Trail, the apps creators enlisted artist Kinan Abou-afach to play an oud and cello, Mackey said.

In the planning process, Mackey explained, they were aiming to create immersive art, but they also questioned who typically gets depicted exploring trails and nature: Its like a white dude in bike shorts listening to NPR or something.

How do you tell a different story about natural spaces? How do you interrogate the question of like who belongs here and whose stories are these? Mackey said.

TrailOff will launch on Sept. 16 as part of this years Fringe Festival, but will be free and accessible for one year.

One of the artists, Denise Valentine, a noted storyteller and cultural worker, died this past March. A memorial in her honor will happen on Zoom on Sept. 11. Valentines Deeply Routed is paired with Tacony Creek Trail, a piece that looks at the creek to see ancestral connections through water. Valentine recorded much of the script herself, while local actress Cathy Simpson voiced a spirit who offered this lesson:

There are stories beneath the surface. Some, buried like sewage, become toxic, polluting the streams and rivers that nourish the roots connecting us one to another, the spirit says in the story. This creek flows to the Delaware River, through your past and through your present. The River represents your connection to the pain of those Africans who perished in Great MAAFA, the Transatlantic Human Trade; your connection to Ancestral homelands, and your tears of hope for future generations.

Which trails are included in the app? Here is a list of all 10, and their stories.

Perkiomen Trail. Story: A Sycamores Psalm, by donia salem harhoor

John Heinz Refuge Trail. Story: The Land Remembers, by Jacob Winterstein

Cooper River Trail. Story: The Way Sand Wants for Water, by afaq

Schuylkill River Trail, Bartrams Mile. Story: Chronicles Of Asylum, by Li Sumpter

Chester Valley Trail. Story: Where The Light Wont Go by ari

D&L Trail, Delaware Canal Towpath. Story: The Inside Outside, by Erin T. McMillon

Schuylkill River Trail, Manayunk to Shawmont. Story: River Devil II: The Return, by Carmen Maria Machado

Tacony Creek Trail. Story: Deeply Routed, by Denise Valentine

Delaware River Trail South. Story: Appear To Me, by Eppchez!

Kensington & Tacony Trail. Story: Conversations, by Jacob Camacho

For The Way Sand Wants for Water, afaq recited their poetry to the sounds of waves and Arabic drumming.

when i say that this is a love story, i mean that it is a tale about loss. for many people, there is no difference, afaq says in the app.

At the end of their journey on the Cooper River Trail, afaq and Mackey agreed, thinking about everything thats happened is a lot.

So much has changed for me, and the world since then, afaq said, speaking of the last time theyd been there. A loud flock of geese flew overhead. Those birds scare the crap out of me because Im not used to hearing them anymore.

Mackey said she thinks the story hits different during a pandemic. For afaq, what the pandemic took away for most people were really things that they had already lost, afaq said.

A lot of peoples worst nightmare is things changing, just like that. But its interesting because thats what the general atmosphere of the world is right now, afaq said. Everyone is terrified of being sick, their life changing. Everyone is terrified of losing someone or themselves.

But Im a chronically ill refugee who almost died, they continued. Ive been here. Its like the world is meeting me where Im at right now.
Imperial Valley News Center

Seafood Processor Pleads Guilty to Selling Foreign Crabmeat Falsely Labeled as Blue Crab from USA

Raleigh, North Carolina - A North Carolina man pleaded guilty Thursday before U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III in the Eastern District of North Carolina on charges that his company, Garland F. Fulcher Seafood Company Inc. (Garland Fulcher), at his direction, falsely labeled hundreds of thousands dollars worth of foreign crabmeat as Product of USA.

According to information in the public record, Jeffrey A. Styron was the treasurer of the corporate board of officers for Garland Fulcher, a North Carolina company engaged in the business of purchasing, processing, packaging, transporting and selling seafood and seafood products, including crabmeat from domestically harvested blue crab.

As treasurer, Styron was responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the companys crab-related business, which involved managing and directing employees of the company with respect to the processing, packaging, and labeling of crab meat. Styron pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with substituting foreign crabmeat for domestic blue crab and, as part of the plea, Styron admitted to falsely labeling crabmeat with a retail market value of at least $250,000 dollars, which was sold primarily to small seafood retailers and restaurants.

Blue crabs are a classic American seafood product and a vital resource for coastal communities in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and other parts of the United States, said Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark for the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division. This investigation is part of the departments mission to work with our law enforcement partners in the protection of Atlantic blue crab populations and other marine resources.

Seafood mislabeling is consumer fraud that undermines efforts of hardworking, honest fisherman and the free market by devaluing the price of domestic seafood, said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina. In this case, the fraudulent scheme artificially deflated the cost of domestic blue crab and gave Styron and Garland Fulcher Seafood an unacceptable and unfair economic advantage over law-abiding competitors.

Seafood fraud undermines the economic viability of U.S. and global fisheries, deceives consumers, and threatens the health of those who consume tainted or misidentified seafood products, said Chris Oliver, Assistant Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service. This case is a great example of investigative cooperation by state and federal law enforcement to strengthen seafood fraud detection and safeguard the industry and consumers.

As part of his guilty plea, Styron admitted that he and his company could not and did not process sufficient quantities of domestic blue crab to meet customer demands. To make up the shortfall, Styron and his company used foreign crabmeat to fulfill customer orders. During the periods when the company did not have a sufficient supply of domestic crab, Styron and Garland Fulcher purchased crabmeat (not live crabs) from South America and Asia.

As part of the guilty plea, Styron further admitted that beginning at least as early as Jan. 1, 2014, and continuing through Dec. 31, 2017, he directed company employees to repack foreign crabmeat into containers labeled Product of USA, which Garland Fulcher then sold to customers as backfin, claw, lump, jumbo lump, or special, domestically-harvested blue crab meat.

Styron is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 7.

This case was part of an ongoing effort by NOAAs Office of Law Enforcement, in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Justice to detect, deter and prosecute those engaged in the false labeling of crabmeat.

This prosecution is being handled by the Environment and Natural Resources Divisions Environmental Crimes Section and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Senior Litigation Counsel Banumathi Rangarajan and Trial Attorney Gary N. Donner are prosecuting the case.
(Natural News) Time and time again, mainstream media outlets have been caught parroting each others bombshell stories using words like confirmed to create the illusion that they are all true. But more often than not, such confirmations are little more than propaganda fabrications, usually aimed at taking down President Donald Trump.

Recall back in December 2017, for instance, when CNN aired a breaking news segment about how Donald Trump Jr. had supposedly received advanced intelligence from the Russian government about the contents of the WikiLeaks servers. CNN claimed at the time that it had proof of a conspiracy, and many other fake news outlets like MSNBC jumped on the bandwagon by declaring CNNs findings as confirmed.

Well, it later turned out that Trump Jr. did not receive anything in advance from the Russian government, and had, in fact, received a simple email from someone after the WikiLeaks servers had already gone public urging him to simply take a look at them.

There was no conspiracy, no funny business, no nothing other than Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) being demonstrated by the CNN journalists who first put it out there, only to quietly retract it later on in silent shame. And yet, this same pattern of spreading false information under the guise of multiple network confirmations has only continued since.

False reporting is an endemic problem within the mainstream media, though it often goes unnoticed because many are so entrenched in the idea that such reporting is true that they simply believe it, even when there is no actual corroborating evidence beyond a vague confirmation.

Its one thing for a news outlet to make a mistake in reporting by, for instance, misreporting the date of an email and thus getting the story completely wrong, writes Glenn Greenwald for The Intercept. But how is it possible that multiple other outlets could confirm the same false report?

Its possible because news outlets have completely distorted the term confirmation beyond all recognition, he adds. Indeed, they now use it to mean the exact opposite of what it actually means, thereby draping themselves in journalistic glory they have not earned and, worse, deceiving the public into believing that an unproven assertion has, in fact, been proven.

Anonymous sources who confirm information are almost always fake

Our readers will probably almost immediately recognize this tactic when it comes to reporting about vaccine safety and effectiveness, or reporting about global warming and climate change. The science is settled, we are repeatedly told, simply because every major news outlet has confirmed that it is settled  case closed. Or is it?

You probably already know that the answer is no, the science is not settled. But this is because you are smart and free-thinking, unlike the millions of Americans who continue to rely on the likes of CNN and MSNBC to uncover facts and truth.

Another common tactic is to attribute claims and allegations to anonymous sources, which seems to be the only proof that the mainstream media ever has when it comes to some new bombshell information about Trump. The latest case-in-point is The Atlantics reporting on Trumps alleged trashing of American military servicemen who died in combat.

Though there is no actual proof that Trump said any of the horrible things that The Atlantic claims he did, the far-left fake news outlet says that anonymous sources have confirmed that he did, which is apparently all the proof that readers of The Atlantic need in order to know that Trump is a horrible person who needs to be replaced by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

Be sure to read Greenwalds full analysis of the confirmed deception tactic at The Intercept.

You can also keep up with the latest news about the mainstream medias lies by checking out Propaganda.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheIntercept.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
A 10-year-old girl was killed while her three minor siblings sustained injuries after their house collapsed in Taloja, Panvel on Tuesday morning. A portion of the house had collapsed two days ago after which its owner asked them to vacate as the house was in a dilapidated condition.

Ward officials of Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) in Pendhar village said the incident took place around 7 am. Parents of the four siblings were out looking for an alternate accommodation when the incident took place.

Police officials said that Munna Harijan, 30-year-old labourer, was staying in a rented ground-plus-one-load-bearing house near a chawl in Pendhar in the MIDC area with his wife Lali Devi, 25, and four children  Santosh, 12, Hina, 10, Anshika, 4 and Anupama, 3.

First, the slab of the house collapsed on Hina, who got crushed under its weight. Shortly, the entire house collapsed with the other three children also getting caught under the rubble. The Taloja MIDC fire brigade reached the spot and pulled out the children. However, Hina could not survive the crash.

Two days before the incident, a wall of the structure had collapsed after which the house owner, Uday Ghana Patil, asked the tenants to vacate. Four-five other families staying there vacated, said RM Pharande, sub-fire officer at Taloja MIDC fire brigade.

Due to financial constraints, Harijan was unable to get a new room quickly. While he was out with his wife to a nearby hospital for a minor health issue, they also decided to search for an alternate accommodation in the area.

We have filed an accidental death report. There is no complaint of negligence against anyone yet. The fire brigade department will submit its report along with the findings of the municipal corporation, based on which further course of action will be decided, said Kashinath Chavan, senior inspector at Taloja police station.

The three other children sustained minor injuries and were taken to Om Sai Hospital in MIDC, Taloja for treatment. They continue to remain admitted, said fire officials.

The structure was built in 1972. We believe the structure had weakened due to incessant rains and deteriorated. The other four families had vacated in the last two days after the owner informed them of the dangerous condition of the structure, said Dashrath Bhandari, local ward officer, PCMC.

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NASAs flagship mission for X-ray astronomy, the Chandra observatory has brought some spectacular pictures of several cosmic objects like galaxies, supernova remnants, stars, and planetary nebulas.

In a recent blog post, the space agency posted the pictures and their explanations. Lights visible in the wavelength of radio waves to gamma rays have been captured to better understand the objects in space. The project was aimed at showcasing the "combination of data from telescopes that explore different wavelengths of light," as per an official tweet from the observatory.

#News: Observing different types of light, from radio waves to gamma rays, is crucial to gaining a better understanding of objects in #space. New images showcase the combination of data from telescopes that explore different wavelengths of light: https://t.co/apiyNfjnkR pic.twitter.com/TULElZYuHo  Chandra Observatory (@chandraxray) September 2, 2020

One of the images showcases galaxy M82 or Messier 82 as it undergoes bursts of star formation. Repeated supernova explosions have led the temperatures to go above ten million degrees. While the X-rays from Chandra have captured the outflows of the blasts, the Hubble telescope shows the galaxy.

Chandra has also captured Abell 2744 galaxy cluster, where galaxy clusters are the largest objects in the universe held together by gravity. Again, the super-heated gas glows brightly in X-ray.

Data taken from the Chandra observatory showed the location of the shock wave of Supernova 1987A (SN 1987A). Spotted on 24 February 1987, this blast became one of the brightest supernova explosions in centuries. NASA said that Eta Carinae, a system that has two massive stars closely orbiting each other, is one of the prime candidates in our Milky Way galaxy to explode as a supernova. Chandra has managed to present a bright purple hue of the gas surrounding the system.

The other spectacular images are that of the Cartwheel Galaxy and Helix Nebula.

Launched in 23 July 1999, Chandra is a telescope that has been specially designed to detect X-ray emissions from extremely hot regions of the universe. This includes exploding stars, clusters of galaxies, and matter surrounding black holes. As X-rays get absorbed by the earths atmosphere, the telescope is stationed above it, at an altitude of 1,39,000 km in space.
Kalesnikava was detained trying to cross the border while the other two had entered Ukraine.

Three senior opposition organizers who went missing and were feared to have been abducted by security forces to stifle ongoing mass protests against President Alyaksandr Lukashenka turned up at the border with neighboring Ukraine early on September 8.

Opposition Coordination Council presidium member Maryya Kalesnikava, press secretary Anton Randyonkau, and executive secretary Ivan Krautsou arrived at the Alyaksandrauka border checkpoint in the Homel region in the same car at around 5:00 a.m, RFE/RL wrote.

Belarusian State Border Committee representative Anton Bychkouski initially said all three had left the country.

But Belarusian state television later quoted Bychkouski saying that Kalesnikava was detained trying to cross the border while the other two had entered Ukraine.

All three are key figures on the Coordination Council that has pressed for a peaceful transition of power since election officials declared Lukashenka the runaway winner of an August 9 vote they say was fraudulent.

Read alsoMarch of Unity in Belarus: Police, plain-clothed masked men chase down, beat, detain protesters (Photo, video)Their disappearances elicited accusations by the European Union that the embattled Belarusian regime was using kidnapping and intimidation to quash more than four weeks of unprecedented protests.

Thousands of people have been arrested, journalists have been harassed and expelled, and clips have emerged of Lukashenka's security services brutally abusing detainees.

Members of the Coordination Council and its decision-making presidium have been summoned by police and in some cases sentenced to jail.

An eyewitness reported seeing Kalesnikava swept up by unidentified men from the street and into a minivan in downtown Minsk on September 7.

Acquaintances said contact was lost soon afterward with Randyonkau and Krautsou.

The opposition's leading hope in last month's election was political novice Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who fled into exile in Lithuania days after the vote.

Tsikhanouskaya is scheduled to address the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)'s Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy during an exchange of views on the situation in Belarus later on September 8.

She is also scheduled to visit Warsaw this week to hold meetings with top Polish officials.

Lukashenka, who has served five terms already, has refused to hold talks with his opponents and dismissed calls to hold a new election.

The EU "expects the Belarusian authorities to ensure the immediate release of all detained on political grounds before and after the falsified August 9 presidential election," the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on September 7.

Belarusian authorities acknowledged detaining some 633 protesters as tens of thousands marched in the capital and other cities on September 6 to pressure Lukashenka to leave.

Recent developments in Belarus in brief
district reported 4,273 new



cases in the last 24 hours, taking its count to 1,97,286 on Monday, a health official said.

He said the death toll reached 4,651 with 76 more patients succumbing to the infection.

Also, 1,639 patients were discharged from hospitals in the western Maharashtra district, the official said.

"Of the 4,273 cases, 2,053 were reported from areas under Municipal Corporation limits, where the count rose to 1,07,958.

"With 1,259 cases, Pimpri-Chinchwad's COVID-19 count now stood at 56,493," he said.

The number of positive cases in rural and Cantonment Board areas increased to 32,835, he 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.)
Barely a week after PlayerUnknowns BattleGrounds (PUBG), an online multiplayer gaming application (app) developed and published by PUBG Corporation, a subsidiary of South Korean video game company Bluehole, was banned by the Union Ministry of Information and Technology, the firm has pulled its India franchise from Chinese conglomerate Tencent.

In light of recent developments, PUBG Corporation has made the decision to no longer authorise the PUBG Mobile franchise to Tencent Games in India. Moving forward, PUBG Corporation will take on all publishing responsibilities within the country, PUBG said in a statement.

HT on September 2 had reported that PUBG, along with 118 mobile apps that have links with China, was banned because there were reports that these apps were stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users data in an unauthorised manner.

The government said these apps promoted activities prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.

This move will safeguard the interests of crores of Indian mobile and internet users. This decision is a targeted move to ensure safety, security and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace, the ministry of electronics and information technology (Meity) had said. The was viewed as targeting some of Chinas technology giants such as Tencent Holdings Ltd; the countrys search engine leader Baidu Inc; Xiaomis ShareSave; and online payments giant Ant Group Cos platform Alipay.

PUBG was banned in the third round of blocks done by the government in the wake of the increased tensions between India and China along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Union Minister for communications, electronics and information technology Ravi Shankar Prasad had called the decision a digital strike on China.

This is a business call, said an official, who did not wish to be named.

However, the official added that there was no question of revoking the ban until the government was satisfied that all its concerns have been addressed.

The reasons and grounds on which the ban has been imposed go beyond ownership, said the official. Unless those concerns are addressed, there is no reason to revoke the ban. The larger issues are data privacy and security and the information that the apps are collecting from users. We have sent 70-odd questions to the blocked apps and asked them to review and respond.

The government is already going through the answers to the questions provided by the 59 apps banned earlier and the 47 mirror apps banned in the second round. It will also be analysing the response of 119 apps banned in the third round.

All applicants will also be given a chance to make their case in front of a panel, which is yet to begin hearing their representations.

PUBGs statement said that the corporation fully understands and respects the measures taken by the government as the privacy and security of player data is a top priority for the company.

It hopes to work hand-in-hand with the Indian government to find a solution that will allow gamers to once again drop into the battlegrounds while being fully compliant with Indian laws and regulations, said the statement. As the company explores ways to provide its own PUBG experience for India in the near future, it is committed to doing so by sustaining a localised and healthy game play environment for its fans.

India accounts for over a quarter of PUBG Mobiles lifetime installs though revenues from the country are still minuscule, a Bloomberg report said citing data from research firm Sensor Tower.

PUBG had seen its user numbers sky rocket in India following the coronavirus disease (Covid-19)-induced lockdown restrictions.

The banned versions of PUBG included PUBG Mobile Lite, a leaner version of the app suited to inexpensive smartphones, as well as PUBG Mobile Nordic Map: Livik, a newer game played on a Nordic terrain.

Raman Jit Singh Chima, a lawyer and the policy director at Asia-Pacific at Access Now, believes that the government is citing law and order and data protection as grounds for an economic decision.

Usually, countries prosecute a firm civilly or use criminal law if it violates data protection standards, and not block their services, said Chima.

PUBGs actions seem to indicate that they are hopeful that the government may reinstate the app. If we look at the United States (US), they are clear about the fact that their move against Tencent is an economic one and aims to restrict its activities. The US has not banned PUBG, he added.

Chima said it appears to be a political move and the government must also explain why it has used these provisions. The order should be made public, as should the reports that led to the action. There may be other apps in India doing the same thing but the government wont take action against them. That shows that it is a response to counter Chinese interests and not to protect the privacy of citizens or for national security, he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 07:39:08|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday again brushed off media allegations that he disparaged slain U.S. service members by referring to them as "losers" and "suckers."

An article published in The Atlantic on Thursday, quoting anonymous sources, claimed Trump made the remarks when he visited France in 2018. The president cancelled a trip to a French cemetery where American soldiers killed in World War I were buried at the time.

"Only an animal would say that," Trump said at a press conference in the White House, adding the article's author, The Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg, is pro-Democrat and has a "tremendously bad history."

"He (Goldberg) made up the story, it's a totally made-up story," Trump said.

One day earlier, Goldberg said the article was just the tip of the iceberg.

"I would fully expect more reporting to come out about this and more confirmation and new pieces of information in the coming days and weeks," Goldberg told CNN on Sunday. CNN has confirmed several aspects of The Atlantic's reporting, also with sources who chose to remain anonymous.

Trump has previously described Goldberg as a "slimeball" and called for the firing of a Fox News reporter who also confirmed some details of the article.

The latest Military Times poll, conducted before the Democratic and GOP conventions as well as The Atlantic's reporting, showed a steady decline in troops' opinion of the commander in chief since his election four years ago.

Among active-duty service members surveyed in the poll, 41 percent said they would vote for Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee, while 37 percent said they plan to vote to re-elect Trump.

In a poll conducted at the start of Trump's presidency, 46 percent of troops had a favorable view of him, versus 37 percent who had an unfavorable opinion, according to a Military Times report. Enditem
Xiaomi offshoot Poco introduced the M2 Pro back in July, and today, the company announced its toned-down variant, dubbed Poco M2.

The Poco M2 has a Helio G80 SoC at the helm that's paired with 6GB RAM. The smartphone runs Android 10-based MIUI 11 out of the box, and the company has promised to roll out MIUI 12 soon. Poco also says that M2 won't come with any ads like other MIUI-running smartphones sold under the Mi and Redmi brand.

The Helio G80-powered smartphone is built around a 6.53" FullHD+ display, that has a notch up top for the 8MP selfie camera and the protection of Gorilla Glass 3.

The back of the phone has a two-tone pattern with "anti-fingerprint texture" and is home to a fingerprint scanner that's accompanied by a quad camera setup, comprising a 13MP primary, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro and 2MP depth sensor units.



Poco M2 comes with four rear cameras

Fueling the entire package is a 5,000 mAh battery that draws power through a USB-C port at up to 18W. However, the bundled adapter only supports 10W charging, so you'll have to shell out more money for faster charging.

If all this sounds familiar to you, that's because the Poco M2 isn't an entirely new smartphone. It shares most of its specs with the Redmi 9, which was launched in India as the Redmi 9 Prime.

The rest of the specs of the Poco M2 include up to 128GB storage, a dedicated slot for microSD card allowing storage expansion up to 512GB, P2i water-repelling nano-coating, IR Blaster, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.



Poco M2 has three color options

The Poco M2 is offered in Brick Red, Pitch Black and Slate Blue colors, and it will go on sale in India from September 15 through Flipkart. The base model with 6GB RAM and 64GB storage is priced at INR10,999 ($150/125), and for INR1,500 ($20/17) more you get double storage.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has assured Ghanaians that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will prosecute a very peaceful campaign in the run-up to the 2020 general elections.



He said the party was committed to doing that because without peace there could never be any meaningful development, stressing that there would be no room for insults or incitement of violence.



Dr Bawumia gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy call on the Overlord of the Waala Kingdom, Wa Naa Seidu Fuseini Pelpuo IV, at his palace in Wa as part of his three-day campaign tour of the Upper West Region.



We are going to speak to the people about what we have done and what we intend to do and leave the decision to the people to make come December 7, 2020.



Dr Bawumia, who is also the running mate of the NPP flagbearer for the 2020 general elections, noted that Ghana is the most peaceful country in West Africa and the government intended to maintain the peace now and for the future.



He said the NPP is a development-oriented party that thinks about the people and how to improve their quality of lives through the implementation of a development agenda that leaves no one behind.



The Vice President said since the NPP came into power it had implemented a development architecture that ensures every Metropolitan, Municipal or District Assembly got its fair share of development.



He mentioned the Free Senior High School policy, the One-Village-One-Dam policy, the One-District-One-Factory Policy, the One-Constituency-One-Ambulance policy, the One-District-One-Warehouse policy and the reduction of electricity tariffs as some of the all-inclusive interventions by the government to bring development to the people.



Dr Bawumia said the government had also restored teachers and nursing trainees allowances and Arabic Teachers to make life comfortable for them to go through their professional training and work.



We are going to talk about our record as we go about our campaign and we believe the people after assessing our record, they will vote for President Akufo Addo to continue to do more to develop the country, he said.



Dr Bawumia, therefore, asked for the prayers, blessings and support of Wa Naa Pelpuo and his people to ensure victory for the NPP come December 7, 2020.

Wa Naa Pelpuo called for a peaceful campaign ahead of the 2020 elections and appealed to government to dualize the Wa town roads to ensure a free flow of vehicular traffic and to reduce accidents.



He equally appealed for the upgrading of at least two health centres within the Wa Municipality into polyclinics to help serve the health needs of the people.



The Overlord of the Waala Kingdom also pleaded with the government to release the Upper West Regional Hospital seed money to enable it to function at full capacity.

Source: GNA









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Chairman of Ram temple construction committee Nripendra Misra reviewed preparations for temple construction on Tuesday and interacted with engineers about piling work.

To prepare the foundation, about 1,200 pillars will be laid at approximately 100 feet below the surface. In technical terms, this process is referred to as piling.

Misra reached Ayodhya on Monday evening. He will remain in the temple town for the next two days for a final review of all planning related with temple construction work and will leave for New Delhi on September 10.

The pillars for foundation will be of stone and no iron will be used. Again on these pillars, another layer of foundation will be laid.

Members of the Trust apprised Misra that from September 17 onwards or a day later, foundation laying work would start.

A machine from Casagrande, world renowned for manufacturing foundation laying equipment, would be used for piling, Champat Rai, general secretary of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust, told Misra.

Initially, one pillar will be laid below the surface. Thereafter, it will undergo various tests to ensure its stability and durability, engineers informed Misra.

After conducting all tests, from mid-October other pillars will be laid below the surface.

Misra also interacted with engineers of Larsen and Toubro who will carry out temple construction.

Misra asked about foundation laying and the which spot the work would start.

He also enquired about machines mobilized by the construction company for piling work.

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Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer worldwide. It often develops from a condition called Barrett's esophagus. Existing monitoring and treatment methods are very intrusive, and many patients have to undergo burdensome procedures to ensure that no cancer is missed.

Researchers have now developed a statistical model that uses genomic data to accurately predict whether a patient with Barrett's esophagus has a high or low risk of developing cancer.

Genomics and statistics come together

Researchers at the University of Cambridge, EMBL's European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), and collaborators sequenced genomes from biopsies routinely collected from patients with Barrett's esophagus. These patients are monitored for early signs of esophageal cancer. The researchers used the data to look for differences between patients who were ultimately diagnosed with cancer and those who were not. The data were used to develop a statistical model measuring each patient's individual risk. The research was published in Nature Medicine.

Other recent cancer studies have shown that genomic mutations leading to cancer may occur many years before a patient is diagnosed with the disease. Being able to identify these mutations could provide a new route to early diagnosis and treatment.

Using genomic data from 88 patients with Barrett's esophagus, the researchers identified half of the patients who were diagnosed with esophageal cancer as 'high risk' more than eight years before diagnosis. The numbers went up to 70% two years before diagnosis. Equally important, the model also accurately predicted patients who were at a very low risk of developing cancer.

"One of the unique things about this study was the richness of the data provided by colleagues at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge," explains Moritz Gerstung, Group Leader at EMBL-EBI. "These patients have been in surveillance for over 15 years, so overall we had over 800 samples, taken over time and from different areas of the esophagus. This allowed us to measure in great detail what type of genomic changes occur and how these trajectories differ between patients with and without cancer. Without such thorough surveillance programmes, this study wouldn't have been possible."

The benefit of early detection

Although people with Barrett's esophagus are at considerably higher risk of developing oesophageal cancer than the general population, only 1 patient in 300 will be diagnosed with cancer per year. Nevertheless, they all have to go through intrusive monitoring procedures every two years. This surveillance can be uncomfortable, stressful, and time-consuming for the patients, and it places an additional burden on the healthcare system.

The benefit of our method is twofold. The patients who have high-risk Barrett's, which is likely to become cancerous, can receive treatment earlier. And individuals who have something that looks genetically stable, and unlikely to develop into the disease, do not need to undergo such intense surveillance. The hope is that our method can help improve early detection and treatment, and decrease unnecessary treatment for low-risk patients, without compromising patient safety." Sarah Killcoyne, Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow at EMBL-EBI

These results mean that patients at greatest risk can be treated immediately, rather than conducting repeated biopsies until early signs of cancer are found. Conversely, patients with low risk and stable disease can be monitored less frequently. Overall, the authors estimate that monitoring can be reduced for 50% of patients with Barrett's esophagus.

"This is an exciting example of how a collaboration between computational biologists and clinician scientists can bring new insights into an important clinical problem," says Rebecca Fitzgerald, Professor of Cancer Prevention and MRC Programme Leader at the University of Cambridge. "Esophageal cancer is devastating when it is diagnosed late, but early intervention can be performed endoscopically and spare patients unnecessary chemotherapy and removal of their esophagus. Similar approaches could be extended to other cancer types in the future."

According to the authors, the next steps are to refine the method, ideally by analyzing data from more patients. It is also important to bring in clinical information and improve the model's accuracy. Eventually, this will lead to clinical trials to show that this model is useful in clinical practice for patients currently in surveillance.
She's been keeping busy during the 77th Venice Film Festival as she promotes her latest film The World To Come.

And Vanessa Kirby enjoyed a brief break from her busy schedule as she embarked on a stroll across the Italian city on Tuesday afternoon.

The Crown star, 32, nailed off-duty glamour as she teamed her protective face mask with a chic all-black outfit.

Out and about: Vanessa Kirby enjoyed a brief break from her busy schedule as she embarked on a stroll during the 77th Venice Film Festival in Italy on Tuesday afternoon

Highlighting her slender figure, the actress wore a form-fitting turtleneck top and sleek ankle-grazing trousers.

The Hobbs & Shaw star added even more pazzazz to her outfit with stilettos and carried her essentials in a simple backpack.

Square-framed shades, dainty jewellery and a black watch rounded off the Wimbledon native's stylish appearance.

Safety comes first: The Crown star, 32, nailed off-duty glamour as she teamed her protective face mask with a chic all-black outfit

Effortless style: Highlighting her slender figure, the actress wore a form-fitting turtleneck top and sleek ankle-grazing trousers

Standing tall: The Hobbs & Shaw star added even more pazzazz to her outfit with stilettos and carried her essentials in a simple backpack

All in the details: Square-framed shades, dainty jewellery and a black watch rounded off the Wimbledon native's stylish appearance

Vanessa's new movie The World To Come is set on the American East Coast in the mid-19th century, where two neighbouring couples battle hardship and isolation, and is based upon Jim Shepard's novel of the same name.

The blonde is known to many for her role as young Princess Margaret in the Netflix series The Crown, which she played for the show's first two seasons.

In 2018, the thespian appeared in Mission Impossible: Fallout, and is expected to reprise her role in the upcoming seventh film, which recently resumed filming after being delayed due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Earlier this year, Vanessa spoke exclusively to The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye about preparing for her upcoming role in Pieces Of A Woman.

The actress plays Martha, a Boston woman who loses her baby during a traumatic home birth, and explained that she spent time with a midwife and a paediatrician at the Whittington Hospital in North London in preparation.

She said: 'I couldn't have acted that, because I've never given birth myself,' she told me.

'Just by pure chance an amazing woman allowed me to watch her give birth. I didn't know her but she was so generous and allowed me to be there when her boy was born.'
Leader of Opposition in the



Assembly on Tuesday slammed the state government over its handling of the COVID-19 crisis, alleging that it only trying to show the number of cases of low and was not focusing on more tests.

During a debate on supplementary demands in the Lower House, Fadnavis said there was no audit of medical expenses incurred and that there was an overall mismanagement of the pandemic.

The BJP leader said when the budget session of the legislature ended in March this year, the number of COVID-19 patients in the state was 26.

"Today it (COVID-19 tally) is 9,07,212 and 27,027 deaths. As many as 16,401 policemen in the state contracted COVID-19 and 162 of them succumbed to the infection," he said.

"Chief Minister Uddhav Thackerayreviews only the COVID-19 situation in Mumbai, while Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is interested in Pune. Dont Aurangabad and Nagpur come under Have you reviewed the situation there and understood the regions need?" he asked.

Fadnavis claimed all government decisions taken so far were only on paper while the ground situation was different.

"The government only wants to show COVID-19 numbers are low and is not focussing on more tests. We are ready to cooperate with the government in tackling COVID-19, it is up to the government realise the seriousness of the situation," the former state chief minister said



He said there is a need to review the treatment protocol, and noted that there have been instances of side- effects among those who have recovered from COVID 19.

"Have the non-paying poor and the middle class been left to die while only the rich can survive COVID-19?" he asked, while demanding more RT-PCR tests, oxygen supply and isolation facilities for patients.

Fadnavis alleged that the jumbo facilities set up for treating COVID-19 patients were mired in corruption and have not benefitted the needy.

"The government has to understand that there is an increase in the percentage of virus spread," he noted.

He also targeted the government for incidents of atrocities against women in COVID-19 care centres.

Fadnavis further said farmers were facing difficulties, but the government "turned a blind eye" to their problems like lack of seeds, not getting market price for their produce and crop damage due to excess rains.

"The government is interested only in bureaucratic transfers. Administrative expenses for transfers is Rs 500 crore. Is it necessary to transfer bureaucrats in a pandemic?" he asked.

Fadnavis also asked the government to reconsider the proposal to shift the Metro car shed from Aarey Colony (Mumbai's green lung) to Pahadi Goregaon, and said the government should function for people and not to satisfy egos.

Keeping the Metro construction work shut in Aarey is causing losses worth Rs 400 crore, he claimed.

"No detailed project report hasbeen preparedyet for shifting the car shed. As per technical experts, there is technical difficulty in merging line 3 with line 6 of the Metro," the former chief minister said.

He said the Aarey area was earlier chosen for the car shed by his government because no other area was feasible.

"Dont make everything a prestige issue. Even the high court had cleared the Aarey car shed," he said.

Fadnavis also hit out at the government over complaints of inflated electricity bills from several power consumers.

In sarcastic remarks, he said, "This government understands only what celebrities say. Asha Bhosale, Tapsee Pannu, Renuka Shahane all have highlighted the inflated electricity bills they have got."



Fadnavis also criticised the chief minister for ignoring the flood situation in Vidarbha region.

"He hasnt even tweeted about the situation. Only Rs 16 crore have been earmarked for relief," he claimed.

Targeting the government on the issue of final year university exams in the state, Fadnavis said, "You can't take populist decisions every time. You have to take hard decisions keeping in mind the future (of students)," he said.

Fadnavis also hit out at the government for ignoring the demands of milk producers, who have been seeking a hike in milk procurement prices.

"The government has no vision for welfare of any section of the society," 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.)
Congress minister slams Kangana Ranaut over her comments on Gandhi; calls her 'dancer girl'

Shiv Sena files complaint against Kangana Ranaut seeking FIR under sedition charge

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

Mumbai, Sep 08: Taking the controversy over Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut's PoK remarks, Shiv Sena IT cell on Tuesday lodged a police complaint against the actress seeking FIR against her under sedition charge.

According to reports, the complaint has been registered at Shrinagar Police Station in Thane.

Ranaut is in the eye of the storm over her recent tweet comparing Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. "Why is Mumbai feeling like Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir?" Ranaut had tweeted, drawing fierce backlash from various quarters.

Kangana Ranaut 1st Bollywood star to be guarded by CRPF commandos

Recently, Ranaut had said that she felt unsafe in Mumbai after actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death, evoking sharp reactions from Maharashtra's ruling Shiv Sena and party leader Sanjay Raut who in an article said that she must not come to Mumbai if she felt unsafe in the city.

Slamming thenShiv Sena leader, Ranaut had tweeted, "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?"

Meanwhile, the Centre has decided to grant Y-plus category security cover to Ranaut.

The home ministry has decided to accord Ranaut Y-plus category security in view of a renewed threat to her after she spoke about drug use among a section in the film industry following the death of Rajput.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 11:42 [IST]
Two men have also been arrested in connection with the findings.

In Cork, member of the West Cork Divisional Drugs Unit, assisted by local Gardai, carried out an intelligence led operation, resulting in the search of the vehicle in Kilgarvan.

Upon inspection, an estimated 60,000 worth of cannabis was found in the vehicle and a man in his 30s was arrested at the scene.

Gardai have seized approximately 80,000 worth of cannabis and arrested and charged two men following the search of two separate vehicles in Kilgarvan and Portlaoise on Sunday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/lWmmaSP4vX  Garda Info (@gardainfo) September 8, 2020

He was taken to Bantry Garda Station where he has since been charged.

In Laois, 20,000 worth of cannabis was found after another vehicle was searched in the Portlaoise area.

A man in his 40s was arrested and has also since been charged.
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But don't let its delicious wine smell and delicious pee-look fool you: elixirs of life tended to be chock-full of poisonous chemicals. Emperors knew they had the chance of gulping what turned out to be an "elixir of death." The emperors' Taoist alchemists assured the trick was to find the perfect balance between an alchemical Yin, like mercury, and an alchemical Yang, like lead. This would eventually unlock the secret to, well, not living forever, but at least dying of a perfect balance between mercury poisoning and lead poisoning.

As a result, these toxic cocktails slowly caused several emperors to die of poison while toasting their eternal health. (The smarter emperors waiting until their death bed to try the elixir in a YOLO sort of way). None suffered more at the hands of the literal irony than the Tang dynasty. Known for their zest for life, the Tang lost six emperors to potion poisoning in under three centuries. That includes two father-son pairs, the latter of whom would be barely done executing his dad's charlatan alchemist before turning to his own one and saying: "What're the odds of that happening twice in a row, right?"

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Despite the many suicides by serum, Chinese royals, alchemists and scholars remained gung-ho about shotgunning mercury. It didn't help that, occasionally, someone claimed the cure had worked. Like the famed alchemist Wei Boyang, who tested his immortality elixir through the rigorous scientific process of feeding it to a "white dog." If successful, the dog would start flying. If not, it would die. Spoiler Alert: the dog didn't fly. Somehow undeterred by the perished pooch, Wei and one apprentice still drank their elixir and obviously died. But according to contemporary texts, they did come back to life and then flew up a mountain as immortals never to be seen again. It's just that those same texts fail to mention they did so flapping white wings and playing a golden harp.
Jerusalem:

A Palestinian who attacked Israeli troops with a knife overnight during an operation to arrest suspects in the occupied West Bank was shot dead on Tuesday.

A military statement said that no soldiers were injured in the incident at Al-Fara Palestinian refugee camp, north of the city of Nablus.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Six residents of a Roanoke nursing home have died from COVID-19 during the last week as an outbreak has swept through residents and staff.

Raleigh Court Health and Rehabilitation Center reported on its website that 50 patients and 28 staff were infected with the virus as of Tuesday.

We are saddened to share that we have had six patients pass away who previously tested positive for Covid-19. The threat this invisible virus poses cannot be overstated, and we continue to mourn with their families, Administrator Chance Craft said in an email. It is often difficult to discern which contributing factors may have caused a death, compared to those deaths that have been directly attributed to the virus.

Elderly people and those with underlying health conditions are most vulnerable to severe illness and death from the coronavirus.

Craft said four of the 50 patients who tested positive are in the hospital, and 33 of the patients remain without symptoms. Three of the 28 staff members who tested positive are also without symptoms.

The cases were discovered during facility-wide testing of patients and staff.

Dr. Thomas Kerkering, a member of the Roanoke City and Alleghany health districts communicable disease team, said during a weekly media briefing Tuesday that the outbreak accounts for a large number of the 161 active cases in the districts, but that primarily those affected are asymptomatic or have mild illnesses.

Kerkering said that all the residents and staff were tested initially last week and that another round of testing was set for Tuesday.

He said weekly testing is conducted whenever there is an outbreak in a long-term care home.

He said that none of the infected staff members worked at other facilities, and that Raleigh Court has implemented infection-control practices.

They appear to be working fairly well at this point. We will know more after we get todays test results, he said Tuesday.

Craft declined an interview, saying it was a busy time at the center, but he offered to respond to questions submitted by email.

He said Raleigh Court received a positive result for an employee on June 12.

At the time of this test result, the employee had not worked in our center for over one week. The person self-quarantined at home until cleared to return to work. We had no positive cases for the next two and a half months until a patient developed symptoms consistent with Covid-19 and tested positive on August 26th, he wrote.

The Virginia Department of Health has yet to add Raleigh Court to its online database of outbreaks in long-term care. The state created its own list after nursing homes were required in May to begin reporting cases of COVID-19 in residents and staff to the federal government.

Raleigh Courts last weekly report on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid nursing home dashboard is dated Aug. 23. At that time, the home had reported no current cases among its staff or 110 residents. The home has 120 licensed beds and carries the highest five-star rating through the governments nursing home compare website.

Kerkering said Tuesday morning that he knew of four deaths associated with the Raleigh Court outbreak. He said two other area residents in their 70s with complicating health conditions also died in the last week from COVID-19.

The virus has left Raleigh Court with challenges to fill out shifts.

Craft said part-time staff have been asked to take on more hours and full-time staff are working extra shifts to cover vacancies. The center is also using a supplemental staffing agency. Earlier this year, support staff completed temporary nurse aide training in case they were needed. Also, he said the few staff members who tested positive but are without symptoms are able to work in the segregated unit for COVID-19-positive patients.

I am proud of my team for their dedication and flexibility. Our patients families can rest assured in the knowledge that a team of heroes is dedicated to their loved ones well-being 24-hours-a-day. To put it simply, they are here because they care, he wrote.

As of Tuesday, the Roanoke and Alleghany health districts had reported 41 deaths since the pandemic began. Thirteen of those were associated with an outbreak in the spring at the South Roanoke Nursing Home.

There are currently 14 COVID-19 patients at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, one at LewisGale Medical Center and two at the Salem VA Medical Center.

Kerkering said the state ranks the Near Southwest Region, which also includes the New River Valley, with a high transmission of disease and on an upward trend.

This is more likely related to institutions of higher education coming on. We are actively following that, he said. At this particular time, we are not seeing much of a spillover from these colleges and universities into the population.

In the Roanoke and Alleghany health districts, Roanoke College is experiencing an outbreak. Its dashboard on Tuesday showed that 47 cases in students and three in staff have occurred since mid-August. Kerkering said it is better for infected students to isolate where they are rather than be sent home and chance spreading the disease elsewhere.

The districts have other current outbreaks, including three businesses and one each congregant living setting, church and restaurant.

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A "long-barrelled gun" has been recovered by police after a 15-year-old boy was shot on his way to school in Ipswich.

Officers were called to Friends Walk in Kesgrave, Suffolk, around half a mile from Kesgrave High School, just after 8.40am on Monday.

The Year 11 pupil sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, where he remains in a critical condition.

Suffolk Police confirmed on Tuesday that officers have recovered a "long-barrelled gun" during their investigation.

Officers and forensic teams have found a 'long-barrelled gun' / REUTERS

Another 15-year-old boy was arrested by armed police on suspicion of attempted murder in Westwood Avenue, Ipswich, a few miles from the shooting scene. He remains in custody.

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the shooting.

Armed police officers on Westwood Avenue, Ipswich, where the suspect was arrested / PA

Superintendent Kerry Cutler said: "We have arrested an individual that we believe is involved in the incident and we also recovered a weapon.

"Everybody is shocked, Kesgrave is on the outskirts of Ipswich, it is almost a semi-rural area, it's very much a residential area, this is not something we've seen in that area before and people will be impacted by it.

Extra officers have been drafted in to patrol the area around the school / PA

"The investigation goes on and we're still appealing for anybody who saw anything or has any information to come forward."

Friends Walk and Through Jollys in the Grange Farm estate remain cordoned off and there is also a partial closure on Ropes Drive as forensic teams investigate.

A temporary police station has been set up in Kesgrave and extra officers are on patrol around the school.

Kesgrave High school said the shooting is being treated as an "isolated incident" by police.
THE Mayor of the city and county of Limerick and the head of the Limerick garda division are appealing for vigilance over the coming week in the hope that a local lockdown can be avoided in Limerick.

Cllr Michael Collins and Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche made their comments after the acting Chief Medical Officer confirmed there is concern at the recent spike in cases in Limerick and Dublin.

The National Public Health Emergency team has confirmed that a further 19 confirmed cases of the disease have been reported in Limerick this Tuesday - the highest daily increase in more than a fortnight.

"I'm appealing to people right across the city and county to be very vigilant over the coming days. We have got to get this right, we don't want to face a lockdown in Limerick. The schools are just back, businesses are just back after the nationwide lockdown so we really can't afford a lockdown," Mayor Collins told the Limerick Leader.

Speaking at an event this Tuesday afternoon, Chief Supt Roche echoed the mayor's comments.

"The number of cases are going up here in Limerick. If we are not careful we are going to end up in a lockdown situation for the county so we would appeal to everybody to comply with the regulation and to socially isolate as much as possible," he said.

Nationally, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of one additional death in Ireland and 307 additional confirmed cases of Covid-19 bringing the total to 30,080.

Of the latest cases, 182 are in Dublin, 25 in Kildare, 19 in Limerick, 15 in Wexford, 15 in Louth, eight in Wicklow, six in Galway, six in Clare, six in Kilkenny and the remaining 25 cases are located in Cavan, Cork, Donegal, Kerry, Longford, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath.

The latest figures mean a total of 68 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Limerick over the past week.

Two were reported on Monday, 13 on Sunday, 13 on Saturday, six on Friday, two on Thursday, 13 on Wednesday and 17 last Tuesday.

I urge everyone to follow the public health advice and keep your distance. Do not underestimate the risks associated with any of your interactions, including with your family, friends or work colleagues. Now is not a time to let down your guard  assume that you or those that you meet may be infectious and act accordingly," said Dr Ronan Glynn.

For more Limerick news click here
When the coronavirus pandemic hit India, and the nation went into lockdown, every startup scrambled to prepare for the worst, have money to outlast the pandemic, cutting costs and some firing thousands of employees.

In late March, the founder of a consumer internet startup created a special team to plan and deal with the pandemic. This teams aim was to figure out where to cut costs, by how much, when business returns, whether more funding is needed, how to assuage employees and figure out a strategy for the next six months at the very least. But the teams progress was slow, a consensus was hard to build, and they did not anticipate the real damage. Three months on, the founder realised, what this special team was trying to do, was the role that Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) play at most companies.

Startups, so far largely driven by founders, investors and slick products, are now hunting for CFOs left, right and centre, paying top dollar, offer favourable stock options, and even a board seat in some cases.

Whats more, the few startups which did have experienced CFOs at the helm when the pandemic hit, have shown clarity in dealing with the situation missing in many other firms.

Consumer startups in particular in India have been founder-led, with a product manager often the founders immediate port of call, based on a legacy of product obsession from the days of Steve Jobs at Apple. Even the startups which did have finance heads, these are often people whose jobs is to balance the books, deal with the auditor, and similar smaller roles, nowhere at par with founders or product leaders, in terms of experience, authority or pay.

Software-as-a-service startups, on the other hand, have realised the role of a CFO far earlier, given that these companies often generate revenue from Day 1, and are run a little more like traditional companies.

Take MoEngage, for example- a mobile marketing platform which gives tech companies analytics on how they can do better and what is giving them traction. MoEnagges CFO Narasimha Reddy worked with founder Raviteja Dodda, even before the pandemic hit India, to figure out which sectors will be affected the worst, which countries will recover at what rate, and formulate a strategy. Some of these questions have no right answers, nevertheless, asking them at that point helped figure out a quick company-wide response.

The pandemic has definitely made the CFO role in startups even more important, Reddy says.

Rohit Agarwal, Senior Vice President of Finance and Business Development at Zenoti, another SaaS startup, agrees. The CFO role has been under-appreciated in Indian startups so far. It has not been central to hiring/scaling, as it should be. Early on in a startup's lifecycle, it is valued even less, he says.

Zenoti provides software for salons and spa chains in over 40 countries.

This realisation has led startups to go on a CFO-poaching overdrive. Moneycontrol has learned from sources of at least six startups that are hiring CFOs currently, including online mattress retailer Wakefit, mobile marketing startup CleverTap and gold loans startup Rupeek.

The CFO title is also a misnomer. Rather than someone who just looks at the finances, the modern CFOs role has also evolved to be a growth leader and general-purpose Man Friday to the CEO.

Beyond just someone who manages the books of accounts, todays CFO needs to be a partner to CEO, proactively think of value creation, be a strategic leader and enabler of high-growth scaling, and lead activities such as fundraising and long-term planning, says Agarwal of Zenoti.

For example, Narasimha is on the board of directors at MoEnagae, giving him a direct role in company leadership, along with CEO Dodda and its investors such as Matrix Partners and Eight Roads Ventures. This is unusual in India, where boards of startups have the co-founders and investors- sometimes only the CEO and investors.

"Some of the public companies in the US have a board seat for the CFO. I think we will have to move in a similar direction in India, where the finance function becomes critical to every startup, Narasimha says.

Startups giving CFOs a more important role is also similar to large conglomerates, where this trend was already afoot. For example, Rajesh Gopinathan, currently CEO of Tata Consultancy Services- Indias largest IT services firm- was its CFO from 2013-17. Similarly, Sasidhar Jagdishan, who will be CEO of HDFC Bank next month onwards, has been the banks CFO since 2008.

The role of a CFO also ties in with the DNA of Indian startups, which have generally looked to create a good product first, raise funds, expand aggressively, and figure out economics later.

"Having a CFO is also important to have a conservative view on the business. The CEO may have a natural and almost unrealized bias towards bullish projections, but you need the CFO to show what the worst-case scenario could be, even provide a reality check, Narasimha says.

This part of the role has also become crucial during the pandemic, where conservative projections have aided recovery better than the expectation of a quick bounce-back, only to find yourself deeper in the trenches.

Office commute startup Shuttl has seen the worst of the pandemic, as have all startups in the travel and hospitality space. Not only did people start working from home for months on end during the lockdown, even once things normalise, the work from home is expected to continue for a few days a week for most employees.

In March, at a time when everyone thought this pandemic will last 2-3 months at most, we took a conservative view that at least 4 months will be a washout. And even though we have started operations now, recovery is slower than what the industry expected back then, says Suhas Khullar, CFO and strategy head of Shuttl.

Khullar also notices that more startups than ever before are realising the importance of a CFO.

So whats different now?

Across stages, across sectors, finance functions in startups have become more important. Not only in having a person to lead finance, but also a well-heeled executive, and not a placeholder or someone with not enough experience in a certain sector, function, or size of the company.

Startups are also moving closer to their listed and more traditional counterparts, for whom finance is a core function from day one, and not adjacent to, or less important than the product, sales, or engineering functions.
The nervous smiles of students on the blacktop at Principal Sparling School were covered Tuesday by face coverings in camouflage and floral prints, and what has become the pandemic uniform: disposable masks in a shade of baby blue.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 8/9/2020 (499 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The nervous smiles of students on the blacktop at Principal Sparling School were covered Tuesday by face coverings in camouflage and floral prints, and what has become the pandemic uniform: disposable masks in a shade of baby blue.

Incoming Grade 5 student Cora Gibbings sported a blue mask with purple sparkles. She made it herself, with some guidance from grandma.

"We moved, so this is my first time at this school, so I was a little nervous, but Im really excited to get back to school," said Cora, before lining up with her peers on dots painted six metres apart on the Winnipeg playground.

Tens of thousands of kindergarten to Grade 12 students across the province took part in similar scenes Tuesday morning to mark the first day of a school year unlike any other. Many of them had not attended a full day of learning since mid-March, when Manitoba Education suspended classroom learning to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Young students, donning masks and practicing social distancing, enter Principal Sparling School Tuesday morning on the first day back to school. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

Six months later, students are back with masks, daily symptom screening, and physical-distancing protocols.

"Its going to be a historic day every school and community will remember," said Sparling principal Lionel Pang. "I cant wait for a vaccine."

As administrators at the West End school went through the COVID-19 checklist with every student on the playground, one student mumbled he was nervous, to which a teacher replied she, too, was nervous but together, they would learn the new safety procedures.

Pang welcomed families back and reassured them school community members will adjust with time.

Click to Expand Education minister welcomes new school year Manitoba Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen said Tuesday, while this is not a normal school year, That doesnt mean that we dont want it to be an excellent school year. We really want this to be a great year for all of our students in Manitoba, he said. At a news conference at the Manitoba Legislative Building, Goertzen commended school teachers and administrators for their work in preparing for the start of school this fall. All of those different methods of group teaching and coming together, and having students close together and doing work together  they are unlearning that in some ways and doing things differently. So we need to give a lot of credit to those teachers and to all of those working in the school system for doing this under very difficult circumstances, he said. Goertzen said he knows it has been a stressful time for parents as they prepare to get children ready for school. But I know the vast majority have done so with optimism and with encouragement for their students. And we all know, those of us who have children, that ultimately the attitudes that our children take towards many things in life is a reflection of the attitude that we as parents have on those things in life. And I am very, very grateful for all of the parents whove been preparing their students for class today to go with optimism and to look forward to the school year. And I think we have lots to be optimistic about.  Larry Kusch

"Children are like sponges," he said. "I think probably by Friday, they will understand the routine and itll just take a few weeks to have it as habit."

The new routine at the K-6 school consists of students having to find a dot that matches their classroom colour and line up, pass a screening test, and enter the school with their classmates in a socially distanced fashion. Inside, both hallways and classrooms have new directional flows and collaborative tables have been replaced by individual desks.

Since parents have been barred from entering the building, students lugged heavy backpacks filled with school supplies, hand sanitizer and spare masks to homerooms.

During the drop-off, Sarah Steinhauer said she's worried the new protocols will distract her 11-year-old son from academics.

"Theres just so much additional fear that these kids dont need; I think the biggest challenge will be helping him manage the fear of following new rules versus just having fun and being a kid and learning," Steinhauer said.

The first day of school is typically reserved for ice-breaker games and summer vacation reflections. This year, teachers and students focused on getting to know both each other and public health protocols.

High schoolers at Windsor Park Collegiate were eased into new routines with one-on-one orientation sessions Tuesday. Students were taught the new rules  ranging from a requirement they attend classes daily in alternating morning and afternoon shifts to lockers being off limits indefinitely  during their 20-minute meetings.

"Its nerve-racking because you want the kids to feel comfortable in a world that were not totally familiar with yet," said Anita Fedoruk, a Grade 7/8 teacher. It doesnt help hugs are frowned upon for the time being, she added.

In order to accommodate two metres between desks, Fedoruks 25 students will be spread out into two classrooms. She and support staff will move between the neighbouring spaces. When she isnt in one room, her face and voice will be projected in it.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The first day of school is typically reserved for ice-breaker games and summer vacation reflections. This year, teachers and students focused on getting to know both each other and public health protocols.

Outside the Winnipeg school, Grade 10 students Nikki MacDonald and Bailey Gardner shared in their disappointment mid-pandemic schooling means they aren't supposed to move freely throughout the school or hangout with students in different cohorts. Windsor Park students are expected to leave the building once their classes are done for the day.

"I think everyones woken up at this point  hopefully," MacDonald said, when asked about whether she thinks students will obey the new protocols.

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.

At Principal Sparling, Dexter Dela Cruz was one of the last parents left standing on the playground after the school bell rang Tuesday morning.

He waited until his grades 2 and 5 students had entered the building. Then, Dela Cruz let out a sigh of relief.

The father of two said hes felt increasingly anxious as the active COVID-19 caseload hikes in Manitoba, but watching the new school protocols first-hand has put him at ease.

"I feel a little better," he said. "I think (teachers) are doing all the necessary things."

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie
The Republican and Democratic lawmakers continue to debate in providing the right amount of financial aid for state and local governments amid the stalled talks on the stimulus bill.

The Republican and Democratic lawmakers continue to disagree on the right amount that states and local governments will receive as fiscal aid.

This would add up to their heavily debated talks on the total amount of the next stimulus package to help millions of Americans.

Republican lawmakers are pushing for $150 billion additional aid for state and local governments. Republicans believed that the amount is enough because the economy is slowly coming back to normal.

Some economists also supported the reason behind the decision of the Republican lawmakers.

However, the Democratic lawmakers are pushing for $900 billion aid, which is bigger compared to the Republicans. Republicans described the figure as outlandish. Some economists believed that the amount offered by the Democrats would add to the country's increasing deficit.

Federal aid to state and local governments is very important. It would help fund employment and services in education, transportation, infrastructure, and other key fields. Without this federal aid, there is a possibility that the state and local governments cannot support their relief and employment programs.

Josh Goodman of the Pew Charitable Trusts' state fiscal health project said: "The actions state governments take affect the lives of Americans in huge ways. When they're in difficult budget positions, they're either cutting services when people can least afford it or raising taxes when people can least afford it."

The disagreements on state and local aid add to the two parties' tension to come up with a broader new stimulus bill. A bill that will renew expanded unemployment payments that expired in July, provide funds for reopening schools, revive a successful loan program for small businesses, and bolster the public health response.

The Republican-led Senate, who is set to return on Sept.8, will unveil and introduce details of a new stimulus bill. Lawmakers are expected to vote on it. The Democrats are also expected to do the same next week.

Experts believed that the federal aid is very important in the country's economic recovery, no matter how much money will be approved. They believed that the longer the Congress postponed reinstating those programs because of their disagreements, the deeper the economic scars would be.

Justin Theal, Goodman's partner at Pew, said: "One of the hallmarks of the recovery from the Great Recession was how long it took for states and local budgets to recover. It was slower than the previous four downturns."

This means that if the budgets are slow to recover, state and local governments can hold the broader back recovery by laying off workers, cutting services, and raising taxes.

"As you look at the economic outlook, there are some negative scenarios, and the ones that are most pessimistic involve not supporting state and local governments," said Charles Evans, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Check these out!
Over 800 companies including Nike, pharmaceutical company Abbott Laboratories, and technology company Qualcomm are encouraging its workers to vote.

This in line of participating in a CEO-led bipartisan activist Time to Vote, which encourages companies to give employees at least a few hours off to vote.

Starbucks Chief Executive Kevin Johnson said last month people worked out with their managers when they can head to polls.

Johnson said that the move is partly motivated by concerns about Black voter suppression. Starbucks is also encouraging its over 200,000 U.S. employees to vote from its mobile app.

"We know that barriers exist, notably in Black and Brown communities throughout the nation, that lend to systemic racism and require greater voter access and protections. No (employee) will have to choose between working their shift or voting on or before Election Day," Johnson was quoted in a report.

Policy on securing time off for workers to vote vary by state.

In New York, workers can be paid for up to two hours to vote. However, they may be required to give advance notice.

Workers get one hour of unpaid time in the state of Alabama.

"Voting is always important, but the degree of partisan polarization this year seems to be extraordinarily high," Jonathan Entin, professor of political science at Case Western Reserve University, was quoted in a report.

Entin said this makes the stakes of the election unusually high as well.

U.S. companies like Tiffany & Co, Levi Strauss, and Walmart have offered paid time off or flexible working hours to its workers.

A spokesman for packaged food company Conagra Brands said that if an employee needs an extra time to vote or work to the polls, they can work with their managers on creating a flexible working schedule.

Some U.S. companies like Kraft , Heinz , and Target have also set up website to guide their employees on registering to vote and learning about the candidates.

This is in partnership with League of Women Voters and National Association of Manufacturers.

Several states have warned in recent months that they may not have enough poll wokers.

In Maryland, it was one point estimating it was short 14,000 people.

Companies like Target and The Gap have responded through offering paid time off to volunteer as poll workeers.

Poll sites are expected to have a shortage in volunteers as older people are more at risk to COVID-19 infections.

The two companies have joined 150 other including Amazon and Etsy to help sign up 350,000 new volunteers through a corporate-led campaign called the Civic Alliance.

According to the group's website, it aims to drive historic voter turnout in 2020.

Many voters in primary elections were stuck in lines for hours due to a decline in polling locations.

Election officials were also overwhelmed with the surge in absentee ballots due to concerns over COVID-19 pandemic.

Other companies including Twitter and Apple are also giving its workers paid time off to get ballot boxes.

Old Navy are also encouraging its working force to volunteer at local polling stations.

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House Democrats said Monday they would open an investigation into Postmaster General Louis DeJoy over accusations that he broke campaign finance laws in pushing his employees to make campaign contributions to Republicans that he would later reimburse.

House Committee on Oversight and Reform chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D., N.Y.) said in a statement that the committee would open an investigation and called on the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service to immediately suspend DeJoy, whom they never should have hired in the first place, she said.

Maloneys announcement followed a Washington Post report that DeJoy and his aides would allegedly pressure employees at his former business, New Breed Logistics in North Carolina, to make donations and attend fundraisers at DeJoys mansion  events which regularly drew $100,000 or more apiece. Former employees say they made payments between 2003 and 2014 and would then allegedly receive large bonuses to offset the cost of their contributions at the instruction of DeJoy, the Post reported.

DeJoy was not aware any employees had felt pressured to make donations, a spokesperson told the Post.

While not a crime to encourage employees to make donations, reimbursing them for their contributions would be a violation of North Carolina and federal elections laws.

Maloney said DeJoy faces criminal exposure not only if the allegations are true, but also for lying to our committee under oath.

DeJoy gave testimony under oath to the House Oversight committee last month, during which he denied having repaid executives for contributions to President Trumps campaign.

While Democrats including the Democratic Attorneys General Association and Representative Adam Schiff (D., Calif.) called for an independent investigation, Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) called on the North Carolina attorney general to open a criminal investigation.

These are very serious allegations that must be investigated immediately, independent of Donald Trumps Justice Department, Schumer said in a statement Sunday.

Story continues

President Trump, when asked whether he was open to an investigation into DeJoy during a news conference on Monday said, Sure, sure, let the investigations go. He also said DeJoy should lose his job if something can be proven that he did something wrong.

The postmaster generals short tenure has been marked by controversy as Democrats have accused DeJoy, a Trump ally, of implementing changes to slow mail delivery to damage mail-in voting in the November election, as the president has repeatedly expressed distrust of mail voting.

I am not engaged in sabotaging the election, DeJoy said in his testimony last month. We will do everything in our power and structure to deliver the ballots on time.

More from National Review
The scenario Mr. Raffensperger described appeared to be identical to the one suggested by Mr. Trump last Wednesday, when he told reporters in Wilmington, N.C., that voters should test the integrity of the states election system by voting by mail and then subsequently appearing at the polls in person.

Mr. Trump, who has repeatedly criticized the nations voting system by claiming it is insecure and riddled with fraud  contentions that experts reject  endorsed Mr. Raffensperger in the 2018 election for Georgia secretary of state. There is little evidence supporting the presidents contention that mail-in voting is prone to voter fraud  in fact, a number of studies have concluded that in the United States, all types of voter fraud are rare. Elections officials nationwide have said that Mr. Trumps encouragement to voters to check the integrity of the system by voting twice created confusion in an already stressful election year. It was the most recent of many statements he has made suggesting that the integrity of the countrys elections is threatened by voter fraud, accelerated by mail voting during the pandemic.

One organization, Common Cause Georgia, expressed concern about Mr. Raffenspergers announcement. The group issued a statement accusing him of fanning fears about election integrity by looking for reasons to cast doubt on Georgias mail-in ballot system.

We wholeheartedly agree that people who intentionally vote twice should be subject to the usual criminal penalties for election law violations, said the statement by Aunna Dennis, the organizations executive director. But we are concerned that voters who were simply trying to vote may get caught up in the dragnet.
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's campaign will resume running ads centered on his support of the military. REUTERS/Leah Millis; REUTERS/Alan Freed; Insider

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is relaunching a $47 million digital campaign targeting military service members.

The massive ad relaunch comes amid a bombshell report that said President Donald Trump privately referred to fallen US soldiers as "losers" and "suckers."

The ads will target voters living near military bases in five swing states: Wisconsin, North Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Arizona.

The Biden campaign originally ran the ads, which feature Biden interacting with military service members, in January. Those ads represent just one facet of the $47 million campaign.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Joe Biden is relaunching an ad campaign targeting military service members, according to his campaign, following a bombshell report that said President Donald Trump privately referred to fallen US soldiers as "losers" and "suckers."

The president made those comments in an attempt to explain the reason for his canceled visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery outside Paris in 2018, according to the report, published in The Atlantic. This is the site where hundreds of American soldiers who died fighting during World War I lie.

"Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers," Trump said of the trip, according to The Atlantic.

In a separate conversation also related to the trip, Trump referred to dead Marines as "suckers," The Atlantic reported.

Immediately after the report was published, Trump's remarks received resounding criticism, with Biden delivering some of the strongest words against them.

"If what is written in The Atlantic is true, it's disgusting and affirms what most of us believe to be true: That Donald Trump is not fit to do the job of president and be commander in chief," Biden said during a news conference last week.

The Democratic presidential nominee has taken his criticism further, relaunching a $47 million ad campaign across various TV, digital, and radio platforms.

Story continues

In January, Biden released an ad titled "Protect Our Troops," featuring Biden interacting with military service members, including his late son Beau. This ad ran across several platforms over the weekend in five swing states: Wisconsin, North Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. That ad represents just one facet of the $47 million campaign.

The relaunch effort will be an attempt to reach voters living near military bases in key battleground states.

In addition to the ad buy, Biden also tweeted out a video Friday bashing Trump for his comments.

Less than a minute long and entirely wordless, the video delivers a series of powerful images of burial sites where US soldiers lie. Each burial site was one that Trump declined to visit for ceremonies to honor those who died serving.

Images of the burial sites and of soldiers marching are overlaid in the video with the president's remarks, as reported by The Atlantic.

"If you don't respect our troops, you cannot lead them," the video ends.

When reached for comment, Biden spokesperson Rosemary Boeglin gave Business Insider the following statement: "Joe Biden understands the sacred duty of a Commander-in-Chief, and that in order to lead our troops, you must respect them."

"As part of a military family, Joe Biden knows the sacrifices made by our troops and our military families across the country, and wants to send a message that he will never take this obligation lightly," Boeglin's statement continued.

Trump has vehemently denied the report from The Atlantic, characterizing it as "fake news."

"I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes," Trump said Thursday to reporters.

But news reports published over the last four years have revealed that Trump has a history of disparaging those serving and finding ways to avoid being drafted in the military.

Biden, ahead by about 7 percentage points, maintains a lead over Trump so far, according to a national polling average from Real Clear Politics.

The White House did not immediately reply to a request for comment from Business Insider.

When reached for comment, Tim Murtaugh, the Trump campaign's director of communications, refuted the allegations that the president had referred to fallen soldiers as "losers" and "suckers," saying that multiple people like "Trump critic John Bolton, who was also there, said he never heard the President say the things alleged."

"President Trump shows his reverence for the men and women of the military by rebuilding the military, increasing military pay, and improving healthcare for veterans by expanding choice, increasing quality, and bringing accountability to the VA system," Murtaugh added in his statement.

Read the original article on Business Insider
China in Focus (Sept. 7): Hong Kong Police Under Fire for Violent Arrest

Hong Kong police are caught on camera cornering a preteen, then pushing her to the ground. Police accused the girl of participating in an illegal gathering.

The United States is considering blacklisting Chinas biggest chipmaker. It could impact Chinas ability to build its own domestic industry.

As the Czech president works on quelling Chinese aggression following a top officials trip to Taiwan, a Chinese businessman who served as the Czech presidents economic advisor has disappeared.

A suicide note goes viral online. It belonged to a woman from Inner Mongolia, protesting against Beijings attempt to replace the Mongolian language with Chinese in schools. Shes not the only one whos died so far.

And top U.S. officials voice differing stances on whether China is the biggest threat to the upcoming presidential election.

Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more first-hand news from China.

For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter.
By PTI

COLOMBO: Ships and aircraft from Sri Lanka and India on Tuesday battled to contain a re-ignited fire on board a giant oil tanker that went up in flames last week off Sri Lanka's eastern waters while carrying crude oil from Kuwait to India.

The Sri Lankan Navy in a statement said the re-ignited fire on board the Panama-registered tanker MT New Diamond, carrying nearly 2 million barrels of crude oil, has been curbed to an extent.

The fire on board MT New Diamond, which killed one Filipino crew member and injured another, was extinguished completely on Sunday but a new fire broke out due to extreme heat, the Navy said.

"There is no risk of the fire spreading to the oil storage or leaking oil from the ship into the sea as of now," the statement said.

Ships, aircraft and tugs belonging to the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and other stakeholders are continuing their disaster management operations to suppress the fire caused by adverse weather, the Navy added.

ALSO READ | Sri Lanka assessing environment damage from oil tanker fire

The Navy said that at least 11 disaster management professionals, directed to the island by the company that acts as the commercial and technical operator of New Diamond, have arrived at the location where the tanker is located to support disaster management operations.

At least nine ships, five tugs and aircraft are working in the disaster management operation about 30 nautical miles off Sangamankanda off the east coast of Ampara.

A research team from the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and University of Ruhuna departed this morning from the port of Hambantota to visit the site to inspect water samples, to find out if any damage to the marine environment due to this disaster.

The tanker which caught fire last Thursday was transporting crude oil from the port of Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait to the Indian port of Paradip, where the Indian Oil Corp. has a refinery.

ALSO WATCH:
A human smuggling attempt ended with the suspect vehicle crashing into other vehicles in north Laredo, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.

On Sept. 2, agents responded to a report of a suspicious black sport utility vehicle allegedly involved in a human smuggling attempt. Agents spotted the vehicle and attempted to pull it over in the intersection of U.S. 83 and Texas 255.
Washington: In yet another setback for China, two developed nations - Israel and the United States - have begun collaboration with India in developing the next generation of emerging technologies.

The three countries have agreed to work together for developing a transparent, open, reliable and secure 5G communication network.

The branching out of this trilateral initiative in the development and technological arena is a result of the people-to-people collaboration, in particular those by the Indian diaspora in the US and Israel, that was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his historic visit to Israel three years ago in July 2017, community leaders said.

A collaboration in 5G is a just tip of the iceberg and a first step, according to US Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Administrator Bonnie Glick.

"We are thrilled to work with these partners to solve the world's development challenges," she said in her keynote address to the virtual US-India-Israel summit that focused on trilateral partnerships in the strategic, technology and development arenas. The summit was also addressed by Israeli Ambassador to India Ron Malka and his counterpart Sanjeev Singla.

"One area we've been cooperating on is digital leadership and innovation, particularly in next-generation 5G technology," Glick said. As part of the initiative, Silicon Valley, Bengaluru and Tel Aviv - all leading, innovative technology hubs  will increase collaboration for developing 5G technologies, Glick said.

When Israel. The US and India collaborate in defence, much of that collaboration and discussion is done in closed rooms, because the topics are highly sensitive, the official said.

"When we're talking about development cooperation, we're talking about transparent and open activities that can make all three countries extremely proud about the way that they impact the lives of people all over the world," Glick said

Javier Piedra, deputy assistant administrator of the Bureau for Asia at USAID, said that in the case of India and Israel, they had a "peer-to-peer relationship", always looking to see how they might advance their respective activities cooperatively so that they might leverage common goals, resources, and comparative advantages in pursuit of self-reliance globally.

"Moreover, we continue to set the stage to further international development trilaterally, wherever possible," he said.

"Our partnerships with Israel and India, given our peer-to-peer relationship, exemplifies the importance of working together on issues related to water, water management, and security," Piedra was quoted as saying by PTI.

M R Rangaswami from Indiaspora, who presented the tech-triangle (Silicon Valley-Tel Aviv and Bangalore) concept to PM Modi in Israel in 2017, said the beauty of this model was because the technology was a commonality in the three things, all kinds of "incredible things" had come out of it.

Dr Bharat Barai, an Indian-American from Chicago, said the people-to-people relationship, business, science and technology among the three countries would not only strengthen the ties, but also help in developmental activities in the third-world countries.

Nissim Reuben, assistant director, Asia Pacific Institute (API) at the American Jewish Committee, said a strong, prosperous, vibrant and resilient Indian economy was a top priority for many countries, especially the US and Israel.

(With PTI inputs)
The woman credited for popularizing gender reveal parties in 2008 is calling for the trend to stop after one led to a massive California wildfire last weekend.

A smoke-generating pyrotechnic device used during a gender reveal party sparked a fire in El Dorado, McClatchy News reported. The fire has now grown to nearly 10,000 acres as of Tuesday morning, CNN reported.

Jenna Karvunidis, a blogger who says she invented the popular trend, on Monday urged people to stop having these stupid parties.

Excuse me for having a cake for my family in 2008, she said, recalling the gender reveal for one of her children. Just because Im the gender reveal inventor doesnt mean I think people should burn down their communities.

She told The Guardian earlier this year she regrets starting the trend because they overemphasize one aspect of a person.

Theres such an obsession with gender that it becomes limiting in many ways and exploitative in others, she said. You dont want whats between your legs to guide your path in life. I want my kids to grow up in a world where gender doesnt matter.

Karvunidis, who called the trend a bit of a nightmare, said her children have inspired her to look at gender reveal parties differently. Plot twist! The baby from the original gender reveal party is a girl who wears suits, Karvunidis wrote on Facebook.

The mom of three said in an interview with NPR: (My daughter is) telling me Mom, there are many genders. Mom, theres many different sexualities and all different types, and I take her lead on that.

Gender reveal parties have also caused other disasters, including in 2017 when an Arizona man burned nearly 47,000 acres with his explosive reveal, McClatchy News previously reported.

The trend has also led to a car being ignited, a plane crash and a death, The New York Times reported.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reminded people that it does not take much to start a wildfire in dry conditions, McClatchy reported.

At least three laws were violated in the El Dorado incident, but charges have not been filed, according to CNN.
FM expresses concern for situation in eastern Mediterranean 'Solutions to create stability on exploitation of resources'

(ANSAmed) - MILAN, SEPTEMBER 8 - Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio on Tuesday expressed concern for the situation in the eastern Mediterranean.



''We are following with concern the situation in the eastern Mediterranean, we have said several times that we give all our solidarity to Cyprus and Greece but we share with Spain the fundamental idea of supporting the attempt by the High representative of the European Union to reduce tensions and start dialogue between the sides'', Di Maio told reporters at Milan's prefecture, together with his Spanish counterpart Arancha Gonzalez Laya.



''We are strongly convinced that solutions must be found on the exploitation of energy resources to create conditions of stability and security in the area'', the minister added.(ANSAmed). (ANSA).




An assailant has smashed a bottle containing a 'chemical agent' in the Siberian offices of a Russian opposition group backed by poisoned Putin critic Alexei Navalny.

Two people were taken to hospital on Tuesday for tests after the masked assailants entered the offices of the Anti-Corruption Foundation in Novosibirsk, Siberia's biggest city.

The attack comes ahead of city council elections on Sunday in which the opposition group is standing against Putin's ruling party.

Navalny, 44, was in Novosibirsk last month to promote opposition candidates before he fell ill with apparent Novichok poisoning on a flight and was taken to a Berlin hospital.

An assailant has smashed a bottle containing a 'chemical agent' in the Siberian offices of a Russian opposition group

The Novosibirsk 2020 coalition is competing with the ruling party and communists in the regional elections, the first since Putin secured another 16 years in power in at a controversial referendum in July.

Video surveillance images showed a masked man wearing a hooded coat who threw a glass bottle on the floor and fled along with a fellow assailant.

Anti-Corruption Foundation member Olga Gousseva wrote on Twitter: 'An unidentified person burst into the office and smashed a bottle that contained an unidentified chemical substance.

Video surveillance images showed a masked man wearing a hooded coat who threw a glass bottle on the floor and fled along with a fellow assailant

Alexei Navalny, 44, was in Novosibirsk last month to promote opposition candidates before he fell ill with apparent Novichok poisoning

'A meeting was taking place in the office with around 50 people.'

A 'disgusting, stinging odour' filled the room, said FBK director Ivan Jdanov, confirming two people had been taken to hospital, while others reported feeling faint.

Opposition media MBKh reported that police had determined the substance to be an antiseptic product used in veterinary medicine that has a 'strong, disagreeable odour.'

The attack comes ahead of city council elections on Sunday in which the opposition group is standing against Putin's ruling party

Putin's United Russia party holds 33 of Novosibirsk city council's 50 seats ahead of Sunday's elections, but ratings have dropped in recent years.

It comes after high-profile Putin critic Alexei Navalny was taken out of an induced coma and became responsive on Monday following his poisoning on August 22.

German chemical weapons experts say tests show he was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent, prompting the German government last week to demand that Russia investigate the case.

Russian opposition leader Navalny was taken out of an induced coma on Monday and is responsive after he was 'poisoned' at an airport. His press officers claim he was spiked while drinking a cup of tea at a cafe, pictured

Berlin's Charite hospital said on Monday that Navalny's condition has improved, allowing doctors to end the medically induced coma and gradually ease him off mechanical ventilation.

The hospital said in a statement: 'The patient has been removed from his medically induced coma and is being weaned off mechanical ventilation.

'He is responding to verbal stimuli. It remains too early to gauge the potential long-term effects of his severe poisoning.'

It added that the decision to publicly release details of his condition was made in consultation with Navalny's wife.

Kira Yarmysh, Navalny's press secretary, says she suspects poison was added to the cup before he fell ill on a flight and was rushed to hospital

He has been in an induced coma in the Berlin hospital since he was flown to Germany for treatment.

German authorities said last week that tests showed 'proof without 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.

German chancellor Angela Merkel said Mr Navalny's poisoning was an attempt to silence one of President Putin's fiercest critics.

Paramedics are seen at the clinic after the Russian opposition activist arrived at Charite in Berlin, Germany, 22 August

But Putin's spokesman has brushed off allegations that the Kremlin was involved in poisoning Mr Navalny and said last week that Germany had not provided Moscow with any evidence about the politician's condition.

Navalny's associates say the use of Novichok, a military-grade nerve agent, shows that only the Russian state could be responsible, but the Kremlin fiercely denies any involvement.

'Attempts to somehow associate Russia with what happened are unacceptable to us, they are absurd,' Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday.

Navalny is in a medically induced coma at the Charite hospital in Berlin (pictured on Wednesday)

News of his gradual recovery came as German Chancellor Angela Merkel's office indicated that she might be willing to rethink the fate of a controversial German-Russian gas pipeline project - a sign of Berlin's growing frustration over Moscow's stonewalling about the case.

Russian officials have accused Germany of being slow to share the findings of its investigation, despite a request from prosecutors.

'We expect information (from Germany) to be provided in the coming days,' Peskov said. 'We are looking forward to it.'

But Germany warned that the failure by Moscow to thoroughly investigate the incident could have serious consequences.

Navalny is seen as Putin's most charismatic and potentially dangerous foe.

British authorities identified the Soviet-era Novichok as the poison used on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England in 2018

He has faced constant legal attacks and has served a number of jail sentences.

His anti-corruption organisation was dubbed a 'foreign agent' by the Russian authorities.

Police have conducted repeated raids on his offices, and this is not the first time that Navalny has suffered a physical attack.

In 2017 he was left partially blind in one eye after attackers threw green dye used as a disinfectant at his face outside his office.

In August last year he suffered rashes and his face became swollen while he was in a police detention centre serving a short term for calling for illegal protests.

He was taken to hospital where doctors said he had suffered an allergic reaction but Navalny asked for an investigation into poisoning.
NEW DELHI: Heres a list of top ten stocks that may be in news on Tuesday:

Bank Stocks: The KV Kamath panel, set up by the central bank to suggest debt recast rules, has identified five financial parameters to gauge the health of sectors facing difficulties. It said banks must ensure that restructured loans meet specific financial parameters by March 2022.

Realty Stocks: The Reserve Bank of India has allowed greater leeway to the real estate sector with the highest debt to Ebitda ratio permissible among the 26 sectors it has identified. While the ratio has been kept at less than or equal to nine for residential real estate, it has been pegged at less than or equal to 12 for commercial real estate.

Economy: A second round of stimulus measures for the economy is on the table, and the central government is closely monitoring how different industries are recovering so that it can support them when needed, a senior government official has said.

GST: The Union government has clarified that it will honour its commitment to compensate states for the shortfall in tax collections. A part of the compensation promised to states, of about 97,000 crore, would be paid out immediately.

RIL: Reliance Industries has started preliminary talks with Facebook and private equity fund KKR, the two entities that bought stake in RIL-run Jio Platforms, to make an investment in its retail business too, Business Standard. The two are among the 13 that have invested over $20 billion in Jio Platforms for over a 30% stake.

SBI: India's largest lender on Monday raised around 4,000 crore in perpetual bonds at a record-low coupon of 7.74%, a sign that investors are willing to invest in these securities once again after the Yes Bank episode, which saw the private lenders perpetual bonds being written off under its rescue plan.

Vodafone Idea: Debt-ridden teleco on Monday said it will seek shareholders' approval to raise borrowing limit to 1 lakh crore, at the annual general meeting (AGM) scheduled to be held on 30 September. Shareholders of the company, which was earlier listed as Idea Cellular, had approved a borrowing limit of 25,000 crore at AGM in September 2014.

Telecom Stocks: Vodafone Idea chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla has said tariffs in the telecom sector are very low despite the hike in 2019, and pricing revival is critical for the growth of the industry.

ITC Ltd: Has said it will expand the capacity of some of its existing facilities as demand for products such as packaged foods, and health and hygiene items surged amid the pandemic. Chairman Sanjiv Puri said the company was also preparing to meet higher demand for such products even after the crisis is over.

LIC IPO: A proposal to sell up to 25% in the state-run insurer  Indias biggest  in one or more tranches is on the cards, Moneycontrol reported, citing government sources. Retail investors have plenty to cheer because the government is planning a bonus and discount for them, said these sources.

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President Donald Trump and Democratic rival Joe Biden took rhetorical swipes at each other on Monday as the presidential campaign entered its traditional homestretch on the US Labor Day holiday.

Trump described Biden, whom he trails in national polls, as a threat to the economy and stupid, while Biden took aim at Trumps reported disparaging of fallen troops.

At a White House news conference, Trump said: Biden and his very liberal running mate (Kamala Harris), the most liberal person in Congress by the way - is not a competent person in my opinion, would destroy this country and would destroy this economy.

He also called Biden stupid. Trump has frequently referred to the former vice president as Sleepy Joe.

Trump pushed back again against a report in The Atlantic that he had referred to fallen US soldiers as suckers and losers, calling it a hoax. The story has dominated news coverage for days and threatens Trumps support among veterans and military members, a key voting bloc.

Also read: What the conventions reveal for Biden, Trump in final stretch to November

Theres nobody that has more respect for not only our military, but for people that gave their lives in the military, Trump said.

Biden cited the reported remarks while campaigning in the electoral battleground state of Pennsylvania.

Referring to his son Beau Biden, who served in Iraq as a member of the Delaware National Guard and died of brain cancer in 2015, he said: Beau was wasnt a loser or a sucker. ... He served with heroes.

Bidens visit to Pennsylvania on Monday kicked off a flurry of travel to battleground states this week by both Biden and Trump as some opinion polls show the race tightening with less than 60 days to go until the Nov. 3 election.

With the coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest over racism and police brutality commanding attention in recent months, Biden is seeking to maintain his edge by painting the Republican president as an ineffectual leader who thrives on chaos and has left the working class behind.

Trump has struggled to change the contours of the campaign despite highly charged rhetoric on racial polarization and law and order intended to motivate his base and draw new supporters in suburban parts of key swing states, such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.

Labour endorsements

Biden met with union leaders in Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania capital, and spoke virtually with the leader of the largest federation of US labor unions, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. He also took questions from union workers and met earlier in the day with union members who served in the US military.

Bidens campaign also announced the endorsements of three unions: the Laborers International Union of North America, the International Union of Elevator Constructors and the National Federation of Federal Employees.

Biden promised to be the strongest labor president in the history of the country, vowing to hold executives legally accountable if they interfere with union organizing, and to raise the minimum wage and strengthen the National Labor Relations Board.

Folks have figured out that its not the financial wizards of Wall Street that make this country run. Its you, the essential workers, Biden said during the virtual event with Trumka.

Trump said that if Biden were elected, the Democrat would mandate another economic shutdown to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

Bidens plan for the China virus is to shut down the entire US economy, Trump said. Hed be laying off tens of millions of workers and causing countless deaths from suicide, substance abuse, depression, heart disease and other very serious illnesses.

Trump plans to visit North Carolina, Florida, Michigan and Pennsylvania later in the week, all considered crucial to both candidates chances of victory.

Polls in Pennsylvania, which Trump won narrowly in 2016, have consistently put Biden in the lead, but averages show that margin narrowing to roughly 4 to 5 percentage points, down from about 8 points in late June. Biden is scheduled to be back in Pennsylvania on Friday.
Minister for the Environment Carole Dieschbourg stated that it was not true that the great cormorant had become a plague to the extent that it would endanger certain local fish species.

Dieschbourg made these statements in an answer to a parliamentary question, stressing that hunting this particular bird species would remain forbidden in the foreseeable future. She also clarified that while a number of great cormorants were indeed present in the country, they were only passing through and not breeding.

The minister's statements are supported by the facts: Only 50 great cormorants were counted between May and August along the Moselle and Sure rivers. However, these observations increase substantially during the winter months. Last winter, an average of 300 to 500 great cormorants were counted during some months while they were hibernating along the Grand Duchy's rivers and water currents.

Thus, the honorary president of the association of sport fishermen and MP for the Democratic Party (DP), Gusty Graas, enquired with the Minister for the Environment whether this could be considered an overpopulation of great cormorants which would require regulation, as is for instance already the case in Germany and France.

The minister dismissed the MPs concerns, stating that regulation was unnecessary and the effects of the great cormorant's eating habits on the local fish stock insignificant. In fact, Dieschbourg pointed out that great cormorant populations were already in decline due to human interference, i.e. wastewater and other dirt which is dumped in rivers and streams.

This is also why the Ministry for the Environment does not usually rely on hunting of particular species of birds, which is in any case prohibited by an EU directive. Instead, the ministry tries to improve water quality by modernising treatment plants or renovating infrastructure.

However, there are certain exceptions which would allow the hunting of certain birds, e.g. in the case of a public health emergency, if there is a potential danger for aviation security, or to avoid severe damage to local seeds or animal populations. According to the minister, none of these factors would currently apply in Luxembourg, at least until the contrary was proven by a scientific study. Only then could an exception in the case of this species of bird be made.

Thus, the hunting of great cormorants remains prohibited in the Grand Duchy, meaning that the country will remain a safe habitat for this species. On a side note, in Germany the great cormorant was almost completely extinct until the 70s.
President Donald Trump speaks during a Labor Day press conference at the North Portico of the White House in Washington on Sept. 7, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump Steps Up Criticism of China, Hints at Economic Decoupling

WASHINGTONAs the election draws near, President Donald Trump has increasingly taken aim at Beijing, raising the necessity of decoupling, a term that recently gained popularity to describe an economic breakup with the worlds second-largest economy.

Whether its decoupling or putting in massive tariffs like Ive been doing already, were going to end our reliance on China because we cant rely on China, Trump said on Sept. 7 during a press conference at the White House.

And I dont want them building a military like theyre building right now, and theyre using our money to build it, he added.

Chinas military has surpassed the United States in shipbuilding, air defense, and ground-based missile development, according to a new Pentagon report, which has raised alarms in Washington.

You see theyre building up a powerful military, Trump said during the press conference, adding that Chinas massive defense spending was financed through billions of dollars lost in trade to China.

If we didnt do business with them, we wouldnt lose billions of dollars. Its called decoupling. So youll start thinking about it, Trump said.

U.S. policy toward China has been a major issue in the 2020 presidential race as American public opinion of the Chinese regime hit new lows. The bilateral relations have been strained by tensions in many areas, including trade, human rights, Hong Kong, and the coronavirus outbreak.

Trump pledges to end reliance on China and bring back 1 million manufacturing jobs in his second term. In order to do that, he proposes providing tax credits to companies and allowing 100 percent expensing deductions for essential industries like pharmaceuticals and robotics, his campaign policy proposal reads. He also provides no federal contracts to firms who outsource their operations to China.

Trump, during the press conference, contrasted himself with his Democratic rival Joe Biden, calling him Chinas pawn.

If Biden wins, China wins, because China will own this country.

In an effort to out-hawk Trump and Republicans on China, Biden is also pushing to curb economic ties.

As part of his first-term agenda, Biden promises to invest $400 billion to make additional federal purchases of products made in America. His policy relies heavily on federal purchasing power to increase demand and create a domestic market to support U.S. manufacturers. Bidens campaign states that his strategy could lead to 2 million more manufacturing jobs.

Decoupling Is Just Hype

While the concept of economic decoupling from China has received a lot of attention recently, decoupling itself hasnt proceeded, according to Derek Scissors, Asia economist at the American Enterprise Institute.

Scissors, who is one of the initial advocates of U.S.-China economic decoupling, believes that the current U.S. policy remains tied to a larger economic relationship with China through the phase one trade agreement signed in January this year.

Until we say phase one was a bad idea on our part, decoupling is just hype, he told the show NTD Business.

He noted that there have been some steps towards technology decoupling through the process called entity listing, which requires American firms to obtain a government license before exporting to blacklisted firms.

The entity list now has more than 275 China-based companies, including Huawei, ZTE, and Hikvision. The Trump administration has increasingly used this tool to sanction Chinese entities but these steps dont have any teeth yet, according to Scissors.

We dont know the results of that process yet. We know you have to apply for a license, but maybe everyones getting licenses, we dont know, he said.

The United States has not seen any financial decoupling from China, either.

Investments by U.S. companies in China hit a record in December of last year before COVID and the second-highest level was in May of this year, Scissors said.

The phase one trade deal does not address Chinas state subsidies and intellectual property (IP) theft, top concerns of the Trump administration and the impetus for starting a trade war. These important issues in the U.S.China relations are put off for future negotiations.

Scissors believe that none of these thorny issues will be resolved. In a recent report, he makes the case for partial decoupling from China and outlines his recommendations.

Decoupling is a recognition that America should drop the pretense of changing the PRC, instead restricting and shrinking the economic relationship for an indefinite period because parts of it are harmful, the paper states.

In the past decade, by funneling hundreds of billions of dollars into government subsidies, China has created large state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in key industries.

According to the report, 20 companies in the Fortune 100 are Chinese SOEs. Eleven of them enjoy regulatory barriers prohibiting competitors, and the remaining nine are guaranteed never to go out of business. Hence, state subsidies make economic relations with China unbalanced at the expense of U.S. companies.

The report also stresses that American wealth combined with voluntary and involuntary IP transfer has helped advance the Peoples Liberation Army.

Slowing the flow of money and technology will reduce the odds of a destructive military conflict, the report said.

Watch Next:

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By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Indian Army has kick-started a process to make its infantry combat vehicles capable of operating in the night, a move that comes at a time it is engaged in a fierce border row with the Chinese military in eastern Ladakh, officials said on Monday.

The army has already invited expression of interest (EoI) from eligible domestic companies for the development of prototype and further procurement of armament for BMP-2/2K infantry combat vehicles.

The current fleet of BMP-2/2Ks was first inducted into the Army in 1985 and it has been the mainstay of the mechanised infantry since then.

The EoI said the armament system is "night blind" and needs to be upgraded with nigh-fighting capabilities.

"The terrain along our borders lends itself to conduct of large scale mechanised operations and the belligerence of our adversaries on the borders necessitate that our capabilities are adequately built up to match the threat," the Army said in the document.

It said the existing armament sighting system in use is based on image intensifier technology which has its limitations and is not fit for modern-day warfare.

"Present system is also deficient of modernised Fire Control System and Automatic Target Tracker which adversely affects the capability of BMP-2/2K to fight both during day and night," it said.

The Indian Army is engaged in a standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh since early May.

Both sides held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the row.

Tensions have further escalated since last week in the region after Indian troops foiled attempts by the Chinese PLA to occupy Indian territories in the Southern Bank of Pangong lake area on the intervening night of August 29 and 30.

Following the confrontation, India occupied a number of strategic heights in the Chushul sector overlooking crucial bases of the Chinese military.

Since then, China has deployed additional troops, tanks and anti-tank guided missiles in the area.

India too has strengthened its combat capabilities following reinforcements by the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

In the aftermath of the row, the Indian Army has initiated a number of new programmes to bolster its combat capabilities.
Plans are being put in place to resume the Saturday morning runs

Runners could be back on Greenham Common for a weekly parkrun in the very near future, as the event announces plans to return.

The mass participation events were halted across the globe by the coronavirus pandemic in March. But today parkruns global chief executive, Nick Pearson, announced plans to resume the runs by the end of October.

It will be much welcomed news for the hundreds of runners who pounded the 5km course around the common every Saturday morning.

The events will now be run within parkruns Covid-19 framework and Mr Pearson said in the coming weeks they will be working with local volunteers and landowners to ensure a safe return.

Weve long understood that human beings have an innate need to be with one another, he said. To talk, to laugh, to support, to share experiences. This is a watershed moment. Parkrun will return. We will be back together again.

Mr Pearson added that a recent intent to return survey indicated that around 80 per cent of participants were keen to return to parkruns within the month and that confidence in doing so was increasing all of the time.

Parkrun is a free 5km event that takes place on a Saturday morning and was founded in London in 2002. Since then has expanded to 729 different locations across the UK, with more than 2.35m runners finishing a 34,8563,836 runs.
An Ontario court has finished what gas pumps themselves began by rejecting Premier Doug Fords anti-carbon tax stickers.

The Ontario Superior Court has ruled that the mandatory gas-pump stickers attacking federal carbon-pricing measures violate business owners freedom of expression and are unconstitutional.

This is the perfect opportunity for the Ford government to abandon these ridiculous gimmicks. The government should not appeal the courts ruling.

Instead, the premier should follow the same course he took when he abandoned the troubled overhaul of Ontarios licence plates. In the midst of a pandemic, he said at the time, hes got bigger things to think about.

Im not putting any more resources to this, Ford said in May when he put an end to the failed and utterly unnecessary double-blue redesign. These plates have not been top of mind for me over the last little while.

He could  and really should  say the very same thing again, replacing plates with stickers.

Surely Ford has little desire to continue fighting a losing battle over something that was only ever a cheap partisan tactic. Not when hes got a whole host of real problems  both a health crisis and an economic crisis  to deal with.

The many Ontarians who have been pleasantly surprised by the premiers less combative tone, more collaborative behaviour and increased willingness to listen to experts since the start of the pandemic would certainly rather see more of that new Ford than any resurgence of the old Ford.

And the gas-pump decals, in which taxpayer funds are used to attack another level of government while misleading the public, are nothing but a sticky reminder of the old Ford and his worst tendencies.

Thats the Ford who inflated the provincial deficit through questionable accounting practices just to have something else to blame the previous Liberal government for and provide cover for his planned cuts. The Ford who cut public health funding before backtracking. The Ford who overhauled autism services making them worse than ever for families in need. The Ford who vindictively cut Toronto council in half in the middle of the municipal election.

Thats also the Ford who was booed at public events and was so toxic to the Conservative brand that the federal party shunned him in the last federal election.

Nowhere has Fords apparent pandemic transformation been greater than when it comes to relations with other levels of government.

The premier now makes a point of publicly lauding Toronto Mayor John Tory. Hes been positively effusive in his praise of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who he says has stepped up and showed true leadership in helping provinces with billions in pandemic aid. He calls Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland amazing and incredible. And he says he intends to stay out of federal politics.

Given all that, how could Ford continue pushing these anti-carbon tax stickers and the corollary claim that the Trudeau Liberals dont care about heaping unaffordable costs on hardworking Ontarians? Why would he even want to?

The version of Ford that has emerged during the pandemic is, according to numerous opinion polls, wildly more popular than the original version.

It remains to be seen how much of this change will be lasting or what it will mean. Will future policies be better or does this just come down to kinder words?

The stickers, backed by legislation to force businesses to put up what amounts to a political ad, began as a demonstration of Fords gross partisan tendencies. Then they became a sign of his governments incompetence, given it couldnt even manage to get the right adhesive so theyd stick to the pumps.

What happens next  appeal or no appeal  will be an indication of whether the premier really is a changed man.

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Wood Buffalo, Alta., RCMP have seized 110 grams of a substance believed to be cocaine and more than $57,000 from a downtown apartment.

Police say that on Sept. 2, officers searched an apartment on Saunderson Avenue as part of a drug trafficking investigation.

The suspected drugs and cash were found during the search, and one person was arrested.

The investigation and search involved officers from the RCMPs drug enforcement and crime reduction units, General Investigation Section and the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team.

Garfield Fitzgerald Johnson, 56, has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possessing property worth more than $5,000 obtained through crime. He has also been charged with four counts of failing to comply with conditions.

Johnson has remained in police custody since Sept. 2 and is scheduled to appear at the Fort McMurray courthouse on Sept. 8.

Anyone with information about criminal activity in Wood Buffalo is asked to contact Wood Buffalo RCMP at 780-788-4040 or Crime Stopper at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). Tips to Crime Stoppers are always anonymous and can be set to p3tips.com.

This reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.

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After a five-month ban as part of the restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, bars, restaurants, hotels, and clubs in Delhi will start serving liquor to dine-in customers from Wednesday. Wary that the permission to serve alcoholic beverages has been granted only on a trial basis till September 30, hotels, bars and restaurants put in place strict Covid-19 protocols, ranging from allowing only 4-5 members in a group to discontinuing live band performances.

Restro-bars remained shut in Delhi because serving liquor was not permitted in the city. On September 3, the Delhi disaster management authority (DDMA) headed by lieutenant governor Anil Baijal approved the sale of alcoholic beverages to dine-in customers from September 9.

Restaurateur Dinesh Arora kept his Unplugged Courtyard outlets in Delhi and Gurugram shut despite the Unlock 3 guidelines issued on July 29, allowing dine-in services. The concepts of my restaurants are totally liquor-based. So, opening just to serve food was not a feasible idea for us. Thankfully, we are opening all our outlets in full swing and with all precautions from Wednesday, said Arora.

Arora, who is also the president of Delhi restaurants and club association, said for the first 10 days all owners will be physically present at their key outlets to ensure that safety protocols are followed. We do not want to take any risk since it is a trial phase and defaulting on any rule could result in sealing of the entire outlet. So, almost all restaurant and bar owners in Delhi will themselves be present during working hours. We do not want a repeat of a Murthal here in Delhi, he said.

At least 100 persons, including 84 employees of a restaurant in Murthal, Haryana tested Covid-19. Government authorities said the hotel management had flouted social distancing norms.

The Delhi governments excise department said strict action would be taken against the owner and manager of the said facility if they violate rules. Besides, it will also lead to sealing of the premises and cancellation of the excise licence, an official said.

Starting Wednesday, excise officials will conduct surprise checks at restaurants, bars, hotels and clubs.

Customers are allowed only up to 50% of the seating capacity to ensure adherence to social distancing norms. No standing customer is to be served. Only asymptomatic guests and staff are allowed. For entry, wearing masks, thermal screening and hand sanitisation is mandatory, said a senior excise official on condition of anonymity.

Restaurateur Priyank Sukhija, owner of brands such as Tamasha, Lord of the Drinks, Warehouse Cafe and Teddy Boy said he is doing away with all seating arrangements along the bar counter for now. Live performances will also not happen for a while since usually people tend to stand up and dance. The number of guests will also be limited to maximum 4-5 per table with adequate distancing in place. My outlets in Bengaluru and Kolkata have already seen a recovery of almost 60% of the demand during pre-Covid times in over a weeks time. I hope, we will break-even in Delhi in a month or so, said Sukhija.

The Park said they are keeping their bar counters open and have already started taking bookings for parties, including for their pool-side facility. .. Our poolside facility is available, but using the pool is not allowed. Parties are already getting booked for this month as well as the upcoming months. Our teams are well prepared... Safety and well-being of our guests and associates is of utmost importance to us. All guests are required to wear a face mask and undergo mandatory thermal screening, said Rohit Arora, area general manager, THE Park New Delhi.

The hotel has also installed AV (audio-visual) media and posters at various points in the hotel about the preventive measures to be followed. Formation of queues is prohibited and strict social distancing measures are taken, the hotel said in a statement.

At clubs like the India International Centre (IIC), the number of tables and chairs has been reduced to half in the bar. Kanwal Wali, secretary of IIC, said Arogya Setu app will be mandatory for all guests besides the usual Covid-19 protocols.

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Beijings draft report comes as US President Trump again threatens to decouple worlds top two economies.

China is launching an initiative to set global standards on data security, countering US efforts to persuade countries to ringfence their networks from Chinese technology, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

Under its Global Initiative on Data Security, China would call on all countries to handle data security in a comprehensive, objective and evidence-based manner, the Journal said on Monday, citing a draft that it had reviewed.

The initiative would urge countries to oppose mass surveillance against other states and call on tech companies not to install back doors in their products and services to illegally obtain users data, control or manipulate users systems and devices.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to announce the initiative on Tuesday at a seminar in Beijing on global digital governance, the report said.

Chinese diplomats have approached a number of foreign governments to seek their support for Beijings initiative, according to the report.

In recent months, the administration of United States President Donald Trump has clamped down on what it describes as national-security threats from Chinese technology firms such as Huawei Technologies  a global leader in advanced mobile telecommunications  and popular Chinese apps including ByteDance Ltds TikTok and Tencent Holdings Ltds WeChat.

Washington has also rolled out a Clean Network initiative to exclude Chinese tech firms perceived as threatening national security.

Chinese officials, meanwhile, have accused the US of trying to sabotage the efforts of Chinese businesses to expand.

The great decoupling

Separately, Trump on Monday raised the idea of separating the US and Chinese economies, suggesting the US would not lose money if the worlds two biggest economies no longer did business.

We lose billions of dollars and if we didnt do business with [China] we wouldnt lose billions of dollars, US President Donald Trump told reporters [Sarah Silbiger/Reuters]

So when you mention the word decouple, its an interesting word, Trump told a Labor Day news conference at the White House in which he promised to bring jobs home from China.

We lose billions of dollars and if we didnt do business with them we wouldnt lose billions of dollars. Its called decoupling, so youll start thinking about it, Trump said.

Trump, who had once touted friendly ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping as he sought to make good on promises to rebalance an enormous trade deficit, has made getting tough on China a key part of his campaign for re-election on November 3.

Western companies have long complained that Beijing forces them to hand over proprietary technology in return for access to Chinas large internal market and comparatively low labour costs.

Trump has accused his Democratic opponent, Joe Biden, who leads in most opinion polls, of being soft towards Beijing.

If Biden wins, China wins, because China will own this country, he said.

Biden for his part has criticised Trumps phase-one trade deal signed with China in January, saying it is unenforceable, and full of vague, weak, and recycled commitments from Beijing.

Trump promised that in future his administration would ban federal contracts with companies that outsource to China and hold Beijing accountable for allowing the coronavirus, which began in China, to spread around the world.

Manufacturing superpower

We will make America into the manufacturing superpower of the world and will end our reliance on China once and for all. Whether its decoupling, or putting in massive tariffs like Ive been doing already, we will end our reliance in China, because we cant rely on China, Trump said.

We will bring jobs back from China to the United States and we will impose tariffs on companies that desert America to create jobs in China and other countries, he added.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in June that a decoupling of the US and Chinese economies would result if US companies were not allowed to compete on a fair and level basis in Chinas economy.

Other officials and analysts have said that the two countries economies are so intertwined as to make such a move impractical, but Washington would continue to pressure Beijing to level the playing field.
The BMC programme is a global initiative that identifies and recognises private companies with advanced management ideas and excellent business performance. Key factors in the evaluation of a company's management ability include Strategy, Capabilities, Commitment and Financial Strength. This year, the selection criteria also considered Resiliency towards the Covid-19 pandemic. Absen was deemed to have shown extraordinary competency in all areas, allowing the company to weather these difficult times.

With a reputation for providing high quality LED displays, Absen once again achieved the #1 global export position for the 11th consecutive year and will next year celebrate its 20th anniversary. Absen has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with an annual production capacity of 300,000sqm and places great emphasis on R&D and innovation. The company has built a strong customer service network with 15 domestic and overseas subsidiaries in order to support its customers worldwide.

Throughout 2020, Absen has continued to make improvements to its management systems, IT systems and end-to-end processes with the goal of becoming a fully 'customer-centric' organisation and while being underpinned and guided by a strong corporate culture and sound financial management. The company has also invested in talent development and corporate social responsibility practices.

Zhao Jian, BMC managing partner, says resilience creates sustainable value for enterprises. Long-lasting businesses and first-class enterprises have experienced several economic cycles, and will have more comprehensive and sophisticated strategies. The greater an enterprise's long-term mission, the greater its vitality. "Highly resilient enterprises" have developed strong immunity.

Commenting on the award, CFO of Absen, Ashley Li said: "The BMC Awards examines every facet of an organisation and we are very proud that Absen fulfils all of the requirements. This prestigious award is a fantastic recognition for the overall success of Absen, based on the clear strategic direction and organisational structure, outstanding financial performance, strong risk management ability and inspiring corporate culture. This award will boost our confidence in continuing to improve our business management as well as our products and services."

SOURCE Absen

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More than 22,000 customers could be affected by a public safety power shutoff in parts of Napa and Sonoma counties starting Monday night, PG&E announced.

That includes 5,028 customers around Calistoga, Saint Helena, and other unincorporated areas around Napa County and another 17,685 customers in Santa Rosa and other unincorporated areas of Sonoma County. The shutoff is expected to start at 9 p.m. tonight with power restored by 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
Luxury British cruise line Cunard's 2022 classic World Voyage on the illustrious Queen Mary 2 goes on sale today. The voyage covers 16 countries offering a combined 33 Unesco World Heritage Sites.

The iconic ocean liner will make calls to Greece, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Australia and Bali, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Italy and Portugal. Sailings through the Suez Canal feature on both the outbound journey and return.

Cunard President Simon Palethorpe said: "Our guests have told us they want memorable destinations which combine intrinsic glamour and heritage. This unique program spans 16 countries, offering a combined 33 Unesco World Heritage Sites, which we hope will combine the perfect blend of exploration on shore and relaxation on board."

The 118 night voyage sets sail from New York on January 3, 2022 and returns on May 1, 2022.

It will include overnight stops in Haifa, Dubai, Hong Kong, Sydney and Singapore, plus a late night departure from Colombo.

Palethorpe continued: "This 118-night roundtrip New York voyage can be split into six segments and booked individually, which is tailored to those who want to fully immerse themselves in the Cunard experience for just a portion of the journey. It truly is the ultimate exploration of East meets West experienced from the magnificent setting of the world's only ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2.

"Guests on board will be able to take advantage of a multitude of luxurious offerings whether they want to be entertained, learn something new, get active or simply relax, while the ambience throughout the ship is warm, friendly and inclusive."

Those sailing the full World Voyage will enjoy a welcome on board reception, services of a World Voyage Concierge and use of a private lounge, a gala event ashore and complimentary daily gratuities.

Prices for an inside stateroom for the complete 118-night voyage start from $18,999 per person.

Cunard is renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. It has been a leading operator of passenger ships on the North Atlantic, since 1840, celebrating an incredible 180 years of operation. - TradeArabia News Service
Apple, Amazon, Google joined the Zigbee alliance and announced a new working group last year. The group is called Project Connected Home over IP and works towards developing an open-source IP based connectivity standard for the smart home. Now the group has announced that it is on track and is heading towards a 2021 release.

Zigbee alliance includes companies like Signify, IKEA, Legrand, NXP Semiconductors, SmartThings, and others. With the new connectivity standard, Smart Home systems will offer increased compatibility, security, and a development platform for manufacturers. The update speaks about all the devices that support the new standard. The list includes lighting and electricals like light bulbs, controls, plugs, outlets, HVAC controls like thermostats AC units, and security systems, including sensors, detectors, window shades, etc.

The open-source repository is live on GitHub and is rapidly iterating on the global open standard. Furthermore, the group has kept the standard open source so that manufacturers and consumers can get access without any delays. Started last year, the group now has 145 active member companies. A series of cross-functional teams, including product engineers and marketing experts, are working on the new standard.

Building a smart home platform and working on compatibility can become burdensome for device manufacturers. Once released, they can take advantage of the new standard, and it will be easier to build new devices. Device Certification will introduce a unique set of networking protocols for devices like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Moreover, the new standard will also support existing ones like Apples HomeKit.

The new standard is expected to help consumers by improvising smart home devices and the way they interact with each other. Smart Home setups will expectedly be compatible with more number of devices and, at the same time, easier to setup.

[via Zigbee Alliance
Researchers have warned that Covid-19 test data is likely to have under-represented the true extent of the virus in the UK during the peak of the outbreak  with the number of suspected cases observed by GPs potentially three times higher than official figures.

A study of data during the pandemic's peak from 157 practices in east London found GPs recorded more than 8,985 suspected cases between 14 February and 30 April.

The figure is triple the number who had their infections confirmed at test centres over the same period, according to the study led by Londons Queen Mary University and published in the British Journal of General Practice.

Lead author Dr Sally Hull said: "Our results suggest that Covid-19 prevalence during the peak of the epidemic was higher than previously thought.

"The official Covid-19 test statistics are likely to have under-represented the extent of the epidemic, as many people with Covid-19 would not have been tested, including those with milder symptoms or those who could not access testing centres."

Looking at anonymised data from the records of around 1.2 million adults registered in four east London boroughs, the study found those with dementia were seven times more at risk of developing suspected coronavirus.

And, unlike other studies, it found that women were at a "slightly" increased risk of becoming infected with suspected coronavirus compared to men. Researchers said the data suggested the known risks to men "emerge later in the disease trajectory.

Meanwhile, scientists found that ethnic minority adults were twice as likely to present with suspected coronavirus than white adults  and that this was not necessarily due to other factors such as health conditions, obesity or social deprivation.

In the four boroughs studied, three were in the top five London areas for coronavirus fatalities. In total 55 per cent of the population of assessed areas came from ethnic minorities.

Dr Hull added: "The high prevalence among black, Asian and minority ethnic patients remains a big concern and we now know that ethnicity is still a risk factor even after you take account of social deprivation, long-term conditions and body mass index.

"So there is something else driving this, which urgently requires more research."

Additional reporting by agencies
Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have called for the immediate suspension of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy as they launch an investigation into his testimony to lawmakers.

Carolyn Maloney, the Democratic chairwoman of the Oversight and Reform Committee, said the committee will start an investigation into DeJoy, who is suspected to have lied to it under oath, the Washington Post reports.

The move follows accusations that DeJoy, a major Trump donor, had asked employees at a business he owned to make political contributions to his preferred Republican politicians, and then reimbursed his staff later with company funds.

President Donald Trump had previously given his approval for an investigation.

Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have called for the immediate suspension of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy as they launch an investigation into his testimony to lawmakers.

'Let the investigations go,' Trump told reporters at a White House news conference on Monday.

Trump said the postmaster general is a 'very respected man,' and that if it can be proven that he did something wrong, he should lose his job.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer on Sunday called for the North Carolina attorney general to probe allegations against DeJoy.

'These are very serious allegations that must be investigated immediately,' Schumer wrote in reference to the Post story about New Breed Logistics, a North Carolina-based company that DeJoy led from 1983 to 2014 when it was acquired by XPO Logistics.

A spokesman for DeJoy said he sought and received expert legal advice 'to ensure that he, New Breed Logistics and any person affiliated with New Breed fully complied with any and all laws.'

DeJoy has been in the political spotlight after ordering operational changes and a clampdown on overtime in a bid to fix the financially troubled US Postal Service.

Democrats have accused him of deliberately disrupting the Postal Service just as millions of Americans consider whether to cast their ballots by mail in the November 3 presidential election.

The Post reported that five former New Breed employees, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said they were urged by DeJoy's aides or by the chief executive himself to write checks and attend fundraisers at his mansion.

Carolyn Maloney, the Democratic chairwoman of the Oversight and Reform Committee, said the committee will start an investigation into DeJoy

The move follows accusations that DeJoy, a major Trump donor, had asked employees at a business he owned to make political contributions to his preferred Republican politicians, and then reimbursed his staff later with company funds. President Donald Trump has previously given his approval for an investigation. Meanwhile, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called for the North Carolina attorney general to probe allegations against DeJoy

They told the newspaper that DeJoy later reimbursed them through bonuses.

'Louis was a national fundraiser for the Republican Party. He asked employees for money. We gave him the money, and then he reciprocated by giving us big bonuses,' said David Young, the company's longtime director of human resources, who is now retired but had access to payroll records at New Breed from the late 1990s to 2013.

Directly or indirectly reimbursing employee campaign contributions violates federal election laws.

The arrangement is sometimes used to evade limits on campaign contributions.

DeJoy 'was never notified by the New Breed employees referenced by the Washington Post of any pressure they might have felt to make a political contribution, and he regrets if any employee felt uncomfortable for any reason,' his spokesman said.

Josh Stein, the North Carolina attorney general, said in a statement on Sunday that he could not comment on specific cases but that 'any credible allegations of such actions merit investigation by the appropriate state and federal authorities'.

A spokesman for XPO Logistics said that the company 'stays out of politics' and that staff have the same 'right as anyone else to support candidates of their choosing in their free time,' according to the Post.

The Washington Post published its story about New Breed Logistics, a North Carolina-based company that DeJoy led from 1983 to 2014, on Sunday (file photo)

A United States Postal Service (USPS) carrier makes his rounds on August 5 in New York City. The USPS, the nation's national mail carrier service, is under increased scrutiny from politicians who are warning that the agency is not prepared to handle the tens of millions of mail-in ballots which are expected to be sent for the November election

Last week DeJoy was subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee for 'witholding' documents about mail delays and communications with the Trump campaign.

The subpoena sought documents related to operational changes that have slowed mail, and the agency's plans for the presidential election.

The request comes after the Democrat's committee chair Maloney said DeJoy has not sufficiently answered the panel's requests for more information.

'It is clear that a subpoena has become necessary to further the Committees investigation and help inform potential legislative actions,' Maloney (D - New York), said last week.

De Joy's appointment in June set in motion a set of policy changes that have delayed mail and sparked concern over the agency's ability to process mail-in ballots this fall.

He has appeared before Congress twice in recent weeks to testify about the removal of the agency's blue collection boxes and mail sorting machines, as well as changes to trucking operations and overtime hours that postal workers say are resulting in delays.

Amid a public outcry, DeJoy said he halted some of the changes until after election.

Democrats have been pushing for increased oversight of the Postal Service following DeJoy's operational changes and Trump's baseless claims that mail-in voting will lead to widespread fraud.

Trump floated an idea to supporters Wednesday that they vote twice - once by mail and once by person - to see if mail-in balloting is working.

'So 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 suggested to a crowd gathered at the airport in Wilmington, North Carolina.

It would be considered voter fraud for people to knowingly vote twice in an election.
Ever since March Karabakh residents have not been allowed to travel to Armenia without a written permission issued by the head of a Stepanakert-based government body coordinating the authorities response to the pandemic. The body has also required citizens of Armenia and other countries to undergo COVID-19 tests before entering Karabakh.

The commandant heading the body, Zhirayr Mirzoyan, attributed the scrapping of these restrictions to a drastic decrease in coronavirus cases recorded in Armenia of late. Mirzoyan said the Karabakh authorities will at the same time step up their enforcement of anti-epidemic safety rules.

In particular, they will keep medical workers deployed at Karabakh border checkpoints. The latter will measure the temperature of people arriving in Karabakh from Armenia.

The authorities have reported 316 coronavirus cases and no fatalities in Karabakh so far. According to them, 277 of the infected local residents have recovered from COVID-19.

The first case was registered in early April ahead of a second round of voting in a presidential election. The runoff vote went ahead despite serious concerns about the spread of the disease in Karabakh.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Partly to mostly sunny, brisk, and very cold. Below zero wind chills in the morning. .

Tonight

Partly cloudy and very cold. Near or below zero wind chills again late at night towards sunrise.
Iraq security officials say Islamic State gunmen have killed 11 soldiers in an attack on army barracks north of Baghdad. (AP)
Shaver Lake, Calif.

Wildfires have burned a record 2 million acres in California this year, and the danger for more destruction is so high that the U.S. Forest Service announced Monday it was closing all eight national forests in the southern half of the state.

After a typically dry summer, California is parched heading into fall and what normally is the most dangerous time for wildfires. Two of the three largest fires in state history are burning in the San Francisco Bay Area. More than 14,000 firefighters are battling those fires and dozens of others more around California.

A three-day heat wave brought triple-digit temperatures to much of the state during Labor Day weekend. But right behind it was a weather system with dry winds that could fan fires. The state's largest utility, Pacific Gas & Electric, was preparing to cut power to 158,000 customers in 21 counties in the northern half of the state to reduce the possibility its lines and other equipment could spark new fires.

Randy Moore, regional forester for the Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Region, which covers California, announced the national forest closures and said the decision would be re-evaluated daily. Campgrounds at all national forests in the state also were closed.

"The wildfire situation throughout California is dangerous and must be taken seriously." Moore said. "Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behavior, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire."

Lynne Tolmachoff, spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, said it's "unnerving" to have reached a record for acreage burned when September and October usually are the worst for fires because vegetation has dried out and high winds are more common. The previous high was 1.96 million acres burned in 2018. Cal Fire began tracking the numbers in 1987.

While the two mammoth Bay Area fires were largely contained after burning for three weeks, firefighters struggled to corral several other major blazes ahead of the expected winds. Evacuation orders were expanded to more mountain communities Monday as the largest blaze, the Creek Fire, churned through the Sierra National Forest in Central California.

It was one of many recent major fires that has displayed terrifyingly swift movement. The fire moved 15 miles in a single day and burned 56 square miles.

Debra Rios wasn't home when the order came to evacuate her hometown of Auberry, just northeast of Fresno. Sheriff's deputies went to her ranch property to pick up her 92-year-old mother, Shirley MacLean. They reunited at an evacuation center.

"I hope like heck the fire doesn't reach my little ranch," Rios said. "It's not looking good right now. It's an awfully big fire."

Mountain roads saw a steady stream of cars and trucks leaving the community of about 2,300 on Monday afternoon.

Firefighters working in steep terrain saved the tiny town of Shaver Lake from flames that roared down hillsides toward a marina. About 30 houses were destroyed in the remote hamlet of Big Creek, resident Toby Wait said.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

"About half the private homes in town burned down," he said. "Words cannot even begin to describe the devastation of this community."

A school, church, library, historic general store and a major hydroelectric plant were spared in the community of about 200 residents, Wait told the Fresno Bee.

Sheriff's deputies went door to door to make sure residents were complying with orders to leave. Officials hoped to keep the fire from pushing west toward Yosemite National Park.

The Creek Fire had charred more than 114 square miles of timber after breaking out Friday. The nearly 1,000 firefighters on the scene had yet to get any containment. The cause had not been determined.

On Saturday, National Guard rescuers in two military helicopters airlifted 214 people to safety after flames trapped them in a wooded camping area near Mammoth Pool Reservoir. Two people were seriously injured and were among 12 hospitalized.

Cal Fire said a blaze in San Bernardino County called the El Dorado Fire started Saturday morning and was caused by a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device used by a couple to reveal their baby's gender.
Empty streets of the city are seen in Melbourne, Australia, on July 27, 2020. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

8 More Deaths, 55 New Cases Recorded in Victoria

Victoria has had eight more COVID-19 deaths as new cases rose slightly to 55.

The fatalities take the states toll to 683 and the national figure to 770.

While the case numbers on Sept. 8 are up on the 41 recorded on Sept. 7, it wasnt a major spike.

Victorians are now fixated on the two-week case average, which will be a key indicator for the governments roadmap out of the states second outbreak.

As criticism of the plan mounts, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says comparison with NSW dont stack up.

The Victorian government went on a media blitz on Monday to defend its safe and steady pathway out of its second wave, which is likely to keep Melbourne under strict lockdown until the end of October.

On Sept. 7, Victorias 41 new cases were the lowest daily figure since June 26, while NSW was back in single digits at four.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Sydney would be subject to curfew under the Andrews plan and made a thinly veiled swipe at Victorias contact tracing capability, saying NSW was the gold standard.

But Andrews dismissed the comparisons, noting NSW had not experienced the same level of community transmissions as Victoria.

Thats not a point of pride, thats just a fact, he told reporters.

Ive seen this commentary that under our settings, theyd be in lockdown  no they wouldnt; because theyve not had the community transmission that weve had.

We are different.

Business leaders are also unimpressed by Victorias reopening plan.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell called on the state government to cover the costs of small business closures.

Meanwhile, Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott is demanding the release of modelling that underpins the roadmap.

Andrews said Victoria couldnt afford to bounce in and out of lockdown for the rest of 2020 and potentially all of 2021, but flagged business support was on the way.

By Callum Godde
A suspect has been charged in the homicide of 18-year-old Kobe Reed of Montgomery.

Julian Zagaglia, also 18 and from Montgomery, allegedly shot Reed early Saturday, according to a statement released Monday by the Montgomery Police Department.

After Reed succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital on Monday, Zagaglia was charged with capital murder.

Montgomery Police said they identified Zagaglia as the suspect in the killing  which took place on the 3200 block of Harrison Road at about 3:30 a.m. Saturday  and arrested him on Sunday.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting are unknown however, Zagaglia was identified as the suspect, the Montgomery Police said in the Monday statement. There is no additional information available for release in connection to this continuing investigation.
The most recent COVID-19 stimulus package offered by Republicans will hit the U.S. Senate floor for a vote this week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday, a few days after President Donald Trump pressured Congress to divert almost $300 billion in unused pandemic aid to pay for a second round of direct checks to Americans.

Republicans and Democrats have big differences, but they should not stop us from agreeing where we can and making law to help Americans through this crisis, McConnell said. Working families cannot suffer more because Democrats think their pain helps them politically. The Senate is going to vote.

Republicans and Democrats have big differences, but they should not stop us from agreeing where we can and making law to help Americans through this crisis. Working families cannot suffer more because Democrats think their pain helps them politically. The Senate is going to vote. pic.twitter.com/HzbPxvRe9I  Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) September 8, 2020

While Republicans and Democrats have largely agreed on issuing new cash payments of $1,200 for adults and $500 for dependents, negotiations have collapsed multiple times, and the parties remain at least $1 trillion apart on an overall package.

The most recent proposal placed on the table by McConnell does not include direct checks to Americans, with lawmakers focusing on boosts for small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program, aid for schools as they reopen amid the pandemic, funding for the U.S. Postal Service and extended enhanced unemployment, at $300 weekly. Trump has signed executive orders calling for a payroll tax cut, relief on evictions and student loans, and $400 in weekly unemployment boosts.

The president said Friday that Congress should divert almost $300 billion in unused funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to cut checks to tens of millions of Americans, Fox News reported. The CARES Act included stimulus checks, as did the Democrats' HEROES Act approved in May and the Republicans' $1 trillion plan released in July.

We have $300 billion in an account that we didnt use. I would be willing to release it, subject to Congress, and use that as stimulus money and it would go right to the American people, Trump said.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Sunday said GOP senators will roll out a more targeted proposal this week, likely around $500 billion. The previous $1 trillion offering unveiled by McConnell was derided by Democrats as inadequate and blasted by several Republicans as overkill. Many Republicans still doubt whether the new bill has the support of the full party, CNN reported.

Democratic leadership and almost every member of the Massachusetts delegation have routinely called on Congress and the Trump administration to provide funding to state and local governments whose budgets have been decimated by the pandemic, sparking widespread layoffs of public employees.

Democrats have called for at least $2 trillion in aid in a comprehensive deal, while Republican leaders have pushed to provide funding for a few key provisions where there is broad bipartisan support.

The Senate GOPs emaciated bill is only intended to help vulnerable GOP Senators by giving them a check the box vote to maintain the appearance that theyre not held hostage by their extreme right-wing that doesnt want to spend a nickel to help people, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a joint statement Tuesday afternoon.

McConnell argued in a statement Tuesday that Democrats have one simple motivation: they do not want American families to see any more bipartisan aid before the polls close on President Donald Trumps re-election. They have taken Americans' health, jobs and schools hostage for perceived political gain.

McConnell acknowledged the newest package does not contain every idea Republicans or Democrats may like.

Yet Republicans believe the many serious differences between our two parties should not stand in the way of agreeing where we can agree and making law that helps our nation, he added.

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[25th Sep]: realme has now announced Android 11 based realme UI 2.0 early access program for realme X50 Pro. You can refer to this post for details, the application procedure is similar to that of the Android 11 Preview program which is detailed in this post.

realme launched realme X50 Pro back in February running Android 10 based realme UI. The company announced Android 11 Beta 1 for realme X50 Pro back in June, which was made available to users in July. Ahead of Android 11 official launch, realme has now announced Android 11 preview release program for realme X50 Pro.

Yesterday, realme India, CEO, Madhav Sheth shared a teaser on Twitter, the phone in the image posted on Twitter is realme X50 Pro running Android 11 based realme UI 2.0. A couple of months ago, CMO, Francis had confirmed that the company had been working on the upcoming realme UI 2.0 which will be based on Android 11.

Now, realme, in a community post, announced the Android 11 Preview program for realme X50 Pro. For those unaware, realme preview release is aimed towards the hardcore tech enthusiasts who want to experience realme UI features based on Android 11 before anyone else. realme plans to choose 100 realme X50 Pro users for preview release program. realme in the community post said,

realme is amongst the first to make Android 11 Preview release available for realme X50 Pro and experience it right away. This is an excellent opportunity for hard core realme fans to experience the latest developments in realme UI based on Android 11.

Users applying for the program must be running RMX2076PU_11.A.35 on their realme X50 Pro. Application for the Android 11 preview program is expected to go live sometime later today, to apply for the same, users can head over to Settings  Software Update  Tap on the settings icon in the top right corner  Trial Version  Submit your details  Apply Now as shown in the screenshot below.

realme advises to backup personal data before proceeding with the process and says that there may be unpredictable effects on your phone which might affect day to day performance, but thats something obvious considering this is a preview release. realme also warns that some functions may not operate properly because of third-party firmware incompatibility.

Also, some third-party application versions might not be compatible with Android 11 yet, so you may not be able to use all your desired application. realme also advises users to update all the applications to the latest version available in the Play Store before updating to the Android 11 Preview. There must be at least 5GB storage available on the device before updating, and the phone must not be rooted. realme had also announced a long-term Beta program for realme X2 Pro back in May, so we can expect selected testers to receive Android 11 update shortly after realme X50 Pro.
Antarvedi, Sep 8 : Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari district police are yet to make an arrest days after a six-decade old chariot of the famous Sri Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Antarvedi in East Godavari district was gutted in a fire on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.

"Nobody has been arrested yet in the chariot case. We are still investigating," a district police official told IANS.

The cause of the chariot going up in flames is not known as yet even as the locals suspect some foul play.

"We are investigating the case from multiple angles such as some unidentified person throwing a burning cigarette butt into the chariot room and also the possibility of some miscreants aiming to procure honey from the honeycomb right on top of the chariot," he said.

The chariot was stored in a tall room, closed on three sides and open on one. When not used, it was covered with palmyra leaves on the open side.

Police are probing if someone tried to take the honey by smoking out the bees from the honeycomb during which a spark could have fallen on the palmyra leaves setting them ablaze and gutting the chariot.

Making things more difficult for the police, the surveillance cameras were not functioning when the fire broke out around midnight.

Antarvedi temple is famous for its 'Theerdham' (temple fair), drawing thousands of people from both West and East Godavari districts and beyond.

Known as the second Varanasi, Antarvedi temple is vividly mentioned in the Hindu scriptures and is associated with sage Vasishta and others.

The Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam runs an accommodation facility in the village.

Adorned with lakhs of coconut trees, Antarvedi is located in the lush green Konaseema region of East Godavari district, 200 km east of Vijaywada, 130 km from Kakinada and 57 km southwest of Bhimavaram.
Britain headed into a fresh round of Brexit trade talks on Tuesday acknowledging it could break international law but only in a "limited way" after reports it may undercut its divorce treaty with the European Union.

As the pound fell sharply on fears of a no-deal exit, the government's legal department head quit in disagreement with a plan to overwrite parts of the Withdrawal Agreement treaty signed in January.

Britain left the European Union on Jan. 31 but talks on new trade terms have made little headway as the clock ticks down to an October deadline and then the end of the status-quo transition arrangement in late December.

As diplomats gauged whether Johnson was blustering or serious about allowing a tumultuous finale to the four-year saga, Britain insisted it would abide by the treaty.

Asked if anything in the proposed legislation potentially breached international legal obligations or arrangements, Northern Ireland minister Brandon Lewis said: "Yes, this does break international law in a very specific and limited way."

"We are taking the powers to disapply the EU law concept of direct effect required by article 4 in a certain, very tightly defined circumstance," he told parliament.

He added that the government supported the Northern Ireland protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement and there was "clear precedence" for what Britain was planning.

Amid warnings from the EU that if it reneged on the divorce deal there would be no agreement governing the roughly $1 trillion annual trade, former Prime Minister Theresa May said the government risked serious damage to its international image.

"The government is now changing the operation of that agreement," May, who resigned after her own Brexit deal was repeatedly rejected, told parliament.

"Given that, how can the government reassure future international partners that the UK can be trusted to abide by the legal obligations of the agreements it signs?" May asked.

The Financial Times said the government's "very unhappy" legal head Jonathan Jones walked out in protest over the possible plan to undercut the withdrawal agreement in relation to the protocol for British-ruled Northern Ireland.

The prospect of a messy divorce between the EU's $16 trillion and United Kingdom's $3 trillion economies pushed sterling to two-week lows with traders betting there was more volatility to come.

"We need to see more realism from the EU about our status as an independent country," said David Frost, Britain's top Brexit negotiator, adding that Britain was ramping up no-deal preparations.

The latest round of negotiations in London are likely to be tough: Britain says the EU has failed to understand it is now independent - especially when it comes to fishing and state aid.

The EU, weary of wrangling, says it needs specifics from London and that Britain cannot make its own rules and have preferential access to its markets.

"A disorderly Brexit would not be good for Europe, it would be a real disaster for Britain and its citizens," German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz told Reuters.

British officials say they can make do with an Australia-style arrangement. Australia is negotiating a free trade deal with the EU to improve its market access, but for now largely trades with the bloc on World Trade Organization terms. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie
A special day-long session of the Delhi legislative assembly will be held on September 14, the chief ministers office said on Monday.

Since Covid-19 cases are once again on the rise in the Capital, the Delhi Assembly secretariat said a number of precautionary measures would be put in place during the one-day session.

First, all legislators and Vidhan Sabha employees will have to undergo Covid-19 tests, the results of which will have to come latest by Sunday -- a day before the session begins on September 14. A testing van will be deployed at the assembly premises to test employees. The MLAs will have to undergo tests either at the assembly or they may get tested at some hospital or health centre on their own and submit the report to the Vidhan Sabha secretariat, said a senior Delhi Assembly official on condition of anonymity.

This will be the second session of the assembly to be convened during the Covid-19 pandemic. A one-day session was held on March 23 to present the budget. But no such precautionary measures were taken in that session, except for members of the House being seated at a distance from one another.

For the September 14 session, assembly officials said, the entry of media persons is likely to be restricted this time and they would be allowed only in the press room.

Sitting in the press gallery during the session, as is the practice, is unlikely to happen this time, although a final decision on this is yet to be taken, a second official said.

To maintain social distancing, additional chairs will be kept in the House. Usually, two MLAs sit in one seat inside the House. But the rule now will be one person per bench in order to maintain a six-feet distance, the official added.

Mask wearing, and thermal screening will be mandatory inside the assembly premises.

Senior officials in the chief ministers office said it is likely that there will be no question hour this time mainly because it is a one-day session and only important issues and legislative matters will be taken up. The question hour session was removed from the recent Parliament session as well.

The decision to hold the one-day session was taken by the Delhi cabinet led by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on September 5 after the law department tabled the proposal for approval.

Delhis Covid-19 management strategies are expected to be discussed during the sitting. Some AAP legislators are expected to discuss the Delhi Model of management during the session, people aware of the matter said.
Manoj Viswanathan By

Express News Service

KOCHI: The sea was turbulent. A few wooden planks and life jackets were all they had. They were staring at death. It was a sheer test of willpower for the six fishermen from Ponnani who were stranded midsea when their boat sunk around 3.30am on Monday. Clinging to the wooden planks, they swam for 12 hours covering nearly 30km before they were spotted by the fishermen from Ponnani who had launched a search operation in eight boats. It was an epic tale of survival against all odds.

The fishermen  Nazar, 40, Shefeer, 35, Munavir, 36, Kunjanbava 53, Subair, 40, and Swapnasaro Senapat, 52, a native of Odisha  were taken to Ponnani Government Hospital, where they were given first aid after which they returned home. The six fishermen had set off from Ponnani on Friday on Mahalaxmi, the boat Nazar and his friend Shafi recently bought.

We swam clinging on to wooden planks till rescue workers came

The fishermen cast their net in the fishing ground off Kollam coast and were returning with the catch on Sunday night when water started gushing in through a hole in the hull of their boat. As all efforts to plug the hole failed, they contacted fishermen at Ponnani, who alerted the fisheries department. The boat was located around 3 nautical miles off Edamuttom beach near Nattika in Thrissur district at that time.

Though the fisheries authorities in Thrissur deployed a boat for rescue operation, the team had to return due to rough sea conditions. In the morning, the Coast Guard deployed a ship and a helicopter for search and rescue but they could not spot the fishermen or the boat. Around 3.45 pm, the eight fishing boats that were scouring the sea off Ambathodu coast in Malappuram district spotted the fishermen and saved them.

We shared our location and waited from 10pm to 4am. The boat then sank and we caught hold of some wooden planks to escape. Subair, who lost his life jacket, took the lid of the store room to stay afloat. We swam clinging on to the wooden planks till rescue workers came, said Kunjanbava.It is incredible. We were anxious as the search team from Coast Guard and fisheries department could not spot the boat or the fishermen. We were in touch with them till 4am, but lost contact after that. But the fishing boat workers here were not willing to give up and they launched a search which yielded result, said Shafi, the owner of the boat.

Missing TN fishers return to safety at Beypore

Kozhikode: Five fishermen from Kanyakumari who went missing at sea since September 4 returned back to safety at Beypore on Monday morning. The boat they had travelled in from Feroke Chaliyam, St Nicholas, was wrecked in the torrential rain and heavy wind on Sunday. They were rescued by another fishing boat pressed into service by the coast guard on Monday, said the coastal police at Beypore.

Coastal police rescue 2 fishermen in Azhikode

Thrissur: The Azhikode coastal police on Monday rescued two fishermen who were stranded in the sea after strong waves partially damaged their boat. Alappuzha natives Paliyath Aneesh, 40, and Pallikkathai Ponnan, 44, were rescued after their fibre boat Santa Maria was damaged about five nautical miles from the Azhikode lighthouse leaving them stranded.

Mid-sea trouble

Five fishermen from Kanyakumari who went missing in sea after their boat was destroyed in heavy rain and wind on September 4, returned to safety at Beypore on Monday morning Three fishermen, who ventured into the sea from Tanur and Ponnani, go missing after their boats capsized on Sunday Coastal police on Monday rescued two fishermen who were stranded in the sea after strong waves damaged their boat off Azhikkode coast

Two from Tanur, one from Ponnani yet to be traced

Malappuram: Three fishermen  two from Tanur and one from Ponnani  went missing after their boats capsized in rough weather on Sunday. A daylong search on Monday by the Coast Guard and the fisheries department, aided by fishermen, did not bear fruit. Those missing from Tanur are Kettungal Kunhumon and Kunhalakath Ubaid, while Kabeer Marakadavu is the Ponnani native. Three of the five from Tanur who set out in a fibre boat at 11am on Sunday managed to swim back. Kabeer was accompanied by three others, who too swam to safety.
Asiana Airlines / Yonhap



HDC Hyundai Development Co.'s planned takeover of Asiana Airlines Inc. appears likely to collapse this week as the property developer failed to narrow differences with the airline's creditors over acquisition terms, people familiar with the matter said Tuesday.



The deal, if it falls through, would become the country's second botched deal in the coronavirus-hit airline sector this year, following Jeju Air Co.'s cancellation of its plan to acquire smaller rival Eastar Jet Co. in July.



Kumho Industrial Co., which holds a controlling stake in Asiana Airlines, is expected to notify HDC of the termination of the deal by Friday when government officials are set to meet to discuss ways to support the financially troubled carrier.



On Friday, ministers handling the Asiana deal and officials in charge of the state fund set up for the airline and other backbone industries are scheduled to have separate meetings.



Asiana's creditors  the Korea Development Bank (KDB) and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank)  are expected to report their plan B for the country's second-biggest airline to the ministers following the deal's rupture, industry people said.



They said the state fund is likely to inject 2 trillion won (US$1.68 billion) into Asiana to help the cash-strapped carrier stay afloat this year.



The KDB and Eximbank have already extended a combined 3.3 trillion won, including 1.7 trillion won this year, in the past two years.



KDB Chairman Lee Dong-gull and HDC Chairman Chung Mong-gyu met late last month, but they failed to produce any breakthrough for the stalled deal amid the COVID-19 pandemic.



Lee reportedly suggested a sharp reduction in the acquisition price by 1 trillion won (US$840 million) in the last-ditch attempt to push the deal forward.



But HDC once again demanded another round of due diligence on Asiana, which was already rejected by the creditors and Kumho Industrial.



Once the two sides announce the deal's collapse, Asiana is expected to be placed under the control of the creditors and undergo restructuring to find a new owner.



In December, the HDC-led consortium signed the deal to acquire a 30.77 percent stake in Asiana from Kumho Industrial, a construction unit of Kumho Asiana Group, as well as new Asiana shares to be issued and the carrier's six affiliates, for 2.5 trillion won.



But the pandemic has emerged as a major stumbling block to the deal.



Asiana has suspended most of its flights on international routes since March.



It has had all of its 10,500 employees take unpaid leave for 15 days a month since April until business circumstances normalize. Asiana's executives have also agreed to forgo 60 percent of their wages, though no specific time frame was given for how long the pay cuts will remain in effect.



As a result, Asiana's net losses deepened to 432.88 billion won in the January-June period from 267.4 billion won a year earlier. (Yonhap)






The government said Tuesday it will start the annual purchase of rice for emergency reserves next week in line with efforts to stabilize the market price and brace for potential natural disasters.







Under the plan, the country will purchase 340,000 tons of rice for the reserves by the end of this year, along with 10,000 tons for overseas aid, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.







The emergency reserve system is designed to store staple grains as a contingency against natural disasters or other food supply crises.







The government normally purchases around 17 to 18 percent of the annual consumption amount, about two months worth, as a backup.







The government plans to provide an advance payment of 30,000 won (US$25.2) per 40-kilogram sack of rice and cover the remaining amount by the end of this year.







The country has not yet set this year's price. It came to 65,750 won per sack in 2019.







The country also purchases sacks for overseas aid under the ASEAN+3 Emergency Rice Reserve project, which is aimed at safeguarding the region's food security in case of emergencies, such as floods and droughts.







Since 2017, South Korea has donated rice to Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and the Philippines in humanitarian aid under the program. (Yonhap)


Albury-Wodonga has been one of the flash points of the border war through the coronavirus recession.

The community's 100,000 residents are separated by the meandering Murray River which is normally nothing more than a pleasing sight as people from both cities make their daily crossings of the state border.

The NSW-Victoria border at Albury-Wodonga has become a flashpoint in the coronavirus recession. Credit:David Gray/Getty Images

Two days before NSW shut the border crossing, Scott Morrison announced a package of infrastructure projects that included $400,000 to make "safety improvements" to the Bandiana Link Road that effectively connects east Wodonga with South Albury.

It would, the Prime Minister said, help "rebuild our economy and create more jobs".
Early Saturday night  it was still daylight in Pittsburgh  a well-dressed and well-mannered crowd (mostly seniors) was enjoying the September air at a tony restaurant, its seating in it pleasant outdoor area full. Suddenly from around the corner came a Black Lives Matter mob, descending with fury on the innocent diners.

Immediately several miscreants jumped inside the patios fence. One screamed in his loudest roar: F**k the white people that built this system! which he then added F**K 12. (a reference to police, I am told.) A sweaty and surely black thug, wearing a too-small black tank top bearing the words, Nazi Lives Matter! walked right up to one white-haired older couples table and as they watched in silent awe, he then with a sinister glare proceeded to drink the remains of first one beer, then the rest of another, that the couple had been enjoying while listening to the soft music.

The protesters then smashed glasses, kicked over chairs, and spewed vulgar sexual and racial epithets before wandering down the street to prey on yet another crowd of predominately upscale white diners. There is a very graphic tape of the incident on the Internet and the universal outrage is condemning. One Twitter user wrote, Im so sick of this!! while another wrote: These terrorists have no place in America. They dont care about Black lives; they only care about chaos.

Similar incidents occurred Saturday in Rochester, N.Y., New York City, and in the Washington D.C. suburbs, among numerous other places, but the video of the Pittsburgh attack shows the handsome man, this as his beer is being highjacked, go from an expression of shock to one of visible sorrow. The scene is beyond anything you might imagine in the United States of America. Yet there was not one arrest, not one summons, not one cease-and-desist order  again this in todays United States of America.

Believe it or not, several days ago I got a personal email from a person exactly like that man who was so grossly affronted in Pittsburgh on Saturday, this in the disheartening video I have now watched several times. For some reason, I connect the soul of the man in that Pennsylvania restaurant with what!  another who sent me an email with the heading, Crossroads.

* * *

The email, entitled simply Crossroads, originated from a total stranger for what I know, and it read (in part): Roy, this is an email test of sorts, I guess. I wish we had better topics to discuss, but, in this day and age, there is much concern over the state of affairs of our country.

Then, following some wonderfully kind and personal remarks to me, he continued: I am emailing you from our personal email so, for a few reasons, youll know who I am. Im a Chattanooga resident, and that, if I may ask to be anonymous on a piece I have thought much about and written earlier on that needs to be said, (my identity) doesnt need to cost me all I have worked for and where I am currently.

Politics and beliefs, if erred on wrong sides of sensitive, featherweight people, do seem to be absolutely destructive these days. I am not hateful nor a baiter of any type. I just want you to know where (the) source comes from if you choose to publish it in your column or understand (that there is) another concerned voice for our community. Thank you for your voice and endurance and your love of being a Chattanoogan, as I (am.)

For starters, I am not going to reveal the authors name, but hasten to inform both our newest writer and those who read this that, by my measure, he speaks for about 90 percent in our three-state community who may not venture into the public realm with their opinions but who feel every bit as strongly as our Patriot.

At the same time, I want him to get full credit for holding our personal feelings in the very palm of his hand. So, perhaps a hint is in order: If you are so fortunate to know a bless-ed lady in north Hamilton County that goes by the name of Shay, suffice it to say our Patriot is the same one who holds her so devoutly in his heart. So there!

May I share his essay:

* * *

SOMEWHERE WE HAVE MISSED A TURN

Roy- I dont have much positive to ponder these days. I rise and still have air in my lungs and work to do, but this is on my mind There are organizations out there stealing our joy, instilling chaos, and fear, trying to orchestrate a now overt takeover and expungement of the pursuit of life as we the people want for everyone.

This has caused me to ponder and think for quite a while to know what words to say, but I believe it needs to be said. I do believe in resolutions and reform of broken systems, but this is far from it

We are at a crux in time  join us, join them, the Brigade, or simply give up and lay down your rights so that you too can be trampled by sinister motives that we didnt think would be possible in our country today.

But here we are, in broad daylight where rioters can attempt and murder, loot and destroy with little to no consequence, hunt down law enforcement officers at their homes, or kneel on the neck of a baby to demonstrate your loyalty, execute a child for stepping on your lawn, or as a demonstration; burn down family businesses in our own communities, blow up Government buildings, or demonize property owners on their own doorstep for brandishing a weapon to defend themselves- and for what?

All to convince others to join a plight? Coercion and violence get met with nothing more but  coercion and violence. America should not be a war zone be a war zone! No one deserves to be assassinated due to skin color or political beliefs!!!

Weve gone way beyond a tipping point and no one is wailing in the streets for justice to counter this brazen hatred and anarchy because weve been crippled by highly financed, pseudo-judicial, and political thuggery and labels. Yes, labels.

Has anyone realized that we all have been called racist (insert any ethnicity), a climate denier, non-conformist; left wing/right wing; aggressor/pacifist; phobic/reveler; and whatever anyone else desires to be offended by simply because of our very existence?

But worse now, youre a threat to these factions if you try to defend you and yours and maintain any kind of balance in life along with the interesting, vague and unclear COVID-19 directives that are piled on top of us all. Stop promoting the panic, see how deep this runs and who is implicit in its design for later crisis and control.

Somewhere we missed a turn.

Somewhere the crowd got off at the wrong stop  but its not too late to turn around and find the way back home and rediscover what is good in life and find forgiveness and purpose. But if those who revel in injustice and hatred continue, remember this: Some gave all and all gave some  to befriend each other in this country outside of race, creed and beliefs in order to serve a higher calling and loyalty to each other under our Constitution.

The same Constitution that gives equal and guarded freedoms to every man woman and child here on our soil. A lot of We, The People served our Country under that Constitution together and formed unbreakable bonds- no matter what color. Ask any Vet

When our God-given rights to defense and provide for ourselves is taken away- it doesnt go unnoticed and should never go unchallenged. We love equally, mourn together, and serve with dignity to lock step arms and protect those we cherish.

I admonish everyone to value life and what is before you.

We can no longer be the mute Silent Minorities or Majority. This is the call to step out with haste, this is real. We are in the middle of what our fathers fathers have warned us of. The struggle of good and evil is right in front of us this very day and we must now make a choice. I am at peace with the Lord and so few faithful leaders, but see the warfare headed our way. I am obliged, but not in your debt, nor you to me and not in any mans service.

I am a son, a father, a friend and neighbor too but by the violence and hatred that has been unleashed and forced onto us, we have been made a combatant ... we should defend and be leery of what takes shape when the vacuum is created by a sudden vacancy of common sense and decency and when what binds us together as a great Nation is dumped for some other choice that isnt really a choice.

No greater friend, no worse enemy -- I will hold, and defend.

* * *

My friend, I believe common sense and strong values will prevent our nation from tumbling into an abyss and any civil war. Further, I believe the horrid events we see unfolding in our Democratic edge of society will be brought to justice in the coming weeks and that the Democrats who have enabled the criminal element among us have, in fact, literally assured President Trump to a second term.

In my opinion, sound Americans regardless of political stripe will bind together against the terrorists who have been allowed to develop in our nation and that, as we root out those who have enabled, encouraged and financially supported terrorism, these louts will be harshly placed in our corrective facilities. Never underestimate the heart of any jury.

But, Mr. Patriot, if calamity should befall our nation in its recovery, save a place in your foxhole for me. I can promise you, sir, that like the rest of those within the sound of your voice, those who are silent, will hold. Yessir, we will hold, and defend.

royexum@aol.com
A new online event will mark the 100th anniversary of the West End debut of Noel Coward.

The piece will launch the new streaming service created by Broadway on Demand titled "Stream.Theatre", and feature a host of stars bringing the words and music of Coward to life.

The show, which will feature renditions that are either self-recorded at home or filmed on location under COVID-19 regulations, will support Acting for Others in the UK and the Actor's Fund in the US.

Appearing in the experience will be Kate Burton, Judi Dench, Stephen Fry, Montego Glover, Derek Jacobi, Josh James, Cush Jumbo, Robert Lindsay, Kristine Nielsen, Bebe Neuwirth, Julian Ovenden, Patricia Routledge, Kate Royal, Emma Thompson, Giles Terera, Indira Varma and Lia Williams.

Titled A Marvellous Party, the piece will be streamed online on wwww.stream.theatre from Sunday 20 September at 7.30pm BST/ 2.30pm EST and will be available on demand after that date for 14 days. It will also be available on YouTube.

Alan Brodie, Chair of the Noel Coward Foundation said: "Noel Coward, a man of the theatre and one of the first transatlantic theatre celebrities, used his celebrity status to assist others. He galvanised his famous friends into raising considerable sums for charitable causes on both sides of the Atlantic and was also a founder member of The Combined Theatrical Charities, the predecessor organisation to Acting For Others.

"Noel would have been very distressed by the shutdowns of the West End, Broadway and theatres across the world resulting in hardship for so many. It is therefore imperative, on Noel's behalf, to help those in need by collaborating with Acting For Others in the UK and the Actors Fund in the US demonstrating just how much his influence and legacy lives on 100 years from that first play. The performers have given their services for free and we are most grateful to them for offering their time and their talent to this important cause."
Australia's largest meat processor has claimed JobSeeker is preventing unemployed Australians from wanting to work.

Teys Australia, who employ about 4,500 workers, said the $1,500 fortnightly payment was the reason for them having 150 vacancies.

Corporate and industry affairs manager John Langbridge told Daily Mail Australia the company was receiving less job applications than at any time in its recent history despite national unemployment rates of 7.5 per cent.

'JobSeeker was a good temporary measure to support the economy but Teys feels as though it is now competing with the government,' he said

Mr Langbridge said he understood the temptation to take the easy money from JobSeeker rather than work, but those on the benefit needed to think long-term.

Australia's biggest meat processor, Teys Australia (processing room pictured) has laid blame on the JobSeeker payment after being unable to fill 150 job vacancies while the national unemployment rate sits at 7.5 per cent

'People seem, for whatever reason, a little bit too comfortable with the current circumstances to be chasing those jobs down,' he told ABC News.

'At some point it's going to be weaning people off one system and basically getting the economy back into a more normal footing.'

He said COVID-19 outbreaks at Australian abattoirs may have played a part in people not jumping at job vacancies in the industry.

However he assured people every Teys Australia location was 'clean' and 'safe'.

In a statement the company said the inability to employ overseas skilled workers and international backpackers was also impacting on their employment numbers.

New South Wales Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall backed claims the unemployment benefit was stifling some people's incentive to work.

He said the state was 'desperate' for workers in the agriculture sector and welcomes a reduction to the payments.

The JobSeeker benefit was temporarily doubled through to September 24 before being reduced to $800 until the end of 2020.

Despite his criticism of the payments Mr Langbridge praised the government for keeping the economy 'primed', but said it was time to get things going again.

Corporate and industry affairs manager, John Langbridge, said the fortnightly JobSeeker payment, capped at a just over $1000, had made too many Australians 'comfortable' with not working (line outside a Brisbane Centrelink pictured)

Meanwhile Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has promised his delayed October 6 budget will focus on getting people back into work.

He said Australia was still in the middle of a once in a century crisis where unemployment was expected to reach about 10 per cent by the end of the year.

The number of unemployed people has risen to over one million because of the pandemic, with predictions another 400,000 jobs could be lost before Christmas.

'The budget will continue to have more reforms but obviously what we are focusing on is getting people back to work,' the treasurer said.

ANZ senior economist Catherine Birch said an outright fall in national employment was predicted for August and September.

She said the December quarter was also looking 'worrying', given the amount of fiscal government support scheduled to be withdrawn.
Seventh-grader Isaiah Elliott was participating in a Grand Mountain School art class when his teacher saw the toy gun onscreen.

A 12-year-old Colorado boy was suspended for five days from his school for waving a toy gun around during a virtual class. However, both he and his parents assert that the toy was moved from one side of his computer screen to the other.

Seventh-grader Isaiah Elliott was participating in an art class on his third day of distance learning with Grand Mountain School when his teacher saw the boys toy gun onscreen.

Seventh-grader Isaiah Elliott was participating in an art class on his third day of distance learning on Aug. 27 when his teacher saw the toy on the screen. The vice principal of Grand Mountain School in Colorado Springs sent an email to his parents saying that the boy was extremely distracted. The vice-principal also noted that there had been a very serious issue with waving around a toy gun.

Read More: Woman calls police on Black man using his phone, falsely claims he had gun

That vice principal, Keri Lindaman, informed the Elliotts that she had called school resource officers from the local county sheriffs office to conduct a health and wellness check on the boy at the family home.

The original report by Buzzfeed notes that El Paso County Sheriffs officers revealed footage of the incident to the boys father, Curtis Elliott, videotape that had been recorded by the instructor and shown to them in the vice principals office.

Read More: Black teenager attacked by corrections deputy

His official notice of suspension states Isaiah displayed and waved a firearm facsimile during a virtual classroom on Aug. 27, 2020. But his father, upon viewing tape, said the boy, sitting on their sofa, had merely moved the plastic toy  labeled Zombie Hunter  from one side to the other, not wave it in a threatening manner.

Also, the Elliotts said that they had not permitted for their son to be recorded, according to matriarch Dani Elliott. The school noted that it was not their current practice to record classes, but said they had just added a new platform and were still becoming familiar with the system.

Story continues

The Elliotts are planning to remove Isaiah, who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), from the school district. They are currently considering a charter school more conducive to his needs.

Read More: Black jogger wrongfully arrested by San Antonio police: I was guilty before proven innocent

Grand Mountain School was aware of his diagnosis, and he reportedly has an individualized education plan there on file.

School officials wrote a statement on Facebook noting that safety will always be number one for our students and staff. They attested that the school follows board policies and safety protocols consistently, whether we are in-person or distance learning.

Dani Elliott expressed concern because young Isaiahs suspension notice was written in a way that sounded like the incident occurred on school grounds, which could affect his future permanent records.

God forbid something happens to my son down the road, she said. People could look at this and decide he doesnt deserve justice. I know that sounds extreme  its a very real reality for us.

The case inspired comments on social media that reminded the school of the police killing of Tamir Rice, who was playing with a similar gun in a Cleveland park when he was shot to death by police in 2014.

Like Isaiah Elliott, Rice was 12 years old.

Have you subscribed to theGrios Dear Culture podcast? Download our newest episodes now!

The post Colorado school calls police on boy, 12, for having toy gun during virtual class appeared first on TheGrio.
India on Tuesday denied firing shots at the Line of Actual Control where the Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in stand-off for over three months, sources in the government said. The statement came hours after the Peoples Liberation Army accused the Indian troops of illegally crossing the border at the shore of the God Pao Mountain area and firing threat shots.

India, while is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC, China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate. At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing," Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The ministry further said it is in fact the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres", while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress.

In the instant case on September 7, 2020, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops. However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner," the MoD statement read.

This comes two days after the defence ministers of India and China met in Moscow, and two days ahead of the scheduled meeting between the foreign ministers. These are serious military provocations.. of a very bad nature," PLAs Western Theater Command spokesperson Col Zhang Shuili said.

Shuili, in a statement published by the militarys official news website early on Tuesday, said that Chinese border guards took countermeasures" to stabilise the situation. The statement did not make clear what those measures were or whether Chinese troops also fired warning shots.

Both sides have observed a long-held protocol to avoid using firearms on the sensitive, high altitude frontier running through the western Himalayas, though this agreement has not prevented casualties.

Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in hand-to-hand fighting in a clash in June, an incident that led to China and India deploying additional forces along the frontier.

We request the Indian side to immediately stop dangerous actionsand strictly investigate and punish personnel who fired shots to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again," Shuili said.

Troops of India and China were engaged in two fierce face-offs in Eastern Ladakh and near Naku La Pass in Northern Sikkim recently, leaving several soldiers on both sides injured.

In the first incident, scores of Indian and Chinese army personnel clashed along the northern bank of the Pangong Lake in Eastern Ladakh on the late evening of May 5 and the face-off ended next morning following a dialogue between the two sides.

A number of soldiers on both sides sustained minor injuries as they exchanged punches and resorted to stone-pelting, the sources said, adding around 200 personnel were involved in the face-off. Both sides brought in additional troops following the fracas.

It was the first case of troops from both sides exchanging blows after a similar incident had taken place around the Pangong Lake in August 2017.

In a separate incident, nearly 150 Indian and Chinese military personnel were engaged in a face-off near Naku La Pass in the Sikkim sector of the Sino-India border in which at least 10 soldiers sustained injuries.

The troops of India and China were engaged in a 73-day stand-off in Doklam tri-junction in 2017, which triggered fears of a war between the two neighbours. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control, the de-facto border between the two countries.

Both sides have been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first informal summit in April 2018 in the Chinese city of Wuhan, months after the Doklam standoff.

During the summit, the two leaders decided to issue strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications so that they can build trust and understanding. Modi and Xi held their second informal summit in Mamallapuram near Chennai in October last year with a focus on further broadening the bilateral ties.
Exporters will be flying the flag for UK pork and beef at two major events in China this month  marking the first international showcasing since the pandemic.

On Thursday, the 18th China International Meat Industry Exhibition 2020 (CIMIE 2020) will take place at the Qingdao Cosmopolitan Exposition  bringing buyers from all across Asia.

Organised by the China Meat Association and the International Meat Secretariat, the two-day event is one of the most professional shows in China for the meat industry.

This will be followed by Asias largest food and drink innovation exhibition, SIAL China, which takes place in Shanghai from September 28  30.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this years show sets the benchmark for overseas companies stepping into Asia and China as well as providing valuable market insights, trends and innovations in the regional food industry.

The UK's AHDB will have a stand at both events, hosted by locally employed staff member Holly Chen who supports the organisation in the local marketplace in a partnership with the China Britain Business Council (CBBC).

Due to travel restrictions as a result of Covid-19, five UK exporters will be promoting their high-quality pork and beef through videos and virtual platforms.

The exporters will also be using their regional staff to showcase their offering to local importers.

AHDB export manager, Susan Stewart said: These shows represent the first time this year that we have been able to reconnect our exporters with key influential buyers in China due to the ongoing challenges of Covid-19.

China is a hugely important market for our pork exports and it is vital that we maintain our strong relationship with buyers and continue to fly the flag for our red meat, especially as we are on the cusp of shipping beef to China for the first time in over 20 years.

Last year, Chinese government officials signed a protocol agreement to ship beef from the UK for the first time in 20 years marking the end of a ban following the BSE outbreak.

The deal is estimated to be worth around 230 million over the first five years.
Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut's visit to Mumbai may be delayed as a sample drawn for the coronavirus test in Himachal Pradesh failed on Tuesday, doctors said.

However, the tests of her sister and her assistant were negative.

"The coronavirus sample of Kangana failed. Another sample will be collected tomorrow," a government doctor posted in Mandi town told IANS.

The actress had moved to her parental house in Mandi district from her cottage in Manali.
Victoria has recorded 55 new cases of COVID-19 and an additional eight deaths in the past 24 hours.

Although the number of new cases is higher than Monday's 41, it brings the 14-day average down to 89, from 96 on Monday. The average is a key figure in the government's decision-making for its road map to ease restrictions in Victoria.

Monday's figure of 41 was the state's lowest daily tally in two months - as residents, politicians, business leaders and medical experts spent the day digesting and responding to the state's road map to recovery.
London: The British judge hearing Julian Assange's extradition case has warned the WikiLeaks founder that he could be kicked out of his own court hearing if he continues to interrupt witnesses while they are giving evidence.

Judge Vanessa Baraitser told Assange on Tuesday that she did not want to hear his case in his absence but that she would be left with no choice if he continued to shout from the dock.

Julian Assange's biological father John Shipton stands in front of his poster near the Central Criminal Court Old Bailey in London, Tuesday. Credit:AP

Assange shouted "this is nonsense" as James Lewis QC, the lawyer for the US government, told the Old Bailey that the 49-year-old was not facing charges for the blanket publication of thousands of secret military and diplomatic documents by WikiLeaks.

Lewis said Assange instead faced 18 counts related to computer hacking and conspiring to penetrate US systems in violation of the Espionage Act.
September 08 : Sanjay Dutt, who took a break from work after he was diagnosed with lung cancer, resumed shooting on Karan Malhotra's Shamshera at Yash Raj Studios in Andheri. The Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. actor filmed his portions of the film over a two-day shoot schedule.

After the actor was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer he was undergoing treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Andheri, Mumbai. Last Sunday, for the first time after his illness, Sanjay stepped out of his Bandra residence and headed to the Yash Raj Studios to complete two days patchwork shoot, suggests a Mid-Day report.

It is reported that Ranbir Kapoor has already completed his portions of the film last month, and now with Sanjay completing his portion, director Karan wrapped up the shooting. Due to his frail health, producer Aditya Chopra had ensured that the shoot was conducted with minimal crew and with strict safety measures. Everyone at the set had to undergo COVID-19 test before they could work with Dutt. It is also learnt that Sanjay looked happy to be back on the set and reeled off one shot after another with high spirits.

Sanjay Dutt is trying to complete all pending work on films before he leaves for the US for further treatment. His pending work includes dubbing for Ajay Devgn-starrer Bhuj: The Pride of India and shooting for KGF: Chapter 2. The film marks his debut in regional cinema.

Earlier, it was reported that Sanjay Dutt had successfully completed his first round of chemotherapy and the second round will begin this week. The actor reacted to the first cycle quite well, it was reported.
For more than a decade, scientists have accepted that cholesterol - a key component of cell membranes - did not uniformly affect membranes of different types. But a new study led by Assistant Professor Rana Ashkar of the Virginia Tech Department of Physics finds that cholesterol actually does adhere to biophysical principles.

The findings, published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, have far-reaching implications in the general understanding of disease, the design of drug delivery methods, and many other biological applications that require specific assumptions about the role of cholesterol in cell membranes.

"Cholesterol is known to promote tighter molecular packing in cell membranes, but reports about how it stiffens membranes have been so conflicting," said Ashkar, who is a faculty member in the Virginia Tech College of Science. "In this work, we show that, at the nanoscale level, cholesterol indeed causes membrane stiffening, as predicted by physical laws. These findings affect our understanding of the biological function of cholesterol and its role in health and disease."

According to the study, cell membranes are thin layers of fatty molecules that define cell boundaries and regulate various biological functions, including how viruses spread and how cells divide. To enable such functions, membranes should be able to bend and permit shape changes. This bending propensity is determined by how packed the molecular building blocks are; tighter packing results in stiffer membranes that cannot bend so easily, Ashkar added.

Cholesterol's impact on cell membranes at the molecular level

Cholesterol is found in high quantities in bacon, egg, cheese, and many other comfort foods. While too much cholesterol can harm the body, regulated amounts of cholesterol in cell membranes are absolutely necessary for the normal function of cells. Anomalies in cholesterol amounts are often associated with various disease conditions.

Besides cholesterol, our cell membranes are primarily formed of lipids, which are small, fatty molecules that self-assemble into bilayer structures when present in water - and nearly 60 percent of the human body is made of water. Together, lipids and cholesterol form the barriers that define our cells and regulate the cellular exchange of nutrients.

At the molecular level, cholesterol possesses a slick and rigid structure. When it interacts with our cell membranes, it jams itself right in between lipids, which results in a more densely packed membrane. According to structure-property relations, this would naturally result in a stiffer membrane.

Yet, for the past 10 or so years, physicists and biologists have assumed that cholesterol had nearly no effect on the stiffness of membranes formed of cis-unsaturated lipids, a common type of lipid found in our cells, despite its well-documented effect on lipid packing.

"It defied our understanding of what cholesterol does to cell membranes," Ashkar said. "It also contradicts standard structure-property relationships in self-assembled materials."

These perceptions are important because in ideal circumstances, cell membranes should maintain a semi-rigid structure: rigid enough to keep its form, but flexible enough to allow for the dynamic movement of signaling proteins and functional domains. Misconceptions about how cholesterol stiffens cell membranes impact our understanding of membrane function.

The data initially made little sense, but as she probed deeper, Ashkar found a clear case of how soft materials can "apparently" exhibit different properties, depending on the parameters of the observation method. She found that over short length and time scales over which important signaling events occur -- we're talking nanometers and nanoseconds -- the added cholesterol induces membrane stiffening that one would expect.

Proving her point

To contradict an established doctrine in science requires more than just one set of data points. "We found these results a while back, but they were met with skepticism because they're so against the existing notions," Ashkar said.

Ashkar's first tests used neutron spin-echo spectroscopy, a unique probe that enables the study of materials on the nanoscale. These experiments were performed at the two major neutron scattering facilities in the United States, the NIST Center for Neutron Research and the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Ashkar bolstered her evidence with computer modeling simulations, in collaboration with George Khelashvilli, an assistant professor at the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Physiology & Biophysics, and further validated the experimental findings with recent nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, in collaboration with Michael Brown, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Arizona. The data consistency in all three methods provided thorough evidence for Ashkar's hypothesis and confirmed standard structure-property relations in lipid membranes.

"These results call for a reassessment of existing constructs of how cholesterol affects lipid membranes," Ashkar said. "If we don't have the right assumptions, we cannot make the right predictions, and we will not have the right design for the treatment of viruses, diseases, or other biological anomalies."

###
By Laman Ismayilova

A virtual art exhibition and sale has solemnly opened in Baku.

Initiated by the Cultural Ministry and the State Picture Gallery, the project aims at supporting local artists and enhancing competitiveness in the art business.

The virtual exhibition displayed more than 100 colorful art works by talented artists such as paintings, graphic works, sculptures and much more.

The exhibition-sale is available on Artgift Azerbaijan. The State Art Gallery acts as a mediator between buyers and sellers at the exhibition.

Founded in 1975, Azerbaijan State Art Gallery displays more than 14,000 paintings, graphics, sculptures, decorative and applied arts and contemporary art examples.

The main activities of the gallery include preservation and restoration of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage, researches on the current situation and prospects of the fine arts and decorative-applied arts and much more.

The majority of exhibitions in Azerbaijan and abroad are mainly composed of the works stored in the gallery.

The State Art Gallery regularly successfully holds various art projects, lectures and other events.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Princess Sofia of Sweden has said she would never want a version of 'Megxit' from to happen within her royal family - stating she has 'found such a fantastic balance'.

The 35-year-old royal, who is married to Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, 41, shared her thoughts in a documentary titled Princess Sofia: Project Playground which aired on Swedish channel TV4.

According to Royal Central, when asked about whether she would ever consider following the lead of the Duke, 35, and Duchess of Sussex, 39, the former model said: 'No. Not really. I think I have found such a fantastic balance, and I really see it as a positive that I have made it through these stormy years.

'It is such a huge advantage, in that we have the opportunity to stand a little in both worlds.'

Princess Sofia of Sweden, 35, pictured with her husband Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, 41, said she would not want her own form of 'Megxit' like Prince Harry, 35, and Meghan Markle, 39, because she has 'found a fantastic balance'

At another stage in the documentary, which followed the former reality star in January visiting Cape Town, South Africa, where she worked as a volunteer and aid worker as a teenager, she discussed having an 'identity crisis' when she became a royal.

She said: 'Since I became a princess, I have been through many identity crises. Here in South Africa I have a type of identity, and when I come home, I have something else.

'Here I am allowed to be who I want to be.'

Princess Sofia has much in common with Meghan with neither having any royal connections when they met their princes - Harry and Carl Philip - and leaving behind the showbiz world for a rather more sedate life.

The royal, who worked in hospital's in Sweden during the pandemic, shared her thoughts on a documentary (Pictured: The princess at her first day at work at the Sophiahemmet hospital, Stockholm, in April)

Sofia dated her husband for five years before walking down the aisle in 2015.

They share two-year-old son Prince Alexander, Duke of Sodermanland, and one-year-old Prince Gabriel, Duke of Dalarna who are fifth and sixth in line to the Swedish throne.

Before marrying the prince, Sofia was a model and reality TV contestant.

While Sofia never quite reached Meghan's level of celebrity, she had a taste of fame on a smaller level when she starred in the Swedish reality show Paradise Hotel.

The mother-of-two said she had 'really seen it as a positive that she had made it through stormy years' in the documentary (pictured, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Johannesburg, South Africa in October last year)

She made it through to the final of the Love Island meets Survivor type show, featuring a group of singles living at a luxury hotel, which featured a now infamous scene in which she was seen kissing 41-year-old American porn star Jenna Jameson.

Meanwhile Meghan caught the acting bug early, landing her first gig was a role in the daytime soap General Hospital and roles in the sci-fi drama Fringe, 90210 and CSI: NY followed.

She also spent a year on the US version of Deal Or No Deal as one of its popular 'suitcase girls'.

Sofia's comments come months after she started working in hospital to help Sweden's fight against coronavirus.

The royal took a three-day medical course at Sophiahemmet University College in Stockholm, where she is an honorary chair member, in April and has been helping with efforts ever since.

Meanwhile the Duke and Duchess, who recently bought a $14 million mansion in Santa Barbara, have stepped into Hollywood after ditching royal duties in March.

Last week the couple revealed they had a new deal with Netflix to provide 'hope and inspiration' which is believed be worth as much as $150 million.
(Newser)  A 12-year-old girl whose family says she was out buying school supplies was among almost 300 people arrested on Sunday as Hong Kongers protested the postponement of local elections. Video of the girl's violent arrest in the Mong Kong district has gone viral, though police insist they used "minimum force," the BBC reports. The video shows the girl trying to run away as police round up a group of people. A riot police officer tackles her to the ground, where others help hold her down. The girl's mother told local media that she plans to file a formal complaint, the Guardian reports. She said the girl, who was treated for minor injuries had been out buying art supplies with her 20-year-old brother. Police issued both siblings with fines for breaking a law banning gatherings of more than two people.

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"The streets were cut off by police cordons so we had to double back to meet our family ... but the police suddenly ran towards us," the girl told local media. "I was scared. They told us to stand still, but I panicked so I ran." Police said they had been trying to intercept protesters in the area, and they "subdued" the girl after she "ran away in a suspicious manner." Police said 289 arrests, mostly for unlawful assembly, were made as people protested on what would have been the date of elections for the territory's legislation, the AP reports. Chief Executive Carrie Lam recently delayed elections for a year, blaming a surge in coronavirus cases. Critics accused her delaying the vote to prevent opposition lawmakers from gaining seats after the introduction of Beijing's draconian Hong Kong security law, (Read more Hong Kong stories.)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 8

By Klavdiya Romakayeva - Trend:

Having reduced the price of sunflower oil, Kazakhstan was able to significantly increase its supplies to Uzbekistan, which made it possible to increase its share in Uzbek imports of this type of oil from 16 to 62 percent, Trend reports citing nuz.uz information agency.

The weighted average cost of sunflower oil imported by Uzbekistan from Kazakhstan decreased from $736.64 per ton in the first half of last year to $656.92 in the first half of this year.

In total, Uzbekistan increased the import of sunflower oil in the first half of 2020 in physical volume by 78.2 percent compared to the first half of last year to 15,890 tons, in value terms - by 74.2 percent. At the same time, the total weighted average price of purchased sunflower oil decreased from $690.07 per ton to $674.53.

The value of trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan amounted to $1.2 billion over 1H2020, compared to $1.5 billion during the same period of 2019.

The share of Uzbekistan in the total value of Kazakhstans trade turnover stood at less than three percent during the reporting period compared to 3.3 percent during the same period of 2019.

Kazakhstans export to Uzbekistan amounted to $878.4 million over the period from January through June 2020, compared to $990.06 million during the same period of 2019.

Kazakhstans imports from Uzbekistan stood at about $384.8 million over the reporting period, compared to $524.5 million during the same period of 2019.

Uzbekistans share in the total volume of Kazakhstans import amounted to 2.3 percent during the reporting period of 2020 compared to 3 percent during the same period of 2019.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @romakayeva
The Indian Army on Tuesday said Chinese troops fired their weapons into the air on September 7 to intimidate its soldiers holding dominating heights near a strategic mountain pass in eastern Ladakh, during a failed attempt to close in on a forward position controlled by India, with bullets flying at the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) for the first time in 45 years.

Soldiers from the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) attempted to advance on the Mukhpari peak near Rezang La on Monday evening but they stopped in their tracks after a stern warning from the Indian Army that occupied key heights on the southern bank of Pangong Tso to prevent the PLA from grabbing Indian territory in a stealthy midnight move on August 29, officials familiar with the developments said on Tuesday, requesting anonymity.

ALSO WATCH | Why Special Frontier Force deployment at LAC rattled China

ALSO READ | India fired first: China repeats after New Delhi says PLA fired near Pangong Tso

Indian soldiers had put up a wire obstacle near their positions in a warning to the PLA to not cross over, they said. The situation remains tense in the area with around 40 to 50 Chinese soldiers armed with automatic weapons, spears and machetes still holding positions below the Mukhpari peak, said one of the officials cited above.

They are the same soldiers who fired the shots. Our positions are around 200 metres away. They have been in the area for the last two to three days. The PLAs intent is to occupy high ground, said a second official.

Reacting to a statement made by the PLAs Western Theatre Command that accused India of crossing the disputed border and firing shots on Monday, the Indian Army said it neither violated the LAC nor fired bullets and the PLA was trying to mislead domestic and international audience with its baseless allegations.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Indian Army spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand said Indian troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner despite grave provocation by the PLA.

It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress, the statement said.

ALSO READ | PLA move in Ladakh is part of Beijing plan to destabilize India

The latest tensions in eastern Ladakh come days after defence minister Rajnath Singh asked China to strictly respect the LAC, not make attempts to unilaterally change the status quo, and work with India for complete disengagement from all friction areas in the sensitive sector.

On September 7, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in on one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by Indian troops, the PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops, the army statement said. It did not specify how Indian soldiers dissuaded the PLA.

The army said while India was committed to disengagement and de-escalating the conflict, China was undertaking provocative actions to escalate the situation.

At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to the use of any aggressive means, including firing, the statement said.

The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility. However, it is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs. The statement by the Western Theatre Command is an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience, it added. The Western Theatre Command on Monday accused Indian soldiers of illegally crossing the LAC and firing warning shots, forcing the PLA to take countermeasures.

During a meeting with his Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe in Moscow on Friday, Singh made it clear that India was fully determined to defend its frontiers. He told the Chinese defence minister that the PLAs aggressive actions in the Ladakh sector to unilaterally change the status quo on the ground violated bilateral agreements and the understanding between the special representatives of the two sides.

Singh said while Indian troops showed a responsible approach towards border management, there should be no doubt about Indias determination to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Tensions flared up in the Ladakh sector after the army occupied strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong Lake following aggressive moves by the PLA on August 29.

China 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 in the area.

The situation on the lakes southern bank remains tense with both armies sending in reinforcements to the area where the Indian Army controls ridgeline positions that allow it to completely dominate the sector and keep an eye on Chinese military activity --- India holds a series of positions near Black Top (a hill feature) and on Rezang La and Reqin pass.

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Hyderabad: Opposition parties in Telangana slammed the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) government's move to abolish the Village Revenue Officer (VRO) system by bringing in the New Revenue Act.

BJP state president Bandi Sanjay Kumar termed the move as ridiculous and meaningless. He alleged that chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao had earlier favoured landlords in the name of a comprehensive survey of land records and now again was attempting to benefit them by abolishing the village revenue officer posts at the base of the revenue system.

Bandi Sanjay alleged that the decades old revenue system has been defamed, derailed and corrupted in Chandrashekar Rao's regime. He said that the reasons for declaring a 'holiday' for land registrations was best known to KCR only.

He also alleged that the state government introduced the Land Regularisation Scheme (LRS) to ensure that valuable lands can be grabbed by the TRS and the family members of KCR.

Congress MLA D Sridhar Babu said that without taking measures to reform or rectify the alleged flaws in the existing VROs system, replacing with it another system was meaningless.

Stating that bringing in new Acts was not the solution for rectifying the lacunae in the system, he felt that the faults in the systems can be rectified with dialogue and deliberations.

He asked why the chief minister did not constitute a committee of efficient officers to study the revenue system and to recommend reforms.

CPI state secretary Chada Venkat Reddy alleged that KCR has taken a unilateral decision on abolishing the VRO system. He said that through such unilateral decisions KCR was watering down the aspirations of the poor in the state.

The Telangana VROs Welfare Association expressed concern at the move of the state government. The office-bearers of the association made it clear that they are not against the act of the state government but blaming them as corrupt to abolish the system paining them a lot. They demanded that the state government ensure their service conditions and benefits while merging them with other departments.

V Ravinder Reddy and Goutham Kumar, president and general secretary of the Telangana Revenue Officers Association, welcomed the decision of the state government to abolish the VRO posts. They urged the state government to consider and protect the service conditions of VROs while adjusting them into other departments.

EndsIshaqui9. 50 pm
Drugmakers racing to produce Covid-19 vaccines pledged to avoid shortcuts on science as they face pressure to rush a shot to market.

In an unusual public letter, the companies agreed to submit the vaccines for clearance only when theyre shown to be safe and effective in large clinical studies. The chief executive officers of nine frontrunners in the push for a coronavirus inoculation signed the pledge: AstraZeneca Plc, BioNTech SE, GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co., Moderna Inc., Novavax Inc., Pfizer Inc. and Sanofi.

In the interest of public health, we pledge to always make the safety and well-being of vaccinated individuals our top priority, the executives wrote.

The document is intended to counter perceptions that political pressure to deliver a shot as soon as possible may compromise its safety. U.S. President Donald Trump has said a vaccine could be ready before the presidential election in November, and has accused the Food and Drug Aministration of slowing its work to hurt him politically.

Public trust in a vaccine will be crucial as public health authorities try to convince millions of healthy people around the world to take it. The pledge also included a promise that companies would work to ensure there are vaccine options suitable for global access.

Squeezed Timeline

We believe this pledge will help ensure public confidence in the rigorous scientific and regulatory process by which Covid-19 vaccines are evaluated and may ultimately be approved, the CEOs said in the letter.

Drugmakers have condensed the development timeline for their vaccines -- normally a matter of years -- down to months, with early results from some of the frontrunners expected before the end of the year. Pfizer has said it could have crucial test readings by October.

The companies said they would meet FDA expectations for studies with participants across diverse populations. Moderna recently slowed the enrollment of its trial, resulting in a delay of about a week, in order to recruit more people from minority communities at high risk from the virus, CNBC has reported.

Any data that form the basis of an emergency-use authorization for a vaccine should be made public, Merck CEO Ken Frazier said last week. The scientific community can actually pore through that data and assure the public that it has been looked at objectively, Frazier said at a meeting of pharma manufacturers.

The pledge did not include Chinas Sinovac Biotech Ltd. or CanSino Biologics Inc. Russia and China have already started using experimental vaccines on a limited basis before tests in humans were complete.
A 48-year-old woman was killed at home with a sharp-edged weapon in Jankaur village of Una district on Tuesday.

The killer of Veena Devi remains unidentified. She used to live alone with her son after her husband passed away, but he was not at home when the crime took place.

Devis daughter lives with her maternal grandmother.

Police and family members were informed about the crime by neighbours after they saw Devi lying in a pool of blood.

Una additional superintendent of police Vinod Dhiman said that the womans throat was slit. A case under section 302 (punishment for murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was registered against unidentified persons.

Una superintendent of police Arjit Sen Thakur, deputy superintendent of police Ramakant Thakur and forensic experts also visited the spot.

It is the second murder in Una district in two days.

Earlier, a revenue department employee was shot dead in Haroli sub-division by an ex-serviceman over land dispute on Sunday.
(ANSA) - VENICE, SEP 8 - Italian documentary maker Gianfranco Rosi says his latest film 'Notturno', presented at the Venice Film Festival on Tuesday, "has changed me forever".

Rosi's film on Mideast wars and refugees is one of Italy's four pictures vying for the Golden Lion this year.

The Asmara-born Roman director, 63, won Venice's top prize in 2013 with Sacro GRA, a tale of wacky lives on Rome's ring road.

He won the Golden Lion in Berlin in 2016 with Fuoccoamare, a migrant drama set on the stepping-stone Sicilian island of Lampedusa.

Rosi told ANSA Tuesday he had been "deeply shaken" by what he filmed for Notturno on the borders of Iraq, Kurdistan, Syria and Lebanon.

He said he hoped the documentary would "open the eyes of people who have been anesthetized to what they see on TV about the effects of war.

"What remains in me is a deep sense of love that I hope the audience will get too, this incredible sense of struggle in people who have suffered, who have had their lives overwhelmed by violence in their everyday life.

"I wanted to recount their existence balanced between life and hell, try to identify with them, to establish contact and from all this bring home a different view of the Middle East".

Notturno, Rosi said, "is born where breaking news on the latest shipwreck stops, on the last massacre, to try to give an intimate and profound dimension to what people only glimpse".

(ANSA).


With nearly 3,000 new infections per day, health authorities warn against adopting a relaxed attitude.

Rising numbers of coronavirus cases are leading to fears Britons are easing social distancing measures too hastily, with the United Kingdoms deputy chief medical officer worrying people had relaxed too much over the summer.

Warning people on Monday that they must continue to follow guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19, Jonathan Van-Tam said: We have got to start taking this very seriously again.

If were not careful were going to have a bumpy ride.

Daily case numbers had been rising at about 1,000 a day for most of August, but have started to increase in recent days.

In its latest bulletin on Monday, the health ministry reported 2,948 new cases  the second daily high since May  bringing the total number to 350,100.

Van-Tam acknowledged that while data suggested the biggest rise in cases has been among young people  the 17 to 21-year-old age group  there was also evidence to show a more creeping geographic trend across the UK.

Even if youre at lower risk of coronavirus, you can still have really serious symptoms and infect other people, Matt Hancock, the health minister, wrote on Twitter.

Its really important everyone plays their part to follow the social distancing rules and help beat this disease, he said.

In a video shared by the BBC on Monday, Hancock said: Dont kill your gran by catching coronavirus and then passing it on  comments that were mocked by some social media users.

Even if youre at lower risk of #coronavirus, you can still have really serious symptoms & infect other people. Its really important everyone plays their part to follow the social distancing rules & help beat this disease.@LBC #CallTheCabinet pic.twitter.com/Rbevi3RGzE  Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) September 7, 2020

The surge in the number of cases, however, comes amid stronger testing capacity since the peak of the first wave earlier this year.

While fatalities increased by three to 41,554, Van-Tam urged caution: Its all very well saying that hospital admissions and deaths are at a very low level in the UK  But if you look further into the European Union, you can see that where case numbers rise initially in the younger parts of the population, they do in turn filter through and start to give elevated rates of disease and hospital admissions in the older age groups.

And we know that that then becomes a serious public health problem, he said.

The spike in UK cases follows jumps in Spain and France, two countries where a growing number of people were hospitalised with COVID-19 over the June-August summer months.
The Niti Aayog will leverage the monitoring mechanism of the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index to push forward reforms in the country and in this regard, the government think-tank has also set up a coordination committee. Global MPI is part of Government of India's decision to monitor the performance of the country in 29 select Global Indices. The objective of the Global Indices to Drive Reforms and Growth (GIRG) exercise is to fulfil the need to measure and monitor India's performance on various important social and economic parameters and enable the utilisation of these Indices as tools for self-improvement, bring about reforms in policies, while improving last-mile implementation of government schemes. The Cabinet Secretary had earlier in July organised a workshop with all the nodal agencies where he also emphasized the need for regular engagement with Publishing Agencies.

Global MPI is an international measure of multidimensional poverty covering 107 developing countries and was first developed in 2010 by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for UNDP's Human Development Reports. The Global MPI is released at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development of the United Nations in July, every year.

Global MPI is computed by scoring each surveyed household on 10 parameters based on -nutrition, child mortality, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing and household assets. It utilises the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) which is conducted under the aegis of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS). According to Global MPI 2020, India is 62nd among 107 countries with an MPI score of 0.123 and 27.91% headcount ratio, based on the NFHS 4 (2015/16) data. As the Nodal agency for the MPI, NITI Aayog has constituted a Multidimensional Poverty Index Coordination Committee (MPICC).

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Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Tuesday said the project should be fast-tracked as the city has to play an important role in realisation of the dream of 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat'.

He was reviewing development projects in division -- comprising Aligarh, Kasganj, Etah and Hathras districts -- through video conferencing from his official residence in Lucknow.

Twenty-five projects worth over Rs 50 crore are underway in the division, the UP government said in a statement issued here on Tuesday.

Adityanath said that Aligarh, one of the six nodes of the ambitious Defence Corridor project, is a hub of hardware manufacturing, including the lock industry, and holds immense potential for industrialisation and job creation in the state.

The Chief Minister asked for a departmental review of the construction of a 'No Frills Airport' at Aligarh, the statement said.

The CM asked officials to prepare an action plan to take ODOP (one district one product) scheme forward.

"Like the lock industry of Aligarh, every district has some possibility or another to be explored under this scheme," he added.

Public representatives, including lawmakers, thanked the chief minister for setting up a state university in the name of Raja Mahendra Pratap in Aligarh, the statement said.

"They said that Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh was the one who gave land for AMU ( Muslim University), but his name was never mentioned and not a single stone was erected in his name, but it was because of CM Yogi Adityanath that a separate university is now being set up his name," the UP government said in the statement.

(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.)
President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden will visit Michigan this week, after both candidates stayed away from the state for most of the summer.

Trump won Michigan by just 10,704 votes four years ago, flipping the formerly Democratic-voting state through a narrow victory that left many wondering whether Trump could repeat his success against his next opponent in 2020. For most of the year, Trump trailed in Michigan polls while the coronavirus pandemic restrained his ability to hold large events, but the upcoming visits show candidates still see a fight brewing in the Great Lakes state.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, arrives to testify before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis hearing in Washington, D.C., July 31, 2020. Kevin Dietsch | Pool | Reuters

White House coronavirus advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said Tuesday a coronavirus vaccine probably won't be ready by the U.S. presidential election even as the Centers for Disease and Prevention asks states to ready distribution facilities by Nov. 1. At a health conference, Fauci said it's more likely a vaccine will be ready by "the end of the year" as drug companies Moderna and Pfizer race to complete patient enrollment for their late-stage vaccine trials by the end of September. "It's unlikely we'll have a definitive answer" by the Nov. 3 election, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said at the Research! America 2020 National Health Research Forum. The comments are also at odds with President Donald Trump, who suggested at a press conference Monday that a vaccine could be ready for distribution by Election Day.

"We could have a vaccine soon, maybe even before a very special day. You know what day I'm talking about," Trump told reporters. Infectious disease experts and scientists have said they worry the vaccine approval process in the U.S. could be polluted by politics, not science. The CDC has asked governors and health departments to prepare to distribute a vaccine as soon as Nov. 1, just two days before the election. Dr. Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, has also said the agency is prepared to bypass the full federal approval process in order to make a vaccine available as soon as possible. Earlier Tuesday, nine drugmakers released a public letter pledging to "uphold the integrity of the scientific process" as they work toward potential global regulatory filings and approvals of the first Covid-19 vaccines. "We saw it critical to come out and reiterate our commitment," Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told NBC's "TODAY" on Tuesday. "We will develop our product, develop our vaccine using the highest ethical standards." On Thursday, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar also tried to alleviate concerns about the review process, insisting the government's Nov. 1 deadline for states is not linked to the presidential election. "It has nothing to do with elections. This has to do with delivering safe, effective vaccines to the American people as quickly as possible and saving people's lives," Azar said on "CBS This Morning." "Whether it's Oct. 15, whether it's Nov. 1, whether it's Nov 15, it's all about saving lives but meeting the FDA standards of safety and efficacy."
Last month Sanjay Dutt had announced a break from his work commitments due to health reasons. He was diagonised with fourth stage lung cancer and wanted to focus on his health. However today a leading daily reports that Sanjay Dutt has already started working on Yash Raj Filmss Shamshera.

Sanjay Dutt has three back-to-back projects which were stalled due to lockdown. He had a few days of work left on Shamshera and also on KGF Chapter 2. Sanjay Dutt also had some dubbing left on Ajay Devgns Bhuj: The Pride of India. Despite starting his initial treatment at a hospital in Mumbai, the actor has now decided to finish off his pending work. He plans to leave for the US for further treatment in December.





A source reveals to the daily saying, Sanjay sir had two days' patchwork shoot left before Karan (Malhotra) could call it a wrap on the dacoit drama. Producer Aditya Chopra had requested the actor to take his time before returning to the set.





The makers made sure that the shoot that involved Sanjay Dutt was conducted with minimal crew and best safety measures were ensured. The source adds further saying that everyone had to undergo a COVID test before thye joined Dutt on the floor.





Meanwhile talking about his treatment, the family has decided to fly down to US in December when his kids Shahraan and Iqra have winter holidays. After several discussions, Sanju and Maanayata have decided to pursue treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in December as his children, Shahraan and Iqra, will have their winter holidays then. Sanju wants his kids by his side as he battles the illness, tells the source.
The Texas girl who is seen on a viral video accusing her mother's fiance of sexually abusing her wrote a series of heartbreaking notes to her father  including one that contained code words for her to use on the phone when she felt endangered.

Sophie, nine, is at the center of a bitter custody battle between her father Michael, 41, of Seguin, Texas, and her mother Kelly, 34, of Frisco, Texas, that has dragged on for more than five years since their divorce in July 2015.

Although custody was initially evenly split between both parents, their relationship has become increasingly acrimonious and a judge awarded custody to mom Kelly who eventually took the children to live more than 200 miles away from their father.

A video of Sophie screaming and telling her grandmother she had been sexually abused by her mother's fiance at a handover on August 14 inspired a social media campaign called Stand With Sophie after it was posted online. But a judge on Thursday disregarded the increasing social media pressure and has allowed Sophie and her two brothers to return with their mother and have weekend visits with dad.

Now DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal that the little girl sent notes to her father during lockdown in May in which she suggested a series of code words to use on the phone  including 'daisies' or 'dandelions' for danger.

Sophie, nine, from Texas is pictured with her father Michael, who is trying to regain custody after a video went viral showing Sophie say that her mother's fiance sexually abuses her

In the 20-minute long video Sophie is heard screaming as she begs to stay with her father during a custody exchange and claims her mother watches the abuse

DailyMail.com obtained letters written by Sophie and sent to her father containing codewords for her to use on the phone when she felt endangered. In one, the words 'daisy' or 'dandelions' was used for danger

Another code word was 'pens' which was to be used to mean her mother and her fiance, 39, were fighting.

'Roses' meant she planned to send mail to her father, while 'pens' meant she had received some from him.

A second letter contained a complaint that 'Mr. Jake'  the children's name for for their mother's fiance had taken away her iPad for a week because 'I wouldn't stop crying'.

Another spoke of her mother's anger over Michael recording a conversation between them and noted that 'Mr. Jake' had told the children their father was brainwashing them.

Sophie also wrote of her concern that dad Michael might be arrested if the police discovered he recorded conversations between them.

In others, Sophie spoke of how much she loved and missed her father, and thanked him for sweets he had hidden in her bag that helped her stop crying after she had been returned to her mother's home.

She also begged him to send her stamps and envelopes so they could continue exchanging letters.

The notes are part of a cache of court documents obtained by DailyMail.com that lay bare the bitter wrangling over custody that has blighted Sophie and her brothers Jack, seven, and Lucas, six, lives.

Another letter contained a complaint that 'Mr. Jake' - her mother's fiance  had taken away her iPad for a week because 'I wouldn't stop crying'

In other letters, Sophie spoke of how much she loved and missed her father, and thanked him for sweets he had hidden in her bag that helped her stop crying after she had been returned to her mother's home

Sophie also wrote of her concern that Michael might be arrested if the police discovered he recorded conversations between them

These notes are part of a cache of court documents obtained by DailyMail.com that lay bare the bitter wrangling over custody that has blighted Sophie and her brothers Jack, seven, and Lucas, six, lives

The viral video of the handover was made as the children were taken back to Frisco at the end of their summer 'long stay' of a month with their father.

Emails included in the court documents show that they had been due to be handed back to Kelly on July 27 but that the handover was pushed back for two weeks, after he became concerned for Sophie.

The documents also include records of her visits to medical facilities on June 28, July 2 and July 16 after she complained of pain in her private parts and complained of being touched by her mother's fiance.

In the case management part of the document, it says the little girl told her stepmother Kourtney that 'Mr. Jake and his friends touch her sometimes and she doesn't like it.'

This photo was shared in Michael's video showing Sophie on a gurney with a bandaged ankle

A private Facebook group called Stand With Sophie has over 120,000 members who are raising awareness about Sophie's case

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

According to the reports, Sophie was then tested for sexually transmitted diseases and treated for a bacterial infection.

Kourtney also told doctors that Sophie had asked her what it was like to be pregnant and had said her fiance took Polaroids of her and her brothers.

The social services section said Kelly had been accused of being drunk in front of her children and highlighted concerns about domestic violence in her home.

But the documents also noted that both parents have a history of calling Child Protective Services to make complaints about the other, and that both have called police repeatedly.

It also said none of the previous complaints to CPS have been substantiated, including the allegations of domestic violence.

Outside court Thursday, a handful of protesters waved signs and demonstrated their support for Sophie  calling for her to be returned to her father immediately

Sophie and her two younger brothers are in the center of a bitter custody battle in Frisco, Texas, between her parents Michael and Kelly

Both parents appeared at a court hearing on Thursday via Zoom during which Judge Cynthia Wheless banned both parties from disparaging the other in front of the children.

The children are currently in Frisco but are due to be with Michael at his home over the Labor Day weekend.

Judge Wheless also scheduled the custody case for a two-day trial due to start November 4.

The sexual abuse allegations made by Sophie are currently being investigated by the Frisco Police Department while Lacy Lakeview PD has opened a second case as a result of the viral handover on August 14.
New York, NY, September 8, 2020--The Vilcek Foundation has announced the recipients of the 2021 Vilcek Foundation Prizes in Biomedical Science. Awarded annually, the prizes honor the contributions of immigrants to scientific research, discovery, and innovation in the United States. The 2021 Vilcek Foundation Prizes include the Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science, and three Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science.

The Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science recognizes an immigrant scientist for outstanding career contributions to biomedical science with a global impact. Recipients of the Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science receive a commemorative trophy and an unrestricted cash award of $100,000. The recipient of the 2021 Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science is Ruth Lehmann, recently appointed director of the Whitehead Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Born in Germany, Lehmann receives the Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science for unraveling the molecular basis by which germ cells, which give rise to sperm and egg cells, are formed. "Lehmann's discoveries--made over the span of three decades--have not only elucidated the processes essential for the perpetuation of life, but have served as important contributions applicable in many related fields," said Jan Vilcek, CEO and chairman of the Vilcek Foundation.

The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science are awarded to early-career immigrant scientists whose work represents a major step forward in their respective area of study, and serves to advance the landscape of scientific research in the United States. Each of the prizes includes a commemorative award and an unrestricted cash award of $50,000.

Mohamed Abou Donia, Ibrahim Cisse, and Silvi Rouskin are the recipients of the 2021 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science.

Mohamed Abou Donia, born in Egypt, is an associate professor of microbiology at Princeton University. He developed screening methods to reveal--with individual-level precision--how drugs are metabolized by the human gut microbiome, and he mapped microbiome-encoded genes involved in drug metabolism. His work has led to a molecular understanding of the role of chemical defense in the evolution of intricate symbiosis between organisms.

Ibrahim Cisse, born in the West African country of Niger, is an associate professor in the department of physics and in the department of biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has shown that the enzyme RNA polymerase II--a central player in the process by which genes are decoded into RNA--forms transient and dynamic clusters while transcribing genes in living cells; his work has also revealed that the enzyme and its coactivator each clusters into condensates resembling liquid droplets.

Silvi Rouskin, born in Bulgaria, is the Andria and Paul Heafy Whitehead Fellow at the Whitehead Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She receives the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science for developing methods to unravel the shapes of RNA molecules inside cells and aiding the potential development of RNA-based therapeutics. Recently, Rouskin uncovered the higher-order structure of the RNA genome of SARS-CoV-2--the virus that causes COVID-19--in infected cells at high resolution.

Recipients of the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science are identified through an open call for applications; all eligible applications are reviewed by a jury of experts appointed by the Vilcek Foundation. "This year's cohort of applicants for the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science was the strongest we've ever reviewed," said Jan Vilcek. "The achievements of these outstanding scientists are a testament to the enormous value of immigration to the quality of science generated in the United States and demonstrate that efforts of the current administration to curtail the admission of foreign scientists are jeopardizing the primacy of United States science."

###
Police in the northern Vietnamese province of Bac Ninh have arrested a company director who was caught on camera pointing a rubber bullet gun at a truck driver in a road rage incident on Saturday morning.

Officers in Bac Ninh City, the provincial capital, on Monday apprehended Nguyen Van Suong, 52, for threatening to kill another person, in accordance with Article 133 under the 2015 Penal Code.

His arrest was approved by the city's Peoples Procuracy earlier the same day.

Suong is director of Ham Long Security Services Company, headquartered in Suoi Hoa Ward, Bac Ninh City.

Suong was caught on camera threatening a truck driver at gunpoint during a road rage along a section of National Highway No. 18 in Van Duong Ward, Bac Ninh City on Saturday morning.

The video clip was uploaded to social media and went viral later the same day.

After acknowledging the incident, Pham The Hung, director of the provincial Department of Police, ordered officers in Bac Ninh City to verify the case.

They were able to identify Suong as the man in the video and thus searched his house.

Officers found a black Fortuner with license plate No. 99A - 306.30, which could be seen in the video, along with a gun, two rubber bullets, and one tear gas bullet.

At the police station, Suong admitted to using the gun to threaten the truck driver during their row.

Further investigation is ongoing.

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The government on Monday filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court and opposed the transfer of the Palghar case to the (CBI).

The government stated that not only the petition filed by Shahsank Sekhar Jha who was seeking transferring of the case to CBI, be dismissed by the Supreme Court, but it should also impose a cost on him for wasting precious time of the Apex Court.

The Government informed that the state CID had investigated the case in a detailed and extensive manner and it had already filed two charge sheets in the Palghar case. These two charge sheets had also been submitted to the Court.

The government further stated in its affidavit, a copy accessed and seen by ANI, revealed that after the departmental investigation carried out by the state CID, in the Palghar case, against certain officials, one Assistant Police Inspector, Anadrao Shivaji Kale, was suspended from service for a certain period.

Besides this, the stated in its affidavit before the Apex Court, that Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Ravindra Dinkar Salunkhe and Head Constable, Naresh Dhondhi were given compulsory retirement from their services.

On the night of April 16, the two sadhus and their driver were travelling from Kandivali in Mumbai to attend a funeral in Gujarat's Surat amid the nationwide lockdown when their vehicle was stopped and they were attacked and killed by a mob in Gadchinchile village in the presence of police officers.

(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.)
MEXICO CITY, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: ASR; BMV: ASUR) ASUR, a leading international airport group with operations in Mexico, the U.S. and Colombia, today announced that total passenger traffic for August 2020 decreased 71.4% when compared to August 2019. Passenger traffic decreased 63.1% in Mexico, 62.9% in Puerto Rico and 99.6% in Colombia, impacted by severe downturns in business and leisure travel stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

This announcement reflects comparisons between August 1 through August 31, 2020 and from August 1 through August 31, 2019. Transit and general aviation passengers are excluded for Mexico and Colombia.

Passenger Traffic Summary













August % Chg

Year to date % Chg

2019 2020

2019 2020 Mexico 2,915,346 1,075,163 (63.1)

23,564,174 10,409,349 (55.8) Domestic Traffic 1,546,236 763,367 (50.6)

11,078,558 5,312,411 (52.0) International Traffic 1,369,110 311,796 (77.2)

12,485,616 5,096,938 (59.2) San Juan, Puerto Rico 815,043 302,237 (62.9)

6,501,170 3,208,288 (50.7) Domestic Traffic 733,331 292,894 (60.1)

5,801,363 2,977,554 (48.7) International Traffic 81,712 9,343 (88.6)

699,807 230,734 (67.0) Colombia 1,100,536 4,304 (99.6)

7,793,748 2,681,723 (65.6) Domestic Traffic 929,410 3,569 (99.6)

6,591,052 2,279,695 (65.4) International Traffic 171,126 735 (99.6)

1,202,696 402,028 (66.6) Total Traffic 4,830,925 1,381,704 (71.4)

37,859,092 16,299,360 (56.9) Domestic Traffic 3,208,977 1,059,830 (67.0)

23,470,973 10,569,660 (55.0) International Traffic 1,621,948 321,874 (80.2)

14,388,119 5,729,700 (60.2)



















Since March 16, 2020, various governments have issued flight restrictions for different regions of the world to limit the breakout of the COVID-19 virus. With respect to the airports ASUR operates:

As announced on March 23, 2020, neither Mexico nor Puerto Rico have issued flight bans, to date. In Puerto Rico, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has accepted a request from the Governor of Puerto Rico that all flights bound to Puerto Rico land at LMM Airport, which is operated by ASUR's subsidiary Aerostar, and that all arriving passengers be screened by representatives of the Puerto Rico Health Department. On March 30, 2020, the Governor of Puerto Rico, through an executive order of indefinite term, imposed a two-week quarantine on all passengers arriving at the LMM Airport. Therefore, LMM Airport remains open and operating, albeit with substantially reduced flight and passenger volumes.

To further strengthen health controls on arrival, starting July 15, the Governor of Puerto Rico began implementing the following additional measures. All passengers must wear a mask, complete a mandatory flight declaration form from the Puerto Rico Health Department, and submit negative results of a PCR molecular COVID-19 test taken 72 hours prior to arrival to avoid having to undergo the two-week quarantine. Passengers can also opt to take the COVID-19 test in Puerto Rico (not necessarily at the airport), in order to be released from quarantine (estimated to take between 24-48 hours).

In Colombia, all incoming international flights, including connecting flights in Colombia, were suspended by the Colombian government starting March 23, 2020. This suspension has been extended through August 31, 2020, with exceptions for humanitarian emergencies, transportation of cargo and goods, and fortuitous events or force majeure. Similarly, domestic air travel in Colombia was suspended starting March 25, 2020. Consequently, ASUR's commercial aviation operations at the Enrique Olaya Herrera de Medellin, Jose Maria Cordova de Rionegro, Los Garzones de Monteria, Antonio Roldan Betancourt de Carepa, El Carano de Quibdo and Las Brujas de Corozal airports were suspended starting as of such dates.

The Colombian government allowed domestic flights to resume on July 1, 2020, starting with pilot tests for domestic routes between cities with low levels of contagion. The Colombian government has delegated to municipal administrations the power to request approval from the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Transport and Aerocivil (the aeronautical authority in Colombia) to resume domestic flights from or to their municipalities. As a result, both municipalities involved would be required to agree in order to restart such domestic flights.

In full compliance with the implementation of biosafety protocols contained in Resolution 1054 issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Colombia in 2020, the airports Jose Maria Cordova in Rionegro, Olaya Herrera in Medellin and Los Garzones in Monteria, have restarted commercial passenger flights beginning September 1, 2020 within the initial phase of gradual connectivity announced by the civil aeronautical authorities of Colombia.



Mexico Passenger Traffic













August % Chg

Year to date % Chg 2019 2020

2019 2020 Domestic Traffic 1,546,236 763,367 (50.6)

11,078,558 5,312,411 (52.0) CUN Cancun 867,640 521,976 (39.8)

6,001,677 2,951,018 (50.8) CZM Cozumel 17,655 4,191 (76.3)

136,407 44,592 (67.3) HUX Huatulco 74,618 21,694 (70.9)

523,054 188,685 (63.9) MID Merida 218,032 68,691 (68.5)

1,683,745 771,251 (54.2) MTT Minatitlan 12,115 3,622 (70.1)

94,879 40,498 (57.3) OAX Oaxaca 93,255 29,788 (68.1)

660,885 340,660 (48.5) TAP Tapachula 30,222 24,673 (18.4)

242,101 160,222 (33.8) VER Veracruz 123,754 46,646 (62.3)

925,202 430,923 (53.4) VSA Villahermosa 108,945 42,086 (61.4)

810,608 384,562 (52.6) International Traffic 1,369,110 311,796 (77.2)

12,485,616 5,096,938 (59.2) CUN Cancun 1,301,415 297,389 (77.1)

11,781,655 4,728,363 (59.9) CZM Cozumel 20,700 8,181 (60.5)

277,507 147,457 (46.9) HUX Huatulco 2,366 309 (86.9)

106,685 78,019 (26.9) MID Merida 17,541 779 (95.6)

143,676 65,407 (54.5) MTT Minatitlan 864 104 (88.0)

5,480 2,151 (60.7) OAX Oaxaca 15,739 2,112 (86.6)

100,345 43,065 (57.1) TAP Tapachula 1,517 652 (57.0)

9,468 4,847 (48.8) VER Veracruz 6,871 811 (88.2)

46,552 17,295 (62.8) VSA Villahermosa 2,097 1,459 (30.4)

14,248 10,334 (27.5) Traffic Total Mexico 2,915,346 1,075,163 (63.1)

23,564,174 10,409,349 (55.8) CUN Cancun 2,169,055 819,365 (62.2)

17,783,332 7,679,381 (56.8) CZM Cozumel 38,355 12,372 (67.7)

413,914 192,049 (53.6) HUX Huatulco 76,984 22,003 (71.4)

629,739 266,704 (57.6) MID Merida 235,573 69,470 (70.5)

1,827,421 836,658 (54.2) MTT Minatitlan 12,979 3,726 (71.3)

100,359 42,649 (57.5) OAX Oaxaca 108,994 31,900 (70.7)

761,230 383,725 (49.6) TAP Tapachula 31,739 25,325 (20.2)

251,569 165,069 (34.4) VER Veracruz 130,625 47,457 (63.7)

971,754 448,218 (53.9) VSA Villahermosa 111,042 43,545 (60.8)

824,856 394,896 (52.1)

















Us Passenger Traffic, San Juan Airport (LMM)









August % Chg

Year to date % Chg 2019 2020

2019 2020 SJU Total 815,043 302,237 (62.9)

6,501,170 3,208,288 (50.7) Domestic Traffic 733,331 292,894 (60.1)

5,801,363 2,977,554 (48.7) International Traffic 81,712 9,343 (88.6)

699,807 230,734 (67.0)



Colombia Passenger Traffic Airplan











August % Chg

Year to date % Chg 2019 2020

2019 2020 Domestic Traffic 929,410 3,569 (99.6)

6,591,052 2,279,695 (65.4) MDE Rionegro 681,701 1,560 (99.8)

4,782,801 1,625,268 (66.0) EOH Medellin 100,487 1,237 (98.8)

708,345 245,887 (65.3) MTR Monteria 87,511 105 (99.9)

647,864 259,877 (59.9) APO Carepa 19,548 63 (99.7)

143,361 50,637 (64.7) UIB Quibdo 32,500 590 (98.2)

246,693 84,694 (65.7) CZU Corozal 7,663 14 (99.8)

61,988 13,332 (78.5) International Traffic 171,126 735 (99.6)

1,202,696 402,028 (66.6) MDE Rionegro 171,126 735 (99.6)

1,202,696 402,028 (66.6) EOH Medellin













MTR Monteria - -



- -

APO Carepa - -



- -

UIB Quibdo - -



- -

CZU Corozal - -



- -

Traffic Total Colombia 1,100,536 4,304 (99.6)

7,793,748 2,681,723 (65.6) MDE Rionegro 852,827 2,295 (99.7)

5,985,497 2,027,296 (66.1) EOH Medellin 100,487 1,237 (98.8)

708,345 245,887 (65.3) MTR Monteria 87,511 105 (99.9)

647,864 259,877 (59.9) APO Carepa 19,548 63 (99.7)

143,361 50,637 (64.7) UIB Quibdo 32,500 590 (98.2)

246,693 84,694 (65.7) CZU Corozal 7,663 14 (99.8)

61,988 13,332 (78.5)

About ASUR

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. (ASUR) is a leading international airport operator with a portfolio of concessions to operate, maintain and develop 16 airports in the Americas. This comprises nine airports in southeast Mexico, including Cancun Airport, the most important tourist destination in Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America, and six airports in northern Colombia, including Medellin international airport (Rio Negro), the second busiest in Colombia. ASUR is also a 60% JV partner in Aerostar Airport Holdings, LLC, operator of the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport serving the capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan. San Juan's Airport is the island's primary gateway for international and mainland-US destinations and was the first, and currently the only major airport in the US to have successfully completed a publicprivate partnership under the FAA Pilot Program. Headquartered in Mexico, ASUR is listed both on the Mexican Bolsa, where it trades under the symbol ASUR, and on the NYSE in the U.S., where it trades under the symbol ASR. One ADS represents ten (10) series B shares. For more information, visit www.asur.com.mx

Contacts:



ASUR

Lic. Adolfo Castro

+52-55-5284-0408

[email protected]



InspIR Group

Susan Borinelli

+1-646-330-5907

[email protected]

SOURCE Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V.

Related Links

http://www.asur.com.mx


A pastor has shared video of what he claims were 12,000 people at a service on the California State Capitol grounds Sunday.

Sean Feucht posted drone footage of the event, showing thousands of people gathered, where few appear to be wearing masks or socially distanced. The California Highway Patrol had issued a permit for the event for 1,000 people.

There is no longer a limit on how many people can attend in-person protests but those attending should practice social distancing, according to guidance.

But Feucht, who is connected to the Bethel Church in Redding, said: 'Official Capitol Hill police estimate was 12,000 tonight in Sacramento!!! GOD IS NOT DONE WITH CALIFORNIA!!! #LetUsWorship.'

A pastor has shared video of what he claims were 12,000 people at a service on the California State Capitol grounds Sunday

Sean Feucht posted drone footage of the event, showing thousands of people gathered, where few appear to be wearing masks or socially distanced. The California Highway Patrol had issued a permit for the event for 1,000 people.

California has more than 740,000 cases of the coronavirus, and the death toll stands at 13,763.

Jaime Coffee, public information officer for the CHP, had a lower estimate for the attendance, saying 3,000 people were there.

He added: 'The majority of the participants gathered on the west steps and failed to socially distance.

'Prior to the event start, the Capitol Permit Officer indicated those who were showing up at the Capitol were socially distancing. Additionally, the permit officer was walking around the crowd verbally reminding people.

'Given the large number of people present for this event and the fact that it was a relatively short event the on scene manager made the decision to let the event continue to conclusion.

'Other factors involved in this decision include factoring in the resources needed to disperse a crowd of this size, safety of the participants, the time it would take, as well as other protest events in the Sacramento area.'

Feucht, who is connected to the Bethel Church in Redding, said: 'Official Capitol Hill police estimate was 12,000 tonight in Sacramento!!! GOD IS NOT DONE WITH CALIFORNIA!!! #LetUsWorship'

There is no longer a limit on how many people can attend in-person protests but those attending should practice social distancing, according to guidance

California has more than 740,000 cases of the coronavirus; the death toll stand at 13,763

California's Senate Republican leader Shannon Grove also attended; she had been in direct contact with Sen. Brian Jones, who tested positive for the coronavirus on August 26.

Feucht started the Let Us Worship Movement in response to coronavirus lockdowns. He has been holding services across the United States throughout the pandemic.

Footage from Sunday's event showed little social distancing and few worshipers in masks.

On his website Feucht writes: 'Powerful politicians and social media giants have engaged in unchartered abuses of religious liberty, silencing the faithful, banning our voices, and outright attacking our God-given right to declare His goodness.'

He added on Facebook: 'The freedom to worship God is the constitutional right of every American citizen and those who exercise this right should not be unfairly targeted for criticism.'

Footage from Sunday's event showed little social distancing and few worshipers in masks

Feucht started the Let Us Worship Movement in response to coronavirus lockdowns. He has been holding services across the United States throughout the pandemic

On Monday night Feucht planned to hold a similar event in Seattle but the park location was closed by local authorities.

Feucht said on Twitter: 'See ya in the streets next to GasWorks Park!

'They can close down the park, but will never silence the church of Seattle!!!'

Infectious Disease expert, Dr. Dean Blumberg, told CBS of the California gathering: 'That's really a recipe for transmission and can lead to further outbreaks not only among the people who are in attendance but their contacts, too.'
For almost 50 years, retired history teacher Bill Collins would spend Labor Day not at a vacation place but a cemetery. He and his relatives would surround his great-grandfather's tombstone to commemorate his founding of the national workers' holiday. Meanwhile, retired banker JoAnn Richardson celebrates the occasion by showing friends her family photos and yellowed newspaper clippings applauding her great-grandfather for proffering Labor Day. Who is the true founder of Labor Day?

When is Labor Day?

Labor Day is commemorated on September 7 this 2020. It is a United States government occasion celebrated on the first Monday of September annually.

Two Men With Similar Names

Not many people are aware of who is responsible for this extra day off from work.

Two men with similar names are credited for proposing Labor Day for workers -- carpenter Peter McGuire and machinist Matthew Maguire, reported Tap Into Morristown.

People remain to be dubious as to who first proposed the holiday for workers after over a century following the first Labor Day observance.

According to a couple of records, McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor and general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, was first in proposing a day to honor people "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold," reported Substance News.

On another note, according to recent research, Maguire, secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, New Jersey was the father of Labor Day who suggested it in 1882 while working as secretary of New York's Central Labor Union.

Also Read: Labor Day 2015: 4 Fun Ways To Teach Your Kids About Labor Day

Nevertheless, a person in the early 1880s proposed that we honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold" as McGuire put it. It was implemented by municipalities across the country in 1885, reported The Marietta Times.

The commemoration became the parade-filled three-day weekend we know today.

What is Clear

The clear history is that the Central Labor Union implemented the Labor Day proposal and designated a committee to organize a demonstration and picnic.

The First Labor Day

In accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union, the first Labor Day holiday was commemorated on September 5, 1882 in New York City.

Labor Day's Origins

Labor Day's origins are of a dispute. Most people credit Maguire for proposing the idea while some scholars believe it was McGuire who necessitates credit.

The Department of Labor credits McGuire while but throughout the years, evidence has surfaced suggesting Maguire proposed the holiday.

The US Department of Labor is appealing for the public's opinion in this mystery. Individuals interested in helping to solve the dispute over the real father of Labor Day are invited to vote on Tap into Morristown's website.

Signing into Law

President Grover Cleveland eventually signed Labor Day into law, declaring the first Monday of September annually a national holiday.

The form that the observance and commemoration of the holiday should take was outlined in the holiday's first proposal -- a street parade to showcase to the public.

Related Article: Knoxville Zoo's Chacoan Peccary 'Labors' On Labor Day Weekend

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The new series features three uniquely designed drinking vessels engineered to be 40 percent lighter than their stainless steel counterparts, making it the world's most lightweight drinkware series. The Stanley Titanium Series is exclusively available at REI.com beginning September 8 th and at select REI retail locations in October 2020.

Built for versatility and for today's on-the-go lifestyles, the Stanley Titanium Series with TiVac is a trusted companion on all adventures, from hiking or commuting to backyard social gatherings, without the extra weight. As with all Stanley products, the Titanium Series is backed by the company's Built for Life lifetime guarantee.

"Several years in the making, the Titanium Series with TiVac represents another major advancement in the category that William Stanley Jr. created over a century ago," explains Terence Reilly, global president of Stanley brand. "The Stanley product development team reframed titanium's restrictions  a notoriously difficult material to work with  and approached the project as a challenge to create the world's first titanium drinkware series that is light on weight and heavy on performance."

The Titanium Series carries the cachet of superior quality; from the intuitive, human-centric design elements to the smooth exterior finish and elegant Sandblasted and Nightfall color options. The series comes in three designs:

The Stay-Hot Titanium Travel Mug (14 fl. oz.), SRP $100 : Light on its feet yet tough as nails, the TiVac vacuum-insulated Titanium Travel Mug keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. With a slim profile, the travel mug is leak proof and clips to packs to allow maximum mobility.

The Stay-Hot Titanium Camp Mug (12 fl. oz.), SRP $90 : Featuring TiVac vacuum insulation, the adventure-ready Titanium Camp Mug gives you the best of both worlds: super-light and super-tough.

The Stay-Hot Titanium Multi-Cup (10 fl. oz.), SRP $80 : Incredibly durable and versatile, the Titanium Multi-Cup with TiVac vacuum insulation doubles as the perfect one-can cooler.

The all-new Stanley Titanium Series is available exclusively at REI.com starting September 8th, and select REI retailer locations in October 2020.

About STANLEY:

Invented by William Stanley on September 2, 1913 (official patent date), the all-steel vacuum bottle revolutionized the way people enjoyed food and beverage. Since then, the STANLEY brand has been delivering superior food and beverage gear for rugged, active lifestyles and remains dedicated to this simple promise: buy STANLEY products, get quality gear. Built for Life. Learn more, visit www.stanley-pmi.com.

About PMI Worldwide:

PMI is a leading global brand that manufactures, markets, and designs innovative food and beverage container solutions. Their two most recognizable brands, Stanley and Aladdin, are sold globally. PMI also creates private label products for select global retailers. Headquartered in Seattle, PMI has offices in Bentonville, San Francisco, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Amsterdam, Manila and Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, PMI has ownership in three manufacturing facilities, one in China and two in Brazil. For more on the company and its full line of products and accessories, visit www.pmi-worldwide.com.

SOURCE STANLEY, a brand of PMI Worldwide

Related Links

http://www.stanley-pmi.com/


US President Donald Trump has slammed the "rhetoric" against the coronavirus vaccine by Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and running mate Senator Kamala Harris, who he said would "never" be the president.

Trump was apparently responding to a CNN interview by Harris on Sunday, in which the vice-presidential nominee said she would not trust the president unless there was a credible source of information that talks about the vaccine's efficacy and reliability.

"She (Harris) is talking about disparaging a vaccine so that people don't think the achievement was a great achievement," Trump t a Lsaid aabor Day press conference at the White House on Monday.

"I don't want the achievement for myself. I want something (that's) going to make people better, that people aren't going to get sick with," he said. "That includes therapeutics, where we're doing equally as well."

The president asserted that a coronavirus vaccine would be available in a record time, maybe by the end of the year and even before the November 3 presidential election. This, he said, had unnerved his political opponents.

Biden and Harris "should immediately apologise for the reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric that they are talking right now, talking about endangering lives," Trump said.

"Numbers are looking unbelievably strong, unbelievably good. So now they'll say, 'wow Trump's pulled this off. OK, let's disparage the vaccine'. That's so bad for this country. That's so bad for the world to even say that. That's what they're saying," he said.

In response to a question, Trump said: "I watched Kamala's whole numbers drop from 15 to almost zero (during the Democratic primary) and then drop out even before she ran in Iowa (primary elections) because people didn't like it. And I understand why she will never be president," Trump said.

"Although I have to be careful because Obama used to say that about Michelle.... But you have to look at her (Harris) a little bit more closely because obviously Joe is not doing well. So, you're gonna have to look at her a little bit too closely," he said.

Trump asserted that the vaccine -- which could have normally taken two-three years -- would be in the market before the end of the year.

"(We) could even have it during the month of October. Contrary to all of the lies, the vaccine will be very safe and very effective, and it will be delivered very soon," he said.

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The archeological crypt of Notre-Dame reopens on Wednesday with an exhibition retracing the cathedral's turbulent history nearly 18 months after it was ravaged by fire.

The April 2019 blaze toppled the spire of the cathedral and destroyed much of the roof of what is one of France's most cherished national treasures.

The crypt, situated below the square in front of the cathedral and containing the remains of fortifications and thermal baths, had to be cleaned of lead dust, an arduous job that took more than a year before visitors could be allowed back in.

The exhibition pays homage to French writer Victor Hugo and the architect Eugene Viollet-Le-Duc, the two men behind the resurrection of the cathedral in the 19th century.

'Forbidding and dangerous'

Hugo's novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame," published in 1831, was instrumental in winning public backing for the restoration of the monument which had been left in a state of abandon and decay.

The exhibition to mark the reopening of the Notre-Dame crypt includes photographs, drawings, paintings and film excerpts. Photo: AFP

"The exhibition starts with how the cathedral looked at the time the novel was published," said Vincent Gille, a curator at the Victor Hugo museum in Paris.

"It was a frightfully forbidding and dangerous building which bore no resemblance to a radiant and shining cathedral," he said, pointing to several of Hugo's sketches as evidence.

The exhibition consists mostly of photographs, drawings, paintings and film excerpts illustrating the world's fascination with the cathedral, from the beginnings to the animated feature films of today.

'War against the Demolishers'

Notre-Dame was badly damaged by vandalism in the early 19th century, and indifferent city authorities were planning to tear it down when Hugo called for "War against the Demolishers" in a pamphlet published in 1825.

"There is perhaps not a single city in France today that is not thinking about, beginning, or completing the destruction of some national monument," he wrote.

Last year's blaze deeply shocked Paris and France. Photo: AFP

After the publication of "Hunchback," the exhibition shows, the French public swung behind the idea that Notre-Dame was worth saving and gave crucial support to Viollet-le-Duc's work on the cathedral between 1844 and 1864, which laid the foundations for the national monument status it enjoys today.

The inspiration for some features, such as the malevolent chimeras overlooking Paris, came directly from Hugo's novel, which also, eerily, contained the description of a devastating fire.

Organisers see the exhibition as the first step towards a return to normality for the crypt's museum, which before the fire welcomed some 170,000 visitors a year.

"The project started very soon after the fire and was motivated by the wish to honour the cathedral," curator Anne de Mondenard told AFP.

Work on Notre-Dame's reconstruction after last year's fire has been plagued by delays due to bad weather, concerns over lead pollution, and most recently the coronavirus pandemic.

It was only in early June that workers began the delicate task of removing tons of metal scaffolding that melted together in the fire -- renovation work was underway when the blaze struck.

President Emmanuel Macron in July gave his blessing to a faithful reconstruction of the cathedral's spire, in a change of heart after previously calling for a "contemporary" touch.
Two agencies have teamed up to take care of Niagara animals while their owners deal with crisis situations in hospitals or emergency shelters.

Lincoln County Humane Society, in partnership with Fido Niagara, has received funding from United Way Niagara through its special projects and emergency fund to help more residents in emergencies, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant of just less than $10,000 is to help pet owners in crisis in Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Pelham, Port Colborne, Wainfleet and Welland.

Jessica Cohen, executive director Fido Niagara, said many pet owners will refuse help from homeless shelters, domestic abuse shelters or mental health agencies such as COAST Niagara  a crisis support and outreach team of the Canadian Mental Health Association  if they cant bring their pets and have no one to care for them.

Fido Niagara since last September has been providing volunteer foster families who are able to take care for the animal while the owner is getting emergency help.

COAST will call us and want to take someone to the hospital in a life-threatening situation but the person will refuse because theres no one to take care of their cat, she said.

Now they can say, We have this, dont worry, we have this nice group of volunteers that will take care of it for you, and that seems to obtain their co-operation very quickly.

Cohen said Niagaras housing instability, homelessness and mental health issues have been compounded by COVID-19.

Pet owners with slow-burning medical problems who couldnt get treated because of pandemic restrictions now need hospitalization, while others who couldnt be evicted by landlords under emergency orders are now losing their shelters.

Were seeing a big wave of evictions right now and these people cant go to homeless shelters because the homeless shelters wont take pets. Thats what this grant was especially for, all the side-effects of the COVID crisis, Cohen said.

The humane society in St. Catharines will provide immediate housing for pets whose owners are in crisis while Fido Niagara finds a suitable foster family, which usually takes one to two days.

The humane society can also provide medical attention for an animal.

Kevin Strooband, executive director of the humane society, said theres a need for the program based on the demand seen in north Niagara working with Womens Place and YWCA. The humane society has been boarding pets of womens shelter residents for more than two decades.

The funding and partnership with Fido Niagara is an opportunity to fill a gap, he said.

We were covering our jurisdiction area as far as St. Catharines, Lincoln and Grimsby, but now weve been able to expand our catchment area, he said.

Fido Niagara has fostered more than 30 animals since last September. Its fostering period is up to 40 days, which Cohen said is in line with the average stay at homeless shelters in Niagara. Requests must come from an individuals social worker or nurse or health, housing or safety officials.

Niagara Falls resident Treva Ross McLaren said Fido Niagara cared for her four-and-a-half-year-old dachshund Ariel while she stayed with YWCA earlier this year after escaping an abusive relationship.

YWCA did not accept pets, but it linked her with Fido Niagara.

It made it easier for me to realize I needed the help and getting it faster, she said of having a place to take the dog she has raised since the age of six weeks.

Its good for people who need the help, especially at this time with COVID its really tough, especially for domestics.

Two weeks after turning to YWCA, she found a place to stay and was reunited. The dog had been cared for, walked and even lost some extra weight.

She didnt lack anything, Ill tell you that, she quipped.
Asking a judge to strip them, much less force a sale, really is  and should be  a last resort.

And in the case of Rolling Hills, its a safe bet that residents, the working cops constantly dispatched there to respond to calls about shots fired, barely concealed drug dealing, assaults and vandalism and the EMTs who tend to the injured might all agree with Muhammad.

The initial police report about the shooting in which she was injured didnt include much by way of detail. Which isnt all that surprising in a city with frequent calls about gunfire and reports about people being shot.

I have my concerns, Muhammad said in the understatement of the year. I have two kids and am pregnant with a third.

Her children, a 5-year-old girl and a 1-year-old boy, were at the apartment with her the night she was shot. I had to push my son out of the way, she said. He was up in the window when it happened.

A bullet passed through her chest and into her arm. Another wound up in a neighboring apartment. Muhammad said she thinks the gunfire was either random or meant for someone else.
LOS ANGELES _ A fire that has burned more than 7,000 acres in San Bernardino County was caused by a smoke-emitting pyrotechnic device that was part of a gender-reveal party in a Yucaipa park, officials said.

Such devices typically shoot off blue or pink smoke to signal the gender of an expected child.

The El Dorado fire near Yucaipa has burned more than 3,000 acres and forced evacuations in some communities.

Cal Fire reminds the public that with the dry conditions and critical fire weather, it doesnt take much to start a wildfire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said in a statement.

It was one of several massive fires burning in California amid an epic heat wave.

A fire in the Japatul Valley southeast of Alpine has burned more than 9,850 acres and destroyed at least 11 structures in addition to 25 outbuildings.

The blaze, dubbed the Valley fire, was the nightmare scenario many had feared: a roaring wildfire chewing through vast stretches of the back country amid searing record-high temperatures, forcing homeowners to flee _ all during a time of coronavirus-induced mask wearing and social distancing.

Boiling clouds of smoke pouring from the fire rose into the air and filtered over the county with an acrid stench, making for unhealthy air conditions.

The Bobcat fire in the Angeles National Forest near Duarte broke out Sunday afternoon and forced Labor Day weekend visitors to flee. It was not threatening homes.

In the Sierra National Forest northeast of Fresno, the 45,500-acre Creek fire trapped more than 200 hikers in the Mammoth Pool recreation area when it crossed the San Joaquin River on Saturday afternoon, prompting a massive rescue effort by the California National Guard.

READ: Carlisle police arrest man for calling 911 to complain about nearby neighborhood
A number of Fine Gael councillors have criticised billionaire Dermot Desmond after he said a 338m apartment plan on former RTE lands was like "Ballymun Towers South Dublin".

The tag "creates a stigmatisation that is just completely unwarranted" for the development, according to Fine Gael councillor James Geoghegan.

Cllr Geoghegan was just one of a number of Fine Gael councillors to hit out at the Ballymun tag placed on the development by Mr Desmond.

An Bord Pleanala is due to make a decision on the plan next week after the High Court last Friday cleared the way for a decision to be made after rejecting a challenge by Mr Desmond's wife, Pat Desmond, and two other Ailesbury Road residents.

In a lengthy report, Dublin City Council planners have recommended to An Bord Pleanala that planning permission be granted.

However, elected members of the council are divided over the plan.

UNFORTUNATE

Mr Desmond wrote to councillors in June where he claimed that the 611-apartment plan is akin to "Ballymun Towers South Dublin".

Cllr Geoghegan - who is in favour of the Cairn Homes application - told the meeting that it was "very unfortunate" that Mr Desmond used the Ballymun phrase when referring to the development.

Cllr Geoghegan stated that Mr Desmond's letter contained "reasonable criticisms" of the Government fast track plan legislation under which the Project Montrose plan has been lodged.

Cllr Paddy McCartan also hit out at Mr Desmond's Ballymun comments.

Cllr McCartan said that it was a "pejorative reference" because Ballymun was built in the 1960s and made up of 36 blocks.

Cllr Danny Byrne described the reference to Ballymun as "incredible".

He said the development is one of the finest if not the finest development that Dublin has seen.

"It is an absolutely fantastic development in a brilliant location," he said.

However, Independent councillor Mannix Flynn said he has huge problems with the proposal in terms of height and wind tunnelling.

"There is a comparison between the development and the towers of Ballymun," he said.
Ellen Barkin may have been unceremoniously dumped by her billionaire husband Ronald Perelman earlier this year, but she has found a way to take sweet revenge: she auctioned off the sizeable cache of jewellery he gave her during their six years of marriage and turned an unprecedented multimillion-dollar profit.

The 52-year-old actress offered up 102 pieces featuring diamonds, rubies, sapphires, pearls and other stones for sale at Christie's auction house in New York on Tuesday, expecting to earn anywhere up to $15m (8.1m). The sale, though, ended up netting more than $20m.

"In five years, to be able to sell it and get more than you paid for it - it hasn't happened before with jewellery," Fred Leighton, the Madison Avenue dealer who sold many of the pieces to Mr Perelman and Ms Barkin in the first place, told a Bloomberg reporter at the auction.

The split between Mr Perelman, the heir to the Revlon fortune, and Ms Barkin, who made her name with such 1980s Hollywood hits as The Big Easy and Sea of Love, became instant tabloid fodder earlier this year.

It appeared, from media reports, that Mr Perelman served her with divorce papers just a few days before a key deadline laid out in their prenuptial agreement. He then posted security guards at their mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side while his blindsided wife moved out along with the two teenage children she had by her first husband, Gabriel Byrne.

Ms Barkin later characterised her entire marriage to Mr Perelman as an exercise in accessorising. Since, in her view, she was just an accessory to Mr Perelman, she found it appropriate to sell off all the accessories that he had given her.

Among the items sold at Christie's was Ms Barkin's diamond wedding ring.

Clearly the celebrity scandal cachet was attractive to buyers, because it fetched $156,000, more than three times the anticipated sale price. Also on the block was a 32-carat apricot diamond ring that Mr Perelman gave his wife just weeks before their divorce, a pair of emerald and gold cuffs originally designed for the Duchess of Windsor and 17 pieces designed by the top-of-the-line Parisian jeweller JAR.

Mr Perelman and Ms Barkin met at a Vanity Fair Oscar night party in Hollywood in 1999, and were married for just under six years. Ms Barkin all but gave up on her film career during that time, largely because of the objections of her husband, but is now determined to revive it.

She is now shooting Ocean's Thirteen, the third installment in the Steven Soderbergh-directed crime caper series, in which she plays the female lead in the star-studded cast, which includes George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Al Pacino.

She plans to plough the proceeds from the Christie's jewellery sale into a new production company she is setting up with her brother, George Barkin. Not that the divorce itself left her destitute: she walked away with about $20m.
Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN) today announced the launch of purchase-based audience segments in Taiwan to help advertisers and agencies reach their desired audiences built on rich retail and FMCG behavioral data. Nielsen Retail and FMCG segments are being powered for the first time in the region by Lotame, a leading global provider of data solutions, to drive customer insights and turn personas into addressable advertising. Nielsen Retail and FMCG Segments powered by Lotame provide granular insights into peoples purchase behavior. Nielsen Media anticipates additional APAC market collaborations with Lotame in the near future, including but not limited to Japan and India.

Nielsen Retail and FMCG Segments provide companies, brands and marketers rich Taiwan-specific audience segments based on real purchase data. The modeled segments leverage a large seed of consumers big data from actual receipts allowing clients to target audiences who shop at specific retailers and buy within specific product categories. This enables clients to develop a real and more holistic view of their customers and identify true potential consumers for making significant improvements in marketing ROI, said Irene Chen, Vice President, Nielsen Media Taiwan.

By keeping the granularity but leveraging the scale of Lotames data exchange to increase scale of actual purchase data segments from 450,000 to 7 million targetable devices per segment, Nielsen Retail and FMCG Segments will help clients target 8 product category buyers to reach potential new consumers, increase brand awareness and deliver promotional messages to visitors of 17 specific retailers. Nielsen Retail and FMCG

Segments can also assist marketers in effectively supporting traditional media spend and improve brand reach by extending audiences. The audiences are currently available on the leading DSPs.

This is a big win for sophisticated Taiwan-based advertisers and agencies, who for the first time will be able to reach their desired mobile-based audiences based on rich purchase data from Nielsen Media. Taiwan is an emerging adtech powerhouse and we are thrilled to provide our support to the thriving digital ad ecosystem with this launch to further cement our strong position in the market as the leader for media measurement, planning, and outcomes. The exciting partnership with Lotame for this market underscores our commitment to collaborate as necessary with strategic partners to bring our clients the very best solution. said Ranjeet Laungani, North Asia Leader, Nielsen Media.

Consumer shopping habits have changed dramatically over the last six months, and will continue to do so, said Fred Marthoz, Managing Director - Asia, Lotame. Were thrilled to partner with Nielsen to bring real-time, relevant, purchasing behaviors at scale to the Taiwan market. Nielsens methodology based on nearly a century of experience combined with Lotames global scale and data expertise make for a winning combination  and a strategic advantage for smart marketers.
While many would-be holidaymakers have been forced to cancel their end-of-summer jaunts due to the coronavirus pandemic, there was nothing holding back the well-heeled shoppers who jetted out to Italy last week for a lavish celebration hosted by Dolce & Gabbana.

Lady Kitty Spencer, 29, led the fashion pack as they descended on Florence for a busy schedule of dinners, dancing and haute couture runway shows to showcase - and sell - the label's latest designs to their wealthy clients.

Fashionistas flew into Tuscany to enjoy at least three different events hosted at exclusive venues across the city.

Lady Kitty Spencer, 29, led the fashion pack as they descended on Florence for dinners, dancing and haute couture runway shows to showcase - and sell - the label's latest designs to their wealthy clients. Pictured, Lady Kitty with Domenico Dolce (right) and Gui Siqueira

Socialite Jasmin Joyce, pictured, was among the guests who attended the final night of festivities in Florence. There were at least three different events held across the city

Model and social media star Xenia Lukash (left) strikes a pose with jewellery designer Ilona Stolie (right) at Villa Bardini, where the Alta Moda show was held last week

The festivities culminated on the third night with a spectacular dinner at Marchesi Antinori, a vineyard outside the city. Pictured, the Tuscan table display bursting with character

Flowers, fruit and candlesticks created sumptuous centrepieces at the Italian vineyeard

The Alta Sartoria show - literally translated to mean 'high-level formalwear' - saw models donning intricate kaftans and flowing bottoms as they strode through Palazzo Vecchio, the hulking 12th-century fortress which sits at the heart of Florence.

Monica Belluci, a long-time muse of co-founders Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce, kicked off proceedings while the glitteratti looked on.

Two nights later, guests gathered at Villa Bardini for the breathtaking Alta Moda show, considered to be the centrepiece of the fashion house's latest offering.

Milan-based art collector Anna Demina strikes a pose ahead of the Alta Moda show last week

Hong Kong businessman Stephen Hung, a close friend of the D&G designers jets off from Tuscany on a private jet (pictured). His birthday was marked with a celebratory cake

Fashionista Deborah Hung, wife of Stephen, strikes a pose at one of the outdoor meals

Guests roamed the grounds at sunset while admiring D&G designs displayed on over-the-top scarecrows bursting with foliage and topped with floral headpieces, pictured

Models showcased 89 runway looks, each designed as a tribute to Florence.

In keeping with the designers' opulent aesthetic, guests and VIPs donned their own D&G creations for the night-time event.

The festivities culminated on the third night with a spectacular dinner at Marchesi Antinori, a vineyard outside the city.

Guests roamed the grounds at sunset while admiring D&G designs displayed on over-the-top scarecrows bursting with foliage and topped with floral headpieces.

Dutch model Marpessa Hennink wore a D&G dress she first sported 30 years ago for the final night of celebrations. Marpessa, 56, is a global ambassador for the Italian fashion house
Gov. Phil Murphy will hold a 1 p.m. press conference Tuesday to provide another update on the states recovery from the coronavirus as many students across the state return to reopened schools or start remote learning programs.

The briefing will be streamed live from the Trenton War Memorials George Washington Ballroom on the governors YouTube channel.

Murphy will be joined by state Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli, state epidemiologist Dr. Christina Tan and State Police Superintendent Colonel Pat Callahan.

Murphy will likely discuss the return of limited indoor dining to the state on Friday and the continued reopening of schools this week across New Jersey. Callahan will mention any Labor Day weekend violations of the governors executive orders about large gatherings or other major social distancing issues.

On Monday, officials reported 344 new coronavirus cases and two new deaths as the states rate of transmission increased for the tenth consecutive day and remains slightly above the key benchmark of 1 that indicates the outbreak is growing.

Hospitalizations, however, hit a six-month low with 389 patients as of Sunday night at the states 71 hospitals, down significantly from a peak of more than 8,000 patients in mid-April.

Murphy has three other media appearances scheduled Tuesday. At 8 a.m. he will call into Harry Hurley of 95.5 WPGG in Atlantic City. A half-hour later, Murphy will appear live on New Day on CNN.

Then this afternoon, the governor is slated to be a guest on NPRs All Things Considered.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Martin said the UK's leaked plans to introduce legislation to override key elements of the Withdrawl Agreement, including aspects which would affect Northern Ireland.

The plans were met with anger by a number of EU leaders, with President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen warning that there could be no backtracking by the UK on its previous commitments if it wanted to reach a free trade agreement.

I trust the British Government to implement the Withdrawal Agreement, an obligation under international law and prerequisite for any future partnership, she said.

(The) protocol on Ireland-Northern Ireland is essential to protect peace and stability on the island and integrity of the single market.

Brexit talks between the UK and EU will resume today in London, with the UK's chief negotiator saying that progress must be made.

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The UK's Lord Frost called for more realism from Brussels as he said the two sides can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground in the deadlocked talks.

He will meet EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier later today for the eighth round of talks.

The UK Government has sought to increase pressure on the EU, with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson setting a five-week deadline for trade talks to succeed in time for the transitions scheduled end-date on December 31st.

Lord Frost said: Today, I will sit down with Michel Barnier and drive home our clear message that we must make progress this week if we are to reach an agreement in time.

We have now been talking for six months and can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground.

We need to see more realism from the EU about our status as an independent country.

Responding to the plans to introduce legislation to amend aspects of the Withdrawal Agreement, Mr Johnson's official spokesman said his government was proposing limited clarifications to the law to ensure ministers can preserve the gains of the Good Friday Agreement in the event of no deal.

The Internal Market Bill, to be tabled tomorrow, will ensure goods from Northern Ireland continue to have unfettered access to the UK market while making clear EU state aid rules, which will continue to apply in Northern Ireland, will not apply in the rest of the UK.

In addition, an amendment to the Finance Bill will give ministers the power to designate which goods going from Great Britain to Northern Ireland are considered at risk of entering the EU single market and are therefore liable to EU tariffs.

Mr Johnson's spokesman said discussions were continuing with the EU to resolve the outstanding issues relating to the Northern Ireland protocol, intended to ensure there is no return of a hard border with the Republic once the transition is over.

He said the legislative changes were a necessary safety net in the event that they were unable to come to an agreement.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney warned that abandoning the agreement would be a very unwise way to proceed.

Mr Barnier said he would be seeking clarification about the UKs plans.

He told French radio that honouring the Withdrawal Agreement was a pre-condition for confidence between us because everything that has been signed in the past must be respected.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 01:43:57|Editor: huaxia

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TEHRAN, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that Iran and Turkey as two big regional powers must expand their cooperation to defeat "foreign plots."

"Iran and Turkey are the two great powers in the region, and there have always been animosities and grudges against both countries that still exist today," Rouhani told his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the 6th meeting of the Turkey-Iran High-Level Cooperation Council held via videoconference.

Rouhani said the only way to overcome "foreign plots" is further expanding the relations between the two countries.

He praised the "very solid foundation" of the Iran-Turkey relations, based on good neighborliness, common values, mutual respect and attention to "common interests, stability, security and peace in the region."

The Iranian president also hailed the state of the Iran-Turkey border as a "border of peace and friendship."

Rouhani hoped that the Tuesday meeting and the agreements that would be reached by the two countries will be fruitful and constructive for promoting the bilateral relations.

The 5th meeting of the Turkey-Iran High-Level Cooperation Council was held in Ankara, Turkey in December 2018. Enditem
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Hong Kong in Shock After Police Tackle a 12-Year-Old Girl

Footage of two officers tackling a 12-year-old girl to the ground on a Hong Kong street over the weekend has ignited a fresh outpouring of anger amid ongoing criticisms of police violence.

Video shared widely on social media showed police kettling a group of people on a sidewalk in the district of Mong Kok. The girl, who was in the crowd, then started to run away. Shouting stand still!, an officer chased her as another tackled her to the ground; a third then joined to restrain her.

The girl, later identified by local media as Pamela, received a fine along with her 20-year-old brother Steven and another passerby for violating a social distancing rule that bans public gatherings of more than two people.

The arrest came amid large protests on Sunday against the governments decision to postpone the election for the citys legislature, which critics said was an attempt to forestall a bruising defeat to pro-democracy parties. Nearly 300 people were arrested mostly at protest sites in the neighborhoods of Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok.

A 12-year-old girl is tackled to the ground by police in Hong Kong, on Sept. 06, 2020. (Mak Wai Kit/HKUST Radio News Reporting Team, Stand News/Screenshot via Reuters)

Pamela was treated for scratches and some bruises on her elbow while her brother sustained light injuries on his leg, according to local media.

Defending their actions, the police in a statement hours later said that they had intercepted the girl and others for a stop and search to break up pro-democracy protests nearby.

During the interaction, she suddenly ran away in a suspicious manner. Officers therefore chased and subdued her with use of minimum necessary force, the statement read.

Since mass pro-democracy protests erupted in the city last June, Hong Kong police have come under growing criticism over excessive use of force in handling protesters. Incidents last year include alleged sexual assault of female students, indiscriminately pepper spraying and beating train passengers, and a two-week-long siege of college campuses.

Riot police detain a group of people during a anti-government protest in Hong Kong, on Sept. 6, 2020. (Anthony Kwan/Getty Images)

The national security law, imposed by Beijing on the city and took effect in July, further empowered the police to make arrests based on broadly-defined charges of secession, subversion, collusion with foreign forces, and terrorism, each with the penalty of up to life in prison.

But Pamela was not involved in the protests and was merely buying art supplies, according to her mother Ms. Ho. She told Hong Kong media that she had parted with the two siblings to buy groceries, planning to meet a short while afterwards.

I was really afraid, I couldnt keep calm and started to run, Pamela told iCable News, while her brother said they would not pay the fine and intend to lodge a complaint. Steven, who was apprehended when trying to shield his sister, further told Apple Daily that the charge was unreasonable given that they didnt know the passerby who was fined with them.

Stevens swelling on his ankle has worsened since Sunday, Ms. Ho told Apple Daily. She added that they are consulting a lawyer about suing the police.

I know that at this time, complaints are useless, but we have to leave a record, she said.

The citys leader Carrie Lam told reporters on Tuesday that it would not be right for the Chief Executive to give an opinion on the actual operation on the ground.

One has to look at the actual circumstances when assessing the police activities, she said, and claimed that every incident and every complaint in terms of the actions taken by law enforcement agencies will be fully investigated.

The Boys & Girls Clubs Association of Hong Kong, a local charity organization, called for authorities to conduct an fair and transparent investigation, adding that when children are present, law enforcement should consider the surrounding environment in their operations and protect childrens rights to the best of their ability.

A few orthopedists who asked to remain anonymous also said that it was lucky the girl only suffered some bruises. The fact that the police officer had used his body weight to tackle her and that her head had landed on the ground first could have resulted in more serious injuries, they told Apple Daily.

Her ribs could have been fractured, one doctor said. It was very, very fortunate that she only got some scratches.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden appeared loved up in a series of snaps taken in the countryside with her husband Prince Daniel.

The mother-of-two, 43, donned a check print shirt with navy trousers and a New Era cap for outdoorsy style and comfort as they journeyed between the mountains in Storulvan, Sylarna and Blahammaren, before ending their trail back at Storulvan.

In one of the scenic snaps, the Swedish royals embrace each other with Prince Daniel wrapping an arm around Princess Victoria while standing in a location tagged on Instagram as Jamtlandstriangeln.

Prince Daniel and Crown Princess Victoria (pictured) took to Instagram to share snaps from their hike in the Swedish mountains at the weekend

The couple praised the work of Svenska Turistforeningen for making Swedish nature available to everyone in the caption of their post

Crown Princess Victoria swept her glossy brunette hair neatly into a ponytail and appeared to have opted for minimal makeup for the outing.

She completed her look with two-toned boots and a large hiking bag filled with supplies for their journey.

Meanwhile, Prince Daniel appeared equally style conscious in coordinating trousers, a green windbreaker jacket and a cap.

The Swedish royals shared two photos from their hike on Instagram, racking up almost 54,000 likes and a stream of comments from their over 462,000 followers.

Crown Princess Victoria (pictured) coordinated navy trousers with a check print shirt, cap and two-toned boots for style and comfort

The caption of their post roughly translates: 'This weekend, the Crown Princess and Prince Daniel experienced the approaching autumn in the mountains as they walked the 47km long Jamtland triangle.

'The hike went between the mountain stations Storulvan, Sylarna and Blahammaren, and then ended in Storulvan.

'The Crown Princess couple would like to thank @stfturist for the work the association and its employees do to spread knowledge of the right to all and make Swedish nature available to everyone.'

Many responses to the post dubbed the photographs as 'beautiful' and revealed they also enjoy outdoor activities.

The Swedish royals racked up almost 54,000 likes on their post, as many dubbed the photographs 'beautiful'

Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, who married at at Stockholm Cathedral in 2010, are parents to Princess Estelle, eight, and Prince Oscar, four.

The couple have been completing socially distanced engagements, since Sweden took a noticeably more low-key approach to fighting the coronavirus in comparison to other European countries.

They are set to have a busy week with a meeting scheduled with Swedish performing arts director and the Theater Association's theater and film association director in addition to a video chat with Sweden's governors.
The Delhi High Court Tuesday ordered that doctor's prescription will not be mandatory from now on for those going voluntarily for RT/PCR test to detect COVID-19 infection in the national capital. Till now it was mandatory for a person to have a doctor's prescription or symptoms to get tested for the virus.

A bench of justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad said people need to carry Aadhaar card for Delhi address proof and fill up a form as prescribed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for COVID-19 testing. The court noted there was a sharp increase in the number of cases in Delhi and asked private laboratories to allow 2,000 COVID-19 tests a day for those who want to undergo the voluntarily screening.

Capacity of around 12,000 test per day is available with the Delhi government, it noted.

Reacting on the same, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said he has directed Health Minister Satyendar Jain that doctors prescription should not be asked for COVID-19 testing in Delhi. Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court ordered that doctors prescription will not be mandatory from now for those going voluntarily for RT/PCR test to detect COVID-19 infection in the national capital.

Delhi govt has increased testing multi-fold. I have directed Health Minister this morning that Doctors prescription shud not be asked for testing. Anyone can get himself tested.  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 8, 2020

Till now, it was mandatory for a person to produce a doctors prescription or symptoms to get tested for the virus. Kejriwal said he directed Jain in the morning that doctors prescription should not be asked for COVID-19 testing.
Two things happened, practically within minutes of Jeffrey Goldberg's article in The Atlantic, the one that relied on anonymous sources to accuse President Trump of disrespecting America's troops. First, people willing to put their names on the record, including people who don't like Trump, leaped to his defense. Second, the Democrat party rolled out opposition material so quickly that either it was a miracle or the article was part of a carefully contrived set-up.

However, those supporting Trump ran into an obstacle when Jennifer Griffin, a Fox News national security correspondent, tweeted out two more anonymous sources who claimed that Trump had disparaged the war dead and, significantly, that he could easily have made it to the Aisne-Marne Cemetery, even if his helicopter ride was canceled because of bad weather.

First, regarding those "former senior Trump administration officials" upon whom Griffin relies, as if they remain anonymous, there's absolutely no reason to believe their claims about Trump saying mean things about the troops. There are a lot of "former senior Trump administration officials" who've proved themselves to be part of the Deep State and who willingly say or do anything to undermine Trump's re-election chances. Their loyalty has proven to be to their careers, not to America or her Constitution.

John Bolton, to his credit, even though he dislikes the president, has come out firmly on Trump's side regarding The Atlantic's accusations:

.@AmbJohnBolton told me today that if @realDonaldTrump had said he didnt want to visit Aisne-Marne because the interred heroes were losers and suckers, he would have written an entire chapter about it in his book #TheRoomWhereItHappened  John Roberts (@johnrobertsFox) September 4, 2020

Zach Fuentes also spoke up on Trump's behalf, something that matters because Fuentes is a former deputy White House chief of staff who served under John Kelly, a man who also dislikes Trump:

Fuentes unequivocally denied The Atlantic's report last week, a huge blow to the establishment media narrative. Fuentes personally briefed President Trump on the weather situation that led to the trip being canceled. He is also a close personal confidante [sic] of former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly. "You can put me on record denying that I spoke with The Atlantic," Fuentes told Breitbart News on Monday. "I don't know who the sources are. I did not hear POTUS call anyone losers when I told him about the weather. Honestly, do you think General Kelly would have stood by and let ANYONE call fallen Marines losers?"

Trump's actions speak for themselves. In everything he says and does, he shows his respect for America's armed forces. He fights for them by giving them the funding they need, by bringing them back alive from pointless wars that threaten their lives, and by terminating their enemies, men such as Qassem Soleimani. This is not a man who thinks our armed forces are suckers or losers:

It's possible that Trump spoke harshly about the decisions to involve America in both World War I and the Vietnam War. Trump has made no secret of the fact that he disapproves of sending America's youths overseas to fight wars that have no immediate benefit for America. His foreign policy is the antithesis of the Wilson Doctrine.

The above, of course, involves opinions and perceptions, all of which are notoriously subjective. However, one of Griffin's anonymous sources made a very specific claim that's amenable to (and fails) a fact-check:

When asked IF the President could have driven to the Aisne-Marne Cemetery, this former official said confidently:

"The President drives a lot. The other world leaders drove to the cemeteries. He just didn't want to go."  Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) September 4, 2020

Could Trump just have hopped into his limousine and driven the 90 minutes to the cemetery? No, he could not. You and I could have, but the president can't drive anywhere unless the Secret Service has had a chance to secure the route. This means that the president cannot turn on a dime and say, "Heck, if I can't fly, it's time for a road trip!"

Dan Bongino worked as a Secret Service agent for Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, so he has expertise on the subject. During his Monday show (all of which is worth listening to), Bongino addressed the fallacious claim that Trump could have driven to the cemetery once weather canceled the flight (beginning at 48:50, although I recommend listening to the entire show because it's excellent):

There's a legal doctrine that says, "falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus," which means that if someone is false as to one thing, that person's credibility can be doubted as to all things. To the extent that at least one of Griffin's sources told a lie (because if the person was that close to the president, he should have known about practical matters such as route security), everything that person said should be disregarded.

Trump's supporters know who he is: he's a man who loves America, who fights for the troops, and who frightens the heck out of Deep State globalists who see Trump as a threat to their money and their power. Dan Bongino's information should drive the last nail into the coffin of leftists' and Deep Statists' most recent attempt to discredit him.

Image: The Aisne-Marne Cemetery in France, by the U.S. Government. Public domain.
A facility believed to be an internment camp located north of Kashgar, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, June 2, 2019.

One of the largest internment camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Regions (XUAR) Kashgar cityas well as camps in the citys airport and a neighboring countyremains in operation, according to local officials, despite claims by authorities that all of the regions detention centers have been shuttered.

Authorities in the XUAR are believed to have held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in a vast network of camps since April 2017.

Beginning in October 2018, Beijing acknowledged the existence of the camps, but described them as voluntary vocational centers, despite reporting by RFAs Uyghur Service which has found that detainees are mostly held against their will in poor conditions, where they are forced to endure inhumane treatment and political indoctrination.

In a July 2019 press conference, XUAR Chairman Shohret Zakir told reporters that more than 90 percent of internees from so-called vocational training centers had graduated from their studies and been placed into jobs. In later statements, the Chinese authorities claimed that all centers had been closed.

Last week in Paris, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi repeated the claim that all those sent to the camps have been released and placed in employment.

The rights of all trainees in the education and training program, though their minds have been encroached by terrorism and extremism, have been fully guaranteed, he said during a conference at the French Institute of International Relations. Now all of them have graduated, there is no one in the education and training center now. They all have found jobs.

However, RFA recently spoke with two Uyghur cadres from Kashgar (in Chinese, Kashi) citya trading post city of 500,000and Kashgar prefectures Makit (Maigaiti) county who directly contradicted the claims, saying camps in the area are still operational and that thousands of people are being held involuntarily inside them.

During one phone call, a Uyghur cadre from Kashgar citys Doletbagh village said that the Yanbulaq Schoolone of the largest internment camps in the cityremains active and that he had recently traveled there and met with detainees from his jurisdiction via a video screen inside of the facility.

Yes, Ive been to meet with themtheyre in Yanbulaq, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The building [we went to] was three stories. We entered through a gate  There were a lot of buildings, 10 or 20.

The cadre said he was not allowed into the detention area, so he was unable to watch what detainees do there, although he said that residents from his village were wearing uniforms and are made to learn Mandarin Chinese.

He estimated that the camp held thousands of students, although he was unable to provide specific figures.

The cadre also confirmed that a camp located near the Kashgar airport, referred to colloquially as the Airport Camp, also remains in operation.

He said that while he hasnt been to the airport facility, it is smaller than the Yanbulaq School, adding that one resident of Doletbagh had been taken there after spending around five months at Yanbulaq.

Earlier investigations by RFA have found that the Kashgar airport camp grounds include a factory and workshops where internees are forced to work in addition to studying in a compulsory Mandarin program.

A map shows Kashgar city and neighboring Makit county in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). RFA Tumental Center

RFA also spoke with a Uyghur cadre from a village in neighboring Makit countys Tumental township who said that her townships camp is also still in operation, housing as many as 2,000 detainees receiving education in up to 20 buildings of between five and six stories each.

Its still there  We call it the Tumental Center, she said. Its in the same place as the township government  they share a wall.

The cadre, who also declined to be named, citing fear of reprisal, said there are no workshops or factories at the site, which was originally constructed in 2015 and later expanded.

She said at least one person from her township that she had investigated had been held at the Tumental Center, but people from outside Tumental have been brought there.

I also stayed there [for work] for around two months at one point, the cadre added.

She provided the telephone number of a Uyghur man who works in a supervisory role at the camp, but repeated calls by RFA went unanswered.

When asked whether the continued operation of the Tumental Center indicates that internment camps are still being used by authorities in the XUAR, the cadre said, Yes.

Claims dismissed

Uyghurs living abroad, some of whom still report dozens of missing relatives, refuse to believe government claims about the closure of camps and release of internees. Activists in the diaspora recently launched a campaign based on the hashtag #StillNoInfo to draw attention to the fact that they had seen no proof to suggest that their family members had been released from camp.

Ilshat Hassan, a Washington-based political analyst and former president of the Uyghur American Association (UAA) exile group, called Chinas claims about the closure of the camp system outright lies, arguing that while the number of camps may have decreased recently, the actual square footage of the camps that still exist has grown.

Moreover, he said in an interview with RFA, the management of the camps has grown more systematic and standardized.

Its been over three years since the Chinese government opened the camps in East Turkestan, he said, using the name preferred by Uyghurs for their homeland.

They opened in 2017. But China has not released the Uyghurs and Kazakhs it has been holding in these camps. Rather, they have used these past two to three years to build even more systematized, perfected, and secretive camps of many kinds.

Reports of the continued operations of the camps in Kashgar come a week after Buzzfeed said it had used satellite imagery to identify 268 structures built in the XUAR since 2017 bearing the hallmarks of fortified detention compounds, noting that there was at least one in nearly every county in the region.

Amid international condemnation and U.S. sanctions, experts believe that China has begun sentencing Uyghurs held in internment camps to prison, providing legal cover to the detentions.

Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by Elise Anderson Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Kangana Ranaut said she would be happy to oblige after Maharashtra government put an inquiry to look into media reports of drug consumption by the actor

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Tuesday, 8 September, said the Mumbai police will probe allegations by Adhyayan Suman that actor Kangana Ranaut took drugs.

According to a tweet by news agency Asian News International, Deshmukh confirmed the development of this investigation.

According to India Today, in the interview, Suman had reportedly said that Ranaut had asked him to consume drugs. Deshmukh confirmed to the publication as well that the state government had indeed ordered a probe into the Kangana-drug nexus. Shiv Sena's Sunil Prabhu and Pratap Sarnaik had earlier already submitted copies of Suman's interview to the government and demanded an inquiry. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant had also asked the NCB to probe Ranaut's alleged drug links. Ranaut in a tweet said she would 'oblige' if any probe is conducted I am more than happy to oblige.

Ranaut had previously crossed swords with Sena MP Sanjay Raut last week when he said that she should not return to Mumbai if she felt unsafe in the city.

"The law is same for everyone. There is no political vendetta. Security is given to people who are looked upon as idols. If there are allegations of drug consumption against her and if they are false, the people levelling them should be thrown into jail," the Sena MLA said.

The development comes amid the Narcotics Control Bureau's arrest against actor Rhea Chakraborty for alleged drug use.

(With inputs from Press Trust of India)
The data security issues are increasing tensions between the U.S. and China, and in the midst of it, Beijing has taken the 'data security initiative' to present a global standard for data security.





In a video during a meeting in Beijing, the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced a framework highlighting topics like Beijing's handling of user data. The comprehensive framework explained that Beijing would not ask Chinese companies to transfer overseas data to the government in breach of other countries laws. It also states that companies must refrain from installing backdoors in their products and services for illegal data collection, and that states must oppose mass surveillance against other states.





The timings of the announcement of Beijing's data security initiative links with TikTok's sale. Only last week, China updated its export law, hence making the matters for ByteDance to sell TikTok difficult. TikTok was listed as a national security threat by the U.S. government that claimed that the company was using its American citizens' data in an attempt to allow the Chinese government to spy on them.





The U.S. government has also accused the Chinese company Huawei of putting spyware in its telecommunications equipment.





According to local and foreign officials in China, company representatives were also present at the meeting where the data security initiative was discussed, and are therefore, expected to comment on it.





Zhang also hinted criticism at the Trump Administration in his speech, saying that a ''certain country'' is making ''groundless accusations'' against others in the name of a ''clean network'' and is using security as a ''pretext to prey on enterprises of other countries that have a competitive edge.''. He called the administration's behavior an act of bullying that must be ''oppressed and rejected''.




When the global COVID-19 pandemic first caused a rapid shift to work-from-home policies wherever possible, it was treated as a temporary move that would only last until the pandemic blew over. We've seen how that has panned out.

Remote work isn't going away. Sure, companies will go back to offices eventually. Some already are, in limited numbers, with safeguards in place. But many companies are finding that remote work actually works for them. They're maintaining productivity, their employees are adapting, and they're starting to wonder whether leasing office space in that San Francisco high rise is a cost they can leave behind.

Temporary or not, the shift to remote work has caused lasting changes to the way people work. Even companies that go back to having an office presence have developed the WFH muscle and will continue to exercise that muscle, whether by hiring more remote employees, retaining employees that move out of town, or even shifting permanently to entirely remote workforces.

But security is different for all-remote or hybrid companies. A recent SANS Survey indicated that vastly increased numbers of employees are accessing sensitive data from home using a VPN, RDP, or using a personal device instead of one with a company asset tag. Remote work comes with the cost of adapting your security operations to match the new landscape.

Here are just a few stats from that SANS Survey:

88% of respondents rely on VPN tunneling for their work, but how are those VPN tunnels secured at scale?

30% rely on RDP, a protocol notorious for being abused by attackers. How are businesses assuring that RDP sessions are legitimate, and being used securely?

Only ~13% of respondents indicated that their organization fully manages webcams in their environment. How are businesses ensuring that sensitive, connected devices and IoT in workers' homes aren't providing a vector for stealthy attackers?

Whether companies see a remote workforce as a time-limited state, or as the future of modern offices, they must learn to cope with these security challenges in the long haul. VPNs aren't perfectly secure, and RDP in the wrong hands is a security nightmare. Let's not even start on IoT.

In a recent SANS webinar, ExtraHop engineers and partners discussed how companies can secure their remote workforces for the long haul and get the benefits of WFH without succumbing to the changing security risks.

Check out the webinar and download the SANS survey results to learn how.
The 46th CIFF Shanghai 2020 is organised by China Foreign Trade Centre (Group) with the theme of "Connecting the World" and with the aim of creating a very strong integration between the high-level Chinese domestic market and international markets, supporting and helping companies to effectively address a rapidly evolving situation. Aware of the current difficulties, CIFF is in fact collaborating with several partners in order to sufficiently support both the offline and online business of its exhibitors and buyers, as well as implementing it in an innovative way. In particular, the collaboration with the B2B Giga Cloud Logistics trading platform will offer new extraordinary opportunities to export-oriented companies.



Participation in the 46th CIFF Shanghai 2020 presents itself as a key step in order to face the second part of 2020 and the following 2021 with dynamism and necessary optimism.

Under the same roof of the National Exhibition & Convention Center (Shanghai), over 1,000 exhibitors will occupy 250,000 square metres of exhibition space and will represent the entire furniture supply chain: home, outdoor and leisure furniture, home decor and home textiles, office, hotel, and commercial furniture, furniture industry machinery and materials.

The furniture industry needs design and creative solutions now more than ever. The Design Hall will therefore be further extended: centred on Contemporary Design (Hall 4.1), it will develop into Modern Design (Hall 3) and Trendy Design (Hall 5.1). Mirroring the organisers' desire to create culture of good design and good living, the 46th CIFF Shanghai 2020 will see the participation of the best brands and will be particularly rich in events and exhibitions.

For more information on CIFF please visit: www.ciff.furniture

SOURCE CIFF Shanghai

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Seven people were found shot dead at an illegal marijuana growing operation in rural Southern California early Monday, authorities said.

Riverside County sheriff's deputies responded to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon at a home in the 45000 block of Highway 37, in the unincorporated area of Aguanga, just after 12:30am.

Upon entering the home, deputies discovered a woman with severe gunshot wounds.

A search of the residence revealed six additional victims, who had also suffered gunshot wounds. They were all pronounced dead at the scene.

The woman, meanwhile, was taken to hospital but, despite life-saving efforts, died shortly after arriving, police said.

Riverside County sheriff's deputies responded to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon at a home (above) in the 45000 block of Highway 37, in the unincorporated area of Aguanga, just after 12:30am

Upon entering the home, deputies discovered a woman with severe gunshot wounds

Investigators said evidence at the scene indicated that the residence was being used to manufacture and harvest an illicit marijuana operation.

More than 1,000 pounds of marijuana and several hundred marijuana plants were found inside the home, the sheriffs department said.

It was unclear if more than one shooter was involved in the incident. A search of the area failed to immediately locate suspects.

An investigation is currently underway and no further information was immediately available, Cpl. Lionel Murphy of the Sheriffs Department said.

Detectives from the Sheriffs Central Homicide Unit and from its Hemet Station remained at the scene throughout Monday, gathering evidence.

Investigators are currently working on leads, Murphy said in a brief statement.

In a press release, attributed to Sgt. Richard Carroll, the authorities said the killings appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is no threat to the general public.

The names of those fatally shot were not immediately released.

Investigators said evidence at the scene indicated that the residence was being used to manufacture and harvest an illicit marijuana operation'

Aguanga is an unincorporated community about 18 miles east of Temecula, and 100 miles southeast of Los Angeles

One unidentified neighbor told MyValleyNews they heard the shooting.

'We heard shots at 12:20 a.m. or so,' the neighbor said. 'About ten shots were fired. Law enforcement has been here all night, and the ambulance and helicopter, too. One deputy interviewed us and mentioned there was a homicide. It is just a shock to have gunfire so close.'

'Its just horrible,' said another resident. 'It just goes to show how much stuff goes on behind the scenes and how our community has changed.'

Aguanga is an unincorporated community about 18 miles east of Temecula, and 100 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

While cannabis remains classified as an illegal narcotic under federal law, California in 2018 legalized its commercial distribution. As the most populous U.S. state, California opened the largest legalized, regulated and taxed marijuana market in the country.

Last April, just over a year after legalizing the drug, California announced it would be doubling efforts to stamp out unlicensed pot shops and redouble its efforts to eradicate illegal marijuana farms.

The crackdown came as the states regulated marijuana industry continued to struggle with competition from the black market. California has seen the underground market thrive since recreational marijuana was legalized, something that also happened in Colorado around seven years ago.

By some estimates, California is the origin of some 60 percent of the nations illicit marijuana supply.

The Sheriffs Department is asking the public for help in solving the crimes. Anyone with information should contact Investigator Paz at (951) 955-2777.
China's Blue Planet Science-Fiction Film Festival was highlighted at the 77th Venice International Film Festival during the "Focus on China" side event earlier this week, bringing a glimpse of the future to the world's oldest film festival.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005606/en/

Blue Planet Sci-Fi Film Festival presented at "Focus on China" event during Venice International Film Festival (Photo: Xinhuanet)

The Venice International Film Festival is one of the first major cultural events held in Europe since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact that the festival one of the film industry's most important annual events could go ahead offline as planned is a major boost to a sector that has been hit hard by the pandemic. The "Focus on China" event was held in the National Pavilion of Italy and streamed online.

2019 was an international breakthrough year for Chinese sci-fi cinema. November 2019 saw the inaugural Blue Planet Sci-Fi Film Festival, the first of its kind in China. It recorded great success, with 185 sci-fi films from 17 countries screened and a series of activities such as forums, masterclasses and exhibitions held.

The second Blue Planet Sci-Fi Film Festival will be held in November 2020. In light of the difficult times our world is going through, the theme of this year's festival will be "empathy". "Amidst this global crisis, it is more important than ever for people around the world to transcend barriers and engage with each other," said the Blue Planet Organizing Committee in a message to the event.

Industry figures at the Venice Film Festival noted a buzz around the development of Chinese sci-fi. Roberto Stabile, head of international relations for the Italian motion picture association ANICA, said, "I was very impressed by this introduction to the Blue Planet Sci-Fi Film Festival, and look forward to welcoming our friends from the Blue Planet in Venice next year."

Italian-Chinese filmmaker Shi Yangshi said, "Two years ago, Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore talked to me about Liu Cixin's sci-fi novels and showed great interest in co-producing sci-fi films with China." Italian producer Luca Confortini remarked, "China has a well-established film culture and its sci-fi films have been developing rapidly. The Blue Planet is an important and vibrant film event; I believe that China's sci-fi film market will only grow bigger."

Six Chinese-directed sci-fi short films chosen from the first Blue Planet were screened during the Film Festival.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005606/en/

Contacts:

Xinhuanet Europe

Wei Wang

info@xinhuaeurope.com
Amazon came under fire last night after admitting it paid just 73million more in taxes in Britain last year, despite racking up almost 3billion in extra sales.

The online retail behemoth published details of its finances in an effort to be more transparent after being criticised for years for not paying its fair share.

The figures showed business was booming even before the coronavirus crisis fuelled a dramatic surge in online shopping.

But Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge said Amazon should be shouldering more of the burden having benefited fantastically from the pandemic.

File photo dated 28 November, 2013 of an Amazon package being prepared at an Amazon warehouse

The retailer said sales jumped by more than a quarter to 13.73billion last year  up from 10.89billion in 2018.

But it incurred just 293million in direct taxes last year, an increase of just 73million on 2018.

Amazon said it paid a smaller proportion of its profits as tax last year because its investment of more than 690million on new warehouses and an office in Manchester meant it qualified for tax breaks.

The company has accelerated its expansion efforts in the UK in 2020 after the coronavirus pandemic stoked demand.

Jeff Bezos, founder and chief executive officer of Amazon.com Inc., speaks at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, 19, 2019

Last week, it announced plans to hire another 7,000 staff this year to aid its growth strategy.

On Monday, the firm also announced John Boumphrey as the new boss of its UK operations, taking over from current country manager Doug Gurr in November.

Amazon, which is valued at around 1.6 trillion US dollars (1.24 trillion), was founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, a hedge fund executive.

Mr Bezos is the worlds richest person and worth a fortune of around 193.5 billion US dollars (148.5 billion).
However, the success or failure of a potential courtroom self-defense claim could hinge on questions about the Antioch teens actions before he fired and details that have yet to emerge, defense lawyers in Wisconsin said. As in other states, the law in Wisconsin allows people to use guns to defend themselves against serious threats, but there are exceptions to that right.
The remaining 26 seats, whose nominees failed to obtain the necessary absolute majority, are distributed over 14 governorates

Run-offs for Egypts Senate elections kicked off on Tuesday, with polling stations open in 14 governorates nationwide under heightened security and strict preventive measures amid the coronavirus crisis.

Some 174 senators representing different constituencies countrywide were officially named last month after securing most votes during the first round of elections, while 26 seats are still up for grabs in the run-offs on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Only 8.95 million out of 62.94 million eligible voters cast their ballots during the first round's voting in August, a total turnout of 14.23 percent.

Most seats were won by a pro-government coalition led by the Mostaqbal Watan Party, claiming, along with its allies, the majority in the newly reconstituted 300-seat upper house of parliament.

The remaining 26 seats, whose nominees failed to obtain the necessary absolute majority, are distributed over 14 governorates: Qalioubiya, Menoufia, Kafr El-Sheikh, Giza, Beni Suef, Assiut, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, Aswan, Damietta, Port Said, Ismailia and Marsa Matrouh.

In the first round, the pro-government Mostaqbal Watan Party won 118 (around 60 percent) out of the 200 contested seats.

The National Election Authority (NEA) said Mostaqbal Watan won 68 individual seats and 50 party list seats during the first round, with eyes on winning a majority in the run-offs.

Around 52 candidates will compete in the run-offs, of whom 24 are affiliated with Mostaqbal Watan, four with the Islamist Nour Party, three with the Guardians of the Nation Party, two with the People's Republican Party, one with the Congress Party, one with the National Movement Party, and one with the Ittihad (union) Party, according to the NEA.

The results are set to be announced on 16 September.

The Senate, which was created in accordance with constitutional amendments approved last year, will act as an advisory chamber to the House of Representatives. It will sit in place of the Shura Council, the upper house of parliament that was dissolved in 2014.

Two-thirds of the members are elected via the individual candidacy and the closed party list systems, and the rest will be appointed by the president.

The first session of the new body, where senators are required to be sworn in, is set to be held in October. The first five-year term of the Senate will end in 2025.

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The Lafayette chapter of the NAACP has joined the ACLU of Louisiana in calling for the censure of Congressman Clay Higgins after his social media posts threatening to shoot protesters. In a Facebook post accompanied by a photo of armed black men, Rep. Higgins Wrote, "One way ticket fellas, have your affairs in order, I'd drop any 10 of you where you stand." Lafayette NAACP Chapter President Marja Broussard says, in part, " We are very concerned with Representative Clay Higgins' threatening post, it is extremely inappropriate for a sitting member of congress to incite violence against blacks, to target peaceful protesters, and to abuse his power to encourage racism." The full release can be read below:

On September 1, 2020, Louisiana Rep. Clay Higgins incited violence against African-American citizens and threatened to shoot protesters. The Lafayette Parish NAACP and the ACLU of Louisiana are calling for the immediate censure of Rep. Higgins for threatening to cause harm and promote violence against protestors exercising their freedoms. Additionally, pursuant to Article I, Section 5, clause 2

, of the Constitution, a formal request has been filed with the United States House of Representatives, calling for the expulsion of Rep. Higgins for misconduct, violation of code of ethics, and gross abuse of power as an elected official. We are very concerned with Representative Clay Higgins threatening post, it is extremely inappropriate for a sitting member of Congress to incite violence against Blacks, to target peaceful protestors, and to abuse his power to encourage racism, says Lafayette Parish NAACP President Marja Broussard. The NAACP promotes and participates in lawful, peaceful protests and under the Constitution, citizens have both the right to exercise freedom of speech and to bear arms. We will not tolerate discrimination against minorities who also choose to exercise these freedoms which we are all entitled to, equally. Louisiana State NAACP President Michael McClanahan echoes President Broussards position; calling for his censure and an investigation into his comments. We are very concerned with Rep. Clay Higgins rhetoric about shooting persons who lawfully come into Louisiana, and who bear arms while here. It is a threat that the NAACP Louisiana State Conference takes seriously, and we will use all legal avenues to ensure that he is not unilaterally the judge, jury and executioner of persons exercising their constitutional rights. Rep. Higgins took an oath to protect the U.S. Constitution and the laws of this state. It appears he wasn't listening or wasn't in class. Lafayette is a community that is grieving and rightfully demanding justice, and such calls for change should never be met by racist threats or intimidation, said ACLU of Louisiana executive director Alanah Odoms Hebert. Representative Higgins racist and reprehensible threat to shoot protesters harkens back to the darkest days of racial terror in our country and should be publicly censured by the U.S. House of Representatives. Protesting injustice is a fundamental right and a cherished tradition thats been used by Americans of every generation to move our country forward and push for positive change. The people of Lafayette have a right to make their voices heard without fear of intimidation or arrest. The ACLU of Louisiana will continue to stand with all those demanding justice and an end to police violence against people of color. Presidents Broussard and McClanahan will continue to work with the ACLU of Louisiana and the Lafayette community to protect the rights of citizens and denounce violent responses against citizens by sitting members of the United States Congress.
Western New York had one of its best recent statistical days Monday in relation to the coronavirus.

So did area colleges.

The University at Buffalo reported only seven new positive diagnoses among its students. The total of confirmed cases for the entire month at SUNY Buffalo State is 12.

The region, which has had the highest daily positive test rate in the state for much of the last three weeks, had its lowest single-day rate over that same period for Monday's tests, according to data provided by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

Western New York was at 1% for its positive test rate, which reflects the percentage of tests that were positive for Covid-19.

"Better news for Western New York, well see where they are tomorrow," said Cuomo during a briefing Tuesday morning in New York City.

The governor did express a degree of caution because Monday was a holiday. Throughout the pandemic, testing totals are often lower and reporting of results are sometimes slower for weekend days and holidays.
The man who was shot and killed by San Antonio police last week had an extensive criminal history, including an arrest for allegedly attacking two people with a hammer in February.

Officers killed 61-year-old Major Carvel Baldwin Friday after he stabbed an officer in the face during a shoplifting attempt at H-E-B, San Antonio police said.

Baldwin had been arrested numerous times dating back to 1986. He had an active warrant for his arrest on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for an incident on Feb. 29 in which Baldwin allegedly sent two people to the hospital after he attacked both with a hammer. During that incident, police said Baldwin injured the first person while he was trying to get to the second.

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On Friday, police were called to the H-E-B at 2118 Fredricksburg Road for a shoplifting in progress. Police said Baldwin stabbed Corey Rogers, a San Antonio police officer in that face while he was being apprehended by Rogers with the help of the store's loss prevention officer, Michael Rios, and Roland Casillas, an off-duty Floresville officer.

Baldwin allegedly told police that he wouldn't "go back to jail" and put Rogers in a chokehold while attempting to slash his throat. Baldwin also attempted to stab Rogers in the chest but wasn't able to penetrate his protective vest and managed to stab Rios in the head as he dragged Rogers backward away from the other officers, using him as a human shield, SAPD said.

Rogers eventually got away from Baldwin's grasp. Police said the officers then shot and killed Baldwin, who continued to put up a fight.

Following the incident, District Seven City Councilwoman Ana Sandoval offered her condolences via Twitter for Baldwin's family. The H-E-B is located on the boarder of Sandoval's district, which she has served since 2017.

In a Facebook post following the tweet, the San Antonio Police Officer's Association said it was "surprised and concerned" by Sandoval's condolences to the family "of a suspect who threatened the safety of H-E-B staff and patrons and who then attempted to viciously murder a San Antonio Police Officer, for whom she only wished 'a speedy recovery.'"

"The rank and file demand an explanation for her sympathy towards an individual committing such an outrageous attack on a police officer," the association said, threatening to pull their endorsement for Sandoval.

READ ALSO: Officials ID suspected H-E-B shoplifter killed after allegedly stabbing officer

But the councilwoman is standing by her statement, telling KENS5 "At the end of the day someone died. If you are the parent, the mother, the child, you are probably suffering right now. That's what that statement was about. It was just about being compassionate."

"I can be concerned for the safety of our officers and the fact they went through a horrible attack like that, but I can also be concerned that at the end of the day someone was dead at an H-E-B parking lot," she added. "And the family of whoever that person is, is probably suffering right now."

Taylor Pettaway is a breaking news and general assignment reporter for MySA.com | taylor.pettaway@express-news.net | @TaylorPettaway

This story has been updated with clarifications.
A war of words has escalated between the state of Tigray and the federal government of Ethiopia, with a possible divorce looming between Tigray and the rest of the country

This week, the Regional State of Tigray in Ethiopia will hold its own elections in Mekele, the capital city of the founder of the modern federal system in the country.

Ethiopia, the second-most populous nation in Africa, should have held its sixth general elections this month. But the incumbent government under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed decided that the Covid-19 pandemic had made it hard for the nation to safely carry on with the process. He masterminded a controversial plan to postpone the elections by enforcing a self-extension for a year, or maybe more, for the incumbent government and presidents of the regional states until the virus no longer poses a threat to the nation of roughly 110 million people.

However, the pretext of Covid-19 has fallen on deaf ears in Tigray, whose leaders have asserted more than once that they will follow through with their schedule for their elections in a bid to preserve the constitutional order in the country.

A war of words has escalated between the Regional State and the federal government in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. In a stormy meeting of the cabinet of Tigray earlier this month, the leaders warned the House of Federation, Ethiopias upper chamber of parliament, against impeding or trying to sabotage the electoral process in the region. They reached the extent of making it clear that if the House of Federation passes a decision to suspend or put any other obstacle to the Tigray election, it is a declaration of war.

The regions cabinet said the prime minister of Ethiopia, together with the House of Federation, would be held accountable for any damage that could follow any decision to obstruct the process.

In response, the House of Federation, alone in charge of the interpretation of the countrys constitution, dubbed the process as unconstitutional. Aggravating the situation, the House said it would work on avoiding any social, economic and political harms that might be inflicted on the people of Tigray due to the reckless behaviour of its leaders.

The statement implied putting into effect the threat of the Ahmed-led government to cut federal funds from the region and hinted at the possible dark scenario of a federal military intervention to topple the current cabinet in Tigray. For this reason, the latter called on the people of the region to be prepared to ensure their imminent victory by blocking any interventions by the federal government.

In practice, the electoral process in Tigray is not a sign of defiance or a mere rejection of the Ahmed-led governments authority because it is another serious form of collision with the current regime in Ethiopia. It is an exercise of a constitutional right, enshrined in the countrys 1994 Constitution, to self-autonomy, under which the countrys ten regions can not only administer their own affairs, but can also proceed with secession should they wish to do so. So, the argument that the electoral process in Tigray contravenes the constitution seems to be a political statement rather than a defence of law and order.

Will Ahmed push the Tigrayan leaders to go ahead with that plan? Since Ahmed assumed office, he has been at loggerheads with the Tigrayans, particularly after he fired all their federal ministers and removed their senior leaders from the Ethiopian intelligence and military. Ahmed also turned a blind eye to a public campaign that demonised the Tigrayans, putting all the blame on them for their plight and for the current split in the nation over the ethno-federal system their godfather, the late Ethiopian prime minister Meles Zenawi, introduced in 1993.

Personal and political ambition should not, however, be excluded as a reason for the escalating tension between Ahmed and the Region of Tigray. When the less political ambitious Hailemariam Desalegn stepped down as prime minister of Ethiopia two years ago, against the backdrop of wide protests that originated in the Oromia Region and later engulfed the whole nation, Ethiopias former deputy prime minister Debretsion Gebremichael, the current president of the Region of Tigray, was looking forward to assuming the vacant office.

At a time when Tigrayans were sweeping up almost all the top and most-influential posts in the Ethiopian political system under Zenawi, it was believed that all the security apparatus in Ethiopia was directly reporting to Gebremichael, who was being either self-groomed or backed by his fellow Tigrayans to assume the office of prime minister. The reason was clear: to ensure that Zenawis Ethiopia continued to survive; that the Tigrayans political influence and financial and economic gains would not be depleted; and, most importantly, that the sense of Tigrays elitism would remain unchallenged.

These plans, to the dismay of the man himself and subsequently to his entourage, were just castles in the air, however, because the members of the now-defunct former-ruling Ethiopian Peoples Democratic Revolutionary Front (EPRDF) voted for a lesser-known political figure instead, whose ethnic affiliation was the main reason he was picked as prime minister. This figure, Abiy Ahmed, hails from Oromia.

The step was aimed to quell the protests and extinguish the fire that could have destroyed the very basis of the nation. Maybe on that occasion the Tigrayans thought they could continue to steer the course of Ethiopian politics from behind the scenes just as they had with the Desalegn-led cabinet. To their outrage, that plan did not work out either.

Even though picking an Oromo did manage to quell the Oromia-based rebellion, at least temporarily, ensuing events showed things under Ahmed going from bad to worse. It is true that he did introduce sweeping democratic reforms, and he did free the press, though the situation now is cast in the same mould as under Zenawi with a continuing crackdown on journalists and the shutting down of opposition media outlets.

Ahmed initiated a peace agreement with Eritrea after accepting the return of Badme, a border town adjacent to Tigray, to Eritrea, a step that infuriated some Tigrayan ultranationalists who believe in a Greater Tigray as they hold the view that their Region sustained the most damage during the two-year border war in 1998.

But Abiys tragic flaw has been that he has not been able to solicit the needed support from the Ethiopian Regions, particularly from the politically seasoned Tigrayan leaders, at least willingly. The last straw was surely the dissolving of the ruling EPRDFs coalition into a single party, the Ethiopian Prosperity Party. This heightened the fears of a small ethnicity like the Tigrayans, who make up less than six per cent of the population, of being devoured by the larger ethnicities, particularly the Oromo and Amhara.

No matter how the incumbent government under Abiy Ahmed responds to the Tigray elections, it is crystal clear that divorce is looming between the former hub of the modern Ethiopian polity, Tigray, and Ethiopia as a whole, triggering turmoil that could lead to domino effects elsewhere in the country.

*The writer is a former press and information officer in Ethiopia and an expert on African affairs.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 10 September, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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The pandemic will probably push countries including the U.S. to pressure companies to localize production of crucial health products such as protective gear. But moves to reconfigure supply chains have been under way since at least 2011, when the tsunami in Japan and floods in Thailand put a new focus on managing risks to production and diversifying suppliers. The so-called China+1 sourcing strategy, adopted by many companies that had relied solely on the mainland for their supply chain, accelerated during the trade war. U.S.-owned factories did leave China, but they moved to other low-cost countries rather than to Americas industrial heartland. For example, the U.S. has increasingly turned to Mexico for electrical machinery and to Vietnam for toys, furniture and footwear.
The Indianapolis Recorder will host a virtual town hall with the Indianapolis Coalition for Community School Partnerships to discuss best practices in student academic and basic needs.Dont Go it Alone: Leveraging Community School Partnerships for Equity will be 2:30 p.m. Sept. 22, at facebook.com/IndyRecorder and is sponsored by the Efroymson Family Fund and Optimist Business Solutions.

A Community School is an equity strategy that organizes community supports for student success, strengthening families and neighborhoods, Jim Grim, co-founder of the Indianapolis Coalition, said. When schools draw upon the vast resources of their communities  health and dental care, mental health services, social/emotional supports, tutoring and mentoring, out-of-school-time programming, nutrition, family engagement strategies, housing access and careers pathways among them  the very conditions for learning are collectively implemented.

Joy Mason, chair of the Indianapolis Coalition for Community School Partnerships, will moderate the discussion.

Panelists are:

Barato Britt, Director of the Edna Martin Christian Center

Neal Gore, Communities In Schools Coordinator for Harrison Hill Elementary School

Dr. Monica Medina, Clinical Associate Professor, IUPUI School of Education

Dr. Matthew Prusiecki, Superintendent of Decatur Township Schools

The discussion is available on both Facebook and Zoom. To watch on Facebook, click here. To RSVP on Zoom, click here.

You may submit questions for the panel in advance by sending them to Oseye Boyd at newsroom@indyrecorder.com or by posting questions on the Recorders Facebook page.

kid smiling at computerJose Luis Pelaez Inc
MILAN - Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio on Tuesday expressed concern for the situation in the eastern Mediterranean.



''We are following with concern the situation in the eastern Mediterranean, we have said several times that we give all our solidarity to Cyprus and Greece but we share with Spain the fundamental idea of supporting the attempt by the High representative of the European Union to reduce tensions and start dialogue between the sides'', Di Maio told reporters at Milan's prefecture, together with his Spanish counterpart Arancha Gonzalez Laya.



''We are strongly convinced that solutions must be found on the exploitation of energy resources to create conditions of stability and security in the area'', the minister added.
Balukh was found in the morning of September 8 and taken to a hospital.

Ukrainian film director and former political prisoner Oleh Sentsov has said former Kremlin prisoner Volodymyr Balukh was beaten in the capital city of Kyiv.

Balukh was found in the morning of September 8 and taken to a hospital, Sentsov wrote on Facebook.

Read alsoUkraine's FM calls on UN to multiply efforts toward release of Ukrainian political prisonersAccording to Sentsov, Balukh is conscious. He has a broken arm and collarbone. There is no threat to life.

The details of the incident are being clarified.

Who is Balukh
After decades of lobbying successive Queensland governments the ancient practice of Torres Strait Islander adoption has been legally recognised for the first time in Australia.

The Labor government's 2017 election promise to acknowledge the traditional practice in law was finally delivered in the final parliamentary sitting week of Annastacia Palaszczuk's second term in office.

Ivy Trevallion cried tears of joy when the traditional adoption bill was passed in Queensland. Credit:Lydia Lynch

Under the practice of "Kupai Omasker", Torres Strait Islander children can be adopted by relatives or members of the community for a range of reasons including equal distribution of the sexes among families and to give an infertile relative the chance to be a parent.

Without legal recognition of the adoption practice, newborns in the Torres Strait were registered under their biological surname name or not given a birth certificate at all which has a number of practical and cultural implications.
Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu on Tuesday alleged the AAP's plan to use oximeters to check people's oxygen levels can be a strategy to "promote" the further spread of coronavirus in the state. According to a statement, Sidhu said repeated use of oximeters by multiple people without proper sanitisation may lead to the community spread of the infection. This can be be a game-plan of the Arvind Kejriwal's party, he said. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on September 2 had said AAP workers will check oxygen levels of people in Punjab's villages.

Slamming AAP, Sidhu further warned people that the party was misleading them "just as they had done in Delhi" where the coronavirus situation is critical with all 11 districts of the national capital among the country's 35 worst-affected areas. The use of the same oximeter by more than one person without sanitisation can lead to further spread of COVID-19, he warned. He said the opposition party was promoting oximeters as a medicine or vaccine of the contagion while the fact is that it simply helps detect oxygen levels in a person's body. Perhaps, their strategy is to promote the further spread of the pandemic in Punjab in order to persuade people to believe it to be a failure of the state government, he warned. Perhaps, their strategy is to "promote the further spread of the pandemic" in Punjab in order to make people believe that it is the government's failure, he said.

The disinformation campaign, which seemed to be deliberately spread by the Aam Aadmi Party to further their petty political interests in Punjab is highly dangerous, the minister said. It can trigger a huge risk of infecting more people and perhaps even triggering a massive community spread in the rural areas, he said. AAP's strategy to spread misinformation in Punjab has been completely exposed, with at least one of their party activists arrested for allegedly making a false video on organ harvesting and testing viral on social media, said Sidhu. Kejriwal's announcement on AAP workers going around villages with oximeters was aimed at further compounding the party's vicious campaign, he alleged, adding that the party should focus on managing COVID-19 in Delhi. Delhi's crisis was worsening by the day but AAP is so busy indulging in dirty politics in Punjab, he said.

The minister said despite Delhi having lesser population in comparison to Punjab, the number of deaths and active cases there was higher, exposing the total mismanagement of the COVID crisis by the Kejriwal government.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said that a little more than 20% of the funds were spent from the Fund for Combating COVID-19, and funds from other programs that were taken from it will be "gradually opened."

"First of all, a little more than 20% of the COVID fund has been spent. The means were taken from other programs for COVID fund to keep us calm. And we said that we would gradually open some means that will be associated, at least with hospitals, with certain other programs. As for some roads on which funds were spent, then, firstly, and it is true, there are some important infrastructural projects. For example, you need to get to some hospitals, therefore, a lot of money was spent on roads. For example, you need to get to some hospitals, and a lot of money has been spent on roads that lead to support hospitals or schools, and this needs to be done," he said at a briefing on Tuesday during a working trip to Zhytomyr region.

Zelensky also noted that billions are spent monthly from the COVID Fund to support Ukrainian citizens, pensioners, and people who do not receive their salaries.

"At state-owned enterprises during the COVID period, people receive wages, miners receive wages when everything is stopped in the world now, both exports and imports have dropped," he said.
A young Vietnamese fan of the Dark Knight spent 10 months and over $20,000 building his own functional Batmobile.

Nguyen Dac Chung, a 23-year-old architecture student from Hanoi had always dreamed of driving his very own Tumbler, the iconic Batmobile showcased in Christopher Nolans The Dark Knight trilogy, and last year he decided to make his dream a reality. He poured 10 months of work and over 500 million VND ($21,700) of his own money into this project and he now has his very own life-size, functional Tumbler. Although its only 90 percent complete, Nguyen Dac Chung has already been attracting attention on Hanois street and has been featured by major Vietnamese news outlets.

The home-made Batmobile is powered by a four-cylinder, 400 cc engine and can reach a top speed of 100 km/h. The suspension system consists of 4 front shock absorbers and 2 rear shock absorbers, and the car spoiler can be adjusted thorough a pneumatic system.

Unlike the movie version of the Tumbler, Dac Chungs vehicle doesnt use a jet engine exhaust, but does retain the iconic shape of the original. For functional purposes, it has a motorcycle exhaust.

On the inside, the Batmobile has enough room to fit two people comfortably, but its nowhere near as impressive as the Dark Knight Tumbler. Nguyen Dac Chung admits that he still has lots of work to do on the interior, especially the lighting, but adds that his vehicle is still a work in progress.

To build his dream car, the Vietnamese student used both domestic parts, but also components imported from the US and South Korea. The tires for example, could only be found overseas.



Apart from studying architecture, Dac Chung is also an entrepreneur (he manages his own cosplay production company) and used the profit of his business to finance his Tumbler project.
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Coronavirus is wreaking havoc on schools, stores, businesses and events. With in-person concerts, talks, comedy shows, food festivals and other gatherings cancelled, we have turned our events column into a "nonevents" column. It will remain this way as long as social distancing and stay-at-home orders are in effect.

During this difficult time, please consider contributing to your local arts organizations or to individual artists and performers.

Check out live folklorico music and dance (from a safe distance). Listen as Chuck Palahniuk discusses his newest book. Listen to top journos talk about the state of media in America. Take a walk bathed in L.A.'s neon lights. Take advantage of dining and shopping deals at The Grove.

Tuesday, Sept. 8; 6:30 - 8 p.m.



Chuck Palahniuk's The Invention of Sound in Conversation w/ Pamela Adlon

Palahniuk returns with a chilling new book. It's about a father searching for his daughter, a young woman who has a secret, and the "commodification of suffering and the dangerous power of art." Palahniuk will talk with writer, director and actor Adlon. Dynasty Typewriter hosts the online discussion via Zoom.

COST: $5 - $60.13; MORE INFO

Tuesday, Sept. 8; 6 - 7:30 p.m.



In Conversation: Animation Creation

Groundlings alumna and Peabody Award-Winning writer Deanna Oliver (Casper, The Brave Little Toaster, Animaniacs, Curious George) takes part in a virtual conversation about the animation industry with Groundlings main company member Annie Sertich (Silicon Valley). A Q&A session with attendees follows. The session will be held over Zoom and proceeds will help support the Groundlings Theatre & School, which is a nonprofit organization.

COST: $25; MORE INFO

The last installment of the Racism is a Public Health Issue series focuses on ways that essential workers deal with inequality. (Courtesy of LACMA)

Tuesday, Sept. 8; 4 p.m.



Essentially Forgotten: How COVID-19 Impacts Frontline Workers

The third and final conversation in the series Racism is a Public Health Issue looks at ways that essential workers deal with inequality. They often face inadequate safety measures, low wages, lack of health insurance and little job security. Panelists include activist Dolores Huerta, artist Narsiso Martinez, Jess Morales Rocketto of the National Domestic Workers Alliance and Care in Action and Gabby Seay of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. The panel, which takes place via Zoom, will be moderated by Chon Noriega, director and professor, UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center.

COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO



(Kelsey Knight/Unsplash)

Wednesday, Sept. 9; 5 p.m. PDT



Pairings With Beth Bowen & Eric Sanders

This virtual gallery experience features artworkz by Beth Bowen and Eric Sanders paired with wine. Moderated by Resin gallery owner Rafael McMaster, the artists discuss their newest pieces and processes. During the talk, Italian wine purveyor Mister Vino chats about the wines chosen to go with these artworks. To place a wine order, text 310-770-3710 with the code "Pairings Wine Request."

COST: FREE (wine extra); MORE INFO

Wednesday, Sept. 9; 5 p.m. PDT



Media and Our Present Moment

ALOUD at the Central library presents an online conversation that explores how the media shapes our individual experiences during these historical times. Panelists include journalists Yamiche Alcindor (PBS NewsHour), Sewell Chan (Los Angeles Times) and Brooke Gladstone (NPR's On the Media).

COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Wednesday, Sept. 9; 2 p.m.



Song of Los Angeles

The L.A. Opera's at Home series features a big show from the talented kids attending this year's virtual vocal camp. Expect stories of hope and resilience inspired by their elders and various communities in the City of Angels.

COST: FREE; MORE INFO

USC Annenberg and KPCC In Person presents its second panel discussion on the future of local news. (KPCC)

Wednesday, Sept. 9; 1 - 2 p.m.



The Future Of Local News (Part 2)

The three-part series from KPCC and USC Annenberg continues with a panel discussion that examines how local media can address the information needs of diverse communities. KPCC director of community engagement Ashley Alvarado is joined by Outlier founder and executive editor Sarah Alvarez, LA Taco editor-in-chief Javier Cabral and USC Annenberg adjunct lecturer and LA Times audience engagement editor Adriana Lacy to address strategies for amplifying community voices and the ways support more diverse--and relevant--newsrooms. RSVP for viewing link.

COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO

Wednesday, Sept. 9; 6 - 7 p.m. PDT



John Cleese in conversation with Judd Apatow

Live Talks LA presents the two comedy minds discussing Cleese's new book, Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide. The British comic, actor and writer of Monty Python, Fawlty Towers and A Fish Called Wanda, shares his key ideas about creativity: That it's a learnable, improvable skill.

COST:$25 includes a signed book (shipping included); MORE INFO



Wednesday, Sept. 9; noon PDT



Celluloid Space: Hollywood's Cold War

The Wende Museum welcomes author and educator Tony Shaw for its latest lunchtime lecture. Shaw, professor of History at the University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, discusses film and propaganda during the Cold War between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. RSVP for Zoom link.

COST: FREE; MORE INFO

This livestreamed comedy and talk show is animated in real time, airing weekly on Thursday nights. (Courtesy of Jack In)

Thursday, Sept. 10; 9 p.m. PDT



Jack In

The live comedy show takes place weekly on Twitch with real-time animated hosts Barnard Morrisonberg (voiced by Dave Ciaccio) and his sidekick Meeps (Gary Petersen). They welcome comedians and other characters. The show is also available on Facebook.com/JackInShow and @JackInShow on Instagram.

COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Thursday, Sept. 10; 11 a.m. PDT



The Importance of Equitable Inclusion: Amplifying Latinx Art, Artists, and Culture

Several local museums and arts organizations have teamed to form the Latinx Arts Alliance, which launches its programming with an online panel discussion about the importance of equitable representation. Panelists include Raul A. Anaya, president of Business Banking and Market President, Greater Los Angeles for Bank of America; John Echeveste, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes CEO; Lourdes I. Ramos-Rivas, Ph.D., MOLAA president & CEO; Betty Avila, executive director of Self Help Graphics & Art; Carlos Rogel, SPARC executive director; and Norma Fabian Newton, board member of the Vincent Price Art Museum. Juan Devis, CEO of KCET + PBS SoCal moderates.

COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO

Watch folklorico -- pandemic style -- at The Muck in Fullerton this week. (Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles)

Thursday, Sept. 10; 7:30 p.m.



Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles

The Muckenthaler Cultural Center

1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton

The Muck's weekly drive-in series continues with a performance by noted Mexican American folk dance company Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles. Tickets must be purchased online and in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door. To ensure a safe evening, audience members are required to wear masks anytime they leave their vehicles.

COST: $30; MORE INFO

Thursday, Sept. 10; 6:30 p.m. PDT



RISK! Livestream Online Show

Kevin Allison (MTV's The State) hosts a night of unbelievable true stories from David Thill, Ria Spencer, Sophia (Phern) Brown and Yasmine. RSVP for the Zoom link.

COST: $15; MORE INFO

The Museum of Neon Art in Glendale offers neighborhood neon sign guides that are free to download off its website. (Passion Leica via Creative Commons/Flickr)

Ongoing



Light Walks

Although the Museum of Neon Art remains closed, it has created four new, self-guided walks you download for free from its website. Take a stroll and check out the neon sights of Echo Park, West Hollywood, East Hollywood, Koreatown and Glendale. The lights of these neighborhoods reflect L.A's early history, evangelism, rock'n'roll, gentrification, police corruption and immigrant success.

COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Le Jardin at The Culver Hotel has reopened for outdoor dining. (The Culver Hotel)





Dine & Drink Deals

Who doesn't miss going out to eat or stopping by a bar for a drink? Here are a few options from restaurants and bars as we work our way back toward normal.
The Boucher Nissan of Greenfield Parts Department is a great option for do-it-yourself individuals or those that like to do their own automotive projects.

Nissan cars, trucks, SUVs and vans have a much-deserved reputation for reliability, durability and longevity. In order to ensure that a Nissan vehicle is performing at an optimum level and lasts for many more years, its beneficial to use high-quality Nissan parts when doing service work. Boucher Nissan of Greenfield offers great deals on Genuine Nissan parts during September 2020.

The Boucher Nissan of Greenfield Parts Department caters to Nissan owners that like to do their own automotive maintenance and repairs. It's also aimed at people that enjoy doing their own automotive projects. With its knowledgeable automotive technicians and a massive selection of parts, Boucher Nissan of Greenfield can help customers find the parts that they need. Also, if a desired part is not currently in stock, the dealership can make a special order for customers.

Boucher Nissan of Greenfield offers parts for all types of Nissan vehicles, including the Frontier, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Kicks, Pathfinder, Murano, LEAF, NV Cargo Van, NV200 Compact Cargo Van, NV Passenger Van, Maxima, Altima, Sentra, Versa, 370Z, GT-R, TITAN and TITAN HD. In addition to Greenfield, the Boucher Nissan of Greenfield Parts Department serves customers from many other cities in Southeastern Wisconsin. This includes Milwaukee, West Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, West Allis and Oak Creek.

Boucher Nissan of Greenfield also has a top-notch service center. It offers a wide array of services, including oil and filter changes, electrical service, transmission and coolant flushes, battery replacement, muffler and exhaust repairs, headlights and wipers maintenance, brakes adjustment and replacement, alignment work, exterior/interior detailing and much more. Customers are encouraged to take a look at the money-saving service and parts specials at the dealership.

For more information about Nissan parts at Boucher Nissan of Greenfield, automotive customers can visit the dealerships website at http://www.bouchernissangreenfield.com, call (800) 709-6857 or visit in person at 4141 South 108th Street in Greenfield.
Officials with a Conroe-based nonprofit accepted a grant last week that will help the nonprofit purchase a walk-in freezer to help with growing food demand during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Compassion United Executive Director Luke Redus and Assistant Director of Compassion Uniteds Food Pantry Morrisa Collom accepted the $13,300 donation Friday.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many being without work, our numbers have greatly increased dramatically, Collom said. Since January we have served 3,718 households. This number does not include the various mobile food pantries we have hosted in collaboration with the Montgomery County Food Bank.

Typically, we serve between 350-400 households a month. Anywhere between 1,300 to 2,050 individuals.

Currently, Collom said, the facility has seven upright freezers and chest freezers and three refrigerators to store food.

Having a walk-in will better allow us to not only get more product but will allow us to hold different products with the available space, such as milk, she said. We have found this to be a tremendous need in the community we serve.

Redus said the grant is critical for the organization. Compassion United has been serving the poor, homeless, youth, addicted and afflicted of Montgomery County since 2006. Through outreach, relief and empowerment initiatives, the organization has seen hundreds of people come out of homelessness.

We are so thankful for our relationship with Montgomery County Food Bank, and we are humbled to receive this grant, he said. This increased capacity will enhance our ability to better serve our community. We live in such an amazing county. Incredible agencies such as the Montgomery County Food Bank and Compassion United are part of what makes it so special.

Food bank director Faith Lane said the food bank is happy to partner with Compassion United.

Montgomery County Food Bank was able to provide the organization funds to purchase a new walk-in cooler that will more than double the amount of frozen and perishable product they are able to receive and distribute. We look forward to continuing this work together, serving Montgomery County, Lane said.

The pantry was started in June of 2015 by Will Richards and Paul Collom. The pantry is named after Pat and John Terry, who ran a local pantry for many years.

cdominguez@hcnonline.com
One of the park district counselors supervising the kids said that she saw Duda about 15 minutes before he was found unresponsive, and that the child was holding on to the edge of the pool and did not have his water wings on, according to trial testimony. She told him to get out of the pool and testified she saw him begin to leave.
The Australian Financial Review's Michael Smith (L) and the ABC's Bill Birtles. (Courtesy of ABC/Supplied)

Australian Journalists Pulled From China Over Security Concerns

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Australian Financial Review (AFR) have pulled two correspondents out of China after a diplomatic stand-off between communist authorities left the journalists sheltering at diplomatic missions until they could be evacuated.

The journalists, Bill Birtles from the ABC and Mike Smith from the AFR, arrived back in Australia on Tuesday morning after spending five days under the protection of consular staff after Chinese officials banned them from leaving the country, Reuters reported.

Chinese regime officials knocked on the doors of both Birtles, who was stationed in Beijing, and Smith who was stationed in Shanghai, after midnight on Wednesday last week telling them to submit for questioning about detained Australian Chinese television anchor Cheng Lei.

Australias Foreign Minister Marise Payne confirmed the news in a media statement: The Australian embassy in Beijing and Consulate-General in Shanghai engaged with Chinese authorities to ensure both journalists wellbeing and return to Australia.

Those Australians have now arrived in Australia, Payne said.

Birtles and Smith were only allowed to leave China after they submitted to separate one-hour interrogations by Chinas secretive spy agency, the Ministry of State Security.

Birtles, who was told he was being questioned about a national security case, noted he was not asked once by officials from the Ministry of State Security about his reporting.

The ABC reported that diplomatic officials in China warned Birtles to leave the country early last week. The ABC reported that it moved to bring Birtles home after it received a second prompt by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

However, Chinese authorities acted before Birtles could get out of the country.

Upon arriving back in Australia, Birtles told the ABC it had been a whirlwind, saying: Its a relief to be back in a country with a genuine rule of law.

That said, he did note that it was disappointing to have had to leave under the circumstances.

Mike Smith told the AFR on Tuesday that he was happy to be home after the five-day ordeal, which included communist officials entering his residence at 12:30 a.m. on Thursday morning last week to question him.

The late-night visit by police at my home was intimidating and unnecessary and highlights the pressure all foreign journalists are under in China right now, said Smith.

AFR editor-in-chief Michael Stutchbury and editor Paul Bailey said in a statement: We are glad Mike Smith, our correspondent who has been based in Shanghai for two and a half years, and Bill Birtles from the ABC, have made a safe return to Australia this morning.

This incident targeting two journalists, who were going about their normal reporting duties, is both regrettable and disturbing and is not in the interests of a co-operative relationship between Australia and China, they wrote.

ABC News Director Gaven Morris said in a media statement on Tuesday that they had brought Birtles home because of advice from the Australian government but noted they aimed to return staff to China as soon as possible.

The story of China, its relationship with Australia and its role in our region and in the world is one of great importance for all Australians, and we want to continue having our people on the ground to cover it, said Morris.
A Swiss federal commissioner announced Tuesday that a US-Swiss programme aimed to protect personal information exchanged between the two countries doesn't go far enough, and has downgraded the to rank it as a country deemed to have inadequate

Federal and Information Commissioner Adrian Lobsiger, in a new policy paper, recommends that Swiss companies or government should disclose personal data to the US only if safeguards are put in place to protect people from prying US authorities.

Lobsiger's paper follows a regular review of the three-year-old US-Swiss programme known as Privacy Shield, and his recommendations follow similar concerns expressed by EU authorities about an alleged lack of privacy protections in the

is not an EU member, but often mirrors or lines up with the positions of the 27-member bloc that all but surrounds the wealthy Alpine country.

In July, the EU's top court ruled that the bloc's own Privacy Shield program with the US was invalid because the American government can snoop on people's data.

The ruling complicated business decisions for some 5,000 companies including tech giants and financial firms.

The EU court ruling followed a case brought by Austrian activist Max Schrems, who complained about the handling of his Facebook data.

In his paper, Lobsiger determined the should be categorised as providing inadequate data protection, a downgrade from its earlier classification of the US as adequate in certain conditions."



The US is now placed alongside countries like Russia, China, Cuba, Japan and most African and Latin American states. Most European countries are deemed to have adequate protections.

The recommendations do not have the force of law, but could factor into decisions by corporate chiefs or government officials about whether to share private information about Swiss residents and citizens. Only a court would have final say.

Lobsiger said Swiss residents and citizens do not have sufficient enforceable legal rights in the US and pointed to a lack of transparency in the US ombudsman system - raising questions about the ombudsman's power and independence.

He said safeguards were lacking in the United States, and said hoped-for improvements in the U.S. didn't come about.

The Privacy Shield program focuses on data exchange between businesses and guarantees provided by US authorities on protecting personal data transferred between the countries, notably involving the mass collection of non-US citizens' data for the purposes of anti-terrorism measures and national security, the paper 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.)
The Jigawa State House of Assembly has reintroduced a law on child rights act after it was repealed in 2012 because it said it did not follow due process before enactment.

Earlier, the lawmakers said the law was repealed due to inadequate input from citizens and ambiguous sections that needed explanations. Also, the bill, a domestication of the Federal Act, was signed into law by the then secretary to the state government (SSG), which was not the right procedure.

Nigerias constitution authorises the state governor or his deputy, in an acting capacity, to sign the law into being. This is the major reason why the child rights act was repealed by the state House of Assembly.

The lawmakers, on Thursdays plenary, said the reintroduction of the bill would guarantee childrens right to education, health, freedom from exploitation, sexual abuses, and the survival and development of these children.

The Speaker, Idris Garba, said the bill is a part of the executive bill approved by the executive council meeting forwarded to the house for deliberation and possibly re-enactment.

The bill, which was read by the House majority leader, Habu Muhammad, was seconded by the member representing Roni constituency, Alhassan Alto-Roni.

Mr Muhammad said the law, if domesticated in Jigawa, would eliminate and prohibit all forms of violence against persons and to provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders.

The lawmaker said the bill will also provide for the welfare and protection of children from violence, neglect and maltreatment in the state.

While commenting on the development, the states director, Village Development Initiative, Lawal Abdullahi, said, though the law is a national law, it was amended to suit Jigawas culture and religious context.
Fidelity Bank Ghana, a leading Ghanaian bank, has partnered with SWIFT, the global provider

of secure financial messaging services to adopt Global Payments Innovation (gpi) service, making cross-border payments faster and easier for customers.



The industry-first initiative will enable real-time tracking of cross border payments by Fidelity Bank customers as well as providing end-to-end traceability to facilitate accuracy on the status of cross-border remittances.



Edward Opare-Donkor, Deputy Managing Director, Operations and Support Functions of Fidelity Bank Ghana, said, We are proud to be the first bank in Ghana to adopt SWIFTs gpi service to provide additional value to our customers. This high-valued service will improve our customers ability to track cross-border payments or transactions in real-time, with maximum transparency.



Nearly 50% of all gpi payments are credited to end-users within 30 minutes and over 90% within 24 hours he said. SWIFT gpi provides tracking capability with its unique end-to-end transaction reference (UETR) code.



Aaron Ameyaw, Head, Corporate & Transactional Banking Operations, Fidelity Bank Ghana, said, The adoption of the SWIFT gpi service demonstrates our commitment to innovation and providing customers with bespoke digital solutions in banking transactions. The gpi service will improve the payment experience of our clients, offering them smooth, safe, secure and friction-free transfers.



Olivier Lens, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, SWIFT said Since its launch, SWIFT gpi has been widely adopted as the new norm in cross-border payments by the global financial community, dramatically improving customer experience. SWIFT gpi will enable Fidelity Bank Ghana to provide increased speed, transparency and end-to-end tracking to their customers.



As we pursue our journey to enhance trust and reliability of cross border payments, we continue to develop value added services on top of gpi to make cross-border payments as fast, seamless, secure, cost-efficient and accessible as domestic payments.



Fidelitys partnership with SWIFT forms part of the Banks Together Were More brand promise that views success as a collaborative effort between itself, customers and the general public. Truly, Fidelity has demonstrated that by working together with their customers, they can collectively achieve greater things.

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.

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New Delhi: In the latest development in Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut vs the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the civic body has filed a caveat against her.

Kangana took to her social media handles and shared the copy of the reply by her lawyer Rizwan Siddiqui to the BMC notice on the demolition of her property in Mumbai.

My Lawyer @RizwanSiddiquee has replied to @mybmc notice hope they hold on to their plans of demolishing the property... pic.twitter.com/tToaBQ0tG0  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 8, 2020

Later, she updates fans and wrote: Now @mybmc has filed a caveat against me, really desperate to break my house, I deeply love what I built with so much passion over so many years but know that even if you break it my spirit will only get stronger .... GO ON

Now @mybmc has filed a caveat against me, really desperate to break my house, I deeply love what I built with so much passion over so many years but know that even if you break it my spirit will only get stronger .... GO ON ... pic.twitter.com/7MQRQ5h0qO  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 8, 2020

Kangana got into trouble after her controversial Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (Pok) remark on Twitter against Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's threat. She tweeted accusing Raut threatening the actress to not return to Mumbai if she has no faith in the police.

The actress has been naming and shaming several big Bollywood celebrities for fanning nepotism and recently in the drug conspiracy related to Sushant Singh Rajput case.

On Monday, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) granted Y category security to Kangana. Sources told Zee News that seven policemen will take care of Kangana's security. Officials of CRPF, Intelligence Bureau and Himachal Pradesh Police arrived at Kangana's Manali home on Tuesday to chalk out plans of the actress' security ahead of her visit to Mumbai on September 9.
Donald Trump once shrugged at the prospect of Melania leaving him over his alleged infidelity, used Ivanka to charm men during business deals, criticized Tiffanys looks and thought Don Jr. had the worst f***ing judgement, according to Michael Cohens new book.

The Presidents former personal lawyers new book Disloyal contains details of Cohen acting as Trumps fixer and dealing with numerous claims of infidelity against Trump.

Cohen claims Trump wasnt bothered about Melania's reaction to his alleged cheating and acted as though his third marriage was 'just another deal'.

Trump allegedly told Cohen: I can always get another wife. Thats no problem for me, if she wants to go, so be it.

Other details in the book claim that Trump boasted about using Ivanka as a honey trap to distract businessmen because they cant think straight when theyre around her.

He also raged at Don Jr. and threw him out of his office for resurfaced big-game hunting photos and gossiped about Tiffanys looks with Ivanka.

Donald Trump once shrugged at the prospect of Melania leaving him over his alleged infidelity. Trump allegedly told Cohen: I can always get another wife. Thats no problem for me, if she wants to go, so be it

Other details in the book claim that Trump boasted about sending in Ivanka to close out business deals, using his eldest daughter as a honey trap to distract businessmen because they cant think straight when theyre around her

Cohen worked as Trumps fixer for more than a decade, once saying he would take a bullet for his boss.

But they fell out after Cohen was arrested by the FBI for paying porn star Stormy Daniels $130,000 in hush money weeks before the 2016 election.

Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison for campaign finance violations and other crimes but was released a year into his sentence this summer and put on house arrest due to the coronavirus.

In Disloyal: A Memoir: The True Story of the Former Personal Attorney to President Donald J. Trump, Cohen writes that in 2007, makeup artist Jill Harths ex-husband approached the National Enquirer claiming that she was harassed and sexually assaulted by Trump in 1993.

Cohen got Jill to sign a statement saying the claims were false and made the story go away, but it would re-emerge during Trump's Presidential run.

The Presidents former personal lawyers new book Disloyal contains details of Cohen acting as Trumps fixer, dealing with numerous claims of infidelity against Trump

Cohen was tasked with going to Melania and explaining how Harth and Trump were denying the claims, but he knew he was on shaky ground.

Recounting the conversation, he writes they performed a game of kabuki theater.

The book says: Each of us was aware of the deception but following an unwritten rule that we wouldnt acknowledge that reality.

All the while I could tell she knew I was lying. But she knew. She knew everything, but she didnt do what most wives would do and insist on the whole story.

In 2011 the Stormy Daniels allegations first came on Trumps radar and Cohen was tasked with making it go away.

He recounts a conversation with Trump when the future President said: Im sure Melania isnt going to take this well.

Dont forget Im married to an Eastern European woman. They dont play around when it comes to this kind of stuff.

Once they had silenced Daniels, Trump looked at a picture of her and bemoaned the fact that the producers of The Apprentice, which he was hosting at the time, wouldn't invite her on as a guest.

Trump said: Man, she would have been great for ratings. And great for me.

Cohen countered: Not if Melania found out.

Cohen writes that he knew Trump would corner pretty women in his office and forcibly kiss them as they recoiled.

When allegations emerged in 2016 that Trump had sexually assaulted makeup artist Jill Harth (pictured) back in 1993, Cohen claims Trump wasnt bothered about Melania's reaction

In 2011 the Stormy Daniels allegations first came on Trumps radar and Cohen was tasked with making it go away. He recounts a conversation with Trump when the future President said: Im sure Melania isnt going to take this well. Dont forget Im married to an Eastern European woman. They dont play around when it comes to this kind of stuff

He writes that Trump would grab women by the cheeks and pull them towards him and kiss them plum on their lips.

As Cohen writes: His attitudes came from a different era, more like the Rat Pack of the 1950s and he never took seriously the need to respect women.

If he ever got caught cheating and Melania threatened to leave him he wouldnt be upset or hurt at the loss, and I suspect she knew it. The relationship was just another deal, plain and simple.

I can always get another wife, Trump told me. Thats no problem for me, if she wants to go, so be it.

The Daniels affair exploded into public when reports explained Cohens role in the payments to her.

Cohen writes that he got a phone call from Trump and Melania was put on the line.

He writes: Melania didnt sound pleased to be on the phone. I knew Mrs Trump well and I could tell instantly from the tone of voice that she had been compelled to participate in the call.

As I droned on about the Daniels affair, I was interrupted by the First Lady. I know all of this, she said curtly. I stopped talking, shaking my head.

It was evident to me she didn't believe the story or want anything further to do with the transparent lies the President was childishly attempting to tell her via me. As usual with the Trumps when this kind of subject came up the First Lady changed the subject'.

After hanging up a friend who was next to Cohen the whole time asked if he thought Melania believed him. Cohen said: Not a chance.

Disloyal features eye-popping anecdotes about Trumps anger towards Don Jr, dating back to the mid 2000s when he oversaw their failed venture into the mortgage market, Trump Mortgage LLC.

Disloyal features eye-popping anecdotes about Trumps anger towards Don Jr, dating back to the mid 2000s when he oversaw their failed venture into the mortgage market, Trump Mortgage LLC. Trump fumed that Don Jr. has the worst f****** judgement of anyone I have ever met

Trump was outraged that Don Jr had been fooled into putting E.J. Ridings in charge of the project because he had cast himself as a highly qualified mortgage broker.

In fact hed only worked three months at Morgan Stanley, the investment bank and had only worked six days as an actual broker.

Trump fumed that Don Jr. has the worst f****** judgement of anyone I have ever met.

Trump didnt want to share his name with a loser if thats what his son turned out to be, Cohen writes, noting that Don Jr was written off as gullible.

On a flight to Green Bay, Wisconsin in 2009 for Trump to film an appearance on WWE Raw, Don Jr. asked his dad: Are you nervous?

Trump went ballistic and said: What kind of a stupid f****** question is that? Godd**n it. What a stupid thing to say - to put that thought in my head.

Don Jr. loved going hunting and loved being in Montana where he could be far away from his father.

He even hated real estate but eventually Trump gave him an ultimatum: work for the family business or be cut off entirely, Cohen writes.

After the tirade on the flight Cohen asked Don Jr if he was okay and he said of his father: We have a tortuous relationship. Its not the first time and it wont be the last.

Another flare up happened during the Presidential campaign when photos resurfaced of Don Jr. shooting an elephant and boasting of enjoying hunting.

The headlines were brutal and Trump was furious.

He screamed at his son: What the f*** is wrong with you? You think youre a big man with a $10,000 gun sitting on the rocks and then boom!

You kill some f****** animal? Why the f*** would you post photos like that? You think youre a f****** big man? Get the f*** out of my office.

Another flare up happened during the Presidential campaign when photos resurfaced of Don Jr. shooting an elephant and boasting of enjoying hunting. The headlines were brutal and Trump was furious. He screamed at his son: What the f*** is wrong with you? You think youre a big man with a $10,000 gun sitting on the rocks and then boom!'. Pictured: Don Jr. in 2012

Trump raged: 'You kill some f****** animal? Why the f*** would you post photos like that? You think youre a f****** big man? Get the f*** out of my office. Pictured: Don Jr (left) with an animal's tail and Don Jr. and Eric Trump pose with a dead leopard they killed in Zimbabwe 2012

Trump used other members of his family to help his real estate business, especially his daughter Ivanka.

Cohen writes that when Trump wanted somebody to bend to his will he would 'often have me send Ivanka to take the meeting with a married man who the boss figured would be susceptible to her charms.

Trump said of this tactic: They cant think straight when theyre around her, unbothered by the fact they were twice her age.

They cant keep their eyes off her, Trump would say.

But these tactics turned Trumps children against each other and Trumps daughter Tiffany was called the red-haired stepchild by his other children.

One time Tiffany wanted Trump to call Anna Wintour to ask for an internship at Vogue, the magazine she edited.

Cohen writes that Trump said to Ivanka: I dont think Tiffany has the look. She just doesnt have what you have, honey.

Ivanka replied: I agree, daddy. She just doesnt have the look is the right way to say it, daddy.

Trumps eldest children were united, however, on the effect of his election campaign kick off speech where he called Mexicans rapists.

His children were mortified and horrified and Cohen notes that racist, reactionary, anti-Hispanic werent exactly the terms that Ivanka Trump wanted associated with her clothing line.

One time Tiffany wanted Trump to call Anna Wintour to ask for an internship at Vogue, the magazine she edited. Cohen writes that Trump said to Ivanka: I dont think Tiffany has the look. She just doesnt have what you have, honey. Ivanka replied: I agree, daddy. She just doesnt have the look is the right way to say it, daddy

Cohen writes: Finally, in desperation, the three older kids came to my office to ask me to talk to the boss and convince him to drop out of the campaign before it totally destroyed the familys reputation, name and brand. Their social position and legacy were being flushed down the drain, they knew, but there was nothing they could do to stop their father.

Ivanka said: MC, youve got to get dad to stop the campaign. Its killing the company.

Don Jr. said: If he keeps this up you'll be named CEO of the Rump Organization. Were losing millions.

Cohen said: This is your dads company. No one can change his mind on anything. I certainly dont like his position on Hispanics but what can be done?

But when Cohen spoke to Trump about the concerns of his children, he said: I dont care. Let them cancel the events. This is more important than all the events.

Among the other claims in the book is that despite courting evangelicals, Trump was pro-abortion.

Cohen claims Trump told him Planned Parenthood was the way poor people paid for contraception.

Commenting on the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, the Saudi-American Washington Post journalist who was dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018, Trump offered little sympathy.

Cohen also writes about Trumps deep hatred of Barack Obama, which festered long before Trump decided to run for president. According to Cohen, Obamas election victory of 2008 was a cataclysm for Trump

Donald Trump and a Barack Obama lookalike are seen in the 'Faux-Bama' parody described in Michael Cohen's new book

He said: What the f*** do I care? He shouldnt have written what he did. He should have shut the f*** up.

Cohen also writes about Trumps deep hatred of Barack Obama, which festered long before Trump decided to run for president.

According to Cohen, Obamas election victory of 2008 was a cataclysm for Trump.

He writes there are no words to describe Trumps hatred and contempt for Barack Hussein Obama - always all three names and always with a disdainful emphasis on the middle.

The book says: Trump didnt despise Obama. It was much, much stronger than that. I figured that Obama was the only person on the planet whom Trump actually envied - truly, madly, deeply.it drove Trump out of his mind.

After Obama gave his address at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, in the same place as John F Kennedy in the 1960s, Trump went from incandescent to sputtering, spittle flecked fury as he watched Obama talk about freedom and ridding the world of nuclear weapons and turning back the rising seas by fighting global warming.

Cohen said: Youve got to admit hes a great orator.

Trump yelled back: F*** him.

Cohen said: Hes obviously very smart.

Trump, who had run a campaign questioning whether Obama was born in the US, screamed back: Hes a f****** phony.

Hes a Manchurian candidate. Hes not even f****** American. F*** him.
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Venice, Italy  Tue, September 8, 2020 21:02 499 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c438a158 2 Entertainment Gia-Coppola,YouTube,Venice-Film-Festival Free

Her grandfather Francis Ford Coppola made "The Godfather", so it's hardly surprisingly that family plays an outsized role in Gia Coppola's life and her blossoming career as a director.

As the niece of Sofia Coppola -- who directed "Virgin Suicides" and "Lost in Translation" -- Gia Coppola spent a chunk of her childhood on her aunt's sets.

And it clearly rubbed off.

Screenings for "Mainstream", her satire on YouTubers and the often toxic culture of social media influencers, booked out at the Venice film festival before you could say click to subscribe.

And for once the festival's hottest ticket did not disappoint, with a mesmerizing performance by British actor Andrew Garfield as a charismatic drifter who becomes an online sensation.

Read also: Don't call me an actress, says Cate Blanchett

'Victim to validation'

Made from the gut, and using YouTubers' own graphic tricks and emojis -- the female lead vomits broken hearts when her boyfriend cheats on her -- Coppola said she felt compelled to recount what she was witnessing around her.

"A friend of mine was representing influencers and I just couldn't get it. She said there are so mainstream but mainstream doesn't get it yet," Coppola told AFP.

"These people have millions of followers and a huge impact. I was a curious about the power these people can hold.

"All of these questions about how we are victim to validation through likes and what constitutes popularity were floating in my head" as she wrote the script, she added.

"Do we want to come together or are we just going to be selfish and bullying?" she asked.

"There was a lot of feeling alien in the current cultural climate, and where do you fit on social media," the 33-year-old said.

'Fun to work with family'

Garfield is no relation to Coppola but it sometimes feels like everyone else involved in the movie is somehow related in one way or another to Hollywood royalty.

Maya Hawke, the eldest child of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, is the film's heart, a struggling Generation Z bartender trying to break through as a YouTuber.

After she chances on Garfield, the star of Netflix's "Stranger Things" gets a helping hand from an online svengali played by Jason Schwartzman (Coppola's cousin, and son of "The Goldfather" and "Rocky" stalwart Talia Shire, nee Coppola).

Coppola's mother, Jacqui de la Fontaine, did the costume design.

"It's fun to work with your family, especially Jason," Coppola told AFP, who roped in a bunch of the Kilmer clan for her well-observed 2013 debut film, "Palo Alto".

"We are making small films and we want to make a little family out of it," added the director, whose friend Autumn Durald was behind the camera for both movies.

Like "Palo Alto", set in the California town that gave the world some of Silicon Valley's biggest names, "Mainstream" could be taken a parable of what happens when a good girl meets a bad boy.

"It is an old story for women, but it's true. When you love someone and you want to be loved, and you let go of your morals and your instincts to put your energy into someone. When that person is dangerous, that gets scary," she said.

Coppola insisted this was not drawn from her own life. "I really don't have experience of dangerous charismatic men, but I like those sort of characters on film.

"'Palo Alto' felt like a coming of age story of your teens and this to me feels a coming of age story of your 20s," she added.

"I am not making movies for movies' sake. It is where I was at in my life. I can only work with things that I'm connected to."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippine, September 7)  President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday granted "absolute pardon" to US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton after serving less than six years in detention for killing Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude.

He was set to be released early after a local court on September 1 credited Pemberton more than four years worth of good conduct time allowance (GCTA) a privilege given to detainees who exhibit exemplary behavior in prison. The court said Pembertons accumulated jail time already exceeded 10 years due to his good behavior. But this was challenged by the lawyer of the Laude family by filing a motion for reconsideration, questioning the computation and basis of GCTA credits awarded to him.

The appeal delayed the release of the convicted American national.

Duterte said it is unfair to keep Pemberton detained pending appeal resolution, arguing it is not Pemberton's fault there is no proper record of his exemplary behavior while he was alone in a special detention cell in Camp Aguinaldo.

"You have not treated Pemberty fairly so I will grant for his release. Pardon... There is a time where you are called upon to be fair, be fair," he said during his weekly address to the nation. "It is not the fault of Pemberton na hindi na na-compute because we should allow him the good character presumption kasi wala namang nag-report na Marines na nagsabi nagwawala siya."

[Translation: You have not treated Pemberty fairly so I will grant for his release. Pardon... There is a time where you are called upon to be fair, be fair. It is not the fault of Pemberton that his good conduct was not computed properly. We should give him the presumption of good character because the Marines did not report that he misbehaved. ]

Duterte said he informed Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra before he announced his decision.

Guevarra said the President's decision was made independently, without external pressure. He added that even outgoing US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim was surprised with the news when he arrived in Malacanang on Monday night for his farewell call. He said Duterte simply saw that the presumption of good conduct was on Pemberton's side since there is no proof he misbehaved in detention.

"I saw that the presidents decision to grant pardon to Pemberton was solely his own. No one prompted it," he said in a message.

The Department of Justice was slated to file a motion for reconsideration this week to oppose the Olongapo Court's release order, but it was preempted by the granting of absolute pardon.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the former counsel of the Laude family, said the pardon erases questions on whether Pemberton is qualified for good behavior credits.

"No more issue/question if he's entitled to GCTA. Wala nang issue kung applicable ba sa kanya yung batas dahil hindi siya nakulong sa national penitentiary. Binura na po ng Presidente kung ano pa yung parusa na dapat ipapataw kay Pemberton. Ang hindi po nabura ng Presidente yung conviction ni Pemberton, mamatay tao pa rin siya," he said.

[Translation: No more issue/question if he's entitled to GCTA. There is no more issue whether the law applies to him because he was not detained at the national penitentiary. The President erased any additonal punisments that may be given to Pemberton. What the President did not erase was Pemberton's conviction, he is still a killer.]

Pemberton has served a total of 2,142 days or over five years and ten 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.

The Court of Appeals initially sentenced Pemberton up to 12 years of imprisonment, but this was later reduced to a maximum of ten years.

In an interview with CNN Philippines' News Night, Pemberton's lawyer Rowena Flores said the President's decision was a surprise, adding that she did not make a representation to Malacanang for the pardon.

"I'm very happy with this development, and I thank our President for his pardon," she said. "I think with this development, justice is served and that the laws were followed."

Flores said Pemberton would have to meet certain requirements first before he can leave the country, including clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation.

Several senators, such as Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senators Panfilo Lacson and Imee Marcos, backed the President's decision.

However, the President of the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers, Edre Olalia, said the decision was "unbelievable," adding it was timed to "pre-empt the possibility of any other adverse result to his case."

"What makes it even more atrocious is that his entitlements and liberty were apparently politically bartered through an onerous and servile military agreement. What cheap price sovereignty and national dignity," he said in a statement on Monday.

Integrated Bar of the Philippines President Domingo Cayosa said while the President's move was unexpected, the Constitution gives Duterte the privilege to grant pardon.

He said there are three exceptions to this executive power: if the offender is being impeached; if the criminal case pertains to election offenses, in which the President would need the Commission on Elections recommendation; and if the offender is not yet convicted with finality.

"The case of Pemberton does not fall into any of these exceptions, so the power of the President can be exercised," he told CNN Philippines.

In October 2014, Laude was found dead in an Olongapo City motel room after a night out with then 19-year-old Pemberton. Laude's neck was blackened with strangulation marks, head rammed into a toilet, after Pemberton learned that she was transgender.
Editor's note: Public affairs commentator, Shehu Abbas, writes about the recently concluded Niger state PDP congress, warning that any attempt to change the authentic results of the exercise by the electoral officers in charge of the exercise, will spell doom for the party in the north-central state.

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The last has not been heard about the fraudulent attempt to unseat the already elected and sworn in chairmen and local government excos in the Niger state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Prince Uche Secondus and the current National Working Committee (NWC) despite their shortcomings have nurtured PDP from the brink of collapse during the Ali Modu Sheriff saga to an opposition party that is giving a good account of itself.

In his first general election in charge as chairman, the prince from Rivers state led the party to an outstanding performance leading the party to victory in many APC controlled states including Kano which was later stolen in a rather bizarre manner.

File photo of PDP chieftains in Niger state. Photo credit: @iamumarnasko

Source: Twitter

The philosophy of Secondus all through has been to field the strongest candidate which emerge via a transparent process as witnessed during the presidential primaries in Port Harcourt the Rivers state capital. Under the Secondus-led PDP 'jaguda' primaries which was the trademark of the PDP in the past has all but disappeared, because military-style sanity was brought into the process, thanks to Colonel Austin Akubundu, the party's national organizing secretary.

Unfortunately, the last few weeks has seen many of the gains made by the NWC eroded. From Ondo to Bayelsa and Niger, the story is the same, as attempts are made to return the party to its dark days when those that win primaries wake up only to see their opponents who have conceded announced as winners.

As if to justify the recent tag placed on it by Governor Nyesome Wike as tax collectors, the party has surrendered the duty of conducting its activities to scam artists and individuals with questionable character who make a mockery of the system disqualifying aspirants for a pot of soup.

The action of Honourable Ajibola Muraina in recent times shows that he lacks the capacity to carry out certain assignment given to him. Combining him with Senator Isah Misau to conduct a sensitive assignment was a tragedy waiting to happen.

Many of us are wondering why an electoral panel will refuse to follow the rules and guidelines by entering results and leaving behind copies of the filled result sheet a flagrant violation of the PDP electoral guidelines. Why will an electoral panel sneak out of the state in the middle of the night if there was no sinister plot?

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There are also INEC reports and police reports authenticating the congresses where they held. We know for certain, for example, that the Divisional Police Officer in Agaie spoke to Senator Misau and confirmed to him that the congress could not take place in Agaie local government area, but Senator Misau is now attempting to write results for the same local government area.

If PDP wants Nigerians to take them seriously they must sieve the characters that they assign for sensitive assignments and start creating a blacklist for bad eggs.

PDP stands a very good chance of sending APC to the gallows because of the shambolic performance of Governor Sani Bello of Niger state, but they should forget about it if they tamper with the results of the PDP congress as the stakeholders have resolved to fight the NWC to stand still should officials already sworn-in are asked to vacate for those who never won elections.

As we watch the drama in Niger state PDP unfold, observers believe the actions of the PDP in the next few days will determine whether the party remain as one united family or split into fragments.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Legit.ng.

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PDP storms UK Embassy, demands President Buhari's resignation | Legit TV

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Premier Doug Fords cabinet will determine next week whether to appeal a court decision that the governments mandatory gas-pump decals are unconstitutional.

Progressive Conservative sources confirmed to the Star on Tuesday that ministers will meet to discuss the issue at Queens Park on Sept. 16.

In a blow to the government, Mr. Justice Edward Morgan of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled the stickers, which attack federal carbon-pricing measures, violated the Charter rights of business owners.

Morgans 17-page decision came after the Canadian Civil Liberties Association launched a legal challenge that argued the stickers violated business owners Charter rights.

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, the judge wrote in a ruling 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, he said.

The civil liberties association went to court because it felt that forcing gas stations to post the messages was a form of compelled political expression.

Rickford  whose 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 was a cornerstone of the judges decision  has been coy on the governments next steps.

In a statement Friday, he said 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.

On Tuesday, Rickfords office would only say: We respect the decision of the courts. We do not have any further updates at this time.

Senior officials, speaking on background in order to discuss internal deliberations, said the matter must go to a full cabinet meeting next week.

The controversial Tory-blue stickers, unveiled last year, read the federal carbon tax will cost you. But they do not mention the offsetting federal carbon rebates families receive.

Some 25,000 were manufactured  at a cost to taxpayers of $4,954  and they are frequently vandalized.

The decals have had adhesive problems and been criticized by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce after the Tories initially said scofflaws would face fines of up to $10,000 a day for not posting them.

Opposition parties are urging the government not to appeal Morgans ruling.

Appealing this Superior Court decision would be another waste of money, another attack on Ontarios environment, and another attack on peoples constitutional rights, NDP MPP Peter Tabuns (Toronto Centre) said Friday.

Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca noted Doug Fords stickers didnt stick  and now a court has struck them down.

Deputy Green Leader Abhijeet Manay said the court had revealed what we knew all along: the Ford government is wasting taxpayers money playing politics with the climate crisis.

The stickers were part of a $30 million campaign by the provincial Tories to blast federal carbon-pricing measures, including a court challenge, and an advertising blitz.

Robert Benzie is the Stars Queens Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie

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Global trade enabler DP Worlds flagship Jebel Ali Port welcomed HMM GDansk, one of the worlds largest container vessels, which is now on the return leg of her maiden international voyage between the Far East and Europe.

Jebel Ali is the only port in the Arabian Gulf region connected to the arterial FE3 (Far East 3) loop with the ability to accommodate mega vessels, a statement said.

HMM GDansk is 400 metres long and has a capacity of 24,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent container units). The vessel and its crew led by Captain Hyungik Cho were welcomed by DP World UAE Region, and other officials from Jebel Ali Port.

The landmark mega carrier arrived from DP Worlds London Gateway at the port before sailing to Singapore, her next call in a journey that began in Busan, South Korea on 29 June, with calls at Yantian, Hong Kong, Hamburg, Rotterdam and Antwerp.

Jebel Ali is one of the few ports on the Gulf that can accommodate mega vessels with the capability to handle ten at a time. It has a total handling capacity of 22.4 Million TEU and the visit underscores its capability as the regions premier gateway port on the Asia-Europe sea trade route.

Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, said: We are honoured to welcome HMM GDansk and her crew, who are steadfastly plying the global shipping routes to keep essential trade flowing. Its something we could closely identify within DP World, especially as our teams kept critical supplies such as food and medicines moving smoothly through Jebel Ali during the recent lockdown. The port call by one of the largest container carriers is a testimonial to Jebel Alis true strength and capacity.

Our early investment in digital technology and automation ensured we faced minimal disruption at Jebel Ali Port. We employ todays frontline technologies like robotics, automation, Internet of Things, Big Data, virtual reality and cybersecurity to build and sustain our efficiencies. This has underpinned our capabilities as an essential economic service at a time when our customers need us most.

As an integrated multi-modal hub offering sea, air and land connectivity, complemented by extensive logistics facilities, Jebel Ali Port plays a vital role in the UAE economy. It is a premier gateway for over 80 weekly shipping services, connecting more than 150 ports worldwide.--TradeArabia News Service
BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- A group of visitors were attracted to the booth of Ireland decorated in Irish green, where they tasted Irish whisky, at the ongoing 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing.

The 2020 CIFTIS, which kicked off on Friday, is the first major international economic and trade event held both online and offline by China since the COVID-19 outbreak.

Five Irish companies are attending the event offline, while seven others are going online, according to the Irish embassy in Beijing.

Xia Xiaojun, manager of Greater China division of Novaerus, an Irish company providing air disinfection technology, said the COVID-19 pandemic has raised the market's awareness of air disinfection and purification to a new level.

Novaerus hopes to bring its technology into China, said Xia, adding that attending the trade fair has enabled the company to find new customers, which provides opportunities for the company to better manage and develop its business.

The six-day event, one of the world's largest and most comprehensive fairs for trade in services, has launched a digital platform to allow foreign delegates to tour the fair virtually and trade online.

In Dublin, online exhibitors are looking for discovering more business opportunities through the fair as the pandemic has dealt a hard blow to global economy.

Patrick Leonard, chief executive of Smartline, a Dublin-based startup engaged in automation of design services, said China has many large projects underway and the Chinese market is big with a large manufacturing base, which provides a good business opportunity for companies like Smartline.

The fair also shows that China is willing to make globalization more open and inclusive, he said.

Finbarr Cleary, vice chairman of Ireland China Science and Technology Association (ICSATA), said the cloud stand set up by his organization had already received over 300 page views as of Friday, ranking No. 12 in the overall e-stands section.

As a non-profit organization registered in Ireland, ICSATA has been engaged in promoting collaboration between Ireland and China, particularly in areas of technology, trade, culture and education, Cleary said, adding that he believes the CIFTIS platform will enhance business exchanges between the two countries.

Cork County Council, another virtual exhibitor, aims to promote tourism of the county.

"We decided to exhibit at this particular conference because we are very aware that there is a growing market in China and many Chinese people are travelling outside China, particularly into Europe," said Sharon Corcoran, director of Economic Development and Tourism with Cork County Council.

"We would be delighted to welcome Chinese visitors and we know that they wouldn't be disappointed by what they find when they come to Ireland," she added.

Chinese visitors are of growing significance for the Irish tourism industry. Last year, an estimated 100,000 Chinese people visited Ireland, according to Tourism Ireland, and it expects the number to double to 200,000 in 2025.
What makes a company great to work with isnt simply the paycheck it offers. Yes, it might be one of top three deciding factors, but its almost never the sole reason that makes it desirable to thousands of people. Instead, what sets great companies apart from their competitors depends on how they treat their employees.

Why else do you think that one of the top questions candidates ask their interviewers is related to the work culture of the company? Positive work culture and employee-friendly policies often tend to play a far greater role in influencing an individuals decision to join a company.

 Pexels

Thats something which can even make people willingly take a slight paycut in order to reap those benefits at work. Why, because a great paycheck can only add to your bank balance, it doesnt guarantee work satisfaction and motivation or even happiness and peace of mind.



Lately, some companies have introduced great, progressive policies which show that the company genuinely cares for its employees and here are seven such companies in India that are worth mentioning.

1. Google - Three-Day Weekend

 Twitter g1

Google became the envy of many corporate executives following its announcement officially declaring a three-day weekend for its employees as well as interns, in order to ensure collective wellbeing of its employees amid an ongoing pandemic which has affected peoples physical and mental health in one way or another. What a move, Google!



2. Gozoop & WeWork India - Mental Health Leaves

 BCCL

Mumbai-based Gozoop was the first Indian company to introduce Mental Wellness Leaves for its employees, which makes an employee entitled to five mental health leaves every year with the recommendation of a professional psychiatrist or psychologist.



WeWork India too had introduced the provision of an Out-of-Office (OOO) email template which was aimed at promoting the employees to use it if and when they needed a mental health break. The email read that if the employee wishes to get a break from work to rejuvenate, adding that their work will be handled by ____ during their absence.

3. Culture Machine & Zomato - Period Leaves

 Youtube - Zricks(dot)com

In 2017, Culture Machine became the first Indian company to introduce First Day of Period Leaves (FOP Leave) for its female employees. The company earned accolades from thousands of women who had thanked the company for acknowledging womens troubles with dealing with periods and making an effort to make things smoother for them. Recently, Zomato was also in the news for having announced that the company will now be offering 10 period leaves to its employees.



4. SAP Labs India - Entrepreneurship Leave

 editorji(dot)com

In 2016, SAP Labs India announced that according to their revamped policies, employees could set out on realising their entrepreneurship dreams with an assurance of getting back their job in the company if their venture fails. Before these changes were introduced, SAP used to allow employees to take unpaid leaves of up to two years for personal reasons or higher education.



5. Adobe India - Career Break/ Work Sabbaticals

 Facebook Adobe India

Work burnout is a real thing and can not only affect an employees productivity but also their quality of work. In order to prevent employees from losing their spark and ultimately their focus and commitment towards the job, Adobe India offers an extensive Sabbatical Program for employees to help them relax and rejuvenate. Employees who have completed at least five years with the company are eligible and can avail at least 4 weeks off the first time, followed by an extra week in the next and so on.



Cool, right? Were sure there are many more companies who are involved in doing great work for their employees and offering some really valuable benefits. If you happen to be such a lucky employee or know of a company who needs to be on the list, let us know below.
When we get towards the end of the coronavirus crisis, our leaders will have some serious thinking to do. Obviously, they must work out a fix for the economy and get debt under some sort of control. However, there are also other big issues the pandemic has highlighted, and when it abates, we must not lose sight of them.

The most serious is the woefully inadequate national approach to aged care, which needs massive and urgent reform. That part politicians are happy to talk about, but what they wont discuss is how enormous the change to our society will be in order to embrace the difficult reality of old age and who is going to pay.

The pandemic has highlighted a number of health issues facing Australia. Credit:Glenn Hunt

The part that worries me most is what we are doing to prepare for an Alzheimers disease pandemic. I get cold sweats thinking about my children coming to visit me if I get it. Alzheimers is not a pandemic that will land overnight like coronavirus, but if we don't prepare it will deliver both moral and economic bankruptcy in the same package.

The cold hard facts are that more than a million Australians are likely to die with some type of dementia, and we can hope that fewer than a thousand Australians will die of COVID-19. However, we seem to care about a thousand times more about COVID-19. The cost of inaction may end up being similar, but the Alzheimers crisis will make its effect felt over decades; the decades when we are still trying to repair the budget from 2020.
Downing Street today urges Brussels to 'get real' and accept Britain is an 'independent country' as Brexit talks restart and negotiations descend into acrimony amid warnings time is running out to do a deal.

Lord Frost, the UK's chief negotiator with the EU, said the two sides 'can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground' in the deadlocked discussions to secure a trade deal before the UK leaves at the end of the year.

He said: 'We need to see more realism from the EU about our status as an independent country.'

The Prime Minister yesterday vowed 'not to back down' as his government prepares legislation to effectively override the Withdrawal Agreement thrashed out at the end of last year and its provisions for Northern Ireland.

And leaked diplomatic cables shows unease among European officials over the UK's hardline stance, suspecting Johnson of holding off on a compromise until the last minute to secure a compromise more advantageous to Britain.

Senior Conservatives also warned the Prime Minister last night that his plans to back down from the withdrawal agreement were a 'dangerous step' that could make a no-deal Brexit more likely.

The One Nation group of moderate Tory MPs, which met last night, is said to be alarmed by the strategy, according to the Times.

One of the MPs said: 'This would clearly have some real issues in terms of our status as a country. If we breach an international agreement it will affect our ability to do deals with others. The ramifications of doing this are serious.'

Meanwhile, unease is growing among backbench Conservatives, with some criticising No 10's plans to pass legislation that could limit the need for customs checks in the Irish Sea.

Boris Johnson has led the UK's hardline stance on Brexit, as a fresh round of negotiations resumes today

The UK government is pushing through legislation that could effectively override the Withdrawal Agreement thrashed out at the end of last year.

The laws will unilaterally resolve crucial issues in the Northern Ireland protocol - including deciding what goods require customs checks between mainland Britain and the province.

Ministers say that the changes are essential to avoid 'confusion' if there is no settlement by the end of the transition period in December.

However, Brussels insists that under the divorce deal those details can only be finalised by a joint committee.

As the dramatic move risked crashing today's make or break round of talks in London before they even start, Lord Frost's EU counterpart Michel Barnier warned that 'respecting' the Withdrawal Agreement was a 'precondition' for settling the future relationship.

Downing Street has sought to increase pressure on the bloc in recent weeks, and it appears to have provoked a reaction, according to messages sent to EU capitals from Brussels, seen by the Guardian.

Mr Johnson's apparent refusal to make compromises on major issues such as fisheries and state aid in order to gain an eleventh-hour 'trade-off' has been described as 'concerning' by EU chiefs, who say details won't simply be ironed out over a phone call.

There are also fears from Brussels that Home Secretary Priti Patel is opening her own separate talks on internal security as she prepares to meet ministers from the EU's five biggest states later this month.

European Commission leaders have urged diplomats not to agree to any proposals made in those discussions which could potentially affect the wider negotiations.

Anti-EU press coverage, which Downing Street is accused of driving, and a strong British stance on fishing demands are also included in the cables.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned that 'respecting' the Withdrawal Agreement was a 'precondition' for settling the future relationship

Speaking ahead of the latest round of talks, Lord Frost said: 'Today, I will sit down with Michel Barnier and drive home our clear message that we must make progress this week if we are to reach an agreement in time.

No-deal could exacerbate health crisis, medical leaders warn The health service could be overwhelmed by a no-deal Brexit, senior medical leaders have warned Boris Johnson. In a letter to The Times, doctors' leaders, hospital managers and mebers of the UK pharmaceutical industry said that a failure to strike a deal with the EU could jeopardise the health of patients in both Britain and Europe. A combination of a no-deal, winter health issues and the coronavirus crisis could cause huge problems, the letter explained, with potential shortages of medicines as well as coronavirus testing capacity. The letter was written by the Brexit Health Alliance, made up of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry and the group representing senior NHS leaders. Niall Dickson, co-chairman of the alliance and chief executive of the NHS Confederation, wrote: 'Failure [to reach a deal] will result in industry, the NHS, research organisations, public health and regulators having to make significant adjustments to prepare for the end of the year. 'Given the expectation that additional pressure on the health and social care system created by Covid-19 is likely to continue into and past the winter of 2020 (a time when the service is stretched each year) we expect the sector to continue to experience a significant burden and risk being overwhelmed.' Advertisement

'We have now been talking for six months and can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground.

'We need to see more realism from the EU about our status as an independent country.'

He said the UK's position derives from the 'fundamentals of being a sovereign state' and called for the EU to 'fully recognise this reality'.

'If they can't do that in the very limited time, we have left then we will be trading on terms like those the EU has with Australia, and we are ramping up our preparations for the end of the year,' Lord Frost added.

The Prime Minister, meanwhile, is expected to tell leaders the divorce deal is 'contradictory' and needs to be thrashed out again to protect the UK, according to the Telegraph.

Mr Johnson fears Northern Ireland would be left isolated from the rest of the union under the current agreement, described as 'legally ambiguous', and that certain details were not foreseen when an agreement was initially struck last year.

A government source told the paper: 'The protocol is contradictory in some respects  it talks about protecting the EU single market but also giving Northern Ireland unfettered access to the UK market. You can't have both.

'Without a trade deal, all goods passing from the mainland to Northern Ireland would be subject to tariffs, because they would be classed as being 'at risk' of being sold on to the EU market.

'Even though traders could later claim back the money by proving the goods didn't leave the UK, the administrative costs would be considerable.'

The Prime Minister's official spokesman also said the Government was proposing 'limited clarifications' to the law to ensure ministers can preserve the gains of the Good Friday Agreement in the event of no deal.

The Internal Market Bill to be tabled on Wednesday will ensure goods from Northern Ireland continue to have unfettered access to the UK market while making clear EU state aid rules, which will continue to apply in Northern Ireland, will not apply in the rest of the UK.

In addition, an amendment to the Finance Bill will give ministers the power to designate which goods going from Great Britain to Northern Ireland are considered 'at risk' of entering the EU single market and are therefore liable to EU tariffs.

Ahead of the talks, Britain's top negotiator, Lord Frost has urged Brussels to 'get real' and accept Britain is an 'independent country'

The Prime Minister's spokesman said discussions were continuing with the EU to resolve the outstanding issues relating to the Northern Ireland protocol, intended to ensure there is no return of a hard border with the Republic once the transition is over.

He said the legislative changes were a necessary 'safety net' in the event that they were unable to come to an agreement.

But European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen warned there could be no backtracking by the UK on its previous commitments if it wanted to reach a free trade agreement.

'I trust the British Government to implement the Withdrawal Agreement, an obligation under international law and prerequisite for any future partnership,' she said.

'(The) protocol on Ireland-Northern Ireland is essential to protect peace and stability on the island and integrity of the single market.'

Ireland's foreign minister Simon Coveney warned that abandoning the agreement would be 'a very unwise way to proceed'.

Mr Barnier said he would be seeking clarification about the UK's plans.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen warned there could be no backtracking by the UK on its previous commitments if it wanted to reach a free trade agreement

He told French radio that honouring the Withdrawal Agreement was 'a pre-condition for confidence between us because everything that has been signed in the past must be respected'.

It comes after Mr Johnson had earlier stoked tensions by declaring he will walk away from trade talks in five weeks unless the EU 'rethinks' its demands, saying that would still be a 'good outcome'.

The PM said there was 'no sense' in allowing faltering trade talks to continue beyond October 15, when EU leaders are due to hold a major summit in Brussels.

Mr Johnson said there was 'still an agreement to be had' but he 'cannot and will not compromise on the fundamentals of what it means to be an independent country to get it', such as the freedom for the UK to set its own laws and fish its own waters.

Meanwhile, business leaders have stressed the importance of a Brexit deal in speeding up Britain's economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Josh Hardie, deputy director general of the CBI, told the Guardian: 'Amid all the noise and negotiations, businesses in the UK and EU remain clear  a good deal is essential.

'An agreement will be the foundation for post-Covid recovery across the continent.'
New York

Five people, including a 6-year-old boy and his mother, were shot early Monday at an unofficial celebration of J'Ouvert, a daybreak event that typically marks the start of Carnival in Brooklyn but was canceled this year because of the coronavirus.

The gunfire erupted shortly before 3 a.m. at the crowded intersection of Nostrand Avenue and Crown Street in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, according to police. The boy was shot in his left leg and taken to Kings County Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The mother, 47, and three men  all adults  were also shot in either their feet or legs and were hospitalized.

Investigators remained uncertain Monday about how many shooters were involved. Terence A. Monahan, chief of detectives of the New York City Police Department, said on Twitter on Monday morning that two men had been arrested in connection with the shootings and that two guns had been recovered. Monahan added that the investigation was "in its early stages and is ongoing."

Video obtained by the New York Post shows scores of people marching through the streets, some playing musical instruments, when shots rang out. The video then shows people fleeing or taking cover behind lampposts. One person can be seen collapsing against a fence, presumably wounded, aided by police and passersby.

One of the victims, Kelly Barthold, 34, said in an interview Monday that he was on a sidewalk moving with the J'Ouvert crowd when he heard a gunshot.

"When they start shooting, I run," Barthold said. He added that he heard a second shot, kept running and then the gunshot hit him. The third bullet he heard knocked him to the ground, he said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines Life)  World War II ended 75 years ago on September 2, when Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri. In his speech, General Douglas MacArthur, supreme commander of the Allied Forces, recalled how the Japanese succumbed to its imperialist aspirations:

But alas, the knowledge thereby gained of Western science was forged into an instrument of oppression and human enslavement. Freedom of expression, freedom of action, even freedom of thought were denied through appeal to superstition, and through the application of force.

Today, MacArthurs warning is eerily resonant. Myths of supremacy still drive nations to exclude and take advantage of others. Tyrants create cults of personality to rally their base and oppress their enemies.

MacArthur was himself prone to such delusions. Historian William Manchester called him the American Caesar, extolled for his genius and bravery, but fatally flawed in his hubris and ambition.

Here in the Philippines, where collective memory of the war is quickly fading, MacArthurs legacy remains steadfast. He is best known for making and keeping his promise to Filipinos: I shall return. This earned the respect and adulation from the people, who even named him then as Defender and Liberator of the Philippines.

Recently, the Intramuros Administration held an online event with historians to discuss MacArthurs mixed yet enduring legacy. Here are five controversies you probably didn't know about the general.

Quezon, MacArthur, and the $500,000 payment

Manuel Quezon was so sure of winning the presidency in 1935 that he asked his long-time friend MacArthur a year prior to beef up the Philippines national defense. Ricardo Jose, professor at UP Dilimans Department of History, said that MacArthur probably saw the post as an adventure, having already reached the heights of military service as Chief of Staff. It was also a homecoming of sorts for the general, who started his military career in the country in 1903.

MacArthur, who requested Quezon for adequate living quarters, was given the luxurious penthouse suite of the Manila Hotel. (The room is still available for guests.) The two were even compadres, acting as godparents to each others sons.

But just as world war became more imminent, MacArthur was suddenly hard to reach for Quezon. Jose said that MacArthur was probably distracted, spending more time with his family and watching movies. This frayed ties between the two, as Quezon sought counsel from other officers of the Philippine Army and Major Dwight Eisenhower, MacArthurs chief aide.

MacArthur and Quezon would later reconcile after Japans surprise attack on the Philippines. Quezon even gave MacArthur a payment of $500,000 for his services to the Commonwealth. While legal, this proved to be controversial as American officers were generally prohibited to take money from foreign governments. Jose believes that Quezon was trying to make amends to MacArthur and was also probably trying to get MacArthur to call for more US aid. Quezon made similar offers to Eisenhower, who refused, and to MacArthurs chief of staff General Richard Sutherland, who accepted.

MacArthur's return to the Philippines almost didn't happen. MacArthur (photo center) and the Allies had to first claw their way back up and defeat the Japanese forces in New Guinea. Photo from the US ARMY/PUBLIC DOMAIN

Caught unprepared?

MacArthur assured Quezon that the Philippines can be defended in the event of war, given proper funding. Despite this assurance, some have blamed MacArthur for the Filipinos lack of preparation when the Japanese finally attacked.

Jose attributes the ill-prepared Filipino forces to gaps in funding and execution. The reality was usually different from what was on paper, he says. MacArthur pushed and pushed for more reinforcements and equipment from the Americans and thought that everything would be ready by March 1942.

Japan attacked on December 8, 1941. Hours after their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese planes bombed Clark and Iba airfields, decimating the Philippines air fleet (which was still mostly on the ground when the Japanese attacked). There were not enough planes to counter Japans air power. The enemy also attacked from the beaches, landing in Lingayen Gulf. The plan was to deploy torpedo boats to defend the Philippine coastline and pepper the beaches with heavy artillery. This never happened. MacArthur, an Army man, also left out the US Navys Asiatic Fleet in his plans. Jose says the Army-Navy rivalry may have influenced the generals decision.

Cooperating with the Japanese

As the occupation of Manila was imminent, MacArthur declared the capital an open city on December 26, 1941 to prevent further destruction. War Plan Orange was now in effect  troops had to abandon defense of the beaches, withdraw to Bataan and Corregidor, and blow up bridges along the way to obstruct the enemy.

MacArthur, Quezon, and select cabinet officials had to escape before the Japanese arrived. Before leaving, the general met with the cabinet at Quezons Marikina residence. Here, MacArthur reportedly told Jose P. Laurel, Jorge B. Vargas, and other cabinet members to cooperate with the Japanese, but not to take an oath of allegiance. MacArthur had denied this account, but Jose says most of those present in the meeting remembered the generals words very clearly.

Laurel, who was associate justice of the Supreme Court when war broke out, would later become president of the Japanese-sponsored Second Philippine Republic in 1943. Vargas, who was mayor of Manila when it was declared an open city, was named chair of the Philippine Executive Commission, the interim government set up by the Japanese before the Second Republic.

Dugout Doug

Meanwhile in Corregidor Island, MacArthur set up his wartime headquarters at Malinta Tunnel. Here, they constantly monitored updates from nearby Bataan, where Filipino and American troops had retreated. Bataans rugged terrain was strategic for holding off the Japanese while awaiting reinforcements from the Americans.

MacArthur only visited his troops in Bataan once on January 10, 1942. Some viewed this as cowardice and lack of leadership, at a time when his men needed a morale boost. This earned him the nickname Dugout Doug, as in hiding inside a tunnel while his troops faced death. Jose is not sure why MacArthur did not visit Bataan often, but perhaps, MacArthur wanted to maintain a more mystical and untouchable aura.

In Corregidor, MacArthur maintained a brave face. According to Jose, MacArthur was never photographed wearing a helmet. Sometimes, he exposed himself needlessly to enemy air attacks and did not seek shelter during ongoing air raids.

MacArthur almost did not return

Despite the Allied Forces gallant stand, Bataan and Corregidor fell to the Japanese by April-May 1942. By then, MacArthur and his family had already left the Philippines in a daring escape to Australia, upon orders from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was in Melbourne where he promised Filipinos: I shall return.

This almost did not happen. MacArthur and the Allies had to first claw their way back up and defeat the Japanese forces in New Guinea. The Americans were also divided on where to go from there.

Two years later, and fresh off victories in New Guinea, Roosevelt called MacArthur for a meeting in Hawaii to strategize the invasion of Japan. The plan was to proceed to enemy-held Formosa (now Taiwan), thus bypassing the Philippines. MacArthur vigorously opposed the plan since it would be more strategic to retake Luzon first and stage the invasion from there, rather than fighting it out in hostile Formosa.

But James Zobel, director of the MacArthur Memorial Library and Museum in Virginia, USA, said that it was probably MacArthurs moral plea that eventually convinced Roosevelt to change his mind. For the general, bypassing the Philippines would mean leaving thousands to die, betraying their commitment to the Filipino people, and diminishing Americas standing in the world.
Robin Swann has called for improvements to be made to the UK-wide online booking system after people in Northern Ireland were offered Covid-19 tests in Great Britain.

The Health Minister said he has contacted Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock in relation to issues facing the National Covid-19 testing system.

Mr Swann said he is seeking action on a number of concerns.

To be clear, no one in Northern Ireland is expected to travel outside the jurisdiction for a test, he said.

These slots have been offered by the online system because it has not on occasions recognised local requirements. The same problem has been reported in Scotland.

I want to see this glitch resolved as a priority.

I have also emphasised the need to urgently build capacity for the national testing programme.

Mr Swann said the national system has come under pressure in recent days due to significantly rising demand.

These are linked at least in part to the reopening of schools, Mr Swann added.

I need to again appeal to the public to use the service responsibly. Online bookings are made by self-referral but that does mean they are open to all, he added.

Tests are solely for those who have symptoms or have specifically been referred for a test by the Contact Tracing Service.

Mr Swann said that he understands the continuing high levels of public concern about Covid-19, but the Government must protect the testing system.

Common cold symptoms outside of a cough, fever or loss of/change to sense of taste or smell do not require a test, he explained.

The reopening of schools is a vital priority which I fully support. It has brought serious pressures for schools, parents and children, as well as the testing system.
President Donald Trump dealt a huge blow to Bill Gates this September by renouncing US support for COVAX, a World Health Organization (WHO) initiative aimed at pushing an experimental coronavirus vaccine on the world.

We will not be constrained by multilateral organizations influenced by the corrupt World Health Organization and China, a White House spokesman said.

Donald Trump previously pledged $1.16 billion to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), an organization also associated with COVAX and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to fund coronavirus vaccine research in early June.

As the Coronavirus has shown, there are no borders. USAID echos @Realdonaldtrumps words and is proud to be partnering with @Gavi by committing $1.16 billion to protect people through vaccines, because #VaccinesWork pic.twitter.com/btSLEEM4et  USAID (@USAID) June 4, 2020

However, after having issues with the WHO in regard to its coronavirus response which he calls corrupt and China-centric, Trump withdrew funding and is now focused on producing a vaccine domestically in the United States.

So far 172 countries have signed on to COVAX while several US companies have reached phase-three trials on a potential Covid-19 vaccine, including Moderna, AstraZeneca, and a partnership between Pfizer and BioNTech.

The stated goal of COVAX is to provide 2 billion vaccines to citizens around the world by the end of 2021, focusing mostly on countries with large populations such as China. In an interview with Ellen, Bill Gates said he wanted 7 billion healthy people vaccinated before the world can return to normal, seeming to indicate that it could take years before businesses can reopen and students can go back to school.

It goes without saying that several years of lockdowns would cause irreversible damage to the economy and our freedom. Donald Trump could be expediating the process of providing coronavirus vaccines to Americans, but we may still have to deal with the issue of forced vaccination.

In Virginia, State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver has said he will mandate a coronavirus vaccine once they become available, but governor Northam has since stated that he has not yet taken a position on the subject.

When Dr. Oliver spoke of his support of a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine for adults, he was sharing his personal opinion as a physician. Currently, the Northam administration has taken no official policy position on whether or not a COVID-19 vaccine for adults should be mandatory.  Virginia Spokesperson for Governor Northam [SOURCE]

Anthony Fauci has also alluded to a potential coronavirus vaccine mandate but has never officially supported that position. If the shot becomes mandatory, activists have been working on ways to refuse the Covid jab.

In addition to vaccines, treatments like Intravenous Vitamin C and Hydroxychloroquine have shown promise in treating the novel coronavirus, but information about their existence is being denounced and censored by the establishment media and tech companies who refuse to platform individuals with contrary views to the official stance of the WHO.

Over 500 German doctors and scientists recently formed an organization aimed at asking these types of questions, which they call the Corona Extra-Parliamentary Inquiry Committee. The group has set out to investigate whether the authoritarian response to the virus is proportionate to the scale of the problem, especially given the availability of these sidelined treatments.

As the Corona-Extra-Parliamentary Inquiry Committee, we will investigate why these restrictive measures were imposed upon us in our country as part of COVID-19, why people are suffering now and whether there is proportionality of the measures to this disease caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus. We have serious doubts that these measures are proportionate. [Source]

It is interesting how globalists like Bill Gates and Fauci seem to view themselves above governments. In reality, not even the WHO can tell United States presidents or governors what to do.

About the Author

Phillip Schneider is a staff writer and assistant editor for Waking Times. If you would like to see more of his work, you can visit his Website, like his Facebook Page, or follow him on the free speech social network Minds.

This article (President Trump Deals Huge Blow to Bill Gates  Withdraws Support From China-Centric COVAX Vaccine Alliance) originally appeared at PhillipSchneider.com and may be re-posted freely with proper attribution, author credit, and this copyright statement.
Washington and Lee University has defended its course titled 'How to Overthrow the Government' which requires students to write a revolutionary manifesto, after coming under fire from critics led by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

The president of the private liberal-arts university in Virginia on Monday issued a statement defending the course, which is one of 15 introductory writing seminars that first-year students are required to take.

The controversy exploded after the course description gained notice, stating in part: 'This course places each student at the head of a popular revolutionary movement aiming to overthrow a sitting government and forge a better society.'

'How will you attain power? How will you communicate with the masses? How do you plan on improving the lives of the people? How will you deal with the past? From Frantz Fanon to Che Guevara to Mohandas Gandhi and others, we explore examples of revolutionary thought and action from across the Global South,' the course description continues.

Washington and Lee University (above) has defended its course titled 'How to Overthrow the Government, which requires students to write a revolutionary manifesto

Newt Gingrich, who was a professor of history before being elected to Congress, slammed the course offering in a tweet

The course tasks students with 'producing a Manifesto, drafting a white paper that critically analyzes a particular issue, and writing a persuasive essay on rewriting history and confronting memory.'

Gingrich, who was a professor of history before being elected to Congress, slammed the course offering in a tweet.

'Washington and Lee Universitys course on how to overthrow the state is one further sign of the insanity taking over higher education,' he wrote. 'The alumni should rise up and show how to overthrow a crazy college administration.'

In a statement, Washington and Lee President Will Dudley lamented that the course had been 'distorted, sensationalized, and turned into political fodder on blogs, television, and social media.'

He said that the goal of the sensational course description was 'getting students attention and capturing their imagination.'

'What better way to teach the power of writing  the idea that the pen is mightier than the sword  than to ask students to read and evaluate historical texts that aspired to move their original audiences to revolution?' wrote Dudley.

He noted that both the Declaration of Independence and South Carolina's 1860 Articles of Secession were required reading in the course.

Washington and Lee President Will Dudley lamented that the course had been 'distorted, sensationalized, and turned into political fodder on blogs, television, and social media'

Washington and Lee (above) is named after American President George Washington and Confederate General Robert E. Lee

'The course does not advocate revolution or train students for it. It studies how revolutionaries have written in order to help students become more powerful and persuasive writers,' wrote Dudley.

He continued that the 'overreaction' to the course 'calls for reflection on civility,' noting that within the campus, people 'disagree about many things, ranging from course titles to the name of the university.'

Washington and Lee is named after American President George Washington and Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

In 1870, the trustees of Washington College renamed the school to reflect the contributions of Lee, who served as both commander of the Confederate States Army and president of the college.

In July of this year, the board of trustees formed a special committee to consider renaming the university, saying the process may take up to six months.

The name had come under fire both for honoring Washington, a slaveholder, and Lee, who fought for the Confederacy.
The Queen of the Netherlands was all smiles today as she met with elderly people and their carers this afternoon.

Maxima, 49, travelled to three towns in the western region of the country to discuss how the covid-19 pandemic had impacted these patients' care and what effect it had on their carers.

She met with carers and their families in Zwijndrecht, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht and Ridderkerk and met with supporters of the Zormies Nederlands initiative against loneliness among the elderly.

She wore a dress adorned with a colourful blue and yellow motif for the occasion and casually had coffee with some of elderly residents.

The Queen of the Netherlands was all smiles today as she met with elderly people and the loved ones caring after them this afternoon. Maxima, 49, travelled to three towns in the Western region of her country to discuss how the covid-19 pandemic had impacted these patients' care and what effect it had on their informal carer

The Dutch mother-of-three looked radiant in an autumnal dress with long sleeves and an intricate floral motif in brown, black, blue, yellow and white.

The outfit perfectly framed her curves, with a large statement black belt highlighting her small waist.

She paired the dress with sensible black leather boots and kept her accessorises to a minimum, donning only a golden ring on her right hand, a bracelet made of fabric on her left wrist and large black hoop earrings.

She carried a black cardigan with her in case she needed to wrap up from the September chill.

The Dutch royal looked perfectly comfortable as she met with elderly resident of the West Netherlands to discuss how Covis-19 had affected their care

Her blond locks were styled in a natural blow-dry which cheerily bounced on her shoulders as she made her way to the houses of several carers.

She sported a dash of mascara and eyeshadow and some blush to compliment her healthy glow.

The Dutch queen looked perfectly relaxed as she met with members of the elderly in Zwijndrecht and Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht.

She discussed with them how the coronavirus pandemic had impacted their care as well as their hobbies.

In one of the houses, she could be seen reading the newspaper while chatting with her hosts.

Maxima met with several members of the elderly for coffee this afternoon. Together, they talked about the quality of care they experienced during the coronavirus pademic as well as their hobbies

The Dutch queen seemed relaxed as she listened to the elderly patients' stories. She also met with the loved ones looking after their care

While meeting with carers and their families, Maxima took the time to peruse the newspapers and talk about their hobbies with the residents

Maxima sported a natural makeup with just a dash of mascara and eyeshadow and some blush to compliment her healthy glow

She also sat for coffee with several supporters of the Zormies Nederland initiative against loneliness.

Zormies provides help to informal carers looking after their loved ones. The services offered span a wide range of activities, such as grocery shopping, and can help informal carer by taking over the care of their loved ones when they need it.

Loneliness among the elderly was also at the heart of Maxima's visit to Rotterdam last week when she toured a community centre.

The Dutch queen opted for an autumnal number in black, blue and yellow for today's engagement

The queen's locks were styled in a natural bnlodry that bounced on her shoulders as she made her way to her several engagements of the day

Maxima listened as she spoke to volunteers and informal carers about their experiences caring after loved ones during covid-19

Wearing a pristine powersuit, the Dutch Queen spoke with the centre's staff, who hoped to combat loneliness in Rotterdam by offering several activities.

The Queen and her husband faced criticism when they were pictured ignoring social distancing rules during their holiday on the Greek Island of Milos in Greece.

A picture emerged on social media of the couple, who were holidaying with their daughters Princess Amalia, 16, Princess Alexia, 15, and Princess Ariane, 13, posing alongside an unidentified restaurant employee, less than one metre apart.

They took to Twitter to apologise for not practicing the 1.5 metres apart guideline imposed by The Netherlands, in addition to not wearing face masks.

The family had been on holiday for a few weeks and they were praised for their swift action in apologising for their lapse in judgement.
Irish financial technology (fintech) companies have seen a surge in financial activity in the first half of 2020, according to new figures from KPMG.

Eight deals resulted in 278m being exchanged in mergers and acquisitions, venture capital funding rounds and private equity transactions between January and June.

This is already more than double the value of comparable transactions (132m) in the Irish fintech sector for the entire year in 2019, despite only being half the number of deals (14) during that period last year.

The new figures follow a trend showing a surge in investment in the wider tech and biotech sectors in Ireland.

This week, the Irish Venture Capital Association published figures indicating that Irish tech funding is set to exceed 1bn this year with local firms increasingly seeing cash investors ready to sign funding deals of over 10m.

The KPMG figures point to the 149m acquisition of Irish-founded Prepaid Financial Services by Australia's EML Payments as the largest "strategic" fintech M&A deal globally for the period. The deal had been announced in November 2019 at a price of 253m but was renegotiated at a discount of 105m against the background of the global coronavirus pandemic.

The KPMG report lists other notable deals in Ireland over the period including a 71m joint venture acquisition of Payzone Ireland by AIB and First Data and a 73m funding round by client lifecycle management company, Fenergo.

The Irish figures compare favourably to global activity, where fintech funding fell sharply during the first half of 2020 with 21.7bn in total fintech invested across 1,221 deals. A sharp drop in M&A investment drove most of the decline globally, KPMG reports, with M&A accounting for just 3.4bn of fintech investment, compared to 72.5bn in the second half of 2019.

"The sizeable deals secured by Prepaid Financial Services, Payzone and Fenergo have been a huge boost for Ireland's fintech ecosystem this year," said Anna Scally, partner and fintech Lead at KPMG in Ireland.

"I expect interest and investment in Irish fintechs to remain hot into the second half of the year, particularly as British and global fintechs work to ensure they are able to service their customers across Europe in the wake of Brexit. Ireland's attractiveness as a place for global fintechs to do business also remains strong, with Mastercard announcing plans to grow its European technology hub on a new campus site in Leopardstown earlier this year."
HOUSTON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Valve Technologies (AVT) has strengthened its established relationship with Ferguson Waterworks, the nation's largest waterworks company by entered into a distributor and installer agreement covering the Arizona and New Mexico regions of the United States.

Ferguson Waterworks has been working with AVT, a manufacturer of insertion valves, for eight years. The company has successfully installed more than 200 4 to 12" AVT EZ Valves. The company has also completed several large-size installs including a 20" EZ Valve installed on a ductile iron line. This line controlled the flow of a one-million-gallon water tank that fed 32 homes in New Mexico and installing the valve under pressure meant the residents did not lose their water supply.

Three technicians, who were already experienced in the install of the smaller AVT EZ Valve, were trained to install 14 to 24" valves. This enhanced partnership means Ferguson Waterworks now has highly experienced teams trained to install the full range of AVT EZ Valves. They will have increased access to valves and install kits meaning they can quickly respond to the need of the cities they service.

AVT President, Harry Gray said: "This strategic partnership is great news for the residents and businesses of the region. Ferguson has established and trusted relationships with local water utility operators and will now be able to ensure they can deliver even more reliable water networks. This means there will be no need to shut off water networks and less inconvenience will be caused to local people."

Ferguson's Sales Manager for Arizona, New Mexico and El Paso, Tim Malloy said: "We already have a great relationship with AVT and with more than 200 installs under our belt, we're confident we have the knowledge and experience to ensure we correctly advise our customers on the right products for their individual needs. This further formalized partnership between us and AVT means we have formed an even closer link with the EZ Valve subject matter experts."

The AVT EZ Valve is designed with a built-in isolation gate that allows the valve to be installed under pressure in challenging conditions. The valve allows customers to improve uptime, achieve greater environmental stewardship and make no impact on pipe integrity.

Media Contact

Emma Ardley-Batt

+44(0)7957 633 494

[email protected]

SOURCE Advanced Valve Technologies

Related Links

https://www.cs-nri.com/brands/avt/


A 20-year-old woman was raped allegedly by the chairman of a private school, under the under Ecotech 3 police jurisdiction, when she visited the institute to collect her younger brothers documents.The police said a case has been registered in the matter and the suspect was arrested on Tuesday. A medical examination of the woman has been ordered, they added.

According to the police officers, the alleged incident took place on September 4, but the matter was reported to them on Tuesday. The woman was scared about telling others about the incident, and the family took a couple of days to report the matter to the police. However, as soon as they filed a complaint, a case was registered and the suspect, identified as Neeraj Bhati, was arrested, said deputy commissioner of police, women and children safety, Vrinda Shukla.

The police said that the womans younger brother was a student of the school, however, due to limited funds amid the lockdown, they were unable to pay his school fees. They were forced to drop him out of the school and needed to collect all his documents from the school, the police said.

The woman had gone to the school to collect her brothers transfer certificate, when the chairman of the school allegedly raped her, said the DCP. The woman returned home, but was scared to tell her family about the incident initially. However, after the family filed a complaint at the Ecotech 3 police station on Tuesday, a case of rape (section 376) was registered, and the suspect was nabbed. He was produced before a magistrate and later sent to jail, the police said.
After prolonged controversy, the Narcotics Control Bureau arrested actor Rhea Chakraborty under several sections of the NDPS on Tuesday. The 28-year-old actor who had earlier denied consuming drugs was taken for a medical test shortly and is likely to be produced before a magistrate through video-conferencing for remand in the evening.

As news of the actors arrest instantly went viral on social media, her name started to trend on Twitter and Google. Interestingly, another top (related) search was patriarchy".

It appears that several people who searched for news on Chakraborty and her arrest also searched for the meaning of patriarchy.

Before you start to Googling what and why, heres an image of Chakraborty appearing at NCBs office earlier in the morning. But what made news was the quote on her t-shirt.

Roses are red, violets are blue, Lets smash patriarchy, Me and you", her t-shirt read. The T-shirt seemed to grab eyeballs on social media.

Searches for the meaning of patriarchy instantly spiked on Google along with searches for Rhea Chakraborty. The searches came from across the country including states like Goa, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, as well as Delhi and Chandigarh.

A Twitter user by the name of Anurag Sinha shared the images of the actor appearing from her car in the T-shirt. Rhea reached the NCB office with a message on her clothes. Decode her arrogant message. #WorldUnitedForSSRJustice," Sinha wrote.

The tweet has been causing outrage.

Let me get this straight. You're saying that a system which for centuries literally thought it was ok to throw women into fires, take their labor at home for free, take their bodies without consent, not allow them to work, not promote them at work, harass them at work, https://t.co/8bpVVcNfvh Vasundhara Sirnate (@vsirnate) September 8, 2020

I don't know anything about the lady in the T-shirt, but I do know what your tweet tells us. That the real arrogance is to be so blind as to wilfully not see how a system operates by design against half of humanity. Vasundhara Sirnate (@vsirnate) September 8, 2020

Chakraborty, who became the centre of a whirlwind of scrutiny after a prolonged media trial, has stoked a debate once again about patriarchy and how the media treats women who are in the lens as opposed to men. A recent video of the actor being hounded by journalists as she left the NCB office went viral, causing widespread outrage at the way Chakraborty was being harassed.

READ: Spot The Difference: Rhea Chakraborty Hounded by TV Cameras Vs Salman Khan Walking Free

Whether Chakraborty is guilty or not is for the courts to decide. But attacking or harassing her the way Indian media has been does indicate patriarchy and there is nothing wrong with proclaiming that it should be smashed.

In case you were wondering what patriarchy is too, heres a refresher.

Patriarchy, according to the dictionary, is a system of society or government in which the father or eldest male is head of the family and descent is reckoned through the male line". It is a system of beliefs and structures that prefer males not just in the family but also at the workplace and also justifies violence against women as their own fault. It refers to systemic abuse that denies women power or leverage by denying them rights to property, equal wages or, as is the case for most women in India, even the agency to decide for herself.

The fact that Chakraborty chose to wore it following the viral images of her looking helpless and harrassed amid a sea of poking microphones held by male journalists was a not a bold" move as some might call it. It was a message that the sexism cannot be justified, no matter who a woman and what she has (or hasnt) done.

READ:Sushant Singhs Die-Hard Fans are Making Sexist, Abusive Bhojpuri Songs to Punish Rhea Chakraborty

Meanwhile, all eyes continue to be on Chakraborty, who has been accused of abetting in the death by suicide of her former boyfriend and actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The case is being investigated by the three top agencies - the CBI, NCB and ED.
Georgias top election official said Tuesday the state has identified as many as 1,000 instances of double voting in this summers primary and runoff elections, which saw an influx of votes cast by mail and were also marred by equipment failures and other breakdowns of voting machinery.

In a news conference at the state Capitol, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger pledged to investigate each of the potential cases of double voting, which he called unacceptable, and said his office would look to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.

Raffensperger, a Republican, emphasized that while there's no excuse under the law for double voting, Georgias voting system caught the potential cases of fraud. And he noted that while some did show up in election results, none of those results were affected by the potential double votes.

The announcement from Raffensperger could provide ammunition for President Donald Trump and his Republican allies who have railed against mail-in voting ahead of a presidential election set to see the number of votes cast by mail soar amid the coronavirus pandemic. Trump has repeatedly cast the practice as ripe for fraud and complained about the potential for delayed results, though cases of such fraud are exceedingly rare, including in Georgia.

It also comes less than a week after Trump appeared to urge voters to do just what Raffensperger condemned  head to polling places on Election Day and attempt to cast their vote in person even if they have already returned a ballot by mail.

Raffensperger said Georgia had seen its percentage of votes cast by mail skyrocket from around 5 percent historically to nearly 50 percent this year, as voters seek to avoid crowded polling places in order to prevent transmission of coronavirus. He said the state could have more than 900,000 mail-in votes cast in November's elections.

He told reporters that the state had 150,000 voters who applied for an absentee vote in this summers elections who arrived at polling places on Election Day to have their vote canceled. But he claimed that of that total, 1,000 people actually double voted, knowing full well that they had filled out an absentee ballot, had mailed it back in and then showed up on the day of the election.

Story continues

Its possible, however, that some of those cases could be attributed to data errors on behalf of election officials, noted Michael McDonald, a University of Florida political science professor who runs the United States Elections Project.

In a series of tweets, McDonald urged that Raffenspergers announcement be treated with caution, pointing to data describing the reasons given for voters who were issued a mail ballot that they had canceled to vote in person that were riddled with typos.

Raffensperger acknowledged that many times, would-be double votes were canceled but we actually found 1,000 that worked their way through the system and that was really on election officials or poll workers side.

Explaining how such votes might have made their way through the system, Raffensperger told reporters that it gets to be very hectic as youre juggling the many balls of many voters on Election Day. If you dont go back to the system and check it off then that's how it would actually get through and so it wasnt recorded at the precinct level, he continued.

Georgias June 9 primary election, which was delayed from the spring because of the pandemic, was plagued by a plethora of issues from the states new voting equipment and poorly trained poll workers that caused hourslong lines.

The issues extended to Georgias electronic poll books, hailed as a technological step up from the printed poll books containing voter information from elections past but which come with their own vulnerabilities. The use of e-poll books was cited last week by a top North Carolina election official as a safeguard against election fraud in her rebuke of Trump's double-voting suggestion.

The chaos in Georgia drew accusations of voter suppression and pointed fingers on both sides of the aisle, as well as dire warnings as Georgia gears up for November, though Raffensperger has denied his office was to blame for any of the delays.

On Tuesday, the secretary vowed to investigate all 1,000 cases of potential fraud, calling it a serious matter and saying he would turn them over to the state attorney general, local district attorneys and even federal prosecutors if they want to pick this up.

Voting twice in an election is considered a felony in Georgia, and carries a punishment of one to 10 years in prison and up to a $100,000 fine, Raffensperger said, adding that he would make sure the penalties are paid by those who broke the law and would ensure the integrity of the states elections both in November and in the future.

A double voter knows exactly what they are doing: diluting the votes of each and every voter that follows the law, he proclaimed. Those that make the choice to game the system are breaking the law.

Raffensperger insisted later that the laws, rules and tools we have in place should keep double voting from ever happening and that it wasnt the system  its really the voter that bears responsibility for potential double voting.
We routinely hear from desperate fraud victims who have been denied a refund by their bank.

Here, we explain all the tips and tricks we have learned that will help you fight your corner if this happens to you.

If you've been a victim of fraud, often, the first you will know about the crime is when you discover you do not have as much money in your account as you should

What type of fraud have you suffered?

Your consumer rights depend on the type of fraud.

If you are the victim of what is known as 'unauthorised fraud', your chances of getting your money back will be much greater.

This is where someone has stolen your money without you realising  by using your bank details to go on a spending spree, for example.

Often, the first you will know about the crime is when you discover you do not have as much money in your account as you should.

Or your bank may have blocked your debit card after becoming suspicious about activity on your account.

As soon as you notice something is amiss, call your bank's fraud helpline.

City watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority says your bank should usually repay you in full by the end of the next business day.

But under the Payment Service Regulations, your bank can refuse to give you back the money if it believes you have acted fraudulently or have been 'grossly negligent'.

This might mean it thinks you have been careless with your account passwords or shared your Pin with someone else.

New refund rules

If the bank disputes your claim, it must have solid evidence that you have done something wrong.

Last year, 98 per cent of unauthorised fraud on payment cards was refunded by banks, according to the trade body UK Finance.

There is a 13-month time limit for reporting unauthorised payments.

Things get trickier if you are the victim of so-called 'authorised fraud'.

This is where you are conned into transferring your money to the criminals yourself. And as we reveal today there is no limit to the deceitful and convincing tactics crooks will use to trick victims into making such payments.

Until recently, if you lost money to one of these types of scams, your bank was not obliged to refund you.

Last year, 98 per cent of unauthorised fraud on payment cards was refunded by banks, according to the trade body UK Finance

But after our campaign for fairer treatment of victims, a new code of conduct was launched on May 28, 2019.

Under the new rules, customers should be reimbursed provided they have taken reasonable care to protect themselves.

However, the new code is voluntary. And while most major banks have signed up to it, many smaller firms have not.

Both the bank that made the transfer and the bank that received the money must have joined for the new rules to apply.

So far, this includes Barclays, the Co-operative, HSBC, Lloyds, Metro, Nationwide, RBS/NatWest, Santander and Starling Banks. TSB has its own fraud guarantee, which promises to refund all innocent victims.

But even those banks which have signed up to the code are still trying to wriggle out of repaying some defrauded customers. The Lending Standards Board, which governs the new standards, is so concerned that it launched a formal review in July.

Devil in detail

Often banks will say the customer did not take enough care or carry out sufficient checks before making a payment.

But the new code states only that customers need to have a 'reasonable basis' for believing the payee is whom they expect.

So explain clearly why you believed the person you paid was legitimate.

Did they know lots of personal information about you? Did they use a fake email address almost identical to a real one?

The more detail you can provide to prove the scam was particularly sophisticated, the better chance you will have of getting your money back.

The new code also states that banks must provide customers with 'effective warnings' when they are making an unusual payment  such as when you're paying someone new. If your bank failed to do this, make sure you include this information within your complaint.

You should also tell your bank if you are vulnerable, because under the new rules they are obliged to take extra measures to ensure you are protected.

This could be because you are older, unwell, recently bereaved or perhaps you just have an unusually large amount of money in your account  following a house sale, for example.

Act quickly

It is vital you report any scam as soon as you realise it has happened to give your bank the best chance of recovering some of the stolen funds.

You should also alert the bank that received the money, because it may be able to stop the cash leaving the account.

If you don't know where the money has gone, you can find out by entering the sort code on the Faster Payments' website (fasterpayments.org.uk/sort-code-checker).

If you do not think your bank acted quickly enough, say so. Under UK Finance's Best Practice Standards, banks must contact the receiving bank as 'soon as they have all the information necessary to do so'.

You should receive a letter within three days to confirm the details of your report, and the bank then has 15 days to decide whether or not to refund you.

If the bank refuses to co-operate, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

This is a free alternative to the courts, where an adjudicator will assess your case. It can order a bank to refund you if it finds in your favour.

Call 0800 023 4567 or complain online (financial-ombudsman.org.uk/contact-us/ complain-online).

You should also report the scam to Action Fraud, part of the City of London police. Your case will be analysed for any leads identified that could help with an investigation. This will not help you get your money back, but it could help stop others being scammed by the same fraudsters.

If you are unsure about making a transfer, a top Money Mail tip is to send a random amount to the account in question  say 37p  and then call the recipient to check whether they have received it before transferring the rest.

a.murray@dailymail.co.uk
SINGAPORE  Lebanon's central bank governor told CNBC this week that he wants to help the country in its time of distress  and he won't resign.

"You cannot resign  in an environment of a crisis, because it would look like going away from the task you have to perform," Riad Salameh said.

"I don't want to resign because I am continuing what I have in my mind, as a strategy to get out of this crisis, and I'm sorry to disappoint those who are spreading rumors on my resignation every day," he told CNBC's Hadley Gamble on Monday.

Apart from the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing economic troubles, the country is still reeling from a massive explosion last month in Beirut that's believed to have killed about 200 people. The Aug. 4 blast was blamed on 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in an unsecured warehouse.

The explosion is estimated to have cost $4.6 billion in damages, according to a World Bank report.

The government resigned en masse following outrage over the devastating explosion which injured over 6,000 and left 300,000 people homeless. Prime Minister Hassan Diab stepped down in the wake of the tragedy and blamed the disaster on endemic corruption.

Mustafa Adib, the former ambassador to Germany, was last week named the new prime minister, though many Lebanese are not convinced he will bring about real change to the country's political system.

Central bank governor Salameh, however, does not take responsibility for the state Lebanon is in.

The past 10 months have not been easy, he noted, pointing to various factors including sanctions on a Lebanon-based bank, a shutdown in the banking sector, the government's debt default and the coronavirus.

Salameh defended his efforts, saying: "I am the governor who tried, with the means we have, to maintain the system, not to let the system collapse."
T he California wildfires have burned a record two million acres this year as two of the three largest fires in state history are blazing in the San Francisco Bay Area.

More than 14,000 firefighters are battling the large fires in San Francisco and dozens of others around California.

After a typically dry summer, the US state is heading into fall at what is normally the most dangerous time for wildfires.

The blazes have prompted the US Forest Service to announce the closure of all eight national forests in the southern half of the state.

A three-day heat wave brought triple-digit temperatures to much of the state during Labour Day weekend. Los Angeles reported its highest ever temperature of 49.4C (121F).

California Wildfires: August/September 2020 - In pictures 1 /90 California Wildfires: August/September 2020 - In pictures The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area Noah Berger/AP The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area Getty Images A man pulls out a garden hose as he helps Fire Fighters with Cal Fire protect the St. Helena Water Treatment Plant from the Glass Fire in Napa Valley, California AFP via Getty Images An air tanker drops retardant on the Glass Fire burning in Calistoga AP Firefighters knock down flames on a dog house while battling the Glass Fire burning in St. Helena AP Cal Fire Capt. Jesse Campbell works to save the Louis Stralla Water Treatment Plant as the Glass Fire burns in St. Helena, AP The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California Getty Images Embers fly from a tree as the Glass Fire burns in St. Helena AP Grape vines at Chateau Boswell Winery burn as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California Getty Images An air tanker drops retardant as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through the Spanish Flat community in unincorporated Napa County AP Chula Vista firefighter Rudy Diaz monitors the LNU Lightning Complex Fire REUTERS Following the LNU Lightning Complex fires, a scorched VW Microbus rests in a driveway of the Spanish Flat community in Napa County AP Fire consumes land recently deforested by cattle farmers near Novo Progresso AP Smoke rises from the LNU Lightning Complex wildfires as seen from an AlertWildfire camera looking east from Mount St. Helena, north of Calistoga, California via REUTERS Firefighters Cody Nordstrom, Kyle Harp and Robert Gonzalez, from left, of the North Central Fire station out of Kerman AP Fire consumes land recently deforested by cattle farmers near Novo Progresso AP Flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires leap above Butts Canyon Road AP A charred vehicle is parked in front of a home after the CZU Lightning Complex AP Resident Alyssa Medina reacts after finding an intact cup amidst the burned remains of her home AFP via Getty Images Flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires leap above Butts Canyon Road AP Howard Forest Helitack firefighters return to their helicopter after battling the LNU Lightning Complex AP Vehicles and homes have been burned by the CZU Lightning Complex Fir AP AP A vehicle drives along Knoxville Road, with flames from the LNU Lightning Complex in the background in Napa County AP Firefighters take refuge in their trucks in a cleared field as a wildfire also known as the Hennessey Fire jumped Knoxville Berryessa Road, west of Sacramento AP A resident hoses down a burning bicycle and tree as flames from the Hennessey approach a property in the Spanish Flat area of Napa, California AFP via Getty Images An outbuilding burns as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through the Spanish Flat area of unincorporated Napa County AP Bill Nichols, 84, works to save his home as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through Vacaville AP Residents extinguish spot fires while protecting their property as the LNU Lightning Complex fire burns through the area in Fairfield, California Getty Images A bicycle and palm tree burn at a residence during the LNU Lightning Complex fire in the Spanish Flat area of Napa, California AFP via Getty Images Mobile homes burn at the Spanish Flat Mobile Villa as the LNU Lightning Complex Fire burns through the area in Napa, California Getty Images Firefighters monitor flames as they approach a residence in the valley area of Vacaville, northern California during the LNU Lightning Complex fire AFP via Getty Images Horses stand in an enclosure as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through the Spanish Flats community in unincorporated Napa County AP A CalFire crew from Coulterville takes a break while fighting the River Fire near Salinas AP A massive column of smoke rises above Highway 1 just north of the Santa Cruz County line as a section of the CZU August Lightning Complex burns above Waddell Beac AP Debris piles burn as the LNU Lightning Complex fire burns through the area in Fairfield, California Getty Images Fire burns along the closed Interstate 80 Getty Images In this long exposure photograph, flames consumes both sides of a segment of Lake Berryessa during the Hennessey fire in the Spanish Flat area of Napa AFP via Getty Images In this long exposure photograph, embers fly off a burning tree during the Hennessey fire in the Spanish Flat area of Napa, California AFP via Getty Images Mobile homes burn at the Spanish Flat Mobile Villa as the LNU Lightning Complex Fire burns through the area in Napa, California Getty Images Fire crews maintain a backburn to control the River Fire near the Las Palmas neighborhood in Salinas AP Flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires burn in unincorporated Napa County AP A pickup truck drives on a freeway overpass as flames from the LNU Lighting Complex Fire approach Interstate 80 on the outskirts of Vacaville, California REUTERS Mobile homes burn at the Spanish Flat Mobile Villa as the LNU Lightning Complex Fire burns through the area in Napa, California Getty Images Firefighter David Widaman directs water onto a tree that had exploded in flame as a fire crew defends a house northwest of Santa Cruz AP A home burns as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through the Spanish Flats community in unincorporated Napa County AP Flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires lick above a fire truck in unincorporated Napa County AP A flag flies as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires crest a ridge in Napa County AP Flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires jump Interstate 80 in Vacaville AP Fire crews maintain a backburn to control the River Fire near the Las Palmas neighborhood in Salina AP Flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires jump Interstate 80 in Vacaville AP AP AP AP AP AP AP AP Douglas Forest Protective Association AFP via Getty Images AP AFP via Getty Images Getty Images AP Butte County Sheriff Butte County Sheriff Butte County Sheriff Butte County Sheriff

Randy Moore, regional forester for the Forest Services Pacific Southwest Region, said the decision to closure national forests would be re-evaluated daily.

He said: The wildfire situation throughout California is dangerous and must be taken seriously.

Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behaviour, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire.

Flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires jump Interstate 80 in Vacaville, California / AP

While the two mammoth Bay Area fires were largely contained after burning for three weeks, firefighters struggled to corral several other major blazes ahead of the expected winds.

Evacuation orders were expanded to more mountain communities on Monday as the largest blaze, the Creek Fire, churned through the Sierra National Forest in Central California.

The Creek Fire had charred more than 114 square miles of timber after breaking out on Friday. The nearly 1,000 firefighters on the scene had yet to get any containment and the cause had not been determined.

Jerry Kuny sprays water on a home as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach in unincorporated Napa County / AP

On Monday night, a military helicopter landed near Lake Edison to rescue people trapped by the Creek Fire, the Fresno Fire Department said on Twitter.

In southern California, crews scrambled to douse several fires that roared to life in searing temperatures, including one that closed mountain roads in Angeles National Forest and forced the evacuation of the historic Mount Wilson Observatory.

A firetruck drives along state Highway 168 while battling the Creek Fire in the Shaver Lake community of Fresno County / AP

Cal Fire said a blaze in San Bernardino County called the El Dorado Fire started on Saturday morning and was caused by a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device used by a couple to reveal their babys gender.

Surveillance footage showed the couple frantically race to their car to grab water bottles in a bid to extinguish the flames.

But their attempts were futile and they were soon forced to call the emergency services.

In eastern San Diego County, a fire destroyed at least 10 structures after burning 16 square miles and prompting evacuations near the remote community of Alpine in the Cleveland National Forest.

California has seen 900 wildfires since August 15, many of them started by an intense series of thousands of lightning strikes in mid-August.

There have been eight fire deaths and more than 3,300 structures destroyed.

Additional reporting by Associated Press.
Navalny fell ill on a domestic flight last month and was treated in a Siberian hospital before being evacuated to Berlin

The UN rights chief called Tuesday on Moscow to conduct or cooperate with a "thorough, transparent, independent and impartial investigation" into the alleged nerve agent attack on Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Michelle Bachelet stressed the need to get to the bottom of the poisoning, after German specialists said they had "unequivocal proof" that the weapons-grade nerve agent Novichok was used in the attack.

"It is incumbent on the Russian authorities to fully investigate who was responsible for this crime, a very serious crime that was committed on Russian soil," she said in a statement.

The 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner and one of President Vladimir Putin's fiercest critics, fell ill on a domestic flight last month and was treated in a Siberian hospital before being evacuated to Berlin.

The attack marked the latest in a long line of assassination attempts against Putin's critics.

Bachelet stressed Tuesday that "the number of cases of poisoning, or other forms of targeted assassination, of current or former Russian citizens, either within Russia itself or on foreign soil, over the past two decades is profoundly disturbing."

"And the failure in many cases to hold perpetrators accountable and provide justice for the victims or their families, is also deeply regrettable and hard to explain or justify," she said.

- 'Numerous questions' -

Germany said last week that toxicology tests conducted by its armed forces found "unequivocal evidence" that Navalny had been poisoned with the weapons-grade nerve agent Novichok, the substance used in the 2018 attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury.

Navalny's associates say the use of Novichok, a military-grade nerve agent, shows that only the Russian state could be responsible, but the Kremlin fiercely denies any involvement.

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Russia had likewise rejected any link to the Skripal case, as well as the death of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko, who was poisoned with highly radioactive polonium-210 at a hotel in the British capital.

While UN rights office said that they were not in a position to make direct accusations against Moscow in the case, Bachelet noted that nerve agents and radioactive isotopes such as Novichok and Polonium-210 were sophisticated substances that are very hard to get hold of.

"This raises numerous questions," she said. "Why use substances like these? Who is using them? How did they acquire them?"

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also pointed out that prior to Navalny's alleged poisoning, he had repeatedly been harassed, arrested and assaulted either by authorities or by unknown assailants.

"Navalny was clearly someone who needed state protection, even if he was a political thorn in the side of the government," she said.

"It is not good enough to simply deny he was poisoned, and deny the need for a thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigation into this assassination attempt," she said.

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Coweta may have lost Fall Festival for 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns, but for the sake of all things holy, there will be festival food served downtown in mid-September.

The Coweta Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Drive-Thru Food Fair Saturday, Sept. 19 so vendors can tantalize the taste buds of those who crave cuisine traditionally enjoyed along the festivals food alley.

Everything from Indian tacos, corndogs, ribbon fries, fried Oreos and funnel cakes to bacon, mac and cheese fries, bacon bomb burgers and those famous fried pies will be served.

The drive-thru line will follow the same route as the Fall Festival Parade along Bristow Ave. from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Chamber Director Carrie Allamby said while she is nervous about this new venture, she is excited to pull it together for the community.

Its not Fall Festival, but it is Fall Festival food! Allamby exclaimed. I got the idea from a chamber in Wisconsin. They had a cancelled celebration just like ours, and used a field for a drive-thru event.

We dont have a field, but we do have some parking lots. I believe we can make it work if people are patient and understanding.
Yemen's Houthi militia said it launched a drone attack toward a Saudi border airport on Tuesday morning, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

The attack on Abha International Airport came in response to "the Saudi-led coalition's airstrikes," the television said, citing a statement by the Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television reported that the coalition intercepted and destroyed a bomb-laden drone launched by the Houthi militia toward the south of Saudi Arabia.

It was the second such attack by the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia in less than a week. The Sunday's drone attack was intercepted and destroyed inside the northern Yemeni border, according to a coalition statement.

The airport under attack is located in Abha, capital city of Asir Province in the southwest of Saudi Arabia.

Yemen has been mired in civil war since late 2014, when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized control of much of the country's north and forced the internationally-recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa.

The Saudi-led military coalition intervened in the Yemen conflict in March 2015 to support Hadi's government.

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LONDON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Noble Corporation plc (OTC-PINK: NEBLQ, the Company) today announced that its report of drilling rig status and contract information has been updated as of September 8, 2020. The report, titled "Fleet Status Report," can be found on the Company's Website www.noblecorp.com, under the "Investor Relations" section of the Website.

About Noble Corporation plc

Noble is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. The Company owns and operates one of the most modern, versatile and technically advanced fleets in the offshore drilling industry. Noble performs, through its subsidiaries, contract drilling services with a fleet of 24 offshore drilling units, consisting of 12 drillships and semisubmersibles and 12 jackups, focused largely on ultra-deepwater and high-specification jackup drilling opportunities in both established and emerging regions worldwide. Noble is a public limited company registered in England and Wales with company number 08354954 and registered office at 10 Brook Street, London, W1S 1BG England. Additional information on Noble is available at www.noblecorp.com.

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Australian miner New Century has abandoned plans to buy mining giant Vale's nickel and copper mine in New Caledonia, leaving the struggling asset's future and thousands of jobs in doubt.

New Century said on Tuesday it would not proceed with an offer to acquire a 95 per cent holding in the Pacific nation's Goro mine from Brazilian mining heavyweight Vale, following the conclusion of exclusive due diligence and negotiations.

New Century boss Patrick Walta. Credit:Eddie Jim

The Melbourne-based company said it had been unable to secure a suitable financing package for the deal. New Century's shares fell 13 per cent on Tuesday to end the trading day at 13.

"Negotiations with various stakeholders have not been able to generate a funding package and equity structure ... which adequately accommodates a suitable risk/reward scenario for shareholders of New Century Resources," it said in a statement.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Modern medicine excels in ways to save a beating heart.

Yet hardly anything is known about how to humanely stop one.

Frustrated by the dearth of information about how to aid dying, Berkeley's Dr. Lonny Shavelson is gathering data to guide other physicians through this new, important and sorrowful clinical frontier. Legalized in 2015, California's End of Life Option Act allows doctors to prescribe life-ending drugs to terminally ill patients.

"We're doing a medical procedure. And whatever is done in medicine should be done well, and consistently," said Shavelson, 68, a UC San Francisco-educated former emergency room physician.

"Now we can tell patients: 'We're giving you the best protocol we have,'" said Shavelson, whose Bay Area End of Life Options medical practice has overseen 232 deaths. "And we're getting better and better."

When Californians passed the medical aid-in-dying law - inspired by Oakland's Brittany Maynard, San Mateo's Jennifer Glass and others who sought to end their suffering from cancer - voters assumed it promised them a neat Shakespearean-styled ending, like Romeo's quick poisoning in Verona. That was the goal, but it didn't always happen.

A little-known secret, not publicized by advocates of aid-in-dying, was that while most deaths were speedy, others were very slow. Some patients lingered for six or nine hours; a few, more than three days. No one knew why, or what needed to change.

"The public thinks that you take a pill and you're done," said Dr. Gary Pasternak, chief medical officer of Mission Hospice in San Mateo. "But it's more complicated than that."

So Shavelson, in collaboration with Washington-based retired anesthesiologist Dr. Carol Parrot, set out to compile data to help doctors help their patients. At a UC Berkeley-based conference last February, they co-founded the American Clinicians Academy on Medical Aid in Dying. The Academy's 240 clinicians are now contributing and sharing their own experiences.

To each deathbed, seated with grieving family members, Shavelson brings a clipboard with drug names and dosage levels.

As minutes tick by, he measures falling oxygen levels, slowing cardiac rhythms and fading respiration. He tracks outcomes while providing care.

The pharmacologic findings, shared with clinicians nationwide, are dramatically reducing the incidence of long, lingering and wrenching deaths.

"It's really helpful to have someone actually studying the utility of what it is we're doing," said Pasternak. "So much of what we're doing has arisen empirically. He's collected such great data."

"Patients want a medication that is effective. They want a swift, peaceful death," he said.

Using the initial drug regimen in place when the law was passed, 34% of all patients took longer than two hours to die; one man died after 11 hours. A second regimen reduced that to 20%. With the current protocol, fewer than 10% of patients take longer than two hours to die, and most patients die in 1.1 hours, on average.

The protracted deaths didn't create suffering for patients; they are in a deep coma. But the lengthy vigils can be agonizing for loved ones.

"After two hours, people were starting to get concerned, and restless," Shavelson said. They wonder what's happening. People start walking around the room, going into the kitchen. It disrupts the meditative mood. Between two and four hours  that's not ideal. Anything over four hours we consider to be problematic."

"I was looking at what was happening and thinking: 'This isn't as good as it's been hyped up to be,' " he said.

There's no repository of information to help doctors in states that have passed aid-in-dying laws, representing 22% of the U.S. population. The U.S. National Institutes of Health won't fund the research. Medical schools don't teach it. Hospitals don't oversee it. Without that official support, medical journals won't publish any findings.

Traditional medical research is conducted at universities and medical schools, "and they won't touch the topic," said Shavelson. "They've completely abrogated their responsibility to patients who are dying ... bowing out of their traditional role of teaching, research and providing quality care. It's taboo. There's still a stigma."

When aid-in-dying was first passed in Oregon in 1997, patients were given secobarbital, sold under the brand name Seconal. It induces deep sleep, then a coma that is so deep that the brain no longer drives respiration.

But that drug wasn't consistently quick. Then it became prohibitively expensive, finally unavailable.

To replace Seconal, the doctors invented a three-drug cocktail - a painkiller, sedative and a heart-slowing agent - based on their experiences with overdose deaths. They later added another cardiac drug. But problems remained.

While sitting at the bedsides of several six-hour deaths, Shavelson pondered what was going wrong. He speculated that one cardiac drug was rendered ineffective by the large quantities of the other drugs. So he separated that out and gave it earlier, so it had time to act.

When some delays persisted, he replaced one of the heart-slowing drugs for a heart-damaging drug.

Based on newly compiled data from Academy clinicians, the formula is about to be improved again, pending confirmation of results.

Shavelson and Parrot have identified which patients are more likely to linger, and can recommend adjustments. People with gastrointestinal cancer, for example, don't absorb the drugs as well. Former opiate users often have resistance to some of the drugs. Young people and athletes tend to have stronger hearts and can survive longer with low respiration rates.

"We're learning. Hypothesis, data and confirmation. This is what science is," he said. "Our job is to stop the heart; that's what they want us to do.

"We haven't made it less sad. It's still death. There's tears and crying," he said. "But it's a better ending."

Explore further Dying virtually: Pandemic drives medically assisted deaths online

2020 The Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.)

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 23:40:43|Editor: huaxia

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JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's ruling party African National Congress (ANC) on Tuesday condemned U.S. President Donald Trump for disrespecting the late President Nelson Mandela.

This came after the Washington Post carried a story in which Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen said his president used foul language on Mandela and questioned his leadership qualities.

"All freedom-loving people of the world are appalled by these insults which come from a person who, himself, is not a model of competent leadership. Trump is a divisive, misogynistic and disrespectful person ever to occupy the office of the President," said ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe.

Mabe said if Mandela was still around, he would have offered some leadership lessons to Trump.

"President Mandela also believed in good trade and sound diplomatic relations. President Mandela understood the value of international friendship amongst the countries of the world. The mark of a true leader is not how many enemies you create but how many friendships you cultivate even where strong differences of opinion exist," said Mabe. Enditem
All Nippon Airways Co. will resume flights from Japan to Hawaii in October after suspending its service to the popular U.S. destination about six months ago due to the coronavirus pandemic, sources familiar with the plan said Monday.

The Japanese carrier has decided to operate two round trips in the month between Narita, east of Tokyo, and Honolulu, mainly targeting people who wish to travel for business or to study abroad, the sources said.

The flights using a Boeing 787 passenger jet will depart Japan on Oct. 5 and Oct. 19, but the service between the two cities is set to remain suspended on other days.

The company, which suspended the service in late March, will consider its plan for November and thereafter depending on the demand.
CALGARYSeveral of the 28 women a Calgary neurologist sexually assaulted over three decades told a judge Tuesday that what happened during their 15-minute appointments led to years of anxiety, shame, self-doubt and fear of doctors.

Court heard 20 victim impact statements at the sentencing hearing of Keith Hoyte, 72, who pleaded guilty to the charges in January.

Prosecutor Rosalind Greenwood read half of the statements on behalf of victims in the Calgary Courts Centres spacious ceremonial courtroom, where those in the gallery could adhere to COVID-19 physical distancing guidelines.

One by one, the rest stood or sat behind Plexiglas, removed their face masks and detailed the pain their assaults caused.

Greenwood and defence lawyer Alain Hepner jointly suggested Hoyte serve three years behind bars.

Queens Bench Justice Jim Eamon questioned whether that was a harsh enough punishment, given the number of victims and the vulnerable position in which each found themselves.

But Eamon said he was bound by legal precedent to accept the proposed sentence.

They rightly hoped you could relieve their suffering, Eamon said of the women, as Hoyte stood in the prisoners dock.

You used them as sexual objects.

He called Hoytes harm to his former profession a sorry state of affairs.

You brought dishonour upon the medical system.

An agreed statement of facts described how the victims, between the ages of 17 and 46, were seeking help for brain ailments such as migraines or seizures. The assaults took place between the early 1980s and 2013, when Hoyte retired.

Yet the victims described how Hoyte fondled their breasts and pricked them with pins, while he made little eye contact or conversation.

I carried this dirty secret with me, letting it destroy me, said one woman who, for 14 years, only told four people about the assault.

Many of the women who spoke out said they refuse to refer to Hoyte as doctor, because he broke his oath to do no harm.

Virtually all described how the assaults sowed a sense of mistrust in the medical profession and fear of seeing doctors.

One woman told the courtroom she was uncomfortable with male doctors even before she was assaulted by Hoyte.

I couldnt avoid you. You wore the armour of the specialist. You knew we had nowhere else to go, she said.

You caused this sense of betrayal.

She said she felt like a desperate soul seeking help reduced to nothing more than a plaything.

Another woman, who described Hoyte as a monster, said she relives her assault like a video playing in slow motion in her head.

Every little detail is highlighted, from the chairs in the waiting room to the pictures on the wall.

Im on guard all the time and the feeling of being vulnerable never goes away.

The woman said she cant forgive Hoyte.

We are here because he got caught, not because theres any remorse for his actions.

Hoyte told court that his sense of remorse is palpable.

I wish I had a magical power to help you heal from the memories. I dont, he said in a prepared statement.

I do not expect forgiveness, but I am truly sorry.

Court heard one victim went to police in 1991, another in 2008 and a third in 2018. Police charged Hoyte with three counts of sexual assault in June 2018. After media reports, 25 more women came forward.

Some complainants said they did not report Hoyte sooner because they thought they wouldnt be believed, would be judged or would be thought of as difficult patients.

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Classes are continuing in full at some schools despite confirmed cases of Covid-19, sparking alarm among parents and teachers' unions.

At least two schools have continued classes as normal following public health advice after there were confirmed cases of the virus.

But unions have raised concerns about entire classes not being sent home in the event of a confirmed student case.

Meanwhile, some parents are calling for more information to be provided on cases due to concerns about at-risk family members.

The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) said it would "continue to pursue the matter vigorously".

"The ASTI is aware that decisions relating to confirmed cases of Covid-19 in schools are made by the HSE departments of public health," a spokesperson said.

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"Experts have argued that if a single child is infected, the entire class at a minimum has to go home and isolate for two weeks - and get tested. Why is this arrangement not being implemented?"

Schools where there are confirmed cases of Covid-19 are not being named by Government or health officials. But a Dublin secondary school alerted staff on Sunday about a positive case in the fifth year, advising teachers classes would resume as normal.

The text said: "After lengthy consultations with the HSE, they have concluded that they don't believe there is a justifiable threat to the school and classes are to resume as normal tomorrow morning."

When contacted, the school said it could not comment. It also declined to confirm whether any pupils excluding the confirmed case had been asked to restrict movements.

Meanwhile, a primary school in Co Cork emailed parents over the weekend notifying them of a positive case.

The principal advised all classes would continue "as normal" this week.

Parents of pupils in the school are calling for more clarity because it has not been confirmed whether the case concerned a student or staff.

One parent, who asked to remain anonymous, called on the school to notify them about which class the case relates. She is concerned about a high-risk relative.

The principal of the school, which has more than 500 pupils, wrote to parents saying: "We have a confirmed case of Covid-19 within our school community. I have been engaging with the local Cork team of national public health.

"I have contacted all the relevant families at this point as advised. If I have not contacted you by phone call, please send your daughter to school as normal. Our school will be open for all classes as normal."

There have been a number of confirmed cases since classrooms reopened in the last two weeks.

Schools in Dublin, Meath, Clare and Kerry all had confirmed cases, with some sending home entire classes.

Yesterday, a primary school in Dublin alerted parents after a pupil in junior infants tested positive for coronavirus.

"Please be assured there is no evidence of transmission in the school to date," the message said.

Close contacts have been asked to restrict their movements for 14 days and arrange a test.

Up to 40 schools have contacted public health officials about cases of Covid-19, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) confirmed at last night's briefing.

Public health specialist Dr Abigail Collins said many of these cases were community transmission and that no clusters or outbreaks have yet been reported.

The HSE said it could not comment on individual cases.

However, a spokesperson outlined how "responses and recommendations for each facility may well differ".

Under HSE guidelines, schools do not have to alert all parents if there has been a confirmed case.

Only the "close contacts" of the student are told.
She's been a regular on the red carpet during the festivities.

And Vanessa Kirby opted for another chic ensemble as she attended Miu Miu's Women In Talent event at the 77th Venice Film Festival on Tuesday.

The Crown star, 32, sported a black mini dress with a white ruffled neckline as she arrived for the event at the Hotel Excelsior.

Gorgeous: Vanessa Kirby, 32, opted for another chic ensemble as she attended Miu Miu's Women In Talent event at the Hotel Excelsior the 77th Venice Film Festival on Tuesday

Vanessa displayed her slender pins in the simple black dress, which had a vintage twist thanks to a high ruffled neckline and matching cuffs.

The Mission Impossible star accessorised her look with ankle-strapped heels and her blonde bobbed tresses styled into loose waves.

Throughout the event, Vanessa ensured she was adhering to social distancing by arriving in her matching black face mask.

Lovely: The Crown star sported a black mini dress with a white ruffled neckline as she arrived for the event

Stylish: Vanessa displayed her slender pins in the simple black dress, which had a vintage twist thanks to a high ruffled neckline and matching cuffs

Quirky: The Mission Impossible star accessorised her look with ankle-strapped heels and her blonde bobbed tresses styled into loose waves

Vanessa has been in Venice to attend the launch of her newest film The World To Come, and she attended a photocall for the film on Sunday.

The World To Come is set on the American East Coast in the mid-19th century, where two neighbouring couples battle hardship and isolation, and is based upon Jim Shepard's novel of the same name.

Vanessa is known to many for her role as young Princess Margaret in the Netflix series The Crown, which she played for the show's first two seasons.

Screen star: Vanessa has been attending the Venice Film Festival to promote her new role in the film The World To Come

Safety first! Throughout the event, Vanessa ensured she was adhering to social distancing by arriving in her matching black face mask

Serious: The World To Come is set on the American East Coast in the mid-19th century, where two neighbouring couples battle hardship and isolation

Royal actress: Vanessa is known to many for her role as young Princess Margaret in the Netflix series The Crown, which she played for the show's first two seasons

In 2018 she appeared in Mission Impossible: Fallout, and is expected to reprise her role in the upcoming seventh film, which recently resumed filming after being delayed due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Her jaw-dropping appearance on the red carpet comes after Vanessa spoke exclusively to The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye about preparing for her upcoming role in Pieces Of A Woman.

The actress plays Martha, a Boston woman who loses her baby during a traumatic home birth, and explained that she spent time with a midwife and a paediatrician at the Whittington Hospital in North London in preparation.

Fashion star: In 2018 she appeared in Mission Impossible: Fallout, and is expected to reprise her role in the upcoming seventh film

Busy: The blockbuster recently resumed filming after being delayed due to the COVID-19 crisis

Interview: Her appearance on the red carpet comes after Vanessa spoke exclusively to The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye about preparing for her upcoming role in Pieces Of A Woman

Role: The actress plays Martha, a Boston woman who loses her baby during a traumatic home birth

Preparation: Vanessa spent time with a midwife and a paediatrician at the Whittington Hospital in North London in preparation

She said: 'Just by pure chance an amazing woman allowed me to watch her give birth. I didn't know her but she was so generous and allowed me to be there when her boy was born'

Realistic: Vanessa added that she  along with on-screen husband Shia LaBeouf and director Kornel Mundruczo  wanted the birth scenes in the film to be as authentic as possible

Event: Vanessa appeared in good spirits as she waved to fans when arriving at the event

Festival: The Miu Miu Women event was a part of the seventh day of the annual festival

She said: 'I couldn't have acted that, because I've never given birth myself,' she told me.

'Just by pure chance an amazing woman allowed me to watch her give birth. I didn't know her but she was so generous and allowed me to be there when her boy was born.'

Vanessa added that she  along with on-screen husband Shia LaBeouf and director Kornel Mundruczo  wanted the birth scenes in the film to be as authentic as possible.

'There's a 26-minute continuous shot of me, as Martha, giving birth, so I'd better know about contractions and everything else,' she added.
On 90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After, Paul Staehle and his wife, Karine Staehle, have been struggling to make a new life for themselves in Kentucky. It hasnt been easy, and Paul still has yet to find a job. With his wifes happiness on the line, Paul finally talks to Karine about going back to Brazil temporarily.

Paul Staehle takes his family to a wastewater treatment facility

Paul and Karine Staehle | staehlekarine via Instagram

On a rainy day in Kentucky, Paul takes his family, complete with their son, Pierre, to a wastewater treatment facility. Paul tells Karine that she can see how they treat the water in America.

Things have been really tense since Karine went behind my back to an immigration lawyer a couple weeks ago, Paul tells the cameras. Karines frustrated with me because shes given me a two-month ultimatum to find a job or go back to Brazil, and it has been two months, and I still havent found work yet. Shes made it very clear that she really wants to go back to Brazil.

Paul wants Karine to see what America has to offer. Im taking Karine to a water treatment plant so she can see some of the other things that America has to offer for our community, Paul tells the cameras. He also mentions that the actual reason for going there is because hes going to try and get a job, and he thinks it will help having his family there.

I think Paul taking me to the water treatment plant is ridiculous, Karine says to the cameras. He is obsessed. If Paul knows so much about pipes, he should find a job as a plumber.

Paul meets up with Barry, the superintendent of the plant, and they go on a tour of the facility. Paul says its impressive. Its raining, and Karine takes the umbrella from him and says, You crazy, dummy.

Paul tells the man who took them on a tour that he had a good time, and he asks about employment at the facility. They arent hiring, but Paul thanks the man for the tour regardless. Paul then asks Karine if she had fun, and she says, No.

Paul and Karine talk about going back to Brazil temporarily

RELATED: 90 Day Fiance: What Happens When Paul Tells Karine About His Past?

Paul still isnt working, and Karine is missing her family. I can get why Karines frustrated, Paul says.

It has been two months, and I still havent found work yet. Raising a family in America is a lot harder than I anticipated, Paul explains. And Im really disappointed I cant support my family. But Im realizing that If I want to make this marriage work, I need to keep my word, and we go back to Brazil for a little bit.

Paul asks Karine if she wants to go back to Brazil, and she asks if he has money. He says he has enough to buy plane tickets, and that they should go back to Brazil for a little while.

His wife seems to agree with the plan. Im happy, Im excited, Karine says.

Paul mentions that theyll have to live with Karines family, and that it will be different. Paul says they are going back temporarily. However, hes worried Karine wont want to come back to America after this.

It sounds like Paul and Karine are headed back to Brazil as a family. Well have to see how it all goes.
Gama Aviation PLC - Farnborough, Surrey-based aviation service provider - Awarded contract, alongside SNC-Lavalin Group's Atkins, with UK Ministry of Defence for supporting the airworthiness of the Viking T1 - the aircraft used by Royal Air Force Air Cadets for basic glider training.

Current stock price: 39 pence

Year-to-date change: down 37%

By Arvind Bhunjun; arvindbhunjun@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Josh Williamson, 34, of Newquay Baptist Church was spoken to by police. (Facebook)

A church pastor has been contacted by police after he celebrated the cancellation of a gay pride event.

Josh Williamson, 34, of Newquay Baptist Church, in Cornwall, sparked anger when he shared a local news article about Rainbow Fest being cancelled in August, adding 'hallelujah!' to the post.

He then stated during a prayer session, he and others had asked for the event to be cancelled, and also prayed the Lord would save the organiser.

His Facebook posts received several negative comments from the LGBTQ+ community, and others.

And in response to the criticism, Pastor Williamson went on to say how there was no such thing as a gay Christian.

Read more: How members of the LGBT+ community are celebrating Pride in London

Pastor Williamson sparked anger when he shared a local news article about the pride event being cancelled (Picture: Facebook)

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they had spoken to all parties involved and given advice but the matter was not taken forward.

A police spokesperson said: Following concerns expressed between individuals from the community, and subsequent tensions, police officers have spoken to all parties involved and advice has been given.

There are no other associated, ongoing policing matters.

The original post from Pastor Williamson read: "Hallelujah!!

"We prayed at our prayer meeting on Tuesday night that this event would be cancelled. We also prayed the Lord would save the organisers.

"One prayer answered, now we wait for the next prayer to be answered."

The post is just one of many on Pastor Williamson's Facebook page that exhibit orthodox Christian values.

His views were condemned as "outdated" and met with outrage online.

Read more: Tokyo highlights LGBTQ rights before Olympics with Pride House

Following the backlash, a statement was released on behalf of the pastor, which claimed to have been the victim of hateful and threatening messages.

A spokesperson from Cornwall Pride said: We all have to be open to different opinions and views from many groups and many people.

However, when opinions and comments are as negative as the ones shared, they become both harmful and damaging to our community.

Even though these were harmful comments, we as a charity and as a community need to uphold the right process and support the wider community.
A fuming Gov. Andrew Cuomo blasted President Donald Trump on Tuesday for "actively trying to kill New York City" while airing a long list of other grievances about how the Empire State has been treated by the federal government.

Cuomo criticized the president for refusing to approve or fund projects that the governor has championed, such as a proposed AirTrain to LaGuardia Airport, the Second Avenue subway line and failing to provide more federal coronavirus aid for the state and city.

"This is a war on cities.  It is an unsustainable position for the federal government," Cuomo said at a news briefing. "Either this president will figure it out, or the next president will figure it out. If the Congress doesn't figure it out, there'll be mayhem in this country and there will be a different Congress in January. That is my political opinion."

Cuomo, a Democrat, also criticized Trump's signing of the Republican-backed cap on the federal tax deduction for state and local taxes, known as SALT. The governor said SALT "targeted" New York City's tax base.

Experts say taxpayers in coastal states, such as New York, New Jersey and California, have felt the brunt of the $10,000 cap on the itemized deduction for state and local taxes  a key piece of the tax plan Trump signed into law in 2017. In their proposal for another round of pandemic-related government stimulus, House Democrats tucked in a provision that would remove the SALT cap in 2020 and 2021.

Cuomo went on to accuse the president of causing "the Covid outbreak in New York," adding that the federal ban on travel from Europe was "too little, too late." The governor also criticized the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as "incompetent."

"Gov. Cuomo seems paranoid. Every time New York and New York City has needed something, President Trump has delivered," White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement to CNBC. "The only people trying to harm New York City are the liberal politicians and their failed big government policies."

In March, New York City became the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. before it was able to slow transmission by closing nonessential businesses. To date, the virus has infected more than 440,000 people in the state and killed at least 33,000, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Since the peak of the outbreak in April, the state has managed to bring the virus largely under control. However, New York's death toll from the early outbreak still accounts for roughly 15% of all confirmed Covid-19 fatalities in the country, according to Johns Hopkins data. Cuomo described the state's recent success in controlling the outbreak as "an obvious outlier" when compared with the rest of the country.

"And now, no federal funds for New York City and New York State post-Covid," Cuomo said. "Donald Trump caused the Covid outbreak in New York. Donald Trump caused the Covid outbreak in New York. That is a fact!"

Last week, Trump ordered federal agencies to look for ways to restrict funding to Democrat-led cities, including New York City, because of what he said was city and state leadership's failure in some cities to control recent surges in violent crimes. In the memo, Trump described such cities as "anarchist jurisdictions."

"Trump is actively trying to kill New York City. It's personal," Cuomo added Tuesday. "I think it's psychological. He is trying to kill New York City."
IMANI Africa wants the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to clarify aspects of its manifesto promises by providing a detailed execution plan for such policies.

The NDC flagbearer, John Mahama, has announced a $10 billion accelerated infrastructural plan, dubbed the Big Push, intended to provide jobs and execute an industrialisation plan when elected in December 2020.

He has also promised that Assembly Members will receive salaries from the government if the NDC returns to power.

Speaking to Citi News on the Big Push promise, the President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, noted that the source of funding for that policy should be provided.

If I listen to the tenor of their argument, they havent mentioned how they are going to do that  which is a minus. But there is a clear intent that they may raise money from private sources as well. And I think by doing so, they may have to ensure that the management of this asset is in tandem with the private sector because you cant allow this perpetual abandonment of projects to go on forever. I think they may have to tell us exactly how they may raise the capital.

I can suggest a few things. They can look at the pension fund because it is very easy to raise close to GHS2 billion from the pension industry to do some of these things as far as they can pay for themselves. I think they should provide us with some ideas as to where they will get the money from. And if they are not able to do that, they should tell us what alternative they have.

Commenting on the promise to pay Assembly Members, Franklin Cudjoe suggested that the move can be counterproductive because there are currently no checks and balances on the productivity of such local representatives.

They need to explain that to us because if the idea is to pay Assembly Members, it must be generated by the local assembly and I think that is what should be done. You cant just be dishing out money from the centre to anybody who may or may not need it. If it is generated internally then they may be able to apportion a bit to these people. They must show they are working anyway. If they are working then automatically you generate revenue. You cant be distributing salaries for no proper work done. Whatever payment they make to the Assemblymen should come from economic activity or industry, he said.

citinewsroom
XIAMEN, China, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A Philippine delegation will open the prestigious Guest of Honour Pavilion at the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) today, ready to show China and the world its capabilities as a leading foreign direct investment destination for businesses ready to expand within Asia.

China and ASEAN investors attending the Fair will also experience the first unveiling of the Philippines' new international investment brand "Make It Happen In The Philippines" - the Philippines' first sustained and unified multi-sector, multi-market campaign designed to drive foreign investment leads.

Developed and tested among international investors in the biggest Asian economy, China, as well as among the world's largest consumer markets including the US and UK, the new investment brand and fully-integrated marketing campaign will become the Philippines' uniform corporate identity for foreign direct investment.

Promoting the market's resilience, adaptability and positive 'make it work' mindset, the 'Make It Happen In The Philippines' investment brand will be brought to life at CIFIT with bespoke content, marketing brochures and a selfie wall. Investors will be able to experience the new brand and the scale of the Philippines' economic growth success story by visiting www.philippines.business through monitors and laptops on the stand.

The Philippines' successful growth has been driven in part by its strength, capacity and capability in leading sectors including electronics manufacturing (valued at $37 billion in 2018), automotive, aerospace, IT and health, attracting a host of global businesses such as Siemens AG, Mitsubishi, Lufthansa which are already established in market.

Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, Philippine Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) said: "We are delighted that the Organizing Committee of CIFIT has bestowed us with the unprecedented accolade of Guest of Honour for two consecutive years, a testament to our success as a leading foreign investment destination within the ASEAN marketplace.

He continues, "The Philippines continues to be a vital place to do business in the world and is recognized as one of Asia's leading economies and fastest-growing emerging markets. With the current health crisis affecting the world economy, we have acted swiftly with a range of incentives and measures to maintain ease of doing business and mitigating the impact of Covid-19 for businesses. We look forward to sharing our "Make It Happen" story and partnering with the world's investors at CIFIT 2020 and beyond."

Foreign direct investment plays an essential role in the Philippines' economy, bringing billions to its economy annually and creating vital jobs: Philippine FDI increased by 40 per cent in the three year period to 2019 in comparison to the previous three years.1 The "Make It Happen In The Philippines" investment brand and supporting promotional program highlights the adaptability of the Philippine mindset which is vital amid the global pandemic.

The World Bank and International Monetary Fund both forecast a V-shaped recovery, rebounding as much as between 6.2 to 6.8 per cent - made possible by the market's competitive advantages such as a young and upbeat workforce, English proficiency and service-oriented work ethic as well as its strategic geolocation at the heart of Southeast Asia, its rapid development of IT parks and economic zones and its focus on sustainable economic development through infrastructure.

For more information on the 'Make It Happen In The Philippines' investment brand, investment activities and prospects in the Philippines, investors are invited to visit the new multilingual digital promotional platform and speak to the Board of Investments at www.philippines.business

About the Philippine Board of Investments:

The Philippine Board of Investments (BOI), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is the lead government agency responsible for the promotion of investments in the Philippines. Taking the lead in the promotion of investments, BOI assists Filipino and foreign investors to venture and prosper in desirable areas of economic activities. The BOI is a one-stop shop in doing business in the Philippines. To find out more about investment opportunities in the Philippines, visit www.philippines.business

1 Source: World Bank.
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Green Street Advisors, a firm with a 35-year history providing commercial real estate research, analytics, and advisory services today announced it will rebrand as Green Street. The rebrand reflects the firm's increasingly diversified capabilities and breadth of market insights and SaaS capabilities, evidenced by the simultaneous integration of News, Green Street's latest major enhancement to its web-based platform.

"This is a pivotal and exciting point in the company's evolution," said Jeff Stuek, Chief Executive Officer. "We are expanding upon the firm's incredibly strong foundation in research and data, making major investments in the business to provide clients with the best SaaS platform available for trusted and actionable intelligence on public and private real estate markets."

Green Street's comprehensive platform now offers access to News, a product suite consisting of four highly-regarded weekly publications  Real Estate Alert, Commercial Mortgage Alert, Hedge Fund Alert, and Asset-Backed Alert  and six corresponding proprietary databases, acquired earlier this year. Existing News subscribers will benefit from the improved features and functionality afforded through Green Street's robust web-based platform.

"We are incredibly pleased to integrate News into our platform," said Paul Henderson, Executive Vice President of News and Data Operations. "The exclusive, best-in-class reporting and data our publications are known for complement the top-quality research and analytical tools Green Street's clients already enjoy." He added, "The cultural integration of the two companies has also been outstanding and remarkable to watch. We are proud of our teams for uniting and seamlessly collaborating to complete this massive integration."

As part of this product integration, Green Street has incorporated the rich, high-quality transaction data collected by the News arm into its cutting-edge Atlas mapping platform. "The quality of the transaction data available through the News publications  compiled over multiple decades and managed on an ongoing basis  is exceptional and far superior to those sources based mostly on public record data," said Henderson.

To learn more about the News products and free trials available, click here.

About Green Street

Green Street provides preeminent and actionable commercial real estate research, news, data, analytics, and advisory services in the U.S. and Europe. For more than 35 years, Green Street has delivered unparalleled intelligence and trusted data on the public and private real estate markets, helping investors, banks, lenders, and other industry participants optimize investment and strategic decisions. The firm delivers exclusive market information, conclusion-driven insights, and predictive analytics through a SaaS platform. The company is headquartered in Newport Beach with offices in Hoboken, Dallas, and London. To learn more, please visit www.greenstreet.com.

Contact:

Green Street

Katie Clemons

Vice President, Marketing

949-640-8780

[email protected]

SOURCE Green Street

Related Links

https://www.greenstreet.com


The Creek Fire burns along a hillside in the Cascadel Woods community of Madera County, Calif., on Sept. 7, 2020. (Noah Berger/AP Photo)

California National Guard Helps Rescue 200 Trapped by Fire

More than 200 people were rescued by the National Guard from a wildfire in California, officials said Sunday.

In a Facebook post, the Madera County Sherriffs Office said officials rescued people from Mammoth Pool, a reservoir along the San Joaquin River located some 45 miles north of Fresno. They were evacuated as the Creek Fire descended on them, authorities said.

We are relieved to announce the completed rescue of the people sheltering-in-place at Mammoth Pool. Over 200 have been evacuated to safety, 20 of those transported to area hospitals and any others in need of medical attention are being treated, the sheriffs office wrote.

A spokesman for the National Guard told CBS San Francisco that a Chinook military helicopter airlifted some of the evacuees to the Fresno Airport, adding some were injured by the flame of the fire.

Dozens of evacuees are evacuated to safety on a Cal Guard Chinook last night after the Creek Fire in central California left them stranded. Photo courtesy California National Guard. pic.twitter.com/mi7X6wchpN  The California National Guard (@CalGuard) September 6, 2020

A Blackhawk helicopter is also involved in the rescue, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma said. At the airport, emergency response, fire and medical elements from the 144th Fighter Wing are on hand to assist. Both rotary wings are returning to the fire site to evacuate more people immediately.

The Creek Fire started Friday and as of Monday, it has burned more than 135,000 acres, officials said.

Mandatory Evacuations in place for the communities of Big Creek, Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake, and Cascadel Woods, says the U.S. National Wildfire Coordinating Groups Inciweb website. Evacuation warnings now in effect from Cressman RoadAuberry Road from the top of the four lanes to Powerhouse to the San Joaquin River. Also included are Jose Basin, Alder Spring, Mono Wind Casino, Meadow Lakes and Mile High, it adds.

Firefighters battle the Creek Fire as it threatens homes in the Cascadel Woods neighborhood of Mariposa County, Calif., on Sept. 7, 2020. (Noah Berger/AP Photo)

Smoke from wildfires burning east of Los Angeles dims the sunrise seen from Pasadena, Calif., on Sept. 7, 2020. (John Antczak/AP Photo)

Smoke from the Creek Fire envelopes trees in the Cascadel Woods community of Madera County, Calif., on Sept. 7, 2020. (Noah Berger/AP Photo)

On Tuesday, three early morning helicopter flights rescued another 35 people from Sierra National Forest as a fire raged, the California National Guard said.

Two of the three largest fires in state history are burning in the San Francisco Bay Area. More than 14,000 firefighters are battling those fires and about two dozen others around the state.

The fire danger also is high in Southern California, where fires were burning in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. The U.S. Forest Service on Monday decided to close all eight national forests in the region and to shutter campgrounds statewide.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A recruit officer class marches in for inspection during graduation exercises in the plaza of the downtown LAPD headquarters. (Los Angeles Times)

To the editor: Thank you, City Councilman Mike Bonin, for alerting us that the union representing rank-and-file Los Angeles Police Department officers wants raises totalling $123 million for its members, at a time when some cops are accused of wrongly labeling arrestees as gang members and falsifying records in order to cover their tracks.

I am tired of having my tax money pay for these people, hired as if they were responsible adults sworn to uphold the law, rather than the teenage delinquents they pretend to be, above the law and beneath it. I am more than tired of paying the enormous legal costs that result from their actions, especially when the real needs of the citizens go unmet.

Instead, give my tax dollars to the public library to set up and stock Little Free Library stands on every neighborhood corner, so that each child can have a book to read during this time when the schools and libraries are closed. Bring the books to the children  $123 million should cover it.

Sarah Starr, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: As a resident in Bonin's Los Angeles City Council district, I do not agree with many of his policies. He does make some good points in his op-ed article on the city's fiscal emergency, however.

I wouldn't expect him to discuss the politics of the situation, so I would like to make a couple of observations.

First, many people are scared. Since the killing of George Floyd, the public has been bombarded with images of massive unrest and violence in the streets. I suspect our local officials determined that now is not the time to risk a police walkout. It seems they were "damned if they did, damned if they didn't."

Second, I'm disappointed that the police unions showed no empathy with the vast majority of the people they serve. The stresses due to the pandemic, especially the economic ones, are clearly taking a toll. The police union and its members may suffer politically in the future as a result.

Only time will tell if these choices were right or wrong.

Mitchel Kadish, Venice
Donald Trump's White House chief of staff said Tuesday he was targeting the 'military-industrial complex' when he attacked top military commanders, complaining they just want to keep defense contractors 'happy' as he argued soldiers in the field 'love me.'

In his remarks, Trump seemed to suggest it was the nation's top military leaders who were behind an article in The Atlantic, where un-named sources claimed the president called those who fought and died in combat 'losers' and 'suckers.'

'I'm not saying the military is in love with me; the soldiers are,' Trump said during a press conference at the White House.

'The top people in the Pentagon probably aren't because they want to do nothing but fight wars so that all of those wonderful companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else stay happy,' he added.

Chief of Staff Mark Meadows on Tuesday said the president's comment on military leaders was not directed toward any 'individual' but 'was more directed about the military-industrial complex,' a phrase made famous by Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1961 as a warning about its power.

'He's not going to let some lobbyists here in Washington DC - just because they want a new defense contract - suggest that [soldiers] need to stay abroad one minute longer than they should,' Meadows said at the White House.

'He's been consistent about stopping these endless wars, he's going to continue to fight against the special interest groups here in Washington DC,' Meadows said of President Trump.

Mark Meadows defended Donald Trump Tuesday after his boss attacked top military commanders on Monday, complaining they just want to keep defense contractors 'happy' as he argued soldiers in the field 'love me'

Trump's comments were seen as suggesting top military leaders were behind an article in The Atlantic, which reported he made disparaging comments about U.S. troops - above the president is seen with Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley on June 1 as Trump walked to St. John's church for a photo-op

President Trump - seen with the National Guard in Louisiana last month - has long touted his support for soldiers, saying he's given them a pay raise

Trump's attack comes as current and retired military officers have been notably quiet about the allegations in the article, which dropped like a bomb on the White House last week and left them launching a massive counter offensive, including statements from former aides and posting many photos of the president with soldiers on social media.

Among those who have been silent are John Kelly, the retired Marine general who was Trump's chief of staff and at whose fallen son's grave the president is said to have said he 'didn't get' why troops signed up, and who was with him on the trip to Paris where he allegedly disparaged fallen World War One Marines.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper defended the president on Friday, citing Trump's support for the troops but his statement stopped short of an outright denial of the article's explosive allegations.

'President Trump has the highest respect and admiration for our nation's military members, veterans and families,' Esper said. 'That is why he has fought for greater pay and more funding for our armed forces.'

Esper, whom Trump appointed to the job, was defense contractor Raytheon Company's chief Washington lobbyist before he became Army secretary in 2017 and then Defense Secretary.

The president also defended himself in an onslaught of retweets on Tuesday morning. Trump retweeted articles featuring former aides defending him including his former National Security Adviser John Bolton and his former deputy Chief of Staff Zach Fuentes.

He also retweeted an op-ed from a soldier who described who Trump came to Dover Air Force Base after his wife was killed fighting in Syria.

Trump's remarks come as many current and retired military leaders including John Kelly (above), the former White House chief of staff and a retired four-star general, have been silent on the allegations in The Atlantic article

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?'

Trump has had a strained relationship with the military since he used federal forces to quell Black Lives Matters protests in Washington D.C. in the wake of the death of George Floyd.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley expressed regret for walking through Lafayette Square to St. John's Church in what turned out to be a photo op during the June protests.

Trump has been vigorously defending himself in the wake of the publication of The Atlantic piece last week. At least 14 former staffers who were on the 2018 Paris trip have denied the article's report, as has first lady Melania Trump.

The president called the story a 'hoax.'

'Only an animal would say a thing like that,' he said Monday of the allegations in the article. 'There is nobody that has more respect for not only our military, but for people that gave their lives in the military.'

Trump side stepped a question at his press conference on Monday as to whether he would ask Kelly to speak publicly on the matter.

IS TRUMP ECHOING IKE'S 'MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX' WARNING OF 1961? Days before Dwight D. Eisenhower left office as president in 1961, he delivered a farewell address which introduced the term 'military-industrial complex,' warning: 'In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex.' His address was a final act in public life for a president who had been an officer in World War One, planned for the next war during the Depression - when few saw one coming - and rose to be the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe as a five-star general before being drafted by the Republicans to run in 1952. In 1961, he issued his warning as part of a message to a nation experiencing previously unknown levels of wealth, and Eisenhower sensed a danger that the threats to its future included deficit spending, and both a military and scientific elite corrupting democracy. At the time defense spending far exceeded current levels as a proportion of gross domestic product - 8.62% in Eisenhower's final year, compared to 3.16% in 2018. Eisenhower warned that more was spent on defense than 'the net income of all United States corporations.' A similar comparison today shows private sector net income in 2018 at least three times greater than defense spending. Farewell: Eisenhower gave his final address in public life from the White House on January 17, 1961 Decline of defense significance: The proportion of GDP spent on defense has fallen far below where it was when Eisenhower issued his warning What concerned Eisenhower was that throughout the 1950s, military spending had been prioritized for the arms race with the Soviet Union, one which at the time seemed to have no end in sight. And until the war with Korea, the U.S. military had turned to civilian suppliers to equip the troops on the basis that they returned to civilian production at the end of hostilities. Instead the 1950s saw the rise of a dedicated defense industry, whose presence was dispersed across the country, giving it immense influence at every level of state and congressional politics. Eisenhower feared that the combination of vast federal spending and an industry dependent on it could subvert democracy. He had himself tried to cut Pentagon budgets to no avail; members of Congress saw no benefit in reducing the gusher of federal spending in their districts with the jobs and wealth it brought. In the 1960s, as the U.S. waded into the morass of Vietnam, his warning appeared to be true, and the term 'military-industrial complex' was seized on by opponents of escalation. Ironically a conservative, Republican analysis of the dangers of the state setting the terms of the economy was also eagerly used by the left who saw it as an authoritarian power grab. Critics saw Vietnam as the product of a technocratic military which kept pushing for more troops and more weaponry in the absence of a genuine strategy and purpose for the war, backed by think tanks such as the RAND Corporation which advocated their case in public with funding from the defense industry, and lobbyists who did the same in private, creating a circular logic for unending war. The war's advocates robustly denied the critique but the term stuck. After Vietnam, the phrase came to encompass the revolving-door between the ranks of high command - in the military and at the top of the Pentagon - and military contractors. Virtually every chairman of the joint chiefs and virtually every former Senate-confirmed Pentagon official has gone on to a board seat on a defense contractor, while they also become involved in think tanks which try to shape the future of military spending. It has been blamed for the 'endless wars' in Iraq and Afghanistan where elevated military spending have undoubtedly benefited contractors, and for bending foreign policy towards military spending. New tech companies have increasingly tried to enter into the military space, sensing lucrative opportunities and themselves offering former senior military and Pentagon figures new roles. Those who see the military-industrial complex as still being a baleful influence have a mixed picture to point to. On the one hand, the economy has never been less dependent on military spending: none of the Dow Jones component companies, which paint a picture of the U.S. economy are solely defense contractors. Most of the military budget goes nowhere near the 'industrial' part of the complex, with the majority spent on pay and benefits, including veterans affairs, reflecting the cost both of professional armed forces and the ongoing care of those who served in earlier eras of mass mobilization and the most recent post-2001 conflicts. On the other hand many of those predominantly civilian companies pursue Pentagon contracts aggressively, while American military contractors who in Eisenhower's era solely served the U.S. now do business around the world. And while the manufacturing power of military demand is hardly on a scale of the vast spending of the 1950s and 1960s, the shrinking of the total manufacturing base means that defense manufacturing remains a powerful political force in some areas, particularly the mid-west swing states. Trump may however be an unlikely opponent of the complex. His current defense secretary was a Raytheon executive, his Veterans Affairs secretary was one too, and the most senior former general in a civilian role in the current administration, Mike Pence's national security advisor worked for a series of contractors including Oracle. Most notably of all, Jim Mattis, his first defense secretary left the military in 2013, joined General Dynamics and the Hoover Institution - the right-wing think tank at Stanford - before being nominated to the Cabinet role with an exemption from normal rules which prohibit general serving in government so rapidly. And Trump's spending is out of sync with Eisenhower's attempts at reducing military budgets: in fiscal year 2021, Trump wants a budget of $740.5 billion for the military, the third year in a row he has sought to increase it, while speaking repeatedly of 'rebuilding' a military he claims was 'depleted.' He has also proved an adept and aggressive salesman for American might, pushing foreign nations to buy U.S. weapons systems - the product of exactly the military-industrial complex he claimed he was taking on. Advertisement

On that 2018 Paris trip, according to The Atlantic, the president said he wasn't going to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris for American soldiers killed in World War I because 'it's filled with losers,' and that Marines slain at Belleau Wood were 'suckers' for getting killed.

The White House said the president did not travel to the cemetery because of bad weather, which would not allow him to take Marine One as planned.

Additionally, the article reported that during a 2017 visit to Arlington National Cemetery, Trump and Kelly stopped in Section 60, to pay respects at the grave of Kelly's son, Second Lt. Robert Kelly, a Marine who was killed at age 29 in Afghanistan in 2010.

Trump reportedly said to Kelly: 'I don't get it. What was in it for them?'

Former national security adviser, John Bolton, who was with the president in France at the time  and has shared a number of high profile fallouts with him Trump - went on the record to dispute the Atlantic's report.

'I didn't hear either of those comments or anything even resembling them,' Bolton told Fox News. 'I was there at the point in time that morning when it was decided that he would not go Aisne-Marne cemetery  It was entirely a weather-related decision, and I thought the proper thing to do.

'I never heard he made that kind of comment about another country's forces either, no.'

Fox correspondent John Roberts, who conducted the Bolton interview, added that he has told him, 'if [Donald Trump] had said he didn't want to visit Aisne-Marne because the interred heroes were 'losers' and 'suckers,' he would have written an entire chapter about it in his book #TheRoomWhereItHappened.'

Former White House Press Secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, meanwhile, has decried the report as '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  I am disgusted by this false attack.'

Other protesting staffers include former Deputy White House Press Secretary Hogan Gidley, who called the report 'grotesque'; White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications Dan Scavino; and Jordan Karem, personal aide to President Trump.

President Trump takes a selfie with soldiers during a stop at Ramstein Air Base on December 27, 2018

Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg said he expects more information to come out in the coming days to corroborate his story about Trump's remarks

Meanwhile, The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg told CNN's 'Reliable Sources' on Sunday that he expects 'more confirmation and new pieces of information' to come out in the coming days and weeks that will corroborate about the alleged incendiary comments.

Goldberg also addressed his use of anonymous sources, which has come under criticism from the president and others who believe that officials should not be allowed to launch bombshell allegations under the cloak of anonymity  particularly in the build up to an election.

'These are not people who are anonymous to me,' Goldberg told CNN. 'We all have to use anonymous sources especially in a climate in which the president of the United States tries to actively intimidate journalism organizations and people who provide information to journalism organizations.'

Goldberg said his decision to publish the article was made confidently, because of the number of sources he had, and their close ties to the president.

'The formula is simple,' he continued. 'What you do is you have to say, does the public's right to know or need to know a particular piece of information outweigh the morally complicated and ambiguous qualities of anonymous sourcing.

'Most of us, most of the time, don't rely on anonymous sourcing for most things because there are difficulties there. But in this climate, with information that we judge the voters to need, we are going to use anonymous sources because we think the public has a right to know. Especially when you have four or five or six sources, primary sources, corroborating sources, telling you the same thing.'
New documents have shed light on a bizarre disappearance that saw a Chinese tourist vanish in New Zealand, only to show up a year later.

Biao Zhang was 29 when he arrived as part of a scenic tour group on June 14, 2018.

Six days later he told his roommate at the Surrey Hotel in Grey Lynn, Auckland, he was stepping outside for a cigarette.

But he never returned and the next day Travelmore informed police the Chinese student was missing.

Biao Zhang told his roommate in Auckland he was stepping outside for a smoke and never returned

Police probed every possibility from foul play to a deliberate visa overstay, however investigators come up with nothing.

On Tuesday, documents uncovered by New Zealand media under the Official Information Act revealed the disappearance was orchestrated over the Chinese social media platform WeChat.

Zhang rocked up to a police station in New Zealand more than a year later in 2019, to hand himself in.

He said a mysterious figure had arranged for him go missing and that the trip to New Zealand, as well as his place on the tour group, was all part of the plan, Stuff NZ reported.

The entire operation had been had been organised on WeChat and Zhang said he had never ever met the individuals he was messaging, let alone knew of their identities.

Zhang said a mysterious figure he contacted on WeChat had arranged for him go missing

Zhang offered no explanation when interrogated as to why he had planned to disappear.

Nor did he reveal where he had been staying during the time he was missing.

Two witnesses reported seeing Zhang at the Epsom Badminton Hall in Auckland in June 2019.

The women said they recognised Zhangs face from the news but when police followed up on the sighting they uncovered no sign of the Chinese national.

At one point during the investigation, New Zealand police organised for Chinese investigators to visit Zhangs parents in Anshan city.

They told officers their son had returned to China and was working in a another city.

Zhang's parents admitted their son was working for a construction site in Christchurch and was living on Oldwood Street in Bishopdale (pictured)

But investigators found no record of Zhang ever re-entering China.

His parents later admitted to police he had been working for a construction site in Christchurch and was living on Oldwood Street in Bishopdale.

When police in New Zealand searched the Christchurch address given by the parents, there was still no sign of Zhang.

He eventually turned himself in to police, was served with a detention notice, and processed by New Zealand's immigration department.

A spokesman from Immigration NZ said Zhang was deported in November 2019.

But exactly what happened to the wayward Chinese student remains a mystery.
An insect-like machine with six individually powered legs that was intended for the battlefield received millions in US government funding during the 1980s.

The project to create a fleet of real-life AT-AT walkers from Star Wars started in 1981 at Ohio State University, as the military searched for ways to traverse rough terrain that wheeled vehicles couldn't manage.

Called the Adaptive Suspension Vehicle (ASV), the bizarre vehicle was part of a decade-long project which was eventually scrapped after receiving a reported $1million a year from Darpa between 1981 and 1990.

The fate of the ASV is a mystery, with nobody knowing whether it is in storage somewhere or was scrapped decades ago.

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Called the Adaptive Suspension Vehicle (ASV), the bizarre vehicle (pictured) was part of a ten-year project which was eventually scrapped after receiving a reported $1million a year from Darpa between 1981 and 1990

The project to create a fleet of real life AT-AT walkers from Star Wars started in 1981 at Ohio State University as the US military searched for novel ways to traverse rough terrain

Professors Robert McGhee and Kenneth Waldron at Ohio State University wrote a scientific paper explaining their project in 1986.

They say: 'The vehicle uses a legged, rather than a wheeled or tracked, locomotion principle, and is intended to demonstrate the feasibility of systems of this type for transportation in very rough terrain conditions.

'The vehicle is presently under test, with installation and validation of software modules for different operational conditions scheduled for completion by the end of 1986.'

The innovative machine weighed almost 6,000 pounds and stood 17 feet long, 7.9 feet wide, and 9.8 feet tall.

Its behemoth dimensions allowed it to step over fences and walls while crossing trenches up to 23 feet wide.

However, one of the reasons it failed to live up to expectations and enter into the military's ground fleet is that it could only do this with a payload of 485 pounds.

Powering the machine was a unique task and everything had to be customised specifically for the ASV.

Engineers came up with an extraordinarily complicated system that would require hydraulic pumps, a 1,000-pound flywheel and a 900cc motorbike engine.

The engine was capable of 91 horsepower but was used to power the flywheel which in turn drove a total of 18 hydraulic cylinders.

This exact process was convoluted and required the engine to power three separate driveshafts. These then transferred power to each leg's three pumps.

The innovative machine weighed almost 6,000 pounds and stood 17 feet long, 7.9 feet wide, and 9.8 feet tall. It reportedly received $1million a year in funding

As well as the mechanical components, the ASV also came with 17 individual computers to help the sole driver. Each leg had its own computer, the Intel '86/30' 128k, 8-bit chip, which is primitive by today's standards. The other 11 assisted in the driving, guiding and general operation of the enormous and cumbersome machine (pictured, how computational workload was divided)

Boston Dynamics masters legged locomotion with robo-dog spot US-based firm Boston dynamics was created in the 90s by experts from MIT. Now, it is owned by engineering giant SoftBank, who also make the lifelike robot Pepper. Boston Dynamics has mastered the tricky business of legged locomotion and has created a range of walking robots, including the humanoid called Atlas and the robo-dog, Spot. Atlas is 6ft tall and can carry boxes and also jump. However, Boston dynamics is best known for Spot, which can now be bought for $74,500. The robot is four-legged and weighs just 55 pounds (22kg). Videos have surfaced showing the machine towing trucks, climbing up stairs, running and opening doors. Advertisement

With the flywheel spinning at up to 12,000 rpm it could provide 250 watts of power, less than one horsepower, for a total of one hour.

The driver could use more energy, but only for a shorter period of time.

However, for difficult manoeuvers and tricky movements the power needed was greater than could be produced.

As well as the mechanical components, the ASV also came with 17 individual computers to help the sole driver operate the machine.

Each leg had its own computer, the Intel '86/30' 128k, 8-bit chip, which is primitive by today's standards.

The other 11 assisted in the driving, guiding and general operation of the enormous and cumbersome machine.

These help the machine find where to place its legs with the aid of a 128x128-pixel camera as well as controlling and powering the cockpit displays and analysing data.

Developers of the robot had hoped to progress to autonomous navigation, but the project was curtailed before this was possible.

'The Adaptive Suspension Vehicle is not, in its present configuration, an autonomous robot,' they researchers wrote in 1986.

'It carries an operator, who provides supervisory-level commands and, specifically, performs long-range sensing, path selection, and navigation.

'However, the mechanical and control technologies used are the same as those needed for unmanned operation, and an intensive effort to realize this capability is currently in progress.'
NEW YORK, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bernstein Liebhard, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action that has been filed on behalf of investors that purchased or acquired the securities of FirstEnergy Corp. (FirstEnergy or the Company) (NYSE: FE) between February 21, 2017 and July 21, 2020 (the Class Period). The lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.



If you purchased FirstEnergy securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit FirstEnergy Shareholder Lawsuit or contact Matthew E. Guarnero toll free at (877) 779-1414 or MGuarnero@bernlieb.com .

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants issued materially false and misleading statements regarding FirstEnergy's internal controls, business practices and prospects. Specifically, Defendants touted FirstEnergy's legislative "solutions" to problems with its nuclear facilities, but failed to disclose that these "solutions" centered on an illicit campaign to corrupt high-profile state legislators in order to secure legislation favoring the Company. Over a nearly three-year period, FirstEnergy and its affiliates funneled more than $60 million to prominent state politicians and lobbyists, including Ohio Speaker Larry Householder, in order to secure the passage of Ohio House Bill 6 ("HB6"), which provided a $1.3 billion ratepayer-funded bailout to keep the Company's failing nuclear facilities in operation. In addition, Defendants falsely represented that they were complying with state and federal laws and regulations regarding regulatory matters throughout the Class Period, exposing the Company and its investors to the extreme undisclosed risks of reputational, legal and financial harm. As a result of Defendants' false statements and omissions, the price of FirstEnergy stock was artificially inflated to a high of more than $50 per share during the Class Period, and Company insiders were able to sell more than $17 million worth of their FirstEnergy shares at these artificially inflated prices.

Then, on July 21, 2020, federal agents announced the arrest of Householder and four other persons, including a prominent FirstEnergy lobbyist, in connection with a $60 million racketeering and bribery scheme. The 82-page criminal complaint and affidavit detailed an alleged pay-to-play scheme in which FirstEnergy corrupted every facet of the legislative process in order to ensure the passage of HB6, including defending the bill against a citizens ballot initiative. Prosecutors described the case as involving the "'largest bribery, money-laundering scheme'" in Ohio history.

On this news, the price of FirstEnergy stock plummeted, trading as low as $22.85 per share on July 22, 2020, down 45% from its closing price of $41.26 per share on July 20, 2020.

If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 28, 2020. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesnt require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.

If you purchased FE securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit https://www.bernlieb.com/cases/firstenergycorp-fe-shareholder-class-action-lawsuit-stock-fraud-286/apply or contact Matthew E. Guarnero toll free at (877) 779-1414 or MGuarnero@bernlieb.com .

Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journals Plaintiffs Hot List thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for ten consecutive years.

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.  2020 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. The lawyer responsible for this advertisement in the State of Connecticut is Michael S. Bigin. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.
Turkeys Health Ministry reported 1,703 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, a record high daily number of infections registered in the republic since May 15 when 1,708 cases were confirmed, TASS reports.

"In the past 24 hours, 103,925 tests were carried out and 1,703 cases were recorded, 57 people died. Now the total death toll is 6,730 and the number of those infected is 281,509," the ministry said.

A total of 252,152 people have recovered, according to the ministry.

Turkey recorded its first coronavirus case on March 10. The local citizen, who was diagnosed with the infection, had returned from Europe. On April 19, Turkey registered 127 fatalities per day. This was the highest number of deaths since the start of the coronavirus spread in the country.
A former beauty queen has been detained on suspicion of attempted murder after a 'random knife attack' on a shopworker.

Natalya Dolganovskaya, 32, was heard shouting 'I hate women' as she repeatedly stabbed her victim, said reports citing law enforcement.

The detained woman was crowned Miss Ulyanovsk in 2005, and had been a well known local model.

CCTV video footage shows how a 36-year-old saleswoman was attacked at the fruit and vegetable section in supermarket Gulliver.

Former beauty queen Natalya Dolganovskaya, 32, has been detained on suspicion of attempted murder after a 'random knife attack' on a shopworker in Ulyanovsk, Russia

The attacker pushes a 36-year-old saleswoman to the ground at the fruit and vegetable section in supermarket Gulliver

Shocking CCTV video footage shows the woman repeatedly stab the shop worker in the neck

The attacker was finally stopped by another member of staff and a customer who rushed to the scene.

A woman worker grabbed the knife from the female attacker in a scuffle on the floor. A shopper helped stop the blood streaming knife wounds until paramedics arrived.

The victim is now in intensive care with seven serious wounds to her head, face, neck, hands and spine. Her life is not in danger, say reports.

The former beauty queen was detained by police and members of Russian's Investigative Committee after fleeing the scene.

The woman, wearing a medical face mask, approaches the victim at the fruit aisle from behind as another shopper looks on helplessly before the attack

Security rushes over to pull the woman off the victim as she continues to jab at her with the knife

Detained Natalya Dolganovskaya, 32, was crowned Miss Ulyanovsk in 2005, and had been a well known local model

The former beauty queen was detained by police and members of Russian's Investigative Committee after fleeing the scene

A witness said the attacker 'suddenly went berserk in the supermarket'.

After winning her beauty crown aged 18, Dolganovskaya wed a local tycoon and politician named Vadim Dolganovsky, but the marriage ended childless six years later.

She continued to work in a store owned by her ex-husband after the split.

He remarried after the breakup, while she had problems getting her life back on track, said friends.

After winning her beauty crown aged 18, Dolganovskaya wed a local tycoon and politician named Vadim Dolganovsky

Mr Dolganovsky (pictured) remarried after the breakup, while she had problems getting her life back on track, said friends

Her mother Elena Pimenova told NTV after her daughter was held by police that Dolganovskaya told her: 'I have a feeling that some demons have clung to me.'

Law enforcement said it was treating the knifing as a random and unprovoked attack.

'The Investigative Committee in Ulyanovsk region has opened a criminal case into the attempted murder of a resident of Ulyanovsk,' said a statement.

Detectives are seeking 'to establish all the circumstances of the incident'.

Forensic examinations have been carried out and an assessment will be made on the suspect's mental state.
India is preparing for its first manned mission to space, Gaganyaan, and Russia will be making spacesuits for Indian cosmonauts undergoing training.

The manufacturing of personal flight equipment for the Indian astronauts undergoing training in Russia has started by Research, Development & Production Enterprise Zvezda under the contract of Glavkosmos with the Human Spaceflight Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Twitter

"On September 3, Indian cosmonauts who have been training for a spaceflight in Russia under the contract of Glavkosmos, visited Zvezda, where their anthropometric parameters were measured for the subsequent production of spacesuits. The contract also provides for the production of individual seats and custom-made couch liners," CEO of Glavkosmos Dmitry Loskutov reportedly said.

Research, Development & Production Enterprise #Zvezda under the contract of @glavkosmosJSC with the Human Spaceflight Centre of @isro has started manufacturing personal flight equipment for the #Indian cosmonauts undergoing training in Russia for @Gaganyaan_Isro mission pic.twitter.com/wSzFsmL5Gt  GLAVKOSMOS (@glavkosmosJSC) September 7, 2020

Human Spaceflight Centre of ISRO signed the contract for the production and delivery of individual equipment kits for Indian cosmonauts and was signed with Glavkosmos on March 11, 2020. Indian cosmonauts have been training in Russia since February 10, 2020, for the manned mission.

Reportedly, the contract also provides for the production of individual seats and custom-made couch liners. Four Indian Air Force fighter pilots are currently under training in Russia and are likely to be the potential candidates for Gaganyaan project.

Also Read: Ready-To-Eat, Nutritious Food Being Prepared For India's 1st Manned Mission

      ,    #  https://t.co/veJKqJz3jM



Russia to make spacesuits for Indian cosmonauts undergoing training in #GCTC  https://t.co/uRTlvcEzke pic.twitter.com/cMP8FyM1l9   (@roscosmos) September 7, 2020

Not only Russia, space agencies of India and France are also currently in discussions for providing necessary equipment to Gaganyaan astronauts - similar to the ones used by French astronaut Thomas Pesquet for Mission Alpha next year, PTI reports.

Pesquet is scheduled to return to the International Space Station next year aboard SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft thats scheduled for early next year.

ISRO and the French space agency are collaborating on nearly Rs 10,000 crore for the Gaganyaan mission.

According to an ISRO official, "The Indian space surgeons will also go to France next year once the coronavirus situation eases." He, however, hasnt mentioned anything about the collaboration for the supply of equipment to Gaganyaan astronauts.

ISRO

The rocket that will be taking Gaganyaan astronauts to space is the GSLV Mark III that weighs a massive 640,000 kilograms with the capacity to carry three astronauts. However, in Indias maiden human flight, itll only be carrying one.

The first unmanned Gaganyaan mission was planned in December 2020, the second unmanned mission in June 2021. The manned mission to space was planned around 2022. However, ISRO has indicated that it may be delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown.

Also Read: IAF Finalises Pilots Who Will Go To Space In Gaganyaan
Belarusians have taken to the streets in the thousands every day since a disputed August 9 election, demanding authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka step down after a vote they contend was rigged to hand him a landslide win over an opposition candidate who drew unprecedented support before the balloting.

The protests have focused on domestic issues -- namely the future of Lukashenka, who has remained in power for 26 years by suppressing dissent, stifling the media, and staging a series of elections and other votes deemed undemocratic by opponents and international observers.

But on September 3 there was something new, according to observers: Amid the red-striped flags of the first independent Belarusian republic -- the main symbol of opposition to Lukashenka -- there were signs of anti-Kremlin sentiment and messages warning Moscow against meddling in the affairs of its much smaller western neighbor.

Demonstrators held up signs reading, "We're Belarusians, not a Russian region," and "Putin, who are you with?" according to the Telegram channel Nexta and the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a think tank that is monitoring the events in Belarus.

Lukashenka, who accused the Kremlin shortly before the election of sending mercenaries to Belarus to sow unrest, has now turned to its traditional ally for support amid Western countries' condemnation of what many consider a rigged vote and the bloody crackdown on the persistent postelection protests.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has long pushed a wavering Lukashenka to accept closer integration between the two countries, has recently voiced stronger support for the Belarusian leader -- exploiting, analysts say, Lukashenkas weaker position.

The September 3 protest followed a meeting earlier that day in Minsk between Lukashenka and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who reported that progress was made toward deeper integration under the aegis of a Russia-Belarus "Union State" that was created in the 1990s but exists largely on paper.

Mishustin claimed they moved forward on formalizing the Union State's "Union Cabinet of Ministers" -- a government -- and other "economic measures." The Kremlin claimed Lukashenka said he would "finally dot the i's" on "very sensitive and painful" Union State agreements in an upcoming meeting with Putin in Moscow.

Pressure To Integrate

In the past, Lukashenka has balked at measures such as creating a common currency, and the remarks raised alarm bells among opponents of closer integration.

Opposition leader Syatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who claims she won the August 9 election with 60 to 70 percent of the vote, denounced the meeting.

Tsikhanouskaya, now in Lithuania after arriving in the neighboring state shortly after the election under still-unclear circumstances, said that the sovereignty of Belarus cannot become a bargaining chip and that she doubted that "any decisions and agreements Lukashenka may sign will be recognized by the new government" -- meaning a post-Lukashenka government.

Like other opposition leaders, Tsikhanouskaya has cautioned outsiders against seeing the Belarusian unrest through the prism of a geopolitical showdown between Moscow and the West, and she previously told RFE/RL that the Belarusian opposition had no issues with Russia. But she has called on all countries to respect its sovereignty and will of the people.

Nexta, which has both documented and helped coordinate the protests, issued a post on September 3 reading "Let [Lukashenka's government] carry out as many negotiations with the Kremlin as they want, but only the people themselves will decide everything." The channel also reshared Tsikhanouskayas denunciation of Lukashenka's meeting with Mishustin.

Nexta "previously had not framed the Kremlin as being the Belarusian oppositions adversary," the ISW's George Barros wrote.

Signs of anti-Moscow sentiment among the protesters were "[b]oth very significant and predictable (indeed, predicted)," said Nigel Gould-Davies, a former British ambassador to Belarus and a senior fellow at the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, wrote on Twitter.

But they are not predominant. Hanna Baraban, a Belarusian journalist and analyst, said that "the main focus of the protesters remains on the numerous domestic political issues."

"Of course, some people are unhappy about the actions of Russia or the West, but these moods never take an actual place in the protesters' political agenda," Baraban told RFE/RL by e-mail.

'Lukashenka On A Short Leash'

Indications that Lukashenka may be bending over backwards to please the Kremlin, and increasingly taking rhetorical cues from the Russian government, could change that.

On September 3, Lukashenka accused Ukraine of supporting the demonstrations in Belarus, a day after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed without evidence that 200 Ukrainian neo-Nazis were operating in Belarus.

During his meeting with Mishustin, Lukashenka also gave backing to Kremlin claims that opposition leader Aleksei Navalny -- now being treated in Germany, where doctors detected he had been poisoned in Russia with Novichok, a toxin developed in the Soviet Union -- had not in fact been poisoned in Russia.

Ukrainian analyst Yevhen Mahda, executive director of the Kyiv-based Center for Social Relations, told RFE/RL's Belarus Service on September 5 that the Kremlin had "Lukashenka on a short leash...parroting the thoughts and words of Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov."

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.

Others see further efforts by Russia to keep Belarus obedient. Lukashenka on September 3 picked Ivan Tertel to head the State Security Committee -- still called the KGB -- replacing Valer Vakulchik.

According to Mark Galeotti, an expert on Russian security agencies and a senior associate fellow at the British-based Royal United Services Institute, Tertel has close ties to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) while Vakulchik "was a fierce guardian against Moscow penetration."

The reshuffle came amid reports that the FSB may be advising Lukashenka's government on ways to disperse the protests, as reported by Bloomberg, which noted a Russian plane belonging to the FSB was detected arriving in Minsk from Moscow on August 18.

George Kent, a U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state who oversees policy toward Belarus at the State Department, said on September 2 that the United States and its allies would have a tough response if Russia intervened in Belarus.

Putin has made remarks that seem intended as warnings to the Belarusian opposition and the West -- and reassurances to Lukashenka -- that such intervention could occur. On August 27, he said on state TV that he had formed a police reserve force that could be sent to Belarus if necessary, but that so far the situation had not reached that point.

With the Kremlin seemingly firmly in his corner, Lukashenka is taking harsher action on anti-government protesters, according to Alex Kokcharov, a London-based country risk analyst. "Lukashenka is clearly acting more boldly now, as he has the support of the Kremlin, Kokcharov told RFE/RL.

Days after Lukashenka's meeting with Mishustin and the reshuffle at the KGB, Belarusian riot and regular police rounded up 600 people at the "March of Unity" demonstration in Minsk on September 6.

"These were the most massive and violent arrests in the country since the arrests during the first three days after the elections," Baraban said. One of Lukashenka's aims, she said, was to prove to the Kremlin that he is "fully supported by a massive security-forces apparatus that deserves Moscow's support as well."

"The second goal is to show the West that Belarusian authorities will play by their own rules, not caring about sanctions and other restrictive measures...imposed on them by the EU and United States," she added.

A day later, on September 7, unidentified men abducted opposition leader Maryya Kalesnikava and two of her staffers, Anton Randyonkau and Ivan Kratsou. Western calls for her release increased on September 8, after officials in Belarus and Ukraine said she had been detained after foiling an effort to force her out of Belarus by ripping up her passport at a border post.

According to Kokcharov, Russia's backing is emboldening Lukashenka while making enemies among average Belarusians -- many of whom will watch nervously when Putin and Lukashenka, who are expected to meet in Moscow in the coming days, hold what would be their first known in-person talks since the disputed election.

"Russia keeps doing it," Kokcharov said. "How to lose friends and alienate people."
The relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours has deteriorated since a clash in the Ladakh region on June 15

The Indian Army on Tuesday rebutted the Chinese claim that Indian troops illegally crossed the LAC and fired warning shots at Chinese troops, saying that it did not transgress across the Line of Actual Control(LAC) or resort to use of any aggressive means in eastern Ladakh.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army(PLA) late on Monday night had alleged that Indian troops crossed the LAC and "outrageously fired" warning shots near the Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh.

The relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours has deteriorated since a clash in the Ladakh region on June 15 in which 20 Indian troops were killed.

In a statement, the Army said it was the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive maneuveres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political levels is in progress.

"In the instant case on September 7, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own (Indian) troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops," the Army said.

It said despite the "grave provocation", Indian troops exercised "great restraint" and behaved in a mature and responsible manner.

"At no stage has Indian Army transgressed across LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing."

The Army termed the statement issued by the Western Theater Command of the PLA as an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience.

"The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility, however is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs," the Army said.

Senior Colonel Zhang Shuili, a spokesperson of PLA's Western Theater Command, in a statement had alleged that Indian troops again illegally crossed the LAC and outrageously fired warning shots on Chinese border patrol soldiers who were about to negotiate.

"The Chinese border defence troops were forced to take corresponding countermeasures to stabilise the terrain situation," said Zhang, spokesperson for the Western Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Zhang said India had violated agreements reached by the two countries and warned their actions could "easily cause misunderstandings and misjudgments".

The Indian troops crossed the LAC at the west section of the China-India border into the Shenpao mountain region near the south bank of Pangong lake, he alleged. He had also called for India to withdraw the troops who crossed the border and investigate the officers who opened fire.
SIRSIWALA, India  Randhir Singh was already deeply in debt when the coronavirus pandemic struck. Looking out at his paltry cotton field by the side of a railway track, he walked in circles, hopeless. In early May, he killed himself by lying on the same track.

This is what we feared, said Rashpal Singh, Mr. Singhs 22-year-old son, choking back tears in his family home in Sirsiwala, a small village in the northern Indian state of Punjab. The lockdown killed my father.

Months ago, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed one of the worlds strictest lockdowns to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Mr. Singhs livelihood came crashing down. His one-acre farm had barely produced enough cotton to cover the cost of growing it, and the lockdown even robbed him of his side job as a bus driver.

India now leads the world in new daily reported coronavirus cases and has the second-highest number of cases globally, surpassing Brazil on Monday. In Punjab, where cases have surged, lockdowns have been imposed all over again. The measures, economists say, are forcing millions of households into poverty and contributing to a long-running tragedy: farmer suicides.
The Bombay high court (HC) on Tuesday directed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to forthwith stop the work on the elevated corridor from CST Bridge at Kurla to Vakola along the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR).

The division bench of justice SJ Kathawalla and justice Riyaz Chagla issued the order after finding that MMRDA had started work near CST Bridge at Kurla on a plot of land belonging to Kapadia Development Co-operative Housing Society, without acquiring the land by following due process of law.

In its order, the bench noted that MMRDA had started the work on Kurla side of the corridor presuming that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had acquired the property - about 700 square meters of land belonging to the housing society. The civic body, however, clarified that it had not acquired the land.

If this is the case, the work of the road is illegal. MMRDA is directed to forthwith stop the work, said the bench.

It was hearing a petition filed by Kapadia Society seeking orders to MMRDA to immediately handover possession of the plot back to the society or acquire the land by paying appropriate compensation to it.

In its petition filed through advocate Rakesh Agrawal, the society stated that it had in the past handed over about 741.25 square meters of land to BMC for construction of the link road in 1982, but no compensation had been paid to it either in terms of money or transferrable development right. It has therefore also sought a direction to MBC to pay compensation for the 741.25 square meters of its land.

Apprehending high handed action from the authorities, the society had in April 2019 issued legal notices to both, BMC and MMRDA, calling upon them to not take possession of any part of the society land without following due process of law, said the petition.

Taking advantage of the lockdown due to Covid-19 pandemic, persons of the contractor, acting under directions of MMRDA officials, have taken unlawful possession of the subject plot for implementing the project, it added.

The society has also clarified that it was not opposing the public project, but the high-handed manner in which the project was being implemented and the depreciable action of the MMRDA officials of entering in the land on April 16, 2020, by taking advantage of the lockdown.

HC has now posted the petition for further hearing on September 17 with a direction to MMRDA to disclose on affidavit on what basis it stated that the BMC had acquired 700 square meters of land belonging to the petitioner society.
Da Nang Hospital (Photo: thanhtravietnam.vn)

Although we know that our donation is like a grain of sand at sea, we still want to express our sincere and close feelings, offering mutual support to those who are in trouble right now," the representative of the Italy-Vietnam Mutual Assistance Association in Italy shared.



In a letter to the Vietnamese community in Italy, the Italy-Vietnam Mutual Assistance Association expressed that at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam had only recorded 415 COVID-19 cases and had had no deaths.

This success is due to appropriate and timely preventive measures of the government: from intensive management to the smallest units to detect and promptly address infection cases, to quarantine, social distance, and effective communication on pandemic prevention measures.

However, after many days when Vietnam recorded no cases among the community, a "new wave of COVID-19 pandemic" began on July 25 from the tourist city of Da Nang. Therefore, the Italy-Vietnam Mutual Assistance Association decided to launch a donation drive to support Da Nang Hospital's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Representatives of the Italy-Vietnam Mutual Assistance Association, in coordination with Da Nang citys Department of Foreign Affairs, will send the amount of 4,200 EUR to Da Nang Hospital to join hands in response to the COVID-19 pandemic./.
A man who held a meat cleaver to a shop assistant's throat during a terrifying robbery has been jailed for one and a half years.

Darren Quigley (25) burst into a shop in Co Donegal, threatened one staff member with the weapon and then ordered another assistant to fill the bag with cash.

Quigley pleaded guilty to the robbery at Letterkenny Circuit Court but claimed he was on a cocktail of drugs during the robbery at the Checkout store in Letterkenny.

The father-of-two entered the store on August 14th, 2016 with a hoodie over his head and a scarf around his face and grabbed one of the shop assistants around the neck and held the meat cleaver to his throat.

He then shoved a plastic bag to another assistant and ordered her to fill a plastic bag with cash.

Quigley then ran from the store with 970 in cash in the bag.

Detective Garda Tom Kilcoyne just happened to be in the area in an unmarked patrol car when he first spotted Quigley.

It was a warm summer evening and Detective Kilcoyne's attention was drawn to a man wearing a padded jacket with a scarf over his face.

The Garda got caught in traffic but circled back around and saw a man running out of the local Checkout store and he noticed the man was holding a weapon which he thought was a knife.

He radioed for back-up and the man ran towards Lower Main Street with Detective Kilcoyne in pursuit.

He shouted at the man to stop and took out his official firearm ordering the man to stop.

The man tried to hide in undergrowth but was trapped by a fence and was eventually arrested after raising his hands and giving himself up to Detective Kilcoyne.

Detective Peter Cullen said that it would have been impossible to find the culprit but for Detective Kilcoyne.

"If Garda Kilcoyne was not there we may have been chasing shadows," he said.

When caught, Quigley claimed his name was 'Timmons' but eventually gave his real name.

When interviewed at Letterkenny Garda station he said he was high at the time of the robbery and did not remember doing it.

Two shop assistants who were in the store at the time of the terrifying ordeal were also in court and their victim impact statements were handed in to Judge John Aylmer to read.

Barrister for Quigley, Mr Damien Crawford said his client was originally from Carlow but had moved to Donegal to live with his girlfriend and before this incident had no previous convictions.

Since the robbery he has tried to turn his life around and is now drug-free and had a job in security but lost it after checks were done and it was discovered he committed this crime.

Mr Crawford said this "project" was doomed to failure as Quigley was high, actually lived near the shop he had targeted and was even recognised by one of the assistants.

He said he now has two children and has been offered jobs in landscaping and construction.

Passing sentence, Judge John Aylmer said the robbery was a frightening and terrifying experience for the two shop assistants.

He placed it at the upper end of the lower range of such robberies and that it merited a sentence of four years in prison before mitigating circumstances.

However, Judge Aylmer said that Quigley had no previous convictions at the time, had pleaded guilty at an early stage, was now drug-free and had good opportunities of employment.

He sentenced Quigley to three years in prison but said he deserved something for the mitigating circumstances.

He said the offence was "too serious" to suspend in full but did suspend the final 18 months of the three years sentence.
Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

Good Morning,

And very special greetings to the people of Sint Maarten.

Today September 8th, 2020, we are gathered in this unusual virtual setting to mark the start of the new parliamentary year 2020-2021. It is a sign of the exceptional circumstances in which we live.

It is against that background that I appear before you, in my capacity as Governor, to present Parliament  and thus the people of Sint Maarten  with an outline of the policy plans of government for the coming year.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

As a country, as a people, each of us, our families, our neighbors, our businesses, our civil organizations, and our government are experiencing and are called upon to respond to the unprecedented impact of the global coronavirus pandemic. The coronavirus commonly referred to as COVID-19 has affected our way of life and our livelihood in many ways.

Our health, our social interactions, our way of worship, our jobs, our economy, are under threat. Since March 17, 2020, the coronavirus, has infected 511 persons, hospitalized 70 persons, and taken the lives of 19 persons.

The outbreak of the pandemic has led to a virtual halt of international travel due to the lockdown of countries and the fear of infection around the world.

That has resulted in and continues to lead to financial fallout in our tourism businesses and economy. Tourism arrivals are estimated to drop by up to 70% while GDP is projected to decline by 25.0% in 2020. The contraction in 2020 is expected to be significantly worse than the economic fallout from the effects of Hurricane Irma. Unemployment is expected to increase from 9.3% to 16.2%, as many among us lose jobs and face cuts in working hours and/or pay. Already cash strapped, the public finances have been hard hit, as the government faces a further increase of its deficit to NAf.350 million in 2020.

Over the past 6 months many of our people have as a result experienced and continue to experience tough times.

I therefore pray for the recovery of everyone who is suffering with the coronavirus and for those whose livelihoods are at risk. And my sympathy goes out to the families who have lost loved ones.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

As we endure the impact of this public health and social economic crisis, we must come together to turn this crisis into a common purpose. That is, we must work together to find a workable balance between safeguarding the health of our people and the health of our economy.

Governments agenda has as a result been dominated by the response to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. That without losing sight for the long-term development needs of our country.

Confronted with the coronavirus outbreak, and the resulting significant loss of income, governments immediate priorities are:

 First, to contain the outbreak of the coronavirus;

 Second, to support school and business continuity, prevent layoffs and protect the most vulnerable among us;

 Third, to jump start the economy and implement the required reforms;

 And fourth, to raise the required financing to offset the loss in revenues and cover budget deficits for the remainder of 2020 and fiscal year 2021.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

Government is as such committed to working with social partners, businesses, and labor unions, to realize these priorities and put Sint Maarten on a path of sustainable social economic recovery and growth. A path which is to reflect the objectives of the National Development Vision 2030.

The National Development Vision 2030 aims to anchor our countrys development goals and mission for the coming 10 years. Government will take steps to diversify and create a multi-pillar economy. One that affords maximum growth for all, where opportunities exist to empower each citizen to progress to the next level through their determination, strength of mind and actions. The key underlying objective of the National Development Vision 2030 is to transform Sint Maarten into an economically resilient, compassionate, strong, and decisive country.

The ongoing community consultations to obtain input from the various partners, is a critical part of the preparation process. There is no limit to the progress that we can realize when we work together to address our challenges and seize opportunities.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

During the initial outbreak of the coronavirus government activated its emergency operating center. To contain the outbreak government declared a State of Emergency and locked down the country by instituting a curfew and restricting international travel. A decision which was not taken lightly.

In doing so, Government worked and continues to work closely with medical professionals, at Collective Prevention Services, at the laboratories, and at the Hospital as well as with our partners in the Kingdom. The development of COVID-19 testing capabilities was an important step in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.

During and since the lifting of the lock down government has and continues to focus on a combination of measures aimed at prevention, detection, and treatment of COVID-19 infections. These measures include:

 One, a national COVID-19 information campaign, in various languages via mainstream and online media, via digital boards and via community campaigns, to reduce the risks to the population. This also includes the introduction of the 914 hotline;

 Two, establishing and issuing guidelines for social distancing, wearing masks and washing hands;

 Three, strengthening the capacity of Collective Prevention Services, to conduct testing, perform contact tracing and monitor those in isolation or quarantine;

 Four, investing in PPE for medical professionals;

 And five, decreeing the temporary closure of businesses and organizations where necessary.

From our experience we know that these measures worked to flatten the curve during the period April through June. We can therefore draw inspiration from the knowledge that we can contain the spread of the virus.

The resurgence and spread of the virus since July, however, have taught us that we cannot be complacent or let our guards down. To the con-tra-ry, we must remain vigilant and steadfast. This is a must because we will remain at risk, for as long as there is no vaccine or cure. We must continue to look out for each other by practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and washing our hands.

Moreover, government is committed to continue working with the Sint Maarten medical Center to increase ICU beds, ventilators, and staffing capacity to meet the demand for care. Noteworthy is that 41 additional medical staff as well as extra ICU and ventilator capacity was arranged with assistance from the Netherlands.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

In keeping with its priorities Government, facing the economic fallout of these exceptional circumstances, decided to introduce a three months Stimulus and Relief program, the SSRP, for the period April through June of this year. The program was designed to keep money flowing to workers and businesses and to protect the most vulnerable among us. The SSRP consists of payroll support for impacted businesses and income support for sole proprietors and unemployed persons. The program, somewhat scaled down, was funded with liquidity support from the Netherlands following complex discussions and disagreements regarding conditions for financing.

In addition, government has and continues to take measures to improve the living conditions of our elderly and vulnerable population. Having increased the general pension age to 65 and the pension amount to NAf.1240 in 2020, the government will now focus on a targeted approach for groups who need assistance the most. Groups, such as, those without a second-tier pension and those with a partial AOV.

Looking ahead government is as a result also working on the development and implementation of the Social Registry System funded by the Trust Fund at the World Bank. The social registry system will provide for the mapping of the most vulnerable in our society. This with the objective of improving the delivery and quality of services. It will help plan new projects and programs and play an important role in disaster risk preparedness, such as dealing with crises, like COVID-19.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

Given the limited financial resources of government, investing in this and other social development programs to meet the needs of our population will depend on the availability and accessibility of funding.

For as long as the global economy and international travel remain depressed, finding ways to generate or access funds to preserve the wellbeing of our citizens is the key challenge for Government. This is an urgent task faced by our country as well as by many countries around the world.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation government has as a result decided to jump start the economy by gradually reopening the airport for international flights, subject to compliance with required safety measures.

Government has, in addition, identified several focal areas that will generate economic activity now and better prepare our critical infrastructure for when the global economy recovers. Specifically, government is directing its attention on:

1. investments in our digital infrastructure;

2. investments in our education infrastructure;

3. investments in our health care infrastructure;

4. investments in our transport and hospitality infrastructure; and

5. investments in our energy infrastructure;

This considering the importance of these sectors for the performance and recovery of our economy and given that private and World bank financing has been secured for most of the investment projects.

These investments will secure work for our people, generate future foreign exchange, and pay for themselves. Government will therefore continue to work with stakeholders and Parliament towards the effective execution of these projects.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

Looking ahead, Government deems it critical to act now to seize the opportunities of the rapid digitization of society. The need to do so has been further underscored by the realities of COVID-19, as the demand to use technology in everyday life, such as, buying groceries, distance learning, telemedicine, and remote working increased. The ongoing crisis has also highlighted the need for government to interact with citizens online in a secure environment as well as the need for in office or remote working options for civil servants.

Recognizing the rapid use of technology government is committed to facilitating investments in a secure, and efficient digital infrastructure. Government will therefore continue to work with telecom provider TelEm, to facilitate the realization of the island wide fiber-optic network. This ongoing investment of approximately NAf.40 million, is essential to better support the online platforms of our schools, of our health care sector, of our banks, and of our hospitality sector such as hotels, Airbnb, restaurants, and car rentals. Its implementation is as such providing jobs now and providing the backbone to power our social and economic development in the digital age.

Government is therefore working on the implementation of its Digital Transformation Project. Activities implemented under this project will increase the productivity and efficiency of the organization and transform how citizens interact with the Government and vice-versa. The digitization initiatives include:

1. One, the introduction of a Digital Identity for citizens to allow for accurate identification when conducting business with Government;

2. Two, the introduction of a new financial management system, including online billing and payment services;

3. Three, automation of the building permits process, including online applications;

4. And four, the retrofitting of the Public Service Centers with the installation of kiosks and other technological advancements to increase the number of transactions possible at those locations.

Under the World Bank managed Trust Fund a budget of USD.12 million has been allotted towards governments digital transformation project which is to be implemented over a period of four years. The project is expected to be approved by September 30, 2020.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

In navigating these challenging times, it is imperative to continue to invest in our human resources as the driver of our development and growth. The education of our children therefore forms a key part of governments policy agenda, as outlined in the Education Master Plan.

Considering the challenges faced because of COVID-19 government has developed and established several policies to guide the safe delivery of quality education during the various phases of the pandemic. Specifically, government is implementing its Education Continuity Plan, to ensure the continuity of education during this crisis.

An important element of governments plan is its ongoing work to improve the delivery of education through distance learning. The COVID-19 crisis has exposed the challenges of technology in education as schools resorted to remote learning. Challenges due to inequities between schools and households because of, among others, access to computers and to the internet. The distance learning policy is therefore directed at improving access to technology for all in education. That in support of improving the delivery and quality of distance learning.

Government is at the same time working with the World Bank to prioritize schools for emergency repairs. This aimed at activating the USD.35 million allocated in the Trust Fund towards the Education Master Plan. In that regard government expects to start with the first repairs of the identified schools this year.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

With respect to investments in the health care infrastructure government will continue to work on reforming and upgrading the health care system. The objective is to further improve the quality and increase the availability and accessibility of health and mental health services for the people of Sint Maarten.

The planned health care reform is geared at upgrading the regulation and registration of all medical practitioners, improving communication between care providers via a Health Information Management System (HIMS), controlling cost for pharmaceuticals and improving the medical referral system.

A central element of the governments health care program in the coming period will therefore be the construction of the new hospital, while also increasing the number of available specialties. The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of the realization of the new hospital facilities. The new hospital will increase in-patient bed capacity to 110, add operating theaters, create out-patient clusters, and include a 30-patient Dialysis center. The larger hospital will increase the quality and quantity of treatments on-island, thereby reducing overseas referrals and thus costs. The importance of reducing overseas referrals has been magnified with the current COVID-19 related travel restrictions.

Based on the current planning, the delivery of the New Hospital is scheduled for the end of 2024. With the financing already secured Government is therefore committed to supporting the Medical Center with the realization of the construction.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

In charting our path for recovery, government is focusing on the improvement of our transport and hospitality infrastructure. That with an emphasis on product development, diversification, and legislative reforms. Government considers the restoration of the airport terminal building critical to the improvement and functioning of our transport and hospitality infrastructure. With the financing already secured, this project offers a good opportunity to generate economic activity and create jobs.

In addition, government as part of its product development policy has issued a building permit and is working with the developer to facilitate the construction of a new 452 rooms resort in the Great Bay area. The construction will create jobs now, offer future employment and help boost our economy.

The corona virus has also highlighted the need for Sint Maarten to reduce its import bill. Government will therefore work to reduce Sint Maartens dependence on fossil fuels. Government will, to that effect, pursue an energy policy anchored on solar energy. This will reduce the electricity bill for businesses and households and save foreign exchange to meet other needs of our population.

Likewise, the government will stimulate the development of the agricultural sector as a means, to reduce our dependence on the import of food. The goal is to promote the grow what you eat, eat what you grow movement towards greater self-reliance and food security. The development of this sector should help lessen imports and save foreign exchange.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

Government is, notwithstanding its scarce financial resources, committed to investing in the strengthening of law enforcement. This with the objective of maintaining law and order to protect the safety and security of our residents and visitors. The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has created additional challenges in terms of capacity in meeting these objectives. This due to the increased need for manpower to monitor and enforce governments measures and the need to protect law enforcement personnel against the virus.

Confronted with these challenges government has placed the formalization of the function books and the legal position of all employees of the justice ministry high on its agenda. Government is, at the same time, working on the further (re) structuring and strengthening of the executing departments in the justice ministry.

Government as part of its law enforcement agenda is also focusing on:

a) One, implementing structural improvements in the prison system, including the construction of a new prison with support of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS);

b) Two, ensuring a more effective enforcement of immigration legislation, including the use of information technology systems;

c) And three, introducing a more realistic licensing and fees policy based on the actual costs of the justice products.

Government has, at the same time, considering our shared borders with the Northern side of the island continued to work with French authorities to better coordinate island-wide judicial cooperation to combat cross border crime.

In addition, Government will continue to hold talks with authorities in Saint Martin towards effective collaboration in regard to addressing the challenges of COVID-19.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

On a Kingdom level, relations have and are expected to be dominated by the COVID-19 crisis. During the past months, government has engaged in extensive four country and bilateral discussions with our partners in the Kingdom. Sint Maarten has as a result received valued technical assistance in terms of health care and military assistance for law enforcement as well as liquidity support from the Netherlands. Government will continue to work closely with its Kingdom partners to address existing capacity and liquidity challenges.

Meanwhile governments financial strategy is aimed at implementing measures to reduce expenses, increase revenues and source funding to address the projected NAf.350 million deficit budgeted for this year.

Government has, in that regard, already implemented a reform of the civil service pension fund to improve the sustainability of the fund while at the same time reducing the costs of government.

Government also plans to introduce Public Financial Management reform. The reforms are aimed at improved public expenditure management, increasing the efficiency of the tax administration, and broadening of the tax base. Efficiency initiatives include the introduction of online processing of tax returns and the improvement of tax compliance. With respect to the broadening of the tax base government is developing plans to tap into the income opportunities created by the rapid increase in activities in the digital economy, such as online shopping and Airbnb.

Meanwhile, discussions with the Netherlands, to secure funding to bridge government financial shortfalls, have and continue to be strained over disagreements about the terms.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

Government, considering its policy agenda and taking the challenging circumstances of COVID-19 into account, is completing the amended 2020 budget and the draft 2021 budget for presentation to and handling by parliament. In doing so government will, in keeping with the Kingdom law on financial supervision, request the Kingdom Government to apply an article 25 deviation, based on the extraordinary financial impact of the Global COVID-19 crisis. And given the urgency government intends to move forward and issue bonds to raise the funds necessary to meet its obligations.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

On the eve of our tenth anniversary of country status, we must act with a sense of urgency and common purpose.

One based on the conviction that together we can and will rise to meet the challenges of COVID-19. A conviction anchored on the courageous men and women out there risking their own health to save lives and to keep us safe. Courageous health care professionals, law enforcement officers, firefighters, other frontline employees, and volunteers, who remind us every day that the protection of our wellbeing and our country is our common purpose. The common purpose of protecting our health, our economy, and our future as a people.

Let us, all of us, businesses, labor unions, other civil society, and government, therefore draw inspiration from our courageous men and women to rise to the task that has fallen on us. A task which calls for effective collaboration across the board. Collaboration, which recognizes the value of unity, the imperative of sacrifice and the virtue of humanity in moments of crisis. (I REPEAT)

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

In this new parliamentary year, government will reach out to you with various legislative initiatives towards the execution of its agenda on behalf of our people. As you review and debate the business of our people - in these exceptional and challenging times - it is essential to keep in mind that our people are counting on parliament and government to rise to the task and lead us out of this crisis.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

Thus, as you deliberate and decide on the issues that will come before you in the period ahead, I wish you an abundance of wisdom, strength, and Gods speed.

Stay safe, God bless you and May God bless Sint Maarten and protect its coast.

Thank you
A spurned lover, a mysterious death, a deadly arson attack, how a besotted couple almost got away with murder, the last man to hang, and who pulled the trigger which left a policemans family dead  some of the sensational killings which made the front page of the Belfast Telegraph over the past 70 years. Laurence White reports.

Pearl Gamble, 19, a pretty young shop girl from Upper Damolly near Newry spent the last night of her life at a dance in Newry Orange Hall.

One of the young men vying for her attention was Robert Andrew McGladdery, a 25-year-old unemployed agricultural labourer.

Contemporaries described him as tall, blond and good looking but also a bit of a thug often involved in fights. His mother described him as violently self-abusive and paranoid.

The following morning January 28, 1961, a man out walking discovered Pearls clothes scattered around a field not far from her home. A search party found her lifeless body, naked save for a pair of stockings, in a clump of whin bushes.

Suspicion quickly fell on McGladdery but he denied any involvement in her death. For the next week police shadowed him wherever he went and eventually found some of the clothes he was wearing at the dance hidden in a septic tank. It was the crucial evidence that would lead to his conviction and the imposition of the death sentence - ironically by a judge,

Lord Justice Lancelot Curran, who had featured in an even more sensational murder investigation a decade earlier.

After a failed appeal execution was set for December 20 1961. His mother visited him the night before and as he was being taken to the hangman McGladdery finally confessed to Presbyterian chaplain Rev J Vance that he had killed Pearl. He had intercepted her on the way home, punched and stabbed and strangled her and dragged her body across three fields.

He was the last man to be hanged in Northern Ireland.

Arthur McElhill (2007)

Expand Close A 2007 photograph of Lorraine McGovern and Arthur McElhill, with (from left) baby James (10 months), Bellina (4), Caroline (13), Sean (7) and Clodagh (one and a half) / Facebook

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Whatsapp A 2007 photograph of Lorraine McGovern and Arthur McElhill, with (from left) baby James (10 months), Bellina (4), Caroline (13), Sean (7) and Clodagh (one and a half)

Neighbours who watched horrified as fire raged through the home of Arthur McElhill, his partner Lorraine McGovern and their five children in Lammy Crescent in Omagh in the early hours of November 13, 2007, thought they were witnessing an accidental tragedy.

They could hear screams, windows cracked and broke in the fierce heat and two men who tried to rescue the family were beaten back by the flames.

But it quickly unfolded that this was no accident. McElhill, a 36-year-old heavy drinker with a number of convictions for sexual offences, had poured a mixture of petrol and white spirit around the stairway and hallway, cutting off any potential escape route, and then set fire to the property.

All seven members of the family, McElhill, 29-year-old Lorraine who he had met when she was just 16 and their children Caroline (13), Sean (7), Bellina (4) Clodagh (1) and 10-month-old James all died in the blaze.

Coroner Suzanne Anderson told the subsequent inquest in Omagh: "I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that Arthur McElhill and Lorraine McGovern had been up all night and that she was about to leave, taking with her at least some of her children, when the fire was started by Arthur McElhill."

The inquest was told McElhill's life was in turmoil; he faced the loss of his relationship with Lorraine and imprisonment if his sexual relationship with a 16-year-old schoolgirl was discovered.

He had been one of the first people in Northern Ireland to be put on the Sex Offenders Register after being convicted of offences against two other teenage girls some years earlier.

The house of horrors was later demolished and another family home erected.

Hazel Stewart and Colin Howell (1991)

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It was almost the perfect double murder. When police found the bodies of fellow police officer Trevor Buchanan and 31-year-old Leslie Howell in a car at the back of a row of cottages in Castlerock they thought it was a tragic double suicide. An inquest found the pair had died as a result of carbon monoxide.

That was how the matter rested from 1991 until 2009 when Colin Howell, a dentist, walked into a police station and confessed to killing the couple.

He also implicated his former lover Hazel Stewart.

Stewart had been married to Trevor Buchanan when he was killed and Leslie was Howells wife. According to evidence in court Howell had gassed his wife as she slept on the sofa of their home in Knocklayde Park, then drove to Buchanans home with the body in the boot and along with

Stewart gassed him as well.

The murders followed an illicit affair between Howell and Stewart who met at a local Baptist church playgroup in Coleraine. They would meet at a local forest but were spotted by a member of the church and later confessed to their pastor and their spouses. Lesley Howell took an overdose when she learned of her husbands infidelity.

At first Howell and Stewart stayed apart but later resumed their affair.

After their spouses deaths the couple met in Howells Ballymoney practice for sex but after five years the affair ended. Howell met and married an American woman and went on to have five children with her.

Stewart later married her second husband, David Stewart, a former police chief superintendent. However within four years she was in the dock accused of the double murders.

Howell pleaded guilty and was jailed for at least 21 years. Stewart denied the murders but was convicted and ordered to serve a minimum of 18 years. Since then she has unsuccessfully mounted a series of attempts to overturn the verdicts.

The case had all the elements of a thriller novel and was later turned into a television drama, The Secret.

John Torney (1994)

Expand Close Police Officer John Torney (second left), who was convicted of murdering his wife Linda (second right), son John Jr, (right) and daughter Emma (left), and later died in prison. (PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Police Officer John Torney (second left), who was convicted of murdering his wife Linda (second right), son John Jr, (right) and daughter Emma (left), and later died in prison. (PA)

The case against policeman John Torney turned on who the jury believed pulled the trigger which killed three members of the Cookstown-based officers family.

Torney (40) claimed it was his 13-year-old son John who had killed his mother Linda and 11-year-old sister Emma before turning the gun on himself.

That was the story he told his brother, Sandy, on the night of the killings, September 20, 1994. When Sandy spoke to him by telephone Torney replied: Sandy, young Johns gone berserk.

At his trial he claimed that the boy had been abusing his sister and she was about to inform his parents. This had driven him over the edge.

It was alleged that Emma had told two school friends about the abuse and a former headmaster of the children said a police office had told him there was evidence of sexual activity between the children on the night they died but that would not be raised at the trial. That police officer was never identified.



Expand Close John Torney and his wife Linda on their wedding day. / Facebook

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Whatsapp John Torney and his wife Linda on their wedding day.

But neither the police nor jury - by a 10-2 majority verdict - believed Torney and he was given three life sentences with a recommendation that he serve at least 20 years in jail. That was in March 1996 and in July 2005

Torney died of natural causes in his prison cell.

His sister in law Hilary has campaigned to clear his name and revealed to this newspaper that John and Lindas marriage was in trouble and that he had told her in the summer of 1994 that he was going to file for divorce.

Susan Christie (1991)

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When UDR Greenfinch Susan Christie stumbled out of Drumkeeragh Forest Park in Co Down on March 27, 1991 she set in motion a sensational murder enquiry.

She claimed she had gone for a walk with Penny McAllister, the civilian wife of Captain Duncan McAllister of the Royal Corp of Signals when a wild bearded man jumped out of the undergrowth and attacked them with a large knife.

He lunged at Penny who was found dead in the forest but Christie managed to escape. She repeated her story when she was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries but it began to unravel four days later when Capt McAllister asked to speak to one of the detectives investigating his wifes death.

The soldier admitted he had been having an affair with Christie when both were members of a sub-aqua club. He maintained that he had told her the affair would have to be kept secret and that the attraction was purely physical and likely not to last long. He also said he had no intention of leaving his wife.

But Christies infatuation had turned to possessive love with deadly consequences. On the walk through the forest she used a butchers knife to cut Pennys throat.

Confronted by police who said they knew of her affair Christie changed her story and said her mind was a complete blank about the killing but insisted she would never have done it.

At her trial she admitted manslaughter and after she gave evidence the judge told the jury that if they believed the prosecutions psychiatrists evidence then murder would be the proper verdict. He had said she was pretending she didnt remember details of the killing.



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Whatsapp Penny McAllister: Murder victim killed by Susan Christie.

However the judge also told the jury if they believed the defences psychiatrists evidence then they should find her guilty of manslaughter.

The jury chose the later option on a majority verdict and the judge imposed a five year sentence.

This caused an uproar and the Court of Appeal reviewed the sentence, raising it to nine years. Christie was released in December 1995 having served nearly five years with full remission. She was dishonourably discharged from the army.

Patricia Curran (1952)

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The murder of Patricia Curran remains as much a mystery today as it did on the cold winter night of November 1952 when he body was found lying in the grounds of her familys stately home in Whiteabbey, Co Antrim.

She had been stabbed 37 times and although medical experts later determined she had been dead for four hours her family put her body in a car and drove to a local doctor.

This was no ordinary family. Patricias family Lancelot Curran was a Unionist MPM, a judge and the youngest ever Attorney General at Stormont. They were part of Ulsters ruling elite.

It was days later when the family were questioned about Patricias death,a deference not shown to the man convicted of her killing and who had to wait almost half a century for this gross miscarriage of justice to be put right.

Iain Hay Gordon was a rather naive 20-year-old RAF technician who had struck up a friendship with Patricias brother Desmond at the local Presbyterian Church.

Two months after the killing he was arrested and charged. He was questioned relentlessly for two days until he broke and without any legal presence or advice signed a confession.

After his trial at which he was found guilty of the killing but insane and he was committed to Holywell mental hospital for seven and a half years and then released and told to go back to Scotland.

There doubts about his conviction surfaced but it took until 2000 for his name to be cleared.

So who did kill Patricia?

One campaigner suggested it was her mother Doris who disapproved of her unconventional lifestyle, particularly her relationships with older men.

Others suggested her brother Desmond had some involvement.

He made a dramatic conversion to Catholicism five years after his sisters death and his father, a staunch Orangeman, broke ranks with the Order to attend his ordination in Rome in 1994.

Desmond, who spent many years in South Africa, wrote to a Belfast friend after Hays conviction was quashed: Now the time has come for me to state categorically that no member of the Curran family was in any way involved in the murder no in any kind of cover-up operation.

Desmond died in South Africa in August 2015.
Area Diesel Service, Inc.s team of expert diesel specialists recently toasted to completing the next step in its goal of achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification. After the conclusion of a week-long audit process, registrar TUV Rheinland has formally recommended Area Diesel for ISO 9001:2015 certification.

Area Diesel Service, Inc.s team of expert diesel specialists recently toasted to completing the next step in its goal of achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification. After the conclusion of a week-long audit process, registrar TUV Rheinland has formally recommended Area Diesel for ISO 9001:2015 certification.

The diesel power products company expects to receive its official ISO 9001:2015 certification in the coming weeks.

ISO 9001:2015 certification recognizes the achievement of business processes, quality product environments, quality management system development, and documentation in place with continual review and objectives for improvement.

The process of getting a 47-year-old company compliant with todays most current quality standards has been a challenging, and now rewarding, endeavor, said Area Diesel Service, Inc.s Vice President, Von Leefers.

He continued, The journey is not over, nor should it ever be with continual updates and progress while improving our processes through the ISO system.

Area Diesel Service, Inc. executives began the International Standards Organization (ISO) process to incorporate the companys existing philosophy of providing high levels of customer service and satisfaction into a consistent standard for the entire business operation.

About Area Diesel Service

Founded in Carlinville, Ill., Area Diesel Service, Inc. has supplied quality products and services to the diesel market for over 45 years. In addition to the Carlinville branch, Area Diesel Service, Inc. has branches in Pleasant Hill, Iowa and Indianapolis, Ind. More information on Area Diesel Service, Inc.s products and services can be found online at http://www.areadieselservice.com.
Minsk: Germany, Britain and Lithuania have called on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to explain what happened to protest leader Maria Kolesnikova following reports the opposition politician was detained by unidentified masked men in Minsk.

Kolesnikova was driven away in a van on Monday morning, Minsk time, and two of her allies also disappeared later, the opposition movement said.

Maria Kolesnikova speaks at a news conference in Minsk, Belarus in August. Credit:AP

On Tuesday, a Belarusian border official said Kolesnikova had been detained while trying to enter Ukraine in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The circumstances of her attempted journey to Ukraine were not immediately clear, with some media reports initially suggesting she had made it across the border, something border guards on both sides later denied.
AstraZenecas AZN stock is up 7.5% this year so far in contrast to the 0.5% decline of the industry.

Here we discuss a few reasons for the same.

Progress on COVID-19 Related Pipeline Efforts

A prime reason for AstraZenecas shares to rise this year is the rapid progress in its efforts to make a vaccine to treat COVID-19. AstraZeneca is developing a COVID-19 vaccine candidate, AZD1222 in partnership with Oxford University. Late-stage studies are ongoing in the United States UK, Brazil and South Africa with studies due to start in Japan and Russia shortly. Data from the late-stage studies are expected later this year. Data from the phase I/II study on AZD1222 announced in July showed that the vaccine candidate generated strong antibody and T-cell responses in the majority of patients.

Moreover, the company has signed supply deals with several countries under which it has committed to supply almost 3 billion doses of the vaccine, if it is successfully developed. Meanwhile, it has received more than $1 billion in funding from BARDA for the development, production and delivery of the AZD1222 vaccine. The company targets to file a regulatory application with the FDA later this year.

Last week, AstraZeneca initiated a phase I study on AZD7442, a monoclonal-antibody combination for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. AZD7442 is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies, AZD8895 and AZD1061, which were derived from convalescent patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, which AstraZeneca licensed from Vanderbilt University, in the United States in June 2020.

Key New Drug Approvals

In late 2019/2020 so far, AstraZeneca gained approval for two key new medicines. Koselugo (selumetinib) for the treatment of pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-related plexiform neurofibromas (PN), a rare and debilitating genetic condition, was approved by the FDA in April 2020. Meanwhile, trastuzumab deruxtecan was approved by the FDA in third-line HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer in December 2019 and immediately launched under the brand name of Enhertu. AstraZeneca acquired joint development and commercialization rights to trastuzumab deruxtecan from Japans Daiichi Sankyo in 2019. Meanwhile, its triple combination therapy, Breztri Aerosphere was approved by the FDA as a maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Story continues

Newer Drugs Driving Sales

AstraZenecas newer drugs like Brilinta (cardiovascular), Lynparza (ovarian cancer), Farxiga/Forxiga (type II diabetes) and Tagrisso (lung cancer) are driving AstraZenecas top-line growth in 2020, with AstraZeneca launching them in more markets and in an increased number of indications. Five of its newer medicines (Tagrisso, Brilinta, Farxiga, Imfinzi and Lynparza) now have blockbuster status. AstraZeneca markets Lynparza in partnership with Merck (MRK).

AstraZeneca is looking for further label expansions for all these drugs. Lynparza was approved for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (with HRR genetic mutations) in the United States in May 2020, which marked the drugs approval for the fourth cancer type. In May, Lynparza was also approved by the FDA in combination with Roches (RHHBY) Avastin as a maintenance treatment for first-line advanced ovarian cancer in women who have an HRD-positive tumor. Imfinzi, in combination with chemotherapy, was approved for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer in United States, Japan and Europe this year.

Strategic Deals

AstraZeneca has also engaged in external acquisitions and strategic collaborations to boost its pipeline while investing in geographic areas of high growth like China. This year, it signed its second big cancer deal with Japans Daiichi Sankyo to acquire joint global (except Japan) development/commercialization rights to the Daiichis antibody drug conjugate (ADC) DS-1062, which could be a potential medicine for lung, breast and multiple other cancers that commonly express TROP2, a transmembrane glycoprotein.

Conclusion

It goes without saying that AstraZeneca has its share of challenges. Its products like Nexium, Crestor and Seroquel are facing generic competition, which is hurting sales. The diabetes franchise also faces stiff competition while pricing pressure is hurting sales in the respiratory unit. Nonetheless, AstraZenecas newer drugs, mainly cancer medicines Lynparza, Tagrisso and Imfinzi should keep driving revenues. Its pipeline is strong with abundance of catalysts lined up for 2020 including data on COVID-19 vaccine candidate, AZD1222. Cost-cutting efforts should drive earnings.

AstraZeneca currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

A better-ranked large biotech stock is Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN), which carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy).

Its stock is up 54.5% this year so far. Its earnings estimates have risen from $28.04 to $28.25 for 2020 over the past 60 days and from $31.73 to $32.46 for 2021.

The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All

Last year, it generated $24 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $77.6 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce ""the world's first trillionaires,"" but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early.

See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >>



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN) : Free Stock Analysis Report



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The list of testing options for COVID-19 keeps growing, and the different types of tests are not always explained. Tests range from ones that use samples sent into testing labs to ones that could be performed at a health care provider's office.

"Knowing the differences between tests allows you to make the best decision for your specific situation," says Dr. Binnicker. "Each test has its own purpose as well as pros and cons during the pandemic."

Testing terminology can be confusing, so Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D., director of Mayo Clinic's Virology Laboratory, provides a synopsis of the different terms and how they are used.

Dr. Binnicker defines these terms for diagnostic tests that determine if you have COVID-19:

Polymerase chain reaction (swab) test

If you're experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19, such as fevers, chills, body aches and trouble breathing, your health care provider may recommend this test. It detects SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID-19 from the swab test, you will be asked to self-quarantine stop the spread of infection.

Polymerase chain reaction (saliva) test

Similar to swab tests, saliva is a potential specimen that can be collected for polymerase chain reaction testing. Saliva is typically easierand more comfortableto collect from a patient compared to a nasopharyngeal swab. However, saliva specimens still need to be submitted to a testing lab, as they are not yet an at-home test. Also, some data have shown that testing of saliva may have lower sensitivity, compared to nasal swabs.

Antigen test

Your health care provider may recommend this test if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or fit the recommended guidelines set by your state, local or employer guidelines. The test, which is performed using a nasal swab, is easier to perform and can be completed by a nurse, advanced-practice provider or physician. Antigen tests for respiratory infections, such as influenza, have historically been less sensitive than polymerase chain reaction, so false negative results are a concern.

Dr. Binnicker goes on to discuss blood tests that determine if you had COVID-19. A blood test for antibodies is used to determine how many people in a population have been infected with COVID-19. This test identifies whether you had COVID-19 and have developed some degree of immunity against the virus that could prevent reinfection.

With Labor Day approaching and schools starting, understanding how testing works and making sure to take preventive measures to protect yourself from COVID-19 are more important than ever for you and your community.

Preventive measures include:

Wash your hands often.

Get tested when you're sick.

Maintain social distancing.

Wear a mask.

Stay home when you're able.

Follow state, local and employer guidelines.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks!

Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics.

The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc.

The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics.

The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates.

Access to college recruiters and advisors  its harder to line up higher education.

Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family.

Vote

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France has put off a meeting in Paris next week between its foreign and defence ministers and their Russian counterparts after the poisoning of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, the foreign ministry said Tuesday.

"In view of the current circumstances and after an exchange with the Russian authorities, it was decided to postpone the meeting of the Franco-Russian council for cooperation on security questions to a later date," it said.

The ministers were supposed to meet in Paris on September 14 in the so-called 2+2 format that had been a key plank of President Emmanuel Macron's bid to improve ties with Moscow.

Germany, where Navalny is being treated, has said he was poisoned with the military-grade nerve agent Novichok and analysts believe that the severity of the crisis has dealt a heavy blow to Macron's strategy of a rapprochement with Russia.

He and President Vladimir Putin had agreed in telephone talks this summer that the French leader would visit Moscow this autumn but it remains unclear if this will still go ahead.

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Elderly American Couple Found Dead in Well in Northern Mexico, Officials Say

The San Diego Police Department confirmed that two bodies found in Baja California, Mexico, were identified as the remains of a San Diego couple who went missing last month.

They are now confirmed deceased in Mexico and family has been notified, a police spokesperson told CBS8.

They were identified as Ian Hirschsohn, 78, and Kathy Harvey, 73, said the Baja California state prosecutors office, reported The Associated Press.

They were reported missing Sept. 2 by family members. Investigators searching an unpopulated area south of Ensenada spotted human remains at the bottom of the well the following day. They were recovered Friday and Saturday, the statement said, according to AP.

Family members said the two were staying at a house near El Socorrito south of San Quintin, about 200 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border. On Aug. 28, Kathy Harvey texted her son Robert that they were going to explore a gold mine and go to the beach.

The two were planning on returning to San Diego, but family members said they didnt receive any word from them, CBS8 reported.

The Consulate General in Tijuana informed the family that the couples blue Toyota Land Cruiser was found in Ensenada last week, according to the report. Their bodies were found on Sept. 4, and their remains were identified by medical officials.

She was really enjoying retirement and had multiple groups of friends, her son said. She loved walking and traveling. She had a huge bucket list of where she wanted to go.

Hirschsohns daughter, Ava Setzer, had also posted a message on Facebook before their bodies were located, calling on anyone to reach out to her about their whereabouts.

Any information on their whereabouts, please contact me immediately, she wrote. My dad Ian has a house in El Socorrito and is a seasoned veteran of Baja travel since purchasing the house in 85.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico last week issued advisories to Americans, saying they should not visit Mexico due to COVID-19 and a rise in violence.

The number of confirmed and suspected cases is still increasing daily in several regions of Mexico. Mexico City, Nuevo Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico State, and Coahuila currently report the highest number of active cases for the preceding two-week period, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico said in a bulletin. It added that states with the most CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus hospitalizations are Nayarit, Colima, Nuevo Leon, Hidalgo, and Coahuila.

The U.S. State Department currently said lists Mexico under its Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory because of the virus and elevated crime levels.

On Aug. 6, the agency warned that people should not travel to Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas states due to crime. Tamaulipas should be particularly avoided due to kidnapping reports, according to the agency.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Haryana chief secretary Keshni Anand Arora on Tuesday directed the heads of departments to ensure 100% implementation of Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) by the end of September to improve the ease of doing business (EODB) rankings. The chief secretary reviewed the progress of the BRAP implementation in the backdrop of Haryana slipping from the third to 16th slot in 2018-19 rankings that the Centre announced last week.

Director of industries and commerce department, Saket Kumar gave a presentation related to the state and district business reform action plan.

There are 213 reforms points to be implemented at the district level and 301 reform points at the state-level under the BRAP.

During the meeting, the CS directed the officers of all the departments concerned to ensure coordination and make sure that all services are rendered online within the stipulated time. She directed the administrative secretaries to carefully review the progress of the Business Reform Action Plan.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said that England is to start applying a regional approach to its coronavirus quarantine policy for international arrivals.

The PA news agency looks at what this means for travellers.

 What is the so-called islands policy that has been announced?

In a statement to the Commons on Monday, Mr Shapps said islands can now be individually added to or removed from Englands quarantine-free list.

This means they will be treated separately from their mainland countries.

 Why has the approach to international travel changed?

The Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) has been commissioned to assess the most popular island destinations for British tourists.

Through the use of enhanced data we will now be able to pinpoint risk in some of the most popular islands, providing increased flexibility to add or remove them  distinct from the mainland  as infection rates change, Mr Shapps said.

Using our newly acquired JBC data and systems, we are now in a position to remove only the Greek islands where holidaymakers are at risk of spreading new infection back home  and not the mainland 2/3  Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) September 7, 2020

This development will help boost the UKs travel industry while continuing to maintain maximum protection to public health, keeping the travelling public safe.

 How has this changed the quarantine-free list?

From 4am on Wednesday, arrivals from seven Greek islands will need to self-isolate for 14 days  but mainland Greece will maintain its quarantine-exemption.

These are the islands of Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and Zakynthos, also known as Zante.

 Can regions within a countrys mainland be added and removed?

The Department for Transport said it is not safe to implement a fully regional system for international travel corridors, as there is too much movement between regions within countries.

However, it said that when a region has natural boundaries  like an island  the risks reduce, so changes will only apply to land that has a clear border and robust, reliable and internationally comparable data is available.

The island must also have direct flights to the UK, or transport must have taken place through exempt territories.

 How is this different to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?

This decision brings England partly into line with Wales, which removed six Greek islands from its quarantine-free list last week.

8. Data has also told us in recent days that weve had a number of positive cases amongst people returning from Greece - thats why weve had to add Greece to quarantine list. Given uncertainties of situation, my advice remains to avoid non essential foreign travel for now  Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) September 2, 2020

Scotland reintroduced quarantine measures for those returning from the whole of Greece last Thursday, while Northern Ireland has so far resisted tightening the travel guidance for the Mediterranean country.

 Have restrictions changed on islands in other countries?

Madrid urged the UK to exclude the Canaries and Balearics  which include popular tourist resorts on Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca  when its quarantine requirements were imposed at the end of July.

But Mr Shapps told the Commons on Monday that cases currently remain too high in these areas.

 How has the tourism industry reacted to the news?

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, which represents UK carriers, said it was a step in the right direction that gave further choice and clarity for travellers.

But he added: That said, a comprehensive testing regime is urgently required to enable connectivity to and from countries like the US, one of our most vital trading and strategic partners.

This was echoed by Airport Operators Association (AOA) chief executive Karen Dee, who urged the Government to decide on a testing regime to be put in place as soon as possible.
According to a report of the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), as of August 20, Vietnams FDI attraction reached US$19.54 billion, which is equal to only 86.3% of the figure from the same period last year, but is seen by experts as a sign of a new wave of investment in Vietnam.

However, in order to take advantage of this new investment wave, experts have suggested that Vietnam continue to reform institutions to create favourable conditions in the business environment, as well as remaining proactive and consistent in investment attraction policies. At the same time, domestic enterprises must be more proactive as well.

Only in this way can Vietnam utilise the golden opportunities to welcome foreign investors to come for cooperation and investment, thus turning potential into economic power while participating further in the global value chain.

Positive signals

Do Nhat Hoang, Director of the MPIs Foreign Investment Agency, said that according to the assessment of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global investment in 2020 could slump by up to 40%, and the worlds economies may register declining and even negative growth. Meanwhile, as of August 20, the total FDI inflows in Vietnam reached nearly US$20 billion, down only 13% year-on-year, which is a very low level of decrease compared to the rest of the world and other countries in the region. In particular, the disbursed capital stood at US$11.3 billion, down only 5.1% from the same period in 2019.

These positive signals show foreign investors faith in the investment environment in Vietnam. The countrys FDI sector only reported a slight fall in its trade revenue, with export turnover reaching US$113.3 billion, down 4.5% year-on-year, and import turnover decreasing by 5.3% to US$90.7 billion. This proves that despite the numerous difficulties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, FDI enterprises have still maintained their production and business activities in a relatively good manner, without suffering sharp declines.

The aforementioned figures also demonstrate that the Vietnamese Government has made effective efforts to improve the domestic investment environment in recent years and has been effectively implementing the dual goal of fighting the disease and promoting economic development.

According to Do Nhat Hoang, the attractiveness of Vietnams current business climate stems from internal economic factors and the impacts of external factors.

In terms of internal factors, Vietnam currently holds advantages in its investment environment, including political stability, rapid and sustainable economic growth, abundant human resources, a large market, competitive costs, attractive incentive policies, extensive economic integration, and favourable geographical location.

An additional factor is the effort of the whole political system, from the central to local levels, in improving the business climate and reforming administrative policies and procedures to create the most favourable conditions for foreign investors to operate successfully in Vietnam.

In particular, Vietnams efforts to effectively control the COVID-19 pandemic in recent times have also helped to strengthen faith among foreign investors and increase the countrys reputation as an attractive and safe investment destination.

Regarding external factors, firstly, the trade conflict between major economies has caused international corporations and enterprises to relocate their production establishments to avoid high tax rates. In addition, the pandemic and its serious consequences have driven countries and international corporations to accelerate investment restructuring, aiming to lessen dependence on a single country or partner.

Some developed countries, such as the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea, have issued preferential policies and support packages to call on companies to move their production lines back home or invest in a third country to diversify the supply chains. In particular, Vietnam has many opportunities to catch this shifting wave thanks to the countrys advantages in terms of the investment environment as well as its recent success in containing the disease.

Utilising golden opportunities

Touching upon the supply chain restructuring trend among major corporations in the world, Nguyen Dinh Cung, former Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) and member of the Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Group, said that the restructuring of the global value chains stems from three factors.

The first is the need to create jobs for domestic workers of countries. The second is the impact of the trade war between China and the United States. According to the assessment, such tensions may be prolonged even further, thus promoting the shift in investment. The third factor is the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes the shift faster, clearer and more comprehensive.

In that context, Cung stated that Vietnam is seizing many advantages, the most prominent of which is the countrys signing of many free trade agreements with partners who are major markets in the world.

In my opinion, this is the most distinctive feature of Vietnam in competing against other countries for investment attraction, he noted.

Experts suggest that Vietnam should develop high-quality human resources to attract FDI capital.



However, in order to take advantage of golden opportunities in the race to attract FDI enterprises, Director of the MPIs Foreign Investment Agency Do Nhat Hoang stressed the need for Vietnam to work out breakthrough solutions and new ways of doing, and implement them in a rapid, timely and synchronous fashion.

Besides the advantages in attracting FDI companies to invest in Vietnam, Vice Chairman of the Association of Foreign Invested Enterprises Nguyen Van Toan also pointed out that there is still a worrisome issue on the side of Vietnamese businesses. Vietnamese firms remain very weak in connecting together to jointly take advantage of opportunities. Many businesses, especially small-sized ones, still only have short-term visions.

According to Toan, another weakness is that Vietnam currently depends too much on a single market supplying raw materials and semi-finished products. In addition, the big domestic enterprises, despite their great potential, have yet to show the role of leading small- and medium-sized enterprises to participate in the link chain.

To utilise opportunities from the attraction of high-quality FDI, Toan suggested that Vietnamese businesses must have strong determination and long-term visions, in addition to improving their qualifications, strengthening links and especially building a high-quality core in human resources to attract FDI.
The Indian are set to open higher today on the back of firm cues from Asian indices. At 7:30 AM, the SGX Nifty was trading 50 points up at 11,430 levels. This was after Asian shares regained some footing on Tuesday with Australia's ASX200 rising 1 per cent while Japan's Nikkei and Hang Seng index both were up half a per cent each.

However, geo-political concerns might put a lid on the indices' gain. According to reports, an incident of firing took place on the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh sector where troops of India and China have been engaged in a stand-off for over three months. Investors will track the developments on this front, and any further escalation might pressure the indices.

Investors will also react to the Kamath Committee's recommendations for Covid-19-related debt restructuring. The committee has recommended financial ratios for 26 sectors which could be factored in by lending institutions while finalising a resolution plan for a borrower.

Apart from these, investors will continue to track global cues, Covid-19 related newsflow and stock-specific developments, including corporate results.

A surge of over 75,000 cases on Monday took India's tally of Covid-19 cases to 42.7 lakh with 72,816 deaths.

On the results front, a total of 38 companies including SML Isuzu and Future Consumer are set to announce their June quarter earnings today.

Apart from these, aviation stocks might trade actively today after rating agency Icra said air passenger traffic in the country logged a 26 per cent month-on-month growth at 2.6 million passengers in August, with airlines scaling up capacity by 27 per cent over July.

Meanwhile, the government is planning to sell 15 per cent stake in defence company Bharat Dynamics through an offer for sale today and tomorrow. The centre which owns 87.75 per cent stake in the company is looking to offload 2.71 crore shares at floor price of Rs 330 per share.

And now a quick look at other top news

ITC will examine an alternative structure for its hotels business, Chairman Sanjiv Puri has said. Puri said the firm is focusing on an asset-right strategy and will look at some alternative structuring vehicles for value creation.

According to a Business Standard report, Reliance Industries has started preliminary talks with Facebook and private equity fund KKR to make an investment in its retail business too.

The Rs 700-crore IPO of Happiest Minds Technologies was subscribed nearly 3 times on Monday, the first day of the issue. This was the highest first-day subscription for an IPO this year.

Vodafone Idea on Monday said it will seek shareholders' approval to raise the borrowing limit to Rs 1 lakh crore, at the annual general meeting scheduled to be held on September 30.
- NDC has launched its manifesto ahead of the December polls

- The NDC flagbearer says the document has solutions to all the challenges in the various sectors of the economy

- YEN.com.gh has compiled 7 takeaways from the manifesto

- Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) launched its 2020 Manifesto on Monday, September 7, 2020.

In an event monitored by YEN.com.gh, the NDC says their manifesto is aimed at creating jobs and building a strong economy when it wins the December polls.

Dubbed the Peoples Manifesto, the 143-page policy document focus on delivering on the following development priorities over the next four (4) years.

John Mahama and Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman. Source: Facebook/JDM

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Mahama lacks credibility to fulfill promises  NPP

Speaking at the event, the flagbearer of the opposition party, John Dramani Mahama, described the document as one that holds the key to the destiny of Ghana.

This manifesto holds the key to Ghanas destiny.

The document is themed Jobs and prosperity for all; the peoples manifesto.

The NDC, in addition, launched the braille version of the document to aid persons living with a disability (PWDs) to appreciate the NDCs campaign promises.

The NDCs flagbearer and running mate amongst other things promised a lot of things to Ghanaians.

YEN.com.gh has compiled 7 of the promises by the NDC that easily win them the 2020 polls.

READ ALSO: Chairman Wontumi displays gold bar on live television

1. Free tertiary education for people living with disabilities

The NDC manifesto has promised to offer free tertiary education for people living with disabilities if the party wins the 2020 elections.

2. Private schools to join Free SHS

The Peoples Manifesto also promised to include private schools to the Free Senior High School programme introduced by President John Akufo-Addo.

The next NDC Government will: make the Free Senior High School Programme better by ensuring that its numerous challenges are addressed, and higher standards introduced. To also expand the Free SHS programme to cover students in private Senior High Schools in underserved/deprived areas."

3. Absorb 50% of university fees for the next academic year

The NDC also says it will absorb 50% of fees for tertiary students for the 2020/2021 academic year if the party wins power after the December polls.

The party noted that this will cushion parents and students whose finances have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Scrap law banning accident cars

According to the NDC, their next government will scrap the law that bans the importation of accident cars.

They say this will stimulate the local automotive industry rather than kill it.

READ ALSO: Election 2020: Mahama says he is more trustworthy than Akufo-Addo

5. Pensioners to enjoy 13th month

Former President John Mahama said he will ensure that pensioners are paid a 13th-month bonus.

He said he will ensure that the Pensions Act is amended to make that possible.

6. Corruption to be made a high-risk activity

The NDC manifesto also promised to fight corruption. The NDC says it believes eradicating graft is a sure way of ensuring the development of the country.

7. Extend maternity leave to 4 months, fathers get 7 days

The NDC also has promised to extend maternity leave from the current three months to four months.

This was revealed by the partys running mate for the elections, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Ghanas President Nana Akufo-Addo has been elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

This was announced by Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications at the Presidency, on his Facebook wall on Monday, September 7, 2020.

He said the announcement was made at the 57th ECOWAS Summit which is being held in Niamey, capital of Niger.

"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
The Union government will honour its commitment to compensate states for the shortfall in collections of goods and services tax ( GST ) despite the strain on its finances because of the pandemic, a senior government official said.

A part of the compensation promised to states, 97,000 crore, would be paid out immediately, and the balance over a period to be decided by the GST Council, the apex body guiding the implementation of the indirect tax.

The clarification by the Union government comes just days before the GST Council meeting on 19 September. If states accept the new proposal, it could potentially avoid the ugly face-off that was seen in the last meeting between the Centre and the states. Differences in the previous meeting of the Council had begun to threaten the GST compactwhich had been held up as the new template of cooperative federalism.

The senior government official said the Centre is committed to fully compensating states. Hundred percent (will be paid out)," the person said. The person who did not want to be identified referred to the 20 May Mint interview of finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in which she has made this explicit.

The initial compensation will be paid immediately through borrowing as this payment has to be done during the five-year transition period of the indirect tax reform. The shortfall due to covid-19 will be paid as and when the cess gets extended. Paying this after the fifth year by extending the cess will help states in avoiding a fiscal cliff after normal compensation ends in 2022.

As long as that law, GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017, exists, I have to honour it," the finance minister had said in the interview.

The official said the Centre convened a meeting of the finance secretaries of states last week to clarify its position. In the nearly three-hour-long meeting, the Union government fleshed out the options shared with the states in the last meeting.

The bone of contention is the commitment made by the Centre to compensate states for any shortfall in collections that may arise during the implementation of GST. Dubbed the grand bargain", states gave up their right to impose taxes to make way for the new indirect tax regime. In return, states were guaranteed an annual growth in revenues of 14% till FY22.

The pandemic has, however, forced an unprecedented economic disruption, leading to lower tax receipts. The total compensation due from the Centre is 2.35 trillion.

At the last meeting of the GST Council, states were offered two borrowing options to cover either the revenue losses due to GST implementation or the entire shortfall, including the effect of the pandemic. The options involved states borrowing either under a special RBI window or from the market under different terms.

The Centre would prefer the states borrow to fund the payout as under law, cess collections accrue to states and only they can borrow against its security. Also, on an average, states have so far borrowed only 1.2% of gross state domestic product against the 5% allowed. If the centre borrows, it will drive up yields and impact the cost of borrowing for everyone. Not the right thing to do when we are looking to revive the economy and encouraging companies to invest," the official said.

To make it easier for states, the Centre has initiated a conversation with the Reserve Bank of India to open a special window wherein all states would access loans at the same rate.

Further, these borrowings will be linked to the collections under cessso repayments will be settled through the receipts of cess and wont pressure the budgets of the states.

Things had turned ugly in the previous GST Council meeting after states split along political lines with the opposition-ruled ones raising the ante. Non-BJP ruled states insisted that the Centre should borrow and pay the compensation, which could be repaid by the cess collection.

It will have to be seen whether the olive branch proffered by the Centre will mollify the states and bring them back to the negotiating table.

Experts welcomed the flexibility of the Centre on resolving the logjam related to the compensation issue. This sets the stage for more fruitful talks on changes to the GST compensation cess, they said. This is a welcome step," said N.R. Bhanumurthy, vice-chancellor of Dr B.R. Ambedkar School of Economics in Bengaluru.

M.S. Mani, a tax partner at Deloitte India, said it was essential to have a constructive discussion on the period for which the cess may need to be extended and whether there was a need to revisit the products that are subject to cess.

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ATHENS: Greece plans to acquire arms, boost its armed forces and revamp its defence industry, the governments spokesman said on Monday, as tensions with NATO ally Turkey over energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean grow.

Greece, which emerged from its third international bailout in 2018 and has been struggling with the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis, wants to spend part of its multi-billion euro cash reserves on its defence sector.

We are in talks with allies to boost our armed forces," government spokesman Stelios Petsas told reporters, adding that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will outline his plans during an annual economic policy speech on Saturday.

A Greek government official told Reuters last week that Greece is in talks with France and other countries over the acquisition of fighter jets. Greece has also been trying for more than a decade to consolidate and privatise its loss-making defence companies.

Mitsotakis will meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Corsica on Thursday, before a Southern European leaders summit (MED7) on the French island of Corsica. The two leaders are expected to discuss the European Unions strained relationship with Turkey, Macrons office said.

Petas said that cooperation in the defence sector between the two countries will also be on the agenda.

Turkey and Greece have long disagreed over the extent of their continental shelves. Tensions rose last month after Ankara sent an exploration vessel into disputed waters, accompanied by warships, days after Greece signed a maritime deal with Egypt.

Ankara has since been extending the vessels work in the wider region, issuing advisories which Athens calls illegal.

The Greek conservative leader discussed the latest twists in the row with European Council President Charles Michel, who chairs summits of EU leaders, during a phone call on Monday.

Michel will visit Athens on Sept. 15, Petsas 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
NOTE: The Press Council has not upheld a complaint about this article. Read the full adjudication here.

Former NSW Labor leader John Robertson will take over the state's troubled public insurer as part of a major shake-up of the icare board.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet will announce Mr Robertson's appointment as chair of icare on Wednesday, replacing former Macquarie Group investment banker and long-time Liberal Party donor Michael Carapiet.

Outgoing icare chairman Michael Carapiet. Credit:Peter Braig

The deputy chair Gavin Bell, former global chief executive of Herbert Smith Freehills, will also be replaced.
Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping has hailed his country's success in suppressing the deadly coronavirus pandemic first discovered on its soil, even as confirmed infections globally race toward the 30 million mark.

In a pomp-filled ceremony in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi personally conferred medals on citizens deemed to have played instrumental roles in China's fight against the virus identified in December in Wuhan. While other nations from India and the US grapple with ever-expanding outbreaks, China hasn't reported a domestic infection in 22 days and Xi has increasingly turned his attention to bolstering the battered economy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping presents a medal at an event to honour some of those involved in the fight against COVID-19 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. Credit:AP

The proceedings glossed over criticism of Beijing's initial response to the pandemic, which had initially appeared to threaten the Communist Party's legitimacy before China contained the virus and worse outbreaks in other nations overshadowed its struggles.

Xi made no mention of the more than three weeks that passed in January between efforts to censor doctors' first warnings of human-to-human transmission and China's official acknowledgement of the infection risk.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Chennai Metro Rail's patronage on Monday when services resumed after nearly six months was more than that of the Bengaluru Metro.

According to a Chennai Metro Rail spokesman, 5033 passengers travelled on the Metro compared to 3770 passengers on the Bengaluru Metro.

According to data from Chennai Metro Rail, 4,869 passengers travelled on the Metro using Smart Card ticketing system and 164 passengers utilised the QR code ticketing system. Passengers can avoid queueing at Metro stations by downloading the CMRL mobile app for using the QR code ticketing system.

Interestingly, only the Blue Line, from Chennai International Airport to Washermanpet, was put into operation on Monday. The Green Line from Chennai Central to St Thomas Mount is likely to function from Wednesday. However, the Green Line will not be connected to Chennai Airport as was done earlier. Passengers have to alight and take the train at Alandur station to the airport.

The functioning of the Green Line on Wednesday will be a huge relief to many bus commuters as they can access the CMBT bus terminus where operations began from Monday. Patronage of the Metro may be hit due to non-functioning of malls, colleges and other institutions. Many people are also still afraid to take the Metro following the spread of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Chennai Metro Rail has floated tenders for the second phase and work is likely to begin soon. Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has invited bids for the construction of a 7.945 km elevated section from Porur Junction to Poonamallee Bypass of Chennai Metros new 26.09 km Line-4 which will connect Light House with Poonamallee Bypass through 30 stations.

In July, bids were called for construction of elevated Metro Stations at Power House, Vadapalani, Saligramam, Avichi School, Alwartiru Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Karambakkam, Alapakkam Junction, Porur Junction for Phase-2 project. This section of the Line-4 is being partly financed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) through a $356.65 million (approximately Rs 2700 crore) loan.

Besides a viaduct, this section consists of 9 stations and a depot line to a train maintenance depot at Poonamallee. It is the second elevated package of Line-4 on the upcoming 118.9 km Chennai Metro Phase 2 project. Back in July, CMRL invited bids for a 7.955 km elevated section for Line-4, integrated with Line-5 for roughly 4.2 km, between Power House and Porur Junction on Arcot Road.
The state's corruption watchdog has given pork-barrelling a free pass in its submission to a NSW parliamentary inquiry into allegations of community grants rorting by the state government.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption said while it received complaints about the practice, favouring marginal seats and certain electorates or expanding a grants scheme to pursue a political objective did not amount to misconduct.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has defended the role of government MPs in community grants. Credit:Karleen Minney

But the oversight body warned that when MPs became involved in determining successful grant applicants they risked policy being influenced by political loyalties.

"Of course, some citizens view pork-barrelling as corrupt, or at least lacking in merit, and politicians are expected to face the resulting political consequences," the ICAC said in a submission forwarded by its Chief Commissioner, Peter Hall, QC.
WASHINGTON D.C., Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Masks continue as part of daily life and a new administration is tasked with rebuilding a broken nation. Inheritance of Crises and Dysfunction by James J. Maiwurm is political fiction that launches readers into Inauguration Day 2021 in rural Virginia where the COVID-19 pandemic and a recession have set farmers and small business owners into a life of financial instability and disarray. With roots in history, current events, and human nature, the novel provides valuable insight into foreign and domestic politics, while the protagonists personal story also highlights the pain of losing a spouse and moving, the mixed emotions associated with contemplating retirement, and the psychological need to remain relevant and connected as one grows older.

The book follows Salt- a recent widower and retired lawyer whose career included stints with the U.S. Government. Just when Salt begins settling into his new life away from the noise of D.C., an old acquaintance who is about to become Secretary of State calls him back into the line of fire at the White House where he is persuaded to take on a covert diplomatic role. Salts hesitant acceptance ignites a chase around the world for sensitive meetings with key allies to begin repositioning America for productive leadership.



This plot is an instance where fiction is truly no stranger than reality," Maiwurm said. "The book is designed to provide reader-friendly insight into both urgent domestic issues and the consequences of American's shrinking influence in the world.



[The books] ultimate message is one of hope. It postulates that, when politics are stripped away, Americans have a great deal in common, and that with patience and honest communication, the countrys wounds can be healed so that a stronger nation can emerge, a Clarion reviewer wrote about the book.



Inheritance of Crises and Dysfunction is sure to intrigue readers with an interest in the current state of America as the novel highlights struggles that lie ahead, while also educating readers on topics such as government subsidies, the Black Lives Matter movement, Coronavirus, and economic instability so they can be better prepared to vote and handle what Maiwurm believes is on the horizon.



Inheritance of Crises and Dysfunction

By James J. Maiwurm

ISBN: 9781663204660 (softcover); 9781663204684 (hardcover); 9781663204677 (electronic)

Available at the iUniverse Online Bookstore, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

James J. Maiwurm is Chairman Emeritus of one of the world's largest global law firms who in 2012 was named one of the top ten most innovative law firm managing partners by Law 360. Maiwurm grew up in small-town America where he met his high school sweetheart whom he later married, earned a degree in history at the College of Wooster in Ohio, attended the University of Michigan Law School, and soon after had two children. For the past 30 years Maiwurm has resided in the Washington D.C. area.

###





iUniverse, an Author Solutions, LLC, self-publishing imprint, is the leading book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing provider. iUniverse recognizes excellence in book publishing through the Star, Rising Star and Editors Choice designationsself-publishings only such awards program. iUniverse is headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana. For more information or to publish a book, please visit iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS.

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Though initially isolating, the coronavirus pandemic has spawned a whole new world of digital parties and get-togethers. People stuck at home are finding innovative ways to socialize, participating in everything from virtual beer tastings to online book club meetings.

While the event landscape has been permanently altered by this shift, people and businesses continue to develop new ways of having fun.

I personally have been loving virtual parties, Catherine Cardona, CEO of Party HarDIY, told the E-Commerce Times. I can put my daughter to sleep and dont need to find a sitter. Plus, [theres] no commute or having to worry about picking a designated driver or getting a cab.

Its also great for friends and family that dont live nearby. We rarely get to hang out with a cousin in Colorado, but with virtual parties its like shes right there, she added. Its also great because you dont need to worry about crowds or reservations. Everyone hops on when they can, and leaves when they want. They can stay on for 10 minutes or all night  the choice is theirs.

The Art of Digital Events

Digital parties take some degree of planning to be successful, though in many ways they can be more informal and relaxed than in-person events.

Luckily, you dont need much to have a successful virtual event, explained Cardona. I think there are a few elements that make it better. A good internet connection is one, along with using a quality program like Zoom. This ensures that everyone can get into the event easily and that there isnt a lot of lag.

For bonuses, I think a theme is great. Ask everyone to wear Hawaiian clothes or dress like a cowboy. Its also fun to see people use backgrounds for themes, too.

One key to a successful digital event is to foster a sense of connectivity and engagement among the participants.

To make the party enjoyable, I think its important for people to be connected to the party, Cardona advised. You wouldnt go to a bar and just stare at the TV the whole time, and this is no different.

This kind of engagement is important for more formal business or professional digital events, as well.

Like in-person events, virtual events demand connection with audience members who require a variety of engagement techniques, Lee Frederiksen, managing partner of Hinge Marketing, told the E-Commerce Times.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

You can hook some audiences with stats, others with stories. Support your content with a balance of both and make them more memorable and personal by folding in sound bites, Frederickson suggested.

Just like with in-person events, planning ahead can be key to the success of digital get-togethers.

Planning ahead with your guests always makes a virtual tasting run smoothly, Michael Bottigliero, founder and chief sommelier for the virtual-beer-tasting company Bottles Nation, explained to the E-Commerce Times.

As we ship guests their wine, beer or whiskey in advance, we aim for a 14-day lead time to ensure deliveries get there in time. For us, a successful tasting is when we see the smiles on the faces of our clients. Nothing makes us happier than being able to spend an hour with a group of people, while providing some insight into what they are drinking, he noted.

Virtual Kid-Togethers

Digital events have been especially important for kids, who need to be engaged with each other and the world even when theyre physically isolated.

The number one thing kids miss with remote learning is their friends, Anna Fader, founder and CEO of Mommy Poppins, told the E-Commerce Times. Playing with other children isnt just fun; its incredibly important developmentally. When in-person gatherings arent available, virtual interaction is the next best thing.

A successful, kid-friendly digital event  like events for adults  benefits from some degree of planning and organization.

A little bit of structure is really important, said Fader. Otherwise, children may just all talk on top of each other, and nobody can really engage. The instructors and performers on our platform have learned how to keep kids engaged remotely and have enough structure to allow kids to have interaction without it turning into chaos.

Within those parameters, theres a universe of possible virtual events for kids  from birthday parties to circuses  and people are developing new ideas all the time.

The amazing thing is seeing how much creativity and variety there is, Fader continued. People are coming up with so many different ways to create virtual events, from concerts and movie series to classes and parties. Weve turned the regular Mommy Poppins local events calendar into a calendar of virtual events, and we have dozens of events every day.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Parties of the Future

Though digital events took off initially because of the pandemic, theyre likely to become a significant part of the landscape going forward.

Virtual events are here to stay, predicted Hinge Marketings Frederiksen. As bandwidth improves, and more people adapt, these events will become routine.

As people adapt to the new normal wrought by the pandemic, digital parties will likely become second nature.

We think more consumers will be comfortable with taking part in these events, said Bottles Nations Bottigliero. Being on camera is more the norm these days than ever. As people may limit their airline travel, and as corporations continue to look for ways to get their teams together, we see virtual tastings continuing to grow.

Our clients continue to recommend our services to their colleagues and friends. Its been a fantastic experience to shift our real-life events to virtual,  he added.

The future might also see a shift toward more hybrid events, which blend in-person and virtual elements.

A transition from virtual to hybrid is inevitable, Bob Vaez, CEO and founder of EventMobi, told the E-Commerce Times.

The first step will be having speakers and hosts present live on stage, instead of from their bedroom or home office. Next, small, in-person audiences will be integrated alongside remote attendees. Finally, new technologies that enable increased interactivity between remote and/or in-person attendees to improve group networking and in-session interaction will create truly interactive online sessions, he said.

The future of digital events will likely be as varied and unpredictable as the contemporary world itself  serving, ultimately, as evidence of the adaptability of human culture and society.

I hope that virtual events continue to happen long after quarantine ends, said Party HarDIYs Cardona. Im excited to see how they adapt to changing times.
Fossil growth reveals insights into the climate

Panthasaurus maleriensis lived about 225 million years ago in what is now India. It is an ancestor of today's amphibians and has been considered the most puzzling representative of the Metoposauridae. Paleontologists from the universities of Bonn (Germany) and Opole (Poland) examined the fossil's bone tissue and compared it with other representatives of the family also dating from the Triassic. They discovered phases of slower and faster growth in the bone, which apparently depended on the climate. The results have now been published in the journal PeerJ.

Temnospondyli belong to the ancestors of today's amphibians. This group of animals became extinct about 120 million years ago in the Early Cretaceous. The Temnospondyli also include the Metoposauridae, a fossil group that lived exclusively in the Late Triassic about 225 million years ago. Remains of these ancestors are present on almost every continent. In Europe, they are found mainly in Poland, Portugal and also in southern Germany.

Panthasaurus maleriensis, the most puzzling representative of the Metoposauridae to date, lived in what is now India, near the town of Boyapally. "Until now, there were hardly any investigation opportunities because the fossils were very difficult to access," explains Elzbieta Teschner from the University of Opole, who is working on her doctorate in paleontology in the research group of Prof. Dr. Martin Sander at the University of Bonn. Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Opole, together with colleagues from the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata (India), have now examined the tissue of fossil bones of a metoposaur from the Southern Hemisphere for the first time. The amphibian, which resembled a crocodile, could grow up to three meters in length.

Valuable insight into the bone interior

"The investigated taxon is called Panthasaurus maleriensis and was found in the Maleri Formation in Central India," notes Teschner with regard to the name. So far, the fossil has only been examined morphologically on the basis of its external shape. "Histology as the study of tissues, on the other hand, provides us with a valuable insight into the bone interior," says Dr. Dorota Konietzko-Meier from the Institute for Geosciences at the University of Bonn. The histological findings can be used to draw conclusions about age, habitat and even climate during the animal's lifetime.

The histological examinations revealed that the young animals had very rapid bone growth and that this growth decreased with age. The Indian site where the bones were found provides evidence of both young and adult animals, in contrast to Krasiejow (south-western Poland), where only young animals were found. Geological and geochemical data show that the Late Triassic consisted of alternating dry and rainy periods, as in the present monsoon climate of India. "This sequence is also reflected in the material examined," says Teschner. "There are phases of rapid growth, known as zones, and a slowdown, known as annulus." Normally, one can still observe stagnation lines in the bones, which develop during unfavorable phases of life, for example during very hot or very cold seasons.

In Panthasaurus maleriensis, however, growth never comes to a complete cessation. In comparison: the Polish Metoposaurus krasiejowensis shows the same alternation of zones and annuli in one life cycle and no stagnation lines, whereas the Moroccan representative of the metoposaurs Dutuitosaurus ouazzoui shows stagnation lines - that is, a complete stop in growth - in each life cycle.

The different growth phases in the bones allow for a comparison of climatic conditions. This means that the climate in the Late Triassic would have been milder in Central India than in Morocco, but not as mild as in the area that today belongs to Poland. Sander: "Fossil bones therefore offer a window into the prehistoric past."

###

Publication: Elzbieta M. Teschner, Sanjukta Chakravorti, Dhurjati P. Sengupta, Dorota Konietzko-Meier: Climatic influence on the growth pattern of Panthasaurus maleriensis from the Late Triassic of India deduced from paleohistology, PeerJ, DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9868

This story has been published on: 2020-09-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
OTTAWA  Former Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall is facing pushback ahead of a meeting this week with northern Manitoba chiefs as part of the Pallister governments review of Hydro cost overruns.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 8/9/2020 (499 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA  Former Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall is facing pushback ahead of a meeting this week with northern Manitoba chiefs as part of the Pallister governments review of Hydro cost overruns.

Walls employer, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, has represented both Hydro and the province in recent cases against First Nations and Metis groups. Indigenous leaders allege a conflict of interest, which Wall insists doesn't exist.

In October 2018, the Manitoba government asked former B.C. premier Gordon Campbell to lead an economic review of Bipole III and the Keeyask generating station, two Hydro megaprojects that went millions over-budget during the former NDP government.

After allegations of sexual assault (which Campbell denies), the province replaced Campbell with Wall in November 2019, giving him powers as commissioner to subpoena witnesses and produce documents.

Wall has a teleconference scheduled Wednesday with First Nations near the Keeyask site, some of whom feel uneasy about Walls ties with Osler.

"It just doesn't make sense to me," Tataskweyak Cree Nation Chief Doreen Spence told the Free Press. "This is the same law firm that was in charge of placing this injunction order on us."

In May, Spences community, also known as Split Lake, lead a blockade of the Keeyask site, over concerns Manitoba Hydro hadnt adequately consulted on a plan to fly in workers from outside the province during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Osler successfully got an injunction on Hydros behalf, to have demonstrators arrested. The Crown corporation negotiated a peaceful resolution with the four bands involved in the project.

However, the injunction still exists, which Spence said leaves Hydro with the upper hand. Her community is still trying to get it shelved.

Band members in other communities near the Keeyask site have raised similar concerns, but their leaders declined interviews or did not respond Monday and Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Manitoba Metis Federation was aghast when the Pallister government used the services of Osler in a dispute over a $67.5 million payout related to a transmission line to Minnesota.

Thats because the firms namesake, Britton Bath Osler (1839-1901), helped secure the conviction of Metis leader Louis Riel for treason, which lead to his hanging.

MMF president David Chartrand spoke with Wall on May 21. He said he thinks highly of the former Saskatchewan premier, but said the MMF is appealing the Minnesota lawsuit, which only ended in March, and could again put Osler in court against the Metis.

"We are concerned. Ive got to trust that Brad Wall will do whats right," Chartrand said. "But from the forefront, it doesnt look right."

In an email, Wall said he hadnt heard anyone raise a possible conflict of interest when hes met or scheduled meetings with Indigenous groups.

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Wall added he is not a lawyer (Osler's website lists him as a special adviser, based in Calgary), this year's cases occurred well after the period he is reviewing, and his role as commissioner is as an independent contractor, not as an Osler employee.

"Prior to accepting engagements I assure there are no conflicts or potential conflicts, and there is no conflict of interest here," he wrote.

The Manitoba NDP want Wall taken off the review.

"There is a lot of mistrust when it comes to Brad Wall coming in there, with his ties to Osler," said MLA Ian Bushie, the partys Indigenous affairs critic.

A spokeswoman for Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton said Wall was uniquely qualified for the job. "These historical matters have nothing do with any recent litigation," reads a statement.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
After the riots erupted in Kenosha, Wis., following the police shooting of Jacob Blake, the New York Times reported that the violence was already swaying some Wisconsin swing voters away from voting for Democrats in November.

Im not 100 percent sure of anything yet, John Geraghty, an undecided Wisconsin voter who voted for Barack Obama, told the Times. But as of now Im really not happy about how Democrats are handling any of this.

The Democratic agenda to me right now is America is systematically racist and evil and the only people who can fix it are Democrats, he said. Thats the vibe I get.

But despite Democratic fears and anecdotal evidence, all of the polls of Wisconsin voters conducted after both the Kenosha riots and the Republican National Convention have been good news for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.

A CBS/YouGov poll conducted September 24, shows Biden leading Trump 50 percent to 44 percent; a Rasmussen poll conducted September 12 shows Biden leading Trump 51 percent to 43 percent; and a Fox News poll conducted August 29 to September 1 shows Biden leading Trump 50 percent to 42 percent.

The Fox poll asked likely Wisconsin voters which candidate would do a better job handling the issue of policing and criminal justice, and Biden had a five-point edge over Trump (47 percent to 42 percent). Wisconsin voters preferred Biden to Trump by a much wider margin  52 percent to 35 percent  when asked which candidate would do a better job handling the coronavirus, but they were evenly split 45 percent to 45 percent when asked which candidate would do a better job handling the economy.

Of course, the Wisconsin polls were notoriously wrong in 2016: Clinton led Trump by 6.5 points on Election Day in the RealClearPolitics polling average; Trump won the state by 0.7 points. Biden is now leading Trump by 5.0 points in the RCP average of Wisconsin polls, but hes actually in a significantly stronger position than Clinton was in 2016 because his overall level of support is higher.

Story continues

The big warning sign for Clinton in Wisconsin in 2016 was that there were a lot of undecided voters, and she was polling well below 50 percent. In all of 2016, Clinton only hit 50 percent or more in only one poll of Wisconsin voters, according to RealClearPolitics. While the results in Wisconsin were genuinely surprising given Clintons lead of 6.5 points in the polling average, the polls actually did a good job of gauging Clintons share of the electorate in Wisconsin. On Election Day, she was polling at 46.8 percent in the RCP average of Wisconsin polls; she won 46.5 percent of the vote.

If the polls are right and Biden is at 50 percent, obviously every undecided voter could break to Trump and Biden would still win if the election were held today.

There are some glimmers of hope for Trump in the polls: The Trafalgar Group, the Republican pollster that got 2016 right in Michigan and Pennsylvania when others were wrong, released a poll earlier in August showing Trump edging Biden 46 percent to 45 percent in Wisconsin. There are still 59 days and three presidential debates to go until Election Day. But if Biden is registering the support of half of Wisconsin voters in the polling average come November, dont bet on Trump pulling off another surprise in the Badger State.

More from National Review
Human rights activist Bianca Jagger has hit out at Extinction Rebellion for blockading printworks to stop the publication of national newspapers

Human rights activist Bianca Jagger has hit out at Extinction Rebellion for blockading printworks to stop the publication of national newspapers.

Ms Jagger, the former wife of Rolling Stones rockstar Sir Mick, voiced her commitment to always engage in debates with those who have differing opinions, saying she believes freedom of speech to be 'sacrosanct'.

Her comments come after Extinction Rebellion's 'guerrilla tactics' printing press blockade left some newsagents' shelves empty on Saturday morning.

More than 100 protesters targeted Newsprinters printing works at Broxbourne, as well as at Knowsley, near Liverpool, blocking the Sun, Times, Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph from leaving the depots.

Now Ms Jagger, from Nicaragua, has spoken in a stark warning of the horrors of attacks on freedom of speech.

The former actress, writing in the Telegraph, says that she is happy to have articles published in that paper, along with the Daily Mail and Financial Times, because their readership is an audience she wants to read and persuade of the climate change threat through reason.

'That is why I was very surprised by the decision of Extinction Rebellion to blockade the printing sites for The Sun, The Times, the Daily Mail, the Telegraph and The Evening Standard,' she wrote.

Police and fire services outside the Newsprinters printing works at Broxbourne, Hertfordshire

Extinction Rebellion protestors block access of a printing house in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, leaving some newsagents' shelves empty on Saturday morning

Ms Jagger went on: 'I think Extinction Rebellion's actions were a mistake. I hope they will realise that it was the wrong move, and not the most productive action that they could have taken.

'We need to protect freedom of speech. Yes, we can and should challenge the media when they are not being fair and not reporting accurately but we cannot shut them down. That is not how you gain respect and popularity.'

She added that we must find common ground for democracy to function properly, and we must never forget author Lailah Gifty Akita's words: 'A man can be converted when convinced.'

On Saturday, following Extinction Rebellion's blockade, the Society of Editors issued a statement by executive director Ian Murray which condemned the blocking of the presses.

Extinction Rebellion environmental activist group (in the picture) maintain the blockade throughout the night using vehicles and bamboo lock-ons to try to prevent the Sun, Times, Telegraph and Mail newspapers from reaching newsstands on Saturday

In the statement Murray said: 'The irony of protesters who wish to have their voices heard and their message listened to attempting to silence others by preventing the distribution of newspapers would be laughable if it was not so serious,' commented Murray.

'You have to wonder whether those planning and taking part in these foolish actions understand anything from history; that controlling or shutting down free speech and an independent media is the first action of totalitarian regimes and dictators.

'Everyone has the right to peacefully protest and make their voices heard, after all that is what a free press is all about. But it is not acceptable for those who wish only their voices to be heard to attempt to silence others.

'The UK's media has provided an enormous amount of coverage on the issue of climate change, exploring the arguments from all angles.

'This attempt to blackmail the media into slavishly repeating the claims of one side of the debate while ignoring criticism of it will fail but displays a poor understanding of how the freedoms that allow organisations like Extinction Rebellion to protest are protected through the very free press they are attacking.'
Syracuse, N.Y.  Its the question on every parents mind: What happens if theres a positive COVID-19 case in my childs classroom? Will everyone quarantine? Will the school shut down? The whole district?

Dr. Indu Gupta, Onondaga County health commissioner, talked with The Post-Standard | Syracuse.com about what is likely to happen when someone has a confirmed case of the coronavirus in a school this fall.
Samsung Electronics' foundry plant in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics



By Kim Hyun-bin



Samsung Electronics' foundry business has been winning numerous big deals with global tech giants, signing its latest contract with Qualcomm to produce its Snapdragon 4 series starting next year.



This comes after Samsung, the world's top memory chip supplier, won an agreement recently to manufacture IBM's POWER 10 chip. Samsung also signed a similar contract with Nvidia to produce its new RTX 3000 series graphics processing units (GPUs).



The Snapdragon 4 series is embedded in the low- to mid-tier fifth-generation mobile platform and the new chipsets are expected to be commercially available next year.



Industry officials said the recent Qualcomm contract was finalized on the sidelines of this year's IFA 2020 Special Edition. They said the updated Qualcomm deal is no surprise given the two companies' decades-long business partnership.



But Samsung Electronics has been making a gradual shift toward the profitable, less-volatile foundry business.



Unlike memory chip manufacturing, foundry chip making is complicated as manufacturers should strictly follow the design and customized formats requested by clients. Foundry businesses acquire diverse system semiconductor orders from several global tech firms to produce their desired chipset.



Regarding the specifics of the Qualcomm contract, Samsung said it can't comment on client-related issues; while Qualcomm officials also said they normally don't give any details on business clients.



The Snapdragon 4 series is Qualcomm's fourth 5G application processor (AP) embedded in mid- to low-tier smartphones and the market expects the chipsets will increase 5G demand around the world especially in India and Eastern Europe. The first smartphone using the Snapdragon 4 series is the Xiomi 5G smartphone with other smartphone manufacturers including Motorola and Oppo also set to utilize the chipsets.



Experts say with the global increase in 5G user rate, most smartphone manufacturers are expected to embed the Snapdragon 4 series for their mid- to low-range products. Samsung is trailing Taiwan's TSMC in the race for the foundry chip making.



According to market researcher TrendForce, Samsung is expected to have 17.4 percent of the global market share during the third quarter, while TSMC is expected to take over 53.9 percent.



As President Moon Jae-in and his Cheong Wa Dae economic team are making concerted efforts to grow the industrial components sectors, the President is seeking major help from two Korean chip makers Samsung and SK  to bolster the country's presence in the foundry chip business.



Samsung earlier vowed to invest 133 trillion won ($112 billion) to take over the No.1 spot in the global logic chip market by 2030 to bolster its competitiveness in the system LSI and foundry businesses. Foundry is also one of the main pillars of the system semiconductor business.



Samsung aims to enhance the performance and quantity of its foundry business to acquire more deals with tech firms to develop both high-end and mid- to low-range customized chipsets.


Fraud fight: Ian Dyson of the City of London Police

Fraud used to be seen as a 'victimless' crime. Make no mistake, at the City of London Police we have never agreed with that narrative.

And public opinion is now recognising the emotional - as well as financial - harm caused by this most prevalent of crimes.

The sad fact is that you are more likely to be the victim of fraud than any other type of crime.

And while the internet has brought a wealth of opportunities, it has also allowed fraud to flourish: the criminal can target people nationally and internationally, yet never have to look a victim in the eye.

Proceeds are then used to fund serious and organised crime gangs, allowing them to finance the sale of drugs, weapons and modern slavery.

City of London Police is policing's National Lead Force for fraud. We work closely with partners and other law-enforcement agencies to provide a linked-up response to tackle it.

We host the national reporting centre, Action Fraud, which receives reports of fraud and cyber crime.

And we run the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), responsible for assessing these reports, linking similar ones and identifying viable lines of inquiry for police forces to investigate.

With more than 320,000 frauds reported to Action Fraud last year, police forces can't investigate every one. But all reports matter in helping us to spot complex patterns.

In the first few months of the Covid-19 pandemic, there were more than 2,500 reports to Action Fraud and losses exceeded 8 million, mostly in online fraud.

We were able to identify more than 1,700 fraudulent telephone numbers, websites and email addresses that we could disrupt, saving many more people from becoming victims.

Working with the National Crime Agency and other police forces, City of London Police co-ordinated an operation on courier fraud at the beginning of the year, which has resulted in 100 arrests.

Anyone can be a victim of fraud, and no one should feel too embarrassed to report it; scams can be sophisticated and convincing.

If you receive an unsolicited call, email or text message, stop and think. Are you being asked for personal information or financial details?

If so, don't respond. Only a criminal will try to rush you into making a decision.

And if you do fall victim please report it to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040 or action fraud.police.uk).
Actor Swara Bhasker has rejected the suggestion that she deserves police protection because of the threats that she receives. She said shed rather see the money being spent in areas that require it.

A Twitter user wrote to her that considering the constant attacks against her on social media, she should consider getting protection. Swara responded, Thank uuuuu Nazma but no.. Id rather that taxpayers money be used for real issues.. like development.. or malnutrition.

:) :) :) Thank uuuuu Nazma but no.. Id rather that taxpayers money be used for real issues.. like development.. or malnutrition.  https://t.co/FydU9rh56U  Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) September 7, 2020

This comes after Kangana Ranaut was accorded Y-plus security by the home ministry, ahead of her visit to Mumbai. Kangana has been involved in a war of words against Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, after she compared Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Addressing the Sushant Singh Rajput death case, she said she was afraid of living in Mumbai. Her comments were condemned by Sena leader Sanjay Raut, who said that he will not allow her to set foot in Maharashtra.

The actor took to Twitter to thank home minister Amit Shah. In a tweet written in Hindi, she said, This proves that a patriots voice cannot be crushed by fascists. I am grateful to Amit Shah, if he wanted, he could have advised me to go to Mumbai after a few days but he respected a daughter of India, protected her pride and self-respect. Jai Hind.

Also read: Kangana Ranaut says BMC will demolish her Mumbai office: Nothing illegal in my property, I worked hard for 15 years for this

Swara and Kangana have often been at odds with each other. Kangana recently described Swara in an interview as a B-grade actor. Responding to the insult, Swara had told Pinkvilla, In my head, B stands for best. So I am like call me whatever you like. Sometimes what people say reflects more about their mentality than people that they are talking about. And I think thats what happened with the outsiders and the being B grade actors debate, its really just sad. I think people were revealing their own mentality rather than saying anything about me, Taapsee or anyone.

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A New Jersey nursing home where 17 bodies were found crammed into a tiny morgue at the height of the coronavirus pandemic has been hit by a lawsuit from the nephew of a resident who died from the virus.

Brian Roberts, whose uncle Albert Roberts died aged 76 in April after suffering complications from COVID-19, filed his lawsuit against the Andover Subacute Rehabilitation Center II in Lafayette Township on Tuesday.

The suit alleges that the facility failed to provided the legally required level of care to its 700 residents while fraudulently claiming that it was, according to CNN.

Andover II made headlines this spring after police discovered 17 bodies inside a morgue designed to hold four - prompting an ongoing investigation by New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal.

Brian Roberts, whose uncle Allen Roberts (pictured together) died aged 76 from coronavirus, is suing the Andover Subacute Rehabilitation Center II in Lafayette Township, New Jersey

The Andover Subacute Rehabilitation Center II made headlines in April when 17 bodies were found crammed into a tiny morgue at the facility. Pictured: Medical workers remove a body from Andover II on April 16

Roberts' suit names Andover II, its sister facility Andover I and owners Louis Schwartz and Chaim Scheinbaum as defendants.

The plaintiff told CNN that when he visited uncle at Andover II before the pandemic, he found that 'the people there seemed like they cared, but the staff seemed very overworked'.

After his uncle died on April 1, Roberts said facility staff wouldn't provide him with any information about what had happened or where his body was being stored.

'There was a limbo period, where we didn't even know where he was,' Roberts said. 'I wasn't able to get confirmation, really on anything.'

He said it took 21 days for the facility to confirm that they had his uncle's body.

Roberts has asked the Sussex County Superior Court for class action status so it can include families of all 94 people who have died from coronavirus at Andover I and II.

The suit claims that both facilities 'continuously failed to meet the requisite and sanitary standards needed to protect against the spread of infection' among residents and patients when it was reviewed by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) prior to when the pandemic hit.

It notes that Andover II received a one-star rating from CMS and Andover I received a three-star rating, out of five possible stars.

'CMS specifically directed the Facilities to implement adequate infection prevention and control programs on numerous occasions,' the suit states.

'Despite CMS's instruction, Defendants failed to implement any such measures and the Facilities continued to operate without satisfactory infection prevention and control programs in place.'

The suit also alleges that the facilities were marketed as having 'an excellent reputation with regulatory agencies... despite the extensive history of regulatory violations and poor assessment ratings'.

The lawsuit claims that 94 people have died from coronavirus at Andover II (pictured)

Scheinbaum, one of the facilities' owners, declined to comment on the specific allegations outlined in the suit when approached by CNN, but said in a statement that the staff of Andover II had taken the COVID-19 threat seriously and complied with CDC guidelines.

'In the early days of the pandemic, Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation II healthcare professionals took proactive steps to prepare for the crisis, ranging from increasing social distancing and separating sick patients, addressing staffing issues, ensuring adequate medication for ill patients, etc,' Scheinbaum said.

'Despite all our efforts, the virus made its way into our facility, as it did in the majority of long-term care facilities across New Jersey.

'We took every possible step to handle this crisis internally while simultaneously making dozens of outreaches to local, state, and federal agencies for help. Our healthcare professionals and staff worked around the clock providing quality care to our residents in the face of extraordinary challenges.'

Scheinbaum added that Andover II 'has made significant progress over the past several months and the facility has made a strong recovery since the height of the pandemic'.

He asserted that CMS determined the facility was in 'substantial compliance with all applicable standards of care' as of June 2 - and noted that it has not had a single symptomatic COVID-19 resident since mid-May.

Scheinbaum made no apparent reference to the facility's debacle in mid-April, when police found 17 bodies piled in a tiny morgue after an anonymous tip revealed that a body was being stored in a shed outside.

By the time police arrived at Andover II on the night of April 13, the body had been removed from the shed.

But a search around the facility - which is one of the state's largest residential care homes - revealed the stack of corpses in the morgue.

'They were just overwhelmed by the amount of people who were expiring,' Andover Police Chief Eric C. Danielson told the New York Times at the time.

Thirteen of the discovered bodies were moved to a refrigerated truck outside a hospital in the nearby town of Newton. A funeral home picked up the other four.

The extent of the outbreak at Andover II outraged family members, who demanded answers from Congress and started their own Facebook support group.
Workers assemble cars in a factory of Toyota Vietnam in the northern province of Vinh Phuc. Photo courtesy of Toyota Vietnam.

The Vietnam market is big enough for Japanese companies to implement ambitious investment plans and shift supply chains, says PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Through Vietnam, Japanese companies can access the ASEAN bloc with a population of nearly 650 million, he said at a Monday meeting with 15 Japanese companies that plan to expand their business in Vietnam.

These 15 companies are part of 87 companies that the Japanese government is paying to shift production out of China.

Japanese ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio said that many Japanese investors are interested in Vietnam as a "new normal" investment destination amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

He proposed that Vietnam resumes travel between the two countries and improves the disbursement of public funds for major projects to attract more foreign investors and increase the countrys credit ratings.

Representatives of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) suggested that Vietnam creates an incentive mechanism for infrastructure construction using the public-private partnership model and allows Japanese companies to increase ownership in state-owned corporations.

As big Japanese companies often get supplies from smaller ones, the JCCI proposed that Vietnam attracts the whole chain to the country instead of only inviting key companies.

Japan was the fourth largest foreign direct investor in Vietnam in the first eight months of this year with a total registered capital of $1.64 billion, behind Singapore, South Korea and mainland China.
DETROIT - The union that represents Canadian auto workers has picked Ford as a potential strike target in contract talks this year.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 8/9/2020 (499 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DETROIT - The union that represents Canadian auto workers has picked Ford as a potential strike target in contract talks this year.

The Unifor union's contracts with all three Detroit automakers expires at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 21.

Unifor President Jerry Dias says at a news conference Tuesday that the union wants product commitments for Ford's assembly plant in Oakville, Ontario, near Toronto. Production of the Ford Edge and Lincoln Nautilus SUVs ends at the plant in 2023. Dias says Ford hasnt made any future product commitments.

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He says the union is looking for job security and commitments including electric vehicles. The basics of a three-year deal with Ford would then apply to the other two companies, Fiat Chrysler and General Motors.

Dias says Canada has no commitments to build electric vehicles and has dropped from the fourth-largest vehicle maker in 1999 to No. 12 currently.

In addition to product commitments, the union also will focus on wages and benefits, he said.

Ford said in a statement it looks forward to reaching a deal that keeps it competitive and maintains Canadian jobs. We'll be asking our employees to work with us to help shape this new reality, the statement said.

Unifor went on a month-long strike in 2017 at a GM plant that makes the Chevrolet Equinox small SUV. The union wanted to be named the lead producer of the SUV, which also is made in Mexico. While Unifor didn't get that, the union said it won provisions giving added benefits to workers who are near retirement if the plant closes, production moves or a shift is ended.

The union also fought with GM last year over plans to stop auto production at a factory in Oshawa, Ontario.
We're eating at home a lot more these days, probably eating a lot of the same meals. Maybe we're throwing together the basics just to get by. Either way, sometimes you realize that while what you made is perfectly serviceable, it's not wowing you. Perhaps it only needs a little bit more at the very end.

When we find ourselves in that situation, we turn to our refrigerator and pantry shelves for just the right condiment. Here's what we're loving right now.

- - -

Pepperoncini

I love a popular of-the-moment condiment as much as the next person. These days, however, I've been relying extensively on something decidedly less trendy: pepperoncini. Yes, those pickled peppers you're more likely to find at a deli than a hip restaurant have become a staple of my pandemic cooking. And all I need to do is grab a cheap jar at the grocery store. The Mezzetta brand is my go-to.

Pepperoncini hit a lot of the notes you want when finishing a dish: Salty, crunchy, acidic, a little spicy. When I find something lacking, often the answer is to toss on a couple (or more than a couple) of the rings. I've taken to including them in my cold bean salads, where I also use the brine in the dressing. I add them to a cold plate of the "green pasta" with kale pesto I routinely cook for my son, turning it into an impromptu pasta salad for myself. They go in omelets, grilled cheese, quesadillas and tacos. They're right at home on top of a pizza or nachos, in sandwiches or a regular green salad. It's easy to overthink things in the kitchen, and believe me, I frequently do. Sometimes, though, going for a simple classic is just the ticket.

- Becky Krystal

- - -

Chili Crisp

I had tasted it in many dishes, but it wasn't until I was testing food writer Todd Kliman's powerhouse Miso-Parmesan Pasta With Chili Crisp recipe that I fell in love with this blend of chiles, peppers and onion. I ended up with a 24-ounce jar and I thought to myself, "what am I going to do with all of this?" I needn't have worried. Soon, I was scraping the bottom of the jar with a spoon to retrieve the last bits, and ordering another.

I have added the slightly spicy sauce to stir-fries and dumpling dipping sauces, stirred it into rice, tossed it with sauteed eggplant, squash and broccoli and rubbed it into shrimp before broiling. (I have not tried it on ice cream, as some have.) Kliman recommended Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp, which was created by Tao Huabi, founder of Lao Gan Ma Foodstuff, who is much celebrated in China. There are other varieties that might include fried pepper, shallot or garlic bits mixed with other bold-flavored ingredients. The condiment's international popularity has sparked homemade recipes online and store brands, including Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch.

- Ann Maloney

- - -

Basbaas Somali Foods' Coconut Cilantro Chutney

Basbaas means "chile" in Somali, but this velvety chutney isn't hot. Crushed coconut, fresh cilantro and lemon juice form a base that gains heat from green chiles and additional pungency from onions and vinegar. It's mysteriously warming and cooling, refreshing and deep.

I first tasted this chutney, created by Hawa Hassan, entrepreneur and co-author of the forthcoming "In Bibi's Kitchen," several years ago. Initially I thought I would use it as a dip or side, but its complex and layered flavors make it perfect with almost every savory thing. I've used it on eggs, fish and shellfish, chicken, fried tofu, grilled and stir-fried vegetables, fresh tomatoes, roasted squash and sweet potatoes, as a marinade for meats, alongside fried dishes, stirred into chicken soup, atop stewed beans, in yogurt, and with quinoa and other grains. This year I plan to try it on grilled corn on the cob, tossed with rice noodles and as a salad dressing, thinned with more lemon and olive oil. Note: Due to the pandemic, orders from Basbaas Somali Foods are experiencing shipping delays.

- G. Daniela Galarza

- - -

Preserved lemon

The pandemic has made me jones for oomph and pizazz: The kind of sleight-of-hand brio that fancy restaurant dishes reliably provide. And now I count on the door of my refrigerator for the heavy lift. Sure, with saucy condiments - a squirt of harissa or dab of sambal oelek - but preserved lemon seems to be the go-to more often than not. It's got tang and salt and a plush unctuousness that shouldn't be relegated to Moroccan tagines.

Without the harsh pucker of fresh lemon, a tiny dice on the top of bean or chickpea soups provides a high note. It adds a subtle spin to a salade Nicoise vinaigrette and, rinsed to remove a bit of the salt, it may be chopped and used to contribute a pleasantly bitter edge to pound or loaf cakes (the flavor melds especially well with almond and ginger). Then use a bit of the lemony brine in Sunday morning's bloody mary.

They are easy to make yourself - scrubbed lemon wedges or slices packed in a jar with heaps of kosher salt - but there are plenty of commercially available options, and they last for months. Mina and Sanniti jar them whole, which can be a bit messier to use. Sadly, Trader Joe's Preserved Tunisian Lemon Slices have been discontinued - a single round, chopped, was usually the right amount to bring the zing.

- Laura Reiley

- - -

Anchovies

A glance inside my refrigerator fairly screams my taste in accents. Zoom in on just the front right panel, where sriracha obscures a bottle of ketchup, prepared horseradish is easier to reach than mayonnaise and zestier mustards outnumber light ones. Basically, I lob what's bold on anything that needs a charge. My main preoccupation throughout the pandemic: anchovies suspended in olive oil in a glass jar. (Call me clumsy or impatient, but the tabs on my tinned fish snap off with disappointing regularity.)

Chopped anchovies on sliced tomatoes create the perfect, no-cook summer salad; minced anchovies add brine and brawn to so much more than the expected Caesar salad dressing or tapenade. Don't take just my word. "Of all the ingredients used in Italian cooking, none produces headier flavor than anchovies. It is an exceptionally adaptable flavor that accommodates itself to any role one wishes to assign it," writes Marcella Hazan in "The Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking." When added to a dish during cooking, the little fillets basically dissolve, leaving behind a nice, non-fishy oomph. Just remember not to add anchovies to very hot oil, which can harden them and render them bitter, counsels Hazan.

I can't think of a more versatile secret ingredient to have on hand, and it doesn't take much to make a good impression. Chefs use anchovies to elevate sauces, deepen the flavor of beef stew, add complexity to tomato sauce and sauteed greens, and raise the profile of whipped butter. Spread the last on toast, sliced into strips, for a snack with a twist. You're welcome.

- Tom Sietsema

- - -

Furikake

Sneak a peek into my pantry and refrigerator and you'll instantly know I have a condiment problem. Jars of this and that take up about half of the space in either, leaving less than enough room for day-to-day produce and actual food. There are homemade preserved lemons, various chile pastes, vinegars, ferments (at least three kinds of miso) and a kimchi I've been aging for over a year so I can make jigae once the weather turns cold. But the thing I've been reaching for the most, even trying as an ice cream topping (not bad) is a jar of furikake.

Furikake is a Japanese seasoning usually made up of crushed nori (a type of seaweed), dried fish, sesame seeds, mild chile (sometimes), sugar, salt and often MSG. It's commonly served over cooked rice, fish and other foods. I've gone further these past few months, using it on top of pasta and fried rice, as part of a savory granola and yogurt bowl, and on avocado toast, to name a few. I'm eager to try it with okonomiyaki and yakitori. And I bet it would be spectacular with coconut rice and salmon.

- Olga Massov

- - -

Tahini

You could call tahini a condiment, an ingredient, a spread - it's contextual. This summer, I've eaten the sesame paste in almost every context. Swirled into sweet baked goods such as brownies, slightly sweetened up as a dip for fruit, whisked into sauces and dressings to bind quite literally anything from our produce subscription bag.

That's where tahini has come through as more than just a nutty, creamy addition to anything. Whenever we're stumped figuring out what to do with any array of vegetables, the answer is tahini sauce. Whenever we want to use up the stems of tender herbs, the answer is, again, tahini sauce.

- Kari Sonde

- - -

Salsa verde

I've long been a red salsa guy, which I attribute to the mediocre Tex-Mex restaurant visits of my youth and game days on the couch with the jarred variety. I gravitate toward chunkier salsas that you can pile onto sturdy tortilla chips. But when I tried the Salsa Verde Cocida from Roberto Santibanez's "Truly Mexican" cookbook, it was a revelation.

This salsa is bright and tangy - a credit to the sheer volume of tomatillos called for in the recipe - with just enough jalapeno heat at the end. Best of all, it's incredibly easy to prepare. There's no roasting or messy pepper peeling and seeding. You just boil the tomatillos and peppers, toss them into the blender with garlic, cilantro and a couple of spices, and pour the salsa back into the pot to cook.

And then? You can put this stuff on everything. Santibanez's chilaquiles are a must, but eggs, tacos, quesadillas, beans, crispy potatoes, steak, pulled pork and even salad greens are better with salsa verde poured over top. Use it as the sauce for baked chicken or enchiladas, or just keep a cup and a bag of chips next to your desk/kitchen table for whenever the late afternoon hunger pangs arrive.

- Matt Brooks
(Newser)  More controversy for Postmaster General Louis DeJoy: Former employees at New Breed Logistics say they were pressured to attend his Republican Party fundraisers and make donationswhich they were reimbursed for with generous bonuses. "Louis was a national fundraiser for the Republican Party. He asked employees for money. We gave him the money, and then he reciprocated by giving us big bonuses," David Young, DeJoys former director of human resources, tells the Post. "When we got our bonuses, lets just say they were bigger, they exceeded expectationsand that covered the tax and everything else." Several other former employees who requested anonymity also told the Post and the New York Times about the arrangements and the pressure to donate.

story continues below

The Times' review of campaign finance records show that more than a dozen senior employees at New Breed, where DeJoy was CEO until 2014, often donated the same amount of money to the same Republican candidate on the same day. Campaign finance experts tell the Post that if the allegations are true, DeJoy has broken several federal campaign finance laws as well as laws in North Carolina, where New Breed was headquartered. DeJoy spokesman Monty Hagler says DeJoy "believes that he has always followed campaign fundraising laws and regulations." President Trump told reporters Monday that he is open to an investigation of the allegations, and DeJoy should lose his job if "something can be proven that he did something wrong." (Read more Louis DeJoy stories.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 09:59:16|Editor: huaxia

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GENEVA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- China's achievements against COVID-19 have made the world more confident in the prospects of fighting the pandemic, a senior official of the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

"In general, China's action against the COVID-19 epidemic has achieved phased victory so far!" Ren Minghui, assistant director-general for Universal Health Coverage/Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases of the WHO, said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"When most countries are entangled in striking a balance between work resumption and prevention and control measures, China has basically controlled the epidemic without a vaccine, and successfully resumed work and school," said Ren, adding, "This is a pretty hard-fought result."

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres once said that the Chinese people have made contributions to all mankind by sacrificing their normal lives. In this regard, Ren pointed out that the oriental culture emphasizes public interests, and individual interests can be sacrificed in the face of collective interests.

"That is an important factor for the effectiveness of China's epidemic prevention and control," the WHO official said.

Looking back on China's experience in combating COVID-19, Ren said he believes that China has adhered to the "four anti-epidemic elements" to achieve today's stable situation.

The first is international cooperation. He said that since the outbreak of COVID-19, China has cooperated with the WHO and shared the virus gene sequence with the rest of the world in a timely manner, participated in global scientific research on COVID-19 prevention and control, and provided material assistance and shared experience with other countries.

"That's what a major responsible country should do," Ren noted.

"COVID-19 is a new infectious disease. The more unknowns about the infectious disease, the more international cooperation is needed," he said. "I noticed that Dr. Zhong Nanshan, an academician of (the) Chinese Academy of Engineering, and others have communicated with international experts on the Internet on COVID-19, and Chinese doctors and nurses have also exchanged (their) experience with foreign counterparts."

The second element is "believing in science." Ren said that the Chinese government has believed in basic scientific judgments by public health experts that strict prevention and control measures are key to good results.

The third major element is "one mind," said the WHO official, adding that the Chinese people's concerted action, coordination and national unity in epidemic prevention are crucial to a phased victory.

The fourth one is "health first." Ren observed that the Chinese government put people's health first, which is why they are not in a hurry to restore a normal economic and social order amid the pandemic.

Instead, China put protective measures in place to gradually resume work and school in an orderly manner, so that the country's development will gain lasting momentum, he noted.

"'Health first' is China's overall arrangement. Even at the city or district level, that policy remains the same, which is why China is doing well," he said.

Regarding the current pandemic globally, Ren said it is still in the "stalemate stage." As testing methods become more advanced and therapeutics more specific, the proportion of severely-ill patients and death cases is declining.

Meanwhile, as work is resuming and students return to schools, the number of cases in young people is increasing. The overall situation does not look that good, and countries should not at all let down their guard, the WHO official warned.

The success of China's COVID-19 prevention and control has proved that as long as public health measures are in place, the disease can be effectively controlled without a vaccine even in the autumn and winter flu season, he added. Enditem
The Duchess of Cornwall went back to school today in a bid to highlight child literacy.

Wearing a Fiona Clare dress and matching mask, Camilla, 73, was greeted by year three students at Ivydale Primary School on their third day back in class and was even treated to a cheeky joke.

Prince Charles' wife, who has been the patron of the National Literacy Trust since 2010 seemed delighted to travel to the school in order to open its new library and launch the Trust's virtual library at Ivydale.

Keeping her distance as to respect social distancing guidelines, and wearing a mask, she first met with school staff and teachers.

Back to school! The Duchess of Cornwall, 73, travelled to Nunhead in South London to open the Ivydale Primary School's library. She met with its pupils and staff

Camilla took an interest in what two of the pupils were working on during her visit of Ivydale

Beaming youngsters eagerly pointed out their favourite books lining the shelves of a new school library funded entirely by parents.

The Duchess also recorded a secret message which will feature on the National Literacy Trusts Virtual School Library, when it is launched online on Monday.

Arriving at the school and met by headteacher Helen Ingham, she said: 'It is very nice to be out about.'

Camilla was wearing a navy and white silk print dress and a cream face covering by Fiona Clare, with similar designs going for 48 on the brand's website.

Camilla wore the silk dress with a pair of cream shoes with a sensible heel and a tote bag with bamboo handles

The Duchess of Cornwall beamed in a navy and white silk print dress during her visit of the school

The Duchess spoke to children as they did their schoolwork outside and explained their drawings.

Inside the main hall, Chris Smith, of BBC Radio One Newsbeat, read a poem created by children based on his book The Hope-o-potamus.

The newsreader, who penned the poem and co-authored the Kid Normal series with Breakfast Show host Greg James, welcomed the duchess to the school.

And raised a smile from the Duchess after clips of jokes written and created by children from around the country were played on a giant screen in the main school hall.

Camilla watched quietly as Year 3 pupils talked with her about their favourite books during a literacy workshop today

Upon her arrival, the Duchess of Cornwall was wearing a mask by Fiona Clare, which she took off during the visit

One of the cheeky pupils, Toby, of Scarborough, got the biggest laugh joking: Who goes to the toilet at a party? A party pooper.

The joke project from children around the country had been inspired by the Incredible Joke Instant Joke Creating Machine by Susie Day.

Many of the children, aged seven and eight-years-old, have been off school during the pandemic.

They sat with the Duchess in the new school library designed and funded by parents and pointed out their favourite books.

Camilla said: 'I would like to welcome you all back. It must be nice to be back in school after so long.'

The Duchess also privately recorded a video message to launch the National Literacy Trusts Virtual School Library which will be broadcast on 14th September.

The school unveiled a new library with mezzanine level built after three years of fundraising.

A playful gust of wind ruffled the Duchess' hair as she arrived at the school in Nunhead this afternoon

The Duchess of Cornwall met with year three pupils during her visit and attended a poetry reading at the school's library

Pupils were gathered in the school's great hall during the Duchess' visit, where funny clips were shown on a wide screen

Camilla took the time to speak to several of the year three pupils present in the school's playground

Parents were drafted in to help with the architecture, painting and decorating and even the soft furnishings and cataloguing books.

Books were donated by families and publishers, including Penguin Random House and HarperCollins, Rye Books, a local independent bookshop.

The National Literacy Trust says ten per cent of schools do not have a library and a quarter of all children did not have access to books of their own or library books during lockdown.

The trust will on Monday launch its Virtual School Library providing a weekly author or illustrator sharing a free ebook or audiobook.

Camilla was greeted by school headteacher Helen Ingham who introduced us to the members of staff present

Fiona Evans, director of Social Programmes at the National Literacy Trust, said: 'School libraries will play a vital role in supporting the literacy, learning and wellbeing of all children as they return to school after such a significant disruption to their education.

'Ivydale Primary Schools brand-new school library was the perfect setting for our Patron HRH The Duchess of Cornwall to launch our new Virtual School Library which will ensure that children have access to the magical world of stories all year round.'

Childrens author Chris Smith said: 'As children go back to school after such a difficult few months, weve got to do everything we can to help them take their next steps forward.

The Duchess sat down with pupils in their school's new library for some poetry reading this afternoon

Camilla listened intently during the reading in the new library which was funded by pupils' parents

Pupils were encouraged to share their favourite books with the Duchess during her visit this afternoon

The headteacher welcomed The Duchess of Cornwall's visit and said she hoped the new library would 'inspire children at Ivydale Primary School to fall in love with reading for decades to come'

'And stories can be a massive help with that process. A great story can be a comfort, an inspiration or an escape  and the place where these magical treasures can be found at school is that wonderful place called the library.

'It was fantastic to join Her Royal Highness today to launch not one but two brand-new school libraries. The first is a spectacular space, filled with books and displays that will inspire children at Ivydale Primary School to fall in love with reading for decades to come.

'The second is a new virtual school library from the National Literacy Trust which will bring the magic of stories to all primary school children across the UK at a time when they need them most.

'Greg and I cant wait to be the first guest virtual school librarians  weve got some brilliant stories and fun-filled activities up our sleeves.'

Helen Ingham, headteacher at Ivydale Primary School, said: 'Our new school library is spectacular.

'We wanted to create a space that would inspire our pupils, staff and the wider community to fall in love with reading, and weve achieved that and so much more.

'All corners of the community came together in a three-year mission to fundraise for the school library and to give their time and expertise to help bring it to life.

'I am so grateful to our incredible parents and PTA, publishers including Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Walker Books and Pan Macmillan, and local independent bookshops Rye Books and Tales on Moon Lane for making today possible.

'It was an absolute honour for Her Royal Highness to open our new school library. It has been a truly special day that our children will never forget.'
The inquiry into Victorias COVID-19 quarantine hotels scandal has heard poor cleaning efforts and lack of infection-control training increased the risk of the virus escaping into the community.

But the leader of the Health Department team sent in to control the most damaging outbreak at Rydges on Swanston in May would not agree on Tuesday that poor conditions and practices he found there made wider transmission "inevitable".

Dr Simon Crouch, a senior Health Department medical adviser, appears at the inquiry on Tuesday.

Evidence presented to the inquiry also indicated that use of private security firms to guard returned travellers in the isolation hotels made it more difficult to contain the clusters.
A British judge on Monday rejected a request by lawyers for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to delay his extradition hearing until next year to give his lawyers more time to respond to US allegations that he conspired with hackers to obtain classified information.

The adjournment request came on the first day of a London court hearing where Assange is fighting American prosecutors' attempt to send him to the US to stand trial on spying charges. US prosecutors have indicted the 49-year-old Australian on 18 espionage and computer misuse charges over WikiLeaks' publication of secret U.S. military documents a decade ago. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 175 years in prison.

Assange's lawyers say the prosecution is a politically motivated abuse of power that will stifle press freedom and put journalists around the world at risk. The US Justice Department expanded its case against Assange in a new indictment announced in June, though it did not introduce new charges. But Assange attorney Mark Summers said it was an impossible task for the legal team to deal with the new allegations in time for Monday's court hearing, especially since they had only limited access to the imprisoned Assange.

He said District Judge Vanessa Baraitser should excise the new American claims, which he said were sprung on the defense out of the blue. The judge rejected the request, saying the defense had declined an earlier opportunity in August to postpone the hearing. The defense then asked for the case to be adjourned until January. Baraitser refused, saying Assange's lawyers had ample time before Monday to express their concerns.

The case has already been held up for months because of the coronavirus pandemic. Assange, who has spent 16 months in a British prison, sat in the dock at the Old Bailey criminal court and formally refused the US extradition demand. Assange, who lawyers say has suffered physical and mental ill-health because of his ordeal, wore a suit and tie and spoke clearly to confirm his name and date of birth. Several dozen supporters, including fashion designer Vivienne Westwood and Assange's partner, Stella Moris, gathered outside the courthouse, chanting, banging drums and calling his prosecution a threat to press freedom.

Julian Assange is the trigger, he is shining the light on all the corruption in the world," Westwood said.

American authorities allege that Assange conspired with US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to hack into a Pentagon computer and release hundreds of thousands of secret diplomatic cables and military files on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The new June indictment accuses Assange of recruiting hackers at conferences in Europe and Asia, recruiting a teenager to hack into the computer of a former WikiLeaks associate and conspiring with members of hacking groups known as LulzSec and Anonymous.

US prosecutors say the evidence underscores Assange's efforts to procure and release classified information, allegations that form the basis of criminal charges. Assange's lawyers, however, argue that he is a journalist entitled to First Amendment protection and say the leaked documents exposed US military wrongdoing. Among the files released by WikiLeaks was video of a 2007 Apache helicopter attack by American forces in Baghdad that killed 11 people, including two Reuters journalists.

Assange's legal troubles began in 2010, when he was arrested in London at the request of Sweden, which wanted to question him about allegations of rape and sexual assault made by two women. He refused to go to Stockholm, saying he feared extradition or illegal rendition to the United States or to the US prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

In 2012, Assange sought refuge inside the Ecuadorian Embassy, where he was beyond the reach of UK and Swedish authorities but also effectively a prisoner, unable to leave the tiny diplomatic mission in London. The relationship between Assange and his hosts eventually soured, and he was evicted from the embassy in April 2019. British police immediately arrested him for jumping bail in 2012.

Sweden dropped the sex crimes investigations in November 2019 because so much time had elapsed, but Assange remains in London's high-security Belmarsh Prison as he awaits the extradition decision. Supporters say the ordeal has harmed Assange's physical and mental health, leaving him with depression, dental problems and a serious shoulder ailment. The hearing is expected to include expert psychiatric evidence about his mental state.

Journalism organisations and human rights groups have urged Britain to refuse the extradition request. Amnesty International said Assange was the target of a negative public campaign by U.S. officials at the highest levels. The extradition hearing opened in February but was put on hold when the UK went into lockdown in March to slow the spread of coronavirus. It is resuming with social distancing measures in court and video feeds so journalists and observers can watch remotely. The case is due to run until early October. The judge is expected to take weeks or even months to consider her verdict, with the losing side likely to appeal.

(Image Credits: AP)
Maria Kolesnikova, the opposition activist leading protests against the autocratic rule of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, is currently detained at the Belarus-Ukraine border after being abducted in Minsk, according to Belarusian state media.

Kolesnikova, a former musician who has become a vocal and visible leader on the streets of Minsk in the ongoing protests, went missing in the Belarus capital on Monday, with local news outlet Tut.By. reporting that she was last seen being bundled into a van by suspected Belarusian security agents in plainclothes and masks.

MORE: Key opposition figure in Belarus disappears after weekend of mass protests

Initially, the Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs had no information to offer on the disappearance of Kolesnikova and two other opposition figures, Anton Ronenkov and Ivan Kravtsov, who went missing around the same time. But Belarus's state news agency Belta reported on Tuesday that the three activists were attempting to illegally leave the country for Ukraine.

PHOTO: In this file photo taken Aug. 30, 2020, Belarusian opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova gestures during a rally in Minsk, Belarus. (Tut.By via AP)

Ukraine's deputy interior minister, Anton Gerashchenko, wrote on Facebook that Belarusian security services were in fact trying to forcibly deport Kolesnikova and her colleagues. Kolesnikova has refused to leave while Renonkov and Kravtsov entered Ukraine early Tuesday morning, which Geraschenko noted "was not a voluntary trip" but rather "a violent expulsion from their home country."

MORE: Authorities in Belarus again target opposition leaders following Sunday's massive protest

"They couldnt expel Maria Kolesnikova from Belarus because that brave woman took measures not to allow her move across the border," Gerashchenko said in the Facebook post Tuesday. "She remained on the territory of the Republic of Belarus. [President] Alexander Lukashenko personally bears all responsibility for her life and health."

PHOTO: Belarusian opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova makes a heart sign with her hands while on her way to the Belarusian Investigative Committee in Minsk, Belarus, on Aug. 27, 2020. (Dmitri Lovetsky/AP)

Another top Belarusian opposition activist, Pavel Latushko, fled the country on Monday, meaning there are currently just two members of the opposition's Coordination Council inside Belarus who have not been detained. In a recent interview with Polish news channel TVN24, Latushko said that Kolesnikova "tore up her passport" at the Belarus-Ukraine border so she could not be deported.

Story continues

MORE: Belarus bans most foreign media from working, as pressure grows on protesters

The incident comes amid a growing crackdown on protesters calling for an end to Lukashenkos 26-year-rule. In an interview Tuesday with Russian radio station Govorit Moskva, the embattled leader, known as "Europes last dictator," admitted that he "may have overstayed a bit" in his post as Belarus' president but said he will not be leaving "just like that."

"I've been building up Belarus for a quarter of a century," Lukashenko was quoted by Govorit Moskva as saying, via its Telegram channel. "I won't give all that up just like that. Besides, if I go, my supporters will be massacred."

ABC News Dragana Jovanovic, Alina Lobzina and Patrick Reevell contributed to this report.

Belarus protest leader detained at Ukraine border after disappearing from Minsk originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Railways Minister Piyush Goyal urging him for the resumption of Shramik Special Train services from Odisha to other states to facilitate the return of migrant workers to their workplaces. He has urged Railway Minister for the resumption of 'Shramik Special' trains from Odisha to Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan writes to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, for the resumption of 'Shramik Special' trains from Odisha to Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra, for migrant workers to return to their workplaces

(file pic) pic.twitter.com/CrXPxYR2MA  ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2020

The Railways started Shramik Specials on May 1 to transport stranded migrant workers to their native states after thousands tried to reach home on foot due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown. The last Shramik Special train was operated on July 9.

In his letter to the rail minister, Pradhan said that he has received a number of requests from migrant workers in Odisha who have urged that train services be started from Odisha so that they can reach their workplace.

The Railways had on last Thursday said that it has met all the existing demand of states for Shramik Special trains to ferry stranded migrant workers home, with the last service being operated on July 9.

Meanwhile, the South Western Railways will run 40 pairs of special train services from September 12 on specific routes. These services shall be in addition to the Shramik specials and the special trains, which are already in operation.

These trains will be restricted stoppages in view of the suggestions of the state government, the railways said.

This besides, services of seven pairs of trains of South Western Railway shall also start with effect from September 12.

These trains will operate between Bengaluru-Mysuru, Bengaluru Cantonment-Guwahati, Yesvantpur Bikaner, Mysuru Jaipur, MysuruSolapur, GorakhpurYesvantpur and KSR BengaluruNew Delhi.

The Railways said all the precautionary measures will be in place such as social distancing, thermal screening and wearing of face masks by passengers will be strictly followed.

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In a shocking development, Saudi Arabia on Monday overturned the death sentences of five individuals who were convicted for the brutal killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In the final hearing of the case, the Riyadh Criminal Court handed 20-year sentences to five people who were earlier given death sentences and seven to 10 years prison to three others - who were earlier sent to prison for 24-years.

This comes after Saudi critic Khashoggi's sons said in May that they had pardoned the killers of their father. As per Saudi law, a pardon from a son of a murder victim is a legal reprieve. On May 21, Salah Khashoggi, eldest son of the late journalist who was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Turkey, took to Twitter and said, "On this virtuous night of (Ramadan), we recall the words of God Almighty ... whoever pardons and makes reconciliations, his reward is from Allah. So we, the sons of the martyr Jamal Khashoggi, announce that we have pardoned (those) who killed our father."

However, Hatice Cengiz - Turkish fiancee of the slain journalist has called the ruling a 'farce'. Taking to Twitter, she said, "The ruling handed down today in Saudi Arabia again makes a complete mockery of justice. The international community will not accept this farce."

READ | Im Suffocating" - The Final Words Of Jamal Khashoggi

Jamal Khashoggi, a fierce critic of the Saudi Arabian regime and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. He went to the Saudi consulate to obtain necessary documents for marrying his Turkish fiancee, however, he never returned. Initially, the Saudi government denied any knowledge of his death, only to conclude later that he died during a 'fight after resisting attempts to return him to Saudi Arabia'. His body has not been found till date, with the various narratives being floated of how his body was dismembered.

After numerous denials, pressure from Turkey and international media, on September 26, 2019, Saudi's Crown Prince MbS said that he bears the responsibility for the killing of Khashoggi, considering it happened 'under his watch.' "It happened under my watch. I get all the responsibility because it happened under my watch," MbS said in the documentary scheduled to release on October 1. When questioned how the Crown Prince was unaware of the murder, he defended saying, "We have 20 million people. We have three million government employees." The CIA in 2018 concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally ordered Khashoggi's brutal killing. The charge has been firmly refuted by Riyadh.

READ | 'Credible evidence' linking Saudi Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman to columnist Jamal Khashoggi's murder

Secret trial by Riyadh

In December last year, Saudi Arabia sentenced five people to death and three others were awarded jail sentences for 24-years. What raised doubts about the trials was the fact that the Saudi regime did not disclose the identity of those sentenced, while people close to MbS who were accused of the brutal murder either disappeared or were given a clean chit. Saud bin Abdullah al-Qahtani, the former media consultant to Mohammed bin Salman was investigated, however, he was released without any charges. Saud al-Qahtani, who was sacked from his position following Khashoggi's murder in October 2018, has entirely receded from public view. While his disappearance remains a mystery, there were reports afloat claiming that Saud al-Qahtani was poisoned to death by Mohammed bin Salman.

READ | Saudi Crown Prince Says 'Jamal Khashoggi Was Murdered Under My Watch'

A close aid of Mohammed bin Salman, Saud al-Qahtani, was known to be instrumental in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, the UN investigation led by Human Rights expert Agnes Callamard reported. Apart from him, the former deputy Intelligence Chief Ahmed al-Asiri was released over lack of evidence against him. The CIA in 2018 has already concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally ordered Khashoggi's brutal killing. The charge has been firmly refuted by Riyadh.

READ | Jamal Khashoggi Murder: Saudi Arabia Sentences 5 People To Death In Secret Trial

(AP image)
During his nearly two decades of leadership, Ganz guided Cambia and the industry to reimagine and reshape health care to be more empathetic, transparent and economically sustainable. Notably, his bold vision led to broadening Cambia's impact as a total health solutions company; partnering to form Echo Health Ventures; innovating the company's health plans that serve 3.2 million members; bringing Cambia's newest game-changing product, Journi , to market; creating the Cambia Health Foundation; and changing the national conversation around palliative care.

"Leading Cambia over the last 18 years has been both the greatest honor and challenge of my life. I am incredibly thankful to my fellow employees, our leadership team and the Board of Directors for giving me the privilege to serve," said Ganz said. "From day one, we set out to build an inclusive and empathetic health system that respects and serves individuals and families in all their uniqueness and diversity. This required each of our nearly 5,000 employees to act with courage and hope while innovating beyond the comfort zone of the status quo. It shows in the ways we serve people and our communities each day. Journi is just the latest and most exciting milestone. I leave Cambia with the confidence and knowledge that this legacy and mindset of empathetic care is shared and embodied by Jared and our employees; it will continue to be what sets Cambia apart."

Under Ganz's leadership, Cambia was recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for three years running, named a 2020 US Best Managed Company, listed on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index for four years straight, and repeatedly recognized as one of nation's healthiest employers and as a welcoming workplace for women and military members.

In addition, Ganz's leadership has been recognized in the industry and community. In 2013, he was honored with a Governors' Gold Award for his lifetime contributions to Oregon. The Portland Business Journal awarded him the 2019 Health Transformer of the Year award. He has been named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare.

As CEO, Ganz prioritized cultivating the next generation of leaders along with annual succession planning for key executive positions, including his own. Working closely with the board, a thoughtful and thorough leadership transition plan was set in place several months ago, capped with the promotion of Jared Short to the position of president & COO last October. Consistent with the plan, Ganz will continue to offer guidance and perspective as he and Short complete the transition.

"Mark's passion for improving the health care experience is boundless. He has built a values-driven culture focused on serving our customers," said Mike Koppel, chair of the Cambia Health Solutions Board of Directors. "Through his leadership, Cambia has grown as a recognized leader in transforming health care to be more person-focused and economically sustainable. We, as a board, are confident that this progress will be continued through Jared's leadership, assuring Cambia's goal of creating a better healthcare experience."

Short, 43, joined Cambia in 1999, spent time with BlueCross BlueShield of Montana as its chief marketing officer, and then returned to Cambia as market president for Regence BCBS of Oregon. With 21 years of health care experience, and more than 15 years at Cambia, he has developed collaborative partnerships and created innovative new solutions to meet rapidly changing customer expectations. Short was promoted to COO in 2015 and president and COO in October 2019.

"I believe one of the most important duties of a leader is preparing the next generation of leadership to succeed," added Ganz. "There is no question that Jared Short is the right person to lead Cambia into its next season. He is a person for others. He has the personal integrity, business acumen, energy, leadership skills and deep industry knowledge to ensure Cambia stays on track achieving its Cause of transforming health care to make it more person-focused and economically sustainable for the individuals and families we serve."

"I'm honored and humbled by the confidence Mark and the board have in my leadership and the opportunity to lead Cambia as President and CEO when Mark retires," Short said. "I'm deeply grateful for Mark's servant leadership, supportive mentorship and dedicated friendship over the years. We will build on the values-centered foundation he created as we move forward as a company  imagining, innovating and focused on the needs of the people and families we serve, now and into the future."

About Cambia Health Solutions

Cambia Health Solutions, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is dedicated to transforming health care. We put people at the heart of everything we do as we work to make the health care system more economically sustainable and efficient for people and their families. Our company reaches more than 80 million Americans nationwide, including more than 3 million people in the Pacific Northwest who are enrolled in our regional health plans. To learn more about us, visit CambiaHealth.com or Twitter.com/Cambia .

SOURCE Cambia Health Solutions

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Two Queensland police officers have been suspended after they were charged with supplying dangerous drugs, with both due to front court in October.

A 28-year-old male senior constable from the south eastern region has been charged with various drugs offences and has been issued a notice to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on October 26.

Two police officers will appear in court over drugs charges. Credit:Queensland Police Service

A 29-year-old male senior constable from the central region has been charged with possessing dangerous drugs and will appear on the same day at the court.

The officers were subject to a Queensland Police Service Ethical Standards Command investigation relating to Operation Sierra Edgehill, which began in March last year.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 15:29:24|Editor: huaxia

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SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun will visit Washington this week for talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday.

Choi will make a three-day trip to Washington through Friday at the invitation of Biegun. It would be the first such visit by Choi since he took office on Aug. 18.

During the talks, Choi and Biegun will make a comprehensive discussion on issues of mutual concern, including the overall South Korea-U.S. relations and regional situations, the Seoul ministry said.

The two diplomats held phone talks on Sept. 2, agreeing to meet as early as possible. Choi is the former presidential secretary for peace planning. Enditem
No casualties were reported in the past day.

Ukraine has reported one enemy provocation on Monday, September 7, as Russia's hybrid military forces violated the newly-agreed truce in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.

"In the past day, September 7, Russian Federation's armed formations once violated ceasefire agreements reached on July 22," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation Command reported in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on September 8, 2020.

In particular, the enemy fired random provocative shots from rifles and a hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher near the village of Kamianka.

Read alsoSoldier dies after tanker truck gets blown up in DonbasThe shots posed no threat to the lives and health of Ukrainian troops so the Joint Forces did not return fire.

No casualties were reported in the past day.

Since Tuesday midnight, no attacks by Russian Federation's armed formations have been recorded, the JFO HQ said.

The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military.

The Joint Forces are abiding by the ceasefire, being ready to adequately respond to possible attacks by the adversary, it said.

Donbas ceasefire: background
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 17:18:17|Editor: huaxia

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SUVA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Fiji reported on Tuesday one more imported COVID-19 case, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases to 32 since March 19 when the island nation confirmed its first COVID-19 case.

Fiji's Acting Permanent Secretary for the Health Ministry James Fong said that the patient is a 64-year-old female Fijian citizen who returned to Fiji from a repatriation flight from India on August 27.

The woman has been isolated at a hospital and she is now in stable condition.

This is the third border quarantine case confirmed among the passengers on board this repatriation flight from India.

With this new case, the island nation has six active border quarantine cases, all of whom are being treated in isolation.

So far Fiji has recorded two deaths of COVID-19.

Fiji still maintains a strict travel restriction for foreign visitors and it also keeps a nationwide curfew effective from March 30. Enditem
The parliamentary board of the (LJP) has told its national president that it wants to contest in 143 of the total 243 seats in the upcoming

LJP spokesman Ashraf Ansari on Monday said the final decision however, will be taken by Paswan.

"We have nine members in the parliamentary board apart from Paswan. They have pointed out that the party should fight the election in 143 constituencies including all seats where the JD-U is contesting," he said.

The LJP is critical against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on issues like unemployment, health, education, and the overall law and order situation in the state.

The LJP is an alliance partner of NDA with JD-U is the most prominent force followed by the BJP in Bihar.

The parliamentary board of LJP claimed that contesting in 143 seats is a "direct challenge" to Nitish Kumar and the JD-U.

--IANS

ajk/pgh/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.)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: The U.S. Navy said Tuesday it halted its search for a sailor believed to have gone overboard from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz in the northern Arabian Sea.

The Navy identified the missing sailor as Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Ian McKnight. He disappeared Sunday, sparking a ship-wide search before the Navy sounded a man overboard alert for him.

We are deeply saddened as we call off the search, said Capt. Max Clark, the vessels commanding officer. We hold his family and friends in our hearts during this difficult time.

The Navy said an investigation continued into McKnights disappearance.

The Nimitz, whose home port is Bremerton, Washington, has been in the Arabian Sea since late July with its 5,000 sailors and Marines. It replaced the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The Eisenhower had spent months in the Arabian Sea on a deployment that saw the carrier break the Navys previous at-sea record. Navy officials have limited port calls due to the ongoing pandemic.

The Nimitzs arrival in the Mideast saw Iran conduct a live-fire drill targeting a mockup aircraft carrier resembling it.

The drill underlined the lingering threat of military conflict between Iran and the U.S. after a series of escalating incidents last year led to an American drone strike that killed a top Iranian general in Baghdad. Tehran responded to that strike by firing ballistic missiles that wounded dozens of American forces in Iraq.

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
Formerly a typhoon, Tropical Storm Haishen made landfall in South Korea on Monday, Sept. 2 and continued moving north toward China. NASA's Aqua satellite provided an infrared view of Haishen as a typhoon before landfall and a visible image after landfall as an extra-tropical storm.

Infrared View of Haishen as a Typhoon

One of the ways NASA researches tropical cyclones is using infrared data that provides temperature information. The AIRS instrument aboard NASA's Aqua satellite captured a look at those temperatures in Haishen and gave insight into the size of the storm and its rainfall potential.

Cloud top temperatures provide information to forecasters about where the strongest storms are located within a tropical cyclone. Tropical cyclones do not always have uniform strength, and some sides have stronger sides than others. The stronger the storms, the higher they extend into the troposphere, and they have the colder cloud temperatures. NASA provides that data to forecasters so they can incorporate in their forecasts.

On Sept. 3 at 11:53 p.m. EDT (Sept. 4 at 0353), NASA's Aqua satellite analyzed the storm using the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder or AIRS instrument. At the time, Haishen was a Super Typhoon with maximum sustained winds near 135 knots (155 mph/250 kph) and strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane/typhoon later that day.

AIRS found coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as or colder than minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 62.2 degrees Celsius) around a very clear and open eye. NASA research has shown that cloud top temperatures that cold indicate strong storms that have the capability to create heavy rain.

Haishen Batters Kyushu, Japan

Before Typhoon Haishen made landfall, it moved past southwestern Japan, knocking out power to around 475,000 houses in Kyushu. Haishen brought very heavy rain, storm surge, flooding and landslides as it moved west of Kyushu toward South Korea. In Japan, over 100 people were reported injured, two people died and four people were reported missing.

Typhoon Haishen made its landfall in South Korea's southeastern coast on Monday, Sept. 7.

Haishen's Final Bulletin

At 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC) on Sept. 7, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JWTC) issued their final bulletin on Tropical Storm Haishen. At that time, Haishen was located near latitude 40.7 degrees north and longitude 128.9 degrees east, about 233 miles north-northeast of Osan Air Base, South Korea. Haishen was moving quickly to the north at 24 knots (28 mph/44 kph). Maximum sustained winds were near 35 knots (40 mph/65 kph). Haishen was moving north and is becoming extra-tropical.

A Visible Image of an Extra-tropical Storm

On Sept. 7 at 11:40 p.m. EDT (0340 UTC, Sept. 8), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA's Aqua satellite provided a visible image of Extra-Tropical Storm Haishen over eastern China. Haishen's eastern quadrant extended over the northern Sea of Japan.

After landfall in South Korea and a track north to China, Haishen moved over China's Jilin Province as an extra-tropical storm. The China Meteorological Department said Haishen started to move out of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture and into Heilongjiang Province at noon (local time) on Tuesday.

###

What does Extra-tropical Mean?

When a storm becomes extra-tropical, it means that a tropical cyclone has lost its "tropical" characteristics. The National Hurricane Center defines "extra-tropical" as a transition that implies both poleward displacement (meaning it moves toward the north or south pole) of the cyclone and the conversion of the cyclone's primary energy source from the release of latent heat of condensation to baroclinic (the temperature contrast between warm and cold air masses) processes. It is important to note that cyclones can become extratropical and retain winds of hurricane or tropical storm force.

Tropical cyclones/hurricanes are the most powerful weather events on Earth. NASA's expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting.

By Rob Gutro

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
The National Health Authority has outlined how this data would be collected, stored and shared, in the draft policy.

Bhopal: Chhattisgarh health minister TS Singhdeo on Monday expressed strong reservation about Centres National Digital Health Mission, fearing that the policy may be used as a tool for surveillance on citizens by an authoritarian state.

In a letter to Union health minister Harsh Vardhan, Singhdeo cautioned that the policy can be misused by an authoritarian state for surveillance purposes and also can be misused to manipulate the sensitive personal information for the purpose of overt coercion.

The National Digital Health Mission, draft policy of which was announced by National Health Authority functioning under Union health ministry on August 26, seeks to digitize the personal health records of citizens of India by developing a digital health ID, using Aadhaar, the 12-digit unique identification number linked to a persons biometric details.

The National Health Authority has outlined how this data would be collected, stored and shared, in the draft policy.

The minister has also taken strong exception to the deadline of September 3 originally set by the Centre to seek public feedback on the draft policy, describing it insufficient and undemocratic considering the significance of the policy.

During Covid times, mass consultations and gatherings are not possible thus, an extended period of three months is extremely important to discuss such a crucial issue, the letter said.

The National Health Authority has since extended the deadline for public feedback till September 21 in the wake of a petition filed in Delhi high court challenging the short window, contending that the period given for inviting public comments on the policy would not permit scrutiny of fundamental questions about the policy.

Singhdeo has sought enough time for the state governments to provide their feedback reminding the Centre that health is a state subject and the state administrations are accountable to people directly.

Dishearteningly, the Central government has never had a dialogue with the states about implications of the policy and has also not sought any feedbacks from the state governments about the data privacy, the letter said and added, Hence, the Centre should accommodate the Centre-state deliberations on the subject matter and grant more time to the states to report constructive feedbacks.
Apple has some pretty stunning stores around the world, such as the one in NYCs Grand Central Terminal and the one in Dubai with Solar Wings that respond to environmental conditions. Its newest location Singapore is its first ever floating store, though, and the tech giant has just announced that its set to open on September 10th.

The floating Apple Store, its third retail location in Singapore, is located at the countrys posh Marina Bay Sands resort. Its a sphere-shaped self-supported glass dome structure composed of 114 pieces of glass connected by 10 narrow vertical mullions. The store offers a 360-degree view of the city and an interior thats flooded with natural light during the day. At night, its glass panels will also provide a lighting effect. In addition to being Apples first floating store, the Marina Bay location is also the first one to have an underwater boardroom that businesses and developers can use for meetings with the companys team members.

While the store is scheduled to open its doors on September 10th, the tech giant is still taking precautions against the coronavirus pandemic by limiting the visitors that can enter its premises. Those interested will have to reserve a slot online by going to a special website for the event and choosing from one of the available times.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 15:42:44|Editor: huaxia

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SANAA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi militia said it launched a drone attack toward a Saudi border airport on Tuesday morning, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

The attack on Abha International Airport came in response to "the Saudi-led coalition's airstrikes," the television said, citing a statement by the Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television reported that the coalition intercepted and destroyed a bomb-laden drone launched by the Houthi militia toward the south of Saudi Arabia.

It was the second such attack by the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia in less than a week. The Sunday's drone attack was intercepted and destroyed inside the northern Yemeni border, according to a coalition statement.

The airport under attack is located in Abha, capital city of Asir Province in the southwest of Saudi Arabia.

Yemen has been mired in civil war since late 2014, when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized control of much of the country's north and forced the internationally-recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa.

The Saudi-led military coalition intervened in the Yemen conflict in March 2015 to support Hadi's government. Enditem
Predicted impact of covid-19 on Italian tourism is worse than expected.

Italy's tourism industry has suffered more than predicted this summer due to the covid-19 crisis, according to a joint report by tourism confederation Confturismo Confcommercio and business group Assoturismo Confesercenti, which predict the sector will close 2020 with losses of 100 billion.

This summer, in particular, remains a "season to forget" in terms of tourism, reports Italian financial newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, citing the "worse-than-expected" drop of 65.9 per cent in foreign tourists in the June-August quarter, with "the few foreigners present" coming from Germany, France, Holland, Switzerland, Austria and the UK."

From June to August, the number of overnight stays at "official accommodation facilities" in Italy reached 148.5 million, some 65 million less than in 2019, with a stronger decline recorded in the hotel sector (down 32 per cent) compared to non-hotel accommodation (-27 per cent), reports Italian news agency ANSA.

This is the bleak picture presented by Confturismo Confcommercio and Assoturismo Confesercenti, which say they are seeking more "adequate resources" from the government.

"At the end of March we hypothesized that the tourism sector would lose 100 billion this year and at the time it seemed like an excessively dramatic vision" - stated Confturismo president Luca Patane - "But every day we are getting closer and closer to this figure becoming fact."

This outlook is far worse than the recent estimate by the World Travel and Tourism Council which predicted that the Italian tourism sector would suffer losses of 36.7 billion this year, from which Italy's economy "would not recover for several years."
Ashley James has admitted that Instagram filters have led her to have feelings of 'dysmorphia' and being unhappy with her looks.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 33, took to her Instagram Stories and showed her followers a photo of herself where half of her face had a filter on it and the other half didn't.

The social media influencer highlighted the difference that filters can make so she could show her followers the damage they can cause to someone's self-esteem.

Honest: Ashley James, 33, has admitted that Instagram filters have led her to have feelings of 'dysmorphia' and being unhappy with her looks

She wrote: 'I wanted to show why I think the Paris filter is so damaging to us. This is a photo of my face... You can see the lines, pores, minor blemishes, even bits of makeup fallen down onto my lips. Now I'm going to show you the same photo with the Paris filter on...

'My skin is pure and blemish free, the makeup looks more flawless, the lines more palatable. Of course I prefer my face looking like this, but it's not real life.

'The more I see my face like this, the more I wish my real face looked that way. So the unhappier in my real skin I feel... That is where surface insecurities creep in...

'The dysmoprhia, and when we start to want to change our appearance... Which by the way, can lead to more insecurities (especially if it goes wrong or we feel like aliens in our own skin).'

Difference: The former Made In Chelsea star took to her Instagram Stories and showed her followers a photo of herself where half of her face had a filter on it and the other half didn't

Ashley added that people can often compare themselves to to those they see on social media but might not really know what that person looks like in real life without any digital enhancements.

She said: 'I'm certainly not against anti-ageing products (give me them all) or people choosing to have cosmetic alterations. Whatever makes us happy.

'But I think these fillers can create insecurities within us. Especially if we find ourselves thinking... "I wish I had her skin", when we see people online.

'We don't know what they really look like, especially in average lighting (I'm using a ring light).'

Filters: The social media influencer highlighted the difference that filters can make so she could show her followers the damage they can cause to someone's self-esteem

She wrote: 'My skin is pure and blemish free, the makeup looks more flawless, the lines more palatable. Of course I prefer my face looking like this, but it's not real life'

It comes after Ashley revealed that the mystery pains in her side that left her hospitalised over the weekend were due to a severe trapped nerve.

The DJ, who is five months pregnant with her first child, shared selfies from a maternity ward on Instagram on Saturday night after being admitted as a precaution.

Speaking about the incident on Monday, Ashley thanked her boyfriend Tom Andrews for waiting outside the hospital for 10 hours.

Tom, 30, had been forced to wait outside as hospitals reduce the number of people allowed on wards amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Worried: It comes after Ashley revealed that the mystery pains in her side that left her hospitalised over the weekend were due to a severe trapped nerve

Ashley, who famously championed single life, started dating tech professional Tom in October 2019 when they reconnected after meeting a decade earlier at work.

Six months later, the couple discovered they were having their first baby after Tom moved into Ashley's London home amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In July, the loved-up couple discovered they are expecting a baby boy, who is due in January 2021.
The Skuid Boston release reflects our relentless pursuit to humanize enterprise software while dramatically reducing grunt work for developers and design engineers. Every enhancement gives app builders more comprehensive control and flexibility over digital experiences.

Skuid, the leading toolkit to accelerate custom Salesforce app design, development, and adoption, today introduced the Skuid Boston release, a set of powerful new features to enhance and accelerate app development and user experiences. With Skuid, designers and developers can collaborate to create custom digital experiences, dramatically increasing user adoption and business innovationup to 10 times faster.

The launch of the Boston release meets the current global imperative of more agile application design, development, and deployment. While a few months ago, businesses used generic systems that seemed "good enough" to get by, today, these systems range from highly inconvenient to completely broken when it comes to managing critical business processes. Companies desperately need their processes to be digitized, automated, and suited for a remote workforce. In a rapidly evolving and uncertain economy, application teams need more speed and agility, making declarative approaches to design and development essential.

The Skuid Boston release delivers powerful new capabilities including:



Design flexibility: With new and improved design features, app builders can now make every screen of their app a fully customized experience, with the exact look and feel they desire.

Declarative efficiency: Builders gain complete control over data entry and display with improvements to critical components like Fields, Forms, and Tables.

Builder usability: App builders will also enjoy a cleaner, easier, and more powerful app composer experience.

If you want to build apps at blazing speed, without compromising user experience or extensibility, this release is for you, said Skuid CEO and founder Ken McElrath. The Skuid Boston release reflects our relentless pursuit to humanize enterprise software while dramatically reducing grunt work for developers and design engineers. Every enhancement gives app builders more comprehensive control and flexibility over digital experiences. This unique combination of control and flexibility frees builders to innovate faster and adapt easierthe formula for success in any economic conditions.

CUSTOMER QUOTES

"Conditionally colored table rows used to require a mix of Javascript and CSS. Now I can do it declaratively in a few clicks."

Nosa Osai, Certified Salesforce Cloud Consultant, Rosetree Solutions

"I've already got four or five use cases for conditional field formatting that our users are going to love."

Eric Pohlabel, Salesforce Certified Advanced Admin, Platform App Builder, Sales & Service Cloud Consultant, Vivial

About Skuid

Generic applications rarely match the unique workflows, processes and roles of your people, which kills software adoption and speed of innovation. Until now, user experience customization has cost far too much money and time. Skuid provides a fundamentally new model for creating digital experiences with little to no code required. Thousands of builders have used Skuid to create custom digital experiences for millions of users across dozens of countries, dramatically increasing adoption and innovationup to 10 times faster. Visit https://www.skuid.com to discover the #1 toolkit to accelerate custom Salesforce app design, development, and adoption.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Lynk & Co, a Chinese-Swedish auto brand owned by Geely Auto Group, officially put the Lynk & Co 06 onto the market on September 6. Offered in five variants at one go, the new SUV model is priced at a range of 118,600 yuan (17,364) to 158,600 yuan ($23,221).

The Lynk & Co 06 is the fifth vehicle model under Lynk & Co brand. Its advent helps Lynk & Co form a SUV matrix covering the small-sized, the compact and the coupe SUV.



With dimensions of 4,340mm length, 1,820mm width, 1,625mm height and a wheelbase of 2,640mm, the Lynk & Co 06 plays in the league of small-sized SUVs. It is built on the BMA platform, a modular architecture for B-Segment compact cars solely developed by Geely Auto. Models using the BMA architecture can be equipped with Geely's 1.0TD, 1.4T, 1.5TD, along with hybrid powertrain systems such as PHEV, HEV, or MHEV. Other BMA-based models include the Geely Binyue and the ICON, which feature similar measurements to that of the Lynk & Co 06.

As the smallest one in Lynk & Co's SUV range, the Lynk & 06 features a younger and sportier exterior styling. Retaining Lynk & Co's signature design language, the 06 adopts daytime running lights inspired by the Aurora Borealis and the split-type headlights, which are quite conspicuous. The black trim at the grill of the fuel-burning version draws on the design of the Lynk & Co 05.



The powerful and sporty nature of the 06's side profile is highlighted by the straight character lines, the floating roof and the dual-five-spoke rims. The two-tone design of the trim also adds volume to the vehicle's personality.

At the rear, the Y-shaped taillight cluster is seamlessly connected by a trim where a lettering Lynk & Co is centrally located. The rear bumper coupled with a silvery mudguard further elevates the sense of sports.

The modern interior featuring a fully digital instrument panel, large-sized central display and the avant-garde polygonal elements also makes the Lynk & Co look a bit sportier and youthful than its siblings.

Customers will be able to equip the 06 with options like a parking camera, rear parking sensors, fog lamps, adaptive cruise control, panoramic sunroof, and other facilities.

The Lynk & Co 06 offers three powertrain solutions: a fuel-burning engine, a plug-in hybrid and a mild hybrid system. The first is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged unit rate at 177PS (130kW) and 265 Nm of peak torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with an 82PS electric motor and a ternary-lithium battery pack. The MHEV version carries a 1.5T engine assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing a combined 190PS and 300 Nm (Lynk & Co 06, photo source: Lynk & Co).
Overview of news from Slovakia from September 8, 2020.

A new temporary testing site for COVID-19 is opened in Trencin on September 4, 2020. (Source: TASR)

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This is your overview of news that happened in Slovakia on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Do not forget to scroll down to see some tips for reads from Spectator.sk.

The Slovak Spectator is trying to bring you the latest news from Slovakia, preparing the news digest at the end of every weekday. If you want to support our work, consider buying our online subscription which will give you access to our entire content. Thank you for being our reader.

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Foreign trade remains in surplus

Slovakias foreign trade continued to rise at the start of the summer.

Exports increased by 0.8 percent year-on-year, while imports of goods were lower by 8.9 percent y-o-y. July imports thus reached 5.55 billion and exports stood at 5.88 billion. The foreign trade balance was in surplus, amounting to 333 million, according to the Statistics Office.

Exports were again driven by the exports of machinery and transport equipment.

More young people test positive for COVID-19

The number of people who tested positive for the coronavirus began to rise significantly in August.

The majority of new positive cases added to the statistics in August were in their 20s and 30s, suggests a recent analysis of the coronavirus cases issued by the regional Public Health Authority (UVZ) branch in Banska Bystrica.

Regional hygienists recorded 1,526 positive COVID-19 cases out of 73,422 tests carried out in August.

Investigation of the Kuciak murder to start again

The investigation of the murders of Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova could start again after the shocking September 3 verdict, based on which Marian Kocner and Alena Zsuzsova were acquitted.

The acting Police Corps president Peter Kovarik considers the dissolution of the team in October 2019 as premature. He has already been in touch with the prosecutor overseeing the murder case, Vladimir Turan.

He gave him the head of Team Kuciak, Peter Juhas, to support the investigation.

Coronavirus-related developments

A total of 91 people were positively diagnosed with the coronavirus disease in Slovakia on September 7. Read more here.

Speaker of Parliament Boris Kollar (Sme Rodina) came in touch with a bodyguard who tested positive for COVID-19 . He was tested immediately, with the test result being negative. (Webnoviny.sk)

Labour Minister Milan Krajniak (Sme Rodina) is in self-isolation after one of the workers at the ministry showed COVID-19 symptoms. (Hospodarske Noviny)

In addition to Bratislava, new testing sites have opened in Trencin and Nitra.

The kindergarten on Haburska Street in Bratislava will remain closed until September 13 after three children tested positive for the coronavirus. The test results of other children and staff are yet to arrive. Moreover, several other schools in the Bratislava borough of Ruzinov entered a high-risk zone on Monday, September 7. (TASR)

Three classes at the primary school on Mladeznicka Street in Puchov (Trencin Region) will remain closed until further notice because of COVID-19 suspicions.

The Dargovskych hrdinov kindergarten in Humenne (Presov Region) will remain closed for a week, starting on September 8, after a teacher tested positive for COVID-19.

One of the clients at the Gaudeamus nursing home in Bratislava tested positive for the coronavirus disease. Another positive case was detected at the Eva Jaczova Dance School , also in the capital.

The Presov Region is prepared to tighten the anti-epidemic regime in the organisations falling under its administration. In the town of Svidnik, authorities will open a quarantine centre for students coming from Ukraine. Also, they will supply nursing homes under its administration with rapid tests and personal protective equipment.

In other news

More than 100 international non-governmental organisations addressed an open letter to the Slovak MPs, expressing their deep concern regarding current threats to reproductive rights in Slovakia .

A memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and racial violence was held on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 in Sered (Trnava Region).

Ruzena Sabova, a chief judge of the senate deciding in the Kuciak murder case, has told the president of the Specialised Criminal Court that the leaked information on the voting of the senate judges about the September 3 verdict is not true. (Dennik N)

is not true. (Dennik N) The son of the former state secretary Monika Jankovska changed his name after he married his girlfriend. (Dennik N)

after he married his girlfriend. (Dennik N) The coronavirus changed the holiday plans of Slovaks . Statistics show that only 38 percent went on vacation this summer , almost one quarter less than last year.

. Statistics show that , almost one quarter less than last year. The National Criminal Agency (NAKA) is carrying out raids in the Mochovce nuclear power plant and other places in Bratislava, the police informed. NAKA has conducted criminal prosecutions in connection with the overpriced completion of the nuclear power plant's third and fourth blocks.

and other places in Bratislava, the police informed. NAKA has conducted criminal prosecutions in connection with the overpriced completion of the nuclear power plant's third and fourth blocks. The Plzensky prazdroj brewing company has informed that it invested 850,000 in the malting plant in Velky Saris (Presov Region).

In a year of grim tidings, Slovak migrant turns to the magic of childhood fairy tales Read more

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Romania is a "vital ally" of NATO and has the role of "regional pivot" in defending and discouraging threats against the Alliance, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana said on Tuesday.

He sent a video message to the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy."Romania is indeed a vital ally in NATO and Romania's role as a regional pivot in defending and deterring threats from the East and other areas is very, very important. Two percent of Romania's GDP for defence spending is not an expense, but an investment. It is an investment in a stronger Romania that is more able to defend its own interests and that is obviously enhanced by the way in which NATO and its bilateral allies invest in Romania's security," said Geoana.He spoke about NATO-EU complementarity and the related role of Romania."Romania is perceived as a strong defender of both vibrant transatlantic ties and a sincere champion of European integration. Because, in fact, NATO and the EU, the EU and NATO are two sides of the same coin and investing in the synergy and complementarity between NATO and the EU, avoiding duplication, avoiding unnecessary competition, is a natural and credible thing to do for Romanian diplomats and Romanian leaders. Romania is an essential nation, with a unique role and a multiregional scope," said Geoana.According to Geoana, "Romania can and must play the champion of what it means to transform the lessons learned in the field of resilience, of the impact of multiple crises on society," the NATO Deputy Secretary General said.Geoana also spoke about the threats that have not disappeared amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic."This pandemic should not lead us to the idea that older challenges have disappeared. No, on the contrary, they are amplified. Russia continues its pattern of aggressive behaviour, with disinformation campaigns, cyber-attacks and military actions. Russia has massively increased its defence spending, modernised its armed forces and increased the scope and complexity of its exercises," said Geoana.
The extraordinary story of the 2020 sheep trade continued yesterday with both the ICM group and Kildare Chilling lifting their quotes for lamb by 10-20c/kg, to 5.20 and 5.40/kg respectively.

Dawn Ballyhaunis return to the table after a few weeks hiatus at 5.20+10c/kg QA.

I say extraordinary because only six months ago the trade went through a tremulous time when sheep prices here collapsed by around 25pc overnight as the food services industry across Europe shut down because of Covid-19.

Since those dark days the trade first stabilised and then against all expectations gradually improved  dramatically as we neared the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha in late July/early August.

There was a predicted post-Eid fall-off in prices, but with demand remaining strong, quotes for lamb never fell below 4.80/kg as the downward trend never gained traction.

So here we sit today with lamb on a base of 5.20-5.40/kg, with upwards of 5.50-5.70/kg being paid once you add in both group and quality bonuses.

Jim Bushe of New Ross Mart, a man of vast experience, described it as a truly extraordinary turnaround. Never before have I seen lambs to rise in August.

Prices for cull ewes have not moved up as dramatically, with processors yesterday continuing to quote at 2.50-2.60/kg and paying, when pushed 2.65-2.85/kg with up to 2.90/kg for lighter weights, according to Sean Dennehy of the IFA.

Do we know whats driving the trade? Bord Bia attribute the strong performance this year to factors such as the demand created by major religious festivals like Ramadan and Easter, as well as UK production declining for the first half of the year.

France continues be the main export destination for Irish sheep meat, taking 10,275 tonnes in the first half of the year, while strong export performances in Germany and Belgium also attributed to Irish export volumes of 35,014 tonnes.

At home, total sheep throughput at factories by the end of August was running 5pc ahead of 2019 levels at 1,872,639, with much of that increase down to a 10pc surge in lamb slaughtering.

Total factory lamb disposals to the end of August stood at 848,599, up 72,793 on the first eight months of 2019.

These figures give the trade in round figures but they dont really explain why the sheep market is currently so strong. A partial answer came from an unexpected source last week.

While conducting some business with a dairy farmer, I was informed that Welsh farmers are seeing, like us here, a surge in demand and prices for sheep.

Curious to know more, I was put in contact with a Welsh sheep farming expert who told me his trade at present in the UK is being driven by growing demand from the Muslim population.

EU research on population by religion showed that those of Muslim faith in the UK increased from 2,706,066 in 2011 to 3,372,996 by the end of 2017, while in France Muslims accounted for 8.8pc or 5.76 million of the overall population in 2017.

Experts predict that the number of Muslims in Europe will double by 2050.

Expand Close Sheep with blue markings graze on the Curragh in Co Kildare. Photo: Damien Eagers / Facebook

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Marts

Blessington

A large sale saw a very good trade for all types, with fat lambs reported as stronger by 2-3/hd at averages from 113-119/hd, while factory lambs sold from 102-113/hd.

On the store side, lambs over 40kg made 87-100/hd, with those from 35-40kg averaging 78-93/hd, while lighter lots made 65-80/hd.

Suffolk cross ewe lambs made from 100-162/hd, while hogget ewes made 175-220/hd.

Heavy cast ewes sold from 100-133/hd, with feeding types making 66-100/hd.

Roscommon

Numbers here might have been big anyway, and the fact that it was the marts annual show and sale also helped, with 2,300 sheep on offer.

Sample prices among the finished lambs saw 50.09kgs at 118/hd, with 54.87kgs making 114/hd, while 45.9kgs saw 112/hd.

In the ewe lamb section top call went to a batch averaging 51.6/kg at 180/hd, while at the other end of the weight scales 38.7kgs saw 106/hd.

In between you had 54kgs at 162 and 55kgs at 155/hd.

Top call among the store lambs saw 36.63kgs making 100 back to 64/hd for 28.7kg. Cast ewes sold from 52-106/hd

Roscrea

This was also a show and sale, with Michael Harty stunned by the numbers presented.

We had close on 1,500 sheep. Thats the biggest sale Ive seen since I have been here, and Im here 15 years, he told me.

Best of the hoggets sold from 170-210/hd, with butcher-type lambs making 116-125/hd while factory types sold from 105-112/hd.

There was an excellent trade for stores, at 80-95/hd.

Ballymote

Stephen Hannon noted that fat lambs are not overly plentiful with those from 46-53kg here selling from 118-122/hd.

In the 43-46kg section prices ranged from 109-110/hd, while among the stores 35kgs peaked at 85/hd with those from 37-38kg making 90-93/hd.

On the breeding side, hoggets averaged 170/hd and peaked at 225/hd, with ewe lambs averaging in general from 110-115/hd, while the tops hit 130/hd. Fat ewes sold from 80-125/hd although Stephen did note a share he considered under-fleshed.

New Ross

Yesterdays sale was described by auctioneer Jim Bushe as biggish but cruel dear. A very good complaint I would have thought.

Jim reported factory lambs as topping out at 123/hd, up 2-3/hd on last week.

Other samples included 43-44kg lambs at 108-115/hd, with 39-40kgs seeing 102-103/hd, while in the lighter section you had 26kg wethers at 70/hd and 28kg stores at 71/hd.

41kg ewe lambs sold from 118-119, with 39kgs making 121/hd.

Hoggets made 170-200/hd, while heavy cull ewes sold from 118-132/hd.
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The Honorable Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment & Infrastructure, Mr. Egbert Doran, has taken notice of the decision laid down by the Judge in the Court of First Instance dated Friday, September 4, pertaining to the injunction case of Alegria Real Estate N.V. against the Government of Sint Maarten.





Minister Doran disclosed that he disagrees with the courts decision and has since held various meetings with his legal advisor pertaining to the ruling.





The Minister stated in closing that it is the intention to continue to meet with the various stakeholders and Country Sint Maarten intends to appeal the Courts ruling.




Disney has been criticised for filming the Mulan remake in a Chinese province where the government is accused of human rights abuses in its detention camps.

The films final credits give a special thanks to a public security bureau in Turpan, Xinjiang, which runs China's "re-education" camps where Muslim Uighurs are held in detention, according to the BBC.

It also thanks a publicity department that is reportedly responsible for producing state propaganda in the region.

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong tweeted that viewers watching Mulan are "potentially complicit in the mass incarceration of Muslim Uighurs".

Activist Shawn Zhang also asked: "How many thousands of Uighur were put into camps by Turpan Bureau of Public Security when filming Mulan there?"

Liu Yifei as Mulan (YouTube / Walt Disney Studios)

China is believed to have detained more than a million people from mostly Muslim ethnic minorities in the province of Xinjiang since 2017. One Muslim woman who escaped from a state re-education camp in China said inmates were gang raped, subjected to torture and medical experiments and forced to eat pork.

China has dismissed the claims of human rights abuses as "fake news".

The Independent has contacted Disney for comment.

Mulan has already been the target of a boycott after its lead actor, Liu Yifei, publicly supported Hong Kong's police, who have been accused of violence against pro-democracy protesters in recent months.
Council rates for most NSW homeowners will increase by 2 per cent next financial year, following a decision by the pricing regulator on Monday.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal said the so-called "rate peg" was smaller than the past few years but it took into account the fact that councils faced higher costs to hold local government elections next year.

Local Government NSW president Linda Scott says no council in NSW is looking to increase rates beyond what is necessary. Credit:Steven Siewert

Ratepayers were set to head to the polls across NSW this month, but the local government elections have been pushed back a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The elections are scheduled for September 4.

"The rate peg for 2021-22 is lower than recent years, which is a positive outcome for NSW ratepayers," tribunal member Deborah Cope said.
KENT COUNTY, MI  Sarah Syrek-Wood suspected her estranged husband, Nathan Board, had killed her parents shortly after she found out they were fatally bludgeoned in their home near Caledonia.

She had asked sheriffs deputies to check the welfare of her parents, Theodore and Patty Syrek, after she could not reach them.

When a sheriffs deputy called, she could tell from the deputys voice it was going to be bad. She put her sister on the call. After the deputy hung up, her sister suggested that I call him back and mention my ex, that he may be somebody to look at.

Syrek-Wood testified Tuesday, Sept. 8, during Boards bench trial in Kent County Circuit Court.

Board is charged with two counts of felony murder and two counts of open murder in the killings, which were discovered Sept. 4, 2018.

The defense says Board, 35, has suffered mental illness, including bi-polar disorder, since childhood. Board was initially found not competent to stand trial after a psychiatric review. He has testified he was hearing voices in the weeks before the killings.

Circuit Judge Joseph Rossi is hearing the case.

Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker, in his opening statement, said the victims were bludgeoned with a hammer while they slept. The bedroom was, quite frankly, a scene of horror, he told the judge.

Board confessed to the killings on Jordan River Drive SE in Alto on Sept. 5, 2018, the day after police found their bodies.

Board and Syrek-Wood had moved to Arizona after they were married but he returned to Michigan as the marriage fell apart. Then, he repeatedly tried to contact her saying he loved her and wanted her back. He stopped calling about a month before the killings.

Nathan Board, right, with attorney John Pyrski in Kent County Circuit Court where Board is on trial in the killings of his estranged wife's parents. (Screenshot of YouTube video)

Becker said Board meticulously plotted the killings. He showed up in the middle of the night, slipped into the couples house using a hidden key, then struck both victims in the head with a hammer as they slept.

Board had parked his pickup truck down a two-track road in the rural neighborhood where the couple lived.

He turned off his cellphone and iPad to prevent police from later tracking his movements, Becker said.

Board also unscrewed the taillights from his truck and put on gloves. He took a hammer from his truck before he walked three-quarters of a mile to the Syreks home. Once inside, Board quietly crept into their bedroom.

It was about 2 a.m.

Everyones worst nightmare, Becker told the judge.

He told police that he stood over the couple for about 45 minutes. Then, the husband started to move. Board hit him with the hammer. Theodore Syrek asked: Nate, what are you doing? Becker said.

Board struck the victims repeatedly. Both suffered multiple, massive head wounds. They had defensive wounds, too, from trying to fight off the attacker, the prosecutor said.

After the Syreks were killed, Board told police he took their Chevrolet Impala to Hastings and Mackinaw City before he returned to the scene. Police found his DNA on the Impala steering wheel and a bloody palm print inside the house, the prosecutor said.

Read more:

Man accused of bludgeoning in-laws to death claims hearing voices during confession

Man charged in couples killings near comatose, attorney says

Teen presumed drowned in Lake Michigan; South Haven beach closed
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, ColorOnly, launched the world's fastest hair color which fully processes hair in only 10 minutes, a fraction of the time of box hair dyes. ColorOnly's intelligent hair color system is available for use by at-home clients at ColorOnly.com for just $15 per month in a monthly subscription. The company's flagship salon in Coral Springs, FL offers monthly memberships for $30 per month for an express salon service.

Free of harsh chemicals like ammonia, sulfate and parabens, ColorOnly's intelligent hair color uses smart Keratin which locates and bonds to the most damaged hair. This advanced processing simultaneously repairs hair as it is being color-treated, and it stops processing after 10 minutes - which virtually eliminates the risk of over-processing hair. ColorOnly UV filters protect hair from fading due to sun exposure, ensuring hair color appears far more vibrant and lasts longer than traditional store-bought brands. ColorOnly's unique formulations, combined with ColorOnly's Express Mixing Machine Assistant which dispenses the exact color, results in consistent and unparalleled customization for use at home or in-salon.

To take advantage of this breakthrough hair color system, ColorOnly opened its first brick-and-mortar salon in Coral Springs, Florida. Designed for time-pressed clients who are watching their wallets, ColorOnly offers both root touch-up and all-over hair color services, in addition to gloss toners and blow-outs  aimed to make coloring easy and deliver empowering results.

Steve Duchin, ColorOnly's chief operating officer, said, "ColorOnly's express salon service is a first-ever in the beauty industry. We re-imagined the traditional hair color experience by devising a signature $30 in 30-minute hair color service, both faster and more affordable than any professional standard."

All under the watchful eyes of certified colorists, ColorOnly's five-step salon experience includes a professional color consultation, application of the color, monitoring during the 10 minute processing time, a relaxing shampoo and rinse, and a do-it-yourself dry bar or optional professional blow-out for an added fee.

"Each client will enjoy ColorOnly's five-step salon experience resulting in a dynamic color, unique to each client's needs, skin tone and hair profile," said Trish Plateroti, the salon's general manager. "Having been in the hair color industry for decades, my fellow colorists and I were initially reticent on ColorOnly's 10 minute hair processing claim until we saw it with our own eyes. Without a doubt, the intelligent hair color system and the express salon service are far superior to competitors."

"ColorOnly is committed to helping women take control of their hair coloring needs," said Stephen Drescher, CEO of ColorOnly. "By beta-testing both at-home clients via our online store and in-salon clients at our flagship salon over the last two months, we have seen enormously positive feedback, repeat orders and word of mouth momentum from both market segments."

Fran Drescher, star of "The Nanny," and founder of the charity, Cancer Schmancer, is the brand's spokesperson and ambassador. Ms. Drescher played a pivotal role in ColorOnly's product design and conception, and is a major talent acquisition for the brand and the latest milestone in the company's momentum.

"I am very proud to be the hair, face and voice of the ColorOnly brand. Its products include natural ingredients and enzyme activators which, as a cancer survivor, means less peroxide, less time on my head, and less harsh ingredients all of which is much better for me and millions of others who color their hair regularly," said Ms. Drescher. "ColorOnly's intelligent 10-minute hair processing is such a game changer, I cannot wait to get this new 'frantastic' product into the hands and hair of women and men around the world. And yes, I use ColorOnly every month and LOVE the results!"

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TDT | Manama

A man has been arrested after he stabbed another with a sharp object, causing a severe injury, the Ministry of Interior said yesterday. The ministry stated that the Capital Governorate Police director-general reported the arrest of the 39-year-old, who stabbed the 26-year-old victim in the Gudaibiya area.

The director-general explained that, upon receiving the report of the incident, the directorates police conducted a search and investigation, which resulted in the identification and arrest of the aggressor. The tool used to commit the crime was also seized from his possession.

It was later determined that the reason behind the incident was a personal dispute. The director-general indicated that all legal measures are being taken in preparation for the referral of the arrested person to the Public Prosecution.
The resumption of a US tech rout drove the Australian sharemarket to a ten-week low on Wednesday with fundies still unclear if they are witnessing a speed bump or something more sinister.

Investors fled after overheated US mega-caps copped another overnight hiding, while plunging oil prices and a coronavirus vaccine setback weighed the ASX 200 to its lowest close since June in a 2.2 per cent fall to 5878.6.

All sectors finished deep in the red and just 11 companies on the index added to their tally for the day.

At its lunchtime nadir, the market had shed more than 5.5 per cent since its post-pandemic peak two weeks ago.

The most obvious drag was a post-Labor Day pull-back in tech giants such as Apple, Amazon, and Alphabet, which have now weighed the NASDAQ down for three sessions in a row since it touched a record high last Wednesday.

When stocks start going vertical, they tend to come down pretty quickly as well, Quay Globals Chris Beddingfield said.

Munro Partners chief investment officer at Nick Griffin said he had taken some capital out of technology stocks in the past week but said the decline is more of a speed hump than a change of direction we think.

The NASDAQ index contains car maker Tesla, which declined nearly 21 per cent to $US330.21 after it was excluded from the Standard and Poors 500 index.

Chief investment officer at Antipodes Partners, Jacob Mitchell, said the volatility on the Nasdaq remains a blip given the index has recorded 45 record high closes this year.

The recent volatility during an extended period of market extremes surpassing the dot-com bubble, but is a salient reminder of the risky game many investors who continue to ignore value and blindly chase momentum are playing, he said today.

JP Morgan Asset Managements Kerry Craig also downplayed talk of an extended rout.

Market tremors are a normal, if uneasy, part of investing and not all shocks are a warning of an impending collapse in risk sentiment, he said.

However, Grant Samuel Funds Management Investment adviser Stephen Miller said there were no shortage of risks on the horizon.

I think (equities) markets have shown an extraordinary faith in the ability to chart a path out of the COVID-induced crisis, Mr Miller said.

But I think it is now starting to collide with a recognition that there are other things to worry about than central banks backstopping markets.

Mr Miller cited the US senates stalemate over a stimulus package as a key concern, while the looming US election was also jangling nerves.

(Theres) also the uncertainty about what sort of regulatory regime tech companies will be subject to no matter who wins (the election), Mr Miller said.

People are thinking this election will crimp the ability of tech companies to make the level of profits they have been at the moment.

Local tech stocks werent the hardest hit on Wednesday but the sector still finished deep in the red.

Buy now, pay later darling Afterpay dropped 1.3 per cent to $74.05, while Xero dropped 2.1 per cent to $93.43. There was a 6.1 per cent fall for Megaport to $14.83 and a 4.1 per cent decline for Appen.

For health stocks, Biotech CSL fell 2.5 per cent to $281 after AstraZeneca put a hold on the late-stage trial of the highly-anticipated COVID-19 vaccine candidate being developed with Oxford University.

A suspected serious adverse reaction in a study participant was to blame though the company says it was a "routine action."

CSL has committed to making 30 million doses of the vaccine for Australians if the product passes regulatory approvals.

I think (the vaccine delay) is more at the margins today, Quays Bedingfield said.

Sounds like this is not entirely unusual at this stage to have a pause at this stage.

For the big lenders, Commonwealth Bank finished 2.5 per cent lower at $66.79, Westpac dropped 3.3 per cent to $17.07, NAB fell 2.6 per cent to $17.44, and ANZ shed 3 per cent to $17.81. Macquarie Group was 1.7 per cent lower at $126.

Rio Tinto lost 0.2 per cent, BHP 1.7 per cent, and Fortescue Metals fell 2.7 per cent in a relative outperformance by materials.

Among the other blue chips, Wesfarmers fell 2.4 per cent, Woolworths dropped 1.5 per cent, Transurban Group 1.7 per cent, and Telstra 2.1 per cent.

A deeply depressed energy sector saw Woodside, Santos, Origin Energy and Oil Search each shed between 4.4 per cent and 7.8 per cent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the demise of Professor Govind Swarup who pioneered radio astronomy in India, saying that he was an exceptional scientist and his works have attained global commendation.

Professor Govind Swarup was an exceptional scientist. His pioneering works in radio astronomy have attained global commendation. Anguished by his passing away. My thoughts are with his near and dear ones. This thread gives a glimpse of Professor Swarups brilliance. Do read, Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief over Swarups demise.

With the demise of Professor Govind Swarup, the world has lost an astronomy legend. A pioneer, he contributed to fundamental developments in radio astronomy and created two of the worlds largest radio telescopes in India. Condolences to his family, friends and countless students, President Kovind tweeted.

Eminent professor and stalwart of radio astronomy, Govind Swarup ji will always be remembered for his immense contribution towards research and development of ingenious facilities. His demise is a huge loss for the entire nation. My deepest condolences with his family. Om Shanti, Shah tweeted.

K Vijay Raghavan, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India also expressed grief over Swarups demise.

With Professor Govind Swarups demise, the world of astronomy has lost a great scientist, institution-, and telescope- builder. Ever-smiling, not one to take a no for anything he wanted to be done, he took on many impossible tasks, inspired colleagues to accomplish them, Raghavan tweeted.

He could not but touch deeply everyone he met - Farewell dear Govind Swarup... He so proudly spoke of being inspired by Gandhi on the one hand, and of tracing his lineage (via Wikipedia) back to Isaac Newton - no less - on the other. And the lineage moves forward... he added.
Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, an honest look at President Biden's press conference.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Protesters confront diners in Pittsburgh (Facebook)

Police in Pittsburgh have launched an investigation after video shared on social media over the weekend appeared to show Black Lives Matter (BLM) protesters accosting diners at a restaurant in the city.

In footage shared on Facebook on Saturday, a small group of demonstrators could be seen shouting at people while they ate at Sienna Mercato on Penn Avenue, downtown Pittsburgh.

Video recorded on a mobile phone shows one of the group taking a drink from a patron and downing it, while another smashes a glass on a table.

Another protester can be heard saying: "F**k the white people that built the system." before adding: "F*** 12", a reference to police.

Amid the confrontation, other customers at the eatery gather their belongings and leave as the demonstrators brand them an "embarrassment".

The protesters have since said that the confrontation started after a group of men shouted "Blue Lives Matter" and swung a bike at them as they walked by. Blue Lives Matter is a reference to a countermovement in the US that emerged after BLM activists began protesting against systemic racism and police brutality.

Even though people [at the restaurant] saw that whole thing, they still saw me as an aggressor, Nique Craft, a protester at the demonstration, told Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Pittsburgh police spokeswoman Cara Cruz said the force was investigating the incident but no arrests have yet been made. It is understood that enquiries are still ongoing.

Police launched a probe after footage of the confrontation was uploaded to Facebook by a user named Grace Harvey.

"We witnessed demonstrators bullying, harassing and physically assaulting random people simply walking past them or quietly enjoying a meal," Ms Harvey wrote in a message accompanying the video.

"People were shaken & scared as they ran away from their tables around us.

In a tweet on Tuesday, president Donald Trump singled out the Pittsburgh demonstrators, calling them "thugs" as he repeated attack lines on Joe Biden while criticising the Black Lives Matter movement.

Story continues

"BLM Protesters horribly harass elderly Pittsburgh diners, scaring them with loud taunts while taking their food right off their plate," the president wrote.

"These Anarchists, not protesters, are Biden voters, but he has no control and nothing to say. Disgraceful. Never seen anything like it. Thugs!"

Read more

Trump says Black Lives Matter is a bad name, so discriminatory
What you need to know about COVID-19 in Ottawa on Tuesday, Sept. 8

Recent developments:

COVID-19 has closed the Ottawa Athletic Club after more than four decades in business.

What's the latest?

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) reported another daily spike in COVID-19 cases Tuesday, with 36 new and only five resolved, driving the city's active case count up to 242. Half of Tuesday's new cases are people over the age of 60.

The city's medical officer of health says about 190 students and 10 staff at five French Catholic schools have been told to self-isolate because of possible exposure to COVID-19 aboard school buses.

WATCH | Concerns about school bus distancing:

A long-term care facility in Ottawa's west end is dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak involving more than two dozen residents and staff members. Twenty-eight residents and three employees have now tested positive for COVID-19 at Extendicare West End Villa on Elmira Drive.

Quebec has revealed a new COVID-19 alert system that will use colours to indicate the severity of the pandemic in Quebec's different regions.

The Outaouais is yellow, meaning there are some early signs of potential trouble that will soon trigger a follow-up call with local health officials and the province.

A sprawling recreation complex in Ottawa's east end has become the latest business to fall victim to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For 44 years, the Ottawa Athletic Club on Lancaster Road has offered tennis, swimming, golf lessons, fitness classes, summer camps and other recreational activities. Friday is its last day of operation.

How many cases are there?

There have been 3,134 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ottawa since the start of the pandemic. As of Monday, there were 242 known active cases, 2,625 cases considered resolved and 267 deaths related to the illness.

Overall, public health officials have reported more than 4,800 cases across eastern Ontario and western Quebec, with more than 4,000 cases considered resolved.

COVID-19 has killed 104 people in the region outside Ottawa: 52 people have died in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark counties, 34 in the Outaouais and 18 in other parts of eastern Ontario.

Story continues

What's open and closed?

Five local boards are opening buildings today, meaning all but the Upper Canada District School Board have started bringing students back.

WATCH | A letter to Grade 9s starting high school in uncertain times:

A new Ontario rule formally removes time limits on caregiver visits to long-term care homes as of today, and eight Ottawa arenas are available again for rentals.

Also today: rue Jacques-Cartier in Gatineau and the Queen Elizabeth Driveway (on weekdays) are now reopen to vehicles.

The driveway will close to vehicles on weekends the rest of the month.

Justin Tang/Canadian Press

Ontario is in Stage 3 of its reopening plan, which means more businesses are open including dine-in restaurants and movie theatres.

Indoor gatherings of up to 50 people and outdoor gatherings of up to 100 are now allowed in that province but attendees must follow physical distancing guidelines.

Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press

Kingston, Ont., has tightened its distancing rules in city parks and closed the Breakwater Park beach because of what the city says has been risky behaviour.

Quebec has similar reopening rules to Ontario, with its cap on physically distanced gatherings in public venues now up to 250 people, allowing smaller festivals.

PR Transpo transit service in Prescott-Russell resumes Monday.

Distancing and isolating

The novel coronavirus primarily spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breathes or speaks onto someone or something.

People don't need to have symptoms to be contagious.

That means physical distancing measures such as working from home, meeting others outdoors as much as possible and keeping distance from anyone you don't live with or have in their circle, including when you have a mask on.

WATCH | What losing school extracurriculars can mean:

Masks are now mandatory in indoor public settings in all of eastern Ontario and Quebec, including transit services and taxis in some areas.

Masks are also recommended outdoors when you can't stay the proper distance from others.

Justin Tang/Canadian Press

Anyone who has travelled recently outside Canada must go straight home and stay there for 14 days.

In Ontario, that's the same period of self-isolation for anyone with symptoms. When self-isolating, only leave home or see other people if it's critically important, such as to go see a doctor.

Most people with a confirmed COVID-19 case in Quebec can end their self-isolation after 10 days if they have not had a fever for at least 48 hours and has had no other symptom for at least 24 hours.

Health Canada recommends older adults and people with underlying medical conditions and/or weakened immune systems stay home as much as possible.

WATCH | A crucial moment to get COVID-19 under control:

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19 can range from a cold-like illness to a severe lung infection, with common symptoms including fever, a cough, vomiting and the loss of taste or smell.

Less common symptoms include chills, headaches and pinkeye. Children can develop a rash.

People should not get tested any sooner than five days after potential exposure, since it takes approximately five days for the virus to grow to levels where it's detectable by a test, said Ottawa's medical officer of health Vera Etches in early September.

If you have severe symptoms, call 911.

Where to get tested

In eastern Ontario:

In Ottawa any resident who feels they need a test, even if they are not showing symptoms, can be tested at one of four sites  including a new drive-thru testing centre.

Inuit in Ottawa can call the Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team at 613-740-0999 for service, including testing, in Inuktitut or English on weekdays.

Francis Ferland/CBC

In the Eastern Ontario Health Unit area, there is a drive-thru centre in Casselman and assessment centres in Hawkesbury and Winchester that don't require people to call ahead.

Others in Alexandria, Rockland and Cornwall require an appointment.

In Kingston, the Leon's Centre is hosting the city's test site. Find it at Gate 2.

Napanee's test centre is open daily for people who call ahead.

WATCH | Fighting the distractions of learning at home:

You can arrange a test in Bancroft, Belleville or Trenton by calling the centre and in Picton by texting or calling. Only Belleville and Trenton run seven days a week.

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark unit asks you to get tested if you have a symptom or concerns about exposure.

It has a walk-in site in Brockville at the Memorial Centre and testing sites in Smiths Falls and Almonte which require an appointment.

Renfrew County residents should call their family doctor and those without access to a family doctor can call 1-844-727-6404 to register for a test or if they have health questions, COVID-19-related or not.

It's testing in six communities this week with an appointment.

In western Quebec:

Outaouais residents now can get a walk-in test in Gatineau seven days a week at 135 blvd. Saint-Raymond.

There are recurring clinics by appointment in communities such as Gracefield, Val-des-Monts and Fort-Coulonge.

They can call 1-877-644-4545 to make an appointment or if they have other questions.

WATCH | The economic impact of millions working from home:

First Nations:

Akwesasne has had 14 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Most are linked back to a gathering on an island with a non-resident who wasn't showing symptoms at the time.

It has a mobile COVID-19 test site available by appointment only. 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.

Anyone in Tyendinaga who's interested in a test can call 613-967-3603 to talk to a nurse. Its office and well-being centre will be open by appointment, with bookings starting Sept. 14.

People in Pikwakanagan can book an appointment for a COVID-19 test by calling 613-625-2259.

Kitigan Zibi's fitness centre and playground park are opening up with restrictions..

For more information
FREDERICTONNew Brunswick business leaders were presented with stark differences in political parties economic plans Tuesday as they heard from three leaders ahead of next weeks provincial election.

Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers says the province needs a growth agenda, not what he called the path of cuts and austerity promoted by Premier Blaine Higgs.

Vickers told a business audience Tuesday via video conferencing he would put the provinces economic development agency  Opportunity New Brunswick  on steroids.

We have to be much more aggressive and robust in identifying companies around the world to come to New Brunswick, Vickers said.

He said if his party forms government after the Sept. 14 provincial election, hell work to expand the economy and the provincial population.

My path is investment and growth, aggressive identification of companies and bringing them here to New Brunswick, Vickers said from Miramichi.

He was the first of five leaders to speak to business groups from Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John. The leaders were unable to speak in person because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Speaking later to the same forum, Higgs said the budget his government tabled in the spring is paying off and hes not inventing anything new during the campaign.

I have never seen a time when our civil service has been more engaged, Higgs said. I have never seen a time when weve had as much positivity in our province ... about how we feel, about how we perform. We did all that together. Im looking for the opportunity to keep that ball rolling.

The Tory leader added that the province needs to find new ways to provide health services as the demand for doctors increases.

He said while some other parties are quick to throw money at projects for short-term gain, thats not his approach.

Im interested in the long-term viability for regions throughout our province. Regions that develop on their own merit with programs that work. And its not just setting up competitions between one region and another, Higgs said.

Both Higgs and Vickers support the development of small modular nuclear reactors in the province, but Green Leader David Coon, who also presented to the group Tuesday, called them very risky business. He said at this point they are only a concept, and they could require a lot of public funding.

Coon said a Green government would help small business startups that run up against barriers and are seen as too small to warrant interest by government. Weve got to change that, he said.

All three leaders stressed the need to increase the provincial population in an effort to address an estimated 120,000 jobs expected to become available over the next decade.

Coon said he wants a new deal with the federal government on immigration.

I would seek to sign an accord with Ottawa, much like Quebec has, to give us greater autonomy over immigration and integration of newcomers into New Brunswick, he said.

The business groups will hear from New Democrat Leader Mackenzie Thomason and Peoples Alliance Leader Kris Austin Wednesday.

On Tuesday in Riverview, N.B., Austin said his party is continuing to work on behalf of this provinces paramedics to ensure they are reclassified as medical professionals.

Austin also pledged to help fund training for volunteer fire departments.

Tuesday was the final day of advance polls, and turnout was reported to be high. On Saturday 63,000 people cast ballots  an increase of about 20,000 voters, or 45 per cent, over the first day of advance voting in 2018.

Elections New Brunswick has been running a campaign urging people to vote early to avoid heavy traffic at polling stations on election day.

The Tories and Liberals each dropped a candidate Monday as a result of past posts on social media about the LGBTQ community. But the president and executive of the Victoria-La-Vallee Progressive Conservative Association said Tuesday they still support ousted candidate Roland Michaud to run as an independent Progressive Conservative in the riding.

Read more about:
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is one of just three governors nationwide who have had unilateral control over their states coronavirus response while lawmakers sit on the sidelines.

Legislatures in three states, including Texas, havent met since the pandemic began in March  or at all in 2020. And there is little chance that Abbott will call lawmakers back to Austin now, with about 20 weeks left before the next Texas legislative session is scheduled to begin in January.

The duration of Abbotts coronavirus-related orders  the first was issued March 13  is unprecedented and raises questions about the strength of that legal justification, which is already the subject of a number of lawsuits filed by business and political interests in recent months.

Abbott has used those emergency powers to make decisions regulating virtually every facet of life during the pandemic  whether to open or shut down businesses, how many Texans can gather in groups outdoors or indoors and whether Texans need to wear face coverings in public are just a few of them.

Abbott, who did not respond to a request for comment, has defended his use of emergency authority.

Every decision that Ive made has been a decision that is in the best interest of the health and safety of the people in the state of Texas as well as trying to do that maintaining businesses being as open as possible, Abbott said at a news conference in August, pointing to the statewide mask mandate and bar closures.

The proof is in the pudding, he added. Because the proof is that in the aftermath of those requirements on my part, we have seen a reduction in the number of people testing positive and a reduction in hospitalizations and an improvement in the state of Texas and its response to COVID-19.

Despite requests from Democrats and pressure from the right  including from the chairman of the Texas Republican Party  he has repeatedly declined to give the Texas House and Texas Senate a chance to play any direct role in the states response by calling a special session.

GOP BACKLASH: Republican committees in 8 Texas counties vote to censure Gov. Abbott over COVID response

The state Constitution says a governor has a remedy  he calls a special session of the Legislature,  said Jared Woodfill, attorney for five conservative lawmakers who have sued Abbott, alleging he has overstepped his authority. Thats what hes supposed to do. As time goes on, it becomes more and more evident that the governor is acting without authority. Hes decided hes the king, and he cant do that.

Ray Sullivan, former chief of staff for Gov. Rick Perry, said Abbotts unwillingness to entertain a special session is not surprising.

Even without a pandemic or another major crisis, demands for special sessions are common during the interim, and they tend to come from familiar crowds: the same circle of Texas hard-line conservatives pushing for one in 2020, members of the minority party, or lawmakers of any party with a passion project, Sullivan said.

Back when Perry was governor, if he had the Democrats in a tizzy and it was also getting flack from more right-wing elements of the Legislature or from our party, even as a conservative, Perry felt like that was not a bad position to be in, Sullivan said. Your public policy was probably where it needs to be. Youre capturing the majority of the party, and as a result, the majority of Texans.

Abbott says he does not make the decisions alone and that he has consulted with advisers, including public health experts and the Strike Force to Open Texas, a panel of business leaders whose members include major campaign donors.

TIMELINE: Texas coronavirus timeline

Based in part on their advice, Abbott moved to reopen in early May before the state hit benchmarks for containing the outbreak and for testing that were set by his public health advisers. He has since acknowledged that reopening the bars in mid-May was premature.

In late June, Abbott ordered bars to close again and rolled back restaurant capacity as COVID-19 hospitalizations skyrocketed. In early July, he issued the statewide mask mandate.

Now Abbott is hinting that he may further loosen the coronavirus restrictions next week, as hospitalizations for the virus hit a two-month low point.

A crisis of this magnitude

Texas Legislature meets less often than most states. The only other states that hold legislative sessions every other year are Montana, Nevada and North Dakota; most states moved to annual calendars between the 1960s and 70s, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Nevada is the only one of those states to have held a special session  the state has held two so far, including one on coronavirus response.

Texas is also one of just 14 states where only the governor has the ability to call a special session. In all other states, legislatures can call for one though varying methods, from a written request to a petition to a two-thirds vote of the members of each chamber.

Calls for Abbott to hold a special session in Texas started as early as September, when Democrats demanded one over the mass shootings in El Paso and Odessa.

More recently, the calls have come from members of his own party, mainly those falling within the tea party and libertarian sects who are angered by his pandemic-related executive orders, such as the mask mandate, which they see as overstepping his authority. Similar complaints appear in more than a dozen lawsuits filed against Abbott.

In July, the conservative Texas Freedom Caucus called on Abbott to make changes to the Texas Disaster Act of 1975, which gives governors wide-ranging emergency powers, to reduce some of that authority.

APPROVAL RATING WANES: Gov. Greg Abbotts public approval rating for COVID response hits 38%, poll finds

The law was not written to address a disaster of the magnitude or crisis of the length COVID-19 has turned out to be, Chair Rep. Mayes Middleton wrote in the letter, adding that no prior Legislature could have foreseen something such as this.

Nothing at this point is more urgent, he continued. Reforms such as these will allow all 181 members to have a say and a vote for their district in a crisis of this magnitude, and us to do our duty to guard against overreach and protect liberty for all.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed a desire to have more of a say over pandemic decisions, ranging from the states $295 million contact tracing agreement to closure and reopening decisions, as well as to hold public hearings.

It should not be the sole responsibility of one person to manage all of the issues related to a disaster that has no end in sight, Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, said in a Facebook post in early July.

In mid-August, newly elected Texas GOP Chair Allen West, who did not respond to requests for comment, joined the chorus.

I think that America and Texas, we are three branches of government, not three branches of rule, West told the Texas Scorecard in an interview. I think its key for everyone to understand that no elected official has the power to make a decision about who or what is essential.

Abbott, the only state official with the authority to convene a special session, has ignored every such call.

Asked about the lawsuit in which five conservative lawmakers sued him for authorizing the contact tracing agreement instead of convening a special session, he brushed off the concerns at a news conference in early August. The suit alleges that the decision should have been up to lawmakers, who have appropriation authority under the Texas Constitution with some limitations.

Ive been sued too many times for me to count. Every lawsuit thats been filed against me  I either won in court or its been dismissed by the court or by the parties, Abbott said. This lawsuit will meet that exact same fate.

House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, said he speaks with the governor every day, as do other members of the Legislature.

The governor has worked very respectfully with members of the Legislature  and particularly leadership  in the difficult decisions that hes having to make to respond to an unforeseen health pandemic, Bonnen said.

The demands for a special session are ridiculous, he said, and the governors emergency authority is clear.

Is anyone complaining that the governor declared a state of emergency for the hurricane? he said in an interview just before Hurricane Laura hit. No.

Conservatives, Democrats share frustration

Sullivan, Perrys former chief of staff, said he could not think of any significant advantage to calling a special session on the coronavirus, especially now as the regular session fast approaches in January. The Republican consultant said he believes most Texans understand the position Abbott is in  an unprecedented crisis with no previous event quite like it to provide a road map.

While polls show Abbotts approval rating sinking  as have those of most other governors during the pandemic  they also show most Texans agree with decisions that some pushing a special session have decried as tyrannical; a July Quinnipiac University survey, for example, showed 80 percent of Texans agreed with the mask mandate. A UT-Tyler/Dallas Morning News poll released Monday demonstrated that public opinion on Abbotts performance may be improving; about 54 percent approved per the poll taken between Aug. 28 and Sept. 2.

Its also hard to be sure of the sincerity of the calls for a special session, Sullivan added.

Its an easy way for a legislator to address or redirect responsibility to someone else, he said. They get some perceived credit for wanting to address or fix a particular issue, but they have no ability or responsibility to actually trigger a special session.

Redirecting responsibility could likewise explain why more moderate Republicans and other lawmakers have not raised their voices on the issue, especially during an election year: It may be good strategy to leave Abbott alone on the hot seat, especially during an election year.

Aside from political considerations, there are also the logistical ones: A special session can last just 30 days, generally only enough time to tackle one major subject. House GOP Caucus Chair Stephanie Klick said thats why she thinks the regular session is the better venue for such weighty issues as the governors emergency powers.

These are huge issues, Klick said. They need to be properly vetted and discussed with the public and all that.

Chris Turner, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, said members have found it frustrating to essentially have their hands tied during a historic global crisis.

While I dont share their opinion that Abbott has overreached with his executive order on masks, I do share the frustration, Turner said. I empathize with them in that the Legislature is unable to weigh in, whether you agree or disagree.

Turner said other than engaging with leadership of the House and Senate on decisions related to federal coronavirus money, he has not heard of the governor consulting with lawmakers before making other major decisions or issuing executive orders.

I think that has been a justified frustration of Democrats and Republicans alike that theres not great visibility in some of the governors decision-making, Turner said.

Procedural rules have prevented most House and Senate committees from holding virtual hearings during the interim.

Thats a good example right there, Turner said. We could change the rules, but we can only change the rules when were in session, and only the governor can call a special session. Its a circular problem.

Cayla Harris contributed to this report.

taylor.goldenstein@chron.com
A 10-year-old girl was killed while her parents and three siblings sustained minor injuries after the familys house collapsed in Taloja, Panvel in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) Tuesday morning, police said.

Officials in the local ward office of the Panvel Municipal Corporation in Pendhar village, said the house collapsed around 7 am.

Police officials said one Munna Harijan, 30, was staying in a rented house near a chawl in Pendhar in the MIDC area. Harijan was staying with his wife, and four children - three daughters aged ten, four and three and a son aged 12.

Hina, the eldest of the daughters was crushed under the slab when it collapsed on her in the morning. The entire house collapsed shortly after that. After the Panvel fire brigade was informed, the remaining family members were pulled out of the rubble, said an officer from the Navi Mumbai police control room.

The injured family members were admitted to a hospital in MIDC, Taloja. The local ward office said the cause behind the collapse is not clear yet.

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September 8, 2020 Dispatch from Crame No. 905:

Sen. Leila M. de Lima's statement re: PH salary for nurses, med techs lowest in Southeast Asia A recent study by data aggregator iPrice Group revealed a glaring wage gap for nurses and medical technologists in the ASEAN region. The data showed that both professions in the Philippines earned the lowest compared to any of their counterparts in neighboring ASEAN countries by at least 50%. While the results are absolutely heartbreaking, is it really that surprising given the way the Duterte administration has forged ahead with baffling policies aimed at making life that much harder for medical workers? The President cannot deny that he told nurses to just join the police force so they can earn higher wages for their selfless services. Instead of leading the fight to uplift the standing of medical workers nationwide, the President would rather insult the unsung heroes of this pandemic with this remark. Matagal na nating alam na walang malasakit ang administrasyong Duterte sa mga medical workers at frontliners na nagbubuwis ng buhay at itinataya ang kalusugan upang malabanan ang pandemyang ito. Patunay ang datos na ito sa hindi maikakailang katotohanan ng kalagayan ng mga nurses at medical technologists sa bansa. In the last few months, the government revealed its apathy - and at times hostility - towards our medical frontliners. They offered a measly ?500/day to entice volunteer medical workers during the early stages of the pandemic response, aggravated by the delayed release of it for months now. They also banned the deployment of medical workers employed overseas and essentially tried to guilt them into service by falsely appealing to their sense of nationalism. Duterte even dared them to stage a "revolution", so he could strike back with a "counter-revolution". Hindi na kataka-taka na pinipili ng ating mga nurse at iba pang medical professional na mangibang bansa na lamang para matugunan ang pangangailangan at makamit ang pangarap ng kanilang pamilya't mahal sa buhay. Pinipili nilang umalis ng Pilipinas dahil wala o kulang na kulang naman ang ipinapakita ritong malasakit at pag-aalala sa kanilang kapakanan. May puso ang mga bayaning ito sa serbisyo na malayo sa antas ng pagtingin at turing ng pamunuang Duterte sa kanila. Pandemic or not, I join the call for the better treatment of our medical workers who deserve so much better. (Access the handwritten copy of Dispatch from Crame No. 905 here: https://issuu.com/senatorleilam.delima/docs/dispatch_905)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-07 23:23:33|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on Sept. 5, 2020 shows the interior view of the Financial Services Exhibition Hall of the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China.(Xinhua/Ren Chao)

BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Though the global financial sector is facing challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic, China has continued to accelerate the opening up of its financial sector.

"If a Chinese company sells its products abroad, it needs a legal channel to receive the payment. What we offer is such a cross-border payment tool," said Cheng Fei, cross-border business director of Lakala Payment Co., Ltd., at the ongoing financial services thematic exhibition of the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).

Thanks to cross-border trade, the company's cross-border transactions hit nearly 10 billion yuan (about 1.46 billion U.S. dollars) in the first half of this year, up 40 percent year-on-year.

Nearly 150 international and domestic financial institutions are participating in the financial services thematic exhibition online and offline at the CIFTIS, including 43 foreign financial institutions from 18 countries and regions.

"We are very pleased that UBS Group has participated in CIFTIS, featuring our three major businesses, namely wealth management, investment banking and asset management," said David Chin, investment bank, Asia Pacific and China country head at UBS.

"China has always been an important market for UBS and the continued opening of China's financial market presents key opportunities for UBS," he said.

"We believe that China's economy is expected to maintain relatively fast growth and the size and development potential of its domestic consumer market is huge. With the continuous upgrading of technology, accelerated digitalization and continued reform and opening up, China's booming economy will be noticeable to international investors," he added.

Since 2018, Chinese authorities have given approval to foreign banks and insurers to set up nearly 100 institutions in China, said Zhou Liang, vice chairman of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) at a forum during the CIFTIS.

Zhou underscored that China has always kept its promise to open up its financial sector, while pledging to provide a consistent, open and transparent policy environment for foreign financial institutions.

The CBIRC will also help Chinese lenders and insurers explore overseas markets, participate in global financial governance and strengthen international financial cooperation, Zhou said.

"The business environment in China is getting better and better, and China's opening-up measures in the financial sector have provided us with great opportunities to enter the Chinese market," said Wang Ren, chief representative of the Beijing Representative Office of Banque Internationale a Luxembourg.

"We want to fully demonstrate Luxembourg's financial services characteristics and our potential in serving Chinese customers in private banking and corporate business at the CIFTIS," Wang said.

China's financial sector did not stop opening up amid the epidemic. For example, Oaktree Capital Management, a global asset management firm focused on alternative markets, established a wholly owned subsidiary in Beijing in February. China's central bank also approved an application from Mastercard's Chinese joint venture to conduct bank card clearing business in the country.

More foreign financial institutions are expected to be established and cooperation projects landed in China in the second half of this year.

The Chinese economy has shown strong resilience amid the COVID-19 pandemic, said Leo Yin, manager of Deutsche Bank China Beijing Branch. 
Rice researchers find potentially useful electrical phenomenon in gold nanowires

HOUSTON - (Sept. 8, 2020) - Though the Summer Olympics were postponed, there's at least one place to see agile hurdlers go for the gold.

You just need a way to view these electron games.

Using a novel optical detection system, researchers at Rice University found that electricity generated by temperature differences doesn't appear to be affected measurably by grain boundaries placed in its way in nanoscale gold wires, while strain and other defects in the material can change this "thermoelectric" response.

The phenomenon could allow for the detection of crystalline defects in conducting materials that are difficult to spot and characterize with even the most advanced microscopic methods.

The result was a surprise to researchers led by Rice physicist Doug Natelson and doctoral alumna Charlotte Evans, now a staff scientist at Sandia National Laboratories, who pursued the explanation after seeing measurements they couldn't explain a few years ago.

"A lot of times, people think about the thermoelectric effect when they're building solar panels or generating power from this or that," Evans said. "We argue instead that the thermoelectric effect is a really interesting diagnostic tool."

The study appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Grain boundaries are the planes in materials where misaligned crystals meet, forcing atoms along the edge to adjust as they bind to their neighbors. Measurements in bi-crystal gold nanowires produced by the group of Stanford University electrical engineer and co-author Jonathan Fan showed no detectable effect on thermoelectric voltages at the grain boundary -- the electrons in the metal simply ignored the single grain boundary.

Temperature differences in conductors create thermoelectricity through the Seebeck effect, one type of thermoelectric effect. This effect is commonly used to measure temperature differences and to control thermostats. The Natelson lab triggered the Seebeck effect by heating one portion of Fan's wires with a tightly controlled laser, driving electrons to move from the hot location toward colder regions, and produced a voltage to be measured. No measurable change in the voltage was seen when the laser was moved across the grain boundary in the bi-crystals.

When the laser was moved across parts of the same wires that were deformed, with distortions in the crystal lattice throughout the wire, changes in the voltage became apparent, Natelson said. Annealing the distorted devices partly healed the defects, resulting in clear changes in the thermoelectric current.

"There's a community of people who play around with improving thermoelectric response," Natelson said. "They need to be aware that structural issues like very small distortions to the lattice have effects that are not necessarily small. People tend to ignore these tiny structural issues, but anytime you're making thin-film devices, there's baked-in stress and strain in the material, just because of the way it's made."

Evans said nanoscale crystals are often characterized via electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), an expensive and time-consuming process. "The benefit of our process is its simplicity," she said. "We use a large spot size from a laser, two microns, which is much larger than the size of an e-beam, and we can detect variations using just a lock-in technique, a scanning laser and a voltage amplifier.

"If you look at the plain EBSD data, it looks as though you have a pristine crystal," she said. "And it's not until you post-process the data and look at how each pixel varies from the next that you would see small distortions along the length of the wire. It's complicated to detect. That's why it's so remarkable that we could detect these little variations with a laser."

"So if you want to do something clever and exploit the thermoelectric response, you need to understand the devices you're making with standard, top-down fabrication methods," Natelson said. "The stress and strain and what seemed like minor structural imperfections can have an easily detectable influence."

###

Stanford alumnus Rui Yang and graduate student Lucia Gan are co-lead authors of the paper. Co-authors are graduate students Mahdiyeh Abbasi and Xifan Wang of Rice and postdoctoral researcher Rachel Traylor of Stanford. Natelson is department chair and a professor of physics and astronomy and a professor of electrical and computer engineering and of materials science and nanoengineering.

The Robert A. Welch Foundation, the National Science Foundation, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative and the Packard Fellowship Foundation supported the research.

Read the abstract at http://www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.2002284117.

This news release can be found online at https://news.rice.edu/2020/09/08/boundaries-no-barrier-for-thermoelectricity/

Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews.

Related materials:

Natelson Research Group: https://natelson.web.rice.edu/group.html

Fan Lab: https://fanlab.stanford.edu

Rice Department of Physics and Astronomy: https://physics.rice.edu

Wiess School of Natural Sciences: https://naturalsciences.rice.edu

Images for download:

https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2020/09/0908_GOLD-1-web.jpg

Using a novel optical detection system that heats nanoscale gold wires with a single laser, researchers at Rice University showed electricity generated by temperature differences is not affected measurably by grain boundaries, while strain and other defects in the material change the thermoelectric response. (Credit: Natelson Research Group/Rice University)

https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2020/09/0908_GOLD-2-web.jpg

A scanning electron microscope image shows a single-crystal gold nanowire on a thermal oxide substrate. Rice University scientists showed that strain and defects in the material can change its thermoelectric response. (Credit: Natelson Research Group/Rice University)

https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2020/09/0908_GOLD-3-web.jpg

Rice University's optical detection system reveals small structural defects in a gold nanowire that may appear to be a perfect crystal under a scanning electron microscope. The discovery has implications for making better thin-film electronic devices. (Credit: Charlotte Evans/Rice University)

https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2020/09/0908_GOLD-4-web.jpg

Rice University doctoral alumna Charlotte Evans led the study to show how thermoelectricity is affected by some defects, but not others, in gold nanowires. (Credit: Rice University)

Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,962 undergraduates and 3,027 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for lots of race/class interaction and No. 1 for quality of life by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
The Board of Directors of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc has announced the appointment of two officials as non-executive directors.

A disclosure notice by the bank on Tuesday said the new non-executive directors are Emeka Ogbechie and Paul Kokoricha.

Mr Ogbechies appointment took effect from 27th May and he is to replace Dick Kramer who retired from the Board of the bank in September 2019.

On his part, Mr Kokorichas appointment took effect from 28th August 2020, and he is to replace Mr. Cyril Odu who passed on in September 2019.

Profile

The disclosure said that Mr Ogbechie is a seasoned finance professional with experience in Strategy and Corporate Planning; Portfolio Management and Benchmarking; Financial Reporting; Analytics and Tax planning; Treasury and Liquidity Management; and Cost Optimization.

He is currently the Chief Finance Officer of Capital Alliance Nigeria, a position he has held since 2019. Before joining Capital Alliance Nigeria, Mr Ogbechie had held positions in several local and international organizations including Equity Bank Kenya Limited; UBA Capital Plc. Lagos; Credit Suisse London; Deloitte London; and Ernst & Young, London.

Mr Ogbechie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from American Intercontinental University, and a Master of Science Degree in Management from the London School of Economics. He is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and holds an MBA (Strategy and Finance) from INSEAD.

On his part, Mr Kokoricha is a Partner at African Capital Alliance, a private equity investment management firm. He joined African Capital Alliance in 2002 as the Chief Financial Officer, before making a transition to Fund Manager role in 2004. He has extensive experience in private equity investment management as well as in business turnarounds, transformation, and re-organisation.

Before joining African Capital Alliance, Mr Kokoricha worked with Liberty Bank Plc for eight years as Group Head of Operations, with responsibility for Operations and Information Technology across the bank. Mr Kokoricha also worked with Arthur Andersen & Co., providing accounting, consulting, and audit services to varied clients in financial services, oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing sectors.

He is a Director of several companies, including Continental Reinsurance, Bankers Warehouse Limited, Fin Insurance and Swift Networks Limited. He is the Chairman of the Board of Private Equity and Venture Capital Association of Nigeria. Mr Kokoricha holds a B.Sc in Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.
Israel and a Chadian envoy discussed a possible upgrading of relations on Tuesday that would include a mutual exchange of ambassadors, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.

Chadian President Idriss Deby visited Israel in 2018 to start a process of reviving ties that the African country severed in 1972. Israel has cast the process as part of an outreach to the Arab and Muslim world.

That process now includes the announcement last month of a normalisation deal with the United Arab Emirates.

In Tuesday's talks, a Chadian delegation led by Abdelkarim Deby, the president's son, and Netanyahu discussed "appointing ambassadors and opening diplomatic missions, including (by Chad) in Jerusalem," a statement by the prime minister's office said.

The delegation could not immediately be reached for comment.

According to the Israeli statement, the delegation - which included Chad's intelligence chief - also discussed bilateral cooperation on counter-terrorism and other matters.

In a separate statement, Israeli Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen said Netanyahu government's would send a business delegation to develop possible mineral projects in Chad.

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How this ISIS operative from Mangaluru lured her victims and converted them to Islam

Indigenous Aircraft Carrier theft case: Data of ships battle management system deleted

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Sep 08: The files containing vital information regarding the functioning of the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier was deleted from the Solid State Drive, the National Investigation has said.

This was submitted by the NIA before the special court, which is hearing a bail plea filed by accused Sumit Kumar and Daya Ram.

The NIA said that the stolen SSDs were part of a multi functional console. This is vital when the ship comes under attack.

The deleted data is that of the ship's propulsion system, power management system and battle management system.

9 months later, how NIA cracked the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier theft case

On September 5, the NIA filed a chargesheet in connection with the theft of computer devices from the under-construction Indigenous Aircraft Carrier.

The chargesheet was filed against Sumit Kumar Singh and Daya Ram, residents of Bihar and Rajasthan respectively.

The case pertains to the criminal trespass and theft of critical electronic components including processors, random access memory and solid state drives, installed aboard the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) under construction at the Cochin Ship Yard Limited (CSL), between July and September, 2019.

The investigation into this case spread across several states. After a thorough probe that lasted nine months, the NIA zeroed in on the two accused persons. They were arrested and following sustained investigation, they confessed to their crime.

The accused were engaged as contract employees for painting work aboard the IAC between February and September 2019. While working aboard the IAC, they had observed the computer systems functioning on the warship under construction and conspired, since May, 2019, to commit theft of computer hardware components, for monetary gain.

They then trespassed into the locations aboard the IAC, where the critical computer resources were installed and committed theft of the critical computer hardware including processors, RAMs and SSDs with data, knowing that the same pertains to the security of the nation and hence is restricted.

In September 2019, the accused had sold one stolen processor. They then left Kerala for their native places along with the stolen devices. The stolen devices which was in their possession was however recovered by the NIA.

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 12:34 [IST]
SALEM, Ore. - Hundreds of people gathered Monday afternoon in a small town south of Portland for a pro-President Donald Trump vehicle rally  just over a week after member of a far-right group was fatally shot after a Trump caravan went through Oregons largest city.

Later, pro-Trump supporters and counter-protesters clashed in Oregons capital city of Salem.

Vehicles waving flags for Trump, the QAnon conspiracy theory and in support of police gathered at about noon at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City.

The rallys organizers said they would drive to toward Salem and most left the caravan before that. A smaller group of members of the right-wing group the Proud Boys went on to Salem, where a crowd of several dozen pro-Trump supporters had gathered.

At one point Monday afternoon, the right-wing crowd rushed a smaller group of Black Lives Matters counter-demonstrators, firing paint-gun pellets at them.

After unfolding a large American flag on the steps of the Capitol, right-wing protesters charged again, leaving several counter-protesters injured. Police then stepped in and arrested two right-wing protesters.

Organizers of the earlier vehicle rally in Oregon City said they did not plan to enter Multnomah County, where Portland is located. Oregon City is about 20 miles (32 kilometres) south of Portland.

In Portland on Monday, Black Lives Matter supporters rallied in a city park and demonstrated peacefully, KOIN TV reported.

Teacher unions are part of the labour movement, and I feel like its really important for people who are members of a union to step up and say, Our labour supports Black Lives Matter and we are ready to organize in support of systemic change,  educator Joanne Shepard told the TV station.

On Aug. 29 Aaron Jay Danielson, a supporter of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer, was killed in Portland after a pro-Trump caravan went downtown. Trump supporters fired paint ball canisters at counter-demonstrators, who tried to block their way.

Danielsons suspected killer, Michael Forest Reinoehl, was fatally shot by police Thursday. Reinoehl was a supporter of antifa  shorthand for anti-fascists and an umbrella description for far-left-leaning militant groups.

Demonstrations in Portland started in late May after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and have continued for more than 100 days.

A fire started outside a police precinct on Portlands north side resulted in about 15 arrests during protests Sunday night into Monday morning, police said.
Learning that the US government is about to charge your company with breaking monopoly laws would not normally come as good news. But in Google's case, it might just be met with a sigh of relief.

For more than a year, antitrust regulators at America's Department of Justice have been circling the internet search giant, and this summer they have been gradually closing in.

Google has long been in the crosshairs of the US government, Credit:AP

Although three other big US tech companies - Apple, Amazon and Facebook - are in Washington's crosshairs, Google has long stood out as the most likely candidate for monopoly charges.

The groundwork for building a case against the company has already been laid. Rivals such as Yelp have been griping about Google's control over its search engine and the internet's advertising infrastructure for years.
The Sekondi High Court, trying two accused for allegedly murdering four young girls in the twin-city Sekondi-Takoradi, adjourned after counsel for the accused failed to appear in court to observe self-isolation while undergoing treatment for the COVID-19 pandemic.



After hours of waiting, the presiding judge, Justice Richard Adjei-Frimpong, adjourned the case to October 5, 2020, due to the outbreak, which had been communicated to the court.



The adjournment



Justice Adjei-Frimpong said the court had been informed that the office of one of the lawyers of the two accused persons recorded a positive case of COVID-19, therefore the need to follow the required procedures.



The court, which was hearing the case statements from the families of the four missing girls, was left with no option but to adjourn.



Facts



Presenting the facts of the case, the State Chief State Attorney, led by Ms. Patience Klinogo, said the accused persons were both Nigerians and friends.



The first accused, Samuel Udeotuk Wills, who claims to be a trader, was a resident of Kansaworado in Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis, while the second accused, John Oji, also claims to be a salesman at Port Harcourt in Nigeria, who visited the first accused at Kansaworado regularly.



The prosecutors said the four victims in the case were identified as Ruth Abeka, aged 18, who resided at Diabene with her grandparents and other siblings; Priscilla Blessing Bentum, a 21-year-old student of University of Education, Winneba, also resided at Diabenekrom with the parents.



The other two were identified as Ruth-Love Quayson, aged 18, a student who resided at Diabenekrom with her parents, while Priscilla Mantebea Koranchie, a 15-year-old student, also resided at Fijai Hills with her parents.



Ms. Klinogo said during investigations, the police discovered that the Tigo number 0576679518, which had been used to call Bentum several times on August 17, 2018, prior to her kidnap that day, belonged to the first accused.



Wills itemised bills



An examination of Udeotuk-Wills itemised bills indicated that he had used an MTN number 0550905425 to communicate with both Quayson and Koranchie prior to their kidnapping, saying: The Vodafone numbers into which Ruth-Love and Priscilla Koranchie parents paid the ransoms were found to belong to Udeotuk-Wills.



In the same year, December 22, 2018, Police intelligence led to the arrest of Udeotuk-Wills from his hideout at the outskirts of Kansaworado.



John Ojis arrest



On June 4, 2019, Oji was arrested by the police in Aflao at the border and handed over to the CID at the Police National Headquarters in Accra.



Saying during investigations, a conversation between Udeotuk Wills and John on Facebook was discovered on Udeotuk Wills mobile phone.



In the discussion, the two accused discussed kidnapping and how substances such as cocaine and heroin could be administered to victims.



Expressions like KDP and RBS meaning kidnap and ritual blood sacrifices were some of the discussions uncovered between the two accused persons.



The two were then charged with kidnapping, while the search for the victims continued and that between August 2 and August 5, 2019, a combined team of police investigators from the Western Region and CID headquarters, Accra, conducted a search at Udeotuk-Willss former residence leading to the retrieval of some skeletons, which were subjected to forensic examination that proved that they were those of the missing girls.





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.

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When the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) banned Indias banks from processing payments related to cryptocurrency in April 2018, investors came up with an ingenious solution. A set of cryptocurrencies tied to fiat or government-issued currencies (called stable coins) were used to process transactions. These cryptocurrencies are designed to represent units of fiat currencies, usually the US dollar. Investors could park money in them and convert them into cryptos such as bitcoin.

With the revival of trading on crypto exchanges, the Indian rupee is now claiming back its place.

How stable coins solved the problem

Stable coins solved an important part of the crypto transaction problem.

The RBI ban had pushed the industry from exchange-administered transactions to peer-to-peer trading. Exchanges could no longer accept rupees and they had to be directly transferred between counterparties. However, transferring rupees to counterparties through NEFT or RTGS was time-consuming and the crypto price would often change before the money arrived, incentivizing one of the parties to renege on trade.

The industry responded by using stable coins. These were currency tokens issued by private companies against actual hard currency reserves. USD-Tether emerged as the most popular such stable coin, tied to the US dollar. Some stable coins, like USDC, are issued by companies regulated in the US. Their books are audited and hence there is a reasonable degree of safety that they have hard currency backing the stable coin," said Nischal Shetty, CEO, Wazir X, Indias largest crypto exchange.

This happened in India too. In India, use of stable coins skyrocketed after the RBI payments ban since exchanges could not accept rupees. For our peer-to-peer customers, stable coins offered the solution of holding cash in the exchange without having the need to withdraw to the bank account every time," said Arjun Vijay, co-founder of Chennai-based Giottus, a cryptocurrency exchange.

However, the credibility of stable coins such as tether has always been the subject of controversy. The issuer of the coins may not actually hold fiat currencies against the tether or may not hold them in sufficient quantities. A March 2019 article in Forbes noted that some of tethers reserves are in loans rather than pure reserves making it an unregulated fractional reserve bank.

Rupees comeback

After the Supreme Court quashed the RBI payments ban in March 2020, rupee payments have made a comeback. The Indian market was $200-300 million per day in 2017. After the RBI ban, that dropped to around $5 million, most of it (around 90%) in stable coin. Post the SC judgment, the stable coin volume has remained at around $5 million, but now rupee-crypto contributes an almost equal amount," said Neeraj Khandelwal, co-founder of CoinDCX, a cryptocurrency exchange.

The rupee switch is happening alongside a formalization of a previously largely underground market.

The Supreme Court decision on the RBI payments ban has brought the market above ground and made it more accessible. However, cryptocurrencies remain a volatile and speculative asset that we do not recommend for retail investors.

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(Refiles to fix typo in lead)

COPENHAGEN, Sept 7 (Reuters) - A rapid switch to electric cars to meet Denmark's ambitious climate targets will leave a massive gap in its finances, a government commission said on Monday.

Moving to electric vehicles from those powered by fossil fuels is central to Denmark's goal of cutting emissions by 70% by 2030 and becoming climate neutral no later than 2050.

However, the Nordic country relies heavily on car and road taxes worth some 50 billion Danish crowns ($7.95 billion) a year, or 2.3% of GDP, to fund its welfare system.

In March, the Danish Council on Climate Change, an independent advisor to the Danish government, said the number of electric cars should rise to at least 1 million by 2030 from less than 20,000 now in order to meet the targets.

"This would create a significant problem for the economy," commission head Anders Eldrup told a press briefing.

Increasing the number of electric cars to 1 million through raised subsidies and higher taxes on fossil-fuelled cars would result in a total net loss to society of 5.7 billion crowns in 2030, the commission said.

Under the current tax system, proceeds from car and road taxes are already set to drop by 10 billion crowns each year in 2030, it said.

The commission was asked by the government to suggest how to switch from fossil fuelled cars to electric cars in the coming decade without jeopardizing the state budget.

The transport sector contributes about 40% of Denmark's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, with less than 1% of cars powered by electricity.

With favourable conditions and early support from the government, Denmark now gets about half of its power from wind turbines and is seen as a pioneer in addressing climate change. ($1 = 6.2901 Danish crowns) (Reporting by Tim Barsoe and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen; Editing by Alexander Smith)
Former President John Dramani Mahama has promised to 'track down' all the missing excavators which were reported missing under the ruling government.



The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been criticizing the ruling government for their inability to locate the missing excavators and to prosecute the individuals who were allegedly involved in the scandal.



The flagbearer of the NDC speaking at the manifesto launch of the party said when he assumes office as President, his government will "will track down and take the excavators that are missing; we will return them to the rightful owners"



"We will improve the mining sector" he added.



A next NDC administration will also:



a. partner with mining equipment owners to support small-scale miners due to equipment challenges of the small-scale mining sector



b. establish mini-processing plants in strategic mining locations to support and improve metallurgical recovery of mined ore, leading to increased revenue generation



c. take stock of existing large-scale mining concessions to make abandoned lands available for small and medium scale mining operations



d. promote legal and properly regulated and operated medium and small-scale mining to become attractive and well-paid business ventures, creating jobs for the youth



e. re-issue confiscated legitimate mining licenses to miners



f. return seized legitimate concessions to their owners





It may be recalled that in February 2020, excavators that were seized by the government from illegal small scale miners were reported missing.Subsequently, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng wrote to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to investigate the disappearance of the excavators.The central Regional Vice-Chairman of the NPP, Horace Ekow Ewusi and some five other persons were also invited by the CID over their alleged role in the matter to assist in investigations.

Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/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.

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Book lovers, get your reading chairs ready: the 2020 Giller Prize longlist has been announced with 14 authors up to win the lucrative $100,000 literary prize.

A string of firsts mark this years longlist, which was released on Tuesday morning. They include the first second-generation nomination with Eva Crocker getting her first nod for her debut novel All I Ask (her mother, Lisa Moore, is a three-time finalist) and the first graphic novel to make the list, Clyde Fans by Guelph-based Seth. Its also, of course, the first list to be announced in the midst of a pandemic, which will change the way the festivities roll out this year.

The nominees are:

Gil Adamson for her novel Ridgerunner, published by House of Anansi Press. It was 10 years between Adamsons last novel The Outlander  winner of the 2007 Dashiell Hammett prize for crime fiction  and this one, a sequel of sorts. This is Adamsons first time on a Giller list.

David Bergen for his short-story collection Here The Dark (Biblioasis). Bergen is no stranger to the Giller Prize, winning in 2005 for The Time in Between and being longlisted for The Retreat in 2008, The Matter With Morris in 2010 and Stranger in 2016, and also acting as a juror in 2007.

Lynn Coady for her novel Watching You Without Me (House of Anansi). Coady won the 2013 Giller for her book of short stories Hellgoing and was shortlisted in 2011 for The Antagonist, also acting as a juror in 2017.

Eva Crocker for her novel All I Ask (House of Anansi). This is Crockers first time on the Giller list although her mother, Lisa Moore, was a finalist for Caught in 2013, Alligator in 2005 and Open in 2002.

Emma Donoghue for her novel The Pull of The Stars (HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.). London, Ont.-based Donoghue is no stranger to the Giller list: she was longlisted in 2008 for The Sealed Letter; shortlisted in 2016 for The Wonder.

Francesca Ekwuyasi for her debut novel Butter Honey Pig Bread (Arsenal Pulp Press). This is a first appearance for the writer and filmmaker.

Michelle Good for her novel Five Little Indians (HarperCollins), of which our reviewer wrote: an intense depiction of how life unfolds for five likeable young people once theyre out of residential school, and how Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike dont understand how the experience affected those who were forced to go. This is Goods first appearance on a Giller list.

Kaie Kellough for his short-story collection Dominoes at the Crossroads (Vehicule Press). While this is his first Giller nomination, he won the 2020 Griffin Poetry Prize for Magnetic Equator.

Thomas King for his novel Indians On Vacation (Harper Collins). King was a juror in 2002, although this is his first nomination.

Annabel Lyon for her novel Consent (Penguin Random House Canada). This is her third Giller nomination, having been on the shortlist in 2009 for The Golden Mean and longlisted in 2012 for The Sweet Girl.

Shani Mootoo for her novel Polar Vortex (Book*Hug Press). Mootoo has been on a Giller list before, as a finalist in 1997 for Cereus Blooms at Night, longlisted in 2009 for Valmikis Daughter and shortlisted in 2014 for Moving Forward Sideways Like a Crab.

Emily St. John Mandel for her novel The Glass Hotel (HarperCollins). This is St. John Mandels first appearance on a Giller list.

Seth for his graphic novel Clyde Fans (Drawn & Quarterly). This is the first year the prize has expanded its eligibility to include graphic novels. This one is Guelph-based Seths opus, which he worked on for 20 years. It will be interesting to see whether the judges take this to the shortlist or not.

Souvankham Thammavongsa for her short-story collection How to Pronounce Knife (McLelland & Stewart, an imprint of Penguin Random House Canada). This is her first time on a Giller list.

The 14 nominees were chosen from 118 books by a jury of five made up of author Mark Sakamoto, former chair of the Ontario Media Development Corp. (now Ontario Creates); B.C. author and previous Giller nominee Eden Robinson; British/Canadian author Tom Rachman; author and previous Giller nominee David Chariandy; and British journalist and arts commentator Claire Armitstead.

The shortlist is to be announced on Oct. 5 at a virtual live event, with the winner unveiled Nov. 9, an announcement that will be much different than in previous years. Details to come on that.

The prize was founded in 1994 by businessman Jack Rabinovitch to honour his wife, literary journalist and former Toronto Star books editor Doris Giller.
Rural Independent TDs are set to make a Dail bid to overturn what they claim are "unworkable and downright bizarre" Covid-19 regulations requiring pubs to keep a record of meals ordered by their customers.

It comes as up to 200 "abandoned" publicans from rural Ireland are to descend on Leinster House to express their dissatisfaction to the Government over being closed for six months.

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar last night promised that the next reopening date for so-called 'wet pubs' that don't sell food will be a firm one after two previous false starts. But he could offer no guarantee that they would reopen this month.

The issue of pubs is expected to be raised in the Dail tomorrow as the Rural Independents group seeks to reverse regulations that mean pubs and restaurants that have reopened must retain records of the "substantial meal" ordered by each customer.

The regulations were last week criticised by the opposition and within Government.

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Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald called the regulations "nuts" while a number of Fianna Fail TDs also raised questions, with Marc MacSharry branding the regulations as a "Stasi" move and junior minister Anne Rabbitte saying she was "gobsmacked" by them.

Tipperary Independent Mattie McGrath called on all critics of the new regulations - including those in Government - to back his group's Dail motion.

The Independent TDs claim that the Government has sought to play down the severity of the regulations with its claims that it's not a requirement to record the meals ordered by every person that enters a premises.

The Independents argue that this is a "direct contradiction" of what is actually included in the statutory instrument making the regulation law.

Mr McGrath claimed the regulations were "unworkable and downright bizarre" and "an unnecessary burden on an industry which is almost at breaking point".

He added: "The Rural Independent group and I are calling on the Government to admit that they got this one wrong, rescind the statutory instrument and refocus on supporting and fully reopening an industry in a safe but logical manner."

Ms McDonald said that, in her view, the regulation was "over the top". However, the Sinn Fein leader added that her party hadn't seen the Independents' motion and that it will consider whether to support it when it does.

Asked whether he would support the motion, Mr MacSharry also said he hadn't seen it. He suggested the Government should adjust the statutory instrument to remove the requirement for records to be kept of every customer's meal.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly's spokesperson did not say what approach the Government would take to the Independent TDs' motion.

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She said: "The objective of the measures, to protect those [pubs and restaurants] following the guidance and to allow for enforcement against those who are not, is supported by the restaurant sector."

She added that restaurants already keep the records outlined in the regulations.

The spokesperson also said Mr Donnelly was "keen to see all pubs reopen as soon as possible... This matter is currently under consideration under the context of the Government's roadmap, which will be launched next week".

Mr Varadkar said the controversial regulation about retaining evidence of a meal for each customer was due to run out on September 13.

"It only applies until then, after which it can be extended or amended. But this isn't about wanting to know what people had to eat in a restaurant.

"It's just a regulation to make sure that those pubs that are serving meals... are actually doing that and abiding by the rules. It's asking them, if challenged by the gardai, to be able to produce evidence that a meal was served. Generally speaking, they can do that anyway, because companies keep very good records of their sales.

"I think perhaps some people have maybe misinterpreted what the regulation says or what was intended."

Up to 200 publicans from counties Tipperary, Donegal, Monaghan, Mayo, Sligo, Kerry, Westmeath, Longford, Kilkenny and Waterford are to meet at Merrion Square today. Representatives of the groups say they hope to meet Taoiseach Micheal Martin.

Publican TJ McInerney, who runs TJ Mac's bar in Mullinahone, Co Tipperary, told the Irish Independent that rural publicans feel "abandoned" by the Government.

He said: "The Government is turning Ireland into the bleakest place in the world, with the lights out. We want to turn the lights back on."
In this latest adventure, We Bare Bears: The Movie introduces the biggest threat to the Bears thus far  a sinister villain named Agent Trout who is determined to tear the lovable brothers apart.

SINGAPORE  The We Bare Bears series ended last year, but theres a new movie centred around the three beloved bears that will really bring the show to a close (well, theres a spin-off series, but well have more on that later.)

In We Bare Bears: The Movie, the bears face their biggest threat thus far  a wildlife control agent named Agent Trout who is determined to capture the bears after theyre deemed a nuisance by the city. Running from this sinister villain will test the brotherly bonds of Grizz, Ice Bear and Panda.

Cartoon Network released the movie in the US in June early, ahead of the original global schedule, because everyone needed some content to cheer them up while staying at home amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, Asia and the rest of the world get to say farewell too, as the We Bare Bears movie is set to debut across Warner Medias network of channels simultaneously this Saturday (12 Sept).

We had an exclusive interview with the creator of We Bare Bears himself, Daniel Chong, and talked about what the popular cartoon represents for audiences, what fans can expect from this movie send-off for the bears, and what it means for him as a creator.

One of the major themes of We Bare Bears was the idea of making a home around people who are not like you, a situation which the Bears often find themselves in. This theme came from Daniels experience as an Asian-American  his parents are from Singapore. We asked him how he felt as an American born to Singaporean parents who has lots of family in Singapore.

A spin-off series, We Baby Bears, is in the works that will feature the Bears as younger cubs. What can you tell us about the spin-off?

I can't really talk much about it, unfortunately, but I am an executive producer on it. It's in development. I've also moved on to a different project now, and I'm working on something else, but I think the team is in good hands. They'll probably make announcements down the line, but it's being worked on right now.

Story continues

But youve left Cartoon Network, isnt it?

I've left the studio, that is correct. I'm still an executive producer on (the spin-off), but I'm not going to be in charge of that show.

We Bare Bears's appeal to adults as well as kids was accidental, said creator Daniel Chong. (Image: Cartoon Network)

Why the decision to end the We Bare Bears series, or change the format? Do you think your audience grew out of the original show or had you said everything you wanted to say with the Bears?

The honest answer to that was when we were making the movie; we did not know that was gonna be the end of the show. I didn't know what kind of episodes we would make after the movie because so much of the movie changes the world of the show, but I guess we've been doing it for so long, we just assumed we'd just keep going.

The studio decided to end the series and then move on to a spin-off. Your guess is as good as mine; maybe they also did feel that we had done enough. I mean, we definitely did four seasons, which was quite a bit, you know. To end it with the movie, I think, in hindsight now, it was a good call.

Going into a spin-off now is probably a smart thing to do because it gives a refreshed sort of setup for the show. I am totally fine with it. I think the movie does create a nice bookend for the series and says everything we want to say.

Whats that other project that you mentioned youre working on?

I cant answer that (laughs). I guess what I can say is that it's a much bigger project, and it's something that is requiring all the sort of experiences and skills that I've learned on Bears, to pull this off. Like a lot of things in animation, its gonna take a very long time to make. But I feel more prepared to take something like this on, and I'm excited to share it, but I'm gonna kind of disappear for a little while, while I make it.

Are you still interested in the themes in Bears, such as the parallels to Asians within American society and our relationship with social media?

You know, it's interesting; Bears is the first thing I ever made (as a creator). And I think, in some ways, I couldn't have planned all the things that were in that show. A lot of it comes out as you're writing it and I couldn't have planned from the beginning that this is what I wanted to say, and these are the themes that I care aboutyou kind of figure that out as you go.

So now that Ive finished (Bears), Ive just got to make sure I don't repeat myself. Ive got to make sure that I don't just do the same thing twice, you know. I have to find a new avenue and new kinds of characters and different kinds of themes and all that stuff. So I think that the goal creatively is always to make sure that youre pushing yourself and taking yourself out of that comfort zone. You do carry with yourself a lot of the skills and experiences, and the leadership and the work process. You bring that in so that you can work a little smoother.

What can fans expect from We Bare Bears: The Movie as a final story for the series?

I would be the first to say; it's probably not going to answer every question that every fan has had. And one of the reasons for that, as I just mentioned, is that we didn't know this was gonna be the ending (when we were making it). So we weren't trying to tie a bow on every single thing.

Definitely the biggest (question) that we answer is how the bears met, and that was a critical thing for the show that fans have always wanted to know, and that is really at the core of what the movie is about. But to me, what the show is doing is taking this really much bigger theme of acceptance and tolerance and equality, which is what the Bears show has always been about, especially for me, and pushing that idea and making that the forefront of the show, and showing the bears being tested.

This is the most they've ever been tested with that idea. And maybe the fans don't know that that is what they wanted, but I think when we came down to write it, we realised that this is us taking the core of the show and blowing it up and testing it as hard as we can. So I'm hoping that fans will at least feel that catharsis when they watch it.

I understand that your parents are Singaporean, although you were born in the US and youre a US citizen. Have you ever felt that Singapore was a second home?

I am Singaporean Chinese, and it is special to know that the place where my family is from has embraced the show so much. Weirdly, it sort of creates this connectivity; that Im kind of connected with, but I'm not, at the same time. But the fact that they have understood and related to my show and embraced it, there's something kind of beautiful and special about having that experience. I'm just really grateful to the Singaporean fans for falling in love with the bears and letting them be a part of their lives.

It's been a couple years since I travelled to Singapore (to promote We Bare Bears), and it was great. I felt very loved and welcomed (by fans of We Bare Bears). My parents, my sister and I used to travel to Singapore during the hot summers. That's what I remember about Singapore the most. We have lots of family there. I have lots of memories of Singapore.

I don't know that I have the right to say that (Singapore is my second home). But I guess it feels that way when you go somewhere, and you see your extended family there. I think there is a level of familiarity. But Singapore's changed so much. It's also unrecognisable, in some ways, when I come back.

Even though its a cartoon, We Bare Bears also appeals to adults, because it deals a lot with social media and becoming popular on social media. Were you speaking to a generation that wants to be influencers?



My take on this show was always that it was gonna be a modern show. It was always gonna be a reflection of today, of the world that we live in now and it's something that not a lot of animation shows do. Part of it might be because they don't want to age, or they don't want to show something that's going to be outdated. It is risky for us to go so far in on everyday stuff and things that are happening right now because they could get obsolete pretty quickly.

But the real answer to the ability to cross over to adults and children comes down to this: when we write the show, we try to make it about the things that we find interesting and funny and compelling and meaningful and emotional; the things that we, as artists in my crew, who are all adults, relate to. They're things that we find funny and the things that we are compelled by. So, in a way, we're lucky that what we find interesting also happens to be things that kids can grab on to, and something that adults grab on to.

I don't think that I can take credit for saying that I masterminded who our audience would be. I think it just happened to be that what the crew that I built, and myself, found interesting, just happened to relate to people of all ages and I'm very grateful for that. But it was not planned.

We Bare Bears: The Movie will debut in Asia on 12 September at 11am (SGT) on Cartoon Network as well as these other Warner Media channels: Boomerang, Warner TV, Oh!K, and HBO.
RTHK: Belarus detains protest leader after expulsion bid

Prominent opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova was detained by Belarusian authorities on Tuesday, a border official said, after thwarting what a Ukrainian government minister described as an attempt to expel her from Belarus.

The Interfax Ukraine news agency said the activist had deliberately ripped up her passport so that Ukrainian border officials would not be able to let her through.

Deputy Ukrainian Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko said on Facebook that Kolesnikova, who had been missing for the past 24 hours, had successfully prevented "a forcible expulsion from her native country".

The fate of Kolesnikova, a key figure in weeks of mass protests over the disputed re-election of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, had been a mystery since supporters said she was snatched in the street by masked men in the capital Minsk on Monday.

"Maria Kolesnikova was not able to be deported from Belarus as this brave woman took steps to prevent herself from being moved across the border. She remained on the territory of the republic of Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko is personally responsible for her life and health," Gerashchenko said.

Kolesnikova's whereabouts were unclear. Two other opposition figures who had gone missing around the same time as her, Anton Rodnenkov and Ivan Kravtsov, did however enter Ukraine in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the Ukrainian border service said.

"Kolesnikova has now been detained, I can't say concretely where she is, but she has been detained," Anton Bychkovsky, a representative of the Belarusian border service, said. (Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2020-09-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 13:28:18|Editor: huaxia

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WUHAN, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- No new confirmed, asymptomatic or suspected cases of COVID-19 were reported in central China's Hubei Province Monday, the provincial health commission said Tuesday.

By Monday, Hubei still had three close contacts under medical observation. The province cleared its confirmed cases on Aug. 31.

Hubei has reported a total of 68,139 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and 63,627 patients have been discharged from hospitals after recovery. The disease claimed 4,512 lives in the province. Enditem
By Express News Service

COIMBATORE: Throwing caution to the wind, a section of attenders (family members) of positive patients are reportedly entering the Covid-treatment ward in Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH).

The attenders enter the premises to provide food to the critically-ill patients, said a hospital source, adding that such attenders are not given PPE kits.

CMCH Dean (in-charge) P Kalidas refuted the allegations and said attenders are not allowed to enter the Covid ward.

But attenders are allowed to help patients placed in Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) ward. "

However, on condition of anonymity, a health department official said, Not all attenders are allowed into the Covid ward, but only a few who could help critically-ill patients with regular chores.The hospital source claimed that the attenders are allowed to nurse patients due to insufficient health staff in the hospital.

According to the source, a 60-year-old woman from Vadavalli recently contracted the infection as she was frequenting the ward to help her husband have food.

When TNIE visited the hospital on Monday, a few attenders were seen entering the Covid-treatment area without any restrictions.

Sources said that some attenders, coming from adjoining districts, even stay on the hospital premises during the night due to lack of an alternative.

An attender of a patient said, The hospital staff allow me to go into the Covid ward to feed food to my husband who is in the ICU. I just wear a facemask but not a PPE kit. Some attenders also complained about poor hygiene in the ward.

The ward, as well as the toilets, are not clean. If I had money, I would have admitted my mother to a private hospital, said a woman from Arisipalayam.

However, Dean Kalidas said that there are enough sanitary workers to keep the place tidy.
Balbir Singh Sidhu

Chandigarh: With a view to strengthen screening of the population for timely detection of corona virus positive patients to contain the spread of pandemic, Punjab Government has decided to allow private hospitals/clinics/labs to conduct Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) for Covid-19 after empanelment with District Health Authorities.

Giving details in press release, the Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said that guidelines have been issued to all the Deputy Commissioners and Civil Surgeons of State regarding allowing Rapid Antigen Testing for Covid -19 by private health establishments. He said that RAT kits would be provided free of cost by the department.

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Balbir Singh Sidhu

The Civil Surgeons will empanel those private hospitals/clinics/labs who are willing to get empanelled voluntarily for offering testing by RAT kits provided free of cost by the Department.

The Minister said that the private hospitals/labs can charge maximum Rs 250 from the patients, in case the kits have been provided by the health department. Earlier, rate of Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) has been reduced for private labs from Rs 1000 to Rs 700 inclusive of GST and other taxes those have been using their own RAT kits.

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The private hospitals/labs will follow SoPs for use of RAT kits provided free of cost by the Department of Health and Family Welfare.

Covid-19

Highlighting Standard Operating Procedures for the RAT, Sidhu said that the private hospitals/clinics and labs should have a separate isolated area for the suspected patients of Covid-19 where sample will be taken. The person taking samples will ensure complete Personal Protective Gear.

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The institution should have an arrangement of biomedical waste management generated by the test as per the guidelines.

The Minister clarified that all rapid antigen test results are entered into the ICMR portal using the login ID credentials provided by the health department.

Punjab government

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For all Asymptomatic High-risk Contact of positive case and symptomatic persons, who are negative by rapid antigen test, another NP/OP swab to be collected in Virus Transport Medium (VTM) should be sent to the identified real-time RT-PCR laboratory for Covid-19 testing as soon as possible.

The private hospital shall arrange the required logistics for such samples pack them and send to the RT-PCR testing Lab. The same can be sent to nearest Government Health facility as per protocol. He said that the samples sent by empanelled private hospitals/clinics shall be tested free of cost at Government Labs.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Mostly sunny skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. High 24F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low 19F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
An IAF fighter jet flies over the UT amid the prolonged India-China stand off in the region, in Ladakh, Sunday. (PTI)

New Delhi: China's People's Liberation Army has confirmed that five youths missing from Arunachal Pradesh have been found by them and their handing over process to Indian authorities is being worked out, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday.

The five youths had gone missing on Friday from the Sino-Indian border in the Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.

"China's PLA has responded to the hotline message sent by Indian Army. They have confirmed that the missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh have been found by their side. Further modalities to handover the persons to our authority is being worked out," Rijiju tweeted.

Rijiju, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, hails from Arunachal Pradesh and is an MP from the state.

The incident of five missing youths came to light when two members from their group, who had gone for hunting in the jungle together, returned home and informed the families of the five that they had been whisked away by the Chinese troops from Sera-7, an Army patrol zone located about 12 km further north of Nacho.

Nacho is the last administrative circle along the McMahon Line and is around 120 km from the district headquarters Daporijo.

Those who were allegedly kidnapped by the Chinese army have been identified as Toch Singkam, Prasat Ringling, Dongtu Ebiya, Tanu Baker and Ngaru Diri.

An Army official said, "As a result of persistent efforts of the Indian Army, five missing hunters from Indian side of LAC in Upper Subansiri, who had inadvertently crossed over to other side on 02 Sept 2020, were traced. The Chinese Army on September 8 responded on Hotline and confirmed that the missing Indians have been found on their side. Formalities for their early transfer is being coordinated with the Chinese Army."

On Monday, China brushed off questions over the whereabouts of the five youths and needled India, saying it has never recognised Arunachal Pradesh which it claims is part of south Tibet.

"China's position on the east sector of the China-India boundary, or Zangnan (the southern part of China''s Xizang (Tibet) ), is consistent and clear," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing, adding the Chinese government has never recognized the "so-called Arunachal Pradesh".

"I'm not aware of the situation you mentioned," the spokesperson said when asked about any updates about the missing Indian nationals.

The development comes at a time when the Indian army has enhanced its deployment along the 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) in view of the tense border situation with China in eastern Ladakh.

In March, a 21-year-old man was abducted by the PLA from Asapila sector near the McMahon Line.

While his two friends managed to escape, Togley Sinkam was taken away at gunpoint, his family had said.

He was released by the Chinese army after 19 days in captivity.

The Indian Army had on September 2 provided food, warm clothes and medical assistance to three Chinese citizens who had lost their way in sub-zero temperatures at an altitude of 17,500 feet in a border area in North Sikkim.

The Indian Army personnel deployed in the area also guided the Chinese citizens, including a woman, to return to the Chinese side and reach their destination.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 16:28:56|Editor: huaxia

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PHNOM PENH, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's National Assembly President Samdech Heng Samrin on Tuesday called for bolstering international cooperation and solidarity to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the 41st ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly via video conference, Samrin said the pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges such as public health concerns, mass gatherings, disruption to global supply chains, as well as serious global social and economic impacts.

"Hence, we all need to work together and enhance international cooperation and solidarity for our common interests and benefits," he said.

In ASEAN, the pandemic has been actively controlled in a timely manner with collective efforts in sharing best practices, knowledge and information, especially the recent establishment of the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund that addresses essential needs, he added.

Samrin said that fighting COVID-19 requires significant funding, supplies, and human resources, so the culture of sharing, solidarity and unity are crucial.

"While our region is struggling to recover from this crisis, we need to further deepen our regional integration to facilitate the flow of goods, services and people," he said.

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Vietnam is the rotating chair of ASEAN for 2020. Enditem
Four Corners Property Trust FCPT recently shelled out $7 million for the acquisition of two properties from Seritage Growth Properties. This move comes as part of its portfolio-expansion efforts through the Seritage transaction which was announced last October and expanded last month.



Being located in highly trafficked and populated corridors in California and Utah, the properties are likely to keep witnessing solid demand. Currently, these properties are leased to the brands corporate entities and include an auto services center operated by American Automobile Association (AAA) and an Arbys restaurant. The leases have a weighted average lease term of roughly nine years. Moreover, the purchases seem strategic, with the transaction being priced at a cap rate in range with its previous transactions.



This August, Four Corners announced its outparcel portfolio growth with Seritage Growth Properties, signing an amendment to the deal originally announced last October, for acquiring nine additional single tenant outparcel properties from Seritage for $27.3 million. The nine outparcels included four restaurant brands, three bank branches and two retail brands. The transaction will take place in tranches, with the majority closing this year and the rest in 2021.



Primarily engaged in the ownership of high-quality net-leased restaurant properties, Four Corners maintains an investment-grade financial position and seeks solid acquisition opportunities. With the latest acquisition, aggregate portfolios between Four Corners Property Trust and Seritage totaled 32 properties for $96 million, of which 17 properties worth $55 million have closed so far.



While the pandemic has hit the restaurant industry hard, the reopening of economy is boosting hopes and things are now looking much better compared with late March, thanks to the recovery in sales. Moreover, the company is targeting growth of its portfolio through acquisition of additional real estate to lease, on a net basis, for use in the restaurant and retail industries.



In addition, the companys rent collection from tenants has been strong. As of Jul 29, it managed to collect July, June, May and April rent payments, totaling 99%, 91%, 90% and 95%, respectively, of its portfolios contractual base rent for those months.



Shares of this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company have appreciated 2.2% over the past three months, while its industry has declined 4.7%. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.





Story continues

Other Stocks to Consider

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Duke Realty Corporations DRE 2020 funds from operations (FFO) per share has been revised 2.8% upward to $1.49 over the past month. The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.



Industrial Logistics Properties Trusts ILPT FFO per share estimate for the ongoing year moved 1.6% north to $1.87 over the past month. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2.



Omega Healthcare Investors OHI FFO per share estimate for the current year has moved marginally upward to $3.16 over the past week. It currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2.



Note: Anything related to earnings presented in this write-up represent funds from operations (FFO)  a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs.

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As the United States shut down in the spring and tens of millions of people lost their jobs, Arizona modernized its 35-year-old computer system on the fly to get unemployment benefits into peoples hands as fast as possible. This is government technology that is actually helping people.

To a point.

Arizona has also been a case study of the limits of technology in the teeth of a jobless crisis, government bureaucracy and people trying to game the system. States like Arizona have been plagued by old and underfunded technology systems, but policy choices and the scale of need are the big reasons people are having trouble getting financial help.

My colleague Ben Casselman recently wrote about Arizona rebuilding from scratch parts of its computer system that had struggled to handle unemployment claims. The new system partially replaced one developed in the 1980s using Sputnik-era computer programming software, said Michael Wisehart, the director of the Arizona Department of Economic Security.

That has allowed the state to pay within a few days a new $300 weekly supplemental unemployment insurance benefit, Wisehart said. Its easier for people to track the status of their claims, too. That is good news at a time when many Americans have struggled, sometimes for months, to receive jobless payments.
Investors will extract 10 pct of the country's gas consumption from the Black Sea, starting next year, Niculae Havrilet, State Secretary in the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Business Environment, said on Tuesday at the FOREN 2020 online conference.

Havrilet did not specify the name of the company, but it is Black Sea Oil & Gas, which announced that it will begin production in the Midia offshore perimeter in the first half of 2021.

Romania consumes about 10-11 billion cubic meters of gas annually.

"In Romania, the energy production sector has suffered a major impact due to low demand, but we need to recover. We have an integrated plan, there is a strategy to move production from coal to gas, because Romania has the opportunity of the Black Sea. There are investors who will bring into the market, starting next year, 10 pct of the total annual demand. So, fortunately, we have natural gas and we have important coal generation capacities, that need to be converted to be used for decarbonised energy," the ministerial official said.

He stressed that, despite the COVID-19 crisis, investment continues.

"The activity is in operation, we need to increase demand, we need to invest in new capacities, but also in infrastructure, where this public service is not functional. We have EUR 1 billion in European support to expand gas distribution infrastructure and intend to use innovation funds to use natural gas to produce hydrogen. Also, at the moment, many energy producers want to invest in new opportunities, in offshore wind farms. And this, following a study by the World Bank, saying that in the Romanian part of the Black Sea there is a wind potential of 80,000 MW," Havrilet elaborated.

This will also help to achieve Romania's target of achieving a renewable energy of 30.7 pct of consumption in 2030, compared to 24 pct at present, added the representative of the Ministry of Energy.
Mumbai, Sep 8 : Italian origin model-actress Giorgia Andriani is collaborating with Bhangra pop star Mika Singh to remake an evergreen Bollywood number, though she is not in the mood to reveal the name of the old hit song yet.

"I'm soon shooting for an old evergreen Bollywood song remake, sang and composed by Mika Singh. I'll share the name of the song with you later on. This song is unique because the genre in which it's been remade is path-breaking and not really common in Bollywood," Giorgia said.

She is happy to collaborate with Mika. "His work can never disappoint, his heart is one of the purest I know, and I'm a big fan of his. (I am) Very much looking forward to start shooting, and very much looking forward to you all enjoying this song!" she summed up.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The shipment is part of Egypts ongoing aid airlift to its southern neighbour

Three Egyptian military planes carrying 42 tonnes of food, medical supplies and medicine arrived in Khartoum on Tuesday in the wake of deadly flooding that has killed dozens of people in the country.

This is the largest humanitarian shipment Egypt has sent since the beginning of the crisis in Sudan, Egyptian Charge dAffaires to Sudan Nader Zaki was quoted as saying by Sudanese news agency SUNA.

The shipment is part of Egypts ongoing aid airlift operation to Sudan, launched upon the directive of President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi to help the Sudanese people deal with the natural disaster.

Egypt has sent Sudan over 80 tonnes of humanitarian aid so far, Zaki said, adding that this amount is less than half of the total amount scheduled to be sent.

Zaki said that the airlift will continue to operate daily during the coming period in order to contribute to alleviating the impact of the floods and to help the people of Sudan to overcome the crisis.

Abbas Fadlallah, the head of Sudans Humanitarian Aid Commission, thanked El-Sisi, as well as the government of Egypt and the countrys embassy, for providing assistance. He said he considers the airlift a reflection of the strong relations between the Egyptian and Sudanese people.

On Saturday, the Sudanese authorities declared a national state of emergency for three months due to the deadly floods.

In addition, Egyptian Health Minister Hala Zayed travelled to Sudan on Tuesday to help the Sudanese people to overcome the repercussions of the floods, ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed said.

The minister was accompanied by a 20-strong team of doctors with different specialisms, as well as a number of nurses and experts in epidemic control.

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(Bloomberg Opinion) -- At a time of American retrenchment from the Middle East, theres a tendency in foreign-policy circles to overestimate Chinas influence in the region, even an expectation that it will take on some of the hegemons historic responsibilities in the region. But Beijings interests there are economic and tend to be concentrated in the Gulf Arab states. Whats more, they have a very limited lifespan, tied to Chinese demographic trends that point to declining demand for hydrocarbons over the next two decades.

This period will coincide with a fiscal dilemma for the oil and gas exporters of the Gulf Cooperation Council, when their own demographic burden of an aging population reaches retirement, even as pension systems go underfunded and social welfare states are eroded. The dilemma is especially acute for states that are now building a significant sovereign debt repayment schedule for years to come.

Little thought is being given in Washington to what comes when Chinas imports of oil and gas tail off, leaving the region with neither superpower supervision nor a major consumer of its principal product. For the Gulf Arab states, a strategic partnership with China does not help achieve regional balance against Iran.

It is American power that currently guarantees the free movement of international shipping in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea corridor. Beyond guarding a global free market, a forceful American presence in the Middle East would discourage the kind of Turkish adventurism we now see in the Eastern Mediterranean and the competitive basing and intelligence operations taking place in Sudan, Somalia and Yemen. There is a role for regional powers to play, but we are all better off when there is systemic order, anchored by American hegemony.

The governments of the GCC member states are acutely aware of the fiscal cliff they face in the next 20 years, when global oil demand plateaus and they have burned through much of their accumulated wealth. The trendlines in the GCCs largest member state, Saudi Arabia, prefigure the approaching crisis. It faces future that is more middle- or working-class in its citizen demographics, more female in family leadership and bread-winning roles, with growing consumer debt burdens. Its population will be more heavily taxed, concentrated in cities that are more and more expensive to live in.

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In the same 20-year timeframe, Saudi pension systems will be grossly underfunded, public health and education systems overburdened, and social safety nets for the chronically unemployed and underemployed frayed. The debt-servicing burden will, meanwhile, balloon.

Thanks to an external-debt issuance spree by GCC states, the Middle East is already a leader in bond sales, surpassing Asia and Eastern Europe. In 2008, Gulf external sovereign debt issuance was negligible as a proportion of emerging-market debt; by 2017 it was more than $50 billion. Last year saw $52.9 billion in new GCC government debt, outpacing chronic borrowers in Latin America. Already in 2020, weve seen $40 billion in new Gulf issuance and the total could reach nearly $70 billion.

In these circumstances, it is useful to have an external source of investment that does not require a bond prospectus, and a powerful partner which can provide technology and defense materiel. China looks very good as a bridge strategy for Saudi Arabia and the Gulf oil exporters.

There is a small window to capitalize on energy exports to China, whether in the form of oil and gas or petrochemicals. If China in the meantime can serve as a co-investor in energy projects  from petrochemical facilities in the Saudi Red Sea port of Yanbu to a refinery in Omans Arabian Sea port of Duqm  so much the better.

For how long, though? Chinas birth rate is in rapid decline, and its economic growth slowing  by one reckoning, to just 2.5% this year. Even rosy pre-Covid estimates by the World Bank saw Chinas GDP growth slowing below 5% by 2030; investment bank Natixis, in a recent report on the global effects of an aging China, projects it at as little as 2.5%. Meanwhile, Chinese investments in renewable energy are exploding.

Any way you look at it, Beijings need for Gulf oil will inevitably diminish, with grave consequences for GCC economies  and by extension, the legitimacy of its ruling elites.

This grim outlook, combined with American retrenchment from the region, has inspired some experimental foreign policy by the Gulf Arab states. It informs their improving relations with Israel and even some tentative outreach toward Iran, under the cover of cooperation in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. But these are no substitute to the American protective umbrella.

In the next 20 years, we can expect a power vacuum to emerge across the Middle East. This will be problematic for the heavily populated economies that sit along its most important sea trade routes. What comes after the Gulfs China fling is something American policymakers should be thinking about more seriously.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Karen E. Young is a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute.

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

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2020 Bloomberg L.P.
HOUSTON, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rosehill Resources Inc. (RRI) and Rosehill Operating Company, LLC (Rosehill Operating and together with RRI, Rosehill or the Company) announced that, on September 4, 2020 (the Effective Date), they emerged from chapter 11 bankruptcy (the Chapter 11 Cases) pursuant to their prepackaged chapter 11 plan (the Plan). The Plan implements the previously announced Restructuring Support Agreement between certain of the Companys consenting creditors and preferred equity holders.



Pursuant to the Plan, all general unsecured creditors, including the Companys trade creditors and vendors, will be paid in full by Rosehill Operating in the ordinary course of business. All of Rosehills prepetition equity interests have been cancelled as of the Effective Date, and as of the Effective Date, Rosehill Operatings equity is majority owned by funds managed by EIG Global Energy Partners.

Court filings and information about the Chapter 11 Cases can be found at a website maintained by Rosehills claims agent, Epiq Corporate Restructuring, LLC, at https://dm.epiq11.com/rosehill, or by calling 1-866-897-6433 (Domestic) or 1-646-282-2500 (International).

Advisors to Rosehill and EIG

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Haynes and Boone, LLP are acting as legal counsel, and Jefferies LLC and Opportune LLP are acting as financial advisors, to Rosehill in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal counsel, and Rothschild & Co. and Intrepid Partners, LLC are acting as financial advisors, to EIG.

About Rosehill Operating

Rosehill Operating is an independent oil and gas exploration company with assets positioned in the Delaware Basin portion of the Permian Basin. The companys strategy includes the focused development of its multi-bench assets in the Northern Delaware Basin and the Southern Delaware Basin, as well as adding economic drilling inventory to support future growth. Rosehills website is www.rosehillresources.com. Information on the website is not part of this press release.

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About EIG Global Energy Partners

EIG Global Energy Partners is a leading institutional investor to the global energy and infrastructure sectors with $22.9 billion under management as of June 30, 2020. EIG specializes in private investments in energy and related infrastructure on a global basis. During its 38-year history, EIG has committed over $34.2 billion to the energy and infrastructure sectors through 363 projects or companies in 36 countries on six continents. EIGs clients include many of the leading pension plans, insurance companies, endowments, foundations and sovereign wealth funds in the U.S., Asia and Europe. EIG is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with offices in Houston, London, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong and Seoul. For additional information, please visit EIGs website at www.eigpartners.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

Investors in Rosehill are cautioned that trading in its securities involves a high degree of risk and investors may lose all of their investment. This communication includes certain forward-looking statements that may constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the federal securities laws. All statements included in this communication, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Chapter 11 Cases, the Plan, the final terms of the Plan, recovery by any creditors or equity holders, and Rosehills operations and liquidity. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from Rosehills expectations, including the risk factors described in RRIs Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, RRIs Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020, and in other public filings with the SEC by RRI. The COVID-19 pandemic and related impact on economic and industry conditions may make it more difficult for Rosehill to assess future risks or the impact of known risks. These forward-looking statements are based on managements current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this communication. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, Rosehill disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this communication. While Rosehill makes these statements in good faith, neither Rosehill nor its management can guarantee that anticipated future results will be achieved. Rosehill assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements made by Rosehill, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contact Information

David L. French Craig Owen President and Chief Executive Officer Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 281-675-3400 281-675-3400








Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 19:46:52|Editor: huaxia

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ULAN BATOR, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Mongolian police have seized a total of 133 dead marmots so far this year, which could have spread the bubonic plague, local media reported on Tuesday, citing the country's State Professional Inspection Agency (SPIA).

The marmots were found in vehicles heading to the capital city of Ulan Bator, the SPIA said in a statement.

"Some people have been attempting to bring dead marmots illegally into the capital city. Relevant officials of the country such as police officers and inspectors are working around the clock at all checkpoints on the outskirts of the city to prevent the spread of bubonic plague," the agency said.

Although hunting marmots is illegal in Mongolia, many Mongolians regard the rodent as a delicacy and ignore the law.

Since the beginning of this year, 18 suspected cases of bubonic plague have been reported across Mongolia, five of which were confirmed by laboratory tests.

Three of the five people infected with the bubonic plague died.

Most recently, a 38-year-old man died of the plague in Tosontsengel soum of Zavkhan province in western Mongolia on Monday.

The country's National Center for Zoonotic Diseases said that 17 out of all 21 Mongolian provinces are now at risk of bubonic plague.

The bubonic plague is a bacterial disease that can be spread by fleas living on wild rodents such as marmot and can kill an adult in less than 24 hours if not treated in time, according to the World Health Organization. Enditem
The Ministry of Information, the Ghana Health Service, and Partners have provided one-day training for Western Regional House of Chiefs.



This workshop was under the auspices of his Royal Majesty Nana Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II, the President of Western Regional House of Chiefs who is also the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Wiaso traditional area.



In his opening remarks, Nana Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II applauded the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service for an uphill work executed during this Covid-19 pandemic.



The Deputy Minister for information, Mr. Pius Enam Hadzide who led the Ministry of Informations delegation appealed to the Western Regional House of Chiefs and the community leaders to complement the government's effort geared towards awareness creation on the safety protocols of COVID-19 as the country is not out of the woods yet.



Dr. Da Costa Aboagye, Director Health Promotion Division of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and Leader of National Risk Communication and Social Mobilization Committee for Ghana's COVID-19 Response Team, trained participants on COVID-19 preventive protocols and its associated stigma, and Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs).



The Leader of Risk Communication for COVID -19 Response Team emphasised that people with conditions such as hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and cancers which have been identified among the top 4 causes of mortality especially among the aged in Ghana tend to have a substantially higher risk of becoming severely ill or dying from the virus.



In an exclusive interview with Peacefmonline.com, Dr. Da Costa Aboagye intimated that COVID-19 is causing a significant disruption of services in the prevention and treatment of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) in almost all countries.



In an effort to mitigate this, the government has promised to initiate wellness clinics as one of the key methods for early detection of NCDs with the aim of institutionalising prevention is better than cure approach to support curative healthcare delivery, he disclosed.



Concerning stigma, Dr. Da Costa Aboagye gave out some tips on how to address and avoid compounding social stigma.



He said that firstly COVID-19 education is critical in supporting people to take effective action in combating the disease and to avoid fuelling fear and stigma. Secondly, an environment that supports an open discussion of the disease and its impact needs to be created.



Dr. Da costa further urged the chiefs and opinion leaders to provide leadership towards the fight against stigma and empower survivors of COVID- 19 and assist individuals who have been abandoned because they contracted the virus.



He likewise made mention of house owners who eject their tenants because they got infected with COVID-19 to desist from this act and reiterated the President's clarion call that, our enemy is the virus and not ourselves, urging Ghanaians to show love and support each other to help defeat this pandemic.



The leader of Risk Communication for COVID -19 Dr. Da costa Aboagye again encouraged Ghanaians to regularly exercise and eat our local foods as well as fruits and vegetables to boost their immune system against any disease.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 15:03:46|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- American veteran Serena Williams and Dominic Thiem of Austria both advanced at the US Open but followed different paths en route to the next round on Monday.

Williams's ambition of securing a record-equaling 24th Grand Slam title remains alive as she moved into the women's quarterfinals after an immensely hard-fought 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 victory over Maria Sakkari of Greece, while Thiem had a much easier time with a 7-6 (4), 6-1, 6-1 win against Canadian rising star Felix Auger-Aliassime in the men's draw.

Sakkari threatened to repeat her come-from-behind victory over Williams in the Western & Southern Open two weeks ago, but ultimately fell just short.

"It's a completely different match and a completely different scenario, a completely different moment. She was doing so well, she was being so aggressive, and I knew I needed to do the same thing," Sakkari said.

Williams will take on Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova, who overcame Alize Cornet of France 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-3 in another round of 16 match.

Belarus's Victoria Azarenka advanced into the quarterfinals after rallying past Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic 5-7, 6-1, 6-4.

Elsewhere, Belgium's Elise Mertens upset second seed Sofia Kenin of the United States 6-3, 6-3 to also make the last eight.

"I played pretty aggressively from the first ball, and that's pretty necessary against her because she's a great player who can hit a lot of great angles," Mertens said. "I tried to step into the court, and thankfully my first serve was working, so that was a big advantage."

Kenin has won her last 10 major main draw matches after hoisting her first Grand Slam title at this year's Australian Open, but the Belgian proved too strong for her, advancing after just 74 minutes.

In the men's singles, Russian players Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev joined Thiem in the last eight while Australia's Alex De Minaur also advanced. Enditem
Priti Patel branded Extinction Rebellion protesters as 'so-called eco-crusaders turned criminals' today as she vowed to crack down on their 'guerrilla tactics'.

Speaking to the Police Superintendents' Association annual conference, the Home Secretary said she would not allow the group to cause 'anarchy'.

The strong words come after XR's printing press blockade which left some newsagents' shelves empty on Saturday morning.

Addressing the conference, held digitally due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ms Patel said: 'Now it is said that where there is no law there is no freedom, and that law and order is the cornerstone of our free society.

'And without it we have nothing. But events of the last week have exposed another emerging threat  the so-called eco-crusaders turned criminals.

Speaking to the Police Superintendents' Association annual conference by video link, Priti Patel (pictured in Downing Street today) said she would not allow XR to cause 'anarchy'

'Attempting to thwart the media's right to publish without fear nor favour. And a shameful attack on our way of life, our economy, and the livelihoods of the hardworking majority.

'I refuse point plank to allow that kind of anarchy on our streets.

'And I'm right behind you as you bring the full might of the law down upon that selfish minority.

'The very criminals who disrupt our free society must be stopped.

'And together we must all stand firm against the guerrilla tactics of Extinction Rebellion.

'And that means adapting to the threat that they pose and ensuring that justice is served.'

Ms Patel said 'attacking people's jobs and livelihoods' is not 'peaceful protest'.

She added: 'These are not peaceful tactics. These are tactics that are deployed to cause maximum damage to society, blocking of roads for example.

'Last week we saw ambulances and blue lights not even being able to get through to hospitals basically, you know threatening people's lives in addition to the economic wellbeing of our society at a time when actually we're trying to get society up and running all over again.'

Ms Patel's comments come after the Government said powers to help police deal with disruptive protests are 'under constant review'.

XR's printing press blockade in Hertfordshire at the weekend left some newsagents' shelves empty

Home Office minister Kit Malthouse accused some XR activists of seeking to 'impose an extremist world view' on others, claiming the 'worthy cause' of environmental campaigning is 'undermined by their tactics'.

On Monday, he said he and Ms Patel are committed to ensuring the police have the 'powers required to deal with the disruption' caused by groups, such as XR, telling the Commons: 'I will keep the tools available to tackle this behaviour under constant review.'

He also said the tactics used by XR protesters will be examined to ensure police have the tools needed to 'deal with' problems swiftly.
The Willis Independent School District is preparing to reopen for students who chose in-person learning.

School officials are expecting about 55 percent of the student population, all grade levels who elected the option, to return to the classroom full time on Tuesday.

We are (ready) and we are excited, Willis ISD Communications Director Jamie Fails said.

Those who return to Willis ISD will continue to submit assignments and work within the Canvas Learning Management System while experiencing live instruction and help from the teachers.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Thousands of students head back to Houston-area classrooms Tuesday for first time since March

Last week, the Montgomery County Public Health Authority, Dr. Charles Sims and the Executive Director of the Montgomery County Public Health District, Randy Johnson, sent an update to the July 20 Letter of Advisement to all the Montgomery County area public school superintendents.

The letter included several recommended precautions, including that all teachers and staff should wear a mask, even with a face shield. MCPHD recommended all students including under the age of eight wear a mask at all times during the school and be told not to share masks.

The public health officials also recommended that teachers and students practice good and frequent hand washing and cleansing, refrain from touching their face, do not wear gloves in place of frequent hand hygiene; frequently disinfect the environment, limit crowd size when possible, and monitor both staff and students for fever, coughing, sore throat, and/or loss of taste and smell.

Fails said the district has taken various steps to keep students safe and healthy, including by installing plexiglass, new signage around campuses, offering hand sanitizer and making security enhancements at Brabham Middle School.

Students will be required to wear masks. The district prefers that students wear their own masks but will supply a disposable mask provided by the Texas Education Agency, if needed.

When the bell rings Pre-K 8:15-11:35 a.m. 12:35-3:55 p.m. Elementary schools: 8:25 a.m. - 4:10 p.m. Middle schools: 7:30 a.m. - 3:20 p.m. High School: 7:20 a.m. - 3:05 p.m. See More Collapse

Houston coronavirus updates: Abbott's COVID response criticized by Dems and some Republicans

In order to open schools safely we have certain policies and procedures to follow governors orders and also TEA and health department recommendations, Fails said. If we didnt put those things in place, its not likely we would be able to keep our schools open for very long. So, in-person learners are required to wear masks at all times.

There is one exception.

The only exception to that is based on UIL guidelines that they do not have to wear them to physical activity, and we have extended that to recess as long as they are not close to each other, Fails said. But in general P.E. and recess will not have to wear it during physical activity time.

If students wish to not wear a mask or parents wish them not to wear a mask, then the option is to become a remote learner, she added.

The district has already been phasing back in for the past couple of weeks. Some of those who the district welcomed back, included some students with specialized instructional setting or those who were new to campuses such as kindergarten and ninth-grade students.

MORNING REPORT: Get the top stories on HoustonChronicle.com sent directly to your inbox

Its been going great, Fails said. The kids have been super excited to be back and very gracious and understanding of the new procedures that we have in place in terms of social distancing and wearing face coverings and that is what is going to allow us to continue to keep schools open safely is everybody working together.

This year the district decided to extend the school day by 30 minutes at each level to build in additional minutes within the instruction day to prevent the need to make up for a loss in instructional hours such as in the case of extended closures. It also allows more time for cleaning procedures and social distancing requirements, including for lunch time.

The districts regular school board meetings are now held on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 pm at the Cargill Administration Building located at 204 W. Rogers Rd. For more information about the reopening plan, visit Willis ISDs website.

mellsworth@hcnonline.com
Two appointments in USA and Europe increase representation across key regions

Partnership established with On Target Drug Discovery Service and Supply, Ltd. to represent Metrion in Japan

Metrion Biosciences Limited (Metrion), the specialist ion channel CRO and drug discovery company, today announced it has significantly enhanced its global business development capabilities, with additional resources now committed to support key regions in the USA, Europe and Japan.

Anca Haralambie has been appointed as Business Development Executive, representing Metrion in the UK and across Europe. Anca has broad experience of supporting clients in the global drug discovery sector, with particular expertise in translational research and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC).

Mari Kennedy will be supporting Metrion in the mid-west and east coast USA. Mari is an experienced ion channel sales and marketing executive, and joins Metrion's west coast representatives Candidate Biopharma Advisors, to support the Company's USA client base.

In Japan, Metrion will be represented by On Target Drug Discovery Service and Supply, Ltd. (On Target), based in Tokyo. On Target specialises in the sales and marketing of pre-clinical drug discovery services and related products from provider partners located outside of Japan, and will be working to support and expand upon Metrion's customer base in the region.

Dr Andrew Southan, CEO, Metrion Biosciences, said: "Metrion has adopted an ambitious business plan to capitalise upon our unique position in the ion channel contract research arena. By strengthening our business development team we aim to raise further awareness of our capabilities in key territories and expand our portfolio of clients seeking to outsource high quality ion channel drug discovery and safety profiling services."

Dr. Keiichi Yokoyama, founder and Managing Director, On Target, said: "On Target is pleased to support the expansion of Metrion's leading services portfolio within the Japan drug discovery community. We are fully committed to helping Metrion achieve its business goals in our territory by leveraging the Company's scientific expertise with On-Target's market-specific experience and technical sales capability.

ENDS

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005508/en/

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For Metrion Biosciences

Katie Odgaard

Zyme Communications

E-mail: katie.odgaard@zymecommunications.com

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KEENE VALLEY  The Labor Day weekend brought a rush of nature-seekers to the High Peaks region, filling trailhead parking lots early each day.

This part of the Adirondacks has continued to see historic levels of hiker traffic throughout the last few years. The rush of tourism this past weekend marked a continuation of that trend, despite the ongoing closure of the U.S.-Canada border.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation is expecting the high volume of hiker traffic to continue over the next few weeks, according to DEC spokeswoman Lori Severino.

Columbus Day weekend in mid-October is typically the busiest day for hiking in the region.

The increase in tourism over the Labor Day weekend wasnt limited to trailheads. Lake Placids Main Street was bustling well into Monday afternoon.

On Sunday, the Keene farmers market at Marcy Field was busy. Some restaurants and businesses in the Tri-Lakes area had lines out the door, in part because of state-mandated limits on capacity.

Early birds

The Adirondak Loj parking area, serving one of the Adirondacks busiest trailheads, filled up by 6 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, according to Adirondack Mountain Club spokesman Ben Brousseau. Thats about half an hour earlier than usual.

Forest Ranger Scott van Laer photographed a line of hikers, 20- to 30-people long, waiting to sign in to the trail register around 6:30 a.m.

Van Laer spoke to the Enterprise as a delegate of the Police Benevolent Association of New York State.

What happens now is that the savvy, experienced hikers know they have to arrive at extremely early hours to get a parking spot, he said.

On holiday weekends, between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m., Adirondak Loj continues to see dozens of people arrive all at once, creating a rush at the register. By 8 a.m., when new hikers begin arriving, the parking lot is often full.

From 8 (a.m.) to 1 in the afternoon, you have a very steady stream of people unfamiliar with the area, van Laer said. They dont know that theyre coming to an area thats completely overwhelmed.

Camping increase

Camping was much more popular this weekend than it has been the rest of the summer, according to van Laer. There were more campers than campsites, leading to some illegal camping.

Weve also been noticing more people camping in the backcountry, more people staying overnight, Brousseau said.

Education

Public health organizations continue to promote outdoor, socially-distant recreation as among the safest activities during the pandemic. Those recommendations, along with the comparatively low local infection rate, has prompted a new wave of hikers to venture out onto the trails this year, posing a challenge for the state Department of Environmental Conservation and local green groups.

The DEC set up hiker information stations in Lake Placid, Keene Valley and North Hudson last month to educate visitors on best practices and where to hike when the popular trails are busy. Those stations were open this weekend.

The DEC also sent out alerts through the 511NY system to notify travelers that trailhead parking lots were full, something the department started doing in June. In addition to no parking signs installed on state Route 73 last year, large digital signs were placed at popular trailheads over the weekend.

Forest rangers largely focused on the front country over the weekend, according to van Laer.

We were just having so many new people to outdoor recreation, camping and hiking, that we really need to be able to have people to provide them with information, Van Laer said. Not only where to park and what equipment to have, but just to direct them to trails and give them the basics on Leave No Trace.

That educational focus resulted in few parking tickets issued by rangers, because they were able to speak with hikers directly, according to van Laer. Over the weekend, rangers issued about 15 tickets for parking violations along state Route 73 and six tickets for land use violations, according to Severino.

I have very little confidence that the backcountry was handled adequately, van Laer said. We did the best we could with our limited resources.

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Charleston resident Dr. Brandon Stanley wasn't nervous or worried when a nurse injected him with what could be a vaccine for COVID-19.

He had heard about a vaccine trial in the area from his niece, a nurse at the Medical University of South Carolina. He decided to follow up and be a part of the trial to join in on finding a potential solution to the pandemic.

"You have to be proactive," he said. "You can't be on the sidelines."

Stanley was one of the patients who took part in the first week of a vaccine trial at the Clinical Trials of South Carolina. The research trial is organized by pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca.

The plan is to enroll 30,000 people into the company's third trial phase across 80 sites in the United States. Clinical Trials of South Carolina is one of two locations in the Charleston area serving as a testing site. The other location is MUSC.

Both sites are expecting to enroll 1,500 residents each. The Charleston area was selected as a testing location because of its high coronavirus infection rate. At this phase of the vaccine trial, researchers are looking for patients who are likely to have more exposure to the virus.

This includes people like first responders, grocery store staff and nurses. Stanley works in orthopedics. The goal is to test whether the vaccine will protect people from COVID-19 and if it is safe.

"We're pretty early on," said Erica DeGroff, chief operations and business officer at Pain Specialists of Charleston. "We have a long way to go."

Clinical Trials is the research portion of the North Charleston-based Pain Specialists of Charleston. It started seeing patients for the vaccine trial on the morning of Aug. 29. It got the OK from AstraZeneca to start seeing patients the day before.

Enrollment in the trial is open for the next six to eight weeks. Patients have to be at least 18 to be involved.

Participants are given around $100 for each of their scheduled study visits. Residents can visit coronaviruspreventionnetwork.org to learn more about getting involved in the study.

Researchers still have a long road ahead of them. Dr. Jeremy Ackerman is a principle investigator at Clinical Trials. He has worked previously with the company on a flu vaccine.

That study involved between 100 and 150 patients. The 1,500-patient goal for the COVID-19 trial is a big jump, he said.

"That's a lot of manpower," he said. "There's so much paperwork."

The facility expects to see 40 to 45 patients a day. Each one has to be guided through a 40-page consent document to make sure they understand the process.

From there, they will go through health screenings and exams. Researchers will also be looking at patients' medical histories. Respiratory and heart conditions are some of the things that disqualify a patient from the study.

To help with the high volume of participants, the Army and the city of North Charleston are helping Clinical Trials build modular medical units. These will hold additional exam rooms.

For every two patients who receive an injection of the actual vaccine, one will receive a placebo. Patients will then by monitored and connected with researchers for routine checkups and blood sample examinations.

The vaccine isn't a live virus. It's a molecule that was created to be similar to COVID-19, DeGoff said.

If participants show signs of COVID-19 symptoms, a biometric monitor called a Current Health Monitoring System will be placed around their arm until symptoms disappear. That device will track factors like skin temperature and physical activity as well as respiratory and heart rates.

Nathelia O'Banner, a research manager with Clinical Trials, said all of this work is being done with a sense of urgency. The trial is also one of the fastest that researchers at the facility have been a part of.

Historically, the mumps vaccine is considered one of the fastest ever to be developed. It was licensed in 1967 and took four years to complete.

O'Banner has worked in drug research since 2008. She said she has only seen four drugs out of hundreds of studies get approved.

The current COVID-19 vaccine trial will last two years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is informing state health officials to be ready to distribute the vaccine to health care workers and high-priority groups as early as Nov. 1 of this year.

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in a press release that positive and promising results from preclinical research and early-stage clinical trials support the vaccine's rapid development.

"That part is exciting," O'Banner said. "It's going to be here before we even know it."

When the vaccine is released, people in the medical field will likely take priority in terms of getting it. The current trial is potentially a way for residents to essentially skip the line, DeGoff said.

Stanley has known a few friends and family members infected with COVID-19. Those cases were mild. He, like some others, view a vaccine as a crucial step toward managing the pandemic.

"You see the light at the end of the tunnel," he said.
I have enjoyed getting stuck into it, is Charlie McConalogues reaction to his first few days as Minister for Agriculture. He describes his appointment by Micheal Martin last week as a great honour and emphasises that he is well aware that he needs to hit the ground running in his new role.

Taking up the role after the short tenures of Barry Cowen and Dara Calleary, the new Minister says being Fianna Fails agriculture spokesperson for several years has been a great help as he gets to grips with what is shaping up to be an exceptionally challenging few months.

Raised on a farm in Gleneely in Donegal, McConalogue says he has had a great gra and passion for farming all throughout my life.

A UCD graduate in economics, politics and history, he was active in student politics, and he also worked as a political organiser for Fianna Fail headquarters.

After the death of his father, Charlie, the eldest of six children, returned home to Carndonagh to run the family farm.

McConalogue was elected to Donegal County Council in 2009 and took a seat in the 2011 General Election. He retained the seat in 2016, topping the poll, and was then appointed Fianna Fail Agriculture spokesperson.

Being Minster for Agriculture one day is not something that you would envisage for yourself when youre growing up, but it is certainly a great honour to be in a position now to lead the sector, he says.

Despite being widely tipped for the post, it was Wednesday morning before Martin confirmed hed got the job.

Making the announcement in the Dail, the Taoiseach said the new Minister would immediately face a number of urgent challenges which are central to securing the long-term future of rural Ireland.

When he spoke with Martin about the positions priorities, Brexit was top of the agenda.

The Brexit challenge is imminent, says McConalogue.

With the budget coming up, we need to look at the different scenarios that could unfold to ensure the sector is supported and prepared for it.

Expand Close 02/09/2020 (L to r) Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue TD & Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD during a session of Dail Eireann at the Convention Centre, Dublin. Photo:Gareth Chaney/Collins / Facebook

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Whatsapp 02/09/2020 (L to r) Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue TD & Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD during a session of Dail Eireann at the Convention Centre, Dublin. Photo:Gareth Chaney/Collins

The negotiations for the next Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) was another important area which he discussed with the Taoiseach.

We need to ensure that it works well for farmers, that its as straightforward as possible and that it achieves the objectives that are required of it at European level.

However, he emphasises that the next CAP must be focused on farm incomes and improving the economic situation of farmers.

Working at EU level I will be doing everything I can to ensure the budget is as strong as it possibly can be, he said.

But with farmers still in the dark over the future of CAP payments from next year, McConalogue concedes that this is a major cause of concern.

With meaningful negotiations over the reform of the CAP post-2020 stalled by uncertainty over the budget, he says it is not clear yet if the reform would be delayed by one year or two.

Certainly some of the indications at EU level are that there is a need for two years.

Over the next couple of weeks, we will have to engage with what are the transitional arrangements for next year.

Another priority, and something that he pushed strongly for in opposition, is the establishment of a National Food Ombudsman which is part of the Programme for Government.

Transparency in the food chain is very important, he says. We can make sure there is an office there that can shine a light on the food chain to assess where margins are at and to ensure prices are properly reported on in terms of the returns that farmers are getting.

Climate action

The direction of Climate Action policy will be another defining test for the new Minister.

He believes that its clear from the EU Commissions proposals for the next CAP and our own national commitments that every sector must play its part in reducing emissions

I know agriculture has taken this very seriously and is up for it and I think the critical thing here is that it (climate action) is a partnership with farmers in terms of addressing that challenge.

We need to make sure that farmers are rewarded and paid for the actions they will be taking.

Irish farmers have a tremendous track record for producing the highest-quality food, and they have to be entrusted to keep being custodians of the land while they produce that top-quality food, he says.

Describing his first few days in the job as very intense, he adds that he is lucky as he knows hes in charge of a really good Department with really good officials.

And while he knows big challenges are coming down the tracks, he says hes looking forward to tackling them head on.

It is not the way he would have wanted to be appointed

Despite the upheaval caused by the sacking and resignation respectively of his two predecessors, Charlie McConalogue doesnt believe the role of Agriculture Minister has been damaged.

I think it has been a source of frustration and disappointment as to how things have happened.

It was a real source of personal disappointment to my predecessors. I know both were very passionate about the role and would have made very good ministers, but it wasnt to be, he says.

While he conceded it is not the way he would have wanted to be appointed, he is delighted and honoured to have the opportunity.

The priority now is to provide leadership to the Department and to hit the ground running.

That will start this week when he meets all the main industry stakeholders.

There has been great patience and understanding shown, he says about the farm organisations reaction to the political turbulence of the last few months.

I have no doubt that farmers want to see us get a full grip on all the issues and I will give every waking moment to the role, he promises.

Minister McConalogue says he is looking forward to being the person at the Cabinet table that would be speaking out and leading on behalf of the agri-food and marine sector.

Agriculture has achieved a lot in terms of development in recent years.

Its a really important part of our economy and our largest indigenous employer. We are facing immediate challenges in the near future which we have to address, but in the medium to long term, there is a really good story that we can continue to build on, he says.

Expand Close Newly appointed Charlie McConalogue TD as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, President Michael D. Higgins and An Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD.PIC:MAXWELLS / Facebook

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Whatsapp Newly appointed Charlie McConalogue TD as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, President Michael D. Higgins and An Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD.PIC:MAXWELLS

Convergence

The controversial issue of farm payments convergence is one Minister McConalogue was outspoken about as opposition spokesman.

Prior to the election, he had said the convergence process should continue including during the transition period in advance of the next CAP programme commencing.

As to his position now, he explains that the Commissions proposals for the next CAP are that all member states will be required to reach at least 75pc convergence by 2026.

So the convergence process is something that is going to happen and something that we will support.

There is going to have to be a wider decision as to whether we go further than that (more than 75pc). That is something that I will be engaging with farm organisations on and consulting very widely on, he says.

In terms of convergence within the transitional period, he will be engaging with the Department and farm organisations on the issue in the coming months. It is something I will consult on first, he adds.




Houston, TX and St. Louis, MO, Sept. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RadioMedix Inc. and its commercial partner Curium announced today that DetectnetTM (copper Cu 64 dotatate injection) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Detectnet is a positron emission tomography (PET) agent indicated for the localization of somatostatin receptor positive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in adult patients. Curium expects to launch Detectnet immediately with doses available through various nuclear pharmacies or directly from Curium.

"Detectnet brings an exciting advancement in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors for healthcare providers, patients, and their caregivers," said Ebrahim Delpassand, MD, CEO of RadioMedix. "The Phase III results demonstrate the clinical sensitivity and specificity of Detectnet which will provide a great aid to clinicians in developing an accurate treatment approach for their NET patients. Perhaps most exciting is that the 12.7-hour half-life allows Detectnet to be produced centrally and shipped to sites throughout the U.S. This will help alleviate shortages or delays that have been experienced with other somatostatin analogue PET agents."

"Curium is excited to bring the first commercially available Cu 64 diagnostic agent to the U.S. market. Our unique production capabilities and distribution network allow us to deliver to any nuclear pharmacy, hospital or imaging center its full dosing requirements first thing in the morning, to provide scheduling flexibility to the institution and its patients," said Curium CEO, North America, Dan Brague. "We look forward to joining with healthcare providers and our nuclear pharmacy partners to bring this highly efficacious agent to the market."

About Detectnet

IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Radiation Risk

Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including Detectnet, contribute to a patient's overall long-term cumulative radiation exposure. Long-term cumulative radiation exposure is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Ensure safe handling and preparation procedures to protect patients and health care workers from unintentional radiation exposure. Advise patients to hydrate before and after administration and to void frequently after administration.

Risk for Image Misinterpretation

The uptake of copper Cu 64 dotatate reflects the level of somatostatin receptor density in NETs, however, uptake can also be seen in a variety of other tumors that also express somatostatin receptors. Increased uptake might also be seen in other non-cancerous pathologic conditions that express somatostatin receptors including thyroid disease or in subacute inflammation, or might occur as a normal physiologic variant (e.g. uncinate process of the pancreas).

A negative scan after the administration of Detectnet in patients who do not have a history of NET disease does not rule out disease.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In clinical trials, adverse reactions occurred at a rate of < 2% and included nausea, vomiting and flushing. In published trials nausea immediately after injection was observed.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Somatostatin Analogs

Non-radioactive somatostatin analogs and copper Cu 64 dotatate competitively bind to somatostatin receptors (SSTR2). Image patients just prior to dosing with somatostatin analogs. For patients on long-acting somatostatin analogs, a wash-out period of 28 days is recommended prior to imaging. For patients on short-acting somatostatin analogs, a washout period of 2 days is recommended prior to imaging.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy

All radiopharmaceuticals, including Detectnet, have the potential to cause fetal harm depending on the fetal stage of development and the magnitude of the radiation dose. Advise a pregnant woman of the potential risks of fetal exposure to radiation from administration of Detectnet.

Lactation

Advise a lactating woman to interrupt breastfeeding for 12 hours after Detectnet administration in order to minimize radiation exposure to a breastfed infant.

Pediatric use

The safety and effectiveness of Detectnet have not been established in pediatric patients.

Geriatric use

In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

OVERDOSAGE

In the event of a radiation overdose, the absorbed dose to the patient should be reduced where possible by increasing the elimination of the radionuclide from the body by reinforced hydration and frequent bladder voiding. A diuretic might also be considered.

Please see full Prescribing Information by clicking here or visit www.curiumpharma.com.

About RadioMedix

RadioMedix, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company, based in Houston, Texas, focused on innovative targeted radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy of cancer. The company is commercializing radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging and therapeutic

About Curium

Curium is the world's largest nuclear medicine company. We develop, manufacture and distribute world-class radiopharmaceutical products to help patients around the globe. Our proven heritage combined with a pioneering approach are the hallmarks to deliver innovation, excellence and unparalleled service.

With manufacturing facilities across Europe and the United States, Curium delivers SPECT, PET and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical solutions for life-threatening diseases to over 14 million patients annually. The name 'Curium' honors the legacy of pioneering radioactive researchers Marie and Pierre Curie, after whom the radioactive element curium was named and emphasizes our focus on nuclear medicine. To learn more, visit www.curiumpharma.com For more information about this press release, please contact Janet Ryan, media contact for Curium: janet@ryan-pr.com.

About Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a heterogeneous group of rare neoplasms that originate from neuroendocrine cells. These neoplasms occur mostly in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and liver, but can also occur in other tissues including lung, thymus and other uncommon sites such as cervix, heart and prostate. Most NETs strongly express somatostatin receptors (SSTRs).
Michigans fall color season is just around the corner, meaning its high time to start planning where to point your car for a spectacular scenic drive.

To help you decide where to cruise for fall color, the County Road Association of Michigan -- which manages the states more than 90,000 miles of county roads -- compiles an annual list of favorite autumn drives routes around the state. This year the CRA is kicking things off by sharing the Upper Peninsula drives first.

The County Road Association of Michigan encourages Michiganders to explore the beauty of the Upper Peninsula this fall, Denise Donohue, CRA executive director, said in a statement. We all know Michigan has a lot to offer, and the changing leaves are just one of the states admirable qualities. Taking a fall color tour is a safe, accessible activity that allows all ages to observe natures beauty.

The following drives are the best suggestions for fall color from eight county road agencies in the Upper Peninsula. Peak viewing conditions for this region are expected from September 20 to October 5 this year.

Read on for the list, in alphabetical order by county:

Upper Peninsula fall color (estimated peak dates Sept. 20 - Oct. 5)

Chippewa County

North and South Caribou Lake Roads in the DeTour Village area

Gogomain Road from Goetzville to Pickford

Lakeshore Drive from Brimley to M-123

Salt Point Road from M-28 to Lakeshore Drive

Dickinson County

Kramer Drive on the north side of the city of Iron Mountain

Metropolitan Road near Felch

Gogebic County

Black River Road to Black River Harbor

Lake Road from Ironwood to Little Girls Point and Superior Falls

Black River Road from Bessemer to Copper Peak and Black River Harbor

Wolf Mountain Road from US 2 to Wolf Mountain

County Road 519N from Wakefield to the mouth of the Big Presque Isle River and Porcupine State Park

Thousand Island Lake Road from US 2 to Sylvania Wilderness Park

Houghton County

Covered Drive Road

Freda Road

Calumet Waterworks Road

Iron County

Ottawa Lake Road/Hagerman Lake Road loop

Pentoga Trail (CR-639) to CR-424 along Chicagon Lake and Pentoga Road from CR-424 to Brule River

Bates-Amasa Road (CR-643) US-2 to US-141 by Paint River and Hemlock River

Gibbs City Road and Ponozzo Road

US-2 to Houghton County

Keweenaw County

Brockway Mountain Drive

Lac La Belle Road

Gratiot Lake Road

Mohawk-Gay Road

Eagle Harbor Road

Cliff Drive

Five Mile Point Road

Marquette County

County Road 510 from County Road 502 north to Big Bay

Triple A off County Road 510 in Big Bay

County Road 533 in Skandia

M-35 from County Road 480 to Gwinn

Ontonagon County

South boundary road from Presque Isle to Ontonagon

RELATED:

5 must-see spots for fall color at Sleeping Bear Dunes

How to catch a scenic chairlift ride in Michigans Porcupine Mountains
Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  Police are investigating a potential shooting after a wounded man was brought to Yale New Haven Hospital late Tuesday morning.

Capt. Anthony Duff said a 26-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound was brought by a private vehicle to Yale New Haven Hospital at 20 York St. around 11:40 a.m.
It comes amid the increasing spread of Covid-19 in the capital, with cases there soaring in recent days.

Yesterday, 102 additional cases of the virus were recorded, with no new deaths.

Dublin accounted for 56 of the cases, while Limerick has also become an area of concern for the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

Dr Glynn warned people from the two counties that the virus is in the community and the next week is crucial.

The next 7 days is really important. In particular, people in Dublin and Limerick need to assume that #COVID19 is circulating.



1. Reduce your social contacts

2. Take a step back and keep your distance from others

3. Do not drop your guard just because you know someone  Dr Ronan Glynn (@ronan_glynn) September 7, 2020

As of September 5th, there have been 13,812 cases of the virus recorded in Dublin, while Limerick has recorded 817, according to information from the Government's Covid-19 Data Hub.

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Speaking at yesterday's Covid-19 press briefing, Dr Glynn said talking about another lockdown is not always helpful.

"The language of lockdown is really unhelpful. If we have to recommend additional measures, they will be measures to protect people."

"We still have control over this, we still have the power to change the trajectory of this," he said.
The messy divorce that were all mostly tired of may finally see an end: The eighth round of post-Brexit trade negotiations between the UK and EU started on Tuesday. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to tell EU negotiators that unless a deal is reached by 15 October, when EU leaders meet, the UK will walk away, no deal. The two sides still disagree on two key issues: fisheries and the level playing field rules the EU says is necessary to stop Britain from trying to undercut the EUs economy. UK is resisting, saying those are the very rules its trying to escape. For more updates, heres Mint Lite.

Sons moves worry investors

View Full Image Shares in SoftBank dipped again on Tuesday, following reports that the Japanese giant is making huge bets on tech stocks using equity derivatives

Shares in SoftBank dipped again on Tuesday, following reports that the Japanese giant is making huge bets on tech stocks using equity derivatives. The fall has erased about $10 billion of market value. SoftBank bought $4 billion worth of options tied to underlying shares it had earlier purchased in Amazon, Microsoft and Netflix, Bloomberg and Financial Times report. Investors worry that SoftBank is on a risky path, which could lead to losses like those it suffered on WeWork and Uber. SoftBanks Masayoshi Son is personally leading the trading with a small staff. SoftBank reported a record $12.7 billion operating loss in May, caused largely by poor investments by his $100 billion Vision Fund, which invests in tech startups. Shares recovered from March lows after Son said he planned to raise $42 billion by selling assets, but theres uncertainty in the markets again with investors wondering about his future plans.

Bitcoin turns business agile in Africa

View Full Image Bitcoin is booming in countries across Africa, as young, tech-savvy populations doing business across borders need a quick way to transfer money

Bitcoin is booming in countries across Africa, as young, tech-savvy populations doing business across borders need a quick way to transfer money. Monthly cryptocurrency transfers to and from Africa of under $10,000, which are usually made by individuals and small businesses, rose 55% in a year to reach $316 million in June, according to data cited by Reuters. The number of monthly transactions has also risen 50%. Most of the activity took place in Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya. Crypto-currency is not only making businesses nimbler, especially for those who trade with China, but it is also an easy way for those working in Europe and North America to send earnings home despite a weakening dollar. In 2018, the Nigerian central bank said cryptocurrencies were not legal tender, so converting it to local currency depends on informal brokers, but that isnt stopping people who see the rewards outweigh the risks.

Few in school, but edtech a hit

View Full Image Opportunity in education

Online learning platform Byjus on Tuesday raised $500 million in a new round, taking its total funding so far this year to about $1 billion and its value to $10.8 billion. Funding to existing edtech players has seen an uptick this year even as a Mint analysis finds Indias school- and college-going population is likely to decline 10% in the next 15 years . But businesses like private schools and edtech ventures arent too worried by the decline caused by a falling fertility rate. Edtech penetration is about 1% right now, so even with fewer users, the potential is huge (see chart). Indias overall education market is likely to grow to $160-170 billion by 2025. And the pandemic has shifted mindsets, with more parents signing children up for online classes. For more, read Plain Facts.

Disneys Mulan in trouble again

View Full Image Mulan, set to release in China soon, is crucial to Disney, as its studio business declined 55% in the last quarter because of covid-19

Mulan, Disneys $200 million live-action version of a Chinese folktale, finally found its way to screens in the US after a delay of five months due to the pandemic, but its troubles are far from over. Its now facing criticism for being filmed in Chinas Xinjiang, where over one million Uighurs are detained in what the Chinese government calls voluntary re-education centres to prevent radicalization". A recent Buzzfeed News investiga-tion used satellite images to show that over 260 structures rese-mbling prisons have been built in the region since 2017 where thousands of Uighurs, Kazakhs, and other Muslim minorities have been detained. The film was already the target of a boycott call in Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong after its lead actor backed a crackdown on Hong Kong protesters last year. Mulan, set to release in China soon, is crucial to Disney, as its studio business declined 55% in the last quarter because of covid-19.

Festival of the dead goes online

View Full Image Singapores getai concert, which includes songs, skits and over-the-top costumes to celebrate the dead, is going online for the first time because of the pandemic, much like many other events across the globe

Its a grim time, and probably a year when remembering the dead is more important than ever before. Singapores getai concert, which includes songs, skits and over-the-top costumes to celebrate the dead, is going online for the first time because of the pandemic, much like many other events across the globe. Instead of having a live audience, the performance takes place in a studio and livestreamed over the internet. Shows of getai, or song stage" in Chinese, includes stories of gods and goddesses and are held during the Hungry Ghost Festival, which, much like the American Halloween, is celebrated in honour of the dearly departed. It is held in the seventh month of the lunar calendar, when spirits of the dead are believed to return to wander the Earth. The online performances have proven popular, reports Reuters, with some attracting audiences of hundreds of thousands.

Curated by Shalini Umachandran and Pooja Singh. Have something to share with us? Write to us at businessoflife@livemint.com or tweet to @shalinimb

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Ilanah Cami-Goursolas, from left, Esther Gohourou, Medina El Aidi-Azouni and Fathia Youssouf in the movie "Cuties." (Netflix)

Early on in Cuties, Amy (Fathia Youssouf), an 11-year-old Senegalese immigrant living in Paris, hides under a bed and eavesdrops while her mother, Mariam (Maimouna Gueye), makes a few difficult phone calls. Her husband has decided to marry a second wife, she tells her friends; yes, isnt that wonderful news? Amy, from her partially obscured vantage, cant see her moms tears, though she can hear the barely disguised anguish in her voice. At the same time, she has perhaps never seen Mariam more clearly, a woman whose long-suffering heart and tough exterior are finally on the verge of breaking.

So much of this sharp and clear-eyed debut feature, written and directed by the French filmmaker Maimouna Doucoure, is about the power, the danger and the limitations of a childs gaze  everything it can discover, absorb and misinterpret. (It's also become an unfortunate case study in the adult capacity for misinterpretation, but more on that in a bit.) In a tiny public-housing apartment that's about to get even smaller, Amy observes the heartbreaking toll of a patriarchal order that has long governed her Muslim family, but which now holds ever less sway and relevance in her life. In another scene, while walking home with her two younger brothers, she catches a captivating glimpse of freedom: four girls her age, rehearsing a routine for an upcoming dance competition.

The girls, who call themselves the Cuties, dont take too kindly to Amy spying on them and begin chucking rocks at her. That assault, much like their suggestive dance moves, is part of their tough-girl act, and an act it very much turns out to be; the Cuties project a lot more confidence, ferocity and real-world savvy than they actually possess. And Amy, despite or perhaps because of her more conservative upbringing, embraces their style, their attitude and most of all their dance moves with an ardor that surprises them and even herself. Not long after she makes her way into the girls good graces and their dance crew, Amy's the one giving them twerking tips and shooting their Instagram content, inspired by provocative online videos that all of them are a bit young to be watching, let alone emulating.

Story continues

The dangers that lie in wait on the internet are an important subject in Cuties, but the movie, to its credit, never becomes a reductive cautionary tale. For one thing, Amys decisions feel spontaneous and surprising rather than programmed; Youssouf darts through the picture with a vigor, unpredictability and emotional openness that reminded me of nothing so much as one of the Dardenne brothers caution-defying young protagonists. For another, no one in Amys life  not even her absentee father and least of all her newfound friends  can be reduced to a cardboard antagonist or even a negative influence. (Thats especially true of her closest pal, Angelica, a sympathetic ringleader type played by the irrepressible Medina El Aidi-Azouni.)

In a story thats all about looking and seeing, Doucoures own gaze reflects a principled ambivalence: She regards the push-pull of Amys existence  her rigid upbringing on one hand and her incipient liberation on the other  with equal parts affection and skepticism. Doucoure, who won a directing prize at this years Sundance Film Festival, has a knack for finding the perfect image again and again: In perhaps the movies funniest moment, Amy pulls her hijab over her head during a group prayer meeting and secretly watches a dance video underneath.

But while Cuties is full of such inspired contrasts between the sacred and the secular, its also attuned to the similarities. Amys elders, notably a strict auntie (Mbissine Therese Diop) tasked with her education, are bent on molding her into an attractive marital prospect. Her dance routines arent that much more enlightened, insofar as they, too, cater explicitly to mens desires. Clothing can be both beautiful and burdensome, whether its the traditional blue dress that Amy is expected to wear to her fathers wedding or the tight tank tops and other midriff-baring shirts she and her friends favor at school and on the stage.

Thats about as good a segue as I can muster to an unpleasant subject that I wish could be passed over without mention but which nonetheless illustrates why Cuties deserves a more thoughtful, intelligent audience than its own distributor seems to expect. Weeks ago, Netflix released a promotional image that sexualized the storys young protagonists in a way that the movie itself scrupulously avoids doing. Self-styled internet moralists immediately jumped on the film (sight unseen, of course) and called for its removal, essentially likening Cuties to child pornography and spurring Netflix to yank the image and apologize for its mistake.

Societys rampant sexualization of preadolescent girls is one topic that Doucoure subjects to tough critical scrutiny; shes made an empathetic and analytical movie, not an exploitative one. Both her film and the unfortunate contretemps surrounding it make at least two things perfectly clear: A young girl can look at herself, really look at herself, and learn something truthful and powerful from the experience. Some putative grownups, by contrast, can never be bothered to do the hard work of looking at something, let alone learning from it.
Already under fire over her remarks on Mumbai, trouble mounted for actress Kangana Ranaut as the Maharashtra government on Tuesday said the police will probe allegations that she took drugs, while alterations made at her bungalow here came under the civic scanner.

IMAGE: Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut. Photograph: Sunil Khandare/ANI Photo

Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said the Mumbai police will probe allegations by actor Adhyayan Suman that Ranaut took drugs.

Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Deshmukh said Adhyayan, the son of veteran actor Shekhar Suman, was once in a relationship with Ranaut and he had alleged that she used to take drugs.

"The Mumbai police will investigate this matter," the home minister added.

Deshmukh said Shiv Sena MLAs Pratap Sarnaik and Sunil Prabhu raised the issue in the Assembly on Tuesday.

"I replied that she had relations with Adhyayan Suman who has said in an interview that she took drugs and also forced him to take drugs. The Mumbai police will look into all this in detail," he said.

Speaking to reporters, Sarnaik denied that this was a political vendetta.

Ranaut had crossed swords with Sena MP Sanjay Raut last week when he said that she should not return to Mumbai if she felt unsafe in the city.

The 33-year-old, Himachal Pradesh born Queen star came under all-round fire after she likened Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and made critical remarks against the city police.

"The law is same for everyone. There is no political vendetta. Security is given to people who are looked upon as idols. If there are allegations of drug consumption against her and if they are false, the people leveling them should be thrown into jail," Sarnaik said.

The development comes in the backdrop of actress Rhea Chakraborty's arrest by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for alleged drug use.

The NCB is probing the alleged drugs angle in the death of filmstar Sushant Singh Rajput.

Meanwhile, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials on Tuesday posted a notice at Ranaut's bungalow in Mumbai, pointing out many alterations undertaken in the building without the civic body's approval, a claim rejected by her.

A BMC team went to the bungalow of the actor in the Pali Hill area of suburban Bandra and posted the notice there as nobody was present to receive it, a civic official told PTI.

The notice pointed out over a dozen alterations in the bungalow, like a 'toilet being converted into office cabin' and 'new toilets being constructed along side the staircase', the official said.

The BMC has asked Ranaut, who has been provided round-the-clock security by the Centre, to tell it within 24 hours if she had taken approvals for changes in her residence, he said.

Ranaut had on Monday taken to Twitter to share videos of her office premises here and expressed apprehension that the BMC may demolish the property.

The BMC Tuesday filed a 'caveat' in a local court, saying it should be heard first if Ranaut challenges a stop-work notice issued to her.

A caveat is a request to a court that no order should be passed without hearing the person/party which files it.

Ranaut, through her lawyer Rizwan Siddiqui, responded to the BMC's notice, accusing its officials of trespassing on her property and making false claims.

Meanwhile, the actress continued to face criticism for her remarks on Mumbai and its police.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis condemned the remarks made by Ranaut and said they amounted to 'insult' of the police force.

Ranaut had recently said that she feared Mumbai Police more than the 'movie mafia', and would prefer security either from Himachal Pradesh or the Centre.

The Leader of the Opposition said he knew the capacity of the Mumbai police since had had served as chief minister of the state for five years.

"But, the police can come under political pressure," Fadnavis said.

Union minister Ramdas Athawale, an ally of the BJP, said workers of his party Republican Party of India-Athawlale will provide protection to Ranaut when she comes back to Mumbai.

'RPI-A workers have geared up to protect Ranaut who is scheduled to reach Mumbai on Wednesday. Our party workers will offer protection to her at the airport as well as at her residence,' Athawale said in a statement.
EDWARDSVILLE  Bail for a St. Louis man accused of assaulting an Alton police officer will remains at half a million dollars, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Associate Judge Janet Heflin turned down a request from Tyron Edwards to reduce his bail after his lawyer, Kristi Flint, argued he was not the driver of the vehicle that struck the officer Aug. 29.

Edwards is charged with aggravated battery on a police officer and unlawful use of a weapon.

The officer, whose identity has not been released, was taken to a St. Louis hospital for treatment after allegedly being struck by a vehicle Edwards was in.

He has a long road to recovery, Assistant Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido said of the officer.

Madison County Lead Assistant States Attorney Crystal Uhe on Tuesday argued that Edwards was one of the defendants involved in the act, so he was culpable under the accountability theory. Under the law, when more than one person participates or agrees to participate in an act, all those involved are accountable for the actions of the others.

Uhe also said Edwards had a gun.

Also charged in the incident are Deandre C. Jones, 20 of Alton, and Jaylynn A. Barnes, 19 of St. Louis.

The incident was touched off about 1:45 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, when an Alton Police officer spotted two vehicles driving recklessly and chasing each other in Alton.

When officers tried to stop one of the vehicles, the vehicle began to flee from police. The police pursuit continued to the 800 block of Washington Avenue where assisting officers attempted to deploy stop sticks which are used to deflate a vehicles tires and end a vehicle pursuit safely.

As police were deploying the stop sticks, the driver of the suspect vehicle veered across the oncoming lane, onto the shoulder area and off of the roadway, striking one of the Alton Police officers. Another officer at the scene applied a tourniquet and called for medical assistance.

Following the hit-and-run, the suspect vehicle continued fleeing into Missouri until it became disabled. The occupants of the vehicle were later arrested in St. Louis.

Barnes is charged with failure to report an accident involving personal injury or death, aggravated battery, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, aggravated reckless driving and aggravated unlawful use of weapons. His bail also was set at $500,000.

Jones is charged with obstructing justice and disorderly conduct. Her bail was set at $50,000.
Thick smoke poured into the mid-Willamette Valley from forest fires outside the area on Monday night.

Jason Bolen, division chief with the Lebanon Fire District, said east winds were pushing smoke into the valley from wild fires in the Sisters area and elsewhere in the Cascades.

There are some fires in southeast Washington, and their smoke is pushing to Central Oregon, so thats probably pushing down to us, too, he added.

The Lebanon Fire District had no significant fires as of 7:30 p.m. on Monday, nor did Albany. The city of Albany noted in a social media post that the region could even see falling ash from the Cascades blazes.

Were going to have a couple days of really high temperatures, potentially strong winds, so its going to be a little bit dramatic for people to see, Bolen said. Were going to see some really strange weather over the next couple of days.

The National Weather Service issued an air quality alert for the Willamette Valley through 5 p.m. Tuesday, warning that smoky conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels at times.

Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose and aggravate heart and lung diseases and other health problems, the alert states. Residents should avoid strenuous outdoor activity and stay indoors if possible, with windows and doors closed. Bolen urged residents with respiratory issues to stay inside.

The National Weather Service also is warning residents and about high fire danger.

A red flag warning issued by the agency remains in effect through 8 p.m. Wednesday for the Coast Range through the foothills of the Cascades. The notice includes the communities of Alsea, Corvallis, Albany, Lebanon and Sweet Home.

Outdoor burning is currently not allowed in Linn and Benton counties.

Hot and dry conditions are expected, combined with easterly winds, but the breezy weather will slow down and ease by Wednesday. Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread which may threaten life and property. Use extra caution with potential ignition sources, especially in grassy areas.

Higher elevations near Sweet Home could be hammered by gusts of up to 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service. A high wind warning for parts of the Sweet Home area and Cascade foothills above 1,000 feet has been issued from 5 p.m. Monday to 1 p.m. Tuesday. The high wind warning notes that damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines, and widespread power outages are expected.

People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches, according to the high wind notice.

For the Albany-Corvallis areas, winds are expected to hit 13 to 16 mph on Tuesday, with gusts of up to 29 mph, the National Weather Service predicts.

Thats followed by sustained winds of 8 to 15 mph with gusts of up to 25 mph on Tuesday night.

Winds are expected to drop to about 7 mph on Wednesday on the mid-valley floor.

In Albany and Corvallis, the temperature is expected to top out at 93 degrees on Tuesday, climb to 98 degrees on Wednesday, then drop to 96 degrees on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

The agency also has issued a heat advisory for the central Coast Range, including Alsea and Burnt Woods, through 11 p.m. Tuesday. The heat advisory is due to expected temperatures in the high 80s to mid-90s. Residents should drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and take precautions if they are working outside.

The temperature in the Alsea area is forecast for 93 degrees on Tuesday, 97 degrees on Wednesday and 93 degrees on Thursday.

Kyle Odegard can be contacted at 541-812-6077 or kyle.odegard@lee.net.

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Kangana Ranaut Hits Out At Movie Mafia

"Movie Mafia today you might break my face n my house using your powerful friends, it will give you momentary happiness but if you are clever you will know my end is my beginning, you will end me here I will rise somewhere else ... trust me it will hurt you even more," the actress wrote in her tweet.

Kangana Had Claimed Invasion Of Her Mumbai Office By BMC Officials

Earlier, the actress claimed that on Monday, the BMC (Brihanmumbai Minicipal Corporation) officials suddenly turned up to inspect her Mumbai office, and harassed her neighbours. She also said that they threatened to demolish the entire structure.

Kangana Ranaut's Spat With Shiv Sena Leader Sanjay Raut

Kangana Ranaut has stirred a controversy ever since she criticized the Mumbai Police over the handling of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case, and compared Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The actress was bashed for her comments by netizens, and drew a sharp response from Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut.

Ahead Of Her Mumbai Visit, Kangana Has Been Provided With Y-Plus Security Cover

After her controversial tweets drew flak, the actress lashed out at those criticizing her and said that she will return to Mumbai on September 9, challenging them to stop her if they could. After receiving threats, the actress was given Y-plus security cover by the Centre. Kangana took to her Twitter page to thank Home Minister Amit Shah, and wrote, "This is proof that no fascist will be able to crush a patriotic voice, I am thankful to @AmitShah who, given the circumstances, could have advised me to visit Mumbai after a few days. However he kept the honour of the words of a daughter of India and protected my self-respect and pride."
Sumi Sukanaya Dutta By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Centre is considering the request of the Russian government for holding phase-3 trial of Covid-19 vaccine 'Sputnik V' in India and its large scale manufacturing by Indian vaccine makers, a top government functionary said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

The Indian government attaches great importance to this offer of partnership from a very special friend of this nation, and on both the tracks there has been significant movement, said Dr. V K Paul, member (health) Niti Aayog who also heads the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19.

Last month, Russia had registered its first vaccine candidate, developed by Moscow's Gamaleya Institute, after completing early-stage human trials.

ALSO READ | Russian Covid-19 vaccine triggers immune response, has good safety profile: Lancet

The results of phase 1 and 2 trials published in The Lancet last week said that the vaccine was well tolerated by all volunteers it was tested on and also triggered good antibody response.

The vaccine which is administered in two doses, each based on a different vector that normally causes the common cold in humans and other primates (human adenoviruses Ad5 and Ad26), has entered phase-3 trial in Russia.

Paul also said that so far three Indian companies have shown interest in mass production of the Russian vaccine and talks are on with others.

The results of the early clinical trials, at the moment, are also being studied by Indian regulators, according to sources.

ALSO READ | Russia seeks collaboration with India for manufacturing COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V: Sources

Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko has said Russia will start mass-inoculation from November or December, with a focus on high-risk groups. Over half a dozen drugmakers are already conducting advanced clinical trials, each with tens of thousands of participants. Meanwhile, the first batch of the Sputnik V vaccine against Covid-19 has been released into civil circulation, and regional deliveries are planned in the nearest future, as per reports.

In India, three vaccines are currently undergoing clinical trials, including one developed by UK's Oxford University.

Paul said that the Serum Institute of India -- which has entered into a partnership with AstraZeneca, which holds the licence for Oxford Universitys experimental vaccine -- alone has the capacity to churn out 75-100 million doses of vaccine every month.
Many Nigerians have called out the first family for violating part of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act at the wedding ceremony of Hanan Buhari, one of the daughters of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Many also condemned the safety guidelines issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) with regards to overcrowding and social distancing to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hanan and Turad, son of a former lawmaker, Mohammed Sani Shaaban, got married at the Aso Rock villa on Friday  a ceremony which was graced by top government officials, members of the diplomatic community and politicians.

Pictures and videos from the wedding, including those shared on Instagram by the first lady, Aisha Buhari, went viral and trended throughout the weekend.

One video circulated by Sahara Reporters showed the couple dancing and other attendees dancing while some dancers sprayed money on the couple. No social distancing was observed in the video and many attendees were seen without face masks.

This generated outrage as many expressed disappointments at the public figures and other attendees for breaching the CBN Act as well as the NCDC safety guidelines.

Many called for sanctions for offenders while a few others believed the wedding should have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic situation in the country which has caused hardship in the lives of citizens.

What the law says

Section 21 of the CBN Act warns against defacing the Naira. It prescribes a fine of N50,000 or six months imprisonment or both for offenders.

21. (1) A person who tampers with a coin or note with or trading in issued by the Bank is guilty of an offence and shall on notes and coins imprisonment for a term not less than six months or to a fine not less than N50,000 or to both such fine and imprisonment.

(2) A coin or note shall be deemed to have been tampered with if the coin or note has been impaired, diminished or lightened otherwise than by fair wear and tear or has been defaced by stumping, engraving, mutilating, piercing, stapling, writing, tearing, soiling, squeezing or any other form of deliberate and willful abuse whether the coin or note has or has not been thereby diminished or lightened.

(3) For the avoidance of doubt, spraying of, dancing or matching on the Naira or any note issued by the Bank during social occasions or otherwise howsoever shall constitute an abuse and defacing of the Naira or such note and shall be punishable under Sub-section (1) of this section, part of the Act states.

The law further clarifies the term spraying in Section 21(5):

(i) Matching includes spreading scattering or littering of any surface with any Naira notes or coins and stepping thereon, regardless of the value, volume, occasion or intent.

(ii) Spraying includes adorning, decorating or spraying anything or any person or any part of any person or the person of another with Naira notes or coins or sprinkling or sticking of the Naira notes or coins in a similar manner regardless of the amount, occasion or the intent.

The CBN has often re-echoed its fight against the abuse of Naira notes either by spraying at events, trampling on or squeezing it.

The bank has repeatedly vowed that it would clamp down on any person or group culpable of such acts.

With regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials of the NCDC, other public officers including the president, have on several occasions warned against breaching the safety guidelines issued by the agency.

Offenders, including celebrities, have been made to face sanctions ranging from community service to payment of fines.

Although the number of new cases has declined in recent times, the country is still battling with the pandemic as well as the impact on citizens and the country.

As at Monday, the number of confirmed cases stood at 55,160 with 1061 deaths.

Mum is the word

As it stands, only social critics have condemned the act publicly.

Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, did not respond to telephone calls put across to him. The CBNs spokesperson, Isaac Okoroafor, could not be reached via telephone as well.

Although Hanans wedding is one of many ceremonies across Nigeria where the Naira has been defaced and the CBN Act violated, there have been few reports of prosecution of offenders by the authorities.

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Reactions

Here are some reactions on twitter:

Section 21 (3) of CBN Act 2007: Spraying of, dancing or matching on the Naira or any note issued by CBN during social occasions or otherwise howsoever shall constitute an abuse and defacing of the Naira or such note and shall be punishable under Sub-section 1 of this section. https://t.co/MlQkGlf6jT  Ohimai Godwin Amaize (@MrFixNigeria) September 6, 2020

I see. So did COVID get an official invite or just gatecrashed?. https://t.co/FA1U7qqthx  A.A.A. (@B_Ajayi) September 7, 2020

https://twitter.com/official_Lierre/status/1302863581466243075?s=20

https://twitter.com/FestusGreen/status/1302658213750464515?s=20
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 00:18:37|Editor: huaxia

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KIEV, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) provides new opportunities for Ukrainian medical institutions to increase their client base, a Ukrainian physician told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Mariya Gazda is a primary care physician at the Stemcell clinic at the Institute of Cell Therapy in Kiev. Gazda and the clinic have been working with Chinese patients for more than seven years. To find new clients, Gazda and her colleagues participate in various Chinese annual exhibitions.

"Unfortunately, 2020 has restricted us in participating in offline exhibitions. This is our first time to attend the fair and our first time in an online fair," Gazda said.

According to Gazda, all communication with visitors to the fair is carried out using a special 3D stand, which introduces the main services of the clinic and features online interaction with potential partners or patients.

Gazda added that the new format of participation in CIFTIS has already proved its effectiveness. The clinic has received many requests from Chinese clients and potential patients who learned about the organization from the 3D stand.

"They ask questions about the possibility of flying to Ukraine. Despite the pandemic and the closure of borders, medical tourism is still possible. Unfortunately, we cannot provide specific figures, but Chinese clients make up 30 percent of the total volume of the clinic's clients," Gazda said.

The CIFTIS, the first major international economic and trade event held both online and offline by China since the COVID-19 outbreak, opened Friday. It has attracted about 100,000 attendees, as well as 18,000 enterprises and institutions from 148 countries and regions. Enditem
Student debts are to be excluded from further relief in the second round of the proposed Republican stimulus package.

This after President Donald Trump extended the student debts and interest through December 31.

However, many are clamoring for the cancellation of student debts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advocates for student loan borrowers criticized the president's memorandum as woefully insufficient.

Student Borrower Protection Center said that the president's action on student debt falls short for what Americas need to stay afloat during the public health crisis. Advocates said that borrowers deserve relief.

"This includes the 9 million borrowers with loans that are not covered by the president's proposal. Second, as we've said before, pausing payments will only kick the can down the road for borrowers facing job loss and financial upheaval - including millions in distress before the pandemic. The tens of millions of Americans drowning under the weight of student debt urgently need meaningful relief, not political games." Student Borrower Protection Center was quoted.

There were several plans on student debts concerns.

Democrat U.S. presidential election candidate Joe Biden has plans that make individuals with an income under $ 25,000 per year exempted from student loan payments.

Bureau of Labor and Statistics' latest data said that the average annual income for Americans ages 20 to 24 is roughly $30,000, which only increases with age.

Biden ensures that only five percent of your discretionary income will mandatorily go toward your loans.

Biden promises that after 20 years of consistent payment, the remainder will be forgiven.

In The Nation report, Sarah Sitzler has an income that can never enough to pay the rent in New York City.

Almost ten years of graduating, Sitzler has hardly been able to pay off more than the interest on her student loans.

"Even if I somehow used all of my savings and put it onto the balance, it doesn't make a significant difference," Sitzler was quoted in The Nation report.

Sitzler is one of the many experiencing this story. Student loan borrowers said that COVID-19 relief is proving drastically insufficient across the country.

Student debts in 2020 are now about $1.56 trillion, according to a Forbes report.

A total of 45 million borrowers collectively owe nearly $ 1.6 trillion in student debt in the U.S.

Student loan debt is now the highest consumer debt category, next to mortgage debt, and higher than both credit cards and auto loans.

Between 2017 and 2018, the average student debt at the time increased from $28,650 to $29,200, according to the Institute for College Access & Success.

The Nation report says that students with a graduate degree can have an even harder time paying the student debts, despite potentially earning a higher salary.

Donaldo Prescod, a graduate of San Francisco State University's Cinema Studies master's program and New York resident, said it is a class thing.

Prescod said that whoever is rich in that situation is benefitting.

He said that the CARES Act and HEROES Act that passed in the House are only band-aid solutions.

Check these out:

Student Loans: Debt Hits $1.2 Trillion

Millennials Delay Marriage Until Student Loans are Paid Off, Study Finds

Low-Income Latino Students Less Likely to Take on Student Debt, Attend College: Report


Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech at a meeting commending role models in the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 8, 2020. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- China held a meeting Tuesday morning in Beijing to commend role models in the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, presented medals to recipients of the Medal of the Republic and the national honorary title at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi also delivered a speech at the meeting, attended by about 3,000 people.

China has made major strategic achievements in the battle against COVID-19, demonstrating the notable advantages of the CPC leadership and the country's socialist system, the great strength of the Chinese people and the Chinese nation, the profound heritage of Chinese civilization, and the nation's sense of responsibility as a major and responsible country, Xi said.

He called for transforming the virus-fighting spirit into tremendous strength to build a modern socialist country and achieve national rejuvenation.

The meeting was presided over by Li Keqiang and attended by other senior leaders: Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan.

The meeting started with all participants rising to sing the national anthem. The participants then observed a moment of silence for every life lost due to COVID-19.

Li Zhanshu read a presidential order to confer the Medal of the Republic and the national honorary title on four medical professionals.

Renowned respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan received the Medal of the Republic, the highest state honor.

The national honorary title, "the People's Hero," was conferred on three other outstanding medical professionals:

-- Zhang Boli, a traditional Chinese medicine expert who presided over the research of the COVID-19 treatment scheme combining traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine;

-- Zhang Dingyu, head of Wuhan's designated coronavirus-treating Jinyintan Hospital;

-- Chen Wei, a military medical scientist who made major achievements in COVID-19-related basic research and development of vaccine and protective medicine.

Wang Huning read decisions to commend outstanding individuals and groups in the COVID-19 fight, as well as outstanding Party members and primary-level Party organizations across the country.

A total of 1,499 individuals, 500 groups, 186 CPC members and 150 primary-level Party organizations were commended for their roles in fighting the epidemic. Another 14 Party members were posthumously awarded.

Speaking of the anti-epidemic battle over the past eight-plus months, Xi said China has achieved another heroic feat in humankind's fight against disease by achieving major strategic achievements in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

The CPC Central Committee had adopted extraordinary measures to tackle the extraordinary incident of the COVID-19 epidemic, insisting on making people's lives and health the first priority, he said.

Xi went on to summarize China's spirit of combating the COVID-19 epidemic, which features putting people's lives first, nationwide solidarity, sacrifice, respecting science, and a sense of mission for humanity.

He also summarized the important experience of China's anti-epidemic fight in six areas.

The strong leadership of the CPC is the most reliable backbone for Chinese people in times of trouble, Xi said.

He said the unyielding will of the Chinese people is the source of power for overcoming all hardships and obstacles on the way forward.

The outstanding advantage of socialism with Chinese characteristics is the fundamental guarantee for resisting risks and challenges, and enhancing the capacity of national governance, he said.

Xi said the great struggle against coronavirus has once again proven that strong national strength accumulated since the founding of the People's Republic of China has laid a solid ground for the country to navigate any "turbulent tide" with composure.

The battle against COVID-19 has also demonstrated the power of core socialist values and fine traditional Chinese culture, which provide great motivation, and help build consensus and pool resources, he said.

He said the extensive appeal of building a community with a shared future for humanity is the right way for the mankind to overcome common challenges and build a more prosperous and better world.

Chinese people and the Chinese nation will certainly forge ahead on the great journey in the new era, Xi said.

"No individual or force can stop Chinese people's march toward a better life," he said.



Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, presents medals to the recipient of the Medal of the Republic Zhong Nanshan (2nd R, front), and recipients of the national honorary title, "the People's Hero," Zhang Boli (2nd L, front), Zhang Dingyu (1st R, front) and Chen Wei (1st L, front), at a meeting commending role models in the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 8, 2020. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
On top of the thousands of job losses already inflicted on university workers across Australia this year, managements are now unveiling deeper cuts for 2021, assisted by the role of the trade unions in suppressing staff and student opposition.

Among the latest announcements are more than 200 jobs to be eliminated at Western Sydney University, up to 200 at Perths Murdoch University and hundreds at Perths Curtin University. At each institution, this follows other cost-cutting attacks such as pay and hiring freezes and higher workload allocations.

These moves are in addition to recent pronouncements of hundreds of job losses at Sydneys Macquarie and Sydney universities, and Melbournes RMIT, La Trobe, Melbourne and Monash universities, with cuts of up to 30 percent in some targeted departments.

At a Senate Estimates hearing last month, federal Department of Education officials said its tally of job losses in the sector was about 4,000 already. That did not include contract and casual staff cuts, which the Australian Broadcasting Corporation estimated at 5,000 from two universities alone.

Despite the still worsening global COVID-19 pandemic, managements are also stepping up their demands for a return to face-to-face teaching, which will endanger the health of staff and students alike and increase the risk of further serious infection outbreaks.

Both of these offensives are part of the wider economic reopening and restructuring drive by governments and big business to exploit the pandemic to boost corporate profits and intensify the decades-long commercialisation and casualisation of universities.

University educators and professional staff, together with school teachers and staff, are being thrust into the frontline of this profit-driven offensive, alongside healthcare, aged care, industrial and retail workers.

In line with the rest of the trade unions, the response of the two main unions covering universities, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) and the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), has been to plead with the managements for negotiations on how to best enforce these measures on their members.

A graphic example is the role of the NTEU at Western Sydney University (WSU). There the management has just declared that more than 200 jobs must go for 2021, with 100 academic and professional redundancies on top of 103 unfilled full-time positions. Those totals do not include the termination of fixed-term and casual jobs.

At a WSU NTEU meeting on August 28, branch president David Burchell insisted that there was nothing that union members could do to stop the university offering voluntary redundancies (VRs) to eliminate jobs because it had the legal right to do so. Moreover, he said the CPSU was urging the university to use VRs as a means to cut costs.

Effectively given a green light by the NTEU and CPSU, the vice chancellor last week issued a call for VRs, backed by the thinly veiled threat of forced retrenchments if not enough people quit their jobs. While his email said there would be no forced redundancies or stand-downs without pay in 2020, our most challenging years will be 2021 and 2022.

At the NTEU meeting, Burchell praised the management for undertaking a formal change proposal under its enterprise bargaining agreement with the NTEU, which gives it the right to slash jobs, provided it does so in consultation with the union.

Burchell reported that he and other NTEU office-bearers had renewed meetings with the vice-chancellor and other management executives to offer more sacrifices by the staff, including the deferral of a scheduled 2 percent pay rise.

Thus, as the WSWS warned would happen, the union is already going beyond the pay cuts to which it agreed just months ago at WSUdressed up as the purchase of extra leave dayssupposedly in return for guarantees of job security.

This is part of a broader drive by the NTEU nationally to inflict deeper cuts on university workers despite the rank-and-file hostility that forced the union to withdraw its offer to the employers of a national framework that would have cut wages by up to 15 percent and still accepted the elimination of about 18,000 jobs.

Burchell emphasised the unions position that it always stood ready to work with management to devise further cost-cutting, under the false flag of avoiding greater job losses. In reality, the NTEUs volunteering of concessions has encouraged the managements to go further.

The union claims that it will oppose forced retrenchments, but only because it fears the eruption of opposition. In a bid to quell discontent, it also has urged managements to provide the union with financial transparency to justify their cuts and to trim other areas of spending, such as construction projects, before eliminating jobs.

That only reinforces the framework created by successive governments, on behalf of the corporate elite, in cutting billions of dollars from public university funding over the past decade. Those punishing cuts began with the Greens-backed Labor Party government in 2011.

The NTEUs line opposes the necessity for a unified struggle of university workers and students against all the cuts. It diverts staff at individual universities into seeking to help the managements draw up alternative cost-cutting measures, inevitably at the expense of the quality of education and the conditions of staff and students.

The NTEU Fightback group established by the pseudo-left Socialist Alternative echoes this position, underscoring the groups basic agreement with the union.

Speaking to the corporate media about Curtin Universitys job cuts, NTEU Fightback campaigner Alexis Vassiley said the university should halt its building program instead. Commenting on the universitys announcement, he said: I think its absolutely unnecessary and what it represents is the institution putting buildings above people.

Aided by the unions and their pseudo-left apologists, the federal Liberal-National government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison is exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to intensify the assault on the public universities, deliberately further starving them of funds.

It has left the universities facing estimated revenue losses of more than $16 billion over the next four years alone, primarily caused by the pandemics impact on high-fee paying international students, while pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into corporate pockets via stimulus packages.

The government also has told the universities to focus on greater alignment with industry needs and launched an anti-China witch-hunt in the universitiesdemands that will accelerate the transformation of universities into corporatised businesses serving the needs of the financial elite and tying them into Washingtons military and economic confrontation with China.

Against this line-up, the Committee for Public Education (CFPE) and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) call for a rejection of all the cuts and this entire pro-business agenda. This requires the formation of democratically elected rank-and-file committees of university workers and students, completely independent of the unions, which have shown they are nothing but industrial police forces.

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One potential key issue: Could prosecutors show that Rittenhouse, 17, of Antioch, committed an unlawful act that provoked attacks on him? If so, the law holds that he would have to show he exhausted his chances to flee or otherwise avoid being harmed before shooting, attorneys said. And whomever was the aggressor, Rittenhouse would have to show he reasonably believed he had to shoot to prevent his death or serious injury.
New Yorkers who escaped to the Hamptons during the pandemic have hunkered down for the year as they avoid paying city taxes and some rental properties charged $300,000 ahead of winter.

The arrival of the coronavirus pandemic prompted a number of Big Apple residents to flee to the affluent communities along Long Island's South Fork.

The Hamptons have long been a coveted holiday destination for wealthy Americans, who breezed into the towns for summer and left just as quickly with the arrival of autumn.

Normally, Labor Day Weekend marked the final 'hoorah' for vacationing New Yorkers but local residents said those people haven't left yet - and there's no sign they will anytime soon.

'Nobody is f****** leaving,' one resident told Vanity Fair. 'The town is bursting at the seams.'

Local residents in the Hamptons said that wealthy New Yorkers who arrived early in the pandemic will likely stay through winter

The publication reports that the population in East Hampton, where the median household income is $103,000, usually records a year-round population of just over 21,000 people.

But in the summer, it's estimated that the population quadruples in size.

Over the years, the Tuesday after Labor Day has been dubbed 'Tumbleweed Tuesday' for the array of empty wine bottles and vacant beaches left behind.

During the pandemic, however, businesses across the Hamptons have said no such exodus has happened this year.

'I officially canceled Tumbleweed Tuesday on Facebook because its not happening this year,'Judi Bistrian, of East Hamptons Reutershan Firewood, told Vanity Fair.

People walk along the beach during Phase 4 of re-opening following restrictions imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus in Monatuk New York

Local resident: 'Nobody is f****** leaving. The town is bursting at the seams'

Businesses that usually saw a drop in customers post-summer said that is not the case this time around.

Bistrian said residents began stockpiling wood for the winter in March when New York City became inundated with coronavirus cases and lockdown restrictions were implemented.

In fact, some customers ordered half a cord of wood every other week.

'I asked one of them why they needed so much. "Its for ambiance, they said. They kept it burning all the time,"' said Bistrian.

Reutershan Firewood has already started making nonstop delivers at a level that was previously reserved for the chill of October.

'We expect to run out before the holidays this year. Its so crazy out here,' she said. 'That break we used to get is gone.'

Noel Roberts, a Nest Seekers agent featured on Netflixs Million Dollar Beach House, said rich city-dwellers' decision to stay in the Hamptons can be seen in the current housing market.

Noel Roberts, a Nest Seekers agent featured on Netflixs Million Dollar Beach House, told Vanity Fair that beautiful Hampton houses are sill being rented into winter

Surfers carry their boards in to the water in the Hamptons, where wealthy New York City residents fled to in the early stages of the pandemic

'Im going to be showing houses on Thanksgiving. Im going to be showing houses at Christmas,' said Roberts.

'I have a rental in the Northwest Woods, on the lower end of the market, a $2.5 million house. Its going for $35,000 for Labor Day to the end of September.

'I also have another rental that just went for $300,000 for September, October, and November.'

And Rita Bonicelli, an attorney who works with real estate, said she's done twice as many closing compared to last year.

'It seems like a lot of young families are moving in to stay,' said Bonicelli.

'Thats a community changer with consistency in one areaa huge volume of deals concentrated between Southampton and Montauk.'

Vanity Fair reports that local schools expect increased student enrollment, while some New York City private schools will open satellite schools.

At Amagansett School estimated that they'll receive twice as many students this year compared to last - a boost from 75 to 150. The Ross School is reopening a second campus to house students.

Pictured: Life guards wear masks while guarding the East Hampton Main Beach after wealthy New Yorkers escaped to the communities earlier this year

Billy Schmitz: 'Ive never seen anything like it since March. Good times or bad, people keep drinking' Pictured: : People walk among the dunes leading to the beach in the Hamptons

But staying in the Hamptons could mean more for New York City residents than coastal views near the beach.

After spending six months out of the city, those residents can list the Hamptons as their primary residence on their 2020 tax filings and avoid paying New York City income taxes.

Meanwhile, residents preparing for winter have dropped hundreds of thousands on renovating outdoor spaces and installing the latest must-have: firepits.

'Everybody wants a firepit,' Michael Derrig,the owner of the luxurious Landscape Details.

He added that it's not uncommon for people renovating their property landscapes to spend around $500,000.

'July and August are slow for landscape construction,' said Derrig, but this year 'we were full steam ahead.'

'Usually in September I get a real break. Not this year. Weve been busy since COVID, and I see it going through the fall.'

Billy Schmitz, of Shelter Island Wine and Spirits, shared those sentiments and noted a consistent demand for alcohol.

'Ive never seen anything like it since March. Good times or bad, people keep drinking,' he said.

While the uptick in residents is good for businesses, local officials fear the additional people could harm their infrastructure and large crowds could cause tension.

'Police have handled it all well so far, but they had more responsibility than usual keeping people separate on the beaches and masking,' an official said.

'There was more partying in Montauk than usual, and that will likely continue.'

But the largest concern is the potential for a second wave of coronavirus cases.

'The numbers here have been low,' an official told Vanity Fair, 'but that is the weird thing about the numberswe dont really know what they are.

'If someone visits from New York City and tests positive, it doesnt get recorded here. I think that results, to some degree, in complacency

Suffolk County, where the Hamptons are found, has recorded 45,258 infections and 2,006 as of Monday evening, which sits behind New York City's 241,000 cases and 23,000 deaths.

New York state has amassed more than 444,000 cases and a death toll of 32,500.
New Delhi: Bhojpuri bombshell Rani Chatterjee has set the internet on fire with some smouldering pictures of herself. The pictures appear to be from a photoshoot and Rani looks like a million bucks in them.

In the first photo, Rani is seen drenched in water wearing a light blue skirt and blouse set. While in the other, she looks chic in a basic white shirt and denims. Both the photos have garnered huge attention from her fans as Rani is seen in a totally different avatar.

See the pictures here, they are just too hot to handle.

Rani Chatterjee is an avid social media user and regularly updates her account with her pictures and videos much to the joy of her fans.

She is a big name in the Bhojpuri industry. She is one of the A-listers of the industry and has worked with some top stars, film producers and directors.

On the work front, Rani will next be seen playing a police officer in 'Lady Singham', her upcoming project. She also has 'Panchali' in the pipeline.
According to reports, TVs popular face Aamir Ali was approached for the upcoming season of the reality show, Bigg Boss 14. However, the actor has turned it down despite being offered hefty amount to be part of the show.

A source quoted in Times Of India, said, Budgets are tight this year but one of the highest sums has been offered to Aamir. Hes a well-known face and while several females have been locked for the show, the popular male names are yet to be locked. The channel offered a lucrative deal to Aamir but he did not agree."

The source also added that the makers were keen on bringing the actor on board due to his personal life.

Aamir and Sanjeeda got married seven years ago. They welcomed their baby girl Ayra through surrogacy last year. While several reports suggest that the duo has been living separately for quite some time now, there has been no official word or statement from the couple on the same.

Recently, Aamir celebrated his birthday a few days ago, and estranged wife Sanjeeda wished him happiness forever.

Meanwhile, it is being said that actors Jasmin Bhasin, Pavitra Punia, Nishant Singh Malkhani, Sugandha Mishra, Akanksha Puri, Sara Gurpal, Radhe Maa and Shivin Narang are to participate in Bigg Boss 14.
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Monday (September 7) slammed the Centre's decision to provide Y+ security to Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who has been tweeting against Shiv Sena-led coalition government in Maharashtra over Sushant Singh Rajput's death.

Moitra called Kangana a "Bollywood Twitterati" and asked why is she getting security when India has a police-to-population ratio of 138 per lakh.

"Why are Bollywood twitterati getting Y+ security when India has a police-to-population ratio of 138 per lakh and ranks 5th lowest globally among 71 countries? No better use of resources, Mister Home Minister?" she tweeted.

Why are Bollywood twitterati getting Y+ security when India has a police to population ratio of 138 per lakh & ranks 5th lowest globally among 71 countries?

No better use of resources, Mister Home Minister?  Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) September 7, 2020

On Monday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had said that Kangana will be provided Y+ security cover and a team of 11 policemen will take care of her security. Reacting to the MHA's decision, Kangana has thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

"This is proof that no fascist forces will be able to suppress nationalist voices. I am indebted to Amit Shah, who could have also asked me to visit Mumbai later considering the present situation, but he honoured the words of a daughter of this country. Jai Hind," she tweeted.

Kangana sparked a controversy after she recently compared Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The comments did no go down well with Shiv Sena leaders. Kangana made the statement after she was warned by Shiv Sena MP Kangana Ranaut against returning to Mumbai.

Kangana has been targeting several big Bollywood celebrities for fanning nepotism and recently in the drug conspiracy related to Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput case.
By PTI

DHAKA: The death toll from a near-simultaneous explosion of six air conditioners in a mosque on the outskirts of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka rose to 27, with one more victim succumbing to his injuries, according to a media report.

A 30-year-old man died on Monday while undergoing treatment at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, the bdnews24.com reported.

Another 10 people were battling for their lives at the hospital, it said on Monday.

A gas leak in an underground pipeline caused the six air conditioners to explode almost simultaneously during Friday evening prayers on September 4 at the Baitul Salat mosque in the central district of Narayanganj.

While 21 victims, including a seven-year-old boy, died on Saturday during their treatment, five more died on Sunday.

Fire officials suspect accumulated gas from a leaked pipeline triggered a spark and all six air conditioners on the ground floor of the mosque exploded.

"A gas pipeline passes beneath the mosque. We are suspecting that gas leaked from the pipeline and accumulated inside as the windows were closed. The explosion was probably triggered due to sparks when someone tried to switch on or off the ACs or fans," Narayanganj Fire Service's Deputy Assistant Director Abdullah Al Arefin had said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued orders to review the fire safety system of mosques across the country in the wake of the incident.

According to reports, the mosque committee had recently filed a complaint over leakage of the gas pipeline of the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited.

ALSO WATCH:

The members of the committee said the Titas Gas authorities asked for a Tk50,000 bribe.

As the bribe was not paid, the authorities neglected the matter which resulted into this catastrophe, the Dhaka Tribune had reported.

Four separate probe committees -- by Narayanganj district administration, Fire Service, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd, and Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) -- have been formed to investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, police have filed a case of negligence against the mosque management committee and the utility authorities.

Witnesses said they found five to six people coming out of the mosque as soon as the blast occurred.

Worshippers, most of them severely burnt, were found lying on the floor, they said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 17:02:00|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The 12th Straits Forum will be held in Fujian Province on the Chinese mainland starting Sept. 19, said a spokesperson Tuesday.

This year's forum will carry on the theme of promoting people-to-people exchanges across the Taiwan Strait, said Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson with the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.

With th forum, which will have Xiamen, a port city of Fujian, as its main venue, more than 30 activities have been arranged both online and offline for cultural and economic exchanges as well as communications among the youth and people at the primary level across the Taiwan Strait, said Ma.

Representatives from Taiwan including Wang Jin-pyng, former vice chairperson of Kuomintang, will come to Fujian for the forum, Ma said. Enditem
Multiple people were flown out of the Beartooth Mountains in Park County Sunday morning after a pair of separate climbing accidents Saturday on Granite Peak left two people injured and one dead.

One of the accidents was described as a fall of an estimated 100 feet after a man slipped while trying to cross an area along the eastern route of Granite Peak known as the Snow Bridge. The man had been climbing with his brother before the accident.

"Shortly thereafter a second incident happened and we got a second report," said Sgt. Tad Dykstra of the Park County Sheriff's Office. Dykstra is also the coordinator for the Park County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue.

The second incident occurred on the southeast face of Granite Peak, where four men from Idaho were rappelling on a slope when the large boulder they had anchored into gave way.

"The boulder rolled down and possibly struck or knocked another subject off balance. And that incident caused one injured patient and then the second patient was deceased," Dykstra said.

The man who died may have fallen 1,000 feet, Dykstra said. The man who survived fell a shorter distance onto a ledge, which is where he was found by rescuers.

Both accidents happened Saturday afternoon, but because of high winds, the general difficulty of flying rescues on Granite Peak and limited helicopter availability due to the Bridger Foothills fire north of Bozeman, it wasn't until Sunday morning that a successful rescue operation was carried out.

Granite Peak is the highest natural point in Montana and has an elevation of almost 13,000 feet.

"Granite Peak has intense wind events up there. It takes basically a very specialized pilot and a specialized team in order to complete the rescue," Dykstra said.

An HH60 helicopter from the Montana National Guard launched from Helena at about 7:30 p.m. Saturday and attempted to fly a rescue mission but were unable to safely carry out the rescue due to high winds and elevation, according to Capt. Daniel Bushnell of the Montana National Guard.

The rescue operation Sunday relied on the helicopter piloting skills of Mark Duffy of Central Copters, who flew all seven short haul rescues Sunday morning before attending the afternoon funeral of his son Tom Duffy.

"I mean clearly, that's a pretty huge deal for all of us. No one would expect him to do that," but he was still willing to do it, according to Dykstra.

Tom Duffy, 40, was a father of three and a pilot who died in late August while flying a helicopter and fighting a wildfire in the Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon. The helicopter went down and crashed while Duffy was performing bucket drops over the fire.

A Bozeman native, he flew missions for the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office search and rescue for 20 years and was the third generation of his family to do so. He had last flown for the search and rescue team Aug. 15, when he took on three missions, including picking up two injured mountain bikers and recovering a person who died near Mystic Lake.

After his death, his body was brought back to Montana and escorted to Dahl Funeral home by his family, the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office, the county's search and rescue team, the U.S. Forest Service and the Hyalite Fire Department.

Flying with Mark Duffy for the rescues Sunday were members of the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue's high-angle rescue team.

Briefing and prep started at about 6 a.m. Sunday before the flight from Bozeman began at about 6:30 a.m. Rescuers arrived at Granite Peak at about 7:10 a.m. and did not depart for Bozeman until 9:30 a.m.

The man who slid from Snow Bridge was the first person to be recovered because his injuries were believed to be the most critical.

Overall, the two separate accidents resulted in seven short haul rescues and two hospitalizations. A short haul helicopter rescue involves a rescuer on a helicopter long line who tethers themselves to another person before both are lifted out.

In a Facebook post published Sunday afternoon, Dykstra referred to it as "an incredible number of rescues," that Duffy completed.

The injured people were flown to a nearby landing zone where they were then picked up by medical helicopters. One of the injured men was flown to St. Vincent Healthcare Hospital in Billings for treatment and the other was taken to Livingston Healthcare hospital.

On the mountain, the man who fell from Snow Bridge had been cared for overnight by a member of the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue alpine rescue team member. She was climbing with another person when they came across the incident.

The Snow Bridge is on the east rim of Granite Peak on the way to the summit. "It's an area where if you're going across that east route you come to an area where there is just snow along the ridge line and you have to cross that snow to get back to rock to continue to climb the summit," Dykstra said.

In a Facebook post, Dykstra thanked the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue high angle rescue team, Ridgeline Aviation, Yellowstone National Park and Guardian Flight.

He also thanked Mark Duffy for his help.

"This morning, Mark showed his true commitment to rescuing those in need," Dykstra said.

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Harvest prices appear to be settling around 170/t for wheat and 150/t for barley as cereal growers face into another difficult week on the combines.

The weather-disrupted harvest of the last week has left around 20pc of the grain crop to be cut.

However, yesterdays heavy rains have exacerbated the very poor ground conditions and farmers in many areas are now facing into a salvage operation

for the remaining crops.

The improving harvest price outlook, albeit from a very low level, was the only sliver of good news for grain growers this

week.

Difficulties with the US maize harvest and lower yield projections globally have left independent traders admitting that barley prices are unlikely to dip under 147-148/t, and even admitting that they could settle around 150/t.

Meanwhile, industry sources are accepting that the 20/t gap between wheat and barley is unlikely to dissipate.

This view is supported by suggestions of a wheat deficit in Britain following their poor harvest.

Interrupted harvesting continued across the south and east this week but farmers report that the quality has fallen off, with most spring barley crops struggling to yield over 3t/ac.

Some fine crops are still being harvested, however, with spring oats in south Munster said to be yielding up to 3t/ac.

Close to 60pc of the spring crops have yet to be cut in Donegal, although around 70pc of the overall acreage has been harvested, according IFA county grain committee chair, Peter Lynch.

He said ground conditions have become more difficult, but that poor weather is the primary reason cutting has been delayed.

Smash and grab

Mr Lynch explained that farmers only got three days cutting since the start of last week, and it was now a case of smash and grab when the weather allows.

Spring barley yields in Donegal have been stronger than expected, Mr Lynch said, with most coming in around 2.8t/ac. However, winter barley yields failed to top 3t/ac.

Mr Lynch said the vast majority of the straw in the county is going to existing customers. Prices in the north-west have not been settled but traders say that 20 for a 4x4 bale will be the base.

Prices in the south and east are generally holding around 16-18/bale, but demand remains sluggish.

Meanwhile, IFA grain chairman, Mark Browne, has called on the Department of Agriculture to extend the September 15 GLAS deadline for the establishment of catch crops or green cover given the ongoing harvest problems.
The Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has assented to an amended bill for the establishment of the Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board to oversee the technical education sub-sector in the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical Education, Joseph Odemuyiwa, a professor, made the disclosure on Tuesday at a press conference held at his office located in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the state capital.

Mr Odemuyiwa noted that the bill has been a major requirement of the World Bank to partner with Ogun State for the development of technical education, adding that a program needs assessment visit was made to all the technical colleges to redesign their programmes.

Arrangements for the commencement of the World Bank intervention is in top gear as the Technical and Vocational Education Training specialists approved by the World has since assumed office, Mr Odemuyiwa said.

In the efforts of the Governor to educate for employability through the Technical Education Sub-Sector, a programme needs assessment visit was made to all the technical colleges to redesign their programmes and concentrate on those needs that are demand-driven in the area where each college is domiciled, he added.

Mr Odemuyiwa said that it has been discovered that the conventional 3 years program meant for basic education school learners leading to NABTEBS National Technical Certificate and National Business Certificates is not enough.

Hence, the introduction of short term-3 months, 6 months and 9 months Vocational Education Programmes through the Technical Institutes for our graduates, Higher Diploma holders and others in full adulthood, he stated.

He disclosed further that the government is commencing a Professional Diploma in Technical Teachers Education in two of its NBTE-Accredited Polytechnics to train the required technical teachers/lecturers ready for certification by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.
Contributed / Connecticut State Police

TOLLAND  State police said they are looking for witnesses to a fatal motorcycle crash in northeastern Connecticut on Monday.

Steven Robert Carr, 23, of Tolland, was killed after the 2015 GSX-R 600 he was riding east on Route 74 went over the double-yellow line while going around a curve, state police said.
Jackson County Animal Shelter

Bentley Boyers has found his pawfect match.

A 2-year-old Michigan boy was overjoyed last week after adopting an adorable puppy that shared something special in common with him: the same birth defect.

Bentley was born with a cleft lip and has already undergone two surgeries, Jackson County Animal Shelter explained in a Facebook post.

When his father, Brandon, went to the shelter and came across a puppy with a cleft lip, he knew he the two would be a perfect pair.

"He Facetimed me. He goes, I think this one has a cleft lip and I said get her! We need her," Bentley's mother, Ashley Boyers, told local station WILX.

RELATED: Shelter Throws Rescue Dog a Big 2nd Birthday Bash to Help Him Feel Special and Get Adopted

"To see him have something in common with a puppy means a lot cause he can grow up and understand that he and his puppy both have something that they can share in common," Ashley added.

While visiting the two-month-old puppy, who's name has not been released, the shelter snapped a series of sweet photos of Bentley cuddling and giving kisses to the black-and-white pooch.

"Bentley found his match today in this tiny pup who also has a cleft lip," the shelter wrote on Facebook.

"Its so hard to put into words how meaningful this adoption is to all of us so we are going to let the pictures speak for themselves.

...They instantly loved each other.

We wish many years of joy as this special pair grows up together!"

Jackson County Animal Shelter

Jackson County Animal Shelter

According to Animal Services Director Lydia Sattler, the puppy should not have any future health problems.

RELATED: Puppy Reunited with Family After Reportedly Being 'Tossed' from a Moving Car on Idaho Highway

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"Her disability is really not holding her back, and as she grows, theyll be able to see more if theres any change that has to do with that. But, shes really doing well," she told WILX.

Adding, "She might look a little different than a normal dog would, but its not slowing her down at all."
Saudi Arabia Jails 8 Over Khashoggi Murder

RIYADH/BEIRUTA Saudi Arabian court on Monday jailed eight people for between seven and 20 years for the 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, state media reportedfour months after his family forgave his killers and enabled death sentences to be set aside.

The trial was criticised by a U.N. official and human rights campaigners who claim that the masterminds of the murder remained free.

Khashoggi was last seen at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2, 2018, where he had gone to obtain documents for his impending wedding. His body was reportedly dismembered and removed from the building and his remains have not been found.

The kingdoms top prosecutor Saud al-Mojeb said in November 2018 that a 15-member team went to Istanbul to coerce Khashoggi into returning to Saudi Arabia, but instead killed him in a rogue operation.

The murder caused a global uproar as some governments said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmanthe kingdoms de facto ruler and son of King Salman who Khashoggi had been critical ofwould unlikely have not known about the killing. The claims tarnished the reformist image of Prince Mohammed.

Saudi officials denied he played a role. The prince in September 2019 took some responsibility for killing, saying that it happened under my watch.

Former Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, citing intelligence sources, said in 2018 that Khashoggi was considered a threat to the Saudi leadership due to his involvement in the Muslim Brotherhood and a center to promote its ideology.

[The Muslim Brothershood] have been implacably opposed to many of the more liberal reforms of the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), Downer wrote in an opinion piece for the Australian Financial Review. This man wasnt some Western-oriented liberal brutally murdered because of his passion for freedom. This man was a player.

State media reported that five people were handed 20-year prison sentences, one person was sentenced to 10 years and two people received seven-year sentences for the killing.

None of the defendants was named.

After the ruling, Khashoggis fiancee said the eight jailed were not the only ones responsible for the murder.

The Saudi authorities are closing the case without the world knowing the truth of who is responsible for Jamals murder, Hatice Cengiz wrote in a statement. Who planned it, who ordered it, where is his body?

In December, the court sentenced five people to death and three to jail, saying the killing was not premeditated but carried out on the spur of the moment.

In May, the family of the slain journalist said it forgave his murderers, paving the way for a reprieve for the five defendants sentenced to death.

In Saudi Arabia, which lacks a codified legal system and follows Islamic law, forgiveness from a victims family in such cases can allow for a formal pardon and a stay of execution.

A U.S. State Department official said Washington had seen reports of the sentencing and was closely monitoring Saudi legal processes in the case.

Turkey, which launched its own trial against 20 Saudi officials in July, said the verdict in Saudi Arabia fell short of expectations, urging Saudi authorities to cooperate with Turkeys investigation.

We still dont know what happened to Khashoggis body, who wanted him dead or if there were local collaboratorswhich casts doubt on the credibility of the legal proceedings in KSA, presidency communications director Fahrettin Altun said on Twitter, referring to Saudi Arabia.

By Marwa Rashad and Raya Jalabi. Epoch Times writer Holly Kellum contributed to this report.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 01:12:23|Editor: huaxia

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ANKARA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Turkey and Iran on Tuesday agreed to take joint actions against the activities of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its affiliation in Iran, the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), along their common borders.

"Both sides emphasized that it is incumbent upon both countries to fully utilize the existing cooperation mechanisms against the activities of PKK/PJAK elements and the other terrorist organizations along the common borders and to take coordinated steps for result-oriented cooperation, including joint operations, in countering terrorism and organized crime," said a joint declaration issued following the 6th Turkey-Iran High-Level Cooperation Council meeting.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has been rebelling against the Turkish government for over 30 years.

The teleconference meeting was co-chaired by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani.

Ankara and Tehran also reiterated commitment to developing new economic cooperation areas to reverse contraction in bilateral trade volume, which arose from adverse global conditions, including the negative impacts of COVID-19, by fully utilizing available mechanisms, according to the statement.

The dialogue between Turkey and Iran has a decisive role in the solution of many regional problems, Erdogan said addressing the meeting.

Rouhani, for his part, said, "Turkey and Iran are the two great powers of the region. There were hostility and vindictiveness towards both countries. It also exists today. There is no way to be successful against such conspiracies other than by reinforcing friendly relations between the two countries." Enditem
After questioning her for three consecutive days, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested actor Rhea Chakraborty on Tuesday afternoon in connection with its investigation of a drug angle in the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

Rhea has been arrested and due process of informing the family has been completed, said NCB deputy director KPS Malhotra.

Chakrabortys arrest in connection with the NCBs probe of the drug angle followed the arrest of her brother Showik, Rajputs house manager Samuel Miranda and his house help Dipesh Sawant.

We will not be seeking Rhea Chakrabortys custody as we have questioned her for three days, but we will oppose if she moves for bail, deputy director general Mutha Ashok Jain of NCB said.

Chakraborty, 28, was arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Acts sections 8(c) (sale, possession or manufacture of banned drugs), 20(b)(ii) (possession or use of small quantity of banned drugs) and other relevant provisions.

We have not found any contraband from Rhea and her brother Showiks residence in Juhu. After three days of interrogation, we have sufficient material to arrest her, but I will not comment on the evidence in this case. We will produce that before the court, said Jain.

Rajput, 34, was found dead at his Bandra residence in Mumbai on June 14 in what the city police said initially was a case of suicide. The death is now being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Also read | Rhea Chakraborty gives NCB names of top Bollywood celebrities who may have consumed drugs: Report

This is a complete travesty of justice, Chakrabortys lawyer Satish Maneshinde said about her arrest.

At 7.30pm, NCB produced Chakraborty before a magistrates court via video conferencing after arresting her on the basis of statements by other people it has held in connection with the case, including her brother Showik.

The court remanded Chakraborty to 14-day judicial custody, rejecting her bail plea.

NCB said in its remand application that Chakraborty had revealed her involvement in procuring drugs.

It is also clear from the statement that the present respondent (Chakraborty) used to procure drugs for Sushant Singh Rajput for consumption purpose. The present respondent used to manage finance for drug procurement along with Sushant Singh Rajput, it said in the application.

Also read | Abetment to suicide, cheating: Rhea Chakrabortys charges against Sushant Singh Rajputs sisters, doctor

An NCB official said the agency had in its custody six other accused, including Showik, Miranda and Sawant, and three alleged drug peddlers, identified as Zaid Vilatra, Abdel Basit Parihar and Anuj Keshwani. We will produce them before the court tomorrow. We will oppose their bail too. We have not sent any summons to any other person in this case. There should be no speculation beyond this, added Jain.

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EGLE to fund study of groundwater management strategy impacts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 2, 2020

Nick Assendelft, Public Information Officer, AssendelftN@Michigan.gov, 517-388-3135

Emily Finnell, Office of the Great Lakes, Finnelle@Michigan.gov, 517-599-1330

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) today issued a request for proposals to fund a research project that will compare the long-term economic costs of management practices for mitigating groundwater contamination.

The $350,000 grant funding opportunity is open to non-profit and for-profit entities with experience in socio-economic case study analysis, educational institutions, or federal, state, tribal and local units of government. The funding is made available through the Michigan Great Lakes Protection Fund (MGLPF).

The results of this project will provide a better understanding of the long-term implications, risks and costs of using institutional controls and other restrictive actions such as limiting the use of the aquifer when managing risks associated with groundwater that has become unusable due to contamination. Institutional controls are in use at more than 2,000 sites across the state. Michigans environmental laws do not provide detailed guidelines or limitations on the appropriate use of these mechanisms. This research project is intended to augment decision-making by addressing this information gap.

The goals of the research project are to:

Assess the cost of using institutional controls at case study sites, compared to the cost that was expected at the time of implementation and the cost of other potential management actions.

Estimate the total cumulative cost of using institutional controls in the 25 years since they became a common mechanism for managing groundwater contamination, based on the case study evaluations.

Propose a decision-making framework or set of criteria to guide the use of institutional controls in the future, including steps to determine the anticipated economic cost of each option.

Applications are due by 5 p.m., Oct. 16, and should be sent to Kimber Frantz via email at FrantzK@Michigan.gov.

A webinar explaining details of the RFP is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sept. 16. People who need special assistance to participate in the webinar can contact Kimber Frantz at 517-284-5035 or FrantzK@Michigan.gov in advance of the meeting.

For more information on the grant opportunity, visit the MGLPF website to review the RFP, register for the webinar or contact Emily Finnell at 517-599-1330 or FinnellE@Michigan.gov.

# # #
Colleges and Universities Rely on Aruba to Help Deliver Hybrid Learning to Students During COVID-19

Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company (NYSE: HPE), today announced that a multitude of universities and colleges are turning to network infrastructure based on Aruba ESP (Edge Services Platform) to help solve the challenges of educating students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a combination of Aruba's integrated wired, wireless, security, network management, and location-based solutions, these institutions are exploring new and innovative learning models like Hybrid Flexible or HyFlex, that combine online and in-person instruction, and are using Aruba innovations like contact tracing and location heat mapping, to ensure the health and safety of students returning to campus.

As higher education institutions across the nation consider how to safely and effectively reopen this Fall, network infrastructure and related technologies have moved to the forefront of their priorities, whether via the addition of strategic technology solutions for contact tracing and social distancing, or full network refreshes.

For The University of New Hampshire (UNH), the largest provider of post-secondary education in New Hampshire serving approximately 15,000 students on its main campus, a flexible, hybrid model was crucial for this academic year. UNH will deliver Fall 2020 classes with a combination of in-person and online instruction. UNH is opening new, larger classrooms at 50% of their usual occupancy, with additional interactive technology, to enable social distancing while ensuring that teaching and learning strategies are effective. UNH will also rely heavily on Zoom, with 80-90 classrooms classified as Zoom Rooms with upgrades that support live streaming.

Key to enabling UNH's flexible plan is their Aruba ESP-based network which incorporates Wi-Fi 6 access points (APs) - including 2,000 APs just in the University's 40+ residence halls - ClearPass for policy management, and AirWave (News - Alert) for network management.

"When it comes to planning for our students' 2020-2021 academic year, flexibility is the key," said Dan Corbeil, director of WAN/LAN and Telecom Operations, USNH Enterprise Technology and Services. "The Aruba infrastructure allows us to quickly and securely extend high-speed wireless across all the campus locations that need it so we can ensure that whatever form learning takes - in the classroom or over Zoom in a student's dorm room - it will be efficient and effective."

Rollins College, a private liberal arts college in Winter Park, Florida, is deploying a hybrid learning model to serve students of its 80-building, 80 acre campus. Led by the College's Emergency Operations Team and Fall 2020 Strategic Planning Task Force, Rollins has developed a comprehensive plan for how instruction will resume this fall. Students will be allowed to return to campus voluntarily, with classes taking place in person, supplemented by virtual synchronous instruction. Rollins will also provide students who opt-out of in-classroom instruction with the option to attend class virtually with their classmates.

The College's Aruba infrastructure, which includes APs, Aruba CX Series and access switches, and ClearPass Policy Manager, will play a major role in supporting this hybrid learning model. Since teachers will be able to choose their platform for instruction - in person, or via Zoom, Teams, Webex or other videoconferencing and collaboration applications - and dorm rooms will have 100% Wi-Fi saturation to support real-time, online instruction, the network foundation is vital. Rollins also deployed Aruba User Experience Insight sensors to help the IT team identify issues and resolve them before students, teachers and staff discover them. Finally, for helping to enable the safe return of students, faculty and staff to campus, Rollins will use Aruba's contact tracing solution in addition to traditional methods of contact tracing to help identify anyone who has come into contact with a person that has tested positive for COVID-19.

"Our Aruba infrastructure has enabled us to quickly devise a plan that meets the needs of all of our students, whether they are returning to campus or opting into remote learning," said Ian J. Lyons, senior network engineer for Rollins College. "And from a cost perspective, we've been able to leverage our existing Wi-Fi infrastructure to deploy the contact tracing solution - a key benefit during this economically challenging time."

State Technical College of Missouri, a technical training college offering over 35 associate degree and certificate programs to its approximately 1,900 students, found itself in the midst of a network refresh, expanding its wireless footprint to enable augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for classrooms, when the pandemic hit. Because of the flexibility of the Aruba infrastructure, the College was able to quickly pivot to a hybrid learning approach that combined online classes with the in-person instruction necessary for some of its more hands-on, technical training content.

According to Mike Ely (News - Alert), director of Information Technology at State Technical College of Missouri, the upgraded network which utilizes Aruba Wi-Fi 6 APs, switches and ClearPass Policy Manager, has been a critical factor in the College's ability to continue providing the kind of hands-on education that has earned it nationwide recognition.

The new pandemic requirements have resulted in the College looking at a variety of ways to better utilize their available technology. With the upgraded network, the College has begun incorporating VR and AR into its curriculum using Microsoft (News - Alert) HoloLens-powered safety helmets, as one example.

"The speed and reliability of the Aruba infrastructure has made the implementation of devices like this possible," Ely added.

For California State University (CSU) Sacramento or Sacramento State University, one of the 23 schools that comprise the CSU system, the return-to-campus efforts began back in March when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. As the University's diverse student population began experiencing the pandemic's impact, CSU Sacramento started searching for a way to ensure that students living off campus could access their educational content.

In addition to procuring and supplying students with laptops, web cameras, headsets, and microphones, as needed, CSU Sacramento realized that many students lacked network connectivity; the IT team, in concert with campus leadership, transportation and parking, and campus police, quickly devised a plan to use CSU's new, six-floor parking structure as a Wi-Fi hub where students could drive up, park and connect safely and efficiently. As Ted Koubiar, senior director of Operations and Network Services for CSU Sacramento, explained, the University relied on Aruba for the structure's secure, reliable connectivity.

"We leveraged our existing Aruba outdoor APs, along with AirWave network management, to implement the Wi-Fi hub quickly and cost-effectively," Koubiar said. "With Aruba's help, in just over two weeks, we were able to launch this new Wi-Fi access location and get students online."

The University plans to extend this coverage to students for as long as required. As the Cal State system announced some time ago that the Fall 2020 semester will be online-only, CSU Sacramento has the benefit of having tested out this portion of their distance learning model already.

Additional Resources:

About Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company

Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, is the global leader in secure, intelligent edge-to-cloud networking solutions that use AI to automate the network, while harnessing data to drive powerful business outcomes. With Aruba ESP (Edge Services Platform) and as-a-service options, Aruba takes a cloud-native approach to helping customers meet their connectivity, security, and financial requirements across campus, branch, data center, and remote worker environments, covering all aspects of wired, wireless LAN, and wide area networking (WAN).

To learn more, visit Aruba at www.arubanetworks.com. For real-time news updates, follow Aruba on Twitter and Facebook, and for the latest technical discussions on mobility and Aruba products, visit the Airheads Community at community.arubanetworks.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005163/en/
As youll see below, the lead story in the California State University Emeritus and Retired Faculty and Staffs November newsletter is: Council Calls for Investigation of CalPERS CEO Marcie Frosts Hiring. Key section:

CSU-ERFSAs State Council on October 13, 2018 approved a motion from its legislative committee strongly recommending that a letter be sent to all members of the CalPERS board, as well as to appropriate legislators, supporting the call of Board members John Chiang and Margaret Brown for an independent investigation of the hiring of CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost.

On page 8, the newsletter reproduced part of the public comment by former CalPERS board member George Diehr:

My name is George Diehr, Emeritus Professor at Calif StateUniversity, San Marcos; a retired member of CalPERS; and a former Board member serving from 2003 through 2014. I am here to present my concerns about the hiring of now CEO Ms.Frost.

In brief, the key issue is Ms. Frosts misrepresentation of her educationspecifically, claiming for several years that she was pursuing a program at Evergreen State College that would lead to both a bachelors and masters degree. That was and is simply not true. She started 2 writing courses but turned in no assignments from either one. She was never enrolled in a degree program there.

Ms. Frost originated this myth many years ago and repeated the claim on her application to CalPERS. The claim was posted on line by CalPERS and Board members repeated the myth to constituents. Even after she was hired she did nothing until very recently to refute or correct documents and a press release that perpetuated the myth. It seems reasonable to believe that if Ms. Frost had been truthful and completely upfront about her actual college experience she might not have been hired.

Criticism has been leveled at the original source of information about her misrepresentationsthe Naked Capitalism blog essentially charging it with fake news. This is shooting the messenger. The majority of NCs assertions have been validated by Bloomberg and others. Sunday, Michael Hiltzik, a Pulitzer Prize winning LA Times journalist, wrote an article titled Pension fund CEOs murky hiring. As a CSU professor put it: Ignore Hiltzik at your peril.

If this issue is ignored, it will return to haunt CalPERS with the next attack on public pensionsmost likely when there is another downturn in financial markets.

I conclude that it is essential that a thorough investigation be conducted; and that it be conducted by an independent, external organization, not one selected by CalPERS Board, which is so heavily invested in their decision and in the CEO. In addition to the misrepresentation, the investigation should determine why, for example, a bachelors degree was not a mandatory requirement as is the case with most pension system CEO searches. Given the debacle in the hiring of the previous CFO, this investigation should also recommend changes in the CalPERS hiring process to ensure that this situation does not repeat.

Editors Note: In spite of our and other entreaties about CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost, the Board of Administration gave her a vote of confidence at its meeting September 24, 2018, along with an $84,873 bonus. Her base pay is now $330,720. CSUERFSA, along with others, has called for an investigation into Frosts hiring. Some of the Frost controversy seems to have been fueled by her urging the Board to approve a new organizational scheme for private equity investing, which some consider to lack accountability.
Tourism stakeholders on Tuesday welcomed news that Hong Kong officials had approached 11 countries over long-sought travel bubbles, but once again found themselves with no timeline in sight, leading them to warn the citys embattled economy was in danger of collapse if border restrictions were not lifted soon.

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau Tang-wah revealed that of the potential destinations contacted by the government, six  Germany, France, Switzerland, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore  had reciprocated interest.

But it would be some time before people could freely travel overseas again, pending bilateral agreements on certain conditions, he said.

Few sectors have been as affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as Hong Kongs once-thriving tourism industry. Photo: Sun Yeung

Tourism lawmaker Yiu Si-wing called for easing border restrictions early next month for business travellers and those seeking to visit family members, then allowing limited tourism with the mainland and other countries to resume at the end of October if possible.

I hope that special travel arrangements with mainland China and overseas countries can be introduced simultaneously, he said, referring to the necessary exemptions from quarantine.

He added that Hong Kong could not afford to wait until there were no infections at all before relaxing travel restrictions.

The global lockdown arising from the Covid-19 pandemic has paralysed tourism, with all but three of Hong Kongs border checkpoints closed since February. In the first seven months of this year, arrivals collapsed 91.2 per cent, to 3.53 million, from the same period in 2019. The citys economy  already in recession  contracted 9 per cent in the second quarter, just short of the record 9.1 per cent year-on-year decline set earlier in the year.

Arrivals to Hong Kong have largely collapsed in the wake of tough global travel restrictions due to the coronavirus. Photo: May Tse

If we implement [travel bubbles] only when the number of daily infection cases drops to zero, I am afraid the whole Hong Kong economy will not be able to endure any more, Yiu said.

Yau said the 11 countries Hong Kong reached out to in hopes of forming travel bubbles were Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Vietnam, France, Switzerland, Germany and Singapore  all destinations seen as having similar levels of success in containing the coronavirus.

Story continues

He pointed out that negotiations with Japan and Thailand were among the earliest, beginning in June. He added that discussions with Germany, which was acting as a representative of the EU, would be also likely to involve forming bubbles with other European countries.

As for potential travel corridors with Australia and New Zealand, Yau said the two countries were first focusing on creating a bubble between each other.

Who should travel first?  business travelling seems to be one area our counterparts are suggesting, these are people who are more eager to travel to get things done

Commerce secretary Edward Yau

Places that we have made initial contact  depend on a host of factors, including the epidemic situation and containment in respective places, he said.

Who should travel first?  business travelling seems to be one area our counterparts are suggesting.

In a reply to the Post, a spokesman from the Australian consulate-general in Hong Kong said the government would look at options for reopening travel with other regions assessed to be low risk, starting with interested Pacific island countries.

Some prerequisites the city and potential destinations needed to mutually agree on include requiring travellers to test for Covid-19 before flying and getting screened again upon arrival, Yau said.

The bubbles would mean travel between select countries could avoid quarantine at both ends. But destinations could impose extra conditions on visitors, subject to bilateral consent, he cautioned.

Local officials have announced that Hong Kong Disneyland will likely reopen a week from Friday, though not at full capacity. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

As for creating travel bubbles with the mainland and Macau, the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, is proceeding with talks over the use of a mutually recognised system that would certify negative results of nucleic acid Covid-19 tests.

Travel Industry Council executive director Alice Chan Cheung Lok-yee said the industry hoped to resume partial travelling across the border, as well as to two popular destinations  Japan and Thailand  adding that travel agencies would willingly step up their own efforts on anti-epidemic measures.

Timothy Chui Ting-pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, said he expected travel agencies to prepare more tourism products for other parts of China first.

The mainland and Macau will probably be the destinations available first. We will resume talks on how to prepare future itineraries, Chui said.

He suggested the government should allow travel bubbles for tour groups, because they came with fixed itineraries and any necessary contact tracing would be easier.

The International Air Transport Association called Hong Kongs announcement of potential travel bubbles a step in the right direction. Photo: Winson Wong

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), meanwhile, said Hong Kongs announcement about travel bubbles was a step in the right direction.

The key to recovery from the devastating impact of Covid-19 is the opening of borders and the lifting of travel restrictions and measures such as quarantine. Travel bubbles will have a role to play in mitigating the risks between specific markets, IATA spokesman Albert Tjoeng said.

The global air travel industry body said the use of Covid-19 testing could help reopen borders and reduce the risk of imported infections to a level acceptable to health officials.

With local transmissions continuing to dip since the outbreak of the third wave in early July, Hong Kong authorities have said they again plan to relax social-distancing rules from this Friday. Yau, meanwhile, said the citys two theme parks were likely to reopen on Friday of next week, while restrictions would be lifted on conferences and exhibitions.

The theme parks have already put in place infection precautions such as crowd management and disinfection of facilities, he said of Hong Kong Disneyland resort on Lantau Island and Ocean Park in Southern district. They will gradually reopen operations, not in full capacity.

Yiu said loss-making Ocean Park faced even greater financial problems after the attraction was closed during the pandemics third wave, and it might need to talk to the bank about how to handle its debts.

Hong Kong lawmakers approved a HK$5.4 billion (US$692 million) relief package for the park in May in a bid to keep it afloat.

Meanwhile, the stricken exhibition industry, which last year lured 1.69 million people to the city for conventions and trade shows, pushed for a reopening of venues for large-scale events.

Babie Li Yin-yee, spokeswoman for the Federation of Hong Kong Event Management, Exhibition and Stage Production, said she hoped exhibition venues could be reopened as early as possible so that trade show planners could get back to work.

We really hope the government can fork out more to support our industry, because exhibitions and conventions play a huge role in Hong Kongs economic development, Li said.

Stuart Bailey, chairman of the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association, said he was optimistic that once the border with mainland China was opened and quarantine regulations were relaxed, the city would be able to restart events on a smaller scale.

Exhibitions and conventions [are] not like many other industries that have been affected to some degree; they have been completely wiped out since the beginning of the year, Bailey said, urging the government to launch targeted relief initiatives for the sector.

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This article Hong Kong travel bubbles: what conditions should they carry, and is it too late for tourism? first appeared on South China Morning Post

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The pianist also announced recitals in Shanghai, Xi'an of Shaanxi province and Beijing from Dec 9 to 27.

Describing the project as his lifelong dream, the pianist says he has been studying this work more than 20 years and it's the right time to present his version to the public.





On March 1, he played the complete composition in Wiesbaden, Germany. A few days later, he performed the same piece at the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, the final resting place of Johann Sebastian Bach.





Bach published the Goldberg Variations in 1741 and today it is considered as one of the best examples of its type. Written for the harpsichord, the work consists of 30 variations and an aria.




Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris spent her first day of in-person campaigning in Milwaukee on Monday by appealing to communities of color that will be crucial to her party winning the battleground state in November.

Harris bounded off a plane, sporting her signature Chuck Taylor Converse sneakers and jeans, and immediately met with the family members of Jacob Blake, a Black man who was left paralyzed after being shot by police. She also spoke by phone with Blake during the meeting.

Harris then toured a union training facility, discussed the challenges of running a small business with Black business owners and met with Latino activists who advocate for frontline workers.

Harris, the first Black woman and the first candidate of Indian descent on a major party's presidential ticket, was selected by Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in part because of her appeal to communities of color. The campaign is looking to boost turnout among those voters in crucial swing states like Wisconsin.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the size of Harris's events was restricted and her interactions with voters were limited. But as she exited the meeting with Black business owners, she was greeted by a crowd of supporters who cheered her on.

Harris, keeping her distance, removed her mask and implored the supporters to vote.

"Make sure everybody votes early, right?" Harris said to a cheering crowd. "By September 17, you're going to get your ballots. October 20, your early voting starts and that's my birthday. So I need your help."

Harris's trip to Wisconsin came just days after Biden traveled to the state to meet with Blake's family and participate in a community conversation at a church in Kenosha.

Blake was shot seven times by a White police officer in Kenosha, reigniting protests last month against police brutality and systemic racism across the country. Kenosha has been rocked by violence and in late August a 17-year-old shot and killed two protesters.

Both Biden and Harris have sought to strike a contrast with President Donald Trump in responding to the protests and violence.

Harris said the meeting with Blake's family was "really wonderful."

"They're an incredible family," and they have endured what they've been through "with such dignity and grace," she said while visiting the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers' training facility. "They're carrying the weight of a lot of voices on their shoulders.

Blake's attorneys said the meeting and phone call were "inspirational and uplifting.

During his trip, Biden sought to bring unity to a city engulfed by unrest and violence. He spoke in support of the peaceful protests while condemning the violence.

"I promise you, win or lose, I'm going to go down fighting, I'm going to go down fighting for racial equality, equity across the board," Biden said during the community meeting. "This is something worth losing over but we're not going to lose."

Trump also traveled to Kenosha last week to tour damaged properties and condemn the violence, but he did not meet with the Blake family. He declined to speak to Blake's mother because the family wanted lawyers to take part in the call.

"I was going to speak to the mother yesterday, I hear she's a very fine woman, I was going to speak to her but then I heard there were a lot of lawyers on the phone," Trump said on Sept. 1. "I said, 'I have enough lawyers in my life, I don't need to get involved with that.'"
Former foreign affairs minister Bob Carr says the federal government will set a precedent that could allow any Australian living abroad to be delivered into the clutches of third countries if it allows the United States to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange from the UK.

Mr Carr, who as foreign minister said it "wouldn't be a matter of concern to Australia" to make a case on Mr Assange's behalf, made his comments as Amnesty International Australia handed a petition of 400,000 signatures to the US consulate asking for the charges against Mr Assange to be dropped.

A British court is being asked to consider whether Mr Assange, 49, should be extradited to the US to face trial over 18 espionage and computer misuse charges related to WikiLeaks' publication of secret US military and diplomatic documents in 2010.

Mr Carr said the extradition of Mr Assange would mean the prospect of a 175-year jail term  effectively a death sentence  and the Australian government should ask for the proceedings to be dropped.
The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has hailed the opposition National Democratic Congress' (NDC) promise to absorb 50 per cent of fees for tertiary students if elected into power on December 7.

It said the intervention, if implemented, would reduce the huge financial burden students grappled with, eradicate the frequent drop out of students and increase enrolment at the tertiary level.

Mr Isaac Jay Hyde, President of NUGS, said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, in Accra, on Tuesday after the NDC announced the package at the launch of the Party's manifesto for the 2020 general election.

He said for a long time, the Union had been advocating the absorption of half of the fees paid by tertiary students and commended the NDC for the foresight.

Mr Hyde said though the Student Loan Trust Fund was established to provide loan assistance to students, apart from the amount being relatively small, the inability of students to provide guarantors, hindered them.

The NUGS President said that had led to many students canceling their programmes and dropping out of school.

The guarantorship system over the years has been a major problem. As I speak to you we have about 31,000 student loan beneficiaries but each and every year, students are dropping out because they are not able to get onto the scheme because normally, for the thousands of vulnerable and persons from less privileged background to get a relative who is a SSNIT contributor becomes a challenge, he stated.

Mr Hyde said ...and so for as at NUGS, as a student union whose interest is to champion the interest of students, we think this is commendable.

 We, therefore commend the NDC for working behind the scenes and doing a good research and coming up with an intervention that will address students' plight and improve on the development of the country's human resource.

He, however, appealed to political parties to move beyond their manifestoes and commit to ensuring that their promises were implemented for the benefit of society.

---GNA
India-China Standoff News Live Updates: Indian and Chinese troops engaged in another firing exchange near the Pangong Lake in Ladakh in a late-night development on Monday. While China claims that Indian soldiers illegally crossed the line of actual control (LAC) and entered its territory firing at its troops, army sources say that only warning shots were fired at the Chinese soldiers after they opened fire at the Indian positions late on Monday night. Meanwhile, the situation is said to be brough under control. Issuing a statement Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) blamed India for the exchange saying that the Indian Army illegally crossed the line on September 7 and entered Bangong Hunan, the western section of the Sino-Indian border. Meanwhile the Indian Army is yet to issue an official statement. The latest round of exchange between the two sides comes in the midst of ongoing standoff between Indian and China in the Ladakh region that has been a hotbed of several skirmishes over the past few months. This is the first time gunshots have been fired on the LAC since 1974.

Also read: China says 'shots fired' at Shenpao mountain in Ladakh; no comments from India yet

Also read: China claims Indian Army 'illegally' took over Shenpao mountain

Follow BusinessToday.In for all live updates on India-China border conflict news:

3:15 pm: Indian, Chinese troops continue talks

Indian and Chinese troops continue to communicate with each other even as Chinese soldiers are in a face-off position near Rezang La heights

2:40 pm: Indian troops blatantly fired warning shots, says China

"On 7th Sep, Indian troops illegally crossed LAC and entered south bank of Pangong Tso. Indian troops blatantly fired warning shots at our border patrolling troops who were there for consultation. Our troops were compelled to take measures to stabilise situation. India's behaviour violated agreements. It's serious military provocation. We've made representations through diplomatic and military channels asking them to immediately stop dangerous moves, withdraw people who crossed the line and discipline frontline troops," says Chinese Foreign Ministry.

2:30 pm: Russia on India, China standoff

"We are not interfering unless both sides are inviting us. We are not participating in any negotiations between the two countries," said Russian Deputy Envoy on India-China row.

2:15 pm: Indian, Chinese troops in standoff

Indian and Chinese troops are in a standoff at heights around Rezang La after yesterday's skirmish. There are 40-50 Chinese troops facing off Indian troops that were holding on to mountain heights. China made attempts to dislodge Indian troops and occupy the heights.

12:30 pm: India, China deploy fighter jets along the border

China has deployed J-20 long-range fighter jets and several other key assets in Hotan airbase that is 310 km from eastern Ladakh. Indian Air Force also deployed frontline fighter jets like Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar and Mirage 2000 aircraft in frontier air bases in Eastern Ladakh.

12:00 pm: China blames India

"The Indian troops brazenly made gunshot threat to the patrolling Chinese border guards who came forwards for negotiations, and the Chinese border guards were forced to take countermeasures to stabilise the situation on the ground," said Colonel Shuili, Spokesperson, Western Theater Command.

11:30 am: Rajnath Singhbriefed about Ladakh situation

Indian Army chief has briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about the situation in Ladakh. Army Headquarters assessed the situation after discussions with local commanders. High-level meetings are likely today in South Block with Defence Secretary, CDS Bipin Rawat and all three services chiefs.

11:00 am: Indian Army statement on the recent clash

India, while is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC, China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate. At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing. It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress. In the instant case on 07 September 2020, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops. However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner.

The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility, however is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs. The statement by the Western Theatre Command is an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience.

10:20 am: Incident took place between 6-7pm

The latest firing incident took place between 6-7 pm. A Chinese patrol team came very close to Indian post near south Pangong Lake between Gurung Hill and Razangla Hills. The Indian troops preempted the Chinese aggression and responded with warning fire.

10:10: S Jaishankar leaves for SCO

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has left for Moscow for the SCO foreign ministers meet. The minister will stop over in Tehran. He is expected to meet Chinese foreign minister on the sidelines of the SCO.

9:58 am: Kapil Sibal hits out at Modi government

No Control Over :



1) Line of Actual Control

2) Worrisome surge in COVID -19 cases

3) Continuing economic slide

4) Students committing suicide

5) Mainstream media serving their political masters



Play with the ducks

But

Dont score a DUCK  Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) September 8, 2020

9:50 am: Not the first firing exchange

Earlier on August 31 also, when Chinese troops attempted to approach and evict Indian positions at the heights in South Pangong, there was a brief firing exchange, though it was also in the manner of warning shots and not offensive firing.

9:40 am: PLA looking to gain edge over Indian side

After the incident took place there was a heavy mobilisation of armoured regiments and ground troops In the Chushul area. The provocation was caused by the PLA troops who are looking to gain an edge over the Indian side in the eastern Ladakh sector. The incident could have escalated into a bigger violent face-off but timely intervention by both the sides at senior level ensured that it did not escalate further. The incident is similar to what happened at the helmet top in Spangur heights in the last week of August when the Indian Army pre-empted the Chinese attempts to gain edge.

9:35 am: Firing took place amid brigade commanders' talks

Firing between the Indian and Chinese army took place at a time when the brigade commanders of both the countries were talking to each other near the Chushul Moldo BPM post. The incident took place in south of the BPM posts in Chushul where both sides were engaged in a skirmish and the Chinese army first fired warning shots in the air. After that, the indian side pushed them back into their territory by warning actions.

9:30 am: Situation very serious, says Jaishankar

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has described the ongoing border situation between India and China in eastern Ladakh as "very serious". Jaishankar added that a "very deep conversation" is required between the two sides at a political level. "If peace and tranquillity on the border are not a given, then it cannot be that the rest of the relationship continues on the same basis, because clearly peace and tranquillity is the basis for the relationship," the External Affairs Minister said.
Jamie Kelo lost her $20,000 a year job as a receptionist at a hair salon in New London after COVID-19 touched down in Connecticut, she thought she could rely on unemployment benefits to help cover some of her bills.

She was wrong.

After two months of living without an income, she finally got her benefits set up. A few weeks later, however, she had to request the amount be amended because her employer reopened, but only offered Kelo part-time hours.

Her benefits were then cut off, and shes been waiting months for the Connecticut Department of Labor to hear her case.

Its just such a runaround. What a disaster. I just cant believe this, she said. Its draining.

Kelo is among the thousands of people in Connecticut whose unemployment application wasnt immediately approved because the labor department has determined it needs more information before determining if they qualify, or because the persons employer is challenging the circumstances of their departure.

During the second week of August, 8,653 people were waiting for a hearing. The wait is 10 weeks, seven weeks longer than before COVID hit the state. Another 7,300 are waiting to learn the outcome of their hearing.

Translation: about one out of every 50 people seeking unemployment pay since the pandemic shut down the economy are queued for a hearing.

Its unclear how often applicants who complete a hearing are ultimately approved for unemployment, because the Department of Labor was unable to provide that data last week.

Those who are denied benefits can appeal the decision - and face another 10-week wait for an appeals hearing. Even before COVID, Connecticut had the second longest wait time in the nation for an appeals hearing.

The long wait

The wait for unemployment aid, which disproportionately impacts Black and Hispanic residents and low-wage workers, contributed to Errol Hyman moving back to the Washington D.C. area to live with family. Hyman, furloughed from his receptionist job at a car dealership in New Haven, was getting benefits initially. But around the same time his work reopened, he tested positive for COVID-19 and struggled to recover. Because he was unable to return to work, his employer challenged his attempt to continue collecting unemployment.

He had a doctors note and a record of the positive test results, but he needed to wait for a hearing to make his case. Meanwhile, his bills started piling up, so he and his brother, who were roommates, moved back home.

We had to move, because we have family support in the D.C. area. Family has been supportive and so thats been keeping us going, said Hyman, 27, who is Jamaican and in the Connecticut National Guard. My symptoms lingered, and I just didnt feel comfortable going back.

After waiting 2 1/2 months, he finally got his hearing on Aug. 13.

I still havent heard back though. Ive been calling but havent been able to get through to anybody, so I am just waiting, he said during an interview on Aug. 28. The whole thing is crazy.

If he wins, he looks forward to paying his outstanding bills and paying back the relatives who have helped him out.

Lawmakers are hearing from people struggling to collect unemployment, like Hyman and Kelo, almost daily.

When you hear numbers like that, what it means is that people are in desperate need of help and they are not getting it. They call to get that help, and what they get is another step of the process, said Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, about the number of people waiting for help.

It seems to me there is a problem that needs to be fixed It can be dangerous. It can be the difference between people holding on, or not.

The wait is expected to grow longer

Things are unlikely to improve anytime soon.

With an unemployment rate presently hovering around 10% in Connecticut - and the labor department estimating heavy demand for at least the next year - the agency has already reassigned five staffers and brought back a recent retiree to conduct appeals hearings.

The department has also hired more eight more staff to handle hearings, but a spokesman for the agency noted that new hires are trained for months before they can start hearing cases. The department was unable to provide when they will start.

The pandemics impact on the appeals division has barely begun, Daryle Dudzinski, the agencys deputy commissioner, told legislators recently.

Given the time it takes to file and process claims, hold hearings and adjudicate appeals, it is likely that the Connecticut Department of Labor will be experiencing the adverse effects of COVID-19 for at least the next 12 to 18 months, said Commissioner Kurt Westby. These claimants are percolating up into the system.

The department estimates that by the end of the year, the wait for a hearing will increase from 10 weeks to 12 weeks. The wait to appeal a decision is expected to jump from 10 to 18 weeks.

While the glitches in the outdated computer system that prevented some applications from being processed early in the pandemic have been resolved, the 40-year-old system is still slowing staffs ability to process claims and hampering residents attempts to understand their claim status. A new, more user-friendly system will not be rolled out until May 2022.

The pandemic has required us to put technology modernization efforts on hold, said Dudzinski. Our state unemployment system remains outdated, and efforts to improve it have been shelved.

This outdated system means people like William Kenny, who lives in New Haven, had to fax in material for the hearing that took him months get. He said he was just fortunate enough to have friends to help him out.

Its chaotic. It doesnt really make sense, he said. Im really anxious that Im like going to fill something out wrong or miss something.
The Federal Ministry of Environment is partnering with German foundation, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), to conduct nationwide youth consultations on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) enhancement in the country.

An environmentalist and State Coordinator, International Climate Change Development Initiative, Seyifunmi Adebote, made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Adebote said that the nationwide consultations would bring meaningful youth engagement into Nigerias NDC enhancement process and in tracking the implementation process.

In continued efforts to ensure youth involvement and active engagement in climate policy development, the ministry of environment is partnering with a non-profit German foundation, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) to conduct a nationwide youth consultation on (NDC) enhancement in Nigeria.

Building upon the International Youth Day event and the virtual validation workshop of NDC Youth Action Manual which held Aug. 12 and 25 respectively, the National Youth Climate Consultation on NDC Enhancement in Nigeria will establish clear plans.

The plans will be for permanent and meaningful youth engagement in Nigerias NDC process beyond the current enhancement, including in the wider activities of the ministry

It will be recalled that Nigeria had youths as part of its official delegation for the first time at the Conference of Parties during the COP25 in Madrid and this is furtherance of such concrete engagement.

As an outcome of this youth consultation on NDC, eight NDC Youth Working Groups (YWGs), will be established across the eight sectors to officially feed into the final government NDC.

The sectors are agriculture, energy, oil and gas, industry, transport, water, waste management group and cross-cutting issues, finance and investment, gender and youth.

Nigerian youths are encouraged to be a part by registering to attend via

The NDCs, which embody efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change are at the heart of the Paris Agreement and central to the achievement of these long-term goals.

Mr Adebote said that Nigeria and 185 other countries submitted their first NDCs in 2015 and Nigeria was planning to submit the revised NDC by the first quarter of 2021.

Considering that the NDCs are submitted every five years to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat, an updated NDC is required for all party members, he said.

He said that each climate plan reflects the countrys ambition for reducing emissions, taking into account its domestic circumstances and capabilities.

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The coordinator said that the updated NDCs were expected to enhance the ambition of the Paris Agreement and provide a progression compared to the previous NDC while reflecting its highest possible ambition.

Until recently, only four parties have submitted their second NDCs, namely Moldova, the Marshall Islands, Suriname and Norway.

He said that the consultation was expected to hold virtually on September 11, via zoom with Sharon Ikeazor, the Minister of State for Environment and Daniel Mann, Resident Representative of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Nigeria, expected to deliver crucial remarks.

The coordinator added that Samira Ibrahim, the Centre Director, Centre for Policy Research and Development Solutions would moderate the event.

Huzi Mshelia, NDC Revision Coordinator, Department of Climate Change of the ministry, Olumide Idowu, Co-founder, International Climate Change Development Initiative and Adebote, Host, Climate Talk Podcast will be speaking at the event.

(NAN)
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Linkedin Ghina Ghaliya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 8, 2020 07:30 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c434e877 1 Politics disaster-mitigation-bill,house-of-representatives,Juliari-Batubara,COVID-19,coronavirus,Jokowi-administration,social-affairs-ministry,BNPB,state-budget Free

The House of Representatives and the government have agreed to revise the 2007 Disaster Mitigation Law in response to the global coronavirus pandemic.

Social Affairs Minister Juliari Batubara, who was present at the hearing with House Commission VIII overseeing disaster and social affairs on Monday, said that the government would move forward to the next step of the deliberation process.

"We are ready to discuss it at further hearings, Juliari said on Monday.

He added that the existing 2007 law needed revision since it had yet to include other prevailing regulations, hindering the government from responding quickly in time of disaster.

During Mondays hearing, the commission also formed a working committee to discuss the bill led by Commission VIII chairman Yandri Susanto of the National Mandate Party (PAN).

Yandri said that the reason for the House proposing the revision to the 2007 law was to improve the country's disaster-mitigation efforts, as well as to ensure a quick response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read also: New bill mandates 2 percent state budget allocation for disaster mitigation

The draft revision would include some changes, including adding more roles for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), making adjustments related to regional administrations policies, as well as creating a new scheme of funding and management of disaster relief, he said.

The bill would also regulate the participation of businesses, international organizations and non-governmental organizations and communities.

The government will follow up to make its problem inventory list as a response to the House's proposed draft bill, Yandri said.

According to the draft bill, a copy of which was obtained by The Jakarta Post, the revision includes a provision that requires the funds allocated for disaster management to amount to 2 percent of the annual state budget.

As a country prone to disasters, Indonesia is still facing a significant gap between disaster-management needs and budget availability. This situation has resulted in massive budget reallocations when disasters occur.

Read also: House panned for working on non-emergency legislation amid COVID-19 outbreak

In financing Indonesia's COVID-19 mitigation efforts, the government announced in March that it would reallocate Rp 27 trillion (US$1.8 billion) from the state budget previously earmarked for ministries, state institutions and regional administrations to fund the healthcare system.

From 2017 to 2020, the BNPBs budget has also been consecutively reduced. This years budget, for example, was only Rp 450 billion, a reduction of 26.7 percent from the previous year.

In addition to the 2 percent mandate, the bill also aims to strengthen the BNPBs authority by allowing the agency to form regional task forces to accelerate disaster management and cut down on bureaucracy, in line with the agencys plan to build disaster-management centers in several regions.
TORONTO - Ford Motor Co. will be the target of this years labour negotiations with Unifor, the union said Tuesday ahead of a strike deadline later this month.

The union, which last renegotiated wages, pensions and benefits in 2016, traditionally targets one of the Detroit Three automakers.

Targeting Ford means Unifor will negotiate with that company first, and that labour agreement will serve as a pattern for talks with the other two manufacturers, Fiat Chrysler and General Motors Co.

Unifor national president Jerry Dias said Tuesday that Ford was chosen, in part, because workers at the companys plant in Oakville, Ont., are the most vulnerable in the union.

The Ford Edge is expected to roll off the assembly line sometime in 2023 and we have not gotten a firm commitment yet from Ford, Dias told a news conference in Toronto.

The biggest obstacle for us today, I would argue, is Ford in Oakville. But I will also argue that, based on our conversations (with Ford), it also creates the biggest opportunity, he said.

I expect what we do will spill through in our conversations with General Motors and Fiat Chrysler.

Formal negotiations for Fords 6,300 unionized Canadian employees are expected to begin Tuesday night, and workers have voted to support a potential strike if the automaker and union cant reach a deal by Sept. 22.

Ryan Kantautas, vice-president of human resources at Ford in Canada, said the company is looking to strike a deal that will help it keep up with intense global competition.

In light of global economic uncertainties, its more important than ever to maintain jobs in Canada. Well be asking our employees to work with us to help shape this new reality, Kantautas told The Canadian Press.

Unifor, the countrys largest private-sector union, has been pushing for commitments that new products be made at Canadian plants  especially electric vehicles.

If you dont get in on the ground floor with the (electric vehicle) investments, you are going to be left out in the cold in the long term. And we have no interest in being left out, said Dias.

Thats why we are talking to all three of (the automakers) about their plans.

The negotiations with Ford come after the wind-down of GMs operations in Oshawa, Ont., which led to a battle with the union in 2018 and 2019 something Ford hopes to avoid, Dias said.

We are at a critical, critical point in this history of this industry in this country, he said.

During the last decade of record growth and record profitability in the industry, our footprint got smaller the bottom line is we have a very aggressive agenda.

Dias said that going forward, the union plans to shorten its negotiation cycle from four years to three years, with the next round planned for 2023 to better sync with U.S. labour talks.

We are sick and tired, frankly, of going into bargaining a year following the U.S. contract negotiations, said Dias. Wed rather go head-on in 2023.

This report by the Canadian Press was first published Sept. 8, 2020.
Georgia Official Says 1,000 People Double-Voted in State Primary

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said there were potentially 1,000 cases of Georgians voting twice in the states primary in June and runoff in August, a felony that he said will be investigated and prosecuted.

The voters in question cast absentee ballots and then voted again in person on Election Day, Raffensperger said at a press conference on Tuesday, with the problem occurring across 100 Georgia counties.

Every double voter will be investigated thoroughly. A double voter knows exactly what theyre doing, diluting the votes of each and every voter that follows the law, Raffensperger said, adding that election officials didnt spot the problem in time to prevent the votes from being tallied. It was not immediately clear whether the results of any of the races in Georgia have been impacted by the double-voting.

Those that make the choice to game the system are breaking the law. And as secretary of state, I will not tolerate it, he said. No one gets to vote twice. Everyone gets one vote.

He said his office is working with county officials statewide to ensure no double votes are cast in the November election. Historically, elections in Georgia have seen around 5 percent of ballots cast by absentee, while in this years primary and runoffs, that figure surged to nearly 50 percent, he said.

A woman wearing gloves drops off a mail-in ballot at a drop box in Hackensack, N.J., on July 7, 2020. (Seth Wenig/AP Photo)

Board of election worker John Carlino opens a ballot at the warehouse where the ballots are counted for the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 28, 2020. (Tony Dejak/AP photo)

Ahead of the primary, Raffensperger encouraged voters to use absentee ballots to avoid potential exposure to the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus and to reduce the number of people congregating at polling stations on Election Day.

Election officials received a record 1.6 million absentee ballot requests before the primary and about 150,000 of those who requested absentee ballots later showed up to vote in person and asked for their absentee ballots to be canceled, but around one thousand of those were still able to cast a second vote, Raffensperger said.

It comes as record numbers of Americans are expected to opt for alternative ways to cast their votes in the November election, instead of going to polling stations in person due to COVID-19 fears, amplifying concerns about election integrity. Over 43 percent of likely American voters would not trust in the integrity of an election if all voters automatically received ballots or ballot request forms by mail, according to a recent Epoch Times National Poll.

Attorney General William Barr, in a recent interview on CNN, argued that mass mail-in voting is an invitation for voter fraud and coercion.

This is playing with fire, Barr said. Were a very closely divided country here and 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 methodologywhich as a matter of logic is very open to fraud and coercionis reckless and dangerous, Barr said. The attorney general also said that the Department of Justice was conducting several very big voter fraud investigations in multiple states.

Many states have expanded vote-by-mail arrangements amid the pandemic, with a tally by The Washington Post showing that at least 83 percent of American voters, or roughly 100 million people, will be able to vote by mail in the 2020 election.
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The number of people dying from coronavirus in the UK fell to a 24-week low in the final week of August, when flu and pneumonia killed more than 10 times as many people, official data has revealed.

A total of 73 people died from Covid-19 in England and Wales in the week ending August 28, according to the Office for National Statistics. The dip marks a 24 per cent drop on the previous week's 96 deaths, the first time they fell to single figures since the pandemic began.

It is also a nose-dive from the 8,000-plus deaths a week registered at the peak of the pandemic.

But ONS data shows the total number of deaths in the UK has remained above the five-year average for the third week in a row, at 9.6 per cent over the expected level.

More than 790 additional people are dying in private homes and care homes, while deaths in hospitals remain below the average.

Experts argue this is because many patients are still too scared to seek medical treatment for conditions, while others don't want to 'burden' the health service.

Flu accounted for 14 times more deaths than coronavirus in the last week of August, at 1,040. It marks the twelfth week that deaths from influenza have remained above those from coronavirus.

The UK has now registered as many as 57,417 deaths from Covid-19, with 52,316 in England, 4,228 in Scotland and 873 in Northern Ireland.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer warns Britain faces a 'bumpy ride' in the coming months Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said on Monday that the public had 'relaxed too much' over the summer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has warned that the public has relaxed 'too much' over the summer as he predicts a 'bumpy ride' for the UK in the weeks ahead. The country has recorded almost 3,000 new cases for two consecutive days, prompting Matt Hancock to describe the figures as 'concerning'. Professor Van-Tam said on Monday that the rising case numbers are also of 'great concern', amid fears Britain's outbreak could get out of control. Should the number of new infections rise too high the track and trace system will be overwhelmed, requiring new social distancing restrictions to be imposed. Coronavirus tests can take up to a week to be processed, meaning the spike happened over the August bank holiday. Advertisement

There were a total of 9,032 deaths in the week ending August 28, which is 791 deaths, or 9.6 per cent, above the average.

It is the third week in a row that they have remained above the average, with every region in England and Wales seeing more deaths than expected at this time of year.

The South East suffered the highest volume of excess deaths, with 265 more people dying than statisticians expected, or 21.3 per cent.

Conversely the most deaths from coronavirus were registered in the North West, although this area had the smallest number of deaths above the five-year average.

Of all deaths from coronavirus 63.4 per cent were registered in hospital, 29.6 per cent in care homes and 4.7 per cent in private homes.

The ONS said that while coronavirus 'did not drive' the increase it 'has had a large impact on the number of deaths registered over the last few months and is the main reason for deaths increasing above what is expected'.

'The disease has had a larger impact on those most vulnerable (for example, those who already suffer from a medical condition) and those at older ages,' they said.

'Some of these deaths would have likely occurred over the duration of the year but have occurred earlier because of Covid-19.'

Speaking about the ONS report in the House of Commons today, the health secretary said: 'Today's ONS figures show that the weekly coronavirus deaths have dropped to the lowest number since mid-March.

'However, Mr Speaker, we have seen a concerning rise in the number of positive cases among young people. These serve as a salutatory reminder that this virus is still very much with us and remains a threat.

'So it is important that we maintain our commitment to controlling this disease. While young people are less likely to die, be in no doubt they are still at risk.'

Figures published today by the ONS showed that 52,316 deaths involving Covid-19 had occurred in England and Wales up to August 28.

National Records for Scotland said 4,228 deaths from the virus had occurred in the country up to August 28, while the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency said they had suffered 873 deaths from Covid-19 up to August 28.

In the final week of August the UK did not register above 1,600 coronavirus cases a day, with a high of 1,522 recorded on August 27.

The final week of August lies just before the August bank holiday, where it is feared the virus began to spread again as Britons 'relaxed too much' and enjoyed the last rays of the summer.

Daily coronavirus cases registered in the UK have almost hit 3,000 for two consecutive days, prompting warnings that the rise is 'concerning'.

It can take up to a week for coronavirus tests to be processed and have their results reported, meaning the rise may have actually happened around a week ago.

Paul Hunter, associate professor at the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline he expects the death rate may also start going up 'within the next two weeks'.

An increased rate of new infections may overwhelm the UK's track and trace system, which would force authorities to re-impose some lockdown restrictions.

Today pubs and bars in Bolton became the first in the country to be ordered to close due to coronavirus.

Matt Hancock said the northern town was now suffering from the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the UK, as many as 160 per 100,000.

Announcing a slew of new measures to control the virus he ordered all hospitality businesses to revert to offering takeout only, and said they could only open between 5am and 10pm. He also warned the government would make it illegal to socialise in someone else's home, adding further weight to measures already in force.

He said: 'I want us to learn the lessons from Spain and France, and take this action locally in Bolton. I know how anxious it can be and I know the impact these measures will have.

'We're asking you to take a step back at a time when we all just want to get on with our lives. As we've seen elsewhere, if we act early and control the virus then we can save lives.'

Explaining the need to take further action, he said: 'If we were to wait until we saw the number of deaths rising before we took action, then there would already be many many people who had caught the disease, who would end up hospitalised, who would unfortunately die of coronavirus.

'You have to act before that happens and before that disease spreads to those that will die from it because the alternative is that we will see the number of deaths rise inevitably.'

Data from Public Health England shows that more than 40 per cent of coronavirus tests done in hospitals were positive in March and April but this has now plummeted and remains below 2.5 per cent in both hospitals and the community. This shows that there remains only a small proportion of people with the symptoms of coronavirus who actually have it

The action comes amid mounting concern that the UK may be heading down the same path as Spain and France, which are now recording rises in deaths and hospitalisations at least four weeks after their cases started to spike.

Spain has seen the number of hospitalisations increase tenfold since mid-July, to 1,829, and seen the number of patients in ICU rise thirteenfold, to 161.

Yesterday it became the first European country to record more than half a million coronavirus cases, as more than 10,000 were added to its worrying total.

The country's death rate has also begun to edge up, six weeks after the number of cases recorded first nudged above 2,000.

France is also beginning to see a steady rise in the number of deaths, as they record 25 on September 7. Cases rose above 2,000 in the country four weeks ago. Yesterday, 4,203 were recorded in the country.
A court on Tuesday remanded Rhea Chakraborty, arrested in a drugs case related to actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death, in judicial custody till September 22 while rejecting her bail plea. She was produced by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) before an additional chief judicial magistrate through video- conference after her arrest.

The NCB claimed that she was an "active member" of a drugs syndicate and procured drugs for Rajput. The court rejected her bail plea and sent her in judicial custody till September 22. Her lawyer Satish Maneshinde said they will approach the sessions court for bail.

Her lawyer will approach the sessions court on September 9. Rhea's bail application was dismissed on Tuesday. She will go to jail on September 9 at 10 am.

The sections of the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act invoked against her include 8(c) (sale, possession or manufacture of banned drugs), 20(b) (ii) (possession or use of a small quantity of banned drugs), as per her lawyers. "Rhea has been arrested under sections 27A, 21, 22, 29 and 28 of NDPS," said K P S Malhotra, Deputy Director of NCB.

After the arrest, she was taken for medical tests including COVID-19 test to the civic-run Sion hospital in Central Mumbai. Before leaving for the hospital in a vehicle with NCB officials, the actor, clad in black, waved at media persons. She was accompanied by a woman police official too.

At the hospital, her antigen test for COVID-19 came out negative, officials said. She was then taken to the NCB office around 7.15 pm, where she was to be produced before the court through video conferencing. Speaking to media persons, Mutha Ashok Jain, NCB Deputy Director-General, South West region, had said the central agency had enough evidence to arrest her.

Reacting to the development, Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey said, "Rhea is totally exposed in the sense that she had connections with drug peddlers. This has been established, that is why she has been arrested." He added that the Narcotics Control Bureau must have found evidence against her.

It has been learnt from sources, the NCB also quizzed Rhea on the same question which Zee News highlighted - "Drugs or medicine, what will you give if your friend is unwell?"

Meanwhile, her lawyer, Satish Maneshinde after her arrest said, "Travesty of Justice. 3 Central Agencies hounding a single Woman, just because she was in love with a Drug Addict and was suffering from Mental Health issues for several years under the care of 5 Leading Psychiatrists in Mumbai, who ended up committing suicide due to consumption of Illegally Administered Medicines and used drugs."

Rhea has confessed before the NCB that she used to smoke cigarettes filled with marijuana (ganja). Rhea told the NCB during questioning that she used to smoke drugs-filled cigarette with the late Sushant Singh Rajput. Rhea also claimed during interrogation that Sushant was consuming drugs since 2016. This has been revealed by electronic gadgets recovered from Rhea's home. The forensic investigation of Rhea's old mobile phone, laptop and tablet has revealed several things to the NCB.

The gadgets recovered from Rhea's home revealed that her drugs circle was highly active in 2017, 2018, 2019. Investigating agencies have recovered several photographs, videos, WhatsApp chats and SMS related to the drugs circle in the electronic device recovered from Rhea's home. It is learnt that several big names of Bollywood are spotted in these photographs and videos. Many famous Bollywood stars are now under NCB's scanner and it remains to be seen whether the NCB will question them or not.

Earlier, chats of Rhea asking Showik to get drugs for Sushant had surfaced. When asked what happened next after the chat, Rhea disclosed that Showik through her contacts got bud and weed which was given to the actress, who in turn gave it to Sushant. On this basis, the entire chat chronology was understood, followed by Rhea's arrest by the NCB.

Meanwhile, the NCB is likely to make a big arrest in connection with the drug probe related to actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death. The NCB is planning to question Sushant's servant Neeraj as Rhea, Showik and Samuel have given some important information related to Neeraj in this matter. The NCB may also summon Sushant's chartered accountant Shruti Modi.

On September 7, Rhea failed to give answers to several important questions asked by the NCB. For example, the NCB asked Rhea whether she was getting drugs delivered at her home, whose money was used to buy drugs and whether Sushant also used to consume drugs at the hotel in Mumbai where he used to stay.

Earlier the NCB had arrested her brother Showik Chakraborty, Sushant Singh Rajput's manager Samuel Miranda and his domestic help Dipesh Sawant in the case. Rhea Chakraborty was recently interrogated by the CBI probe team as she is the main accused in the abetment of suicide case filed by Rajput's father, and also by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case. She has denied all the allegations many times.

Various angles surrounding the death of Sushant are being probed by three federal agencies, including the ED and the CBI.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against actor Sushant Singh Rajput's sisters and others for abetment to suicide and criminal conspiracy by prescribing him medicines banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The case was registered after the actor's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty claimed they prescribed drugs to him without consultation. An offence has been registered against Sushant's sisters Priyanka Singh and Meetu Singh, Delhi-based doctor Tarun Kumar and others.

Rhea in her complaint claimed these persons hatched a conspiracy and obtained false prescription on the letterhead of a government hospital for banned medicines and administered the same to the actor without supervising doses and quantity. Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Bandra residence on June 14.
"What has changed is that China has become immensely powerful and Xi Jinping is taking them to the brink," he said. "The fact that Bill Birtles and Mike Smith have effectively been expelled  it's just appalling  in some ways it's brought home to people in Australia what has been happening for a long time." The move by Chinese authorities to interview Smith and Birtles came days after the Chinese government confirmed the arrest of Cheng. The arrest of Cheng sparked Australian diplomats in China to caution both journalists they should leave China. Advice to their media organisations led to them booking flights to Australia for their correspondents.

Seven uniformed officers simultaneously visited the homes of Smith in Shanghai and Birtles in Beijing at 12.30am on Thursday. The reporters were told they were banned from leaving the country and needed to organise a time to be questioned. Birtles then sought refuge in Australia's Beijing diplomatic compound for five days while Smith went to the Shanghai consulate. After high-level negotiations between Australian and Chinese officials, the reporters were interviewed by China's Ministry of State Security in a hotel room  rather than a police station or government office  and allowed to leave the country on Monday night. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday said China still welcomed foreign journalists and police were following "normal enforcement laws" when they sought to question Birtles and Smith. "So long as journalists follow the law they have nothing to worry about," foreign affairs spokesman Zhao Lijian said. The pair were the only journalists working for Australian media organisations in China. The Australian newspaper's China correspondent, Will Glasgow, is currently in Australia and was due to return to Beijing shortly. The federal government has advised against sending him back.

Loading The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age have been waiting since November for Chinese authorities to approve a visa for Beijing correspondent, Eryk Bagshaw. In July they were advised the visa would not be approved this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The national editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Tory Maguire, said the treatment of Birtles and Smith was "deeply concerning, and has made it almost impossible for Australian news outlets to operate in China at present". "The Herald and The Age are committed for the long term to providing comprehensive coverage of China, and its relationship with Australia and the region," she said. Richard McGregor, a senior fellow at the Lowy Institute and a former China correspondent for The Australian and the Financial Times, said foreign correspondents were now effectively under the management of China's security apparatus, rather than the foreign ministry.

Mr McGregor said it was unclear whether any Australian media organisation would be able to send a correspondent back to the country in the coming years. "Beijing not only has to allow them to, but the media organisations would have to feel safe in sending them," he said. "In general terms, China is a vastly under-covered country given its importance  in part because it is so opaque, but that makes coverage of it all the more important, and we are losing a lot of it now." After landing in Sydney on Tuesday morning, Smith said the "late-night visit by police at my home was intimidating and unnecessary and highlights the pressure all foreign journalists are under in China right now".

"It's great to be back home safely after a difficult five days," he said. Mike Smith - in hotel quarantine - said the incident highlighted the pressure all foreign journalists are under in China. AFR editor-in-chief Michael Stutchbury and editor Paul Bailey said the incident "targeting two journalists who were going about their normal reporting duties is both regrettable and disturbing and is not in the interests of a co-operative relationship between Australia and China". Foreign Minister Marise Payne confirmed the Australian government became concerned about the two journalists after Cheng's arrest, describing the last week as a "very disappointing series of events". "We felt it was best they were able to stay with Australian officials on Australian premises while a number of these matters were addressed," she told 2GB.

Loading "Having done that  we were then able to assure they were then able to leave Beijing." Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong said it was "deeply regrettable" there was now no Australian media presence in China. "We hope that Australian media organisations will be able to have their people on the ground in China again soon," she said. Australia's relationship with China has deteriorated to its worst state since diplomatic relations were established in the early 1970s, with Beijing hitting Australia with billions of dollars of trade strikes after the Morrison government pushed for an independent inquiry into the coronavirus.
A study by Mumbai-based Praja Foundation found that despite Covid-19 impacting cities worse than rural areas, local councillors have rarely been involved in the Covid response.

Praja Foundation released a report titled Importance of Local Governance in Crisis Management on Tuesday, based on a study carried out in 29 cities between May and June. The report said in 18 of the 29 cities, councillors were not involved in Covid-crises management. Councillors are locally-elected representatives who are a vital point of contact for citizens with a citys administration. The 18 cities include Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Gurugram, Kolkata and Mangalore.

Nitai Mehta, founder and managing trustee, Praja Foundation, said, Keeping a city government out in times of crises is a mistake. It is the local councillors who know what is the real situation and what are the relief measures that are needed. They are much more aware than those sitting at the state capital or at the Centre.

The report also states that 24 cities are not taking response actions through ward-level interventions. In 22 cities, the city administration was not involved in the management as decisions were taken by the state government or Centre. Harshil Suresh from Praja said that in many cities, the local governments role has been limited to sanitation work.

In May and June, Praja Foundation carried out random sampling and interviewed local stakeholders, including councillors, administration and civil society organisations. In Mumbai, it found that though councillors might be undertaking relief work at an individual or political level, they were not a part of the crisis-management process.

Mumbai is also in the list of cities where area sabhas are not yet functional. The city has 24 administrative and 227 electoral wards. Asif Zakaria, a Congress corporator from Bandra, said, It is true that councillors are not really involved in the process of decision-making, though they know the pulse of the area. The administration must make the process more inclusive.

Praja Foundations report suggests empowering city governments during crises: The mayor should hold authority to spearhead the disaster or crisis management at the city level. Ward councillors should be authorised for implementation of rapid response actions and effective reach out to the citizens at ward level.

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By PTI

MUMBAI: Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday condemned the remarks made by actress Kangana Ranaut about the Mumbai Police in the context of actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case, which he said amounted to "insult" of the police force.

Ranaut had recently said that she feared Mumbai Police more than the "movie mafia", and would prefer security either from Himachal Pradesh or the Centre.

Speaking on the floor of the Legislative Assembly, the Leader of Opposition said he knew the capacity of the Mumbai Police since had had served as chief minister of the state for five years.

"But, the police can come under political pressure," he said.

Fadnavis also said since handling of Rajput death case was "wrong", the probe was entrusted to the CBI.

"What had been happening? 40 days of inquest? This was a perfect case of 'aa bail mujhe maar' (inviting trouble)," he said referring to the probe of the case by Mumbai Police.

Seeking to dismiss allegations raised by the Shiv Sena and other ruling parties the the BJP's demand for a CBI probe had demoralised the police, Fadnavis said many legislators had passed adverse remarks against the police at different points of time.

"Even Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, during a rally in Kalyan, had said the police were capable of only washing utensils," he said.

Ranaut's recent remark comparing Mumbai to Pakistan- occupied Kashmir (PoK) has drawn ire of the ruling Shiv Sena whose leaders are targeting the BJP for defending her.

Fadnavis further said any reference to the CM without respect was wrong.

"Even though we are in opposition, but Uddhavji is our chief minister," the senior BJP leader said.

Citing the arrest of a Marathi news channel reporter over a report on partial resumption of train services during the initial phase of lockdown, Fadnavis said the state government wanted to stifle the voice of journalists who are critical of its functioning.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Ways of increasing consumption by focusing on sectors where bang for the buck is maximum

These tend to be sectors where marginal propensity to consume is higher

Rs 103 lakh crore worth of projects approved. Focus to finish partially completed projects to spur construction

The economy will need to wait longer for a big-bang Stimulus II -- at least until the vaccine is out in the market

Once the vaccine is released and demand comes back with a bang, a push to accelerate that process should happen

A mini-stimulus could be announced as early as the coming festive season beginning next month. India's chief economic advisor K Subramanian told BusinessToday.In in an exclusive chat that some "short term measures" are likely during the festive season to spur growth. With the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country contracting by 24 per cent in the first quarter and experts calling for a second dose of stimulus, this would be a small dose before a big one. The economy will need to wait longer for a big-bang Stimulus II -- at least until the vaccine is out in the market.

"Some short-term measures during the festive season" are likely, says Subramanian, "There could be ways of increasing consumption by focusing on sectors where the bang for the buck is the maximum. These typically tend to be sectors where marginal propensity to consume is higher," says Subramanian. For instance, infrastructure, construction and consumer durables. The CEA said that these measures may have a short push, but they will have a 'steroid effect'.

Also read: Drop in Q1 GDP on expected lines; India on a V-shape recovery path: CEA K Subramanian

One key measure can be to double down investment in infrastructure pipeline. "There are Rs 103 lakh crore worth of projects that have already been approved. Focus to finish the projects that are partially completed will spur up construction activity. It will be good quality spending as well because infrastructure has far more spill-over effects," says Subramanian.

He also says the government could do something to spur consumption in consumer durables because these goods are in demand during the festive season.

With exports and private investment -- two vital economic engines -- having failed in 2013, India's quarterly GDP growth had slowed down considerably from nearly 9 per cent to about 6.5 per cent. But it was the drastic drop in consumption -- the third engine -- in the past 6 quarters that crashed the growth to less than half of that now. Now, with govt revenue falling as much as 60-70 per cent during the lockdown, the fourth engine of public expenditure has also come under enormous pressure.

Subramanian, however, believes a V-shaped recovery is currently underway: "If you look at the key indicators it is clear that the recovery is on, which is looking like a V-shaped recovery. V-shaped recovery only means there was a sharp decline and then a recovery. V-shaped recovery doesn't say much about the slope of the recovery. That said, what is still important to keep in mind is that there is still residual uncertainty that one can't deny."

Also read: Raghuram Rajan on economy: GDP fall 'alarming'; India needs stimulus now, not later

Once the vaccine is released and demand comes back with a bang, a push to really accelerate that process should happen, CEA Subramanian says. Vaccine is important for normalcy to return, he says. "Some say vaccine will come by the year-end, some say by early next year. Even if it happens early next year, that is a couple of months from now, bringing normalcy is critical to reviving demand," said Subramanian.

Meanwhile, former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Raghuram Rajan has said that holding back another stimulus package for later will be a self-defeating. "Government officials who hold out the possibility of a stimulus when India finally contains the virus are underestimating the damage from a more shrunken and scarred economy at that point," the former RBI governor said in a note.

He sees the economy as a patient, and relief in the form of stimulus as the sustenance a patient needs while on the sickbed. "Without relief, households skip meals, pull their children out of school and send them to work or beg, pledge their gold to borrow, let EMIs and rent arrears pile up. Similarly, without relief, small and medium firms -- think of a small restaurant -- stop paying workers, let debt pile up, or close permanently. Essentially, the patient atrophies, so by the time the disease is contained, the patient has become a shell of herself," said Rajan.

Also read: MGNREGA, cash transfers, loan moratorium: Raghuram Rajan's mantra for revival

Also read: BT Buzz: It's your economics vs mine for adamant, deadlocked Modi govt economists!
The Sushant Singh Rajput suicide case and alleged involvement of his girlfriend and actor Rhea Chakraborty has got the nations attention to Marijuana. Rhea was arrested by the NCB under sections of NDPS.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) began probing the case after allegations were made against Rhea that she had been giving drugs like Marijuana to Sushant. Marijuana is illegal in India. Marijuana comes from cannabis plant and its byproducts include weed, hashish, hemp oil and other items. Marijuana is categorised in the same group as other hard narcotic drugs.

The drug is banned in India. But that is not the case in many other countries. In fact it is used as a recreational drug in many parts of the world. In India too, there are temples which serve marijuana as prasad. Bhang, a variant of marijuana, consumption on Holi is a cultural thing in many parts of north India.

READ: High on Faith: Marijuana is Served as Prasad at Some Temples in Karnataka

Here is a list of countries where Marijuana is legal:

Canada: Here, the consumption of Marijuana is legalised by law for recreational and medicinal purposes. In fact, for the month of June, Canada saw the highest sale of the recreational drug with retail sale of $152.1 million. Canada is the first G7 and G20 nation to legalise cultivation, possession, acquisition and consumption of cannabis and its by-products.

Georgia: In this country, consumption and possession of marijuana is legal. It was legalised on July 30, 2018. However, cultivation and sale of the recreational drug remains prohibited by law here.

South Africa: In South Africa, consumption of Cannabis by adults in public has been decriminalised by law. However, use of space outside personal residence for sale and consumption of marijuana still comes under prohibition by law. The use of cannabis for recreation was first brought under restriction in 1922. Usage for religious, medicinal purposes did not fall under the ambit of the ban.

Uruguay: Recreational usage of cannabis became legal here in December 2013 after President Jose Mujica signed the legislation. With this, Uruguay became the first country in the modern era to legalise cannabis. Further in August, cultivation of six plants was made legal here. There was also a state-controlled marijuana dispensary regime, and the creation of a Cannabis regulatory institute.

In countries like Netherlands, cannabis sale is limited to some licensed coffeeshops. Countries like Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Bermuda, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, etc have legalised medicinal use of marijuana.

However, the case of India is different. While calls for legalising weed have gained momentum over the past few decades in India, the death of Sushant Singh Rajput and the consequent media trial of Rhea Chakraborty based on their alleged consumption of weed has once again raised questions about the criminal status of weed.

Critics claim that the weed ban is not only detrimental to mental health but also a source of revenue loss for the Indian economy. According to a Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment study, nearly 2.83% Indians aged 1075 years who consume marijuana. Thats 31 million people.
Russia has released the first batch of COVID-19 vaccine, known as Sputnik V, into civil circulation and the supplies of the medication to the Russian regions are expected soon, said a report citing Russian Health Ministry.

The Russian health ministry registered the first vaccine against COVID-19, developed by Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), on August 11.

The first batch of the 'Gam-COVID-Vac' (Sputnik V) vaccine for the prevention of the new coronavirus infection has passed the necessary quality tests in the laboratories of Roszdravnadzor (medical device regulator) and has been released into civil circulation, the ministry was quoted as saying in an ANI report.

The ministry further said that the delivery of the first batch of the COVID-19 vaccine to the country's regions is planned in the nearest future, said the report.

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

Follow our LIVE blog for the latest updates of the novel coronavirus pandemic

Earlier Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko explained that civilian production at this stage meant vaccination of citizens from the risk groups, namely teachers and doctors, which will be carried out simultaneously with post-registration clinical trials, reported Russian news agency TASS reported.

On September 4, Russian scientists belatedly published first results from early trials into the Sputnik V vaccine, which drew considerable criticism from experts, as the shots had only been tested on several dozen people before being more widely administered.

Like you, we're tracking the vaccine too. Follow this link to see when and where will a vaccine be made first

In a report published in the journal Lancet, 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.

Meanwhile, Russia is also set to complete early-stage trials on a second potential COVID-19 vaccine produced by the Vector Institute on September 30, the RIA news agency cited Russia's consumer health safety watchdog as saying.

Follow our full coverage on COVID-19 here
Only schools outside containment zones would be allowed to open.

Come September 21 and students of Class 9 and Class 12 would be able to go to school on a voluntary basis to seek guidance from teachers, as part of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's SOP on partial reopening of schools.

"Health Ministry issues SOP for partial reopening of Schools for students of 9th-12th classes on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers in the context of COVID-19," the health ministry tweeted on Tuesday.

However, the SOP added, "This will be subject to written consent of their parents/guardians. Such visits and teacher  student interaction must be organized in a staggered manner."

The decision to open schools for Class 9 and Class 12 students comes with a rider: Only schools outside containment zones would be allowed to open. Furthermore, students, teachers and employees living in containment zones would not be allowed to attend schools.

As per the SOP issued by the ministry, safety measures need to be observed by teachers, employees and students at all times.

The safety measures include: i. Physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed as far as feasible.

ii. Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory.

iii. Frequent hand washing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds) can be done wherever feasible.

iv. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering ones mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.

v. Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest.

vi. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited.

vii. Installation & use of Aarogya Setu App may be advised wherever feasible.
China correspondents for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Australian Financial Review returned to Sydney on September 8 after being named as persons of interest in a widening investigation by Chinese authorities into foreign journalists. It follows the arrest and secret detention of Australian journalist and CGTN news anchor Cheng Lei last month. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its Australian affiliate, the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) in condemning the expulsion and Chinas heightened harassment, intimidation and controls on foreign journalists attempting to report on China.

Bill Birtles, the ABC's Beijing-based correspondent, and Mike Smith, AFR's Shanghai-based correspondent, both boarded the flight to Sydney on September 7 after they were heavily questioned by China's Ministry of State security and subsequently sought refuge in diplomatic compounds. This now leaves no accredited Australian journalists remaining in China.

MEAA described the treatment of the journalists as appalling, citing a midnight police raid on the home of one journalist. After threats made by Chinese authorities, interrogations and a ban on leaving the country, the two men sought refuge in diplomatic compounds until an agreement could be reached to allow the pair to urgently return to Australia, according to MEAA. Australian Foreign Minister, Marise Payne, confirmed that consular officials had provided support to the journalists. "Our embassy in Beijing and consulate-general in Shanghai engaged with Chinese government authorities to ensure their wellbeing and return to Australia," she said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to reports in the AFR, both journalists were told they were persons of interest in an investigation into the Chinese-born Australian news anchor Cheng Lei, who was detained in China last month and whose status remain a critical cause for concern. The female broadcaster is being detained in secret and no details have been provided as to the reasons for her arrest.

Chinas continued intimidation and harassment of foreign journalists, including Australians, has escalated over the past eight months, as an increasing number of foreign journalists faced expulsion or had visa credentials severely shortened. The IFJ understands that in excess of 17 journalists have been expelled or had their visas not renewed in the first half of 2020.

In February, 2020, China ordered three reporters from The Wall Street Journal to leave the country over what Beijing deemed a racist headline, including Australian journalist Phillip Wen. Wen was reported to be the first Australian reporter to be expelled directly during the 70 years of the Peoples Republic. In March, 14 US journalists were also expelled as tensions increased between the US and China over foreign correspondents in China and the US. Then in May, 2020, esteemed Australian journalist covering China, New York Times correspondent Chris Buckley was also expelled from the country.

A serious deterioration in reporting conditions was documented by the Foreign Correspondents Club of China in its annual survey of working conditions released in March. In its report, the club said the Chinese government was using visas as weapons against foreign journalists on an unprecedented scale amid a marked deterioration in working conditions for international media.

More than 80% of correspondents surveyed for the report said they had experienced interference, harassment or violence while reporting. The three most sensitive coverage areas have been the Hong Kong protests, the situation in Xinjiang and any criticism of President Xi Jinping.

MEAA in its statement described the latest developments as a dramatic low point for the foreign medias relations with China in almost 50 years.

MEAA Media federal president Marcus Strom said: It is clear that China, and by extension Hong Kong through the recent National Security Law, is unsafe for foreign journalists. These outrageous attacks on press freedom place any foreign correspondents reporting from China at risk. China is isolating itself from the worlds gaze and demonstrating it will not brook any scrutiny of its activities. It threatens and intimidates journalists using national security' as a catch-all excuse. This is an extremely disappointing development. It has come swiftly, it is extremely aggressive and it will do great harm to Chinas reputation around the world.

The IFJ acknowledged the work of the media companies and the Australian government in negotiating the safe evacuation of the two Australian journalists, but remains gravely concerned for the well-being of stringers and locally engaged staff for foreign media, including Australia.

The IFJ said: The work of foreign correspondents in a country like China is all the more vital given that journalist visas are only obtainable for China through sponsorship of a party or state agency or through State-sanctioned and controlled visits by Chinas authorities. Correspondents who work in the China space do so with great journalistic skill and critical knowledge and understanding of the challenges of reporting; and yet they still break critical stories of importance to the global community.

What we are witnessing is the greatest deterioration in Chinas media controls in decades and that will leave a vacuum of credible reporting at a critical time. It presents a gravely concerning picture of authorities who desire total control of the information going out of China to the world.


The airline will resume flights to the country from 17 September, while Russia's Aeroflot will start on 9 September

EgyptAir will operate three weekly flights from Cairo to Moscow, starting from Thursday 17 September, the airline said on Tuesday.

In accordance with Russias coronavirus precautions, all passengers are required to present a negative PCR test result issued 72 hours before arrival in Moscow.

It must come from one of the accredited labs in Egypt, and must be in either Russian or English.

The flights will be on Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Russia resumed international flights to Egypt, the UAE and the Maldives, on 3 September, after a six-month hiatus due to the spread of the coronavirus.

Russia's Aeroflot airline has said it too will operate three weekly flights from Moscow to Cairo, starting 9 September.

Egypt began a gradual resumption of regular international flights on July 1, having closed its airspace in March.

It also requires travellers arriving at its airports to show a negative PCR lab test result certificate. However, travellers entering Egypt at any of four airports in Red Sea and South Sinai governorates can take a test upon arrival.

Egypt hopes that the resumption of regular flights will boost its coronavirus-hit tourism sector, an essential source of foreign currency, with Russians previously making up the largest bloc of tourists flying into the country.

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New Delhi, Sep 8 : The Russian government has sought India's help in manufacturing the Sputnik V vaccine and also to conduct Phase-3 trials or bridging studies in the country, a top official said on Tuesday.

Sputnik V, an adenovirus vector-based vaccine, was developed by the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, along with the Russian Direct Investment Fund and was registered on August 11.

"The Russian government approached the Indian government through appropriate channels and sought help on two counts - to consider its manufacturing through our network of companies that are well-known for vaccine manufacturing of high quality. The second request was, if need be, Phase-3 or any bridging studies be conducted in India," said NITI Aayog member, Dr. V.K. Paul.

The Indian government attaches great importance to this offer of partnership from a very special friend of this nation, and on both the tracks there has been significant movement, he added.

Calling it a "win-win" situation for India, Paul said: "India can manufacture that vaccine in large and significant quantities, which is good for Russia and India and the specific part of that quantity can also be provided to the world." The NITI Aayog member said that Indian scientists have looked at the data of their vaccine and there would be a need for a Phase-3 trial. "We are working in partnership with this vaccine candidate for manufacturing, trial, and regulatory facilitation in the spirit of partnership, science, and humanity." Outreach has been extended to several companies in India and four of them have already come forward, Paul said, adding that others are in discussion with their Russian counterpart and the government is facilitating the process of how that connection can be made.

Meanwhile, in India, three vaccines are in advanced stages. There are two indigenous vaccines being developed by Zydus Cadila and Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research. The Serum Institute of India has also partnered with AstraZeneca for manufacturing the Covid-19 vaccine candidate developed by the University of Oxford.

"Bharat Biotech-ICMR's Phase-1 is completed and enrollment for Phase-2 has started today. Zydus Cadila's Phase-2 is progressing nicely. Manufacturing capacity of Serum Institute is unimaginable - 75 to 100 million doses per month. The Phase-3 trials in 17 sites on 1,600 people will start soon," Paul added.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
House Democrats are launching an investigation of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and called for his immediate suspension following accusations that he reimbursed employees for campaign contributions they made to his preferred GOP politicians, an arrangement that would be unlawful.

Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-N.Y.) said in a statement late Monday that the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, which she chairs, would begin an investigation, saying that DeJoy may have lied to her committee under oath. Maloney also urged the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service to immediately suspend DeJoy, whom they never should have hired in the first place, she said.

A spokesman for the Postal Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Maloneys announcement came a day after The Washington Post reported allegations that DeJoy and his aides urged employees at his former North Carolina-based logistics company to write checks and attend fundraisers on behalf of Republican candidates. (Washington Post)

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Labor Day Weekend was marred by an uptick in shootings that ended with 64 Americans becoming victims of gun violence in cities across the country.

At least 10 people were shot dead and just over six dozen were were caught in gun-related violence as it gripped at least three major cities this weekend.

'The amount of violence over the holiday weekend is beyond unacceptable,' Brandon Scott, president of the Baltimore City Council,' wrote in an email.

The city of Baltimore this weekend saw two residents shot dead, one person fatally stabbed and 12 others shot.

Further west, Chicago recorded 51 victims and eight who were shot dead, including an eight-year-old girl was killed inside a parked car on Monday.

In New York City, a six-year-old boy was shot during a Caribbean festival in Brooklyn just three hours before a 62-year-old man was killed while walking his dogs.

Chicago

Reports from the Windy City on Monday revealed that eight people were killed and 43 Chicago residents were wounded in gun violence.

In the most recent incident, an eight-year-old girl was killed and two adults were severely wounded while driving on the South Side.

The shooting occurred shortly before 6 p.m. in the Canaryville neighborhood, Chicago Police Chief of Operations Brian McDermott said.

The girl was with her mother and two other adults in a Subaru SUV when they stopped at a red light at 47th Street and Union Avenue, with a Dodge Charger behind them, police said. Once the stoplight turned green, authorities noted that someone in the Charger then opened fire, striking the child, a 31-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman.

The Charger subsequently made a U-turn and fled the area.

Authorities in Chicago, Illinois, recorded 51 shootings over Labor Day Weekend that resulted in the death of eight people

On Monday, an eight-year-old girl was shot dead while inside a parked car on the city's South Side

47/Union. Girl shot, looks six or eight. Frantic. Cops giving A8 escort to the hospital, stopping traffic. CPR in progress. Chaos. Everyone working. pic.twitter.com/d33RiKSBc6  Peter Nickeas (@PeterNickeas) September 7, 2020

McDermott said the child was taken to Comer Childrens Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

'I stand before you, saddened and angered, that another child has lost their life in senseless gun violence in the city of Chicago,' he told reporters at the scene Monday night.

Chicago fire officials said the man and woman were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, with each suffering a gunshot wound to the back.

The mother of the slain child was also wounded in the crash, McDermott said. She was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.

The Cook County medical examiners office hasnt released details regarding the child's death

An record of a listed CBS Chicago showed seven shootings took place on Sunday

In another instance, a four-year-old boy and an 18-year-woman are recovering in a hospital on Monday after being shot in the Gresham neighborhood.

The pair was shot just after midnight on Saturday when someone driving in a Dodge Challenger opened fire.

Suspects knife recovered at scene pic.twitter.com/Jumd4dkXx0  Tom Ahern (@TomAhernCPD) September 5, 2020

The young boy was struck in the leg, while the woman was hit in the back. Both were taken to local medical centers and are expected to recovered.

Authorities don't believe either victim was the intended target of the shooting.

Also on Saturday, the Chicago Police Department said they shot dead a man who lunged at officers with a knife.

'My girlfriend, she heard some yelling, and then she heard some police sirens  'Let's go! Let's go! Run,' Charlie Chung told CBS Chicago.

'I just heard some loud noises. It was like loud and rapid,' he added.

The sound of gunfire came around 1.40am when officers responded to reports that an unidentified man was stabbed. The man was transported to a local hospital, but his condition is unknown,

Officers at the scene began searching for a suspect that was located nearly two blocks away.

Authorities said the suspect was armed with a knife and refused to drop the weapon when officers asked.

Officers deployed a Taser gun at the suspect, but it had little affect.

Then, authorities said the suspect lunged at a female officer and began stabbing her several times.

'He then grabbed the female sergeant and began stabbing the female sergeant with a long butcher knife,' said Supt. David Brown.

Officers opened fire on the suspect and the man was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

Baltimore

In Baltimore, three were shot dead including young food server Melissa Hefty.

Brad McCarthy, the owner of Maryland Blue Crab House in Dundalk, confirmed that Hefty, was one of the victims. She worked as a server at his establishment for two years.

'She was just always happy and had a lot of customers here that loved her,' said McCarthy. 'It is definitely tragic that that had to go down.'

Authorities discovered Hefty around 5.30am on Saturday while responding to a report of a shooting near the the 2500 block of W. Lexington St, The Baltimore Sun reports.

Melissa Hefty (pictured) was among three other Baltimore, Maryland residents killed this weekend

McCarthy: Hefty (pictured) was just always happy and had a lot of customers here that loved her'

She had a gunshot wound in the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. A man with a gunshot wound was also found at the scene and treated at a local hospital.

Additionally, a 28-year-old man was fatally stabbed in the chest and neck before he died at a local hospital.

The third homicide victim was shot dead around 10pm on Saturday. He and a second man were found by police while suffering from gunshot wounds.

Medica transported the men to a medical center, where one succumbed to his injuries and died.

And a 39-year-old man who was shot just after midnight on Monday is in critical condition.

The victim was a delivery driver who was shot in the head and robbed while completing a food order.

In addition to the three killed, 10 others were wounded.

New York City

New York saw a concerning spike in shootings over Labor Day Weekend, with at least 10 people shot as the surge in gun violence continues.

In one instance, a 62-year-old Brooklyn resident was shot dead on Monday morning while walking his dogs near his home.

Just two hours before that, a six-year-old boy and his mother were among three others who were shot during a festival in the same borough.

Meanwhile, surveillance footage from the New York Police Department showed a shootout on August 25 inside the lobby of Marlboro Houses in the Gravesend neighborhood.

The New York Police Department released surveillance footage of a gun fight the took place inside an apartment building lobby on August 25

One man (right) can be seen holding a firearm as people scramble out of the way when someone opens fire

A group of unidentified men are seen standing inside an apartment building lobby and appear to be looking towards something outside.

One man, who brandishes a gun in his right hand, walks further into the lobby before raising the firearm towards the door.

It's unclear who opens fire first, but the group of men suddenly scrambles out of the way. A different man runs into the lobby and appears to fire a round out of the open door.

The NYPD said that no injuries were reported. They ask anyone with information on the shooting to call Call 1-800-577-TIPS or DM them on trough their NYPD Crime Stoppers page.

As of August 30, the rate of shooting victims in New York City was up 120 per cent that week compared to the same time last year. There were 64 shooting victims this year, while last year amassed to 29.

NYPD CompStat showed that shooting incidents were up 85 per cent, with 50 recorded this year and 27 in 2019.

The numbers continued to rise on Monday as a Brooklyn man was shot dead outside his Bay Ridge neighborhood home around 6:50am.

New York Daily News reports that Michael Scully, the owner of five cocker spaniels, was struck several times in the head and shoulders by the shooter.

Authorities said Scully got into an argument with the suspect after leaving his home to walk his dogs.

The suspect pulled out a gun, shot Scully and fled the scene before police officers arrived.

Scully was rushed to NYU Langone Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The suspect has not been brought into custody.

The numbers continued to rise on Monday as a Brooklyn man was shot dead outside his Bay Ridge neighborhood home around 6:50am. Michael Scully, 62, (pictured) was shot dead on Monday morning by an unidentified shooter in Brooklyn

'I don't know who would do this,' said William Mendez, a longtime friend of Scully's. 'I don't believe he had any enemies. Everybody loved Mike.'

'He loved Brooklyn,' Mendez, 55, added. 'You needed help, he was there for you. He was just the best.'

According to friends of Scully, he was warm-hearted and kind man who spent several years working for a technology company. He liked to bring his dogs with him to church.

He was also an entrepreneur who bought and sold items, like perfumes and clothes, on the side. Scully kept a list of all the perfumes he had in stock, friends said.

Scully lived downstairs from his brother in a two-family home they shared. The brother was overcome with emotion as he hugged their sister outside their home just hours after the shooting, NYDN reports.

David Martinez, a longtime friend of Scully, said the man's girlfriend died about two years ago and the loss was devastating.

Her funeral was one of the only times the Martinez saw Scully cry. The other two occasions were during the funerals of his father and mother.

'He didn't deserve this,' said Martinez. 'This is execution-style.'

Around 3am on Monday, in the same borough were Scully was killed, a six-year-old boy was scooped up off the pavement by his mother after they were both shot during a pre-dawn J'Ouvert celebration.

Around 3am on Monday a six-year-old boy and his mother were both shot during a pre-dawn J'Ouvert celebration.

The boy is seen lying on the pavement in a pool of his own blood as a woman, identified as his mother, rushes over and tries to pick him up

In the video, obtained by DailyMail.com, some of the 300 people who gathered for a pre-dawn procession celebrating the Caribbean J'Ouvert festival are heard screaming in terror and fleeing after the gun went off.

The boy is seen lying on the pavement in a pool of his own blood as a woman, identified as his mother, rushes over and tries to pick him up.

A few feet away from the boy, a man is seen collapsed on the ground after he was also apparently struck by gunfire.

Police sources told the New York Post that the boy, identified as Maxwell Cesc-Vinho, was shot in the left leg while his mother Patricia Bratwaith, 47, and a man named Flavian Yves, 40, were struck in the left foot.

The sources identified the other two victims as Bob Charlotin, 46, and Kelly Barthold, 34, and said they were both shot in the right leg.

Disturbing video captured the moment a six-year-old boy was scooped up off the pavement by his mother after they were both shot alongside three other people during a pre-dawn J'Ouvert celebration in Brooklyn on Monday morning

All five victims were transported to Kings County Hospital Center with non-life threatening injuries.

NYPD officers arrested two men at the scene who were both carrying guns, but police have not confirmed whether either was the shooter.

Investigators are still working to determine the motive for the shooting, but NYPD Chief of Detectives Rodney Harrison said it appeared to be gang-related.

'This is a notorious gang area that, you know, we've had problems with in the past,' Harrison told reporters on Monday morning.

It's unclear whether any of the victims were targeted on purpose. Harrison said that the mother and son were just getting out of a cab when they were struck.

'It was really crazy - everyone was in shock,' Joshua Kristal, who was in the procession when the shooting occurred, told the Post.

'The boy, his mom was carrying him. You could see there was blood in his pants. She dropped him, I didn't know what to do, then I saw tons of blood.'

New York City has seen a troubling spike in crime and violence this over the course of this summer.

Last week police revealed new data showing there were 242 shootings recorded in August, compared with just 91 in the same month last year - a 166 per cent increase.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 18:20:07|Editor: huaxia

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SANAA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Two children were killed on Tuesday when mortar shelling hit residential houses in Yemen's southern Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, local medics told Xinhua.

Two other children were wounded in the shelling on the government-controlled Hays district, they said.

It was the latest in a series of such accidents in Hodeidah since the government and the Houthi rebels reached a UN-sponsored cease-fire agreement in Stockholm in December 2018.

The Houthi rebels control much of the port city, while the government forces have advanced to the southern districts.

Yemen has been mired in civil war since late 2014, when the Iran-backed Houthi group seized control of much of the country's north and forced the Saudi-backed government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa. Enditem
The latest industry survey from the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) reveals the enormous challenges facing hotels and guesthouses in Laois and Offaly and across the country as demand continues to plummet as a result of the Covid crisis.

The impact on employment and peoples livelihoods is stark for an industry that supported 270,000 jobs nationally at the beginning of the year  1 in 10 of all Irish jobs. An estimated 100,000 jobs of these have been lost so far this year and a further 100,000 are now at imminent risk in the coming weeks, including 3,200 in Laois and Offaly.

With the summer season finished, Irelands hotels and guesthouses are now reporting a 70% drop in projected revenues for September compared to this time last year. Bookings for September/October have plunged with average room occupancy levels at 22% in the Midlands. This follows a very challenging July and August with average national occupancy at 49%, representing an enormous drop compared the 90% occupancy achieved during these key summer months last year.

Commenting on the results of the survey, Dara Cruise, Chair of the Midlands branch the Irish Hotels Federation, said that the figures highlight the requirement for further sector-specific measures to support Irish tourism. Our industry is operating in a quasi-lockdown. The existing supports are totally inadequate for our industry given the current restrictions. If appropriate measures are not put in place, more jobs will be lost. Prior to the COVID crisis, tourism supported 4,400 jobs in Laois and Offaly, contributing 66m to the local economy. With a predicted revenue loss of 50m, 3,200 of these jobs are now under threat.

A severely devastated tourism sector would be a major loss to the economy and society here in Clare for many years to come. This can and must be avoided. We are doing everything we can to protect public health whilst also helping to restore the economy and safeguard peoples livelihoods, but we face extraordinary challenges. These have been greatly exacerbated by the additional restrictions introduced last month, including limiting indoor gatherings to no more than six people.

Businesses are, in effect, operating under close to lock-down conditions. This flies in the face of the detailed operational guidelines that are in place, endorsed by the HSE, HSA, HPSC and the FSAI as well as hotels proven track record in managing gatherings safely. It is our belief that the controlled environment provided by hotels can safely accommodate gatherings of significantly more than 6 people, which are an essential part of the fabric of Irish life.

A major frustration for us continues to be the lack of meaningful consultation with our industry in advance of new restrictions being announced by Government. All areas of society negatively impacted by Covid-19 should be consulted, including businesses, when developing the Roadmap for Resilience and Recovery, which is due to be published on 14th September. Public health goes hand in hand with ensuring a viable economy when this pandemic has passed.

Commenting on the additional Government supports required for the tourism industry, Mr Cruise said: The measures contained in the Governments stimulus package do not go far enough to address the unique and existential challenges facing our industry. In particular, they fail to deliver adequate supports around competitiveness and liquidity in particular.

The IHF is calling on the Government to implement the following measures as a matter of urgency:

- Review of 6-person limit  hotels provide a very safe environment in which to hold indoor gatherings in a controlled manner.

- Urgent approval of a hotel protocol is required to enable indoor gatherings of up to 50 people based on 6 people per table and subject to strict time-limits, physical distancing and protocols around wearing PPE and sanitisation.

- Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS)  if jobs are to be retained, the EWSS rates of support must be increased to the previous TWSS levels of 350/410 per week. This would make it possible for employers to retain staff during the difficult winter/spring months ahead and to facilitate training and upskilling structures designed to allow employees get personal benefit from this challenging period and to help the industry prepare for post Covid-19 recovery opportunities. Qualification for the scheme should be based on performance from March until the end of the year with payment made on a weekly basis to assist with cashflow. The scheme should be continued until the impact of Covid-19 restrictions has fully abated.

- Liquidity Measures - Additional liquidity measures are required to help fund hotels during the coming months as a result of the cash flow lost out due to Covid-19 restrictions, including extension of the moratorium on bank term loans from 6 months to 12 months.

- Local Authority Rates Waiver - The waiver period should be extended for tourism businesses to coincide with business interruption due to Covid-19 and for a minimum of 12 months. After that, payment of local authority rates should be based on reduced levels of activity due to the crisis and until the industry has recovered.

- Reduction in tourism VAT to 9%  permanent restoration to 9% to assist recovery and secure a viable and sustainable future for tourism. Reducing VAT will not only provide a stimulus in the Irish economy but also improve our competitiveness as an international tourism destination.

- Testing Regime  As an island nation with an open economy, we have to restore international travel safely as soon as possible. An effective tracking, tracing and testing regime must be introduced to facilitate this and to protect the health and livelihoods of all.

Safeguarding public health is an absolute priority for the Irish Hotels Federation and our members, who are fully committed to supporting the Government in the task of supressing Covid-19. We also wish to be part of the process of restoring the economy and the livelihoods of the almost 270,000 people who worked in our industry last year. But we need support now so we can play our part again in the recovery. The National Economic Plan in October will come too late for many, said Mr Cruise.
"If there is a change in the situation between now and then it won't just effect the pubs, it will affect all businesses." Stock photo: Kirsty O'Connor/PA

'WET' pubs may not be allowed to reopen as planned from September 21 and other businesses may also be forced to close if the Covid-19 situation worsens in the coming days, the Government has admitted.

The Cabinet agreed on Tuesday to allow over 3,500 pubs that do not serve food and that been closed since March to reopen from September 21.

However, a Government spokesperson later admitted that much would depend on the epidemiological situation - the incidence of the disease - and that if there is any changes to the current plan it will not just impact the pubs.

Read More

"Obviously it's subject to the epidemiological situation, but at this point in time the Cabinet has decided that 21st of September is the date for reopening," they said.

"If there is a change in the situation between now and then it won't just affect the pubs, it will affect all businesses."

They were speaking shortly before the Department of Health confirmed 307 new Covid-19 cases in the State, including 182 in Dublin - a significant increase on the daily rate of new cases in recent days.

Asked if there was a possibility that pubs could be allowed be open in some parts of the country but not others, the spokesperson said: "It will depend on the situation at the time, but again it won't just be restricted to pubs, if there are any changes in the situation it will affect all businesses."

The spokesperson said the Government will monitor the case numbers as well as other epidemiological information, before any change to the decision taken by the Cabinet on Tuesday is made.

The Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 will meet on Thursday following a meeting of Nphet and will consider any advice from public health officials.

The spokesperson said consultation is ongoing with the pubs and Failte Ireland guidelines will be updated if they need to be.

"As it is at the moment, it's planned the 21st of September, the pubs will open," the spokesperson added.

They added that there is a "balance there between the virus and the economy" and that the Government is conscious that for the last six months there are over 3,500 pubs across the country that "had their doors shut, had their livelihoods affected".

They added: "We've been listening to them for the last six months, we realise that there is an urgency there now to get them reopened but it has to be done safely, that's the context in which all of this is happening."
Fiona Bruce has admitted that she 'didn't expect to be working' at her age as she discusses her presenting roles in a candid new interview.

The 56-year-old BBC staple took over from David Dimbleby to become the first female host of the political show Question Time last year.

But she has revealed that she has no further ambitions for TV heights to conquer, saying that she didn't even think she would still be on our screens at her age.

Successful career: Fiona Bruce has admitted that she 'didn't expect to be working' at her age as she discusses her presenting roles in a candid new interview

When asked if there was anything she still wanted to achieve in her career, she told The Radio Times: 'Not at the moment. There should be.

'But you know, I'm 56 and I didn't expect to be working at this age. Things have improved in that sense.'

The Antiques Roadshow star also admitted that she 'rarely' looks at social media due to abuse from trolls about her appearance and alleged BBC bias.

The mother-of-two said: 'I rarely look at Twitter because that way can lie madness.

'But my husband did once show me two consecutive tweets: one said, ''Fiona Bruce is to the left of Trotsky'' and the next one said, ''Fiona Bruce has virtually turned this programme into a Conservative Party Broadcast'.'

TV favourite: The 56-year-old BBC staple took over from David Dimbleby to become the first female host of the political show Question Time last year

'So I have that in a little frame on my desk.'

The TV favourite also revealed her regret at not intervening on Question Time during a debate over Donald Trump.

Welsh actor John Rhys-Davies, known for his role as Gimli in Lord Of The Rings, exclaimed 'Oh woman!' at former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas and slapped his palms on the table in the discussion last year.

'I thought at the time, I should shut him down, and say, 'That is not how we say things here,'' Bruce said.

'We film the show as live and I always watch it back - which I don't do with the news any more - to see if there is anything I should have done differently, and on that occasion I should have done.'

Candid: In the interview Fiona also discussed life during lockdown and how her and her family coped during the pandemic. She is pictured presenting The Antiques Roadshow

Family: Fiona married her husband Nigel Sharrocks in London in 1994 after the pair met at an advertising agency. They are pictured together at Wimbledon in 2017

Read the full interview in Radio Times - out now

In the interview Fiona also discussed life during lockdown and how her and her family coped during the pandemic.

She said she became 'more Zen' after getting used to restrictions but that 'in the first week or so I was very anxious, and fearful and worried for my family'.

The broadcaster also said she felt anxiety about contamination while making cups of tea in the shared BBC newsroom kitchen.

However she added that she coped by working out, running and going on long dog walks.

She added that it was a 'pleasure' to spend more time with her husband Nigel Sharrocks, who she met in her pre-TV career in advertising, and their two children.

Her son Sam, 20, works in television and her daughter Mia, 16, was due to be taking A-levels this year.
After a hot spell, winter-storm warnings are posted for Wyoming and Nebraska. Read more

The weather around here is notoriously changeable, but whats going on in parts of the West might qualify as hallucinatory.

After fire-danger alerts and two days of 90-plus readings in Cheyenne, Wyo., heavy snow was falling Tuesday with temperatures in the 20s.

We were in red-flag conditions, and now we are in a winter storm warning, said Ayesha Wilkinson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Cheyenne. The warnings also covered parts of Nebraska, Colorado, and Arizona.

In Cheyenne, temperatures had fallen from 86 around 1 p.m. Monday to freezing shortly after midnight and down to 27 at midmorning.

No measurable snow had fallen in Cheyenne in the first 10 days of September since 1929, according to weather service records.

Up to seven inches was reported in the Nebraska Panhandle (more than 20 times what fell in Philadelphia all last winter), Wilkinson said, and the forecast was calling for the snow to continue into the night with five to 10 inches possible, maybe more in the higher elevations.

 READ MORE: When winter doesnt come: Here are the winners and losers of Phillys nearly snowless season

At 2 p.m. Tuesday, it was 29 degrees in Cheyenne, or about 50 degrees below the long-term normal. Wilkinson said a cold front had crashed through and that Cheyenne and environs ended up on the western, or cold side of a developing storm.

Winds circulate counterclockwise around storm centers, and Cheyenne was getting stinging winds from the north, with gusts as high as 58 mph reported.

Wilkinson said that the storm has had some positive effects, erasing the fire danger and routing the haze over the region.

 READ MORE: California sets a state record with 2 million acres burned so far this year

Unfortunately, the wildfires to the west have raged on.
BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee had adopted extraordinary measures to tackle the extraordinary incident of the COVID-19 epidemic, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday.

Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the comments at a meeting held in Beijing to commend role models in China's fight against the epidemic.

Faced with the sudden and ferocious epidemic, China fought a "people's war," Xi said.

In little more than a month, the rising spread of the virus was contained; in around two months, the daily increase in domestic coronavirus cases fell to single digits; and in about three months, a decisive victory was secured in the battle to defend Hubei Province and its capital city of Wuhan -- once the hardest-hit areas by the virus in the country.

China went on to win wars against sporadic outbreaks in recent months, securing major strategic achievements in the fight against the epidemic, Xi said.

The CPC Central Committee has insisted on making people's lives and health the first priority, Xi said, noting that all-out efforts were made to ensure that no single patient was left unattended to.

The cost of treating COVID-19 patients was fully covered by the government, Xi added.

Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, China had effectively curbed the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic and protected people's lives and health to the greatest extent, Xi said.

With a united will, the Chinese people put up a strong defense to contain the COVID-19 epidemic, Xi noted.

Rallying the support of the entire country, China made unprecedented efforts to save lives, said Xi.

Millions of medical workers fought the COVID-19 epidemic at the front line across the country, with over 40,000 medical workers rushing from other parts of the country to support Hubei Province, Xi said.

He noted that the Chinese economy is steadily turning for the better as the country has coordinated epidemic containment with economic growth after the sudden outbreak of the epidemic.

China has become the first major economy to return to growth since the COVID-19 pandemic, and has taken the lead in the world in both epidemic control and economic recovery, said Xi.

"This has demonstrated China's strong ability of recovery and enormous vitality," Xi said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8) The Interior Department on Tuesday said it will order local government units (LGUs) to boost efforts in tracking down and apprehending underground COVID-19 medical facilities in their respective areas.

Those are illegal and we will continue to locate them and arrest them and stop those operations, Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano said in an interview with CNN Philippines The Source.

I enjoin the public to provide us with information, and I will actually direct the LGUs really to put extra effort, he added.

Ano made the statement in response to the reported presence of some unlicensed COVID-19 hospitals in Pampanga which locals claimed only catered to Chinese nationals. Local officials, however, have yet to comment on the matter.

In May, local police raided an unlicensed makeshift medical facility inside the Fontana Leisure Park in Clark Freeport, Pampanga, which was also said to be catering exclusively to Chinese patients suspected of COVID-19. The Fontana Development Corporation denied any involvement in the scheme.

Illegal COVID-19 clinics in the cities of Paranaque and Makati were likewise raided n the past few months.

Ano, meanwhile, assured that authorities are continuously monitoring some establishments, noting that those illegally operating centers may only pose further risks to the publics health.
Technavio has been monitoring the global residential backup power market size and it is poised to grow by USD 1.32 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of about 3% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005549/en/

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Residential Backup Power Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire)

Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Please Request Latest Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impact

The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. ABB Ltd., Caterpillar Inc., Cummins Inc., Exide Industries Ltd., Kohler Co., Panasonic Corp., Schneider Electric SE, Tesla Inc., Toshiba International Corp., and Trojan Battery Co. LLC are some of the major market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments.

The unreliable grid power supply has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. However, the drawbacks associated with batteries might hamper the market growth.

Residential Backup Power Market 2020-2024: Segmentation

Residential Backup Power Market is segmented as below:

Technology Generators Batteries Fuel Cells

Geography APAC Europe North America 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=IRTNTR44649

Residential Backup Power Market 2020-2024: Scope

Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our residential backup power market report covers the following areas:

Residential Backup Power Market size

Residential Backup Power Market trends

Residential Backup Power Market industry analysis

This study identifies the introduction of hybrid power systems as one of the prime reasons driving the residential backup power market growth during the next few years.

Residential Backup Power Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis

We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the residential backup power market, including some of the vendors such as ABB Ltd., Caterpillar Inc., Cummins Inc., Exide Industries Ltd., Kohler Co., Panasonic Corp., Schneider Electric SE, Tesla Inc., Toshiba International Corp., and Trojan Battery Co. LLC. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the Residential Backup Power Market are designed to provide entry support, customer profile and M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support.

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Residential Backup Power Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024

Detailed information on factors that will assist residential backup power market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the residential backup power market size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the residential backup power market

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of residential backup power market vendors

Table Of Contents :

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market ecosystem

Value chain analysis

Market Sizing

Market definition

Market segment analysis

Market size 2019

Market outlook: Forecast for 2019 2024

Five Forces Analysis

Five forces summary

Bargaining power of buyers

Bargaining power of suppliers

Threat of new entrants

Threat of substitutes

Threat of rivalry

Market condition

Market Segmentation by Technology

Market segments

Comparison by Technology

Generators Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Batteries Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Fuel cells Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Market opportunity by Technology

Customer landscape

Customer landscape

Geographic Landscape

Geographic segmentation

Geographic comparison

APAC Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Europe Market size and forecast 2019-2024

North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024

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

Competitive scenario

Vendor Analysis

Vendors covered

Market positioning of vendors

ABB Ltd.

Caterpillar Inc.

Cummins Inc.

Exide Industries Ltd.

Kohler Co.

Panasonic Corp.

Schneider Electric SE

Tesla Inc.

Toshiba International Corp.

Trojan Battery Co. LLC

Appendix

Scope of the report

Currency conversion rates for US$

Research methodology

List of abbreviations

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 18:46:51|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Washington's so-called "Clean Network" program is neither feasible nor beneficial to the U.S. economy, experts said recently.

"The harm from U.S. bullying in several sectors will also negatively affect the U.S. economy and will affect the fair competition principle. This is a clear violation of international laws and agreements," said Jordanian economic columnist and analyst Khaled Zubaidi.

In early August, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the launch of five new lines of effort under the program to "protect America's critical telecommunications and technology infrastructure."

According to the five lines, Washington 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 country, and ensure undersea cables "are not subverted for intelligence gathering" by China.

For Saeb Rawashdeh, political and world news editor at the Jordan Press Foundation, the strategy "is not feasible and is actually working against the trends."

"In the world of technology, creativity is the main thing and this is an open space for all ... Controlling the cyberspace and banning certain apps does not help. This is so obvious that it's targeting China and is part of the pressure on China and its economy," added Rawashdeh.

Zubaidi believes the program is "part of U.S. hostile policies against China and Huawei" after it has been a superpower economically, militarily and financially for decades.

The White House resorted to such measures to "harm China and slow its progress," Zubaidi said.

Zubaidi's opinion was echoed by Samer Khair Ahmed, an expert on Arab-China relations, who said that China's rapid progress is something Washington had never imagined.

The Clean Network measures contradict the concept of globalization that the United States once advocated, said Ahmed.

This shows "it is not true that the U.S. looks to serve humanity or seek more international cooperation," said Ahmed. "These are only empty slogans." Enditem
With global supply chains being reforged, India must position itself as a vital link in this new order. Governments across the world are encouraging countries to shift their manufacturing out of China. A strong export orientation, cost-competitive manufacturing and creation of domestic champions is the need of the hour. An Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) will not be possible without growing exports to serve global markets. Therefore, global orientation is imperative.

At the same time, India imports a large number of commodities that are available in abundance within India itself. Take coal for instance. Despite having some of the largest reserves in the world, India still imported coal worth Rs 1.7 lakh crore in 2018-19. Now, with commercial coal mining a reality, we should see steady reductions in our import bills. Defence is another area where India has been a large importer. A gradual import substitution of 101 items worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore over the next five years has already been announced and a bold move of increasing FDI limits from 49% to 74% also announced. India has an abundance of minerals which can go into making metals like aluminium which has strategic future uses and super-alloys needed for defence production and in a range of industries. Providing a reform-based stimulus to the economy during the Covid-19-induced recession, historic reforms were announced in the agriculture sector and the coal sector was de-monopolised, paving the way for private sector investment. A conducive business environment will enable both domestic and foreign investment. However, there are a few critical elements that must be addressed to create a business environment that is the envy of the world.

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modis vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat hinges decisively on the success we are able to achieve in our manufacturing sector. We must move away from capital-linked subsidies to production-linked incentives. And this has been showing encouraging results. The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for mobile phone manufacturing has been showing impressive results. Several other PLI schemes have been announced. This is one of the vital cogs in enabling large-scale, low-cost manufacturing.

While imposing tariffs on imports seems like an easy solution to reducing imports, the effect is some time the opposite of what was expected. If duties are raised on critical inputs for exports, then the cost of exports would rise, making them uncompetitive in global markets. Even if duties are imposed on consumer goods, the duties should contain a sunset clause and be phased out in a clearly-defined timeline, allowing the domestic industry to grow.

Land and labour have been the traditional constraints in achieving scale in manufacturing. Multiple labour laws at the central government-level will be subsumed into four labour codes, with three set to be tabled in the coming monsoon session of Parliament.

Another vital element is that of easing the regulatory burden. India has already made progress in this regard, as evidenced by our jump of 79 positions in the World Banks Ease of Doing Business Rankings. Going forward, delays in clearances and multiple permissions must become a thing of the past. The states must take the lead and cooperate on this front.

Indias high cost of logistics relative to other competing nations has been a disadvantage. The central government will continue its push towards elevating Indias infrastructure to world-class standards through the National Infrastructure Pipeline. Our port turnaround time stands at approximately 60 hours, despite significant improvements in the past years. Digitisation of our ports will be critical in reducing our turnaround time.

Indias domestic market will serve as the base of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Combined with world class infrastructure and a conducive business environment, India will attract both domestic and foreign investments in manufacturing. These investments will, in turn, promote high quality, cost-competitive manufacturing, leading to India taking its rightful place in global value chains.

Amitabh Kant is CEO, NITI Aayog

The views expressed are personal.
Archaeologists have uncovered 13 completely sealed wooden coffins in the desert necropolis of Saqqara, Egypt, that date back around 2,500 years.

Located 19 miles south of Cairo, the vast burial complex  which features the step pyramid of Djoser and flat-roofed tombs  served the ancient capital of Memphis.

While thousands of sarcophagi have been found interred in the tomb complex, these new discoveries are rare for having remaining completely intact over the millennia.

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Archaeologists have uncovered 13 completely sealed wooden coffins (pictured) in the desert necropolis of Saqqara, Egypt, that are thought to date back around 2,500 years

Located 19 miles south of Cairo, the vast burial complex  which features the step pyramid of Djoser and flat-roofed tombs  served the ancient capital of Memphis. Pictured, experts with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities carefully open one of the coffins

While thousands of sarcophagi have been found interred in the tomb complex, the newly discovered coffins are rare for having remaining completely intact over the millennia. Pictured, the necropolis of Saqqara, with the step pyramid of Djoser in the background

According to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the collection of coffins were found stacked atop each other at the bottom of a 36 feet (11 metres) -deep burial shaft in the ancient necropolis complex.

Experts analysing the sarcophagi  which are so well-preserved that some of their original colouration can still be seen on their outsides  have concluded that the burial caskets have remained perfectly sealed since they were originally entombed.

Three sealed-up niches have also been found within the confines of the burial shaft, with the researchers expecting to find additional coffins after such have been opened, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled Al-Anani told Science Alert.

'An indescribable feeling when you witness a new archaeological discovery,' Mr Al-Anani wrote on Twitter, adding thanks to his colleagues.

'Stay tuned for the announcement of a new discovery in Saqqara,' he added, mirroring a similar teaser of further revelations from the site that features in a short video clip the minister uploaded to his twitter account.

Alongside further coffins in the sealed niches of the shaft, other discoveries that could conceivably be made at the site would be grave goods and hieroglyphs allowing the identification of the entombed individuals.

Experts analysing the sarcophagi (pictured)  which are so well-preserved that some of their original colouration can still be seen on their outsides  have concluded that the burial caskets have remained perfectly sealed since they were originally entombed

According to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the collection of coffins were found stacked atop each other at the bottom of a 36 feet (11 metres) -deep burial shaft in the ancient necropolis complex. Pictured, researchers are lowered by winch into the shaft

'An indescribable feeling when you witness a new archaeological discovery,' Mr Al-Anani wrote on Twitter, adding thanks to his colleagues. Pictured, the inside lid of one of the coffins

Experts believe that Saqqara was active as a burial site for around 3,000 years  and was used by both those of high social standing and the lower classes.

Many of the more elaborate  and traditionally easier to find  tombs have been found to contain assorted grave goods such as exquisite silver funerary masks, hieroglyph-covered cartouches and even mummified animal remains.

Many of such tombs have been found to have been previously looted, however  making the discovery of 13 completely untouched coffins special.

Three sealed niches have also been found within the burial shaft, with the researchers expecting to find additional coffins after such have been opened, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled Al-Anani told Science Alert. Pictured, a model sarcophagus in the tomb

Experts believe that Saqqara was active as a burial site for around 3,000 years  and was used by both those of high social standing and the lower classes. Pictured, the researchers pose for a photograph at the necropolis site

Located 19 miles south of Cairo, the vast burial complex of Saqqara  which features the step pyramid of Djoser and flat-roofed tombs  served the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis
Visual Copper Mineralization in All Holes Completed to Date

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2020) - Pan Global Resources Inc. (TSXV: PGZ) (OTC: PGNRF) (the "Company") is pleased to report good progress on the phase 3 step-out drilling program in progress at the La Romana copper target in the Escacena Project, southern Spain. The first five drill holes of this program have been completed with copper mineralization intersected in each hole.

Tim Moody, President and CEO of Pan Global commented, "We are very encouraged to report visual copper mineralization in all the new drill holes at La Romana. This includes multi-layer copper mineralization over intervals from several meters to more than 30m thickness. Logging and sampling of the drill core is progressing quickly and assay results awaited".

The company has completed five new drill holes (LRD09, LRD10, LRD11, LRD12 and LRD13) for a total 739.5m. The drill holes are part of a 3,500m, twenty-five-hole program designed to delineate and expand the copper-tin-silver mineralization intersected in the previous eight drill holes at the La Romana target.

The drill holes will also further test two large down-hole electromagnetic (DHEM) conductor plate anomalies and multi-layer copper potential. Previous drill highlights include LRD02, which intersected 20.55m at 1.5% Cu equivalent from 37m, including 7m at 3.43% Cu equivalent, and LRD-05 with 21m at 1.55% Cu equivalent from 12m, including 11m at 2.60% Cu equivalent.

Each drill hole has intersected copper mineralization broadly where predicted, including semi-massive and stringer style sulphides. The mineralization includes mostly chalcopyrite and local secondary copper minerals such as chalcocite, native copper and red copper oxides. Sections also contain elevated values of tin, lead and zinc based on portable XRF analysis and core logging.

Drill hole locations are shown on Figure 1 below. Hole LRD09 was drilled approximately 120m east of hole LRD08, targeting the lower DHEM conductor. Hole LRD 10 stepped approximately 50m east of hole LRD04. Holes LRD11 and LRD12 step approximately 50m east and west, respectively, from hole LRD05 testing the upper conductor. Hole LRD12 stepped approximately 50m west of hole LRD07 testing the up-dip extension of the upper DHEM conductor. Hole LRD14 will be collared approximately 120m northeast of hole LRD9 to further test the lower DHEM conductor.

Story continues

The new drill holes confirm copper mineralization, with associated tin, lead and zinc, continues from near surface and remains open in several directions. Copper mineralization appears to increase towards the east, associated with the lower DHEM conductor. The Company expects to provide ongoing updates as drilling progresses. DHEM will also be completed in selected drill holes.

Qualified Person

Robert Baxter (FAusIMM), a Director of Pan Global Resources and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. Mr. Baxter is not independent of the Company.

Figure 1 - Drill hole locations.



To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5190/63353_f5813a3c84d7ab5a_001full.jpg

About Pan Global Resources

Pan Global Resources Inc. is actively engaged in base and precious metal exploration in Spain, and is pursuing opportunities from exploration through to mine development. The company has committed to operating safely and with respect to the communities and environment where we operate.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

www.panglobalresources.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

info@panglobalresources.com

Statements which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. It is important to note that actual outcomes and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental, environmental and technological factors that may affect the Company's operations, markets, products and prices. Readers should refer to the risk disclosures outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis of its audited financial statements filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/63353
South Carolina sued the owner of a site where a massive pile of trash burned and smoldered for months, demanding $5 million to pay back what the state spent to put out the fire and clean up the site.

Able Contracting Inc. and Earlbee LLC accumulated debris in a mound that reached over 50 feet (15 meters) tall and when the compacted trash started to burn, hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants were released into the environment, according to the lawsuit obtained by The Island Packet of Hilton Head.

The site in Jasper County, nicknamed Mount Trashmore for the way it loomed over the surrounding neighborhood, began burning in July 2019. It took the state Department of Health and Environmental Control and the federal Environmental Protection Agency six months to completely extinguish the fire and clean the site, the lawsuit filed Thursday said.

Able Contractings owner, Chandler Lloyd, did not respond to the newspapers attempts to contact him.

The state and federal governments spent more than $5 million cleaning up the site, the lawsuit said.

State Sen. Tom Davis urged the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office to sue so taxpayers could be reimbursed for the clean up.

The Beaufort Republican thanked health officials for having taken swift action to completely clean up and shut down this facility, and for now seeking to make the taxpayers whole, according to the Hilton Head Island newspaper.

The neighborhood around the trash fire was evacuated for two months after health officials found several chemicals, including arsenic, in hazardous levels in the air.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Trends Pollution South Carolina
We saw a render of the Nokia 3.4 last month, which was based on the real thing and revealed the design of the smartphone. Now an official-looking press render of the Nokia 3.4 has been posted on Twitter by leakster Evan Blass, which corroborates the design shown by the previous image.

The smartphone is blue in color, and you can see there's a fingerprint reader on the back of the phone, above which is a circular camera module housing three cameras and an LED flash.

The Nokia 3.4 has the power button and volume rocker on its right side, with what's likely the dedicated Google Assistant button placed on the left frame. Upon closer inspection, you can also notice the 3.5mm headphone jack located at the top.

The image doesn't show us the fascia of the Nokia 3.4, but if the previous leak is to be believed, the smartphone will pack a punch hole display, which is said to have HD+ resolution and a diagonal of 6.5". You can head this way to check out the rest of the leaked specs of the Nokia 3.4.

The Nokia 3.4 was expected to make its debut at the recently concluded IFA 2020, but that didn't happen. However, now that an official-looking render has surfaced, it shouldn't be too long before the Nokia 3.4 is announced.

Source
Ukraine needs to accelerate the exploration of gas fields in order to increase its own gas production.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said this during his speech at the presentation of strategic directions for the development of gas production, which took place in Kyiv on September 8, according to the Government portal.

We need to conduct appropriate exploration, complete the already partially implemented exploration plans and promptly start production [at new gas fields]. For its part, the Government is making every effort for this work. We also count on the relevant legislative initiatives of the lawmakers. I am sure that together we will be able to carry out the necessary work and quickly strengthen the energy independence of Ukraine," Shmyhal stressed.

He added that the production of its own gas is a step towards the energy independence of Ukraine, which should be strengthened.

"We have record gas volumes in our storages; we have made a breakthrough step by setting market gas prices for the population. Now suppliers are competing for household consumers. You can already fix the price of gas and pay it in equal installments throughout the year. At the same time, we have the lowest gas price over the past five years," the PM said.

As Ukrinform reported, NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine set the price of natural gas for household consumers at UAH 4.73 per cubic meter (VAT included, transportation costs excluded) in September 2020. Compared to August, the price of gas increased by UAH 1,460 (45%).

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The logo of Samsung Electronics is seen at its office building in Seoul

By Joyce Lee and Heekyong Yang

SEOUL (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics <005930.KS> said on Monday it had won a $6.64 billion order to provide wireless communication solutions to Verizon <VZ.N> in the United States, a major win for the South Korean firm in the next-generation 5G network market.

Samsung's global prospects for its network business have improved following U.S. sanctions on its bigger rival Huawei, analysts said.

Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg told CNBC in July last year that Verizon does not use any Huawei equipment. Verizon had already been a Samsung customer before the order.

Verizon is believed to be Nokias <NOKIA.HE> biggest customer, JP Morgan research said in a July note.

"Samsung winning the order from Verizon would help the company expand its telecom equipment business abroad, potentially giving leverage to negotiate with other countries, said Park Sung-soon, an analyst at Cape Investment and Securities.

The order is for network equipment, a Samsung spokesman said. The company declined to comment on detailed terms the contract such as the portion of 5G-capable equipment included.

"With this latest long-term strategic contract, we will continue to push the boundaries of 5G innovation to enhance mobile experiences for Verizons customers," Samsung said in a statement.

Samsung said in a regulatory filing the period of the contract, which Samsung's U.S. unit signed with Verizon Sourcing LLC, is from June 30, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2025.

Samsung had a 3% market share of the global total telecom equipment market in 2019, behind No. 1 Huawei with 28%, Nokia's 16%, Ericsson's <ERICb.ST> 14%, ZTE's <000063.SZ> 10% and Cisco's <CSCO.O> 7%, according to market research firm Dell'Oro Group.

The Trump administration last month unveiled plans to auction off spectrum previously dedicated to military purposes for commercial use starting in mid-2022, to ramp up fifth-generation network coverage in the United States.

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The next-generation 5G wireless network is expected eventually to connect and enable high-speed video transmissions and self-driving cars, among other uses.

Britain in July ordered Huawei equipment to be purged completely from its 5G network by the end of 2027, adding it needs to bring in new suppliers like Samsung Electronics and Japan's NEC <6701.T>.

Samsung Electronics shares rose 2% compared to the wider KOSPI's 0.5% climb.

(Reporting by Joyce Lee and Heekyong Yang; Additional reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Stephen Coates)
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Once bustling with tourists and life, the desolate streets of Bali have now been swarmed by military personnel who are fining anyone who refuses to wear a face mask.

Alarming photos have emerged showing soldiers walking down the streets of Denpasar handing out fines of 100,000 rupiah ($9.30 AUD) to anyone without a face covering.

Soldiers have also been seen setting up COVID-19 checkpoints across the Indonesian island as cases of the deadly virus continue to grow and burden the country.

The military are now a common sight on the streets of Bali. Locals are fined 100,000 rupiah if they head outside without a face mask

Masks were made mandatory in April but fines were enforced in Bali earlier this month. Pictured is a man wearing a face mask in Denpasar

Municipal police officers are seen at a coronavirus checkpoint in Denpasar on Monday. Fines will be handed out to anyone who refuses to wear a mask

Face masks have been mandatory in public across Indonesia since early April.

Authorities previously came up with a range of punishments for those refusing to comply including performing push-ups and buying one kilogram of rice to go towards Bali locals severely affected by the pandemic.

Some police officers even made offenders dance.

At the end of August, the Balinese governor, Wayan Koster announced those who did not comply would now be hit with a fine.

'This regulation is to follow up on Presidential Instruction that aims to make people more orderly and disciplined in implementing health protocols as an effort to prevent the transmission of COVID-19,' he said.

One man is seen being fined 100,000 Rupiah not not wearing a face mask in Denpasar in Bali on Monday

Soldiers keep a watchful eye on Balinese residents that walk through a COVID-19 checkpoint in Denpasar

A police officer takes money handed over by a Balinese resident who was caught without a mask. Previously officers made residents who weren't wearing masks do push-ups or dance

Bali was supposed to welcome back international tourists from Friday but has since announced this has been pushed back until the end of the year.

'The Indonesian government couldn't reopen its doors to foreign travellers until the end of 2020 as we remain a red zone,' Mr Koster said in a statement last month.

'The situation is not conducive to allowing foreign tourists to come to Indonesia, including to Bali.

'Bali cannot fail because it could adversely impact the image of Indonesia, including Bali, in the eyes of the world, which could prove counter-productive to the recovery of travel.'

The popular holiday destination is now struggling to make up for the heavy loss in tourism.

Bali attracted 6.3million foreign visitors in 2019 - up 3.6 per cent from a year earlier - but that number has since crashed due to coronavirus travel bans.

Residents are seen exercising with face masks in Denpasar in Bali this week. Indonesia has recorded more than 197,000 COVID-19 cases and 8,000 deaths

As of June this year only 880,000 foreign tourists made it to Bali, according to Statista.com.

The lack of visitors has forced many businesses to close, including hotels and the marketplace shopfronts in Kuta.

Since then footage has emerged of monkeys taking over hotels, jumping from balconies into pools.

About 81 per cent of Balinese households have been economically impacted, not-for-profit organisation Kopernik found.

In a report in June, it found 44 per cent of those surveyed had either permanently or temporarily lost their jobs as well as 56 per cent having a decrease in income.

Indonesia has had 197,000 cases of the deadly virus and 8,130 deaths.

Monkeys have taken over abandoned hotels in Bali, enjoying the empty space and swimming pool (pictured in June)
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...
New Delhi, Sep 8 : PUBG Corporation on Tuesday said it has made the decision to no longer authorise the PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) Mobile franchise to China-based Tencent Games in India, opening the possibility of the ban being lifted.

The popular game is distributed in India by Tencent Holdings.

"In light of recent developments, PUBG Corporation has made the decision to no longer authorize the PUBG Mobile franchise to Tencent Games in India," the company said in a statement.

Moving forward, PUBG Corporation will take on all publishing responsibilities within India.

"As the company explores ways to provide its own PUBG experience for India in the near future, it is committed to doing so by sustaining a localized and healthy gameplay environment for its fans," it said.

PUBG Mobile is the mobile version PUBG, an intellectual property owned and developed by PUBG Corporation, a South Korean gaming company.

The company said it is actively engaged in developing and publishing PUBG on multiple platforms, including PUBG Mobile in select territories, to provide the best player experiences possible.

After PUBG became popular, Tencent -- a Chinese conglomerate -- joined hands with the company to market the product in China and started handling a large portion of its distribution in other countries, including in India.

"PUBG Corporation fully understands and respects the measures taken by the government as the privacy and security of player data is a top priority for the company," the company said.

The company hopes to work hand-in-hand with the Indian government to find a solution that "will allow gamers to once again drop into the battlegrounds while being fully compliant with Indian laws and regulations".

In addition to regular content updates, the company is exploring different ways to engage its community in India through various region-based activities, including esports and community events.

The popular mobile game has been pulled out from both Google Play Store and Apple App Store in India following the directive from the government.

Earlier this month, the government banned 118 apps over national security concerns, including PUBG Mobile, Baidu and a couple of virtual private networks (VPNs) that allowed access to TikTok that was earlier banned.

The action came after the fresh Chinese incursion attempts in Indian territory at Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh.

The PUBG game, which has more than 600 million downloads and 50 million active players globally, has nearly 33 million users in India.
Flights from Dubai to Casablanca

Passengers who will be able to board must be Moroccan citizens, or foreign nationals holding Moroccan residency, or foreign nationals traveling to Morocco for business (holding a permit from the Moroccan Embassy in the UAE) in addition to diplomatic staff connecting from Dubai to Morocco.

Emirates customers entering Morocco must complete a PCR test (within 48 hours of travel) and a Serology test for Covid-19, with printed results to present on request at check-in and to the local authorities on arrival.

Flights from Casablanca to Dubai

These flights will be available for passengers eligible to enter or transit through the UAE.

COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from.
Gandhi Nagar:

On Monday Deputy Prime Minister of Poland Piotr Glinsks called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of trade and investment, scientific research and waste management.

In the meeting Modi appreciated Polish support for Indias membership of Missile Technology Control Regime and its bid for NSG membership, official sources said.

Glinsks to attend the Vibrant Gujarat summit, beginning on Tuesday.

In the meeting, Modi also invited participation by Poland in the coal mining sector where India has opened up for FDI. He said Poland could be a very attractive location for shooting of Bollywood movies.

Also Read: PM Modi skips yoga, spends quality time with mother Heeraben in hometown

Modi also said India would support Polish plans to push forward air connectivity and that the e-Visa scheme would benefit visitors from Poland, the sources said.

The PM recognized the world class Polish expertise in waste, solid and waste water management and said it could be very useful in our smart cities project, the sources said adding there was a comprehensive review of bilateral relations in the meeting.

Favouring deepening of trade ties, Modi also talked about change in rules for import of Polish apples, trade going up by 22 per cent, and Indian companies investing more than USD 2 billion in Poland.

Recalling the longstanding relationship between India, Gujarat in particular, and Poland, Modi said Poland was the first country to extend help when Gujarat faced an earthquake.

He also recalled that Junagadh had provided succor to more than 1000 Poles who had come from Siberia, the sources said.

The Polish Dy PM observed that deep ties had existed between Poland and Gujarat since World War II.

He said Poland wanted to work with India especially in coal mining, green technology and recognizing this opportunity he had come with a large business delegation. He invited PM to visit Poland at an early date, the sources added.

He said Poland also looked forward to cooperation with India in effecting UN reform.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 20:11:53|Editor: huaxia

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SYDNEY, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- On the surface, Australia's Bondi Beach looks the same as every other year, with a recent bout of spring sunshine hinting at the much anticipated summer to come.

Taking advantage of the warmer weather, sunbathers took up their position on the sand, surfers in black wetsuits practiced on the small breakers near the shore, joggers gleamed and coffee-toting walkers strutted along the foreshore.

"Summer is around the corner and everyone's looking forward to it. It's been a long winter," Manager of Bondi's Lifeguard Service Matt du Plessis told Xinhua on Tuesday.

However, the summer may be a very different one, with the threat of COVID-19 weighing heavily on the minds of both beachgoers and those responsible for keeping them safe.

Case numbers in the state of New South Wales (NSW), of which Sydney is the capital, have hovered at around 10 per day for well over a month and the public are repeatedly warned that social distancing is vital to avoiding further outbreaks.

Australia's beaches, as well as offering a relaxing escape, pose the problem of becoming virus hot zones should too many Aussies flock together at once to beat the summer heat.

Bondi alone can see over 35,000 visitors a day in the summertime, more than enough to create a major health crisis should an outbreak occur.

In March, when Australia's fight with COVID-19 was in its earliest days, Bondi and a number of surrounding beaches were closed to the public after COVID-19 clusters emerged and crowds were seen to be ignoring social distancing advice.

After over a month, restrictions were gradually eased and Bondi returned to resemble the seaside playground it is known as around the globe.

However local officials said they are not ruling out a similarly hard line approach during the summer holiday period ahead should it be necessary.

"The last thing we want to do is to see any beaches close or anything like that, I would never want to see the sand empty -- but it's going to be quite difficult to manage," du Plessis explained.

While plans were laid out to make the summer run smoothly, they are heavily reliant on the public to do the right thing, which for the most part involves abiding by the same social distancing rules as elsewhere, remaining 1.5 metres apart and limiting gatherings to 20 people.

"Coming up into season we're expecting to have some really busy days, but what we try to do is just to say to people, if you see the beaches are busy, maybe go grab a coffee elsewhere at the local cafe, go support local businesses and come back when it's quieter," du Plessis said.

Helping to keep the numbers down will be Australia's existing ban on international arrivals, keeping an estimated 1.3 million overseas tourists from visiting Bondi, making for a season unlike the beach has seen in decades.

Although, as du Plessis pointed out, there will be plenty of people from Sydney and nearby ready to take advantage of what Bondi has to offer, particularly on hot days during the Christmas and New Year's Eve period when Aussies really like to dive into summer.

"We've got a lot of people living in Sydney and surrounds and Bondi Beach is an Australian icon so we're still going to get a lot of local tourism coming from nearby areas," du Plessis said.

"The crowds might not be as busy but we don't know until those really hot days come."

Currently most Australians are hopeful they will be able to enjoy a Christmas which is as close to normal as possible.

Already family gatherings of up to 20 people are allowed and as long as social distancing and basic hygiene standards are followed, a BBQ or Christmas party down at the beach could be a real possibility.

After a year like no other, Australians are aching for a break and reward for their efforts in handling the pandemic, and many are looking forward to doing so in true Aussie style, with the sand between their toes.

"I think it's going to be a really interesting season and we'll see how it plays out and if everyone can really help us by keeping to the public health order then we won't have any issues," du Plessis said. Enditem
A member of the Presidium of the Belarusian opposition's Coordination Council, Maria Kolesnikova, was detained while trying to illegally cross the state border with Ukraine, the Belarusian state-run news agency BelTA said.

"Maria Kolesnikova tried to illegally leave the territory of the Republic of Belarus but was detained on the border," BelTA said on Telegram.

Coordination Council members Anton Rodnenkov and Ivan Kravtsov left Belarus overnight, it said.

"At the moment, they are in Ukraine," BelTA said.

Meanwhile, official media outlets circulated a video that shows Coordination Council executive secretary Kravtsov announcing his decision to leave Belarus. The footage shows Kravtsov a few minutes before crossing the border, BelTA said on its Telegram channel on Tuesday.

"I've made a decision to leave the country. And now, we, including Maria Kolesnikova, will cross the border of the Republic of Belarus and will leave it for the time being," Kravtsov said in the video.

Official media outlets said earlier on Tuesday that Kolesnikova had been detained while trying to illegally leave Belarus.
Rights groups say a Turkmen lawyer has been arrested and accused of having links to Turkmen activists residing abroad who recently staged a number of rallies in the United States, Turkey, and Northern Cyprus to protest against constitutional amendments in the tightly controlled Central Asian state.

The Moscow-based Memorial human rights center and the Turkmen Helsinki Foundation (THF) said in a joint statement dated September 7 that police detained 48-year-old Pygamberdy Allaberdyev, a lawyer at a state oil company, after a man attacked him near a grocery store in the western city of Balkanabat.

Police initially accused Allaberdyev of hooliganism, but later officers for the National Security Ministry took over the case and charged him with having ties with the activists abroad.

According to the statement, a source in Turkmenistan's law enforcement told Memorial that the case against Allaberdyev was initiated by national security officials and is now considered a terrorism case.

Allaberdyev was interrogated without a lawyer and denied any links with the protesters abroad, while attempts by his relatives to pass him water, food, medicine, and other necessities were rejected by the authorities.

Memorial and THK cited a witness as saying that Allaberdyev's house was cordoned off by police on September 6.

"Allaberdyev's arrest is part of the Turkmen authorities' campaign to prevent further spread of protest mood [across the country]," the statement says.

In recent weeks, Turkmen citizens have held rallies in several countries around the world to protest a plan by authoritarian leader Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov to introduce amendments to the constitution.

Berdymukhammedov initiated the 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 most of the changes to the constitution of the energy-rich country, except that the single-chamber parliament, the Mejlis, will merge with the People's Council and become a two-chamber institution.

Memorial says that the amendments also envision stricter control over the Internet and telephone communication.

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 them 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.

Turkmen opposition activists based abroad have said they plan to organize peaceful demonstrations against the constitutional amendments inside Turkmenistan.

They have proposed holding the protest on September 14 -- the day when the death of Ogulsapar Muradova, a Turkmen journalist, THF co-founder, and RFE/RL correspondent, was made public 14 years ago. Muradova was tortured to death in custody in 2006.

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.
Student Zaniya Joe protests at Penn State after the 2014 shooting of teenager Michael Brown by a Ferguson, Mo., police officer. (Nabil K. Mark / Associated Press)

You may not have heard the academic phrase critical race theory, but its playing an increasingly large role in the Republican campaign against Democrats this season.

To greatly simplify, critical race theory offers an intellectual framework for examining the way white supremacy is baked into all aspects of American life.

Its a concept worth examining, especially at a moment when the country is in the grip of a pandemic that is disproportionately killing people of color and a convulsive reckoning over race and equal justice under the law.

As you might imagine, though, President Trump and his allies see the reassessment of Americans founding ideals as an affront, as well as a way to agitate white voters and improve his chance of remaining in office for another term.

Last week, Trump threatened to defund schools that use the New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winning 1619 Project, named for the year enslaved Black Africans first landed on American shores, in their curriculum. The project is a deep dive into how this country was not just built on the backs of the enslaved, but also on a foundational premise all men are created equal that was, on its face, a lie.

Department of Education is looking at this, Trump tweeted. If so, they will not be funded!"

(Not that it matters to Trump, but he doesnt control school funding.)

The Office of Management and Budget got into the act last week, too, deciding that this was the right moment to condemn racial sensitivity training for federal workers.

Its director, Russell Vought, announced, via tweet, that the days of taxpayer funded indoctrination trainings that sow division and racism are over. He added, Under the direction of @POTUS, we are directing agencies to halt critical race theory trainings immediately.

In a memo, Vought elaborated: It has come to the presidents attention that executive branch agencies have spent millions of taxpayer dollars to date training government workers to believe divisive, anti-American propaganda. [A]ccording to press reports, employees across the executive branch have been required to attend trainings where they are told that virtually all white people contribute to racism or where they are required to say that they benefit from racism.

Story continues

Gosh, press reports? If you were running the government, dont you think youd be able to get firsthand information about these training sessions and not force yourself to rely on what  just guessing here  Fox News is telling you?

For the record, if you are a white American and cant admit that you have benefited from structural racism, or the privilege automatically accorded to your skin color, then you really do need that training, as painful as it may be.

::

Exploiting white fear and resentment is the great American political trick, used over time by Republicans and Democrats alike.

As former Vice President Joe Biden continues to lead Trump in critical swing state polls, the president is increasingly desperate to reconnect with the white voters, especially women, who supported him in 2016 but have since lost their enthusiasm.

Pundit after pundit has pointed out that undecided voters represent a small but significant sliver of the electorate  but voter turnout will be just as important as persuading the undecided.

In 2016, Black voters stayed home in droves, as they say, probably costing Hillary Clinton the election, as her vaunted blue wall crumbled. There was a notable lack of enthusiasm, and an effort by the Trump campaign, via Facebook, to turn Black voters off to Clinton by replaying her infamous 1996 slur about super-predators. After a Black voter confronted her at a campaign appearance, she apologized.

In Michigan alone, the margin of Trumps victory was a mere 10,704 votes, or 0.23% of the total number cast. In Wayne County, where Detroit is located and the population is nearly 40% Black, Obama received 595,846 votes in 2012. Four years later, Clinton received 519,000 votes.

And Michigan was not an anomaly.

According to the Pew Research Center, in 2016, the Black voter turnout declined for the first time in 20 years. It dropped to 59.6% after reaching a record high of 66.6% in 2012, the year of President Obamas reelection.

It remains to be seen whether the presence of California U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, who is biracial, on the Democratic ticket will reenergize Black voters, without whom no Biden victory is possible.

And it also remains to be seen whether Trumps blatantly racist appeals  to, say, those mythical suburban housewives he vows to protect  will win over the white voters he needs.

(It is generally predicted that, just as in 2016, Trump will not win the popular vote, an outrage for another column.)

In the meantime, there is no lack of racist appeals by Republicans on the national stage.

Over the summer, even as protests against the police killing of George Floyd were taking place around the world, Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton introduced the Saving American History Act, a blatant attack on the press, the 1619 Project, and the idea that schoolchildren deserve more than a whitewashed version of American racial history.

The 1619 Project, the act says, is a racially divisive and revisionist account of history that threatens the integrity of the Union by denying the true principles on which it was founded.

Just last week, Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz joined the anti-1619 Project mob, launching a multi-tweet rampage against the 1619 Project, calling out a controversy over whether the paper had erred when it said the American Revolution was motivated in part by the desire to preserve slavery.

It is filled with serious errors, claimed Cruz, which have been called out by top historians  but the NYT doesnt care. Youre not after the truth.

Actually, historians differ about the role slavery played in the Revolution, and the New York Times has forthrightly addressed the controversy, even adding a clarification.

Why? Because unlike Trump, Cotton and Cruz, newspapers care about both fairness and truth.

@AbcarianLAT




As shown every time we read or watch the news, racism is ubiquitous in America. Yet racism is so insidious that it exists on a more micro, common level as well. Effecting all swaths of culture and society, it permeates aspects of day-to-day life, especially when it is unexpected. In Tacit Racism, Anne Warfield Rawls and Waverly Duck illustrate the many ways in which racism is coded into the everyday social expectations of Americans. The following is a slightly altered excerpt from the introduction to Tacit Racism.

Racism Is a Clear and Present Danger

If you can convince the lowest white man hes better than the best colored man, he wont notice youre picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and hell empty his pockets for you. Lyndon B. Johnson

Since the 1670s, fifty years after the first Africans were sold into slavery at Jamestown in 1619, racism has steadily and relentlessly wormed its way so deeply into the foundations of the American democratic experiment that we typically dont even notice it. Racism does not usually take an obvious form that we can see and prevent, rather it masquerades as the most ordinary of daily actions: as unnoticed and ever-present as the air we breathe. In our book Tacit Racism we illustrate the many ways in which racism is coded into the everyday social expectations of Americans, in taken-for-granted Interaction Orders of Race that create vast amounts of hidden unconscious  Tacit Racism  which most Americans are not aware of. Because it is systemic, institutionalized in our everyday interactional expectations, acting on this racism does not require conscious intent: actions are racist if Race is coded into them. This racism divides the United States, providing fertile ground for the manipulation of issues associated with Race (e.g., health care, guns, voting rights, and immigration) by wealthy special interests and foreign powers (Russia in particular is exploiting Race to interfere with our elections) such that Race divisions now pose a clear and present danger to the nation and its democratic institutions.

In over twenty-five years of research, the authors have found that without being aware of it, everyone in the US acts in racist ways just by doing ordinary things. In his book The White Racial Frame (2009), Joe Feagin shows that a 350-year-old racial gestalt shapes the way Americans view Race such that, as studies of implicit bias show (Greenwald and Krieger 2006; Jost et al. 2009), most Americans see and hear non-White Others in racist ways. Since the birth of Black/White racism, which as Theodore Allen (1994, 1997) documents in The Invention of the White Race, began in 1670s Virginia, the myth of a dominant White Race  the myth of Whiteness  has played a preeminent role in the social, economic and political organization of the United States. According to Jonathan Metzl (2019) in Dying of Whiteness, Americans who identify as White, particularly White men, are literally dying for their investment in the mythology of Whiteness.

The irony is that Race is not a biological fact. It is a social convention, a social fact (a fact by social agreement). There is no White Race, no White civilization, and there are no White people, except as a matter of agreement (Race terms, including Race, Black, White, and Other when used to indicate a racialized Other, are capitalized to highlight this social fact status). Furthermore, each country has categorized differences between people in ways that suit its own needs, so Race categories differ by country. The Race issues we discuss belong uniquely to the United States. Other important categories like Latinx/Hispanic and Asian not only do not denote Races the way the Black/White binary is intended toeven by agreementthey confer outsider status. Persons in these categories do not easily fit within the American binary. For Latinx/Hispanic this is the case even though the oldest colonies in the United States were Spanish. The binary American Black/White category system that is taken for granted in the United States today is Anglo in origin. It was invented by rich English plantation owners in the Jamestown, Virginia, colony to trick poor Irish, Scots and English laborers into controlling African laborers for them (Allen 1994, 1997). The invention of Whiteness was a ploy by the rich to divide and conquer colonial American working classes by Race, while also eliminating Spanish influence.

Corresponding myths about Blackness and the alleged violence and criminality of Black Americans have been used systematically to control White Americans since the late 1600s, encouraging them to remain in segregated rural areas and all-White enclaves; and when White Americans do rebel against this control and start speaking out in their own interest, powerful forces move quickly to punish them. The myth of Black criminality and violence is as much a fiction as the myth of White superiority. Just as there is no White Race, there is no Black Race. Furthermore, studies of unreported crime suggest that the real White American crime rate is higher than for other categories of people. It has just not been recorded because the police do not patrol White neighborhoods the same way they patrol Black neighborhoods. White Americans have been made to fear the illusion of Black violence. But, as Michael Males (2017) reports, White Americans in predominantly White Republican counties are 50% more likely to die from violence than White Americans in racially diverse Democratic counties. It turns out that the biggest threat to White Americans is living in isolated White communities among themselves.

Nevertheless, on the basis of social fictions about a criminalblackman (Russell-Brown 2009) and Black-on-Black crime, Black Americans continue to be feared, shot by the police, denied jobs, education, housing, and the right to vote, and incarcerated at record rates for things that most White Americans do with impunity. When Black Americans do manage to secure high-status positions, they often find that the White Americans they work with do not recognize their legitimate status or competence, creating problems for them on the job and giving them back only what we call fractured reflections of the identities they have achieved.

While many believe that Black Americans suffer from what Frantz Fanon (1952) called the colonial mentality, leading to low self-esteem and impoverished cultural development, we note that it is primarily White Americans, not Black Americans, who are exhibiting the characteristics Fanon describes: in particular trying to emulate the wealthy Whites who oppress thema process that is deeply invested in fantasies about Whiteness. Details about how voters were targeted by social media during the 2016 election suggest that those who designed the algorithms used to target susceptible voters took advantage of the vulnerability that the fantasy of Whiteness creates (Wylie 2019).

We take the position of W. E. B. Du Bois (1903), that because Black Americans have an experience of being seen by the White Other as inferior, while at the same time being blocked from emulating them, they have developed what he called double consciousness, which has enabled Black Americans to create their own community that insulates them against the colonial condition. As Cornell West (2002) noted, trying to emulate White Americans is detrimental to the well-being of Black Americans. Our research shows that Black interaction order preferences tacitly embed this understanding. Thus, in the current crisis, it is ironically the colonial mentality of White Americans that threatens to overturn our democracy. In the words of Leonard Pitts (2019), The Republican Partys appeal . . . stems largely from an implicit promise: Vote for us, and we will repeal the 20th century. However, while White Americansegged on by the 1%are trying to undo the civil rights reforms of the last century, Black Americans remain committed to a democratic future for every single American, and our research shows that Black American interaction order expectations reflect this commitment.

Powerful special interests are well organized to keep White Americans in thrall to an anti-democratic racial mythology that encourages them to continue trying to keep Black Americans in their place (Maddow 2019; Mayer 2016; Skocpol and Williamson 2011). Black American attempts to organize have also met with powerful political opposition. But, the primary objective has been to use Race to divide workers. Each time White workers have begun to organize for their own benefit, special interests have quickly mobilized racialized counter-narratives (you have no job because affirmative action gave Black people your jobs) in combination with political and legal action to stop them too. According to Kerri Merritt (2017), the need to put an end to the threat of a strike to end slavery by White southern laborers before the Civil War hastened the beginning of that war. Over the course of American history, the myth of White racial superiority has been the principal means of controlling White workers.

The question why White Americans so often vote against their own self-interest has a simple answer: they do it to preserve their investment in the fantasy of Whiteness.

At this point of national crisis, we need to have a general conversation about Race to liberate both White and Black Americans from the myths that divide the nation. Racism and democracy cannot coexist. Racism is a basic failure to recognize the Other as a human being like oneself: a failure of empathy and reciprocity that impacts communication, social interaction, and the life chances of all citizens. Because most Americans now believe that racism is wrong, the discussion of Race we need to have should be possible. But a strong tendency to treat racism either as a matter of personal bias (whether overt or implicit), or as explicit bias in formal rules and laws, is getting in the way.

Before we can talk the way we think about Race and racism will need to change. Not only does thinking about racism in terms of personal bias ignore the systemic racism coded into interaction, but focusing on individuals and their attitudes creates the false impression that individual prejudice is a bigger problem than the systemic tacit racism that makes individuals and institutions act in racist ways in the first place.

This sets up the problem backwards. It overlooks the most prevalent forms of institutionalized racismwhich are tacit not explicitand obscures the fact that we all unknowingly act in racist ways. It also scares White Americans, who do not want to be told they are racist, and keeps them away from the conversation we need to have about Race. Ultimately, the biggest problem is not the explicit racism of institutions or individual racists and their attitudesthese we can at least see. The bigger problem is the racism we cant see that is structured into the fabric of American life, shaping the actions and implicit biases of all Americans in racist ways, encouraged by the powerful special interests and foreign powers that are taking advantage of our divided nation. Our country was built on a racist labor system that is still sustained by the many myths, lies, and fantasies about Race, and this has shaped our national culture. This is one of the reasons why we still need to talk about slavery. The preferred ways of interacting that have developed over time among Black and White Americans reflect the underlying racism embedded in our society that began with slavery. Given this background, how could we not be enacting hidden tacit racist codes every day?

In focusing on the Black/White binary and the two clashing interaction orders that correspond to it, we do not overlook other categories of people identified by Race and/or culture in the United States who experience racism and exclusion. What we argue, however, is that they, too, find themselves positioned against the Black/White binary when they are in the US. We take the position that all racism (and misperceptions of Race) in the US are structured by the Black/White binary, and consequently that all other racial/cultural classifications in this country can best be understood in terms of their positioning in relationship to that binary. This ironically holds for the category Native American as well.

The Black/White binary has been close to absolute for 350 years. Americans tend to be perceived as either Black or White. Those who cannot be classified within the binary tend to be perceived as outsiders no matter how long they and/or their ancestors have lived here. Those who come to the United States from elsewhere, are usually not aware of the way Race categories work in this country or how they will be assigned to (or excluded from) those categories by Americans. Nor are they typically aware of the expectations of the interaction orders of the categories to which they may be assigned.

Our aim is to examine how the legacy of the Black/White binary and its attendant anti-Asian and anti-Spanish forms of racism have been coded into ordinary social interaction in the United Statesas tacit racismso that we can stop pretending we are a democratic society and start becoming one. This will require achieving a level of awareness about Race and systemic racism among White Americans that we call White double consciousness in homage to Du Bois. Just as the experience of being seen as inferior has, he argued, enabled Black Americans to develop some insight about racism, we hope that an awareness of the many ways in which White Americans are acting out a false code of racial superiority will give them a corresponding insight into their own racism  and how they look to Others. Until we develop a general awareness of the racism in our own actions, the defensiveness of Americans who identify as White, described by Robin DiAngelo (2018) in White Fragility, that leads them to deny they are acting in racist ways, will keep getting in the way of the awareness of Race and racism we need to achieve.

Anne Warfield Rawls is professor of sociology at Bentley University. Waverly Duck is assistant professor of sociology at the University of Pittsburgh.

Tacit Racism is available now on our website or from your favorite bookseller.
Punters were told to down their pints before they were kicked out of bars and pubs in Bolton as new lockdown measures came into effect immediately.

Furious landlords were left red faced as they were told of the new restrictions by drinkers after being given 'no notice' from the government.

Peter Sutton, from the Millstone in the town centre, told MailOnline he was 'embarrassed' after being told about the changes across the bar by a regular.

He said he checked the new rules online and was forced to tell punters to neck their pints before booting them out at 2.30pm.

Bolton's pubs were ordered back into lockdown today amid desperate efforts to stop partying young people fuelling a surge in coronavirus cases.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced bars and restaurants in the town will only be allowed to serve takeaway and must close between 10pm and 5am.

Mr Hancock said the dramatic action, which takes effect immediately, was needed as the area has the highest rate of cases in the country, at 120 per 100,000 people.

Flouting of social distancing by 20 and 30-somethings is thought to be largely responsible and Mr Hancock said a ban on mixing outside of households will be law.

Peter Sutton, from the Millstone in the town centre, told MailOnline he was 'embarrassed' after being told about the changes across by the bar by a regular

Mr Sutton said: 'It's a pain being up and running and now having to close again. No notice was given and I only found out through a punter.

'It's very embarrassing. [Our survival] depends on how long we are closed for. It would be nice if it was just two or three weeks then we should be fine.'

He added: 'I think everyone knew the new rules coming in to the pub. We shut around 2.30pm and told everyone it was closing time and people just needed to finish up their drinks and go.'

Mr Hancock addressed the changes in Bolton during a statement to the House of Commons today.

He said: 'Unfortunately after improving for several weeks, we've seen a very significant rise in cases in Bolton.

'Bolton is up to 120 cases per 100,000 of population, the highest case rate in the country and I'm publishing the data behind the decisions that we've taken.

The infection rates for young people have been rising recently, but so far they have been relatively flat for older people

Data from Public Health England shows that more than 40 per cent of coronavirus tests done in hospitals were positive in March and April but this has now plummeted and remains below 2.5 per cent in both hospitals and the community. This shows that there remains only a small proportion of people with the symptoms of coronavirus who actually have it

'I must therefore tell that House that, working with the local council, we're taking further local action.

'The rise in cases in Bolton is partly due to socialising by people in their 20s and 30s, we know this from contact tracing.

'And through our contacting tracing system we've identified a number of pubs at which the virus has spread significantly...

'We will restrict all hospitality to takeaways-only and we'll introduce a late-night restriction of operating hours which will mean all venues will be required to close from 10pm to 5am.

'We'll introduce urgently further measures that put the current guidance that people cannot socialise outside their household into law.'

He added: 'Young people do not just spread the virus to each other. They spread the virus to their parent and their grandparents...

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced bars and restaurants in Bolton will only be allowed to serve takeaway, and must close between 10pm and 5am

Scientists have previously said cases have risen over August as a result of increased testing (pictured, how testing has risen during the pandemic)

But the number of people who receive a 'positive' result after getting tested under Pillar 2 has increased in recent weeks (blue line) to 2.3 per cent. It's also increased under Pillar 2 (red line), but is nowhere near the levels seen at the height of the pandemic

Rising Covid cases being driven by young people Rising Covid-19 cases are being driven by people in their teens and 20s, where cases have tripled since July, official data shows, while the number of positive tests among older generations has continued to fall. MailOnline analysis shows infections have surged from 9.2 to 28 cases per 100,000 since July 4, 'Super Saturday', in those aged 20 to 29 in England. And the case rate has also quadrupled among teenagers - those aged 10 to 19 years old - over July and August, before schools reopened, from 4.1 cases per 100,000 people to 16.2. At the same time, cases in those over 80 have dropped drastically since the height of the pandemic, when they made up the majority of Covid-19 cases, and have halved since July. Infections among older people  those who are most likely to get seriously ill or die if they catch the virus  have fallen steadily since lockdown. Those groups may be more likely to take social distancing rules seriously and to continue staying home to protect themselves because they understand the risks the virus brings, scientists have said. While fears grow of a severe second wave of Covid-19 hitting the UK, the fact that most cases are among younger, healthy generations offers reassurance that hospitalisations and deaths will not be a direct result of small spikes. Advertisement

'I know social distancing can be hard, and how it can be extra-tough for students who will be starting university  but please, stick with it and play your part in getting this virus under control.'

But local pub owners were livid at the change after busting their backs trying to reopen with Covid-19 protocols in place.

Hogarths Pub & Micro Brewery vented its fury at the new rules online.

The company posted on its Facebook page: 'Despite having been commended for all the Covid-19 Protocols we have in place we have to close the business.

'We are sorry for the inconvenience caused to our amazing customers but we will open as soon as we are allowed.'

It added: 'Please stay home and look after yourselves - we will meet again!'

Conservative council leader David Greenhalgh said the new measures were needed to stop the transmission of the virus 'moving round uncontrolled'.

He said: 'This is not something we want to do but it is clear the virus is currently moving round the borough uncontrolled and so we need to halt the transmission rate.

'The rate has gone from 15 cases per 100,000 to over 120 in the space of two weeks, and if we do not get control of the virus now we will continue to put our most vulnerable residents at risk and delay any return to normality.

'We are working across the council with the Government and our partners to bring down the number of cases of this deadly virus and to continue to press Government for extra support for the hospitality sector as they are once again asked to close their doors.

'The best way to do that is to limit the number of contacts people have.

'Be under no illusion, we are in this position due to the irresponsible actions of a few which has led to a position where our rates are at a level where Government had no choice but to take action.'

Bolton local councillor and landlord Sean Hornby, whose pub The Queens in Bradley Fold, Radcliffe (pictured), is situated just outside the borough, said: 'I think it was inevitable it was going to happen as the infection rate is too high. I'm on board with it because of public health

The council's director of public health Dr Helen Lowey added: 'I appreciate that this news will be disappointing and concerning but this is not a decision we have taken lightly.

Pictured: Bolton local councillor and landlord Sean Hornby

'We can assure you that we have taken all the data into consideration and we are left with no alternative.'

Testing capacity in Bolton is set to be 'significantly increased' with the new restrictions subject to an ongoing review.

Bolton local councillor and landlord Sean Hornby, whose pub The Queens in Bradley Fold, Radcliffe, is situated just outside the borough, said: 'I think it was inevitable it was going to happen as the infection rate is too high. I'm on board with it because of public health.

'The checks of the track and trace to see what the movements are show most of these infections are coming from the 18 to 49-year-olds, white population and quite a lot of this is within the pub trade.

'There are other incidents happening where people have proven positive and they just ignore it and are going out anyway.

'There was a bloke who came in here with his wife about half an hour ago and he didn't want to track and trace.

'He said he doesn't believe coronavirus is happening blah blah blah and so I said unfortunately you're not having a drink then.'
PICKERING, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / Renforth Resources Inc. (CSE:RFR)(OTC:RFHRF)(WKN:A2H9TN) ("Renforth" or the "Company") is pleased to inform shareholders that the Fall 2020 drill program on Renforth's wholly owned Parbec Gold Property, with its NI 43-101 open pit constrained gold resource estimate of an indicated 104,500 oz Au at a grade of 1.78 g/t and an inferred 177,300 oz Au at a grade of 1.77 g/t (press release May 6, 2020), has commenced. This program consists of 26 planned holes totaling 7261m, commencing this week with the mobilization of the drill and technical staff to Parbec.

The drill holes have been planned to, if successful, add ounces to the resource estimate at Parbec, through the under cutting, and drilling over of, existing results, as well as infill drilling and downdip extension drilling. Results in the field could result in additional holes being planned. Renforth is deliberately only using one drill rig for this program and has pre-planned the holes in order to maximize the value of each dollar spent, allowing the geological team the ability to focus and incorporate field and assay results as they are generated, which is difficult to do with several rigs generating core at once.

Renforth, funded for this program at this time, with ~1 million in the bank, has commenced the flow through private placement transaction which was previously press released as part of the sale of New Alger. This fully subscribed transaction will have Renforth issue 24 million shares from Treasury on a flow through basis at a price of $0.135 per share, for a total of $3,240,000 in funds raised. Radisson Mining will be the holder of this block and will be subject to the escrow agreement previously disclosed. Completion of this transaction is expected by the end of this month and will position Renforth as fully funded for the forseeable future, with a focus on drilling at Parbec in order to update the resource estimate in early 2021.

Brian H. Newton P.Geo, a "qualified person" under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this press release.

For further information please contact:

Renforth Resources Inc.

Nicole Brewster

President and Chief Executive Officer

T:416-818-1393

E: nicole@renforthresources.com

#269 - 1099 Kingston Road, Pickering ON L1V 1B5

ABOUT RENFORTH

Renforth Resources Inc. is a Toronto-based gold exploration company with six wholly owned surface gold bearing properties located in the Provinces of Quebec and Ontario, Canada.

In Quebec Renforth holds the Parbec Property in the Malartic gold camp, with gold present at surface and to some depth, located on the Cadillac Break, contiguous to the East Amphi portion of the Canadian Malartic Mine property. Parbec carries an open-pit constrained 43-101 resource with additional gold bearing structures, outside of the Cadillac Break on the property, outside of the current resource. Renforth also holds Malartic West, contiguous to the western boundary of the Canadian Malartic Mine Property, located in the Pontiac Sediments, this property is gold bearing and was the recent site of a copper discovery. Renforth has acquired the Surimeau property, also contiguous to Canadian Malartic and the southern border of the Malartic West property. Surimeau hosts polymetallic mineralization and represents the consolidation of four historic properties into one property for the first time. In addition to this Renforth has optioned the wholly owned Denain-Pershing gold bearing property, located near Louvicourt, Quebec, to O3 Mining Inc.

In Ontario, Renforth holds the Nixon-Bartleman surface gold occurrence west of Timmins, Ontario, drilled, channeled and sampled over 500m - this historic property also requires additional exploration to define the extent of the mineralization.

No securities regulatory authority has approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and information under applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward looking. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as 'may', 'will', 'plan', 'expect', 'believe', 'anticipate', 'estimate', 'intend' and similar words referring to future events and results. Such statements and information are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, the risks of obtaining necessary approvals, licenses and permits and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in the Company's securities filings available at www.sedar.com. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and the reader is cautioned against placing undue reliance thereon. Forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is provided and the Company assumes no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE: Renforth Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/605125/Renforth-Commences-7000m-Drill-Program-on-Parbec-Gold-Property
(Photo : Unsplash) (Photo : Unsplash) (Photo : Facebook Blog)

One of the world's largest multinational social media conglomerate, Facebook, is willing to pay a massive number of users $20 per week to participate in research before, during, and after the November 2020 Presidential Elections. The research entails said users deactivate their Facebook and Instagram accounts and boycott usage for one to six weeks to be part of the study.

Social Media, Facebook, is moving towards learning more about social media's effects on politics and democracy in new research that asks users to stay away from the website. Facebook and Instagram are two of the most used social media applications in the United States that now contain many political advertisements.

Washington reporter, Elizabeth Dwoskin, shared on Twitter (@lizzadwoskin) a survey sent to her Facebook account that asks how much users are asking to be paid weekly for deactivating their accounts and staying away from both social media for some time.

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

ALSO READ: TikTok Bans Users Who Share Video of a "Man with a Beard" Who Took Suicide While on Facebook Live

Facebook's Condition to be Paid

The reporter's tweet also contained the prohibitions and conditions to take a Facebook survey after the November Elections or when the social media tells them to, right before users are granted permission to reactivate said accounts. The said study and deactivation will begin as early as the last week of September to early December, long after the elections took place. Facebook's study also asks of some 200,000 to 400,000 participants in the US to join the survey, and deactivate said accounts.

Facebook's confirmation

Anyone who chooses to opt in  whether its completing surveys or deactivating FB or IG for a period of time  will be compensated. This is fairly standard for this type of academic research. More here: https://t.co/uw4B8XhsYY  Liz Bourgeois (@Liz_Shepherd) September 3, 2020



Liz Bourgeois confirmed the social media survey and study on Twitter (@Liz_Shepherd) as she responded to Dwoskin's tweet. The spokesperson's tweet contained a link to a Facebook blog post that explains the entirety of the research and its FAQ sheet.

The Facebook spokesperson said that anyone can join the study but must be willing to deactivate social media platforms, including Instagram, during the entire process. Participants will receive compensation from the social media and is regarded as a "fairly standard for this type of academic research."

Facebook Election Survey Blogpost

The blogpost that contains the details on Facebook's election research says that the study aims to question the status quo of social media directly affecting democracy. The company believes that social media has empowered many people, including its staging of certain political debates online.

Facebook believes that it has a huge responsibility in being a platform that is adept at containing democratic content, among others. The company believes that this election will be an excellent opportunity to study and test the previously gathered data. The US 2016 Elections showed the company that misinformation and abuse could also happen, interfering in a successful election trajectory.

How to Join Facebook Research?

Liz Bourgeois stated on her Twitter reply that people could "opt" to join the study and survey that asks of 200,000 to 400,000 Americans to stop their social media platform usage. This statement suggests that people can sign-up for the survey to get paid in the process.

However, the Facebook about blog that explains the entirety of the study states that users will be notified and given an invitation to participate in the research.

This unclear statement from Bourgeois may confuse those who wish to participate. Still, it is worth noting that social media users will be notified on either Facebook or Instagram.

ALSO READ: [VIDEO] Tesla Model 3 Torque Acceleration Saves This Driver from Terrible Crash by an Inch!





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Vietnamese students did not perform well in their national high school English test this year, but is that really bad news?

Mark A. Ashwill

Last month, Vietnam wrapped up the annual rite of passage that is the national high school graduation exam. Of the 900,000 graduating high school seniors who took the exam, 750,000 took the one-hour English test, which consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. 63.1 percent of the test takers received below average scores; over half scored 3.4 out of 10 while 543 students scored below 1. The average score of 4.58 was the lowest among nine subjects in the 2020 national high school graduate examination.

This lackluster performance set the media alarm bells ringing with screaming headlines like "Vietnamese students perform worst in English in national high school exam." It was accompanied by much gnashing of teeth, breast-beating, and finger-pointing. A cursory review of related articles in the Vietnamese and English language media and social media outlets confirms this observation with an exclamation point. As if on cue, journalists reached out to me to ask what I think about Vietnamese students English proficiency, the reasons for their poor performance, and steps educators should take to improve the situation.

There was the same reaction last year when the EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) rankings were announced. Vietnam had dropped to the upper echelon of "low" from "moderate," i.e., from 41st out of 88 countries in 2018 to 52nd out of 100 in 2019. The report noted cryptically that Vietnam "has some difficulties in keeping up with the worldwide increase in English proficiency." While the EF index is widely publicized as a barometer of nationwide English achievement, it is of limited value because it attempts to rank countries by the average level of English language skills among those adults who took the test, including EF students.

Not surprisingly, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) students achieved the highest average score at 5.85 in the national graduation exam, followed by Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau in southern Vietnam. Hanoi, the nations other major urban center, was in fourth place, followed by Nam Dinh and Hai Phong. In a reflection of the urban-rural divide that applies to so many areas of life, northern provinces such as Hoa Binh, Son La, and Ha Giang recorded the lowest scores.

In other words, their performance was based not only on English instruction offered by their schools but also extracurricular activities such as tutoring, private English centers, Internet access, including livestreaming services like Netflix, and short-term foreign language programs, or the absence thereof.

Its time, once again, to take a step back, rationally assess the state of English language instruction in Vietnam and reframe the debate. Aside from the limitations of an exam that only tests for grammatical and reading knowledge and neglects speaking, listening, and writing skills, there is the far more important question of whether it makes pedagogical and societal sense to require all students to study English or any other foreign language, for that matter. Another related issue is the steadily improving English proficiency of growing numbers of young Vietnamese.

Students discuss after completing a test during the national high school graduation exam in Ho Chi Minh City, August 9, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran.

Giving credit where its due

Based on extensive in-country and regional experience, I have good news amidst this rhetorical gloom and doom. Vietnam compares very favorably to other Asian countries, including those with huge economic, educational, and historical advantages such as China, Japan, South Korea and Thailand. If youve traveled to one or more of these countries and Vietnam, youll know exactly what Im talking about. Since 2005, Ive noticed a sea change in the ability of growing numbers of young people to communicate in English. Vietnam is to be congratulated on this singular achievement.

Foreign colleagues who travel to Vietnam on a regular basis and interact with students online  before and during the Covid-19 pandemic  tell me how impressed they are with the English skills of young people here. Im amazed and inspired by the overall quality of English proficiency, the high level of motivation, and the sheer amount of effort people invest in learning the language.

In addition, those of us who work in the field of international education have noticed a steady improvement in the English proficiency of young people outside of the major urban areas. For example, students who attend education fairs in cities like Da Nang, Hai Phong, and Nha Trang have much better English proficiency than they did just five years ago, which enables them to speak directly to representatives of foreign educational institutions rather than through an interpreter.

Instead of making English proficiency results the perennial object of national criticism, why not begin with the fundamental question of whether or not Vietnam actually needs to require English starting in the third grade?

How many young people really need to know English?

The economic reality is that not all Vietnamese need to be proficient in English. Moreover, while English is the most popular foreign language, young people are studying a number of other important languages, including East Asian ones like Chinese, Japanese and Korean; and European ones like French, German and Spanish.

Most Vietnamese will require no foreign language proficiency once they enter the world of work. Let that sink in for a moment.

Those who do will need different skill sets, depending upon the nature of their work. One size doesnt fit all. This ranges from a solid reading knowledge of the language, functional proficiency, defined as "the ability to communicate in basic social, travel and non-specialized work situations," to C1 (effective operational proficiency or advanced) or C2 (mastery or proficiency) levels using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). There are also those young people who want to learn English or another foreign language simply because of the intrinsic benefits and rewards of fluency.

Why not offer English as an elective to students who are interested in learning it for whatever reason, including those who are categorized as linguistically gifted? This would create opportunities to offer high quality instruction, both on- and offline, and in urban and rural areas, to motivated students, resulting in better learning outcomes and greater proficiency.

The current "shotgun" approach creates unnecessary stress for students, parents, and teachers, and is inefficient. Vietnam's education system should recognize this reality, reorder its priorities, and reallocate its resources accordingly.

*Mark A. Ashwill is an international educator who has lived in Vietnam since 2005. He served as country director of the Institute of International Education (IIE)-Vietnam from 2005-09 and is the co-founder and managing director of Capstone Vietnam, a full-service educational consulting company with offices in Hanoi and HCMC. The opinions expressed are his own.
Amnesty International reported last week that Mexico has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths among medical personnel of any country in the world. As of September 4, a total of 1,410 health care workers have died from the virus and 104,590 have tested positive. These figures are a damning indictment of the criminal response to the pandemic by the government of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

The United States, Britain, and Brazil follow in the list of COVID-19 fatalities among medical workers, with 1,077, 649 and 634, respectively.

In Mexico, the health care sector constitutes about 2 percent of the total COVID-19 deaths and 17 percent of the cases, demonstrating in part a massive gap in testing for COVID-19 between medical professionals and the population in general. The government claims, however, to have tested only 283,000 medical workers, or one-third of the total, throughout the pandemic.

Mexican health care workers protesting against COVID-19 deaths (Credit: Facebook)

Numerous strikes, roadblocks and protests among nurses, doctors and other staff at hospitals have taken place since March, demanding above all personal protective equipment. The response by officials, as demonstrated by the appalling numbers of dead and infected, has been wholly inadequate.

Hospital administrators have been recorded telling workers that there is simply no equipment available, while the federal government has expressly dismissed their demands claiming that public medical workers who took leave got infected at similar rates. Many, however, kept working in the private sector, where they have also become infected in high numbers.

During a press conference last Thursday, Jose Luis Alomia, general director of epidemiology, had no response to the Amnesty International report, claiming that the government has taken all necessary measures to protect health care workers and adding evasively, The comparison between countries on this matter is not viable since each one has its own model.

Amid generalized outrage, the government has instead turned to firing workers who express opposition. In one of the numerous reports of firings, Expansion reported the case of Cristian Javier Erosa, who delivered food at a hospital in Quintana Roo. He was fired after I demanded a written order that I had to enter the COVID area because they were not providing me with adequate protective gear.

The trade unions have not only refused to wage any struggle to protect the lives of medical workers, but played a crucial role in the suppression of discontent.

A doctor in Mexico City wrote on September 5 that, At the General Hospital in Mexico, the union encouraged [personnel on leave] not to come back throughout August, and did nothing to provide protective equipment or to replace temporarily the personnel on leave.

Several groups with thousands of Mexican health care workers have been formed on social media to organize outside of the corrupt union bureaucracy. One of them, United Health Care Workers (UNTS), led a protest on September 1 in Mexico City that involved hundreds of employees from hospitals, along with workers from the Metro, the state company Liconsa, the Fire Department and the Mail Office.

At the demonstration, Rafael Soto Cruz, a nurse and spokesperson for the UNTS, exposed that he was fired for demanding PPE on the pretext that he usurped the trade unions functions. He denounced trade union officials for identifying the union dissidents and beginning to harass them, sanction them and fire them, as cited by Infobae.

The UNTS released a statement on September 5 declaring, Those unions that should have spoken out to defend workers did the abominable job of hiding the dead, silencing the voices making denunciations; there is no one more responsible than these parasites for being first in deaths globally.

While being denied proper protective equipment, medical workers are faced with the overwhelming of hospitals by the raging pandemic. The World Health Organization warned Mexico specifically on July 10 that its reopening would accelerate infections and possibly collapse the health care systems, COVID-19 deaths have doubled since, to over 68,000.

Nonetheless, the Lopez Obrador government continued its murderous reopening of factories in major but nonessential sectors such as auto, auto parts and electronics, caving to pressure by the Trump administration and North American transnationals. The other factor exacerbating the pandemic is the refusal by the ruling class to provide any aid to those laid off and those who depend upon the informal sector for their income.

This has forced a majority of Mexicos impoverished workforce, which depends on informal street sales and services, to risk infection to earn a living. Within Mexico City, the three municipalities with greatest infections have among the highest numbers of people living in poverty. While outside of Mexico City, the next five states with the highest COVID-19 cases have higher informality rates than the national average, from 54 percent in Guanajuato to 71 percent in Puebla.

Meanwhile, Forbes Mexico reported last month that the country has 33 oligarchs with fortunes of more than $500 million. Last year, there were 3,790 people in Mexico with more than $30 million in net worth, among 8,040 in total across Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the Wealth X report.

Even more wealth, which is all generated by the working class, has ended in the coffers of the financial oligarchies in the United States and Europe through the imperialist exploitation of the countrys cheap labor and natural resources.

Experts have made clear that containing the pandemic requires shutting down non-essential sectors, providing income for those suspended or laid off, appropriate staffing and protective equipment for medical and other essential workers, and expanding tests and contact tracing.

The response by the Lopez Obrador government, however, has been driven not by an interest to protect the population, but by the capitalist imperatives of resuming the stream of profits for corporations and not impinging on the wealth of the super-rich.

It has slashed ministerial operating budgets by 75 percent during the pandemic, even affecting health care. The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), which manages most hospitals and clinics, has seen its expenditures fall 22 percent during the first six months of this year compared to 2019.

This has involved layoffs of doctors during the pandemic. On August 31, 50 doctors at rural hospitals in Chiapas were informed that they had been fired by the state government controlled by AMLOs Morena party.

Any wealth surcharge in Latin America, wrote the Financial Times recently, would result in capital flight by foreign investors. Viridiana Rios of the Wilson Center indicated to the newspaper that, regarding Mexico, discussion has been stifled by the leftist president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.  The political elites came to power under the umbrella of the economic elites and as a result have not been able to charge them enough tax.

At his morning press conference Last Wednesday, Lopez Obrador again rejected any increase in taxes on the wealthy in response to the crisis.

As in every other country, the response of the government to the pandemic has underscored the incompatibility between capitalism and the social needs of the working class, including free and quality health care.

The Morena administrations indifference to the massive COVID-19 death toll among medical and other workers demonstrates that the only progressive response to the pandemic is the overthrow of capitalism and the taking of power by the working class to reorganize society on a socialist basis in Mexico and internationally.
Adhyayan Suman has requested everyone to stop dragging (him) in this toxicity after it was reported that the Mumbai Police will investigate Kangana Ranauts alleged drug links on the basis of his old interview. He tweeted that he has nothing further to say on this matter and said that he was ridiculed back in 2016 for speaking out.

My name has sprung up relating to an interview which I had given in 2016 !!!! People stop speculating and dragging me in this toxicity ! I have not filed any case against anybody ! I dont intend to visit that dark phase of my life ! Please please I have moved on ! Let me be! he wrote.

The follow-up tweets read, Media channels frantically call me to talk to me please dont call me if it is in regards to this matter I said what I had to in 2016 I have nothing else to say.. I have had a huge struggle in regards to my work a dan finally I have seen a ray of hope. If u cant support me, please do not drag my name in this!! I was ridiculed back in 2016 for speaking out by these media channels and now Iam sorry I have nothing to say ! Regards.

My name has sprung up relating to an interview which I had given in 2016 !!!! People stop speculating and dragging me in this toxicity ! I have not filed any case against anybody ! I dont intend to visit that dark phase of my life ! Please please I have moved on ! Let me be !  adhyayan summan (@AdhyayanSsuman) September 8, 2020

Media channels frantically call me to talk to me please dont call me if it is in regards to this matter I said what I had to in 2016 I have nothing else to say.. I have had a huge struggle in regards to my work a dan finally I have seen a ray of hope. If u cant support me  adhyayan summan (@AdhyayanSsuman) September 8, 2020

Please do not drag my name in this!! I was ridiculed back in 2016 for speaking out by these media channels and now Iam sorry I have nothing to say ! Regards  adhyayan summan (@AdhyayanSsuman) September 8, 2020

Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh said that the Mumbai Police will probe Kanganas alleged drug links on the basis of an old interview of Adhyayan, in which he had claimed that she asked him to snort cocaine at her birthday bash in 2008. The two actors were in a relationship from 2008-2009.

Also read: Rhea Chakrabortys lawyer says shes being hounded for being in love with a drug addict, calls her arrest travesty of justice

Kangana, meanwhile, said that she is willing to undergo drug tests and have her call records examined. She added that if she is found to have ever had any connection with drug peddlers, she will leave Mumbai forever.

I am more than happy to oblige @MumbaiPolice @AnilDeshmukhNCP please do my drug tests, investigate my call records if you find any links to drug peddlers ever I will accept my mistake and leave Mumbai forever, looking forward to meet you, she tweeted.

Recently, Kangana has been talking about Bollywoods alleged drugs nexus. She alleged that 99% of the industry engages in drug use, a claim that has been contested by a number of celebrities, including Raveena Tandon.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Health Minister: People who thought Coronavirus was no longer a threat should sit up and take notice

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Sep 8th, 2020

The Health Minister said action taken in South Wales should be a wake up call for everyone in Wales.

The briefing was due to be taken by Chief Medical Officer Frank Atherton, however this was changed to the Health Minister Vaughan Gething after Caerphilly was declared a local lockdown area.

It also appears that the reduction in Welsh Government briefings to one a week will also be partially reversed in light of an uptick in cases.

The warning came as the Health Minister was asked about the lockdown by the Caerphilly Observer, and why Welsh Government think people would follow such new rules. Mr Gething said: While the fact that Caerphilly has been singled out, with the highest rate within Wales and the second highest rate I understand right across the UK for Coronavirus infection, should be a real wake up call for everybody.

People who thought Coronavirus was no longer a threat should sit up and take notice.

People in those communities who see behaviour taking place, who see and hear house parties, if theyre going to tell the police about those we expect enforcement action to be taken.

Weve changed the rules because people are flouting those rules and theres a real risk of mixing households with community transmission.

Enforcement is there as a backstop, so the force of the law is now in place to make sure that individual households arent mixing.

He added: The first appeal is not just to peoples common sense, but to peoples recognition of a clear and present threat that Coronavirus faces and places upon the country.

I do not want to see a second wave returning. I do not want to return to this press conference each week and have to explain the numbers of infection rates, the numbers of people in hospital and the numbers of people who are losing their lives.

That is what is at stake. That is why weve introduced these new restrictions.

Channel 4 News asked the Health Minister what he would say to those who look at the relatively low levels of hospitalisation and deaths from COVID at the moment, and think that somehow the virus has diminished in potency or poses less of a threat.

Mr Gething said: Its perhaps worth looking back at the recent, say the last four weeks in which we got some figures, in Wales four weeks ago, the positivity rate, the number of positive cases for the tests that we were carrying out, was 0.6%.

Across the whole of Wales, we had 132 cases in the weekend ending the 16 August.

Fast forward to the week ending the 6th of September, the positivity rate has gone up to 1.8%. That may not sound like much, but that actually means 406 cases across Wales.

In Caerphilly though, thats moved from eight cases in the weekending the 16 August to 133 cases that were announced in the most recent.

Now, that means there are more cases in Caerphilly in the most recent week on the rolling average compared to the whole of Wales four weeks ago.

It shows the significance of the increase in Caerphilly itself. It shows Coronavirus is on the rise and if we do nothing now, well see more people going into hospital over the coming weeks more people with COVID.

I certainly havent forgotten what it was like having to make choices in March, April and May when infection rates are going up and up.

More people are in our hospitals, our ITUs were full, despite the extended capacity we introduced and I was talking to you and colleagues in the press and the public about the number of people dying each week in significant numbers.

That is what is at risk if we dont collectively act to help stop the spread of coronavirus, and that underpins the action were taking in Caerphilly.

We pointed the Minister to the growing range of content on Facebook from people who are skeptical about the virus, the benefits of the ongoing measures, and see no issue in rising confirmed case data. We noted that these are published on Facebook, and some actively promoted by Facebooks systems, and are not fringe views, but widespread and local.

We asked if the Minister saw that as an issue, and if the Welsh Government had any discussions with Facebook about what they publish and promote.

The Minister replied: I havent had direct discussions with Facebook but I know there are regular conversations between governments across the world and not just Facebook, but other social media platforms, about the erroneous and misleading information that circulates on those individual social media platforms.

This is a real and present danger. It was not that long ago, we were having conversation with the number of lives that were being lost each week.

I want those platforms to be responsible and to promptly remove misleading and dangerous information. It could not be more serious or more urgent, it is a global public health emergency that has taken countless lives across the globe.

Here in the UK tens of thousands of people have lost their lives. In Wales, more than two and a half thousand people have lost their lives.

Social media platforms should be part of the answer, and not part of the problem.

The Caerphilly Observer also asked the Minister about anxious businesses in the town subject to the lockdown restrictions, and asked what support Welsh Government could offer for those enterprises affected.

The Minister answered generally, pointing to the behaviour of people affecting the future, said: If people want to have a different future where business can operate as they still can and the rest of Wales, its even more important that people follow the rules because I would like to remove these restrictions in Caerphilly as soon as possible. Well only do that when it is safe to do so.

The Minister added: We regularly review the support we are able to provide across the country and indeed within local areas, but I dont have a package of individual support to announce for individual businesses. Im not going to make it up on the spot.

With a third question attempted from the Caerphilly Observer nipped in the bud from the Minister who said he was not going to have a row, we re-asked on the theme of their question, pointing out business rates grants, furlough and the Economic Resilience Fund were directly brought in to mitigate the impacts of the first lockdown  with some of that support direct from Welsh Government. We asked if it was reasonable to expect some kind of support for businesses inside such restricted areas.

Mr Gething replied: Those conversations will carry on with not just the council, but also with colleagues here in the economy and transport division.

My job though, is to take a lead on the public health response and thats exactly what Ive done.

Weve had to act really quickly. The previous question about why we didnt act earlier  Well we had these warnings when we had them we can see the increase in cases and weve had to act now.

Were going to need to consider how we can support people to work through this, but there is, of course, a limit to the economic firepower and financial firepower that the Welsh Government has.

Even with additional sums that have come through the COVID pandemic, were spending lots more on keeping people safe. The way we run the health service, for example, has become much more expensive.

The significant additional costs in PPE provision, the significant additional reality that we cant deal with as many procedures as possible. So many things are more expensive to do now and were going to need to consider what we can do within the Welsh Government and the conversations we have across the UK.

Of course, these support measures are not just an issue for Caerphilly, other parts of the UK with local lockdowns have sought this sort of support and as of yet, we havent seen a sustained response from the UK Government which has the financial means to deliver a scheme for the whole of the UK, not just for businesses, of course, but for people who are needing to self isolate.

We do understand theres growing evidence that people are more likely to follow the self isolation rules if they dont suffer a significant financial penalty in doing so and thats a matter we continue to press the UK Government.

Community testing has taken place in Caerphilly, with the Minister saying today incidence rate there has now increased to 72.9 cases per hundred thousand  one of the highest rates within the UK

451 tests were carried out by a mobile testing unit in Caerphilly giving 19 positive results.

Wrexham saw similar mobile testing units last month, however despite 1,400 tests only 11 positive results were discovered, so more testing but less confirmed cases than Caerphilly.

Today Wales has 150 new confirmed cases on the daily updated data, with six new cases in Wrexham off 151 testing episodes.

Caerphilly has a 44 more off 949 testing episodes.

Over the last seven days Wrexham has seen 866 testing episodes with 23 confirmed cases.

Over the last fourteen days Wrexham has seen 2,305 testing episodes with 33 confirmed cases.

Over the last twenty one days Wrexham has seen 3,543 testing episodes with 43 confirmed cases.

You can view the full briefing and Q&A session on the below video:
10,601 new covid-19 positive cases and 73 deaths reported in Andhra Pradesh today

Health Ministry issues SOP for partial reopening of schools for students of 9th-12th classes on a voluntary basis

With 1,295 new cases, Gujarat's Covid-19 tally rises to 1,06,966

West Bengal reports 3,091 new Covid-19 cases and 57 deaths, taking total cases to 1,86,956

7,866 new Covid-19 cases and 146 deaths reported in Karnataka in the last 24 hours

1,590 new Covid-19 positive cases and 13 deaths reported in Rajasthan

Four more Covid-19 deaths in Himachal; case tally crosses 7,800-mark

French PM to have Covid-19 test after contact at Tour de France

A health worker tests employees of a university in India.

According to the Union health ministry's dashboard, India on Tuesday logged 75,809 cases and 1,133 deaths due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) disease, which pushed the overall tally and death toll to 4,280,422 and 72,775 respectively. The active cases have climbed to 883,697 whereas over 3.3 million have recovered from Covid-19 so far.

India has overtaken Brazil to become the nation with the second-highest number of Covid-19 cases. Brazil, which now stands at third position, has over 4.1 million cases whereas United States which continues to be worst hit from the pandemic has over 6.4 million cases.

Meanwhile,the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that over 5 crore samples have been tested for Covid-19 in India so far out of which nearly 11 lakh samples were tested on Monday.

Click here for complete coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic

Maharashtra, which is one of the worst affected states, constitutes one-fourth of Indias active cases. More than 126,000 cases and 2,205 deaths were recorded in a just a period of seven days. State health minister Rajesh Tope attributed this surge in infections due to unlocking.
If you are looking for the best ideas for your portfolio you may want to consider some of Miller Value Partners top stock picks. Miller Value Partners, an investment management firm, is bullish on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (NYSE:TEVA) stock. In its Deep Value Strategies Q2 2019 investor letter  you can download a copy here  the firm discussed its investment thesis on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (NYSE:TEVA) stock. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (NYSE:TEVA) is a pharmaceutical company.

On July 23, 2019, Miller Value Partners had released its Deep Value Strategies Q2 2019 investor letter. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (NYSE:TEVA) stock has posted a return of 19.2% in the trailing one year period, outperforming the S&P 500 Index which returned 12.6% in the same period. This suggests that the investment firm was right in its decision. On a year-to-date basis, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (NYSE:TEVA) stock has fallen by 9.5%.

Lets take a look at comments made by Miller Value Partners about Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (NYSE:TEVA) stock in the Q2 2019 investor letter.

"We also saw considerable price weakness from our two generic company holdings Endo Pharmaceutical (ENDP) and Teva Pharmaceutical (TEVA). Over the past couple of years, both companies have new business leaders who have already taken significant actions to cull unprofitable product lines, right-size cost structures and streamline operations. Teva Pharmaceutical is also rolling out new product offerings to the marketplace and Endo Pharmaceutical has a considerable new product opportunity with the potential to deliver incremental sales ahead of expectations over the next couple of years. Both companies have been under pressure, similar to peers, due to a multi-year cyclical downturn for generic pricing and ongoing concerns on future litigation expenses from historical opioid sales and alleged price-fixing. Both Teva and Endo were down significantly during the quarter. Current valuation levels for the companies appear to already be discounting significant future litigation expenses. Also, the history of the industry has shown settlements tend to be manageable for companies and paid out over multi-year time periods. Meanwhile, generic fundamentals appear to be turning around as recent industry pricing has started to stabilize. With the current earnings yields between 30-40%, a lot of fear appears already priced into the securities, making any change in market perceptions on the well-known risks potentially leading to higher market prices as both companies are at deep discounts to their intrinsic value."

Story continues

10 Pharmacist Shortage Countries in Need of Pharmacists in 2017

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In Q1 2020, the number of bullish hedge fund positions on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (NYSE:TEVA) stock increased by about 26% from the previous quarter (see the chart here), so a number of other hedge fund managers seem to agree with Teva's growth potential. Our calculations showed that Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (NYSE:TEVA) 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

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Air passenger traffic in the country logged around 25 per cent month-on-month growth at 26 lakh passengers in August with airlines scaling up capacity by 27 per cent over July, rating agency Icra said on Monday. Passenger traffic on year-on-year basis, however, plunged by 77 per cent in August, Icra said.

Overall, passenger traffic grew by 19 per cent till August 31, with carriers flying over 70 lakh passengers during the period, after the resumption of services in a graded manner on domestic routes from May 25 following a two-month hiatus. The capacity deployment at around 33 per cent year-on-year was rather a slow uptick despite recommencement of operations over three months ago, it said.

"The number of flights departing has also gradually increased from 416 on Day 1 to 1,156 on Day 101 (September 2 ). For August, the average daily departures was around 930, significantly lower than the average daily departures of 2,846 in August 2019, though better than 780 in July 2020," said Kinjal Shah, Vice-President, Icra.

The average number of passengers per flight during August was 98 against the average of 133 passengers per flight in August last year, she said, adding it is expected that the domestic aviation industry operated at a passenger load factor (PLF) of around 63 per cent in the previous month as against 85.1 per cent in August 2019, that too on very low capacity.

Also read: AAI to Adani: Take over Ahmedabad, Mangaluru, Lucknow airports by November

The PLF for August 2020 has sequentially improved from around 55 per cent in July this year despite the increase in capacity deployment by around 19 per cent, she added. While the scheduled international operations are yet to start, the civil aviation ministry has permitted international operations under the Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) and Air Transport Bubbles (ATB).

Under the VBM for the evacuation of Indian citizens from foreign shores, which started from May 7, the international passenger traffic (inbound and outbound) has been 632,741 for the period May 7 to August 31, according to the rating agency. For August, the number of international passenger traffic was 2,16,666, a Y-o-Y decline of 89 per cent, it said.

As for aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, following the pandemic outbreak, crude oil prices declined materially reached a low of around USD 19 per barrel in April, thereby leading to a decline in ATF prices. However, the crude oil prices have increased gradually since then, and currently range around USD 44 per barrel, Icra said.

Consequently, ATF prices increased sequentially by 24.1 per cent in July and by 4.2 per cent in August. However, it declined sequentially by 3.4 per cent in September, which is also lower by 32.3 per cent on a Y-o-Y basis. The prolonged shutdown of manufacturing activities in several countries and the subsequent impact of the outbreak on the global economic activity will keep the crude oil prices and thus the ATF prices low," she added.

Also read: Why Adani Group's buyout of Mumbai Airport is surprising?
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Linkedin Sophie Pons (Agence France-Presse) Rabat, Morocco  Tue, September 8, 2020 08:25 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c43535e9 2 World morocco,coronavirus,coronavirus-restrictions,COVID-19,COVID-19-lockdown,pandemic,COVID-19-infection,SARS-CoV-2,virus-corona Free

Morocco imposed a lockdown on Casablanca and shut its schools Monday, the day pupils were due to return to classes, in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The new measures, which include restrictions on movement and a night-time curfew, would be in place for two weeks in the commercial capital, the authorities said a statement issued late Sunday.

"We risk being overwhelmed by the virus," said Health Minister Khalid Ait Taleb.

"Therefore, drastic measures are required, otherwise the situation may get out of control in the coming days," the official MAP news agency quoted him as saying.

Morocco has seen a spike in coronavirus cases in recent weeks. It recorded 2,234 new infections on Sunday, a record for a single day, with 42 percent of them in Casablanca, home to 3.3 million people.

Since detecting its first case in early March, Morocco has recorded 72,394 cases of COVID-19 infection, including 1,361 deaths.

The authorities blame the spread of COVID-19 on people's failure to adhere to health protocols.

Casablanca, along with Marrakesh, had already been subject to a series of restrictions three weeks ago, including beach closures and shortened business hours.

Authorities decided on Monday to close educational institutions including primary, middle and high schools as well as universities.

That came after epidemiologists voiced concern over the health system's capacity to respond to the crisis, and the additional risks posed by the start of the school year.

All exits to major cities were closed from midday, with travel only allowed with "exceptional authorization" issued by local authorities.

'Negative effects'

The decision not to reopen schools drew criticism on social media from Moroccans expressing their disappointment.

"We spent the weekend labeling school supplies with the children, they were on cloud nine over returning to school tomorrow," wrote one father on Twitter. "How do you explain this to a six-year-old and an eight-year-old?"

Another parent was also indignant: "They tell us, without any notice, without delay and late in the evening... that we are being forced into semi-imprisonment," he tweeted.

Ahead of the planned opening, epidemiologists had raised concerns over the health risks of students returning to school and the capacity of the health sector to respond to a further spike in cases.

Dr. Tayeb Hamdi, vice president of the national health federation had recommended postponing the start of the school year to "avoid schools becoming vectors of contamination", in an interview published Monday by the news site Medias24.

But the head of the child psychiatry department of the largest hospital in Casablanca, Ghita Benjelloun, also flagged "extremely negative effects" of keeping schools closed after a long lockdown that generated among young people "a lot of fear, anxiety and insecurity".

Cases of suicide attempts, violence and conduct disorders among young patients -- both children and adolescents -- have tripled in her department since the lockdown, she said, according to Medias24.

In mid-June, the Moroccan Pediatrics Society had alerted authorities to the possible "devastating effect" of lockdown on youths.
New Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue doesn't believe the role has been damaged despite the upheaval caused by the sacking and resignation of his predecessors.

"I think it has been a source of frustration and disappointment as to how things have happened," he said in an interview with the Farming Independent.

"It was a real source of disappointment to my predecessors. I know both were very passionate about the role and would have made very good ministers, but it wasn't to be," he said.

While Mr McConalogue admitted it was not the way he would have wanted to be appointed, he is delighted an honoured to have the opportunity.

"The priority now is to provide leadership to the department and to hit the ground running," he said, noting that he planned to meet industry figures this week.

"There has been great patience and understanding shown. I have no doubt that farmers want to see us get a full grip on all the issues and I will give every waking moment to the role," he said.

Mr McConalogue said he was looking forward to being the person at the Cabinet table that would be speaking out on behalf of the agri-food and marine sector.

Outlining the challenges ahead, he said "the Brexit challenge is imminent" - adding that there was an urgent need to start working with Government colleagues to ensure the outcome was as positive as possible.

"With the budget coming up, we need to look at the different scenarios that could unfold to ensure the sector is supported and prepared for it," he said.

Minister McConalogue agreed that responding to climate-action demands from the agriculture sector will be a key challenge.

He said it's clear from the Commission's proposals for the next Common Agriculture Policy, and commitments at Irish Government level, that every sector must play its part.

"I think the critical thing here is that it is a partnership with farmers in terms of addressing that challenge. We need to make sure that farmers are rewarded and paid for the actions they will be taking."
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Tuesday arrested Rhea Chakraborty after questioning her for three days in connection with drugs-related allegations in her boyfriend and actor Sushant Singh Rajputs death case. A 14-day judicial custody was also given to NCB in the case.

Rheas bail plea was rejected by the court. She will now have to approach the sessions court in Mumbai.

Rhea has been arrested and due process of informing the family has been completed," said deputy director of NCB, KPS Malhotra.

She was taken to a public hospital for medical check-up and COVID-19 tests soon after her arrest. Before entering the vehicle along with NCB officials, Rhea waved at the assembled media persons at the anti-drug agencys office in south Mumbai.

Clad in black, Rhea reached the NCB office at Ballard Estate around 10.30 am on Tuesday and was also seen carrying a bag with her, while entering the office. The 28-year-old partner of late Sushant Singh Rajput had in recent TV interviews denied that she consumed drugs.

Rhea was recently interrogated by the CBI probe team, camping at the DRDO guest house in Mumbais western suburb Santacruz and also questioned by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case.

Rheas arrest came three days after her brother Showik Chakraborty, Sushants home manager Samuel Miranda, and his house helper Dipesh Sawant were arrested and sent in NCB custody till September 9 (Wednesday), besides two other drug peddlers Abdel Basit Parihar and Zaid Vilatra, who are also in NCB custody.

The NCB had earlier said that with these arrests, it hopes to uproot the drugs citadel in Bollywood and Mumbai" amidst talk of several other Bollywood personalities coming on the agencys radar.

Earlier, Rhea was grilled multiple times by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate, and previously even questioned by the Mumbai Police, but was finally arrested by the NCB, nearly 11 weeks after Sushant was found dead in his Bandra home.

Displaying confidence in her gait, Rhea appeared calm and composed as she stepped out of the NCB office post-arrest to proceed for a medical and subsequent legal formalities.

The NCB had interrogated Rhea for six hours on Sunday, eight hours on Monday, and around five hours on Tuesday before her eventual arrest.

(With inputs from agencies)
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Britain will enjoy temperatures of 75F (24C) this week as a hot air plume from the continent sends the mercury soaring - with betting agents cutting the odds for an Indian summer later in the month.

Temperatures are expected to stay in the mid-70s this week - before potentially rising into the 80s after the weekend.

Bookmakers Coral have cut odds on temperatures reaching 86F (30C) to 5/4. Coral spokesman John Hill said: 'School's back but the sun's out and punters believe Britain will bake.'

Four years ago an Indian summer saw temperatures in Britain hit 93F (34.4.C) on September 13 and a decade ago, in 2011, the mercury reached 85F (29.9C) in October.

The south and midlands will be warm and dry while the north could see 72.6F (22C) but is due cloudier and showery days.

Nicola Maxey, Met Office forecaster, told MailOnline: There's certainly high pressure building which would indicate an increase in temperature towards the end of the week.

'We're going to see mid-20s to the south east and that is coming from the continent. Were likely to see warmer conditions over the weekend, with temperatures into the mid-20s.

'By Saturday London could see anything from 21-23C. For Sunday temperatures will reach 24C but they could creep above to 25/26C. This is tropical night time air pushing up from the south.

'There is some warmer air coming from the continent but there's no indication it's going to hang around for a long period.

'For the south east were looking at a warm weekend with some dry sunny spells for the southeast. For the west and the north weve got rain and drizzle.'

Dawn over Coquet Island, a small island almost a mile off Amble on the Northumberland coast, this morning. Temperatures are expected to stay in the mid-70s this week - before potentially rising into the 80s after the weekend

Bookmakers Coral have cut odds on temperatures reaching 86F (30C) to 5/4. Coral spokesman John Hill said: 'School's back but the sun's out and punters believe Britain will bake.' Pictured, Coquet Island this morning

Hundreds of people arrived to Mudeford in Dorset yesterday as warmer spells began to make their way across the country again

The Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: 'The upper-20s are possible, with even 30C not out of the question amid Indian Summer-style autumn warmth.

'Computer models show a big ramp-up in temperatures at the weekend.'

MetDesk said: 'There are tantalising signs of summery weather later this weekend and next week.'

With a scorching few weeks ahead, the bookies have cut odds from 5/1 to just 6/4 that 86F (30C) or higher is recorded anywhere in the UK before the end of September.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: 'We're strapping ourselves in for a scorching September and there's every chance we even see 30C temperatures before the month is out.'

The UK could bask in higher temperatures once more as a 'subtropical swell' of warm air moves from the Atlantic and brings with it rising mercury levels.

Following a dreary start to the week which saw showers across most of England and Wales and mist and fog patches across the south, the country could once again be met with sunny spells and highs of 77F as we move into autumn.

Crowds of people sit down to enjoy the sunshine in Mudeford in Dorset as warm air from the Atlantic makes its way to the country

People basked in the sunshine in Mudeford, Dorset, yesterday as showers began to slow down and leave most parts dry with clear spells

In Swanage, Dorset, cyclists sit down along the promenade to enjoy the sea air as showers begin to sweep across England and Wales

Met Office forecaster Mark Wilson said: 'After above-average highs around 24C, temperatures ease although there will be lots of sunshine.

'Then it looks like definitely turning warmer again from Sunday with temperatures in the low and possibly mid-20s, with signals it could turn very warm.

'Air will come from the continent, with decent sunny periods. There is still uncertainty about how warm it will be.'

The country saw a north-south divide yesterday as outbreaks of rain persisted across the northwest regions and much of Scotland and Northern Ireland remained dry with sunny spells.

However bright and sunny spells are expected to make their return as a 600-mile 'subtropical swell' of warm air sweeps in across the west.

Yesterday, hundreds of visitors descended upon Mudeford in Dorset to enjoy the warm and sunny weather following a weekend of rain.

Elsewhere, revellers were spotted flocking to Wimbledon Common in London after the capital saw spells of sunshine begin to emerge from the grey clouds.

Grey clouds begin to appear above a yacht in Mudeford in Dorset as showers persist across northwestern parts of the country

Following outbreaks of showers on Sunday, warmer weather is expected to arrive to the UK by Tuesday evening

On Saturday a vibrant rainbow beamed across the sky in Lock Lomond in Scotland as most of the country remains sunny and dry

The sunny outlook comes a month after hundreds of Britons flocked to the country's beauty spots to enjoy rising mercury levels as an 'African heat flare' brought with it 'very hot conditions' in southeastern areas and a ten-day heatwave from the beginning to the middle of August.

A Met Office spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Tuesday is going to be fairly cloudy, there will be outbreaks of rain from the west and further east there will be a greater chance of sunshine.

'Temperatures will be a little higher from Monday so we could be looking at 24C possibly 25C. Later on we are going to have some further wet weather that is going to push in particularly into norhtwestern parts from Tuesday night into Wednesday.'

Last weekend drivers were warned they would be left facing traffic chaos over the Bank Holiday weekend after 18 million cars took to the roads for a last chance to enjoy a staycation.

The scenes came just a week after Storm Ellen smashed into Britain and brought 70mph winds, leaving tens of thousands of people in Ireland without power.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday signed an agreement with the Indian government to extend a $500 million loan for building the 82-km, high-speed Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor.

This will be the first tranche of total $1 billion facility that the multilateral funding agency had agreed for the infrastructure project that will improve regional connectivity and mobility in India's national capital region (NCR).

The loan agreement was signed by Sameer Kumar Khare, Additional Secretary, Fund Bank and ADB, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance and Kenichi Yokoyama, Country Director of ADB's India Resident Mission.

The first tranche of the loan will support construction of the first of three priority rail corridors planned under the NCR Regional Plan 2021 to connect Delhi to other cities in adjoining states.

"The project will provide better connectivity to allow other towns in the NCR to develop as urban economic centres surrounded by residential areas while easing the concentration pressure on Delhi," said Khare.

"Development of this corridor will have a huge demonstration effect and pave the way for a paradigm shift in mobility and the pattern of urban development within the region." Yokoyama said: "The project is expected to have a transformational impact on the development trajectory of the national capital region by introducing high-level technologies for RRTS, signalling, and station designs.

"Besides, the project will also support transit-oriented development (TOD) with systematic urban and land use planning around the RRTS corridor while promoting value capture financing (VCF) to generate additional municipal revenues." With a design speed of 180 km per hour and high-frequency operations of every 5-10 minutes, the 82-km corridor connecting Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut in Uttar Pradesh is expected to reduce the journey time to about 1 hour from the present 3-4 hours. The RRTS will have multimodal hubs to ensure smooth interchange with other transport modes.

The first tranche financing will be used for constructing electrified tracks, signalling systems, multimodal hubs and stations with design features that are friendly to elderly, women, children and the disabled.

It will also support the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) in drafting action plans on TOD, VCF instruments and public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives, setting up a smart-technology based platform, and formulating a gender-friendly workplace policy.

A $3 million grant from ADB's Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction will support various activities, including provision of visual, hearing and mobility aids, such as wheelchairs for differently abled persons. Training for women and differently abled on safe mobility and employment opportunities and behavioral change for public transport providers will also be given.

The ADB-administered multi-donor Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund will provide $2.89 million to support innovations in building information modeling, universal access design features, TOD and VCF.
Former President John Mahama will build irrigation dams across Ghana, if elected as President once again, Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu has announced at the manifesto launch of the biggest opposition party at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Monday, 7 September 2020.

Many a time, when manifestoes are read, the question the media ask is: how is it going to be funded?"

In this manifesto, President John Dramani Mahama has made a commitment to end seasonal agriculture and to end natural rain-fed agriculture, Mr Iddrisu announced.

Hell construct a number of irrigation dams in parts of the country, including what he started in Tamni in the Upper East Region, a new one in the Central Region, a new irrigation dam in the Eastern Region, Paga Zaa in the Northern Region, Mr Iddrisu said.

These irrigation dams will be funded by the Ghana EXIM Bank, which was created by him as President of the Republic, he said.

Meanwhile, the NDC has asked Ghanaians to return the party to power in the December 7 elections and hold them to account over the promises they have made to transform lives.

Addressing party executives and supporters at its 2020 manifesto launch, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo said the governing New Patriotic Party is confused and exhausted.

In his view, if the NDC does not take over from the NPP, Ghanaians will be worse off in the next four years.

According to him, it is only the NDC that can move the country in the right direction.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said: We the citizens of this noble country are now at a difficult juncture; we cannot sit any further than we have.

We are at rock bottom, the incumbent is not only confused and exhausted, but President Akufo-Addo is also digging an even deeper hole from which if not stopped, we will all be buried alive.

I, therefore, call on all our countrymen and women and every citizen to go to the poll in December and with one big push rescue Ghana and Ghanaians from this affliction. Enough is enough".

Give us your mandate and hold us to strict account of the things that you find in this manifesto. Vote for President John Dramani Mahama and let us together move Ghana in the right direction because indeed Ghana must work again. Vote for the John and Jane ticket for jobs and prosperity for all not a few.

Some of the manifesto promises include the creation of one million jobs for the youth, legalisation of okada business, provision of free primary health care, corruption fight among other promises.

---classfmonline
curiousKC | The Swedish Brothers who Helped Settle the Heartland Before the Property Brothers, there were the Belinder Brothers. Sometime between 1874 and 1876, Frank Alexander Johnson and Andrew Gustaf Johnson left Sweden for the United States to make it big in real estate.The two brothers changed their name to Belinder, after their beloved Swedish elementary school, and became influential real estate developers in Kansas City.

Posted if only to stop the local Irish from swagger-jacking all of the credit for all things from the Kansas City old school . . . Read more:
The British government faced pressure Tuesday to act fast to keep a lid on coronavirus infections after a sharp spike in new cases across the U.K. over recent days stoked concerns about the pandemic's prospective path during winter.

In the wake of figures Monday showing that the U.K. recorded nearly 3,000 new coronavirus cases for the second day running, there is mounting speculation that the British government is considering tightening some restrictions, such as reducing the number of people who can gather indoors in England from the current limit of 30.

Talk of new lockdown restrictions comes as government ministers and scientists have voiced concerns that the easing of the lockdown during the summer has prompted many people, particularly young adults, to let their guard down in a country that has seen Europe's deadliest virus outbreak.

``This is a big change, it's now consistent over two days and it's of great concern at this point,'' said Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, the government's deputy chief medical officer.

``We've been able to relax a bit over the summer, the disease levels have been really quite low in the U.K. through the summer but these latest figures really show us that much as people might like to say `oh well it's gone away' _ this hasn't gone away.``

While noting that the rise is ``much more marked'' among young people between the ages of 17 and 21, he said there is a ``more general and creeping geographic trend'' across the U.K.

``People have relaxed too much,'' he said. ``Now is the time for us to re-engage and realise that this is a continuing threat to us.''

The U.K. has Europe's worst death toll from the virus, recording more than 41,500 deaths within 28 days of testing positive. The actual toll is believed to be far higher as the government tally does not include those who died without having been tested.

The spike in U.K. cases follows big increases in Spain and France, both of whom have seen the number of COVID-19 patients being hospitalized rising dramatically during the summer.

The worry is that the U.K. will start seeing a big increase in the number of people being hospitalized _ and dying _ over coming weeks, given lag effects.

``Although we are encouraged to return to the workplace to support jobs, cafes and so on, we need to do so responsibly,`` Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News.

``As we approach the autumn and winter there is going to be even more responsibility on all of us to keep following the guidelines.``

The government has faced criticism for its mixed messages since it started easing the lockdown, which was introduced in March. It spent much of the summer, for example, encouraging people to go out to help the hard-pressed hospitality sector, notably through an August eating-out discount scheme. Following the reopening of schools, it is now making the case that workers should return to their offices.

Professor John Edmunds, an epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said it's clear cases are rising though not spectacularly, but he worried about what will happen in coming weeks following the reopening of schools and universities.

``There are big movements afoot in the country and these will inevitably accelerate transmission,'' he told Sky News. ''I'm not sure we have to go back to work when we can work from home.``

Another criticism of the government centers around testing for the virus, amid mounting reports that people aren't able to get a test at the time and place of their choosing and a lack of home kits that can be mailed.

Sarah-Jane Marsh, director for the National Health Service's Test and Trace program, apologized to people unable to get a test and said that issues with laboratories is behind the current problems.

``All of our testing sites have capacity, which is why they don't look overcrowded. It's our laboratory processing that is the critical pinch point,'' she said. ``We are doing all we can to expand quickly.''

She said new lab capacity is due to open up ``imminently'' and that the agency is expanding its use of tests outside of labs.

``The testing team work on this 18 hours a day, seven days a week,`` she said. ``We recognize the country is depending on us.''

Despite the recent issues, the U.K. is testing tens of thousands more people than it did in the early months of the pandemic. On Monday, it processed around 175,000 tests.

Although the higher cases can partly be attributed to more testing, it's clear there's been an uptick in the past few weeks _ daily infections are about double the level they were the previous week. In some places, local outbreaks in Britain have been so severe that many lockdown restrictions have been reimposed.

Later Tuesday, a local lockdown comes into force in the Welsh district of Caerphilly following a spike in cases. Under the new restrictions, people will not be allowed to enter or leave the area without a reasonable excuse. Everyone over the age of 11 will also be required to wear face coverings in shops _ the first time this will be mandatory in Wales. Meetings with other people indoors and extended households will not be allowed, while overnight stays have also been banned.

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Loss of strength and muscle wastage is currently an unavoidable part of getting older and has a significant impact on health and quality of life.

Sarcopenia, as it's known medically, is responsible for a large number of health problems and body function disorders, and is brought about by ageing, stroke, trauma and degenerative diseases. Current treatments are predominantly based on external devices such as orthoses and rigid exoskeletons, but these can cause tissue damage and are limited in use.

emPOWER is a visionary project, led by Jonathan Rossiter, Professor of Robotics at the University of Bristol, in partnership with Imperial College, UCL and the NIHR Devices for Dignity MedTech Co-operative, hosted by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust. The project will explore how artificial muscles could radically transform treatment options in the future and effectively turn back the body clock.

"We are working on the principle that implanting robotic, artificial muscles to replace or work alongside our own muscles, can restore natural body function and help us all to live longer, more comfortable and active lives.

"emPOWER implantable muscles must work seamlessly with the body. They must be biocompatible, integrate smoothly and strongly with natural bone and tissue, and coordinate intelligently with the patient's own movements and muscle actions," said Professor Rossiter.

To deliver this level of sophistication, the emPOWER project is a multi-disciplinary team of 30 researchers across the fields of soft robotics, materials science, bioengineering, chemistry, ethics, healthcare regulation and medicine.

"Together the emPOWER team will deliver a system of implantable muscles that receive their energy from outside the body, for example from a small power pack, and which communicate directly with the nervous system for control and sensing.

"This is truly a project for 2050 and beyond, taking an adventurous approach that leap-frogs current state-of-the-art research. There is considerable work to be done but we confidently expect to see emPOWER artificial muscles in clinical use before 2050."

###

The project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, through its Transformative Healthcare Technologies for 2050.

Further information:

Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) is the most comprehensive academic centre for multi-disciplinary robotics research in the UK. It is a collaborative partnership between the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and the University of Bristol, and home to a vibrant community of over 300 academics, researchers and industry practitioners.

UKRI EPSRC Transformative Healthcare Technologies for 2050

The aim of this funding is to foster the development of revolutionary new technological approaches to transform care and treatments in the NHS by 2050, demonstrating the importance of engineering and the physical sciences to transforming future healthcare provision.
People across the UK are being encouraged to take part in Emergency Services Day (Gareth Fuller/PA)

The Prime Minister has expressed the debt of gratitude owed to NHS and emergency services workers ahead of 999 Day.

Emergency Services Day, also referred to as 999 Day, begins with a two minutes silence at 9am on September 9, to represent the ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month.

The public are being encouraged to fly the flag of 999 Day and to share and promote an emergency services charity on social media.

Organisers said the event is an opportunity to pay tribute to the two million people who work and volunteer across the NHS and emergency services, including more than 250,000 first responders.

It also aims to educate the public on using the services responsibly, as well as raising money for charities and to highlight the different career and volunteer roles in the emergency services.

At 9am tomorrow morning (Wednesday 9th September) we ask you to pause for two minutes to remember the more than 7,500 members of the emergency services who have lost their lives as a result of their duty.



We will remember them. pic.twitter.com/Ei0X8M5kYO  Emergency Services Day  (@999Day) September 8, 2020

Now in its third year, Emergency Services Day is backed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the First Ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales  and has been promoted by members of the royal family.

Mr Johnson said: It takes a very special kind of person to put your life on the line for a complete stranger, yet that is what we see day in, day out from the remarkable men and women of our emergency services.

You protect us from harm, deliver us from danger, and tend to us in our hours of need. And you do so without hesitation or complaint  if we dial 999, we know you will be there for us.

I know the dedicated men and women of the emergency services did not get into this line of work for the accolades or applause.

You are heroes of British life, doing what you do not for the plaudits but out of a sheer sense of duty and a determination to serve the public.

All of us in this country owe each of you a debt of gratitude.

So, it is only right that, on Emergency Services Day, we celebrate your work and, as a nation, say a huge thank you for doing so much for so many.

Organisers said a main national open day style event is held on the nearest Sunday, but this years event, which was scheduled in Belfast, was cancelled due to coronavirus.

Expand Close The Duke of Cambridge visited the Fire Fighters Charitys Harcombe House centre in Chudleigh, Devon (Ben Birchall/PA) PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp The Duke of Cambridge visited the Fire Fighters Charitys Harcombe House centre in Chudleigh, Devon (Ben Birchall/PA)

Last year, the Duke of Cambridge visited the Fire Fighters Charitys centre at Harcombe House in Chudleigh, South Devon, to mark the event.

Tom Scholes-Fogg, founder and chief executive of Emergency Services Day, said: As we saw earlier this year with people clapping at their doors, the UK is united in its support for those who put others before themselves.

I encourage everybody to support our emergency services personnel all year round, not just on 999 Day.
Maharashtra ordered a probe on Tuesday into allegations by actor Adhyayan Suman that actor Kangana Ranaut consumed drugs even as an inconclusive Covid test delayed the latters departure from Himachal Pradesh to Mumbai, where a political row is brewing over her comments in the Sushant Singh Rajput case.

State home minister Anil Deshmukh said that Mumbai Police would be asked to probe into claims made by Suman made three years ago.

Sena lawmakers Prabhu and Sarnaik had raised the issue about the revelation against Ranaut that she was on drugs. Suman was in a relationship with her and he had said that she used to force him to do drugs as well. Mumbai Police will look into the allegations, Deshmukh said.

In the assembly, breach of privilege motions were moved and accepted against Ranaut and Republic TVs Arnab Goswami in the legislature for defamatory remarks on Mumbai and derogatory comments against chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, respectively.

Deshmukh also said Ranauts statement likening Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was an insult to Mumbai and Maharashtra. Mumbai and Maharashtra have given Ranaut everything, but in return she has played with the sentiments of the people. At least, 106 people had laid their lives for a unified Maharashtra. Not only the ruling parties, but even the opposition, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), must also condemn her statement, he said.

His statement came on a day the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation served a notice to Ranaut, saying her Pali Hill office violated civic rules, and that action will be taken if she failed to reply in 24 hours. The actor, through her lawyer, requested seven days to reply.

Ranaut was given Y+ category security by the central government on Monday in the midst of a raging controversy triggered by her remarks likening Mumbai to PoK and subsequent protests by Maharashtras ruling Shiv Sena.

Ranaut didnt respond to Deshmukhs statement but said BMC was intimidating her. I have all the papers, BMC permissions and nothing has been done illegally in my property. BMC should send a structure plan to show the illegal construction with a notice. Today, they raided my place and without any notice tomorrow they will be demolishing entire structure.

Ranaut, who was in Himachal Pradesh, wanted to return to Mumbai on Wednesday but swab samples taken of her and younger sister Rangoli Chandel for Covid-19 came back inconclusive in Manali, local officials said. A team from Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College in Mandi visited Ranaut to take fresh samples on Tuesday.

Her test report is expected to come late Tuesday night and if cleared, Ranaut is likely to leave for Mumbai on Wednesday morning . She will travel to Chandigarh via road and board a flight for Mumbai. Himachal chief minister Jai Ram Thakur said he spoke to Ranaut over the phone. I have spoken to Kangana ji on phone. She told me she would leave for Mumbai on 9th, said Thakur.

...
The head of HMRC, Jim Harra, said up to 3.5 billion may have been paid out in inaccurate or fraudulent claims under the scheme to protect jobs during the coronavirus pandemic - Kirsty O'Connor/PA

HM Revenue and Customs is looking into 27,000 "high-risk" claims made under the Government's furlough scheme, Downing Street has said.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said a number of criminal investigations into suspected fraud were under way and one arrest had already been made.

It follows the disclosure on Monday by the head of HMRC, Jim Harra, that up to 3.5 billion may have been paid out in inaccurate or fraudulent claims under the scheme to protect jobs during the coronavirus pandemic (see graphic below).

The PM's spokesman said "everything possible" would be done to claw back taxpayers' money which had been fraudulently claimed.

"HMRC have sophisticated systems in place to assess all claims and to stop money being incorrectly paid in the first place," the spokesman said. "They have carried out checks both pre and post-payment against claims that look out of step with the information that they hold on legitimate employers.

"They are currently looking into 27,000 high-risk claims where they believe a serious error or fraudulent claim has been made.

"Where genuine mistakes have happened, HMRC will work with employers to correct claims, but if any claim is suspected of fraud or is based on dishonest and inaccurate information payments may be withheld or need to be repaid.

"HMRC won't hesitate to take criminal action in the most serious cases."

Mr Harra said on Monday: "We have made an assumption for the purposes of our planning that the error and fraud rate in this scheme could be between five per cent and 10 per cent."

The Government has so far paid out 35.4 billion in furlough cash, which means that between 1.75 billion and 3.5 billion could have been paid out wrongly.

In July, a 57-year-old man became the first person to be arrested in connection with an alleged fraud of the Government furlough scheme.

HMRC said it had arrested a man from Solihull, West Midlands, in connection with a suspected 495,000 fraud of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

A further eight men from across the West Midlands have also been arrested as part of a linked investigation.
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Within one week of launching, Dyrect has expanded its free and fast cannabis delivery services in California from three to 51 cities throughout Los Angeles County. By the end of the company's second week of operation, it will be making cannabis deliveries to all cities in Los Angeles County. Further expansion to all of Orange County will be complete by October 1, 2020.

Dyrect's mission is to provide the fastest on-demand delivery of cannabis products to consumers who place orders through its website at MyDyrect.com, by phone, or via text message. "To show how serious we are and how devoted we are to fast and reliable deliveries, we're offering $30 off a customer's next purchase through Dyrect if they don't receive their order within 30 minutes," explains Dyrect Founder Chloe Parker.

"The offer is available throughout September, but it doesn't disappear once October hits," Chloe says. "We're so passionate about our mission and devoted to keeping our promise about delivering within 30 minutes that customers whose orders are delivered after 30 minutes will get a coupon for $6 off their next purchase after the special September promotion."

With the company's rapid expansion, Dyrect now delivers to 51 cities throughout Los Angeles County, including:

Alhambra Arcadia Belmont Shore Burbank Canoga Park Central LA Chatsworth Culver City Downey Downtown Long Beach East LA Echo Park El Monte El Segundo Encino Glendale Hollywood Huntington Park Korea Town Lakewood LAX Marina Del Rey Monrovia North Hollywood North Long Beach Northridge Pacoima Panorama Pasadena Playa Del Rey Reseda Rosemead San Pedro Santa Monica Sherman Oaks Signal Hill South Bay South Gate South Long Beach Studio City Sun Valley Sunland Sylmar Tarzana Torrance Tujunga Van Nuys Venice West Hollywood West Los Angeles Woodland Hills

Dyrect's expansion means more adult-use cannabis customers in California have access not only to the fastest delivery but also to the most unique customer experience  another core aspect of the company's mission that shows in how it operates, promotes products, offers customer support, and carries out every delivery.

"Unlike other cannabis delivery companies," explains Parker, "Dyrect offers daily discounts on the most popular products being ordered. Most companies discount less popular products in an effort to move them, but Dyrect's mission is to provide a unique customer experience. Simply discounting the same products everyone else is discounting would run counter to our mission, so we focus on giving consumers what they really want  the right products at the right prices delivered for free and faster than they can get anywhere else."

Dyrect was developed by a team of industry and business veterans from Eaze, Medmen, Amazon, and Disney as a different kind of cannabis delivery company. The team's focus on speed, convenience, affordability, and providing the best customer experience allowed the company to quickly establish brand recognition and gain market share in the highly competitive California cannabis market as its rapid expansion across Los Angeles County and soon Orange County demonstrate.

Customers in 51 cities across Los Angeles County can now visit MyDyrect.com to browse top quality products from their local licensed dispensaries. To place an order, they'll be asked to create an account and verify their eligibility to purchase recreational cannabis. Payments are made up-front through the website.

"Dyrect also awards new customers," shares Parker. "When a customer register on the payment platform at MyDyrect.com, they automatically receive $10 off their first order, and their order is delivered for free in 30 minutes or less. It's that simple."

Dyrect's expansion across California is happening fast, and customers can learn when new delivery areas are available on the MyDyrect.com website or by following @mydyrect on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

About Dyrect

Dyrect offers free delivery of a wide selection of high quality cannabis products from licensed, local dispensaries to customers in California who meet the state's requirements to purchase adult-use marijuana. Orders can be placed on-demand on the company's website at MyDyrect.com or by phone or text, and all customers receive the fastest delivery in 30 minutes or less  as well as well as an industry-leading customer experience. For more information, visit MyDyrect.com.

SOURCE Dyrect

Related Links

mydyrect.com


Activists from the climate protest group Extinction Rebellion sit glued to the pavement in front of one of the entrances to the Houses of Parliament in London on Sept. 3, 2020 (Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images)

Intrusive Surveillance Warranted for Extinction Rebellion, Says UK Counter Terrorism Expert

Controversy around the blockade of British newspapers by Extinction Rebellion (XR) continues to build, with one former New Scotland Yard counter terrorism chief saying police should use intrusive surveillance, because the climate activist group is as extreme as any extremist organization.

XR on Friday blockaded overnight two printing presses that produce several British newspapers, causing their distribution to be delayed. According to the police, 51 activists were charged for a blockade in Hertfordshire blockade, and 26 at a separate blockade in Merseyside.

This was an intentionally disruptive protest with minimal cooperation received from those protesting, Hertfordshire Police Chief Constable Charlie Hall said in a statement.

Richard Walton, former head of Counter Terrorism Command at the Metropolitan Police called XR an extremist organization, and said intrusive surveillance is warranted to obtain intelligence on the organization.

Extinction Rebellion is as extreme as any extremist organization I have previously dealt with apart from terrorist organizations, Walton told The Telegragh, one of the newspapers targeted by XR.

Their actions have exposed an intelligence gap that the police need to fill, using intrusive surveillance measures if necessarywhich can be justified because their actions amount to serious criminality, Walton said.

Good intelligence would have enabled the police to prevent this criminality, he added.

The blockading of the free press demonstrates that the leaders of Extinction Rebellion seek a more subversive agenda than simply campaigning for environmentalism.

Two protesters attached to bamboo and two sitting on the roof of a van block the road, outside Broxbourne newsprinters in Hertfordshire, England, on Sept. 5, 2020. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)

Extinction Rebellion at Cross Roads

Walton coauthored a report (pdf) on XR in July for British think-tank Policy Exchange, of which he is a senior fellow.

The leaders of Extinction Rebellion seek a more subversive agenda, one that that [sic] is rooted in the political extremism of anarchism, eco-socialism, and radical anti-capitalist environmentalism, he wrote in the preface to the report.

Many followers of Extinction Rebellion are completely unaware of this secondary objective, despite it being readily espoused by their leaders.

Extinction Rebellion activists participate in a protest in London on Sept. 3, 2020. (Hannah McKay / Reuters)

Walton concluded that XR is at a cross roads.

If it persists in its current strategy of encouraging mass law-breaking in order to bring down the government in the furtherance of its cause, then it will be treated as an extremist organisation, lose its mainstream supporter base, and all public sympathy for its environmental cause, he said.

Conversely, if it changes its current strategy towards engaging in lawful protest whilst acknowledging the liberal democratic order, it has the opportunity to become a significant and influential global mass movement that is a positive force for change.

Newspapers Like Nazis

Donnachadh McCarthy, a prominent figure in XR, compared the blockaded newspapers with the Nazis.

This is like World War Two and you guys [the newspapers] are on the other side. That is how we see it,  McCarthy said.

It puts you on the side of the existential threat. It is a different existential threat but it is a bigger one than the Nazis.

The right-wing media, XR said in a statement, are a barrier to the truth that pollute national debate.

On Sept. 1, the first day of the 10-day disruption planned by XR UK, conservative political commentator Aman Bhogal posted a photo on Twitter, presumably taken by him, showing protesters holding a banner saying SOCIALISM OR EXTINCTION, with a comment from Bhogal reading, Imagine Britains Shock#ExtinctionRebellion.

The Epoch Times asked Bhogal to verify the origin of the photo, but did not get a reply. The same photo could not be found elsewhere at the time this article was written.

Government Will Not Stand By

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel both said the blockades were an unacceptable attack on free press and democracy.

Patel wrote in the Daily Mail that XR, while claiming to be an environmental rights campaign group, continuously use guerrilla tactics with contempt, seeking to grind the economic well-being of our nation into the ground under the pretence of tacking climate change, and that the government will not stand by.

Britains Home Secretary, Priti Patel, speaks to the media in Reading, United Kingdom, on June 22, 2020. (Peter Nicholls/Reuters)

The Home Secretary said she is committed to looking at every opportunity available, including primary legislation, to ensure that the police have the tools to tackle disruptions.
Ashtead Group PLC

AGM Statement and Smaller Related Party Transaction

8th September 2020

ASHTEAD GROUP PLC

(the "Company")

AGM Statement & Results and Smaller Related Party Transaction

AGM Statement & Results

At the Annual General Meeting of the Company "Ashtead Group plc" held on 8th September 2020 at 2:30pm, all resolutions put to shareholders were duly passed on a poll with the required majorities. The full text of each resolution is contained in the Notice of Annual General Meeting. Resolutions 1 to 14 were passed as ordinary resolutions. Resolutions 15 - 19 were passed as special resolutions.

ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS Votes for (including discretionary votes) % Votes for * Votes against % Votes against * Total no. of votes validly cast Total % of voting capital voted (including withheld) ** Votes

withheld 1. That the accounts for the year ended 30 April 2020, the directors' report and the auditors' report be adopted. 323,326,943 99.88 391,082 0.12 323,718,025 72.57 2,327,101 2. That the directors' remuneration report for the year ended 30 April 2020 be approved. 316,056,569 97.68 7,501,245 2.32 323,557,814 72.57 2,487,312 3. That the final dividend 33.5 pence per ordinary share be declared for the year ended 30 April 2020. 326,029,819 100 6,774 0.00 326,036,593 72.57 8,534 4. That Paul Walker be re-elected as a director. 321,538,589 98.88 3,649,334 1.12 325,187,923 72.57 857,203 5. That Brendan Horgan be re-elected as a director. 309,004,167 94.87 16,723,470 5.13 325,727,637 72.57 317,490 6. That Michael Pratt be re-elected as a director. 325,022,518 99.69 1,014,261 0.31 326,036,779 72.57 8,348 7. That Angus Cockburn be elected as a director. 322,373,729 99.53 1,533,672 0.47 323,907,401 72.57 2,137,725 8. That Lucinda Riches be re-elected as a director. 323,606,752 99.26 2,428,684 0.74 326,035,436 72.57 9,691 9. That Tanya Fratto be re-elected as a director. 323,610,560 99.26 2,421,876 0.74 326,032,436 72.57 12,691 10 That Lindsley Ruth be re-elected as a director. 319,551,296 98.66 4,354,762 1.34 323,906,058 72.57 2,139,068 11 That Jill Easterbrook be elected as a director. 326,022,514 100 12,022 0.00 326,034,536 72.57 10,591 12 That Deloitte LLP be re-appointed as auditor of the Company. 320,405,052 98.27 5,626,510 1.73 326,031,562 72.57 13,564 13. That the directors be authorised to fix the remuneration of the

auditor of the Company. 324,626,014 99.57 1,406,521 0.43 326,032,535 72.57 12,591 14. That the directors are authorised to allot the shares under section 551 (1) (a) and (b) of the Companies Act 2006. 314,889,115 96.58 11,144,162 3.42 326,033,277 72.57 11,850

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS Votes for (including discretionary votes) % Votes for * Votes against % Votes against * Total no. of votes validly cast Total % of voting capital voted (including withheld) ** Votes

withheld 15. That the directors be empowered to disapply the provisions of section 561 (1) to (6) of the Companies Act 2006. 325,712,479 99.93 240,513 0.07 325,952,992 72.57 92,135 16. That the directors be empowered to issue shares on a non

pre-emptive basis. 323,365,424 99.21 2,587,767 0.79 325,953,191 72.57 91,935 17. That the directors be authorised to make market purchases of the Company's shares under section 701 of the Companies Act. 317,588,120 97.47 8,245,151 2.53 325,833,271 72.57 211,855 18. That a general meeting other than an annual general meeting may be called on not less than 14 clear days' notice. 307,847,816 94.42 18,187,491 5.58 326,035,307 72.57 9,820 19 That the capital of the Company be reduced by cancelling 2,840,000 ordinary shares of 10p each. 325,969,288 99.98 55,670 0.02 326,024,958 72.57 20,169

* A vote withheld is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes "for" and "against" a resolution.

** Percentage of issued share capital (excluding 4,885,000 treasury shares)

Smaller Related Party Transaction

As described in the Notice of Annual General Meeting (the "Notice") and as noted on page 103 of the Company's annual report and accounts for the year ended 2019, the interim dividend of 7.15 pence per ordinary share paid on 5 February 2020 (the "Interim Dividend") was made otherwise than in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

Following approval from the Board (excluding the Relevant Directors (as defined in the Notice) who were precluded from voting) and as described in the Notice, today the Company has entered into the Interim Deeds of Release (as defined in the Notice) to release the Relevant Directors and the Recipient Shareholders (as defined in the Notice) from any liability to repay any amount of the Interim Dividend. The Relevant Directors are deemed to be related parties of the Company under the Listing Rules in the context of the Interim Deeds of Release and accordingly the entry by the Company into the Interim Deeds of Release falls within Listing Rule 11.1.10R (smaller related party transactions) and this announcement is made in accordance with Listing Rule 11.1.10R(c).

Contact:

Will Shaw - Investment Manager, 020 7726 9700
An immigrant who lost consciousness while being rescued from a grain hopper train car later tested positive for COVID-19, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.

Agents conducting a routine train check on Thursday afternoon spotted several people jumping off a grain hopper train car into the nearby brush. Agents responded and found 11 people inside the train car, where the temperature was recorded at 106.3 degrees Fahrenheit.

None had any personal protective equipment, authorities said. While pulling the individuals out of the train car, one was disoriented and needed medical attention. The individual lost consciousness while he was on top of the railroad car.

Border Patrol EMTs rendered aid and stabilized him. An airlift to a local hospital was requested because he needed further medical assistance, authorities said.

The individual, who had entered illegally into the United States from the country of Mexico, is currently being treated at a local hospitals intensive care unit. It was later discovered that the individual also tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, Border Patrol said.

He remains in Border Patrol custody pending his recovery. Meanwhile, the other 10 individuals were identified as immigrants from Mexico who were in the country illegally.

Border Patrol continues to warn against the dangers of people crossing illegally into the United States and furthering their entry through dangerous and hazardous means.

If not for the lifesaving efforts of these agents, the outcome would have been more tragic. Our agents put their safety at risk every day to enforce our laws and often have to rescue those who have violated the law, Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak said.

Border Patrol said that with a noted increase in COVID-19 infections among detainees, smugglers continue showing their lack of regard for the safety of the people they exploit by placing them in compromising, cramped spaces without regard to high temperatures, PPE, or means of escape.

To report suspicious activity such as human or drug smuggling, download the USBP Laredo Sector app or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.
PlatformONE is an ideal solution for property and venue owners interested in leveraging new or existing networks to enhance their customers experience and to build value in their business.

Single Digits launched its new PlatformONE. A major evolution of their industry leading Business Authentication Plaftorm (BAP), PlatformONE offers property and venue owners a wide range opportunities to leverage the latest advancements in wireless connectivity including 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint, and next generation IoT. PlatformONE delivers a single integrated network management plane for delivering fully managed solutions and optimizing their guests, residents and customers Connected Life Experience.

Together with Single Digits Global Services and Support organization, PlaftformONE will enable existing and new customers alike the opportunity to seamlessly and simply leverage network opportunities previously unavailable including network monetization via fully integrated roaming and carrier offload services, hyper targeted promotion and customer engagement, as well as an array of real-time big data and customer analytics capabilities. Single Digits now has the capability to dynamically create and support new customer-defined user journeys as never before. Faster, easier and at a lower cost to customers, the platforms agility means customers now have the ability to deliver connectivity experiences that quickly evolve with their business objectives and their customers expectations.

PlatformONE is an ideal solution for property and venue owners interested in leveraging new or existing networks to enhance their customers experience and to build value in their business. Moreover, it allows property owners the ability to gather valuable information on resident, guest and customer needs and expectations, enabling them to tailor their wireless connectivity experience to meet and exceed their customers rapidly evolving requirements.

The days of good enough Wi-Fi are behind us said Stephen Singlar, CEO of Single Digits. Our customers expect the ability to not only take advantage of the latest in connectivity technology in their networks, but to leverage them as a growth asset in their business -our PlatformONE makes that opportunity a reality.

To find out more about PlatformONE and Single Digits comprehensive portfolio of wireless connectivity solutions and services, visit: http://www.singledigits.com

ABOUT SINGLE DIGITS

Single Digits is a leading provider of intelligent managed networks, next generation WiFi solutions, High-Speed Internet Access management and global support solutions. The company offers complete guest, resident and customer internet and connectivity solutions, including enterprise-class software, network design, engineering, professional services, ongoing maintenance, networking monitoring, multi-lingual support, revenue reporting and authentication tracking. Single Digits currently serves over 3300 customers across the hospitality, student housing, MDU, transportation, and federal and municipal government facilities. Single Digits was acquired in 2018 by GI Partners, a leading private equity firm. For more information, please visit http://www.singledigits.com.

ABOUT GI PARTNERS

GI Partners is a private investment firm based in San Francisco. The firm has raised over $20 billion in capital from leading institutional investors across the globe. GI Partners private equity team focuses on investments in the IT Infrastructure, Healthcare, Software, and Services sectors. For more information on GI Partners and its entire portfolio, please visit http://www.gipartners.com.
CHATHAM, NJSchool District of the Chathams students returned to instruction on Tuesday, after a tumultuous summer of change and uncertainty.

Following Gov. Phil Murphy's change of directives on Aug. 12, which allowed schools in New Jersey to offer remote-only instruction, Chatham superintendent Michael LaSusa announced the start of school would be pushed back one week, to Sept. 8.

"Despite assurances to the contrary, our desk shields have not yet arrived," said a statement from LaSusa on Aug. 22. "Delaying the start of school will allow us to receive the desk shields and distribute them to classrooms throughout the district."

The district installed its protective equipment and measures, despite the delays, on time for today's start. New protocols were also put in place for students who are attending in person. These include masks, social distancing, hand sanitizer, desk shields, and other preventative measures.

The district has been remote-only since March, when schools were ordered to halt in-person learning.

LaSusa has been in favor of in-person instruction throughout the summer, speaking about the positives at a board of education meeting in late August.

"The gains and benefits of having students in school, even if its not perfect, outweigh shutting schools down for all virtual," he said. "The department of health has indicated that we should try to open schools, so I feel that it's my job to find a way to do that as safely as possible."







This article originally appeared on the Chatham Patch
For the first time, a black woman will lead Kentucky's embattled Louisville Metro Police Department, which has been been under fire since the police killing of Breonna Taylor in March.

Mayor Greg Fischer announced on Monday that Yvette Gentry, 50, will serve as interim chief of the department.

She will replace Interim Chief Robert Schroeder, who plans to retire at the end of September after four months in the role.

Gentry is a former Louisville Metro Police deputy chief who retired from the force in 2014.

She will be the first woman and the third African American to serve as chief of the Louisville Metro Police.

Mayor Greg Fischer announced on Monday that Yvette Gentry, 50, will serve as interim chief of the department starting October 1

Protesters have marched for more than 100 consecutive days since Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old Black EMT, was fatally shot by officers in March

Mayor Greg Fisher announced Yvette Gentry will take over October 1

Gentry's appointment comes at a low point in relations between police and Black residents in Louisville.

'I'm not here just to help you unboard your beautiful buildings downtown. I'm here to work with you to unboard the community that I served with all my heart in west Louisville, that was boarded for 20 or 30 years,' she said in a powerful speech Monday, accepting the role.

Genry noted the past four months have been tough on police officers as well as on protesters, adding that it's tough 'seeing things just feel so hopeless.'

'I will just say: That is just a glimpse of how a lot of people have been feeling for a long time, and we can't go back. I think our city is at a point of reckoning that only truth can bring us out of. Only truth can break us out; only truth can take away darkness,' she said.

She said she took the position after many urged her to take the position to 'try to move the needle'.

Schroeder took the role as police chief in June 1 when Fischer fired longtime Chief Steve Conrad after learning officers did not have body cameras turned on in the fatal police shooting of David McAtee, a popular West End eatery owner.

She will replace Interim Chief Robert Schroeder (right) , who plans to retire at the end of September after four months in the role. Gentry is a former Louisville Metro Police deputy chief who retired from the force in 2014

Protesters have marched for more than 100 consecutive days since Taylor, a 26-year-old Black emergency medical technician, was shot and killed as officers attempted to serve a no-knock search warrant at her apartment as she was in bed on March 13.

Authorities have said the officers fired back after Taylor's boyfriend started shooting at them.

Because the officers didn't knock, Taylor's boyfriend, who lawfully owned a gun, thought thieves were breaking in and tried to defend himself.

Protesters want serious changes to the city's police and other systems they say have perpetuated systemic racism and demand her killers be charged.

Taylor's death is under investigation by the FBI and Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who is expected to announce in coming weeks whether criminal charges will be brought against the officers.

In an emotional speech after Monday's announcement, Gentry addressed residents of the West End neighborhood who have been at the heart of more than 100 days of protest over racial injustice since Taylor's death.

Protesters march past the Churchill Downs racetrack before the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race on September 5 in Louisville, Kentucky

A police officer stands guard as protesters sit down during the Good Trouble Tuesday march for Breonna Taylor on Tuesday August 25 in Louisville

Gentry said to The Courier Journal that she doesnt want to be the permanent police chief and didnt apply for the position, but believes a good transition is key to whoever is named the next chief.

'When you live in Louisville, and you raise your kids here, like I do, and your familys here, I want that chief to be successful,' Gentry, a Louisville native, said. 'So, even though I wasn't interested in the full-time job, I realized that somebody has to stand in the gap.'

Fischer is expected to name a new leader by the end of 2020.

In an interview, Gentry acknowledged that improving community relations, reducing crime and boosting officer morale simultaneously won't be an easy task, but said she's in as 'good a position as anyone could be.'

'Being a Black woman, and a veteran and a former police officer, when you've worn all the hats of people who are out here, wanting to be heard, and you've worked in a place where you've tried to be heard and didn't necessarily feel like you were, I just feel like I have that type of experience that I can bring in there,' Gentry said.

'People are just so far apart. And maybe, I can be in the middle and I can bridge it.'

When asked on LMPDs handling of ongoing protests Gentry says she 'probably' would have done some things differently because shes a 'different person', but believed officers were 'taking the orders that were given and doing the best they could with them.'

She said that 'law enforcement has to grow', saying 'even my well-resourced sons have run up against systems and systemic racism, in this city that I was willing to die for.'

She said that days after one of her four sons moved into a 'good neighborhood', someone called in a drug complaint.

'It just showed him that he didn't belong there. Even a well-resourced young man is in this city, very angry, because everywhere they go or a lot of places they go, they don't feel welcome,' Gentry added.

The police department's September report indicates the makeup of sworn members is 71 percent white men, 12 percent white women, 10 percent black men and 2 percent black women.
<p>Another person received a 10-year sentence, and two others were ordered to serve seven years.</p><p>Five of the people were spared from execution after <strong><a href="http://news.sky.com/topic/jamal-khashoggi-7812">Mr Khashoggi's</a> </strong>son, Salah Khashoggi, pardoned those involved in the killing in May - a moved labelled as a "parody of justice" by a UN expert.</p><p>The eight people convicted have not been identified.</p><p>The trial in Saudi capital Riyadh was criticised by rights groups and an independent <strong><a href="https://news.sky.com/topic/united-nations-5784" target="_blank">UN</a></strong> investigator, who said no senior officials, nor anyone suspected of ordering the killing, were found guilty.</p><p>The independence of the court was also questioned.</p><p>Mr Khashoggi had written critical articles about Saudi's Arabia's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, for the Washington Post.</p><p>He lived in exile in the <strong><a href="https://news.sky.com/topic/united-states-4398" target="_blank">US</a></strong> for around a year while <strong><a href="https://news.sky.com/topic/saudi-arabia-5857" target="_blank">Saudi Arabia</a></strong> cracked down on human rights activists, writers and those criticising the kingdom's war in Yemen.</p><p>He was killed in October 2018 when he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to pick up documents for his upcoming wedding, as his fiancee waited outside.</p> <p>The kingdom initially denied he was murdered, but after changing explanations eventually blamed his death on a "rogue operation".</p><p>Turkey said 15 Saudis had waited for Mr Khashoggi inside the consulate, including a forensic doctor, intelligence and security officers, and individuals working for the crown prince's office.</p><p>His body is believed to have been dismembered and removed from the building, and his remains have never been found.</p><p>Turkish intelligence authorities had bugged the consulate and said recordings revealed details of the gruesome killing, with Mr Khashoggi's final words apparently being: "Don't cover my mouth. I have asthma, don't do it. You'll suffocate me."</p><p>They said an operation of this size couldn't have happened without the crown prince knowing, however he has always strongly denied having any knowledge of it.</p>
The government has



told the Bombay High Court that opening of religious places, even with guidelines, was not a "practical" solution and it had decided against it till the COVID-19 situation improved.

The state government was responding to a public interest Litigation filed by a local NGO seeking direction that temples in the state be opened for worshippers.

The petitioner's counsel Dipesh Siroya had urged the court to direct the state to reopen temples albeit with restrictions such as limiting the number of worshippers at a time.

Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni on Tuesday told a bench headed by Justice Amjad Sayed that while the state had given the suggestion a thought, it had decided against reopening temples and other places of worship.

"The state contemplated but decided it is not feasible to open places of worship as yet because of the rising cases of coronavirus," Kumbhakoni said.

The state also filed an affidavit in the high court on Monday, informing about its decision.

In the affidavit filed through Kishor Nimbalkar, the secretary of its Disaster Management department, the state government said past experiences, especially in cases of crowd management at "vegetable markets" or during the "Ganesh festival" had shown rampant breach of safety guidelines.

The state, in its affidavit, said that one's Constitutional right to practice and propagate religion was subject to public order, morality and health. And that maintenance and improvement of public health must rank the highest.

Even if it were to issue guidelines, there was "no guarantee" that citizens would follow them, it added.

"The recent Ganesh festival was really an eye-opener. The state had issued guidelines for celebrations and it was expected of citizens to follow the guidelines in true letter and spirit since it is the duty and responsibility of each citizen to cooperate with the state during the pandemic," it said.

"However, at many places, citizens appeared to be more casual than responsible," the affidavit stated.

According to the state's affidavit, in several places, including in Mumbai, citizens gathered in large numbers and there was overcrowding at markets, even for buying decorations, which are certainly not essential items.

"Opening of religious places will result in a major surge in the spread of infection and considering the limited resources available with the state, it will become impossible to contain the spread," the affidavit reads.

As per the affidavit, as on September 6, had recorded COVID-19 cases, while toll in the state was over 26,000.

Citing that the opening of Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh had increased infections, the state said, "Opening of religious places with conditions or guidelines is not a practical solution.

(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.)
Jet Li sets the record straight after his decision to take a break from the spotlight sparked alarming rumors about his health.

After four years, Li came back on the big screen by playing the role of the mighty Emperor in Disney's "Mulan."

His participation in the live adaptation became a hot topic since he shot his last action movie "League of Gods" in 2016.

Li did not only make a massive return, but he also went on public to reveal the truth about the rumors surrounding his health.

In his previous interview with USA Today, the actor laughed off the talks and assured everyone that he is completely fine.

"I have no problem. Because I'm not making a lot of movies, other people think I'm sick. I just smile, I don't care," he said. "I'm always pretty healthy. But people want to make an excuse, saying, 'Why doesn't he make a movie, because he has a problem?' OK, fine, that's what you think, I'm still good."

His sudden break from films shocked his fans since the martial arts legend is a staple on several action films, such as the "Expendables" franchise, "Romeo Must Die" and "Lethal Weapon 4."

Li debunked the gossips about his health though and said that he is just picky about his film roles.

Per the 57-year-old star, he agreed to join the cast of "Mulan," alongside Donnie Yen and Yifei Liu, since his daughters love the original 1998 animated film so much.

This time, instead of action-packed scenes, he played the role of an Emperor who mostly sits on the film's most dramatic location. Director Niki Caro reportedly wanted him to harness his inner power instead and control the kingdom.

"In this film, my character doesn't have a lot of action moves," jet Li said. "She said, 'You're not Jet Li, you're the king. Just sit there and control everything.' There are no emotions on my face."

Where Did the Rumors Start?

Jet Li sparked concerns about his health after a fan shared an alleged photo of him looking sicker than ever.

In the viral photo posted on Twitter, the actor looked frail and unwell. Although Li remained silent at that time, his manager stood up to ease the fans' worries.

According to Steven Chasman at the time, the action star was "completely fine" despite the alarming talks online. He also called the online discussion "much ado about nothing."

"We appreciate everyone's concern. But Jet is completely fine," the manager said. "There's nothing wrong with him. There's no life-threatening illness. He's in great shape."

Meanwhile, South China Morning Post put fuel to the fire even more after publishing an article with a headline: "Is this the same Jet Li we all know? Martial arts legend battles illness and injuries as fans express shock."

Although Jet Li showed himself now to prove that he is alright and healthy, it is worth noting that the actor faced some health issues in the past years.

In 2004, Li suffered from a foot injury after protecting his daughter from the tsunami waves that flooded his hotel in Maldives. Though it was a near-death experience, Jet Li said that the event inspired him to dedicate himself more to charity works with his One Foundation.

In 2010, when he appeared as martial arts specialist Yin Yang in the action-filled flick "The Expendables," he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.

READ MORE: 'Mulan' Yay or Nay? What Critics Have Said About the Disney Flick So Far
Farmer Trevor Shields was said to be devastated at the destruction and losses

They spent nearly three hours stopping the fire from spreading across the farm

Firefighters attended the blaze in County Down shortly before 9pm on Monday

Up to 2,000 pigs were killed in a fire on a farm in Kilkeel in Northern Ireland

Up to 2,000 pigs were killed in a fire on a farm in Northern Ireland as firefighters had to battle to stop the fire from spreading across the site.

Firefighters were called to the blaze in Kilkeel, County Down, shortly before 9pm on Monday.

The firefighters battled to stop the flames from spreading from a shed housing the pigs to other adjacent farm buildings at the Carrigenagh Road farm.

Farm owner Trevor Shields (above) has been left 'devastated' after 2,000 pigs were killed at a fire on his farm in Kilkeel, County Down, shortly before 9pm on Monday

Between 1,500 and 2,000 pigs are believed to have been killed in the blaze, which was brought under control at around 11.50pm.

One fire worker suffered minor burns to his feet during the incident and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Farm owner Trevor Shields has been left 'devastated' by the losses from the fire, which is believed to have been accidental.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Group Commander Martin Healy said the fire was already well-developed when he arrived with his colleagues to the scene.

He added: 'The firefighters worked in obviously very difficult conditions - in darkness and underfoot - to extinguish the fire.

Firefighters spent nearly three hours trying to stop the blaze spreading to adjacent sheds. One fire worker suffered minor burns to his feet during the incident

'Actually we had to try to protect the other sheds as there's a lot of other pigs housed in them and thankfully we were able to stop the fire spreading to those sheds.

'But unfortunately we were unable to save between 1,500 and 2,000 pigs within the shed the main blaze was contained in.'

He told BBC Radio Ulster the incident was a 'very difficult scene to witness'.

He said: 'We spoke with the farm owner and obviously our sympathies go out to him and all his staff on the devastating loss and he said himself he was devastated for the loss that he did suffer.'
Doctors prescribe a skin graft when an area of skin is so damaged that it may not be able to regenerate on its own. There are several traumatic injuries, medical conditions and post-surgical procedures that may require skin grafts as part of the treatment process.

Severe burns are some of the most common injuries that are treated with skin grafts. Minor first-degree burns only affect the topmost layer of skin and can usually heal on their own. But if a patient has a second-degree burn that covers more than 10 percent of the body or a third-degree burn that covers more than one percent of the body, it's classified as a severe burn [source: Merck Manual].

Advertisement

What makes these burns so severe? In second-degree burns, the skin damage extends to the dermis, the second layer of skin. If the damaged area is large enough, the burn will have great difficulty closing on its own and will be at high risk of infection. A third-degree burn extends through all three layers of skin, sometimes reaching muscle, cartilage and even bone. Such an extreme injury will almost certainly require a skin graft to heal.

Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are a chronic and dangerous condition that plagues patients who are bedridden or confined to a wheelchair. The ulcers are caused by prolonged pressure on a part of the body, cutting off circulation. Common places for pressure ulcers are the buttocks, hips, back of legs, shoulder blades and even the head. Some pressure ulcers are small, relatively shallow wounds, but a stage IV ulcer -- the most serious kind -- can bore deep enough to damage underlying muscle and bone [source: Mayo Clinic].

Certain types of diabetes can lead to loss of feeling in the feet. This can allow ulcers to form without the patient's knowledge. These ulcers can become deeply infected, eventually leading to amputation. Diabetic ulcers are the most common cause of non-traumatic foot amputation. Skin grafts -- in some cases with lab-generated skin substitutes -- can help cover and close the wound as it heals [source: Scanlan].

Cancer patients often require reconstructive cosmetic surgery to replace skin lost in the removal of cancerous tissue. Breast reconstructions after mastectomies may require that the nipple and areola area be removed and grafted in a new position. If a section of the nose is lost in a skin cancer surgery, doctors can replace it with a skin graft from another part of the body.

Surgeons have developed several different types of skin grafts, depending on the severity of the skin loss. Read more about these techniques in the next section.
OLIVEHURST, Calif., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Richmond American Homes of California, a subsidiary of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: MDC), is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of three brand-new model homes at Seasons at Thoroughbred Acres (RichmondAmerican.com/ThoroughbredAcres) in Olivehurst. The notable new neighborhood, which showcases the builder's versatile Seasons Collection homes, is the first in the Sacramento area to offer the UltraGarage, an attached, extra-tall garage designed to house a wide range of vehicles, including boats and most Class A RVs.

The Bronze plan with attached RV garage is one of three new model homes at Richmond Americans Seasons at Thoroughbred Acres community in Olivehurst, CA.

Model Grand Openings (RichmondAmerican.com/ThoroughbredAcresGO)

Prospective homebuyers and area agents are encouraged to stop by Seasons at Thoroughbred Acres for model home tours starting on Saturday, September 12. The Sales Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday through Thursday, and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Fridays. Ask a sales associate about special offers.

About Seasons at Thoroughbred Acres:

New Seasons Collection homes from the mid $300s

Ranch and two-story floor plans, including two with RV garages

2 to 4 bedrooms, approx. 1,410 to 2,080 sq. ft.

Easy access to downtown Sacramento , Marysville and Yuba City

, and Close proximity to shopping, dining, recreation and Highways 70 and 65

Hundreds of exciting personalization options

Complimentary Home Gallery design assistance

Amethyst, Agate and Bronze models open for tour!

Seasons at Thoroughbred Acres is located at 4162 Affirmed Drive in Olivehurst. For more information, call 530.491.7101 or visit RichmondAmerican.com.

About M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Operating under the name Richmond American Homes, MDC's homebuilding subsidiaries have built more than 210,000 homes since 1977. Among the nation's largest homebuilders, MDC's subsidiary companies have operations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Virginia and Washington. Mortgage lending, plus insurance and title services are offered by the following MDC subsidiaries, respectively: HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, American Home Insurance Agency, Inc. and American Home Title and Escrow Company. M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDC." For more information, visit MDCHoldings.com.

SOURCE M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.richmondamerican.com


Albert Bourla, chief executive officer of Pfizer pharmaceutical company, arrives to ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla warned on Tuesday that people who don't take the Covid-19 vaccine will become a "weak link" that allows the coronavirus to spread.

Bourla, whose company is in late-stage testing for a potential inoculation, said he understands the public's concerns about vaccines, which are being developed in record time. He said Pfizer will only request authorization from the Food and Drug Administration after data shows that its vaccine is safe and effective.

But he also said people who decide against taking the vaccine once available "will not only affect their lives."

They "will affect the lives of others because if they don't vaccinate, they will become the weak link that will allow this virus to replicate," he told NBC's "TODAY."

Vaccine hesitancy was already a problem in the United States. But fear due to the pandemic and confusing communication from the Trump administration on vaccine development has exacerbated opposition to a vaccine and could jeopardize a Covid-19 vaccine's impact, infectious disease experts and scientists say.

Medical experts also fear a vaccine approval could be politically motivated as the Trump administration pushes states to have vaccine distribution sites ready by Nov.1, two days before the presidential election.

According to a recent USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll, two-thirds of voters say they won't get the coronavirus vaccine as soon as it becomes available. Another poll from Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found only 49% of Americans say they plan to take a vaccine for Covid-19 once one is available.

Earlier Tuesday, a group of drugmakers, including Pfizer, pledged to "uphold the integrity of the scientific process" as they work toward potential global regulatory filings and approvals of the first Covid-19 vaccines.

The unusual move comes after Dr. Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the FDA, told the Financial Times last week that the agency is prepared to bypass the full federal approval process in order to make a vaccine available as soon as possible.

Insisting the agency wasn't being pressured by President Donald Trump to fast-track a vaccine, Hahn said an emergency authorization could be appropriate before phase three clinical trials are completed if the benefits outweigh the risks.

It also came after news that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has asked governors and health departments to prepare to distribute a vaccine as soon as November.

"We want it to be known that also in the current situation we are not willing to compromise safety and efficacy," said co-signatory Ugur Sahin, CEO of Pfizer's German partner BioNTech.

Bourla called the commitment a "historic pledge," adding the world is "looking to science right now."

Last week, he said the company could have results from its late-stage coronavirus vaccine trial as early as October after enrolling 23,000 volunteers.

"We saw it critical to come out and reiterate our commitment," he said Tuesday. "We will develop our product, develop our vaccine using the highest ethical standards."
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday said that the coronavirus pandemic had shown Nigerians that there was need for prayers.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, who said this at the opening ceremony of the Second Session of the 34th Synod of the Diocese of Lagos, also urged everyone to continue to pray for the state and country.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the Second Session of the 34th Synod was held at Our Saviours Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

COVID-19 has shown us in reality that we need to pray. We are not out of it yet, we need to continue to take precautions. Your prayers has really held us all together.

The church has also participated in series of activities during the lockdown, various donations have been given to the citizens and I thank all churches for these, he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, who said the numbers were gradually going down in the state, also sympathised with everyone that had lost someone during the pandemic.

This is a painful thing and as a government we will continue to do what we need to do to keep life alive.

He said that the theme, Pray, Serve and Grow, was apt due to the ongoing pandemic ravaging the world.

Service to the Lord is serving, loving and supporting one another.For us to build a greatest Lagos, we certainly need to hold on to God and pray.

We certainly need to use God as an instrument of contact for all of us, he said.

He, however, appreciated the frontline health workers who had been working tirelessly during the pandemic.

The Bishop of Lagos, Humphrey Olumakaiye,

Rt. Rev., in his address, appreciated everyone for their presence.

He said:We are here, gathered to register our unreserved appreciation and gratitude to God Almighty, for seeing us through the devastating season of global outbreak of an infectious pandemic disease.

The kernel of our joyful celebration is anchored to the unshakeable assurance, that we have a bigger God, by whose fulfilled promises of protection upon our lives, gave us the grace to gather today, he said.

(NAN)
For a person with all their senses and health intact, this pandemic is very scary. But for a person who doesn't have it easy this pandemic can be an absolute nightmare, the kind we cannot even imagine.

This story of a 70-year-old man from Thiruvananthapuram will convey to you the simple meaning of not having it all but yet having it all. According to a picture posted by user Arun George on Twitter (and credited to Rakesh Nair from Times of India), the man, a resident of Rajaji Nagar, tested positive for coronavirus.

George captioned the post by writing: 'This 70yo resident of Rajaji Nagar in Thiruvananthapuram lives with his wife who is blind. He tested +ve, she -ve. He refused to leave her behind when they came to take him to a hospital.(sic)'

Here's an incredible news picture.



Story: This 70yo resident of Rajaji Nagar in Thiruvananthapuram lives with his wife who is blind. He tested +ve, she -ve. He refused to leave her behind when they came to take him to a hospital.



Credit: Rakesh Nair/The Times of India pic.twitter.com/u2doXa3mfp  Arun George (@saysarun) September 8, 2020

However, when authorities came to take him to the hospital, the man held onto his wife's hand and refused to let go. His wife is blind and had tested negative for COVID-19.

It was only when health workers convinced him that his wife would be taken care of that he reluctantly let go of her hand.

Even though there is no more information about this incident, this is one of the most heartwarming stories that has come out during this difficult time. This conveys the idea of pure love and companionship.

Also read: This US Couple Has Been Married For 46 Years & They Beat COVID-19 And Cancer Together

Pixabay (Representational Image)

Since the elderly are extremely vulnerable to coronavirus, many stories about them, heartwarming as well as heartbreaking, have emerged since the outbreak.

One example of the latter is a video that had gone viral a few months ago when the pandemic had just begun - an elderly couple in their 80s was recorded while saying goodbye to each other at the hospital.

In the video, the old couple was seen holding hands in the ICU and the man seemed to be saying something to his wife while she struggled to breathe.

Also read: Nurse Helps Elderly Couple Who Were Married For 62 Years, Hold Hands One Last Time

Twitter

People were left absolutely heartbroken after witnessing a scene like that and this came with an important message that having your loved one by your side till the end is beautiful but also painful.
A 'manipulative and abusive' boyfriend who stabbed his ex-girlfriend to death with a kitchen knife after she ended their relationship has been jailed for life.

Paul Crowther, 36, from Batley, West Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 'talented' university student Bethany Fields, 21, after he was diagnosed with schizophrenia following her death last September.

Crowther claimed he was told to kill Miss Fields by voices in his head called Chucky and Osiris.

Paul Crowther, 36, (pictured) from Batley, West Yorkshire, who stabbed his ex-girlfriend to death with a kitchen knife after she ended their relationship has been jailed for life

And when he was arrested he was heard saying: 'I did what you f****** said, I did what you asked, now f*** off.'

Judge Tom Bayliss QC said he accepted that Crowther's decision to kill Miss Fields was driven by his condition, but he rejected the suggestion that he was in a 'state of altered awareness' at the time, describing his actions as 'entirely logical and rational'.

He described Crowther as a 'very dangerous man indeed' as he ordered him to be detained in hospital as part of his minimum sentence of 12 years.

He told Leeds Crown Court that Miss Fields described her ex-boyfriend as 'manipulative, abusive and controlling'.

Miss Fields, a geography student, warned police before her death that Crowther had 'an obsession with killing someone and what it would feel like'.

She said: 'I genuinely don't know what to do. I am scared and frightened of what he will do and it's made me fearful for others.

Crowther killed his ex-girlfriend Bethany Fields, 21, (pictured) by stabbing her to death with a kitchen knife

'All I want is for him to leave me alone.'

Jude Bayliss added: 'She told police that the abuse, which was initially low key, began to intensify.'

The court heard that Crowther had suffered from mental health issues for a number of years and had been detained in hospital several times after threatening suicide, having thoughts about killing others and hearing voices.

Judge Bayliss said: 'Bethany Fields did what she could to help him with his mental health issues but it all became too much for her to cope with and she ended their relationship.'

The court heard that, following the split, Crowther saw the psychiatric liaison team at Dewsbury District Hospital on three occasions, where he said he wanted to attack others and kill himself, but was not detained.

The 'manipulative and abusive' boyfriend claimed he was told to kill Miss Fields (pictured) by voices in his head called Chucky and Osiris

He then sent a 'constant' barrage of abuse and threats to Miss Fields after finding she had started a new relationship.

The court heard that Miss Fields worked for an organisation that provided music therapy for people with disabilities and learning difficulties and was hosting an event at a pub in Huddersfield on September 12, 2019.

Crowther armed himself with two knives, including a six-inch kitchen knife he bought eight days earlier and made allegations about Miss Fields to police before driving to Huddersfield and attacking her.

The judge said the attack was captured on CCTV.

He said: 'It shows a targeted and sustained attack. She was stabbed multiple times and after the attack the defendant ran back to his car and drove off.'

Miss Fields was pronounced dead at the scene despite attempts by her friends and passers-by to save her life.

Miss Fields was pronounced dead at the scene despite attempts by her friends and passers-by to save her life

Crowther tried to get away from police on the motorway before leaving his car on a bridge and climbing over railings while holding a knife to his throat.

He was later taken to hospital and then to the police station, where he refused to answer questions during interview and claimed he had amnesia about killing Miss Fields.

Judge Bayliss said: 'I am quite sure that you knew perfectly well what you were doing. You may have amnesia for what you have done. But you knew what you were doing.'

He added: 'You are, Paul Crowther, I am sorry to say, a very dangerous man.'

Crowther and Ms Fields began a relationship in October 2017 and moved in together in 2018.

On June 15, 2019, she ended their relationship and was about to start a course in environmental studies at the University of York.

After learning that she had started a new relationship, Crowther went 'ape s***' and made threats about Ms Fields' new boyfriend.

The court heard that Miss Fields worked for an organisation that provided music therapy for people with disabilities and learning difficulties and was hosting an event at a pub in Huddersfield on the day she was killed last year - September 12, 2019

In a heart wrenching statement, Bethany's grieving mother Pauline Jones said her 'life ended' the day her daughter was killed.

She said: 'That horrible evening, hearing my beautiful daughter, my only child, my beloved child, had been brutally, groundlesslessly and deliberately taken by such evil.

'By a man who I have taken into my home, who I thought I could trust, who turned out to be a cold blooded murderer.

'I did not have the will or interest in life, as far as I'm concerned my life ended with that moment of violence.

'Bethany wasn't just my daughter, she was my best friend, my ray of sunshine.

Judge Bayliss told Leeds Crown Court (pictured): 'I am quite sure that you knew perfectly well what you were doing. You may have amnesia for what you have done. But you knew what you were doing'

'I was devoted to my daughter working hard as a single mother to secure a future for her, but it now means nothing.

'She was beautiful, inside and out, talented, kind, gracious, giving, loyal - and inspirational to many.

'A daughter every parent would be proud of.

'The day I had to go identify her body was the worst day of my life.

'My love and admiration for Bethany could fill the entire universe, my pride the same.

'Bethany only wanted to do good, such a love for nature and the planet and she had qualities which would have made her a wonderful mother.

'But through the savagery of Paul Crowther's actions, I and the world will never know how much she would have done.

'I feel so lost, bewildered, as to how such a lovable, passionate, gregarious young woman full of love and capacity for compassion could have her life ended from such hate.

'I will hold her in my heart for all of eternity. Bethany was far too good to ever be forgotten, a real earth angel.'
House Democrats are launching an investigation into postmaster general Louis DeJoy and called for his immediate suspension after reports that he reimbursed former employees for campaign contributions they made to his preferred GOP politicians, an arrangement that would be unlawful.

Representative Carolyn Maloney said in a statement late on Monday that the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, which she chairs, would begin an investigation, saying that Mr DeJoy may have lied to her committee under oath.

Ms Maloney also urged the US Postal Service Board of Governors to immediately suspend Mr DeJoy, who, she said, "they never should have hired in the first place".

A spokesman for the Postal Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ms Maloney's announcement came a day after the Post reported allegations that Mr DeJoy and his aides urged employees at his former North Carolina-based logistics company to write checks and attend fundraisers on behalf of Republican candidates.

Mr DeJoy then defrayed the cost of those political contributions by boosting employee bonuses, two employees told the Post.

Although it can be permissible to encourage employees to make donations, reimbursing them for those contributions is a violation of North Carolina and federal election laws.

Such federal violations carry a five-year statute of limitations. There is no statute of limitations in North Carolina for felonies, including campaign finance violations.

Ms Maloney said Mr DeJoy faces "criminal exposure" not only if the allegations are true "but also for lying to our committee under oath".

Ms Maloney was referring to Mr DeJoy's testimony to the House Oversight and Reform Committee last month, when he forcefully denied that he had repaid executives for contributions they had made to Donald Trump's campaign.

The former employees who spoke to the Post all described donations they gave between 2003 and 2014, before Mr Trump's first White House run. By 2016, Mr DeJoy had sold the company and retired.

The Post's findings prompted calls for an independent investigation from Democrats, including the Democratic Attorneys General Association and representative Adam Schiff. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer urged the North Carolina attorney general to launch a criminal investigation.

"These are very serious allegations that must be investigated immediately, independent of Donald Trump's Justice Department" Mr Schumer said in a statement on Sunday.

The accounts of Mr DeJoy's former employees come amid what has been a rocky tenure at the helm of the Postal Service. After his appointment in May, he swiftly instituted changes he said were aimed at cutting costs, leading to a reduction of overtime and limits on mail trips that postal carriers said created backlogs across the country.

Democrats have accused Mr DeJoy, who has personally given more than $1.1m (839,360) to Trump Victory, the joint fundraising vehicle of the president's reelection campaign and the Republican Party, of seeking to hobble the Postal Service because of the president's antipathy to voting by mail. As states have expanded access to mail voting because of the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Trump has repeatedly attacked the practice and claimed without evidence that it will lead to rampant fraud.

The Postal Service chief emphasised to House lawmakers last month that the agency will prioritise election mail. Responding to questions about his fundraising, Mr DeJoy scoffed. "Yes, I am a Republican  I give a lot of money to Republicans." But he pushed back fiercely on accusations that he was seeking to undermine the November vote. "I am not engaged in sabotaging the election," Mr DeJoy said. "We will do everything in our power and structure to deliver the ballots on time."

The latest accusations have only added to the turbulence surrounding the Postal Service.

According to the Post's reporting, five people who worked for Mr DeJoy's former business, New Breed Logistics, say they were urged by Mr DeJoy's aides or by the chief executive himself to write checks and attend fundraisers at his 15,000-square-foot gated mansion beside a Greensboro, N.C., country club. There, events for Republicans running for the White House and Congress routinely fetched $100,000 (76,305) or more apiece.

Two other employees familiar with New Breed's financial and payroll systems said Mr DeJoy would instruct that bonus payments to staffers be boosted to help defray the cost of their contributions.

Monty Hagler, a spokesman for Mr DeJoy, said the former New Breed chief executive was not aware that any employees had felt pressured to make donations,

After repeatedly being asked, Mr Hagler did not directly address the assertions that Mr DeJoy reimbursed workers for making contributions, pointing to a statement in which he said Mr DeJoy "believes that he has always followed campaign fundraising laws and regulations".

The Washington Post
The University of Michigan graduate employee organization (GEO) announced on Monday that its members will engage in a four-day strike beginning today in opposition to the unsafe return for in-person learning. The struggle involves more than 1,000 graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants at the university.

Strikers, who previously voted by more than 80 percent to support a walkout, expressed their determination to fight in a general membership online meeting held Monday night, which was attended by over 600 members.

In a Monday press release, GEO officials said they presented their demands in an open letter to University of Michigan administrators, which was signed by over 1,800 graduate workers and community members. The demands include improved testing and contact tracing, a universal right to work remotely without documentation, care subsidy for parents and caregivers, a $2,500 unconditional emergency grant, and rent freezes.

(Source: Graduate Employees' Organization)

The universitys Office of Public Affairs rejected the demands, claiming they were not financially feasible. This led to todays strike.

There is wide-spread opposition to the reckless drive to reopen schools among graduate students, undergraduate students, faculty and staff at the university. The strike has already received significant support from undergraduate students on social media.

The Office of Public Affairs has responded by posting a statement claiming the strike violates state law and that the university is preparing to continue operations, including classes, in the event of a strike.

There is enormous anger and outrage on campus to the reckless plans of the university adminsitration and UM president Mark Schlissel. A letter published in the Michigan Daily by a staff member at the university stated:

President Schlissel demeaned worker demands for widespread testing as science fiction that was not essential. But a study out of Harvard and MIT said there was no way to prevent a near-total outbreak without testing everyone on campus every two days. Another Harvard expert said Schlissel showed a fundamental misunderstanding of the purpose of testing. President Schlissel proclaimed the Universitys efforts were informed by our top public health experts. But a U-M respiratory infectious disease expert told The Michigan Daily that none of the colleagues shes spoken with believe the Universitys reopening plan is safe, and top experts nationwide harshly criticized Schlissels lack of commitment to keep[ing] everybody safe.

The determination of the graduate student workers to fight the criminal in-person reopening policy at University of Michigan is part of a broader opposition among workers and students across the country to fight the irrational, anti-scientific and criminal policies of the ruling class during the pandemic, which places tens of millions of lives in danger. This includes protests by college students in Iowa and other states and hundreds of protests by public school educators.

The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) at University of Michigan commends the rank-and-file graduate students for taking this courageous stand and calls on all students, faculty, staff and workers in the area and more broadly to support the students and teachers in this fight.

Grad students need organization to fight but they cannot be fooled by the false claims that the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), with which the GEO is affiliated, or for that matter the NEA, the United Auto Workers (UAW) or any of these other state-sanctioned unions represent educators. Bitter experience has shown the opposite: the AFT and other unions have spent decades colluding with state and district officials in the systematic undermining of teachers conditions, the closure of schools, budget cuts and school privatization. As result, the AFT, NEA, UAW and other unions have lost so many members that they have sought to unionize grad students to make up for lost union dues.

But this has only led to a trail of tears for grad students, including the sellout of recent struggles at the University of California, the University of Chicago (where grad students disaffiliated from the AFT) and Columbia University.

The unions defend the capitalist system, are aligned with the corporate-controlled Democratic Party, and subordinate the interests of workers to needs of the financial oligarchy that runs America. The AFT and NEA are now campaigning for Biden even though as vice president under Obama he oversaw a vast attack on teachers and public education. But unlike Trump and the Republicans, the Democrats protect the financial and institutional interests of unions like the AFT whose major slogan has been school reform with us, not against us.

A fight is necessary and possible. But grad students must organize a rank-and-file strike committee, answerable to university workers not the unions and the Democratic Party, to wage a real fight against the deadly return to in-person schooling.

This strike committee should link up the grad students struggle with other campus workers and faculty, as well as rank-and-file autoworkers, Amazon and other logistics workers, retail and service workers. Instead of a four-day strike that will produce nothing, this committee should fight for an indefinite strike, calling for solidarity action from teachers in Ann Arbor and Detroit, college workers and students around the state, and broader sections of the working class to fight for the closure of unsafe schools and defeat any attempt by U of M administrators to victimize strikers.

The conditions facing graduate students are part of a broad process of deepening exploitation of all sections of workers by the ruling class, which has been accelerated in the context of the pandemic with a back-to-work drive intended to drive up profits after trillions were handed to Wall Street through the CARES Act.

In a state where the Gilbert, Ilitch, DeVos, Stryker and Ford interests control billions of dollars, there is plenty of money to provide high quality remote learning, free high-speed internet and social protections against evictions and poverty.

What is needed is an industrial and political counter-offensive by the working class against both big business parties and the capitalist system they defend. While the giant corporate and political interests behind the University of Michigans attack on grad students speak for death and austerity, the working class must fight for socialism and life.

Last month, teachers from around the country established the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee to unite educators, parents, and students and prepare for a general strike to halt the reckless opening of schools. Safety committees, which are independent of the unions, are being set up in Michigan, Florida, Texas and other states.

The Socialist Equality Party urges that teachers, parents, and students who are concerned about the rapid spread of COVID-19 in schools should register for the next meeting of the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, which will be held Saturday, September 12, at 3 p.m.
Contributed / Greenwich Police Department

GREENWICH  Officers arrested two men on charges of allegedly assembling an illegal fireworks display that drew hundreds of spectators to the Bible Street Park over the July 4 weekend, Greenwich police said Tuesday.

About 200 people gathered at the park in Cos Cob to watch the fireworks show before officers showed up and shut the event down, police said. About a quarter of the rockets had been fired off before officers arrived, according to the police report.
Journalist Priya Ramani told a Delhi court on Tuesday that she disclosed the alleged sexual harassment by former Union minister MJ Akbar around 25 years later because back then there was a vacuum in law and there was no platform either.

Ramani made the submission before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vishal Pahuja through her lawyer during the final hearing of a private criminal defamation complaint filed by Akbar against her.

In the wake of #MeToo movement, Ramani in 2018 accused Akbar of sexual misconduct around 25 years ago when he was a journalist. Akbar, who later became Union minister, resigned on October 17, 2018 following the allegations.

Senior advocate Rebecca John said that Ramanis tweets were based on her own experience with Akbar. Her experience is the fulcrum on which good faith rests.

It is validated subsequently by the combined experience of multiple women making similar allegations, John said, adding that many spoke before her tweet while many spoke later.

She said Ramani made the allegations in October 2018 since there was an avalanche taking place in India during the global #MeToo movement and that she felt compelled to speak after she saw several women, who had worked under Akbar between 1993-2011, speaking out against him. She said that Ramani made the allegation in her good faith because it was based on her own experience and that of multiple women who spoke publicly.

Ramani said it was important for women to speak about sexual harassment at the workplace. She hoped that the disclosure would empower women and encourage them to speak up. Silence is not an option. Speaking out on sexual harassment at workplace is in public good, " John said.

She added that it was important and necessary for women to speak up. Women are taught that silence is a virtue. This case has come at a great personal cost. I have nothing to gain. I could have avoided (a lot of trouble). But that would not have been right.

She said the allegations were made 20 years later but it cannot be contested that in October 2018, an avalanche took place in India. When my (Ramanis) incident took place in 1993 there was a gap in the lawwhom could have I complained to? Legally I could not have evoked sexual harassment act because it was not in place, She said.

John cited Ramani, saying that women fought a long battle. The delay was on account of the fact that there was a vaccum in law and there was no platform either. Women at that time were told to keep silent. It was a different world in 1993. I cannot say with confidence that it was a fair world. It took us all a lot of time to fight and established our battles, John said.

John said that seeing other women speak, I (Ramani) felt compelled to speak. Citing the allegations made by various women, Ramanis counsel refuted Akbars claim that he had a stellar reputation which was lowered by her, John said none of his claims in respect of his stellar reputation can be sustained.

On Akbars question as to why she deleted her Twitter account, the counsel said: I (Ramani) need nobodys permission to delete my Twitter account. It was not an evidence in the case. It is my democratic and constitutional right to do so. I was not ordered by court to not do somoreover, my Tweets the complainant is relying upon in the case have not been denied by me."

John further said that the testimony made by Ramanis friend Nilofer, whom she had reportedly stated about the alleged incident soon after it had taken place, corroborates Ramanis truth. Nilofers message to Ramani in October 2018, after she tweeted about alleged incident also corroborate the truth stated by the scribe, she said, claiming that Nilofer was a witness of impeccable quality.

She further said that Ramanis allegation was not politically motivated and her tweets were based on her own experience with Akbar. The court will hear further arguments on September 14.

Akbar had earlier told the court that Ramani had defamed him by calling him with adjectives such as medias biggest predator that harmed his reputation. M J Akbar has denied all the allegations of sexual harassment against the women who came forward during #MeToo campaign against him.

Akbar had earlier told the court that the allegations made in an article in the Vogue and the subsequent tweets were defamatory on the face of it as the complainant had deposed them to be false and imaginary and that an immediate damage was caused to him due to the false allegations by Priya Ramani. Ramani had earlier told the court that her disclosure of alleged sexual harassment by Akbar has come at a great personal cost and she had nothing to gain from it.

She had said her move would empower women to speak up and make them understand their rights at workplace. Several women came up with accounts of the alleged sexual harassment by M J Akbar him while they were working as journalists under him.

He has termed the allegations false, fabricated and deeply distressing and said he was taking appropriate legal action against them..
A fresh face-off between Indian and Chinese troops has added to the complexities of the situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) ahead of a meeting of the foreign ministers of the two countries that is being seen as crucial for a breakthrough in the impasse on the disputed border.

Hours before external affairs minister S Jaishankar departed for Moscow, where he is set to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the margins of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, Chinese troops attempted to close in on an Indian position along the LAC on Monday night and fired in the air when they were dissuaded.

The face-off, experts said, underlined the fragile situation along the LAC, especially after several incidents on the south bank of Pangong Lake during August 29-30. This is the first time that shots have been fired along the undemarcated border since 1975, when four Indian troopers were killed in a Chinese ambush in the Arunachal Pradesh sector.

Jaishankar is set to meet Wang on the sidelines of the SCO foreign ministers meeting on September 10  the first time the two leaders will come face-to-face since the border standoff began in May. They spoke on phone on June 17, two days after a deadly clash in Galwan Valley that left 20 Indian soldiers dead and caused unspecified Chinese casualties.

Participating in an online interaction on Monday night to mark the release of his book The India Way, Jaishankar pointed to the serious situation on the LAC and underscored the need for very deep conversations between the two sides at a political level. He also made it clear India wouldnt delink the border standoff from the overall bilateral relationship.

Vipin Narang, associate professor of political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said Mondays face-off illustrated the urgency of reducing friction between troops of the two sides.

I dont think either India or China have an incentive to go to war over the border dispute, but the increasing intensity and persistence of friction, along with air activity and the presence of loaded firearms may cause them to stumble into war, he said.

An advertent or inadvertent incident at a local flashpoint could now really fuel a broader conflict that neither government wants, as the forces continue to come into contact with each other, Narang added.

At least half a dozen meetings held by local brigade commanders from the two sides since the incidents of August 29-30 have failed to quell tensions on the south bank of Pangong Lake, which has emerged as the latest friction point. Several meetings of the corps commanders and the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs too have failed to take forward the stalled disengagement and de-escalation process.

The negotiations have been stuck on several key issues, including the mode for determining how troops should pull back at friction points, people familiar with developments said on condition of anonymity. Chinese officials have been insisting that troops from both sides should withdraw for an equal distance, while the Indian side has said the withdrawal should be determined according to time it takes troops on each side to deploy to the LAC, the people said.

For instance, in some stretches, a kilometre can be covered by troops on one side in 10 minutes, whereas a kilometre on the other side can be covered by troops in five minutes. Both sides should withdraw to a distance where it takes equal time to deploy to the border, said one of the persons cited above.

Experts said the upcoming meeting between Jaishankar and Wang assumes significance following the lack of a breakthrough in recent talks between defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe, who too met on the margins of a SCO meeting in Moscow on September 4.

Wei contended the responsibility for the tensions lies entirely with India, while Singh said the actions of Chinese troops, including their aggressive behaviour and attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo, violated several bilateral agreements.

Rajiv Bhatia, distinguished fellow for foreign policy studies at Gateway House, said the latest face-off should be seen as part of Chinese mindgames before the meeting of the foreign ministers to build pressure on the Indian side to get it to make concessions.

The Chinese are very conscious of how the Indian government is projecting the link between border tensions and the overall relationship. At the same time, the Indian side has emphasised negotiations and dialogue for an amicable settlement. No one may expect a miracle at the dialogue in Moscow but everyone is looking at it with some hope, he said.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 21:04:59|Editor: huaxia

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Visitors select products of "Mom Handworks" at the exhibition area of the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 7, 2020. Four artisans of "Mom Handworks" from southwest China's Guizhou Province demonstrated embroidery works of the Miao ethnic group at the fair. "Mom Handworks" is a public welfare project initiated in 2016. Since then, a total of 49 "Mom Handworks Cooperatives" have been established in 14 provinces nationwide. The project helps create jobs for poverty-stricken mothers and provide them with skills to make handicrafts with local ethnic flavors. It also serves as a platform to promote China's intangible cultural heritages and carry forward traditional Chinese culture. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)
Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has asked Ghanaians to make their judgments based on the track records of both the governing New Patriotic Party and the opposition National Democratic Congress.

The Minister says Ghanaians are best placed to compare track records and the credibility of promises made by leaders of the two main political parties.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah speaking at a press briefing in Kumasi, on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, noted that the debate should be centred on performances and not just the number of promises.

We have somebody who from 2008 said he will do Free SHS and has done it. He now says he will give student loan options for students to have tertiary education literally on credit and pay for it when they get a job. Does that sound like a credible promise? I dare say yes because he has done the first part, so he is credible. The first part of your manifesto is the credibility of your track record.

Oppong Nkrumah argued that: Having seen how he [John Mahama] managed the economy previously, and he coming back to say that the first pillar of his manifesto is to restore the economy and cure poverty, we have seen how he did it in the last four years, and cannot be trusted to turn the economy around.

Mahama not a promise keeper; reject his campaign messages

The NPP had earlier advised Ghanaians not to believe any of the campaign promises made by the National Democratic Congress ahead of the upcoming polls.

According to the NPP, the opposition party can never be trusted with the country's transformation given its poor performance and record in the past.

At a press conference on Monday, September 8, 2020, the Deputy Campaign Manager of the NPP, Mustapha Hamid, pointed out that the Akufo-Addo government's superior track-record should be enough justification for the rejection of the NDC and its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.

Whereas the NPP has significantly transformed the lives of Ghanaians through the implementation of impactful policies, the NDC has proven to be incompetent at introducing life-changing policies let alone implement them successfully. While President Akufo-Addo in less than four years has proven to be a promise keeper through competent and decisive leadership, John Mahama has demonstrated he lacks the credibility to fulfil the promises he makes to Ghanaians.

 citinewsroom
 Oct. 12, 2015: Metropolitan Police end their 24-hour guard outside the Ecuadorean embassy but say they'll arrest Assange if he leaves - ending a three-year police operation estimated to have cost more than 12 million pounds ($17 million).

 Feb. 5, 2016: Assange claims "total vindication" as the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention finds that he has been unlawfully detained and recommends he be immediately freed and given compensation. British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond calls the finding "frankly ridiculous."

 April 6, 2017: After Assange makes some comments on Twitter, Ecuador's president-elect, Lenin Moreno, warns Assange that, as a condition of asylum granted in 2012, he is not allowed to meddle in politics.

 May 19, 2017: Swedish prosecutors drop their investigation into a rape allegation against Assange, and the European arrest warrant is withdrawn because there is no prospect in the "foreseeable future" of bringing Assange to Sweden - as he is inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. Prosecutors stress that Assange had not been found innocent. British police say he is still wanted for jumping bail in 2012.
The 21-year-old man in the car was shot in the neck and later died at the University of Chicago Medical Center, police said. A 30-year-old man was shot in the right thigh and opened fire, hitting two 18-year-old men  one in the thigh and one in the forearm. The three men were expected to survive their injures, and the two young men are being questioned by police. The man had not been identified by Tuesday afternoon.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 00:02:00|Editor: huaxia

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BAGHDAD, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi health ministry on Tuesday reported 4,894 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total nationwide infections to 269,578.

The ministry also reported 68 deaths during the day, raising the death toll to 7,657, it reported 3,465 more recoveries in the day, bringing the total number of recoveries to 206,324.

The new cases were recorded after 27,809 testing kits were used across the country during the day, and a total of 1,793,056 tests have been carried out since the outbreak of the disease, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, the ministry's spokesman Sayf al-Badr said in a press release that 90 percent of the infections are with mild-to-moderate conditions and are recovering quickly, and the recovery rate is more than 76 percent.

"The recovery rate is higher than the international recovery rate, and the death toll in the country is less than 3 percent, which is below the international death rate," al-Badr said.

He attributed the latest increase in COVID-19 infections to non-compliance of the citizens with health preventive measures, saying that the increase in deaths is related to delayed admissions to hospitals.

On Monday, the Higher Committee for Health and National Safety, headed by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, decided to ease health restrictions imposed previously to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Among the decisions, the committee decided to reopen the crossing borders exclusively for commercial movement with the implementation of health measures, while reopening restaurants and tourist facilities of the five-star hotels, and lifting the ban on sporting activities and events.

Iraq has been taking a series of measures to contain the pandemic since February when the first coronavirus case appeared 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 Iraq's capital Baghdad.

Since March 7, China has also sent three batches of medical aid to Iraq. Enditem
A photo has been shared on multiple posts on Facebook alongside a claim that it shows foreign staff in the IT department of a bank in Singapore. The claim is false; the photo was actually taken at the banks India branch.

The photo was published on Facebook on August 17, 2020.

It shows a group of people taking a photo in front of the logo of DBS Bank, a multinational bank based in Singapore.

The caption says: Was told this is DBS IT Dept @ Changi (not Mumbai or Chennai). If this is true, I wonder what the 61% were thinking. Damn the policy of giving to foreigners what belongs to the locals.

The post has now been removed from public view on Facebook. Below is a screenshot of the misleading post:

Screenshot credit: AFP

Singapores free trade agreement with India, called Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), recently sparked fears, among critics, of increased competition for jobs in Singapore; an issue the Singaporean government has addressed here.

The photo has also been shared more than 110 times after it was posted. However, the claim is false.

In an email to AFP on August 27, 2020, Shoma Narayanan, the head of group strategic marketing & communications at DBS Bank India, said: The photograph was taken in the DBS Asia Hub 2, Hyderabadaround a year ago, at an internal conference.

A photo on the web page of DBS Asia Hub 2  described as the banks first technology development centre outside Singapore  shows the same poster of a child seen in the photo in the misleading post.

The DBS logo background and wood panel wall seen in the misleading post are also visible in this May 3, 2019, post, which is also geotagged to DBS Asia Hub 2 in Hyderabad.

DBS Bank also issued this statement on Facebook on August 15, 2020.

It reads: It has come to our attention that there are images, purported to be taken in DBS Singapore, being circulated on various chat groups and social media platforms. We would like to clarify that the images were from our India office and not Singapore.
Representative image

Sequoia Capital and JSW Ventures-backed startup HomeLane is giving a fresh lease of life to interior design during COVID-19 using its proprietary 3D design technology platform called SpaceCraft.

We work with the dimensions and the space you provide, incorporate the design layout you have chosen, and merge the ideas to show you how your finished home will look like, Srikanth Iyer, CEO & Founder of the Bengaluru-based HomeLane.com, told Moneycontrol.

How does it work?

Once the design is finalised through the virtual meet, HomeLane designers will visit your home to take the measurements. Then, the actual work will start.

HomeLane has its team of designers, carpenters and other workers to carry out the task.

Listen | Business has recovered fast to pre-COVID levels: Urban Company Co-founder Abhiraj Bhal

Since its COVID days now, the company is visiting homes only in those cities like Bengaluru and Chennai, where lockdown restrictions have been eased.

In cities like Mumbai and Delhi NCR, it is only taking virtual orders. The work will start when the lockdown is lifted or once housing societies allow outsiders in.

In order to ensure that virtual meetings are as effective as in-person meetings in showrooms, HomeLane has introduced a few changes to SpaceCraft, Iyer said.

For example, virtual showroom tours and product videos are used as a substitute to in-person visits to experience centres. Here, customers get to see the design experts profile and 100 percent visibility into their actions while using the tool (while selecting colours or material) to enable easy and transparent decision-making.

The pricing mechanism works likes this. Virtually, when we design the floorplan and interiors selected by you, SpaceCraft will instantly show you the exact price. Depending on what you choose, the price will keep going up and down, just like a meter, Iyer explained.

The company has a 45-day deadline for projects.

How is it faring during lockdown?

During the lockdown, when HomeLanes experience centres remained closed, the company received more than 350 new orders, Iyer said.

In terms of new orders, we have crossed 80 percent of the pre-COVID levels, and from a revenue perspective, we have crossed 100 percent, Iyer said.

In fact, HomeLane designers have met more than 2,500 families online during the period.

The beginnings

HomeLane was founded in 2014 by Rama Harinath, Srikanth Iyer, and Vivek Parasuram.

Harinath was Vice President at TutorVista. He has also worked with Dell Hewelett-Packard and Cognizant. Currently, Iyer is also a venture partner at Unitus Ventures. He has had two past jobs including Co-Founder, Edurite Technologies at TutorVista. Parasuram is also a partner at Ravint Ventures. Prior to this, he was associated with Bello Interiors and New Dimensions.

HomeLane is backed by venture capital firms like Sequoia Capital, JSW Ventures, Accel Partners, Pidilite Group, Evolvence India Fund (EIF), and FJ Labs.

It offers personalised design service to customers through their panel of interior designers.

At present, it operates in 10 cities, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi-NCR. It has 19 experience centres and more than 900 design experts on its tech platform.

The company operates two distribution models--franchisee and retail.

The interior-design market

The market for home interiors and renovation in India today is estimated to be between $20 billion-$30 billion, according to Inc42, a media platform on startups.

HomeLane recorded Rs 230.4 crore operating revenues (unaudited) for the year ended March 31, 2020 -- a growth of 130 percent over the Rs 99.95 crore during the previous fiscal.

It is targeting Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) breakeven by April 2021. As part of the current rebranding exercise, the company has envisaged marketing spends of Rs 100 crore over the next one year.

In FY22, the franchisee model is expected to contribute 20 percent to the revenue, and the retail distribution model 15 percent.

According to the companys research, consumer preferences have evolved following the increasing influence of international video content and wider access to information through the internet and frequent travelling.

This has resulted in Indian consumers raising the bar on home aesthetics.

With the online home decor market gaining momentum in recent years, HomeLane's technology-oriented approach has made interior designing much more approachable, Iyer said.

Some of the other major startups operating in this segment are Urban Ladder, Pepperfry LivSpace, and FabFurnish.

Funds and expansion plan

On August 31, HomeLane raised Rs 60 crore in a Bridge round from new and existing investors. Stride Ventures led this round, and invested Rs 20 crore in the company.

Existing investors Accel Partners, Sequoia Capital, Evolvence India and JSW Ventures infused another Rs 40 crore.

With this round, HomeLanes overall fund-raising crossed Rs 370 crore over the last six years. HomeLane will deploy the funds to enter new markets, with a greater focus on non-metros.

Part of the funds will also be deployed to upgrade Spacecraft.

When asked if the company plans to raise more funds, he said: At the moment, we have raised enough money. To get to profitability, if at all we raise more money, it will be used for further expansion."

Recently, the company unveiled its new brand identity. Iyer said that the rebranding initiative coincided with the companys plans to scale up its operations through the franchisee and retail distribution model.

The two models will allow HomeLane to efficiently scale up operations from the current 10 cities to more than double its operational footprint covering over 25 markets by end of calendar year 2021.

Iyer said it will enable HomeLane a much better penetration into a sector primarily dominated by unorganised players.

In the last three months, the company has entered three new markets - Visakhapatnam, Mysore and Coimbatore.
Hyderabad: The Telangana Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution urging the Centre to confer the country's highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna on former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao posthumously on the occasion of his ongoing birth centenary celebrations and also install his statue in the parliament premises.

A resolution to this effect, moved by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, was adopted by the House.

The resolution also urged the Centre to name the Central University in Hyderabad after Narasimha Rao.

The opposition Congress and BJP supported the resolution, while the AIMIM stayed away from the Assembly proceedings for the day.

The Chief Minister, who described Narasimha Rao as a beloved son of Telangana and hailed his stellar contributions to the country, said there has already been a delay in announcing Bharat Ratna to the former Prime Minister and that it would be appropriate to announce the honour during the forthcoming session of parliament at a time when the state government is organising the centenary celebrations.

He said the Telangana government has decided to organise the birth centenary celebrations of Narasimha Rao, who laid the foundation to make the country economically strong by introducing economic reforms, on a grand scale for a year.

The inaugural event was held in a befitting manner on June 28 this year at 'PV Gyan Bhoomi, Narasimha Raos memorial here, he said.

The state government hopes to make people remember Narasimha Rao's glorious services to the nation by organising the centenary celebrations, he said.

Observing that only two leaders gave a new turn to the history of modern India, he said it was Jawaharlal Nehru, the builder of modern India, and Narasimha Rao, the architect of a 'global India.

Narasimha Rao, who assumed the office of Prime Minister at a time when the country was faced with serious challenges, including on the economic front, in handling the situation in Punjab and Kashmir and the cold war coming to an end with a unipolar world emerging, steered the nation with courage and vision, the CM said.

Narasimha Rao had stellar achievements on the external affairs front, including changing the attitude of the then US President Bill Clinton, who used to be considered favouring Pakistan and introducing the 'Look East' policy, he said.

Though he was born in a landlord family, Narasimha Rao had handed over about 800 acres of his own land to the government and also initiated land reforms as Chief Minister (in undivided Andhra Pradesh), he said.

The Navodaya Schools introduced by Narasimha Rao (when he was Union HRD Minister) and the Gurukul schools as state education minister in the state continue to provide free, quality education to rural students even today, he said.

Narasimha Rao, a multilinguist, was an outstanding literary personality and can be compared with the likes of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, K M Munshi and Nehru, he said.

As per a request made by the Chief Minister, Speaker Pocharam Srinivasa Reddy said a portrait of Narasimha Rao would be installed in the premises of the Assembly.

Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka hailed Narasimha Rao as a philosopher, economist and educationist and recalled the former Prime Minister's contributions in economy, foreign affairs and others.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the National Minorities Commission, the National Womens Commission and the National Backward Finance Development Corporation were constituted during Narasimha Rao's tenure, he said.

BJP MLA Raja Singh said Narasimha Rao, a great patriot, was suspended from Osmania University here for raising the slogan of Vande Mataram (during the freedom movement).

As prime minister, he took all sections along, Singh said.

State Municipal Administration Minister K T Rama Rao said the state government took up programmes in the lastsix years to celebrate the contributions of not only Narasimha Rao but several other great personalities from Telangana who have not received due recognition.

Meanwhile, AIMIM said it has decided to "boycott" Tuesday's proceedings in Telangana Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.

"Our party cannot support resolution and discussion on centenary celebrations of late P V Narasimha Rao," a AIMIM release said.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

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Firefighters were called to the blaze in Kilkeel shortly before 9pm on Monday.

Four fire appliances attended the scene in Carrigenagh Road and worked to prevent the flames spreading from a shed housing the pigs to adjacent farm buildings.

Between 1,500 and 2,000 pigs are believed to have been killed.

One fire worker suffered minor burns to his feet in the incident. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

The fire, which is believed to have been accidental, was brought under control at around 11.50pm.
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In her Princeton undergraduate thesis, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan wrote ten years ago:

Through its own internal feudingthe SP [Socialist Party] exhausted itself forever and further reduced labor radicalism in New York to the position of marginality and insignificance from which it has never recovered. The story is a sad but also a chastening one for those who, more than a half-century after socialisms decline, still wish to change America. Radicals have often succumbed to the devastating bane of sectarianism; it is easier, after all, to fight ones fellows than it is to battle an entrenched powerful foe. Yet if the history of Local New York shows anything, it is that American radicals cannot afford to become their own worst enemies. In unity lies their only hope.

Since he was elected Mayor of New York in 2014, Bill DeBlasio has kept hope alive for socialists. In a recent radio interview, DeBlasio, a socialist himself, made an earnest appeal to his audience, Help me tax the wealthy. Help me redistribute wealthIf you just talk about it and feel self-satisfied, God bless you. Thats not actually going to change things. What changes things is the redistribution of wealth. Tax the wealthy at a much higher level.

But DeBlasios socialistic policies are not working out well for the Big Apple. According to RedState, New Yorkers are fleeing the dystopian nightmare DeBlasio has created in record numbersElite Moving & Storing in Yonkers, says that People are fleeing the City in droves. The statistics are mind-boggling.

If the current trend continues, says RedState, DeBlasios wealth redistributionist scheme will fail worse than his pathetic presidential run in 2019.

It appears one doesnt have to look to the more than two dozen places around the globe where socialism was tried and failed to see it doesnt work. Just take a look at whats happening in New York. The circumstances have become unbearable, and New Yorkers are bailing on the City.

Why is it that socialism fails? It does not and cannot succeed because it defies the law of God, Thou shalt not steal.

In the Eighth Commandment, God asserts the right to private property. It is an inviolable command. Since God made man in his image and gave him dominion over the earth, anyone who steals his property instead of receiving it as a gift or purchasing or trading for it has desecrated the individuals personhood and violated his dominion. This is a serious injustice, which God has authorized and obligated the government to judge.

Proponents of socialism are always claiming its primary objective is justice for everyone. But It is Robin Hoods justice, in which the rich are robbed and the poor share in the loot, wrote T. Robert Ingram in The World Under Gods Law. That keeps the poor off the robbers back and stops the crowd from attacking him. Whom else would anyone rob but the rich?

Frederic Bastiat, a French economist, and statesman wrote a little book in 1850 titled The Law. The book was penned only two years after Karl Marx published his Manifesto. Bastiat analyzed the evils of socialism in terms of the law against stealing.

Socialists desire to practice a legal form of plunder wrote Bastiat.

Socialists, like all monopolists, desire to make the law their own weapon. And when once the law is on the side of socialism, how can it be used against socialism? For when plunder is abetted by the law, it does not fear your courts, your gendarmes, and your prisons. Rather, it may call upon them for help, he said.

Bastiat added:

When a portion of wealth is transferred from the person who owns it  without his consent and without compensation, and whether by force or by fraud  to anyone who does not own it, then I say that property is violated; that an act of plunder is committed.

I say that this act is exactly what the law is supposed to suppress, always and everywhere. When the law itself commits this act that it is supposed to suppress, I say that plunder is still committed, and I add that from the point of view of society and welfare, this aggression against rights is even worse. In this case of legal plunder, however, the person who receives the benefits is not responsible for the act of plundering. The responsibility for this legal plunder rests with the law, the legislator, and society itself. Therein lies the political danger.

The hope of socialism continues not only in De Blasios New York, but rises across America. It has even hijacked a major political party, which is every day pushing the country closer to fully embracing it. Despite its profoundly failed track record, it marches onward, surviving all empirical refutation.

As Dinesh DSouza says in The United States of Socialism, another go at it here in the U.S. feels like Elizabeth Taylors eighth marriage, a triumph of hope over experience.

Its time to put away all illusions of grandeur; socialism is a false hope, a mirage at best. As DSouza says, its the ideology of thieves, and those who fall for it become connivers attracted by the rip-off scheme.

Socialism doesnt work. It can never succeed because no government initiative that defies one of Gods Ten Commandments can endure a Sovereign Gods disapproval and the withdrawal of his blessing. It doesnt matter the amount of hope placed in it, or how many times its tried, or how many tweaks are made to it, it is destined for utter failure.
A 21-year-old Niagara man facing a charge of second-degree murder appeared in court Tuesday and pleaded guilty to an unrelated matter.

Riley Kostuk was arrested June 29, 2019, after emergency crews were called to a home on Plymouth Avenue in St. Catharines and discovered a severely-injured man in the area.

Paramedics transported the 23-year-old victim to a local hospital where he later died of his injuries.

In Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on Tuesday, Kostuk pleaded guilty via audio conference from Niagara Detention Centre in Thorold to a charge of careless driving, an offence under the Highway Traffic Act.

Twelve days before the man was killed in St. Catharines, the defendant was arrested after he sped down the Queen Elizabeth Way in Niagara Falls and collided with a transport truck.

Assistant Crown attorney Andrew Brown said the young man was travelling at speeds between 140 and 170 km/h in the moments leading up to the crash.

A number of vehicles were narrowly missed as result of the excessive speeds from Mr. Kostuk, he told the judge.

Court was told the defendant struck a transport truck on the highway, which caused his vehicle to enter a ditch and roll over several times before coming to rest on its roof.

Kostuk was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening.

His vehicle was totalled, while the transport truck sustained minor damage.

Judge Joseph De Filippis imposed a $1,500 fine and an 18-month driving prohibition.

Im aware that Mr. Kostuk, to be blunt, has bigger problems than this to deal with, he added.

The second-degree murder charge remains before the courts.
Two senior police officers have been charged with drug offences after a series of raids on homes across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Police stormed the properties on August 1 after a six-month investigation by Queensland Police's internal Ethical Standards Command unit.

Nine people were arrested during the operation, including the two male senior constables and a former police officer.

'In keeping with our commitment to high standards of behaviour, transparency and accountability, we have undertaken to inform the public when an officer faces serious allegations of misconduct,' Queensland Police said in a statement.

Police raided properties across the Gold Coast and Brisbane on August 1 and detained nine people, including the two male senior constables and a former cop (stock image)

'This does not mean the allegations against the officers have been substantiated.'

The 28-year-old, from the state's southeast, has been charged with supplying dangerous drugs and possessing dangerous drugs, among other offences.

The 29-year-old from the central region was charged with possessing dangerous drugs.

Both officers are scheduled to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on October 26.
HONG KONG, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Plantations International Holdings Hong Kong has today announced that it has changed its name to Agroforestry Group ("AFG"). As a result, it will be renaming and rebranding all of its operations within Malaysia and Singapore to Agroforestry Group to better reflect the new direction of the company. All associated clients and products within these two countries, namely Agarwood and Durian in Malaysia, will now fall under Agroforestry Group. All other Plantations International projects including Indonesia will remain the same and will operate as a separate company.

The separation of Plantations International and Agroforestry Group enables each company to strengthen their strategic focus, optimize their cost structure and offers a greater opportunity to leverage their unique competitive advantages. Mr. Steve Newman will be heading Agroforestry Group as Chief Executive Officer, the same position he held at Plantations International.

"Following a comprehensive review of our operations it was clear that this separation was necessary. It helps both company's better address the needs of our clients as our regional businesses have increasingly diverged over time. Each company requires a different strategy to thrive moving forward," said Mr. Paul Martin, Agroforestry Group's MD.

Mr. Martin assured that the transition would be seamless and that there would be no impact to any existing clients or to any of its operations within Malaysia and Singapore. All existing Sales and Management contracts remain the same and are not affected. A full rebranding will commence that will represent the new direction that Agroforestry Group has decided to take.

Agroforestry Group will be focusing on providing agricultural and forestry related services to clients. These services range from consulting, project management and implementation to sales and marketing activities. Agroforestry Group will specifically cater towards projects in emerging sectors that emphasize sustainability and environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) criteria.

Agroforestry Group (AFG)

Agroforestry Group (AFG) is involved in projects that aim to make a difference. We offer agricultural and forestry related services to clients ranging from consulting, project management and implementation to sales and marketing. We specifically cater towards projects that aim to meet the needs of our ever expanding population whilst optimizing the limited natural resources the world has.



Agriculture and forestry are relatively new asset classes that have risen in prominence over the past decade with the proliferation of green, sustainable, impact and ESG investment concepts. The unfortunate reality of the COVID-19 pandemic has simply amplified the importance of the sector even further.

For further information, please contact:

www.agroforestrygroup.com

Related Websites

www.piagarwood.com

www.durianharvests.com.my

SOURCE Agroforestry Group
Strong east winds that blew through Labor Day continue Tuesday bringing smoke and high fire danger to western Oregon.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service expect winds to gradually weaken through Wednesday. Smoke from regional wildfires, including fires in the Mount Jefferson wilderness that spread overnight will make its way into the central Willamette Valley affecting air quality.

Portlands air quality has improved overnight and was in the good category as of 6 a.m. Tuesday. Skies should be mostly sunny with hazy conditions in some areas. The high will be about 84 degrees.

Air quality for Washington and Oregon as of 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8.Airnow.gov

Winds are likely to remain strong most of the day. Gusts of up to 45 mph are possible. Stronger winds of up to 65 mph are possible across the West Hills and in the eastern portions of Portland and Vancouver, according to the weather service. Sustained winds of 20-30 mph are likely until about 1 p.m.

Watches and warnings for Tuesday, Sept. 8. NOAA

Overnight, high winds brought down power lines, trees and other debris across metro area roads. If you are driving early Tuesday morning, be very aware of hazards in the roadway and be prepared to detour your route. Power may be out at intersections throughout the metro area. Treat dark traffic lights as all-way stops.

Tualatin Valley firefighters were very busy Monday working many brush fires in Washington and Clackamas counties.

Firefighters are very busy tonight with multiple brush fires across our service area. Winds will continue to increase throughout the evening with fire danger remaining extremely high. pic.twitter.com/8EYf4ORRvx  TVF&R (@TVFR) September 8, 2020

A red flag warning for fire dangers remains in place through 8 p.m. Wednesday. The weather service warns of high winds and low relative humidity. These factors combined with high temperatures create extreme fire danger. Metro area firefighting agencies were busy all day Monday and overnight working on spot fires.

Residents should use extra caution with potential ignition sources, including barbecues and smoking material, especially in grassy areas. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Winds should ease significantly Wednesday. The air will remain dry and humidity levels will be low. Under sunny skies, high temperatures will begin to climb near 90 degrees for most valley locations. There may still be smoke in the metro area. Highs at the Portland International Airport are likely to reach 92.

Temperatures will be above average again Thursday. The metro area will see highs close to 95 degrees. The Oregon coast, however, will finally begin to cool back down to the high 60s and low 70s after a very warm start to the week.

-- Rosemarie Stein/The Oregonian/Oregonlive.com

Email at rstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-4376

Follow on Twitter @TrafficPortland
SHANGHAI: Chinese tech veterans, including former executives at Huawei and SMIC, are planning to launch a domestic replacement" fund by the end of the year to help create Chinas next tech giant and support Chinese companies sanctioned by Washington.

Venture capital firm China Europe Capital aims to raise 5 billion yuan ($731.46 million) for the fund which will invest in start-ups specialising in technologies including semiconductor, 5G and artificial intelligence, said Zhang Jun, the firms chairman and a former vice president at telecom equipment maker Huawei.

The fund launch comes amid a government-backed investment boom in Chinas technology sector as Beijing competes with Washington in an increasingly acrimonious tech war".

Relations between the worlds two largest economies have nosedived in recent months as they butt heads over the coronavirus pandemic, Hong Kong and trade.

China and the U.S. are in a Great Power rivalry that will end only when theres a knockout," Zhang told Reuters in an interview.

Its not just about trade war, or sanctions. Its a matter of life and death."

Huawei, drone producer DJI and video surveillance company Hikvision are among a growing list of Chinese companies sanctioned by U.S. President Donald Trumps administration.

On Friday, Reuters reported that Washington might blacklist Chinas biggest chipmaker SMIC, or Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp.

Zhang sees opportunities in the current crisis, betting the Sino-U.S. decoupling will foster a self-sufficient home-grown tech sector that can one day live without incumbent U.S. champions such as Qualcomm and Intel.

There is skepticism among analysts, however, over how successful China can be should it get cut off from Western supply chains given it still has a long way to go to become self-sufficient in technology.

More and more Chinese companies are being sanctioned by the U.S., and what we do, is to provide them with spare tyres  so that those cut off from U.S. supplies can survive, and run, although with a limp," said Zhang, who also sits on a panel of experts at Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The new fund also aims to foster Chinese tech champions, capitalising on the expertise of a management team that also includes Joseph Xie, a founding member of SMIC, and Li Zhengyu, a former executive at Foxconn, Zhang said.

We hope to find the next Huawei, the next DJI, or the next BYD," he said, referring to electric car maker BYD Co Ltd.

China Europe Capital is backed by investment groups including New Margin Capital, CSC Group and Cybernaut, and aims to launch the domestic replacement" fund in partnership with local governments.

($1 = 6.8356 Chinese yuan )
The "magnificent" home in Berkeley, California, formerly lived in by author Ursula K. Le Guin is on the market for $4.1m. Pictured above, the writing room, though the press releasy stories about it are vague on when and how long she lived there (Wikipedia suggests not past her twenties) . Below, a video tour of the dwelling and its surroundings.

The house spans 3,686 square feet with rooms for gathering and other rooms for private contemplation. Built with natural materials, it has been restored with great attention to the original design while upgrading with modern features and amenities.

"Broad graceful bracketed eaves and Swiss scroll-sawn wooden balconies and decks look out onto San Francisco and Golden Gate views," according to the listing.
President Donald Trump has reverted to using graphic depictions of violence as a centerpiece of his campaign strategy, converting his Twitter account, stump speech and even the White House lectern into platforms for amplifying domestic conflict.

His 2016 focus on Islamic radical terrorism and undocumented immigrant crime, which he credited with helping him win the Republican nomination, has been replaced by warnings of new threats, as he elevates gruesome images of Black-on-White crime, street fights involving his supporters and police misconduct riots around the country.

The pattern continued over the holiday weekend, when he tweeted video of a melee between protesters and security officers during a Texas event for a Trump-affiliated group and two celebratory videos of a Portland, Ore., protester with his feet on fire, one of which was scored to the Kenny Loggins song"Footloose" and a second that featured mocking play-by-play commentary by a mixed martial arts announcer.

"These are the Democrats 'peaceful protests,' " Trump wrote. "Sick!" On Monday, he retweeted a prediction that political unrest "could lead to 'rise of citizen militias around the country.' "

The strategy echoes the approach that fueled his rise in politics as he shocked the political world with graphic warnings about "rapists" crossing the border illegally from Mexico, welcomed the families of crime victims to speak at his events and said he favored instructing the military to target the families of Islamic extremists, a likely war crime. He also repeatedly encouraged assaults on protesters at his own events.

In each case, the unprecedented focus on violence by a major American politician allowed Trump to attract attention, turning his rallies into unpredictable and raucous affairs that were widely viewed. They also set the stage for Trump to establish his political persona as a strongman itching to dominate threats foreign and domestic if he was elected.

Nearly four years after winning that race, Trump is making the same argument, albeit about different dangers, using the specter of violence amid Black Lives Matter protests to claim his superior toughness and promising forceful resolution if he is given the chance.

"These people only know one thing, and that is strength," Trump said Wednesday in Wilmington, N.C., of the violent street protests in Wisconsin and Oregon. "That's all they know - strength. And we have strength."

He posted footage on Twitter on Monday of Black protesters in Pittsburgh screaming at White outdoor diners, drinking from their glasses and knocking over their dishes during a protest over the weekend.

"Disgraceful. Never seen anything like it. Thugs!" Trump wrote. "And because of weak and pathetic Democrat leadership, this thuggery is happening in other Democrat run cities and states. Must shut them down fast."

Amid a pandemic that has killed more than 186,000 Americans, the jarring political gambit has shifted the focus of the presidential campaign, forcing Trump's opponent, former vice president Joe Biden, to air an ad, "Be Not Afraid," focused on his own opposition to the recent violence in Wisconsin and Oregon.

"The president is on offense, and that is always a good thing," said Roger Stone, a former Trump political adviser who received a presidential commutation for seven felony convictions this summer. "The law and order issue really motivates the president's base, and it also appeals to independents."

Although Trump has seen no big boosts in polling, he unapologetically promoted a video last week of his own supporters attacking protesters in Portland, Ore., later arguing at the White House that their firing of paintball guns and pepper spray in city streets from the back of pickup trucks was "defensive." On Twitter, he explained the conflict as logical response to liberal provocation.

"The big backlash going on in Portland cannot be unexpected," Trump wrote in a tweet that included a video of the incident.

He has also returned to using his Twitter account to broadcast falsehoods that fan the flames of racial conflict. For the third time this summer, Trump retweeted a video Aug. 30 of a Black man brutally attacking a White person, this time with a caption falsely suggesting the 2019 assailant in a New York subway assault was somehow connected to Black Lives Matter or antifa.

The posts echo a 2015 Trump retweet, which showed a picture of a Black man with a gun, that falsely claimed Black people commit a majority of White homicides, a racist trope for which he never apologized. The White House argued this month, as Trump did in 2015, that he was not responsible for accuracy of his retweets.

Politically motivated street fights have become more common during his presidency, as politically motivated mass shootings in El Paso, Pittsburgh and Gilroy, Calif., among others, have rattled the nation. Recent conflicts at protests have left injuries across the country in recent weeks, from Kalamazoo, Mich., to Weatherford, Texas, to Bloomington, Ind., as protesters of police misconduct confront counterprotesters, who are sometimes dressed in Trump-branded apparel and claim to be helping to keep the peace. In one case, a gun-wielding Trump supporter was charged with murder after allegedly killing two protesters and injuring a third in Kenosha, Wis.

In the face of this, Trump has condemned the actions of left-wing rioters but declined to condemn violence by his own supporters, even as he falsely claims Biden is refusing to condemn violence on the left.

"I have the tough people, but they don't play it tough - until they go to a certain point," Trump said last year in an interview with Breitbart News when asked about fights over free speech on college campuses. "And then it would be very bad, very bad."

From his start in politics, Trump has brushed aside the idea he has responsibility for any additional violence that results from his campaign style. When a reporter asked in 2015 if he was concerned his tough rhetoric against protesters and immigrants might lead to additional violence in American streets, he recoiled at the question.

"People are getting hurt. People are being decimated by illegal immigrants. The crime is unbelievable," he said, an argument belied by statistics. "Now in my way, I don't want anybody hurt. But people are being hurt. So when you ask that question, it's very unfair."

His answer was notable for its zero-sum view: Suffering in the country was inevitable - the question was who suffered more.

Trump's return to focusing on violent threats and conflict follows a summer in which the president appeared politically adrift as a viral pandemic overtook the nation, infecting at least 6.2 million people and dampening the economy.

He initially wavered in whether to focus campaign advertising on trumpeting his pandemic response or attacking his opponent, before eventually launching attacks on Biden for his ties to China, his mental acuity and his policy positions. Biden's polling advantage widened.

When nationwide protests against police misconduct turned violent this summer, Trump's strategy shifted once again. A July 9 set of talking points distributed around the White House by Stephen Miller, the adviser who wrote Trump's 2016 nomination speech, previewed the message Trump would settle on for the final push to the convention.

The solution Miller described, which Trump soon incorporated into his rhetoric and advertising, was to paint Biden as a fundamental threat to public safety. "No one will be safe in Joe Biden's America," the document read. The Democratic nominee, Miller's document continued, "will surrender America and its citizens to the violent left-wing mob" and "abolish the American Way of Life."

The shift sought to rehabilitate Trump's political message of dominance and shift the discussion away from the pandemic, which public polling showed had become a drag on the president's support.

"You can't really tell people that there is no covid crisis because they are surrounded by it. The only thing you can do is make something else louder," said Harvard political scientist Matthew Baum, who studies political persuasion and misinformation. "You don't have to persuade people. All you have to do is say, 'Don't look over there. Look over here.' "

Biden has argued that Trump is trying to distract Americans from his inability to better address the health, economic and race-relations crises facing the nation.

"The whole country is up in flames. Everything is burning, law and order, because he doesn't want to talk about anything, anything at all, about the job he hasn't done," Biden said Sept. 4 during a news conference in Wilmington, Del.

Biden has mocked Trump's effort to cast him as responsible for any street violence, no matter the alleged perpetrator.

"Ask yourself: Do I look like a radical socialist with a soft spot for rioters? Really?" Biden asked during an Aug. 31 speech in Pittsburgh. "I want a safe America. Safe from covid, safe from crime and looting, safe from racially motivated violence, safe from bad cops. Let me be crystal clear - safe from four more years of Donald Trump."

Tim Murtaugh, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, said Trump is focused on helping the communities affected by the violence. "These riots are destroying the life's work of Black, Hispanic and Asian business owners, and they have to stop," he said.

Expressions advocating violence were central to Trump's early political endeavors.

"I'd like to punch him in the face, I'll tell you," Trump said about a protester at an event in Las Vegas. When a nonviolent Black protester was beaten at a rally in Birmingham, Ala., by a White crowd, Trump responded the next day, "Maybe he should have been roughed up."

He argued repeatedly at rallies for the extrajudicial abuse or even murder of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who had left his post in Afghanistan. "Thirty years ago, he would have been shot," Trump said. At another event, he said of Bergdahl's capture by the Taliban: "They beat the crap out of him, which is fine."

Rather than recoil, his crowds embraced the tough talk, and Trump delivered more as president. After a Montana congressional candidate, Greg Gianforte, physically attacked a reporter in 2017, Trump turned the event into an applause line. "Any guy that can do a body slam, he is my type!" the president said.

When Trump addressed a law enforcement group in 2017 in Long Island, N.Y., he urged incaution in policing.

"When you see these thugs being thrown into the back of a paddy wagon, you just seen them thrown in rough. I said, 'Please don't be too nice,' " he said.

The new threat Trump has focused on is no less ominous than his previous targets and is similarly inflated with rhetoric that mixes descriptions of actual events with conspiracy theories for which he offered no evidence. In recent days, he has described "rioters, anarchists, agitators and looters" who he claimed in a Fox News interview, without evidence, have been traveling the country in commercial planes to create havoc and are funded by "people you have never heard of" who operate in "dark shadows."

He has also tried to adjust the historical record by claiming federal actions he instigated have already proven that his solution of physical toughness and law enforcement domination is responsible for clearing streets of violent protesters. On a visit to Kenosha, Wis., he claimed his push to deploy the National Guard saved the city from further rioting after the police shooting in the back of Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man.

"If I didn't INSIST on having the National Guard activate and go into Kenosha, Wisconsin, there would be no Kenosha right now," Trump tweeted last week. Federal officials did work with local law enforcement in quelling the protests, but Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers had ordered the guard to the city a day before Trump's public call for their deployment.

Pollsters have noted a shift in polling around the Black Lives Matter movement, which was initially broad and bipartisan in the wake of the George Floyd killing by Minneapolis police in May. Support for the movement in Wisconsin, according to the Marquette Law School poll, fell from 59% to 49% between June and August.

But national polls continue to show that Biden leads Trump on questions of which candidate would make the country safer. A recent national Quinnipiac poll found that 50% of likely voters said Trump made them feel less safe, compared to 35% who said he made them feel more safe.

By contrast, 42% of voters said Biden would make them feel more safe as president, compared to 40% who said they would feel less safe.
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Linkedin Philip Pullella (Reuters) Vatican City  Tue, September 8, 2020 10:50 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4362527 2 World US,bishop,sexual-abuse-in-Catholic-Church,sexual-abuse-scandal Free

An American bishop-elect has resigned just weeks before he was due to start the job, following an allegation that he had sexually abused a minor, Catholic Church officials said on Monday.

Father Michel Mulloy, 66, was appointed by Pope Francis on June 19 to be bishop of Duluth, Minnesota and was due to be formally installed in a ceremony on Oct. 1.

It is almost unheard of for a bishop-elect to resign between the time of his appointment and installation. The episode pointed to the continuing impact the abuse scandal is having on the 1.3 billion-member Roman Catholic Church.

It was not immediately possible to contact Mulloy or his lawyers for comment on Monday, a public holiday in the United States.

A Vatican statement said Pope Francis had accepted Mulloy's resignation, but gave no more details.

The diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota, where Mulloy had served as a priest, released a statement saying it had last month "received notification of an allegation against Father Mulloy of sexual abuse of a minor in the early 1980s".

The diocese said that when it received the allegation, police were informed and Mulloy was instructed to refrain from public ministry while a Church investigation determined if the allegation was credible.

A diocesan board made up of mostly lay members reviewed the investigation's findings and concluded that the accusation "met the standard" for further investigation, the diocese said.

Mulloy submitted his resignation after he received a summary of the allegation, the diocese added.

A spokesman for Rapid City's police force said there was no active investigation into the bishop-elect. Police in Duluth did not immediately respond to calls for comment.

For the past two decades the Roman Catholic Church around the world has been hit by a raft of sexual abuse cases and has spent billions of dollars in settlements, expenses that in many cases have led to the closing of parishes and schools.

The US Church is still reeling from a Pennsylvania grand jury report that revealed that priests had abused about 1,000 people over seven decades in that state alone.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - General Mills (GIS) said the company remains focused on its objective of delivering fiscal 2021 adjusted operating profit margin approximately in line with fiscal 2020 levels. The company noted that strong fixed cost leverage is expected to result in adjusted operating profit margin expansion in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, while higher external supply chain costs and a more difficult prior-year comparison are anticipated to result in a decline in adjusted operating profit margin in the second quarter. General Mills remains on track to reduce its net-debt-to-adjusted-EBITDA ratio to below 3.2x in fiscal 2021. The company said, to date, all General Mills manufacturing and distribution facilities have continued to operate without significant disruption related to COVID-19. 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.
SHAVER LAKE, Calif. - New wildfires ravaged bone-dry California during a scorching Labor Day weekend that saw a dramatic airlift of more than 200 people trapped by flames and ended with the state's largest utility turning off power to 172,000 customers to try to prevent its power lines and other equipment from sparking more fires.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 6/9/2020 (501 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A helicopter prepares to drop water at a wildfire in Yucaipa, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020. Three fast-spreading California wildfires sent people fleeing Saturday, with one trapping campers at a reservoir in the Sierra National Forest, as a brutal heat wave pushed temperatures into triple digits in many parts of state. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)

SHAVER LAKE, Calif. - New wildfires ravaged bone-dry California during a scorching Labor Day weekend that saw a dramatic airlift of more than 200 people trapped by flames and ended with the state's largest utility turning off power to 172,000 customers to try to prevent its power lines and other equipment from sparking more fires.

California is heading into what traditionally is the teeth of the wildfire season, and already it has set a record with 2 million acres burned this year. The previous record was set just two years ago and included the deadliest wildfire in state history  the Camp Fire that swept through the community of Paradise and killed 85 people.

That fire was started by Pacific Gas & Electric power lines. Liability from billions of dollars in claims from that and other fires forced the utility to seek bankruptcy protection. To guard against new wildfires and new liability, PG&E last year began preemptive power shutoffs when conditions are exceptionally dangerous.

That's the situation now in Northern California, where high and dry winds are expected until Wednesday. PG&E received criticism for its handling of planned outages last year. The utility said it has learned from past problems, "and this year will be making events smaller in size, shorter in length and smarter for customers."

Two of the three largest fires in state history are burning in the San Francisco Bay Area. More than 14,000 firefighters are battling those fires and about two dozen others around California.

Firefighters keep an eye on the Creek Fire along state Highway 168, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, in Shaver Lake, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

The fire danger also is high in Southern California, where new fires were burning in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. The U.S. Forest Service on Monday decided to close all eight national forests in the region and to shutter campgrounds statewide.

"The wildfire situation throughout California is dangerous and must be taken seriously." said Randy Moore, regional forester for the Forest Services Pacific Southwest Region that covers California. "Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behaviour, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire."

Lynne Tolmachoff, spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, said it's "unnerving" to have reached a record for acreage burned when September and October usually are the worst months for fires because vegetation has dried out and high winds are more common.

Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters work to douse brush fires in the Sepulveda Basin in the Sherman Oaks area of Los Angeles, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020. In Southern California, crews scrambled to douse several fires that popped up. The largest was a blaze in the foothills of Yucaipa east of Los Angeles that prompted evacuation orders for eastern portions of the city of 54,000 along with several mountain communities. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

While the two mammoth Bay Area fires were largely contained after burning for three weeks, firefighters struggled to corral several other major blazes ahead of the expected winds. Evacuation orders were expanded to more mountain communities Monday as the largest blaze, the Creek Fire, churned through the Sierra National Forest in Central California.

It was one of many recent major fires that has displayed terrifyingly swift movement. The fire moved 15 miles (24 kilometres) in a single day during the weekend and burned 56 square miles (145.04 square kilometres). Since starting Friday from an unknown cause. it has burned 212 square miles (549 square kilometres).

Debra Rios wasn't home Monday when the order came to evacuate her hometown of Auberry, just northeast of Fresno. Sheriff's deputies went to her ranch property to pick up her 92-year-old mother, Shirley MacLean. They reunited at an evacuation centre.

Fresno County Sheriff's Deputy Jeffery Shipman, left, stands along California State Highway 168 as the Creek Fire burns in the near vicinity, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, in Shaver Lake, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

"I hope like heck the fire doesn't reach my little ranch," Rios said. "Its not looking good right now. Its an awfully big fire."

Mountain roads saw a steady stream of cars and trucks leaving the community of about 2,300 on Monday afternoon.

Firefighters working in steep terrain saved the tiny town of Shaver Lake from flames that roared down hillsides toward a marina. About 30 houses were destroyed in the remote hamlet of Big Creek, resident Toby Wait said.

Smoke from wildfires burning east of Los Angeles dims the sunrise on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, seen from Pasadena, Calif. The Bobcat Fire was burning near Cogswell Reservoir in the San Gabriel Mountains while the El Dorado Fire consumed thousands of acres of vegetation near the community of Yucaipa on the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. (AP Photo/John Antczak)

"About half the private homes in town burned down," he said. "Words cannot even begin to describe the devastation of this community."

A school, church, library, historic general store and a major hydroelectric plant were spared in the community of about 200 residents, Wait told the Fresno Bee.

Sheriff's deputies went door to door to make sure residents were complying with orders to leave. Officials hoped to keep the fire from pushing west toward Yosemite National Park.

CORRECTS COUNTY TO MADERA COUNTY INSTEAD OF MARIPOSA COUNTY - A firefighter battles the Creek Fire as it threatens homes in the Cascadel Woods neighborhood of Madera County, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

On Saturday, National Guard rescuers in two military helicopters airlifted 214 people to safety after flames trapped them in a wooded camping area near Mammoth Pool Reservoir. Two people were seriously injured and were among 12 hospitalized.

On Monday night, a military helicopter landed near Lake Edison to rescue people trapped by the fire, the Fresno Fire Department said on Twitter. There was no immediate number of how many people were airlifted.

Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Rosamond, the pilot of a Chinook helicopter, said visibility was poor and winds increasingly strong during the three flights he made into the fire zone during the operation that started late Saturday and stretched into Sunday. His crew relied on night-vision goggles to search for a landing spot near a boat launch where flames came within 50 feet (15.24 metres) of the aircraft.

The injured, along with women and children, took priority on the first airlift, which filled both helicopters to capacity, he said.

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"We started getting information about how many people were out there, how many people to expect, and that number kept growing. So we knew that it was a dire situation," Rosamond said.

In Southern California, crews scrambled to douse several fires that roared to life in searing temperatures, including one that closed mountain roads in Angeles National Forest and forced the evacuation of the historic Mount Wilson Observatory. Late Monday night, the Los Angeles County Fire Department told residents of Duarte, Bradbury and Monrovia near the forest to get ready for a possible evacuation.

Cal Fire said a blaze in San Bernardino County called the El Dorado Fire started Saturday morning and was caused by a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device used by a couple to reveal their baby's gender. In eastern San Diego County, a fire destroyed at least 10 structures after burning 16 square miles (41.44 square kilometres) and prompting evacuations near the remote community of Alpine in the Cleveland National Forest.

California has seen 900 wildfires since Aug. 15, many of them started by an intense series of thousands of lightning strikes in mid-August. There have been eight fire deaths and more than 3,300 structures destroyed.

___

Weber reported from Los Angeles along with contributing Associated Press journalist Frank Baker.
Restrictions on health services and mobility because of the Covid-19 pandemic have accelerated the mainstreaming of telemedicine and e-consultation platforms with the Union health and family welfare ministrys eSanjeevani telemedicine service crossing 300,000 tele-consultations on Tuesday. Of these, 100,000 were done over the last 20 days.

The eSanjeevani service was launched in November 2019 to provide tele-consultation at 150,000 Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) across states by December 2022. It is based on the hub-and-spoke model to connect HWCs with primary health centres, community health centres, medical colleges, and district hospitals.

Also read: Digitising sector a step towards universal care

The platform completed 100,000 consultations on July 23 and 200,000 on August 18.

eSanjeevani has been implemented by 23 states and the rest are in the process of rolling it out.

Tamil Nadu has recorded the highest consultations (97,204) followed by Uttar Pradesh (65,173). Himachal Pradesh has held the highest number of AB-HWC teleconsultations of eSanjeevani, with 30,869 interactions. Andhra Pradesh is ranked fourth with 30,189 teleconsultations, and Kerala is fifth with 28,173.

The platform supports two types of telemedicine services: doctor-to-doctor (eSanjeevani) and patient-to-doctor (eSanjeevani OPD), which was launched on April 13 to take medical services to patients unable to visit hospitals because of the lockdown imposed to check the pandemic spread.

Tertiary institutions such as Lady Hardinge Medical College and associated hospitals in Delhi, AIIMS [All India Institute of Medical Sciences] Bathinda in Punjab, AIIMS Bibinagar in Telengana, and AIIMS Rishikesh in Uttrakhand have set up eSanjeevaniOPDs. Centre Government Health Scheme has started offering eSanjeevaiOPD services for ENT, medicine, ophthalmology and orthopaedics since August 26. The growth has been accelerated because of Covid-19 as people are avoiding going to large hospitals because of fears of getting infected, said a health ministry official, requesting anonymity.

The Medical Council of India (MCI)s Board of Governors in supersession issued Telemedicine Practice Guidelines on March 25 to strengthen delivery in a post-Covid-19 world, with a focus on HWCs that provide preventive and primary healthcare within a five km radius at the grassroots level.

Dr Nikhil Tandon, who heads AIIMS Delhis endocrinology and metabolism department, said telemedicine has helped decongest secondary and tertiary hospitals and improve documentation, data-collection, diagnosis, and care without risking the safety of the patients or the health workers. Technology platforms were being used but not regulated, which exposed both patients and providers to challenges. These guidelines provide guidance material for reference that can be refined before they become an annexure to the MCI Act, enabling regulation, said Tandon, who is a member of MCIs Board of Governors in supersession.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio - Karl Spiesman has made two huge changes in his life.

The amiable brewer at Brick and Barrel, the five-year old brewery in Cleveland, is adding wine to his repertoire. He received his permit recently, has several varietals in mind, and is planning to have the initial bottles out this spring.
WEST SPRINGFIELD  Farm stands like Barstows Longview Dairy Store and Bakery in Hadley used to be able to pick up Cabot Creamery-brand cheese and other dairy products at Agri-Marks butter and dry nonfat milk manufacturing plant on Riverdale Street in West Springfield.

But that was before coronavirus restrictions imposed in March made it impossible for outsiders to visit food plants.

Barstows sells the milk it produces to Agri-Mark, which processes it into Cabot products like yogurt and cheese. But the Barstows farm stand is too small to warrant delivery of those products from a big truck. Other farm stands were in the same position.

In stepped the Eastern States Exposition, which allows Agri-Mark to distribute its Cabot-brand products to farm stands for pickup at the Mallary Complex on the Big E grounds in West Springfield.

It was a big deal for us and for a lot of other farm stands in Massachusetts and Connecticut that rely on that pickup to stock our farm stands with groceries, said Kelly Barstow.

Barstows saw a spike in business with the pandemic  especially when it started selling staples like milk, cheese, eggs and produce through a drive-up window originally constructed to sell ice cream.

3/31/2020 -Hadley- Nate Emmonds helps a customer at the drive-up window at Barstows Longview Farm. (Don Treeger / The Republican)

We had a hard time sourcing things, Barstow said. We could have been buying far more grocery items and selling them to our community.

The Barstows are now transitioning to fall products, like apples, while keeping up the grocery business.

The Big E to the rescue! said Bill Beaton, Agri-Mark/Cabot CEO, in a statement. COVID-19 cut-off our ability to sell our farm families their own products. Each farm stand depends on buying Cabot for their resale. We could not stage the Cabot products sale in our West Springfield plant for fear of risking essential workers. With deepest gratitude and respect for supporting Agriculture for decades, this time The Big E team did our farmers an exceptional favor to allow us to stage delivery on its grounds. Their long-term support has meant the world to us.

Eugene J. Cassidy, president and CEO of the Eastern States Exposition, said: Eastern regional agricultural production, food production, food security and promoting our local economy are all at the core of the Expositions mission. The Cabot cooperative is an important part of the food chain and ESE is always ready to lend a hand. Giving Cabot this central location helps area farmers continue to feed America. And our hope is that our friends and neighbors support Cabot and regional agriculture at this difficult time and beyond.

The Cabot Creamery Cooperative is owned by local dairy farmers throughout New England and New York as members of Agri-Mark.

The Big E was canceled this year due to coronavirus restrictions. The 17-day fair had been set to begin Sept. 18.

Related Content:
Have Sheriff Offices in North Carolina, possibly even Beaufort County's Sheriff Office, become too political in the discharging of their sworn constitutional duties?

No, the sheriff is a constitutional officer.

Yes, the Sheriff Office, on strong occasion, often reverts back to political patronage in the dispensation of their sworn constitutional duties.
NEW YORK - Presidential politics move fast. What were watching heading into a new week on the 2020 campaign:

Days to general election: 56

Days to first debate: 21

___

THE NARRATIVE

President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden are stepping up their campaign travel this week as the process of voting in the 2020 general election season accelerates. North Carolina began sending out absentee ballots last Friday and a handful of other battleground states  including Pennsylvania, Michigan and Virginia  are days away from offering early voting.

As this critical phase begins, Trump desperately wants to keep the focus on protest-related violence  and away from the pandemic. Even as coronavirus-related deaths continue to mount under his watch, with little national strategy, his team believes last week was one of the best of the year for his political prospects as he helped guide the nations attention toward violent protests in Wisconsin and elsewhere that could boost his standing among white, suburban voters.

While Biden is maintaining his lead in many polls, the race remains competitive in the states that matter most this fall. Bidens allies in places like the Minneapolis suburbs and western Pennsylvania are calling on him to ramp up his on-the-ground presence.

With Election Day in sight, the bright glare of the presidential race intensifies the national focus  and makes the candidates mistakes more dangerous  as each day passes.

___

THE BIG QUESTIONS

How long can Trump ride law and order?

Public safety was the dominant theme on the campaign trail last week as both candidates travelled to Americas latest epicenter of civil unrest, Kenosha, Wisconsin. Trumps team believes the focus on protest-related violence is a winning issue for him, and hell continue to ride it as long as he can, but its far from certain that the issue will have the same resonance in the days and weeks to come.

Bidens team began the week by pushing back as vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Monday met with the family of Jacob Blake, the Black man shot several times in the back by Kenosha police last month.

While the politics are delicate for both sides, at least for now, neither campaign is willing to back off.

Is Minnesota really in play?

No Republican has carried Minnesota since 1972. But Trumps team is increasingly confident about his chances in the state  even more so than in Wisconsin  and theyre dwarfing Bidens television advertising budget there over the coming weeks.

We recently spoke to first-term Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips, who tells us Democrats should be taking very seriously the possibility of losing his states 10 electoral votes  the same number Wisconsin offers. He also called on Biden to visit his suburban Minneapolis district as soon as possible.

If theres anywhere Trumps law and order message resonates, it could be Minnesota, an overwhelmingly white state where daily protests continue more than 100 days after George Floyds death. History suggests Trump has an uphill climb there for sure, but its worth remembering that he only lost the state by 45,000 votes four years ago.

Is Biden really back on the trail?

He officially returned to in-person campaigning last week, but it is highly doubtful the Democratic nominee will ever get back to the kind of activity were used to seeing from presidential candidates in an elections closing weeks. After appearing in Pennsylvania on Monday, hell campaign in Michigan on Wednesday and return to Pennsylvania on Friday to commemorate the 9-11 attacks.

So far, Bidens events have been extremely small, tightly controlled and lacking any significant interaction with voters, though he talks directly to voters more often than Trump. He delivered three speeches last week with no crowd at all, save for a handful of reporters. Biden and his wife, Jill, met with just three people at one stop in Wisconsin, and even when he made an impromptu stop at a Pittsburgh-area fire station to pose for a picture, there were only about a dozen people on hand.

Biden, of course, is proceeding with extreme caution as the nation continues to battle a pandemic that has left about 190,000 Americans dead with no end in sight. But its worth noting the strict limits hes imposing on himself as his campaign works to energize swing-state voters behind his candidacy.

Trump is mostly ignoring social distancing recommendations as he hosts more traditional gatherings of thousands of swing-state supporters, most of whom dont wear masks.

What will we hear on Sept. 11?

Trump and Biden will travel to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on Friday to commemorate the anniversary of the 9-11 attacks at the site of the 2001 crash of United Flight 93. Typically, the anniversary of the deadliest attacks on American soil is a solemn day where politicians put aside politics and emphasize national unity. But this is no typical election.

Trump in particular has shown little respect for political norms or calls for unity. And its worth noting that both candidates will be in the same town on the same day, although its unclear if theyll have any direct interaction.

Still, the event offers an opportunity to highlight the differences in style and policy when it comes to leading the nations military. Trump, of course, is still trying to move past the fallout of last weeks explosive report that he made disrespectful comments about fallen soldiers during a 2018 trip abroad. He dismisses it as a fake story.

___

THE FINAL THOUGHT

With the early voting phase getting underway, its a good time to remind everybody just how close this election still is.

Bidens national lead may be as stable, but U.S. elections arent decided by the national popular vote. Looking at the few recent battleground state polls that meet our standards, Biden has been statistically tied with Trump in Florida, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. He has an advantage in Wisconsin, but in Michigan, where much of the political world has written off Trump, there hasnt been a public poll thats met our standards in a month.

Lets not forget the lessons of 2016: Nobody knows how this thing will shake out.

___

2020 Watch runs every Monday and provides a look at the week ahead in the 2020 election.
Nearly 150 CCP Virus Cases, 3 Deaths Linked to Super-spreader Event in Maine

A total of 147 CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus cases are either directly or indirectly associated with a super-spreader event that took place on Aug. 7 in Millinocket, Maine, Robert Long, spokesperson for the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), told The Epoch Times in a statement today.

This number included 72 positive cases from the York County Jail as well as 19 positive cases from the Maplecrest Rehabilitation and Living Center in Madison.

So far, three deaths were linked to the wedding reception. Each of the three deaths were indirectly linked to the reception.

Nirav D. Shah, the director of the Maine CDC said in a Sept. 3 CCP virus briefing that the cases are wedding guests and their secondary or tertiary contacts.

He said one guest happened to be in close contact with a staff member at the Maplecrest Rehabilitation & Living Center, which led to an outbreak there. That contact led to 15 additional cases, including eight staff members and seven residents.

It wasnt just a staff member at the Maplecrest who caught COVID-19 indirectly from the wedding, said Shah. One of the guests at the wedding in Millinocket happened to be a staff member of the York County Jail.

In addition to that one individual at the York County Jail, there are now 18 additional staff members who have tested positive, 46 inmates who have tested positive at the York County Jail, and seven family members of staff, who now have confirmed COVID-19 infections, he said.

The Maine CDC previously said that it had opened an investigation on Aug. 17 into the wedding reception and that it would provide updates as information became available.

Approximately 65 guests attended the reception, which was more than the limit of 50 allowed in the executive order issued by Maine Gov. Janet Mills on Aug. 1.

The Big Moose Inn, which housed the reception in Millinocket, issued a statement on Aug. 28, apologizing for misinterpreting the rules that ultimately led to the outbreak.

We understood that there could be no more than 50 persons in our largest room. We did make an error in the interpretation of that rule. Our interpretation was that we could take a wedding party of more than 50 persons and split them between two rooms as long as it didnt exceed our total capacity or a specific rooms capacity, Big Moose Inn wrote.
Toby Antony By

Express News Service

KOCHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has decided to examine a diplomat, who had served at the Indian Embassy in Iraq, in connection with the trial in the first case relating to the so-called Islamic State (IS) in Kerala in which charges of waging war against a friendly nation or Asian power were slapped on the accused. The case against Thodupuzha native Subahani Haja Moideen, who allegedly fought for the IS on the Arabian peninsula, is the first case in the state where Section 125 of the IPC has been invoked.

Since the NIA court is holding the final hearing in the case, the NIA on Monday claimed it has to examine one more witness in the case. The witness is the diplomat who had been with the Indian mission in Iraq in 2015 when accused Subahani Haja Moideen fought for the IS in Mosul, Iraqs second largest city. NIA claimed that it will file a petition in this regard before September 11 when the next sitting in the case is scheduled. An NIA source said the witness is key to prove that Indian nationals had indeed joined the IS and fought the war for the dreaded terrorist group. The diplomat will be examined via videoconferencing. The diplomat is currently serving in another mission where he is engaged in activities aimed at further firming up Sino-Indian ties.

V T Raghunath, defence counsel, said though it is unfair to bring in a witness at the concluding stage of the trial, he will not oppose the NIA move. It seems the new witness is being brought in as the NIA could not establish during the trial that the accused had indeed gone to Iraq and fought a war against the Asian power and a friendly nation. We dont think it will make any major impact. But the move will not be opposed, he said.

This case is unique as it is one of the rare incidents in which an accused after participating in a war abroad for a terrorist organisation had returned home. The court has examined around 50 witnesses after the trial in the case started in 2019. Arjun Ambalapatta is the prosecutor for NIA.Subahani was arrested after Ansarul Khilafah - Kerala, which follows the radical ideology of the IS, was busted by NIA in 2016. However, as Subahani had allegedly travelled to Iraq to fight for the IS then, the case was split. The NIA had made one of the co-accused an approver in the case.
ROXBORO, N.C., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Driven to help people be their best naturally through the unique properties of cannabinoids, Open Book Extracts (OBX) has partnered with Volunteer Botanicals to develop a new line of innovative consumer products. The new product line will utilize the increased performance of OBX's pure rare cannabinoids in Volunteer Botanicals' Lipid Neutralization System in solid oral dose applications such as instant release, oral dissolving, and effervescent tablets.

Volunteer Botanicals

On Thursday September 10th, Nicole Brown, OBX Chief Commercial Officer, and Jason Pickle, Volunteer Botanicals' Co-Founder and Chief Sales Officer, will co-host a webinar where they will share further details on the forthcoming product line. To register for the webinar, visit the following link: https://openbookextracts.com/webinar-volunteer-botanicals/

Combining OBX's extensive expertise in the production, commercialization, and global distribution of rare cannabinoid ingredients with Volunteer Botanicals' proficiency in cutting-edge cannabinoid technologies, the two companies will produce a collection of high-quality, rare cannabinoid products that will meet global health and safety standards and appeal to large-scale nutraceutical and consumer markets.

"We are excited to partner with Volunteer Botanicals, known for enabling product developers to create customized products that meet precise standards of consistency, potency, measurability and reliability," said Dave Neundorfer, CEO of OBX. "This partnership couples OBX's pure, high-quality, rare cannabinoid ingredients with Volunteer Botanicals' sophisticated manufacturing technology, allowing us to provide new and proven products to consumers across the globe."

Volunteer Botanicals' Lipid Neutralization System creates 'flowable' powder cannabinoids, supporting the combination of different rare cannabinoids into precise formulations geared toward specific needs. For example, OBX and Volunteer Botanicals will develop a 1:1 formulation of CBN and CBD in a single-dose oral dissolving tablet, a product which may aid those who suffer from troubled sleep or sleep disorders. OBX and Volunteer Botanicals will also offer a 50mg Immunity Blend + THC-Free Broad Spectrum instant release tablet, featuring OBX's THC-Free Broad Spectrum distillate with a blend of terpenes as a "first line of defense" for immunity support.

Customers will further benefit from the combined expertise of teams at OBX and Volunteer Botanicals, who together support the entire product development life cycle from ingredient sourcing to concept development to finished goods formulation. The team includes Volunteer Botanicals' formulation and manufacturing experts and OBX's industry-leading authorities on all aspects of cannabinoid production, innovation, and commercialization.

"Safety, reliability, and consistency are essential to any product innovations we develop, and Open Book Extracts' quality standards have far exceeded what we've seen in the market to date," said Derek Odette, CEO of Volunteer Botanicals. "The collaboration between Volunteer Botanicals and OBX will offer trailblazing product advancements to create the safest and most effective consumer products, and make them widely available through OBX's extensive global distribution network."

If your company is interested in learning more about the product offerings, please contact [email protected]. Open Book Extracts and Volunteer Botanicals are currently taking preorders.

About Open Book Extracts

Headquartered in Roxboro, N.C., Open Book Extracts is a cGMP-certified manufacturer of premium plant-based cannabinoid products, aiming to be the industry's true north by delivering premium products, exceptional service, and industry-leading transparency. With control of the entire supply chain, a state-of-the-art extraction campus near North Carolina's Research Triangle, proprietary refinement and conversion methods backed by a growing IP portfolio, and a team of PhD chemists and seasoned business leaders, OBX is positioned to be the trusted partner for global brands seeking to enter the marketplace. OBX Asia, with its headquarters in Hong Kong, provides strategic guidance and on-the-ground support for our Asia customers.

For more information, visit www.openbookextracts.com .

About Volunteer Botanicals

Volunteer Botanicals develops precise cannabinoid formulations, providing manufacturers with consistent, versatile hemp-based ingredients for use in a wide variety of products that meet specific demands of product creators inside and outside the hemp industry. The company's products provide the building blocks of miscible and "flowable" powders suited for supplements, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. Through innovation and technology, Volunteer Botanicals is taking cannabinoids mainstream.

For more information, visit https://volunteerbotanicals.com .

Media Contact:

Nicole Brown

3365927317

[email protected]

SOURCE Open Book Extracts

Related Links

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A group of Tauranga dragon boaters are calling on fellow breast cancer survivors to join their team.

Boobops coach Jude Butler says they want more survivors to experience the sisterhood that dragon boating can bring to ones life after breast cancer.

The dragon boating team is made up of 30 breast cancer survivors ranging in age from 39-79. It was formed in 2003.

Jude says the team provides breast cancer survivors with a new family to be part of.

The movement was started by Doctor Don McKenzie, who believes medical research shows that strenuous upper body exercise is fantastic post-operative activity to ensure recovery from breast cancer.

Don says the movement is helping to change attitudes towards life after breast cancer, encouraging women to lead full and active lives.

During the season from September to April, Boopbops train two nights a week and Saturday morning at their Sulphur Point base.

Jude says paddlers travel from Waihi and Matamata to attend training.

She says the Boobops had a great season over 2019 and 2020 with three silvers at the regional competition in March.

The team are hosting give it a go day on September 13 at Sulphur Point starting at 9.30am.

They are also hosting a fashion POP up shop at Labour weekend in an effort to fundraise for the upcoming season.

For more information visit this page.
Chandigarh, Sep 8 : In a major setback to former Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Sumedh Singh Saini in a 29-year-old kidnapping and murder case, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday dismissed his anticipatory bail petition.

Justice Fateh Deep Singh, who reserved his orders a day earlier, also dismissed his another petition for declaring the probe "non-est" and in violation of a Supreme Court judgment.

It now seems that Saini, who as per the state police is absconding after leaving his security personnel behind, has no protection from the court in the case registered against him in May for illegal abduction, detention and custodial death of Balwant Singh Multani in December 1991.

Now, Saini has the option to either pursue legal remedy by moving the Supreme Court or to surrender in the court or before the police.

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 the anticipatory bail.

The Punjab Police had 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 S.A.S. Nagar adjoining Chandigarh on May 7 against Saini.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
A petition calling for the government to introduce a 'Seat Out to Help Out' scheme to get theatres back up and running has gained more than 40,000 signatures.

It calls for chancellor Rishi Sunak and culture secretary Oliver Dowden to create an equivalent to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme for theatre, to boost the beleaguered industry.

The initiative was originally conceived by a think tank and proposes that, for every seat sold, the government would pay 10 towards an empty seat.

According to The Times, the government is considering the idea amid a number of measures that may allow theatres to reopen without social distancing.

The team behind Eat Out to Help Out, which offered discounts of up to 10 per customer throughout August, has reportedly been brought back together to devise a similar incentive for the culture sector.

Theatres have been allowed to open with socially distanced indoor audiences since August 15, but most have opted to remain closed due to the financial difficulty of performing for smaller audiences.

Current rules mean theatres can operate at around 30 per cent capacity. Ministers have been told that to be financially viable that figure needs to be between 70 and 80 per cent.

In a piece for the Mail on Sunday, Dowden revealed plans for Operation Sleeping Beauty, which would see theatres reopened to full audiences in time for the festive period.

He wrote that larger scale indoor events are a possibility, saying: We need to start filling seats in much larger numbers  not just for the audiences, not just for the venues and livelihoods who depend on them, but for the entire urban economy, too.

Theatre is a lynchpin of Londons West End and its absence is painfully reflected in its deserted streets.

The government previously pledged 1.57billion to keep the arts sector afloat, however thousands of redundancies have been made across the industry due to the pandemic.

Andrew Lloyd Webber today told MPs, "There comes a point now when we really cant go on much more" adding that a decision is needed now, saying that theatre is "not like cinema, you cant just open the building.
Tirupati :

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday offered prayers at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at nearby Tirumala in Tirupati.

The temple management honoured the minister with a sacred silk cloth and laddu prasadam while priests showered him with blessings, a top temple official said.

Singh flew in here from Vijayawada last night on a 14-hour spiritual visit.

After an overnight halt in the hills, the 66-year-old BJP veteran paid his obeisance to Lord Sri Venkateswara at the shrine in Sunup and following a brief break at the guest house, left for New Delhi.

It is his second visit to the 2000-year-old hill temple.

Earlier, the minister had worshipped at the ancient shrine on December 11, 2015, sources added.

Meanwhile, tight security was put in place in view of Singhs visit in Tirupati.

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Leaders commemorate President Ho Chi Minh on National Day

Representatives from the Party, National Assembly, State, Government and Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi on September 1, on the occasion of the 75th National Day (September 2, 1945-2020).

Meetings, cultural events and gatherings were held both across the country and abroad over the past week in celebration of the date in 1945 when the Southeast Asian nation declared its independence from France.

Leaders of various countries sent messages and letters of congratulations to Vietnamese Party and State leaders on the occasion.

New school year begins with joy amid COVID-19





Twelfth grade students of the Phan Dinh Phung High School (Hanoi) during the opening ceremony of the 2020-2021 academic year on September 5 morning.

The 2020-2021 academic year officially began for nearly 23 million students across the country following opening ceremonies, which were held on the morning of September 5 in many different forms in various locales due to the influence of COVID-19.

There were virtual events in some localities that were hit by the pandemic, while in other places, this new academic years opening ceremonies were held briefly by local schools, after they fully prepared all safety measures, such as measuring body temperature, washing hands and wearing masks, in order to welcome students to schools.

Many Party and State leaders joined teachers and students nationwide to officially kick off the new school year.

Public investment hits five-year high

Public investment in August and the first eight months of this year increased 45.4% and 30.4% year-on-year, respectively, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO). The investment hit five-year high, reaching VND47.4 trillion (US$2.0 billion) in August and VND250.5 trillion from January to August.

Over the eight months, the amount of capital under the management of the central government hit VND41.2 trillion, equivalent to 48.7% of the yearly target and up 65.1% against the same period last year; and the volume of capital under the management of local administrations was VND209.3 trillion, equivalent to 51.1% of the yearly target and a year-on-year rise of 25.2%.

Vietnam attracted US$19.54 billion worth of FDI as of August 20, down 13.7% year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Vietnam triumphs in Tank Biathlon at 2020 Army Games





Three members of Vietnam's tank crew celebrate when they cross the finish line at the final match of the International Army Games 2020 on September 4, 2020. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

The tank team of the Vietnam Peoples Army triumphed at the final race of tank crews in the second division of the Tank Biathlon event at the ongoing 2020 International Army Games in the suburbs of Russias Moscow on September 4.

The Vietnamese team completed three rounds of competition in 2 hours, 12 minutes and 42 seconds, bringing down 13 out of the total 24 targets. The team received enthusiastic cheers from Vietnamese spectators and foreign friends.

The race also saw the participation of teams from Laos, Tajikistan and Myanmar.

815 COVID-19 patients in Vietnam fully recovered as of September 7 morning

As many as 815 of the total number of COVID-19 patients in Vietnam have fully recovered as of the morning of September 7, according to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.

The country has reported a total of 1,049 COVID-19 cases, including 691 cases of domestic infection. There have been 35 COVID-19-related deaths so far.

Among the active patients, 27 have tested negative for the novel coronavirus once, 24 twice and 35 three times.

There are 39,975 people having close contact with confirmed cases or coming from pandemic-hit areas under quarantine at present.

Vietnam 42nd in global innovation index

Vietnam ranked 42nd among 131 economies for the second consecutive year in the 2020 Global Innovation Index (GII), as announced by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

In economies making the most significant progress in their GII innovation ranking over time, Vietnam was first among 29 lower middle-income countries and third in Southeast Asia.

Compared to its own index last year, it posted higher levels in a number of indicators, including business sophistication, from 69th to 39th place, and creative output, from 47th to 38th.

Vietnam has used the GII as an important management tool since 2017, with its index rising from 71st place in 2014 to 59th in 2016 and 42nd last year.

Vietnams cuisine sets five world records

The records were based on applications submitted by the Vietnam Book of Records (VietKings) in early 2020.

Accordingly, Vietnam has been recognised as the country with the worlds most strand and broth dishes, the worlds most dishes made from flowers, and the greatest variety of special rolls.

The country also has the most kinds of mam (salted fish) and dishes made from mam, with 100 dishes having been recorded so far.

Last but not least, with up to 143 dishes made from rice flour in different sizes, Vietnam has established itself as the country with the worlds most dishes made from this ingredient.

Vietnamese photojournalist wins big in Malaysian photo contest





Practicing Ritual by Viet Van.

Viet Van, a photojournalist with the Lao Dong (Labour) Newspaper in Vietnam, won three gold medals at the Bugis Photo Cup Circuit 2020 in Malaysia.

Works entitled Practicing Ritual and Belief picked up two golds at the PhotoVivo salon. Meanwhile, Practicing Ritual earned another at the Knowledge Bowl salon.

The two colour photos were taken at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur.

The contest was held by the Asia Photographers Union (APU) with support from the Photographic Society of America (PSA) and attracted thousands of entries from a host of countries. Award-winning shots will be nominated for the 2021 APU Golden Dragon awards and showcased in Kuala Lumpur on September 20.
Governor Newsom Issues Proclamation Declaring Labor Day

Sacramento, California - Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring September 7, 2020, as Labor Day in the State of California.

PROCLAMATION

In these extraordinary times, we owe a deep debt of gratitude to the workers who are sustaining us. Every day, millions of Californians leave home and venture out into an uncertain world, to do the work that others depend on, at great risk to themselves and their families. The working Californians who harvest our crops, respond to our emergencies, heal our loved ones and care for our children are keeping our state running during this pandemic. On Labor Day, we honor them and thank them.

This Labor Day is not like those in years past, and not simply because we forego the customary picnics and parades in order to keep one another safe from COVID-19. Millions of working Californians continue to feed, support and strengthen our state amid a deadly and invisible global pandemic. Today we honor the workers who shoulder a heavy burden from this disease. We hold them and their families in our hearts, and we redouble our commitment to protect their work and workplace safety.

It is in honor of their sacrifices and in the hope for a brighter, more equal future that my Administration continues to advance safeguards for Californias outstanding workforce. We have taken action to expand paid sick leave to food sector workers, create temporary housing options for health care workers and agricultural workers to isolate and quarantine, support child care access for working parents and create detailed workplace safety and health guidance. We have built a pipeline of personal protective equipment to help workers stay safe on the job and expanded testing for the workforce. In partnership with the Legislature, we will continue to advance new initiatives to support these workers and their employers.

This work is just the beginning. The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare inequities in our society that we ignore at our own peril. This Labor Day, we draw strength from the working people in our past and present who fought tirelessly for their rights and the promise that, in America, you can make it if you work hard and play by the rules. We must never forget that the labor movement brought us the 40-hour workweek and the weekend, the minimum wage and the middle class. Unions remind us that we rise and fall together.

Today we pledge to continue our efforts to protect our workers, create good jobs, to make the jobs we have better and to make those jobs available to all. That is how we truly honor all hardworking Californians and their families. 

NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim September 7, 2020, as Labor Day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 4th day of September 2020.

GAVIN NEWSOM

Governor of California

ATTEST:

ALEX PADILLA

Secretary of State
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 15:31:48|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping Tuesday presented medals to recipients of the Medal of the Republic and the national honorary title for their outstanding contributions to the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, shook hands with the recipients and expressed his congratulations at a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to commend role models in the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

The Medal of the Republic was conferred on renowned respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan.

The national honorary title, "the People's Hero," was conferred on Zhang Boli, a traditional Chinese medicine expert who presided over the research of the COVID-19 treatment scheme combining traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, Zhang Dingyu, head of Wuhan's designated coronavirus-treating Jinyintan Hospital, and Chen Wei, a military medical scientist who made major achievements in COVID-19-related basic research and development of vaccine and protective medicine.

"I would like to sincerely thank the Party and the state for granting this honor to us four medical workers," Zhong said at the meeting. "This represents the full acknowledgement of the healthcare professionals' work by the Party and the state."

Zhong said there should be no relaxation in epidemic response despite the initial victory in China's COVID-19 fight, and pledged to cooperate with colleagues around the country and the world to continue working on tracing virus sources, blocking transmission routes, and developing fast diagnosis, medicines and vaccines.

Xi signed a presidential order on Aug. 11 awarding the four persons after the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress voted to adopt a decision to confer the national medal and honorary title on the four renowned specialists. Enditem
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A couple of years ago my wife and I visited the Bonny Doon Vineyard near Santa Cruz to sample the offerings of winemaking savant Randall Grahm. While we were there, Grahm told us something I haven't been able to forget. It wasn't nearly as foggy along Monterey Bay as it used to be, he said, and that was worrisome for winemakers.

With each dose of aberrant weather California has had since then, I found myself wondering how California's wineries were faring and whether the noble grape was becoming a marker - along with sea level rise and deadly wildfires - of an overcooked planet. A few weeks ago I called Grahm to continue the conversation.

"About 25 years ago I started to see substantially less fog, and in the last 20 years, less, and less," said Grahm, and that's starting to affect California wine.

With more sun and heat, the grape maturation process is rushed, he said, and while it's possible to still make good wine, it's harder to get the acid-sugar ratio, pH balance, color and flavor just right. Grapes that he buys "used to ripen maybe the first week of November, and now it's a good three to four weeks earlier. And that's not trivial."

The subtle differences in fragrance and complexity Grahm talks about are beyond my palate grade, but what I do understand is that winemakers are adapting because they have to. For them, climate change is not some abstract, distant worry. It's creeping into their vineyards right now.

And that's a big deal. The United States is the world's fourth-largest wine producer behind Italy, France and Spain, and California produces 80% of the nation's vino. Retail sales top $40 billion, and the industry employs more than 30,000 Californians directly in growing grapes and producing wine and many more in related jobs. Here, as in other wine-growing regions of the world impacted by climate change, there won't necessarily be less production in coming years. But growers are switching varieties, tinkering with techniques and moving to higher elevations.

After a lot of time on the phone with vintners and climate experts, I took to the highway during the second week of August to see what was happening in the vineyards. I beat the fires and thousands of lightning strikes by a week, but even without an inferno bearing down, what I found was alarming, though I also saw encouraging innovations.

It had been a while since I traveled the Napa Valley wine trail, and I'd forgotten how beautiful it is. Miles of roller-coaster slopes are crocheted with the vines of California's king of grapes - Cabernet Sauvignon, often just referred to as Cabernet or Cab. And it turns out, that's one of the grapes that may be most imperiled. It doesn't stand up to extreme heat as well as many lesser-known varieties.

To understand the significance of this, you have to go back to 1976, when a bottle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon put California indisputably on the international wine map. The underdog California Cabernets were pitted against the best French Bordeaux in a blind tasting that came to be known as the Judgment of Paris, and a California wine from the Stags' Leap winery won.

To this day, Napa's Cabernet is in demand worldwide. In the United States, it is the top-selling red wine, and the best bottles command stratospheric prices. To suggest that different, cheaper and perhaps less marketable grapes might be the future of Napa Valley is almost an act of heresy. For decades, tourists have flocked to the valley's tasting rooms to buy bottles that sell for hundreds and even thousands of dollars.

But how long can that go on?

Nobody knows for sure, but as far back as 2011, a Stanford University study predicted that the amount of Northern California land suitable for growing premium grapes could shrink by half as early as 2040, because of increased heat.

That's bad news for the Cabernet grape. Too much heat can mean the berry develops sugar before it has developed its full character, throwing off balance and coloring.

Winemaker Dan Petroski has been clanging his glass to sound the alarm. Petroski, who worked in the magazine business and first got interested in wine at high-end New York lunches with clients, has likened the sun's escalating assault on Napa Valley's trophy grape to the slow boiling of a frog.

"The changes in climate that are predicted both worldwide and in the Napa Valley mean that in 10, 20, or 30 years' time...Napa will be a different agricultural region," Petroski wrote recently for a trade publication.

Petroski loves Cabernet and makes some of the finest in Napa Valley for Larkmead Vineyards, a high-end producer founded in the 1890s. For 10 years, he said, winemakers have been doing things like shading and misting vines, but he sees a day when "there's no silver bullet that's going to mitigate climate change."

At Larkmead, he led me to a three-acre research block he has planted with grapes you may never have heard of - grapes he hopes have a better chance of standing up to climate change than Cabernet.

Here, surrounded by trellised rows of Cabernet vines, he's got young stalks of aglianico, charbono, tempranillo, shiraz and touriga nacional. Those sturdy reds might not be as familiar tasting as Cabernet, and they don't have anywhere near the cachet, but they can handle heat.

"We'll see what works best," said Petroski.

"Maybe Cabernet, pinot noir, chardonnay and other grape varieties that built Napa and Sonoma ... in the last 30 years won't be suitable in the next 30 years," Petroski said. "We have to adapt to what's going on in the world. This is not a wine industry problem. This is an agriculture problem. This is a global problem. This is a humanity problem."

Not everyone thinks California's big-money grapes - cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir and chardonnay - will wither, and some of those grapes still prosper in cooler micro-climates throughout California. At least for now. Just west of Buellton, Kathy Joseph of Fiddlehead Cellars told me fog still pumps through the valley and creates a perfect growing environment for her pinot noir grapes. Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat said he's got the same golden ribbon of marine climate in the valleys near Santa Maria, where his chardonnay grapes grow.

In hotter climates, like Napa Valley, Jon Priest of Etude Wines is using computer models and artificial intelligence to improve growing and irrigation techniques, and vines can be pruned in a way that creates a canopy of shade over grapes.

"The thing we have at our disposal in the U.S. is technology and knowledge, and we'll find a way to make Cabernet last," said Kaan Kurtural, cooperative extension specialist in viticulture at the University of California, Davis.

Or maybe it's time for California wine drinkers to branch out.

"There are somewhere around 5,000 grapes we can grow and make wine from," said Greg Jones, a climatologist and director of wine studies at Linfield University in Oregon, and a contributor to the Stanford study that forecast shrinking acreage for certain varieties in California.

If the state had never grown grapes and were to start from scratch today, says UC Davis agricultural water management specialist Daniele Zaccaria, the smartest bet might be to plant the grapes of southern Europe rather than the cab of Bordeaux. In fact, such grapes were planted in California a century ago by European immigrants, but they were all but forgotten after the success of Napa Valley's trophy grapes.

I asked Zaccaria what wine he thinks he'll be reaching for in 30 years, when preparing a nice meal and pairing it with a quintessential California wine.

"Probably a Primitivo, a Tempranillo, a Negroamaro, a Nero d'Avola," he said, naming wines typical of Southern Europe, including Sicily. "Something from areas very similar in climate."

You won't find those in many grocery stores today, but they've been on the shelves of specialty shops for years. For shoppers interested in branching out, Keith Mabry of K&L Wine Merchants in Hollywood says he'd point out that Primitivo is an Italian cousin of Zinfandel. With Tempranillo, he'd ask if the customer is familiar with wines of Spain's Rioja region, and if not, he might say it's a medium-bodied dry red similar to Chianti.

For California grapes and other crops, the climate change problem isn't just about too much heat, it's about too little water. But some grape varieties can handle harsh conditions, and Zaccaria said that in his native Puglia in Southern Italy, vineyards do well in craggy areas with little rainfall and no irrigation. The roots grow strong, he said, digging deeper into the cracked earth, and the vines can thrive for decades.

You don't have to cross an ocean to see what's possible. I settled instead for a trip to Paso Robles.

Jason Haas did not plan as a young man to get into the wine business, but his father, Robert, was a major U.S. importer of wine and a friend of French winemakers. That was how Jason ended up working at a French vineyard one summer, at 16. He returned two more times, then studied economics, art and archaeology in college before working in tech.

By then, Robert Haas had purchased some land in Paso Robles and planted the southern Rhone Valley grapes he had come to love, including grenache, mourvedre, syrah, roussanne and grenache blanc. In 2002, the elder Haas needed someone with a tech background to help out at his Tablas Creek Vineyard, and his son joined the family business.

Jason took me to the top of a hill at Tablas where Grenache and Syrah were planted about 15 years ago. They were spaced farther apart than is common, so roots have less competition for water. Haas keeps a herd of 200 sheep as farmhands. They weed the vineyard, their fertilizer helps the soil hold water, and their hooves cultivate rather than compact the earth.

One-third of the vines at the 120-acre winery are dry-farmed. The rest have irrigation but the water isn't needed when rainfall is close to normal, Haas said. He is now a proprietor of the winery his late father established, and the award-winning wines include the classic Paso blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. Two weeks ago, temperatures topped 100 several days in a row, Haas said. But his Rhone grapes handled the heat, no problem.

I have nothing against Cabernet Sauvignon. With a steak, or on a cold October night when the Dodgers are losing, that's the grog I might reach for because it's a soothing salve, your tongue becomes a flap of peppered jerky in an oak barrel, and you feel like you might grow hair on your head again.

But if the wines of California's future are from Southern Europe, I'm OK with that. They can be lighter and go better with the chicken, fish and produce that are the essence of California cuisine. My favorite thing about them? They don't cost nearly as much as the more famous stuff.

With that in mind, I paid a visit to the man who first got me thinking about the relationship between wine and climate change. I found Randall Grahm on his vineyard in San Juan Bautista, which he said he first saw in a dream, before he knew it existed. Here, on 280 acres of terrain he calls Popelouchum - paradise in the Native American language of the Mutsun people - he is trying to create a new variety of grape that will, among other things, stand up to climate change.

Grahm, 67, grew up in Los Angeles and after college got a job "sweeping the floors" at Wine Merchant in Beverly Hills, where he managed to sample enough of the product to know what he wanted to do with himself. That took him to UC Davis for a plant science degree in 1979, after which he borrowed enough money to buy some land in the Santa Cruz mountains town of Bonny Doon, and set out to make a great Pinot Noir, a wine whose light, earthy complexity he considered worthy of worship.

That didn't go as well as he'd hoped, so Grahm switched his focus to Rhone varietals, and the results catapulted him to wine industry stardom. In 1989, Grahm landed on the cover of Wine Spectator, which crowned him the Rhone Ranger.

You've probably had one or more of his wines. Maybe the Big House Red or the Cardinal Zin, both of which were easy on the tongue and the wallet. Another big hit was the somewhat more expensive Le Cigare Volant, or Flying Cigar. To Grahm, soft red blends are more interesting than the big Cabs of Napa Valley.

But commercial success has never defined nor particularly motivated Grahm, who last year sold Bonny Doon but is still the face of it. He is the piano player who must play like no one else has, the artist who's never entirely satisfied with a painting. His current obsession is to create a wine that is not an impersonation of any other, but is instead a California original. A wine that is the essence of the place and the climate where it's grown - a vin de terroir.

"Ultimately what's very important to me is trying to make something that's truly distinctive, because there's so much wine in the world, and the world doesn't need a carbon copy of something that already exists," said Grahm.

A cool breeze flowed in from the west, across the berry farms east of Watsonville, as I toured paradise with Grahm. The fog doesn't make many appearances here, he said, but the grapes he's seeding won't require a daily cover of maritime mist.

Here the Rhone Ranger is a lone ranger, growing genetically diverse European vines, some of them obscure, with the goal of breeding thousands of new grape varieties. Ultimately, the married vines might produce a grape the world can't yet imagine but will one day recognize as a true California original, like the giant Sequoia. This could take years, and might or might not work, but in the Grahm gestalt, this project is about more than wine.

Grahm says he aspires to touch the land as lightly as possible, create disease-resistant plants without pesticides or chemicals, dry farm as much as possible, and create grapes that reflect the elements rather than fight to survive them. In other words, he's after a grape and a wine built to withstand climate change.

The new grape is a ways off, but at a picnic table overlooking paradise, Grahm brought out some of the first wines he's grown here - a white blend, a Pinot Noir he said he literally made in a galvanized garbage can, and a silky smooth Grenache that was so good I had to raise a glass.

To paradise, to the planet, to the fog that once was.

Explore further Wine regions could shrink dramatically with climate change unless growers swap varieties

2020 Los Angeles Times

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The DCM confirms that Jaishankar would be meeting Wang on the sidelines of the forthcoming SCO summit at Moscow

An Indian Air Force Hercules military transport plane prepares to land at an airbase in Leh, the joint capital of the union territory of Ladakh bordering China, on September 8, 2020. (AFP)

New Delhi: Russia is encouraging India and China to talk to each other but is not playing a mediatory role, Russian Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Roman Babushkin said on Tuesday, while confirming that Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar would be meeting his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Moscow that will take place on September 10.

He also pointed out that both Asian neighbours have strong armies and nuclear weapons, indicating that Moscow was quite concerned over the Sino-Indian border tensions. Russia, with its close ties with both India and China, has emerged as a key player in persuading both Asian giants to engage in dialogue.

Russia ... enjoys good ties with India and China. We hope our Indian and Chinese friends will find a mutually acceptable solution through dialogue. We will be happy to see positive results, the senior Russian diplomat said.

Opposing any escalation of Sino-Indian border tensions, Babushkin said, We are encouraging the countries for dialogue to expand common ground. We are supporting the principle of dialogue. We would encourage every effort (for peace). Russia promotes a political solution and a diplomatic solution.

The Russian DCM also said that while multilateral fora like the SCO and BRICS do not permit discussion on any bilateral issue between two members, bilateral discussions can certainly take place between any two member-nations on the sidelines of such Summits.

In this context, he confirmed that Jaishankar would be meeting Wang on the sidelines of the forthcoming SCO summit at Moscow. Just recently, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had also met his Chinese counterpart in Moscow.
Michael Cohen, the presidents former lawyer and personal fixer, has accused Donald Trump of attacking Nelson Mandela following his death.

Cohen alleges in his new book, Disloyal, that the president made a number of attacks against the civil rights hero, who became the first black president of South Africa following the demise of the racist apartheid system.

Cohen writes that Mr Trump did not see Mandela as a real leader  not the kind he respected", after he died in 2013. Mr Trump also allegedly praised the countrys apartheid-era rule.

Mandela, who served as South Africas first black president from 1994 to 1999, is a Nobel Peace Prize winner and is widely regarded as an icon of democracy and social justice.

Mandela f-ed the whole country up. Now its a s-hole. F- Mandela. He was no leader, Mr Trump allegedly said, according to a copy of the book obtained by The Washington Post ahead of its publication date on Tuesday.

Cohen, a convicted felon, pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations and other crimes while working for Mr Trump. He was released from prison to serve out the rest of his sentence from his New York City home due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cohen is a disgraced felon and disbarred lawyer, who lied to Congress. He has lost all credibility, and it's unsurprising to see his latest attempt to profit off of lies, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement to The Independent regarding the accusations.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation responded to the alleged comments on Monday.

We do not believe that leaders who conduct themselves in the way Mr Trump does are in a position to offer authoritative commentary on the life and work of Madiba, the foundation said in a statement.

The organisation then pointed to a quote from the former president: A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger. You don't have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial, and uninformed.

We would recommend these words to Mr Trump for consideration, the statement concluded.

The countrys ruling African National Congress (ANC) also reportedly responded to the comments. ANC spokesman Pule Mabe told Bloomberg in a statement on Tuesday: All freedom-loving people of the world are appalled by these insults which come from a person who, himself, is not a model of competent leadership."

President Nelson Mandela is an international icon, a revered freedom fighter, and a great leader who will be remembered and celebrated for centuries to come," they added.
More in What you need to know for Tuesday, September 8 (10 of 17)
So with the U.S. focused on the "hot legs" video of the Antifa rioter who set himself on fire with his own Molotov cocktail, and the restaurant diners of Rochester chased from their meals by Black Lives Matter rioters, what's going on with the United Nations?

Turns out they've been putting out tweets such as this one:

The #COVID19 pandemic is demonstrating what we all know: millennia of patriarchy have resulted in a male-dominated world with a male-dominated culture which damages everyone  women, men, girls & boys.



-- @antonioguterres https://t.co/ppSUGLr2Wx pic.twitter.com/krT6HkQil6  United Nations (@UN) September 6, 2020

That's right, they blame men for all the world's problems.

According to Breitbart's James Delingpole:

According to the United Nations, the "millennia of patriarchy" which gave us, among many other things, the Greek and Roman philosophers, Christianity, the Taj Mahal, Habeas Corpus, the art of the Renaissance, the collected works of Shakespeare and Goethe, Johann Sebastian Bach, penicillin, central heating, air conditioning, the internal combustion engine, and space travel, have actually been damaging to "everyone". Also, according to the UN, "we all" know this. Who exactly is this "we", Kemo Sabe?

This drives home that the United Nations is a flaming paper bag of dog doo on America's doorstep.

The outrageousness of the statement goes to show just how unserious the United Nations is and how, in its idleness, it's become a haven for wokesters.

We already know that the United Nations is a haven for the world's idlest people. They pay no taxes; they draw six-figure salaries; and they can't be fired, no matter what they do. Getting a U.N. appointment for all of them, on behalf of their country's appointed job slots, is a true sinecure, a political plum, which is why you should look askance at anyone who works for the U.N. As a result, 90% of them...do nothing, really nothing. Thomas Lifson noted to me that he had a friend from Japan who retired from the U.N. bureaucracy and called it a horror show of sheer laziness. I myself had a New Zealand friend who worked for the United Nations in the '90s, who told me the tale of a computer technician who refused to cross the street to repair his U.N. land mine office's computer...because crossing the street was too much work, and there was a tiny sprinkling of rain out (and this person hailed from a country where monsoons were normal stuff). It was emblematic of the work attitude of all the satraps and time-servers embedded in that outfit.

It's been like that for years, with Bangladeshi bureaucrat work practices. And as Nikki Haley noted in her GOP convention speech, these clowns want you to pay for it.

But now it's getting paired with U.S.-style wokesterliness, derived from Antifa, the U.S. faculty lounges, and the "trained Marxists" of Black Lives Matter, and the result is getting ugly. Not too long ago, the United Nations retweeted the Antifa banner approvingly. And this particular tweet was done not by some bored loser buried in the bowels of the U.N., but by the secretary general himself, a Portuguese socialist.

As Delingpole notes (and this was the first thought that occurred to me, too):

That latest tweet screams one message loud and clear: defund the United Nations; have nothing more to do with it; raze every one of its buildings to the ground; sack all its staff; consign it to the dustbin of history.

It's time to get rid of the U.N. If they're going to be a haven of wokesterliness, on top of the usual third-world shiftlessness, it's time to end it right here and now. President Trump has a full agenda as he gets ready for his second term.

Image credit: Twitter screen shot.
"These campaigns are just two examples of how our work can expand footprint and build brand awareness and thought leadership for tech companies with an approach focused on measurable results." - Leah Nurik, founder and CEO, Gabriel Marketing Group

Gabriel Marketing Group (GMG) today announced it has been awarded two of the top prizes at the 2020 dotCOMM Awards that celebrate excellence in web creativity and digital communication. GMGs two Platinum dotCOMM Awards, selected from more than 2,000 nominations from the U.S. and Canada, honor GMGs digital advertising and technology public relations work for two of its high-growth technology clients in both the B2B and B2C markets.

Were thrilled to receive these twin honors from the dotCOMM Awards, said Leah Nurik, CEO and founder of Gabriel Marketing Group. These campaigns are just two examples of how our work can expand footprint and build brand awareness and thought leadership for tech companies with an approach focused on measurable results. These two awards continue to inspire our team to pursue creativity, innovation and excellence for our entire client roster.

GMGs B2B integrated growth marketing and public relations campaign for digital accessibility software provider User1st spanned multi-platform digital advertising, compelling content creation and the design and development of high-conversion landing pages. The campaign drove more than 1,000 highly qualified business leads and generated more than $500,000 in directly attributable revenue in less than three months.

The PR component of GMGs campaign for User1st included securing media coverage in national business publications, writing and securing byline articles in industry trade magazines and promoting and amplifying company announcements, initiatives and media coverage on User1sts social media channels. GMGs campaign secured nearly 200 million impressions in earned media and $300,000 in industry-standard Public Relations Value (PRV) to establish User1st executives in the news media as leading voices for digital accessibility.

GMGs digital advertising campaign for Capango, a mobile-first retail job matching platform and app, sought to get job seekers to download Capangos B2C mobile app, expand total installations across Android and iOS devices and increase Capangos user base. GMG designed and executed a creative, compelling and measurable user acquisition campaign with precision-targeted ads on Facebook and Instagram that achieved a 31.8% install per click rate while decreasing cost-per-installs on iOS devices by more than 84 percent.

The dotCOMM Awards is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, an international organization comprised of marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, media production and freelance professionals. Its categories represent the elements of the webs evolving tools  interactivity, content, design, social media, video, apps, blogs and influencers.

About Gabriel Marketing Group

Gabriel Marketing Group (GMG) is a growth marketing and public relations agency focused on high-growth technology companies, helping them to increase market awareness and rapidly grow sales through the strategic planning and execution of highly effective marketing, public relations, branding and communications programs. Its services include award-winning PR and analyst relations as well as market strategy consulting, digital marketing, advertising, SEO, marketing automation and content development. Over the past nine years, GMG has been repeatedly recognized for its work with top industry accolades including multiple Stevies, Communicators, MarComs and Daveys, among others. GMG has also repeatedly landed on DC Innos annual 50 on Fire list and is one of the Best Places to Work as named by the Washington Business Journal. GMG is a Gold Certified HubSpot Agency Partner and a proud member of Eurocom Worldwide, the Global PR Network for B2B and Technology. For more information, visit https://www.gabrielmarketing.com/. Follow on Twitter @GabrielMrktg.


Mumbai, Sep 8 : After days of intense speculation and three days of tough grilling, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Tuesday arrested Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty in connection with its ongoing probe to unravel the drugs nexus in the film industry, officials said.

Rhea has been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act for her alleged role in the drugs angle that has emerged during investigation into the June 14 death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

Rhea, who has all along pleaded innocence, was quickly whisked away for a mandatory medical test at the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation's LTMG Sion Hospital.

She is likely to be presented by the NCB before a court for her remand, while her legal team prepares to get her bailed out.

Reacting to the development, Rhea's lawyer Satish Maneshinde termed the arrest a "travesty of justice" in a scathing statement targeting the family of Sushant.

"Three central agencies hounding a single woman -- just because she was in love with a drug addict, suffering from mental health issues for several years under the care of five leading psychiatrists in Mumbai, who ended up committing suicide due to consumption of illegally administered medicines and used drugs," Maneshinde said.

Her much-anticipated arrest came a day after Rhea took time out -- at the height of the NCB interrogation sessions -- to hit back at the late actor's family by lodging a police complaint against Sushant's sister Priyanka Singh and Dr Tarun Kumar of RML Hospital in New Delhi and others, alleging forged medical prescriptions.

A Mumbai Police spokesperson said that the complaint has been lodged with Bandra Police under the Indian Penal Code and the NDPS Act, and in line with the Supreme Court orders, the case has been transferred to the CBI for investigation.

Rhea's arrest came three days after her brother Showik Chakraborty, Sushant's home manager Samuel Miranda, and his house helper Dipesh Sawant were arrested and sent in NCB custody till September 9 (Wednesday), besides two other drug peddlers Abdel Basit Parihar and Zaid Vilatra, who are also in NCB custody.

The NCB had earlier said that with these arrests, it hopes to "uproot the drugs citadel in Bollywood and Mumbai" amidst talk of several other Bollywood personalities coming on the agency's radar.

Earlier, Rhea was grilled multiple times by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate, and previously even questioned by the Mumbai Police, but was finally arrested by the NCB, nearly 11 weeks after Sushant was found dead in his Bandra home.

Displaying confidence in her gait, Rhea appeared calm and composed as she stepped out of the NCB office post-arrest to proceed for a medical and subsequent legal formalities.

The NCB had interrogated Rhea for six hours on Sunday, eight hours on Monday, and around five hours on Tuesday before her eventual arrest.

Maneshinde earlier said that Rhea has not approached any court to seek anticipatory bail in all the cases foisted on her by the Bihar Police, now with the CBI, ED and NCB.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in)

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
The President of the National Council of Rectors (CNR), Sorin Cimpeanu, on Tuesday stated that, although most universities have decided to hold all courses online, and also most of the seminars, the fact that students are still required to physically attend workshops, laboratories and other practical works means that the accommodation units problem is still one that needs an urgent solution.

"The university education has a series of particularities that differentiate it from pre-university education. The first such particularity would be that the universities have autonomy. The second one would be that higher education has both classes and workshops. Pre-university education only has classes. Therefore, most universities decided - at this point, because we still need to see what happens next until the opening of the university year - to hold the courses exclusively online, and most seminars too, with the students to only be required to physically attend workshops, laboratories and practical works. There are universities, however, not many of them, though, that decided to move all their activity online. These are the universities that do not usually have laboratory classes, practical works or workshops. Which is to say that they are mostly universities teaching socio-humanistic sciences," the President of CNR told AGERPRES.According to him, a big issue in what concerns the opening of the university year in the context of the novel coronavirus pandemic is related to the student accommodation units.He said some universities, such as the University of Agriculture in the Capital City, have already decided to only accommodate students with a negative COVID result."The third difference is that the Romanian universities accommodated almost 100,000 students last year. Which means that, at this point, the problem related to the opening of the student halls has become urgent. First of all, we need to accommodate fewer students, in order to ensure the physical distancing rules. Second of all, some universities, like the one I lead - USAMV Bucharest, have already decided to only accommodate students who can prove that they have a negative COVID test result. They will be received in the campus, but they will only be accommodated if they have a negative COVID result. We are also discussing the possibility of covering the costs of the tests for the USAMV Bucharest students to be accommodated. And you must understand that we are talking about a lot of money. Let's say that we have 10,000 students and one test costs 100 euro, this already means 1 million euros to only have them tested once. But if testing will need to be repeated from time to time, I'm afraid that we will not be able to cover for those costs, no university will be able, and neither will the students be able to cover for those costs. This is another particularity," said the rector.Also, according to him, the universities have educational and research spaces that are much more generous than the one the pre-university education system has."The fourth particularity would be that the Romanian universities, and the universities in general, have much more generous spaces where educational and research activities are held than the pre-university education. Which means that, based on the autonomy, based on the resources, and based on the specific features of the courses and practical works, we can say that the problem is a bit less complicated in the universities than in the pre-university system. However, when it comes to accommodating students safely, with great care for their health and, of course, for their professors' health, the situation remains complicated," said Cimpeanu.On September 18 and 19 the rectors will have a meeting in Brasov, with everyone involved in the educational process to be invited."We will see on September 19 what will be the best measures to be taken in addition before the opening of the university year under safety conditions - for students, professors and the entire personnel," said the CNR head.Cimpeanu also added that most universities will open the university year on September 26 and October 1, but there are also universities that will open the university year on September 14, once with the opening of the school year in the pre-university educational units, and he mentioned among the latter the universities in Targu Mures, Iasi and Constanta.
It's the video that's sweeping the conservative blogosphere. You know which one I mean: it's the Antifa rioter in Portland whose legs were engulfed in flames that his comrades tried ineffectually to extinguish and that the police efficiently put out. There are other videos of Antifa people injuring themselves or each other, but this one has legs (burning legs, if you will).

There's a reason for its popularity: that short video encompasses everything wrong with Antifa, and it's okay to laugh because no one was seriously hurt in the making of that video.

Here's the now famous video, as seen from two angles:

Portland's 100th night of rioting last night saw a man set on fire by Antifa militants who tossed Molotov cocktails and explosive fireworks in residential neighborhoods. https://t.co/YOvfhzJBqD  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) September 6, 2020

Graphic: Another angle of the person being set on fire by a Molotov cocktail thrown by antifa militants in SE Portland. Rioters try to help but dont do much. Cops are the ones who rush in & put out the flames. Video by @BGOnTheScene. #PortlandRiots pic.twitter.com/9gNFo73Lyc  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) September 6, 2020

From the beginning, there's been a duality about Antifa. On the one hand, it's a genuinely dangerous organization that is committed to overthrowing the United States, one city at a time. Antifa members in Portland have brutally attacked police officers with rocks, firecracker missiles, bottles of frozen water, balloons with fecal matter (a form of germ warfare), and lasers (an attempt to blind the police). They've also tried to trap police in their station and burn them alive.

Fire is a big deal for Antifa. They try to set everything on fire. One of their members, a cross-over person from Black Lives Matter, murdered Aaron "Jay" Danielson in cold blood. Many of these people are clearly psychopaths.

On the other hand, aside from the psychopaths, many of them are also laughably ineffective, useless, and pathetic people. For example, Matthew Banta, who had dangerous weapons in his possession, including a flamethrower, when finally caught by the police, curled up on the ground in a fetal position and cried. When one Antifa member stabbed another, the victim repeatedly, and without irony, called for the police.

Then, of course, there are the videos of Antifa rioters meeting up with Proud Boys who know how to fight. As a boxer myself, I can say the Proud Boys look good, while the Antifa kids looking like toddlers having tantrums:

Proud Boys vs Anne Tifa pic.twitter.com/xo4t9wrw4U  Steve Inman (@SteveInmanUIC) September 6, 2020

And now there's hot foot guy. He's the one who, when one of his comrades threw a Molotov cocktail, got splashed with the flammable material and the flames, and ended up dancing wildly after his shoes and feet caught fire. His comrades, well trained in elementary school, started screaming, "Stop, drop, and roll." It didn't occur to them that, as he rolled, his feet would flail, adding fuel to the fire.

Another comrade tried to smother the fire with the hard lid of a small garbage can, which functioned perfectly as a fan, increasing the blaze. And then the much hated police walked over and swiftly put out the flames...to absolutely no thanks or applause from the Antifa crowd.

It's all there: the psychopathic viciousness in the Molotov cocktail; the love affair with fire; the immature, stupid behavior in the face of an emergency; and the need for the grown-ups (in the form of the police) to come to rescue them. The video is everything that's wrong with Antifa. And because no one was seriously hurt (although the burning man may have needed medical attention), we can laugh at what happened without guilt.

And of course, there's the fact that so many songs mention fire and burning. Here are some of the best burning Antifa man videos:

Heres another one for yall https://t.co/CM98S5dwYJ  fiery but mostly peachy (@peachtealwhite) September 6, 2020

Antifa lighting themselves on fire is my favorite thing ever  pic.twitter.com/eiVUcJz4wR  Kelb Hull (@CalebJHull) September 6, 2020

Antifa set themselves on fire pic.twitter.com/nJ86LDuzcc  steve (@nevertime19) September 6, 2020

The burning Antifa video perfectly pings two of Alinsky's rules: Rule 5, which says, "Ridicule is man's most potent weapon," and Rule 6, which says, "A good tactic is one your people enjoy." So enjoy these burning Antifa man videos without guilt. They are the perfect response to the immature psychopathy of the Antifa rioters.

Image: Burning Antifa man, Twitter screen grab.
OTTAWA - An underused program to give hard-hit small businesses a break on their rent is getting one more month of service, but without any of the changes critics say are needed to prevent stores from permanently closing their doors.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 8/9/2020 (499 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA - An underused program to give hard-hit small businesses a break on their rent is getting one more month of service, but without any of the changes critics say are needed to prevent stores from permanently closing their doors.

On Tuesday, one week after rent was due, the Liberals said the commercial rent-relief program will provide help to cover rent and lease costs for eligible businesses for September.

A lease sign hangs in the window as a cyclist walks past a commercial store Monday August 31, 2020 in Ottawa. The federal government is expanding the life of commercial rent-relief program one last time. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

In a release, the government called the one-month lifeline a "final extension" for the program.

The general sense from business groups was that the extension would help some businesses, but many more would be locked out because the Liberals didn't address known flaws in the program.

The rent-relief program provides forgivable loans that cover half of rent for eligible small businesses, and also requires landlords to waive a further one-quarter of what they'd otherwise be owed.

Property owners have to apply for the help, and the Liberals have almost begged them to take part.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business, which represents thousands of small businesses nationwide, said rent relief will be critical to the survival of many of its members whose revenues remain dampened even as their costs remain at 100 per cent.

"The deep unfairness that has existed in the program since it was launched needs to be addressed as some businesses have been operating for six months without the rent relief they need and others have already made the tough decision to close," vice-president Laura Jones said in a statement.

The government's press release from Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Small Business Minister Mary Ng noted that federal officials are looking at other options to help small businesses. No details were provided.

Patrick Gill from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce said "main street businesses" need to know what comes next after the commercial rent program ends, and they need to know now. He said in a statement that whatever comes next should be easier for small businesses to use.

"The government has an opportunity to make a real difference for Canada's businesses that continue to suffer from continued restrictions amid COVID-19," said Gill, the organization's senior director of tax and financial policy.

"Rent is one of the most significant fixed costs a main street business has, and it should be a focus for the federal government going forward."

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

The government said that as of Monday, the rent-relief program had provided over $1.32 billion in aid to more than 106,000 small-business tenants.

Take-up of the program overall has lagged behind expectations and spending is projected to fall far short of the nearly $3 billion the Liberals have budgeted.

"It's no mystery why less than one-third of the help promised has been distributed," NDP small business critic Gord Johns said in a statement.

"The Liberals have got to step up for small business owners by fixing the program and actually supporting these people."

He said extending a "failed program" wasn't good enough, especially announcing it a week after rent was due and people needed help.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 8, 2020.
TEHRAN, Iran, Sept. 8

Trend:

Iran's Vice President for Economic Affairs Mohammad Nahavandian announced a 168 percent increase in payments for local businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak, Trend reports via Mehr News Agency.



The total government`s support to businesses suffered by the coronavirus outbreak reached $897 million, Nahavandian said during the 25th meeting of the working group to cope with the economic consequences of the coronavirus.

"The country's banking network should act with national responsibility to expedite the payments to businesses," he said.

Iran continues to monitor the coronavirus situation in the country. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 391,100 people have been infected, and 22,542 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 337,400 have reportedly recovered from the disease.

Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease.

The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19.

The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019.
Right-wing commentator Avi Yemini was thrown to the ground by police and arrested as he covered the anti-lockdown protests in Melbourne.

Yemini, 34, was reporting for fringe U.S. media outlet Rebel News and doing a piece to camera in Albert Park on Saturday as police clashed with protesters.

As he was recounting the day's events, a police commander suddenly pointed him out and ordered officers to arrest him.

'This bloke here is not here for any purposeful reason, I want him under arrest right now,' the officer, a superintendent, said while grabbing his microphone.

Right-wing commentator Avi Yemini was thrown to the ground by police and arrested as he covered the anti-lockdown protests in Melbourne

Four officers then approached Yemini - who had media accreditation - and pushed him to the ground before handcuffing him, despite protests that his pass was in his pocket.

Unknown to the officers, Yemini's lapel microphone was still active and recorded police telling him he was arrested for allegedly hindering police.

Footage released by Rebel News on Tuesday showed he was standing alongside several journalists who were also recording police and protesters - but not how long each of them stayed there.

He was soon released pending further inquiries, but given a move on notice from the area, ending his ability to report for the day.

Footage from earlier in the day showed Yemini and his crew showing their work permits and being let through a police checkpoint near the protest.

Victoria Police said Yemini was asked to move multiple times by the forward commander 'as he was obstructing the police response to the protest'.

'After repeatedly failing to comply with police direction, he was arrested for hindering police. He was then released with enquiries pending,' it said.

'Investigations are currently underway to determine whether the man will be charged with offences in relation to the recording made while under police arrest.'

Yemini, who was reporting for Rebel News with a media pass, was doing a piece to camera in Albert Park on Saturday as police clashed with protesters

As he was recounting the day's events, a police commander suddenly pointed him out and ordered officers to arrest him

Yemini disputes that the superintendent involved, or any other police, ever asked him to move.

'He just ordered the arrest of a journalist because he doesn't like what I report,' he said.

Before Yemini was released, his camera crew inadvertently recorded two reporters from Nine News and 7 News criticising police tactics on the day.

'Mate, I just almost got arrested,' Nine News reporter Mark Santomartino was heard saying to 7 News journalist Paul Dowsley.

'Same here, they threatened me with arrest, d**kheads,' Dowsley replied.

Dowsley said he was told he was 'in a police safe zone' and told 'don't be a f**king smarta**e' when he asked what that was and where he should go.

'Consistency, that's what you hope for - a clear consistent message,' he added, while Santomartino was equally unimpressed.

Dowsley was later confronted by Yemini and asked what he though about Yemini's arrest on camera but declined to comment while surrounded by police.

The veteran reporter was sent abuse on social media by Yemini's fans who said they hoped he was beaten up by police at the next protest.

Four officers then approached Yemini and pushed him to the ground before handcuffing him

Yemini was held on the ground for some time, despite his protests his work permit was in his pocket, before being led away in handcuffs

Footage from earlier in the day showed Yemini and his crew showing their work permits and being let through a police checkpoint near the protest

About 9pm on Saturday, police knocked on Yemini's door for a 'compliance check' to make sure he was home during the curfew.

Yemini angrily asked why he was being targeted and was told it was because he was 'on a list' due to his hindering caution earlier in the day.

'You're coming to my house with my kids in the middle of the night when I've never not complied, like any other journalist,' he told them.

Yemini has a long, chequered history as a far-right rabble rouser and holds strong anti-immigrant and anti-Islam views.

The former Israeli soldier ran a gym in Melbourne before moving on to run communications for fellow far-right activist Tommy Robinson in Britain.

He has since returned to Australia and fashioned himself as a political commentator on YouTube and for Rebel News and other fringe outlets.

His divisive rhetoric at one point got him banned from Facebook and assaulted by Muslim activist Sam Ekermawi.

Before Yemini was released, his camera crew inadvertently recorded Nine News reporter Mark Santomartino (right) and 7 News journalist Paul Dowsley (left) criticising police tactics on the day

About 9pm on Saturday, police knocked on Yemini's door for a 'compliance check' to make sure he was home during the curfew (Yemini's CCTV at the time pictured)

Yemini was also convicted of throwing a chopping board at his wife Sarah Lyford's head in 2016 and of harassing her three times in 2017.

'It was like I didn't exist as a human being, I was just a vessel for his hatred... He terrorised me,' she told the court.

'What I will never forget is that he didn't flinch when it happened. He didn't ask if I was okay. He just walked by, I was left to tend to my own injuries and finish making the dinner.'

Yemini was also in 2016 sued for defamation by his own brother, anti-paedophile activist Manny Waks, for accusing Mr Waks and his father of 'harbouring a paedophile'.

Saturday's protest saw more than 1,000 anti-lockdown activists descend on Melbourne and clash with police officers in wild scenes.

Anti-lockdown protesters were bombarded with police outside the Shrine of Remembrance on Saturday (pictured)

One man had his shirt ripped off during the violent protests in Melbourne on Saturday. He is seen being led away by police

Shocking footage from the 'Freedom Day' rally showed the horde of protesters, many refusing to wear masks and battling with police.

Dramatic scenes saw demonstrators tackled to the ground while officers struggled to detain them.

The protests kicked off at the Shrine of Remembrance but coronavirus-deniers the took to the streets, stopping traffic near Albert Park.

One crowd faced off with police on horseback as the chant 'freedom' rang out across the city while 17 people were arrested and more than 200 fines given out.

Of those arrests, 14 were for breaching COVID-19 restrictions and one was for assaulting a police officer after a cop was hit round the head as the protests turned violent.
During the states primary in June, 1,000 Georgia voters successfully voted twice, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced Tuesday.

The 1,000 Georgia residents cast votes by absentee ballot and then went in person to polling places on June 9 and voted again, Raffensperger said, adding that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

Of the 1,000 voters who voted twice, 58 percent requested Democratic ballots, according to Raffenspergers office. Georgia does not offer the option to affiliate with a political party during voter registration, meaning voters who wish to vote in primary elections must request either a Republican or Democratic ballot.

While the investigation is still ongoing, initial results show that of the partisan ballots at issue, approximately 58% were Democratic ballots, a spokesperson for the Georgia Secretary of State said in a statement to National Review.

The secretary of state said that Georgias attorney general and local prosecutors will weigh whether to bring charges against the voters on a case-by-case basis.

A double voter knows exactly what theyre doing, diluting the votes of each and every voter that follows the law, Raffensperger said at a news conference. Those that make the choice to game the system are breaking the law. And as secretary of state, I will not tolerate it.

Voting twice is a felony in Georgia that carries a one to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

About 150,000 Georgia residents who requested absentee ballots later appeared at polling places during the states primary to vote in person, many because they either never received their absentee ballot or changed their minds and opted to vote in person. However, 1,000 of those voters had already mailed in their absentee ballot and were allowed to vote again by poll workers, although the double votes did not alter the outcome of any primary election, Raffensperger said.

Story continues

About 1.15 million Georgia voters voted by absentee ballot during the primary, and 900,000 residents have requested absentee ballots so far for the general election so far.

The announcement comes as lawmakers, pundits, and activists on both sides of the aisle warn the public about the potential for complications and lengthy delays in tallying the final results of Novembers general election due to an expected massive increase in the use of mail-in ballots.

President Trump suggested earlier this month that voters should attempt to vote twice in order to test the mail-in voting system, which he has warned could be a breeding ground for election fraud if large numbers of people vote by mail.

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. If it isnt tabulated, theyll be able to vote. And thats what they should do.

More from National Review
ATLANTA, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- TerraCap Management LLC, a privately held investment firm based out of Estero, Florida, announced today the sale of The Crossings at Holcomb Bridge Apartments. TerraCap acquired the 268-unit apartment complex for $27.3 million in September 2017 as part of a four-property, 1,100-unit multifamily portfolio purchase totaling $116,000,000. Since acquisition, TerraCap's combined strategy of property upgrades, organic rent growth, and unit renovations caused a significant increase in rental rates at the 1984 vintage property.

TerraCap Management

Robert Witt, TerraCap Asset Manager, said "When we bought the Holcomb property, we saw the opportunity to capitalize on a well-located asset with strong demographics, access to public transit, and in-place rents that were well below the competitive properties. We executed a capital plan to update the exteriors, renovate unit interiors, and improve the quality of onsite management. The physical and operational improvements generated a 33% increase in the monthly rents from $787 to $1,046 over three years. The buyer will take over a property where they can expand on the strong growth fundamentals that are currently in place."

The property is located in the northern Atlanta suburb of Roswell. The North Fulton submarket is one of the most desirable housing submarkets in Atlanta and rent growth has outpaced the metro average in recent years. TerraCap hired First Communities Management as the property manager because of their deep experience in executing value-add multifamily strategies across the Atlanta Market.

"We are pleased to see the North Atlanta Holcomb Apartments business plan reach an outcome that exceeded our expectations," said Steve Hagenbuckle, Founding Partner and Managing Director for TerraCap. "Our conviction towards investing in high demand, financially healthy markets that see outsized employment growth and in-migration continues, and remains a safe choice for us and our investors. The TerraCap asset management team and our local business partners need to be commended for their outstanding execution of this investment."

David Gutting of NGKF in Atlanta represented TerraCap on the sale. First Communities Management led by Mitch Harrison, Jon Nixon, and Ed Romano represented TerraCap on the property management.

About TerraCap Management LLC

TerraCap Management LLC considers thematic factors such as business formation, employment growth and population growth on a market-by-market basis, as most metros and submarkets have different economic-based industries and therefore move through their economic cycles differently. TerraCap makes moderate strategic overweighting or underweighting to markets, depending on the specific economic drivers influencing supply and demand.

The Investment Manager has been in operation since 2008 with its headquarters located in Estero, FL (Naples area), the firm also has offices in Tampa, FL, Denver, CO, and Atlanta, GA. As operators, TerraCap believes it can make decisions more efficiently while leveraging expertise from property to property. The firm has over six million square feet of commercial assets within its portfolio, with over one billion dollars of assets under management.

More information can be found at terracapmgmt.com.

For More Information, Contact:

Steve Good

239.898.4454

TerraCap Management LLC

[email protected]

SOURCE TerraCap Management

Related Links

http://terracapmgmt.com


The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) has announced that the newest episode of its series of webinars will feature agribusiness experts from Morocco and Brazil to discuss the two countries growing agribusiness relations.



Titled Morocco and Brazil: Agribusiness Connecting Continents, the virtual event that will be held on September 9 will be graced by Moroccan Ambassador to Brazil Nabil Adghoghi and Brazilian Ambassador to Morocco Julio Bitelli.



For the event, ABCC invited five panellists to share and exchange views and insights during a lecture titled Strategic and complementary markets in the agribusiness chain: Innovation, expertise exchange, and trade diversification.



Also joining the discussion is Alexandre Morais do Amaral, Researcher, Manager and International Coordinator at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa). He will tackle the present landscape of the local agriculture industry and major partnership opportunities in the areas of innovation and technology.



Rubens Hannun, President, Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, said: We will highlight Brazils agriculture sector in our upcoming webinar in recognition of its important role in further strengthening the trade relations between the two countries.



It is also worth noting that the local industry witnessed the highest growth over the past months, opening fresh opportunities to discover new areas for cooperation and investments, which may include a Mercosur-Morocco agreement soon. Our guest speakers will also take a closer look into logistics apart from investments to provide attendees with deeper understanding of the industry.



The forum is taking place amid Brazils increased exports of agricultural products, including maize, sugar, soy and coffee, to Morocco. Latest figures showed that the Arab country imported $319 million worth of products from Brazil during January-July 2020, which represents a 34.6 per cent growth from a year ago.  TradeArabia News Service
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP)  Raino Bolz quickly diversified when his tourism business in South Africas winelands crashed to a halt in March because of the coronavirus pandemic. He sold a minibus  useless without tourists to ferry around  and bought a herd of pregnant cows.

He'll have to wait for the cows to have calves and for the calves to be old enough to sell before he can make money from them. That probably wont be until early next year, but its his insurance policy.

Bolz hopes to see a return of some tourists in November, the start of South Africas tourism season. If foreign visitors  80% of his income  dont arrive for end-of-year vacations, hell need the profit from his cattle to stay afloat.

Africa will lose between $53 billion and $120 billion in contributions to its GDP in 2020 because of the crash in tourism, the World Travel and Tourism Council estimates. Kenya expects at least a 60% drop in tourism revenue this year. South Africa a 75% drop. In South Africa, 1.2 million tourism-related jobs are already impacted, according to its Tourism Business Council. Thats not far off 10% of total jobs in Africas most developed economy and the total damage isnt yet clear.

Devastation, council CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa said.

South Africas borders, including virtually all international flights, have been closed for nearly six months and there are no signs of them reopening.

The COVID-19 restrictions have shuttered what was once the lucrative centerpiece of African tourism, the safari.

For nearly 40 years, Desert and Delta has sold luxury safaris in the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta in northern Botswana and their clients have always been a particular kind of tourist. From North America or Western Europe, wealthy, retired and almost always over 60 years old, said James Wilson, Desert and Deltas marketing director. His fear  its felt across the safari lands of southern and East Africa  is that those retirees will be the last to come back because of their age and vulnerability to COVID-19.

Story continues

Jillian Blackbeard sees a silver lining. Shes the CEO of a regional tourism association that represents safari operators in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Itll take southern Africa's safari tourism three years to recover, Blackbeard said. But the virus could also kick-start a long overdue change. She said theyve relied too much on that specific kind of client, white, elderly, North American or European. Shes pressing for the whole region to use the moment to diversify. To attract their own African tourists, who have been ignored. To look to Asia and its multi-generational travelers. And to appeal to Black Americans.

For a long, long time, the African-American diaspora has never traveled to southern Africa, she said. It wasnt that they didnt want to come. It was because when you see a brochure it was always these white elderly people. COVID has allowed us to reach into that and say, OK, how do we make our industry more resilient by diversifying our market?

No one is untouched. Sun International, a major player with a portfolio of casinos, resorts and high-end hotels in South Africa and several other African countries, has so far kept its 8,500 employees, although on reduced salaries. It cant last. Sun International is now having to consider quite severe restructures, said Graham Wood, chief operating officer for hospitality.

One of Sun Internationals landmark properties, the 5-star Table Bay Hotel on the Cape Town waterfront, has been closed for half the year in the absence of foreign visitors. Many hotels around it remain shut, too.

Wood does expect a bounce in domestic tourism at the end of the year from South Africans who arent going overseas. And domestic tourism got a boost last month when South Africa eased restrictions to allow interstate leisure travel for the first time since late March. But the international tourist season this year is not going to materialize, Wood said.

Thatll be ruinous for Bolz in nearby Stellenbosch, whose attempts to lure locals have yielded just a drop in a bucket, he said. Its not going to sustain us.

His adventure tourism company combines hiking and cycling with wine-tasting tours in the mountain vineyards of Stellenbosch, near Cape Town, and epitomizes so many African tourism enterprises desperately missing their international visitors. Hes clinging to the theory that his foreign customers are innately adventurous and will come back sometime during the season. Hell only really know early next year.

And hell only know then if he can re-employ all his tour guides, experts in wine and the ecosystems of the Stellenbosch mountains. One is working at a laundry, two are helping out at a charity running soup kitchens to feed people permanently laid off because of the pandemic.

Looking at the prospects for tourism, Bolz said: We can only do proper business once international borders open again.

___

http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
The team digging in search of bones for analysis. Credit: University of Exeter

Ancient hunters stayed in the coldest part of Northern Europe rather than migrating to escape freezing winter conditions, archeologists have found.

Evidence from Arctic fox bones show communities living around 27,500 years ago were killing small prey in the inhospitable North European Plains during the winter months of the last Ice Age.

Researchers have found no evidence of dwellings, suggesting people only stayed for a short time or lived in tents in the area excavated, Krakow Spadzista in Southern Polandone of the largest Upper Paleolithic sites in Central Europe. Until now it wasn't clear if people retreated elsewhere each winter to avoid the intense cold.

Dr. Alexander Pryor, from the University of Exeter, who led the study, said: "Our research shows the cold harsh winter climates of the last ice age were no barrier to human activity in the area. Hunters made very specific choices about where and when to kill their prey."

Inhabitants of Krakow Spadzista around 27,500 years ago killed and butchered large numbers of wooly mammoths and arctic foxes at the site. For the first time, the research team were able to reconstruct details of how the foxes were moving around in the landscape before they died, and also what time of the year they died, through analyzing the internal chemistry and growth structures of their tooth enamel and roots.

The analysis of teeth from four of the 29 hunted foxes show each was born and grew up in a different location, and had migrated either tens or hundreds of kilometers to the region before being killed by huntersby snares, deadfalls or other trapping methodsfor both their thick warm furs as well as meat and fat for food. The carcasses were brought back to the site to be skinned and butchered.

Analysis of the dental cementum of at least 10 fox individuals demonstrate that the majority were killed between late winter and late spring, most likely in late winter. The foxes ranged in age, from sub-adult to very old.

The study, published in the Journal of Archeological Science: Reports, also involved Sylwia Pospua, Piotr Wojtal, Nina Kowalik and Jarosaw Wilczynski from the Polish Academy of Sciences and Tereza Nesnidalova from the University of Exeter.

Around 2,400 arctic fox bones were found about 30m south of a huge concentration of bones from more than 100 individual wooly mammoths that dominate the site, in an area used for the production of lithic tools and the processing of smaller prey animals.

The study suggests the Arctic fox colonized the area because they moved over long distances season by season, something they still do today, in order to find food.

Dr. Pryor said: "Arctic fox provided both food and hides to Paleolithic hunters, with their fur coats reaching full length around the beginning of December; this winter fur usually begins shedding by early spring. They also lay down substantial stores of body fats seasonally that are greatest from late autumn throughout the winter season and do not start to become seriously depleted until early spring. Hunters most likely targeted the foxes in the late winter periodbefore the onset of fur shedding and loss of critical fat supplies. The high numbers of fox remains found at the site suggests what was happening was a deliberate, organized procurement strategy rather than just simple incidental hunting."

The analysis of teeth suggests hunters engaged in large-scale winter hunting of solitary Arctic foxes that were ranging widely across the landscape. The site was used as a base camp for ranging visits to maintain trapping lines and for processing hides.

Krakow Spadzista was one of the most northerly sites in central Europe during the Late Gravettian when much of the northern plains region had already been abandoned. Mean annual temperature was between 1.0 C and +4.3 C.

Explore further Red fox displaces Arctic fox thanks to littering
Pubs that do not serve food have been closed since March over concerns over social distancing (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

Irelands wet pubs are set to open in the coming weeks.

The go-ahead to end the closure of the countrys wet pubs  those that do not serve food  was given at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The decision comes as a significant increase in the number of Covid-19 cases was reported by the Department of Health, with 307 cases and one death confirmed.

It brings the number of cases to more than 30,000.

While news to reopen pubs has been widely welcomed, the plan is subject to local restrictions.

Pubs that do not serve food have been closed since March amid concerns over social distancing.

It is the longest closure of pubs in Europe.

Licensed premises that serve food were allowed to reopen their doors on June 29.

It comes as health officials warned people in Dublin they need to assume Covid-19 is circulating in the community and adhere to social distancing.

Acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said: 182 of todays cases are located in Dublin and at least 44 of these are associated with community transmission.

I urge everyone to follow the public health advice and keep your distance.

Do not underestimate the risks associated with any of your interactions, including with your family, friends or work colleagues.

Now is not a time to let down your guard  assume that you or those that you meet may be infectious and act accordingly.

The sharp rise in cases prompted Archbishop Diarmuid Martin to raise concerns about poor practice in following health measures in some churches.

In a statement to Dublin parishes, he said: It is important that our parishes and churches give good example and that we remind people of our common responsibility to prevent the spreading of the virus.

In my experience parishes have been scrupulous in respecting the current norms.

There are indications however, that social distancing in some cases has become loose, especially before and after liturgical ceremonies.

I know that the public health authorities have contacted several bishops concerned about breaches of social distancing.

I have seen some examples in our Dublin Churches and indeed some parishes have published photos on parish websites that indicate poor practice.

I would ask all parishes to examine carefully how they can foster staggered exiting from Churches and prevent gatherings at Church entrances.

Two representative bodies for pubs across Ireland welcomed the announcement that non-food pubs will be allowed to reopen on September 21, saying its about time.

We look forward to raising a glass once these pubs do get to open their doors again after six long months Donall OKeeffe, Licensed Vintners Association

The Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) and the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) said that non-food pubs will have been closed for 189 days  more than six months  by the time they get to reopen.

LVA chief executive Donall OKeeffe said: Its about time this decision was made.

We feel there was little justification for the Government to have repeatedly delayed the reopening.

If all pubs are following social distancing then they should all have had the opportunity to get their doors open long before now. 

He added: The vast majority of pubs have acted incredibly responsibly during this crisis and the pubs still closed have taken a real hit for the good of public health.

It is about time that this contribution was acknowledged by the Government.

We look forward to raising a glass once these pubs do get to open their doors again after six long months.

Padraig Cribben, chief executive of the VFI, said the decision will come as a real relief to pubs across Ireland that are still closed as well as their staff and all the families concerned.

The conditions facing these pubs will be tough once they reopen, having completely missed the summer tourist season, strict guidelines being in place and their capacity severely impacted, he said.

The support package put forward by the Government was derisory and this financial reality facing the pubs who are still closed needs to be recognised in a meaningful way.

However, at least there is now a sliver of light after what has been a very dark six months.

Expand Close Some pubs in Ireland have been closed for six months (Brian Lawless/PA) / Facebook

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Drinks Ireland also welcomed the decision and said it will work closely with pubs to supply product and clean beer lines in the next two weeks.

Director of Drinks Ireland Patricia Callan said: Its in everyones interest to get pubs reopened in a safe and sustainable manner as we live with Covid-19 over the coming months.

Pubs that serve food have been given the chance to reopen and are managing the safety of their customers.

Its important that we avoid a stop and start approach with regards the reopening of pubs.

A huge amount of investment, time and work goes into the reopening of pubs, both from the perspective of publicans and from drinks suppliers.

The Government has previously delayed reopenings scheduled for July 20, August 10 and August 31.

Currently 3,500 pubs across the country remain closed, affecting around 25,000 employees as well as their families.

Draft guidelines on the reopening of wet pubs were circulated to publicans on Sunday.

But the LVA warned the guidelines are so restrictive that many pub owners may question whether they will have to stay closed.

The measures are broadly in line with the guidance that accompanied the reopening of bars that served food at the end of June.

Under the draft guidance, table service will be mandatory in all licensed premises and alcohol can only be served until 11.30pm.

The guidelines encourage a reduction of seating within premises and two-metre social distancing between tables.

This can be reduced to one metre if additional infection control steps are introduced.

Customers will be limited to a 105-minute stay in premises where the one-metre measure is in operation.

Only six people can be at any one table and they must not come from more than three households.

Face coverings must be worn by staff who engage with customers, unless protective screens are in place.
NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kosterina, the emerging wellness brand centered around authentic Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil, just launched its signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar exclusively in Whole Foods Market. Kosterina Extra Virgin Olive Oil has debuted in the Northeast, North Atlantic and Mid-Atlantic Regions and the Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar launched in eight of Whole Foods Markets' eleven U.S. regions.

Kosterina Launches Exclusively in Whole Foods Market

"We are always searching for delicious new artisanal products that meet our shoppers' health and wellness goals as well as our high-quality standards," says Tiffney Stuart, Whole Foods Market Category Merchant. "As Kosterina's exclusive retail partner, we can't wait to see their premium Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar on our store shelves."

"We're thrilled and incredibly proud to be launching our Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar at Whole Foods Market," says Kosterina founder Katerina Mountanos. "Our mission is to set the standard in premium Greek olive oil and provide innovative, tasty products that enable American consumers to enjoy the immense health benefits and flavors of the Mediterranean."

Kosterina's Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500ml, $29.99) is cold pressed in small batches from a single blend of early harvest Koroneiki olives grown in the Peloponnese region of Southern Greece. The olive oil is harvested, farmed and pressed to maximize natural polyphenol (antioxidant) content; Kosterina has a polyphenol content of 430 mg/kg at the time of harvest, making it one of the healthiest olive oils available. Kosterina's Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a rich, full flavor, perfect for roasting or sauteing vegetables, making salad dressings and sauces, drizzling over popcorn and more.

Kosterina recently launched a line of Balsamic Vinegar, with flavors including Original, Fig, and Dark Chocolate. The Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar (375ml, $19.99) gets an indulgent chocolate boost that combines with intense aromatic notes, dense texture, and a hint of acidity to bring out unexpected flavor in sweet and savory dishes. Made from Labrusco and Trebbiano grapes of Modena, Italy and dark cocoa, Kosterina's Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar matches the superior standards of their premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Kosterina's complete lineup includes Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oils (Garlic, Greek Herb & Lemon), Balsamic Vinegars (Original, Fig, Dark Chocolate), and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dark Chocolate Bars (Almond Butter & Vanilla; Nuts, Cinnamon & Honey; Fig & Balsamic).

About Kosterina

Kosterina is an emerging wellness brand centered around premium Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil, founded by entrepreneur Katerina Mountanos. The brand's signature EVOO is cold-pressed from a single blend of early harvest Koroneiki olives, grown in Mountanos' native region of Koroni in Southern Greece, which maximizes its natural polyphenol content. Kosterina's collection is completed by a line of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dark Chocolate Bars as well as Balsamic Vinegars in flavors including Original, Fig, and Dark Chocolate. https://www.kosterina.com/

Instagram: @kosterina

Press Contact:

Meredith Sidman, Krupa Consulting

9145880518

[email protected]

SOURCE Kosterina
WATERLOO  A Waterloo man was arrested after he allegedly threatened people with a shotgun and then tossed the weapon during a police chase on Monday.

According to police, the gunman sent an acquaintance a text message saying he was about to shoot your (expletive deleted) up and a including a photo of a shotgun around 3 a.m. Monday. He then pulled up at 415 Williston Ave., pointed a shotgun at two people sitting in a parked car outside, and eventually left, according to court records.

Officers with the Waterloo Police Departments Violent Crime Apprehension Team were investigating the threats when they spotted the suspect driving a Ford Free Star minivan around 12:45 p.m. Monday and attempted to stop a vehicle during in the area of Knox and Palmer drives.

The vehicle refused to stop, and during the pursuit the driver threw a Mossberg 20-gauge pistol-grip shotgun out of the window.

The chase ended in the 1100 block of Lindner, and officers arrested Benjamin Yuklon Ketton, 38, of 306 Julie Court, for felon in possession of a firearm, eluding, carrying weapons, possession of marijuana and driving while suspended. He was also arrested for first-degree harassment and two counts of assault while displaying a weapon.

Police said Ketton is barred from handling firearms because of a prior felony conviction in Georgia in 2001.

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PM holds dialogue with Japanese firms

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on September 7 held a dialogue with Japanese economic groups and businesses interested in expanding investment in Vietnam.









At the event (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the event, PM Phuc expressed his delight that 15 Japanese firms want to expand investment in Vietnam, which will provide a source of encouragement for the nation to continue improving its business environment and create favourable conditions for firms to do successful business, including those from Japan.



The Vietnamese Government highly values the role of the Japanese business community, with serious and responsible investors who contribute to the State budget, pay attention to environment protection and care for workers, he said.



According to him, the Vietnamese legislature adopted the Law on Investment, the amended Law on Enterprises, the Law on Public-Private Partnership with a number of incentives.



He stressed that with a population of nearly 100 million and being part of the dynamic 650 million-strong bloc of ASEAN, Vietnam is big enough for business plans and suitable for restructuring, shift of regional and global supply chains by foreign investors, especially those from Japan.



The leader informed that a working group in charge of promoting foreign investment cooperation led by a Deputy PM has been established in order to catch opportunities and deal with major investors suggestions.



The PM also directed resuming commercial flights to several safe destinations, including Japan.



Vietnam always welcomes Japanese firms to expand investment in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, high-quality agriculture, information technology, smart urban development, financial and banking services, innovation-based start-up, as well as in joining the equitisation of State-owned enterprises as strategic partners, he said.



The Vietnamese Government, leaders of ministries, agencies and localities will stand side by side with the business community, offer all possible support to business operations to lift Vietnam-Japan ties to a greater height, he added.



Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio, for his part, said over the past two decades, the Vietnamese economy has grown rapidly and ties between Vietnam and Japan have become deeper.



He added that while countries are battling with COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam has soon recovered and directly benefited from diversified supply chains in the world.



According to him, a number of Japanese firms are considering a shift of production facilities to Vietnam. He hoped that Vietnam will catch this opportunity.



The ambassador also expressed his support for the resumption of flights between the two nations, thus improving disbursement for public projects at present, attracting more foreign investors to Vietnam, and improving Vietnams credit rankings.



He affirmed that Japan will continue assisting firms in investing in Vietnam as well as helping the Southeast Asian nation develop its economy in the new normal condition.



The Japanese firms also mentioned issues in investment cooperation with Vietnam such as human resources, support industry, research and development, among others.



The Vietnamese PM asked ministries, agencies and localities to promptly tackle difficulties faced by businesses and vowed all possible support to Japanese business operations.
KITCHENER  Teachers at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Elementary School were outside, welcoming students back to school for the first time in about six months.

Everybodys coming with a little bit of trepidation a little bit of anxious feelings (but) theyre excited, said principal Jeff Dinner, as he watched families of Grade 1 and 2 students nervously come to school on Tuesday morning.

A large sign outside the school reads: Socially distanced, spiritually together. Welcome back!

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board opted for a staggered start to the year. On Tuesday Grade 1 and 2 students were first to attend school in person. They will be joined by two more grades each day of the week until students in kindergarten to 8 are all in school on Friday.

Kindergarten students also have a staggered start this week.

Its been six months since COVID-19 forced the closure of schools. Facing a whole new kind of school year, parents and students were early to school and wearing their masks Tuesday morning.

Grade 1 student Caleb Sisi Ilagan had a bright blue Sponge Bob mask. Standing with his mom Caterina Sisi, he said he is excited to see all his friends.

Im hoping theyll be OK, said Sisi. Im a little nervous because they get sick lots.

I hope they go a full year and have normal life finally.

Kelly Roberts made sure her daughter Brooklyn had hand sanitizer and masks in her backpack for her first day back to school.

Brooklyn is in Grade 2 this year.

Its been so long, said Roberts, standing in the schoolyard with Brooklyn. Were just really excited to see our old friends.

Students lined up outside on the pavement and were shown how to keep their distance from one another using the length of their arms. Teachers then directed students into their classrooms.

Even after 14 years of teaching, Grade 2 teacher Natalie Weinstein said she always gets a little nervous on the first day of school.

I think there wouldnt be a teacher out there who doesnt still get those first day jitters, she said.

She said its been a particularly challenging start to the year with new safety protocols to follow. There are large floor stickers throughout the school prompting students to keep their distance from one another, and desks have been spaced a metre apart in her classroom.

We usually have them sort of sitting in groups, said Weinstein. We know that having them work together is a great way for them to learn, so now we have to creatively think about how we can do that.

She only has 15 students in her class this year as some have opted to learn remotely.

Despite the challenges, Weinstein is glad the school year has started back up.

Im so happy to be back, she said. Its been too long without them in the building.

Elementary students with the Waterloo Region District School Board dont start school until next week. However students with special needs and English Language Learners will start attending on Thursday.

Both the English Catholic and public school boards in the region have been directed by the province to operate high schools on a hybrid model.

This means students are split into two groups or cohorts that will switch back and forth between in-class learning and remote learning.

The first cohort attending class in person at a Catholic school wont start until Sept. 14, while at the public school board the first cohort will start Friday. At the public board, high school students with special needs, or those in an English language learners program, will start Wednesday.

Both school boards are also running distance learning for those students who opted not to come back to class in person.
DNX Ventures, an investment firm that focuses on early-stage B2B startups in Japan and the United States, announced today that it has closed a new $315 million fund. This is DNXs third flagship fund; along with supplementary annexed funds, this brings its total managed so far to $567 million.

Founded in 2011, with offices in San Mateo, California and Tokyo, Japan, DNX has invested in more than 100 startups to date, and has 13 exits under its belt. The firm, a member of the Draper Venture Network, focuses on cloud and enterprise software, cybersecurity, edge computing, sales and marketing automation, finance and retail. The companies it invests in are usually raising "seed plus" or Series A funding and DNXs typical check size ranges from $1 million to $5 million, depending on the startups stage, managing director Q Motiwala told TechCrunch.

DNX isnt disclosing the names of its third funds limited partners, but Motiwala said it includes more than 30 LPs, including financial institutions, banks and large conglomerates. DNX began working on the fund last year, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Motiwala says DNX is optimistic about the outlook for B2B startups, because past macroeconomic crises, including the 2008 global financial crisis and the 2001 dot-com burst, showed founders continue innovating as they figure out how to make their businesses more efficient while building urgently needed solutions.

For example, DNX has always focused on sectors like cloud computing, cybersecurity, edge computing and robotics, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made those technologies even more relevant. For example, the massive upsurge in remote work means that companies need to adapt their tech infrastructure, while robots like the ones developed by Diligent Robotics, a DNX portfolio company, can help hospitals cope with nursing shortages.

"Our overall theme has always been the digitization of traditional industries like construction, transportation or healthcare, and weve always been interested in how to make the reach to the customer much better, so sales and marketing automation, for example," said Motiwala. "Then the last piece of this is, how do you make society or businesses function better through automation, and those might take things like robotics and other technology."

Story continues

The differences and similarities between U.S. and Japanese B2B startups

A graphic featuring DNX Ventures' team members

A graphic featuring DNX Ventures' team members (Image Credits: DNX Ventures)

One of the reasons DNX was founded nine years ago was because "Japan has very strong spending on enterprise," Motiwala said. The firm launched with offices in the U.S. and Japan and has continued to focus on B2B while growing the size of its funds. The firms debut fund was $40 million and its second one, announced in 2016, was more than $170 million. Motiwala said the $315 million DNX raised for its third fund was more than the firm expected.

U.S. B2B startups tend to think about global expansion at an earlier stage than their Japanese counterparts, but that has started to change, he said, and many Japanese B2B companies launch with an eye on expanding into different countries. Instead of the U.S. or Europe, however, they tend to focus on Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, or Taiwan. Another difference is that U.S. startups make heavier initial investments in their technology or IP, while in Japan, companies focus on getting to revenue and breaking even earlier. Motiwala said this might be because the Japanese venture capital ecosystem is smaller than in the U.S., but that attitude is also changing.

Examples of DNX portfolio companies that have successfully entered new countries include Cylance, a U.S. company that develops antivirus software using machine learning and predictive math modeling to protect devices from malware. DNX helped Cylance establish operations in Europe and Japan. On the Japan side, software testing company Shift, an investment from DNXs first fund, has done "phenomenally well" in Southeast Asia, Motiwala said.

In terms of going global, DNX doesnt push its portfolio companies, but encourages them to expand when the timing is right, especially if a U.S. startup wants to enter Japan, or vice versa. "We like to use the fact that we have teams in both regions. What weve seen more is the U.S. companies entering channel partnerships for Japanese distribution," Motiwala said. "It has been more difficult to show the same thing to Japanese companies, but at the same time what weve realized is that instead of saying they should come into the U.S., theyve done amazing stuff going into the Philippines or Singapore."
Take decisions on the spot, dont give PLA reaction time, Indian ground commanders told

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Sep 08: With the Chinese PLA indulging in aggressive posturing, the Indian ground commanders have been told to take decisions on the spot.

Officials tell OneIndia that the ground commanders have been advised to take on the spot decisions as there should be no time lost in reacting to the PLA.

The PLA has been aggressive in its approach and has been trying not unilaterally change the status quo at Pangong Tso.

The official cited above also said that the PLA has been provocative and wants a fight.

The Global Times reported that the Chinese border troops were forced to take countermeasures to stabilise the situation after the Indian troops outrageously fired warning shots on the PLA border patrol soldiers.

At no stage has Indian Army transgressed across LAC or resorted to firing: Official statement

The incident comes just two days before the meeting of the foreign ministers of India and China at Moscow. External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar who has termed the issue along the LAC as serious will be meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi on September 10.
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Belarusian, Russian and Serbian military forces will take part in joint military exercises in Belarus, the RIA news agency cited Belarus' defence ministry as saying on Tuesday.

It said the Russian and Serbian forces would arrive in Belarus from Sept. 10 to 15, without elaborating. Belarus has been racked by daily mass protests since President Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory in a contested election last month.

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Arlington National Cemetery will reopen to the general public Wednesday after a six-month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But its most visited sites, such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, will remain off-limits, the cemetery said in a release Tuesday.

Beginning Wednesday, the hallowed cemetery in Virginia, across the Potomac from Washington, D.C., will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to noon for visits to gravesites only. Face coverings and social distancing will still be required at all times, the cemetery said.

Read next: Troops, DoD Civilians Won't Be Able to Opt Out of Payroll Tax Deferral Plan

However, "several places of interest will remain closed to assure health protection conditions," it added. "These sites include the John F. Kennedy gravesite, the Memorial Amphitheater and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier."

Exhibits in the Welcome Center will also remain closed.

"As conditions in the National Capital Region have continued to improve, our goal is to provide increased access for the public to visit a loved one's gravesite. We hope this limited reopening will better accommodate our visitors," said Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of the cemetery.

The Women in Military Service for America Memorial at one of the cemetery's entrances also will remain closed.

Arlington House, the former Custis-Lee Mansion, is the former home of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and Mary Custis Lee. Managed by the National Park Service and currently undergoing renovation, it will also remain closed to the public, the cemetery said.

The lifting of the restriction on the public is expected to lead to an increase in burials at Arlington. Many families of veterans eligible for burial there, including several Medal of Honor recipients who died in recent months, put off burial until larger gatherings could attend the services.

"Arlington National Cemetery staff will be monitoring all aspects of the cemetery in order to prepare for a full opening in the near future," said Charles "Ray" Alexander Jr., the cemetery's superintendent.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.

Related: Army Reviewing 'Confederate Memorial' Featuring Slaves at Arlington National Cemetery
Committed to conservation and tree planting, Established Titles has pledged their support to the Tree Charter, encouraging individuals and organisations to follow suit.

Started as a passion project by Katerina Yip, Established Titles today announced that they have signed the Tree Charter, an initiative coordinated by the Woodland Trust, the UK's largest woodland conservation charity. This establishes their unwavering commitment to conservation and tree planting, as part of which they will plant a tree for every Lordship and Ladyship Title Pack purchased through their website. Their vision is to plant 35 million trees by 2050.

Supported by over 130,000 people, the Tree Charter has been backed by hundreds of organisations, community groups, schools, councils, celebrities, and artists. Across all sections of society, more than 70 organisations and 300 local community groups have worked together to help people across the UK demonstrate the important role trees play in their lives.

"Signing the UK Woodland Trust Charter is a big step in the right direction. It shows our commitment to not only protecting and preserving the natural woodland but also maintaining its uninterrupted natural beauty. Keeping the land in its natural state and maintaining the beautiful landscapes has always been our highest priority. We are extremely delighted that we can plant a tree for every order placed," said Katerina Yip, Founder of Established Titles.

Established Titles allows customers to purchase a dedicated souvenir plot of land on a private estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The concept is based on a historic Scottish land ownership custom of referring to landowners as "Laird"; the Scots term for "Lord" with "Lady" being the female equivalent. Each pack includes a dedicated plot of land measuring 1 square foot, 5 square feet, or 10 square feet, a unique plot number assigned to the titleholder, and a personalised title certificate (digital or printed) with the name of the titleholder.

Providing an elegant and fun option for those want to purchase something a little different for themselves, friends and family, Established Titles intends on protecting and preserving woodland areas in Scotland for many generations to come. For more information, visit https://establishedtitles.com.

About Established Titles

Established Titles was founded to preserve the Scottish woodland, whilst also providing a unique gifting opportunity for those looking for something a little different. As part of their preservation efforts, they have pledged to keep their woodlands free from any other uses except for the peaceful enjoyment of the land, thereby protecting the biodiversity of the flora and fauna of the area.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005528/en/

Contacts:

Name: Katerina Yip

Email: contact@establishedtitles.com

Website: https://establishedtitles.com

Company: Established Titles
Matt Dillon was seen stepping out for another day on jury duty at the 77th Venice Film Festival on Tuesday - this time with his Italian girlfriend on his arm.

The There's Something About Mary actor, 56, walked arm-in-arm with actress Roberta Mastromichele, 44, as they enjoyed the sunshine of the Italian city.

The pair donned face masks for the walk, before Matt removed his to give cameras and fans a smile and a wave.

Man in black: Matt Dillon was seen stepping out for another day on jury duty at the 77th Venice Film Festival on Tuesday - this time with his Italian girlfriend on his arm

He dressed all in black for the occasion - skinny jeans, a V-neck Tee, a blazer and polished loafers.

He added shades to the look, as did Roberta.

She added colour to the couple in the form of a floral-patterned sun dress, with a buttoned front and a terracotta hem.

She ambled along next to Matt in white sandals and clutched a blue purse.

Oh, hi! The pair donned face masks for the walk, before Matt removed his to give cameras and fans a smile and a wave

Star: The There's Something About Mary actor, 56, walked with actress Roberta Mastromichele, 44, as they enjoyed the sunshine of the Italian city

She slung a denim cropped jacket over her bag - but didn't need it in the warm Italian climes.

She wore her brunette tresses loosely around her shoulders and chatted animatedly to Matt, through their PPE.

The Venice Film Festival is one of the world's oldest award ceremonies and is listed as one of the 'Big Five' events. It started on Wednesday and ends on the 12 September.

Covered up: He dressed all in black for the occasion - skinny jeans, a V-neck Tee, a blazer and polished loafers. He added shades to the look, as did Roberta

Though the event is still taking place, it is a markedly toned down affair to previous years amid the coronavirus crisis, with temperature checks and mask wearing becoming mandatory.

Matt joins writer-director Veronika Franz, UK writer-director Joanna Hogg, writer Nicola Lagioia, German filmmaker Christian Petzol and French star Lucivine Sagnier on the Festival's main competition jury, which is presided over by actress Cate Blanchett.

Strollin': She added colour to the couple in the form of a floral-patterned sun dress, with a buttoned front and a terracotta hem

Coupled up: She ambled along next to Matt in white sandals and clutched a blue purse

Dillon rose to prominence in the late '80s with roles in films such as the Outsiders and Rumble Fix.

In 2006, he received Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for his critically-acclaimed role in Crash opposite Sandra Bullock.

Since then, he has gone on to star in dozens of films including the gruesome flick The House That Jack built in 2018.
A disorderly couple was hauled off a New York City ferry in handcuffs Saturday after refusing to wear face masks, according to police.

Officers responded to Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park around 10 p.m. for reports of an unruly couple, the New York Police Department told McClatchy News in a statement. Their stand off with the captain of an NYC ferry began when the pair refused to disembark after being asked to leave for not wearing masks, the captain told police.

Authorities didnt release the couples identity but described them as a 53-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman.

Much of the incident, which lasted more than 45 minutes, was captured by WNYC and Gothamist reporter Jake Offenhartz.

Were being targeted. Were being shamed. (I spoke to the couple prior to this. Theyre planning to sue, and encouraged me to film.) pic.twitter.com/SRLG6kqiqM  Jake Offenhartz (@jangelooff) September 6, 2020

There was some finger pointing and some harsh words exchanged, Offenhartz told PIX 11.

Balking at the captains order, the couple argued they had a constitutional right to ride the ferry mask free and claimed medical conditions exempted them from Gov. Andrew Cuomos rules requiring New Yorkers to wear a face covering in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Gothamist reported.

In one video, the woman argued that she and her husband were being shamed and discriminated against by the ferry captain.

If we were (expletive) Black, I can guarantee you that guy would never come out and tell us put a mask on, she said, according to Gothamist.

Right, because Black Lives Matter, her husband agreed.

Both were eventually handcuffed and escorted off the boat as fellow passengers clapped and cheered, according to the New York Post. Both were cited for disorderly conduct and violating an emergency measure issued by the mayor, police said.

A representative for the NYC Ferry said the incident is under investigation, the New York Post reported.

The safety of our riders and crew is our number one priority, the representative told the newspaper. We sincerely thank the NYPD for their rapid response to last nights incident, and we greatly appreciate the professionalism of our crew along with the patience of our riders.
(by Stefano Intreccialagli)

(ANSAmed) - ROME, SEPTEMBER 8 - An ''activist'' art installation provides scientific data as part of reports and legal actions, videos and photos and digital maps to shed new light on what is happening along the migration routes of the Mediterranean to stimulate a critical regard on the phenomenon of ''militarization'' and the tragedies of Mare Nostrum. This is the objective of Liquid Violence, a video installation that is open to the public on September 8-12 at the Mattatoio in Rome as part of the 15th edition of the international festival of contemporary creation Short Theater. The installation is made by Forensic Oceanography, an art research project based at the Goldsmiths University of London, which unites aspects of art with scientific and juridical data to promote research on the phenomenon of the 'Mediterranean border'.



''It is called Liquid Violence because the waters of the Mediterranean have become lethal and, with these works, we try to demonstrate that deaths at sea are based on precise political decisions'', Lorenzo Pezzani, the researcher and codirector of Forensic Oceanography, told ANSAmed. The installation is mainly built by four videos that focus on four different shipwrecks in the Mediterranean. Along with watching the videos, visitors can see the archive of interviews on which the reports are based and a timeline narrating reports on the Mediterranean over the last 10 years.



''There are four investigations, in between academic research, investigative journalism and visual arts, which have been conducted from 2011 until last year'', the researcher explained. ''We trace the story of what happened in the Mediterranean over the last 10 years, starting with the Arab springs and that moment of border fracture in which people took back their right to mobility, until the present day, marking the ideal closure of a cycle with crossings that are once again very hard, landings that are increasingly difficult, rejections and many deaths at sea''.



According to the researcher, the investigations ''trace a route and look into a different border violence to understand the structural, political and social conditions that brought the death of thousands of people in the Mediterranean'', shedding light on these events.



Talking about the aspect regarding performative art, the installation vies to induce reflection on the ''aesthetic'' evolution of the Mediterranean border. ''Our work poses in particular an accent on change that followed the arrival of NGOs at sea. In our first works of 2012 and 2013, we often had to use satellite images, systems to remotely trace ships and data that are often part of the same surveillance of migrations'', stressed Pezzani. ''With the arrival of NGOs this radically changes and our work felt it because organizations have enabled to look and reveal in a more precise and punctual manner what was happening in the Mediterranean, as in the case of refoulements and shipwrecks''.



Reflecting on what is occurring today in the Mediterranean, ''from 2017 onwards we have seen a process of violent closure'' and ''there was a drop in arrivals in Italy''. Now ''numbers are absolutely ridiculous and most of all hide the true problem, which is that thousands of people are stranded in Libya and are rejected daily in the African country where they live in unacceptable conditions. That is the emergency, if there is one, not the few dozens of people who reached Italy's coasts over the last few weeks''.



Forensic Oceanography's ''work is created because we can't stand that thousands of people die at Europe's maritime border and that this is accepted and justified''.
A toothless Chihuahua named Kismet is giving dental patients something to smile about.

Each day, the diminutive dog heads to Corte Madera Family Dentistry in the Bay Area of California with her owners, Dr. Cameron Garrett and his wife, Debra Garrett. Everyone in the family has a job: Dr. Garrett is a dentist, Debra Garrett is a dental hygienist and Kismet is a dental therapy dog, who is available to snuggle in the laps of patients during exams, cleanings and even root canals.

While a few clients are fearful of dogs  in which case, Kismet stays behind a gate  about 98% of patients choose to cuddle with Kismet because so many people are anxious about having dental work.

The studies are very clear: People who sit and pet animals have lower blood pressure, and thats what it's all about, Dr. Garrett told TODAY. Quite honestly, as a dentist, Im as much a psychiatrist or psychologist as anything else. Kismet has allowed us to have another tool in our toolbox.

Dental patient smiles while holding Kismet, a dental therapy dog. (Courtesy of Debra Garrett)

He said shes particularly helpful with children, who enjoy interacting with her. One young boy has needed a lot of dental work over the years, and its been challenging for him. But since Kismet (and her predecessor, dental dog Karma) started volunteering to comfort patients, the child is a lot happier when he walks in the door.

His first question is: Is Kismet here? So it has really been just fabulous to be able to work with this child and see how the simple idea that the dog is there is going to make this so much easier an experience, he said.

Kismet travels in a green dog carrier. (Courtesy of Debra Garrett)

Kismet is a calm dog who never barks; shes content just giving and getting love. Her role has a special significance during the coronavirus pandemic, with both staff and clients under increased stress. With prevention protocols for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, and signage around the office, the environment can seem less friendly than it usually does.

Kismet has been wonderful about getting people back into the swing of things and feeling more comfortable with what is a difficult situation for all of us, he said.

Story continues

A dental patient in a mask holds Kismet. (Courtesy of Debra Garrett)

Because Kismet has zero teeth, the Garretts can use her story as a way to talk with clients about periodontal disease. After being rescued as a stray by Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, the nonprofit invested thousands of dollars into the 13-year-old dogs veterinary treatment, from extractions of her rotting teeth to surgeries to fix a hernia and remove a cancerous mammary gland, and starting medications for a heart murmur.

She was a fixer-upper, and they fixed her up really nicely, Debra Garrett told TODAY.

Kismet rests on a patient's lap during a dental exam. (Courtesy of Debra Garrett)

The Garretts adopted Kismet (formerly Pancake) from Muttville in August, about a month after the death of their beloved Karma, who worked as a dental dog for nearly four years at the practice. Karma was also a toothless former stray rescued by Muttville. Dr. Garrett said Muttville pets seem to be grateful to have love and attention in their golden years.

We found both with Karma and Kismet, they just want to be around people and have an opportunity to be loved and give love, he said.

Dr. Cameron Garrett holds Karma, his first dental therapy dog. (Courtesy of Debra Garrett)

His wife agrees and said senior dogs often offer the benefit of being calmer, house-trained and needing less exercise. For example, they wanted a dog who would be happy with short walks in between client visits, as well as a friendly, nonintimidating dog. Kismet fit the bill perfectly.

Related: Alice Mayn, inspired by a 12-year-old golden retriever named Lily, created a senior dog sanctuary and launched Saving Senior Dogs Week, which runs Nov. 4-10.

She just wants to be with us, she said. When she is on a patients lap, shes providing them comfort, but shes also getting comfort. Its hard for me to describe how nice it is for me to be looking at her too, while Im working. Its just a win-win all the way around.

Debra Garrett introduces Kismet to a patient. (Courtesy of Debra Garrett)

Though its sad whenever a pet dies, Debra Garrett feels a higher quality over quantity is the way to go.

Weve had dogs all our lives. Weve had the puppies, weve gone through all the different life stages of dogs, and this has been the best, adopting these older dogs, she said. Even knowing that theyre not going to be around forever, it just makes us not take them for granted. They are more precious. We enjoy the quality of life that we get with them.
08.09.2020 LISTEN

Ghana on September 4th, 2020 organised a ceremony of distribution of educational material by the Embassy of France to Ghana, at the Ministry of Education, for the six Colleges of Education that teach French and 41 new schools, out of the 50 in total, which offer the bilingual classes system.

That action takes place within the Project to support the strengthening of the French language in public education in Ghana (PARFEP project), funded by the Solidarity Fund for Innovative Projects from the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, with a budget of 520,000 implemented in 2019-2020.

This event was the occasion to hand over 58 computers with their headset, equipped with a language learning software to create language laboratories in each of the 6 CoE, and 41 projectors and computers for the bilingual classes system.

The ceremony gathered the Minister of Education, Hon. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Her Excellency the Ambassador of France to Ghana, Anne Sophie AVE, and representatives of the six CoE that teach French (Mount Mary College of Education, Wesley College of Education, Enchi College of Education, BagaBaga College of Education, Gwebaa College of Education, E.P. Amedzofe College of Education). Continuous actions despite COVID-19The continuity of the common actions have been ensured despite the current crisis.

Indeed, since March, activities continued mostly with the support of France Education Internationale (FEI) for the training of the teachers of Colleges of Education and the creation of French textbooks for the primary and JHS level, making Ghana the first country ever to benefit from remote trainings from FEI.

Together, Ghana and France, through the current project, have three aims:

- To consolidate French language in Ghanas public education system, while modernizing its teaching and assessment method;

- To build French teachers capacities and equip institutions dedicated to initial training (Colleges of Education - CoE) or continuous training (CREF, Centres regionaux denseignement du francais)

- To support innovative initiatives such (distance learning, development of smartphone applications, Ghanaian bilingual system).

A historical partnership The Embassy of France and the Ministry of Education in Ghana are historical partners when it comes to the status of the French language and Francophonie in the country.

France is committed to supporting education in Ghana through multilateral channels such as the Global Partnership for Education to which France is the 4th contributor, UN agencies and bilateral projects.

Ghana and France have been working together in the framework of several projects related to the teaching and learning of the French language in Ghana. Since 2019, they have collaborated on the PARFEP project.
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HONG KONG  Video footage of police officers in Hong Kong pinning a schoolgirl to the ground during a protest has set off a public outcry over the polices use of force amid a widening crackdown on political dissent.

The footage shows the 12-year-old girl walking in a shopping area in Hong Kong near a site where riot police officers were trying to stop demonstrators from gathering on Sunday. It shows the girl running as several officers approached her. A few officers gave chase, and one of them held her down while onlookers shouted in anger.

The footage shot by local reporters quickly drew a flood of critical comments on social media. On Tuesday, teachers, psychologists and social workers circulated a petition demanding an apology from the authorities and a call for the officers involved to be investigated. The organizers said that the petition had gathered more than 10,000 signatures after a few hours.

The petition criticized the polices tactics as an indiscriminate treatment of children who did not take part in protests. They warned that such tactics could plant seeds of hatred against law enforcement officers among children.
FILE PHOTO: The Boeing logo is displayed on a screen, at the NYSE in New York

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said Sunday it is investigating manufacturing flaws involving some Boeing 787 Dreamliners but said it was too early to say if it will require new inspections.

Boeing said in August airlines operating its 787 Dreamliners had removed eight jets from service as a result of two distinct manufacturing issues in fuselage sections.

The FAA could require inspections covering hundreds of 787 jetliners after production issues at one plant, a person briefed on the matter confirmed. The Wall Street Journal reported the potential inspections earlier, citing an internal government memo and people familiar with the matter.

"The agency continues to engage with Boeing," the FAA said Sunday. "It is too early to speculate about the nature or extent of any proposed Airworthiness Directives that might arise from the agencys investigation."

Boeing said Sunday "the rest of the in-service fleet has been determined to meet limit load capability, and we are inspecting production airplanes to ensure any issues are addressed prior to delivery."

Boeing said some airplanes have shims that are not the proper size, and some airplanes have areas that do not meet skin flatness specifications.

"Individually these issues, while not up to specifications, still meet limit load conditions. When combined in the same location however, they result in a condition that does not meet limit load requirements," Boeing said.

In the memo dated Aug. 31, Boeing told FAA that it had manufactured some parts at its South Carolina facilities that failed to meet its standards, according to WSJ. (https://on.wsj.com/33li4vp)

Such a safety directive could potentially cover up to about 900 Dreamliners delivered since 2011, the person briefed on the matter confirmed.

It is not clear how many airplanes may have just one of the two reported issues.

(Reporting by Manas Mishra in Bengaluru and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Steve Orlofsky and Lisa Shumaker)
Real Housewives of Potomac's Monique Samuels has hit back at co-star Gizelle Bryant after Gizelle accused her of perpetuating negative stereotypes about black women.

Gizelle's comments were in response to a physical altercation that Monique had with co-star Candiace Dillard, which will be featured in upcoming episodes of RHOP's latest season.

After Gizelle said that the fight took the image of black women from 'educated and fun to acting like animals', Monique offered a blistering retort in an interview with Daily Mail Australia last week.

EXCLUSIVE: Real Housewives of Potomac's Monique Samuels (left) has hit back at co-star Gizelle Bryant (right) after Gizelle accused her of perpetuating negative stereotypes about black women.

'She breaks down the black race every time she steps out the closet with the wardrobe that she wears and those wigs, so she has no room to speak,' Monique said.

The 36-year-old then brought up Gizelle's role as the ex-wife of megachurch minister Jamal Bryant.

'She is supposed to be a former first lady, someone who a person is supposed to be able to confide in about their issues and their spiritual journey [and] she brings down the entire black church when it comes to that narrative based on her actions so I'm really not surprised,' she continued.

'Misery and miserable people love to try and bring down people who are happy and at the end of the day we all have moments where we are out of character, none of us are exempt from losing control or having the need to defend ourselves,' she explained.

'She breaks down the black race every time she steps out the closet with the wardrobe that she wears and those wigs, so she has no room to speak,' Monique told Daily Mail Australia in an interview last week. (Pictured: Gizelle)

The mother-of-three claimed that Gizelle's response to her clash with Candiace was hypocritical, considering the fact that Gizelle was present during an argument between Robyn Dixon and Ashley Darby in season two of RHOP.

'When I hear her making comments like that I really don't pay them any attention because I do remember in season two when she took Robyn to Ashley's restaurant, which was a black-owned business, and she allowed another black woman to get in the face of Ashley and then proceeded to tell Ashley herself that "Charisse will drag you",' Monique alleged.

Monique added that 'if Ashley had reacted in such a way that could've been the first physical fight on the show. So, I tend to not pay attention to people who literally live a life of hypocrisy.'

'A life of hypocrisy': Monique said that Gizelle's response to her clash with Candiace was hypocritical, considering the fact that Gizelle had previously been present during a fight between Robyn Dixon and Ashley Darby in season two of RHOP (pictured)

Further responding to Gizelle's comments about her, Monique suggested that the EveryHue Beauty designer was taking advantage of the current political climate for her own gain.

'You see a lot of people, because of the climate, that will try and use black relations as a way to uplift themselves,' Monique explained.

'And my question is always, "Well what have you been doing for the black community and the black race and your own black people?" Everything about me is pro-black. I can't deal with clout chasers I can't deal with people who are complete fame wh*res, and that's what she is.

'You see a lot of people, because of the climate, that will try and use black relations as a way to uplift themselves,' Monique (pictured) explained, before adding: 'Everything about me is pro-black'

'She'll do anything to have some kind of light shine on her, but at the end of the day people are beginning to see right through it and to see her for who she is. She's just a very ugly person on the inside and she's to the point now where her outward beauty can't even cover that up,' she finished.

Gizelle first accused Monique of perpetuating negative stereotypes about black women during the filming of RHOP's current season, shortly after Monique's physical fight with Candiace.

In a snippet of the scene, which is featured in RHOP's season five trailer, Gizelle is shown saying: 'We have been able to hold ourselves above the stereotype, and in five minutes she took it away!'

'We have been able to hold ourselves above the stereotype, and in five minutes she took it away!' Gizelle (pictured) first accused Monique of perpetuating negative stereotypes about black women during the filming of RHOP's current season

Gizelle doubled down on her comments last month in a lengthy interview with In The Know.

'We all felt like the incident allowed the world to think the stereotype, when this show was breaking the mold of the stereotype,' she explained.

'So why on earth would you throw the stereotype in everybody's face when we've worked so hard to not be that?'

She added: 'Like, forget the show. I'm not that, Robyn's not that, Ashley's not that. Like, we're just not those women. So it was very, very hurtful.

'We all felt like the incident allowed the world to think the stereotype, when this show was breaking the mold of the stereotype,' Gizelle (pictured) told In The Know

Drama: Monique's (left) explosive fight with Candiace (right) will be featured later this season

'Take Monique and Candiace out of it. It was hurtful because it's like, "Hey, we've worked so hard for five years, blood, sweat, and tears for where we are with this platform. And I don't want to take this platform and throw it in the trashcan because you two want to act like nuts one night.'

Gizelle also claimed that her children were 'horrified' after learning about the fight.

The fifth season of the Real Housewives of Potomac is currently airing on Bravo in the U.S. and Hayu in Australia.

Outside of the show, Monique 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.
Ukraine no longer plans to change the law on education, but is determined to implement it in such a way as to protect both its own interests and the interests of other countries, in particular Romania, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said during his visit to Bucharest.

"As the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, I must act in accordance with the current legislation of my state. When the law on education was adopted, the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe made a number of comments to it. Ukraine amended this law and implemented the recommendations of the Venice Commission. We did not we plan to change this law more in order to meet the requirements of certain countries. However, we are absolutely determined to ensure the implementation of this law in such a way that the interests of Ukraine, and in this particular case, the interests of Romania, are protected," Kuleba said in a joint press conference with the Romanian Foreign Minister on Tuesday.

The minister made it clear that the Ukrainian side is not interested in the assimilation of Romanians in Ukraine, but is determined to improve their integration into Ukrainian society.

The head of the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine also said that "Ukraine is determined to resolve in the spirit of mutual respect for the national interests of Ukraine and Romania all problematic issues, including such sensitive issues as the issues of national minorities." "We respect the position of Bucharest regarding the protection of the rights of national minorities. I see that Bucharest respects the position of Kyiv on this issue, and we are ready to have a dialogue," Kuleba said.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Tuesday in Bucharest that if 2014, when Crimea was annexed by the Russian Federation, can teach us a lesson it would be that everything is possible.

The Ukrainian official participated in Bucharest on Tuesday in the Annual Meeting of the Romanian Diplomacy."When one looks at the map it takes only one second to realise that security of Ukraine means security of Romania and vice versa. We belong to very complicated region and, you know, you cannot escape geography. You have to learn how to live in the landscape," Kuleba said in his message to the Romanian diplomats.He spoke about the situation in Ukraine."You probably cannot physically observe heavy militarisation of Crimea, or fires shot in the in the east of Ukraine. You can definitely feel the implications of them for your national security. I assume you might be interested to know how to handle an aggressive neighbour. I have only one single advice to you - prevent! The sooner you take decisions and actions which strategically demotivate your adversary, the better your chances to prevail are. If 2014 can teach us a lesson, it would be that everything is possible," the Ukrainian dignitary pointed out.He also referred to the current situation in the region."I am regularly asked now, these days, whether I imagine Russian Army entering Belarus. And I respond, 'Guys, recall 2014! Everything is possible, even the most unimaginable. What may seem unimaginable today may unfold in front of your at the expense of national security and national interest tomorrow. Hence, my advice is - prevent! However high the price of prevention may seem, trust me, the price of failure to prevent will be much higher."He added that his country shows its will for a "peaceful settlement of conflict and constructive dialogue" and that "Crimea must be de-occupied in the interest of all.""Be the military attack on my country, cyber or disinformation attacks elsewhere, or the recent poisoning of Aleksei Navalny, it remains clear Russia is still thick with aggression and therefore the treatment should continue (...). One can hardly feel secure with an illegally occupied and heavily militarised territory within reach. Crimea must be de-occupied in the interest of all," the Ukrainian minister said.He stressed, along with his Romanian counterpart, Bogdan Aurescu, that "Romania's political leadership became one of the key factors that made NATO recognise Ukraine as enhanced opportunities partner. And, I would like to say two simple words: 'Thank you!'" the Kiev minister concluded.
Boris Johnson leaves Downing Street. (Getty)

The Northern Ireland secretary has admitted Boris Johnsons plan to table legislation to override the Brexit deal he agreed with the EU will break international law.

Brandon Lewis said the proposal will break international law in a very specific and limited way.

He added that there are clear precedents for the UK and indeed other countries needing to consider their international obligations as circumstances change.

Video: Northern Ireland Secretary on Brexit Bill

The government said on Monday it would introduce a new UK Internal Market Bill which could change Northern Irelands customs and trade rules post Brexit.

The EU has warned Britain its international reputation would be tarnished and there would be no trade deal if it tried to undercut the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement signed, in January in relation to the protocol for Northern Ireland.

No 10 said it was committed to the treaty but that it needed minor clarifications and a backup plan to support the 1998 Northern Ireland peace deal.

Read more: Pound's sinks as top UK lawyer quits amid Brexit row

Former prime minister Theresa May warned trust in the UK would be damaged if the country reneged on the deal.

In an intervention in the Commons, she asked how the UK "can be trusted" by its allies if the initial agreement was not adhered to.

She said: Given that, how can the government reassure future international partners the UK can be trusted to abide by the legal obligations of the agreements it signs.

Read more: Small firms call for Brexit transition vouchers amid negotiation deadlock

Theresa May warned "trust" in the UK would be damaged if the country reneged on the deal (Picture: Getty Images)

Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Louise Haigh called the admission from Lewis astonishing.

She tweeted: Absolutely astonishing that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has confirmed the government WILL be in breach of international law by undermining the Northern Ireland Protocol.

This seriously undermines our authority on the international stage.

Watch: What is the latest disruption to hit the Brexit trade negotiations?

Story continues

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick said on Tuesday unless the EU started to show more flexibility to help clinch a Canadian-style free trade deal then the government would be happy to leave the bloc without a deal.

"We want to leave with a Canada-style free trade arrangement  that's always been our preference  and we think that's still possible," he told Sky News.

But... if they don't show the degree of flexibility and realism that we want them to show... then we'll leave with the kind of trading arrangements that Australia and other countries have and we think that's also a good arrangement for the future.

The UK left the EU on 31 January but talks on new trade terms have made little headway as the clock ticks down to an October deadline and then the end of the status-quo transition arrangement in late December.
Ivanka Trump took full advantage of the last weekend of summer by soaking up as much time with her children as possible.

The First Daughter shared a few snippets from her fun-filled Labor Day Weekend on Instagram, posting an image of herself posing with daughter Arabella, nine, and sons Joseph, six, and Theodore, four.

In the image, the proud mom and her children are all dressed to the nines in their Labor Day finery, with Ivanka, 38, modeling a chic pleated skirt and matching blue blouse, while Arabella is dressed in a white lacy frock. Meanwhile her brothers are both posed up in smart slacks, blue button up shirts and loafers.

Happy families: Ivanka Trump took the chance to soak up some time with her children during the long weekend, with the mom even posing for a sweet family portrait with the youngsters

Musical: The 38-year-old First Daughter also shared a sweet snap of her youngest child Theodore, four, playing his guitar on Sunday

The only person missing from the snap - which was taken by photographer Toby Adler - is Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner, 39, who likely just returned from his recent trip to the Middle East and London.

The senior White House adviser traveled on a high-level delegation to the United Arab Emirates last week on the first direct commercial passenger flight between the two countries.

The flight traversed Saudi airspace following a US-brokered deal by the United Arab Emirates to normalize relations with Israel.

Before boarding the flight last Monday, Jared said: 'While this is a historic flight, we hope it will start an even more historic journey for the Middle East and beyond.

'This is a very hopeful time and I believe that so much peace and property is possible in the region and across the world.'

After his visit to the United Arab Emirates, Jared then traveled to London, where he met with UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to discuss the situation in the Middle East.

However Jared's apparent absence at home doesn't seem to have stopped Ivanka and her brood from making the most of their long weekend.

Let the year commence! On Monday morning, Ivanka and her children celebrated the start of the school year with cupcakes that were decorated to look like red apples

New normal: Ivanka suggested in the caption of her Instagram photo that her three children will be starting the school year off doing virtual lessons

Busy: Last week, Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner traveled to the Middle East and London (left), however by Tuesday he'd returned home (right) - just in time for the first day of school

Ivanka shared the sweet family portrait shortly after posting a candid snap of her youngest child Theo playing the guitar, looking happy as can be while perched on the floor in gingham pajamas, strumming the instrument.

By Tuesday morning it was back to business as usual for the family - who celebrated the three kids' first day back at school with some delicious-looking cupcakes.

The baked treats, which were decorated with red sprinkles and green leaves to resemble red apples, were topped with a sign reading 'back to school' - however Ivanka suggested in her caption that the children, who all attend Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School in Washington, D.C., will all be doing distance learning for the time being.

'"Back" to school,' she wrote alongside the photo.

Jared was pictured leaving the family home on Tuesday morning shortly before Ivanka posted her image of the cupcakes, meaning that he was likely there to join in the fun before heading to work.

The latest posts come after a busy Friday for Ivanka, who put her most fashionable foot forward when she left her D.C. home in a stunning green dress by one of her favorite designers.

The 38-year-old was pictured outside of the house she shares with husband Jared and their children looking incredibly elegant in a $1,280 Emilia Wickstead frock, which she paired with a simple black face mask.

Ivanka's dress was incredibly flattering, accentuating her waistline with a belt, while a pussy bow detail at the neck emphasized the overall elegance of the ensemble.

Elegant: On Friday, Ivanka made a very chic exit from her Washington, D.C. home, stepping out in a green dress by one of her favorite designers, Emilia Wickstead

Safety first! She paired the frock with a simple black face mask and gold hoop earrings

Busy! Ivanka later attended a campaign event at Brandywine Manor House in Pennsylvania, where she was interviewed about her father's administration

Ivanka, who failed to flash her usual wave for the camera, finished off the outfit with some chic nude pumps, and a pair of gold hoop earrings.

Her blonde hair was styled in very loose waves and left to hang down around her shoulders.

After leaving her home, Ivanka traveled to Pennsylvania, where she visited non-profit organization Blessings of Hope, before sitting down to discuss her father's re-election campaign at an event at the Brandywine Manor House.

Ivanka, who appeared to have had a blowout before attending the event, did a Q&A with political correspondent Erin Elmore in front of an audience of around two dozen people.

The First Daughter's appearance came less than a day after her stepmother Melania Trump spoke out to blast a book written about her by her former best friend and advisor, which made claims about a bitter rivalry between the two women.

Taking to Twitter ahead of a Be Best event at the White House, Melania shut down the book's claims as 'delusional and malicious gossip', while urging people to focus on the issue at hand - 'the nation's drug crisis'.

Controversy: Stephanie Winston Wolkoff's book Melania & Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady' was released on September 1

'This afternoon I will be hosting a roundtable with some incredible citizens in recovery & the amazing organizations that support them. I encourage the media to focus & report on the nation's drug crisis, not on delusional & malicious gossip,' she wrote.

For the past few weeks, there have been numerous stories about the publication of Stephanie Winston Wolkoff's memoir Melania & Me.

Wolkoff, who worked on the Trump inauguration and as an unpaid adviser in the East Wing in the early days of the administration, offered details on the tense relationship between Melania and her stepdaughter Ivanka.

The book also paints an unflattering portrait of Ivanka, showing her as eager to run the show and claiming she was trying take over many of Melania's First Lady duties.

'Ivanka was very focused on Ivanka,' Wolkoff writes.

The White House has disputed much that is in the book, arguing Wolkoff has some 'imagined need for revenge.'

'Anybody who secretly tapes their self-described best friend is by definition, dishonest,' Grisham told DailyMail.com in a statement last week.

'The book is not only full of mistruths and paranoia, it it is based on some imagined need for revenge. Wolkoff builds herself up while belittling and blaming everyone she worked with, yet she still managed to be the victim. Sadly, this is a deeply insecure woman who's need to be relevant defies logic.'

The book claims Melania plotted to keep Ivanka out of the photos of President Donald Trump taking the oath of office on Inauguration Day with her 'Operation Block Ivanka.'

In the book, Wolkoff details how Melania approved seating arrangements for the inauguration platform that would keep Ivanka out of the camera shot during the moment her father was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States.

Wolkoff writes: 'Ivanka texted me a photo of Barack Obama's swearing-in, his hand on the Bible, Michelle, Malia, and Sasha standing to his left. She wrote, "FYI regarding the swearing in. It is nice to have family with him for this special moment."'

Statement: Ahead of a Be Best event at the White House on Thursday, First Lady Melania took to Twitter to hit out at her former best friend Wolkoff's book

'Gossip': In her tweet, the First Lady slammed the 'delusional and malicious' stories included in the book - which claims that Melania plotted against Ivanka

But, instead, Wolkoff writes that she and the incoming First Lady launched 'Operation Block Ivanka' to keep the First Daughter out of the shot.

They took advantage of Wolkoff's position on the inauguration planning committee to gain advance information on how the day would play out in order to make their scheme work.

Wolkoff, a former Met Gala planner and personal friend of Melania's, was tapped to help produce Inauguration Day and the events surrounding it.

Using her position, she had an executive of her company, WIS Media Partners, take detailed notes on the inauguration platform at the U.S. Capitol building during one of the walk throughs that proceed such events.

Walkthroughs allow organizers and staff of the attendees to do a practice run of how the day will play out. It allows all the details of the day to be worked out: what time people arrive and in what order, where they will sit, and how the day will play out in precise order.

Using the detailed sketch her employee drew up of the platform on the East Front of the Capitol, where Trump was sworn in with his family and VIP guests behind him, Melania and Wolkoff were able to work out where the cameras would be located on and how the chairs for the family should be positioned to get the images they wanted.

'Using his sketch, we were able to figure out whose face would be visible when Donald and Melania sat in their seats, and then when the family stood with Chief Justice John Roberts for Donald to take the oath of office,' Wolkoff wrote.

'If Ivanka was not on the aisle, her face would be hidden while she was seated. For the standing part, we put Barron between Donald and Melania.'

Melania and Wolkoff then arranged for Donald Trump Jr., the President's oldest son, to be stand next to Melania instead of Ivanka, further keeping her out of the shot.

Wolkoff blames 'exhaustion and stress' for some of the drama but also acknowledges the pettiness of it.

'Yes, Operation Block Ivanka was petty. Melania was in on this mission. But in our minds, Ivanka shouldn't have made herself the center of attention in her father's inauguration,' she wrote.

She notes their Operation Block Ivanka was a result of the first daughter trying to control the schedule for inauguration day and make sure her family - husband Jared and their three children - had prominent positions on the big day.

'It was Donald's inauguration, not Ivanka's. But no one was brave enough to tell her that. Melania was not thrilled about Ivanka's steering the schedule and would not allow it. Neither was she happy to hear that Ivanka insisted on walking in the Pennsylvania Avenue parade with her children,' she noted.

Wolkoff's book gives legitimacy to years of talk of a rivalry between Melania and Ivanka that has accumulated in an intense, competitive relationship between the two women.

The two most prominent women in President Trump's life - his wife and his eldest daughter - have little overlap in the White House complex.

Ivanka, who serves as an adviser to her father, has an office in the West Wing while Melania works out of the East Wing on the opposite side of the building.

They have never hosted a joint initiative or event, and the two women are rarely seen together at events.
Coronavirus cases were at least three times higher than the Government was reporting at the height of the UK's crisis, data suggests.

Analysis of thousands of GP appointment records show there were 8,985 suspected Covid-19 cases between February 14 and April 30.

This is the number of people who family doctors thought had Covid, but could not diagnose them without a test.

It was triple the number of people who tested positive at Government swabbing centres over that same time period.

People who were suspected of having coronavirus before May were told to self-isolate and were not always given a test.

Swabs were reserved for hospital patients, the most ill, due to a shortage at the time and only NHS and care home workers were invited to drive-through centres for a test. It means the true scale of the outbreak remains a mystery to this day.

The latest analysis, by researchers from the Queen Mary University in London, only looked at suspected patients in parts of the capital.

It means the study likely only scratches the surface of the true number of infections at the time.

Analysis of thousands of GP appointment records show there were 8,985 suspected Covid-19 cases between February 14 and April 30. Patients with dementia were seven times more at risk of visiting their GP with suspected coronavirus (file)

Loss of appetite could be a sign of coronavirus in childre If your child brings home an uneaten packed lunch it could be a sign of coronavirus, scientists have warned. More than a third of school-aged children with the disease suffer from a loss of appetite that prompts them to skip meals. Parents and teachers are now being warned to look out for lesser-known symptoms of the disease as schools go back and the risk of infection goes up. A team from King's College London have been monitoring hundreds of infected children using a Covid-19 symptom tracker mobile app. They found the majority of youngsters who test positive do not show classic signs of the virus, such as a persistent cough, fever or loss of smell. They instead found most youngsters with the virus tended to skip meals, suffer headaches and feel exhausted. The app also found one in six under-18s break out in skin rashes that are usually very itchy. The NHS currently only advises people get a test if they have a fever, a continuous cough and a loss of smell or taste. Advertisement

Researchers looked at data from the primary care records of about 1.2 million adults registered with 157 practices in four east London clinical commissioning groups in Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, and Waltham Forest.

The four boroughs studied have went on to suffer some of the highest death rates in the country, meaning community transmission was likely rife at the time.

The researchers also found that black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) adults were twice as likely to present with suspected coronavirus than white adults.

BAME people have been disproportionately affected by the disease during the crisis, both in terms of infections and death rates.

Experts can't pinpoint exactly why this is the case, but it could be down to the fact ethnic minorities are more likely to be poor, use public transport more often and work in public-facing jobs - all three of which make them more prone to interacting with strangers and catching the disease.

Patients with dementia were seven times more at risk of visiting their GP with suspected coronavirus, the records showed.

Older people have been the worst-hit by the virus and so they likely fell ill enough to have symptoms and go to their doctor.

Younger people probably caught the virus at the same rate, but most only experienced mild or no side effects.

Unlike other studies, the latest research found that women were 'slightly' more likely to go to their GP with suspected Covid-19 compared to men.

This goes against a mountain of data showing men are about twice as likely to fall unwell with the virus.

The researchers, led by Dr Sally Hull, from Queen's, could not explain finding, but it may be that men were more likely to fall seriously unwell with Covid-19 and need hospital treatment, whereas women experienced mild illness and only went to their GP.

Pictured is the raw data for new cases in each age bracket over August, showing females aged 20 to 30 make up the majority of cases

Data from Public Health England shows that more than 40 per cent of coronavirus tests done in hospitals were positive in March and April but this has now plummeted and remains below 2.5 per cent in both hospitals and the community. This shows that there remains only a small proportion of people with the symptoms of coronavirus who actually have it

Dr Hull said: 'Our results suggest that Covid-19 prevalence during the peak of the epidemic was higher than previously thought.

'The official Covid-19 test statistics are likely to have under-represented the extent of the epidemic, as many people with Covid-19 would not have been tested, including those with milder symptoms or those who could not access testing centres.'

'The high prevalence among BAME patients remains a big concern and we now know that ethnicity is still a risk factor even after you take account of social deprivation, long-term conditions and body mass index.

'So there is something else driving this, which urgently requires more research.'



Dr Hull said, moving forward, GPs need 'timely reporting' of test results to their practices and diagnostic information from NHS 111 to ensure patients with more severe episodes receive continuing care.

She said: 'It's going to be very important how GPs record and manage cases in their community, as this can provide an early warning system if cases are rising again in an area and if we're about to see a second wave of infection.'

The results of the study have been published in the British Journal of General Practice.
Sourcing Industry Group (SIG) and ENGAIZ announce a Strategic Partnership

Sourcing Industry Group (SIG) and ENGAIZ announce a Strategic Partnership

Sourcing Industry Group (SIG) and ENGAIZ announce a Strategic Partnership

SIG and ENGAIZ team up to leverage AI technologies to help enterprises strengthen relationships, mitigate risks, control costs, drive performance and ignite innovation with their third-party suppliers in the world of 'new normal'.

TORONTO, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ENGAIZ a North American technology start-up with offices in Toronto and New York today announced a strategic partnership with Sourcing Industry Group (SIG) the premier global sourcing association that provides thought leadership, networking and training opportunities to executives in sourcing, procurement, risk and outsourcing from Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies.

As part of this partnership, SIG and ENGAIZ will promote a new 'mind-set' and 'technology-set' change, an approach they call 'the Art and Science of Engagement' when dealing with third party relationships. The partnership will offer a practical approach to transforming and fast-tracking maturity of an organization's Third-Party Governance & Risk Management (TPGRM) program leveraging ENGAIZ's ground-breaking new AI-Driven Integrated Third-Party Engagement platform.

"We truly are impressed with ENGAIZ's unique value proposition for organizations looking to manage, govern and mitigate third-party risks," says Dawn Tiura, President and CEO of SIG. "This partnership will provide SIG buy-side members with an opportunity that's not available anywhere else, a virtual transformation workshop that enables their company to build and fast-track a successful Third-Party Governance & Risk Management Program."

The partnership will help SIG buy-side members gain exclusive discounted access to ENGAIZ's platform  a timely arrangement that is expected to help many organizations struggling to deal with their third-party risk management program. The ENGAIZ platform not only helps enterprises mitigate risks such as cybersecurity, data privacy, regulatory, financial, performance, business resiliency, but also continuously monitors risk exposure of third parties.

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"The global pandemic has put tremendous stress on the first-line of defense in dealing with risk exposures related to third parties. Many enterprises are now playing 'catch-up' and are awakening to this new reality that requires them to significantly elevate their game," says Jai Chinnakonda, Founder & CEO of ENGAIZ.

To take advantage of this partnership, SIG is inviting organizations looking to fast-track maturity, or currently facing challenges with their third-party risk program to join a four-week transformation workshop that offers a three-month proof of concept subscription to the ENGAIZ platform for a special member-only pricing.

To learn more or to register for the workshop, please visit: https://sig.org/engaiz-tpgrm

About ENGAIZ Inc.

ENGAIZ is a technology startup that firmly believes that effective "Human-Led Engagement", powered by AI-Driven technologies will help companies build lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with its third-parties. The company has a two-fold mission.

to help enterprise customers effectively engage and govern third-party vendors to strengthen relationship, mitigate risks, control cost, drive performance and innovation.

to help third-party vendors move from being a mere vendor to a trusted partner.

https://www.engaiz.com/

About SIG

SIG is a membership organization that provides thought leadership and networking opportunities to executives in sourcing, procurement and outsourcing from Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies and the advisors who serve them. SIG is widely known as a forum for sharing "next" practices and thought leadership through live networking events, virtual forums and a comprehensive online SIG Resource Center (SRC), which was developed by and for professionals in sourcing and outsourcing. The organization is unique in that it blends practitioners, service providers and advisory firms in a non-commercial environment. SIG is also the parent organization for SIG University , a one-of-a-kind certification and training program for professionals and executives seeking deep expertise in sourcing and governance for themselves or their teams, as well as Future of Sourcing , a digital publication which provides unrivaled content for the opinion-formers and decision-makers at the heart of the outsourcing space.

https://www.sig.org/

Contact

Jai Chinnakonda, Founder & CEO

ENGAIZ Inc.

Inquiries: media@engaiz.com ; investors@engaiz.com

https://www.engaiz.com

Ph: (888) 416-4497 (Toll Free);

Follow: LinkedIn and Twitter




The ban over forced labour allegations is an unprecedented move likely to stoke tensions between China and the US.

The United States on Tuesday will move to block imports of cotton and tomato products from western Chinas Xinjiang region due to allegations that they are produced with forced labour, officials with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) told Reuters News Agency.

The actions, which hit two of Chinas major commodity exports, are expected to be formally announced later on Tuesday by CBP Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan, along with five other import bans involving Xinjiang forced labour abuses in an unprecedented move that is likely to stoke tensions between the worlds two largest economies.

The Withhold Release Orders allow the CBP to detain shipments based on suspicion of forced labour involvement under long-standing US laws aimed at combating human trafficking, child labour and other human rights abuses.

The Trump administration is ratcheting up pressure on China for its treatment of Xinjiangs Uighur Muslims. The United Nations has said it has credible reports that one million Muslims have been detained in camps in the region, where they are put to work.

China has denied mistreatment of the Uighurs and says the camps are vocational training centres needed to fight extremism.

A suspected Uighur from Chinas troubled far-western region of Xinjiang, holds his son at a temporary shelter after they were detained at the immigration regional headquarters near the Thailand-Malaysia border in Hat Yai, Songkla [File: Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters]

CBP Executive Assistant Commissioner Brenda Smith told Reuters that the effective import bans will apply to the entire supply chains involving cotton, including cotton yarn, textiles and apparel, as well as tomatoes, tomato paste and other products exported from the region.

We have reasonable but not conclusive evidence that there is a risk of forced labour in supply chains related to cotton textiles and tomatoes coming out of Xinjiang, Smith said. We will continue to work our investigations to fill in those gaps.

US law requires the agency to detain shipments when there is an allegation of forced labour, such as from non-governmental organizations, she said.

The bans could have far-reaching effects for US retailers and apparel producers, as well as food manufacturers. China produces about 20 percent of the worlds cotton and most of it comes from Xinjiang. China also is the worlds largest importer of cotton, including from the US.

Abusive working and living conditions

In March, the US legislators proposed legislation that would effectively assume that all goods produced in Xinjiang are made with forced labour and would require certification that they are not.

In July, Washington issued an advisory that said companies doing business in Xinjiang, or with entities using Xinjiang labour, could be exposed to reputational, economic, and legal risks.

The Department of State also said it sent a letter to top American companies including Walmart Inc, Apple Inc and Amazon.com Inc warning them about the risks faced from maintaining supply chains associated with human rights abuses in Xinjiang region.

In an announcement seen by Reuters, the CBP said it identified forced labour indicators involving the cotton, textile and tomato supply chains including debt bondage, unfree movement, isolation, intimidation and threats, withholding of wages, and abusive working and living conditions.

The agency also is blocking cotton produced by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and apparel produced by Yili Zhuowan Garment Manufacturing Co Ltd. and Baoding LYSZD Trade and Business Co Ltd. It said these entities use prison labour from Chinese government-administered re-education internment camps. In addition, CBP is blocking imports of products made at the Lop County Industrial Park, as well as the Lop County No. 4 Vocational Skills Education and Training Center. The moves follow the detention on July 1 of hair extensions and other goods from the Lop County Meixin Hair Product Co.

The CBP orders also block imports of computer parts made by the Hefei Bitland Information Technology Co Ltd, based in Anhui, China.
Police said they were called to a home in Glendale Friday night with a report of a boy who had threatened people with a weapon. The boy reportedly ran and was shot by an officer after being pursued by police.
The $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions imposed as part of the 2017 Republican tax law is not causing high-income taxpayers to flee high-tax blue states, according to Carl Davis, research director at the progressive Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.

In a blog post last week, Davis said that new IRS data show that states including California and New York added a significant number of millionaires to their tax rolls from 2017 to 2018. California and New York saw more growth in millionaire tax returns than any other state in 2018, Davis wrote. Taken as a group, California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Illinois saw 40 percent of the nations growth in millionaire tax returns occur within their borders, despite the fact that these states are home to just 27 percent of the nations population.

But Politicos Weekly Tax notes that its also undeniable that traffic is more going away from high-tax states and toward low-tax ones and analysts on the other side of the political divide argue that taxes play a sizable part of such decisions.

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AmiBreached.com Every person has the right to know about their information exposure." Mandar Patil, VP Sales and Customer Success

The US-based cyber-risk intelligence company Cyble, Inc. today announced the formal launch of their data breach monitoring and notification service mobile app, AmiBreached. The android application has been released on the Google Play store where the customer can download the app with full benefits for free. Cyble is on track to release the iOS version soon.

The launch of AmiBreached app comes as Cyble continues to see numerous data breaches and at-risk activities in the deep and dark web scaling during the COVID-19 pandemic across various establishments.

The AmiBreached.com mobile application allows customers to ascertain their own exposure in the deepweb and darkweb. It provides -



An individual risk score based on their exposure in the deepweb and darkweb

Trending and analytics

Full data-view  so the users know what exactly is available in the darkweb

Search for mobile number (upon verification via OTP)

Add six more email or phone numbers along with the parent account (email or phone number)

Instant notification to the users as soon as new information is identified

Tailored recommendations

Cyble decided to make the formal announcement upon the successful testing of the beta release. The customer base of Amibreached.com is growing rapidly. It should be noted that the diversity of the data-sets on AmiBreached.com includes data breaches, telegram chats, cybercrime communications, chat messages etc.

AmiBreached.com provides users visibility of their personal information exposure in the deepweb and darkweb. Cyble is one of the market leaders in this space and monitors a number of cybercrime markets for nefarious activities. On AmiBreached.com platform alone we have approx. 100 Bn diverse records to date and growing, Beenu Arora, CEO and Founder of Cyble and Member of Forbes Technology Council, commented.

Every person has the right to know about their information exposure. Cybercriminals are evolving at the rapid pace, and consumers all over the world are baffled about the identity thefts, frauds and scams. A platform such as Cybles AmiBreached.com platform equips them with the knowledge so they can take appropriate mitigations against the threats, said Mandar Patil, Cyble's VP - Sales and Customers Success.

About Cyble

Cyble is an Atlanta, US-based, global premium cyber-security firm with tools and capabilities to provide near real-time cyber threat intelligence with operations in India, Singapore and Australia.

Cyble Inc.'s mission is to provide organizations with a real-time view of their supply chain cyber threats and risks. Their SaaS-based solution powered by machine learning and human analysis provides organizations' insights to cyber threats introduced by suppliers and enables them to respond to them faster and more efficiently. It has recently earned accolades from Forbes as being the top 20 cyber-security companies to watch in 2020.
In a humane gesture, Indian Army extended its arm of compassion by handing over yaks and calves strayed across the Line of Actual Control to China, said the Eastern Command, Indian Army on Monday.

The eastern command said that the Chinese officials thanked the Indian Army for the compassionate gesture.

In a humane gesture, the Indian Army handed over 13 Yaks and four Calves that strayed across the LAC on August 31 in East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh to China on 07 Sep 20. Chinese officials present thanked the Indian Army for the compassionate gesture, the Eastern Command tweeted.

The situation with China has been tense and India is continuously engaging with them at the military and diplomatic level, Army Chief General MM Naravane said on Friday, who visited Ladakh to review the situation.

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.

India and China are engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including the 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.
Homes in Bristol as the UK government announces plans to build more homes. Photo: PA

The UK government has announced a 12.2bn ($16bn) plan to build up to 180,000 affordable homes over the next six years, and promised more social housing tenants will be able to part-buy their homes.

Around half the new homes will be for sale, another 40% will be let at affordable and social rent, and another 10% will be supported housing for people with physical and mental health issues.

But charities warned more homes were needed and must be genuinely affordable to fix a housing crisis, with almost 1.2 million households on social housing waiting lists in England last year.

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick also announced changes to Englands shared ownership schemes, in a bid to increase the number of buyers and make it easier for homeowners to increase their share of a property. Housing policy is devolved in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

READ MORE: Britain warned its heading towards a housing bubble

The reforms will reduce the size of the deposit needed to get on the ladder, with the minimum initial share cut from 25% to 10%. The move will eventually allow more housing association tenants to buy a stake in their own homes.

Shared owners will also see landlords cover the cost of any repairs and maintenance for the first 10 years after they buy, according to the government.

The government called its investment in new homes the highest single funding commitment to affordable housing in a decade.

But a press release by the ministry of housing, communities and local government on Tuesday committed only to up to 180,000 new homes, should economic conditions allow.

The annual supply of 'affordable' homes in England, in thousands. Chart: Ministry of housing, communities and local government / Commons Library

Private developers, councils, and housing associations will be invited to bid for funding for new homes this week.

The new homes planned for rent will include a right to shared ownership. Jenrick said social rent homes were typically priced at around 50-60% of market prices. Affordable rents can be set at up to 80% of local prices.

The department said new home construction will begin from next year, with the programme running until 2026.

Story continues

READ MORE: UK house prices at record high after biggest monthly leap since 2016

Thanks to the range of flexible ownership options being made available, more families across the country will be able to realise their dreams of owning their own home, with half of these homes being made available for ownership, said Jenrick.

A separate consultation has been launched on how to raise accessibility standards on all new homes.

Polly Neate, chief executive of housing charity Shelter, said the government needed to go further, with the new Affordable Homes Programme only envisaging 36,000 new homes a year from 2021 to 2026. Around 57,000 affordable homes were built in total in 2018-19.

Achieving the step change we need to deal with the scale of crisis that we face will require the government to go further, faster, she said.

Neate also sounded the alarm over the affordability of shared ownership, noting a government survey found three-quarters of private renters had no savings at all.

Social homes are designed to be genuinely affordable, which is exactly what we need right now. Discounted home-ownership schemes are not.
The total investment for the pilot plant amounts to NOK 180 million. The project has received financial support from the Canadian government, the Quebec government and the city of Saguenay, reducing Elkem's net investment to NOK 60 million. The plant will be constructed near Elkem's production site in Chicoutimi, Quebec, Canada, with start of construction planned for the second half of 2020. Based on conclusions from the pilot, Elkem will evaluate the basis for a full-scale plant.

"Elkem is one of the world's leading companies in environmentally responsible manufacturing of metals and materials, and we believe that sustainable production is increasingly a competitive advantage with our customers. With this new biocarbon pilot plant in Canada, we aim to secure long-term access to low-cost, high-quality renewable biocarbon to replace fossil coal, and further improve our competitive position for a sustainable future. In addition, we see a potential for scaling up this technology to other industries  helping reduce emissions," says CEO of Elkem, Michael Koenig.

With the new plant, Elkem will pilot an industrial biocarbon process tailor-made for silicon and ferrosilicon production. Using climate-neutral renewable biocarbon instead of fossil coal as a reduction agent is a key part of Elkem's sustainable production strategy. Elkem already uses close to 20 per cent biocarbon in its production in Norway and the company is working towards increasing this to 40 per cent by 2030. Elkem sources 83 per cent of its of electricity consumption from renewable energy.

Elkem also sees a future potential for biocarbon technology to be customised for use in the steel industry, as a replacement for coke as reduction agent. The company is searching for partners for industrialization of the technology.

The pilot plant will source raw materials from local sawmills in Canada, including recycled bark, wood chips, sawdust and wood shaves. This will create new business opportunities within the circular economy and create new green jobs. More than 2 million Green tons (Gt) of potential raw material is already produced within 100 kilometres of the Chicoutimi area in Quebec.

"The Government of Canada continues to invest in emerging clean technologies that support the competitiveness of our forestry sector while creating a clean energy future", says Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, Seamus O'Regan.

"Studies have shown that biocarbon can perform even better than fossil coal in production, and at the same time reduce the carbon footprint. Still, challenges remain to make biocarbon viable at a large scale, including how to optimise quality, how to customise furnaces for biocarbon, how to sustainably source raw materials and how to minimise transportation. I am confident that Elkem's new biocarbon pilot plant in Canada will help us solve these challenges, by enabling close cooperation between people at all levels of the organisation, from the operators who run the furnaces to the plant management, the procurement team, and R&D specialists including our partner Pyrovac. Together, we can accelerate a sustainable step-change that is both economically viable and good for the environment," says Jean Villeneuve, Elkem's Head of Biocarbon Business.

In addition to the Canada pilot plant, Elkem remains involved in several activities related to biocarbon, in Norway and other countries around the world. This includes work to develop competitive and sustainable sources of biocarbon as well as longer-term R&D projects. In 2019, Elkem's plant in Paraguay achieved 100 per cent sustainable biocarbon in its production of ferrosilicon as a pioneer plant in Elkem and the metals industry.

About Elkem

Founded in 1904, Elkem is one of the world's leading suppliers of silicon-based advanced materials with operations throughout the value chain from quartz to specialty silicones, as well as attractive market positions in specialty ferrosilicon alloys and carbon materials. Elkem is a publicly listed company on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker code: ELK) and is headquartered in Oslo. The company has more than 6,700 employees with 31 production sites and an extensive network of sales offices worldwide. In 2019 Elkem had revenues of NOK 22.7 billion. To learn more, please visit www.elkem.com

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1249802/Elkem_BioCarbon_Plant.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1249803/ELKEM_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Elkem ASA

Related Links

www.elkem.no


Today the Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris unveiled plans for the development of a new 10-year strategy for adult literacy.

These plans are part of the recent programme for government which is called Our Shared Future.

The minister has tasked SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, with the development of the strategy and asked them to report back within six months.

Digital skills

Speaking today about the announcement, Minister Harris said:

One in six adults in Ireland has problems reading and understanding information, while half of us lack basic digital skills.

For many adults, this can be debilitating. It can prevent access to employment, or education. Or it can be a barrier to the everyday tasks such as helping children with their homework or reading your prescriptions.

Many of us believe access to a smartphone or an ability to use social media makes us digitally literate but we know half of us lack the basic digital skills needed.

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He said that these challenges been made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic which has "reinforced many of those obstacles". He said with today being International Literacy Day, it is important that these challenges are acknowledged and there is a need to try and improve them.

Meanwhile, Andrew Brownlee, chief executive of SOLAS, said:

Literacy and numeracy has long been a cornerstone of Further Education and Training (FET). 30m is spent each year to deliver a range of literacy and numeracy supports via ETBs, NALA and community organisations, as well as embedding digital skills development across most Level 1-4 provision.

"SOLAS is delighted to be tasked with leading the development of a longer-term strategy to address literacy and numeracy needs and the digital divide, with a cross-Government approach critical to its success.
A North Korean journalist reports on Typhoon Haishen which passed along the country's east coast, on location in the typhoon-hit city of Kimchaek, North Hamgyong Province, for the state-run broadcaster Korean Central Television (KCTV), Monday. / Yonhap



By Park Han-sol



A journalist stands in a flooded street, his umbrella helplessly turned inside out in the strong wind, as he continues an onsite report about the effect of Typhoon Haishen amid a torrential downpour.



With North Korea being hammered by consecutive typhoons in just three weeks, its state-run broadcaster Korean Central Television (KCTV) took the unprecedented step of having live onsite reporting and staying on air throughout the night to deliver nearly real-time reports of storm damage. Such reporting was a big divergence from the country's normally rigid schedule and style of broadcasting, where only pre-organized, overly-edited messages and images are delivered.



On weekdays, KCTV typically broadcasts from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. However, a noticeable change took place Aug. 26, when Typhoon Bavi hit the North's southwestern region. Throughout the day, multiple warnings from the State Hydro-Meteorological Administration were aired on the typhoon's projected path and its impact.



Instead of signing off according to its usual schedule, the broadcaster continued to air overnight, with typhoon updates on wind speed and affected regions in the form of "breaking news" repeatedly interrupting or appearing as subtitles during screenings of movies and other programs.



Real-time onsite reports were also given  reporters in soaked raincoats spoke about the typhoon's latest developments while finding themselves knee-deep in water and being battered by torrential rain in various regions including Pyongyang, Ongjin, Nampo, Sariwon and Wonsan. The clips depicted a disastrous mess of damaged houses and bridges, fallen power lines, and trees uprooted by the typhoon. Such reports are similar to storm coverage seen outside the regime, including South Korea.



KCTV's atypical broadcasting and live updates during its usually off-air hours took place again from Sept. 2 to 3 when Typhoon Maysak pounded the country and on Monday when Typhoon Haishen arrived.



As to the changes in reporting, Go Myong-hyun, a senior fellow at the Seoul-based Asan Institute for Policy Studies, said the North was trying to rely on a more technologically advanced and modernized system.



"It seems the regime is trying to show its people more modern scenes that are usually seen in other countries," Go said. "It is the Kim Jong-un regime's consistent policy: showing the modernization of the country and a vision of the future, portraying him as a leader who cares for the people."



However, he said that while showing the situation to the people may be better than blocking their access to information outright, it doesn't always guarantee transparency. "Like other authoritarian countries, it allows people's access to information but at the same time it can always manipulate and distort the information."





North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presides over a Workers' Party meeting in typhoon-hit South Hamgyong Province to discuss recovery efforts, Saturday, according to the KCNA. / Yonhap
Debenhams workers in Cork have initially been told by gardai they can continue their sit-in at the Patrick St store in Cork, despite their counterparts in Dublin being arrested.

The former staff claimed to have occupied the retailer's stores in the capital at 7am. The six arrests include the store's shop steward Jane Crowe, two other former employees and three supporters.

A similar protest is ongoing in Debenhams on St Patrick's Steet in Cork. Workers there applauded gardai as they left the scene of the sit-in, which saw them discuss the move with the demonstrators inside the building and leave without incident.

The workers have been offered just one day on top of the statutory minimum of two weeks per year of service. They are seeking a just settlement of 4-week redundancy pay per year of service.

Ex Debenhams workers entered the closed Debenhams stores in Patrick Street, Cork and Henry Street, Dublin this morning to escalate their action. Eight ex workers are in the Cork store - five from Cork, two from Tralee and one from thr Mahon Point store. The protestors have food and are willing to sit it out for as long as it takes for them to receive a better offer. Picture: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

The former employees have described the settlement offer made last week as an "insult" and have expressed their "extreme disappointment" at the failure of Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Enterprise Minister Leo Varadkar to present the workers with a fair offer.

Former Debenhams workers stage a sit-in at the retailers' St Patrick's Street store in Cork city. Picture: Valerie Conlon

St Patrick's St shop steward Valerie Conlon described as a "modest demand".

"The offer that was made last week fell far short of it. Instead of providing two weeks per year of service on top of the statutory minimum, the offer provides for an extra one day's pay per year of service. That is a real insult."

The Liquidators of Debenhams,KPMG, said that it was withdrawing its offer in response to the sit-ins.

In a statement, they said "Following the actions of certain people overnight it has now become clear that the offer is not acceptable to the former employees and others."

The said their decision was based on reactions from the employees and the likelihood that even if the proposal was passed by Mandates'' members it would not be accepted by many of them.

Mandate Trade Union said it is disappointed the liquidators of Debenhams Ireland have withdrawn their redundancy settlement offer and has called on all parties to immediately engage to find a satisfactory resolution to the dispute.

Gardai have arrived to the Cork #Debenhams occupation following arrests of those occupying the Henry Street premises in Dublin. Workers rights in Ireland are hobbled by laws designed to restrict effective struggle. Solidarity with all those occupying today  pic.twitter.com/r163lfN9yT  Fiona Ryan (@CllrFionaRyan) September 8, 2020

In response to the occupation by protesters in Dublin, Cork and Tralee, Mandate Trade Union said 152 days of frustration has manifested itself in direct action and that frustration is completely understandable.

Gerry Light, Mandate Assistant General Secretary said:

These workers have spent the last 152 days on strike outside their place of employment because their employer, Debenhams Ireland, completely discarded them. The law allowed that company to tear up the workers redundancy agreement and transfer valuable assets over to the UK parent company leaving their workers with nothing.

Former Debenhams workers protesting outside Mahon Point on Saturday. Picture: Larry Cummins

Protesters in Cork say that, at 6.30am, eight demonstrators, including two former employees in Tralee, gained access to the building on St Patrick's Street without setting off the alarm.

Ms Conlon said "We plan to stay here until Thursday afternoon. We won't be ignored."

Mahon Point employee Carol Ann Bridgeman said they need public support to get justic.

"Our fight is a fight for all workers and we appeal to the public to support us," she said.

A garda spokesperson said they attended incidents this morning at Henry Street in Dublin and Patrick Street in Cork. "Six persons have been arrested at Henry Street in Dublin for trespassing under the Public Order Act. An act of Criminal Damage is also being investigated. The six persons were detained at Store Street Garda Station and have been released pending further investigations. Gardai remain at the scene at Patrick Street in Cork."
Two inactivated vaccines for COVID-19 under clinical trial in China are likely to provide immunity for up to three years and may be available on the market by the end of this year, according to their developer.

The candidate vaccines, which are already approved for emergency use and are undergoing phase three clinical trials, have proved to be safe and able to cause production of antibodies in all volunteers that are effective enough to protect them from the novel coronavirus 28 days after they received a second dose, said Zhou Song, chief legal adviser of China National Biotec Group, which is a subsidiary of China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation.

CNBG has been recognized as a comprehensive biopharmaceutical enterprise focusing on human vaccines, blood products, medical aesthetics and animal healthcare.

Many experts are unsure how long a COVID-19 vaccine can protect people from the virus, with some suggesting the period could be less than six months. But Zhou said it is very likely the immunity could last between one and three years, based on existing research, including animal experiments and clinical trials, although sustained monitoring is needed to accurately determine the length of immunity.

"We have kept monitoring the first 180 volunteers, who received the vaccines more than five months ago, and found the levels of the antibodies for the coronavirus are still stabilizing at the peak, and there is no sign of them dropping," he said.

Although some subtypes of the coronavirus are mutating, research has shown the vaccines have been effective, and people may not have to receive COVID-19 vaccines every year for protection, as they do with flu vaccines.

Zhou said researchers have been closely following the mutation of the virus and found that the mutations have not caused fundamental changes to its genetic sequence.

In mid-July, data from an experiment by the company showed the two candidate vaccines are also effective against new strains of the virus, including the strain that caused the outbreak at Xinfadi wholesale food market in Beijing in June, and those identified in Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, he said.

"The two vaccines can cope with mutations of the novel coronavirus for a few years at least," Zhou said.

As an emergency measure, the two candidate vaccines have been approved by Chinese authorities for use by groups at higher risk of infection, such as medical workers treating COVID-19 patients and personnel going overseas.

None of the people who have received the vaccines in higher-risk countries and regions have been infected with COVID-19, which has proved the effectiveness of the vaccines, he said.

The company has established two high-grade biosafety workshops for producing the vaccines, and it is expected they will be approved for the market at the end of December, at the earliest, he said.

The current production capacity is 300 million doses annually, and it may be expanded to between 800 million and 1 billion doses a year, which can satisfy the demand from between 400 and 500 million people annually, according to Zhou.

Important weapon

Vaccination is regarded as the most important way to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. China has been leading the world in the research and development of COVID-19 vaccines. By early August three vaccines under research in China had entered phase three clinical trials, accounting for half of the world's total, according to the World Health Organization. In August, Russia announced it registered the world's first COVID-19 vaccine.

Although China has achieved success in fighting COVID-19, some experts believe the coming fall and winter will be a major test.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2020) - AWAKN Life Sciences Inc ("AWAKN"), the European psychedelic assisted psychotherapy company, today announces the launch of its Commercial Clinical Research Division.

AWAKN's purpose is broadening access to psychedelic assisted psychotherapy and integrating these services into mainstream mental healthcare in Europe across three business divisions of Clinical Research, Therapeutic Clinics, and Practitioner Training. AWAKN's Commercial Clinical Research Division focuses on sponsoring, designing and delivering existing compound, new indication psychedelic assisted psychotherapy clinical trials, for both for profit and not for profit organisations.

Dr. Ben Sessa, AWAKN's Chief Medical Officer, commented: "The world of psychedelic clinical research has been expanding at a staggering pace in recent years. It is unusual research that mostly comes from academic departments with private financial funding from philanthropic donations or private investors and a plethora of newly emerging small-scale psychedelic drug development start-ups - rather than from established pharmaceutical companies."

"Our mission at AWAKN is to ensure that research in this field is done ethically, in a timely fashion and always with a direct focus on bettering patient care and continually driving increased accessibility for the masses. We are also keen on focusing on clinical problems that are significant public health issues, not just rare or unusual psychiatric disorders."

"We are hugely excited about this launch of our Commercial Clinical Research Division, which enables AWAKN to work in partnership with both for profit and not for profit organisations to push the boundaries of psychedelic science and bring these essential medicines to the vast number of people who can benefit from them in these troubling times."

Professor David Nutt, Chair of AWAKN's Scientific Advisory Board, commented "The recent resurgence of interest in psychedelic medicine has been driven by neuroscience research leading to small translational medicine clinical trials. AWAKN's Scientific Advisory Board has world-leading experts who have pioneered this research renaissance. We welcome the chance to progress further studies in new indications in this new venture.

Anthony Tennyson, Chief Executive Officer adds: "This is another key milestone achieved on our journey to becoming the leading UK and EU psychedelic assisted psychotherapy company. 17% percent of Europe's population are affected by mental health issues annually so working with both profit / not for profit organisations to develop new clinical protocols will increase both the effectiveness of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy and the number of conditions that can be treated by psychedelic compounds."

About AWAKN Life Sciences

AWAKN Life Sciences is a UK and EU focused company that is dedicated to integrating psychedelics into mental healthcare. We work across three business lines of clinical research, therapeutic clinics and practitioner training.

More Information

Anthony Tennyson | CEO | anthony@awaknlifesciences.com

Dr. Ben Sessa | CMO | ben@awaknlifesciences.com

awaknlifesciences.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/63367
A Co Down farmer has spoken of his devastation after more than 2,000 of his pigs were killed in a fire.

Trevor Shields, who runs Glenmarshal Pedigree Pig farm in Kilkeel, said he was confronted with the blaze at the farrowing house after being alerted by phone around 9pm on Monday evening.

The shed housed 140 sows and their litters of piglets - around three weeks old - around 2,100 animals in total.

His son suffered burns to his feet after rescuing a family dog from a nearby shed and received treatment in hospital.

The farmer told how his son got the dog out "thankfully safe and well" but sustained "minor burns to his feet because the ground was so hot".

Mr Shields told the Belfast Telegraph yesterday the animals, which were large white and landrace breeds, belonged to bloodlines which stretched back to the start of the family business, which was established 45 years ago.

Four fire appliances attended the scene in Carrigenagh Road and worked to prevent the flames spreading from a shed housing the pigs to adjacent farm buildings.

The blaze, which is believed to have been accidental, was brought under control close to midnight.

Recalling the scene after rushing from Armagh where he had been at a meeting, he explained: "When I arrived the fire engines were already here. The fire brigade were here in eight minutes.

"You could see the flames miles away. It was devastating."

The pig breeder added: "There were (pig) bloodlines which go back generations, back to when the farm was started 45 years ago, that are now gone forever.

"It was devastating, totally devastating. This is my livelihood".

He added: "I have lost breeding animals I can't replace."

Mr Shields said that he had been told that the animals died quite quickly, mainly from smoke inhalation.

A forensic investigation is to take place today, Trevor revealed, adding that he believed the cause was an electrical fault.

He also praised the efforts of fire crew in halting the spread of the blaze.

"They need to be commended for that because they saved a lot of animals' lives by their sterling work," Mr Shields added.

Martin Healy, NI Fire and Rescue Service assistant group commander, said it was unfortunate that crew had been unable to save the pigs, and offered his sympathies to Mr Shields.

"The firefighters worked in obviously very difficult conditions, in darkness and underfoot, to extinguish the fire," he said.
MOSCOW/NICOSIA (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Cyprus on Tuesday that Moscow was ready to help mediate in any talks with Turkey over energy exploration in the east Mediterranean Sea.

A decades-old rift between Turkey and Cyprus, which is backed by Greece, has come to a head this year in disputes over commercial rights in the east Mediterranean, an area thought to be rich in natural gas.

"As far as your relations with Turkey are concerned, we are ready to promote dialogue, pragmatically based on mutual interests and in search of decisions, which will be fair and based on international law," Lavrov said at a meeting with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades in Nicosia.

"Russia considers any steps that could lead to a further escalation of tensions (in the east Mediterranean) unacceptable," he later added in a news conference.

NATO allies Turkey and Greece are at loggerheads over the extent of their continental shelves. Ankara also disputes the rights of Cyprus to explore for natural gas in the sea area around the island.

(Reporting by Maria Kiselyova and Alexander Marrow; Additional reporting by Michele Kambas in Nicosia; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Minister allegedly used influence for her son



Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae has denied allegations that she used her influence to get her son special favors during his military service in 2017. But her denial tactics have only deepened suspicions that her son, 27, surnamed Seo, extended his sick leave improperly with the help of his mother who was chairwoman of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) at that time.



The allegations emerged last December when Choo, then a five-term lawmaker, underwent her confirmation hearing at the National Assembly after her nomination as justice minister. In January she succeeded Cho Kuk, who resigned over mounting allegations about corruption and admissions fraud regarding his wife and daughter.



Much to the public's dismay, Minister Choo seems to be following in the footsteps of her predecessor, who is accused of damaging the value of equal opportunities, fair procedure and just results. If the scandal proves to be true, Choo cannot avoid criticism for trampling on the values President Moon Jae-in holds dear. It is shameful to see the former and incumbent justice ministers reveal their hypocrisy and double standards.



In South Korea, education and military service are the most sensitive issues that affect parents and their children. They are a barometer of equality, fairness and justice. Many powerful and rich people have tried to monopolize educational opportunities for their children. They have also taken flak for exercising their undue influence to help their male children evade mandatory military duty.



Choo appears to have sought favors for her son. Opposition lawmakers have continued to disclose new information and evidence that could prove her suspected role in the scandal. They have stepped up the offensive against Choo and her son, who served with the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division as part of the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA).



Rep. Kim Do-eup of the main opposition People Power Party claimed that an unnamed soldier who was on duty June 25, 2017, discovered Seo's failure to return to base and ordered him back via a phone call. Kim quoted the soldier as saying that an army captain from a Korean liaison unit came to his office and ordered him to list Seo as being on vacation.



Another PPP legislator, Shin Won-sik, revealed a transcript of his phone conversation with a retired colonel who was in charge of personnel management of KATUSA soldiers. According to the transcript, a Korean captain said that he received a call from Choo's aide asking if Seo's sick leave could be extended. This could imply that Choo's office pressured the captain to extend the sick leave for her son.



Choo also faces allegations that she asked defense ministry officials to transfer her son from the 2nd infantry base in Uijeongbu to the Eighth U.S. Army base in Yongsan, Seoul. She also allegedly asked the officials to pick Seo as a volunteer interpreter for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. If those allegations are found to be true, Choo may face charges of violating the Anti-Corruption Law.



It is hard to expect the prosecution to conduct a fair and thorough investigation under the supervision of Choo's justice ministry. The authorities should form an independent team to shed light on the scandal. Lawmakers need to consider a parliamentary fact-finding mission to lay bare the truth. Choo should not dare to cover up the case. Instead she must cooperate with the investigation, or accept growing calls for her to step down as justice minister.




During his 23 years as executive director of Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Jim Cornelius witnessed a lot of suffering due to hunger in the developing world, but he never lost hope.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 8/9/2020 (500 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

During his 23 years as executive director of Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Jim Cornelius witnessed a lot of suffering due to hunger in the developing world, but he never lost hope.

"I dont live with a sense of pessimism," said Cornelius, 65, whose last day on the job of the Winnipeg-based international relief and development organization was Aug. 31.

While things are not positive when it comes to world hunger now, "in the long view I have seen things get better, conflicts resolved, people go home. I remain hopeful and optimistic," he said.

Cornelius was born in Saskatchewan and grew up in Kenya as the child of missionary parents. He went to the Foodgrains Bank in 1997 from Eritrea, where he was managing a Canadian government food project.

During his early years at the organization, which is a partnership of 15 churches and church agencies working together to end global hunger, he saw a "definite decline in hunger."

In the last five or so years, however, it is on the rise again.

"For 15 years I was able to say things are getting better, but now that progress has been halted. There are more people in need of food. It makes the work of the Foodgrains Bank more vital than ever."

Jim Cornelius, who closed out his time as executive director of the Winnipeg-based Canadian Foodgrains Bank last week, says he remains optimistic about global food security challenges. (Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press files)

This rise is mostly due to conflict, he said, along with a changing climate that is causing more frequent droughts and storms.

Along with this is the COVID-19 pandemic; poor countries dont have the capacity or resources to respond to the losses in jobs and other economic setbacks, he said.

Yet he remains hopeful.

When Cornelius started in 1997, Angola was a main recipient of food aid due to a civil war that began in 1975.

"That conflict seemed intractable," he said. But the war ended in 2002, and now it receives no food aid.

The other thing that sustains him is knowing the Foodgrains Bank is making a difference.

"Without us, the situation would be worse," he said, noting the organization provided $42.1 million of food assistance to 865,731 people in 34 countries last year.

"That sustains me in my work. Even though things are difficult, Canadians are there through the Foodgrains Bank. We are a vehicle to reach out and be there for families in need."

Looking back, there are a number of things he feels good about from his time as executive director. This includes how Canadian churches are working together to address hunger.

"They may differ theologically, but all agree that nobody should be left out, that all should be invited to the banquet and have enough to eat," said the member of Winnipegs St. Benedicts Table Anglican church.

"We all have a deep sense that God does not intend for anyone to go hungry."

Last year, the Canadian Foodgrains Ban, provided $42.1 million of food assistance to 865,731 people in 34 countries, says Jim Cornelius. (Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press files)

He also finds satisfaction from a range of factors:

 how the Foodgrains Bank has maintained a positive partnership with the Canadian government, which annually provides a matching grant of $25 million, along with other grants for work in the developing world;

 the leadership role the Foodgrains Bank played in untying food aid  persuading the government to let Canadian NGOs use taxpayers money to buy food locally, closer to areas of need in the developing world;

 seeing the Foodgrains Bank expand its mandate beyond humanitarian aid to help poor farmers grow more and better crops;

 and seeing the organization surpass $1 billion in aid delivered since it was founded in 1983.

Another source of satisfaction was meeting supporters, including many farmers, across Canada.

"They have a longstanding commitment to this work," he said. "There was no better pick-me-up than to visit with farmers who support the Foodgrains Bank. I always returned from those encounters re-invigorated. It reminded me why I am doing what Im doing."

Hunger is not inevitable. It can be ended. It wont happen tomorrow, it will take time. We have to stay engaged and work at it.  Jim Cornelius

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Of Cornelius work at the organization, Mennonite Central Committee executive director Rick Cober Bauman said "Jim has brought a range of qualities to (the job). Significant among them I believe were a steady hand of leadership, deep experience with the Canadian churches as well as in in the international development community in Ottawa, and of course a commitment to the health of the farming community in Canada and internationally. We owe him a deep debt of gratitude."

Added Nicholas Moyer, CEO of the Canadian Council for International Cooperation, an umbrella group for Canadian non-governmental organizations: "Jim has played a critical role in the sector. He was really good at bringing people and groups from diverse perspectives together to discuss complicated topics. Crucially, he had a vision beyond the foodgrains bank for the health of entire NGO sector and our overall goal of reducing poverty and eliminating hunger."

Times may be even tougher for the worlds poorest citizens these days because of the pandemic, but as he leaves his role Cornelius is still hopeful.

"Hunger is not inevitable," he said. "It can be ended. It wont happen tomorrow, it will take time. We have to stay engaged and work at it."

Cornelius, who has been succeeded as executive director by Andy Harrington, will remain as an adviser to the foodgrains bank.

faith@freepress.mb.ca
Forty-some years ago, Chuck Grassley overheard a diner in a restaurant remarking that it must be election year because the politicians were in town.

I dont remember exactly where it was or who said it, but it impressed me that people think we only care about them when were up for election, Grassley said Thursday after completing the 96th of 99 county meetings of 2020.

So I started out in January of 1981 saying that I was going to get around so people couldnt say that about me.

The rest is history.

Its turned out to be the Full Grassley, a way of actually keeping in touch with people, the New Hartford Republican said about his record of holding at least one hourlong question-and-answer session in each of Iowas 99 counties for 40 consecutive years.

You cant have representative government without such dialogue between me and my constituents, Grassley said. The common sense and pragmatism of Iowans has endured and helped me do a better job of representing Iowa in Washington, D.C.

Select audiences

His critics, however, say Grassley isnt hearing from all Iowans.

His annual itinerary is heavy on meetings with county Farm Bureaus and local chambers of commerce, said Adam Mason of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Action Fund, which has a decidedly more progressive agenda than Grassleys.

After 40 years, its great that hes still getting out, committed to meeting with folks, said Mason, who calls Grassley passionate ... a fiery debater.

But the Full Grassley feels a little disingenuous, he said, arguing that Grassley is selective in choosing where to go and accepts invitations that limit input from those who disagree with him.

What weve seen over the last several years is that these meetings have really been set up and geared toward a select audience, he said. Oftentimes, it feels like theyre closed-door meetings.

Rather than getting a full representation of all of the issues impacting our communities, Mason said, it seems Grassley is hearing from just the ones who have chosen to set up the meeting  the view from the Chamber of Congress or the Farm Bureau, but not the full range of community concerns.

Going to the people

Grassley counters that he varies where he goes in order to meet with a cross-section of Iowans.

His meeting with the Delaware County Farm Bureau on Thursday was relatively low-key. The dozen or so people in Manchester mostly had questions about farm-related issues  dairy prices, protections for livestock producers and limits on meatpackers, help for young farmers and the problem with ethanol waivers.

Later he met with the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, Jackson and Clinton County Farm Bureaus and closed out his 99-county tour with the Clinton Regional Development Corporation.

Grassley recalled raucous meeting in Manchester that drew about 200 people a few days after the 2018 Parkland school shooting when he was peppered with questions about gun purchase restrictions and gun ownership as well as his 100 percent rating from the National Rifle Association.

He could do that in very county, but I never have (because) Ive always gone to a few high schools, a few factories, a few businesses, a few hospitals, a few service clubs because I think that theres a lot of people who cant come to me like the 200 people did who came to the courthouse two years ago. So I go to the people that cant come to me.

Gaslighting

Grassley is straight-up fibbing about his annual tour, according to Matt Sinovic of Progress Iowa, another progressive organization.

Over the years, each little mistruth and exaggeration has added up to build his phony legacy of transparency, Sinovic said. The nice way to put it is hes spinning, but more accurately hes gaslighting us all to keep up this myth.

Sinovic and Mason criticize Grassley for limiting his public appearances in blue counties like Linn and Polk.

Grassley claims his goal is to hear from all Iowans, but its been at least a decade since hes held a public town hall in Polk or Linn County, and he avoids a number of other large counties for public meetings, which would provide a tougher crowd for Grassley, Sinovic said.

No prescreening

But attendees are not prescreened, said Michael Zona, Grassleys communications director.

Democrats, Republicans and independents attend and have the opportunity to ask any question or voice any opinion they may have, Zona said. In Black Hawk or Polk counties, for example, Sen. Grassley accepts multiple invitations every year and holds several meetings, often dozens annually in each county.

Whether hes in Johnson County or Jones County, people who want to give Grassley advice find him. In recent years, groups have traveled to his meetings to ask questions and make statements, and to demonstrate outside the venues to convey their thoughts on health care and immigration detention centers, for example,

COVID-19 impact

Whats changed this year is COVID-19.

Unlike previous years, Grassley could not host open-invitation meetings for the general public because of the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions limiting gatherings to 10 and, more recently 50, his staff said.

Still, many organizations opened their doors to the public when they hosted the senator.

We all know that the pandemic doesnt stop representative government, so it didnt stop me from having my 99 county meetings because theyre necessary, Grassley said. Whether you have a big town meeting of 100 or 200 or whether you have a town meeting of 10, I still say the same thing.

But when no one shows up, theres not much he can say. Out of 3,960 county meetings since he started in 1981, thats happened just once.

Im not sure that I stayed the full hour and 15 minutes, but I must have stayed a long time to come to the conclusion nobody was coming, Grassley said, laughing as he recalled that meeting.

Political lore

Over time, the full Grassley has become a part of the Iowa political landscape and lore.

I didnt set out to set a standard, Grassley said, but I think I have a responsibility to set an example that Im one-half of the process of representative government.

Mason appreciates Grassleys willingness to meet with and hear from Iowans but faults his actions when back in Washington.

You know, I can recount dozens of meetings over the last 20 years that Ive been a part of, arguing about the future solvency of Social Security or even on points where we might agree that theres a problem, such as drug prices for Medicare, or the plight of the family farmer in Iowa, Mason said.

I think the frustrating part is that Sen, Grassley portrays himself as someone (with) common sense, but at the end of the day, when hes back in Washington, all too often hes kind of falling into that partisan political mold, Mason said. He leaves us wanting a lot more.

The problem with the full Grassley is that it ignores so many Iowans, Sinovic said.

Instead of doing what he claims hes doing and hearing from all Iowans, Grassley cherry-picks his favorites, as if his constituents were toppings for his Dairy Queen ice cream, he said.

Gold standard

Zona, Grassleys spokesman, understands there are differences in opinion and not everyone is going to agree with Grassleys views and actions, but that doesnt diminish the importance and impact of the Full Grassley.

No matter which way the critics try and twist it, Zona said, Sen. Grassleys annual 99 county meetings are the gold standard of representative government, not only in Iowa, but the country.

Erin Murphy of the Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau contributed to this story.

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The Telangana Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution seeking the Bharat Ratna, Indias highest civilian award, for late Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao.

The resolution was piloted by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao who reached out to the Centre through the Assembly floor, requesting them to honour the statesman. PV Narasimha Rao garu was the architect of new economic policies. His vision and reforms put India on a global map and paved the way for foreign direct investments," said Rao.

Rao again made a veiled attack at the Congress, accusing it of overshadowing the former PMs legacy. If the countrys first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is the maker of modern India, then PV Narasimha Rao was the maker of global India. He took over as the prime minister at a time when the country was in the middle of a serious economic crisis. But Rao displayed his speciality by appointing Manmohan Singh as the Finance Minister and brought in sweeping economic reforms through 1991 liberalisation policy," he said.

Apart from the demand for Bharat Ratna, the state governments resolution has also requested that the Centre install a bronze statue of the late PM in the Parliament annexe and rename the University of Hyderabad after him. The ruling government is already holding year-long celebrations across the state as part of the centenary birth anniversary of Rao who hailed from Telanganas Warangal and went on to become the first Prime Minister from a southern state.

While Congress Legislative Party leader Bhatti Vikramarka backed the resolution, Asaduddin Owaisis All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen(AIMIM) the assembly session, saying, Our party cannot support the state governments resolution seeking Bharat Ratna for Narasimha Rao."

The AIMIM maintains that the Babri Masjid was demolished during the tenure of Rao, who allegedly hurt Muslim sentiments and played communal politics by sanctioning a makeshift temple at the disputed site.
Pacific Gas and Electric workers stand along Highway 168 as the Creek Fire advances Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, near Alder Springs, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Helicopters rescued more people from wildfires Tuesday as flames chewed through bone-dry California after a scorching Labor Day weekend that saw a dramatic airlift of more than 200 people and ended with the state's largest utility cutting power to 172,000 customers to try to prevent more blazes.

Rescue helicopters pulled dozens of people from the Sierra National Forest through the morning, the California National Guard said.

California has already set a record with 2 million acres (809,000 hectares) burned this year, and the worst part of the wildfire season is just beginning. The previous record was set just two years ago and included the deadliest wildfire in state history, which swept through the community of Paradise and killed 85 people.

That 2018 blaze was started by power lines amid strong winds and tinder-dry conditions. Liability from billions of dollars in claims from that and other fires forced the Pacific Gas & Electric utility to seek bankruptcy protection. To guard against new disasters, the company last year began preemptive power shutoffs when fire conditions are exceptionally dangerous.

That's the situation now in Northern California, where high and dry winds are expected until Wednesday. PG&E said it has learned from past problems and will seek this year to make the outages "smaller in size, shorter in length and smarter for customers."

The Creek Fire burns along a hillside in the Cascadel Woods community of Madera County, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

More than 14,000 firefighters are battling more than two dozen fires around the state. Two of the three largest blazes in state history are burning in the San Francisco Bay Area.

California was not alone: Hurricane-force winds and high temperatures kicked up wildfires across parts of the Pacific Northwest over the holiday weekend, burning hundreds of thousands of acres and mostly destroying the small town of Malden in eastern Washington.

In Southern California, fires burned in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego counties, and the forecast called for the arrival of the region's notorious Santa Ana winds. The U.S. Forest Service on Monday decided to close all eight national forests in the region and to shutter campgrounds statewide.

"Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behavior. New fire starts are likely. Weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire," said Randy Moore, a forester for the Forest Service's Pacific Southwest region that covers California.

A firetruck drives along state Highway 168 while battling the Creek Fire in the Shaver Lake community of Fresno County, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Lynne Tolmachoff, spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire, said it's "unnerving" to have reached a record for acreage burned so soon. September and October usually are the worst months for fires because vegetation has dried out and high winds are more common.

While the two mammoth San Francisco Bay Area fires were largely contained after burning for three weeks, firefighters struggled to corral several other major blazes ahead of the expected winds. Evacuation orders were expanded to more mountain communities Monday as the so-called Creek Fire burned through the Sierra National Forest in Central California.

It was one of many recent major fires that displayed terrifyingly swift movement. The fire advanced 15 miles (24 kilometers) in a single day during the weekend. Since starting Friday from an unknown cause, it has burned 212 square miles (549 square kilometers). Forty-five homes and 20 other structures were confirmed destroyed so far.

A firefighter battles the Creek Fire in the Shaver Lake community of Fresno County, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighter Nick Grinstead battles the Creek Fire in the Shaver Lake community of Fresno County, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighters Nick Grinstead and Trevor While battle the Creek Fire in the Shaver Lake community of Fresno County, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Ryan Warren takes a picture from the top of Skinner Butte in Eugene, Ore., Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 as smoke clogs the sky from wildfires burning in the state. (Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard via AP)

A firefighter battles the Creek Fire in the Shaver Lake community of Fresno County, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Jim Butler evacuates from the North Fork community in Madera County, Calif., as the Creek Fire approaches on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

A Los Angeles fire department helicopter makes a water drop over a brush fire at the Sepulveda Basin in the Sherman Oaks area of Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020. In Southern California, crews scrambled to douse several fires that popped up. The largest was ablaze in the foothills of Yucaipa east of Los Angeles that prompted evacuation orders for eastern portions of the city of 54,000 along with several mountain communities. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Fire engineer, Paul Kahler, of Fountain Valley, Cailf., examines a melted light post where a structure was destroyed by the El Dorado wildfire near Yucaipa, Cailf., on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, A couple's plan to reveal their baby's gender went up not in blue or pink smoke but in flames when the device they used sparked a wildfire east of Los Angeles. The fire started Saturday morning in dry grasses at El Dorado Ranch Park, a rugged natural area in the city of Yucaipa. (Cindy Yamanaka/The Orange County Register/SCNG via AP)

Jeremy Hedrick holds his son Jeep as smoke from the Creek Fire fills the air in a marina, were campers were being held due to impassable roads, caused by the fire Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Shaver Lake, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters work to douse brush fires in the Sepulveda Basin in the Sherman Oaks area of Los Angeles, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020. In Southern California, crews scrambled to douse several fires that popped up. The largest was a blaze in the foothills of Yucaipa east of Los Angeles that prompted evacuation orders for eastern portions of the city of 54,000 along with several mountain communities. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Inelva Gonzalez, of Armona, Calif. kisses her dog SayD in a marina, were campers were being held due to impassable roads, as the Creek Fire continues to burn Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Shaver Lake, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Two men take out their belongings on wheel barrows during a mandatory evacuation due to the Creek Fire Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Auberry, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Debra Rios wasn't home Monday when the order came to evacuate her hometown of Auberry, just northeast of Fresno. Sheriff's deputies went to her ranch property to pick up her 92-year-old mother, Shirley MacLean. They reunited at an evacuation center.

"I hope like heck the fire doesn't reach my little ranch," Rios said. "It's not looking good right now. It's an awfully big fire."

Mountain roads saw a steady stream of cars and trucks leaving the community of about 2,300 on Monday afternoon.

Firefighters working in steep terrain saved the tiny town of Shaver Lake from flames that roared down hillsides toward a marina. About 30 houses were destroyed in the remote hamlet of Big Creek, resident Toby Wait said.

"About half the private homes in town burned down," he said. "Words cannot even begin to describe the devastation of this community."

A school, church, library, historic general store and a major hydroelectric plant were spared in the community of about 200 residents, baby's gender.

Explore further Smoke hampers rescue as California fires burn record 2 million acres

 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The Rochester, N.Y., police departments chief and two deputy chiefs announced Tuesday that they were retiring from their positions after a long weekend of scrutiny over the death of Daniel Prude, a Black man who died in police custody in March.

Mayor Lovely Warren announced at a City Council meeting that Chief LaRon Singletary would be retiring after 34 years on the force. In a letter, Singletary said he would not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character.

The events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity, wrote Singletary. The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for. The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prudes death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for.

Deputy Chiefs Joe Morabito and Mark Simmons also retired, vacating the three leadership positions for the department. City Council President Loretta C. Scott told News10NBC that Singletary would stay on until Sept. 28.

Activists had called for Singletarys resignation since video was released last week of the death of Prude, a 41-year-old mentally ill man who suffered asphyxiation while in police custody. In the 88 minutes of video, taken March 23, Prude did not appear to offer physical resistance to the officers on the scene. He was naked when officers cuffed him and placed him on the ground.

As he became agitated, however, Prude spat at the officers, who placed him in a spit hood, which covered his head and face, and pushed him facedown onto the pavement.

Protests erupted after the release of the police bodycam video.

Free the People Roc, the activist group that has been working closely with the Prude family, said it welcomes the resignations.

Our movement for justice is winning, and its because of this incredible community, showing up night after night, the organization said in a statement. Lets keep the pressure up until all those responsible for Daniel Prudes murder and cover up  including Mayor Lovely Warren  have resigned, taken responsibility, and donated their pensions to the families they allowed to be harmed. Together we have the ability to hold those in power accountable and bring an end to systemic police violence in our community.

Story continues

Rochester, N.Y., Police Chief LaRon Singletary. (Reuters)

Members of the Rochester City Council blamed the police department for its violent response to peaceful protesters.

It was very peaceful when it was over on Jefferson Avenue, where the killing occurred, City Council member Mary Lupien told Yahoo News on Friday. 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, Lupien continued. And when they started shooting the crowd with pepper balls, I turned around to walk away and was shot in the back.

Warren has also faced scrutiny, waiting until last week to announce that the seven officers involved would be suspended with pay and claiming that she did not become aware of the incident until Aug. 4. Singletary had said he planned to stay on in the post, and Warren had expressed her support, saying Sunday, I do not believe theres another person more dedicated to changing the culture of policing than LaRon.

Members of the community were critical of the department for concealing the incident when discussions of police reform were broached during the protests that followed George Floyds death in May.

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, Lupien said. 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.

On Saturday, New York state Attorney General Letitia James announced she would form a grand jury and conduct an exhaustive investigation into Prudes death.

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Manchester United have hit a roadblock in their pursuit of left-back Sergio Reguilon with Real Madrid reportedly insistent on a 27million buy-back clause.

The 23-year-old made his debut for Spain over the weekend after an impressive season on loan at Sevilla, where he featured in the team which beat United last month and won the Europa League.

Yet despite his good form, Reguilon is not in Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane's first-team plans and though United are keen on a 27m move, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the United board do not want to include a buy-back clause, according to Spanish show El Partidazo de COPE.

Manchester United are interested in a 27million move for Spanish left-back Sergio Reguilon

However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is troubled by Madrid wanting to insert a buy-back clause

The tweet details that Sevilla are not interested in permanently signing the defender, and he is behind Ferland Mendy and Marcelo in the Bernabeu pecking order at left-back.

As such, United believe a move is possible, though a buy-back clause is something they do not want to include in any such deal, as the Red Devils believe it could come to haunt them down the road.

Serie A side Napoli are also keeping an eye on Reguilon's situation, but United are the frontrunners at this stage despite the current stand-off.

Madrid players such as Dani Carvajal have previously left the club, only to be bought back a few years later via a buy-back clause.

Reguilon made his international debut on Sunday, starting in Spain's 4-0 victory against Ukraine in the Nations League.

He played 38 times in all competitions for Sevilla last season, as Julen Lopetegui's side won the Europa League.

The 23-year-old won his first cap for Spain on Sunday in the Nations League win over Ukraine

Yet Reguilon is not in manager Zinedine Zidane's first-team plans at the Bernabeu this season

The La Liga side beat United in the semi-finals - Reguilon played the full 90 minutes in Cologne, Germany.

Solskjaer is looking to strengthen his back-line, with Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams the current candidates for the left-back spot at Old Trafford.

Yet concerns over Shaw's injury history and fitness, as well as Williams' natural ability with his right foot, means United are keen on a fresh signing on the left.
By Azernews





By Akbar Mammadov

Azerbaijans Presidential Aide Hikmat Hajiyev has said that the establishment of peace in the region means the withdrawal of the Armenian troops from Azerbaijans occupied territories.

Hajiyev made the remark in an interview with Turkish Haber Global TV on September 7.

Hajiyev said that Armenia staged a pre-planned provocation near Azerbaijans Tovuz district on the border, 300 kilometres from the line of contact between the Armenian and Azerbaijani armed force in July. He said the reason for the cross-border provocation was two-fold.

Firstly, Armenia sought to threaten the east-west platform of Azerbaijan, the joint [energy] projects with brotherly Turkey, such as TANAP and TAP.

Secondly, Armenia attempted to capture territories and seize control in Tovuz.

Armenia was trying to create a new source of danger in the region by diverting attention from the Karabakh issue, Hajiyev added.

Hajiyev said that the cross-border provocation in July as well as the April war in 2016 showed Armenia the strength of the Azerbaijani army and the solidarity of the Azerbaijani people and the government.

Hajiyev said that Armenias policy of occupation and aggression against Azerbaijan has been continuing for over thirty years, with the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the seven adjacent regions remaining under occupation and ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijani civilian committed in those territories.

He also spoke about Russias weapons delivery to Armenia, saying that more than 500 tons of weapons and ammunition were transported to Armenia after the provocation in July.

We have not yet received an answer to our question about the purpose of transporting these weapons. We should also say openly that we have raised this issue before the relevant Russian authorities. But we could not receive an answer.

Commenting on the military training for women in Armenia, Hajiyev said that this testifies to Armenias policy of hatred against Azerbaijan and the Turkish nation.

We again recommend to Armenia and the Armenian people to look into the future without falling victim to such ugly propaganda and being a captive of the past in the 21st century.

The presidential aide also said that the Armenian diaspora organizations have recently carried out large-scale smear campaign against Turkey and Azerbaijan but failed in their attempt to discredit these countries.

Our joint activities, as well as our cooperation with brotherly Turkey in the field of media prevented such ugly propaganda. International organizations have made statements in support of Azerbaijan's rightful position. Azerbaijan's true voice was heard in the world media. This shows that we, as fraternal countries, should act together and more actively convey the truth to international organizations."

Speaking about the joint military exercises between Azerbaijani and Turkish troops in August in Azerbaijan, Hajiyev said that these exercises are carried out in accordance with the annual plan and are very useful in terms of military practice and in terms of serving peace, cooperation and security in the region.

"We do not set a border on the presence of a Turkish soldier in Azerbaijan or an Azerbaijani soldier in Turkey We support each other when needed, in the right place, Hajiyev said.

Furthermore, Hajiyev reiterated Azerbaijans support for Turkey over the tension in the Mediterranean.

Azerbaijan always stands by brotherly Turkey without hesitation, and this was also noted by President Ilham Aliyev. We see and are proud of Turkey's active policy at the regional and international levels, taking into account its national interests and the interests of its people.

He also said that Turkey's discovery of a natural gas field in the Black Sea was welcomed in Azerbaijan.

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.




Senior journalist and former IIMC Director General Professor K G Suresh was on Monday appointed Vice-Chancellor of Bhopals Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, an institution funded by the Madhya Pradesh government.

Professor Suresh was appointed to the post for four years by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in his capacity as the chairman of the General Council of the University, a state government order said.

Suresh is currently serving as the Dean of the School of Modern Media, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun. Earlier, he has served as the Director General of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) -- the countrys premier media training institution; and also as a senior consulting editor with the public broadcaster Doordarshan News. Suresh is a Member of the Academic Council of the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University; Society of Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata and Research Committee of Indian Council of Social Science Research.

He is also a Member of the Advisory Council, Delhi School of Journalism, Delhi University; Academic Council, Central University of Himachal Pradesh and the School Board of Abanindranath Tagore School of Creative Arts and Communication Studies, Assam University, Silchar.

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New Delhi: Top Bhojpuri actress turned television star Monalisa has a social media queen. She has a solid 3.6 million followers on Instagram. The stunner recently took to her social media handle and shared her desi airport look.

Monalisa wrote: Mein chali!!! #2020 you have been nothing more than A surprise... getting on plane exactly after 8months .... with my family... #Varanasi calling.... #airport #look Removed mask and Face shield and Gloves only for Pics ... Outfit: @ghoomarjaipur_Earrings: @jewellerybynmzz_creation

The actress has had the opportunity of working with almost all the Bhojpuri big shots in her movie career. In 'Nazar', she played an evil force named Mohana. And received immense adulation for her work on TV.

Monalisa was seen this year in 'Nazar 2' as Madhulika Chaudhary. She sure knows how to keep her social media fam happy and smiling.

The sensational star was seen as a popular contestant in the reality show 'Bigg Boss 10' and in fact, got married to her then-boyfriend Vikrant Singh inside the BB 10 house.
BERNALILLO  Sandoval County commissioners discussed which five physical projects the county needs to prioritize, with an animal shelter, body cameras for deputies and work on Paseo del Volcan among them.

At the virtual Sandoval County Commission meeting Thursday night, commissioners discussed which projects to prioritize in the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan.

The ICIP consists of projects the county chooses and establishes planning priorities. These capital projects are then submitted to the state for review and discussion. The legislators will decide how much funding to grant to the county in the next legislative session.

The county will submit its plan to the state Sept. 18. The ICIP covers the fiscal years of 2022-26.

As per the Open Meetings Act, discussion about ICIP must be held at the county commission meeting.

Sandoval County Manager Wayne Johnson asked the commission to discuss what the countys top five capital projects are. The commission will select its five priorities at the next county commission meeting on Sept. 17.

Commissioners were given a list of projects and how much funding has been spent on each, and how much is needed to complete them.

Among the list of over 40 projects is an animal shelter. The county recently moved a temporary animal shelter to the Sandoval County administrative campus in Bernalillo.

Johnson was tasked by the commission to plan a more long-term solution. The solution would be a permanent animal shelter estimated to cost $4.35 million.

The animal shelter, I think, is pretty much one of those items here I think the commission has made a top priority or at least a top-five priority, Johnson said.

Some items are mandatory, tying the hands of the county, he said. It is state law for all law enforcement officers to have body cameras.

The county will need to purchase more body cameras for deputies with an estimated cost of $724,000, since only some deputies have them now.

Other mandatory considerations include making voting sites Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant.

Voter sites are ADA-compliant with temporary solutions, said Director of the Division of Public Works Mark Hatzenbuhler. About $400,000 has been spent to date for ADA compliance. However, for county-owned sites, a permanent solution can be considered through the ICIP, Johnson said.

With senior centers not being used as voting sites due to COVID-19, other locations have been selected that are not as ADA compliant. County Clerk Eileen Garbagni said the guidelines to be ADA-compliant are strict, but the county Bureau of Elections is working with whats available.

I would say with this, that all the county is firmly committed that all voting locations are ADA-compliant, regardless of the strictness of the standards, and it is only this election that senior centers are not being used, said county attorney Robin Hammer.

Proposed county locations that need improvements to be ADA compliant are mostly fire stations and few senior centers, she said.

Commissioner Michael Meek, District 3, said the priorities, need to be projects the county can finish.

Getting the polling places ready  we discussed this last year, and we havent done anything. So for something like that, we should be doing it and completing it, he said.

Commissioner Kenneth Eichwald, District 5, agreed.

I have been here now going on four years, and we have had pretty much the same list the whole four years, Eichwald said.

Other suggested priorities include funding for the public safety communications system and work on Paseo del Volcan.

We are going to have to deal with the public safety communications system; that has been high on the list before, Johnson said. We have gotten some of that work done. It is nowhere near complete at this point. As you may or may not be aware, we had a failure of a microwave (radio) up to Cuba, which has been repaired but is not fully functional yet, as far as internet goes; so this is something that we are going to be chasing after for a while.

About $6.6 million has been contributed to the public safety communications system, and about $307,000 is needed to complete the system.

Paseo del Volcan is not a mandate, but I think it is important to the economic health and economic development in Sandoval County, particularly in the Rio Rancho area, Johnson said.

About $1.6 million has been funded for Paseo del Volcan, and about $11 million is still needed.

The list of county projects being considered will be attached in the online version of this article at rrobserver.com for the public to review.

To submit a public comment to commissioners, visit sandovalcountynm.gov, scroll down to the public comment section and click the tab Submit public comment.

At the next Sandoval County Commission meeting on Sept. 17 at 6 p.m., the commission will select its top five projects from the list. The meeting will be lived streamed at sandovalcountynm.gov, under Quick links in a tab called meeting videos.
WATERLOO REGION  As the fall semester launches, Conestoga College anticipates it may lose up to 3,700 students who are unwilling or unable to be schooled online after campuses closed to limit the spread of COVID-19.

This includes 2,700 foreign students who pay premium fees. Its estimated that disease-related impacts could erase $44 million in anticipated college tuition, 90 per cent of it paid from India or other countries.

The hit is expected to plunge Kitchener-based Conestoga into the red, not long after surging enrolment filled its coffers with surplus millions.

This will be a year like no other in the history of our college, Conestoga president John Tibbits said Friday in a statement to college students and employees. He sees a future fraught with uncertainty.

Waterloo universities also lean on foreign students to pay premium fees but say they arent facing severe enrolment collapses. The universities speculated last spring that up to 10,600 students, including 4,700 from abroad, might be unwilling to enrol in September.

The two universities would not reveal current enrolment as remote learning resumes online. Enrolment will not be finalized until November, they said.

Wilfrid Laurier University said in a statement that we dont expect that we will see the worst-case scenarios that we have planned for materialize.

Associate registrar Andre Jardin said by email that he is cautiously optimistic that the University of Waterloo will see as many or maybe more foreign students launch their studies this year, compared to a year ago.

The willingness of foreign students to keep paying big dollars to learn remotely is critical to campus finances, and to campus jobs that depend on students.

Students from abroad account for just under one-third of collective enrolment across three post-secondary campuses. But they pay the bulk of tuition, charged three to four times more than Canadians.

Waterloos universities had estimated that up to $171 million in tuition, needed to support 15 per cent of campus spending, might be at risk depending on how many students do not enrol this fall and winter.

Although classrooms closed in March to move studies online, Conestoga stayed partly open through the summer to complete hands-on training for more than 3,000 apprentices and other students.

It cost the college millions to provide masks, keep students distanced, and provide infection control. But students concluded their studies without COVID infections. This was an outstanding achievement, Tibbits said.

Some hands-on learning cant be moved online. Conestoga expects 4,000 students will be on campus at times this fall to learn in laboratories, shops and studios.

Tibbits said the college has managed its financial crisis by delaying building projects, restraining discretionary expenses, and cutting part-time and contract jobs and hours among support staff, faculty and administrators.

The federal government has sought to help colleges and universities get around travel restrictions by letting foreigners enrol from abroad and study longer from their home country without jeopardizing post-graduate Canadian work permits that put them on a path to immigration.

A late tweak to student rules last month opens a window for more foreign students to apply by Sept. 15 for visas to study from home. Conestoga hopes this may persuade 500 or more foreign students to enrol for online classes starting in October.

Under relaxed rules, students do not have to ever set foot in Canada to complete a one-year program that launches this month. Longer programs require half the time to be spent inside Canada, but students can study abroad until April.
Singapore MoH is planning to prioritize the COVID-19 vaccine for vulnerable or at high-risk individuals who are more likely to be exposed

Singapore's government is closely monitoring the global progress in the development of COVID-19 vaccines, and taking active steps to ensure that Singapore has timely access to an effective and safe vaccine when available. During a recent interaction with the media on 4th Sep 2020, Member of Parliament, Mr Leon Perera shared Singapore's strategic plans to deliver a potential COVID-19 vaccine to its population, upon its reach to the market.

Leon Perera, MP Singapore GRC said, MOH is working on plans for the administration of a COVID-19 vaccine when it is assessed to be safe and effective for use and has received the appropriate approvals by the Health Sciences Authority. This will take into consideration the characteristics of the vaccine, suitability for different population subgroups, and availability of the supply and other factors. Our priority is to protect individuals who are most vulnerable or at high risk from the disease, as well as those who may be more likely exposed to infection while working progressively towards a high level of vaccination in the population. We will need to refine and adapt our vaccination strategy as more clinical data from the various vaccine candidates become available in the coming months.

Singapore is actively pursuing the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines with a number of pharmaceutical companies while keeping abreast of the progress of the various vaccine candidates under development. Singapore is actively engaged in international discussions, such as with the WHO, CEPI and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi), as well as like-minded countries to look into early, fair and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines through the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility.

Additionally, Singapores Duke-NUS Medical School is collaborating with a United States biotechnology company, Arcturus Therapeutics, to co-develop a COVID-19 vaccine. The school supported the pre-clinical studies by conducting rapid screening of potential vaccine candidates for effectiveness and safety, and by conducting animal trials. Phase 1 human clinical trials for this vaccine started in early August at the SingHealth Investigational Medicine Unit (IMU).

Singapore is also participating in the discussions led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the multi-country Solidarity Vaccine Trials.
LOUISVILLE, Ky.  Yvette Gentry, a former Louisville Metro Police deputy chief, will take over as interim chief of the embattled police force Oct. 1 and says she is ready to "move the needle forward."

The 50-year-old Louisville native will be the first woman and the first Black woman in Louisville history to lead the force, she confirmed in an interview with The Courier Journal. She retired from the department in 2014.

Interim Chief Robert Schroeder plans to retire at the end of September after four months in the role, Mayor Greg Fischer announced Monday.

In an emotional speech, Gentry spoke to "all of you that urged me to take this position and try to move the needle." And she reached out to West End residents who have been at the heart of more than 100 days of protest over racial injustice in the wake of the March 13 shooting of Breonna Taylor by police.

Why were police at Breonna Taylor's home: Here's what an investigative summary says

"I'm not here just to help you unboard your beautiful buildings downtown," she said. "I'm here to work with you to unboard the community that I served with all my heart in west Louisville, that was boarded for 20 or 30 years."

She said the past four months have been tough on police officers trying to hold the line, as well as on protesters, adding that it's tough "seeing things just feel so hopeless."

Yvette Gentry was named the new interim LMPD Police Chief on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020

"I will just say: That is just a glimpse of how a lot of people have been feeling for a long time, and we can't go back," Gentry said. "I think our city is at a point of reckoning that only truth can bring us out of."

"Only truth can break us out; only truth can take away darkness."

Timothy Findley, a senior pastor at the Kingdom Fellowship Christian Life Center who formed a coalition that called for the boycott of this year's Kentucky Derby, told The Courier Journal he supports Gentry's appointment.

Story continues

"I think that she is the ideal candidate for the job, but with that being said, the LMPD has deep-seated issues that will need to be addressed," Findley said. "So that's a great first step, but it seems as though this is a thousand-mile journey."

Gentry said in an interview with The Courier Journal that she doesn't want to be the permanent police chief  and didn't apply for the position  but that a good transition is essential for whoever is named to the top job full time.

"When you live in Louisville, and you raise your kids here like I do, and your family's here, I want that chief to be successful," said Gentry, a Louisville native. "So, even though I wasn't interested in the full-time job, I realized that somebody has to stand in the gap."

Fischer is expected to name a new leader by the end of 2020. A Fischer spokeswoman said earlier this month the city received more than 20 applications for the permanent chief role. The posting closed Aug. 31.

Louisville 'has got work to do'

Gentry's new role comes at a low point in relations between police and Black residents in Louisville.

Locally, protesters have marched for more than 100 consecutive days, demanding "justice for Breonna" and calling for serious changes to the city's police and other systems that have perpetuated systemic racism.

In particular, outrage has swirled around Taylor's death. The 26-year-old Black woman was shot and killed as officers attempted to serve a signed, no-knock search warrant at her South Louisville apartment.

'Strangest Derby ever': Hundreds demanding justice for Breonna Taylor converge on Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby

When officers broke down the door, Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired what he told police later was a warning shot, not realizing who was knocking. Police say Walker's shot hit Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly in the femoral artery.

Mattingly and two other officers  detectives Myles Cosgrove and Brett Hankison  returned fire, striking Taylor five times. She died in her hallway.

The case is under investigation by the FBI and Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who is expected to announce in the coming weeks whether criminal charges will be brought against the officers  a decision that has the potential to spark further demonstrations.

Protesters have demanded that the three officers be fired and charged with murder, but some experienced defense attorneys have said murder charges are unlikely because the officers had a right to defend themselves after they were fired upon.

On Monday, Gentry said the city needs to ask itself: "If Breonna Taylor's name came across an application in this city, would she get an interview?"

"Does your board of influencers and decision-makers  anyone who has influence  does anybody look like her?" Gentry said.

Asked her thoughts on LMPD's handling of the ongoing protests, Gentry said she "probably" would have done some things differently because she's "a different person."

But she emphasized she believed officers were "taking the orders that they were given and doing the best they could with them."

'We do have two systems of justice in America': Kamala Harris says Barr, Trump in 'different reality' on race

Fischer said Monday that Gentry has "strong opinions" and, should disagreements arise, they would "talk through the issues and understand the pros and cons and then make a decision."

Gentry told The Courier Journal "law enforcement has to grow," but changes to policing won't be the only path forward. It's not a "single struggle issue," she said, when "minorities are struggling across the board."

"Even my well-resourced sons have run up against systems and systemic racism, in this city that I was willing to die for," Gentry said, explaining that within days of one of her four sons moving into a "good neighborhood," someone called in a drug complaint.

"It just showed him that he didn't belong there," she said. "Even a well-resourced young man is in this city, very angry because everywhere they go or a lot of places they go, they don't feel welcome.

"The police got work to do. The mayor's office, he's certainly got some mending to do. But the city, across all systems, has got work to do."

The police department's September report indicates the makeup of sworn members is 71% white men, 12% white women, 10% Black men and 2% Black women.

Gentry has opportunity to make change as 'chief for a while'

LMPD, under fire from vocal critics and protesters, is also facing rising violent crime, including homicides and carjackings, and frustrations from officers stretched thin and unhappy with city leadership.

Gentry acknowledged that improving community relations, reducing crime and boosting officer morale simultaneously won't be an easy task or one which will happen overnight.

But she said she's in as "good a position as anyone could be."

"Being a Black woman, and a veteran and a former police officer, when you've worn all the hats of people who are out here, wanting to be heard, and you've worked in a place where you've tried to be heard and didn't necessarily feel like you were, I just feel like I have that type of experience that I can bring in there," Gentry said.

"People are just so far apart. And maybe, I can be in the middle and I can bridge it," she said.

Their siblings were killed by police: Now these Black women are demanding justice.

Gentry left LMPD in 2014 after more than two decades on the police force, working her way from dispatcher to deputy chief. She went on to work in Fischer's administration for about 2 years, leaving as chief of community building in October 2017.

Until recently, she worked as a project director at Metro United Way.

She'll take over from Schroeder, who became the city's top cop on June 1 when Fischer fired longtime Chief Steve Conrad after learning officers at the fatal police shooting of David McAtee, a popular West End eatery owner, didn't have body cameras turned on.

Ryan Nichols, the president of the union representing LMPD officers, said he'd known Gentry for most of his career and he has a great deal of respect for her.

"She has strong ties to our community, and a very positive outlook on policing, and a vision for our department," Nichols said. "I wish Chief Schroeder the best in his retirement  and I welcome the opportunity to work with Chief Gentry when she takes that office."

Louisville Metro Council President David James, D-6th, a former police detective, said having Gentry as interim chief would be a "positive step," given her experience with the department.

"She has street credibility as a police officer, and that's important," said James.

As interim chief  Gentry said she calls it "chief for a while"  she said she will focus on communication, both with the community and with officers.

100 days of protests: Looking back at moments that have shaped the Breonna Taylor movement

"That's what the community said: 'We want somebody who's going to look us in the face.' And not always be right  I don't think anybody expects the police to always be right, I don't think anyone expects politicians to always be right  but we've just got to be honest when we're not and commit to improving," Gentry said.

And when it comes to officers, Gentry said officers may not always agree with her, but she will "lead from the front."

"I'll answer a question when they have a question, and I won't leave them out there without an answer, and then be critical after," she said. "That's what I can offer them from Day One. There's a lot I don't know, and a lot I have to re-immerse myself (in), but I can give them that from Day One. I can give the community and the officers that."

Follow Darcy Costello on Twitter: @dctello.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville names Black woman to become interim police chief
[September 08, 2020] Kerbside Technology Leader AppyWay Launches 20m Series B Funding Round LONDON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- AppyWay, the leading kerbside management and smart parking technology firm, today announces the launch of its 20 million Series B funding round. This will be used to support organic growth of the platform, strategic acquisitions, further technological investment and international scalability. Founded by Dan Hubert in 2013, AppyWay is helping to digitise and integrate what is a highly fragmented, but high potential, market for mobility. In the UK, the market is valued in the billions of pounds, and worldwide is predicted to be worth 256 billion by 2025. Now hosting the largest dataset of the UK's kerbside restrictions, AppyWay offers the most advanced platform of accurate, standardised data, APIs and tools for smart kerbside management in the world. It does this through effectively digitising the kerb, with IoT sensors establishing robust kerbside demand data, then enriching this via a wide range of sources including payment operators, navigation and traffic solutions, mobility and last mile operators, mobile as a service (MaaS) apps, and electric vehicle and infrastructure apps. Through one Mobility API, AppyWay's proposition helps to rejuvenate high streets by addressing parking difficulties, easing congestion, reducing pollution and improving air qulity creating smarter, cleaner, efficient cities, more important than ever post-COVID-19. It also helps raise safety standards and enables kerbside compliance for drivers, fleets, and CAVs. As part of its organic growth, AppyWay plans to invest in data capture and improving parking yield. It will also put money into data as a service (DaaS) for mobility service providers and vehicle original equipment manufacturers. Its broader strategy around acquisitions is to accelerate city adoption and expand product functionality. The new funding will build on the 10.8 million raised to date, including a 7.6 million Series A round that drew in blue-chip investors including Sumitomo Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company and Aviva Ventures, West Hill Capital, and Breed Reply. Among the organisations that will benefit most from AppyWay's platform are councils and fleets and logistics firms. In the UK, councils spend 1 billion a year operating parking services, while the cost of managing kerb regulation runs to 216 million a year. Similarly, UK drivers waste four days a year looking for a parking space and the overall congestion cost to the UK economy is 6.9 billion year. The fund-raising is being managed by Cavendish Corporate Finance. Dan Hubert, Founder and CEO of AppyWay, said: "We're thrilled to announce this funding round, which will help us move further towards our goal of helping local authorities and businesses unlock the potential of their kerbs. Whether it is residents, drivers, businesses and councils, all stand to benefit from the mobility revolution that is underway." Phil Smith, Non-Executive Chairman of AppyWay and ex-Cisco UK and Ireland CEO, said: "By transforming the parking experience, we believe you can transform the entire driving experience. AppyWay is at the forefront of digitising and integrating the mobility market as well as helping to deliver the cleaner, smarter more efficient cities on which so much of our future economic prosperity depends." Jon Edirmanasinghe, Partner, Cavendish Corporate Finance, said: "AppyWay helps pave the way for a new era of smart cities through digital infrastructure and is led by a world class management team, occupying a unique market position by utilising IoT alongside a wide and established partner network." https://appyway.com/press

[ Back To www.mobilitytechzone.com\LTE's Homepage ]
The House committee that oversees the US Postal Service is investigating Postmaster General Louis DeJoy over allegations that he pressured former employees at his old private business to donate to Republican candidates and later rewarded them with large bonuses.

Mr DeJoy has denied that he perpetrated such a straw donations scheme, in which a person attempts to circumvent limits on individual contributions to political candidates by having someone else, the "straw donor," make a donation for them, and then reimbursing the straw donor.

House Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney has confirmed a Washington Post report from Monday that her panel is probing Mr DeJoy, whom she said "they never should have hired in the first place."

The North Carolina Attorney General has called for an investigation into Mr DeJoy as well.

Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that Mr DeJoy should be sacked if something can be proven."

But he hedged, saying he believes Mr DeJoy is a very honest guy."

Well see, the president said.

Federal election laws in the US limit individuals from donating more than $2,800 to a candidate per election. Mega-donors who max out their contributions to their preferred candidates often spend the full $2,800 on both the primary election and the general election, for a total of $5,600 for the full cycle for an individual candidate.

As owner of New Breed Logistics, the North Carolina-based supply chain firm sold to XPO in 2014, Mr DeJoy often asked workers and managers to make donations to the campaigns of Republicans running for office, several former employees told the Post.

While it is not illegal to ask people to make political contributions, Mr DeJoy allegedly doled out company bonuses in return for their donations.

"He asked employees for money. We gave him the money, and then he reciprocated by giving us big bonuses," David Young, the ex-director of human resources at New Breed Logistics, told the Post.

"When we got our bonuses, let's just say they were bigger, they exceeded expectations  and that covered the tax and everything else," Mr Young told the paper.

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows suggested on Tuesday that the allegations against Mr DeJoy, who has faced significant scrutiny from Congress since taking over USPS leadership in May, are politically motivated.

Democrats have accused Mr DeJoy of trying to steal the 2020 presidential election for Mr Trump by hamstringing mail-in voting and slowing down USPS operations as many states continue to nudge voters to cast absentee ballots to avoid Covid-19 exposure at physical polling places.

"Never underestimate Congress's ability to ratchet up an investigation 60 days out from a presidential election," Mr Meadows told reporters at the White House on Tuesday.

"I think you would acknowledge covering Congress as much as you have the political rhetoric gets heated and accusations get thrown away and then many times right after the presidential election, voila, they go away," he said.

In a statement, Monty Hagler, a spokesperson for Mr DeJoy, said the postmaster general regrets if any employee felt uncomfortable for any reason.

Mr DeJoy "was never notified by the New Breed employees referenced by the Washington Post of any pressure they might have felt to make a political contribution," Mr Hagler added.

He added that while running New Breed logistics, Mr DeJoy ensured that the company, and anyone affiliated with it, was fully compliant with US election contribution rules.
08.09.2020 LISTEN

8th September was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO on 26 October 1966, to underscore the importance of literacy for individuals and societies. The importance of literacy cannot be denied by any individual or any society. Literacy offers freedom for society, and liberate the energies of people in realising their hidden talents.

Literacy also bridges the gap between the rich and the poor, as well as serves as the surest way to overcome poverty and diseases. Consequently, any effort that is geared toward promoting literacy for the benefits of individuals, the society and the world at large is commended and most welcome. One of such efforts is the promotion of the culture of family reading, as the family constitutes the bedrock of any society.

A 2017 data provided by UNESCO Institute of Statistics (UIS,2017) calls for more room for improvement, although the promotion of literacy has been high on the development agenda of member states over the past decades. The report states that 750 million adults, a greater percentage of whom are women, remained illiterate in 2016. Also, 102 million of the illiterate population were a youth group within the bracket of 15-24 years old. There are also some 250 million children of primary school age who lack basic reading, numeracy and writing skills. Southern Asia and the sub Saharan African region were home to a greater percentage of the illiterate population, 49% and 27% respectively.

A critical assessment of the data provided above shows the impact of literacy or lack of it on sections of the society. Adults, women, the youth, children etc. are all affected significantly in one way or the other by any lack of effort toward promoting reading. Each of these groups of society, as indicated in the data, first of all originates from a family. For this reason, each section of society has a way of affecting the other negatively or positively in terms of cultivating a reading or learning habit. As a result, if the culture of reading is nurtured in every family, right from the formative stage of all children, it will be the surest way of ensuring a future adult population who are literate.

It is for this reason that the Ghana Book Development Council (GBDC) advocates families to make time to read together, or for parents to create an enabling environment for families, especially children. This is to ensure that the home contributes to all efforts being made by all sections of society to ensure that a literate society is built for the benefit of everyone. It is also to ensure that school-going children are made to cultivate the habit of reading at their formative stages. Such habits stay with people for life. When this is effectively done, our world will be a place where the majority of people read and rake in all the benefits of reading.

The call for families to read together resonates very well at this moment because of the restrictions and inconveniences caused by the novel corona virus disease (COVID-19). COVID-19 has created a situation where the normal way of doing things has changed. We now have a new normal way of doing things, including learning. The effort is to reduce movement of people which leads to movement and spread of the virus. This effort of reducing movement has led to a situation where classrooms, which are places of learning, have been closed. No one can quantify the effect the of COVID-19 on the promotion of literacy in the world. Virtually all children are sitting at home with virtually little formal education taking place.

Notwithstanding the closure of classrooms in many parts of the world, several efforts have been put in place by respective governments, agencies and organizations which promote education to ensure that learning goes on unhindered. The success of the measures taken is also dependent on the geographical location and the resources available. However, there is one surest way of ensuring that societys effort toward creating a literate society is not hampered in any way. And this sure way is for families  father, mother, children, cousins, nephews - to come together and read together.

In conclusion, classrooms may be closed during periods of pandemics or vacations, but families will continue to exist. For this reason, learning must continue to take place notwithstanding the restrictions placed by COVID-19. Parents have the responsibility to ensure that learning continues at home unabated. They do not need to be in a position to be able to read before their families can read together.

They can create an enabling environment for the family to read. By doing so, they keep the whole world inline in its efforts toward ensuring that we create a literate society which rakes in the benefits of being literate. Pandemics may come and go but learning must not suffer in any way since the home is the first place of learning. Today is World Literacy Day. Let us all resolve to make the world a literate society.

By

Daniel Ofosu-Asamoah

Literacy Promotion Manager

Ghana Book Development Council
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 16:34:05|Editor: huaxia

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MANILA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Philippine Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez has expressed willingness to push forward the government-to-government cooperation projects with China in order to ensure the timely completion of flagship projects under the "Build, Build, Build" program.

At a video conference on Monday, Dominguez discussed with China's Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian on how to hurdle the challenges and move forward with the "pragmatic cooperation" between Manila and Beijing.

Dominguez assured Huang that Philippines would collaborate closely with China in pushing forward the projects in the pipeline to ensure the timely completion of flagship projects under the "Build, Build, Build" program that is beneficial to the Filipinos.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Huang lauded the efforts both teams had made to overcome the difficulties posed by the pandemic and work closely to promote the government-to-government cooperation projects.

He said the government-to-government cooperation projects between China and the Philippines have been implemented smoothly so far, adding that major projects have resumed operation at over 80 percent capacity.

"The in-depth synergies of China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Build, Build, Build program have achieved fruitful results, contributing to the recovery of the Philippine economy and bringing more and more benefits to the peoples of the two countries," he added.

According to Huang, both sides are working closely to establish a "fast lane" for the movement of the key personnel involved in the projects to help the projects resume full capacity.

He expressed confidence in the Philippines' ability to build "an increasingly healthy and stable business environment that would exert a positive influence on the bilateral economic and trade cooperation in wide areas of mutual interest."

Huang voiced hope that more and more projects would be launched and implemented in the Philippines soon "so that the people would enjoy more tangible benefits created by the China-Philippines cooperation." Enditem
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- PopSQL , the collaborative SQL editor for teams, today announces $3.4 million in seed funding, led by Gradient Ventures, Google's AI-focused venture fund. The round includes participation from Y Combinator, FundersClub, and angel investors Max Mullen, Co-founder of Instacart, Calvin French-Owen, CTO of Segment, and Guillermo Rauch, CEO of Vercel. With this new capital, the startup plans to hire engineers to execute on its product roadmap.

The best companies and teams are data-driven, but the leading data tools lack collaboration features. PopSQL is a SQL editor for teams that enables seamless collaboration on data. Founder Rahil Sondhi created the company in 2017 as a side project while working as an engineer at Instacart and it now boasts over 200 customers like Shipt, Redfin, and Via. PopSQL's customers run 200,000 queries every week, with top customers using the app 20 hours per week.

"I started PopSQL because I was frustrated with the existing tools on the market. I wanted a SQL editor that was beautiful, easy to use, and collaborative. Just as new collaboration tools like Slack changed the way teams communicate, our vision is that PopSQL will change the way teams analyze and share data," said Rahil Sondhi, CEO and founder of PopSQL. "The new capital from Gradient allows us to scale the company and pursue our vision of creating the best tools for teams to analyze data together."

Since PopSQL first came on the market, the team has added new components of the product, such as version control, scheduling and automation, search and discovery, and integrations with Slack and GitHub.

"We've seen first hand the expectation among knowledge workers to be proficient in SQL. With this, there has also been a growing frustration with the current bench of tools used to write, debug, and share these SQL queries. PopSQL's initial beachhead as a collaborative SQL editor is just the tip of the iceberg and we're excited for the expansive roadmap Rahil and his team have in store," said Muzzammil "MZ" Zaveri, Partner at Gradient Ventures.

"We often ask ourselves if there is a better data tool than the one we're currently using. We never ask that question about PopSQL because it's so simple and easy to use, especially with all of us working remotely," said Cody Clayton, Team Lead, Analytics at theScore .

For more info and a free trial, visit popsql.com

About PopSQL

PopSQL is a SQL editor for teams that enables seamless collaboration on data. The company was started by Rahil Sondhi in 2017 and is based in San Francisco, CA. For more information, visit https://popsql.com/ .

About Gradient Ventures

Gradient Ventures is Google's AI-focused venture fund - investing in and connecting early-stage startups with Google's resources, innovation, and technical leadership in artificial intelligence. The fund focuses on helping founders navigate the challenges in developing new technology products, allowing companies to take advantage of the latest techniques so that great ideas can come to life. Gradient was founded in 2017 and is based in Palo Alto, California. For more information, visit www.gradient.com.

SOURCE PopSQL

Related Links

https://popsql.com


It will be a contest between NDA candidate Harivansh and Opposition joint candidate Tiruchi Siva for the post of Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, elections for which are scheduled for 3pm on the first day of the Parliaments Monsoon Session on September 14.

The term of JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP Harivansh expired in April, leading to the vacant post. But he was again nominated again by Nitish Kumars party, in alliance with the BJP for another term. Harivansh will be the NDA candidate for the post and the name of DMK MP Tiruchi Siva has been doing the rounds as his opponent. This after Congress president Sonia Gandhi asked senior leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ahmed Patel to reach out to like-minded parties to field a joint candidate.

Siva was recently nominated to the Upper House and is now part of an elite group of MPs sent to the Rajya Sabha for the fourth time and the first DMK MP to achieve this feat.

Sources say Azad has spoken to close to 10 like-minded parties, including DMKs MK Stalin who cleared Sivas name, as well as NCP, Shiv Sena, Samajwadi, Bahujan Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress.

Meanwhile, the government has also reached out to all NDA allies about the choice of candidates.

Sources say both sides would like to have neutral parties who have played the role of fence-sitters on most occasions. While Jagan Mohan Reddys YSR Congress has six Rajya Sabha MPs, Biju Janata Dal has nine and TRS seven.

The BJP has 86 MPs, JDU has five, Akali Dal three, AIADMK has nine members, four nominated and two independent MPs will be with the NDA along with single-member parties like Ramadosss MDMK, Ram Vilas Paswans LJP, and RPIs Ramdas Athawale. This puts the NDA in a comfortable position.

Neutral parties have more than often been siding with the NDA. The alliance candidate is looking at securing about 138 out of a strength of 243 in the House.

The last date for filing nomination for the post is September 11.

Harivansh was elected to the post of Deputy Chairman last year when he took over from Congresss PJ Kurien. The former defeated BK Hariprasad, winning 125 votes.

A late-night strategy meeting on the election is underway at the residence of Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and BJP Rajya Sabha floor managers.
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Surya Roshni share price rose 5 percent intraday on September 8 after the company won orders worth Rs 287 crore.

The company has obtained orders aggregating to Rs 287.45 crore (excluding GST) for the supply of API Grade 3LPE Coated line Pipes to Indian Oil Corporation for LPG pipeline projects and Bharat Gas Resources (BGRL) for CGD.

Indian Oil Corporation, on behalf of IHB, awarded a contract worth Rs 152.31 crore for supply of API Grade pipes for LPG Pipe Line Project at Rovapur, Azamgarh, Dhubaha, Gorakpur, Varanasi in UP.

The contract is to be executed in 10 months.

Other contracts include the supply of API Grade pipes for CGD worth Rs 135.14 crore to Bharat Gas Resources which is to be executed in 12 months.

At 11:32 hrs Surya Roshni was quoting at Rs 171.20, up Rs 4.90, or 2.95 percent on the BSE.

The share touched its 52-week high Rs 202.25 and 52-week low Rs 61.70 on 24 September 2019 and 30 March 2020, respectively.

Currently, it is trading 15.35 percent below its 52-week high and 177.47 percent above its 52-week low.
ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ostendio, a leading provider of integrated risk management software, announced that effective today, Marc Bandini has been appointed as President and Chief Operations Officer. Mr. Bandini will work closely with Ostendio founder Grant Elliott who will continue in the role of CEO and Chairman of the Board.

Marc Bandini, president and COO, Ostendio

As Ostendio continues to enjoy exponential growth, Mr. Bandini will be responsible for the company's expanding day to day operations. Marc Bandini brings over 20 years of experience in leading growth and start-up companies to his new role at Ostendio. He is an experienced leader with a proven record of growing revenue, building successful teams, driving operational excellence, and developing strong partnerships.

"Marc's proven track record of scaling operations in line with rapid growth makes him the ideal person for this role," said Grant Elliott, CEO and Chairman, Ostendio. "As well as his valuable experience, he also shares our view on organizational culture and I believe he will be an asset to our company."

Mr. Bandini's appointment will allow Mr. Elliott to devote more time to strategic growth ensuring the Ostendio MyVCM platform and the MyVCM Trust Network continue to lead the market in providing collaborative security and risk management solutions.

"I have been impressed by what Ostendio has achieved to date and believe the organization is poised to make an even greater impact in the integrated risk management space," said Marc Bandini, President and COO, Ostendio. "I am excited to work with this talented team, to help strengthen our existing customer and partner relationships, and discover more ways Ostendio can continue its impressive growth."

Mr. Bandini is a graduate of University of Pittsburgh and currently resides in Frederick, MD.

Ostendio is a privately-owned company based in Arlington, VA. Investors include Blue Ventures Investors, CIT (Center for Innovative Technology, Virginia) and Riverbend Capital. Ostendio was recently recognized as one of Washington Business Journal's "Best Places to Work 2020" companies and has received numerous awards including those for cybersecurity excellence and diversity.

About Ostendio

Ostendio MyVCM is an Integrated Risk Management Platform that makes it easier to build, operate, and showcase your security program. Organizations of any size who need to demonstrate compliance to security standards internally and externally can benefit from Ostendio MyVCM. The platform provides a single solution that incorporates users and requirements from across the enterprise. Ostendio MyVCM helps companies: Identify and quantify enterprise risk; Quickly build and deploy security assessments; Manage and respond to security incidents and breaches; and Align vendors and suppliers to security and compliance standards.

www.ostendio.com

Media contact: Miranda Elliott, 1-877-668-5658, [email protected]

SOURCE Ostendio
If youre in search of a classic country bolthole, then Derrybawn, a stone-built cottage on c. 14.58 acres near Glendalough in Co Wicklow is the spot. Nestled into a wooded hillside setting with fine views across the mountains, it is for sale with a guide price of 525,000.

The property is just 2km from Laragh, with Glendalough 1km over the hill as the crow flies. Rathdrum is 10km away.

Originally thought to be part of the Derrybawn estate owned by the Sweetman family, the cottage was constructed in or around 1850. Built of thick stone walls with a slate roof and an internal floor area of 58 sq.m (627sq.ft) the dwelling is in good condition but could realistically do with complete modernisation and upgrading. There is plenty of space to extend to the side and rear, subject to the relevant planning permissions.

The accommodation includes a living room/kitchen, a family bathroom and two bedrooms. Services include a septic tank and a private well within the bounds of the property.

The land is in three divisions, well fenced and watered. With about 12ac of good grazing and 2ac in rough grazing the land is gently sloping, elevated and ideal for cattle or sheep. The boundaries are well fenced while a large number of wonderful mature native trees on the property provides great shelter. There is an historic ruined cottage on the land which could potentially be rebuilt subject to planning permission. The property adjoins and has access to Coillte forestry lands.

Expand Close An aerial view of Derrybawn which is located 2km from Laragh, with Glendalough 1km over the hill as the crow flies. / Facebook

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Whatsapp An aerial view of Derrybawn which is located 2km from Laragh, with Glendalough 1km over the hill as the crow flies.

Derrybawn is accessed by a rough driveway from the Laragh to Glenmalure road where it has approximately 300m of road frontage. The R756 is part of the Military Road which runs north-south across the spine of the Wicklow Mountains. It was constructed in the wake of the 1798 rebellion, to open up the mountains for the British army crackdown on insurgents who were hiding in the area.

Stephen Clarke of Clarke auctioneers describes it as "a once in a lifetime property. This a fantastic opportunity to acquire a potentially wonderful home in one of the most beautiful locations in County Wicklow. There is no doubt Derrybawn is a project, but for the right person, with a little time, effort and imagination, it could be something really extraordinary, he said.




Lauren Elysia Priddey, left, gave evidence against cousins Shahmeel Khan, top right, and Mohammed Ali Sultan, bottom right. (Reach)

A victim of grooming gangs in Telford and Birmingham has revealed how she was trafficked across England and abused by dozens of men when she was 18.

Lauren Elysia Priddey has waived her right to anonymity and says she wants to offer hope to other victims of sexual abuse.

She was an A-level student when she was raped by cousins Mohammed Ali Sultan and Shahmeel Khan in separate attacks days apart.

She later gave evidence in court against both men. Khan was jailed for 10 years in 2011 while Sultan was sentenced to eight years in prison last December  he was already serving a six-year sentence. Sultan was convicted and jailed following Operation Chalice, West Mercia Polices investigation into child grooming.

Lauren Elysia Priddey has waived her right to anonymity in an effort to help others who have suffered sexual abuse. (Reach)

Priddey, now 31, described how she was trafficked and abused by dozens of other men across the West Midlands, none of whom were brought to justice.

Read more: Telford authorities 'still failing to tackle child abuse'

I was 18 the first time I was raped, she said. I was 18 when I was serially gang-raped. I was 18 when I was trafficked all over England and given to many men, sometimes as many as ten in one night.

She was raped by Khan in summer 2007 after he barged into her flat in Telford, Shropshire, days before she was due to sit her A-levels.

Lauren Elysia Priddey was raped when she was 18. (Reach)

Two days later, his cousin Sultan, who was later exposed as a grooming gang ringleader, also forced his way into the flat and raped her.

"Being raped even once was devastating, said Priddey. It took a huge toll on my mental health.

"When Sultan came round two days after the rape I was still in shock, still traumatised. I had no fight left in me.

He used to say he would make my life hell and said I didnt want to play games with him.

"He would say he would kick my door in and when I said: You wont because of the locks, he said: I will kick your head in then.

Following the attacks, she fell into a cycle of drugs and abuse involving other Asian men in Telford, Birmingham and other parts of the UK.

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Shahmeel Khan raped Lauren Elysia Priddey in her flat in Telford, Shropshire, in 2007. (Reach)

Mohammed Ali Sultan was a ringleader in the Telford child grooming gang. (Reach)

They degraded me to the point where Id become this sex thing, this thing that wasnt human, but just an object, she said. To the point where I believed thats what I was.

Priddey was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the repeated abuse.

But she went on to train as a mental health nurse and now has a successful career working in London.

Her story was published in the 2018 book, No Way Out, written under the pseudonym Kate Elysia.

Priddey said she decided to waive her lifelong right to anonymity after watching recent BBC drama, I May Destroy You, created by and starring Michaela Cole, about a young woman who tries to rebuild her life after being raped.

Read more: Nearly 19,000 children sexually groomed in England in past year

"I think lots of people may judge me, but the way society views women and victims is wrong, said Priddey.

"This is happening to 12, 13 year-old girls and they have a right to be informed.

Lauren Elysia Priddey now plans to help other victims of sexual abuse. (Reach)

Priddey is trying to raise money to allow her to run free one-to-one mentoring sessions with male and female grooming gang abuse victims, and has set up a crowdfunding page.

She said: For a long time I've been keeping my past separate from my friends, from my workplace - trying to pretend to be somebody I'm not.

"It's like society wants me to feel undervalued or oppressed because I'm a victim.

"But I want to feel good about myself and say 'Yes, this is me - look at my achievements.'"
Fireworks continued on the second day of Himachal assemblys monsoon session as the ruling BJP and the opposition countered each other on the issues of corona crisis and corruption.

The adjournment motion moved by the opposition Congress was also debated on Tuesday.

Opening the deliberations, BJP legislator from Bilaspur, Subhash Thakur, said the state government had done a commendable job in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. He said 39,200 packets of ration and 55,000 masks were distributed, while community kitchens were organised at six places in Bilaspur during the lockdown.

He said the 25 quarantine centres set up in Bilaspur district were well-equipped with all the facilities.

Thakur also raised the case of suicide by young man in Bilaspur who had released a video holding a former MLA responsible for his death. He demanded an inquiry from the chief minister so that the victims family could get justice.

Countering Thakurs claims, the oppositions Kinnaur legislator Jagat Singh Negi alleged that during the lockdown, the government acted as if there was an emergency in the state. This would be the first government to have failed on all fronts and messed up things during pandemic, he rebutted.

He said the lockdown was imposed when the disease had already spread. On the other hand, Negi said, the CM took a decision that added to the peoples sufferings while sitting at his home.

Responding to Negis remarks, CM Jai Ram Thakur said the words the opposition member was using will not be tolerated. Had there been a Congress government today, the country and the state would have been ruined, he said.

The angered chief minister told the opposition members to choose their words wisely. Whenever he (Negi) wants, he jumps up to speak, he said.

On this, the opposition members started sloganeering.

Meanwhile, the CM said the lockdown was announced in the entire country as per the Disaster Management Act, and that the opposition should not vitiate the atmosphere of the house using inappropriate terminology.

Negi also raised the issue of appointment of non-Himachali candidates in Class-III and Class-IV jobs in government departments, accusing the ruling party of betraying the youth of Himachal in the guise of Covid-19 pandemic.

The Kinnaur legislator also hit out at the CM for participating in a religious event where, he alleged, Covid norms were thrown to the wind. However, no case was registered against the chief minister, said Negi asking if the state head was above the law.

Forest minister Rakesh Pathania, who participated in the discussions next, counted the works of the BJP government to tackle the corona crisis. He said in the previous Congress regime, leaders only took rounds of court. During the pandemic, the BJP distributed masks and fed the people.

What did Congress do? he asked adding that the opposition was not serious about the discussion and only wanted to take political advantage.

Congress legislator Nand Lal demanded white paper on the Covid-19 Response Fund received by the state government through donations.

He said there were no ventilators in the hospital in his constituency in Rampur, but the CM didnt want to hear anything. The Covid care centres were in poor shape and there was no proper arrangement of food, he argued.

Congress stages walkout

Meanwhile, leader of opposition Mukesh Agnihotri led a walkout from the assembly stating that the ruling party was trying to throttle the oppositions voice, after the latter were restrained from debating on the Covid crisis issue by assembly speaker Vipin Singh Parmar.

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It is not clear yet if Kayali was injured or assassinated. The attack is not the first on a man who leads a sectarian militia mostly relying on members of the Alawite community, Nedaa Syria says

Miraj Ural, known as Ali Kayali and the leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Iskenderun, was the target of an assassination attempt on Sunday evening in the Kassab area of the Lattakia countryside.

According to the official Popular Front Facebook page, Kayali was subjected to heavy fire at 11:30 PM yesterday while he was on a field tour in the Kassab area in the northern countryside of Lattakia.

The posting indicated that the attack was carried out on the al-Basit road, which led to an exchange of fire between the attackers and Kayalis bodyguard, adding that the authorities are looking into this attempt.

The Popular Front did not say whether Kayali was injured or assassinated, and instead only posted a picture of an ambulance with the caption: We will keep you updated on the developments.

The militia pointed the finger of blame to what it called terrorism supported by the Erdogan dictatorship and his men.

Kayali had been subjected to an assassination attempt last year when an explosive device was detonated in his car while he was on a tour in the Lattakia countryside.

Years before, he was subjected to a missile attack while he was in the town of Slonfeh in the Lattakia countryside, which injured him and killed a number of his companions.

Kayali currently leads a sectarian militia that mostly relies on the Alawite component. The militia fights alongside the Syrian regime and is mainly spread in the countryside of Lattakia.

Turkey had previously included Kayali on its official red list, which is made up of the names of 136 leftist, separatist and other organizations that exploit religion  most notably the Democratic Union Party, Gulen, and the State  and allocated 4 million Turkish liras as a reward for those who hand over leaders of those organizations.

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.
PLA soldiers seen in the general area of Mukhpari and Rezangla in Ladakh. The Indian Army said PLA soldiers attempted to capture an Indian post armed with machetes, spears and guns.

New Delhi: In a major escalation, the Indian Army said Chinese troops fired shots in the air on Monday to intimidate its soldiers as PLA troops failed to capture an Indian position in the Chushul sector. This is for the first time in 45 years that a shot has been fired at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The whole Ladakh sector is on a knife edge.

The Cabinet Committee on Security headed by prime minister Narendra Modi held a meeting on Tuesday as tension with China is escalating in Ladakh. The committee the aggression shown by the Chinese army.

The September-November period is crucial as some call it the campaign season when climate is ideal for a war before snowfall blocks many of the crucial passes in Ladakh.

The Chinese army has been taken aback by Indias pre-emptive move to occupy some two dozen strategic heights on the southern banks of Pangong Tso on the intervening night of 29-30 August 2020 to dominate the area and keep a watch on a Chinese garrison below.

According to sources, Chinese troops on Monday night armed with primitive weapons, which looked like their traditional Guandao weapon (a single-edge blade on the end of a pole), and guns attempted to dislodge Indian troops from the heights of Mukhpari which is one of the highest peaks in the Chushul sector.

Since Indian soldiers were on the heights they could see Chinese action and they warned the Chinese to move back.

The Indian Army has now changed the rules of engagement after the Galwan Valley clash on June 15 where Chinese used improvised weapons including iron rods studded with nails to attack Indian soldiers. Now Indian armys local commanders are free to use any weapon under their command if they are threatened by Chinese troops.

Still some 30-40 PLA soldiers are involved in a direct face-off with Indian soldiers in the general area in Mukhpari. The situation in the area is tense and even a small incident can trigger a big escalation.

Brigadier level talks were held on Tuesday to try to deescalate the situation.

The Indian Army dismissed Chinese allegations that Indian troops had crossed LAC at Pangong Tso on Monday and had fired shots in the air when approached by a PLA patrol.

Chinese actions came four days after defence minister Rajnath Singh had told Chinese defence minister General Wei Fenghe in a meeting in Moscow on Friday not to try to change the status quo at the LAC.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar, who is expected to meet Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Moscow this week admitted that the situation in eastern Ladakh is "very serious" and called for "very very deep conversation" between the two sides at a political level.

In New Delhi a series of high level meetings were held on the evolving situation in the Ladakh sector.

Meanwhile, China on Tuesday hoped disengagement can be achieved as soon as possible through mutual consultations, flagging approaching harsh winter in the region.

We all hope our troops get back to their camping area and there won't be any more confrontation in the border areas. You know that place has a very bad natural condition and it is above a height of 4,000 metres. In winter this is not good for humans to live. So we hope, through diplomatic and military channels and through consultations on the ground we can achieve disengagement as soon as possible and reach consensus, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian.

Asked about Indian allegations that it was Chinese troops which took provocative steps first, the Chinese spokesperson read out the statement of the PLA's Western Theater command spokesman on Monday alleging that Indian troops illegally crossed the LAC and outrageously fired warning shots on Chinese border patrol soldiers forcing them to take countermeasures.

I also want to stress in this incident, the Indian side fired shots to the Chinese border troops first. This is the first time since 1975 that the tranquility is interrupted by the shots. And the Chinese side always stresses that both sides should peacefully settle our differences through dialogue and consultations. Confrontation won't benefit either, he said.

The Indian Army on Tuesday in a statement said that at no stage had its soldiers transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing. It said it was the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress.

In the instant case on 7 September 2020, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops, it said.

However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner, said Indian Army. The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility, however is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs. The statement by the Western Theatre Command is an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience, added Indian army.
Morphology of a humerus of Panthasaurus maleriensis from the Late Triassic of Central India. Credit: Elzbieta M. Teschner

Panthasaurus maleriensis lived about 225 million years ago in what is now India. It is an ancestor of today's amphibians and has been considered the most puzzling representative of the Metoposauridae. Paleontologists from the universities of Bonn (Germany) and Opole (Poland) examined the fossil's bone tissue and compared it with other representatives of the family also dating from the Triassic. They discovered phases of slower and faster growth in the bone, which apparently depended on the climate. The results have now been published in the journal PeerJ.

Temnospondyli belong to the ancestors of today's amphibians. This group of animals became extinct about 120 million years ago in the Early Cretaceous. The Temnospondyli also include the Metoposauridae, a fossil group that lived exclusively in the Late Triassic about 225 million years ago. Remains of these ancestors are present on almost every continent. In Europe, they are found mainly in Poland, Portugal and also in southern Germany.

Panthasaurus maleriensis, the most puzzling representative of the Metoposauridae to date, lived in what is now India, near the town of Boyapally. "Until now, there were hardly any investigation opportunities because the fossils were very difficult to access," explains Elzbieta Teschner from the University of Opole, who is working on her doctorate in paleontology in the research group of Prof. Dr. Martin Sander at the University of Bonn. Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Opole, together with colleagues from the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata (India), have now examined the tissue of fossil bones of a metoposaur from the Southern Hemisphere for the first time. The amphibian, which resembled a crocodile, could grow up to three meters in length.

Cross-section through a humerus of Panthasaurus maleriensis (above), the growth sequence is marked in blue. Below: Histological thin-section of the bone growth. Shown is the periodic occurrence of zones (zo) and annuli (an). Credit: Elzbieta M. Teschner

Valuable insight into the bone interior

"The investigated taxon is called Panthasaurus maleriensis and was found in the Maleri Formation in Central India," notes Teschner with regard to the name. So far, the fossil has only been examined morphologically on the basis of its external shape. "Histology as the study of tissues, on the other hand, provides us with a valuable insight into the bone interior," says Dr. Dorota Konietzko-Meier from the Institute for Geosciences at the University of Bonn. The histological findings can be used to draw conclusions about age, habitat and even climate during the animal's lifetime.

The histological examinations revealed that the young animals had very rapid bone growth and that this growth decreased with age. The Indian site where the bones were found provides evidence of both young and adult animals, in contrast to Krasiejow (south-western Poland), where only young animals were found. Geological and geochemical data show that the Late Triassic consisted of alternating dry and rainy periods, as in the present monsoon climate of India. "This sequence is also reflected in the material examined," says Teschner. "There are phases of rapid growth, known as zones, and a slowdown, known as annulus." Normally, one can still observe stagnation lines in the bones, which develop during unfavorable phases of life, for example during very hot or very cold seasons.

Live reconstruction of a metoposaur. Credit: Sudipta Kalita

In Panthasaurus maleriensis, however, growth never comes to a complete cessation. In comparison: the Polish Metoposaurus krasiejowensis shows the same alternation of zones and annuli in one life cycle and no stagnation lines, whereas the Moroccan representative of the metoposaurs Dutuitosaurus ouazzoui shows stagnation linesthat is, a complete stop in growthin each life cycle.

The different growth phases in the bones allow for a comparison of climatic conditions. This means that the climate in the Late Triassic would have been milder in Central India than in Morocco, but not as mild as in the area that today belongs to Poland. Sander: "Fossil bones therefore offer a window into the prehistoric past."

Explore further Wrong number of fingers leads down wrong track

More information: Elzbieta M. Teschner et al, Climatic influence on the growth pattern of Panthasaurus maleriensis from the Late Triassic of India deduced from paleohistology, PeerJ (2020). Journal information: PeerJ Elzbieta M. Teschner et al, Climatic influence on the growth pattern of Panthasaurus maleriensis from the Late Triassic of India deduced from paleohistology,(2020). DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9868
Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe here Monday and the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe here Monday and the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Muhyiddin extended his congratulations on China's success in containing the COVID-19 outbreak. With the tremendous support from China, Malaysia has become one of the first countries in the world to contain the outbreak, he said, expressing appreciation and the hope that the two countries would continue cooperation against the COVID-19.

Malaysia is willing to work with China to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all fields including defense, economy and trade, and education, among others, Muhyiddin said.

For his part, Wei said the friendship between China and Malaysia has a long history, and bilateral relationship has always enjoyed healthy and stable development.

China and Malaysia have rendered assistance to each other during the COVID-19 outbreak, and have taken the lead to push for economic and social recovery while advancing pragmatic cooperation in all fields, Wei said.

China is committed to strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries, and constantly advance military to military ties to achieve fresh results, he said.

Wei pointed out that safeguarding the stability in the South China Sea is a shared responsibility of China and Malaysia. As the overall situation in the South China Sea has remained stable, China is willing to work with countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) including Malaysia, to meet each other halfway so as to keep the peace and tranquility of the South China Sea, he said.

Also on Monday, Wei had an official meeting with Malaysian Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, during which the two sides exchanged views on issues including international and regional situation, the relations between the two militaries as well as the South China Sea.

Ismail Sabri held a welcome ceremony for Wei ahead of the meeting, during which Wei inspected the guards of honor of the Malaysian military.
Hundreds gather in West Hollywood to participate in the Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20, 2015, and to protest violence against the transgender community. (Los Angeles Times)

The need for universal access to safe, stable housing may have never been more urgent. The grave health risks faced by those experiencing homelessness are only made more severe by this pandemic. Los Angeles, which has one of the highest rates of unsheltered homelessness in the country, has seen numerous COVID outbreaks among unhoused communities, and experts predict that Los Angeles may be facing an increase in homelessness of up to 16 percent due to COVID. The most marginalized among us are left particularly vulnerable to both the virus and its lasting economic impact.

This is particularly true for transgender Americans, who are disproportionately afflicted by poverty and homelessness even in better years. But instead of strengthening support for the trans community, the Trump administration has taken steps to weaken it. In July, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, under the leadership of Secretary Ben Carson, proposed a dangerous new rule that would allow taxpayer-funded emergency shelters to discriminate against transgender people.

By permitting shelters to serve people on the basis of biological sex without regard for gender identity, this rule would explicitly grant single-gender shelters permission to close their doors to transgender people experiencing homelessness. Mixed-gender shelters would be allowed to force transgender people to access services based on the gender they were assigned at birth instead of their gender identity. This places them at increased risk of gender-based violence and sexual assault. HUD's stated mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all, and to build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination.

This proposed rule runs directly counter to that mission.

Transgender people face devastating rates of homelessness across the United States. Nearly one-third of respondents to the 2015 U.S. Trans Survey  a major accounting of the experiences of trans Americans  reported being homeless at some point. One in eight said they had been homeless within the previous year.

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The survey results paint an even more dire picture for Black trans women, a group especially vulnerable to abuse, violence and HIV. More than 50 percent of respondents said they had experienced homelessness at some point in their lives, and nearly one-quarter of them reported being homeless within the previous year.

If this rule is adopted, it will endanger trans people. Many of those experiencing homelessness will not seek shelter, fearing discrimination (which nearly 30% of transgender people seeking shelter have experienced) and potential violence (22% of trans people experiencing homelessness report being sexually assaulted by shelter staff or residents). Those who do seek shelter will be more likely to be turned away or harassed for who they are.

In the context of COVID-19, this means that trans people experiencing homelessness will be at a heightened risk of falling ill, since shelters are many communities best access point to the safe, individual housing options that the CDC stresses must be made available to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Its true that, in the time of COVID, shelters might not always be safer than unsheltered living. But individual housing options such as the hotel rooms offered through Californias Project Roomkey  absolutely are. To ensure equitable access to housing, we need to ensure equitable access to emergency shelters.

Enforcing equal access to shelter is the least we can do for transgender people in our communities. They are ordinary people whose lives should never be used as a political wedge issue in cynical campaigns that try to turn neighbors against one another.

Rather than thinking of new ways to make trans peoples lives more difficult, the Trump administration should be developing and executing strategies that build on the progress made under the Obama administration, which dramatically reduced homelessness for LGBTQ+ people, veterans and families. The federal government should not target the rights of trans people. Instead, as a society we should be dedicated to helping the trans community, which has historically experienced social and economic harm because of who they are.

All too often, American society has failed to provide crucial and necessary support for the estimated 1.4 million transgender Americans  including one in 50 teenagers  who have lived authentically despite great obstacles. That cannot be the case once again. The Housing Saves Lives campaign is working to stop this discriminatory new proposal, which has a comment due date of September 22nd. The HUD must uphold its own Equal Access Rule, in both letter and spirit.

Julian Castro was secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2014 to 2017. Shaun Donovan was the HUD secretary from 2009 to 2014. Cyndi Lauper is the co-founder of True Colors United.




DUBAI, Sept 7 (Reuters) - The Interational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general Rafael Grossi was quoted on Monday as saying that Saudi Arabia was preparing to adopt nuclear energy and the agency was providing support, Saudi state TV Al-Ekhbariya reported.

"Saudi Arabia is interested in nuclear energy and we are working on providing it with the necessary support," Al-Ekhbariya quoted Grossi as saying.

The kingdom has said it wants to tap nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and use nuclear power to diversify its energy mix. (Reporting by Dahlia Nehme; Editing by Rania El Gamal and Susan Fenton)
It is the chilling new horror-tinged show from the mind of Ryan Murphy, set to air on Netflix next week.

Judging by the final trailer for Ratched, starring one of Murphy's favourite actors Sarah Paulson, the latest series could be his most terrifying to date.

'Looking good today, Mildred,' Sarah, 45, is seen telling her reflection in the mirror, as she plays the titular Nurse Ratched, based on the evil character in the 1962 novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey.

'Looking good today, Mildred,': Sarah Paulson as the eerie Nurse Ratched in the new Ryan Murphy show Ratched, set to air on Netflix September 18

According to Netflix, Ratched is a suspenseful drama series that tells the origin story of asylum nurse and infamous villain Mildred Ratched.

In 1947, Mildred arrives in Northern California to seek employment at a leading psychiatric hospital where new and unsettling experiments have begun on the human mind.

The new trailer sees more of Mildred's clandestine mission, as she begins work on a number of patients in an asylum.

All-star cast: Sharon Stone plays the equally eccentric character Lenore Osgood in the show

Intriguing: Sharon's character will be part of the origin story of Nurse Ratched

Eccentric: The character played by Sharon has a monkey on her shoulders in one scene

There certainly appears to be some very uncomfortable viewing in the new show, as doctors perform a controversial lobotomy procedure in one brutal scene.

Sharon Stone is once again seen with a monkey on her shoulder, as she plays the equally eccentric character Lenore Osgood.

There is also more of Corey Stoll as Charles Wainwright and Cynthia Nixon as Gwendolyn Briggs. Judy Davis also stars as Nurse Betsy Bucket.

Tough role: From the book, Nurse Ratched is the archetypal battleaxe of a twisted nurse, that has become a metaphor for corrupting influence of institutional power and authority

This is gonna hurt: The institution performs the controversial lobotomy procedure

Chilling: The latest Ryan Murphy series looks set to bring the scares

Controversial: The character in the 1975 movie version was turned down by a number of leading ladies including Anne Bancroft, Angela Lansbury and Ellen Burstyn

Serving up glamor: Despite the scares, Nurse Ratched has some powerful looks in the show

Starry: The final trailer also shows Sex and the City actress Cynthia Nixon as Gwendolyn Briggs

From the book, Nurse Ratched is the archetypal battleaxe of a twisted nurse, that has become a metaphor for corrupting influence of institutional power and authority, like the character does in the psychiatric treatment center depicted in the novel.

Interestingly, the controversial character in the 1975 movie version starring Jack Nicholson was turned down by a number of leading ladies including Anne Bancroft, Angela Lansbury and Ellen Burstyn.

The role in the film eventually went to Louise Fletcher, who went on to win the Oscar for Best Actress for the turn.

Promise it won't hurt: The show looks at controversial psychiatric treatments

Let's be civilized: Paulson and Nixon in a scene together

Watch it if you dare: Ratched is coming to Netflix on September 18

It appears that the show will delve a little deeper into the character than the book and film, as Sarah Paulson reveals in the voiceover that Mildred was taken away from her parents when she was very young.

'I was told that one day I would see them again, but that was a lie,' she says.

Ratched is coming to Netflix on September 18.

Ouchie: The new show is clearly not for the faint-hearted
The Bachelorette's Angie Kent has broken her silence on her split from Carlin Sterritt, saying their relationship fizzled out after they left the reality TV 'bubble'.

The former Gogglebox star, 30, told The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Wednesday that their real-life romance was underwhelming compared to the intense sexual chemistry they shared during filming last year.

She also claimed that her ex-boyfriend's Christian values were a problem for her because she prefers 'spirituality' to organised religion.

End of the road: The Bachelorette's Angie Kent (right) has broken her silence on her split from Carlin Sterritt (left), saying their relationship fizzled out after they left the reality TV 'bubble'

'We finished filming in August last year, and Carlin and I decided to break up... it would have been around June,' she said.

'We were discussing, "What are we going to do? It's getting hard." But we didn't really announce [the split] until about July.'

Angie explained that they decided to call it quits after she left Sydney to spend time with her family in Queensland.

'It just wasn't good. I just kept staying [in Queensland] and he was kind of like, "What are we doing?"'

Fizzled: The former Gogglebox star, 30, told The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Wednesday that their real-life romance was underwhelming compared to the intense sexual chemistry they shared during filming last year

Angie said they 'tried' to make things work, but the romantic 'bubble' they made for themselves on The Bachelorette didn't translate into reality.

'It was a good for a while, until it wasn't,' she added.

'Our values were different. I'm a little more spiritual, a little bit more carefree and wild, whereas he's more, you know, kind of...'

Radio host Jackie 'O' Henderson interrupted: 'A Christian boy.'

'He's a Christian boy,' Angie agreed. 'He's just... we're just different.'

Conflict of values: She also claimed that her ex-boyfriend's Christian values were a problem for her because she prefers 'spirituality' to organised religion

Angie also set the record straight on rumours that their relationship started to fall apart after Carlin discovered she was texting runner-up Timm Hanly.

She clarified that she reached out to all the contestants from her top four to make sure they were okay, and not just Timm.

'There was nobody else involved in our break-up. It was just him and I,' she said.

'I was very open about the fact I spoke to my top four dudes right after filming, because you go on such a hectic love safari - you technically go through four break-ups with dudes that you really like. Of course I'm going to check in on them.

'I always told Carlin when I did. Timm and I stopped talking in December last year, and Carlin and I broke up only two months ago, so it had nothing to do with Timm.'

Clarification: Angie also set the record straight on rumours that their relationship started to fall apart after Carlin discovered she was texting runner-up Timm Hanly (pictured)

It comes after Carlin, 32, told the How to Life podcast earlier this month that Angie's bond with Timm made him feel insecure, even though he pretended to be okay with it at first.

'She really cared for Tim. They were kind of messaging a little bit afterwards. I was trying to play it cool, like "it's fine, it's all good,"' the personal trainer said.

Despite telling Angie he didn't mind her staying in contact with Timm, Carlin's self-confidence plummeted when he discovered their friendly texts.

Friendship: 'I was open about the fact I spoke to my top four dudes right after filming,' Angie told Kyle and Jackie O. 'You technically go through four break-ups with dudes you really like. Of course I'm going to check in on them.' Pictured with Timm during the Bachelorette finale

'I was trying to be nice and I was trying to do the right thing,' he said. 'And then more and more, her and Timm messaging each other, it just started to really eat me away.'

After the Bachelorette finale aired, Angie went on to film Dancing with the Stars, which also caused problems in their relationship.

Carlin said that Angie's friendship with her professional dance partner, Julian Caillon, didn't help with his feelings of insecurity.

'Then she goes on to the next show, Dancing with the Stars, with this hot Italian dude and I'm like, "Oh man, this is not easy. He's a good looking dude,"' he said.

'It started to eat at me': It comes after Carlin told the How to Life podcast earlier this month that Angie's bond with Timm made him feel insecure, even though he pretended to be okay with it at first

'She would train five hours a day with this guy, five days a week, and then fly to Melbourne for four days.

'So I'm like, "You get to spend so much more time with this guy and I'm still feeling pretty s**t about having just watched you mack on with all these other dudes [on The Bachelorette]."'

'I wasn't ready for it. So we had a pretty difficult run,' he added.

'They were messaging a little bit': Despite telling Angie he didn't mind her staying in contact with Timm, Carlin's self-confidence plummeted when he discovered their friendly texts

Jealous: Carlin said that Angie's friendship with her Dancing with the Stars partner, Julian Caillon (right), also didn't help with his feelings of insecurity

Carlin and Angie dated for about 10 months before calling it quits in early July.

Reflecting on their short-lived relationship, Carlin said it was difficult to watch Angie form connections with the other men on The Bachelorette.

He said: 'Watching it all back, it's almost as if someone has just handed you their Tinder [account] and said, "Have a scroll."'

Carlin didn't blame Angie for his insecurity, however, and told the podcast hosts he was 'getting therapy' to address his problems.
Democrats have accused DeJoy, who has personally given more than $1.1 million to Trump Victory, the joint fundraising vehicle of the presidents reelection campaign and the Republican Party, of seeking to hobble the Postal Service because of the presidents antipathy to voting by mail. As states have expanded access to mail voting because of the coronavirus pandemic, Trump has repeatedly attacked the practice and claimed without evidence that it will lead to rampant fraud.
(Bloomberg) -- Private equity firm Warburg Pincus is investing in Vista Equity Partners-controlled Infoblox Inc. in a deal that values the closely held technology company at more than $3 billion, including debt, according to people familiar with the matter.

Infoblox, which makes software that helps large companies manage their networks, announced the new investment Tuesday, confirming a Bloomberg News report. It didnt disclose financial terms.

Vista and Warburg Pincus will share equal ownership of the combined company, the statement shows.

A $3 billion-plus value is up from $1.6 billion, the amount that Vista acquired Infoblox for in a take-private deal in 2016, according to a statement at the time.

Vista and Infoblox had been working with financial advisers for a few months and held talks with several private equity firms before opting for the Warburg Pincus offer, the people said.

Private equity firms in recent years have brought on their rivals to invest in their portfolio companies. A new partner can provide some return on investment while also setting a new valuation on an asset. Vista did a similar deal in 2018 when it brought on Canadian private equity firm Onex Corp. to be an investor in PowerSchool Group LLC.

Cloud Shift

After it was taken private, Infoblox shifted its business model from selling hardware to offering cloud-based software which provides more recurring revenue, the people said. It also built out its security products to help large companies avoid connecting their networks to unsafe websites, they said. The company has gotten a boost during the coronavirus pandemic from the surge in employees working from home in the U.S., its largest market.

Infobloxs Chief Executive Officer Jesper Andersen said in the statement that the investment will help build on the companys cloud products and security portfolio.

Infobloxs annual revenue grew in the last fiscal year by about 20% to about $500 million under Andersen who stayed on as CEO after the Vista buyout, the people said.

Story continues

The companys cash-adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization was $170 million for the last 12 months, they added.

It also has expanded its workforce to 1,400 employees from about 750 employees before it was acquired, the people said. The hiring expansion was largely outside of its Santa Clara, California headquarters and was mostly in India and in Tacoma, Washington, they added.

Morgan Stanley and Qatalyst advised Vista and Infoblox while Credit Suisse Group AG advised Warburg Pincus.

(Updates with confirmation from statement starting in second paragraph)

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Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen has accused the president of a pattern of inappropriate behaviour towards women. (Photo courtesy Reuters/Amir Levy) (REUTERS/Amir Levy)

Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's former fixer and personal attorney, claims his former client once said "only the blacks" could live in difficult conditions as the duo drove through a predominantly black neighborhood in Chicago.

"Only the Blacks could live this way," Mr Cohen told NBC News in an interview to air later Tuesday to coincide with the release of his new tell-all book. "I, of course, said to him, 'Well that's not really true,'" Mr Cohen claimed. "He goes, 'No, only the Blacks could live this way.'"

Mr Cohen also contended to NBC that Mr Trump's longtime disdain for former President Barack Obama stems from the 44th commander in chief being both black and the country's first black president.

Mr Trump's former fixer describes his former boss as a racist who has become the leader of a cult. He also suggested in the interview that the president should step down before he is shamed when hit with possible criminal charges.

"In the book, obviously, I describe Mr. Trump as a cult leader, and I was in this cult," Mr Cohen said of his book, "Disloyal: A Memoir."

"So one of the purposes of writing the book is really from one former cult member to the current ones," he told NBC's Lester Holt in a sit-down to air Tuesday evening. "I've said this before, and I'll say it again: Open your eyes as I have. And I want you to appreciate that Donald Trump cares for no one or anything other than himself."

The author is serving a three-year prison sentence for multiple counts related to his work for the president, including lying to Congress and campaign finance crimes.

Mr Cohen also makes bold claims about Mr Trumps views about black leaders of countries.

He contends that following the 2013 death of former South African President Nelson Mandela, Mr Trump "asked me if I had known of any country that's run by a Black that's not an s---hole."

Story continues

"And I said, 'Well, how about America?'" Mr Cohen responded, indirectly referring to Mr Obama. "To which he gave me the proverbial F you."

Mr Cohen also claims that Mr Obama got under Mr Trump's skin at the 2011 White House Correspondents Association dinner when he lambasted the then-reality television host following his pushing of a theory that the Hawaiin-born president was not a United States citizen.

"Lester, not only did it bother him, it really irritated him," Mr Cohen told the "Nightly News" host, contending his then-boss hired an Obama impersonator to take part in a later-scuttled video mocking Mr Obama.

"Of course, you know, the script being written, Obama did not come out looking good in this script," Mr Cohen said. "And this was supposed to go out on Trump's social media platform. It was ultimately decided that it was not a smart move for him to do. And this, of course, was all going on during the birther -- 'Birther-gate,' as we'll call it."

Read more

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The Royal Albert Hall has warned that it may not be able to survive without public support during the pandemic.

The central London venue has remained closed to audiences since March and, while it has played host to a few socially distanced performances, has yet to welcome punters back.

In a statement the venue said: "Despite recent fanfare regarding the Government's 1.57bn rescue package for the arts sector, the Hall is not eligible for an emergency grant, but has instead been advised to apply for a loan, which, if successful, it will receive in December, nine months after its ability to generate income was abruptly cut off."

Craig Hassall, CEO of the Royal Albert Hall commented: "Six months on from enforced closure, and circa 18m down in lost income, we are not eligible for any of the Government's emergency grants. This leaves us in an extremely perilous position, with no way of replacing our lost income, apart from a government loan which may or may not materialise.

"We raised concerns months ago about the potential for independent, unfunded organisations such as the Royal Albert Hall to miss out on government support, and especially having been held up by Government as a crown jewel' that must be saved. With millions of pounds of essential building work called to a halt owing to COVID we had hoped to be eligible for a capital grant but have been informed that, as we are not a portfolio of nationally spread sites, we are not eligible for this scheme."

He added: "The Royal Albert Hall now faces a bleak future unless it can secure not only a repayable Government loan, but also urgent donations to plug our current 20m shortfall."

The Royal Albert Hall is approaching its 150th anniversary in 2021, with patrons able to donate via the organisation's website.
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  The Philippine president pardoned a U.S. Marine on Monday in a surprise move that will free him from imprisonment in the 2014 killing of a transgender Filipino woman that sparked anger in the former American colony.

President Rodrigo Duterte said he decided to pardon Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton because the Marine was not treated fairly after opponents blocked his early release for good conduct in detention.

A left-wing human rights group, Karapatan, immediately condemned the pardon as a despicable and shameless mockery of justice and servility to U.S. imperialist interests.

Pemberton was convicted of homicide and has been serving a prison term of six to 10 years for the killing of Jennifer Laude in a motel in Olongapo city, northwest of Manila. His lawyer, Rowena Garcia-Flores, told The Associated Press that Pemberton was already aware of Dutertes decision when she called him.

I heard the news, Garcia-Flores quoted the 25-year-old Pemberton as saying. Im very happy.

Meeting Pemberton in detention a few days ago, she said he expressed his willingness to apologize to the Laude family even belatedly. Pemberton would likely be removed from the Marines due to his conviction and plans to work in the U.S., Garcia-Flores added.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, who once served as a lawyer for the Laude family, said the presidential pardon would mean the immediate release of Pemberton from detention.

The president has erased the punishment that should be imposed on Pemberton. What the president did not erase was the conviction of Pemberton. Hes still a killer, Roque told reporters.

Laudes family denounced Dutertes action as a grave injustice, including to the LGBTQ community, family lawyer Virginia Suarez said.

Duterte is one of the most vocal critics in Southeast Asia of U.S. security policies. But on Monday he said, If there is a time where you are called upon to be fair, be fair."

Story continues

Last week, the Regional Trial Court in Olongapo city, which handled Pembertons case, ordered authorities to release him early from detention for good conduct, but Laudes family appealed, blocking the Marines early release. Roque said the Department of Justice was planning a separate appeal.

The court order rekindled perceptions that American military personnel who run afoul of Philippine laws can get special treatment under the allies Visiting Forces Agreement, which provides the legal framework for temporary visits by U.S. forces to the country for large-scale combat exercises.

Pemberton, an anti-tank missile operator from New Bedford, Massachusetts, was one of thousands of American and Philippine military personnel who participated in joint exercises in the country in 2014.

He and a group of other Marines were on leave after the exercises and met Laude and her friends at a bar in Olongapo, a city known for its nightlife outside Subic Bay, a former U.S. Navy base.

Laude was later found dead, her head slumped in a toilet bowl in a motel room, where witnesses said she and Pemberton had checked in. A witness told investigators that Pemberton said he choked Laude after discovering she was transgender.

In December 2015, a judge convicted Pemberton of homicide, not the more serious charge of murder that prosecutors sought. The Olongapo court judge said at the time that she downgraded the charge because factors such as cruelty and treachery had not been proven.

Pemberton has been serving his sentence in a compound jointly guarded by Philippine and American security personnel at the main military camp in metropolitan Manila. The place of detention was agreed to under the terms of the Visiting Forces Agreement, although Laudes family had demanded that he be held in an ordinary jail.

Garcia-Flores said his detention was shortened by authorities under a Philippine law that allows the reduction of prison terms for good conduct. Suarez said the law cannot apply to Pemberton, who has been detained alone in a military camp and given other special privileges under the VFA.

The case has led to calls from some in the Philippines to end the U.S. military presence in the country, a former American colony with which Washington has a mutual defense treaty.
The commuter said the two people demanded her property while one of them held a knife, police said. The man holding the knife pulled the commuters purse from her, police said. The purse contained a Samsung Galaxy cellphone, a wallet and miscellaneous debit cards valued at $770, police said.
Actor Aamir Khans brother, Faisal, has said that biases exist in the film industry, and he has experienced it. As an example, he recalled an incident where filmmaker Karan Johar put him down.

In an interview to Bollywood Hungama, Faisal said, If your work flops, they dont treat you well; they dont even look at you and it has happened with me. On my brothers 50th birthday, I was looked down upon by someone, I dont wish to take the name. But, Karan Johar acted weird with me; he put me down. He insulted me when I was trying to talk to someone and trying to disconnect with the person I was talking to. So, a lot of such things have happened and even I have been through it.

Also read: In 2016, Aamir Khan had addressed same fake interview shared by Kangana Ranaut, heres what he had said

He said that after Mela, in which Faisal appeared with Aamir, he thought that filmmakers would appreciate him for his craft, but he was sidelined. However, Faisal said that it is not impossible for outside talent to make its mark in the film industry.

Also Watch | When Aamir Khan said...: Kangana Ranaut responds to Senas Sanjay Raut

Citing the example of actors such as Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ayushmann Khurrana and others, he said that industry kids can have an initial advantage, as he did, but they will survive only on the basis of what they bring to the table. At the end of the day, youll get a break in the industry due to nepotism and favouritism. If your father is a big director then he can make a few calls and people to cast you, but you will have to prove your worth in the end. Theres no theory or formula for success. There are going to be new people coming in both from the insiders and outsiders. In fact, I think that the rate of insiders flopping is higher than that of the outsiders because you get the chance but youre not successful, he said.

Also read: Kangana Ranaut wants govt to take back Karan Johars Padma Shri, claims he openly intimidated her, made anti-national film

The insider-outsider debate has been raging in the film industry ever since actor Kangana Ranaut brought it up in the aftermath of Sushant Singh Rajputs death. Kangana pointed fingers at Karan Johar and several others for having ostracised her, and alleged that theyd done the same to Sushant, an outsider.

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The CBO also updated its budget outlook Wednesday, estimating that the federal budget deficit for fiscal year 2020 would come in at $3.3 trillion, down from its previous estimate of $3.7 trillion. The deficit for the 2021 fiscal year was projected to be $1.8 trillion.

The new projections mean that the national debt is already close to the size of the total economy and will likely surpass it next year. The CBO said it expects federal debt held by the public to equal roughly 98% of the size of the economy by the end of 2020 and exceed 100% in 2021. By 2023, the debt will equal 107% of GDP  the highest level in U.S. history, exceeding the previous peak set in 1946 in the aftermath of World War II.

By comparison, the debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 79% at the beginning of 2019 and 35% in 2007.

The CBO said federal outlays will equal about 32% of GDP in 2020, a roughly 50% increase from the year before and the highest since 1945. Outlays are projected to fall to roughly 22% of GDP over the next five years. Revenues are expected to fall from 16.3% of GDP in 2019 to 15.5% in 2021, due to the economic effects from the pandemic, before rising to 18% of GDP by 2030.

Deficits expected to continue. It will be hard to ratchet down this spending going forward, and we are going to be entering a long stretch of deficits well above historical averages, G. William Hoagland of the Bipartisan Policy Center told The Washington Post. Hoagland also said he doubted the issue would take center stage politically any time soon: [A]s a matter of national politics, the deficit was not a matter of concern before the pandemic and it wont be after.

Former CBO chief economist Wendy Edelberg said she doubted the latest increase in the size of the debt was significant in and of itself. Theres no economic difference between a ratio of 99% and a ratio of 101%, she told The Wall Street Journal. She also said he coronavirus-related deficit spending was money well spent. It was a massive rise in borrowing and quite shocking, but incredibly effective. On the flip side, this is exactly why we, as a country, want to have room to increase borrowing during times of emergency.

Maya MacGuineas of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget said the latest numbers serve as a reminder that the debt remains an important issue. "What should be absolutely clear from todays report is that after the virus is contained and the economy has recovered, lawmakers cannot afford to continue ignoring the trajectory of our debt any longer," she said.

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Of course, any serious attempt to re-create Kennedys world as he experienced it requires suspending as much as possible the knowledge of how it all turned out, and resisting the urge to see in this freshman essay or that wartime letter seeds of his later greatness. Only by so doing can one hope to play it straight, to look the man right in the eye, not up in adulation or down in disdain.

No less important, the work of biography requires bearing in mind that Kennedy was a product of his time and place. Context mattersa lot. And theres a payoff here, indeed a double payoff: situating Kennedy within the wider setting of the era and the world helps us better comprehend not only his rise but his countrys rise, first to great-power status and then to superpower status. In fact, a principal theme of this book is the degree to which Kennedys life story tracks with major facets of Americas political and geopolitical story. The charged debate between isolationists and interventionists in the years before Pearl Harbor; the tumult of the Second World War, through which the United States emerged as a global colossus; the outbreak and spread of the Cold War; the domestic politics of anti-Communism and the attendant scourge of McCarthyism; the growth of televisions influence on politicseach of these seminal events and developments can be grasped more clearly through the lens of John F. Kennedys life and career. The same holds for the period to be examined in the volume still to come, when additional topics come to the fore: civil rights; the arms race and the prospect of nuclear Armageddon, made vivid during the tense days of the Cuban Missile Crisis; the revival of affirmative government as a precursor to the Great Society; the descent into Vietnam (for which Kennedy, despite his early and prescient misgivings about seeking a military solution there, would bear considerable responsibility); and the space program.

The more we understand Kennedy and his coming of age, in short, the more we understand the United States in the middle decades of the century. I am struck in this regard by historian and Kennedy adviser Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.s remark, in his memoirs, A Life in the 20th Century: For my generation, four dates remain indelibly scarred on memory, four occasions when none of us can forget where and how we heard the staggering news: Pearl Harbor, the death of Franklin Roosevelt, the death of John Kennedy, the landing of men on the moon. All four moments are, in their way, pivotal to the story Im telling here. Though Kennedy did not live to see the moon landing, his initial commitment to the lunar project made it happen.

A second theme, captured in the image of the college-age Kennedy crisscrossing Europe and the Middle East in the lead-up to World War II, concerns his pronounced international sensibility. He was, from the start, a man of the world, deeply inquisitive about other political systems and cultures, comfortable with competing conceptions of national interest. This was partly an outgrowth of his Irish heritage and the sensibility of his parents, and in particular his mother, who looked outward, beyond the nations shores. Partly, too, it resulted from his expansive reading as a bedridden child and teenager, which tilted toward European history and statecraft, and from his coursework in prep school and college. Most of all, the internationalist ethos emerged from Kennedys travels during and after his college yearsin addition to his grand excursion in 1939, there were substantial trips in 1937, 1938, and 1941. These trips broadened his horizons, as did his subsequent combat experience in the South Pacific. An interventionist well in advance of Pearl Harborin contrast to his father and older brother, who argued until the Japanese attack for keeping America out of the struggle, whatever the costJack came out of the war committed to the proposition that the United States must play an ongoing leadership role in world affairs, working in concert with other nations. Thereafter, he held firmly to this view.

Herein lies a third theme: on matters of politics and policy, JFK was always his own master. His father, deeply influential in the lives of his children, was a towering figure in young Jacks life, modeling how he expected his second son to behave, not least in his brazen philandering. But there was always the sense that Jack stood somewhat apart from his large and close-knit familyhe was of the unit but also outside of it. He was the family reader, the daydreamer, the introspective son, the one who relished words and their meaning, who liked poetry. Alone among the older kids, he had a romantic imagination, a feel for the things of the spirit, for the intangibles in human affairs. (Its what drew him to Churchill, a man whose appeal Joe Senior could never grasp.) For years Jack resisted his fathers exhortations to work harder in school, to apply himself; when he finally buckled down, in his junior year at Harvard, it was for his own reasons. Whereas Joe Junior always parroted his fathers views on policy matters, Jack broke with the patriarch at key junctures, especially in the realm of foreign policy. He saw a more complex and crowded world than did the older man, and Why England Slept was partly a rebuke of Joe Seniors isolationist position. Later, in the early stages of the Cold War, Jack embraced a strident anti-Soviet position that his father loudly rejected. On domestic policy, Congressman and then Senator Kennedy was consistently to Joe Seniors left, though still a centrist within the Democratic Party as a whole.

Nor does the evidence support the claim, common in books as well as documentary films, that Jack Kennedy became a politician because his father decreed it, following the death of Joe Junior, his golden firstborn, in 1944. In reality, Jack was musing about seeking elected office at least two years earlier, in early 1942. His boyhood had been imbued by the political legend of his beloved grandfather John Honey Fitz Fitzgerald, and he relished hearing stories about the feats and foibles of earlier generations of Irish Catholic pols in Boston. In college he gravitated toward the study of government, and a later flirtation with law school was in part a manifestation of his deep interest in politics. No doubt the fathers relentless advocacy after Joes death was an additional spur, and its interesting to speculate about which path Jack might have selected had his brother returned from the war alive. But he had his own reasons for choosing politics, and of the two brothers he could arguably claim the stronger credentials for the endeavoras Joe Junior grasped all too well. During Jacks initial campaigns for the House (in 1946) and the Senate (in 1952), Joe Senior played an important role, not least in keeping his checkbook open at all times. Contrary to legend, however, he never drove campaign strategy, in either race. The son, never much impressed with his fathers political acumen, preserved the key decision-making slot for himself. In the epic 1952 nail-biter against Republican Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., the paramount subordinate family part was played not by Joe Senior but by Jacks twenty-six-year-old brother, Robert.

Ultimately, the Kennedy who emerges in these pages is not the callow young man of our imaginations. At least not in the main, and at least not after he graduated from college. He could be vain and self-centered, could be heedless of friends, heedless of women. He cheated on his wife, Jackie, before their wedding, and he cheated on her afterwards. To him, as to others in his wealthy family, people were often viewed as interchangeable. (Which did not keep him from showing deep loyalty to a chosen few namely, to his male friends and to his staff, who repaid the loyalty in full.) But that was not the sum total of the man. Behind the handsome face and the winsome smile was an insatiably curious individual, a poised and discerning analyst who treated serious things seriously yet largely avoided thanks to his highly developed sense of irony and the absurd, and his self-deprecating witthe trap of self-importance. His historical sensibility and his recurring health travails taught him that life was capricious and fraught, but he didnt take from this that he should use his familys fortune to pursue a path of pure indulgence. On the contrary, these hardships deepened his determination to follow his parents exhortation, issued regularly to their kids, to contribute to society, to believe in something greater than themselves and to act accordingly.

[ Return to the review of JFK. ]
The young man was arrested after a fight broke out in Mounib in Cairo

Egypt's public prosecution announced on Tuesday that it had started an investigation into the death of a young man in the Mounib district of Greater Cairo, noting that his family blame police personnel for his death.

The police had notified the prosecution that a fight between two parties, one group of four people, and one group of two, had taken place in the Mounib district of Giza governorate on Friday, with stones and bladed weapons deployed.

The fight had resulted in the injury of number of people and the death of a young man, known as Islam Al-Australi, the prosecutions statement read.

The statement added that the mother and sister of the deceased had accused the policemen who had arrested the young man of killing him after his arrest.

The prosecution said that they had investigated the scene, locating five witnesses and seizing footage from five CCTV cameras belonging to shops in the area.

The body of the deceased was also examined by the public prosecution at Um Al-Masryeen hospital, and was discovered to have bruises, the statement read.

The prosecution has ordered the body be autopsied.

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Gandhinagar, Sep 8 : A fire broke out in the ICU for Covid patients in the government-run SSG hospital in Gujarat's Vadodara on Tuesday evening, but no one was injured as all the inmates were safely evacuated.

This was the third incident of fire at a Covid Care Centre in Gujarat.

Fire-fighters have controlled the fire, the cause of which is believed to be a short circuit.

According to Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, who also holds the health portfolio, 15 patients undergoing treatment in ward 2 of the ICU were evacuated immediately, along with 20 other patients from the adjoining ward.

According to sources, all the patients have been shifted to the Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society (GMERS) hospital at Gotri.

The Vadodara Mayor, District Collector, Police Commissioner, and Municipal Commissioner rushed to the hospital on hearing the news. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has been ordered to investigate the incident.

According to sources, around 150 patients were being treated at the Covid Care Centre at the SSG hospital.
MBABANE - Civil servants may have finally received their cost-of-living adjustment (CoLA), but some still feel hard done.

These are none other than the public servants who work in foreign missions who, for the past 10 years, have been pushing to have their terms and conditions of service improved under the infamous Chapter E.

However, it seems like there is light at the end of the tunnel as their prayers could soon be answered.

During an appearance by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) last week, Acting Principal Secretary Jennifer Neves gave assurance that the instrument that would govern the terms of service for the aforementioned employees was ready and awaiting approval.

Welfare

This was after the PAC decried why it had taken years to sort the matter of the welfare of the officers.

A look into the document, known as Chapter E, brings a glimmer of hope for the officers as it contains a variety of benefits, most of which they have for years not enjoyed.

The document makes it clear that such officers are entitled to foreign service allowances which shall be paid monthly in arrears and shall not be accountable nor subject to the Eswatini income tax.

Foreign service allowances are intended to assist an officer towards meeting the additional expenses which he inevitably meets on being posted abroad, but in comparative terms, and taking into account an officers status as a civil servant, such allowance is not intended to provide an officer stationed abroad with a higher standard of living than he would reasonably expect to attain in Eswatini, reads part of the document.

It is mentioned that its main purpose is to ensure that its standard of living for such officers benefits his status as an officer and representative of the Government of Eswatini.

The terms and conditions for such allowances include that they are to be paid to officers including married ones, who are accompanied at the missions by their spouses.

In the event of both husband and spouse being officers in the foreign service posted for duty to the same mission, the entitlement to foreign service allowances at the appropriate married rates shall be established by reference to the most senior of the two. If they are posted to different missions, each officer shall qualify for foreign service allowances at the appropriate single rates, it is mentioned in the document.

The document mentions that if an officer is accredited to more than one country, his entitlement to foreign service allowances shall be established at the rate of the country in which he resides.

Allowance

For officers who are appointed to act in positions that do not attract acting paid allowances, the document states that they shall not be entitled to the higher rates of allowances appropriate to such grades.

Instead, they shall continue to receive allowances appropriate to their substantive grade.

It is also mentioned that the rates of the allowances shall be subject for review from time to time by the government whenever other government allowances are reviewed.

Accommodated under the document are minors of officers, including step-children or legally adopted ones, who have reached the age of five years, but who have not passed their 21st birthdays, and are receiving fulltime education either at an approved and recognised day-school or boarding school.

The allowances in terms of this Section of General Orders shall be restricted to a maximum of six entitled children in the case of head of mission, and four such children for other officers below the rank of head of mission, unless in any particular case prior authority for entitled children in excess of these numbers has been given by the principal secretary responsible for public service.

Education

The maximum members of six and four entitled children respectively shall include those entitled children who are receiving their education in Eswatini as well as those who are receiving their education in the country of accreditation, it is mentioned.

Worth mentioning is that the document is clear that the allowances are non-pensionable and not subject to the Eswatini income tax, and shall be paid monthly in arrears.

The document also accommodates the education of the officers children as it states that, An officer who maintains an entitled child in Eswatini for the purpose of attending day-school during his service abroad, shall be entitled to a guardians allowance and day school allowance. The rate of the allowance shall be at the approved prevailing rate per month, per entitled child, or the actual basic day-school fees whichever is the lesser.

The allowances, according to the document, shall be non-pensionable and shall be paid monthly in arrears.

The allowance shall be paid from the date an officer leaves Eswatini to take up his duties abroad, and shall cease on the date of return. In the case of an officer who chooses to return to Eswatini by any other mode of transport the allowance shall cease two days after he leaves his mission abroad, or on the date he arrives in Eswatini, reads part of the document.

Also covered in the document are boarding school allowances as it is mentioned that an officer who maintains an entitled child in Eswatini for the purpose of attending a boarding school during his service abroad shall be entitled to a boarding school allowance.

The rate of allowance, according to the document, shall be at the approved prevailing rate per annum per entitled child, or the actual basic fees for tuition and boarding whichever is the lesser.

Other allowances mentioned in the document include one for the use of motor vehicles for duty.

It is stipulated that an officer shall be permitted to use his own motor vehicle for the performance of his official duties on the authority of a head of mission.

Motor vehicle allowances for such use shall be paid at the official rates authorised by the government to which the mission is accredited to when a civil servant belonging to the government uses his own car on official business. An officer claiming motor vehicle allowances for official duty running shall record and make his claim in the terms of General Orders, it is stipulated.

However, not all the provisions are good news for the officers.

One provision that would obviously not impress the officers is one that makes it clear that charges for the hire of formal clothing, for example, morning or evening dress, shall not be accepted against public funds.
SHANGHAI: Walt Disney Cos release of Mulan", which is set in China and meant to appeal to audiences there, has provoked a backlash on social media over its stars support of Hong Kong police and for being partly filmed in the Xinjiang region.

Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong and internet users in Taiwan and Thailand are among those who promoted hashtags #BoycottMulan" and #BanMulan" on Twitter, following this months launch of the film on Disneys streaming platform.

It will also be shown in cinemas in China - an increasingly important market for Hollywood studios - from Sept 11.

Criticism of the live-action remake of a 1998 animated version began last year when Mulans star, mainland Chinese-born actress Liu Yifei, expressed support on social media for police in Hong Kong, which was roiled at the time by anti-government unrest.

Liu did not immediately respond to a request for comment via her account on Weibo, a popular Chinese microblogging site.

Calls for people to boycott the film gathered pace this week over its links to the western region of Xinjiang, where Chinas clampdown on ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims has been criticised by some governments, including the United States, and human rights groups.

Several state organisations in Xinjiang appeared in the films credits, according to social media posts.

In the new #Mulan, @Disney thanks the public security bureau in Turpan, which has been involved in the internment camps in East Turkistan," the Munich-based World Uyghur Congress tweeted on Monday.

Asked about the reaction to the films Xinjiang shooting, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian restated Beijings denial of the existence of re-education camps in the region, calling facilities there vocational and educational institutions and accusing anti-China forces of smearing its Xinjiang policy.

Activist Wong accused Disney of kowtowing" to China, citing Liu and another actors support for Hong Kong police and the movies credits mentioning state organisations in Xinjiang.

We urge people around the world to boycott the new Mulan movie," he told Reuters on Tuesday.

Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The movie, reported to have cost $200 million to produce, had been scheduled to reach theaters in March, but its release was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last month, Disney said Mulan would skip most theaters and go directly to its Disney+ platform.

However, it is set to premiere in Chinese cinemas from Friday, and the studio hopes it will do better than the animated version more than 20 years ago.

That release was delayed after Disneys relations with China soured over Kundun," its 1997 movie based on the life of the exiled Dalai Lama, whom China has branded a dangerous separatist.

In February, director Niki Caro told The Hollywood Reporter that Disney had tested the film with Chinese audiences, removing a kissing scene between Mulan and her love interest after feedback from its Chinese executives.
The Noida International Airport Limited and the Yamuna Expressway industrial development authority on Tuesday said they hoped that the airport concessionaire, Zurich Airport International AG, and special purpose vehicle, the Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, would sign the concessionaire agreement before October 15, if restrictions on air travel in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic are relaxed by that time.

On May 19 this year, Zurich International had got requisite security clearance from the ministry of home affairs, paving way for the singing of the concessionaire agreement.

The agreement was supposed to be signed by July 2, according to the earlier schedule. Later on June 10, the UP government postponed the agreement signing date to August 17 in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

They (Zurich) have been given time till October 15 for signing of the agreement in view of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions on air travel. Currently, there are no international flights between Zurich and India and thats why travel is not possible. Once international flights start, they will travel to sign the agreement, said Arun Vir Singh, chief executive officer of NIAL and YEIDA.

Zurich International and Yamuna International Airport private limited had on January 30 applied for security clearance to the ministry of home affairs. Zurich AG cannot start work at the Jewar airport site before the agreement is signed.

The Gautam Budh Nagar administration had acquired 1,334 hectares under phase 1 out of the total 5,000 hectares required for the airport project that has a budget of Rs 30,000 crore, paving way for the construction to begin at the site. But work is being delayed at the site due to the pandemic, officials said.

On November 29, 2019, Zurich Airport International AG, the owner of Switzerlands biggest airport, had emerged as the top bidder to design, build and develop a new airport in Jewar along the 165-kilometre Yamuna expressway in Uttar Pradesh.

To be spread over 5,000 hectares, once completed, it will be the biggest airport in India with eight runways and will cater to 70 million passengers a year by 2040-50. The first phase is expected to be completed in 2023.

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Receives COVID-19 Test Kits Commercial Order

Sydney, Sep 8, 2020 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Beroni Group (OTCQX:BNIGF) ( NSX:BTG ), an international diversified biopharmaceutical enterprise focused on the research, development, innovation and commercialization of therapies and products for treatment of global diseases, today announced that it received the first commercial order for its proprietarily developed SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Detection Kit from Forsitech Inc. ("Forsitech"), a pharmaceutical trading company based in Japan.According to the contract, Beroni shall arrange production schedule within 2 business days upon receiving the full payment from Forsitech for the ordered number of detection kits. As of the date of this announcement, Beroni has received full payment for this order and production schedule is set in motion. As of September 7, 2020, Japan has reported 71,856 COVID-19 cases according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan. The collaboration between Beroni and Forsitech provides a COVID-19 detecting solution for clinics, employers, schools, and others to seek a safer reopening. Additional purchase orders currently under negotiation and discussions with certain other parties could further increase the supply of these important tests in the near term.Based on membrane immunoassay with colloidal gold, Beroni's SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Detection Kit is an in vitro diagnostic test for the qualitative detection of IgG and IgM antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus in capillary "fingerstick" whole blood, venous whole blood, plasma (EDTA, citrate), and serum samples. The detection kit has received CE-IVD certification with a CE mark. Beroni has previously sold its detection kits to a UK buyer."Widespread testing for COVID-19 disease is absolutely critical for saving lives and reopening the economy. Our antibody detection kits can get the result within 10 minutes with only a small quantity of blood from fingertips. It offers an effective and convenient solution for various medical institutions to identify infected people, as well as for back-to-work or back-to-school testing," said Jacky Zhang, Chairman, and CEO of Beroni Group. "We are committed to provide more rapid test kits into the marketplace to help contain the community-spread of the COVID-19 virus."About Beroni Group Limited

Beroni Group (NSX:BTG) (OTCMKTS:BNIGF) is an international biopharmaceutical enterprise dedicated to the innovation and commercialization of drugs and therapies to combat various global diseases such as cancer and infectious diseases. Its diversified portfolio is comprised of a US FDA approved virus diagnostic kit, an e-commerce platform for the sale of pharmaceutical products and a development pipeline targeting oncology and cell therapies. Beroni has operations in Australia, United States, China and Japan. To learn more about Beroni, please visit www.beronigroup.com.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Abuja chapter, on Tuesday, announced the suspension of its week-long strike.

The doctors began an indefinite strike last Tuesday over unpaid COVID-19 hazard and inducement allowance and the non-implementation of the variation of the 2018 promotion exercise.

Roland Aigbovo, the president of the ARD Abuja chapter, said in a statement that the doctors met on Monday and resolved to shelve the strike following the payment of the COVID-19 hazard allowance and implementation of variation for some of her members who were successful in the 2018 promotion exercise.

Mr Aigbovo, however, said the Abuja doctors will be joining the umbrella body, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) who commenced a nationwide indefinite strike on Monday.

The NARD president, Aliyu Sokomba, said the doctors downed tools over the failure of the government to meet some demands of the association made in June which included full payment and provision of hazard allowances and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).

The doctors are also protesting the non-implementation of life insurance policy for their colleagues in the frontline.

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We just resumed the suspended strike which we embarked in June this year. We suspended the strike to give the government time to assess our concerns. Unfortunately, they failed to do so, he said.

Meanwhile, the federal government has faulted the doctors decision to down tools, saying more than half of their demands have been addressed.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, in a statement on Monday, said the government had already addressed six out of eight demands of the striking doctors.

In another development on Monday, another key organ of Nigerias health workforce threatened to down tools.

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) said it would be left with no other choice than to embark on a nationwide seven-day warning strike if the government failed to meet its demands which includes payment of hazard and inducement allowance by mid-night of Sunday, September 13.

Reacting to the looming health sector crisis, Charles Akpan, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Labour, said Mr Ngige is planning to meet with the doctors who are already on strike before attending to the threat by JOHESU.

The COVID-19 has infected more than 55, 000 people in Nigeria, and killed over a thousand in Nigeria.
A viation industry leaders are urging the Government to launch coronavirus testing for international arrivals as Brits rush home from seven Greek islands to avoid quarantine rules.

A new regional approach to Englands quarantine policy was announced on Monday, with the Lesvos, Santorini, Crete, Mykonos, Zakynthos, Tinos and Serifos added to England's "red list".

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that, should infection rates differ from their mainland countries, islands can be added to or removed from the quarantine list.

This policy change means that from 4am on Wednesday, arrivals from the seven Greek islands will need to self-isolate for 14 days, but mainland Greece is to maintain its exemption.

Since Mr Shapps' announcement on Monday, tourists have started scrambling back to England before the new rules kick in.

Holidaymakers return to the UK at Heathrow Airport / Getty Images

Many have been frantically booking last-minute flights home so they don't have to self-isolate for two weeks.

Holidaymakers are also reporting huge price hikes for their journeys back, with some having to pay out three times more than they planned.

Beth Maybury, 24, from Leeds, said that she feels more comfortable in Crete than in the UK .

Following the announcement, she said: Weve felt 100 per cent safer here than back in Leeds as all employees are wearing masks and areas are a lot less crowded."

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Due to return before the quarantine deadline, she added: Ive worked all throughout lockdown as Im a key worker and Ive been so nervous to do anything outside of work. Ive had to fly four hours to feel comfortable doing anything.

While the move was largely welcomed by the travel industry, which has taken a hit during the pandemic, industry leaders urged action on testing for those arriving in the UK.

Airport Operators Association (AOA) chief executive Karen Dee said: Industry has been calling for Government action on a testing regime for the aviation system for months while the sector has suffered through its worst summer in a generation.

Government must work quickly and decide upon a testing regime which can be put in place as soon as possible.

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, which represents UK carriers, said: This is a step in the right direction which in time could help open up more markets for international travel and further choice and clarity for passengers.

That said, a comprehensive testing regime is urgently required to enable connectivity to and from countries like the US, one of our most vital trading and strategic partners.

A spokesman for British Airways owner IAG criticised the Government for being too slow in decision-making, urging ministers to get on with it on testing.

For most families summer is now over and the damage to the industry and the economy is done, the spokesman said.

On testing, we need to get on with it. We are way behind other countries on what has to be a more nuanced approach.

Mondays announcement brings England partly into line with Wales, which removed six Greek islands from its quarantine-free list last week.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said the Greek islands of Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and Zakynthos (also known as Zante) would lose their quarantine-exemptions.

Data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and Public Health England has indicated a significant risk to UK public health from those islands, it added.

The UK Governments regional policy will only apply to land that has a clear boundary  such as an island  and internationally comparable data on coronavirus cases, according to the DfT.

In a statement to the Commons, Mr Shapps said: Our top priority has always been to keep domestic infection rates down, and today were taking the next step in our approach.

Through the use of enhanced data we will now be able to pinpoint risk in some of the most popular islands, providing increased flexibility to add or remove them  distinct from the mainland  as infection rates change.

This development will help boost the UKs travel industry while continuing to maintain maximum protection to public health, keeping the travelling public safe.

Mr Shapps said his department was working actively on the practicalities of using testing to release people from quarantine earlier than 14 days.
Thousands of trainee doctors in South Korea returned to work on Tuesday after ending a more than two-week strike as the country continued to post three-digit rises in new daily coronavirus infections.

The Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 136 new cases as of midnight Monday, after the rate fell to a three-week low of 119 a day earlier. The total infections rose 21,432, with 341 deaths.

The daily tally has steadily dropped since it reached a peak of 441 last month after the government imposed unprecedented social distancing rules to blunt a second wave of outbreaks from churches and political rallies.

Efforts to blunt the latest epidemic has been complicated by the strike launched on August 21 by some 16,000 intern and resident doctors against the governments medical reform proposals.

Also read: Chinas Sinovac coronavirus vaccine candidate appears safe, slightly weaker in elderly

The trainee doctors restarted work after agreeing to end the walkout on Monday, though many medical students continued to resist final licensing exams as part of the protest.

The intern and resident doctors are the backbone of healthcare services in emergency rooms and intensive care units, and hospitals increasingly grappled with delays and disruptions amid constant growths in Covid-19 patients.

Authorities are weighing whether to extend the social distancing curbs ahead of Chuseok, one of the countrys biggest holidays this month, which would see tens of millions of people travel nationwide.

President Moon Jae-in said the daily numbers are expected to drop below 100 by the holiday, though health officials have urged against visits and gatherings.

Despite moderate declines in daily cases, cluster infections have increased fivefold compared to last month, and continued to emerge from various groups, including religious, medical and sport facilities as well as offices and social gatherings, Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip told a meeting.
Tony Blair called it the "masochism" strategy when in the run up to the Iraq war he put himself around studios and newspaper offices, coming face to face with the anti-war lobby, hoping that he could at least soften their hostility.

For Ed Miliband, masochism takes the form of going on air and inviting questions and comments from the public, at any time, on any subject. Yesterday, he soldiered through a gruelling phone-in on BBC Radio 5 live. "You're not going to be Prime Minister by any stretch of the imagination," one caller predicted. Another called him a "laughing stock." And Dave, a Labour voter, sorrowfully informed him: "You fail to inspire. It's really bad what you're doing. You're not inspiring anybody. People need to be inspired by their leader. You have never done it, you're not doing it now and I can't ever see you doing it in the future. I don't mean to be cruel but it's so important."

In a less grim moment, Miliband was asked what advice, if any, he had received from Tony Blair, and said that the old leader had urged him to "be himself". Sadly, most of the rest of the country seems right now to want him to be anyone but himself.

Hilton barefoot's run for Mayor

Joe Murphy, Political Editor of the Evening Standard, set an interesting hare running yesterday by posting a blog on the internet on the number of times David Cameron's favourite adviser, Steve Hilton, has been seen around Boris Johnson's headquarters on the south bank of the Thames.

The rumour is that Hilton  famous for padding barefoot into meetings in Downing Street  has his eyes on being the next Conservative Mayor, after Boris has moved on, and was having discussions about whether he would work with the Mayor in the interim.

If so, nothing came of it. Hilton is off in the summer for a year's sabbatical in California, where his wife, Rachel Whetstone, is Google's global head of communications. The impossibility of getting anything done quickly in Whitehall is said to have got to him.

But is it right that he was sounding out the possibility of working with Boris? "He is round there a lot," a reliable source tells me. "They certainly get on very well."

Big Ben strikes it rich

Guided tours of the clock tower that houses Big Ben, are so popular that visitors are advised to book four months in advance. They cost 15 a head. I see from a note in Hansard that the cost to Parliament of laying on tours is expected to come to under 120,000 next year, when they are expecting between 9,400 and 10,400 paying visitors. According to my maths, they could make enough profit to cover the 32,000 a year it costs to rent the 12 fig trees that adorn the atrium of Portcullis House just across the road.

The local councillor living in... California

Lucky Neil Fitzgerald, a Southampton Conservative councillor, is still receiving his 650 a month council allowance although he has moved away to take up a new job, in Los Angeles.

The council leader, Royston Smith, argues that it is cheaper to keep paying him until his term of office runs out in May than to have a by-election. The leader of the Labour group on Southampton Council, Richard Williams, suggests they stop paying him, declare the seat vacant, and forget the by-election, because the vacancy will be filled in May anyway.

Cathy dreams of coming a cropper

Channel 4's Cathy Newman has given the Radio Times a glimpse of her schoolgirl dreams. "At school, I had my heart set on being Kate Adie," she said. "And then I watched BBC1's political thriller House of Cards. The heroine Mattie Storin is a young journalist reporting on a power struggle in the Conservative Party... That gave me the idea that Westminster was a place of intrigue, excitement, power..."

It is also a place where you can come a terrible cropper. Mattie Storin was pushed off the roof of Parliament to her death, but happily young Cathy was not put off by that.
Armie Hammer has been soaking up the single life since splitting from his wife of 10-years Elizabeth Chambers, 38, in July.

And days before he was spotted walking hand-in-hand with Rumer Willis, the 34-year-old actor enjoyed a cozy lunch date with writer Jessica Ciencin Henriquez in Los Angeles.

Armie and Jessica, who happens to be the ex wife of actor Josh Lucas, conversed in close proximity as they dined on Italian cuisine at Osteria Mamma.

Mingling: days before he was spotted walking hand-in-hand with Rumer Willis, Armie Hammer enjoyed a cozy lunch date with Jessica Ciencin Henriquez in Los Angeles

Armie kept casual for his lunch date in a plain black tee and a pair of brown trousers.

The Call Me By Your Name star had a black bandana around his neck and a pair of brown RayBan sunglasses over his eyes as he relished in Jessica's company.

Jessica put her refined curves on display in a white sundress that featured spaghetti straps and a dramatic slit up one leg.

She wore her brunette hair down and she shaded her blue eyes from the blinding sun with a pair of oversized sunglasses.

Cozy: Armie and Jessica conversed in close proximity as they dined on Italian cuisine at Osteria Mamma

At one point during their date, Jessica placed her hand on Armie's face and grabbed onto his earlobe.

Though he has not been spotted with Jessica since their date, Hammer looked smitten with the brunette beauty as they sipped on their wine glasses.

Last Wednesday, Armie sent the pop culture sphere into a frenzy when he was seen out in Los Angeles with the eldest daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, Rumer Willis.

The On The Basis Of Sex actor had his arm around the 32-year-old Dancing With The Star veteran as they walked.

Close encounters: Last Wednesday, Armie sent the pop culture sphere into a frenzy when he was seen out in Los Angeles with the eldest daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, Rumer Willis; Rumer pictured in February

The pair follow each other on Instagram, and last week Rumer commented on a video Armie posted of himself 'flying into the next year.'

Despite being spotted out on multiple dates, a source told People this week that Armie is 'not dating anyone' and is, instead, using this time to meet people and learn about himself.

'He and his ex were together since he was 20 years old so he's just going out and meeting people but not dating anyone,' the source explained.

Divorce: Armie's outings with Jessica and Rumer came just weeks after he and ex Elizabeth Chambers announced they were going their separate ways; Elizabeth and Armie pictured in 2019

Offspring: The estranged couple, who wed in 2010, share two children, daughter Harper, five, and son Ford, three; Ford and Harper pictured on September 2

Armie's outings with Jessica and Rumer came just weeks after he and ex Elizabeth announced they were going their separate ways

Armie posted a photo of him and Elizabeth in happier times, and wrote: 'Thirteen years as best friends, soulmates, partners and then parents. It has been an incredible journey, but together, we've decided to turn the page and move on from our marriage.

'As we enter into this next chapter, our children and relationship as co-parents and dear friends will remain our priority.

Seperate ways: 'Thirteen years as best friends, soulmates, partners and then parents. It has been an incredible journey, but together, we've decided to turn the page and move on from our marriage,' wrote Armie of his separation from Elizabeth; the family pictured on Instagram in April

'We understand this news lends itself to public dialogue, but in the interest of our children and our family, we're asking for privacy, compassion and love during this time.'

The estranged couple, who wed in 2010, share two children, daughter Harper, five, and son Ford, three.

As for Jessica's marriage, the writer was married to actor Josh Lucas were married from 2012 until their divorce in 2014. They share eight-year-old son Noah Rev.

Despite ending their marriage, the pair appear have attempted to rekindle their romance on numerous occasions.

Former flame: Jessica happens to be the ex wife of actor Josh Lucas; Jessica and Josh pictured in 2017

But in May, Jessica seemingly ended things with the Sweet Home Alabama star for good when she posted a scathing message to Twitter, accusing the actor of 'cheating.'

'Having a child with someone makes you want to forgive them more than you usually would, it makes you believe they are better than they are,' she began.

'But it takes a really sh*t human to cheat on their partner (correction: now ex partner) in the middle of pandemic.

'Thank you for reminding me why I left you in the first place. I deserve better than this. Our son deserves better than this,' read one portion of Jessica's emotionally charged post.
It had been 179 days since Niagara students had seen the inside of a classroom. That came to an end Tuesday when school officially resumed.

Niagara District School Board chair Sue Barnett, as well as Niagara Catholic District School Board education director Camillo Cipriano, indicated the first day of school went through without any glitches.

Ive been checking my emails all day and havent seen any that indicated that there were any concerns raised by senior administration or board trustees, said Barnett.

Cipriano, who took the helm of Niagara Catholic last week, had the same experience.

It went well. I was at St. Teresa of Calcutta Elementary School in St Catharines. I know it was only one school and one experience, but everyone was happy and excited to be back.

Cipriano said students who will be learning online will be starting classes next Monday.

Thirteen to 16 per cent of families have indicated that their children will proceed with online learning, he said. The majority of the remaining students have indicated that they will be learning in class.

DSBN communications officer Kim Yielding provided context for how students will be learning this semester.

(Public board) elementary schools have 21,000 students in class and 5,200 students online. Both panels will have a staggered start this week, she said. Secondary schools have 10,000 students in class of the adaptive learning model and 2,100 students will be online.

St. Catharines regional Coun. Laura Ip told her son, who just started Grade 10, no one has ever done school like this before.

Not me, not your dad, not your teachers, not anyone. Do your best. This is like building the plane while were flying it. Be patient with yourself. Be patient with your teachers. Have a super great day. she told him.

I think I am more stressed than my child, but I also felt like I needed to say something to him, she said of the experience of sending a child to school in the unprecedented COVID-19 era.

Joined by Premier Doug Ford, Education Minister Stephen Lecce and Government and Consumer Services Minister Lisa Thompson, Deputy Premier Christine Elliott provided an update to Ontarians Tuesday.

With the new school year beginning, the health and safety of students, teachers and staff is our governments top priority, Elliott said. We have been working closely with our public health experts and making the necessary investments to ensure safety measures and protocols are in place for returning to the classroom.

Said Thompson, Our governments top priority is to ensure students, teachers and staff have what they need to stay safe when they return to school.

We were able to successfully secure sufficient supplies to support the safe reopening of over 4,800 schools and over 5,000 childcare facilities this fall, she said.
President Donald Trump, center right, and first lady Melania Trump, center left, greet members of the military at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Dec. 27, 2018. (Andrew Harnik/AP Photo)

When the Press Cry Wolf, People Stop Listening

Commentary

A reliance on illusion, convoluted logic, and outright falsehoods plays a significant role in the practice of personal destruction that has become part and parcel of modern political campaigns.

In the age of Trump, such malicious tools of deception have been employed at levels that make it almost impossible for rational observers to believe anything they hear in the news. Cynicism abounds, and citizens are learning to rely on their own judgement over the tendentious reporting of hyper-partisan reporters.

Nevertheless, the danger of our susceptibility to the plausible lie remains. In his 16th century masterpiece on human intrigue, The Prince, Florentine political philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli reminded us that the practice of deception in political affairs has been with us for centuries. Machiavellis observation that men are so simple and so much creatures of circumstance that the deceiver will always find someone ready to be deceived should continue to caution us against taking anything we hear at face value.

A Blatant Example of Deceitful Journalism

Last week, a particularly blatant example of deceitful political journalism appeared in The Atlantic. The headline read: Trump: Americans Who Died in War are Losers and Suckers. The subheadline went on to declare that: The president has repeatedly disparaged the intelligence of service members, and asked that wounded veterans be kept out of military parades, multiple sources tell the Atlantic.

Where did this come from? When President Donald Trump canceled a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in 2018 wrote the Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg, he blamed rain for the last-minute decision, saying that the helicopter couldnt fly and that the Secret Service wouldnt drive him there.

Goldberg contended that Trumps claims were untrue. He said the president 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. He went on to report that 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. In a separate conversation on the same trip, Trump is said to have referred to the more than 1,800 marines who lost their lives at Belleau Wood as suckers for getting killed.

Goldbergs account was said to be based on the testimony of four people with firsthand knowledge of that days events. But none of them were prepared to come forward and identify themselves. The public was provided with no names, no attributions, and no opportunity to examine the credibility or motivations of the accusers. The editor of the Atlantic maintained that Trumps accusers could not come forward because they might become the target of mean tweets from the president.

The president categorically denied the anonymous allegations. Nearly a dozen witnesses came forward to refute The Atlantics story. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, former White House Press Secretary, wrote on Twitter: The Atlantic story on @realDonaldTrump is total BS. I was actually there and one of the people part of the discussion  this never happened.

Others who supported the president included former Deputy White House Press Secretary Hogan Gidley, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications Dan Scavino, personal aide to President Trump Jordan Karem, and former acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.

Even John Bolton, former National Security Adviser, who has broken with Trump and called him unfit for office, said he was on the trip in question and never heard Trump make such remarks.

This week, The Epoch Times reported that nearly 700 American veterans signed a letter condemning the recent baseless media attacks against President Trump from anonymous sources. Epoch Times contributor Roger Kimball rightly pointed out that the truth doesnt matter to the anti-Trump machine. A talking point is a talking point, however groundless, however absurd.

Nevertheless, Trumps alleged comments were predictably confirmed by the Associated Press, the Washington Post, and other outlets, including Fox News, which has developed an unmistakable Trump disapproval cohort among featured anchors and favorite pundits. The story was immediately used by the Biden campaign as evidence of the presidents moral turpitude.

Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin reported that two anonymous former Trump administration officials had confirmed key parts of the Atlantics story about the president, but could not confirm the most salacious part. Even this somewhat tepid affirmation made her an instant heroine among the Trump-despising legacy media. She maintained that the anonymous sources for the story were not anonymous to her, and presumably that should be good enough for the rest of us.

The Press Who Cry Wolf

Epoch Times readers may be familiar with the famous collection of childrens stories known as Aesops Fables. One tale concerns a shepherd boy who repeatedly tricks nearby villagers into thinking a wolf is attacking his towns flock. When a wolf actually does appear and the boy again calls for help, the villagers dont believe him and the sheep are eaten by the wolf. In later versions of the fable, the wolf also eats the boy.

The mainstream media has been crying wolf about Donald Trump from the early months of the Russia collusion hoax in 2016, to the phony impeachment proceedings that dragged from December 2019 through January 2020 and tragically diverted everyones attention from the impending CCP virus pandemic that Beijing unleashed on the world early in the present year.

The tightening of the 2020 political campaign has only served to accelerate the preposterous daily condemnations of the president levied by an overwhelming majority of the world press corp.

But stubborn facts prevail. Under the Trump administration there was an enormous improvement in the economy. The presidents policies led to rising wages, renegotiated trade deals, the return of manufacturing jobs, criminal justice reform, the curtailment of illegal immigration, the rebuilding of the military, the development of opportunity zones, and successful crisis management policies initiated by the Coronavirus Task Force.

These facts cannot be kept entirely hidden from ordinary Americans. The truth is like toothpaste. Once its out of the tube even the media cant just push it back in.

The moral of Aesops famous fable about the shepherd boy who cried wolf is this: Liars are seldom rewarded for long. If they persist in spreading falsehoods and exaggerations, eventually few will believe them.

Whether or not some of the shepherd boys in the worlds progressive newsrooms will ever learn this lesson is an open question. Recently, the new BBC director general, Tim Davie, spoke about the need to renew our commitment to impartiality.

Its an encouraging sentiment, but I wouldnt bet the farm on it ever happening.

William Brooks is a Montreal writer and educator. He currently serves as editor of The Civil Conversation for Canadas Civitas Society and is an Epoch Times contributor.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would spend his own money to finance his 2020 presidential campaign against Democrat Joe Biden if he had to.

The Republican leader told reporters before taking off for a trip to Florida that the campaign had double or triple what it had in 2017 but he would put in whatever it takes.

"If I have to, I would," Trump said.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  The Department of National Defense is 'trying its best' to patrol the West Philippine Sea as China forges on with construction activities and maintains presence in disputed areas, Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Tuesday.

The Cabinet official said Filipino troops continue to patrol the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and the government is looking to invest in new equipment to boost military presence in disputed waters.

China has not stopped construction and improvements of artificial islands it earlier built in the South China Sea, and which were the subject of diplomatic protests lodged by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

READ: China hits back at PH after diplomatic protest: Stop illegal provocations

"Tuloy-tuloy yung kanilang improvement sa mga nagawa na nilang isla. Hindi po namin alam ano ang ginagawa nila sa mga isla nila, pero alam namin ay nandiyan sila palagi at tuloy 'yung pagdami ng kanilang buildings diyan [China continues with improvements on the islands they built. We do not know what they are doing there, but we know that they are always there and the number of buildings remains on the rise]," Lorenzana said.

He added there is consistent presence of Chinese troops in Subi Reef, Mischief Reef and Fiery Cross Reef  known locally as Zamora Reef, Panganiban Reef, and Kagitingan Reef.

RELATED: China puts up new research stations on PH-claimed reefs in West Philippine Sea

"We are doing our best with the assets available to us na patrolyahan natin ang ating mga areas. It's not adequate kasi napakalawak ng West Philippine Sea and the Navy has limited assets, also the Air Force, but we are trying our best with our limited assets to assert our sovereignty over the area," Lorenzana also told lawmakers.

He added that local troops regularly check if Chinese vessels have committed incursions within the EEZ, which would then trigger the filing of a diplomatic protest. The DND official added this is what the Philippines can do for now as the country remains ill-equipped compared to the mainland.

The House appropriations committee tackled the DND's 208.7 billion budget for 2021, which is nearly 9 percent higher than this year's funding. Lorenzana said the allocations will allow military forces to continue their patrols around the EEZ.

The Philippines is also beefing up its presence in the Kalayaan Island Group located off Palawan, with a cemented airport at Pag-Asa Island, seen ready by yearend. The area is one of the biggest islands occupied by the Philippines in the disputed Spratlys area.

China insists it has indisputable sovereignty over practically the South China Sea, rejecting a Hague tribunals ruling that invalidated its sweeping claim. The landmark decision recognized the Philippines sovereign rights in areas within its exclusive economic zone that China claims.

Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and self-governing Taiwan also have their own territorial claims in the South China Sea.

READ: Joint patrols with more allies eyed amid 'grave escalation' of tensions in South China Sea  expert

Meanwhile, Lorenzana explained why the Armed Forces sat out during the naval exercises led by the United States in the South China Sea. "Kung talagang kailangan nating makipag-naval exercise with Americans, pwede nating gawin doon sa ating mga territorial waters diyan sa Sulu Sea, hindi doon sa disputed areas [If we really need to do naval exercises with Americans, we can do that in our territorial waters like the Sulu Sea but not in disputed areas]," he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte gave a standing order for local forces not to take part in any joint military drills in the South China Sea, except in national waters.

Lorenzana said the Philippines is not taking part in drills in contested waters to avoid being caught in the middle of Beijing and Washington, which have had trade and military standoffs in recent weeks.

READ: US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese persons responsible for militarization of South China Sea

Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate questioned why the DND's maintenance costs kept on rising through the years. The agency chief explained it reflects the higher cost of maintaining old and secondhand planes and ships which the DND previously bought from other countries.
How chemists are building molecular assembly lines

Part of the challenge is programming the actions of molecular machines and reducing the waste from chemical triggers that get them to work.
The 50 States Project is a yearlong series of candid conversations with interior designers, state by state, about how theyve built their businesses. Today, were chatting with Dublin, Ohiobased Julie Paulino, founder of Julie Paulino Design, about finding clients and community through local cultural events, how she found her confidence as a designer, and the role of her blog as a portfolio builder and early digital design destination.

What made you want to become a designer?

I think it started when I was child, though of course I didnt know it back then. I remember that my mom had very nice midcentury furniture, and my aunt had nice furniture upholstered in chintz. I think I absorbed those thingsand coming from the Dominican Republic, there is that influence: shingled homes, jute and rattan. I was also always fascinated by any kind of home improvement, but I grew up not knowing how I could make that interest into a career; it wasnt until we moved to New York when I was 12 that I considered being an architect. After graduating high school, I [enrolled] in the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture [at The City College of New York]but then after doubt and fear [crept in], I switched to international business.

What were the doubts?

I just didnt think I could become an architectI felt like it was a career for men or people who were wealthypeople [with] a social circle that would help them get business.

Like your career needed to be based on the people you know?

Exactlygetting clients through connections. All this doubt made me switch careers.

What helped you pivot back towards design?

I was inspired by my mom. After she retired, she opened a vintage furniture store. I eventually opened an outpost in Connecticut, where I sold unique midcentury furniture. That was back in 2006 and 2007, right before the recession. Between buying at auctions and experiencing midcentury design, I started blogging. When I founded my blog, Belle Vivir, it was actually one of the first design blogs in New York after Apartment Therapycan you believe it?

Thats amazing!

I couldnt believe it myself when I was calculating it the other dayI was thinking, Wow, I cant believe that I had that vision. I have to give some of the credit to my husband, who was my fiance at that point. I had no idea what a blog was, but he told me, Why dont you try it and see what happens?

Who did you look to when you were starting the blog?

There were really not many blogs back then, other than Apartment Therapy and Design*Sponge out of Brooklyn.

Paulino gave a small New York studio a stylish makeover. Courtesy of Julie Paulino Design

What did you want the blog to be? What was the inspiration or mission?

To be honest, I had no idea what direction I wanted to go, I just wanted to share some of the designs I liked, some of my aesthetic, and eventually it became an example of my learning curveit has grown along with me. Sometimes I think Ill always be a blogger, and sometimes I feel like its time to focus on bigger things, but its an extension of my brand, its a journal, and a part of my portfolio.

Did the blog help you launch the design firm?

I started the firm in 2010, a few years after I started blogging. The blog gave me a more direct, focused understanding of my design taste and helped me hone my aesthetic. It also helped me to be more confident, to push myself and understand that this was something that I could do, [which ultimately led me to go] to Parsons School of Design and study interior design and art history.

What was going to Parsons like?

It was very different. I was experiencing design from a very naive perspective, by going to auctions and things like that. Exchanging ideas with professors and like-minded people in classes was a completely different thing.

Did that shape your approach?

It helped me narrow down my design ideas and be more confident. It gave me the basic, fundamental principles to create something and combine those things, like the modern aesthetic and timeless, classic design. It also helped me [learn to] create drafts, 3D drawing, and three-point perspective, which I did not have before. So it gave me more of a professional selling point.

When did you relocate to Ohio?

I stopped my career for five years while we were living overseas and I was raising our newborn. And then three years ago, in 2017, we relocated to Ohio.

What was it like to restart your business in a new location?

Its been hard, to say the leastespecially in an area of the country where people have a different idea of interior design. They do not have a culture of interior design as much as in New York or Los Angeles, so its been difficult to introduce myself. Ive been exceptionally lucky, because I was able to find clients who trusted me to do everything from remodeling to decorating after a year. Its been quite challenging, but its also been really rewarding.

A view into the other half of the studio apartment, which was inspired by French style. Courtesy of Julie Paulino Design

How did those clients find you?

Mostly word of mouth.

So youve been building your network slowly?

Slowly, yes. For me, its very difficult to network. I wouldnt say Im a shy person, but Im an introvert and its hard to [self-promote]. But I make an effort to participate in many cultural events. Im part the Columbus Museum of Art Womens Board, and we do a lot of events and volunteering, so that way I have met a lot of very valuable clients, friends, and people who have gotten to know me and recommended me. Thats how Ive been able to introduce myself effectively.

Just by getting involved in the community?

Yes, Ive been trying to give back [through] art and design. Theres not much diversity around here, so as the Latin woman that I am, its been challenging. A neighbor might feel more comfortable hiring someone they know from childhood or someone that looks more like them than hiring me.

Have you felt that lack of diversity has kind of held you back, then?

Oh, absolutely, yes. I think its been a lot more difficult for me for that reason. Its also [related to] the fact that they dont really use much interior design here. Im located in Dublin, Ohio, which is about 20 minutes from Columbus. Its a very nice residential area, with big homes and greenery. The housing market has been good, but people are more prone to hire contractors or handymen whose only sources are Home Depot or Lowes, and they feel comfortable with it because thats what they know. Thats what theyve been doing, thats what their parents were doing, and as long as theyre comfortable and their home is maintained, theyre OK with it.

The culture [is more about] having big homes and driving expensive cars and [less about] the aesthetic and interior design aspect. Like, the farthest that most [locals] would go is probably to furnish their homes from RH, and thats what they do instead of hiring a designer that can offer them something exclusively customizable and for themselves, you know? I think they probably dont know [its an option].

How do you have those conversations with new clients, helping to kind of open their world?

I think it starts with letting them know that they will have access to sources that they dont have here. There is only one local showroom that offers a few pieces of furniture. Its not like New York or Chicago, where you have two or three design buildings. Here its very difficult to sell that concept. I think its about letting them know the value that youre adding with designer-sourced furniture and your portfolio, your experience and taste. I think it is a new idea here, since they used to fill their homes with Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel, which is not bad, but not the same as the pieces I would provide for them. I think its about [expanding the awareness and] understanding of all the possibilities that interior design can bring.

Geometric tile anchors a striking bathroom. Courtesy of Julie Paulino Design Paulino designed the New York apartment to reflect a global, well-traveled perspective. Courtesy of Julie Paulino Design Left: Geometric tile anchors a striking bathroom. Courtesy of Julie Paulino Design | Right: Paulino designed the New York apartment to reflect a global, well-traveled perspective. Courtesy of Julie Paulino Design

You mentioned that there arent many nearby showroomshow do you shop?

Im lucky because I go to New York a lot, so I go to the D&D Building and the New York Design Center. We travel a lot to Chicago, as well, which is only a five-hour drive away, so Ill also go to the Mart.

That means clients are buying pieces that they havent seen, that they cant sit in. How do you help them understand the quality theyre buying?

It certainly helps if theres a store that they can go to. Many of them travel, so they can go to Chicago and I can advise them to go to a certain store and try a certain piece of furniture. But I also think they have to take the designers word for it and trust you. The measurements of a piece of furniture can also explain a lot about the comfort. If you have a piece of furniture that is a certain width and depth and you find that its comfortable, then I can look for something that would emulate that type of measurement but in a different design, and they will better understand the comfort.

How many projects are you typically working on at one time?

Right now, I have three ongoing. Im also starting a new online concept store with my husband, called Julie and Ev, based on the principles of living a conscious life, selling a globally curated selection of home decor, tabletop, and fashion accessories for a conscious buyer. Its a concept that was born from our travels and our passion for good craftsmanship.

How have you found your vendors?

I found them through trade shows, all of my travelsand believe it or not, Instagram. Ive always admired those high-profile people who have the platform to make a difference and give back, and this is our small way of trying to do that. We are also giving 10 percent of the profits to a [charitable] organization of the customers choice.

Does this replace your design business, or is it a complement to it?

Its going to be a complementand eventually Im also planning to sell things designed by me. I love designing objects. When I was overseas, I created a couture jewelry line, and Im a big fan of designing things that are unique, well-made, and sustainably sourced. So thats something Ill be incorporating into the online store.

Do you see the store opening a physical location, or is it an online-only initiative?

Before COVID I would have thought of opening a physical store, especially in a place where theres a need for it. But after COVID, I think that life has changed and people are more interested in buying online than ever before.

What does your team look like?

Im an entrepreneur at heart, but I have used freelancers for bookkeeping and help with the design and development of my website. But Ive been doing all my own sourcing and Im basically the one designing the whole concept. I did start working with a virtual assistant about seven months ago.

What is working with a virtual assistant like?

Its a learning curve, like everything in life. Because she is virtual, the communication is more strict and limited. She helps me outsource for pieces and fabrics. Im not such a good business manager, so she takes that role and helps me keep things on track and reminds me of things I need to do for each projectkind of like a project manager.

Thats such a great solution for someone whos running a firm on their own.

It is. And now, with this situation where were spending more time inside, I think its a great way to also provide business to other people that need it. She works for me about three, four hours a day.

If you were starting your design business now, what would you do differently?

I would try to get a mentor. I would reach out, not be shy, and try to get as many recommendations as possible for what to do and how to do itto be more prepared for the obstacles and the difficulties.

Paulino designed this bedroom for the Columbus Museum of Art Designer Showcase in 2019. Courtesy of Julie Paulino Design

How have you approached billing and money conversations with clients?

Thats probably been the most difficult part of my learning curve. I didnt have a mentor or anyone who I could ask these business-related questions, so it took me a lot of falls to learn. Im sure that on many occasions I undercharged for my effort, and its something that Im still trying to understand. A lot of it depends on locationI cant charge here what I could charge in New York, and vice versa. People probably wont believe this, but labor here is more expensive than in New York. There are so many suppliers in New Jersey that you can find all kinds of price ranges for labor and still find good quality. So its been difficult to figure that outadapting to where I am and trying to not overcharge, but also not undercharge. One thing that clients always get is a great price for my sources, because I pass on a good portion of that discount.

Has that been important for clients to know that theyre getting access to that discount?

Absolutely. And not only the discount, but the access to the sourcethe type of good fabric, good furniture, good craftsmanship. That makes a big difference.

Do you bill for your time or a flat fee? How do you make sure youre charging for the value you bring?

I charge in three different waysI charge per hour, I charge a markup, and I also charge a design fee. Its been a little difficult here to explain to clients why I have to charge for the design fee, because how can you put a price on it? Because they dont understand it until they see the result, and even when they do, you risk that they dont understand and say, OK, but I could have done that, even though they know they couldnt have.

So its difficult to charge the design fee, but I always try to, because its [the value] youre bringing. Youre bringing that concept and vision that your experience has given you the power to realizeyour time and effort and taste, which you curate throughout your life. It has cost me a lot of time to do that, to travel and hone that taste through studies and blogging and starting my own firm. Its difficult to get that across and make them understand, but eventually they get it.

I love that.

But I try not to charge [at] a fixed price, because there are always things that come up you dont anticipate, so its very difficult to plan and say, OK, this will take 13 hours, because those 13 hours can [easily] become 20 or 25 hours when there are complications.

I am such a fan of the design fee, but I can see how that could be a really crazy concept to someone who hasnt hired a designer before.

Absolutely. Here on this side of the country, you have to really earn it.

What do those conversations look like?

It starts with getting to know each other and answering their questions logically, being honest and clarifying upfront that youre not doing this as a hobby. This is your career, this is your job, and if youre spending time away from your family, you want to make it worth it and youre bringing a lot to the table. Youre bringing something that they cannot do themselvesthats why theyre reaching out to you. So respectfully, you let them know everything youre bringing and why its an investment. Youre adding value to their home, youre adding value to the way they live. And thats important, especially nowadays, when were spending so much time inside and its all you have. Home is all you know.

Have those conversations changed since the onset of COVID?

Yes. Many people are saying more than before that its important to have a comfortable sofa, its important to have everything you need in your home office, a comfortable office chair, everything. A good bed. They understand completelythis has probably helped the industry more than you would expect, sadly.

A vignette from Paulino's showhouse bedroom. Courtesy of Julie Paulino Design A vibrant chinoiserie wallcovering is a backdrop for a seating area in the Columbus Museum of Art Designer Showcase. Courtesy of Julie Paulino Design Left: A vignette from Paulino's showhouse bedroom. Courtesy of Julie Paulino Design | Right: A vibrant chinoiserie wallcovering is a backdrop for a seating area in the Columbus Museum of Art Designer Showcase. Courtesy of Julie Paulino Design

Whats the role of your blog today?

Its an extension of my portfolio, my brand. It helps me curate my eye, it has helped me hone my aesthetic, it has helped me be more conciseits like a journal of my growth. Lately, Im not blogging that often, because Ive been working on a project that has been taking most of my time. When I started, I blogged every day, and then it went down to two or three times a week. When I was [living abroad and raising my baby], I stopped blogging, since I wanted to immerse myself in the culture and enjoy it. I didnt want the blog to take away from my experience. But since I came back, Ive resumed blogging maybe three times a week.

Would you still start the blog today?

Oh, my God, when I started in 2006, it was so much easier. There are so many blogs nowmillions! It would be extremely challenging to start a blog today. My blog is very establishedthats probably why its so hard for me to let it go, and Ill always come back to it. But I wouldnt start a blog today, no.

You post a lot of vintage images, which I love.

Last week, someone perfectly described the blog as something between The World of Interiors and Elle Decor. Id never thought of it that way, but I think its very true, and its because I have always been true to my love for timeless interiors with global sensibility. I love interiors that reflect a cultural element. Where youve been, who you are, different cultures, international, cosmopolitanthose aspects of interior design, I love. And I think the blog reflects it.

In this moment, what keeps you inspired?

Traveling has been my biggest inspiration. It can be hard to be an expat, but those years that I was away, nothing taught me more than the experience of getting to know different cultures, architecture and landscaping. Its remarkable to travel, theres nothing like it. But right now, I think Instagram is a big source of inspiration, because its become a way of traveling in itself. It has opened doors in many different ways; it has helped me find sources for the store and make connections with local craftspeople. Its unbelievable, actually. Thats the only social media I use.

What is your approach to social media for your business?

Ah, its really difficult. I love it for the discovery side of it, but I dont love it for the business side. I find it a little bit difficult and even intimidating. If I could, I wouldnt even use it for networkingbut I think its a necessity, even if we dont like it. That, I think, is probably going to be the way of doing business.

To learn more about Julie Paulino, visit her website, check out her blog, or find her on Instagram.
Homes and businesses in rural areas who want faster broadband could benefit by applying to a government voucher scheme.

The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme was launched by the Government in 2018 with the aim of increasing gigabit-capable coverage across the UK, especially in the countryside.

For the fastest and most reliable broadband, capable of delivering gigabit speeds, a full-fibre connection is required, but the UK's lacklustre broadband network means many of those in rural areas and even locations just out of town can't get one.

Network providers are often reluctant to extend fibre and it can be pricey to install, leaving many in rural areas without speedy internet. However, the cost can be hugely discounted with the scheme.

The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme aims to increase internet coverage across the UK

At first glance, it can seem that the scheme is quite confusing with households who want to apply having to ensure others in the nearby area are also willing to apply.

To help settle any confusion and explain exactly how the scheme works, This is Money has answered the most common questions surrounding the Government programme.

What is the aim of the rural broadband scheme?

The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme has two aims. Firstly, to connect businesses and homes not due for an upgrade through normal industry rollout soon with the fastest next-generation, gigabit-capable broadband.

Secondly, to encourage broadband companies, especially smaller and alternative network providers, to start building gigabit capable broadband in some of the hardest-to-reach areas of the UK.

Larger providers such as Openreach and Gigaclear are using the scheme but it also hopes to encourage hundreds of small local providers to scale their operations to better support their local communities.

Matt Warman, Digital Infrastructure Minister, said: 'Our broadband vouchers offer immediate financial assistance to help bring faster gigabit speed broadband to rural homes and businesses.

'I urge people to visit our website to check if they're eligible for a voucher to help them get these next-generation speeds.'

Who is eligible and why you need good neighbours?

Homes and businesses with broadband speeds of less than 100Mbps can use vouchers to support the cost of installing new gigabit-capable connections when part of a group scheme.

Group projects are when two or more residents and/or SMEs get together to combine their vouchers towards the shared cost of installation.

Single connections are not eligible for additional funding.

What is gigabit internet? Gigabit internet delivers download speeds of up to 1Gbps, the equivalent of 1,000Mbps. These kinds of speeds are typically only available in locations with fibre-to-the-premises, commonly known as 'full fibre' connections. This is when the connection between your provider, the network and your home is completed entirely using fibre-optic cables rather than copper phone lines, according to Uswitch.

Therefore, households and small businesses have to discuss between themselves who would like to apply, how many people would like to apply and how the cost would then be shared.

For those who do not have nearby neighbours, or have neighbours who do not wish to take part, this could cause some grievance.

We asked the Government how it would work if, for example, two households wanted to take part but no others?

It said it is not possible to say how it would work because every location and situation is different.

It added that it depends how far that premises owner is from the nearest gigabit-capable supply, which could be miles, it could be mountainous, crossing rivers or roads.

It said this is why the Government is intervening because 'it is not easy to do'.

Can you jump on board someone else's upgrade?

If gigabit-capable broadband goes past any premises, in theory, households can upgrade to whatever service the supplier is offering.

Suppliers would do their best to switch any premises owner to the best possible connection.

However, in these rural, hard-to-reach locations it is highly likely that suppliers would encourage as many of the premises owners in a community to take part in the scheme so that they can boost the value of the available fund towards the overall installation costs.

People in rural areas are urged to contact their current service provider to see if they are registered for this scheme.

If not they can speak to any service providers who are actively building in their area through the postcode search on the website.

If they are eligible for a voucher, they will see a list of registered suppliers and can choose who they would like to approach to apply for a voucher on their behalf.

Suppliers then manage all marketing and operational communication with potential beneficiaries/customers.

Slow internet connection is common in rural areas where there are no full fibre connections

Who wouldn't be qualify?

Premises owners may be ineligible to apply for the voucher for three main reasons. Firstly, they are not in a rural area as defined by the ONS.

Secondly, the available broadband speed in their area is already more than 100Mbps and thirdly, there is planned government-funded intervention, for example, its Superfast Programme, in their area within the next 12 months.

How can I apply?

If households want to apply, they can discuss it with their fellow neighbours but ultimately the decision lies with the supplier.

If the premises owner has already asked neighbours if they want to take part in a scheme, the supplier would probably be grateful, but ultimately, the supplier has to work out if the build to that area is viable.

Applicants will need to go on the Government website and enter their postcode to ensure they are in an area eligible for works.

If you are, you will see a message below the box to indicate that you may be eligible. You can then continue your enquiry with any of your nearest registered suppliers listed underneath.

The supplier you select will request a voucher from the Government and it will confirm with the applicant they are happy to go ahead.

If all confirmed, the supplier get to work delivering the new connection. After the supplier tells the Government the connection has been made, it will check with the applicant it is working properly.

It added it sometimes makes further checks before it pays out, including running third party audits of connections installed to ensure that suppliers are doing their job properly. This should not affect the premises owner.

The Government will pay the voucher money to the supplier not the customer directly

How much will it cost?

Beneficiaries of the scheme do not directly receive any money through the scheme, as the voucher is used to offset the costs to the supplier installing gigabit-capable broadband to their premises.

The premises owner will pay ongoing usage costs for the connection as normal.

Rural premises with broadband speeds of less than 100Mbps can use vouchers worth 1,500 per home and up to 3,500 for each small to medium-sized business to support the cost of installing new fast and reliable connections.

Anything over this amount will have to be paid by the households and businesses themselves.

The cost of the connection will vary depending on the location and the size of the operation but will likely range in the mid to high thousands.

What will happen if I am successful in my application?

Beneficiaries of the scheme must agree to take a gigabit capable connection from their chosen supplier for at least 12 months and their new connection should double their current speed but must be at least 30Mbps.

Vouchers can only be issued to group schemes where a group is defined as two or more premises.

However, if the cost to build gigabit-capable broadband to those two properties is more than the value of the vouchers they can claim, the supplier may ask the premises owners to pay the balance.

So, the larger the group of premises, the more funding that can be pooled together for the supplier to use to offset the overall build costs.

If, for example, you are a household that wants to install a fast connection and other premises nearby do not, the installation would rely upon the supplier being able to cover the installation costs and/or asking the premises that are participating to fund the difference themselves.

The programme ultimately encourages suppliers to start building gigabit capable infrastructure in some of the hardest to reach areas of the UK.

Getting new fibre into these areas, and therefore closer to nearby properties, can ultimately encourage suppliers to keep building out their networks in those areas.

There are examples of this happening in Wessex Internet, in Dorset, Broadband for the Rural North (B4RN), in Lancashire, the community project in Balquhidder, in Scotland, Broadway Partners, in Wales and Fibrus, in Northern Ireland.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbais governing civic body, on Tuesday issued a notice to actor Kangana Ranaut over 8-10 types of structural violations carried out in her office while asking her reply in 24 hours and take corrective measures, failing which the illegal portions will be demolished. Ranauts staff refused to accept the notice and prompted BMC officials to pin it on a wall of the premises.

Ranauts Manikarnika Films Private Limited office is located in a ground plus two-storey structure.

Vinayak Vispute, an assistant municipal commissioner, said a site inspection of the office was conducted according to the approved plans in BMCs development plan department. We have listed out several violations in the notice and will await her reply on the same. Depending on that, further action will be taken.

Ranaut was not immediately available for comments.

Also Read: Maharashtra govt fumes after Ranaut gets Y+ security

A civic official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that they had received a complaint that the structure was being used for commercial purposes though it is supposed to be a residential one. A report citing all illegalities of the structure is being prepared.

The actor has been involved in a bitter war of words with Maharashtras ruling Shiv Sena, which also controls BMC, over her remarks likening Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The Maharashtra government has accused Ranaut of carrying forward the political agenda of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The BJP-led Central government provided Y-plus category security to Ranaut on Monday two days before she was expected to return to Mumbai from her home state of Himachal Pradesh. Around a dozen armed commandos of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will protect the actor round the clock in three shifts wherever she travels.

Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh has called the Centres move to provide security to people who insult Mumbai and Maharashtra surprising and sad.

Ranaut on Monday shared on Twitter videos purportedly showing BMC officials at her office premises in Mumbai and added the Sena-ruled civic body may demolish the property on Tuesday.

Also Read: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut appointed partys chief spokesperson

Ranaut has said she felt unsafe in Mumbai after the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. On September 3, she put out a tweet asking why Mumbai felt like it was PoK in response to Shiv Senas Sanjay Raut advice to her not to visit the city if she was afraid of the citys police.

The Shiv Sena has accused Ranaut of insulting Mumbai and its police force.

Ranaut earlier said she may require security from Himachal Pradesh police or the Centre, but will not accept protection from the Mumbai police to expose an alleged drug mafia in Bollywood.

Ranaut is the first Bollywood celebrity to be guarded by CRPF, which protects about 60 dignitaries, including Union home minister Amit Shah.
Belarus border officials say they detained protest leader Kolesnikova after reports she had been abducted in Minsk.

Belarusian protest leader Maria Kolesnikova has been detained while trying to enter Ukraine on Tuesday, according to Belarusian border officials, a day after her allies said she was grabbed off the street by masked men.

The circumstances of her attempted journey to Ukraine were not immediately clear, with some media reports initially suggesting she made it across the border, something border guards on both sides later denied.

The opposition movement on Monday said unidentified men took Kolesnikova in central Minsk and drove her off in a minivan, while two other activists disappeared later.

Those two allies successfully crossed into Ukraine in the early hours of Tuesday, the Ukrainian border service said.

Kolesnikova has now been detained, I cant say concretely where she is, but she has been detained, Anton Bychkovsky, a representative of the Belarusian border service, told Reuters news agency by phone.

She was detained in connection with the circumstances under which they [the group] left the territory of Belarus, he said.





The official Belta news agency said she had been travelling with the two other activists who made it into Ukraine. Kolesnikova could not immediately be reached for comment.

Belta quoted border officials as saying the three had tried to cross the border in a BMW car about 4am and said Kolesnikovas car accelerated sharply after being confronted by a border guard.

Kolesnikova was outside the vehicle. In fact, she was pushed from it and it continued moving towards the Ukrainian side, Belta quoted the border service as saying.

According to the Interfax Ukraine news agency, Kolesnikova ripped up her passport to thwart an attempt to deport her to neighbouring Ukraine.

Deputy Ukrainian Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko said on Facebook that Kolesnikova, who had been missing for the past 24 hours, had successfully prevented a forcible expulsion from her native country.

Belarusian journalist Andrei Vaitovich told Al Jazeera that because Kolesnikova ripped up her passport, this proves once again that this departure wasnt voluntary.

He said: She didnt [want] to leave the country. She told me a couple of days ago she will stay here, until the end. Today, what we saw once again proves that the Belarusian authorities just tried to kick out from the country the main opposition figures so they cant lead the protest.

Lukashenko critic

Police in Minsk were cited by Russias Interfax news agency as saying on Monday that they had not arrested Kolesnikova.

Kolesnikova, a member of the opposition coordination council, was the last of three female politicians left in Belarus who joined forces before an August 9 presidential election to try to challenge veteran incumbent Alexander Lukashenko.

A vocal critic of Lukashenko, she has played an important role in weeks of mass demonstrations and strikes by protesters who accuse Lukashenko of rigging his re-election.

Lukashenko, who has been in power for the last 26 years, denies that allegation and has accused foreign powers of trying to topple him in a revolution. He has responded with a crackdown which some of those detained say includes torture and beatings.

Lukashenko on Tuesday said he would not step down, despite the wave of protests, but did not rule out early presidential elections during an interview with Russian media, a radio journalist reported.

Lukashenko said his supporters would be attacked if he left, said Roman Babayan, editor in chief of the Moscow Talks radio station.
Every day, thousands of people wait in drive-through queues or pop-up clinic lines for a swab up the nose, and later, for a positive or negative result to arrive via text.

So far more than 2,350,600 of those COVID-19 tests have been conducted in NSW. More than half of those  or about 1,308,000 since January 21  have been processed in NSW Health Pathology laboratories.

Samples to be tested for COVID-19. More than 2.3 million tests have been completed in NSW. Credit:Kate Geraghty

But since April, the country's largest statewide veterinary virus laboratory at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute in Menangle has also been running COVID-19 tests.

"In one sense, bringing another animal species into our portfolio wasn't wasn't a big issue, because humans are animals," said manager of the virus disease lab and senior principal research scientist Professor Peter Kirkland.
CARACAS, Venezuela - Gasoline shortages have returned to Venezuela, sparking mile-long lines in the capital as international concerns mounted Tuesday that Iran yet again may be trying to come to the South American nations rescue.

Three Iranian tankers that delivered gasoline to Venezuela earlier this year have turned off their location tracking devices for up to three weeks, raising suspicions among global ship trackers that the tankers are again headed to Irans ally.

Iran uses cloaking to evade detection by the United States, which seeks to block shipments to Venezuela in a campaign aimed at forcing socialist President Nicolas Maduro from power.

Samir Madani, a co-founder of the independent oil tracking firm TankerTrackers.com, said it is possible the three ships could make the entire journey to Venezuela with their transponders off.

Frankly, it wouldnt surprise me now at this point, given that the Iranians experiment on a weekly basis with new evasive tactics, said Madani, who tracks shipments with satellite imagery and maritime tracking data. Theyre really good at that. The best, actually.

Venezuela holds the worlds largest oil reserves, yet it is unable to refine enough crude to meet its domestic needs. Maduros government blames crippling U.S. sanctions, while critics say two decades of corruption and mismanagement under socialist rule have left the nation once-thriving oil industry in ruins.

It is unclear whether Iran is attempting to send gasoline in its ships  the Forest, Fortune and Faxon. The Iranian Embassy in Caracas did not respond to a request for comment by The Associated Press.

If so, this would be the third time this year that Iran has sent fuel shipments to Venezuela in a partnership between the two nations that are both targeted by the United States as having authoritarian regimes.

Venezuelan authorities in May celebrated the arrival of five Iranian tankers loaded with gasoline, sending fighter jets to greet them entering Caribbean waters and playing Irans national anthem on state TV. That delivery allowed the gas pumps to provide fuel with little or no lines.

However, U.S. officials a month ago seized Iranian gasoline en route to Maduro in a flotilla of four Greek-owned ships flying the flag of the West African nation of Liberia. No military force was used in the seizures and the ships werent physically confiscated. Rather, U.S. officials threatened ship owners, insurers and captains with sanction to force them to hand over their cargo.

There was no indication of how the Trump administration might respond to any further Iranian shipments to Venezuela. The U.S. State Department didnt respond to an Associated Press request for comment.

Madani said he concluded the three Iranians tankers loaded with gasoline are heading to Venezuela because the vessels fit a pattern of an earlier shipment to Venezuela, signalling a special delivery. Most Iranian gasoline exports are shipped by foreign vessels, he said.

The U.S. Navy isnt going to do anything against Iranian tankers, he said. Iranian flag means its going to reach destination.

Venezuelans are again scrambling to fill up, even in the capital of Caracas  normally immune to shortages felt across the nation. Many pumps in Caracas are shut off and others offering fuel had lines that run over a mile.

Taxi driver Miguel Veliz, stuck in a long gas line in Caracas, said Tuesday that he didnt care where the gasoline comes from. He just wants to get back to work so he can earn a living.

Veliz said that starting Friday he had spent a total of more than 15 hours waiting at three gas stations. Twice he was turned away, and on Tuesday he hoped he would finally succeeding in filling up before his cars tank hit empty.

Well see if I catch a bit of good luck today, he said. What can I tell you? This is chaos.

___

Associated Press writer Juan Pablo Arraez contributed to this report.

Read more about:
London: The British public would have access to a coronavirus vaccine before Australians, comments from the UK Health Secretary suggest.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday that under agreements his government had struck, Australians could have 3.8 million doses of the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine by January or February next year. The first doses would be imported but the rest of 84.8 million shots for Australia and its regional neighbours would be produced in Melbourne.

However, when that claim was put to the British Health Secretary on London talkback radio hours later, Matt Hancock maintained the UK would be ahead of Australia.

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock, centre, attends a cabinet meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, right, and others. Credit:AP

"We're ahead of them," Hancock told LBC host Nick Ferrari.
Mother-of-two Jess Marchbank, 33, shown here in hospital, is still struggling almost six months on. (SWNS)

A nurse with two children is still struggling from the impact of the coronavirus almost six months after being diagnosed with the virus.

Jess Marchbank, who was fit and healthy before her diagnosis found out she had COVID-19 after suffering from a sore throat at the start of the pandemic.

After spending three days in hospital, she was released in late March.

She now wants to warn people about the long-term effects of the virus, after still not being able to walk, work or play with her children after almost six months.

The 33-year-old, photographed here with her two children, was fit and healthy before her diagnosis. (SWNS)

Speaking about her experience, Marchbank said: I don't really feel like I'm living any more, physically I can't do anything because of the fatigue.

I have chronic fatigue now, so if I do something simple like opening the blinds in the morning I have to sit down after doing that.

I can't play with the kids properly, I can't work, I can't do anything without getting breathless.

Read more: Doctor describes realities of working during a pandemic

Before she was diagnosed, she lived a healthy and fit life, a stark warning that the coronavirus can affect anybody.

I was fit and healthy before. I was in the gym three times a week and could lift 90 kg dead weights, but now I can't even lift my two-year-old, Marchbank explained.

When I do try and do anything I get so many uncomfortable and painful things happen.

Just walking up the stairs can cause my heart to jump up to 180 bpm then it drops to 70 which makes me throw up.

Jess Marchbank, photographed here in hospital in March. (SWNS)

Doctors still arent sure how long the long-term symptoms of her illness will impact her life for, as the coronavirus is such a new virus.

She said that she dreams of being able to play with her children, Noah, five, and Lanie, two, and of being able to spend time with her husband, Fraser, 38.

READ MORE: Russias coronavirus vaccine produces no safety concerns, early research suggests

Shes currently seeing a cardiologist and waiting for further monitoring.

Speaking of her symptoms, Marchbank said that they came on instantly and she was rushed to hospital quickly after her initial sore throat.

Story continues

Jess Marchbank, seen here being 'delivered' back to her home in March. (SWNS)

In a Facebook post written shortly after her stint in hospital, she wrote this message to people choosing to ignore the lockdown restrictions:

If you think this isolated 'lockdown' is bad and you're ignoring the guidelines because 'they're stupid', then let me tell you this - being fully isolated from the people you love and not knowing when (or if) you'll hug them again is heck of a lot worse.

Team that with the chronic piercing headache, limbs feeling on fire, painful chest, and the drowning tightness in your lungs... Now that's bad. It was worse than bad.

Stop messing about. Start taking this seriously.

If you can't do it for yourself, do it for your granny and granddad, your immunocompromised friend, that little kid with cystic fibrosis, your mum with high blood pressure, your dad with diabetes.

Do it for our NHS, stop the spread.

Marchbank is not alone. Earlier on Tuesday, a report suggested tens of thousands of people with long COVID have had symptoms of illness for more than three months.

Tens of thousands of people with so-called long COVID have had symptoms of illness for more than three months, reports suggest.

Professor Tim Spector, who is leading the COVID Symptom Study app, said that 60,000 people have been ill for more than three months.

While some people have a mild form of illness, others have been seriously affected.

People affected with long-term symptoms have described how they have been previously fit and healthy and now they are confined to a wheelchair.

Breathlessness and fatigue have been reported by long-term sufferers and some have described how doing shopping or climbing stairs can leave them bedridden for days.

Prof Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at Kings College London, told BBC Radio 4s File On 4 that data from the app shows that around 300,000 people have reported symptoms lasting for more than a month.

Persistent health problems following acute disease have included: respiratory symptoms and conditions such as chronic cough, shortness of breath; lung problems including inflammation and scarring; heart issues including chest tightness, heart failure and scarring; protracted loss or change of smell and taste; mental health problems including depression, anxiety and cognitive difficulties; inflammatory disorders such as muscle pain; gastrointestinal problems; continuing headaches; fatigue, weakness and sleeplessness; liver and kidney dysfunction; clotting disorders and thrombosis; problems with the lymph nodes and skin rashes.
Valdis Dombrovskis will become the EU's trade commissioner at a crucial time in Brexit negotiations. Photo: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday said that she had appointed Valdis Dombrovskis as the EUs trade chief, a pivotal role in the bloc amid stalled Brexit negotiations and global trade tensions.

The appointment follows Von der Leyens decision to select Mairead McGuinness to fill the vacancy left by Phil Hogan, the Irishman who resigned as trade commissioner after coming under fire for breaching coronavirus restrictions in Ireland.

While McGuinness will take over the blocs crucial financial services portfolio, Ireland had been hoping that its nominee would retain the trade role, which is considered one of the most powerful positions in the EU.

READ MORE: UK government defends trade role for controversial ex-Australian prime minister

Hogans appointment to the role, which oversees the sprawling arm of the bloc that negotiates trade deals and commercial policy, had been seen as a powerful signal that the EU would prioritise Irelands interests in Brexit negotiations.

Dombrovskis, the former prime minister of Latvia, currently oversees the blocs economic and financial affairs policy.

He had temporarily been serving as trade commissioner following Hogans resignation.

Hogan was pressured to resign days after it emerged that he attended an 81-person dinner that breached coronavirus guidelines in Ireland.

McGuinness, who was chosen over the Irish governments other nominee, Andrew McDowell, is the current first vice-president of the European Parliament.

READ MORE: EU trade commissioner under fire after breaching coronavirus guidelines

She has served as a lawmaker in the parliament for Irelands MidlandsNorth-West constituency since 2004.

Von der Leyen cited McGuinnesss significant political experience on EU issues on Tuesday.

In particular, McGuinness has been a staunch defender of the EUs Brexit stance, and though her portfolio is less prominent than Ireland may have wanted, the financial services brief will play a consequential role in negotiations with the UK, considering Londons status as a financial centre.

Though her portfolio has been carved out from Dombrovskis current role, Dombrovksis will continue to serve as the commissions representative on the Eurogroup, the grouping of eurozone finance ministers.

McGuinnesss appointment, and Dombrovskis new portfolio, will require the approval of the European Parliament.
MBABANE  A longstanding boundary dispute between two chiefdoms ended tragically yesterday morning when former Cabinet Minister Ntuthuko Dlamini allegedly shot and killed two people.

A third person is currently admitted to hospital after also being allegedly shot by the former minister.

The fatal incident occurred at Mhlabubovu Traffic Circle, which leads to Bhunya and Mankayane, near the former minister of Public Works and Transports shopping complex.

One of the deceased persons is reported to be a former police officer and has been identified as Simon Shongwe and the other one is reported to be a Tsabedze  a community police member of Luyengweni.

Mhlabubovu is the land under dispute between LaMgabhi and Luyengweni chiefdoms, whose traditional leaders are the late Chief Ndzimanye Dlamini and Chief Lembelele Dlamini respectively.

Allocating

Both of the men who were shot dead allegedly by the former minister, are reportedly from Luyengweni and were part of a group that was travelling with the chiefdoms inner council (bandlancane) that was reportedly going about allocating land at Mhlabubovu to certain individuals.

There has been varying narrations of how the shooting occurred.

According to Dlamini, who boasts 15 years of political office experience, including nine months as Acting Deputy Prime Minister, he told the Times of Eswatini that he (allegedly) shot the three people in self-defence and alleged that they were the ones who initially drew their weapons against him.

He also alleged that one of the men, Shongwe, drew a gun first and shot at him but missed, which led to him allegedly opening fire.

Dlamini, who is a senior member (umntfwanenkhosi) of the LaMgabhi Royal Kraal, said he received calls from LaMgabhi residents who informed him of the Luyengweni Inner Councils unexpected presence at Mhlabubovu.

He said in the company of LaMgabhis umgijimi, a member of the inner council and a resident, he then went to where the Luyengweni delegation was in order to find out what their mission was and upon arrival there, they indeed confirmed that they were allegedly allocating land to people.

I asked them if they were defying a ruling by His Majesty that the land belonged to LaMgabhi chiefdom instead of Luyengweni. That was when there was a serious confrontation and weapons, including a bush knife and knobkerrie, were drawn. While I was busy focusing on the one who had drawn a knobkerrie, I heard a gunshot that was directed at me but the shooter missed. I retaliated by drawing out my own gun and shot at the man who was also carrying a gun, the former minister alleged.

He said the man (Shongwe) fell down after he shot him once but he then (allegedly) shot him again as he lay on the ground both gunshots were to the chest.

The other man (Tsabedze) then charged towards me and I also shot him once in the chest and he fell to the ground, Dlamini alleged, before giving a formal statement to the police. He said he shot the third person - the one allegedly carrying a knobkerrie - but this one managed to flee with the rest of the members of the Luyengweni delegation.

I fired one bullet in the air but he continued to charge towards me which was when I shot the hand that was carrying the knobkerrie, he alleged.

He said the gun that was allegedly carried by Shongwe fell to the ground and he took it with him to the police station where he reportedly rushed to immediately after the shooting.

Dlamini said what incensed him was that the people of Luyengweni were aware of the decision by Their Majesties that the land of Mhlabubovu belonged to the LaMgabhi Chiefdom.

He said the matter was first decided in 1947 by His Majesty King Sobhuza II and also by His Majesty King Mswati III on three other occasions, the last one being in 2016.

This was confirmed by Ludzidzini Acting Governor Lusendvo Fakudze, who said there should be no dispute over the land.

King Sobhuza II ruled that Mhlabubovu is under LaMgabhi. But the problem has been the Luyengweni chiefdom, which always claims ownership of the land, he said.

He said it was his hope that the law would take its course in the latest incident and the people responsible made to answer for their actions.

On June 24, 2016, this publication reported about a meeting that had taken place at Mhlabubovu Primary School, where members of the Kings advisory body, Liqoqo, informed residents and leaders of both chiefdoms that Chief Ndzimanye was the rightful ruler of the area.

The meeting was attended by the then Manzini Regional Administrator, Prince Gcokoma, and delivering the message from His Majesty the King was Liqoqo Secretary Mandla Dlamini.

Chief Ndzimanye died in 2019 and according to the former minister, before his demise, he (chief) directed him to deal with issues of people who live at Mhlabubovu. Dlamini said there were now about 23 people who had been allocated land at Mhlabubovu by the Luyengweni Inner Council.

What is painful is that the matter was reported to the Manzini District Commissioner (DC) who never took action, he complained.

Dlamini served as LaMgabhi Member of Parliament from 1993 to 1998; was re-elected in 1998 until 2003; took a five-year break after losing the election in 2003; won the elections in 2008 and served as Minister of Public Works and Transport until 2013.

The minister then quit politics and took up studies at the University of Eswatini, where he is studying law. He is also pursuing business interests, especially in farming and retail, where he appears to be doing quite well.

Dlaminis political career will always be remembered for an incident where he chewed and swallowed a piece of paper in Parliament in the presence of the then Prime Minister, Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini. The incident happened in the 1998  2003 parliamentary term, when Dlamini was still a backbencher in the House of Assembly, while Barnabas was serving his first stint as PM.

Apparently, Dlamini had inscribed something unsavoury on the paper and, when he was asked by the Speaker to hand the paper forward, he instead chewed and swallowed it.

At the time, Dlamini was a vocal backbencher along with former colleagues Sandlane Zwane and the late Majahebutimba Dlamini.






LONDON  Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have repaid the 2.4 million pounds, or $3.2 million, in taxpayer money that funded the renovations of their residence on the grounds of Windsor Castle, the couple said on Monday.

After they gave up their royal duties in January, the couple, known formally as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, had pledged to pay taxpayers back for the 2019 refurbishment of the residence, Frogmore Cottage. Though they are now living in California, they have kept their home in Britain.

James Holt, a spokesman for the couple, said Harry had repaid the money to the Sovereign Grant, the public fund that goes to the royal family. The contribution fully covered the necessary renovation costs of Frogmore Cottage, the spokesman said.

The couples announcement came less than a week after they signed a megadeal with Netflix to create documentaries, documentary series, feature films, scripted shows and childrens programming under a new production company. It was not immediately clear how much the couple would be paid.
I know that Trump angrily denies the account in The Atlantic by Jeffrey Goldberg, the magazines award-winning editor-in-chief, which cites unnamed sources. The story says Trump called U.S. soldiers injured or killed in war losers, questioned the countrys reverence for them and expressed confusion over why anyone would choose to serve.
Six people have been arrested at a protest by Debenhams workers in Dublin, the gardai said.

Former Debenhams staff have been holding sit-ins at the companys stores across the country since April in a dispute with the firm over redundancy terms.

The gardai said they attended incidents at stores on Henry Street in Dublin and Patrick Street in Cork on Monday morning.

Six persons have been arrested at Henry Street in Dublin for trespassing under the Public Order Act, a garda spokesman said.

An act of criminal damage is also being investigated.

The six protesters were detained at Store Street garda station in Dublin but have been released pending further investigations.

It is understood that three of those who were taken into custody were former workers at the Henry Street store.

Jane Crowe (50) from Ballyfermot was among six people who occupied the Henry Street store.

She said she heard breaking glass around 6.30am this morning when walking near her old workplace.

We noticed that one of the windows was broken, so we took our opportunity and entered the store, she said.

She said there were two other former Debenhams workers, Doreen Keegan and Sean Powney, and three of their supporters, and they went to the third floor. Shortly afterwards, the gardai arrived and they were taken away in vans before ending up in cells at Store Street garda station.

We didnt break anything, she said. We went in to make our point, that were still looking for our collectively agreed, two plus two, she said, referring to the workers demand for a redundancy deal worth two weeks pay per year of service on top of statutory pay.

Liquidators KPMG have withdrawn an offer that would have topped up the basic statutory package following the mornings sit-ins.

Ms Crowe, who worked at Debenhams for 24 years, said the offer was abysmal and worked out at a fifth of a weeks wages for most people. She said she would have got 60 because she worked part time.

She wants Debenhams to prioritise the employees as creditors and pay them an extra two weeks funded by the sale of stock that remains at the stores.

I do need to get a proper deal, she said. Im a single parent for 21 years. My son is 21, and hes in college and Im the sole earner in the house.

Im on a moratorium at the moment with my mortgage, which runs out next month. So I need something to help me with my mortgage.

I wouldnt be going back to retail because Id have to start on the minimum wage and then have to work double the hours to get anything near what I was earning. So Im going to have to retrain and do something different, so thats going to take a while.

She said some former staff are over 60 and feel they wont be reemployed because nobodys going to take them on at the age of 60 or 62.

Doreen Keegan said she was shocked after her arrest.

Ive never had a parking ticket in my life, she said. I think it was kind of unfair. We were having a peaceful protest and we were just trying to highlight that the offer that was out at the weekend was very insulting to staff and we really all felt we had to escalate it to get our voices heard. Thats why we did what we did.

Gardai remain at the scene at Patrick Street in Cork.

The Irish arm of Debenhams, which operated 11 stores in the country, was placed into liquidation in April.

They all need to get together now and they need to stick up for the employees instead of the employers because at the end of the day it's us that are the back bone of the country Valerie Conlon, former worker

The staff claim the package offered to them when the company was liquidated in the spring was unfair.

They are set to receive statutory redundancy payouts of two weeks of salary per year of service. The workers are demanding four weeks pay per service year.

They are also calling on the Government to waive monies owed to it through the liquidation process so they can be used to boost the redundancy packages.

A potential deal between KPMG, Debenhams liquidator, and trade union Mandate was announced last week but the workers continued to demonstrate saying the deal failed to deliver four weeks pay per service year.

KPMG has warned that the blockade of stock removal is slowing the liquidation process.

The dispute has lasted more than 150 days.

Former worker Valerie Conlon told RTE News that the workers hope all parties will join together to resolve the issue.

We hope to achieve that all parties now will get together to talk. Thats KPMG, Mandate the union, Micheal Martin An Taoiseach and Leo Varadkar the Tanaiste, she said.

They all need to get together now and they need to stick up for the employees instead of the employers because at the end of the day its us that are the back bone of the country.

The workers have been blocking the removal of stock from the stores since their closure.

The store closures came after the UK parent company entered administration and ended its financial support of the Irish business.

Around 950 staff were employed directly by Debenhams Retail Ireland, with an additional 500 workers at in-store concession stands operated by other retailers.

Many Debenhams stores in the UK have reopened despite the companys financial difficulties after striking deals with landlords.
A small herd of musk oxen roam the Arctic refuge's coastal plain. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Associated Press)

You can feel the encroaching decay in the sides of buildings, in the limp remains of a once-proud drill rig slowly rusting into the waterlogged gravel and tundra. In the 1950s, one of us, George, was part of the expedition that explored and then advocated for the formation of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. At that time, he worried the region would end up resembling the disrupted skylines and greasy sheens of Texass aging and abandoned oil fields.

More recently, we visited the sprawling spaghetti of pipelines, metallic shells of buildings and this defunct drill rig, now worrying that a legal and regulatory morass will bring Georges dystopian fears to fruition. There has been little formal preparation for what happens when oil ends, even as the Trump administration has announced plans to fast-track the auction of leases for drilling in pristine areas of the Arctic refuge, with similar plans for parts of the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

If we ignore the costs for plugging and abandoning wells, dismantling and removing accompanying infrastructure, and fully restoring impacted tundra, we allow for a vast overestimate of the economic value of oil in these outstanding Arctic ecosystems. Unless the intent is to walk away and just leave the mess behind.

For generations, people arriving in Alaska have done just this. Alaskas legacy of abandoned infrastructure and contaminants has wrought havoc on numerous remote sites, and for many communities. In our travels across the Arctic coastal plain, we encountered abandoned drill sites where metal shards and sun-bleached wood punctuate rotting gravel pads, the acrid smells a clear olfactory reminder of what should not be there.

In the absence of plugging and proper abandonment, fluids and gases left in wells and underground reservoirs can seep to the surface. Added to this chronic challenge are corrosion of well bores from salts and water, the settling of land and changes in the climate that contribute to erosion of the hard surface permafrost.

Story continues

In a few decades, the bulk of revenues from Alaskas North Slope will be dispersed, and this decaying industrial mess will be someone elses problem, if it is dealt with at all.

The Government Accountability Office stated in 2002 that there were inadequacies in planning for the proper and effective cleanup of abandoned sites on the North Slope of Alaska. The GAO restated its concerns in 2003, 2010 and 2011. The Department of the Interior Inspector General in 2015 and the Congressional Research Service in 2018 echoed these concerns.

Other large oil fields, such as in Texas, Louisiana and California, do not offer much solace as the number of their orphaned wells grow. In Louisiana, there are over 4,000 abandoned and unplugged wells, many of them in deteriorating condition. Texas has over 6,000, and California another 5,500, that are abandoned or at high risk of becoming so. Thousands of inactive additional wells will likely add to these numbers as the years tick by.

The decline in oil prices since 2014 has exacerbated the trend of well abandonment, particularly among smaller operators who may also be facing bankruptcy. These declines further reduce the already-inadequate revenues allocated to cleanup funds for these abandoned sites.

Alaska is starting to experience these pressures. The bankruptcy of Aurora Gas in 2018 left the state the responsible party for cleaning up three wells on state land. Recent news that BP is closing shop in Alaska and selling to the smaller Hilcorp is consistent with this trajectory.

Decommissioning costs cannot be an afterthought. The Bureau of Land Management spent $90 million in northern Alaska, remediating just 18 of 136 legacy wells that the federal government drilled between 1944 and 1981. On Alaskas North Slope, cleanup of a 60-acre oil-field logistics site ran up a $2-million bill and is still not complete. There are now over 3,000 active wells on the North Slope and another 800 suspended or idle, linked by a labyrinth of pipes, buildings and gravel roads.

Current bonding levels, the funds put aside by the industry to ensure adequate decommissioning of wells and other infrastructure, barely touch whats needed for cleaning up whats been built or drilled to date. Former State Commissioner Cathy Foerster previously expressed doubt that the bonds would even pay for the engineering study needed to plan the plugging operations, much less any of the actual plugging costs  and these plugging costs are just one small component of cleaning up the accumulated debris of a specific drill site, never mind the new oil fields that continue to sprawl outward from the Prudhoe Bay hub. Operators can hold blanket bonds for their entire operations that may not even cover a single sites cleanup.

There has been reticence from the industry and regulators to absorb the burdens of decommissioning at the outset. However, if the state of Alaska or other local representatives do not insist on a bond to cover all costs of potential cleanup and restoration prior to approval of an operation, experience in North America and around the world strongly suggests it will not be done.

If we cannot afford a plan to fully clean up and restore an area, this is just one more of the many reasons why we cannot afford to drill new wells.

George Schaller is a senior conservationist at the Wildlife Conservation Society. Martin Robards is regional director for the Arctic Beringia program at WCS.
Communications Director for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Yaw Buaben Asamoa has ridiculed the 2020 manifesto of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).



The NDC launched its manifesto dubbed the ''Peoples Manifesto'' on Monday, September 8 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).



The party's Presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama at the manifesto launch made some promises to the people of Ghana.



He promised the next NDC administration will see to the creation of jobs and enhance the nation's infrastructure development through its $10 billion 'Big Push' agenda.



''The US 10 billion accelerated infrastructural plan dubbed the 'Big Push' will create jobs for the multitude of our people. We'll provide infrastructure for accelerated development and will fix the economy as we unite against poverty, create sustainable jobs under our 'Adwuma Pa' programme, promote good governance, integrity, anti-corruption, transparency and accountability and deepen the international relations amongst our sister nations.''



He described the NDC manifesto as a ''social contract with the people of Ghana and we'll create a bright future for Ghana and for every Ghanaian. Our priorities are to build a sustainable society with opportunities for all, to promote human development, to continue to prioritize healthcare, quality education and skills training for progress and prosperity''.



He also stated that, when he comes back to government, he will return all the excavators that were seized by the government from illegal small scale miners and reported missing back to their owners.



"We will track down and take the excavators that are missing; we will return them to the rightful owners", he said.



He also described the governance of President Nana Akufo-Addo as poor and appealed to Ghanaians to vote out the government during the December 7 elections.



But discussing the NDC manifesto on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'', Yaw Buaben Asamoa purported that the former President John Mahama told the gathering at the launch that ''he inherited a bad economy''.



Yaw Buaben therefore asked who did he inherit the bad economy from because before the inception of the Akufo-Addo administration, it was him (Mahama) as Vice President and subsequently becoming President under the Fourth Republic of Ghana.



''He says he inherited a bad economy and I'm asking from who? He said when he became President, he inherited a bad economy meaning he created the bad economy...He didn't inheriting it from President Kufour but himself. He was the Vice President, Head of the economic management team.''



He further reminded Ghanaians of the poor governance of the previous Mahama government and advised them to weigh his track record against President Akufo-Addo's to make the right choice in the elections.





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
As most of you know by now, Google released Android 11 to consumers today. The Android 11 has a lot of goodies included, but scrolling screenshots are still not a part of the picture. I wonder why that is. The ability to take scrolling screenshots has been included in some Android skins for years now, for earlier versions of Android, and Google is still refusing to place it in vanilla Android.

Android 11 does not offer scrolling screenshots, despite the fact this feature is quite useful

Granted, this functionality is not crucial, and most people dont even use it, but its sure useful to have. I find myself in situations where I need scrolling screenshots quite often, and am quite surprised by Google on this one. I was hoping that the feature will be included, even though Developer Previews did not look promising in that regard. Well, it turns out that I was hoping for nothing, as the feature is still not here.

Scrolling screenshots can be quite useful if you need to capture a screenshot of a bunch of comments, or something of the sort. In other words, if you need to take a screenshot of something that doesnt fit on your phones display, thats when scrolling screenshots come in useful. As already mentioned, that is probably not an issue for most of you, due to the sheer size of smartphone displays these days. Well, at least its not an issue frequently, but from time to time, it sure does come in handy.

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Many Android skins have it, and it functions similarly in all of them

The feature is not too complicated to implement, at least it doesnt seem to be. How it works on most Android skins, is that you activate it by a gesture or an on-screen button press, and then the phone starts scrolling on its own, one step at a time. As it scrolls, it takes more and more screenshots, and then it patches them in a single image. When the device captures everything you think is needed, all you need is tap on the display, and it will stop.

Now, this may vary from one company to the other. Pretty much all phones Ive tried with this feature do it this way, though. On OnePlus devices, for example, you can select a three-finger swipe across the display, at which point the phone will take a regular screenshot, and show you a pop-up menu with an Expanded Screenshot option. That is OnePlus name for scrolling screenshots, pretty much. Xiaomis feature works in a similar fashion, as it does on phone from a number of other Chinese brands.

This may seem like nitpicking to some of you, and maybe it is, to a degree. For us who use this feature at least several times a week, its quite useful. Ive been expecting this feature to be included on Googles part for years now. I was expecting it to arrive with the last couple of big iterations of Android, but that did not happen. Ive never complained, until now. I do believe its about time Google made this move, and offered this functionality to its users. Many companies already do, and Google should get in line as well.

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Well probably have to wait until Android 12 (at least) in order for it to arrive

This is not exactly a feature that can be reimagined by a company. Google can certainly do a good job of putting its own spin to it, though. OnePlus, in particular, did an excellent job with this feature, its quite seamless, it works great. If Google could adopt something similar to it, that would be great. This feature probably wont be included anytime soon, though, well have to wait until the next big iteration of Android, at the very least.
A FORMER soldier who took his own life after battling post-traumatic stress disorder had told how being under fire for 55 days non-stop led to him constantly looking for a buzz when he returned home to Co Down.

Brett Savage was buried in Newtownards on Friday, having been found dead in his home the previous weekend.

Four years ago the 32-year-old told Sunday Life of the horrors he experienced in Afghanistan prior to his retirement on medical grounds.

In a searingly honest Remembrance Sunday interview, Brett said: "My unit was under fire for 55 days. It was non-stop. I saw good men killed. We lost four in total.

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"I was blown up with an RPG and lost the hearing in my right ear. I was also shot in the chest - it was the body armour that saved my life."

Brett joined the Royal Irish 1st Battalion in 2005 before being medically discharged five years later.

He explained: "I saw a lot of f****d up s**t. When I came home I went crazy. I was on drugs, drinking all the time, constantly looking for a buzz.

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"The army really f****d me over. They stopped paying me. They even sent my medals home with my mate."

Brett finally got his life back on track after being told about the Beyond the Battlefield charity, which works with ex-soldiers.

He added: "If it wasn't for Beyond the Battlefield, I'd be dead in a ditch or in jail."

Robert 'Rab' McCartney, who runs the Newtownards-based organisation, paid tribute to tragic Brett, describing him as a "very special man".

He joked with mourners: "As you all know, Brett was a very special man in many ways and he was also a lunatic in many ways.

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"Everybody in here has been touched by him in some way and will continue to be touched by him."

Mr McCartney also thanked friends of Brett who helped him when he returned from Afghanistan, saying: "One got him a car, another got him a washing machine and they all clubbed together to help him, so he was never alone. And he knew he was never alone because he always had these guys."

In an interview with the BBC in the days after their son's death, Brett's devastated parents Noel and Dolores Savage accused the Ministry of Defence of doing nothing to help their son.

"We are totally and utterly heartbroken," said Dolores. "He was my world. He would've done anything for anyone, he was so kind."

"All the Army do is count Brett like a number," added Noel.

"When he came back (from war) with the problems, I wouldn't let him go back and all they wanted to do was get him back, so he ended up going AWOL.

"He just couldn't fathom his demons that he carried - and he carried them big-time. Unfortunately, they got him in the end. We thought he was okay. He did say he would never do what he did."

cbarnes@sundaylife.co.uk
Today many public school educators in New York City will reluctantly return to work to begin preparing for a scheduled school reopening on September 21. New York City is the largest school district in the nation, with more than one million students, and also the largest to start the year with in-person instruction.

Many teachers, no doubt, will boycott the reopening today out of health concerns.

One educator in Queens who spoke to the World Socialist Web Site expressed the sentiments of countless others when she said, My school is not safe, but they are sending us in anyway. I am 54 years old and have a child, but I feel I have no choice as it is but to go to work.  The officials from the DOE [Department of Education] do not have to go into these schools.

There is ample reason to doubt that any school building in the citys system is safe from spreading the coronavirus. The Department of Education (DOE) notified educators that it would release building safety reports last week, but none have been released as of this writing.

Several walk-throughs by the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) officials almost universally report that buildings are unprepared to guarantee the immediate health and safety of educators or students.

The same could be said for the public transportation that hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, aides, and school workers take to school. The Metropolitan Transportation Authoritys buses and subways have become a notorious vector of the COVID-19 infection. Over 143 transit workers have died from the disease as a result of the betrayal of the Transport Workers Union Local 100, which blocked demands to shut down the system.

There is little assurance that school buses will be any safer. One driver told the WSWS, We are taking a risk going back to school. Many of us are older. We dont have any training. They have only given us one bag of masks and a sanitizer. There are no meetings, just a dry run and start work on September 21.

Bayard Rustin Educational Complex 18th Street in Manhatttan, which will open on September 21 (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

The unsafe reopening of the schools is the result of the backroom deal struck last week between UFT President Michael Mulgrew and New York Citys progressive Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio. In a repeat of their actions in February and March, the unions and the Democratswhich colluded to conceal information about the spread of the deadly contagion and ignore the demands of teachers to shut down the systemhave prepared another catastrophe.

The September 1 deal sparked widespread anger among educators. The deal, which delays the start of in-person learning in New York City public schools by only 11 days, leaves unresolved all the fundamental safety questions raised by educators, students and parents. The UFT executive board authorized a strike vote, and there was a broad expectation that the organization would organize a walkout of the unions 120,000 members to prevent the unsafe opening of schools.

Under the deal, between 10 and 20 percent of school staff and students will be randomly tested once a month, and this will only start more than a week after schools open. Mulgrew said these and other woefully inadequate measures constituted the the most aggressive policies and greatest safeguards of any school system in the United States of America.

Rank-and-file educators have rightfully responded to these claims with scorn and contempt. Even if one accepts the dubious premise that such a small sampling would make contact tracing and containment efforts viable, the burden of accessing test sites is being placed entirely on students and teachers, who would have to visit centers throughout the city during non-school hours rather than being able to access tests in school facilities.

Similarly, the sellout deal entirely ignores demands raised by teachers and parents to repair or replace inadequate ventilation systems in school buildings and allocate sufficient resources for custodial staff to carry out the nightly deep cleanings of facilities being promised.

As part of their cynical attempt to disorient teachers, Mulgrew and other UFT officials spent the days preceding their sellout pact with de Blasio issuing hollow public threats to strike while simultaneously sowing illusions that the courts would protect teachers. The deal struck behind the backs of rank-and-file teachers last Tuesday preempted a strike authorization vote by the unions delegate assembly scheduled for that same afternoon.

Aiding and abetting the UFT in its betrayal was the Movement of Rank-and-File Educators (MORE) caucus of the UFT, which includes members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and other pseudoleft organizations aligned to the Democratic Party. The group immediately issued a statement hailing the temporary opening delay and taking credit for it.

The caucus circulated a petition praising the community-minded plan from Democratic Public Advocate Jumaane Williams that repeats the lie that schools can be open safely. The MORE faction also praises the creative solutions of Democratic City Council member Mark Treyger and the hollow rhetoric of other city union officials, who are equally as culpable in the bipartisan return-to-work program as the UFT.

On September 3, the City Council Democrats, with Treyger in the lead, held a hearing as part of the damage control in the aftermath of the UFT sellout. Even though the event was meant to assuage parents concerns, Dr. Irvin Redlener of Columbia University, an advisor to Mayor de Blasio, told the hearing, Im pretty certain were going to see a resurgence. Theres too many factors here we can't control.

The MORE group is part of a nationwide network of so-called union reformers who have increasingly come to prominent positions. This includes top spots in the Chicago and Los Angeles teachers unions where they have betrayed teacher strikes and imposed the austerity measures of the Democratic Party.

The betrayal of the unions is not simply the product of the corruption and cowardice of the union officialdom. It is the result of their decades of subordination of the needs of workers to capitalism and the demands of the corporate and financial elite. In exchange for imposing the dictates of big business, the unions are granted legal status by the political establishment and the opportunity to collect dues and profit from various business investments. The UFT holds over $245 million in publicly traded securities as part of its nearly half billion dollars in total assets.

With the reopening of schools, educators must take the protection of their lives into their own hands. This means forming rank-and-file safety committees, independent of the unions, to oversee and enforce safety conditions. These committees must oppose the effort to conceal the truth from the public and expose the spread of infections and unsafe conditions, while protecting whistleblowers from retaliation. They must demand universal and regular testing. If unsafe conditions are present, educators have the right to collectively refuse to work.

There is enormous opposition to this homicidal policy. On Friday, teachers at the Paul D. Schreiber High School in the Port Washington community of Long Island, 18 miles from New York City, walked out on their first day back to protest unsafe conditions. This growing opposition must be united, and preparations made for a general strike to close the schools and protect lives.

We call on all educators, parents and students who want to build a rank-and-file committee contact us today, build the Educators Rank and File Safety Committee Facebook group and make plans to attend our next online call-in meeting on Saturday, September 12.

The author also recommends:

Teachers union and Democrats agree to resume in-person learning in New York City schools

[2 September 2020]
The Institution of the Year Award recognizes the efforts made by an institution to improve student learning outcomes, support faculty excellence and enrich local communities.

As a leader in higher education, FTC has made significant college contributions to private and post-secondary education by embracing technological innovation. FTC provides a variety of resources, including eBooks, virtual libraries and integrated technological resources available in different industries to increase student-learning outcomes. For example, the Medical Billing and Coding capstone course uses hands-on simulation and allows students to code real-life cases, developing the skills and experience necessary to qualify for coding jobs. FTC Allied Health certification pass rates increase year after year, contributing to more certified medical professionals working in the field. This has not only helped increase the college's placement but has also brought tremendous value to career-focused college education in the industry.

"Our commitment to student success has set FTC on a path to be recognized in the industry as an institution that promotes academic excellence and supports the integral development of our students through innovative and diverse learning modalities," stated Dr. James Michael Burkett, President of FTC. "One of FTC's institutional priorities is to provide skill-focused student development opportunities and services, which prepare graduates to lead and excel globally."

A testament of FTC's excellence in education is Angela Salazar, winner of the Graduate of the Year Award, which honors a student who has not only demonstrated academic excellence but has also made meaningful contributions to their institution and community. Angela managed to be an outstanding student even when she was initially homeless raising her three children. She received a Diploma from the Phlebotomy Technician program, an Associate's Degree in Medical Assisting and her Bachelor's in Allied Health Management. Salazar was consistently recognized on the Dean's list and served as the President of the Student Ambassador Club.

Dean Jorge, recipient of the Educator of the Year Award and who currently is completing his doctoral degree in Adult Education, believes students' lives are transformed with specialized career training and instruction. For two consecutive years, he's led the best student and instructor retention in the system. His students and faculty lead in areas of certification pass rates, placement and student satisfaction. He believes his students reach their maximum potential through hands-on learning, and his faculty with creative instruction and engagement.

"We are extremely proud of the contributions, both on and off campus, given by our FTC community," added Dr. Burkett. "We are thankful for this prestigious recognition and look forward to continuing to lead by example as a resource and partner to our local communities."

For more information about FAPSC, visit: https://www.fapsc.org/page/2020AwardWinners

About FTC

Founded in 1982 to provide private, post-secondary education in specialized fields, Florida Technical College is an academic unit of NUC University (NUC), which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (267) 284-5000. The MSCHE is a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. FTC offers diploma, associate and bachelor's degree programs in a range of professions, including Healthcare, Construction Trades, Hospitality, Beauty, Information Technology and Business. FTC campuses are located in Orlando, Kissimmee, Lakeland, DeLand, Pembroke Pines, Cutler Bay and Tampa. Program availability varies by campus.

About FAPSC

FAPSC currently works on behalf of all Florida's degree granting and non-degree granting career schools and colleges. Licensed by the state, Florida's career-focused schools educate and prepare over 250,000 students each year for employment in more than 200 occupational fields. Organizationally, FAPSC is incorporated as a 501 (c) (6) non-profit corporation and guided by the laws of the State of Florida.

Contact: Maria Isabel Sanquirico

Eleven 11 Communications

Mobile: (813) 420-2922

SOURCE Florida Technical College
SALEM, Ore. - More than 1,000 supporters of President Donald Trump, including some aligned with white nationalist extremist groups, gathered in suburban Portland on Monday night in a show of force against left-wing protesters, creating more tension in a region that has been rocked by weeks of demonstrations.

On Monday evening, despite National Weather Service warnings of an extreme wind storm, hundreds of cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles and at least one RV hoisted Trump flags and blasted "God Bless the U.S.A." from truck bed speakers for a "cruise rally" through the suburbs of Portland. Some members of the group then drove about 50 miles to Salem where they gathered in front of the Capitol.

Armed with rifles, pistols, knives and clubs, the far-right demonstrators at one point charged into a smaller group of liberal counterprotesters, knocking at least one activist to the ground.

The event's organizers said their "Oregon for Trump 2020 Labor Day Cruise Rally" was designed to show support for the president after weeks of protests and violent clashes between protesters and police, as well as between protesters and pro-Trump counterprotesters in downtown Portland.

The crowd, which gathered in a community college parking lot in Oregon City, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Portland, included armed people wearing bulletproof vests or shirts bearing the name of Aaron "Jay" Danielson, the slain supporter of the armed group Patriot Prayer. There were also families with young children and adherents of the QAnon conspiracy theory. Some identified themselves as members of the Proud Boys, a self-identified chauvinist group that the FBI has said has ties to white nationalism.

The rally's organizers wrote on Facebook that the caravan would not enter Multnomah County, where Portland is located, to keep its participants safe. At a similar rally last weekend, drivers deviated from the route and entered downtown Portland, where a rally participant, Danielson, was shot and killed.

The Portland rally caps a holiday weekend that saw fresh protests and political demonstrations erupt in cities nationwide, some of which became violent Friday and Saturday. By the end of the weekend, the number of protesters in many cities had dwindled, with scattered clashes between demonstrators and police.

Trump spent part of his Labor Day lashing out at racial justice demonstrators and elected officials in Portland, as well as in New York City and Rochester, N.Y., where tensions had been running high after a video surfaced last week showing a fatal encounter between police and a Black man who had been suffering a mental health crisis.

"Rochester N.Y., Brooklyn N.Y., Portland - All had bad nights, all weakly run by Radical Left Democrat Governors and Mayors! Get the picture?" Trump said on Twitter. At a news conference later in the day at the White House, Trump said local police should seek "retribution" against unruly protesters who throw objects at them.

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren, a Democrat, responded by urging residents in her town to ignore Trump, accusing him of trying to "incite people" to further his own election-year political ambitions.

On Monday in Portland, the mood among Trump supporters gathered in the parking lot was, in part, celebratory and festive. Some Trump supporters grilled hot dogs, and women sported bikini tops. Some drivers had also taped over their license plates to conceal their identities, and others had painted Danielson's name on their car windows.

Local police, who protesters have repeatedly criticized as being too cozy with right-wing activists, helped guide traffic. Organizers said they planned to drive north on the interstate to a point where police vehicles would block the street for drivers to turn around. A group of Proud Boys planned to drive ahead to Salem, where liberal protesters were beginning to gather Monday evening.

3 1 of 3 David Ryder/Getty Images Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Dave Killen Show More Show Less 3 of 3





One 47-year-old Portland resident who joined Monday's cruise rally said she had grown more resolute in her support for the president after someone dropped objects onto her car windshield when she and her husband drove into Portland during last weekend's pro-Trump caravan and someone else insulted at her.

The woman, who gave her name only as Kim because she said she feared she could be targeted by left-wing protesters, had arrived at the rally in a gray Dodge truck, its bed outfitted with two American flags, a flag to show support for the police and a Trump flag.

"We are all going to be peaceful," she said. "If they want to keep being violent and lie about us, we'll just get more and more patriots out here."

But in Salem, about 100 pro-Trump protesters quickly became confrontational. They unfurled a large American flag on the steps of the Capitol, rousing the crowd to shout the Pledge of Allegiance and chant, "Whose flag? Our flag!" Then they charged into a small crowd of leftist protesters, chasing them through a plaza. One activist was knocked to the ground before police intervened.

"Go back to your side," an officer shouted.

"This is America," a Trump supporter responded.

"You're right, but there's no point to it, go back over there now," the officer said.

Demonstrators for racial justice also planned Portland protests for Monday afternoon. Protests the previous night were relatively subdued; about a hundred demonstrators gathered outside a police precinct to burn several mattresses, an activity that has alarmed some residents and city officials for its potential to spawn wider destruction.

The National Weather Service on Monday alerted fire agencies to "extremely critical" risk for dangerous fire conditions in the Portland metro area Monday and Tuesday, due to strong winds combined with low humidity.

Meanwhile, city officials in Rochester, N.Y., praised a group of volunteer church "elders" for keeping the peace there Sunday night after days of protests and clashes shook the city. The elders stood as buffers between police and protesters, a move that Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren, a Democrat, and the city police department credited with preventing a fresh outbreak of violence.

Protesters there have demonstrated and sporadically clashed with police over the past several days to demand justice for Daniel Prude, a Black man who died of asphyxiation in March after being detained and hooded by police.

Warren, as well as the city's police force, thanked the church members, led by the Rev. Myra Brown of Spiritus Christi Church, after the protests concluded peacefully and police refrained from using violent tactics.

"There are no arrests to report," the Rochester Police Department said in a statement late Sunday. "The Rochester Police Department would like to thank our local and state law enforcement partners for their assistance and a special thanks to Dr. Myra Brown and a group of community elders for keeping the protest safe and allowing everyone's voice to be heard."

Warren said in a statement Monday: "Last night the world saw the true spirit of Rochester. Over 1,000 people came together in solidarity to remember the life of Daniel Prude and call for the change that is needed to overcome structural and institutional racism."

Warren thanked Brown and Police Chief La'Ron Singletary, whom she said "followed my edict to adopt a smaller and more restrained posture."

"It is clear to me that their actions were crucial to the peace we saw last night," she added.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, has launched an investigation of Prude's death, which was ruled a homicide in an April autopsy report but did not attract mass public attention until last week. Rochester last week also suspended seven police officers in connection with Prude's death.

Protesters have accused Warren and Singletary, both Black, of concealing police criminal misconduct in the death. Warren has said she did not become aware of the full circumstances surrounding Prude's death until August.

Trump has depicted the turmoil in Rochester - as well as in Portland and other cities that in recent months have seen violent clashes between police and protesters for racial justice - as resulting from Democratic-led political decisions for which he bears no fault.

"If somebody is breaking the law, there's got to be a form of retribution," he said in his Monday news conference.

Warren in her statement challenged Trump's description of recent events in her city. "I ask that all involved ignore the commentary from the President," she said, adding that "his only desire is to bait people to act with hate and incite violence that he believes will benefit him politically. We will not give him what he wants. We will continue to act with grace and do the work necessary improve Rochester and our entire community."

Melissa DeRosa, secretary to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat who has sparred repeatedly with Trump, on Twitter accused the president of thriving on "anarchy" to "fan the flames of hate."

- - -

Hauslohner and Craig reported from Washington. The Washington Post's Shayna Jacobs and Chris Libonati contributed to this report from Rochester.
But getting to that point required not just my colleagues initial lesson and support, but also the realization that buying the latest clothes or using my money to go out on the town with my friends wouldnt provide long-term benefits. These are things a young person isnt likely to learn on their own, unless its through trial and (generally costly) error.

Kids also need to be taught about investments. Should they save in a GIC, where principal is guaranteed but return is typically low? Or should they take a calculated risk and look into investment vehicles that may produce higher returns? Every person, young and old, has a different risk tolerance, something I believe to be reflective of a persons overall financial knowledge.

I have been a mortgage broker/agent for almost 19 years now. Sometimes when I get an application from someone in their early to mid-20s looking to buy a home and I pull a credit bureau, I ask them what happened with their credit five years ago. They often tell me they didn't understand how credit worked: They thought it was free money, so they spent more on credit than they could afford to pay, making the mistake of thinking that more credit would help them meet their monthly bills.

I know Im not the first broker to hear these stories. Lets stop giving kids excuses to hide behind  I was young and stupid; I didnt know any better  and instead teach them the importance of credit. At the end of the day, all we want is for our kids to be successful, good people, and teaching them about money and credit could prevent them from making mistakes they will regret.

Its never too early to get started. I had a conversation with my daughter about credit when she was 6 years old. About two weeks later, she, my husband and I were in the car when my husband said he needed $20 so he wouldnt have to stop at the bank machine. Tiana immediately piped up.
New targeted coronavirus mitigation rules in Pa. will provide bar and restaurant owners with relief, but theres a catch.

Announced Tuesday, the regulations will allow any establishment that fills out a self-certification document to increase its indoor dining capacity to 50 percent -- up from the current 25 percent thats been in place since July -- starting on Sept. 21. But, alcohol sales still can only take place for on-premise consumption if sold in the same transaction as a prepared meal, and all liquor and beer sales now must end at 10 p.m. daily.

Asked for a reason why 10 p.m. was picked as the new cut off, state Health Department Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine pointed to college towns as one reason why.

I think we wanted to continue that mitigation effort, and do it particularly in terms of what were seeing with college students, with older college students, Levine told reporters Tuesday. "We have seen a significant increase in terms of the numbers [of confirmed coronavirus cases] in 19- to 24-year-olds. Those numbers, throughout the state, have been going up significantly.

We have seen outbreaks at many colleges in Pennsylvania, and right now, of course,[theyre] following their [university] presidents recommendations, theyre recommending not to congregate in parties. We didnt want them to congregate in restaurants/bars and be all together, and so we put in the mitigation effort to prevent them [bars and restaurants] from serving liquor after 10 oclock.

She later added:

We dont want people starting to congregate together, especially in college areas.

A news release issued Tuesday indicated that, of the states nearly 140,359 confirmed coronavirus cases since March, approximately 11% are in those who fall into the 19-24 age range.

If a bar or restaurant elects not to fill out the states free self-certification form, then it must continue to operate at only 25-percent capacity indoors. Bar service continues to be prohibited statewide, as well, and the new guidance applies only to bars and restaurants and not any other indoor venue. Those who participate will also receive signage and other items from the state to display and indicate as much.

We dont want people to be at bars, and to be congregating and not following social distancing, Levine said. "By being at tables, ordering food, then the tables are set so that theyre six feet apart, and so we want to avoid people congregating together to stop the spread of COVID-19.

We want to do one thing at a time, and also, if a gathering could seat, you know, 1,000 people, we dont want; 50% would be 500 people, and the more you put people, especially indoors, and you congregate together, the more likelihood is that youre going to transfer this illness, and so this involves restaurants.

According to a news release, the self-certification form will include the following, and must be completed by Oct. 5 for any bar or restaurant that wishes to do so:
The Congress parliamentary strategy group, that met on September 8, decided to work for fielding a joint candidate of the Opposition for the post of deputy speaker in the Rajya Sabha (RS).

The post fell vacant in April last year after the retirement of Janata Dal (United) Member of Parliament Harivansh.

In the meeting, chaired through a video conference by the partys interim president Sonia Gandhi, leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad was asked to rope in opposition leaders to select a joint candidate for the post, sources said.

The meeting decided that the party will have discussions with other like-minded opposition parties to arrive at a consensus candidate for the post of deputy speaker of Rajya Sabha, said a party leader.

The post couldnt be filled during the budget session which ended in March. Since then, no proceedings could take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and now the post will be filled during the monsoon session that begins on September 14.

The virtual event on September 7 was the first meeting involving the partys top brass after the stormy working committee meeting held on August 24. The other leaders who attended the meeting included Rahul Gandhi, Anand Sharma, AK Antony, Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh, KC Venugopal, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Gaurav Gogoi and Ravneet Singh Bittu, to name a few.

Sonia Gandhi is learnt to have said in the meeting that a better coordination was needed between Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha MPs and within the UPA allies as well.

On the scrapping of the Question Hour, the party decided to raise the issue, but not too much because the party felt that the government was seemingly adamant on it and it was too late to fight it anyway.

But the MPs will instead use unstarred questions to the best of their ability, said the leader.

After an uproar over the Centre's decision to do away with the Question Hour during the monsoon session of Parliament, a 30-minute timeframe was granted for MPs to ask only unstarred questions - those to which written answers are given by ministers. The other category, 'starred' questions are those to which answers are desired to be given orally during the Question Hour - the first hour in the House that allows members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to pose questions to the government.

The monsoon session of Parliament is scheduled to begin from September 14 and conclude on October 1. Sonia Gandhi is likely to miss first ten days of the session as she is likely to travel abroad for a health check-up.
A group of West Australian health care workers who volunteered to help Victoria deal with its COVID-19 outbreak are stranded in the state after one tested positive to the virus on Sunday.

The six nurses and one support worker volunteered to head to Victoria at the beginning of August and claim they had permission to re-enter WA at the conclusion of their rotation.

A group of WA nurses face a month of lock down after one contracted COVID-19 in Victoria. Credit:Asanka Ratnayake

But they have been told by the WA government they will have to stay in Victoria because they had contact with the disease.

The healthcare workers were among 19 WA nurses and support staff who flew over last month. They had been split into three teams and were working at aged care homes.
Credit unions are well regarded for their commitment to serving their communities. This often includes providing banking services to people and organizations that are traditionally underserved by financial institutions. As a result, credit unions have become adept at forging close relationships with their members to offset the risks associated with these types of accounts. Getting to know a business owner personally or developing a better understanding of a members business is a core part of most credit unions DNA. When it comes to the cannabis industry, credit unions can apply these same operational best practices to serve marijuana-related businesses (MRBs) in legal cannabis states. So, what is keeping so many credit unions on the sidelines of this fast-growing and profitable industry?

The issue most bankers point to is the discrepancy between state and federal law. Today, some form of medical or recreational marijuana is legal in 33 states, yet cannabis continues to be listed as an illegal Schedule 1 drug under the federal Controlled Substance Act. While efforts have been made in Congress to advance bills that would legalize marijuana and protect financial institutions serving MRBs, were not expecting to see progress on this issue until after the November election, at the earliest.

The truth is, enhanced due diligence requirements for credit unions serving the cannabis industry will likely remain in place regardless of marijuanas legal status or if other legislative protections, such as the SAFE Banking Act, are passed into law. This is because each state will still be operating its unique system and has an interest in keeping the inventory and tax revenue within its jurisdiction. In addition, financial institutions will still be held accountable for guarding against legacy funds and illegal sales activity.

Fortunately, there is a path forward for credit unions to serve the legal cannabis industry today and pass compliance exams. In fact, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has said it would not sanction credit unions with cannabis banking programs as long as they comply with necessary financial regulations, like money laundering policies, the Bank Secrecy Act, and other rules.

KeyPoint Credit Union introduced a cannabis banking program in February. Originally launched as part of a growth strategy centered around assisting underserved segments of the communities it serves, the program quickly became a valuable source of non-interest income as the coronavirus pandemic shifted economic dynamics for the California-based credit union. Acknowledging that every financial institution board is risk-averse, Cole Saini, KeyPoints Director of Risk Management, has embraced the implementation of new technologies to automate the monitoring and validation of high-risk accounts. This, he says, has enabled us to deliver on our AML/BSA requirements, while at the same time reduce our reliance on expensive human capital to manage the program. As a result, we have lowered our costs significantly while maintaining extremely high levels of compliance.

Credit unions considering the cannabis banking opportunity should keep the following points in mind:

First and particularly important considering the impact COVID-19 has had on the financial industry, cannabis banking can provide a source of reliable non-interest income. As net interest margins compress, credit unions should look to non-interest income business lines to support overall profitability. Cannabis companies are in dire need of quality banking solutions and are willing to pay upwards of ten times the amount of traditional business service charges. Assessing substantially higher base account charges, often without the benefit of an earnings credit to offset those charges, means there are untapped cash management fee opportunities. Together, these fees can fully offset the operational cost of providing a cannabis banking program.

As net interest margins compress, credit unions should look to non-interest income business lines to support overall profitability. Cannabis companies are in dire need of quality banking solutions and are willing to pay upwards of ten times the amount of traditional business service charges. Assessing substantially higher base account charges, often without the benefit of an earnings credit to offset those charges, means there are untapped cash management fee opportunities. Together, these fees can fully offset the operational cost of providing a cannabis banking program. Compliance technologies can reduce costs and support remote banking. As KeyPoint Credit Union found, new platform technologies make it possible to automate compliance and risk-management processes, significantly reducing the labor and expense required to conduct the systematic due diligence this industry demands. Cannabis banking technologies can also enable contactless payments, as well as facilitate new member applications, account underwriting, and risk assessment via remote, online processes.

As KeyPoint Credit Union found, new platform technologies make it possible to automate compliance and risk-management processes, significantly reducing the labor and expense required to conduct the systematic due diligence this industry demands. Cannabis banking technologies can also enable contactless payments, as well as facilitate new member applications, account underwriting, and risk assessment via remote, online processes. Longer-term, cannabis banking can provide a source of low-cost deposits. The pressure to grow and attract low-cost deposits may wane momentarily because of the coronavirus pandemic, but these deposits are expected to continue to be a driver of credit union profitability in the long run. Increasing those deposits now will protect future profitability as the economy improves.

As public acceptance of cannabis grows and laws are reconciled, credit unions that enter this market early are expected to have a strong competitive advantage on new member accounts. In addition to the financial rewards the cannabis industry offers, credit unions can also enjoy a high degree of satisfaction knowing they are helping entrepreneurs in an underserved industry succeed, expand, and operate more safely in their communities.
A worrying video showing how far coronavirus droplets can travel indoors has been released by the Government ahead of a dreaded winter surge in cases.

The two-minute video reminds people viral particles can be launched across rooms by infectious people just talking or breathing.

It comes as part of the Government's latest 'Hands, Face, Space' campaign which attempts to drill basic Covid messaging to the masses in time for winter.

In one clip, a shopper is seen leaving a fog of infectious droplets in her wake as she moves through a supermarket - highlighting the need for face masks in shops.

Another shows viral particles oozing from a woman's mouth as she chats to a friend at home. The droplets are then transferred from her hands and face to a mobile phone and mug, reiterating the importance of keeping distance and hand washing.

Cases are expected to go up as the virus thrives in colder climates and people stay indoors more often - where transmission is more likely.

'Hands, Face, Space' will feature on TV, radio and online adverts, as well as billboards across the country after young people were accused of ignoring key measures.

In one clip, a shopper is seen leaving a fog of infectious droplets in her wake as she moves through a supermarket - highlighting the need for face masks in shops

Another shows viral particles oozing from a woman's mouth as she chats to a friend at home

The droplets are then transferred from her hands and face to a mobile phone and mug, reiterating the importance of keeping distance and hand washing

Ministers including the premier himself and Matt Hancock have for weeks been repeating the tripartite slogan during interviews to try to get it to catch on.

Boris Johnson, who boasted about shaking hands with everyone during a hospital visit in March, said the new slogan reminded Britons to regularly wash their hands.

'Face' means masks should always be worn on public transport and in shops  despite the UK Government waiting longer than most other nations to make face coverings mandatory.

And 'space' highlights the importance of maintaining social distancing, even though ministers have told workers to return to offices and scrapped the two-metre rule in pubs.

'Hands, face, space' will feature on TV, radio and online adverts, as well as billboards across the country from today

Boris Johnson, who boasted about shaking hands with everyone during a hospital visit in March, said the new slogan reminded Britons to regularly wash their hands

DOES THE GOVERNMENT EXPECT COVID-19 TO GET WORSE IN WINTER? Although the coronavirus hasn't been around long enough for scientists to study whether it changes in the winter, looking at cold and flu viruses - which are most common in colder months - can shed some light on how viruses are more infectious in winter. Dry, cold air supports viruses For a virus that causes infection by piggy-backing on droplets of moisture coming out of someone's airways, like Covid-19, its ability to float in the air is critical for infecting people. Warmer air is more humid, meaning it has more moisture and droplets in the air bind to the droplets carrying the virus. This makes them bigger and heavier and causes them to fall to the ground faster, where they are significantly less likely to infect someone. In cold air, which is naturally drier, they can remain lighter and float for longer, meaning they're more likely to spread disease. Flu virus gets physically harder A study in 2008 found that the outer membrane, or shell, of a flu virus actually gets harder in cold weather. It turns from a more liquid blob in warm weather to a tough, rubbery coating in the winter. This means the virus is stronger and can survive for longer. There is no evidence the same thing will happen with the coronavirus, because it is a different type of organism - but it is possible. Human behaviour changes Viruses can spread more effectively in winter because people spend more time together indoors, where they are forced into closer contact than they would be in the park in summer. The closer together people are, the more likely they are to spread the virus between them. People are also more likely to get too little vitamin D in the winter, because they usually make it from exposing their skin to sunlight. Shorter daylight hours - and cold weather even when the sun is shining - mean people don't make as much of the vitamin, which is vital fuel for the immune system and helps the body to fight off viral infections. Studies have found Covid-19 patients with vitamin D deficiencies appear to be more likely to be hospitalised or die than those with enough of the vitamin. Advertisement

The latest slogan is a return to form for the Government, which initially won plaudits for its simple 'Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives' slogan in March before lockdown.

Ministers were then been heavily mocked and criticised for its confusing 'Stay alert, control the virus, save lives' campaign launched in May to encourage people out of their homes to restart the economy.

Downing Street is said to have invested in polling and focus groups to test the waters for its new slogan.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said: 'As we approach winter and inevitably spend more time indoors, we need the public to keep following this important advice to control the spread of the virus.

'Hands. Face. Space' emphasises important elements of the guidance we want everybody to remember: wash your hands regularly, use a face covering when social distancing is not possible and try to keep your distance from those not in your household.

'Following these simple steps could make a significant difference in reducing the transmission of Covid-19 and help protect you and your friends, colleagues and family from the virus.'

Professor Catherine Noakes, an expert in airborne infections and member of SAGE said: 'Coronavirus is emitted in tiny droplets when we breathe, talk, laugh or cough.

'Other people can be exposed to these when they are close to someone with the virus or they are in a poorly ventilated room for a long time.

'Wearing a face covering prevents most of these droplets from being released into the air, and can also reduce the number of droplets that you are exposed to.

'That is why wearing a face covering serves as a vital first line of defence against catching and spreading the virus, along with regular and thorough handwashing with soap and water and maintaining a safe distance wherever possible.'

Covid-19 cases are expected to rise in winter, when the air is colder and people stay indoors more where the virus finds it easier to spread.

Covid causes infection by piggy-backing on droplets of moisture coming out of someone's airways and its ability to float in the air is critical for infecting people.

Warmer air is more humid, meaning it has more moisture and droplets in the air bind to the droplets carrying the virus.

This makes them bigger and heavier and causes them to fall to the ground faster, where they are significantly less likely to infect someone.

In cold air, which is naturally drier, they can remain lighter and float for longer, meaning they're more likely to spread disease.

Meanwhile viruses can spread more effectively in winter because people spend more time together indoors, where they are forced into closer contact than they would be in the park in summer.

The closer together people are, the more likely they are to spread the virus between them.

People are also more likely to get too little vitamin D in the winter, because they usually make it from exposing their skin to sunlight.

Shorter daylight hours - and cold weather even when the sun is shining - mean people don't make as much of the vitamin, which is vital fuel for the immune system and helps the body to fight off viral infections.

Studies have found Covid-19 patients with vitamin D deficiencies appear to be more likely to be hospitalised or die than those with enough of the vitamin.
TikTok star Charly Jordan is apologizing for traveling at the 'incorrect time' and for slamming officials after she tearfully revealed the Rwandan government held her in isolation for days following a 'false positive' COVID-19 test during a trip there.

Jordan, 21, who is member of TikTok collaboration group Clubhouse, said she traveled with a group to Rwanda to work with a gorilla conservation group, according to the TikTok posted Sunday.

In the emotional video she said she contracted the virus three months ago but tested negative before leaving the US. She said she and her friends wore masks, took precautions, and followed safety measures after arriving in Rwanda.

But when she arrived and was tested, she got a positive result.

'I got 100,000 tests afterwards to make sure I was negative', she said, referring to her diagnosis earlier this year.

'I flew to Rwanda, Africa, five days ago, and just got here, and tested positive,' she explained.

TikTok star Charly Jordan, 21, issued a public apology on Monday for sharing an 'emotional' and 'reactive' TikTok on Sunday (above) where she cried and said she was being held in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 in Rwanda. She was released after four days and that result was deemed a false positive

Apology: Jordan shared this post on her Instagram and Twitter on Monday saying she 'learned her lesson' and shouldn't have traveled in the midst of a pandemic

She added that she was alone and scared when she filmed the TikTok and now realizes 'how inappropriate and reactive' the video was

She has since set that video to private, but it has been reshared on Twitter where she was slammed for traveling amid a pandemic and crying about her situation.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that people from the US avoid nonessential travel to most countries including Rwanda due to the pandemic.

Jordan said she cried for hours and was hyperventilating after being placed in isolation in a hotel.

'Literally the f***ing government showed up at my place and dragged me away from everybody I was with. I don't speak the language, they locked me in this f***ing room, and I can't leave,' she said in the TikTok.

'Its really scary. I dont know why I have it again. And Im not with anybody I know. And Im in f***ing Rwanda, Africa. And I dont know how long Im gonna be here and they wont tell me anything,' she added with a peace sign.

Last week Jordan shared this Instagram post in Rwanda telling her 3.2million Instagram followers about her trip

She shared video on her Instagram about endangered silverback gorillas. She was on a trip to promote the conservation work to protect gorillas in Rwanda

She shared a follow-up TikTok video saying she smoked marijuana every day for the past three and a half years and was going 'cold turkey' in the hotel room they were isolating her in.

'Not only am I completely alone, locked in this room, but I'm having withdrawals and crazy nightmares and not sleeping,' she said.

'And all the food here is making me sick. So we are just all around not in a good place right now. I've literally just cried for three hours,' she added.

Jordan was released four days later when two more tests came back negative and the first one was determined to be a false positive.

On Monday she shared an apology on Instagram writing: 'The video I uploaded to TikTok was very emotional. I never meant to offend anyone and I take full responsibility for my actions.'

'I was alone and scared, watching it back I realize how inappropriate and reactive the video was. I never meant to offend anyone I was just trying to figure out what was going onI truly am sorry.

'I took down the video because after watching it back I realized how inappropriate it was,' she added.

Jordan was released four days later when two more tests came back negative and the first one was determined to be a false positive

Twitter users slammed Jordan for traveling during the pandemic, blasting her as a white savior for claiming her trip was in the name of charity work

She also apologized for traveling at such a precarious time as the US reels from more than six million cases of COVID-19 and more than 189,000 deaths.

'I would like to make an apology for traveling during this time, because I know that its a very incorrect time to travel, and Im completely wrong for doing that, and I have learned my lesson one hundred percent,' she said.

Earlier this month the 21-year-old shared photos to her 3.2million Instagram followers showing her arrival to Rwanda for what was supposed to be a 14-day trip.

'Made it to Rwanda I couldnt be more in love. The people, the food, the everything! Its a more difficult to travel right now but we took all the proper precautions even if that meant getting tested a million times,' she wrote.

She shared a video of her on a gorilla trek getting up close to critically endangered silverback gorillas.

Jordan is a part of the influencer house Clubhouse. It came under fire in May when fashion retailer Boohoo threw a sponsored party for the Gen Z influencers at the Clubhouse mansion with guests including Jordan, Abby Rao and Daisy Keech

Rwanda is one of the 30 countries that's 'open with restrictions' to Americans.

It's not clear how Jordan contracted COVID-19 three months ago.

But, 'Influencer houses' in Los Angeles where models and Tik Tok stars live together in mansions, throw parties, and visit each other have led sparked controversy in the pandemic for not taking COVID-19 precautions.

Back in May, fashion retailer Boohoo threw a sponsored party for the Gen Z influencers at the TikTok collab house Clubhouse, including Abby Rao, Daisy Keech, Charly Jordan.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 17:58:43|Editor: huaxia

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Many visitors are tempted by a special area for foreign countries at the ongoing 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing. There they experience colorful exotic cultures and delicacies. The 2020 CIFTIS, which kicked off last Friday, is the first major international economic and trade event held both online and offline by China since the COVID-19 outbreak. Foreign representatives and companies attending the event offline see the services trade fair a great opportunity.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday paid rich tributes to former president Pranab Mukherjee and said he was a true friend of Bangladesh, as the countrys Parliament adopted a condolence motion over his death.

He was a true friend of Bangladesh since our 1971 Liberation War, Hasina told the maiden session of Parliament called for the second time since the outbreak of pandemic.

Mukherjee died on Monday in New Delhi. The Bangladesh government on Tuesday announced that it will observe a one-day state mourning at the death of the countrys real friend.

Hasina recalled Mukherjees personal support for her and her family particularly during her life in exile in India after the August 15, 1975 coup in Bangladesh.

The putsch killed her father and Bangladeshs founder Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of his family members and toppled his post-independence government.
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A free business skills programme has opened for farmers to make changes to improve their business and ensure their viability.

Held in 15 locations each year, the Princes Farm Resilience Programme allows up to 20 farming families to take part in each location.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Princes Countryside Fund, and is open to any farming business across the UK to sign up.

Participants receive free business skills and environmental management training worth 2,000 per farm, delivered by expert consultants including Kite, the Andersons Centre, and Savills.

Nearly 1,000 families have taken part and now in its fifth year, the rural charity has committed to running the programme until 2027, through the period of agricultural transition.

Derek, a farmer who took part in 2019-20, said the programme allowed him to advance his business through talking to other farmers and experts.

"It shows you how you can progress the business to do what it is supposed to do, to support yourself and your family, provide a good quality of life, and prepare for retirement.

"Farming is what we want to do in life, so its important to be doing it the best we can, and make the best use of our time and resources

Registration opens from 7 September until 31 October 2020, but workshops will not take place until local social distancing regulations allow.

Where is the programme being held?

The PFRP is taking place in the following locations in 2020/21:

 Wadebridge, Cornwall

 TBC Dartmoor

 TBC Exmoor

 TBC North Herefordshire

 Kendal, Cumbria

 Alston, Cumbria

 TBC Northumberland

 Market Harborough, Leicestershire

 Woodbridge, Suffolk

 TBC, Caithness

 Campbeltown, Argyllshire

 Dumfries House, Ayrshire

 Northern Ireland

 Ballymena, County Antrim

 Wales

 Tregaron, Ceredigion

 Llyn Peninsula, Carmarthenshire
Yes. After Britain refused to seek an extension to the 11-month transition period, the country is set to complete its separation from the EU at the end of 2020. The blocs chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, and his British counterpart, David Frost, have been locked in talks to secure a trade deal. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he wants an agreement by a meeting of EU leaders that starts on Oct. 15. The bloc has pushed for a deal by then to give it time to implement it before the end of the year. But talks may drag on until November as both sides try to avoid blame for a collapse. EU leaders, who have been focused on the coronavirus, could then get involved -- something that may be a double-edged sword for Johnson. If the U.K. and EU were within touching distance of an accord, they could sign an outline agreement and set an implementation period -- a delay in all but name -- to work out details.
The rallys organizers said they would drive to toward Salem and most left the caravan before that. A smaller group of members of the right-wing group the Proud Boys went on to Salem, where a crowd of several dozen pro-Trump supporters had gathered.
Canadas polling agency has released the approach it will adopt to conduct safe elections during the Covid-19 pandemic as it appears likely that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau may trigger early polls in the near future to try and convert his Liberal Partys minority government into one with a majority.

Elections Canada is addressing a potential scenario of such polls taking place in the autumn, as it looked to a possible fall election.

Trudeau will face a vote of confidence in the House of Commons by the end of this month and a defeat, if it happens, will necessitate snap polls. As he prepares to present a platform in Parliament that will be transformative in terms of social policies, there is speculation that he himself might prefer early elections, using the legislative promises as a manifesto.

Andrew McDougall, a political scientist with the University of Toronto  Scarborough, said it was possible that elections could occur in the fall, that is between late October and November, though there was a greater chance they will take place in spring, around March or April.

Trudeau returned to power just last October after federal elections, though short of a majority. McDougall said Trudeau could set the stage with the Throne Speech in September, equivalent of Indias Presidential address laying out the governments agenda. He said, He wants to go big and wants to introduce some major initiatives. That could be a strategy - hes trying to reset the agenda.

Elections Canada is well aware of the possibility of snap polls and has changes and measures already in the works including implementing physical distancing at polling stations and procuring masks and single-use pencils for marking ballots, increasing the polling period from one day to two and expanding the mail-in ballot process. Given the current minority Government, an election could take place at any time, it said in a statement.

Early elections could see Trudeau facing a fine balance between risk and reward. McDougall said he will benefit from the public perception of handling the coronavirus crisis efficiently while suffering from criticism over handing out a nearly billion dollar contract, since cancelled, to a charity with links to himself and his family. In addition, there may be little appetite among Canadians for early elections especially during a pandemic.

The Opposition could also ensure fresh elections ousting the Trudeau Government in the vote of confidence, but that could bring about its own challenges as, McDougall said, it may not want to be blamed for bringing about political instability.

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The Frankfurt Book Fair has canceled its in-person fair and will proceed as an entirely virtual, online-only event. It will take place, as scheduled, October 12-18. The fair cited travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic as the reason for the cancellation. In an online interview following the announcement, Frankfurt Book Fair director Juergen Boos said 800 exhibitors and 40 national stands were affected by the cancellation.

Exhibitors who registered for this year's fair will have their registration converted to one for the digital fair. In addition, exhibitor payments made for space rental will be either refunded or rolled-over into 2021 depending on a company's choice. Registrations for this year and all programs affiliated with the fair will be free through June 2021.

While Boos did not share more details of what will take place he did say "I think we have created the largest portal in book publishing." Boos added, "We have invested a few million euros into this digital platform. We will always have a physical event in Frankfurt and can support the business through these virtual offerings. We are aiming to send a signal of hope. Books are alive. People don't care about the medium, they are interested in storytelling."

The fair plans to release more information about how exhibitors can participate, as well as a program of events, this week. As outlined in previous updates, exhibitors have been told Buchemesse.de, the fair's website, will serve as an online hub for the fair and will offer content streams for tracks at the fairsuch as Frankfurt Kids and Gourmet Gallerywith magazine-style content.

A virtual Exhibitor Catalog is expected to serve as a focal point for the exhibitor or attendees presence. Each exhibitor will have the ability to create a profile that will include a logo, link to their companys website, social media buttons, and further information. A one page document, such as a rights guide or company presentation, can be made available here as well. The catalog is expected to go live online by mid-September.

As for content, a series of virtual conferences will be thematically arranged by day, and will run from 9 to 11 a.m. ET each day, as follows:

October 12: Academic and scholarly publishing

October 13: Rights and licensing

October 14: Publishing insights

October 15: Audio

Exhibitors and participants will also be able to list and promote their own physical, digital or hybrid events, either public or private, in a dedicated calendar of events. The calendar, which is also expected to go live by mid-September, will be searchable.

A new Frankfurt Rights platform will serve a digital online catalog of rights available at the fair. Each digital exhibitor, including agents and rights holders,will be allowed a free company profile, where they can upload their rights guides, title information, rights availability, and previews of titles available to international participants after request.

The fair will go ahead hosting some live author events on the fairgrounds and in the city of Frankfurt throughout the week of the fair. Dubbed, Bookfest, the series of events will feature some 80 authors. Those appearing at live events in the city are primarily from Germany or live in Germany. They include Margit Auer, Max von Thun, Gabriele Krone-Schmalz, Bov Bjerg, Kristof Magnusson, Helmut Zierl, Max Giermann, Anastasia Zampounidis, Christian Stocker, Andreas Steinhofel, Eric Mayer, Linda Zervakis and Ahmad Mansour.

Scottish authors Irvine Welsh and John Niven will appear live in conversation, and the Canadian musician Chilly Gonzales, who lives in Germany, will be in conversation with fellow musician Malakoff Kowalski. The virtual Bookfest, taking place on Saturday, October 17 will include several North Americans, such as Elizabeth Gilbert, Don Winslow, Karin Slaughter, and Eliot Weinberger.
Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

President Trump has spent three and a half years persuading his supporters that the only reason his own officials constantly expose his conduct and warn the public of his unfitness for office is that he is the target of a deep state cabal. Yesterday, he extended the cabal to include a powerful new branch: the leadership of the armed forces. Pentagon brass, he insinuated, have told reporters he made disparaging comments about military service only because he threatens the profits of the military-industrial complex: Im not saying the militarys in love with me  the soldiers are, the top people in the Pentagon probably arent because they want to do nothing but fight wars so that all of those wonderful companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else stay happy,

In short order, Mollie Hemingway, Glenn Greenwald (who was retweeted by Trump himself), and Russia Today  the holy trinity of pro-Trump trolling  scrambled to cast Trumps remarks as merely echoing Dwight Eisenhowers famous warning about the military-industrial complex.

One of the favorite gambits of Trumps defenders is to insist that national security professionals only oppose him because he stands athwart the American empire. And it is certainly true that military leaders disagree with some of Trumps policies: his opposition to NATO, his betrayal of the Kurds, admiration of Russia, and (in some cases) desire to accelerate removal of troops from Afghanistan. Some of the most intense military opposition has come from the conviction by military leaders that he threatens its culture by encouraging war crimes and using troops as a domestic propaganda weapon, including to attack peaceful protesters. (By the way, its not true that the soldiers are in love with Trump  a Military Times poll shows his approval rating underwater and him narrowly trailing Joe Biden among active-duty service members.)

It is also true that American military brass cycle in and out of the top defense contractors in a way that corruptly incentivizes them to support higher spending. But the notion that this is the reason, or even a reason, for their opposition to Trump is completely ludicrous.

Trump is not a threat to the Pentagon budget. He has lavished as much money on defense as he can get from Congress, and boasts constantly that he rebuilt it after Barack Obama supposedly exhausted its entire supply of ammunition. If Trump is concerned about the influence of defense lobbyists on the Pentagons decision-making, its odd that he picked a top corporate lobbyist for Raytheon to serve as his current Defense secretary.

Trump has frequently cited the profits from arms sales as the main reason for the United States to continue supporting Saudi Arabia. Asked in 2018 about cutting off sales to the kingdom after its brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi, he replied, Well, I think that would be hurting us. We have jobs, we have a lot of things happening in this country. We have a country thats doing probably better economically than its ever done before. Part of that is what were doing with our defense systems, and everybodys wanting em, and frankly I think that that would be a very, very tough pill to swallow for our country.

Later that day he reiterated, I dont like stopping massive amounts of money thats being poured into our country  they are spending $110 billion on military equipment and on things that create jobs for this country.

Last year, Trump again explained that Saudi Arabia is a valuable ally because it buys so many American weapons: They spent $400 billion in our country over the last number of years. Four hundred billion dollars. Thats a million and a half jobs.

Trump is not the only president to sell arms to some shady client regimes. But he is surely the only president who has made the enrichment of military contractors the explicit public objective of a bilateral relationship. Fattening the military-industrial complex is not the by-product of Trumps foreign policy but its stated objective.

Of course its common for Trump to privately mock his political allies as morons even as he does business with them. Michael Cohen writes that after religious leaders laid hands on Trump in 2012 he said, Can you believe that bullshit? Can you believe people believe that bullshit? Leaked notes from a meeting with British leaders obtained by the Telegraph record that Trump called abortion a tough issue, and suggested, Imagine some animal with tattoos raping your daughter and then she gets pregnant.

Trump probably assumed that having bought off the military brass with lavish spending, he could count on them to stay discreet about his occasional sociopathic remark. It is very believable that he would be unable to imagine a motive for their unease with his leadership other than venality. But nobody else needs to cooperate with the preposterous ruse that Trump poses a threat to the income stream of American military leaders.
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Linkedin Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 8, 2020 17:55 499 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c43860f7 1 SE Asia migration,Rohingya,humanitarian-crisis,ASEAN,Bali-Process,Australia-Indonesia Free

The United Nations Refugee Agency and various rights groups demanded responsibility and concrete action from nations grouped under a regional antipeople-smuggling forum known as the Bali Process, following the latest wave of stranded Rohingya refugees disembarking in Indonesia.

As many as 297 Rohingya were rescued by local authorities off the coast of Aceh on Monday, after months of drifting at sea in dire conditions.

Read also: Almost 300 Rohingya refugees arrive in Indonesia's Aceh province

The rescue effort follows a similar incident in June when local fishermen saved around a hundred refugees stranded in the waters off northern Aceh.

Originally from Myanmar, the refugees reportedly departed from Coxs Bazar in Bangladesh in February but were left to fend for themselves for over 200 days at sea after failed attempts to disembark.

Malaysian and Thai authorities reportedly pushed them away as borders tightened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), two-thirds are women and children, and 30 people had died en route.

Their hazardous ordeal has been prolonged by the collective unwillingness of states to act for more than six months, Indrika Ratwatte, UNHCR director for Asia and the Pacific, said in a statement issued Monday.

As the only existing regional mechanism able to convene states to tackle the issue of irregular migration, Ratwatte criticized the Bali Process for having failed to deliver comprehensive, regional action to predictably save lives through rescue and disembarkation.

The Bali Process forum was initiated in 2002 to facilitate discussions and information-sharing about refugees, human trafficking and other related transnational issues.

It comprises 49 member states, including Bangladesh, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand, as well as three international agencies, bringing together countries of origin, transit and destinations and other relevant institutions.

An emergency response mechanism was created after members accepted they had failed to adequately respond to the 2015 crisis in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, when around 370 people died at sea.

Read also: Bali Process to draft emergency response mechanism for people smuggling, trafficking

The consultation mechanism was triggered for the first time in 2017 to address the humanitarian crisis at the Myanmar-Bangladesh border.

[After the 2015 crisis], Bali Process states acknowledged the need for a reliable and collective response to this genuinely regional challenge. Having created a mechanism to convene governments from across the region for precisely this purpose, the promise of that commitment remains unfulfilled, Ratwatte said.

He argued that in order to have a comprehensive and fair response, there must be responsibility-sharing and concrete efforts across Southeast Asia so that those who permit disembarkation and bring those in distress ashore do not carry a disproportionate burden.

ASEAN foreign ministers are to virtually convene this week for the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, where the Rohingya crisis has become a contentious agenda item in recent years, despite protests from Myanmar. The bloc is expected to issue a joint communique, a document containing common stances on shared concerns.

Read also: Indonesia draws praise for assisting Rohingya as ASEAN fails to mitigate crisis

Meanwhile, Amnesty International Indonesia executive director Usman Hamid said regional search and rescue operations were urgently needed in order to save those who still might be struggling at sea.

We urge the Indonesian government to immediately initiate a regional dialogue. The slow action of regional leaders can turn the ocean into a mass burial ground for Rohingya refugees, he said in a statement on Monday.

As cochairs of the Bali Process, Indonesia and Australia have so far remained noncommittal to the possibility of convening member countries for emergency talks to prevent repeats of such incidents or loss of life.

The Indonesian Foreign Ministry's acting director for international security and disarmament, Hari Prabowo, said Indonesia and Australia were currently in talks to make further use of the Bali Process, although there would be more emphasis on issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both sides have agreed to promote practical and flexible efforts to support its members in understanding the impacts of the pandemic on efforts to overcome transnational crime.

Read also: Indonesia, Australia explore solution to Rohingya refugee crisis under Bali Process

He told The Jakarta Post it was important to understand that the forum was largely consultative with a mandate to harmonize policies  not an operational agency that can act as a first responder.

The Bali Process can make use of existing platforms for information sharing, training and strengthening networks, so as to prevent irregular migrants from falling victim to people smuggling, he said on Monday.

The Australian Embassy in Jakarta was not immediately available for comment, but the country officially maintains that the Bali Process is a forum for policy dialogue and information sharing, and should not be used to trigger an emergency operational response to a refugee crisis.
Iran's state television is reporting that jailed British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is facing a new charge.



Citing an unnamed official, the report said that Zaghari-Ratcliffe was summoned on September 8 by a Revolutionary Court in Tehran and informed about the new indictment.



The report did not provide further details, and Zaghari-Ratcliffes lawyer has not immediately commented.



But her local member of parliament in London, Tulip Siddiq, tweeted that she could "confirm that she was taken to court this morning and told she will face another trial" on September 13.



A project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested in April 2016 at a Tehran airport as she headed back to Britain with her daughter following a family visit.



She was sentenced to prison after being convicted of plotting to overthrow Irans clerical establishment following what Amnesty International called a "deeply unfair trial."



In March, Zaghari-Ratcliffe was granted temporary release from Tehrans Evin prison due to the coronavirus pandemic but she was barred from leaving the country.



Britain has demanded her release and that of other dual nationals imprisoned in Iran. Tehran does not recognize dual citizenship.

Thomson Reuters Foundation CEO Antonio Zappulla condemned the new charge, saying it would prolong Zaghari-Ratcliffes "inhumane and unjust ordeal."

Britain's Foreign Office called Iran's action "indefensible and unacceptable."



"We have been consistently clear that she must not be returned to prison," a spokesperson said in a statement e-mailed to Reuters.



The new indictment against Zaghari-Ratcliffe comes as London and Tehran negotiate the release of hundreds of millions of dollars frozen by Britain.



The payment was made by Tehran more than 40 years ago for Chieftain tanks.



After the late Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was overthrown in 1979, Britain refused to deliver the tanks to the new Islamic Republic but kept the money.



Officials in London and Tehran have denied that Zaghari-Ratcliffe's case is linked to a repayment deal.



However, the British daily The Guardian reported last week that Defense Minister Ben Wallace had acknowledged he was "actively" seeking to repay a debt to Iran to secure the release of Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other Iranian-British detainees.



Britain is believed to owe as much as $530 million to the Iranian government arising from the Chieftain contract.

With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters
Construction of new airport in Zakarpattia provides for raising up to UAH 4 bln - Krykliy

The construction of a new airport in Zakarpattia provides for attracting investments in the amount of up to UAH 4 billion, while a runway will be built at the expense of the state, and a terminal at the expense of a private investor, Infrastructure Minister Vladyslav Krykliy has said.

"Unfortunately, today the functionality of the only airport in the region in Uzhgorod is limited due to the complexity of take-off/landing through the territory of Slovakia and the inability to service B737/A320 class aircraft. The construction of the new airport provides for the length of the runway of at least 2,500 meters, the ability to accept A320/B737 class aircraft, a passenger traffic of 200,000-300,000 per year with a possible increase to 500,000-600,000," he wrote on his Facebook page.

According to the minister, this will provide an opportunity to open communications to Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv and Odesa, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Italy and Spain, as well as charters to Turkey and Egypt.

As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine put amendments to the state targeted program for the development of airports for the period until 2023, including Mukachevo airport and excluding Vinnytsia international airport.

According to the decision, it is planned to allocate UAH 30 million for the design and construction of the airport.
Two more persons have died in the floods in the North East Region. This brings to six the number of persons who have died so far.



The deceased, namely Amanita Adjei, 42, and Anaab Akumayini, 39, were said to have drowned last Saturday while using a canoe to salvage their crops that had been submerged by the floodwaters.



Days of downpour and spillage from the Bagre dam in Burkina Faso have resulted in massive flooding of areas down the White Volta.



This years opening of the spill gates to release water from the Bagre Dam is the earliest since 2007. The spill gates were opened on August 10, which is three weeks ahead of the earliest date previously recorded.



So far, the daily average rate of release from the dam has been quite high, between 76.5 cubic metres per second (m3/sec) and 473.1 m3/sec, with an exceptional rate of 1,108.02 m3/sec released on August 27, 2020.



Already, more than 1,000 people across the region are said to have been displaced, with large acres of farmlands submerged.



There are fears that the death toll could rise as the rains continue.



The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) is still assessing the extent of the damage.



Some major towns and communities have also been cut off from the regional capital, Nalerigu, making it difficult for the inhabitants to access services at the capital.



Relief items



The North East Regional Director of NADMO, Mr. Alhassan John Kweku, told the Daily Graphic last Sunday that some relief items had been organised for the victims.



He, however, said the continuous downpour was hampering all rescue operations and other interventions.



"Some relief items arrived from Accra on Sunday so we are currently putting things in place to see how we can distribute the items to the victims quickly to help alleviate their plight," he said.



It has been raining in the area for the past week and the spillage of water from the Bagre dam in Burkina Faso has worsened the situation.

Checks by the Daily Graphic revealed that a number of houses in Nalerigu and communities along the White Volta have been taken over by floods.



Background



According to SONABEL, managers of the Bagre Dam, the spillage had become necessary due to the 81 per cent increase in the water level in the dam.



Residents close to the bank of the Black and White Volta were consequently advised to relocate to other communities for shelter and safety.



Water Resources



Meanwhile, the Water Resources Commission (WRC) has outlined immediate to medium and long-term plans to resolve perennial flooding in communities along the White Volta River basin that suffer the brunt of heavy rainfall and water spillage from the Bagre Dam.



A press statement signed by the Executive Secretary to the commission, Mr. Ben Ampomah, said it would embark on an exercise to dredge a cumulative distance of about 30 kilometres to help minimise the impact of the high flows in the White Volta River.



The exercise, he said, was expected to cover the upstream section from the border with Burkina Faso as well as upstream and downstream of the Pwalugu bridge, including the proposed Pwalugu dam site and upstream of the confluence of the Sissili river.



The exercise is estimated to cost GH29.6 million and will include dredging works, community engagements, restoration of dredged river banks, and documentary production.



Mr. Ampomah said a two-field reconnaissance survey carried out in May and July this year confirmed that extensive upstream sections of the White Volta River were shallow due to siltation.



The commission will be engaging with about 42 communities in the Bawku West and Talensi districts in the Upper West Region.

Source: Graphic.com.gh









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French detectives are still baffled by a succession of brutal attacks on horses which has seen ears sliced off, genitals mutilated and animals killed, leaving the country shocked.

Horse owners are watching the fields with night-vision cameras while police have deployed dogs and helicopters in the hope of solving the riddle.

More than 150 investigations have been opened around France while a specialist agency is looking into Satanic rituals, but investigators still have no firm leads.

While it is clear that multiple attackers are operating around the country, it is not known whether they are carrying out cult-like rituals, copycat attacks or morbid 'challenges' on social media.

Police arrested their first suspect on Monday after releasing a computer-generated image of a suspected attacker, but he was released today after proving he was not involved.

Authorities have also warned against vigilante action, with a mother and daughter facing up to five years in prison for harassing suspects with a machete-like knife and a pellet gun.

Scipion the donkey (left) was killed in Grumesnil while Cimona the horse (right) was badly injured in Criquetot-sur-Logueville in a series of mysterious attacks in France

French police released this e-fit of a man suspected of slashing ponies in Burgundy in late August, and a 50-year-old man was arrested but then released

Didier Fruchet, owner of a horse club with 80 animals outside Paris, said it was 'stressful to be thinking, what happened tonight? When we arrive in the morning we don't know what we are going to find.'

Fruchet is taking no chances at his stables in the the Val-d'Oise department, which is also being patrolled by gendarmes as an extra precaution.

He has invested in hunting cameras with night vision that photograph moving targets. 'We do not care how much it costs when it comes to keeping our horses safe,' he said.

Knives have sometimes been used to slash and mutilate the horses, with organs sometimes removed, a horse's face disfigured in one case and a right ear often sliced off like a trophy.

The Val-d'Oise recorded its first cases on Saturday in which two mares were wounded, one with a cut in the vulva and the other a 12-inch slash on its flank.

Elsewhere, police sought two suspects in the Cote-d'Or region at the weekend after a stable owner reported an intrusion and said one horse had been wounded.

In a sign of how urgent the issue has become, a 40-member team of gendarmes, backed up by police dogs and a helicopter, were sent to the scene but so far have not found the culprits.

Eloise Lang, a rider in Coueron in western France, is still distressed after her horse Ambitieux was attacked.

'I saw that he had a dozen traces of wounds... knife wounds... He had some on his shoulders, flank, chest. He had cuts that were up to a foot long,' she said.

'We hardly sleep anymore, we think about it all the time,' she added.

Reports have come throughout the summer, sometimes on an almost daily basis, of new horse mutilations across France.

'There are about twenty cases of cut ears, but there are also other incidents including genital mutilation and lacerations with sharp objects,' said Colonel Hubert Percie du Sert of France's gendarmerie.

He said there were 'many perpetrators and methods of operation.'

France's national anti-sect agency La Miviludes, which is assisting the investigation, has not found evidence of a satanic rite so far, 'but it is not something we are ruling out', du Sert said.

Firefighters tend to Cimona the horse after it was attacked and left injured in a ditch in Criquetot-sur-Logueville

The man arrested was being questioned regarding a late August attack in Burgundy, after the head of an animal refuge chased after two men slashing his ponies.

Stable manager Nicolas Demajean's arm was slashed as he wrangled with one of the attackers and police produced a drawing based on his description.

Prosecutors said the suspect was known in neighbouring Germany for attacks on animals, and was registered in France for drug-related crimes.

However, searches of his home did not find conclusive evidence and police eventually accepted that he was innocent.

'He denied the charges from the start and his alibi could be corroborated,' prosecutor Arnaud Laraize said.

Laraize said it was not clear if there was any link between the Burgundy incident and the other attacks.

'In this case, we absolutely do not exclude the idea that there is no link with other incidents nationwide,' the prosecutor said.

French agriculture minister Julien Denormandie speaks with horse breeder Mireille Didier as he meets with stable owners whose animals have been attacked in Plailly yesterday

Separately, Emmanuel Macron's interior minister on Monday announced the start of night patrols by French gendarmes to reassure worried horse owners.

Gerald Darmanin said police have opened 153 investigations on the horse attacks, with 30 of them involving deaths or 'extremely violent injuries'.

'No one line is being favored,' Darmanin said of the investigations.

The minister warned horse owners against taking justice into their own hands by trying to take down the attackers.

'The drama within the drama would be an owner ... wanting to take vengeance, do justice, take out his rifle, fight with someone who goes after his horses,' he said.

In Quimper in the northwestern Brittany region, a mother, 52, and her daughter, 23, face a trial in January for threatening two people with weapons whom they suspected of carrying out horse attacks.

'They admitted they were equipped with a machete-type knife as well as a pellet gun, and to have stopped a vehicle when they had no right to do so,' the deputy prosecutor of Quimper, Emmanuel Phelippeau, told AFP.

They risk up to five years in prison if convicted.

'It is unacceptable that breeders, due to emotion, take the law into their own hands themselves', the prefect of the Finistere region Philippe Mahe, told reporters, insisting that the police mobilisation was 'very strong.'
The Shorelines Casino Peterborough at Crawford Drive and The Parkway and the Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs in Fraserville will be reopening on Sept. 28 after closing their doors on March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In line with Stage 3 of the provinces reopening of the economy, a maximum of 50 guests will be allowed inside at a time to use the slot machines and there wont be any table games at the casino and the restaurants and food and beverage services will remain closed.

Great Canadian Gaming announced the reopening plans Friday for its 11 Ontario gambling properties, including the Great Blue Heron Casino near Port Perry and Casino Ajax in Durham Region, along with its Casino New Brunswick property.

Visitors will be required to book play sessions prior to arrival through a reservation system being set up online.

To help users maintain two-metre physical distancing, the company is adding physical barriers and removing furniture and equipment so that people dont get too close to others.

Plastic glass barriers will be placed in areas where physical distancing cant be maintained, the company also announced, including at the security podiums. There will also be signs and floor markings to guide visitors and employees.

Visitors and employees will be screened at the entrance, with anyone showing symptoms not being allowed in.

Visitors will be required to wear masks inside, the company announced, and hand sanitizer and wipe stations will be provided.

Enhanced cleaning is planned for the buttons, panels, pull bars, drink holders and chairs of the slot machines.

The company has not specified if the casinos will operate around the clock.

The Ontario government moved to Stage 3, which allowed casinos and gaming facilities to reopen with 50 customers at a time, in July in most parts of Ontario.

Bingo has yet to resume at Delta Gaming Peterborough on Clonsilla Avenue, which reopened at the end of July but has only offered TapTix Vegas-style gaming machines. There was a special drive-in bingo event in the 150-space parking lot of the hall on Saturday afternoon.

Because of the limits on numbers, the company does not expect to turn a profit initially by reopening. The companys casinos in British Columbia remain closed.

Once open, gaming revenues in each jurisdiction will be significantly reduced due to operating restrictions, stated Rod Baker, the companys chief executive officer.

The reductions will be especially significant for our Ontario properties where, due to the 50-guest maximum restriction, we expect no material financial benefit to the company from our 11 Ontario locations.

Shorelines Casino Peterborough opened in 2018 with 500 slot machines and 22 table games.
Morrell said such personal experiences can also strengthen academic success. The research demonstrates it, he said, with data from the three-year pilot indicating the program will probably attract Black students who have never taken AP courses as well as encourage them to take additional ones. Consortium President Kassie Freeman expects the curriculum to catch on quickly and positively impact Black student outcomes. Black students scores on AP tests in recent years have remained significantly lower than those of other groups. In 2019, Black students passed 32 percent of the AP exams they took, compared with 44 percent for Latino students, 65 percent for White students and 72 percent for Asian students.
A 32-year-old woman who used to live in Montgomery County has been indicted for falsely claiming she had cancer and collecting donations through GoFundMe to pay for a trip to Australia. Read more

A 32-year-old woman who used to live in Montgomery County has been indicted on charges of falsely claiming she had cancer and collecting donations through GoFundMe to pay for a trip to Australia for treatments she never received, U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain said Tuesday.

Vanessa ORourke, formerly of Harleysville, was charged with wire fraud in the indictment, which was unsealed Tuesday, McSwain said in a news release. Her last known residence was in the state of Queensland in Australia.

From about October 2015 through July 2016, ORourke claimed to have a form of brain cancer and said she needed the money to receive experimental treatments in Australia, prosecutors said.

The indictment alleges that ORourke told local medical providers she had been diagnosed with the cancer, and based on her representations, they prescribed her opioids and antianxiety medication to treat symptoms for her nonexistent illness.

ORourke allegedly convinced her father and stepmother to provide money for her to travel to Australia for treatment. She went to Australia and participated in a variety of leisure activities, but did not receive any medical treatment, the indictment says.

When she returned, ORourke wanted to make another trip to Australia, and thats when she started her GoFundMe campaign and planned a fund-raising event at a Blue Bell restaurant, prosecutors said.

ORourke collected $11,740 from more than 140 people through her GoFundMe campaign, the indictment alleges.

Her fund-raising was publicized on a local Patch community news website in a June 13, 2016, article posted by a neighbor. The fund-raising plea claims that she was studying at Temple University to be a brain surgeon when she was diagnosed.

She is a ray of sunshine to all who know her, positive every day and still helping others and loving life! the article states while promoting a benefit dinner at the Whitpain Tavern later that month.

A spokesperson for Temple University declined to comment on ORourke.

At least two news reports in Australia say she had run into legal trouble there.

In a statement, McSwain called the allegations nauseating.

He added: ORourke is charged with preying upon the kindness and generosity of good people who wished to help those in need. As alleged, there was no need here  only lies, greed and callous manipulation.

Michael J. Driscoll, special agent in charge of the FBIs Philadelphia division, said in a separate statement: As alleged, Vanessa ORourke scammed friends and family alike, convincing them to donate money toward her supposed medical care. Instead, those funds supported her lifestyle and leisure.
Heritage Woods of Newburgh, IN We are thrilled to offer affordable assisted living options to seniors who never thought assisted living was financially achievable, and to do it right here in our own hometown.

A VIP Preview Party and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony will be held for Heritage Woods of Newburgh, a new affordable assisted lifestyle community for older adults that is opening in September.

The invitation-only event will be held on September 10, at the community, which is located at 4211 Grimm Road in Newburgh, Indiana. The community is built on several acres of land and features a full spectrum of services to help older adults embrace their independence.

This multimillion-dollar development is designed for seniors of all incomes who need some help to maintain their independence. Residents are expected to move in in September 2020.

"We will be providing older adults with a wonderful alternative to a nursing home or to struggling alone at home," said Heritage Woods Administrator Diadree Jolly.

As an affordable assisted living facility, Heritage Woods will make assisted living a realistic option for seniors who have been unable to afford this type of community in the past. The community will combine residential apartment-home living with the availability of personal assistance, medication administration and a variety of convenience and support services, such as meals, housekeeping, laundry and transportation.

Residents will live in private apartments that they will furnish and decorate to their tastes. Each of the apartments will feature a kitchenette, spacious bathroom with shower and grab bars, individually controlled heating and air conditioning and emergency alert system.

In addition, Heritage Woods offers several areas for residents to enjoy, including a recreation room/theater, private dining room, lounges, fitness center, activity room, library/computer room and other amenities.

Certified nursing assistants, working under the direction of a licensed nurse, will be on-duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Residents also will benefit from all of the opportunities that will be available to socialize with friends and neighbors and to participate in activities and special programs," says Jolly.

When fully occupied, the community will provide 49 full and part-time jobs. Annual payroll with benefits is projected to be approximately $2.1 million.

Newburgh AL Developer, LLC is excited to bring one of its high-quality, residential-style affordable assisted living communities to Newburgh and the surrounding areas.

Worn Jerabek Wiltse Architects, P.C. designed the community, and construction was completed by Horve Construction, LLC.

"Our focus," says Rod Burkett, CEO of Gardant Management Solutions, the company that manages the community, "is to provide Heritage Woods residents with the love, compassion and dignity they deserve and the help and assistance they need. Our emphasis is on helping each resident achieve and maintain as much independence as possible for as long as possible."

For more information about Heritage Woods of Newburgh, call 812-853-9810 or visit the community website.
ThoughtRiver, a Cambridge, UK-based provider of an automated contract review and pre-screening platform, raised $10M (7.5M) in Series A funding.

The round was led by Octopus Ventures supported by existing seed investors Crane, Local Globe, Entree Capital, Syndicate Room, and angel investor Duncan Painter.

ThoughtRiver recently signed contracts with some of the worlds leading companies, including giants such as G4S, Singtel, and DB Schenker. The company also signed a strategic partnership with PwC, enabling the professional services firm to develop a proposition for its clients and the broader market, powered its software.

Led by CEO Tim Pullan, ThoughtRiver provides an automated contract review software platform for firms looking to accelerate the process of reviewing, negotiating, and signing contracts to drive deal velocity. These firms can also now make critical business decisions informed by data from their black book of contracts, as surfaced by ThoughtRiver.

The company already has offices in New York, Singapore, London, Cambridge and Auckland, and will now focus on growing US market share, scaling its sales and marketing efforts, and rolling out further integrations with major technology partners. As part of its continued international development, ThoughtRiver recently announced the appointment of Michael Lisowski, formerly COO and divisional President at Ascential plc, as Chief Operating Officer.

FinSMEs

08/09/2020
President Trump speaks about the environment in Jupiter, Fla. (Associated Press)

President Trump signed a largely symbolic proclamation Tuesday urging Congress to expand a moratorium on oil and gas drilling off America's southeastern coastline, touting his controversial environmental record in a state in the crosshairs of climate change and electoral politics.

Since taking office, Trump has shredded dozens of environmental protections, dismissed the scientific consensus on climate change and tapped energy lobbyists to lead the agencies entrusted with safeguarding the country's natural resources, but he dramatically recast his record in an effort to woo environmentally minded voters.

"Number one since Teddy Roosevelt. Who would have thought? Trump is the great environmentalist," he said before urging Congress to extend a ban on selling new leases along Florida's Gulf Coast as well as a moratorium along the state's Atlantic coast and the shorelines of Georgia and South Carolina.

Only Congress has the power to extend the statutory ban on oil leasing in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and lawmakers are unlikely to do so in the eight weeks before the November election.

The Trump administration recently considered a plan to open the eastern Gulf of Mexico to drilling when the current moratorium expires in 2022. But that prompted a bipartisan outcry in Florida, including from the two Republican senators, the Republican governor and other state and local officials, and Trump shifted course.

Speaking in front of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, Trump said he had come "to celebrate our incredible record of natural conservation and environmental protection" and asserted that his approach has struck the right balance: "We can create jobs, safeguard the environment and keep energy prices low for our citizens."

In a 21-minute speech, he bragged about proposing an increase in funding for restoration of the Everglades in next year's budget, and claimed that Democrats would "badly hurt" the environment  contradicting his own attacks on Democrats for backing an ambitious plan to reduce carbon emissions  and "take away our energy independence."

Story continues

The same budget proposal includes cuts to federal agencies responsible for addressing the climate crisis, including slashing the Environmental Protection Agency's budget by a quarter and its workforce by 11%.

Trump won Florida  with its crucial 29 electoral votes  in 2016, and his campaign is determined to do so again. New polling suggests Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden are in effect tied in the state, with each drawing 48%, according to an NBC News/Marist poll of likely Florida voters.

With its 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida is highly vulnerable to changes wrought by global warming. It has been battered by intensifying and more frequent hurricanes as ocean temperatures have risen and is increasingly subject to flooding as sea levels rise.

With his choice of Florida for a backdrop, Trump's revisionism in terms of his environmental record  not unlike his efforts to recast his slow response to the COVID-19 pandemic as heroic and to take credit for a long-gone economic boom amid the resulting recession  was all the more striking.

Since taking office, the president has called climate change a hoax. When he toured devastation left by hurricanes in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico, Trump routinely described the storms as isolated events, something "never seen" before, and focused on the federal response.

In June 2017, he announced the U.S. was withdrawing from the Paris climate accord, a global agreement to reduce carbon emissions. He has also mocked efforts at greater energy efficiency, riffing frequently at rallies about the supposed perils of lower-wattage light bulbs, low-flow shower heads and wind turbines, suggesting  falsely  that they cause cancer.

In addition, he has taken numerous actions to weaken or do away with environmental protections.

Trump's EPA, currently run by a former coal industry lobbyist, has weakened limits on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks, as well as from the oil and gas industry.

It has opened more public land to drilling and rolled back wildlife protections. And it has eased pollution regulations on coal-fired power plants in an effort to revive the dying coal industry.

"He's ignoring science, he's ignoring experts and now he's even ignoring his own record," said Pete Maysmith, a senior vice president for the League of Conservation Voters, a nonprofit group. "Florida is ground zero for climate change with extreme weather and hurricanes in particular. Donald Trump has attempted to roll back over 100 environmental protections, including dozens related to climate change and clean water. He's an environmental disaster and Florida's paying the price."

As the race tightens, Biden continues to outpace Trump among older voters in Florida. But Biden is narrowly losing the large Cuban American and Hispanic vote, accounting for the razor-thin margin of recent state polls.

A survey Tuesday of 500 voters in Miami-Dade County, the state's largest population hub, showed Biden with a 17-percentage-point lead among voters in the predominantly Hispanic and heavily Democratic county, key to his chances for a statewide victory. That is far below Hillary Clinton's 30-point edge there four years ago.

A Florida-based advisor to Biden's super PAC cited private polling showing at least 10% of non-Cuban Hispanic voters in Florida remained undecided. The campaign has launched a $1.2- million television push in an effort to draw them to Biden's side.

Given the disproportionate impact of environmental disasters on poor, minority communities, the issue of climate change could prove persuasive in winning votes.

Since May, the League of Conservation Voters has spent $14 million targeting swing voters in six critical states with English and Spanish advertising arguing that Trump's denial of climate change could prove as costly as his initial downplaying of the coronavirus, which has killed nearly 190,000 Americans.

"We found that tying Trumps repeated denial of scientific warnings about the threat of coronavirus, refusal to listen to scientists warnings about climate change, and public comments that both crises were a 'hoax' could move Florida swing voters" to support Biden, Maysmith said.

In a statement Tuesday, Biden focused on the pandemic's impact in Florida, noting the 11,900 deaths and 3.6 million residents who have filed for unemployment benefits since March. He equated Trump's stubborn flouting of public health experts' advice with his climate change denialism.

"When it comes to the coronavirus, it's no surprise that President Trump has refused to listen to the experts and the scientists  just look at his environmental record," Biden said.
At the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak in Kyrgyzstan this summer, dozens of Kyrgyz medics generously came from Russia to help fight the virus, which had overwhelmed the poor Central Asian country's health-care system.

After several weeks of volunteer work in the pandemic's so-called red zones -- the areas with high infection rates -- many of the workers are now unable to return home due to Moscow's lockdown measures.

Russia has closed its borders to foreigners, allowing only those who have a permanent residence permit to enter. Many of the Kyrgyz medics only moved to Russia in recent years and don't have a Russian passport or long-term visa.

"Those who have Russian citizenship returned to Russia, despite having to pay for quite expensive tickets. But we're not allowed to reenter [Russia]," said Gulbahar Koshoeva, one of the medics stuck in Kyrgyzstan.

"At my workplace in Russia I had asked a colleague to temporarily replace me," Koshoeva said.

She came to Kyrgyzstan in August planning on several weeks of work at the Semetei medical facility near Bishkek, which was turned into a specialized hospital for COVID-19 patients.

Koshoeva was among a group of nearly 100 medical volunteers who arrived in Kyrgyzstan when the country faced a severe shortage of health professionals, hospital beds, drugs, and equipment in what was a very desperate time for the Kyrgyz people.

'Just Let Us Go'

Nurgul Kambaralieva, an organizer of the campaign, said the volunteers flew to Kyrgyzstan in three groups.

She said some of them have since returned to their jobs and families in Russia, while a few have decided to stay in Kyrgyzstan to help hospitals in their native villages that are still in dire conditions and desperate for assistance.

Others have completed their volunteer work but are unable to go back and don't know what will happen with their relatively well-paid jobs in Russia.

Many went on unpaid leave and planned on returning in several weeks. Now they face an uncertain future.

"Before leaving Russia for Kyrgyzstan, we wrote to the Kyrgyz Embassy that we must come back to our workplaces to Russia," said Dr. Meken Abdaliev, who came to Kyrgyzstan on July 12.

"We're not asking for any money or financial support for our travel expenses. We can pay for the tickets ourselves," Abdaliev said. He wants the Kyrgyz authorities to help the medics get back to their jobs in Russia.

"The medics came to help Kyrgyzstan when the country needed them the most. They worked hard here," Kyrgyz Deputy Health Minister Nurbolot Usenbaev said.

RFE/RL's Coronavirus Crisis Archive Features and analysis, videos, and infographics explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the countries in our region.

But Usenbaev points out that the medics' reentry into Russia is beyond the Kyrgyz government's authority. "The Foreign Ministry [could possibly help] with the issue of the medics' return [to Russia]. From our end, we also try to help by sending a letter of appeal," he said.

Kyrgyzstan has asked the Russian government to resume regular flights between the two countries. Russia hasn't yet agreed.

There have been some 45,000 people infected with the coronavirus in Kyrgyzstan, a country of about 6 million people. More than 1,000 have died. Both numbers are thought to be lower than the actual number of cases and deaths.

Only a handful of flights have resumed between Kyrgyzstan and Russia recently, but it remains unclear when Russia will open its borders to Kyrgyz citizens and other foreigners.

Before the pandemic, Russia hosted millions of migrant workers from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.

Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by Aigerim Akylbekova of RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service
New Delhi:

Delhi Police has registered an FIR against YouTube kissing prankster Sumit Verma, days after his kissing video went viral on social media.

In the viral video, Sumit was seen kissing random women in Connaught Place as a prank and running away. This video caught a rage amongst the audience and drew a lot of criticism on social media.

Delhi Police spokesperson Dependra Pathak confirmed the news and said that the FIR has been registered by the EOW under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the IPC and 67 (punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form) of the IT Act.

He also stated that the Cyber Cell has also written to Facebook and YouTube asking them to provide the details of person who uploaded the video.

"We request both social networking sites to share details of the service provider with us. We have also asked them to remove the videos from their websites, Pathak added.

It was also reported that the social media platforms, where the video was being circulated, told the cops that they can share data only after legal action is initiated into the matter.

"Now than an FIR has been registered, it will be easy for the investigating officer (IO) to approach the service providers, including YouTube and Facebook, to identify the source through which the video was uploaded," a police official was quoted as saying.

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(Corrects paragraph 7 to fix typo)

By Sultan Anshori and Orathai Siring

BALI, Indonesia/BANGKOK, Sept 8 (Reuters) - A spike in coronavirus infections in Indonesia's holiday island of Bali and Thailand's first locally transmitted case in 100 days have dealt further blows to Southeast Asian hopes of reviving vital tourism industries.

Plans to reopen Bali to foreign tourists from September have been postponed indefinitely, while Thailand's proposal for the cautious reopening of Phuket island has come into doubt.

As well as trying to encourage domestic tourism industries, some Southeast Asian countries have been considering "travel bubbles" with others as a way to get businesses restarted.

Bali initially appeared to weather the health crisis better than other parts of Indonesia, which has suffered Southeast Asia's biggest death toll by far. But coronavirus cases have spiked after it reopened its borders to domestic tourism at the end of July.

"Increasing domestic tourism is one important factor for increasing cases in Bali," said Dr Pandu Riono, an epidemiologist from the University of Indonesia.

While Ketut Suarjaya, the head of Bali's health agency, said domestic tourism was not to blame for the spike in cases, others see Bali's experience as a warning of the dangers of reopening borders too soon.

Epidemiologists and public health experts said the arrival of tourists in Bali not only made infection from other parts of Indonesia more likely, but underscored shortcomings in fighting the pandemic, namely a lack of testing and contact tracing.

Public health experts also said another likely contributing factor was the arrival of the more infectious mutation of the virus, known as D614G.

Bali posted a record 196 coronavirus cases on Friday, the fifth consecutive daily record. Daily cases in the holiday island almost tripled on average over the past six weeks, while the death tally doubled to 116 over that period.

Story continues

Bali souvenir shop owner Kamil, who goes only by one name as is common in Indonesia, said he still wasn't doing much business but tried not to get too stressed.

"I just leave it to God because we cannot predict the future," he said. "All we can do now is run the business according to health protocols."

ECONOMIC FALLOUT

Indonesia's economy had its first quarterly contraction in over two decades in the second quarter - with Bali's economy shrinking even more than the rest of the country at nearly 11%.

Thailand, where foreign visitor spending made up over 11% of GDP last year, has been even harder hit by the collapse in tourism despite better managing the pandemic - also contracting the most since the Asian financial crisis in the second quarter.

The country suspended plans for a "travel bubble" agreement with select countries in August as new daily coronavirus cases rose in parts of Asia.

Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the official Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said the cautious reopening of Phuket to foreign tourists would likely be delayed until after the planned start date of Oct. 1.

Yuthasak told Reuters he hoped it would still start during Europe's winter - Thailand's tourist high season.

Vietnam's local tourism reopening, after initially clearing itself of the virus, also took a knock when a new outbreak was discovered in the resort city of Danang in July, forcing it to go under a strict lockdown that was only lifted on Monday.

Back in Indonesia, Kamil said he remained positive as long as his shop stayed open.

"Maybe there will be a customer," he said. (Additional reporting by Agustinus Beo Da Costa in Jakarta, and James Pearson in Hanoi; Writing by Kate Lamb; Editing by Ana Nicolaci da Costa)
 Flash

Egypt and China signed on Monday a cooperation protocol to teach the Chinese language in pre-university schools in Egypt as a second optional foreign language.

The protocol was signed by the Egyptian Minister of Education and Technical Education, Tarek Shawki, and the Chinese Ambassador to Cairo, Liao Liqiang.

"Egypt is keen to benefit from the unique Chinese experience in economic development as well as other fields," Shawki said during the signing ceremony.

He added that Egyptian-Chinese ties are deeply rooted as Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1956.

"Today's agreement represents an illuminating image of the distinguished and fruitful relations between the two friendly countries, which we always strive to strengthen and support by all means to achieve the desired goals," Shawki said.

The minister said the Chinese side helps the ministry in many areas such as establishing solar power plants in schools, establishing workshops for technical education, installing electronic screens in secondary schools nationwide, and establishing smart classrooms.

According to the Chinese Embassy in Cairo, there are two Confucius Institutes in Egypt, one in Cairo University, the other in Suez Canal University, in addition to three independent Confucius classrooms in Egypt.

A total of 16 universities in Egypt have either established Chinese language departments or teach the Chinese language within their curriculums.

The Chinese government also built two schools under an educational aid program for Egypt.

In March last year, China's Tianjin Light Industry Vocational Technical College, Tianjin Transportation Vocational College, and Egypt's Ain Shams University signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the Egypt Luban Workshop in Cairo.

Luban workshop is the first project of international cooperation on vocational training supported by China's Tianjin Municipality, which aims at improving academic education of top technical talents and serving the local economy and society via vocational training.

In 2019, China provided more than 300 scholarships for Egyptians to finish master and PhD degrees, according to the Chinese Embassy in Cairo.

Meanwhile, Liao said the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped cooperation between the two countries in the field of education.

"We have given each other's international students meticulous care and exchanged experiences in resuming classes. China has also donated 300,000 masks and other anti-virus materials to the Egyptian Ministry of Education and Al-Azhar University," the ambassador said during his speech.

The ambassador noted that the integration of Chinese teaching into the Egyptian national education system reflects the vision of the Egyptian government.

"Similarly, China will further open up education to the outside world to facilitate people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and pave the way for building a China-Egypt community with a shared future," he added.

"We are willing to work with Egypt to implement the agreement step by step and strengthen cooperation in improving the proficiency of teachers, enriching Chinese teaching materials, optimizing teaching methods, and compiling syllabus," the ambassador said.
N Chandrasekaran

The British government has brought in investment bankers to salvage Tata Steels UK business to preserve thousands of jobs, after parent company Tata Steel said it would be unable to fund the European units losses.

The countrys biggest steelmaker employs 8,000 people in the UK, including 3,500 at Port Talbot in south Wales.

The British Treasury has appointed Credit Suisse to advise on talks with Tata Steel, Sky News reported, also quoting sources say that McKinsey has been drafted to draw up a blueprint for the future of the UK's wider steel industry.

Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report.

The move comes amid speculation that negotiations between the Indian company and the government had ended. Steel sector sources told the channel Tata Steel was on the verge of presenting a revised proposal involving substantial funding from the UK government.

Talks with Tata Steel have been ongoing for months and in July the company had put forth a proposal aimed at securing nearly 900 million pounds from the government for its UK operations. The investment would have semi-nationalised the steelmaker, giving taxpayers 50 percent stake.

Talks, however, fell through after officials disagreed on Tata Steel writing off an equivalent debt owed by its UK business, and not committing capital of its own, the report added.

The Treasury did not respond to queries, the report said.

Tata Steel told the channel they are in active discussions with the UK government on several options for the future of our UK operations, including sustainable decarbonised footprint for the future.

Follow our LIVE Updates on the coronavirus pandemic here

In a recent AGM, N Chandrasekaran said talks with the UK government are on and we will do what is good for the company.

"Given prevailing market conditions and disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that our UK operations face structural challenges that need to be urgently addressed. Discussions with the government are constructive and ongoing, and at this stage, no decisions have been made, the company said.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, several steelworkers have been put on paid leaves with companies seeking government aid. Thus, McKinseys involvement in charting out a plan for Britains broader steel future is being viewed as significant, industry sources said.

A government spokesperson told the channel that they remain very supportive of the UK steel sector and its valuable contribution to the UK economy and regularly uses external advise to better understand how to support businesses."
Owens supervisors were unaware he had sought workers compensation for psychological difficulties stemming from a fatal shooting early in his career, department officials say, even though Owen was supposed to notify them. Over the next decade, Owen used force against civilians at least nine times, according to a Washington Post examination of his career. Twice last year, videos taken as Owen was arresting people show him with his hands on their necks. Criminal charges against some of the people Owen arrested over the years were dropped because he didnt show up in court.
During the challenge, 15 talented home decor bloggers redesigned a room in their home using only paint, painter's tape, and a $500 budget. Each also were inspired by one of the five 2020 FrogTap e  Design Trends , identified by celebrity interior designer, Taniya Nayak. To see all the room transformations, visit FrogTapePaintoverChallenge.com .

"Whether you're a DIY veteran or just dipping your toe in the water with your first project, paint is an easy way to transform any space without breaking the bank," said Allison Shagovac, influencer marketing manager, Shurtape Technologies, LLC, which markets FrogTape brand products. "From bold geometric patterns to subtle but chic accent walls, this year's Paintover Challenge participants demonstrated how to incorporate character and style into their homes, and amazed us with their inspiring, wallet-friendly makeovers."

Inspired by her assigned 2020 Design Trend, "Natural Beauty," Rishel transformed her living room into a serene haven, incorporating different types of textures and wood tones. She added a pretty pop of color by painting one wall a beautiful cypress green. Rishel combined this with a new rug, plenty of plants and a fresh coat of white paint on the remaining walls  ultimately creating a nature-inspired oasis that she and her husband will truly enjoy.

"Before, our living room was perfectly lovely, but it wasn't us anymore  the design was more farmhouse-chic but our style these days is more modern," said Liz. "The difference that a few coats of paint can make is incredible. And thanks to the various FrogTape brand painter's tapes, I was able to achieve crisp paint lines on a variety of surfaces  from drywall to our Roman Clay fireplace to a wood slat wall  without having to worry about paint bleed or touch-ups. Now, we have a space that we truly love because it's reflective of our personalities and design style."

"Plus, I was thrilled to 'compete' for a donation to Room to Dream Foundation," Liz added. "They do amazing work to improve the quality of life, promote imagination and self-worth, and aid in the recovery process for youth with chronic illnesses. I'm delighted I can give back to such a charitable organization."

The other talented 2020 Paintover Challenge participants include:

For more information about the FrogTape Paintover Challenge and project inspiration, visit FrogTapePaintoverChallenge.com.

FROGTAPE BRAND PRODUCTS

FrogTape brand helps consumers and professionals alike navigate the painting process with high-quality products. FrogTape offers premium-quality, innovative painting tapes that feature the brand's patented PaintBlock Technology, a super-absorbent polymer that seals the edges of the tape to keep paint out and lines sharp. FrogTape, marketed by Shurtape Technologies, LLC, makes it easy to achieve professional-looking results and is the brand pros rate #1 for sharp paint lines with no paint bleed. For more information on FrogTape brand, visit FrogTape.com, like us on Facebook (facebook.com/FrogTape); follow us on Twitter (@FrogTape); follow us on Instagram (@FrogTape); follow our boards on Pinterest (pinterest.com/FrogTape) or watch us on YouTube (youtube.com/FrogTapeTube).

Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.

Twitter is a registered trademark of Twitter, Inc.

Instagram is a registered trademark of Instagram, LLC.

Pinterest is a registered trademark of Pinterest, Inc.

YouTube is a registered trademark of Google, Inc.

SOURCE FrogTape brand painters tape
Peter Cowhey, a UCSD dean who chairs this working group, summarized its findings at an online meeting of the UCSD China Forum last week: The U.S. is in much better shape than the pessimists think, and it should protect the openness and dynamism that have made the United States the worlds technology superpower. But at the same time, Cowhey cautioned, Washington should continue to restrict access to certain key technologies, such as the manufacture of semiconductors, where the United States has a decisive competitive advantage.
New York (United Nations) 06 September 2020 (SPS)- The Representative of the Polisario Front at the United Nations, Ambassador Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar, issued a statement today, marking the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the UN Mission to Western Sahara, MINURSO, stressing that what the Sahrawi people expect from the United Nations is to fulfil its obligations by enabling them to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination and independence.

The Sahrawi diplomat recalled that the ceasefire is only one component of the African UN peace plan, and cannot be considered as an arrangement separate from the peace plan or an end in itself, calling on the UN decision-making bodies to enable its mission in Western Sahara to monitor and report on human rights.

Following is the complete text of the Press Release:

PRESS RELEASE

WHAT THE SAHRAWI PEOPLE EXPECT FROM THE UN IS TO ENABLE THEM TO EXERCISE THEIR INALIENABLE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION AND INDEPENDENCE

[New York, 6 September 2020] Twenty-nine years have passed since the entry into force of the UN-supervised ceasefire in Western Sahara in accordance with the UN-OAU Settlement Plan that was accepted by both parties, the Frente POLISARIO and Morocco, in August 1988 and approved by the Security Council in its resolutions 658 (1990) and 690 (1991). However, the self-determination referendum provided for in the UN-OAU Settlement Plan has not been held because Morocco, the occupying power of Western Sahara, has repeatedly reneged on its commitments, and persisted in its efforts to undermine the foundations of the peace plan including the ceasefire and related military agreements.As a result, the entire UN peace process in Western Sahara has been completely paralysed.

The Frente POLISARIO reaffirms that the ongoing ceasefire is an integral part of an integrated package deal, namely the UN-OAU Settlement Plan, which was accepted by both parties and approved by the Security Council in its relevant resolutions. The ceasefire, therefore, cannot be considered as a separate arrangement from the peace plan or an end in itself, but only as a means to create the necessary conditions for implementing the mandate for which the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established by the Security Council in 1991, which is the holding of the self-determination referendum for the people of Western Sahara.

The Security Council has repeatedly called upon both parties to adhere fully to the military agreements reached with MINURSO with regard to the ceasefire and to refrain from any actions that could undermine UN-facilitated negotiations or further destabilise the situation in Western Sahara. However, Morocco has been engaged with impunity in a series of destabilising and unlawful actions aimed to forcibly entrench and normalise its illegal occupation of parts of Western Sahara before the very eyes of the United Nations and its mission in the Territory.

The inaction of the UN Secretariat and the Security Council in dealing strictly with Moroccos repeated transgressions has severely undermined the credibility and impartiality of the United Nations and its Mission in the eyes of the Sahrawi people. It is therefore imperative that the Security Council ensure full respect for the letter and spirit of the ceasefire and related military agreements. The Council should also ensure that MINURSO, in fulfilment of its mandate, operates in line with general principles applicable to UN peacekeeping operations including having a capacity to monitor human rights in the Mission area. It is unacceptable that MINURSO remains an exception at a time when the promotion and protection of human rights is becoming a priority in all UN peace operations.

What the Sahrawi people now expect from the United Nations, after twenty-nine years of unfulfilled promises, is to see concrete actions that show genuine will to create the necessary conditions to enable our people to exercise freely and democratically their inalienable right to self-determination and independence in accordance with the UN-OAU Settlement Plan that underpins the mandate of MINURSO and the ongoing ceasefire.

Dr Sidi M. Omar

Ambassador, Representative of the Frente POLISARIO at the United Nations." (SPS)

090/500/60 (SPS)
EDMONTONA mentally-ill man who stabbed and killed five young people at a Calgary house party six years ago apologized at a review hearing Tuesday, as a psychiatrist said he is making progress.

Matthew de Grood, who is now 29, was found not criminally responsible for the 2014 killings of Zackariah Rathwell, Jordan Segura, Kaitlin Perras, Josh Hunter and Lawrence Hong because he was suffering from schizophrenia at the time.

He appeared at his annual Alberta Review Board hearing to assess his treatment and whether he should be allowed any increased privileges or freedoms over the next year.

The board reserved its decision.

De Grood, wearing a face mask at the virtual hearing, told the hearing in Edmonton that he is doing his best to become a contributing member of society.

The magnitude of my actions that night were devastating and caused so much pain and suffering. Im very sorry for what the families of the victims have endured and continue to feel, de Grood said.

Every day I feel the weight of the offence and how tragic it is on so many people. My Christian faith gives me the strength to deal with the guilt and the enormity of this tragedy. I pray that someday, those who are suffering because of my actions may find peace.

Some family members of the victims recounted their loss and frustration that de Grood could be released back into society.

Kelly Hunter said she misses her son every day and the annual review causes her pain.

The impact this crime has had on me, my life and my family I dont think will ever get any better. Ive become a very angry person, she said.

Gregg Perras said he has agonized over every statement hes given since his daughter was taken away from him.

This review board has heard innumerable heartfelt accounts of all the damage and sorrow ... of five wonderful people who were killed. As I see it, these descriptions have fallen on deaf ears, he said.

A psychiatrist treating de Grood said he has made progress but any new freedoms should be granted slowly.

Dr. Santoch Rai said de Grood remains at Edmontons Alberta Hospital but has stayed overnight at his parents home in Edmonton seven times and has taken hospital transportation to scheduled appointments in the city.

Rai said de Grood has not yet taken public transit or transitioned to a group home, largely due to a change in his antipsychotic medication from an oral version to one that is injected.

Were recommending to the board that there be no changes. But there is a possibility that he could transition to a group home. In my view, thats probably unlikely in the next year, said Rai.

In view of his highly publicized and well-known face in Edmonton and in Alberta, our impression was that he should initially go on hospital transport and after a period go on public transport ... to manage his stress, or exposure to stress, in a very incremental way.

Rai told the review board he is happy with de Groods progress and that the patient has been volunteering with Meals on Wheels.

He said de Grood knows the risk if he were to stop taking his medication. Rai also said he couldnt guarantee his patient wouldnt be a danger to the public.

If something were to happen, we would be surprised and we would not have predicted that outcome, Rai said.

De Groods lawyer, Allan Fay, said his client has made real progress and made every effort to turn his life around.

He said de Grood should be granted an absolute discharge.

Crown prosecutor Margot Engley said de Grood needs to stay where he is.

I believe there is ample evidence before the board today that Matthew de Grood continues to present a significant risk to the safety of the public and should not be granted an absolute discharge, she said.

Read more about:
LODGE GRASS, Mont.: When Lauri Dawn Kindness was growing up, her hometown on the Crow Indian Reservation had an arcade, movie theater, gas stations and family cafe along streets shaded by towering cottonwood trees near a bend in the Little Bighorn River. Today, theres only a small grocer and a propane dealer among the deserted lots scattered through downtown Lodge Grass.

Kindness is back here after more than a dozen years in the U.S. Army, including four combat tours, and she wants to help her people. One essential step, she said, is an accurate count on the once-a-decade U.S. census, which will determine how much federal money flows in for housing, schools, health care and other dire needs.

Reaching a full count on most reservations now looks nearly impossible. Less than a month before the Sept. 30 deadline, just a fraction of people have been counted on Crow land, where the coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll.

The Trump administration has pushed the Census Bureau to speed up the timeline for the count, and the Republican-controlled Senate failed to pass an extension allowing it to continue into next year. That has exacerbated concerns by civil rights groups and others of hard-to-count communities getting missed, especially people of color like Native Americans.

So Kindness, an activist for a Native American nonprofit, spends her days sweating in a mask and face shield under the merciless summer sun, urging drivers to fill out the forms at drive-thru census sign-up stations, including in Lodge Grass, known among the Crow as Aashbacheeitche, or Valley of the Chiefs.

Our ancestors fought for a reason for us to be here, she said. At the end of the day, if Im tired and exhausted because Ive made just a little bit of an impact on somebody  then I feel good. The fight was worth it.

With millions of federal dollars for impoverished Native American communities on the line, tribes are racing to avoid being undercounted again in the 2020 census. Only 24% of residents of Montana tribal areas had been counted as of Sept. 1, woefully lagging the national rate of 85%. There are more than 300 reservations nationwide, and almost all trail significantly behind the rest of the country in the count.

There have long been geographic and cultural challenges counting people on Native lands. But the pandemic has dealt a devastating new setback, with lockdowns keeping census takers away as Indian Country has struggled with disproportionate numbers of infections and a lack of internet access that prevents people from filling out the questionnaire online.

Were probably looking at a historic undercount, said James Tucker, vice chairman of the U.S. Census National Advisory Committee. Its not going to be enough time.

Missing a single family of four in Indian Country translates to $14,000 a year in lost federal funding, he said.

Census data also is used to determine representation in Congress and could give two Western states, Arizona and Montana, another seat in the U.S. House. In Montana, an undercount of a few thousand people could mean the state misses the threshold, leaving it with a single voice in the House.

Native Americans are far from the only U.S. community of color facing a potential undercount, and a group of cities, counties, civil rights groups and the Navajo Nation are suing to extend the deadline. A judge in California over the weekend issued a restraining order that stops the Census Bureau from winding down its operations until a federal court hearing next week.

Advocates like Lycia Maddocks with the National Congress of American Indians are pushing for Congress to step in and allow more time. Shes been home in Arizona, helping boost the count among friends and relatives in the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe in the desert along the Mexican border.

Its going to have a devastating impact to Indian Country, she said. It will have lasting effects over the next 10 years. Thats a fact.

Like many reservations, Crow in Montana has wide-open spaces its almost twice as large as Delaware with a population of about 8,000 tribal members. Many older people speak the Crow language. Its poverty rate is 25%, double the rest of the country.

The distances, language barriers and wariness of giving up details about sometimes-crowded living conditions have long made it difficult to get an accurate census count, especially given a distrust of the federal government rooted in a history of broken treaties.

Theres always that old stereotype of the census man being somebody that you cant trust, said Lance Four Star, a resident of Montanas Fort Peck Indian Reservation who works with Kindness at Montana-based Western Native Voice.

Similar factors play out on reservations nationwide. In the 2010 census, 5.2 million people identified as Native American. But the Census Bureau estimated those living on reservations were undercounted by 4.9%, twice as much as any other group.

Most people filled out this years census online, another challenge in tribal areas where many homes dont have internet access.

Then came the pandemic, which hit tribes hard. In Montana, more than 20% of confirmed COVID-19 cases are among Native Americans, who make up only 7% of the population. The countrys largest reservation, the Navajo Nation, at one point had the highest infection rate in the U.S.

The devastating spread of the virus on reservations has led to extended lockdowns, curfews and strict rules against outsiders. The Census Bureau had planned to send workers to reservations and other rural areas to drop off paper questionnaires during the critical spring months, but the pandemic delayed that plan until summer, when many tribes were still grappling with the virus.

Bureau officials also hoped to hire local tribal members to increase trust in the process. The pandemic made that harder, too, said Fred Stevenson, a tribal expert with the Census Bureau.

Lockdowns delayed in-person counting efforts, and census activists canceled door-to-door events on tribal lands, turning to social media instead. Kindness still keeps up her efforts online and in person, leveraging her extensive social network.

Come down and sign up. Tell all your BFFs, she said on the phone during a lull in the drive-thru effort. Tell them: Hustle your bustle. Move your moccasins.

Response rates are now climbing, but not fast enough. Kindness said shell keep working until the deadline.

This is near and dear to my heart, she said. We have to stand up and try to be seen and have our voices heard.

___

Whitehurst reported from Salt Lake City. Samuels is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

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
More than 100m will be invested in Wales' rural economy in a bid to improve food and farming resilience post-Covid, the Welsh government has announced.

The three-year fund will cover hundreds of projects which aim to enhance the country's rural economy following the pandemic.

Included in the investment is a project which will help farmers make improvements to on-farm biodiversity, such as woodland creation and restoration.

Another aims to help farming businesses ensure their future sustainability with the introduction of new technology and equipment.

Welsh government's rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths said the investment would provide vital support to the country's rural economy and natural environment over the next three years.

The impact on our rural communities of the intense storm events earlier this year and then the Covid-19 pandemic has been immense.

"Welsh government has provided immediate support through the Economic Resilience Fund, unique to Wales, as well as a series of targeted schemes.

"The announcement today sets out some of the funding we will make available for rural development not just in the immediate future, but for the next three years."

Investments will also be made across a variety of schemes linked to the sustainable management of Wales natural resources, responding to the climate emergency and reversing the decline in biodiversity.

The schemes will be funded through a combination of the EU Rural Development Programme 2014-20 (RDP), and from the Welsh governments own funds.
The Government of Ogun State has finally reopened schools, five months after they were shut down to prevent community transmission of coronavirus.

The state government said schools should reopen on September 21 for the first term of 2020/2021 session.

In a statement by Kunle Somorin, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, on Monday, it was announced that the reopening of schools is extended to all classes in primary and secondary schools, technical and vocational colleges, and tertiary Institutions of learning.

According to Kunle Somorin, universities, polytechnics and colleges of education are to resume same day, September 21.

However, as part of COVID-19 guidelines, schools hours are staggered for public schools.

Pupils in Primary one to three will be in school from 8am to 11am; while those in Primary 4 to 6 will be in classes from 12 noon to 3pm.

For those in secondary schools, the hours are staggered in the same manner among those in junior and senior classes.

According to Somorin, technical and Vocational will operate their normal school hours of 8am to 2pm.

He maintained that Early Child Care Development and Education classes for infants from 3 to 5 years of age will not be resuming in public schools until the next phase of schools reopening.

Tertiary institutions are allowed to commence reopening from 21 September, 2020 as may be determined by their respective Management, he said.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
PPP National Chairman, Nana Ofori Owusu has condemned the Minority in Parliament over the government's Agyapa Royalties deal.



The Agyapa Royalties deal has suffered intense criticisms as the Minority and opponents of the Akufo-Addo administration have kicked against it.



The deal is to secure about $1 billion in minerals revenue for the country.



Agyapa Royalties Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle, is to operate as an independent private entity to raise funds by floating shares on the London Stock Exchange and the money accrued is purposed to enhance the infrastructure and mining sectors of Ghana.



Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu rebuked the government over the deal saying "the Minister of Finance in presenting this deal is in breach and a clear violation of the law and is required to have reported this deal with full disclosure in his 2020 Supplementary budget to Parliament. Our position is that no future NDC government will honor the terms of this Agyapa Royalties Transaction".



NDC Member of Parliament for North Tongu constituency, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also stated that Ghana will be the biggest loser in the deal.



"Listing your business on the stock market does not make it a guaranteed investment. The Stock market can fluctuate anytime, so those saying listing it on the London Stock Exchange guarantees some kind of security or we will have more value for the packaged gold deal under this messy and opaque deal are absolutely wrong...This makes this deal very risky," he said.



The Minority staged a walkout while the deal was discussed in Parliament amidst concerns that it is buried in secrecy and also reeks of corruption.



Speaking in relation to the issue on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'', Nana Ofori Owusu called for the subculture where Parliamentarians either boycott or walk out while national issues are broached before the Legislative House to stop with immediate effect.



According to him, what the Minority did was uncouth and that he preferred they making their arguments on the floor of the House.



''There is a process going on in Parliament that we have to make sure it stops. Parliamentarians are there to safeguard me and you. If they will walk out everytime, then later on issues come out, the losers are Ghanaians.''



Touching on the Agyapa Royalties deal, Nana Ofori however agreed with the Minority that the deal is shrouded in secrecy and asserted that the government should not brush aside dissenting views but rather consider their relevance to best the deal.



''Let's take a step back and review the issues dispassionately and go back to stakeholder consultations to broker a consensus before we move ahead with this particular deal," he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi.







Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The theme music was the same, the presenter had a north Belfast accent... but this wasn't Stephen Nolan on the Stephen Nolan Show.

And, if you hadn't been listening to last week's trailers on BBC Radio Ulster, it might have taken you a moment or two to figure out who the smooth-voiced 'stand-in' was.

Eamonn Holmes was certainly in no hurry to reveal the name behind the voice.

Over two minutes - a veritable life-time in radio terms - had passed before he introduced himself to tens of thousands of listeners tuning in to "the biggest show in the country".

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Perhaps, and as arguably the UK's most accomplished - and certainly its most omnipresent and highest earning - broadcaster, he doesn't really need to.

There was no hyperbole either ("Northern Ireland, thank you for having me" was the closest he came), no over-selling of the day's main headlines, just calm, slick, seemingly effortless presentation from someone who, despite being synonymous with television, has also been doing radio shows for the best part of four decades.

With the two biggest ongoing stories of the last five years - the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit - dominating the day's agenda, there would be no problem filling the first hour of the 90-minute show.

Eamonn's 'demotion' of Alliance's deputy leader Stephen Farry to MLA - "they tell me you're an MP, I'm very sorry" - provided the only awkward moment of the first hour.

A touching and informative piece about Organ Donation Week was ultimately followed by a rather too matey encounter with Nolan regular and former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell, who had his latest book to plug.

Moments before the programme started, BBC Ireland reporter Emma Vardy took to Twitter to remind listeners of what was in store, using some good old Norn Iron vernacular.

"Do not adjust your dial, Eamonn Holmes in the chair on The Stephen Nolan show now, so it is! Give him a call. #welcomehome."

The occasional clunky moment aside, the ITV This Morning presenter's performance hit all the right notes and seemed in keeping with the "heal, not divide" promise he made on Twitter last week.

The sudden resurgence of the contentious Brexit/Irish border issue may, however, test both audience and presenter, who is used to more UK-wide listeners and viewers, in the days to come.

Fans later went online to voice their appreciation for the 60-year-old mellifluously-voiced 'stand-in'.

Jane Corscadden said on Twitter: "Weird listening to The Nolan Show and not wanting to rip my eyes out - get Eamonn Holmes his own show." (Will you tell her, or shall I, that up until February he already had a hugely popular drive-time one on national station TalkRadio and, surprisingly, gave it up?)

Another listener, Hannah Lyons, added: "Loving The Nolan Show this morning from the Causeway Coast."

Meanwhile, James McCarthy said: "Can we keep Eamonn for a bit and see how Nolan gets on on This Morning?"

Eamonn actually gave the Belfast Telegraph a name check within the first 23 seconds of the programme - cheers for that - but, despite promising to "track down" the absent, staycationing eponymous presenter, that didn't happen - maybe next time - and, for once, the Nolan Show stayed Nolan-less.

Long before stepping into the hot seat temporarily vacated by Nolan, the former UTV anchorman promised his 47-year-old fellow broadcaster that he'd take care of the large audience for a week, adding: "I'll try to do it the same.... only differently," he vowed.

"For listeners and you to know that 'The Biggest Show in The Country' is in good hands and that I am one of them, there to listen."

The listening bit works both ways. So far, so good, Eamonn.
Hyderabad, Sep 8 : Telangana Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution demanding the Centre to confer the country's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna posthumously on former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao.

Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao, who moved the resolution, urged the Centre to install Narasimha Rao's statue and portrait in Parliament.

The resolution also called for renaming the Central University of Hyderabad as P.V. Narasimha Rao Central University.

The resolution urged the Centre to confer Bharat Ratna on the son of Telangana, Narasimha Rao, who was the first Prime Minister from south India. It described him as the architect of new economic reforms, a rare diplomat, a polyglot, an outstanding philosopher who led the country on the path of development and an extraordinary intelligent leader.

Stating that Narasimha Rao fully deserved Bharat Ratna, the Chief Minister called upon the Central government to make an announcement in the ensuing session of Parliament.

KCR said it was unfortunate that Narasimha Rao did not get the due recognition and the Telangana government is celebrating his birth centenary to recall contributions of the late leader.

KCR said Narasimha Rao was a reformer who initiated several reforms in the country. He was recognised as a great intellectual all over the world.

The Chief Minister recalled that when land was the only resource for people to have their employment and earnings, Narasimha Rao as the Chief Minister of the then undivided Andhra Pradesh had implemented land reforms daringly. He claimed that this resulted in having 93 per cent small and medium level farmers in the Telangana state now.

The Chief Minister said it was due to economic reforms that Narasimha Rao implemented as the Prime Minister that the country marched ahead on the path of progress and its economy stabilized.

KCR listed out the achievements of Narasimha Rao as the state Chief Minister, Union Minister and later as the Prime Minister.

Opposition Congress party supported the resolution. Party leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said Narasimha Rao should be conferred with the country's highest civilian award.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
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Alessandra Ambrosio showed off her stunning figure in a tiny bikini while enjoying the Labor Day holiday on Monday at the beach in Malibu, California.

The 39-year-old model wore a rust colored two-piece outfit from her own GAL Floripa lifestyle brand that she co-founded.

Alessandra frolicked in the Pacific Ocean with her dark brown hair pulled back into a high messy knot.

Tiny bikini: Alessandra Ambrosio showed off her stunning figure in a tiny bikini while enjoying the Labor Day holiday on Monday at the beach in Malibu, California

The Brazilian beauty also let her soaking wet hair down as she strolled in shallow water after taking a dip.

Alessandra accessorized with sunglasses and also sported a small pendant necklace.

She soaked up the sun with her arms raised amid a heatwave in the Los Angeles area that prompted many to hit the beach amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Alessandra also showed her sporty side as she participated in some beach volleyball.

Own brand: The 39-year-old model wore a rust colored two-piece outfit from her own GAL Floripa lifestyle brand that she co-founded

Ocean dip: Alessandra waded into the Pacific Ocean

Arms up: She soaked up the sun with her arms raised amid a heatwave in the Los Angeles area that prompted many to hit the beach amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic

The 5ft 10in former Victoria's Secret model wore a cap and mirrored shades and stayed hydrated while getting some exercise.

She dove in the sand and showed good form while serving and volleying.

Alessandra later wore yellow shorts as she swiveled her hips with a purple loop.

Sporty side: Alessandra also showed her sporty side as she participated in some beach volleyball.

Digging deep: The model dove in the sand to get a ball

Good form: The long-legged beauty showed good form while serving

Going up: Alessandra raised her arms up for a ball while playing

Towel time: She covered up with a towel while walking on the beach

Hula hoop: Alessandra also wore yellow shorts while playing with a hula hoop

The Brazil native also took to Instagram to share family fun as she continued celebrating becoming a US citizen.

She posted a clip of a fireworks sparkling atop a cake along with the lyrics to the national anthem while wearing a white one-piece swimsuit with a heart-shaped stars and stripes.

The mother-of-two also shared a video clip of herself helping prepare food in the kitchen for the holiday.

Family fun: The Brazil native also took to Instagram to share family fun as she continued celebrating becoming a US citizen

National anthem: She posted a clip of a fireworks sparkling atop a cake along with the lyrics to the national anthem while wearing a white one-piece swimsuit with a heart-shaped stars and stripes

Alessandra returned recently from a tropical getaway to the Maldives with daughter Anja Louise, 12, and son Noah Phoenix, eight, whom she shares with ex-husband Jamie Mazur, 39.

She was also accompanied on the trip by her boyfriend of two years, Italian businessman Nicolo Oddi, 39.

Alessandra was a Victoria's Secret Angel from 2004 to 2017.
Prince Harry and wife Meghan have paid back 2.4m (2.6m) of public money for the renovations to their luxury cottage in Britain.

Harry, Duke of Sussex, has now paid the money from the couple's private income to the UK's Sovereign Grant fund, which pays for the monarchy.

The sum, used to convert the cottage outside London into a family home for the Sussexes, has been a particular bone of contention, with critics calling for it to be returned to the British taxpayer now that Prince Harry and Meghan have left royal duties behind for "financial independence" in America.

They will keep the cottage as their UK family home.

The couple were last week revealed to have signed a Netflix production deal, estimated to be worth millions of dollars.

They have already bought 12m home in Santa Barbara with an 8m mortgage.

A spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said last night: "A contribution has been made to the Sovereign Grant by the Duke of Sussex.

"This contribution as originally offered by Prince Harry has fully covered the necessary renovation costs of Frogmore Cottage."

The payment is a further step in battling what the Sussexes see as unjustified "public interest" in their new lives from the British media.

Until now, they were paying back the 2.4m sum at 18,000 (20,000) a month - meaning it would have taken them 11 years to repay taxpayers - in a deal criticised by those who felt they could afford to do it sooner.

They are keeping Frogmore Cottage as their UK base, intending to make use of it throughout the year for working visits once the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic ease.

Frogmore Cottage, in Windsor, is still owned by Queen Elizabeth, meaning the Sussexes are paying rent on it.

A source close to the Sussexes yesterday confirmed that they are no longer receiving financial support from the Prince of Wales.

Prince Charles had previously funded his younger son and daughter-in-law during their first year of "trial" separation from the working royal family.
Coronavirus hospital admissions in Europe are still at only a fraction of the level they were in March and April, despite warnings from officials that a second wave is rolling across the continent.

Countries such as France, Spain and Belgium, which are now seeing hospital patient numbers rise again, are recording far fewer admissions than at the peak of the pandemic.

UK health officials including Health Secretary Matt Hancock have warned of a 'second wave rolling across Europe' and told Brits to act now to stop a resurgence here.

Data shows, however, that although hospital admissions are rising around Europe they are still low, despite thousands of cases being declared each day.

In France, for example, the weekly rate of admission to hospital is now two per 100,000, down from more than 35 at the peak of the outbreak in March. This is despite the country counting record numbers of infections in recent weeks.

And in Spain, where the admission rate was one per 100,000 in June, hospitalisations hit four per 100,000 at the end of August - still a far cry from the 50 per 100,000 being admitted in early April.

Mr Hancock claimed today that Spain's hospitalisations had 'risen 15 times since mid-July'. But data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control shows admissions rose by four times in that period.

Professor Paul Hunter, an epidemiologist from the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline that in the science community 'nobody expects hospital admissions and death rates to stay flat for more than two weeks'.

But the kinds of people ending up in hospital is crucial for judging the severity of the outbreak  younger people are significantly less likely to die than the elderly.

Professor Hunter said: 'Most people would expect that in two, three, four, weeks well see an obvious increase in both in hospitalisations and deaths.'

Professor Keith Neal, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Nottingham, added that rising cases in Spain 'hasnt really been reflected in the hospitalisations', so outbreaks may not follow the same trajectory that they did the first time round.

Scientists agreed that cases and, as a result, hospitalisations and deaths, would rise when lockdown was lifted. The Government's task now is to keep them under control.

Although poor testing during the worst of the outbreak meant not all cases were picked up, whereas most of them likely are now, experts have also said many infections now are among younger people who are less likely to get seriously ill.

Coronavirus hospital admissions could start to rise in the UK in three weeks, data from other European countries suggests. When Spain, France and Belgium hit 18 cases per 100,000 (which the UK did on Sunday) they then saw admissions increase by up to four-fold

But European nations are only seeing a fraction of the weekly admissions they had during the peak of the pandemic, raising questions about whether it can really constitute a 'second wave'

In late March, thousands of people were being admitted to French hospitals per day, and the weekly hospitalisation rate was 35 per 100,000. Now, about 800 people are being taken to hospitals across the Channel every week, giving it a rate of about two per 100,000

Spain had a Covid hospitalisation rate of four per 100,000 in late August, up from one per 100,000 a month prior. While admissions technically quadrupled, they were still miles away from the level seen in late March, when 50 per 100,000 people were being hospitalised a week

In August the hospitalisation rate in Belgium doubled from one two, which is not even a tenth of the worst levels seen in April (30 per 100,000)

Hospitalisation rates remain low and falling in the UK, from a peak of more than 30 per 100,000 people to fewer than one per 100,000, but officials fear they will rise again soon

Cases per capita in Britain are now higher than 20 per 100,000 people, a level at which UK officials consider putting foreign countries on a quarantine list because they are deemed to have lost control of the virus.

It comes after nearly 3,000 people tested positive for two days in a row on Sunday and Monday and marks a near threefold rise from last weeks rate of 12.8 per 100,000.

British hospital admissions have remained stable, however, with just one in 100,000 people currently needing medical care for Covid-19 infection.

It represents a fraction of the approximately 32 people per 100,000 who were taken to hospital with the virus at the peak of the UKs crisis in mid-April.

There are currently about 800 patients in British hospitals fighting Covid-19, compared to 20,000 six months ago.

Data from Spain, Belgium and France shows when case rates were at a similar level to the UK's, admissions then spiked over the following three weeks.

HOW COVID-19 HOSPITAL ADMISSION RATES HAVE CHANGED UK APRIL: 32 PER 100,000 JUNE: 1 PER 100,000 SEPTEMBER: <1 PER 100,000 FRANCE APRIL: 35 PER 100,000 JUNE: 1 PER 100,000 SEPTEMBER: 2 PER 100,000 SPAIN APRIL: 50 PER 100,000 JUNE: 1 PER 100,000 SEPTEMBER: 4 PER 100,000 BELGIUM APRIL: 30 PER 100,000 JUNE: 1 PER 100,000 SEPTEMBER: 2 PER 100,000 Advertisement

When the case rate goes above 20 per 100,000, it indicates that the reproduction 'R' rate has likely risen above one and the virus could grow exponentially.

The case rate rose above 18 per 100,000 in France three weeks ago in mid-August and, at the time, hospital rates were about one per 100,000 people, on par with the UK's.

In the three weeks that have followed, admissions have doubled to two per 100,000, but they still remain just a fraction of the level seen at the peak,

In late March, thousands of people were being admitted to French hospitals per day, and the weekly hospitalisation rate was 35 per 100,000.

Now, about 800 people are being taken to hospitals across the Channel every week and about 5,000 people in total are currently being treated.

Spain has seen the most dramatic rise in hospitalisations of any European country, data shows.

After successfully squashing the epidemic with one of the strictest lockdowns on the continent, Spain then saw hospitalisations creep up in mid July.

The country had a Covid hospitalisation rate of four per 100,000 in late August, up from one per 100,000 a month prior.

While admissions technically quadrupled, they were still miles below the level seen in late March, when 50 per 100,000 people were being hospitalised a week.

And crucially, the weekly rate of ICU admissions in Spain is now well below one per 100,000, whereas it peaked at five per 100,000 in April.

Most recent figures show that about 1,800 people are being taken to hospital with Covid every week, and 140 into ICU.

This compares to the more-than-8,000 being admitted to general wards per week in late March and hundreds being rushed into intensive care daily.

Meanwhile in Belgium, hospital admissions followed a similar trajectory to those in Spain and France.

After coming right down to around one per 100,000 in June, they then started creeping up slightly in the weeks that followed.

By late August the rate had doubled to two, which is not even a tenth of the worst levels seen in April (30 per 100,000).

In total, 235 patients are currently in hospital, of which 52 are in the intensive care unit - but Belgium's smaller population means its admission rate is still higher than the UK's.

Data from Public Health England shows that more than 40 per cent of coronavirus tests done in hospitals were positive in March and April but this has now plummeted and remains below 2.5 per cent in both hospitals and the community. This shows that there remains only a small proportion of people with the symptoms of coronavirus who actually have it

But the number of people who receive a 'positive' result after getting tested under Pillar 2 has increased in recent weeks (blue line) to 2.3 per cent. It's also increased under Pillar 2 (red line), but is nowhere near the levels seen at the height of the pandemic

At the peak of Belgium's crisis, in early April, hospitals were filled with 6,000 coronavirus patients every day.

Keith Neal, emeritus professor in the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, told MailOnline: 'I think the likelihood is that hospital rates go up in the coming weeks because even some young people will end up in hospital - because infections are quite high.

'A small percentage of young people will be badly affected and need hospitalisations, and the threshold for admissions has probably been lowered compared to in April when only the sickest people were admitted.

HOW DOES TESTING AFFECT CASE NUMBERS? If more people are being tested for Covid-19, this will show up in cases data, experts say. On the surface, it may look like a spike in infections, but broadly is not something to worry about because it just means more people are being diagnosed than before, when testing was limited to those in hospital. Professor Kevin McConway, an emeritus professor of applied statistics, The Open University, said: 'In the early stages of the pandemic, there was far less availability of testing in most countries than there now is. So one reason there are more cases is just that people have got better at looking for and finding them.' And Dr Andrew Preston, a reader in microbial pathogenesis at University of Bath, said: Test more people, you will find more positives. 'Initially, testing was restricted to those reporting symptoms, but this has eased and it's now possible for a wider range of people to request tests.' Testing capacity has rapidly increased over the course of the pandemic in order to reach more people. And this has caused a slight increase in the number of people getting a positive result - but not to levels that suggest prevalence of the virus is soaring. A significantly higher number of people are being tested since July - when diagnosed cases were at their lowest, NHS Test and Trace data shows. Some 442,392 people were tested between 13 August and 19 August - an almost 20 per cent increase on the 355,597 tested between July 9 and 15. However, the positive result rate only slightly went up, from 1.12 per cent to 1.4 per cent in the same period. This shows there no that many more people testing positive compared to negative in August than in July. Other data from Public Health England reveals a similar trend over the course of the pandemic. Testing has increased vastly from no more than 13,000 tests per day at the start of April to around 150,000 in July. During the same period, positive test results in Pillar 2 - which are those outside of hospitals and care homes - went drastically down from a peak of 5.2 per cent in May to 1.4 per cent in mid-July, showing that less people were testing positive for the coronavirus despite testing reaching thousands more people. This figure has risen slightly over this month from 1.6 per cent to 2.1 per cent in the week ending August 23. But it's a small increase when comparing with the 5 per cent seen in May. Testing has shot up to almost 200,000 per day this month. Commenting on these figures, Dr Duncan Young, a professor of intensive care medicine at University of Oxford, told MailOnline: 'It is therefore very possible that the increase in cases is mostly related to increased testing, but will a small additional effect from the increased prevalence.' Despite this, it doesn't necessarily rule out that transmission of the disease is, indeed, climbing. Scientists admit that the evident rise in cases will be driven by more transmission in the community as a result of easing lockdown restrictions. 'But the position isnt like it was back in March and April,' Professor McConway said. 'The level of cases [in the UK] remains a very long way below what it was at the peak of the pandemic here in March and April. Advertisement

'If we look to Spain, it has had very high rates in the north east and lower in rest of country  but it hasnt really been reflected in the hospitalisations, when you compare them to April  which is a bit of a mystery.'

Professor Neal warned, though, that as more and more young people continue to test positive it is 'only a matter of time' before infections spill over into the older age groups, who are most likely to fall criticially unwell and die.

Lawrence Young, a virologist and oncologist at the University of Warwick, said that although cases are on an upward trajectory, 'it is becoming increasingly clear that people are less likely to die if they get Covid-19 now compared with earlier in the pandemic, at least in Europe'.

He told MailOnline: 'Possible explanations include that a larger number of younger people (15-44 year olds) are now being infected compared to the first peak in cases in April and this group are less likely to get severe disease.

'Two; there is now more effective treatment for patients with Covid-19 with far fewer needing mechanical ventilation; and three; less aggressive variants of SARS-CoV-2, particularly the D614G variant, are more prevalent  these remain very infectious but are less likely to cause severe disease.'

Professor Young added: 'It was not unexpected that easing of lockdown and a return to more regular activities would result in more infections.

'I guess the question is 'when do local spikes in coronavirus infections become a second wave?'

There has been much confusion about whether the UK or any European country is actually experiencing a second wave.

Scientists accused the UK Government of losing its grip on the disease as the highest number of cases since May were reported on Sunday  2,988  and a further 2,948 were added to the toll yesterday.

But even though case numbers are high, the percentage of people testing positive for the disease is still dramatically lower than it was at the peak of the crisis.

When the disease was out of control in March and April, rationed testing meant that at times more than 40 per cent of test results were positive, but this has since plummeted to just 2.3 per cent in the community and 0.5 per cent in hospitals.

That means around one in 50 people test positive in testing centres, while just one in 200 hospital patients who get swabbed actually have the disease.

As more and more people get tested, the proportion of the tests that come back positive has stayed level, showing the current strategy is successfully finding more and more people who actually have the disease but that still only a small proportion of those suspected of having Covid-19 actually do.

And numbers cannot be directly compared, either. Although there were days in April and March with similar numbers of cases to what the country is seeing now, only a fraction of people who were sick were getting tested. The true number of cases is now thought to have been in the hundreds of thousands at any given time during the peak at the end of March, while no more than 5,200 people were ever diagnosed in a day.

For this reason, 3,000 cases in a day now, when everyone who thinks they might be ill can get tested, cannot be compared like-for-like with 3,000 cases per day in April, when only severely ill people were tested and the real size of the epidemic was a mystery.

Eminent statistician Sir David Spiegelhalter told MailOnline that infection rates could 'no longer give a simple answer' about the virus's trajectory. He admitted that a huge increase in testing was skewing the figures upwards, but he noted that the proportion of people testing positive was also rising very slowly, suggesting a mixture of more swabs in high risk areas and 'some increase in infection risk' was driving the case rate up.

The current case rate  the number of people per 100,000 who test positive for Covid-19  has risen since June and July as lockdown rules have loosened but is still only a fraction of what it was during the worst days of Britain's crisis.

A surge in positive tests over the weekend pushed the rate to 21.3 per 100,000 for the past week, which is above Britain's own holiday quarantine threshold. Once infections rise above 20 in 100,000 in other countries, the British Government begins seriously considering enforcing a quarantine period for holidaymakers returning from abroad.

Scientists say it was always inevitable that more tests would yield more cases, and that there would be a rise in infections when rules were lifted.

Professor Kevin McConway, a statistician at The Open University, said: 'In the early stages of the pandemic, there was far less availability of testing in most countries than there now is. So one reason there are more cases is just that people have got better at looking for and finding them.'
An Adelaide man charged over the discovery of explosive material and bomb-making instructions at his home has been jailed for more than three years.

But taking into account his time in custody and a 19-month non-parole period, Aaron Ellis could be released in about three months.

The 45-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of taking a step to manufacture an explosive device and to one count of possessing information on the manufacture of an explosive device.

Aaron Ellis (pictured with his stepdaughter) has been jailed for more than three years

The 45-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of taking a step to manufacture an explosive device and to one count of possessing information on the manufacture of an explosive device

The charges came after police converged on his home in April last year where they found explosive material along with instructions for making explosives and anti-Islamic documents.

Ellis claimed to have made the explosive material to produce firecrackers, but in sentencing on Tuesday District Court Judge Rauf Soulio rejected that explanation.

He said while prosecutors had not alleged that the accused had been involved in any organised terrorist activity or any particular plan to harm anyone or damage property, some of the material had 'sinister connotations'.

'Taking a step in the manufacture of an explosive device without lawful excuse is a very serious offence,' Judge Soulio said.

The judge jailed Ellis for just over three years and three months with a non-parole period of one years and seven months.

Both terms were backdated to when he was taken into custody at the time of his arrest.

The charges came after police converged on his home in April last year where they found explosive material along with instructions for making explosives and anti-Islamic documents

Judge Soulio told Ellis he should take advantage of the period on parole to obtain treatment for his mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, his addiction to pain killers and depression.

He also urged him to reconsider his views on the seriousness of his offending.

'You might need to revisit your beliefs,' the judge said.
Olivia Wilde was recently tapped to take on the next Marvel superhero film.

But the actress/director is enjoying some downtime during her holiday weekend, as Hollywood continues to bounce back from COVID-19.

She was all smiles Monday, as she showed off her gorgeous figure in a chic one-piece swimsuit, while splashing around at the beach in Malibu, celebrating Labor Day with friends.

Beach babe: Olivia Wilde was all smiles Monday, as she showed off her gorgeous figure in a chic one-piece swimsuit

The 36-year-old donned a navy blue number with a classic silhouette, which was trimmed in a scalloped cut.

She accessorized the swimwear with a gold medallion necklace, also sporting some ponytail holders on her wrists.

Wilde wore her hair slicked back, wet from a good dip in the Pacific Ocean, during a brutal Southern California heatwave.

She was beaming, as she joked around with a friend, while splashing around in the cool waves.

Classic silhouette: The 36-year-old donned a navy blue number with a classic silhouette, which was trimmed in a scalloped cut

Accessorizing: She accessorized the swimwear with a gold medallion necklace, also sporting some ponytail holders on her wrists

Wet hair: Wilde wore her hair slicked back, wet from a good dip in the Pacific Ocean, during a brutal Southern California heatwave

Friendly outing: She was beaming, as she joked around with a friend, while splashing around in the cool waves

Splish splash: She splashed around at the beach in Malibu, celebrating Labor Day with friends

Mom's day off: Not present for the beach outing was her partner Jason Sudeikis, 44, their son Otis, six, or daughter Daisy, three

Serving body: She put her toned physique on display in the swimsuit, which clung to her stomach when wet

Holiday weekend: It appeared to be a busy day at the beach, with locals and tourists celebrating the holiday weekend

Air dry: Wilde pulled her hair back, after taking a dip in the water

Catching a wave: She frolicked around in the waves

Tan lines: The Lazarus Effect actress caught some extra sun with the backless cut

Cheeky display: Wilde put on a cheeky display, as she joined her friends in the sand

Not present for the beach outing was her partner Jason Sudeikis, 44, their son Otis, six, or daughter Daisy, three.

The Tron: Legacy actress has been enjoying some quality family time, as they quarantine at home.

She was recently announced to direct an upcoming female-led Marvel film for Sony Pictures, which some believe will be a Spider-Woman movie.

Wilde is also set to direct and star alongside Shia LaBeouf, Chris Pine, Florence Pugh and Dakota Johnson in Don't Worry, Darling, a psychological thriller about an unhappy 1950s housewife.

Superhero vibes: She was recently announced to direct an upcoming female-led Marvel film for Sony Pictures, which some believe will be a Spider-Woman movie

Multi-hyphenate: Wilde is also set to direct and star alongside Shia LaBeouf, Chris Pine, Florence Pugh and Dakota Johnson in Don't Worry, Darling, a psychological thriller about an unhappy 1950s housewife (pictured in February, 2020)

She told InStyle in January: ' My film Dont Worry, Darling is a leap of faith because Im putting myself in the film, which is madness.

'I took so much pleasure in removing myself from the process, so now Im very curious to see how Ill be able to take care of everything from within.'

It's among several projects on her directorial slate, including a holiday comedy for Universal Pictures and a biopic about Olympic gymnast Kerri Strug for Searchlight Pictures.

Wilde made her feature directorial debut last year with the critically-acclaimed teen comedy Booksmart, starring Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever.
A teenager has been jailed after raping a pregnant woman in west London.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, threatened the woman with a screwdriver, took her belongings and then raped her in Hatton Road, Feltham, at 1am on January 7.

He pleaded guilty to rape and robbery in May and was jailed for eight-and-a-half years at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday.

The 30-year-old victim, who was pregnant at the time of the attack, told officers that she had left her home at around 11.30pm on January 7 to go to the shops.

She asked the 17-year-old suspect for directions whilst he was sat at a bus stop and he pointed her towards Hatton Road.

After a few minutes, the victim realised that he was following her.

He suddenly grabbed her from behind and physically assaulted her before taking her phone and cash.

He then threatened the victim with a screwdriver and raped her, police said.

The victim said she had 500 cash in her house and if the attacker walked her to the address she would give it to him.

He then threatened her by saying that if she did not give him the 500 or called the police, he "would shoot her".

Once inside her address, the victim used a different phone to call the police while the attacker waited outside. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived.

The first officers to arrive took a statement from the victim and a description of the suspect.

Police searched the area near the victims address. and a man who fitted the description was spotted but tried to flee.

After chasing the man on foot, officers caught and searched him.

They found the victims mobile phone, cash and the screwdriver he had threatened her with.

He was arrested and taken into custody and charged.

DC Emma Rogers, from the Mets West Area Safeguarding Team, said: I would like to thank the victim for her bravery during this horrific assault. I hope that she finally has some closure to an ordeal that has been so traumatising for her and her family.

Officers were at the scene of the crime and arrested the attacker within minutes of receiving the 999 call.

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"Im grateful to those officers and staff from the LAS who took such good care of this victim when she needed it most.
Impeached U.S. President Donald Trump was accused by his Democratic rival Joe Biden of causing mass deaths with incompetent handling of the coronavirus crisis. So, on Monday, Trump did what he does best: DARVO. He called Biden "stupid," then demanded an apology for what Trump nonsensically called anti-vaccine rhetoric (Biden is pro-vaccine-science, this is false).

From Reuters:

Speaking in front of the White House at a U.S. Labor Day news conference, Trump said: "Biden and his very liberal running mate, the most liberal person in Congress by the way  is not a competent person in my opinion, would destroy this country and would destroy this economy  should immediately apologize for the reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric that they are talking right now," adding: "It undermines science."

The president called Biden "stupid."

Trump again dismissed a report in The Atlantic that he had referred to fallen U.S. soldiers as "suckers" and "losers" and highlighted a denial of the story by an aide to former White House chief of staff John Kelly, Zach Fuentes.

"The story is a hoax," Trump said. "Who would say a thing like that? Only an animal would say a thing like that."
Micheal R. Baskette passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2020.

Mike enriched so many of our lives. First and foremost, Mike was a devoted man of family and faith. For 47 years, he and Emily shared their hopes, dreams, challenges and successes with spirit, faith and commitment. Together, their enthusiasm for life affected all with whom they engaged. Whether it be their beloved church, family or community - their marriage was an inspiration.

Mike was the son of Frank and Alma Baskette. Through the influence of his parents, Mike internalized a can-do spirit and determination that carried throughout his entire life.

A 1970 graduate of Chattanooga Central High School, Mike received many honors and recognitions. The foundation of his vast circle of friends was launched while he attended Central. Many of those friendships were lifelong. Leadership took shape in high school - where he was a senior officer in Centrals ROTC, president of High-Y and senior class superlative.

Mike earned his B.S. in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. While at UTC, Mike was welcomed into his cherished fraternity  Sigma Chi. The Brothers of Sigma Chi, Delta Theta Chapter, active and alumni, have been stalwarts in their embrace of Emily and the entire Baskette family (his brothers Patrick and Brian are also members of Sigma Chi). The brotherhood shaped and directed Mikes life and inspired him throughout adulthood. Mike learned the value of volunteering for a plethora of charity causes, supporting those in need and the fidelity of friendship, responsibility and leadership. He served in numerous leadership positions while as an active and as an alum. The bonds of Sigma Chi Brotherhood enveloped the entire Baskette family and gave us comfort and hope throughout Mikes battle with COVID-19.

His degree well-served his business career in marketing, management, and sales. At the time of his passing, Mike was the senior vice president for sales at Plainview|LED. Todd Plain and the entire staff at Plainview|LED have been an immense source of support to Emily during these heartbreaking times. We thank you, Todd and the entire Plainview|LED family.

A man of faith, Mike was baptized at Second Presbyterian Church. In later years, he and Emily converted to Catholicism. Their parish, St. Jude Catholic Church, was a constant source of comfort and direction. We especially thank Father Charlie Burton for his caring and sincere support along with the entire parish. We also cannot overstate the bonds of friendship between Mike and Father John Dowling. Their life-long friendship began as teens and continued throughout the entirety of Mikes life. Father John assisted in saving Mikes life on the Nantahala River while they were in college. He spent many hours with Emily and Mikes beloved daughter, Melissa, to lend comfort and prayers during this difficult time. You are always in our hearts, Father John.

As a dedicated Republican, he befriended many candidates and elected officials  many of whom became life-long friends. His family and friends encouraged Mike to seek office many times, but he preferred to work humbly behind-the-scenes to support those he believed in.

Mikes legacy is monumental. He was a current member of the Hamilton County Republican Party, Pachyderm Club, Police Citizens Internal Affairs, Friends of Hixson, Life Loyal Sigma

Chi, Knights of Columbus - Council 8576, Home Builders Association, Pink Heals and The NRA.

Mike was a fierce fan of the New York Yankees, the UT Vols, and the UTC Mocs. He was dedicated to the support of Law Enforcement and our military. He would stand for the flag, and kneel for the Lord.

Mike is survived by his wonderful bride of 47 years, Emily; son, Matthew; daughter, Melissa (aka Little E and Melba); brother, Patrick (Peggy) of Tampa, FL; nieces, Mary Elizabeth and Isabelle; brother, Brian (Holly) of Suwanee, GA; sister, Sandy Snyder Downer; granddaughters, Hannah Grace (HG) Baskette-Skiles, Allie Nicole (Allie B) Baskette-Skiles, and Natalie Downer-Bigham; uncle, Gene (Myrna) Baskette of Jackson, TN. He also left behind many close friends to honor his legacy.

Mike Pop Baskette fought the good fight. He enriched all who knew and loved him. He inspired honor and distinction in us all.

Mike Strong. Forever.

Arrangements will be held on Friday, Sept. 25, at noon at St. Jude's Catholic Church. Unfortunately, due to COVID the services will be private with limited seating.





The service will be streamed live, via Facebook on Charlie Burton's public page.





At a later date, a celebration of life event will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Chattanooga Area Sigma Chi Alumni Association and/or St. Jude Catholic Church in Chattanooga.

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, 423 531-3975.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Cyprus that Moscow was ready to help mediate in any talks with Turkey as tensions simmer over energy exploration in the Mediterranean Sea.

Decades-old tensions between Turkey and Cyprus, which is backed by Greece, have come to a head this year in disputes over commercial rights in the Eastern Mediterranean, an area thought to be rich in natural gas.

As far as your relations with Turkey are concerned, we are ready to promote dialogue, pragmatically based on mutual interests and in search of decisions, which will be fair and based on international law, Lavrov said on Tuesday at a meeting with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades in Nicosia.

NATO allies Turkey and Greece are at loggerheads over the extent of their continental shelves.

Ankara also disputes the rights of Cyprus to explore for natural gas in the sea area around the island, saying that some of the areas infringe on its continental shelf.

Turkey also says the islands estranged Turkish Cypriot community also has rights over any finds.

Cyprus was divided in a Turkish invasion in 1974 triggered by the military then ruling Greece, splitting the islands Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities into separate sides.

Turkey has no diplomatic relations with Cyprus, instead backing the breakaway Turkish Cypriot statelet in the north of the island.

Greece and Turkey have deployed naval and air forces to assert their competing claims in the region.

Lavrovs offer to mediate the crisis came as Greece said it will bolster its military with new weapons, troops and the development of its defence industry, amid concerns of open conflict between the two countries.

The Turkish leadership is unleashing, on a near-daily basis, threats of war and makes provocative statements against Greece, Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Monday.
Officials on Tuesday said that 43 prisoners of two jails in Muzzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) disease adding that they have been moved to isolation wards within the premises.

These 43 prisoners- which include 22 in the district jail and 21 in a temporary jail pushed the tally of infected prisoners across Muzzaffarnagar to 400, they added.

In view of the rising Covid-19 cases in jails, prison authorities in Uttar Pradesh decided to establish isolation wards in all district and temporary jails.

Additional district magistrate of Muzaffarnagar Amit Singh said that isolation wards have been set up in these jails and infected inmates have been moved.

Earlier, a report from the National Crime Records Bureau showed that jails across India have been housing more prisoners than their normal capacity for decades.

Also read: Prison overcrowding in 2019 highest in 10 years

At present, overcrowding of jails has become more of a concern due to the spread of Covid-19. Prisoners are at high risk of getting infected due to their continuous movement inside and outside the premises.

Meanwhile, Muzzaffarnagar on Monday registered 107 new Covid-19 cases, which pushed the active number of cases to 912. As many as 1,800 people have recovered from the disease so far.

(With inputs from PTI)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Catholics in the Diocese of Grand Rapids will hold a day of prayer and fasting in support of racial justice.

In the midst of the ongoing racial unrest in the United States, Catholics will unite to pray for the collective healing as the church continues to work for peace and racial justice.

Bishop David J. Walkowiak has called on Catholics to pray and fast on Wednesday, Sept. 9 in an effort to eradicate racism and peacefully seek racial justice in the country, according to a news release.

At 7 p.m. Wednesday, the bishop will hold Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 215 Sheldon Blvd. SE in Grand Rapids. Guidelines for COVID-19 will be in effect for those who attend in-person.

Mass will also be live streamed at grdiocese.org and the Diocese of Grand Rapids Facebook page.

This particular date was chosen in honor of the feast of St. Peter Claver, a Jesuit missionary who dedicated his life to the aid of enslaved Africans in South America in the 17th century. He is the patron saint of African missions, African Americans, slavery and interracial justice.

Walkowiak encourages Catholics of the diocese to read the bishops pastoral letter against racism titled Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love. The bishop also suggests praying the rosary or attending Mass, fasting and to learn more about the life of St. Peter Claver.

George Floyds death in May sparked protests in Grand Rapids and across the country against racism and police brutality. Floyd, a Black man, died on May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer continued to kneel on his neck for nearly nine minutes while he pleaded that he could not breathe.

The death of Grand Rapids native Breonna Taylor in Kentucky also has become a national symbol in a movement against police brutality and racism. Taylor, 26, was fatally shot by Louisville police on March 13 following a no-knock warrant at her residence.

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A 19-year-old girl was allegedly raped by an ambulance driver on her way to hospital after she tested positive for Covid-19.

She is said to have been attacked by the man known as V Noufal, 29, in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India, on Saturday night.

Noufal was arrested on Sunday and police said he had not obtained the mandatory clearance certificate before joining as a driver.

The driver is believed to be a habitual offender with several criminal cases against him.

A 19-year-old girl is said to have been raped by an ambulance driver known as V Noufal, 29, on her way to on the way to Firstline Covid Treatment Centre in Pandalam (pictured) in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India

He picked up the victim as well as a 42-year-old woman at Adoor government general hospital after they tested positive for coronavirus.

After dropping off the older woman, from Adoor, at a Covid centre in Aranmula, the driver drove the victim to Firstline Covid Treatment Centre in Pandalam.

The Bangalore Mirror reports the driver took her to a secluded area en route, removed his PPE and raped the girl at around 10pm.

He reportedly apologised for the attack before threatening her not to tell anyone and dropping her off the hospital.

The ambulance driver reportedly took the victim to a secluded area on the way to the hospital before removing his PPE and raping her at around 10pm (stock image)

The 19-year-old told hospital staff when she arrived in Pandalam and the man was arrested on Sunday morning.

Health Minister KK Shailaja described the attack in Kerala as 'shocking' and 'inhuman'.

A health department official told The Indian Express patients from a particular locality are usually picked up together and taken to hospital.

The official said: 'The drivers chamber is partitioned and no other staff or nurse accompanies the driver while ferrying patients to hospital.

'This is to limit the exposure of health workers to infected persons. In rare cases, if the patient is serious, we send a nurse. In this case, both patients were stable.'

People protest against 'rape culture' in India after a 27-year-old veterinarian raped, murdered and burned in 2019

Demonstrators protest in New Dheli about the rape and murder of the veterinarian in 2019

The attack is the latest in a series of high profile sexual offences in India.

Last week, a three-year-old girl was raped and strangled in the third act of sexual violence in the Lakhimpur Kher district, of Uttar Pradesh, in 20 days.

Early last month, a 14-year-old deaf and mute girl at Uttrita Middle School in Khirundha was raped and murdered.

Hundreds of local villagers gathered and the police found that the ninth grader's face had been crushed with bricks and stones.

The Women and Child Safety Organization was recently created by the state government following the 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.

India was classified the most dangerous place for women in 2018 because of its high levels of domestic and sexual violence.

The Thomson Reuters Foundation poll of 550 global experts made the classification based on the 33,356 rapes and 89,097 assaults that year.
A general view of a Australian flag is seen outside the Great Hall of the People on April 9, 2013 in Beijing, China.

Two of Australia's leading foreign correspondents in China have rushed home for their own safety after they were questioned separately by China's Ministry of State security, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported on Tuesday.

China correspondents for the ABC and the Australian Financial Review sought shelter in Australia's embassy in Beijing and consulate in Shanghai as diplomats negotiated with Chinese officials to allow them to leave the country, the ABC and the AFR reported.

The two journalists  ABC's Bill Birtles and AFR's Michael Smith  had been banned from leaving China until they answered questions about detained Australian citizen and television anchor Cheng Lei, AFR said in a report.

Both journalists were told they were "persons of interest" in an investigation into Cheng, a high-profile business anchor on Chinese state television, who has been detained by authorities, the AFR report said.

The journalists flew out of China on Monday night and arrived in Sydney on Tuesday morning following what public broadcaster the ABC called an "extraordinary diplomatic standoff."

Birtles told reporters at Sydney airport it was very disappointing to have to leave China under "those circumstances."

"But this was a whirlwind and it was not a particularly good experience," he said.

The ABC said it brought Birtles back to Australia following advice from the Australian government.

The Australian Financial Review said in a statement the two journalists were "going about their normal reporting duties". It added that the incident was "regrettable and disturbing and is not in the interests of a cooperative relationship between Australia and China."

Relations between Australia and China have soured this year in the wake of Canberra's calls for an independent international investigation into the source of the coronavirus pandemic.

Beijing was angered by the move and has since blocked Australian beef imports, placed dumping tariffs on Australian barley, and launched an anti-dumping investigation into Australian wine.
Developers and Liberal Party donors Peter and Sandra Carpenter are finally going to have their day in court over a legal saga involving a former egg farm they sold for $55.1 million.

The couple bought the 100-hectare Cranbourne South property Brompton Lodge back in 1974 for $73,500. They sold it, after several rezonings, to developers Wolfdene in 2018 for $55.1 million.

The former Brompton Lodge farmland. Credit:Joe Armao

But the Carpenters claim it was really worth millions more and are taking VicRoads to trial in the Supreme Court, claiming it owes them compensation.

At issue is an overlay VicRoads slapped on a 10-hectare strip of the Carpenters' land, potentially allowing for the widening of the Western Port Highway.
West's attorneys, in seeking Supreme Court review, had challenged McCoy's interpretation of the law and argued the state had no right to impose such a condition on candidates for federal office. Tuesday's decision by the justices to oust West from the Nov. 3 general election for other reasons leaves unresolved the legality of that requirement.

The rapper, using paid circulators, had submitted petitions with 57,982 signatures to the Secretary of State's Office.

Only 39,039 were needed to be found valid to qualify. But the fact they were gathered before the required statement of interest by his electors left him short.

Tuesday's decision affects only West's chances to pick up votes in Arizona.

Earlier in the day election officials in Mississippi concluded he could have his name on the ballot there. He also has qualified in several other states.

Democrat interests have fought his candidacy, pointing out West's friendship with President Trump and suggesting he wanted to get on the ballot solely to siphon votes away from Democrat Joe Biden.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 7)  Bacolod City and Lanao del Sur province will be placed under a stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) starting Sept. 8 up to Sept. 30.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed that President Rodrigo Duterte approved on Monday Resolution No. 69 of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) placing the two areas under tighter protocol restrictions.

National COVID-19 Task Force chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. noted during the IATF-MEID meeting on Monday the sudden increase of COVID-19 infections in the two areas.

"We recommended to the IATF the upgrading of Lanao del Sur as MECQ, considering it is contiguous to Iligan City and its cases are also rising. We will recommend also that Bacolod City be placed under MECQ," said Galvez.

In an interview with CNN Philippines' Rico Hizon on Monday night, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia attributed the sudden increase in COVID-19 cases to the city government's intensified testing efforts among residents.

"We were able to swab 4,384 of our people in Bacolod. That resulted into the increase of positive COVID-19 cases into 531," Leonardia explained.

There are 2,178 confirmed COVID-19 infections in Bacolod City.

Meanwhile, the Lanao del Sur provincial government started the imposition of MECQ on Monday.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament Member Zia Alonto Adiong said stricter measures were necessary to address local COVID-19 transmission in the province.

"Based on the monthly COVID-19 Data Analysis Report of Lanao del Sur Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force, in the month of August, the province recorded 167 positive COVID-19 cases, of which 119 are declared local transmission. This month of September, 11 cases are recorded, all are considered local transmission," said Adiong.

According to the latest tally published on Friday, Lanao del Sur has 360 confirmed COVID-19 cases, where 112 are currently ill while 241 have recovered.
Jaipur:

Union minister Rajyawardhan Singh Rathore appealed to the youths on Monday to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation move for eliminating black money and corruption.

Terming youths as the future of the country who hold important role in its development, he asked them to utilise their strength in improving the country's image globally.

Rathore was addressing a gathering after inaugurating students union body office at Seth R L Saharia College inKaladera in Jaipur Rural on Monday. "Youths should use Mudra Yojna started by central government," he said. The minister asked the girls to realise their power and contribute to build the country. "Even a tough target is achievable with willpower and self-confidence," he said, adding that he worked for setting up of skill development centre in Kaladera.







For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Firefighters huddle along Highway 39 in the San Gabriel Mountains to plan their attack on the Bobcat fire Tuesday. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

The Bobcat fire continued to burn unchecked Tuesday through the Angeles National Forest and officials warned that Santa Ana winds could cause the fire to threaten homes in several foothill communities.

At 0% containment, the fire has burned more than 10,000 acres as of Tuesday night with red flag warnings issued due to the windy conditions.

The big worry is the weather model, which is forecasting a shift in the winds to Santa Ana winds, said Angeles National Forest representative John Clearwater, and there is a possibility of that fire being pushed south. South of the fire line is our foothill communities.

Residents of Monrovia, located at the base of the forest, have already been placed on notice and are being urged to stay alert for official evacuation orders. If an order is issued, the city said it would work in two phases, Phase 1 to include residents north of Hillcrest Boulevard north of Greystone Avenue, and Phase 2 to include residents between Hillcrest Foothill boulevards.

We have been told to plan for the fire to get worse and we are asking all residents to be prepared and ready if an evacuation order is issued, the city said in a statement. Santa Ana winds can change the fire conditions incredibly quickly.

Arcadia also said residents living Foothill Boulevard and east of Santa Anita Avenue should be prepared to evacuate.

The nearby cities of Duarte and Sierra Madre are also urging residents to remain vigilant.

Residents of Monrovia were on edge as fire trucks roamed the neighborhood.

Cliff Armstrong, a cable marketer, has lived in the Cloverleaf Canyon neighborhood for 21 years. He said Tuesday that he has never seen so many firefighters moving in and around the area before.

Earlier in the day, Armstrong was watching helicopters dip large buckets into a sawpit debris basin. He saw firetrucks traveling up and down the street for the last two days.

Ive never seen this level of preparation before, he said.

Residents such as Armstrong say if theyre forced to evacuate it would be the first time they will have to flee their homes. Fires have come and gone through this area, including the Station fire in 2009.

Story continues

Armstrong said he stayed behind, watering his home during that blaze.

I dont think Ill risk it this time, he said.

Neighbors have started packing up their cars and moving vehicles to the homes of friends living away from the mountains or in other cities. They share tips with one another about how to best defend their homes from a fire.

Outside their homes, Armstrong and his neighbor talk about those efforts. His neighbor tells him hes removed all the cushions around the patio and floor mats, anything that is combustible.

Oh, right, right. Well, wait a minute, Armstrong said. I have a garage full of toilet paper and paper towels because of the COVID thing, man,

He chuckled.

Remember it was hard to find? So I have a bunch of paper goods sitting in the garage.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning through 8 p.m. Tuesday for the mountains and valleys of Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

The Bobcat fire started just after noon Sunday, and is one of two fires currently burning in the region. The El Dorado fire in the San Bernardino National Forest has burned more than 10,000 acres and is roughly 16% contained.

The Bobcat fires remote and rugged location has made it challenging to contain, Clearwater said, adding that establishing and reinforcing bulldozer lines around the fire is a top priority. The Forest Service is now estimating its containment date as Oct. 15.

It is growing rapidly, Clearwater said. A lot of thought and preparation is going into how to mitigate and prevent that fire from moving into a position where it poses a serious risk.

The Mt. Wilson Observatory has a half-million-gallon, gravity-fed water tank filled and ready for battle should the Bobcat fire close in on the property, said the observatorys director Tom Meneghini.

Three employees remain at the mountaintop location as a skeleton staff, ready to hand over the keys and fire hoses to firefighters if needed, Meneghini said.

The Bobcat fire is the third in as many months to pose a danger to the observatory, but the gravest threat in recent memory was the 2009 Station fire.

That took the cake, Meneghini said. We had Arizona hotshots camped up there in the dome, living up there. They were fighting defensively from the observatory. We hope this isnt a repeat.

Conditions were calm Tuesday morning, as seen on observatory surveillance cameras, Meneghini said. But Santa Ana winds forecast for the days ahead have him concerned.

I dont know what thats going to do, thats the wild card in this whole thing, he said. Fire risk is part of forest life  like gravity, there all the time, Meneghni said, He welcomed federal authorities' decision to close national forests in California during the current heat wave.

Given the heightened danger, I think its good. Im just kind of jaundiced on my fellow men being responsible for these conditions, Meneghini said of the fires. Privilege comes with responsibility ... and we are our own worst enemies.
Simon Coveney has said reports of a British intention to break international law with domestic legislation are gravely concerning.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs said that when Ireland raised the issue and expressed concerns, the response has made matters worse.

Rather than being reassured, our concerned have been exacerbated, Mr Coveney told the Dail.

He said he had asked the Irish Ambassador in London to raise the issue and had also contacted the EU task force.

There will be no appeasing of this approach, no condoning of a breach of an international agreement that the EU and UK signed less than a year ago, he said.

Read More

This is a really unwelcome distraction, which is hugely problematic and illegal, Mr Coveney said.

While Ireland still awaited confirmation of the customs legislation relating to Northern Ireland to be published in London today (Weds), any unilateral departure from the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement would be a very serious step, he said.

It would damage political trust, not only in relation to the negotiations, but for Northern Ireland, which did not need this uncertainty.

Any departure from international law would have serious implications, not least for the UKs international reputation, he said.

Ireland would remain calm and carefully analyse the detail of the legislation when published today (Weds), and Ireland remained in close contact with the EU task force on a daily basis, he said.

The Withdrawal Agreement is an international treaty and it is not even twelve months old, a clearly angry Mr Coveney told the Dail.

Let me be very clear, the (Northern Ireland) Protocol agreed as part of the Withdrawal Agreement is designed and empowered to operate in all circumstances, including in the absence of an agreed future relationship between the EU and UK, he said.

It was surely not too much to ask that the British Government implement it, he added.

Jim OCallaghan, Fianna Fail TD, said the British Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis, had baldly admitted the UK intended to breach international law, in a specific way.

He said he could not believe what he was reading and had to check news sources to make sure it was not a mistake. But the evidence was that Britain was going to do as much.

It was thus not sabre-rattling or posturing as the Taoiseach had said in Tuesday.

If we appease lawlessness, you only encourage the law-breaker, he said, adding that Britains behaviour was astonishing.

Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu said the Taoiseach must now ring the British Prime Minister and speak to him directly. The British Government was being run by the Bullingdon Club, he added, a reference to a society at Eton, attended by both Boris Johnson and David Cameron.
The Union Cabinet on Tuesday discussed labour reforms in detail so that the remaining three Codes pending in the Lok Sabha could be pushed for Parliament nod during the Monsoon session beginning Monday.

Some bills which are to come up in the coming session of parliament were approved, said an official.

News agency PTI quoting a person familiar with the development said the the Union Cabinet brainstormed on labour reforms. The government wants to push all three remaining labour codes pending in the Lok Sabha for passage, it said quoting the person.

Earlier this month, Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar had indicated that remaining three labour codes on industrial relations, social security and occupational safety and health would be tabled in the ensuing Monsoon session of Parliament.

The three codes on industrial relations, social security and OCH were introduced in the Lok Sabha last year and then sent for scrutiny of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour. The committee has submitted its report on the remaining three codes.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi also approved monetisation of assets of POWERGRID, a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under ministry of power, through Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) model.

According to an official statement, approval given by CCEA would help POWERGRID to monetise in the first lot, assets with gross block value of more than 7000 crore. These assets, which are mainly High Voltage Transmission lines and substations, are held by POWERGRID in form of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), the statement said.
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Peddlers in Ho Chi Minh City are mostly migrants from other provinces who, despite their low income, persist at work to fend for both themselves and their family members in their hometown.

We are genuine workers," one old peddler said.

"We are happy to be making money ourselves.

Thank you for being compassionate, but please dont take pity on us.

Uncle, nephew, and a wok of hazelnuts

Tran Van Loi and his nephew Ngo Dinh Phong get ready for their day of selling hazelnuts around town during the predawn hours.

Parking their motorbike by a tall tree along No. 31 Street in Binh Tan District, the two quickly ignited their mobile stove using wooden sticks, already dripping with sweat from the effort.

A Tuoi Tre (Youth) correspondent asked Loi why he did not light it at home so it was ready when he reached his spot.

With a click of the tongue, Loi explained how it was not possible.

We share accommodations with lots of people in a tiny place on Provincial Highway No. 10. Although the landlord does not forbid us from lighting the fire [there], we are not taking any chance, he said.

The uncle and nephew moved to Ho Chi Minh City from south-central Phu Yen Province more than ten years ago.

Though Loi is married and has two children back in his hometown, he decides to stay in the city for a living.

There are four of us, and we cant just do farming with merely 500 square meters of field, he explained.

My wife might be good at farm work and childcare, but that field can provide just enough for us to eat.

Tran Van Loi roasts hazelnuts at his roadside stall in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Manh Dung / Tuoi Tre

He further explained that the income for his whole family comes mainly from him peddling in Ho Chi Minh City.

For years now, the man and boy have never taken a single day off.

We still go to work whether it rains or not, he said.

Selling just a little bit is better than lying flat down on the floor, watching lizards on the walls and earning nothing.

After all our expenditures, we can normally send home around VND4 million [US$172].

"But its only VND3 million [$130] if the weathers bad.

Their situation is worsened following the coronavirus pandemic and the government-mandated social distancing policy.

There are days when they go to work for over 24 hours at a stretch, but can only earn VND300,000-400,000 ($13-17) before subtracting the costs of purchasing hazelnuts, food, and gasoline for their bike.

But the uncle keeps his chin up, believing that there is always a better day to make up for a bad one.

We will cover longer distances. Well save up even more. All bad things will come to an end, Loi said.

Ngo Dinh Phong, Lois nephew, portions roasted hazelnuts into paper bags at their roadside stall in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Manh Dung / Tuoi Tre

The elderly along the streets

From the observations of a Tuoi Tre correspondent, the majority of peddlers actively selling at night pubs along the streets in Ho Chi Minh City are women over 50 years of age.

They largely come from Phu Yen and neighboring Khanh Hoa Provinces, and are usually selling lottery tickets or plastic bags of snacks and beans.

Last week there were still lots of kids selling around here, but they went back to their hometown for school already, Hoang Thi Tu, a 70-year-old peddler lottery seller, said.

The beginning of September marks the start of an academic school year in Vietnam.

If any child is still working here, he must come from a really poor family.

She herself had been walking around for five hours from 5:00 pm, but could only sell around 30 tickets.

Keep on working. Those tickets wont be checked until late tomorrow afternoon, said Dieu, another lottery peddler around the same age as Tu.

According to Tu, she needs at least VND3 million every month for accommodations and food.

If we cant sell over 200 tickets a day, then were doomed.

She came to Ho Chi Minh City from Phu Yen Province, following the advice of her seniors.

We elderly people will just sell lottery tickets. Those a bit younger often work at restaurants or become housemaids. But these days few people need our help, she added.

Last year, she could still manage to send VND1-2 million ($43-86) a month to her family, but this year it is already too hard taking care of herself.

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Mrs Jemima Oware, the Registrar-General, on Tuesday cautioned companies that the failure to disclose beneficial ownership information accurately would attract sanctions from the Department.



A fine of 150 penalty units or two-year imprisonment or both. We collaborate with the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).



These are very competent institutions and we share information with them. So the data have to be accurate on all sides because we would find out if you lie to us, she said.



Beneficial Ownership, a term in domestic and international commercial law, refers to the natural persons who exercise significant influence over and receive profits from a company even though they are not legal owners.



Mrs Oware told the Ghana News Agency in Accra that the beneficial ownership disclosure is a transparency tool that should be accepted by all members of the business community, especially Politically Exposed Persons.



She explained that BO information was generally considered a different class of data because it was collected as a result of a companys desire to engage in or complete a financial activity in a specific market under the name of a specific legal entity and that these benefits differentiated ownership from holding assets under a private name.



Mrs Oware said persons or individuals with Trust Instruments or any form of legal relationships drawn up between them and certain companies had to be disclosed.



All Registers must list the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) and include the same basic information: name, the month of birth, nationality, country of residence, and nature/size of the interest held in the companies or entities and the Tax Identification Numbers (TIN).





In the mining, oil, and gas sectors, the implementation of the BO transparency disclosures are taking place through the Ghana Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI) with the support of the Registrar-General, she said.



She said notices were served to all companies to prepare, compile and submit their Register of Members and the full details of the Beneficial Owners between now and December 31, 2020.



The companies need to provide beneficial ownership information when they came to file their Annual Returns.



Mrs Oware said the Department was aware of the need to ensure that beneficial ownership data are publicly accessible whilst at the same time protecting an individuals right to privacy.



Even though these concerns exist, the need to protect peoples data will be respected especially in an era of high profile data breaches, she said.

Source: GNA









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The total volume of investments at the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) hit nearly 15 billion dollars in five years, SCZone chairman Yehia Zaki said on Tuesday.



Addressing a virtual investment forum organized by the Egyptian Businessmen Association (EBA) in cooperation with the Bahrain Businessmen's Association, Zaki said that over 220 companies covering various industrial sectors, have been established at the SCZone in the past five years.



Egypt's national road network and the Cairo-Cape Town road project helped the SCZone to play a strategic role in promoting trade exchange between Egypt and other regional and African countries, Zaki added.



Zaki lauded the zone's capabilities and strategic location, which, he said, will help provide an appropriate investment environment for investors.



The SCZone accommodates nearly 25 vital industrial sectors, such as agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, logistics, information technology and automobile industry.

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EDITORS NOTE: Trendster Clothing Boutique recently changed its name to Boheme Boutique. This article has been updated to reflect that change.

EDWARDSVILLE  Trace on the Parkway, Edwardsvilles new $50 million mixed-use development located on Route 157, has built momentum moving into 2021.

Located just minutes from SIUE, Interstates 270 and 55 as well as downtown Edwardsville, Trace on the Parkway is on its way to becoming a large component of the local residential and business communities.

Local developer, Plocher Construction, continues building the second residential phase, consisting of 114 apartments, as well as the multi-use commercial phase of numerous businesses already open and several more opening soon. Having opportunities to patronize a variety of businesses within walking distance of their homes is proving very appealing to residents and business owners.

Currently open to the public are Goshen Coffee (with a drive-through), Willow & Mohr Photography, Docs Smokehouse (with patio seating), Water Sweets Soap Company, Sunflower Dentistry and Kloss Furniture.

Businesses coming soon include: Blue Violet restaurant, Boheme Boutique, Rocket Bowls restaurant, STL Kolache, Loverly Boutique, Taste of Lebanon and Alliance Chiropractic and Performance.

The first residential building of 72 apartments is nearly 85 percent full, with reservations already placed for several units in the 42-unit second building. Trace offers one-, two- and three-bedroom floorplans as well as two-bedroom floorplans with dens and large laundry rooms. Apartments feature high-end appliances and finishes.

The all-inclusive package is an alternative to traditional monthly rental agreements because it covers all utilities and amenities, including Internet, game room, heated pool, hot tub, fire pit tables, grills, outdoor TV lounge, dog park, conference room, indoor lounges, kitchenette and 24/7 access to the pool in a single payment.

Residents also have direct access to the Madison County Transit (MCT) bike trails and community parks in the vicinity. Future plans for residents include additional carports, a roof-top patio and climate-controlled storage units.

Kunkel Wittenauer Group is the professional management company managing the Trace apartments.

The response to the Trace on the Parkway experience has been overwhelmingly positive. We have wonderful residents that have joined the Trace family and are looking forward to future residents growing our community, Co-owner and Managing Broker of KWG Renee Wittenauer said. Our two resident managers love the energy of living and working at the Trace. They are not just managers but neighbors to our residents.

To learn more about Trace on the Parkway and view videos sharing the Trace experience, visit www.traceedwardsville.com. Tours are available by appointment, virtually or by stopping by in-person Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kunkel Wittenauer Group and Trace on the Parkway can be contacted at (618) 224-3320 or by emailing info@traceedwardsville.com.

Reach reporter Charles Bolinger at 618-659-5735
The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike.

We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve.
The FIR registered at Bandra police station by actor Rhea Chakraborty is "clearly illegal and contempt of the Supreme Court's orders", said Vikas Singh, lawyer of Rajput's father on Tuesday.

Singh said he will take strong action to ensure that the FIR, which names Rajput's sister Priyanka Singh, Dr Tarun Kumar of RML Hospital, Delhi and others under various sections of the IPC, and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, does not deflect the trials in another direction.

"The FIR, which has been registered is clearly illegal and clearly a contempt of the orders of the SC. The SC had very clearly said that if the Mumbai police as part of its inquest proceedings come across some cognisable offence in the death of Sushant then that could be referred to CBI," Singh told reporters.

"We will take strong action to assure the accused doesn't succeed in deflecting the trial into another direction to save herself and to ensure the law doesn't take its full course," he added.

The lawyer said that the FIR registered was clearly a contempt of the Supreme Court's orders on three grounds. Two of those, according to Singh, are earlier judgments of the Supreme Court in other cases while the third was "the spirit of the judgment in Rhea Chakraborty's case."

He further alleged that the Bandra police station seemed to be like a "second home" for Chakraborty by stating, "The FIR has been registered as if to oblige the accused, because sections of the IPC and the NDPS Act have been used liberally, without even looking into the content of the complaint made by Rhea Chakraborty. This whole attempt appears to be somehow to help the accused and to deflect the investigation in a direction so that the accused gets some benefit."

Earlier on Tuesday, the Mumbai police had said that it was transferring the case registered on the basis of Chakraborty's complaint to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

In her complaint to the Bandra Police Station, Chakraborty had stated that Priyanka Singh had sent Rajput a prescription by Dr Tarun Kumar and he "appears to have prescribed medication controlled under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 to Sushant without any consultation as mandated by law."

Meanwhile, Chakraborty arrived at the Narcotics Control Bureau office in Mumbai for further questioning for the third consecutive day in a drug case related to Sushant Singh Rajput death case.

On Monday, after her questioning was concluded Mutha Ashok Jain, Deputy Director-General, NCB had said, "Rhea Chakraborty has been sent back to her home. She has been called back tomorrow, the interrogation will continue."
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian charity worker held in Tehran since 2016, faces a "new indictment, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday.

"The 15th chamber of the Islamic Revolutionary Court summoned Nazanin Zaghari this morning with her lawyer  to notify them of a new indictment," read a local news report citing an informed source. The report did not specify what Zaghari-Ratcliffe was being charged with.

On Tuesday, British lawmaker Tulip Siddiq said she was in touch with Zaghari-Ratcliffe and confirmed that her constituent will face another trial on Sunday.

I know many people are concerned about her welfare and I'll keep everyone updated when we have more information, Siddiq tweeted, describing "a fast moving situation."

Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested at Tehrans airport in April 2016 and was later sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly plotting to topple the government. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who worked as a project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, denies the charges and says she was visiting the country with her young daughter to see her family.

If confirmed, this would be our worst fears come true, Kate Allen, Amnesty International UKs director, said of the reports Zaghari-Ratcliffe will face a new charge.

Having failed for the past four-and-a-half years to secure her freedom, ministers now need to step up efforts to ensure Nazanins full and unconditional release.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe and tens of thousands of other detainees were released temporarily in March over concerns the coronavirus could spread through Irans crowded prisons. Shes since been confined to her parents home in Tehran with an ankle bracelet limiting her movement.

Media reports have linked her detention to a decades-old debt owed by the United Kingdom over Chieftain tanks that were paid up front by the former shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. When he was overthrown in 1979, Britain cancelled the sale and held on to the money.

Last week, The Guardian reported that UK Defense Minister Ben Wallace was "actively" looking for ways to repay the debt in an effort to free Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other dual citizens.

This story contains reporting from AFP.
Amaravati, Sep 8 : The Andhra Pradesh health department will personally contact and persuade people who recovered from Covid-19 to donate plasma to save lives.

"The health department call centre will call the recovered patients and tell them about the plasma donation programme and convince them to donate plasma to save other people's lives," said Health Commissioner Katamneni Bhaskar.

The department has readied a list of 37,000 people who beat the disease, making them eligible to donate plasma for critical Covid patients.

"The database of eligible donors has been prepared and is currently being shared with the blood banks which have the facility to collect and store plasma," said Bhaskar.

The move is aimed at treating Covid patients more effectively and the Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government will launch a plasma donation campaign soon.

As part of the campaign, the state government will reward each donor with a token amount of Rs 5,000.

According to the Health Commissioner, the southern state is spending an amount of Rs 15 crore per day in overall coronavirus arrangements, including treatment, patients' food, accommodation, tests and medicines, among others.

On an average, Andhra Pradesh is testing 65,000 to 70,000 samples per day.

The state on Monday reported 8,368 new coronavirus cases, taking the Andhra Pradesh's tally to 5.06 lakh.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday thanked the foreign ministers of Russia, Bhutan, the Maldives, Lithuania and Latvia for their wishes on India's 74th Independence Day.

Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, in a tweet, said since independence, India has strived to be, and now become, an enduring example of democracy and development, for the region and the world.

Responding to his tweet, Jaishankar said their bilateral relationship is a shining example of 'Neighbourhood First'.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Russia also greeted Jaishankar on India's Independence Day.

He thanked Russia Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for his wishes and said India greatly values the exceptionally close and time-tested relationship.

Bhutan Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji tweeted, "I take this privilege to wish every Indians, a very #HappyIndependenceDay. I pray for your great country to grow from strength to strength." Replying to Dorji, Jaishankar said, "Your warm sentiments reflect our unique relationship." His counterparts in Latvia and Lithuania, Edgars Rinkevics and Linas Linkevicius respectively, also greeted him.

Jaishankar expressed his thanks to the two leaders.
The RCF police on Monday arrested a 38-year-old woman for hammering her husband to death in Chembur. After the murder, the woman sat beside her husbands body for over six hours and then informed the police and surrendered herself.

The accused Vaishali Bhakare, who works in a private firm in Dadar, lives with her two daughters in a Mhada building in Vashi naka area of Chembur, while her husband, Ashok Bhakare, 39, who is unemployed, lived on another floor of the same building. Their daughters had gone to their maternal uncles home to stay there for a few days.

The police said that a preliminary probe has revealed that Bhakare regularly harassed Vaishali after getting drunk. He would assault her and sometimes even beat their daughters.

On Monday, at around 1.30am Bhakare visited Vaishali in an inebriated state. He then abused and assaulted her. After an argument, he lost consciousness.

Vaishali then attacked him on his head with a hammer at around 2.30am. She hit him five-six times on the head, leading to excessive bleeding. Later in the morning when she saw him breathing, she smothered him to death with a pillow, said Sopan Nighot, senior inspector of RCF police station.

She was sitting beside the body for over six hours. At 11am she called the police control room and surrendered. The body was sent to the hospital for post-mortem, said another officer.

Vaishali was frustrated with daily harassment. She murdered him fearing that he would kill her. She was worried about her daughters future as if what would happen to them if she dies. She has no remorse for her actions, said Nighot.

The woman has been booked on the charge of 302 (murder) of Indian Penal Code and was remanded in two days police custody by the local court.
The authorities in Angola have opened investigations into the circumstances of the death of a doctor while in police custody in the capital, Luanda, the Angolan news agency reports.



Paediatrician Silvio Dala died last week on his way to the hospital after collapsing in a police station, the agency reports quoting the spokesperson of the interior ministry.



Human Rights Watch researcher Zenaida Machado has tweeted that the doctor was arrested for not wearing a face mask inside his car.



She said the death has sparked outrage in the country.



Ministry spokesman Waldemar Jose is reported as saying that Mr Dala was arrested for violating a presidential decree that made wearing of masks mandatory on public roads and inside vehicles, including private ones.



He said the doctor passed out and hit his head on the floor while waiting for someone known to him to pay the fine.

Source: BBC









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DISCOVERY SCHOOL SUPER LEAGUE POWERED BY BYJUS is back with its Season 2, this time with a grand comeback. By leveraging the digital expertise, Discovery is the first one to host one-of-its kind virtual quiz - with the help of latest technology solutions, children from all corners of the nation participated from the comfort of their homes, without risking their health. Premiering every Sunday at 11 AM on Discovery Channel and Discovery HD. The show will be presented by the multi-talented personalities Mini Mathur and Cyrus Sahukar.

A never-before scale, DISCOVERY SCHOOL SUPER LEAGUE POWERED BY BYJUS (DSSL) S2 reached out to more than 17000 schools across 29 states and 1 union territory. A total 6 million students participated on-ground in the initial round. The virtual on-air phase will feature 30 state-wise teams (2 students per team) who will compete in 5 semi-finals (6 teams per episode). The quiz offers an exciting reward - top 3 teams, along with their school principals, will win a coveted trip to NASA along with a cash prize.

Mini Mathur said, Hosting for DSSL 2 has been exciting, exhilarating and challenging experience because its the first time we managed to pull this off with some brilliant technology than enabled 60 kids to participate from the safety of their homes. It was exciting as usual because the level of quizzing of these kids was mind numbing and I didnt think that the energy would be the same, but I was wrong. They have same excitement and same will to win and learn and I am really proud of be at the helm of this superb show.

Cyrus Sahukar said, I am so excited to be a part of this because it is the only show in India where the entire quiz shoot was conducted virtually, and all the contestants connected from different states to participate. The true achievement of the show purely was the team who had put together and executed it smoothly during the ongoing- pandemic. It was amazing to work with these Byjus and Discovery.

Watch Discovery School Super League POWERED BY BYJUS S2 every Sunday at 11 AM leading up to the finale on October 11 on Discovery Channel and Discovery HD. The quiz show will also be showcased on Discovery Science and Discovery Kids Channels.
Stuart Stephenson, VP of Market Development for PlanHub "He brings with him years of experience in the construction reporting industry that will give us a head start" - Kyle Conlan, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at PlanHub

PlanHub (https://www.planhub.com), a nationwide cloud-based construction bidding software solution, is pleased to announce Stuart Stephenson as the new Vice President of Market Development. In this role, Stuart is responsible for leading the development and expansion of PlanHub's market development strategy.

A well-rounded, seasoned communications professional, Stuart has more than 30 years of experience in a variety of roles within the construction communications industry. He brings in-depth industry knowledge and is skilled in fostering relationships between general contractors and subcontractors. Before joining PlanHub, Stuart Stephenson served as a Regional Call Center Director for The Blue Book Building and Construction Network. There, he led an organization of paraprofessional construction news reporters to collect data on construction project activity across the United States. Prior to his time at the Blue Book Building and Construction Network, Stuart managed the product development, sales, and distribution efforts of information and data as a Senior Product Implementation Manager for Dodge Data & Analytics. His tenure in construction data and communications gives Stuart a great understanding of implementing PlanHub's future goals of creating presence across the United States.

"New market expansion is one of the key components to PlanHub's fast pace growth strategy, and landing Stuart Stephenson as the new VP of Market Development will further accelerate this goal," says Kyle Conlan, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at PlanHub. "He brings with him years of experience in the construction reporting industry that will give us a head start in the markets where we have a limited presence."

Stuart Stephenson is currently hiring and expanding the market development team today. By identifying and engaging new opportunities with general contractors on the PlanHub network, Stuart and his team will drive the growth of construction projects in new markets across North America. For more information on career opportunities, go to http://www.planhub.com/careers.

PlanHub

PlanHub is a top-rated cloud-based construction plan room and bidding software. Built for tradesmen in mind, PlanHub is designed around the user workflow to help boost productivity, maintain deadlines, increase revenue, and build relationships for both general contractors, suppliers, and subcontractors. Easily post projects or submit bids with anytime-anywhere collaboration for every commercial construction trade. To efficiently tackle your next project and stay connected, go to https://www.planhub.com.
[September 08, 2020] CSI Partners with Revation Systems for LinkLive Banking Digital Customer Service

Computer Services, Inc. (CSI (News - Alert)) (OTCQX: CSVI), a provider of end-to-end fintech and regtech solutions, has partnered with Revation Systems to offer community banks LinkLive Banking, a secure digital communications platform. The cloud-hosted communications software offers a broad range of capabilities, including robust digital messaging, AI-powered chatbots, leading voice and video communications and the ability to seamlessly engage banking customers across physical and digital channels. LinkLive Banking allows community banks to securely communicate with customers from anywhere, at any time. With capabilities like online and mobile video chat, banks can enhance the customer experience while maintaining social distancing protocols during COVID-19. The advanced software provides a secure option for consumers to interact with their bank from any device without visiting a branch. "Given the remote work demands of COVID-19, LinkLive Banking empowers our banks to provide a world-class customer experience while taking precautions to protect the health and safety of their employees and customers," said Giovanni Mastronardi, CSI's group president of Enterprise Banking. "Together with Revation Systems, we're providing the innovative technology necessary to increase customer satisfaction and reduce friction in he customer journey."



Additional LinkLive Banking features include secure desktop sharing, encrypted email, and service chatbots with keyword recognition. The software also utilizes AI to provide fast, automated answers to common questions and requests. "Before the pandemic, adopting video banking technology to improve digital customer service was merely a long-term goal for most banks. COVID-19 has significantly altered the way consumers communicate with their banks, making video banking now an urgent priority for institutions to deploy," said Perry Price, CEO of Revation Systems. "As video banking becomes the new normal, banks must also prioritize the security of the technology they select. By reducing operating costs with an all-in-one full digital customer service solution in the cloud, LinkLive Banking offers immense benefits to both financial institutions and consumers."

About Revation Systems Revation Systems makes and secures intelligent customer connections to help people live healthier lives and achieve financial security. LinkLive by Revation is the industry's first all-in-one cloud-based unified communications platform to deliver secure and compliant messaging including real-time video, live chat, instant messaging (IM), IM hunt groups, SMS and email. Additionally, Revation is the first to offer presence capabilities, which alert customers in real-time to service personnel's availability. Trusted by healthcare, banking and other organizations managing sensitive data, LinkLive is HIPAA compliant and HITRUST CSF certified. For more information about Revation Systems, visit www.revation.com. About Computer Services, Inc. Computer Services, Inc. (CSI) delivers innovative financial technology and regulatory compliance solutions to financial institutions and corporate customers across the nation. Through a combination of expert service, cutting-edge technology and a customer-first mentality, CSI excels at driving businesses forward in a rapidly changing industry. CSI's expertise and commitment to authentic partnerships has resulted in the company's inclusion in such top industry-wide rankings as the FinTech 100, American Banker's Best Fintechs to Work For and MSPmentor Top 501 Global Managed Service Providers List. CSI's stock is traded on OTCQX under the symbol CSVI. For more information about CSI, visit www.csiweb.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005323/en/

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DUBLIN (dpa-AFX) - Experian plc. (EXPN.L), an information services company, on Tuesday has lifted its revenue forecast for the second quarter ending September 30, citing stronger trading in July and August. In its trading update, the company said it now expects Group organic revenue growth for the second quarter to be in the range 3 to 5 percent. Further, the company now expects organic growth in costs of between 2 and 3 percent for the first half. In July, the company had stated that it expected organic revenue would be in the range of flat to minus 5 percent and that organic costs for the first half would be held broadly flat. The outlook revision was helped by further strength in US mortgage, which is expected to contribute 3 percentage points to growth in the quarter, as well as strength in its services. 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.
Covid-19 patients have active and prolonged gut viral infection, even in the absence of gastrointestinal symptoms, scientists in Hong Kong showed.

The coronavirus may continue to infect and replicate in the digestive tract after clearing in the airways, researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong said in a statement Monday. The findings, published in the medical journal GUT, have implications for identifying and treating cases, they said.

SARS-CoV-2 spreads mainly through respiratory droplets -- spatters of virus-laden discharge from the mouth and nose, according to the World Health Organization. Since the first weeks of the pandemic, however, scientists in China have said infectious virus in the stool of patients may also play a role in transmission.

A February study of 73 patients hospitalized with the coronavirus in Chinas Guangdong province found more than half tested positive for the virus in their stool.

The Hong Kong scientists studied stool samples from 15 patients to better understand the viruss activity in the gastrointestinal tract. They found active gut infection in seven patients, some of whom had no nausea, diarrhea or other digestive symptoms. Three patients continued to display active viral infection as long as six days after their respiratory samples tested negative for Covid-19.

The finding highlights the importance of long-term coronavirus and health surveillance and the threat of potential fecal-oral viral transmissions, Siew Chien Ng, associate director of the universitys Centre for Gut Microbiota Research, said in the statement.

Treatments that modulate the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome should be explored, according to Ng. The gut bacteria of patients who were particularly infectious showed a loss of protective microbes and a proliferation of disease-causing ones.

The Chinese University has offered free screening stool tests to travelers arriving at the airport since late March, and identified six infected children among more than 2,000 samples tested. From Monday, up to 2,000 Covid-19 tests will be done daily as part of targeted detection of asymptomatic people.

More than one patient tested positive even though their respiratory samples were negative, said Francis K.L. Chan, the universitys dean of medicine and director of the Centre for Gut Microbiota Research.

Stool test is accurate and safe, making it suitable and more effective for Covid-19 screening for specific groups of people, Chan said in the statement. Some regulators including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have reached out about stool tests.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)

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"Pure Relief always aims to curate the best quality products and bring them to customers in a consumer-friendly way," says Michael Melton, Pure Relief Founder and CEO. "We're confident that our new Immune Support gummies will allow our customers to receive all the benefits of CBD seamlessly integrated into their everyday routine."

The new Immune Support Gummies are vegan and support a daily wellness regimen. As part of the special launch of the company's new product, which are priced at $59.99 with a subscribe and save option of a ten percent discount, those who order will receive a complimentary Pure Relief cloth face mask.

CBD gummies are made with natural fruit and hemp extracts, offering users a delicious way to enjoy all the benefits associated with CBD. The suggested serving for the new Immune Support gummies is one piece, twice daily.

To purchase Pure Relief's new Immune Support gummies, visit www.purerelief.com .

ABOUT PURE RELIEF

Pure Relief was founded by former tire store owner Michael Melton, who saw in CBD a solution to the opioid epidemic in his home state of North Carolina. The company's mission is to offer the best CBD products to help people find their moments of relief. Pure Relief is deeply committed to educating customers by making sure they understand CBD and how hemp-derived products can improve their lives.

CONTACT: Chad Fabrikant, 305-438-9200, [email protected]

SOURCE Pure Relief

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Influencer Charly Jordan has apologised for travelling to Rwanda during the coronavirus pandemic. (Getty Images)

TikTok star Charly Jordan has apologised for travelling to Rwanda in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic.

The model  who has over three million Instagram followers  travelled from her home in the US to the East African country on 2 September in order to take part in a nature trek to see endangered silverback gorillas in their natural habitat.

Jordan then posted an emotional video on social media platform TikTok complaining of the treatment she had received after testing positive for COVID-19 during her stay.

The social media influencer told her 1.8m TikTok followers that she tested positive and literally the f***ing government showed up at my place, and came and dragged me away from everybody I was with, and I dont speak the language, and they locked me in this fucking room. And I cant leave.

Read more: Neil Buchanan denies bizarre Banksy rumours

She added: I dont know how long Im going to be here, and they wont tell me anything.

Jordan has since removed the video and apologised for reaction, revealing that she was quarantined for two days before her result were confirmed to be a false positive and she was allowed to return home.

Writing on her Instagram stories she said: The video I uploaded to TikTok was very emotional. I never meant to offend anyone and I take full responsibility for my actions.

I got separated from my group and was very confused because of the language barrier and shouldve educated myself before travelling. I shouldve thought about what I was doing before reacting.

I have learned my lesson and I know I shouldnt have travelled during this time. I will do better in future.

I was alone and scared, watching it back I realise how inappropriate and reactive the video was. I never meant to offend anyone, I was just trying to figure out what was going on for a few days while I was alone and getting no answers.

Story continues

Charly Jordan had travelled to Rwanda to take part in a promotional trip with an animal conservation organisation. (Getty Images)

Rwanda is one of only 30 countries currently open with restrictions to US citizens, due to high rates of COVID-19 in the US.

Jordan said she had already had coronavirus three months earlier, and had tested negative before travelling.

She said she did, everything by the books and in accordance to the Rwandan and US government to make her trip safe.

The TikToker said all members of her party were tested two days before leaving and confirmed negative, and were again tested on arrival in Rwanda, while in quarantine until their results were again confirmed negative.

Read more: Paul Gascoigne makes appeal to crooks who stole dad's things

Three days later Jordan was tested before leaving the country and when the result came back positive she was held in quarantine for two days until she had received two negative test results, when she then allowed to return to the US.

While replying to comments on her TikTok video during her time in quarantine she had complained: The US shouldnt be letting anyone be travelling out of the country.
- By Sydnee Gatewood





After slimming several of its positions in bank stocks during the second quarter, Warren Buffett (Trades, Portfolio)'s Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.A)(NYSE:BRK.B) revealed last week it further curbed its long-held stake in Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC) by 42.1%.





The legendary guru, who leads the Omaha, Nebraska-based insurance conglomerate, follows a long-term value investing approach that focuses on companies that have understandable business models, favorable long-term prospects and competent management teams that are available at attractive prices.

According to GuruFocus Real-Time Picks, a Premium feature, Berkshire divested of 100.02 million shares of the San Francisco-based bank on Aug. 14, impacting the equity portfolio by -1.25%. It now owns a total of 137.5 million shares, which is a steep decline from the approximately 480 million shares held three years ago. The stock traded for an average price of $25.30 per share on the day of the transaction.

Once Berkshire's largest, and then second-largest, position, Wells Fargo now represents only 1.74% of the equity portfolio.

Warren Buffett Continues to Cash Out of Wells Fargo

Buffett has been invested in the stock since 1989, growing the stake to the maximum 10% of outstanding shares by 1991. As the bank grew and acquired other businesses over the years, he was able to continue adding to his holding.

In 2017, the 480 million shares held accounted for 9.9% of Wells Fargo's total shares. Valued at approximately $12 billion, Buffett's average purchase price is $24 per share, which is about where the stock is trading currently. Therefore, for the 30 years the guru has held the stock, GuruFocus calculated his return is almost zero with the exception of dividends.

In comparison, the average annual return of the S&P 500 over the same period was 10%. If Buffett had invested in the index as opposed to Wells Fargo, his $12 billion investment would have made at least $20 billion. While he has lost around $4 billion on airline stocks and about $3 billion on International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM), both were relatively small holdings. As such, it could be argued that his biggest mistake of the past three decades is really Wells Fargo since he invested a lot of time and money in the stock.

Story continues

Valuation and performance

The bank has a $100.61 billion market cap; its shares were trading around $24.39 on Monday with a price-earnings ratio of 28.06, a price-book ratio of 0.64 and a price-sales ratio of 1.33.

The Peter Lynch chart shows the stock is trading above its fair value, suggesting it is overpriced. The GuruFocus valuation rank of 9 out of 10, however, leans more toward undervaluation since the share price, price-book ratio and price-sales ratio are all near 10-year lows.

Warren Buffett Continues to Cash Out of Wells Fargo

GuruFocus rated Wells Fargo's financial strength 3 out of 10 and its profitability 4 out of 10.

Following his initial investment in Wells Fargo, Buffett cautioned in his 1989 shareholder letter that investing in banks is risky.

"We don't actually like investments like banks," he wrote. "Banks are highly leveraged and their total assets are 20 times the shareholder's capital. So any mistake will be magnified. So we are not interested in buying poorly managed banks. We must buy well-managed banks."

He added that he felt Wells Fargo was different as it was very well managed and had a high return on assets.

That opinion appears to have changed, however, after the bank was engulfed in a scandal related to its employees opening millions of fake accounts without customers' consent in 2016. While management initially tried to cover up the fraud, an investigation found it to be a company-wide problem. Among the many repercussions that resulted from this incident were large fines, lawsuits and the Federal Reserve implementing an asset cap of $1.95 trillion. While the asset cap has been temporarily lifted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it still will be several years before it is permanently removed.

In an interview with CNBC's Becky Quick in February, Buffett noted that banking is a good business if "you don't do dumb things on the asset side." While Wells Fargo unfortunately falls into this category due to the scandal, he also said the bank is "classic in terms of one lesson," which is it should have addressed the problem "immediately."

"You can cause people to do the wrong thing because they will do what they are incentivized to do," he said. "They obviously had a very dumb incentive system; people started playing it various ways, and the big thing is they ignored it when they found out about it. I mean, you are going to do dumb things in business, we do them every day, but you absolutely have to attack a problem as soon as it occurs and you know about it. If that had happened, Wells Fargo shareholders would be a lot better off."

As a result of Wells Fargo's inaction, Buffett said shareholders are now paying the consequences several years after the fact. He did clarify, however, that the effects of the scandal is not specifically why Berkshire has been whittling down its position in the stock.

Buffett remains Wells Fargo's largest guru shareholder with a 3.34% stake. Other top guru investors include Dodge & Cox, PRIMECAP Management (Trades, Portfolio), Hotchkis & Wiley, Chris Davis (Trades, Portfolio), Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, the T Rowe Price Equity Income Fund (Trades, Portfolio), Richard Pzena (Trades, Portfolio), Pioneer Investments (Trades, Portfolio), First Eagle Investment (Trades, Portfolio)s and Jeremy Grantham (Trades, Portfolio).

Additional trades and portfolio composition

During the second quarter, the guru also trimmed his position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) by 61.52% and sold out of Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE:GS). In addition, he reduced the holdings of U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB), M&T Bank Corp. (NYSE:MTB) and PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (NYSE:PNC).

Buffett isn't completely bearish on the banking sector, though. Over the past several months, Berkshire has been adding to its stake in Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC). It now holds an 11.92% stake in the Charlotte, North Carolina-based bank, which is valued at around $28.2 billion and was the second-largest holding as of the end of the quarter.

The guru's $202.41 billion equity portfolio consisted of 44 stocks as of June 30. A majority of the portfolio was invested in technology stocks at 45.76%, while the financial services sector has a weight of 31.72% and the consumer defensive space represents 15.01%.

Warren Buffett Continues to Cash Out of Wells Fargo

Disclosure: No positions.

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A man in his 50s has been found dead inside a home - with a neighbour claiming a dog is at the centre of the attack.

Emergency services were called to a home on Halvorson Street, Morley, 10km northeast of Perth's CBD, at 8.10pm on Monday.

A 36-year-old man is helping police with their investigation.

A dog is understood to be at the centre of the mysterious death, the ABC reported.

Mike Scott said his neighbour began to bang on his door at 7.30pm - moments before emergency services arrived.

Emergency services were called to a home on Halvorson Street, Morley, 10km northeast of Perth's CBD, at 8pm on Monday

A 36-year-old man is helping police with their investigation and an animal ranger was also called to the scene

A dog is understood to be at the centre of the mysterious death, the ABC reported (stock image)

'[He was] just sort of saying a dog had attacked somebody in his house and that it was pretty gruesome,' Mr Scott said.

'And as that was happening, police and ambos turned up  he was pretty panicky.

'Hopefully it was just a bad accident and nothing worse than that.'

An council animal ranger was also called to the scene, in addition to homicide detectives.

Titan Wiwanno, who lives nearby, confirmed a big dog lives at the home, and it often barked and tried to climb the fence.

He told the West Australian he didn't know the man but often saw him come in and out of his home.

Police, along with forensics team, are expected to be at the property for most of the day

'I came back from the gym (last night) and all I saw were all police cars and ambulances,' he said.

'It's sad... he seems like a pretty nice guy.

'I always see him and wave.'

Police, along with forensics team, are expected to be at the property for most of the day.
Tearing through the parched Sierra National Forest in Central California, the Creek Fire exploded into a fierce inferno over the weekend, devouring forest land and trapping hundreds of people. Below is an overview of this monstrous blaze.

Location: The fire started near Big Creek and Huntington Lake in Fresno County, about 300 miles north of Los Angeles, on Friday, Sept. 4, just after 6:3o p.m.

On Saturday afternoon the blaze exploded in size, jumping the San Joaquin River and cutting off the only road into the Mammoth Pool Campground trapping some 200 people. The fire also cut off an exit route to Shaver Lake where a group at the boat ramp was escorted to safety.

The blaze continues to rage around Shaver and Huntington lakes, and these areas are under mandatory evacuation orders.

Officials hope to keep the fire from pushing west toward Yosemite National Park.

Acreage and containment: Since starting Friday, the Creek Fire has consumed 152,833 acres as of early Wednesday morning, Cal Fire officials said. The fire has zero containment.

The blaze is one of many recent major fires that has displayed terrifyingly swift movement. The fire moved 15 miles and burned 56 square miles in a single day during the weekend.

Potential full containment date: In its most recent incident update posted Tuesday morning, Cal Fire said it expected to have the Creek Fire fully contained by Oct. 15, 2020.

Cause: Under investigation

Damage update: Three hundred and sixty structures have been destroyed as of Wednesday morning; of those, 60 are single-family homes. Firefighters are trying to protect 5,296 threatened structures.

Firefighters working in steep terrain saved the tiny town of Shaver Lake from flames that roared down hillsides toward a marina. About 30 houses were destroyed in the remote hamlet of Big Creek, resident Toby Wait said.

About half the private homes in town burned down, he said. Words cannot even begin to describe the devastation of this community.

A school, church, library, historic general store and a major hydroelectric plant were spared in the community of about 200 residents, Wait told the Fresno Bee.

Casualties and rescues: There have been no fatalities.

Early Tuesday, California National Guard and Navy helicopters rescued 13 people from the China Peak area and 22 from Lake Edison and flew them to Fresno Air Terminal, the Guard said. The rescue flights were thwarted earlier by heavy smoke Monday night.

On Saturday, National Guard rescuers in two military helicopters airlifted 214 people to safety after flames trapped them in a wooded camping area near Mammoth Pool Reservoir. Two people were seriously injured and were among the 12 total individuals hospitalized.

Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Rosamond, the pilot of a Chinook helicopter, said visibility was poor and winds increasingly strong during the three flights he made into the fire zone during the operation that started late Saturday and stretched into Sunday. His crew relied on night-vision goggles to search for a landing spot near a boat launch where flames came within 50 feet of the aircraft.

The injured, along with women and children, took priority on the first airlift, which filled both helicopters to capacity, he said.

We started getting information about how many people were out there, how many people to expect, and that number kept growing. So we knew that it was a dire situation, Rosamond said.

Evacuations: Find the latest evacuations for Fresno and Madera counties on the Cal Fire Twitter feed.

Air quality: The Creek Fire is pumping out massive amounts of smoke spreading throughout California.

The National Weather Service shared a satellite image Tuesday showing nearly all of California blanketed in wildfire smoke. This is due to the Creek Fire and multiple other blazes around the state. The air quality in a large area stretching from north to south along the Sierra Nevada was at a "hazardous" level Tuesday morning.

Smoke from the Creek Fire is expected to impact the Bay Area. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has a Spare the Air Alert in effect through Wednesday, which makes it illegal to burn wood or wood products.

For air quality updates visit AirNow.gov.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

MORE WILDFIRE COVERAGE:

Photos show scope, destruction of Bay Area wildfires

'Saddened': Oldest state park in Calif. closed for at least a year due to wildfire damage

Will wildfire evacuations accelerate the spread of coronavirus in the Bay Area?

California wildfires now as big as the Grand Canyon

10 things to do if a wildfire is approaching your house

How to keep your pets safe from wildfire smoke

Amy Graff is the news editor for SFGATE.
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Linkedin Kerem Yucel and Elodie Cuzin (Agence France-Presse) Milwaukee, United States  Tue, September 8, 2020 09:24 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c435c380 2 World US-presidential-election,US-presidential-race,White-House,Joe-Biden,Donald-Trump Free

Democrat Joe Biden, his running mate Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's vice president Mike Pence head to key swing states on Labor Day -- kicking off the final stretch of the White House race in a nation battered by the COVID-19 pandemic and facing a historic reckoning on race.

Trump, who rarely stays out of the spotlight for long, was remaining at the White House but announced a surprise news conference for 1:00 pm (1700 GMT), where he was expected to tout some positive financial numbers on a day dedicated to the nation's workers.

"Biggest and Fastest Financial Recovery In History," he said in an early morning tweet.

With less than two months until the November 3 election, the dueling campaigns are anything but traditional, knocked off stride by the multiple layers of turmoil.

Candidates who normally would be skipping daily from state to state to speak before big crowds are limiting their movements and doing much more virtually.

And the sometimes violent anti-racism protests and counter-protests -- including one expected later Monday in Portland -- lend an explosive and unpredictable element to the campaign.

Biden headed Monday to Pennsylvania, the state of his birth, where he kicked off with a socially-distant meeting with leaders of the huge AFL-CIO trade union.

At 77, he last week picked up the pace of campaigning but, citing the COVID-19 threat, has been far more cautious than Trump, who at 74 has appeared before hundreds of supporters.

Still, polls show Biden maintaining a persistent, if not insurmountable, lead over Trump, with both men increasingly focusing on key upper Midwest states like Wisconsin, where polling is closer.

Harris, in her highest-profile political sortie since Biden named her running mate, headed to Wisconsin on Monday where she followed in Biden's footsteps by reportedly meeting the family of Jacob Blake -- an African American whose shooting by police touched off widespread protests and rioting last month.

The child of immigrant parents, the 55-year-old California senator is both the first black and the first person of Indian descent on a major-party presidential ticket. Black participation dropped in Wisconsin in 2016, and its mobilization could be key this year.

Harris will also seek to appeal to the important labor vote, meeting with electrical union workers and then black businesspeople in Milwaukee. She is expected to argue that Trump's handling of the pandemic has been incompetent, harming the economy and American workers.

Battling for Wisconsin votes

Pence was also heading to Wisconsin -- marking the first time both vice presidential candidates have spoken in the same state on the same day -- to deliver remarks to an energy cooperative in the western city of La Crosse.

He is expected to argue that a second Trump term would bring a strong economic revival.

Wisconsin has become a dynamic electoral battleground, even more so after Blake's shooting.

Having seen Hillary Clinton narrowly lose Wisconsin to Trump in a 2016 shocker, Biden and Harris appear determined not to neglect the state's voters.

A racial tinderbox

Trump, in his news conference, seems likely to be asked about a report in The Atlantic magazine that he has frequently been dismissive of the military and its veterans, charges he angrily denies but which could be damaging, with polling shows his support waning among US troops.

Up to now, the shadow of the coronavirus has produced a somewhat muted campaign, with Biden originally spending so much time in his Delaware home that Trump taunted him about coming out of "his basement."

But the sometimes violent anti-racism protests around the nation, rumbling on unabated and creating a tinderbox situation, are drawing strong words from both presidential candidates.

Trump, blaming the violence on "radicals" and "anarchists," has positioned himself as a law-and-order candidate, openly supporting some right-wing counter-protesters.

Already high tensions in the Oregon city of Portland were further raised Monday by plans for a pro-Trump motorcade into the city, which has seen more than 100 days of protests and two deaths among protesters on either side.

More protests were also expected in the New York city of Rochester, where a black man with psychological problems, Daniel Prude, died after being placed in a hood and forced face-down on a road by police.

Five nights of protests have erupted in the city, whose mayor Lovely Warren has vowed in response to "transform" policing in the city.

Biden recently issued a sharp denunciation of the violence and looting that have accompanied some protests, even while vowing to speak out against racism as the country's "original sin."
28 soldiers have died in Fort Hood, Texas this year and Congress believes there may be a leadership problem

Congress is applying pressure on the Army to provide information in regard to the alarming number of soldier deaths. On Tuesday, two house sub-panels joined forces and are requesting additional information in regards to the 28 deaths at Fort Hood, Texas.

Pvt. Corlton Chee, 25, is the 28th recent death at Fort Hood. The young soldier collapsed after participating in physical fitness training and died on Sept. 2. As reported by theGrio, his passing comes on the heels of the death of Vanessa Guillen, the soldier whose bodily remains were found near Fort Hood after her disappearance.

Vanessa Guillen (Social Media)

Read More: Missing Fort Hood soldier, Vanessa Guillen, confirmed dead

Fort Hood has a reputation as one of the militarys most disturbed instillations. The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel and the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on National Security are requesting information surrounding the deaths and are giving the Army until October 2nd to provide answers.

According to The Hill, Heads of the subgroups, Reps. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) and Stephen Lynch (D-Mass), sent a letter to Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy to announce the groups, are jointly investigating whether an alarming pattern of recent tragedies at Fort Hood, Texas, may be symptomatic of underlying leadership, discipline, and morale deficiencies throughout the chain-of-command.

WASHINGTON, DC  JULY 29: House Armed Services Committee subcommittee Chair Jackie Speier (D-CA) conducts a hearing about sexual harassment and retaliation in the armed forces in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill July 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. The hearing is a part of a ongoing effort by Congress and the military to stop sexual assault and harassment, especially in the wake of the April 22 murder of 20-year-old Private First Class Vanessa Guillen who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The letter goes on to say, Where appropriate, we intend to seek justice on behalf of those in uniform, and their families, who may have been failed by a military system and culture that was ultimately responsible for their care and protection.

Read More: States plan for cuts as Congress deadlocks on more virus aid

There have been about 129 felonies annually between 2014-2019 at Fort Hood that range between assault, homicide, kidnapping, sexual assault, and robbery. Back in July, McCarthy said the service will look into these tragedies independently, but per The Hill, the reps say that will not suffice.

Story continues

Where appropriate, we intend to seek justice on behalf of those in uniform, and their families, who may have been failed by a military system and culture that was ultimately responsible for their care and protection.

Have you subscribed to theGrios podcast Dear Culture? Download our newest episodes now!

The post Lawmakers are investigating the string of soldier deaths at Fort Hood appeared first on TheGrio.
On Aug. 29, activists in Montreal toppled a statue of Sir John A. Macdonald that had stood in the Place du Canada for more than 100 years. The action came at the end of a march of about 200 protestors led by the Coalition for BIPOC Liberation. They were call for the defunding of the police and an increased investment in social services benefitting Black and Indigenous peoples.

Officials widely condemned the action. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau denounced vandalism as the wrong approach to seek progress and justice. We are a country of laws, he insisted, and we are a country that needs to respect those laws even as we seek to improve and change them.

That the first prime minister, considered by many as the architect of Canadas genocide against Indigenous peoples, would fall, seemed only a matter of time.

But why protestors have focused so much of their rage on seemingly benign statues has perplexed many onlookers. Why cant they, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggests, obey the law while they seek structural reforms?

The answer lies in the symbolic potency of monuments and what their erections and destructions signify about who holds power in the public sphere.

Monuments are, above all else, markers of public space. Their imposing presence in parks, squares and outside official buildings are statements of who and what we value. Likewise, by towering over public spaces, monuments imply the popular approval of the communities in which they stand, and intimidate and exclude those who dont identify with these collective ideals.

Monuments are also a declaration of what we have chosen to remember. While some claim that destroying statues of historical figures erases history, monuments are not symbols of history, but rather historical memory. They represent the stories we tell ourselves about our shared past.

By commemorating a chosen few, monuments advance a historical narrative that centres the character and achievements of (often) powerful white men, many of whom were responsible for the oppression of marginalized groups.

In recent years, the distance has widened between the values and narratives these monuments stand for and what a significant segment of the community believes. The popular reckoning with the racist and imperialist origins and legacies of Western nations has made statues to these historical leaders seem jarringly disconnected to the growing consciousness.

Rather than patriotic symbols of national greatness, to many, they appear as offensive celebrations of past atrocities.

These racist monuments dont deserve space, wrote the Coalition for BIPOC Liberation on its Facebook page. Symbols of hate encourage the mental oppression of marginalized people ... and encourage white supremacist attitudes.

Recognizing that monuments are methods of control over public space and historical memory means accepting that their destruction constitutes a challenge to that control. To diminish these actions as illegal vandalism or defacement ignores the complexity of the political action involved.

These protests are contesting the racist and imperialist systems that inspired, created and protected these statues. That they are powered by popular organizing and occur outside of official institutions and structures is entirely the point.
Details of the unexpected Sept. 4 meeting in Ankara between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani are beginning to emerge, with sources confirming that it was prompted by French President Emmanuel Macrons visit earlier last week to Baghdad.

Turkeys powerful spy chief Hakan Fidan was the only other person in the room during the approximately 80-minute-long conversation. Barzani spoke English. Fidan did the translating, the sources said.

As Macron throws his weight behind Greece and Cyprus, pressing for EU sanctions on Ankara in the escalating row over drilling rights in the eastern Mediterranean, Erdogan was keen to learn what Macron discussed with Iraqi leaders, well-placed sources briefing Al-Monitor said. Barzani also met with Macron in Baghdad.

The sources denied suggestions that Barzani would be assuming a mediating role between France and Turkey or would travel to Paris in the wake of his talks with Erdogan.

Barzani did, however, carry a conciliatory message from Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to Erdogan. The dust has settled, one of the sources said, without elaborating on the substance of the message.

Tensions between Ankara and Baghdad soared after two senior Iraqi officers were killed in a Turkish airstrike targeting Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants last month. Baghdad canceled a planned visit by Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar in retaliation and lobbied Arab states to unite against Ankara in support of Iraqs sovereignty.

Now, either Akar or Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu can be expected to visit Baghdad in the near future and Kadhimi to then come to Ankara on his first official visit since the former Iraqi intel chief became prime minister in May, the sources said.

On Sept. 5, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced it had ended anti-PKK operations in the Haftanin area of Iraqi Kurdistan that borders Turkey. But Turkish attacks are continuing elsewhere across Iraqi Kurdistan, with civilians squeezed in the middle.

An investigation launched in June by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) parliament found that 504 villages had been emptied since 1992, mainly as a result of Turkish land incursions and airstrikes. Most of the displacement occurred in the Dahuk and Erbil provinces, according to Rudaw, which published the parliamentary commissions findings the day after Barzani met with Erdogan.

Rudaw said that in the space of one month, from June 5 to July 4, Turkish forces fired almost 669 shells and 70 rockets at border villages in Zakho. Around 50 civilians have been killed since Turkey first began targeting the region in 1992, with the number of Turkish bases rising from four to 18.

Checkpoints set up by Turkish forces and village guards, which is a Kurdish paramilitary force paid by the Turkish state, have added to local fury against Turkey and the KRG alike. The checkpoints in the Haftanin area are now being dismantled.

PKK sources aired skepticism over the Turkish announcement, saying Turkish attacks were likely to continue in Haftanin. The pause was at best a temporary measure to ease domestic pressure on Barzani and to placate Baghdad, a PKK source speaking on condition of anonymity told Al-Monitor via WhatsApp from Iraqi Kurdistan. Hours after that interview, Turkish fighter jets and artillery struck several villages in Kani Masi in the Amedi region of Dahuk, local Mayor Sarbast Sabri said. "These bombings have been ongoing since yesterday. They have caused massive material damages to groves and orchards, burning a large number of trees," Sabri told Rudaw Sept. 8.

Murat Karayilan, commander of the Peoples Defense Forces, the PKKs military wing, is thought to be currently based in the Amedi region and responsible for the groups activities in Syria as well.

The recent redeployment of Bahoz Erdal, the PKKs senior-most Syrian Kurdish commander, to northeast Syria was raised during Fridays talks between the Turkish and Iraqi Kurdish delegations, the sources said. Turkey has placed a bounty on Erdals head and claimed on numerous occasions to have killed him, only for Erdal to pop up on pro-PKK TV channels to prove the opposite.

Sinjar, the Yazidi majority area bordering Syria, also came up, the sources added. The PKK helped rescue thousands of Yazidis in Sinjar from the clutches of the Islamic State (IS) in August 2014, as the jihadis butchered thousands of others abandoned by Kurdistan Democratic Party-affiliated Peshmerga forces who were supposed to defend them, as many Yazidis see things. An unknown number of PKK militants has remained entrenched in Sinjar ever since.

Turkey claims that Sinjar serves as a land bridge for the militants connecting their headquarters in the Qandil Mountains near the Iranian border to northeast Syria, where PKK-linked Kurds are in power. Turkey wants the PKK removed from Sinjar at all costs. In June, it carried out a wave of airstrikes against the PKK-friendly Sinjar Resistance Units (YBS), sowing terror among the local population still traumatized by IS.

Baghdad pays YBS salaries, as they are considered to be part of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) created to fight IS. KRG officials insist the most effective way of weakening the PKKs grip over Sinjar  and hence, to deflect Turkish attacks  would be for Baghdad to cut off the YBS salaries. Washington has pressured Baghdad to do so, and Baghdad has promised to comply. But it has failed to follow through. Though Kadhimi understands the problem," he has other, more pressing priorities, one of the sources said.

A compromise formula was floated a year ago to create a local police force drawn from the YBS and those who fled the area when IS unleashed its genocidal campaign in 2014.

Murad Ismael, a prominent Yazidi activist and former director of Yazda, a global Yazidi organization, believes all armed groups in Sinjar should come under the authority of Iraqs Defense and Interior ministries. He says several federal police brigades could be formed to enlist current members of these groups.

The YBS, which consists of some 2,500 Yazidi locals, along with other armed groups in Sinjar, including Yazidi PMU, should all be assimilated into these brigades, Ismael told Al-Monitor.

These brigades, along with Yazidi peshmerga forces who are currently based near the Syrian border, as well as local Arabs of Sinjar, can be part of a comprehensive security mechanism to protect the entire west and north of Ninevah, as well as to defend Iraqs border with Syria, Ismael added. Sinjar, or Shingal as it's called in Kurdish, is part of Ninevah province. There are around 4,000 Yazidis serving under the peshmerga command, according to the KRG.

An estimated 219,000 Yazidis remain stuck in displacement camps in neighboring Dahuk province. A steady trickle has started to return to their homes in Sinjar despite adverse conditions all aggravated by the coronavirus pandemic. Ninevah Gov. Najm al-Jabouri said last week that thousands of Yazidis had returned to Sinjar, but he gave no precise figures.

Its so critical [that they do] but also so complicated, observed Sherri Kraham Talabany, president of Kurdistan-based SEED Foundation, a local charity that is involved in combatting domestic violence and aiding displaced Yazidis.

Competing factions and militias contribute to a lack of stability and security, bombing from neighboring Turkey, and the lack of livelihoods all make it extremely challenging and complicated, not to mention the basic housing and infrastructure is still not in place, Talabany told Al-Monitor in emailed comments.

One critical step the government of Iraq can do to support the well-being of the Yezidi population and aid their return home is addressing the issue of reparations for survivors of [IS]. Those who spent time in [IS] captivity, whether as a slave or a child soldier, have extensive medical, mental health and other humanitarian needs. Children need access to education urgently, and boys in particular need to make up for the years they spent in madrasas being brainwashed.

On Sept. 6, an Iraqi official said the central government would provide a 10 million dinar grant  about $8,300  to each Yazidi family that returned to Sinjar. And Macron pledged during a joint news conference with Kadhimi: We will do our best to help you, especially in Shingal, to help the Yazidis.

Some 2,880 men and women abducted by IS remain missing, according to the KRGs Office for Rescuing Kidnapped Yazidis. Barzani flew back from Ankara to Erbil with two Yazidi children in tow who were handed over by Turkish authorities. The boy, age 11, and the girl, age 10, were abducted in Sinjar in 2014. The whereabouts of their parents and four other siblings remain unknown.
Syringes filled with an unidentified vaccine in a factory of the pharmaceutical group Sanofi in Val-de-Reuil in France

The CEOs of nine companies developing vaccines against COVID-19 on Tuesday pledged to "uphold the integrity of the scientific process" amid concern Donald Trump will pressure regulators to approve a vaccine ahead of the presidential election in November.

"We, the undersigned biopharmaceutical companies, want to make clear our ongoing commitment to developing and testing potential vaccines for COVID-19 in accordance with high ethical standards and sound scientific principles," said the CEOs.

The statement was signed by AstraZeneca, BioNTech, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Moderna, Novavax, Pfizer and Sanofi.

Specifically, the companies said they would only seek emergency authorizations for vaccines "after demonstrating safety and efficacy through a Phase 3 clinical study that is designed and conducted to meet requirements of expert regulatory authorities such as FDA," the Food and Drug Administration.

Some experts and former officials of this agency worry it has become politicized after it issued emergency use authorizations for two COVID-19 treatments without sufficient proof.

Both hydroxychloroquine, whose authorization was later revoked over safety fears, and blood plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients, were touted by Trump.

Joe Biden, the Democratic candidate for president, has accused Trump of "undermining public confidence" by regularly raising the possibility a vaccine will be ready ahead of the election on November 3.

Stephen Hahn, the head of the FDA, has also guaranteed that only science will decide when a vaccine is ready.

In theory, the FDA has to rely on independent expert committees that oversee clinical trials before they give their green light. The makers themselves must also apply for authorization.

Among the companies, Moderna and Pfizer are in the most advanced stages of their trials, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has asked states to have distribution networks ready by November 1.

The widely-respected Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, has said the results of clinical trials aren't expected to be known until the final two months of the year.

"I think it's extremely unlikely but not impossible," that the trials will have results to show before the election, Moncef Slaoui, the scientific head of the White House program tasked with producing and delivering vaccine doses, told NPR.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2020 AFP
BALI : A spike in coronavirus infections in Indonesia's holiday island of Bali and Thailand's first locally transmitted case in 100 days have dealt further blows to Southeast Asian hopes of reviving vital tourism industries.

Plans to reopen Bali to foreign tourists from September have been postponed indefinitely, while Thailand's proposal for the cautious reopening of Phuket island has come into doubt.

As well as trying to encourage domestic tourism industries, some Southeast Asian countries have been considering "travel bubbles" with others as a way to get businesses restarted.

Bali initially appeared to weather the health crisis better than other parts of Indonesia, which has suffered Southeast Asia's biggest death toll by far. But coronavirus cases have spiked after it reopened its borders to domestic tourism at the end of July.

"Increasing domestic tourism is one important factor for increasing cases in Bali," said Dr Pandu Riono, an epidemiologist from the University of Indonesia.

While Ketut Suarjaya, the head of Bali's health agency, said domestic tourism was not to blame for the spike in cases, others see Bali's experience as a warning of the dangers of reopening borders too soon.

Epidemiologists and public health experts said the arrival of tourists in Bali not only made infection from other parts of Indonesia more likely, but underscored shortcomings in fighting the pandemic, namely a lack of testing and contact tracing.

Public health experts also said another likely contributing factor was the arrival of the more infectious mutation of the virus, known as D614G.

Bali posted a record 196 coronavirus cases on Friday, the fifth consecutive daily record. Daily cases in the holiday island almost tripled on average over the past six weeks, while the death tally doubled to 116 over that period.

Bali souvenir shop owner Kamil, who goes only by one name as is common in Indonesia, said he still wasn't doing much business but tried not to get too stressed.

"I just leave it to God because we cannot predict the future," he said. "All we can do now is run the business according to health protocols."

ECONOMIC FALLOUT

Indonesia's economy had its first quarterly contraction in over two decades in the second quarter - with Bali's economy shrinking even more than the rest of the country at nearly 11%.

Thailand, where foreign visitor spending made up over 11% of GDP last year, has been even harder hit by the collapse in tourism despite better managing the pandemic - also contracting the most since the Asian financial crisis in the second quarter.

The country suspended plans for a "travel bubble" agreement with select countries in August as new daily coronavirus cases rose in parts of Asia.

Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the official Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said the cautious reopening of Phuket to foreign tourists would likely be delayed until after the planned start date of Oct. 1.

Yuthasak told Reuters he hoped it would still start during Europe's winter - Thailand's tourist high season.

Vietnam's local tourism reopening, after initially clearing itself of the virus, also took a knock when a new outbreak was discovered in the resort city of Danang in July, forcing it to go under a strict lockdown that was only lifted on Monday.

Back in Indonesia, Kamil said he remained positive as long as his shop stayed open.

"Maybe there will be a customer," he said. (Additional reporting by Agustinus Beo Da Costa in Jakarta, and James Pearson in Hanoi; Writing by Kate Lamb; Editing by Ana Nicolaci da Costa)

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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Tuesday that every K-12 school in the state will be issued a daily Covid-19 report card disclosing testing and case data as well as how well it's implementing reopening plans before kids return to the classroom.

"I think this will give parents confidence, teachers confidence, they'll know on a day-to-day basis exactly what is happening. They won't be reliant on communication from the school district, from the principal, from anyone else," Cuomo said at a press briefing.

Parents will be able to search online for an array of information on state school districts, including how many positive cases they're reporting, the number of students on site, the percentage of students and staff testing positive as well as the number of tests administered by the school.

Cuomo said the New York State Department of Health will publicly report the information, which the local school districts, testing laboratories and local health departments will provide.

"If I'm going to make a decision to send my children back to school, I'm going to be darn sure that the plan is smart, they can do the plan and then I want to know if they're actually implementing the plan," Cuomo said. "It's a big undertaking  I thank the Department of Health in advance  but it's very important."

The announcement comes roughly a month after Cuomo initially gave 749 New York school districts the green light to return students to the classroom this fall  including the nation's largest school district, New York City  with modifications. However, Cuomo left it up to school officials to decide how they return kids in the fall, whether that is in person, online or a mix of both.

"If anybody can open schools, we can open schools. And that's true for every region in the state, period," he said on a call with reporters.

In August, he ordered all districts to submit detailed plans on how they plan to keep children and staff safe for in-person teaching and required school officials to host town hall meetings with staff and parents to discuss potential concerns.
Milwaukee: Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Monday (Tuesday AEST) met with the family of Jacob Blake, a black man who was left paralysed after being shot by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in August.

Harris, who landed in Milwaukee on Monday for her first trip as Joe Biden's running mate, met with Blake's father, two sisters and two members of his legal team. Blake reportedly joined the conversation by phone, according to Bloomberg, as did his mother and lawyers for the family.

Democratic vice-presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris. Credit:AP

Blake, who remains in hospital, was shot seven times by a white police officer in Kenosha and is now paralysed. Blake's shooting sparked protests and violence in the city, including the killing of two protesters by far-right counterprotester Kyle Rittenhouse in late August.

Attorney Ben Crump, representing the family of Blake, said Harris visit with the family was "inspirational and uplifting".
The Sri-Lankan government has recently announced that it intends to remove and replace the bakes on several Chinese train compartments that are used across the nation. According to reports, a total of 100 Chinese train compartments being used in Sri Lanka have faulty brakes that need to be replaced.

Drivers refuse to operate trains with Chinese Compartments

Sri Lanka's Railways General Manager, Dilantha Fernando has stated that train drivers have raised some serious concerns about the fact that the train compartments supplied by China use disk-brakes which are not used in Sri Lanka. He added "the disk brakes are used for high-speed trains. Those do not work in Sri Lanka. So, we are looking at converting the brake system on these train compartments. But it will take time,".

As per reports, Chinese train compartments with disk-brakes have been used in Sri Lanka since 2010 and since then they have been involved in at least 200 accidents or incidents. The concerns of the drivers got so bad that engine drivers in Sri Lanka have refused to operate engines with faulty Chinese compartments. While the authorities change and replace the faulty compartments the trains with faulty Chinese brakes will not be used.

Read: Sri Lanka: Massive Fire On A Stricken Oil Tanker Extinguished, One Dead

Read: Experts Join Efforts To Salvage Burning Tanker Off Sri Lanka

Fire on tanker of the coast of Sri Lanka under control

The Sri Lankan Navy on September 6 announced that the massive blaze aboard an oil tanker that has been burning since, September 3, has finally been extinguished thanks to the cooperation from multiple nations. As per international media reports, The ship began its journey from the port of Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait and was transporting crude oil to an IOC refinery in India.

It is believed that the fire on the tanker began in the engine room and from there spread to the bridge. Fortunately, the fire remained localized and the cargo remains safe with no sign of a possible leak. The tanker had 23 crew members on board, 5 Greek and 18 Philippine nationals among the crew. One member of the crew who was gravely injured in the fire has been confirmed dead while the others have been accounted for.

Read: Indian Railways Refutes Proposal To Decriminalise Begging In Trains And Stations

Read: 80 New Special Trains To Run From Sept 12: Rail Board Chairman

(Input Credit ANI) (Image Credit PTI)
Tenants in eight furnished studios on Rue Glesener were told to leave their homes by 31 August.

The owner of the premises ordered their expulsion without a court order. On 3 September, a sign was affixed to the door stating the electricity would be cut off the following day.

The tenants have been left without electricity and running water since 4 September. Their treatment has sparked outrage among members of the community - the Mieterschutz Letzebuerg tenant protection association staged a protest outside the building, in a move which has garnered support from members of the municipal council and dei Lenk.

The Luxembourg City Social Welfare Office said this was not the first instance in which tenants had been forcibly expelled since the health crisis.

 Domingos Oliveira  Domingos Oliveira  Domingos Oliveira The photos published on this site are subject to copyright and may not be copied, modified, or sold without the prior permission of the owner of the site in question.

Guy Foetz, a city councillor and a founding member of dei Lenk (the Left) political party, said as long as the party was involved, there would be no eviction, as the matter was a clear violation of the right to housing.

The tenant protection association denounced the proprietor's actions and said it was unacceptable to put such pressure on tenants in order to force them out of their homes.

 Domingos Oliveira

The proprietor defended their position, saying the building was in poor condition and required renovation, and said no one had been evicted following a court order.
It took a car wreck to get there, but today chef Andrew Weissman opened the second location of Mr. Juicy, his Olmos Park burger joint that was voted the best in San Antonio by the Express-News. The location had a soft opening last week to train staff.

Running between the original Mr. Juicy on McCullough Avenue and the new spot on San Pedro Avenue last week, Weissmans truck was hit by a car that ran a red light. The other car caught fire, but there were no serious injuries, aside from what Weissman described as a slight concussion and a farewell to his workhorse truck.
Sept 8 (Reuters) - U.S. pipeline company Equitrans Midstream Corp said on Tuesday it remains on track to complete the $5.4-$5.7 billion Mountain Valley natural gas pipeline from West Virginia to Virginia early next year.

That comment follows a decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to issue a new Biological Opinion on Sept. 4, which the project needs to resume construction.

Mountain Valley is one of several U.S. oil and gas pipelines delayed by regulatory and legal fights with environmental and local groups that found problems with federal permits issued by the Trump administration.

In February 2018 when Equitrans started construction of the 303-mile (488-km) pipeline designed to deliver 2 billion cubic feet per day of gas from the Marcellus and Utica shale, it estimated Mountain Valley would cost about $3.5 billion and be completed by the end of 2018.

"We look forward to resolving the few remaining permitting issues, resuming forward construction," Equitrans said.

Equitrans has said it expects to receive new approvals soon from the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that will enable it to finish building the last 8% of the project.

Analysts at Height Capital Markets said they expect FERC will lift its stop-work order in "coming days" and the Army Corps will reauthorize the project's Nationwide Permit 12 to allow stream crossing "shortly thereafter."

"We expect environmentalists and other opponents will challenge each of these permit decisions ... within 1-2 weeks of issuance," Height Capital Markets said, noting "FERC and FWS have had nearly a year to review the permit, so it should be relatively insulated from legal challenges."

Other projects similarly held up include TC Energy Corp's $8 billion Keystone XL and Energy Transfer LP's Dakota Access crude pipelines, which are still involved in court battles.

(Reporting By Scott DiSavino Editing by Marguerita Choy)
Deendayal Antyodaya Rasoi Scheme to provide meals at a subsidised rate to underprivileged people was re-introduced in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday. Now the rate per thali has been increased to 10 from 5, said an officer from the urban development and housing department.

The decision was taken in the fifth virtual cabinet meeting, held on Tuesday through video conferencing.

The scheme, which was launched in 2017 in 49 districts of the state in the name of BJP ideologue Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, had been discontinued by the previous Congress government in May 2019. Then chief minister Kamal Nath had announced to introduce Indira Thali scheme to provide food to poor people at a subsidised rate but the scheme couldnt be implemented.

The initiative replicated the state-run Amma canteens, started by former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, to provide food to the poor at low prices.

After coming to power in March this year, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made an announcement of reintroducing the scheme.

Now, the number of kitchens will be increased from 56 to 100 this year. The urban development department has given the responsibility to run the kitchens. The necessary changes have been made in the scheme to get the financial support as the municipal corporations, which were bearing the responsibility of running the kitchens effectively, had complained of financial crunch earlier, said the officer, who did not wish to be named.

Under the scheme, the food civil supplies and consumer protection department has given responsibility of ensuring the availability of wheat and rice as per demand. Not only this, the state government has also given responsibility for generating funds for smooth implementation of the scheme to the Department of Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), said Narottam Mishra, minister of home department.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. says its probing the role of some employees who may have enabled misuse of Covid-relief funds in what it calls potentially illegal activities.

The New York-based bank said it has seen instances of customers misusing Paycheck Protection Program Loans, unemployment benefits and other government programs and that some employees have fallen short, too, according to a memo to staff from the banks senior leaders Tuesday. The firm said the conduct doesnt meet its principles and may even be illegal.

We are doing all we can to identify those instances and cooperating with law enforcement where appropriate, according to the memo. The bank asked workers to report any conduct that violates its policies.

Trish Wexler, a spokeswoman for the firm, declined to comment.

JPMorgan was the biggest lender in the Small Business Administrations PPP program, which offered a lifeline to businesses reeling from shutdowns tied to the coronavirus pandemic but has caused headaches for banks. The $669 billion program was the centerpiece of the federal coronavirus relief package enacted in March and allowed small businesses to apply for a loans of as much as $10 million each.

The programs rollout was riddled with criticism of banks as technology outages and changing lending rules slowed the process of getting funds to businesses. Lenders later faced accusations that they favored large companies over smaller ones and were assailed on Capitol Hill and sued by angry borrowers. JPMorgan issued about 280,000 loans totaling more than $29 billion, according to SBA data.

The programs scale and efforts to rush funds out quickly may have also made it vulnerable to fraud, according to a watchdog report in June. The U.S. Department of Justice is already pursuing scores of cases of alleged fraud. And a congressional subcommittee found earlier this month that more than $1 billion in federal coronavirus relief went to U.S. small businesses that received multiple loans, according to a report that also raised red flags for potential fraud with thousands of other companies.

In the memo, JPMorgan also applauded workers for staying vigilant while the majority of them worked from home to help stem the spread of the coronavirus. While we know that we are working through a period of unprecedented turmoil, its important to continue to hold ourselves to the highest standards of conduct, the bank said.

Wall Street firms have been summoning more of their workers back to offices in recent weeks and concerns about faltering controls have been among catalysts driving the push.
(AFP via Getty Images)

The wildfires devastating huge areas of California are still roaring out of control, with more than two million acres of land devastated and more than 14,000 firefighters fighting the blazes across the state.

The latest fires have already made this the states worst wildfire season on record  and what are typically the most dangerous months of any year are still to come.

On Monday, authorities evacuated the entire mountain town of Auberry in central California, advising 2,500 people to leave their homes immediately in the face of the advancing Creek Fire. Currently covering more than 130,000 acres and 0 per cent contained, the blaze has led governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in three counties.

As many as 200 people are awaiting rescue from the Sierra National Forest, and the adjacent Yosemite National Park is already taking preventative measures, including closing large areas to all visitors. Small communities have been evacuated in the face of the fires advance, with many buildings destroyed as military helicopters arrived to rescue scores of people from harms way.

The small town of Big Creek was largely engulfed by the fire; while several key buildings survived, including the elementary school and church, around half of its private residences have reportedly been destroyed.

Words cannot even begin to describe the devastation of this community. And it is a very close-knit community, resident Toby Wait told The Fresno Bee.

The Creek Fire is just one of numerous fires burning across the state after a hot and dry season marked by low humidity and high winds. A heatwave over the Labor Day weekend has only made fighting the fires more difficult; while various others are contained, there is an ongoing risk that others may start and sweep quickly across dry landscapes.

Read more

California burning: LA hits record 121F as state battles two dozen blazes and firenadoes
New Delhi: Hours after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials allegedly raided her Mumbai office, actress Kangana Ranaut tweeted a strongly-worded message to the movie mafia, saying that if they "end her here, she will rise somewhere else."

Her full tweet read, "Movie Mafia today you might break my face n my house using your powerful friends, it will give you momentary happiness but if you are clever you will know my end is my beginning, you will end me here I will rise somewhere else ... trust me it will hurt you even more."

Movie Mafia today you might break my face n my house using your powerful friends, it will give you momentary happiness but if you are clever you will know my end is my beginning, you will end me here I will rise somewhere else ... trust me it will hurt you even more  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 7, 2020

On Monday afternoon, Kangana, in a series of tweets, claimed that some BMC officials have "forcefully taken over her office" and expressed apprehension that they may demolish the property.

The actress, however, added that she has all the papers of the office and there is no illegal construction in the property.

I have all the papers, BMC permissions nothing has been done illegal in my property, BMC should send a structure plan to show the illegal construction with a notice, today they raided my place and without any notice tomorrow they demolishing entire structure  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 7, 2020

Kangana is currently in her hometown Manali. She is likely to arrive in Mumbai on September 9 amid the controversy surrounding her and Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut over the actress' statement comparing Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Earlier on Monday, Kangana was granted Y category security by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- President Donald Trump has positioned himself in this election as the defender of law and order against a scary and violent left. But on foreign policy, at least, he is sounding like a leftist hero.

In a rambling press conference on Monday, Trump accused former Vice President Joe Biden, his Democratic opponent, of sending our youth to fight in these crazy endless wars. Then he mused: Im not saying the military is in love with me. The soldiers are. The top people in the Pentagon probably arent because they want to do nothing but fight wars so that all of those wonderful companies that make the bombs, that make the planes and everything else, stay happy.

In that outburst, Trump was making a radical argument: that the U.S. military is not a force for peace but is addicted to war. It is the profit motive of defense corporations  not a desire to deter aggressors, protect allies or uphold international law  that has driven decisions to use military force.

The figure most associated with this kind of thinking is Noam Chomsky, the famous linguist who emerged during the Vietnam War as an anti-war prophet. In his book Manufacturing Consent, he argues that not only does the military have an interest in perpetual war  but that the media is in on it, too. Major networks and newspapers go along with military efforts to demonize foreign leaders who do not acquiesce to American might.

A cruder version of this argument was made in the 1930s, as fascists gathered strength in Europe and Japan, by a retired Marine general named Smedley Butler. War is a racket, he wrote in the opening chapter of his book of the same name. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives. Butler would later gain fame after he alleged a coup against President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, claiming corporate plotters had approached him to lead the putsch.

Its doubtful that Trump knows or understands any of this history. His remarks, which followed a brutal article in the Atlantic that cited anonymous sources quoting him calling U.S. soldiers who died in combat losers and suckers, should nonetheless come as no surprise. Trumps rhetorical themes about a Deep State and endless wars are all echoes of a far-left critique of American power. In this world, institutions such as the Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. military are themselves forces against U.S. democracy and, more generally, world peace.

Story continues

For the most part, this view is nonsense. Most modern generals have proved to be cautious. Colin Powell, for example, had to be cajoled and pressed into being the public face of the Iraq War in 2003, when he was secretary of state. He also famously opposed sending U.S. peacekeepers into the Balkans in the 1990s. More recently, Trumps top military advisers opposed his decision to withdraw the U.S. from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in part because they worried that, without it, a shooting war with Iran would be more likely.

In this respect, Trumps own policies refute his rhetoric. He has increased defense spending every year he has been in office. He has withdrawn from not only the Iran deal but also a treaty with Russia regarding intermediate-range nuclear forces. And he has authorized the killing of Irans most important general as well as limited air strikes against Syrian targets. And yet his top military advisers have not tried to persuade him to launch a new war.

That said, Trump is trying to end the wars he says are endless. In this respect, he fails to understand why U.S. forces remain in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. To the president, its all a rip off. The U.S. trains armies and police forces, and builds up infrastructure, and what does it get in return?

This is the wrong way to look at what Trump calls endless wars. The reason America keeps supporting weak, corrupt governments in Baghdad and Kabul is because their collapse would lead to more war, more terrorism and more suffering. Nineteen years ago this week, when a plot hatched in war-ravaged Afghanistan felled the World Trade Center and destroyed part of the Pentagon, the U.S. learned this lesson. Trumps foreign-policy message for 2020 is an attempt to persuade Americans to forget this history.

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

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A mother who swung a sledge hammer at police while her son stabbed a detective to death at their home will be released on parole.

Fiona Barbieri and her son Mitchell admitted killing 45-year-old Detective Inspector Bryson Anderson during a violent confrontation at Oakville, in Sydney's north-west, on December 6, 2012.

Police were called to their home after Mr Barbieri fired his crossbow at an electrician, before the pair locked themselves inside with a cache of weapons including swords, a gas bottle flamethrower and Molotov cocktails.

Det Insp Anderson was stabbed several times by Mr Barbieri with a hunting knife when he entered the property during the siege.

Fiona Barbieri (pictured) will be released from jail on September 13 over her involvement with Detective Inspector Bryson Anderson's murder

Ms Barbieri, who was then 47, came out of the house swinging a sledgehammer and bit another policeman on the arm.

Witnesses during Ms Barbieri's sentencing said they heard her scream after Det Insp Anderson was injured 'it's his own f**king fault, he f**king deserved it' and 'let the dog c**t die, he deserves to f**king die'.

The judge in sentencing said Ms Barbieri had paranoid and psychotic delusions, and Mr Barbieri had been suffering transferred delusional disorder at the time.

Ms Barbieri was sentenced to 10 years behind bars, including nine years for the manslaughter of Det Insp Anderson, with a non-parole period of six years and six months, which expired in June.

Mr Barbieri was given 35 years, with a non-parole period of 26 years.

The State Parole Authority on Tuesday ordered Fiona Barbieri be released from jail no later than September 15 after evidence from a forensic psychiatrist.

Detective Inspector Bryson Anderson (pictured) was stabbed to death in Oakville in northwestern Sydney in 2012

The Police Association of NSW says it is 'shocked and appalled' by the decision and Fiona Barbieri should remain behind bars until her maximum sentence expires in December 2022.

'The killing of Bryson Anderson was a horrific criminal act and has left a lifelong scar on his family and everyone who knew Bryson,' association president Tony King said in a statement.

'This decision is deplorable. It does nothing to take into account the ongoing impact on Bryson Anderson's family who lost a loving husband and father, and instead is an insult to his memory.'

In a report to the SPA, Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network psychiatrist Gordon Elliott submitted Ms Barbieri's mental health had significantly stabilised, leaving her a low risk to community safety.

The SPA ordered an additional psychiatric assessment in May last year to gauge her mental health, including her compliance with treatment and medication.

Dr Elliott noted Ms Barbieri had been 'scrupulously compliant' with medication and treatment, with no concerns or incidents reported throughout her seven years and six months in custody.

He reported the inmate 'does not have any symptoms of psychosis or of any other mental health problems' and concluded she 'represents a low risk for violent offending and offending generally'.

Mitchell Barbieri (pictured) was given 35 years in jail with a non-parole period of 26 years for the murder of the policeman

Police patrol the Barbieri family's property in Oakville (pictured) after Det Insp Anderson was stabbed

At a parole review hearing on Tuesday, the SPA considered evidence from medical experts, advice from Community Corrections and submissions from the victim's family and the Corrective Services commissioner.

The SPA extended its sympathy for the immeasurable loss of Det Insp Anderson, acknowledging the pain and suffering of the Anderson family and his police colleagues, adding no sentence would compensate for the loss of his life.

However, it considered it paramount for community safety that Ms Barbieri be released before her full sentence expired in order to ensure a lengthy period of reintegration under strict supervision and subject to conditions.

Ms Barbieri's lawyer Stephen Alexander read a statement from his client at the hearing.

'Ms Barbieri apologises to the family and friends of the late Inspector Anderson and to the Commissioner and to NSW Police and is sorry for their loss,' he said, as reported by SMH.

Ms Barbieri is subject to 18 strict bail conditions on her release including no taking drugs, contacting her son or visiting four government areas in the Hawkesbury region where the murder took place.
62% of the companies that have closed belong to the service sector. 28% refer to industry and 20% to agriculture. About 13,500 people have retired in recent months. Rouhani allocates three billion for healthcare. Over the weekend the first bell rang for 15 million pupils in 116,000 schools.

Tehran (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Up to 850,000 people in Iran have lost their jobs since the start of the new coronavirus pandemic last March.

Masoud Babaei, an official at the Ministry for Labor, Cooperatives and Welfare, reports that the data is relevant to August 1 and the situation could have worsened in the last month. Since the detection of the first case, many companies and businesses have had to close their doors: 62% of these belong to the service sector, which employs the majority of the workforce.

Of just under a million lost jobs, 59% are in the tertiary sector and 28% are in industry, where the Covid-19 emergency has brought 31% of companies to their knees. The data reveals that the agricultural sector is among those that have held up best in the face of the pandemic, with 20% of the companies affected and 3% of the occupants who have lost their jobs.

About 13,500 people have retired in recent months and many more could follow the same path in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the government has allocated 24 billion dollars to help workers and businesses in difficulty, containing the impact of the virus on the economy. President Hassan Rouhani reports the allocation of three billion for health, 1.2 for the unemployment support fund and another 1.9 billion in cash for low-income families.

The number of cases in Iran reached 388,810, with 22,410 victims. In the last 24 hours there have been 2,152 infections, 117 victims and just over 3,700 people in critical conditions.

In a context that remains difficult, amid strict health measures to protect the health of pupils and their teachers, school for 15 million students across the country began on 5 September. The first - symbolic - bell was sounded by Iranian President Rouhani in a high school for women in central Tehran.

School usually starts on September 23, a date that traditionally marks the beginning of the autumn season according to the Iranian calendar, after the three months of summer holidays. However, this year, in light of the pandemic and its effects on schools and society, the ministry has ordered an early start for the millions of pupils scattered in 116 thousand schools.
The same conditions that led to the recent coup detat in Bamako exist in a number of African Sahel countries. Can they avoid the same fate

Corruption, protests against the results of the legislative elections in March, the stalled 2015 peace agreement with the Azawadi Liberation Movement in the north, the mounting terrorist threat, tribal disputes and economic straits are said to be the chief causes of the coup detat in Mali. No country in the African Sahel lacks similar conditions that combine to create the tinderboxes that could ignite a wildfire of upheaval and instability in that region. This is all the more the case given how cross border tribal and other identity affiliations compound the ways in which political, security and developmental crises are felt across the region.

The approaching electoral processes in these countries further aggravates the situation this year. In the Ivory Coast, the ruling partys nomination of incumbent President Alassane Ouattara to run for a third term in October has triggered a bitter controversy.

Whereas the opposition protests that the new constitution bars him from running again, the ruling party claims that it does not apply to Ouattara since the constitution was only adopted in 2016, thereby nullifying his first term.

Observers fear tensions will escalate into a crisis similar to the outbreak of civil strife in 2010, which necessitated regional and international intervention. In Niger, where President Mahamadou Issoufou, in power since 2011, announced that he would not field himself in the elections scheduled for December, the ruling party nominated Issoufous interior minister in a bid to perpetuate his political hold over the country.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Burkina Faso, corruption allegations haunting political circles surrounding incumbent President Marc Christian Kabore, to the extent that his former defence minister was found guilty of money laundering, have not kept him from running for a second term in the forthcoming elections in November. His decision has aggravated already seething tensions in a country that has barely recovered from a popular uprising that overthrew the Blaise Compaore regime in 2014 and where mounting terrorist related violence in the north and east during the past five years has displaced nearly a million people.

The recently released Coupcast report for 2019 listed Burkina Faso among the 10 African countries most at risk of a coup. Chad, where Idriss Deby has been in power since the military coup in 1990, may be more at risk. After eliminating the constitutional two-term restriction, he went on to win three more terms in office and is now planning to field himself for a sixth term in the April 2021 presidential elections.

In most African Sahel countries, leaderships that gained power through democratic mechanisms have attempted to perpetuate themselves through police repression but lack the resources necessary to subdue popular anger.

These countries are reeling under severe economic straits. More than half the populations of Mali, Chad, Niger and Burkina Faso are under the poverty line while the declining resources at the disposal of the ruling regimes gives rise to volatile socioeconomic contexts favourable to coups. For example, Chad was plunged into an economic crisis by the fall in oil prices in 2014. This combined with the austerity policies the government was forced to adopted in order to borrow from the IMF engendered widespread discontent that has repeatedly erupted into mass demonstrations led by opposition forces.

Anti-terrorist policies have failed to justify ruling regimes bids to perpetuate their control in these countries. The strength and scope of operations of terrorist groups have grown, not receded, in the region. Groups such as Nasrat Al-Islam and the Islamic State (IS) in the Greater Sahara have expanded from north and central Mali into the border areas of Burkina Faso and Niger, and penetrated West African countries such as Benin and Ivory Coast.

There now exists a geographic continuity between them and Boko Haram and IS-West Africa which have expanded their operations from northeast Nigeria to Lake Chad (at the juncture of Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon).

Although Sahel countries have accepted foreign military presences to help with the fight against terrorism (the French intervention in northern Mali in 2013, the multi-national force in Lake Chad since 2015, the creation of the G5-Sahel force in 2017 and the Takuba operation in January 2020), these efforts have so far failed to curb the proliferation of terrorism. One main reason for this is attrition these forces have suffered as the result of the long duration of these operations which have also stretched their resources and capacities.

For example, Chadian forces have been involved in anti-terrorist operations in the Lake Chad area, along the borders with Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, as well as in the fight against the separatist military insurgency in northern Chad. The army in Niger has come under increased pressure due to the mounting abductions of foreigners and relief workers by terrorist groups.

The second main reason for the failure resides in the interweave between terrorism and tribal conflicts with major economic dimensions, such as the disputes between pasturalists and sedentary farmers over increasingly limited land resources due to decertification and climate change.

The Macina Liberation Front in Central Mali is associated with the Fulani herder tribes which complain that the government is biased in favour of agriculturalist peoples such as the Bambara and Dogon. In like manner, Ansar Al-Islam in Burkina Faso reflects an overlap between a fundamentalist religious affiliation and the Fulani in the north part of the country.

As a result of the complexity of the terrorist phenomenon and the poor deterrence capacity of counterterrorist operations, terrorist activities have been on the rise. According to recent UN reports, deaths from terrorist attacks have risen from 770 in 2016 to around 4,000 in 2019 in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

If Sahel regimes have relied on foreign powers, and especially France in view of its historical influence there, as a stay against coups, that has not always stood the test. For example, while Paris helped strike the militant Chadian opposition that attempted to move in from Libya in order to topple the Deby regime in 2019, it was of little help in deterring the coup against Boubacar Keita in Mali.

Moreover, although Paris condemned the coup at the outset, two days later the French defence minister announced that his country would continue the anti-terrorist Operation Barkhane, signalling that Paris might be willing to accommodate to the regime change.

For its part, the military council that assumed power in Bamako announced its intent to abide by Malis commitment to international agreements related to the fight against terrorism. It could be that France fears a repetition of the experience that followed the coup against Amadou Toure in 2012 when a jihadist-Touareg coalition seized control of northern Mali necessitating a French counterinsurgency military operation in 2013. At the same time, Paris may fear that the recent coup will undermine its efforts to attract European support for counterterrorist operations in the Takuba framework.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the coup against Keita, suspended Malis membership in ECOWAS, imposed sanctions and called on neighbouring states to close their land and air borders with Mali. However, the regional organisation has also begun to bow to the de facto reality.

In its recent summit, it called on the military council in Bamako to initiate a transitional period to restore civilian rule and hold elections next year in exchange for a gradual lifting of sanctions.

Despite the conditions conducive to the spread of the coup virus from Mali to other Sahel countries, the risk remains contingent on these countries ability to counter such conditions through political reforms, economic improvements and other such measures. Conversely, the regimes in Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger and elsewhere in the region could accelerate the risk of coup if they think themselves isolated from the phenomena that led to the coup in Mali, or fail to believe that the message from Bamako does not apply to them.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 10 September, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Nine leading U.S. and European vaccine developers pledged on Tuesday to uphold the scientific standards that their experimental immunizations will be held against, amid a hurried global race to contain the pandemic.

The companies, including Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca, in a joint statement made a "historic pledge... to uphold the integrity of the scientific process as they work towards potential global regulatory filings and approvals of the first Covid-19 vaccines."

The unusual move to promise to play by well-established rules underlines a highly politicized debate over what action is needed to quickly rein in the spread of the deadly disease and to jumpstart global business and trade.

The head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said last month that the normal approval process may be bypassed for a Covid-19 vaccine as long as officials were convinced the benefits outweigh the risks, prompting a call for caution from the World Health Organisation.

Developers globally have yet to produce large-scale trial data showing actual infections in participants, yet Russia granted approval to a Covid-19 vaccine last month, prompting some Western experts to criticize a lack of testing.

The head of China's Sinovac Biotech said most of its employees and their families have already taken an experimental vaccine developed by the Chinese firm under the country's emergency-use program.

"We want it to be known that also in the current situation we are not willing to compromise safety and efficacy," said co-signatory Ugur Sahin, the chief executive of Pfizer's German partner BioNTech.

"Apart from the pressure and the hope for a vaccine to be available as fast as possible, there is also a lot of uncertainty among people that some development steps may be omitted here," he added.

BioNTech and Pfizer have raised the prospect of unveiling pivotal trial data in October, potentially placing it at the center of bitter U.S. presidential politics ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

According to the statement, the nine companies pledge to follow established guidance from expert regulatory authorities such as the FDA.

Among other hurdles, approval must be based on large, diverse clinical trials with comparative groups that do not receive the vaccine in question. Participants and those working on the trial must not know which group they belong to, according to the pledge.

BioNTech's Sahin added there must be statistical certainty of 95%, in some cases higher, that a positive reading on efficacy does not just come from random variations but reflects the underlying workings of the compound.

The list of co-signatories is completed by Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Moderna, Novavax and Sanofi.

Sahin said inclusion in the pledge broadly reflected a significant vaccine market share or a leading position in coronavirus vaccine development.

The frenetic development race has intensified safety concerns about an inoculation, polls have shown.

Western regulators have stressed they would not cut corners but rather prioritize the review workload and allow for development steps in parallel that would normally be handled consecutively.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Grand Rapids police on Tuesday, Sept. 8, are investigating a bank robbery.

The robbery was reported around 2:10 p.m. at the Fifth Third Bank at 2065 44th Street SE.

The robber was wearing a surgical mask and fled the bank on foot. No injuries were reported.

Kentwood police are assisting Grand Rapids police.

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Fire crews battled numerous blazes across the state Monday as high temperatures and ominous winds meant thousands of people across California were facing expected power shut-offs.

With the new fires roaring over the holiday weekend, flames have burned more than 2 million acres in California this year, setting a dismal record.

The fires forced evacuations and the closure of national forests throughout the state and prompted daring rescues, highlighting the extremes that this years fire season has brought. The new blazes came even as firefighters gained a handle on the big fire complexes burning around the Bay Area.

New evacuations were ordered for Fresno and Madera counties as firefighters struggled to get a handle on the Creek Fire, a massive, fast-moving blaze that scorched dried vegetation in the Sierra National Forest and threatened thousands of structures.

The Creek Fire exploded to 78,790 acres Monday  growing by more than 33,000 acres since Sunday  and was completely uncontained, according to Cal Fire. The fire continued to threaten 5,296 structures. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The blaze isnt going away anytime soon. Firefighters expect to reach full containment of the Creek Fire by Oct. 15, but the fire is still burning rapidly because of dead and downed material, Cal Fire said. Some 80% to 90% of the trees in the area where the fire is raging have died because of the ravages of the bark beetle.

Cal Fire said 14,800 firefighters were battling 23 major fires in the state, the Associated Press reported. California has seen 900 wildfires since Aug. 15, many of them started by an intense series of thousands of lightning strikes. There have been eight fire deaths and more than 3,300 structures destroyed.

The previous record for acres burned was set in 2018. Fires that year burned 1.98 million acres and killed more than 100, most of them in the deadly Camp Fire that burned through the Butte County town of Paradise.

Because of unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions and limited firefighting resources, all campsites and day-use sites in national forests were temporarily closed throughout the state, according to the Forest Service. Campfires, gas stoves and any other kind of ignition source were also banned.

The U.S. Forest Service announced Monday that the Stanislaus, Sierra, Sequoia, Inyo, Los Padres, Angeles, San Bernardino and Cleveland national forests in California would be closed indefinitely because of fire danger.

In the Sierra National Forest, hundreds of trapped people had to be rescued by helicopter Saturday afternoon from the Mammoth Pool Reservoir northeast of Fresno after the Creek Fire blocked the only road leading out of the area.

Pilots with the California National Guard said the flying conditions were the most difficult theyd ever faced  smoke choked out visibility and the winds were gusting erratically. They had to use night vision goggles to see clearly.

There were points along the route where we were just about ready to say thats enough, but right about that decision point, the visibility would get a little bit better, we could see the next ridge, Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Rosamond said at a Monday news briefing.

Reports on the number of people trapped at the lake kept growing, alerting them to how dire the situation was. When the officers arrived at the lake, all of the surrounding vegetation was in flames, they said. The crew prioritized evacuating burn victims and those with serious injuries who needed quick medical attention, packing as many people as could safely fit into the aircraft.

The ground rescue was preceded by the dramatic airlift of 214 people and 11 pets who were stranded in the area Saturday as the fire exploded through the dry forest and tore into the camping area.

Two helicopter crews on a Chinook and a Blackhawk flew through smoke, ash and heavy winds to rescue the campers. Twenty, some with burns and broken bones, had to be hospitalized. Two were seriously injured.

The remaining people trapped were rescued Sunday night, said Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue.

The U.S. Forest Service was able to get a ground crew through to evacuate about 20 people and 15 dogs. A few horses were left behind and were expected to be brought out Monday, according to the Sheriffs Office. No information was immediately available on injuries.

It was very emotional, especially when I looked back and saw children that were the same age as my children, Rosamond said. It just felt really good to be able to get them all out.

A rescue attempt by military pilots using night vision Monday evening to rescue hikers and campers trapped near China Peak and Lake Edison was unsuccessful, the Fresno Fire Department said Monday.

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park was closed as a precaution Monday afternoon in case the Creek Fire crosses into the park, which remains open.

Thousands more people were evacuated in Fresno County. On Monday, Auberry and North Fork were placed under a mandatory evacuation order. Evacuation orders were also expanded to more mountain communities where firefighters worked through the night to save small towns as the fire roared.

Sheriffs deputies went door to door to make sure residents were complying with orders to leave. Officials hoped to keep the fire from pushing west into rural towns along Route 41 and possibly Yosemite.

The Creek Fire has charred more than 123 square miles of timber after breaking out Friday. The 850 firefighters on the scene had yet to get any containment after three days of work in sweltering heat.

Another fire in Mendocino County was reported early Monday afternoon. The Oak Fire quickly grew from 3 acres to 25 acres in the span of 10 minutes, forcing dozens of people out of their homes as mandatory evacuations were ordered for parts of the Willits and Covelo areas and closing a section of Highway 101. Cal Fire warned that the blaze has a rapid rate of spread. By late Monday, the uncontained blaze had grown to 1,000 acres and damaged one structure.

Despite the heat and wind, firefighters were making progress at three other fires in Northern California, having contained about 80% of the CZU Lightning Complex raging across San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties and at least 91% of the fires involved in the LNU Lightening Complex, which is blazing in several counties. Meanwhile, the SCU Lightning Complex fires that have burned 396,624 acres in several counties, including Alameda, Santa Clara and Stanislaus, were 94% contained, according to Cal Fire.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Joaquin Palomino contributed to this report.

Cynthia Dizikes and Sarah Ravani are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: cdizikes@sfchronicle.com, sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @cdizikes, @SarRavani
The State Coroner will investigate how disgraced ex-lawyer Charles Bisucci's friends helped him illegally obtain a gun he used to kill his partner inside her luxury Kew mansion.

The bodies of Mr Bisucci, 69, and Marilyn Burdon, 70, were found in separate rooms of the Princess Street home on August 21, 2017. Both had been shot dead in a suspected act of murder-suicide.

At the time Mr Bisucci, who had recently moved in with Ms Burdon, was the subject of a firearm prohibition order after a separate incident of family violence many years earlier, which resulted in police seizing 16 guns from his Melbourne home.

Marilyn Burdon, 70, who was shot dead by her partner in a suspected murder suicide in Kew in August 2017.

On Tuesday, the Victorian Coroners Court heard a number of other men appeared to have helped Mr Bisucci circumvent his prohibition order and obtain guns, including the one used to kill Ms Burdon.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 09:44:37|Editor: huaxia

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ABUJA, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's de-radicalization program will help former Boko Haram militants to better reintegrate into the society and maintain peace in the area, a United Nations official said on Monday.

The De-radicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) program is a critical peacebuilding initiative, said Edward Kallon, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, during his visit to the DRR camp in the northeastern state of Gombe, adding that it has "brought on board the best global practices."

"I commend their efforts at ensuring that these ex-combatants are de-radicalized, rehabilitated, and reintegrated back to the society, to make meaningful contributions to their communities," Kallon said.

He also pledged the UN's support for the program, especially in the area of "quality improvement."

The program is a cooperation between the government, military, and other ministries, departments, and agencies. It aims to de-radicalize and rehabilitate repentant Boko Haram terrorists, in a bid to win the war against insurgency.

In July, 601 ex-militants were reintegrated into the society after undergoing the DRR program.

Boko Haram has been trying to establish an Islamist state in northeastern Nigeria since 2009, extending its attacks to countries in the Lake Chad Basin, posing enormous security, humanitarian and governance challenges to countries including Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Benin and Niger. Enditem
Once viewed as the stuff of science fiction, artificial intelligence (AI) is steadily making inroads into our everyday livesfrom our social media feeds to digital assistants like Siri and Alexa. As helpful as AI is for many aspects of our lives, it also raises a number of challenging moral and spiritual questions. Facial recognition can be used to locate fugitive criminals, but also to suppress political dissidents. Various apps and platforms can anticipate our preferences, but also harvest data that invades our privacy. Technology can speed healing, but many are hoping to use it to enhance natural human abilities or eliminate undesirable emotions.

In his recent book 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity, Oxford professor emeritus John Lennox surveys the current and future landscape of AI and addresses these and related issues. Lennox is a mathematician who has spoken internationally on the philosophy of science, written books addressing the limits of science, and debated high profile atheists Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens. In the new book, he acknowledges the many benefits AI can offer, but he also critiques the worldview that lies behind many secular visions of AI that seek to transform humans into gods and create utopias through technology.

Christopher Reese spoke with Lennox about his book and how Christians should think about a number of issues related to this rapidly accelerating technology, including upgrading humans, whether computers can become conscious, and how Christians should weigh the pros and cons of AI.

Many negative scenarios involving AI have played out in popular movies. In your opinion, are these the kinds of outcomes that we should be concerned about?

Were nowhere near these negative scenarios yet in the opinion of the top thinkers in this area. But theres enough going on in artificial intelligence that actually works at the moment to give us huge ethical concern.

There are two main strands in artificial intelligence. Theres narrow AI, which is very successful in certain areas though raising deep problems in others. This is simply a powerful computer working on huge databases, and it has a programed algorithm which looks for particular patterns. Lets suppose we have a database of a million X-rays of lung diseases labeled by the best doctors in the world, and then you get an X-ray at your local hospital and an algorithm compares yours with the database in just a few seconds and comes up with a diagnosis. So, thats a very positive thing.

But then you move on to the more questionable thingstoday the main one has to do with facial recognition. There again, youve got a huge database of millions of photographs of faces labeled with names and all kinds of information. You can immediately see that a police force would find that useful in checking for terrorists and criminals. But it can be used for suppressing people and manipulating and controlling them. In China today, theres every evidence of extreme surveillance techniques being used to subdue the Uyghur minority. That has raised ethical questions all around the world.

This is not the 1984 Big Brother. Were already there. But its not 2084. Thats where the second strand comes in: Artificial general intelligence is where we develop a super intelligence thats controlling the world. Thats sci-fi stuff.

C. S. Lewis worried that technological advances might lead to the abolition of man. Can you elaborate on what he meant by that?

One reason I wrote the book was because of my familiarity with C. S. Lewis. In the 1940s, he wrote two books, The Abolition of Man and That Hideous Strength, which is a science fiction book. His concern was, if human beings ever managed to do this kind of thing, the result wouldnt be human at all. It would be an artifact.

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If you start to play about with humans as they are and introduce genetic engineering, what happens is you create an artifactthat is, something you have made that is not greater than human, but subhuman. In other words, you abolish human beings in that sense. You made something that you think is more than human, but its actually less than human because you, who are not God, have contributed to its specification. Lewis thus talks about how the final triumph of humanity will be the abolition of man. I think that ought to concern us.

The Bible affirms that human beings have souls and are made in the image of God. How do those ideas factors into your view of machines and their ability (or inability) to imitate humans?

We are made in the image of God. That gives us dignity and value. Some aspects of surveillance seem to infringe on that. They seem to be invasions of privacy, the space that God has given us to function. Certainly, when it comes to controlling people and getting them not to act out of their consciences but to do what the state requires, that can be a very dangerous path. Were seeing that already, as I have mentioned.

But, of course, once we begin to talk about artificial general intelligence, there are two strands again. The first one is to bioengineer existing humans and turn them into gods. The Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari has written a book called Homo Deus, which means the man who is God. He very straight forwardly says that there are two major agenda items for the 21st century. One is to solve the problem of death as a physical problem, meaning that medicine will go so far that you dont need to die. You could die, but you dont need to.

Second is to bioengineer human life to enhance it through technology, drugs, and other things so that we create a superhuman intelligence. Thats where all the dystopian scenarios come from, and that fuels films like The Matrix and so on. Theyre scary because we are at the cusp of potentially altering what it means to be human permanently.

Human beings, version 1.0 as created by God, are by nature special. The specialness of human beings is seen in the fact that God became one. The Word became human, became flesh, and dwelt among us. I take that extremely seriously, and therefore any attempt to make humans 2.0 is going to be a step away from Gods design, not a step toward God.

Do you think its wrong in a Christian framework to try to enhance our abilities, or is there a place for that?

I have enhanced eyesight because Im wearing a pair of glasses. At the moment, the technology is sitting on my nose and ears. Its very crude, but I could be wearing contact lenses, which you might not even notice. That kind of enhancement is a very good thing because its simply helping with a deficiency in my own eyesight, as would a hearing aid, as would a prosthetic limb. So, there is a place for strengthening limbs, getting better eyesight, and of course dealing with chemical imbalances in our blood and in our brains and in our systems. Were very grateful for medicine.

But to be very clear, there are pretty obvious limits where we begin to transgress and its effectively saying, God, you did your best, but we can do better. We can improve human beings. Thats a very risky business. One of the central dangers is playing God by modifying the genetic germ line, which could impact all generations to follow us.

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What is your perspective on whats been called the hard problem of consciousness? Can machines ever be conscious?

Heres the problem: Nobody knows what consciousness is, let alone how to build it. If youre going to make general artificial intelligence, then you will have to produce consciousness. So the arguments fly forwards and backwards. When people say to me, What do you think of it all? I say if you can first tell me what consciousness is, I will listen to you pretty seriously.

Of course, from a Christian perspective, the brain is physical, the mind is not. We have lived to see the information age where we realize that information, which is a non-material entity, has become fundamental to physics and our understanding of the universe. That accords exactly with Scripture, which tells us in the beginning was the Word. Not in the beginning was the universe. The universe is derivative. All things came to be through the Word. So, God the Word is primary. The universe is derivative, whereas atheism believes the exact opposite, that the universe is primary and mind is derivative.

You observe that science substitutes as a religion for some proponents of AI, who see technology as a means of salvation. How do you see science functioning for them religiously?

If you deny God as creator, you dont get rid of the idea of creation because youve got to explain life, and in particular human life and consciousness. So, you often end up endowing material elementary particles with creative powerswhich theres no evidence that they haveso that the material universe has got to, in some sense, create life and create itself, which is philosophical nonsense.

I've spent my life trying to unpack these things so that people can understand just how crazy some of these things are, but they are what results by rejecting the creator. Paul put it well at the beginning of Romans. He says rejecting the creator means you become intellectually dark and you start talking nonsense. There's a great deal of it around, but because it is said by powerful scientists, people take it seriously. They don't remember what one of our most famous scientists, Richard Feynman, the Nobel Prize winner of physics, once brilliantly said: Outside his or her field, he said, the scientist is just as dumb as the next guy.

You write about possible connections between AI and events described in biblical prophecy. How do you see those things potentially fitting together?

Well, Im very cautious here. Theres always a great skepticism when you mention biblical scenarios of the future. But for me, the bottom line is this: If we are prepared to take seriously, as many people are, highly dystopian situations in the future where you have a world dictator who controls economics by having some kind of implant in peoples skin or in their eyes or something like thatwhy dont we go back to the scenario that is presented, at least in outline, in the Bible and compare it with these scenarios? Certain elements are very much in common. The idea is something thats not simply the apocalyptic literature of the book of Revelation, but straightforward theological writing, as in Pauls letter to the Thessalonians.

How should Christians weigh the potential benefits of AI with its possibleand actualabuses?

Well, I would reply by saying, how do you weigh the benefits of a very sharp knife? A very sharp knife can be used to do surgery and save peoples lives. It can also be used for murder.

What I do with my Christian friends is, if theyre scientifically inclined, I say: IT, computer technology is a fascinating area to be in, and theres so much good that can be done. One of the wonderful examples of that is at MIT where Rosalind Picard, who is a brilliant scientist, a Christian, has developed her own field called affective computing. Shes using facial recognition techniques to find signs of children having seizures before they happen and preventing them.

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But every technological invention has potentiality for good and evil. The issue is not that one resists advance, but one learns to control that advance and set it into an ethical framework. The problem with that today is that the technology is outpacing the ethics at a colossal speed. People havent had time to think.

Some are concerned about whats happening and theyre trying to set up international boards and ideas of basic ethical principles that need to be built into AI. All that is well and good, but were dealing at an international level. It depends on whos got the most power. If people dont have normative ethical principles that are transcendent, as Christianity gives us, then of course power will determine whats believed.

Christians need to be able to sit credibly at the table with their non-Christian colleagues, discuss these things sensibly, and help other people think through the ethical issues.

Christopher Reese is the managing editor of The Worldview Bulletin, co-founder of the Christian Apologetics Alliance, and general editor of Three Views on Christianity and Science (forthcoming from Zondervan, 2021).
Actor Rhea Chakraborty's lawyer said after her arrest by the Narcotics Control Bureau on Tuesday that she was being hounded by three agencies only because she was in love with a man who was a "drug addict" and had "mental health issues".

Photograph: Sahil Salvi for Rediff.com IMAGE: Actor Rhea Chakraborty arrives at Narcotics Control Bureau office in Mumbai in connection with drugs-related allegations in the Sushant Singh Rajput case.

Chakraborty was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau in a drugs case linked to her boyfriend, actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death.

"This is a complete travesty of justice," said her lawyer Satish Maneshinde.

"Three central agencies hounding a single woman, just because she was in love with a drug addict and a person suffering from mental health issues," he added.

Rajput, who allegedly hanged himself at his Bandra residence in Mumbai on June 14, had been been treated by five leading psychiatrists in the city, Maneshinde claimed.

"But he ended up ending his life due to consumption of illegally administered medicines and (also) used to consume drugs," the lawyer said, adding that Chakraborty was prepared for the worst.

Chakraborty (28) was arrested under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act's sections 8(c) (sale, possession or manufacture of banned drugs), 20(b)(ii) (possession or use of small quantity of banned drugs) and other relevant provisions.

She is likely to be produced before a magistrate's court through video link on Wednesday.

Apart from the drugs case, she is facing an abetment of suicide case in connection with Rajput's death which the Central Bureau of Investigation is probing, and a related money laundering case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate.

Rajput's father who accused Chakraborty of abeting his son's suicide had also claimed that she siphoned off Rs 15 crore from his son's bank accounts.

The ED launched a probe into this aspect.

The NCB began a probe after Chakraborty's mobile phone chats allegedly revealed that she used to consume drugs.
It is unclear whether U.S. Ambassador David Friedman will live in the house until then. A statement from the embassy in June said he had established an official residence in Jerusalem ever since President Trump moved the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May 2018, but Israeli media reports this week said he would continue to rent the Herzliya home.
They made that a big part of their sales pitch, Agrella said. It was sold as a package. The idea is its backed by this exotic, hugely successful hotelier. Not only are they going to design the hotel, theyre going to be running it. You can go to dinner there and bring guests there.
With the US election approaching, President Donald Trump on Monday again raised the idea of separating the US and Chinese economies, also known as decoupling, suggesting the United States would not lose money if the worlds two biggest economies no longer did business.

So when you mention the word decouple, its an interesting word, Trump told a Labor Day news conference at the White House in which he vowed to bring jobs back to America from China.

We lose billions of dollars and if we didnt do business with them we wouldnt lose billions of dollars. Its called decoupling, so youll start thinking about it, Trump said.

Trump, who long touted friendly ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping as he sought to make good on promises to rebalance a massive trade deficit, has made getting tough on China a key part of his campaign for re-election on November 3. He has accused his Democratic opponent, Joe Biden, who leads in most opinion polls, of being soft toward Beijing.

Also read: Donald Trump hints at vaccine surprise as Joe Biden demands transparency

If Biden wins, China wins, because China will own this country, he said.

Biden for his part has criticized Trumps Phase 1 trade deal with China, saying it is unenforceable, and full of vague, weak, and recycled commitments from Beijing.

Trump vowed that in future his administration would prohibit federal contracts with companies that outsource to China and hold Beijing accountable for allowing the coronavirus, which began in China, to spread around the world.

We will make America into the manufacturing superpower of the world and will end our reliance on China once and for all.Whether its decoupling, or putting in massive tariffs like Ive been doing already, we will end our reliance in China, because we cant rely on China, Trump said.

We will bring jobs back from China to the United States and we will impose tariffs on companies that desert America to create jobs in China and other countries, he added.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in June that a decoupling of the US and Chinese economies would result if US companies were not allowed to compete on a fair and level basis in Chinas economy.

Other officials and analysts have said that the two countries economies are so intertwined as to make such a move impractical, but Washington would continue to pressure Beijing to level the playing field.
Acting on a request from Bahrain, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a case to locally prosecute an Indian national who allegedly embezzled funds worth 50,000 Bahraini Dinar or BD in the middle-eastern country, officials familiar with the development said.

Rajeev Ranganathan Udayanandan, a native of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, while working in one Abdulla bin Ahmed Al-Roomi Contracting Establishment between January and February 2016, allegedly embezzled the cash amounts of the company which were in his possession by virtue of his position, according to the FIR registered by the agency.

Also read: CBI court rejects Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoors anticipatory bail plea

As part of his responsibilities in the company, he not only dealt with the customers and managed the establishment on behalf of the proprietor but also handled purchase, supply of building materials and payments for the same. After taking money from customers, he did not deposit the same in companys account. Rather, he embezzled the same for himself, according to documents shared by Kingdom of Bahrain with the Indian government.

From the embezzled money, he bought two vehicles for himself: a Tata Hilux pickup truck and a Nissan Sunny car, the documents reveal.

Udayanandan was sentenced in absentia to three years imprisonment by a lower criminal court of Kingdom of Bahrain on November 23, 2017 for breach of trust after which the authorities there approached the Indian government. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) wrote to CBI, saying since the crime is punishable in Bahrain for at least one year imprisonment, similar conduct is punishable in India too and hence is extraditable under the Article 2 (1) of India-Bahrain Extradition Treaty. The MEA added that though article 6 of the treaty excludes extradition of own nationals, it obliges the requested state to prosecute its nationals in respect of the offence sought for.

After deliberations, it was decided that CBI will locally prosecute Udayanandan and a case was registered few weeks back.

The CBI is the nodal agency in India for prosecuting Indian nationals who have committed crimes abroad. Earlier, in January this year, it had registered a case to locally prosecute an Indian national who had committed a fraud in the UAE. Udayanandan could not be located by HT.
File / Hearst Connecticut Media

GREENWICH  Two women in their 20s from New York City were arrested and charged with attempting to acquire prescription drugs with false paperwork in Old Greenwich, police said.

Police said the pair of women from Queens, N.Y., also obtained drugs from a store in Stamford using the same ruse.
ISELIN, N.J., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC Water) has chosen Direct Energy Business for a second time as they progress in their green energy efforts. This agreement is managed by the Direct Energy Renewable Services group, which is a specialized team within Direct Energy Business created to focus on renewable and sustainable energy solutions for customers.

After a year-long RFP process, Direct Energy Business has been chosen as WSSC Water's renewable retail electric service provider. To accommodate WSSC Water's internal greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan (GHG emissions), Direct Energy Business has entered into a transaction to purchase energy and Renewable Energy Certificates associated with such energy from Sandy Ridge Wind, a 50MW wind generation facility located in Blair and Centre Counties, Pennsylvania and owned by Liberty Power ("Sandy Ridge"). That purchase will be integrated in with a previously won retail supply agreement and used to offset WSSC Water's energy usage through 2030.

Pursuant to the transaction, Liberty Power has made a commitment to generate up to 70,000 MWh/ year of electricity and associated renewable attributes. This wind generated energy will allow WSSC Water to offset their electricity use by an additional 30% when paired with the commission's existing solar and wind efforts.

"Producing safe, reliable drinking water to 1.8 million customers and returning clean to our environment requires energy  a lot of energy," said WSSC Water's Energy Manager Rob Taylor. "As one of Maryland's largest energy consumers, and an agency dedicated to environmental stewardship, WSSC Water is constantly examining how we can be cleaner and greener in our energy use. This partnership will help us accomplish these goals by reducing GHG emissions by 10% every five years through 2050."

Patrick Taylor, Director of Energy Services for Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., the parent company of Liberty Power, said, "We are pleased to have been able to partner with both WSSC Water and Direct Energy Business in supplying locally generated, wind energy and the associated RECs to run essential services in the DC region. Our goal is to continue to partner with customers in finding creative solutions and bringing more wind generated energy to market."

Direct Energy Business Manager of Wholesale Origination, Ray Polakowski, explains how the Renewable Services team navigated the unique agreement. "My job is to listen to the customer's goals and needs and determine how we can help. Working with Algonquin's Liberty Power team to accomplish WSSC Water's goals, allowed three parties to step toward a greener, more sustainable future."

Direct Energy is one of North America's largest retail providers of electricity, natural gas, and home and business energy-related services with nearly four million customers. Direct Energy gives customers choice, simplicity, and innovation where energy, data, and technology meet. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), an international energy and services company, Direct Energy, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates, operate in 50 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 8 provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, please visit www.directenergy.com

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As the University of Virginia is set for an unusual fall semester, officials are continuing to add and refine measures to try to keep students and the community safe.

Last week, as students moved into university housing, officials clarified the limits on gatherings and how mask requirements and other coronavirus-related restrictions would be enforced, and they announced random, mandatory COVID-19 testing for students.

So what we are trying to do is ensure that our students, faculty and staff are safe, UVa President Jim Ryan said in an interview last week. And one of the ways to do that, I think, is to ensure that our students feel like theyre still a part of the UVa community. I will say Ive been heartened so far. If you walk around, students are taking it seriously, and thats a good thing. This is a hard thing for everyone, and its gonna require everyone doing their part.

In-person classes at UVa begin Tuesday, more than six months after officials suspended classes and sent students home in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. As UVa is set to start the fall semester in-person, the spread of the virus locally is not under control. The number of cases and the positivity rates have climbed recently in Charlottesville  a trend some in the community fear will be exacerbated by the recent return of students.

In the last month, universities that decided to hold in-person classes and bring students back to the dorms have seen hundreds of positive cases among students with some, such as the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, deciding to switch classes online. Last week, James Madison University temporarily moved courses online and told students to go home for a few weeks in response to a surge of cases after less than a week of classes.

As of Monday, there were 227 positive cases at UVa, with students accounting for 186 of those, according to the universitys virus dashboard.

Meanwhile, thousands of students in local public schools are starting the school year Tuesday with online classes.

Ryan said every institution has to come to its own decision.

I dont think there are any obviously right ways to go about this, Ryan said. I totally respect what the K-12 schools are doing, but weve chosen a different path, and part of the reason we did, honestly, is we knew that students would be back.

Thats why Ryan said that UVas decision to hold in-person classes is a red herring.

Whether we have classes online, all online or not, there would be 12[,000] to 15,000 students here in Charlottesville, regardless, he said, echoing a point he has made in recent weeks. ... So then the question is, well, what is the best thing to do given that students are going to be here? I feel like if we just put a closed sign on the university, and there were thousands of students here, it would be much harder for them to feel like theyre part of the community and maybe reduce their motivation to look out for themselves and look out for each other.

Students had the option to take classes online from home, and UVa doesnt yet know how many undergraduates will be in Charlottesville for the fall semester. The semester started online Aug. 18. Lectures and classes that normally have a large student audience will be held online for the whole semester. A small number of clinical or practicum courses are offered only in-person. Students in graduate and professional programs started in-person classes last month.

Students wanting to come to Charlottesville were required to submit a negative COVID-19 test in advance. Of those 18,122 screening tests, 65 were positive.

The screening tests have not proven to be a silver bullet. At the University of Notre Dame, 99.7% of the tests were negative, but officials there still decided to suspend classes for two weeks after 222 confirmed cases.

Notre Dame and other universities that have tried to reopen for students have provided insights for UVa officials about how to prepare.

One thing we have learned is that its really important to have a good testing protocol in place, and its really important to make sure that you have a lot of space for quarantining and isolating students, and that the quicker you can respond to outbreaks, the more likely it is that you can contain them.

But the other thing you know, honestly, is that you have to be willing to adapt, Ryan said. This virus remains unpredictable, and when it gets started, it can move really quickly.  It really is all about trying to stay one step ahead.

Ryan didnt share a specific threshold for cases, hospitalizations or deaths that would force UVa to change course. However, officials are monitoring different factors, from the number of positive cases to the use of isolation and quarantine space. As of Monday, 4% of the quarantine and isolation rooms were in use.

You cant pinpoint one because a lot of it depends on the interaction, he said.  If you have a lot of isolation and quarantine space, you can handle a lot of cases. If youre running out of isolation and quarantine space, then you cant handle a lot of cases.

He added that they are making sure they have enough testing capacity and keeping an eye on hospitalizations rates. The university has purchased 27,000 tests from a third-party company, and the UVa Medical Center is hoping to receive an additional machine this month that will allow it to process 1,500 tests a day  up from about 300 to 400 right now.

If it looks like the system is going to be overloaded or we have to prevent the system from overloading, thats when you need to reassess, Ryan said.

Officials first announced plans for the fall semester in June and outlined a host of strategies to slow or prevent the spread of the virus among students, faculty and staff, including reducing the capacity of dorms and developing a health screening app.

In early August, the university delayed the start of in-person classes, citing a concerning trend in the virus prevalence rate, as well as testing supply chain issues. Officials decided Aug. 28 to continue with the plan for the fall semester.

We wanted to make sure that both were moving in the right direction, and they were, Ryan said of the decision to continue with the current plan. That made us as confident as we could be. You always have to be humble with this virus about moving forward.

One strategy other college communities have sought is to seek to have bars close earlier. For example, in Columbia, Missouri, bars and restaurants were ordered to stop serving alcohol by 9 p.m. after the area saw a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Were in active conversations about that, Ryan said.

The university is requiring students to wear masks on and off Grounds when they are outside their residence and cant stay six feet away from others. Gatherings are limited to a maximum of 15 people. Those who dont comply could face suspension, the university has said  a message that other universities also have sent as they seek to control the virus spread.

UVa has set up reporting tools for students and community members who spot compliance issues.

If a student tests positive for the virus, they will be contacted by a contact tracer through the Thomas Jefferson Health District. Ryan said information shared with contact tracers will not be used for enforcement.

What we do not want is students feeling like they cant cooperate with contact tracing or that theyre not going to get tested in the UVa system, he said. You know that makes it worse for everyone.

Still, UVas decision to hold in-person classes and house students on Grounds has been met with skepticism and opposition from some university groups and community members. UVas Student Council Executive Board opposed the move, and employees are seeking to form a union, in part to advocate for classes to remain online. The Cavalier Daily published an editorial warning against the risk to health and lives it says comes with the universitys in-person plans.

We are worried for the health and safety of the Universitys employees who will be forced to work in an environment with students who continue to go to parties and bars, the newspaper wrote. We are worried for the community members that will be forced to take extra safety precautions due to the inevitable spike in cases that Charlottesville will soon see. We are worried for the students who will find themselves sick just because they showed up to class.

Ryan said that if UVa closed the dorms, students would just move into the Charlottesville community.

We saw this with second-, third- and fourth-year students when we announced the delay, he said. About 800 or 900 students dropped their on-Grounds housing contracts, and most of them moved into the Charlottesville community, which I dont think makes them safer or the Charlottesville community safer.

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Food chain: A pedestrian looks in the window of a PizzaExpress restaurant in London. Photo: Jason Alden/Bloomberg

PizzaExpress creditors have approved a company proposal to cut rents and shut 73 outlets as part of the chain's effort to fix its finances amid the economic slump.

The plan will put 1,100 jobs at risk at the UK restaurant chain. The related Milano restaurant chain in Ireland is not affected.

Almost 90pc of the creditors and most landlords supported a so-called Company Voluntary Arrangement proposed by the company, according to a regulatory filing that was made yesterday.

The deal paves the way for a restructuring which will see owner Hony Capital ceding control of the business to bondholders, except in China.

The firm said there are currently 355 restaurants that were open in the UK and that more than 30 were scheduled to reopen in the coming weeks.

Bloomberg
A Belfast hairdresser has said his salon is shutting after a three-month Covid-19 lockdown decimated his business.

Bill Harris intends to close his current Hill Street premises, in the city's Cathedral Quarter this weekend.

Plans for Bill Harris Hairdressing to cease trading first emerged on social media around noon yesterday, prompting hundreds of messages of support from far and wide.

Mr Harris told the Belfast Telegraph that he was disappointed it had come to this.

"We are closing," confirmed Mr Harris.

"I've been at Hill Street for 10 years but in the city for 47 years.

"It is sad - but I don't want to sensationalise it."

A lengthy post on Facebook indicates that this Saturday will be the salon's last day of trading, although clients were given assurances that appointments will be honoured over the coming days.

"Hey everyone, it comes with great difficulty and sadness to tell you all that after 10 years of trade we will be closing our doors for good after this Saturday, September 12," the message read.

"This has been no easy decision but the loss of trade from being closed for three months during lockdown has left us with no other choice as a business.

"All appointments this week will be taken as usual."

The Facebook post promised that "the team will be contacting those with future appointments to either hand out the numbers of the stylists and colour technicians those of you are booked in with so that you can follow them where they themselves set up".

People were also told that the hairdressers affected by the salon's closure will not be hanging up their scissors forever.

"We will all still be working but not as this business and most likely in different places," it said.

"By all means contact either our Facebook or call and check that we have your number so that appointments can be honoured or rearranged."

There was an apology "for all inconvenience this creates for our customers" and an admission that "the news has come to ourselves quite suddenly".

The team said it "would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers and staff over the years for making this a great place to work and for the good times along the way".

"We would also like to thank business owner Maire Henderson for all of her hard work over the years and for putting up with the headaches managing us," they said.

"Keep an eye on our future posts for more details.

"It's been a pleasure doing business with you all and I'm sure we'll see you again in the future! Bill and Ben X."

Hundreds of people reacted to the news on Facebook and over 125 comments were left within three hours of the post appearing. Karen Ireland said: "Awh Bill the end of an era and a real loss!! Best wishes to you and your family on what comes next xx."

Yvonne Smyth revealed that she had heard the news from the other side of the world.

"Intergenerational hairstylist [for] the Smyth females," she wrote. "Heard of the sad news via Australia... both in deep shock. Bill, you had faith in the Cathedral Quarter, and we have faith in you.

"Know like the phoenix, you'll rise stronger and better from this. Good luck to all the staff, they've learnt from the Master!"

John Magill added: "So sorry to hear this Bill. Blessing always. And for all your kindness to my mum. Take care."
New Jerseys tax revenue losses through June may not be quite as dire as Gov. Phil Murphys administration is predicting, according a report from the states nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services obtained by NJ Advance Media.

The report, which will be released later Tuesday, show tax collections coming in nearly $1.4 billion higher over 12 months than the estimates put forward by Murphys Treasury Department in its proposed budget.
Wholesale changes are needed at the towns local animal shelter, according to a woman who is part of a group calling itself End Animal Cruelty at the Fort Erie SPCA.

The group is circulating a petition on change.org that calls for a change of management at the Jarvis Street shelter, including the dismissal of current manager Wendy Trombley. So far, more than 2,000 people have signed the petition.

The group has a lengthy list of allegations, including animal abuse and lack of veterinary care. Among the allegations is an alleged mass euthanasia of 30 cats. When done, the bodies of the felines were placed in a freezer to await pickup. When the freezer was opened, it was alleged some of the cats were still moving.

The allegation is indicative of the mismanagement of the shelter, Jamielee Vail said.

I volunteered to spend time with the dogs, Vail said. I have been volunteering a long time, but only got involved with the SPCA in December 2019.

She said that through working with the canines, shed get to know their personalities.

I would go every day, she said. I just couldnt not go.

However, spending some time at the shelter, she began to notice things.

I was watching how long dogs were left caged in, how late they were fed and that they were fed just once a day. I saw behavioural changes.

And while applications were being submitted to adopt animals, it appeared nothing was being done.

Applications were sitting on the desk for days, Vail said.

Trombley was asked by the Fort Erie Post to comment on the allegations, but declined. She said SPCA president and board chair Dr. Art King would be issuing a statement this week.

Vail said coming forward to talk about what she had seen is difficult. Stepping out in public to shed light on what she and others have seen at the SPCA is not something shed normally do.

But I want accountability, she said. Animals have rights.

Ward 4 Coun. Marina Butler was disturbed by the allegations, which date back to March. She recently brought forward a series of motions to council, calling on the town to revise its animal control bylaw, create a bylaw covering animal rights and another that would build these provisions into an animal control agreement going forward, whether it be with the SPCA or another agency.

There are no health and safety policies, no training in the way to properly euthanize an animal, Butler said.

She has concerns about how much Dr. King is involved with the shelter operation.

The impression I got from Dr. King (at the meeting) is that he is an intelligent man, Butler said. But he hasnt been present. If he were, hed know sedation should be given to animals before euthanasia, (and) not employ people who dont.

At the council meeting, King said he was aware of only one complaint being made against the agency and that it was in the hands of lawyers.

But for Vail, change, when and if it comes, will be too late for two dogs  Storm and Oreo  who were in the care of the shelter when she volunteered. Both dogs were euthanized as a result of neglect they experienced at the shelter.

Storm got adopted out on a trial, Vail said, adding the husky was in need of daily medication and subsequently returned to the shelter.

I had seen the owner and how they had left Storm in tears. I told the manager that all of us in the rescue group had discussed it and wanted to pay for Storms medication so Storm could return to the family who clearly loved him.

But the idea was dismissed by Trombley, Vail said.

When Vail returned to the shelter the following day, Storm was gone. Trombley said the dog had been put down because he was contagious.

Oreo, meanwhile, suffered in his time at the shelter, Vail said.

I came across Oreo, who had been returned to the shelter under terrible circumstances, Vail said. Oreo was trembling in her cell, bile all over the floor from being sick all night, and curled up in the corner.

Vail took the Oreo outside, away from the barking in the kennel, and comforted the dog, who, she said, pushed her head into my chest and sat there soaking up all the love she could.

One Saturday, Vail was finally able to convince shelter staff to allow her to take Oreo to see a vet, and arrangements were made by Vail to take her to a vet in Oakville that works with the rescue.

There she found that Oreos kidneys were shutting down, and there was little choice but to euthanize her.

When she informed Trombley, Vail said she was more concerned about who was going to pay for the visit to the Oakville vet.

Why should the fate of an animal be left up to one person? Vail asked.

Vail, along with a group of other advocates, including a former employee at the shelter, have enlisted legal help.

Lawyer Leo Salloum from Grill Barristers in Toronto has written to the SPCA board, calling for a change in management.

As a board of directors, you are no doubt aware that you have a fiduciary responsibility, which means that your duty is toward the Fort Erie SPCA and not toward any person who manages that organization, he wrote, adding that leaving the current manager in place is a risk: It will bring the entire SPCA down if she is allowed to stay on.

The SPCA board, meanwhile, retained its own legal counsel, Gary Enskat of the Toronto law firm Martin Sheppard Fraser LLP. The board has disputed the allegations being made by Vail and others.

The allegations that are being made in your letter are false, the letter said. The board has full confidence in Wendy Trombley.
A white woman has landed herself in hot water with indigenous advocates after buying a didgeridoo for her partner for Father's Day.

Social media influencer Sarah Stevenson, known by her one million followers as Sarah's Day, gave her partner Kurt Tilse the wind instrument as a gift from their one-year-old son Fox on Sunday.

The father shared a photo on Instagram of him playing the didgeridoo, also known as the Yadaki by some Aboriginal communities, for his son at their Sydney home.

'Thanks mate, such a great Fathers Day gift! What a special gift rich with so much culture,' Tilse wrote.

'I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Dharawal speaking people who are the Traditional Custodians of the Sutherland Shire.'

Social media influencer Sarah Stevenson (pictured) has copped backlash after buying her partner a yadaki, another term for didgeridoo, for her partner for father's day

But the post caught the attention of Indigenous advocates and followers who decried the gift as 'inappropriate and disrespectful'.

'I wish this was a picture of you reading an Indigenous childrens book to your son. So many ways to appreciate First Nations culture that isnt appropriation,' one woman wrote.

Another added:'So disappointing.'

Sharing the image on their Instagram page, educational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander group @blakbusiness slammed the pair for purchasing the Yadaki from a non-Indigenous seller.

'Non-Indigenous people owning or profiting from our culture is very problematic as it reflects a history of carpet-bagging and takes economic opportunities away from our mob,' the post read.

The group also shared images of comments they wrote addressing their concerns on the photo, that they claim were later deleted.

'My frustration is the conscious decision to silence Aboriginal voices by deleting comments and disabling the comment functionality,' Olivia, from @blakbusiness told Daily Mail Australia.

The fitness blogger's partner Kurt Tilse uploaded an image (pictured) of himself playing the Aboriginal instrument for his one-year-old son Fox to Instagram on Sunday

It is not the first time the fitness blogger has come under fire.

In May, the Youtuber was blasted with complaints, including death threats, for cultural appropriation after she appeared in a promotional video for her new active wear range with colourful split braids.

She promptly issued an apology video saying she was unaware the hairstyle had cultural links to the black community and would not have used it had she known.

Other photos shared by @blakbusiness on Monday showed messages the group had sent her following the first incident offering to educate her on cultural appropriation, that Stevenson never returned.

Tilse responded by defending the purchase in his Instagram story, writing his intentions had been misinterpreted.

'I only want to glorify the rich culture that is attached to this country and the land,' he wrote.

'I am proud to be Australian and want to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land.'

Instagram page @blakbusiness shared a comment the group wrote on the photo, claiming several of their comments had been deleted

Cultural appropriation is the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society.

The Instagram star also copped criticism last November during an attempt to raise money for bushfire victims.

The 27-year-old announced she would donate $1 from every product she sold, sparking outrage from scores of her more than 2million fans who thought the small percentage was a 'cop out'.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Sarah Stevenson for comment.
A man has died after crashing his vehicle into a Michigan Department of Transportation building in Taylor.

The Michigan State Police Metro South Post reports that troopers were dispatched to 6510 Telegraph Road at approximately 2:10 a.m. Tuesday on the report that a vehicle struck the building.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a male driver exited from westbound I-94 at Telegraph and drove over a grassy area and into the rear of the building.

Taylor Fire Department paramedics and other EMS personnel removed the victim from the vehicle and attempted CPR.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, Michigan State Police said in a tweet about the crash. It is possible the driver suffered a medical emergency prior to the crash.

The driver has been identified as a 69-year-old man from Taylor.
(Natural News) While it might feel encouraging to hear reports about domestic terrorist protesters finally being taken into custody for their crimes, too many of them are being immediately bailed out by corrupt, George Soros-backed district attorneys (DAs)  in some cases numerous times in a row.

Take 26-year-old Kristopher Michael Donnelly of Kelso, Wash., for instance. He was reportedly arrested and released four different times over the past several months, the possible good news being that his most recent arrest appears to have escalated to actual federal charges.

However, the previous three arrests all had the same outcome: quick bail or release by the county. Independent journalist Andy Ngo covered the Donnelly saga at-length in a recent piece he wrote for The Post Millennial, illustrating the corruption that exists within the highest levels of government to keep violent terrorists on the streets rather than in prison where they belong.

Back on Aug. 5, Donnelly was arrested after being filmed using a hammer to destroy a window at the Portland Police Bureaus (PPB) East Precinct. Donnelly was also seen throwing objects at police, refusing to disperse when ordered, and blocking traffic.

Upon being arrested, Donnelly forcefully struck an officer in the face while continuing to resist arrest when several others tried to subdue him. He was taken into custody for felony riot, felony criminal mischief, felony assault of a public safety officer, resisting arrest, and numerous other charges, only to be released on $5,000 bail.

Three days later on Aug. 8, Donnelly was arrested a second time while rioting outside the Penumbra Kelly Building, a police facility. Despite facing another round of similar charges upon second arrest, Donnelly was ordered to be released without bail by a judge.

Donnellys third arrest occurred on Aug. 23, and once again involved charges of felony riot, resisting arrest, and interfering with a peace officer. He once again received a $5,000 bail, which was quickly paid by those funding these peaceful protests behind the scenes.

One week later on Aug. 30, Donnelly was arrested a fourth time for disorderly conduct and interfering with a peace officer. This time he was transferred to federal authorities, and recently had his first appearance in federal court.

If convicted in federal court, Donnelly faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, Ngo explains.

Many Americans are coming to the realization that they need to get up-to-speed on their self-defense skills in order to ward off terrorists like Donnelly from harming them and their families. Check out PrepWithMike below to learn more:

Systemic injustice is terrorists like Donnelly requiring four arrests to finally be detained without bail

One might argue that Donnellys first arrest and subsequent bail situation was a simple mistake, especially since there are many others like him being arrested and bogging down the system. But the only excuse for arrests two, three, and four is a broken criminal justice system that caters to criminals.

The irony of Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Antifa terrorists like Donnelly claiming that the system is unjust is the fact that it is actually unjust in their favor, at least in Portland where no crime these days goes punished.

That dangerous criminals like Donnelly are allowed to continue committing the same crimes they were arrested for prior, over and over again, is proof positive that the system is, in fact, broken and in need of reform. It is just not the type of reform that people like Donnelly are protesting to achieve.

The judges need to be arrested, wrote one Twitter user towards this end. How do you set a bail on somebody whos been arrested twice in three days, let alone three times or four times in a month?

More of this type of news can be found at Chaos.news.

Sources for this article include:

Twitter.com

ThePostMillennial.com

NaturalNews.com
BOULDER, Colo.  Wait, what happened to fall?

On Monday, the region around Denver was sweltering in summer heat, the scorched skies thick with haze, smoke and ash from a wildfire roaring through the dried-out forests near Rocky Mountain National Park. By Tuesday morning, there was snow on the ground, and temperatures had plunged more than 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

We switched from summer to winter in a day, said David Barjenbruch, a senior forecaster at the National Weather Service in Boulder.

Outside his office, an inch or so of snow was already sticking to hillsides and tree branches on Tuesday morning, the start of what was expected to be a daylong snowstorm, dropping more than 12 inches in the foothills and mountains and three to six inches around Denver.

Mr. Barjenbruch said the cold air mass had rolled in from above the Arctic Circle, traveling rapidly south along the spine of the Rocky Mountains. Some of Colorados ski resorts, which have been preparing for a socially distanced ski season, were expected to get an early dump, though probably not enough to last until they open around Thanksgiving. Live cameras showed that mountain passes were already a blur of white.
The attack occurred near the M4 while the soldiers were having lunch at a local restaurant, Zaman al-Wasl reports

Two Turkish soldiers were wounded on Sunday by unidentified gunmen in the Idlib province, according to Zaman al-Wasl reporter.

The attack took place on the international Aleppo-Latakia highway, known as M4 while the soldiers were having lunch at a local restaurant near the town of Ariha. The attackers managed to escape, the Zaman reporter said.

The Turkish military has come under at least three attacks in the past few weeks.

Turkey, which backs rebels opposed to Bashar al-Assad, agreed a ceasefire with Russia last March after months of fighting displaced nearly one million people in the province of Idlib. Moscow supports Syrian regime forces.

Idlib province is home to 3.5 million civilians, according to the United Nations.

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.
Police in Mumbai have booked two of Sushant Singh Rajputs sisters and a Delhi-based doctor after Rhea Chakraborty, who is facing multiple charges in the late actors death case, lodged a complaint against them.

Bandra Police have registered a first information report (FIR) against Rajputs sisters, Priyanka Singh and Mitu Singh, and Dr Tarun Kumar, an associate professor of cardiology from Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, for abetting suicide, cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy. They have also transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Here is what Rhea Chakraborty said in her complaint:

* Rhea filed a six-page complaint against the three at Bandra police station for allegedly prescribing medicines for Rajput that are banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines, 2020.

* The complaint was filed under section 464, 465, 466, 468, 474, 306, 120 (B), 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) read with section 8 (c), 21, 22, and 29 of the NDPS Act.

* She has said in her complaint that she was living with Rajput from December 2019 to June 8, 2020. She had stated in her complaint that during the course of her relationship she learnt that Rajput was undergoing treatment for various mental health issues and had been diagnosed as suffering from Bipolar disorder by multiple renowned doctors.

* However, the deceased (Sushant Singh Rajput) was not disciplined in respect of his treatment and would often abruptly stop his medication to the dismay of his doctors and myself, she said in her complaint.

* On morning of June 8, 2020, the deceased had been on his phone incessantly and when I enquired what he was doing, he showed me the messages he was exchanging with his sister Priyanka Singh. I say that I was shocked upon reading the said messages as his sister Priyanka had sent him a list of medications to take, she added.

* Chakraborty said that she had explained to Rajput that given the seriousness of his condition, and the fact that he already had medications prescribed by doctors who had examined and treated him over several months, he ought not to take any other medication, least of all medication being prescribed by his sister who has no medical degree.

* She said in her complaint stated that this led to disagreement between them, and Rajput insisted that he would only take the medicines his sister was prescribing. The deceased then proceeded to ask me to leave the house as his other sister Meetu Singh was coming to live with him and would take care of him, she said and added that she left the house after that.

* Chakraborty stated that she was shocked to learn about Sushant Singh Rajputs father registering a FIR at Rajiv Nagar police station in Patna on July 25, 2020. It was preposterous that such false allegations were being made out over 40 days after the demise of the deceased, she said in her complaint.

* She said WhatsApp messages were exchanged between Rajput and Priyanka on June 8, 2020. In the said messages Priyanka Singh has advised the deceased to take various medication controlled under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act. Shockingly, it has come now come to light that his sister Priyanka had subsequently on the same day sent him a prescription by one Dr Tarun Kumar, an associate professor of Cardiology from Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, she said.

* Chakraborty said that prima facie the said document appears forged and fabricated.

* She has also said that the prescription prepared by them is fabricated whereby Rajput is shown as an OPD patient in the hospital in Delhi, while he was in Mumbai. Deceased died merely in 5 days after he obtained the said prescription wherein he was unlawfully prescribed psychotropic substances at behest of Priyanka and Dr Kumar, read the complaint.
Race faker Jessica Krug was applauded at a university conference when she hailed the murder of a 15-year-old boy hacked to death outside a New York bodega as a revolutionary moment because he wanted to be a cop, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Lesandro Junior Guzman-Feliz was chased though the Bronx and butchered with machetes by a Dominican street gang who mistook him for someone else in a notorious 2018 killing.

But speaking on a Columbia University panel, Krug dismissed Guzman-Feliz, a member of the NYPDs Explorers youth program, as a collaborator who worked against his own community and was targeted because snitches get stitches.

Speaking on a Columbia University panel, Jessica Krug dismissed Guzman-Feliz, a member of the NYPDs Explorers youth program, as a collaborator who worked against his own community and was targeted because snitches get stitches

Lesandro (Junior) Guzman-Feliz was chased though the Bronx and butchered with machetes by a Dominican street gang who mistook him for someone else in a notorious 2018 killing

Its so much more difficult to understand what kind of freedom we could achieve by being willing to confront those who are working against the interests of the community, she said, going unchallenged as she appeared to endorse the grisly murder.

Krug, 38  a white, Jewish woman from Kansas City, Missouri - admitted last week that she had pretended to be black for decades while becoming a prominent opponent of systemic racism and a professor of African Studies at George Washington University.

How many people are familiar with Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, a 15-year-old boy who was murdered in the Bronx last year, she says in a 2019 video clip revealed by DailyMail.com.

So if youre in New York you probably heard a lot about this. And the narrative around it is that he was an innocent kid who was mistaken for a bad kid. He was the kid who was hacked apart with machetes in front of a bodega in the Bronx, she says.

The idea is that he was mistaken for someone else by Trinitarios, right, who come out of Rikers [Island jail] as most of the radical politics of New York City has done for many, many years.

But the part of the story that gets emphasized in different ways is that he was an Explorer, right, which is a program that the NYPD has to bring youth in to eventually work for them.

Lesandro Junior Guzman-Feliz's murder outside a bodega in NYC was caught on camera

Five men were found guilty of Lesandro Junior Guzman-Feliz's murder and handed life sentences

Krug compared the frenzied attack to necklacing, the gruesome execution method used to punish black police informants in Apartheid-era South African where a rubber tire filled with fuel would be placed round someones neck or chest and set ablaze.

When I think about this politics of silence that Im talking about in the archives and about how silence can be a really radical presence historically, I think its a radical presence today when people talk about snitches get stitches or when we think about a history of anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and necklacing, she goes on.

That kind of violence against people who are collaborating or working against their communities we have to consider a radical moment in 2018 in which people are using machetes to hack apart a 15-year-old boy whos working with the police.

The way the story about his innocence and the inherent violence about the people who hacked him apart become the narrative we tell, about how the loss of innocence is the story we mourn, and its so much more difficult to understand what kind of freedom could we achieve by being willing to confront those within the community who are working against the interests of the community as a whole at the end of a machete.

The clip revealed by DailyMail.com ends before anyone has had a chance to ask questions but as she wraps her remarks Krug receives an enthusiastic round of applause.

She was listed as a speaker at an April 2019 event hosted by the colleges Black Studies Department to discuss social solidarity and activism now taking shape across the African diaspora.

Guzman-Feliz, who was of Dominican descent, tried to take refuge inside a bodega when knife-wielding thugs mistook him for a rival gang member and chased him on June 20, 2018.

Theslain boys mom Leandra Feliz told a judge: There were two deaths: Junior and I, who was left dead inside. She is pictured above with her son

Security camera footage later went viral revealing the sickening moment the teenager, who dreamt of becoming an NYPD detective, was dragged out of the store and fatally attacked.

A year later, five men were found guilty of his murder and handed life sentences after the slain boys mom Leandra Feliz told a judge: There were two deaths: Junior and I, who was left dead inside.

DailyMail.com revealed last week how Krug  a self-styled 'unrepentant and unreformed child of the hood'  grew up in a middle class, white family and attended private school before breaking off contact with her relations after entering academia.

A family source revealed that the identity politics stalwart even skipped her mother Sherrys funeral in 2013, perhaps because relatives would rumble her attempts to pass herself off as a black woman and radical opponent of the white patriarchy.

Despite assuming various black and Hispanic identities over the years, Krug revealed in a Medium blog post last Thursday that she had been deceiving her friends and colleagues for decades.

In a lengthy confession titled 'The Truth, and the Anti-Black Violence of My Lies', she 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.

'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.

After Krugs mea culpa made global headlines, some fellow academics cast doubt on her honesty, saying she only came clean because Hispanic scholars were about to out her.

George Washington University has said Krug will not be teaching in the Fall however her outraged colleagues are pushing for her time at the DC-based school to be put to a permanent end.

'She has betrayed the trust of countless current and former students, fellow scholars of Africana Studies, colleagues in our department and throughout the historical discipline, as well as community activists in New York City and beyond,' the university's history department said in a statement.

'The discipline of history is concerned with truth telling about the past. With her conduct, Dr. Krug has raised questions about the veracity of her own research and teaching.'

Harlem, New York-based Columbia did not respond to requests for comment.
A Perth man was killed in a dog attack in Morley on Monday evening as his housemate watched the gruesome scene unfold.

Police found David Whitney dead just after 8pm after responding to a call for help on Halvorson Road that was logged as an "animal complaint" of a serious nature.

Nine News Perth said the 59-year-old got into an argument with his 36-year-old roommate before the dog attacked.

A man, who lives on the same road as the victim, told ABC Perth a neighbour started banging on his door saying a dog had attacked another person in his home.
We will continue to deal with Chinese PLA in firm, resolute manner: Army chief

Honour bi-lateral protocols since 1993: What to expect from the Jaishankar-Wang Yi meet

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Sep 08: With no signs of de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control, all eyes would be on the meeting of External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

The two leaders would meet on the sideline of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. (SCO) on September 10. It may be recalled that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had met his counterpart General Wei Fenghe on the same platform on September 5.

Both sides during the September 5 meeting only reiterated each others' formal positions.

During the meeting of the foreign ministers, Jaishankar would tell Yi that the bi-lateral agreements and protocols since 1993 must be honoured.

At no stage has Indian Army transgressed across LAC or resorted to firing: Official statement

The past bi-lateral agreements must be honoured both in letter and spirit. This would also include keeping the PLA strength at a minimal along the Line of Actual Control.

Further, Jaishankar would state that status quo ante should be restored at the Finger 4, north bank of Pangong Tso and Gogra-Hot Springs.

Jaishankar would arrive in Moscow today with desk officers of the China division. Yi would reach tomorrow. There is a lot that is expected from this meeting as a forward movement towards disengagement will be discussed.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 12:07 [IST]
I grew up in the 1980's and I was 21 when the decade ended.

I remember watching Boys from the Blackstuff and Auf Wiedersehen Pet.

Both shows were made during the Deep Recession of the 1980's and one of the main characters Yosser Hughes, played by Bernard Hill, stayed with me for years.

I remember even to this day the harrowing effect unemployment had on his character and watching this 'hard man' being driven to the edge was TV drama gold.

The role got him nominated for a Bafta and Yosser left us with his character's much repeated 'Gizza Job' catchphrase.

Even to this day I still hear it used.

The reason I mention the dark days of the 1980's is that many believe the economy is heading towards unemployment levels not seen since the 1980's.

Unemployment in the North doubled in two months from 29,700 in March to 65,200 in May 2020.

Even the Bank of England is gloomy and have warned the government that the UK unemployment rate is likely to spike at 2.5m (7.5%).

It also believes any recovery will be slower than expected and it might be a few years before it returns to 2019 levels.

The bank believes that at least one million jobs will be lost in the second half of this year as the furlough scheme is withdrawn and employers struggle to meet the payroll.

Others put the figure much higher.

One thing for sure is that employment opportunities for many people in the next 12-18 months will be difficult to say the very least.

Unless there is some additional intervention by the UK government to assist employers then we are likely to see a lot more people in Derry losing their jobs.

Add Brexit uncertainty into this mix and our region's dependency on leisure and tourism, it really doesn't look good for Derry.

I am particularly worried about a big spike in youth unemployment.

It's funny because in many ways this employment crisis is similar to the 1980's.

Anyone around at the time will remember the destruction of the UK economy by Margaret Thatcher.

Over a few short years unemployment rocketed and a generation of young people struggled to get a foothold in the employment market.

I remember in 1989 queueing for hours on Asylum Road for an application form for summer jobs at the kitchen in Gransha Hospital.

Hundreds queued for 12 summer dishwasher jobs.

I was one of the many rejected for that job but the parallels between now and then got me thinking of my own journey.

When I finished College there were no jobs in Derry.

When I say there were no jobs, I mean exactly that.

Everyone in the early 1990's either emigrated to the UK or USA. I also remember Jersey and the Isle of Man were popular for a few years in construction.

If you did stay at home you were likely to go on a 'scheme'.

A 'scheme' was for many the only way to get a 'start' as it was called.

People out there of a certain vintage will remember the Youth Training Scheme (YTP) for under 18's or the Job Training Program (JTP) for adults.

There was also the Action for Community Employment scheme (ACE).

The YTP scheme was for two years and during that time you received your income support with an additional 10 a week added on directly to your fortnightly cheque.

The JTP scheme ran for 12 months along the same lines as YTP. You received an additional 10 a week for working 37hrs.

Employers were allowed to pay you another 10 a week if they wanted to and most did but basically you were working for 20 a week.

During that 12-month period you had to prove yourself worthy of being offered a job.

It was really a long interview and for many people in Derry this was their first 'job'.

I was fortunate to be kept on by my employer, North West Marketing.

I earned my first pay packet in October 1991 and my first weekly wage was 121.78.

I was 22 years old and on my way. At the age of 28 I became CEO of North West Marketing and the rest is history.

During those early years in North West Marketing, we actually ran a very successful Marketing/Sales Attachment Program funded through the JTP program.

The program ran throughout the North and placed hundreds of people who had just graduated into their first jobs.

Many of these graduate trainees still to this day hold senior management jobs throughout Ireland and the world and the program was really before its time.

I remember we had 50 places a year on this scheme but often got 250 applications. It was always difficult narrowing the numbers down.

The reason I bring up my own humble beginnings is to demonstrate that during those dark times in the early 1990's many in Derry had such an appetite for work that the thought of working for 20 a week on top of your benefits wasn't an issue.

Many just wanted a chance to prove ourselves.

Of course, we all wanted real jobs and decent salaries but sitting around waiting for someone to give it to us was never an option.

Derry at that time had a 'get up and go' attitude and organisations sprung up from the community like the Inner City Trust, The Nerve Centre, Carnhill Resource Centre, Derry Boston Ventures, North West Marketing, Maydown Ebrington, Dove House, Gasyard, NICDA and many others.

These organisations challenged others to do more for Derry and men and women like Paddy Bogside and Betty Feeney made civil servants sit up and listen.

The 'esprit de corps' in Derry was exceptional at that time. We were all in it for Derry.

With potential dark times ahead we need the same ethos instilled in our young people.

The government has announced the Kickstart work scheme for 16-24 year olds.

On first review it seems an excellent way to get our young people into employment.

The salary is fully supported for six months and there is a 1,500 pot of money for training.

We need to maximize participation on this scheme for Derry.

We also need to educate our young people that in the absence of real jobs they should seek out ways of improving their skills and employability.

Being inactive isn't good, so I would honestly recommend volunteering particularly in a sector where you have a career interest.

In my case I wanted to work in economic development so I was willing to do it for 20 a week if I got the experience.

I have never regretted that decision but too often I meet people who aren't willing to take such a leap of faith unless they are paid.

Tough times ahead folks but we have been here before and many of us should use that experience to guide others through it.

Let's not have another lost generation of youth.

Hopefully when they say 'Giz a job' the answer is YES.
ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani government official who went missing from the capital last week safely returned home Tuesday after unknown abductors freed him on the outskirts of Islamabad, officials and the man said.

Sajid Gondal, who is a senior official at the countrys financial regulatory body, took to Twitter to announce his return, but he did not share any details.

He went missing while driving home from work and his car was later found parked on a roadside.

It was unclear who held him for five days, though his family and friends speculated he was in the custody of one of Pakistans intelligence agencies, which work largely outside the control of the government.

He was freed after his relatives rallied in Islamabad amid growing pressure on social media for Gondals release. A Pakistani court this week had ordered the government to trace and produce him by Sept. 17.

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 Home Ministry official, requesting anonymity, told IANS that Ranaut will be given round the clock security cover by a specialised security wing of one of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). However, the official said, it was not yet confirmed if the security will be provided by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) or Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Ahead of her visit to Mumbai in light of her recent spat with Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted 'Y' category security to Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, sources said.

Another official confirmed that Ranaut will be given 'Y' category security cover before her landing in Mumbai on September 9 as she was in loggerhead with the Maharashtra government and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut.

Under the 'Y' category security, one Personal Security Officer (PSO) in three shifts travels with the protectee in India while five security personnel provide security at home. A total of eight commandos will provide round the clock security to Ranaut.

Reacting to the development on her security, Ranaut thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah through his Twitter account in Hindi, saying "This is proof that no fascist will be able to crush a patriotic voice"."I am thankful to @AmitShahji who could advise me not to go to Mumbai for a few days due to present circumstances. But he kept the words of a daughter of India and protected our self-respect. Jai Hind."

Kangana Ranaut had recently compared Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), triggering angry reactions from the Maharashtra government and Shiv Sena leaders. Her reaction came after Sanjay Raut had warned her against returning to Mumbai from her home state Himachal Pradesh.

On Sunday, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur announced that the state government will be providing security to Ranaut for her Mumbai visit on September 9. Meanwhile, two separate complaints have been filed with Mumbai Police against Ranaut over her remark.
BLOOMINGTON  Twenty-six more McLean County residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19 while new COVID-related deaths were reported in LaSalle and Ford counties on Tuesday.

The 26 new COVID cases reported by the McLean County Health Department on Tuesday follow 46 on Monday and 55 on Sunday. That means 127 more people have been diagnosed with the novel virus so far this week and 2,626 since March 19.

No new hospitalizations or COVID-related deaths were reported in McLean County on Tuesday.

But LaSalle County Health Department reported that county's 54th COVID-related death, a man in his 70s.

And Ford County Health Department reported that county's fourth COVID death, a man in his 80s, said health department community health educator Danielle Walls.

LaSalle County Health Department also reported eight new COVID cases, bringing that county's total to 1,417. The newly diagnosed range in age from their 20s to their 90s.

Of LaSalle County's 1,417 confirmed cases, 838 people have recovered.

Ford County also reported four new COVID cases, bringing the number of confirmed cases in that county to 79, Sixteen of those people remain in isolation, with one hospitalized, Ford County Health Department said.

In McLean County, the county's seven-day positivity rate  the percentage of COVID tests of county residents that came back positive for the week ending Monday  dropped to 10.6% from 11.2% for the week ending Sunday and 12.5% for the seven days ending Saturday.

The county's cumulative positivity rate, of the 55,800 tests conducted since March, is 4.7%, said Jessica McKnight, administrator of the McLean County Health Department.

Of the 2,626 McLean County cases since March, 1,311 people were isolating at home on Tuesday (16 more than on Monday); eight were hospitalized, two in intensive care units (unchanged from Monday); and 1,290 were recovered (ten more than on Monday).

Seventeen McLean County residents have died of COVID. The most recent death was announced Friday.

The age group with the largest number of COVID cases in McLean County is people in their 20s, followed by 19-year-olds. McLean County COVID cases have risen rapidly since Illinois State University students returned to campus on Aug. 17.

ISU reported on Tuesday that, during the previous seven days, 295 students had tested positive on campus of 1,955 students tested, for a positivity rate of 15.1%. The student positivity rate recently had exceeded 20%.

Since testing began on campus on Aug. 17, 1,318 students have tested positive of 6,606 students tested, ISU said Tuesday. That's a positivity rate of 20%.

McLean County on Friday was among 29 Illinois counties placed on the Illinois Department of Public Health's COVID-19 warning list because of the county's number of new cases and a positivity rate exceeding 8%.

On Tuesday, the New York Times, in its daily update, reported that the Bloomington metro area ranked 10th nationally for numbers of new cases, relative to population, for the previous two weeks. The newspaper reported that the Bloomington metro area had 1,522 new cases in the previous two weeks, or 4.6 cases per 1,000 people.

Tazewell County Health Department reported six new COVID cases on Tuesday but 77 since Saturday, bringing that county's total to 1,280 confirmed COVID cases, said communications manager Sara Sparkman. Of those, 902 have recovered.

Livingston County Health Department reported 21 new cases, including two people who are hospitalized, bring that county's total to 255. Of the 255, 204 have recovered.

Statewide, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,392 new COVID cases on Tuesday and seven additional deaths, meaning 252,353 Illinoisans have been diagnosed with the virus since March and 8,186 have died.

The statewide positivity rate for COVID cases as a percent of total tests for the seven days ending Monday was 4%, IDPH said. As of Monday night, 1,504 people in Illinois were hospitalized with COVID and 343 of them were in intensive care units.

Testing resumed on Tuesday at the COVID-19 testing site at the McLean County Fairgrounds, 1106 Interstate Drive, Bloomington. That testing site, operated by Reditus Laboratories, was closed on Monday for Labor Day. The site is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except for holidays and during severe weather.

Contact Paul Swiech at 309-820-3275. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_swiech.

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Online advertising is a game of scale, but one attempt to consolidate two competitors to better take on Google and Facebook has fallen apart. Taboola and Outbrain, startups that each provide publishers with ad-based content recommendation platforms, have called off a planned $850 million merger that would have valued the combined company at more than $2 billion.

The news of the cancellation had been rumoured in the Israeli press (and tipped to me by Avihai Michaeli, a Tel Aviv-based senior investment banker and startup advisor), and TechCrunch has now confirmed it with both companies, too.

"We've seen changing conditions in the market due to COVID-19, and we decided to terminate the deal," said a person close to the merger, who asked to remain anonymous. "It's been such a long road, and it's not great...but walking away is the right move."

"No one gets divorced because theyre happy," said another source close to the deal said about the feeling of resignation over the development.

We understand that a formal announcement will be made in the next couple of days. There are no "break fees" as a result of the deal not going through.

The deal had been years in the making -- we first reported on the talks in 2015 -- but was only finally pulled together about 11 months ago, in October 2019. However, between then and today, a combination of factors got in the way of it progressing.

The first of those was the global health pandemic. Both Taboola's and Outbrain's businesses are based around widgets that they integrate with publishers' sites, which provide a way for publishers both to recirculate their own content, as well as share it, alongside sponsored content and ads, on other sites that also run the widgets. But in the last eight months, the world of ad-based media has taken a nosedive as many large brands reined in their ad budgets, and that had a knock-on effect on other players within the ecosystem.

Story continues

And that has impacted financing prospects. The merger between the two was originally intended to have cash and stock components -- specifically 30% of the value of Outbrain for $250 million in cash to be paid to Outbrain's shareholders and employees -- but in the contracting market, the financiers who were providing the capital for the cash component stalled. That deal ultimately expired in August, and it didn't get extended. And then, attempts to convert the deal into an all-stock transaction were unpalatable to Outbrain, we understand. "The cash was a critical factor in the deal," said a source.

On top of that was what was described to me as a "challenging cultural fit" between the two companies, something that only became more apparent as the closing of the deal dragged on. That again pointed to the cash element of the deal being important: "If you get the cash, you reduce the risk, so without that we grew even more uncomfortable," the source said.

The third hurdle was ongoing regulatory issues. While it appeared that the U.S. regulators nominally approved the deal, the merger was still being investigated both in the U.K. and in Israel, investigations that were due to go on for several more months. In the U.K., the companies currently do not have any significant competitors, raising antitrust concerns.

The two companies, both founded out of Israel but headquartered in New York, had described their planned deal as a merger, but the combined entity would have been called Taboola, with Taboolas founder Adam Singolda taking the CEO slot. Both Taboola and Outbrain were profitable going into the deal, each claiming some $1 billion in annual revenues. Taboola has raised some $160 million from investors that include Comcast, Fidelity and Pitango. Outbrain had raised $194 million, with investors including Index, HarbourVest and Lightspeed.

From what we understand, both companies will continue looking at ways they can continue to grow, even if it's not as a team. That will include weighing up other strategic acquisitions and other opportunities, since some truisms remain in the worlds of media and advertising. "Scale and reach are critical to being successful in this market," said our source.
Britain will on Wednesday unveil legislation that it admits breaks international law by rewriting parts of its Brexit divorce treaty relating to Northern Ireland, sparking widespread criticism and clouding the latest round of fraught EU trade talks.

After leaving the European Union earlier this year following a bitterly divisive referendum, Britain is racing to agree a trade deal with Brussels as the clock ticks down to a crunch EU summit in mid-October.

An eighth round of talks began in London on Tuesday.

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, whose country is the EU nation most affected by Brexit, warned that reneging on last year's divorce pact "could seriously erode and damage political trust".

European Parliament president David Sassoli added: "Any attempts by the UK to undermine the agreement would have serious consequences."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said Britain will cope with the economic dislocation of leaving the transition period at the end of the year without a deal, despite also facing the coronavirus crisis.

But the prospect has caused the pound to slump on currency markets and made UK businesses increasingly anxious.

Johnson's government has urged Brussels to show "more realism" about dealing with a heavyweight economic power on its borders.

It insists the changes to the Withdrawal Agreement it will publish on Wednesday are technical and required to ensure businesses in Northern Ireland can enjoy friction-free trade with both the EU and the rest of the UK from next year.

Responding to a question in parliament, Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis conceded: "Yes, this does break international law in a very specific and limited way."

Lewis said there were "clear precedents" for such a move as circumstances change.

But in Dublin, Coveney said the comments were "gravely concerning" and said he had asked the Irish ambassador to raise the issue directly with London.

Story continues

- Shock in US -

Britain also faced warnings from across the Atlantic of consequences for a separate US-UK trade deal if it backtracked on the Brexit deal.

House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi last year warned a deal between London and Washington would be dead on arrival in Congress if the peace accord that ended decades of bloodshed in Northern Ireland were undermined.

On Tuesday, Democrat Congressman Brendan Boyle told BBC radio it "would be very difficult to enter into a trade negotiation with a party that would have just ripped up a very important agreement to us".

There was criticism at home in Britain, too, with former prime minister Theresa May and the main opposition Labour party both expressing alarm.

Jonathan Jones, the head of the government's legal department, was also revealed to have resigned, in a move the Financial Times linked to the Northern Ireland row.

It reported he was "very unhappy" about the decision to rewrite the Northern Ireland Protocol -- a vital part of the EU withdrawal pact designed to avoid a return to the unrest that stalked British rule in the province.

Johnson's spokesman said the government was "fully committed to implementing" the protocol.

But he stressed "we cannot allow damaging default provisions to kick in" for Northern Ireland if London and Brussels fail to negotiate a deal this year.

The British government's claim that it has only now found problems with the protocol prompted disbelief from opposition parties.

They seized on Jones' exit to level new charges of incompetence against Johnson after months of policy U-turns in his government's coronavirus response.

Britain and the EU agree a deal must be struck by next month's EU summit, to give time for translation and parliamentary ratification before the end of 2020.

But divisions remain on totemic issues such as state subsidies for industry and fishing rights.

Northern Ireland will have Britain's only land border with the EU, and the Brexit protocol means the territory will continue to follow some of the bloc's rules to ensure the frontier remains open.

Removing a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, was a key part of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that brought an end to 30 years of violence.

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Twenty nine-year-old Pravesh Malik had rushed 25km from Rohini to near Delhi Gate, to get his Covid-19 positive father admitted at Lok Nayak hospital.

When Praveshs father, Dharamvir, had tested positive for the infection on Monday, the doctor at the government testing centre had advised that he be admitted to a hospital at earliest because of his existing heart condition.

We went to nearby Saroj hospital, where we were told that in case his condition deteriorates, they will not be able to manage him. Their ICUs were full and they asked me to shift him to a bigger hospital, said Pravesh.

However, when he checked the Delhi Corona app,the ICU beds at all big hospitals near his house were occupied. As he was already on oxygen support, I decided not to take any chances and rushed him to Delhi governments Lok Nayak hospital in an ambulance. The only reason I travelled so far with him is because there were no beds available at hospitals near my house, he said.

Click here for full Covid-19 coverage

The Maliks were one of several hundred residents who have in the past few weeks sought hospitalisation, as the number of Covid-19 cases in the city sees a major upsurge.

As of Tuesday, at least 5,400 people suffering from Covid had been admitted to various Delhi hospitals  the highest since the third week of June when the city had 6,200 hospitalised Covid patients.

Even though more than 8,600 beds earmarked for the treatment of Covid-19 remained vacant in the city (on Tuesday), the ICUs in the large multi speciality private hospitals have started running full.

Ashwini Sharma, a businessman from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh brought his 52-year-old uncle, who had tested positive for Covid-19 back home and was running a high temperature, to Delhis Max hospital in Saket on Tuesday afternoon. After almost 40 minutes of waiting, they were told that beds were not available at the hospital.

The oxygen levels of my uncle had been dropping since last night. A private hospital in Gwalior suggested that we go to Delhi for treatment. Once here, we were told that there is a waiting of 3-4 days. Now we will try Max hospital in Vaishali. However, the ambulance staff has told me that they are running out of oxygen and it would take at least an hour to reach Vaishali in Ghaziabad. I just hope we make it in time, said a worried looking Sharma, as his uncle lay in the ambulance.

A medical support staff at Max, Saket, who did not wish to be named, said over the past few days, the number of admissions had gone up. The bed occupancy at our dedicated Covid-19 facilities is running full, said Max hospital in a statement.

Also read: Top private hospitals fast running out of ICU beds for Covid care in Delhi

Chetan Gupta, 32, from Haryanas Rewari, who too had come to Max, Saket, said his father used to come for dialysis at the hospital thrice a week and last Saturday tested positive for the virus. He is a critical care patient. We had to wait for almost 12 hours to get a bed in the hospital. We had reached the hospital at 10am on Saturday and it was only by 9pm that he finally managed to get a bed, after we made several calls. We couldnt have taken him anywhere else, as his dialysis was being done here , said Gupta.

At AIIMS too, the Covid screening facility had a queue of ambulances with patients being tested before admission. A medical staff at the facility said that the number of Covid patients coming in for ICU and ventilator support beds had witnessed a sharp rise in the last few weeks. The workload has increased again with more critical care patients are pouring in. Since morning at least four cases had come that required ICU beds, he said.
The Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has questioned the credibility of former President John Dramani Mahama in achieving his partys manifesto promises.



According to the Minister and Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayiribe, if Mr. Mahamas track records are anything to go by, he cannot be trusted in fulfilling the National Democratic Congress manifesto promises.



Responding to questions at the weekly press conference held in Kumasi on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, Mr. Nkrumah stressed that the 2020 general elections is going to be about the credibility and track records of the flagbearers of the two leading political parties in the country.



I think that the question of manifestos and promises must be looked at very simply from two perspectives. First of all, the credibility of the promises that are being made and then secondly how. When you take the credibility, the good thing is that for the first time the two persons who are the frontrunners in this elections have both had the opportunity to occupy the office of President.



So in looking at the credibility of the promises they are making, one ought to first look at their track records when they were in office and their positions on some of the matters they are speaking to today. This will help anybody who wants to do an analysis to understand whether or not you can take any of these promises as credible, he said.



His comments come at the back of the NDCs 2020 manifesto launch that took place yesterday. Dubbed, the Peoples Manifesto: Jobs, Prosperity and more, the 143 paged document provides Mr. Mahama and the NDC an opportunity to be reelected into power on December 7, 2020.



However, Mr. Nkrumah stressed that the levels of mismanagement under the former President does not provide the NDC and it's flagbearer an opportunity to govern the country after December.



If you have somebody who during his period run down the Ghanaian economy, went to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout and as a result could not employ young people when they were graduating from school. You recall the graduate unemployment associations that were formed. You recall the cancellation of allowances because of the economic crisis and the argument that even if they will vote against us they should vote against us. And today this person comes back and says that he is going to create one million jobs. Does it sound to anybody like a credible promise? 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.

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(Natural News) Scientists are still unsure about the health risks that microplastic ingestion poses to human health. But thats starting to change thanks to recent studies.

In a major breakthrough, researchers from the German Environment Agency (UBA) and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) found that 97 percent of the blood and urine samples of some 2,500 children tested, aged three to 17, had traces of microplastics, or the small pieces of plastic that occur as a consequence of plastic pollution.

These results are troubling, suggesting that children are exposed to countless sources of microplastics inside the home. The results also indicate that more and more plastic ingredients are being found inside human bodies in recent times, said Marike Kolossa-Gehring, a toxicologist at UBA and a member of the research team.

Their findings appeared online in the German publication Der Spiegel.

Toxic clothes, cooking utensils, food packaging

The ocean is abundant in microplastics. The plastic fibers, often no bigger than a sesame seed, can be detected in different species of fish and shellfish that humans consume.

This alone could be a testament to the degree of global plastic pollution, but scientists are racing to figure out the implications of this pollution for human health.

In this most recent research, German scientists found that humans also face a heightened risk of microplastic exposure from the frequent use of plastic products, certain fabrics, food packaging and cooking utensils.

Some of the chemicals identified pose no apparent health risk, but the researchers expressed the most concern regarding disturbing amounts of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in the blood and urine samples.

This man-made chemical is used around the globe to make non-stick and stainproof coatings for pans, clothes and other products.

Numerous studies indicate that exposure to PFOA in certain amounts can result in health issues and complications, including birth defects. It has also been found to be carcinogenic in animal trials.

The researchers also speculated that children that arent from rich or middle class areas face the greatest risk of microplastic ingestion. The long-term damage of this exposure also cannot be ruled out.

The group said that these findings should be a clear call for more regulations against the use of PFOA and the other chemicals found in the samples. The European Union (EU) is set to ban PFOA sometime in 2020.

Microplastics disrupt hormone production

This isnt the first time that researchers studied cases of microplastic ingestion in humans.

In 2018, scientists from the Medical University of Vienna and the Environment Agency Austria monitored a group of eight participants, each from a different country around the globe.

The scientists detected the presence of up to nine different kinds of microplastics in all of the stool samples.

In addition, based on the entries in the participants food diaries, the scientists speculated that microplastic ingestion is linked to drinking from plastic bottles or consuming foods that use plastic packaging. Six of the participants consumed sea fish.

In all, the scientists found 20 microplastic particles per 10 g of stool. These findings serve to confirm suspicions that plastics have reached the human gut, the group said. From there, microplastic particles are capable of entering the bloodstream and reaching different organs.

More research is needed to understand the potential effects of microplastic exposure, but current studies are blaming microplastics for disrupting the function and production of hormones implicated in important cellular processes, such as immune response to infection and disease.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one such hormone-disrupting chemical. It is one of the most studied toxic chemicals because of its ubiquitous presence in food packaging. But this same ubiquitous presence could also be posing a threat to both marine life and humans.

Scientists have reported that the degradation of BPA-containing hard plastics has led to BPA leaking into the ocean at concentrations ranging from .01 to 0.50 parts per million. Experts are still hard-pressed to understand the implications of this plastic pollution consequence for marine and human health.

But one disturbing scenario that scientists are considering is that BPA and degraded, minuscule pieces of plastic could bioaccumulate in the fish and shellfish that end up on our dinner tables. (Related: Do you have plastic in your gut? You might, if you drink water from the tap.)

Read more articles about the health risks that microplastics pose to human health at StopEatingPoison.com.

Sources include:

GlobalResearch.ca

UEG.eu

Wired.com
A north London shop worker stabbed to death on his way home has been named as Anthony Adekola.

The 22-year-old was found with knife wounds in Martlesham Walk, Colindale, just after 11pm on Saturday.

Emergency services rushed to the scene but he was pronounced dead 45 minutes later.

A neighbour described Mr Adekola as the nicest guy you could meet.

He was totally innocent, they said.

He was on his way home from work in retail when he was attacked. His family are devastated.

They have no idea why this happened. They need answers. This was a boy who looked out for other people.

He had never been in trouble. Its a tragedy.

A murder investigation has been launched but so far no arrests have been made, Scotland Yard said.

A special post-mortem exam is currently being carried out at Northwick Park Hospital.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, of Metropolitan Polices Specialist Crime unit, said: Another life has been tragically lost to knife crime, and our thoughts and sympathies are with Anthonys friends and family at this difficult time.

We continue to piece together the events of Saturday night and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw or heard anything suspicious to please contact us.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference number 8540/05SEP.
Political campaigns will kick into high gear after Labor Day weekend in the final stretch toward Election Day on Nov. 3. Those weeks will bring a jump in media spending, especially in swing states that are still too close to call.

For Xandr, AT&Ts digital advertising exchange, this years election season is notable as political campaigns seek voters on a broader range of media outlets. In addition to linear TV that has the broadest reach, those channels include over-the-top and streaming platforms that reach connected TVs.

All political advertisers are trying to find more effective and efficient ways to get on big screens, Steve Truxal, senior vice president of product management at Xandr, said in this interview with Beet.TV. They know its the best way to get across to different voters in different regions.

Theres a lot at stake for political parties with control of the White House and the U.S. Senate in play. The hard-fought campaigns will translate into massive fundraising efforts and a record $15 billion in ad spending, according to an estimate from GroupM, WPPs media-buying arm.

Amid that growth, WarnerMedia last month announced it would offer some of its ad inventory though Xandr for the first time. Xandr set up its platform so that political campaigns can run ads and have peace of mind that theyre complying with a patchwork of federal and state regulations.

WarnerMedia historically never allowed PMPs for political buyers across their inventory, Truxal said. We showed them all the tools we have in the DSP, and we built a couple others just for them. Its really given them a lot of confidence and trust to allow political advertising.

Political campaigns are putting money into streaming platforms amid a broader shift in viewing habits. The campaign for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden recently began running ads on Hulu and Pluto TV to target votes in battleground states like Arizona and Wisconsin. President Donald Trumps campaign said it also had spent millions on digital TV, the Wall Street Journal reported.
A question I hear a lot from young entrepreneurs is whether a university degree is important to startup success, or just a distraction in achieving their purpose in the world. They are quick to point out that many of today's top entrepreneurs, including Evan Williams (Twitter), Bill Gates (Microsoft), and Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), dropped out of school to get on with their dreams.

I certainly agree that you won't learn all you need in school to run an innovative and successful startup. But I don't believe that universities and entrepreneurial efforts have to be mutually exclusive or serial paths. In fact, I think the evidence is clear that many entrepreneurs started their journey while still in college, and capitalized on resources there, before moving on.

1. Extend your technology focus with business basics.

Most colleges have now added classes in entrepreneurship to include the necessary business focus to technical majors that usually drive innovative ideas. Contrary to a popular myth, a great invention and passion alone won't drive a great business. Good business basics are not intuitive.

Mark Zuckerberg, while still in school, tested the viability of his "FaceMash" technology as a business by rolling it out to other students at Harvard as customers. He learned quickly that several pivots were required for business, legal, and customer acceptance reasons.

2. Take advantage of free startup programs and mentors.

Every school recognizes the power of hands-on work to help you develop your own ideas into a business. They provide peer group organizations, usually called incubators, with free resources, practice environments, and outside mentoring that can help you learn and pivot with minimal cost.

For example, I do business mentoring at Arizona State University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Both provide entrepreneurial head-start programs for aspiring entrepreneurs, free legal guidance, and access to experienced staff members.

3. Initiate networking to find peer partners and investors.

Universities have the links you need to patent attorneys, prototyping companies, and investment groups, as well as a wealth of peer talent to round out your team and share the work. Startups are not a solo operation, so the sooner you find the right connections and partners, the faster you move.

For most young entrepreneurs, the best networking you can do is to pitch and discuss your startup idea with peers in a school-sponsored startup weekend or competition judged by outside investors, where everyone wins with minimal cost and no jeopardy.

4. Write a business plan and pitch deck for learning.

Many real entrepreneurs don't get beyond the passionate talking stage until later, and then find that building business plans is costly and time consuming. School mentors, professors, and peers will give you the critical feedback without passing judgment. Learning by doing is the only way to go.

It may seem strange, but I find that entrepreneurs still in school procrastinate less and are less intimidated by the process of writing their plan. Unfortunately, most people can't tell a consistent story and fill in the gaps until after they have a written plan and pitch.

5. Build a website and incorporate while in school.

These tasks are not rocket science, but there is no better way to learn than to start doing the real job, while you are still in a supportive and risk-tolerant environment. Your experience will put you well ahead of most of your competitors and familiarize you with the issues of contracts, insurance, and taxes.

6. Find employment connections with other startups.

If you are not absolutely confident in your own startup idea, it pays to work first for another startup to solidify your view of the skills and resources required, to assess your own risk tolerance, leadership interests, and generate some required funding. Make a summer internship your best learning class.

In the entrepreneur world, all the facts you might have memorized in school change quickly and will be of minimal value. The real value of schooling is learning how to learn, and building a broad base of processes and connections to keep you ahead of your competitors.
The brother of a woman stabbed to death by her ex-partner in southwest Sydney will never forget his mother crying after losing her 'baby'.

Pepe Nahu-Roberts says the day he found out of his younger sister's death will be 'etched in my memory for the rest of my life'.

'I will never forget the crying of a mother for her baby, not something I ever want to hear again in my life... you don't only hear it you feel it,' he told the Supreme Court via video link during his victim impact statement.

James Fredes, 60, has pleaded guilty to murdering 43-year-old mother Erana Nahu after she was stabbed in bed in her Glenfield home in 2018

James Fredes, 60, has pleaded guilty to murdering 43-year-old mother Erana Nahu after she was stabbed in bed in her Glenfield home in 2018.

At his sentence hearing on Monday, Mr Nahu-Roberts said Fredes' crime was calculated because he waited for Ms Nahu's cousin - who was living with her at the time - to fall asleep before he murdered her.

'The life of my sister not taken by a crazy or abused person... the person knew what they were doing, whatever the motivation was.'

Defence lawyer Fiona Jowett says Fredes acknowledges the seriousness of his crime and the 'horrendous reality' of his actions, and that he expressed genuine remorse after the event.

'He stayed by her side sobbing throughout the ordeal and was visibly distressed when he was told she had passed by the injuries he had inflicted,' Ms Jowett told the court.

Fredes apologised to Ms Nahu's cousin and the police and asked paramedics who attended the scene whether they would be able to save her, she said.

'He never meant to kill her - just harm her.'

Ms Nahu had previously told Fredes that she had moved on with another relationship

Ms Nahu had previously told Fredes that she had moved on with another relationship, but had invited him to stay with her not long before the murder, crown prosecutor Sean Hughes told the court.

Fredes perceived there was still hope of rekindling their relationship, and became acutely jealous and angry when she rejected his advances one evening in October.

Ms Jowett says there was less than a minute between him leaving the bedroom, walking down the hall and returning with the knife he used to stab Ms Nahu in an attempt to cause her some harm.

'There was momentary planning but it was for less than a minute when he actually stood there and decided to do what he did with the knife.'

Forensic psychologist doctor Marcelo Rodriguez has subsequently diagnosed Fredes with borderline personality disorder which affects his ability to rationalise and use proper judgement.

Dr Rodriguez submitted in his report that when Fredes attacked Ms Nahu he could have been experiencing acute psycho-social distress as a result of his mental condition.

Acting Justice Peter Hidden is due to hand down his sentence on October 1.
From September 1 to 5, within the scope of the cooperation between Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in the defense sector, as well as for the purpose of learning about the activities of the military-medical institutions of the two Armenian republics and considering the issues on the spot, the delegation led by Head of the General Department for Healthcare and Social Protection of Servicemen and for Veterans at the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, Colonel Aleksandr Avetisyan paid a working visit to Artsakh, as reported the news service of the Ministry of Defense.

The delegation also paid visits to the garrison hospitals of Gegharkunik and Zangezur.

During the visit to Artsakh, meetings were held with the Commander of the Defense Army, representatives of the leadership of the Defense Army of Artsakh and the health minister. The delegates were introduced to the activities of the General Department for Healthcare and Social Protection of Serviceman and for Veterans at the Ministry of Defense of Armenia and discussed issues related to the health, social protection, pension security and housing issues of servicemen, their families and disabled servicemen. Agreements were reached on exchange of experience and cooperation between the Department and the relevant services of Artsakh.
R oyal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth has postponed a training mission for the second day in a row after a coronavirus outbreak.

The 3 billion warship was due to depart Portsmouth Naval Base for training exercises at sea on Monday.

But the trip was put on hold at the last minute after "fewer than 10" crew members tested positive for Covid-19.

The infected staff, detected after the 1,000-strong crew were tested, were taken ashore to self-isolate in barracks, the Ministry of Defence said.

Other sailors who had contact with the infected people will isolate on board the 65,000 tonne vessel.

HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier is preparing for its first operational deployment in 2021 / PA

The ship is now listed on the Queens Harbour Masters website to sail on Wednesday.

It is the second time the carrier has had to postpone its sailing after two crew members tested positive for Covid-19 in April.

A Royal Navy spokesman said after Mondays postponement: A small number of HMS Queen Elizabeths personnel have tested positive for Covid during routine preparation for sailing.

Those affected have been isolated and are working with the NHS test-and-trace system to ensure the virus does not spread further.

The crew will continue to follow appropriate health guidelines and the HMS Queen Elizabeth will depart once their status has been confirmed.

The spokesman said that the decision when to sail would be left to the carriers commanding officer Captain Angus Essenhigh in accordance with Public Health England guidance.

HMS Queen Elizabeth departs Portsmouth 1 /14 HMS Queen Elizabeth departs Portsmouth HMS Queen Elizabeth leaves Portsmouth Harbour PA People gather to watch HMS Queen Elizabeth leaving Portsmouth PA Crowds gather to watch HMS Queen Elizabeth leave her home city for the US PA Crew onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth as she leaves Portsmouth Harbour PA HMS Queen Elizabeth leaves Portsmouth Harbour in Hampshire for the US to undergo flight trials PA The ship is set to land two F-35 fighter jets on her deck for the first time during the 11-week trip PA HMS Queen Elizabeth leaves Portsmouth Harbour in Hampshire PA The vessel will undergo flight trials with fighter jets for the first time PA The aircraft carrier left Portsmouth on Saturday evening PA Huge crowds gathered on Saturday evening to watch the warship depart PA HMS Queen Elizabeth has been dubbed 'Big Lizzie' PA

It is understood that the ship was still awaiting some test results and the commanding officer took the decision to postpone the departure to ensure the safety of the crew.

The carrier is set to carry out training exercises at sea before returning to base for supplies ahead of departing for major international exercises including the embarkation for the first time of both US and UK F35 Lightning jets.

It is aiming to declare strike carrier capability later this year ahead of its first operational deployment next year.

The Standard has approached the Ministry of Defence for comment on the latest postponement.
Minsk residents have rallied around a cafe in the Belarusian capital after its windows and doors were smashed by security forces during protests. People helped clean up the cafe and bought over 300 cups of coffee in one morning alone after the coffee shop was damaged on September 6. Protests against President Alyaksandr Lukashenka began on August 9 after he claimed victory in an election widely seen as rigged.
Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

A technical glitch caused headaches for families across Houston ISD on the first day of virtual classes for the district, which is scheduled to remain online-only for the first six weeks of the school year.

HISD officials said a web hosting service failed Tuesday morning, causing issues for families trying to access the districts main portal for classwork, called the HUB. The application itself did not crash, and families still could access the HUB with a different link.
Demonstrators march through the streets protesting the death of Daniel Prude in Rochester, N.Y., on Sept. 4, 2020. (Adrian Kraus/AP Photo)

Top Rochester Police Leaders Retire Following Protests

Top police leaders in Rochester, New York, announced their retirements Tuesday.

Police Chief LaRon Singletary, Deputy Chief Joseph M. Morabito and a commander retired, while two more leaders gave up command positions.

Black Lives Matter activists have called for Singletary to resign or be fired over how his department handled the investigation into the death of a black man who a medical official said was under the influence of PCP earlier this year.

After 20 years of dedicated service to the Rochester Police Department and the Rochester Community, I announce my retirement from the Rochester Police Department. For the past two decades, I have served this community with honor, pride, and the highest integrity, Singletary said, reported Rochester First and other local news outlets.

Singletary said that he wont sit idly while outside forces try to destroy my character, adding that events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity.

The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prudes death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for, he said.

Rochester Police Chief LaRon Singletary (R) stands with Reverend Lewis W. Stewart (L) of the United Christian Leadership Ministry before a community meeting in Rochester, N.Y., on Sept. 3, 2020. (Adrian Kraus/AP Photo)

Prude, a 41-year-old male from Chicago, died during an encounter with police in March. Video footage of the incident was released last month in the midst of nationwide unrest and riots.

An autopsy report from the Monroe County Medical Examiners Office ruled his death a homicide, but it also stipulated that his cause of death included complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint.

It added that Prude had PCP in his system at the time of his death. PCP, which is a dissociative hallucinogenic drug similar to DXM and ketamine, can produce delusions, irrationality, hallucinations, and other symptoms. Those who are under the influence may experience a reduced sensitivity to pain or feelings of super-strength and invulnerability.

Police said that Prude was allegedly smashing windows at storefronts and claiming he had COVID-19. A person who called 911 said Prude was naked and covered in blood.

The New York Attorney Generals office is investigating the incident.

Over the past week or so, rioters set fire to a number of businesses and smashed windows of buildings in Rochester.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
Democratic vice presidential nominee met Monday with the family of a Wisconsin man shot by police last month to kick off her visit to the critical swing state, where Vice President Mike Pence was also visiting as the presidential race enters its final phase.

Harris gathered with Jacob Blake's father, two sisters and members of his legal team at a private airport in Milwaukee while Blake's mother and attorney Ben Crump joined by phone.

Blake was not part of the conversation, according to a list of attendees released by the campaign. Joe Biden met with the family last week during a visit to Kenosha, the city where police shot Blake.

The meeting kicked off a packed day of Labor Day campaign events, with Harris scheduled to meet with IBEW union workers and Black business owners in Milwaukee, while Pence will tour an energy facility in La Crosse.

Biden, meanwhile, is collecting a trio of endorsements from organized labour as he heads to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for an AFL-CIO virtual town hall with union President Richard Trumka. President Donald Trump planned an afternoon news conference from the White House.

Harris' morning meeting with Blake's family again underscored the two campaigns' differing approaches to addressing police shootings of Black men and women and the resulting protests, including some that have been violent. While Harris and Biden have met with Blake's family, Trump did not in a recent visit to Kenosha, instead meeting law enforcement officials and touring damage to businesses from the protests.

Trump's narrow win in Wisconsin in 2016 helped to send him to the White House. The state's importance was underscored by all four candidates campaigning there over the past week.

The Biden campaign believes its labour support could help get out the vote in states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

According to details shared first with The Associated Press, the campaign will announce three union endorsements: the Laborers' Union of North America, the Union of Elevator Constructors and the National Federation of Federal Employees, collectively representing hundreds of thousands of union workers nationwide who can be mobilised to support the campaign.

Labour Day typically marks the unofficial start to the fall campaign season as candidates accelerate their activity for the final sprint to Election Day.

But Monday's events are playing out this year against the backdrop of a pandemic that has upended campaigning, forcing much of the candidates' traditional activity online.

Indeed, this marks Harris' first solo foray out on the campaign trail for in-person events since she was announced as Biden's running mate nearly a month ago.

But Biden himself has stepped up his campaigning over the past week, travelling to Pittsburgh and Kenosha and holding two news conferences. Aides say to expect both Biden and Harris to increase their campaigning for the remaining weeks.

While the presidential campaign was roiled this past week by multiple reports recounting comments Trump allegedly made disparaging fallen soldiers, as well as the police shooting and violent protests in Kenosha, the focus on Labour Day is likely to return to the issue that polls consistently find at the top of voters' minds: the economy.

A strong economy that was Trump's biggest asset for reelection has now become a potential liability, brought down by the coronavirus.

The Biden campaign has emphasised the economic damage wrought by what Biden argues was an inadequate response to the pandemic that resulted in more loss of life and jobs than necessary. It's a line both Biden and Harris are likely to push while speaking to union voters.

The US economy has been steadily rebounding from its epic collapse in the spring as many businesses have reopened and rehired some laid-off employees. Yet the recovery is far from complete. Only about half the 22 million jobs that vanished in the pandemic have been recovered.

Economic inequalities also appear to have widened, with lower-income and minority workers suffering disproportionately while affluent Americans have lost fewer jobs and even benefited from rising stock and home prices.

(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.)
While there are countless physical hazards at play during a regular harvest season, some Westman producers said they are particularly concerned about mental fatigue and the impact it is having on farmers safety this fall.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 8/9/2020 (500 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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While there are countless physical hazards at play during a regular harvest season, some Westman producers said they are particularly concerned about mental fatigue and the impact it is having on farmers safety this fall.

Keystone Agricultural Producers president Bill Campbell told the Sun earlier this month that a lot of farmers are feeling extra pressure to get their work done early this year after a October blizzard severely compromised their 2019 harvest.

Campbell admitted that he is not immune from this mentality, and said he has been putting in some 20-hour days on his grain farm located roughly 50 kilometres south of Brandon to try to get ahead of any severe weather thats on the horizon.

"Theres always been that pressure and those that will push it harder to try and extend themselves," he said on Sept. 1. "But that snowstorm just really brought to light how impactful that can be on your bottom line."

Producer Neil Galbraith recently admitted that the stop-and-start nature of this years weather is affecting productivity on his own farm, situated approximately 22 kilometres northwest of Minnedosa.

While the month of August provided consistently sunny conditions, Septembers scattered rain is less than ideal and is adding extra mental strain to an already stressful season.

"I noticed Im feeling more tired than I have in other falls when its sunny and you can combine five or seven or 10 days in a row," he said on Saturday. "Whereas now you can only combine one or two days and then it rains and you have all this tough grain and what do you do with it? That makes you fatigued."

Galbraith said this situation is made worse by the fact that hes still waiting to receive his repaired grain dryer from an American factory that is being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"A bunch of people either got COVID or wouldnt come to work and they had to train new people," he said. "So here we are, Sept. 5, and we might see our dryer in a week. But then its got to get certified by the Office of the Fire Commissioner before we even use it."

Due to all these mitigating factors, Canadian Agricultural Safety Association health specialist Robert Gobeil said the non-profits biggest concern for the current harvest season is mental fatigue.

TIM SMITH/THE BRANDON SUN A combine spits out chaff while harvesting a crop north of Forrest in late August.

Not only can this added stress negatively impact an individuals overall mental health, but it can also result in potentially fatal accidents where, for example, large farming equipment comes into contact with live power lines.

"People just arent thinking straight and theyve gone under that low wire 99 times before, but its that 100th time where something happens," Gobeil said "Its just a matter of staying alert at all times."

According to CASAs Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting data, 85 producers across the country die on average per year, with 70 per cent of those fatalities stemming from large machinery mishaps.

Gobeil went on to say that one of the best ways to avoid these accidents during this stressful period is to simply plan ahead when it comes to scheduling.

"If you have employees or workers manning the equipment, dont expect miracles from them," he said. "If you have to go around the clock, maybe put in two 12-hour shifts: one 12-hour shift with one person and have a relief pitcher come in for the next."

Meanwhile, Galbraith recommends maintaining constant communication with your workers to help avoid any major accidents during crunch time.

"We have two-way radios in our combines and trucks and in the house and we keep talking to everybody," he said. "And in the dark we all wear high-visibility jackets  and that helps if somebody is outside their combine."

Right now, Campbell said it is too early to really tell whether this current harvest will be improvement over last year. Even though the KAP president thinks he will have a better idea of what the future holds after Labour Day, he warns his fellow producers about jumping the gun and getting burned out because of what they think might happen.

"Weve got to ensure that we dont take short cuts and that were focused on what were doing so that we dont lose fingers or limbs," he said. "The last thing we want to see this fall is a STARS ambulance heading out in the countryside to rescue farm workers."

Any Westman producer in need of confidential counselling can contact the Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services hotline at 1-866-367-3276. The line is active Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @KyleDarbyson
RIO RANCHO  Candidates for New Mexicos open U.S. Senate seat have released their first slate of attack ads in a race expected to draw millions of outside Super PAC spending.

Democratic Rep. Ben Ray Lujan on Friday unveiled a commercial that assails Republican Mark Ronchetti for supporting President Donald Trumps efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The ad named Decision uses a nurse practitioner who says Lujan will protect coverage for pre-existing conditions without breaking the bank or facing crippling debt for residents.

Ronchetti shot back Saturday with a commercial that blasts Lujan for supporting the Green New Deal  a proposal Republicans say would hurt New Mexicos oil and gas industry. The ad also seeks to link him to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. Both are liberal members of Congress and unpopular figures in New Mexicos more conservative southern region.

Ill work with anyone to help New Mexico, Ronchetti, a former television meteorologist, says in the ad. And Ill stand up to anyone whos trying to sell us out.

The ads come as Republicans attack Lujan for opting not to participate in a KOB-TV debate with Ronchetti. Lujan has agreed to join a debate sponsored by KOAT-TV and the Albuquerque Journal and another one hosted by PBS-affiliate KNME-TV.

But Ronchetti said Lujan is seeking to run for his D.C. record by not participating in at least three debates.

KOB-TV said the station will leave an empty podium meant for Lujan if he does not appear for the Oct. 5 debate.

In a statement, Lujans campaign manager Travis Brimm said the congressman is looking forward to participating in two debates.

In order to maximize the ability for all New Mexicans to tune into the debates, our campaign called for a statewide debate on free, public broadcasting and will participate in another with a local affiliate partnered with the Albuquerque Journal, the states largest newspaper, Brimm said.
Professionals in Sydney's CBD are feeling the pinch of high rents and some face the risk of closure because of the loss of foot traffic from office workers staying at home.

GP clinics, pharmacies, and physiotherapists have reported a dramatic drop in business in the city since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, with people opting to visit professionals in the suburbs instead.

Accountant Peter Knight has kept working from his office in Sydney's CBD while his clients contact him online. Credit:Rhett Wyman

New research from the University of Sydney Business School shows that more than 40 per cent of NSW office workers, including accountants, managers and administration staff are working from home, largely undisrupted.

Technicians, tradespeople and drivers have lost up to a quarter of their business, with many unable to do the bulk of their work from home.
As many as 22 elementary school students in the north-central Vietnamese province of Quang Tri were hospitalized on Monday after a swarm of bees attacked them.

The incident occurred at Cam Lo Elementary School in Cam Lo District, Quang Tri at around 4:00 pm, when the children were in recess.

Upon discovering a beehive in the schools backyard, a group of students tried to disturb it, which unleashed the insects.

Twenty-two kids suffered bee stings and were rushed to a local hospital for treatment.

Tran Tuan Anh, vice-chairman of Cam Lo District Peoples Committee, said an emergency team consisting of 20 nurses and four doctors were mobilized to promptly examine and treat the children.

All of the junior patients are making a good recovery.

The bees that stung them have been identified as honeybees, district leaders said.

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Science-based technology company 3M has awarded a significant philanthropic research grant of $400,000 to the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research at Tel Aviv University (TAU) to advance scientific knowledge in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant from 3M, which has its Israel operations in Herzliya, forms part of a $5 million initiative to support research programs with a focus on treatments and vaccine development for COVID-19 at leading educational establishments around the world. The TAU funding resulted from an international competitive process, reflecting the high esteem in which the University's scientific research programs are held, and was disbursed via 3M's grant-making partner, GlobalGiving, to ensure thorough vetting, due diligence, and reporting.

The research project is being led by Prof. Jonathan Gershoni, a renowned expert in viral pathogens, who said, "Publication of the SARS CoV2 genome on January 9, 2020, launched the race for a COVID-19 vaccine. Tens of vaccine candidates have already entered clinical trials, the leaders of which are actively recruiting thousands of volunteers worldwide for phase III efficacy trials. All these efforts use the viral spike protein as their vaccine's active ingredient. This relatively large protein is made up of 1,200 amino acids arranged in groups of three, decorating the virus with a crown-like appearance.

"The spike protein presents many targets that have evolved to confuse and distract our immune system and to steer us away from the virus' most vulnerable soft spot, its receptor-binding motif (RBM)," Prof. Gershoni continued. "In order for the virus to successfully infect us and cause COVID- 19, it must first latch onto a unique protein, the ACE2 receptor, which is present on the surface of our lung cells. For this, the viral RBM, a tiny but highly complex structure, must detect ACE2, bind to it and mediate infection. A vaccine that exclusively targets the RBM should be extremely potent in affording maximal protection against SARS CoV2 by stimulating our immune system in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

"We have developed a novel patented technology to 'surgically' isolate the RBM from the rest of the spike protein. This grant from 3M will significantly enhance our efforts to produce a highly-focused, potent, and especially safe vaccine for COVID 19," he added.

The study is anchored by more than 30 years of research on the interaction of RNA viruses with their receptors and the immune response against them, noted Prof. Tal Pupko, Head of the Shmunis School at TAU. "The 3M grant will dramatically accelerate the pace of research for overcoming COVID-19," said Prof. Pupko, adding that TAU was particularly proud to be included in this important global initiative by 3M.

"Science is at the heart of 3M and we are committed to advancing the rapid study of this virus as part of our continued effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic," said Isabelle Zadikov-Carp, 3M Israel Country Leader. "It's important that 3M holds true to its core values by supporting our communities and improving lives. We hope that the grant to TAU will facilitate the development of an effective vaccine and we will be keenly following the progress and outcomes of Prof. Gershoni's research with interest."

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Nine leading U.S. and European vaccine developers pledged on Tuesday not to rush a coronavirus vaccine into production, a move seen as a rebuke to President Donald Trump who has claimed one could be ready by election.

In an unprecedented move, the companies vowed to uphold the scientific standards that their experimental immunizations will be held against, amid a hurried global race to contain the pandemic.

The companies, including Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca, in a joint statement made a 'historic pledge... to uphold the integrity of the scientific process as they work towards potential global regulatory filings and approvals of the first COVID-19 vaccines.'

American and European drug companies vowed not to rush a COVID vaccine in a move seen as a rebuke to President Trump, who has called for a vaccine by Election Day

But nine companies put out a joint statement saying scientific processes would be followed in the race for the COVID cure

The unusual move to promise to play by well-established rules underlines a highly politicized debate over what action is needed to quickly rein in the spread of the deadly disease and to jumpstart global business and trade.

And it comes as the clock is ticking.

President Trump said Monday the vaccine could come by a 'special date,' a clear nod to the November 3 election.

The president has bragged about his administration's response to the virus and claimed that Operation Warp Speed will see a cure come soon even as voters give him low marks for his handling of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said last month that the normal approval process may be bypassed for a COVID-19 vaccine as long as officials were convinced the benefits outweigh the risks, prompting a call for caution from the World Health Organisation.

Developers globally have yet to produce large-scale trial data showing actual infections in participants, yet Russia granted approval to a COVID-19 vaccine last month, prompting some Western experts to criticize a lack of testing.

The head of China's Sinovac Biotech said most of its employees and their families have already taken an experimental vaccine developed by the Chinese firm under the country's emergency-use program.

'We want it to be known that also in the current situation we are not willing to compromise safety and efficacy,' said co-signatory Ugur Sahin, the chief executive of Pfizer's German partner BioNTech.

'Apart from the pressure and the hope for a vaccine to be available as fast as possible, there is also a lot of uncertainty among people that some development steps may be omitted here,' he added.

BioNTech and Pfizer have raised the prospect of unveiling pivotal trial data in October, potentially placing it at the center of bitter U.S. presidential politics ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

According to the statement, the nine companies pledge to follow established guidance from expert regulatory authorities such as the FDA.

Among other hurdles, approval must be based on large, diverse clinical trials with comparative groups that do not receive the vaccine in question. Participants and those working on the trial must not know which group they belong to, according to the pledge.

BioNTech's Sahin added there must be statistical certainty of 95%, in some cases higher, that a positive reading on efficacy does not just come from random variations but reflects the underlying workings of the compound.

The list of co-signatories is completed by Johnson & Johnson , Merck & Co, Moderna, Novavax and Sanofi.

Sahin said inclusion in the pledge broadly reflected a significant vaccines market share or a leading position in coronavirus vaccine development.

The frenetic development race has intensified safety concerns about an inoculation, polls have shown.

Western regulators have stressed they would not cut corners but rather prioritize the review workload and allow for development steps in parallel that would normally be handled consecutively.

Additionally, President Trump said on Monday that the Democratic ticket, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, should 'immediately apologize for the reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric' they've deployed.

'They're political lies. They'll say anything and it's so dangerous for our country what they say,' Trump said during his press conference. 'But the vaccine will be very safe and very effective and it will be delivered very soon.'

At practically the same time on the campaign trail in Pennsylvania, Biden told reporters he would take a coronavirus vaccine 'tomorrow' even if it cost him the presidential race. Biden's comments came after Harris said she wouldn't trust Trump's word on vaccine safety.

President Donald Trump demanded that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris apologize for their 'reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric,' during a Monday news conference on the White House's North Portico

Trump lashed out at Biden and Harris a number of times during the press conference, which was held at an unusual location: the White House's North Portico, which is essentially the executive mansion's front porch'

'They're political lies. They'll say anything and it's so dangerous for our country what they say,' Trump said. 'But the vaccine will be very safe and very effective and it will be delivered very soon'

Later in the presser, Trump said Biden and Harris were 'going to make the vaccine into the negative'

'If I could get a vaccine tomorrow I'd do it, if it would cost me the election I'd do it,' Biden responded when asked if he'd be comfortable taking a vaccine in the lead-up to the November 3 election.

'One of the problems is the way he's playing with politics,' Biden said of Trump. 'He's said so many things that aren't true. And I'm worried that if we do have a really good vaccine people are going to be reluctant to take it.'

Biden added that Trump was 'undermining public confidence.'

In front of the White House's front door, Trump began to make what was likely the same point about Biden and Harris.

'And what's happening is all of the sudden you'll have this incredible vaccine and because of that fake rhetoric, it's political rhetoric, just for politics,' Trump said, not fully finishing the thought.

Later in the presser, Trump said Biden and Harris were 'going to make the vaccine into the negative.'

The president also said he was hopeful that it would come out before a 'special date,' a clear nod to election day.

Harris had earlier said that she'd be dubious of any vaccine fast-tracked before election day, as the pandemic has made Trump's re-election prospects more difficult.

'I will say that I would not trust Donald Trump and it would have to be a credible source of information that talks about the efficacy and the reliability of whatever he's talking about. I will not take his word for it,' Harris said in an interview with CNN that was released Saturday.

At the same time, Democratic nominee Joe Biden was telling reporters that he'd take a coronavirus vaccine 'tomorrow' even if it cost him the election, though also hit Trump for 'undermining public confidence' on healthcare issues

'One of the problems is the way he's playing with politics,' Biden said of Trump. 'He's said so many things that aren't true. And I'm worried that if we do have a really good vaccine people are going to be reluctant to take it'

Vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris, photographed during her trip Monday to Wisconsin, said in an interview with CNN that she wouldn't trust Trump to be honest about a vaccine's safety in the run-up to the presidential election

She also feared members of of the medical community could potentially be silenced.

'They'll be muzzled, they'll be suppressed, they will be sidelined,' Harris said. 'Because he's looking at an election coming up in less than 60 days and he's grasping to get whatever he can to pretend he has been a leader on this issue when he is not.'
Older workers are headed for the VRS exit in larger-than-expected numbers even as unrest stirs over unrevised wage settlements.

Fifty-year-old Pawan Kumar (name changed) from Mumbai has been a lower-grade permanent employee with Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) for the past 26 years, and he expected to retire from the public sector oil major.

Last year, after the government declared that the oil major would be privatised, that career path is no longer a certainty.

Kumars chief concern is his minimal education - till class 2 - which a private player may not find acceptable.

So when BPCL announced a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) in July, he opted for it.

I have two children in classes 10 and 12.

"What if a private player transfers me or finds no use for an uneducated person like me?

My bosses, too, told me that it would be wise to opt for VRS, since a private player may cut down the number of employees.

Kumar is not the only one to face BPCLs post-privatisation challenges; some 12 per cent of its employees who opted for VRS this month have suffered similar qualms.

A company official said 1,510 people opted for VRS - of BPCLs 11,000-odd employees - more than half from the marketing division where the average age of employees is 55.

We received more VRS applications than we anticipated.

"We will be accepting only over 1,000 applications, and we expect the outgo to be Rs 500-600 crore, a senior executive said.

The company said it would give weight to senior people mostly in the workmen category.

But it is not only at the lower levels that BPCL is facing a pre-divestment challenge.

Two top board members - chairman and managing director D Rajkumar and director (refineries) R Ramachandran - were due to retire on August 31.

Though an extension of these key officials is expected, so far there has been no communication from the government.

Moreover, a head-hunting process was cancelled by the Public Enterprises Selection Board early this year.

This has raised concerns of whether the company will go driverless amid the divestment process.

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused the process to be delayed four times.

Now the government hopes to complete this financial year to meet its challenging Rs 2.1 trillion divestment target.

Roadshows were held in London, the US and Dubai, ahead of the national lockdown, and attracted interest from Shell, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Saudi Aramco, Rosneft and Exxon Mobil.

This is not the first time BPCLs employees are facing the prospect of divestment.

The first National Democratic Alliance government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced similar plans for BPCL and Hindustan Petroleum in 2003.

That plan was derailed by strong employee protests and a Supreme Court order that demanded parliamentary approval for the privatisation of those companies.

This time round, union leaders see privatisation as inevitable.

In 2003, we had conducted a two-day strike. Now, two strikes have taken place in October and February against privatisation.

"The major difference is that the Modi government has the majority and if it decides to do something, it can do it, said Aji M G, general secretary of Cochin Refinery Workers Association, who is a plant operator.

Unions allege that employees were also forced to take up VRS in some departments, which a senior BPCL official denied.

The fact that some of BPCLs employees are preparing for the inevitable suggests a diminution of trade union power in 17 years, which partly reflects hiring public sector trends since then.

The Mumbai refinery, for instance, has 2,000 non-contractual employees out of its complement of 3,000-plus employees.

For the unions, the major concern is how far the employee complement will fall after privatisation.

The company has already lined up a new wage settlement clause that includes a review of the Long Term Settlement (LTS) offer after every three years.

Employees believe this may pave the way for private players.

At present, retirement benefits include 30 per cent of basic pay and dearness allowance (DA).

This, along with some post-retirement benefits, are also expected to be curtailed once a private player comes in.

Highlighting the LTS issue, the unions have called for a two-day strike on September 7 and 8.

Our major demand now is a proper LTS, which has been due since January 2017, said a union leader in the Mumbai refinery.

He explained why the offer of 95 per cent DA and 12 per cent fitment (which refers to a particular percentage of the sum of the old basic pay plus DA) is not acceptable.

All PSUs including not-so-profitable ones have given 100 per cent DA neutralisation and 15 per cent fitment to their workmen.

"Even our management has been enjoying this benefit from their pay revision since 2017. Our demand is parity with all other PSUs, he pointed out.

Another issue that the unions are raising is regarding the product pattern after the divestment.

In the Kochi refinery, around 6.5 per cent of the product is liquefied petroleum gas, which is loss-making.

"BPCL is producing it only because of the social commitments of a government-owned company. A private major may not do the same, Aji said.

Interestingly, out of the 1,510 people who have opted for VRS only 67 are from the Kochi refinery, a major reason being the comparatively young employee base there.

Asked about the concerns raised by employees, a company executive said, If you are competitive enough, it doesnt matter whether an overseas or Indian private player takes over, your job will be safe. It is a competitive world.

Photograph: Sivaram V
NEW DELHI : The number of containment zones has crossed 1,000 in the national capital according to Delhi government's data and is expected to rise further with increase in testing, officials said.

According to district officials, the number of containment zones might rise with the increase in the number of coronavirus screening tests being conducted and the consequent climb in the cases of the infection here.

Last month, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced that testing to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 will be doubled to 40,000 per day within a week as there has been a marginal increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the city.

The number of COVID-19 containment zones in Delhi rose from 539 on August 1 to 716 on August 27 and subsequently to 976 on September 5.

It breached the 1,000 mark on September 6, when it reached 1,076 and subsequently increased to 1,114 the next day.

There were 437 containment zones marked in the city on July 1 and by July 31, it had risen to 692, according to official data.

On August 3, the containment zone count came down to 496.

However, since the last week of August, the number of containment zones has been steadily increasing.

On August 25, there were 654 containment zones or localised areas from where infections were reported. The number of containment zones rose to 763 on August 28, and then to 833 on August 31 and to 894 zones on September 2. By September 5, the containment zone count stood at 946.

The Delhi government has significantly ramped up testing in the past few days.

Barring August 31, when over 14,000 tests were conducted and 1,358 fresh cases reported, since August 30 daily case count has been recorded in excess of 2,000.

The number of tests conducted and corresponding fresh cases reported from August 30-September 6 in that order are: 14,389 tests (1,358 fresh cases); 20,437 (2,024); 24,198 (2,312); 28,835 (2,509); 32,834 (2,737); 36,219 (2,914) and 38,895 (2,973), 36,046 (3,256).

On September 7, the number of tests stood at 22,954 while 2,077 fresh cases were reported.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

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We've lost count of how many times insiders have accumulated shares in a company that goes on to improve markedly. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of examples of share prices declining precipitously after insiders have sold shares. So we'll take a look at whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in Nubian Resources Ltd. (CVE:NBR).

Do Insider Transactions Matter?

It's quite normal to see company insiders, such as board members, trading in company stock, from time to time. However, such insiders must disclose their trading activities, and not trade on inside information.

Insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing. But logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. For example, a Columbia University study found that 'insiders are more likely to engage in open market purchases of their own companys stock when the firm is about to reveal new agreements with customers and suppliers'.

Check out our latest analysis for Nubian Resources

Nubian Resources Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when insider Eric Sprott bought CA$4.2m worth of shares at a price of CA$0.42 per share. Although we like to see insider buying, we note that this large purchase was at significantly below the recent price of CA$0.53. Because the shares were purchased at a lower price, this particular buy doesn't tell us much about how insiders feel about the current share price.

In the last twelve months insiders purchased 10.83m shares for CA$4.3m. On the other hand they divested 224.50k shares, for CA$98k. Overall, Nubian Resources insiders were net buyers during the last year. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

Story continues

Nubian Resources is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Insiders at Nubian Resources Have Bought Stock Recently

There has been significantly more insider buying, than selling, at Nubian Resources, over the last three months. In total, seven insiders bought CA$4.3m worth of shares in that time. On the other hand, insiders netted CA$98k by selling. We think insiders may be optimistic about the future, since insiders have been net buyers of shares.

Does Nubian Resources Boast High Insider Ownership?

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. Insiders own 36% of Nubian Resources shares, worth about CA$10m. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment.

So What Do The Nubian Resources Insider Transactions Indicate?

It's certainly positive to see the recent insider purchases. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. But on the other hand, the company made a loss during the last year, which makes us a little cautious. Given that insiders also own a fair bit of Nubian Resources we think they are probably pretty confident of a bright future. So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. Our analysis shows 4 warning signs for Nubian Resources (2 make us uncomfortable!) and we strongly recommend you look at them before investing.

But note: Nubian Resources may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

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.
Opaganib completely inhibited SARS-CoV-2 viral replication as measured after three days incubation in an in vitro model of human bronchial tissue, comparing favorably with remdesivir, the positive control in the study

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Opaganib is uniquely positioned as an orally-administered potential COVID-19 treatment combining potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action, targeting a host cell component and minimizing likelihood of resistance

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Global Phase 2/3 and U.S. Phase 2 clinical studies ongoing with opaganib for severe COVID-19 pneumonia

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RedHill's second COVID-19 drug candidate, RHB-107 (upamostat), a novel serine protease inhibitor, strongly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 viral replication in the same model, further supporting planned initiation of a Phase 2/3 U.S. outpatient study later this year

TEL AVIV, Israel and RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 08, 2020) ("RedHill" or the "Company"), a specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced that opaganib1 demonstrated potent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, achieving complete blockage of viral replication in an in vitro model of human lung bronchial tissue. Opaganib is a first-in-class, orally-administered, sphingosine kinase-2 (SK2) selective inhibitor with dual anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activity that targets a host cell component, unaffected by viral mutation, thus minimizing the likelihood of resistance. Opaganib is currently being evaluated in global Phase 2/3 and U.S. Phase 2 clinical studies for the treatment of severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Working in collaboration with the University of Louisville Center for Predictive Medicine, opaganib was studied in a 3D tissue model of human bronchial epithelial cells (EpiAirway) which morphologically and functionally resembles the human airway and is similar to the model used to discover SARS-CoV-22. This study was designed to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of opaganib in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection and included a positive control of remdesivir, a drug with known antiviral activity.

Results from this study showed a clear and compelling antiviral effect of opaganib against SARS-CoV-2. Opaganib demonstrated the most potent activity compared to all compounds tested, including the positive control, remdesivir. Treatment of cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of virus production without compromising cell membrane integrity, a measure of cell viability and drug safety, further demonstrating opaganib's promising potential for treating patients with COVID-19.

A graphic accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e60ced55-ca9d-4648-81cb-907be7571136

Opaganib at 1mg/ml (a pharmacologically relevant concentration) completely inhibited viral replication as measured after three days of incubation. This potent opaganib activity compares favorably with remdesivir data as the active control in the RedHill study which is consistent with published remdesivir data3. Data from the study is planned to be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

"Opaganib's previously demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, combined with our now proven specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 viral activity, provides a unique dual mechanism of action with the potential to greatly benefit COVID-19 patients by inhibiting the key drivers of disease progression - viral replication and lung inflammation," said Mark L. Levitt, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Director at RedHill. "These compelling data, using a physiologically relevant human respiratory tissue model, demonstrate opaganib's potential to strongly inhibit SARS-CoV-2 viral replication, validating the hypotheses underlying our ongoing global Phase 2/3 and U.S. Phase 2 clinical studies and further supporting their rationale. Accordingly, we are accelerating progress toward our goal of generating a robust data package to potentially support emergency use authorizations for COVID-19."

The ongoing global multi-center, randomized, double-blind, parallel-arm, placebo-controlled Phase 2/3 study) evaluating opaganib for the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia continues to enroll with a target of up to 270 patients requiring hospitalization and treatment with supplemental oxygen. The study recently received approval in Israel and has been approved in the United Kingdom, Italy, Russia and Mexico, with further expansion progressing.

In parallel, the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled U.S. Phase 2 study) with opaganib in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia is more than 50% enrolled, with enrollment set to be completed in the coming weeks. Recently, a pre-scheduled independent Safety Monitoring Committee recommended that the study continue without change. The study, which is not powered for statistical significance, is set to enroll up to 40 patients requiring hospitalization and supplemental oxygen.

The Company is in discussions with U.S. government agencies around potential funding to support the rapid advancement of opaganib toward potential emergency use approval.

In addition to opaganib, RedHill's in-vitro study evaluated the antiviral activity of its Phase-2 stage investigational drug, RHB-107 (upamostat), a serine protease inhibitor active against a number of human serine proteases, with results demonstrating potent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 viral replication. A U.S. Phase 2/3 study with RHB-107 in an outpatient setting is planned to be initiated later this year.

"Host cellular proteases play a critical role in the process of SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells, specifically responsible for activating the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, which is a prerequisite for the fusion of viral and host cell membranes during viral entry," said Terry F. Plasse MD, Medical Director at RedHill. "RHB-107 demonstrated excellent antiviral activity, with viral replication being strongly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. As with opaganib, RHB-107 (upamostat) is orally bioavailable and therefore potentially suitable for both inpatient and out-patient settings."

The results from the preclinical studies of opaganib and RHB-107 are preliminary and were provided to the Company by an independent third-party following an initial independent analysis and remain subject to additional review and analysis of the data and potentially supportive experiments.

About Opaganib (ABC294640, Yeliva)

Opaganib, a new chemical entity, is a proprietary, first-in-class, orally-administered, sphingosine kinase-2 (SK2) selective inhibitor with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities, targeting multiple oncology, viral, inflammatory, and gastrointestinal indications.

Opaganib received Orphan Drug designation from the U.S. FDA for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma and is being evaluated in a Phase 2a study in advanced cholangiocarcinoma and in a Phase 2 study in prostate cancer. Opaganib is also being evaluated in a global Phase 2/3 study and a U.S. Phase 2 study for the treatment of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Preclinical data have demonstrated both anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities of opaganib, with the potential to reduce lung inflammatory disorders, such as pneumonia, and mitigate pulmonary fibrotic damage. Opaganib demonstrated potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, completely inhibiting viral replication in an in vitro model of human lung bronchial tissue. Additionally, preclinical in vivo studies4 have demonstrated that opaganib decreased fatality rates from influenza virus infection and ameliorated Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced lung injury by reducing the levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids.

Opaganib was originally developed by U.S.-based Apogee Biotechnology Corp. and completed multiple successful preclinical studies in oncology, inflammation, GI, and radioprotection models, as well as a Phase 1 clinical study in cancer patients with advanced solid tumors and an additional Phase 1 study in multiple myeloma.

Under a compassionate use program, COVID-19 patients (as classified by the WHO ordinal scale) were treated with opaganib in a leading hospital in Israel. Data from the treatment of these first patients with severe COVID-19 with opaganib have been published2. Analysis of treatment outcomes suggested substantial benefit to patients treated with opaganib under compassionate use in both clinical outcomes and inflammatory markers as compared to a retrospective matched case-control group from the same hospital. All patients in the opaganib-treated group were discharged from hospital without requiring mechanical ventilation, whereas 33% of the matched case-control group required mechanical ventilation. Median time to weaning from high-flow nasal cannula was reduced to 10 days in the opaganib-treated group, as compared to 15 days in the matched case-control group.

The development of opaganib has been supported by grants and contracts from U.S. federal and state government agencies awarded to Apogee Biotechnology Corp., including from the NCI, BARDA, the U.S. Department of Defense and the FDA Office of Orphan Products Development.

The ongoing studies with opaganib are registered on www.ClinicalTrials.gov , a web-based service by the U.S. National Institute of Health, which provides public access to information on publicly and privately supported clinical studies.

About RHB-107 (upamostat)

RHB-107 is a proprietary, first-in-class, orally-administered potent inhibitor of several serine proteases, with demonstrated antiviral and potential tissue-protective effects. This combined antiviral and potential tissue-protective action make it a strong candidate for evaluation as a treatment for COVID-19 infection. In addition, RHB-107 has potential in targeting cancer, inflammatory lung diseases and gastrointestinal diseases, and has undergone several Phase 1 studies and two Phase 2 studies, demonstrating its clinical safety profile in over 300 patients. RedHill acquired the exclusive worldwide rights to RHB-107, excluding China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao, from Germany's Heidelberg Pharmaceuticals (formerly WILEX AG) for all indications.

About RedHill Biopharma

RedHill Biopharma Ltd.) is a specialty biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on gastrointestinal diseases. RedHill promotes the gastrointestinal drugs, Movantik for opioid-induced constipation in adults5, Taliciafor the treatment of Helicobacter pylori.

The results from the preclinical studies of opaganib and RHB-107 are preliminary and were provided to the Company by an independent third party following an initial independent analysis and remain subject to additional review and analysis of the data and potentially supportive experiments. Such review and analysis may result in findings inconsistent with the results disclosed in this release and may not be replicated in future pre-clinical or clinical trials. Accordingly, investors should not rely on the results described in this release as definitive proof of the antiviral effect of opaganib against SARS-CoV-2 and whether in fact opaganib will be an effective treatment of SARS-CoV-2.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be preceded by the words "intends," "may," "will," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "predicts," "estimates," "aims," "believes," "hopes," "potential" or similar words. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control and cannot be predicted or quantified, and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the risk that the Company's Phase 2/3 study evaluating RHB-107 will not be successful, if conducted at all; the risk the antiviral activity in the in vitro study will not be demonstrated in clinical trials; the risk of a delay in receiving data to support applying for emergency use applications; the risk that the U.S. Phase 2 clinical study evaluating opaganib will not be successful and the risk that completion of enrollment for this clinical study will be delayed; the risk that the Company will not initiate the Phase 2/3 study for opaganib in certain geographies, will not expand this study in additional countries and that it will not be successful; the risk that the Company will not initiate the Phase 2/3 study in COVID-19 with RHB-107 or that it will be delayed; the risk that other COVID-19 patients treated with opaganib will not show any clinical improvement; the risk that clinical trials with opaganib in Israel, the U.S., Italy, Russia, the UK, Mexico or elsewhere for the treatment of COVID-19, if conducted at all, will not show any improvement in patients; the risk of a delay in applying for emergency use authorizations; the development risks of early-stage discovery efforts for a disease that is still little understood, including difficulty in assessing the efficacy of opaganib for the treatment of COVID-19, if at all; intense competition from other companies developing potential treatments and vaccines for COVID-19; the effect of a potential occurrence of patients suffering serious adverse events using opaganib under compassionate use programs, as well as risks and uncertainties associated with (i) the initiation, timing, progress and results of the Company's research, manufacturing, preclinical studies, clinical trials, and other therapeutic candidate development efforts, and the timing of the commercial launch of its commercial products and ones it may acquire or develop in the future; (ii) the Company's ability to advance its therapeutic candidates into clinical trials or to successfully complete its preclinical studies or clinical trials or the development of a commercial companion diagnostic for the detection of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP); (iii) the extent and number and type of additional studies that the Company may be required to conduct and the Company's receipt of regulatory approvals for its therapeutic candidates, and the timing of other regulatory filings, approvals and feedback; (iv) the manufacturing, clinical development, commercialization, and market acceptance of the Company's therapeutic candidates and Talicia; (v) the Company's ability to successfully commercialize and promote Movantik, Talicia and Aemcolo; (vi) the Company's ability to establish and maintain corporate collaborations; (vii) the Company's ability to acquire products approved for marketing in the U.S. that achieve commercial success and build and sustain its own marketing and commercialization capabilities; (viii) the interpretation of the properties and characteristics of the Company's therapeutic candidates and the results obtained with its therapeutic candidates in research, preclinical studies or clinical trials; (ix) the implementation of the Company's business model, strategic plans for its business and therapeutic candidates; (x) the scope of protection the Company is able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering its therapeutic candidates and commercial products and its ability to operate its business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; (xi) parties from whom the Company licenses its intellectual property defaulting in their obligations to the Company; (xii) estimates of the Company's expenses, future revenues, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; (xiii) the effect of patients suffering adverse events using investigative drugs under the Company's Expanded Access Program; and (xiv) competition from other companies and technologies within the Company's industry. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 4, 2020. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

Company contact:

Adi Frish

Senior VP Business Development & Licensing

RedHill Biopharma

+972-54-6543-112

adi@redhillbio.com (mailto:adi@redhillbio.com) IR contact (U.S.):

Timothy McCarthy, CFA, MBA

Managing Director, Relationship Manager

LifeSci Advisors, LLC

+1-212-915-2564

tim@lifesciadvisors.com (mailto:tim@lifesciadvisors.com)







________________________________

1 Opaganib.

6 Full prescribing information for Talicia.

7 Full prescribing information for Aemcolo.
When Steve Ruthstrom made the decision to take a truck load of bottled water to hurricane victims in Louisiana, he had no idea his neighbors would be so generous and that he would end up personally going house-to-house delivering cases of water in Vinton, Louisiana.

I had time, opportunity and a full-sized truck that I estimated would hold at least 80 cases of water, said Steve. Once I decided the day I would be going, my 7-year-old son, Gunnar, and I knocked on doors in our subdivision (Diamond Head on Lake Conroe) to invite neighbors to contribute. By the time Steve, his older son, Stephen James, and Gunnar were ready to leave their driveway early on Sept. 2, they had 83 cases of water loaded for Louisiana.

Diamond Head residents had provided at least 95 percent, said Stephens wife, Wanda. They contributed money or dropped off cases at our front door.

En route to Cameron, Louisiana, destination for the water delivery, the Ruthstroms reached a police checkpoint and were told only Red Cross personnel were allowed through. After convincing the police their intentions, they were allowed past.

At Cameron, Steve was told that Vinton was in great need and asked if they could take the water there for distribution. When the Ruthstroms exited the highway at Vinton and were driving through a neighborhood on way to designated place to leave water, they saw a lady working in her yard. They stopped and asked if she needed water. She was elated when they left three cases on her porch.

From that point, said Steve, we just kept stopping when we saw people in their front yards until the water was gone. By end of day, many personal stories had been shared by appreciative homeowners. One owner told about chasing looters off the previous night with a shotgun. His family had already maxed out credit cards buying a generator and food to replace what had been lost due to power outage. There were more stories of looting of generators and air conditioners.

This guy was trying to steal my window unit with me standing inside watching him, related an irate homeowner.

But not all stories were about looters. Steve was told about a man who rode out the storm in a trailer and was so grateful that his life was spared that he has spent every day since freely helping neighbors with small engine problems. Another recipient of water had been a part of the Cajun Navy that helped our area during Harvey.

Steve said it was heartwarming to see other teams in the area flying Texas flags while serving hot meals and necessities. Our state was well represented that day, he said.

Steve Ruthstroms decision to run a truck load of water to Louisiana for use as needed developed into so much more than just a good deed. He and Wanda were so impressed with the cooperation from their neighbors. And then, meeting victims in their own environment amongst fallen trees, smashed cars and damaged roofs and seeing their efforts to clean up and go forward with life, was truly inspiring and hearing personal stories of challenges made the small effort of delivering a few cases of water where needed a memorable experience.

By the time the Ruthstrom trio arrived back home to Diamond Head at 8 that evening, the large cooler of sandwiches and snacks that Wanda prepared for their day was empty, Stephen James was already planning a return trip with food and Gunnar was just happy to see the trees still standing in his yard and the house cool.

Two days later, Steve made an unplanned trip back to Louisiana. A gentleman in DeQuincy, Louisiana called off an ad Steve ran for a generator hed just bought thinking hurricane might affect his own home. Since it wasnt used, still in box, he decided to make it available for storm victims, at his cost, as there was a shortage in that area.

The DeQuincy gentleman, Mr. Leon, was desperate for a generator but couldnt come to get it as his truck had been crushed by a tree during the storm. Steve talked with the caller and felt comfortable to not only take the generator to him but also to install it.

On Sept. 4, Steve, his dad, Lester Ruthstrom, and father-in-law, Jim Henry along with Gunnar, drove to DeQuincy with generator, two five-gallon cans of gasoline and a small window AC unit that Steve had in his attic. A few hours later, generator and unit were installed and the little one-bedroom house was comfortably cool. The generator was secured and locked down in case of looters. And the elderly, Mr. Leon, was beyond grateful!

The following day, Steve received this text from Mr. Leon: Last night I got the first good sleep since the hurricane. Thank you again!
Risk perception is also highly individual. In 2013, Schmalzle and a team from the University of Konstanz in Germany published a study that measured the brain activity of people who had watched a documentary about the dangers of the H1N1 virus. Before watching the documentary, the participants were asked how seriously they took that threat. Those who gave the most extreme answers had their brain activity measured with magnetic resonance imaging. In those who said they perceived the risk of H1N1 to be high, the part of the brain that reacts to threat stimuli lit up when they watched parts of the documentary that highlighted the dangers of contracting it. By contrast, those who said they didnt think the virus was much of a threat did not show the same brain activity. The results, Schmalzle says, provided a glimpse into the neural underpinnings of something that we already knew, namely that risk is inherently subjective.
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.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Abdulmumuni Danga, is to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a seven-count charge of rape following his alleged assault of one Elizabeth Oyeniyi earlier this year.

This newspaper reported how Ms Oyeniyi accused Mr Danga of brutalising her after he allegedly raped her multiple times on March 29.

The 23-year-old, showing her severely blistered arms and thighs, told PREMIUM TIMES she was targeted after posting a comment about the commissioners stepsister, who has been her friend for years, on Facebook.

In an interview she granted shortly after the incident, Ms Oyeniyi told this newspaper that Mr Danga personally flogged her and said he could have killed her but for her young son who was with her.

She said the commissioner then stripped her while at least 15 men, who worked for him, watched. The suspected thugs also allegedly filmed her nude as she was being whipped and humiliated.

After the attack, Mr Danga drove her to a hotel close to the Kogi State House in Lokoja, the state capital, where he allegedly forcefully raped her three times overnight, the victim claimed.

While Mr Danga denied the allegations, activists, rights groups, including Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, mounted pressure on the police for an investigation. The group also called on the Kogi State government to sanction Mr Danga. Afterwards, the state had promised to launch an investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, five months after, the police have instituted a criminal case against the ckmmissioner after inviting all parties involved.

Records obtained by this paper showed that Mr Danga appeared in the police headquarters in Abuja on June 2 and July 5 for interrogation. He made statements on the two visits.

According to the documents for service obtained by this paper, Mr Danga was charged on seven counts, including rape, brutality, coercion and torture at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Judicial Division.

He is to be arraigned alongside one Success Omadivi, 35, who was also indicted in the course of investigation.

The case filed on September 4 will be prosecuted by the police on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, this paper learnt.

The offences leveled against Mr Danga include falsification of documents and threatening medical officer to forge test result, having carnal knowledge of Ms Onyeniyi without her consent, inflicting physical injury and torture by flogging.

All are contrary to multiple sections of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.

READ ALSO:

That you ABDULMUMI_JNI DANGA M with other persons now at large; on or about the 29th day of March, 2020 at Lokoja; within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did falsify an audio recording purporting same to be the audio of Dr. Chinonyerem Welle, Medical Director, Police Hospital, Area 1, Garki, Abuja saying that she issued medical report for the rape and assault of Elizabeth Onyeniyi F unlawfully; and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 7 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.

That you ABDULMUMINI DANGA M, SUCCESS OMADIVI F with other persons now at large; on or about the 29th day of March, 2020 at Lokoja; within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did falsify an audio recording purporting same to be a lady talking to another female saying that Elizabeth Onyeniyi F confessed to her that she was not raped by the Defendant, ABDULMUMINI DANGA M but that it was Natasha that asked her to say she was raped; and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 7 Of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015,  the charge sheet read in parts.

Justifying the transfer of the case to Abuja, the police officer who conducted the investigation, Amaka Okoh, stated that if the case is tried in Lokoja or anywhere in Kogi State, there is a strong likelihood Ms Oyeniyi and other witnesses may be victimised by Mr Danga, who is a politician.

That in view of the above security concern, is desirable that this matter be tried in the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, Mrs Okoh said in an affidavit she signed and submitted to the court.
NEW DELHI: Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane on Tuesday (September 8, 2020) morning briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh over the prevailing situation at the Line of Actual Control shortly after China accused the Indian side of alleged provocations and threatening its troops at the Indo-China border.

According to sources, the Defence Minister was briefed about the current situation based on the assessment done by the local Army commanders in J&K over the recent developments at the LAC.

A high-level meeting has been called at the South Block by the Defence Secretary, which will be attended by the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, the three service chiefs and top Defence Ministry officials. The situation at the LAC and India's likely response to China will be discussed during the meeting which will take place later today.

Sources told Zee Media that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also been briefed about the situation at the LAC. In the latest turn of events, China has accused India of crossing the LAC and its troops of firing warning shots near Pangong Tso lake in Eastern Ladakh  a claim rejected by the Indian side.

Spokesperson of China's Western Theater Command, Colonel Zhang Shiuli, said that India, while acting provocative, illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake. He said that during the operation, the Indian Army opened fire and threatened our soldiers.

China further accused India of severely violated agreements between the two sides and blamed that it is working towards increase regional tensions, calling it an act of provocation that leads to misunderstandings.

Zhang Shuili urged the Indian side to stop this dangerous game immediately and asked the Indian soldiers to return to their border. Along with this, investigate the matter and take action against the soldiers who opened fire so that such an incident does not happen again.

Responding to it, Union Ministry of Defence on Tuesday (September 8) rejected China's claim that the Indian Army crossed the Line of Actual Control and fired warning shots near the Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh, stressing that India is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC.

The Ministry of Defence said in a statement that China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate and at no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing.

"It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress. In the instant case on 07 September 2020, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops. However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner," said the statement.

"The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity, however, is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs. The statement by the Western Theatre Command is an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience," it added.
The Delhi high court on Tuesday said doctors prescriptions will not be required anymore for asymptomatic patients to undergo Covid-19 testing in the national capital, a decision welcomed by the AAP government and diagnostic labs. The only things required would be an Aadhaar card with a Delhi address and an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) form that people who want to be tested need to fill, the court said.

Testing without prescriptions will be done on a trial basis initially and 2,000 tests will be allowed for asymptomatic patients every day in the city, the court said. The state government can approach the court for any modification in the directions if it faced any difficulty, the high court said.

Click here for full Covid-19 coverage

The AAP government welcomed the order. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwals office said in a statement, We welcome the decision of the Delhi High Court. Earlier today morning, CM Arvind Kejriwal had instructed health minister Satyendar Jain to issue orders to do away with the need for a doctors prescription for carrying out a Covid test in Delhi. We encourage more and more people to get tested if they feel they have Corona, so that we can effectively control the spread of the virus in the national capital.

A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad on Tuesday noted there has been a sharp and alarming rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the past week.

On Tuesday, the Delhi government administered a record 45,797 tests on a day the city registered 3,609 new infectionsthe highest single-day spike in 76 days, according to the government bulletin.

The court also directed the Delhi government to set up testing centres near prominent metro stations for the benefit of commuters. It asked the government to share maps of testing centres with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for display at metro stations for better awareness.

The court, hearing a plea filed by advocate Rakesh Malhotra seeking ramping up of tests, also told the government to re-strategise its plan to ensure anyone who wanted to get tested was able to do so with any prescription.

Welcoming the order, Dr Vandana Lal, executive director of the Lal Pathlabs, said it would ease patients problems because nowadays a Covid-19 negative report is necessary even for travelling. She said her lab was well prepared to handle the increased number of tests and would follow all government directives.

Dr Deepak Sadwani, head doctor at Prognosis Lab, said people now wont have to run to a physician to get a prescription for testing.

Additional standing counsel Satyakam, appearing for the Delhi government, said the number of RT-PCR tests have been ramped up and mobile testing centres have been set up at inter-state bus terminals and railway stations.

A senior government official said testing camps have also been set up at major construction sites, weekly markets and outside major government offices primarily located in the New Delhi Municipal Council area.

Appearing for ICMR, central government standing counsel Anurag Alhuwalia told the court that the apex medical body has come out with a fresh advisory and has done away with the need for a prescription for Covid-19 testing.

The Delhi government counsel informed the court about an alternative testing method being explored by the government. He said the method has been sent for ICMR for approval even as the medical body (ICMR) said it has not received it yet.

The court asked the Delhi government to submit the next sero survey report on the next date of hearing after it was informed by Nutan Mundeja, DGHS, that samples have been collected.

The matter will now be heard on September 16.

Crowd at trial courts

During the proceedings, advocate Alhuwalia raised the issue of setting testing camps at trial courts due to the increased footfall. Advocate Satyakam said all standing counsel of the Delhi government have decided to give a representation, expressing their inability to appear for physical matters in court.

Justice Kohli said the courts were opened for physical hearing only because of representations from various bar associations and the legal fraternity.

The judge then asked the counsel to give a representation to Chief Justice DN Patel, who during a hearing on Tuesday said his staff members had been affected and the situation was bad.However, the chief justice said that the physical hearings would not stop and would go on .
Do you know the average per capita monthly income in our county? Its about 2,000 yuan ($292.6). And do you know how much I make? On average, 4,000 yuan per month, Cui Dawei, a food delivery man, told Peoples Daily Online with a proud smile on his face.

Cui is an ex-serviceman in Kazuo Mongolian autonomous county, Chaoyang, northeast Chinas Liaoning province. The county used to be one of the 15 key counties in Liaoning provinces poverty relief and development endeavors.

Cui poses for a photo in Meituan Dianpings local branch office in Kazuo Mongolian autonomous county. (People's Daily Online/Tong Zongli)

Finding a suitable job was once the biggest problem for Cui, as he didnt know what kind of job could enable him to support his family while taking care of his aging father and baby boy.

Three years ago, after hearing that food delivery men could earn as much as 10,000 yuan a month while enjoying flexible working hours, Cui quite his old job and joined Chinas food delivery giant Meituan Dianpin as a delivery man.

During the first month, Cui could only handle 10 to 20 orders a day, as he wasnt familiar with the locations of various restaurants and residential areas. Other problems like deductions from his pay for client complaints and compensation for car damage caused during work rounds frustrated him a lot.

Finding the job dull and laborious, Cui almost backed down in front of difficulties during the first month. Thinking of his father and son, he decided to carry on with the job and saw the daunting problems he faced soon resolve.

Meituan Dianping rolled out poverty relief measures to help newly recruited food delivery people in the county adapt to the new job quickly through systematic training courses and guidance of experienced employees. The company also bought comprehensive insurance for its delivery people to free them from worries about traffic accident claims.

After going through the hard initial period, Cui has quickly mastered relevant skills and has seen his number of orders and salary rise gradually. Now he can handle 30 to 40 orders per day, and has enough time to send his son to school and pick up him after school.

Most importantly, although his monthly income hasnt reach 10,000 yuan yet, his current average monthly income is already quite decent in his county.

Being a food delivery man means the harder you work, the more you earn. In the old days, it seemed that it was impossible for Cui to have a job and enough time to take care of his family. However, now he is living in a bigger rented house with his son and has enough time to take care of his father while keeping a job. Cui feels that he has totally changed his life through hard work.

In fact, there are 90 delivery people like Cui in Meituan Dianpings local branch in Kazuo Mongolian autonomous county.

Thanks to the employment opportunities generated by the development of the countrys booming digital economy, these people have secure jobs near their homes, enjoy a better life, bring convenience to local residents and inject vitality into the city.
Hundreds of thousands of Chinese have been given two experimental Covid-19 vaccines under an emergency scheme without a single case of infection, a top official with a state-owned vaccine developer has said.

Zhou Song, secretary for the commission for discipline inspection with China National Biotec Group, also said the companys two candidate vaccines were likely to protect people for up to three years.

Zhou told China National Radio on Monday that the firms vaccines were the most widely used in the emergency scheme, adding: Hundreds of thousands have taken the shot and no one has shown any obvious adverse effects or got infected.

CNBGs two vaccines are still undergoing phase three trials for safety and efficacy in several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Peru, Morocco, Argentina and Jordan.

Chinas emergency vaccine scheme began in late July and allows high-risk groups  including health care workers, diplomats and people who work abroad  to receive vaccines that have not yet been approved by regulators.

Zhou said that this group included tens of thousands of people who work overseas adding that the lack of infections proves the effectiveness of the vaccines.

Eight vaccines are currently undergoing phase three trials around the world, including four made by Chinese companies.

Three of the Chinese vaccines  including the two made by CNBG and one developed by Beijing based Sinovac  have been approved for emergency civilian use, while a fourth has been given the greenlight for use by the military.

Sinovacs product is currently being tested in Brazil and Indonesia and the trial is expected to expand to more countries. The company has reportedly said that tens of thousands of people have already been given the vaccine under Chinas emergency use scheme.

Meanwhile, the Chinese military has given the green light to the limited use of a candidate vaccine developed by CanSino and the Academy of Military Medical Sciences.

Story continues

Yu Xuefeng, chairman of Tianjin-based CanSino Biologics, told state broadcaster China Central Television that those who needed the vaccine included troops on peacekeeping missions in countries and regions where Covid-19 has yet to be put under control. He did not say how many people had been given the vaccine.

CNBGs vaccines have also been offered to employees of some businesses. Last week the pharmaceutical company announced that it had signed a deal with telecoms giant Huawei to offer vaccines and other treatments to employees.

The news website Caixin has also reported that an unnamed state-owned company in Beijing has also been offering its staff a vaccine since June, a month before the emergency use scheme started.

Two of CNBGs vaccines have been approved for emergency use. Photo: EPA-EFE

The report also said that the company  which operates in more than 30 countries  had asked all employees who have to travel overseas to take the injections and quoted one employee as saying that hundreds of people had agreed to do so.

Caixin also reported the Civil Aviation Administration of China has urged airline workers to take one of the candidate vaccines.

On Monday, Zhou dismissed suggestions that the vaccines might only offer protection for short periods.

The Covid-19 candidates were first tested on 180 senior executives and officials of CNBGs parent company, the China National Pharmaceutical Group, also known as Sinopharm.

Zhou said they still showed high levels of antibodies, and added: At present, based on the results of animal experiments, phased research results, and similar vaccines using similar technology, it is without question that immunity can last from one to three years.

He also said it looks unnecessary to take annual shots like flu shots and the vaccine has covered the current known mutations of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.

There are indeed several subtypes of the virus that are mutating, but its main gene sequence and protein level has not fundamentally changed. The inactivated vaccine will have no problem in dealing with these mutated viruses in the next few years and can cover them, Zhou said.

CNBG has built two secure facilities in Beijing and Wuhan to produce the vaccines. He said the annual production capacity of more than 220 million doses will rise to between 800 million to one billion when work to extend the facilities is complete.

Get the latest insights and analysis from our Global Impact newsletter on the big stories originating in China.

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India's third Covid wave likely to peak on Jan 23, daily cases to stay below 4 lakh: IIT Kanpur scientist

India logs over 3.17 lakh new Covid cases in last 24 hours; daily positivity rate up at 16.41 per cent

What escalated tensions at the Rezang-La-Rechin La ridgeline

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Sep 08: The situation remains very tense following a scuffle between the Indian Army and PLA on the Rezang-La-Rechin La ridgeline. The incident took place after China chose to unilaterally change the status quo south of Pangong Tso, a source told OneIndia.

The latest standoff began at around 6.15 pm. Sources however confirmed that both sides are talking to each other at the commander level.

Warning shots fired by India, claims China as tensions further escalate

China claimed that its soldiers had been forced to take countermeasures in response to warning shots fired by the Indian Army personnel. Spokesperson of the PLA's Western Theatre Command in a statement said that later at night the Indian Army had again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control on the south bank of Pangong Tso on Monday.

Warning shots at LAC, India says it was PLA: What happened | Oneindia News

The Global Times report4ed that the Chinese border troops were forced to take countermeasures to stabilise the situation after the Indian troops outrageously fired warning shots on the PLA border patrol soldiers.

A source in New Delhi told OneIndia that there was an incident, but also added that it is not clear whether there were any casualties on either side. There may have been injuries on both sides, but we are still verifying it, the source also added.

The incident comes just two days a meeting of the foreign ministers of India and China at Moscow. External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar who has termed the issue along the LAC as serious will be meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi on September 10.

Never recognised so-called Arunachal Pradesh, says China; 5 'abducted' youths still traceless

Prior to this Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had met with his Chinese counterpart in Moscow. Meanwhile the Brigade Command level talks between the two countries was inconclusive. It is still not clear when the 7th round of talks will be held.

A week back, Indian troops had occupied strategic heights on the south bank of Pangong Tso and Rechin La. 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.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 9:00 [IST]
EV

Its just called the Model F, nothing more, nothing else. Designed by Kwanjun Ryu of Seoul, South Korea, this Whill branded wheelchair can do so much more than just wheely you around the house. Actually, its so stable that you cant even do that.Now, this concept was actually put together by combining existing functions from a wide range of real products, thus creating something completely new and able. The only next step would be for someone to buy this design and get it into production. But until then, all we have are these renderings.Now, we get it, why should you care about a wheelchair? Well, let's kick this show off by stating that this device is considered anand comes with a detachable battery pack that comes off at the click of a button. Even though no actual information as to what type of battery it will be using, it is safe to assume that it will be lithium-ion. Charge levels are also shown by pressing a button on the pack.Like most EVs, this one to has motors to help is move along and perform the designed functions. By the looks of it, this device includes not one but two brushless motors, built into the rear wheels. Here too specs are missing, but compared to the size of the vehicle, we can guess that a safe to handle 15 mph (24kph) can be had.And even though it cant do any wheelies, because it is an EV, it only takes one crazy person like me, with enough IT experience, unlike myself, to make this thing do what they want. Like going really fast. All the while just having a seat and drinking some juice.Even the front wheels have also seen a redesign. These wheels include a feature known as Omni wheel. The idea is simple. Instead of one wheel on each side, two wheels act as one and are able to move at independent speeds and directions to offer stationary 360-degree turns. Simple right?Right above the wheels we can see a platform. It's here that you would normally place your feet. From here we see a column that holds up the final component of the chair, the actual seat. In the spirit of true minimalist design, most of the backrest has been removed, and support is offered upon the lumbar region with padded cushions. These cushions can be removed in order to be maintained easily.The left armrest of the EV include three speed settings and a horn function, all at the touch of a button. While a joystick on the right armrest allows the device to be maneuvered with small movements of the fingers. Here we can also find another button that raises the backrest in case more support is needed.And like most wheelchairs, this one to is modular. For example, a lever at the front of the seat can be pulled by the driver in order to pivot the seat in place. This function allows for someone to reach for a good on a shelf without ever having to get out of the device.Another pulley at the rear of the seat, allows for the entire seat to be removed. But dont start thinking that youre stick with a giant pole sticking out of four wheels, no.At the bottom of the support column another lever can be pulled to collapse the whole thing. Now youre stuck with two separate bits that can easily fit into the trunk of your car.So even though it may be a bit out of reach as a concept, were sure someone Whill be working on something similar in the near future.
A woman was arrested on Monday at Zurriola beach in San Sebastian, in Spains Basque Country, after going surfing when she should have been in quarantine. After confirming that the woman had tested positive for Covid-19 and was meant to be at home, several officers  some in protective suits to avoid contagion  went down to the beach to take her out of the water. When the woman, a lifeguard at La Concha beach, refused to stop surfing and tried to flee from the officers, she was arrested for disobeying authorities and crimes against public health.

San Sebastian: A young woman with Covid-19 is surprised while surfing at a Zurriola beach and later tries to flee the Ertzaintza. The woman, a lifeguard at La Concha beach, was arrested for serious disobedience and crimes against public health.

According to the security department of the Basque regional government, the officers were notified around noon that a woman, who had tested positive for the coronavirus, was surfing at a beach instead of observing her quarantine. Lifesavers approached the woman on a lifeboat and told her to go to the shore. The woman, however, ignored the orders and did not leave the water for another hour. When she finally got out, officers from the Basque regional police force, the Ertzaintza, arrested her for disobeying law enforcement officials. She will also be fined for breaking the quarantine.

The video of the arrest went viral within hours. In the footage, the woman can be seen trying to run away from the officers before being handcuffed and taken away. According to some sources, the police were tipped off by the womans own colleagues who knew she was not meant to be outside and saw her enter the water. A dozen people watching the scene unfold from the beach expressed their indignation at the womans attitude.

English version by Melissa Kitson.
The Deputy Minister for Greater Accra Region, Madam Elizabeth Sackey has commended Ghana Filmmakers for Nana 2020 team for declaring their support for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The Ghana Film Makers has pledged to give the NPP over one million vote come December 7th general elections to retain four years more.

According to the minister, it is not a crime for someone or a group to publicly declare its support for a particular political party.

"I believe that Ghana Filmmakers have decided to do this because of the good things they have seen government doing for the film, creative arts and tourism sector", she said.

Elizabeth Sackey was speaking at the inauguration and press launch of the group thus Ghana Filmmakers 4 Nana 2020 in Accra.

She added that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and the NPP has better things for the film industry because the film industry has a lot of opportunities to offer the youth especially job and it is a good decision they have taken.

She indicated that it takes good track record to make someone or a group to endorse or throw its weight behind a political party to help it remain in power for another fours years.

She advised the group to stay away from politics of insults that would negatively affect the group and the NPP, saying " we want a peaceful election, violence should never be part of your activities".

The Founder and Convenor of the Ghana Filmmakers for Nana 2020 Mr. Richard Yaw Boateng on his part has reiterated the group's unflinching support for the NPP.

Mr. Boateng who is also the National President for Film Directors Guild of Ghana (FDDG), further explained that there are a lot of Filmmakers across the country and they will come out in the numbers to vote for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo because the film authority that he has set up alone is an indication that he has better things to do to Filmmakers.

"If we should call for an auditioning you will see the millions of people who would gather here to seek job to do and that would let one know that the filmmakers are many", he said.

"Ghana Filmmakers for Nana 2020 group has decided to support Nana Addo and the NPP to victory, because it has realise that its difficult to get assistance from a particular government in power without you giving them support they needed during elections.

....We are NPP party loyal and faithful members in the film making industry and we have decided to to support Nana Addo and the NPP, because we think this is the time I think they need us more also for us to show them that with with them" saying "we will go across all the sixteen regions and campaign for Nana Addo and the NPP", he indicated.

According to Mr. Boateng, the group members are adults who knows what is good for them and that the decision they have made is the best, because once there is a National Film Authority there is hope for Filmmakers in the country explaining "that we have confidence in Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and believe in him, he has done so much by giving a filmmaking school in Kumasi".

Although the there are some structures in the film Act that has made the work a bit slow for the authority , we believe that we support Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo and the NPP he would fix things and make the authority stand firm to perform its role accordingly.

This will also help us to get the kind of studio, cinema and filmmaking schools that we need in the country to promote the filmmaking in industry and also compete internationally.

"We believe that if Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo and the NPP is able to do the One District One Factory then he can do One District One Cinema right here in Ghana to bring back those days when people go to see movies at cinema. I am therefore calling on every Filmmaker in the country to join us support Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo and the NPP to retain power come December 2020 general elections."
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said Tuesday that 1,000 people in Georgia voted twice in the state's June 9 primary by voting in person after returning a mail-in ballot, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Why it matters: President Trump suggested that people should similarly vote twice during a visit to North Carolina last week to test the mail-in system, prompting a warning from the state's election board. Double-voting is a felony in Georgia, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

The state of play: Georgia's attorney general and local prosecutors will decide whether to bring charges on a case-by-case basis, according to Raffensperger.

He said the double-votes didnt change the outcome of any Georgia primary races.

About 1.15 million people cast absentee ballots during the June election.

What he's saying: "A double voter knows exactly what theyre doing, diluting the votes of each and every voter that follows the law," Raffensperger said.

"Those that make the choice to game the system are breaking the law. And as secretary of state, I will not tolerate it."

Go deeper: When and how to vote in all 50 states
NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Tiger Group will begin accepting bids on September 15 for an online auction of hundreds of pieces of equipment used for screen printing and manufacturing apparel and premium promotional products. .

Online bidding at SoldTiger.com will commence on Tues., Sept. 15, at 10:30 a.m. (EDT) and will close on Tues., Sept. 22, at 10:30 a.m. All bidders are required to register prior to the sale at SoldTiger.com.

Screen print assets available in the September 22 auction include this completely rebuilt 2006 M&R Sportsman, 8- Color, 10- Station, with new center shaft bushings. Other assets on the auction block include this 2017 HP Indigo 7900 digital printer, in pristine condition and with only 3 million prints.

On offer are assets surplus to the ongoing operations of Aprinta Groupa well-known textile and premium products manufacturing and embellishment company, said John Coelho, Senior Director at Tiger Group.

According to Coelho, highlights of the online auction include:

screen printers by M&R;

dryers and flash-cure units by M&R, BrownDigital FireFly and other brands;

commercial pad-printing equipment;

an Amscomatic shirt-folding machine;

an HP Indigo digital printer;

extrusion machinery by HPM;

Stamperia Emilina finishing equipment;

knitting machines by Protti, Steiger and Lamb, and

material handling equipment from Crown, Raymond and other manufacturers, including reach trucks, forklifts and walk behind pallet jacks.

"In addition, the assets on offer here include a vast trove of blank promotional product inventories," Coelho noted. "It's thousands of items such as flashlights, perfume bottles and nearly 1 million gel and ballpoint pens. Mostly all are clean case goods."

The diversity of the sale owes to Aprinta's multiple lines of business, Coelho said. "The company used these assets to knit, cut and sew, and fold garments, and others to fill and label promotional perfume bottles as part of its own production line," he explained. "Aprinta even extruded parts it needed to make some items."

Other categories include:

digital printing equipment;

sign-making and paper-cutting machines;

fabric cutters and inspection machines, and

other assembly and production assets.

Previews are available by appointment only on Monday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (EDT) at three locations:

12 Russell Rd. (2nd Way Extension) Alexander City, Alabama , 35010

, 35010 8100 Nations Way, Jacksonville, Florida , 32256-4405

, 32256-4405 1555 Bradley Road, Camden, South Carolina , 29020

To arrange an appointment, contact John Coelho at (617) 523-5866, [email protected].

For a complete listing of the assets, visit www.soldtiger.com

Media Contacts: At Tiger Commercial & Industrial: John Coelho, (617) 523-5866 or [email protected]. At Jaffe Communications: Elisa Krantz, [email protected], (908) 789-0700 or Bill Parness, [email protected], (732) 673-6852.

SOURCE Tiger Group
In a statement, the company described the halt as a routine action which has to happen whenever there is a potentially unexplained illness in one of the trials, while it is investigated, ensuring we maintain the integrity of the trials.

In large trials like the ones AstraZeneca is overseeing, the company said, participants do sometimes become sick by chance, but such illnesses must be independently reviewed to check this carefully.

The company said it was working to expedite the review of the single event to minimize any potential impact on the trial timeline and that it was committed to the safety of our participants and the highest standards of conduct in our trials.

A person familiar with the situation, and who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the participant had been enrolled in a Phase 2/3 trial based in the United Kingdom. The individual also said that a volunteer in the U.K. trial had been found to have transverse myelitis, an inflammatory syndrome that affects the spinal cord and is often sparked by viral infections. However, the timing of this diagnosis, and whether it was directly linked to AstraZenecas vaccine, is unclear.

AstraZenecas vaccine, known as AZD1222, relies on a chimpanzee adenovirus that has been modified to carry coronavirus genes and deliver them into human cells. Although the adenovirus is generally thought to be harmless, the coronavirus components of the vaccine are intended to incite a protective immune response that would be roused again should the actual coronavirus try to infect a vaccinated individual.
Dozens of Rohingya rest after the boat carrying them landed in Lhokseumawe, Aceh province, Indonesia, Sept. 7, 2020.

Nearly 300 Rohingya who landed in Indonesias Aceh province underwent COVID-19 tests and received aid at a government facility, a local official said Tuesday, as the Foreign Ministry said they could be subjected to immigration laws for illegal entry.

Some of those rescued told United Nations officials they had agreed to pay smugglers thousands of dollars to reach Malaysia and ended up spending more than half a year at sea before local fishermen spotted their wooden boat early Monday. They said at least 30 people died.

At the moment, because they have just landed, our priority is their safety and health, so there has not been much discussion about how to handle them in the long term, UNHCR spokeswoman Mitra Suryono told BenarNews.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), another U.N. agency, said the 181 women, 102 men and 14 children who came ashore in the town of Lhokseumawe early Monday were the largest group of Rohingya to arrive in Indonesia since 2015.

Nearly half of the 297 Rohingya received rapid coronavirus tests but none appeared to have tested positive, Lhokseumawe government spokesman Marzuki said, adding that two were hospitalized for non-coronavirus-related issues.

On Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said the government, working with the U.N.s refugee agency UNHCR, needed to verify the status of the new arrivals.

They entered Indonesia illegally, without immigration documents, so immigration regulation will apply to them, Faizasyah told BenarNews, adding the government had not made a decision about their fate.

This matter will be decided jointly by different ministries and institutions and there has been no communication yet, he said.

Marzuki said the Rohingya were being sheltered in the same building that has housed 99 Rohingya who were rescued from another boat in June. The IOM said initial information indicated that Mondays arrivals were linked to those on the June boat.

How long they will be here, we dont know because this has yet to be discussed with the central government, he told BenarNews.

Marzuki said six of previous 99, all female, have disappeared from the Lhokseumawe shelter. He suggested they may have gone to rejoin relatives in neighboring Malaysia.

One fled last month, the other five several days ago. Maybe they were taken by their husbands who were already in Malaysia, he said.

In July, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said the 99 had been designated as refugees under UNHCR protection, which means that they could be resettled in a third country.

Deaths at sea

One of the latest arrivals told the IOM that she and the others had been at sea for more than seven months, after leaving Bangladesh aboard a small boat that ferried her to a larger vessel with at least 500 people on board.

The woman said some 30 people, including a very small child, had died during the months at sea, mainly from various illnesses, an IOM statement said.

I paid 40,000 taka (U.S. $2,380) to reach Malaysia where I was supposed to pay an additional 12,000 ($2,880) upon arrival, an unidentified survivor told IOM. When people died in the boat, I was so afraid and thought that I would also die in the boat. We are so happy to be on land, get off this ship, still alive.

A 27-year-old man said his wife and children remained in the Kutupalong refugee camp in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh.

I left Bangladesh six months ago, and my destination was Malaysia, he was quoted as saying. We received meals twice a day  morning and evening  but the rations were inadequate. Sometimes, we had to fast, due to breakdown in the supply chain. Supplies used to come by fishing boats.

A group of Rohingya eat meals provided by the local government in Lhokseumawe, Aceh province, a day after their arrival in Indonesia, Sept. 8, 2020. [Muzakir Nurdin/BenarNews]

The Rohingya woman told IOM officials that on two occasions groups left the larger boat she was on and sailed off on smaller boats. The organization said those boats apparently landed in Langkawi, Malaysia, on June 8 and North Aceh on June 24.

The director of a non-profit group aiding Rohingya told Reuters news service that the Rohingya set sail from Bangladesh in late March or early April.

Chris Lewa, director of the Arakan Project, said smugglers called families and demanded payments in the weeks before they went ashore.

The smugglers seemed to not want to try to disembark them because not everyone had paid... They were basically keeping them hostage on the boat, she told the news service.

Patrols

Marzuki said marine police and the navy would patrol the waters off Aceh to ward off any other Rohingya boat that might try to land.

There have been efforts to tighten [monitoring] because there was information about 200 more Rohingya coming. If possible, they should not come here, he said.

In June, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin told an ASEAN summit that his country could not take any more Rohingya migrants.

We can no longer take more as our resources and capacity are already stretched, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, Muhyiddin said at the time, adding, Malaysia is unfairly expected to do more to accommodate incoming refugees.

The UNHCR urged countries not to turn away Rohingya refugees trying to enter their territory, even though many countries in the region have closed or partially closed their borders to foreigners due to coronavirus contagion fears.

Their hazardous ordeal has been prolonged by the collective unwillingness of states to act for more than six months, it said in a statement on Monday. The group had repeatedly tried to disembark over the course of more than 200 days at sea, to no avail.

UNHCR and others have repeatedly warned of dire consequences if refugees at sea are not permitted to land in a safe and expedient manner. Ultimately, inaction over the past six months has been fatal.
07.09.2020 LISTEN

Dr Kwame Owusu Fordjour, who has been trending geometrically in Ghana for all the wrong reasons has given reasons he did not invite Ghana Kuchoko Legend for his 'UN Awards'.

Dr Kwame Owusu Fordjour got some well-meaning Ghanaians and others to believe he was a representative of the UN and in the office of Kofi Annan when he concocted awards dubbed the Global Excellence Awards for his unsuspecting awardees including the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Legon and some members of the media and, musicians.

He did not invite Shatta Wale because he said he felt the musician was too busy to be present for the awards ceremony. Nevertheless, he decided not to include Blakk Rasta because, " Blakk Rasta is bigger than Shatta Wale and Sarkodie combined in terms of accolades", he told Sammy Flex on Showbiz Agenda aired on Zylofon 102.1fm.

Blakk Rasta himself added to the UN award controversy when he joked on a live performance that he was give the UN award for Ganja Affairs by Dr Kwame Owusu Fordjour.

Dr Kwame Owusu Fordjour has gained notoriety for doing the right thing under the wrong guise. This might just work out good to establish a genuine awards system for Dr Kwame Owusu Fordjour.
Hall is the latest in a parade of big city chiefs to resign or retire amid the protests and unrest that have swept the county since George Floyd, a Black man who was on the ground and handcuffed, died in May after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyds neck for several minutes.
Two Australian journalists have been recalled from China amid the threat of arrest and a travel ban, their respective news organizations reported on Tuesday.



Bill Birtles of the Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC) and Michael Smith of the Australian Financial Review flew from Shanghai to Sydney after sheltering for a few days in Australian diplomatic compounds, the reports said.



Their hasty departure came after Chinese police detained Australian national and state-media anchor Cheng Lei pending an investigation in which Smith and Birtles were named "persons of interest," The Australian Financial Review reported.



It said seven uniformed police visited each journalists home in Beijing and Shanghai at 12:30 a.m. on Thursday.



"I believe the episode was more one of harassment of the remaining Australian journalists rather than a genuine effort to try and get anything useful for that case," Birtles told reporters from his quarantine hotel.



Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian confirmed that police had requested interviews with the two men.



"Compulsory measures have been imposed on Cheng and she has recently been investigated by relevant authorities," Zhao told a regular news briefing in Beijing.



The "relevant authorities" had demanded to be allowed to question Birtles and Smith "which is normal law enforcement," Zhao said.



Meanwhile, ABC reported that Birtles was warned last week by staff at the Australian embassy that he should leave China. As he was preparing to leave, police visited his apartment and told him he wouldn't be allowed to leave, as he was wanted for questioning in connection with a "national security case."



Birtles took refuge in the Australian embassy, while Smith went to the Australian Consulate in Shanghai, as behind-the-scenes negotiations began over their fate.



Eventually, the two men gave the police brief interviews, before being allowed to leave China, ABC said.



'Harassment, intimidation'



The Foreign Correspondents' Club of China (FCCC) said it strongly condemned the "harassment and intimidation" of Smith and Birtles.



"The effort to keep foreign journalists in China against their will marks a significant escalation of an ongoing, sustained Chinese government assault on media freedoms," the FCCC said in a statement via its Twitter account.



It said foreign journalists now fear that they could be the next targets of Chinas "hostage diplomacy."



"Such actions by the Chinese government amount to appalling intimidatory tactics that threaten and seek to curtail the work of foreign journalists based in China," the statement said.



It said Birtles' and Smith's departures meant that there were no accredited correspondents left in China representing Australia's news media.



China has expelled 17 foreign correspondents in the first half of 2020 alone, the FCCC said.



"This ... is a disappointing loss for global audiences seeking to understand more about China," the FCCC said.



Risk of arbitrary detention



Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Chengs detention was part of the reason her government had advised the journalists to leave, but declined to give further details.



She said Australias travel warning of the risk of arbitrary detention in China "remains appropriate and unchanged."



The journalists' departures come amid increasingly strained ties between Beijing and Canberra, which is taking steps to limit the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda outreach in the country, and which has barred Chinese telecoms giant Huawei from bidding for 5G mobile contracts.



Birtles told reporters at Sydney's airport that his departure was a whirlwind and ... not a particularly good experience.



Its very disappointing to have to leave under those circumstances and its a relief to be back in a country with genuine rule of law, he told reporters on arrival.



Smith's paper quoted him as saying that the late-night visit by police to his home was "intimidating and unnecessary."



Its so good to be home, so happy, I cant say any more at the moment, its such a relief to be home, so really happy, Smith told reporters at the airport.



Reports have also emerged that Canberra is investigating the extent of Chinese influence at Australian universities after the University of Queensland suspended undergraduate student Drew Pavlou for protesting its ties with China and Chinese rights abuses in Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang.



Billions of dollars flow into the country's higher education institutions via the 150,000 Chinese students who flock there to study every year.



The Australian newspaper reported that Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton had requested a parliamentary inquiry into "technological and knowledge transfer from Australia that may be detrimental to our national interests."



The government has also flagged legislation to give itself veto powers over agreements struck with foreign administrations by Australian governments and their entities, including universities, the Inside Higher Ed website reported.



The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is increasingly deploying coercive diplomacy against foreign governments and companies. Coercive diplomacy isnt well understood, and countries and companies have struggled to develop an effective toolkit to push back against and resist it.



A recent report from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) recorded 152 cases of "coercive diplomacy" by Beijing in the past decade, with a "sharp escalation" in the use of such tactics since 2018.



It said the Chinese Communist Party typically employs trade sanctions, investment restrictions, tourism bans, and popular boycotts, as well as arbitrary detention, restrictions on official travel, and state-issued threats to "punish undesired behavior" and to achieve its foreign policy aims.



The report called for greater international awareness and a multilateral pushback against such practices.



Reported by Liu Fei for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Secures onshore manufacturing agreements for 2 COVID-19 vaccines

A free COVID-19 vaccine will be available progressively throughout 2021 in Australia, if promising trials prove successful, following a $1.7 billion supply and production agreement between the Australian Government and pharmaceutical companies.

Under the agreement, the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca and the University of Queensland/CSL will provide more than 84.8 million vaccine doses for the Australian population, almost entirely manufactured in Melbourne, with early access to 3.8 million doses of the University of Oxford vaccine in January and February 2021.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said both vaccines would need to be proven safe and effective, and meet all necessary regulatory requirements, prior to being made available to the public.

Australians will gain free access to a COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 if trials prove successful, the Prime Minister said.

By securing the production and supply agreements, Australians will be among the first in the world to receive a safe and effective vaccine, should it pass late stage testing.

There are no guarantees that these vaccines will prove successful, however the agreement puts Australia at the top of the queue, if our medical experts give the vaccines the green light.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said Australians would be among the first in the world to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, once it is available.
MANISTEE COUNTY  Soon workers will begin testing the grounds at Manistee County Blacker Airport for PFAS, a potentially hazardous pollutant used in the industry and as a component in firefighting foam.

A $237,300 grant was awarded by the state to support monitoring and testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination, according to a press release from the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART).

Roughly $2.5 million in grants has been awarded by MPART to municipal airport operators this year.

The grant program is a joint project between the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) aeronautics to fund testing for contamination at airports.

Prein & Newhof, an engineering firm out of Grand Rapids will focus the PFAS testing at potential contamination sites at the airport, according to Barry Lind, Blacker Airport director.

Theyre doing some testing wells and monitoring of those wells to detect if there is PFAS contamination  where it is and where it might be moving, Lind said during a special meeting of the Airport Authority on Sept. 4.

Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a standard firefighting foam used at most airports has been linked as a source of PFAS contamination at other locations in the state.

County commissioner Mark Bergstrom expects the investigation will discover PFAS contamination due to AFFF use at Blacker Airport.

Theyre going to find this stuff  Im sure  and theyre going to be determining how much and where it's flowing, Bergstrom said during the special meeting.

While the airport has not experienced many aircraft incidents which required use of the firefighting foam, Lind said it had been tested annually at the airport.

Our use is very limited over the 15 years or so, where weve had our fire truck, Lind said. Our exposure is limited to once a year, (that) were required to do calibration testing on our fire truck, where we have to dispense the foam.

Lind worries that limited use may still have contaminated the grounds.

The bigger risk is that we have a city water well in the center of the property, Lind said, adding that some early tests of the city water have thus far remained within appropriate state guidelines.

Most people have been exposed to the substance, according to the District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) website.

Certain PFAS can accumulate and stay in the human body for long periods of time. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health outcomes in humans. The most-studied PFAS chemicals are PFOA and PFOS. Studies indicate that PFOA and PFOS can cause reproductive and developmental, liver and kidney, and immunological effects in laboratory animals. Both chemicals have caused tumors in animals, reads the PFAS section of the DHD #10 website.

Bergstrom expressed his concerns over how the Airport Authority will proceed, should the PFAS contamination be confirmed.

Who pays if it has to be pumped out on a regular basis, Bergstrom asked. Wheres the holding tank going to be?

According to Lind, those determinations will have to be made in the future.

This is just about discovery, and at this point there is no plan, no funding source identified or (guidance) on what that next step will be, he said.

Read More:

Blacker Airport to address PFAS through new equipment purchase

ARIELLE BREEN: Michigan's PFAS progress is encouraging
Kill all you see, whether children or adults

Two soldiers from Myanmar have publicly confessed to rape, executions and mass burials, in what United Nations officials say was a genocidal campaign against the countrys Rohingya Muslim minority. One of the men, Pvt. Myo Win Tun, said he was ordered by his commanding officer: Shoot all you see and all you hear.

The soldiers video testimony, shared with international prosecutors, is the first time members of the Tatmadaw, as Myanmars military is known, have admitted to the brutal mass killings and erasures of entire villages, adding weight to pending International Criminal Court cases.

Our reporters said details in the soldiers testimonies aligned with satellite photos and accounts from witnesses and survivors. Taken as a whole, they show an orchestrated campaign to exterminate an ethnic minority group. Myanmar has repeatedly denied the allegations.

Step back: There can be, after hearing 100 stories about a village being burned to the ground, a kind of sameness to the stories that detracts from the horror, Hannah Beech, The Timess Southeast Asia bureau chief, told us. To now have the accounts of the people who did it, who were ordered to do it, I think it will make some people in the camps feel some kind of closure or justice.
The excited kindergartner arrived just before 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, a new Spider-Man backpack over his shoulders with matching Spider-Man pull-on shoes ready for his first day of school.

But instead of hugging his parents goodbye and heading to class, the Sausalito student, 5-year-old Majesty, was sent home.

Majestys school, Bayside Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, was supposed to be one of the first public campuses in the Bay Area to reopen to in-person learning this fall, but had to reverse course after a staff members coronavirus test result came back questionable Monday, said Principal David Finnane.

District officials notified parents and teachers at 11 p.m. Monday, but some families never got the message.

The last-minute delay showed just how hard it will be to reopen classrooms in the middle of a pandemic, especially for public schools. Several Bay Area private schools welcomed children back to in-person classes Tuesday, which could exacerbate inequalities, but also demonstrate whether reopening schools can be done without outbreaks.

So far, a tiny fraction of the Bay Areas 1.2 million school-age students  less than 1%  are back in classrooms,

Paul Chinn / The Chronicle

In the Sausalito Marin City School District, which has only one school, district officials did everything they could to reopen, which was made easier with an annual budget of about $35,000 per student, more than twice that of most other communities. But all the preparation was trumped by one possible positive test. It was devastating to notify families and staff less than 10 hours before the students were set to arrive.

The kids were so excited, Finnane said.

Bayside MLK was among several schools in Marin County to receive a waiver for elementary grades only to resume in-person instruction, even though the county remained in the most restrictive tier in terms of reopening businesses and other services.

A handful of private schools in Marin and other Bay Area counties were expected to reopen with an approved waiver this week, including the Burkard School and UP Academy in San Mateo.

At the Marin Waldorf School, officials hired a nurse to be the health care coordinator for handling the logistics of reopening, including staggered start times for students and four separate entry points, said the schools director, Megan Neale.

On Tuesday, most of the schools 140 elementary students returned after six months away.

Its such a great feeling, Neale said. The students were so happy.

After months of planning and worrying and losing sleep, it all came together, Neale said.

It was great, she said. And were all exhausted.

Reopening a small private school required many logistics, including teachers using a virtual program that tracks their health, including self-administered daily temperature checks.

Paul Chinn / The Chronicle

A mobile testing unit came to the school to test all staff for the virus last week and will continue to perform the required testing in the future, which is a minimum of every two months.

Reopening public schools would require similar efforts and testing, while boosting staffing and supplies, but for typically far more students and staff, and often at dozens of sites across a city.

Few public school districts were expected to apply for waivers.

Schools in San Francisco and Napa could start to reopen as soon as next week after state officials lowered the pandemic threat in those counties to red, one step below the highest level of purple. But San Francisco public schools are not expected to reopen anytime soon.

Marin County officials expected to enter red status as well Monday, but state officials said a recalculation would delay that until at least later this week.

Even with the states blessing, its unclear when many schools will reopen to in-person learning. Public districts will have to negotiate a reopening plan with local labor unions while also meeting county and state requirements, including testing all staff bimonthly and preparing facilities to ensure proper ventilation, hand-washing stations and having enough masks and other safety equipment.

All Children Academics, a private elementary school in San Rafael serving students with learning differences and other academic or social needs, reopened Tuesday for about half its 25 students, as outlined in the waiver. Classes were held outside, said Shana Kenney, the schools director.

Theres nothing like the buzz of having the kids back on campus, Kenney said. No matter how much effort and energy we put into our Zoom classes, there is nothing like the excitement of young kids seeing their desk and their cubbies for the first time.

Paul Chinn/The Chronicle

Teachers moved desks to the schoolyard, set up overhangs and canopies for circle time, and hung up student name tags and art works on surrounding trees.

We really tried to make the yard feel like a classroom, Kenney said. Were trying to bring that intimacy of the classroom outside so they feel comfortable.

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.

Ruby Pratt said she was relieved, excited and happy that her son Cailean, 9, was back in class.

As parents, we tried our best during the pandemic to continue the education that theyre supposed to have, but we could not replace the teacher, Pratt said. With this pandemic going on, we are all worried about getting the virus. At the same time, we have to do what is best for our kids, which I think is going back in the classroom.

Like the San Rafael private school, Bayside MLK officials applied for a waiver in recent weeks, agreeing to abide by the long list of county health and safety requirements. Of the 97 students in elementary school grades, 82 were scheduled to return to class Tuesday, with the other 15 opting to continue distance learning, Finnane said.

On Tuesday, desks sat 6 feet apart while colored tape on the ground outside was placed to direct one-way traffic and ensure social distancing. The average class size will be nine students, although the smallest would be five and the largest 15, Principal Finnane said.

Masks will be mandatory and students would stay with their classmates in isolated cohorts  during recess and lunch. Each classroom has a designated bathroom. Typically, all restrooms are open for any student to use.

All staff will be tested at least once every two months, per state requirements.

Yet, even after all the preparation to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the school hit a bump before the doors opened with the potential positive result. District officials decided to delay in-person instruction at least until next week.

The school would have a soft opening this week through distance learning, Finnane said.

Paul Chinn / The Chronicle

Kindergartner Majesty, who said he was hoping to get bit by a black widow spider so he could turn into Spider-Man, headed home with his school-issued laptop with his parents.

It was not the first day of kindergarten they had imagined for him, said his mom, Kailin Teno.

They told us when we got here, she said. Its disappointing.

Jill Tucker and Vanessa Arredondo are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com, vanessa.arredondo@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker, @V_vanana
A policewoman is seen on a street where a father (known as John Edwards) shot dead his teenage son and daughter at their home in Sydney on July 6, 2018. (PETER PARKS/Getty Images)

Query Over Help Before Edwards Murders

Outsiders viewed the executions as unimaginable but John Edwards had meticulously prepared his childrens murders.

Police now question whether the Sydney pensioner had outside help.

Jennifer, 13, and Jack, 15, had never told their estranged father of their new home before he followed his daughter on her way home from school and shot them both dead in West Pennant Hills in July 2018.

Edwards, who had waged psychological and physical assaults on a string of partners for decades, then drove to his Normanhurst home and shot himself.

The trios inquest, due to resume on Sept 8, has been told the 67-year-old had been planning for at least six months to kill his children.

Based on his history and a note found in Edwards pocket, the lead police investigator suspects the financial planner could have hired private investigators to find the family.

(The note) appeared to be a timetable of Jennifers movements to and from school, Detective Sergeant Tara Phillips told the NSW Coroners Court on Monday.

Edwards had previously used a private investigator to track his most recent ex-wife and the childrens mother, solicitor Olga Edwards, the officer said.

Having tracked down and spoken to numerous ex-partners of Edwards and many of his children, the detective painted a picture of a controlling, narcissistic, self-centred and calculating man.

He had a history of exerting control over the women in his life and his children. He had a propensity for domestic violence, she said.

When Edwards 15-year marriage to Olga broke down in 2016, he became consumed with maintaining a relationship with Jack and Jennifer and blamed Olga for the childrens estrangement, the detective said.

After the childrens murder, Olga detailed to Det Sgt Phillips how Edwards had over the years physically abused the children over minor things, such as touching his phone or CD collection.

But exactly how he found the family in West Pennant Hills may never be known.

Hed set fire to all his electronics, so we were unable to extract (anything), Det Sgt Phillips said.

Olga Edwards boss David Brown is expected to tell the inquest on Tuesday about how he was involved in a significant argument with Edwards when helping Olga collect her belonging from the marital home.

Brown represented Olga during her Family Court proceedings against Edwards.

The inquest, which is expected to run until September 25, will closely examine how Edwards was able to legally acquire the handguns he used to kill his children and then himself.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or 1800respect.org.au

Lifeline 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Luke Costin in Sydney
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 04:56:11|Editor: huaxia

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CAIRO, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita discussed on Monday the latest developments in war-torn Libya.

In a statement, the Egyptian foreign ministry said the discussions came to coordinate joint efforts to advance political settlement in Libya.

During a phone conversation, Shoukry affirmed Egypt's stance in support of efforts aimed at achieving a consensual political solution that preserves Libya's sovereignty and contributes to countering terrorism, extremism and destructive foreign interventions, the statement said.

The discussions also tackled the ongoing endeavors to stabilize the recently announced cease-fire and move forward towards reaching a comprehensive political settlement of the crisis in the country.

The two ministers agreed to continue consultation and intensify their communications with the Libyan political circles and international partners.

On Aug. 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.

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. Enditem
An FIR against has been registered against Sushant Singh Rajput's sisters and others for abetment to suicide and criminal conspiracy by prescribing him medicines banned under the NDPS Act

Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against actor Sushant Singh Rajput's sisters and others for abetment to suicide and criminal conspiracy by prescribing him medicines banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, an official said on Tuesday.

The case has been registered at Bandra police station under sections 420, 464, 465, 466, 468, 474, 306, 120(B) and 34 of IPC and sections 8(c), 21, 22(A), and 29 of NDPS Act, a Mumbai police spokesperson said.

(Click here for LIVE updates)

In accordance with orders of the Supreme Court, this case has been transferred to CBI for further investigation, the spokesperson said.

Rhea Chakraborty had filed a complaint with the Mumbai Police accusing Rajput's sister Priyanka Singh and a Delhi-based doctor of forgery and preparing a "fake" prescription of medicines for anxiety.

Rajput's family lawyer Vikas Singh Monday alleged that Chakraborty's complaint with Mumbai Police is a ploy to derail the ongoing CBI investigation and keep the role of state police alive in the matter.

Singh said Mumbai police does not have any right in this matter and this has been done to keep the jurisdiction of the Mumbai police alive.

The complaint is itself an offence. This is a ploy to derail and deflect the investigation. This is an attempt to keep Mumbai police alive in the case so that they can do some mischief and ensure that the family of Sushant does not get justice in this matter, he told reporters.

In her complaint sent to the Bandra police here on Sunday, Chakraborty sought that Priyanka Singh and Dr Tarun Kumar, working with Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, be booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for forgery, the Narcotics Drugs, and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines

Singh said that there can be no FIR in this matter and the complaint is not maintainable as the Police does not have jurisdiction.

The senior advocate said the investigation in the case has been handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court and the state police cannot see whether Telemedicine Practice Guidelines have been violated or not.

Meanwhile, Chakraborty was questioned by the NCB for around 8 hours on Monday, the second consecutive day of her interrogation, in the drugs case linked to the death of Rajput.

The 28-year-old arrived at the agency's office in Ballard Estate around 9:30 am and she left around 6 pm.

Dressed in a pink hooded jacket and carrying a bag, Rhea was escorted by police personnel.

The actor was questioned for about six hours by the agency for the first time in the case on Sunday.

She may be called again for the third such session on Tuesday, officials said.

The agency has said that it wants to question Rhea and confront her with her younger brother Showik Chakraborty (24), Rajput's house manager Samuel Miranda (33), and his house staffer Dipesh Sawant to ascertain their roles in this alleged drug racket after it obtained mobile phone chat records and other electronic data that suggested some banned drugs were allegedly procured by these people.

These three men were arrested by the NCB in this case over the last few days.

The officials said the actress was questioned on these lines on Sunday.

Rajput, 34, was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra on 14 June following which the Mumbai Police had lodged an Accidental Death Report (ADR).

On 25 July, Rajput's father KK Singh lodged a complaint with Patna police against Rhea Chakraborty, her parents Indrajit and Sandhya Chakraborty, her brother, the late actor's former manager Shruti Modi and his house manager Samuel Miranda.

He accused them of cheating and abetting his son's suicide. He also claimed that the accused persons had siphoned off Rs 15 crore from his son's bank accounts.

Based on this allegation, the Enforcement Directorate is probing money laundering charges.

The FIR lodged by Patna police was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is probing a drug angle in the case.

*

A collection of Suicide prevention helpline numbers are available here. Please reach out if you or anyone you know is in need of support. The All-India helpline number is: 022 2754 6669
On his visit to France in 2018, United States President Donald Trump was supposed to pay a visit to a cemetery commemorating fallen marines of the US in World War I.

But instead, he chose to bring back home an art piece worth $750,000 (INR 5,51,000,00) from the US ambassadors residence in Paris.

The cancelled trip to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery was controversial indeed. Trumps insistence on taking the artwork only created further problems.

It happened that after Trumps cemetery trip was cancelled, he had some time on his hands which he decided to spend visiting the US ambassadors residence. There he came across certain art pieces which he just had to have.

The artwork Trump fancied included a Benjamin Franklin bust, a Franklin portrait and a set of figurines of Greek mythical characters. He ordered them to be loaded on Air Force One to go back to Washington with him, reported Bloomberg.

Though the ambassador was reportedly surprised by the act, he did not object to it. Trump joked he would return them after his second term at office ends.

The White House confirmed that the president took artwork from Paris. Replying to Bloomberg News, White House spokesman Judd Deere said, The President brought these beautiful, historical pieces, which belong to the American people, back to the United States to be prominently displayed in the Peoples House.

Interestingly, the historical figurines which were supposed to be from the 16th or 17th centuries, turned out to be fakes and replicas. According to an art dealer, they were actually 20th century fakes of wannabe 17th century sculptures that have little value.

Subsequently, the White House officials had to borrow the original portrait from the National Portrait Gallery to decorate the Oval Office.

Some officials in the State Department were not very happy with the development and exchanged a few emails on the same. However, the move was declared legal given the art was the property of the US government.
Texas county allows 2 Christian schools to reopen despite earlier COVID-19 shutdown order

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A county in Texas is allowing two private Christian schools to hold in-person class instruction, despite earlier issuing a ban on such practices for public and private schools.

Cameron County officials had previously prohibited all schools, including Laguna Madre Christian Academy and Calvary Christian School of Excellence, from holding in-person classes.

However, the First Liberty Institute, a law firm representing both schools, announced last Thursday that the county would allow the schools to hold in-person instruction.

Both schools intend to enact safety measures to help curb the risk of spreading the coronavirus, including social distancing and the wearing of facemasks.

Jeremy Dys, special counsel for Litigation and Communications at First Liberty, said in a statement that his organization was pleased with the county decision.

We are pleased that Cameron County has approved of the careful work Laguna Madre Christian Academy and Calvary Christian School have put into safely resuming in-person classes, stated Dys.

As Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made clear weeks ago, local officials serve their community best by respecting the religious liberty of religious institutions.

In July, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a guidance letter to private schools informing them that they were exempted from any local school district closures.

Under the Governors orders, local governments are prohibited from closing religious institutions or dictating mitigation strategies to those institutions, wrote Paxton.

Local governments are similarly prohibited from issuing blanket orders closing religious private schools. Because a local order closing a religious private school or institution is inconsistent with the Governors order, any local order is invalid to the extent it purports to do so.

Initially, Cameron County Chief Legal Counsel Juan Gonzalez rejected the request of Laguna Madre to hold in-person classes, claiming that the Paxton guidance was invalid.

Cameron county is of the opinion that Paxtons guidance is not grounded in legitimate or correct legal analysis, wrote Gonzalez, as reported by local media outlet KVEO. Further, it is nothing more than an opinion and does not have controlling legal authority over the situation.

Last month, the Christian school expressed their plans to hold classes despite the local order and First Liberty sent a letter to Gonzales on their behalf.

LMCA certainly appreciates the delicate situation presented by COVID-19, wrote Dys at the time. Nonetheless, we must insist that Cameron County respect the laws and fundamental freedoms of this state and nation.
FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: Visitors wearing masks to avoid the spread of COVID-19 fill out a form which is mandatory to get into a hospital in Seoul

By Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) - Thousands of trainee doctors in South Korea returned to work on Tuesday after ending a more than two-week strike as the country grappled with sustained three-digit rises in new daily coronavirus infections.

The Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 136 new cases as of midnight Monday, after the rate fell to a three-week low of 119 a day earlier. The total infections rose 21,432, with 341 deaths.

The daily tally has steadily dropped since it reached a peak of 441 last month after the government imposed unprecedented social distancing rules to blunt a second wave of outbreaks from churches and political rallies.

Efforts to curb the latest epidemic has been complicated by the strike launched on Aug. 21 by some 16,000 intern and resident doctors against the government's medical reform proposals.

The trainee doctors restarted work after agreeing to end the walkout on Monday, though many medical students continued to resist final licensing exams as part of the protest.

The intern and resident doctors are the backbone of healthcare services in emergency rooms and intensive care units, and hospitals increasingly grappled with delays and disruptions amid constant rises in COVID-19 patients.

Authorities are weighing whether to extend the social distancing curbs ahead of Chuseok, one of the country's biggest holidays this month, which would see tens of millions of people travel nationwide.

President Moon Jae-in said the daily numbers are expected to drop below 100 by the holiday, though health officials have urged against visits and gatherings.

The curbs, including limiting the operation of on-site dining after 9 p.m. (1200 GMT) in the Seoul metropolitan area, were extended for another week until Sept. 13.

Seoul city on Tuesday imposed an entry ban on some of the biggest parks along the Han River which saw a surge in the number of nightly visitors since the restrictions took effect. Cafes, convenience stores and parking lots in all 11 riverside parks will be closed after 9 p.m.

"If you don't keep distance without wearing a mask properly for a long time, the risk of infection goes quite higher even though you're outside," KCDC deputy director Kwon Jun-wook told a briefing.

(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Michael Perry & Shri Navaratnam)
President Trump's deadline for a TikTok deal is one week from today, as certainty continues to drain from the voices of sources close to the process. The big question now is what happens if no deal is struck.

Between the lines: One possibility is that Trump won't follow through on his threat. This could mean dropping the entire thing altogether, or perhaps saying the parties are close to an agreement but just need a bit more time. Maybe an extra 50 days or so, just to get Trump past Nov. 3.

This might depend on who gets into Trump's ear last. For example, former Trump campaign adviser David Urban has been working the White House on TikTok's behalf. Maybe he can sneak by Peter Navarro at 11:59 pm.

The more likely possibility is that Trump follows through, believing the (still questionable) national security rationale and that anti-China tech is a winning political message.

It's still unlikely TikTok would go offline next Wednesday, particularly given that it's already fighting Trump's executive order in court. Instead, expect this to become a protracted legal battle, reminiscent of the recording industry vs. Napster.

From an executive perspective, the White House would initially use the FTC, although could also leverage Treasury to pressure financial institutions doing business with TikTok. It also may ask Apple and Google to remove TikTok from app stores, although it unlikely to request any sort of forced removal from devices.

TikTok did immediately shut down India operations after a government ban, but the U.S.-China conflict is much different than the India-China conflict, which has included recent military skirmishes at the border. As one source explained it to me: To publicly support TikTok in India was to be viewed as unpatriotic, among both politicians and users.

The bottom line: If this doesn't soon get decided in a boardroom, it's going to get decided in a courtroom.
#17at17 #UN75 #ShapingOurFuture I brought xHuman to the UN in 2019 and introduced the SDGs to innovation leaders from the UN in 2016, because the UN needs the global public and 21st century technologies to achieve the 2030 agenda. They are OUR goals and that is what makes them so important.Radia Funna, founder, Build n Blaze

Today, organizational strategy firm Build n Blaze announced that 17at17, The 17 Days of SDGs, its online campaign to increase education and action for the SDGs, will kick-off with Goal 1: No Poverty, on October 1. The campaign will highlight one goal a day for 17 days; then it will dovetail into 75 days to mark the UNs 75th anniversary starting October 18. Subscribe to Build n Blaze TV on YouTube and follow @BuildnBlaze and @BuildnBlazeTV on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to learn more.

In 2019, on the occasion of the opening of the UN General Assembly, Build n Blaze launched its online action campaign, "17at17, The 17 Days of SDGs," to support the UN and its Member States, in their efforts to make 2019 a defining year for the achievement of the SDGs. In January, the firm announced that it will also support the UNs Decade of Action to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. Ripping the band-aid off of inequities and vulnerabilities that have long plagued humanity; it drove home the urgency to achieve SDGs such as good health, clean water and quality education for all. As a result of this increased urgency, this years 17at17, The 17 Days of SDGs, a 17-day event, will dovetail into a 75-day countdown to mark the UNs 75th year anniversary with UN75  the UNs most ambitious effort to date to crowdsource priorities and solutions for the future.

Build n Blaze announced its partnership with UN75 earlier this year, a partnership, that aims to listen to the global public on the future they want, with particular focus on youth, marginalized communities and new audiences. Through a one-minute survey at https://un75.online/partner/BuildnBlaze, UN75 gives people a chance to make their voices heard about what is most important to them; especially at this time of global anxiety and uncertainty. The results will be presented to world leaders on September 21, when the international community sets out a vision for the future at the official commemoration of the UN's 75th anniversary.

At Build n Blaze, we believe in the power of knowledge and discourse. We launched Build n Blaze TV to arm people with information that would be important to them if they were made aware of how much it impacts their future and the future of those they love. We believe that the SDGs fall in that category. From ending poverty and hunger to achieving parity and climate action; the SDGs are the framework the leaders we vote for use to measure success. They are, therefore, our tool to hold them accountable.Radia Funna, founder, Build n Blaze

About Build n Blaze

Build n Blaze, LLC. is an organizational strategy firm dedicated to providing our clients with data-driven and evidence-based approaches to navigate disruptions (such as technologies of the fourth industrial revolution and socioeconomic shifts) and an ecosystem to achieve transformation. We have a long-term commitment to the future of work, education and parity as well as to the United Nations administered Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a better world. Based in the Greater New York City Area, our work leverages theories by our founder, the futurist Radia Funna, including her theory of the "Exponential Human or "xHuman". https://www.buildnblaze.com/ #17at17

About UN75

Launched by the UN Secretary-General in January 2020, the UNs 75th anniversary initiative aims to listen to the global public, with particular focus on youth, marginalized communities and new audiences. Over 12 months, the UN75 team will gather public perspectives on global challenges and solutions on how to tackle them through a one-minute survey, online dialogues, formal opinion polling and media analysis. The results will be presented in September 2020, at the official commemoration of the UNs 75th anniversary, after which UN75 will focus on how best to take them forward, with a final report to be published in January 2021. For more information, see: http://www.un.org/UN75 #UN75
A number of academics have signed a statement in unequivocal support of a Jadavpur University professor who was trolled and faced casteist abuse for commenting on a social media post that opposed the decision of the University Grants Commission (UGC) to hold examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maroona Murmu, an assistant professor of history at Jadavpur University, received support from the alumni of Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and other concerned citizens for the online abuse she had to over for expressing her opinion on Facebook post.

On September 2, Murmu had commented on a post by her friend Neelkonto Naskar saying students lives were being put at risk by the governments decision regarding holding of examinations.

The statement released in support of Murmu said that a young woman replied to Murmus comment saying, Maroona Murmu, what surprised me was the fact that Jadavpur University has professors with such mentality. I am astonished. Let me brief you a bit on the difference between quota and unquota (non-quota). To know that life is more important than an academic year, one doesnt require to be a professor [sic].

Its not about lagging one year but about how some unqualified and incompetent people take undue advantage of the reservation system and their caste is now helping them be successful, while the deserving lag behind for ever. Our parents are stepping out, taking a risk every day to get us food, while some are sitting at home and getting paid for doing nothing, (sic) the woman further said.

The woman then wrote on her personal Facebook page, Today morning, just reminded one Murmu a Santhal about her Adivasi lineage. That too in a polite manner. But some people like her, just made me realise that so-called professors are getting fat simply drawing paychecks(sic).

Since then, Murmu has been at the receiving end of constant trolls, numerous hate messages and casteist comments.

The statement in solidarity of Murmu said the professor is a respected historian and educator. She has published papers on subjects pertaining to womens history and literary production in Bengal. Murmu is an important and active voice against discrimination based on caste and adivasi identities in the realm of education in West Bengal and across India.

She is also regarded as a tireless advocate of increased representation of Dalit-Bahujan-Adivasi voices in education and in public life, and has written extensively on systematic and structural discrimination in post-independence India, the statement said. Her writings and public activism have played a significant role in bringing the caste question to the forefront of discussions in West Bengal, in a manner that has been transformative and path-breaking, it said, adding that she is loved by her colleagues and students in her university.

The vicious and hateful social media campaign against one of the most powerful voices of Dalit and Adivasi empowerment in contemporary India is utterly deplorable. Strict action must be taken against the perpetrators of this kind of violence that seeks to silence marginalised voices, denigrate the contributions of a leading Adivasi scholar-activist, and maintain established forms of Brahmanical hierarchy in our society, said the statement.

The signatories of the letter expressed shock that the casteist society does not sensitise its young members to the long history of violence against Adivasis, Dalits, and Bahujans and to the need for affirmative action for the purpose of representation and empowerment, which have been previously stolen from them.

It is a matter of grave concern that Dr Murmu is being subjected to such vicious attacks. These attacks throw light on structural inequalities in the academe, despite the usual legal and institutional safeguards, the letter said.
In January, Rita Slavin's daughter signed an ironclad lease on an apartment near the University of California, Davis, to secure housing for her senior year of college. There was no way Slavin could have known that just a few months later her daughter Nicole's college classes would be held entirely online. She also had no clue that she would be suffering financially, or that Nicole and her roommate would have lost their jobs as the coronavirus pandemic plunged the nation into a recession.

Now the young women are trapped for the next year in a $2,020-a-month lease, which began in September. And they can't get out of the contract unless they can find new tenants to take their place.

"I'm definitely losing sleep over this one," says Slavin, 54, a paralegal who lives in Los Angeles. "It's really rough because so many kids are stuck with these leases they desperately cant get out of. Its nearly impossible to find someone to take over a lease when everyone's trying to get out of a lease. Were even offering incentives such as free furniture, we will pay the first months rentanything we can think of to make it more appealing."

The students moved out of the apartment in April when the school first moved classes online in response to the COVID-19 crisis. That means they'll be paying nearly a year-and-a-half's rent on housing they're not occupying.

Slavin's plight isn't unique. Across the country, many college students signed leases months in advance of the fall semester, expecting to return to school for in-person classes. Unfortunately, things often haven't played out that way.

Some schools, including Harvard and Rutgers, along with the entire University of California system, announced this summer they would be predominantly online for the fall semester. Other schools, like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Michigan State University, changed course and announced they would go online for the rest of the semester only after students began returning and a surge of positive COVID-19 cases followed.

That's left many students scrambling to get out of pricey leases. In some some cities, roommates can be charged $750 to $2,000 a bedroom. In some areas, a four-bedroom house could go for $6,000 or $7,000 a month, says San Franciscobased tenants rights attorney Joseph Tobener.

"Were talking about significant sums of money," says Tobener, who receives about 20 calls a week now from students and their families.

Typically, a single renter or group of roommates sign the lease, which can be co-signed by one or more of the students' families to guarantee it. So if other students decide not to move in or pay their share for the apartment, the student and the family on the lease can be on the hook for the full monthly rentunless new renters are found. While some students kicked off campus prefer to stay with their friends near their schools, many others are heading home to their families.

Getting out of these contracts can be nearly impossible without a force majeure clausebasically an act of God clausewritten into the original lease. Few contracts contain such a clause, and going to court is expensive, especially if the lease requires the tenants to pay their landlord's attorney fees.

But Tobener doesn't blame the building owners, who are faced with losing money on vacant units if they let tenants out of their contracts.

"The landlords often save up for years to buy units in these college towns, thinking its going to be a stable source of income, and then the bottom falls out," says Tobener. "Nobody could have predicted this.

In busy college towns like Davis, signing a lease in January or February is the only way most students can guarantee housing for the fall semester. Before the pandemic there was typically only a 0.5% to 1% rental vacancy, says Davis-area real estate broker Eugene Chang of College Town Realty. He specializes in rentals and property management.

However, with classes being held online there are now plenty of apartments and rental houses to choose from. He expects the vacancy rate to hit 10% by October. As a result of the lower demand, prices are falling. Tenants desperate to sublease their units are offering to pay $500 to $700 of the monthly rent to attract folks to take their spots.

"Because of the pandemic, fewer people want to live with strangers," says Chang. "And fewer people are looking."

In Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina senior Philecia Klein, 21, doesn't know if she'll be able to get out of her lease for her two-bedroom apartment in a subdivided house near the university. The public relations major had lined up a few roommates who all later fell through because they were nervous about committing to housing during the pandemic.

She signed the lease solo this spring and moved into the apartment in July. Last month, the school announced that in-person classes would be moved online after a COVID-19 outbreak.

Her father is liable for the full $1,040 a month, although Klein plans to pay him back. However, she doesn't want to owe her father a year's worth of rent when she can't physically go to class and she can live at home for free. She also doesn't want to be "stuck in the craziness of coronavirus" in the college town.

"Theres no hope in finding someone to fill that second bedroom now, so I might as well move home," says Klein.

She's not optimistic her father will be able to get out of the lease, but she still has mixed feelings about moving: "It hurts my soul to think I could leave this apartment."

The post Rental Crisis Hits College Towns Thanks To COVID-19 appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
Linda Wilson was crossing a street with her son when she was allegedly hit, and she is still on bed-rest recovering.

E-scooters may be allowed on bike lanes in the Brisbane CBD if a trial is approved by the state government. Credit:Lucy Stone

A woman who was allegedly struck by an e-scooter in Woolloongabba in June , breaking her kneecap, called for changes to the permits governing where e-scooters were allowed and how fast they could go.

Brisbane City Council wants to take e-scooters off CBD footpaths and allow riders to use bike lanes to protect pedestrians from being struck or clipped by the popular devices.

The council's public and active transport committee chairman, Ryan Murphy, said the LNP administration had asked the state government to alter the legislation, saying taking e-scooters off footpaths in the CBD was a "necessary step" to better separate pedestrians and e-scooters.

"We are improving connectivity through the CBD and are currently designing a trial of safe and connected bike lanes in the city centre," Cr Murphy said.

"As part of this, weve asked the state government to remove the current ban on e-scooters using on-road bicycle lanes to allow more active travellers and residents to benefit from this initiative.

"As part of designing the CityLink Cycleway, council has established a working group with the state government to trial changes to road rules in the CBD to allow e-scooters on roads, in bike lanes."

Brisbane Times readers have contributed their own experiences and concerns about the fast-moving electronic scooters operating on footpaths, many saying the devices are too quiet and too fast to be weaving through pedestrians.
The global polyester polyol market size is expected to grow by USD 2.24 billion during 2020-2024. The report also provides the market impact and new opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect the impact to be significant in the first quarter but gradually lessen in subsequent quarters with a limited impact on the full-year economic growth.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200907005304/en/

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Polyester Polyol Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire)

Request challenges and opportunities influenced by COVID-19 pandemic Request a Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impacts

PU foam is extensively used in several end-user industry verticals, such as automotive, construction, and paints and coatings. PU foams are widely used in the production of automotive components such as wiper cowls, side skirts, bumpers, roll pans, and also interior components of cars including seats, armrests, headrests, dashboards, roof liners, and instrumental panels. PU foams are also used in the construction industry to form a layer of insulation, and it provides weatherproof sealants as well as helps cover irregular shapes. As polyester polyol is one of the key ingredients used to manufacture PU foams, the surging demand for PU foams from the automotive and construction industry will fuel the growth of the polyester polyol market.

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=IRTNTR44168

As per Technavio, the innovations in polyurethane (PU) will have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the forecast period. This research report also analyzes other significant trends and market drivers that will influence market growth over 2020-2024.

Polyester Polyol Market: Innovations In Polyurethane (PU)

Research organizations and other companies are constantly developing new forms of PU foams, including photo cross-linkable PU, to cater to the high demand for PU foams in several applications. Some innovations in PU include the patent issued by KURARAY through its investors for highly durable polyester polyols. The patent states that PU can be used in paints, adhesives, coatings, elastomers, artificial/synthetic leather, foams, and resins cured by activation energy rays. Therefore, innovations in PU will drive the demand for polyester polyols during the forecast period.

"Other factors such as the superior properties of polyester polyols, and the rising demand for polyester polyol in China will have a significant impact on the growth of the polyester polyol market value during the forecast period," says a senior analyst at Technavio.

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Polyester Polyol Market: Segmentation Analysis

This market research report segments the polyester polyol market by type (aliphatic polyester polyol and aromatic polyester polyol) and geography (APAC, Europe, North America, MEA, and South America).

The APAC region led the polyester polyol market share in 2019, followed by Europe, North America, MEA, and South America respectively. During the forecast period, the APAC region is expected to register the highest incremental growth due to the increase in the number of residential, non-residential, and public infrastructure projects, especially in India, China, Malaysia, and other developing countries.

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report

Some of the key topics covered in the report include:

Market Drivers

Market Challenges

Market Trends

Vendor Landscape

Vendors covered

Vendor classification

Market positioning of vendors

Competitive scenario

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis 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.

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President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a news conference at the North Portico at the White House in Washington on Sept. 7, 2020. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Americas Choice: Nasty Smears of Trump or Judgment of Competing Policies

Commentary

As we leave the Labor Day weekend behind, the all-time roughest, nastiest, most dishonest attempt in American history to dislodge an incumbent president is well underway.

Since Donald Trump ran in 2016 against all factions of both parties, and effectively against the Bushes as much as against the Clintons and Obamas, and promised radical changes to the personnel and techniques of the entire Washington political class, and was especially critical of the national political media, it was inevitable that he would be fiercely resisted and that his election victory would be regarded as a freakish and probably illegal usurpation.

All of this has happened, and while Trump has gradually asserted his complete domination of the Republican Party, whose congressional delegation included very few supporters of his four years ago, the Democrats, the anti-Trump Republicans, and the Washington establishment generally have conducted a retreat of extraordinary and vicious tenacity.

In 1953, incoming President Dwight Eisenhower left practically the entire Roosevelt and Truman social programs in place, and, prompted by his time as military governor in Germany when he became envious of the autobahn, Eisenhower promoted the Interstate Highway System, a public works and infrastructure project in the most ambitious traditions of Roosevelts TVA and WPA.

The ruling class that had arisen under Roosevelt, led by public-spirited members of elite law firms and executives of great corporations, continued to fill the Eisenhower and succeeding administrations. Dean Acheson, Averill Harriman, John McCloy, Douglas Dillon, and their distinguished like were capable and diligent.

But a vast, homogenous, and ultimately complacent underlayer of entrenched elitist sameness gradually rigidified the government process. They were widely believed to be as stultifying as their progenitors were energizing and imaginative when brought into government by Roosevelt to defeat the Depression and win the war, and were retained by Truman to put in place the institutions that won the Cold War.

President Eisenhower made no effort to displace the political class, Presidents Kennedy and Johnson were brought up with and into it, and the first challenge to its incumbency of 35 years came from Richard Nixon.

But Nixon didnt control either house of Congress and the overzealous antics of his subordinates and his own mismanagement of the resulting (Watergate) investigation enabled the political class to dispose of him while their media allies showered themselves in Pulitzer Prizes, and a mystique of permanence, invincibility, and a hereditary right to rule settled within the Beltway.

There was a flutter of concern at the arrival of Ronald Reagan, but his program essentially consisted of reducing taxes, escalating the arms race, and challenging the Soviet Unions status as a coequal superpower by beginning the development of a laser-based, high-altitude antimissile defense system.

The Washington insiders and media mocked this initiative, and its never been entirely installed. But it shattered the Kremlins self-confidence, the Soviet Union disintegrated peacefully, and the Cold War ended. The greatest and most bloodless strategic victory in world history was finally obtained by Reagans defense policies from which the Washington establishment dissented.

The Bushes, Clintons, and Obama never disturbed for an instant the serenity of the Washington ruling class, or questioned the wisdom and benignity of its bipartisan policy consensus.

Something Completely Different

Donald Trump, in Monty Pythonese, is something completely different. He had never sought or held any public position, civilian or military; instead, he was a flamboyant New York developer, reality television star, impresario, and junk-bond debt-financed speculator in casinos.

In these capacities, he was more accomplished than all but a few of his 43 predecessors in their previous careers, and gained the Republican nomination and won the election by running squarely against the governing bipartisan political class.

He challenged campaign financing and lobbying practices, trading arrangements, the porous southern border, the slackened Western alliance, and the unenterprising partisanship of the national political media.

Resistance was bound to be fierce, and it must be said that Trumps resilience has far exceeded anything his enemies had imagined.

There has never in American history been anything like the outrageous sequence of the Russian collusion fraud, the utterly spurious impeachment for unimpeachable acts there was little evidence Trump had committed anyway, all the nonsense about the Logan Act, the Emoluments Clause, and the 25th Amendment, and now, the disgraceful invention from unnamed sources cited by a rabid partisan and published in an irrationally antagonistic magazine controlled by the widow of a lion of Silicon Valley, that Trump had dismissed U.S. war dead as losers and suckers.

Policies Versus Personality

Trump seeks a judgment of his accomplishments and of his proposed program for the next four years, a choice between him and his opponent. His enemies are trying to promote a referendum on Trump: the heavy rioting by Marxist, anti-white urban guerrillas and large numbers of more spontaneous hooligans, are held to be the inevitable consequences of the divisiveness of President Chaos, and which will miraculously subside with his defeat.

In fact, this administration reacted quickly to the coronavirus, was criticized by the Democrats for overreacting, imposed a heavy economic shutdown that has reduced daily fatalities by about 75 percent, and has reopened the economy swiftly, bringing back to work more than half those that had been disemployed by the shutdown, without reviving the fatality totals.

In medical terms, the United States performance has been better than about two-thirds of the advanced countries that publish believable statistics, and in economic terms, the United States has done better than almost all other advanced countries that were seriously afflicted by the coronavirus.

Trumps tax and deregulation policies, trade renegotiations, revival of nuclear non-proliferation with respect to North Korea and Iran have all been largely or partially successful. The drastic measures that he was forced to take to build the wall he promised on the southern border have been entirely effective, where previous presidents had just waffled.

His environment policy has spared the country the destruction of the oil and gas industry and great cost and unemployment in pursuit of unproved climate objectives.

His Middle Eastern policy is normalizing Israels relations with the Arab world and has made a two-state solution with Palestinians a possibility for the first time.

He has identified and faced up to the challenge from China and is being supported by Americas allies in the Far East and South Asia. And he is returning NATO to be a serious alliance instead of a gang of laggards happy to have a U.S. guarantee of their security but unwilling to pay for it.

Leaving aside for these purposes the glaring shortcomings of the Democratic candidates, the national interest requires that this election be determined as a matter of policy choices, and not as a comment on the presidents personality, which is an acquired taste (or not) but isnt very relevant to his ability to conduct his office.

The American people must determine which course they wish to follow. Those who wish to change course shouldnt be allowed to achieve that through the greatest and most self-interested smear campaign in American history.

If America really wants open borders, general violence, higher taxes, increased unemployment, a green emasculation of the oil and gas and other industries, and acceptance of a position in the world inferior to Chinas, it should vote for that explicitly and not as a consequence of reaction to the vagaries of Donald Trumps personality.

Conrad Black has been one of Canadas most prominent financiers for 40 years, and was one of the leading newspaper publishers in the world. Hes the author of authoritative biographies of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Richard Nixon, and, most recently, Donald J. Trump: A President Like No Other, which is about to be republished in updated form.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
L ondon NHS workers have been recruited to a trial that aims to determine whether dogs can sniff out Covid-19.

A team of 25 volunteers from University College Hospital (UCLH) in Euston are allowing trained bio-detection dogs to smell their socks and T-shirts to see if they can detect whether a person has the virus.

They are among 3,500 NHS staff nationwide signed up in the trial.

The 500,000 government-sponsored project is being led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), charity Medical Detection Dogs and Durham University.

Trained dogs have been shown to be able to detect Parkinsons disease, malaria and some cancers, while recent research has suggested that viruses may have specific odours.

Asher, one of the bio-detection dogs, in action / Medical Detection Dogs / LSHTM

If the trial is successful, the dogs could offer a non-invasive and rapid method of virus detection at UK entry points such as airports. LSHTM has said trained dogs could be deployed within six months, potentially screening up to 250 people per hour.

Frontline NHS staff are ideal sample-providers for the clever "super sniffers" as many undergo frequent Covid-19 testing, according to the trial leaders.

The NHS workers get tested regularly and sometimes test positive, even if they are asymptomatic. The UCLH volunteers will be asked to provide "samples of their breath and body odour by wearing a mask for three hours, and nylon socks and a t-shirt for twelve hours, to collect their body odour which will be analysed and used in dog training.

Each sweat-filled item will be analysed to identify compounds in odour that will signify when someone is infected with Covid-19, before being sent to the MDD centre in Milton Keynes.

Pups from several different breeds can be trained to become medical detection dogs / Medical Detection Dogs / LSHTM

Project lead Professor James Logan, Head of the Department of Disease Control at LSHTM, thanked all NHS volunteers.

He said: A huge thank you to NHS staff and their families who are supporting this vital research. If successful, this trial could revolutionise how we diagnose the virus, leading to the rapid screening of high numbers of people, even if asymptomatic, helping return our lives back to some sort of normality.

Dubai Airport introduced a trial of coronavirus-sniffing dogs back in early August. The UAE claimed its police dogs achieved approximately 92 per cent in overall accuracy in identifying Covid-19 samples. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have also been testing whether Labrador retrievers - the breed frequently used as guide dogs - can sniff out the virus.
LADERA RANCH, Calif., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. ("SmartStop" or the "Company") participated in Bank of Montreal's ("BMO") 2020 Real Assets Virtual Conference on September 2nd and 3rd. This year's conference discussed trends across a broad spectrum of real estate sectors, with additional topics and panels to discuss how 'Work From Home' trends will impact the future of real estate markets.

"It was our privilege to participate alongside approximately 300 industry attendees in this year's BMO 2020 Real Assets Virtual Conference and discuss SmartStop's distinct position in the self storage industry," said H. Michael Schwartz, Founder and Executive Chairman of SmartStop. "This year's virtual format allowed for various meetings and stimulating discussions around the future drivers of self storage growth within the broader context of today's dynamic real estate markets."

Highlights on the Company's unique position within the self storage industry shared by members of SmartStop's executive team include:

SmartStop is the 10 th largest self storage company in the U.S., with an owned and managed portfolio of 144 properties in 19 states and Toronto, Canada ;

largest self storage company in the U.S., with an owned and managed portfolio of 144 properties in 19 states and ; SmartStop's dedicated workforce of approximately 380 employees and an executive team with an average of 15 years' experience in the self storage industry;

SmartStop is a fully-integrated and self-managed company and has alignment of interests with the management team owning approximately 13 percent of the equity outstanding;

SmartStop's management team has a track record of going full cycle in prior real estate funds, successfully providing cash liquidity to shareholders and returning $1.2 billion at attractive annual returns over the past five years;

at attractive annual returns over the past five years; SmartStop's platform is managed with an emphasis on customer experience and utilizing technology, including the ownership of the SmartStop Self Storage brand, the sophisticated digital marketing approach, the proprietary revenue management systems, and the state-of-the-art smartstop.com website;

SmartStop continues to expand in the Greater Toronto Area , where SmartStop's team has had experience managing self storage since 2010.

About SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc.

SmartStop is a self-managed REIT with a fully integrated operations team of approximately 380 self storage professionals focused on growing the SmartStop Self Storage brand. SmartStop, through its indirect subsidiary SmartStop REIT Advisors, LLC, also sponsors other self storage programs, including Strategic Storage Trust IV, Inc., a public non-traded REIT, and other private programs. SmartStop is the tenth-largest self storage company in the U.S., with approximately $1.6 billion of real estate assets under management, including an owned and managed portfolio of 144 properties in 19 states and Toronto, Canada and comprising approximately 96,000 units and 10.9 million rentable square feet. Additional information regarding SmartStop is available at www.smartstopselfstorage.com.

SOURCE SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc.

Related Links

https://smartstopselfstorage.com


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At least 35 people have been airlifted to safety after being trapped by one of the two dozen wildfires that have torched a record two million acres in California.

Firefighters and the National Guard used helicopters equipped with night vision on a dangerous mission to rescue dozens of people stranded in the Sierra National Forest by the Creek Fire on Tuesday morning, hours after their first attempt was thwarted by heavy smoke and towering flames.

Col David Hall of the Army National Guard said search teams dispatched Chinook and Black Hawk helicopters from four different locations in Fresno County and managed to fly 35 people to safety.

At least 15 more hikers and campers are believed to be trapped near Chinese Peak and Lake Edison as the rescue effort continues.

'We're going to keep working tirelessly throughout the night until we get as many people out as we can,' Hall told NBC News.

On Monday night, Fresno Fire Battalion Chief Tony Escobedo said that one person had been confirmed dead and warned there may be multiple more casualties.

The frantic rescue attempt came as wildfires blazed across swathes of the western United States - including Washington, Utah Colorado and Oregon - on Monday night, destroying homes and devastating forests and grasslands, as record high temperatures and strong winds made the task of fire fighters even more challenging.

In California, 14,100 fire fighters were battling 25 separate blazes, which have collectively burned more than two million acres and left 172,000 people without power during a record heat wave in the drought-stricken state.

In Yosemite National Park, officials said evacuation orders could be issued soon as the Creek Fire drew near, casting an apocalyptic orange haze over the idyllic landscape.

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At least one person is dead and 50 are trapped by wildfires that have torched a record two million acres in California. Pictured: The Creek Fire burns along a hillside in the Cascadel Woods community of Madera County on Monday

Firefighters Nick Grinstead and Trevor While battle the Creek Fire in the Shaver Lake community of Fresno County on Monday

California's largest utility Pacific Gas and Electric has cut off power to 172,000 customers to avoid creating additional blazes. Pictured: Workers stand along Highway 168 as the Creek Fire advances on Tuesday

The Creek Fire cast an apocalyptic orange haze over Yosemite National Park, which is under threat of evacuation

Wildfires are blazing across swathes of the western United States, from California and Washington to Colorado

Fresno Fire Battalion Chief Tony Escobedo confirms there has been one fatality. They dont know circumstances or the exact location. Helicopters are working to rescue 50+ people at several locations, including China Peak & Lake Edison. pic.twitter.com/WZXH0K8ze3  Jocelyn Moran (@jocelynamoran) September 8, 2020

The Creek Fire has consumed at least 73,000 acres since the sparks were first lit on Friday evening

A firefighter stands in front of an engine on Highway 168 as crews monitor the advance of the Creek Fire on Monday

Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, declared a state of emergency on Sunday as 25 wildfires blazed

The Creek Fire (pictured), in Fresno County, California, has sent rivers of fire surging through the Sierra National Forest

Smoke from the Creek Fire envelopes trees in the Cascadel Woods community of Madera County on Monday

In California 14,100 fire fighters are battling 25 separate blazes, which have collectively destroyed 2 million acres

On the southern end of the state, Los Angeles County set an all-time temperature record of 121 degrees on Sunday, during a historic Labor Day weekend heat wave.

The all-time county record was set at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, a suburb of LA.

In the nearby Santa Monica Mountains, a 41-year-old woman died after hiking in extreme 110 degree heat on Saturday.

In Washington state, a small town of 300 people saw 80 percent of the homes destroyed.

And in Oregon and Idaho, fires close to power lines shut off the electricity, adding to the misery amid the heatwave.

Fresno Fire Department said on Monday evening that they had been unable to rescue the trapped hikers

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday night declared a state of emergency as his hard-hit state struggled to beat back the blazes.

The Labor Day weekend heat wave fueled new fires that pushed the state to set a new record for number of acres burned with more than two million as of Monday.

The previous record was set just two years ago and included the deadliest fire in state history, the Camp Fire, which ripped through the town of Paradise and killed 85 people in November 2018.

Cal Fire spokeswoman Lynne Tolmachoff said the new record was especially alarming because of how early in the year it was set.

'It's a little unnerving because September and October are historically our worst months for fires,' Tolmachoff told AP. 'It's usually hot, and the fuels really dry out. And we see more of our wind events.'

California's largest utility shuts off power to 172,000 customers Pacific Gas & Electric, California's largest utility, has turned off power for 172,000 customers in an effort to avoid adding to the fires already ravaging the state. The utility company is on high alert after its power lines started the deadliest fire in state history two years ago, when the Camp Fire ripped through Paradise, killing 85 people. Liability from billions of dollars in claims from that and other fires forced PG&E to seek bankruptcy protection. To guard against new wildfires and new liability, PG&E last year began preemptive power shutoffs when conditions are exceptionally dangerous. That's the situation now in Northern California, where high and dry winds are expected until Wednesday. PG&E received criticism for its handling of planned outages last year. The utility said it has learned from past problems, 'and this year will be making events smaller in size, shorter in length and smarter for customers'. Advertisement

California has seen 900 wildfires since August 15, many of them started by an intense series of thousands of lightning strikes in mid-August. There have been eight fire deaths and more than 3,300 structures destroyed.

Randy Moore, regional forester for the Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Region, warned that the blazes are expected to worsen in the coming days.

'The wildfire situation throughout California is dangerous and must be taken seriously,' Moore told AP. 'Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behavior, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire.'

Among the most devastating fires was one in northern California, caused by lightning, which was burning through Napa, Sonoma, Lake, Yolo and Solano counties.

The LNU Lightning Complex began on August 17 and has so far burnt 375,209 acres, killing four people. The fire is now 91 percent contained.

As that complex is brought under control, another inferno to the southwest is quickly gaining speed.

The Creek Fire was first sparked on Friday evening and quickly exploded to 135,523 acres - doubling in size again within a day.

That fire is currently zero percent contained and is being fought by almost 1,000 firefighters as it encroaches on the communities of Shaver Lake, Big Creek and Huntington Lake.

In addition to the Lake Edison campers, the Creek Fire trapped another 214 people over the weekend, who had to be rescued by helicopter after the roads were blocked.

Beginning on Saturday night and continuing through Sunday morning, a Black Hawk helicopter and a large Chinook helicopter flew the 214 people to the National Guard base at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

The two aircraft conducted three lifts from the Mammoth Pool Reservoir along the Fresno/Madera County border, the National Guard said.

Once at the base, emergency medical workers helped triage and take the injured to local hospitals, including Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC).

Twenty of them were to nearby hospitals and six are in CRMC's burn unit, EMS officials told Action News.

Some outdoor shelters near Shaver Lake were engulfed with flames (pictured) as authorities ordered people to evacuate

Buildings were consumed by fire on Monday as the Creek Fire raged out of control in northern California

A firefighter is pictured tackling the Creek Fire near Camp Sierra Road and Redding Road on Monday

The Creek Fire also claimed at least two dozen homes in the small mountain town of Big Creek, a fire official said on Monday.

Chris Donnelly, the longtime chief of the volunteer fire department in the nearby town of Huntington Lake, said three propane tanks totaling 11,000 gallons exploded, and an elementary school also caught fire - although it wasn't clear whether it burned.

The school's superintendent, Toby Wait, told The Fresno Bee that a church, a library and a historic general store appear to have survived the fire, although Wait's home burned after his family was evacuated early Saturday.

'Words cannot even begin to describe the devastation of this community,' he told the newspaper.

Jim Smart is among thousands of people to be evacuated from their homes as wildfires rage across the western U.S.

Jim Smart rests on the back of his vehicle after evacuating from the Creek Fire on Monday with two of his prized motorcycles

A father and his son look at a fire truck as they wait to be evacuated from the Creek Fire on Monday

Firefighters, pictured on Monday, have been working around the clock to put out the Creek Fire in northern California

Hot and dry conditions, coupled with strong winds, are making the task of fighting the Creek Fire (pictured) even harder

Seth Sandstrom rushes to repair a dock that separated as the Creek Fire approaches the Sierra Marina with 430 boats docked

The California National Guard flies overhead the August Complex Fires in video posted online on Monday

Firefighters walk through the site near Shaver Lake as they continue to battle against the Creek Fire which started on Friday

The Creek Fire blazes near Shaver Lake in Fresno County, California - destroying homes and killing at least one person

Firefighters are pictured dousing the Creek Fire with water near Shaver Lake in northern California on Monday

The Creek Fire began on Friday evening and trapped hikers across the region, with rescues needed all weekend

The Creek Fire (pictured) is currently blazing across the Sierra National Forest, 250 miles east from San Francisco

The Creek Fire has rapidly increased in size, and is currently being fought by 800 fire fighters from across the region

Residents evacuate with their pets during the Creek fire in the North Fork area of unincorporated Madera County on Monday

Annette Smart (R) and her granddaughter Malina Sandoval, 10, check on their animals while evacuating during the Creek Fire

Woman dies after hiking in extreme heat in Santa Monica Mountains A 41-year-old woman died on Saturday after she went for a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains near Calabasas as temperatures climbed above 110 degrees. The woman, who has not been identified, began to feel sick while out on a trail in Malibu Creek State Park with a friend, according to the LA County Sheriff's Department. The pair turned around and headed back to their car, but the woman collapsed before she reached it. Paramedics arrived and conducted CPR on the woman for about 20 to 30 minutes but were unable to resuscitate her. Deputy Morgan Arteaga said the woman's death was likely caused by the heat and 'natural causes of some kind'. An autopsy is underway to determine the official cause. On Sunday, the California Department of Parks and Recreation closed all Santa Monica Mountains hiking trails through 5pm Monday due to the heat. Advertisement

In southern California, the El Dorado wildfire was sparked on Saturday by a gender reveal photoshoot, when the pyrotechnical smoke device sent sparks into the bone-dry brush.

The fire has burned 7,386 acres so far, and is only seven percent contained.

More than 520 firefighters are involved in attempts to stop the spread of the fire, near San Bernardino.

The fire started on Saturday at 10.23am, the authorities said, and 527 people from 10 fire crews are currently trying to halt the fire's progress.

It spread from the El Dorado Ranch Park north, onto the Yucaipa Ridge. The ridge separates Mountain Home Village and Forest Falls from the City of Yucaipa.

Bennet Milloy, spokesman for the department, told DailyMail.com that the people hosting the party were still on the scene when the firefighters arrived.

'We know how it started because they were still there,' he said. 'That, and the fact that there were surveillance cameras in the park.'

Milloy said that it was a relatively small family gathering, and that the relatives had gathered for a photo opportunity.

He did not know if they were local people, but he said they were potentially both civilly and criminally responsible for the fire - facing jail time and a massive fine. The family could be held responsible for the entire cost of putting the fire out, amounting to many millions of dollars, he said.

The civil costs were deemed 'suppression costs' - the charges associated with hundreds of fire fighters, engines, helicopters and planes.

The criminal charges could fall under 'a variety of charges', he said - which would be more severe if homes were destroyed. The family could be hit with violations of public resources codes and even arson, under California's penal code section 452. Arson convictions can result in a sentence of up to nine years.

Asked if the family realized the seriousness of their predicament, Milloy said: 'They understood the seriousness of the fire.

'They genuinely believed it was an accident. But I think now they understand the gravity of the situation.'

He did not have their names, but said they would be released if charges were pressed.

The fire spread rapidly north from where it started at the El Dorado Ranch Park north, onto the Yucaipa Ridge

The wildfire is pictured moving up the hillsides of San Bernardino National Forest on Sunday

The fire spread from the El Dorado Ranch Park north, onto the Yucaipa Ridge and into the San Bernardino National Forest

Satellite images on Saturday gave a sense of the scale of the El Dorado fire, which was started by a gender reveal photoshoot

Burnt vegetation remains after the El Dorado Fire near Yucaipa on Monday - a fire started by a gender reveal photoshoot

A firefighter monitors the El Dorado Fire as it burns a hillside near Yucaipa on Monday

Firefighters stop along Oak Glen Road while working the El Dorado Fire in southern California on Monday

Roads are block at Bryant St. and CA Hwy. 138 near Yucaipa, as the El Dorado Fire entered its third day on Monday

Fire officials have confirmed that the El Dorado wildfire was started by a gender reveal photoshoot on Saturday morning

The El Dorado Fire burns a hillside near Yucaipa in the San Bernardino National Forest on Monday

Residents watch as the El Dorado Fire burns a hillside near Yucaipa in the San Bernardino National Forest on Monday

A fire retardant-sprayed house sits below the burn scar of the El Dorado Fire near Yucaipa on Monday

Firefighters work to put out embers from the El Dorado Fire on Monday in southern California

In southern California, near San Diego, the Valley Fire (pictured) begun on Saturday afternoon and has spread rapidly

North of California, in Washington state, the town of Malden was almost entirely destroyed.

Whitman County Sheriff Brett Myers said that 70-80 percent of homes in the town of 300 people have gone up in flames.

Local news network KREM showed pictured of the charred Malden post office, a fire still burning inside the gutted building.

Larry Frick, who lives in Malden, told KXLY that he spent three hours to save his house amid the flames.

'It's gone, brother,' he texted his sibling after the fire swept through.

'The entire town is gone. Everything from here to Pine City is gone. The scariest time of my life.'

KREM said that at least nine wildfires were burning throughout the Inland Northwest on Monday, amid dry and windy conditions.

A wildfire has destroyed an estimated 70-80 percent of the homes in Malden, Washington, it emerged on Monday

Houses are pictured going up in flames in Malden, Washington, on Sunday as wildfires destroy parts of the northwest

Malden, a town of 300 people in Washington, has been largely wiped out by the wildfires that have swept the region

Washington's wildfires had also spread to neighboring Idaho.

Evacuations were being ordered around the town of Blanchard, as a result of the Hunters Fire.

Adding to the misery, more than 60,000 electric customers in Idaho, Oregon and Washington were without power on Monday afternoon, as high winds blew over trees, snapping power lines.

The downed electricity lines further added to fears of wildfires.

Nearly 100,000 people in the Portland, Oregon area were without power on Monday night as gusts approaching 50 mph toppled trees and power lines, according to The Oregonian.

Portland General Electric (PGE) reported that 40,000 in the city of Portland were without power; plus nearly 30,000 customers in Clackamas County; 18,000 in Washington County; and 6,000 in Multnomah County.

In the Mount Hood area of Oregon, 5,000 people had their electricity cut pre-emptively - an unprecedented move for PGE.

In Colorado, the capital city, Denver, was cloaked in smoke from the Cameron Peak Fire, which began on August 13 and has so far burned 96,462 acres.

The state has 829 people battling to contain the fire, but evacuations have been ordered.

The Cameron Peak Fire is burning strongly through the timbers around Fort Collins, and officials do not expect it to be fully extinguished until Halloween.

And in Utah, homes were being evacuated on Monday as a wildfire near Mapleton and Springville spread quickly due to strong winds.

The Ether Hollow Fire was sparked by target shooters, state wildfire officials have determined.

It began shortly before 6.30pm on Monday and is currently estimated at 500 acres.

The wind was preventing aerial firefighting resources from flying in the area.

The town of Mapleton in Utah was evacuated on Monday as the wildfires spread across the surrounding hills

Firefighters in Mapleton, Utah, were having their task complicated on Monday by strong winds

Smoke envelopes the downtown Denver skyline as winds carry the smoky air from the Cameron Peak Fire in Colorado

The Cameron Peak Fire, west of Fort Collins in Colorado, is now one of the largest wildfires in the state's history

Red Cross volunteer Faith Reihing stands outside a pop-up shelter for evacuees from Cameron Peak wildfire, Colorado

Californian wildfires obscure the sun in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Monday evening

A satellite map from Monday afternoon shows the scale of the wildfires, carpeting much of California with smoke

The sun is seen behind smoke from the Bobcat Fire in the Angeles National Forest above Duarte, California, on Monday
B ritish-Iranian dual national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has appeared in court and is awaiting trial this weekend, her local MP said.

Labour's Tulip Siddiq said the mother informed her she was taken to court on Tuesday morning and "told she will face another trial on Sunday".

Iranian state TV reported that Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe faces a new charge and appeared before a branch of the country's Revolutionary Court, citing an unnamed official.

The 42-year-old was released from prison in March amid the coronavirus pandemic, but has been wearing an ankle tag that only allows her within 300m (984ft) of her parents' home in Tehran.

Ms Siddiq, the MP for Hampstead and Kilburn, said: I have been in touch with Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and can confirm that she was taken to court this morning and told she will face another trial on Sunday.

"This is an extremely worrying development, and I know many people are concerned about Nazanins welfare.

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested on holiday with her daughter Gabriella in Tehran in 2016 / PA

"The last four years have been excruciating for her husband Richard and her daughter Gabriella, who is growing up without a mother."

She added: There is no time for delay  we need an urgent intervention by the UK Government in relation to this drastic move by the Iranian judiciary."

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 42, has served nearly all of her five-year sentence after being arrested by Iranian police in April 2016 on spying charges, which she denies. Her husband Richard has campaigned tirelessly for her release.

The reported new charge comes as Downing Street and Iran negotiate the release of a 400 million payment the late Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi made to the UK for Chieftain tanks that were never delivered.

The shah abandoned the throne in 1979 and the Islamic Revolution soon installed the clerically overseen system that endures today.

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe's family suggested recently that Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe's case could be linked to these talks, a claim Tehran has denied.

She was among tens of thousands of inmates released as Iran tried to stem the spread of Covid-19 in its crowded prisons.

The country has been ravaged by the virus, with more than 391,000 cases and 22,542 deaths - the Middle East's worst tolls.

Iran does not recognise dual nationalities, so detainees such as Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe cannot receive consular assistance.

Another charge would risk further escalating tensions between London and Tehran.

A UN panel has described "an emerging pattern involving the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of dual nationals" in Iran, which the country denies.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif reviewed bilateral cooperation and held talks on regional developments during a meeting in Tehran on Tuesday.

Jaishankar made a stopover in Iran to meet Zarif on his way to Russia, where he will participate in a meeting of foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during September 9-10 and also hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

He was the second Indian minister to make a brief visit to Iran in two days. Defence minister Rajnath Singh held talks with his Iranian counterpart Amir Hatami during a stopover in Tehran on Sunday while on his way back from Russia, where he too attended a SCO meeting.

In a tweet, Jaishankar described his meeting with Zarif as productive. He added, Discussed strengthening our bilateral cooperation and reviewed regional developments.

Zarif tweeted that he and Jaishankar discussed the expansion of bilateral relations and trade, and exchanged views on important regional issues. He said, Our active engagement with our neighbourhood is our top priority.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh noted in a tweet that Jaishankar was visiting Tehran a couple of days after the Indian defence minister. During the talks, the two sides emphasised on their will to further expand the bilateral ties in all aspects, he said.

There was no readout from both countries on the meeting.

The visits to Tehran by the Indian cabinet ministers assume significance in view of reports that China and Iran are close to an agreement for a 25-year strategic partnership in trade, politics and security. They also came against the backdrop of India working closely with Iran to increase the economic viability of the strategic Chabahar port.

The evolving situation in Afghanistan, where an intra-Afghan dialogue is set to get underway, is believed to have figured in the talks between Jaishankar and Zarif.

Jaishankar last visited Iran in December last and had spoken to Zarif in April. This is his first trip abroad since foreign travel by ministers was curtailed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
By Kang Seung-woo



Kim Yo-jong, North Korea's de facto second-in-command, has been out of the public eye for more than a month, leaving the South Korean government and experts scrambling to find out what has happened to the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong-un.





Kim Yo-jong / Korea Times file
A 1994 Porsche 928 GTS that is just about ready to go under the hammer next month during the Mecum Auctions Dallas 2020 event scheduled at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on October 15th - 17th perfectly fits the bill. In more than one way, if we are to extrapolate from the serious black exterior with a classy tan leather interior combination.You could easily pass for an eccentric Porsche fan of models from yesteryear that discards the 911 Turbo craze of the 1990s for something a little more comfortable, easier to drive, and decidedly more refined.Or you could go for the connoisseur attire and explain the 928 was Porsches reinterpretation of a luxury sedan  back when the Panameras four doors were still considered sacrilege . No matter the option, you are definitely going to cause a stir when showing off at your next business meeting at the wheel of something like this.It is still early to make a prediction about the possible auction price of this gorgeous 928 GTS example, but judging by its mint condition and the low mileage (a shot of the odometer in the attached gallery reads 56,549 miles over 26 years) we would not be surprised if it came close to 100k.Actually, this is anyones guess considering the very few snippets of information provided in the auction houses listing . As in they are only giving us the plain obvious elements: 5.4-liter V8 with 345 hp, the top-end four-speed automatic transmission and a black exterior with tan leather interior. With the looks and performance, does anyone really care to know more ?!
UPDATE: A GoFundMe has been started to help the family rebuild after they lost everything in the fire. Donations can be made here.

EARLIER: A 4-year-old Great Dane is being credited with saving the lives of a family of four after fire swept through their north Shelby County home early Tuesday.

Derek Walker, his wife Maria Gilbert and their two children, ages 12 and 9, were asleep when their beloved dog, Ralph, began to bark shortly before 2:30 a.m.

"He was in his kennel inside the house and we heard him barking,'' Walker said. He usually doesnt make a sound at night. And it was a different kind of bark.

Walker got up to investigate and heard a noise in the kitchen of the Caldwell Mill Lane home. As he headed that way, he saw flames outside the kitchen window. "I just started screaming fire to get everybody up,'' he said. My wife got up and she got our daughter and got her out.

Their sons bedroom is on the lowest level of the split-level home. Gilbert went down next to get their son. "She said his room was full of smoke. He was still asleep,'' Walker said. The fire was right outside his wall. He wasnt awake because he sleeps covered with is blanket.

They were able to get him outside as well.

Derek Walker, his wife Maria Gilbert and their two children, ages 12 and 9, were asleep when their beloved dog, Ralph, began to bark shortly before 2:30 a.m. (Contributed)

Walker went back inside to get out their pets  Ralph the Great Dane and two miniature pigs. He couldnt get into the sunroom where the pigs were because of the heavy smoke but he was able to coax out one of them. They couldnt find the other and later learned she  Pearl - had died.

Next Walker freed Ralph from his kennel and they all made it out OK.

Authorities believe the fire started on the grill and quickly spread to the home, said North Shelby Fire Department Battalion Chief Robert Lawson. They received the first call at 2:25 a.m. and were on scene by 2:29 p.m., arriving to heavy fire at the rear of the house.

Walker said the smoke alarms didnt sound until the house was filled with smoke. "There was so much smoke I dont know if we would have made it out,'' he said.

The family rents the home, which appears to be a total loss, and most of their belongings perished inside. Their Valleydale Church family is providing great support, Walker said.

In the meantime, Walker said they are so thankful for their dog. "Without Ralph, I dont think we would have made it,'' he said. I dont think my son would have made it.

Lawson agreed. "We could have had injuries or fatalities,'' he said. As an animal lover, we are very thankful for Ralph.
JERUSALEM  For a fleeting three days, it looked as if Israel had successfully rebooted its faulty fight against the coronavirus.

Then politics intervened.

In late July, a veteran Tel Aviv hospital administrator, Dr. Ronni Gamzu, was anointed the countrys virus czar and swept in with self-assurance. Acknowledging previous government mistakes, he enlisted the military to take responsibility for contact tracing and pleaded with Israelis to take the threat seriously and wear their masks.

He also vowed to restore the publics trust, demanding accountability from municipal officials while replacing the central governments ceaselessly zigzagging dictates with simple instructions that anyone, it seemed, should be able to understand and embrace.

Last Thursday, Dr. Gamzu won cabinet approval for a traffic light-themed plan to impose strict lockdowns on red cities with the worst outbreaks, while easing restrictions in green ones where the virus was finding fewer victims. The goal was to avoid, or at least delay, another economically strangling nationwide lockdown.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 8

By Klavdiya Romakayeva - Trend:

On the basis of Goskomzemgeodezcadastre (State Committee of Uzbekistan for Land Resources, Geodesy, Cartography and State Cadastre), the Agency for Cadastre is being created under the State Tax Committee, Trend reports with reference to UzA.uz national information agency in Uzbekistan.

In accordance with the decree, the tasks, functions and powers of the Goskomzemgeodezcadastre for monitoring agricultural land and crops, placing agricultural crops, exercising state supervision over the protection of agricultural lands, carrying out soil appraisal, determining the standard value of agricultural land, increasing soil fertility, conducting research in the field of soil science and geobotany are transferred to the Ministry Agriculture.

The preparation of cadastral files is carried out by cadastre engineers certified by the Cadastre Agency and organizations of the agency system on a contractual basis.

From October 1, 2020, decisions, protocols of auctions and tenders, notarized transactions and other documents providing for the emergence, change, alienation, limitation and termination of rights to land plots come into force after state registration in the National Geographic Information System of Uzbekistan.

From January 1, 2021, all information about the type, contours, boundaries and rights holders of lands is entered into the online geoportal of the Cadastre Agency, which is integrated with the National Geographic Information System.

The land balance and its reporting, as well as the book of the district and city land cadastre, are kept exclusively in the National Geographic Information System.

A unified system of state cadastres is formed in the National Geographic Information System. State cadastral data are submitted to the National Geographic Information System exclusively through telecommunication networks directly.

It is planned to revise the prices for state services in the field of the state cadastre of real estate, including a reduction in the amount of the fee charged for the state registration of rights to agricultural land plots.

The Ministry of Agriculture was instructed to prepare a proposal on attracting business entities to carry out work on grading the soil, determining the standard value of agricultural land and conducting geobotany studies.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @romakayeva
Willie Walsh has stepped down from the top job at British Airways owner IAG amid a furious investor protest over pay - after nearly one in three shareholders failed to back his remuneration deal.

The International Airlines Group (IAG) revealed only 71.6 per cent of investors approved executive pay awards at its annual shareholder meeting in Madrid, with around 20 per cent of votes cast against.

Mr Walsh's payout takes the former pilot's earnings for 2019 to 3.2 million, including a 833,000 annual bonus.

His pay was approved before coronavirus sent IAG's airlines into crisis in March, but the deal now appears even more controversial given the thousands of jobs being axed.

Mr Walsh also stands to pick up a potential 1.1 million shares worth 5.2 million under previously awarded long-term bonus schemes over the next four years, if performance targets are met.

A further 258,910 deferred shares worth around 1.1 million are due in annual payouts between March this year and March 2022.

International Airlines Group (IAG) chief executive Willie Walsh (pictured) has stepped down from the top job at British Airways owner IAG amid a furious investor protest over pay

The firm's annual report showed Mr Walsh enjoyed a 5.5 per cent pay hike in 2019, up from 3.03 million in 2018, as he landed an 883,000 annual bonus and 1.2 million in shares under a long-term incentive scheme.

IAG saw its remuneration report approved at its shareholder meeting this week, but the sizeable investor protest ensured a turbulent last day for Mr Walsh after a 15-year career with the firm.

The company said it was 'disappointed' at the remuneration report vote.

In a statement, it added: 'The board will continue to engage with shareholders to fully understand their concerns (as part of wider engagement in relation to the renewal of our directors' remuneration policy in 2021) and will publish, in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, an update on this engagement within six months of the this AGM.'

The International Airlines Group (IAG) revealed only 71.6 per cent of investors approved directors' pay awards at its annual shareholder meeting in Madrid, with around 20.6 per cent of votes cast against. Pictured: Stock image

Mr Walsh's payout takes the former pilot's earnings for 2019 to 3.2 million, including a 833,000 annual bonus. Pictured: Willie Walsh

Mr Walsh, from Dublin, started out as a pilot with Aer Lingus in 1979 before he became chief executive in 2001.

He earned the nickname 'Slasher' after he cut 2,500 jobs at the Irish airline, but his ruthlessness got him noticed and he took over as CEO at BA.

IT DATA BREACH SET TO COST BA BILLIONS In 2019, British Airways was accused of trying to limit a potential 3billion payout over a data breach that saw cyber-hackers steal more than 500,000 customers' details. Some 185,000 customers had their details compromised between April and July 2018, and a further 380,000 were hit by the breach between August and September. Victims could receive as much as 16,000 each in cases where psychological injury is extreme, while average compensation payments for distress could reach 6,000. The stolen data included login details, bank card details, and travel booking information - plus names and addresses. Hackers even managed to get their hands on the three-digit security code on the back of customers' bank cards. The cyber attack - known in the industry as 'pharming' - remained undetected by BA for several months. Advertisement

The chief executive, 58, handed over the reins of IAG today to successor Luis Gallego, the boss of BA's sister airline Iberia.

The Irish ex-pilot delayed his handover by six months due to the coronavirus crisis, having originally planned to step down on March 26.

His replacement, Mr Gallego, is an aeronautical engineer from the Polytechnic University of Madrid who started out in the Training Service of the Air Force.

He worked for Spanish airlines Aviaco, INDRA and, between 1997 and 2006, in several positions in Air Nostrum - where he was technical director of the maintenance workshop until his signing by Clickair as Production Director until the merger of the airline with Vueling.

Mr Gallego was Production Manager at Vueling with responsibility for flight operations, instruction, quality and safety, maintenance and operations.

He was commissioned by Iberia to found Iberia Express in 2012, where he was CEO until his passage to Iberia, first as CEO, on March 27, 2013, and since January 1, 2014 as executive chairman of the company.

Mr Gallego will receive a base salary of 820,000 versus Mr Walsh's 850,000, as well as possible cash and share bonuses worth up to 3.3 million a year.

Speaking at IAG's annual capital markets day on November 8 last year, Mr Walsh said: 'I have indicated that I'm clearly getting closer to retirement... the board has been working for some time, as you would expect, on succession planning.'

He said he planned to retire before his 60th birthday on October 25, 2021, adding: 'I still love what I do, but my intention is to be retired within the next two years.'

Last March, he was handed up to 2.1million worth of shares as part of IAG's bonus scheme and performance share plan. Mr Walsh was paid 3million in 2018.

Mr Walsh will be replaced by Luis Gallego (above), currently the boss of Spanish division Iberia
Famous Russian actor Efremov gets 8 years behind bars for traffic fatality

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

13:05 08/09/2020

MOSCOW, September 8 (RAPSI)  Russian actor Mikhail Efremov on Tuesday was sentenced to 8 years in penal colony for committing a deadly road traffic accident under the influence of alcohol, RAPSI reported from Moscows Presnensky District Court.

The court additionally banned Efremov from driving for three years but returned him his broken Jeep . The actor was handcuffed in the coutroom.

The court found that victim Sergey Zakharov was killed in the accident due to the defendant's driving behaviour.

When delivering sentence Judge Elena Abramova said Efremov needed no compulsory psychiatric care. The defendant accepted the danger of his actions and did not suffer serious mental diseases, the judge stated.

However, the court considered his guilty plea during the pretrial investigation and his three minor children as mitigating circumstances.

On September 3, a prosecutor demanded an 11-year imprisonment for Efremov and driving ban for 3 years. That day, the court heard the parties arguments. Before the beginning Efremov made a plea of guilty. Earlier, he refused to admit his guilt and said he remembered nothing.

The famous actor was charged with committing a traffic offense in a drunken state that led to a victims death.

On the evening of June 8, Efremov driving his car crossed into the oncoming lane in central Moscow and collided with a delivery service vehicle. He was arrested on the scene. Alcohol and drugs were reportedly found in his blood. Victim Sergey Zakharov was taken to hospital where he died early in the morning of June 9.

On June 9, Moscows Tagansky District Court ordered Efremov to be put under house arrest; the measure is still in force. In particular, he was banned from communicating with other case parties, using mobile phone and Internet.
Ke'Lin Dillard had planned everything for the arrival of her new baby  even amid a pandemic. She had hosted a socially distanced, drive-by baby shower, shared the news about an impending little sister with her 9-year-old daughter and picked out the name.

"That just made her be a better person, knowing she was about to have another baby," said her mother, Karen Denman. "I saw a glow in her. She took a lot of pride in becoming a mother."

But in the week following the baby shower, Dillard began to develop coronavirus symptoms and later tested positive for the virus. She was admitted to Woman's Hospital in late July.

Dillard's oxygen levels began to plummet days later, forcing her to undergo an emergency cesarean section to deliver her baby at 36 weeks. Heavily sedated during the procedure and then placed on a ventilator immediately afterward, Dillard never had the chance to meet her daughter.

Her condition continued to deteriorate and, on Aug. 17, she died. She was 29 years old.

Denman said her daughter had asthma and was overweight which, along with pregnancy, are classified as as underlying conditions that can make it difficult to fight off the virus.

The family intends to raise the children, Denman said. She added that the childrens father is aware of Dillard's death.

"Without faith, without our trust in God, I dont know where I would be," Denman said. "I just feel like it shouldnt have ended up like this, but I know God doesnt make mistakes. In time, its going to get better."

There is still limited information available on how COVID-19 impacts pregnant women. The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported that pregnant women might face an increased risk for serious illness from the virus. If infected, they may also see an increased risk of preterm birth.

Shortly after the pandemic struck Louisiana, a pregnant coronavirus patient went into preterm labor while on a ventilator and delivered her child at just under 22 weeks. The infant didn't survive.

And in June, another 29-year-old pregnant woman died after receiving a coronavirus diagnosis and delivering a preterm baby.

+2 Newborn baby dies in Baton Rouge after coronavirus-positive mom went into premature labor A newborn baby was added to the growing list of Baton Rouge coronavirus deaths Monday  one of the youngest lives lost amid the global pandemi

Dillard's daughter, Morgan, did not test positive for the virus and was transported to the NICU at Woman's after delivery for further monitoring. This move placed Karen Denman in a difficult position.

She wanted to spend time with the newborn but knew that the only way to do that would be to stop visiting her daughter, keeping the baby protected from infection. Denman made the hard choice to continue watching over Dillard and tasked other family members with the care of baby Morgan.

"I understood my daughter needed me more than Morgan," Denman said. "It was the hardest thing I could ever do. I just felt that my child needed me."

Denman was able to visit Dillard throughout the course of her illness, though not without some challenges. After Dillard was admitted to the hospital, most of the family tested positive for the virus, including Denman. All of them, including Dillard's grandmother in her 70s, have recovered.

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When Denman was cleared from her quarantine, she visited her daughter as often as she could. But one day, she said, it became too much for her. She couldn't see any clear sign of progress or recovery.

"At some point, I couldnt take it," Denman said. "I had to tell the doctors, 'Please dont call me. I dont know how Im going to react. I know how Im feeling right now, and its not going to be good, because I see my daughter fading away from me.'"

Instead, she asked Woman's staff to contact Dillard's grandfather with the daily updates of her condition.

Dillard, who was born and reared in Baton Rouge, was Denman's first child. Denman said Dillard was a happy and loving little girl who as an adult concerned herself with the safety and well being of others.

"KeLin, she touched so many people," Denman said. "She would give, give, give. It didnt matter if she didnt get anything in return."

Dillard received her certificate for medical assistance and ended up working at ResCare, a disability service provider, for most of her 20s. In recent years, she had started work at MV Transportation Inc. in Baton Rouge, first as a driver, then a behind-the-wheel trainer and later as a classroom trainer.

Her employer sent her to train other employees in Seattle, Atlanta and Louisville, Kentucky, among other cities, an experience her mother is glad she had. Dillard also spent most of her time and energy caring for her 9-year-old daughter, Ka'Laiyah.

"She was the love of her life," Denman said. "She loved the ground her daughter walked on."

Denman saw the same thrill of love her daughter had for Ka'Laiyah in the months before Morgan was born. In a Facebook post on April 1, Dillard shared a little of her pregnancy joy and anxiety.

Got to see and check on my princess today," Dillard wrote under the picture of her latest sonogram. "Im in love with her little nose cant wait to love on her. Yall stay home please us expecting mothers and mothers that have delivered are having to do this on our own."

Woman's Hospital medical chief: Women should self-isolate in final weeks of pregnancy Woman's Hospital says pregnant woman need to take extra precautions during the coronavirus pandemic, including self-isolating at home in the f

At 29, Dillard was still active, not someone her family expected to lose to the ravages of the pandemic  especially because Dillard had taken many precautions to avoid infection leading up to her death.

"It really bothers me when people are not taking this virus seriously," Denman said. "I think that a lot of people are dying unnecessarily. I wouldnt wish this on anyone."

The night of the funeral, Dillard's daughter, KaLaiyah, kept waking up and asking her grandmother the difficult questions of sudden loss: "Is my mama dead? Am I going to see her anymore?"

I said, 'Well, not on this side,'" Denman told her. "'But when we go on the other side, were going to meet up again.'"
She said that even though she did not go out on the missions, she heard many stories from her fellow soldiers and felt proud to be a part of an organization that helps people.

It was really just impactful to see how the National Guard  it was Air and Army  just came together and were able to provide such a service and support for our state while were going through something weve never seen before, she said.

Watson decided to enlist in the National Guard in May 2014 partly because of her desire to serve the community, but also partly because of her father. He had served on active duty for the United States Army before she was born and was part of the prestigious group called the Old Guard.

It was like a family thing, said Watson. The fact that he had done it was a part of it (the reason to enlist).

Soon after she enlisted, Watson then participated in Chadron States ROTC program, where she commissioned as an officer for the Nebraska Army National Guard and graduated with a degree in interdisciplinary studies. studies. Her husband, First Lt. Bryan Wood, serves in the West Virginia Army National Guard and is currently deployed in Kuwait. He is to return home in about two months.
Iran's state television announced that a British-Iranian dual national is facing a new charge, raising fears she could be forced to return to prison following her temporary release

Iran's state television, citing an unnamed official, announced Tuesday that a British-Iranian dual national is facing a new charge, raising fears she could be forced to return to prison following her temporary release.

The report did not elaborate beyond saying that Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe appeared Tuesday morning before a branch of the country's Revolutionary Court in Tehran, where she was first sentenced to prison on murky espionage charges in 2017.

Calls to Zaghari-Ratcliffe's attorney and the court were not immediately returned.

The new indictment comes as Britain and Iran negotiate the release of some 400 million pounds ($530 million) held by London, a payment the late Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi made for Chieftain tanks that were never delivered. The shah abandoned the throne in 1979 and the Islamic Revolution soon installed the clerically overseen system that endures today.

Authorities in London and Tehran deny that Zaghari-Ratcliffe is linked to the repayment deal. But a prisoner exchange that freed four American citizens in 2016 saw the U.S. pay a similar sum to Iran the same day of their release.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe this spring was granted temporary release from prison due to the coronavirus pandemic after serving nearly all of her five-year sentence, raising hopes she would soon return home to Britain.

Iran has been hit hard by the virus, becoming the worst-affected country in the Middle East with more than 391,000 reported cases and 22,542 deaths. In the wake of the pandemic, Iran furloughed more than 100,000 inmates over fears of unchecked contagion in its crowded prisons.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe's case has stirred tensions between Iran and Britain, where on Tuesday her local lawmaker in London, Tulip Siddiq, confirmed that Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been taken to court and would face another trial Sunday in what she called ``an extremely worrying development.''

Siddiq urged British authorities to demand transparency from Iranian authorities and resolve ``the outstanding issues'' in Zaghari-Ratcliffe's case, including the long-running debt dispute.

Iran does not recognize dual nationalities, so detainees like Zaghari-Ratcliffe cannot receive consular assistance. A U.N. panel has described ``an emerging pattern involving the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of dual nationals'' in Iran, which Tehran denies.

Analysts and family members of dual nationals and others detained in Iran accuse hard-liners in the Islamic Republic's security agencies of using the prisoners as bargaining chips for money or influence in negotiations with the West.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe was scooped up at the Tehran airport when trying to return to Britain with her toddler daughter in April 2016.

Her family insists she had traveled to Iran to visit relatives, vigorously denying the charges that she was plotting the ``soft toppling'' of Iran's government. U.N. experts have decried her detention as ``arbitrary'' and expressed grave concern for her welfare when she was held in Tehran's Evin Prison prison.

At the time of her arrest, Zaghari-Ratcliffe worked for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of the news agency.

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BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- The International Forum on Development and Investment of Modern Supply Chain of Food was held Monday at the ongoing 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).

The forum focused on global food security impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 300 people, including government officials, representatives from international organizations and enterprises, and scholars from think tanks, attended the forum both online and offline.

China will promote the high-quality development of the food industry, improve the food supply chain, deepen international exchanges and cooperation in food, and safeguard the stability of the global food supply chain, said Zhang Wufeng, head of the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration.

China will actively develop the international food trade, especially with countries and regions along the Belt and Road, and support more food enterprises to go global, he said.

The CIFTIS, the first major international economic and trade event held both online and offline by China since the COVID-19 outbreak, opened on Friday. Themed "Global Services, Shared Prosperity," the six-day event includes the Global Trade in Services Summit, four summit forums, and more than 100 other industry seminars and forums.
DENVER, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DCP Midstream, LP (NYSE: DCP) announced that Wouter van Kempen, chairman, president, and chief executive officer and Sean OBrien, group vice president and chief financial officer will conduct a series of one-on-one and small group meetings with investment community representatives at the Barclays 2020 CEO Energy Power Conference on September 9, 2020 via telephone conference. The materials used at this conference will be posted on the Investors section of DCP Midstreams website at www.dcpmidstream.com on September 8, 2020.



ABOUT DCP MIDSTREAM, LP

DCP Midstream, LP (NYSE: DCP) is a Fortune 500 midstream master limited partnership headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with a diversified portfolio of gathering, processing, logistics and marketing assets. DCP is one of the largest natural gas liquids producers and marketers and one of the largest natural gas processors in the U.S. The owner of DCPs general partner is a joint venture between Enbridge and Phillips 66. For more information, visit the DCP Midstream, LP website at www.dcpmidstream.com.

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Chrissy Teigen is one of the most outspoken celebrities on social media who is not afraid to back down from a fight, even when it involves the president of the United States.

But underneath that grit is a soft soul, she told Marie Claire's Fall 2020 issue, which goes on newsstands September 10. That is why she has started therapy and is taking a break from social media.

'People think I'm tough, but I'm such an empath, and I take on other people's pain and sadness as my own. And when I let people down, I'm hyperaware of it,' said the beauty who is pregnant with her third child. 'Sometimes I feel like people aren't going to be as hard on me as I am on myself.'

She has a big heart: Chrissy Teigen is one of the most outspoken celebrities on social media who is not afraid to back down from a fight, even when it involves the president of the United States. But underneath that grit is a soft soul, she told Marie Claire 's Fall 2020 issue

That is why she has hit the pause button on social media.

'I'm barely online anymore, and that was at the request of my therapist,' says Teigen, who has over 43 million collective followers across Twitter and Instagram.

'So, it's good for me to take a break.'

The wife of John Legend - with whom she already has children Miles and Luna - also said that she started therapy while under quarantine.

Hard stuff: 'People think I'm tough, but I'm such an empath, and I take on other people's pain and sadness as my own. And when I let people down, I'm hyperaware of it,' said the beauty who is pregnant with her third child. 'Sometimes I feel like people aren't going to be as hard on me as I am on myself'

A break: And that means she is taking a break from social media. 'I'm barely online anymore, and that was at the request of my therapist,' says Teigen, who has over 43 million collective followers across Twitter and Instagram

'I didn't start therapy until quarantine. I used to avoid it and make fun of the idea of it, and then I found the person and it changed my world,' admitted the supermodel.

The cover girl, who was photographed by Lauren Dukoff, also used her interview as an opportunity to talk about racism in the US.

The 34-year-old author, model, and lifestyle entrepreneur relayed a scary story from 2010 with John.

Therapy is new: 'I didn't start therapy until quarantine. I used to avoid it and make fun of the idea of it, and then I found the person and it changed my world,' admitted the supermodel

Racism is still here: The cover girl, who was photographed by Lauren Dukoff, also used her interview as an opportunity to talk about racism in the US. The 34-year-old author, model, and lifestyle entrepreneur relayed a scary story from 2010 with John

'We were in a nicer neighborhood at night, driving slowly, looking for John's godmother's home. These two guys were in a pickup truck slowly tailing us, flashing their lights and trying to speak to us,' she said.

'When we pulled over, they were like, 'What are you guys looking for?' and we gave them the address.

'They literally said, "Get your asses out of here!" and proceeded to follow us all the way into her driveway. They got out of the car and stared at us as we knocked on the door and went inside. It was a terrible, scary experience.'

And now the Victoria's Secret model has to teach her kids how to deal with the trauma black people are facing in the US.

Her little ones: Though she is not often on social media any longer she did post a shot of kids Miles and Luna in her kitchen this week

Worried about raising her kids in the US: 'There are books that I read when I became a mom that would explain to them hard and traumatic situations. But it's really hard to teach them about their privilege; there are no books for that. But regardless of money or status, they're always going to have their skin color,' she said

'There are books that I read when I became a mom that would explain to them hard and traumatic situations. But it's really hard to teach them about their privilege; there are no books for that. But regardless of money or status, they're always going to have their skin color,' added the cookbook author.

She wore red for her Marie Claire cover

Teigen added that when it comes to them being treated differently because of the color of their skin, she is going to look to John for 'a lot of help with that' because while they are 'Asian and white too, their skin color is Black.'

'We just try to talk to them like little adults, saying it in words they'll understand, making it known that it's very serious, and letting them ask as many questions as they need,' she said.

And Chrissy, who has long expressed her dislike of Trump, was happy to reveal she is voting for Biden.

'We are proud to stand behind Biden,' said the Vogue model.

'We're not only voting for Biden because it's not Trump. We're voting for him because we think he's going to do an incredible job of bringing a bit of healing to the country. We are a divided, hurt nation that needs to be brought back together.

Chrissy also likes that he has 'empathy, and under- standing.'

And she then explained: 'I also look at a presidential candidate as someone I want my kids to be able to look up to. I don't see that in Donald Trump or any of his family.'

Happy at last: The stars seen here on social media in August; they wed in 2013 in Italy

The choice of Kamala Harris as a Vice President pick also pleases her: 'I could not be more thrilled about Biden's VP pick!

'Women all over the world are seeing a piece of them in a woman of power, and that kind of influence is paramount in what we need to continue this future of badass women in politics. Between people like Kamala and AOC, I have more hope than ever.'

Teigen doesn't only model. She has Cravings by Chrissy Teigen and Suit & Thai Productions, her production company, which has a first-look deal with Hulu, and the second season of Quibi series Chrissy's Court with her mom, Pepper.
Ryanair has claimed that online travel giant Booking.com has bypassed the airline's website security system to continue alleged screen-scraping of the carrier's fares.

In a court case filed in the United States, Ryanair claims that its brand is being damaged by the company's actions and is seeking a jury trial in Delaware.

The airline has sued Booking.com, and its subsidiaries - Kayak.com, Priceline.com and Agoda.com.

Ryanair is already suing the Dutch arm of Booking.com in Dublin.

Screen-scraping involves a third party accessing an airline's website and often offering fares to its own customers via its own website. Screen-scraped fares are typically more expensive for customers than if they had bought tickets directly from the airline's website.

Ryanair has taken legal action against such screen-scrapers in the past. It says the third-party websites are not authorised to sell its tickets.

The practice has caused a fresh headache for the airline in recent months because of flights cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Customers who booked their tickets indirectly via a screen-scraper website have experienced delays in securing refunds due to the way in which some of those sites are operated.

"Booking.com, Kayak.com, Priceline.com, and Agoda.com's refusal or failure to transfer the customers to the Ryanair website for the purpose of booking a flight with Ryanair interferes with Ryanair's commercial interests and damages Ryanair," the airline has alleged in its US court complaint.

It claimed that the defendants are depriving Ryanair "of the opportunity to maximise its revenues" from its own website.

The airline said it has spent a significant amount of money in an effort to block Booking.com and its subsidiaries from allegedly accessing its website.

"Ryanair has developed a program called Shield that blocks unauthorised third parties such as the defendants from scraping the Ryanair website and selling Ryanair inventory," it said.

Shield uses a machine-learning algorithm to determine if a user accessing the Ryanair site is a screen-scraper. If identified as such, the user is blocked.

"On information and belief, the defendants have taken measures to circumvent Shield so that they may continue their unauthorised access of the Ryanair website," the airline has alleged.

Ryanair has sued US-based Booking Holdings Inc as part of the legal action.

The airline's lawyers said Ryanair has instructed Bookings Holdings Inc (BHI) to cease its alleged screen-scraping practice.

However, lawyers for BHI last month wrote to Ryanair's legal representative, vehemently denying the airline's claims.

"BHI adamantly disputes the accusations in your letter, all of which are inaccurate," they said. "BHI is a holding company that does not operate a consumer-facing travel website and does not scrape the websites of other companies for data, either directly or indirectly."

"Each of the subsidiaries assumes control over its own respective brands, including all day-to-day operations," the lawyers said. "The subsidiaries' respective websites and mobile apps are each also owned and controlled entirely by the relevant subsidiary or one of BHI's other subsidiaries."

BHI's lawyers added: "Your attempt to conflate BHI with its subsidiaries and your suggestion that BHI can be held liable for any conduct that its subsidiaries allegedly took is misguided."

"Your dispute is with Booking.com BV such that your letter is a blatant attempt to get two 'bites at the apple' for claims that are already pending in Ireland."

Ryanair launched its legal action against Booking.com at the High Court in Dublin last November.

The airline is also suing an unrelated company, Skyscanner, in Dublin for alleged screen-scraping. Skyscanner operates an airfares comparison site.
Tougher punishment needed for sex crimes



Controversy is flaring over Digital Prison, a website disclosing the personal identities of alleged sex offenders. A recent apparent suicide of a university student whose identity was revealed on the website triggered concern over the legitimacy of such a name and shame system.



Critics say the "vigilantism'' can result in victimizing people through false accusations. In fact, the student had been claiming his innocence since he was named on the website for allegedly placing a female student's photo on pornographic images. Police began investigating the site after he filed a complaint, but had difficulties because the server was based overseas.



The operator launched the website in July allegedly out of frustration over the judiciary system's dealing leniently with heinous sex crimes. The site came under criticism in August when it falsely accused a man of a rape committed in 2004 in Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province. Although the site deleted the post with an apology, the man was subjected to hateful comments and threats online.



The site posted the identities of Son Jong-woo, the notorious operator of the child porn site Welcome to Video along with three judges who rejected a U.S. request for his extradition. The website emerged amid criticism that the nation's courts have been too lenient on sex crimes. But it is improper for the private site to reveal the identities without any concrete evidence of the alleged crimes.



The Digital Prison can produce innocent victims as it can accuse people based on false information. Similar sites can sprout up and be maliciously used. Under any circumstances, private reprimands should not be permitted. The punishment of criminals should be carried out by law enforcement and the judiciary. The police should carry out a thorough investigation into the operators active overseas. And the relevant authorities should take steps to revise laws to punish sex offenders more harshly.


Passenger ridership picked up slightly on the second day of operations of Delhi Metros Yellow line and the Rapid Metro line in Gurugram .

On Tuesday, the total ridership on the Yellow Line (Huda City Centre-Samaypur Badli) till 8 pm was 17,600. On Monday, the first day after the resumption of operations after a five-month hiatus, the footfall on the line was around 15,500. Approximately 1,200 smart cards were sold.

In the first half of operations, between 7 am and 11 am, ridership on the corridor was nearly 8,300, up from the 7,500 passengers who used the service on Monday.

In the second half, around 9,300 passengers used the metro to travel. The figure was around 8,000 the previous day.

There was a slight increase in ridership on the Yellow Line on the second day, but all precautions were in place and everything went on smoothly, said Anuj Dayal, executive director (corporate communications), DMRC.

Suresh Singh Rana, 62, who travelled from Central Secretariat to Model Town in the evening hours on Tuesday, said there were long queues at the entrance of stations as passengers were thoroughly sanitised before entry, but the overall process was convenient.

The queue seemed longer because people were maintaining social distancing and leaving ample space while waiting for their turn to get in. I had used the metro yesterday (Monday) as well and there were surely more people there today (Tuesday). But the trains still had space to accommodate the passengers, Rana said.

Deputy commissioner of police (Delhi metro) Jitender Mani said no untoward incident or violations were reported since the resumption of service.

It is because the footfall is low and our men are deployed in good numbers to assist people at every point. Gradually, as more lines become operational, our strength will decrease as it gets distributed among all other stations. We will, however, continue to keep a tight watch to maintain law and order and ensure smooth functioning of the Delhi Metro, Mani said.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Delhi Metro Rail Police (a Delhi police unit) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) officials held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss their preparedness for the reopening of the Pink and Blue lines on Wednesday, taking lessons from the two-day operations on the Yellow Line.

From 7am Wednesday, trains will start running on the 65.35km Blue Line, connecting Dwarka Sector 21 and Vaishali/Noida Electronic City, and on the 57.58km Pink Line, connecting Majlis Park and Shiv Vihar.

A senior CISF official said there were some learning points, which have been adopted.

The door frame metal detector (DFMD) and frisking points were too close, which led to improper detection by the DFMD. We have moved the frisking point a little forward. Officials using the long bar specially modified for hand-held metal detectors are complaining of too much pressure on their wrist and uneasiness. We are also looking for a modification to that, the officer said, requesting anonymity.
Sandra Bullock has returned to the set of her upcoming Netflix movie after filming was shutdown in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

With the crew wearing face masks and shields as they followed Sandra around the set in Surrey, Canada on Saturday, production looked dramatically different than any other film project just six months ago.

Sandra, 56, was exempt from the mask-wearing as she threw herself into the role of Ruth Slater, a woman struggling to be accepted by society after serving time in prison for a violent crime.

Lights, camera, action: Sandra Bullock was spotted on the set of her upcoming Netflix movie in Surrey, Canada on Saturday

Sandra wore a mustard yellow sweater, a fur lined jacket, jeans, and boots as she briskly walked across the film set with a look of concern on her face.

She appeared to be talking with another actor, who had a steely expression across his complexion.

Wearing a midnight blue sweater, collared shirt and carrying a brief case, the actor was noticeably more dressed up than Sandra.

Directed by Nora Fingscheidt, the film boasts a cast of Viola Davis, Jon Bernthal, and Vincent D'Onofrio.

Cameras rolling: Sandra wore a mustard yellow sweater, a fur lined jacket, jeans, and boots as she briskly walked across the film set with a look of concern on her face

Filming took place in Vancouver, Canada, but was put on hold after the pandemic struck in March, according to the Vancouver Sun.

Sandra plays a recently released prisoner who struggles to be accepted by friends and family following her sentence for a violent crime, leaving her to find her estranged sister, according to Variety.

The untitled film will be Sandra's second time teaming up with Netflix, following her hit 2018 horror film Bird Box.

Tough talk? She appeared to be talking with another actor, who had a steely expression across his complexion

In the meantime, Sandra has been spending time with her family under lockdown.

The actress has daughter Laila, eight, and son Louis, ten, whom she both adopted from Louisiana.

She has been dating photographer Bryan Randall since 2015.
A Holocaust survivor has revealed how a daring nun saved her life and those of dozens of other Jewish children in occupied France during World War II.

Helene Bach, now 90 and living in London, was 12 when her Jewish family were taken away by German troops from their home near Tours, France, during the German occupation of 1939 to 1944.

Under the regime of Marshall Philippe Petain, France was cut in two parts: the northern, occupied side, which was ruled by Germany; and the Free zone, where the Vichy regime would openly cooperate with the Nazis forces and let them seize Jewish families.

Speaking to the BBC, Helene recounted how fearless Sister Denise Bergon helped hide 83 Jewish children from the German in her convent, including Helene and her sister Annie.

At one point, when word reached the Germans that the convent was harbouring Jewish children, some of the youngsters hid in a 1.5 x 2.5m space in the chapel floor under a trapdoor for five days to escape detection.

Helene Bach, left, now 90, was 12 when her Jewish family were taken away by German troops near Tours during the German occupation of France from 1939 to 1944. She and her sister Annie, right, now 94, were kept safe in a convent near Toulouse by brave nuns who defied the Nazis

Sister Denise Bergon (left) and Sister Marguerite Roques (right) hid 83 Jewish children from the Nazis between 1942 and 1944 (pictured in 1992)

Denise Bergon, who died aged 94 in 2006, was later recognised as a Righteous Among the Nations for the many life she saved, alongside Sister Marguerite Roques, who helped her hide the children in their convent's boarding school.

In 1942, Sister Denise was the young mother superior of the Convent of Notre Dame de Massip in Capdenac, 150km (93 miles) north-east of Toulouse.

The sister was spurred into action to help Jewish families in the region after the archbishop of Toulouse, Jules-Geraud Saliege, spoke out against the Vichy Government's policy which let Germans seize Jews and take over their assets as they pleased.

The two women started to harbour children they would find hiding from the Nazis in the woods or around the convent, and would pass them off as their pupils.

They had to hide more children as round-ups by Germans or French collaborating with the Nazis intensified in the region, bringing the number of Jewish children hiding in the convent to 83.

Annie as a teenager next to Sister Denise. Sister Denise was prepared to do anything to keep the children at the convent safe

Helene's family had moved from occupied Alsace Lorraine towards the south of France, which was a 'free zone.'

Her father Aron and older sister Annie, who was 16, had already been arrested and were held in Tours.

Although they couldn't see them, Helene, her mother and her younger sister rented a house in order to be close by.

They had been there for a year when German officers came to their home looking for Jewish families to round up, and Helene's mother encouraged her to run away and hide in the woods.

Sisrter Denise in the 1990s next to a plaque commemorating her efforts to save children during the war

Her younger sister Ida refused to come with Helene, 12, and so she let her go back to their mother. Helene never saw her mother or sister again.

'I always thought if my sister had not let go of my hand, she would have been in the convent with me,' she said.

Helene was taken to the convent by a member of the French resistance who had found her hiding in the woods.

There, she was reunited with her sister Annie, who managed to escape from the Germans, was taken to the convent by her aunt, with whom she had been hiding.

There, the children lived a normal life, doing their homework and playing. They lived underground, below the convent and its school.

Archbishop Jules-Geraud Saliege, who protested the Vichy's government Jewish policies

Albert Seifer, another Jewish refugee from Alsace Lorraine at the convent said it felt like a 'fortress.'

'We did not really feel the war despite the fact that we were surrounded by danger,' he added.

Sister Denise kept a tight record of which children came from were and noted the Jewish children had become the convent's children, and that the convent was 'committed' to take every risk necessary in order to keep the children safe from the Germans.

Marguerite Roques, who was the convent's school director, was in on the plan and helped Denise hide the children along with the convent's chaplain and two other sisters.

Because the children were Jewish and did not know anything about catholic faith, they were passed as communist children whose parents had rejected religion as a whole.

Sister Marguerite and Sister Denise in the 1990s. A cedar tree was planted at the convent to mark their efforts

Sister Denise wrote in her journal in 1946 that all the jewelry and documentation that had been sent with the children and could compromise their safety were buried in the grounds of the convent by the sisters at night.

As the war progressed, it became harder to protect the children. In 1944, news spread that the convent were harbouring Jewish children, and Sister Denise was informed just in time to act.

She made a plan with the Resistance, who were tasked with firign warning shots if German troops approached the convent.

She hoped it would give enough time for the Jewish pupils hiding to escape. She paired the youngest children with the older ones, who would have to act as guides.

Sister Denise with one of the children she helped keep safe at the convent. She was honoured as a Righteous Among Nations in 1980

A view of the convent where 83 Jewish children were hiding during the war. The sisters pretended the children were communists refugees who did not know anything about religion

However, she changed her mind and decided to hide the children in case the Germans paid the convent a visit.

Helene's sister Annie told the BBC the convent's staff had built a trap door in its chapel. She remembered hiding from the German with another group of children.

'The chaplain was strong and could lift the benches. He opened a trap door. We slid down in there,' she said.

For five days, the children hid in the small space, which was 2.5m long and less than 1.5m high.

They would only be allowed out for short periods of time early in the morning.

The Germans never entered the convent, however, they left the corpses of members of the French resistance they had killed not too far away, setting an example to anything who would dare cross them.

The children eventually left the convent after the end of the war after the south of France was liberated in August 1944.

German Occupation of France from 1940-1944 Marshall Philippe Petain during the second World War Nazi Germany took control of the Northern and Western part of France during the Blitzkrieg shortly after the start of the second World War. Germany took two million French soldiers as prisoners of war and sent them to camps in Germany while France signed the Second Armistice of Compiegne. The French government, headed by Marshal Philippe Petain, moved from Paris to Vichy, in the non-occupied part of France, in the South, which would be known as the 'Free zone.' Germany overlook the military Administration of Northern and Western France while the Vichy Government retained some authority in the Free Zone. The Petain government collaborated with the Germans in order to retain governance of the rest of France. It has been discussed between Petain and Hitler themselves, who shook on it. The Vichy government took active steps to get rid of what it called 'Undesirables,' which included Jewish, immigrants, communists or freemasons by organising round-ups which resulted in thousands of Jews being shipped away to death camps. Between June 1940 and August 1944, 15,000 persons, mostly French Jews, were denaturalised due to change in the Naturalisation Laws that had been put in motion by the Vichy Regime. According to Robert Paxton, 76,000 out of 350,000 Jews that lived in France at the start of the occupation in 1940 were deported and died between then and 1944.

German troops riding down the streets of occupied Paris following the defeat of France by the Naxzs in 1940 Advertisement

Helene and Annie were crushed to find out their parents and younger sister had been killed in Auschwitz.

Annie settled and married in Toulouse, where she still lives. Helene moved to Richmond, West London.

The two sisters travel to see each other as often as they can.

Sister Denise was made a Righteous Among the Nations by the Holocaust Memorial Center, Yad Vashem in 1980.

She helped disadvantaged children and refugees until her death in 2006, aged 94.

In April 1992, a cedar tree was planted in the convent to mark her act of heroism.
Amid the standoff at the LAC in Eastern Ladakh with China, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday will embark on his four-day visit to Russia, where he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subramanian Swamy objecting to the meet asked that why does the Foreign Minister have to meet his Chinese counterpart especially after the Defence Ministers have met?

'It dilutes our resolve'

Taking to Twitter, the Rajya Sabha MP stated that New Delhi has no foreign policy issues to settle since May 5, 2020, and therefore "PM Modi must ask the External Affairs Minister to cancel his trip as it dilutes our resolve."

Why does the Foreign Minister Jaishankar have to meet his Chinese counter part in Moscow? Especially after the Defence Ministers have met? India has no foreign policy issues to settle since may 5, 2020. Therefore PM must ask the EAM to cancel his trip. It dilutes our resolve.  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) September 8, 2020

S Jaishankar is visiting Moscow to attend a meeting of Foreign Ministers of the eight-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) of which both India and China are members. Jaishankar's trip to Moscow comes days after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Russian capital to attend a meeting of SCO Defence Ministers.

Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart

On Friday, Singh held an over two-hour meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Gen Wei Fenghe on the escalating border row between the two countries in eastern Ladakh. In the talks, Singh categorically told Wei that India will not "cede an inch of land" and is determined to protect the integrity and sovereignty of the country at "all cost.

An official statement said that Singh conveyed to his Chinese counterpart that China must strictly respect the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and not make attempts to unilaterally change its status quo. Both Jaishankar and Wang are expected to hold a bilateral meeting on Thursday, PTI quoted people familiar with the developments as saying.

READ | Subramanian Swamy attacks 'rogue' BJP IT cell; seeks sacking of 'one Malviya character'

The two Foreign Ministers held a telephonic conversation on June 17 during which both sides agreed that the overall situation would be handled in a responsible manner. The talks took place two days after the Galwan Valley clashes in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed. The clashes escalated the tensions manifold.

READ | In NEET-JEE row, Subramanian Swamy says 'almost impossible to ask SC to reverse order'

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. Tensions flared up again in eastern Ladakh after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake a week back when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the prolonged border row.

READ | Chinese mouthpiece provokes within 24 hours of China-Rajnath meeting; Swamy lashes out

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.

READ | 'Gagsters of B'wood': Swamy slams people who wish to sabotage Sushant's death probe

(With PTI inputs)
A father and son who both serve in the U.S. Army have progressed in tandem since enlisting with the same battalion. They were recently deployed together, promoted together, and have pinned each other to their new ranks in a ceremony that was broadcast virtually to their nearest and dearest.

Newly promoted Chief Warrant Officer 5 David D. Corbi and his son, Sgt. David A. Corbi, are both deployed with the Armys 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Regiment, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade (ECAB). In August, the father-son duo had the pleasure of making their respective promotions official in a ceremony at the 28th ECABs mobilization station in Fort Hood, Texas.

A number of fellow soldiers were in attendance to congratulate the men on their achievement.

U.S. Army CW5 David Corbi (L) and Sgt. David Corbi pose for a photo after a promotion ceremony in their honor at the 28th ECABs mobilization station in Fort Hood, Texas. (Capt. Travis Mueller/DVIDSHUB)

The U.S. Army shared a photo of the proud pair on Facebook on Sept. 2, quoting CW5 Corbi as he praised his son. Hes a motivated soldier, he works hard, hes definitely earned the rank, said Corbi, and Im just super proud to be there and pin it on him.

The newly decorated father, who is on his fifth deployment, added that it was a big deal to be the person to pin his son an NCO, according to the U.S. Army.

The feeling was reciprocated by the younger Corbi. Its neat to carry on the family tradition, the sergeant expressed. Im proud to see [my father] reach CW5, and proud to be here for my family and friends that cant be here to see this.

Corbi pins the rank of sergeant on his son as both serve with the 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Regiment, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade. (Capt. Travis Mueller/DVIDSHUB)

However, the Corbis family and friends were able to beam in for the proceedings as the promotion ceremony was broadcast live on social media, allowing loved ones to witness the father and son receive their new rankings in real time.

Netizens also congratulated the father-son duo through the U.S. Armys Facebook page.

Thats awesome! wrote one netizen. Good luck in your journey together and thank you for your service. God bless you both.

Congratulations, wrote another. Family dedication and tradition is one of the great cornerstones of our Armed Forces!

Family members tune in live as father and son are promoted to chief warrant officer 5 and sergeant respectively. (Capt. Travis Mueller/DVIDSHUB)

The elder Corbis new ranking is of particular note, as CW5 is the fifth (and highest) Warrant Officer rank in the U.S. Army. CW5s are master-level leaders in their field, explains Military Ranks, in both the technical and tactical aspects of military strategy.

These warrant officers are required to lead and represent their faction, on top of undertaking the more typical warrant officer responsibilities of previous ranks.

CW5 David Corbi smiles at his son, Sgt. David Corbi, after being pinned to his current rank during the promotion ceremony in Fort Hood, Texas (Capt. Travis Mueller/DVIDSHUB)

For the newly promoted Corbis, military service runs in the family. A number of men in the Corbi family line have served in the U.S. military previously, as well as the elder Corbis daughters.

For the CW5s wife, witnessing both her husband and son ascend the military ranks together is a source of comfort, according to an interview with the family.

The already close-knit Army brigade that the pair belongs to is strengthened further, she suggested, by the bonafide familial connection between her husband and son, making their deployment that much easier to bear.

We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.nyc
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 20:18:24|Editor: huaxia

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BERLIN, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- With almost 360,000 drug-related offences, the number of drug crimes in Germany rose by about 2.6 percent in 2019 compared with the previous year, according to the Federal Criminal Police Office on Tuesday.

For nine years, the number of drug offences registered by German police had been rising continuously, which was mainly due to an increase in general violations of the narcotics law, according to the Office.

"The international and national drug trade must be further reduced in the future. Drug-related crime is not a trivial matter, but creates immeasurable suffering, brutal violence and is the basis for many other organized crime offences," said Daniela Ludwig, the German government's Drug Commissioner.

Last year, the "biggest increase by far" was registered for offences related to cocaine, which rose by 12.2 percent over the previous year to just over 20,000 cases.

Import smuggling of cocaine into Germany by sea "continued to be lucrative," as several seizures of large quantities of cocaine in the past year had shown, according to the Office.

In mid-July of last year, customs in the northern port of Hamburg inspected a freight container from South America and seized a total of 4.5 tons of cocaine, the largest single quantity of cocaine ever seized in Germany.

The trade of narcotics over the internet had established itself worldwide as a "permanent distribution channel," the Office noted. The anonymity on the internet attracted many consumers, but also new dealer structures.

In June last year, the Office shut down Germany's largest online marketplace for illegal drugs, which was known as "Chemical Revolution." Enditem
PUBG Corporation, the makers of the PUBG game, has decided to take away the Indian franchise from China's Tencent.

PUBG Corporation has made the decision to no longer authorise the PUBG MOBILE franchise to Tencent Games in India. Moving forward, PUBG Corporation will take on all publishing responsibilities within the country," the company said in a statement.

The company added that it hopes to work with the Indian government to find a solution to the problem.

"PUBG Corporation fully understands and respects the measures taken by the government as the privacy and security of player data is a top priority for the company," the company said. "It hopes to work hand-in-hand with the Indian government to find a solution that will allow gamers to once again drop into the battlegrounds while being fully compliant with Indian laws and regulations."

"As the company explores ways to provide its own

PUBG is committed to providing its "own experience" to the Indian gaming community "by sustaining a localized and healthy gameplay environment for its fans, the statement said.

PUBG MOBILE is the mobile version of PLAYERUNKNOWNS BATTLEGROUNDS (PUBG), an intellectual property owned and developed by South Korean gaming company PUBG Corporation.

The development comes after the government banned PUBG along with 117 other mobile apps last week over concerns about private data of users being collected illegally by Chinese agencies.

The move came following the recent tensions between India and China along the LAC.
Activity in the arctic is ramping up for the U.S. Navy submarines as the usual secrecy is given up. Instead, public surfacing of these secretive vessels is more common. This gives the Russians a heads up that the Americans are just nearby.

The U.S like Russian is expanding to the colder regions where the Americans have not minded till now. To begin moving, American and NATO subs into the region, the port in Norway will serve this purpose. There are provisions for a port to stop or resupply and continue to extend operations with the cooperation of the Norwegians. Having a foothold in the arctic is a key step in the naval strategy for U.S. planners, reported Breaking Defence.

According to Cmdr. Kyle Raines, spokesman for the U.S. Navy in Europe and he said the visits are a heads up to the major players in the cold regions. The goal is to keep close coordination with the Norwegian Ministry of Defense to maintain the Tromso port.

The Tromso port

Located 190 miles from the arctic circle, the Tromso port is a strategic piece for the U.S and NATO. Most of the facilities are already done, but according to sources, there is still fine-tuning and adjustments in progress.

One of the officials, Marita Isaksen Wangberg, a spokesperson for the Norwegian military, stated by email that some final touches are needed to allow nuke subs to enter the dock. Other concerns like regulations are needed but all the particulars of the port are done, The Frontier Post.

Tromso has been a focus of much military activity because of its location to Russia's Kola peninsula, where the Northern Fleet of Russia calls home.

Also read: Russian Submarine Surfaces Near Alaska Catching U.S. by Surprise

Last August 21, the U.S. fleet sent its premier fast attack sub-USS Sea wolf to the surface of the Tromso to pick up passengers. This is rare for the Sub service that keeps all its activity in stealth, letting the world know the Seawolf was in the arctic areas near the Russian fleet.

The sub is only one of three fast attack subs that are made to gather intelligence on enemy operations. Docked in Washington, the sub must have been sailing under the arctic ice and going to the Tromso coast.

A few days before the Seawolf, one of the American war vessel USS Roosevelt a destroyer visited Tromso as well. The Ship finished a 50-day patrol done in the Northern regions.

Operations in the Northern Seas will need the support of NATO allies to enable operations, said Capt. Joseph Gagliano, commander, Task Force 65. Stressing that Tromso's support to the Navy.

It's voyage from its homeport in Bangor, Washington, to faraway Norway, shows the reach of the Seawolf. Stressing the steal and secrecy that allows U.S. forces to go on its intended missions, Navy Vice Adm. Daryl Caudle of the sub-service in a statement.

More U.S. assets like the six B-52 Stratofortresses landed in the UK base, in a non-stop flight from an AFB in North Dakota USA. Soon after, the bombers flew with the Norwegian air force in wide flyover which Moscow replied with several incidents in the Baltic or Black Seas.

Norway's help to secure docking for U.S. submarines in an Arctic port is crucial keeping tabs on Russian at Kola.

Related article: One of the Most Advanced Attack US Navy Submarines Sighted in Troms

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is urging the UN Human Rights Council to take measures to defend Iranian journalists and citizen journalists who are being "censored, threatened, detained arbitrarily, mistreated and sometimes tortured" for their journalistic activities.



In a statement on September 8, the Paris-based media freedom watchdog said at least five journalists have been targeted in the latest crackdown on the media in Iran, weeks after the Human Rights Council published a damning report on the situation of human rights, including the freedom to inform, in the country.



"The increase in protests against the Iranian government has resulted in an increase in the persecution of journalists," said Reza Moini, the head of RSF's Iran-Afghanistan desk.



The latest victims of the authorities' crackdown on the media include Mohammad Mosaed, a freelance economic reporter who was sentenced last month to four years and nine months in prison for "distorting reality," among other charges. Mosaed was also banned from conducting journalism activities and from using all communications devices for two years.

He was first detained in November 2019 in connection with messages he had posted on social media during an Internet shutdown implemented by the government amid widespread protests over high gas prices.



RSF also cited the case of Kosar Karimi, a reporter for the semiofficial Mehr news agency who was arrested in August for covering a protest in a village near the southern city of Ahvaz, according to RSF.



Karimi was released on bail, but, according to RSF, the vice president of the Islamic Development Organization, which runs Mehr, said that "an official threatened to have the news agencys director summoned to get this journalist to stop covering these events."



It said freelance journalist Babak Tahmasebi was meanwhile notified that a court in Ahvaz had confirmed his sentence of two years in prison and 74 lashes for publishing "false news" and "defamation."



The case was the result of a lawsuit by the National Iranian Drilling Company (NIDC) related to an article about worsening conditions for its workers.



Amirreza Amir Taimouri, a reporter for the popular Tabnak news website, was summoned for questioning by the FATA cyberpolice in the southeastern city of Kerman following a complaint by a local parliamentarian accusing him of "publishing false information with the aim of upsetting public opinion," RSF said, adding that he was released on bail pending trial.



And in the northeastern province of Golestan, a court sentenced freelance journalist Aman Mohammad Khojamli to pay a fine for "publishing false information." He said he had been convicted for articles about the country's economic crisis.



The arrests and sentencings came after the UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, Javaid Rehman, said in a July report that the country's authorities "continued to target journalists for critical and independent reporting, with a detrimental effect on access to information."



Iran is ranked 173rd out of 180 countries in RSF's 2020 World Press Freedom Index.
A senior official at NHS Test and Trace has issued an apology to people unable to get a Covid-19 test as officials consider new lockdown restrictions to curb the current spike in cases.

Director of testing Sarah-Jane Marsh said there is capacity at testing sites but laboratories processing the tests are at a critical pinch-point.

Video: People unable to get COVID-19 tests after labs reach 'critical pinch-point'

Ms Marsh added that the system is doing all it can to expand quickly.

There have been reports of people being told there are no appointments available at test centres in England and that there are no home tests kits available to send out.

Meanwhile, Englands chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, warned that if people stop social distancing then Covid comes back.

In other developments:

 It is understood that officials are considering reducing the number of people who can gather indoors in England. The current limit is 30 but it could be cut as a result of the current spike in cases.

 Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said the recent rise in the number of coronavirus cases is concerning and it is essential that people follow the Government guidelines if they want to avoid the need for further restrictions.

 Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething has said a local coronavirus lockdown is being imposed in Caerphilly because there is evidence of community transmission in the area.

 Restrictions on household visits across western parts of Scotland have been extended for a further week and expanded to also include East Dunbartonshire and Renfrewshire.

 There were a further 2,948 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Monday, following the 2,988 reported on Sunday, which was the largest daily figure since May.

 Just over 57,400 deaths involving Covid-19 have now been registered in the UK, according to figures from official data sources.

 Aviation industry leaders have urged the Government to commit to a coronavirus testing regime for international arrivals, after a new regional approach to Englands quarantine policy was announced.

Story continues

 A new Covid-19 cost tracker has been set up by the National Audit Office (NAO). The spending watchdog said that during the Governments response to the pandemic, it had announced 190 measures, which have a total estimated cost of 210 billion. The NAO estimates the Government has so far spent over 70 billion.

(PA Graphics)

Ms Marsh wrote on Twitter: Can I please offer my heartfelt apologies to anyone who cannot get a Covid test at present.

All of our testing sites have capacity, which is why they dont look overcrowded; its our laboratory processing that is the critical pinch-point. We are doing all we can to expand quickly.

Can I please offer my heartfelt apologies to anyone who cannot get a COVID test at present. All of our testing sites have capacity, which is why they dont look overcrowded, its our laboratory processing that is the critical pinch-point. We are doing all we can to expand quickly.  Sarah-Jane Marsh  (@BWCHBoss) September 8, 2020

We have additional NHS, Lighthouse, University and Partner Labs all due to open up imminently and we are also expanding the use of non-Laboratory based tests.The testing team work on this 18 hours a day, seven days a week. We recognise the country is depending on us.

Andy Thompson, 38, a technical manager from Crewe, said his six-year-old daughter is home from school with a continuous cough, but has so far been unable to get a home test.

Its an absolute shambles. No home tests available. And now the nearest test centre is Oldham, a 100-mile round-trip with a sick child, he told the PA news agency.

I didnt realise how bad it is. If you havent got a car, no way youre getting tested.

People have also complained in recent days and weeks of being directed hundreds of miles to get a test.

On Monday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock pledged that people would have to travel no more than 75 miles for a test.

Further problems with the testing system came as a member of the Governments Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said the latest increase in coronavirus cases is very worrying.

(PA Graphics)

Professor Andrew Hayward said scientists are monitoring the data closely for signs of wider community transmission of the disease.

Generally it is local outbreaks, but there is also very worrying increases in cases, particularly over the last few days, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

That is what we are really keeping a close eye on  the extent to which it moves away from these local outbreaks to broader community transmission.

What we saw in the last few days from this surveillance data was this worrying increase in cases which, as we know from the first wave of the pandemic, can potentially get out of hand if we dont be very serious about the control measures.

It comes after Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said on Monday that the public had relaxed too much over the summer and described the rising number of cases as of great concern.

The deputy chief medical officer for England said: This is a big change. Its now consistent over two days and its of great concern at this point.

People have relaxed too much. Now is the time for us to re-engage and realise that this is a continuing threat to us.

Professor Whitty echoed the concerns, and wrote on Twitter: We have, through the extraordinary efforts of the whole population, got Covid rates right down.

They are now rising again, especially in those aged 17 to 29.

If we stop social distancing, Covid comes back.

We all need to protect others.

Jonathan Van Tam lays the situation out clearly. We have through the extraordinary efforts of the whole population got COVID rates right down. They are now rising again especially in those aged 17 to 29. If we stop social distancing COVID comes back. We all need to protect others https://t.co/9uYMSLkbnp  Professor Chris Whitty (@CMO_England) September 8, 2020

Meanwhile, Mr Hancock told the Health and Social Care Select Committee problems with coronavirus testing capacity will be sorted within weeks.

When asked about Ms Marshs tweet apologising for people unable to get tests, Mr Hancock said: We are working incredibly hard.

We are doing everything we can. We have had these operational issues that I have talked about, we have had a problem with a couple of contracts and we discussed some of that in the House of Commons.

But its a matter of a couple of weeks until we can get all of that sorted in the short term.

He also told the committee of MPs that the first credible cases of coronavirus reinfection were starting to be seen.

We have also just started to see the first credible cases of reinfection and through genomic analysis you can see it is a different disease to the one the person got the first time around.

But in all the cases that I have seen it has been an asymptomatic second infection that has been picked up through asymptomatic testing.

But the hard question is, because one of the most difficult parts of dealing with this virus is asymptomatic transmission what we dont yet know is the transmissibility of the disease even from an asymptomatic person who might have had the disease before.

But we have got a huge amount of work going into answering that question.

Watch as Yahoo UKs Health reporter explains how coronavirus is treated

Boris Johnson told his Cabinet that ministers must ensure there is no complacency among the public, and particularly young people, after a rise in coronavirus infections, Downing Street has said.

The Prime Minister and the Cabinet were updated on the Covid-19 response by chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.

Mr Johnsons official spokesman said: The Prime Minister cautioned that in other countries which had seen an increase in infections this was followed a number of weeks later by a rise in hospitalisations.

The PM said that what had taken place elsewhere was that young people had gone on to infect older generations that had become seriously ill, and it was vital to ensure that did not happen here.

The Prime Minister said the Government must remain extremely vigilant and ensure that there was no complacency from the public and young people in particular in following the guidance on how to prevent the virus from spreading.
At the end of May, Elaine Kinchen took the plunge and switched from being an activist to a journalist.

Kinchens activism dates to being a student and protesting George W Bushs 2003 decision to invade Iraq on trumped up claims about weapons of mass destruction. Her decision to become a journalist was triggered by the protests that gripped Portland and other cities following the killing by police in Minneapolis of George Floyd, and the desire to document them.

Given the chance to hit the streets running by podcaster and videographer Robert Evans, Kinchen and her parter did just that. They did so in an environment that Evans, who has previously covered conflicts in Ukraine and Iraq, described as as close up to the line as you can get to actual war without live rounds.

Very quickly on, Kinchen learned she needed goggles to deal with all the tear gas police were firing, sometimes so much it filled city blocks. Soon after, she realised she would need a gas mask if she planned to go out night after night.

Now, as the demonstrations in Portland have passed the 100 day mark and tensions intensified following the killings of protesters in both Portland and Wisconsin by rival factions, she usually wears a ballistic or bullet-proof vest. She has ordered a bullet proof helmet.

 Chaos in Portland as protests continue

Despite that, and despite being conscious of the responsibility of being the parent of two children, the 35-year-old reckons it is only a matter of time before she gets hurt or is picked up by police, who she has watched arrest half-a-dozen of her colleagues.

Many of Portlands journalists have filed lawsuits against the city. In August, a court issued a ruling permitting journalists and legal observers not to disperse when ordered to do so by police, even if they declare a riot.

In terms of safety gear, I sometimes wear a bulletproof vest, helmet, goggles, she says. But there's only so much you can do and I just kind of assume that at some point, I will be injured or arrested, and so far I've been relatively lucky.

As protests swept the US following the killing of 46-year-old Mr Floyd, The Independent has detailed how dozens of journalists were arrested or detained by police, in the process of doing their work. One of The Independents own reporters was arrested by police in Seattle while covering an operation to clear a protest encampment in the Capitol Hill area.

'La resistencia civil y la desobediencia civil son la base del cambio', dice el activista Jamal Williams

A charge of failure to disperse was subsequently dropped.

Kinchen says about five or six journalists have been arrested in Portland, including her partner. She says she continues to go out and cover the protests four or five nights a week.

She also has a day job as the vice principal of a small private school.

It gives a very interesting perspective, because there is a little bit of separation between myself and the events unfolding, she says of the difference between being a reporter and a protester. So in some ways it's easier to analyse things and look at the goals and not be so deeply attached.

Other than the physical dangers and the risk of being arrested, Kinchen has learned on the job about how to work among the protesters, many of whom resent having their faces pictured by the media. One reason for this, protesters say, is that police can seek to use such footage to identify people and subsequently bring charges.

In Seattle, five media outlets are fighting a court order to hand over raw footage taken at a protest in downtown Seattle on May 30.

It means I need to think about how and why I'm filming people - am I filming people in ways that they will be helpful to them, that gives information, or am I filming, people in ways that is sensationalist, and will endanger my subjects.

To do this, she sometimes cuts out faces, or shows an angle that blurs that view. I have a fisheye lens on my camera, that will make it a little bit distorted.

Even though she is new to the business, she says she took the ethical aspect of journalism very seriously.

I became a member of the reporters union. I take that seriously, she adds

I do not want to endanger any of my subjects, and so I need to always consider what I am filming and what Im posting.
Tess Daly has announced she's stepping down as the host of Children In Need after 11 years.

The Strictly Come Dancing presenter, 51, took to Instagram to share the sad news with fans, as the annual telethon reaches its 40th Anniversary in November.

Paying tribute to the charity's founder Sir Terry Wogan with a series of snaps, Tess assured fans that Pudsey 'would always hold a special place in her heart.

Leaving: Tess Daly has announced she's stepping down as the host of Children In Need after 11 years as she paid tribute to the charity's late founder Sir Terry Wogan (pictured)

Tess shared a lengthy post with her fans as she documented her time as host of Children In Need.

Among them were a snap with Terry and Ade Adepitan, who has hosted the show since 2016.

She wrote: 'For the past 11 years I've had the great privilege of presenting Children In Need alongside brilliant presenters and an amazing team.

Off she goes! The Strictly Come Dancing presenter took to Instagram to share the sad news with fans, as the annual telethon reaches its 40th Anniversary in November

'Pudsey and what he represents will always hold a special place in my heart but it's time to pass the presenting baton over as the show reaches it's amazing 40-year milestone.

'That's four decades of the British public donating and heroically fundraising over 1bn towards changing children's lives for the better.

'But Children In Need isn't just an annual event, it works tirelessly all year round and I'm excited that I will continue to work alongside some of the vitally important projects that this extraordinary charity supports, seeing first-hand what a profound affect these unprecedented times have had, and to find out what more we can do to help.'

Moving on: In the post Tess shared several snaps from her time on Children In Need, including one with co-host Ade Adepitan

Star-studded: Tess joined the Children In Need team in 2008 when she hosted alongside Terry and Fearne Cotton

Tess joined the Children In Need team in 2008 when she hosted alongside Terry and Fearne Cotton.

Following Terry's death in 2016 she has joined forces with a slew of different presenters, including Rochelle and Marvin Humes, Graham Norton and Tom Allen.

Of course Tess will be reuniting with Claudia Winkleman for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing this October, which has been shortened due to changes introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lineup was confirmed last week, and will feature stars such as actress Caroline Quentin, Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing and The Wanted's Max George.
(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 8 - An Italian baby-sitter was killed by a young man with psychiatric problems in the home she worked in in Switzerland after she managed to save three children in her care from him, Italian newspapers said Tuesday.

Teresa Scavelli, 46, was originally from Calabria but had lived near Verona for several years where she had a husband and three grown children, Verona dailies said.

The murder took place at San Gallo in German-speaking Switzerland a few days ago, they said.

On Tuesday the woman's funeral took place at Palu' near Verona.

Scavelli is survived by husband Salvatore Elia and children Simone, Giuseppe and Sarah.

The murderer was shot dead by police after killing Scavelli.

He was said to be Swiss.

Scavelli also worked as a governess. (ANSA).


by Thanh Thuy

As the new school year starts, schools implement measures to contain the COVID-19 epidemic. In some schools, teachers have created video lessons posted on their schools website.

Ho Chi Minh City (AsiaNews)  Nearly 23 million Vietnamese students started the new school year on Saturday. The first day of class in some schools was different than usual because of the COVID-19 epidemic. Some could not provide proper social distancing and guarantee students safety. Others held the opening day online.

a Nang is one example. The COVID-19 pandemic has badly hit the city of over the past month. Yet, at 6 am on Saturday, schools welcomed pupils with the greetings a Nang - Hello New School Year. On the same day, a new municipal by-law came into effect to contain the epidemic.

All non-essential business companies and services will remain closed to contain the dangerous pandemic. However, food companies and essential services can reopen, read the statement issued by the a Nang People's Committee.

Vietnams Ministry of Education and Training also ordered schools to hold only brief inaugurations", and avoid "long assemblies and speeches" to ensure safety and prevent large gatherings in school yards.

The first day of school was however broadcast on TV. At the Vo Thi Sau Primary School (Hai Chau district), teachers were divided into small groups to watch the opening ceremony of the new school year on TV. After that they shared the information from the TV with their pupils.

The pandemic is very complicated and dangerous, said Vo Thi Sau Primary School Principal Nguyen Thai Phong. For this reason, the a Nang Department of Education and Training set up an online teaching programme.

"Working together, teachers have created online video lessons available on the school website. During the first week, they will mostly review what pupils know.

Based on the school plan and depending on how things go, teachers will take appropriate measures to teach pupils during the rest of the school year.

At the Nui Thanh Primary School in Hai Chau, many teachers came early in the morning to prepare the online opening session.

"This is the first time that the start of the new school year has been silent, without pupils. I am very sorry for the pupils, said Nui Thanh Primary School Vice Principal Hoang Minh Vi, who has been a teacher for 27 years.

According to Ms Khanh, teachers have made school videos for students, positing them online and sharing them with parents also online.

As of 7-9 September, in a Nang students will follow lessons online until in-class learning will be possible, said Mai Tan Linh, deputy president of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training. Until then, pupils will not be allowed to come to class.

Schools will instruct teachers to follow their pupils, create a Zalo group, or use email, Facebook etc. to communicate.

Should pupils be unable to take part in online learning, teachers will provide lessons, exercises, questions and receive feedback from students via the website, email, Facebook, Zalo, Viber, etc.

For pupils in Grade 1, teachers must select the basic content, knowledge and skills, to guide parents on how to teach their children at home and prepare them to come to class.

After a week, if the pupils are not yet back in class, schools will ask teachers to adapt the teaching plan. At the same time, following meetings, teachers will rewrite online lessons.

They will also need to focus on childrens reading, writing and math. However, for children, learning online will not be easy. It is unclear when they will go back to school to learn together.
S o the stats show people arent going back to the office. Big problem. But lets be honest employers have had this showdown coming for some time.

The unspoken truth is that many people dont want to go back to work and who can blame them.

Lets start with the open plan office.

Democratic - office designers tell us, creates a collegiate atmosphere. Rubbish. The reality, before coronavirus struck, was offices across London crammed with as many humans as physically possible.

So open was the office everyone could hear every persons little problem, from the row over a mistake made to trouble picking up the kids.

These conversations are only relevant to the individuals involved and only the large glass corner offices are spared the tedious details.

At one City investment bank where the workers still have their own individual offices, the atmosphere is far more adult.

Everybody knocks on one anothers doors and they interact like proper grown ups.

Having spent an afternoon there I thought Id entered the set of the Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy film - no doubt grown up plotting and backstabbing occurs too.

Theres no excuse for the lack of imagination.

Beautiful office buildings have gone up all over London in the past ten years but walk into any of them and the layout is exactly the same. The generic battery hen look.

Lets move onto tech. Offices are now inundated with email and every other form of instant messenger.

It is possible to send the same message on four different tech platforms to the person sitting right next to you. Why?

As for the current fashionable instant messaging system Slack, I met the founder Stewart Butterfield in San Francisco earlier this year.

Nice enough guy for a tech billionaire but not exactly in the people person category.

When I asked him about the fact his instant messaging service had become more of a hindrance for workers rather than a help he said it was up to companies to create their own Slack culture, before demonstrating how emojis can be used on the platform to make communication easier between employees.

The lesson: be careful what you implement in your office, sometimes even founders dont know what theyve created.

As a result of all this "communication" employees rarely go for lunch with one another or a drink after work.

Ask anybody who worked thirty years ago and the after work drink was the only reason they ever took the train in from Woking in the first place.

My advice to firms that still have money after all this - bring in a designer. Create better personal spaces and ditch most of the real time tech.

Or, alas, your workers will be working from home long after coronavirus has become a footnote in history.
Papillon, Europes most wanted bear, captured after 42 days on the run Guardian

Worsening Water Woes to Play Bigger Role in Sovereign Ratings Bloomberg

The US economy is having a Wile E Coyote moment FT

Column: How millions from Uber and Lyft are funding the harassment of a critic Los Angeles Times. #Prop22.

Marc Dann: Want to stop public corruption? Jail business execs who break the law Akron Business Journal

Duluth bishop-elect resigns following allegation of sexual abuse Star-Trbune. 2020  2001 = 19 years after the Bernie Law scandal broke.

Data vs collateral (PDF) Bank for International Settlements

#COVID19

Tail Risk of Contagious Diseases Nature From the Introduction: While it is known that fat tails represent a common  yeto ften ignored in modeling  regularity in many fields of science and knowledge, for the best of our knowledge,only war casualties and operational risk losses show a behavior as erratic and wild as the one we observe for pandemic fatalities.

China?

India

Brexit

UK/EU

What is at stake in the Eastern Mediterranean crisis? FT

New Cold War

Trump Transition

2020

Assange

Realignment and Legitimacy

Black Injustice Tipping Point

Boeing

Production Problems Spur Broad FAA Review of Boeing Dreamliner Lapses WSJ. From the article: Deliberations about mandated inspections and how many Dreamliners might be covered have been under way inside the FAA for months, according to people familiar with the matter. Such a directive would target excessive stresses that could cause premature material fatigue affecting the carbon composite parts that fit behind the passenger cabin. A person familiar with Boeings internal review said Sunday that there is no indication at this point suggesting the defects stretch back to the jets early years but said the analysis was continuing. The FAA, according to one person briefed on the agencys deliberations, is focused on identifying how the manufacturing breakdowns occurred, why Boeings computerized safeguards failed to flag mismatches between the parts that failed to meet design standards and what changes are required to ensure the 787 fleets continued safety. As Boeing engineers comb through records to identity planes with possible flaws, the FAA already has learned what prompted one of the defects: the plane maker didnt test how it produces shims, or material that fills gaps between barrel-shaped sections of the jets fuselages, to ensure they meet requirements , according to the FAA memo. The shims are produced at Boeings Dreamliner factory in North Charleston, S.C. Oh. Pontifications: Boeing in Washington: Here We Go Again Leeham News and Analysis

Groves of Academe

Colleges Send Students Home as Outbreaks Worsen. Are They Creating a New Coronavirus Threat? WSJ. Fauci: sending students home after outbreaks is the worst thing you could do.' Presumably, college adminstrators, being both highly paid and well-credentialed, represent an intellectual  nay, a moral  meritocratic elite. And yet, they exhibit in the aggregate shock and surprise that students would party. Having collected tuition and rents, and having managed to turn their colleges into clusters of super-spreading events, they then send the likely-to-be infected back into their communities (while keeping the money and insisting that Zoom- and in-person instruction are fungible). Yes, the fish rots from the head, but arent these guys part of the head?

Imperial Collapse Watch

Lessons for the Navys New Frigate from the Littoral Combat Ship War on the Rocks Cut These Words: Passion and International Law of War Scholarship (PDF) Harvard International Law Journal. Long article, but if you want insight into the evolution of The Blob from Bush to Obama, this is an excellent place to start. On the legal justification that the Obama administration evolved for whacking Anwar Al-Awlaki, a U.S. citizen, without due process in an extra-terrritorial drone strike, for example: First, and perhaps the most fascinating mystery, is the near-total erasure of the Vietnam era, and its vociferous doctrinal and policy debates, from the War on Terror international legal debate. The more one reads, the stranger it becomesparticularly once the invasion of Cambodia becomes publicly known in 1970, and the U.S. Department of State justifies the intervention in international legal terms. The doctrinal debate is eerily similar to those underlying key controversies between 2009 and 2018. The underlying law is, in many respects, largely the same. The contours of the international legal questions and their purported implications for the future disclose remarkable similarities. And yet, with the exception of that single footnote in the Al Aulaqi Memorandum, there is almost no reference to the raging scholarly discourse that occurred barely two generations earlier.

Housing

Class Warfare

The Big, Dirty Money Behind the California Wildfires Common Dreams

Learning Material Berkeley Fire Research Lab. With a terrific Richard Feynman video.

Antidote du Jour (via):

Hedgehogs are coming:

And a bonus antidote, leveling up my dog game. Thread:

Dogs as comrades, a short thread. pic.twitter.com/V90OkXVqn3  Hong Kong Hermit (@HongKongHermit) February 4, 2020

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
EASTHAMPTON  The city council has joined with other municipalities in the state urging the legislature and Gov. Charlie Baker to commit resources to build a new Soldiers Home in Holyoke.

Easthampton Council last week unanimously approved a resolution that urges Governor Baker and the Legislature take immediate action to increase funding to ensure sufficient staff, equipment and supplies to provide safe care; and to expedite the design of the new Soldiers Home in Holyoke to allow for the construction of fully compliant rooms for 250 Veterans.

Margaret A. Peg Conniff, Easthampton City Council President said, We clearly and enthusiastically support this.

We are trying to communicate to Governor Baker that funding for VA services...is critical...to avoid or mitigate the problems we saw a few months ago at the Soldiers Home with 76 individuals dying from COVID.

The folks who have served us deserve the very best at the end of their life, Councilor James JP Kwiecinski said. I cant believe the care facilities dont have individual, private bathrooms for each bedroom. This level and standard of care is necessary.

Councilor Homar Gomez said, I saw first-hand what happened at the soldiers home because . . . I work in a funeral home and I do a few removals there.

Ive seen from the inside how that facility has certainly gone from a shining star on top of that hill...to a decline... some of the financial neglect that has fallen on that facility was very evident, Councilor Owen M. Zaret said during discussion at the Sept. 2 meeting.

The petition says, in 2012, The Massachusetts Division of Capital Assets Management commissioned a Needs Assessment Study that determined that of the 278 current beds, less than 5% meet VA Standards.

The Easthampton petition says: in November 2017, with the support of Governor Baker and the Legislature, the state approved $199 million to build a new 154-bed long-term care facility at the Soldiers Home in Chelsea; while disregarding the long-documented deficiencies at the Holyoke Soldiers Home.

A 174 page report the governor released on June 24 documents mistakes that lead to many fatalities at the Holyoke facility.

The most substantial error by the Homes leadership team was a decision on March 27, 2020 to move all veterans from one of the two locked dementia units into the other locked dementia unit, where they would be crowded in with the veterans already living there. At the time, each unit had some veterans who were COVID-19 positive, some who were suspected of having the disease, and others who were displaying no COVID-19 symptoms, the report says.

Related:
Rochester, N.Y.  Naked except for spit hoods in a reference to the killing of Daniel Prude, several protesters sat outside Rochesters police headquarters Monday morning to push for police accountability, local news outlets reported.

Photos and video showed roughly a half-dozen demonstrators, naked or in minimal clothes and some with Black Lives Matter written on their backs, sitting silently with their hands behind them, on a rain-slicked street outside the city Public Safety Building. The Democrat & Chronicle reported that after a time, the demonstrators were given blankets and left in cars.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump tweeted that Rochester was among cities that had bad nights, while Mayor Lovely Warren commended activist leaders, police and community elders on a night of calm protest Sunday.

Prude, a 41-year-old Black man, died after police found him running naked in a street March 23, put a hood over his head to stop him from spitting, then held him down for about two minutes until he stopped breathing. He died a week later after he was taken off life support.

His brother, Joe Prude, had called 911 seeking help for Daniel Prudes unusual behavior. He had been taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation earlier that night but was released after a few hours, his brother told officers.

His death sparked outrage after his relatives on Wednesday released police body camera video and written reports they obtained through a public records request.

Seven police officers were suspended Thursday, and state Attorney General Letitia James said Saturday she would form a grand jury and conduct an exhaustive investigation into Prudes death. Warren and Police Chief LaRon Singletary have faced calls for their resignations over the delay in releasing details of Prudes death.

Police union officials have said the officers were following their training.

Protesters have demanded police accountability and legislation to change how authorities respond to mental health emergencies.

Free The People ROC released a statement Monday saying marches will continue until Warren and Singletary resign, officers involved in Prudes death are fired and prosecuted, and the Rochester Police Department is stopped from responding to mental health calls and defunded.

Protesters gathered in a Rochester park Monday evening before moving to the citys Public Safety Building by nightfall, for a sixth consecutive night of demonstrations.

Police lined up under the Frederick DouglassSusan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge late in the night and announced on a loudspeaker that the gathering outside of the building had been deemed unlawful, and threatened that refusing to leave could lead to arrests.

The protest ended peacefully around 1 a.m. with the crowd dispersing voluntarily.

On Sunday, police said more than 1,000 protesters marched to the Public Safety Building on a night more peaceful than the rest, with community elders acting as a buffer between officers and protesters. The Police Department said no arrests were made.

Last night the world saw the true spirit of Rochester, Warren said in a statement, adding that she had told the police department Sunday to adopt a smaller and more restrained posture.

Trump, however, mentioned Rochester in a Monday morning tweet about cities he said all had bad nights and were weakly run by Radical Left Democrat Governors and Mayors!

Get the picture? the Republican president added.

Demonstrations before Sunday had intensified into clashes between police and protesters, with officers dousing activists with a chemical spray and firing what appeared to be pepper balls to drive them from barricades around the headquarters building. At points, fireworks were shot off and a bus stop was set ablaze.

Warren, a Democrat, urged people to ignore Trumps comments, accusing him of trying to bait people to act with hate and incite violence that he believes will benefit him politically.

This summer, Trump has repeatedly portrayed Democratic mayors as weak leaders who have let their cities be overrun by violence and disorderly protests, casting himself as the president of law and order who will protect the country from chaos.

Shootings, killings and other crimes have increased this summer in cities including New York, Chicago and Detroit, though crime overall remains lower than it has been in years past.

Trump has sought to tie street violence to protests. Criminal justice experts say the crime spikes defy easy explanation in a year with historic unemployment and a pandemic that has killed more than 180,000 people.
On the evening of Nov. 3, Americans settle nervously in front of their screens to await elections results. In the early hours Donald Trump seems to be having an excellent night. Counting the votes cast at polling places, Trump is winning Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.

Those states dont even begin processing mail-in ballots until Election Day, yet Trump quickly declares victory. So do many other Republican candidates. The media complains that its premature, but Trumpworld is ecstatic.

Democrats know that as many as 40 percent of the ballots are mail-in and still being counted, and those votes are likely to be overwhelmingly for Joe Biden, but they cant control the emotions of that night. Its a gut punch.

As the mail-in ballots are tallied, the Trump leads erode. But the situation is genuinely unclear. Trump is on the warpath, raging about fraud.

Within weeks there are lawsuits and challenges everywhere. Its like Florida in 2000, but the chaos is happening in many states at once. Ballots are getting tossed because of problems with signatures, or not getting tossed, amid national frenzy.

Trump says he wont let Democrats steal the election and declares himself reelected. Its an outrage, but as when he used the White House for a campaign prop during his convention, whos going to stop him?

A certain kind of Republican takes to the streets to enforce Trumps version of events. According to research done by Larry Bartels of Vanderbilt, 50 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents believe the traditional American way of life is disappearing so fast that we may have to use force to save it. Nearly as many believe, that A time will come when patriotic Americans have to take the law into their own hands.

The left is in the streets, too. On the fringe of the left there are those who want to overthrow the racist, cisgendered, patriarchal neoliberal oligarchy. This is their chance at mayhem, too, and they seize it with sometimes violent passion.

But a new force looms into view. For the whole Trump era a certain sort of conservative has been cowering from the Trump onslaught. Certain sorts of moderates and liberals have also been keeping their heads down, so they wont get bitten off by the woke mobs. But now the very existence of the Republic is at stake.

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.

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.

The process of mobilizing for an accurate election outcome, before it is too late, would be a struggle to preserve the order of our civic structure against the myriad foes who talk blithely about tearing down systems, disorder and disruption. It may be how we rediscover our nation again.

Its time to start thinking about what you would do.

Brooks is a Canadian-born American conservative political and cultural commentator who writes for the New York Times.
Hundreds more college places are up for discussion at today's Cabinet meeting amid intensive efforts to minimise disappointment when CAO offers are made on Friday.

As Leaving Cert students celebrate bumper results, universities and institutes of technology are working against the clock to see where they can take in more first years, over and above the 1,250 additional places announced last week.

Further and Higher Education Minister Simon Harris will update his Government colleagues on progress and numbers are expected to be finalised by tomorrow.

The high points generated by this year's inflated results will drive up competition for places, and there is concern to ensure that CAO applicants holding Leaving Certs from previous years are not squeezed out.

The results are, on average, 4.4pc higher than usual, and appear to have been generally well received, although there was disappointment too,

For the first time, Leaving Cert candidates got calculated grades rather than results from June exams, which were called off because of Covid-19.

Standardisation

The grades were derived from estimated marks and class rankings awarded by teachers, which went through a national standardisation process.

It ended with 83pc of grades students received at or above the school prediction, and 17pc below. There was anecdotal evidence of dismay and puzzlement in some schools and among some teachers at the marking down of the figures they submitted.

Students will know on Monday exactly what happened when they are given access to the school's estimated percentage marks as well as the percentage marks awarded by the calculated grades process, which gave rise to the grade.

There is provision for an appeal but it extends only to ensuring that data was recorded and transmitted correctly.

Principals signed off on the teachers' marks - at which point they became school marks - and were told to keep copies of forms sent to the Department, until after the appeals process.

Teachers were instructed to destroy any records involved in generating their estimated mark, so students will not know the basis for a teacher's mark.

On Monday, students will not have access to their class rankings, which is the subject of a dispute between the Department of Education and teacher unions.

The Department is taking legal advice and hopes to publish the information at a later date.

National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) Director Clive Byrne, said "every effort has been made to ensure no student has been disadvantaged".

He also highlighted the challenges ahead for the Leaving Cert class of 2021 and said "our incoming sixth years have had and will have equal if not greater challenges" than this year's school leavers.

Crucial

He said March's school closures came at a time when many fifth-years were getting to grips with crucial course material that, in a normal year, they would move to revise and refine in sixth year.

Irish Second-Level Students Union (ISSU) President Reuban Murray said while "many may be disappointed with their results, there is still the chance for students to sit their exams".

The Association of Secondary Teachers' Ireland (ASTI) said it would be liaising closely with its members and be gauging teachers' and students' reactions.

Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) President Martin Marjoram advised students who were disappointed with their grades "not to lose hope as, now more than ever, education is a lifelong pursuit and there have never been more routes open to pursue a chosen career".
T hree people have been injured following two separate incidents in Streatham over the past 24 hours.

An air ambulance was dispatched to Sunnyhill Road, Streatham, following an assault just before 3pm today.

One person was taken to hospital with head injuries and the public were advised to avoid the area.

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said their first responder arrived at the scene in under two minutes.

We were called at 2.42pm today to reports of an assault on Sunnyhill Road, Streatham", they said.

We dispatched two ambulance crews, an incident response officer, and a medic in a car, with the first of our medics arriving in under two minutes. We also dispatched Londons Air Ambulance.

A person was assessed for head injuries at the scene and taken to a major trauma centre.

It comes after a double stabbing incident on Streatham High Road on Monday evening.

A 16-year-old and 17-year-old were found with stab wounds outside Streatham station at 6.10pm.

The 16-year-old is still fighting for his life after receiving multiple stab wounds. The 17-year-old had a single stab wound to the arm.

Local Councillor Malcolm Clark said that police are stepping up patrols in the area in reponse to the incident.

There is no indication that the two incidents are connected.

The Metropolitan Police have been contacted for comment.
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Oxford Instruments plc.(OXIG.L) said that the coronavirus has continued to have an impact on trading in the first five months of the year, with cumulative revenue down 2% against last year. Revenue has been supported by a strong uplift in shipments of compound semiconductor process solutions and installations of cryogenic and magnet systems. It has partially offset lower revenue to academic markets for our scientific cameras, microscopy products and electron analysers, due to continued covid-19 disruption. The company said it has seen modest order growth over the first five months of trading and a good improvement in the order book. The company said it will release its results for the half year ended 30 September 2020 on 10 November 2020. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Representative image

The Indian Army on September 8 said China PLA is 'blatantly violating' agreements and that while India is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate.

At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to the use of any aggressive means, including firing, the Army said in a statement issued on the situation in eastern Ladakh.

It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress, the Army said.

Listen | Business has recovered fast to pre-COVID levels: Urban Company Co-founder Abhiraj Bhal

In the instant case on September 7, it was China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops, said the Army.

However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner, the Army said in the statement.

Follow our LIVE blog for the latest updates of India-China news

The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility, however is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs, said the statement.

The statement by the Western Theatre Command is an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience, the Army added.

On September 7, China said Indian forces crossed into the territory it holds along their disputed border and fired warning shots at a Chinese patrol in a move it called a serious military provocation and a violation of their agreements.

Also read | S Jaishankar says Ladakh situation 'very serious'

China's western military command said the incursion occurred on September 7 along the southern coast of Pangong Lake in the area known in Chinese as Shenpaoshan.

The nuclear-armed rivals have been engaged in a tense standoff in the cold-desert Ladakh region since May, and their defence ministers met Friday in Moscow in the first high-level direct contact between the sides since the standoff began.
By PTI

VADODARA: A fire broke out at a COVID-19 emergency ward of Sir Sayajirao General Hospital in Gujarat's Vadodara on Tuesday evening.

The fire has been brought under control after fire tenders rushed to the spot to douse the fire. The patients are being rescued from the hospital building.

A fire broke out on Tuesday evening at an ICU ward of a government hospital in Vadodara in Gujarat where around 300 coronavirus patients were being treated.

Thirty-five patients were shifted from two affected wards, but nobody was injured in the incident and the fire was brought under control soon, said Gujarat Health Minister Nitin Patel.

#UPDATE: Fire that broke out at Sir Sayajirao General Hospital in Vadodara has been brought under control. Patients have been shifted to safer places. #Gujarat https://t.co/ngU1Grcdae  ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2020

The fire broke out due to a short circuit in ventilator inside the ICU ward on the first floor of six- storey SSG Hospital where critical coronavirus patients were being treated, he said.

Around 300 coronavirus patients are being treated at the hospital, Patel said.

"There were 15 patients in the ward where the fire broke out. These patients, as well as 20 others in the neighbouring ward were evacuated safely. The entire hospital is functioning," the health minister said.

"No patient was injured or trapped, and everything is under control," Patel said.

But for a brief period, the fire caused panic and confusion as COVID-19 patients were evacuated from the two wards by the staff wearing PPE suits, eyewitnesses said.

Critical patients were rushed down to the ground floor and were provided with oxygen cylinders.

"Doctors are attending to the critical patients who have been evacuated, and they will be shifted to another hospital," Vadodara MP Ranjan Bhatt said.

Mayor Jigeeshaben Shah said there is no dearth of hospital beds in the city for COVID-19 patients, and the patients will be immediately shifted to another government hospital.
By Express News Service

MUMBAI: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Tuesday arrested Rhea Chakraborty after questioning her for three days in connection with drugs-related allegations in her boyfriend and actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case.

After three days of questioning in connection with drugs-related allegations, NCB sought her custody during an online court hearing on Tuesday. Her brother Showik Chakraborty was also arrested earlier by NCB in the same case. While seeking the custody, the NCB said that it has a piece of evidence and information that need to be probed further against the accused film star.

The sources in NCB said that the 28-year-old actor Rhea Chakraborty, who dated deceased actor Sushant Singh Rajput admitted to NCB that she used to procure drugs for the Bollywood star and also using them at times. If the charges against her proved, then she will face jail for up to 10 years. The court will decide whether to grant her bail.

Rhea, named as an accused in the CBI investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput's death on June 14, had denied using drugs in TV interviews. According to sources, she broke down when confronted with her brother Showik Chakraborty, who was in NCB custody.

The NCB had questioned the actor based on WhatsApp chats retrieved from her phone, which revealed alleged conversations around procuring drugs.

Sources said on her second day of questioning on Monday, Rhea made an emotional declaration to the NCB that "Whatever I did, I did for Sushant", sources said, adding that the actor had denied doing drugs but was evasive on certain questions.

ALSO READ | FIR against Sushant Singh Rajput's sisters, doctor after Rhea Chakraborty's complaint

"Rhea has been arrested and due process of informing the family has been completed," said deputy director of NCB, KPS Malhotra.

She was taken to a public hospital here for medical check-up and COVID-19 tests soon after her arrest.

Rajput, 34, was found dead at his Bandra apartment here on June 14.

Before entering the vehicle along with NCB officials, Rhea waved at the assembled media persons at the anti-drug agency's office in south Mumbai.

Clad in black, Rhea reached the NCB office at Ballard Estate around 10.30 am on Tuesday and was also seen carrying a bag with her, while entering the office.

The 28-year-old girlfriend of Sushant Singh Rajput had in recent TV interviews denied that she consumed drugs.

(With agency inputs)
Manhattan's Fifth Avenue has long been one of the world's most desirable shopping destinations. "Millionaire's Row" had come to be synonymous with New York City's growing prosperity and global cache.

But today, a vacated Barneys department store sits empty; Victoria's Secret and Kate Spade flagships are boarded up and high-end Italian handbag maker Valentino has also decided to close its doors.

Manhattan's Fifth Avenue has long been one of the world's most desirable shopping destinations. But the streets are much emptier these days. Credit:Bloomberg

New York's non-essential businesses were forced to shut up shop when the city locked down in March to contain the spread of coronavirus, but many never opened back up. They had hoped to weather the storm but in a matter of five months, the landscape changed dramatically. Some now fear the damage done may be irreparable.

Gone are the tourists and wealthy residents who had patronised the high-end stores. The former have keenly avoided travel to the US, while the latter have hunkered down upstate and further afield.
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SOURCE Crescent Tools
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At the time of his appointment, Mulloy was serving as diocesan administrator in Rapid City, S.D. The Diocese of Rapid City said that it received the allegation last month and that it dates to the 1980s. It said there have been no additional allegations of abuse involving Mulloy.
At least 11 people have been killed in three separate group massacres in Colombia, police confirmed on September 7. Violence in the South American nation has lowered since the government signed a peace deal with the countrys main rebel group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia in 2016. However, recent massacres have to lead to mass homicides making it the deadlist since the pact was signed.

Speaking to international media, the police revealed that all these killing took place in the last three days. On September 7, five people were killed "presumably by an armed group" in the town of Zaragoza, Colonel Ever Gomez in Northwestern Antioquia. In another attack on Monday, three men died following an attack in Simiti, a town in neighbouring Bolivar, area's police told reporters.

33 group killings

Police also reported that an attack occurred in the town of Aguachica, in the Cesar region. A Venezuelan couple were killed and a third victim died as a result of injuries sustained in the same incident. Experts warn that Columbia is undergoing a new cycle of violence that has been marked by an increased number of homicides and massacres. According to the United Nations, 33 such group killings in different regions of the country took place between January 1 and August 17 this year.

Read: US Cables: Colombias Ex-president Suspected Of Militia Ties

Read: Colombia: High Court Drops Jurisdiction Of Alvaro Uribe Case

This cones as Police in Colombia arrested three Venezuelans who were part of a failed plot organized by a former U.S. Green Beret to sneak across the border and oust President Nicolas Maduro the three were arrested in simultaneous raids in the Colombian capital of Bogota, a person who was in contact with the men at the time of their arrest told Associate Press. The person, who insisted on anonymity to discuss the continuing investigation, said the three were picked up on charges of arms trafficking and training to carry out illicit activities.

Read: Colombia Arrests 3 Venezuelans Tied To Anti-Maduro Plot

Read: Colombia Reopens Some Sectors Of The Economy

Image credits: AP

(With inputs from Associated Press)
A Queensland One Nation politician has claimed new laws forcing priests to break the seal of confession to report child sexual abuse allegations will set a "dangerous precedent" that will eventually see journalists compelled to give up their sources and lawyers required to dob in their clients.

Historic laws requiring clergy to report abuse, even it is heard in the confession box, passed in Queensland Parliament on Tuesday with the support of both major parties.

The historic laws have passed Queensland Parliament. Credit:AFR

The state's teachers, doctors, nurses, childcare workers and school principals already have to report crimes against children to authorities.

Priests will now face three years imprisonment if they fail to report confessions from abusers, although Catholic leaders have previously said they would not break the seal of confession even if it meant they would face criminal charges.
A little under a month before Americans cast their ballots, they can be a fly on the wall for a conversation between Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

The Democratic lawmakers will be interviewed together by The New Yorkers Andrew Marantz as part of the 21st New Yorker Festival, which will, for the first time, be a mostly virtual affair. A dozen talks, panels and performances will be livestreamed on the festival website from Oct. 5 to 11.

This years lineup is packed with stars like Chris Rock, Steve Martin, Yo-Yo Ma and Ira Glass. Attendees will also get a chance to hear from Dr. Anthony Fauci, who has been largely absent from national television since May. He will talk with Michael Specter, a science writer.

Noah Hawley, the creator of the FX series Fargo, which returns Sept. 27, and Rock, this seasons star, will be interviewed by the journalist Doreen St. Felix. The comedians Jerry Seinfeld and Steve Martin will be in dialogue with Susan Morrison, an editor at the magazine.
CHRISTIANSBURG  The next-to-last of 23 defendants to be sentenced in Montgomery Countys long-running Operation Crankdown methamphetamine distribution case asked Tuesday to be sent to drug rehab instead of jail  so she could continue to care for her mother, who she said had less than six months to live.

I dont want to disrespect her by going to her funeral in an orange jumpsuit, said Thelma Renee Keister, 48, of Montgomery County, who in January pleaded guilty to possessing a Schedule II drug.

Circuit Court Judge Robert Turk had heard a similar request in December from Keisters son, Brandon Michael Keister, who also was convicted in the case. Brandon Keister, 33, told the judge about GED and parenting classes that hed taken in jail and said he wanted to live a life without drugs and care for his daughter and his grandmother, who he said was in hospice care.

Turk said in December that he was impressed by Brandon Keisters determination and that he was going to give him a lower sentence than what hed planned  22 months behind bars instead of at least three years, with Keister to receive credit for the more than 13 months hed already served.

On Tuesday, it was Thelma Keisters turn to be sentenced by Turk. She said that in the two years since her arrest, she had passed numerous drug tests required by a probation officer. Keister said she spent her time caring for children and grandchildren, and for her mother, who she said was nearing the end of her life.

Keister acknowledged drug convictions in her past but said they were caused by misunderstandings and relatives using her to fill fake prescriptions. Keister said she was convicted last year of being drunk in public but denied being intoxicated  she was found guilty, she said, only because she was not able to get a ride to court to contest the charge.

Keister said that she had looked into drug rehab programs and that there soon would be openings. She asked to be ordered to attend classes.

Attorney Matt Roberts of Blacksburg, who represented Keister on the drug possession charge in the Crankdown case, said that the charge came only from having a bag with meth residue in it. Keisters involvement included no significant plotting, Roberts said.

Attorney Fred Kellerman of Christiansburg, representing Keister on violating probation from a 2010 conviction, noted that shed had no problems for five years before her 2018 Crankdown arrest.

Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Jennifer Wolz asked the judge to impose at least the year in jail that was the low end of the range recommended by state sentencing guidelines.

Her whole history indicates a person who does not deserve leniency, Wolz said.

Turk sentenced Keister to two years of incarceration, to be suspended after she serves one year. He also convicted her of a probation violation, revoked 12 years and 20 months of prison time that was suspended from an earlier case, then said it would be re-suspended after Keister served an additional three months.

After her sentence was pronounced, Keister told the judge that she knew of a house where her mother could live, but that its owner was away. She asked if she could wait until Friday evening to report to jail so she could make arrangements to move her mother to the other house.

Yes, Turk said, adding, Dont be late.

The last Crankdown defendant, Terry Wayne Miller, 57, of Giles County, has a sentencing hearing set for next week. A jury convicted him in October on two drug conspiracy charges and recommended he be given 16 years in prison.

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Warm weather welcomed a seasonal look on Tuesday as Myleene Klass ventured out in a vibrant floral summer dress.

The presenter, 42, caught the eye while taking advantage of persistently mild temperatures during her daily walk to London's Global Radio Studios.

With a distinctive floral pattern, the below-the-knee dress ensured Myleene commanded attention as she made her way across the city's Leicester Square.

Seasonal style: Warm weather welcomed a seasonal look on Tuesday as Myleene Klass ventured out in a vibrant floral summer dress

A belted waist drew attention to the Smooth Radio presenter's slim physique, while brown suede boots gave the overall look a tasteful flourish.

Rounding off her look with a smart Panama hat, Myleene greeted onlookers with a nod before making her way inside the studio.

Myleene's latest appearance came after her recent social media run-in with a troll who claimed her boyfriend Simon Motson will cheat on her.

Looking good: The presenter, 42, caught the eye while taking advantage of persistently mild temperatures during her daily walk to London's Global Radio Studios

Hard to miss: With a distinctive floral pattern, the below-the-knee dress ensured Myleene commanded attention as she made her way across the city's Leicester Square

Lovely: A belted waist drew attention to the presenter's slim physique, while brown suede boots gave the overall look a tasteful flourish

The presenter recently posted a gallery of images with the PR executive, 45, to celebrate their five year anniversary as a couple.

However a troll wrote underneath: 'Not long before this one cheats on you. Dear oh dear, heading for the lawyers are we?'

In a pointed response, she fired back: 'He wishes! Cheating exes usually get a house, a car and a fat pay-off, in what appeared to be a dig at her ex-husband Graham Quinn, who left her on her 34th birthday in 2012.

Greetings: Rounding off her look with a smart Panama hat, Myleene greeted onlookers with a nod before making her way inside the studio

The incident came just six months after the couple's wedding, but they had been together for 11 years after meeting when Graham became the bodyguard for defunct pop group Hear'Say.

Myleene, who shares daughters, Ava, 13, and Hero, nine with Graham, was devastated to learn that he had secretly bought a bachelor pad for himself  meaning that he must have been planning his departure for some time.

The presenter is now in a happy relationship with Simon, who she began dating in 2015 after being introduced by two mutual friends, and the pair welcomed their first child together, son Apollo, in August last year.
By Associated Press

GENEVA: The office of the UN human rights chief is calling on the Russian government to carry out or cooperate with an independent investigation of the reported poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, welcomed the emergence of Navalny from a coma in a Berlin hospital, said office spokesman Rupert Colville.

"There was a very serious crime committed on Russian soil," he told reporters in Geneva.

"There appears to to be no doubt this exotic and highly deadly substance "Novichok" was used, and clearly there must be a proper investigation.

''Who does it, how they do it, as long as it's independent, impartial and thorough, and preferably quick, it's less important in a sense to say who does it," he added.

ALSO READ | No proof of poisoning given: Russia slams Germany's claims of nerve agent 'Novichok' in Navalny's body

"In theory at least, it's incumbent on the Russian authorities to investigate a crime of this severity that took place on their own territory."

Navalny, a fierce, high-profile critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was flown to Germany last month after falling ill on August 20 on a domestic flight in Russia.

German chemical weapons experts say tests show the 44-year-old was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent, prompting the German government last week to demand that Russia investigate the case.

Bachelet, in a statement, decried a "profoundly disturbing" number of cases of poisoning or targeted assassination in Russia over the past two decades, and noted that Navalny had been harassed, arrested and assaulted repeatedly in the past.

"Navalny was clearly someone who needed state protection ... even if he was a political thorn in the side of the government," Bachelet said.

"It is not good enough to simply deny he was poisoned, and deny the need for a thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigation into this assassination attempt."
An Australian-led study has provided new insight into the behaviour of rotating superfluids.

A defining feature of superfluids is that they exhibit quantised vortices  they can only rotate with one, or two, or another integer amount of rotation.

Despite this key difference from classical fluids, where vortices can spin with any strength, many features of the collective dynamics of vortices in both classical and quantum fluids are similar.

However, in this study the FLEET team at the University of Queensland demonstrate one stark difference in the behaviour between classical and quantum fluids. The authors consider the expansion of vortex clusters to show that for any initial arrangement of quantised vortices, a Rankine super-vortex will form.

The behaviour of many vortices in a superfluid is often chaotic and difficult to describe theoretically, explains lead author Oliver Stockdale. Our study overcomes this challenge by providing an exact solution to the vortex dynamics.

The solution shows that a cluster of chiral vortices (vortices which all spin in the same direction) expands to form a constant density distribution that has a shape similar to a top hat. Such a distribution of vortices, known as a Rankine vortex, is forbidden in classical fluids due to their viscosity.

Why all superfluids ultimately become Rankine distributions

Superfluids have zero viscosity and can support a Rankine vortex, explains Oliver. The striking result of this finding is that all initial distributions of vortices, regardless of how they are arranged, expands to form a Rankine vortex. This long-time equivalent behaviour is known as the universal dynamics and demonstrates the mechanism for how a superfluid dissipates its energy via quantised vortices.

The authors employ a recently developed theory that describes the vortices themselves as a fluid.

Just as hydrodynamics describes the behaviour of many fluid particles, it can be used to describe the motion of many vortices, which form a vortex fluid within the ordinary fluid, says co-author Matt Reeves.

However, the vortex fluid exhibits additional anomalous stresses; these extra forces arise due to the nature of the vortices that restrict their rotation to be quantised.

The anomalous terms give unusual fluid behaviours, including a viscosity which is negative. Essentially, the negative viscosity causes the exact opposite behaviour to a normal, classical fluid  it steepens the vortex density gradients, until the distribution becomes a Rankine vortex. nbsp;An example expansion within vortex fluid theory can be seen in Fig. 1, where an initially non-uniform vortex fluid expands to form a Rankine vortex.

To support their theoretical findings, the authors simulate the dynamics of thousands of vortices computationally. As opposed to describing the vortices as a fluid, these simulations consider each vortex as an individual entity. As with the vortex fluid theory, the authors find that any initial vortex distribution expands to form a Rankine vortex. An example of the numerical result can be seen in Fig. 2, where a Gaussian initial distribution expands to form a Rankine vortex.

Finally, the authors analysed data from an experiment that observed the expansion of a vortex cluster in a real superfluid, which was created using ultracold rubidium atoms.

Whilst the vortex fluid theory assumes there are many vortices present, the experiment could only create approximately eleven vortices. Despite the low vortex number, there was evidence that the Rankine vortex emerged after the cluster expanded, explains project leader Prof Matthew Davis. The experimental vortices can be seen in Fig. 3, as highlighted by the white circles.

Not only did this study demonstrate the first solution to the complicated vortex fluid theory, it provided the theorys first experimental test. The experiment quantitatively predicted key features of the theory and demonstrated a platform to further test properties of the Rankine vortex, such as predictions that it supports an analogue fraction quantum Hall effect.

Vortices are a ubiquitous phenomenon in superfluid systems. To work towards FLEETs goal of producing an ultra-efficient superfluid transistor, a more complete understanding of how vortices behave in flowing superfluids is needed. This study by the FLEET team is a step towards such a transistor.

The study

The paper Universal dynamics in the expansion of vortex clusters in a dissipative two-dimensional superfluid was published in Physical Review Research in July 2020 (DOI 10.1103/PhysRevResearch.2.033138).

This study was carried out in collaboration with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS), the Graduate School of China Academy of Engineering Physics, and the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies (NZ).
TECUMSEH, MI  A Tecumseh man suffered a medical emergency while driving Monday night and died when his vehicle crashed into a utility pole, police said.

Rescue crews were called at 8:37 p.m. Sept. 7, to the area of Maumee and Kilbuck streets in Tecumseh after a vehicle hit a Consumers Energy utility pole, according to the Tecumseh Police Department.

Arriving officers had to wait for Consumers Energy crews to arrive and cut power to pole before approaching the vehicle to begin rescue efforts as there were live downed power lines on fire near the vehicle, police said.

The driver, a 46-year-old Tecumseh man, was taken Herrick Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.

The preliminary investigation indicates the man suffered a medical emergency while driving and died of causes unrelated to the crash, police said.

The crash remains under investigation and police ask for anyone with information about the incident to contact the Tecumseh Police Department at 517-423-7494.

The Tecumseh Fire Department, Raisin Township Police Department, Lenawee County Medical Examiners Office, Lenawee County Sheriffs Office Accident Investigation Team and Lenawee Community Ambulance assisted at the scene.

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New Delhi: Union Health Ministry's telemedicine service platform 'eSanjeevani' has completed three lakh teleconsultations till now. The platform supports two types of telemedicine services -- doctor-to-doctor through eSanjeevani and patient-to-doctor through eSanjeevani OPD, said an official statement on Tuesday.

The health ministry said that eSanjeevani has provided essential healthcare at a critical time when conventional medicine is perceived to be risky owing to the nature of the coronavirus disease, adding that the platform reached double that number within a month since then. Notably, one lakh of these teleconsultations were held in the last 20 days.

On August 9, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had described as "landmark achievement", the national telemedicine service completing over 1.5 lakh teleconsultations.

The Doctor-to-Doctor eSanjeevani service is an important pillar of the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre (AB-HWCs) programme, it said.

Launched in November 2019, the eSanjeevani aims to implement teleconsultation in all the 1.5 lakh health and wellness centers in a 'hub and spoke' model by December 2022.

The health ministry rolled out the second teleconsultation service -- 'eSanjeevaniOPD' -- enabling patient-to-doctor teleconsultation on April 13 this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. This has proved to be a boon in containing the spread of coronavirus infection while simultaneously enabling provisions for non-COVID essential healthcare, it said.

So far, eSanjeevani has been implemented by 23 states and others are in the process of rolling it out, said the ministry, adding that Tamil Nadu alone has contributed 97,204 consultations on the eSanjeevaniOPD app, while Uttar Pradesh is in the second position with 65,173 total consultations.

Considering the uptake of eSanjeevani by the populace in the states and UTs, tertiary-level institutions like Lady Hardinge Medical College and associated hospitals, AIIMS Bathinda, AIIMS Bibinagar, AIIMS Rishikesh have also on-boarded eSanjeevani, the ministry said.
A slew of partnership agreements were inked on Tuesday at the first World Solar Technology Summit hosted by the International Solar Alliance ( ISA ). These include ISA being given the nodal agency mandate for implementing Indias global electricity grid plan.

Another partnership agreement signed by ISA was with state-run NTPC Ltd, which will help Indias largest power generation utility secure solar projects in 47 least developed and small island developing ISA member countries.

The first treaty-based international government organization headquartered in India has become a significant foreign policy tool for New Delhi even as China attempts to co-opt countries into its ambitious One Belt One Road initiative. As many as 86 countries have signed the ISA framework agreement and 68 have ratified it. Germany has also expressed an interest in joining ISA.

India announced lines of credit worth $1.4 billion for 27 solar projects across 15 countries in 2018 that are under implementation. ISA will manage the bid process and the global grid implementation plan, according to the partnership agreement inked between the ISA, the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) and the World Bank.

India has been trying to leverage ISA to execute the ambitious One Sun One World One Grid plan that seeks to transfer solar power generated in one region to feed the electricity demands of others and fulfil Indias aim of becoming an electricity exporter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also been championing the global electricity grid plan.

The ISA is a part of the One Sun One World One Grid project. I firmly believe that this project can bring transformational benefits for the entire humanity," Modi said in a message read out at the summit by ISA president and Indias power and renewable energy minister Raj Kumar Singh.

The other marquee partnerships inked on Tuesday include one between Seoul-headquartered Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and ISA for providing technical assistance in deploying one million solar irrigation pumps. This will be implemented in Uganda, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Senegal, Mozambique, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Kiribati and may get extended to other ISA member nations later.

We look forward to collaborating with ISA to support deployment of 1 million solar pumps over the next five years. Both organizations have a common goal of supporting developing countries to achieve green growth and sustainable development," said Frank Rijsberman, director-general, GGGI in an emailed statement to Mint.

ISA also signed a partnership agreement with the Paris-headquartered International Institute of Refrigeration for setting up solar heating and cooling demonstration projects in member countries.

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Ladakh: China on the early hours of Tuesday claimed that the Indian army crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It further also claimed that the India troops fired warning shots near the Pangong Tso lake in eastern Ladakh to which their soldiers took countermeasures.

Spokesperson of China's Western Theater Command, Colonel Zhang Shiuli, said that India, while acting provocative, illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake. He said that during the operation, the Indian Army opened fire and threatened our soldiers.

China further accused India of severely violated agreements between the two sides and blamed that it is working towards increase regional tensions, calling it an act of provocation that leads to misunderstandings.

Zhang Shuili urged the Indian side to stop this dangerous game immediately and asked the Indian soldiers to return to their border. Along with this, investigate the matter and take action against the soldiers who opened fire so that such an incident does not happen again.

China's government mouthpiece, the Global Times reported the incident writing, ''The #Indian army again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake on Monday, #PLA Western Theater Command spokesperson revealed.''

As per ANI, an incident of firing took place on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Eastern Ladakh sector where troops of India and China have been engaged in a stand-off for over three months.

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.

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.
A GIS expert has warned that Indias COVID tracking application, Aarogya Setu, maybe leaking locations of military camps and could be used by enemies for surveillance to track troop movements in sensitive areas like Pangong Tso in Ladakh.





Aarogya Setu leaks location of Military Camps

Sensitive information about the deployment of troops and their movement in military bases or spy outposts along the border with China may have been compromised by Indias COVID-19 tracker mobile application Aarogya Setu.

Aarogya Setu is designed by the government to collect ones location data and cross reference it with the state-owned Indian Council of Medical Researchs database of COVID-19 tests to alert a user if an infected person is in close proximity.

Through the app, one can see if a soldier using Arogya Setu is in a particular camp, or if he is going out to another camp or is being relocated or something like that. By constant measuring, you can see how many people have moved out of the camp and how many are within the camp at that time, Raj Bhagat Palanichamy, an independent geographic information system (GIS)/remote sensing expert told Sputnik.

Alerting authorities, Raj shared an example of how Arogya Setu can be used to roughly detect numbers of people using the app (which may coincide with a number of troops) in sensitive areas like Pangong Tso where troops of India and China have been engaged in a bitter conflict since April this year.

Negative way: If we use a simple fake GPS application, then we can get number of Aarogya Setu users in and around militarily camps in sensitive areas like Pangong Tso

(numbers and locations slightly adjusted) pic.twitter.com/2CGjSEPWnL  Raj Bhagat P #Mapper4Life (@rajbhagatt) September 6, 2020

With a fake GPS application, you can shift your location to any place. You can simply enter Wagah Border, Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley anything. It is not a big deal. And then you can just open Arogya Setu application and it will show how many common people (COVID-affected) are there, etc., Raj said, adding that Chinese agents may not get the exact numbers of troops at a particular location, but they will know whether people are moving and they are moving at what direction, what timings, etc. If you are talking about the place where there is only military base, then there is no amount of technical expertise or hacking that is required. But, if you want to figure out which specific building etc., you have to do a little bit of math, Raj Bhagat told Sputnik.

The Indian Army, while issuing an advisory in April this year, asked troops to install the Arogya Setu app and switch on location services and bluetooth while visiting public places, at Isolation Centres, when calling for COVID-19-related assistance by civil authorities and while moving out of cantonments or military stations. Army personnel had been cautioned in April not to disclose their service identity, including rank, appointment and contact list of users, while using such apps.

What is Indian Armys view on Aarogya Setu?

According to a senior Army official the Aarogya Setu application could be used to track the location of troops and that troops deployed for forward posts should not use mobile phones at all.

We have taken care that troops deployed for forward posts should not use mobile phones. They are communicating through military communication devices. So, their movement or location will not be revealed to the adversaries through Aarogya Setu app, a major general of the Indian Army told Sputnik on Monday.

The Indian Army official admitted, however, that movement from peace stations, and locations other than forward posts may be tracked. Our troops patrolling in sensitive areas are not using mobile phones, the official claimed.

Aarogya Setu source code compromised

On 12 August, a Mumbai-based cybersecurity company published a detailed blog explaining how it discovered the source-code for the complete Aarogya Setu platform including its back-end infrastructure exposed on the public internet.

The blog stated that with the access credentials left open, the company was able to download the source code for the Aarogya Setu website, Swaraksha portal, back-end APIs, web-services, internal analytics.

The matter was referred to Indian Computer Emergency Response Team which quietly plugged the gap.

They didnt even answer to the company who found the issues. This is highly unprofessional @IndianCERT  Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) August 12, 2020

The government then threatened Shadow Map with legal action for its blog detailing Aarogya Setus security risks.

While there has been considerable focus on Aarogya Setu, several state governments have launched their own COVID-19 Apps. A security survey of these apps by The Centre for Internet and Society (CIS) found that most of these apps dont have a Privacy policy specific to them, and some have none at all.

GreatGameIndia is a journal on Geopolitics and International Relations. Get to know the Geopolitical threats India is facing in our exclusive book India in Cognitive Dissonance. Past magazine issues can be accessed from the Archives section.
WHO in Indonesia says use of cheap antibody test gives travellers with nonreactive results a false sense of security.

Jakarta, Indonesia  Medical experts have linked a surge in coronavirus cases on Bali to the inaccurate, low-cost rapid antibody test kits that are being used to screen domestic visitors to the Indonesian resort island.

Foreign tourists were banned from entering Indonesia on April 2, and while a plan to reopen Bali to international travellers this week has been dropped, domestic air travel resumed on July 31.

Since then, the island has been welcoming an average of 3,000 domestic tourists every day, mostly from the neighbouring island of Java, the countrys most densely populated province, and also the worst-hit by the pandemic.

Throughout July and the first half of August, the number of new confirmed cases in Bali fell as low as 27 cases per day on August 10, with a seven-day average of 40 new cases per day.

But two weeks after the resumption of domestic travel, confirmed cases on the island began spiking, with five record-breaking days peaking at 198 new cases on September 4. As of Tuesday, Bali had 6,385 confirmed cases and 116 deaths.





Across the country, the total number of cases was 196,989, with 8,130 deaths.

Misinterpreting results

In order to enter Bali, visitors are required to present a negative rapid antibody test result that is no more than 14 days old.

They must also show no outward symptoms of the virus, such as a dry cough or fever, but Dr Dicky Budiman, an epidemiologist who has helped formulate Indonesias pandemic response for 20 years, says the screening protocol probably allowed more cases to enter Bali.

Rapid antibody test kits do not detect current infections. They only detect if a person has been infected within a few weeks or months ago, he said.

He also pointed out that the tests are not specific to COVID-19.

If you test positive, you could have caught a different coronavirus from your dog. For this reason, Australia, England and India all stopped using them, because they are not accurate.

The World Health Organization in Indonesia has said the use of antibody tests gives travellers with non-reactive results a false sense of security as the tests sensitivity to COVID-19 varies between 34 percent and 80 percent.

The Association of Indonesias Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Specialists puts the accuracy of these tests at lower than 50 percent.

Budiman says the best way to prevent domestic tourists with COVID-19 from spreading the virus in Bali is to change the screening protocol to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test  the gold standard used to screen Indonesian citizens and permanent residents returning from overseas.

In Indonesia, Pakistan, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan and Nigeria, the proportion of people strongly disagreeing that vaccines are safe had increased significantly [Made Nagi/EPA]

Its a view shared by Udayana University Professor Gusti Ngurah Mahardika, Balis most senior virologist.

I have said since February that rapid antibody tests are not suitable to screen people coming to Bali. It is a cheap solution suitable for screening patients in the hospital, and if the patient is reactive they need to have a PCR test to confirm if theyre infected, he said.

A reaction to the test means the person has antibodies to a virus, but if someone does not react to the test it does not mean they do not have the virus.

They are interpreting the results the wrong way around, Mahardika added. Those with nonreactive results should have to have PCR tests on the spot or be quarantined.

Bad policy

Ahmad Utomo, a Jakarta-based independent molecular biological consultant specialising in the diagnosis of lung infections, agreed that the results of rapid antibody tests were being misinterpreted in Indonesia.

If a person is reactive, they are building their antibodies and I would feel safer around them than those whose test results are inactive, he said.

Utomo also said that testing for COVID-19 with rapid antibody tests is bad policy.

They are generally not used for screening. They are an epidemiological tool used to study the burden of disease in specific areas. I dont know why they insist on them.

But he is also sceptical about whether the surge in confirmed cases in Bali is related to the tests. He thinks the jump is more a reflection of people failing to follow guidelines designed to curb the viruss spread.





Just like East Java where cases are surging, its probably about the behaviour of the masses, he said.

People are holding public demonstrations, refusing any kind of tests, refusing to wear masks and not practising physical distancing because they dont believe the disease is real. And its not entirely their fault.

About 80 percent of cases in Indonesia are asymptomatic. Of the remaining 20 percent, only about half are in intensive care and the public do not see them. Its not like people are dropping dead on the street.

Putting the economy first

The authorities in Indonesia have not explained why  given the concerns about reliability  the rapid antibody tests continue to be used as a travel requirement.

The Bali Provincial Government, Bali Disaster Mitigation Agency and health department referred enquiries to the Bali COVID-19 Task Force, which in turn referred enquiries back to the health department.

The National COVID-19 Task Force and National Disaster Management Agency in Jakarta did not immediately respond to Al Jazeeras queries.

On Monday, Bali announced that as part of its effort to contain the pandemic, it would start imposing fines of 100,000 rupiah ($6.77) on residents seen out without a face mask.

With incoming foreign tourists still banned in the entire country, domestic tourism is seen as a lifeline for Bali, where an estimated 50 to 80 percent of the economy is linked to tourism [Made Nagi/EPA]

Budiman, the epidemiology expert, believes the government made the decision because they already bought millions of rapid antibody tests from China and want to use the stock.

But others say the use of the tests is linked to the need to get the economy moving.

Writing in the academic website, The Conversation, University of Melbourne Indonesia experts Tim Mann and Tim Lindsey said the government was concerned that the struggling economy could lead to more criticism of its handling of the crisis  and possibly social unrest.

The economic impact has been especially felt in Bali, where estimates show at least half, and perhaps as much as 80 percent of gross domestic product is linked to tourism.

On September 1, President Joko Widodo acknowledged the Indonesian province with the biggest economic contraction is Bali, with negative growth of 11 percent.

Allowing domestic tourists to return to Bali is supposed to provide a much-needed economic lifeline for the island.

The antibody test costs about $10 per person.

But the PCR tests cost between $83 and $179, making them prohibitively expensive for many of the middle-class Indonesians who make up most of the countrys domestic tourism market.

If everyone had to take PCR tests, the cost for a family could be $1,000, a hotel executive in Bali told Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity.

In that case, nobody would come.
Washington, DC, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Covid-19 has shown us that schools are more than just places of education, they provide for many student needs, including healthcare. The School-Based Health Alliance honored Dr. Claire Brindis and Dr. Angela Diaz with the organizations Pioneer Award, which recognizes the founding members of the school-based health care (SBHC) movement who fought for national recognition of at-risk adolescents and how SBHCs are well-suited to address their needs. Both Brindis and Diaz have embodied this mission by growing the SBHC field, and contributing to SBHC research, evaluation, and peer-reviewed literature.

School-based health care is a powerful tool to address health equity among children and adolescents. In 2017, there were over 2,500 school-based health centers across the country in almost every state. Integrated into the education environment, school-based health care results in positive outcomes, including reduced student absenteeism.

Claire Brindis has been, and continues to be, a champion for school-based health centers and healthcare. She has worked arduously throughout the years advocating for access to health care for all children. She has written over 20 articles, specifically on school-based health centers and their impact on the population and has written over 200 articles total. Early in the history of SBHCs, Brindis participated in conducting the first national surveys that helped document the vital role that they played in young peoples lives, as well as co-authoring the first user-friendly evaluation guidebook on SBHCs, which has been used by countless programs to document their impact on the health and well-being of young people.

As an early pioneer in building SBHC programs, Brindis has worked tirelessly to bring awareness and funding to SBHCs in California and around the country. Brindis illustrious career working with SBHCs, the Adolescent and Young Adult Health National Resource Center, and the National Academy of Medicine, in addition to her advocacy efforts, is an inspiration to the school-based health care field and serves as a model for the mission of the School-Based Health Alliance.

Story continues

Angela Diaz is a strong advocate and fundraiser for school-based health centers. Her work in this field began in 1989, when she accepted the job offer to run the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center in Harlem, New York. After having immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic, she sought help from this center for depression, not knowing that it would shape her schooling and career as well as give her the ability to help countless young people for years to come. She currently serves as the chief fundraiser and administrator for the center.

Diaz is an advocate for stricter confidentiality policies for health centers that would allow adolescents to feel more comfortable in sharing with the health center staff. This is just one of the many policies, at the state and federal level, that she advocates for. The School-Based Health Alliance recognizes Diaz for her hard work, dedication, and lifetime commitment to serving the young people in her community and beyond.

We deeply appreciate the efforts of these two women to pave the way for school-based health care in their communities and throughout the country. They both serve as role models for all that we do here at the School-Based Health Alliance, said Robert Boyd, president of the Alliance.

With the cancellation of the in-person National School-Based Health Care Convention this summer in Denver, the Alliance will present Brindis and Diaz with their awards virtually in July.

About the School-Based Health Alliance

The School-Based Health Alliance is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that was founded in 1995. We are the national voice for school-based health care. We serve the school-based health care field by providing technical assistance, resources, and trainings so they can provide the best-quality health care to their patients. In addition, we advocate for policies on the local, state, and federal level that strengthen school health. We support our technical assistance and advocacy workand the entire school-based health care fieldthrough quality research and evaluation. For more information, please visit www.sbh4all.org. To learn more about the specifics of each program, visit the School-Based Health Alliance website.

CONTACT: Laura Brey School-Based Health Alliance (202) 638-5872 lbrey@sbh4all.org




Germany-based Wystrach has developed a solution to install hydrogen refueling stations wherever they are needed. The 350-bar hydrogen solution is also suitable for heavy-duty vehicles. From pv magazine Germany Wystrach - a German manufacturer of compressed gas cylinder bundles, natural gas storage systems, gas containers and transport pallets - has launched WyRefueler, a mobile hydrogen refueling station solution. The. new tech is suitable for a range of applications. It consists of two components: the tank and the gas station container, a company spokeswoman told pv magazine. They are built as ...

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.
Pfizer has joined nine other leading pharmaceutical companies in a pledge to put science before competition when it comes to the coronavirus vaccine.

The pledge includes companies such as AstraZeneca in the United Kingdom, and Johnson & Johnson in the United States.

The companies called the agreement an historic pledge and promised to to uphold the integrity of the scientific process as they work towards potential global regulatory filings and approvals of the first COVID-19 vaccines.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla appeared on NBCs Today Show on Tuesday, Sept. 8 after the pledge was announced.

The only rival here is the virus, he said.

Pfizer expects to start regulatory review on its vaccine as early as October 2020, Bourla said. The vaccines production facilities include the Pfizer plant in Kalamazoo County.

So far, the company has recruited 25,000 patients to test the vaccine, Bourla said.

Pfizer and BioNTech, a small German firm, have reached a $1.95 billion agreement with the U.S. government to supply up to 100 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year.

In July, Henry Ford Health System was chosen as a vaccine trial site. It was the only healthcare system in Michigan among the 90 selected for trials across the country.

NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie asked Bourla about President Trumps recent comments alluding to having a vaccine before Election Day. Bourla said he did not want to directly comment on the presidents remarks but doubled down on the promise that the scientific process would not be rushed for political reasons.

All the companies are saying we will only submit for authorization when we have evidence of safety and efficacy, Bourla said.

A Gallup poll published in August found that one in three Americans, 35%, would not get an FDA-approved coronavirus vaccine if it were available today for free.

Surveys found that political parties play a strong role in Americans' views on COVID-19. Eighty-one percent of Democrats surveyed said they are willing to be vaccinated compared with 59% of independents and 47% of Republicans, according to Gallup.

Many Americans said they were hesitant to get a vaccine because they felt the process was being rushed.

Bourla said he understands the skepticism coming from Americans especially since information surrounding the pandemic has been confusing and fluid. He pointed to Pfizers 171 years in business that has led them to become a pharmaceutical giant.

Collectively, the nine companies that pledged not to rush the process have produced 70 novel vaccines, according to a Pfizer press release.

On the Today Show, Bourla urged viewers to consider the vaccine from a public health perspective.

Their decision will not only affect their lives, which at the end of the day it is their judgement, but it will affect the lives of others," he said. "If they dont vaccinate, they will become the weak link that allows this virus to replicate.

More on MLive:

Tuesday, Sept. 8, coronavirus data by Michigan county: College outbreaks spike numbers in 5 counties

Coronavirus risk assessment for Michigan schools: Where and when is it safe to reopen?

Michigan health officials urge coronavirus testing for asymptomatic people, despite federal pivot

Some Michigan residents among first to receive trial coronavirus vaccine
WATERLOO REGION  In the weeks since a devastating explosion tore through Beirut, international aid organizations have tried to provide the basics to the hundreds of thousands of people left homeless  food and water, medical aid and temporary shelter.

But the citys needs will be measured in years, not weeks, and two charitable organizations have joined forces to provide long-term assistance.

Whats always impressed me about Mennonite Central Committee is that, after its all said and done, MCC stays on the ground, and stays behind, said Shawky Fahel, a Waterloo entrepreneur and founder of the Canadian International Development Organization (CIDO).

Remembering Beirut as a beautiful, beautiful city from previous visits, Fahel knew he needed to help. Partnering with MCC was a no-brainer.

Rampant government corruption in Lebanon meant aligning with credible, independent organizations with local knowledge was key for CIDO, Fahel said. We have to be very cautious with who were dealing with.

MCC already had staff in Beirut prior to the Aug. 4 blast, and immediately began planning and implementing its response with its partners there. The explosion of ammonium nitrate stored in a port warehouse killed at least 190, injured thousands and is believed to have left as many as 300,000 people homeless.

The two groups will focus on such things as hygiene, food and water, and psychological and psychosocial help, Fahel said. Donated funds will also be earmarked for health needs, shelter, education and peace-building.

Our shared values of promoting peace, change, conflict prevention and the creation of healthy environments make this partnership a great fit, MCC Ontario executive director John Head said in a release. This is the first time the two groups have worked together, but Fahel said he hopes it will lead to lasting collaboration.

Donations can be made online at mcco.ca/CIDO or by calling 519-745-8458; donations are eligible for tax receipts.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has sent additional dry chemical powder on a request from the Sri Lankan Navy as part of efforts to douse the blaze on board an oil tanker off the island nation's coast, the maritime agency said on Tuesday. The Indian Navy and the Coast Guard have been helping the Sri Lankan Navy to douse the fire in Marine Tanker New Diamond since September 3. The fire, which killed one Filipino crew member and injured another, was extinguished completely on Sunday but a new fire broke out due to extreme heat, which has also been curbed considerably.

Indian Coast Guard ship Abheek was sent with 1,500 kilograms of the dry chemical powder (DCP) for the Sri Lankan Navy at the Trincomalee harbour. A Coast Guard Dornier aircraft was also dispatched to Trincomalee, it added. In order to supplement the surface firefighting efforts with the aerial dropping of Dry Chemical Powder (DCP), the Sri Lankan Navy had requested ICG for additional DCP. ICGS Abheek with 1,500 kgs of DCP was diverted from on scene to enter Trincomalee harbour for handing over the DCP to Sri Lankan Navy.

"CG Dornier 770 with 700 kgs DCP was also dispatched from Chennai to Trincomalee. Sri Lankan ships, Indian Naval ships are also operating in the area, the Coast Guard said in a statement. Being the competent national authority under South Asian Co-operative for Environment Protection (SACEP) for responding and coordinating pollution response in the South Asian Sea region, the ICG launched an operation towards fire-fighting and consequential pollution response since September 3.

A bilateral MoU also exists between ICG and the Sri Lankan Coast Guard (SLCG) covering cooperation in the marine pollution response domain. The fire, which re-ignited late on Monday evening, increased drastically by midnight, with very high flames emanating from the funnel and aft section, reaching almost 50-60 metres from the weather deck.

The sustained firefighting efforts by ICG Ships Sujay, Shaurya, Sarang and specialised ICG Pollution Response Vessel Samudra Paheredar along with Sri Lankan ships and tugs ensured the intensity and magnitude of the fire were reduced considerably by daybreak on Tuesday. The captain of MT New Diamond, onboard ICGS Shaurya, has intimated the Coast Guard that the fire appears to have been doused, it said.

The situation is being monitored closely and boundary cooling with seawater and application of foam has been enhanced to avoid re-ignition. The persistence of fire for eight days has weakened the accommodation superstructure. No significant list is observed. The vessel is trimmed by aft by about 3 feet, the Coast Guard added.

MT New Diamond is being held by Tug TTT1 in position about 30 miles from the nearest coast of Sri Lanka for preventing drifting of the vessel ashore and facilitating fire-fighting operation both by ships and aircraft including logistics ease. Continuous liaison and coordination are being maintained with Sri Lankan Navy and Coast Guard and other authorities for augmentation and effective response, the statement added. The Sri Lankan Navy, in a statement, said the re-ignited fire on board the Panama-registered tanker, carrying nearly 2 million barrels of crude oil, has been curbed to an extent.

There is no risk of the fire spreading to the oil storage or leaking oil from the ship into the sea as of now, the statement said. Ships, aircraft and tugs belonging to the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and other stakeholders are continuing their disaster management operations to suppress the fire caused by adverse weather, the Lankan Navy added.
A supposed to be exciting gender-reveal became a frightening moment as it turned out to be the cause of wildfire burning in California.

Officials claim that one of the multiple wildfires in California started during a gender reveal party. In a press release, Cal Fire said that a "smoke-generating pyrotechnic device" used at a party sparked El Dorado Fire in San Bernardino County.

According to CNN, On Saturday, at 10:23 AM PT, the fire started at the El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa and scattered from the park north on to Yucaipa Ridge. Then the fire grew to 8,600 acres as of Monday, and only 7% of the fire contained, as per San Bernardino National Forest.

Capt. Bennet Milloy, Cal fire investigator, told CNN affiliate KABC-TV that the family who hosted the gender reveal tried to stop the fire when it first ignited. "They tried to use water bottles, which in 4-foot high grass, you're never going to capture a grass fire with that," Capt. Milloy said.

As per KCAL-TV, The wildfire is still under investigation. The involved family who conducted the gender reveal face charges, including pyrotechnics and causing a fire recklessly.

The communities of Yucaipa Ridge, Oak Glen, Forest Falls, and Mountain Home Village were ordered to evacuate because of the uncontained fire. According to Cal Fire, an evacuation warning took effect for the Yucaipa Community Center and Yucaipa bench area.

More than 600 personnel are deployed to the fire area, six helicopters, and six aircraft along with sixty engines. The fire in eldorado continued burning overnight, but the fire made a significant push downslope on Monday as the fire affected structures in its path, as per the San Bernardino National Forest.

Patrick Patterson, a resident nearby the Oak Glen community, told KABC, "That place, there's nothing green out there. It's a meadow of dry, brown, dead grass. Why would you go out there and think that you can light off any firework? Smoke or otherwise. It all has fire."

On Monday evening, the national forest temporarily closed to all public use due to the threat from high fire danger, also due to firefighting resources spread to the limit, as per the US Forest Service. The seven other national forests in Central and Southern California will close to the public due to the "monumental fire threat."

Eldorado blaze has not yet announced any charges regarding the incident.

In 2017, a gender reveal party also sparked a wildfire in Arizona, which burned almost 47,000 acres and caused more than $8 million damage.An off-duty US Border Patrol agent was the expectant father. He packed the target with the explosive Tannerite with a high-powered rifle. In 2018, the father pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and sentenced five years probation. He was also ordered to pay almost $8.2 million in restitution.

A gender-reveal party for expectant parents is commonly an Instagram-friendly event held during pregnancy to reveal the gender of their baby. Friends and family usually witness the event. The gender reveal can be in the form of an explosion of color blue for a baby boy or pink for a baby girl.

Check these out:

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Health News

Phoenix, Arizona - As Arizona continues efforts to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, state health agencies and the Governors Office are partnering with health care providers and businesses to prepare for the upcoming flu season.

Governor Doug Ducey today was joined by leaders representing hospitals, pharmacies, doctors, nurses, public health, universities and more to announce a plan of action to increase influenza vaccination rates and urge Arizonans to get the flu shot.



The overlap of COVID-19 and flu season presents a perfect storm  and we arent taking any chances, said Governor Ducey. We are approaching this fall with a proactive mindset and plan of action to limit the impact of the flu and preserve hospital resources. Im grateful to all our partners among health care, businesses, universities, public health and more for their help getting more flu shots to more people this year  especially those from underserved communities. I urge all Arizonans to get their flu shots. Its never been more important to do so.



Every Arizonan who can get the influenza vaccine should get it right away, said Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ. The influenza vaccine is safe and is the best prevention tool we have against the influenza virus. We need everyone to do their part to stop the spread of influenza and COVID-19 in our communities, starting now.



Its important that all Arizonans have access to the flu vaccine this year, and were working especially hard to reach underserved communities across the state, said Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Director Jami Snyder. The vaccine is safe and important  and it is readily available at pharmacies and health care sites throughout Arizona. Thank you to the pharmacies and providers that are getting the vaccine to Arizonans and keeping families safe and healthy.



With the presence of COVID-19 already in our community, its likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading this fall, said Equality Health Senior Vice President Anabell Castro Thompson. For this reason, the flu vaccine is more important than ever to protect our community and elders, and individuals with vulnerable health conditions. Together, we can strengthen the health of individuals and communities.



Its heartening to hear the plans the Governor and Dr. Christ have marshalled to protect the health and wellbeing of the people of Arizona during the upcoming influenza season, said Valleywise Health President and CEO Steve Purves. If you want to support our states health care heroes who are on the frontlines every day, please get a flu shot this year. Were grateful for the hard work that health care workers, first responders, communities and local leaders have put in to keep our citizens healthy.



Arizona is taking enhanced steps to expand access to the flu vaccine and encourage more Arizonans to get it. As part of these efforts, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is issuing an administrative action to enable certified pharmacists to administer the flu vaccine to children currently enrolled in AHCCCS and is increasing payments to providers for vaccine administration. In addition, AHCCCS is offering $10 gift cards to members who get their flu vaccine. Data from other states show these actions have increased the vaccine medication rates among Medicaid members by upwards of 50 percent.



Additional actions being taken by the Arizona Department of Health Services include:

Significantly increasing the amount of influenza vaccines available to uninsured and underinsured Arizonans;

Launching a public education campaign - "Roll Up Your Sleeve;

Partnering with health care providers and pharmacies;

Conducting outreach to businesses, creating a business toolkit." The toolkit will provide information and resources, including guidance for businesses to set up their own flu vaccine clinics;

Expanding the flu vaccine at COVID-19 testing sites;

And creating an online Vaccine Finder available soon.

For more information visit azhealth.gov.
(Natural News) During a recent campaign stop in Wisconsin, presidential hopeful Joe Biden discussed some of his theories on race, including his belief that a black man invented the light bulb, not a white guy named Edison.

Speaking to a group of black people, Biden talked about how he believes the best way to confront racism, which he described as Americas original sin, is to start teaching children historical facts about how black people actually invented things that are attributed to whites.

People fear that which is different, Biden bellowed through his face mask. Weve got to, for example, why in Gods name dont we teach history in history classes?

Theres so much  did anybody know before what recently happened that Black Wall Street in Oklahoma was burned to the ground? Anybody know these things? Because we dont teach them. Weve got to give people facts. Teach them whats out there.

While a man named Lewis Latimer is said to have improved upon Thomas Edisons original light bulb prototype, Edison is still the guy that came up with the idea, at least as far as we know from history.

Biden blames Trump for Antifa, Black Lives Matter violence

Perhaps these statements are indicative of his late-stage dementia, or maybe Biden actually believes the things he is saying. In any case, he continues to say them while getting endlessly patted on the back by the mainstream media.

Biden is also getting a free pass concerning his repeated claim that President Donald Trump is to blame for all the rioting and looting taking place in cities like Portland and Kenosha.

According to Biden, it is all Trumps fault that Jacob Blake, for instance, resisted arrest, reached for a weapon, and was consequently shot by police for threatening their lives with his behavior.

It is also Trumps fault that Blake sexually assaulted his former girlfriend before stealing her vehicle, which is why he had a warrant out for his arrest the day he was shot.

I dont think we have any alternative but to fight, Biden proclaimed to his black audience about what he believes is the appropriate response to the Blake shooting. I dont think we have any alternative but to fight back. I dont think we have any alternative but just to go tell the truth.

During an earlier campaign stop in Pittsburgh, Biden blasted Trump for supposedly igniting civil unrest in other American cities as well, including in Minneapolis where Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Antifa terrorists burned down the city, destroyed businesses and beat innocent people with weapons.

Several days before Biden arrived in Kenosha, Trump was there assessing the damage that took place. His attorney general, William Barr, has since revealed that many of the protesters who were there causing damage came from out of town, and were not, in fact, locals.

These are the same people, many of them who came from out of town, Barr announced about how the same protesters from one city are appearing in many others.

Out of 175 arrests, 100 were from out of town, he added. These are the same people using the same tactics that have been used in various cities: Washington, Atlanta, Chicago, now Kenosha, Portland.

According to Barr, these protesters are using black-block tactics to cause trouble, including by throwing projectiles at police and literally trying to inflict injuries on police, arson, and rioting.

Meanwhile, Wisc. Gov. Tony Evers told Trump not to visit Kenosha, even though he later did, claiming that the presidents presence would only further the divisiveness that leads to rioting and looting.

The latest election-related news can be found at Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
President Donald Trump at the North Portico at the White House in Washington on Sept. 7, 2020. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Trump Says Pentagon Chiefs Beholden to Weapons Manufacturers

President Donald Trump suggested on Sept. 7 that the leaders of the Department Defense are not fond of him because they are aligned with the interests of the weapons and military equipment corporations.

Im not saying the military is in love with me; the soldiers are, the president said during a Labor Day speech at the White House. The top people in the Pentagon probably arent because they want to do nothing but fight wars so that all of those wonderful companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else stay happy.

But were getting out of the endless wars, the president added.

The president made the remarks as the White House continued to deal with a media spectacle following the publication of an anonymously sourced article by The Atlantic which claimed that Trump disparaged members of the military during a trip to France. More than a dozen current and former officials who were on the trip have since come forward to deny the unverifiable claims.

Later the same day, Trump shared a number of posts featuring President Dwight Eisenhowers final speech, which he devoted to warning the nation about the unchecked growth of the U.S. weapons industry.

We have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. Added to this, three and a half million men and women are directly engaged in the defense establishment. We annually spend on military security more than the net income of all United States corporations, Eisenhower said at the time.

This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influenceeconomic, political, even spiritualis felt in every city, every State house, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump has repeatedly emphasized that he has increased the military budget and rebuilt the U.S. armed forces. The Department of Defense is funded with $721.5 billion in taxpayer money in fiscal year 2020, up from $686.1 billion the prior year.

During the Labor Day speech, Trump celebrated the defeat of the ISIS terrorist caliphate on his watch.

And I said, Thats good. Lets bring our soldiers back home. Some people dont like to come home. Some people like to continue to spend money, the president said. One cold-hearted globalist betrayal after another, and thats what it was.
Tension escalated further along the disputed boundary between India and China as the soldiers of the two nations exchanged fire on the south bank of Pangong Tso (lake) in eastern Ladakh on Monday night.

Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) claimed that its soldiers had been forced to take countermeasures in response to the warning shots fired by the Indian Army personnel at them on the south bank of the Pangong Tso.

A source in New Delhi confirmed the incident of firing without giving any details. It is still not clear if the Indian Army or the Chinese PLA suffered any casualties.

Senior Colonel Zhang Suili, a spokesperson of the PLAs Western Theatre Command, issued a statement late at night stating that the Indian Army had again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the south bank of Pangong Tso (lake) on Monday.

The Global Times, a media organization run by the Communist Party of China, quoted Sr Colonel Zhang in a post on Twitter, stating that the Indian Army personnel had outrageously fired warning shots on the PLA border patrol soldiers.



The PLA personnel were about to negotiate when they were fired upon by the Indian Army soldiers, the Global Times tweeted quoting Sr Colonel Zhang.

The exchange of fire took place just three days after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had a meeting with his counterpart in the Chinese government, Wei Fenghe, on the sidelines of a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Moscow. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar too is likely to have a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sideline of another SCO meet in Moscow later this week.

It was the second incident of firing after the Indian Army and the Chinese PLA got engaged in a standoff on multiple locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)  the de facto boundary between the two nations in the western sector  in early May. The first violent face-off between the Indian Army and the Chinese PLA took place in Galwan Valley on June 15. The Indian Army lost 21 soldiers in the clash in Galwan Valley. The PLA too suffered casualties, but never made public the number of its soldiers, who were injured or killed in the clash.

Indias actions seriously violated the relevant agreements between China and India, pushing up regional tensions and easily causing misunderstandings and misjudgments, the spokesperson of the PLAs Western Theater Command stated after the two sides exchanged fire on Monday. He termed the action of the Indian Army as serious military provocations.

He said that the Indian Army should immediately stop dangerous actions and pull back troops, who crossed the LAC and entered into the territory of China.

The PLA spokesperson also asked the Indian Army to strictly restrain its front-line troops, and strictly investigate and punish personnel who fired shots on the Chinese Army soldiers  in order to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again.

He said that the PLA would resolutely perform its duties and missions and resolutely defend territorial sovereignty of China.

The Indian Army during August 29-30 night carried out an operation on the south bank of the Pangong Tso to pre-empt a fresh move by the Chinese PLA to cross the LAC and transgress into the territory of India.

The Indian Army personnel took over the mountaintops overlooking the Chinese PLAs positions in the area, thus pre-empting the imminent incursion bid by the communist countrys soldiers.

The Chinese PLA already dug in heels on the northern bank of the lake and declined to withdraw troops to restore the status quo in the area  thus stalling the process of disengagement it had agreed with the Indian Army to end the standoff, which started early May.

China did thin out troops from the Finger 4 on the northern bank of the Pangong Tso in early July, after it agreed with India on a process of mutual withdrawal of troops from all the face-off scenes along the LAC. The PLA, however, held on to the area between Finger 5 and Finger 8  an eight-kilometre-long stretch it took over after its stand-off with the Indian Army started in early May. It rather brought in more troops, built bunkers and observation posts, dug trenches, pitched tents and set up new prefabricated huts to accommodate additional soldiers, apart from deploying its navy unit with more speed-boats for patrolling on the lake.

The Chinese Army not only fortified its position in the entire stretch from Finger 5 to Finger 8, but also occupied the ridgeline overlooking the fingers  thus effectively controlling an area of nearly 30 sq. kms. denying access to the Indian Army to places it regularly patrolled before the stand-off started three months ago.

The Indian Army is currently holding on to its position between Finger 2 and Finger 3 on the northern bank of the lake.

The spurs of the mountain range on the northern bank of the Pangong Tso jut towards the lake like the fingers of the palm, with the Finger 1 at the western end and the Finger 8 at the eastern end. China claims that the LAC, after cutting through the Pangong Tso, goes through the Finger 4. India, on the other hand, claims that the line goes through the Finger 8.

The Indian Army earlier regularly sent patrols from its Maj Dhan Singh Thapa post near Finger 3 all the way up to Finger 8. But the soldiers of the two nations had a scuffle near Finger 4 on May 5. The PLA later built bunkers and observation posts and deployed additional troops in the area, thus denying access to the Indian Army to its earlier patrolling limit  the Finger 8. The Indian Army too deployed additional troops in response to the PLA build, resulting in the standoff, which soon spread to other areas along the LAC.

That China dug in its heels in the finger areas on the bank of the Pangong Tso was evident when its envoy to India, Sun Weidong, asserted the communist countrys claim on the entire stretch. On the northern bank of Pangong Lake, China's traditional customary boundary line is in accordance with the LAC. There is no such (thing) as China expanded its territorial claim, Sun said, while responding to a question during a webinar hosted by Institute of Chinese Studies in New Delhi on July 30.
In the weeks leading up to the start of this school year, many districts have been abandoning plans to teach students in person because of the coronavirus. And thousands are indeed starting the year with remote-only instruction. But now there are signs that more districts are embracing the traditional model: 100 percent face-to-face instruction.

A survey conducted by the EdWeek Research Center on Aug. 26-28 found that while only a small slice of districts plan to conduct all of their instruction in person, their ranks are growing. Our nationally representative online survey of 826 K-12 educators included 415 teachers, 149 principals, and 262 district-level administrators.

When we asked the district leaders to describe their reopening plans, 13 percent said theyd use 100 percent face-to-face instruction. Thats up from 9 percent the last time we administered the survey, on July 23.



Make no mistake: The picture is hardly one of an overwhelming rush to in-person learning. In the five weeks between the two surveys, the biggest shifts were in the direction of remote instruction and hybrid formats, which blend remote and face-to-face teaching. And EdWeeks own database of districts reopening plans shows that as of Sept. 2, 73 percent of the 100 biggest districts in the country plan to reopen in all-remote mode.

But the edging-upward in the traditional, 100 percent face-to-face model is worth noting, given all the simultaneous movement in the opposite direction in recent weeks.

Another portion of the EdWeek Research Centers survey also points to an increasing embrace of all-in-person instruction: Support for face-to-face learning is rising among teachers, principals, and district leaders.

In the July 23 survey, less than half of those educators favored a return to full-time, in-person instruction. By Aug. 28, that number had risen to 61 percent. (Teachers are the least supportive, but even among that group, 54 percent said they favor full-time in-person instruction. Sixty-nine percent of principals and 71 percent of district leaders expressed support for the idea.)

Watching Virus Infection Rates

The Mifflinburg school district in Pennsylvania illustrates one way the shift to in-person instruction can happen: when local virus metrics become friendlier to welcoming students back into campus buildings.

After planning for a hybrid model, the districts board decided Sept. 1 that it would open with face-to-face instruction for all students on Sept. 8 because local coronavirus case numbers have declined, according to local media reports.

Mifflinburgs most recent plan is the third in five weeks, reflecting the constantly changing landscape schools are dealing with as they plan for reopening.

In a vote July 28, the board decided to let parents opt for full-time face-to-face or fully remote instruction. But in a letter to parents Aug. 14, Superintendent Daniel R. Lichtel said the state departments of health and education were advising districts in their county to consider remote learning options because of rising COVID-19 cases.

On Aug. 25, the school board voted to offer the choice of in-person instruction only to elementary-age students. Those in grade 6 and above would attend school on some days, and learn from home on others.

By Sept. 1, however, case numbers warranted a shift in the countys risk designation from substantial to moderate, allowing Mifflinburg to reopen fully for in-person teaching.

Photo: Students returning to West Jefferson High School in Harvey, La., keep a distance from each other as they walk into school Aug. 31 for in-class learning during the coronavirus pandemic. Chris Granger/The Advocate via AP
Less than three months after the resignations of all but two members of the International Thriller Writers associations board of directors, the organization is rebuilding to better serve its members with an eye towards avoiding the recent controversies that have plagued it and several other organizations serving writers. Like other organizations, including most recently, the National Book Critics Circle, ITW has been forced to confront charges of racial insensitivity. ITW is also dealing with the aftermath of charges lodged with the organization as well as with Dallas, Tex. police that a male author affiliated with ITW allegedly assaulted a female author during a conference in late fall, 2019.

ITW members recently voted on a slate of 11 mystery and thriller authors who will join its board beginning in mid-October, including such notables as Anthony Horowitz and C.J. Box. Half of the new members are female, including Karin Slaughter, Kathy Reichs, and Lisa Gardner. ITW has created a new committee, diversity and outreach, headed by incoming board member Alexia Gordon. Veteran board officer Heather Graham and incoming board member Gregg Hurwitz will serve as co-presidents of the 12-member board.

In addition, in July the 16-year-old organization established a security and safety committee to draft a comprehensive process for dealing with violations of its code of conduct policies. The six-member committee includes at least one survivor of assault, a law enforcement officer, a district attorney, a psychologist, and a victims rights lawyer.

The committee is making excellent progress, interim executive director Kimberly Howe told PW, The new procedures will offer a victim-friendly process that will thoroughly investigate each complaint, allow the subject to fully respond, and will result in ITW providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all participants of Thrillerfest  the organization's annual convention held in New York City -- and any other gatherings sponsored by ITW, which has 5,000 active members in 44 countries.

Conflict and Introspection

According to a report by Hillel Italie for the Associated Press, the troubles leading to the late June exodus of ITWs board members originated with widespread criticism of what many considered an insensitive statement issued on June 3 by the organization in response to Black Lives Matter protests. According to several sources who spoke to PW, the short statement began with ITW affirming its support for its Black members, "as we do for all our members, whatever their color, ethnicity, gender, faith, or orientation." The original statement was "very much an 'all lives matter' kind of statement," noted a source who requested anonymity. The statement was quickly removed, and a revised statement posted on ITW's website in its stead.

The actual catalyst for the resignations, however, was the boards dismissal of a female authors allegations of assault at a writers conference. According to an essay by Jay Stringer in Book & Film Globe, the alleged assault took place during Bouchercons annual mystery convention, held in Dallas Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2019; a police report was filed by the alleged victim and a witness, another female author. The accused was an author affiliated both with ITW and with Bouchercon. ITW initially dismissed the complaint made to the organization by the alleged victim in April, stating that it had no jurisdiction over a non-ITW event, and that she would not see the accused at any ITW event until next year, due to the transformation of this summer's Thrillerfest into a virtual gathering.

After board member Ed Aymar resigned in protest, ITW released a statement on June 22 identifying the alleged victim but not the accused.

According to Stringer's report, confirmed by several authors PW interviewed, including the alleged victim, the genre fiction community was vocal in its objections to ITW's treatment of the woman who had made the allegations. ITW members canceled their memberships. In a June 19 tweet, Blake Crouch disclosed that he had withdrawn his 2019 novel Recursion from consideration for ITW's Thriller Award for best hardcover novel; all five nominees being considered for ITW's Thriller Award for best e-book original novel withdrew their names from consideration as well.

Two petitions also circulated among ITW members in June: one petition, launched by Vanessa Lillie called for ITW to investigate the allegations; following ITWs public statement identifying the alleged victim, Lillie's second petition demanded the resignations of the entire board.

"The first petition was about the allegations, but it was also about their handling of the Black Lives Matter movement," Lillie said, "It was about the cavalier treatment of women and also Black writers. I've been to Thrillerfest. It's a white space, it's a white male space. I wanted [the alleged victim] to feel that she wasn't doing this alone. The second petition was after they outed [the woman] and used her name multiple times. The board was tone deaf. I did it from a place of wanting ITW to be better."

The first petition had 5,000 views, gathered almost 1,000 signatures from both members and non-members. The second petition, which asked only members to sign, gathered 180 signatures in less than 24 hours. It was pulled on June 23 after eight members of the board resigned, leaving only co-presidents Graham and John Lescroart. Lescroart's term on the board is up this fall; thus, Graham is the only veteran board member moving forward. Graham is also an ex officio member of Bouchercon's board of directors.

Executive director Elizabeth Berry also resigned her position, effective July 10, and was replaced by Howe.

"There's a lot of new energy on the board now," Lillie said, "They're people who support women and people of color. It's not just white men." The former board, before the wave of resignations in June, consisted of 10 men and two women.

Bouchercon Responds to Allegations

Bouchercon, a mystery writers organization that holds a fan-based convention in a different city each year drawing between 1,500-2,000 attendees, did not respond to multiple requests by PW to the organization and to board chair Mike Hursaw, an Indiana bookseller, asking what measures the organization is implementing to protect attendees at future events. Bouchercon posted this summer an undated and unsigned statement acknowledging the incident of harassment at the annual gathering in Dallas.

We take every complaint of harassment seriously, Bouchercon states on the landing page of its website, We have an anti- harassment policy which condemns any form of harassment. We are currently reviewing the policy to ensure it contains appropriate reporting procedures, actionable steps, and transparency. We expect and strive for every Bouchercon event to be a safe space for our members, attendees, vendors and guests.

Bouchercon also investigated the 2019 incident in Dallas, and according to the alleged victim in an email to PW, "Last week Bouchercon notified me that they wrapped up their investigation and decided on an action. I am happy with the outcome and feel their efforts will protect our community well." On the advice of her attorney, she declined to provide further details.

As part of its effort to make its annual convention safer for attendees, Bouchercon recently revised its Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy, which previously only applied to conduct inside official Bouchercon spaces, such as Bouchercon sponsored or produced events, as well as its social media accounts. The revised policy is more comprehensive than the previous one, and applies to "any and all Bouchercon members, board members, committee members, at-large members, attendees and/or guests of attendees at all times, as well as during attendance at Bouchercon sponsored or produced events, whether in-person, virtual and/or otherwise."
The lights had all but gone out on the dozens of small solar projects once planned in Montana by the time the states Supreme Court ruled at the end of August that regulators violated renewable energy law when dealing with solar.

At one point in 2016 there had been more than 90 small solar energy projects trying to connect to NorthWestern Energy. The states largest monopoly utility didnt want the solar power. A series of actions by Montanas Public Service Commission to keep the projects from turning a profit eventually snuffed the interest.

Who knows if we might recover some of that in the future," said Jeff Fox of Renewable Northwest. "But no matter what there are counties that their budgets are poorer for the last few years because of this action from the PSC. And there are employees who did not have a job, all those kinds of things."

A divided Montana Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that Montana Public Service Commission knowingly harmed solar energy development by suspending a federal law that required NorthWestern Energy to buy power from alternative energy sources, in this case solar energy.
Michael M Santiago/Getty

The chief of the Rochester Police Department announced he would resign Tuesday following the release of shocking footage of the March death of a 41-year-old Black man in police custody.

LaRon Singletary leaves the department after 20 years under heavy scrutiny over the death of Daniel Prude. He said earlier this week he would not depart his position.

His top two officers in the departmentDeputy Chief Joseph Morabito and Deputy Chief Mark Simmonsalso announced they would step down from their positions. Simmons will stay on as a lieutenant, as will resigning commander Henry Favor. Another commander, Fabian Rivera, resigned Tuesday. Singletary did not name a successor.

City council members told Rochesters Democrat & Chronicle they learned of the resignations as they happened. The citys mayor, Lovely Warren, had previously accused Singletary of failing to handle the Prude incident properly, saying she only learned of the March death in August after Prudes family obtained bodycam footage. She also said earlier this week that she ultimately supported Singletary. The New York Attorney General's office has opened an investigation into the death.

The Brutal History of Spit Hoods, the Creepy Tool Cops Used on Daniel Prude

For the past two decades, I have served this community with honor, pride, and the highest integrity, Singletary wrote in a resignation letter. As a man of integrity, I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character. The events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity.

He decried what he described as the mischaracterization and the politicization of Prudes death.

According to the Democrat & Chronicle, Singletarys personnel file depicted him as a patient and professional law enforcement officer. He started in the department as an intern in 1998, and the mayor previously described him as dedicated to changing the culture of policing.

Prude died March 30, seven days after Rochester police detained him, put a spit hood over his head, forced him to the ground, and rendered him brain dead. The Monroe County medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, citing complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint due to excited delirium due to acute phycyclidine [PCP] intoxication. His brother had called 911 for assistance dealing with Prudes mental health crisis.

Story continues

Joe Prude called the polices actions cold-blooded murder. He called for the Singletarys resignation and those of other top police department officials.

Mounting outrage over Prudes death, the shocking police body-worn camera footage of his detainment, and the amount of time that elapsed before police went public with the incident have inspired protests for nearly a week in Rochester.

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For UK PM, leaving EUs trading arrangements without a deal is more politically feasible than before last years polls.

I will not back down, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, as he delivered his latest threat to walk away from Brexit talks without a new trade deal.

For economists, business leaders and European Union officials, the question is whether to believe him. There are plenty of reasons why they should, despite the political dangers for Johnson of worsening the already severe economic damage the U.K. faces from the coronavirus pandemic.

First, for Johnson, Brexit is personal. He led the campaign to exit the EU in 2016, then won a big majority to deliver Brexit in last Decembers election. Completing the process and taking Britain out of the EUs legal orbit at the end of the transition period in December would be his legacy.

Second, he likes a gamble, and some of his biggest bets have paid off. He agonized over whether to back Brexit in defiance of his party leader David Cameron, only to win and find himself in the Cabinet as Foreign Secretary.

Then he walked out of Theresa Mays government in 2018 when he felt she was betraying his vision of what Brexit means. After Johnson spent a year in the wilderness, euro-skeptic Tories ousted May and made him prime minister.

His warnings this week are those of a Brexit purist, and may not simply be a negotiating tactic. There can be no compromise on the fundamentals of Brexit  giving the U.K. control again over its own borders and lawmaking, he said.

Thirdly, while Johnson did back down to reach a breakthrough with Irelands Leo Varadkar in the exit talks last year, he was operating in a different political context: then, he couldnt have forced a no-deal Brexit through Parliament. Now, Johnson has a majority of 80 in the House of Commons, and all his MPs have signed up to delivering the split with the bloc. He can more or less do what he likes.

The fourth reason why Johnson might just go for a no-deal split, aside from wanting to avoid any further delays, is that Brexit is not at the center of political debate in the way it was last year. The coronavirus pandemic  and the governments mishandling of its response  have become far bigger concerns for both voters and politicians.

Deepest Recession

The U.K. has already been grappling with the deepest recession of any major economy, and a resurgence in the disease is likely to coincide with a huge rise in unemployment. That is where votes will be won and lost.

Walking away from the blocs single market and customs union without a deal on Dec. 31 would leave businesses facing costly quotas and tariffs on goods as the country defaulted to trading on terms set by the World Trade Organization.

But the prime minister could still seek to re-open negotiations at a later date to secure a better deal.

Our door will never be closed, Johnson said. We will of, course, always be ready to talk to our EU friends even in these circumstances.

Johnson believes he has the freedom to be flexible. He says he wants a deal. His officials insist he does, too, and there are still almost four months to go before the real deadline at the end of the year.

The leak of government plans to dilute parts of the Brexit withdrawal agreement sparked muted warnings from Brussels on Monday and private dismay from EU officials. There cannot be a trade deal if Johnson breaks his promises on the earlier divorce accord, the EU said.

In London, the premiers team showed they wanted to contain the damage. Officials worked hard on Monday to explain their thinking and play down any threat to the carefully crafted exit agreement.

After all, Johnson is a politician who loves to be loved. During a summer in which public pressure forced him to reverse plans repeatedly  on issues including exam grading, wearing face masks, and local lockdowns  Johnson has shown how much he cares about staying popular.

Opinion polls are studied closely in his Downing Street office. Currently they show only limited backing for leaving without a deal. Only a quarter of voters think that would be, as Johnson says, a good outcome, according to YouGov. Half say such a result would be bad or very bad.

How that sentiment shifts, or not, over the next four months may give the strongest clue to whether Johnson will change his mind.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 09:37:47|Editor: huaxia

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BRUSSELS, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Serbia and Kosovo pledged their commitment to the dialogue hosted by the European Union (EU) on Monday, after signing agreements with the United States on the normalization of their economic relations.

In a joint statement made by Aleksandar Vucic, president of Serbia, and Avdullah Hoti, the head of government of Kosovo, the two leaders confirmed to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell that they "attach the highest priority to EU integration" and to continuing the work on the EU-facilitated dialogue, which is "a key element of their respective EU paths."

The two leaders reassured the pan-Europe body of their loyalty after they agreed in Washington last Friday on more than a dozen terms about expanding their economic cooperation.

Besides, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Serbia will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem by next July and Kosovo and Israel have agreed to the normalization of ties.

Responding to media questions about the alignment with the EU's positions on issues concerning Israel and Palestine, EU spokesman Peter Stano said "any diplomatic steps that could call into question the EU common position on Jerusalem are a matter of serious concern and regret."

Stano said that Serbia is already negotiating its accession to the EU and is therefore expected to align progressively its policies with the third countries with the policies and positions adopted by the EU.

He told reporters that the EU had been informed ahead of Friday's meeting about the economic issues but had not been informed about other issues tackled in the end.

In the joint statement on Monday, Vucic and Hoti said in Brussels that they are committed to "redoubling their efforts to ensure further EU alignment in accordance with their respective obligations."

After issuing the statement, the two leaders entered the high-level meeting of the dialogue in person, hosted by Borrell and EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajcak.

Sensitive issues including arrangements for non-majority communities and the settlement of mutual financial claims and property were discussed. Expert level talks will continue next week.

Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Serbia rejects it and considers Kosovo its own province. Enditem
Srinagar, Sep 8 : The Jammu & Kashmir Police on Tuesday arrested three terrorist associates linked to proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba from north Kashmir's Bandipore district, officials said.

Incriminating materials including a hand grenade and flag making equipment have been recovered from their possession.

Police said it received information that some anti-national elements at the behest of local active terrorists of LeT had hoisted Pakistani flags at Main Bazar Hajin in Bandipore district in order to create fear psychosis and incite anti-national feelings among the people of Hajin area.

"Accordingly an FIR under relevant sections of law was registered and investigation was taken up. During the course of investigation, officers learnt about the involvement of three individuals involved in the commission of the crime. They have been arrested and identified as Mujeeb Shamas, Tanveer Ahmad Mir and Imtiyaz Ahmad Sheikh, all residents of Mir Mohalla Hajin," police said.

Police said incriminating material including one hand grenade, flags, flag-making cloth, sewing machine and other material used for preparing flags were recovered from them.
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Pages of my life turn over

As the breezes of time flow over me.

Remembrances of your presence

As the world welcomed my first born so many years ago.

Your calming voice and words of wisdom reminded me that life

Would be different, but oh so much better.

My little baby girl would grow to be a healer just as you,

Offering hope and consolation to those who seek her out.

Expert hands stitching the brow of my rambunctious toddler,

Telling me that my son would be fine.

Now he is a man grown tall and strong,

Finding his own pathway in this world.

How time has raced on.

When my heart waged a skirmish against me

You were there standing at my side,

Talking me down from the mountain of fear.

Your words of wisdom and compassionate care

Were a salve for my wounded heart.

Encouragement given to spur me on,

Telling me the sky is the limit

And so it was.

As chapters of my life are being written, you are there to guide me.

Sharing advice, but always maintaining our partnership, the give and take.

In this sacred clearing, we are each co-creators of this story that is my life.

One telling the story, the other patiently listening.

Roles flipping back and forth as life moves forward.

You are the cushion to soften the fall when life deals a harsh blow.

Always encouraging, always hopeful.

What will happen when your kind is absent,

Forced out by clutching hands, greed, and impatience

Making you feel unimportant and powerless?

Who will be there for comfort and support,

For the healing we search for?

The unconcerned do not see the forest for the trees,

Trees forming a wall blurring the truth.

But the truth must shine forth.

It has to.

Healers, do not lose hope!

To lose hope is to surrender.

To let them win.

Hold your head high, cluster together.

Let your voices make a resounding clamor, far and wide.

We, who need your healing touch, will be your support

as you have done for us.

This story has not reached its ending.

We both have lines to write

And words to be spoken.

Our partnership is worth fighting for.

This is dedicated to all physicians, to all healers, who have played a significant role in helping us move safely past the roadblocks in our lives. Most recently, our physicians and nurses have served tirelessly on the front lines combatting the coronavirus, a pandemic which has brought a huge loss of life to all parts of the world. Often, they have done this without adequate facilities, protective gear, and supplies at their disposal. To them, we owe our deepest gratitude. They have potentially sacrificed their own lives to attend to the sick and dying during this terrible time.

In the times we live in, the role of the physician has been severely impacted from all sides. The corporatization of medicine and all that it entails has led to the weakening of the once valued doctor-patient relationship. Visits to our physicians have become little more than business transactions between providers and consumers. Clicks on a keyboard replace face to face discourse.

Doctors are disheartened, overworked, feeling powerless. Their voices have been silenced for fear of retribution. Many are leaving the profession they have worked so hard to obtain and have sacrificed so much for. We ask that their story be told so that the truth of just how dire the situation is becomes known. We deserve and need to have the complete story.

Our brightest are seeking other careers outside the field of medicine. Residencies are being underfunded by Medicare thereby further diminishing the supply of fully qualified doctors. So the shortage of physicians continues to increase with no real solutions in sight. The time will come when we all will have to be content in seeing a substitute dressed in a white coat. Someone without the knowledge or experience that you, our physicians, possess. America, this is our wake up call. Hopefully, our recent experience with COVID-19 has taught us valuable lessons. We are, indeed, all in this together. Now is the time to write a different ending to this story, before it is too late.

Michele Luckenbaugh is a patient.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
This week Ben Caspit speaks with former Israeli envoy to the UN Ron Prosor. The veteran ambassador argues that the normalization deal with the United Arab Emirates transforms Israel from a 'secret mistress' into a 'legitimate wife'. For Prosor, the UAE is telling the Palestinians: We are engaging with Israel so that we can change its policy, instead of sitting on the balcony and shouting "its a lousy show."
A General Physician, Peter Atangwho, on Tuesday urged men to desist from bathing with hot water frequently to prevent low sperm count and other fertility problems.

Mr Atangwho, the Chief Executive Officer of TeleMed Online Clinic, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that using hot water to bath constantly may be good for other skins but not the testis.

Bathing with hot water frequently or men who use Saunas often, expose their testicles to heat and it reduces their sperm count.

Sperm cells are made to best survive in temperature of around 20-25 degrees Celsius, which is lower than normal body temperature (which is around 37 degrees Celsius).

That is why male testicles hang down away from the body.

In fact, if you are worried about infertility, it is best to bath with cold water, avoid hot water baths,  he said.

Mr Atangwho said that heat and radiation from laptops and cell phones could also damage sperm and cause lower sperm count.

He said that an average laptop generates heat of up to 70 degrees Celsius during use.

Placing a laptop directly on your laps can transfer some of that heat to your testis and prolonged use may cause irreversible changes in your male reproductive function.

It is best to use your laptop on a desk or table.

Also, studies have shown that using a cell phone for as little as one hour a day cooks sperm.

Men are hence advised to keep their cell phones as far away from the testes as possible by holding it in the hand or keeping it inside the back pocket instead of front pocket, he said.

Mr Atangwho also advised men to avoid wearing tight underwears such as pants or shorts as they keep the testicles closer to the body, leading to warmer temperatures that may kill sperm and lower sperm count.

Wear boxers instead of tight pants, and always go to bed naked if you want to become a father.

A lot of couples currently have fertility problems and a large part of the problem is sperm-related. Sperm counts have been declining steadily over the past 50 years.

Other common ways men damage their sperm without knowing are through untreated infections, indiscriminate use of drugs, smoking, taking Marijuana and steroids abuse.

Men should avoid those factors listed and boost your sperm count, motility, viability and overall fertility, he advised. (NAN)
Several hundred more CAO places will be offered this week, Minister Simon Harris has confirmed.

The high points generated by this year's inflated results will drive up competition for places, and there is a desire to ensure that CAO applicants holding Leaving Certs from previous years are not squeezed out.

The Cabinet today approved the additional intake so that as many college applicants as possible get a preferred place.

Mr Harris, who is Minister for Further and Higher Education, updated his Government colleagues today on the progress being made to create more capacity

The number has not yet been finalised, but it will be tomorrow, in time for CAO Round 1 on Friday.

Read More

The new places are on top of 1,250 announced last week and an additional 1,415 previously approved to boost the number of graduates in areas where there are skills shortages, such as engineering and computer.

The results are, on average, 4.4pc higher than usual, and appear to have been generally well received, although there was disappointment too.

For the first time, Leaving Cert candidates received calculated grades rather than results from traditional June exams, which were called off because of Covid-19.

The grades were derived from estimated marks and class rankings awarded by teachers, which went through a national standardisation process. It ended with 83pc of grades that students received at or above the school prediction, and 17pc below.

There was anecdotal evidence of dismay and puzzlement in some schools and among some teachers at the marking down of the figures they submitted.

Students will know exactly what happened next Monday, when they are given access to their individual school's estimated percentage marks as well as the percentage marks awarded by the calculated-grades process, which gave rise to the grade.

There is provision for an appeal, but it extends only to ensuring that data was recorded and transmitted correctly. Students can't challenge the school's mark.

Principals signed off on the teachers' marks - at which point they became school marks - and were told to keep copies of forms sent to the Department, until after the appeals process. Teachers were instructed to destroy any records involved in generating their estimated mark, so students will not know the basis for a teacher's mark.

Students will not have access to their class rankings next Monday, which is the subject of a dispute between the Department of Education and teacher unions.

The Department is taking legal advice and hopes to make the information available at a later date.

National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) director Clive Byrne congratulated the class of 2020, and said "every effort has been made to ensure no student has been disadvantaged in receiving their results".

He also highlighted the significant challenges ahead for the Leaving Cert class of 2021.

He said March's school closures came at a time when many fifth-year students were getting to grips with crucial course material that, in a normal year, they would move to revise and refine in sixth year.

"While every effort was made by teachers to continue this coursework through a blended online learning approach, many students did not experience the same level of learning."

Mr Byrne said there must now be a "focus on what can be done to ensure no-one in the Leaving Cert class of 2021 is disadvantaged."

He addressed the issue of Leaving Cert reform and said Education Minister Norma Foley must "continue dialogue and consultation on how Ireland might develop a more adaptive, sustainable, and modern senior cycle programme".

Mr Byrne added: "As we adapt to living with Covid-19, the work of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on this matter is now more important than ever."

Irish Second-Level Students Union (ISSU) president Reuban Murray said that while "many may be disappointed, there is still the chance for students to appeal grades and to sit their exams".

The Association of Secondary Teachers' Ireland (ASTI) said it would be liaising closely with its members and would be gauging teachers' and students' reactions.

Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) president Martin Marjoram advised students who were disappointed with their grades "not to lose hope as, now more than ever, education is a lifelong pursuit and there have never been more routes open to pursue a chosen career".
One of the things that weve been working on ... (is) how state governments and local governments have divided the work on this, and how state governments have, in some cases, left local governments to figure it out on their own and in other cases have made some pretty explicit recommendations, Federman said.
The Avocado Show is set to open new restaurants in Madrid, London and Paris in the coming months and has signed 19 franchise locations, with further UK and European expansion underway.

AMSTERDAM, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Avocado Show has unveiled plans to open restaurants in Madrid, London and Paris over the coming months and announced the signing of 19 new franchise locations across the UK and Europe.

The world's most talked about all-avocado restaurant brand has rapidly become a worldwide phenomenon  renowned for its signature "Pretty Healthy Food": visually stunning and delicious dishes made with love from sustainable avocados.

The avo-focused franchise's global expansion kicks off with a brand-new The Avocado Show restaurant at Calle Colmenares 13, 28004, in Madrid, opening in October.

Founded by Ron Simpson and Julien Zaal, The Avocado Show began with a simple mission: to bring joy to avocado lovers. They accomplished it by bringing the exquisite flavours of their favourite superfood to life, with each menu item styled like a little work of edible art for anyone to enjoy.

The first restaurant immediately went viral thanks to media coverage in over 60 countries, racking up hundreds of millions of views without a single advertisement, and attracting nearly 150,000 followers on Instagram.

As the fanbase grew, The Avocado Show launched a successful cookbook, merchandise collection, Hologram Menu app, its own Avocado Fries, and filmed a documentary about sustainability in its supply chain. The latter was created in collaboration with Nature's Pride  which provides the bulk of The Avocado Show's eat-ripe, 100% sustainably sourced avocados.

Triggered by unprecedented demand and franchise requests, expansion was all but certain. In 2018, The Avocado Show first ventured into international markets, opening its first franchise location in Brussels  laying the foundations for further expansion.

"We are very excited to work with such great partners and see our dream becoming a reality in these amazing new markets and are looking forward to establishing The Avocado Show globally as a socially responsible and profitable venture that will bring joy to avo lovers for years to come," says Ron Simpson, Founder of The Avocado Show.

Potential franchisees can discover more HERE

Connect with The Avocado Show on Instagram and Facebook

Visit TheAvocadoShow.com

Hi-res images - HERE

Media enquiries:

Georgie Woollams, Katch Communications

[email protected] , +44 20 8895 6383

SOURCE The Avocado Show
Evidence has called into question role of emergency services responding to the incident in Manchester city centre in 2017

A desperate 999 call from a member of the public treating a dying victim of the Manchester Arena bombing was played on the second day of the public inquiry into the attack.

Ronald Blake was trying to help stricken John Atkinson, 28, who had been caught in the blast carried out by suicide bomber Salman Abedi in the City Rooms, the foyer of the arena.

Mr Blake rang within seconds of the blast as he tried to comfort Mr Atkinson and alert the emergency services.

'There's been an explosion at Manchester Arena, in the foyer,' Mr Blake told the 999 call handler.

'There's loads injured. It's manic. Big explosion. I'm with a man now that's injured.'

Mr Blake is then heard telling Mr Atkinson: 'Alright mate. Don't try moving.'

He returns to the call handler: 'There's about 30, 40 injured. I'm with a man that's seriously injured. His legs really pumping.'

Mr Blake, who was at the arena to pick up his daughter after the Ariana Grande show that night, was advised on the call to apply a tourniquet and keep on the line. The rest of the eight-minute call was not played.

Ronald Blake was trying to help stricken John Atkinson, 28, (pictured) who had been caught in the blast carried out by suicide bomber Salman Abedi in the City Rooms, the foyer of the arena when he made the desparate phone call for help

The second day of the public inquiry into the attack on the Manchester Arena in 2017 heard how seconds after the blast, Mr Blake phone police saying: 'There's loads injured. It's manic. Big explosion. I'm with a man now that's injured'

Some relatives of those who died wiped away tears or held hands to their faces as the call was played at the inquiry hearing room in central Manchester. Mr Atkinson's family excused themselves from hearing the call.

Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry, said Mr Blake's conduct 'showed the best of our community'.

But the call also raised questions about the response of the emergency services, the hearing was told, in particular the response of North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).

Abedi, 22, detonated his shrapnel-packed home-made bomb at 10.31pm on May 22 2017 as hundreds of youngsters left the pop concert, many to meet parents waiting in the foyer to collect them. His brother Hashem was jailed for life last month with a minimum 55 years before parole for his part in the plot.

Mr Greaney said the call, 'literally seconds' after the explosion, alerted the emergency services to mass casualties and whether NWAS responded speedily and appropriately will have to be considered by the inquiry.

But the first paramedic only arrived on scene 19 minutes after the blast. The hearing was told only two more paramedics were ever deployed, 20 minutes later, to treat the injured in the City Rooms.

Mass casualty vehicles were not deployed by NWAS and neither were stretchers to treat help the 22 who died and the hundreds left injured.

One victim was only evacuated from the scene more than 40 minutes after the explosion and chest compressions only started on him more than an hour later, the public inquiry into the attack heard.

Sir John said: 'Salman Abedi (left) blew himself up in the explosion but he intended as many people as possible would die with him.' Right: A CCTV image of Salman Abedi at Victoria Station making his way to the Manchester Arena, on May 22, 2017, where he detonated his bomb

Salman Abedi was seen 'adjusting wiring' underneath his clothes in the moments leading up to the devastating terror attack which left 22 people dead on May 22, 2017

John Atkinson, 28, was only evacuated from the scene of the blast 46 minutes after suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated his home-made bomb packed at the end of an Ariana Grande concert.

He was taken on a makeshift stretcher to a triage area of Victoria Station, which forms part of the arena venue site, and remained there for another 24 minutes but chest compressions were only started on him one hour and 15 minutes after he was first injured in the blast.

Mr Atkinson was one of the 22 murdered and hundreds injured in the attack on May 22, 2017.

Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry, said: 'The issue of John Atkinson's survivability is, as we shall explore, a significant issue for the inquiry to consider.'

He also told the inquiry that Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were not aware 'at an organisational level' about the Ariana Grande concert and had not made plans or provision for the event,

The inquiry also heard that the response from GMP was 'overall good' but police experts highlighted a number of flaws such as non-timely activation of emergency plans, a lack of verification of Operation Plato activation and lack of multi-agency arrangements.

Experts concluded the NWAS response to the attack was 'less than adequate in specific aspects'.

In other development at the inquiry in Manchester today:

The first paramedic arrived on scene in the City Room 19 minutes after the blast and was the only one there for the first 40 minutes;

Only one stretcher was used during the incident, the hundreds of others injured being ferried using crash barriers, makeshift carriers or carried in arms;

The fire service, which did have stretchers, only arrived on scene two hours and six minutes after the bomb went off;

A terror training exercise, matching the real thing, had taken place in the City Room less than a year before the bombing;

BTP officer Jessica Bullough, the first police officer on the scene at the City Room, less than two minutes after the blast, described the scene as a 'war zone';

A desperate 999 call from a member of the public treating a dying victim of the Manchester Arena bombing was played.

CCTV images used as evidence at the Manchester Arena Inquiry show the scene on Station Approach outside the Victoria train station entrance, following the Manchester Arena terror attack

Mr Greaney said that it was important to acknowledge the huge pressure and the 'agony of the moment' emergency service personnel were working under at the time.

'Within the first 10 minutes, at least 12 BTP officers had reached or were in the immediate vicinity of the City Room,' he said.

'Those who entered offered assistance to the people they encountered.

'The inquiry may in due course conclude that in behaving as they did, they showed the very best of humanity, acting selflessly and without apparent regard for the dangers they themselves might be in in order to seek to help those who needed it.'

But he added: 'What we must do is probe deeply, if there were mistakes or failings, they will need to be revealed so the bereaved families know the truth and real lessons are learned.'

He read from the statement of BTP officer Jessica Bullough, the first police officer on the scene at the City Room, less than two minutes after the blast.

It said: 'I can only describe it as a war zone. There was a number of bodies on the floor and blood everywhere. The whole place was smokey and in my words, carnage.'

She immediately sent a message on the radio saying 'it's definitely a bomb', finding nuts and bolts scattered across the scene and repeated requests were made for ambulances and 'as many resources as possible'.

The inquiry also heard that the response from GMP was 'overall good' but police experts highlighted a number of flaws such as non-timely activation of emergency plans, a lack of verification of Operation Plato activation and lack of multi-agency arrangements

But 24 minutes after the blast a radio message to control from another officer, a Pc Roach, was heard, with him saying: 'You are going to hate me. Where's our ambulances please?'

The controller replied: 'We don't know, we're calling them again.'

Two hours and six minutes after the explosion the first fire engine arrived.

Mr Greaney added: 'An important issue for the inquiry is how that came to pass and whether it made any difference.'

He said less than a year before the atrocity in July 2016, Exercise Sherman had taken place, simulating a terror attack in the City Room, 'the very thing that occurred' 10 months later.

In the timeline outlined by Mr Greaney he said British Transport Police (BTP) reacted 'within seconds' to the sound of the explosion.

CCTV images were shown to the jury showing a PC entering and at 10,33pm a medic is seen making her way to the city room. The inquiry was told this is thought to be Elizabeth Woodcock.

Another BTP officer enter Victoria station at 10.32pm and then two further BTP officers were seen running to the City room.

Mr Greaney said that 10 minutes after the explosion, three PCSOs and eight police constables arrive, Mr Greaney says. At 10.41pm the first armed response from Greater Manchester Police arrived.

At 10.42pm two armed officers were pictured in the Arena. A GMP Inspector took command of the operation.

At 10.47pm Operation Plato is declared and at 10.49pm a North West Ambulance Service advanced paramedic, Patrick Ennis, is shown on CCTV at Station Approach.

The inquiry was told that armed officers took up a defensive position in the arena. Counter-terrorism specialist officers arrived at the Arena at 10.54pm.

The hearing on day one heard that a witness, Julie Merchant, approached BTP officer Jessica Bullough (pictured) around 32 minutes before the deadly bombing, to point out Salman Abedi.

From 11.01am doctors attended the scene and an injured person was stretchered out of the City Room at 11.03pm, During the 11.01 to 11.11 period at least eight ambulances were present at the scene.

A NWAS Hazardous Area Response Team - HART - arrive at 11.14pm and they begin to move between casualties, the inquiry is told.

At 11.17pm John Atkinson was moved and carried to the war memorial entrance. Officers also carried Georgina Callander out of the area who was then given care by paramedics.

At 12.27am GMP Detective Chief Superintendent Denise Worth arrived. The inquiry heard how the first fire engine arrived at Manchester Arena two hours and six minutes after the explosion.

On the first day of the inquiry experts said there were 'missed opportunities' to identify Abedi as a threat and take action to stop him as witnesses claim they told officials that someone was acting suspiciously.

A witness, Julie Merchant, approached BTP officer Jessica Bullough, around 32 minutes before the deadly bombing, to point out Salman Abedi.

Paul Greaney QC said Ms Merchant cannot recall the details of the conversation with the officer but that it was 'to do with praying and political correctness'.

On May 21, the day before the attack, footage shows Abedi walking into the arena's City Room area (pictured) before sitting on a stairwell leading up to a mezzanine area - apparently on his phone

Abedi (pictured on the day of the attack, shortly before 9pm) is pictured struggling under the weight of his backpack

And a man, identified only as witness A, said the suspect looked 'out of place' carrying a large rucksack in a crowded place. Another witness, William Drysdale, spotted Abedi in the City Room of the arena on the night of the attack, and a companion of Mr Drysdale then approached Ms Bullough, the inquiry heard.

Abedi had conducted several 'hostile reconnaissance' trips to the arena and the area outside it ahead of the attack on May 22, 2017, which left 22 people dead.

His first trip to the arena occurred on May 18 - the same day he arrived in the UK from Libya. In this trip, he walked into the City Room after wandering around the outside of the venue.

It was in the City Room that Abedi, surrounded by a throng of elated youngsters leaving an Ariana Grande concert, that he exploded his shrapnel-packed rucksack bomb, sending thousands of nuts and bolts shredding everything in their path.

Chilling footage showing suicide bomber Abedi struggling under the weight of his backpack and 'adjusting wiring' underneath his clothes moments before he murdered 22 people has been shown on the first day of the public inquiry into the terror attack.

Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquest, said a witness had spoken to the suspicious person, asking him 'What have you got in your rucksack?' but received no reply.

Mr Greaney added: '[Witness] A then said, ''It doesn't look very good you know, you with a bag in a place like this. What are you doing?''

The man replied: 'I'm waiting for somebody, mate. Have you got the time? What time is it?'

Abedi's first trip to the arena occurred on May 18 - the same day he arrived in the UK from Libya. Pictured: Abedi (back centre) walking towards the stairs that lead up to the City Room on his first trip

On this first trip, footage shows Abedi (white cursor pointed at him) spending two minutes inside where he 'observes queues into the Arena' (pictured) before leaving on a tram

Witness A then spoke to Mohammed Agha, employed by venue security firm Showsec, but said he was 'fobbed off.'

Mohammed Agha then spoke to fellow Showsec employee Kyle Lawler about the suspicious man and what they should do, the inquiry heard.

Mr Lawler is then said to have tried to radio his security control but could not get through. He then spotted the man get up and start walking towards the arena entrance.

His statement continued: 'I just froze and did not get anything out on the radio. I knew at that point it was too late.'

Mr Greaney QC said the accounts of Showsec employees differ about what happened with 'gaps and discrepancies' between their accounts and the CCTV evidence captured at the arena.

Abedi, 22, was reported to police and security as acting suspiciously in the minutes before he detonated his bomb, the inquiry heard, but no action was taken.

Mr Greaney said that 'of considerable importance, the experts consider, on the basis of the information currently available to them, that, on May 22, there were missed opportunities to identify Salman Abedi as a threat and take mitigating action.'

He said that the experts concluded: 'If the presence of a potential suicide bomber had been reported, it is very likely that mitigating actions would've been taken that could have reduced the impact of the attack.

'This is because there was sufficient time between Abedi first being spotted by, and also reported to (security) staff and his attack to effectively react.'

Mr Greaney said: 'The evidence about these potential missed opportunities will need to be considered with the greatest possible care.'

He said whether there were 'missed opportunities' to prevent the attack or reduce its deadly impact would be a key consideration for the inquiry, which began on Monday.

Loved ones of the 22 people who died in the bombing stood in silent remembrance as the names of the victims were recited at the opening of the hearings.

The sombre proceedings began with Mr Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry, reading the names of each of those murdered by suicide bomber Salman Abedi on May 22 2017.

Sir John Saunders is chairing the public inquiry, expected to run into spring 2021, which will look at events before, during and after the bombing, including the role of the emergency services.

The inquiry was adjourned until Wednesday morning.
WASHINGTON  While the Trump administration told Congress at the end of last month that it would no longer personally brief the intelligence oversight committees on foreign threats to elections, it appears the Senate may still get direct access to intelligence officials.

On Sept. 1, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., the acting chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told local Florida cable channel Spectrum News that he believed he and his colleagues would continue to be briefed in person by the intelligence community on threats to the election.

Sen. Marco Rubio at a hearing on Aug. 4. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The relationship between Congress and the intelligence community is at a crisis, Rubio told Spectrum News. The answer to that frustration cant be, however, that we are just not going to talk to Congress anymore; thats not what the law says.

He told Spectrum he believed President Trumps recently appointed director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, who was previously a Republican congressman and sat on the House Intelligence Committee, had committed to briefing his panel of overseers, though it remains unclear when or if that will happen.

On Aug. 28 Ratcliffe sent a letter to lawmakers tasked with overseeing the intelligence community declaring that his office would primarily brief Congress through written reports rather than in-person briefings, due to a fear of continued leaks of classified information.

While Rubio condemned leaks of classified information, he also stressed in a statement on Aug. 29 that grotesque criminal misconduct does not release the intelligence community from fulfilling its legal requirements to respond to Congressional oversight committees and to keep members of Congress fully informed of relevant information on a timely basis.

According to a congressional aide, Rubio spoke to Ratcliffe personally and emerged from that meeting confident that the Senate Intelligence Committee would continue to get in-person briefings on the status of election security as Election Day in November rapidly approaches. However, the committee is still trying to nail down the details for a previously arranged September briefing, the aide told Yahoo News. Rubios office referred Yahoo News to his previous interviews.

Story continues

Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe at the Capitol on July 1. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, briefings for the House Intelligence Committee and for the entire membership of Congress scheduled for September have been canceled, creating an uproar from Democratic leadership.

Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic speaker of the House; Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee; and Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., the chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee on defense, described Ratcliffes decision to suspend in-person briefings as an abdication of [his] responsibility to keep the American people and their elected representatives informed of foreign threats to the 2020 election in a letter to Ratcliffe on Sept. 1.

National Counterintelligence and Security Center Director Bill Evanina released a public statement Aug. 7 on the ongoing threat to election security, assessing that multiple foreign actors are seeking to interfere in some way with the voting process, though they would very likely not succeed in altering actual vote tallies. According to Evaninas summary of the intelligence communitys conclusions, Chinese officials likely prefer that President Trump, whom Beijing sees as unpredictable, not be reelected  while Russia is using a range of measures to denigrate former Vice President Joe Biden and undermine his candidacy.

Bill Evanina, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center. (Bill OLeary/Washington Post via Getty Images)

A decision to suspend in-person briefings for all but one Republican-controlled Senate committee would likely further enrage House Democrats who already feel that their access has been curtailed.

A House Intelligence Committee aide told Yahoo News that the panel has not received clarity or answers to letters, emails and calls directed to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence concerning ongoing briefings.

A decision to exclude the House Intelligence Committee would be unprecedented, wrote Larry Pfeiffer, the director of the Hayden Center at George Mason University and an over-30-year veteran of the U.S. intelligence community, in a message to Yahoo News. The intelligence community assiduously avoids showing favor to one house or another, or one party or another. Pretty wimpy on the part of DNI Ratcliffe and the President, frankly, that they wont face potentially adversarial examination of their intelligence findings.

In response to a query from Yahoo News, a spokesperson for the director of national intelligence declined to say whether the Senate would get an in person-briefing, and instead referred Yahoo News to Ratcliffes letter to Congress, stating he is committed to meeting our statutory responsibilities and keeping Congress fully and currently informed.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
Ronn Torossian

Business continues to be challenging for the travel industry, with airlines among the hardest-hit sectors. While most airlines are still flying, getting back to where they were remains a serious challenge. In an effort to find an answer, several brands began offering changes they hoped would incentivize air travel again.

One of the first ideas airlines floated was dropping the fee they charge travelers to change flights. Now, if travelers had an issueoften COVID relatedthat forced them to change their plans, airlines werent hitting passengers for the extra fee. For most airlines, the change to fee charges was a temporary action to try to get people on their planes. Recently, though, one embattled airline, United, announced that it would be dropping change fees for the foreseeable future.

Theres no doubt this move is positive consumer PR, as airlines have known that customers hated the change fees, something United CEO Scott Kirby readily admits: When we hear from customers about where we can improve, getting rid of this fee is often the top request  Following previous tough times, airlines made difficult decisions to survive, sometimes at the expense of customer service. United Airlines wont be following that same playbook as we come out of this crisis 

Now that United has set the bar in a notoriously competitive airline marketplace, many insiders expect other airlines to offer similar options. Some say this move by United telegraphs a change in the balance of power in the industry: for many years, airlines exerted almost total control. United knew its customers needed them, so cuts were made to service, and fees were added to increase profit margins.

At the present time, though, with fewer people traveling, airlines are facing an unfamiliar situation: competing for customers without some of the demand protections that had buffered them in the past. This creates an interesting dynamic in the travel industry. United is joining Southwestwhich never had change feeswhile American and Delta, two other larger U.S. airlines, have yet to make a public decision on the issue.

When asked about this, both American and Delta offered wait and see responses, with American telling the media: We are always evaluating the market and we have no news to share at this time  A Delta spokesperson said: We know flexibility is important to customers and we are continually updating our policies to ensure were responding 

With those two comments, its currently up to the consumer to decide if no change fees is enough of an incentive to choose one airline over another. If that turns out to be the case, the window for Delta and American to ensure theyre responding will close fairly quickly.

***

Ronn Torossian is CEO of 5WPR, a leading PR firm.
(CNN) A musical composition designed to take well over 600 years to play has gone through its first chord change in seven years.

Entitled "As Slow as Possible" (ASLSP), the composition by the late American composer John Cage is due to be played out over 639 years at the St. Burchardi church in Halberstadt in Germany.

Needless to say, no one will hear the piece in its entirety but the project has garnered quite a following, with many masked fans flocking to the church over the weekend to witness the event. For those unable to attend in person, there was a livestream.

The performance started in 2001 on an organ specially built for the super slow-paced recital. During that time, there was a pause that lasted for 18 months, while the most recent note change took place in 2013.

If all goes to plan, the performance will come to an end in 2640. Fans will have a relatively short wait for the next momentous occasion, however, as the next chord change is due in February 2022.

A statement on the project's official website said: "In a solemn ceremony, under the direction of Rainer O. Neugebauer, with the assistance of Kay Lautenbach, the two 'organists,' Johanna Vargas and Julian Lembke, completed the refurbishment of the organ pipes. An impressive number of interested visitors followed the chord change."

Avant-garde composer John Cage was born in Los Angeles in 1912 and died in New York in 1992.

Among his best-known works is "433" ("Four Minutes and 33 Seconds"), a piece he composed in 1952 in which the performers remain utterly silent onstage for that amount of time.

Also considered a philosopher, painter and man of letters, Cage originally wrote "ASLSP" for the piano in 1985. He adapted it for the organ two years later.

In 1997, five years after Cage's death, an organ symposium in the German town of Trossingen questioned how the piece should be understood and, ultimately, performed.

The project's website states: "Organists, musicologists, organ builders, theologians and philosophers talk about the technical, aesthetic and philosophical aspects that do justice to the title and the piece. The question of the realization of the work leads to the result that one can potentially think and play 'As Slow as Possible' indefinitely -- at least as long as the life of an organ is and as long as there is a peace and creativity in future generations.

"From this technical and aesthetic question, a project developed over the course of time that has now attracted worldwide attention."

The location and duration of the ongoing "concert" are significant, according to the organizers.

The world's first large organ was built in Halberstadt in 1361. At the turn of the millennium, 639 years had passed since the organ's creation -- and so it was decided that "As Slowly as Possible" should be performed over the same duration.

The site states: "In view of our fast-paced times, this project is a form of attempted deceleration, the 'discovery of slowness' and the planting of a 'musical apple tree' understood as a symbol of confidence in the future."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "World's slowest musical composition changes chord for first time in seven years."
Birlasoft announced it has successfully gone live with the Submission Automation Portal for American Capital Assurance Corp (AmCap Insurance).

AmCap Insurance was looking to transform their underwriting operations around submission intake and management. There has been a steady rise in submissions volume and with state expansion planned, AmCap Insurance realized that process automation in conjunction with an intuitive web portal would alleviate the challenges in submission handling workflow. The Submission Automation Portal automates the intake process, data extraction, submission prioritization, and routing with OCR and eligibility. Integration with email and other internal systems facilitates better underwriter- agent collaboration and seamless data exchanges.

Shilpa Bhandari, SVP & Global Head, BFSI, Birlasoft, said, I would like to congratulate AmCap Insurance for the smooth release of Submission Automation Portal. We are proud to partner with AmCap Insurance in their journey to innovate and achieve excellence in underwriting operations. This platform provides a strong foundation for AmCap Insurance to generate high underwriting profitability and superior customer service to their agency partners and customers.

Philip G Peterson III, Vice President and CAO, American Capital Assurance Corp., said, Birlasofts contribution to the insurance industry has been phenomenal and we are happy to have them as partners in this journey. They are constant innovators in their space, helping their customers to be more productive with their innovations and cutting- edge business strategies. Currently, we have been collaborating with Birlasoft on a Submission Automation Portal which will not only help achieve excellence in underwriting operations, but propel a desired paradigm shift towards providing seamless service to our customers.

Birlasoft has proven itself as a leading mid-tier Enterprise Digital company by carving out a premier position among the minds of global brands; catering to customers across verticals and providing personalized attention with its two-decades of experience in transformational projects. Birlasoft has been invested in industry centric domain solutions and partnerships. The company has successfully delivered projects for insurance customers in areas of core process augmentation, front to back office automation and customer experience. Birlasoft has proven experience in the insurance solutions suite portfolio comprising of various solutions for distribution, policy administration and claims business units. These specific portfolios help to improve collaboration between brokers and underwriters, boosting underwriting efficiency and fighting claim fraud.
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Linkedin Norman Harsono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 8, 2020 11:55 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c436641a 1 Business pgn,Perusahaan-Gas-Negara,Oil-and-gas-production,demand,COVID-19,rupiah-against-dollar,US-dollar Free

Gas distributor PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) saw its net profit fall 87.6 percent year-on-year (yoy) to US$6.72 million in the first half of the year as a result of weak energy demand and government gas incentives.

The publicly listed companys revenue fell by 17.9 percent yoy to $1.47 billion in the January-June period, dropping more sharply than its expenses, which declined by 16.7 percent yoy to $1.01 billion following operational cuts.

Read also: PGN seeks to cut 2020 capex by up to 60 percent

PGN finance director Arie Nobelta Kaban said the company was affected by a triple-down effect of weak global gas prices, low domestic gas demand and a disadvantageous rupiah exchange rate during the COVID-19 crisis.

Low oil and gas prices lowered upstream revenue, while operational costs did not follow suit, said Arie in a statement.

PGN shares, traded on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) under the symbol PGAS, had fallen 1.22 percent on Tuesday as of 9:56 a.m. Jakarta time.

PGNs upstream oil and gas business unit, while not its largest income contributor, had the sharpest fall in profit, declining nearly 50 percent yoy to $101.8 million.

PGNs channeled gas volume for end users dipped by 31.4 percent yoy to 2,016 billion British thermal units per day (bbtud) in the first half of the year, according to company statements, as businesses and industries slowed operations during large scale social restrictions (PSBB).

As with PGN, parent company Pertamina cited a triple shock to explain its multimillion dollar net loss in the first half, reversing a net profit in the same period last year.

Natural gas has, so far, experienced a less severe impact than oil and coal, but it is far from immune to the current crisis, said International Energy Agency (IEA) executive director Fatih Birol in a statement on June 10.

PGN lost an estimated $22.86 million in revenue between April and June as a result of government gas incentives for industries and state-owned electricity company PLN.

PGN has been required to sell gas to select industries and PLN power plants for about $6 per mmbtu, instead of the market rate of about $8 per mmbtu.

The IEA wrote that Indonesias gas incentives, coupled with electricity subsidies in Thailand and Malaysia, countries whose power production is heavy on gas, helped boost Southeast Asian gas demand in the years first half.

Read also: Pertamina logs $768 million net loss in first half of year

PGN reported that it was in talks with other stakeholders over the governments regulations but would not expect a material impact to the interim consolidated financial statements.

In response to the financial challenges, Arie of PGN said the company would optimize cash flow by prioritizing the investment budget for strategic projects.

The company, which had $1.24 billion in cash reserves as of June 2020, said it would cut its annual capital expenditure by up to 60 percent. PGN plans to focus on developing the Pangkah Block and constructing new pipelines in the Rokan Block.

The company booked a notably large fixed asset impairment loss of $12.4 million as a result of lower tolling fee revenue with its affiliate gas transmission company PT Kalimantan Jawa Gas (KJG) after negotiating with buyers.
FMCSA Proposes New Under-21 Commercial Driver Pilot Program

FMCSA announced that it is proposing and seeking public comments on a new pilot program to allow drivers aged 18, 19, and 20 to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Department of Transportations Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced that it is proposing and seeking public comments on a new pilot program to allow drivers aged 18, 19, and 20 to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.

This action will allow the Agency to carefully examine the safety, feasibility, and possible economic benefits of allowing 18 to 20-year-old drivers to operate in interstate commerce. Safety is always FMCSAs top priority, so we encourage drivers, motor carriers, and interested citizens to review this proposed new pilot program and share their thoughts and opinions, said FMCSA Deputy Administrator Wiley Deck.

FMCSAs Federal Register notice requests comments on a new pilot program that would allow younger drivers to operate in interstate commerce. The Agency proposes a pilot program to allow drivers to participate if they fall within two categories: 1) 18 to 20-year-old commercial drivers license (CDL) holders who operate CMVs in interstate commerce while taking part in a 120-hour probationary period and a subsequent 280-hour probationary period under an apprenticeship program established by an employer, or 2) 19 and 20-year-old commercial drivers who have operated CMVs in intrastate commerce for a minimum of one year and 25,000 miles. The study group drivers would not be allowed to operate vehicles hauling passengers or hazardous materials or special configuration vehicles.

Currently, 49 states and the District of Columbia already allow 18 to 20-year-old CDL holders to operate CMVs in intrastate commercemeaning under-21 drivers may currently drive within state borders, such as from Houston to El Paso or from Miami to Tallahassee.

In July 2018, FMCSA announced the details of a Military Commercial Driver Pilot Program, which allows certain 18 to 20-year-olds with military training to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

To view this Federal Register Notice and learn more about the proposed pilot program, visit: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/proposed-pilot-program-allow-persons-ages-18-19-and-20.
South China Morning Post says it is the first sedition charge since the British handed over the city to China in 1997.

A prominent Hong Kong democracy activist has become the first person to be charged with sedition since the city was returned to Chinese rule as authorities widened their pursuit of critics in the financial hub.

Democracy campaigner and radio DJ Tam Tak-chi appeared in court on Tuesday facing five counts of uttering seditious words under a rarely used colonial-era law, the AFP news agency reported.

He was arrested on Sunday by a new Hong Kong police unit formed to investigate national security crimes.

The case against Tam uses a colonial sedition law that has been on the books since 1938 and will deepen fears that speech is being increasingly criminalised in the semi-autonomous hub.

The South China Morning Post on Tuesday said it was the first sedition charge since 1997 when Hong Kong was handed over to China.

Tams prosecution came two months after Beijing imposed a separate national security law on Hong Kong to stamp out pro-democracy unrest, a move that drew condemnation from many Western nations and the United Nationss rights experts.

China argued the sweeping new law was needed to plug a lack of national security legislation in the Asian financial hub.





Officers said Tam, 47, was held for inciting hatred, contempt against the government and causing discontent and dissatisfaction among the Hong Kong people.

Local media on Tuesday said Tam was denied bail and prosecutors gave examples of seditious slogans  including Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our times, and Disband the police force.

Tam is the latest in a line of government critics to face prosecution in the months since Hong Kong was rocked last year by huge and often violent pro-democracy protests.

Climate of fear

Hong Kong authorities have been at pains to convince a sceptical public that freedoms will not be curtailed, but a climate of fear is sweeping the city under the new law.

Almost 300 people were arrested in Hong Kong on Sunday to show their opposition to the decision to postpone elections for the Legislative Council that should have been held on September 6.

Hundreds of protesters had taken to the streets to demonstrate against the year-long delay to the key polls, in which the pro-democracy camp was expected to do well.

Hours before Tam appeared in court, city leader Carrie Lam said criticism of the government would not violate any legislation.

I can frankly say that criticising the chief executive will not become a violation as stated in the laws, she said.

However, Lam added, there are certain circumstances where the law restricts freedom of speech.

Hong Kong returned to China with a guarantee of autonomy and freedoms for at least 50 years, but critics say the new security law undermines that promise and puts the territory on a more authoritarian path.

Supporters of the new law say it will bring more stability and plugs loopholes in national security because the Hong Kong administration has not passed the legislation needed under the territorys mini-constitution.
U.S. President Senior Adviser Jared Kushner and U.S. national security adviser Robert O'Brien pose for a group photo with UAE's Air Force Major General Falah Al Qahtani, at Al Dhafra airbase in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Sept. 1, 2020. (Lisa Barrington/Reuters File Photo)

Trump to Host Israel-UAE Deal-Signing Ceremony on Sept. 15

WASHINGTONU.S. President Donald Trump will hold a Sept. 15 signing ceremony for a groundbreaking Middle East agreement normalizing relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, a senior White House official said on Tuesday.

As part of the deal, announced at the White House on Aug. 13 following what officials said were 18 months of talks, the Gulf state agreed to normal relations with Israel, while Israel agreed to continue with plans to suspend its annexation of the West Bank.

The senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan would lead the two delegations to the ceremony.

I am proud to embark next week to Washington, at the invitation of President Trump, to take part in the this historic ceremony at the White House for the foundation of the peace treaty between Israel and the United (Arab) Emirates, Netanyahu wrote on Twitter.

Trump and other administration officials have said they expect Saudi Arabia and other countries to follow suit in recognizing Israel.

Trump senior adviser Jared Kushner and other top administration officials accompanied an Israeli delegation last week on the first flight from Israel to the United Arab Emirates to celebrate the agreement.

Iran has dismissed the agreement, which also served to firm up opposition to Tehran, a regional power seen by the UAE, Israel and the United States as the main threat in the Middle East.

The deal doesnt include a plan to resolve decades of conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

The White House hope is that more such deals between Israel and the Gulf states will emerge, prompting the Palestinians to join negotiations.

Trump proposed a peace plan in January that heavily favored the Israelis, but it has not advanced in any significant way.

The Palestinian leadership initially called the accord a betrayal and a stab in the back of the Palestinian cause, but has curbed its criticism, according to a draft resolution ahead of an Arab League meeting in Cairo on Wednesday.

The draft, seen by Reuters, does not include a call to condemn, or act against, the Emirates over the U.S.-brokered deal.

The United Arab Emirates is planning to make its first official visit to Israel on Sept. 22, a source familiar with the provisional itinerary said on Monday.

By Steve Holland

The Epoch Times contributed to this report.
It is no hidden truth that Pakistan continues to harp on Kashmir to attract international attention in desperate attempts to conceal how it has unleashed terror and exploitation in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). Turning PoK into a breeding ground for terrorism, which it can then push onto the Indian soil, Pakistan has battered and bruised the rugged terrains and flushing meadows of PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). As the country holds on to its obsession with India and Kashmir, here's why it's important to bring to light what is actually transpiring in PoK.

Changes in demography

Pakistan had illegally occupied parts of Jammu and Kashmir after Pathan tribesmen infiltrated Kashmir from the northwest frontier province back in 1947. India has since then strongly maintained that PoK is an integral part of its territory.

According to a recent report, there are about 60 terror camps running in PoK which have been used since the 1980s for fomenting an "anti-India sentiment in Kashmir". While thousands of security forces and Kashmiris have been killed over the last three decades, the biggest proof of Pakistan's exploitation of PoK and the people of Kashmir lies in how it has successfully managed to completely alter its demography since 1947.

Presently, there are only 8% of the original inhabitantsKashmirisliving in the PoK, one of the main reasons why Pakistan is fulminating at the global stage to carry out a referendum in J&K including the PoK and GB.

PoK vs Kashmir: Economic Parameters

Even if the debate boils down to plain hard facts here is how PoK fares in comparison to Kashmir.

The poverty rate in PoK stands at 34% with the unemployment rate being 18.1% as compared to a poverty rate of 10.35% in J&K and an unemployment rate of 12.13%.

The superfluous affection depicted by Pakistan towards Kashmir can be gauged by the fact that PoK government has spent only Rs 135 cr in 2019 on education against Rs 1100 cr by the Indian government in J&K. Even the figures of universities and educational institutes in J&K is overwhelming with 183 universities and colleges including 18 medical colleges in comparison to only 8 such institutes in PoK including 3 medical colleges.

The spending on the health care system has been alarming where the Indian government has spent Rs 3,000 cr in J&K in 2019 against mere spending of Rs 29 cr in PoK.

Read: Senge H Sering Raises Worsening Human Rights Issue In PoK, Gilgit Baltistan At UN

Read: EAM S Jaishankar Slams 'Havana Handshake', Says 'India Can't Be Meek With Pakistan'

Abuse of Human Rights

Pakistan's true agenda for PoK has never been its development or changing its economic fortunes but for reserving and unleashing the spectre of terrorism from its soil to target Kashmiri civilians and Indian security forces.

Civilians of PoK and GB who are constitutional citizens of India are under constant threat of terrorism perpetrated by the Pakistani state which is also backed by a "China-led genocide". The biggest example of this is the worst demographic engineering which is occurring in the region in the name of a "China Pakistan Economic Corridor" (CPEC) that encourages illegal settlements of Pakistanis and Chinese in the region.

In March this year, political activists from Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) raised concerns over the worsening human rights situation in the region and the issue was discussed at length during the 43rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday, March 6.

Time is not far away when civilians rise up in rebellion against Pakistan in PoK and GB rejecting its terror-backed agenda to fully merge with J&K.

Read: EAM S Jaishankar Speaks To Arnab Goswami, Talks Tough On LAC, Pakistan

Read: US DOD Reports: China Shortlists Pakistan To Set Up Military Facility Outside Its Border
But Chicago Public Schools has adopted it as part of its curriculum, which Lightfoot defended on Tuesday by saying its important for students of all backgrounds to understand slavery. Lightfoot also said Trump has no power to try to take funding from any school district.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the state was too swamped" by the first wave of the pandemic to consider contact-tracing technology it is now embracing to help contain further outbreaks.

Mr Andrews confirmed reports in The Age that Silicon Valley tech giant Salesforce was providing a new data management system to bring Victorias contact-tracing methods into the digital age.

The Premier also confirmed that Victoria rejected an approach by Salesforce early in the pandemic.

Sometimes, when you are swamped, it is not a great time to move to a new IT platform," Mr Andrews said.
EAST LANSING, MI  Since Aug. 30, 124 Michigan State University students have tested positive for the coronavirus, the university said Tuesday. The cases do not appear to be linked to a particular event, but rather multiple large student gatherings throughout East Lansing, university officials said in a news release.

The students who have tested positive for the virus  all of whom lived off-campus  will be directed to self isolate and receive medical treatment, according to a news release.

"This increase in positive cases among students is disappointing, but not unexpected," MSU President Samuel Stanley said in a statement. "As students return to off-campus housing, some are attending large gatherings where people are in close contact without an appropriate face covering. This is the easiest and fastest way for the coronavirus to spread."

Don't miss important updates from health and government officials on the impact of the coronavirus in Michigan. Sign up for Patch's daily newsletters and email alerts.



MSU was one of the first large universities to switch to online-only classes when it announced it was doing so in mid-August. More than 107,000 cases of the coronavirus have been reported as of Monday.



Universities and large gatherings have combined for a large portion of active coronavirus outbreaks within Michigan. According to state data, 61 new outbreaks of the virus were reported on Monday. Of those, seven were at universities or institutions of higher education. Six outbreaks were reported as stemming from social gatherings.

Among ongoing coronavirus outbreaks, colleges were the location of four. Social gatherings resulted in 12.

This article originally appeared on the Across Michigan Patch
The state Public Regulation Commission has a big job and a bad reputation.

On the big job side of the ledger, the PRC decides things like how much New Mexicans pay for electricity, natural gas service, landline phones and tow trucks. It regulates ambulance services. In its oversight of regulated utilities, its job is to balance the interests of shareholders and ratepayers when it comes to things like your electric bill  which no doubt most of you have noticed during this long, hot summer.

And its job isnt just cost. Its also about reliability.

On the other side of the ledger, the PRC has had so many self-inflicted wounds in its sordid history  running the gamut from felony convictions to violence stemming from extramarital affairs to embezzlement from taxpayers to fuel a drug habit  that it has earned its place as the pinata of New Mexico politics. Its an easy target to hit, even blindfolded.

But in defense of the big job part of its resume, it is unconscionable that the PRC and its roughly 126 employees are being evicted from their state government offices in Santa Fe when its budget doesnt have money to lease a new office  or for that matter to even pay for moving expenses or temporary storage.

The state General Services Division (which reports directly to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham) issued us an eviction letter with no appropriations provided and nothing in the current operating budget to lease an office, said PRC Chief of Staff Jason Montoya. Weve been told that no other state space will be made available for the PRC in the near future.

The commissions current out-the-door date is Sept. 30.

For us to continue to provide good government service, we need office space for at least 40 or 50 people, including management and critical support divisions like IT, Montoya said. The rest could continue to telework  as theyve been doing in the coronavirus.

The Lujan Grisham administration says it needs the office space to house the newly created Early Childhood Education and Care Department. Thats fine. The space consolidation to help with one-stop services makes sense.

But throwing the PRC to the wolves isnt fine. Even though its an independent agency, the governor and the state risk a big black eye by putting the commission out on the street.

Maybe they could set up some tents on the Plaza.

The agency did raise the governors hackles earlier this year in its 3-2 decision regarding the Energy Transition Act. The PRC rejected automatic application of ETA clauses that allowed Public Service Company of New Mexico to recover investment in the San Juan Generating Station, a coal plant, after replacing the plants power with renewables. The governor prevailed in the state Supreme Court.

So is this eviction debacle a case of sore winner?

Republicans in the Legislature say it is.

A letter from GOP leadership in the House said they were dismayed at what seems to be a vindictive reaction to the PRC. The failure to provide this constitutionally established entity with a proper location to conduct its statutory responsibilities is, frankly, incomprehensible, they said in a letter to the governor.

Its worth noting that the governor vetoed $490,000 in PRC money in March. Another $364,000 was cut during the special session in June.

PRC Chair Theresa Becenti-Aguilar said the governor has ignored the problems caused by the eviction.

Shes doing business right across the street  in walking distance  but there hasnt been even one phone call.

She added: Its unfair. I dont think we should just be booted out the door.

The current elected commissions days, hopefully, are numbered. Voters in November will decide whether beginning in 2023 the five elected members will be replaced by a three-member panel appointed by the governor from a list presented to her. Her nominees would be subject to Senate approval, and only two commission members could be from the same party. Lawmakers would set out qualifications and education requirements.

This would be a major improvement and would put us on the list of a majority of states that have put professionalism over politics in this important regulatory function.

But it doesnt change the fact that for now this constitutionally established regulatory body, whose decisions affect virtually every New Mexican, is being tossed out of its office with nowhere to go.

This makes New Mexico look terrible. The governor should step in as a peacemaker and problem-solver. Its a lot better to be a gracious winner than a vindictive one.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
LOUISVILLE, Ky.: Democratic candidate Amy McGrath laid the mounting toll of coronavirus cases in the U.S. at the feet of Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday while declaring that the country needs people in power who take responsibility again."

During a campaign event in Georgetown, Kentucky, the retired Marine pilot who is trying to block a seventh term for McConnell zeroed in on the senators response to the ongoing health crisis, calling it a dereliction of duty." McGrath said an improved federal response is needed in testing and contact tracing to combat the virus.

We still dont have a plan to tackle it," McGrath said. And he is the leader  that drove the train off the tracks. And hes got to go.

McGrath called out McConnell by name but made no mention of Republican President Donald Trump in her stinging critique. Trump remains popular in Kentucky, and McGrath will have to win over some Trump supporters to have a chance of defeating McConnell.

Despite trailing McConnell in the polls, McGraths blistering campaign fundraising pace continued in August, when she raised $8.7 million, her campaign said Tuesday. It was the most she has raised in any single month of the campaign.

While McGrath attacked his response to the pandemic, McConnell announced Tuesday that the Senate will vote on a trimmed-down Republican coronavirus-relief package. The proposal appears to have a slim chance of passage in the face of Democrats insistence for more sweeping aid.

It does not contain every idea our party likes," McConnell said. I am confident Democrats will feel the same. Yet Republicans believe the many serious differences between our two parties should not stand in the way of agreeing where we can agree and making law that helps our nation."

The new $500 billion bill is roughly half the size of a measure McConnell unveiled earlier this summer. McGrath said Tuesday that McConnell walked away" from negotiations weeks ago after presenting his initial $1 trillion counteroffer to a $3 trillion proposal from Democrats.

McGrath labeled McConnells actions as a dereliction of duty" in the face of the health and economic crisis. She later added: Weve got to have leaders that take responsibility again."

During much of August, McConnell toured Kentucky to tout his role in passing a massive virus relief package in the spring while stating his wish to pass another round of aid once Congress reconvened. He said he was in close contact with his GOP Senate colleagues and Trumps administration.

McConnells campaign said Tuesday that McGrath showed she favors the liberal wish list" of top Democratic congressional leaders over McConnells targeted rescue package."

Meanwhile, looking to make inroads in a Republican stronghold, McGrath also offered a broad plan for rural Kentucky on Tuesday. The blueprint includes promoting international trade, strengthening the Obama-era Affordable Care Act to help medically underserved areas and expanding broadband access. She also endorsed legalizing medical marijuana, a proposal that has gained increased attention but come up short in Kentuckys GOP-led legislature.

McConnell has played up his seniority and leadership role, saying it allows Kentucky to punch above its weight in national politics. McGrath portrayed the senator as out of touch with his constituents.

Thirty-six years is long enough," she said of McConnells Senate career. We are more divided than ever. We are more partisan than ever. We have more inequality than ever. We have more congressional dysfunction than ever. And it has all happened on his watch.

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
Britains Prince Harry has paid back the refurbishment cost to the UK taxpayer of 2.4 million pounds for a cottage on the grounds of Queen Elizabeth IIs Windsor estate, the family home he shares with wife Meghan Markle. Frogmore Cottage has an Indian connection dating back to the Raj when it was presented as a royal gift to Abdul Karim by Queen Victoria, then Empress of India, as a sign of her affection for her Indian aide and confidant.

In 2018, Harrys grandmother, the Queen, presented it to him and Meghan Markle as a wedding gift. The couple lived in the cottage briefly with new-born baby Archie before permanently moving to the US earlier this year as they stepped back as frontline royals. A spokesperson for Harry, the Duke of Sussex, confirmed on Monday that he has made a payment into the Sovereign Grant to cover the taxpayer-funded refurbishment costs, an issue that had been played up by sections of the British media.

A contribution has been made to the Sovereign Grant by the Duke of Sussex, the spokesperson said. "This contribution, as originally offered by Prince Harry, has fully covered the necessary renovation costs of Frogmore Cottage, a property of Her Majesty the Queen, and will remain the UK residence of the Duke and his family," the spokesperson said.

The announcement comes days after Harry and his former actress wife Meghan struck a 112-million pounds deal with streaming giant Netflix to create content that informs but also gives hope". Frogmore Cottage is a Grade II listed historic property that Queen Victoria presented to Adul Karim, whom the then monarch referred to as her Munshi and Urdu teacher. He was just 24 when he arrived in England from Agra to present Victoria with a special mohar or gold coin to mark her Golden Jubilee in 1887. He quickly grew close to the ageing monarch, who bestowed many gifts on him, including the cottage.

Queen Victoria gave it to Abdul Karim as a special gift. She would often visit the cottage and have tea with his wife and him. He had decorated the house with many exotic things, including presents given to him by European royalty, said Shrabani Basu, the author of Victoria and Abdul: The Extraordinary True Story of the Queens Closest Confidant.

There is also a sad angle to the story. Hours after Queen Victoria's funeral, the new king, Edward VII, ordered that all the letters written by his mother to Karim be seized from his house. They were burnt in a bonfire outside Frogmore Cottage and Abdul was ordered to return home, said Basu, whose book formed the basis of the Oscar-nominated film Victoria and Abdul starring British star Judi Dench and Victoria and Indian actor Ali Fazal as Abdul.

The heritage cottage, which has been a favourite royal retreat for many years, underwent the multi-million-pound refit for the newly-wed royals as a cosy family home and is expected to remain their base when they visit the UK in future. It is set within the peaceful and secluded Frogmore House estate, near Windsor Castle, surrounded by 35 acres of lush vegetation and Berkshire countryside. The estate has its own man-made Frogmore Lake and is home to the Royal Burial Ground and the tomb of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

(Image Credits: royal.uk)
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"Japan Big Data Market " The report offers an extensive analysis of key growth strategies, drivers, opportunities, key segment, Porter's Five Forces analysis, and competitive landscape. This study is a helpful source of information for market players, investors, VPs, stakeholders, and new entrants to gain thorough understanding of the industry and determine steps to be taken to gain competitive advantage.

The big data market in Japan today is influenced by several drivers, restraints and opportunities. Key factors including a sudden rise in the application of social media to weigh up on the customer behavior pattern by the company to design effective strategies has boosted the market in the region. Besides this growth in the amount of transitional information too are seen driving the big data market in Japan.

However, issues associated privacy concerns as well as organizational resistance has hindered market growth to a greater extent. In addition, slow adoption rate in certain industries and lack of awareness also acts as some of the biggest hurdles in its development. Despite of these restraints, proliferation of real time information from sources including web, log files, handheld devices (mobile devices), sensors and others are likely to create ample opportunities for big data. Growing popularity of range of applications, ranging from research and development to fraud detection would also create greater opportunities.

The cloud market is segmented in terms of software, hardware, industry vertical and service. In terms of software the market is segmented into systems software, NoSQL and SQL (databases), Hadoop distribution tools & solutions, big data analytics and others. The industries relying more and more on big data consists of government, banking finance and insurance, healthcare, oil and energy, education, manufacturing etc. The hardware segment covered in the market research report consists of servers, network equipment, storage tools and more. The services evaluated in the study include consulting services, support, deployment and integration, outsourcing and training.

Key Market Players:

 NTT data

 Oracle

 Microsoft

 Teradata

Source: Allied Market Research
In Meridian, Idaho, a nine-year-old was murdered due to the maltreatment of his stepmother. Found covered in his vomit, beaten, and tortured, not given enough food, had to sleep in a closet. The stepmother was charged with murder for what she did with no remorse.

The deceased child is identified as Emrik Osuna who died on Wednesday morning September 2. This was confirmed when both parents summoned the EMS because the child stops breathing. Authorities found the child in a pitiful state. The corpse smelt and covered with vomit. Worse was evidence of beating and torture, reported Meaww.

His stepmother Monique Osuna, 27, was the one alleged to have done such cruelty on Emrik. But, his natural father, Erik Osuna-Gutierrez, 29, did not do anything to stop it. Because of that, he is charged as a felon for injuries to the child, failing to prevent the step mom's depravity.

Emrik's young life came to an end because of this demented woman. The victim died the early morning after extended torture and neglect when the EMS discovered his body in such a shocking state. There were no signs of life, unspeakable bruises, and worse, vomit was dripping from his open mouth.

The deceased was starved with evidence proven that he died at the pediatric ICU in St. Luke's Meridian Medical Centre. His dad was charged injury to a child and torture. He even tried to get rid of his child's remains.

The Mirror confirmed the initial findings of the EMS caught the parent's red-handed. The stepmom is nothing short of evil.

Also read: Boxer Woman Kills Two Men: Rapes One With Shovel Handle , Kicks Another to Death

Reports according to the Mirror relate the barbarity that included maltreatment, gross neglect, and torture on the child. done by Monique was elaborated in court last September, last Thursday.

Emrik was treated inhumanly by his stepmom, who put him in a closet and locked it nightly. He experienced more torture by making him do jumping jacks and wall-sits. He was not even fed enough, just rice and water, while his chubby stepmom and dad ate more. This continued until the child stopped breathing and died due to his parents.

When Prosecutor Tamara Kelly elaborated on the child's suffering before death, she told the judge the findings. On the body were multiple bruises, especially on the buttocks, legs, his groin, and torso, which were hard blows. Also, huge bruises were covering his back, said one paper. Monique confessed that she hit the child with a frying pan, belt, and a dog leash, even kicking the groin, cited Idaho State Journal.

What happened before Emrik succumbed

Court records say that the victim's dad only decided on doing something on September 1, 2020, calling the stepmom because he was not sure about the boy's condition. They did call the Meridian Police at 9:40 p.m., the EMS came and tried to review the victim, but to no avail because his young body expired from the bad things done to him, he passed in the hospital in such a pitiful state, confirmed by Mail Online.

The couple have three children who were taken by the state, Monique admitted to the accusations later. Both are charged for their crimes against an innocent child.

Related article: Hartford Man Decapitates Roommate With Samurai Sword Over Heated Argument

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JACKSON, MI - Police arrested two people, including one barricaded gunman in Jackson, after a county-wide investigation over the Labor Day weekend into recent incidents of gunfire and an armed robbery, police said.

Deputies responded to a shots fired report at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sep. 6 at Franks Shop-Rite Supermarket, 402 E. Michigan Ave. in Grass Lake, said the Jackson County Office of the Sheriff.

Surveillance footage showed a driver fire two rounds into a parked truck from a Chevy Cruze, police said. Officers in Blackman Township responded around 6:35 p.m. to Americas Best Value Inn, 830 Royal Dr., for more shots fired in the parking lot, where detectives recognized the same Chevy Cruze from the Grass Lake incident, police said.

Investigators also believe gunfire that damaged a residence in the 10000 block of Page Avenue in Grass Lake was connected to the Franks Shop-Rite gunfire, police said. Deputies also linked the same suspects in all these incidents to an armed robbery in Michigan Center, police said.

Evidence discovered at a Summit Township residence led to detectives one of the suspects at a residence in the 200 block of Wisner Street in Jackson, police said.

The person, whom officers discovered was still armed, refused to leave the residence after numerous requests, police said. After getting other occupants out of the house, the Jackson County Strategic Response Team executed a search warrant and arrested the suspect without further incident, police said.

The county-wide search led to the arrests of two residents. The first is a 23-year-old from Summit Township charged with armed robbery and assault with intent to murder. The other is a 24-year-old from Jackson charged with armed robbery, police said.

Additional charges were being sought through the Jackson County Prosecutors Office, police said. Additional evidence was recovered at the Wisner Street home and the investigation is ongoing.

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State trooper hospitalized after possible fentanyl exposure during drug search

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Teen presumed drowned in Lake Michigan; South Haven beach closed

Pedestrian killed crossing M-37 in Newaygo County
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday slammed the fake news doing the rounds on social media with a claim that there would be restrictions on the most celebrated festival of Bengalis in the state, Durga Puja, this year.

Posts on social media suggested that curfew would be imposed at night from Panchami during Durga Puja due to the Covid-19 pandemic, banning pandal-hopping at night during the five-day celebrations.

The post was debunked as a fake post by West Bengal Police on social media. A rumour regarding Durga Puja is being spread through WhatsApp. No such decision has been taken. Please do not forward this message. Its fake. Action is being taken," WB Police posted on Twitter with the hashtag FakeNewsAlert.

The CM said that some people are spreading fake news that the government has banned Durga Puja. If you can prove it, I will hold my ears and do 101 sit-ups in public," she said.

She also asked the police to find the rumour-mongers and make them hold their ears and do sit-ups. Fake news is being circulated on social media to disturb communal harmony. Those who have never worshipped Durga, Kali or Hanuman are now talking about puja," Banerjee said.

She further said that no meeting on Durga Puja has been held so far by the state government.
In the House, all 65 seats are up for election, but 13 seats are open due to term-limits or when incumbent House members decided to run for the Senate. Of the open seats, Republicans will defend six, Democrats, seven. Virtually all are safe seats for their respective parties.
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.




Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines largest national flag carrier, has announced plans to increase its flight frequency between Manila and Dubai, from its current two-flights-a-week schedule to thrice weekly beginning October.

Once regulatory approval is secured, CEBs Dubai-Manila flights will start operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while its Manila-Dubai service will be on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

With this added frequency, Filipinos who are currently in the UAE have access to more options and can find it easier to make plans for their essential travel to the Philippines.

In addition, CEB has also adjusted its passenger options - allowing for increased flexibility and added peace of mind given the developing situation for air travel all over the world.

These expanded flexibility options include unlimited free rebooking for new bookings (but may be subject to fare difference), waived rebooking fees for three months of existing booking (subject to fare difference), and extension of the Travel Fund validity to two years, said the statement from Cebu Pacific.

For passengers with cancelled flights, or those who want to voluntarily alter travel plans, they can manage their bookings through the Manage Booking portal in the Cebu Pacific website, it stated.

CEB has urged all passengers to comply with the necessary Covid requirements in compliance with air travel implemented by the governments of the Philippines and the UAE,

Under this scheme, all Dubai resident visa holders who are flying back must still apply for and receive approval from the UAEs General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs prior to travel by accessing their dedicated website link: https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Smart_OTCServicesPortal/ReturnPermitService.aspx

Guests flying to or transiting through Dubai should hold a negative PCR test result before departure (the test should be conducted within 96 hours before departure), it added.

Under the new rule, travellers must have a valid health insurance that can be used in the UAE, as required by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA).

For those flying from Dubai to Manila, the natioona; carrier said: "Under existing government protocols, all Philippine-bound guests are required to undergo Covid-19 RT-PCR test upon arrival at the airport."

Passengers must pre-register and accomplish the E-CIF online before they depart for the Philippines. They must also prepare to upload a picture of their passports bio page. Once registered, travellers must print or save the QR code on their mobile phones, so they can skip some steps as they go through the testing procedures, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
Emma Roberts has had quite the week, recently signing a first look deal, which includes a new TV series.

But the New York-born actress' most exciting bit of news is that she's expecting her first child.

She showed off her baby bump Monday in a strapless one-piece bathing suit, as she took a dip while celebrating Labor Day at home in Los Angeles with partner Garrett Hedlund.

Not that kind of Labor Day: Emma Roberts showed off her baby bump Monday in a strapless one-piece bathing suit, as she took a dip while celebrating Labor Day at home in Los Angeles with partner Garrett Hedlund

The 29-year-old donned a navy blue swimsuit with red floral embellishments, paired with red Mulberry cat-eye sunglasses.

She and Hedlund, 36, confirmed their first pregnancy last week, while revealing that they're expecting a boy.

Roberts served goddess vibes, showing off her pregnant belly in a white off-the-shoulder dress, while cozying up to the Tron: Legacy actor.

She captioned their adorable first family photos from home: 'Me...and my two favorite guys'

New addition: The 29-year-old and Hedlund, 36, confirmed their first pregnancy last week, while revealing that they're expecting a boy

Parents-to-be: Roberts served goddess vibes, showing off her pregnant belly in a white off-the-shoulder dress, while cozying up to the Tron: Legacy actor

It's a boy: She captioned their adorable first family photos from home: 'Me...and my two favorite guys'

'Love you,' Aunt Julia Roberts commented, while Scream Queens costar (and fellow new mom) Lea Michele wrote: 'You will be the greatest mama. I love you Em! Boy moms together.'

A source recently told People that the couple has gotten 'very serious' in their relationship, and they are 'beyond excited to be having a boy.'

The insider added of the parents-to-be: 'Garrett thinks Emma is amazing. They will be great parents.'

The American Horror Story star was first romantically linked to Hedlund back in March of 2019, shortly after calling off her engagement with Evan Peters, 33, after seven years together.

She recently celebrated some other big news, signing a first-look deal with Hulu, focusing on adapting books for television.

Making moves: Roberts recently celebrated some other big news, signing a first-look deal with Hulu, focusing on adapting books for television

Page to screen: Inked through her production company Belletrist TV, her first project will be an adaptation of Carola Lovering's 2018 novel Tell Me Lies (pictured in February, 2020)

Inked through her production company Belletrist TV, her first project will be an adaptation of Carola Lovering's 2018 novel Tell Me Lies.

Since Belletrist was started by Roberts as a book club with pal Karah Preiss (who also serves as executive producer), they shouldn't have any trouble coming up with more content.

Roberts told British Vogue last month: 'I always love the feeling of starting a new book that youve been excited to read. Especially lately, just diving into a new book and really getting to spend the day or the night reading has been such a luxury.

'It gets me so excited, because then I keep thinking of all the friends Im going to get a copy for, if theyre going to like it, and what were going to talk about. I just think a good book is just the best conversation starter.'
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This story was originally published on September 8, 2020.

For a short period of time in early aughts, flyers posted around San Francisco advertised a shocking new service: Black people for rent.

The public art experiment from political cartoonist Keith Knight aimed to draw attention to the racial disparities the city has faced long before recent artistic statements like The Last Black Man in San Francisco and protests following the murder of George Floyd.

Knight left a phone number on the flyers and received calls from all types of people. Some got the joke, others didnt. Racists left horrible voicemails. Some made serious inquiries. But the most common call came from an unlikely source.

The most bizarre calls were from Black people looking for jobs. Those were the most calls. And that was when I was like, wow, this is more than just a comic strip. Ive gotta do something with this, says Knight.

This experience is one of many that inspired the new Hulu comedy Woke," which follows a San Francisco cartoonist based largely on Knight, and named after him, too (Keef Knight" is played by Lamorne Morris). Keef is about to land a huge syndication deal for his innocuous Toast and Butter comic strip, until an experience of police racial profiling turns him political. That plot point also stems from Knights own experience.

After living 10 years in San Francisco, I was hanging up posters and suddenly a cop showed up asking, 'What are you doing?' I was a suspect, someone was robbing houses in the area, says Knight. And I remember asking him, what's the description? He said, six-foot-tall, black male. And that was it.

RELATED: Hulus new Andy Samberg movie 'Palm Springs' changed my entire approach to the pandemic

The trauma of Keefs experience, in which an officer throws him to the ground but relents after aggressive intervention from his white roommate (played by Concord native Blake Anderson), triggers a series of PTSD-like episodes in which everyday objects like Sharpies come to life to try to radicalize the cartoonist. He then has a meltdown on-stage at an event that goes viral online, costing him his big deal and forcing him to rethink his career (with a little help from talking trash cans). Its a magical realist style that Knight equates to inspirations like Amelie and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Courtesy of Keith Knight

Since the '90s, Knight had been practicing this type of off-beat style in his comic series "The Knight Life," "The K Chronicles" and "(Th)ink," which have run in SF Weekly, the San Francisco Examiner and The San Francisco Chronicle. His work has now been compiled in 14 collections, most recently "They Shoot Black People Don't They?" in 2016.

Knight left San Francisco for Los Angeles in 2007, partially because he saw the writing on the wall for print publications, but also to try to develop a project for television. But the experimental style used in Woke was initially a tough sell to studio executives.

The hardest thing to convince people of was the objects coming to life and balancing the humor with the serious issues. People had a really hard time grasping that, says Knight. Just associating Black characters with magical realism, I think there are a lot of executives that just see Black folks in urban gritty reality dramas, you know, hard-core stuff.

Given the nations current society unrest with regards to racial injustice, it seems like the show couldnt have come at a better time. But regardless of the fact that the treatment of race dovetails with themes about tech tropes like the sharing economy, its not like this show was fast-tracked to production based on current events.

With the way things have turned, it was like, Oh my god, how did you guys know this was gonna happen? You know, this happened to me 20 years ago, says Knight, referring to his experience with racial profiling. And it happened to people 40 years ago and 60 years ago and 100 years ago. This show would be on time at any time.

RELATED: HBOs new mystery show from the 'Get Out' creator asks whats scarier: Racism or monsters?

Although the show is very much set in modern day San Francisco, with jokes about supplement startups and entitled apartment tenants refusing to pay rent with anything other than Venmo, it was actually shot in Vancouver for a very San Francisco reason: filming here was too expensive. Long stretches of snow made outdoor scenes supposedly taking place in the Bay Area impossible, resulting in Keefs stereotypically tiny SF apartment playing a major role in the show.

Speaking of tiny apartments, Knight acknowledges that "Woke" really couldnt have dropped at a better time, given that audiences dont have much else to do right now other than watch TV due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The fact that all these people are stuck inside and have to watch TV and are waiting for something new, thats amazing timing, he jokes. And despite the heavy themes of the show, at its heart, Woke is very much a comedy, and offers some much needed laughs in otherwise dark days.

I just want people to laugh, more than anything. Laugh and then think. Were not solving any gigantic issues or anything, were just having fun with the idea of what woke is.

Dan Gentile is a culture editor at SFGATE. Email: Dan.Gentile@sfgate.com | Twitter: @Dannosphere
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 04:58:37|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will sign their normalization agreement at the White House on Sept. 15, U.S. officials said on Tuesday.

Citing U.S. officials, media reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan would attend the signing ceremony.

"I am proud to travel to Washington next week, at the invitation of President Trump, and to attend the historic ceremony at the White House to form the peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates," Netanyahu tweeted Tuesday.

Israel and the UAE last month announced the full normalization of relations, making the UAE the first Gulf Arab state and only the third Arab nation, after Egypt and Jordan, to establish diplomatic ties with Israel.

According to the deal, Israel agrees to suspend its plan to annex parts of the occupied Palestinian territories in the West Bank.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that the deal between the UAE and Israel "is a stab in the Palestinians' back."

Abbas called on all Arab countries to abide by the Arab Peace Initiative, launched in 2002, which stipulates that the Arabs can only normalize relations with Israel after the Palestinian issue is resolved. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 06:28:32|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Coronavirus quarantine rules for visitors coming for the annual UN General Assembly gathering of world leaders later this month might mean this 75th anniversary session will be quite different, a UN spokesman said on Tuesday.

"This General Assembly will clearly be like no other," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"I think we will have an opportunity to hear from world leaders on the state of the world in this dramatic time that we live in, and I think that is clearly worth tuning in and make it, you know, appointment television, so to speak," he told correspondents at a regular, virtual briefing.

The UN Secretariat has been encouraging the VIPs to pre-record their General Assembly statements, with a voluntary 15-minute maximum.

Another factor for encouraging recorded remarks at a limited gathering is that New York state has imposed 14-day self-quarantine on visitors from 35 U.S. states and territories. The airport authority has imposed similar strictures.

However, media reports have said U.S. President Donald Trump plans to address the annual meeting in-person on the opening day.

Dujarric said New York City has advised missions to the United Nations of its strict health protocols. Asked if delegates might claim diplomatic immunity, he advised checking with city and state officials.

A spokeswoman at New York City Hall, Siobhan Dingwall, said that they are required to follow New York state's guidance and self-quarantine.

All 193 member states have been told that they are only allowed one representative to sit in the General Assembly hall at their designated place where there are places for six delegates for each country. Enditem
South Africa: COVID-19 deaths exceed 15 000 in South Africa

The number of COVID-19-related deaths has surpassed the 15 000 mark in South Africa.

This is after 115 more fatalities were reported on Monday, bringing the total to 15 004.

Forty-three were recorded in Limpopo, 25 in KwaZulu-Natal, 13 in the Western Cape, 12 in the Eastern Cape, 10 in the North West, seven in the Free State and five in Gauteng.

We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased patients, Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said.

Meanwhile, 566 555 patients have recuperated, which translates to a recovery rate of 88.6%.

There are 639 362 confirmed infections since the outbreak, after 846 new cases were identified.

Gauteng remains the epicentre after 213 087 cases were recorded, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 114 904, the Western Cape 107 244 and the Eastern Cape 86 868.

The least affected provinces include the Free State with 39 986 cases, North West 26 294, Mpumalanga 25 125, Limpopo 13 769 and the Northern Cape 12 085.

The data is based on the 3 808 949 tests performed, 8 759 of which were done in the last 24 hours.

In an interview with the SABCs Morning Live, Mkhize said while the number of infections is reducing, the worst is not yet over.

We are worried about the resurgence. Globally, we are now at number seven. This tells us two things: one, the numbers are declining in South Africa; two, globally, the numbers are still increasing.

Mkhize said government is not ready to open the economy completely.

We are moving in that direction. The economy does need to be opened, however, we will ease into the decrease in restrictions.

The South African Medical Research Council has reported that there are 41 424 excess deaths between 6 May and 25 August.

However, Mkhize said not all excess deaths are COVID-19 related.

When our numbers were very high, the number of excess deaths was also high. We are tracking these excess deaths. Unnatural deaths during the lockdown reduced drastically. We are seeing that increase now again, he said.

Nearly 27 million COVID-19 cases and 900 000 deaths have been reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to date.

According to WHO, while cases in South Africa have declined for the week ending 6 September, the country continues to report the highest number of cases in the region, accounting for 37% of all new cases.

Other countries reporting a high number of cases include Ethiopia, Algeria, Namibia and Kenya.

Nigeria's cases have declined by 35%, compared to the previous week from 24 to 30 August, while the number of reported deaths increased by 200%.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2020-09-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Wine language is so often absurd that its a punchline. Notes of smoldering tobacco or forest underbrush or underripe Jonagold apple  it sounds almost farcical in its specificity. Even worse is when the descriptor is inedible. How many people have actually tasted a wet river stone, anyway?

But now, its becoming clearer than ever that the conventional language used to describe wine isnt merely intimidating and opaque. Its also inextricable from racism and sexism, excluding dimensions of flavor that are unfamiliar to the white, Western cultures that dominate the world of fine wine and reinforcing retrograde notions of gender.

Im always thinking about words, but this summer, Ive been thinking about language in new ways, particularly in how seemingly innocuous words can have a larger impact. As the country confronts its entrenched social inequities with fresh urgency, the world of wine has experienced a radical call to action, too. My conversations with wine professionals like Jirka Jireh and Martin Reyes for a recent story about the need to improve wine education for BIPOC really put into focus just how limited and unwelcoming the established wine lexicon can be.

The conventional words used to talk about the taste of wine may be excluding large groups of people from wine, as both makers and drinkers. For starters: The vocabulary used for fine wine is nearly exclusively rooted in flavors and aromas familiar to western Europe. This idea came up a lot in recent discussions about the wine industrys lack of racial diversity, especially with Jireh, who told me that early in her career she was conditioned to mold her palate to a French ideal, even though French flavors werent evocative for her.

Consider the extent to which French words have crept into English-language wine talk. A Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine tastes like brioche. Inky Cabernet Sauvignons recall cassis, a flavor of concentrated, ripe black currants. Grenache blends have the distinctive taste of garrigue  a specific combination of herbs like lavender and sage that grow near the Mediterranean coast.

Its not surprising that French words dominate the American wine imagination; most of this countrys wine tradition is imported from France. But these terms carry considerable class baggage with them. Some of the most common wine descriptors refer specifically to food preparations from the annals of classical French gastronomy: pate de fruit (a jellied fruit candy), coulis (a fruit sauce), fleur de sel (very fancy salt). To understand these tastes, its not enough to enter the words into Google translate  it actually requires a lived experience of Michelin-starred dining. It took me years of hearing pate de fruit in a wine context before I could actually find one to taste.

Understanding these tastes is more than an exercise in figuring out what you personally enjoy; its often requisite for getting ahead in the wine world. Most of the existing wine classes  the ones that many sommeliers need to advance in their careers  demand familiarity with this wine-flavor lexicon. Winery owners and winemakers need fluency in this language in order to interact with distributors, retailers and customers. Given all that, it can hardly be surprising that less than 1% of U.S. wineries have a Black owner or winemaker: Exclusionary language is a part of that larger exclusion.

Of course, there are exceptions. Certain descriptors like Chinese five spice, rooibos tea, hoisin and lemongrass have crept into the mainstream, used frequently even by the highest-profile critics. The dialect is richer for these terms. And just imagine how much richer it could be: In an article for Punch, New York sommelier Miguel de Leon wrote about his associations with the flavors of the Filipino food he was raised on: a Chenin Blanc reminds him of jackfruit, a Cabernet Franc of tamarind candy.

Ive been complicit in the shortcomings of wine descriptors. I learned how to talk about wine from the high-end wineries and upscale restaurants where I worked at the beginning of my career, and in my earlier years as a wine writer, I definitely overused terms that probably sounded erudite to me at the time like sous bois, which refers to the distinctive smell of the forest floor. (I could have just written forest floor.)

Part of the issue is that there will always be a tension between specificity and accessibility. I want to get at the most exact word to describe what Im tasting, but the more precise I get, the more likely it is to alienate people. Gooseberry may be the most concise way to express a particular flavor frequently found in Sauvignon Blanc, but many people who do most of their produce shopping at California Safeway locations are not likely to have ever eaten one. Words like that can be so perfect that they become unhelpful. And trading the French set of overly specific flavor descriptors for a pan-global set isnt necessarily a worthy goal: The wet-river-stone problem in another dialect is still a problem.

The temptation, at least for me, is to err on the side of specificity. Just as a sommelier can adapt their register to the formality of their specific restaurant, I write with an audience in mind. My typical reader can read in English, lives in the Bay Area, probably knows what a persimmon tastes like.

But accessibility needs to become more of a priority, too. As wine fights to diversify its industry makeup and, hopefully, its consumer base, it will have to get used to new registers of speech in settings where garrigue doesnt carry a lot of currency. Its not that western European flavors should be vilified, or use of French restricted; its that the dictionary should be expanded. And as new pathways are created to usher in a more diverse new generation of wine professionals, the resources to do that expansion will grow.

The daunting changes around how we talk about wine are not without precedent. This conversation picks up on a conversation thats been happening for a few years now, about wine languages sexist implications.

For example, its commonplace to describe wines as masculine or feminine. A masculine wine, were meant to understand, is aggressive and muscular; a feminine one, delicate and floral. Ive used these terms myself in the past, but I wont in the future  not only because this wine-gender binary feels like it adheres to an outdated, irrelevant set of gender norms, but also because it happens to be vague and unhelpful. Sexism aside, these terms fall into the same obnoxious camp as wet river stone.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

And masculine and feminine are innocuous compared with some of the sexist wine language that has passed as normal for many years. It astounds me that the word slutty  used to describe a wine whose appeal is obvious, rather than subtle  remains in circulation. (Slutty in a wine context is almost always used pejoratively, not used to summon the reclaimed-feminism, owning-my-body attitude that the word lately has come to inhabit in some circles.) More than once, Ive heard the critic Jay McInerney discuss why he thinks comparing a wine to Pamela Anderson (implying its rich and voluptuous) as opposed to Kate Moss (implying its lean and taut) is a useful way to describe it.

This kind of language, quite brazenly, assumes that its readers all share a leering, heterosexual male perspective  a dangerous assumption, since 54% of U.S. wine drinkers are women, according to 2019 Wine Market Council data.

But overtly gendered language has been falling out of favor in recent years, rightfully so. Thats a testament to this very rarefied, privileged disciplines ability to change its own norms, and proof that a deeper examination of the racial and class-based undertones is possible.

Attempting to convey the taste of a wine through written words is never an easy task, and Im not sure I ever really get it right. Part of the work, certainly, has to do with deliberately exposing oneself to new flavors, something that happens to be very feasible when you live in the Bay Area. Another part of it is really, truly paying attention to those flavors, whether its the pungent saltiness of XO sauce or the mouthwatering tang of umeboshi.

Doing this work has another element: It can make the language of wine tasting less limited, less contraining and less dull.

Then again, talking about wine isnt just about fruits and flowers and sauces. Sometimes, the exercise of conveying what a wine tastes like may require a little more imagination.

The best example of this that I know is the word petrichor. Its a delightfully compact word that means the smell after the rain, and its one of the most evocative wine descriptors Ive ever heard. Yes, its an esoteric Greek derivative. Its not available at Safeway. But the fragrance and the feeling it evokes, it seems to me, are universally intelligible.

Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicles wine critic. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley Instagram: @esthermob
MILFORD  Pops Family Restaurant gained Planning and Zoning Board approval to construct a rear deck for seasonal use at its site at 134 Old Gate Lane.

The board granted a special permit with site plan review, which is required for a restaurant to have an outdoor seating area in the Industrial District zone. The deck facing the Indian River will be 48 feet wide by 15 feet long with a 5 foot by 7 foot extension on the parking lot side.

Attorney Thomas Lynch said the seating would be socially distanced with room for 24 patrons. If coronavirus restrictions were lifted, the deck would have room for 30 people. The restaurant has 77 parking spaces and the deck is not counted toward the parking requirements.

Lynch said the deck would only be used during the warm weather months. He said there would be no tent, awning or other structure over the deck that would make it non-compliant with seasonal deck use.

At the public hearing, Liz Kennard of Reed Street asked whether the deck would be near wetlands. Lynch said there is an area of wetlands to the west of the property. He said Inland Wetlands Officer MaryRose Palumbo reviewed the plans and indicated there was no need for her involvement because the work was outside the wetlands review area.

Carter Mario of Point Beach Drive said he supports the plan, which allows people to eat out more. Mario asked, I wonder why more people like Pops have not done what he is doing?

This is the third time Pops has been before the PZB for its restaurant on Old Gate Lane. The 4,000-square-foot restaurant was approved May 15, 2012 and constructed in 2013 on the 1.44-acre property with 103 seats and 54 parking spaces. At that meeting, due to parking concerns, the board denied a request to use a patio area overlooking the Indian River for outdoor seating.

At a 2015, hearing, the board unanimously approved construction of a 1,176-square-foot addition to the rear of the original building.

The addition was possible because in September 2014, Jive LLC had purchased the adjacent 0.78-acre property at 142 Old Gate Lane for $300,000 and demolished an existing single-family house that was being used as an office, and converted that into a parking lot with 23 spaces.
From behind a red strip of tape to ensure coronavirus-related social distancing, placed on a handmade Persian carpet in Irans presidential palace, Switzerlands Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis greeted President Hassan Rouhani for a meeting that marked 100 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The path is open for America to return to the JCPOA, Rouhani said, in reference to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, widely known as the Iran nuclear deal, which US President Donald Trump shredded in 2018. We expect the friendly and free countries of the world not to resort to silence, the Iranian president added, as he once again criticized the US economic pressure, which officials in Tehran have repeatedly lamented as terrorism or economic warfare."

The immense pressure, Iran complains, is targeting its civilian population and their livelihoods. And to bypass it, the Islamic Republic has been exhausting multiple solutions, one of which is the Swiss humanitarian channel, officially launched in January with the aim of facilitating Iranian payments for the imports of much-needed medicines and food into the sanctions-hit country.

Rouhani called for a boost in the channels activity by the Swiss government, which protects Iranian and American interests on the soils of the two countries in the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the two archenemies. In a veiled mention of the same transaction corridor, Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also expressed gratitude for Switzerlands efforts to mitigate US sabotage.

But not all statements were diplomatic niceties and compliments for the Swiss foreign minister, who was earlier seen visiting monuments in the central city of Isfahan, where he lauded Iran as the pearl of the Middle East." The ultraconservative paper Javan appeared to downplay the traditional peace-brokering role the Swiss take pride in. The powerless mediator, the paper wrote, simply plays no role beyond that of a gentle courier in charge of delivering messages.

In recent days, speculation was rife in Iranian media that the Swiss foreign minister was on a mission to initiate a mediation process between Tehran and Washington. Iranian officials, however, have denied the theory, saying the visit had been planned a long time ago only to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On Tuesday, Irans Zarif also hosted his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in Tehran, where the two sides  according to Zarif  exchanged views on bilateral ties and important regional developments."

Under the US maximum pressure policy that aims to squeeze the Iranian economy, Tehran has been looking to New Delhi as one important savior. While Iranian crude sales to the worlds second-most populous nation have not been steady enough to satisfy the Islamic Republic, New Delhis $500 million investment in Irans southeastern strategic port of Chabahar continues to shape Indo-Iranian economic relations. Despite Tehrans complaints about delays from the Indian side, the megaproject remains one of the few trade areas waived in the US sanctions regime, allowing New Delhi to pursue its business there without having to bite nails over Trump administration penalties.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 21:52:56|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- For the past five months, John Njuguna, who works with an insurance firm in Nairobi, has been receiving 65 percent of his pay after his employer reduced it, citing tough economic conditions occasioned by COVID-19.

Njuguna had to adjust his lifestyle as the pay cut was implemented suddenly at a time when getting additional income was impossible.

"I have had to defer buying things like clothes and shoes. Luckily, schools have been closed," he said on Tuesday.

His predicament is shared by thousands of other workers in both formal and informal sectors in the east African nation, who saw their pay cut by between 20 and 80 percent.

From media to aviation, retail, agriculture, hospitality, health, security and manufacturing sectors, companies implemented pay cuts to stay afloat.

And since it was not known when the pandemic would end, the pay cuts have remained indefinite.

But as the COVID-19 cases decline significantly in Kenya and economic activities pick up, many workers are hopeful that their employers would restore their full pay.

On Monday, Kenya recorded 102 COVID-19 cases in a downward trend that has persisted in the last two weeks. The east Africa nation's total confirmed cases stood at 35,205.

President Uhuru Kenyatta recently declared that the country is steadily flattening the curve. Business activities are also gathering momentum, with data from various government and private sector agencies indicating a surge in economic activities.

In the aviation sector, for instance, both international and local flights have resumed, giving hope to the tourism industry.

Similarly, in the hospitality sector, meetings are slowly resuming as participants adhere to COVID-19 measures of wearing masks and social media.

Mobile money transactions notched up in July to a record 450 billion shillings (about 4.2 billion U.S. dollars), up from a low of 3 billion dollars in April, according to the Central Bank, an indication of improved business activities.

"I am looking forward to the time I will earn my full pay and I hope it will be soon," said Lorna Mukhwana, a security guard in Kitengela.

She is employed by a private company to guard an estate in the sprawling suburb. Before the pandemic, she earned 101 dollars, but this was slashed to 74 dollars after residents asked to pay less a month due to economic challenges.

"The residents would revert to normal contributions at the end of October. It is one of the best things that would happen to my family. We are living on a constrained budget," said Mukhwana, whose husband works as a motorbike taxi operator in the suburb.

Journalists are also among thousands of workers hoping for better pay as economic activities resume. Most of Kenya's media workers have seen their pay cut by between 5 and 35 percent.

But the hundreds of Kenya's formal workers had not only lost part of their pay, but some firms have also withdrawn other benefits including medical insurance and pension.

According to the Federation of Kenya Employers, thousands of workers have seen their medical covers withdrawn as firms see their incomes drop.

"A fall in COVID-19 cases has huge implications on economic activities thus people's income. That is why the decline offers hope, that the tough times are soon going to be over," said Ernest Manuyo, a lecturer at Pioneer Institute in Nairobi. Enditem
Choosing the right paint color can be tricky, Harbin says, so its important to order larger color samples from paint stores rather than relying on paint cards. You can have an earthy bathroom, like a really pretty travertine, . . . and if you put a stark white with it, it falls flat, but rich creams will work, she says. If you cant find larger samples, get a sample pot and paint a poster board to see how everything looks under your bathrooms lighting. Put the paint next to tile and countertop samples to be certain they all work together.
An opposition leader in Belarus was abducted from the streets of Minsk in broad daylight yesterday, local media reported, as the authorities extend their crackdown on protests against dictator Alexander Lukashenko.

Maria Kolesnikova - part of the "troika" of women who spearheaded efforts to oust the long-time ruler in an election last month - was bundled into a dark minibus by men wearing unmarked clothes, a witness said.

The 38-year old is the only member of the trio still in Belarus after Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who stood against Mr Lukashenko in the election, was forced to flee to neighbouring Lithuania following apparent threats to her children, and ally Veronika Tsepkalo left for Poland. Two other opposition figures were also reported missing.

A witness told the independent Belarusian news site, tut.by, she had seen Ms Kolesnikova walking near the National Art Museum in the centre of Minsk yesterday morning.

"I saw a dark minibus with 'Communication' written on its side," she said.

"I walked ahead and heard the sound of a phone falling on the pavement and some kind of commotion. I turned around and saw people in masks and civilian clothes were pushing Maria into the bus."

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Calls to Ms Kolesnikova went unanswered. Her team said their lawyers were working to ascertain her whereabouts.

Authorities said they had no information about any detention, while Minsk police said they were "clarifying information" about the alleged abduction.

Mr Lukashenko claimed victory in the August 9 vote, which was widely seen as rigged, and police launched a brutal crackdown on the hundreds of thousands of Belarusians who came out to protest.

Officers used rubber bullets, stun grenades and tear gas on demonstrators. Many of those arrested during the rallies later showed evidence of beatings while in police custody. At least four people have died and many more are still missing.

Videos on social media have shown abductions of protesters into unmarked vehicles in the weeks since the election.

Ms Kolesnikova is a member of the Coordination Council set up by Ms Tikhanovskaya to oversee the peaceful transfer of power.

Last week Ms Kolesnikova said she was launching a new political party called Together that would push for constitutional reforms.

Several other members of the Coordination Council have been detained in recent weeks, after Belarus's prosecutor general opened a criminal case against the group.

Ms Kolesnikova's press secretary said the council's spokesman and executive secretary were also out of contact. ( Daily Telegraph, London)

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CHICAGO, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Illinois faces significant racial equity gaps in higher education. Only 2 of Illinois' 12 public institutions have representative enrollment of Latino students; just 4 of 12 for Black students. There are completion gaps of up to 30 points for Black and Latino students compared to white students. Addressing racial equity in higher education is necessary to close persistent racial wealth gaps and ensure a diverse, reflective workforce. As a leading advocate for equity in and access to higher education, Women Employed has developed recommendations to address racial equity gaps in Illinois' public institutions.

"The Need to Address Racial Equity in Illinois Higher Education" includes recommendations in seven key areas. Each recommendation includes actions that provide opportunities for inclusive conversations and the elimination of racial, gender, and economic inequities at all levels.

"The traditional college system is often challenging to navigate, especially for students of color, adult students, student parents, and students from low-income households," said Cherita Ellens, President and CEO of Women Employed. "As a graduate of one of these public institutions, it's hard to accept the slow rate of change in the almost three decades since my attendance. With strong leadership, collaboration, and commitment, we can implement robust statewide strategies to overcome those barriers and close racial equity gaps, and we hope the recommendations contained in these briefs will inform a roadmap for that work."

In addition to this brief, Women Employed will release a companion report in the coming weeks highlighting promising practices piloted in other states. We will also serve on the Equity Working Group convened by Chicago State University. These efforts are part of our mission to improve the economic status of women and remove barriers to economic equity.

Download Women Employed's racial equity brief at https://womenemployed.org/student-success/.

About Women Employed: Women Employed increases economic stability and opportunities for women in low-paid jobs and for women of color by effecting policy change, expanding access to educational opportunities, and advocating for fair, inclusive workplaces so all women, families, and communities can thrive. Since 1973, WE have relentlessly worked to improve the economic status of women and remove barriers to economic equity. For more information, visit https://womenemployed.org, or follow @WomenEmployed on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

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NCB must have found evidence against Rhea Chakraborty: Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Patna, Sep 08: Bihar's Director General of Police (DGP) Gupteshwar Pandey on Tuesday said that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) must have found evidence against Rhea Chakraborty in the drugs case. According to reports, the prime accused in the Sushant Singh Rajput death case will be taken for a medical test next at 4 PM as part of the formalities.

Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey said,''Rhea Chakraborty is totally exposed in the sense that she had connection with drug peddlers. This has been established, that is why she has been arrested.''

''Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) must have found evidence against her,'' he further said.

Sushant Singh Rajput case: Rhea Chakraborty arrested by Narcotics Control Bureau

After 19 hours of grilling, Rhea Chakraborty was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau on Tuesday in the drugs case. The prime accused in the Sushant Singh Rajput death case will be taken for a medical test next at 4 PM as part of the formalities.

Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai residence on June 14. After this, the actor's father KK Singh on July 25 filed a case in Rajivnagar, Patna, against Rhea Chakraborty and five others. Later, the Bihar government recommended a CBI probe into the case.

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 16:19 [IST]
PHOTO: A screen grab from body cam footage of a man who was detained while jogging because deputies from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said he matched a witness description. (Volusia County Sheriff's Office)

After Florida deputies detained an innocent Black man who they say fit the description of an accused burglar, body camera footage showed the man and the officers chatting about the sensitive state of race relations -- and the encounter left such an impression on the county sheriff that he's arranged to have the man assist his department with its implicit bias training.

Joseph Griffin was out jogging late last month in Deltona, about 30 miles north of Orlando, when deputies pulled up in a squad car alongside him and told him he fit the description of a suspect in a nearby burglary, according to the video released by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.

Officers apologized to Griffin but said they had to detain him while they checked a surveillance photo of the suspect to make sure it wasn't him. Griffin had been livestreaming the encounter on his phone, and one of the officers volunteered to hold his phone to continue the stream while Griffin was placed in handcuffs.

Related video: Higher rate of which police pull over Black vs white drivers

While waiting for the information on the suspect to come in, bodycam video showed Griffin and the deputies talking about the situation.

"Seven cop cars [are here], and I was just jogging down the street," Griffin says at one point, his hands cuffed behind his back.

"But we don't know that for sure, you know? You gotta see it through our eyes," says one deputy who appears to be black.

MORE: Family, investigators and police offer starkly different views of Jacob Blake in wake of police shooting

A little while later, the deputy tells Griffin, "We appreciate you being very cooperative. Other people would just..."

"I'm trying not to get shot over this," Griffin replies with a nervous laugh.

"Me neither," the deputy appears to say on the video. "I know things are going on ... I'm right there with ya."

Griffin, who told officers he was a military veteran, was released after deputies confirmed from surveillance images that the suspect wasn't him.

Story continues

"Everyone's a little on edge right now so I just want to say thank you," another deputy, who is white, tells Griffin on the video after he's released. "Not everyone is that understanding and respectful."

"Thank you," said Griffin, then later: "I definitely appreciate that."

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood posted the full video to social media, prompting some angry users to claim racial profiling. Disputing claims that his deputies did anything wrong, Chitwood in a statement commended both his deputies and Griffin.

PHOTO: A screen grab from body cam footage of a man who was detained while jogging because deputies from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said he matched a witness description. (Volusia County Sheriff's Office)

"We detained a guy who was just out jogging, but who unfortunately fit the initial suspect description," Chitwood wrote. "I just want to say how proud I am of the deputies who handled this call. Granted, nothing like Facebook Live existed when I was starting out, but I donat know if a young Mike Chitwood would have kept a live video running for somebody I was detaining. These guys did it because in that moment, they understood what it meant to Mr. Griffin, who was going out of his way to be cooperative and respectful. Everyone involved in this deserves recognition for a job well done."

As a result, Chitwood said, he had invited Griffin to assist in his department's training.

"Joseph Griffin is going to come out and join us during implicit bias training, and tell this story from his perspective. I think we can all learn from his point of view, just like he has listened to ours," he wrote. "Mr. Griffin is a military veteran and a medical professional, and I told him we'd train and hire him as a deputy in a second if he ever wants a new job."

MORE: What the latest research tells us about racial bias in policing

Chitwood said that after the encounter, deputies were able to identify and arrest the suspect they were looking for.

"To all who responded so quickly and got the actual suspect in custody before he broke into someone else's property, YOU are the reason crime is down in Deltona," he wrote. "When we respond to this kind of burglary with the same sense of urgency as any other call, we see the results in a safer community."

"Thank you again to every deputy and to Joseph Griffin, and to all of you who can see that both perspectives deserve a look," Chitwood wrote.

After Florida deputies detain innocent Black man, sheriff asks him to help with bias training originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Barely a week after PlayerUnknowns BattleGrounds (PUBG), a popular gaming app, was banned by the ministry of electronics and information technology, the South Korean operator of the app has pulled its franchise from Tencent Holdings Ltd in India, apparently seeking to distance itself from the China-based company .

In light of recent developments, PUBG Corporation has made the decision to no longer authorize the PUBG MOBILE franchise to Tencent Games in India. Moving forward, PUBG Corporation will take on all publishing responsibilities within the country, PUBG said in a statement.

Hindustan Times on September 2 reported that the Indian government has banned PUBG, along with 118 other mobile applications with links to China, citing reports that these apps were stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users data in an unauthorised manner. The government said these apps promoted activities prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.

This move will safeguard the interests of crores of Indian mobile and internet users. This decision is a targeted move to ensure safety, security and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace, the ministry of electronics and information technology (MEITY) said.

Tencent confirmed that PUBG Corp would take on the responsibilities of publishing the mobile game in India, news agency Reuters reported. Our existing cooperation with PUBG Corporation in global markets other than India is not affected, Tencent said in a statement, according to Reuters.

The move was seen as being aimed at Chinese technology giants such as Tencent Holdings, the countrys search engine leader Baidu Inc., Xiaomis ShareSave and online payments giant Ant Group Co.s platform Alipay.

PUBG was banned in the third round of blocks ordered by the government in the wake of the increased military tensions between India and China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had called the move a :digital strike on China.

This is a business call, an IT ministry official (CHECK) said, asking not to be named.

The official added that there is no question of revoking the ban until the government is satisfied that all its concerns have been addressed.

The reasons and grounds on which the ban has been imposed go way beyond ownership, said this person. Unless those concerns are addressed, {there is no} no reason to revoke the ban. The larger issues remain that of data privacy, data security and the information that the apps are collecting from users. We have sent 70-odd questions to the blocked apps, we will review them and respond.

The government is also going through the answers provided by the 59 apps banned in the first round, including TikTok, and the 47 mirror apps banned in the second. All the app operators will also be given a chance to make their case in front of a panel which is yet to begin hearing their representations.

PUBGs statement said that the corporation fully understands and respects the measures taken by the government as the privacy and security of player data is a top priority for the company.

It hopes to work hand-in-hand with the Indian government to find a solution that will allow gamers to once again drop into the battlegrounds while being fully compliant with Indian laws and regulations, said the statement. As the company explores ways to provide its own PUBG experience for India in the near future, it is committed to doing so by sustaining a localized and healthy gameplay environment for its fans.

India accounts for over a quarter of PUBG Mobiles lifetime installs though revenues from the country are still minuscule, a Bloomberg report said, citing data from research firm Sensor Tower. PUBG had seen its user numbers rocket in India as the coronavirus disease-related lockdown boosted gaming.

The banned versions of PUBG include PUBG Mobile Lite, a leaner version of the app suited to inexpensive smartphones, as well as PUBG Mobile Nordic Map: Livik, a newer game played in Nordic terrain.

According to Raman Jit Singh Chima, lawyer and Asia Pacific policy director at Access Now, a digital rights advocacy group, the government is citing law and order and data protection as grounds for an economic decision. Normally, countries criminally charge a firm for violating data privacy and not block the services, said Chima.

PUBGs actions seem to indicate that they are hopeful that the government may reinstate the application now. If we look at the US, they are clear on the fact that their move against Tencent is an economic one and aims to restrict its activities; they have not banned PUBG, he added.

...

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A man gets ready to deliver food in front of a restaurant in Seoul, Sept. 2. Yonhap



South Korean food delivery applications saw their sales hit a fresh high in August as more people refrained from dining out and stayed home amid the stricter social distancing scheme, data showed Tuesday.



The combined transactions made through the country's four major food delivery applications came to 1.2 trillion won (US$1 billion) in August, up 28 percent from a month earlier, according to the industry tracker WiseApp.



Sales from the four applications reached a whopping 7.6 trillion won over the January-August period, already surpassing the 7.1 trillion won in total last year, the data also showed.



Germany-based Delivery Hero operates three of the four apps surveyed  namely Yogiyo, Baedaltong and FoodFly. South Korea-based Woowa Brothers Corp. operates Baemin, the country's No. 1 delivery app.



Late last year, the German firm struck a deal to acquire an 87 percent stake in Woowa Brothers. Authorities are still reviewing the planned acquisition in line with the nation's competition law.



The industry tracker said the actual value of meals sold through the platforms is estimated to be much higher than estimated, as it excludes orders that are paid upon delivery.



In separate data compiled by another industry tracker, IGAWorks, the number of users of Coupang Eats operated by e-commerce giant Coupang Inc. reached a whopping 748,000, growing fourfold from a year earlier.



Wemakeprice, another e-commerce giant that recently launched food delivery services, saw its users reach 170,000 in the month as well.



"Due to the rising demand for contact-free services, the delivery applications are flourishing," IGAWorks said in its report.



South Korea's new virus cases, meanwhile, stayed below 200 for the sixth consecutive day Tuesday. The country added 136 more COVID-19 cases, including 120 local infections, raising the total caseload to 21,432, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.



The country has been implementing an enhanced social distancing scheme in the greater Seoul area since Aug. 30.



Under the scheme, restaurants in the Seoul metropolitan area can operate normally from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. but then can only offer takeout after that time. Franchise coffee chains, bakeries and ice cream parlors can only offer takeaway around the clock.



While the measure was originally planned to run through Sunday, health authorities decided to extend the scheme for another week through Sept. 13, as untraceable cases and cluster infections from churches, apartments and offices continued to pop up.



South Korea also decided to extend the Level 2 social distancing scheme imposed nationwide since mid-August through Sept. 20. Under the policy, indoor meetings of more than 50 people and open-air gatherings of over 100 people are banned.



Any gatherings of 10 or more people will be banned if the country implements the highest restrictions of Level 3. (Yonhap)


Distressing video of an Army veteran shooting himself dead during a live-stream has been circulating on TikTok, prompting viewers to slam the app for not doing more to remove it.

Ronnie McNutt, 33, an Iraq War veteran, broadcast himself on Facebook shooting himself in the head on the social media site on August 31.

The harrowing footage has since been posted on TikTok and has been viewed so many times that some users said it appeared on the app's 'For You' homepage.

TikTok says they are banning anyone who is sharing the video which has been described by users as 'extremely gory and terrifying.'

Ronnie McNutt, 31, an Iraq War veteran, broadcast his shooting himself in the head over Facebook on August 31 (pictured: speaking on the phone during his broadcast, left, and in an Instagram post, right)

But users have slammed Tiktok, and some have claimed people have been editing the videos to include shots of cats to trick viewers into watching.

'TikTok is one messed up app,' Twitter user Elise wrote. 'People are posting the video of Ronnie Mcnutt, a guy who committed suicide on Facebook Live. My thoughts are with his family.'

Another tweeted: 'I was just scrolling through TikTok and a video of someone committing suicide was on my For You page. How are videos like that allowed. I'm so just idk [I don't know] disgusted and sad and just freaked out.'

Friends of McNutt spoke of their sorrow last week after the Mississippian streamed his tragic death.

McNutt was an Iraq War veteran who worked for Toyota in Blue Spring, New Albany

One wrote online: 'Please say a prayer right now for the family of Ronnie McNutt. He just killed himself live on Facebook and I cannot unsee this.

'I tried but apparently it wasn't quick enough to reach him. I wasn't quick enough.

'Dear God, I wish I could have got to him.'

Since then the social media sites have been trying to take the footage down as those who have witnessed it urge others to avoid TikTok.

One wrote on Twitter: 'If you see this guy on your For You page, please scroll up immediately.

'It's very gruesome and I highly suggest you stay away from TikTok for a while.'

Others are posting screenshot of the video's beginning to make people aware of what clips to avoid.

A TikTok spokesman said: 'On Sunday night, clips of a suicide that had been livestreamed on Facebook circulated on other platforms, including TikTok.

'Our systems have been automatically detecting and flagging these clips for violating our policies against content that displays, praises, glorifies, or promotes suicide.

Posts have appeared warning users to stay away from TikTok due to the viral footage of McNutt

Social media sites have been trying to take the footage down as those who have witnessed it urge others to avoid TikTok

'We are banning accounts that repeatedly try to upload clips, and we appreciate our community members who've reported content and warned others against watching, engaging, or sharing such videos on any platform out of respect for the person and their family.

'If anyone in our community is struggling with thoughts of suicide or concerned about someone who is, we encourage them to seek support, and we provide access to hotlines directly from our app and in our Safety Centre.'

Facebook said in a statement: 'We removed the original video from Facebook last month on the day it was streamed and have used automation technology to remove copies and uploads since that time. Our thoughts remain with Ronnie's family and friends during this difficult time.'

McNutt, who worked for Toyota in Blue Spring, New Albany, had recently broken up with his girlfriend and also suffered from post traumatic stress disorder, a friend said.

Josh Steen, a friend and co-host of a podcast with McNutt, told Heavy: 'He didnt seem to be the same guy that left for Iraq once he exited the service. I spent many a late night in our studio, via text message, and in person talking with him about life and his struggles.

'Mental health issues are very, very real, and I honestly think that there are a lot of people who struggle with all areas of mental illness who let it go untreated. Or treat it with other things, it seems.'

Steen added that he'd been alerted to the video when it was being broadcast and had attempted to call McNutt several times.

Steen said that he did not believe that McNutt had set out to kill himself but that he was 'incredibly drunk, and that plus his recent relationship issues led to the end result.'

McNutt was described as 'very caring, committed, loyal, dependable, and eccentric,' by his church (pictured: in his Army days, left, and a more recent photo, right)

Steen told Heavy: 'I tried multiple times to call him, from my cell phone and our phone at the theater; both numbers he would easily recognize. I watched him pick his phone up, think for a second, and then decline my calls.

'I really thought that if I could just get him to break his focus for just a second it would be alright. His laugh always made me laugh, and Im glad that I have our archives to back through to hear it whenever I want to now.'

McNutt was a member of the Celebration Church Tupelo and they confirmed his death on September 1.

'In the midst of a sudden tragedy that occurred last night, we grieve with the McNutt Family during this time because passing of our brother in Christ, Ronnie McNutt,' the church said on Facebook.

'Ronnie will be missed by all who loved and knew him.

'He was very caring, committed, loyal, dependable, and eccentric. He served his church faithfully and was loved by many.

'Although events surrounding his death were tragic, we take comfort in our Creator, believing that because of Ronnie's confession and conversion as a believer in Christ Jesus, he is currently before our loving Father.'

TikTok, whose China-based owner Bytedance has been ordered by President Donald Trump to sell its U.S. operations, has been criticised for its content moderation policy in the past, especially on circulation of graphic content.

The company rolled out a new content moderation infrastructure in December under which it labeled the videos that were removed by the company with the policy category they violated, it said in its transparency report published in July.

For confidential support in the US call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255.

For confidential support in the US call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.
Although it may seem extreme, this move to temporary remote learning and a two-week, all-student quarantine allows us to focus on the continuity of the educational experience for all of our students while giving us time to gather data on the full extent of the spread of the virus and assess the best way to proceed as a community, Bradley President Stephen Standifird said in a campus message Tuesday.
The 2000 US Presidential elections between George W. Bush and Al Gore were decided by the Supreme Court when there was a recount of votes in the state of Florida. That year Election Day was held on 7 November, with Republican candidate, George W. Bush, eventually named the winner.

Related news: US Elections 2020: when does early voting start in each state?

How it all happened

During the 2000 elections, Bush lost the popular vote by a small margin to Gore, but since the electoral college had the final say, Bush proved victorious.

On election night there was no clear winner and the media were contradicting each other regarding the winner of the presidency. It started with Oregon and New Mexico because it was too close to call a winner in those states and after several days all eyes were on Florida.

Many media networks were saying that Democratic nominee Al Gore was the clear winner in Florida but then other networks were saying that it was clear that Bush had won. There were fewer than 600 votes that separated each candidate. This caused Florida state law to do a mandatory recount of the votes and by 10 November the recount was complete.

Bush was the new winner

Three days after election day and after the recount of votes was done in Florida, it showed that Bush was leading by 327 votes out of six million casted. People were not happy with this recount and suspected something was not right after it gave the Republican contender the win.

The butterfly ballot confusion

During the recount in Florida the news broke about a butterfly ballot design that was used in Palm Beach country. This ballot meant that some Gore supporters were confused when they were casting their vote and it prompted them to vote for third-party candidate Pat Buchanan, who ended up receiving a total of 3,400 votes.

Towards the end of November officials in Florida certified that George W. Bush was the winner with a total of 527 votes, but he could not be appointed as president of the U.S. because there were ongoing demands from Democratic candidate Gore regarding the recount of votes.

Due to the legal battles, the Supreme Court had to step in and eventually decided to do a manual recount in the state of Florida (roughly 45,000 undervotes). These undervotes are ballots that machines didnt record clearly about the presidential vote. After this manual recount it reduced Bushs lead to 152 votes.

As the second recount was going on the Bush campaign filed an appeal with the Supreme Court so they could delay the process. It was not until 12 December that the court stated that it would be impossible to do a statewide recount before the 18 December deadline for certifying the states electors.

So after a 5-4 decision the Supreme Court ordered to reverse the recount order. This decision made George W. Bush the winner of the 2000 United States presidential elections with a narrow win of 271 to 266 over Al Gore.
Argentina's government confirmed on Monday that the country has risen above 10,000 confirmed coronavirus deaths, despite being one of the countries with one of the longest quarantine periods in the world.

The country's health ministry said that the total now stood at 10,129 deaths, while those infected number 488,007.

The South American country seemed to have the virus under control thanks to the strict quarantine imposed by President Alberto Fernandez since 20 March, recording only a few cases, but five months later the outlook has changed completely.

The economic crisis and quarantine fatigue has caused Argentines to withdraw support of the strict measures, while the authorities have also relaxed control.

For Liliana Gonzalez, who was infected while working in a geriatric home, recovery is still a work in progress.

Three months after getting rid of the virus, she still feels tired and weak.

"I don't know if I'm going to return to a normal life, I don't know if I'm going to be how I was before," she said.

Argentina surpasses the 10,000 death mark only days after the Argentine Intensive Care Society warned that hospitals will soon reach their limits.

The government reported on Monday that bed occupancy in intensive care units is almost 62% nationwide and 67.8% in the AMBA (Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area).
Cate Blanchett, who is chairing the jury at Venice, said cinema needed support and warned it could be tricky 'moving from a monoculture of streaming over the last six months to how we open cinemas'

Hollywood stars and top directors are getting increasingly anxious about the hold streaming giants Netflix and Amazon are exerting over cinema.

Several expressed unease at the dominance streamers established during the pandemic at the Venice Film Festival  the first major industry gathering since the coronavirus struck.

With many cinemas still closed and studios wary of releasing movies with social distancing in force, the two big US giants have virtually had the film-going public to themselves.

Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, who is chairing the jury at Venice, said cinema needed support and warned it could be tricky "moving from a monoculture of streaming over the last six months to how we open cinemas.

"I think it will be a very important conversation to have. It's a global issue," said the actress, who admitted spending lockdown watching animated movies by the Japanese master Hayao Miyazaki with her family.

Legendary Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, who has argued for the regulation of all-powerful tech firms, painted a grim future where towns and cities could lose their cultural hearts, with cinemas and theatres going dark.

"The platforms have had an essential role in this period, but it's nevertheless also negative and reason for concern," he told reporters.

He pleaded for a return to the shared experience, saying cinemas and theatres were the antidotes to the "forced reclusion and imprisonment".

"The Greeks talk of catharsis, so you find yourself crying or rejoicing with other people you don't know, and it's essential in our lives as humans," Almodovar said.

"If a film of mine is shown in a cinema I can hear the audience breathe, it gives me the pulse of to what extent my film excites people.

"If I put my film on a platform like Netflix, I lose that contact with the spectator," Almodovar said.

Even those who have embraced the streamers, like Venice's departing director Alberto Barbera who premiered three Netflix films including Marriage Story last year  now have reservations.

"We are tired of seeing films in streaming," he told Agence France-Presse.

"Watching them online helped us get through the lockdown, but we cannot lose the experiences of seeing them on a big screen," he said.

But "one of the consequences of confinement is that the streamers now have enormous sway," Barbera added.

Rising American director Gia Coppola, whose sharp new satire on online culture, Mainstream, is showing at Venice, told AFP that lockdowns may have only hastened the inevitable.

"Those platforms always seemed like they were going to become the new studios, and take over," said the maker of Palo Alto, the grand-daughter of Francis Ford Coppola and niece of Sofia Coppola.

"But it is cool that they also support some really talented independent film-makers", with Netflix backing Roma -- which won the top prize in Venice in 2018 for the Mexican Alfonso Cuaron.

Cannes film festival chief Thierry Fremaux took the long view.

The world's biggest festival has often had a tetchy relationship with Netflix, barring it from its competition unless it showed its films in French cinemas first.

Fremaux insisted that streaming was merely "a new form of television".

"We will see in 120 years if we will be celebrating the 125th anniversary of the platforms," he said, pointing out that cinema had resisted many challenges for more than a century.

"We have to stop declaring the end of cinema every time there is a change," Fremaux said.

And cult French director Quentin Dupieux of Rubber fame, whose black comedy Mandibules is bowing at Venice, had a typically wacky take.

"I had no desire to watch Netflix (during the lockdown) because funnier things were happening outside," he told AFP.

And returning to the cinema held no fears for him.

"As soon as the lights went down I forgot absolutely that there were infected people next to me and that they were eating popcorn and spitting it at me..."
By Akbar Mammadov

Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and his Uzbek counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov have discussed ways of expanding the ties between the two countries during a meeting via the phone, the ministrys press service reported on September 7.

During the phone conversation, the sides exchanged views on the various issues of bilateral cooperation agenda and stressed that the development of bilateral cooperation including the increase of trade turnover between the countries amid pandemic.

Furthermore, the ministers discussed holding the next meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission on cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

They also exchanged views around the cooperation in the framework of international organizations, as well as the issues related to the current chairmanship of Uzbekistan within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Earlier, on September 3, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan discussed the development of economic cooperation during the meeting held between the head of the Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Azerbaijan Mammad Musayev and Uzbek Ambassador Bahrom Ashrafkhanov.

Earlier, an online business forum was held on August 25 between leading textile companies of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijani enterprises and retailers interested in Uzbek products.

On August 18, Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev received the credentials of the newly appointed Uzbek Ambassador Bahrom Ashrafkhanov.

It should be noted that bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan amounted to $47.5 million in the first seven months of 2020 which is an increase by 77.7 per cent, compared to the same period in 2019.

---

Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
A man whose sister vanished in May after going on a bicycle ride near her Colorado home is organizing a search of the mountainous area, saying that his family has waited long enough.
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Linkedin Ivany Atina Arbi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 8, 2020 09:14 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c435acef 1 National human-rights-activists,LBH-Jakarta,Amnesty-International-Indonesia,Komnas-HAM,Munir,assassination,murder,pembunuhan-munir Free

Representatives from various human rights groups in the country said on Monday that they would immediately hand a legal opinion to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) on the assassination of prominent human rights defender Munir Said Thalib on Sept. 7, 2004, which has yet to be resolved completely.

Jakarta Legal Aid Institute director Arif Maulana said on Monday that the legal opinion would encourage Komnas HAM to treat Munir's case as an extraordinary one to allow law enforcers to pursue the case without time limitations.

"It's a problem if the state continuously regards the murder as an ordinary crime because a statute of limitations applies to it. Two years from now, the case could be closed for reaching the time limit of 18 years," Arif said.

"And if we fail to find out who the masterminds behind the case are, they will walk free without punishment," he added.

The law expert further said Munir's case apparently checked all the boxes required by prevailing regulations to be an extraordinary crime, which includes gross human rights violations, comprising crimes against humanity. The 2000 law on human rights courts, meanwhile, defines crimes against humanity as a systemic attack on civilians.

Read also: In light of Munir's murder, Sept. 7 proposed as 'national human rights defenders day'

"Munir was a civilian who was intentionally murdered," Arief said, adding that evidence gathered previously by a fact-finding team investigating the killing showed that there was a murder plot involving state institutions, namely the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) and national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia.

On Sept. 7, 16 years ago, Munir was murdered with arsenic aboard a Garuda Indonesia plane on his way to the Netherlands to pursue a master's degree in international law and human rights.

Garuda Indonesia pilot Pollycarpus Budihari Prijanto was found guilty of carrying out the poisoning, but later the Supreme Court only convicted him of document forgery. The fact-finding team found that Pollycarpus had several times contacted a BIN telephone number belonging to then-BIN deputy head Muchdi Purwopranjono on the day of the murder. Muchdi was taken to the court but was later acquitted in a trial in 2008 as witnesses retracted their sworn statements or failed to appear.

A member of the fact-finding team, Usman Hamid, who is director of Amnesty International Indonesia, said the fact-finding process was not properly working due to the lack of cooperation from BIN and the national police to pursue the case.

"The state must take effective steps to ensure that human rights violations committed against all human rights defenders are promptly, effectively and impartially investigated and that those responsible are brought to justice in fair trials," said Usman, urging President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to resolve the case as he had pledged before.
Amid news that actor Rhea Chakraborty is being arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), many noticed the message she sported on her tee as she reached the agencys office on the third day of questioning. Pictures and videos of her reaching the office flooded the internet.

As per a report in Times of India, the message read: Roses are red, violets are blue, Lets smash patriarchy, Me and you. Rhea has been in the centre of a storm after Sushants father KK Singh filed an FIR in Patna in July this year, accusing Rhea of abetment to suicide and siphoning off funds. Rhea has all along denied any wrongdoing, but matters took a new turn with the emergence of a drugs angle in the case.

On Friday, Rheas brother Showik was arrested after it came to light from WhatsApp chat conversations that Showrik helped arrange drugs for Sushant. Showik, along with Sushants house help Samuel, were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Also read: Aamir Khans brother Faisal Khan says Karan Johar insulted me at a party: If your work flops, they dont treat you well

On Monday, the case took a fresh turn with Mumbai Police getting a complaint against Sushants sisters and others after Rhea claimed that they prescribed drugs to him without consultation. An offence has been registered against Sushants sisters Priyanka Singh and Meetu Singh, Delhi-based doctor Tarun Kumar and others, an official said on Tuesday.

Rhea Chakraborty in Mumbai on Tuesday. (Varinder Chawla)

In accordance with orders of the Supreme Court, the case has been transferred to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation, a Mumbai police spokesperson said.

On Tuesday, Sushants family lawyer Vikas Singh dismissed the police complaint lodged by Rhea Chakraborty. It looks like the Bandra police station of Mumbai Police has become Rheas second home. She runs to it on every small occasion and takes refuge just like someone takes refuge in their house. The FIR lodged by the Bandra Police is absolutely baseless and illegal, Vikas Singh, lawyer of Rajputs father, was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

(With PTI and ANI inputs)

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Chad Losee, managing director of MBA Admissions and financial aid at Harvard Business School (left) and Blair Mannix, director of MBA admissions at Wharton

Disrupted by the outbreak of COVID-19, the MBA admissions season that has led to this falls entering classes was the most uncertain and chaotic ever. Many of the decisions made during the early spring has had a big impact on the look and shape of this years incoming cohorts of MBA students.

If youre looking for contrasts, look no further than Harvard Business School and the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School, both of which published their class profiles last week for what will be the Class of 2022. The utter havoc of the admissions season is clearly reflected in those demographic snapshots that reflect the judgments of admission officials struggling to deal with all of the uncertainty and anxiety that came with the pandemic and the recession.

Its nothing less than a tale of two business schools. The contrasts are stark. Harvard chose to enroll an entering class of just 732 first-year MBA students, roughly 200 fewer candidates than a more typical incoming cohort. It was the smallest HBS class in decades. Wharton, on the other hand, chose to break a record for the size of its entering class: 916 students, up 7% from the 856 who enrolled in the year-earlier class. The upshot: For the first time ever, a Wharton MBA class will be larger than Harvards.

THE FINANCIAL OUTCOMES: A $16 MILLION LOSS FOR HBS; A $5 MILLION GAIN FOR WHARTON

The financial implications of the admission choices are significant. Harvards smaller class will cost it more than $16 million in lost tuition revenue in the first year alone. That loss occurs at a time when HBS has already predictedlong before the full impact of its admission decisionsthat revenue will plunge $115 million and cause a $22 million loss for the school this year. Wharton, on the other hand, will achieve record MBA tuition revenue as a result of a class that is 60 students larger. If all of those students pay full freight for their degrees, that will mean an extra $4.8 million in tuition and fees this academic year, or nearly $10 million over the two-year program.

Story continues

There are several reasons for this outcome, all within the control of the schools admission chiefs. At HBS, Chad Losee, managing director of MBA admissions and financial aid, eliminated the schools round three deadline in 2018. The last date by which Losee accepted applications from mainstream MBA candidates was Jan. 6long before the pandemic hit. And unlike many of its counterparts at other business schools, he decided against adding a new deadline or extending his R2 cutoff once COVID changed everything.

Some business school deans, most notably UVAs Darden School of Business Dean Scott Beardsley, immediately recognized that the pandemic-induced recession would bring a whole new crop of MBA candidates onto the market. Dardens decision to extend its deadlines and go with a more flexible admissions policy led to a 25% jump in MBA applications. At HBS, apps were merely stable, rising under 1%, after two consecutive years of decline.

WHARTON EXTENDED ITS DEADLINES AND ADOPTED MORE FLEXIBLE ADMISSIONS POLICIES

Blair Mannix, director of admissions at Wharton, actually decided to extend it due to the pandemic by 14 days to allow more candidates to apply. She made that decision as a direct result of feedback from applicants. Mannix also agreed to review applications from candidates who did not yet have an official standardized test score, giving candidates until early August to hand in official scores. She also extended the deadline for recommendation letters an extra five days.

The increased flexibility Wharton allowed, along with the retention of its third application deadline, helped the school gain a 21% rise in candidates seeking admission. So Wharton, and many other schools, got to see and choose from a much larger candidate pool, including many exceptional applicants that were locked out of HBS.

Losee made another decision as well that would contribute to the shortfall in this falls entering class. He granted deferments to any admitted students who requested them, whether they were domestic or international candidates. HBS made that policy decision when it became clear that many international students would have difficulty obtaining student visas while most embassies were shut down due to COVID. Some students, including those already in the U.S., might also decide not to attend HBS hybrid start where many classes would be taught online. The smaller class size at HBS this year is a direct result of this more liberal policy on deferments.

AS CHATEAU DYQUEM IS TO SAUTERNES, HBS IS TO BUSINESS SCHOOLS

The lack of a third-round hurt, agrees Accepted.com founder Linda Abraham, but HBS did something else that I think was well-intentioned, but turned out to be really costly in terms of enrollment and tuition revenue: It told accepted all applicants that they could defer, but had to choose to defer back in May. If things are uncertain now, they were more uncertain and scary then. Other schools did not make a blanket deferral offer. Students had to appeal individually to defer, and if the deferral wasnt granted, had to give up their seat at a top-tier school while anticipating a more competitive cycle this year.

Ordinarily, you would think all of this was to Whartons advantage. But many MBA admission consultants see it differently. They commend HBS for upholding its high admission standards are not bending to these unprecedented times. I applaud HBS for what they did, says Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, a top MBA admissions consulting firm. It was probably not an easy decision to make. Its clear to me they did not sacrifice quality for numbers, even at the expense of less tuition revenue. If you are the number one brand in the world for something, this is what you do. There may be short-term financial pain, but in the long-term, this is one of the many things that help preserve the brands top place in the world.

What HBS did makes me think of Chateau dYquem, a Sauternes that is truly in a class by itself at the top of all Sauternes. When they have a rare bad vintage (year), at great cost  tens of thousands of bottles  they will not put something on the market bearing their Chateaus name that would be unworthy to be called a Chateau dYquem. The last time this happened was 2012. As Chateau dYquem is to Sauternes, HBS is to business schools.









A tale of two business schools: Harvard vs. Wharton and how they handled admissions during the pandemic

AT WHARTON, GMATS, GRES, INTERNATIONALS AND WOMEN IN CLASS FALL

As the old cliche goes, the proof is in the pudding. While Whartons newly arrived MBA class is larger, the makeup of that class is dramatically different than earlier cohorts. The average class GMAT score plunged ten points to 722, the lowest class average at Wharton since 2012 when the average was 718. HBS does not report average scores in its class profile, but its 730 class median was retained. Whartons also lost two points on its average class GRE score (see below table).

More strikingly, Wharton saw a massive decline in the percentage of international students in its new class, shrinking noticeably to just 19% from 30% a year earlier. Despite its open deferment policy, HBS was able to manage the international diversity of its class much better: internationals were off only four percentage points vs. the 11-point drop at Wharton. At Harvard this fall, international MBA students make up 33% of the class, down from 37% a year earlier.

HBS also did significantly better on women. The percentage of women in Whartons Class of 2022 sank by five full percentage points to 41%, from a level that approached gender parity last year at 46%. That is the smallest percentage of women in an entering MBA class at Wharton since 2014 when 40% of the incoming cohort was female. Unlike Wharton, Harvard was able to increase the percentage of women in its class by a percent to 44%, up from 43% a year earlier. That is a new record at HBS.

AN MBA ADMISSIONS SEASON FULL OF SURPRISES

Abraham notes that if Wharton had extended its final deadline by more than two weeks, as any other rivals did, the school could have had a better result. We had many applicants come to us after April 15  in May and sometimes June  and say. I decided I want to apply this round. I dont want to wait until next year,' she says. Those additional applicants gave the schools options and choices. Some were quite impressive. Wharton and Harvard missed out on all those applicants. And those applicants were also people who knew they were going to start in a hybrid or off-line environment. Schools that had the third round and extended that round by a month or more, or added a COVID round, had to deal with more waitlist hand-holding, summer melt, and uncertainty, but whether you look at CBS, NYU or Darden, they grew their application volume and at least CBS and NYU were better able to maintain class quality as reflected by GMAT, GPA, and class diversity.

Whatever the case, everyone concedes that this past admissions season was full of surprises. One of them was the rush of late candidates rushing to apply to take advantage of those extended deadlines. Everything was relatively normal through February. Then when the pandemic hit, in terms of activity, we had an unseasonably busy March and April and even May. However, the percentage of quality inquiries suffered. We turned away more prospective clients than we normally do. These were people where our assessment of their candidacies was not aligned with their target schools.

We never say never, and for clients who still want to shoot for the stars, but are also willing to consider less competitive schools if thats the result of our initial assessment, we will work with them all day. However, for clients, we assess where their candidacy is not competitive for their target schools, and they were not willing to consider less competitive schools, we politely decline even if they want to pay and work with us despite the lost revenue. We had a higher percentage of those this spring than we normally do.

I CANT HELP BUT THINK THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY A STORY OF ENDOWMENTS

Thats why this consultant, who preferred to maintain his anonymity, questions the overall quality of the late-round candidates. Some schools may have had more applicants than in years past, such as Wharton. However, I question the portion of applicants who were qualified applicants. My conjecture is that it was less, and Im willing to bet on that. We had prospective clients who realistically had near zero chance of being admitted to a top 10 school wanting to hire us to get them in, and last minute at that. Wharton probably admitted more people than they normally would, thinking they might have a lower yield than normal, then it came back to bite them in the you-know-where. I would be very surprised if their incoming class is of the same caliber as a normal year from the recent past.

Were the different admission policies at Wharton and Harvard worth more than a $16 million loss to HBS and a potential $5 million gain to Wharton? Thats anyones guess. But the back story to those decisions may be more telling than the stats in a class profile.

I cant help but think that this is actually a story of endowments, observes Jeremy Shinewald, founder and president of mbaMission, a leading MBA admissions consulting firm. The last major accounting of endowments in 2016 had HBS above Wharton, $3.3 billion vs. $1.3 billion. In fiscal 2019, however, Harvards endowment has climbed to a record $4 billion. Harvards is often reported as 3x times that of Whartons and many of the decisions about whether to extend deadlines were made as the market swooned by a third. So, Harvard was in a position of relative strength as decisions had to be made. I would speculate that Wharton made a short-term financial choice to avoid running a loss, while HBS stuck to long-term considerations and ran a loss. Wharton students are fighting the administration right now, while HBS, having given students greater flexibility to defer, took pressure off of the school itself. How this plays out should be an interesting business case in the years to come.

DONT MISS: CLASS PROFILE: HARVARD ENROLLS SMALLEST MBA CLASS IN DECADES or MBA APPLICATIONS TO WHARTON SOAR BY 21% TO A NEW RECORD

The post Harvard Vs. Wharton: How Two B-Schools Played The Pandemic appeared first on Poets&Quants.
Beijing: Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Tuesday praised China's role in battling the coronavirus pandemic and expressed support for the World Health Organisation, in a repudiation of US criticism and a bid to rally domestic support for Communist Party leadership.

Xi told a televised assembly at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing that China's battle against COVID-19 demonstrated the strengths of its socialist system and traditional Chinese culture in stirring motivation, building consensus and pooling resources.

We are willing to do whatever it takes to protect people's lives! Xi told participants, most of whom wore masks and exercised social distancing.

The coronavirus was first detected in the central city of Wuhan late last year, and the US and others have alleged the outbreak spread out of control because China withheld information about it.

China says it acted swiftly and responsibly but has rejected calls for an independent investigation into its handling of the emergency.

China has also been a key supporter of the WHO against accusations, mainly from the US, that the organisation is too ''China-centric" in its orientation. Washington is in the process of withdrawing from the UN health agency, to which it still owes back dues.

Xi said China would continue to support the WHO in playing a ''leading role in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic." All selfishness, scapegoating and confusing right and wrong will not only hurt a country and its people, but harm people of all countries," Xi said.

China itself had helped save a great number of lives from COVID-19 around the world with concrete actions," Xi said, pointing to the export of 209,000 ventilators, 1.4 billion protective suits and 151.5 billion masks. China also sent medical staff to assist a handful of countries.

During the meeting, Xi also conferred the Medal of the Republic, China's highest civilian award, on famed respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan, honouring his work in battling both COVID-19 and SARS, a disease caused by a related virus that occurred in 2002-03.

Zhang Boli, a specialist in combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine in treating COVID-19, Zhang Dingyu, head of Wuhan's designated coronavirus-treating Jinyintan Hospital, and Chen Wei, a military medical scientist who who worked on treatment and a vaccine, also received the People's Hero award for their work.

China has not reported any COVID-19 illnesses from local transmission in more than three weeks, with all of the new cases detected in that time among travellers from abroad. China has reported a total of 4,634 deaths from 85,144 cases of COVID-19.
A female lingerie tycoon is taking legal action against the Garrick Club in a bid to get women admitted as members for the first time in its 189-year history.

Emily Bendell, 39, wants to join the iconic private members' club in London - one of the oldest of its kind in the world - but cannot due to its 'men only' rule.

The businesswoman has now instructed lawyers to seek an injunction preventing the Garrick from 'continuing to operate its discriminatory' and 'unlawful' policy.

She argues that the Club treats women as 'second-class citizens on the whim of a man' and its rules violate the Equality Act 2010.

The 1,400 member club, which was founded in 1831 and whose past members have included Charles Dickens, HG Wells and JM Barrie, still stipulates in its rules that no women are allowed to join the prestigious society.

It is regarded as one of the last men-only bastions in the UK, although female guests are welcome as visitors in most parts of the Club.

Emily Bendell, 39, wants to join the Garrick Club in London but cannot due to its 'men only' rule

The businesswoman has now instructed lawyers to seek an injunction preventing the Garrick Club (pictured) from 'continuing to operate its discriminatory' and 'unlawful' policy

In 2015, half its members voted in favour of allowing female members at its AGM - but it was still far short of the two-thirds majority needed for a rule change.

Now Ms Bendell, chief executive of lingerie brand Bluebella.com, has gone to solicitors Leigh Day and discrimination and equality barrister Jennifer Danvers, of Cloisters Chambers, to force the Club to overturn its ban on women members.

Her Letter Before Action states: 'Ms Bendell is the Founder and CEO of Bluebella, a highly successful lingerie company. She is also a supporter and lover of the arts.

Is the Garrick Club allowed to ban women from its membership? Ms Bendell is arguing that the Garrick Club's men-only membership is 'discriminatory' and breaches the Equality Act 2010, and is seeking an injunction to prevent such behaviour. Section 29 of the Act prohibits service providers, and persons exercising public functions, from doing anything that constitutes discrimination, harassment or victimisation. Though the Act makes it illegal for service-providers to discriminate against men or women depending on their sex, discrimination can be permitted in circumstances where the discriminatory conduct can be shown to be a 'proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim'. For example, single sex clubs and associations, and clubs and associations aimed solely at people with other protected characteristics (other than clubs and associations who restrict membership based on colour) are permitted. However, clubs and associations with mixed membership must treat all members and guests (and potential ones) fairly. Leigh Day, representing Ms Bendell, are arguing the Garrick Club - which provides restaurant, bar and overnight services - is a service-provider and falls in the remit of the Act. Advertisement

'In light of her successful career and affinity with the arts she wishes to become a member of the Garrick Club. The Garrick Club is a private members club which provides services to its members and guests of its members.

'In order to become a member, an individual has to be proposed by two members and further supported by at least fifteen members before being put forward for ballot.

'Only men are able to become members of the Garrick Club and make full use of the services that it provides. The Garrick Club advertises on its website that it is 'open to gentleman members only'.

'Male members are allowed to bring female guests into the club, but women are not able to pay for themselves when they attend, become members themselves, book the facilities that men can book, access certain parts of the club at all, or access exclusive member events.

'In essence, women are only able to access the Club's services as second-class citizens on the whim of a man who has to both invite and pay for them.'

The letter points out that in barring female members, the Garrick is acting in breach of the Equality Act 2010, adding: 'The Garrick Club is concerned with the provision of services to a section of the public, including: the provision of overnight accommodation; the provision of private and other dining facilities; the provision of bars; and, access to a lounge and computer room.

'Accordingly, the Garrick Club is bound, under s.29 Equality Act 2010, not to discriminate against a person requiring or seeking to use its services by not providing that person with the service or in relation to the terms on which that service is offered.'

The letter goes on to point out that the Garrick's current gender policy is an act of direct discrimination towards women.

It states: 'By (a) stating that use of the Garrick Club is restricted to 'gentlemen members only', (b) only allowing men to become members and use all of the services it offers, and, (c) treating women who attend the club differently to men (for example, by not allowing them to pay for themselves), the Garrick Club treats women less favourably than it treats men.

'By advertising that it is for 'gentlemen only' and only allowing men to become members, the Club has treated Ms Bendell, who wishes to become a member of the club and to be able to access and use its services, less favourably than it has treated or would treat a man who wished to do the same.

'Ms Bendell will be seeking a declaration that the Garrick Club is acting unlawfully under the Equality Act 2010 and an injunction preventing the Garrick Club from continuing to operate its discriminatory policy.'

The businesswoman has now instructed lawyers to seek an injunction preventing the Garrick from 'continuing to operate its discriminatory' and 'unlawful' policy

The Garrick Club's divisive ban on female members is an issue that has previously split the club's high-profile membership. In 2015 current members including actors Damian Lewis, Hugh Bonneville and Stephen Fry said they were in favour of women

Ms Bendell wants the Garrick Club to give a full response within the next 28 days that it intends to change its policy.

Sharika Parbin, a solicitor at Leigh Day, said: 'Ms Bendell has a successful career and affinity to the arts and, just as any man in her position would have the opportunity to, she wishes to become a member of the Garrick Club and access the Club's services.

'The Garrick is one of the oldest and best-known members' clubs in the world, but it is holding onto values that are outdated and quite simply not legal in this day and age. It provides services to the public and as such it is bound by the equalities law.

'Both the firm and Ms Bendell look forward to receiving confirmation that the Garrick Club intends to change its policy in relation to admission of female members.'

The Garrick Club's divisive ban on female members is an issue that has previously split the club's high-profile membership.

In 2015 current members including actors Damian Lewis, Hugh Bonneville and Stephen Fry said they were in favour of women. They were joined in this endeavour by Michael Gove, Ken Clarke, Trevor McDonald, Melvyn Bragg and Jeremy Paxman.

But those in favour of admitting women failed to get the required 66 per cent of votes. Three former Conservative MPs and 11 QCs were among those who said they would vote to continue to exclude women members.

At the time Supreme Court Judge Baroness Hale protested about the Club's continued exclusion of women saying: 'I regard it as quite shocking that so many of my colleagues belong to the Garrick, but they don't see what all the fuss is about,' arguing that judges 'should be committed to the principle of equality for all.'

The Club said at the time it would revisit the vote again in five years, but no such vote has been proposed so far in 2020.

Its original selection criterion decreed that 'it would be better that ten objectionable men should be excluded than one terrible bore should be admitted.'

The Garrick is one of just a handful of clubs that still refuse to admit female members. The others include White's, Boodle's and Pratt's.

The Club has declined to comment.
JUPITER, Fla., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida-founded grooming franchise Scenthound has been growing faster than ever, and the company is proud to announce a new hire to help take the emerging brand to the next level. The wellness-focused franchise shaking up the pet industry is welcoming Patti Rother to the team as its new Vice President of Franchise Development.

This new hire will help the franchise maximize its potential and continue its impressive national growth. Just 16 months after launching its franchise opportunity, the grooming franchise has sold 31 units and is on track to hit 40 franchises sold by the end of 2020. As Scenthound's franchise offerings are gaining momentum, the brand decided to hire Rother to manage their expected influx of new franchisees in the next 18 months. By the end of 2021, Scenthound plans to have an additional 100 units sold, primarily to multi-unit operators.

Rother comes with 8 years of experience in the franchise sales and development space, most recently serving as the Director of Franchise Development at Blink Fitness. In two and a half short years, Rother sold 130 units for Blink Fitness and restructured the brand's franchise development strategy.

"We are so excited for Patti to join Scenthound to help us manage this new phase of growth," said CEO Tim Vogel. "As we continue to expand, Patti will allow us to create an in-house, organic franchise development department so that we can continue growing through the partnership of excited and qualified franchisees."

Scenthound retained Global Talent Solutions (GTS) for Rother's hiring, working directly with its CEO Michael Ruiz. GTS is the premier executive search, recruitment and talent acquisition partner to the franchise industry. GTS provides a more efficient way to identify and connect top industry talent with career opportunities within its clients' organizations. Vogel learned of Ruiz and GTS from its recent case-study examples of successful, high-level placements across franchising. Both companies plan to continue the partnership for upcoming hirings on behalf of Scenthound for the long term.

"One of the most important things when recruiting talent is to make sure that there is a connection between the new hire's character and the organization's culture," said Michael Ruiz, CEO and Founder of Global Talent Solutions. "Patti ultimately was a great fit for Scenthound not only because of her industry experience, but because of how her passion aligns with the brand's value system. This growing franchise is being spearheaded by driven, dog-loving individuals."

Scenthound was founded in 2015 after CEO Tim Vogel spent more than 10 years running both a mobile grooming business and local grooming Scenters, and seeing first-hand the shortcomings within a booming pet industry and the lack of education surrounding dog grooming. Vogel began a mission to give dogs and their owners a fast, easy, and affordable grooming solution with Scenters that provide a haircut, but more importantly, focus on a dog's health.

The brand believes its recent growth speaks to the strength of the pet industry. Despite the economic downturn, many Americans decided to adopt pets during the pandemic and clear out shelters across the country. People have continued to invest in their pets and have proven that the pet industry is not only "essential," but recession-proof. Including a franchise fee of $50,000, the initial investment for a Scenthound location ranges between $206,400 to $378,400.

About Scenthound

Founded in 2015 and franchising since 2019, Scenthound is a wellness-focused, membership-based dog grooming business that is focused on preventive care for dogs. Focusing on Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails and Teeth, Scenthound sets themselves apart by giving dogs the quality care they need. Today, there are four locations open and operating in South Florida and 27 units in various stages of development. For more information, visit www.scenthound.com

About Global Talent Solutions

Founded in 2006, Global Talent Solutions (GTS) is the premier executive search, recruitment and talent acquisition partner to the franchise industry. With a systematic, candidate-centric approach to talent acquisition, GTS is able to identify, attract and connect franchisors with top franchise talent. To learn more about GTS, visit www.gtsrecruiters.com.

SOURCE Scenthound
In a similar intervention dated November, 2018, and entitled; Nigerian Democracy and the Fading Light of Integrity, published by the Guardian Nigeria Newspaper edition of 20th November, The Daily Independent Newspaper of 9th November of that year among many other online news platforms,I remembered with nostalgia how a friend amidst euphoria triggered by the declaration of the 2015 presidential election result cautioned him with these few words; men will change their ruler expecting to fare better; this expectation induces them to take up arm against him, but they only deceive themselves, and they learn from experience that they have made matters worse.

Still, in that milieu, I had reminded him that the result ushered in a season of integrity in the country, he again replied thus; no single attribute could be identified as a virtue. Remember! He added, Politics has its own rules.

Three years after that conversation,( 2015 to 2018), I cannot categorically say that my friend was right or wrong in his prediction. But the present instinct in the country explains two things; first, apart from the fact that the shout of integrity which hitherto rends the nations political space has like light faded, jeer has since overtaken the cheers of political performance while fears has displaced reason -resulting in an entirely separate set of consequences - irrational hatred and division.

Today, if objective analysis can replace emotional discussion regarding the present state of Nigeria, it is obvious that if what prompted the November 2018 piece was a challenge, it will not be characterized as an overstatement to assert that the propeller of todays intervention is a crisis. As many that bought into the change and Next Level mantras sold to them by current administration in 2015 and 2019 respectively are presently at a crossroad.

To add context to the discourse, while I will dwell further on the Change, Next Level and Cross Roads at later paragraphs, it is expedient at this point to say something about the use of power which is the common denominator and plot of this present piece.

Power properly understood is nothing but, the ability to achieve purpose. It is the strength required to bring about social, economic, political, cultural and religious changes. What is needed is a realization that power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demand of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.



From these words of Martin Luther King Jr, it may not be a wrong to conclude that; there is nothing wrong with power when used constructively and not destructively. For a man to function well in any given position of authority, he must identify that power is not a complete end but looks up to something further. It cannot itself be the ultimate goal. Power is valuable according to the use to which it may be put. And most importantly, power in the estimation of the maxists is but the ability to protect ones interest.

With this fact highlighted, lets focus on specific examples.

Chief among such examples of destructive exercise of power includes Pol Pot. It was in the news that while in power in Cambodia between 1975 and 1978, he used his position to cause the death of more than two million people in Cambodia  a small country in Southeast Asia bordered by Vietnam and Thailand. This is a verifiable fact.

The story is not different here in Africa. The late Robert Mugabe in his quest to hold on to power, massacred over 20,000 of his people and not animals, destroyed the nations economy and watched with disinterest while his wife looted millions of dollars. Fresh in our memories are the Liberia episode in early 1990s, Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo and Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire. Specifically in Africa, there are more accounts of gradual and silent encroachment/abuse of power by those in positions of authority, than by violent and sudden usurpations.

Talking about constructive use of power, the thought of Lee Kuan Yew, the Prime Minister of Singapore (as he then was), naturally comes flooding. It is recorded that Lee grew fifteen times, independent Singapore with a GDP of $3billion in 1965 to $46billion in 1997, and its economy became the 8th highest per capital GNP in the world in 1997 according to the World Bank ranking.

Back home is a similar account, shortly after independence, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and then Premier of the Western region, Nigeria constructively used his position to better the life chances of his people of the region- infrastructurally, socioeconomically. And through quality and affordable education, set the region on a hyper-modern pathway. Closely, the Northern Region under the Premiership of the late Ahmadu Bello and Chief Michael Okpara of the Eastern region were appreciably not left out in this race for infrastructural and socioeconomic developments of their regions. Among other infrastructural feats achieved within this space, Awolowo to his credit built Ikeja industrial estate, and the duo of Ahmadu Bello and Chief Michael Okpara, has Kano and Aba industrial estates respectively to their credits.

This feat or a combination of other people-purposed achievements without doubt, explains why over four decades after their reign, they are daily remembered and used in virtually all the primary schools (both public and private), as examples of great leaders

Indeed, they defined power in the image of their actions



At the moment, such narrative has changed to the extent that in a period when policy makers across the globe are actively integrating frameworks that both protect the rights and opportunities of their citizens, such period has turn out to be the ripe time for the Federal Government to become reputed for generating inconsiderate policies/decisions that promotes excruciating poverty and starvation in such a way that drives more people into the ranks of the beggars whose desperate struggle for bread renders them insensible to all feelings of decency and self-respect.

Lets refresh our minds on these sad policies

From an increase of Value Added Tax (VAT) from five to 7.5 per cent, to re-introduction of Stamp Duty Charge, all in the bid to boost internally generated revenue in the midst of dwindling foreign earning from crude oil. This year also witnessed the introduction of Stamp Duty on house rents and C of O transactions. As if these were not enough wars for the masses, before the dust raised by these obnoxious directives could settle, the Federal Government against all known logic and within a space of two weeks brought a hike in the price of petrol and the cost of electricity.

These flawed decisions and errors of judgement, in my opinion authenticates the position canvassed by Finkelstein, a Steven Roth Professor of management at the Tuck School of Business, United States Of America, that leaders make bad decision because of inappropriate self-interest, distorting attachments and the presence of misleading memories.

If not presence of misleading memories, why has All Progressive Congress (APC) led federal Government suddenly failed to remember that it was similar decision (deregulation/increase in pump price of petrol that they condemned in 2011 during the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) administration? If not inappropriate self-interest, why is it always comfortable for the present administration to scream market forces or forces of demand and supply when it comes to effect hike in the prices of essentials goods and services, like fuel and electricity that is beneficial to the common man on the street? And if not distorting attachments, why increment in the pump price and electricity tariff at a time when crude oil prices are nosediving at the global market and electricity tariff in a season when majority of Nigerians are without meter?

At a time the global community is concerned that COVID-19 has caused massive shocks to both the informal and formal economies and unearthed massive inequalities within our societies and in Africa? At a time the World Bank estimates that the Sub-Saharan Africa region will see significant economic decline, and plunge to as low as -5.1% this year? Can such decision be adjudged as right in a society that youth unemployment rate is currently, going by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), report, at 34.2%? At a time when manufacturing companies are leaving the country in droves as a result of high cost of doing business?

Even as the global community watches with attention to the anemic use of power in the country, for one thing, those who bought into the change mantra that brought us to this cross road should not blame themselves for their inability to demand clarification as to how the promised change and Next Levels will create positive impact on Nigerians.

Rather, within this period of vulnerability, Nigerians should take hope in the fact that, a cross-road is a place of decision, difficult decisions. There is a wise saying by James Tar Tsaaior that if you do not know the direction you are headed, then, get to the crossroad and you will find the way to your destination. Even the Christ had the last chance to make a definitive choice between drinking the cup in filial obedience and renouncing it. By drinking the cup to the dregs, he declared that it was finished; the sacrifice was consummated and human salvation became assured. It was a decision taken on a cross, a most difficult decision that has concretized the cross as an enduring symbol and sign for all ages.

Most importantly, as Nigerians wait at the cross road of nationhood, they must again draw strength from the politics of remembrance and forgetfulness, it is sometimes convenient to forget. At others it is uncomfortable to remember. To forget is perhaps one of the greatest gifts of nature. But to remember can also be an invaluable asset sometimes.

Likewise, it is my hope that come 2023, Nigerians will not forget the present crossroad. But even if as humans they forget, history will be there to remind them.

Jerome-Mario Utomi, ( [email protected] ) , Lagos, Nigeria






On a 17-day journey from Napier, New Zealand, to the Port of Jingtang in Tangshan, China, a cargo ship carrying 5,867 head of cattle and 43 crew members capsized last week.

Typhoon Maysak was churning in the East China Sea on Wednesday, and by that evening, the 450-foot vessel named Gulf Livestock 1 had lost an engine and was overturned in the waters south of the Japanese coast. Twenty-four hours later, only one of the crew members had been rescued as three ships, four airplanes, and two divers had taken on the search. Bodies of some of the cattle had been recovered.

New Zealands Ministry for Primary Industries temporarily suspended applications for live cattle exports after the ship went missing, according to Reuters. The countrys live export trade reached a value of $37 million (U.S.) in 2019. However, they had launched a review of the program last year after thousands of animals exported from New Zealand and Australia died in transit.

Animal rights activists are pointing to the incident as another example of why live animals should not be subjected to export trade. Further concerns are overstocked conditions, heat stress, and disease.

The Gulf Livestock 1s cargo was being exported by Australasian Global Exports, an Australia-based company that specializes in live animal exports and has quarantine facilities in China. The company valued the animals at nearly $3,000 (U.S.) each, shared reporters Junko Fujita and Prareen Menon in their news article, Cattle ship capsized in storm off Japan, rescued crewman say.

China, the destination for these nearly 6,000 animals, has a rapidly expanding dairy industry. The country has imported more than 46,000 head of cattle from New Zealand alone so far this year, according to their customs data.

To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2020

September 7, 2020
GYUMRI, SEPTEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. Gyumri, Armenias second largest city, will provide 1 million AMD in aid to Lebanons Armenian community affected from the recent explosion in Beirut.

The respective decision was made by the City Council.

The money will be provided to the Hayastan All Armenian Fund as a donation which in its turn will direct these funds for that purpose.

This is the case when we all unanimously support providing that assistance. Even 1 million AMD is not enough, but our budget now has this capacity, if we manage, we will further increase that money, Gyumri Mayor Samvel Balasanyan said.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
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
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday paid his last respects to former Indian president Pranab Mukherjee, who died earlier in the week, describing the departed leader "a dear friend of Sri Lanka and its people."

Rajapaksa visited the India House and wrote in the condolence book being maintained by the Indian High Commission here, the prime minister's office said.

"The late president was a dear friend of Sri Lanka and its people. The absence of his friendly leadership would be felt by the Indian public, Sri Lanka and the entire world," Mahinda said in his condolence message.

The Indian High Commission said Mahinda was the first to write in the condolence book.

The high commission thanked the prime minister for his tributes. "In this sad moment, the condolences offered by you (Mahinda) and the Sri Lankan people would provide solace to the family of the former president and the Indian people," the high commission said in a Twitter post.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa earlier condoled Mukherjee's demise.

"I am deeply saddened to learn the demise of former Indian president #PranabMukherjee. He will be remembered for his service to the people of #India. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends," the Sri Lankan president tweeted on August 31.

Mulherjee, Indias 13th president, died on Monday following a 21-day battle with multiple ailments. He had tested positive for Covid-19 on August 10 and was operated the same day for removal of a brain clot. He was 84.
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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2020) - FenixOro Gold Corp (CSE: FENX) (OTC Pink: FDVXF) (FSE: 8FD) is pleased to announce that it has received environmental authorization required to commence its maiden drilling program at the Abriaqui project in Antioquia, Colombia.

As part of the drilling program, FenixOro will also be providing data and geotechnical information to assist with the construction of upgraded roads for local use. Under the umbrella of its ongoing local initiatives, the Company is very pleased be in a position to provide these benefits at no cost to the community.

With the permit in hand the contract with Colombia veteran Logan Drilling has been finalized. The surface owners in all areas to be drilled are members of the local, legal small miner's cooperative that is FenixOro's partner in the venture. Access arrangements have also been finalized. Creating access to the drill pads will not require the felling of any trees and only short intervals of non-mechanized trail preparation. The water used in the drilling will be recycled and the operation will be conducted in a manner that will generate zero fluid discharge. Post-drilling pad and trail reclamation will be closely monitored and approved by environmental authorities.

The principal target of the ongoing and future drill program is a series of over 80 "Buritica-style" high-grade gold veins which are present in northwest and east-west trending corridors up to 400 meters wide and up to 1200 meters in strike length. Each corridor contains numerous semi-parallel, sub-vertical veins and each inclined drill hole will test several veins. The veins crop out over more than 800 vertical meters on the property with high grades (20+ g/t gold) throughout that vertical interval.

In the press release dated August 19, 2020 FenixOro reported broad zones of high quality soil anomalies situated between the outcropping vein sets in many areas. These could represent additional non-outcropping veins and/or areas of interstitial lower grade stockwork type mineralization which has been seen in several areas on the property. This latter is reminiscent of the situation at the nearby, 11+ million ounce Buritica deposit where four "Broad Mineral Zones" (BMZs) consisting of veins plus stockwork mineralization have been modelled for future underground bulk mining (see Continental Gold press release dated May 16, 2019). Phase one drilling at Abriaqui will test several of these anomalous areas.

An additional phase one drill target is the large magnetic anomaly described in the Press Release dated August 27, 2020. The data from a recently completed ground magnetometry survey define a strong, near-surface magnetic anomaly of about one square kilometer to a depth of at least 700 meters. At least one hole will test the idea that it represents the depth continuation of a small area of gold-bearing, porphyry style magnetic, potassic alteration seen on surface. The surface outcrop area of mineralized alteration appears to be in a fault block at the northern end of the body and assays of samples taken returned up to 1.1 g/t gold. This is representative of the better porphyry systems in Colombia and around the world.

FenixOro VP Exploration Stuart Moller, who led the discovery at Buritica for Continental Gold, commented: "The similarities between Abriaqui and Buritica in terms of number of veins, close spacing, and vertical continuity of high-grade gold are striking, and the possibility of a gold porphyry target at a reasonable drill depth is an added bonus."

About FenixOro Gold Corp.

FenixOro Gold Corp is a Canadian company focused on acquiring gold projects with world class exploration potential in the most prolific gold producing regions of Colombia. FenixOro's flagship property, the Abriaqui project, is located 15 km west of Continental Gold's Buritica project in Antioquia State at the northern end of the Mid-Cauca gold belt, a geological trend which has seen multiple large gold discoveries in the past 10 years including Buritica and Anglo Gold's Nuevo Chaquiro and La Colosa. As documented in "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Abriaqui project Antioquia State, Colombia" (December 5, 2019), the geological characteristics of Abriaqui and Buritica are very similar. The report also documents the high gold grade at Abriaqui with samples taken from 20 of the veins assaying greater than 20 g/t gold. Abriaqui has not yet been drilled but surface and underground geological mapping and sampling as well as a preliminary magnetometry survey have been completed.

Fenix's VP of Exploration, Stuart Moller, led the discovery team at Buritica for Continental Gold in 2007-2011. The Buritica Mine currently contains measured plus indicated resources of 5.32 million ounces of gold (16.02 Mt grading 10.32 g/t) plus a 6.02 million ounce inferred resource (21.87 Mt grading 8.56 g/t) for a total of 11.34 million ounces of gold resources. Buritica is scheduled to commence production in 2020 with annual average production of 250,000 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost of approximately US$600 per ounce. Resources, cost and production data are taken from Continental Gold's "NI 43-101 Buritica Mineral Resource 2019-01, Antioquia, Colombia, 18 March, 2019"). Continental Gold was recently the subject of a takeover by Zijin Mining in an all-cash transaction valued at C$1.4 billion.

FenixOro Gold Corp

350 Bay St. Suite 700

Toronto, ON

Telephone: 1-833-ORO-GOLD

Email: info@FenixOro.com

Website: www.FenixOro.com

Technical Information

The comparison between Abriaqui and the nearby Buritica project is meant only to indicate the similarities between the two in terms of geological setting. FenixOro does not imply that exploration results and/or economic characteristics of a potential future mine at Abriaqui will be similar to those seen at Buritica. The sampling done at Abriaqui is in the form of rock chip and channel samples on surface and in shallow underground workings on vein exposures. The samples were prepared and analyzed at ALS laboratories in Medellin and Lima respectively. Samples were taken, prepared, shipped and analyzed following, industry standard QA/QC protocols and were submitted with certified reference standards.

Stuart A Moller, P. Geol. (British Colombia) Vice President of Exploration of FenixOro and a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained within this press release. Mr, Moller is a geologist with over 40 years of experience in world-wide mineral exploration including 10 years in Colombia.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of FenixOro's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will", "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to information concerning the Abriaqui. Although FenixOro believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. In particular, there is no guarantee that Abriaqui will be drilled or produce viable quantities of minerals, that the Company will pursue Abriaqui or that any mineral deposits will be found.. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this press release, and FenixOro does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/63368
After months of planning hampered by shifting risk assessments and zigzagging state rules, today will see the first return of students to classrooms for many pubic schools in San Antonio.

With the community spread of the coronavirus on the decline but still a threat, classes will start on a small scale for individual campuses in several local school districts, including the three largest. All are requiring face coverings and social distancing.

Opening schools is the easy part. Keeping them open is more complex, North East Independent School District Superintendent Sean Maika said in a letter to parents Friday, noting that schools inevitably will see coronavirus cases and must quickly isolate them.

Wearing a facemask is essential, he wrote. When a case of COVID-19 is confirmed, contact tracing is essential.

Some districts are limiting this weeks arrivals to younger grades or students with special needs, or those for whom at-home learning poses particular difficulties. Other school districts will start later  and some have not yet set a date.

Eric Gay /Associated Press

Starting now is premature and risky, a local coalition that includes parents, representatives of teachers unions and health professionals declared Monday at a press conference.

Protocols have not been shared with staff or are not being followed with fidelity, the group said in a news release. Safety concerns and questions have been ignored, and educators have been given a simple choice: return to work, even under dangerous conditions for you and your students, or lose your job.

Most local districts began remote instruction in the past two weeks. They expect to teach a substantial percentage of their students online throughout the fall.

The students at Castle Hills Elementary School, the only traditional public school in Bexar County with a year-round academic calendar, have been learning remotely since July. The campus reopened last week for 115 of them, almost a quarter of the student body.

Class sizes there and in all reopened North East ISD schools are limited to five students, said district spokeswoman Aubrey Chancellor. Approximately 14,400 students, about 22 percent of total enrollment, are set to return to classrooms today.

Now Playing: Three superintendents of San Antonio school districts spoke with the Express-News editorial board Wednesday about reopening schools in the fall. Video: San Antonio Express-News

On ExpressNews.com: Herculean task: San Antonio area schools still working to get every student online

Some schools were able to accommodate every family that requested in-person learning but others had to give priority to special-needs students and families with child care difficulties, Chancellor said.

Northside ISD, the largest school district in Bexar County, will have a small number of students on each campus this week and will phase in others later, officials said. A survey showed parents of only about 30 percent of its enrollmente wanted to start in-person learning right away, district spokesman Barry Perez said.

A July survey of San Antonio ISD parents showed a similar level of reluctance to return to school buildings. The district began contacting families last week to invite up to 10 percent of students back to schools, giving priority to those who need special education, are at risk and struggling academically and those in pre-kindergarten through second grade.

Class sizes will be limited to four to six students, the district said.

The district will watch the local positivity rate for coronavirus tests, the time it takes for the case count to double and the two-week trend in daily new cases. If those indicators are moving in the right direction, SAISD will increase in-person enrollment Sept. 21 by another 10 percent. Continued improvement will allow schools to phase in up to 50 percent of students.

But SAISD does not predict opening schools to all students until some point during the spring semester, at the earliest.

The Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD will welcome back all students who want to return to its campuses today, and give families the option of choosing their childrens method of learning for every nine-week grading period, said Damon Edwards, the districts deputy superintendent.

The latest parent survey showed that about half of the districts approximately 16,000 students planned to return today, but the number of students coming back and the districts procedures could always change with revisions to Texas Education Agency or Centers for Disease Control guidelines, Edwards said.

Its a totally new environment for anyone  its much different than what we faced in the spring, he said. Its all about learning and growing, and if we have to make adjustments well make adjustments.

The Alamo Heights ISD has been teaching 34 students with disabilities in person on its five campuses since Aug. 17. Other students will have the option of returning in phases today through Sept. 21, starting with younger grades.

About 3,200 students  about 67 percent of the student body  have plans to begin in-person learning by the end of September, said Frank Alfaro, assistant superintendent for administrative services. All will have to wear a mask when they enter, leave, or walk through school buildings.

Those in the fourth grade or higher must wear masks at all times on campus, while younger students will be given transparent face shields to wear during instruction time, which schools will keep and sanitize overnight, said Jimmie Walker, executive director for curriculum and instruction.

Teachers will work six periods a day, as opposed to the usual five, to reduce the number of students per classroom. The goal is to have 24 or 25 students in each secondary education classroom, some of which will have plexiglass dividers between students, Alfaro said.

Every campus already has an outdoor learning space and will get 10 tents to expand it, Walker said.

Two of San Antonios largest charter school networks, IDEA and KIPP, will wait to the end of the month to start in-person learning, also with a phased approach.

At KIPP schools, where more than 70 percent of families have indicated that they would prefer to continue remote learning, students in the ninth grade will be allowed to return first, on Sept. 21, followed by all others on Oct. 12, said Allen Smith, KIPPs San Antonio region superintendent.

IDEA schools will allow students in grades three, four, five, 11 and 12 to return to campuses Sept. 28. A week later, the rest of the students will have the option of returning, according to a letter sent to parents at the end of August.

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Harlandale ISD wont welcome students back until Sept. 21 at the earliest. School building capacity will be kept under 10 percent and teachers will be expected to return to their classrooms whether theyre teaching students in person or virtually. The school board on Sept. 21 will hear a committee recommend what percentage of students should be invited back in the next phases.

About 35 percent of 4,000 families who responded to a district survey in August said they wanted their kids to return as soon as possible. The district is seeking a TEA waiver allowing it an extra four weeks before it must provide classroom learning for every student who wants it.

There is nothing set in stone, board president Norma Cavazos said at a meeting Aug. 31, urging families to complete the district survey on its website.

Trustee Elizabeth Limon expressed hesitation, saying she didnt want to be responsible for students, teachers and their families contracting COVID-19 in schools.

I just know that death is still there and there are still new cases, Limon said.

East Central ISD began teaching a small number of its most needy students in the last week of August. Today it will start to welcome back others in phases, with no more than 25 percent of its enrollment in school buildings on any given day. It hopes public health data will justify gradual increases in the next four weeks.

According to our survey, close to 50 percent want to return, but we will return carefully while continuously improving our risk mitigation protocols along the way, district spokesman Brandon Oliver said.

Edgewood and South San Antonio ISDs were the first to apply for TEA waivers that allow them to stay in virtual learning the first eight weeks of the school year. They will not open their doors until October, or earlier if public health data justify it.

Staff writer John MacCormack contributed to this report. Alia Malik covers several school districts and the Alamo Colleges District in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Alia, become a subscriber. amalik@express-news.net | Twitter: @AliaAtSAEN
The final two Australian journalists working in China have been rushed out of the country over safety concerns.

Bill Birtles from the ABC and Michael Smith from the Australian Financial Review (AFR) were evacuated from China after local police demanded interviews with them.

The men sheltered in Australian diplomatic compounds for several days as consular officials worked to get them out.

They touched down in Sydney on Tuesday morning.

"The ABC has brought back China correspondent Bill Birtles to Australia following advice from the Australian government," a spokeswoman said.

ABC correspondent Bill Birtles sheltered in an embassy before being flown home. Source: ABC

After touching down in Australia, the ABC journalist lamented the situation surrounding his sudden exit from his overseas posting.

I'll just say it's very disappointing to have to leave under those circumstances and it's a relief to be back in a country with genuine rule of law, he said in a brief cross with the broadcaster.

But this was a whirlwind and it's not a particularly good experience.

Both Australian news outlets said the journalists faced an "unacceptable risk" of possible arbitrary detention, Nine News Political Editor Chris Uhlmann reported. Nine is the publisher of the AFR.

"(It's) an extraordinary thing to think that relations are so bad now between China and Australia that journalists would no longer consider themselves to be safe," he said.

In a statement, Nine bosses called the development regrettable and disturbing.

John Lyons, the Executive Editor of ABC News, acknowledged the grim reality of the move, saying relations are deteriorating rapidly between the two countries.

It comes after Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who was working for Chinese state media, was secretly detained by the Chinese government.

Chinese authoritarianism on the rise under Xi Jinping

Both journalists and their employers were earlier cautioned by Australian diplomats in China that they should leave the country, the ABC reported.

Peter Jennings, the executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said the risks facing the two journalists were troubling.

Story continues

I think in advising the journalists to leave as our foreign affairs department did, that would not have been based on some general presumption, it would've been based on a fairly sharp understanding of the risk to those two individuals, he said in a TV interview with the ABC Tuesday morning.

Chinese President Xi Jinping displayed at an intersection in Beijing in May. Source: Getty

Mr Jennings said the latest development is the result of an increasingly aggressive and authoritarian Chinese leader, Xi Jinping.

It's regrettable, but important to understand that all of these things are happening at the direction of the Chinese Communist Party. It's not their [Australian journalists] reporting was unreasonable, it's not that Australia is doing anything other than making decisions in the interests of our own national security.

But what we have here is a China run under Xi Jinping, engaging when they call wolf warrior diplomacy, this very aggressive promotion of Chinese interests internationally, he said.

At the moment it seems the party is not perturbed, or not the least bit worried about actually being publicly seen to break the rule of law, to break conventions, to misuse their police and legal system all for the interests of promoting the party.

with AAP

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A firefighter battles the Creek Fire as it threatens homes in the Cascadel Woods neighborhood of Madera County, California (Noah Berger/AP)

Wildfires have burned a record 2 million acres in California this year, with the US Forest Service announcing the closure of all eight national forests in the southern half of the state.

After a typically dry summer, California is parched heading into fall and what normally is the most dangerous time for wildfires.

Two of the three largest fires in state history are burning in the San Francisco Bay Area.

More than 14,000 firefighters are battling those fires and dozens of others more around California.

A three-day heat wave brought triple-digit temperatures to much of the state during Labour Day weekend.

But right behind it was a weather system with dry winds that could fan fires.

Expand Close Firefighters extinguish hot spots at a structure destroyed by the El Dorado wildfire (Cindy Yamanaka/The Orange County Register/SCNG via AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Firefighters extinguish hot spots at a structure destroyed by the El Dorado wildfire (Cindy Yamanaka/The Orange County Register/SCNG via AP)

Randy Moore, regional forester for the Forest Services Pacific Southwest Region, announced the national forest closures and said the decision would be re-evaluated daily.

The wildfire situation throughout California is dangerous and must be taken seriously, Mr Moore said.

Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behaviour, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire.

The previous record for acreage burned was 1.96 million acres in 2018.

While the two mammoth Bay Area fires were largely contained after burning for three weeks, firefighters struggled to corral several other major blazes ahead of the expected winds.

Evacuation orders were expanded to more mountain communities on Monday as the largest blaze, the Creek Fire, churned through the Sierra National Forest in Central California.

The Creek Fire had charred more than 114 square miles of timber after breaking out on Friday.

The nearly 1,000 firefighters on the scene had yet to get any containment. The cause had not been determined.

Expand Close A record 2 million acres have been burned in California this year (Cindy Yamanaka/The Orange County Register/SCNG via AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp A record 2 million acres have been burned in California this year (Cindy Yamanaka/The Orange County Register/SCNG via AP)

On Monday night, a military helicopter landed near Lake Edison to rescue people trapped by the Creek Fire, the Fresno Fire Department said on Twitter.

In Southern California, crews scrambled to douse several fires that roared to life in searing temperatures, including one that closed mountain roads in Angeles National Forest and forced the evacuation of the historic Mount Wilson Observatory.

Cal Fire said a blaze in San Bernardino County called the El Dorado Fire started on Saturday morning and was caused by a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device used by a couple to reveal their babys gender.

In eastern San Diego County, a fire destroyed at least 10 structures after burning 16 square miles and prompting evacuations near the remote community of Alpine in the Cleveland National Forest.

California has seen 900 wildfires since August 15, many of them started by an intense series of thousands of lightning strikes in mid-August.

There have been eight fire deaths and more than 3,300 structures destroyed.
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LUCKNOW: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has indicted three women officers for laxity and negligence in handling the infamous Unnao rape case in which expelled BJP leader and disqualified Bangarmau MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was convicted and jailed for 10 years.

As per the highly placed sources, the premier probe agency has even recommended the state government to initiate a departmental inquiry against the three women officers -- the then Unnao DM and two SPs -- for their lackadaisical approach intentional inaction. The CBI has stated that the three top officers failed to do the needful when the matter was reported.

The three officers indicted by the CBI are the then Unnao district magistrate Aditi Singh and two SPs  Neha Pandey and Pushpanjali Singh. An additional SP level officer Ashtabhuja Singh, who was also posted in the district at the time of the incident, was found guilty of slackness in the case and action against him has also been recommended by the probe agency. The then additional SP has now been promoted to IPS cadre and currently serves commandant PAC 12th battalion in Ambedkarnagar.

The sources claimed that the CBI had sent names of the officers to the Uttar Pradesh government in the last week of February. However, the agency had not mentioned specific names. They resent the information to the state home department last month.

2009 batch IAS officer Aditi Singh was posted as DM Unnao from January 24, 2017, to October 26, 2017. Singh is currently posted as DM Hapur. Similarly, Neha Pandey, a 2009-batch IPS officer, had served as SP Unnao from February 2, 2016, to October 26, 2017. Pandey is currently on deputation in the Intelligence Bureau (IB).

Meanwhile, Pushpanjali Devi, 2006-batch Manipur cadre IPS officer, served as SP Unnao from October 27, to April 30, 2018. She got a promotion last year and is currently posted as DIG-GRP Lucknow. Notably, the incident of rape had come to light in Makhi village under Baganrmau assembly constituency in Unnao district when the minor girl attempted self-immolation outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's official residence in Lucknow in April, 2017. Then the FIR against the perpetrators including Kuldeep Sengar, his acquaintance Shashi Singh, her son and Sengars brothers was lodged under relevant sections of IPC pertaining to kidnapping and rape.

The girl resorted to extreme step after her father was arrested by Makhi police and beaten up by Sengar's brother Atul Sengar in custody. This led to his custodial death due to the injuries he had sustained while being thrashed. The state government then recommended the CBI probe into the case and both the Sengars, along with their two acquaintances, were arrested. Subsequently, the girl met with a near-fatal accident while on way to Rae Bareli losing two of her aunts on July 28, last year. She had also received severe head injuries and multiple fractures. She was taken to AIIMS in New Delhi on the directives of the Supreme Court and recovered after prolonged treatment.

Taking cognizance of the incidents and also a letter written by the survivor, the Supreme Court transferred all the case related to rape, custodial death of her father and the accident to Tis Hazari court in Delhi. The apex court also ordered the subordinate court to conduct a trial on a daily basis and complete the proceedings within 45 days. The court framed charges against the Sengar and Shashi Singh under Sections 120 B (criminal conspiracy), 363 (kidnapping), 366 (kidnapping or inducing a woman to compel for marriage), 376 (rape) of the IPC and other relevant sections of the POCSO Act.

CBI, on the basis of the allegations by the girl's family, had questioned the three named officers for not entertaining her complaint of rape against the BJP MLA and rather helping the MLA and his aides. A CBI official disclosed that first, the incident of rape with the Unnao girl occurred in June 2017, when Neha Pandey was district police chief. Similarly, the survivor's family had alleged that on April 3, 2018, Pushanjali Devi had not entertained their complaint at the Makhi police station when the girl's father was assaulted by the siblings of MLA.
Tyra Banks had a sweet ice cream date at Jeni's in Venice Beach, California with her boyfriend Louis Belanger-Martin on Monday.

The new Dancing With The Stars host, who has been with 45-year-old Louis since August 2018, was holding his hand as she flashed a gold band on her wedding finger.

In August, the former Victoria's Secret model was seen with what appeared an engagement ring on, though she has yet to confirm she is set to wed.

Sugar rihs: Tyra Banks had an ice cream date at Jeni's in Venice Beach, California with her beau Louis Belanger-Martin on Monday. She also flashed a gold band on her wedding finger

The 46-year-old beauty had on a black halter maxi dress wit an asymmetrical hemline that showed off her arms with a brown-and-white silk print scarf over her head. Her face mask was black.

She also appeared to be without eye makeup and added black sandals that showed off her yellow pedicure.

Her Canadian businessman beau Louis - who founded the companies Groupe W, Inc. and DTI Software, Inc. - was very dressed down in a T-shirt and sweatpants as well as slides.

The model and the University of Quebec graduate also visited Rori's Artisanal Creamery in Brentwood.

Chic in the city: The 46-year-old beauty had on a black halter maxi dress wit an asymmetrical hemline that showed off her arms with a brown-and-white silk print scarf over her head. Here they are seen at a different ice cream shop with cups of the frozen dessert

In August she seemed to have on a diamond ring in photos obtained by DailyMail.com.

DailMail.com has reached out to Tyra's reps for confirmation of her relationship status.

The businessman shares a 12-year-old son with his ex-wife Valerie Martin Scraire, while Tyra has a three-year-old son named York with her ex, Norwegian photographer Erik Asla.

Cool acessory: She also appeared to be without eye makeup and added black sandals that showed off her yellow pedicure. There was a black purse on her shoulder

Meanwhile, Banks has some very big shoes to fill when she hosts season 29 of Dancing With The Stars after veterans Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews were let go.

New job: Banks will host season 29 of Dancing With The Stars

The Vogue supermodel will be on her own as she does not have a co-host to bounce jokes off of. And this week the beauty admitted to UsWeekly that she is certainly feeling the 'pressure.'

Tyra said to Us: 'My goal is for a 12-year-old to be sitting on the couch with their parents and grandparents and everybody can relate personally to what they see on that screen.

'That's a hint. Not giving up the goods. You'll have to tune in!'

On Tuesday it was also announced that Derek Hough would be filling in for judge Len Goodman who is staying in the UK due to COVID-19.

Derek used to dance on the show then moved on to Jennifer Lopez's World Of Dance.

Derek's sister Julianne Hough also served as a judge on DWTS.
A former student teacher, 27, has been accused of having sex with a 14-year-old girl he met at school.

The man was arrested at a home in Port Macquarie, on the NSW mid-north coast, at 8.15am on September 4.

He was charged with two counts of having sexual intercourse with a person between 14 and 16 years of age.

A former student teacher, 27, has been accused of having sex with a 14-year-old girl he met at school (stock image)

The teenager reported the alleged assault to police in June 2020.

Police will allege the man met the teenager two years ago at a school on the mid-north coast.

The man allegedly began to message the girl on social media.

'It will be further alleged the man sent sexually explicit material to the girl, and sexually assaulted her on two occasions between July 2018 and June 2019,' NSW Police said in a statement.

The former student teacher appeared at Port Macquarie Bail Court on September 5.

He was granted strict conditional bail.

The man will next appear in court on November 5.

Investigations into the allegations continue.
Hagerty, based in Traverse City, Mich., has hired Kevin Rabinowitz to lead its Insurance Partners Group.

Working under Hagertys Senior Vice President of North American Markets Jack Butcher, Rabinowitz will be responsible for what he calls the substantial growth opportunities of Hagertys industry partnerships.

Rabinowitz comes to Hagerty after a career spent at some of the largest commercial insurance brokers in the United States, including a 10-year stint at Marsh. Most recently he was managing principal, head of Placement Strategy & Carrier Engagement, at Integro Insurance Brokers, leading placement and market-facing operations and reporting directly to the CEO.

Hagerty is an automotive lifestyle company on a mission to keep driving alive for car lovers. In addition to insurance, Hagerty offers Hagerty Drivers Club, DriveShare, Hagerty Valuation Tools, Hagerty Garage + Social, Hagerty Drivers Club magazine, Hagerty Media and MotorSportReg.

Source: Hagerty

Topics Mergers Michigan
New Delhi: Another important arrest has been made in the Sandalwood drugs scandal. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) wing of the Bengaluru police raided the residence of famous Kannada actress Sanjana Galrani on Tuesday morning and has been detained.

According to reports, after obtaining the search warrant from Court, the CCB raided her house in connection with the drugs conspiracy. She has been taken into custody for interrogation by CCB.

After Ragini Dwivedi, Sanjana is the second actress in CCB net. As per sources she was very close to Rahul ( another accused in the case ). He gave certain information to CCB about Sanjana.

Now, the CCB has stepped up is probe and search warrant has been issued to raid Viren Khanna's house. It has been learnt that along with other things, one fake uniform found with belt, cap, shoes and no stars have been found at Khanna's house.

Viren 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.

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 sandalwood drug scandal.
Tom Cruise is currently in the midst of filming the seventh installment of the "Mission: Impossible" franchise. He appeared to do the impossible when he shot gravity-defying scenes for the anticipated film in Norway.

Cruise plays the leading role Ethan Hunt in the series. He has returned to work on the seventh film after filming in Venice, Italy was postponed earlier in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Norway, his latest shoot involved cheating death with a jump from the Helsetkopen mountain's top near Hellesylt.

In a footage, the action film actor rides a motorbike off a ramp on the side of the mountain. He then plummeted to the ground prior to using a parachute. Viewers were stunned by the stunt and one user wrote, "How many bikes were killed in the making of this? Seriously Tom Cruise I take my hat off to you - you carry out most of the stunts yourself - amazing!" reported Hello!

The 58-year-old is known for exhibiting his own stunts in action films. In August, he appeared to be flying 160 ft through the air days after an explosion on the filming site.

Cruise completed four motorized bicycle jumps off a huge ramp down the mountain top, reported The Sun.

The action series is acclaimed for its usage of unprecedented practical stunts (most of which are pulled off by Cruise himself). "Mission: Impossible 7" warrants to be no different from its predecessor films.

As of now, there has been little information divulged about "Mission: Impossible 7's" plot. It is merely known that writer-director Christopher McQuarrie will be returning after his work on 2015's "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" and the said film's 2018 spin-off "Mission: Impossible - Fallout."

Also Read: Katie Holmes Trying to Connect With Thandie Newton After Sharing a Nightmare Tom Cruise Story

Director McQuarrie posted a photograph from Day 1 of filming on Instagram. The photo showed a large ramp in the midst of mountainside scenery. The Instagram post was titled simply "Day 1."

When the actor playing Ethan Hunt rode a motorbike off the ramp and parachuted to safety, the motorbike did not fare at par.

A video captured by local Norwegian news website NGTV displays Cruise accelerating down the ramp prior to taking off from it.

Cruise reportedly executed the jumps four times before production was satisfied that they had what the scene necessitated.

Katie Holmes' former husband was captured filming a similar stunt in the United Kingdom in August which was estimated to be worth 2 million. This news arrived after reports that production would face another halt after a stuntman's bicycle exploded while shooting a stunt.

Cruise has reportedly hired a 500,000 cruise ship for the film's crew and cast In order to alleviate more novel coronavirus-related travel postponement.

As shown in the VGTV footage of the death-defying stunt, a camera-mounted helicopter and a drone filmed him execute the feat.

The director has earlier teased that Cruise would be taking his stuntwork to a whole new level for the series' most recept chapter. "We've figured out three obscene things that (Cruise is) doing that I'm terrified of, that make the helicopter chase look like tinker toys," reported Digital Spy.

Related Article: Will Suri Cruise Move in With Tom Cruise This Summer?

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said during his working visit to Bucharest that Ukraine will open a new consulate in Romania in the city of Sighetu Marmatiei, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's press service has reported.

According to the report, during his working visit to Romania, Kuleba met with representatives of the Ukrainian community in Romania and announced the decision to open a new Ukrainian consulate given the importance of Ukrainian-Romanian relations and the need to support the Ukrainian community of Romania.

"I have decided to open a consulate in the city of Sighetu Marmatiei. I know that this is an important, key place for Ukrainians in Romania. The new consulate will create access to quality services and become a tool for better cooperation with you to preserve our culture and strengthen Ukraine's relations with Romania," Kuleba said.

He also thanked Ukrainians in Romania for preserving Ukraine's national identity, culture and traditions, and noted their invaluable assistance in promoting and protecting Ukraine's interests abroad.

In addition, Kuleba invited representatives of the Ukrainian community in Romania to join the development of a new Foreign Ministry policy on Ukrainians living abroad.

"Ukraine needs a new effective policy towards Ukrainians abroad. Diasporas are changing, expanding territorially, new communities are being added. We at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have started to work on a new policy, which we will be able to submit for consideration by the leadership of the state. I want not only the state but also foreign Ukrainians to take part in its development. I invite a representative of your community to take part in its development together with the team of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," he said.

According to him, the agency that will develop a new policy on Ukrainians abroad should include people who understand the problems and know how to solve them.

Kuleba also handed over an award - the Order of Merit (third class) - to Chairman of the Union of Ukrainians of Romania Nicolae-Miroslav Petretchi from the president of Ukraine for his contribution to preserving and developing the Ukrainian community.

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Protests forced more than 400 stores of South Africa's biggest pharmacy chain to close on Monday after a controversial "racist" hair advertisement provoked widespread outrage.

Dozens of activists from South Africa's radical leftwing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party picketed outside Clicks Pharmacy stores across the country, forcing them to shut over the adverts posted on the company's website which described black hair as "dull" and white hair as "normal".

South Africa's leading pharmacy, health and beauty retailer, which boasts more than 500 branches across the country, has apologised and pulled down the advertisements.

Clicks said that protests were reported at 425 of its stores, some of which were vandalised, and it was "unable to estimate the total damage to stores given the ongoing protest action."

The federal government said in a statement that while it was disturbed by the "crude racist display" by the advertisement, it called on all South Africans "to resist the temptation to take the law into their own hands."

The advertisements sparked an uproar online, with black women posting images of their afros on Twitter using the hashtags #RacismMustFall and #BlackHairIsNormal.

The South African Human Rights Commission launched an investigation on Monday into the Clicks advert, which it said had "elicited strong emotions and protests from the general public."

'Justice, not apology'

The EFF said it wants the retail chain shut for five days.

"They must lose revenue, they must lose profits because of their racism," said EFF vice president Floyd Shivambu, speaking in front of one of the largest stores in Johannesburg's upmarket Sandton business and shopping district -- considered Africa's richest square mile.

He was accompanied by around two dozen chanting supporters.

Further north in Polokwane, the capital of Limpopo province, EFF leader Julius Malema led a group of more than 100 supporters who chanted in front of a shuttered store.

"We are here to say peacefully that racism is violence," said Malema, addressing his supporters at the Mall of the North, the largest in the city.

"We need justice, not apology," said Malema. "Who calls black people ugly?" he asked, calling on the advertising agent to be fired.

"White people insult us and they apologise, they think that is the end," he said.

"We have been projected as ugly people for a very long time by white people. It has got to come to an end at some point and it starts total with Clicks, we are tired."

The EFF condemned all violence, vandalism at its stores and the intimidation of staff and its customers.

The group staged protests in 2018 trashing outlets of Swedish clothing giant Hennes and Mauritz (H&M) in Johannesburg over a controversial advertisement of a black child.

A photo on H&M's website of a black boy wearing a green hoodie with the inscription "coolest monkey in the jungle" triggered outrage on social media.
Russias Children Ombudsman signs new agreement with Prosecutor Generals Office

15:03 08/09/2020

MOSCOW, September 8 (RAPSI)  Russian Children Rights Commissioner Anna Kuznetsova and Prosecutor General Igor Kransnov have signed a new agreement on cooperation in the sphere of protection of rights, freedoms and lawful interests of minors.

The development of the document was initiated by the Prosecutor Generals Office because of certain changes in the legislation.

The body firmly believes that a child needs special care and protection, including proper legal protection; therefore, when prosecutors detect any violations of minors rights, they employ special response mechanisms envisaging maximally fast, tough, and principled approach, Krasnov said.

In particular, the agreement envisages a systemic interchange of information on detected violations of minors rights and lawful interests; joint on-site visits in regions, where massive violations of minors rights are revealed; discussion of the results of inspections and respective proposals within an interdepartmental working group.

It is planned to jointly conduct reception of citizens, organize panel conferences and seminars.

The parties also plan to jointly cover their work in mass media.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand will host The Amazing Thailand Virtual Roadshow 2020 on September 9, set to serve as a digital B2B platform, connecting travel professionals from the GCC and tourism establishments in Thailand.



With over 75% of the Middle East visitors to Thailand travelling from the GCC, The Amazing Thailand Virtual Roadshow 2020 will conduct over 2,000 appointments between travel partners from the GCC and tourism stakeholders in Thailand to promote the destination and generate awareness of the Kingdoms latest tourism offerings, taking into consideration new health and safety protocols.



The virtual roadshow will host over 40 tourism stakeholders from Thailand, including hotels and resorts, health and wellness centres, shopping establishments and attractions, as well as and tour operators and DMCs, who will represent a variety of regions and major cities across the Kingdom including Bangkok, Pattaya, Krabi, KohSamui, Phuket and more.



The current pandemic has drastically impacted the travel and tourism industry, and establishments across the world have had to adapt and reinvent their offerings while addressing the health and safety concerns of their clients, said Pichaya Saisaengchan, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Dubai and Middle East office.



The Amazing Thailand Virtual Roadshow 2020 is the ideal platform for our travel partners in the region to learn more about the measures taken to ensure safety of visitors, as well as new offerings that will be available once we start to welcome visitors from the region back to our shore.



The Amazing Thailand Virtual Roadshow 2020 will take place on September 9 between 10am and 6pm UAE time. Registration is now available for GCC travel professionals via HalaThailandVirtualMart.com. TradeArabia News Service


Skunk Anansie frontwoman Skin has recalled her pioneering headline slot at Glastonbury in 1999, describing it as one of the best moments of my life.

The trailblazing rocker was the first black British headliner of the festival, something that was not achieved again until Stormzy in 2019.

Speaking on Edith Bowmans Play Next podcast, Skin said the backlash against her headlining was double what Jay-Z faced when he took top billing in 2008.

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So we really did walk on that stage feeling like we had something to prove, Skin said.

But those Glastonbury audiences, they went off, and it was like I was the match and there was a field full of gunpowder. It was one of the best moments of my life.

It didnt even occur to me that I was the first British black woman to headline Glastonbury, it wasnt kind of cool to talk about it in those days, it wasnt something that people wanted to hear.

Now its wonderful because obviously we can say that. I think that things are changing, theyre changing slowly but were moving on. Different times.

Brixton-born Skin, whose real name is Deborah Anne Dyer, said she has faced double standards in the music industry because of her skin colour.

Rock music is seen as white, she said, adding the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement has made it possible for her to speak about the issue publicly.

Video of the Day

She said: I guess if Black Lives Matter hadnt happened, maybe Id still be keeping that to myself, because whenever Ive said that people have been like yeah, but no thats not the issue  actually it is.

Skin joins Edith Bowman for episode five of Play Next, in association with BMW, which is available to stream from Wednesday.
A nationalist demonstrator holds a flag as she welcomes Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak, as he meets with local business people during a visit to Rothesay, in the Isle of Bute, Scotland, Britain, August 7, 2020. Jeff J Mitchell/Pool via REUTERS - REUTERS/REUTERS

Roads, cultural events and other schemes in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be directly funded for the first time in decades by the Government in London under a Brexit law to be published on Wednesday.

The Internal Market Bill will allow the UK Government in Whitehall to spend public money on its own projects in areas such as economic development, culture, sport, educational activities and training.

A new Office for the Internal Market  which will secure the rights of all businesses to trade freely in all parts of the UK  will also decide how state aid money can be spent within the Union, replacing Brussels' oversight.

The plans were immediately attacked by the SNP as a "Tory power grab" that will represent the "biggest threat to devolution in decades".

However, Alun Cairns, a former Conservative Wales secretary, said the new law was the beginning of "the fight back to save the United Kingdom" as people in devolved areas would benefit directly from UK money.

Since devolution in Scotland and Wales at the end of the last century, ministers in London have not been allowed to spend public money in certain devolved policy areas.

The change could allow the London-based government to apply to build a road through parts of Scotland or Wales, although local planning permissions would be needed.

CARDIFF, WALES - JULY 30: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford (L) and Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns (R) in the First Ministers office at the National Assembly for Wales on July 30, 2019 in Cardiff, Wales. The PM is due to announce A300m of funding to help communities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images) - Matthew Horwood/Getty Images

A Government source said it would allow the UK government "to fund more projects of national importance" although it would not attempt to overrule local MPs or councils.

The source said: "Countries would have to bid in for different pots of EU cash and projects for that. So we are making sure that we have the powers to design UK-wide programmes to replace EU programmes.

"As we recover from Covid, we have seen that UK government support has been fundamental for so many communities and businesses across the UK.

"We want to make sure we take the right steps, so that every part of the UK can recover as quickly as possible."

Story continues

Officials also stressed that when the Transition Period ends, from 1 January 2021, new powers in a range policy areas previously exercised at an EU level will flow directly to the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for the first time, including over air quality, energy efficiency of buildings and elements of employment law.

Last month the Telegraph disclosed how SNP ministers in Edinburgh had demanded that London drop the words 'Britain' or 'UK' from the branding of a nationwide cultural festival being planned for 2022.

The Scottish Government was able to object to 'British' being included in title or promotional material for the celebration of the "very best of modern Britain" because the spending was in the devolved cultural policy area.

The row delayed the Department of Culture, Media and Sport commissioning around 3 million of work from creative agencies tasked with drawing up the material.

Britain's Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns is seen outside Downing Street in London, Britain November 5, 2019. REUTERS/Yara Nardi - Yara Nardi/REUTERS/Yara Nardi

Writing for the Telegraph, Mr Cairns, who was Secretary of State for Wales from 2016 to 2019, said: "There is no means for the UK Government to support cultural activities outside England, highlighted by recent difficulties in developing the Festival of Britain planned for 2022.

"This raises the question of who is responsible for promoting UK culture to people in Scotland? The Scottish Government will hardly do it.

"We are not a federal state and people have the right to expect the UK Government to support them and their communities wherever they live. This Bill can make this possible.

"Although the primary role of this Bill is to protect the UK Market, its also the start of the Union fight back."

He added: "Current legislation prevents the UK Government from supporting businesses or local authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

"When a major business is under threat or a local authority in a devolved nation is under pressure  Covid exposure being an example  the UK Government is powerless to act.

"Existing legislation means that any intervention must be with the agreement of the devolved government. Businesses dont understand this and Nationalists exploit the position to serve their own separatist agenda."

However, SNP Westminster Leader Ian Blackford MP said the law "would enable Westminster to overrule the democratic will of the Scottish Parliament".

He added: "Yet again, the Tory government is proving it cannot be trusted to respect Scotland's wishes."
Longworth, daughter of Teddy Roosevelt and a longtime Washington socialite, was known for her sharp-edged wit and for saying, If you cant say something good about someone, sit right here by me. Anothers pain is especially savory if the person being turned on the spit happens to be a fellow journalist. Im not sure why, but you can trust me on this. Anyone hoping to discover who his or her real friends are when its your turn in the barrel is bound to be disappointed.
Actor Kangana Ranaut has announced that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has given her a notice to tend to leakage work at her Mumbai office. Kangana on Monday had claimed that the BMC was going to demolish her Manikarnika Films office, presumably as a fallout of her recent war of words with the Shiv Senas Sanjay Raut.

The notice points out 8-10 types of structural violations in her office. The BMC is seeking her reply in 24 hours, failing which the illegal portions will be demolished. The actors office staff has refused to accept the notice from BMC, following which they have pinned the notice on one of the walls of the premises.

Vinayak Vispute, assistant municipal commissioner of H west ward (Bandra, Khar), said, The site inspection was conducted according to the approved plans in BMCs development plan department. We have listed out several violations in the notice and will await her reply on the same. Depending on that, further action will be taken.

On Tuesday, Kangana shared images of the notice shed received, and wrote in a tweet, Because of the criticism that @mybmc received from my friends on social media, they didnt come with a bulldozer today instead stuck a notice to stop leakage work that is going on in the office, friends I may have risked a lot but I find immense love and support from you all.

Because of the criticism that @mybmc received from my friends on social media, they didnt come with a bulldozer today instead stuck a notice to stop leakage work that is going on in the office, friends I may have risked a lot but I find immense love and support from you all  pic.twitter.com/2yr7OkWDAb  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 8, 2020

In her Monday tweets, Kangana had written that her office, which shed worked hard for 15 years to build, was under threat. Sharing a video of some men that she claimed were BMC officers inside her office, she wrote, They have forcefully taken over my office measuring everything, also harassing my neighbors when they retorted @mybmc officials used language like, Wo joh madam hain, uski kartoot ka parinam sabko bharna hoga (everyone must pay for the ladys behaviour). I am informed tomorrow they are demolishing my property.

Kangana on Monday was accorded Y-plus category security ahead of her return to Mumbai. She is currently in Manali. The actor also took to Twitter to thank home minister Amit Shah. In a tweet written in Hindi, she said, This proves that a patriots voice cannot be crushed by fascists. I am grateful to Amit Shah, if he wanted, he could have advised me to go to Mumbai after a few days but he respected a daughter of India, protected her pride and self-respect. Jai Hind.

Also read: Kangana Ranaut says BMC will demolish her Mumbai office: Nothing illegal in my property, I worked hard for 15 years for this

Her verbal spat with Sanjay Raut started when she said that she feels unsafe in Mumbai, and compared it to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Raut condemned her comments, and said that he will not allow her to set foot in Maharashtra.

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Like many celebrities catching the last rays of summer, Chris Martin and girlfriend Dakota Johnson have escaped the Hamptons.

Chris, 43, and Dakota, 30, were spotted with his son Moses, 14, and their puppy Zeppelin, as they enjoyed lunch out together in Amagansett, in the town of East Hampton, on the South Shore of Long Island.

The group appeared to be grabbing food to go as the Fifty Shades of Grey star carried a brown paper bag, as well as an iced coffee, on Sunday.

On the go! Chris Martin, Dakota Johnson, his son Moses, and their dog Zeppelin, all go for a walk in the Hamptons, New York, on Sunday

Dakota showed off her tanned and toned legs while stepping out, as she dressed in a simple over-sized white shirt, and a pair of sneakers.

Meanwhile, Amagansett is the place where Chris owned a home with his first with Gwyneth, 47, before they split 2014 split, and they famously announced they were 'consciously uncoupling.'

As well as Chris moving on with Dakota, Gwyneth is now married to TV producer Brad Falchuk, 49.

Family outing: Chris and Dakota were spotted together dressed casually as they went to eat outside

Gimmie! The Fifty Shades of Grey star is seen reaching over to get her food as she has a much-needed sip of morning coffee

However, just last month, Gwyneth once again spoke about Chris and their marriage in a new essay for British Vogue.

Gwyneth, who shares daughter Apple, 16, and Moses with Chris, said: 'We didn't quite fit together. But man, did we love our children.'

'Between the day that I knew and the day we finally relented to the truth, we tried everything,' she wrote.

'We did not want to fail. We didn't want to let anyone down. We desperately didnt want to hurt our children. We didnt want to lose our family.'

She also wrote about the difficulty she faced in telling their two children the news of the split.

'I bent myself into every imaginable shape to avoid answering the. But one day, despite all our efforts, I found that I was not at a fork in the road. I was well down a path.'

'Almost without realizing it, we had diverged. Wed never find ourselves together in that way again,' she added.

In 2018, Gwyneth married new husband Brad in a lavhish Hamptons wedding, that was not attended by Chris.

The star-studded affair included Robert Downey Jr giving a speech, director Steven Spielberg attending with his own video camera, and Rob Lowe showing off his moves on the dancefloor, according to reports at the time.
Another issue is chronic inflammation, which often comes with obesity. Inflammation is a natural way our bodies fight harmful intruders like viruses. But long-lasting inflammation isn't healthy and could undermine your body's defences when a real threat arises. "It's like pouring gasoline on a smouldering fire," said Dr Dariush Mozaffarian, an obesity researcher and dean of Tufts University's school of nutrition science and policy near Boston. And even if people who are obese aren't diagnosed with diabetes or heart disease, Mozaffarian notes their health may not be optimal. How fat is distributed in the body may play a role too. One study found an increased risk for death from COVID-19 for people with severe obesity, but only among men. The findings could reflect that men tend to carry fat around the stomach, said Sara Tartof, a co-author of the study who researches infectious diseases at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. That type of fat is more associated with the production of a hormone that could be contributing to more severe illness, she said. Scientists are also exploring whether there's something specific about the coronavirus itself that makes the obese more susceptible to getting very sick.

For example, the virus infects cells by attaching to receptors on the surface of certain cells. That receptor is abundant on fat cells and scientists are studying whether that makes them "a good nest for the virus," said Dr Francois Pattou at the University of Lille in France, who has co-authored research on the link between obesity and severe COVID-19 illness. Complications in care can arise once hospitalised, too. To help with breathing, for example, doctors have been putting patients hospitalised with COVID-19 on their stomachs. But that can be difficult for the obese, making it more likely they're put on ventilators. Loading "They need a machine to help just do the work," said Dr David Kass of Baltimore's Johns Hopkins University, who has co-authored a study on obesity and severe COVID-19 illness. Yet another concern: A COVID-19 vaccine may not be as effective for the obese, as seems to be the case with the flu and other vaccines.

Why that might be isn't known, but one possibility is that obesity impairs an aspect of the immune system that needs to be activated for vaccines to work, said Dr Nancie MacIver, who researches how weight affects the immune system at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. And she said whatever factors are at play would likely be applicable to a COVID-19 vaccine, but added that it is still important to get it. Johnson warns against 'complacency' as UK COVID cases rise Boris Johnson warned against "complacency" over a surge in coronavirus cases as his officials draw up plans to tighten social-distancing rules and the UK's testing program struggles to keep pace with demand. The UK has posted almost 6000 new cases of coronavirus over the past two days, reaching daily levels not seen since May. That's sparked concern in the government that the UK could follow the paths of Spain and France, where hospitalisations have begun to rise again.

"This must be a moment of clarity for us all. This is not over," Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons on Tuesday. "Just because we've been through one peak it doesn't mean we can't see another one coming towards our shores." Hancock said the government will be tightening enforcement of pandemic rules and stepping up communication on social distancing. He also gave an indication of what areas facing a surge in cases can expect, announcing new restrictions in the northern town of Bolton including shorter opening hours for pubs. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's team is looking at cutting the maximum number of people who are legally allowed to gather in a private home, according to a senior official. While guidelines in England suggest no more than six people should meet, police can only take action against groups of more than 30. Options under consideration include tougher police enforcement to break up groups that are too large, the official said. Johnson told his cabinet that other countries had seen increased infections among young people who "had gone on to infect older generations, who had become seriously ill, and it was vital to ensure that did not happen here," his spokesman, James Slack, told reporters on Tuesday. "The PM wants no complacency from the public."

COVID-19 cases rise in US midwest and northeast Several states in the US midwest and northeast have seen new COVID-19 cases increase for two weeks in a row, although nationally both new infections and deaths last week remained on a downward trend, a Reuters analysis showed. The United States reported more than 287,000 new cases in the week ending September 6, down 1.4 per cent from the previous week and marking the seventh straight week of declines. More than 5800 people died from COVID-19 last week, the third week in a row that the death rate has fallen. Nevertheless, 17 states have seen cases rise for at least two weeks, according to the Reuters tally of state and county reports. They include Missouri, North Dakota and Wisconsin, where between 10 per cent and 18 per cent of people tested had the new coronavirus.

In the northeast, Delaware, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York also reported increases in new cases for at least two weeks, though the positive test rate ranged from a low of 0.9 per cent in New York to a high of 4.3 per cent in Delaware  below the 5 per cent level the World Health Organisation considers concerning. In some states, testing has increased as schools reopened. New York City, for instance, is testing 10 per cent to 20 per cent of students and staff every month. The University of Illinois is testing students twice a week. Nationally, the share of all tests that came back positive for COVID-19 fell for a fifth week to 5.5 per cent, well below a peak of nearly 9 per cent in mid-July, according to data from The COVID Tracking Project, a volunteer-run effort to track the outbreak. The United States tested on average 741,000 people a day last week, up 5 per cent from the prior week, but down from a peak in late July of over 800,000 people a day. Virus lockdown plunges South Africa deeper into recession

South Africas economy has sunk deeper into recession, with its gross domestic product for the second quarter of 2020 plummeting by 51 per cent, largely as a result of COVID-19 and the country's strict lockdown, according to statistics released Tuesday. South Africa imposed one of the strictest lockdowns in the world in April and May in response to the coronavirus outbreak, which has now claimed more than 15,000 lives and infected 639,362 people in the country. A resident from the Alexandra township gets tested for COVID-19 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Credit:AP The halt to most economic activity during the shutdown caused heavy declines in South Africa's manufacturing, transport and retail sectors, according to the countrys statistics body StatsSA. South Africa has one of the largest and most developed economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Loading

The countrys ban on trade in liquor and cigarettes also had an adverse impact on the economy during the period from April to June, with consumer spending on these items falling by 92 per cent, according to StatsSA. South Africas manufacturing output shrank by 74.9 per cent as factories stopped production, it said. "Air travel came to a complete halt, contributing to the fall in economic activity in the transport and communication sector," said the report. "The retail ban on alcohol sales and closure of tourist accommodation facilities were notable drags on trade activity." Some economists have warned that even though the COVID-19 outbreak was to blame for most of the decline, it simply exacerbated the economic crisis that South Africa was already experiencing. Former Italian PM Berlusconi's health is 'constantly improving' The health of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, in hospital after contracting coronavirus, is "constantly improving", his personal doctor said in a statement on Tuesday.
NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Being consistently benefitted by government support, the global genomics market is expected to cross $68.0 billion by 2030, according to P&S Intelligence. The industry, which generated $18.2 billion in 2019, would grow at a 12.7% CAGR between 2020 and 2030. Because genomics is a relatively new field in medical research and requires sophisticated machinery and learned professionals, it currently depends on government funding and initiatives, to prosper.

Among such efforts driving the genomics market is the 2019 decision of the Indian government to employ the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to scan 20,000 Indian genomes, to develop better diagnostic and treatment procedures for diseases such as cancer. Similarly, the Australian government revealed its intentions in May 2018 to allocate about $377 million for a 10-year human genome project, which would accelerate research, via the integration of advanced field knowledge and technology.

Get the sample copy of this report @ https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/genomics-market-revenue/report-sample

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the prime reasons for the growth of the genomics market presently, as several government and private organizations are making efforts to understand the genome sequencing of infected persons. For instance, in the 2020-21 budget, the Indian government set aside $368 million for DBT and $711 million for the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), for genomic research.

In the coming years, the services category, on the basis of solution, will witness the fastest growth in the genomics market, as the number of such service providers is increasing around the world.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) division, under the technology segment, held the largest share in the genomics market in 2019. This was because of the low amplification cost while using the PCR technology, rising focus on genome research, and easier availability of this technology compared to others.

Browse report with detailed TOC on Genomics Market Research Report: By Solution (Consumables, Instruments, Services), Technology (PCR, Sequencing, Microarray), Application (Diagnostics, Drug Discovery and Development, Precision Medicine, Agriculture and Animal Research), End User (Research Centers and Academic Institutes, Hospitals and Clinics, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies) - Global Industry Analysis and Growth Forecast to 2030 @ https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/genomics-market-revenue

In the years to come, the precision medicine classification, under segmentation by application, is expected to experience the highest genomics market CAGR, of 13.7%. This is ascribed to the growing popularity of personalized medicine, as the effect of a disease or therapy can be different for different people. Using genomics, the prognosis of the disease can become clearer and the effects a particular therapy would have on a particular patient can be determined. This helps create a targeted therapy tailored to an individual patient, in order to better the outcome.

Make enquiry about this report @ https://www.psmarketresearch.com/send-enquiry?enquiry-url=genomics-market-revenue

The largest genomics market during 2014-2019 was North America, due to a large number of genomics projects, presence of established solution and service providers, and heavy investments by private and public organizations. In the coming years, the market would grow the fastest in Asia-Pacific (APAC), because of the increasing R&D in the field, in Japan, India, and China, owing to the heavy funding being provided by government and non-government entities.

In order to lessen the competition and consolidate their share, genomics market players are pursuing mergers and acquisitions, with the idea of:

Getting access to each other's R&D expertise

Developing more-effective drugs for rare and genetic diseases

Providing more information related to genes, to their customers

Widening their sequencing solution, oligonucleotide, and synthetic gene portfolios

Offering associated technology at cost-effective rates

The key players in the global genomics market are Agilent Technologies Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Roche), Danaher Corporation, Quest Diagnostics Inc., QIAGEN N.V., Eurofins Scientific SE, Pacific Biosciences of California Inc., GENEWIZ Inc., Psomagen Inc., BGI Tech Solutions Co. Ltd., Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd., 10X Genomics Inc., and Eppendorf AG.

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https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/sleeping-aids-market

Autoimmune Disease Diagnostics Market

The growing incidence and prevalence of autoimmune diseases, surging geriatric population, discovery of novel biomarkers, initiatives taken by several private and government organizations to raise awareness about autoimmune diseases, and rising strategic development activities among key players are the major factors that positively impact the growth of the global autoimmune disease diagnostics market. Due to these factors, the market is expected to generate $10,012.9 million revenue in 2030, advancing at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period.

https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/autoimmune-disease-diagnostics-market-report

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P&S Intelligence is a provider of market research and consulting services catering to the market information needs of burgeoning industries across the world. Providing the plinth of market intelligence, P&S as an enterprising research and consulting company, believes in providing thorough landscape analyses on the ever-changing market scenario, to empower companies to make informed decisions and base their business strategies with astuteness.

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Mumbai, Sep 9 : Veteran film and theatre actress Surekha Sikri was admitted to hospital on Tuesday after suffering a brain stroke.

This is the second time that Sikri has suffered a stroke, after November 2018.

The 75-year-old actress was rushed to Criticare Hospital in the city's Juhu locality and is currently in ICU. Sikri's nurse said the three-time National Award winner actress' financial condition was not good, adding that she could not get her admitted to any other hospital owing to high expenses, according to a report in timesoftindia.com. She appealed to the film fraternity to come forward and pitch in with financial aid for the actress.

Despite keeping unwell, Sikri was active on the screen. She was last seen in Zoya Akhtar's segment of the OTT-released anthology film "Ghost Stories", which opened in January. In 2018, she was seen in a delightful role in the comedy hit, "Badhaai Ho".

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Passing legislations will be a time-consuming affair in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, which will be held between September 14 and October 1 and without any weekend breaks, amid the unprecedented raging coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak.

There wont be any electronic voting system and the lawmakers have to cast their votes through the traditional paper ballots.

The Members of Parliament (MPs) have to maintain social distancing norms, as part of the precautionary measures against the viral outbreak.

As a result, few parliamentarians will be able to retain their own seat.

Going by the plan, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs will occupy seats in both the Houses and the galleries when Parliament will meet in two separate shifts.

Parliament, akin to Indian elections, has graduated to a more efficient electronic system to cast votes on bills and resolutions.

Also Read: Congress to give final shape to its Parliament strategy today

However, paper ballots still have a limited use for MPs to rectify their votes in case of any mistake with the electronic system.

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to the scrapping of the use of the electronic voting system during the upcoming truncated monsoon session of Parliament.

Recording of votes during Divisions, as and when required, will be held under Rule 367A as per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha by distribution of slips. Division slips will be provided to those members who are seated in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers and galleries only, said a notice of the Lok Sabha secretariat on Monday.

Also Read: Monsoon session of Parliament: Over 1k officials being screened

Electronic voting implies instantaneous results and the process takes less than five minutes.

The ballots, including distribution and counting, takes at least around half an hour.

The government wants to pass at least 11 ordinances, including three on farm sector reforms, and a few other pending bills during the packed 18-day Parliament session.

Members will be supplied with ayes/noes printed slips at their seats for recording their votes. ayes slips are printed on one side in green and noes on its reverse in red, both in English and Hindi languages, said the notice.

On the slips, members may record votes of their choice by signing and writing legibly their names, Division numbers and date. Members who desire to record abstention may ask for the abstention slips, the notice added.

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Congenital heart disease survivor Jase Tawata. Photo: Stephanie Tawata

Like many first-time moms, Stephanie Tawata was anxiously navigating the ups and downs of a newborn.

She was grateful that her son, Jase, slept a lot, but he was tiny and slow to gain weight. At times, he seemed to breathe rapidly. Jase was born a month premature, but doctors had given him a clean bill of health, so she tried not to worry.

But at Jase's 2-month well-baby checkup, his pediatrician heard a whooshing sound in the boy's heart and noticed a weak pulse. The doctor recommended seeing a cardiologist. A few days later, the family flew from their home in Hilo, Hawaii, to a children's hospital in Honolulu, where testing revealed Jase was experiencing heart failure and needed to be in intensive care.

"We just thought we were going in for a consultation and didn't even pack any bags," Stephanie said.

The Tawatas learned Jase was born with two heart defects.

He had a hole between the lower chambers of his heart, called a ventricular septal defect. This allowed blood to travel between the chambers and into the lung arteries, making the heart and lungs work harder and causing the lungs to become congested. He also had a narrowing in his aorta that was blocking blood flow to his body, called coarctation of the aorta with aortic arch hypoplasia.

The only way to repair both was through open-heart surgery.

After a week in Honolulu, Jase was transferred to Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego because his condition was too serious to wait for the medical team's regular visit to the island.

"It was such a frightening time because everything was happening so fast and they had told us he was OK when he was born," Stephanie said. "We didn't have background in heart issues, so it was hard to take in."

On Oct. 12, 2013, with Jase only 10 weeks old, doctors patched the hole between the lower chambers of his heart and removed the narrow section of his aorta and reattached it.

Recovery was slowed by breathing problems. Four weeks later, he underwent another operation, this time on his right diaphragm.

While the experiences were grueling for baby Jase, they also were a challenge for his family, including Stephanie's mom, Diane Kubo, who traveled with them to San Diego.

"There were all these machines connected to his tiny body," Kubo said. "You just feel so helpless."

She said the experience gave her a new appreciation for heart health at every age.

"I always thought about heart problems as an adult thing, but once I was at Rady, I realized there were so many other kids with heart issues," she said. "It was so great to learn that people can survive and overcome many of these conditions now. It was a miracle Jase didn't die."

The family leaned on family and friends and their church community for support. To help with growing medical bills, staff at the school where Stephanie teaches created a cookbook to sell as a fundraiser.

After two months at Rady, Jase returned home. Recovery was slow and included many flights to Honolulu for visits with his cardiologist. Now 7, he has yet to have any complications.

Doctors told the Tawatas that Jase may one day require additional surgery if his aorta narrows again. But he's trending in the right direction: He was recently cleared to see the cardiologist once every two years instead of annually.

Congenital heart defects affect nearly 1% of U.S. births each year, and of those about 1 in 4 are considered critical defects that require surgery within the first year of life. Advances in medical technology have enabled doctors to better detect heart defects, and medical and surgical treatments have helped more heart defect survivors live longer.

Today, Jase loves to swim and play with friends. He knows he had heart surgery, and wants others to know his heart is special, Stephanie said.

He's also participated in the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge at his elementary school in Hilo. He's become a local ambassador for the AHA, helping raise awareness about the importance of heart health and research to develop treatments and medical technology to help other heart patients.

Stephanie hopes sharing Jase's story resonates with other families with children facing heart problems.

"Just by being able to talk to someone else who could relate to my situation helped so much," she said. "I'm hoping to one day be that support for other families."

American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved.
Hundreds of thousands of Chinese citizens have received experimental COVID-19 vaccines under a government emergency scheme while reporting no cases of infection, a state-owned drug firm has claimed.

The two vaccine candidates developed by China National Biotec Group (CNBG) can also protect people from the coronavirus for as long as three years, Zhong Song, the companys chief legal officer, told reporters on Monday.

It comes as China has been vaccinating high-risk groups, including medics and border personnel, with the countrys potential coronavirus vaccines after launching the emergency plan in late July.

Hundreds of thousands of Chinese citizens have received experimental COVID-19 vaccines under a government emergency scheme while reporting no cases of infection, a state-owned drug firm has claimed. The file picture shows a staff member holding a COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine candidate at Sinovac Biotech Ltd stand at a trade fair in Beijing on Saturday

The picture shows a booth displaying a coronavirus vaccine candidate from China National Biotech Group (CNBG) at the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services on Saturday

Chinese officials said last month they are also considering to scale up the programme on people working in food markets, public transport and hospitality to prevent a possible virus outbreak in the autumn and winter.

CNBGs two vaccines are among the four experimental vaccines the Chinese government allowed to use on the key workers, reported Chinese media.

Speaking to China National Radio yesterday, Mr Zhou said: Hundreds of thousands of people have been vaccinated. There was no case of showing obvious side effects and no one got infected.

The official said that those who were vaccinated included medical workers and diplomats who had travelled to high-risk countries after receiving the shots.

'There were tens of thousands who went to other countries with escalating virus outbreak after the vaccinations. No one got infected and that proved the effectiveness of the vaccines,' Mr Zhou added.

The vaccines are expected to hit the market as early as the end of this year, the drug firm claimed. They are also planning to produce 300 million doses a year with its newly-built factory.

A boy looks at Sinovac Biotech LTD's vaccine candidate for COVID-19 coronavirus on display at the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing on September 6

The vaccines are expected to hit the market as early as the end of this year, the drug firm claimed. An employee displays a coronavirus vaccine candidate from China National Biotec Group (CNBG), during the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS)

[We] are studying the expansion of production capacity following the requirements from relevant departments, the chief legal officer said.

After expanding the production capacity in the future, our annual production capacity may reach 800 million to one billion doses. If every person receives two injections, 800 to one billion doses can allow 400 to 500 million people to be inoculated per year.'

China has four of the world's eight vaccines that are in the third phase of trials, typically the last step ahead of regulatory approval, as countries race to stub out the virus and reboot battered economies.

As of last month, at least 5.7 billion doses of the vaccines under development around the world had been pre-ordered.

But the World Health Organization has warned that widespread immunisation against COVID-19 may not be on the cards until the middle of next year.

The head of the World Health Organization said the U.N. 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 press 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 thats 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.
John Bryant named new schools superintedent

John Bryant

The Henderson County School Board's national search for a new schools superintendent has ended in its backyard for the third time running.

The School Board unanimously and enthusiastically during its regular meeting on Tuesday chose John M. Bryant II to the lead school system. He replaces Bo Caldwell, who had served since March of 2016. Caldwell was elevated to the top job with the retirement of David Jones, who like Caldwell had been second in command when he succeeded Stephen Page.

Caldwell named Bryant, 43, associate superintendent of administrative services, soon after he assumed the top job. Bryant served as senior director for human resources for two years and was previously principal at Glenn C. Marlow and a high school English teacher.

Each School Board in turn member praised the decision.

"I think this is one of the most excellent things I've ever done since being on the Board of Education," Michael Absher said. "I have been truly excited to have you taking the next reins. I grew up with Bo and now I'm growing up with and it can't get any better than that."

"Nothing thrills me more than to have Dr. Bryant follow in the path of Mr. Caldwell," said Amy Lynn Holt.

"We know he's hard working, he's known in the school system and known in the community," said Dot Case. "One of the things that's impressed me is his follow up. I don't think I've ever asked him a question that he did not follow up on."

"It is just an honor that we can hire one fantastic superintendent after another fantastic superintendent," Mary Louise Corn said.

"It's really an honor to be part of a board to hire Dr. Bryant," said Vice Chairman Rick Wood. "In 12 years I have had the privilege of being a member of the board that hired three superintendents, and like Chairman Craven said that one of our most important responsibilities of the School Board, to hire the right people to manage, to be the CEO of our school system. And those three we all hired from within. We're raising good people, training them, bringing them up through the school system, first David Jones, then Bo Caldwell and now John Bryant. They all started as teachers in Henderson County, assistant principals, principals, central office and now superintendent."

Craven praised Bryant for "how hard you work, how diligent you are and much you care about this organization and the people and the kids that are in it."

"I'm really looking forward to you taking us into your direction and building the school system how you see it needs to go. This is an absolutely honest for me. I thought Hendersonville High School and finishing that project was going to be the top of my list. But definitely hiring a superintendent to follow Bo's leadership is equally as thrilling."

Bryant invited his wife, Lisa, to join him when he thanked the board for its decision.

"This is literally the honor of my life to be able to stand with the woman that makes this possible to continue to serve this community," he said. "How grateful I am to the Board of Education and the men and women and children that have made this possible for me. I have had two of the most extraordinary mentors, Mr. Caldwell and Mr. Jones, who have raised me as a leader and brought me under their wings, opened their doors and shared with me their love and compassion for this community. ... Thank you for giving me the opportunity."

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Elon University in 1999, Bryant taught English for four years at Southern Alamance High School in Graham and then in Florida at Apopka High School from 2003 to 2006. In 2006, Bryant started with the Henderson County school system, teaching English at East Henderson High School. He went on to serve as assistant principal and athletic director at East, from 2007 to 2011. He served as principal at Glenn C. Marlow Elementary School from 2011-2014, before a promotion to Central Office in 2014 as senior director of human resources.

Bryants superintendency begins Dec. 1, following Caldwells retirement on Nov. 30.

I believe the single most important job of a member of the Board of Education is that of hiring the superintendent. I cannot think of a better person to lead us into the future than Dr. John Bryant, Craven said in a statement. He is a well-known treasure in our community and we are thrilled that he will bring his vision and energy to the superintendent position for Henderson County public schools.

An advocate for public education in the community and statewide, Bryant is a member of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators, Personnel Administrators of North Carolina, School Superintendents Association, North Carolina High School Athletics Association, Kappa Delti Pi education honor society and Sigma Tau Delta international English honor society.

He is active in civic affairs as well. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at Pardee Hospital, the Board of Directors for the YMCA of WNC, the Executive Board of the United Way of Henderson County and the Henderson County Transportation Advisory Committee.

He holds a masters in school administration from Gardner Webb University and an EdD in Educational Leadership from Western Carolina University. He and his wife, Lisa K. Bryant, the producing artistic director at Flat Rock Playhouse, live in Laurel Park.

He had been on a track to become a superintendent for some time. He was honored last year with the 2019 Dr. Sam Houston Leadership Award in the Aspiring Superintendent Program. The annual award is presented to a graduate of the North Carolina School Superintendents Association Aspiring Superintendent Program, which trains administrators for North Carolinas public schools.

Dr. Bryant has a commitment to continuous improvement, high standards of ethical conduct, strategic planning, improving student performance and meeting the needs of the 21st century workforce, Jack Hoke, executive director of the North Carolina School Superintendents Association, said at the time. The NCSSA and the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development announced the award earlier this month.

John Bryant exemplifies all that is great in an educator today, Caldwell said then. As superintendent, I know no educator more committed and dedicated to each member of the Henderson County Public School community. Dr. Bryants delightful personality and genuine kindness touch the lives of each and every person who has been a part of his. Dr. Bryants leadership skills and educational expertise are invaluable resources to our system.






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Cargo spacecraft named for fallen NASA astronaut Kalpana Chawla



September 8, 2020  A commercial cargo spacecraft bound for the International Space Station will fly under the name of a fallen NASA astronaut who was the first Indian-born woman to enter space.



Northrop Grumman has announced that its next Cygnus capsule will be named the "S.S. Kalpana Chawla," in memory of the mission specialist who died with her six crewmates aboard the space shuttle Columbia in 2003.



The S.S. Kalpana Chawla is scheduled to launch on the NG-14 mission atop a Northrop Grumman Antares rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on Sept. 29 at 10:26 p.m. EDT (0226 GMT Sept. 30). The spacecraft will arrive at and be attached to the space station two days later.



"It is the company's tradition to name each Cygnus after an individual who has played a pivotal role in human spaceflight," Northrop Grumman said in a statement released on Tuesday (Sept. 8). "Chawla was selected in honor of her prominent place in history as the first woman of Indian descent to go to space."



Born in Haryana, India, Chawla moved to the United States to earn her master's and doctorate degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas in 1984 and University of Colorado in 1988, respectively. She then began her career at NASA, conducting research in fluid dynamics at the Ames Research Center in California.



After becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, Chawla applied for and became a NASA astronaut as a member of "The Flying Escargot," NASA's 15th class of trainees. In 1997, she launched on STS-87, a 15-day shuttle mission that was dedicated to the science flying as part of the fourth United States Microgravity Payload (USMP-4).



Chawla's second spaceflight, STS-107, came to a tragic end on Feb. 1, 2003, following 16 days of conducting science on board the space shuttle Columbia. A small piece of foam that struck the orbiter's left wing during launch created a hole that went undetected during the mission. Upon Columbia's return to Earth, hot plasma entered the wing, tearing it apart, and the resulting loss of control led to the vehicle disintegrating and the death of the crew.



"While Chawla made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the space program, her legacy lives on through her fellow astronauts and those she has inspired to follow in her footsteps," Northrop Grumman stated. "Her final research conducted on board Columbia helped us understand astronaut health and safety during spaceflight. Northrop Grumman is proud to celebrate the life of Kalpana Chawla and her dream of flying through the air and in space."



On the NG-14 mission, the S.S. Kalpana Chawla will deliver approximately 8,000 pounds (3,630 kilograms) of cargo to the station. Research flying aboard the Cygnus includes the test of a biologic drug that could be used for the treatment of leukemia, a plant growth study that will cultivate radishes as a model for future crops in space, a compact toilet for astronauts to use on deep-space exploration missions and a 360-degree virtual reality camera that will be used to film during a spacewalk for an immersive cinematic production.



The S.S. Kalpana Chawla is the second Cygnus to be named for a member of the STS-107 crew. Columbia's last commander, Rick Husband, was similarly honored in 2016.



Other astronaut namesakes have been David Low, Gordon Fullerton, Janice Voss, Deke Slayton, Alan Poindexter, John Glenn, Gene Cernan, John Young, Roger Chaffee and Alan Bean. The most recent Cygnus, which launched in February and departed the space station in May, was named the S.S. Robert Lawrence after the first African American to be selected as an astronaut.



An additional Cygnus was named the S.S. J.R. Thompson after a former company executive.



Northrop Grumman engineers mate the Cygnus service module with the pressurized cargo module to complete the S.S. Kalpana Chawla for the NG-14 mission at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. (Northrop Grumman)





Fallen STS-107 astronaut Kalpana Chawla is the namesake for Northrop Grumman's NG-14 Cygnus cargo spacecraft. (NASA)





Northrop Grumman's NG-14 mission patch for the flight of the S.S. Kalpana Chawla. (Northrop Grumman)



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Cawthorn, Davis on masks, gun control, poverty

Congressional candidates Madison Cawthorn and Moe Davis hold sharply different views on mask wearing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, with Davis calling a Cawthorn rally a "super spreader" event and Cawthorn declaring that he encourages supporters to make the decision "that is best for them."

During a forum Friday night hosted by Blue Ridge Public Radio, the Smoky Mountain News and Mountain Xpress, conservative talk radio host Pete Kaliner asked Cawthorn about mask wearing. "Your opponent has criticized you for not wearing a mask at your campaign events, calling them 'super-spreader events,'" Kaliner said. "Joe Biden has promised to issue a national mask mandate if elected. So, do you oppose mask mandates, do you oppose wearing a mask? What is your view on Covid-19? Is it a hoax? I think your opponent just mentioned that. Do you believe this is real?"

Cawthorn responded that his fiancee works in the medical field and has worked with patients suffering from Covid-19, showing him it is very real. "I know from talking to her because she has actually been with the patients who are suffering from COVID-19, that it's no hoax," he said.

Cawthorn continued, I encourage every single one of the people inside of my party who come to my events to make the best decision that is best for them. I dont believe in this one-size-fits-all cookie cutter form of government that we have seen for so long. But while my opponent will criticize me for having an event that he is calling a super-spreader event, if I labeled it a protest it appears that my opponent would have absolutely no problem with that. He held up a printed off photo of Davis at a demonstration.

I encourage every single one of my followers and people in the country that if you need to wear a mask, if you are in that area of your life where you have a preexisting condition or are at an age where Covid-19 will greatly affect you, than I encourage you please practice social distancing, please wear a mask and if I am around you I will wear a mask myself. But I believe this rhetoric, this narrative that Democrats are painting that this is a binary choice you either have to choose lives and people, or you have to choose profits with the Republicans. It is a logical fallacy creating a false binary choice that I dont think actually exists. We have to make sure we have a revivable economy once we come out of this once-in-a-century pandemic event that is making all of Western North Carolina suffer.

Davis responded: I believe in science and you can look at what my opponent has said, I mean, he dismissed it early on, that we were making too much of Covid-19, that he wasnt seeing bodies stacked up in the streets. And you can look on his social media feed at his events and judge for yourself. He had the big event with Dan Forest over July 4. There were hundreds of people  not a mask in sight.

Over 200 people in this district have lost their lives to Covid-19, so I am following the guidelines. I did go to an event but I dont hold events, unless they comply with the guidelines. It may hamper the campaign but, if you want to be in public service, the first thing you do is not put the public at risk. And I am not going to do that to pander to my ego or win an election.



Poverty



Davis: There is no one thing you can do and fix the problem, I think its like concentric circles. When I was growing up here we had good schools and now our kids rank in the bottom third of the country in math and reading skills because weve been siphoning money off from public education.

My opponent says public education, which hes never spent a day inhe was homeschooled and then went to a private collegethat those are liberal indoctrination centers. I think a lot of public educators take offense. I think it begins with education, to give folks the good foundation. It is making sure everyone has health care coverage, so when they get sick they can go to the doctor.

Davis said, Back before Covid-19, the unemployment rate in most of our counties in this district was about 3.5 percent which was on par with the national average at the time, but we had 14 of our 17 counties where the poverty rate was above the national average. What this tells me is that people were working, but they werent earning a living. The minimum wage has been $7.25 for a dozen years now.  I think we need to address all of those issues and give folks a path forward.

Cawthorn said, When it comes to poverty in North Carolina, I believe this is something we have to tackle head-on. I believe the Republican Party is the party that can lead us to a greater economy, just like the one we had in 2019.  I believe we are the only party that can lead us out of the debt we are facing. I want to make that one of my cornerstones, leading us back to a balanced budget.

Cawthorn continued, Our economy, especially right here in Buncombe County, is so dependent upon the tourist industry that almost 1 in 7 jobs are supported by that industry. Almost every single person that works for an employer in the tourist industry is paid minimum wage. That means if we raise the minimum wage to 15 dollars we would lose almost half of all the employment and jobs that are going on in the tourist industry. And it would be a death blow that would be dealt to the economy here in Western North Carolina. I believe we need to lower taxes and cut regulations increase revenue we can make here.

Davis responded to increasing the minimum wage, If we can decouple healthcare from employment, that takes that burden off of employers. Its holding employers back as well as employees. Ive met folks that are in jobs they are not passionate about, theyve got to keep it because they need the benefits. 

The Trump economy was great for Madison Avenue and for Madison Cawthorn, it wasnt great for Madison County, where the poverty rate was high and people are struggling. Cutting capital gains, this trickled downfolks have gotten trickled on for too long and its time we lift up from the bottom instead of trickle down from the top.



Gun Control

Cawthorn: The Second Amendment was not written so we could go hunting or have a sporting rifle. It was so we could be able to defend our families and defend ourselves from a tyrannical government.

My opponent will most likely come up and tell you he is a multi- gun owning Democrat, to try and paint himself as a Heath Shuler Democrat. But, I will tell you, that my opponent when he was speaking to The Blue Banner magazine at private fundraiser with his liberal friends, said that he is for removing assault rifles from the market, but he could not tell red voters because then he could not do it. Because then he would not be elected.

Davis: I am a multi- gun owner. I grew up hunting. I am not going to come take your guns, Ive got my own. What I do support is guns and sense. I do support strict background checks and red flag laws and I think if you want to own something beyond a pistol, rifle and a shotgun, that the law here in North Carolina on concealed carry permits would be a good basis for a national standard on a more enhanced weapon like that.

Guantanamo Bay



Cawthorn said: My opponent dies on the hills of terrorists, convicted terrorists, and their human rights.  There was a man who encouraged people to join the al-Qaeda agents that actually led to the September 11 attacks. Two of them were pilots, one of them was one of the coordinators behind this. That man was Mohamedou Ould Slahi, this is a man who was convicted and was put in Guantanamo Bay. My opponent, although he was a prosecutor in Guantanamo bay, decided to come out and defend him when he had absolutely no obligation to do so. And he is so proud of it, he actually included the endorsement by Slahi on his website.

Davis: On this issue of Guantanamo, then I guess my opponent also feels the same way about Robert Jackson and Kenneth Royal and John Adams. John Adams defended the British at the Boston Massacre, later went on to be president of the United States. Robert Jackson left the Supreme Court of the United States to be the Chief Prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials, where we didnt take the Nazis out and shoot them, we gave them a trial. And Mr. Slahi, despite what my opponent represented, was never tried, never convicted. And thats why he went home.  I dont back down from standing up for the rule of law. Im proud of it, if he (Cawthorn) is not then thats sad on you.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2020) - Nicola Mining Inc. (TSXV: NIM) (FSE: HLI), (the "Company" or "Nicola") is pleased to announce that it has received assay results from seven grab samples collected during phase one of the 2020 Program1 at its wholly owned Treasure Mountain Property, a fully-permitted high grade silver mine located approximately 90 minutes to its Craigmont Mill.

Seven grab samples were collected from five locations (see Table 1 and Map 1):

Treasure Mountain Open Pit: Historic pit area located on the crest of Treasure Mountain, near the JK Vein that was mined in 2011 (1 sample); JK Vein: Vein with previous high-grade results located approximately 1.0 km east of the of the current mine development that continues to remain a high-priority focus of the Company (1 sample); Scree2 Sample: In absence of a suitable soil sample, the Company gathered a representative rock sample for testing (1 sample); Historic Trench: A historic trench located near the Scree Sample was observed and tested (1 sample); Exposed Vein3: In its August 24, 2020 news release the Company described that it had identified a potential 1.2 km mineralized corridor that it had never previously explored (3 samples).

Highlights include the following:

Sample 2100207 taken from the Exposed Vein contained the following grades: 1300 g/t Ag (45.86 ounces per tonne Ag) 2.59 g / Au 1.16% Cu, 27.4% Pb and 27.2% Zn



Sample 2100205 taken from the JK Vein contained the following grades: 1040 g/t Ag (36.7 ounces per tonne Ag) 6.93% Pb and 1.37% Zn



All seven samples were sent to ActLab laboratory for assay located in Kamloops, BC.

Table 1: Assay results from grab samples.

Sample ID Location Ag (g/t) Au (ppb) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%) 2100204 Treasure Mountain Open Pit 98  131 0.0164 0.0484 0.466 2100205 JK Vein 1040  64 0.0739 6.93 * 1.37 * 2100206 Historic trench 5.5 12 0.0083 0.129 0.199 2100208 Scree sample 0.8 11 0.0045 0.0075 0.0087 2100207 Exposed vein 1300  2590 1.16 * 27.4 * 27.2 * 2100209 Exposed vein 131  18 0.0499 3.81 * 15.1 * 2100210 Exposed vein 27.6 6 0.0095 0.966 1.77 *

 analyzed by FA-GRA, * analyzed by ICP-OES

Note: Grab samples are selected samples and are not necessarily representative of the mineralization hosted on the property.

Map 1: Treasure Mountain Property with completed grab samples.





To view an enhanced version of Map 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/63352_9e566201d488ab07_001full.jpg

The grab sample from the recently identified exposed veins (Sample 2100207) is encouraging as it indicates that these veins have the potential to host significant silver, gold, copper, and zinc grades. The upcoming portable drill results, which tested this mineralized structure, aims to provide an estimate on the true width and grade to the veins within this potential 1.2km mineralized trend.

Technical information

Quality Assurance and Quality Control of Nicola's sampling programs are under the control of Nicola's Geological staff and are consistent with industry best practices. Grab samples are transported by Nicola employees following a defined chain of custody, to Actlabs in Kamloops, BC. All samples are analyzed using Aqua Regia/ICP-OES. Samples with copper, lead or zinc content in excess of the standard detection limits were re-assayed by Aqua Regia/ICP-OES with higher detection limits. Samples suspected of containing gold were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Fire Assay. Samples with silver content in excess of detection limit by ICP-OES were analyzed by gravimetric fire assay.

Qualified Person

Michael Frye, P.Geo, a consulting geologist to the Company, is the independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

About Nicola Mining

Nicola Mining Inc. is a junior mining company listed on the TSX Venture and Frankfurt Exchanges that maintains a 100% owned mill and tailings facility, located near Merritt, British Columbia. It has already signed four mill profit share agreements with high grade gold producers. The fully-permitted mill can process both gold and silver mill feed via gravity and flotation processes. The Company also owns 100% of the New Craigmont Project, a high-grade copper property, and an active gravel pit that is located adjacent to its milling operations.

About Treasure Mountain Property

Nicola Mining Inc. owns 100% of the Treasure Mountain Property, an approximately 7,000-acre silver deposit consisting of: 51 mineral tenures, comprising 21 legacy claims: 100 cell units, and five crown grants for a total of approximately 2,850 hectares.

The Company continues to maintain the option of reopening Level 1 in order to extract silver mill feed from Stope 2 and continues to monitor silver prices prior to reconsidering reopening the mine. The Property also has 3 highly prospective targets:

MB Zone located approximately 1.5km from the underground mine workings on the undrilled Northern slope of the mountain. JK Vein/Eastern Zone located approximately 1.0 km from the underground mine workings. Jensen Portal located approximately 100 m west of the Level 3 Portal and previously mined in the 1920's.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Peter Espig"

Peter Espig

CEO & Director

For additional information

Contact: Peter Espig

Phone: (778) 385-1213

Email: info@nicolamining.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

1Commencing of the 2020 Program was announced in a news release on July 21, 2020. https://nicolamining.com/nicola-mining-commences-2020-exploration-at-treasure-mountain/

2Scree is a collection of broken rock fragments at the base of crags, mountain cliffs, volcanoes or valley shoulders that has accumulated through periodic rockfall from adjacent cliff faces.

3Though the Company had not previously explored the vein it did observe evidence of historic exploration had occurred in the near vicinity.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/63352
SAN FRANCISCOSometime later this year, or possibly early in 2021, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear argument from attorneys Jason Guinasso and his new co-counsel, Christen Price of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), as to why their clients, Texas resident Rebekah Charleston and co-plaintiffs Leah Albright-Byrd and Angela Delgado-Williams (who never worked in a Nevada brothel), should have their case against the state, its Gov. Steve Sisolak and its legislature reinstated even though Nevada Chief Federal Judge Miranda M. Du made it clear that none of the plaintiffs have standing to bring the suit.

"Three elements must be met to establish standing," Judge Du wrote in an opinion issued October 29, 2019. "The plaintiffs must have '(1) suffered an injury in fact, (2) that is fairly traceable to the challenged conduct of the defendant [State of Nevada], and (3) that is likely to be redressed by a favorable judicial decision.' ... The Court finds that Plaintiffs have not sufficiently established the three elements of standing."

Interestingly, NCOSE took this dismissal as a ruling on a motion for summary judgment, when in fact Judge Du had not even considered the alleged facts of the case.

According to a press release from NCOSE last Friday, Nevada's legal prostitution industry is "inherently linked to higher rates of domestic violence and rape of women" and the state, "by legalizing and protecting the commercial sex industry, is responsible for enabling these harms to and crimes against women."

The so-called "crimes against women" consist mainly of alleged Mann Act violations, which law reads, "Whoever knowingly persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any individual to travel in interstate or foreign commerce, or in any Territory or Possession of the United States, to engage in prostitution, or in any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both." Trouble is, of course, women168 of them out of 241 who applied for brothel work permits, according to NCOSEcome to Nevada for various reasons and from various hometowns for the express reason of making money through prostitution, with the vast majority (if not all) needing no persuasion, inducement, enticement or coercion to do so.

But that wasn't good enough for NCOSE.

"Legalizing prostitution does not prevent the violence and rape in prostitution," NCOSE claimed in its Ninth Circuit petition. "It assents to itdefying the very purpose behind federal law."

The lawsuit also charges that legal Nevada prostitutes are "slaves," and that therefore, Nevada legal prostitution laws are per se in violation of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states, "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

And to be fair, Charleston and her attorneys have come up with some unique claims as to why legal prostitutes fit the definition of "slaves," including the fact that most brothels are located in hot, dry, less-populated areas, and the specious claims that "some brothels do not permit women to have a car, enforce strict 5pm curfews, and even mandate that women must stay in the fenced-in compound for two weeks as part of their shift" and that, "If a woman did escape past the exit door, she would be stopped once again by the hot, dry, and vast desert, which severely limits a victims ability to reach out for help." When AVN wrote about this lawsuit and asked adult performers who had worked in Nevada brothels or were familiar with them, those who responded, including veteran actress Nina Hartley, described such "restrictions" as "crap," and that although the women who signed on with a brothel were expected to stay at the place for two weeks at a time, they were otherwise free to do more or less as they pleased, including running errands and communicating with others by phone or internet.

The NCOSE press release also claims that brothels are "dirty, desolate, coercive, and ripe for legal challenge," and that "rape rates are reported to be five times higher in rural counties with legalized prostitution compared to counties where prostituting people is illegal." (So in a county where any adult can go to a brothel, pay a few bucks and have sex, there's more rape???) That last claim is sourced from a Nevada Law Journal article, "America's 'Disneyland of Sex': Exploring the Problem of Sex Trafficking in Las Vegas and Nevada's Response," an anti-prostitution screed which focuses on sex in Las Vegas, where prostitution is not legal.

"Appellants theorize that Nevadas legal brothels serve as a catalyst for illegal interstate sex trafficking," Nevada stated in its Answer to Appellants' petition. "Appellants have not sued any brothel owners, brothel managers, or sex traffickers, nor have they specifically identified any tortious conduct on the part of local regulators or law enforcement officials. Their grievance relates specifically to the existence of [laws legalizing prostitution]. Although they have explained at length why [those laws] are objectionable for reasons of public policy, Appellants cannot trace a concrete injury to the existence of these statutes.

"The only thread between Appellants injuries and the statutes which they assail are the conclusions of social scientists and others who posit that legal prostitution fuels the demand for illegal prostitution, thus encouraging criminal sex traffickers to meet that demand," it later added. "This thread is far too tenuous to serve as the basis for Appellants standing in this case."

Moreover, NCOSE claims that, "Brothel advertisements in areas where prostitution is illegal creates and markets demand that encourages men to travel across state lines to buy sex, which, under federal law is illegal." Of course, it isn't illegal in any area where prostitution is legalas it is in seven counties in Nevada.

Nonetheless, NCOSE and its plaintiffs claim they want to "shut down not just brothels, but the entire commercial sex trade in Nevada," even though they never make clear just what Nevada's "commercial sex trade" is aside from the brothels, since all non-brothel prostitution in the state is already illegal. They also claim they want to "ensure that Nevada is held accountable for allowing sex trafficking to occur"even though there is no evidence that the legal brothel system is engaged in sex trafficking, despite Charleston's claims, without providing any evidence, that she was trafficked into the Moonlite Bunny Ranch in 2004 or 2005 (she can't remember)and require that the State "provide[] assistance to women exiting the sex trade industry."

"Every single worker at the Mustang Ranch is required to undergo an FBI fingerprint and criminal database background check every single year," Mustang Ranch owner Lance Gilman told Reno's KOLO-TV. "In over 4,000 work card applications filed over the last 20 years by working professionals and employees at the Mustang, not one has turned up to be a victim of trafficking." In fact, all legal prostitutes in the state undergo similar background checks, and are screened for venereal diseases.

Simply put, it's likely that the Ninth Circuit panel will take one look at Judge Du's dismissal of the case and say something the effect of, "Why are we here?"unless, of course, it winds up before a panel comprised of the ten judges Trump has appointed to the circuit.

AVN will be following and reporting on the progress of this case.

Pictured: Rebekah Charleston speaking at a TedTalk.
The Indian stock market is expected to open in the green following positive Asian cues. Trends on SGX Nifty indicate a positive opening for the index in India with a 38 points gain.

The BSE Sensex gained 60.05 points to close at 38,417.23 on September 7 while the Nifty50 was up 21.10 points at 11,355. According to pivot charts, the key support levels for the Nifty is placed at 11,277.4, followed by 11,199.8. If the index moves up, the key resistance levels to watch out for are 11,406.9 and 11,458.8.

Stay tuned to Moneycontrol to find out what happens in currency and equity markets today. We have collated a list of important headlines across news platforms which could impact Indian as well as international markets:

Asian Markets

US stock futures and Asian shares regained some footing on Tuesday following a small bounce in European shares as investors looked to whether high-flying US tech shares could recover from their recent rout.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.2% while Japan's Nikkei gained 0.4%. U.S. financial markets were shut on Monday for a public holiday.

SGX Nifty

Trends on SGX Nifty indicate a positive opening for the index in India with a 38 points gain. The Nifty futures were trading at 11,419 on the Singaporean Exchange around 07:30 hours IST.

Freight loading: Indian Railways registers over 10% jump, earns Rs 129.7 crore more

The Indian Railways on September 7 said freight loading until September 6 was 10.41 percent higher than that of last year for the same period and earning rose by around Rs 129.68 crore. "Till September 6, the Railways loading was 19.19 million tonnes which is 10.41 per cent (1.81 million tonnes) higher compared to last year's loading for the same period (17.38 million tonnes)," it said.

Oil falls after Saudi cuts prices, China slows imports

Oil prices fell on Monday after Saudi Arabia made its deepest monthly price cuts to supply for Asia in five months and as uncertainty over Chinese demand clouds the market's recovery.

Brent crude was trading at $42.03 a barrel, down 63 cents or 1.5%, by 1555 GMT, after earlier sliding to $41.51, its lowest since July 30. West Texas Intermediate US crude fell 67 cents, or 1.7%, to $39.10 per barrel after hitting $38.55, its lowest since July 10.

Japan's economy shrinks more than expected in Q2

Japan's economy shrank more than initially estimated in the second quarter as capital expenditure took a hit from the coronavirus crisis, highlighting the challenge policymakers face in averting a deeper recession.

The world's third-largest economy shrank an annualised 28.1 per cent in April-June, more than a preliminary reading of a 27.8 per cent contraction, revised gross domestic product (GDP) data showed on Tuesday, suffering its worst postwar contraction.

Kamath panel submits report on resolution framework for COVID-hit assets

An expert panel appointed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has submitted its report to the central bank on the resolution framework for Covid-hit assets. The committee, headed by veteran banker KV Kamath, has recommended financial ratios for 26 sectors which could be factored in by lending institutions while finalising a resolution plan for a borrower.

The 26 sectors selected by the panel for the resolution framework are: Power, construction, iron and steel manufacturing, roads, real estate, trading wholesale, textiles, chemicals, consumer durables/FMCG, non-ferrous metals, pharma, logistcis, gems and jewellery, cement, auto components, hotels, mining, plastic products manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, auto dealership, aviation, sugar, port and port services, shipping, building materials, and corporate retail outlets.

SEBI sets March 31 as cut-off date for re-lodgement of share transfer requests

Capital markets regulator SEBI on Monday fixed March 31, 2021, as the cut-off date for re-lodgement of share transfer requests. Transfer of securities held in physical mode has been discontinued with effect from April 1, 2019, but investors have not been barred from holding shares in the physical form.

Now, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has "decided to fix March 31, 2021, as the cut-off date for re-lodgement of transfer deeds," according to a circular. "Further, the shares that are re-lodged for transfer (including those requests that are pending with the listed company / RTA, as on date) shall henceforth be issued only in Demat mode, it added.

ICICI Bank-Videocon case: ED arrests Deepak Kochhar on charges of money laundering

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on September 7 arrested former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar's husband Deepak Kochhar in connection with the ICICI Bank-Videocon money laundering case.

World economy unlikely to re-attain pre-pandemic output levels before 2022: Report

With COVID-19 still dominating major developments globally, the world economy is not likely to re-attain pre-pandemic output levels before 2022, says a report. According to Dun & Bradstreet Country Risk and the Global Outlook, "nothing about the pandemic can be classified as over, despite recoveries in activity levels in some economies in Q3, as evident in PMIs (Purchasing Managers Indices), Google Mobility data and monthly economic data.

Unemployment will keep rising above the pre-pandemic baseline as government programmes are phased out and cease to protect workers, while the pace of what recovery there is may yet weaken in Q4, said Arun Singh, Global Chief Economist, Dun & Bradstreet.

RBI loan restructuring norms could exclude large number of companies: Report

A large number of companies may be left out of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) norms on corporate loan structuring, as bankers expect advances worth only Rs 2-3 lakh crore, or 2-3 per cent of overall bank loans, to be eligible for restructuring.

A five-member committee headed by VK Kamath, constituted by the RBO to look into parameters within which restructuring can be allowed, has submitted it recommendations to the central bank, The Times of India reported.

SIP investments jumped 143%, monthly registration doubled in FY20: Paytm Money

Digital financial services firm Paytm Money on Monday said that monthly investment volume in systematic investment plans (SIP) has risen by 143 percent on its platform in 2019-20. The company said that it has completed two years of business and has been able to acquire 66 lakh customers to invest in various financial services out of which 70 percent users were the first time investors.

Earnings on September 8

"Over the last two years, we have enabled new users from small cities and towns to invest with confidence by providing innovative & personalized services. We strive to become the first step in the investment journey so that every user benefits from technology and financial inclusion, Paytm Money CEO Varun Sridhar said in a statement.

CESC, Dishman Carbogen Amcis, Future Consumer, Jindal Stainless, Mafatlal Industries, Bal Pharma, Sharon Bio-Medicine, Simplex Projects, SML Isuzu, Spencers Retail, Texmaco Rail & Engineering among 37 stocks will announce June quarter earnings on September 8. FII and DII data Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) net sold shares worth Rs 6.93 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) net offloaded shares worth Rs 815.82 crore in the Indian equity market on September 7, as per provisional data available on the NSE. 6 stocks under F&O ban on NSE BHEL, Canara Bank, Indiabulls Housing Finance, Vodafone Idea, Jindal Steel & Power and Punjab National Bank are under the F&O ban for September 8. Securities in the ban period under the F&O segment include companies in which the security has crossed 95 percent of the market-wide position limit.

With inputs from Reuters & other agencies
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 23:05:41|Editor: huaxia

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PARIS, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The French government may reduce the self-imposed quarantine time for COVID-19 from 14 days to seven days, Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Tuesday.

"The scientific council is in favor of reducing the self-isolating period, in a certain number of situations, from 14 to 7 days," Veran told France Inter, a major French public radio channel.

The minister said that a large number of French people do not respect the fortnight which was considered a long period. He said that the 7-day quarantine "must be absolutely respected in order to limit contagion."

A defense council, scheduled for next Friday, will decide on the issue, according to the minister.

The World Health Organization recommends people who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should self-quarantine for 14 days to prevent transmission. In many countries like Germany, the United Kingdom and China, persons arriving from a risk area are obliged to self-isolate for a period of 14 days. Enditem
The Russian side of the Russian-Turkish commission monitoring the implementation of the Syrian truce has registered five ceasefire violations in Syria over the past 24 hours, while the Turkish side did not record any truce breaches, the Russian Defense Ministry said in its daily bulletin, Sputnik reports.

"The Russian side of the representation of the joint Russian-Turkish Commission on issues related to violations of the cessation of hostilities recorded five facts of opening fire in the Aleppo province. The Turkish side of the mission did not register facts of opening fire," the ministry said.

The ministry also said that its Center for Syrian Reconciliation had carried out three humanitarian operations over the past day, delivering 1,320 food kits to residents of Daraa, Hasakah and Aleppo provinces.
WASHINGTON  New data from the NBC|SurveyMonkey Weekly Tracking Poll show signs that coronavirus fatigue is setting in for the nation.

American adults still view the pandemic as predominantly a health crisis, and the majority are worried that businesses are opening too soon.

But there's been an increase since July in the share of Americans who see the pandemic as primarily an economic crisis and in the share who worry that businesses are taking too long to reopen.

Fifty-four percent of adults say it's a bigger concern that businesses are reopening too quickly, compared to 42 percent who are more worried about their opening too slowly. But back in early July, 63 percent saw businesses' reopening too quickly as the bigger concern, compared to 33 percent who were more worried about slower reopenings.

There's also been some leveling out between those who see the pandemic as more of an economic crisis and those who see it as more of a health crisis.

Fifty-two percent say it's more of a health crisis, while 47 percent say it's more of an economic crisis. In early July, 56 percent said the pandemic was more of a health crisis, while 43 percent said it was more of an economic crisis.

Six months after the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic, American life and the economy have been dealt a harsh blow. There have been more than 6.3 million coronavirus cases in the U.S., and 190,000 deaths have been attributed to the virus. After the unemployment rate skyrocketed to 14.7 percent in April, the highest since the Great Depression, it fell to 8.4 percent in August, still more than twice the pre-coronavirus unemployment rate.

While the federal government had previously agreed on a handful of aid measures to shore up the economy and protect Americans, the latest round of negotiations between the White House and Congress fell apart last month. President Donald Trump sought to sidestep the gridlock with a series of executive orders, but critics have questioned whether the measures will be effective or are even legal.

Story continues

Download the NBC News app for breaking news and politics

The shift comes as more facets of American life are returning to some semblance of normal  professional sports have been restarting, many states have relaxed coronavirus-related restrictions, and some schools have started opening with a mix of in-person and virtual options.

A majority of American adults with school-age children say at least some of their children's learning will be conducted online this year as many schools remain partly closed.

Forty-eight percent of adults with children in school say their children will get all of their lessons online, and 24 percent say there will be a mix of in-person and remote learning. Another 20 percent of adults with children in school say their children will have all of their instruction in person.

About a month ago, 17 percent of parents said their kids would fully return to school in person, and 41 percent said their children would be taught remotely online.

However, most parents don't feel confident in the quality of education their children will get this year. When asked to grade the quality of education their children will have because of the coronavirus pandemic, just 18 percent of parents gave it an "A" and 26 percent said "B," while a third  33 percent  gave it a "C." Another 13 percent of adults with children said their children would receive a "D"-quality education this fall, and 10 percent said it would be an "F."

Public health experts have warned that fully reopening businesses and schools could hinge on widespread adoption of a coronavirus vaccine. And while a plurality of American adults say they and their families would get a government-approved coronavirus vaccine if one becomes available, a majority of adults say they either wouldn't or aren't sure.

Forty percent of adults say they would get a government-approved vaccine, 24 percent say they wouldn't, and 34 percent say they aren't sure.

Trump has repeatedly said a vaccine could be ready for distribution before the Nov. 3 election, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has told states to be ready for wide distribution by Nov. 1. But there are concerns that that timeline could be too fast, and scientists have asked to see the data that would support a fast-tracked strategy.

Data come from a set of SurveyMonkey online polls conducted Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2020, among a national sample of 35,847 adults in the U.S. Respondents were selected from the more than 2 million people who take surveys on the SurveyMonkey platform each day. The modeled error estimate for this survey is plus or minus 1.0 percentage points. Data have been weighted for age, race, sex, education and geography using the Census Bureau's American Community Survey to reflect the demographic composition of the United States ages 18 and over.
Leading Belarusian opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova tore up her passport at the border with Ukraine and threw away the pieces to foil an attempt by Belarusian authorities to force her across the border into Ukraine, her associate said Tuesday as protests against President Alexander Lukashenkos rule broke out again in the capital, Minsk.

Kolesnikova, a member of the Coordination Council created by the opposition to facilitate talks with Lukashenko on a transition of power, was detained Monday in the capital, Minsk, along with two other council members. Witnesses said she was bundled into a van by masked men.

Early Tuesday, Kolesnikova and the two other council members were driven to the border, where authorities told them to cross into Ukraine. Kolesnikova refused, and remained on the Belarusian side of the border in the custody of Belarusian authorities.

The two other council members, Ivan Kravtsov and Anton Rodnenkov, crossed into Ukraine.

At a press conference in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, later Tuesday, Rodnenkov confirmed reports that Kolesnikova tore up her passport to avoid being forced into Ukraine.

"She was pushed into the back seat [of the car], she yelled that she wasn't going anywhere," said Rodnenkov. "She tore up her passport," he added, and then exited the car through a window and walked back to the Belarusian border.

Anton Bychkovsky, spokesman for Belaruss Border Guard Committee, confirmed that Kolesnikova was in the custody of Belarusian authorities, but refused to give any details of what happened on the border.

Kolesnikova played a major role in the campaign of opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who claimed victory over Lukashenko in a disputed election last month, and has since addressed huge rallies calling for the presidents resignation.

Belarus has applied similar tactics of trying to force other opposition figures out of the country in a bid to end a month of demonstrations against the reelection of Lukashenko in a vote that protesters see as rigged.

Story continues

Lukashenko admits overstaying, but refuses to step down

Lukashenko has ruled the country for 26 years, relentlessly stifling dissent and keeping most of the economy in state hands.

The 66-year-old former state farm director has rejected criticism from the US and the EU, which said the August 9 election was neither free nor fair.

In an interview with Russian media Tuesday, Lukashenko repeated his position that he would not step down from power. But the authoritarian leader did not rule out early presidential elections, according to a journalist who interviewed him.

"Yes, maybe I overstayed a bit," Russian journalist Roman Babayan cited Lukashenko as saying. But the former state farm manager insisted he was the only one who could lead Belarus. "I won't talk to the opposition Coordination Council because I don't know who these people are," Lukashenko said. "They are no sort of opposition. Everything they suggest is a catastrophe for Belarus and the Belarusian people."

The interview came as Belarusian, Russian and Serbian military forces prepared to take part in joint military exercises in Belarus, the Russian RIA news agency quoted the Belarusian defence ministry as saying. Russian and Serbian forces would arrive in Belarus from September 10 to 15, RIA said without providing further details.

Tsikhanouskaya tells European parliament Lukashenko lacks legitimacy

Meanwhile Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition challenger to Lukashenko, addressed the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly on Tuesday via a video link from Lithuania, where she fled a day after the election, under pressure from authorities.

In her address, Tsikhanouskaya called for international sanctions against Lukashenko and other government officials.

We need international pressure on this regime, on this one individual, desperately clinging onto power," she said.

Tsikhanouskaya said Lukashenko did not have any legitimacy after stealing the vote and warned other countries against making any deals with the Belarusian government.

He does not represent Belarus anymore, she said.

Bundled into a car, dropped off in no-man's land

After a brutal crackdown on protesters in the first few days after the vote that stoked international outrage and swelled the ranks of protesters, authorities in Belarus have switched to threats and selective arrests of opposition activists and demonstrators.

Last week, Pavel Latushko, a former minister of culture and ambassador to France who joined the opposition council, traveled to Poland after facing threats and being questioned. His departure came a day after Lukashenko warned that Latushko had crossed a red line and would face prosecution.

On Saturday, a top associate of Tsikhanouskaya, Olga Kovalkova, also moved to Poland after the authorities threatened to keep her in jail for a long time if she refused to leave the country.

Kovalkova said agents of the Belarusian State Security Committee put her into a car, where she was told lie on the floor, unaware where they were taking her. She was dropped off in no-mans land between the Belarus and Poland border, and Polish border guards asked a bus driver driving into Poland to take her on board.

The efforts to make opposition activists leave the country come amid a criminal probe against members of the Coordination Council. Belarusian prosecutors have accused them of undermining the country's security by calling for talks on a transition of power. Several council members were arrested and some others called for questioning.

Last week, Kolesnikova announced the creation of a new party, Together. She said the move would help overcome the current crisis, but the party founders call for constitutional changes has stunned some other opposition council members, who argued that it could divert attention from the main goal of getting Lukashenko to step down.

(FRANCE 24 with AP, AFP and REUTERS)
One of the biggest scientific advances of the last decade is getting better thanks to researchers at The University of Texas at Austin; the University of California, Berkeley; and Korea University. The team has developed a new tool to help scientists choose the best available gene-editing option for a given job, making the technology called CRISPR safer, cheaper and more efficient. The tool is outlined in a paper out today in Nature Biotechnology.

The CRISPR gene-editing technique holds tremendous potential to improve human health, agriculture and the future of people on the planet, but the challenge lies in the delicate nature of gene editing -- there is almost no room for error.

To edit genes, scientists use dozens of different enzymes from a naturally occurring system called CRISPR. Researchers locate a problematic DNA sequence and use these specialized enzymes to snip it as if using a pair of scissors, allowing genetic material to be added, removed or altered. But these scissors are not perfect. Accuracy and effectiveness vary by the CRISPR enzyme and the project. The new tool guides users, so they can pick the best CRISPR enzyme for their high-stakes gene edit.

"We designed a new method that tests the specificity of these different CRISPR enzymes -- how precise they are -- robustly against any changes to the DNA sequence that could misdirect them, and in a cleaner way than has ever been done before," said Steve Jones, a UT research scientist who co-wrote the paper with Ilya Finkelstein, an associate professor of molecular biosciences.

Problems can occur when a CRISPR enzyme targets the wrong sections of DNA. Each CRISPR enzyme has strengths and weaknesses in editing different sequences, so the researchers set out to create a tool to help scientists compare the different enzymes and find the best one for a given job.

"CRISPR wasn't designed in a lab. It wasn't made by humans for humans. It was made by bacteria to defend against viruses," said John Hawkins, a Ph.D. alumnus who was recently with UT's Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences. "There is incredible potential for its use in medicine, but the first rule of medicine is 'do no harm.' Our work is trying to make CRISPR safer."

The team of researchers developed a library of DNA sequences and measured how accurate each CRISPR enzyme was, how long it took the enzyme to edit the sequences and how precisely they edited the sequence. For some tasks the commonly used enzyme CRISPR-Cas9 worked best; in others, different enzymes performed much better.

"It's like a standardized test," Hawkins said. "Every student gets the same test, and now you have a benchmark to compare them."

The tool allows scientists to choose the best enzyme for editing on the first try, so the process becomes more efficient and cheaper. Additionally, it gives scientists information about where mistakes are most likely to occur for each enzyme, saving time.

"This technique gives us a new way to reduce risk," Jones said. "It allows gene edits to be more predictable."

###

Nicole V. Johnson, Kuang Hu, James R. Rybarski, William H. Press and Ilya J. Finkelstein of The University of Texas at Austin; Cheulhee Jung of Korea University; and Janice S. Chen and Jennifer A. Doudna of University of California, Berkeley, contributed to the research.

The research was funded by a College of Natural Sciences Catalyst Grant, The Welch Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
New Delhi: Markets ended in green after a volatile session on Monday amid mixed cues from global markets.

The 30-share BSE index ended 60.05 points or 0.16 per cent higher at 38,417.23. Similarly, the NSE Nifty advanced 21.20 points or 0.19 per cent to close at 11,355.05.

Here are Stocks in focus on September 8, 2020

Vodafone Idea

Debt-ridden telecom operator Vodafone Idea on Monday said it will seek shareholders' approval to raise borrowing limit to Rs 1 lakh crore, at the annual general meeting (AGM) scheduled to be held on September 30. Shareholders of the company, which was earlier listed as Idea Cellular, had approved a borrowing limit of Rs 25,000 crore at AGM in September 2014. In a regulatory filing, Vodafone Idea Ltd (VIL) said as the resolution passed by the company in September 2014 did not specify the securities premium, a necessary amendment is required to include securities premium in the borrowing powers.

General Insurance Corporation of India

GIC on Monday posted a net loss of Rs 557 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2020.

Banking stocks

The Reserve Bank on Monday specified five financial ratios and sector-specific thresholds for resolution of COVID-19-related stressed assets in 26 sectors, including auto components, aviation and tourism. The Reserve Bank had on August 7 announced the constitution of a panel under the chairmanship of veteran banker K V Kamath to make recommendations on the required financial parameters to be factored in under the 'Resolution Framework for Covid19-related Stress' along with sector specific benchmark ranges.

Parag Milk

Dairy products company Parag Milk Foods on Monday reported 88% year-on-year drop in profit at Rs 3.2 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2020.
(Adds missing Indian youths found in China, paragraphs 17-18)

* Firing on border in western Himalayas escalates tension

* Protocol on avoiding firearms has not prevented casualties

* Indian army says Chinese troops fired in the air

* China says border guards took countermeasures after India threat

* Five missing Indian youths found in China - Indian minister

By Sanjeev Miglani and Yew Lun Tian

NEW DELHI/BEIJING, Sept 8 (Reuters) - India and China have accused each other of firing in the air during a new confrontation on their border in the western Himalayas, in a further escalation of military tension between the nuclear-armed nations.

Hundreds of troops are in eyeball-to-eyeball proximity along the remote border, which erupted in a clash in June that killed 20 Indian soldiers in hand-to-hand fighting.

Both sides have observed a long-held protocol to avoid using firearms on the sensitive, undemarcated frontier, though this agreement has not prevented casualties.

On Monday night, troops of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) attempted to close in on a forward Indian position at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), or the de factor border, in the Ladakh sector, the Indian army said in a statement.

"And when dissuaded by own (Indian troops), PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops," the army said in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the Indian side acted with restraint.

"At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing," it said.

But China said the Indians had breached the informal border through the southern bank of the Pangong Tso lake, where tension has been rising for more than a week.

"The Indian troops brazenly made gunshot threat to the patrolling Chinese border guards who came forwards for negotiations, and the Chinese border guards were forced to take countermeasures to stabilise the situation," said Zhang Shuili, a representative of the PLA's western theatre command.

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China's foreign ministry said Indian troops had illegally crossed the LAC and were the first to fire shots.

"This is a serious military provocation," spokesman Zhao Lijian told a daily news conference in Beijing on Tuesday.

COMPETING CLAIMS

Military commanders and diplomats have held several rounds of talks since July to reduce tension, but have made little progress to thin out forces in the arid, high-altitude region that both nations claim and consider as vital to their security.

The latest uptick in tension around the alpine Pangong lake began late last month when Indian forces mobilised to deter Chinese troops, whose movements suggested they aimed to occupy a hilltop India regards as its territory, Indian officials said.

Each nation has urged the other to restrain forward troops who have been locked in a face-off since April, after India said China intruded deep into its side of the LAC.

Beijing denies the charge.

"We request the Indian side to immediately stop dangerous actions...and strictly investigate and punish personnel who fired shots to ensure that similar incidents do not occur," the PLA's Zhang said in the statement about Monday's incident.

India and China fought a border war in 1962 and continue to lay claim to thousands of square kilometres of territory stretching from the snow deserts of Ladakh in the west to mountain forests in the east.

Also on Tuesday, five Indian youths who went missing from an eastern border state several days ago have been found in China, after the Indian military contacted its Chinese counterpart, an Indian minister said.

"China's PLA has responded to the hotline message sent by Indian Army. They have confirmed that the missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh have been found by their side," federal minister Kiren Rijiju said in a tweet, referring to the eastern Indian state that is also claimed by China. (Additional reporting by Devjyot Ghoshal, Alasdair Pal and Nigam Prusty in New Delhi, Fayaz Bukhari in Srinagar, and Cate Cadell in Beijing; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Alex Richardson)
Washington and Lee University is a small, private liberal arts university in western Virginia. It's named after George Washington and Robert E. Lee, who became its president after the Civil War. As is the case with all small, private liberal arts colleges in America except for Hillsdale, WLU is essentially a leftist indoctrination center for those students who attend.

However, even by liberal arts standards, WLU took things to a whole new level this semester when it offered first-year students a three-credit class called "How to Overthrow the State." WLU is entitled to do so, but it seems appropriate that the taxpayers of this state have a say in the matter. Therefore, President Trump should issue an executive order withholding all federal funds from the university.

The class is one of 18 different choices offered to freshmen for their required writing seminar. All of the seminars stress that their purpose is to teach students to write well, and many of them throw in identity politics.

For example, Seminar 100-01, about "memoir and identity in literature," promises to examine whether a "memoir also challenge[s] and educate[s] us about the identities of marginalized or silenced voices."

Seminar 100.02, entitled "Shut Up and Play: Black Athletes and Activism," focuses on Kaepernick's capers.

Then there's seminar 100-07, entitled "Don't 'I' Me: Privilege, Otherness and Writing," which covers " the complexities of and correspondence between (suggested) inferiority and otherness based on factors such as color, gender, education, sexual orientation, privilege, and language."

All of these classes sound incredibly boring, self-involved, and mindlessly reductive. None expands the mind; all contract it.

This post, however, is about one specific freshman writing seminar, 100-18 ("How to Overthrow the State"), which has caused an uproar in conservative circles:

This course places each student at the head of a popular revolutionary movement aiming to overthrow a sitting government and forge a better society. How will you attain power? How will you communicate with the masses? How do you plan on improving the lives of the people? How will you deal with the past? From Frantz Fanon to Che Guevara to Mohandas Gandhi and others, we explore examples of revolutionary thought and action from across the Global South. Students engage these texts by participating in a variety of writing exercises, such as producing a Manifesto, drafting a white paper that critically analyzes a particular issue, and writing a persuasive essay on rewriting history and confronting memory.

Nowadays, this type of class is common at American liberal arts colleges. Most history, social science, and political science classes teach variations on this theme, something you learn if you spend time reading college course catalogs, especially for the small liberal arts colleges.

The only thing that stands out about 100-18 is that title: "How to Overthrow the State." The shock is its honesty.

What was also a little shocking to me was that the man teaching it, Matt Gildner, is a University of Texas, Austin graduate. When I was at U.T. Austin, roughly twenty years before Gildner, some at Austin liked to boast that it was liberal enough to be the U.C. Berkeley of Texas. It wasn't. I know because I'd come there from Cal. U.T. Austin was still reasonably conservative back in the 1980s. That's no longer the case.

When called out for a class that seems to foment revolution quite openly, the university administration refused to back down. The university's hard line on this is a reminder that modern colleges and universities will always stand behind leftist craziness.

They're less fond of other principles. For example, at USC, the college president grovelingly apologized because a faculty member used a Chinese word that, to emotionally vulnerable black students, sounded like a weirdly pronounced version of the word that dare not speak its name (i.e., "the N-word").

WLU president Will Dudley told a reporter at the local news station that the fuss was much ado about nothing and an attack on intellectual freedom:

He continued to say We are expressly committed to encouraging all to speak their minds freely and to consider carefully alternative points of view. It is incumbent upon us to treat each other with respect and not perpetrate or tolerate personal attacks.  Kathryn Young (@itskathrynyoung) September 7, 2020

I try to view every challenge as an opportunity, and the challenge posed by this episode is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the value of liberal arts education and the means by which we provide it.  Kathryn Young (@itskathrynyoung) September 7, 2020

President Dudley is free to hold firm. However, in that same spirit of freedom and respect, I'd like to suggest that President Trump show some respect for American taxpayers by withdrawing all federal funds from WLU. After all, it seems wrong that the citizens of the American state should be funding an institution that's instructing students on that state's overthrow.

Currently, WLU boasts that the federal government will subsidize students who want to attend the university through federal financial aid, Pell grants, or the Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant. It's time to turn off that spigot, just as it's time to turn off the spigot to any institution of higher education that uses taxpayer money to train students to overthrow America.

Image: Washington and Lee University by Zeete, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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An appeals court in Serbia has overturned four convictions linked to the 1999 murder of news publisher Slavko Curuvija and ordered a retrial, local media reported on September 7.

Four former intelligence officers had been given lengthy prison terms over the killing of Curuvija, a prominent critic of Yugoslavia's president at the time, Slobodan Milosevic.

In a ruling handed down on July 15 but only reported this week, the court cited "significant violations of the provisions of criminal procedure." It reportedly concluded that the convictions from April 2019 went beyond the indictment and were not based on evidence.

Two of the men, Rade Markovic, the former head of state security, and Milan Radonjic, who was in charge of Belgrade's intelligence branch, received 30-year prison sentences each for instigating the murder. Markovic is already serving a 40-year sentence for other political killings.

The court also handed 20-year prison terms to former intelligence officers Ratko Romic and fugitive Miroslav Kurak, who was sentenced in absentia. They were convicted of carrying out the murder.

Curuvija founded the Dnevni Telegraf, the first independent daily newspaper in postcommunist Serbia in the 1990s.

He stood out as a sharp critic of Milosevic, who involved Serbia in wars in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Kosovo during his heavy-handed 12-year rule.

Curuvija was gunned down outside his home in Belgrade on April 11, 1999, just days after the start of NATOs bombing campaign that helped end Belgrade's military operations against ethnic Albanians in its then-province Kosovo.

Curuvija's family has accused Milosevic of personally ordering the killing.

Milosevic was arrested in 2001 and held at the UN court in The Hague for genocide and other war crimes committed during the wars that followed the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

The former Serbian president died in the tribunal's detention unit in 2006 before a verdict was reached.

Based on reporting by dpa and Balkan Insight
The pandemic has changed the face of retailing, perhaps forever. Many small businesses have gone under. Walk down any shopping street and count the number of for lease signs in vacant store windows. Its disheartening.

Its not just the mom and pop shops that are throwing in the towel. Major clothing stores are closing down. Reitmans is shuttering its Thyme Maternity and Addition Elle outlets. In the U.S., the list of clothing retailers that have filed for bankruptcy includes Stein Mart, Payless, Brooks Brothers, Lord & Taylor and J. Crew.

Traditional department stores were already in trouble before the pandemic hit. Now they are rapidly heading down the dinosaur trail. J.C. Penney and Neiman Marcus are the latest casualties.

Whos left? The big box retailers, thats who. Their low prices and upgraded online order systems are the right combination for the COVID-19 era. While almost everyone else is suffering, theyre racking up impressive sales and profits.

Lets look at three that recently reported results.

Walmart (NYSE: WMT): Walmart is the worlds largest brick-and-mortar retailer with 11,500 stores in 27 countries, plus a rapidly expanding e-commerce operation. It employs some 2.2 million people worldwide and had revenue in the latest fiscal year of $524 billion (U.S.).

For a clear indication of how our shopping patterns have changed, look at Walmarts second-quarter results. Online sales were up 97 per cent year-over-year, showing the value of the millions of dollars the company has spent in upgrading its e-commerce platform and delivery systems.

Total revenue was up 5.6 per cent from the same period last year to $137.7 billion, so the impact e-commerce made is obvious. The company reported adjusted-operating income of $6.6 billion ($1.56 per share). Free cash flow was $15.4 billion, up 9.1 per cent from a year ago.

The company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.54 a share ($2.16 a share) to yield 1.5 per cent at the current price. Share buybacks have been suspended for now, with none reported in the second quarter.

Incremental costs related to COVID-19 have totalled $1.5 billion to date but the big increase in online sales has more than offset that. I dont expect e-commerce to continue to grow at the same rate, but the company should continue to do well as the pandemic rages on.

Walmart shares are up by about 17 per cent so far this year.

Target Inc. (NYSE: TGT): Target is a Minneapolis-based operator of big box stores, with 1,868 outlets in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The company opened its first store in 1962 and now employs 350,000 people.

Target has recovered well from its disastrous, short-lived venture into the Canadian market a few years ago, which cost more than $2 billion. But thats history. Target today is healthy and thriving.

The stock shot up following release of second-quarter results that outperformed estimates by a wide margin. The shares are up about 18 per cent year-to-date.

The company had a tremendous second quarter, with sales up 24.3 per cent, the strongest gain ever reported. Digital sales skyrocketed by 195 per cent, accounting for 13.4 percentage points of Targets comparable sales growth. Same-day services (pickup, drive-up and shipped) grew 273 per cent and accounted for approximately six percentage points of total company comparable sales growth.

Target reported unusually strong market-share gains across all five of its core merchandise categories, worth about $5 billion in the first half of the year.

The strong sales translated into a huge growth in profits. Net earnings for the quarter were $1.69 billion ($3.35 per share, fully diluted), compared to $938 million ($1.82 per share) in the same period last year. Thats an 84.4 per cent increase year-over-year.

The company reported cash and cash equivalents of almost $7.3 billion at the end of the quarter compared to about $1.7 billion a year ago.

For the trailing 12 months to the end of the second quarter, after-tax return on invested capital (ROIC) was 17.2 per cent, compared with 15.2 per cent for the 12 months through the second quarter of 2019.

Target increased its quarterly dividend by two cents to $0.68 per share ($2.72 per year), effective with the August payment. The stock yields 1.8 per cent at the current price.

The company suspended its share buyback program in late March in the face of the financial uncertainty caused by the pandemic. As of the end of the second quarter, the company had approximately $4.5 billion of remaining capacity under the repurchase program approved by Targets board in September 2019.

The outlook for the rest of the year continues to be strong. CEO Brian Cornell was quoted by Reuters recently as saying July sales continued at a strong pace while August was off to a solid start.

Costco Wholesale (NDQ: COST): Target may have failed in Canada, but Costco is a going concern  there are often lineups to get in. The company operates 790 warehouses worldwide, including 100 in this country.

Costco stock is up 19 per cent so far this year. The stock appears overvalued compared to the other big box retailers, with a p/e ratio of over 40, but good results are encouraging investors to push the shares higher.

The companys third-quarter 2020 results (to May 10) werent as dramatic as those of Target or Walmart but they were solid. Sales for the quarter were up 7.3 per cent year-over-year, to $36.45 billion. For the first 36 months of the fiscal year, sales were up 7.8 per cent to $110.94 billion.

Net income for the quarter was $838 million ($1.89 per share, fully diluted). That was down from $906 million ($2.05 per share) in the same period of 2019. The company said the pandemic cost it $283 million ($0.47 per share) in increased wages and sanitation costs.

Profit for the first nine months was $2.61 billion ($5.89 per share), up slightly from $2.54 billion ($5.79 per share) in 2019.

The fourth-quarter results should be better, based on sales. Costco reported an 11.1 per cent increase in June sales and a 14.1 per cent jump in July.

Clearly, low prices, high volumes and a strong online presence are the keys to success in retailing in the pandemic era. The big box stores have figured it out. Everyone else is playing catch-up or winding down their business.

Gordon Pape is editor and publisher of the internet Wealth Builder and Income Investor newsletters. His website is www.BuildingWealth.ca Follow Gordon Pape on Twitter at twitter.com/GPUpdates

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Did BJP ministers call for removal of Sikhs from Army? Here's the truth

Properties of Sikhs for Justice terrorists ordered to be attached by government

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Sep 08: The government of India has ordered the attachment of immovable properties of two designated terrorists part of the Sikhs for Justice.

The government under Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967, ordered the attachment of the immovable properties of two designated terrorists, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in Amritsar district, Punjab and Hardeep Singh Nijjar in District Jalandhar, Punjab.

The case relates to the one being probed by the National Investigation Agency. This relates to a concerted campaign launched by the Sikhs for Justice under the banner of the Sikh Referendum 2020 for the creation of Khalistan.

During the course of investigation, the NIA identified the properties of the two and moved the government for attachment of the same.

Property details:

Gurpatwant Singh Pannu 46 Kanal Village-Khankot, Amritsar,Punjab, 11 Kanal 13.5 Marlas Sultanwind Suburban Bhainiwal, Amritsar, Punjab.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar 11 Kanal 13 Marlas Village-Bhar, Singhpura, Pillaur, Jalandhar (Punjab)

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), headed by USA based terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, is presently making efforts to propagate 'Sikh Referendum-2020' on social media. This outfit is also trying to hold meetings at certain places in the U.S. and other countries to instigate and mobilise diaspora for their illegal activities.

More security review meetings on anvil as NSA briefs PM Modi about situation along LAC

Government of India has already declared Sikhs for Justice as an 'Unlawful Association' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 in 2019.

The government has also designated Pannun and Nijjar as terrorists under the the Fourth Schedule to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 15:09 [IST]
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories along with its subsidiaries announced the launch of Fulvestrant Injection, 250 mg/5 mL (50 mg/mL) per Single-dose Syringe, a therapeutic equivalent generic version of Faslodex (fulvestrant) Injection, 250 mg/5 mL (50 mg/mL), approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).

Shree Cement said that rating agency CARE Ratings has reaffirmed rating on the company's commercial paper of Rs 600 crore at CARE A1+ (A One Plus).

EIH said that the company's board has considered and approved the raising of funds by issuance and allotment of equity shares for up to an aggregate amount of up to Rs 350 crore by way of a rights issue.

Bharat Dynamics said the Government will sell up to 1,83,28,125 equity shares in company through offer for sale route on September 8-9, with an option to additionally sell 91,64,063 equity shares (representing 15% of total paid up equity capital). Floor price of the offer will be Rs 330 per share.

Amber Enterprises India's board approved QIP issue on September 7 at a floor price of Rs 1,798.72 per share.

Gujarat Ambuja Exports said the company has fixed 5 October 2020 as record date for sub-division of one equity share of Rs 2 each into two equity shares of face value of Re 1 each.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Laura Duggan, right, office assistant at Lupin Hill Elementary School in Calabasas, is tested for COVID-19 by phlebotomist Jessica Garcia at Arthur E. Wright Middle School in Calabasas on Sept. 2. (Los Angeles Times)

With students starting to return to classrooms across the country as COVID-19 infection rates shrink, parents, teachers and the public as a whole are watching anxiously. There already have been some worrisome stories about kids who crowded in hallways or on bus lines, infections that cropped up within days and campuses that closed again as a result.

But its hard to know what all this means. Were people catching the virus from one another at school, or were these cases from the community at large? Does an outbreak of positive test results at school then translate into people becoming seriously ill and maybe even dying, or are outbreaks almost entirely benign?

These are valid questions in uncertain times. The biggest concern of all, though, is that helpful answers might not be forthcoming. Although local and state governments provide regular updates on COVID-19s spread in the community  new cases, deaths and hospitalizations, broken down by age, race and sex  the gathering and dissemination of information on infections at schools is determined by haphazard mishmash of policies that depend on the state and school district where the cases occur.

Some schools plan to report every case. Some states have committed to gathering and tracking the information and making regular reports to the public. Others have said theyll track but not divulge any information publicly, and many havent said what theyll be doing.

Some schools immediately announce every case, while others wont tell anyone but those who were known to be in close extended contact with the infected person. The New York Times recently reported on a county in Georgia where staff who tested positive were ordered by a deputy school superintendent not to tell anyone  fellow employees, parents, it didnt matter  that they might have been exposed.

This is a frightening pandemic, and the public has the right to know whats going on; at this point, the reopening of schools is one of the most talked-about and contentious COVID-19 issues. Parents should be told whether there are cases at the schools their children attend and, if so, whats being done about it. Communities have a right to know when extra cases might be in their midst. Teachers have been the group generally most opposed to reopening, and they should know when other teachers are stricken ill through their jobs.

Story continues

Nor are the data consistent from district to district, state to state. The ages of students are sometimes grouped differently, or schools might define outbreak in different ways. Does five students constitute an outbreak? Fifty?

This lack of transparency and consistency erodes public trust. Far more important, it hampers the ability of researchers and government officials to investigate which safeguards keep the spread of infection to a minimum and which dont. Maybe face shields are more effective than plexiglass dividers in the classroom. Maybe ensuring that students stay in the same small groups all day and dont mingle with others works better than maintaining six-foot distances within large groups.

The nation is dropping the ball on what could be a massive and invaluable database at its fingertips. And the public is going into the reopening of schools unaware of how parents, teachers and communities might be kept in the dark.

Californias largest school district, Los Angeles Unified, says the procedure for tracking and reporting cases is something for county health officials and the state to determine. The state Department of Education advises  but doesnt order  school districts to inform staff and school families about possible cases. It doesnt say anything about a responsibility to inform the larger community. The state Department of Public Health did not respond to questions about whether or how this information would be reported, tracked and disseminated. Whos in charge here?

This lack of a precise, consistent and transparent way of reporting cases of school-related COVID-19 is occurring against a backdrop of California schools waiting for the opportunity to reopen campuses at least part of the time, perhaps later this month. The federal government should have set up a system for this months ago, but Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has been a no-show on campus safety throughout the pandemic.

Schools and the public need and have a right to know how safe it is to go back to the classroom, whos doing the best job and how we can best keep students and school staff healthy. Failing to gather and share a complete picture from schools can only hurt.
Press Release

September 8, 2020 Bong Go pushes for stricter enforcement of health protocols against COVID-19 in public places; tells government to distribute free masks in public markets To fully 'flatten the curve' of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go calls for stricter enforcement of necessary health and safety protocols, especially in public places, as well as greater cooperation and continuing vigilance from the public as the country carefully balances efforts to jumpstart the economy while continuing to protect the health of Filipinos. "I urge concerned agencies to strictly enforce necessary health and safety protocols, especially in public places. Gustuhin man natin bumalik sa normal ang pamumuhay ng mga tao, unahin dapat natin ang kapakanan at buhay ng mga ordinaryong Pilipino," Go said. In order to strictly implement health protocols, such as mandatory wearing of masks in public, Go said that the government should provide free masks in areas frequently visited by the public. "Let's be more proactive in implementing a stricter mask wearing policy. Kung walang mask ang tao, bigyan natin. Lalo na sa mga lugar na madalas puntahan," Go urged. In line with this, Go appealed to the government to distribute free masks at public markets and other areas commonly visited by Filipinos for their essential needs. "Ang mga public markets natin ay isa sa mga lugar kung saan madalas bisitahin ng mga tao. Dito rin nabubuhay ang lokal na ekonomiya ng mga komunidad. Habang sinusubukan nating maiahon ang kabuhayan ng mga tao, patuloy rin nating protektahan sila mula sa sakit," Go said. On top of distributing masks in public places, Go also urged concerned agencies to provide masks to those who cannot afford to buy their own and also help local industries by supporting local producers and manufacturers of masks. "Wearing masks can save lives. Buying locally made masks can also provide jobs. Magtulungan po tayo upang makabangon tayo muli mula sa krisis na ito," he said. Go echoed the observation of medical experts that the proper wearing of standard masks reduces the risk of contracting and spreading the virus by 85%. Meanwhile, proper wearing of masks, coupled with face shields and social distancing, further reduces the risk to more than 90%. The Senator also asked public market administrators with the help of local government units to provide free hand washing facilities in public places nationwide in order to ensure that the public can practice proper hygiene, such as washing of hands, while they engage in their daily activities. "Kailangang masigurong palaging may libreng sabon at running water. Apela ko sa mga LGUs at public market administrators na i-provide ito ng libre sa mga tao," he said. He also appealed to motorcycle drivers and owners to sanitize their backriding barriers more frequently as he urged the Department of Health to come up with guidelines on proper way of cleaning barriers. "Linisin at i-sanitize palagi ang mga kagamitan na madalas exposed sa iba't ibang elemento. Dagdag ingat lang po tayo. Panatilihing malinis ang ating kagamitan at kapaligiran. Tulad ng ating mga sinasakyan  'yung motor pati 'yung barrier  i-sanitize kaagad pagkatapos ng bawat gamit," Go mentioned. Meanwhile, Go urged the general public not to be complacent despite findings of some experts showing positive signs that the country is on its way to flattening the curve. Go reminded the public to continue to cooperate with the government, show their compassion to their fellow Filipinos, and remain vigilant against the disease. "Huwag tayo maging kampante, hindi pa tapos ang laban. Mas paigtingin pa natin ang pag-implementa ng health and safety protocols para tuluyang maitigil na ang pagkalat ng COVID-19," Go urged, stressing that the gains of the community quarantine measures in the past months should be sustained and not be taken for granted. Go's statement came after Dr. Guido David of the University of the Philippines OCTA Research Team said over the weekend that the curve of COVID-19 infections particularly in Metro Manila and CALABARZON has already flattened. The number of COVID-19 patients in Metro Manila hospitals had also gone down in the recent weeks. DOH reported on Sunday, September 6, that hospital occupancy in the National Capital Region was at 66% for ICU beds, 64% in isolation beds, and 66% in ward beds. "Sanayin na natin ang ating mga sarili sa mga health protocols na ito. Ang todo pag-iingat ay parte na ng ating tinatawag na new normal. Ipagpatuloy lang po natin ang pagsunod sa mga patakaran. Let us work together to keep the invisible enemy at bay and buy more time until there is a vaccine available," Go appealed. "Hindi lang pag-adapt sa new normal ang inaasam natin kundi maibalik sana 'yung dating normal. 'Yung buhay na makakalabas tayo at mayayakap natin ang kapwa nating Pilipino," Go said.
Kangana Ranaut, who raised the issue of substance abuse among Bollywood celebrities in the aftermath of the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, has retorted to a comment by Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. The minister had said that the Mumbai Police should probe Kangana if she was allegedly taking drugs.

Kangana tweeted, I am more than happy to oblige @MumbaiPolice. @AnilDeshmukhNCP, please do my drug tests investigate my call records if you find any links to drug peddlers ever I will accept my mistake and leave Mumbai forever, looking forward to meet you.

I am more than happy to oblige @MumbaiPolice @AnilDeshmukhNCP please do my drug tests investigate my call records if you find any links to drug peddlers ever I will accept my mistake and leave Mumbai forever, looking forward to meet you  https://t.co/gs3DwcIOvP Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 8, 2020

Deshmukh on Tuesday ordered a probe into the actress alleged statements that she consumed drugs. In an interview, Adhyayan Suman, the son of Shekhar Suman, who had a relationship with her, had made certain statements that Kangana Ranaut used to take drugs. The Mumbai Police will investigate this matter," Deshmukh informed mediapersons hereon Tuesday afternoon.

He also made a similar statement in the Maharashtra Assembly following questions by two Legislators, Pratap Sarnaik and Sunil Prabhu.

READ: Sushant Singh Rajput Case LIVE Updates

In the Assembly, I have replied that she had relations with Adhyayan Suman, who said in an interview that she (Kangana) took drugs and also forced him to do so. Mumbai Police will look into all this in detail," Deshmukh added.

The assurance came a day after Congress Spokesperson Sachin Sawant demanded a probe into Ranauts purported confessions to consuming drugs, and urged the government to find out her drug links and who was supplying the narcotics to her.
Shoppers could have saved themselves nearly 40 buying a trolley-load of goods at Aldi rather than Waitrose last month, new research by consumer group Which? has claimed.

Aldi beat all of Britain's other major supermarkets to come in first place on pricing for the 74 products in question, followed by fellow German discounter Lidl and rival Asda.

At the other end of the spectrum, Waitrose, Ocado and Sainsbury's came in markedly more expensive, according to the findings.

Compare your shop: The average cost of a shop comprising 74 products in supermarkets last month, according to Which?

The price data by Which? covered a range of 74 branded and supermarket own-label products last month, including everything from free-range eggs and semi-skimmed milk to Hovis wholemeal bread and Knorr vegetable stock pots.

Taking into account all the 74 items included in the shop, shoppers at Aldi would have spent 66.45 last month, while those plumping for Lidl would have forked out slightly more, with the total coming in at 67.17.

Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi, said: 'We know that this is a difficult time for many and so we are incredibly proud to have maintained our position as the UK's cheapest supermarket.

'We remain wholly committed to continuing to provide our customers with the best value products of any supermarket.'

At Asda, Tesco and Morrisons, the shopping bill for the 74 items would have ended up at, on average, 74.12, 82.11 and 84.73 respectively.

Winner: Aldi beat all of Britain's other major supermarkets to come in first place on pricing for the 74 products in question, Which? said

Solid performer: Asda came and third place in Which's? review of the price of 74 products

Meanwhile, at Sainsbury's, Ocado and high-end Waitrose, the total spend came in at 87.45, 100.16 and 105.25 respectively.

Of course, supermarket own-label products will not be exactly the same at every supermarket.

Acknowledging this in its latest research, Which? said: 'We've used experts to ensure that the products are as comparable as possible based on a range of factors including weight, quality and other industry data.'

It added: 'Using an independent price comparison website, we calculated the average price (including special offers but not multibuys) for each item throughout the month.

'We added those individual averages together to give an overall price for the trolley at each shop for the month.'

The consumer group also conducted a 'larger trolley analysis' for August, pitting the average prices of a further 91 products in every supermarkets apart from Aldi and Lidl last month.

This included a bigger selection of branded items, including Branston baked beans and Flash cleaning spray. Which? said such items were 'not typically available all year round from the discounters  hence Aldi and Lidl not appearing in this chart.'

In this bigger analysis Asda, at 256.31, was 'by far the cheapest supermarket', and 15.41 cheaper than nearest rival Tesco, Which? said. Compared with priciest supermarket Waitrose, where the larger shop spend came in at 322.87, Asda shoppers could have saved 66.55.

Supermarkets up and down the country enjoyed a major spike in sales during lockdown, with shoppers vying to get hold of essentials like eggs and flour.

Online supermarket shopping has surged over the period, and, according to recent findings by Waitrose, over three quarters of people now do at least some of their food shopping online.

Waitrose said the surge in online supermarket shopping due to coronavirus was 'reminiscent of scaling Everest.'

In a bid to ensure people keep spending in its stores, Lidl, which does not have a full-scale online shop, launched a new rewards app for use in store last week, promising shoppers discounts and other perks.

Meanwhile, in a major shift in the supermarket landscape, at the start of the month Ocado ended its 20-year partnership with Waitrose, and is now selling Marks & Spencer products via its website.
It wasnt the typical question posed during the nightly news check-ins on COVID-19, but it was a question that is weighing heavily on the minds of some parents as back to school arrives  and centres on a topic that should be a top concern for educators, too.

Our children are very aware of whats happening south of the border, theyre also faced with issues here in Canada and have to deal with stress of racial injustice, shared Garth Bobb in a video message that aired on television earlier this month. Now, in addition to that, they have to go back to school. My question is, how do we best help our children, who are now going through two different types of stress and anxiety?

Given the justifiable focus on how to safely open schools in the midst of a pandemic, its a question that could easily fall down the list of priorities  but mustnt. The impacts of racism on our children are damaging and long-lasting and experts contend that racism is itself a health crisis.

Failure to address racism will continue to undermine health equity for all children, adolescents, emerging adults, and their families, wrote the authors of a 2019 paper titled, The Impact of Racism on Child and Adolescent Health for the American Academy of Pediatrics. Black health leaders in Canada have called anti-Black racism a public health crisis, as have other authorities, including the Canadian Nurses Association and Toronto Board of Health.

As with the ongoing work to keep students and staff safe from COVID-19, educators must scan our institutional systems for signs of risk and danger when it comes to racism. That requires addressing the long-standing concerns around school safety for racialized students, around curricula that fails to reflect our societys past and present, and the role of teachers and administrators in fostering opportunities for all students, regardless of race, class, or creed.

In terms of student safety, tensions around the presence of police officers in schools, known as student resource officers (SROs), have been simmering for years and many school boards across Canada continue to debate the emotional harms of police in our schools.

Given the images of police brutality that have overtaken our collective consciousness this past summer, the renewed urgency and heightened empathy is understandable.

Just last month, a trustee at the Ottawa Carleton District School Board won support for a motion to redistribute nearly $100,000 of funding that paid for the presence of two police officers toward paying for programs that support marginalized students instead.

For inside the classroom, Toronto-based advocacy group Parents of Black Children is additionally calling on elected officials to decolonize the curriculum, to ensure that Black Canadian experiences are built into all school curriculums.

Young people are speaking up, too. Tyler Boswell, a university student and a public board trustee at the Simcoe County District School Board, recently urged fellow trustees to write to Ontarios Ministry of Education and request a review of its curriculum with a systemic racism lens and to provide more funding for equity and inclusion.

At the other end of the country, a group called Black Vancouver held a rally last Friday in solidarity with Jacob Blake, an African-American man who was shot in the back by police seven times. The group has written to B.C.s Ministry of Education calling for Black history to be taught in schools, as well as anti-racism training for both teachers and students.

And in Alberta, nearly 50,000 people have signed a petition started by university student Daniel Afolabi to urge the government to include Black History and its Modern Impacts in the provincial curriculum.

This pandemic has shown us that anti racism work must be an integral part of the school system, shared Hamilton-based community organizer and university student Gachi Issa in an interview. If this work is not taken seriously by school boards, it will fall on the shoulders of youth.

It will also fall on the shoulders of racialized families and staff and thats not fair. No one should have to bear the burden of racism alone, not even in a pandemic.
The Congress on Monday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is politicising the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput to deflect attention from the problems faced by the people in poll-bound Bihar. While the BJP denies that charge, the actors death has emerged as an issue that has most political parties echoing the same sentimentneed for a fair investigation. Even as the NDA is accused of cashing in on the tragic death of the actor ahead of the polls in the state, the event has drawn sympathetic comments even from the opposition.

Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of opposition in Bihar assembly and an ally of the Congress, was among the first voices that sought a Central probe.

Both the BJP and the JD(U) have been at the forefront of seeking justice for the late actor, a native of Bihar, whose father still lives in Patna. If Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar pushed for a CBI probe into the death, and dispatched a police team led by Patna City Superintendent of Police Vinay Tiwari to Mumbai for investigation, the BJP, which is in the opposition in Maharashtra, raked up the issue of the death not being probed as per requisite protocol.

A third ally of the NDA, the LJP too has sought a CBI probe and claims it was the first to write to CM Kumar to push for a probe in the death, which the actors family has denied is death by suicide.

Poll issue in Bihar

The attention to the actors death that were gauged by political statements and the show of solidarity by visiting politicians who came to condole the death led to the perception that Sushant Singh Rajput will as much be an issue that will dominate the political scene in the run up to the elections as would issues that came post Covid-19 - jobs losses and the floods. Elections to the 243-member assembly are expected to be held in October-November.

Striking a balance

Opposition parties that are attacking the BJP for politicising the issue have, however, made cautious statements about the actors death to avoid a backlash.

The Congress, which is a part of the Maharashtra Maha Vikas Aghadi, has had to strike a balance between seeking justice for the actor in Bihar and standing by its governments action in Mumbai. While its spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala criticised the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for politicising the death and terming it a new low, his party colleague and leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, pushed for an impartial probe by the CBI.

Mr CBI and his masters, how many days will be required to unearth the mystery of the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, already media trial has been continuing in full swing which even can dwarf the judicial trial, he tweeted.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) too lashed out at the BJP for trying to leverage the issue for its electoral benefit. Its Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday, lashed out at the BJP for using posters to attract the vote bank. In a tweet, Singh alleged that when the actor was alive, the BJP had protested against his film Kedarnath.

The BJP, which has been asserting that the demand for a fair probe is not linked to the election, has launched a campaign seeking justice for the late actor.

Tejashwi Yadav first said his party had met the family and were pushing the CM for a fair trial. He even criticised the CM for not meeting the family or even speaking to the Maharashtra CM about the case. He then attacked the CM for not doing enough when the police team sent to Mumbai was forcefully kept in quarantine by the BMC. So if he is allowed to raise the issue, how does the JD(U) or the BJP raising the demand for a fair probe become politicisation, questioned a BJP leader in the state.

The Bihar BJP Cultural Cell has made stickers with a Na Bhule hai, na bhulne denge (We have not forgotten nor will we forget you) message, along with a picture of Sushant and BJP emblem, being distributed for use in cars. The party has also made masks with his name written on it.

We have been campaigning for justice to Sushant since June. He ruled the hearts of youth, convenor of BJP cultural cell, Varun Kumar Singh told HT earlier.

As the investigation into the death progresses, there is competition even within the NDA to claim credit for honouring the memory of Rajput.

The BJP wants Rajiv Nagar Chowk, near the actors residence in Patna named after him and a proposed film city at Rajgir. The LJP, on the other hand, has been quick to point out how it was their president Chirag Paswan who made two calls to the Maharashtra CM for a fair and quick probe. The latest entrant into the NDA fold, the Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM), demanded a Padma Award for the late actor.
Nguyen Van Giau - Chairman, Committee for External Relations National Assembly In terms of the relations between AIPA and ASEAN, Vietnam is one of the countries that actively engages in many initiatives. Since the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) began to join AIPA, it has taken positive efforts to boost the relationship between the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization (AIPO)/AIPA and ASEAN. During the process of preparing the 23rd AIPO General Assembly in Vietnam in September 2002, the NAs delegation worked with the secretary-general of ASEAN, underlining the need to establish the relationship between AIPO and ASEAN, frequently exchange documents between both sides, and attend their high-level meetings. As a result, at the 23rd AIPO General Assembly, for the first time, the deputy secretary-general of ASEAN attended and delivered a speech at a plenum. At the 28th AIPA General Assembly in 2007, the resolution on strengthening the cooperation between AIPA and ASEAN further advanced. Furthermore, Thailand organised two unofficial meetings between the leaders of the parliaments and governments of ASEAN member states in 2009 within the 16th ASEAN Summit in Vietnam in April. Under the initiative of Vietnam, the first official meeting between AIPA leaders with those of the governments of the states happened on this occasion. These meetings have since become a periodical event, helping to promote AIPAs role as an important partner of ASEAN. The NA has actively been enhancing the relationship between AIPA and the parliaments of ASEANs partner nations. In addition, for the first time, NA Chairman Nguyen Van An as AIPA chairman, in 2010 led the AIPA delegation to Japan for a visit this year. He also organised the admission of the Indian Parliament as an observer of AIPA within the 31st AIPA General Assembly in 2010 and assigned NA deputies to partake in study trips in Australia organised by this nations Parliament. As for the AIPA Chair Year 2020, the fact that Vietnam acts as rotative chair of AIPA and ASEAN has and will give the country advantages, contributing to strengthening the countrys position and prestige in the region and the wider world. The AIPA Chair Year 2020 and AIPA 41 are also a milestone in the external activities of the 14th NA. It contributes to promoting the countrys achievements of state and NA diplomacy. This will be the third time the Vietnamese legislature will take the role as AIPA chair and organise the AIPA General Assembly, showing its role and responsibility in the Assembly. Both events are of great importance, as they will offer opportunities to promote the image of the NA among its people and international friends, introduce the countrys socioeconomic development achievements, and Vietnamese cultural colours and people. The theme of the AIPA chairmanship 2020 is Parliamentary diplomacy for a cohesive and responsive ASEAN community which manifests AIPAs support for ASEAN. Though the existing pandemic has taken a heavy toll on human lives and economies and is also affecting the AIPA chairmanship 2020, the NA will give its best to weather all difficulties and organise and participate in online meetings and conferences by AIPA, contributing to the success of the countrys AIPA chairmanship 2020. Over the past 25 years, Vietnam has fully partaken in all AIPA General Assembly meetings since it became the official member of the organisation in 1995. This has reflected the consistent policy of the Party on international integration in synchronously and effectively implementing the legislatures diplomatic strategy and policies.
Chocolate in all its forms is something that I, along with many others like to indulge in on an almost daily basis. But chocolate as its enjoyed today is quite different from when it first arrived in Europe from South America around the 16th century.

To the indigenous Aztec people, cocoa was consumed as a drink and held great cultural and medicinal significance. It was almost viewed as a panacea that could cure various ailments, including fever, diarrhoea, fatigue, angina and tooth decay.

The Aztec belief that cocoa was a divine elixir was probably due to the notion that it was a gift from Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec god of wind and wisdom. Perhaps this is why Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus named the plant Theobroma cacao, from the ancient Greek words theos meaning god and broma meaning food  food of the gods.

Its more likely though that the reason for any potential benefits is due to the high concentration of polyphenols found in natural cocoa  known as cocoa flavanols. Polyphenols are antioxidant compounds in fruit and vegetables that protect the body from free radicals, which in excess have been linked to various diseases. So while cocoa may not be the cure-all it was once believed to be, research shows its more than just a guilty pleasure.

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The person thought to be responsible for beginning the integration of cocoa into Europe was Hernan Cortes, a Spanish conquistador (soldier and explorer) following his return from the New World.

In 1518, Cortes and his men arrived in what is now Mexico and headed towards the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. During their time in Mexico, the Spaniards tasted a bitter drink known as chikolatl. The drink contained roasted cocoa beans that were crushed, then boiled in water with spices and chilli.

The first exposure to the drink was not a favourable experience for the Spaniards  deeming it too bitter and almost unpalatable. But having seen Montezuma II, king of the Aztecs, consume the drink around 50 times a day, Cortes was interested in the potential of cocoa and sought to bring it back to Spain following his conquest.

Once in Europe cocoa beans were crushed and mixed with honey and sugar, becoming a popular drink among the elite. Eventually, in the 19th century, the first chocolate bar was made by Joseph Fry and Sons, creating what we know as chocolate today.

While cocoa beans in their natural form contain a high amount of antioxidant compounds, the processes involved in turning beans into a bar reduces the cocoa flavanol content, lowering the antioxidant properties of the cocoa.

Workers at Fry's Chocolate Factory, circa 1930s (ANL/Rex)

The Aztec belief that cocoa was a divine elixir was probably due to the notion that it was a gift from Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec god of wind and wisdom

Indeed, research shows that natural cocoa powder contains almost ten times more flavanols than cocoa that has been through this process.

As for chocolate bars, dark chocolate almost always contains a higher concentration of flavanols than milk chocolate. For example, a 25g serving of high percentage (more than 75 per cent) dark chocolate can contain more than 80mg cocoa flavanols compared with around 10mg or lower per 25g for a milk chocolate bar.

The Aztec belief that cocoa was a divine elixir was probably due to the notion that it was a gift from Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec god of wind and wisdom

Research has found that dark chocolate and cocoa products containing at least 200mg of cocoa flavanols can improve blood vessels elasticity, which helps with blood flow. And regularly consuming cocoa flavanols  even doses of 80mg a day  improves blood vessels ability to dilate or expand, which helps the body regulate blood pressure and blood flow to organs.

This is thought to be because cocoa flavanols increase the concentration of bioactive nitric oxide. This is a molecule involved in the widening of blood vessels that also has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces the formation of blood clots, all of which can have beneficial effects on blood pressure.

Cocoa flavanols can also increase blood flow to the brain, which may improve cognitive performance. And they may help to reduce cognitive decline by protecting the brain from free radical damage.

Alongside cardiovascular and cognitive benefits, cocoa flavanols may also help improve muscle recovery following strenuous exercise, thanks to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. A recent study found that a single high dose of 1245mg cocoa flavanols (15g of a high flavanol cocoa powder) slightly improved muscle recovery.

So next time you are in the mood for some chocolate, perhaps select a high percentage dark variety or a natural cocoa powder for any potential health benefits.

Liam Corr is a PhD researcher in the department of health sciences at the University of Huddersfield. This article first appeared on The Conversation
(Newser)  As if a global pandemic, record-high temperatures, a raging wildfire, and news of approaching winds weren't bad enough, Los Angeles County residents are being told to stay inside to avoid exposure to potentially toxic ash. Fine ash has been raining down on the San Gabriel Valley, as well as on neighborhoods in Glendale, Pico Rivera, Whittier, Santa Monica, and Redondo Beach, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District warns it could contain toxic chemicals like arsenic or lead, per the Los Angeles Times.

story continues below

The news comes as Santa Ana winds are expected to sweep through the region on Tuesday and Wednesday. "If you can see smoke, soot, or ash ... pay attention to your immediate environment and take precautions to safeguard your health," LA County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis says, per KTLA. Health authorities say residents should avoid contact with the ash, and that those with lung or heart problems shouldn't attempt to clean it. Those who are capable should use water so as to avoid sending the ash back into the air. And any contaminated water should be directed away from the runoff system. (Read more Los Angeles County stories.)
NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty was arrested by Indias federal narcotics agency on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the organisation said.

Chakraborty is being investigated by federal agencies in connection with death of her boyfriend, Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, but it was unclear whether todays arrest was connected with that case. The spokesperson did not give any more details.

Rajputs death and the circumstances around it have been at the centre of frenzied media coverage in India in recent weeks, eclipsing stories around the countrys growing coronavirus infections, a plane crash that killed 18 people and a sharply contracting economy.

In a message to media after news of Chakrabortys arrest broke, her lawyer Satish Maneshinde said it was a travesty of justice".

Maneshinde did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Chakraborty is under investigation after Rajputs family accused her of being responsible for his death.

She has been accused of abetting suicide, criminal conspiracy and theft in a report filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation last month.

Television channels showed Chakraborty waving to the media before getting into a police car and exiting the NCB office in Mumbai. Her brother Showik was arrested by the agency last week, local media reported.
ALBANY -- State Supreme Court Justice Thomas Breslin, a judge in Albany for 30 years and the administrative supervisor for judges in seven upstate counties, will be retiring next month.

The 73-year-old Breslin, an Albany native long known as one of the toughest and most direct judges in the Capital Region, announced his pending departure in a Skype conference call to fellow judges early Tuesday, according to people with knowledge of the call.

Lucian Chalfen, the chief spokesperson for the states Office of Court Administration, confirmed to the Times Union that Breslin will retire next month.

On a personal level, I am sorry to see Judge Breslin leave the bench," said Albany County Bar Association President Michael McDermott, who has served as a defense attorney and the county's number two prosecutor during Breslin's tenure. McDermott has known Breslin 30 years from courts at the Family, County, state Supreme Court and administrative level. "In all of these roles, Judge Breslin exemplified excellence in public service."

Since 2014, Breslin has been the chief administrative judge for the Third Judicial District, overseeing operations, assigning judges' calendars and making personnel decisions across Albany, Rensselaer, Columbia, Greene, Ulster, Schoharie and Sullivan counties. As a judge, Breslin has presided over some of the highest-profile murder cases in the Capital Region. It was Breslin who in 2004 sentenced Keshon Everett, the gunman who murdered Albany police Lt. John Finn on Dec. 23, 2003 in the South End, to life in prison without parole. In 2016, Breslin sentenced Michael Chmielewski to 22 years to life in prison for the Aug. 21, 2015 stabbing murder of 32-year-old Jacquelyn Porreca in the Recycled Hair Salon in West Albany.

Those are just two of the scores of cases in which Breslin either presided over a trial or case that was otherwise adjudicated, such as with a guilty plea. Defense attorneys have privately grumbled about Breslin's reputation as a tough judge on defendants, but also said they respect his knowledge of the law.

"On a professional level, the trial bar in Albany County is losing one of our most capable jurists. Judge Breslin was a trial lawyers judge," McDermott told the Times Union. "He was one of those rare judges who actually loved to try cases. He understood better than most the solemnity of a jury trial and how precious that institution is to our system of justice. While he always had firm control of the courtroom, he allowed attorneys the latitude to practice their craft and zealously advocate for their clients. Attorneys who practiced before Judge Breslin were held to high standards, but were guaranteed a judge who knew the law and applied it without favor.

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Breslin, a graduate of the Vincentian Institute, Boston College and the University of Toledo School of Law, where he was the editor of the schools law review, was admitted to the bar in 1974. Breslin worked in private practice with his brothers, Neil, a state senator representing the area since 1996, and Michael Breslin, the Albany County executive from 1995 to 2011.

The future judge worked as a prosecutor and public defender in Albany County. He also served as city attorney of Watervliet for 11 years.

In July 1990, then-Gov. Mario Cuomo appointed Breslin to an Albany County Family Court judgeship that had been created by the state Legislature to give the county three Family Court judges. At his swearing-in ceremony, Breslin wore the robes of his late father in law, state Supreme Court Justice John H. Pennock, as his wife, Judith, and two sons were in attendance.

"I hope I can fill these robes half as good as he could," Breslin said of Pennock.

In November 1992, Breslin was elected to County Court to take the place of Thomas W. Keegan, who went to Supreme Court. In 2011, he was elected to Supreme Court to fill one of the openings created by the retirements of Appellate Division Presiding Justice Anthony Cardona and Appellate Division Justice Edward Spain.
Ekta Kapoor's Statement

Ekta said in the statement, "It has just been brought to my notice that there is a scene in an ALTBalaji show Virgin Bhasskar 2', where a hostel named Ahilyabai', has been depicted, which has offended a certain section of society. The scene that is being pointed towards was never meant to be an act of disrespect, with only a first name being used as the name of the hostel, with no surname mentioned."

The Scene Has Been Deleted From Virgin Bhasskar 2

The statement also clarified that the scene has been removed from the show and meant no disrespect to anybody. "Yet, the said scene has been promptly removed by the creative directors of the show. A name has been used which in no way insinuates disrespect to any specific individual, let alone an iconic leader. To put it on record, neither am I involved in this series nor do I creatively oversee the show. However, I would like to tender an apology on behalf of the team for unintentionally hurting sentiments. We have the highest regard for the rich legacy of our Maratha leaders."

Ekta Had Also Landed In Trouble With ALT Balaji's Triple X-2

This is not the first time netizens have been unhappy with ALTBalaji show. Back in June, Ekta also removed a scene from another show titled Triple X-2. The controversial scene showed an army officer's wife having an affair, and an Army uniform was also torn in the scene. It was considered as an insult towards the armed forces and military personnel.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  Congress will launch an investigation into sexual assault, disappearances, deaths and the leadership's response at Fort Hood after 28 soldiers stationed at the U.S. Army base in Texas died this year, two subcommittee leaders announced Tuesday.

Democratic Reps. Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts and Jackie Speier of California sent a letter to Army Secretary Ryan D. McCarthy requesting documents and information on the deaths. Lynch chairs the Committee on Oversight and Reforms Subcommittee on National Security, and Speier leads the Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

According to the letter, the subcommittees will jointly investigate if recent deaths "may be symptomatic of underlying leadership, discipline, and morale deficiencies throughout the chain-of-command.

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The letter said that according to Army data there were an average of 129 felonies committed annually at Fort Hood between 2014 and 2019, including cases of homicide, sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery and aggravated assault.

The members of Congress cited the deaths of Spc. Vanessa Guillen, who according to federal officials was bludgeoned to death at the Texas base in April by a fellow soldier, and Pvt. Gregory Morales, whose remains were found in June while searching for Guillen. Morales was reported missing in August 2019.

The letter also names Pvt. Mejhor Morta and Sgt. Elder Fernandes, whose deaths are still under investigation, and the homicide investigations of Pvt. Brandon Scott Rosecrans, Spc. Freddy Delacruz Jr. and Spc. Shelby Tyler Jones.

According to the letter, McCarthy during an August visit to Texas stated that Fort Hood had the highest, the most cases for sexual assault and harassment and murders for our entire formation of the US Army.

Lynch and Speier said they will report the conditions and circumstances that could have contributed to the soldiers deaths and seek justice on behalf of soldiers and families who may have been failed by a military system and culture that was ultimately responsible for their care and protection.

The family of Guillen, whose remains were found on July 1, has rallied from Texas to the doors of the White House calling for a congressional investigation. Natalie Khawam, who represents the Guillen family, said she is thankful Congress has agreed to their demands to investigate.

Our soldiers and their families deserve the truth, Khawam said.

___

Acacia Coronado is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Cybersecurity agencies across Asia and Europe have issued multiple security alerts regarding the resurgence of email-basedattacks targeting businesses in France, Japan, and New Zealand."The emails contain malicious attachments or links that the receiver is encouraged to download," New Zealand's Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) said. "These links and attachments may look like genuine invoices, financial documents, shipping information, resumes, scanned documents, or information on COVID-19, but they are fake."Echoing similar concerns, Japan's CERT (JPCERT/CC) cautioned it found a rapid increase in the number of domestic domain (.jp) email addresses that have been infected with the malware and can be misused to send spam emails in an attempt to spread the infection further.First identified in 2014 and distributed by a threat group tracked as TA542 (or Mummy Spider), Emotet has since evolved from its original roots as a simple banking Trojan to a modular "Swiss Army knife" that can serve as a downloader, information stealer, and spambot depending on how it's deployed.In recent months, the malware strain has been linked to several botnet-driven malspam campaigns and even capable of delivering more dangerous payloads such as Ryuk ransomware by renting its botnet of compromised machines to other malware groups.The new uptick in Emotet activity coincides with their return on July 17 after a prolonged development period that lasted since February 7 earlier this year, with the malware sending as many as 500,000 emails on all weekdays targeting European organizations."Around February 7, Emotet entered a period of time where they stopped spamming and began working on developing their malware," Binary Defence outlined in a report last month detailing an exploit (called EmoCrash) to prevent the malware from affecting new systems.Typically spread via large-scale phishing email campaigns involving malicious Microsoft Word or password-protected ZIP file attachments, the recent wave of attacks have taken advantage of a technique called email thread hijacking, using it to infect devices with the TrickBot and QakBot banking Trojans.It works by exfiltrating email conversations and attachments from compromised mailboxes to craft convincing phishing lures that take the form of a malicious response to existing, ongoing email threads between the infected victim and other participants in order to make the emails seem more credible."TA542 also constructs phishing emails on the basis of information collected during the compromise of mailboxes, which it sends to exfiltrated contact lists, or more simply spoofs the image of entities, prior victims," the National Cybersecurity Agency of France ( ANSSI ) said.In addition to using JPCERT/CC's EmoCheck tool to detect the Emotet trojan's presence on a Windows machine, it's recommended that network logs are routinely scanned for any connection to known Emotet command-and-control (C2) infrastructure."Since returning from an extended vacation, TA542 email campaigns are once again the most prevalent by message volume by a large margin, with only a few other actors coming close," Proofpoint said in an exhaustive analysis of Emotet last month."They have introduced code changes to their malware, such as updates to the email sending module, and picked up a new affiliate payload to distribute (Qbot), [and] expanded targeting of countries using native language lures."
KV Kamath

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)-appointed expert panel headed by veteran banker KV Kamath has done exactly what it was mandated to dooffer a short-term relief to banks in order to postpone the bad loan crisis.

The details available so far indicate that a majority of companies across sectors can benefit from this scheme. However, the question is what if the economic recovery takes longer and companies fail to recover even with the loan recast.

While the resolution framework could offer a near-term relief to stressed borrowers and banks, a large scale restructuring could lead to a rise in non-performing assets (NPAs) going ahead, experts cautioned.

Who benefits from the resolution framework?

The committee has recommended financial ratios for 26 sectors which could be factored in by lending institutions while finalising a resolution plan for a borrower.

The 26 sectors selected by the panel for the resolution framework are: Power, construction, iron and steel manufacturing, roads, real estate, trading wholesale, textiles, chemicals, consumer durables/FMCG, non-ferrous metals, pharma, logistcis, gems and jewellery, cement, auto components, hotels, mining, plastic products manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, auto dealership, aviation, sugar, port and port services, shipping, building materials, and corporate retail outlets.

For sectors where ratios have not been specified, lenders can make their own assessment, the panel said.

In the past, the banking system has attempted multiple loan recast mechanisms, including corporate debt restructuring (CDR), joint lenders forum (JLF), and Strategic debt restructuring (SDR). However, in February, 2018, the central bank withdrew all such schemes with Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) becoming the main option for banks to resolve stressed assets. However, it is a fact that most of the restructured loans have turned bad in later stages.

A big one-time relief

The RBIs decision to introduce a one-time resolution framework for loans affected by the Covid-19 pandemic is a big relief to most borrowers who would have otherwise defaulted on their bank loans in the post-moratorium period. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the RBI had announced a slew of measures to help stressed borrowers. As part of this, the central bank offered moratorium on all term loans for a period of six months between March and August.

According to rating agency CRISIL, 75 per cent of companies which opted for moratorium are sub-investment grade.

CRISIL analysed over 2,300 non-banking financial companies (from its rated portfolio) that availed of the moratorium to tide over the Covid-19 pandemic-induced cash-flow challenges, after categorising them by rating, sector and size. It revealed divergent trends.

Three out of four entities that availed of moratorium are rated in the sub-investment grade. Most of them were grappling with a slowing economy before the pandemic began. The severely curtailed business activity that followed in the first quarter of this fiscal had cramped cash flows, so the moratorium came as a big relief, the agency said.

Given this, banks would have started seeing defaults in the second and third quarter of FY21. The resolution scheme will moderate this pain.

How does the plan work?

The Kamath panel has proposed financial metrics to choose companies that will be eligible for the recast exercise. There are five key metrics the panel has recommended: total outstanding liability divided by adjusted networth, total debt divided by Ebitda, debt service coverage ratio (DSCR), average DSCR, and current ratio.

The RBI has laid out strict conditions for the restructuring exercise.

Banks will have to do it in a timebound manner. And, the resolution process has to be approved by 75 per cent of the lenders in value and 60 per cent in number. Lenders signing inter-creditor agreement (ICA) will have to set aside 10 per cent as provisions and non-signing lenders 20 per cent, which is reversible to the extent of 50 per cent on payment of 20 per cent debt and 100 per cent on payment of another 10 per cent.

A default with any one lender will lead to downgrade across lenders after a review period of 30 days from the date of implementation of the resolution plan. Banks can do the restructuring through an extension of residual tenor by maximum of two years with or without moratorium and may include conversion of loan into debt/equity. Any resolution plan for exposures above Rs1,500 crore will be validated by an expert committee.

But likely pain later..

According to experts, these parameters make it easy for most companies to participate in the restructuring process except the extreme cases where recovery is difficult. However, the success of the plan will depend on business recovery, they said.

Aggressive assumptions on recovery could mean a failure of the resolution plan, while highly conservative assumptions could mean leaving money on the table, said Jitin Makkar, head - Credit Policy, ICRA.

As per the Kamath panel, nearly 72 per cent of the corporate debt falls in identified stressed sectors, including traders, metal, textiles, NBFCs, infra/construction, power, real estate and auto.

The loan recast exercise will only provide a temporary relief to the banking sector to avert the pain. But, if the economic recovery gets delayed, these loans could turn NPAs after the two year period.

With the ability to generate healthy cash-flows for a few industries impaired by the Covid19-related disruptions, we believe restructuring would only provide short-term relief to banks. Given the impaired ability to generate healthy cash flow, some of these disruptions may continue for a few more months. We believe a good portion of these restructured accounts may eventually turn non-performing, said Anand Rathi in its report.
GENEVA, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --

The industry enters a perfect storm.

The private jet market is facing unprecedented challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated an already fragile industry. The private jet charter market is down 33.8% in volume year-to-date and even lower in revenue, with Europe doing worse than America. All charter market segments are impacted but the most affected are the long trans-continental and corporate charter flights. The current wave of new quarantine measures and travel restrictions will have an immediate and devastating effect on the market, predicts LunaJets.

The Perfect Storm

"Market summer figures are misleading! The industry benefited from commercial airlines dislocation, with a spike of 'leisure' clients and first-time private jet flyers, but September will be a back-to-reality moment," predicts Alain Leboursier, Managing Director at LunaJets.

"Corporate flight demand, representing 70% of our business from September to Christmas, is weak despite really low rates on same-day returns or trans-Atlantic flights," notes Leboursier. "It's a perfect storm situation considering the uncertainty caused by quarantines, lockdowns, weak corporate demand, structural overcapacity and the financial leverage of this industry. Some jet operators or competitors seem to live in Cloud-Cuckoo-Land, publishing over-optimistic figures. Private Aviation has a long track record of frauds, failures and bankruptcies, among manufacturers, operators and charter brokers. The wake-up call will be painful, the industry is much more fragile than during the past crisis."

Market consolidation

"The whole private jet industry never recovered from 2009. Well before the COVID-19 crisis, the collapse of JetSmarter and other disasters, proved that burning investors' money at smoking valuation is not a sustainable model," continues Leboursier. "LunaJets' financial discipline, a debt free balance sheet, a stable management and long track record of growth and profitability makes us well positioned to take advantage of future opportunities."

Weak demand in a volatile market

Travel restrictions and commercial airlines disruption boosted the level of new clients mainly for intra-European flights. Despite this short-term unexpected recovery, LunaJets' Private Jet division is still down 18% year-to-date in volume. The strong growth in Q1 (+30%) followed by a total collapse in Q2 (-70%) due to travel restrictions, was not compensated by current Q3 recovery and Q4 looks already bleak.

"We see two markets: small and midsize aircraft performing relatively well until now, whilst larger cabins, long haul flights and business segment remain weak. Typically, challenging times brings new trends to the market: clients take advantage of good deals and discounted rates," notes Guillaume Launay, Head of Sales. "Today, owning a fast depreciating aircraft, or a 25-hour fixed-rate jet card makes no economic sense, while clients can take advantage of on-demand charter services at a much better cost," he adds. "Our 'Pay-as-you-fly' offers are the most optimal way to use the right aircraft, for the right mission at the right price."

Rates-per-hour down

Poor demand combined with massive aircraft over-capacity also leads to drops in rates-per-hour (-20% average), as jet operators accept discounts to maintain their fleet operational. This trend affects more large than smaller cabin market. LunaJets passes the price reduction directly to its clients, a huge benefit to them. "It has never been so cheap to book trans-Atlantic or same-day return flights," Launay noted.

"We continue to gain market share, thanks to a record growth of new clients, (+80% yoy), but overall it has not compensated the absence of our loyal clients from the Americas, Middle-East and Asia," specifies Eymeric Segard.

Strong demand for cargo charter

LunaLogisitk, the Cargo division, performed well during the sanitary crisis. By cargo plane, it shipped tons of goods to from Asia, Africa, Europe and Middle East. The company's biggest volume was focused on the Personal Protection Equipment demand from China to Europe. More than 100m masks were supplied to European clients including, French and UK government entities, luxury and retail groups, various private corporations.

"LunaLogistik's capacity to deliver tons of PPEs in record time, from the beginning of the crisis, confirmed the entrepreneurship spirit at the heart of our company values," concludes Segard.

About LunaJets

Founded in Geneva in 2007, LunaJets is the leading Private Jet Broker, offering flexible service and availability 24/7 anywhere in the world. LunaJets' services are powered by proprietary technology to match client needs with available business jets. From Very Light jets to large jet, group charter, airliners and cargo, LunaJets gives you access to more than 4,800 aircraft through its online booking platform, delivering the best possible value for money. www.lunajets.com

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Contact:

LunaJets

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SOURCE LunaJets

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A picture of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Kashoggi, is displayed during a ceremony near the Saudi Arabia consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2, 2019.(Lefteris Pitarakis/AP)

Saudi Court Overturns 5 Death Sentences in Khashoggi Killing

DUBAI, United Arab EmiratesA Saudi court issued final verdicts on Sept. 7 in the case of slain Washington Post columnist and Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi after his son, who still resides in the kingdom, announced pardons that spared five of the convicted individuals from execution.

While the trial draws to its conclusion in Saudi Arabia, the case continues to cast a shadow over the international standing of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose associates have been sanctioned by the U.S. and the UK for their alleged involvement in the brutal killing, which took place inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

The Riyadh Criminal Courts final verdicts were announced by Saudi Arabias state television, which aired few details about the eight Saudi nationals and didnt identify them. The court ordered a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the five. Another individual received a 10-year sentence, and two others were ordered to serve seven years in prison.

A team of 15 Saudi agents had flown to Turkey to meet Khashoggi inside the consulate for his appointment on Oct. 2, 2018, to pick up documents that would allow him to marry his Turkish fiance, who waited outside. The team included a forensic doctor, intelligence and security officers, and individuals who worked directly for the crown princes office, according to Agnes Callamard, who investigated the killing for the United Nations.

Turkish officials allege Khashoggi was killed and then dismembered with a bone saw inside the consulate; his body hasnt been found. Turkey apparently had the consulate bugged and shared audio of the killing with the CIA, among others.

Western intelligence agencies, as well as the U.S. Congress, have said the crown prince bears ultimate responsibility for the killing and that an operation of this magnitude couldnt have happened without his knowledge.

The 35-year-old prince denies any knowledge of the operation and has condemned the killing. He continues to have the support of his father, King Salman, and remains popular among Saudi youth at home. He also maintains the support of President Donald Trump, who has defended U.S.-Saudi ties amid international outcry over the slaying.

Saudi Arabias trial of the suspects has been widely criticized by rights groups and observers, who note that no senior officials nor anyone suspected of ordering the killing has been found guilty. The independence of the Riyadh Criminal Court also has been questioned.

Callamard, the U.N. special rapporteur who investigated Khashoggis killing, told The Associated Press in a statement that the crown prince has remained well-protected against any kind of meaningful scrutiny in his country and the high-level officials who organized the killing have walked free from the start.

These verdicts cannot be allowed to whitewash what happened, she said, calling on U.S. intelligence services to publicly release their assessments of the crown princes responsibility. While formal justice in Saudi Arabia cannot be achieved, truth-telling can.

A small number of diplomats, including from Turkey, as well as members of Khashoggis family, were allowed to attend the initial trial. Independent media and the public were barred.

Yasin Aktay, a senior member of Turkeys ruling party and a friend of Khashoggi, criticized the final court rulings, saying those who ordered the killing remain free while several questions concerning the journalists death remain unanswered.

He also said there were questions as to whether those convicted in the killing are imprisoned.

According to what we have heard, those who were convicted are roaming freely and living in luxury, he said. The truth of the matter is this case should be tried in Turkey, not in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has tried 11 people in total, sentencing five to death in December, and ordering three others to prison for covering up the crime. The crown princes senior advisors at the time of the killing, namely Saud al-Qahtani and intelligence officer Ahmed al-Asiri, were exonerated by the Saudi court.

The trial also concluded the killing wasnt premeditated. That paved the way for Salah Khashoggi, one of the slain writers sons, to months later announce that the family had forgiven the killers, which essentially allowed the five to be pardoned from execution in accordance with Islamic law.

Salah Khashoggi lives in Saudi Arabia and has received financial compensation from the royal court for his fathers killing.

Saudi Arabia initially offered shifting accounts about Khashoggis disappearance, including claiming to have surveillance video showing him walking out of the consulate alive. As international pressure mounted because of Turkish leaks, the kingdom eventually settled on the explanation that he was killed by rogue officials in a brawl inside the consulate.

Prior to his killing, Khashoggi had been writing critically of Prince Mohammed in columns for The Washington Post, at a time when the young heir to the throne was being widely hailed in the U.S. for pushing through social reforms and curtailing the power of religious conservatives.

Dozens of perceived critics of the prince remain in prison, including womens rights activists, and face trial on national security charges. Khashoggi left Saudi Arabia for the U.S. just as Prince Mohammed was beginning to detain writers and critics in late 2017.

Other critics of the crown prince have said their security has been threatened following Khashoggis killing. In one instance, a former senior intelligence official who now resides in Canada claims in a U.S. lawsuit that Prince Mohammed sent a similar hit squad to track him down and kill him, but that they were stopped by Canadian border guards.

By Aya Batrawy
The widower of former Joe Scarborough aide Lori Klausutis has hit out at Donald Trump for spreading baseless conspiracy theories about the circumstances surrounding his late wife's death in 2001, branding the president "inhuman".

T.J. Klausutis, an Air Force engineer, told Yahoo News that he and his family had been deeply hurt and upset by Mr Trump's repeated decision to advance unfounded claims that Mr Scarborough, who now works as an MSNBC host, murdered Ms Klausutis.

A coroner ruled that 28-year-old died accidentially. A heart condition caused her to faint and hit her head while working Mr Scarborough's Florida office. It was later revealed that the former Republican lawmaker, 57, was 800 miles away in Washington at the time of his former staffer's death.

It got to the point that I literally could not stomach this, Mr Klausutis told Yahoo. Ill use the term suffering, quite honestly. And nobody, and I mean nobody, should have to be used in such a fashion. ... Its just inhuman.

Mr Klausutis was speaking out for the first time since he wrote to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in May asking the social media firm to remove a tweet by the president in which he repeated the false claims, first promoted Mr Scarborough's left wing oppenents.

"My request is simple: Please delete these tweets," Timothy J. Klausutis wrote at the time.

"I'm asking you to intervene in this instance because the president of the United States has taken something that does not belong to him - the memory of my dead wife - and perverted it for perceived political gain," Mr Klausutis told Mr Dorsey in the letter, first reported by the New York Times. "My wife deserves better."

The president had tweeted the following on 12 May: When will they open a Cold Case on the Psycho Joe Scarborough matter in Florida.

Did he get away with murder? Some people think so. Why did he leave Congress so quietly and quickly? Isnt it obvious? Whats happening now? A total nut job!

But Twitter refused to remove the offending tweet. The firm did not directly reference Mr Klausutis's letter, but said it was "deeply sorry" about the pain caused by the president's statements.

"We are deeply sorry about the pain these statements, and the attention they are drawing, are causing the family," a spokesperson said.

The statement added: "We've been working to expand existing product features and policies so we can more effectively address things like this going forward, and we hope to have those changes in place shortly."
That release could not be found.
She returned to the London nightlife scene with her pals when lockdown restrictions eased in June.

But Georgia Harrison opted for a family outing as she enjoyed lunch with her mother Louise in Hampstead, north London on Tuesday afternoon.

Commanding attention, the Love Island star, 25, stunned in powder blue co-ords, which featured wide-leg trousers and a matching blazer draped across her shoulders.

Quality time: Georgia Harrison opted for a family outing as she enjoyed lunch with her mother Louise in Hampstead, north London on Tuesday afternoon

The former PA flashed a hint of her toned abs in an angel print crop top, while adding a touch of effortless style to her outfit with white trainers.

The TV star carried her essentials in a woven chain-strap bag, while accessorising with good hooped earrings.

Georgia scraped her tresses into a tousled bun with a scrunchie, while her complexion was enhanced with light strokes of make-up.

Louise ensured she didn't let her daughter down in the fashion stakes as she wowed in an elegant white blouse, ankle-grazing trousers and black sandals.

Commanding attention: The Love Island star, 25, stunned in powder blue co-ords, which featured wide-leg trousers and a matching blazer

Working it: The former PA flashed a hint of her toned abs in an angel print crop top, while adding a touch of effortless style to her outfit with white trainers

Radiant: Georgia scraped her tresses into a tousled bun with a scrunchie, while her complexion was enhanced with light strokes of make-up

All in the details: The TV star carried her essentials in a woven chain-strap bag, while accessorising with good hooped earrings

Georgia first found fame with a brief stint on The Only Way Is Essex in 2014, before becoming a household name with an appearance on 2017's Love Island.

The bubbly reality star then gained an American fanbase when she starred in series 33 of The Challenge in 2018, reaching the final and finishing in eighth place.

The Challenge saw reality stars from around the world come together to compete in a series of physical and mental challenges in the hope of the scooping prize money.

She gets it from her mama! Louise ensured she didn't let her daughter down in the fashion stakes as she wowed in an elegant white blouse, ankle-grazing trousers and black sandals

During her time on the show she was involved in a tumultuous relationship with fellow Brit and Ex On The Beach star Stephen Bear, a storyline that dominated much of the series.

A year later, Georgia's quest for love continued as she signed up to Celebrity Ex On The Beach.

She was previously in a relationship with Sam Gowland, who starred on the same series of Love Island as her and then went on to have an on-off relationship with Chloe Ferry on Geordie Shore.
In recent weeks envelopes have turned up in mailboxes across the region  sometimes several per home  offering to help residents register to vote, or to vote by mail for the Nov. 3 general election.

For many who were already confused about how mail-in voting works or concerned about the accuracy of that system, the unsolicited letters have added to their uncertainty.

But state and county election officials stress that the letters coming from nonprofit groups like the Center for Voter Information and the Voter Participation Center are legal, are not an attempt to steal or nullify their votes, and that their votes cast by mail will still count.

The letters provide application forms, and many of them have the voters information already filled in, so those wishing to register or seeking a mail-in ballot would just need to send the application to their county elections office and wait for approval.

But no matter how many they send in, theyll only be able to vote once, said Deborah M. Olivieri, Berks elections director.

You may get multiple applications, but youll only get one ballot, she said.

Mass-mailing questions

This is the first year in Pennsylvania that voters can cast ballots by mail without having to explain why they cant go to the polls, as the states absentee ballot system has long required.

Gov. Tom Wolf has encouraged voters with concerns about catching COVID-19 at their polling location to vote by mail instead.

But problems with some of the mass-mailed applications have raised concerns in states such as Virginia, where some sent by the Center for Voter Information inadvertently had return envelopes addressed to the wrong election office, according to The Associated Press.

So the Pennsylvania Department of State advises anyone using those applications to make sure their personal information and the return addresses are correct.

Olivieri and Pennsylvania election officials say the best way to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is to request one online through the states votespa.com website.

That way you can track your application to see when its approved and when your ballot is mailed to you and received at the elections office. It also makes it much easier for county elections workers to enter data from each of the ballots returned by regular mail.

The Department of State supports efforts to encourage participation among eligible voters, said Wanda Murren, department spokeswoman. Still, we hope registered voters will consider using the departments online ballot application.

The online application is faster and more secure and accurate. It eliminates mailing time by instantly forwarding the application to the proper county election office.

Olivieri said her office already has received almost 50,000 applications for mail-in ballots for this general election  up from about 39,000 for this years primary election  with thousands more sure to come.

Her office will be able to handle the volume, she said, but it would help greatly if more applied for ballots electronically through the state website.

County election offices are still waiting for state approval on when they can mail ballots and how early they can start processing those that are returned.

Olivieri is hoping her office can start the process well before election night because it will likely take at least a few days, even with extra staff brought on.

Ready to deliver

Postal Service officials say the agency has more than enough capacity to handle election mail volume and that delivering election mail on time is its No. 1 priority.

Even if all Americans were to vote by mail this year, 330 million ballots over the course of the election would be only three-quarters of what the Postal Service delivers in one single day, and all election mail this year is predicted to amount to less than 2% of total mail volume from mid-September to Election Day, officials said.

Customers who opt to vote by mail must understand their local jurisdictions requirements for timely submission of absentee ballots, including postmarking requirements, officials said.

Increasing turnout

Center for Voter Information CEO Tom Lopach said the organization has sent more than 3.8 million vote-by-mail ballot applications to registered voters in Pennsylvania, and more than 295,000 Pennsylvania voters have already sent them to local election offices.

The forms his group is mailing are the same official ballot applications as those sent by Pennsylvania election officials, he said.

Since we are nonpartisan, we do not send mailers based on party affiliation, he said.

Most were sent to people of color, young people and unmarried women, whom Lopach said historically have been underrepresented in our democracy.

With COVID-19 impacting elections, we have a responsibility to do all we can to safely increase voter turnout amid this uncertain time, he said. We feel it is vital to keep voters safe and to bring democracy to eligible voters doorsteps.

If the mass-mailed applications help increase voter turnout, thats a good thing, said Wenda Kincaid, president of the Berks chapter of the League of Women Voters.

Voting is a right that people fought very hard to get, she said. There is nothing more sacred than our vote. Its our opportunity to have a say. Its how were represented.

But the unsolicited applications are confusing some people, she said.

Ive had people asking me, What is this all about?' she said.

Those with questions should call the county elections office, she said.

But Kincaid said fears of vote counts being inaccurate are unfounded.

Fraud is not a problem, she said. There are too many checks and balances.

Kevin Boughter, chairman of the Berks County Democratic Committee, said the mail-in vote process is safe and the idea that the Berks elections office cannot handle mail-in ballots properly is false.

Theyre doing an excellent job in there, he said. Theyre not messing anything up. There are too many safety measures in place for that. But Im all for voting in person, too. I just want them to vote.

Boughter said President Donald Trump wants people to question the process so that if he loses a close election he can dispute the outcome.

Clay Breece, chairman of the Berks County Republican Committee, accused Gov. Tom Wolf of having the same motive, saying the governors pushing for mail-in voting so he can call the results into question if Trump wins Pennsylvania.

The countrys mail system is very good but not perfect, Breece said. And while casting a mail-in vote is better than not voting at all, its not as secure as voting at the polls.

If you vote by mail youre probably OK with your vote not counting because that is a remote possibility, he said.

Safeguards in place

All three county commissioners spoke last week of their faith in the Berks elections office to get the vote counts right.

To a person, they bust their tomatoes working for the county and for the public, Commissioner Kevin S. Barnhardt said.

Olivieri said those with concerns about votes being counted correctly should know how careful the Berks elections office is to make sure that mail-in ballots are sent to the right people and returned by those same people. Signatures are checked just as they are at the polls, and each ballot contains a code unique to the voter, along with other safeguards, she said.

Those who have recently changed addresses should notify the elections office now, she said. And she urged mail-in voters not to wait until Election Day to send in their ballots to prevent the elections office from getting flooded with returns all at once.

Once you get them you can vote right away, Olivieri said. There is no need to wait.
Nana Osore Krunku III, the Acting President and Kyidomhene of Nkomi Traditional Area in the Sene East District of the Bono East Region, says the Chiefs and people of his Traditional Area are confident that the people of Ghana will give the President Akufo-Addo, and the New Patriotic Party in the December 2020 elections.

According to him, in the run up to the 2016 election, then candidate Akufo-Addo promised to create new regions from the existing ones, and true to his word, six (6) new regions have been created, from which the Bono East Region was carved out from the old Brong Ahafo Region.

Indeed, because of your exemplary leadership in Ghana, your policies that have affected every part of Ghana, your handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and your international standing in West Africa, you have been elevated to the status of ECOWAS Chairman. We congratulate you on this outstanding feat. You have brought honour to Mother Ghana, Nana Osore Krunku III told the President.

Citing examples of the policies that have been implemented by Government over the course of the last three and a half years, he stated that most of the promises contained in the 2016 NPP Manifesto have been fulfilled.

In times past, our railways sector was in complete disarray. Today, our railways sector has been revived, and trains are plying routes from Accra to Tema and to Nsawam. This is a great thing for Ghana. Again, Free SHS has reduced the financial burden on parents, and has allowed students, who would have, otherwise, truncated their education at JHS level, now have the opportunity to further their education, and, thereby, guaranteed a brighter future, he said.

The Kyidomhene continued, There were many who said Free SHS was not going to be possible. You (President Akufo-Addo) have done well by fulfilling this promise. Planting for Food and Jobs, Youth in Afforestation, are some of the policies benefiting residents of Sene East.

He also thanked President Akufo-Addo for decentralsiing the processing of awarding scholarships, and thanked the President for instituting the policy of NABCO which has helped solve the problem of graduate unemployment.

Praying for good health, wisdom and long life for President Akufo-Addo, Nana Osore Krunku III, on behalf of the Chiefs and people of the Nkomi Traditional Area, stated that four more years for Nana is already assured. There is no question about it.
Little by little, in-person activities and events at the in Webster are coming back following the springtime pause the coronavirus forced on some of the nonprofit community centers programming.

Now, with a balance of caution and safety, organizers at the center, 951 Tristar Drive, have again begun hosting weddings, youth nights and other events.

We are determined to open our doors carefully for limited events with social distancing and mask wearing, said Dr. Mohamed Shalaby, a Friendswood cardiologist who serves as president of the MCCs board. He, along with four other area Muslim doctors and business people, founded the center last last year and worked to raise the approximately $2 million to construct the facility.

However, Shalaby said even though the center is the result of a Muslim initiative, the aim is to serve all members of the community who need help, regardless of faith, ethnic background or political affiliation. The MCCs nine-member executive board includes a mix of men and women of all ages and backgrounds.



There really wasnt a place in southeast Houston that served a wide range of communities and people and cultures, said Hamza Reed, the MCCs director of operations. So, we decided to create a facility that had programs that run every day. We want to serve the homeless, the immigrant community, people who are left in the dark in their community for one reason or another. We want to give a voice to the voiceless.

Food, health services offered

Some of the MCCs programming had been able to continue during the pandemic, either in-person, such as food collection and donations in partnership with the Houston Food Bank, or online.

Our food delivery is a core objective, Shalaby said. When we opened, we quickly got the food program going and serving hundreds of families on a weekly basis.

Like the food distribution, the centers Mercy Clinic telehealth program has stayed operational throughout the pandemic, with around-the-clock services logging about 10-15 calls each week. Doctors and other health professionals answer health questions, offer medical advice, order labs and X-rays, connect people to area health and medical resources, offer prescriptions and meet other needs as best they can.

Each patient is referred to the healthcare provider based on an initial screening. The patient is then seen by the healthcare provider on a first-come. first-served basis at a subsidized cost, according to the centers website. Patient unable to pay receive service free of charge.

The clinic did not stop because of the virus, Shalaby said. As a matter of fact, we expanded it.

The center offers free Wednesday night webinars that include a lecture and question-and-answer session. People also can access advice from mental health professionals as well as participate in online womens conferences.

The MCC hosts limited-attendance, in-person youth nights with a lesson and games for youngsters; has Lego League for children ages 6-19; hosts Girl Scouts meetings and Arabic lessons, and partnered with the U.S. Census to get people counted and to help them register to vote.

Moving forward, Reed said he and other MCC staff must think outside of the box if they hope to expand other programming amid the coronavirus.

We have initiatives planned for the future, he said. We dont want to sit down and be stagnant. Were living in a time when we have no choice but to keep up with the demands of our community.

The MCC relies on volunteers such as Hanan Abdelgilil. The 19-year-old University of Houston dental student is a long-time volunteer at the Clear Lake Islamic Center and has been working at the MCC, as well.

I bring in and organize volunteers, she said. Its a passion of mine.

To keep the MCC afloat, those in charge rely on donations and proceeds from events hosted in the Centers Pearl Center ballroom. Normally, the space can easily accommodate up to 650 people. However, with COVID-19-related restrictions in place, the venue can only accept up to 300. With those challenges, Reed admitted its a bit difficult to sustain needed cash flow. Center supporters are raising funds to purchase a mobile trailer with a kitchen so they can travel to and serve the needy.

Shalaby said good progress is being made, particularly on the mobile kitchen.

Right now we are looking into grants we can get because everyone is tapped out and you cant get donations in the usual way, Reed said.

We also want to restart MCC Bloom, which is (a program) geared toward womens holistic health.

Other plans include starting a financial services center, job training and other resource allotments. Organizers envision a space where people can retrain for new jobs in hopes of becoming financially stable.

For more information, visit multiculturalcenter.net or message info@multiculturalcenter.net.
Over 140 persons, including staff



and officers of Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari's office, on Tuesday donated their plasma and blood at Raj Bhavan here to help COVID-19 patients, an official said.

As per a release issued by the Governor's office, Sir JJ Group of Hospitals organised a donation camp, in which employees of the Raj Bhavan, including those who had recovered from coronavirus, and their family members participated.

Staff and officers of Raj Bhavan who had recovered from in the recent weeks turned "Covid warriors" by lining up for blood and plasma donation at the camp, the official communication stated.

Referring to the fear surrounding the pandemic, Koshyari urged people not to be fearful, but to be careful while facing the challenge.

(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 domestically produced inactivated COVID-19 vaccine displayed at the China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing. Photo: Li Hao/GT

By Zhang Yang and Yang Zhigang

Major General Chen Wei, a recipient of the title of Peoples Hero, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a researcher at the Institute of Military Medicine under the Academy of Military Sciences, was interviewed recently on the R&D and application of COVID-19 vaccines in China that the public is most concerned about.

What are the features of the recombinant novel coronavirus vaccine developed by the Academy of Military Sciences?

Gen. Chen Wei: We have independent intellectual property over the vaccine, which means we can decide on our own matters concerning its development and its production and application later. This way we can make sure the general public will have quick access to it at a lower price when they need it.

This is an advanced viral vector vaccine. We began the phase-I clinical trial on March 16, the first in the world, and published the test data on The Lancet on May 22, showing that all 108 volunteers had produced antibodies against the novel coronavirus after vaccination. The editor-in-chief of The Lancet commented that the vaccine is safe, well-tolerated and a single injection induces a rapid immune response. These results represent an important milestone. By then, we shared the testing methods and indicators with the whole world, so researchers in other countries can accelerate their vaccine development.

On July 20, we first announced the phase-II clinical trial data in the world. Results from phase-I and II clinical trials proved the vaccines effectiveness and safety. We began to vaccinate certain people in June.

The phase-III clinical trial is progressing smoothly. As the pandemic is well under control in China, we have to carry out the phase-III test overseas to verify the vaccines effectiveness and safety on a larger scale.

How long will it take to market the vaccine on a large scale after the successful phase-III clinical trial?

Gen. Chen Wei: The development of a vaccine generally takes three phases of clinical trial and mass production will only begin after the testing results meet certain standards and requirements. But preparations have been made for mass production of the recombinant vaccine from phase-I. At present, we are able to produce 300 million doses of vaccines a year and efforts are being made to expand the production capacity. Production will catch up after phase-III test results come out, so well be technically and seamlessly prepared to vaccinate the people extensively.

How long will the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine stay effective after being injected?

Gen. Chen Wei: Its only been half a year or so since we separated the coronavirus strain, so the world doesnt have much data yet about how long the vaccine will stay effective as the data are all within a year. Our vaccine was the first to enter phase-I clinical trial in the world - in March, so the data we have is only half-year long. So far the injection taken in March is still effective, and we are still studying how much longer it will remain so. At the moment, we can only estimate based on the experience with previous similar vaccines. For instance, the Ebola vaccine will have less immunity effect six months after injection, but a second injection at the six-month point will remain effective for another two years. We can refer to these data.

Will the vaccine become ineffective in case of coronavirus mutation?

Gen. Chen Wei: The vaccine we developed is genetically engineered. In other words, we found the most useful section of genes and turned it into a vaccine. Analysis of current data indicates a very low possibility of variation in the section of genes we chose. So far the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine is able to cover mutated novel coronavirus.

Moreover, since the vaccine is a genetically engineered one, once it becomes less effective on mutated virus, we can use it for basic immunity and quickly develop a more targeted vaccine for enhancement, like a software patch-up. Thats why so many countries in the world are working on genetically engineered vaccines. It is a new-generation technology and a rising one that should be energetically supported in the future.

Globally speaking, how do you think Chinas COVID-19 vaccine R&D?

Gen. Chen Wei: Undoubtedly China is among the first echelon in COVID-19 vaccine R&D as more than half of vaccines entering phase three clinical trials made public by the WHO are developed in China. That speaks volumes.
Donald Trump on Tuesday used a visit to battleground state Florida to extend a ban on offshore drilling there and claim he is the most environmentally friendly president since Theodore Roosevelt  despite a slew of protections he has nixed since taking office.

The president said he pressed his aides that he could publicly claim he is the most green president in American history, but they managed to talk him out of making that claim. But one more executive action like the one he signed in Jupiter after his remarks should get him all the way toward that claim, he said with a chuckle.

I am, he said of the post-Roosevelt claim. I believe strongly in it.

Mr Trump declared himself "the great environmentalist" and warned if former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential nominee wins in November, the environment will be badly hurt.

Declaring the longtime Delaware senator and other Democrats all talk on environmental issues, he warned the environment would be permanently injured under a Biden administration.

But his own record appears to water down his claims.

Mr Trump has taken 74 actions during his term that weaken federal environmental safeguards, according to an analysis by the non-partisan Brookings Institution.

The Trump administration has been particularly focused on rolling back actions intended to deal with climate change. On June 1, 2017, President Trump promised to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, an agreement among 195 nations to cut their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The United States stands alone among major emitters in the world in its efforts to repudiate the agreement and cannot officially withdraw until the day after the 2020 election in November, according to that Brookings analysis.

The think tank also notes the Trump administration replaced the Clean Power Plan with a weaker regulation and is in the process of eliminating other regulations that limit [greenhouse gas] emissions. Its replacement lowered the amount of pollutants that could be emitted by power plants and new models of automobiles."

The president also has taken actions designed to fulfill a major 2016 campaign promise: revive the countrys coal industry. To do so, he has made it easier for companies to emit pollutants into the air  despite his repeated claim that Americas air is the cleanest it has ever been.

In addition to deregulatory actions that support the fossil fuel industry, our nations core environmental laws that ensure clean air and water and protect sensitive lands are also a focus of the administrations regulatory rollbacks, according to Brookings. "Some of these decisions have important consequences for human health, among them the refusal to strengthen National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter and ozone. NAAQS are a cornerstone of US policy to reduce air pollution and must be reviewed by an independent science advisory committee every five years.

The president has contradicted his Tuesday attack line on Biden, previously saying Mr Biden would seek to implement the Green New Deal pushed by his partys most progressive flank. Mr Biden has proposed a more modest package, but progressive leader Senator Bernie Sanders has said, if elected, the former VP would be the most progressive chief executive in American history  opening the door for attacks from Mr Trump and his surrogates.

To be sure, Mr Bidens environmental plan leans far to the left than anything Mr Trump has signalled about his potential second term.

Biden proposes a different course for environmental protection, with addressing climate change as a central part of his platform, according to Brookings. He has established an ambitious goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Achieving this goal would require reversing the current course of rolling back regulation, along with new legislation.
PLANS To cut the sod for the commencement of a modern 40-bed hospital facility at the Suame municipality have suffered a setback at the eleventh-hour due to land issues.

Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman-Manu has disclosed that there was a problem with the parcel of land where the hospital was supposed to be constructed.

According to him, due to the land problem, plans to officially cut the sod for the project to start, which was supposed to take place last week, could not come on as planned.

We have a problem with the land about the Suame Hospital project; therefore, we could not cut the sod for the project to start, the minister said on Kumasi-based 'Nhyira FM' on Saturday.

Mr Agyeman-Manu, however, gave an assurance that authorities were working hard to resolve the land issue so that the hospital project could eventually commence at Suame within a short time.

He said government had secured a 71 million Euro funding from Austria for the construction of 12 packaged hospitals across some selected areas in the country, and Suame is included.

The Health Minister disclosed that Suame and four other areas in the Ashanti Region, including Twedie, Manso Nkwanta, Sabronum and Drobonso, were benefiting from the project.

So far, I have been able to cut the sod for all the hospital projects to start in all the above-mentioned areas, with the exception of Suame, where there is land problem, he indicated.

According to the minister, the Eastern Region is also benefiting from three of the 12 hospital projects, adding that one contractor would be working on all the 12 hospitals.

The 12 hospitals are supposed to be completed in 36 months' time and it will boast of theatres, laboratory, staff accommodation, male and female wards, among others.

Significantly, the Health Minister explained that the 12 packaged hospital projects were not part of the 88 proposed new hospitals, which are scheduled to start in 2021.

Mr Agyeman-Manu said the Akufo-Addo government has the health sector at heart, for which reason it has decided to invest heavily in that important sector.

---Daily Guide
They were told the owner and her boyfriend, later identified as Irmani, brought the dog in for treatment. Irmanis girlfriend said she arrived home from work Saturday to find the dog lying lifeless in the corner and asked Irmani to take her and Bella to the vet, the release said.
A man with bipolar who bragged about abducting, raping and stabbing a young woman to death has apologised to her family for making up the entire story.

Denis Briggs claimed he killed Janine Vaughan, who disappeared after a night out with friends in Bathurst, three hours west of Sydney, in December 2001.

Briggs told his friends he was responsible for her death, but later admitted he lied because he was 'unhinged,' drinking excessively, and suffering delusions of grandeur.

The 55-year-old, who now lives a reclusive life in a small northern NSW town, recently met up with Ms Vaughan's family to apologise for the heartache he caused them nearly two decades ago.

Denis Briggs claimed he killed Janine Vaughan in December 2001, but later admitted he lied because he was 'unhinged,' drinking excessively, and suffering delusions of grandeur

Janine Vaughan, 31, left the Metro Tavern in Bathurst just before 4am following a night out with friends. She was last seen getting into a car, and her body has never been found

'It makes me feel terrible, sort of speaking to you now, that I said all them dreadful things, which I never would have contemplated doing,' he told Janine's sister Kyle Spelde and brother Adam Vaughan, The Australian reported.

'I think, "What the bloody hell was I thinking, saying all that terrible stuff?" I can tell you now, I can tell you to your face, I definitely had nothing to do with Janine's disappearance. I'm telling the absolute truth. No word of a lie this time.'

Briggs had been working at an aged care home in Bathurst when Ms Vaughan, 31, vanished in the early hours of December 7, 2001.

The clothing store manager left the Metro Tavern just before 4am following a night out with friends.

She was emotional after having lost her handbag somewhere inside the pub and couldn't find it.

Briggs gloated that he picked Ms Vaughan up and drove her away from the town before trying to rape her. He said he stabbed her, slit her throat and buried her in a bush

As the sun began to rise, Ms Vaughan got separated from her friends as she walked ahead of them to see if another venue was open.

A small red car driven by a mystery driver then pulled up next to Ms Vaughun. The passenger door opened up and she got in.

Ms Vaughan was never seen again and her body has never been found.

Her disappearance rocked the small town, with locals guessing who could was driving the car.

Briggs gloated that he picked Ms Vaughan up and drove her away from the town before trying to rape her. He said he stabbed her, slit her throat and buried her in a bush.

People were initially inclined to believe Briggs' confession because he has bipolar and was medicated on antipsychotic drugs to control his mood swings, but had recently stopped taking his medication.

Ms Vaughan's disappearance rocked the small town, with locals speculating who could was driving the car

Even more coincidental was town rumours that he had become obsessed with Ms Vaughan following the breakdown of his relationship.

Briggs even owned a salmon coloured Hyundai Excel that matched the car Ms Vaughan got into.

He now blames his friend Peter Barker for 'hounding' him into making a false confession, and said being off his medication added to his confusion.

Briggs said Mr Barker continuously asked him if he had killed Ms Vaughan, so he told him an 'outrageous story' so he could back off.

'I said I cut her throat  and I cut her fingers off or some bloody thing, and then I said I raped her seven times or something. I was unhinged, yeah I was right off my tree. I was drinking outrageously,' Briggs told The Night Driver podcast, which is exploring the mystery of Ms Vaughan's disappearance.

Briggs said he would never want to hurt someone, but admitted he 'would have said anything' at the time.

Ms Vaughan's younger brother Adam said that while he accepted Briggs' explanation, the possibility remains of his sister still being alive somewhere.
El Salvador opened up the gates of an overcrowded prison to talk up the success of its crime strategy, on the day that the country's attorney general said he plans to investigate allegations that the government is negotiating with members of a notorious gang to reduce homicides.Gang members are seen inside a cell at Quezaltepeque jail during a media tour, in Quezaltepeque, El Salvador. (Image: Reuters)
T he Serious Fraud Office today charged three former top G4S executives with multiple offences of fraud against the taxpayer over the scandal over its electronic monitoring of offenders.

The three men worked for G4S Care and Justice Services (UK), which in July agreed to a deferred prosecution agreement with the SFO.

The SFO said they had been charged with multiple offences in relation to a multi-year scheme to defraud the Ministry of Justice.

They are: Richard Morris, former Managing Director of G4S C&J, Mark Preston, former Commercial Director of G4S C&Js electronic monitoring business, and James Jardine, former Finance Manager and Acting Commercial Director of G4S C&Js electronic monitoring business.

Each have been charged with seven offences of fraud.

The charges are in connection with false representations made to the MoJ between 2009 and 2012, the SFO said in a statement.

The men appeared for their first hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court today and are due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 6th October 2020.

Ross Dixon, partner at Hickman & Rose solicitors, representing Morris, said: "Mr Morris refutes these allegations in the strongest possible terms. He will robustly contest the charges and is confident he will be cleared of any wrongdoing."
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., and BRISBANE, Australia, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Maddy Cross Parkin, Director of Musical Grants, announced that Katrina Suroveca is a recipient of the Scheer Foundation Scholarship for the year 2020/2021

"Katrina Suroveca from Riga, Latvia is a recipient of a scholarship and we are proud to support her career. It is a privilege to support the education of the fine scholars selected for this year's Scheer Foundation Scholarships," said Maddy Cross Parkin director of Music Grants.

Scheer Foundation

Katrina is a brilliant pianist who already has won several piano competitions including the Yamaha Scholarship competition in 2020. She has recently pursued her study abroad through the Erasmus Exchange program at the Robert Schumann Hochschule school in Dusseldorf and is enrolled this year in her master's degree in piano performance at the Jazeps Vitols Latvian Academy of Music. We are expecting to see Katrina compete at the highest level in the years to come and we are happy to support her efforts.

"Katrina was selected after an International search organized by the Foundation and I selected Katrina because of her skills, her technical ability and we believe in her capacity to reach the top," added Maddy Cross Parkin. "We intend to follow her and support her career in the years to come."

About the Scheer Foundation

The Frederic & Jocelyne Scheer Foundation ("Scheer Foundation") is a US Private Foundation (501-c 3) dedicated to fight malnutrition and children mortality in Africa in promoting local agricultural and industrial project to build up local and regional employment. The Foundation recently expanded its reach to Arts & Music.

Learn more at: www.scheerfoundation.org and please watch Katrina performance at https://scheerfoundation.info/music-video

Contact:

Maddy Cross Parkin

Tel +61 437 802 805

[email protected]

SOURCE Scheer Foundation
Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Tuesday that not only Indian products but India's voice too is becoming more global with the world paying more attention to the country.

Narendra Modi Modi said Indian media also needs to go global at a time when the country enjoys a very strong presence at almost every international body.

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"Our newspapers and magazines should have global reputation. We should reach digitally across the world in this digital age. Indian institutions should give away literary awards like they are given in different parts of the world. This is the need of the hour and necessary for the country," he said.

Narendra ModiThe prime minister also lauded the country's media for serving people in an "unprecedented way" by spreading awareness on the Covid-19 pandemic and by analysing government works and pointing out their shortcomings.

Though the media is also criticised at times, more so in this age of social media, but everybody needs to learn from criticism, he said, adding this is what makes India's democracy strong.
Professor Sam McConkey from the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) has said it is clear the Covid-19 outbreak here is growing slowly, but steadily.

He said GPs are seeing a lot more people with flu-type symptoms now, but as yet it is a fraction of the levels seen during the first wave of coronavirus in Ireland.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia congratulated the education team of his government on Monday after Delhi was ranked the second best in the country in literacy rate.

Delhi ranks 2nd best in country in literacy rate. Congrats #TeamEducation Delhi. We will keep striving to reach 100%. Reducing stress should be highest priority. A suicide every hour is unacceptable! Initiatives like @HappinessDelhi are need of the hour & must b adopted widely, Sisodia said in a tweet, which was retweeted by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The report on Household Social Consumption: Education in India as part of 75th round of National Sample Survey - from July 2017 to June 2018 provides for state-wise detail of literacy rate among the persons aged seven years and above.

According to the study, after Kerala, Delhi has the best literacy rate at 88.7 per cent, followed by Uttarkhands 87.6 per cent, Himachal Pradeshs 86.6 per cent and Assams at 85.9 per cent.

With 96.2 per cent literacy, Kerala has once again emerged as the most literate state in the country, while Andhra Pradesh featured at the bottom with a rate of 66.4 per cent, showed a report based on National Statistical Office (NSO) survey.

On the other hand, Rajasthan is the second worst performer with the literacy rate of 69.7 per cent. Bihar has a literacy rate of 70.9 per cent, Telangana 72.8 per cent, Uttar Pradesh 73 per cent and Madhya Pradesh 73.7 per cent.

The study has pegged the overall literacy rate in the country at 77.7 per cent. In rural areas, the literacy rate is 73.5 per cent compared to 87.7 per cent in urban areas.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 8

By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend:

Kazakhstan has exported 10,020 tons of petroleum gas and other gaseous hydrocarbons worth to EU countries to 3.2 million euros in June 2020, Eurostat representative told Trend.

In turn, overall 1H2020 petroleum gas and other gaseous hydrocarbons export from Kazakhstan to EU amounted to 84,733 tons worth 31.7 million euros.

Thus, compared to May 2020 the export volume increased by 2.4 percent (9,778 tons), whereas compared to Jan. 2020 the volume decreased by 37.6 percent (16,080 tons).

The value of petroleum gas and other gaseous hydrocarbons export from Kazakhstan to EU countries was 35.1 percent more than in May 2020 (2.3 million euros), and 56.5 percent less than in Jan. 2020 (7.5 million euros).

The value of trade turnover between Kazakhstan and EU countries amounted to $13.1 billion over 1H2020, compared to $15.4 billion during the same period of 2019.

Kazakhstans export to EU countries amounted to $10.4 billion over the period from January through June 2020, compared to $12.4 billion during the same period of 2019.

In turn, Kazakhstans imports from EU countries slightly exceeded $2.7 billion over the reporting period, compared to $2.9 billion during the same period of 2019.

---

Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh
The Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine is being viewed by many experts as the current frontrunner in the race for an effective COVID-19 vaccine. Amongst the people cheering for the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine is Serum Institute of India chief Adar Poonawalla. He said that he is proud and excited about the candidate.

"Proud and excited for the next few months and looking forward to the vaccine," Poonawalla tweeted. Attached to the tweet is a photograph in which Poonawalla is standing next to the Edward Jenner statue at Oxford University, along with Professor Adrian Hill. in another photograph, both of them are standing outside the Clinical Biomanufacturing Facility at Oxford University.

The origins of the Oxford vaccine with Professor Adrian Hill; standing next to the legendary Edward Jenner statue, here at @UniofOxford. Proud and excited for the next few months and looking forward to the vaccine. pic.twitter.com/rRJVBWGV7N - Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) September 7, 2020

Poonawalla's Serum Institute of India had signed a deal with British-Swedish pharma company AstraZeneca to manufacture the potential vaccine developed by the Jenner Institute of Oxford University. Serum Institute of India is the largest manufacture of vaccines by volume in the world.

Professor Adrian Hill is the Director of the Jenner Institute that works on developing and designing vaccines for infectious diseases prevalent across the world. In this instance, they are developing a vaccine for COVID-19 which has claimed over 9 lakh lives across the world.

Serum Institute of India has also entered into a partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to accelerate manufacturing and delivery of 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for India and other low- and middle-income countries.

Earlier, Serum Institute of India had signed a supply and licence agreement with US vaccine-maker Novavax for the development and commercialisation of its potential COVID-19 vaccine. This will give Serum Insititute of India exclusive rights for manufacturing and distributing the vaccine in India during the term of the deal. It will also have non-exclusive rights in all countries other than those termed by the World Bank as upper-middle and high-income countries.

Adar Poonawalla was recently named among the top "emerging leaders" from across the world by Fortune in its annual list of influential people under the age of forty.

Also Read: Vaccine maker Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla in Fortune's global '40 under 40' list
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in a message said that technology holds the key to scale up the use of solar energy at the inaugural session of First World Solar Technology Summit. The message was read out by International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly President and Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New & Renewable Energy RK Singh.

The message said that technological achievements have already brought about a significant reduction in the price of solar power. A further reduction in the cost will provide a major boost to the use and expansion of renewable energy. He expressed confidence that the summit will help in help in developing new technologies and ensure that they become available to all.

World Solar Technology Summit (WSTS) organised by ISA and FICCI today aims to bring together key stakeholders--leading academic scientists, technology developers, researchers and innovators to present and discuss the recent highlights of solar technologies, cost-wise; technology-wise, technology transfers, challenges and concerns in the field.

The main objective of WSTS is to showcase to member countries the state of the art and next-generation solar technologies worldwide and to give an opportunity to decision-makers and stakeholders to meet, and discuss their own priorities and strategic agenda towards a larger integration.

Prime Minister re-iterated that five years ago, world leaders had taken a pledge to restrict the rise in global temperature through a gradual reduction in the dependence on fossil fuels. Underlining India's commitment lowering carbon footprints, he stressed that India has lowest per-capita carbon emissions in the world but we have still pressed ahead with deployment of renewable energy at a frenetic pace.

Speaking on fast growth of Renewables in India, he further informed that India has enhanced its installed renewable capacity by 2.5 times and increased our solar installed capacity by more than 13 times. "Globally India now ranks 4th in terms of Renewable power, Modi said.

Prime Minister also informed that we have scaled our non-fossil fuel-based power generations to 134GW, which is about 35 % of our total power generation. "We are confident of increasing it to 220 GW by 2022. We want to take renewable energy to every village of our country. Our government has implemented a scheme named KUSUM that aims to replace the use of diesel in our farm sector with solar energy. Under this scheme, we have targeted the solarisation of 2.8 million irrigation pumps. Such schemes will not only benefit the environment, but also increase the income of our farmers, he said.

Referring to India's support to ISA member countries the Prime Minister said, "India is providing capacity building support to ISA member countries through its ITEC training programme. We have also set up a Project Preparation Facility to develop bankable Solar Energy projects in ISA member countries with the help of EXIM Bank of India. He said that in 2018, our Government had announced about US $1.4 Billion worth of lines of credit (LOCs) for covering 27 solar projects across 15 countries. These projects are in various stages of implementation.

The Prime Minister also said, The ISA is a part of One Word One Sun One Grid project, I firmly believe that this project can bring transformational benefits for the entire humanity.

Ministers from several of ISAs member countries will be joined by high-Level dignitaries, National Focal Points and senior government functionaries; Representatives of diplomatic missions, ISA Partners, business and industry leaders, solar project developers, solar manufacturers, R&D institutions, academia and think tanks, civil society, international organizations and donors, representatives of non-governmental and community-based organizations, academics, research and training institutes, international media, multilateral and bilateral agencies.

Nobel Laureate, Dr M Stanley Whittingham, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (jointly with John B Goodenough & Akira Yoshino) in 2019 for the revolutionizing discovery of the lithium ion batteries and Mr Bernard Piccard, Founder and Chairman of Solar Impulse Foundation, Switzerland also joined the summit virtually.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan also addressed the inaugural. Pradhan announced that five Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under Petroleum & Natural Gas Ministry will be joining International Solar Alliance (ISA)s Coalition for Sustainable Climate Action (ISA-CSCA) as Corporate Partners. He said that Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and GAIL (India) Limited will be contributing to ISAs Corpus Fund.

Lauding the role of the ISA for making rapid strides since its launch at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris on 30 November 2015 by PM Modi and the then French President, Pradhan said that as the latest inter-governmental international organization with its headquarters in India, ISA is not only a testament to India's unwavering faith in multilateralism but also a commitment to a better, sustainable and greener future. He said that the Alliance reflects the vision and the firm belief that the beneficence of the Sun could be used to bring together the peoples of this planet for a shared solution to our energy needs.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a treaty-based international intergovernmental organization. ISA was jointly launched by India and France in the presence of Secretary General of the UN during CoP21. The Paris Declaration establishes ISA as an alliance dedicated to the promotion of solar energy among its Member Countries. The major objectives of the organization include deployment of 1000 GW of solar capacity and mobilization of US$ 1000 billion of investment in solar energy sector by 2030.

As an action-oriented organization, ISA intends to bring together member countries to aggregate demand and realise economies of scale, resulting in reduction of costs of solar applications, facilitating deployment of existing solar technologies at scale, and promoting collaborative solar R&D and capacity. As on June 26 2020, the ISA Framework Agreement has been signed by 86 countries, with 68 having also deposited instruments of ratification. The ISA is headquartered at Gurugram in Haryana, India. Mr. UpendraTripathy is the Director General.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) listens next to House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) during a press conference to announce articles of impeachment for President Donald Trump during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Dec. 10, 2019. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

House Judiciary Republicans Call on Nadler to Denounce Left-Wing Violent Extremism

Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday have urged the committees chairman, Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), to condemn left-wing extremism and violence perpetrated by the anarcho-communist group Antifa amid the recent civil unrest across the nation.

The Republican lawmakers sent their demand to the New York Democrat in a letter, where they also called him to hold a hearing to investigate the civil unrest caused by extreme groups in Democrat-run cities.

The letter was led by committee Ranking Member Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and also signed by Reps. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), Mike Johnson (R-La.), and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.).

Violent left-wing extremists are destroying Democrat-run American cities. As parts of these cities literally burn, prominent Democrat leaders look the other way on lawlessness and disorder, the lawmakers wrote in their letter (pdf).

This comes as ongoing civil unrest, protests, and riots take hold in multiple cities across the nation. The protests were prompted by concern over the police excessive use of force against suspects during law enforcement encounters and arrests, and the ongoing tension between the black American community and law enforcement.

While many of the protests are peaceful, federal officials say violent agitators have hijacked some of these demonstrations to carry out their agendas and have engaged in violence, looting, and rioting, which have led to widespread property destruction, injuries, and deaths.

Some cities such as Portland, Oregon, have seen persistent rioting and civil unrest in the wake of George Floyds death. In Portland, which has seen continuous violence and rioting for months, federal law enforcement agents have been deployed to address the violence and protect federal property. Meanwhile, at least 300 individuals have been federally arrested and at least 302 have been charged federally linked to rioting and violence in these cities.

In their letter, the Republican lawmakers accused Democrats failing to prevent the violence and destruction, while adding that the Democrats push to defund the police, by reallocating funds from police departments to other social programs, has contributed to civil unrest.

The lawmakers also criticized Nadler for his public comments where he characterized the Antifa rioting and violence in some cities such as Portland as a myth and referring to the extremist group as imaginary during a House speech.

The Democrats acceptance and tacit encouragement of violence has real consequences. It is beyond time that you forcefully denounce left-wing violent extremism and convene a Committee hearing to examine the civic unrest plaguing Democrat-run cities, the Republican lawmakers said.

The lawmakers also said that recent pollingwhich shows that Americans disapprove of violence in U.S. citieshad forced Democrats to only now pivot to take a tougher stance on the violence and looting, while engaging in blame-shifting tactics to pin the blame of the violence on President Donald Trump.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden for the first time on Monday explicitly condemned Antifa, adding that he condemns violence no matter who it is.

Attorney General William Barr had repeatedly linked the violence and rioting observed across the country to extremist organizations such as Antifa. He said the Justice Department has been investigating the links between individuals participating in riots and the extremist group.

In a recent interview, Barr said members of the extremist group has been flying around the country and participating in riots.

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 said in an appearance this week on CNNs Situation Room. 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 added. So, we are following them.

In another interview last month, Barr characterized Antifa as a revolutionary group that aims to establish socialism or communism in the United States.

Nadlers press office did not respond to The Epoch Times request for comment.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
Hunar Haat, a crafts fair organised by the ministry of minority affairs that gives platform to local artisans will be resumed after a gap of about 6 months from October 9 to 18 at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

The fair that was put on hold because of the ongoing Corona pandemic, will have local to global as the theme and the focus will be on indigenous exquisite Indian toys.

Union Minister for minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Tuesday said every corner of the country has a traditional and ancestral legacy of indigenous toys. This legacy, which was on the verge of extinction, has got a boon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for Swadeshi Toys. The Indian toy industry has got tremendous boost after PM Modi advocated vocal for local toys, the minister said in a statement.

During his radio programme, Man Ki Baat, in August, PM Modi said the global toy industry is over 7 lakh crore but Indias share is very small and urged start-up entrepreneurs to team up for toys.

The Prime Minister held discussions with industry representatives to increase the production of indigenous toys. He also held a meeting with ministers and officials to discuss ways to boost manufacturing and global imprint of Indian toys and said India is home to several toy clusters and thousands of artisans who produce indigenous toys. This art, he said, not only has cultural links but also helps in building life-skills and psychomotor skills among children. The PM suggested that such clusters should be promoted through innovative and creative methods.

Taking a cue from the PMs suggestion, Naqvi said, the haat will offer a platform for indigenous toys made from wood, brass, bamboo, glass, cloth, paper, clay etc. The Hunar Haat will be an enormous platform providing market and opportunities to master artisans who prepare these indigenous exquisite toys. More than 30%of the stalls will be for artisans who male indigenous toys, they will also be extended help through various institutions for attractive packaging of swadeshi toys, the minister said.

The fair, as per the minister, has provided employment and employment opportunities to more than 500,000 Indian artisans, craftsmen, culinary experts and other people associated with them in the last five years.
Nick Sandmann from Covington Catholic High School stands in front of Native American activist Nathan Phillips while the latter bangs a drum in his face in Washington on Jan. 18, 2019. (Kaya Taitano via Reuters)

University Professor Targets Nick Sandmann, Vows to Monitor His Behavior on Campus

A professor at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky said he will closely monitor Nick Sandmann, a newly admitted student who is openly conservative, for possible unethical behavior.

The remark came after Samuel Crankshaw, a Transylvania graduate who works with ACLU Kentucky, questioned on Facebook the universitys decision to accept Nick Sandmann. Having experienced the incredibly high standards Transy requires for admission and then holds its students to, this seems like a slap in the face, Crankshaw wrote, labeling the freshman a provocateur in training with no intention of learning.

He exists only to troll, intimidate, and play victim, the ACLU associate continued, noting that Sandmann was featured as a speaker on the second night of the Republican National Convention. Hes no different from the likes of Milo Yiannopoulos, but he is more dangerous.

One of the responses to Crankshaws post was from Avery Tompkins, an assistant professor teaching womens, gender, and sexuality studies at Transylvania University. Tompkins said that while the university cant deny academically qualified students due to their political and personal views, he personally found Sandmanns public behavior atrocious and uninformed.

Im well aware of the anti-intellectual views tied to the organizations hes part of, so I assume hed view me as part of some liberal brainwashing machine, Tompkins wrote. If he were to cause problems by being disruptive, trolling, or engaging in unethical behavior of any kind, I would immediately document it (just like I would for any student doing the same thing) and he would just be putting himself in a position for me to file a conduct report.

Jonathan Turley, a constitutional law professor at George Washington University and free speech advocate, expressed concern over the exchange.

I have repeatedly defended the views of liberal academics attacking police, Trump, and a wide array of conservative causes, wrote Turley in a blog post. Here, however, Tompkins is speaking as an academic, acting a specific students [sic], and promising to monitor his conduct. That is deeply problematic.

Nick Sandmann made national news after a short video showing his encounter with Native American activist Nathan Phillips on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in January 2019 became widely circulated on social media. The edited clip showed Sandmann smirking at Philips, while his MAGA-hat-wearing friends from Covington Catholic High School chanted and cheered in mockery, many reports claimed at the time.

The incident was extensively covered, alleging that the Covington boys who attended the March for Life parade that day surrounded and harassed 64-year-old Philips. A much longer, unedited footage that emerged later, however, told a different story: that the students were on the receiving end of racist verbal attacks from a group of Black Hebrew Israelites, and that it was Philips who approached Sandmann and beat a drum within inches of his face.

Sandmann sued CNN, The Washington Post, and NBC Universal in March 2019 for $800 million in damages, alleging that the media outlets falsely attacked and bullied him. CNN settled the defamation lawsuit with Sandmann in January 2020 for an undisclosed amount. The Washington Post settled the lawsuit with Sandmann in July 2020 for an undisclosed amount.
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Gaza City, Palestinian Territories  Tue, September 8, 2020 07:50 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c434fd9a 2 World Israel,Israel-Palestine-conflict,Israel-annexation,Gaza-strip,Palestine Free

The number of novel coronavirus cases in the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip have risen tenfold over the past two weeks, bringing the total to over 1,000, Palestinian officials said Monday.

In the past 24 hours, 182 infections were registered in the coastal enclave, bringing the number of cases to 1,151, including eight deaths, the Palestinian Authority health ministry said.

The crowded and impoverished Gaza Strip had maintained low infection rates since the start of the pandemic, as it remained isolated from much of the world.

The narrow territory is sealed off by a formidable security barrier on its landward sides, with just two crossing points: one into Israel and the other into Egypt.

But crossings at both points were blocked in March, with few exceptions.

Gazans stuck outside the enclave were allowed to return home, but had to be isolated for three weeks in quarantine centers.

Four virus cases were detected at the end of August outside these centers as tensions flared between Israel and Palestinian fighters in Hamas-controlled Gaza, sparking concern of a rise in infections and forcing the closure of schools, mosques and markets.

During the flare-up, Israel bombed Gaza almost daily from August 6 in response to rocket attacks and the launch of so-called fire balloons -- homemade incendiary devices.

Amid the fighting, Israel tightened its Gaza blockade by closing the Kerem Shalom goods crossing and stopping fuel deliveries, exacerbating Gaza's daily power outages.

The Palestinian health ministry on Monday also reported that 26,633 coronavirus cases so far have been registered across the Israeli-occupied West Bank, including 178 deaths.
08.09.2020 LISTEN

Former Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party, Lawyer Yaw Adomako Baafi has described the manifesto from the National Democratic Congress [NDC] as lies and in a way to trick Ghanaians again.

The opposition National Democratic Congress on Monday 7th September 2020 launched their manifesto at the University of Professional Studies, Accra [UPSA].

After the launch of the manifesto titled, 'The People's Manifesto: Jobs, Prosperity and more', most of the people in the political scene have shared their views especially those in the NPP.

Speaking in an interview on Kumasi based Nhyira FM's morning show on Tuesday 8th September 2020. Former Director of communications of the NPP Lawyer Yaw Adomako Baafi described it as lies.

He added evidence to prove his point by quoting their 2012 manifesto page 46 which promised employment for every graduate but later on 18th November 2016, President John Mahama in an interview said he is not a magician.

He quoted their 2008 and 2012 manifesto which promised a pension scheme for farmers but they didn't do it.

Lastly, he quoted what the Chairman of the NDC said at the manifesto launch which he said they solved 'Dum So' before they left but this same chairman 0n 2nd march 2017 said in an interview that Mahama would have solved Dum So if he was retained.

He said all these are lies so there is nothing new in the People's Manifesto.
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IT services major HCL Technologies on Tuesday said it has opened a global development centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and expects to hire over 3,000 people in the next few years for the facility.

The new centre was inaugurated by Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay via a virtual ceremony, a statement said.

HCLs office in Colombo will have world-class infrastructure, multi-layered data and physical security protocols, and high-end systems to support its global customer base.

The company will primarily focus on offering next-generation solutions to serve major blue-chip organisations, it added.

The office in Colombo which currently has a seating capacity for more than 650 employees, already has over 100 new HCL local recruits.

By the end of November 2020, HCL hopes to further add over 600 seats at this centre, it said.

"HCL plans to deploy about 3,000 people in the coming three to five years and of which 1,500 employees will start working in Sri Lanka in the next 18 months, it added.

HCL will also implement its Work Integrated Education Program to foster growth by actively cooperating with local ICT and engineering institutions in order to develop and train the local talent pool.

"We have already hired our first set of employees in the journey and we hope to take this number to over 3,000 people in the coming three yearsWe are very positive of the growth prospects we foresee in the country and looking forward to bringing in global opportunities to the local communities in Sri Lanka, HCL Technologies President and CEO C Vijayakumar said.

For freshers, HCL will focus on hiring A Level, Higher National Diploma (HND) students through skills training and hiring program, it said adding that the company will also invite Sri Lanka expats to come back home and work with the firm.

HCL noted that Sri Lanka is accelerating into an emerging destination of choice for the global ITO and BPM market, and is among the best destinations for providing off-shore services for IT-enabled service as well as services related to finance and accounting, legal, insurance, banking, and telecommunications.

HCL had joined hands with the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka in February 2020 to launch its local entity  HCL Technologies Lanka (Private) Limited and set up its first delivery centre in the region.

Through this entity, HCL will provide services to global clients in the areas of applications and system integration services, and infrastructure Services.
(CNN)  Australia and other countries in the Southern Hemisphere just finished their easiest flu seasons on record, and the United States and other nations in the Northern Hemisphere could have an easy time, too  if people get flu shots, practice social distancing and wear masks.

"This could be one of the best flu seasons [we've had]," Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told the Journal of the American Medical Association in August. "Particularly if [people] do one more thing, and that is to embrace the flu vaccine with confidence."

It's never been more important to keep flu at bay, since this fall and winter there will be Covid-19 outbreaks in addition to the flu.

Along with getting a flu shot, Redfield urged people to wear masks, social distance, wash their hands and be smart about crowds.

If Americans choose not to follow the advice, he told WebMD, the nation could experience the "worst fall" in US public health history.

An easy flu season in the Southern Hemisphere

The Southern Hemisphere, which generally has its flu season generally from April to September, just experienced a record low flu season, according to the World Health Organization.

Take Australia, for example.

In August 2019, there were 61,000 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza in Australia.

In August 2020, there were 107.

"This is virtually a non-season," said Ian Barr, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Melbourne. "We've never seen numbers like this before."

South Africa and the southern cone of South America have had similar experiences.

"Where you would expect to have seasons -- like in Chile, like in Argentina -- we didn't really see a season this year," said Dr. Andrea Vicari, an adviser on epidemic-prone disease for the Pan American Health Organization.

Covid-19 is much of the reason.

Flu season in the Southern Hemisphere started just as Covid-19 hit. All the precautions people took to control the new virus -- staying home, practicing social distancing, wearing masks -- also helped keep flu numbers low.

"Many of the physical distancing and public health measures that have been put in place, which keeps people apart, may have actually played a role in reducing circulation of the [coronavirus]," said Maria Van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization's Covid-19 technical lead.

Vicari said Covid might have also influenced people to get flu shots.

"If we compare to previous season, I think there was quite a bit more urgency in terms of influenza vaccination," he said.

He said it's also possible that a significant number of people already had immunity to the flu viruses in circulation this year in the Southern Hemisphere.

Implications for the Northern Hemisphere

Infectious disease experts warn that an easy flu season down under does not mean the US will necessarily be as fortunate.

"It's very hazardous to make predictions about influenza," said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

He said even with low amounts of flu in the Southern Hemisphere, he's still concerned about a "twin-demic" of flu and Covid-19, which could cost lives and put a strain on the health care system.

A look at hospitalization numbers show the burden of two viruses at once.

It's estimated that for the 2019-2020 US flu season, between 410,000 and 740,000 people were hospitalized for flu.

Since March, at least 372,217 people have been hospitalized in the US for Covid-19, according to figures from the Covid Tracking Project. And a model from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington projects a 170% increase in hospital bed use for Covid-19 patients from now until January 1.

"From a resource standpoint, it's the worst possibility," said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. "It's really a perfect storm."

That's why a flu shot this year is especially important.

"By getting that flu vaccine, you may be able to negate the necessity to take up a hospital bed, and then that hospital bed can be more available for those who potentially get hospitalized for Covid," Redfield told WedMD.

Just getting the right diagnosis could be tough, since symptoms for flu and coronavirus are very similar.

"We won't be able to distinguish immediately between whether somebody has flu or whether somebody has Covid," WHO's Van Kerkhove said.

Doctors will need to do more testing than usual, but tests for both flu and Covid-19 are imperfect.

Plus, outbreaks of both viruses could mean shortages of personal protective equipment for health care workers.

"That is really going to drain our PPE stocks very quickly," Osterholm said.

Plans for flu shots this year

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu shot.

Flu shots work: In the 2018-19 US flu season, the vaccine averted more than 4 million illnesses, 2 million doctors' visits and about 58,000 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths, according to the CDC.

Redfield said the CDC has purchased 10 million doses of the flu vaccine for uninsured adults this year, compared to the usual 500,000 doses.

"Please don't to leave this important accomplishment of American medicine on the shelf for yourself, your family, your church, your workforce," he said in an interview with WebMD.

But the increased supply doesn't mean Americans will be rushing out to get a flu shot.

Historically, only about 45% of US adults and 63% of children get vaccinated against the flu, according to the CDC.

This year, there are unique obstacles.

About a third of US adults and 80% of children get their flu shot at a doctor's office, according to a 2018 CDC study.

This year, many people are hesitant to go to the doctor for fear of catching Covid.

Nearly 15% of adults got their flu shot at work, according to the study. This year, many people are working from home.

"It's going to be a challenge," Osterholm said, "How are we going to get our flu shots out?"

To help more children get vaccinated against the flu, in August, the Trump administration authorized any state-licensed pharmacist to administer the flu shot to children starting at age 3.

Schaffner said he's particularly worried about communities of color, where coronavirus has already caused a disproportionate amount of sickness and death.

"We would like to really extend influenza immunization into communities of color and lower socio-economic areas, and those communities very traditionally have been vaccine wary. They're not anti-vaccine -- that's a different group -- they're just not as convinced about the merits of vaccination. It's harder to reach them," Schaffner said.

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and other organizations are starting to get the word out to encourage people to get people to accept flu vaccination, he says.

"We wish to reach those communities of color and underrepresented minorities with even more intensity, but we're not a whole lot smarter about how to do that, unfortunately," Schaffner said.

This story was first published on CNN.com After record low flu season in Australia, US hopes for the same
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), left, at a press conference on Capitol Hill on, Dec. 19, 2019 and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) at a media availability on Capitol Hill in Washington on Nov. 7, 2018. (Saul Loeb and Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images)

McConnell Says Republicans Will Vote on Targeted Virus Relief Bill

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said that GOP will vote on targeted a pandemic stimulus package this week, although its unlikely to receive bipartisan support or pass in the Democratic-controlled House.

In July, we proposed another package worth more than $1 trillion, he said, adding that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the Senate Minority leader, didnt approve.

McConnell then echoed a claim from President Donald Trumps press conference on Monday, saying that both Schumer and Pelosi actually dont want a deal to be made because it would potentially benefit Trump politically and bolster his reelection chances.

The latest GOP proposal will be targeted at healthcare, education, and economic issues, he said, adding that it will be introduced on Tuesday on the Senate floor.

Pelosi on Labor Day again accused the GOP and White House of stonewalling on negotiations.

Sadly, this Labor Day, Americas workers are facing the staggering assault on their health and economic security from the unprecedented coronavirus crisis, Pelosi said. Yet, with millions of workers still unemployed and millions more at risk of losing their jobs, Republicans and the Trump Administration continue to ignore the scale of the crisis and refuse to lift a finger to help working families.

The most contentious issue for both sides is whether to provide more than $900 billion in federal funding to state and local governments reeling during the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic. Before that, Republicans said they didnt want to extend $600-per-week unemployment benefits ahead of a July 31 deadline to keep the program running.

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows (R) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin arrive at the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) at the Capitol in Washington on Aug. 1, 2020. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo)

Democrats have sought to tie to the federal aid to local jurisdictions and unemployment benefits to a broader package that would include stimulus payments, election security measures, providing more funding to hospitals, and more. In the Democrat-controlled House, the $3.5 trillion HEROES Act was passed, but it has not been taken up by the Senate.

Democrats have scaled down that bill to about $2.2 trillion while Republicans are working on a bill that is worth around $500 billion.

Pelosi added: We must act quickly and decisively to defeat the virus, provide critical financial relief to state and local governments to preserve jobs, and keep workers safe with strong OSHA protections.

Pelosis office has not responded to a request for comment.

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said the Trump administration believes there is a groundswell of support among members of Congress to make a compromise.

I know as late as 9 oclock last night I was on the phone with a couple of senators as well as Senate leadership to make sure that we put forth a bill coming out of the Senate that at least provides a foundation for getting an agreement, Meadows told Fox Business. The stumbling block is aid to state and local governments, Meadows added, referring to the nearly $1 trillion proposal.

Meadows, meanwhile, said that he more optimistic about a bipartisan deal.

The Senate returned to the Capitol on Tuesday following a several-week-long break. The House wont convene for votes until Sept. 14, according to a schedule released by the House Majority leaders office.
boAt, makers of consumer audio products, is launching their new Rockerz 335 Wireless Neckband Headphones in India. It is feature-packed with support for Qualcomm aptX & cVc technologies, long battery life with fast charging, IPX5 certification, dual device pairing and more.

The Rockerz 335 use 10mm drivers that deliver boAts Signature Sound with Enhanced Bass. It supports both Qualcomm aptX and aptX HD, along with Qualcomm low latency and passive noise cancelling, ensuring peak audio quality via its Bluetooth 5.0 connection. The headphones are lightweight and the earbuds have magnets in them to hold them together when not in use.

boAt claims a battery life of 30 hours with the built-in 150mAh battery and it supports fast charging via USB Type-C, where 10 minutes of charge will give 10 hours of listening time.

boAt Rockerz 335 Wireless Headphones specifications:

Bluetooth Version: V5.0

Frequency: 20Hz ~ 20000Hz

Battery: 150mAh

Battery life: Up to 30 Hours

Audio Technology: Qualcomm aptX and aptX HD

Driver size 10mm x 2

Driver Impedance 16

Sensitivity 98dB 3dB

Water Resistance IPX5

The boAt Rockerz 335 Wireless Neckband Headphones comes in three colours  Raging Red, Blazing Yellow and Ocean Blue, and will go on sale from tomorrow, 9th September on Flipkart for a price of Rs. 1999.

Commenting on the launch, Aman Gupta said:
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Linkedin Mardika Parama (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 9 2020

A United Nations Development Program (UNDP) economist urges Indonesia to evaluate its social assistance program and eliminate ineffective programs amid rising need for social welfare to prevent further economic fallout from the pandemic.

The UNDPs senior economic advisor for Asia Pacific Balazs Horvath on Friday said all governments needed to review their expenditure including social assistance programs to create fiscal space for additional welfare.

Its not feasible that every country goes out and borrows a huge amount of money. Governments need to have a clear-headed review of their expenditure and revenue policies, and get rid of inefficient policies to create fiscal space, he said during an online discussion held by the agency.

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Rome, Sep 8 : The anti-coronavirus measures in Italy will be extended till September 30, as the country has witnessed a drop in the number of positive cases, the Health Ministry announced.

The country's total confirmed cases reached 278,784, after 1,108 new infections were added in the last 24 hours, Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry as saying on Monday.

The previous day it registered 1,297 cases.

The death toll currently stood at 35,553.

Meanwhile, the extension, according to the government, was necessary to confirm the key rules adopted in the previous months to contain the spread of infections, and especially the new ones introduced on August 7 (with a decree that expired on Monday).

Among the measures added to the country's comprehensive response to Coovid-19 in August were the mandatory use of face masks in public places between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., and the temporary closure of all dance halls.

The new decree will also comprise the safety rules for the school year 2020/2021 agreed between the central government and the regional authorities, which were already being implemented in these days, as pupils of all grades were gradually going back to their classrooms.

The rules require teachers and staff to wear face masks all the time, and students in primary and secondary schools (from 6 to 18 years old) when the one-meter safety distance rule cannot be observed.

As for school transport, daily sanitation of all buses is required, the installation of hand sanitizers on buses, and mask wearing for the entire journey are mandatory.

While the new school year would officially begin on September 14, the northeast Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto regions moved ahead with the opening on Monday.

Also on Monday, doctors at the San Raffaele hospital in northern Milan said the health conditions of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, 83, were getting better.

"His overall clinical picture appears to be improving," Alberto Zangrillo, head of the general and cardiovascular intensive care unit, said.

Berlusconi had been admitted to the hospital on August 3 after being tested positive for the coronavirus.
Two men have been arrested by police investigating INLA drug crime.

Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force arrested the men, aged 33 and 34, following the search of a car and two properties on Tuesday.

Detective Inspector Hamilton said the arrests are part of a proactive operation into drugs criminality linked to the INLA.

Suspected cannabis with an estimated street value of 10,000 was seized following the search of a car on the outskirts of west Belfast.

Follow-up searches were carried out at properties in Crumlin and south Belfast and a further quantity of suspected cannabis was recovered, with an estimated street value of 60,000.

Both men have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class B drugs and are currently in custody assisting with our enquiries, Detective Inspector Hamilton said.

This operation, targeting drug activity linked to the INLA, is further evidence of our continuing commitment to tackling the harm caused in our communities, by paramilitary drug dealers.

These drug criminals are preying on the most vulnerable in society to line their own pockets, with little or no regard for their victims or their communities.

Cannabis is a gateway drug, which can contribute to serious mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and paranoia.

In a city where the suicide rate of young males is so disproportionately high, it will remain a priority for the PCTF to work with partners, to end the harm caused by drugs.

We will continue to listen to the community and act on information they provide so anyone with any concerns of criminal activity should contact police on 101.
Jamshedpur :

It was a marriage with a difference. A cashless wedding was solemnised at a temple at Badia in East Singhbhum district within hours of a toilet being built at the grooms house.



Prior to the marriage on Monday, the family members of the bride Sunita, a resident of Itihasa village in Chakradharpur of West Singhbhum district, and the bridegroom Subhash Nayak of Badia village, joined hands and provided voluntary services in the construction of a toilet in Nayaks home.



The construction work began late on Sunday night and was completed before the marriage was solemnised, said Sanjay Kumar, Deputy Collector in the Chief Ministers camp office in Jamshedpur.



Kumar, who convinced both families to opt for cashless marriage, said all payments for the marriage - from tent house rent to purchase of vegetables, groceries and jewellery - were made without cash.



Even the Dakshina (donation) to the priest who performed the marriage and gifts were presented to the couple online or through cheques, he said adding, both families as well as the villagers were happy to be part of the cashless society movement launched across the country.



Kumar said the cashless marriage was presumably first of its kind in the state following the demonetisation move.



BJP MLA (Ghatsila) Laxman Tudu, Circle Officer (Musaboni) Sadhucharan Devgam, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Musaboni) Ajit Kumar Vimal, environmentalist Jamuna Tudu and others presented gifts to the newlywed couple by cheques.



A joint account of the couple was also opened instantly and an ATM card was handed over to them after the marriage, Kumar said adding, almost the entire village turned up to witness the unique cashless marriage ceremony.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported on Tuesday an increase of 496 cases of coronavirus, as well as 11 more deaths related to the virus.

The addition of 496 cases brings the total case count to 140,359. The death toll is now at 7,791.

Your coronavirus updates

(Cant see the chart? Click here.)

Coronavirus in Pa.

The increase of 496 new cases is the lowest daily increase since Aug. 24, when 426 cases were reported. However, the low number of cases is likely due to a lag in reported testing and results over the holiday weekend. There were only 6,835 tests reported in the last day, a much lower number than a typical day.

The states seven-day rolling average decreased a little bit to 795 new cases per day. Following last week, which saw a sharp increase in new daily cases that, on Sept. 3, reached 1,160 new cases, the average took a jump  Mondays average was 834 cases, a number it hadnt topped since Aug. 3 when the average was 842. After what seems like a post-holiday lag in reported test results, the rest of the week should signify if last weeks surge in cases will continue or not.

(Cant see the chart? Click here.)

Even with limited test results, Tuesdays increase shows that the largest concentration of increasing cases is centered around the southeast corner of the state. Philadelphia (74), Chester (58) and Montgomery (42) had the most notable increases in case numbers.

Coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley

The Lehigh Valley only had three new cases reported from 181 tests on Tuesday. All three were from Northampton County. However, the Lehigh Valleys total case count increases by only two, since the state reported that a case that had been counted towards Lehigh Countys case total was misattributed. Its not uncommon for a case to be misattributed  for example, someone with a positive case of COVID-19 could test positive in Lehigh County health facility, but actually be a Northampton County resident. A case could initially be added to Lehigh Countys total, but retroactively taken from the countys total and added to Northampton Countys.

Subtracting that misattributed case, Lehigh Countys total count is now at 5,307. Northampton Countys is at 4,176. There was also one death in the Valley, coming from Northampton County, bringing its death toll to 302. Lehigh Countys is at 345.

(Cant see the chart? Click here.)

On Wednesday, there will be free COVID-19 testing and education from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley in Bethlehem. The program is through CATE, which stands for Community-Accessible Testing & Education.

Here is how the Lehigh Valleys neighboring Pennsylvania counties are faring with the coronavirus, from the states data on Tuesday:

Berks County has 6,344 total cases and 385 deaths, with 34 new cases and no new deaths reported in the last day.

Bucks County has 8,093 total cases and 590 deaths, with nine new cases and no new deaths reported in the last day.

Carbon County has 432 total cases and 28 deaths, with one new cases and no deaths reported in the last day.

Monroe County has 1,742 total cases and 129 deaths, with three new cases and no new deaths reported in the last day.

Montgomery County has 11,434 total cases and 864 deaths, with 42 new cases and one new death reported in the last day.

Schuylkill County has 1,019 total cases and 51 deaths, with four new cases and no deaths reported in the last day.

(Cant see the chart? Click here.)

Indoor restaurant capacity to double back up to 50%

In a press release on Tuesday morning, Governor Tom Wolf announced that restaurants that have been operating at 25% capacity can open to 50% capacity starting on Sept. 21. That allowance comes with the caveat that alcohol sales must be stopped by 10 p.m.

While our aggressive and appropriate mitigation efforts have kept case counts low, we must continue to take important steps to protect public health and safety as we head into the fall. At the same time, we must also support the retail food services industry that has struggled throughout this pandemic, Wolf said in a statement.

When Wolf allowed restaurants to open at only 25% indoor capacity in July, the decision was met with much dissatisfaction from members of the restaurant industry. Doubling the indoor capacity in addition to the outdoor dining that some restaurants are able to use should put the industry in a better position than it was merely a few months ago.
THE CHIEF Executive Officer of Marrer Ghana Limited and Susatgad Boat Building and Fishing Industries, Mr Novihoho Afaglo has slammed both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for failing to develop the Volta Region.



According to the CEO, both the NPP and NDC have failed the people of Volta because a region which for a long time has been described as a world bank for a party but still lack behind in development.



Mr Afaglo said it is time the people from the Volta Region do away with both the NPP and NDC due to lack of development and false promises since the Provisional National Defense Council (NDC) era.



What it is now is that until these two parties finds it necessary to establish schools and setup factories to create employment for the youth and support the agricultural sector to help the indigenes, the people would continue to wallow in poverty, he stated.



Mr Afaglo said after parent struggle to pay huge sums of money to foot their childrens school fees, they come out of school unemployed and become a burden to the society as graduate finds themselves back on the streets engaging in all kind of societal ills.



I am pleading with the sitting government Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to throw light on the people of Ketu South District to enable them change the mentality of the fact that the Volta Region is an NDC stronghold, he requested.



The CEO calls on the President not to ignore the plight of the people of Ketu South adding that, that will charge their mentality and will reward his government.



We all are sons and daughters of this great nation and it is our humble plea that the President would let this go down in the history books as the one who have turn things around in terms of development in the district.



He said the political figures that have emerge from Ketu South in these two parties such as Archibald Letsa, Okudzeto Ablakwa, Dzifa Gomashie and a host of others representing the Volta region have out lived their usefulness.



Mr Afaglo said the only development in the area are those that their forefathers and fathers did during the PNDC era such as establishing schools and others.



My father Tougbui Satsimadza Afari II single handedly began to develop the Ketu South District by building schools, hospitals and investing in the agricultural sector and the above mentioned names cant do better even in politics, he stated.

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The owner of a retirement home in central Newfoundland says the COVID-19 situation inside his facility is dire  and he believes it's time for the regional health authority to call in outside help. Shane Penney, who owns Springdale Retirement Living together with his wife, told CBC News that 19 out of 90 residents and 17 out of 35 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, and more test results are pending. "It's very, very serious; very busy at our facility," Penney said on Tuesday. Penne
That same fatal complacency threads through Fire in Paradise: An American Tragedy, by journalists Alastair Gee and Dani Anguiano, their nonfiction account of the 2018 Camp Fire in California that killed more than 85 people. With success comes certitude, they write, and after the Chicago Fire and 1906 San Francisco earthquake (which resulted in doubly devastating fires), it was hard to even imagine that a fire could invade a modern American community, outfitted with fire codes, emergency exits and first responders. Its a denial, indeed, that can become inseparable from the stories we tell ourselves to plan for those disasters. See climate change. Or read Jon Mooallems new book, This is Chance! The Shaking of an All-American City, A Voice that That Held It Together, about the massive 1964 earthquake in Anchorage, Alaska. Its the local government agencies officially responsible for keeping Anchorage from falling apart that unravel right away. The book, instead, focuses on Genie Chance, a radio reporter who stays on the air for days relaying stories to the community, serving as their bond.
In an official blog post, Google has announced that it is adding a new Verified Calls feature to its Google Phone app. With the help of this feature, users will be able to know the reason behind a business call.

Notably, this feature is recently rolling out and is available for all the Android users. The legitimate business calls will show a companys name, logo, and a small verified badge along with a reason for its call.

Sometimes users are flooded with spam calls and may be hesitant to pick any calls up. Google thinks that this hampers verified shops and other companies trying to reach customers.

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Spam calls are on the rise in the US, and the Google Phone app Verified Calls feature could help to decrease this. As per a recent report by RoboKiller, US users received 61.4 billion spam calls in 2019.

Moreover, Googles official blog states that the Google Phone app Verified Calls feature is done in an authenticated and secure way.

Apparently, Google will not collect or store any personal data for verification.

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Google Phone app Verified Calls feature will help legit business

This feature depends on how businesses use it. In fact, it will help all the legit businesses trying to connect to their customers.

It will not only allow users to know who is calling but also make it clear whether the phone is necessary to pick up or not.

Sometimes, there are instances where users are busy or doing something important, and suddenly a call from spammers disturbs them.

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This Google Phone app Verified Calls feature is similar to last years Verified SMS feature. This feature confirms the identity of the business that is messaging the user.

As per Googles official post, the businesses can get started working with a partner such as Neustar, JustCall, Telecall, Zenvia, Prestus, Aspect, Five9, Vonage, Bandwidth, IMImobile, Kaleyra, Quiubas Mobile, or Datora.

Once the setup is done, Google will send the Verified Calls server its number along with the reason for the calls to the users. The app on your phone will compare the incoming calls with the information it receives from Google.

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Moreover, if the two sets of information match, then it shows the call as verified.

The feature is enabled by default in the Phone app for Android devices

Notably, this feature is enabled by default on the Google Phone app for all Android devices. The app comes pre-installed on many Android phones.

This feature was under testing for many months before it is now rolling out for the masses. The feature is now rolling out for the users in the US, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, and India starting today, and will add more countries in the future.
SAGINAW TWP, MI  Schools in Saginaw, Shiawassee, and Gratiot counties have experienced staff members and students test positive for COVID-19.

Four staff members of Saginaw Township Community Schools have been confirmed positive  three at Arrowwood Elementary at 5410 Seidel Road and one at Sherwood Elementary at 3870 Shattuck Road.

Weve contacted the (Saginaw County) Health Department and are working with them in order to follow all appropriate health protocols, said Arrowwood Elementary Principal Bekah DHaene. She declined to give additional details, citing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA.

We learned of one of the cases in the middle of last week, added Saginaw Township Public Schools Superintendent Bruce Martin. We took action at that time to start identifying close contacts and anybody who would have been in proximity to them. The other ones we learned about on Friday (Sept. 4).

Martin added it appears the four staffers contracted the virus in situations outside of school.

The schools are still operational, Martin said. Arrowwood is teaching from home this week so we can get into a really deep cleaning and sanitizing of the building. A small portion of staff at Sherwood is teaching from home today. Were monitoring (the situation) today.

Martin added students are either learning remotely or virtually.

There arent any kids in the buildings, he said. Its made it a little easier for staff to do their lessons from home.

In Shiawassee County, two students of Corunna High School, 417 E. King St., have tested positive, according to a statement by Corunna Public Schools Superintendent John P. Fattal. Faculty were notified of this by the Shiawassee County Health Department late on Sunday, Sept. 6.

Neither student is believed to have contracted the virus from the school, Fattal said. Their last day of school was Sept. 2 and they have been placed in isolation by the health department, he added. Any other students who are being are being recommended to quarantine have been contacted by the school and/or the health department as well, Fattal said.

We must protect the confidentiality of these students unless there is a reason the SCHD chooses to inform you of their identity, Fattal said. At this time, it is our role to tell all the families of Corunna Public Schools. We are moving forward under the guidance of the SCHD and that all measures have been taken to protect the well-being of your child(ren).

Fattal encouraged parents to monitor their household members for onset of COVID-19-related symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, headache, or new fatigue.

Alma Public Schools have temporary closed Luce Road Early Childhood Learning Center, 6265 N. Luce Road, due to two positive coronavirus cases in its first-grade class. Superintendent Donalynn Ingersoll in a Sept. 5 statement said staff learned that morning of a second positive case within the first-grade classroom.

This second case that is linked to the same exposure is considered an Outbreak, Ingersoll said. Under the direction of the Mid-Michigan Health Department, we believe the safest action at this time is to close Luce Road School for a 14-day period, from the date of last possible exposure (Sept. 3).

Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8, the schools kindergarten and first-grade students will transition to an online program. Alma Public Schools is adhering to directions of the Mid-Michigan Health Department

Routinely, all classrooms are disinfected each day following dismissal, Ingersoll said. During the day, additional disinfecting of high-touch areas such as light switches, door knobs, and locker handles is completed. When we return to in-person instruction, these routines will continue. Additional disinfecting/cleaning measures have been implemented, and will continue to be implemented, during the school closure. All of Luce Road will be deep cleaned and disinfected following COVID-19 Exposure protocols during the school closure.

Parents of students identified as having been in close contact with the infected pupils will be contacted by the local health department.

In-person teaching is expected to resume on Sept. 18.

Read more:

Sunday, Sept. 6: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

Here are the COVID-19 trends in Genesee, Bay and Saginaw counties

People ignoring the 3 Ws are contributing to coronavirus spike in Saginaw County
A recent report by the US Department of Defence has revealed that China has shortlisted Pakistan as a possible candidate for setting up military logistics facilities. In its annual report to Congress. The US Department of Defence stated that the Peoples Republic of China was seeking to establish a robust overseas logistics facility so that the PLA could project power over greater distances.

PLA looking to expand its influence

The report titled Military and Security Developments involving the Peoples Republic of China 2020 stated that Beyond its current base in Djibouti, the PRC is very likely already considering and planning for additional overseas military logistics facilities to support naval, air and ground forces. 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,.

The report also added that the Peoples Republic of China was using the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) project to strengthen its territorial integrity as well as increasing energy security and expanding international influence, The One Belt, One Road initiative will involve the construction of pipelines and ports in Pakistan which are intended to decrease Chinas dependency of strategic chokepoints.

Read: Czech President Seeks Toning Down Of Tensions With China Over Senate's Trip To Taiwan

Read: '8 Apple Factories Have Shifted To India From China, Samsung Already Here': IT Minister

The report stated that recently the PLA had increased cooperation with foreign militaries such as Russia and Pakistan which in the long run will help the PLA organize and manage combined operations that integrate foreign forces. The report also stated that China utilizes multilateral organisations and countries like Brazil, Russia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the African Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as a way to try and expand its international influence, portray itself as a responsible actor and to stamp any form of criticism against it.

China imposes visa restrictions on journalists

Recently, China has announced visa restrictions for journalists working for American organisations amid heightened tensions with the United States. As per the new restriction, China that use to renew press passes for 12 months now gives journalists letter that state that their application is being processed and that they must carry the letter along with their expired press passes in order to prove their credentials. China also revealed that journalists that hold temporary press passes can have their credentials removed without notice.

(Input Credit ANI) (Image Credit AP)

Read: Chinese Stooge Shares Deepfake Video Of Trump And Pompeo Singing 'I Love China'

Read: China Imposes New Visa Restrictions Affecting US Media Amid Soaring Tensions
(CNN) -- Five weeks have passed since Belarus learned the results of its presidential election, in which the country's Central Election Commission announced that President Alexander Lukashenko, often described as Europe's last dictator, had won with 80.23% of the vote.

In the weeks that have followed, the country has seen mass protests from citizens who believe the vote was rigged, violent police crackdowns on those protestors and, possibly most disturbingly, three high-profile opposition figures -- all of whom are women -- have disappeared from public view or fled Belarus.

Belarusian state media said on Tuesday that Maria Kolesnikova, a key opposition figure, had been detained on the Belarusian side of the border between Ukraine and Belarus. The statement was made by Belarusian Border Control, and aired on state TV.

"The disappearance of the candidates demonstrates beyond all doubt the brutality of this regime and how important it is that the international community doesn't lose interest in the appalling events that have unfolded since the election," Tom Tugendhat, chairman of the UK's Foreign Affairs Select Committee, told CNN.

Kolesnikova joined forces with fellow opposition candidates Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Veronika Tsepkalo to take on Lukashenko in the election after several opposition candidates were either barred from running or jailed.

Tikhanovskaya and Tsepkalo left Belarus in the immediate aftermath of the election, while Kolesnikova stayed and spoke out against the result. She told CNN in an interview on August 13 that Lukashenko "has to accept that the Belarusian people don't like him and don't like for him to stay the President of Belarus."

Maria Kolesnikova

Kolesnikova disappeared in central Minsk on Monday. Two of her colleagues from the Coordination Council, the main Belarusian opposition group also disappeared shortly after.

Her colleagues passed through the Alexandrovka checkpoint into Ukraine at 4 a.m., according to Belarusian Border Control. Kolesnikova did not.

Ukrainian State Border Guard Service press officer Oleg Bokyo said Kolesnikova "did not arrive at the checkpoint of Ukraine for border control."

Speaking to CNN's Christiane Amanpour from her exile in Ukraine on Monday, Tikhanovskaya said: "At the moment, members of the Coordinated Council I created are chased, kidnapped and harassed. And it's worrying me a lot, because at the moment we still don't know where Maria Kolesnikova is."

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya

Tikhanovskaya, the main opposition candidate in August's disputed presidential election, left the country days later -- after security forces mounted a sweeping crackdown on protests over the result.

Tikhanovskaya, who stood in for her husband as an opposition candidate after he was jailed, is now in neighboring Lithuania with her children, according to her campaign.

She had publicly questioned the result of the election, demanding a recount after the Central Election Commission announced that she had only won 9.9% of the vote.

"We do not recognize the election results," she said. "We have seen real protocols. We urge those who believe that their voice was stolen not to remain silent."

Veronika Tsepkalo

Tsepkalo, who served as an adviser to Tikhanovskaya, meanwhile, fled Belarus for Moscow for safety reasons before the election took place, her campaign told CNN.

Tsepkalo's husband Valery Tsepkalo, the former Belarusian ambassador to the US, was not allowed to register as a candidate and had previously gone to Russia with their children, fearing for their safety after receiving threats of arrest.

The family is now in exile in Poland. Tsepkalo told Reuters on August 19 that the "only legitimate President is Svetlana Tikhanovskaya ... our main aim is just to make Lukashenko go," adding that she would like to go back to Belarus but understands the chances of her going to jail are "very, very high."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "These three women stood up to Europe's longest-serving dictator. Here's what happened to them"
The Bank of England's chief economist has warned against extending the coronavirus furlough scheme, claiming that keeping jobs on 'life support' is simply 'prolonging the inevitable'.

Andy Haldane says the pandemic has caused 'lasting structural damage' to the economy and that 'regrettably, some business will not make it through'.

In a podcast with City A.M, the economist said the 'most painless solution' is to recognise the damage caused and plan to adapt ' to the new world'.

It comes as bosses at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which represents around 190,000 businesses, argued the furlough scheme, which has cost more than 40billion so far, should be replaced with a new system.

Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the CBI, said the furlough system could be replaced with a 'much less expensive' new scheme which would allow a smoother transition.

Andy Haldane says the pandemic has caused 'lasting structural damage' to the economy and that 'regrettably, some business will not make it through'

Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the CBI, said the furlough system could be replaced with a 'much less expensive' new scheme which would allow a smoother transition

Mr Haldane, who is The Bank of England's (pictured) chief economist said keeping jobs on 'life support' is simply 'prolonging the inevitable'

Arguing for an end to the furlough scheme, Mr Haldane told City A.M: 'Keeping all those jobs on life support is in some ways prolonging the inevitable in a way that probably doesn't help either the individual or the business.'

Up to 3.5BILLION of furlough cash has been lost to fraud or handed out in error, HMRC reveals before scheme is axed next month Up to 3.5 billion of furlough cash may have been paid out in wrong or fraudulent claims, according to official Government estimates. HMRC has calculated that between five per cent and 10 per cent of payments may have been either stolen or paid out in error. The total bill for the state subsidy scheme currently stands at more than 35 billion. The job retention programme is now being wound down and will be scrapped entirely by Chancellor Rishi Sunak at the end of October. Jim Harra, the top civil servant at HMRC, told the Public Accounts Committee this afternoon that his staff believe between five per cent and 10 per cent of furlough cash might have gone to the wrong places. 'We have made an assumption for the purposes of our planning that the error and fraud rate in this scheme could be between five per cent and 10 per cent,' the permanent secretary said. The Government has so far paid out 35.4 billion in furlough cash, according to the latest official figures. If HMRC's working assumption proves to be accurate it will mean that somewhere between 1.75 billion and 3.5 billion could have been paid out by mistake or as a result of fraud. 'That will range from deliberate fraud through to error,' Mr Harra said. Advertisement

She added that struggling firms should look to wage restraint and even reduced hours before making job cuts.

'For me that would be a less painful way of businesses adapting now, if the burden was shared across the workforce for those companies for which demand hadn't fully returned, and shared through..somewhat lower pay rises or somewhat shorter hours rather than all the burden being taken in job losses for a smaller number of people.'

He said adopting a more flexible approach might be 'one of the things that protects us from too many more job losses.'

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has cost 40billion so far, and has helped to pay the wages of nearly 11million people.

The scheme will end on October 31, but opposition MPs have urged the Government to extend it  despite warnings about tax rises.

Yesterday Mr Johnson ruled out an extension after Labour MP Kate Osborne asked him do as other countries have done and continue the scheme.

He replied: I dont think thats the right thing. I think the best way forward for our country is to get people as far as we possibly can back into work.

Today Ms Fairbairn told Radio 4 that the CBI was proposing a new Short Working Hours scheme, which would see businesses pay for at least half of hours worked.

She said for hours not worked, the cost would be split between the government, the employer and the worker.

She said: 'You would have some support, but it would be less and you would see far fewer companies take it but, but enough to create a smooth transition and protect jobs at this very crucial time.'

This week, Mr Johnson pushed back any idea of extending the current furlough scheme when quizzed by Labour leader Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Question Time.

Mr Johnson responded: We are getting people back to work, what he wants to do is extend the furlough scheme on which this country has already spent 40 billion, what we would rather do is get people into work through our kick start scheme which we are launching today with 2 billion to spend, to support people, young people in particular to get the jobs that they need.

Boris Johnson, pictured during Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, has said the government will not be extended the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which is set to come to an end on October 31

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, pictured during Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, insisted that the government must continue to help industries that are yet unable to return to normal during the pandemic

He wants to keep people out of work in suspended animation, we want to move this country forward, thats the difference between him and us.

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said ending the scheme would lead to unemployment levels last seen under Margaret Thatcher in the early 1980s.

Mr Johnson replied: What we want to do is get people back to work and thats why I hope he (Mr Blackford) will instead support our Kickstarter scheme to get young people into jobs and support them in those jobs.

How much better is that than languishing out of work?

Labours Sir Keir earlier said: The jobs of millions of people are at risk, the longer he delays, the more theyre at risk, so will he act, finally get this decision right and commit to extend the furlough for those sectors and those workers that desperately need it?'

The debate comes as it was revealed yesterday that up to 3.5 billion of furlough cash may have been paid out in wrong or fraudulent claims, according to official Government estimates.

HMRC has calculated that between five per cent and 10 per cent of payments may have been either stolen or paid out in error.

The total bill for the state subsidy scheme currently stands at more than 35 billion.

The job retention programme is now being wound down and will be scrapped entirely by Chancellor Rishi Sunak at the end of October.

Jim Harra, the top civil servant at HMRC, told the Public Accounts Committee this afternoon that his staff believe between five per cent and 10 per cent of furlough cash might have gone to the wrong places.

Jim Harra, the top civil servant at HMRC, told MPs today that its working assumption is that up to 10 per cent of furlough claims may have been paid out in error or because of fraud

'We have made an assumption for the purposes of our planning that the error and fraud rate in this scheme could be between five per cent and 10 per cent,' the permanent secretary said.

The Government has so far paid out 35.4 billion in furlough cash, according to the latest official figures.

If HMRC's working assumption proves to be accurate it will mean that somewhere between 1.75 billion and 3.5 billion could have been paid out by mistake or as a result of fraud.

'That will range from deliberate fraud through to error,' Mr Harra said.
Gemma Collins showed off her three stone weight loss on Monday night as she enjoyed an evening out in Shoreditch, London.

The legendary reality star, 39, reunited with former TOWIE co-star Charlie King at Italian restaurant Gloria before stocking up on bagels at Brick Lane's Beigel Bake.

Gemma commanded attention as she showed off her slimmed-down figure in a blue patterned satin blazer and trouser combo.

Stylish: Gemma Collins showed off her three stone weight loss on Monday night as she enjoyed an evening out in Shoreditch, London

The TOWIE star used a matching belt to cinch in her waist and further highlight her three stone weight loss.

Adding some glamorous accessories, Gemma opted for a sparkly turquoise turban, Louis Vuitton rainbow handbag and silver sequin trainers.

The reality star finished her look by styling her blonde locks into a blow-dried hairdo, she added a slick of glamorous make-up.

Gemma appeared in great spirits as she flashed a smile after her restaurant visit and even posed for selfies with fans outside Beigel Bake.

Busy bee: The legendary reality star, 39, reunited with former TOWIE co-star Charlie King at Italian restaurant Gloria before stocking up on bagels at Brick Lane's Beigel Bake

Work it: Gemma commanded attention as she showed off her slimmed-down figure in a blue patterned satin blazer and trouser combo

Glamorous: Adding some glamorous accessories, Gemma opted for a sparkly turquoise turban, Louis Vuitton rainbow handbag and silver sequin trainers

It was an exciting day for the reality star as earlier in the day she joined Keith Lemon onboard a boat to film scenes for the second series of his show Shopping.

The TOWIE star and comedian, 47, real name Leigh Francis, enjoyed a voyage up the River Thames with a Champagne afternoon tea.

Keith posted a fun video to his Instagram Story where he revealed: 'Hi, today I am on a boat with Gemma Collins.'

To which Gemma quipped: 'The GC is on a boat!'

All in a day! It was an exciting day for the reality star as earlier in the day she joined Keith Lemon onboard a boat to film scenes for the second series of his show Shopping

Lavish: The reality star finished her look by styling her blonde locks into a blow-dried hairdo, she added a slick of glamorous make-up

Happy days: Gemma appeared in great spirits as she flashed a smile after her restaurant visit and even posed for selfies with fans outside Beigel Bake

With Keith adding: 'The GC is on a boat, we're about to have tea, cake and Champagne for work. That ain't work!'

He captioned the video with: 'Fun day on the Thames today with @gemmacollins1 shopping/not shopping series 2 coming soon to @itv2.'

While Gemma also took to her own Instagram to post updates from the fun day of filming where she declared: 'Today I am going up and down the Thames with Keith Lemon. We've decided not to shop, we've decided to come down the river!'

Keith then joked he was going to wear a sparkly turban like Gemma but decided not to for the filming.

Keeping it real: Gemma was seen carrying a hot beverage and bag of bagels from the legendary Brick Lane shop

Lavish: As well as her designer handbag, Gemma also showed off her Louis Vuitton purse

Sun-kissed: Gemma looked sun-kissed after her recent getaway to Mykonos, Greece

Fans! She even posed for selfies with fans outside Beigel Bake in a socially distanced selfie

It comes after reports that Gemma is set to cash in with a mega bucks deal with fashion brand In The Style.

The deal follows the huge success of her meme collection with the retailer, with big names including Little Mix's Jade Thirwall seen wearing clothes from the range.

The blonde apparently raked in 100,000 in just one day earlier this year through sales of her new sweatshirt after Jade was spotted wearing one.

Animated: The reality star was seen chatting to fans and locals outside

Bold: Gemma commanded attention in her bold blue patterned ensemble on Monday

Sweet: Gemma even bought some people waiting outside the shop a hot beverage

In The Style reportedly flew the TOWIE favourite to the Greek island to get snaps of her latest clothing range.

And Gemma did little to stop the chatter as she revealed she had a new collection with the clothing brand on her Instagram Story.

A source told The Mirror: 'Gemma's made a mint for In The Style  her meme range was a sell out and stars like Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall have been seen in her designs.'

Filming! It was an exciting day for the reality star as earlier in the day she joined Keith onboard a boat to film scenes for the second series of his show Shopping

Such fun: The TOWIE star and comedian, 47, real name Leigh Francis, enjoyed a voyage up the River Thames with a Champagne afternoon tea

The GC! Keith posted a fun video to his Instagram Story where he revealed: 'Hi, today I am on a boat with Gemma Collins.' To which Gemma quipped: 'The GC is on a boat!'

They continued: 'They were desperate to get Gemma on board for a whole collection and she signed on the dotted line without hesitation.

'Gemma is so into her fashion and she loves the team at ITS so it was a no-brainer. Gemma flew out to Greece at the start of this week to model her debut line.'

MailOnline contacted a representative of Gemma for comment at the time.

Star-studded: While Gemma also took to her own Instagram to post updates from the fun day of filming where she declared: 'Today I am going up and down the Thames with Keith Lemon!'
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / Compare-autoinsurance.org (https://compare-autoinsurance.org/) has launched a new blog post that presents how car insurance premiums will change for a policyholder who files a claim after an accident.

For more info and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/car-insurance-after-an-accident-how-are-premiums-affected

Before making a claim to the insurance provider, drivers should consider a few things before making this move. According to a recent study, drivers who make a single auto insurance claim saw their premiums increase on average by 44.1%. Also, the reported premium increases weren't for individuals who have a history of unsafe driving. Even after a single claim, premium increases can be significant.

Drivers who want to file a claim after an accident should consider the following:

How much the premiums will rise. The increase drivers can expect to see on their insurance premiums after an at-fault accident varies by location, driving record, vehicle, and the insurance company. Drivers can expect anywhere from a 23% to 73% increase in premiums in year one after an at-fault accident.

Insurance premium increase by state. Some states report costlier increases than others. Drivers living in states such as North Carolina, Massachusetts, Texas, New Hampshire, and California can expect to see their rates increase after an accident from 57.3% to 63.1%. On the other hand, drivers from Kentucky, Montana, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Maryland will see their rates go up anywhere from 21.5% to 30.6%. Increases in the premium paid can last as long three to five years after an at-fault accident if the damages to the vehicle exceed over $2,000.

How to lower the premiums. Be prepared and purchase accident forgiveness. Not all companies offer this, but those that do will give the policyholders a one at-fault accident forgiveness with no increase in premium if they fit certain criteria. Other methods involve raising the deductible and improving the credit score. Furthermore, policyholders should avoid filing claims for small things after they have filed a claim on an at-fault accident.

Which claims affect the premiums the most . Bodily injury claims can cause the premiums to spike the most. A single bodily injury claim will result in an average premium increase of 48.6%.

What if the policyholder isn't at fault. Whether or not the rates will increase after an accident in which the policyholders were not at fault is insurance provider specific. Some companies will not increase the premium for drivers involved in their first accidents, but if they suffer several accidents, even if they are not at fault, it could result in an increased premium.

Story continues

For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.

"Before making the decision to file a claim to their insurers, drivers should carefully analyze if it's worth it. Drivers who are not at fault and suffered minor damages should avoid filling claims to prevent their premiums to increase substantially", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

CONTACT:

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SOURCE: Internet Marketing Company





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/605092/How-Are-Premiums-Affected-By-A-Car-Accident




Chadwick Boseman's tragic demise has fans all over the world still mourning. While it has been established that no one can possibly do justice to the iconic role of Black Panther and fill in his shoes, Marvel is also rumoured to not recast the character of T'Challa.



 Marvel

While it's clear that Chadwick was destined to elevate the character to the iconic pedestal that he did, the story of him realizing it is straight out of a storybook. He did reveal a few years ago that there were 'strange signs' he came across that were clearly pointing him towards being the Black Panther.



 Marvel

The first one is from 2014. Chadwick was in Zurich, and he had just upgraded his phone plan to be able to receive international calls. His agent told him that Marvel wants to talk to him.



Back then, no one had even considered the possibility of a Black Panther movie coming out, and there was so much secrecy around it, that the Marvel executive didn't even say the name of the role out loud. The only question asked to Chadwick was:

"We want you to play a role and we think you know what the role is. Are you interested?"

Chadwick's driver had pulled up outside an antique shop. While he took the call, he looked outside at the shop's display and saw several panther statues in a line, facing him.



 Publicdomainpictures

The second one is even more unreal. While filming for Gods of Egypt in 2014, Boseman befriended a security personnel named Charles Carter on the set. They hit it off really well and were constantly talking about their varied interests.



One day, without much of a context, Carter told Boseman: "I know the perfect role for you", and asked him whether he knows about Black Panther and Wakanda. Carter had been a fan of the comic-book ever since he was 10. Chadwick responded by saying that even though he had heard about the character, he didn't know the storyline in detail.

Soon after that, Carter did something that makes it even more crazy. He went home to fetch his Black Panther comic book from 1977, and gave it to Chadwick.

Inside, he had left a note that said: "You're going to get this role."



 Marvel

Years later, Chadwick shared these stories on talk shows. All we can say is, destiny is indeed a crazy thing, after all.


T he UKs former ambassador to Washington has said he wonders if there is an aspect of the way Donald Trump would have done it about Boris Johnsons handling of Brexit talks.

Kim Darroch referred to comments made by Mr Johnson in 2018, in which he reportedly said there would be all sorts of chaos at the start of Brexit negotiations if Mr Trump were in charge.

Lord Darroch previously said he told Mr Johnson he was partly to blame for his resignation from his Washington post, following the leaking of a cable in which the ambassador said Mr Trump was inept as president.

Mr Johnson, who was then running for the Conservative leadership, repeatedly refused to say he would keep him in the post during a TV debate on July 9 last year.

REUTERS

Lord Darroch resigned the next day and spoke with Mr Johnson by phone.

Speaking to BBC Twos Newsnight, Lord Darroch said: If you go back to the Prime Ministers sayings back in 2018, he said  and this was picked up at the time at a private sort of gathering once: If Donald Trump was negotiating Brexit, he would create chaos right at the start of negotiations. And, you know, all sorts of, you know, people would be outraged by what he was saying and demanding and thered be huge rows. And then he might get a very good outcome. And we should, we should, we should think about that.

That was when he was becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the then track of the Brexit negotiations.

And now as I watch him and the Government conduct the post withdrawal future relationship arrangements, I just wonder if theres an aspect of the way Donald Trump would have done it and how he is doing it.

Lord Darroch was forced to stand down last year after criticising the Trump White House as inept / REUTERS

Lord Darroch was forced to stand down last year after diplomatic cables he wrote criticising the Trump White House as inept and dysfunctional were leaked to the press.

He told Newsnight he did not regret the terms in which he reported.

I spent 40 years in the Foreign Office writing in these terms and people hitherto had thought it a strength and an asset, he said.

There is nothing unusual in reporting in clear and direct terms.

WikiLeaks shows American diplomats reporting in direct terms and the US embassy was reporting directly about how the UK government was handling Brexit.
The Bureau of Meteorology has rejected claims made by British scientists that its weather forecasts have become significantly less accurate during the coronavirus pandemic.

Forecasters around the world have been raising concerns about the effect of COVID-19 on forecast accuracy.

Has Australia and the world's weather forecasts become less accurate? Credit:AP

Most weather forecasters rely on real-time temperature, pressure and wind-speed data from commercial jets, which is then fed into their mathematical models, enabling them to predict the weather days ahead.

The system produces about 800,000 observations per day and studies show that it increases some aspects of forecast accuracy by about 20 per cent.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA has selected Catherine Koerner as manager of the agency's Orion Program. In this role, she will be responsible for the development and operations of NASA's newest spacecraft that will carry astronauts on Artemis missions to the Moon and return them safely to Earth. Koerner begins her new position effective Tuesday, Sept. 8.

"I'm honored to be selected as the Orion Program Manager. Orion is a key element of the agency's Artemis infrastructure, and I look forward to leading the team responsible for developing and building America's deep space human spacecraft," Koerner said. "Next year we'll be launching the Artemis I test flight  a major milestone  and the first of the Artemis mission series on our way to putting the first woman and the next man on the Moon."

Koerner will be based at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston. Most recently, she led the Human Health and Performance Directorate team at Johnson, which works to optimize astronaut performance and reduce health risks associated with human spaceflight. Koerner's experience includes roles as flight director, space shuttle manager for the Missions Operations Directorate, deputy manager of the Vehicle Office and manager of the Transportation Integration Office for the International Space Station Program.

"Cathy brings to Orion a diverse background in engineering and human health, two key components for the Artemis program that will see the spacecraft send our astronauts to the Moon, ushering in a sustainable presence on the lunar surface," said Kathy Lueders, NASA's associate administrator for human exploration and operations. "Working with our partners, her leadership will guide the program to achievements that will inspire and benefit humanity."

A native of Schaumburg, Illinois, Koerner earned bachelor's and master's degrees in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Throughout her career, Koerner has been recognized for her achievements, earning multiple awards and commendations, including the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, JSC Superior Achievement Award, and the JSC Director's Commendation Award.

"Cathy brings 30 years of human spaceflight experience to the challenging task of managing the Orion program," said Johnson Center Director Mark Geyer. "I am confident she will lead Orion into flight and into a sustainable future."

As the Orion program manager, Koerner will be responsible for oversight of design, development and testing of the Orion spacecraft, as well as spacecraft manufacturing already under way at locations across the country and in Europe for ESA (European Space Agency).

Koerner succeeds Mark Kirasich, who is currently leading NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems Division in the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters. Howard Hu, who was acting Orion program manager, will serve as Orion deputy program manager.

Orion, the Space Launch System (SLS), and Exploration Ground Systems programs are foundational elements of NASA's Artemis program. Artemis I will be the first integrated flight test of Orion and the SLS next year. Artemis II will follow as the first human mission, taking astronauts farther into space than ever before. On Artemis III, astronauts will set foot on the Moon by 2024.

For more information about Orion, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/orion

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  After ordering a reshuffle among the three top positions in the Philippine National Police, PNP chief Police General Camilo Cascolan has ordered another round of reorganization among senior officials.

According to a PNP statement on Tuesday, the reshuffle involves the assignment of two-star and one-star generals, and police colonels, to new posts in Camp Crame-based units and police regional offices.

Police General Bernard Banac was named as the new Director of the PNP Training Service after serving as the PNP Spokesperson and the chief of the Public Information Office. Banac will be replaced by Police Colonel Ysmael Yu as acting PIO chief starting September 9.

Meanwhile, the new Director for Investigation and Detective Management is Police Major General Marni Marcos Jr. effective September 10, while Police Major General Celso Pestano was named as the Director for

Information and Communications Technology Management.

Police Brigadier General Pascual Munoz Jr. was designated as the Regional Director of Police Regional Office Mimaropa and Police Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo is to step in as the Regional Director of Police Regional Office 7.

Cascolan earlier ordered a major reshuffle in the police ranks after the retirement of Police General Archie Gamboa as PNP chief.
The Union government has so far provided cash assistance of 68,820 crore to 420 million poor since it announced the 1.7 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) on March 26, the finance ministry said on Tuesday.

The package, which is around 0.8% of Indias gross domestic product (GDP), aims to ease economic distress, especially for the underprivileged, and promises food and cash security to the poor. Besides direct financial assistance, PMGKP also includes free distribution of wheat, rice, pulses and cooking gas cylinders.

The statement said the government has front-loaded a payment of 17,891 crore as the first instalment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) to 89.4 million beneficiaries. PM-KISAN scheme was launched on December 1, 2018 to provide cash support of 6,000 per year to all farmer families across the country in three equal instalments. While launching the 1.7 lakh crore package on March 26, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said that the 2,000 instalment of PM-KISAN would be front-loaded and given immediately.

Also Read: Centre committed to pay full GST compensation to states, but states must borrow

The statement said 10,325 crore has been already credited to 206.5 million women account holders under the Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) as the first instalment. Rupees 10,315 crore and 10,312 crore were also credited to PMJDY accounts in the second and the third instalments, respectively. In order to help poor women in this difficult time when the livelihoods of most of them are disrupted, Sitharaman had announced an ex-gratia payment of 500 per month for three months starting April.

A total of 2,814.5 crore disbursed to about 2.81 crore [28.1 million] old age persons, widows and disabled persons in two instalments, the statement said. On March 26, Sitharaman had promised an ex-gratia of 1,000 each to 30 million poor senior citizens, widows and divyang (disabled) who were vulnerable due to the economic disruption caused by Covid-19.

About 18.2 million construction workers have received financial support amounting to 4,987.18 crore, the statement said.

Also Read: Lack of stimulus has hurt economy: Amit Mitra

Besides transferring cash, the government has already distributed food grains to millions of poor, it said.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMJKY), 37.52 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of food grains has been distributed to 75.04 crore beneficiaries in April 2020, 37.46 LMT distributed to 74.92 crore beneficiaries in May 2020, and 36.62 LMT distributed to 73.24 crore beneficiaries in June 2020, it said.

The scheme initially promised to provide 5 kg wheat or rice and 1 kg pulses for free every month till June this year to 800 million poor. The scheme was further extended for five months till November 2020.

Since then, 98.31 LMT food grains have been given to states and union territories so far. In July 2020, about 36.09 LMT food grains were distributed to 72.18 crore beneficiaries, in August 2020, 30.22 LMT were distributed to 60.44 crore beneficiaries, and, in September 2020, 1.92 LMT were distributed to 3.84 crore beneficiaries (as on September 7, 2020), a finance ministry spokesperson said.

In addition, a total of 5.43 LMT pulses have been distributed to 188 million beneficiaries between April and June 2020. This scheme was also extended for five months till November, 2020.

The statement also said that a total of 85.2 million cylinders have been booked and delivered under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in April and May 2020. So far 32.7 crore free cylinders have been delivered to the beneficiaries in June, 10.5 million in July, 8.9 million in August, and 1.5 million in September 2020, the statement said. PMGKY package includes free supply of three 14.5 kg gas cylinders to 80 million poor families.

Giving details of the implementation of the package, the statement said, 36.05 lakh members of Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has taken benefit of online withdrawal of non-refundable advance from EPFO account amounting to 9,543 crore.

The government has transferred 24% EPF contribution to accounts of 4.3 million employees, amounting to 2,476 crore, it said. In order to help low wage earners in organised sectors, the government on March 26 announced it would pay 24% of their monthly wages into the PF accounts of wage-earners below 15,000 per month in businesses with less than 100 workers for next three months. This would prevent a disruption in their employment, Sitharaman had said, while announcing the welfare package.

The government has also notified the increased wage rate under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Program (MNREGA) effective from April 1, 2020, it said. In the current financial year, 195.21 crore persons man-days of work generated. Further, 59,618 crore released to states to liquidate pending dues of both wage and material, the statement said.

Sitharaman had raised wages for MNREGA workers under the PMJKY package by 20 with effect from April 1 to provide an additional 2,000 benefit annually to each worker. This will benefit approximately 13.62 crore families, she had said.
A court in Tehran has sentenced two Iraqis and one Iranian to prison over their participation as minors in a purported suicide mission planned by the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, according to the government-run Iran daily.

All were said to be part of a 21-member team that had crossed the Iraq-Iran border some three years ago to carry out the planned attack, which was not described in any detail.

Their sentences were handed down on September 6.

Reports on trials of alleged IS members in Iran are rare. The extremist group has regularly threatened Iran in the past.

The Iraqis, who were 14 and 17 at the time of their arrest, were each sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of "moharebeh," or waging war against God, which in Iran may be punished by death. They got additional one-year sentences for possessing weapons.

They will reportedly be handed over to Iraq's intelligence service.

The Iranian national was 16 at the time of this arrest, according to Iran daily, and was sentenced to five years in prison on similar charges.

The report says the three were not given the death penalty because they were under the age of 18 at the time of their arrest.

The report said that 16 members of the alleged IS team were arrested by Iranian forces while five others, including the leader of the group, were killed in clashes.

Three Iranian security troops were also killed in the clashes, it said.

Prosecutors reported jailing 16 female IS members in 2018 after their return from Syria.

At least 17 people were killed and dozens more wounded in twin 2017 attacks on Iran's parliament and the mausoleum of the founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, that were claimed by IS.
It must have been a terrifying sight. On the afternoon of September 7, 1940, hundreds of German bombers flew in over London in a daytime raid.

It was the sort of attack that had been anticipated for years by the authorities as they contemplated a relatively new form of warfare: mass aerial bombardment. Now the horror had arrived. By nightfall, much of the East End of the city was ablaze and by the following morning, close to 500 civilians had been killed.

In their new book, the Spirit of the Blitz, historians Paul Addison and Jeremy Crang tell how the assault on London marked the beginning of a sustained campaign of night bombing of the British capital and other industrial cities, ports and towns across the UK.

London was subjected to heavy raids every night but one from September 7 until November 13. By the time the Blitz was drawing to a close at the end of May 1941, almost 40,000 people had died. Right at the end of this phase of aerial attacks, stray Luftwaffe bombers also hit Dublin's North Strand area, killing 28.

Expand Close 'This is it, chaps': Brendan Finucane, aka Spitfire Paddy / Facebook

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In the decades since the Blitz, there has been much talk of a 'Blitz spirit'. It is conjured up as a mood of fellow feeling, community co-operation and breezy resilience in the face of adversity.

But did this positive community spirit actually exist or is it a historical myth?

Addison and Crang have collected documents from the British Home Intelligence service to offer useful insights into the public mood as Britain and Northern Ireland came under attack.

The intelligence service gathered information by eavesdropping on conversations. They carried out interviews and surveyed the public's mood. During this period, post was often opened and censored, and information was gathered about public attitudes from letters.

The documents gathered for this book appear to show that the impression of resilience was partly true, but the responses varied, depending on the time and the place.

The start of the London Blitz induced "shock among all classes and in all districts". In the Docklands, the target of heavy bombing, there were "visible signs of nerves cracking from constant ordeals".

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Some petrified residents fled the targeted areas with suitcases, while others found it impossible to work because of sleeplessness.

But there was no mass panic and no breakdown in order, according to the intelligence reports.

In the face of bombardment and heavy casualties, the reaction of one area of a city could be one of "complete helplessness and resignation", while monitors on the ground in another area could report "a remarkable demonstration of high morale".

At the same time, there were grumbles about lack of preparedness by the authorities for bombings, the conditions in bomb shelters and shortages of food.

There are also suggestions of a mood of anti-Jewish feeling in the East End of London at the start of the Blitz. One report noted "anti-Semitism growing in districts where large proportion of Jews reside owing to their taking places in public shelters early in the day". A report on the following day denied that Jews were taking up more space and suggested that they were a scapegoat for "emotional disturbances".

The Blitz does not feature strongly in our own historical narratives, but it had a devastating impact on the island of Ireland.

On the night of April 15, 1941, up to 900 people were killed in Belfast as up to 160 German planes carpet-bombed the city. That night Taoiseach Eamon de Valera agreed to send fire engines from Dublin across the Border to help out.

A British Home Intelligence report from a postal censor gauging the national mood in Ireland seems to be coloured by a stereotypical "Paddy-the-Irish" attitude: "It is useless to expect rational or logical thought or sentiment in Eire. The historical, the religious, the mythical and the frankly ridiculous continually obtrude themselves. The Local Security Force refuse to patrol a certain beach in Donegal after 12 at night 'because they are afraid of the fairies'."

While there were many Irish victims of the Blitz, airmen from both sides of the Border also played an important role in battle of the skies.

Retired Irish Army Lieutenant Colonel Dan Harvey tells the story of the Irish at the Battle of Britain in his book A Bloody Summer.

Amid fears of a German invasion of Britain, the Luftwaffe and the Royal Air Force fought from July to October of 1940 for supremacy in the sky.

With the RAF using radar to track incoming planes, the British Spitfire and Hurricane Planes tended to get the better of the Luftwaffe.

As Dubliner John Hemingway can testify, being an RAF pilot was one of the most hazardous professions. He was shot down four times during the war flying Hurricanes and Spitfires. Hemingway is the last surviving Irish Battle of Britain pilot and celebrated his 100th birthday last year.

One of the most renowned pilots of the war was another Dublin air ace, Brendan 'Paddy' Finucane, who was credited with destroying or damaging 28 enemy aircraft. He was eventually shot down flying back from France in 1942, and his body was never found. His last words on the radio were: "This is it, chaps."

As this absorbing history tells it, Finucane was regarded as a 'British war hero'. A requiem Mass was held for him in Westminster Cathedral with 3,000 in attendance.

Earlier this year the then-Taoiseach Leo Varadkar praised the frontline workers tackling the Covid-19 pandemic in Ireland: "Never will so many ask so much of so few."

This was Varadkar's version of a line used by the British prime minister Winston Churchill to describe the men of Fighter Command during a famous speech at the height of the Battle of Britain: "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."

Churchill was annoyed by Irish neutrality during the war, but he was an admirer of Irish pilots such as Paddy Finucane.

He told the House of Commons in 1948: "If ever I feel a bitter feeling rising in my heart about the Irish, the hands of heroes like Finucane seem to stretch out to soothe it away."
leader from Gwalior Satish



Sikarwar joined the along with several of his supporters in the presence of the party's unit chief Kamal Nath on Tuesday.

Expressing confidence about winning all 27 seats in the bypolls that are yet to be scheduled, the former chief minister said voters of these constituencies may not support Kamal Nath or the but they will definitely support the truth.

After inducting Sikarwar and his supporters in the party, Nath said not only people, but even workers were unhappy with the ruling regime.

(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.)
What Does the Bible Say About Suicide?

Timeless Wisdom on a Timely Challenge



DenisonForum.org







NEWS PROVIDED BY

Denison Forum

Sept. 8, 2020



DALLAS, Sept. 8, 2020 /Standard Newswire/ -- National Suicide Prevention week is September 6-12 this year. Jim Denison, co-founder of Denison Forum, pastor, author and digital-ministry leader, offers helpful insight on what the Bible says about suicide.



"Even before the pandemic and recent social unrest, anxiety and depression were escalating in our culture and the suicide rate along with them," Denison said. "As a pastor and a theologian, I am not qualified to offer medical advice or professional counseling to those suffering from anxiety or depression. But I can offer biblical insights on the painful issues of suicide."



A Problem on the Rise

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report one in four young adults said they had considered suicide in the previous month because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And 30.9 percent of respondents said they had experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression. The World Health Organization estimates 800,000 people take their lives each year  one every 40 seconds! And the Washington Post, citing a late-March U.N. report, stated that, "Americans are the least happy they've ever been."



Consider these startling statistics from the CDC's most recent study on the subject in 2017:

Suicide accounted for 47,000 U.S. deaths and was the tenth-leading cause of death.



For those between the ages of 10 and 34, it was the second-leading cause of death.



There were more than twice as many suicides (47,173) in the United States as there were homicides (19,510).

What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible does not actually contain the word "suicide," however it is still relevant to this subject. There are five instances in the Old Testament of people taking their own lives or having another do it for them, and there is one in the New Testament.



What the Bible makes unmistakably clear is the sanctity of life, Denison said.



"In a nontheistic or relativistic society, it is difficult to argue for life and against suicide. If we are our own 'higher power,' we can do with our lives what we want, or so we're told," Denison said. "But if God is the Lord of all that is, he retains ownership over our lives and their days. He is the only one who can determine when our service is done, our intended purpose fulfilled."



Three Biblical Promises

The Bible makes three promises to those suffering today.

One: You and everyone you know is someone of inestimable worth.

Depression and life crises can cause people to feel that their lives are not worth living. The opposite is true. Every person on earth is someone for whom Jesus died.



Two: God loves you and wants to help.

Denison quoted Psalm 34:18 as an example of God's compassion for each individual: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." He continued, "However, let me repeat that one of the most important ways the Great Physician heals is through human physicians. That's why you or families with loved ones suffering from a mental illness need to reach out to professional counselors as soon as possible. God will use them as he ministers his grace to you and your family."



Three: You can "dwell on the heights" with God.

"Isaiah 33:6 says God wants to be 'the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge,'" Denison said. "And verse 16 says the person who walks with him will 'dwell on the heights.' This is the promise, and the invitation, of God."



Denison pointed out that every threat of suicide should be taken seriously. And for help, people can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or go to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's website at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.



For much more on this subject, read the complete article on the Denison Forum.



Denison and the Denison Forum reach people around the globe with The Daily Article, delivered by email and social media; The Daily Article podcast; and numerous books. He speaks and writes on cultural and contemporary issues where faith and current events intersect.



Denison holds doctoral and master's degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has pastored five churches across 36 years with a combined membership of more than 20,000. He is the co-founder and Chief Vision Officer of the Denison Forum. He also serves as Resident Scholar for Ethics with Baylor Scott & White Health and as Senior Fellow for Cultural Studies with Dallas Baptist University.



For interviews, contact: Michael Conrad, Michael@130a.com 214-616-0320



About The Denison Forum

The Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective. Through The Daily Article and podcast, which globally reach 1.8 million people monthly with subscribers in 226 countries. Dr. Jim Denison guides readers to discern today's news  biblically.



SOURCE Denison Forum



CONTACT: Michael Conrad, 214-616-0320, Michael@130a.com


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Linkedin Jerome Taylor (Agence France-Presse) Hong Kong  Tue, September 8, 2020 16:17 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c437c1ae 2 Entertainment Mulan,boycott,Xinjiang,Disney Free

Disney's "Mulan" remake is facing fresh boycott calls after it emerged some of the blockbuster's scenes were filmed in China's Xinjiang, where widespread rights abuses against the region's Muslim population have been widely documented.

The lavish $200 million film about a legendary female Chinese warrior was already tangled in political controversy after star Liu Yifei voiced support for Hong Kong's police as they cracked down on democracy protests last year.

But the latest furor exploded as soon as the credits stopped rolling after the movie began showing on the Disney+ channel last week.

Viewers spotted that Disney included "special thanks" to eight government entities in Xinjiang -- including the public security bureau in Turpan, a city in eastern Xinjiang where multiple internment camps have been documented.

Another entity thanked was the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda department in Xinjiang.

The revelation has sparked renewed anger at a time of heightened scrutiny over Hollywood's willingness to bow to authoritarian China.

Rights groups, academics and journalists have exposed a harsh crackdown against Uighur and Kazakh Muslims in Xinjiang, including mass internments, enforced sterilizations, forced labor as well as intense religious and movement restrictions.

Isaac Stone Fish, a senior fellow at the Asia Society, said the film was now "arguably Disney's most problematic movie" since "Song of the South" -- a 1946 glorification of antebellum plantation life that the company has since pulled.

"It's sufficiently astonishing that it bears repeating," he wrote in a Washington Post column.

"Disney has thanked four propaganda departments and a public security bureau in Xinjiang, a region in northwest China that is the site of one of the world's worst human rights abuses happening today."

Badiucao, a dissident Chinese artist living in Melbourne, said he was currently working on a new cartoon portraying Mulan as a guard at one of the internment camps in Xinjiang to satirize Disney's new film.

"It's very problematic and there's no excuse. I mean, it's clear, we have all the evidence showing what is going on in Xinjiang," he told AFP.

Read also: Mulan will also be on sale from the App Store and Google Play

Coronavirus victim

Baduicao accused Disney of "double standards", embracing western social justice movements such as MeToo and Black Lives Matter, while turning a blind eye to China's rights abuses.

The live-action remake of Disney's 1998 animation classic, "Mulan" has had a troubled release.

It was meant to hit global theaters in March but became an early victim of the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead, Disney rocked the industry -- and its own cast -- by announcing the film would in streamed into living rooms in many markets, including the United States, which it started Friday.

Hollywood has been increasingly accused of hypocrisy over its relationship with authoritarian China.

In August the anti-censorship group Pen America published a report which said screenwriters, producers and directors often change scripts, delete scenes and alter content to avoid offending Chinese censors.

The actions include everything from deleting the Taiwanese flag from Tom Cruise's bomber jacket in the upcoming "Top Gun: Maverick," to removing China as the source of a zombie virus in 2013's "World War Z."

But it also means completely avoiding sensitive issues including Tibet, Taiwan, Hong Kong politics, Xinjiang and the portrayal of LGBTQ characters, the report said.

AFP contacted Disney for comment but has yet to hear back on the Labor Day holiday.

Xinjiang is a resource-rich region home to mostly Turkic-speaking Muslim Uighurs and boasts spectacular desert and mountain backdrops.

After sectarian unrest and attacks by Uighur militants, Beijing blanketed the region in a draconian security crackdown, building dozens of huge internment camps.

Initially China denied the camps existed before switching to describing them as voluntary re-education centers.

Even before the latest Xinjiang controversy the hashtag #BoycottMulan has been trending in recent weeks Hong Kong, Thailand and Taiwan.

Activists in all three places have launched multiple online campaigns critical of China's authoritarianism.

Dubbed the "Milk Tea Alliance" -- named after a shared love of the drink -- they seized on social media comments made last year by actress Liu supporting Hong Kong's police.

They have also noted the resemblance of actor Tzi Ma, who plays Mulan's heroic father, to China's leader Xi Jinping.

After her arrest last month under Beijing's new security law, young Hong Kong dissident Agnes Chow was dubbed "the real Mulan" by supporters.

Topics : Mulan boycott Xinjiang Disney
FREDERICKSBURG, VA  Making savory popcorn is a family tradition for Carolyn Gipson and her siblings. Gipson owns Jus Popn, a gourmet popcorn shop at the corner of William and Princess Anne streets in downtown Fredericksburg.

Gipsons sister operated a gourmet popcorn shop in Iowa, where the family grew up. Gipsons brother co-owned a popcorn shop in Wisconsin. Both of her siblings recently sold their businesses, while Gipson is sticking with her passion of making gourmet popcorn, opening Jus Pop'n's new location in early June.

Business has been picking up since opening three months ago. Gipson sees her old customers from the days when she operated Jus Pop'n on Caroline Street, she told Patch. With the new shop located in a prime downtown location near the Fredericksburg Area Museum and other attractions, Jus Pop'n also is seeing more foot traffic, especially as people grow more accustomed to shopping in the age of coronavirus.

Unlike her previous shop in Fredericksburg, which she operated from 2015 to 2017, Gipson has the entire store to herself. Jus Pop'n, at 300 William Street, sells high-quality popcorn of various flavors, from white cheddar to chocolate mint to sea salt maple crunch to plain butter. There's a flavor to satisfy everyone's taste buds.

Jus Popn is getting new customers after the store was listed in the Virginia Black Business Directory, a directory founded earlier this year by Fredericksburg area business owners. Jus Pop'n also participated in Fredericksburg's Black Restaurant Week, which ran from last Tuesday through Labor Day.

Carolyn Gipson, owner of Jus Pop'n in downtown Fredericksburg, has been making high-quality gourmet popcorn for years. (Mark Hand/Patch)

Gipson, who also works as a government contractor at the State Department, has four employees who help her serve customers and fulfill orders.

Gipson is self-funding the new store. But if a potential business partner approached her, she would be willing to listen to their offer. For the time being, Gipson likes the freedom of being able to run the store on her own terms. A business partner or investor would need to have the same vision for the business as she does, she said.

Story continues

By participating in Fredericksburg Black Restaurant Week and getting listed in the Virginia Black Business Directory, Gipson hopes more Black people will visit downtown Fredericksburg. "It would give them the opportunity to visit Jus Pop'n and to see the other nice businesses down here," she said.

Ernisha Hall, co-founder of the Virginia Black Business Directory and co-founder of Black Restaurant Week, reached out to Gipson about a listing in the directory. As more businesses learn about the directory, Hall is hoping they will sign up on their own.



As for Jus Pop'n, Hall said she loves many of the flavors that Gipson makes. Her favorite is the strawberry shortcake. Hall treated herself to a special batch of the flavor last week while celebrating her birthday.

Gipson welcomes all her customers into her new corner shop and is happy to see many old customers returning to buy her popcorn. While she treats every customer as a friend, Gipson understands why most people come to her shop.

"The product tastes good," she said.

This article originally appeared on the Fredericksburg Patch
12500 N.E. Tenth Place  Bellevue, WA 98005  JPFO.org  800-869-1884  info@jpfo.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  September 8, 2020  Contact: Floyd Neeland

Can Presidents Ignore the Bill of Rights?

Biden Plans "Psych" Test for Gun Ownership

His talk about AR-15 confiscation is overruled by new

"character, suitability and 'any other' " requirements

for gun ownership; Second Amendment would be optional.

The Bill of Rights ban on infringement would be ignored;

Unelected bureaucrats will literally choose who can bear arms;

All existing arms in private hands will be subject to confiscation.

A plain readingnot "analysis"of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's gun bill, now in both houses of Congress, will require current and future gun owners to pass psychology and character tests to continue owning the firearms they already legally possess. When asked, legal experts have been unable to describe how this would be legal, Biden has not commented. America has 100 million gun owners by most estimates. That has grown dramatically by sales to people terrified amidst urban rioting, who can't get police protection, during the corona-virus pandemic. The first line of the identical bills, HR5717 and S3254, requires a federal license for any American to legally "purchase, acquire, or possess a firearm or ammunition." This is de facto infringement. To obtain this license you would need to prove to unelected officials that you are of "sound mind and character," you do not "potentially create a risk to public safety," and you meet "any other requirements the State determines relevant." No standards or guidelines are provided. Assuming anyone could qualify, authorities, "make a determination of suitability," for your possession and ownership of firearms, including any you currently own. Orthodox Rabbi Raziel Cohen, a JPFO Ambassador and certified trainer says, "This outrageous usurpation of power, and affront to the Bill of Rights and the Second Amendment could never pass muster at the U.S. Supreme Court." Alan Korwin, an author and consultant to JPFO notes that, "Democrats have publicly promised if they can't succeed legislatively, they will repeal the filibuster rule, pack the Supreme Court with left-leaning Justices and exercise their will." Nothing limits the High Court to only nine seats.

#####

Support JPFO, Speaking truth to power:

https://store.jpfo.org/11-donations

Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership, http://www.jpfo.org is Americas most aggressive civil-rights organization, dedicated to destroying the notion of 'gun control' as any kind of credible public-policy position. So-called 'gun control' does not control guns and doesnt control criminal behavior. What it does is disarm the innocent, leaving them helpless in the face of criminals, tyrannical governments and genocide. History repeatedly proves this fact. Founded in 1989 by Aaron Zelman as a response to the Holocaust, JPFO speaks with the moral authority and tenacious commitment of survivors of persecution, and knows that surrendering your personal and family safety to government protection courts disaster. You dont have to be Jewish to fight by our side, you just have to love liberty.
"As we look to the future, we look forward to helping more organizations streamline network operations and minimize capital expenditures." ~Murad Kablan, Stateless founder and CEO

Stateless, Inc., the company reinventing network connectivity, announced today that it has been named a Colorado Company to Watch. Colorado Companies to Watch is an awards program honoring Colorados most innovative, visionary, job-creating and impactful 2nd Stage entrepreneurs.

We are proud to be recognized amongst our fellow honorees as a Colorado Company to Watch. Together we are creating new jobs in our communities and bringing more economic growth that helps all Coloradans, said Murad Kablan, founder and CEO, Stateless. As a graduate of the Computer Science Ph.D. program at the University of Colorado, this recognition has special meaning for me and my Ph.D. advisor, our co-founder, Eric Keller. The University of Colorado helped us develop the foundational insights that resulted in our unique technology. We are both thrilled that, with the support of our local Techstars program, we were able to find the resources we needed to bring our ideas to market in Colorado.

Innovations fueled by modern cloud computing are driving demands for network connectivity that current rigid and antiquated network devices fail to deliver. Stateless created a software platform that provides users with the flexibility and agility to create interconnections on demand.

The software gives users the power to automate the creation and management of connections to reach resources like cloud computing and web servers. It works with existing networking equipment and connects endpoints, such as data centers, office sites and hyperscale clouds, providing greater security, visibility and control. Stateless emerged from stealth in January 2019 and has raised $11.33 million in Series A funding.

Colorado is becoming an epicenter of cloud and networking entrepreneurs. This award, along with our recent technology announcements, positions us well to continue to attract great talent and elevate networking capabilities that offer users a modern, fully-programmable network functions platform, said Eric Keller, co-founder and CTO.

Im incredibly proud of the team this year for continuing to push boundaries as we build out a new networking ecosystem, added Kablan. Its been a challenging year for many companies around the globe, and we have been fortunate to maintain strong demand and pipeline growth. As we look to the future, we look forward to helping more organizations streamline network operations and minimize capital expenditures.

The non-profit Colorado Companies to Watch program selected the 2020 winners due to their significant impact on the states economy by providing thousands of jobs and contributing millions of dollars in revenue while representing Colorados diverse landscape. Fifty companies were chosen from more than 1,000 nominations by a panel of CCTW volunteer judges who serve as industry leaders from across Colorado.

About Stateless

At Stateless, we are reinventing network connectivity. Dedicated to relentlessly solving the network challenges others deem impossible, Stateless delivers an industry-first SD-IX platform that gives network providers the power to monetize their connectivity assets in new ways while streamlining network operations and minimizing capital expenditures. The revolutionary Stateless platform gives users the power to optimize existing network assets to control and connect every endpoint, including portfolio data centers, tenant sites and hyperscale clouds. Stateless is proudly based in Boulder, Colorado. Learn more at http://www.stateless.net

About Colorado Companies to Watch

Colorado Companies to Watch is an awards program that honors second-stage companies headquartered in Colorado. The awards program has honored 550 companies since the programs inception. Award-winning companies demonstrate high performance in the marketplace and/or innovative products or processes. The award program seeks businesses from a wide range of industries throughout the state, not just the major metropolitan areas. The 50 companies selected each year make an astounding impact on Colorado's economy by collectively providing thousands of jobs and contributing millions of dollars in revenue. The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) launched the program in 2009 in conjunction with the Edward Lowe Foundation and valuable community partners from across Colorado.

Media Contacts:

IGNITE Consulting, on behalf of Stateless

Kathleen Sullivan, 303-439-9365

Linda Dellett, 303-439-9398

stateless@igniteconsultinginc.com

2020 All rights reserved. Stateless is a trademark owned by Stateless, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The WHO would deliver 10 doses of botulism antitoxin from Switzerland to Vietnam on Tuesday to treat patients poisoned by vegan pate contaminated with botulinum.

The antitoxin would be taken from a World Health Organization (WHO) drug stockpile in Switzerland and delivered to Vietnam as soon as possible, said Tran Thi Giang Huong, director of the WHOs Division of Programs for Disease Control for the Western Pacific region.

The Ministry of Health would cooperate with the WHO to process necessary procedures to receive the drugs. They would be sent to Hanois Bach Mai Hospital before being distributed to other medical facilities, including HCMCs Cho Ray Hospital and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, to treat poisoned cases.

Last month, the WHO sponsored and distributed two botulism antidote bottles, worth $16,000, from Thailand to Hanoi to treat two poisoning cases at Bach Mai Hospital. Following administration, the two patients condition have improved.

Botulinum poisoning was detected at multiple hospitals across Vietnam starting July. Investigations revealed that several had consumed vegan pate products from Loi Song Moi Company in Hanois Dong Anh District. Tests on the vegan pate, branded Minh Chay, later showed it contained Clostrodium botulinum, a type of anaerobic bacteria capable of producing strong neurotoxins that block nerve functions and cause paralysis or even death.

Loi Song Moi has been fined VND17.5 million ($755) for failing to meet food safety standards following the incident. Their products are being recalled nationwide. Around 11,800 people had purchased the company's products from July to August, half of these being Minh Chay Pate, according to the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

As of Tuesday, 15 poisoned customers have been recorded at hospitals in Hanoi, HCMC, Khanh Hoa, Dong Nai, Long An, Binh Duong and Quang Nam. They experienced symptoms like headaches, dizziness, muscle weakness and paralysis, with many critical cases placed on ventilators. Only the two Bach Mai cases are currently treated with imported antidotes, while the rest are being treated via plasma and physical therapy, etc.

Clostridium botulinum produces toxins under low-oxygen conditions. Consumption of botulinum toxins may result in stomachache, fatigue, muscle pain, blurred vision, a dry mouth, difficulty in swallowing and speaking and droopy eyelids. Symptoms usually appear within 12 to 36 hours, and patients could end up with respiratory failure caused by paralyzed respiratory muscles, or even die.

Vietnam has not recorded any botulinum poisoning cases in over three decades, and so does not have its own supply of antitoxins. Hospitals have since requested the health ministry to import antidotes from outside the country to treat cases of poisoning.
Lucknow, Sep 8 : Two daughters of well-known poet Munawwar Rana have been placed under house arrest after they gave a call for staging a protest against the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh.

Rana's daughters, Sumaiya Rana and Uzma Parveen, had asked people to gather near the chief minister's residence and beat 'thalis' to make their voices heard.

A large number of policemen were seen outside the Silver Heights Apartments in Kaiserbagh area where they live.

The police spokesman said that since Section 144 is in force in the state capital, no congregation of people could be allowed.

The two sisters had also played a key role in the anti-CAA protests held in the state capital in December-January.

Cases against them were registered on charges of public obstruction, making objectionable comments on social media, violating Section 144 and disturbing peace.
By ANI

TEHRAN: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif to discuss strengthening of bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting both Ministers also reviewed regional developments.

Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar said, "A productive meeting with FM @JZarifduring a stopover in Tehran. Discussed strengthening our bilateral cooperation and reviewed regional developments. Thank him for his gracious hospitality."

Jaishankar's Tehran visit is taking place following the unprecedented arrival of the Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to Tehran on September 6 when he held meetings with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier Amir Hatami, IRNA reported.

Later in the day, Jaishankar will be reaching Moscow for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers' meet that will be held on September 9-10.
Mumbai Polices cyber unit arrested a 20-year-old man from Mahua in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat on Monday for allegedly stalking, blackmailing and promoting child pornography. The cyber police found nude photographs of more than 800 girls, between 10 and 15 years from the mobile phone of the accused, Alfaz Jamani, which he managed to get from the victims after blackmailing them.

According to cyber police officers, Jamani is a Class 12 dropout. He used to work at an onion dehydration plant.

Dr Rashmi Karandikar, deputy commissioner of police (cyber), said, On September 4, we received complaints from seven parents whose children are between 10 and 15 years old. The parents alleged that an unidentified person uploaded morphed and nude images of their children on social media. The police filed a first information report (FIR) and began investigations.

Based on technical evidence, one police team went to Gujarat on September 6 and arrested him. According to the police, the accused revealed that he used to first send friend requests to minors and then started chatting with them after they accepted the request. He later would download their photos from their social media account, morph it and upload them on his other social media profile.

The accused would then sent the girls the screenshots of their morphed pictures and ask for their username and password.

Once the girl shared the login credentials, he would change the password, the password recovery email id and mobile number, to ensure that the girl cannot recover the password. He would then again blackmail them to send their nude photographs and videos, said a police officer from the cyber unit.

Jamani would also chat with other female friends of the girls through their accounts and share the morphed images of the victims with their friends, said the police.

Jamani would tell the friends of the victims that the latter achieved the body shape because of a medicine, and would then ask them to share their nude photos to guide them on the amount of medicine they need to consume to get the desirable shape, said the police officer.

Karandikar said Jamani is booked under section 354D (stalking) of the Indian Penal Code as well as sections 12 (punishment for sexual harassment) and 13 (use of child for pornographic purposes) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act.

We have recovered four mobile phones from his house which he used for the crime. Some of the phones belong to his parents and elder brother. From one of those phones, we have recovered more than 800 nude images of minor girls and the accused said he had blackmailed the girls to get these pictures. We have found his 17 fake social media profiles which he used it to befriend minors. We are investigating further, Karandikar said.

Last year, Jamani was arrested by Pune Police for the same offences but was released on bail.

A metropolitan magistrate court remanded him in police custody for six days.

Advisory from Mumbai Police

Dont share social media password with anyone

Keep your social media account private

Secure your account with two-step verification or two-factor authentication

Dont accept unknown friend request

Dont share any personal or family or financial information on social media or post nude or semi-nude photographs

Parents should monitor their childrens social media accounts.
In his tell-all book about the Batla House encounter in Delhi on September 19, 2008, Karnal Singh, former Joint Commissioner of Police (JCP), Delhi Police, who had led the operation, has written that the incident was bedevilled by vote-bank politics, news channels obsessive competition over television rating points (TRPs) and conspiracy theorists.

The 1984-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, who had retired as the chief of Enforcement Directorate (ED) in 2018, wrote: the lack of a political consensus on how to deal with terrorism had made it difficult to have stringent policies to tackle it.

It seemed like we were living in a world with divided media and public opinion. In one realm, our department, Special Cell, was the biggest villain, compromising human rights. In their eyes, we were doing everything wrong. The other realm, comprising public and media persons, was deeply appreciative and supportive of our work, Singh wrote in his book, Batla House: An encounter that shook the nation.

Also Read: Slain Batla House inspector among 215 selected for Presidents gallantry medals

Asserting that the encounter was put on a public trial, Singh wrote that on October 12, 2008, a group of teachers of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University had set up a Jan Sunwai, or public hearing. The jury comprised politician and activist Swami Agnivesh, human rights and political activist John Dayal, and Delhi University (DU) Professors Tripta Wahi, Vijay Singh and Nirmalangshu Mukherji.

A dozen of residents of Jamia also gave testimonies at that meeting. Later, the jury gave its findings, which were basically a repetition of what had appeared in some sections of the media and were already addressed and answered by us.

He wrote that the findings of the Jan Sunwai were devoid of merit and none of the people who deposed in it had firsthand knowledge of the incident. That is the reason why none of them subsequently came forward to share these testimonies or gave any affidavit in the (Delhi) high court (HC) or the Supreme Court (SC).

Also Read: Encounter! Bollywoods brush with real life crime dramas

On October 14, a new dimension was given to the encounter, when a few senior politicians from the minority cell of the Indian National Congress (INC) decided to send a delegation to meet the then Congress president Mrs Sonia Gandhi and the then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to raise a complaint against the injustice done to Muslims and to order a judicial probe into the encounter, Singh wrote.

Kapil Sibal, Union minister for science and technology, along with other leaders visited the Batla House area before meeting Mrs Gandhi and Dr Singh. On the same day, Mulayam Singh Yadav, the founder patron of the Samajwadi Party, and Amar Singh met Dr Singh to ask for a judicial enquiry. Political pressure was building up from all sides, he added.

Singh wrote that it was only after he showed the evidence to Sibal at the residence of the then Delhi Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) Tejinder Khanna, the government was convinced that it was not a fake encounter.

In the end, Sibal admitted that he was convinced of the genuineness of the encounter and of the accused being involved in terrorist activities. He agreed to convey the same to Dr Singh ( the then PM). He took my number and true to his words, he rang me in the evening to confirm that he had conveyed what he found during discussions to the PM, Singh wrote.

Singh recalled that during the February 22, 2009, At Home function of the Delhi Police, Dr Singh had lauded him. You have done a good job, Dr Singh had told Singh.

The retired IPS officer said the Delhi Police presented the truth before the Delhi HC, the SC and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The SC, the apex court of the country, gave its verdict and cleared the Special Cell of all charges that Batla House encounter was fake, he added.

Although the NHRC report and the HC and SC verdicts were very comprehensive, the Batla House encounter continues to be referenced in political speeches during elections and TV debates till date, Singh wrote alluding to the conspiracy theories that took a life of their own in the name of vote-bank politics.
We will continue to deal with Chinese PLA in firm, resolute manner: Army chief

Tensions flared up as China wanted to unilaterally change status quo at south of Pangong Tso

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Sep 08: Tensions have flared up once again along the Line of Actual Control. China accused Indian troops of firing warning shots and also spoke about countermeasures to stabilise the situation. India has clearly denied the allegations by China.

Sources tell OneIndia that the Chinese PLA have remained aggressive and have been trying to unilaterally change the status quo south of Pangong Tso.

The Global Times reported that the Chinese border troops were forced to take countermeasures to stabilise the situation after the Indian troops outrageously fired warning shots on the PLA border patrol soldiers.

Bettering infrastructure, standard of living, India's multi-pronged strategy on border management

The incident comes just two days before a meeting of the foreign ministers of India and China at Moscow. External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar who has termed the issue along the LAC as serious will be meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi on September 10.

Warning shots at LAC, India says it was PLA: What happened | Oneindia News

Prior to this Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had met with his Chinese counterpart in Moscow. Meanwhile the Brigade Command level talks between the two countries was inconclusive. It is still not clear when the 7th round of talks will be held.

A week back, Indian troops had occupied strategic heights on the south bank of Pangong Tso and Rechin La. 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.
Spanning 1,275 km, the highway connects Delhi with Vadodara, and on linking up with the proposed Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway would create seamless connectivity between Delhi and Mumbai

The ambitious eight-lane highway connecting Delhi to Mumbai is likely to be ready within two years, according to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

While speaking at the 60th Annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on 3 September, Gadkari had said that the highway could be operational in the next two years with the current rate of road building per day averaging to 30 kilometers per day, with the highest being 40 kilometres per day for highways.

Currently, driving from Mumbai to Delhi or vice versa takes approximately 20-24 hours travelling through 1,400-kilometre long NH48. But now, after the completion of the expressway project, the distance between the two metropolitan cities is expected to be approximately 1,275 kilometres, with the travel time cutting down from an arduous 24-hour journey to only 12 hours.

According to the Financial Express, the project was necessitated because of heavy congestion on the Delhi-Mumbai National Corridor along NH-48 of the Golden Quadrilateral.

Earlier reports suggested that the project was earlier expected to be complete by 2023.

Gadkari had said in the apst that greenfield alignment for this project had been selected to avoid habitation and optimise the cost of land acquisition.

"We have saved about Rs 16,000 crore on land acquisition front alone as land could be acquired at a cost of Rs 80 lakh per hectare for the project," he said, adding that the expressway will unlock new economic opportunities in hinterland districts of Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

The project has a capital cost of 82,514 crores which includes a land acquisition cost of 20,928 crores.

Union ministers Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, and Nitin Gadkari had laid the foundation stone for this project in March 2019.

Built under Phase-1 of the NHAI's Bharatmala project, spanning over a period of five years (2017-18 to 2021-22), the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is one of the flagship highways.

Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: Here are a few things which you should know about the new project:

Spanning 1,275 kilometres, it will be an eight-lane expressway with provision to expand to 12-lanes in the future with a design speed of 120 kilometres per hour and will be India's longest 'Greenfield Expressway'

The corridor will be completely access-controlled with a closed tolling.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has created a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to finance the construction of the project. The SPV shall raise debt on its balance sheet, while the NHAI retains the operational control during construction and operations and management.

A network of 75 amenities has been planned on either side of the expressway at 50-kilometre intervals

This project is estimated to generate employment of nearly 50 lakh man-days during the construction phase

Taking into account the current traffic scenario, the Centre decided to develop this alternative alignment, which connects Delhi with Vadodara, and on linking up with the proposed Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway would create seamless connectivity between Delhi and Mumbai.

The expressway will also act as an alternative to the existing route along NH-48, which is longer (1,440 km) as well as more congested

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has estimated that about 320 million litres of fuel would be saved per annum because of the shorter alignment between the two cities

With inputs from PTI
Emmbros Overseas - one of the fastest-growing Indian company in the Beauty and HPC (Health & Personal Care) category is delighted to announce the signing of Bollywood star, Vaani Kapoor as brand ambassador for St.Botanica. As part of the association, the vivacious & beautiful Vaani will endorse St.Botanicas skincare range (serums, face cleansers, masks, scrubs, creams, etc.) and be featured in a series of campaigns across digital and social media platforms. With this move, St.Botanica will strengthen its appeal amongst millennials and the aspirational young patrons.

St.Botanica is a premium beauty & wellness brand offering plant-based, sustainable, and paraben-free formulations across consumer verticals for skin and hair. It specializes in developing innovative products and perfecting the art of skin and hair care by using the endowment of science to bring out the best from ethically sourced ingredients that are natural, safe, and skin-friendly. The brand is also a proud member of PETAs Beauty without Bunnies Program and ensures the manufacturing process of its products to be cruelty-free. Over the years, the award-winning brand has formed a community of millions of loyal customers across the country, with substantial sales also coming from Tier II and III cities as well.

On the association, the Bell Bottom movie star Vaani Kapoor, said, St.Botanica is a young and path-breaking brand, which uses plant-based, sustainable, and paraben-free formulations to bring out the best from nature and natural botanics. I am happy to be a part of this family now and look forward to our creative collaboration. Its going to be great as I love using clean products which is also what the brand endorses.

On the partnership Emmbros Overseas, Founder Sahil Mehta said, Vaani has an effervescent personality and personifies our philosophy of cruelty-free and vegan. Her confident presence among the audience and smart, yet soft feminine look made her a perfect choice for our brand. We as a brand emphasize quality and authenticity. All our products are designed and manufactured in India with the best of ethically sourced ingredients. Through this association, we aim to connect and foster our relationship with existing customers while expanding our footprint into unexplored regions in India.

The company has over 350 products across its 5 distinguished brands i.e. St.Botanica, Oriental Botanics, Man Arden, Mom & World, and MuscleXP. The products are retailed through their brand websites and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Nykaa among others. The company aims to achieve an annualized revenues of INR 100 crores for FY 2020-21. They have maintained an EBITDA of 20%+ which is very high amongst all beauty players.
Talking to the press ahead of the event, which will be held virtually from September 8 to 10, Van held that amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vietnamese NA took the initiative in changing the form of the event from offline to online, which she said has reflected its flexibility, sense of responsibility and resolve to fulfil its role as AIPA Chairmanship.

This is the third time the parliament of Vietnam has served as AIPA Chair and hosted an AIPA General Assembly, but the first time an event of this kind takes place in the form of a teleconference.

The theme of AIPA 41, Parliamentary Diplomacy for a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community, matches the theme of Vietnams 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship, which is Cohesive and Responsive, aiming to create high consensus among member countries and inherit the outcomes of the 36th ASEAN Summit in June, especially the initiatives suggested by Vietnam and supported by other nations, according to Secretary-General Van.

She went on to say that upholding its chairmanship, Vietnam has suggested the establishment of the mechanism of young parliamentarians meetings to promote the youths role, while boosting links between AIPA activities and those of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in association with the implementation of the UNs 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The country has also proposed themes for meetings of women parliamentarians and the AIPA committees on political matters, economic matters and social matters and received other members support, she added.

There are two highly important principles in the ASEAN Charter and AIPA regulations, consensus and non-intervention in one anothers internal affairs, which have helped maintain the blocs solidarity and unity. However, Van added, ASEAN and AIPA members havent been always shared common voices on certain regional issues in recent years.

During Vietnams AIPA Chairmanship, politics - security remains one of the key areas, aside from sensitive issues among ASEAN countries as well as between the bloc and partners. Therefore, it requires the host countrys sharpness, particularly in terms of negotiation skills, so as to seek similarities among partners who sometimes have very different interests and concerns, she noted.

As host of AIPA 41, the Vietnamese NA has coordinated with the Foreign Ministry to negotiate with other member parliaments to deal with some issues in the Political Affairs Committees agenda, Van said.

She emphasised that Vietnam concurrently serving as ASEAN Chair, AIPA 41 Chair and non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2020 holds great significance, creating conditions for the country to continue affirming its growing position and role in the region and the world.

The COVID-19 and the new and complex developments in the region will pose challenges and pressure, requiring high sense of responsibility from host Vietnam. Therefore, the Secretary-General said, Vietnams flexibility, proactiveness and sense of responsibility during the preparation for AIPA 41 as seen recently have been highly valued by other countries.

According to her, the practical and effective contributions by the Vietnamese NA during the AIPA Chairmanship Year in this special context are critical to the reinforcement of the countrys friendship and multifaceted cooperation with other ASEAN members, which in turn will provide the foundation for it to push ahead with and assert its stature during international integration.
CAPRI, Italy  On a sweltering Monday morning in August, half an hour before a ferry to Capri was scheduled to depart from a harbor in Naples, dozens of sweating people crowded on the dock, their face masks in various states of ineffectiveness.

The ferry ride to Capri, an island off the coast of southern Italy, lasts about an hour. Once on the island, many of those on board spent the rest of the day lining up for the funicular, for buses, for taxis and for boats.

After a strict lockdown this spring, during which most people were barred from entering the island, Capri reopened to tourists in June, a few months later than usual. Like other parts of Italy, the region that Capri is in, Campania, has seen a large drop in international tourists this summer  85 to 90 percent less than last year, according to Gianni Terminiello, who is in charge of statistics at Campanias tourism agency.

Capri made up some of the difference last month with Italian tourists; the mayor of Capri estimated that thousands of people were arriving daily in August.
An extraordinary general meeting of journalists in the Maldives elected a revived Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) executive committee on September 5. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) welcomes the return of the association and calls on journalists in the Maldives to work together to fight for their professional rights.

The MJA general meeting was attended by 130 journalists via virtual platform Zoom and elected a six-member executive committee under the leadership of Mohamed Hamdhoon.

Founded in 2009, the MJA held an important place among the Maldivian media fraternity in organizing journalists, fighting for their professional rights, facilitating trainings and ensuring a safe and free space for their working environment. However, following a split in its membership, it collapsed in 2014. The IFJ and its South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN) has continuously advocated for the revival of a collective voice for journalists in the Maldives.

The intervening period for journalists in the Maldives was both challenging and deadly for media workers in the country, with the disappearance of influential blogger Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla and brutal stabbing of blogger Yameen Rasheed.

The Maldives media  in terms of both ownership and content  was long kept under the iron fist of the countrys founding president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Apart from the brief democratic window under Mohamed Nasheed (2008 to 2012), there was once again a significant decline under Abdulla Yameen (2013 to 2018). The countrys election of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in 2018 marked the beginning of a shift for media freedom and the fight against impunity for journalist attacks.

A three-member transitional committee comprising of journalists Zaheena Rasheed, Hussain Hassan and Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim arranged the extraordinary general meeting.

According to MJA new president, Mohamed Hamdhoon, the MJAs immediate focus was to amend undemocratic' articles of the MJAs constitution, while its long-term goal was to support journalists professional growth including training and advocacy on media rights.

Political division among journalists, use of draconian law to suppress the independent voices including that of media, self-censorship, and impunity on crime against journalists are some of the key issues that Maldives media fraternity is facing today.

The IFJ said: The IFJ welcomes the return of journalist solidarity and advocacy for journalists rights, safety and working conditions in the Maldives with the revived MJA.
A senior officer from Central Crime Branch (CCB) told DH that they have arrested actress Sanjjanaa Galrani in connection with a drug scandal case registered at Cottonpet police station. She will be produced in the court and we will ask the court to remand her to police custody.

The CCB had searched actor Sanjjanaa Galrani's flat in Indiranagar and detained her earlier after a four-and-half hour-long search. Officials had searched her house in connection with the Sandalwood-linked drug scandal. Police started the search around 6:30 am and completed the search around 11 am. Officials thoroughly searched Sanjjanaa's house including the flower pots, kitchen, her room, balcony and in cars.

The officials also conducted a search on the house of Viren Khanna's house in Shanthi Nagar in Central Bengaluru, he is a businessman and an organiser of big parties that are often attended by Kannada actors, businessmen and other VVIPs. The officials had taken search warrants from the court to conduct searches in both Sanjjanaa and Viren's houses.

Also Read: Sandalwood drug case: CCB raids Sanjjanaa Galrani's flat in Indiranagar A team of around eight police officers including women police inspector Anjumala T Nayak and inspector Puneeth Kumar conducted a search in Sanjjanaa's house, while the police inspector Sridhar K Pujar and Mohammed Siraj conducted a search in Viren's house. He was arrested in Delhi a few days back and was taken into police custody.

Sanjjanaa's close friend Rahul Thonshe was arrested a few days ago. Based on his statement and other accused persons officials searched her house. Rahul is an architect and also a businessman. When he was arrested, Sanjjanaa had addressed mediapersons stating that Rahul is her 'Rakhi' brother and is an innocent person, but she has nothing to do with his link with the drug mafia.

According to officials, Sanjjanaa Galrani initially cooperated during the search, but after some time she started arguing with them. The officials have seized a laptop, hard disk and her three mobile phones from her flat. They also questioned her family members, employees before questioning her. CCB officials said they got some material useful for the case and immediately they asked local police to seize the materials.



She got into an argument with the police stating that if she was served a notice she would have voluntarily appeared before them for questioning and told police that there was no need of a search. She also mentioned that her mother is aged, has fallen ill and is disturbed over recent developments. She had also asked police to leave her house and she would follow them in her own car.

According to police sources, Sanjjanaa had been to a well known senior advocate's office to get guidance on how to face the police and the procedures. But she happened to meet another advocate in the office and took some advice as she had a clue that police may search her house any time. On learning about the search, her advocate rushed to her apartment.

Officials ordered food from a hotel for themselves and also for Sanjjanaa's family members, initially Sanjjanaa refused to have breakfast, but later she ate some food. Officials also questioned her about a doctor working in a private hospital with whom she was very close. Rahul had revealed the doctor's name.

"Sanjjanaa's name had surfaced in the drug scandal from day one, but we didn't hurry in searching her house as we needed some evidence, once we got the sufficient evidence, we searched her house and detained her. She is being taken to CCB office in a police SUV. She will be produced before a magistrate," a senior officer said.

Sanjjanaa is the second Sandalwood actress to be arrested in a drug scandal case after Ragini Dwivedi.
My Tho High School is only a small local school in Y Yen District, Nam Dinh Province but it has produced some of the top scorers of this years national high school exam.

Dang Thi Hong Trang (left), who scored top marks in Literature, and Nguyen Thi Huong (right), one of the countrys three highest scorers for Literature, History and Geography, with their teacher at My Tho High School. Photo xaluan.com

Nguyen Thi Huong was one of the countrys three highest scorers for Literature, History and Geography.

Huong scored a total of 29.25 points in the three subjects with a perfect score (10) for Geography, 9.5 for Literature and 9.75 for History.

Hailing from a poor family in Yen Phu Commune, Huong, as the first daughter of the family, has to balance her time between homework and housework.

She also has to look after two sisters, especially when her parents were in Hanoi searching for work at the start of this year due to the impacts of COVID-19. Despite all this, she has never lost her will to learn.

Pham Thi Lien, Huongs mother, said: We burst into tears when we found out about daughters exam results and immediately returned home to congratulate her.

Huong knows our family lives in poor conditions so she never asks for anything she doesn't need, Lien told Vietnam News Agency.

Huongs corner where she studies does not even have a bookshelf but it is covered by certificates for her academic achievements.

Huong said she was used to borrowing books from the school library or her friends and returning them when she had finished studying.

Not many people know that she nurtured a love for science from an early age, especially Math, but then decided to follow social sciences.

Since entering high school, I decided to focus on Literature, History and Geography because those subjects equip me with a deep understanding about positive values in our lives and help me have a comprehensive view at the relations between the past, the present and the future as well as at the events happening around us.

Huong has had a lot of success during her three years at high school and at the national high school exams thanks to her serious attitude towards the targets she sets for herself.

Her study tips are to listen to teachers in class, review the lectures at home and exchange knowledge with teachers and classmates.

I often make a mind map for each subject to have a general view. Then from the main ideas, I develop into smaller ideas to dig into the lessons and to not only learn by heart but understand them well.

I also take sample tests to practice my skills and remember what I have learnt.

I didn't study too much or put pressure on myself. I did not stay up late to study.

I studied little by little day by day and did not skip lessons to make sure I understood everything. Thanks to that, I felt calm and confident before each exam.

Nguyen Thi Hien, Huongs teacher, said Huong was a special student with a logical mind and creative studying methods. She answered questions very quickly and always connected the lessons with reality.

Perfect Literature score

My Tho High School is also proud to have a student who scored 10 points in Literature this year, a rare score for this subject.

However, Dang Thi Hong Trang did not surprise her teachers or classmates with her result.

Trang is assessed to be an excellent essay writer with coherent and sharp arguments. In her essays to analyse literary works, Trang always puts the characters in the context of the specific society they are living in to look into the humane value of the works.

Trang said: Scores are only one part of the study progress. I will keep reading my favourite literary works and spend time learning more because studying is an endless process.

In Trang's class, 25 out of 37 students scored more than nine points for Literature this year.

Their teacher Pham Thi Kieu Oanh said in addition to logical teaching methods that train students to write essays, teachers must also inspire passion in students to help them immerse themselves in the lesson, thereby arousing their love for the subject.

Many people think that a perfect score in a Literature test never happens. But Literature, like all other subjects, has answers and marking instructions. So why cant students get a perfect score when they can satisfy all the ideas in the answer, and even have more creative ideas? Oanh said.

The teachers at My Tho High School are constantly innovating their teaching methods to encourage students to learn and improve education quality.

Ha Xuan Son, the school principal, said the quality of teaching at the school had significantly improved over the past ten years.

The number of excellent students and students entering universities and colleges in recent years has been increasing. The school has also recently had top scorers in Math, Chemistry and Biology, he said. VNS
Dehradun:

Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat was hospitalised on Tuesday after his blood pressure shot up and he complained of pain in the neck with doctors attending him advising him rest.

The 69-year-old CM was rushed to the Doon Medical College and Hospital for check-up.

However, the chief minister was discharged and brought back to his residence at Bijapur Guest House after being advised rest by the doctors.

Rawat was at the hospital for nearly an hour. The chief minister had sustained a neck injury in a flight to Delhi in June 2014.
MOSCOW  Maria Kolesnikova, a prominent opposition leader in Belarus who vanished on Monday in what her supporters said was a kidnapping by security agents, reappeared overnight at her countrys southern border with Ukraine.

But an elaborate operation aimed at forcing her to leave Belarus came unstuck, according to opposition activists who were at the border with Ms. Kolesnikova when she destroyed her passport to make it impossible for Ukraine to admit her.

At a news conference in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, on Tuesday evening, two Belarusian activists, Anton Rodnenkov and Ivan Kravtsov, told how they had been seized in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, on Monday and taken to the border with Ukraine, along with Ms. Kolesnikova, by masked security agents who warned that if they did not leave the country they would be jailed indefinitely.

After passing through a Belarusian border checkpoint, they said, Ms. Kolesnikova grabbed her passport and started shouting that she was not going anywhere. She tore the passport into small pieces and threw them out of the window.
Two Melbourne boys stepped in to stop their father trying to kill their mother after he stabbed her 25 times with a screwdriver.

The father has admitted he was trying to kill his partner of nearly two decades at their Melbourne home last year.

Three weeks before the vicious attack the woman had kicked her partner out of the family home after he began beating her while she was driving, hitting her eight times and pulling her hair.

Two Melbourne boys stepped in to stop their father trying to kill their mother after he stabbed her 25 times with a screwdriver (file picture)

He accused her of ruining his family. She pulled over near a police station and ran inside screaming for help, and he drove away in her car.

The woman let him move back into their home after he threatened to kill himself if she didn't take him back.

The woman tried to kick him out again on the morning of the screwdriver attack, after seeing him smoking an ice pipe in their bed.

'Its a pretty ugly picture isn't it of him sitting in bed sucking on an ice pipe, three kids in the house,' a Supreme Court judge said on Tuesday.

The man repeatedly punched his partner in the face and chest. She didn't realise at the time that he was armed with the screwdriver, stabbing her with it.

She suffered suspected defensive wounds on her arms, trying to protect herself.

'Help, he's going to kill me. You're going to kill me,' she cried out.

He replied: 'Yes, that's what I want to do.'

Two of the couple's children heard the violence and tried to stop their father, holding him so their mother could run to a neighbour's home for help.

The man ran after her, telling her that he loved her and that he knew she'd have to call police.

Prosecutors said he grabbed her by the hair and demanded she look into his eyes when he spoke to her.

He took off before police arrived and was arrested later in the day.

The woman required surgery for her multiple life-threatening stab wounds and a punctured lung.

The judge said a scar on the woman's face would be a daily reminder of the attack.

'Every time your children see it, it would remind them of what they've been through,' he said.

A pre-sentence hearing is continuing.
(Photo : REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson/File Photo) Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos laughs as he talks to the media while touring the new Amazon Spheres during the grand opening at Amazon's Seattle headquarters in Seattle, Washington, U.S., January 29, 2018. (Photo : REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo) Amazon.com's logo is seen at Amazon Japan's office building in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2016.

Is Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, a haughty boss? Some of his former employees described their experience with him to answer that question.

Also Read: Omeir Saeed: Alladin May Ditch His Magic Carpet for This

Mark Neuhausen, a former employee who worked as Worldwide Corporate IT centralized support and ops at Amazon from 2013 to 2015, said that Amazon CEO is not an arrogant person. He added that Bezos is very confident in his abilities and his S-team (Senior VPs).

Also Read: Elon Musk Shares Physics Homework on Twitter with a Note "Sorry Sir I Think I Have Momentinertiaphobia"

Neuhausen explained that other people he knows, who previously worked with the CEO in the early 2000s, didn't describe him as arrogant. Instead, they described him as a funny person, especially when he's riding around on a Segway with his maniacal laugh.

JP Werlin, one of the people who had a chance to meet Bezos, also said that "Jeff has no air of arrogance or anything of the sort." Werlin said that during a statewide event for elementary school students at a random middle school in Wenatchee, he saw him and his wife in the bleachers, ready to enjoy the closing ceremony.

He also said that the Amazon CEO made some small talk with him and allowed him to ask a few random questions.

"Jeff was great, there was not one of iota of arrogance in our interaction. I walked away thinking, and still do, that he is not what others want to believe about him or make him out to be," said Werlin.

Why some CEOs are regarded as arrogant people

Stephen Kofi Osei-Akoto, a Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science Distributed Systems and Cloud Computing at Temple University, said that certain people consider every successful CEO as arrogant. He explained that people might misdescribe you as pretentious if you started from nothing and acquired wealth and success.

Stephen added that different leadership styles could intimidate other people, so you need to be careful when describing an arrogant individual. He also said that Amazon has a working environment that is not for the faint-hearted.



Osei-Akoto explained that if Jeff Bezos' leadership makes Amazon a successful company, then that's all that matters to a broad audience.



"No one goes into business to make losses and especially in U.S. where there is a lot of competition in the E-commerce and Internet/Cloud service," he said.

For more news updates about Jeff Bezos and other tech CEOs, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Also Read: Palace Wiill Examine Netflix Deal of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Over Their Unpaid $3.1M House Renovation Debt

This article is owned by TechTimes,

Written by: Giuliano de Leon.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 02:09:55|Editor: huaxia

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VILNIUS, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda met with visiting Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg here on Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation, according to a press release from the Presidency.

The two leaders agreed to enhance bilaterally beneficial cooperation in the regional liquefied natural gas (LNG) market to keep it competitive.

Lithuania is a major buyer of Norwegian LNG, which is also supplied to the other countries of the Baltic region through the LNG terminal in the Lithuanian port city of Klaipeda.

Nordic-Baltic cooperation (NB8), border management, regional security and transatlantic cooperation were also on their agenda.

The Norwegian prime minister also met her Lithuanian counterpart, Saulius Skvernelis, to discuss bilateral relations, regional cooperation, economic and energy industry collaboration and other issues of mutual interest, according to the press release.

The two prime ministers agreed to strengthen their countries' renewable energy and environment partnership. Enditem
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8) - Senate has approved on second reading a measure which seeks to grant scholarship for aspiring doctors.

Senate Bill No. 1520 or Doktor Para Sa Bayan Act aims to have one doctor per town in the country by providing scholarship to deserving students, from state universities and partner private schools, who cannot afford to pursue medical education.

Under the measure, the scholarship grant covers tuition and other school fees, uniform, allowance for dormitory or transportation, internship fees, medical board review fees and licensure fees, medical insurance, and living allowance.

The student must pass first the National Medical Admission Test and the entrance examinations required for Doctor of Medicine degree.

After they passed the licensure exam for physicians, scholars should work in a government health office or government hospital in their respective hometowns for one year for every year that the scholarship has been availed of.

The proposed measure also provides that if a scholar refuses to render the mandatory return service, he/she shall be required to pay the full cost of the scholarship.

Its counterpart measure at the House of Representatives was already approved on third and final reading last August.
BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Robots with unique functions like disinfection, delivery and rehabilitation assistance are exhibiting their talents to global consumers at the ongoing 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), which kicked off Friday in Beijing.

Themed "Global Services, Shared Prosperity," the fair is the first major international economic and trade event that China has held both online and offline since the COVID-19 outbreak.

In an exhibition area at the fair, a snail-like robot can be seen automatically moving toward a storage box, loading itself, entering an elevator and putting the box back in place after delivery.

The building distribution robot then takes a nearby disinfectant box and becomes a sterilizing vehicle.

"They were busy day and night during the epidemic," said Zhang Wenyi, design director at Candela (Shenzhen) Technology Innovation Co., Ltd., which develops Candle series robots.

According to Zhang, Candela sent a number of Candle robots to the Huoshenshan, Leishenshan and Jinyintan hospitals to aid in the fight against COVID-19 in the hard-hit city of Wuhan during the early days of the outbreak.

In addition to routine distribution and handling services, one of the robots at the Leishenshan hospital was assigned a special mission in late February. It was tasked with sending a wedding cake to a couple who were then working in the hospital and were unable to have their wedding ceremony in Shanghai as originally scheduled.

"It was a special wedding. The hospital became the marriage hall, the protective suit became a wedding gown, and the Candle robot was the cake delivery man," Zhang recalled. "Technology warmed people's hearts, and made the cold winter warmer."

An AI nursing robot at the fair can be seen simulating rehabilitation training for patients, helping a stuffed teddy bear lift its back, bend its knees and turn over. This has attracted significant attention at the booth operated by Shenyang-based Siasun Robot and Automation Co., Ltd.

Siasun has been in touch with the First Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang since the early outbreak of COVID-19. It has donated 10 nursing robots and seven logistics robots to the hospital, according to Li Xuewei, general manager of Siasun's medical and health robot division.

Li said Siasun's nursing robots have helped COVID-19 patients recover, and reduced cross-infection and labor intensity for medical staff, thus improving efficiency. It took just three days to complete installation and debugging processes after the robots arrived at the hospital.

"At the CIFTIS, people can experience in person of all kinds of robots that are better serving human beings now," Li said.

Shenzhen-based company UBTECH Robotics Corp has brought its intelligent thermal detection robots, which participated on the frontline in the anti-epidemic battle, to exhibit at the fair.

Zhou Jian, founder of UBTECH, said the robots developed by the company have not only taken up tasks at hospitals, schools and enterprises in China, but have also provided anti-epidemic services in the Republic of Korea, Japan, Belgium, Nigeria and other countries.

The global robot market was valued at about 29.41 billion U.S. dollars in 2019, with service robots contributing nearly one third of the total and seeing the fastest growth of 14.1 percent, according to the Chinese Institute of Electronics (CIE).

China's service robot market was estimated to be worth 2.2 billion dollars by the CIE in 2019, accounting for more than a quarter of the global service robot market.

"We've achieved the independent R&D of core algorithms and software platforms, as well as the design and manufacturing of the products," said Li Xuewei, adding that China's high-tech industry has entered a fast track, providing advanced AI services to more global consumers.
A repayment of taxes by Laois PAYE worker is included nearly 86 million in taxes collected from April to June by the Revenue Commissioners who have also penalised a famous Irish fashion designer for not paying money owed to the State on income earned.

In the three month period to the June 30 a total of 345 Revenue audit and investigations, together with 10,786 Risk Management Interventions, were settled, resulting in a yield of 85.8 million to the State's coffers.

Revenue has today (Tuesday, September 8) published the latest List of Tax Defaulters in respect of the period April 1 to June 30 2020.

Alan Kirwan, a PAYE worker with an address in Jamestown, Ballybrittas, Co Laois faced a bill of nearly 50,000 following an audit due to the under-declaration of income tax and VAT. Of this 32,320.06 was unpaid tax while there was 7,723.74 in interest. The penalty for non-payment was 9,696.02. This brought to 49,739.82 the amount owed by the haulier. All had been paid to Revenue by the end of March 2020.

The biggest penalty on the published list exceeded 1 million. Carlow haulier Colma Mary Moore of 2 Sharon Avenue, Browneshill, Carlow, owned 586,148.00 in unpaid tax. Interest was 375,521.00 while the penalty levied was 234,460.00. The total owed was 1,196,129. Of this 1,161,315.73 remained to be paid by the end of June 2020.

Doctors, jewellers and farmers are also on the list which also includes Elaine Keogh, of Uplands, Annamor, Roundwood, Co Wicklow. Ms Keogh is described as a manufacturer and retailer of knitwear trading as Lainey Keogh.

Her unpaid tax was 68,599.18 while the interest was 33,354.07 and the penalty was calculated at 20,579.75. Her total bill following an audit due to the under-declaration of income tax and VAT was 122,533. The debt was cleared by June 30.

The Revenue Commissioners publish the list in two parts. The Laois and Dublin cases were among a number of cases in part 2 of the list.

Part 1: Persons in whose case the Court has determined a penalty relating to a settlement, or has imposed a fine, imprisonment or another penalty in respect of a tax or duty offence. FULL LIST HERE

Part 2: Persons in whose case Revenue has accepted a settlement offer instead of initiating court proceedings, or a settlement has been paid in full. This list reflects the amount of a settlement that remained unpaid at the end of the period 31 March 2020. Unpaid amounts are subject to Revenues normal debt collection and enforcement procedures. FULL LIST HERE.

EXPLAINER

Part 1: Court Determinations

Court Determination of Penalty: Subject to certain criteria, in settlement cases where there is no agreement to a penalty, or a person fails to pay an agreed penalty, the Court determines the penalty. Details are published when the Court determined penalty exceeds 15% of the total tax and the total of the tax, interest and penalty is more than 35,000 and a qualifying disclosure has not been made:

There were no such cases in the 3-month period to 30 June 2020

Court imposed fine, imprisonment or other penalty: Details are published when a fine or other Court penalty is imposed in respect of tax or duty offences. Court penalties may include imprisonment, partly suspended or suspended sentences, community service in lieu of imprisonment, and closure orders.

12 such cases are published and 16,250 is the total of court fines imposed.

These cases include:

6 cases of failing to lodge tax returns and failing to produce books and records. Court fines of 1,250 were imposed in all 6 cases;

3 cases of misuse of marked mineral oil, in respect of which Court fines of up to 3,500 were imposed;

3 cases of excise offences for smuggling of tobacco. 12 month suspended sentences were imposed in all 3 cases.

Part 2: Settlements

Settlements are published when the extensive voluntary disclosure options are not availed of and the default arises because of careless or deliberate behaviour:

25 cases are published today and 8,491,348 is the total settlement amount in these cases;

18 cases were for amounts exceeding 100,000

of which 6 exceeded 500,000

and 3 of which exceeded 1m;

10 are cases in which the settlement was not fully paid as at 30 June 2020;

4,821,659 was the amount unpaid as at 30 June 2020. In some cases, collection/recovery of the full unpaid amount will not be possible (for example, company liquidation).

Revenue Compliance Yield

These published settlements reflect only a portion of all Revenue audits and investigations.

In the 3-month period to 30 June 2020, a total of 345 Revenue audit and investigations, together with 10,786 Risk Management Interventions (Aspect Queries and Profile Interviews), were settled, resulting in yield of 85.8 million in tax, interest, and penalties.
NEW DELHI - India and China accused each other Tuesday of firing warning shots during a confrontation the day before at their disputed border in a marked escalation of tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

It was the first time in decades that both sides said shots were fired at the frontier, where long-standing, mutual protocols prohibit the use of firearms.

Such protocols did not prevent the two countries from engaging in their deadliest violence in more than 50 years in June, when Chinese soldiers armed with clubs studded with nails and metal rods clashed with Indian troops in a remote area of the western Himalayas.

Twenty Indian soldiers were killed. The number of Chinese casualties remains unknown.

Both countries moved thousands of troops as well as tanks, artillery and fighter jets to areas close to the disputed and unmarked border, which is known as the Line of Actual Control.

Experts say that starting in May, China intruded into areas claimed by India at several points along the frontier and might now control as much as 400 square miles that India considers its own. Months of talks have failed to reduce tensions.

Last week, President Trump said the situation between India and China had been "very nasty" and that the United States stood "ready to help."

Col. Zhang Shuili, spokesman for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theater Command, said in a statement early Tuesday that Indian troops had "blatantly fired upon Chinese border patrols with threatening shots" near the southern bank of the Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh. In response, Chinese troops took unspecified "countermeasures," he said.

"These are serious military provocations of a terrible nature," Zhang said. China demanded that India restrain its troops and punish the soldiers who fired their weapons.

India denied that its troops had used firearms. The Ministry of Defense released a statement saying that PLA soldiers were approaching a forward position on the border and "fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate" Indian troops.

An Indian official with knowledge of the incident who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that Chinese soldiers were making a repeat attempt to cross the Line of Actual Control at a particular location. When Indian troops told them to go back, the official said, the Chinese soldiers "became aggressive and fired shots" in the air.

Indian troops also fired warning shots, according to two army officers stationed in the region who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter.

A fresh spike in tensions occurred last week. Indian soldiers went up to the border line claimed by India near Pangong Tso, a body of water that straddles the frontier. There they took control of "dominating heights that will give us an advantage over the long term," the Indian official said.

China responded angrily, saying that India had "illegally crossed the LAC, made provocations, changed the status quo in the border areas and violated bilateral agreements."

China's current behavior is driven, at least in part, "by a tougher stance on sovereignty issues," under President Xi Jinping, said Bonnie Glaser, director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Xi has said that the country will never give up an inch of territory, and Beijing has become more strident in asserting such claims in recent years, Glaser said, whether in the South China Sea or the Taiwan Strait.

Apart from fighting a war in 1962, India and China have largely resolved flare-ups along their 2,200-mile border through dialogue. In 1975, four Indian soldiers were killed in the eastern Himalayas, the last time both countries acknowledged the use of firearms at the frontier.

India and China later brokered successive agreements that laid out how their troops should react when their patrols encountered each other in areas they both claim, including unfurling banners and shunning the use of firearms. While the border remained unsettled, any tension was focused on a few key disputed areas.

All of those understandings have now vanished. "You have a complete breakdown of agreements and protocols, and you have deep suspicions on both sides," said D.S. Hooda, a retired general who previously commanded the Indian army forces in Kashmir and Ladakh.

The current buildup at the border is inherently dangerous, experts said. The use of firearms is "an example of unintended escalation that can pick up momentum," said Ajai Shukla, an Indian defense analyst and former army officer who has written extensively about the standoff. "All it takes is one red-blooded guy on the other side to fire back, and before you know what's what, you're in a good old-fashioned firefight."

Christopher Clary, a political scientist at the State University of New York at Albany and a former Pentagon official, said the risk of violence rises when troops are in close contact and especially when "they are trying to deny one another access to sites of tactical or operational significance."

India and China both have "plenty of firepower in the region, so things could get quite ugly quite quickly if the restriction on firearms becomes inoperative," he said.

With the standoff showing no signs of ending, both India and China are preparing to maintain their deployments on the barren Himalayan heights throughout a long, harsh winter. Temperatures plunge to -22 degrees, said Hooda, and the two main roads into Ladakh are cut off, forcing India to stockpile supplies well in advance.

The last war between India and China, in 1962, unfolded in October and November. After that point, the weather makes large-scale operations practically impossible, experts said. It is "nature's way of calling a truce," said Bharat Karnad, a security expert in Delhi.

- - -

Shih reported from Taipei, Taiwan. The Washington Post's Shams Irfan in Srinagar contributed to this report.
Under a slowly rising sun and oppressive heat Thursday morning, Jacqueline Garcia pulled down her mask to take a sip of water from her jug during a break in her firefighter training course. With the rest of her covered in thick protective equipment and sweat beading on her face, the return to in-person learning was going to take some getting used to.

From the beginning, they said it wasnt going to be easy, said Garcia, 25. Its a little different because were not used to such intense training already, so having to take all the extra precautions, its, you know, different.

Garcia is one of about 65 firefighter cadets and 100 law enforcement cadets training at San Antonio Colleges First Responders Academy in Atascosa, a rural community in Southwest Bexar County.

The group began its in-person training in August after starting the program remotely, learning theory and noncontact skills through books and Zoom lectures. But you cant learn how to put out a fire or handcuff a suspect online, so the academy has reopened  though the training must still allow for social distancing, wearing masks and gloves and other rules meant to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Thats probably been the most challenging part for us, is maintaining a true fire and law academy, yet falling into all of the wants and visions of the college, because thats two different worlds, said Frank Poyner, the academys director.

On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases

In March, the COVID-19 pandemic forced SAC  and schools and colleges across the country  to make an abrupt transition to remote learning, but the academys cadets returned in June to finish their interrupted hands-on learning.

Four of the five schools in the Alamo Colleges District  all but Northwest Vista College  are offering face-to-face classes this semester for courses that cant be taught any other way, sometimes to meet accreditation requirements. SAC has more than any other, with 5 percent of its course offerings this semester involving in-person instruction, said Robert Vela, the colleges president.

Classroom surfaces are sanitized regularly, desks are spaced out and everyone must wear a mask and undergo a health screening before entering any campus building. SAC is offering more class sections to reduce class sizes. The approximately 450 students taking face-to-face classes at its main campus are spread among four buildings, Vela said.

Every student who needs to be enrolled in a face-to-face class this semester is. No one was left behind, Vela said. We feel good that weve been able to really tailor our classrooms and our facilities to meet our student demand.

The community college districts face-to-face courses include human anatomy and physiology, basic food preparation, auto body repair and fundamentals of cosmetology, among dozens of other subjects. But perhaps the most physically challenging are the first responder training courses.

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Fire cadets train Monday to Friday, from 6 a.m. to about 5 p.m., for the entire 16-week semester. Their temperatures are taken when they arrive at the academy each morning, and they are required to wear masks at all times, except for physical training, hands-on exercises and their lunch break, which many take in their own cars to physically distance themselves from others, Poyner said.

The academy got approval to make masks optional during physical training after several cadets had to go to the hospital with hypoxia, a lack of sufficient oxygen in the body.

Cadets are spaced out on the grounds of the academy except when practicing more hands-on techniques, such as rescues and arrests. The goal is to have fewer than 15 students in one area of the skill grounds at a time, Poyner said.

About 75 percent of the training course for firefighter cadets would be nearly impossible to teach or learn through Zoom. For future firefighters, it includes learning ropes and knots, search and rescue, survival skills, ladder operations, fire behavior and more. Law enforcement cadets practice firearms training, the mechanics of an arrest, patrol skills and police driving, among other needed skills.

The safety restrictions make mastering those techniques a challenge, though most students find the masks and physical distancing reassuring. They have become just another part of the learning process.

Im a hands-on learner, and I prefer to be up close, said Darrin Parker, 26, a fire cadet. I want to be right next to you and feeling those same parts, but due to the pandemic, I have to be at a certain distance and basically mimic those hand movements to make sure Im following.

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Edward Saucedo, a veteran law enforcement instructor, believes the training will be productive as well as safe, though at first he was skeptical about how successful it could be with physical distancing and other protocols.

After 20 years of doing hands-on, full contact  having classrooms of 25 to 30 people in one room semester after semester  there were some concerns about how effective this was going to be, Saucedo said. But having done it now  I see its going to be just as effective as it has been any other time. Weve been able to make it work through cooperation and just the acquisition of resources we need.

For some students, such as Iris Solis, 29, a law enforcement cadet and class sergeant, the safety protocols have made training more difficult but also more realistic, given the pandemics effects on life outside the academy.

Its been hard, just because you dont get the full effect of it, (what the experience would be) if we didnt have the mask or if we didnt have the gloves on, she said. But just because its been hard doesnt mean its something we cant adjust to for when the pandemic is over.

Solis noted that the precautions in place at the academy, such as masks, gloves and physical distancing, are not unique to the training grounds. Once she and her fellow cadets graduate in December and start working in the field, they likely will encounter some of the same obstacles and will be better equipped to do their jobs.

Once we actually get in there and once this pandemic is over, well already have that idea that we have to speak louder because we have masks on, and when they come off, our tone is already elevated, she said. Same thing with the handcuffs and the gloves.  So, it was an adjustment, but I think its a good adjustment for the long run.

Allowing students such as Solis to graduate on time was a major reason SAC administrators decided to offer face-to-face courses as early as August. About 10 percent of Alamo Colleges students would not have been able to continue their academic programs without in-person lessons this semester, Vela said.

And with the pandemic putting extra strain on public safety fields such as law enforcement and medicine, being able to train the next generation of front-line workers on time is crucial, Vela said.

A lot of these folks, their positions are so important right now, he said. We have hospitals and medical facilities saying we need your graduates; we need help.  Were compelled to do everything we can to get these students graduated, but ultimately to try to get them in the field to help fight this pandemic.

andy.picon@hearst.com
Mayank Singh By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: In a major threshold shift in tension along the Line of Actual Control, the Chinese PLA fired bullets during its movement in the Chushul area. This incident is the first in 45 years in which bullets have been fired.

Responding to claims of illegal crossing by China, Defence Ministry on Monday clarified that PLA troops on September 7 tried to close in to an Indian position and when dissuaded by Indian Army troops they fired few rounds in air.

Speaking on the immediate incident of firing, Colonel Aman Anand, Spokesperson Indian Army made it clear that it is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress.

The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility, however, is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs.

At no stage has Indian Army transgressed across LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing, said Indian Army on China's claim.

The Ministry of Defence added that the action by PLA was to intimidate the Indian troops.

In the instant case on 07 September 2020, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops.

However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner.

"Despite grave provocation, Indian troops exercised great restraint and behaved in mature and responsible manner. It is Chinese PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manuveres. PLA soldiers fired a few rounds in air in an attempt to intimidate Indian troops China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate situation. Our forces committed to maintaining peace and tranquility; also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs," said the Indian Army on the situation in Eastern Ladakh.

BREAK: PLA troops on September 7 tried to close in to an Indian position and when dissuaded by IndianArmy troops they fired few rounds in air to intimidate Indian troops: Ministry of Defence@NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard  Mayank (@scribesoldier) September 8, 2020

Earlier, the spokesperson of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Armys Western Theater Command, Colonel Zhang Shuili, made a statement on Monday that it was Indian army which made a provocative move of illegal crossing of the line.

The Global Times tweeted quoting the spokesperson of the Western Theatre Command as saying, The Indian Army again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake on Monday .

According to the paper, the Chinese spokesperson said PLA was forced to take countermeasures to stabilise the situation after Indian troops outrageously fired warning shots at Chinese troops who were about to negotiate.

"The Chinese border guards were forced to take countermeasures to stabilise the situation," a People's Liberation Army (PLA) spokesperson said.

ALSO READ | Never recognised so-called Arunachal: China on alleged abduction of five Indians

The PLA official also said the Indian army "illegally crossed the LAC and entered the south bank of Pangong Lake and the Shenpao mountain area".

"During the operation, the Indian Army blatantly fired threats to the patrol personnel of the Chinese border guards who had made representations, and the Chinese border guards were forced to take countermeasures to stabilize the situation on the ground," he further said.

IMPORTANT!

Army Chief briefed DefenceMinister about the situation Early morning .

Assessment of situation frm local commanders was taken by Army Headquaters yesterday only .



High level meetings likely in second half in SouthBlock with CDS,Def Sec & 3 hiefs wl be part of this  Mayank (@scribesoldier) September 8, 2020

Calling it a "serious provocation of a very bad nature", China said, "We request the Indian side to immediately stop dangerous actions".

The statement by the Western Theatre Command is an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience, said Colonel Anand.

It was in 1975 that the Chinese PLA had crossed the Line of Actual Control in Tulung La in Arunachal Pradesh and ambushed a patrol of Assam Rifles jawans, killing four of them.

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.

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.

(With Online Desk, Agencies inputs)
A nationwide health crisis capable of diminishing any gains made in the containment of the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria is looming.

About 24 hours after the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) commenced an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday, another key organ of Nigerias health workforce is threatening to down tools.

The Joint Health Sector Unions, a group of other health workers other than doctors, said it would embark on a nationwide seven-day warning strike if the government fails to meet their demands which includes payment of hazard and inducement allowance by mid-night of Sunday, September 13.

In a statement signed by its national chairman, Joy Josiah, JOHESU said the warning strike will only involve federal institutions while the states and local government health institutions will be placed on red alert for possible entry into the fray if the federal government foot-drags in attending to our demands.

JOHESU in July threatened to down tools over what it described as gross discrimination against its members in the implementation of the newly-approved inducement and hazard allowances for medical workers.

The association is also protesting the alleged withheld salaries of its members.

Long battle

Hazard pay, a wage supplement paid to workers who do dangerous jobs, has been the grouse of Nigerian health workers since the advent of the coronavirus pandemic.

Health workers, being the first respondents to patients, have continued to be at risk of exposure to the coronavirus and as a result, more than a thousand have tested positive for COVID-19.

They have repeatedly protested the lack of access to full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and life insurance especially for their members on the frontline who die while treating people suffering from COVID-19, a rare strain of coronavirus that has killed almost a million people globally.

The Nigerian government had promised a special COVID-19 hazard and inducement allowance of 50 per cent of Consolidated Basic Salary to health workers in federal health institutions and designated COVID-19 centres.

Prior to this, health workers received N5,000 as hazard pay across board.

The government had also promised frontline health workers life insurance, but this promise has not been kept, according to the president of the NARD, Aliyu Sokomba, who announced the resumption of an industrial action by the doctors on Monday.

Resident doctors, certified doctors undergoing residency to become consultants that had suspended its one-week strike on July 21, downed tools once again on Monday, this time indefinitely over the governments failure to previous demands.

But the federal government faulted the doctors decision, saying more than half of their demands have been addressed.

Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, in a statement, on Monday, said the government had already addressed six out of eight demands of the striking doctors.

Grouse

On the other hand, JOHESU said some of their demands, which have lingered for almost a decade and are backed with specific court judgements, collective bargaining and MOUs, have been treated with levity and outrightly violated by the government.

Some of these lingering demands include: Review of implementation of COVID-19 special hazard allowance; payment of withheld salaries of members; adjustment of CONHESS salary structure; and implementation of ADR consent judgment.

Since 2014, JOHESU has been engaging the government over some of the aforementioned demands asides those that have to do with COVID-19. This has resulted in strike actions over the period.

On April 17, 2018, Nigerias health sector suffered one of its biggest blows when JOHESU members downed tools over similar demands.

The strike, which lasted six weeks, caused many deaths and left millions without care.

Patients passed through untold pain and their relatives grumbled as both federal, state, and local government health institutions were brought to their knees.

To avoid a repeat of such a scenario, JOHESU president, Mr Josiah, in Monday statement called on statesmen, traditional rulers, and religious bodies to proactively engage the government to hid to their demands within the lifespan of pending ultimatum.

Reacting to the looming health sector crisis, Charles Akpan, the spokesperson of the ministry of labour, said Mr Ngige is planning to meet with the doctors who are already on strike before attending to the threat by JOHESU.

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As you know, the labor ministry serves as an intermediary between the government and any aggrieved union, the spokesperson told PREMIUM TIMES Monday evening in a phone interview.

My principal will meet with resident doctors on Wednesday to find a way to resolve their issues. Subsequently, he will engage JOHESU on their threat to embark on strike, the official said.
Alan B. Miller (left) is stepping down from his role as CEO of Universal Health Services. He founded the King of Prussia-headquartered company in 1979 and built it into an $11.4 billion hospital industry powerhouse. Marc D. Miller (right) becomes CEO of Universal Health Services in January. Read more

The 83-year-old founder of Universal Health Services, Americas largest psychiatric hospital chain and a major acute-care hospital provider, too, is handing control of the King of Prussia-based company to his son.

Alan B. Miller will step down as chief executive in January and son Marc D. Miller, 50, will take his place in what the company said was as long-planned succession.

The senior Miller is generally credited with being a pioneer in purchasing hospitals in fast-growing communities and building a network out of them. Last year, the for-profit, publicly traded UHS had net income of $815 million on $11.4 billion in revenue.

What changes? Not a whole lot, said Marc Miller, who has served as president for 12 years. We have a good rhythm here. Were happy to continue with the same trajectory weve been on.

The elder Miller founded what would become a Fortune 500 company in 1979 with a staff of six. Over four decades, UHS evolved into one of the nations largest health-care concerns. It now employs 90,000 and operates close to 400 facilities.

Fox Business identified Miller this year as the second longest-serving chief executive in the nation. He will continue to chair the UHS board of directors.

I am certainly appreciative of the success we have achieved, Alan Miller said. I was an entrepreneur intent on doing meaningful work and making a difference with my life. It is an honor to hand over the reins of this very successful company and know that, every day, the team will continue to provide superior-quality care, save lives, and help families in their times of greatest need.

Marc MiIler has been president of UHS since 2009 and headed the acute-care division, which includes 25 hospitals and accounts for half the firms revenue.

Marc Miler acknowledged that despite its international footprint, Universal Health Systems is little known outside the industry.

We fly under the radar, and we take a conservative approach, Marc Miller said. For a company, were OK with that.

Locally, UHS employs 850 people at its corporate headquarters and several thousand at hospitals in the Philadelphia region, which include the oldest psychiatric facility in the United States, Friends Hospital on Roosevelt Boulevard.

In addition to Friends, UHS operates eight additional psychiatric centers in the region: Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital in Fort Washington; Fairmount Behavioral Health in Roxborough; Foundations Behavioral Health in Doylestown; Hampton Behavioral Health in Westampton, Burlington County; Horsham Clinic in Horsham; Keystone Center in Brookhaven; Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital in Lancaster; and the Rockford Center in Newark, Del.

In July, UHS agreed to pay $127 million to the federal government to resolve a False Claims Act investigation of billing practices at about 30 of its psychiatric facilities. The deal followed a report in the BuzzFeed News that the chain would exaggerate the mental plight of patients to hold them involuntarily until their insurance money ran out.

Marc Miller said UHS has no designs on acquiring an acute-care hospital in the Philadelphia region.

Were pretty opportunistic about what markets we go into for each of our business lines, he said, adding that UHS had looked at buying Hahnemann Hospital in Center City but passed on it. Weve not seen the opportunity in this market to enter the acute-care space, though wed love to have more of a footprint here.

During his tenure in charge of operations at UHS, Marc Miller has focused on hiring senior executives who have worked out in the field at the companys hospitals.

That way, our executives are much more empathetic to the folks servicing patients every day, he said. It has made us a better company.

Compay shares have traded in a range of $65.20 to $157.06 in the last year, and closed Tuesday down 3.74%, to $109.32, on the New York Stock Exchange.
(CBS)

The family who set off a firework during a gender-reveal gathering that sparked a huge blaze in southern California could face charges and multi-millon dollar fines, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has said.

Cal Fire confirmed in a statement on Sunday evening that the El Dorado blaze in Yucaipa  which officials say has torn through some 8,600 acres of land and was only 7 per cent contained on Monday  was started by a smoke generating "pyrotechnic device", used during a gender-reveal party.

Gender-reveal parties are gatherings where parents expecting a baby hold an event to reveal its sex to family and close friends. At some parties, parents use exploding coloured pyrotechnics to celebrate  blue for a boy and pink for a girl.

In its Sunday statement, Cal Fire said that those "responsibile for starting fires due to negligence or illegal activity can be held financially and criminially responsible".

Bennet Milloy, a spokesman for Cal Fire, has since doubled down on the warning, telling Mail Online that the family could face a fine aimed at helping to cover the cost of putting the fire out, which could run into millions of dollars.

"They understood the seriousness of the fire," Mr Milloy told the publication, when asked if they family realised the gravity of the situation. "They genuinely believed it was an accident."

Mr Milloy told Mail Online that the family could be hit with violations of public resources and arson under California's penal code section 452. The statute makes it a crime for a person to recklessly set fire to or burn any structure, forest land, or property.

It is not immediately clear if the district attorney for the area plans to pursue the case. If legal proceedings are issued, then it would be the person who lit the firework who would be charged, Milloy told CNN.

The fire began on Saturday morning at El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa, about 76 miles (115km) east of Los Angeles, Cal Fire said. It has since spread north to Yucaipa Ridge, prompting local officials to issue evacuation orders in the surrounding areas of Oak Glen, Mountain Home Village, and Forest Falls.

Story continues

San Bernardino National Forest CCTV footage reportedly showed a couple and several children walking into the grass at the edge of El Dorado Ranch Park at around 10.20am on Saturday morning. One person can be seen appearing to ignite the firework that started the fire. Shortly afterwards, the group could be seen attempting to bring the blaze under control with water.

California is currently in the midst of a record-breaking heatwave. This, along with the dry summer months, has created tinderbox conditions for fires to start in forests and woodland. The El Dorado blaze is just one of a number of fires tearing through the state.

The Creek Fire, which has engulfed the Fresno area in central California and caused the emergency evacuation over the weekend of more than 200 people vacationing at a popular reservoir, was still not contained as of Monday afternoon, fire officials said.

The blaze, growing under "extreme weather conditions", devoured nearly 79,000 acres of land, while a cause remained under investigation, Cal Fire said in a statement.

Officials in Madera County issued evacuation orders and urged the county's 157,000 residents to leave if they felt unsafe.

The Oak Fire in Mendocino County started burning around 1:26 pm on Monday afternoon, according to Cal Fire, and three hours later it had already torched 1,000 acres and destroyed one structure.

Videos on social media showed the fire consuming pick-up trucks as it spread along Highway 101 near Willits, California.

"If you're trying to get out of an evacuation area please call 911 for help. Don't delay!" the Mendocino Sheriff's Office wrote on Twitter.

San Francisco-based power provider PG&E said late on Monday that it began turning off power in "high fire-threat" areas. The outages will impact 172,000 customers in 22 counties, mostly in the Sierra Foothills, PG&E said, adding the shut-off was a safety measure due to the extremely high and dry winds.

The California Independent Systems Operator, which runs most of the state's power grid, again urged consumers to cut back on energy consumption and said it was monitoring wildfires throughout the state threatening power lines.

In Southern California, east of San Diego, more than 400 firefighters battled the Valley Fire, which burned more than 17,000 acres (6,900 hectares)in Cleveland National Forest. Video shared on social media showed firefighters dousing the flames, the air thick with ash and fire embers.

The blaze was 3 per cent contained as of Monday evening. Officials announced the deployment of military aircraft on Monday afternoon to help fight the flames.

A fire in San Bernardino County, southeast of Los Angeles, that officials said was caused by a pyrotechnic device used during a gender reveal party, kept burning through the night and was 7 per cent contained as of Monday morning.

On Sunday, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, San Bernardino and San Diego counties due to the wildfires, which also prompted the U.S. Forest Service to temporarily close some national forests including the Sierra National Forest, the Angeles National Forest and the San Bernardino National Forest.

Additional reporting by Reuters

Read more

Exclusive data shows how emissions soared during California wildfires
Bidens focus has bounced around somewhat in the past week  from remarks in Pittsburgh about the coronavirus early last week, to a rebuke of violence and a commitment to racial justice in Kenosha on Thursday, to remarks about the difficulties of opening schools in Milwaukee shortly after, to a grim portrayal of the American economy in Delaware on Friday.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Tuesday said the successful automation and integration of its system of monitoring stolen and lost travel documents (SLTD) with the INTERPOLs system, means the country is the first to do so in Africa.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its public relations officer, Sunday James, the NIS said by the feat, Nigeria has been ranked by the France-based international organisation as Africas first country to record such success, and 54th among its 194-member nations.

The statement reads in part; The 150,000 SLTD uploaded records in the INTERPOL database makes Nigeria the first ranking in Africa and 54th in the world according to the INTERPOL POLICE GLOBAL SYSTEM (IPSG) ranking. Nigeria today is the leading first and only African country to have fully automated its Stolen and Lost Travel Documents database.

NIS commended INTERPOL, the Washington-based United States National Central Bureau (USNCB), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the National Central Bureau (NCB) of the Nigerian Police Force, for what it described as their contributions towards achieving the feat.

Commendable feat, benefits

Meanwhile, the comptroller general of the immigration service, Muhammad Babandede, has advised Nigerians against the use of any passport that may have earlier been reported lost or stolen at any of its offices globally.

In a telephone interview with our reporter, Mr Babandede expressed satisfaction with the development.

He said across INTERPOLs 194-member states, any Nigerian passport that may have been declared missing and registered with the system will be revealed on the spot at any the airports.

The immigration boss said it is regrettable that many would simply report their travelling documents that are still in their custody missing and request for another one to be used for criminal purposes.

He said such is no longer possible with the automated system, and that anyone caught will face the law.

According to Mr Babandede, the simple processes that make reproduction of lost or stolen documents possible in Nigeria are being abused by criminally-minded people, who he noted can decide to change the whole of their names without any cogent reason.

What reason on earth will make anyone want to change their names completely? Some will say because their fathers name is identified with devil or evil, they decided to change their surname to a more religious one. Some will simply say they are tired of their old names. But on a closer look, you would realise that they had committed crimes with their names and want to change their identity. But the law permits them, as long as they provide a court affidavit, among other documents.

Mr Babadande also said the culture that permits women to constantly change their name for reasons of marriage, divorce, among others, has been used by many to perpetrate illegality.

He said these situations are what the new development has come to achieve.

So by this development, Nigerians are advised to desist from using fake, altered, invalidated, withdrawn, stolen and lost travel documents, since the documents are automatically made available to 194 member countries of INTERPOL. In recent times, some Nigerians have been intercepted in some airports around the world for using passports which they earlier reported lost or stolen, Mr Babandede said.
ALTON  A Monday motorcycle crash injured the operator and and passenger, leaving one in critical condition.

According to Alton Police Department Sgt. Emily Hejna, Alton police and fire personnel responded at 2:01 p.m. Monday to a motorcycle crash on the 700 block of West Broadway, near the Abbott Machine Company.
In this file photo from 2018, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg (right) and Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (second from right) take take part in a discussion at the The Bridge Way School in Philadelphia, which serves students in grades 9 to 12 who are in recovery from substance abuse or addiction. Read more

Months before the fall semester began at Bridge Way School  one of just two Pennsylvania high schools for students recovering from a substance-use disorder  Rebecca Bonners mind was made up: If it was possible to do so safely, the school had to open for in-person classes.

Bonner, Bridge Ways founder and administrator, had spent the spring trying to help some of the regions most vulnerable students stay on track amid the stress and fear brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 10 students at Bridge Way, located in Holmesburg, are all in early sobriety and have struggled with addictions including heroin, methamphetamines, and alcohol.

For them, having a daily routine in a curriculum that integrates recovery with a traditional high school education has been lifesaving.

Theyre isolated, usually theyve had issues in school, and they need the daily accountability of showing up at school, Bonner said. And when the school had to move to online classes to prevent the spread of the virus in mid-March, they just didnt have that.

The pressure was too much for some. One student had to delay graduation a semester. Two others relapsed.

Im shocked it wasnt all of them, Bonner said.

Though data are still scarce, anecdotal evidence from around the country suggests that the months-long lockdowns necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19 have been particularly difficult for adults with substance-use disorders. Overdoses are on the rise. So are reports of people turning to substance use to cope with stress and isolation.

The same appears to hold true for teenagers. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that substance use has increased among all age groups during the pandemic. And a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health this month that surveyed Canadian teenagers about alcohol use, binge drinking, pot use, and vaping found that alcohol and cannabis use increased among the studys participants in the three weeks after lockdowns began in their communities.

The isolation has scared a lot of people  for anyone, the unknown is very scary, and teens and adolescents, the unknown has scared them, said Latrice Mason, a Jenkintown-based therapist who specializes in substance-use disorders among teenagers. Theyre looking for an escape, something that helps them feel good, because socialization has been a big part of their lives, and thats not true anymore.

Parents who worry their teenagers might be turning to alcohol or drugs to cope with the pandemic should speak frankly about substance use with their children, said Lizzy McCarron, the director of Newport Healthcares Center for Families in Malvern.

The increased time at home due to the pandemic presents a great opportunity to have an open dialogue with your teen about alcohol and drug use and the dangers, she said.

Social distancing measures during the pandemic paradoxically have made some aspects of drug treatment and counseling easier to find, said Anton Bizzell, a physician and former medical officer in the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Relaxed restrictions around telemedicine allow parents and teenagers to access a wider array of clinicians and psychologists who can treat addiction. You were limited to people in your area prior to COVID, he said. Now youre able to visit someone in California.

But Mason also pointed out that for teenagers in the early stages of recovery, telemedicine may not be as effective as seeing therapists and physicians in person.

We want to see someone face-to-face to observe the emotions that theyre sharing, she said. With telehealth, you dont get that same experience.

For teenagers who already were struggling with an addiction, pandemic lockdowns forced them into conditions that seemed almost designed to trigger a relapse.

At Bridge Way, staffers did all they could to support students, Bonner said. Teachers checked in with their students daily, even on the weekends. They helped teens who were active in 12-step programs adjust to meetings on Zoom and phone calls from their sponsors.

COVID-19 was such a hard hit, but in some ways, it really underscored the value of a recovery high school and the kind of supports we provide our kids. When two did relapse, we got them back on track, Bonner said.

Katie Cardone, who coordinates Bridge Ways after-school programs, had to scramble to engage students online instead of in-person, and sent care packages to boost their spirits.

When kids arent in school  usually summer  thats the most vulnerable time for them, she said. How weve been able to bring kids in is to offer fun, social, recreational activities. We couldnt do that with COVID. It was like, lets do a Zoom and play virtual Taboo. These are teenagers. Thats not fun for them.

With just five students signed up for the fall semester, Bridge Way administrators felt it was possible to safely socially distance during in-person classes this month. No more than 25 people will be inside school facilities at a given time; the school, which is tuition-free, can take on up to 11 more students this semester, Bonner said.

Students are expected to fill out surveys detailing their activities on weekends, and staffers will monitor students for COVID-19 symptoms daily. Everyone in the building will wear a mask.

If we go back to the red zone, all bets are off, Bonner said. But we worked all summer strategizing how to keep our schools open in the fall. Kids in early recovery just really need the daily structure of school.
China confirmed that an Australian television anchor was being held over suspected state security violations hours after the last two correspondents from the country's media outlets fled, highlighting the mounting political pressures on Beijing's foreign press corps.

Cheng Lei  an Australian citizen employed by China's English-language state broadcaster CGTN before her detention last month  was "suspected of carrying out criminal activities endangering China's national security," Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters on Tuesday in Beijing.

Cheng Lei, the Australian anchor for China's government-run English news channel CGTN. Credit: Getty Images

The allegations, which give authorities broad powers to hold suspects for months without charge or access to a lawyer, are among the most serious ever brought against a foreign journalist in China.

Before her detention on August 14, Cheng had hosted business shows as a CGTN anchor since 2012 and was well known among Beijing's small circle of diplomats and journalists. She was previously China correspondent for CNBC, after graduating from the University of Queensland with a bachelor's degree in commerce and serving a stint as an accountant at Cadbury Schweppes, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Poco M2 launches in India on September 8. The budget smartphone is a watered-down version of the already-launched Poco M2 Pro (review) in India. Poco has already confirmed some of the Poco M2 specifications before the official launch.

Poco M2 launch in India: Where to watch the live-stream

Poco M2 launch event is scheduled to begin at 12 pm. The company will be hosting an online-only Poco M2 launch on the companys YouTube and other social media accounts. You can click on the YouTube video below to watch the Poco M2 launch at 12 pm.

Poco M2 price in India (Expected)

Poco M2 will sit below the Poco M2 Pro, which was launched for Rs 13,999. We can expect the Poco M2 price in India to be between Rs 11,000 and Rs 13,000 for the base variant. The official pricing will be unveiled at the Poco M2 launch event.

Poco M2 specifications (confirmed)

As mentioned earlier, Poco has already confirmed some of the Poco M2 specifications. The budget smartphone will feature a full HD+ display with a water-drop notch on top. There will also be a beefy 5,000 mAh battery on the Poco M2.

Poco M2 is also confirmed to have a 6GB RAM variant and a quad-camera setup.
Dhaka, Sep 8 : The death toll from simultaneous blasts at a mosque in Bangladesh's Fatullah town which took place after six air conditioners exploded during prayers, has increased to 27, an official said.

Another nine people are still battling for their lives at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka following the blasts on the night of September, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Another victim died on Monday which takes the number of total death toll to 27," Samanta Lal Sen, coordinator of the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, told journalists.

Of the victims, he said, 26 succumbed to their injuries until Sunday night.

A total of 37 injured people were rushed to the institute after the explosion.

Most of the victims suffered from 60-70 per cent burns, and the condition of nine other patients is still critical, said Sen.

Fire officials said the incident might have happened due to the leakages in a gas pipeline underneath the masjid.

There were reportedly around 100 worshippers at the three-storey masjid during the explosion.

The Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence has formed a committee to investigate the incident.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The situation on the continent paints a bleak picture. Cases are rising fast across Europe, with France, Spain, Croatia and Hungary among countries reporting a recent spike in coronavirus infections. Despite the progress made throughout summer, a second wave is now creeping into vision, one that  if certain estimates prove correct  could usher in a period of sustained mortality that surpasses the initial stages of the pandemic.

In France, data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that the country now has a cumulative incidence rate of 114.8 cases per 100,000 people over the latest 14-day period. This marks a 105 per cent increase on the previous two-week window. According to the WHO, authorities are once again reporting community transmission, predominantly among younger people.

Its a similar story across the border in Spain  the first western European country to record more than half a million cases. The milestone comes amid a continuing surge in infections, as millions of children make their return to school after a six-month hiatus. Figures from the health ministry show that the country has logged 49,716 new cases in the past week alone, along with 237 deaths.

In both France and Spain, hospital admissions are also slowly rising  perhaps the most reliable weathervane for the true direction of this pandemic. If those numbers continue to increase, so too will the number of deaths.

Although the two countries have some way to go before returning to the dark depths of early spring  the median age of sufferers has nearly halved; asymptomatic cases account for an increasing percentage of positive results; health institutions now feel much better prepared  theres little doubt what is waiting around the corner.

Amid this climate of fear, the UK watches on with concern. There is a mounting sense among the government and health experts that we are now treading a similar path, destined to follow in the footsteps of our two worst-affected European neighbours.

Its still early days, but I do think the UK is going along the same lines, Gabriel Scally, a member of Independent Sage and visiting professor of public health at the University of Bristol, tells The Independent.

The data suggests as much. Almost 3,000 positive tests were confirmed on Monday  the second day running that figures of this scale were reported in the UK. The seven-day rate in the UK has also risen above 20 cases per 100,000 people  the level at which the government considers imposing quarantine conditions on people travelling to the UK.

"We can see the epidemic is taking off again, said Professor John Edmunds, a member of the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), on Monday. I don't think we've hit that sweet spot where we've been able to control the epidemic and allow the economy to return to some sort of normality.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, the deputy chief medical officer, urged the British public to start taking the pandemic very seriously again or face a bumpy ride over the next few months. He warned that people have relaxed too much", adding that now is the time for us to re-engage and realise that this is a continuing threat to us.

Worryingly, the trends characterising the outbreaks seen in France and Spain are now beginning to emerge in the UK, says Professor Scally. As the numbers increase, which they are, well start to see spill-over into care homes, nursing homes and hospitals, he says. That will cause chaos.

He points to the example of Craigavon Area Hospital, in Northern Ireland, where four haematology patients recently died following an outbreak of Covid-19 among staff. Seven patients on the ward remain "very unwell, while 20 members of staff have tested positive for the virus, with a further 56 in self-isolation. According to Professor Scally, the outbreak is rumoured to have been traced back to a staff party.

Outbreak events such as these  which carry a tragic human cost  are likely to become more common as the prevalence of the virus intensifies, he warns. While the UK has yet to record a significant increase in deaths or hospital admissions comparable to France and Spain, it only feels like a matter of time.

I think there's a very high risk of it, Martin McKee, a professor of European public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, tells The Independent. No one can predict the future with any certainty, but there are enough signs to suggest we should be extremely concerned.

He also points to the reopening of universities, colleges and schools as a potential accelerant for the spreading of the coronavirus  as has been the case in France, where children have also begun returning en masse to the classroom. Last week, French authorities announced that 22 schools had so far been closed because of outbreaks. Out of 60,000 schools, this may seem like a small figure, but teachers' unions within the country are concerned that the education system is not prepared.

Its a view shared by Professor McKee and many others in the UK. It's very worrying. We're very concerned given the amount of mixing there will be, he says. There are lessons to be learnt from Norway and Denmark, he adds, which have brought in temporary facilities to ensure social distancing can be practised, and, more importantly, reduce the rates of the virus in the community.

If there is little virus circulating in community, schools are safe because the probability that someone with the virus will come into the school is very low. So the main defence for opening schools is getting the rates down, he says. But these countries also have a very effective find, test, trace, isolate support system to allow them to respond quickly if there are cases. We dont have that.

Both Professor McKee and Professor Scally are in agreement that the UKs test and trace system remains fundamentally flawed  perhaps explaining why we find ourselves sharing much in common with the likes of France and Spain, where authorities have similarly struggled to keep on top of the spread of the virus.

You need a fully fledged, resourced, locally engaged find, test, trace, isolate and support system, says Professor Scally. But we still dont have effective test and tracing. It feels like were back to where we were in March. One way or another, it's going to be a very rocky period.
Lewis Arthur Matthew Sumberg, 96, died at St. Josephs Hospital in Tampa, Florida on August 30, 2020.

Born and raised in Schenectady, New York, Lew, or Luigi as he was known to close friends and family, had a full life. He graduated high school two years early, earning his B.A. at SUNY Albany. His studies were interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War. On completing officer training at Cornell, he served as a lieutenant on LST-799 (USS Greer County) in the Pacific, seeing action in the Battle of Okinawa. At the wars end, his ship docked at Nagasaki, where he viewed the ruins left by the atomic bomb blast, an event that shaped his perspective on war for the remainder of his life. Despite this experience, he remained a proud veteran, viewing his service as one of his greatest achievements. Following the war, Lew returned to studies at the University of Montreal, receiving his Masters in French. He also pursued studies in medieval history. He then earned his PhD (with highest honors) at the University of Paris (Sorbonne). Lews scholarly writings while in Paris earned him academic recognition, leading to his employment at Yale University. While teaching there, he met and soon married his beloved wife, Catherine. Lew and Catherine then moved on from Yale to Boston College, where Lew co-edited, with Fr. Joseph Gauthier, an anthology of French literature, Les Grands Ecrivains Francais (1964). Following publication, Lew accepted a full professorship at Lake Forest College. Through the 1960s and 1970s, he climbed the academic ladder across several universities, working at SUNY Oswego, and later becoming department chair at the University of Kentucky at Lexington and, finally, at UTC, where he closed his career as a professor emeritus. From the 1970s through 1980s, he also published the highly regarded French medieval history journal Tristania, which examined the Tristan and Isolde legend.

Far beyond his Navy service and academic accomplishments, Lew was proudest of and took most satisfaction in his family and in his vast circle of friends. Like many professors, he was an inveterate, and on occasion, relentless, conversationalist, keen to discuss, and to hold forth, on a wide range of subjects. He loved good food and was often teased for his rhapsodies of long-ago meals in exotic locales. Mostly though, Lew loved good company. He was a great one for painstakingly burnished anecdotes, ad hoc puns, absurd nicknames, bawdy limericks, and surprisingly direct and heartfelt compliments. He was strengthened and informed always by his deep Catholic faith and his belief that there are high ideals always to be served, and to be served humbly. While a lifelong, dyed-in-the-wool, Eisenhower Republican, Lew looked forward to voting for the opposition in the 2020 election, noting that hed put his life on the line fighting extremist regimes in the Second World War.

Lew was predeceased by his beloved wife, Catherine (She Who Must Be Obeyed), in May 2020; by his parents Samuel and Rose; stepfather, Max; brother-in-law, Martin; sister-in-law, Darcy; and by lifelong friends, Bill Matheson, and Arsene and Anne-Marie Lauziere.

He is survived and is deeply missed by his son, Chris/Beastopher (Mary Member of Parliament Pat); daughter, Martha/Miss Mush (Kevin) Moore and grandchildren, Alyssa and Aaron; sister, Betty; sister-in-law, Barbara; nephew and niece, Marty and Sue; and by many friends, including but not limited to Joel (Zainab) Lauziere, Pat and Vernon Lattin, Kimberly Astrand, Jim Massengale, Robert Stanley, Ted and Marcia Caldwell, Robin Vandergriff, Gail Carter, Satoko Thel, Pedro Campa, Linda Geselbracht, Trish Bowers, and Nancy Allshouse.

In light of coronavirus, no service will be held at this time. As with Lews wife, Catherine, a mass will be said at the Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul in Chattanooga. (The mass will be video streamed and archived online.)

Lews ashes will be interred at St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama. Lews family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Chattanoogas Hope Kitchen.

Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, www.lanefh.com, 423 877-3524.
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The protesters who were captured on video yelling at outdoor restaurant patrons claim the confrontation was sparked after a group of men shouted 'Blue Live Matter' and one man swung a bike.

The demonstrators were speaking out after video of them yelling at diners in Rochester, New York, and swiping a drink from an elderly couple and downing it in front of them, was shared on social media. The protesters were heard calling the diners 'embarassments' and surrounding the tables.

'Even though people [at the restaurant] saw that whole thing, they still saw me as an aggressor,' Nique Craft, a protester at the event, told Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Cellphone footage shows the protesters taking over the outdoor dining space with Craft approaching an older couple's table before drinking their beer in front of them; another smashed a glass from a table.

One protester, identified as Lorenzo Rulli, tells the diners: 'F**k the white people that built the system.' He adds: 'F*** 12'; a reference to police.

Black Lives Matter protesters screamed in the face of white elderly outdoor diners during protests in Pittsburgh on Saturday, disturbing new video shows

When demonstrators entered the outdoor dining space, Nique Craft (pictured) person took a couples' drink and drank it herself before leaving

Others eating at the restaurant pick up their belonging and leave after demonstrators call them an 'embarrassment'.

The demonstrations are in response to several black Americans who have died in police custody, with the recently shared footage of the death of Daniel Prude in Rochester, New York in March, sparking the new wave of outrage.

Similar scenes have played out across the county with a diner in Washington D.C. last week cornered by a group of anti-racism protesters outside a restaurant. In another incident, diners in Rochester were also confronted by a large group of demonstrators.

Similar scenes have played out across the county with a diner in Washington D.C. last week being cornered by a group of anti-racism protesters outside a restaurant

'We're shutting your party down,' one woman was seen shouting in the face of a New York diner as demonstrators smashed the customer's glasses in front of their faces, broke plates, overturned chairs and chanted at them to get out.

A second video taken in Pittsburgh over the weekend shows a demonstrator speaking with a megaphone while walking next to a cyclist. It's unclear what is said, but the demonstrator nudges the cyclist with his megaphone.

The cyclist swats the demonstrator in response, but a second protester reportedly hits the man from behind with a skateboard.

According to Craft, who identifies as nonbinary, the incident sparked when protesters marched through the area and three men shouted 'Blue Lives Matter.' It's unclear if these men were diners or pedestrians in the area.

When protesters approached the group, one man reportedly swung at people.

Craft told the Post-Gazette that one man grabbed Craft's hair and placed a hand on Craft's chest, saying he was trying to stop a confrontation from happening.

After the initial confrontation Craft said that the older man seen in footage chastised protesters for their actions. His wife, however, invited Craft over for a drink and to discuss the situation.

Craft (pictured) said a confrontation began after a group of men yelled 'Blue Lives Matter' at protesters and one man reportedly swung at bike at people

'So, being a theatrical, snarky type of person that I am, I said that I dont have time to wait for you to order another beer; I will take the one you have,' Craft said.

Craft did not know the man who swung the skateboard at the cyclist.

Police in Pittsburgh are said to have launched an investigation into both clips; there were no arrests during Saturday's protest.

The footage of the diners in Pittsburgh being approached sparked outrage online. One Twitter user, Michele Lippert, wrote: 'I am so sick of this!!!'

Another, Ricardo Dinero, said: 'These terrorists have no place in Pittsburgh or anywhere in America. They dont care about black lives, they care about chaos.'

One demonstrator and a cyclist get into a brief slapping match as others watch the exchange from restaurants and businesses (pictured)

Authorities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, are investigating after social media footage showed demonstrators and civilians clashing on Saturday

Bob Billen wrote: 'I just don't understand what the endgame is for this insult, smash and dash style of "protesting". Who is sympathetic to it?'

Lorenzo Rulli, who wore a purple shirt and shouted at the older couple, said the videos also didn't show a number of agitators who harassed demonstrators that day.

'We dont target businesses,' he told Post-Gazette. 'Our restaurant industry in the city supports us very much.

'We were talking to people that were talking to us. The beer that was consumed was an offer. The glass that fell was a mistake.'

He added that people at the restaurant were cheering for demonstrators, and he only approached the older couple after they disparaged him.

Lorenzo Rullie (left and right): 'The reason I engaged the individual man and his wife is because ... her husband called me "an embarrassment" and "disgusting"'

'The reason I engaged the individual man and his wife is because ... her husband called me "an embarrassment" and "disgusting,"' he said.

GOP Sen Pat Toomey said in response to the videos that 'These are crimes,' but Rulli doesn't think the footage will cast anti-racism protests in a negative light.

'Honestly, the protesters could never be in a good light in this city until the people who have the power to convey the message properly are doing so,' said Rulli.

In Rochester a man attending a demonstration was struck by a car on Sunday.

Shared by Carolyn Delvecchio Hoffman, footage shows a group of demonstrators standing in an intersection during the city's third night of protest.

Protesters watch a vehicle turning right out of the intersection with a screech, but a few voices suddenly scream out in warning.

Seconds later, a red vehicle accelerates into the crowd and the driver unleashes a wave of yellow spray paint at protesters.

Meanwhile, the unidentified man was crouching down on the concrete and did not see the vehicle coming in time.

The man manages to jump in the air, but is still hit by the vehicle and thrown to the ground. The group of witnesses then call for volunteer medics as the man remains on the ground.

Hoffman said: 'The driver was not arrested at the scene. Volunteer medics responded to the injured protesters.'

She added that over the course of the night she was shot with rubber bullets and pepper spray during confrontations with the Rochester Police Department.

A man attending a demonstration in Rochester, New York, was struck by a car on Sunday

The driver of the vehicle was spraying yellow paint at demonstrators as he drove through the crowd and hit the unidentified man on Friday night in Rochester, New York

Demonstrators take part in a protest over the death of a Black man, Daniel Prude, after police put a spit hood over his head during an arrest in March, in Rochester, New York

A demonstrator wear protective glasses, a hoodies and holds a trash can top as a makeshift shield as he takes part in a demonstration on Sunday in Rochester

On Saturday, police used batons, pepper balls and tear gas to push back about 2,000 protesters who marched toward the Public Safety Building on Saturday night, chanting 'Black Lives Matter' and 'Daniel Prude.'

The Rochester Police Department said in a statement that protesters had ignored their orders to disperse, and that some hurled bottles, rocks and fireworks at officers.

A group of local 'elders' arrived early to the protest to act as a human barricade between demonstrators and the Rochester Police Department, according to The Democrat & Chronicle.

The mayor of Rochester on Monday promised reforms are coming to the citys police department.

The demonstration held in Rochester, New York, on Sunday night was the fourth consecutive protest in the city over the death of Daniel Prude

Demonstrators hold signs reading 'Black Lives Matter' while standing outside in the streets of Rochester on Sunday to continue to protest the death of Daniel Prude

Sunday's protest ended peacefully with demonstrators playing music and dancing outside the Public Safety Building in Rochester

Two demonstrators hold up signs reading 'Defund The Police' on Sunday after protests sparked in Rochester, New York, this week

People look at a makeshift memorial during a protest over the death of a Black man, Daniel Prude, after police put a spit hood over his head during an arrest and died from 'complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint'

By 8pm on Sunday, a rally had begun on Jefferson Avenue, the street where Prude was restrained by officers and suffocated to death, and continued to the Public Safety Building.

Once at the Public Safety Building, protesters made calls for police reform and an end to inequality. The night ended with music and dancing in front of the Public Safety Building.

On Friday night, the Mayor of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was confronted over his city's policies and law enforcement at his home by upset residents.

Around 100 people met in the East Liberty neighborhood for 'Civil Saturdays,' the name given to their continued protests, they traveled through downtown.

The Post-Gazette reports that Saturday's demonstration was meant to disrupt restaurant diners and residents with a call for Black Lives Matter.

'Out of the bars and into the streets,' the group chanted.

The eventually rounded to the home of Mayor Bill Peduto after criminal charges were filed against four protest leaders.

Once outside Peduto's home, demonstrators were met with a half-dozen Pittsburgh police officers standing in front of the mayor's door.

After standing there for a short time, Post-Gazette reports that officers began putting on their riot helmets.

'I don't see a riot here why are you in riot gear?' protesters chanted in response.

The group eventually left Peduto's home and the demonstration peacefully dispersed just after 10pm.

Mayor Peduto's home was surrounded by a line of Pittsburgh police officers who stood guard at the front door (pictured)

A crowd of demonstrators hold their fists in the air in solidarity on Sunday night as they protest the death of Daniel Prude and other black Americans who died in police custody

Pictured: a protester wearing protective gear and holding a makeshift shield stands among a crowd of other demonstrators in Rochester

In Portland, Oregon, officials revealed that 59 people had been arrested on the 101st night of protests in the city - a new record.

The majority of arrests were over low-level misdemeanors that Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt said he will dismiss, Oregon Live reports.

Oregon State Police was responsible for 16 of the 59 arrests, and they have not yet released the identities.

A rally and march at Alberta Park was scheduled to take place on Sunday, but authorities later received word that protesters were outside the North Precinct blocking traffic.

KOIN reports that a fire was started on NE MLK Boulevard, and fire emergency crews put out the flames without further incident.

The night before, hundreds of protesters continued to clash with law enforcement as nearly 30 people were arrested, a swarm of fireworks were launched into the air and one person caught on fire from a deployed Molotov cocktail.

In one video, officers implore residents to disperse from the area as Molotov cocktails crash against the pavement and fire erupts.

'This has been declared an unlawful assembly,' officers say. 'All persons immediately leave the area. Failure to adhere to this order may subject you too arrest, citation or the use of crowd control agents including but not limited to tear gas and, or impact weapons.'

During the 100th night of protest in Portland, a man's shoes caught on fire after some people launched Molotov cocktails into roadways

Seconds later, a Molotov cocktail is thrown but drops dangerously close to a protester standing in the roadway.

A wave a gasps are heard as a man rushes out of the inferno with both his feet on fire. The man desperately tries to kick the fire away but needs assistance from other demonstrators.

'Stop, drop and roll!' one person shouts. The man on fire rolls across the ground but is forced to take his shoes off as the fire continues to burn the fabric.

After the riot was declared, a BLM 'snack van' that hands out food to protesters pulled up to an intersection blocked by police and faced officers in a tense standoff.

When a line of riot police charged the BLM demonstrators they scattered, and officers were filmed sprinting after the fleeing protesters down normally quiet streets lined with family homes, pinning them to the ground and cuffing them while others shouted insults and taunts.

Neighbors blocked their roads with traffic cones and barrels to prevent protesters parking and joining the demonstration that devolved into a riot.

A local standing outside his home told DailyMail.com that at one point a line of hundreds of marchers trooping down East Burnside Street by Ventura Park stretched almost twenty city blocks.

A protester holds a megaphone as he takes part in a protest outside the Portland Police Bureau's North Precinct on the 101th consecutive night of protests against police violence and racial inequality in Portland

Protesters gather outside the Portland Police Bureau's North Precinct on the 101th consecutive night of protests against police violence and racial inequality
UP adds drug without evidence: Uttar Pradesh has added ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug, as a treatment and prophylaxis against coronavirus. The alarming fact is that the use of this drug against Covid-19 has no scientific basis yet. In fact, experts from the WHO have actually warned against using ivermectin.

Similarly, the US FDA hasnt approved it either and neither has Indias Health Ministry. UP state govt hospitals and rapid response teams, however, have been tasked with distributing the drug to those under quarantine. Experts who have studied the drug over years also ...
Kansas towns progress in bid for U.S. Space Command headquarters KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Four Kansas towns that submitted proposals to house the U.S. Space Command headquarters are still in the running. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said during a briefing on Monday that Kansas City, Wichita, Leavenworth and Derby made it to the second round of the selection process.

More deets on the mission to boldly chase military contracts to infinity and beyond and in the absence of economic opportunity for earthbound Sunflower State denizens.Take a look:
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 8, 2020 13:28 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c436c8eb 4 National Bangka-Belitung,Pangkalpinang,drug-network,illegal-drugs,narcotics,Myanmar,Batam Free

Authorities have said that the uninhabited islands across the Bangka Belitung Islands might have been used as a key transit point for illegal narcotics following the discovery of crystal methamphetamine distribution in the province.

Bangka Belitung Islands Governor Erzaldi Rosman said 400 of about 460 islands in the province were uninhabited.

This condition allows [the islands] to be used as transit points [for the illegal drugs], Erzaldi said during a press briefing at the Bangka Belitung Police headquarters on Monday as quoted by kompas.com.

The governor led a ceremony on Monday in which authorities destroyed more than 200 kilograms of methamphetamine-type narcotics by dissolving and blending them in water before burying them.

Read also: Crystal meth now cheaper, 'stronger' in Indonesia as drug busts rise: UN report

A joint operation comprising the Bangka Belitung Islands Police and the National Polices Criminal Investigation Department recently uncovered a crystal meth distribution chain in the province.

Bangka Belitung Islands Police chief Insp. Gen. Anang Syarif Hidayat said authorities had found 98 packages of the drug weighing 211 kg in corn sacks imported from Myanmar.

The corn from Myanmar was sent to Malaysia first and then transported to Batam [in Riau Islands]. From Batam, it was taken to Pangkalpinang before eventually being brought to Jakarta, said Anang.

He added that the drugs were meant to be delivered to a location in Cikarang, Bekasi regency, West Java. The police raided the location and arrested a woman, identified as CS.

Authorities seized the illegal narcotics before they were destroyed in Pangkalpinang on Monday. (syk)
DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Global smartphone brand OPPO this weekend concluded its uniquely designed, socially distant gaming arena at Mall of the Emirates which saw over 1,600 consumers pass through across ten days. Visitors tested their gaming and football credentials as they went head-to-head with some of the world's most acclaimed FIFA gamers, playing alongside regional celebrity gamers including Ahmed Al Nasheet (@dvlzgame), Amr Nassouhy (@nsoo7y), Osama Marwah (@ossymarwah) and Hussain Yousuf Anwar (@h.messi.10).

The gaming extravaganza culminated in a finals match with Manny (@manny), a UK-based YouTuber and streamer who rose to prominence after featuring regularly alongside his brother Tobjizzle and the rest of the Sidemen in various football challenge videos.

"We have been overwhelmed with the success of the OPPO Gaming Challenge brought to you by Dubai Summer Surprises and loved meeting all the passionate gamers over the ten days. OPPO's strategy is focused on investing and engaging with our users' passions and the success of this event is testament to the strength of the gaming culture here in the GCC. We will continue to support the gaming community across the region", said Cherry Fu, Marketing Director of OPPO in the GCC.

During the live stream, over 69,068 people tuned in to see the finalists play against renowned YouTuber Manny, who had this to say, "It was an honor to be part of this event that celebrated both the youth and the gaming community in such a unique way. I'm passionate about gaming so to witness this commitment from OPPO was truly a fantastic experience."

Visit @oppoarabia to learn more.

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global technology brand, dedicated to providing products infused with art and innovative technology. Based on the brand elements of leading, young and beautiful, OPPO dedicates to the mission of letting the extraordinary users enjoy the beauty of technology.

For the last 10 years, OPPO has been focusing on manufacturing camera phones, while innovating mobile photography technology breakthroughs. OPPO launched the first mobile phone, the Smile Phone, in 2008, which marks the beginning of a journey to explore and pioneer extraordinary technology. Today, OPPO brings the aesthetics of technology of global consumers through smart devices, ColorOS, and Internet service like OPPO Cloud and OPPO+.

In 2017, OPPO was ranked as the number 4 smartphone brand globally, according to IDC. Today OPPO's business covers 40 countries and regions, and has 6 research institutes and 4 R&D centres around the world, as well as an International Design Center in London, providing excellent smartphone photography experience to more and more young people around the world.

About OPPO MEA

In 2015, OPPO entered the Egyptian market. In 2016, OPPO set up its Middle East & Africa Sales Center in Cairo. The markets OPPO has entered in the Middle East and Africa include: Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Kenya, Nigeria, and the Levant.

OPPO set up its factory in Algeria in 2017, which made OPPO the first Chinese brand setting up factory in North Africa. Based on the insights of local consumers in each country, OPPO MEA has started the progress of localization. And the localization includes all the perspectives towards each market  product localization, to further meet the core needs of users; marketing localization, to better communicate with local young customers; and team localization, to know our local consumers further and provide better service to the consumers.

Within the last year, OPPO has started to adjust its product line in the Middle East region specifically. This has included the launch of its flagship OPPO Find X smartphone and the introduction of the OPPO Reno Series. OPPO will continue to evolve its local product line to offer more premium series to consumers in the region.

For more details, please contact

Lucy Aziz

Regional PR Manager

OPPO

Email: [email protected]



SOURCE OPPO
Lord Alan Sugar has slammed 'complacent' Britons who are still working from home, despite Boris Johnson's clarion call for employees to return to their desks.

The businessman, 73, said remote workers are 'enjoying' their time at home and should return to offices to 'get back to some sort of normality'.

The Apprentice host said his 'businesses have all come back' and others should follow suit.

His comments come amid the Government's desperate push to convince Britons to return to their desks amid fears of yet more high street businesses going bust due to the lack of footfall following the widespread introduction of working from home.

Speaking on This Morning alongside The Apprentice winner Carina Lepore, Lord Sugar said: 'Those people who like working from home have become a bit complacent, I think, quite honestly. My businesses have all come back.'

Lord Alan Sugar has slammed 'complacent' Britons who are still working from home, despite Boris Johnson 's clarion call for employees to return to their desks

Lord Sugar spoke on This Morning alongside The Apprentice winner Carina Lepore (pictured together)

Addressing people who may be too scared to go back into office spaces, he said: 'I think there's a fine line of fearful and enjoying it, to be honest with you.

'It's as simple as that. What are they fearful of?'

He added: 'I've got a factory down the road from here that has 300 people that have been working all throughout the pandemic. We have got proper processes in place.'

Mr Johnson and his Cabinet are increasingly concerned about the impact continued remote working is having on the UK economy amid fears for the future of struggling town and city centres.

Mr Johnson last week told his Cabinet that 'people are going back to the office in huge numbers across our country and quite right too'.

The PM said that 'bit by bit this incredible country is getting back on its feet and recovering from this crisis'.

But the government's push to get Britons back to the office suffered another blow last week when a poll showed that three-quarters want to keep working from home.

His comments come amid the Government's desperate push to convince Britons to return to their desks. Pictured: Boris Johnson on Tuesday

A pedestrians walks past shops and food outlets on an empty shopping street in London on August 12

A pedestrian walks past shuttered shop fronts on an empty shopping street in London last month

The concourse at London's Waterloo station - which is one of the capital's busiest - during the rush hour, September 2, 2020

Research by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for MailOnline found 74 per cent who had been doing their job at home during lockdown would prefer to continue to do so, at least some of the time.

There is also widespread distrust of the government's claim that it is safe to return to offices, with 37 per cent saying they believe that is the case but 40 per cent saying it is not.

Lord Sugar - who has previously called for lockdown measures to be lifted - said he 'sympathises' with the government who have handed 'an unprecedented situation'.

He said: 'The second wave is something that has been discussed for a long time now. All I know is this, this government, who I sympathise with, can't be seen to do anything right with anybody.'

It comes amid fears of yet more high street businesses going bust due to the lack of footfall following the widespread introduction of working from home. Pictured: London last month

Research for MailOnline found 74 per cent who had been at home during lockdown would prefer to continue to do so, at least some of the time

There is also widespread distrust of the government's claim that it is safe to return to offices, with 37 per cent saying they believe that is the case but 40 per cent saying it is not

He added: 'They've been given an unprecedented situation and we're learning as we go along.

'We have been told what to do Let's get on a bus, just don't touch your face'

He said: 'I'm focusing on myself, focusing on my family, focusing on making sure that my staff and my people do the right thing in order to remain safe.

'If you go down Whitehall it's like a ghost town and that's because all of the Civil Servants, they only need half an excuse not to go to work, we're paying for them by the way.

'The banks are really annoying. They're telling people not to come back to work until January.

'They're starting to use the pandemic for an excuse for making mass redundancies.'

He urged staff to 'think about the young people' who will benefit from an office environment.

He said: 'The thing about getting back to work is this, when you're in the workplace you don't realise in the course of a day how many questions and answers that go on You don't realise the interaction that goes on. Think about the young people also.'

Lord Sugar was speaking live from Beckenham where he was opening his second bakery with Ms Lepore.

He said: 'Today is about putting your suits on, putting your dresses on and getting out there.

Lord Sugar joined The Apprentice winner Ms Lepore as they opened a new branch of Dough Artisan Bakehouse in Beckenham on Tuesday

Store: The businessman joined the budding entrepreneur to throw open the doors of her second store which includes an in-house bakery and a cafe

Dough Artisan Bakehouse is a family run bakery founded by Carina, who still manages the day-to-day running of the business

'We have got to get back to some sort of normality.

'We all know what to do, the right things to do, the social distancing, the masks, the washing the hands, we've put all that in place now and if people act sensibly we can get back to normality again.'

Lord Sugar spoke about the advice he gave to Carina during the pandemic: 'What attracted me to Carina as a winner last year was that this business has potential.

'I've always said: "It doesn't matter what happens in any business climate, food will always be good".

'I think Carina will concur, even throughout the course of this pandemic, we started our Herne Hill shop [and it] has been banged out, really busy.

'So, it's given us the encouragement to open a second branch, which was always on the cards.

'In fact, a lot of people thought to themselves: "What the hell are you investing in a small baker's shop for?"

'Because it's not my idea, and certainly not her [Carina's] idea, for it to be a small baker's shop. Greggs watch out! We're going to have a lot of branches.'

Guidance on working from home in England changed at the start of August.

Workers who were able to work from home were advised to do so during lockdown but they are now being encouraged to speak to their employers about returning to workplaces where it is safe to do so.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 21:46:35|Editor: huaxia

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LUSAKA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Zambia seeks to launch a crowdfunding initiative to help raise money for projects and improve businesses' access to finance.

The Economics Association of Zambia has indicated that it will launch the crowdfunding initiative, the practice of funding a project or venture by raising small amounts of money from a huge number of people through the internet. It is a form of crowdsourcing and alternative finance.

Commenting on the initiative, social economist Kelvin Chisanga said it is a welcome move, but it requires more work because currently, banks in countries like Zambia have not yet adopted such a service.

According to him, crowdfunding was an alternative source of raising finances for project development which Africa needs especially in the current scenario where the COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged economies, resulting in constrained finances.

He further called on commercial banks to diversify their service portfolios by embracing new technologies such as crowd-funding in order to boost access for finance by businesses. In carrying out the initiative, the expert says Zambia could cooperate with China.

"We all know that China has a vibrant internet governance system as well as a high electronic device system," he said, adding that China could help African countries through building robust Information and Communication Technologies platforms that Africa needs. Enditem
Saudi Arabia has scored the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency in its effort to adopt nuclear energy, Reuters reports, quoting a Saudi TV channel that cited the head of the IAEA.

Saudi Arabia is interested in nuclear energy and we are working on providing it with the necessary support, Rafael Grossi said.

Saudi Arabia has been actively seeking help with expertise in nuclear energy to develop its own generation capacity. The U.S. has been an obvious first choice among potential partners, but Washington has taken a cautious approach, making it clear it would only help Riyadh develop nuclear generation capabilities if it agrees to U.S. oversight to prevent the weaponization of nuclear power.

Israel has been concerned as well and has made this concern known to the United States. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reached out to China for help with nuclear reactor construction. According to a Wall Street Journal report citing unnamed sources in the know, Saudi Arabia had used Chinese help to build a facility for the extraction of uranium yellowcake from the radioactive orean early step in making fuel for a nuclear reactor. Riyadh has denied the report.

The Middle East is not known for its nuclear power generation capabilities. With all its oil wealth, the region has traditionally relied on fossil fuels to satisfy its electricity needs. However, with the current diversification drive prompted by the last two oil price crashes, nuclear is making inroads into the region.

Earlier this year, the first nuclear power plant in the Arab world began operating in the UAE. Plans are to expand it to a facility that would satisfy a quarter of the countrys electricity demand. However, observers warn any expansion of nuclear capabilities in the sensitive region could lead to a nuclear arms race that could end in disaster.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Business leaders and advocates say while one more month of rent relief will be welcome for some, theyre hopeful the programs end means something better is coming to replace the widely criticized benefit.

The government announced in a press release Tuesday that the rent relief program, Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA), will come to an end after September, a one-month extension.

Our government recognizes that while small businesses needs are evolving, many still require support to face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, said finance minister and deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland in the statement.

But business leaders are looking to the businesses that havent been able to access CECRA at all.

Todays announcement will help a lucky few, said Laura Jones, executive vice-president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

More than 106,000 small businesses have accessed the program as of Sept. 7, the release states, resulting in more than $1.32 billion in funding.

But thats just over a third of the $3 billion originally slated for rent relief. CECRA has been criticized for its application process, which requires landlords to apply for the program, meaning that if they dont want to participate then their tenants are left hanging. The program offers a forgivable loan worth 50 per cent of a businesss rent, but the landlord has to take a 25 per cent cut while the tenant covers the last 25 per cent.

The CFIB has been advocating for changes to CECRA for a while, saying that by putting the onus on landlords to apply, many small businesses have been left out of the program.

Jones said its disappointing to still see no changes to the program, but shes hopeful for a bigger fix down the line.

I think they have to pivot away from CECRA, Jones said. Theres a deep unfairness to the program that needs to be fixed.

Jones thinks theres been a clear lesson learned and that whatever comes next should give funds straight to small businesses instead of making landlords lead the application process.

Now, CFIB is pushing the provinces to extend their eviction freezes, she said  while some tied their freezes to CECRA, others did not.

In an emailed statement, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce said businesses need to know whats coming next.

As patios close and foot traffic diminishes with cooler weather, businesses need to know what help will be available to get them through this period of reduced revenues amid continued government restrictions.

They, too, said the program left out many small businesses.

While Canadas main street stores and restaurants will benefit from the one month extension of CECRA, they are disappointed the program wasnt made more flexible.

Tuesdays press release from the federal government states it is exploring options to support small businesses as they face the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic  including the challenges of fixed costs at a time when health concerns and precautions prevent many businesses from operating at full capacity.

David Lefebvre, vice-president of Restaurants Canada, said while hes happy with the extension, hes encouraged by the wording in the governments press release that suggests a new form of rent relief could be on the way.

Lets make it not an emergency relief program, but moving into business continuity, he said.

However, one week into September, he said whatever comes next needs to arrive quickly.

We dont want to see this program end before a replacement is set in, he said.

Lefebvre is hoping for a new program thats longer-term and scaled, like the newly altered wage subsidy program, so that businesses have relief even as their profits begin to rise again.

Aleem Kanji, a spokesperson for Savesmallbusiness.ca, said many businesses are wondering what will come next, especially since only around a third of the funding earmarked for the program has been spent.

Getting the funds into the hands of small businesses would be ideal, he said.

Read more about:
American psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross famously described five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. We see all of these in responses to Premier Dan Andrews' COVID-19 road map announced on Sunday.

Some people are in denial  this road map cannot be right; the modelling must be wrong.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is in the anger stage. The Premier, he rails, is going too slowly.

Others have entered the bargaining stage  why can't we have a different arrangement for northern Victoria, where the number of cases is so low that it would already meet the step three criteria?
Caerphilly residents have made last-minute dashes to the shops to stock up on goods just hours before the town is plunged into a second lockdown.

The high street was bustling as locals rushed to grab the essentials amid fears the new restrictions could put businesses at risk.

It comes after a huge spike in coronavirus infections in the area - sandwiched between Glamorgan and Monmouthshire - with 133 new cases in the last week.

This is equivalent to a staggering rate of 55.4 cases per 100,000 - the highest in Wales and one of the highest in the UK.

The devolved Welsh Parliament said the increase was partly down to locals returning from holidays abroad.

People exit a bus this afternoon in Caerphilly, Wales, as the area is to be placed under a local lockdown from 6pm following a rapid rise in cases of coronavirus

Residents queue for a supermarket as they stock up on last-minute essentials before the lockdown is enforced

It comes after a huge spike in coronavirus infections in the area - sandwiched between Glamorgan and Monmouthshire - with 133 new cases in the last week

People will not be allowed to enter or leave the area without a reasonable excuse after the restrictions come into force at 6pm on Tuesday (file photo)

But residents descended on the high street this afternoon and filled car parks and shops during an 11th-hour dash to get goods before the new restrictions at 6pm.

Roger Williams, who made a last-minute trip to the bank, told the BBC: 'There's more people wearing masks here than there has been in a long, long time. I can see the difference here.'

But the restrictions could spell danger for local businesses, with one shopkeeper fearing the town could 'collapse' under the new lockdown.

Joe Thomas said: 'I think the town will probably collapse unless the government give businesses more help again.'

Alan Jones, who owns Celtic Gold Jewellers in Caerphilly, slammed the government as just 'catering for the idiots'.

He said he thinks the move is 'unnecessary' and politicians 'should have fired a warning shot before' locking down completely.

He told MailOnline: 'It seems ridiculous to be locking down the entire county when pubs are still open.'

He said the bars in the town have been strict on ensuring youngsters leave their name and contact details, but claimed many were making up fake details.

Residents descended on the high street this afternoon and filled car parks and shops during an 11th-hour dash to get goods before the new restrictions at 6pm

The restrictions could spell danger for local businesses, with one shopkeeper fearing the town could 'collapse' under the new lockdown

Mr Jones said the amount of people shoulder to shoulder in nearby Cardiff on the weekends has meant there has been little social distancing.

He claimed there will be little chance of enforcing the rules because despite police being strict on trains, people driving into place such as Cardiff is hardly checked.

The businessman added: 'You'll still have the youngsters getting together because they just don't care, regardless of this ''don't kill your gran'' stuff.'

Health minister Vaughan Gething said Caerphilly County Borough will be locked down until October 'at the very least'.

It means the more than 180,000 residents who live in the former medieval kingdom will be cut off from the rest of the country for weeks and potentially months.

Mr Gething told BBC Radio Wales the Covid rate is 'expected to rise' after community testing on Saturday showed a positivity rate of 4 per cent.

These women donned masks and face shields as they made their way through the town centre for the last time until at least October

A woman wore a face mask as she shopped in Caerphilly this afternoon. From this evening people will not be able to leave the borough without good reason and face masks will be required by everyone aged over 11 in shops

A woman looks out of the window of a bus while wearing a surgical face mask. The Welsh government have said that with 55.4 cases per 100,000 population, Caerphilly county has the highest rate in Wales and one of the highest in the UK

He said: 'Even a week ago, we comfortably had the lowest rate of coronavirus of any of the UK nations.

'We're now in a position, a week later, where we've seen a significant spike in activity.

'That shows that coronavirus, over the course of a couple of weeks, can build up very quickly.

'If we don't address the issue in Caerphilly, we'll see wider community transmission within the Caerphilly area, but that will spread to other areas as well.

'The reasons for the local lockdown are a spike in transmission that, if left unaddressed, will go out of control.

'We'll see more people get it, we'll see more people go into hospitals, being seriously unwell, and it will then have national consequences.'

But angry locals were unimpressed by his comments and ranted online that it would not be enforceable.

One wrote on a community page: 'It's all cr*p why tomorrow night? How they going to police this. Can't get police out for other issues let alone this.'

Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire in the west of Scotland saw new restrictions imposed at midnight, with a similar clampdown for Caerphilly county in south Wales coming into force from 6pm

'So why can we meet in pubs but not each other's houses? How is that gonna work?who is going to enforce all this nonsense.'

Mr Gething said a 'significant cause' of the virus spreading was a lack of social distancing, with people socialising in each other's households in larger numbers.

He told the BBC pubs and bars would remain open in the Caerphilly area, as significant transmission is not taking place there.

The lockdown measures, which are being enforced by the local authority and police, will be reviewed every couple of weeks.

There have been 133 new Covid-19 cases in Caerphilly county borough over the past seven days, equivalent to a rate of 55.4 cases per 100,000 population

Health Minister Vaughan Gething (pictured) told BBC Radio Wales the rate is 'expected to rise' after community testing in the area on Saturday showed a positivity rate of 4 per cent

Mr Gething said: 'But the evidence and advice that I've had from our scientific and medical advisers is that we're unlikely to see a significant change until two to three weeks, to see the impact these measures are having.

'So we're in it for several weeks, at least in Caerphilly.'

Asked if that meant the local lockdown would remain in the area until October, Mr Gething replied: 'Yes, at the very least - I can't overstate the seriousness of the position that we're in.'

Community testing was introduced in Caerphilly over the weekend, with 450 people tested on Saturday. Of these, 19 had the virus.

A similar number of people were tested on Sunday, with results expected shortly.

Travel restrictions included in the lockdown mean people cannot enter or leave Caerphilly County Borough Council area without a 'reasonable excuse'.

Excuses might include work, making a compassionate visit to a loved one or to provide care.

People will only be allowed to meet others outdoors, with indoor meetings and gatherings restricted.

Caerphilly Council has already introduced measures such as suspending care home visits, and introducing weekly testing for care home staff, in response to the increase in cases.

On Monday, Public Health Wales reported the highest number of positive Covid-19 cases in months.

It said that a further 133 people had tested positive for coronavirus, representing the highest daily figure since June 27, when 140 cases were reported.

There were no further deaths in people with coronavirus, with the total in Wales since the beginning of the pandemic remaining at 1,597.

Numerous schools have been affected by coronavirus since the start of the autumn term, including one class of 21 pupils at a primary school in the Caerphilly area being told to self-isolate for 14 days.

Professor Van-Tam said the public had 'relaxed too much' over the summer and described the rising number of cases as of 'great concern'.

There were a further 2,948 lab-confirmed cases of the virus in the UK as of 9am on Monday, following the 2,988 reported on Sunday - the largest daily figure since May.

In an interview with journalists, Prof Van-Tam said: 'This is a big change. It's now consistent over two days and it's of great concern at this point.

'We've been able to relax a bit over the summer, the disease levels have been really quite low in the UK through the summer but these latest figures really show us that much as people might like to say 'oh well it's gone away' - this hasn't gone away.

'And if we're not careful, if we don't take this incredibly seriously from this point in we're going to have a bumpy ride over the next few months.'

He said that the rise is 'much more marked' in the 17-21 age group, but noted there is a 'more general and creeping geographic trend' across the UK.

'People have relaxed too much,' Prof Van-Tam said. 'Now is the time for us to re-engage and realise that this is a continuing threat to us.'

He urged politicians and public health officials to think how to manage the crisis not in the short term but through 'the next six months and how we get through this until the spring'.

The professor added it was 'clear' that the level of compliance with restrictions 'is very variable indeed'.
For years Daniel Andrews could do no wrong as far as the cashed up and powerful Australian Hotels Association was concerned. NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian, by contrast, was a supporter of the hated Sydney lockout laws.

At one of the AHA Victorias famed Cup Day lunches, Andrews, as guest of honour, took to the stage to boast about how Melbourne was always open, bag the Sydney lockout laws and send faux best wishes to Berejiklian.

Daniel Andrews in a bar on Cup Day 2014.

In response, the industry sang Andrews' praises as being the only premier who understood the needs of pubs, nightlife and live music.

Indeed, the AHA was so enamoured of Andrews (gaming minister back in the Bracks-Brumby governments) that last year they gave a whopping $761,000 to the Premiers re-election campaign. This was part of a desperate $1m bid to keep the Greens away from the balance of power, so terrified was the AHA of the minor partys anti-pokies policies.
David Cameron and his ministers like to talk the talk of radical reformers, but yesterday's Queen's Speech was evidence that two years in power has taught them just how difficult it is to change anything much.

One of David Cameron's radical promises was that he would reverse what he called "the growth of the quango state". Yet one of the few solid promises in yesterday's thin speech was to set up a new quango, the Groceries Code Adjudicator, whose job will be to protect suppliers from the formidable market power of the supermarkets.

In March, David Cameron made a radical boast: "We are taking on the enemies of enterprise  the bureaucrats who concoct those ridiculous rules and regulations that make life impossible for small firms." In May, his Government announced that more bureaucrats are needed to take on those enemies of enterprise  the mighty conglomerates that make life impossible for small suppliers.

So, who's the real Commons disgrace?

Claire Perry, the Tory MP for Devizes, was not amused when Labour's Dennis Skinner interrupted the solemnity of Black Rod's appearance in the Commons by exclaiming: "Jubilee year, double-dip recession, what a start!" Annoyed by the BBC reporting that the comment provoked laughter, she tweeted: "Dennis Skinner is a total disgrace. Charmless, friendless and clueless. We weren't laughing, we were suggesting he, err, move on." This is the same Claire Perry who once complained loudly in the tea room that she did not get enough chances to speak in the Commons. "What have I got to do to be called by the Speaker? Give him a blow job?" she demanded. Charming, friendly, and clued-up.

No Lords a-tweeting

This is the 21st century and all sorts of bits of kit are used in Parliament that were banned or not invented years ago, including microphones, cameras and mobile phones. People tweet from inside the Commons chamber, just as they do from inside a courtroom during major trials. But there was none of this modern nonsense as the Queen read out her speech to the ermine-bedecked peers yesterday. Strict orders were issued: no tweeting from the House of Lords.

MP out to spoil Europe's big day

Yesterday was not just the day of the State Opening of Parliament, it was also Europe Day, marking the 62nd anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, a plan for European integration presented by the French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, at a Paris press conference on 9 May 1950, which is seen as the foundation of the EU.

That explains the European flag that was flying along the route the Queen took as a horse-drawn carriage conveyed her to Parliament, a sight that was interpreted by some as a sinister symbol of the spreading power of Brussels.

"As we listen to the Gracious Speech, we should reflect on the fact that most of the laws that will take effect over the next parliamentary session won't be contained in any Queen's Speech. They come instead from Brussels," the Tory MP Douglas Carswell wrote on his blog. "How apt that I should have spied a large Euro flag flying in Parliament Square on my way into work this morning."
An Indian Air Force Hercules military transport plane prepares to land at an airbase in Leh, the joint capital of the union territory of Ladakh bordering China, on Sept. 8, 2020. (Mohd Arhaan Archer/AFP via Getty Images)

Shots Fired on India-China Border for First Time in 45 Years

The tensions between India and China flared on Sept. 7 to a level not seen in decades, as shots were fired in Ladakh, the disputed Himalayan border region that was the scene of a violent clash between Chinese and Indian troops on June 15.

It was described as the first exchange of fire between the countries in 45 years.

While the Chinese side has accused the Indian side of crossing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and opened fire to deter Chinese patrol guards, the Indian side has disputed such claims and accused China of firing during the latest face-off.

On 7 September 2020, it was the PLA [Peoples Liberation Army] troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops, Indias Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Sept. 8.

At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing, Indian officials said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lijian Zhao offered his version during a regular press conference.

The Indian troops illegally crossed the line into the Shenpao Mountain region on the southern bank of the Pangong Lake in the western sector of the China-India border, and blatantly fired shots to threaten the Chinese border patrol personnel who approached them for representations, Lijian said.

Former Deputy Chief of Indian Army Staff Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh told The Epoch Times over the phone from New Delhi that the situation needs to be understood from the perspective of strategic high mountain warfare, as the current conflict is happening at an altitude of more than 13,000 feet.

Winter is approaching. Its to take a cue from the 1962 war that started on Oct. 25. Next month, the temperature will fall down to sub-zero degrees Celsius. Both sides are strategically trying to gain an upper hand before the window of the winter closes, he said.

A man walks past a poster, depicting portraits of Indian soldiers killed in a hand-to-hand fight with their Chinese counterpart on June 15, in a market area in New Delhi on Aug. 31, 2020. (Jewel Samad/ AFP via Getty Images)

Chinas Tactics

Dr. Satoru Nagao, a visiting fellow at the Hudson Institute who was awarded his doctorate by Tokyos Gakushuin University for his thesis, titled Indias Military Strategy, told The Epoch Times in an email that China has ratcheted up its activities in the region over the past decade, and the Sept. 7 incident should be seen as one step in a long process.

Chinas incursions into India gradually increased to 663 in 2019 from 213 in 2011, according to Nagao.

This move is very similar if we compare it with Chinas activities in other regions. For example, the number of Chinese vessels identified within the contiguous zone in the waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands in Japan, show the same tendencies. The number has been 12 (2011), 428 (2012), 819 (2013), 729 (2014), 707 (2015), 752 (2016), 696 (2017), 615 (2018), and 1,097 (2019), Nagao said.

He said the current situation on the India-China border resembles the situation in the East China Sea or the South China Sea.

There is a possibility that China thinks of this area as South China Mountain,' he said.

Meanwhile, Indias Asia News International (ANI) shared a picture on Twitter of PLA soldiers carrying rods, spears, and sharpened weapons. India and China share some rules concerning the LAC, Nagao said; one such rule, from 1996, prohibits the use of firearms in the area.

Chinese soldiers armed with stick machetes during their deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh sector. pic.twitter.com/QmSGkJLoYw  ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2020

Singh defined the situation as that of escalated tension, provocation, and psychological warfare from the Chinese side.

India and the Indian army has no trust in PLA and China, he said.

The Indian army has huge experience in winter, snow, and high-altitude warfare and significantly, has marked immense combat experience, which PLA woefully lacks, Singh added.

China recently redeployed weapons toward India on the western side of the border area that had been positioned against the United States and Japan on the eastern side, Nagao said.

Recently, on the China side of the India-China border area, J-20 stealth fighter jets, DF-21 ballistic missiles, S-300 surface to air missiles have been identified.

At the end of August, Chinese troops prepared to occupy one certain height. But because India realized it, Indian soldiers went to the height and occupied before Chinese troops reached it. At this height, Chinese or Indian troops fired in the air and warned to prevent the clash, Nagao said.

Firing itself is a violation of an agreement in 1996, but there was no clash.

Indian army vehicles drive on a road near Chang La high mountain pass in northern Indias Ladakh region, India near the border with China on June 17, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Geopolitics

Meanwhile, the firing incident happened just a few days after the first high-level meetings between the two sides defense leaders on Sept. 4 in Moscow.

At the meeting of Chinas Gen. Wei Fenghe and Indias defense minister, Rajnath Singh, Singh had said that the current situation should be handled responsibly and neither side should take any further action that could either complicate the situation or escalate matters in the border areas, the Indian defense ministry said in a statement.

Singh said the PLAs tactics show that they arent a professional army and they lack combat experience.

They are a force of the political party. Their last war experience was in 1979 in Vietnam, he said.

Nagao says Chinas lawless expansionism is often paired with efforts to exclude countries that are outside its targeted region.

In the East China Sea and the South China Sea, China blames its assertive behavior on the intervention of outsiders. Similarly, in the case of the India-China border, China is trying to halt Indian cooperation with the U.S., Japan, and Australia, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stepped up of late.

India recently signed a logistic support agreement with Australia and will sign a similar agreement with Japan sometime later this month. That will ensure that the United States, India, Japan, and Australia all have such strategic agreements, efforts that China would seek to contain, Nagao said.

To do so, which country would China choose to pressure? The most likely answer is India because China and India share a nearly 4,000 km [almost 2,500 miles] land border (unlike the U.S., Japan, and Australia), allowing China to leverage its army.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Cyprus that Moscow was ready to help mediate in any talks with Turkey as tensions simmer over energy exploration in the Mediterranean Sea, Al Jazeera reports.

Decades-old tensions between Turkey and Cyprus, which is backed by Greece, have come to a head this year in disputes over commercial rights in the Eastern Mediterranean, an area thought to be rich in natural gas.

"As far as your relations with Turkey are concerned, we are ready to promote dialogue, pragmatically based on mutual interests and in search of decisions, which will be fair and based on international law," Lavrov said on Tuesday at a meeting with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades in Nicosia.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 15:56:54|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Since its outbreak, COVID-19 has influenced and even stagnated many industries worldwide, and tourism is undoubtedly among the hardest hit.

At the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) held in Beijing, how to recover global tourism is one of the topics that has attracted industry representatives from across the world.

"The pandemic has brought tourism to a standstill. This has cost many jobs, but China has led the way of controlling the spread of the virus," said Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, at the 2020 World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development, which is a core part of the fair.

"The national economy is gradually opening. The lifting of travel restrictions gives hopes to millions of people both in China and worldwide," he added.

Domestic tourism has started to recover since the effective control of COVID-19, said Sun Jie, CEO of China's online travel agency Ctrip. Some popular tourist attractions have recovered or have even surpassed levels of incoming tourists at the same period last year.

"Statistics show that the number of domestic flights in August recovered to more than 80 percent of the same period last year, and that number is expected to recover to 100 percent in September," Sun added.

"After the COVID-19 outbreak, we implemented a slew of measures including closing tourist attractions quickly, suspending the operations of travel agencies, and coordinating the returns of outbound tourists, which have effectively prevented epidemic risks in the field of tourism," said Hu Heping, minister of culture and tourism.

Hu added that the country has also adopted a series of rescue measures and policies such as financial supports and tax cuts to limit damage to the industry to a minimum.

On the basis of a broad consensus, a guideline was released at the conference, indicating countries around the world should promote new patterns such as customized tourism, drive innovation in tourism products, and make global tourism more intelligent and convenient.

"Tourism is an important embodiment of modern civilization. Society will lose its vitality without the flow of people," said Chen Dong, secretary-general of the World Tourism Cities Federation. "Countries, tourism companies and international organizations worldwide need to reach a consensus on how to work on COVID-19 prevention and control and the recovery of tourism." Enditem
DENVER, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Boom Supersonic , an aerospace company building the world's fastest commercial airliner, today announced that the company has been awarded a contract by the Air Force under its program meant to help fund innovations with future Air Force applications. The contract will fund explorations of an Overture configuration designed for Air Force executive transport. The Department of Defense and the Air Force manage all air transport for executive branch top leadership, including Air Force One.

Render of an Overture configuration designed for Air Force executive transport.

"Supersonic flight brings people together, whether for work, family or global diplomacy," said Blake Scholl, Boom founder and CEO. "By cutting travel times we make it possible for U.S. diplomats and executive leaders to connect more frequently in person, meeting challenges and defusing potential crises with a personal touch. We're so proud to help envision a new way for the Air Force to provide transport for critical government activities."

Overture offers the Air Force a unique combination of passenger capacity, speed, and enough space and power to accommodate the requirements of necessary mission systems. Plus, the aircraft can be configured for multiple cabin zones, affording a layout with as much privacy as necessary. Boom is designing Overture to comply with stringent FAA airworthiness and production regulations, and the aircraft will be fully adaptable to meet specific requirements for a variety of military end users.

"The United States Air Force is constantly looking for technological opportunities to disrupt the balance of our adversaries," said Brigadier General Ryan Britton, Program Executive Officer for Presidential & Executive Airlift Directorate. "Boom is an example of the American ingenuity that drives the economy forward through technological advances. We are extremely excited to team with them as we work to shrink the world and transform the future of executive airlift."

In addition to its potential for executive transport, Overture could be adapted to satisfy other Air Force and broader Department of Defense mission requirements. Overture could also become part of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF), enabling humanitarian and other critical airlifts in half the time.

About Boom

Boom Supersonic is redefining commercial flight by bringing supersonic flight back to the skies with Overture. This historic commercial airliner is designed and committed to industry-leading standards of speed, safety, and sustainability. Boom's vision is to bring families, businesses, and cultures closer together through supersonic travel and make the world dramatically more accessible. Boom is the first commercial airplane manufacturer to commit to a carbon-neutral flight test program and to build sustainability into its entire aircraft program. The company is backed by world-class investors and has 30 aircraft on pre-order. Founded in 2014, Boom has assembled a team of over 140 full-time employees who have made contributions to over 220 air and spacecraft programs. For more information, please visit https://boomsupersonic.com .

SOURCE Boom Supersonic

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The Indian Army on Tuesday said Chinese troops fired into the air on September 7 to intimidate its soldiers holding dominating heights near a strategic mountain pass in eastern Ladakh, in a failed attempt to close in on a forward position controlled by India as bullets flew at the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) for the first time in 45 years.

Soldiers from the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) tried to advance on the Mukhpari peak near Rezang La on Monday evening but stopped in their tracks after a stern warning from the Indian Army, which occupied key heights on the southern bank of Pangong Tso to prevent the PLA from grabbing Indian territory in a stealthy midnight move on August 29, officials familiar with the developments said on condition of anonymity.

The last recorded incident when bullets were fired at the LAC was in October 1975, when the PLA ambushed an Indian patrol in Arunachal Pradeshs Tulung La sector and shot four soldiers dead.

The situation remains tense in the area with around 40 to 50 Chinese soldiers armed with automatic weapons, spears and machetes still holding positions below the Mukhpari peak, said one of the officials cited above.

They are the same soldiers who fired the shots. Our positions are around 200 metres away. They have been in the area for the last two to three days. The PLA is intent on occupying high ground, said a second official. Indian soldiers put up a wire obstacle near their positions in a warning to the PLA to not cross over, the officials said.

Reacting to a claim made by PLAs Western Theatre Command on Monday night that accused India of crossing the disputed border and firing shots, the Indian Army said it neither violated the LAC nor fired bullets, and that the PLA was trying to mislead domestic audiences and the international community with its baseless allegations.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Indian Army spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand said Indian troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner despite grave provocation by the PLA.

It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress, the statement said.

Experts said the escalation was worrying.

Shots being fired for the first time along the LAC in 45 years is a clear sign of military tensions escalating. Protocols and agreements for border peace appear to have collapsed. The new developments indicate that military friction will only grow in the future, former Northern Army commander Lieutenant General DS Hooda (retd) said.

The latest tensions in eastern Ladakh come days after defence minister Rajnath Singh  in a face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fengshe on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow  asked China to strictly respect the LAC, not make attempts to unilaterally change the status quo, and work with India for complete disengagement from all friction areas in the sensitive sector.

The incident also comes just days before foreign minister S Jaishankar is due to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at the SCO meet in Russia this week.

On September 7, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in on one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by Indian troops, the PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate our troops, the army statement said. It did not specify how Indian soldiers dissuaded the PLA.

The army said while India was committed to disengagement and de-escalating the conflict, China was undertaking provocative actions to escalate the situation.

At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to the use of any aggressive means, including firing, the statement said.

The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity. However, it is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs. The statement by the Western Theatre Command is an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience, it added.

The Western Theatre Command on Monday accused Indian soldiers of illegally crossing the LAC and firing warning shots, forcing the PLA to take countermeasures.

During his meeting with Fenghe on Friday, Rajnath Singh made it clear that India was fully determined to defend its frontiers. He also told the Chinese defence minister that the PLAs aggressive actions in the Ladakh sector to unilaterally change the status quo on the ground violated bilateral agreements and the understanding between the Special Representatives of the two sides.

Singh said while Indian troops showed a responsible approach towards border management, there should be no doubt about Indias determination to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Tensions flared up in the Ladakh sector after the Indian Army occupied strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong Lake following aggressive moves by the PLA on August 29.

China made another provocative move on August 31, targeting these positions, but the Indian Armys 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 in the area.

The situation on the lakes southern bank remains tense with both armies sending in reinforcements to the area where the Indian Army controls ridge line positions that allow it to completely dominate the sector and keep an eye on Chinese military activity  India holds a series of positions near Black Top (a hill feature) and on Rezang La and Reqin pass.

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Zaghari-Ratcliffe was sentenced to five years in jail in 2016, convicted of plotting to overthrow Irans establishment.

British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been summoned by an Iranian Revolutionary Court and informed about a new charge, state television reported.

Branch 15 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court summoned Nazanin Zaghari and her designated lawyer this morning and informed her of a new indictment, state television reported Tuesday, citing an unnamed official.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, was arrested in April 2016 at a Tehran airport as she headed back to the United Kingdom with her daughter after a family visit.

Her case has stirred tensions between Iran and the UK, where on Tuesday her local London member of Parliament, Tulip Siddiq, tweeted confirmation that Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been taken to court and would face another trial on Sunday.

I know many people are concerned about her welfare and Ill keep everyone updated when we have more information, Siddiq wrote.

Iran does not recognise dual nationalities, so detainees like Zaghari-Ratcliffe cannot receive consular assistance.

She was sentenced to five years in jail after being convicted of plotting to overthrow Irans clerical establishment.

Her family and the foundation, a charity that operates independently from media firm Thomson Reuters and its news subsidiary Reuters, deny the charge.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe was temporarily released from jail in March amid concerns over the spread of the new coronavirus in Irans prisons but is barred from leaving the country.

The new indictment comes as the UK and Iran negotiate the release of some 400 million pounds ($530m) held by London, a payment the late Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi made for Chieftain tanks that were never delivered.

The shah abandoned the throne in 1979 and the Islamic Revolution soon installed the clerically overseen system that endures today. Authorities in London and Tehran deny that Zaghari-Ratcliffe is linked in any way to the repayment deal.
Britains Got Talent received more than 1,100 complaints after broadcasting a Black Lives Matter themed performance from dance group Diversity, Ofcom has said.

The talent competition returned with the first of its semi-finals last Saturday (5 September), with season three winning dance troupe Diversity returning to perform an emotional routine inspired by the death of George Floyd and subsequent protests around the world.

Underscored by Tomfoolerys viral poem The Great Realisation, the performance saw group leader Ashley Banjo pinned down by a police officer, with the group going on to take the knee on the words: Black Lives Matter.

While the routine was widely praised online, an Ofcom spokesperson confirmed to the Daily Mail on Monday (7 September) that 1,121 people had complained about the episode of Britains Got Talent, with the majority of complaints pertaining to Diversitys performance.

We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate, they said.

Diversity leader Ashley Banjo was seen being pinned down by police (ITV)

Responding to both the support and complaints he had received, Banjo tweeted: So much to say... But Ill just let the performance talk. Thousands of messages of love and support - Thank you.

For the thousands of messages of hate and ignorance - thank you. You highlight exactly what needs to change. Sending nothing but love to you all.

The dancer also served as a judge on Saturdays episode of Britains Got Talent, replacing head judge Simon Cowell who is recovering after breaking his back falling off an electric bike in August.
Kim Rycroft runs a bed and breakfast in Murrindindi Shire, where there are no active cases of coronavirus. Throughout the pandemic, while Melbourne grappled with hundreds of new cases a day, the shire recorded a total of nine cases.

Despite her community's almost unscathed run through lockdown, it remains under stage three restrictions and Ms Rycroft's business, Saladin Lodge in Narbethong, has been open for just a handful of weeks this year due to the combined impact of summers bushfires and COVID-19.

Saladin Lodge owner Kim Rycroft Credit:Eddie Jim

Given the success her community and many others in regional Victoria have had in successfully keeping the virus at bay, Ms Rycroft says she should be permitted to slowly reopen her business to customers from other shires with no active cases.
D iplomats from the EU and the UK are meeting in London for hastily arranged Brexit talks after Boris Johnson's move to override key parts of the Withdrawal Agreement break with Brussels.

Michael Gove will talk with EU official Maros Sefcovic on Thursday in an extraordinary meeting of the Joint Committee as negotiations between the UKs chief Brexit negotiator David Frost and his Brussels counterpart Michel Barnier continue.

It comes after the Prime Minister unveiled proposed legislation to alter key elements of the Brexit deal with Brussels regarding Northern Ireland, which could breach international law.

Severe criticism from figures in Westminster, Brussels and the international community continued on Wednesday night with US House speaker Nancy Pelosi warning that there will be absolutely no chance of a US-UK trade deal passing Congress should the Government override the Brexit deal.

Follow here for live updates...
While the rest of the state has been enjoying indoor dining for months, Philadelphia diners are just now getting their taste of it.

The City of Brotherly Love has officially lifted its restriction banning indoor dining for the first time since the shutting down of nonessential businesses in March. Granted, it wont be like pre-pandemic dining, but it is a step in that direction.

Effective Sept. 8, restaurants will have to follow an array of guidelines and protocols in order to offer indoor dining, including limiting tables to just four people indoors, having sneeze guards and partitions throughout the restaurant and restricting capacity to just 25 percent. Alcohol can only be served for on-site consumption if it is part of the same transaction as a meal.

The new guidelines also say that servers and staff should wear both mask and face shields. Restaurant patrons must also wear masks when they are not seated at their table.

Indoor dining isnt the only new thing in Philadelphia. The city is also permitting theaters (both movie and stage) to reopen.

You can learn more about Philadelphias rules for indoor dining at phila.gov.

READ MORE

Survey of Pa. taverns and restaurants shows state COVID-19 orders will likely lead to more closures

Pa. restaurants can soon open to 50% capacity, but must end booze sales early: Wolf

Guy Fieri: Philadelphias restaurant scene is fire
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...
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Like most people outside of the Kremlin, mainstream German politicians are outraged about the poisoning of Alexey Navalny, the Russian opposition leader whos being treated in a Berlin clinic and has just come out of a coma. Then again, theyve been outraged countless times about whatever Russia under President Vladimir Putin has got up to. And their indignation has never amounted to much. This time something is different.

Just ask Norbert Roettgen, the chairman of the Bundestags foreign-policy committee and one of three candidates to become the next leader of the center-right Christian Democrats, Chancellor Angela Merkels party. He thinks Germany and Europe must talk to Putin in a language the Russian leader understands: gas. Specifically, Roettgen wants to halt construction of a pipeline that runs under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany and is already 94% built. A growing chorus of German voices agrees with him.

Called Nord Stream 2 because it runs right alongside an existing pipeline, this project, led by the Kremlin-controlled energy giant Gazprom PJSC, has for years been a geopolitical and diplomatic disaster for Merkel. Almost all of Germanys allies bitterly oppose it, from the Poles and Balts in the east to the French and Americans in the west. Its made Germany look like an unreliable and insensitive partner just as Merkel tries to keep the European Union and the transatlantic relationship from unraveling.

So I have no doubt that Merkel has understood all along that Nord Stream 2 is a mistake. And yet, she has so far defended it in public. Just the other day, she averred that the pipeline, in which many private European companies have invested, should be kept separate from the Navalny case. Why?

The reason is that Merkel needs to keep the peace in her coalition, which includes the center-left and generally pro-Russian Social Democrats. Nord Stream 2 was always primarily their baby. The most shameless among them is Gerhard Schroeder, a Putin buddy who was Merkels predecessor as chancellor and is now chairman of Gazproms Nord Stream AG and Rosneft Oil Co. PJSC, another Russian energy giant. But even the SPDs current leaders have carried on backing the pipeline.

Story continues

The U.S. has made this domestic constraint on Merkel tighter. President Donald Trump keeps browbeating Merkel for making Germany captive to Russia, which is an exaggeration. And three U.S. Senators, including Ted Cruz, are campaigning to levy sanctions against a German port helping to complete Nord Stream 2. It happens to be in Merkels own constituency.

Predictably, this has triggered every anti-American impulse from lefties and eastern Germans, and howls of blackmail across the political spectrum. Merkel cannot be seen to bow under this American pressure. If nothing else had happened, Merkel would have been less willing than ever to bury the pipeline.

But something did happen: The confirmation from German military labs that Navalny was indeed attacked with novichok. The nerve agent was developed in the Soviet Union, has been used against the Kremlins foes before and is outlawed by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

At Putins direction, meanwhile, the Kremlin is playing the same game as ever, creating fictional counter-narratives to confuse and deflect. The point, as Ive argued, is to display the naked power that allows Putin to abolish truth with impunity.

But this time thats too much even for some German Social Democrats to bear. One of them is Heiko Maas, the countrys foreign minister, who told a German newspaper that he hopes the Russians dont force us to change our stance on Nord Stream 2. Merkel has now let it be known that she also thinks its wrong to rule out a change in pipeline policy. Notice the subtle change.

Those whove watched her during her 15 years in office are reminded of another notable U-turn. In line with her partys policy at the time, she initially extended the life of Germanys nuclear power stations. But she knew that the German population was overwhelmingly against atomic energy. Then, in 2011, a tsunami caused three nuclear meltdowns in Fukushima. Merkel grasped that this was her opportunity to change direction. Instead of prolonging nuclear power, Germany started exiting it altogether.

She may view the crime against Navalny in the same way as Fukushima. The geopolitical case against Nord Stream 2 is stronger than ever, just as the economic case for it becomes ever weaker. In the coming days or weeks, Merkel therefore could  and should  seize this moment and end it.

It would have to be part of a joint decision by the EU in coordination with other NATO allies. So Trump can help things along by temporarily keeping mum for a change. Meanwhile, Putin still has a chance to save his pipeline by starting to cooperate honestly in the investigation of the novichok attack on Navalny. How likely is that?

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Andreas Kluth is a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. He was previously editor in chief of Handelsblatt Global and a writer for the Economist. He's the author of "Hannibal and Me."

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.

2020 Bloomberg L.P.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8



By Jeila Aliyeva - Trend:

With regard to the overall areas of cooperation between Romania and Turkmenistan, it is necessary to underline trade, B2B contacts (business-to-business), education and cultural ties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania told Trend.

Romania and Turkmenistan are diligently working to develop the above-mentioned directions, through close contact and meetings between interested parties (line ministries and state agencies, private and state-owned companies, universities, cultural institutions, academia), facilitated by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs from Bucharest and Ashgabat, added the ministry.

The Romanian MFA pointed out that dialogue at the MFA level between two countries is pivotal and plays an important role of agenda coordination.

Moreover, the ministry noted the high level of cooperation between countries in education field.

The significant number of Turkmen students who are studying in Romania has increased on a year-to-year basis. Consequently, in the framework of the visit of the Romanian Foreign Minister to Ashgabat (July 2018), a fair of educational offers titled Study in Romania! was organized with the attendance of twenty higher education institutions from our country, said the ministry.

The ministry highlighted that mostly Turkmen students are interested in such areas as medicine, electrical engineering, veterinary medicine, economics, architecture and so on.

In the area of people to people and academic contacts, a few events are worth mentioning, such as: the Days of Turkmen Culture in Romania and the Days of Romanian Culture in Turkmenistan, concerts in Ashgabat to mark the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU and the last year visit to Turkmenistan of the vice-president of the Romanian Academy, added the Romanian ministry.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @JeilaAliyeva
Joe Bidens campaign spent $10 million on television advertising in Pennsylvania last month, as the Democratic nominee maintained his lead in the polls and President Donald Trump halted his TV spending in the state.

The Biden campaign spent an additional $5 million through Labor Day, while Trump remained off the Pennsylvania airwaves during the first week of September, according to the ad tracking firm Advertising Analytics. In all, Biden outspent Trump by $15 million to zero over the course of about five weeks.

The spending advantage is notable given that Trump won Pennsylvania by less than one percentage point in 2016 and faces a relatively narrow path to reelection. Its also a sign that the Trump campaign has burned through much of the huge cash advantage it built during the Democratic primary contest.

Nationwide, the Trump campaign spent just $4.8 million on TV during the last two weeks of August, a fraction of Bidens $35.9 million in spending, the New York Times reported.

In Pennsylvania, the Trump campaign has reserved about $370,000 in airtime this week and a total of $5.6 million worth of TV advertising for the month of September, according to Advertising Analytics. Thats about half of the Biden campaigns $11.8 million in ad reservations. The reservations for future airtime dont necessarily have to be booked and paid for by the campaigns.

Surveys show Biden with a four-point lead over Trump in Pennsylvania, according to the Real Clear Politics average of the most recent polls, and both parties expect a tight outcome in the state.

The Trump campaign paused its advertising in Pennsylvania and other states at the end of July, when the president announced a shakeup of his campaign leadership. Under campaign manager Bill Stepien, the campaign targeted battleground states that begin voting early, like North Carolina and Florida.

Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and other campaign surrogates have made multiple trips to Pennsylvania over the past few weeks, ensuring local media coverage. Pence is scheduled to swing through Western Pennsylvania on Wednesday, and both Trump and Biden plan to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on Friday in Shanksville, where a hijacked plane crashed.

Trump is rarely far from the center of the news cycle, perhaps mitigating the importance of paid advertising. And he was outspent significantly by Hillary Clinton in 2016 and still prevailed. But television ads convey a focused message in a way Trump himself often does not.

Trump did get some air cover last month from GOP outside groups, which spent about $11 million on commercials attacking Biden. Pro-Biden groups spent about $6 million.

 READ MORE: 5 questions that will help decide the presidential race in Pennsylvania

Trump campaign spokesperson Courtney Parella accused Bidens handlers of trying to use an ad blitz to overcompensate for a candidate in hiding and his burdensome policies, like a tax plan that would raise $4 trillion over 10 years to fund various initiatives on issues like climate change and health care.

Team Trump is able to be more strategic with our ad placement," she said in a statement. Unlike Biden, President Trump has been connecting directly with the American people for years and building on his record of success by revitalizing our economy, restoring jobs, producing a coronavirus vaccine in record time, and ultimately delivering the Great American Comeback.

Brendan McPhillips, Bidens Pennsylvania state director, said the campaign is making historic investments to reach voters in every region of Pennsylvania and share Joe Bidens plans to rebuild our economy in the wake of Trumps disastrous mishandling of the economy and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joe Bidens message continues to resonate with Pennsylvania voters because they know he can lead America out of this crisis, get our economy back on track, and create good-paying jobs, McPhillips said in a statement.

Bidens campaign ads have highlighted his plans to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, rebuild the economy, provide affordable health care, and promote racial justice and police reform.

Commercials aired by GOP groups have tried to tie Biden to calls by some left-wing activists to defund the police," and portrayed the former vice president as hostile to fracking, the controversial drilling technique.
The Asteroid 2020 QL2 is said to hurtle past both Earth and the Moon! NASA describes this as a very "near Earth" approach scheduled to happen on Monday, September 14. This particular asteroid is estimated to actually be as large as about 400ft or 120m, making this almost as big as the size of the really iconic London Eye.

The speed at which the asteroid travels could easily make a trip from the UK all the way to New York more than a total of eight times in a single hour! However, the asteroid is said to safely pass by our planet at about ten times the distance between the Moon and Earth or about 4,259,235 miles away.

NASA labels this an NEO

Despite what most people might call an enormous distance, NASA has still described this as a particular "near-Earth object" otherwise known as NEO. Even the US space agency notes that Near-Earth Objects otherwise known as NEOs, are both comets and asteroids that have actually been nudged by a certain gravitational attraction of the nearby planets into orbits that still allow them to enter Earth's very own neighborhood.

The Asteroid 2020 QL2 was initially first seen on August 14 of the current year, with the most recent sight being on September 3, according to the data presented by NASA. The space organization has categorically confirmed that thighs particular space rock will in fact not hit Earth.

Read Also: [New Discovery] NASA Finds Rust on the Moon: How can Rust Form without Oxygen or Liquid Water?

What if the asteroid did hit earth?

If the asteroid did hit Earth, the computation shows that the damage would be catastrophic. At a size of 120 meters long, this would be even more catastrophic than the previous Chelyabinsk event that happened back in 2013 when a particular 20 meter meteor exploded all the way in Chelyabinsk, Russia. This smashed multiple windows as well as injured about 1000 people altogether.

Although it is confirmed not to hit Earth, NASA still iterates that about a hundred tons of different "interplanetary material" are heading towards Earth's surface on a daily basis. These particles are only tiny dust particles that were slowly created when the comet's ice vaporises.

Read Also: [Viral Footage] Typhoon Hits North Korea: Kim Jong-Un Decides to Fire Party Chief Over Failure to Prepare

The chances of asteroids

Despite this, about every 10,000 years, it is said that rocky or iron asteroids sizing over 100 meters would actually be expected to penetrate Earth's surface resulting in local disasters or even the production of tidal ways that can easily inundate certain low lying coastal areas.

On an average of about a few hundred thousand years, the asteroids that are sized larger than a kilometer could indeed cause global disasters. NASA still says that there is currently nothing to fear as the given chance that a major asteroid might hit Earth is still very slim.

NASA also reminds people that should an asteroid collide on Earth, there is still a 70% chance that the asteroid should hit the water instead of the land. The given chances for asteroids that big to destroy a city is said to be just around 0.1% in any year.

This article is owned by TechTimes

Written by Urian Buenconsejo

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Joe Biden makes a joke about China's help in winning the election. Most of the time Joe is not as attentive, but a joke in 2013 is not as funny in 2020. Seems that the Democrats are changing gears to make Joe more alert.

Joe strikes again

Way back the time when he was the vice president in the Barrack Obama administration, China was in good terms with the White House. When Biden was lucid way back then, the moment was caught on video and it still is seen till today, reported New York Post.

In a particular function welcoming the Chinese president Xi Jinping in the White House, as then Vice-president Biden made the opening speech in the US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Washington DC.

He said that after Xi Jinping got the top post in his country, part of the speech was congratulating the premiere and adding that when Biden runs for president, he might help him win. Then everyone laughed at the joke. The attendees had a good laugh, both U.S. officials and Chinese officials.

He added that the time he spent with President Xi when President Hu with President Obama should give time for the two vice presidents to be more familiar. Furthermore, he mentioned that in ten days spent on the function, it was interesting as they visited each other's country. Then they got to find ways to be more relaxed in each other's company, noted Report Door.

Also read: Joe Biden's Family Record Show Drug Usage, Drunk Driving, and Other Charges But No One Was Jailed

Those were the good old days when China was different. Now the U.S. and China are having a cold war or the beginnings of it. One of the problems is trade, and a full-blown trade war is in full gear. One example is President Trump not as amicable as Obama, whose administration allowed one side trade agreement that only benefited the communists, not America.

As the election draws near, top intelligence officers have pointed out the reported foreign interference has preferences. It seems that when it comes to Russia, they would rather have Trump. But, China and Iran would rather have Biden onboard. Iran and China see Biden as a weakling and pushover compared to Trump, cited CNBC.

Looking back, people think that the humor shown by Biden will not be as appropriate in the upcoming election.

The 2016 Presidential Election was not easy for Trump. Democrats had a field day when it said that the Russians must hack the emails of Hilary Clinton. Soon enough her emails were hacked later. It happened during the Hilary Clinton scandal, and it is conveniently glossed over by the democrats to this day. According to sources, more than 30,000 emails were scrubbed from a private server.

There are still unanswered questions about her emails.

According to Presidential candidate Trump, if Russia can find the 30,000 emails missing and leak it out to the press, they will be thanked by the American media.

Trump later said it was pure sarcasm, but compared to Joe Biden's Joke mentioning China's help, conclusions will be left to others.

Related article: Salon Gate: Hair Salon Owner Gets $120 K in One Day After Getting Accused by Dems Nancy Pelosi

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Coronavirus outbreaks among students at Michigan State, Central Michigan, Grand Valley and Michigan Tech universities as well as Adrian College are spiking the caseloads in five Michigan counties.

While the numbers are going down in Isabella County -- home of CMU, where outbreaks started in mid-August -- caseloads are going up in Houghton County, where Michigan Tech is located; Ottawa, home of GVSU, and Lenawee, home of Adrian.

Theyre also going up in Ingham and Clinton counties; East Lansing, home of Michigan State, straddles both counties and has been the subject of numerous outbreaks among young adults.

Realize, Michigan State is a campus that did not come back and is conducting almost all classes online, said Linda Vail, Ingham County health officer.

Still, many students did return to East Lansing, and coronavirus cases have surged in the past week, Vail said. Weve had 210 cases in the past seven days, and Im guessing 150 involve Michigan State students, although we havent finished counting.

A lot of it is related to parties and social gatherings, some of which have exceeded the limits set by the state, Vail said. Its not like Harpers where its all from one place. Its just little bitty clusters all over the place.

Coronavirus outbreak of more than 180 cases stemming from Harpers bar was a rude awakening, owner says

In adjacent Clinton County, which includes northern East Lansing, there have been 67 cases confirmed countywide in the past seven days compared to 29 the previous week.

There are a lot of young adults engaging in risky behavior, but its not just MSU students, said Marcus Cheatham, Clinton County health officer. Its also young adults who are not in college, as well as college students enrolled elsewhere.

And one problem were running into is, they dont want to tell us where theyve been or who theyve been in contact with, Cheatham said. This kind of culture is evolving where people are actively defying their local health department.

Clinton County already is experiencing the fallout from that, he said, noting that St. Johns Public Schools delayed the resumption of in-person classes.

The numbers have gotten so bad that they blew through the criteria for a safe reopening, Cheatham said. So now we have outraged parents who are aware their kids arent learning; we have people who cant access the Internet and so their kids cant go to school virtually.

We have the worst possible situation where its almost like our community is making war on our schools, he said.

Meanwhile, Houghton County is now coded red, based on a metric developed by the Harvard Global Health Initiative to assess coronavirus risk levels. Thats the result of outbreaks among students at Michigan Tech University, where 63 cases have been confirmed in the past 14 days, according to the Michigan Tech website.

The county had 12 new cases from Aug. 25-Aug. 31; that soared to 75 new cases in the past seven days.

Michigan now has eight counties in orange category, based on the Harvard metric. Those counties: Ingham, Ottawa, Lenawee, Clinton, Isabella, Keweenaw, Shiawassee and Delta.

The Harvard institute metric looks at a seven-day average of new cases per 100,000 residents. The newest assessment is based on data for Sept. 1-7.

Counties coded red should consider lockdown, the Harvard Global Health Institute says. Orange signals heightened concern.

Meanwhile, six Michigan counties havent reported a single new coronavirus case in the past week.

The six counties: Alpena, Oceana, Ogemaw and Oscoda in the Lower Peninsula, and Alger and Baraga in the Upper Peninsula.

They are among seven counties in the green zone as of Tuesday morning, based on the Harvard Global Health Institute metric. The other county was Hillsdale, with one case in the past week.

The map below is shaded by the average number of new cases per day per 100,000 residents.. The arrows indicate whether the total number of cases over the past seven days (Sept. 1-7) has gone up or down compared to the previous seven days (Aug. 25-31).

Readers can put their cursor over a county to see the underlying data. If you cant see the map, click here.

Latest on coronavirus testing

Four Michigan counties have a positive rate of at least 5% in coronavirus tests reported in the last 14 days ending Sept. 6. The state is averaging more than 29,000 tests a day.

Ontonagon County had the highest 14-day average at 6.5%, Macomb is at 6.3%; Isabella, 5.7%. and Branch is at 5.4%. Note: The number of positive tests does not match confirmed cases because a single patient may be tested multiple times.

The World Health Organization says schools are safe to reopen if fewer than 5% of coronavirus tests over the past two weeks are positive.

The map below shows the 14-day average testing rate by county. Once again, readers can put their cursor over a county to see the underlying data. If you cant see the map, click here.

Below are online databases that allow readers to look up county-level data for each of the last 20 days.

Cases by day it was reported to the state

First is a chart showing new cases reported to the state each day for the past 20 days. This is based on when a confirmed coronavirus test is reported to the state, which means the patient first became sick days before.

You can call up a chart for any county, and you can put your cursor over a bar to see the date and number of cases.

(In a few instances, a county reported a negative number (decline) in daily new cases, following a retroactive reclassification by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In those instances, we subtracted cases from the prior date and put 0 in the reported date.)

The next chart below shows new cases for the past 20 days based on onset of symptoms. In this chart, numbers for the most recent days are incomplete because of the lag time between people getting sick and getting a confirmed coronavirus test result, which can take up to a week or more.

You can call up a chart for any county, and you can put your cursor over a bar to see the date and number of cases.

More localized maps

Below are two maps created by the EpiBayes research group at University of Michigans Department of Epidemiology, which has access to sub-county data collected by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The interactive maps break down the state into 10 kilometer hexogons to provide more a more localized look at where coronavirus cases are occurring. You can click here to get to the research project website.

The first map looks at confirmed and probable coronavirus cases in the past week. You can click on a hexagon to see the underlying data.

You can use the triangle button at the upper right of the map to toggle to the second map, which shows total confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Latest daily report

On Monday, the state reported 1,156 new cases of the novel coronavirus and four deaths for Sunday and Monday.

Michigan is averaging 634 new cases and 12 new deaths per day.

The map below shows total confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths since the start of the pandemic. You can put your cursor over a county to see the underlying numbers.

For more statewide data, visit MLives coronavirus data page, here. To find a testing site near you, check out the states online test finder, here, send an email to COVID19@michigan.gov, or call 888-535-6136 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.

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/.

Read more on MLive:

Coronavirus risk assessment for Michigan schools: Where and when is it safe to reopen?

Michigan health officials urge coronavirus testing for asymptomatic people, despite federal pivot

Ann Arbor theaters still in limbo on opening, have lost more than $1M due to coronavirus

Whitmer repeats call for Trump to fully fund Michigan National Guard
The latest industry survey from the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) reveals the enormous challenges facing hotels and guesthouses in Kildare and across the country as demand continues to plummet. The impact on employment and peoples livelihoods is stark for an industry that supported 270,000 jobs nationally at the beginning of the year, one in 10 of all Irish jobs. An estimated 100,000 jobs of these have been lost so far this year and a further 100,000 are now at imminent risk in the coming weeks, including 8,800 in Kildare.

With the summer season finished, Irelands hotels and guesthouses are now reporting a 70% drop in projected revenues for September compared to this time last year. Bookings for September/October have plunged with average room occupancy levels at 22% in the Midlands. This follows a very challenging July and August with average national occupancy at 49%, representing an enormous drop compared the 90% occupancy achieved during these key summer months last year.

Breakdown of occupancy results for September/October 2020:

National room occupancy: 24%

Dublin City and County: 12%

Other Cities: 24%

Rest of Country (excluding cities): 30%



Regional breakdown

Border region: 33%

Mid-West: 17%

Midlands / Mid East: 22%

South East: 41%

South West: 31%

West: 30%



Commenting on the results, Dara Cruise, Chair of the Midlands branch the Irish Hotels Federation, said that the figures highlight the requirement for further sector specific measures to support Irish tourism.

He said: "Our industry is operating in a quasi-lockdown. The existing supports are totally inadequate for our industry given the current restrictions. If appropriate measures are not put in place, more jobs will be lost. Prior to the COVID crisis, tourism supported 12,000 jobs in Kildare, contributing 125m to the local economy. With a predicted revenue loss of 90m, 8,800 of these jobs are now under threat."
Apart from being an action-packed story, the eighth instalment of Fast and Furious franchise, The Fate of the Furious, also has an ensemble star cast. Helmed by director F Gray Gray, the action film stars A-list actors such as Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Scott Eastwood, Nathalie Emmanuel and Charlize Theron. The film garnered a lot of praise from the audiences when it was released in 2017. However, the audiences didnt just enjoy the movies action-packed story and praiseworthy performances from the actors but also The Fate of the Furious shooting locations. Read on to find out 'where was The Fate of the Furious filmed?'

Read | Where was 'Love Guaranteed' filmed? Here is the major shooting location of the film

Where was The Fate of the Furious filmed?

According to a report on Atlas of Wonders, The Fate of the Furious was filmed in Cuba, Iceland and in the United States. The film is reportedly one of the biggest Hollywood productions to be shot in the revolutionary Caribbean Island of Cuba. The United States lifted its embargo on Cuba on January 17, 2017, and since then, Netflix series The OA was also filmed there.

Read | Where was Mulan filmed? Here are the stunning shooting locations

The Fate of The Furious shooting locations

Cuba

Filming of The Fate of the Furious took place right in the heart of Havana in Cuba. The adrenaline kicking car chase which was featured in the film had started at Simon Bolivar St, which is in a corner of El Curita Park. On its course, the car chase passed by El Capitolio and continued further through many iconic avenues, such as the Malecon by the sea. Hotel Nacional De Cuba was also featured in one of the scenes.

Read | Where was 'East of Eden' filmed? Read details about locations of this James Dean starrer

Iceland

In the country of Iceland, the frozen waters of Lake Myvatn became The Fate of the Furious shooting location. The cameras were rolled in this location to film a spectacular car and submarine chase scene in the Russian Arctic. The splendid looking arctic lake was reportedly swept clean of the snow by the film's crew. Heres a fun fact, during the excruciating arctic winter months, the area around the Myvatn lake is considered as one of the best places to watch the stunning Northern Lights in Iceland. In addition to the outdoor car chase scene in the chilling weather of Iceland, some prison outdoor scenes were also filmed in the harbour of Akranes, which is a town about 30 miles north of Reykjavik.

Read | Where was 'Black Work' filmed? Read about the filming locations of this crime drama series

United States

Many fans of The Fate of the Furious might be able to recall that the film also featured Berlin for some scenes. But, the films crew didnt travel to Germany. The Berlin scenes were in fact shot at the Guardian Center in Perry, Georgia. The Guardian Center is one of the most unique training facility for disaster preparedness in Georgia. It is a complex that simulates almost any disaster on almost any scale.

Another spine chilling scene in the film is when many vehicles drive super fast in New York City. In NYC, the cars were driving along Broadway, the 5th Avenue and the Manhattan Bridge. The building from where cars are shown falling to the ground is the Halle Bros Parking Garage at 1118 Prospect Ave E which is located in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 14:39:09|Editor: huaxia

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YANGON, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Political parties in Myanmar on Tuesday launched a 60-day nationwide campaign for the upcoming general election to be held on Nov. 8 this year.

At the party's flag hoisting ceremony, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, in her capacity as chair of the National League for Democracy (NLD), shared appreciation words to the public for the supports throughout the journey of the party and pledged to deliver peace, development and prosperity to the state.

The campaigning style of the political parties this year has become focusing more on online social media platforms, cancelling election rallies under the new normal brought by COVID-19 pandemic.

"Campaign rallies have been limited by the pandemic, restricting candidates to go and meet with locals in person in respective constituencies. We have to depend on online platforms for campaigning as we don't have any other option now," Dr. Nandar Hla Myint, spokesperson of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) told Xinhua.

A total of 6,969 candidates involving 94 political parties and 280 independent runners will vie for 1,171 seats at three levels of the parliament in the upcoming election, U Myint Naing of the Union Election Commission told a recent press briefing.

Of them, 1,934 candidates will compete for the House of Representatives (Lower House), 976 candidates for the House of Nationalities (Upper House), 3,847 candidates for state or region parliaments and 212 candidates for ethnic minority in state or region parliament, respectively.

State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi will represent Kawhmu township constituency while President U Win Myint will represent Tamwe township constituency of Yangon region.

Of the registered political parties, the ruling NLD party and USDP will field over 1,100 candidates each.

Over 37 million people are eligible to vote in the election.

In the last general election on Nov. 8, 2015, the ruling NLD party won an absolute majority of parliamentary seats and has run the government since 2016. Enditem
A total of 76 factory projects executed over the last three years under the 'One District, One Factory' initiative has been completed and operating.

Mr Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, Minister of Information, said an additional 232 of those projects were at various stages of completion.

One of the projects, the Amantin Agro-Processing Factory in the Bono-East Region, which is under construction, would this week be inspected by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as part of his working tour of the Region, according to the Minister.

When completed, the project is anticipated to help reduce post-harvest losses to the barest minimum, increase the yield and income of farmers.

Mr Oppong-Nkrumah, who was addressing the media in Kumasi, said the Ministry of Trade and Industry was working around the clock to realize the government's vision of providing the various districts with the requisite factories.

The aim is to open up the Ghanaian economy, create jobs and wealth for the masses as the country seeks to ensure accelerated growth through industrialization.

According to the Minister, the government was executing the IDIF projects alongside the rehabilitation of roads across the country.

He cited work on the Atebubu-Kwame-Danso-Kwadwokrom stretch, which fell under the 'Year of Roads' programme, saying the President would be cutting sod for its take-off soon.

It is a major link for commuters who ply that stretch of road, and its completion would help boost socio-economic activities for the benefit of the people.

Mr Oppong-Nkrumah said the President on his six-day tour of the Bono, Bono-East and Ahafo Regions, would also cut the sod for some projects, ranging from road and hospital construction and other development projects designed for the wellbeing of the populace.

GNA


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SANTIAGO, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Workers at Chile's state-owned copper miner Codelco, the world's largest copper producer, warned on Friday that they would take "action" against what they describe as threats to their jobs amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Tension has brewed between unions and the company in recent months over complaints about the lack of compliance with coronavirus prevention measures and the over-pricing of insurance.

The Federation of Copper Workers (FTC), which represents the mining company's unions, said the company was in "violation of rights that were legitimately won."

The FTC "will deploy each and every one of the actions that are at its disposal, aimed at safeguarding the working conditions," the statement said.

Codelco did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The copper company has applied a cost reduction plan in recent years while boosting investments in so-called "structural projects" aimed at maintaining production levels in the future.

The FTC indicated that it was open to talks and would seek an agreement with the company. (Reporting by Fabian Cambero and Cassandra Garrison; Editing by Dan Grebler)
1776 is a year very close to my heart, and indeed all British hearts.

It was the year we lost control of Americans and the consequences were apocalyptic  not least for me personally.

Let's be very clear: if it wasn't for King George III's shocking incompetence and weakness, then there would have been no Declaration of Independence, no United States of America, and a Union Jack flag would today be flying proudly over the White House as I, King Piers I, was served my morning tea in the Oval Office by a liveried butler before addressing my people across the countrymy BRITISH people, or at a push, my British-American people.

So, 1776 is a very important, and frankly rather depressing year for we Brits.

But it's a considerably more important one for Americans, who wouldn't exist as Americans free from British colonial rule without the events that happened that year.

Indeed, it is the single most important year in America's history because it's the year America effectively began.

That's why the annual July 4 celebrations are always celebrated so fiercely and proudly by Americans, and in a rather more subdued manner back in my home country.

For the vast majority of Americans, it signifies the greatest day in the country's history.

History matters.

History is the bedrock of any country, good, bad and ugly.

History is what informs, educates and inspires future generations.

As Dr Martin Luther King Jr said: 'We are not makers of history. We are made by history.'

President Trump has got involved in the debate about the 1619 Project after it was claimed that some state-funded schools in California  a Democratic state  have started using it as part of their curriculum

To reframe the dismantling of British rule as a battle to maintain slavery in the way the NYT has done is not just misguided, it's disgraceful. It also, like so much of the culture war stuff that has exploded since George Floyd was so despicably killed, plays right into Trump's hands. if Democrats keep trying to make Americans feel ashamed of Independence Day and back BLM protesters who scream at white diners, Joe Biden will be history too

Last year, the New York Times began the '1619 Project' which it said, 'aims to reframe the country's history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of (The United States) national narrative'

But what's happening in America right now is a concerted effort to rewrite the country's history, led by the New York Times, which has become a hotbed of ultra 'woke' liberal journalism during the Trump political era.

Last year, the paper began the '1619 Project' which it said, 'aims to reframe the country's history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of (The United States) national narrative.'

The interactive ongoing Project was timed to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first African slaves to Virginia in 1619 - and suggests that this date represents the 'nation's birth year.'

It also stated, even more controversially, that the reason for the War of Independence was not a desire to be free of British rule but a desire for slavery to be continued.

In NYT reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones' introductory essay to the 1619 Project  for which she won a Pulitzer Prize - she wrote that 'one of the primary reasons the colonists decided to declare their independence from Britain was because they wanted to protect the institution of slavery.'

But this extraordinary claim has been hotly disputed by many leading US historians.

In NYT reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones' introductory essay to the 1619 Project  for which she won a Pulitzer Prize - she wrote that 'one of the primary reasons the colonists decided to declare their independence from Britain was because they wanted to protect the institution of slavery.' But this extraordinary claim has been hotly disputed by many leading US historians

In December 2019, five of them - Sean Wilentz, James McPherson, Gordon Wood, Victoria Bynum and James Oakes - sent a letter to the NYT objecting to the framing of the project and accusing the authors of a 'displacement of historical understanding by ideology.' The letter specifically disputed Hannah-Jones' assertion that colonists' desire to get rid of the British was fuelled by a desire to continue with slavery.

Gordon Wood  himself a Pulitzer Prize winner for History - said: 'I don't know of any colonist who said that they wanted independence in order to preserve their slaves. No colonist expressed alarm that the mother country was out to abolish slavery in 1776.'

On Sunday Trump retweeted a message from an unverified account saying the project would be taught in schools and shared: 'Department of Education is looking at this. If so, they will not be funded!'

On Friday, the president also banned federal agencies from conducting racial sensitivity training related to 'white privilege' and 'critical race theory'

Other experts tried to make Hannah-Jones correct what they saw as her massively inaccurate rewriting of history.

Leslie Harris, a professor at Northwestern University, revealed she helped fact-check the project and alerted Hannah-Jones about problems but allegedly received no response from her.

Harris said she 'vigorously disputed' the claim that protecting slavery was a major reason why the American Revolution was fought.

'Far from being fought to preserve slavery,' she wrote for Politico, 'the Revolutionary War became a primary disrupter of slavery in the North American Colonies. Lord Dunmore's Proclamation, a British military strategy designed to unsettle the Southern Colonies by inviting enslaved people to flee to British lines, propelled hundreds of enslaved people off plantations and turned some Southerners to the patriot side. It also led most of the 13 Colonies to arm and employ free and enslaved black people, with the promise of freedom to those who served in their armies.'

This engraving shows the arrival of a Dutch slave ship with a group of African slaves for sale in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619

In March this year, after an avalanche of similar criticism, the NYT finally corrected Hannah-Jones' essay to say that 'protecting slavery was a primary motivation for some of the colonists.'

That's a pretty big clarification, and by this time much of the damage was done in fuelling the notion that America's greatest year, 1776, was not in fact something to celebrate but something to condemn because it wasn't about fighting for independence but about fighting for the right to keep slaves.

The debate has raged ever since, and now, unsurprisingly, President Trump has got involved after it was claimed that some state-funded schools in California  a Democratic state  have started using the '1619 Project' as part of their curriculum.

'Department of Education is looking at this. If so, they will not be funded!' he tweeted on Sunday.

When questioned about it yesterday, he said: 'We grew up with a certain history and now they're trying to change our history.'

This prompted a predictable firestorm with many furious liberals accusing Trump of being a 'white supremacist' and his supporters defending him for protecting American history.

As with everything right now, the debate has swiftly turned toxic and viciously partisan.

But on this issue, I find myself siding with Trump.

The 1619 Project undoubtedly provides a huge amount of very important information about the history of American slavery and I would encourage people to read it.

But the central tenet of the main author's belief is historically wrong, incredibly damaging, and it should not be part of any school curriculum.

American kids should not be told that their country's great War of Independence was waged to maintain slavery.

That's not why most colonists fought it; they fought it to end British colonial rule and establish the United States of America.

Young Americans should feel proud of that victory, not ashamed, and should be taught that their country began in 1776 with the glorious Declaration of Independence, not in 1619 with the ignominious arrival of slaves to Virginia.

When demonstrators entered the outdoor dining space, Nique Craft (pictured) person took a couples' drink and drank it herself before leaving

Similar scenes have played out across the county with a diner in Washington D.C. last week being cornered by a group of anti-racism protesters outside a restaurant

To reframe the dismantling of British rule as a battle to maintain slavery in the way the NYT has done is not just misguided, it's disgraceful.

It also, like so much of the culture war stuff that has exploded since George Floyd was so despicably killed, plays right into Trump's hands.

As I've written before, the struggling President is desperate for the election in November not to be a referendum on his woeful handling of the coronavirus pandemic which has cost nearly 200,000 American lives and devastated the economy.

If he can make it about liberals trying to make Americans ashamed of their history, it will be a vote-winner for him.

Yet liberals seem totally oblivious to this and continue to perform acts of stupendous political self-harm.

The past two weeks have seen a series of ugly confrontations involving Black Lives Matter protesters haranguing and abusing white people eating in restaurants across the country.

In Rochester, New York, they screamed 'F**k the white people' at elderly diners and then stole their drinks from the table.

The video footage of these kind of horrible racially charged scenes does nothing but scare middle Americans and potentially encourage them to vote for Trump  as well as diminish the effectiveness of the BLM protests.

The President is already gleefully using the clips, and the 1619 debate, in his usual inflammatory way - not just to rally his base, but also to rally many independent voters who may not love or even like Trump but share his view that the ongoing cancel culture assault on everything they hold dear as Americans is getting completely out of hand.

I agree with them.

History will not be kind on the Democrats if they let Trump win again through their own stupidity  even if they try and rewrite it themselves.
The leadership of a brigade and military law enforcers are working on the scene.

Two Ukrainian soldiers have been injured in Donbas as they stepped on a landmine planted by an enemy.

The injured were rushed to a hospital, where they were being provided with the necessary medical assistance. Currently, their state of health is satisfactory, the Skhid [East] Operational Tactical Grouping Command wrote on Facebook.

Read alsoDonbas truce: Ukraine reports enemy provocation on Sept 7The leadership of a brigade and military law enforcers are working on the scene. All the circumstances of the incident are being clarified.

Escalation in Donbas: latest
The incoming class of 144 nursing students at Penn State College of Medicine will be in quarantine for at least ten days after six tested positive for COVID-19.

They have been in quarantine since Friday, with most confined to housing on the campus in Dauphin County.

Spokeswoman Barbara Schindo said officials believe the exposure to COVID-19 took place off-campus, possibly in a students home community.

She said the students were taking part in orientation and have had extremely limited contacts with patients.

Schindo said as of Tuesday morning the six positive cases were the only known cases among students at the medical school which, in addition to the nursing students, has about 600 hundred medical students, a contingent of resident physicians and about 60 physician assistant students.

Note: This article was revised with more specific numbers about total students at Penn State College of Medicine.
TORONTO, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI") (TSX: QSR) (NYSE: QSR) (TSX: QSP) today announced that Sami Siddiqui has been appointed President of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen for the Americas.

Sami has most recently served as President of Asia-Pacific for RBI, leading the growth of Popeyes, Burger King and Tim Hortons throughout the region, including introducing the Popeyes brand in China and the Philippines.

Jose Cil, Chief Executive Officer of RBI commented, "I'm very proud to announce that Sami will be leading Popeyes through our exciting next phase of growth across the Americas. Popeyes is a brand with a well-known heritage and more recently has demonstrated unprecedented growth through exceptional menu innovation in our iconic Chicken Sandwich. Sami has an excellent track record working with our franchisees to drive our brand and restaurant expansion."

Additionally, Mr. Cil announced that Felipe Athayde is leaving RBI to pursue a new role outside of the quick service restaurant industry. Felipe and Sami will work together to smoothly transition the role throughout September. "Felipe has all our best wishes for his next endeavor," said Cil.

About Restaurant Brands International Inc.

Restaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with approximately $32 billion in annual system-wide sales and over 27,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories. RBI owns three of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands - TIM HORTONS, BURGER KING, and POPEYES. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for over 45 years.

SOURCE Restaurant Brands International Inc.
Smith was a member of the Kamoinge Workshop, a group of African American photographers formed in 1963. Kamoinge, the Kikuyu word for a group of people acting and working together, described an ethos of mutual support and productive critique. Largely shut out of mainstream publications, fine arts institutions such as ours, and the commercial gallery system, Kamoinge took on the responsibility to, as Louis Draper , a founding member, put it, speak of our lives as only we can. Over the course of her five-decade career, Smith has fulfilled this mandate of recording Black life in all of its complexity. She said, Being a black woman photographer was like being nobody. It was just my camera and me. I worked to capture black culture, the richness, the love. That was my incentive.

Throughout the pandemic and the months of revolutionary uprisings across the country, I have returned again and again to A Shopper at the Fair, Columbus, Ohio , one in a series of photographs Ming Smith made at the Ohio State Fair. The series is named after a 1977 Alice Coltrane album: Transcendence . Transcendent on the whole, Smiths photographs create the kind of soaring sensation in the heartthe simultaneous flutter and deep calmthat occurs before art that taps into ones inner life. I find tenderness in Shoppers quotidian subject matter and strength in the memories it evokes for me.

In Shopper, a lone Black figure walks through a fair holding a shopping bag at his side. One might be tempted to view it as a simple, leisurely picture, but of course, simple, leisurely pictures of Black men were notstill are notcommonplace. To make these kinds of pictures was Smiths transcendent, revolutionary, resistant act. She has labeled him a shopper, not a looter; a visitor, not a trespasser; a community member, not an imposter. He belongs. In the stillness of a breezeless summer night, the flag above him hangs limply, but the angle of his hat and his upright posture communicate youth, confidence, and leisure. He reminds me of my late father, who spent much of his youth on naval submarines wearing just such a hat.



The shopper passes by a panel depicting a bronzed surfer riding a breaking wave. A winged band of lights divides the ebony sky from the fair below, the two illuminated arcs meeting over the head of a larger-than-life hula dancer. Her grass skirt and haku lei, or flower crown, are just visible in the minimal light.

The dancer and surfer were no doubt meant to transport the shopper from landlocked Ohio to tropical Hawaii. Stereotypical as the images may be, they transport me, tooto the island of Oahu, where our family relocated for my fathers naval career. Though Hawaii itself is incredibly diverse, our small neighborhood on the naval base was not. We were the only interracial family I ever saw there, and my mother the only Black woman I recall in our housing unit. We were outliers in every way, she told me recently. Looking back, I feel the isolation of living there and the sense of relief when we returned to the mainland, where my grandmothers Spanish greeted me, and I was not such an outlier. I belonged.

Smiths was one of the first Black families to move into a white area of Columbus in the 1950s. Her interest in college was rebuffed by a high school counselor who told her she could only aspire to become a domestic worker. Despite these low expectations, she attended Howard University, where she took photography courses and graduated with a microbiology degree.

For Smith, transcendence was about moving beyond the racism she experienced. She left Ohio for New York and moved spiritually to a place of recoveryto forget all that, forgive and forget, she says. For me, Smiths evocative Shopper, with its simultaneous acknowledgments and rejections of stereotypes, transforms a casual moment into a transcendent one, tapping into memories, speaking across time and space, and engendering connection and healing.


Crises loom everywhere during these turbulent times, so you would be forgiven if the issue of gerrymandering was far down on your list of priorities. But it should not be. In fact, it plays a significant role in how your state Legislature and elected U.S. representatives handle the myriad threats, upheavals and opportunities we face right now. As is currently the process in state Senate, state House and congressional redistricting, due to gerrymandering, our elected officials select their voters by redrawing the boundaries in a partisan manner.

Efforts have been made for decades to place the boundary line-drawing process in the hands of an Independent Redistricting Commission. Those efforts have never succeeded.

The people of Pennsylvania and some of its elected leaders have long known and lamented that congressional redistricting is a partisan process. The bill to redraw these boundaries just needs to pass the Pennsylvania General Assembly and be signed by the governor  the same process used to rename a bridge. We should note that redrawing state legislative boundaries is done by a party-backed commission that would require a constitutional amendment to change, the opportunity for which, at least in 2020, has already come and gone.

So, in this age of polarization, it is noteworthy when a Republican from very-conservative Blair County and two Democrats from very-liberal Philadelphia come together in a bipartisan way to tackle one aspect of gerrymandering. We are doing so via House Bill 2327, which establishes a new commission to redraw the congressional maps. Many have indicated that past reform efforts have failed because there is not any legislative, administrative or agency input in the process. We set out to address these concerns and also create a redistricting commission that is citizen led. Our bill balances these political realities with the need for independence to minimize partisanship.

How? First, the secretary of state oversees an open application process where any interested and qualified Pennsylvanian can apply to be part of the commission. The qualifications are simple: you must be registered to vote and have voted in at least one of the last three statewide elections, not have switched parties recently, and have been a resident of Pennsylvania for a minimum of three years. No lobbyists, elected or party officials, or their family members would be eligible.

The application process will remain open until at least 60 Republicans, 60 Democrats, and 60 people who identify with neither party have applied. The secretary would then cull this list down to 120 (40 in each bucket) aiming to address diversity of geography, race, gender and ethnicity.

Next, the majority and minority chairs of the House and Senate State Government committees would remove five members from each bucket, leaving 60 possible commissioners.

Then, the majority and minority leaders of the House and Senate would each pick a commissioner from their respective party (four in total), and the secretary  at an open public meeting  randomly selects one Republican, one Democrat and three unaffiliated members for a total of nine commissioners. These nine commissioners would then meet and appoint six commissioners to arrive at the full, 15-person commission.

This spirit of both public involvement, random selection and party participation would continue throughout the deliberations and actions of the commission until the ultimate map is decided.

The work in crafting this legislation has been exhaustive, and we have engaged our colleagues directly in the appeal to get buy-in and support, including holding exceedingly rare bipartisan caucuses. Alas, the bill remains stuck in the House State Government Committee, along with other similarly well-intentioned redistricting bills with bipartisan support.

Time is running out to do something about it. And if we do not act now, congressional redistricting will occur in the same partisan manner as always, with the next opportunity for meaningful change to take effect in 2031.

Our last chance now with congressional redistricting reform comes at a time of low confidence in our governing bodies and rabid political polarization that stretches, to the breaking point, our ability to govern. Gerrymandering of political districts is a contributing factor (though not the only one) to both of those problems.

As our legislative session comes to an end and as our once-in-a-decade window closes to end congressional gerrymandering, we have a chance to empower you to decide how best to elect our political leaders. This change will result in more citizens participating in the democratic process because individuals will have a direct voice in the contours of our democracy.

Lets seize this moment and create a new political reality that breaks through the polarization of the present and provides the chance of political unification in the future.
It sounds like the plot of a Hollywood rom-com: a waitress meets a famous actor, falls in love with him, and quits her job to live in his mansion.

But this is reality for Zac Efron's new girlfriend Vanessa Valladares, who recently moved in with the High School Musical star after quitting her waitressing job.

Zac, 32, reportedly met Vanessa, 25, in July when she was waiting tables at the General Store cafe, located in the trendy coastal town of Byron Bay.

From waiting tables to landing A-list arm candy: How Zac Efron's girlfriend Vanessa Valladares quit her job at the Byron Bay cafe where they met and quickly moved in with him. Pictured with Zac when she was working at the Byron Bay General Store cafe on Wednesday, July 1

The pair were photographed at the time looking very friendly as they chatted and swapped phone numbers at an outdoor table.

Vanessa, an aspiring model, has since handed in her resignation and is shacking up with the American hunk, who has a net worth of approximately $25million.

Zac is said to be living at a rental property in Belongil Beach while he looks for a home to purchase in the area.

The future's bright! Vanessa, an aspiring model, recently handed in her resignation and is shacking up with Zac, who has a net worth of approximately $25million, in Belongil Beach

Zac recently inspected and put in an offer on a beachside property in the coastal hub, but unfortunately was outbid at the last minute by a rival buyer.

While the exact location of Zac's current home is unknown, Realestate.com.au reported in June that he may have been renting Baywatch at Wategos, which is part of Byron Bay Luxury Homes.

Nestled underneath the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, Baywatch at Wategos offers guests spectacular views of the water and Julian Rocks.

Putting some roots down? Meanwhile, Zac is reportedly looking to buy a property in Byron Bay

No wonder he's smitten! Vanessa often posts racy photos of herself in swimwear on Instagram

Just peachy! Not long ago, Vanessa uploaded a video of herself in a G-string bikini while wading through a creek

Va-va-voom! The beach-loving brunette isn't shy when it comes to showing off her figure

The publication also speculated that Zac was residing at the Raes hotel, an exclusive boutique retreat where penthouse rooms cost up to $2,000 a night.

The Sunday Telegraph has previously reported that Zac was staying at The Boardwalk, a Byron Beach Retreats property located in the coastal suburb of Broken Head, where actor Chris Hemsworth owns a $20million mega-mansion.

In June, it was reported that Zac loved staying at The Boardwalk so much that he made an inquiry about buying the property.

Home sweet home? While the exact location of Zac's current home is unknown, Realestate.com.au reported in June that he may have been renting Baywatch at Wategos (pictured), which is part of Byron Bay Luxury Homes

Lap of luxury: The publication also speculated that Zac was residing at the Raes hotel (pictured), an exclusive boutique retreat where penthouse rooms cost up to $2,000 a night
The UK and the European Union blamed each other Tuesday in their increasingly acrimonious post-Brexit trade discussions that could just be weeks from collapse.

While the UK urged the EU to show more realism in the discussions, the 27-nation bloc noted that it was a world power.

The latest round of discussions kicked off in London on Tuesday amid an air of pessimism because of concerns that the British government is set to violate international law by reneging on commitments made before the countrys departure from the bloc on Jan. 31.

The news that the head of the British governments legal department has quit  reportedly over plans to bypass commitments made with regard to the Irish border  and an intervention from Prime Minister Boris Johnsons predecessor only added to the sense the talks are going nowhere.

Though the UK left the bloc on Jan. 31, it is in a transition period that effectively sees it abide by EU rules until the end of this year.

David Frost, the British governments chief negotiator, said the two sides can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground in the deadlocked talks and that the EU needs to show more realism about the UKs status as an independent country.

European Council President Charles Michel retorted that the bloc is in no mood to budge on its demands.

We are sending a message, not only to our citizens but also to the rest of the world  Europe is a world power and we are ready to defend our interests, he said in a speech Tuesday at the Brussels Economic Forum.

The trade discussions have made very little progress over the summer, with the two sides seemingly wide apart on several issues, notably on business regulations, the extent to which the UK can support certain industries and over the EU fishing fleets access to British waters.

The EU has been particularly insistent on level playing field issues in order to ensure that British-based businesses dont have an unfair advantage as a result of laxer social, environmental or subsidy rules in the UK

If foreign companies want access to our market, we expect them to be on the same footing as our European companies, Michel said.

Relations have got further strained this week following reports that Britains Conservative government was attempting to unilaterally ride roughshod over its divorce agreement. EU officials said any attempt to override the international treaty could jeopardize peace in Northern Ireland as well as undermine the chances of any trade deal. Under the terms of Britains departure, the government has committed itself to ensuring an open border between Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and EU member Ireland.

The British government said the publication of planned legislation on Wednesday is intended to tie up some loose ends where there was a need for legal certainty. It said the Internal Market Bill will ensure goods from Northern Ireland, which is part of the EU, will continue to have unfettered access to the UK market, while making clear EU state aid rules, which will continue to apply in Northern Ireland, wont apply in the rest of the UK

Though the government insists its not planning to tear up its commitments, it appears that concerns over its intentions lay behind the resignation Tuesday of Jonathan Jones, one of the top officials in its legal department.

A spokesman for the Attorney Generals office confirmed the resignation, but wouldnt comment on the reason behind it. The Financial Times reported that Jones quit because of a dispute over suggestions the government would challenge parts of the withdrawal agreement.

And Johnsons predecessor, Theresa May, raised concerns that any attempt to bypass commitments could damage the UKs international standing.

The UK government signed the withdrawal agreement with the Northern Ireland protocol. This Parliament voted that withdrawal agreement into UK legislation, she said in the House of Commons. The government is now changing the operation of that agreement. Given that, how can the government reassure future international partners that the UK can be trusted to abide by the legal obligations of the agreements it signs?

Johnson has said Britain could walk away from the talks within weeks and insists that a no-deal exit would be a good outcome for the UK He said in a statement that any agreement must be sealed by an EU summit scheduled for Oct. 15.

British businesses are worried about a collapse in the talks that could see tariffs and other impediments slapped on trade with the EU at the start of next year. Most economists think that the costs of a no-deal outcome would fall disproportionately on the UK
Mumbai:

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee on Monday demanded removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modis posters from petrol pumps in those districts where model code of conduct is in place for upcoming elections to Legislative Council, municipal corporations and Zilla Parishads.

Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant has also sought removal of various government advertisements.

Sawant said he called upon State Election Commissioner J S Saharia and also written to the electoral officer to press for the demand.

He said the State EC has failed to remove the PMs posters from petrol pumps and also the government ads featuring Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis from buses, bus terminals and other prominent places.

He said elections for the teacher and graduate Legislative Council constituencies in Amravati, Nagpur, Konkan and Nashik divisions will be held on February 3.

Sawant said he wrote to Chief Electoral Officer Ashwini Kumar stating that posters of all political parties are being removed.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
LANSDALE  A busy summer has now become an even busier school year for the hundred-plus employees responsible for feeding thousands of North Penn students.

And those students, and their parents, should take note: The district has gotten good news regarding free meals at each local school starting on Sept. 8.

These meals are for any child. I dont want a family to say Im not going to get a meal, because I want it to go to someone who needs it more, because we are here for all children, said Melissa Froehlich, the districts coordinator of school nutrition services.

Since March 17, just after the COVID-19 lockdowns began, SNS staff have made meals at a central district kitchen and handed out hundreds each day at five district elementary schools. Those were given out on five days each week at first, then twice weekly starting in late March to minimize trips and possible exposure; once the state declared in mid-April that students would not return to school, the program continued through the end of the school year and for the rest of the summer, with the Knapp Elementary site switching to Penndale Middle School in June due to construction at Knapp.

Everybodys been patient with us as we tried to figure out the emergency closures, and doing curbside pickups. We were just really happy with everything, and the community was so grateful to us, she said.

On Aug. 27, Froehlich said Friday, the summer free meal program formally ended with over 340,000 meals distributed, and the start of school Monday, Aug. 31 brought several changes. Instead of just pickups at the five prior schools, meals were distributed at 12 district elementary schools (and Penndale instead of Knapp) with just one pickup on Monday. New rulings from the federal Department of Agriculture and state Department of Education over the past week mean the meals will be free again starting Sept. 8 after one week of charging for them.

Starting on August 31, we were supposed to switch back over to the national school lunch program, and so we made all of our plans for that. That wouldve meant that we wouldve only been able to serve our students, while the summer program was for any children, no matter where they were from, Froehlich said.

The switch back from the summer program meant staff had to take names and check IDs at curbside pickups, and those families that were not eligible for free meals were charged, according to Froehlich. About halfway through that first day, the federal USDA announced plans to extend the free summer meal program, but state-level guidance from PDE was not finalized until midweek.

Starting next week, we will be free again for all. Monday, August 31st, are going to be retroactive, and were going to be including that in the free meals, Froehlich said: If anybody was charged on Monday due to their eligibility, we are removing those charges.

The meal pickups on Aug. 31 only drew about 500 families, which was about 30 percent of the normal summer turnout, so staff are hoping the resumption of the summer program will bring more families back. Those who are now eligible again include families with children too young to qualify for school, or those with students in other local schools.

We were giving out full-week bundles, and it would have been $22 for their meals for the week. Which is inexpensive, but its still money they had to pay for (on the 31st), when it was free. And now its free again, she said.

Several changes are also happening starting on Sept. 8: Pickups will be available at all 12 elementary schools, besides Knapp, and at Penndale during the normal 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. window, and also from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and then from 7 to 9 a.m. the following Wednesday each week.

That was based on a parent survey we put out, asking when was the best time for families to come and pick up meals. We picked the three most popular times they chose, and really worked around that, she said.

Those pickups will be contact-free, and a FAQ page is available on the SNS departments website with details. The programs current waivers from USDA now run through Dec. 31, Froehlich said, so the current program should stay in place through the first quarter of the school year. If the district decides to move back to in-person learning or a hybrid of in-person and virtual school, the department will be ready.

However we go back: if its hybrid, or full-time, or if its partial/virtual still, well be able to provide those meals, for free, through December, which will be great for the transition back into school, she said.

And then well see from there what its going to look like. If were hybrid, well send meals home for the students when they are virtual. If we still have students who select to be virtual 100 percent, well still have the meal pickup sites for them, and if students are 100 percent in school, well go back to a more traditional meal service.

Between now and then, staff are also working on another request based on feedback: the SNS department is partnering with North Penns transportation department to begin delivering meals for families unable to pick them up. Those who take part will fill out a request form detailing their need and availability, and meals will likely be delivered on a district vehicle to their door.

Were really testing the waters and seeing how many we do need, but we recognize that it is a definite concern for some of our families, that they are not able to make it to our distributions, Froehlich said.

The delivery will be contact-less, so wel have the bus drivers go to the home, where the participant provides the address. They will drop off the meal bundle on the front door, and either knock or ring the doorbell, and then go back to the bus or van they came in, and wait until they see somebody take the meal inside, she said.

Those precautions are needed to make sure the meals are picked up and not left outside too long, and details are available on the SNS department website. Froehlich added that all 115 SNS department employees are also working on ways to mix up their menus.

We are going to be baking fresh muffins, were going to be making some smoothies, making some homemade veggie burgers, things like that that we can freeze and send in our weekly meal packages, she said.

The first few weeks, well be trying to figure out how some of the logistics will work, but by probably mid-September youll be seeing some other, new items on the menu, Froehlich said.

Parents and students have continued to provide mostly positive feedback, she said, and Froehlich said one mom told her on Friday morning that the SNS meals have helped her student adjust to learning from home.

She said she participates because it gives her child a sense of school a little bit more. The student is getting a school meal, so it keeps her son in that mindset of Im still going to school,' she said.

I thought that was so interesting: that theyre getting something familiar. And our staff who are handing out the meals are the employees at that school, so students are able to see a familiar face when they come to pick up.

For anyone whos not a student but would like to help families in need, two donation funds are currently running: one for the emergency meal program in general, and another to pay off the negative balances of families in need. Anyone interested in doing so can contact the SNS department at (215) 853-1080 or email Froehlich directly at froehlml@npenn.org, and donations have also come in from local supermarkets and through a USDA grant program that provides produce from local farmers.

What else should families know? Students do not need to be in a car for a meal pickup, families can still walk to a pickup site if they live nearby, and the department is also preparing for an every-three-year audit scheduled for fall 2020, right around the time students could be headed back into school.

I keep telling my staff, If we can make it through this fall, we can make it through anything,' Froehlich said.

For more information on North Penns School and Nutrition Services department, visit www.NPenn.org or follow @NorthPennSNS on Twitter.
St. Francois County took another step Tuesday morning toward combining the Terre Du Lac Police Department with the sheriffs department.

The county commission issued a draft of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would be signed by the county commissioners, the sheriff and the president of the Terre Du Lac Property Owners Association.

Presiding Commissioner Harold Gallaher explained the progress so far.

Were working on it, were getting it done; were close, he said. There are some blank lines in there, and its primarily the cost that the county would be reimbursed each year for this service.

"Primarily, thats labor. Thats based on history, so we are going to have to get their financial records to find out what that is so that can fill in these lines on the contract so we can sign them.

The original contract called for a 5% ceiling per year of cost increase. I didnt want that, because theres no incentive for anybody to not spend money if theres only a 5% maximum cost increase, just spend what you want. I had it changed so that the cost increase would be actual. If they save money, they can come down. Theres an incentive to be very functional with their money. In government, thats not normal.

Gallaher also explained they were still determining how they were going to insure Terre Du Lacs police cars, noting that they may have to lease them from Terre Du Lac to obtain the necessary insurance coverage.

The MOU is a one-year term automatically renewable unless one party declines, or the funding is not paid in full.

County Auditor Louie Seiberlich asked, Why did the insurance company reject the police department?

Gallaher explained that there a couple of claims on their insurance history, but it probably wasnt the full reason and the countys insurance company will look into the situation.

Seiberlich continued, I think I would be curious to know why they are not insurable.

Sheriff Dan Bullock interjected, I dont know if thats why, but the insurance company is telling Terre Du Lac youre not incorporated, youre not a city, and you cannot have a police department, although they have had one for 45 years.

Seiberlich added, And theyve been paying premiums for this coverage.

Gallaher noted that Terre Du Lac is a non-profit and not incorporated.

Bullock again added, They say you cant have a police department.

County Clerk Kevin Engler wanted to make sure that there are no unfunded liabilities that would come up.

If theres going to be some agreement on any lawsuits that would arise covering the period of time prior to our taking over that have not been filed yet, he said.

We have to find that out. I know it looks like a one-way deal. In reality, if they drop their police department, and their funding of it, Sheriff Dan is still going to have to cover those people; theyre in this county. Were going to have the coverage without the potential revenue to help pay for part of that coverage.

Gallaher noted that if it falls to the sheriffs department as is, the response time will go up.

Engler added, Immensely.

Gallaher stressed that the goal of the agreement is for the county to break even on the costs.

Bullock clarified the scope of the agreement. We are not really taking over the Terre Du Lac Police Department. The police department has been dissolved. The cars are sitting, the uniforms are turned in, nothing happening out there. Were providing police protection for Terre Du Lac right now. The idea is for us to hire additional deputies to be assigned to Terre Du Lac area, not just to go out there and take over the police department.

Seiberlich noted that all the costs will be absorbed by Terre Du Lac.

Gallaher added, The entire thing. Every dollar. Its going to be dicey the first year to get it all, to figure out exactly what thats going to be. But, then the second year, well have a history.

Associate Commissioner Gay Wilkinson asked Bullock if he had any concerns about the agreement.

Bullock answered, I have had, and weve mostly ironed all those out.

The county is looking at planning a special meeting later in the week to finish and sign the agreement with Terre Du Lac.

In other matters, the commission discussed the tax holiday for deferred taxes.

Engler explained that most small businesses that he talked to are electing not to make the change to not withhold Social Security since it was announced 10 days ago that it would have to be made up in January.

Whatever you didnt withhold now, would have to be doubled, he said. I recommend we dont do it. Our system is set up to withhold Social Security, I think a lot of our workers would not like to double up their Social Security withholdings next January.

Gallaher added, Just about time the Christmas bills come in.

Engler continued, Short term great, but long term not prudent.

The county decided not to defer Social Security withholdings.

Engler then updated the commission on election issues. The seventh of next month is the last date you can register to vote for the November election.

Engler observed that more than 100 absentee ballots have come in the mail and 75 come in electronically over the weekend.

Theres a push, if you have Facebook, go to this website and it will automatically register you, he said. Two weeks from today we start voting, sending out and voting in our office.

Mark Marberry is a reporter for the Farmington Press and Daily Journal. He can be reached at 573-518-3629, or at mmarberry@farmingtonpressonline.com

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COPENHAGEN (dpa-AFX) - Denmark's exports and imports declined in July, figures from Statistics Denmark showed on Tuesday. Exports excluding ships, aircraft and fuel fell a seasonally adjusted 2.4 percent year-on-year in July, after a 3.5 percent rise in June. Shipments to the EU decreased 2.9 percent, led by a 6.9 percent slump in demand from Germany. Exports to the UK grew 3.4 percent. Imports decreased 1.8 percent annually in July, after a 5.7 percent increase in the preceding month. The trade surplus excluding ships, aircraft and fuel was a seasonally adjusted DKK 7.1 billion in July. The total trade balance registered a surplus of DKK 6.4 billion in July. 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.
As the state government's inquiry into its ill-fated hotel quarantine program moved on Tuesday into its final weeks of public hearings, counsel assisting Ben Ihle summed up much of what has been learned in recent evidence about just how the management of Melbournes isolation hotels went so disastrously wrong.

Here are some of the stand-out points.

Jennifer Coate is chair of the hotel quarantine inquiry. Credit:Getty

Just who was in charge?

Nobody seems to have known. The confusing jumble of responsibilities shared between the Jobs Department, the Health Department, the hotels themselves and Victoria Police have made it hard to pin down just who was responsible for key failings in relation to protective gear, infection control and quarantine breaches.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said that Chinas Peoples Liberation Army has confirmed that the missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh have been found by their side and added that the modalities on the handover process are being worked out. The development comes after Rijiju said that the Indian Army had sent a hotline message to the establishment of PLA at the border point.

Chinas PLA has responded to the hotline message sent by Indian Army. They have confirmed that the missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh have been found by their side. Further modalities to handover the persons to our authority is being worked out," Rijiju tweeted.

China's PLA has responded to the hotline message sent by Indian Army. They have confirmed that the missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh have been found by their side. Further modalities to handover the persons to our authority is being worked out. Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 8, 2020

Earlier on Saturday, a senior Arunachal Pradesh police officer had said that the cops had launched a probe after reports stated that five people, who had gone hunting in a forest in Upper Subansiri district on the Sino-India border, were allegedly kidnapped by the Chinese military.

News agency PTI reported that the incident occurred on Friday in Nacho area of the district. Two others, who were in the group, managed to escape and informed police. Those reportedly kidnapped have been identified as Toch Singkam, Prasat Ringling, Dongtu Ebiya, Tanu Baker and Ngaru Diri. All of them belong to the Tagin community.

Their relatives who are living at district headquarters Daporijo, said that some of their relatives had left for Nacho Saturday morning to discuss the matter with the Indian Army. Nacho is around 120 kilometers from the district headquarters.

The incident comes at a time when the Indian army has heightened its deployment along the 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) amid tensions at the border with China in eastern Ladakh. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing that Chinas position on the east sector of the China-India boundary, or Zangnan (the southern part of Chinas Xizang (Tibet) ), is consistent and clear." He added that the Chinese government has never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh".

Im not aware of the situation you mentioned," the spokesperson said when asked about the missing Indian nationals.

Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering said that befitting reply must be given to Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) for the incident. Five people from Upper Subansiri district of our state Arunachal Pradesh have reportedly been abducted by Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). Few months earlier, a similar incident happened. A befitting reply must be given to #PLA and #CCPChina. @PMOIndia," he wrote on Twitter.

In March, a 21-year-old man was abducted by the PLA from Asapila sector near the McMahon line. While his two friends managed to escape, Togley Sinkam was taken away at gunpoint, his family had said. After 19 days in captivity, the youth was released by the Chinese Army. His two friends managed to escape, but Togley Sinkam was taken away at gunpoint, his family had said. He was released by the Chinese army after 19 days in captivity.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army had on September 2 given food, clothes and medical aid to three Chinese citizens who accidentally ventured into Indian territory after they lost their way at an altitude of 17,500 feet in a border area in North Sikkim, news agency PTI reported. Besides this, the Indian Army personnel stationed in the area also helped the Chinese citizens, including a woman, to return to the Chinese side and reach their destination.
A week after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that voters in North Carolina should cast two ballots  one by mail and another at the polls  authorities in Georgia are threatening criminal action against 1,000 Georgia voters who did just that.

Brad Raffensperger, Georgias secretary of state, announced at a news conference Tuesday that investigations were underway in 100 of the states 159 counties after the discovery of 1,000 instances of double voting in the states June primary and August runoff elections.

We will prosecute, said Raffensperger, a Republican, noting that double voting in Georgia, considered a serious felony, carries a penalty of one to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 (U.S.).

While calling attention to the double votes could add fuel to Trumps unfounded claim that mail voting opens the door to fraud, Raffensperger noted that double voting hadnt changed the outcome of any races.

The scenario that Raffensperger described appeared to be identical to the one suggested by Trump last week, when he told reporters in Wilmington, N.C., that voters should test the integrity of the states election system by voting by mail and then subsequently appearing at the polls in person.

Elections officials nationwide have said that Trumps suggestion to check the integrity of the system by voting twice created confusion among voters in an already stressful election year. It was the most recent of many statements he has made suggesting that the integrity of the countrys elections is threatened by voter fraud, accelerated by mail voting during the pandemic.

It was not clear how many of the 1,000 instances of double voting under investigation in Georgia involved intentional efforts to vote twice, or whether those cases involved people who, unsure of whether their absentee ballot had been counted, voted again.

Raffensperger said that was part of the ongoing investigation but added that proving intentionality is not required under the state law.

Raffensperger insisted Tuesday that the system worked and said that he would work to improve training of poll workers.

Raffensperger is also fighting efforts by public interest organizations to extend the deadline for delivery of mail ballots to county elections officials, saying an extension would make it impossible to certify the election by the Nov. 20 deadline.

Read more about:
Editors note: Todays guest editorial originally appeared in The Columbian. Editorial content from other publications and authors is provided to give readers a sampling of regional and national opinion and does not necessarily reflect positions endorsed by the Editorial Board of The Daily News.

Its hard to imagine, but Ted Wheeler, not Donald Trump, may be the most hated man in Portland.

The Portland mayor has done a poor job of handling the nightly protests in his city, now exceeding the 100-day mark. And theres no end in sight. In fact, the danger and violence continue to increase. Last week, a man was shot and killed during a confrontation near one of the protests. Police, protesters and bystanders are injured almost nightly.

On Tuesday, Wheelers 58th birthday, a riot was declared in front of a swanky Pearl District condominium tower where the mayor lives. Protesters brought shiny gold balloons to spell out an expletive in honor of the occasion. On Thursday, His Honor apologized to his neighbors and announced he was selling the condo and moving to a secure, undisclosed location.

The neighbors probably appreciate those actions, Mr. Mayor, but is fleeing the scene of the crime really the best you can do? Its time for Wheeler to lead a response to put an end to the violent protests. Yes, Black lives matter. But nothing is being accomplished by endless violence, other than inflicting constant blows on people who live and work there.

And thats the least of it. While authorities are otherwise occupied with protests, unlawful assemblies and outright riots, people  including Black people  are being murdered at a terrific rate on the citys streets. There were 15 homicides in July, the most in a single month in at least three decades, according to oregonlive.com. According to Portland media reports, it can take hours for cops to respond to calls because theyre swamped downtown.

Yes, its easy to look across the Columbia River and criticize, but Clark County has a stake in this. Although we have no direct representation, Portland is our city too. Thousands of us work there, pay a lot of taxes there, and attend artistic, cultural and sporting events there. We patronize Portland businesses. And, like nearly all Portland residents, our patience for protest is growing thin.

Admittedly, crafting a solution will not be simple. President Trump would have us believe that all that needs to be done is to send heavily armed National Guard troops to flood the city streets. That didnt work at Kent State University in 1970, and it wont work in Portland in 2020.

But Wheeler and others need to do something. Its time for Multnomah Countys new district attorney, Mike Schmidt, to aggressively pursue criminal charges against people arrested by police. Its time for Oregon Gov. Kate Brown to effectively coordinate response among different jurisdictions, and to offer the services of the Oregon State Police. Its time for Wheeler to back his new police chief, Chuck Lovell, whom he appointed in June but has since thrown under the bus.

Components of a successful plan should include a way to acknowledge that the voices have been heard, and an understanding that people who are not involved have the right to go about their lives without fear. There needs to be a focus on improving the lives of Portlands Black residents, with quantifiable results. There needs to be a way for small-business owners to recoup what was lost. And, most importantly, there must be a way to bring violent lawbreakers to justice, even if they have to fill Memorial Coliseum with cots.

Wheeler is up for reelection this November. In Mays primary, he received a little more than 49 percent of the votes, far outpolling every one of his 18 opponents. Thats a mandate. Now Wheeler needs to use it to stop the nightly nonsense that is damaging one of Americas great cities.

Copyright 2020 Tribune Content Agency.

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Paris, France (PANA) - Artists from six African countries have won this years edition of The Burden of Memory Project fund, an official source announced here Monday
The PNB SO recruitment exam will be held in October or November. The schedule for the exam will be released soon at pnbindia.in

The Punjab National Bank (PNB) has released a recruitment notification for the post of specialist officer (Manager and Senior Manager) on its website - pnbindia.in. Eligible candidates can apply online by 29 September.

There are a total of 535 vacancies of Specialist Officers, of which 200 are for Manager (Credit), 160 for Manager (Risk), 50 for Senior Manager (Credit), 40 for Senior Manager (Risk), 30 for Manager (Treasury), 25 for Manager (Law), 8 for Manager (Civil), 2 for Manager (Architect) and 10 each for Manager (Economic) and Manager (HR).

Candidates applying for the post of Senior Manager should be between 25 and 37 years, while for Manager post the age should be between 25 and 35 years, Hindustan Times reported.

The upper age for reserved category applicants will be relaxed as per government rules.

Candidates belonging to general category will have to pay application fee of Rs 850, while those from SC/ST/PWBD category will need to pay Rs 175.

The recruitment exam will be conducted in October or November. The schedule for the exam will be released soon, reported Indian Express.

Applicants will be selected on the basis of online exam and document verification. The exam will comprise of 200 questions and will have questions based on English language, business knowledge, quantitative aptitude, and reasoning/ logical

ability.

For every right answer, there will be one mark. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. The total duration of the exam will be 2 hours.

For further details on the PNB SO recruitment 2020, click here - https://www.pnbindia.in/Recruitments.aspx

Steps to apply for PNB SO Recruitment 2020:

Step 1: Go to the official website - pnbindia.in.

Step 2: Click on the Recruitment link on the homepage.

Step 3: You will be directed to a new page, where you will need to click on apply link.

Step 4: Enter all the required details, upload image, documents and pay the application fee.

Here's the direct link to apply - https://ibpsonline.ibps.in/pnbsplomay20/
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies may discuss this month countries which have lagged in reducing their oil output under a global oil cut deal, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak was quoted as saying on Monday. Saudi Arabia, which chairs a ministerial panel that monitors adherence with the oil cuts, has been heading efforts to press laggards such as Iraq, Kazakhstan, Nigeria and Angola to improve compliance with the reductions and compensate for their overproduction in July-September. Asked if the laggards have requested to ...
A man has died from the bubonic plague after eating an infected squirrel, officials say.

The man, who has become the third fatality since July, became seriously ill with a high fever in Mongolias Khovsgol province after devouring a marmot  a large ground squirrel.

He died of respiratory and cardiovascular problems while on a respirator.

Some 25 people who he was in contact with in Tosontsengel district were tested for the deadly disease, although no further infections have been located.

It has been three months since the country recorded its first case.

Mongolia has suffered two previous deaths this summer, a 15-year-old boy in Govi-Altai province in July, and a 42-year-old man in Khovd province in August.

A total of 17 of Mongolias 21 provinces are now at risk from bubonic plague, says the countrys National Centre for Communicable Diseases.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Roger Ellis Roach passed at home on September 4, 2020 with his wife, Lucia Poole, one of his sons, Travis Roach, and his loving dogs present. The soundtrack to the musical Jersey Boys was playing and a trip down memory lane was being taken.



Many knew Roger as a Calvert County educator at Calvert High School, Northern High School and Calvert Middle School, having moved from North Carolina to Maryland to teach math and then become vice-principal extraordinaire. His career spanned 44 years. His skill was empowering teachers to do their best in the classroom. His most rewarding moments were helping young people reach their potential by listening to them with the utmost respect. Since retirement, many have reached out to express their sincere thanks.



Roger was a homebody, yet when prompted by his wife, he left LaPlata to travel to Italy, France, London, New Orleans, and Nashville many times over the years. He enjoyed a good meal with an ice-cold Rolling Rock, going to musicals, hanging out at bars for the live musicAhe had a deep appreciation for performances of different genres which started by playing the trombone in a jazz band in high school.



He is predeceased by his parents, Ellis Henry and Margaret Davis Roach.



He is survived by family in North Carolina, Rosalind Allen, Marilyn (and Monnie) Ellis, Rita Latham (and Bobby Branning), and Barry Roach (and Julia Lathan).



His Maryland family consists of wife Lucia Poole, son Joel Roach, daughter Shannon (and Bobby) Gibbons, son Travis Roach and grandchildren Summer, Abby, Natalie, Lily, Lacy, Skyler, Nathan, Leilani, Emory and Ellis. And, of course, his dogs, Davis, Nola and Nash.



His extended family consisted of an eclectic group of loving, kind, fun individuals that he spent many meals, parties, and gatherings with laughing and solving the world's problems. He offered his intelligence and witty insights to all.



He lived in a spirit of gratitude and in which he believed, "How can I lose when I've already won?" May we all aspire to this way of thinking in order to honor his legacy.



In lieu of flowers please make any donations to:



First United Methodist Church, 512 North Main Street, High Point, NC 27260
AGUANGA, Calif. - In a story September 8, 2020, about a fatal shooting at an illegal marijuana growing operation, The Associated Press erroneously reported the last name of a real-estate broker. The correct name is Mike Dunn, not Reed.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 8/9/2020 (499 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A car is left parked at a house where killings occurred in the rural town Aguanga, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. Seven people were found fatally shot at an illegal marijuana growing operation in Aguanga. The crime scene was discovered before dawn Monday, Sept. 7, after deputies responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon at a home in the unincorporated community of Aguanga, north of San Diego, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department said in a statement. (AP Photo/Elliot Spagat)

AGUANGA, Calif. - In a story September 8, 2020, about a fatal shooting at an illegal marijuana growing operation, The Associated Press erroneously reported the last name of a real-estate broker. The correct name is Mike Dunn, not Reed.
We witness daily gatherings of mindless uninformed people in many American cities who call for defunding and dismantling the police.

A week or so ago, protestors in Montreal demanded defunding of the police (a so-called peaceful march).

That wasnt enough. Their next step was to topple a statue of Sir John A. Macdonald to show their supposed indignation.

Every sane person knows that defunding the police will lead to a disregard for law and order, hence, chaos, violence and anarchy.

Criminals want to defund the police to create havoc and fear so they can rule and control with impunity.

US reports (depending on where they come from) indicate that 400 - 1,700 policemen have been injured in the US while dealing with these peaceful protests that always escalate to violence.

Democrat city mayors deliberately lied about marches to defund the police being peaceful. Most of the US media has supported this false narrative but truth is starting to surface as some mayors now acknowledge the danger to police and citizens.

The criminals are doing what they are hired to do  claim peaceful protests and then escalate them to topple historic statues (destroy the countrys history), riot and steal, cause fear while they cry out defund the police  and undermine democracy.

Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore, Portland and a host of other cities have been the recipients of these tactics because their Democratic mayors and governors have allowed unchecked rampaging.

Hundreds of good police have resigned. Innocent people have died.

Protest leaders attempt to destroy historical monuments, berate our founders and history, destroy religious freedom, berate family values and remove law and order.

Theirs is a Marxist agenda. They are enemies to Canada and the US.

Socialist lemmings that want to defund the police should not be free to destroy our country. Patriotic Canadians must stand and not allow it to happen!

Garry Rayner, West Kelowna
The number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in France rose by 6,544 over the last 24 hours to give a total of 335,524 cases, the health ministry said on Tuesday, as the country battles to avert a second wave of the virus.

The number of deaths also climbed by 39 over the last 24 hours to reach a total of 30,764.

France has the world's seventh-highest COVID-19 death toll, and authorities are scrutinising the data to see what measures might be needed to help it cope with an expected second wave of the virus this winter.

The government has said that while it will do all it can to avoid another nationwide lockdown, such as that imposed across the country from March to May, it will nevertheless keep all its options open.

Health Minister Olivier Veran said earlier on Tuesday that the COVID-19 situation was worrying, although he felt a big second wave of infections could be avoided.

French Health Minister Olivier Veran speaks during a press conference on the situation of the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic in France at the Hotel de Matignon in Paris, France, 27 August 2020

'The reproduction rate of the virus stands at 1.2 which is less than the 3.2-3.4 level seen during the spring. So the virus is spreading at lesser speed but it is circulating, which is worrying', Veran told France Inter radio.

France recorded its highly daily peak of 8,975 confirmed cases on Saturday, around 1,000 higher than its previous daily record of 7,578 on 31 March.

Veran said Saturday that France must stay vigilant as more people will be hospitalised in intensive care units in the next two weeks, reflecting a flare-up in COVID-19 infections.

However, the health minister said he could not see why the country would need to lock down again.

A health worker, wearing a protective suit and a face mask, prepares to administer a nasal swab to a patient at a testing site for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) installed in front of the city-hall in Paris, France, September 2, 2020

'I cannot envision a general lockdown. The lockdown was a lid on an overflowing cooking pot,' he said.

The rise in infections has mainly affected young people who are less likely to develop complications from the virus. There has so far been less strain on French hospitals, which were almost overwhelmed at the end of March.

After falling steadily for months following an April 14 peak of 32,292, the number of people hospitalised was up by 28 on Friday to 4,671, rising for a sixth day in a row.

'We are not all on the same epidemic wave as last spring. We are on a slower trend but one that must alert us,' Veran said.
Denis Goulet and his wife Gerri departed Calgary last Saturday, reaching Brandon Sunday with plenty of time to make their promised visit with the matriarch of the family, Simone Goulet.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 5/9/2020 (503 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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Denis Goulet and his wife Gerri departed Calgary last Saturday, reaching Brandon Sunday with plenty of time to make their promised visit with the matriarch of the family, Simone Goulet.

It was a drive Denis, a senior himself, swore hed never take on again after doing it a few years ago. But the two outdoor visits at the Fairview Personal Care Home were booked weeks in advance and didnt coincide with WestJets direct flights.

Simone Goulet, who turns 94 this month, took great pleasure Monday in a window visit from her son Denis Goulet and his wife Gerri last Monday. The couple drove all the way from Calgary only to find out the Fairview Personal Care Home had just been declared a critical red zone, making a planned in-person get-together impossible. (Submitted)

Monday morning, they arrived at the care home at 10 a.m. sharp for screening.

"There was nobody at the door," Denis said.

He rapped on the window with his ring.

"Were here for the 10:15 with my mom," Denis said.

"Thats all been cancelled," was the reply.

Denis was put out after a days-long drive, though he does laugh about it now.

Lorraine Winters, Deniss sister, who lives in Brandon, recalls the ever-evolving scenarios at the care home since March. From total lockdown and window visits, to Facetime, to outdoor visits, to limited in-person visits  Loraine has experienced them all with her mother.

"Its hard to know from day to day whats happening," Loraine said, who with her husband has recently been the designated caregiver for indoor visits.

When restrictions loosened, Lorraine started doing Simones hair and nails during her visits. Other family members could visit outdoors.

"We made appointments for different people for four weeks in a row. The one this weekend has been cancelled, as well," Lorraine said.

"It changed so quickly. Even the leave of absence.  Before my brother got here we were planning to have her over here for dinner, because she was allowed two hours twice a week. I hadnt taken her out, yet. I was waiting for my brother."

Three days before Denis arrived to Brandon, that special time was cancelled.

What the family didnt know is that on Monday afternoon, chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin would announce that Fairview Personal Care Home was now under the critical red level. A Fairview employee had tested positive for COVID-19. That meant outbreak protocols were in effect to reduce the risk to staff and residents.

The call about the level red landed in Deniss voicemail in Calgary on Monday morning. Lorraine did not receive an email apparently sent out to families Sunday night.

In conversation with Fairview staff, Lorraine managed to negotiate window visits for her brother. Dennis, Gerri and Simone spoke for 30 minutes Monday afternoon, then another 15 to 30 minutes Tuesday before the couples departure for Calgary.

"I know my brother was pretty upset. My moms going to be 94 this month," Lorraine said.

"However, its what they (Fairview) could do, and I was quite pleased they were willing to do that."

Denis is similarly pleased he saw his mother, even if through a window. Gerri took a photo of Simone, and there is no mistaking her pleasure at seeing her son and his wife.

"It was a little difficult because we each had a cell phone. I couldnt hear what she was saying very well. She couldnt hear what I was saying very well. There were a lot of gestures and gyrations, doing the monkey stuff," Denis said.

"But she looked good. She looked the same as the last time I saw her, which was a year and a half ago. She looked good."

Even though he and Gerri executed a 2,200-kilometre round trip only to encounter such a disappointing turn of events, Denis understands Fairview staff were following public health directives,

"You cant blame them. Theyre protecting those residents. We did get to see my mom, albeit through glass. And even if it had been outside, we couldnt really hug or anything. It was the next best thing."

He also realizes that Brandonites, after a long period of not really having to cope with COVID-19 cases, are really working hard in that context now.

"Their antennae are really alert," he said.

Simones trajectory since March, though she is resilient, hasnt been easy. Shes accustomed to a large family around her  more than 40 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren  and she once ran a boarding home in Brandon, with at least 17 people around at any given time.

Lorraine said her mom was so lonely in the early days of the pandemic, especially that Lorraine would normally see her every two days. But Simone gradually learned to accept it. Now, she seems to be doing OK. Sometimes she forgets the surrounding circumstances, but Lorraine reminds her, "Mom, its the virus."

"I think it bothers me more than it does her. Its heartbreaking, having her in there, looking through the window," Lorraine said.

"The whole thing was very emotional when they were here. But, we made the best of a bad situation. Were happy with that."

She is especially grateful for the two staff members who used their own personal cell phones so her mother could speak with her brother.

Friday, Lorraine visited with her mother and did her hair. Though Simone was in tears over the loss of her favourite Fairview employee, who moved on to another job, Lorraine said she seemed to be doing OK overall.

 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.
LAKEWOOD, Colo., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU; TSX: EFR) ("Energy Fuels" or the "Company"), the largest uranium mining company in the United States, is pleased to announce that it has delivered a notice to the holders of its currently outstanding floating rate convertible unsecured subordinated debentures, due December 31, 2020 (the "Debentures") that pursuant to the terms of the indenture (the "Indenture") governing the Debentures, the Company will redeem on October 6, 2020 (the "Redemption Date") the remaining Cdn$10,430,000 principal amount of the Cdn$10,430,000 Debentures outstanding. The Debentures are redeemable for an amount equal to 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, up to but excluding the Redemption Date. Following this redemption, no Debentures will remain outstanding, and the Debentures will cease to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

"Energy Fuels is proud to announce that we are paying off the remainder of our debt and that we will be debt free on October 6, 2020," stated Mark S. Chalmers, President and CEO of Energy Fuels.

"Many junior uranium producers and developers around the World are currently incurring significant amounts of debt to fund exploration and development activities and to cover corporate overheads. However, without sufficient cash flow, servicing this debt can become extremely burdensome and destructive to shareholder value. Instead, Energy Fuels has focused on cleaning up our balance sheet with minimal impact to our shareholders. We have raised cash through the issuance of equity this year, but much of this cash was used to redeem our debt in a minimally dilutive manner.

"To my knowledge, no other company in the world, except for Energy Fuels, can claim the production capabilities, balance sheet strength, or optionality across multiple critical commodities. Through our significant inventories and unmatched U.S. production capabilities, we offer short- and long-term exposure to uranium and vanadium markets. We are extremely excited about the commercial and technical progress we are making on rare earth elements, and we hope to provide updates on this initiative in the coming weeks and months. And, with zero debt, we will be in an excellent position to capitalize on future opportunities in uranium, vanadium, alternate feed materials, land clean-up and rare earths with a clean balance sheet representing unmatched optionality."

About Energy Fuels : Energy Fuels is the leading U.S.-based uranium mining company, supplying U 3 O 8 to major nuclear utilities. The Company also produces vanadium from certain of its projects, as market conditions warrant. Its corporate offices are near Denver, Colorado, and all of its assets and employees are in the United States. Energy Fuels holds three of America's key uranium production centers  the White Mesa Mill in Utah, the Nichols Ranch in-situ recovery ("ISR") Project in Wyoming, and the Alta Mesa ISR Project in Texas. The White Mesa Mill is the only conventional uranium mill operating in the U.S. today, has a licensed capacity of over 8 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year, and has the ability to produce vanadium when market conditions warrant. The Nichols Ranch ISR Project is on standby and has a licensed capacity of 2 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year. The Alta Mesa ISR Project is also on standby and has a licensed capacity of 1.5 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year. In addition to the above production facilities, Energy Fuels has one of the largest NI 43-101 compliant uranium resource portfolios in the U.S. and several uranium and uranium/vanadium mining projects on standby and in various stages of permitting and development. The primary trading market for Energy Fuels' common shares is the NYSE American under the trading symbol "UUUU," and the Company's common shares are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "EFR." Energy Fuels' website is www.energyfuels.com .

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains certain "Forward-Looking Information" and "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the Company's planned final redemption of its outstanding Debentures; any expectation relating to the Company's production capabilities, balance sheet strength, or optionality across multiple critical commodities; any expectation that the Company will continue to offer short- and long-term exposure to uranium and vanadium markets; any expectation about the Company's commercial and technical progress on rare earth elements; and any expectation that the Company will be in an excellent position to capitalize on future opportunities in uranium, vanadium, alternate feed materials, land clean-up and rare earths with a clean balance sheet. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans," "expects," "does not expect," "is expected," "is likely," "budgets," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates," "does not anticipate," or "believes," or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will be taken," "occur," "be achieved" or "have the potential to." All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, are considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance of or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements, express or implied, by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with: the Company's planned final redemption of its outstanding Debentures; any expectation relating to the Company's production capabilities, balance sheet strength, or optionality across multiple critical commodities; any expectation that the Company will continue to offer short- and long-term exposure to uranium and vanadium markets; any expectation about the Company's commercial and technical progress on rare earth elements; any expectation that the Company will be in an excellent position to capitalize on future opportunities in uranium, vanadium, alternate feed materials, land clean-up and rare earths with a clean balance sheet; and the other factors described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available for review on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and on the Company's website at www.energyfuels.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or as a result of changes in management's estimates or opinions, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the information in this communication, except as otherwise required by law.

SOURCE Energy Fuels Inc.

Related Links

http://www.energyfuels.com


Boeing once studied turning a 747 widebody airliner into a flying aircraft carrier.

The plane would have carried up to 10 microfighters into combat.

The concept was never built out, but a similar system could take place using uncrewed drones.

In the 1970s, Boeing worked on a project that would have turned jumbo jets into flying aircraft carriers. The Airborne Aircraft Carrier project involved converting the Boeing 747, the largest passenger jet flying at the time, into a mothership capable of launching tiny fighter jets. Although never built, the concept lives on in spirit in DARPAs new Gremlins drone program.

 You like badass planes. So do we. Let's nerd out over them together.

One of the most enduring aviation dreams of the past 100 years has been the flying aircraft carrier. A flying aircraft carrier would be able to respond much more quickly to crises than seagoing aircraft carriers, and this speed would also make a floating flat-top more difficult to destroy. The idea of an enormous plane or dirigible carrying smaller planes is also undeniably cool.

In the 1970s, Simple Flying reports , Boeing commissioned an internal study to examine the feasibility of turning its largest passenger jet, the 747, into a flying aircraft carrier. The Airborne Aircraft Carrier (AAC) would carry up to 10 microfighters (small crewed fighter jets) and launch and recover them in flight.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

The plane would use an internal conveyor belt system to send out two fighters every 80 seconds, launching the entire air wing in 15 minutes. Once the fighters' mission was complete, the 747 would winch them back aboard, where the pilots could rest and even sleep in their own quarters while the planes were refueled and rearmed.

The AAC was a way to project air power quickly into a crisis zone. Just 10 AACs flown into a hot spot would bring with them a total of 100 combat-ready fighter jets. Another possibility was as an escort for bomber fleets: An AAC could accompany a flight of B-52 Stratofortresses into combat, releasing the microfighters to deal with any interceptors attempting to shoot down the big, lumbering bombers.

Story continues

Photo credit: PhotoQuest - Getty Images

But as cool as the flying aircraft concept was, there were major problems. For one thing, air travel wasn't nearly as safe as it is today, and there would invariably be accidents. Every crash involving a fully loaded 747 would destroy up to 11 airplanes and kill 11 sets of pilots. Second, the conveyor belt, launch, and recovery system would have to be invented and fitted to the 747.

Another problem was the microfighter concept. There was no such thing as a small fighter jet capable of fitting in the belly of a 747, and the plane would have to be developed. Engineers would face some serious tradeoffs in building a small, crewed fighter: With so little space onboard, would they emphasize speed, range, radar, or weapons?

A microfighter flying over the Soviet Union would face off against an interceptor like the MiG-25 Foxbat, a plane that had a powerful radar and could fly at speeds of up to Mach 3. Any plane squaring off against a microfighter would almost certainly be vastly superior to the microfighter. The U.S. Air Force could develop the best microfighter possible for an insane amount of money, only to have it outclassed on the aerial battlefield.

Photo credit: TASS - Getty Images

The AACs biggest problem? The flying aircraft carrier was already obsolete.

As B-52 bombers learned in the Vietnam War, air defense surface-to-air missiles like the SA-2 Guideline were a greater threat to bombers than fighter jets, and the AAC had no answer for missiles. Boeing likely also wasn't aware of the U.S. governments secret research and development into stealth technology, which would see stealth fighters and bombers simply flying around enemy defenses instead of tackling them head-on.

The B-1B Lancer and B-2A Spirit stealth bombers, introduced a decade later, were designed to fly undetected into the Soviet Union, and thus didnt need a fighter escort.

Despite all the problems that killed the AAC, however, the dream still lives on.

The Pentagons X-61 Gremlins project is developing uncrewed aerial vehicles that can be released from a flying C-130 Hercules. The Gremlins drone could be outfitted with sensors, jammers, or weapons to accomplish a specific mission and then be recovered by the transport plane or glide to a landing at a predetermined spot. The small, turbine-powered drone is cheaper and much easier to develop than a crewed microfighter.

Who knows? With the 747 aging out of airlines around the world, the U.S. Air Force could even buy some of the planes and convert them into Gremlins carriers. The AAC may very well flyjust without fighter pilots.

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BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- China will see intensive satellite launches for the country's space-based Internet-of-Things (IoT) network in 2021, sources with the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) said.

The CASIC is scheduled to launch 12 satellites of the Xingyun project, China's first low-Earth-orbit narrowband constellation for IoT operated by its subsidiary Xingyun Satellite Co. The company plans to send a total of 80 satellites into space to complete the three-stage network around 2023.

The first stage of the project was completed after two satellites Xingyun-2 01 and 02 entered their orbits in May this year. The satellites utilize inter-satellite laser links, which enable them to communicate over long distances and hence upgrade the real-time performance of communication services.

The second stage will see 12 satellites launched next year, further improving the project's global service capability, said the CASIC.

The space-based IoT will have wide coverage and allow easy connection in all weathers and multiple fields. According to engineers, the Xingyun project is anticipated to solve IoT businesses' communication blind spots born from the deficient coverage of cellular wireless communication networks.
Arriving at court with Julian Assange's girlfriend today, London's lawyer du jour prepares for battle in the WikiLeaks founder's latest extradition hearing.

Jennifer Robinson is the go-to barrister for the rich and famous, most recently walking hand in hand with actress Amber Heard in her showdown against her ex-husband Johnny Depp in his acrimonious libel trial.

She counts the Hollywood elite among her inner circle, travelling to George and Amal Clooney's wedding on a speedboat with actor Bill Murray.

A self-confessed Kyle Minogue fan, who has 'nothing in her fridge but Champagne' , the human rights lawyer once set headlines alight after she was spotted canoodling with Jeremy Corbyn's former spin doctor, Seumas Milne.

Ms Robinson, 39, and Mr Milne - a then-married father-of-two - were photographed in a passionate embrace on the terrace of the Courthouse hotel in East London in 2017.

Ms Robinson, who came from humble beginnings in Australia, has been known to use her social media as an outlet to criticise the Tories on their human rights record and tweet support for Corbyn.

One of the country's brightest legal minds, her skilled advocacy is now being pitted against US prosecutors as Assange fights extradition.

Australian human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson (left) with Stella Moris (right) the partner Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, outside the Old Bailey today

Team Heard: The top lawyer was an observer in Heard's case, which saw Depp hit with 14 allegations of domestic violence, claims he defending during the three days of testimony

Ms Robinson at the International Court of Justice in September 2018, at the Chagos Islands proceedings

In 2014, the 39-year-old was carried to the Clooneys' star-studded Venetian wedding in a boat with Bill Murray

In 2017, she was seen canoodling with Jeremy Corbyn's former henchman Seumas Milne, who married at the time

Ms Robinson, who works from the respected Doughty Chambers in London, has represented Assange for some 10 years.

In 2019, she was named international pro bono barrister of the year and prior to lockdown, was pictured at events with Prince Charles and Cherie Blair.

She is often seen in photos with her hair flawless, stilettos and pencil dress on as she strides into court beside her high-profile client.

She has also appeared on BBC Question Time and most recently supported Amber Heard during the Johnny Depp's libel case against The Sun newspaper in London in July.

Amal Clooney, her coworker at Doughty Street Chambers, invited Ms Robinson to her wedding to film star George in Venice in 2014.

In 2017, she hit headlines when she was pictured canoodling with Jeremy Corbyn's former henchman Seumas Milne - with her father later telling MailOnline that his daughter was just enjoying a night out and a 'few drinks' with a friend.

Her father, horse trainer Terry, insisted his daughter has been in a 'few relationships' but dismissed suggestions that she was having an affair with the married father-of-two.

In 2011 she gave an interview about her private life and described herself as 'passionate' and 'infinitely curious', and said: 'My friends would probably add, ''the eternal optimist'' or ''a bit bonkers''.'

When asked about her favourite music she said: 'I still love Kylie Minogue - this began at age five and persists today'.

Asked about the contents of her London fridge she joked: 'Nothing but a few bottles of champagne (and maybe a mouldy piece of cheese)' because she eats out so often.

She replied, 'Jude' when asked: 'What comes into your mind when you shut your eyes and think of the word 'law'?'.

She has also worked with Cherie Blair to defend Marsha Lazareva, a prominent businesswoman held in Kuwait on 'false charges of money laundering and embezzlement'.

Ms Robinson grew up in the small town of Berry, NSW, Australia, where her father is a celebrated racehorse trainer and her mother works as a teacher.

She graduated with a double degree in law and Asian studies from the Australian National University, and is fluent in Indonesian.

She later became a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, attending Balliol College and graduating with a Bachelor of Civil Law with Distinction and a Master of Philosophy in International Public Law.

Ms Robinson (centre, with Amber Heard, left, and Cherie Blair, right (in September 2019) as she took the case of Marsha Lazareva - imprisoned in Kuwait for over a year on false charges - to the United Nations

Ms Robinson, arriving at court today, has become one of the UK's highest profile human rights and media lawyers, working in the practice established by Geoffrey Robertson

Ms Robinson (centre) was pictured accompanying Johnny Depp's ex-wife Amber Heard (second from the right) into the High Court in London on July 9. Ms Heard was also joined by her partner Bianca Butti (left) and her sister Whitney (top left)

She previously worked at London law firm Finers Stephens Innocent LLP and has gone on to become one of the UK's most recognised human rights and media lawyers.

Her current firm was founded by another Australian-born ex-Rhodes Scholar Geoffrey Robertson QC, with whom she has worked with for more than six years.

Ms Robinson advises clients in international law, appeared in the International Court of Justice and has given expert evidence at the UN and in Parliament.

She has a particular focus on 'free speech and civil liberties, advising media organisations, journalists and whistle-blowers on all aspects of media law'.

Having practised as a solicitor, Ms Robinson - known to Jen by friends and colleagues - also serves on the advisory board of the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights.

'I am proud that women from my chambers, like Jennifer and Amal Clooney, are proving that young women can rise high in the law and overcome the bars and sexism in what used to be a male-dominated profession,' Mr Robertson told News Corp in July.

'She is quite brilliant and has assisted me on those important cases and has done very well and is having a successful career working at my Chambers.'

Ms Robinson is also working for the independence of West Papua, a former Dutch colony.

Ms Robinson (right) has worked on Wikileaks founder Julian Assange's legal team since October 2010 and is best friends with Amal Clooney - pictured right in the background

She told the Global Mail: 'I can be very serious but I was being flip, taking the p***. I take my work very seriously but me less so. I am Australian, after all, and proudly so.'

While one of her brothers lives in the UK working in horse racing, the rest of her family is largely in Australia, where she has returned to lecture on law and mentor students.

Jill Appleton, her headteacher at Bomaderry High School said that she was 'a lovely girl' who was named the Berry Showgirl in 2000.

Organisers insist it is not a beauty pageant and say it finds young women to act as an 'ambassador' for the area in state and national show.

Today Assange was warned his extradition hearing will continue without him if he continues to speak from the dock.

The judge, Vanessa Baraitser, briefly adjourned proceedings at the Old Bailey after the 49-year-old interrupted the evidence of US human rights lawyer Clive Stafford Smith on Tuesday morning.

Assange has been held on remand in Belmarsh prison since last September after serving a 50-week jail sentence for breaching his bail conditions while he was in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for almost seven years.

On Monday, he was arrested in the cells at the Old Bailey over a new US indictment lodged in June, including 18 charges of plotting to hack computers and conspiring to obtain and disclose national defence information.

If convicted, he faces a maximum possible penalty of 175 years in jail.

The hearing, which is expected to last for around four weeks, continues.
rganizers of a community blood drive in Buffalo Grove Saturday said dozens of units of blood was collected over the five hours the event was held at the Alcott Center, after a drive planned in June had to be canceled due to concerns over COVID-19.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its order on a plea seeking transfer of investigation from state police to CBI into the mysterious death of a third-year student at National Law University, Jodhpur, in August 2017.

A bench comprising R.F. Nariman, Navin Sinha and Indira Banerjee were hearing a plea moved by the victim's mother who insisted that there was reasonable suspicion in the death of her son, and she was not satisfied with the probe so far. The petitioner had said she has been left dismayed and devastated after the death of her only child.

In July, the apex court had directed the Rajasthan police to complete the probe, within two months. A plea was filed by advocate Sunil Fernandes on behalf of Neetu Kumar Nagaich, mother of 21-year-old victim Vikrant Nagaich. The mother had moved the apex court seeking transfer of the investigations to the CBI.

This was after on June 8, the bench had noted that it will hear the matter within two weeks, and also look at the status of the probe conducted so far.

"Despite the lapse of almost three years, no charge-sheet has been filed. The investigation is at a stand-still, with no effort made to apprehend the offenders," said the plea.

The petitioner claimed that the case was registered after a delay of around 10 months, in June 2018. The petitioner had urged the top court to issue a direction to the CBI to take all steps to "solve the mystery of the unnatural death".

The plea claimed that there were many gaps in the probe and apprehended that it is a result of a "probable collusion to shield some high, mighty and influential person(s)".

According to the plea, the victim on August 13, 2017, went to a restaurant, which was nearly 300 meters from the university campus, with his friends in the evening, but he did not show up, instead his body was found next morning near the railway track.

The plea argued that the police are yet to retrieve the victim's mobile phone data with the help of Google, WhatsApp or Facebook, to find out his whereabouts on the night of the incident.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - LabCorp (LH) said Tuesday it has launched the first testing method to simultaneously detect COVID-19, influenza A / B, and respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, ahead of the flu season. The company noted that the single-panel test, which detects multiple types of infections, can help doctors diagnose patients and make decisions about treatment options. The test is available to patients through doctors, hospitals, and other authorized healthcare providers nationwide. LabCorp said it has submitted an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA to offer the combined test through its Pixel by LabCorp at-home test collection kit, which would offer added convenience and accessibility. 'Individuals infected with COVID-19, influenza A / B, or RSV, often experience similar symptoms of cough, fever, chest tightness, and body aches, providing a potential surge of patients seeking testing. Leveraging our scientific and technological expertise to simultaneously test for four major respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, will provide doctors a simple, efficient way to diagnose their patients,' said Dr. Brian Caveney, chief medical officer and president of LabCorp Diagnostics. LabCorp's COVID-19, influenza A / B, and RSV testing method is part of its continued commitment to meet the demand for diagnostic testing as the country addresses the overlap of the COVID-19 health crisis and flu season. Between October 1, 2019, and April 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that there were 39 to 56 million flu illnesses, resulting in 18 to 26 million medical visits. A significant flu and RSV season this year could put an added strain on the healthcare system, as people experience similar symptoms such as fever, cough, and aches, with COVID-19 and respiratory viruses. Pending authorization by the FDA, the Pixel by LabCorp at-home test will be another convenient option for individuals to determine if they have the flu, COVID-19, or RSV, LabCorp noted. The Pixel by LabCorp at-home test uses a short swab that is easily inserted into the individual's lower nostril, reducing the discomfort associated with much longer swabs. 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.
ZAMBOANGA CITY  Eight villages in the southern Philippine province of Sulu are now free from the influence of the pro-ISIS group Abu Sayyaf...
AUSTERLITZ  A Troy man was killed Monday in a highway accident on Route 22, State Police said.

Kevin C. Jones, 30, was pronounced dead at the scene, north of Osmer Road, after a concerned motorist called Columbia County 911 at about 12:45 a.m.

His vehicle had gone off the road into a utility pole and trees, according to State Police from the New Lebanon barracks.

In addition to Austerlitz and Canaan emergency personnel, the Columbia County Coroners Office was also on scene.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Project Group Function Books Ministry of Justice, established by Ministerial Decree, held its kick-off meeting on Friday, September 4th, 2020, at the Government Administration Building, with all its members and support staff in attendance. The Project Group is tasked with the finalization and legislative ratification of the function books of the Ministry of Justice and the placement of the personnel in the functions thereafter. The Project Group is comprised of a Steering Committee and a Workgroup with representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of General Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance.

Each function book comprises of three parts; firstly, the functions and their job descriptions, secondly, the valuation and assignment of scales to the functions based on the weight of the function using the FuwaSXM framework, and third, the formation plan noting FTEs (Full-Time Equivalents) per function. The first part has been completed for all nine departments within the Ministry of Justice with the support of a Balance consultancy firm.

Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson stated that the establishment of the Workgroup and Steering Committee are milestones for the Justice workers, and as such she is extremely excited that all hands are on deck in order to complete a significant aspect of the function books before the end of the year. She further stated, We will achieve the goal of finalizing the functions and then the legislative channels that the function books have to go through will take place.

The Steering Committee will collectively guide and monitor the progress of the entire project and will pre-approve key decisions regarding the function books. The Council of Ministers will then take the final decisions on aspects handled by the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee consists of the Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson, Minister of General Affairs Silveria Jacobs, Minister of Finance Ardwell Irion, Acting Secretary-General of the Ministry of Justice Vidjai Jusia, Secretary-General of the Ministry of General Affairs Hensley Plantijn, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Finance Arno Peels, and the chair of the Workgroup Luud Hakkens. The combination of Ministers and Secretaries-General in the Steering Committee is to ensure progress on all levels of government.

The Workgroup is chaired by the representative of the Ministry of General Affairs, Section Head at the Personnel & Organization Department, Luud Hakkens, and two members representing the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Finance. The Workgroup will meet on a weekly basis and is tasked with the preparation of all necessary documentation and legislation, consultations with the various Department Heads of the Ministry of Justice and consultations on behalf of the Ministers with the Committee of Civil Servants Unions (CCSU). They will consult and update the Steering Committee at least monthly on the progress of the entire process. The Workgroup will be supported by other personnel and external expertise depending on the phase in the process. The Workgroup will establish key milestones and related timelines that will guide their process.

On July 29th, 2020, the Minister of Justice sent a letter to the Council of Advice requesting an update on the timeline for the delivery of their advice on the draft legislation concerning the repeal of Rechtspositie Korps Politie Nederlandse Antillen 2000 and the adjustment of the salary scales for the Police Force of St. Maarten (KPSM) that was submitted at the end of 2019. This advice concerns the Legal Position of KPSM; one of the departments within the Ministry of Justice. In its response on September 4th, 2020, the Council of Advice informed the Minister of Justice that the advice is currently under examination and they hope to render their advice within short. It is clear that the complexity of the advice subject requires extensive diligence.



From the start of my tenure as Minister of Justice, the purpose of forming this Project Group has been to implement a new function book for the entire Ministry of Justice and to update the legal position of the Police Department. Today is deemed a fundamental moment whereby the road ahead will lead to many positive changes for our Justice workers. As such, the completion and implementation of the function books remain among my Top Five priorities as the Minister of Justice, stated Minister Anna E. Richardson.
(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 8 - A Calabrian town has honoured a local man who saved hundreds of Italians from the Argentine junta in the 1970 and 80s.

Filippo Di Benedetto, a Communist union organizer, defied the military regime to forge passports and give plane tickets to Italian targets of the bloody junta that ruled the South American country, leaving thousands of 'disappeared'.

Now his home town of Saracena near Reggio Calabria has named a street after him.

"His story is like that of German businessman Oskar Schindler told in the Steven Spielberg film, Schindler's list, and albeit less known it has the same quality of heroism in helping save many human lives in the years of the dictatorship in Argentina," said the Saracea town council. (ANSA).


FILE PHOTO: Russian opposition leader Navalny attends a rally to demand the release of jailed protesters in Moscow

LONDON (Reuters) - British foreign minister Dominic Raab summoned the Russian ambassador to the United Kingdom, Andrei Kelin, on Monday to express his concern at the suspected poisoning of Alexei Navalny.

Navalny, a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin, was airlifted to Germany last month after collapsing on a flight from the Siberian city of Tomsk to Moscow. Germany has concluded he was poisoned with Novichok.

"Today the UK summoned Russia's Ambassador to the UK to register deep concern about the poisoning of Alexey @navalny," Raab said on Twitter.

"It's completely unacceptable that a banned chemical weapon has been used and Russia must hold a full, transparent investigation."

Raab added that he was relieved to hear Navalny had been taken out of his medically-induced coma.

Moscow says it has seen no evidence he was poisoned.

"The Russian side noted that unfounded accusations and politisation of the issue, which has a strictly medical and legal nature, are unacceptable," the Russian embassy said in a statement.

"Furthermore, an interest in establishing all the facts related to this incident was expressed. Actions that Russia is taking in this regard were spelled out," the embassy said.

In a separate statement, a foreign office spokesperson said: "There is a case here for Russia to answer. This took place on Russian soil, against a Russian citizen. They have international obligations to uphold."

(Reporting by William James; additional reporting by Andrey Ostroukh in Moscow; Editing by Andrew MacAskill and Angus MacSwan)
Police believe Brisbane man Andrew Wright Stephens was killed in a unit in the inner-west Brisbane suburb of Taringa five days before officers found his body.

Two men, Michael Bradley Small and Scott Richard Gordon, were arrested in East Brisbane on Monday afternoon and charged with murder after an investigation over the 48-year-old's death.

Two men, Michael Bradley Small and Scott Richard Gordon, were appeared at Brisbane Magistrates Court via video link. Credit:Jocelyn Garcia

The body was found in a Waverley Road unit complex about 3pm on Thursday.

Mr Small and Mr Gordon, both 33, appeared via video link at a Brisbane Magistrates Court hearing on Tuesday.
Health care worker, Antoinette Killing, prepares a COVID-19 kit to be tested on a COVID rapid equipment/machine at the Vybe Urgent Care in Philadelphia, Pa. Friday August 21, 2020. Vybe urgent care recently started offering rapid 15-minute COVID tests at their centers. Read more

If you need a COVID-19 test, how long will you have to wait for results?

One answer came from a new survey conducted by researchers at Rutgers University and others. They found that Pennsylvania and New Jersey both had test waiting times similar to the national figure, with the waits running three days and two days, respectively. The figure nationally was three days.

But Katherine Ognyanova, an assistant professor of communication at Rutgers who helped produce the report, pointed out that these numbers reflect only the median, or midpoint, of wait times, so that means you have quite a lot of people who are waiting much longer.

She said any waiting time beyond 24 hours renders contact tracing nearly irrelevant: If you have to wait several days for your test, its more likely that youve come into contact with more people during that time.

In Philadelphia, options for testing range from hospitals to public health centers to private businesses like urgent-care clinics. Each comes with different wait times, patient costs, and access.

Though COVID-19 tests must by law be covered by insurance, the telehealth or in-person assessments that may precede them generally are not. While those charges are less common in public or hospital-based options, those places tend to have fewer open slots. This has made room for urgent care facilities to grab a share of the market by providing longer hours despite higher out-of-pocket visit costs.

Carolyn Cannuscio, a University of Pennsylvania public-health expert, said inadequate testing can undermine the economy. Imagine an employer says that in order to return to work, you have to show evidence of a negative test result, she said. The longer the results are delayed, the longer those people will stay out of work.

The new survey also found that white respondents waited an average of 3.9 days for results, while Hispanics waited 4.6 days and African Americans 5. That lack of equity demonstrates that theres some misuse of available resources, said Cannuscio.

James Garrow, director of communications for the Philadelphia Department of Health, said public testing is a good option for people without links to a hospital. We dont want to depend on just the private health-care system to do this, he said.

But Garrow noted that the departments partnerships with separate clinics across the city, like Sayre Health Center in West Philadelphia, makes it harder to impose centralized control. The current wait time for results is one to two days, he said, but those numbers vary based on which lab handles analysis.

When theres a delay, its really based on individual lab turnaround times, which is not something that we have much control over, he said, other than trying to help these sites identify other labs.

 READ MORE: Parents ask why public schools are closed for class but open to private child care providers

Lab availability is less of a problem for hospital systems like Temple Universitys.

Tony S. Reed, Temples chief medical officer, said that Temple already had much of the equipment needed for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests  the most common test today  and that the cost was more associated with acquiring test chemicals.

I have a total capacity of about roughly 3,000 tests per day, but given the supply chain limitations that are still happening, Im limited to 1,000, he said.

Reed said his sample collection capacity is lower than that, limited to about 150 patients per day at each of Temples three testing sites in the city. All patients must meet with a doctor, virtually or in person, to be approved for a test. That allows Reed and his lab to maintain a 24-hour-or-less waiting time for results.

We have a more rapid turnaround time than commercial labs, but we also have a more limited capacity, he said.

But those limitations can diminish access for those who dont have existing relationships with in-network physicians to set up appointments. Public health options arent always a feasible alternative, as many testing sites operate on limited hours. Sayre, for example, operates from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.

Urgent care centers aim to fill that gap. Vybe urgent care, which has 11 locations in the Philadelphia region, operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Another local company, myDoc Urgent Care, with four centers across the city, also has weekend availability.

But urgent care options are often less affordable. Jing-Jing Cai, an administrator for myDoc, says the business requires anyone seeking a COVID-19 test to go through a telehealth visit first, to limit exposure. Those visits cost $49, and arent covered or reimbursed by many insurers, she noted.

 READ MORE: Vaccine CEOs issue safety pledge amid Trumps quest for pre-election approval

Test result wait times tend to be longer at urgent cares, too, since they have to send results to commercial labs. Cai said shed seen some results come back in less than 24 hours, but the overall average is about three days. At Vybe, CEO Peter Hotz said the wait time has been hovering around two to five days.

He plans to change that with the recent introduction of a new antigen rapid test, using the Sofia SARS Antigen FIA kit from Quidel Corp.

Hotz said the tests will be able to detect the presence of the virus by analyzing proteins from nasal swabs, returning results within 15 minutes. Last month, Quidel reported that the test demonstrated accuracy similar to PCR tests within the first five days of the onset of symptoms.

The rapid tests are in shorter supply at Vybe, with only 24 available per day at each center. They arent covered by insurance either, costing $75.

Public and private providers want to speed up results. In Montgomery County, officials recently started sending patient samples to labs in North Carolina that promise a 36-hour turnaround. But some worry that prices could exacerbate the wait times across different social groups.

Shaun Ginter, president of the Urgent Care Association, said the current business model for testing isnt ideal. Unlike public facilities, urgent cares dont get government money to help make the rapid tests cheaper for everyone.

If states or communities require negative test results before people can return to work or travel, but people cant afford these tests, thats going to be a real social issue, said Ginter.

He also said that while urgent cares have stepped up to fill the testing needs for some patients, they shouldnt be the only place people can turn to for timely results.

This crisis really highlights that the American public needs more affordable access to health care, he said. And urgent care has been there to help pick up the slack.
Microphone and US Flag View Photo

During the Democratic Weekly Address, House Committee on Education and Labor Chairman Bobby Scott (D-VA) stated that without a comprehensive relief package, most school districts will not have the resources they need to safely reopen.

Scott was Tuesdays KVML Newsmkaer of the Day. Here are his words:

Hello, Im Congressman Bobby Scott from Virginias 3rd District, and I chair the House Committee on Education and Labor.

In normal times, August and September mark the end of summer and the start of a new school year for students across the country. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible for many schools to safely reopen for in-person instruction.

We all want our children to return to the classroom as soon as possible. In-person instruction is better for academic achievement; its better for social and emotional learning; better for access to nutrition through school meals; and better for identifying and addressing cases of child abuse and neglect.

And while short-term virtual learning has its benefits, the data show that long-term distance learning exacerbates achievement gaps for low-income students, students of color, English language learners and students with disabilities. Further, we know we cannot fully reopen our economy until we reopen our classrooms.

So, there is no debate about whether we want our students back in school. The only question is whether or not it can be done safely.

The reality is that without significant federal funding, most schools cannot afford the safety measures that are needed to protect students, school staff and their families. This includes everything from buying Personal Protective Equipment and cleaning supplies to securing additional transportation services so students are not traveling to school on crowded buses. Safely reopening the schools will also require reconfiguring classrooms to accommodate social distancing guidelines and repairing school ventilation systems.

As the CDC has identified, adequate ventilation systems are a key component to reopening safely. Yet, four in ten school districts need to update or replace heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in at least half their buildings. All of these measures are necessary for safely reopening schools and keeping them open. But none of them are free.

And while schools are facing pandemic-related expenses, they are also facing devastating funding cuts due to massive budget shortfalls at state and local levels. These shortfalls could easily reach $500 billion for states and $600 billion for local governments.

So, unless the federal government steps up, state and local governments will have to balance their budgets on the backs of students and teachers. It wont be a question of whether these cuts will occur, only how deep they will be.

This moment demands national leadership. But the Trump Administration has provided no plan for safely reopening classrooms. Instead, its telling schools, reopen or well cut your funding. That is not a plan. We cannot simply reopen schools and hope for the best. Over the last two weeks, alone, roughly 70,000 children have contracted the virus.

More than 100 days ago, the House passed the Heroes Act, which would provide nearly $1 trillion in state and local relief to help prevent deep cuts to public education, and $100 billion in direct education aid. The House also passed an infrastructure package, which included $130 billion for school construction to repair unsafe school buildings, including ventilation systems.

Nearly four months later, the need is even greater. And so, Democrats are now fighting for $300 billion to help reopen schools safely and maintain services for students.

In some communities with high rates of transmission, no amount of mitigation makes in-person instruction safe for students and staff. In response, Democrats are working to provide the resources necessary to make virtual education more effective. Most importantly, we are still advocating for significant relief for state and local governments to avoid painful program cuts and teacher layoffs in the months ahead.

In contrast, the Senate Republican proposal includes no money for state and local governments. The education funding in the Republican bill would cover less than half of the projected state and local budget cuts to education. Our students, parents and educators deserve better.

Instead of pretending that the virus and its economic consequences will suddenly just go away, Republicans in Washington must join us in taking immediate action.

Unless Congress passes a comprehensive relief package to meet the urgency of the moment, most school districts will not have the resources they need to safely reopen and provide students with a quality education.

Supporting schools should not be a political issue. Together, we must, and can, pass a comprehensive relief package that demonstrates our commitment to the health and well-being of our nations children.

Thank you and please stay safe.

The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 AM.
Mumbai :

Belying speculations that demonetisation and caste-based polarisation due to agitations by various communities for reservation including the Marathas will hit BJP, the ruling party today bagged 100 seats in the last phase of municipal council polls in Maharashtra.

It also secured seven posts of municipal council president in the fourth and final phase.

It took BJPs overall tally at the end of final phase to 1190 councillors and 71 municipal council presidents, putting it at the top of the chart.

Polling for last phase took place on Sunday across 11 local bodies in Nagpur and Gondia districts: Kamthi, Umred, Katol, Kalameshwar, Mohpa, Ramtek, Narkhed, Khapa and Saoner in Nagpur district, and Tirora and Gondia in Gondia district.

Congress bagged 58 seats and won two council president posts in this phase. The party finished second overall, with total of 952 seats and 34 council presidents.

NCP won 26 councillor seats and finished with 812 seats in total. The party also won 22 council president posts. It did not win any presidents post in the fourth phase.

Shiv Sena, which won 598 seats in three phases, won another 14 seats in the fourth phase finishing with 612 councillors. The party won 26 council president posts. It did not win a single council president seat in the last phase.

MIM won a seat in Kamptee, while 18 seats in Katol were secured by Vidarbha Maza party and four by PWP. In Saoner, Rashtriya Samaj Paksha won three seats.

BJP won presidents posts in Khapa, Saoner, Gondia and Tirora, Umred, Kalameshwar and Ramtek in fourth phase. Congress won the presidents seat in Kamptee and Mohapa. Vidarbha Maza won Katol council presidents seat. Narkhed council presidents seat went to Peoples Republican Party Nagar Vikas Aghadi.

The elections to 212 municipal councils and 18 nagar panchayats across Maharashtra was a major test for the over two-year-old Devendra Fadnavis-led state government.

In 2011 elections, NCP had won 1,300 seats while Congress had won 1,293. BJP had won 437, Shiv Sena 454 and MNS 61.

BJP, which has emerged as the net winner this time, is seen to have made inroads in semi-urban and rural areas of the state.

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Bay League boys and girls basketball teams will play five league games and then there will be a tournament to determine seeding for CIF-Southern Section playoffs.
Accordingly, the products under investigation are cold-rolled stainless steel in rolls, sheets, or other shapes. Specifically, the notice from MITI stated that this agency will send a questionnaire to relevant parties, including Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters.



According to experts, the rapid increase in Vietnam's steel export turnover has caused many countries to pay attention and conduct safeguard investigations. Previously, Vietnam's steel industry had faced many trade remedies lawsuits initiated by many markets. These lawsuits came mostly from the main steel export markets of Vietnam, such as the US, the EU, some countries in the ASEAN, and even the Eurasian Economic Union.



Only in the last two months, Thailands Committee on Dumping and Subsidies decided to impose anti-dumping duties ranging from 6.97 percent to 51.61 percent (CIF price) on iron or steel pipe products originating or imported from Vietnam, consisting of 169 HS codes, to prevent the threat of significant damage to the domestic industry. Or before that, MITI also initiated an anti-dumping investigation on some galvanized steel products originating from Vietnam. The alleged dumping margin for Vietnam was up to 39.27 percent.



At the same time, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) issued a preliminary determination and imposed a temporary tax on Vietnam's corrosion-resistant steel products. The investigation showed that Vietnamese enterprises dumped the above steel products to the Canadian market at a margin from 36.3 percent to 91.8 percent. Similarly, the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission (ADC) launched an anti-dumping and subsidy investigation on steel pipe products originating from Vietnam, China, South Korea, and Taiwan (China). In mid-May, the US Department of Commerce also investigated to apply anti-tax evasion measures on stainless steel sheet products imported from Vietnam.



According to the Trade Remedies Authority, out of 22 recent cases investigated to prevent tax evasion and origin fraud by foreign countries, steel products were sued the most with six cases, accounting for 30 percent. Most of the tax evasion investigations for steel products were launched by the US. In which, as for corrosion-resistant steel products (CORE) and cold rolled steel products (CRS), the US investigated a total of 5 cases. Noticeably, in all investigations, the US concluded that Vietnam's CORE and CRS products were produced with raw materials imported from countries and territories that are evading safeguard measures that the US is applying. The level of investment and transformation in the production of these steel products in Vietnam is insignificant.





By Lac Phong  Translated by Gia Bao
President Donald Trump is planning a campaign rally in Saginaw County Thursday, one day after his Democratic rival is scheduled to visit the state.

Trump is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. from Avflight Saginaw, an aviation company located at the MBS International Airport in Freeland. Thursdays event is the presidents first campaign rally in the state this year, coming while polls show the race tightening in Michigan.

Read more: Mike Pences Michigan rally is first for presidential campaigns here since COVID-19 struck

Doors open to the public at 4 p.m. Attendees can register for tickets online.

Voters in Saginaw County were critical to Trumps surprise win in Michigan four years ago. The county is among a dozen that Trump flipped in 2016 after they previously voted for the Obama-Biden ticket twice, and Trump was the first Republican to win Saginaw County since 1984.

Trump won Michigan by only 10,704 votes, a narrow margin that makes swing counties critical to the presidents hopes of winning the state again in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to most in-person campaign activities throughout the summer. Trump hasnt held any of his trademark arena rallies this year, though cabinet officials and Vice President Mike Pence have visited Michigan several times in his absence.

The president last visited Michigan in June, briefly stopping in the Upper Peninsula en route to Wisconsin. Trump gave a speech in Ypsilanti after touring a Ford Motor Co. facility in May, which was organized by the White House instead of his political campaign.

People who register to attend the Thursday rally must agree to voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and cant hold the campaign or venue liable for any health risks.

Avflight also hosted Pence when he held an outdoor rally at the companys Traverse City location on Aug. 28. Attendees were given temperature checks before taking their seats outside a large hangar.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden hasnt held a rally in Michigan since the primary election in March. The former vice president is scheduled to visit Michigan Wednesday, though his campaign hasnt released details about the schedule or location.

The Democratic nominees wife Jill Biden plans to attend a virtual event in Oakland County Thursday as part of her national Back To School Tour. The campaign has not released additional details about Jill Bidens visit as of Tuesday morning.

Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris held a virtual fundraiser with Michigan surrogates on the same night Pence stopped in Northern Michigan.

The two campaigns are also battling on the airwaves this week.

Trumps campaign launched new advertisements after pulling off the airwaves in Michigan for six weeks over the summer. The ad launched in Michigan and five other states criticizes Biden for suggesting he would impose new shutdown orders if COVID-19 outbreaks worsen.

Bidens campaign also launched new advertisements in Michigan and eight other battleground states Tuesday. One ad argues Trump failed to contain the coronavirus, while the other criticizes the presidents proposal to cut payroll taxes, which would undercut Social Security funding.

READ MORE ON MLIVE:

Michigan Democratic Party embraces single-payer health care after DNC rejection

Mike Pence says Trump will lead recovery after COVID recession at Michigan campaign rally

Michigan Democrats target Pences vote against auto bailout before visit, tout Biden as job savior

Why Michigan Trump supporters are sticking with the president in 2020
Spain is rushing through a law to protect the rights of staff who work from home.

Remote workers would have the right to a set working day and equal career development opportunities under the draft legislation. The law, which compels companies to pay for home-office equipment such as computers, was proposed by labour minister Yolanda Diaz of Podemos, the left-wing partner in Spain's ruling coalition.

It is expected to be approved by the cabinet this month as the pandemic has seen almost one third of the Spanish workforce shun the office.

According to the latest draft, employees must work from home more than one day per week to qualify as remote-workers.

Remote working must also be agreed on by both employer and employee, it states, and a worker can ask to return to the office. Details on employers' monitoring their staff and expenses are proving harder to work out, however.

The draft agreement says control of attendance must be done in a way that "does not compromise workers' dignity", apparently ruling out the use of webcams, for example. On costs, the original government proposal talked about companies covering "the entirety" of workers' expenses at home, but it now seems more likely that this issue will be left to collective bargaining agreements within sectors between unions and employers.

"In an economic situation like today, the first reaction of any businessman is going to be to try and save money. But workers shouldn't have to use their own PCs, for example, because this is unfair and can create a gap between employees with better or worse equipment," said David, an employee who preferred not to give his surname.

"There is very little culture of remote working in Spain. Up to now, companies and employees have believed there is a connection between face time and productivity," he said.

"This has to be regulated properly, because with the levels of unemployment in Spain today, employers have all the power on their side."

Unemployment stands at more than 15pc in Spain, with 3.4m jobs having been maintained since the start of the pandemic through a government furlough scheme.

Health chiefs announced 26,560 new cases of Covid-19 detected between Friday and Sunday, taking Spain's total number since the pandemic began to more than 500,000.

There is some fear that remote working will be more attractive to women, and this situation may worsen the glass ceiling that has led to a 22pc gap between average male and female salaries in Spain. ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
GREENWICH  Tuesday was Holly Marvins 14th first day of school at Sacred Heart Greenwich. But this one was completely different.

About six months has passed since the school went remote last March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The intervening time was filled with uncertainty. Would the students return to class? What would school look like come fall?

Its been the most emotional start to a school year, Marvin, a Spanish teacher at Sacred Heart, said as she stood near an entrance to the school where a line of cars was dropping off eager Lower School students. This is the longest the kids have gone without seeing each other. This is the grandest opening weve had, and its the most exciting and emotional return to school weve had.

Around Marvin, and at other entrances to the school, Upper School students danced and cheered with pom-poms  and requisite masks  as they welcomed their classmates back after a long time away.

Sacred Heart was one of several Greenwich private schools with students returning to class on Tuesday morning, with the Brunswick School, Greenwich Country Day School and Greenwich Academy also opening. Students from each school were returning to classes in a vastly different context than they left last spring, with social distancing precautions and mandatory mask-wearing in place now.

We have outdoor tents, we have outdoor sinks, we have lots of space specially for our little ones to be outside, said Sacred Heart Head of School Margaret Frazier, who took over in Greenwich earlier this year.

According to Frazier, just a small number of the schools 625 students have opted for remote learning. The vast majority will be learning in person, a goal of the schools since the start of the pandemic last spring.

This year has been different I think in the level of anticipation, Frazier said. To be honest, weve been preparing since April. Our goal was always within the government guidelines to try to be back.

In front of Nancy Salisbury Hall, a short distance from where Frazier stood, was Karen Panarella, dean of Sacred Hearts Upper School. With the pandemic, there was undoubtedly an added element of stress this year, Panarella said. But it was also more exciting.

Its exciting with a few more exclamation points, Panarella said.

The energy conveyed by the students around Panarella confirmed her words. Nearby, seniors Ursula Vollmer and Hadley Noonan, both 17, sang Taylor Swift songs and danced with classmates and the schools mascot, chanting welcome back and happy first day to arriving students.

More than anything, the students expressed gratitude at returning for their senior years.

Its been a long time coming, Noonan said.

The anticipation has been building from March to now, Vollmer added.

Six feet!

Around midday at the Brunswick Schools Lower School, students poured out of a classroom all dressed in their gym uniforms. As they navigated a narrow hallway, teachers yelled six feet, pleading with the elementary-age boys to maintain their distance.

Unlike past years, the boys were heading to physical education outside. The schools gym had been converted into a flex space, where classes can be held. Across the way, on the third floor of the Lower School, the library has also been converted into a classroom. The changes were just a couple among the many made to the physical space, according to Head of Lower School Katie Signer.

Were using spaces in ways we never have before, she said, standing before one of the perfectly manicured lawns on the 100-acre campus in backcountry Greenwich.

Inside, the changes are noticeable, too. Upon entry, guests are required to complete a health questionnaire and have their temperature taken. Hand-sanitizing stations are placed prominently throughout each of the buildings.

In Lower School teacher Brett Martells science classroom, one boy was learning virtually  his face broadcast on an iPad, which was secured on a stand between two rows of his peers. The boy is among only a handful, according to Signer, who opted for a hybrid model that combines remote and in-person learning.

Less dense

Across the lawn, in the pre-K building, rugs where students sat are marked with carefully spaced dots, to make children aware when they are properly distanced. The entire first grade class, formerly housed in the Lower School building, moved to a vacant floor in the pre-K building, as part of an effort to ensure that teachers and students have enough space to safely operate.

Weve really reinvented school, three times over, Signer said. We had to figure out how to function at school, but also with a hybrid and remote model. There are new protocols and new routines. But at the end of the day, when the kids are here, its just about making sure kids are connected and feel safe and ready to learn.

The key term, she said, is de-densify. The strategies employed at the school are all aimed at decreasing the density.

This is also true across the road, at the Brunswick Middle School.

Plexiglass shields at teachers desks provide a buffer between educators and students. And in the lunchroom  which has been expanded to allow covered outdoor eating  cross-shaped plexiglass dividers separate tables into quadrants, allowing students to eat with their friends.

Rob Follansbee, head of the middle school, acknowledged how privileged the school is to have an abundance of space and resources to ensure safety. The result, he said, has been a shared sense of excitement among students and staff.

Were lucky to have the space, Im not naive to that, he said. Obviously, it was a lot more work preparing for the reopen. I think we did a good job, but its definitely not the same. Still, everybodys excited to be back in the building.

A hard summer

On Tuesday, Sarah Pearl Heard was sitting in an individual breakout room just past the main entrance to Greenwich Country Day School. It was Heards first day of teaching at the school  she spent the previous year at the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey  and she was adjusting to a new campus, new students and a new job during a pandemic.

Still, after what Heard called a hard spring and summer, she said she feels optimistic and, perhaps most important, safe.

I didnt realize how much I missed being in school and around kids, Heard said. I feel really comfortable with all our protocols. Its been an adjustment, but being here has given me peace of mind.

Tessa Lovero, a 16-year-old junior, said it was an adjustment to return to school and not hug her friends, but in general, she said she had seen most students observing the calls to social distance. Everyone, she said, was wearing a mask at school.

And, according to Head of the Upper School Chris Winters, teachers and students returned to campus with a sense of calm after 100 percent of them tested negative for the coronavirus.

I think that gave everybody a level of confidence that were starting the year in a pretty safe environment, said Winters, who is in his third year with the school.

Its been unlike any other start to a school year, he said, and required more planning than he could remember. But hes confident the school is prepared for the uncertainty of the coming year.

I think we really nailed 95 percent of the details down and the other 5 percent were adjusting to figure out as we see what happens, Winters said.

justin.papp@scni.com; @justinjpapp1; 203-842-2586
The Central Crime Branch probing the drug abuse in the Kannada film industry, on Tuesday arrested actress Sanjjanaa Galrani in Bengaluru, police sources said. The development comes in the wake of city police arresting actress Ragini Dwivedi for supplying drugs to people at high-end parties in the city.

Galrani was arrested at the end of a CCB raid at her Indira Nagar residence in Bengaluru early this morning, they said. She was taken to the CCB office for interrogation.

After obtaining a search warrant from the court, the searches were conducted at Sanjjanaas house," the Bengaluru Joint Commissioner of Police Sandeep Patil said. According to CCB, Galrani was under its radar ever since her friend Rahul, a realtor, was booked in connection with thedrug case, they added.

Sanjjanaa was born in Bengaluru. She made her film debutin a Tamil movie Oru Kadhal Seiveer in 2006. She has acted in a Kannada movie Ganda Hendathi.

Meanwhile, the police also raided the house of Viren Khanna, who has already been arrested by the CCB sleuths in connection with the drug abuse in the film industry. So far 13 people have been booked and six arrested.
More than a year after lawmakers passed new protections for tens of thousands of sick and disabled Texans, none of the major reforms have been implemented and patients are beginning to lose access to medical providers, according to advocates and a new lawsuit filed on behalf of several families.

The measures, cobbled together during a grueling 2019 legislative session, were intended to prevent private insurers from denying care to Medicaid patients with complex medical needs. Often, those patients require highly specialized services, are dependent on ventilators and feeding tubes, and may require around-the-clock care.

But the Health and Human Services Commission has yet to instruct insurers that operate within the states privatized system, known as Medicaid managed care, how to comply with the changes. Those include establishing an independent review process when treatment is denied and making sure that Medicaid enrollees with rare conditions retain access to their providers, many of whom are hard to find and spend years learning about a specific patients needs.

Its shocking to me that the state agency charged with protecting sick Texans is failing to put measures in place to protect and improve access to care for a vulnerable population, despite having direction from the Legislature to do so, said Hannah Mehta, an advocate who heads Protect TX Fragile Kids.

Mehta said families are especially frustrated because the health agency helped craft the legislation and assured lawmakers that the measures would be quick, temporary placeholders while more long-term reforms were developed.

Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

In June, the agency told a state advisory committee that it was nearly done drafting the changes and preparing to have them in place by Sept. 1, the start of the states fiscal year.

Elizabeth Tucker, who chairs the committee, said the agency had not followed up on the changes since.

On Aug. 28, families representing nearly two dozen patients with complex needs sued the health agency and insurers  also called managed care organizations, or MCOs  over the delay in guaranteeing access to providers, calling it inexcusable.

HHSC and the MCOs have no motivation to get those guidelines in existence, Scott Nichols, a lawyer for the families, said during a virtual hearing Tuesday in Harris County. Zero. And why would they, its going to cost them more money.

The health agency declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. In a filing on behalf of the agency, the state attorney generals office noted that lawmakers did not give the agency a deadline to implement the changes, and suggested that the process is being held up because of a need for federal review and to determine whether the agency has enough funding.

Moreover, both the agency and insurers argue that patients cant sue until a rule is in place. A judge appears to have agreed, denying the families initial request for a restraining order while the case continues.

On ExpressNews.com: Audit finds Texas failing to provide care for medically fragile children

In 2015, the state moved about 160,000 medically fragile children into managed care, including Mehtas son, who was born with several life-threatening conditions. Her story and others were documented in an investigation three years later by the Dallas Morning News, which found widespread failures in the managed care system, including poor oversight and a fraught appeals process that can block patients from critical treatments, sometimes with dire outcomes.

Several of the families that joined the lawsuit said they were informed after the legislation passed that their doctors, specialty pharmacists or medical equipment operators would no longer be reimbursed by their managed care insurer. Some relocated to other parts of the state in order to qualify for new insurers, only to find out after that those companies also were no longer reimbursing their medical providers. Others have tried to get new specialists but were turned down because of the complexity of their childrens condition.

There are no options for several of these families, said Zach Thomas, a lawyer representing the families.

Rep. Matt Krause, R-Fort Worth, helped sponsor the reforms last session and has been pressing the health agency to implement them, along with Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, and Rep. Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound.

We wanted to make sure you could still stay with that specialist because they know your situation, he said, describing the legislations intent.

Since March, the health agency has been focused heavily on the coronavirus pandemic. Anne Dunkelberg, a consumer advocate on the state Medicaid Managed Care Advisory Committee  which is separate from Tuckers committee  said that may be contributing to the delay.

She said the agency does appear to be working on the reforms, and has even requested bids from companies that would perform the independent reviews of insurer denials. So far no one has applied, said Dunkelberg, who works for the left-leaning group Every Texan.

I get the sense that the agency is really committed to the content of those bills and welcomes the authority to have more oversight, she said. But it is what it is, and we are not as far along as Id like us to be.
THE slowing down of Covid-19 cases in Cebu is painting a hopeful picture of recovery, a business leader said.

The modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) tests the water if the health situation can sustain and can handle the reopening of the business and economy. So far, the results are encouraging with the cases still down despite the people crowding out to work, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Steven Yu told SunStar Cebu.

He hopes the improvement will continue especially since the holiday season is already here. Yu said it is during this time when consumers drum up their spending.

Under the MGCQ, only a limited number of businesses are not allowed to operate. Those in the goods and services sector enjoy a more unhampered access.

The volume of business is increasing. But it is still far from the level to hit breakeven. But the positive aspect is that there is an increasing trend albeit slower than expected, he said.

Consumer spending

Yu said businesses can benefit from the Yuletide consumer spending.

The holiday season will spur the sales significantly from where we are now. It will not be the same level as pre-Covid but enough to hit breakeven, hopefully, he said.

The Philippines is said to have the longest holiday season as Filipinos begin spending as early as September.

Yu said the key towards recovery is for Covid-19 cases not to spike again.

Health and safety protocol should be strictly implemented, and complacency should not be allowed to prevail, he said.

Support local

Yu said the chamber has encouraged Filipinos to buy local products to support the revival of the economy and help domestic businesses rise again.

Buying local products sustains local industries and it leads to self-sufficiency, he added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry is pushing for programs that support local businesses.

It said that by supporting local industries, it can sustain the business operations of businesses hit by the pandemic.

It will also ramp up the opening of businesses and can generate local employment through the rehiring of those who lost their jobs. (JOB)
Based in San Antonio, Texas, MCOA has grown to become one of the leading eye care providers in the Greater San Antonio area. Today, the practice serves the community through 14 providers within seven clinical locations and is supported by approximately 130 clinical and administrative staff. MCOA provides comprehensive vision care in areas such as diseases of the retina, cataract surgery, cornea and glaucoma treatment, as well as through a nationally recognized clinical research program.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the EyeSouth network now consists of 19 practices with approximately 140 doctors providing medical and surgical eye care services at approximately 80 locations, including 11 surgery centers throughout Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama. MCOA is the second Texas-based practice to affiliate with EyeSouth.

EyeSouth is a portfolio company of Shore Capital Partners, a healthcare-focused private equity firm.

About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company

Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm focused on the global middle market. The firm advises private and public corporations and private equity groups on mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, capital markets, financial restructurings, valuations and opinions, and other strategic matters. BGL has investment banking offices in Chicago, Cleveland, and Philadelphia, and real estate offices in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, and San Antonio. The firm is also a founding member of Global M&A Partners, enabling BGL to service clients in more than 30 countries around the world. Securities transactions are conducted through Brown, Gibbons, Lang & Company Securities, Inc., an affiliate of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company LLC and a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information, please visit www.bglco.com.

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Vodafone Idea rebranded 'Vi' as company looks for a fresh start

Vodafone Idea, once the largest telecom operator in India, now relegated to third spot, has rebranded itself as Vi as it looks to better leverage the combined strength of British telecom giant Vodafone Group and billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birlas Idea Cellular.

Two years after the two companied announced merger of their Indian operations, Vodafone and Idea have integrated to transform into the new identity - 'Vi'. Ravinder Takkar, MD & CEO, Vodafone Idea made the announcement today.

"In less than two years time we have achieved the mammoth task of world's largest integration. As the integration of the two brands is complete, its time for a fresh start," said Takkar during a live webcast.

Vodafone Idea, once the largest telecom operator in the country with over 400 million subscribers, has lost more than 100 million subscribers in recent years to new comer Indias richest man Mukesh Ambanis telecom venture Jio Platforms as it scaled to the top with its cut-rate mobile data tariff.

Jio Platforms has also attracted over $20 billion in investment from high-profile firms including Facebook and Google in recent months.

"Vodafone Idea came together as a merged entity two years ago. We have, since then focused on integrating two large networks, our people and processes. And today I am delighted to present Vi, a brand that will bring important meaning to lives of our customers. Indians are optimistic and ant to get ahead in life. They would love a credible partner to help them on this journey. Vi's positioning is built around this promise and will focus on meeting the customer needs to help them thrive," said Takkar.

Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman, Aditya Birla Group & Vodafone Idea, on the launch of the new brand said, "India is the second largest telecom market and the largest data consumer, globally. With 1.2 billion Indians accessing voice and data services at the world's lowest tariffs across 5 lakh villages, the ubiquitous wireless network in India is unmatched for its reach and impact on people's lives. With our new brand - Vi, we stand committed to partner the government to accelerate India's progression towards a digital economy, enabling millions of citizens to connect to the digital revolution and build a better tomorrow."

Vodafone Idea board on Friday had approved a plan to raise up to Rs25,000 crore through a combination of equity and debt instruments. The decision came days after the Supreme Court directed telecom operators to pay 10 per cent of total adjusted gross revenue (AGR)-related dues this year, and the remaining amount in 10 installments, starting next fiscal.

Vodafone Idea has outstanding AGR dues of a little over Rs50,000 crore. It had reported a net loss of Rs25,460 crore for the June quarter after making additional provisions to pay past statutory dues.

While financial infusion is critical for Vodafone idea to survive in the fiercely-competitive Indian telecom market, fund-raising plans are subject to shareholders' nod and other statutory approvals.

The statutory dues arose after the Supreme Court, in October last year, upheld the government's position on including revenue from non-core businesses in calculating the annual AGR of telecom companies, a share of which is paid as licence and spectrum fee to the exchequer.

The rebranding decision comes amid the companys plans to raise funds. Its board approved fundraising after getting clarity from the Supreme Court on staggered payment of government dues.
Changes in the administrative-territorial structure are exclusively internal to Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said during a visit to Romania. He said that the reform allows national minorities to develop in the new administrative system.

"As for the administrative and territorial reform, this is exclusively a matter of internal policy. No country in the world will teach us how to arrange the administrative and territorial structure of our country. This reform is taking place in close cooperation with the EU, in compliance with European standards and with respect for the rights of persons who belong to national minorities. We had effective discussions on this matter with Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, and found those solutions that are balanced, and which retain full opportunities for national communities to develop in the new administrative system of Ukraine," Kuleba said at a joint press conference with the Romanian Foreign Minister in Bucharest on Tuesday.

Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu expressed the hope that in the course of the administrative and territorial reform in Ukraine the rights of the Romanian national minority will be ensured.

"I was informed about the decision of the Ukrainian authorities to create microdistricts, and I told my colleagues that we are very interested in ensuring the rights of the Romanian national minority," Aurescu said.
Seven Indian-Americans have figured in Forbes ' list of richest Americans, topped by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos for the third year in a row.

The 2020 Forbes list of 400 Richest People in America has been topped by Bezos, 56 who has a net worth of USD 179 billion and has occupied the spot of the richest person in the US for the third year in a row.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Cofounder Bill Gates is ranked second on the list with a net worth of USD 111 billion.

The richest people in the US saw their wealth swell despite the coronavirus pandemic's devastated impact on the economy .

Pandemic be damned: Americas 400 richest are worth a record USD 3.2 trillion, up USD 240 billion from a year ago, aided by a stock market that has defied the virusEven in these trying times mega-fortunes are still being minted," Forbes said.

The list has seven Indian-Americans - cybersecurity firm ZScaler CEO Jay Chaudhry, Founder and Chairman of Symphony Technology Group Romesh Wadhwani, cofounder and CEO of online home goods retailer Wayfair Niraj Shah, Silicon Valley venture capital firm Khosla Ventures founder Vinod Khosla, Managing Partner of Sherpalo Ventures Kavitark Ram Shriram, Airline veteran Rakesh Gangwal and Workday CEO and Cofounder Aneel Bhusri.

Rounding out the top five on the list are Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg on the third spot with a net worth of USD 85 billion, Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, ranked 4th and with a net worth of USD 73.5 billion and chairman, chief technology officer and cofounder of software giant Oracle Larry Ellison, ranked 5th with a new worth of USD 72 billion.

President Donald Trump is ranked 339th on the list with a net worth of USD 2.5 billion.

Chaudhry, 61 is ranked 85th on the list with a net worth of USD 6.9 billion. He founded ZScaler in 2008 and the company went public in March 2018.

Forbes said in 1996, Chaudhry and his wife, Jyoti, both quit their jobs and put their life savings to start cybersecurity firm SecureIT, his first startup.

Wadhwani, 73 has been ranked 238th on the list and has a net worth of USD 3.4 billion.

His Symphony Technology Group brings in USD 2.5 billion in annual revenues and Wadhwani combined nine of his companies that were AI-focused into a new group called SymphonyAI in 2017, Forbes said.

An alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology and Carnegie Mellon, Forbes said the serial entrepreneur founded Aspect Development, which i2 Technologies acquired for USD 9.3 billion in stock in 1999.

Romesh and his brother, Sunil, founded the Wadhwani Institute of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Mumbai in 2018, committing over USD 30 million.

On the 299th spot is Shah, 46, who has a net worth of USD 2.8 billion. Shah started the business in 2002 with Steve Conine, who is also a billionaire.

Wayfair, which now offers more than 18 million products, generated USD 9.1 billion in net revenue in 2019, up 35 per cent from the previous year, Forbes said.

Khosla, 65 is ranked 353rd with a net worth of USD 2.4 billion. Khosla cofounded computer hardware firm Sun Microsystems in 1982 and spent 18 years at venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers before launching his own fund. In June 2019, Khosla said he believes artificial intelligence could replace traditional industries such as radiology and music, Forbes added.

On the 359th spot is Shriram, 63, who has a net worth of USD 2.3 billion. Forbes said an early Google backer, Shriram has sold off most of his stock but remains on the board of its parent company, Alphabet.

Born in India, Shriram studied math at the University of Madras. His portfolio includes online invitation service Paperless Post, online HR service provider Gusto and mobile advertising company InMobi.

Gangwal, 67 is ranked 359th on the list and has a net worth of USD 2.3 billion.

Forbes said Gangwal made his fortune from InterGlobe Aviation, the parent outfit of budget airline IndiGo, India's largest by market share. Gangwal cofounded IndiGo, headquartered outside Delhi, with Rahul Bhatia in 2006 with one aircraft, it said.

On the 359th spot is Bhusri with a net worth of USD 2.3 billion. Bhusri is CEO of business software firm Workday, which he cofounded with Dave Duffield, the founder of PeopleSoft.

Bhusri started his career in the early 1990s at business software firm PeopleSoft, where he rose to become vice chairman.

Bhusri has been on the Forbes Midas List six times since 2008 and in May 2018, Bhusri joined the Giving Pledge, a commitment by the world's wealthiest people to dedicate the majority of their wealth to philanthropy, Forbes said.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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Hurricane Laura has hit Category 3 strength over the Gulf of Mexico, hours before it is expected to bring potentially deadly flooding and ruinous damage to eastern Texas and Louisiana.

Laura was moving over the Gulf early Wednesday with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph -- the lower range of a Category 3 -- and it may strengthen to a Category 4 sometime before landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday.

Texas and Louisiana officials are urging people to get out of the storm's path, in part because Laura is expected to push enormous amounts of water -- storm surges of up to 15 feet -- over low land that is ill-equipped to handle it.

"Those barrier islands are not ... 15 feet high. The water will go right over the top. You must be gone," CNN meteorologist Chad Myers said.

Even when Laura was just at a tropical storm moving over the Caribbean, it killed at least nine people.

And with the Gulf Coast facing the storm next, officials are racing to prepare.

The American Red Cross has pre-positioned 700 workers and relief supplies in the area, the group said.

"We urge people along the Gulf Coast to get ready now; listen to the advice of local officials and evacuate immediately if asked," Greta Gustafson with the American Red Cross told CNN via email.

Mandatory evacuations were issued Tuesday for "at risk" areas of Chambers County, Texas, according to a County Emergency Management post on Facebook. Jasper and Hardin Counties, two smaller Texas counties, have issued mandatory orders as well.

Authorities have waived Houston-area toll roads in anticipation of Laura, Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday.

"As Hurricane Laura approaches Texas, this waiver will ensure that Texans are able to evacuate efficiently ahead of the storm," Abbott said in a statement. "I urge Texans in the area to continue to take all necessary precautions as Hurricane Laura nears the coast and heed the guidance of local officials."

And shelters in Texas have been preparing for two threats -- stocking personal protective equipment, preparing for social distancing measures and making testing available for coronavirus while the state prepares for Hurricane Laura, Abbott said in a press conference.

'Prep now or get out now'

Laura may fluctuate in intensity Wednesday, but is expected to make landfall later Wednesday or early Thursday near the Texas-Louisiana state line as a Category 3 or higher, the National Hurricane Center said.

Destructive winds will be one of the big problems. A Category 3 landfall would mean winds above 110 mph near the storm's center -- strong enough to damage well-built homes and knock out power for days.

But the storm's eyewall isn't the only place to watch. "Hurricane-force winds ... are also expected to spread well inland into portions of eastern Texas and western Louisiana," the National Hurricane Center said.

Even before landfall, winds of tropical-storm force -- 39 mph and greater -- should reach the area of the Texas-Louisiana state line, perhaps by 2 p.m. CT, Myers said.

"After that, you can't do anything, You can't put boards up. You need to prep now, or get out now, if you are ... from probably Sabine Pass (the Texas-Louisiana state line) and off to the east," Myers said.

The National Hurricane Center says Laura's threats include storm surges of:

 10 to 15 feet from Texas' Sea Rim State Park to Louisiana's Intracoastal City

 8 to 12 feet from Intracoastal City, Louisiana, to Morgan City, Louisiana

 6 to 9 feet from Port Bolivar, Texas, to Sea Rim State Park, Texas

 4 to 7 feet from Morgan City, Louisiana, to the mouth of the Mississippi River.

From Wednesday through Friday, Laura is expected to produce rainfall of 5 to 10 inches, with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches, across parts of northwestern Gulf Coast.

Over the lower to middle Mississippi Valley, 2 to 4 inches of rainfall with isolated totals of 6 inches are expected, the National Hurricane Center said.

Rainfall at that level can cause widespread flash and urban flooding and small streams to overflow banks, causing minor to isolated moderate river flooding, CNN meteorologist Robert Shackelford said.

Laura's impending arrival comes as the Gulf Coast avoided a powerful storm in Marco, which significantly weakened before reaching the US.

3 years after Harvey

Texas evacuations Tuesday fell on the third anniversary of Hurricane Harvey hitting Texas.

Abbott noted that there were more evacuations announced than before Hurricane Harvey struck.

Houston is the largest city in the region. It is particularly vulnerable to flooding and could see big impacts from Laura. The concrete-filled city has notoriously poor drainage systems and a propensity to flood, such as during the overwhelming rainfall from Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Mandatory evacuations in Jasper and Hardin Counties fall just north of Beaumont, Texas, which was hard-hit during Harvey.

Deaths in the Caribbean

At least nine people have died in the Caribbean, including several in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, due to Laura.

The victims include a 7-year-old boy who died along with his mother after a wall collapsed in their home in the Dominican Republic. Another person died after a tree fell on a house.

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader said an army corporal was killed while helping with rescue efforts in Pedernales province.

Five people were killed in Haiti, including a 10-year-old girl, the country's civil protection agency said.

CNN's Eric Levenson and Judson Jones contributed to this report.
In perhaps one of the more bizarre feuds of 2020, rapper Cardi B and Stamford author and conservative pundit Candace Owens have taken to Twitter to argue Cardi B's recent support of Democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Joe Biden.

The incident started after Owens appeared on the Sunday Special episode of political commentator Ben Shapiro's "Ben Shapiro Show." Owens stated on the program that Joe Biden was pandering to voters after agreeing to be interviewed by Cardi B on August 17 for ELLE magazine. Prompted by Shapiro's comments on the rapper, in which he called out the lyrics to Cardi B's most recent song, "WAP," Owens discussed her views on politicians pandering to Black musicians.

"Since most Black people didnt have the spine to admit that [Ben Shapiro] was 100% correct about [Cardi B] and how her music and platform contributes to the disintegration of Black culture and values...here you go," said Owens on Twitter about her interview with Shapiro.

The former Vice President and rapper discussed police brutality, education and the ongoing pandemic.

During the interview, Owens said that Cardi B was an "illiterate rapper" and that her interview with Biden was "one of the biggest insults" to Black voters. Additionally, Owens compared the interview between the two to if President Donald Trump were interviewed by Justin Bieber.

Cardi B, whose real name is Belcallis Marlenis Almanzar, took note of the comments made against her by Owens, and quickly tweeted out her defense.

"Yes you are right I have the number 1 song & I have a huge platform and I can make millions go vote to get the MAN THAT USED YOU. I dont want to argue with you Candace [and] I really dont have the time. I honestly just feel sorry for you," tweeted Cardi B in response.

Owens has continued her feud with the rapper through Tuesday. In a video posted to Owens' Instagram account, the political commentator tore through Cardi B's defense of Biden, and also called into question the rapper's statements against law enforcement. Youre way more likely to be killed by your husband than you are by a police officer," said Owens in the video.

Owens' latest book, "Blackout: How Black America Can Make Its Second Escape from the Democrat Plantation," is slated to release September 15. In the book, Owens tackles the issue that liberal policies are harmful to Black Americans and that more and more Black politicians are joining her "BLEXIT" movement, which encourages Black politicians to align themselves as conservatives.

Cardi B's latest single with rapper Megan Thee Stallion, "WAP," has broken numerous records. It holds the record for the most first-week streams for a song, it holds the biggest 24-hour debut for an all-female collaboration and it has cemented Cardi B as the only female rapper in history to top the Global Spotify chart on multiple occasions.
Somewhere within the last few decades, the United States was taken over by a clandestine criminal enterprise working under the radar to infiltrate and gain control of our media, schools, universities, unions, Hollywood, military and our halls of governance at the local, state, and federal level. They did so in conjunction with a new American oligarchy composed of billionaires seeking a One World Order and all too willing to fund their operations, along with the aid of foreign financiers such as Red China and parts of the oil rich Islamist world.

Within time, and with much of its funding coming from a billionaire oligarchy, they were able to hijack the entire Democrat Party who were only too willing to sell out the United States to the highest bidders while lining their own pockets with sweetheart deals made with Red China, Iran, and Ukraine. The admittance of Red China in 2001 into the World Trade Organization, backed and supported by Bill Clinton and Joe Biden, was the beginning of China's advance and the decline of the United States on the world stage. As American companies moved overseas along with the millions of lost jobs in cities throughout the United States, Democrats and some Republicans, sold us a bill of goods. They advanced the notion that we were moving towards a service economy and that cheap labor overseas meant cheaper products here at home. They failed to mention that the loss of our manufacturing industry to China, and in particular our pharmaceutical industry, posed a national security threat since China could threaten to stop selling essential goods to us. Nor did they mention that certain minerals, now mined in China, were critical to our military defense. These decisions were made against our national interests; yet, no one in Washington protested.

The rise of China onto the national stage brought forth opportunities seized upon by the husbands of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Both were able to enrich themselves to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars by engaging in business deals with Red China, where all companies are governed by the CCP, while the two senators sat in our Senate chambers. Joe Biden's son, Hunter, and his equity firm, were given a one and a half billion dollar contract by the Red Chinese on one of Joe Biden's Vice Presidential visits to the communist state, yet; incredulously, there was no oversight to check for impropriety. When Hunter Biden's company, Burisma, was offered a multi-million dollar deal in the Ukraine, the new Ukrainian prosecutor charged with rooting out corruption, was suddenly fired after Joe Biden threatened to withhold American financial aid to Ukraine. Incredulously and unabashedly, Biden later boasted on camera before an American audience that he had the prosecutor fired within a few short hours. Again, yawn from the media and our Justice Department.

Bill and Hillary Clinton, the political Bonnie and Clyde of our time, while in office, accepted millions of dollars in donations for their Clinton Foundation from dubious countries such as Saudi Arabia, China, Russia, and Ukraine. What was most certainly a "pay to play" scheme to enrich themselves, one has to ask how adversely was American policy shaped by the monetary donations collected by the Clintons during their many years in Washington. Furthermore, as Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton sold to Russia 20% of our uranium used to build nuclear weapons. The irony is not lost when she shamelessly concocted the fake Steel Dossier used as the basis for the Russia hoax investigation for the intended purpose of driving President Trump from office.

Former presidential candidate John Kerry, no stranger to treasonous acts, while Secretary of State and representing Barack Hussein Obama's administration, secretly transferred $150 billion of our taxpayers dollars in cash to the Iranian Mullahs who regularly scream "Death to America!" He did so without the consent of Congress; yet, silence and no calls for an investigation arose from Congress, the Justice Department and or the media for such a treasonous act. It is noteworthy to mention that Kerry's sons, John Jr. Heinz Jr., along with Hunter Biden, profited greatly from Kerry's days in office. According to leaked documents from the Ukrainian General Prosecutors office, all three were in possession of a slush fund to the tune of $3.5 million derived from money transfers from Burisma Holding, a Ukrainian gas company, between 2014 and 2015. https://thefederalistpapers.org/opinion/breaking-leaked-documents-show-tens-millions-ukraine-paid-kerry-biden-jr-fund

Additionally, the rise of Big Tech has created within the last few decades a new billionaire oligarchy and American aristocracy which have used their newly gained funds to finance and control public opinion at the expense of the American citizenry. While our country was founded on the principles of a government by the people, for the people, and of the people, in reality, Big Tech and the new American oligarchy now wield considerable power and appear to have taken the reigns of the Democrat Party. Big Tech has the means to erase our First Amendment rights and they are silencing Conservative voices on sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and other social media outlets. In a convenient way of getting around campaign finance laws, the new oligarchy finances numerous NGOs who then turn around and fund the Democrat Party. Hungarian billionaire,George Soros, wanted in Ukraine for corruption and despised in Great Britain, Thailand, and Malaysia for currency manipulation, is responsible for the destruction of those countries' economies in 92' and 98'. He has donated over a billion dollars through these NGOs to gain control over policy and candidate decisions within the Democrat Party. In the first three months of 2020, he has donated over $28 million to Democratic PACs for this upcoming November election. For all practical purposes, he and his policies are on the Democrat ballot come November. With his monetary influence, it most likely is he who selected Obama as the Democratic nominee in 2009, and it is he who placed Heels Up Harris as the vice presidential nominee.

The unexpected election of President Trump, who promised to clean the swamp, serves as a threat to their continued corruption and reign. Their demonization and hate expressed for this president is purely personal. They know his reelection spells the end of their sweetheart deals, bribery, and money laundering schemes while sitting in our halls of Congress. With the aid of our adversaries, Red China and Iran, they have thrown everything but the kitchen sink at him. From the Russia hoax, impeachment, the Wuhan virus, and the current civil unrest in our streets, he has escaped and survived their evil deeds. The Democrats are now desperate and going for broke. They have exposed themselves as a corrupt criminal enterprise bent on regaining control of their corrupt money machinations while the country be damned!

Shari Goodman has written political commentaries for American Thinker, World Net Daily, Israel Today and other online journals.

Image credit: Twitter screen shot, enhanced with FotoSketcher.
Presidente @MartinVizcarraC: Envio un mensaje de renovacion y unidad a todos los peruanos, dentro y fuera del territorio. Sigamos luchando hasta derrotar al COVID-19. Sigamos trabajando juntos con el mismo empeno y coraje que mostraron los fundadores de nuestra Republica. pic.twitter.com/sqZNcfATch
New Delhi, Sep 8 : In April last year, smartphone brand OPPO decided to revamp its flagship series, renaming it from the R-series to Reno. It came at a time when the mid- to high-end price segment was becoming increasingly competitive in India.

With the new Reno 4 series, OPPO has fired up the Rs 30,000-Rs 40,000 segment which is dominated by the likes of OnePlus and Samsung.

Carrying on its tradition of excellence in photography and video technology, OPPO has enhanced its video capabilities especially in the Reno 4 Pro, which is the successor to the Reno 3 Pro and comes with support for 65W fast charging, quad cameras in a beautifully aligned single line at the back, high refresh rate display and more.

Reno 4 Pro price in India has been set at Rs 34,990 for the lone, 8GB RAM+128GB storage variant. The phone comes in two different colour options -- starry night and silky white.

Here's our take on the latest Reno offering.

One distinctive difference from past generation Reno series is the Reno 4 Pro's slimness and light weight. It weighs only 172 grams.

The phone features a 6.5-inch Full HD+ AMOLED screen with a 90Hz high-refresh-rate and a single punch-hole cutout on the top-left corner that houses the selfie camera.

The display is bright enough to use outdoors.

Reno4 Pro also meets the eye care standards with its 'TUV Rheinland Full Care Display Certification', ensuring the eye's safety even while browsing the phone at night before bed or streaming Netflix thanks to its 'Netflix HD Streaming Certification'.

Image Source: IANS News

In terms of design and slimness, the device scores full marks over its nearest rivals.

The buttons are ergonomically placed on either side of the device.

On the bottom, there is a USB Type-C port, a single speaker, and a headphone jack.

The SIM tray is on the top of the phone and supports two Nano-SIM cards as well as a microSD card.

At the back, four rear camera lenses are placed in the best possible way.

The phone is powered with a '3D Borderless Sense Screen' that elevates the premium look and feel.

With its ultra-slim body and lightweight design, users can hold the device comfortably.

Moreover, Reno4 Pro comes with a unique anti-glare matte finish on its back cover, which makes it fingerprint-resistant.

The device has the quad rear camera setup that includes a 48MP primary Sony IMX586 sensor with an f/1.7 lens and an 8MP secondary sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens.

The camera setup also has a 2MP macro shooter and a 2MP mono shooter.

Further, there is a 32MP Sony IMX616 selfie camera sensor at the front, with an f/2.4 lens.

In terms of image quality, the above-mentioned combination of sensors delivered predictable results during the day as well as night with good details.

For selfie lovers, the phone has an Ultra Night Selfie Mode.

The camera comes with features like AI Colour Portrait, Night Flare Portrait, and an Ultra Dark Mode to deliver an enhanced camera experience.

Portrait as well as Night mode shots came decent.

There is also a 960 frames per second (fps) AI slow-motion video recording option at 720p resolution. The company has also offered electronic image stabilisation (EIS) support for the front camera sensor.

The selfies shot had punchy colours and good amounts of details in different light conditions.

The Reno 4 Pro is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G with an octa-core CPU and Adreno 618 GPU. This is paired with 8GB RAM and upto 256GB storage options to choose from.

During the review, we did not face any issues with the performance.

We played Asphalt 9, Shadow fight 3, Call Of Duty along with other games and all ran just fine with reasonably good graphics.

It runs ColorOS 7.2 which is based on Android 10. The UI and the Snapdragon 720G flow well on the Reno 4 Pro.

The smartphone houses a 4000mAh battery which easily lasted for about a day and a half on average. The smartphone supports up to 10V/6.5A, 65W Flash Charging which can be fully charged in nearly 36 minutes.

Conclusion: The device offers next-gen video stabilisation function to help vloggers capture steady and smooth videos.

OPPO Reno 4 Pro is a good performance-based smartphone in the India market but some better alternatives have appeared in the market like the OnePlus Nord.

For Reno series lovers, Reno 4 Pro is a super upgrade.

(Md Waquar Haider can be reached at waquar.h@ians.in)

-- Syndicated from IANS
A Rapid City man is accused of using a hammer to murder a sleeping single father of three young children and seriously injuring two women, according to a prosecutor and the victims family.

Its really heartbreaking, said the victims sister-in-law. He loved his kids so much and they adored their dad.

Allac AJ Dismounts Thrice, a 28-year-old from Rapid City, is charged with first-degree murder for killing Rich Montanez, a 39-year-old from Rapid City, on Sept. 3. Hes also charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder for trying to kill two women.

Dismounts Thrice  who was released from jail six days before the assault  used a hammer to attack the three victims while they were in their beds, likely asleep, prosecutor Megan Krueger said during the initial appearance hearing at the Pennington County Court on Tuesday morning.

Montanezs 3- and 7-year-olds were sleeping in bed with him and began to scream when Dismounts Thrice came into the room with a hammer, Tiffany Dubray-Terzo, the victims sister-in-law, said after the hearing.

She said a woman staying at the home on the 500 block of East Monroe Street escaped with the children after she and one of the kids saw their father being hit in the head.

The 7-year-old boy saw everything and tried to stop the attacker, said Tiffanys husband, Brandon Terzo.

Montanez later died at the hospital, according to the Rapid City Police Department.

Tiffany said the two other victims  Montanezs roommate and the roommates friend  remain in comas or sedated in the intensive care unit after being hit in the head. She said one of them is only being kept alive with machines.

Tiffany said her brother-in-law was letting Dismounts Thrice, a friend of a friend, stay at his home since he was homeless. She said the woman who rescued the children and called 911 believes Dismounts Thrice was trying to rob Montanez.

Montanez was a kind-hearted, hardworking man who worked in construction to support his 7-year-old son, 6-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son, Tiffany said.

She and Brandon  who have six kids of their own  would frequently babysit Montanezs children when he was at work. Montanez's kids are now living with their grandmother in Bennett County and Tiffany and Brandon said they hope to remain very active in raising their niece and nephews.

The hearing

The attack was reported at 11:15 a.m. on Sept. 3, according to the Rapid City Police Department. Dismounts Thrice was arrested around 4:30 p.m. in Box Elder after a report of a suspicious man entering vehicles and storage sheds. Police then learned Montanez had died.

Dismounts Thrice appeared Tuesday morning before Magistrate Judge Marya Tellinghuisen through a video feed from jail.

Tellinghuisen read Dismounts Thrice his rights, charges and maximum penalties if convicted: the death penalty or life in prison without parole for the murder charge, and up to 25 years in prison for the attempted murder charges.

Krueger shared the alleged details of the attack and asked the judge to set a $1 million cash-only bond. A public defender said he had no comment on bond because Dismounts Thrice said he didnt want the office to represent him.

Tellinghuisen said she had to consider the seriousness of the allegation, public safety and Dismounts Thrice's past criminal record, which includes domestic violence, assaults and drug crimes.

Why are you reading all of those, they arent all proven, Dismounts Thrice said, interrupting Tellinghuisen.

The judge responded that she was reading his convictions, not just accusations, and set his bond at $1 million cash-only. She also gave him a no-contact order for the two surviving victims.

Dismounts Thrice began to cry as he silently walked away from the lectern at the jail.

Brandon said he doesnt understand how a man could attack people in their sleep, and both he and Tiffany believe Dismounts Thrice deserves the death penalty.

States Attorney Mark Vargo said its too early to make a decision whether to pursue the death penalty but it would require at least one aggravating factor and input from the victims family and defense lawyer.

This is the second time Dismounts Thrice has faced charges this summer, according to court records. He was charged July 22 with drug possession and receiving a stolen vehicle.

Dismounts Thrices defense lawyer later asked a judge to reduce his $500 bond to a personal recognizance (PR) bond, meaning he wouldnt need to pay any money to get out, an email shows.

The defense lawyer wrote that his client couldnt pay the bond, his parole officer planned to supervise him, and he will participate in the 24/7 drug monitoring program until hes accepted into a drug treatment center.

The lawyer wrote that the prosecutor was fine with this arrangement and the judge agreed to the PR bond.

Dismounts Thrice left jail on Aug. 28 and appeared in court Sept. 1 before allegedly attacking his victims two days later.

Police are asking the public to help find Dismounts Thrice's backpack, according to spokesman Brendyn Medina.

He said the backpack may have been ditched somewhere between Rapid City and Box Elder and have the weapon inside. The large black backpack says "Jordan" on it and has red accents.

 Contact Arielle Zionts at arielle.zionts@rapidcityjournal.com.

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Record 2 Million Acres Burned in California

As the Golden State burns, the winds arrive and the lights go out

SHAVER LAKE, Calif.New wildfires ravaged bone-dry California during a scorching Labor Day weekend that saw a dramatic airlift of more than 200 people trapped by flames and ended with the states largest utility turning off power to 172,000 customers to try to prevent its power lines and other equipment from sparking more fires.

California is heading into what traditionally is the teeth of the wildfire season, and already it has set a record with 2 million acres burned this year. The previous record was set just two years ago and included the deadliest wildfire in state historythe Camp Fire that swept through the community of Paradise and killed 85 people.

That fire was started by Pacific Gas & Electric power lines. Liability from billions of dollars in claims from that and other fires forced the utility to seek bankruptcy protection. To guard against new wildfires and new liability, PG&E last year began preemptive power shutoffs when conditions are exceptionally dangerous.

Firefighters battle the Creek Fire as it threatens homes in the Cascadel Woods neighborhood of Mariposa County, Calif., on, Sept. 7, 2020. (Noah Berger/AP Photo)

Thats the situation now in Northern California, where high and dry winds are expected until Wednesday. PG&E received criticism for its handling of planned outages last year. The utility said it has learned from past problems, and this year will be making events smaller in size, shorter in length and smarter for customers.

Two of the three largest fires in state history are burning in the San Francisco Bay Area. More than 14,000 firefighters are battling those fires and about two dozen others around California.

The fire danger also is high in Southern California, where new fires were burning in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. The U.S. Forest Service on Monday decided to close all eight national forests in the region and to shutter campgrounds statewide.

The wildfire situation throughout California is dangerous and must be taken seriously. said Randy Moore, regional forester for the Forest Services Pacific Southwest Region that covers California. Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behavior, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire.

The Creek Fire burns along a hillside in the Cascadel Woods community of Madera County, Calif., on Sept. 7, 2020. (Noah Berger/AP Photo)

Lynne Tolmachoff, spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, said its unnerving to have reached a record for acreage burned when September and October usually are the worst months for fires because vegetation has dried out and high winds are more common.

While the two mammoth Bay Area fires were largely contained after burning for three weeks, firefighters struggled to corral several other major blazes ahead of the expected winds. Evacuation orders were expanded to more mountain communities Monday as the largest blaze, the Creek Fire, churned through the Sierra National Forest in Central California.

It was one of many recent major fires that has displayed terrifyingly swift movement. The fire moved 15 miles in a single day during the weekend and burned 56 square miles. Since starting Friday from an unknown cause. it has burned 212 square miles.

Smoke from the Creek Fire envelopes trees in the Cascadel Woods community of Madera County, Calif., on Sept. 7, 2020. (Noah Berger/AP Photo)

Debra Rios wasnt home Monday when the order came to evacuate her hometown of Auberry, just northeast of Fresno. Sheriffs deputies went to her ranch property to pick up her 92-year-old mother, Shirley MacLean. They reunited at an evacuation center.

I hope like heck the fire doesnt reach my little ranch, Rios said. Its not looking good right now. Its an awfully big fire.

Mountain roads saw a steady stream of cars and trucks leaving the community of about 2,300 on Monday afternoon.

Firefighters working in steep terrain saved the tiny town of Shaver Lake from flames that roared down hillsides toward a marina. About 30 houses were destroyed in the remote hamlet of Big Creek, resident Toby Wait said.

About half the private homes in town burned down, he said. Words cannot even begin to describe the devastation of this community.

A school, church, library, historic general store, and a major hydroelectric plant were spared in the community of about 200 residents, Wait told the Fresno Bee.

Sheriffs deputies went door to door to make sure residents were complying with orders to leave. Officials hoped to keep the fire from pushing west toward Yosemite National Park.

Smoke from wildfires burning east of Los Angeles dims the sunrise seen from Pasadena, Calif. on Sept. 7, 2020. (John Antczak/AP Photo)

On Saturday, National Guard rescuers in two military helicopters airlifted 214 people to safety after flames trapped them in a wooded camping area near Mammoth Pool Reservoir. Two people were seriously injured and were among 12 hospitalized.

On Monday night, a military helicopter landed near Lake Edison to rescue people trapped by the fire, the Fresno Fire Department said on Twitter. There was no immediate number of how many people were airlifted.

Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Rosamond, the pilot of a Chinook helicopter, said visibility was poor and winds increasingly strong during the three flights he made into the fire zone during the operation that started late Saturday and stretched into Sunday. His crew relied on night-vision goggles to search for a landing spot near a boat launch where flames came within 50 feet of the aircraft.

The injured, along with women and children, took priority on the first airlift, which filled both helicopters to capacity, he said.

We started getting information about how many people were out there, how many people to expect, and that number kept growing. So we knew that it was a dire situation, Rosamond said.

In Southern California, crews scrambled to douse several fires that roared to life in searing temperatures, including one that closed mountain roads in Angeles National Forest and forced the evacuation of the historic Mount Wilson Observatory. Late Monday night, the Los Angeles County Fire Department told residents of Duarte, Bradbury, and Monrovia near the forest to get ready for a possible evacuation.

Cal Fire said a blaze in San Bernardino County called the El Dorado Fire started Saturday morning and was caused by a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device used by a couple to reveal their babys gender. In eastern San Diego County, a fire destroyed at least 10 structures after burning 16 square miles and prompting evacuations near the remote community of Alpine in the Cleveland National Forest.

California has seen 900 wildfires since Aug. 15, many of them started by an intense series of thousands of lightning strikes in mid-August. There have been eight fire deaths and more than 3,300 structures destroyed.

By Mario Jose Sanchez and Christopher Weber
(EPA)

Authorities in northern Mexico have identified the bodies two people discovered in a well as two US tourists who were reported missing earlier this month.

Prosecutors in Baja California on Monday said investigators began recovering the remains of Ian Hirschsohn and Kathy Harvey on 5 September.

They were first reported missing on 2 September, and investigators found evidence of human remains at the bottom of a well in an area south of Ensenada the following day.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the case, which remains under investigation.

More follows
Chicago:

A 35-year-old man has been jailed for 22 years by a US court for stealing a TV remote as he repeatedly thumbed his nose at the law.

Eric Bramwell, 35, of Wheaton, Illinois, had been found guilty in 2016 of burglary and was eligible for an extended-term sentence because of his past criminal history, according to prosecutors.

Authorities alleged that Bramwell entered the common area of an apartment building on August 1, 2015, and stole the universal remote to the television set, the Chicago Tribune reported.

But, prosecutors say, Bramwell dropped a glove while at the complex, and a DNA sample taken from it was matched to Bramwells DNA in a database of convicted felons, which led to his arrest.

He was alleged to have committed similar thefts of remotes and televisions in other apartment complexes in Wheaton, Lisle, Aurora, Bloomingdale, Downers Grove and Oakbrook Terrace, prosecutors said.

Mr Bramwells illegal activity and his history have finally caught up with him, States Attorney Robert Berlin was quoted as saying.

Regardless of what was stolen, Mr Bramwell repeatedly thumbed his nose at the law. He took what he wanted time and time again and expected to avoid the consequences. Thats not how it works, as Mr. Bramwell has now found out, he said.

Judge Robert Miller sentenced Bramwell last Wednesday. He will be required to serve half the sentence before he is eligible for parole.

According to court files, Miller had in November sentenced Bramwell to six months in jail for contempt for using profane language in court.

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FORT WORTH, Texas: American Airlines will let employees wear Black Lives Matter pins on their uniforms, calling it a matter of equality and not politics.

With the move, American joins Starbucks, Delta Air Lines and other major companies that let employees wear items supporting the movement that protests police violence against Blacks.

An American Airlines spokeswoman said Tuesday that Black employees saw workers at other airlines wearing a Black Lives Matter pin and asked if they could too.

Fundamentally, we believe Black Lives Matter is an expression of equality, not a political statement, said the spokeswoman, Sarah Jantz. It doesnt mean other lives dont matter, rather that in our society Black lives should matter and be valued the same as others.

American is working with Black employees to design the pin. The airline allows other pins including ones supporting Christians, veterans and LGBTQ people.

Starbucks reportedly banned employees from wearing Black Lives Matter shirts, then created one for workers to wear in June.

Americans decision drew mixed reviews on Twitter. Some people praised the airline, while others called Black Lives Matter a domestic terrorist group, a label used by Rudy Giuliani, President Donald Trumps personal lawyer.

Trump urged supporters to boycott Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. after a Kansas TV station reported that it allowed employees to wear Black Lives Matter attire but not clothing with the pro-police Blue Lives Matter or Trumps campaign slogan. Goodyears CEO said the company would let employees wear clothing support law enforcement but would continue to ask workers not to wear attire supporting political candidates while on the job.

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
CHICAGO, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital signage software might also be described as the technical tool used to integrate visual aids with sounds or photos with video clips in order to produce unique advertising and graphic representation of certain images. Application of this platform also requires its utilization as a user experience for immersive digital signage displays. Digital signage solutions do away with the recurrent integration and performance problems encountered with video players and monitors.

360Quadrants, the most reliable comparison website, released the best digital signage solutions quadrant to help buyers make smarter decisions in choosing the right software. Quadrants are developed by the company post-analysis (Product Offerings and Business Strategy) and will be revised quarterly in the digital signage solutions space on the basis of significant industry trends and innovations.

360Quadrants also performs detailed SWOT assessments and evaluates with precision, the companies chosen for analysis. This helps service providers in learning about new opportunities and areas where their rivals lag behind. It enables buyers to select the most appropriate vendor to meet their needs. The platform also considers the latest trends and developments for vendor evaluation. Some of the trends include increasing demand for 4K&8K displays, digitization in commercial spaces, and growing infrastructure in emerging economies.

Digital Signage Solutions Quadrant Categorization

360Quadrants evaluated more than 50 companies in the digital signage solutions space and 26of these 50 companies were categorized as Visionary Leaders, Innovators, Dynamic Differentiators, and Emerging Companies.

Samsung, NEC, Sharp, Rise Vision, Zoom rooms, Raydiant screen Signage, Sprinklr Modern Management, and Screenscape were recognized as visionary leaders in the digital signage solutions space.

Scala, Four Winds Interactive, and Robin have been described as innovators in the digital signage solutions space.

Emerging companies in digital signage solutions are Cnario Digital Signage Suite, Playlister, embed signage, viewneo, Retop LED Display, Shenzen Liantronics, BENQ, and BARCO.

Dynamic Differentiators in digital signage solutions are Cisco Systems, 3M Company, Enplug, OptiSigns, TelemetryTV Digital Signage, and UPShow.

360Quadrants Assessment Method

Top digital signage solutions companies were positioned on a quadrant after receiving inputs from various stakeholders including buyers, industry experts, 360Quadrants researchers, and vendors. Based on the input from research analysts as well as industry experts, a list of vendors was formulated on which a detailed assessment was carried out, considering over more than 65 criteria. These criteria were divided into two main categories: product offerings and business strategy. Criteria of product offerings majorly involved the scope and width of the product/service portfolio, product characteristics and compatibility, quality of products, and impact on customer loyalty. Regional reach, partner network, financial well-being, market presence, and involvement of buyers are criteria of business strategy. The criteria were then measured, and the overall score was assigned to each vendor who was then placed on its appropriate quadrant location.

About 360Quadrants

360Quadrants is the largest marketplace looking to disrupt USD 3.7 trillion of technology spend and is the only rating platform for vendors in the technology space. The platform provides users access to unbiased information that helps them make qualified business decisions. The platform facilitates deeper insights using direct engagement with 650+ industry experts and analysts and allows buyers to discuss their requirements with 7,500 vendors.Companies get to win ideal new customers, customize their quadrants, decide key parameters, and position themselves strategically in niche spaces, to be consumed by giants and start-ups alike. Experts get to grow their brand and increase their thought leadership. The platform targets the building of a social network that links industry experts with companies worldwide.

360Quadrants will also be launching quadrants in fields such as Photo Management Software, Animation Software and Learning Management system.

Contact:

Mr. Agney Sugla

[email protected]

630 Dundee Road, Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

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Protection of interests of businesses and citizens is priority amid pandemic  Supreme Court Head

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

17:30 08/09/2020

MOSCOW, September 8 (RAPSI)  In the period of the pandemic protection of interests of businesses and citizens has become a priority, Russian Supreme Court Chair Vyacheslav Lebedev believes.

Efficient protection of interests of economic entities via administrative proceedings facilitates a better investment climate, whereas protection of the rights of consumers is a key legal institution in a socially oriented state; these issues were of prime importance amid the pandemic, Lebedev said in his opening remarks at the Forum of the BRICS Supreme Courts Chairpersons on Tuesday.

The Chair of Russias Supreme Court reminded that the Forum could be held in such a difficult epidemiological situation due to modern technologies permitting to work distantly.

The event was to facilitate mutual understanding as to issues of administration of justice, confidence and cooperation building, exchange of experience among legal systems, Lebedev observed.

The interaction of Supreme Courts is becoming a must in the situation of new global challenges, among them those relating to the pandemic, which affected the work of national judiciary systems of the participants, the Chair of Russias Supreme Court noted.

Representatives of Supreme Courts of countries being the members of BRICS met in Moscow to discuss problems relating to protection of interests of economic entities by means of administrative proceedings and rights of consumers in the current economic environment on September 8. The event is held in the form of a videoconference. The conference is attended by Chairman of Russias Supreme Court Vyacheslav Lebedev as well as heads of Supreme Courts of Brazil, China, India, and South Africa.
This is the latest in a series of visits by officials from Egypt in the past few months to provide support to South Sudan and discuss cooperation

Egypts Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Mohamed Abdel Aty travelled to South Sudan on Tuesday in an official visit to discuss bolstering cooperation in the irrigation and water resources with his South Sudanese counterpart Manawa Peter Gatkuoth.

This is the first meeting between the two ministers since the South Sudanese minister assumed his post, the ministry said, adding that the talks will tackle bilateral cooperation projects in water resources and follow up on the work being executed in projects implemented by Egypt in South Sudan.

Abdel-Aty said the cooperation history between the two ministries began since a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in August 2006. He added that the two countries signed a technical cooperation protocol in March 2011 and another development and technical cooperation agreement in November 2014.

As per the 2014 agreement, the Egyptian irrigation ministry has been implementing several development projects in South Sudan, which include providing clean drinking water to citizens and establishing marinas to connect cities and villages to allow for easier transport of cargo and passengers.

Abdel-Aty is also set to inspect work at underground reservoirs in South Sudans Juba, the statement said.

The visit by the Egyptian minister is the latest in a series of visits by officials from Egypt in the past few months to provide support to South Sudan and discuss cooperation.

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Director of the National Archives of Armenia State Non-Commercial Organization (SNCO) Amatuni Virabyan has been dismissed upon the order of Minister of Justice Rustam Badasyan, as reported spokesperson of the Ministry of Justice Lusine Martirosyan.

Based on several complaints and applications, the Ministry of Justice launched a study to verify the lawfulness of the activities of the SNCO and had sent an inquiry to the State Revenue Committee of Armenia to obtain information about the tax inspections conducted within the SNCO.

According to the information received, Director of the National Archives of Armenia SNCO Amatuni Virabyan maintained accounting with violations that entailed reduction of tax, and as a result, tax obligations werent fulfilled on time.

Taking as a basis the aforementioned and guided by the law on state non-commercial organizations, by the order of the Minister of Justice of Armenia, the powers of Director of the National Archives of Armenia SNCO have been terminated, and the employment contract concluded on November 27, 2015 has been dissolved, Martirosyan reported.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 10:23:39|Editor: huaxia

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by Olatunji Saliu

ABUJA, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Activities were resumed at the international wing of Nigeria's ever-busy capital airport Monday, as the country recorded its first batch of scheduled flight operations at the facility after about six months of shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

An aircraft operated by Ethiopian Airlines, carrying 120 passengers and 13 crew members, landed at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja at exactly 1:32 p.m. local time (1232 GMT), according to local officials.

It was the first aircraft to land at the airport since March 23 when airports in the country were shut down as part of the measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

According to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), British Airways, Emirates, ASKY Airlines, and Air Cote d'Ivoire were also scheduled to fly into the Abuja airport on Monday.

Local aviation industry experts and officials have described the resumption of international flights as a huge breakthrough in the aviation industry in the most populous African country.

"The international flight that just arrived is a life-saver to all of us in the aviation industry," said Rabiu Yadudu, head of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

Domestic flight operations have been resumed in the country since July 8. "The first flight that did come into domestic wings gave us a lot of confidence that we were coming back," said Yadudu. "Now the international flight. I believe every stakeholder in the aviation sector is happy."

Ahead of the resumption of international flights, the Nigerian government on Saturday barred eight foreign airlines from entering the West African nation, namely Air France, KLM Royal Dutch, Lufthansa, Etihad Airways, RwandAir, Air Namibia, Royal Air Maroc and TAAG Angola.

Some of them were denied permission to enter because Nigerians with tourist visas have been banned from entering those countries.

Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika said the country will not allow nationals and airlines of countries that barred Nigerians to enter their territories amid the pandemic.

On Aug. 27, the Nigerian government announced a one-week postponement of the planned resumption of international flights from Aug. 29 to Sept. 5, saying the move was meant to make adequate preparation in line with the COVID-19 protocols.

Musa Nuhu, director-general for the NCAA, had told the media here that the forms for COVID-19 tests and all other preparations to forestall the spread of the virus had to be fully put in place before international flights could resume.

The country's ministry of aviation said in a statement that about 1,280 passengers would be allowed into Abuja and Lagos airports on a daily basis. Enditem
A 41-year-old mother-of-three died hiking during extreme temperatures of 110F in the Santa Monica Mountains on Saturday afternoon.

The woman, who hasn't been publicly named, was hiking with a friend in the Tapia Park region of the Malibu Creek State Park when she began to feel sick.

The pair, who had been hiking since 8am, decided to turn around and head back to their car when suddenly the woman collapsed and suffered a seizure, the LA County Sheriffs Department said.

Her friend frantically dialed 911, and paramedics with the LA County Fire Department arrived on scene shortly afterwards.

EMTs conducted CPR on the woman for between 20 to 30 minutes but were unable to revive her.

She was pronounced dead at around 2:10pm local time on Saturday, in an area of the park near to Calabasas.

The woman had been hiking in the region, close to Calabasas, since 8am. Temperatures in the area exceeded 110F on Saturday

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Morgan Arteaga told CNN the womans death was most likely heat-related and also the result of natural causes of some kind, but said a coroner would provide the official cause of death at a later date.

The LA County Sheriff's Office did not publicly name the woman. Arteaga said her death was the only heat-related fatality at the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in the area around the time of the woman's death registered at more than 110 degrees.

Malibu Search and Rescue, a unit within the sheriffs department, said it responded to several heat-related rescues Saturday.

Following the womans death, the Santa Monica Mountains trails were shut down through the Labor Day weekend until 5pm Monday as California continued to experience record-breaking heat, dangerous to anyone outdoors. Officials warned against being out in the high temperatures, especially with pets.

Effective immediately, we have been advised that all trails in the Santa Monica Mountains will be closed through Labor Day, the Malibu Search and Rescue team wrote on Twitter on Saturday.

We responded to several heat related rescues today, including one hiker who unfortunately perished. PLEASE DO NOT #HIKE IN THIS #HEATWAVE. #CAwx #LAHeat.

Los Angeles County recorded its highest-ever temperature on Saturday - a staggering 121 degrees in Woodland Hills.

The temperature eclipsed the countys previous record of 119F set on July 22, 2006.

Los Angeles County recorded its highest-ever temperature on Saturday. The thermometer registered a staggering 121 degrees in Woodland Hills, eclipsing the countys previous record of 119 set on July 22, 2006

Despite the extreme heat warnings, some still decided to venture out during the record-high temperatures this weekend.

The Sheriffs department posted Sunday about saving a 22-year-old woman who lost consciousness at the beach, sharing photos of first responders transporting her away for medical attention.

Glad we got this young woman some quick help! Please know your limitations & help take care of yourselves, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's office tweeted.

Other crews reported many rescue operations across the region over the Labor Day weekend.

We just had another remote rescue for a hiker who ran out of water,' the Ventura County Fire Department tweeted Sunday afternoon. We strongly urge that you limit your outdoor activity Be sure to ask yourself this very important question; What are my capabilities?

The Fire Department had warned the public against hiking after reporting eight rescues of overheated hikers as of 2pm Saturday.

Before 11am that day, the Malibu Search and Rescue Team had already responded to two such incidents.

The Sheriffs department posted Sunday about saving a 22-year-old woman who lost consciousness at the beach, sharing photos of first responders transporting her away for medical attention.

Other Crews reported many rescue operations across the region over the Labor Day weekend, including hikers passing out as the result of a lack of water (seen above)

Amid the soaring temperatures, fire departments across California are continuing to battle dozens of major fires in the state as of Tuesday.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning through Tuesday, citing dangerously hot conditions and temperatures between 100 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit in certain regions of the Golden State.

Amid the soaring temperatures, fire departments across California are continuing to battle dozens of major fires in the state as of Tuesday.

Firefighters have fought 900 wildfires since August 15, many of which have been spurred by record-breaking temperatures and other freak weather conditions, including concentrations of thousands of lightning strikes in a number of different areas.

The blazes have burned more than 1.5 million acres  or 2,434 square miles, destroyed nearly 3,300 structures and caused eight deaths.
As the Trump administration pushes for the quick development of a coronavirus vaccine, the leaders of nine biopharmaceutical companies have signed a safety pledge, assuring the public that high scientific and ethical standards will be followed when developing any COVID-19 immunization.

The chief executive officers who signed the pledge include the heads of three companies that are in the midst of third-phase, large-scale clinical trials of coronavirus vaccine developments in the United States.

The vaccine developers include the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based biotechnology company Moderna, Inc., the British drugmaker AstraZeneca and the New York-based pharmaceutical corporation Pfizer.

The other pledge signers were BioNTech, Novavax, Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson and Merck.

Collectively, the nine companies have developed more than 70 vaccines to help eradicate some of the most complex and deadly public health threats in the world, highlighting their experience in clinical development and regulatory rigor, the pledge said.

We, the undersigned biopharmaceutical companies, want to make clear our on-going commitment to developing and testing potential vaccines for COVID-19 in accordance with high ethical standards and sound scientific principles, the companies pledge said.

As part of the their pledge, the companies promised to make the safety and well-being of vaccinated individuals their top priority and adhere to high standards regarding the conduct of clinical trials and manufacturing processes.

They also pledged to only submit vaccines for approval or emergency use authorization after demonstrating safety and efficacy through a Phase 3 clinical study and work to ensure a sufficient vaccine supply and range of options for global use.

Any potential coronavirus vaccines, the companies noted, are reviewed and determined by expert regulatory agencies around the world, such as the United States Food and Drug Administration, and the FDA has set clear guidance for the development and authorization of such immunizations.

The agencys criteria is based on medical principles required to prove the safety of potential COVID-19 vaccines, according to the biopharma companies.

More specifically, the agency requires that scientific evidence for regulatory approval must come from large, high quality clinical trials that are randomized and observer-blinded, with an expectation of appropriately designed studies with significant numbers of participants across diverse populations, the companies wrote in their pledge.

The announcement about the pledge comes as the White House continues to tell the public to expect a vaccine by the end of fall.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent documents to officials in all 50 states as well as five large cities on Aug. 27, telling them that millions of COVID -19 vaccine doses may be available by late October or early November 2020, The New York Times first reported.

The same day, President Donald Trump said in his speech at the Republican National Convention that a vaccine may be developed before the end of 2020, according to the Timess report.

The newspaper pointed out in its reporting there are concerns the Trump administration is trying to speed the distribution of a vaccine along before Election Day on Nov. 3.

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JUPITER, Fla. - President Donald Trump expanded a ban on new offshore drilling Tuesday, an election-year reversal likely to appeal to voters in Florida and other coastal states. Two years ago, Trump had taken steps to vastly expand offshore drilling from coast to coast.

This protects your beautiful gulf and your beautiful ocean, and it will for a long time to come, Trump said as he announced the expanded drilling ban during an appearance at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.

The president signed a memorandum instructing the interior secretary to prohibit drilling in the waters off both Florida coasts, and off the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina for a period of 10 years  from July 1, 2022, to June 20, 2032.

The existing moratorium covers the Gulf of Mexico, and Trump said the new one would also cover the Atlantic coast  a significant political concern in coastal states like Florida.

Trump used the event to portray himself as an environmental steward and contrast his record against that of Democrat Joe Biden. But the Trump administration has overturned or weakened numerous regulations meant to protect air and water quality and lands essential for imperiled species.

The trip comes as Trump steps up his travel to battleground states eight week before the election. From Florida, he headed for a campaign rally in North Carolina, another must-win for his reelection, before returning to the White House late Tuesday.

Trump used the North Carolina stop to campaign against the states restrictive coronavirus guidelines, as he openly flouted the 50-person cap on outdoor events with a rally of thousands of supporters standing shoulder-to-shoulder on an airport tarmac.

Your state should be open, Trump said, baselessly claiming that Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and others were trying to hamstring their economies with restrictions to hurt his reelection. Its a shame whats going on, and Ill tell you what, on Nov. 4, every one of those states will be open. Theyre doing it for political reasons.

Back in Florida, Trump used the taxpayer-funded event to lambaste his opponent with claims that Biden would destroy Americas middle class and give a free pass to the worlds worst foreign polluters.

Biden has called for eliminating carbon emissions from power plants by 2035 and modernizing the electric grid. Both moves would curtail fossil fuel demand. His plan also includes significant direct public spending and tax subsidies for other energy sources, which Bidens campaign says would spur new jobs even as traditional energy jobs wane.

Biden calls out China as the worlds biggest coal polluter and says hed hinge all future trade deals with Beijing on carbon reductions. He supports an international alliance to help other nations afford low-carbon development and pitches a global moratorium on Arctic offshore drilling.

The announcement could open Trump to charges of an election-year flip-flop given that in January 2018 he acted to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans and he has supported efforts to boost American energy production to lessen reliance on foreign sources.

Biden accused Trump of conveniently changing his mind.

Just months ago, Donald Trump was planning to allow oil and gas drilling off the coast of Florida, Biden tweeted. Now, with 56 days until the election, he conveniently says that he changed his mind. Unbelievable. You dont have to guess where I stand: I oppose new offshore drilling.

Trump offered himself as the greatest environmental president since Theodore Roosevelt.

Who would have thought? Trump is the great environmentalist, the president said. You hear that? Thats good, and I am. I am. I believe strongly in it.

But Trump has rolled back numerous regulations designed to protect the environment, from power plant emissions to auto fuel standards to clean water. He withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord, a global agreement to address the emission of heat-trapping greenhouse gases.

The environment has also been the primary target of Trumps push to eliminate regulations, eliminating or weakening dozens of rules that protect the air and water, along with lands essential for imperiled species while reversing Obama-era initiatives to fight climate change.

Trump replaced Obamas Clean Power Plan aimed at slashing greenhouse gas pollution from electric plants and eased automobile fuel economy standards. Under Trump, the Environmental Protection Agency stripped federal protection from millions of acres of streams and wetlands. He lifted restrictions on oil and gas exploration in sensitive areas and shortened environmental reviews of construction projects such as highways and pipelines.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a longtime Trump ally who has opposed the administrations drilling exploration expansion plans, applauded Tuesdays announcement as good news but warned we must remain vigilant in the conservation and preservation of our coastline.

Trump said he had also been discussing the moratorium with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who greeted Trump at the airport in West Palm Beach and attended the Jupiter event. About 200 people attended. Few wore face coverings or practiced social distancing.

Jaclyn Lopez, Florida director for the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, said Floridians will remember it was Trump who previously proposed opening the state to drilling in the first place.

Voters shouldnt be duped by this cheap, last-minute manoeuvr, Lopez said in an emailed statement. It cant even begin to make up for the aggressive efforts to expand dirty offshore drilling since Trumps been in office.

Energy industry groups said the decision was the wrong approach for the times.

Offshore access is critical for growing U.S. energy leadership and providing affordable energy for American families, said Lem Smith, vice-president of upstream policy at the American Petroleum Institute, in an emailed statement. The ban puts at risk hundreds of thousands of new jobs, U.S. energy security advancements and billions of dollars in critical revenue for states, he added.

___

Superville reported from Washington. Associated Press writer John Flesher in Traverse City, Michigan, Meg Kinnard in Charleston, South, Kevin Freking in Washington and Cathy Bussewitz in New York contributed to this report.
A person suspected of having the coronavirus disease in Delhi will not have to show a doctors prescription to get tested, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Tuesday.

Kejriwal made the announcement on Twitter after the Delhi high court ruled that doctors prescription is not mandatory for those opting voluntarily for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactio (RT-PCR) test to detect the viral contagion as the fears of a second peak in the city loom large.

Delhi govt has increased testing multi-fold. I have directed Health Minister this morning that Doctors prescription shud not be asked for testing. Anyone can get himself tested, Kejriwal said in his tweet.

Delhi govt has increased testing multi-fold.



I have directed Health Minister this morning that Doctors prescription shud not be asked for testing. Anyone can get himself tested.  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 8, 2020

According to the high court order, people will need to carry Aadhaar card as Delhi address proof and fill a form as prescribed by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for Covid-19 testing.

The testing will be done on a trial basis and 2,000 tests would be allowed for the asymptomatic patients out of the total 14,000 RT-PCR tests conducted daily in the city, the court said.

The ICMR form specifies the category of patient as per the testing guidelines.The high court noted there was a sharp increase in the number of cases in Delhi and asked private laboratories to allow 2000 Covid-19 tests per day for those who voluntarily wish to undertake it.

The case was heard by a bench comprising justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad, who observed that there is a sharp rise in cases of Covid-19 in Delhi between August 31 till date and the figures are rather alarming. It also directed the Delhi government to set up testing centres including closer to the prominent metro stations so that the commuters can easily get themselves tested.

So far, a doctors prescription or symptoms was a prerequisite to get tested for the virus.
Movie was partly filmed in region where more than one million Muslim Uighurs are allegedly held in concentration camps.

The Walt Disney film, Mulan, is facing renewed calls for a boycott after authorities in Chinas westernmost region of Xinjiang, where some one million Muslim Uighurs are being held in camps, were named in the movies closing credits.

The live-action adaptation of the 1998 animated film of the same title is on livestreaming platforms in the US but has been released on the big screen elsewhere. It is expected to premiere in cinemas in China on September 11  following more than four months of delay because of the pandemic.

Based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese legend, Mulan tells the story of a girl who disguises herself as a boy to join the Chinese Imperial Army to fight the invading Huns and save her father from going to battle.

Why we should #BoycottMulan? Its about hypocrisy. In Hollywood movies, they claim to embrace social justice. In fact, they kowtow to autocratic China disgracefully. They shamed themselves by upholding values they dont even believe in. Movies, should be more than money.#FreeHK pic.twitter.com/Xmgdyl0NOj  Nathan Law   (@nathanlawkc) September 7, 2020

Jet Li, who plays the role of the emperor in the film, told Reuters news agency that he is hoping that the audience will love the film because its such a great, beautiful movie.

But after the films livestreaming release on Friday, observers noticed that the film credited several government agencies in Xinjiang.

Among those that received special thanks was the Chinese Communist Partys publicity department which is in charge of propaganda in Xinjiang.

Place of cultural genocide

Jeannette Ng, a writer and novelist from the United Kingdom, posted a screenshot of the film credits on social media, noting that Xinjiang was the place where the cultural genocide is happening. She noted that Mulan filmed extensively in the region.

According to news reports and witness accounts, there are several sites in Xinjiang where more than a million Uighurs are being held in what China calls vocational skills training centres, but others have said are detention centres.

Uighurs who have escaped China, have confirmed the existence of the facilities since 2017 and say that many of their relatives have disappeared and remain missing.

The Chinese government has acknowledged their existence, saying that they are part of the programme to fight extremism in the northwestern region.





In an opinion piece published in The Washington Post, Asia Society Senior Fellow Isaac Stone Fish wrote that by choosing to film in Xinjiang, the Walt Disney producers were helping normalise a crime against humanity.

He called the film a scandal, noting that the producers worked with four propaganda departments in Xinjiang to shoot the film.

Part of the film was also shot in New Zealand, home of the director, Niki Caro. Reports say the film had a production budget of $200m  the most expensive film ever made by a female director.

Hong Kong pro-democracy leader Joshua Wong said the latest revelation was another reason to boycott Mulan, writing that viewers could become potentially complicit in the mass incarceration of Muslim Uighurs.

This is nice. @Disney now THANKING in its movies the #China security bureau involved in #Uyghur concentration camps! This is the woke capital idea of social responsibility #slavefree https://t.co/sL7wKxkGel  Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) September 7, 2020

Wong had earlier called for a boycott of the film following statements from actress Liu Yifei supporting the China-backed government in Hong Kong. He accused her of turning a blind eye to police brutality in the territory.

The film has also received mixed reviews, with Filipino film critic and award-winning novelist, Ian Casocot calling it underwhelming. Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times praised it as beautiful  even in the small screen.

Walt Disney Studios and Mulans director, Niki Caro, have yet to comment on the controversy.
MYSTIC, Conn., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Whaler's Inn is pleased to announce that David Standridge has joined The Shipwright's Daughter as executive chef. The restaurant, which opened in June 2020, is a new culinary destination in the heart of downtown Mystic and the latest addition to a thriving culinary community.

To celebrate the restaurant's opening, The Whaler's Inn is offering hotel guests a special five-course small plate chef's tasting menu for two for $200, along with a multi-course wine pairing for $80.

David Standridge has been named executive chef of The Shipwright's Daughter in the heart of downtown Mystic, CT. The restaurant opened in June 2020 and is situated within the historic Whaler's Inn. Chef Standridge was previously in New York City, where he held positions at two Michelin star L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Market Table, and Cafe Clover. The daily changing menu draws from the bounty of local farms and waters, reflecting the unique character of coastal Connecticut. The interior of The Shipwright's Daughter, a new restaurant within The Whaler's Inn in Mystic, CT, is vintage nautical with a fresh modern twist. Blue velvet upholstery, crisp white tile with pops of color, reclaimed oak flooring, and brass accents create an upscale but comfortable space. The restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, and hosts a daily happy hour from 3-6 p.m.

Chef Standridge comes to Mystic from New York City. where he spent 13 years in various positions. He earned two Michelin stars working with culinary icon Joel Robuchon before heading the farm-to-table restaurant Market Table in the West Village. Next, he was tapped to create a new health-focused menu concept at Cafe Clover, Clover Grocer and at the revamped Maidstone Hotel in East Hampton.

At The Shipwright's Daughter, Standridge's daily changing menu embraces the heritage of New England. His modern cuisine draws from the bounty of local farms and waters to reflect the unique character of coastal Connecticut. And, with a strong commitment to sustainability and less food waste, Standridge brings a thoughtful, whole animal approach to fish, using all parts to create unique, flavorful dishes, such as a local dry-aged bluefish that uses the top loin, collar and rack and is served with a blueberry kombu mole, pickled blueberries and al dulce peppers, or fluke roasted in a fig leaf, with fermented grapes and fig leaf oil.

Other selections from the dinner menu include a dry-aged yellowfin chop with tuna collar, peppercorn sauce and roast sweet potato; or a rigatoni with tuna Bolognese, bigeye tuna blood sausage and summer tomatoes. The restaurant also serves breakfast, lunch and brunch, and hosts a daily happy hour.

"I couldn't be happier to have found a new home at The Shipwright's Daughter," said Standridge. "I'm pretty jacked to put my own spin on the bounty of New England farms and fisheries, and to contribute to an already first-class food scene. And while we're definitely serious about the food, it's also convivial, and I'd like to think we don't take ourselves too seriously."

"The idea of opening a restaurant was a seed that started to sprout almost three years ago, but it really took root when David joined our team," said Amanda Arling, president of The Whaler's Inn. "We can't imagine anyone more suited to lead this team than David. His limitless creativity and passion for food and people is palpable, and we're excited to see where his vision takes Shipwright's Daughter in 2020 and beyond."

The Shipwright's Daughter's design is vintage nautical with a fresh modern twist. Blue velvet upholstery, crisp white tile with pops of color, reclaimed oak flooring, and brass accents create an upscale but comfortable space that transitions seamlessly from early morning breakfast to late-night noshes.

About The Whaler's Inn

The Whaler's Inn, a historic hotel in downtown Mystic, CT, has been a site of hospitality for more than 125 years. Open year round, The Whaler's Inn provides exceptional accommodations and guest services. Just steps from the Mystic River, the hotel's modern sophisticated coastal design pays tribute to its nautical past. Its five buildings, each from different historical eras, reflect the culture and character of coastal New England. Its restaurant, The Shipwright's Daughter, opened in June 2020 and offers a daily changing menu inspired by the flavors and heritage of the region.

Media Contact

Helen Patrikis

631-553-1370

[email protected]

SOURCE The Whaler's Inn

Related Links

https://www.whalersinnmystic.com


PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is investigating potential securities claims on behalf of investors of NanoViricides, Inc. ("NanoViricides" or the "Company") (NYSE: NNVC) to determine whether the Company engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

The securities investigation concerns whether NanoViricides provided false or misleading information to investors about its activities related to drug development, including a potential treatment for COVID-19.

NanoViricides investors who purchased, or otherwise acquired, the Company's securities between January 23, 2020 and July 13, 2020, both dates inclusive, and suffered significant losses are encouraged to complete Kehoe Law Firm's Securities Class Action Questionnaire or contact Kevin Cauley, Director, Business Development, (215) 792-6676, Ext. 802, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], to discuss the securities investigation or potential legal claims.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C., with offices in New York and Philadelphia, is a multidisciplinary, plaintiffside law firm dedicated to protecting investors from securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duties, and corporate misconduct. Combined, the partners at Kehoe Law Firm have served as Lead Counsel or Co-Lead Counsel in cases that have recovered more than $10 billion on behalf of institutional and individual investors.

This press release may constitute attorney advertising.

SOURCE Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) sent legal notices to two relatives of Telugu poet and writer Varavara Rao, currently in custody over a case filed in connection with Elgar Parishad. The relatives were identified as two of Raos son-in-laws.

One of the arrested is K. Satyanarayana, a professor at the city-based English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), whereas the other son-in-law, is a journalist with an English business daily. The duo was served with notice to appear for questioning on September 9. The Maharashtra police had earlier conducted raids at the residence of Satyanarayana in August 2018. He however has claimed to have no connection with the ongoing case.

The notice stated that their presence was needed to answer a series of questions in connection with the ongoing probe. The duo has also been asked to appear with certain documents which are stated to be related with the case and the ongoing investigation.

It is a fact that I am related to Varavara Rao but I reiterate that I have no connection with the case. NIA notice adds to our family distress at a time when Varavara Raos health condition is not very good and the (Covid-19) pandemic is fast spreading in Mumbai, claimed Satyanarayana, in a statement.

The Maharashtra police arrested Varavara Rao and nine other activists in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist link case which was initially probed by the Pune police and transferred to the NIA in January this year. The case relates to alleged inflammatory speeches made at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune in December 2017, which the police claimed triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial.
'Our strategy should be to 'hold the line' in the north on the Sino-Indian land frontier, but maintain and, if possible, enlarge India's current edge in the maritime south.'

IMAGE: An Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter flies over Ladakh. Photograph: PTI Photo

In 2012, a document titled Nonalignment 2.0-A foreign and strategic policy for India in the twenty first century -- the product of collective deliberations of Sunil Khilnani, Rajiv Kumar, Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Lieutenant General Prakash Menon (retd), Nandan Nilekani, Srinath Raghavan, Shyam Saran and Siddharth Varadarajan -- was released.

The group's activities were administratively supported by the National Defence College and Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi.

One of the chapters in the document titled 'Asian Theatre' has elaborate comments on China, and asserts that India's China strategy has to strike a careful balance between cooperation and competition, economic and political interests, bilateral and regional contexts.

'The better way of responding to limited land grabs by China is for us to undertake similar action across the LAC: A strategy of quid pro quo,' it points out.

In the light of the escalating military stand-off in Ladakh, Rediff.com re-publishes verbatim a part of the chapter Asian Theatre:

China will, for the foreseeable future, remain a significant foreign policy and security challenge for India. It is the one major power which impinges directly on India's geopolitical space.

As its economic and military capabilities expand, its power differential with India is likely to widen.

As is well known, India and China have long-standing disagreements on an agreeable border. Skirmishes and incidents have occurred across the Line of Actual Control.

Our strategy should be to 'hold the line' in the north on the Sino-Indian land frontier, but maintain and, if possible, enlarge India's current edge in the maritime south.

India needs to accelerate the upgradation of border infrastructure

IMAGE: Indian soldiers stand guard as vehicles pass through the Zojila Pass on their way to the Ladakh frontier. Photograph: PTI Photo

This strategy takes into account both the superiority of current Chinese deployments and posture on the land boundary, and the unlikelihood of the border issue being resolved in the near future.

Given that China has managed to settle many of its border issues (at least for the time being) with other, smaller neighbours, the dispute on the Indian border stands out quite prominently.

It is significant that on his last visit to India, (then) Chinese premier Wen Jiabao stated that it would take a long time to settle the boundary issue.

This is a departure from the earlier position that the mechanism of Special Representatives could try to achieve a political settlement of the issue, taking advantage of the fact that relations between the two countries had now acquired a strategic and global dimension -- which made the early settlement of the border issue, both possible and necessary. This has evidently changed.

It is important that we accelerate the upgradation of our border infrastructure (especially in terms of habitation and supply lines) to reduce the asymmetry in our capabilities and deployments.

At the same time we must put in place operational concepts and capabilities to deter any significant incursions from the Chinese side.

It's in India's interest if China remains preoccupied

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi interacts with soldiers during his visit to Ladakh, July 3, 2020.

Currently, India has the edge in terms of maritime capabilities, but China is catching up rapidly.

China's current focus is on acquiring dominance in the Yellow Sea, the Taiwan Straits, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea.

The Indian Ocean falls second in the present order of priority. It is in our interest that China remains preoccupied with its first-tier, more immediate maritime theatre.

The retention of strong US maritime deployments in the Asia-Pacific theatre, a more proactive and assertive Japanese naval force projection, and a build-up of the naval capabilities of such key littoral states as Indonesia, Australia and Vietnam: all may help delay, if not deter, the projection of Chinese naval power in the Indian Ocean.

We need to use this window of opportunity to build up our own naval capabilities. Our regional diplomacy should support this approach by fostering closer relations with these 'countervailing' powers.

This should include a network of security cooperation agreements with these states and regular naval exercises with them.

Why our Tibet policy needs to be reassessed

IMAGE: The Dalai Lama, spiritual head of the Tibetan people, interacts with the media during his visit to the Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya, December 2019. Photograph: PTI Photo/span>

On the political side, our posture towards China must be carefully nuanced and constantly calibrated in response to changing global and regional developments.

China's threat perception vis-a-vis India has both a local and a global dimension. The local dimension involves Tibet. Our Tibet policy needs to be reassessed and readjusted.

Persuading China to seek reconciliation with the Dalai Lama and the exiled Tibetan community may contribute to easing India-China tensions. The initial soundings must be discreet and exploratory.

And we must be mindful of the risk of hostile reaction, particularly from conservative sections of the People's Liberation Army. The situation vis-a-vis Tibet has been complicated by the transition to a democratically elected Tibetan government-in-exile.

The Chinese had, in part, expected that the Tibetan community would continue with its traditional method of selecting the Dalai Lama -- a method that was amenable to manipulation by China.

The Dalai Lama's popular legitimacy among his own people is a fact that the Chinese government must acknowledge.

Need to avoid China's threat perception

IMAGE: Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald J Trump at the Namaste Trump event in Ahmedabad, February 24, 2020. Photograph: ANI Photo

On the global canvas, China looks upon India not as a threat in itself, but as a 'swing State' whose association with potential adversaries could constrain China.

The challenge for Indian diplomacy will be to develop a diversified network of relations with several major powers to compel China to exercise restraint in its dealings with India, while simultaneously avoiding relationships that go beyond conveying a certain threat threshold in Chinese perceptions.

This will require a particularly nuanced handling and coordination of our foreign policy, both through diplomatic and military channels.

If China perceives India as irrevocably committed to an anti-China containment ring, it may end up adopting overtly hostile and negative policies towards India, rather than making an effort to keep India on a more independent path.

India-China economic relations also present a complex and somewhat ambiguous picture.

Bilateral trade is rising rapidly but asymmetrically, with a growing trade surplus in favour of China. We could respond by trying to limit Chinese penetration of our market, particularly our infrastructure market.

Or, we could allow access but with various conditions that safeguard and promote Indian interests in other areas. Given the fact that India's infrastructure market is likely to be in the region of a trillion dollars in the next few years, China would obviously have a keen interest in expanding access to it.

We should see this Chinese economic interest as a point of leverage for trade-offs favourable to us in other sectors, including political concessions in areas of interest to India.

India shouldn't overestimate its bargaining power

IMAGE: A protest against Xi Jinping and Chinese goods after the Galwan clash of June 15-16, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. Photograph: PTI

One of the big concerns in our economic relations is the involvement of China's State-owned enterprises.

Chinese banks are often able to offer preferential financing to Chinese companies because of their scale and because they are not driven solely by market forces.

Many of China's premier manufacturing firms are also state-run, and thus have access to such financing. This means that when Chinese companies participate in competitive bidding for open tenders, they may actually have a big advantage over other bidders, which allows them to place stronger (lower) bids.

However, such preferential financing could also be a useful asset in terms of the volume of infrastructure financing we need so there are multiple questions to be considered here.

How India should systematically respond to such issues is an important, open question.

There is the additional problem of the potential for espionage and intelligence gathering through software means, which was evidenced by the banning of import of Chinese telecom equipment.

Given the asymmetry in the economic and trade relationship, we should not overestimate our bargaining power. It may be more realistic to link large orders to economic and trade concessions, including fixed investments in India-based facilities.

It is also reasonable to expect that growing economic interdependence might help make the political relationship more manageable and less subject to oscillations.

The growing trade surplus between India and China has been a cause for concern owing both to its degree and composition.

Not only is the degree of dependence of Indian industries on Chinese imports on the rise.

But India's main exports seem to be natural resources, whereas its imports are largely higher end manufactured goods.

Given India's large services sector, it should be pushing for greater market access and presence in China to correct this imbalance.

To strike a careful balance between cooperation and competition

IMAGE: At the site of Krishna's butterball, a gigantic granite boulder sitting firmly on the slope of a hillock, in Mahabalipuram, Modi and Xi, October 11, 2019.

One area where India may be able to bargain effectively with China is the domain of technology transfer.

The ability to leverage access to our markets in order to secure access to sophisticated technology, and so develop domestic capacity is something India has not been able to do as effectively as it needs to, especially with developed countries.

For example, when an airline company like Indigo signs a $16 billion deal with Airbus, technology transfer should be a part of the terms of negotiation.

Even India's defence offsets have been quite disappointing in terms of technology transfer, with only the lowest value addition activities being sourced domestically.

China has managed to do this quite well, mainly because the government is able to coordinate the actions of various companies (many of which are state-owned), while India does not have this luxury.

It may in fact be easier to negotiate technology transfer deals with China than other developed countries, which are intensely possessive about their intellectual property.

Huawei, a telecom company from China, has recently agreed to set up a research facility in Bangalore to ensure that none of its imported devices contain any kind of covert listening technologies.

India's China strategy has to strike a careful balance between cooperation and competition, economic and political interests, bilateral and regional contexts.

Given the current and future asymmetries in capabilities and influence between India and China, it is imperative that we get this balance right.

This is perhaps the single most important challenge for Indian strategy in the years ahead.

Kind courtesy: National Defence College and Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi.

This feature was first published on Rediff.com on March 1, 2012.
Hours after the out-dooring of the NDC manifesto for this years elections, it has emerged that the largest opposition party sought to engage in populism, deceit, hypocrisy and to throw dust into the eyes of Ghanaians with the partys social contract with the electorate.

In the light of this, the Bono Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Kwame Baffoe Abronye aka Abronye DC is calling on all well-meaning Ghanaians to reject NDCs manifesto.

He said the newly refurbished manifesto of the NDC is a mixture of lies and hypocrisy.

In a statement, Chairman Abronye DC took a swipe at former President John Mahama for promising to investigate the death of Ahmed Suale, a journalist and J.B Danquah Adu, a former Member of Parliament during the NDCs manifesto launch in Accra last Monday.

At the said programme, the former President said when given the chance again to rule the country, the NDC will commence investigation into the death of Ahmed Suale and other unsolved issues including the murder of J.B Danquah.

He also stated that media freedom under President Akufo-Addo is in disarray because of the death of Ahmed Suale.

However, the Bono Regional NPP Chairman believes that from the above manifesto promise, it is clear that former President Mahama has no respect for Ghanaians and still holds the opinion that Ghanaians have short memories.

Mahama exposed

Recounting a series of gruesome murder incidents that occurred during President Mahamas tenure, Abronye DC reminded Ghanaians that on 15th September, 2015 a 35- year-old journalist of Success FM at Goaso in the Ahafo region, King George Abanga, who also served as a reporter for Peace FM in Accra, was shot dead by unknown assailants.

He was said to be returning on a motorbike when he was shot and killed by the assailants on his way from Sankore to Goaso at about 5pm on Thursday September 10, 2015, where he had gone to report on an alleged stealing of cocoa fertilizers by NDC Executives.

My simple but all important question here is, who was the president and commander in chief of the Ghana Armed Forces in 2015 when that young man (Journalist) was shot dead? What did the president do? Chairman Abronye quizzes.

Again, on the 5th November, several media outlets reported that the chief of Seikwa, Nana Gyimah Ankoana, had been assassinated at Seikwa in the Bono Region. The reports explained that Nana Ankoana, who was hit in the chest and died while being taken to the hospital, was shot around 8pm while relaxing at home.

Apparently, Chairman Abronye stated, John Mahama promised to smoke out the killers of the chief. However, till date the assailants are still in his pocket.

Another high-profile death which also occurred in March, 2014 as reported by the Daily Graphic online, Mr Fennec Okyere, manager of hiplife musician, Kwaw Kese was shot dead in his house in Accra.

Besides, on the 21st June, 2014 Graphic online reported that, the Paramount Chief of the Nanumba Traditional Area, Naa Dasana Andani, had been killed. The chief was allegedly attacked and murdered alongside three other family members at his palace in Bimbilla on Thursday evening by some unknown assailants.

These and several other killings took place in the erstwhile Mahama administration and yet the NDC did not show any seriousness in getting into the bottom of any of those cases.

J.B Danquahs death

For instance, in the case involving the murder of the late J.B Danquah Adu, Chairman Abronye said, the only thing Former President Mahama did was to render the case useless by transferring COP Akuffo Dampare, who first arrested the suspect to the Central Region.

He relegated him from a Regional Commander in Accra to a Divisional Commander in Winneba just a day after the murder and further called for the docket to be transferred to National Security for further probe.

The Bono Regional Chairman accused former President Mahama of masterminding the transfer to cover-up his Aide, Stan Dodge, whose name was first mentioned by the suspect in his initial statement to the Police as received by COP Dampare.
On Wednesday, September 2, New York University (NYU), guided not by an adherence to the latest scientific research but by the interests of private profit, officially opened its doors. The university is endangering the lives of not only thousands of students, faculty, and staff, but countless New York City residents. Over 10,000 students, faculty and staff have been tested for COVID-19 and are now returning to the buildings and classrooms.

The push for the reopening of NYU is part of the broader homicidal back-to-work campaign by the ruling class. This policy has already resulted in the infection of over 6 million people and almost 200,000 deaths in the US alone. Over 30,000 people are becoming sick every day and, according to the Institute of Health Metrics at the University of Washington, if the rate of the viruss spread increases, the death toll could reach 410,000 by the end of the year.

Following the handout of trillions of dollars to Wall Street with the CARES Act, the ruling class is now pushing for a premature reopening of schools so that the parents of children can be forced back to work. The reopening of schools, including of the New York City public school system, the largest in the country, threatens to further accelerate the spread of the pandemic.

In New York, NYU has been at the forefront of the relentless campaign to reopen colleges in the fall since mid-March. To ensure the resumption of in-person work and study, the university has dedicated the last several months to promoting its safety plan, launched under the title NYU Returns, as a sophisticated, responsible, scientifically-approved plan that will ensure the health and safety of the city population as a whole.

In reality, NYU Returns is a ruthless, pseudo-scientific initiative that accepts the inevitability of infection and therefore death. The real goal of the plan is to clear NYU of any responsibility for an outbreak of COVID-19 and exempt it from having to reimburse tuition by placing all the blame on students, faculty and staff.

Plastered across the universitys website is the tagline, Keep Each Other Safe with an emphasis on the importance of individual and collective responsibility. Statements stressing that each student, faculty member, staff member, and administrator makes a significant impact on the well-being of the entire NYU community by wearing a mask, by complying with physical distancing, and by practicing good hand hygiene are included in almost every communication sent from university administrators.

Since the university reopened, 20 students have been suspended for failing to adhere to NYUs safety guidelines. Announcing the suspensions to the community, NYU wrote, Schools are having to pivot away from in-person instruction or close due to COVID-19 outbreaks on campus. These outbreaks have been largely attributed to social gatherings off-campus or in crowded bars and clubs... It took so much work to get here. Please dont be the one who causes NYU to close.

The university also demands that students inform on any of their peers who commit any violation of the rules, no matter how insignificant. This serves no purpose other than providing NYU with more scapegoats.

Over 2,600 undergraduate students are back in the dorms. During their mandatory quarantine, NYU, which charges over $76,000 for tuition, housing and meals every year, did not even provide them with adequate meals. Videos on the social media platform TikTok showed students having to share their meals, provoking outrage across the country.

The university also tried to force all teaching assistants back into the classrooms by banning international students, who are based abroad, from teaching remotely. NYU was forced to reverse this decision amidst overwhelming opposition from students and faculty.

Over the past month, the decision to reopen colleges under conditions where COVID-19 is ripping through the population has proven disastrous. Many major colleges, including the University of Iowa, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Notre Dame, Princeton, the University of Southern California and the University of Alabama, have been forced to revert to online instruction after hundreds of students, staff and faculty were infected with the virus.

Most recently, State University of New York (SUNY) at Oneonta, after fully reopening with in-person classes, was forced to send students home for the rest of the fall semester after 300 students tested positive for COVID-19 within four days, one of the largest outbreaks in New York state in recent months.

Under these conditions, the push by NYU to reopen under a so-called hybrid model is nothing short of criminal. The primary motivation behind the reopening is to maintain the profits generated by the university.

NYU is one of the most expensive universities in the country and takes in hundreds of millions of dollars annually, charging most students over $53,000 for tuition and mandatory fees alone. These costs have only increased over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. In June, it was reported that NYU was raising the price of 12 to 18 credits for undergraduate students by over $700. Despite the drop in enrollment, the university will still be able to rake in a hefty sum.

These policies are not an accident nor the result of bad decision-making. NYU embodies the broader subordination of academia to private profit and the political interests of the ruling class. The universitys board of trustees includes several multi-billionaires and millionaires. The university also has extensive ties to the agencies of the US military and state apparatus.

The same class and political interests that underlie NYUs decision to reopen also stand behind the administrations ever more aggressive promotion of racial politics. Over the summer, the administration, working together with a small student-led-task force, began planning for racially-segregated housing in university dorms. The planned themed floor that the university seeks to implement will be completely comprised of Black-identifying students with Black Resident Assistants.

While Trump and the Republicans openly use racist and fascistic rhetoric, the Democrats promote racial and identity politics, claiming that the fundamental division in American society is between white America and black America. Both factions of the ruling class stoke racial and ethnic divisions to divide the working class and obscure the fact that they are implementing a policy that is directed at workers and youth of all races and ethnicities.

The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), the youth and student section of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP), fights for the unity of all workers and youth across racial, ethnic and national lines. The coronavirus pandemic has completely exposed the capitalist system, which has proven incapable of dealing with a pandemic in a scientific way and has sacrificed the lives of millions to the altar of profit.

The reopening of colleges and schools poses a direct threat to the lives and well-being of hundreds of thousands of teachers, students and parents. It can only be opposed through the revolutionary mobilization of an internationally unified working class on a socialist basis, independent of the trade unions and Democratic Party.

Workers and youth internationally are taking the first critical step in this struggle. Rank-and-file safety committees, independent of all bourgeois parties and their obedient servants in the trade unions, are being established in schools and factories and are fighting to prepare workers in all industries for a nationwide general strike to save lives. We are calling upon students, faculty, and staff at NYU to follow these examples and fight to establish rank-and-file safety committees of their own.

Most importantly, we urge all youth and students who are ready to take up the fight for socialism to contact us today and join our club at NYU.

We urge students and youth in the New York area to register for our upcoming meeting: Oppose the unsafe reopening of schools and colleges: A socialist response to the pandemic which will be held online on Sep 16, 2020 6:30 PM EDT.




Mumbai: Actress Kriti Sanon on Monday penned her mantra on Instagram, and urged people not to consider it a cryptic post.

"My mantra. P.S.: This is not a 'cryptic' post! It isn't for or against anyone! Sometimes things are just that simple. Sometimes there is actually NOTHING between the lines!

"I write because I like penning my thoughts or poetic ideas. What you interpret actually depends on you, and not me," she wrote.

"You can never please anyone, So don't even try. As long as you know your truth, As long as your heart is in sync with your conscience, As long as you still like the person you wake up as, And you understand the one you see in the mirror, You'll find the peace in any storm," Kriti's mantra read.

Kriti has been sharing her thoughts on social media for a while now. Recently, people treated one of her posts as "cryptic" and linked it with late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found dead at his Bandra residence on June 14.
A man from coronavirus-stricken Victoria allegedly lied about having a terminally ill grandfather so he could leave hotel quarantine in Sydney early.

The man, 30, arrived at Sydney Airport on September 4 without an exemption.

Authorities took the man to hotel quarantine, where he was to isolate for 14 days at his own expense.

The man, 30, arrived at Sydney Airport on September 4 without an exemption. Authorities took the man to hotel quarantine, where he was to isolate for 14 days at his own expense. Pictured: hotel quarantine in Sydney

However, the following day the man allegedly claimed to have documents stating he had a valid exemption.

The exemption claimed that he was in Sydney to visit his terminally ill grandfather and he was then allowed to leave hotel quarantine, police say.

NSW Police later determined that the man's grandfather was not in hospital.

Police arrested the man in Penrith, western Sydney, and charged him with failure to comply with a noticed direction in relation to COVID-19 and producing a false or misleading document.

The man was returned to hotel quarantine.

He will face Penrith Local Court on October 12.
By Jenny Erpenbeck

New Directions. 212 pp. $16.95

- - -

"Not a Novel," the latest from Jenny Erpenbeck, bears the subtitle "A Memoir in Pieces," and yet it does not include much memoir, strictly speaking. Though this author's 2017 novel, "Go, Went, Gone," was greeted with acclaim, for the new selection of essays her American editors preferred a shorter selection than appeared in the original German. Thus the author's recollections of growing up in the Communist East, and of the upheavals that followed the Wall coming down - the memoir material, in other words - are confined to a brief opening section.

That section is titled "Life," and indeed, the reminiscences have a crackling vitality. In one, the adult Erpenbeck at last gets to open her "Stasi file," the record kept by the now-defunct secret police, and there discovers middle-school love letters. In another her dead mother's old pressure cooker proves full of surprises. Both memories are expressed with masterful touches of repetition, achieving a telegraphic poetry. Nevertheless, the section comes to no more than a handful of pieces, a number of them only a couple of pages.

Meatier by far is the group that follows, "Literature and Music." These investigations into Erpenbeck's joint calling (she directs opera, as well as writing novels) bristle with erudite allusion, not to mention sheer smarts. Repetition remains a hallmark of her style, but here it turns canny, yielding aphoristic gems: "Both literature and music are closely connected to ... silence, in their essence they are nothing but interpretations of ... silence, at least insofar as they aim to arrive at something like truth." She meditates on forebears from the Brothers Grimm to the late W.G. Sebald, and in the process illuminates fresh parallels between timeless fable and postmodern experiment.

A lengthy trio of university lectures amounts to an (BEGIN ITAL)ars poetica(END ITAL), meditations that address her playwriting as well as her fiction. The three talks resonate with memorable lines ("The world is there in every word, no matter how small") and serve as a centerpiece for the entire text. Combined with the rest of the section's (BEGIN ITAL)belles lettres(END ITAL), the impact is of a master at work, someone who ought to be considered for the Nobel - just as some critics claimed, following her breakout with "Go, Went, Gone."

This latest book closes with "Society," just two essays. These pack a terrific punch, however, as they confront one of our moment's most pressing issues, namely, the untold millions of displaced people seeking asylum. The first offers an obituary, alert to the most telling details, for an African immigrant Erpenbeck came to know in the course of her research. The second, the book's closer, is a lecture delivered in 2018 in deepest Republican Oklahoma. There Erpenbeck has the temerity to affirm the humanity of contemporary refugees - in particular the families coming across the Rio Grande. Boldly citing Donald Trump's notorious obscenity concerning impoverished African countries, she insists, in a ringing if unprintable final line, that we all come from such downtrodden places.

"Not a Novel" cannot claim to be a coherent whole. Nevertheless, its pig-in-a-python ungainliness contributes to the fascination. Variety proves its own reward, since in every guise this artist makes virtuosic adjustments, changes of tone or rhetoric. A couple of essays salute Ovid's "Metamorphoses" as an essential resource, "a living thing ... that ... meets me again and again ... in the various ages of life," and longtime Erpenbeckians will recall her tendency to shift shapes from one book to the next. Her most radical departure led to her most celebrated accomplishment; "Go, Went, Gone" followed a single character through a straightforward chronology (well, mostly), something new for this author.

Despite their differences, these essays come together to assert the value of the writer's vocation. Whatever her subject or tone, Erpenbeck keeps coming back to how her work enables us to know the unknowable, especially in our ever-changing heads and hearts. "It takes an entire lifetime," she contends, "to unravel the mysteries of our own lives," and in that task we have no better tool than fiction, poetry, drama - or even memoir.

Two of the personal pieces in "Not a Novel" are haunted by the death of Erpenbeck's mother. As she warms to a reminiscence about the old woman's cookware, the daughter admits the piece cast a spell. "I get the idea that I should bury the pot. A quiet burial on our land outside the city," she writes. "A very quiet burial, since I don't want anyone to know I'm the kind of person who holds a funeral for a pressure cooker." The incident is at once charming and unsettling, and therefore squarely in keeping with Erpenbeck at her most scholarly, in the university lectures. Here she rises to a preacher's cadence, claiming a mystic power for the storyteller's art: "Literature is indiscreet, its purpose is to be intimate, to tear secrets wide open ... to allow us, the readers, to see and to perceive ... more than one person alone normally can."

- - -

Domini's latest book is a novel, "The Color Inside a Melon"; his next will be the memoir "The Archeology of a Good Ragu."
SANTIAGO, Chile, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Empresa Electrica Angamos SpA (" Angamos " or the " Company ") today announced that it has launched an offer to purchase for cash (the " Tender Offer ") any and all of its 4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 listed in the table below (the " Notes .") No tenders submitted after the expiration date will be valid. The Tender Offer will take place upon the terms and conditions described in the Company's Offer to Purchase, dated September 8, 2020 (the " Offer to Purchase .")

The following table sets forth certain terms of the Tender Offer:









Dollars per Original U.S.$1,000 Principal Amount of Notes Title of Notes CUSIP and ISIN

Numbers Original Aggregate

Principal Amount Aggregate Principal

Amount Outstanding Scaling Factor(3) Tender Offer

Consideration(1) Early Tender

Premium Total

Consideration(1)(2) 4.875% Senior

Secured Notes due

2029 CUSIP: 29246T

AA7 / P3713Q

AA5; ISIN:

US29246TAA79 /

USP3713QAA50 U.S.$800,000,000 U.S.$388,401,700 78.25% U.S.$970.00 U.S.$30.00 U.S.$1,000.00





















(1) Does not include Accrued Interest, which will also be payable as provided herein. (2) Includes the Early Tender Premium. (3) The Scaling Factor reflects the fact that the Notes are subject to principal amortization.

The Tender Offer will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on October 5, 2020, unless amended, extended or terminated by Angamos (the " expiration date "). The Tender Offer may be amended, extended or terminated.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer, the consideration for each $1,000 principal amount of the Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer will be the applicable Tender Offer Consideration set forth in the above table, multiplied by the Scaling Factor. The Scaling Factor reflects the fact that the Notes are subject to principal amortization. Holders of Notes that are validly tendered prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 21, 2020 (subject to extension, the " Early Tender Time ") and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer will receive the Total Consideration set forth in the above table, which includes the Tender Offer Consideration plus the applicable Early Tender Premium, multiplied by the Scaling Factor. Holders of Notes tendering their Notes after the Early Tender Time will not be eligible to receive the Early Tender Premium. All Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer will also receive accrued and unpaid interest on such Notes from the last interest payment date with respect to those Notes to, but not including, the applicable settlement date. The amount of such interest will be subject to withholding tax gross-up using the same methodology as in the Indenture.

Tendered Notes may be withdrawn from the Tender Offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 21, 2020, unless extended by Angamos (the " withdrawal deadline "). Holders of Notes, who tender their Notes after the withdrawal deadline, but prior to the expiration date, may not withdraw their tendered Notes.

An early settlement date will be determined at Angamos's option and is currently expected to occur on September 23, 2020, subject to all conditions to the Tender Offer having been either satisfied or waived by Angamos as of the early settlement date. Angamos will purchase any remaining Notes that have been validly tendered and accepted in the Tender Offer prior to the expiration date promptly following the expiration date. The final settlement date is expected to occur on October 7, 2020, the second business day following the expiration date. If Angamos does not elect to have an early settlement date, payment for Notes validly tendered prior to the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase will be made on the final settlement date.

The Tender Offer is not conditioned upon the tender of any minimum principal amount of Notes. However, the Tender Offer is subject to, and conditioned upon, the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions described in the Statement.

Angamos intends to fund the Tender Offer, including accrued and unpaid interest and fees and expenses payable in connection with the Tender Offer, with cash on hand.

Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (" Citigroup ") is the Global Coordinator in the Tender Offer. Citigroup, Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc. (" Itau BBA "), Santander Investment Securities Inc. (" Santander ") and SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. (" SMBC Nikko ") are the Dealer Managers in the Tender Offer. Global Bondholder Services Corporation (" GBSC ") has been retained to serve as the Tender and Information Agent for the Tender Offer. Persons with questions regarding the Tender Offer should contact Citigroup at (toll free) (800) 558-3745 or (collect) (212) 723-6106, Itau BBA at (collect) (212) 710-6749, Santander at (toll free) (855) 404-3636 or (collect) (212) 940-1442, or SMBC Nikko at (toll free) (888) 868-6856. Requests for the Statement should be directed to GBSC at (toll free) (866) 470-3700 or (collect) (212) 430-3774 or email at [email protected].

None of the Company, its board of directors, its officers, the dealer managers, the depositary, the information agent or the trustees with respect to the Notes, or any of their respective affiliates, makes any recommendation that holders tender or refrain from tendering all or any portion of the principal amount of their Notes, and no one has been authorized by any of them to make such a recommendation. Holders must make their own decision as to whether to tender their Notes and, if so, the principal amount of Notes to tender.

This press release is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to purchase with respect to any Notes or any other securities. The Tender Offer is being made solely pursuant to the terms of the Offer to Purchase. The Tender Offer is not being made to holders of Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. The Offer to Purchase does not constitute an offer to purchase in Chile or to any resident of Chile, except as permitted by applicable Chilean law.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are not based on historical facts and are not assurances of future results. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and estimates about future events and financial trends, which affect or may affect the Company's businesses and results of operations. The words "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect" and similar words are intended to identify estimates and forward-looking statements. These statements include but are not limited to forward-looking statements about the planned Tender Offer. Although the Company believes that these forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, these statements are subject to several risks and uncertainties and are made in light of information currently available to the Company. Estimates and forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and the Company's future results may differ materially from those expressed in these estimates and forward- looking statements.

All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and you should not place reliance on any forward-looking statement contained in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or for any other reason.

SOURCE Empresa Electrica Angamos SpA
NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlantic Street Capital, a private equity firm targeting entrepreneurial businesses poised for the next level of growth, today announced that Whit Williams has joined the firm as Chief Operating Officer. In this newly created role, Mr. Williams is responsible for helping to manage and grow the firm, and sourcing and executing new portfolio investments. He is a member of the firm's Investment Committee.

Peter Shabecoff, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Street Capital, said, "Whit is a proven leader and investor. We are very excited to welcome him to Atlantic Street Capital as we continue the growth and development of our firm. Given his extensive background, he further strengthens our senior team of investment professionals and will help to source new investment opportunities. Importantly, he will also be instrumental in helping us to enhance our best practices and build Atlantic Street Capital for our next generation of leaders."

Andy Wilkins, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Street Capital, added: "Whit is an extremely experienced and talented professional whom we know very well and he is a strong addition to our firm. He will transition seamlessly into this new role and our senior management team looks forward to benefiting from his strategic advice as we continue partnering with business owners and management teams to help grow their companies into category leaders."

"Atlantic Street Capital has an extraordinary track record as an operationally focused investor. I am thrilled to join the team at this exciting juncture in the firm's development to help build on its success," said Mr. Williams. "I have known the Atlantic Street Capital team for many years, supported their investments with debt capital, and have come to admire first-hand the strong, operationally focused partnerships they develop with leading entrepreneurs and management teams as they scale their businesses."

Mr. Williams is former Partner of PennantPark Investment Advisers, a leading provider of credit in companies primarily backed by middle market private equity sponsors. He helped grow the platform from inception in 2007 to $4 billion in assets across a range of domestic and international vehicles spanning publicly traded companies (BDCs) to private capital vehicles and managed accounts. He was responsible for and oversaw originating, underwriting, structuring, negotiating, executing, managing, and monitoring investments across the capital structure from first lien senior secured debt to mezzanine, to preferred and equity. He also oversaw significant strategic and management initiatives at the firm. He served as a Portfolio Manager and sat on the Investment Committee through his entire tenure, investing over $10 billion in more than 550 deals over that time. Prior to PennantPark, Mr. Williams was a Managing Director in the Financial Sponsors and Leveraged Finance Group at UBS Securities LLC. He worked at UBS and predecessor firms, including Dillon Read & Co. Inc. from 1995 to 2007. During his tenure at UBS, he spent four years as a senior member of the Telecom, Media and Technology Group.

Mr. Williams holds a B.A. degree with distinction from the University of Virginia, a CEP with honors from the Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris ("Sciences-Po"), and an MBA/JD from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and School of Law.

About Atlantic Street Capital

Atlantic Street Capital is a private equity firm managing private investment Funds that invest in lower middle market and middle market companies that can benefit from operational resources and support. Atlantic Street Capital's Fund management team are hands-on investors who work closely with portfolio company management to unlock their business' underlying value and help them succeed. The firm's Atlantic Street Capital IV, LP private Fund is currently active in making private investments. For more information, visit www.atlanticstreetcapital.com.

Contact: Chris Tofalli

Chris Tofalli Public Relations, LLC

914-834-4334

SOURCE Atlantic Street Capital

Related Links

http://www.atlanticstreetcapital.com


MUMBAI : The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has sent notices to CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd after a forensic audit confirmed that funds were diverted from the company. The forensic audit commissioned by BSE was given to the company for comments on 4 September, the company said in a stock exchange filing on Tuesday.

According to notices sent by Sebi, certain directors, employees of CG Power and related entities had perpetrated financial irregularities in the company. These include use of certain assets of the company as collateral, including being co-borrower and/or guarantor, for enabling third parties to obtain loans without authorization," said a person familiar with the matter.

The resolution of these allegations is important for the company as its current liabilities exceeded its current assets by 2,798.98 crore, as of 30 June. The company is in the process of implementing a debt resolution plan and entered into a securities subscription agreement with Murugappa Group company Tube Investments India Ltd for an infusion of 800 crore into CG Power.

Sebi in September 2019 had passed an interim order against certain officials of the promoter group and directors of CG Power, including former chairman Gautam Thapar, former chief financial officer V.R. Venkatesh and former directors Madhav Acharya and B. Hariharan. Sebi had held that certain transactions are prima facie designed to divert/siphon off money from CG Power, which rightly fully belonged to its shareholders".

Thapar and the three other officials have been refuting these allegations as they say that Sebis interim actions were based on a biased report commissioned by the company.

In March 2020, Sebi passed a confirmatory order refusing to lift the capital market ban imposed on Thapar and the three others but allowed them to liquidate up to 25% of the value of securities held by them in the company.

Pursuant to the interim order of Sebi, BSE had appointed a forensic auditor to verify the books of accounts, wrongful diversion/siphoning of companys funds and other related matters for period 2015-16 till the date of the interim order. The forensic auditor completed its audit and has submitted its report to Sebi. The company has received the copy of the report from Sebi on 4 September 2020," said CG Power in the exchange filing.

The company has also received follow up notices from Sebi in relation to investigation initiated by them and the company has provided the required information," it said.

The statutory auditor of CG Power, SRBC and Co. Llp, in its report for June quarter earnings said that it is unable to determine the potential impact of non-compliance with laws. The so-called fund diversion is being probed by Sebi, the Serious Fraud and Investigation Office and the Enforcement Directorate. The income tax department has also issued notices and is seeking explanations from the company.

CG Power is also seeking permission from Sebi to share the report with statutory auditor," it said.

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Tehran, Sep 8 : Iran is scheduled to hold the runoff parliamentary elections in nine provinces on September 11 in full compliance with the Covid-19 health protocols.

On Monday, Esmail Mousavi, spokesman for Iran's Elections Headquarters, said that the polling will be held in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Isfahan, Ilam, Alborz, Zanjan, Khuzestan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and Golestan, reports Xinhua news agency.

Mousavi urged the voters to wear face masks and gloves while inside the polling stations which will be disinfected on the eve of the election.

Meanwhile, the runoff parliamentary elections in Tehran and two other cities will be held next year with the nationwide presidential and city council polls.

The first round of the parliamentary elections was held on February 21, and the runoff was initially slated for April 17 but was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
An orca that once spent 17 days carrying her dead calf  a dramatic saga of apparent mourning  has become a mother once again.

The orca, identified by researchers as J35 and also known as Tahlequah, became a symbol in 2018 of the plight of the Southern Resident whales, which were 88 in number when they were listed as endangered in 2005 and have dwindled further since. The new calf, which was seen for the first time by researchers Saturday, brings the population to 73.

Its a bit of a nail-biter right now, said Deborah Giles, a whale researcher at the University of Washingtons Center for Conservation Biology. I cant help but be thrilled that she had this baby and this baby didnt die right away. Everybody is worried and on pins and needles, wondering if this calf is going to make it.

The Southern Resident population of orcas, which are also known as killer whales, includes three pods that largely stay near Washington state and British Columbia. The whales have been struggling to endure a variety of troubles  a scarcity of high-quality prey to eat, noise pollution from ships and boats in their habitat, and toxic pollutants that make their way up the food chain to them. Many of the populations pregnancies fail, and about 40% of the calves that are born die in their first year.

J35 had a calf in 2018 that died shortly after birth off the coast of Victoria, British Columbia. The mother continued to carry the calf, pushing it through the water and repeatedly diving deep to retrieve it when it fell away. Orcas sometimes do that for a little while, but J35s journey of apparent grief lasted 17 days and covered about 1,000 miles, attracting wide attention at a moment when government agencies were grappling with how to alter the populations downward trajectory.

Ken Balcomb, founding director of the Center for Whale Research, documented the newest calf, listed now as J57, in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which separates the Olympic Peninsula of Washington from Vancouver Island.

The baby looked very robust and lively, so I have good expectations for this one surviving, Balcomb said.

He added that he was hopeful that recent efforts could bring back more robust runs of chinook salmon, the primary food source for the Southern Resident orcas. He pointed to the removal of a dam on the Elwha River, which empties into the strait, as a possible turning point.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Two other whales in the pods are pregnant, Balcomb said. Researchers watch each of them closely, he said, because the pods now have only half a dozen families that have been really successful at producing calves. J35 had a calf in 2010 that is still alive.

Photos taken by researchers Saturday show the new calf, J57, poking its head out of the water and swimming alongside its sibling and its mother.

Balcomb said the three pods that make up the Southern Resident population had gathered in an area where salmon were running. He said it looked like a party, with a lot of breaching and communication among the whales.

It was like a big picnic, Balcomb said.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell emerged from the August recess with a new "targeted" proposal to provide relief for the millions of Americans struggling with the economic health care, and educational fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, which is still raging nearly nine months after arriving in the US in January.

Democrats and Republicans remain miles apart on a deal, and many obstacles are likely to prevent them from reaching one before November's presidential election.

Here are three key hurdles to a Covid-19 relief agreement.

The piecemeal question

The majority leader, who sidelined himself for most of August from the negotiations on a Covid-19 package between Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the White House, has once again blamed Ms Pelosi for blocking previous attempts to acquiesce to the GOP's narrow vision for coronavirus relief.

"Everything Speaker Pelosi and [Senate Minority Leader Chuck] Schumer have done suggests one simple motivation: They do not want American families to see any more bipartisan aid before the polls close on President Trump's re-election," Mr McConnell said in a statement on Tuesday as senators trekked back to Washington for a crucial three-week stretch.

"They have taken Americans' health, jobs, and schools hostage for perceived partisan gain," Mr McConnell said.

But Democrats have come down from their initial price tag from as far back as May of $3trn for another round of $1,200 stimulus checks for most Americans, renewed unemployment benefits, funding for hospitals and testing, a flush of cash for states and cities, and several other auxiliary programmes.

Mr McConnell ran the other way. His bill on Tuesday is worth an estimated $500bn, down by more than half from internal GOP discussions in July and August.

Ms Pelosi and Mr Schumer have rallied their parties against previous Republican proposals -- which haven't even had consensus support within the GOP -- denouncing them as hollow and insufficient.

When juiced-up unemployment benefits and rent collection moratoriums from March's bipartisan, $2.2trn "CARES Act" expired in July, congressional Democrats refused Republicans' offer to pass a stopgap measure to renew them, arguing that any bill must include dozens of other urgent steps such as money to secure mail-in voting and billions of dollars more in aid for state and local governments.

The Democratic leaders don't want to relinquish their negotiating leverage for a larger, more comprehensive bill by allowing Republicans to move ahead with, as Mr McConnell has termed it, more "targeted" legislation -- and then call it a day.

"We're not doing short-term action, because if we do short-term action, they're not going to do anything else," Ms Pelosi previously told the New York Times.

On Tuesday, she and Mr Schumer panned the "emaciated" GOP bill as a political ploy "to help vulnerable Republican Senators by giving them a 'check the box' vote to maintain the appearance that they're not held hostage by their extreme right-wing that doesn't want to spend a nickel to help people."

2. The liability poison pill

Democrats panned the 286-page GOP proposal unveiled on Tuesday for including a handful of major provisions Republicans know are non-starters for their counterparts.

The new McConnell bill is "laden with poison pills Republicans know Democrats would never support," Ms Pelosi and Mr Schumer said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

Chief among them is a section of the bill entitled "Coronavirus Liability Relief" that seeks to shield businesses and frontline health care workers from lawsuits stemming from Covid-19 exposure.

"One of the chief impediments to the continued flow of interstate commerce as this public health crisis has unfolded is the risk of litigation," the bill states.

"Small and large businesses, schools, colleges and universities, religious, philanthropic and other non profit institutions, and local government agencies confront the risk of a tidal wave of lawsuits accusing them of exposing employees, customers, students, and worshipers to coronavirus," it maintains.

Under the GOP plan, those institutions would be shielded from lawsuits by their employees related to Covid-19 exposure for five years as long as they take "reasonable efforts" to comply with government guidance and safety standards.

Mr McConnell has said liability protections are a "red line" for the GOP.

Democrats have argued such a rollback of consumer and patient protections would exacerbate the public health crisis by letting businesses skip the necessary precautions against Covid-19 to prevent its spread.

It would also put American workers in the bind of choosing between their physical and financial wellbeing, Ms Pelosi has said.

"If you get sick, you have no recourse because we've given the employer protection," the speaker said in July of Mr McConnell's proposal.

"And if you don't go to work because you're afraid of being sick and you have that job opportunity you don't get unemployment insurance. This is so unfair."

3. The White House

Throughout the negotiating process this summer, the GOP has struggled with internal strife stemming from a Trump administration that wants to spend far beyond what penny-pinching conservatives such as Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Rand Paul Kentucky could stomach.

When lead White House negotiators Steven Mnuchin and Larry Kudlow proposed a $1.3trn bill in July, Mr Cruz decried that as "too damn much money."

Mr Paul likened it to a concoction created by "Bernie Bros."

Illustrating just how far apart the parties are, Democrats said last week they're unwilling to go any lower than $2.2trn on any coronavirus relief legislation.

Mr Kudlow, Donald Trump's top economic adviser, touted the president's series of executive orders helping extend eviction moratoriums, unlock state money grants for a boost to unemployment benefits, and freeze student loan debt collection.

"The president has led," Mr Kudlow told reporters on Tuesday, per the White House pool. "He's doing it alone because the Congress won't do it. I think that's regrettable," he said.

Mr Kudlow did not say whether the White House preferred a stimulus package with a price tag of $1.3trn the administration offered in July or the $500bn Mr McConnell introduced on Tuesday.

One thing Democrats and Mr Trump agree on is the need for a second round of stimulus checks.

The president has floated seeking congressional approval to unlock $300bn to send around another wave of the $1,200 direct payments most Americans received from the Treasury Department this spring and summer.

"It's money that we have -- money that we built up and money that we haven't spent, and I would love to give it to the American people as a very powerful stimulus," Mr Trump said last week.
By Monday, the fire had burned more than 7,300 acres and was only 7% contained, authorities said. Evacuations were ordered, including in parts of Yucaipa, a nearby city of nearly 54,000. It was just one of several fires that continued to burn out of control up and down California on Monday, as extreme heat roasted much of the state.
In the summer of 2019, two younger progressive legislators of color, state Sen. Jessica Ramos and Assembly Member Yuh-Line Niou, endorsed New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer for mayor in 2021. Hes clearly walking the walk on promoting racial and gender diversity, Niou told City & State at the time.

Conversations around race, inclusion and political representation have only been elevated in the year since, thanks in part to the protests following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, and also a Democratic presidential primary that elevated a white, male political lifer in former Vice President Joe Biden out of a historically diverse field.

So the big news at Stringers official campaign launch press conference on Tuesday wasnt so much that Ramos, Niou, and other progressive political allies endorsed his run, but that so many of them are sticking with him, a 60 year-old white man, and endorsing early in the race, despite the political moment.

Im willing to look past identity politics, in this moment, said Amanda Septimo, who endorsed Stringer on Tuesday and is on her way to winning an Assembly seat. Im a young woman of color from the South Bronx, Septimo, who is Dominican-American and Black, told City & State. And while Stringers demographic profile is different, I recognized that we share the same values. And thats rooted in the idea that its not fair that there are places in the city that are consistently left behind.

Niou, who is Taiwanese, agreed, telling City & State that her endorsement is about Stringers consistent record. This is somebody who has stood up on the right side of the issues for so long, she said. That includes police brutality, which has been highlighted this summer by the widespread protests against systemic racism. Im going to go with the guy who literally went to jail, who got arrested alongside folks who got arrested protesting police brutality, Niou said, referencing Stringers arrest during the 1999 protests following the NYPDs killing of Amadou Diallo  something Stringer himself mentioned in his speech.

It doesnt matter what your skin color is as long as you have somebody who is fighting for what you believe in, Niou said.

So far, the other two major potential candidates in the race include Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, who is Black but is a more moderate former police officer, and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who is white and would be the citys first openly gay mayor, but has lately come under fire from progressives for failing to more substantially cut the budget of the New York City Police Department.

Stringer is hoping that many New York City Democratic voters, who also surely care about racial and gender diversity, make the same calculus as the elected officials who backed him. Stringers campaign launch, held at Inwood Hill Park in Upper Manhattan, showed support of a multi-ethnic coalition that included state Sens. Robert Jackson, Alessandra Biaggi, Julia Salazar and Brian Kavanagh, as well as Assembly Members Al Taylor, Catalina Cruz, Linda Rosenthal and Robert Carroll.

Stringer went out on a limb to endorse a number of those now-elected officials when they were challenging incumbents, including Jackson, Biaggi, Salazar and Cruz  which distinguishes him not only from Adams, but also first-time candidates like former nonprofit executive Dianne Morales or Maya Wiley, a former counsel to Mayor Bill de Blasio, who didnt endorse candidates in the 2018 primaries.

But the story isnt a simple quid pro quo. Septimo noted that Stringer stayed out of her race against incumbent Assembly Member Carmen Arroyo. Niou mentioned that Wiley endorsed her reelection campaign this year  one of Wileys very few public endorsements  but that she was still backing Stringer. Similarly, Corey Johnson, another potential mayoral candidate, had backed Ramos, Jackson and Biaggi in their primary races, too.

Asked on Tuesday what hed say to New Yorkers who think its time for a mayor of color, Stringer gestured to the elected officials on his side. Ive assembled what I think is the beginning of a multi-racial, intergenerational group of supporters, he said. I believe people will vote for the mayor who best represents the hopes and dreams of every diverse community.
The legacy of anti-Black racism in tribal nations can be a fraught, uncomfortable topic, one that forces communities who have suffered centuries of land theft, colonialism and genocide to confront the darker corners of their own past. Several tribal officials declined interview requests to discuss the issue.

When we have that difficult history to deal with, we dont talk about it, said Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. of the Cherokee Nation. About 7,000 descendants of Freedmen were incorporated into the Cherokee Nation after a federal judge ruled in 2017 that they had tribal citizenship rights. That history is a stain on the Cherokee Nation weve got to remove, the chief said.

Spanish and English colonizers enslaved Native people across the Americas. But tribes in Alabama, Georgia and Florida also adopted the practice themselves, enslaving African-Americans to work on cotton plantations and in homes. When the United States government forcibly removed the Cherokee, Seminole, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Muscogee people to Oklahoma, their slaves also made the deadly march or were transported west in boats, according to historians.

The Civil War and the question of slavery divided tribes, with some fighting for the Union and other tribal members declaring loyalty to the Confederacy. Some enslavers retreated to Arkansas or Texas to escape skirmishes and raids. Black Indians joined the Union or Confederate armies, and later escaped to freedom in Kansas.

Its a history that still divides our citizens over what rights the descendants of those Freedmen should have, as well as the larger conversation concerning who is legitimately Cherokee, Rebecca Nagle, a Cherokee writer and host of the podcast This Land, wrote this summer after the Cherokee Nation removed two Confederate war memorials in eastern Oklahoma. We need to do more to confront that history within our tribe.

The Freedmen were granted tribal citizenship  and in some cases an equal interest in the soil and national funds of the tribe  in the treaties that Oklahomas tribes signed with the federal government after the Civil War, in which the tribes were forced to cede huge portions of their land to the government.

On the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, there were once three colored tribal towns that formed their own small governments. Despite segregation and racist legal structures, Freedmen served as council members, ministers, judges. Jesse Franklin, who was born a slave in Alabama in 1817, was named to the Creek Supreme Court in 1874  some 93 years before Thurgood Marshall ascended to the United States Supreme Court.
A Roman coin minted around AD 70 to celebrate the conquest of Judea depicted the Jewish defeat as a woman weeping under a date palm. But by the Middle Ages, the famed Judean plantations had died out. Wars and upheaval likely made their cultivation impractical, as did their need for copious amounts of water in summer. So Sallon went on a hunt. A paediatric gastroenterologist who directs the Louis Borick Natural Medicine Research Centre at the Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, Sallon was on a mission to revive old knowledge for use in modern medicine. She had learnt from a dusty archive in Jerusalem that dates were not only good for digestion but were thought by traditional healers to improve blood production and memory, and to have aphrodisiac properties. Dr. Sarah Sallon, who researches natural medicine, measures the fruits of a female date tree, named Hannah. Credit:Dan Balilty/The New York Times

She obtained a few of the date seeds that had been found in the 1960s during an excavation of Masada, the desert fortress near the Dead Sea where Jewish zealots, besieged by the Romans in A.D. 73, famously died by their own hand rather than fall into slavery. She immediately turned to Solowey, who runs the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture at the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies in Kibbutz Ketura. laine Solowey, an arid agriculture expert, measures the fruits of a female date tree, named Hannah, at a greenhouse in Ketura, Israel. Credit:Dan Balilty/The New York Times The institute, established in 1996 after the Israeli-Palestinian Oslo peace accords, is dedicated to advancing cross-border environmental cooperation in the face of political conflict, and offers academic programs to Jordanians, Palestinians and Israelis as well as international students. Solowey planted the seeds in quarantined pots in January 2005, not expecting much, but nevertheless employing a few "horticultural tricks", she said, to try to coax them out of their long slumber, involving warming, careful hydration, a plant hormone and enzymatic fertiliser.

Weeks later, she said, she was "utterly astonished" to see the earth had cracked and a tiny shoot had emerged. Named Methuselah after the biblical patriarch known for his longevity, that shoot has since grown into a sturdy tree outside her office. Loading But Methuselah turned out to be a male, and male palm trees are not good for much on their own. (Gender can be confirmed once the trees flower or by genetic testing.) So Sallon went searching again and chose more than 30 seeds from another stash from archaeological sites in the Judean desert, including Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Planted at Ketura between 2011 and 2014, six of the seeds sprouted. They were given the names of biblical figures when they germinated, but as their genders became clear over time, Judah became Judith, Eve became Adam, and Jeremiah became Hannah.

Hannah's seed, which came from an ancient burial cave in Wadi el-Makkukh near Jericho, now in the West Bank, was carbon dated to between the first and fourth centuries BC, becoming one of the oldest known seeds to have ever been germinated. Loading The research was peer reviewed and detailed in a paper published in February in Science Advances, a leading scientific journal. A month later, there was another surprise. After growing for six years, Hannah flowered in a nearby plot. Now, it was time to play matchmaker. Solowey painstakingly collected pollen from Methuselah and brushed it onto Hannah's flowers, "because I wanted Methuselah to be the father," she said. The night before the picking of Hannah's dates, there was some discussion of what the proper Hebrew blessing would be at the ceremony  the usual one for the fruit of the tree or the "shehecheyanu," a blessing of thanks for new and unusual experiences.

The next morning, both were recited, to a resounding Amen. Hannah's fruit most reminded connoisseurs of the zahidi, an Iraqi variety known for its mildly sweet and nutty flavour. Genetic experts from the University of Montpellier in France said the genotyping for the germinated plants indicated that the older seeds, including Methuselah and Hannah, were closer to eastern varieties that flourished from Mesopotamia to Arabia and all the way to Pakistan. Date palm cultivation is thought to be up to 6500 years old. The younger the seeds, the more they resembled the varieties that flourished west of Egypt, like the moist, treacly sweet Moroccan medjoul date that is popular today and is commercially cultivated in plantations along the Jordan Rift Valley, including at Ketura. It all made perfect sense to Sallon.

Ancient Judea was ideally placed between North Africa and Asia, along major trade routes, and the Romans, who traded all over the Mediterranean, could have brought western varieties with them to pollinate the older varieties from the east. "Putting it simply, what do we find?" Sallon said. "The story of ancient Israel and the Jewish people, of diasporas, trade routes and commerce throughout the Middle East." After the dates were harvested, there was little chance to savour the moment in the ensuing flurry of activity. Minutes after the picking and tasting, the dates were whisked away to be measured and weighed. About a dozen of the hundred or so from the bunch were individually wrapped in aluminium foil, packed on ice and sent to the Ministry of Agriculture's research institute. Even the pips of those that had been eaten were collected for further study. Aside from Sallon's interest in their medicinal properties, there was some banter among the institute staff about mass producing the old-new fruit, with an eye to marketing the fruit as "the dates that Jesus ate," and using the funds for research.
The European Union aims to impose economic sanctions on 31 senior Belarus officials by mid-September, according to media reports. The list also includes the countrys interior minister and the economic sanctions come in response to an election held in August that was allegedly rigged, three EU diplomats maintained.

Almost a month into mass demonstrations against the outcome of the elections, EU wants new elections in Belarus after Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory in allegedly disputed elections. He has ruled the country for 26 years.

Initially, the EU agreed on 14 names but many states felt that was not sufficient and the consensus now reached on another 17, one of the EU diplomat said. The names include the senior officials responsible for the election, for violence and for the crackdown in the country, he added.

READ | Belarus activists go missing, colleagues fear detention

Mutual consensus needed

Furthermore, the EU foreign ministers have given their approval for the sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes and the decision for the same was taken last month in Berlin. However, no clear names were mentioned in the target list. Moreover, Greece and Cyprus are focused on imposing sanctions on Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean and which is why they are yet to extend their support to sanctions against Belarus.

The diplomats said that all 27 EU countries must reach a consensus on these sanctions to ensure tough measures against Belarus. The formal agreement will most likely come on September 21, when the next meeting among foreign ministers takes place. The economic sanctions would then come into effect starting September 22.

READ | Belarus: Thousands march in Minsk demanding President Lukashenko's resignation

Lukashenkos name will not be added

Lately, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have also imposed sanctions on Belarus in the outcome of the crackdown in the country. EU has kept mum over the names on the list as the people may then be warned and would be able to move their assets out of banks. Even though the interior minister Yuri Karaev, his deputy, along with other ministers are expected to be on the list, Lukashenkos name will not be included.

Germany presently holds the six-month presidency of the EU, and wants to push for more dialogue before sanctions are taken out against Lukashenko. Meanwhile, the EU has been cautious about moving too swiftly on punishing officials, as it is wary of intervention from Russia.

READ | Belarus IT workers move abroad as Lukashenko's forces crackdown on mass protests

READ | Belarus activists go missing, colleagues fear detention
New Delhi, Sep 8 : Winston Churchill once defined diplomacy as "the art of telling a man to go to hell in such a way that he asks for directions to it!" Jawaharlal Nehru explained a diplomat's job rather differently: "I want to assure you that India does not expect to lie on its behalf. Never tell a lie but always remember you have no obligation to reveal the truth. The less said the better; the best is to listen." Listening to -- and absorbing -- such nuggets as related to him by his peers is exactly what veteran diplomat Pascal Alan Nazareth did during his 35-year journey in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) as he trod many a difficult path during which he served in a dozen missions abroad -- among them as Ambassador/High Commissioner in five African and four Latin American countries. He also held key positions at the South Block headquarters of the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi -- and even redefined the concept of cultural diplomacy.

Image Source: IANS News

"Challenging, exciting and educative," is how Nazareth summed up his career in an interview to IANS as his autobiography, "A Ringside Seat To History" (Konark) hit the stands to carry forward the insights he gained while in service and in the 25 years since his retirement in promoting Gandhian ideals, promoting peace with Pakistan and lecturing on board cruise liners.

Image Source: IANS News

"I would sum up my IFS career in just three words: challenging, exciting and educative. I use the last word because I learnt many vital maxims during my 35 years in it," Nazareth said.

For instance: "Never hitch your wagon to a political star and always be an upright, intrepid and thoroughly professional IFS officer" - High Commissioner to Britain B.K. Nehru.

Image Source: IANS News

"In a crisis, what is most needed are cool heads and not cold feet" - Foreign Secretary T.N. Kaul.

"Diplomats are essentially peace makers for It is when they fail that the Generals are called in" - P.K. Banerjee, Charge de Affairs in Peking during the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict and later India's Permanent Representative in Geneva.

"Culture is a potent arm of diplomacy... In the sphere of culture India is the super power," Foreign Secretary M.K. Rasgotra.

All this stood Nazareth in good stead in his many assignments as he relentlessly pursued fraudulent and well-connected shipping magnate Dharma Teja in the US and Costa Rica and ensured his extradition to India, crossed swords with nefarious arms dealers in London, handled the aftermath of military coups and bloody executions of the Heads of State in Ghana and Liberia, witnessed a Japanese politician being assassinated in Tokyo and secured major economic gains for India in West Asia and Latin America.

Image Source: IANS News

And, of course, there was his turn-around of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), "taking it from a lethargic, low-wattage cultural body into the strong arms of India's cultural diplomacy" as he put it. Proof of this was the Festivals of India in Britain, the US and the Soviet Union and a raft of other events worldwide that were held during Nazareth's time.

One particularly memorable event was the India-Greek Symposium held at Delphi in 1984, at which Culture Minister Melina Mercouri ("Never on Sunday" - Best Actress Award at Cannes in 1960) went beyond the usual platitudes to describe India and Greece as the "algebra and geometry of world cultures".

Would Nazareth have done anything differently during his career? "I shall always be grateful to the IFS for the maxims (it taught me). As I have done the best I could at every post I have served in, I would not have done anything differently at any of them," he replied.

His varied exposure also served to bring out the philosopher in him, as is evident from the concluding paragraph of the book: "I pray not only for myself but also for my beloved country India, the Mother Civilisation which has produced more sages and holy men, and over the centuries has culturally enriched more of the world than any other country. I feel privileged to have been born on its soil and blessed to have ample opportunities to serve its interests and stand up for millennial values in various parts of the world...I wish to repay to it as best as I can and all it as generally provided me in physical, mental and spiritual sustenance. I pray to its age ld maxims Satyamev Jayate (Truth alone triumphs), Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti (The Truth is One, but has many names) and Udaracharitanam tu Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (For the enlightened, all of humanity is one family) will always be its guiding light and national ethos." Pressed further during the interview, Nazareth said: "The philosophy that guided me in crafting this paragraph is the Advaita philosophy of Adi Shankara. I first learnt of it from Dr. S. Radhakrishnan's ' Eastern Religions and Western Thought' and subsequently from Gandhi's 'Views on Hindu Dharma' and Volume 1 ('Our Oriental Heritage') of Will Durant's 'The Story of Civilization' in which he lauds Adi Shankara as "the "greatest of Indian philosophers, at once the Aquinas and Kant of India".

"Since my younger brother John's sudden and tragic death at Jaipur in May 2014 and the spiritual transformation I underwent thereafter I am a confirmed "Advaitin' even though I am still a "practising Roman Catholic Christian". In Peru I was described as a "Roman Catholic Hindu!" I now describe myself as a "Roman Catholic Advaitin!!" There's a message in this not only for those who conduct diplomacy but also for the world at large - and that is Never Miss The Bigger Picture.

(Vishnu Makhijani can be reached at vishnu.makhijani@ians.in)

-- Syndicated from IANS
A German school in Dublin has slammed the calculated grades system as very flawed after students received way lower marks than previous years in the language.

Only 14pc of Leaving Certificate students at St Kilians Deutsche Schule achieved a H1 in German, compared to 41pc in 2019.

The fee-paying school follows the Irish curriculum but places a strong emphasis on the German language. Some of the students at the school are of a German background.

A total of 24 students were downgraded from their calculated grade mark by one grade level, according to the school.

Eight pupils were downgraded by two levels, while nine students got a grade in line with their calculated mark.

Principal Alice Lynch has written a strongly-worded letter to the Department of Education calling for an urgent investigation.

It cannot be justified in any context given the nature of the school curriculum, students performances in German language exams from Germany and the performance of the school in the Leaving Certificate German exams every year, she said.

The students in St Kilians have been seriously disadvantaged because of a warped bias based on the outcry in the UK. Where is the justice here?

Guidelines given to teachers stated that the schools past performance would be considered as part of the national standardisation. I challenge you to go back and use the past performance for students from this school in German to come up with a fair and equitable assessment of their grades in this subject. We will seek information on the statistics for downgrades in Irish from Gaelscoileanna to compare and establish bias.

Teachers at the school had awarded 19 H1 grades to students.

Ms Lynch said mother tongue students were down-graded from a H1 to H2, or in some cases, a H3.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: "The Department can confirm it has received a letter from the school in question and will respond in due course."
The Theatres Trust has launched a fundraising initiative to help guarantee the safety of venues across the UK.

As part of a major #SaveOurTheatres drive and alongside Crowdfunder, the push sees 40 theatres fundraising pages go live today, with more to follow imminently.

The scheme is backed by high-profile individuals including Jude Law, who said today: "Growing up I was fortunate to be taken to theatres regularly and this was where my love of acting first began. To this day nothing beats the magic of live performance and the connection between audience and performer. We are lucky to have so many amazing theatres, from historic playhouses like Theatre Royal Margate to groundbreaking community spaces like Greenwich to intimate pub theatres like Hampstead's Pentameters.

"But coronavirus has simply devastated our theatre sector. Communities across the UK are in real danger of losing their theatres forever and we risk losing a precious part of national culture and heritage. Theatres are a vital community hub that bring joy to millions of people each year and we must try and save these theatres for generations to come.

"As a Theatres Trust Ambassador, I'm delighted to support the Save Our Theatres campaign, which is raising valuable funds to support theatres throughout the country. Please do give whatever you can to support this campaign."

Venues included in the scheme include Theatre Royal Winchester, Bolton Octagon, Phoenix Arts Club, Pentameters Theatre, The Space, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, King George's Hall, Mercury Theatre, Festival and King's Theatres in Edinburgh and the Almeida.

You can check out the campaign page here.
As a parent, James Jubran found himself frustrated at the lack of realistic nature books for children. As an educator, he saw an opportunity to create a series of childrens books that would be both educational and fun for small children to read. And as a conservationist, he decided to combine the two to raise funds and awareness for conservation efforts.

James and his brother, Luke Jubran, are co-authors of "Conservation Series 1" and "Conservation Series 2," two nature and wildlife book series geared towards children up to age 5. A portion of every book sale goes directly to conservation charities, including Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever and the Texas chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.

Their efforts are 2% for Conservation certified, meaning that at least 1 percent of their sales and 1 percent of their time go to conservation charities.

Related: Houston jeweler will plant a tree if you buy an engagement ring

The Jubrans are avid outdoorsmen, and they hope that creating realistic depictions of wildlife will inspire future generations to respect the inherent beauty of nature and wild spaces. It is really important for those places to be available still, James said. If you look around the world, they're getting eaten up by development every day.

The books are designed to educate young children about nature from a realistic approach without talking animals or scientifically inaccurate statements.

When my son was 2, we would read books together, and I was very unhappy with the selection of books there are for kids in terms of wildlife and animals, James recalled. The general depictions of them are very cartoonish and unrealistic. I feel like it leads children down a path of humanizing animals and personifying them and not really understanding and respecting them the way that they are.

The books feature bright illustrations and simple words, but they are educational and depict animals as they are naturally.

When all (children) see is depictions of animals that are dancing, singing and dressed up, they don't appreciate the natural beauty of wildlife, James said.

The animals dont talk or wear clothes, but the characters are endearing in their own right. For the Jubrans, creating relatable childrens characters that didnt talk or behave like humans was challenging.

It's very difficult to give a narrative to animals that you're not personifying, James said. The wildlife accuracy and presenting the information on the animals was easy for us, but developing a story without giving human characteristics to animals was the tough part.

Scientific accuracy is important to the Jubrans. James is a science teacher in Alief ISD, and Luke works in environmental health and safety. The Jubrans draw their material from their extensive experience in the outdoors, but they also make sure the information in the books is backed by research and peer-reviewed assessments.

As an educator, I don't like seeing kids misinformed, James said. We include a lot of factual information in there that just kind of gets glanced over in other books.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Ventilation expert reveals how Texas schools can stop the spread of COVID in classrooms

At the core of the Jubrans series is a commitment to supporting conservation charities that conserve natural lands and wildlife. The Jubrans donate a minimum of $.50 from the sale of each book to Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers- three 501(c)(3) charitable organizations dedicated to the conservation of wildlife natural habitats.

The brothers also volunteer a minimum of 21 hours with conservation and clean-up efforts on public lands.

As a result, the brothers publishing LLC, Smile Outside, is certified by 2% for Conservation, a nonprofit organization that certified true conservationists.

While certification only requires a 1 percent monetary donation to charities, James reported that Smile Outside has donated more than 7 percent of its sales to date.

Thus far, the book series have been met with an overwhelmingly positive response. Weve gotten a lot of positive feedback from both parents and the outdoor industry, which has been really reassuring to us, James said. Its showing us that people care about wildlife and support conservation.

To learn more about conservation efforts or to order the Conservation Series books, visit www.smileoutside.com.

claire.goodman@chron.com
Luxembourg will divide the proceeds between green and social projects, a finance ministry official told Reuters.

Luxembourg became the first European government to sell a sustainability bond on Monday, raising 1.5 billion euros ($1.77bn).

Its choice of a sustainability bond, a blend of green bonds that finance environmentally friendly projects and social bonds that target spending with socially beneficial outcomes, contrasts with that of other European governments.

Like Germany last week, they have sold green bonds in their efforts to fund climate-friendly spending and support the development of sustainable finance.

Luxembourg will divide the proceeds equally between green and social projects, a finance ministry spokesperson told Reuters News Agency.

With the outbreak of the pandemic, global green bond issuance took a backseat as social bond issuance, especially from development banks, rose sharply.

We are seeing more interest to go down the social and sustainable route from sovereigns, said Trisha Taneja, head of ESG advisory at Deutsche Bank, which managed the sale together with BCEE, BNP Paribas, BIL and Societe Generale.

Last year, Luxembourg launched a 10-step framework to implement the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals and drafted a climate law to cut greenhouse emissions by 55 percent until 2030.

There is no sustainable development if you dont have the social aspects in [the issuance framework] as well, the Luxembourg finance ministry spokesperson said.

Still, Luxembourg ranks the lowest among EU countries in making progress to achieve the UN goals, according to the 2020 Sustainable Development Report. Significant challenges remain in areas like clean energy and climate action.

At 12.5 billion euros ($14.77bn), investors demanded over eight times the amount Luxembourg raised and the bond priced for a yield of -0.123 percent, lead managers said.

Deutsches Taneja said Luxembourgs commitment to disclosing alignment with the EU taxonomy on sustainable finance  rules ensuring investments do not prop up pollution  was appreciated by investors.

Luxembourg will also be able to issue standalone green or social bonds via the bonds framework in the future.
"The United States has long been a beacon for scientists from around the globe, and many groundbreaking discoveries made in research laboratories in this country have been helmed by immigrant scientists," said Jan Vilcek, CEO and Chairman of the Vilcek Foundation. "The outstanding diversity of thought and innovation that immigrant scientists bring to the United States cannot be overstated, especially at the present time when immigration is under assault and visas for foreign scientists who would like to work and study here are being denied."

The Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science recognizes an immigrant scientist for outstanding career contributions to biomedical science and global scientific research. The prize includes an unrestricted cash prize of $100,000 and a commemorative trophy. The recipient of the 2021 Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science is Ruth Lehmann, recently appointed director of the Whitehead Institute and professor of biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences and a Simons Fellow, she is awarded the Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science for her outstanding research leadership in the study of the development of germ cells in animals and genomics . Born in Germany, she received her PhD in the laboratory of Nobel laureate Dr. Christian Nusslein-Voldhard at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Genetics.

"Ruth Lehmann is being recognized for her contributions to the understanding of the biology of germ cells  the cells that in mammals give rise to eggs and sperm," said Vilcek. "Her discoveries made over the span of three decades have not only elucidated the processes essential for the perpetuation of life but have also made important contributions to many related fields." More recently, Lehmann's work has suggested mechanisms through which harmful mutations in the DNA of mitochondria are weeded out  work with implications for treating human mitochondrial disorders.

The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science are awarded to young immigrant scientists whose early-career work represents a profound advance in their respective fields. "This year's cohort of applicants for the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science was the strongest we've ever had," said Vilcek. "It is a testament to the value of immigration to the scientific community in the United States." Each prizewinner receives a $50,000 cash prize and a commemorative plaque. Mohamed Abou Donia, Ibrahim Cisse, and Silvi Rouskin are the recipients of the 2021 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science.

Mohamed Abou Donia, an associate professor at Princeton University, has identified drug-like molecules, including antibiotics, produced by the human microbiome. Donia also developed screening methods to reveal with individual-level precision how drugs are metabolized by the human gut microbiome and he mapped microbiome-encoded genes involved in drug metabolism. Additionally, Donia's work has led to a molecular understanding of the role of chemical defense in the evolution of intricate symbiosis between organisms. Abou Donia was born in Ismailia, Egypt.

Ibrahim Cisse, an associate professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has illuminated the process by which genes are expressed in cells. Cisse showed that the enzyme RNA polymerase II  a central player in the process by which genes are decoded into RNA  forms transient and dynamic clusters while transcribing genes in living cells. His work also revealed that the enzyme and its co-activator each clusters into condensates resembling liquid droplets. Cisse was born in Niamey in the Republic of Niger.

Silvi Rouskin, principal investigator at the Whitehead Institute, has developed methods to predict and unravel the structure of individual RNA molecules in cells. Rouskin showed how structure influences RNA processing and gene expression in human immunodeficiency virus 1, whose genome is composed of a strand of RNA. Recently, Rouskin uncovered the higher-order structure of the RNA genome of SARS-CoV2  the virus that causes COVID-19  in infected cells at high resolution. Rouskin was born in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The Vilcek Foundation has also announced the recipients of the 2021 Vilcek Prize and Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Filmmaking, and the 2021 Vilcek Prize for Excellence in Public Service. All of the prizewinners will be celebrated at an awards ceremony hosted by the Vilcek Foundation in April 2021.

The Vilcek Foundation

The Vilcek Foundation raises awareness of immigrant contributions in the United States and fosters appreciation of the arts and sciences. The foundation was established in 2000 by Jan and Marica Vilcek, immigrants from the former Czechoslovakia. The mission of the foundation, to honor immigrant contributions to the United States, and more broadly, to foster appreciation of the arts and sciences, was inspired by the couple's respective careers in biomedical science and art history. Since 2000, the foundation has awarded over $5.6 million in prizes to foreign-born individuals and supported organizations with over $5 million in grants.

The Vilcek Foundation is a private operating foundation, a federally tax-exempt nonprofit organization under IRS Section 501(c)(3). To learn more, please visit vilcek.org.



Contact

Elizabeth Boylan

The Vilcek Foundation

212-472-2500

[email protected]



SOURCE The Vilcek Foundation

Related Links

http://www.vilcek.org


Carcione's mistake is all too easy to make. When he Googled customer service for Amazon Prime, he hadn't looked closely at the search results. He used one of many fake numbers that pop up in customer service searches for companies like Amazon, as well as for airlines, hotel chains, technical support for major email companies and others.

Crooks pay for carefully worded ads engineered to be at the top when certain phrases are searched. Search engine companies root out fake numbers as fast as they can. But according to law enforcement experts  and growing numbers of people who have called AARP  they remain visible long enough to hook lots of victims.

"Scammers will buy and place fake ads that often elude the filters for the online search engines, says Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser (D). When people are searching for customer service numbers, they are in a hurry and quickly scan for the first phone number they see. Google representatives did not return AARP's calls for comment.

Voice-search devices such as Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa can give you the fake numbers of scammers, too, Weiser says.

Here are some examples of people who have called AARP's Fraud Watch Network helpline in recent weeks:
It is not business as usual at the citys small business retail hub, Tulshibaug market, one of the oldest markets in the city. Covid-19 norms in places the shops and registered hawkers, 800 in all, are open for business. Except, the mode of business, has undergone a drastic change. Nitin Pandit, secretary, Tulshibaug market shop owners association speaks to Dheeraj Bengrut about the new normal for Tulshibaug traders.

What is the day-today business operations like, after lockdown?

When the market first started in the first week on June, there were restrictions - P1 and P2 (odd-even) - due to which, only a few shops used to open daily. Then, after August 5, all the shops opened, every day. August was the festive season, but due to fear of infection, very few people turned up at the market. Only 25 per cent of business is happening. Public is shopping only for essentials and clothes, if needed. General shopping which used to happen earlier is not taking place.

Last month, traders decided to boycott Made in China goods. How is that panning out?

We are all firm on boycotting Chinese goods; the reason is obvious, the India-China border issue. This will not happen overnight. It is a movement and it has begun. To substitute the Chinese products, some of our traders are now manufacturing their own goods with the help of big manufacturers in Ulhasnagar and Gujarat.

What are the guidelines or instructions given by the association to shop owners and hawkers for safety?

There are already guidelines issued by the PMC and the state government, which we have made compulsory for all traders. Face masks are compulsory; sanitisers in every shop; thermal checking of customers when they come inside the shop. Now, some have also kept oxymeters to check oxygen levels. Social distancing needs to be maintained, so we have instructed to all the shop owners and hawkers not to allow crowding. We request and appeal to citizens to please not bring children and senior citizens to the market.

How do you plan to increase business at the market?

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic most of our regular customers and public have turned to online shopping. So, we are also now getting into it. Some of our traders have already started online business. We are now going to make our own mobile application in which details of all the shop owners, their products and rates will be given. We will not use other private commercial shopping apps. People can choose and book their order online and we will give home delivery to the customer. Online platform of shopping will now remain constant and also increase in coming days, and we will also do it for our business development. All social media platforms - WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  will have a Tulshibaug market page soon.
Ridhima Pandey (12), an Uttarakhand-based climate change activist, in her two-page handwritten letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that her worst nightmare is going to school with an oxygen cylinder and has requested the PM to ensure that an oxygen cylinder doesnt become an essential part of the life of children, which we have to carry on our shoulders everywhere in the near future.

Pandey said she was compelled to write the letter as she felt that the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak had shown that if human activities are limited and regulated, we can have less pollution and clear blue skies.

We observed the first United Nations (UN) mandated International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on Monday (September 7) to create public awareness at all levels that clean air is key to health, productivity, the economy and the environment. So I chose this day. I hope the PM will receive my letter and he will respond. I have sent the letter to the PM through post.

ALSO WATCH | India at forefront of developing vaccine against coronavirus: PM Modi

HT has a copy of the two-page handwritten letter.

My name is Ridhima Pandey. I am 12 years old. I live in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. I do hope you will read this letter from me and respond ... Once in school our teacher had asked us about our worst nightmares. I had told her that mine was coming to school with an oxygen cylinder because the air has become so polluted. This nightmare is still my biggest worry, the letter stated.

She cited hazardous air pollution levels in many densely-populated cities.

I am worried that, if nothing is done about this problem soon, then in the coming years, we will have to carry an oxygen cylinder to breathe clean air and survive ... kindly help by ensuring that an oxygen cylinder doesnt become an essential part of the life of children, which we have to carry on our shoulders everywhere in the near future ... the letter added.

Pandey said amid the pandemic, she has come to know about many research studies that are suggesting a link between air pollution and Covid-19-related incidences and mortalities. This is disturbing. Every year in many parts of India, the air becomes very polluted. It becomes very difficult to breathe after October. I worry that if a 12-year-old like me finds it hard to breathe, what it must be like for babies or children younger than me in cities such as Delhi and others, the letter stated.

She stated that before the nation-wide lockdown, we thought that we would never be able to breathe clean air but the restrictions proved us wrong. The air became cleaner and the skies blue. It proved that breathing clean air for Indians is possible...

She said the PM has accepted climate change as a reality.

On Monday, on the occasion of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on behalf of all children of India, I would like to make a request to you. Please think about our future. Please give strict instructions to all the authorities and officers in charge of managing pollution across the country, the letter made an impassioned plea.

Last December, Pandey had started an online campaign urging the PM to talk about the alarming air pollution situation in the country in his monthly broadcast on radio Mann Ki Baat and declare the menace as a public health emergency.

Last year, Pandey had joined Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg and 14 other children at the United Nations Climate Action Summit, a yearly conference held in the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and filed a complaint to protest the lack of government action on the climate change crisis.

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Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, running to former President John Dramani Mahama has said Ghana belongs to all Ghanaians not just a select few.

Speaking at the launch of the launch of the 2020 manifesto of the biggest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) in Accra on Monday night, 7 September 2020, the running mate to former President John Mahama, said the party will not accept the situation where a few elite people determine how to distribute the countrys resources among themselves.

We, that is the NDC, are a party for everyone, she said.

The farmer, the fisherman, the educated, the non-educated, the teacher, the nurse, the vulnerable, the market trader, the hawker, everyone is welcome, the former Education Minister noted.

According to her, We welcome everyone regardless of status or background and we invite you all to join us in building a prosperous country in peace and togetherness for the benefit of all Ghanaians.

What we will not accept is the premise that Ghana belongs to some elite few, who arrogate to themselves the right to determine, amongst themselves, how to share our precious resources, Prof Opoku-Agyemang served notice.

She added: Let there be no doubt that this country, our beloved country called Ghana, belongs to all of us, including generations unborn.

Let our actions bear witness to that and those who receive the high privilege of being elected to serve, must jealously hold and guard the sacred trust of the people, she stressed.

This we pledge to do, she pledged.

---classfmonline
Dear Editor:

As we approach Election Day 2020, American voters of all beliefs are unusually concerned about the integrity of our ballots and the fairness of the counting process.

Surely this is a worrisome first in modern U.S. political history. Hardly a day passes without a swirl of confounding, confusing claims and counter-claims about the possibility of mishandled, miscounted and fraudulent mail-in voting.

There is a simple, fair way to avoid terrifying Election Night uncertainties: Vote in person! New York state now offers 10 days of in-person early voting at convenient sites staffed and administered by county election boards, as well as familiar daylong voting on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Weve already seen, during earlier 2020 primaries, how understaffed county boards were swamped by a deluge of COVID-generated mail-in votes, far beyond usual absentee ballot norms, and needed extra days and weeks to determine the eligibility of thousands of mailed submissions before announcing results. Such a situation invites confusion, chicanery and chaos.

Lets join our neighbors, masked and properly socially distanced, at the voting booths on Election Day or during the extensive in-person early voting opportunities beginning Saturday, Oct. 24. (Check your county Board of Elections website for early voting hours and locations). Together we can avoid having our democratic choices sit uncounted for days in piles of paper and possibly invalidated by mail delays, lawsuits, dishonesty or even violence.

Commit now. Vote in person, and ensure that your voice will be heard as you intend.

Richard Gilbert

Rhinebeck, N.Y.
NAYPYITAW, Myanmar - Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi raised her partys flag at its office in the capital Tuesday to start an election campaign that may be disrupted by a resurgence of the coronavirus.

Her National League for Democracy party is widely expected to again win the most seats in the Nov. 8 general election and Suu Kyi is expected to remain as state counsellor, the de facto head of state.

The main opponents will be the Union Solidarity and Development Party, formed by former generals. Myanmar was under military rule from 1962 until a nominally civilian government took over in 2011.

Suu Kyi said her plan to open her campaign with a tour of her constituency just outside Yangon, Myanmars biggest city, was cancelled because of travel restrictions due to surging virus cases.

Cases have spiked suddenly after Myanmar registered months of relatively low numbers. The health ministry reported 92 more cases on Tuesday morning, bringing the total to 1,610.

The western state of Rakhine, where the vast majority of the new cases have been found, is under lockdown, as are parts of Yangon. Restrictions are in force in several other cities, including the capital, Naypyitaw.

The Union Election Commission has not yet decided on a postponement of the election but has not allowed campaign activities in areas where a Stay-at-Home program has been implemented, which include the whole of Rakhine state and seven townships in Yangon.

The commission has said it will decide in October whether to allow voting in areas where armed struggles are active with ethnic minorities that have battled for decades for greater autonomy.

Wearing white gloves and a plastic face shield over a mask in her partys trademark vivid red colour, Suu Kyi slowly hauled her partys flag up the pole to the blaring accompaniment of campaign music. Her aides observed from a distance, standing a socially distanced few meters (yards) apart from each other.

As she waited for her car at the end of the brief ceremony, she joked with the media, telling them they should cast one vote for her party for every picture they had just taken.

Voters in the November election will choose members of the upper and lower houses of the national parliament as well as the official state and region parliaments. There are almost 7,000 candidates from 94 political parties.

Suu Kyi is by far the countrys most popular politician, even as she has been scorned internationally for Myanmars oppression of the Rohingya Muslim ethnic group. More than 700,000 Rohingya fled to neighbouring Bangladesh to escape the armys brutal counterinsurgency campaign in 2017.

Foreigners who admired her for her non-violent struggle against Myanmars military rule, which won her the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, were sharply disappointed by her defence of the militarys actions. As state counsellor, she does not oversee the military but she has repeatedly denied accusations the army committed genocide against the Rohingya.

The International Court of Justice in the Netherlands is investigating the genocide case.

The 2008 constitution that was implemented during military rule has a clause that bans Suu Kyi from being president because she has children who are foreign nationals; she was married to Michael Aris, a British academic who died in 1999. The post of state counsellor was created to skirt the problem.

Even though her party won a landslide victory in the last general election in 2015, it doesnt have a free hand to implement policy. The 2008 constitution automatically gives the military enough seats in Parliament to block any constitutional change.
Trump coronavirus response a "betrayal of the American people", says Biden

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden says US President Donald Trump committed a "life and death betrayal of the American people" by downplaying the threat of the coronavirus as it began to hit the country earlier this year, despite admitting to journalist Bob Woodward at the time that he knew it was "deadly".

"Weve just learned [...] that the president of the United States has admitted on tape in February that he knew about Covid-19 that it passed through the air," Biden told a campaign event in Warren, Michigan, on Wednesday. "He knew how deadly it was, that it was much more deadly than the flu. He knew, and purposefully played it down.

"Worse, he lied to the American people. He knowingly and willingly lied about the threat it posed to the country for months. He had the information, he knew how dangerous it was, and while this deadly disease ripped through our nation he failed to do his job on purpose. It was a life and death betrayal of the American people.

"Experts say that if he had acted just one week sooner, 36,000 people would have been saved. If he had acted two weeks sooner back in March, 54,000 lives would have been spared in March and April alone."
Headliner

Bronx Community Foundation

Last week, a group of volunteers helped assemble an outdoor dining area on Alexander Avenue in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the South Bronx. The setup accommodates Ceetay and Hudson Smokehouse, two restaurants on the block, and is one of the Rockwell Groups DineOut NYC systems, installed across the city. This one is the first for the South Bronx. Desmon and Derrick Lewis, twins who started the Bronx Community Foundation to support local causes, including small businesses like restaurants, are running this Alexander Avenue project, which benefits restaurants hit hard by virus-related closings, along with Michael Brady from the Third Avenue Business Improvement District. That organization and the citys Department of Transportation assisted. With Covid, this is whats needed now, Desmon said. The street will be closed to traffic on Saturdays and Sundays. Amir Chayon, who owns Ceetay, a pan-Asian restaurant, said: It will allow us to expand. We only had three outdoor tables before. Hudson Smokehouse, which has a classic barbecue menu and meats by the pound, is one of few barbecue places in the borough. It has a couple of picnic tables out front, but the new setup gives it additional seating. Other restaurants on the Alexander Avenue block included in the project are Montes Brick Oven, Beatstro and the Lit. Bar.

Ceetay, 129 Alexander Avenue (Bruckner Boulevard), Mott Haven, the Bronx, 718-618-7020, ceetay.com.; Hudson Smokehouse, 37 Bruckner Boulevard (Alexander Avenue), Mott Haven, the Bronx, 718-872-7742. Montes Brick Oven, montesbrickoven.com; Beatstro, beatstro.com; The Lit. Bar, thelitbar.com.

Opening

The Rooftop at The NoMad

The NoMad hotel has a new restaurant upstairs. With its elegant turret, the hotels rooftop, previously used only for private parties, is now open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open rain or shine, its tented, carpeted, well upholstered and dripping with chandeliers. The chefs, Abram Bissell and Michael Reilly, offer food thats simple and elegant, like a $78-per-person dinner featuring roast chicken with foie gras and truffle stuffing as the centerpiece. The rest of the a la carte menu includes seasonal fare like scallop crudo with charred corn and chiles; basil gnocchi with truffles, zucchini and feta; and roast lamb with eggplant and coriander relish. All social distancing protocols are observed.

1170 Broadway (28th Street), 212-796-1500, thenomadhotel.com.

El Fish Shack

The chef Julian Medina and his partner, Louis Skibar, who own the Toloache restaurants, have broadened their interests. Their latest, a shack that sells fish by the pound for grilling or steaming, looks to New England. Plates of taquitos with lobster and Mexican-style corn on the cob coexist with New England clam chowder, steamers and a swordfish BLT. The new spot shares the kitchen with their Tacuba Cantina Mexicana in Astoria, Queens, and can seat 70 outdoors; takeout and delivery are available. The menu also nods to the neighborhood with a Greek salad and tzatziki sauce. (Opens Thursday)

35-01 36th Street (35th Avenue), Astoria, Queens, 718-786-2728.

Kissaki

This sushi restaurant with a notable omakase started with a single location on the Bowery. Then, it expanded into Midtown Manhattan, in part of the space occupied by the Greek restaurant Nerai, and, this summer, it opened in Water Mill, N.Y. Now, it is adding an outpost on the Upper West Side, in partnership with Cindy Guyer, the owner of Guyers, a cafe and wine bar. It will share the space, and have outdoor seating, takeout and delivery. The company also has plans to open locations in Manhasset, N.Y., and Greenwich, Conn. (Wednesday)

286 Columbus Avenue (73rd Street), 212-577-1151, explorekissaki.com.
Jailed British mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is facing a new charge, Iranian state media announced today.

The 42-year-old and her lawyer were summoned to an Islamic Revolutionary Court and informed of a 'new indictment', the Irib News Agency reported.

Tulip Siddiq, the Labour MP for Hampstead where Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe last lived, said she had spoken to the British-Iranian dual national who was 'taken to court this morning and told she will face another trial on Sunday'.

Jailed in 2016 for allegedly 'plotting to overthrow the Iranian government', Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe insists she is innocent and UK authorities have repeatedly lobbied for her release.

She is currently on temporary release from prison due to the coronavirus pandemic in Iran after serving most of her five-year sentence, but is banned from leaving the country.

Amnesty International, which says her first trial was 'deeply unfair', called today's news a 'terrible blow' and accused Iran of playing 'cruel political games'.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 42, (pictured) is facing a new charge in Iran, state media in the Islamic Republic announced today

Kate Allen, the director of Amnesty International UK, said: 'If confirmed, this would be our worst fears come true.

'This will be a terrible blow for her, her family and for her many supporters and well-wishers.

'Nazanin has already been convicted once after a deeply unfair trial, and there should be no question of her being put through that ordeal again.

'There have always been concerns that the Iranian authorities were playing cruel political games with Nazanin, and that looks to be the case here.'

The charity also called for the UK government to press Iran 'as a matter of absolute urgency' to scrap the second trial and ensure Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release.

Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested at at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport in 2016 and has been kept in solitary confinement for some of her time in prison.

She worked for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of the news agency, but her family says she was on holiday with her young daughter Gabriella and denies she was plotting against Iran.

Nonetheless, she was sentenced to five years in jail for allegedly 'plotting to topple the Iranian government'.

A final appeal was rejected by Iran's Supreme Court in 2017, with Iranian media claiming she had planned the 'soft overthrow' of the clerical establishment.

The following year she was briefly reunited with her daughter during a three-day release but subsequently returned to prison.

In March 2020, she was granted temporary release after Iran became one of the early hotspots of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tens of thousands of inmates were released as Iran tried to curb the spread of the virus in its crowded prisons, and Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe's family said she had a 'strange cold' and feelings of nausea.

A group campaigning for her release from custody later said she was recovering but had not been properly tested.

She is currently under effective house arrest at her parents' home in Tehran due to the pandemic, with a decision on possibly clemency yet to be announced.

She is banned from leaving Iran and is required to wear an ankle tag, allowing authorities to monitor her movements.

Last month her husband Richard Ratcliffe said there was 'clearly a stand-off' and voiced fears of a second court case when her sentence ends next spring.

Jailed British mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe with her husband Richard Ratcliffe and their daughter Gabriella

The UK government has said that the legal case against Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe 'failed to meet international standards'.

Ministers say she is innocent and have accused Iran of denying her medical care during her term of imprisonment.

The Islamic Republic does not recognise dual nationalities, meaning Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe cannot receive formal consular assistance.

Antonio Zappulla, the CEO of the Thomson Reuters foundation, said today's news was a 'very sad development in the ongoing ordeal which sees our colleague Nazanin held hostage in Iran'.

The new charges come after Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe's family linked her detention to a disputed 400million payment made by the Shah of Iran in the 1970s, for tanks which Britain never delivered when the Shah was toppled in the 1979 revolution.

Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe says the Iranian authorities have told her that her release hinges on the money being returned.

But publicly the Iranian authorities have denied any link between the debt and Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe's imprisonment.

UK officials also said they do not 'recognise any linkage' between the debt and her imprisonment, adding: 'It is unhelpful to suggest otherwise.'

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe pictured left holding her daughter Gabriella during a brief period of freedom in 2018, and right with her husband Richard Ratcliffe

Last month, a BBC Panorama programme revealed that Zaghari-Ratcliffe was on the brink of being freed by Iran in 2017 when a release deal collapsed.

Her husband, Mr Ratcliffe, said a date had been named for her return to the UK that year  December 28.

Although it is unclear why the deal fell through, then-foreign secretary Boris Johnson had made a widely criticised intervention in her case a short time earlier.

She claimed she was visiting the country so her parents could meet her young daughter, but Mr Johnson said 'she was simply teaching people journalism, as I understand it'.

Four days later she was summoned to an unscheduled court hearing during which Mr Johnson's comments were cited as proof she was engaged in 'propaganda against the regime'.

Her husband told ITV's Good Morning Britain in August that it is 'completely outrageous' for Iran to be holding people and 'using them as collateral'.

Mr Ratcliffe added he fears his wife could face a second court case once her current sentence comes to an end next spring.
Community concerns about the impacts of wind farms continue to dwindle, with just five complaints about operational turbines registered by the Office of the Wind Farm Commissioner in 2019.

According to the latest annual report by Commissioner Andrew Dyer, obtained by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, his office received 75 complaints overall last year even as the industry continued to expand.

Andrew Dyer, the Wind Farm Commissioner, has found the number of complaints about operating wind farms shrivel to just five in 2019. Credit:Eddie Jim

Of those, 44 related to 23 proposed wind farms and five for operating plants, with the latter down from eight complaints in 2018.

"While the number of complaints, from 2017 onwards, about proposed wind farms remain relatively high compared to operating wind farms, the data indicates an ongoing trend in reduction of complaints about operating wind farms each year," the report found.
Riot police detain a demonstrator during a protest after polls closed in Belarus' presidential election, in Minsk on Aug. 9, 2020. (Sergei Gapon/AFP via Getty Images)

Hundreds of Belarus Protesters Claim Beatings by Police, Demand Justice

MOSCOWArtur Khomenko, an entrepreneur from Minsk, said police officers began beating him with their fists and truncheons after they detained him on the fourth night of huge protests that have weakened Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenkos grip on power.

He said they pulled down his underwear and threatened to rape him with a truncheon, before beating him and making him kneel handcuffed with his face toward the floor for four hours, he said.

Khomenko spent most of the next week in the Emergency Hospital in Minsk with searing head pain and partial hearing loss in one ear. Doctors diagnosed him with a traumatic brain injury, concussion, and bruising across his head and body, medical records reviewed by Reuters show. The hospital declined to comment.

I didnt think this was possible in Europe in the 21st century, the 47-year-old father of five told Reuters. Some (countries) make driverless cars, prepare to send spaceships to Mars, but there, they just maim people and kill,

Khomenko filed a complaint with the police; Reuters has seen an order from an official at the Investigative Committee, which handles investigations into major crimes. An officer instructed him to get his injuries assessed by a medical specialist. Khomenko said he did, but hasnt heard anything back about whether a case would be opened.

His experience isnt unique. Valentin Stefanovich, deputy head of the Spring human rights group, said it had identified 500 cases of police torture across the former Soviet republic since Lukashenko won a disputed presidential election on Aug. 9.

The Interior Ministry and the Investigative Committee didnt reply to requests for comment about the specific injuries sustained by protesters who Reuters spoke to and who alleged abuses.

When asked whether cases would be opened against police, the committees spokesman said it had carefully reviewed all the allegations but hadnt yet identified any cases of police torture that would merit a criminal investigation.

New complaints are still being made, he added. The committee said on Aug. 17 that 700 people had filed complaints about physical injuries they allegedly received while being detained or in custody.

United Nations human rights investigators said on Sept. 1 that they had received reports of hundreds of cases of torture, beatings, and mistreatment of anti-government protesters by police in Belarus and urged the authorities to stop any such abuse.

Interior Minister Yuri Karayev told state television on Sept. 6 that 30 security personnel were still hospitalized with serious injuries.

They talk about the cruelty of Belarusian police, and I would like to say this: there are no police anywhere in the world that is more humane (and) moderate.

Medical Records

The protesters accuse Lukashenko of rigging his landslide election victory and demand that he step down, presenting him with the biggest crisis of his 26-year rule.

The president has praised the work of the police. On Aug. 13, he signed an order awarding medals for impeccable service to some 300 law enforcement officials, including riot officers, police van drivers, and prison guards.

On Aug. 17, he also said that some protesters taken to the Okrestina detention center in Minsk had attacked police; he didnt provide any evidence.

It wont be popular, but Ill say it: the people on the receiving end at Okrestina were the people at Okrestina itself who hurled themselves at the cops. You know who Im talking about, he told a crowd of workers at the MZKT plant-based in Minsk.

Olga Chemodanova, an official at the interior ministry which is in charge of the center in Okrestina, said she couldnt exclude the possibility that such attacks took place, but that it was a matter for the Investigative ommittee.

The Investigative Committee wasnt immediately available for comment on this issue.

Khomenko said police detained him after stopping him in the street and noticing a picture on his phone of a red and white flag, a popular protest symbol. He acknowledged the image, but said he had not been taking part in the protests.

Reuters interviewed 12 Belarusians who claimed they were subjected to police abuse during their detention or while in custody.

A review of medical records from six of them showed a range of injuries, including external and internal bruising, traumatic brain injury, concussion, a vertebral fracture, and a damaged knee.

Three doctors at the Emergency Hospital in Minsk who requested anonymity told Reuters that one person with a damaged rectum had been treated there.

Two of them said the patient, whose identity they didnt disclose, had said he had been raped with a truncheon; they didnt provide the individuals medical records.

Vladimir Rodchenko, a 32-year-old computer programmer, said he had been detained on Aug. 12 for holding up a sign with a portrait of a child who was injured during protests in the western city of Grodno.

The police there said they were looking into the incident, according to local media.

He said officers beat him repeatedly with truncheons across the buttocks and his right leg when he arrived at the police station, and across his arms, legs, and stomach during questioning.

He said he had been unable to walk afterward and was carried to a gymnasium where he and other detainees were made to kneel with their faces toward the floor.

He spent nine days recovering in the Emergency Hospital in Grodno and has filed an official complaint demanding a criminal investigation.

Reuters has seen an order from an official from the Investigative Committee, which, as in the case of Khomenko, requested that Rodchenko have a medical examination. He said he did, but hasnt yet heard whether a case would be opened.

By Polina Nikolskaya
Fire fighters battle dozens of blazes during heatwave that shattered records across the most populous state in the US.

Thousands of firefighters were battling to contain three massive fires in California on Monday, as a record-breaking heatwave lingered across large parts of the western United States.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said 14,800 firefighters were battling 23 major fires across the state, which has the highest population in the US.

The Creek Fire, which began in the Fresno area of central California on Friday, was 0 percent contained as of Monday afternoon, fire officials said despite 850 firefighters on the scene for three days in sweltering conditions.

The blaze, growing under extreme weather conditions, had devoured nearly 79,000 acres (32,000 hectares) of land and its cause remained under investigation, Cal Fire said in a statement.

A hiker who had just begun a multi-day trip when the Creek Fire broke out and had to find a way out of the blaze shared the harrowing experience on social media.

Were safe and were out, but wow, we hiked our way out of the #CreekFire yesterday, Asha Karim posted on Twitter.

We were at the edge of the pyrocumulus cloud, running ahead of its border. At that time we didn't know if it was a new or active fire, nor where it was. We watched our route along the ridgeline disappear into smoke. We pulled out our sat phones to ask around pic.twitter.com/LdsJXjhsFR  Asha Karim (@ashasquasha) September 7, 2020

Firefighters working in steep terrain through the night saved the tiny town of Shaver Lake from flames that roared down hillsides towards a marina. To the north, about 30 houses were destroyed in the remote hamlet of Big Creek.

About half the private homes in town burned down, Big Creek resident Toby Wait said. Words cannot even begin to describe the devastation of this community. And it is a very close-knit community.

A primary school, church, library, general store and a major hydroelectric plant were spared in the community of about 200 residents, Wait told the Fresno Bee.

Searing heat

Sheriffs deputies went door to door to make sure residents were complying with orders to leave. Officials hoped to keep the fire from pushing west into rural towns and possibly Yosemite National Park.

Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters work to douse brush fires in the Sepulveda Basin in the Sherman Oaks area of Los Angeles [AP Photo/Richard Vogel]

On Saturday, rescuers in military helicopters airlifted 207 people to safety after flames trapped them in a wooded camping area near Mammoth Pool Reservoir northeast of Fresno.

Further south, firefighters scrambled to douse several fires that roared to life in searing temperatures, including one that closed mountain roads in Angeles National Forest and forced the evacuation of the Mount Wilson Observatory.

Cal Fire said a blaze in San Bernardino County called the El Dorado Fire started on Saturday morning after a couple let off a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device during a gender reveal party for their baby.

Smoke from wildfires burning east of Los Angeles dimming the sunrise on Monday, September 7, 2020 [Photo/John Antczak]

In eastern San Diego County, the Valley Fire had destroyed at least 10 structures after burning 41.44sq km (16sq miles) and prompting evacuations near the remote community of Alpine in the Cleveland National Forest.

Nearly 400 firefighters are battling the blaze, and video shared on social media showed firefighters dousing the flames, the air thick with ash and fire embers.

The blaze was at only 1 percent containment as officials issued more evacuation orders on Monday afternoon and announced the deployment of military aircraft to help fight the rapidly spreading flames.

Late on Sunday, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, San Bernardino and San Diego counties because of the fres, which also prompted the US Forest Service to temporarily close some national forests to visitors.

Daytime temperatures in fire zones neared or exceeded triple digits.

The centre of Los Angeles reached 44C (111F ) on Sunday and a record-shattering high of 49.4C (121F) was recorded in the nearby Woodland Hills neighbourhood of the San Fernando Valley. It was the highest temperature ever recorded in Los Angeles County, according to the National Weather Service.

Meanwhile, downtown San Francisco set a record for the day with a high of 37.7C (100F) on Sunday, smashing the previous mark by five degrees.

Earlier than usual

The exceptionally hot temperatures were driving the highest power use of the year, and transmission losses because of wildfires have cut into supplies. The California Independent System Operator, which manages the states power grid, warned that up to three million people could lose power Sunday if residents did not reduce their electricity usage.

The #ValleyFire currently has eight air tankers assigned to the incident. When the retardant is dumped it can be a spectacular sight. Video taken 9/6/20 at 5:14 p.m. near Alpine pic.twitter.com/rwyXFpEEbD  CAL FIRE/SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) September 7, 2020

Cooler temperatures were expected on Tuesday but the weather change could also bring winds that could fan the fires.

Pacific Gas & Electric, the states largest utility serving customers in Central and Northern California, warned customers that it might cut power starting Tuesday because of the increased fire danger. Some of the states largest and deadliest fires in recent years have been sparked by fallen power lines and other utility equipment. All of Northern California, the most populous state in the US, is under moderate to severe drought conditions.

California has seen 900 wildfires since August 15, many of them started by an intense series of thousands of lightning strikes. So far, the blazes have burned more than 2 million acres (809,371 hectares) in California this year, setting a state record.

The most striking thing about the record is how early it was set, with the most dangerous part of the year ahead, said Lynne Tolmachoff, a spokeswoman for Cal Fire.

Its a little unnerving because September and October are historically our worst months for fires, she said. Its usually hot, and the fuels really dry out. And we see more of our wind events.

The previous high was 1.96 million acres (793,184 hectares) burned in 2018. Cal Fire began tracking the numbers in 1987.




The number of self-employed people in South Korea has fallen at a far faster pace in 2020 than last year in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, data showed Tuesday.







Asia's fourth-largest economy had 5.548 million self-employed people as of the end of July, down 127,000 from the same month a year earlier, according to the data from the Korea Small Business Institute and Statistics Korea.







The decrease is far higher than the figure from a year earlier. In July last year, the number declined by 26,000 on-year.







Self-employed people with employees numbered 1.345 million as of end-July this year, down 175,000 from a year earlier.







In contrast, the number of self-employed people without employees came to 4.203 million, up 48,000 from a year earlier.







South Korea's self-employed people have been hit especially hard by the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent social distancing measures, which have sent the country's consumer spending tumbling.







Experts have urged the government to come up with measures to support the country's self-employed reeling from the virus-caused economic slump.







The government is mapping out an extra budget worth at least 7 trillion won (US$5.9 billion) to provide "tailored" state support for those battered by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the self-employed. (Yonhap)


Queen Letizia of Spain has once again proved that you don't need designer clothes to look like fashion royalty after stepping out in a recycled 70 tweed dress from Zara today.

The mother-of-two, 47, wore the stylish checked number at an event to mark the nation's Cooperative's Day at Madrid's Palacio de Viana, alongside her husband King Felipe.

Putting safety first, the couple both wore masks when attending the occasion, which celebrates professionals who work for sustainable development and fight against poverty.

Queen Letizia of Spain (pictured with her husband King Felipe) has once again proved that you don't need designer clothes to look like fashion royalty after stepping out in a recycled 70 tweed dress from Zara today

The mother-of-two (pictured), 47, wore the stylish checked number at an event to mark the nation's Cooperative's Day at Madrid's Palacio de Viana, alongside her husband King Felipe

Letizia showed off her sartorial prowess in the patterned navy dress with a billowing skirt and an asymmetrical neckline.

The fitted frock - which was part of Zara's 2019 collection - was nipped in at the waist with a thin black belt, which showcased the royal's slender figure.

Her navy slingback heels complemented the casual style of its frayed hem and she accessorised with a simple pair of silver hoop earrings.

The Spanish royal wore her sleek dark hair down and kept her make-up to a tasteful smokey eye and slick of lip gross.

Letizia previously wore the dress in July 2019 when meeting with the International Congress of the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR).

Letizia (pictured) showed off her sartorial prowess in the patterned navy dress with a billowing skirt and a asymmetrical neckline

Putting safety first, the couple (pictured) both wore masks when attending the occasion, which celebrates professionals who work for sustainable development and fight against poverty

Looking equally sophisticated today, King Felipe sported a navy suit with a white shirt while standing alongside his wife.

Every September 8 in Spain, Cooperator's Day honors professionals who work for sustainable development and the fight against poverty together with the most vulnerable populations on the planet.

Letizia and Felipe have continued to put on a united front amid the ongoing scandal surrounding former King Juan Carlos.

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.

The fitted frock - which was part of Zara's 2019 collection - was nipped in at the waist with a thin black belt, which showcased the royal's (pictured) slender figure

Letizia's (pictured centre with her husband) navy slingback heels complemented the casual style of its frayed hem and she accessorised with a simple pair of silver hoop earrings

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.
By Azernews





By Akbar Mammadov

Irans newly-appointed envoy Seyed Abbas Mousavi has voiced his countrys support to Azerbaijan over Azerbaijans occupied territories and has also said that Tehran is ready to assist in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Mousavi made the remarks while being received by Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jehun Bayramov on September 7.

Touching upon Armenia's continued aggression against Azerbaijan, Bayramov expressed gratitude to Iran for always supporting Azerbaijan's fair position on the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict based on the norms and principles of the international law.

During the meeting, the sides held discussions on the development of relations between the two countries in the form of mutual respect and support, based on deep historical roots. Also, the sides exchanged views on ways to effectively implement the issues on the cooperation agenda.

The issues of continuing successful cooperation on multilateral platforms was also high on the agenda of the meeting.

In the meantime, Iranian Embassy in Azerbaijan issued a statement on September 7 denying reports that its territories were used for Russian military cargo transport to Armenia amid the cross-border escalation in July.

"Regarding the reports in some media about the transportation of Russian weapons and military equipment to Armenia from the Norduz border checkpoint of the Islamic Republic of Iran, we would like to say that these reports are false and unfounded.

The embassy stressed that these reports aim to undermine the developing relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and are untrue.

On the same day, Irans Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Said Khatibzade said during a press conference that Iran does not recognize any borders in order to develop relations with Azerbaijan. He noted that for this purpose, Iran has sent a high-level diplomat as an ambassador to Azerbaijan.

Said Khatibzade added that discussions are underway to organize a trilateral meeting between Iran, Turkey and Azerbaijan.

It should be noted that newly appointed Iranian Ambassador Abbas Mousavi previously served as spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

The Azerbaijani media recently revealed that over 400 tonnes of military cargo have been transported from Russia to Armenia through the air spaces of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran. According to the reports, the military cargo was transported to Armenia during and after the military provocation committed by Armenia in the direction of Tovuz district of the Azerbaijan-Armenia state border last month.

The reports revealed that nine flights were made from Russia to Armenia since last month. Two of these flights were made in the midst of the clashes on July 17. One flight per day was made on 18, 20, 27, 29 July and 4 August, while two flights were made on August 6.




1 Number of Special Adviser appointed by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal since he came on board on May 29, 2015. This is part of cost-saving measure adopted by government considering the nations precarious economic situation.

3 Micro-Finance banks to be established by the State in the three senatorial districts of the state. All paper works have been completed.

4 Communities where the state contributory health scheme has taken off. The communities are Gagi, Shinaka, Rimawa and Sire.

6 Hospitals approved for upgrading to premier health facilities in various parts of the state. Some of these projects include repairs and renovations of the Maternity Unit of State Specialist Hospital, Sokoto and General Hospitals of Tangaza, Illela and Wurno, completion of the second phase of the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, comprising of 47 staff houses, two wards and landscaping. Conversion of Amanawa Leprosarium into Infectious Diseases Hospital, and the conversion MMSH into a Renal and Cardiac Centre.

22 Number of major projects inherited from previous administration and funds provided for their completion. They include projects in housing, energy and power (State IPP), roads, health, rural and community development, agriculture, water resources, mining and building of office accommodation for civil servants and other public workers eg legislators.

22 Doctors and Engineers sponsored for medical and engineering studies in foreign universities under the Higher Education Scheme Programme

25 Number of International Development Partners attracted to Sokoto to work in the health sector.

213 Number of Doctors and Health Professionals engaged to develop Sokoto State Strategic Health Plan for 2016-2020 in collaboration with RTI/LEAD/USAID

300 Civil Servants who benefitted from Home renovation loan guaranteed by the government, and expended through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

500 Units of houses at Kalambaina and Gidan Man Ada inherited from the previous administration and funds provided for their completion.

500 New teachers recruited by government to boost manpower in secondary schools

500 New junior and mid-cadre staff employed into the state civil service. They include drivers, messengers, mechanics and other clerical/administrative officers.

583 Number of NOMA patients to receive free plastic surgeries at the state Noma Children Hospital. Policy successfully implemented in collaboration with French health charity organisation, Medecine Sans Frontier

1000 New millionaires created in Sokoto after the payment of retirement benefits to 1907 pensioners.

8,000 Sokoto students who benefitted from Governments free JAMB forms ahead of the 2016 joint admissions and matriculations board unified tertiary institutions adminission examinations.

6,500 Epilepsy and psychiatric patients who received free medication from government. They were drawn from 65 wards in the 23 local government areas of Sokoto state.

9,000 Tonnes of fertilizer bought and sold to farmers at subsidized rate for the 2015 farming season at the cost of N1.2 billion Naira.

19,000 Estimated number of job opportunities created by the government in the last one year. They include jobs in the civil service, agricultural sector, mining sector and the introduction of the new Primary Healthcare Under-One-Roof policy. All health workers in ministries and agencies working in the local government areas have been absorbed into the state Primary healthcare Development Agency.

N40,000 Money paid to each of the 575 extremely poor beneficiaries under the conditional cash transfer scheme in Illela LGA.

100,000 Tonnes of fertiliser to be produced by the new Ferrtiliser Company to be established in Sokoto by Prime Gold Fertiliser Company. An MoU has already been signed to that effect. 5,000 job opportunities will be created by the company.

N500,000 Money given to each family of the 138 hajj stampede victims. A breakdown of the number showed that 114 pilgrims were confirmed dead, 22 missing and two injured but were later treated and discharged.

$250m Total money to be expended for the establishment of a Tomato Processing Factory by Erisco Foods Limited in Sokoto. An MoU has already been signed while land for the project has been handed over to the company by the Government.

N874.9m Total funds released as counterpart funding for intervention in health along with Dangote Foundation and Bill/Melinda Gates Foundation.

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1,000,000 Children immunised from measles and other child killer diseases in Sokoto in February 2016.

1,193,760 Enrolled pupils/students in the Basic Education Schools for the 2015/2016 academic session in Sokoto State.

N10,000,000 Expended monthly to provide free drugs to patients in hospitals and other health facilities in Sokoto.

N33,500,000 Expended every month by the Zakat and Endowment Committee for the payment of N6,500 monthly stipends to under-privileged members of the society as part of governments initiative to tackle extreme poverty.

N851,422,034 Expended in the expansion and complete renovation of GGC Rabah (N301,442,835), GGMSS Illela (N174,571,772), GSS Tureta (N241,305,893) and GGADSS S/Birni (N134,101,534) under the school renovation and expansion project.

N1,000,000,000 Expended in the payment of tuition/living expenses to our students studying in various disciplines across the globe. Presently, Sokoto has over 342 foreign students under FULL sponsorship by the Sokoto State Government and we have also have over 17,000 students studying various courses in Institutions of higher learning, within the country.

N1,194,741,000 Appropriated for the establishment of a Boarding Secondary School in Gudu LGA. The school will improve enrolment, retention and transition of pupils from Primary to Secondary Schools in the Local Government and its neighbours, such as Tangaza and Illela.

N1,207,080,000 Funds expended in the purchase of fertiliser for the 2016 cropping season.

N1,500,000,000 Redundant funds recovered by Government from 100 previously unknown accounts in various commercial banks after the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) payment system.

N1,660,000,000 Funds expended in the provision of water pumps, seedlings, drilling tube wells and other agricultural machineries for farmers.

N1,690,000,000 For the procurement of 1000 units of Tiller Machines for farmers in the state.

N2,000,000,000 Money set aside by Sokoto State Government and the Bank of Industry (BoI) as intervention funds for the development of micro, small and medium scale enterprises in the state.

N2,000,000,000 Another N2 billion set aside for intervention in social sectors for the implementation of UNICEFs 2016 Work Plan in Sokoto. The sectors are education, health, environment, sanitation and nutrition.

N3,200,000,000 Released as counterpart fund to fight Neglected Tropical Diseases with Sight Savers International.

N3,300,000,000 Investment attracted to the state through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company for expansion of critical infrastructure in the power sector.

N34,500,000,000 Allocation to education sector in the 2016 budget. It represents 29% of the total budget outlay and is the highest of any sector.
The 19th annual Mayors Celebration of Diversity will be held virtually 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sept. 16. The awards recognize diversity within local organizations. Emcees will be Fanchon Stinger and Dan Spehler of Fox 59. The keynote speaker will be Janet Stovall, executive speechwriter, cultural change agent and TED speaker. Tamika Catchings, owner of Teas Me Cafe Indy and former Indiana Fever player and Olympic gold medalist; Sean Huddleston, president of Martin University; Angela Smith Jones, vice president of diversity and inclusion of Health and Hospital Corporation; and Derris Ross, founder of the Ross Foundation, will also speak during the awards.

For more information, visit https://employindy.org/connect/mcod/.

Grants support women and girls

Womens Fund of Central Indiana, a Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), distributed grants totaling $95,500 to organizations serving women and girls adversely affected by COVID-19.

Organizations receiving grants are:

Community Alliance of the Far Eastside, $9,000

John P. Craine House, $10,000

Dress for Success, $7,000

Domestic Violence Network, $10,000

Exodus Refugee Immigration, $10,000

Gennesaret Free Clinic, $10,000

Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, $7,000

Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, $7,500

Indiana Institute for Working Families, $5,000

Indiana Women in Need, $10,000

Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, $10,000

Conference for Women rescheduled

The Indiana Conference for Women rescheduled the 10 annual conference to Nov. 3, 2021. The largest conference of its kind in the Midwest, attracting more than 2,000 women from Indiana and nearby states, the one-day conference spotlights professional and personal development with workshops, seminars, keynote speakers and networking opportunities.

Organizers are working to reschedule keynote speakers Taraji P. Henson, Cynthia Germanotta and Betsey Johnson.

Indiana Conference for Women will offer webinars and podcasts throughout the year, starting at 2 p.m. Sept. 24. The podcast will feature Dr. Kristina Box, Indiana Department of Health commissioner; Dr. Jennifer Sullivan, Family and Indiana Social Services Administration secretary; and Dr. Virginia Caine, Marion County Public Health Department director.

Hotline open

The Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology homework hotline, AskRose, is open 7-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday during the school year. Rose-Hulman students are available to help students in grades 6-12 with math and science homework by phone, email or chat. Students can call 877-ASK-ROSE (877-275-7673) or visit AskRose.org. The homework hotline is free.

YMCA eLearning Labs

The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has opened eLearning Labs to help students in grades 6-12 in need of internet service or a school-like setting to complete school work.

The eLearning Labs are available noon to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Avondale Meadows YMCA, Baxter YMCA and OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA. Up to two hours may be reserved at a time by registering here.

Students must answer health screening questions and maintain social distancing measures. Fifteen minutes is reserved between each two-hour block for cleaning and sanitizing.

Libraries receive funding to address racial injustice

Indiana libraries, schools, universities and nonprofit organizations received grants to buy books, digital materials and films that address racial injustice in America from the Indiana Humanities Advancing Racial Equity Collection Development Grants. One hundred and fifty nonprofit organizations in 60 counties received grants ranging from $290 to $1,000.

The Lilly Endowment provided Indiana Humanities $134,264 to distribute to libraries and add books to the Indiana Novel Conversations statewide lending library. Lilly Endowment also awarded IndyPL $140,000 to purchase titles about racial equality.

Indianapolis-area grant recipients:

Avon Washington Township Public Library, Avon, $1,000

Ben Davis High School, Indianapolis, $500

Brownsburg Public Library, Brownsburg, $1,000

Cardinal Ritter High School, Indianapolis, $500

Center for Inquiry 2, Indianapolis, $1,000

Center for Inquiry 27, Indianapolis, $831

Center for Inquiry 84, Indianapolis, $985

Center for Inquiry 70, Indianapolis, $1,000

College Park Elementary School, Indianapolis, $1,000

Covenant Christian High School, Indianapolis, $1,000

Decatur Central High School, Indianapolis, $991

Decatur Elementary Learning Center Library, Indianapolis, $285

Decatur Middle School, Indianapolis, $882

Eagle Creek Elementary School, Indianapolis, $993

Eastbrook Elementary School, Indianapolis, $995

Eman Schools, Fishers, $940

Franklin Central High School, Indianapolis, $1,000

Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, $999

Goshen Public Library, Goshen, $1,000

Greenwood Public Library, Greenwood, $1,000

Guerin Catholic High School, Noblesville, $509

Harris Academy, Brownsburg, $998

Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, $881

Heritage Christian School, Indianapolis, $1,000

Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School, Beech Grove, $995

Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library, Zionsville, $1,000

Indiana School for Blind and Visually Impaired, Indianapolis, $1,855

Indiana Womens Prison  Indiana Department of Correction, Indianapolis, $493

Indianapolis Metropolitan High School, Indianapolis, $1,000

IPS/Butler Lab School 55, Indianapolis, $1,000

IUPUI University Library, Indianapolis, $1,000

Ivy Tech Community College, Indianapolis, $1,000

Johnson County Public Library, Franklin, $1,000

Kennedy King Memorial Initiative, Indianapolis, $998

Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, Indianapolis, $761

Madison Correctional Facility  Indiana Department of Correction, Indianapolis, $578

Miami Correctional Facility  Indiana Department of Correction, Indianapolis, $1,000

MSD Pike TownshipGuion Creek Elementary, Indianapolis, $999

New Augusta Public Academy  South Library, Indianapolis, $1,000

Noblesville West Middle School, Noblesville, $962

North Central High School, Indianapolis, $997

Orchard Park Elementary, Indianapolis, $560

Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library, Plainfield, $711

Rockville Correctional Facility  Indiana Department of Correction, Indianapolis, $478

Rousseau McClellan, Indianapolis, $993

School on Wheels, Indianapolis, $997

Speedway Public Library, Indianapolis, $456

Stephen Decatur Elementary, Indianapolis, $285

Valley Mills Elementary, Indianapolis, $285

Walton Public Library, Walton, $108

Warren Central High School, Indianapolis, $956

Westfield Washington Public Library, Westfield, $1,000

Westlake Elementary School, Indianapolis, $999

Zionsville Middle School, Zionsville, $998

To view the complete list of recipients as well as the list of materials purchased, visit https://indianahumanities.org/racialequity.

Pre-K spaces available

The On My Way Pre-K program has spaces available for 4 year olds from low-income families. The program provides free access to high-quality pre-K education that provides preparation for kindergarten.

Education providers follow Centers for Disease Control recommendations during COVID-19.

Families must have an income 127% of the federal poverty level, parents or guardians must be working, going to school or attending job training and the child must be 4 by Aug. 1. Parents or guardians receiving Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits may be eligible. Click here for more details about eligibility.

Those interested can apply online at OnMyWayPreK.org, or call 1-800-299-1627 for assistance.

News In Brief
Adds Extensive Consumer Packaged Goods and Markets Expertise

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / Organto Foods Inc. (TSXV:OGO)(OTC PINK:OGOFF)(FSE:OGF) ("Organto" or "the Company"), a leading provider of fresh organic and specialty fruits and vegetables is pleased to announce that Joost Verrest, a seasoned executive with over twenty years of experience in developing impactful and sustainable businesses, has been appointed to the Organto board of directors, subject to approval of required documentation by the TSX Venture Exchange.

Mr. Verrest brings extensive strategic global fruits and vegetables and consumer packaged goods experience to Organto, from both a supply chain and go-to-market perspective. During his career he served as CEO of Total Produce Direct BV, where he restructured their European Exotic Fruits and Vegetables Division from an internally focused trading company to a growing retail company with value-added branded product offerings. He was also responsible for the European fresh fruit division of Chiquita Brands where he led the transformation of the European trading division to a consumer-driven Chiquita branded business. In addition, he spent time with Green Protein BV, a company focused on utilizing vegetable by-products to enhance consumer goods with plant-based proteins in both Europe and North America and with Sara Lee and Fromagerie Bel. Mr. Verrest is fluent in Dutch, English and French, resides in The Netherlands and has a Master's Degree in Economics and Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.

"We are extremely pleased to have Joost join the board at this exciting time in Organto's history. His deep understanding of our markets, customers, products and supply chains, combined with a history of transforming businesses by turning strategy into action will be invaluable for our organization." commented Steve Bromley, Chair and Interim CEO. "Our business continues to expand as demand for healthy foods grows globally, and we are most pleased that Joost will be able to contribute to our vision of being a leading global provider of fresh organic fruits and vegetables utilizing an integrated business model that is trusted for driving equitable returns to all parties in the value chain. " added Mr. Bromley.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,

Steve Bromley

Chair and Interim Chief Executive Officer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

For more information contact:

Investor Relations

604-634-0970

1-888-818-1364

info@organto.com

ABOUT ORGANTO

Organto's business model is rooted in its commitment to sustainable business practices focused on environmental responsibility and a commitment to the communities where it operates, its people and its shareholders. Organto is an integrated provider of branded, private label and bulk distributed organic and non-GMO fruit and vegetable products using an asset-light business model to serve a growing socially responsible and health conscious consumer around the globe.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release may include certain forward-looking information and statements, as defined by law including without limitation Canadian securities laws and the "safe harbor" provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("forward-looking statements"). In particular, and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements respecting Organto's business model and markets; Organto's vison of being a leading global provider of fresh organic fruits and vegetables utilizing an integrated business model, trusted for driving equitable returns to all parties in the value chain; Organto's belief that Joost Verrest's deep understanding of the Company's markets, customers, products and supply chains will be invaluable for the organization; management's beliefs, assumptions and expectations; and general business and economic conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including without limitation assumptions about the following: the ability and time frame within which Organto's business model will be implemented and product supply will be increased; cost increases; dependence on suppliers, partners and contractual counter-parties; changes in the business or prospects of Organto; unforeseen circumstances; risks associated with the organic produce business generally, including inclement weather, unfavorable growing conditions, low crop yields, variations in crop quality, spoilage, import and export laws and similar risks; transportation costs and risks; general business and economic conditions; and ongoing relations with distributors, customers, employees, suppliers, consultants, contractors and partners. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and Organto undertakes no obligation to update any of the foregoing except as required by law.

SOURCE: Organto Foods Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604813/Organto-Adds-Industry-Veteran-Joost-Verrest-to-Board-of-Directors
The 2019 Best Central Regional Cocoa Farmer, Abdulai Agoswin (43), has declared support for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He commended the present government for introducing interventions to increase productivity on cocoa farms and improve the living standards of farmers.



He touted hand pollination as an intervention which has been helping cocoa farmers increase their yields. Pruning, he added, has helped curtail the growth of mistletoe and the spread of disease on the cocoa trees in the region.



Mr. Agoswin was, speaking to the Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Hon. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, when the COCOBOD Boss toured his farm yesterday, (7th September) at Assin Dompim, in the Assin Fosu Cocoa District of the Central Region.



Mr. Agoswin, who declared the COCOBOD Boss as his friend, said cocoa farmers are ripping the benefits of the interventions and the instructions from the extension services which COCOBOD has introduced under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government.



I have never met Nana Addo in person but if he wasnt president, he wouldnt have appointed this Honourable as Chief Executive of COCOBOD, for him to come and help us, cocoa farmers. That is why I say he is my friend, the best farmer said.



When you look at how he has travelled all the way to this place to meet and engage with us; it all happened through the president. I have met this friend because of the president, and I commend him and the president because he has been of great help to us, the farmers.



He said, as Chairman of the Adukrom Farmers Association he could testify that many farmers didn't know anything about the pruning of cocoa trees before the government introduced it. Many were initially sceptical about it but today they have all accepted it because the benefits are clear for all to see.



Today when its also time for mass spraying, we are able to get our chemicals within two weeks to spray everybodys farm. If there is anyone in the Central Region who claims not to have received the chemicals for spraying, then that person is an ungrateful individual. I am the head of a cooperative and when the chemicals arrive, all members get theirs and other chairmen also share to their members.



According to Abdulai Agoswin, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has demonstrated a lot of love for farmers. He expressed his conviction that farmers stand to gain even more under another term of his Presidency.





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.

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Are you sure thats a good idea?

Thats the most common response I get when I tell someone our church is hosting a Sunday school class on faith and politics this fall in the middle of the 2020 election season. Were a growing, politically diverse congregation in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, so I understand the concern. Isnt talking about politics a recipe for disaster? Wont it just lead to division and disunity? Totally possible. But if were serious about discipleship and following Jesus in every area of life, we have to try. Politics cant be off-limits when it comes to our formation as believers.

Name a topic and there are ready-made answers along partisan and ideological lines. From solutions to racial injustice to mitigating the spread of COVID-19, suspicion runs rampant. Hostility abounds. And in a climate like ours, many Americans are temptedand taughtto believe the worst about their political opponents.

Almost 90 percent of Republicans say Democrats are brainwashed and hateful, and the numbers are even higher the other way around. Sadly, these dynamics are paralleled in the church. While we might hope to see more charitable conversations within the community of faith, a quick visit to Facebook reveals few discernible differences. In some ways, we shouldnt be surprised. The average Christian spends an hour or two per week under the teaching of their local church but as many as 13 hours a day consuming other forms of media: listening to podcasts, scrolling through Twitter, watching cable news. How can we expect Christians to look any different when theyre functionally discipled by pundits and memes?

There has to be a better way.

Recent data suggest that US churchgoers generally dont know the political leanings of their church leaders. Apart from certain high-profile examples to the contrary, the majority of pastors I know have little interest in endorsing candidates or telling their congregations exactly how they ought to votelegally, we cant, and most would be opposed as a matter of principle. Still, as Esau McCaulley highlights, the weightiest political claims are also ultimately theological, which means politics and faith cant be neatly sealed off from each other. The New Testament itself is surprisingly rich with instruction on the relationship between faith and public life, often in contexts hostile to the church (Matt. 5; 1 Peter 2, Rom. 1213; Rev. 13).

If discipleship is about following Jesus with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strengtha wholehearted commitment of all we think, do, love, and sayshouldnt this include our politics as well? If believers are being formed by radio hosts and news programs, pastors must bear at least some burden to speak to these things too.

Its commonplace for churches to devote great attention to helping believers consider how to follow Jesus in marriage, as a student, as a neighbor, or in the workplace. Pastors understand that unless people know Gods Word and can apply it in each of these areas, a litany of voices will end up filling in the void. Yet this kind of teaching is often strangely absent when it comes to political engagement. Im not suggesting that churches start producing voter guides or using the pulpit for point-by-point policy analyses (probably best to leave that to the experts). Im talking about giving people a framework for engaging politics biblically. For example:

How do we honor God in the ways we think and act politically?

In what ways might politics serve as a means of loving our neighbor?

What does Gods Word have to say about justice, human nature, or the role of civil authority, and how should we apply it to the questions of our day?

How do believers maintain unity and love in the midst of deep disagreement about real, significant issues?

None of these questions are simple, and faithful believers will come to various conclusions. Still, questions like these help us cut through the fog of partisan bickering and invite us to reckon with deeper matters of Christian fidelity. At its core, a Christian approach to politics is about asking, What is Gods vision for a good and just society, and what must we cultivate in order to move in that direction (however imperfectly)? Thats not to say our answers shouldnt translate to genuine convictions about policy preferencesthey should. But before we get to parties and platforms, political activity is about life in community.

As Vincent Bacote asks in The Political Disciple: If Christ is being formed in Gods people by the Holy Spirit, has his work penetrated to those regions of the heart that reveal themselves in the domain of public responsibility? While talking about politics is often fraught with difficulty, our political engagement is a matter of public holiness, Bacote says. Churches can and must lead their people in considering what this looks like. Ive found three guidelines to be especially helpful.

Dont shy away.

As tempting as it is to avoid the topic altogether, the need for wise, gracious, Christ-centered voices is difficult to overstate. If youre not sure where to start, consider preaching a sermon or two about how the gospel might shape our political involvement. The Center for Public Justice has developed an entire small group curriculum that provides a theological basis and practical approach to active Christian citizenship. Similarly, our class will focus on key biblical texts and themes while also exploring major civic questions in the history of the church. Resources abound, and the possibilities are many. Whatever route you take, the dangers of disengagement far outweigh the benefitsespecially in the long run.

Focus on principles before policies.

While there are certainly times for the church to take a clear moral stand, pastors and other leaders must exercise care and self-awareness to avoid drifting to a place of partisan manipulation. One way to do this is by focusing on the issues behind the issues. How do we honor the image of God in every person? What does it mean to do justice and love mercy in the communities God has placed us? How should the ninth commandment (you shall not bear false witness) impact our speech, media habits, and the way we interact with political sparring partners? The answers to these questions contain significant implications for how Christians can engage the political sphere without binding their consciences to a particular party or platform. Again, not all policies are created equal, but believers can differ when it comes to strategy and approach.

Finally, prioritize love.

G. K. Chesterton once quipped, The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because generally they are the same people. Im convinced that learning to love our political enemiesno matter where you fall on the political spectrumis among the most pressing issues facing Christians today. How do we engage from a place of love and not resentment? How do we relate to neighbors, family members, and others in our pew whose politics we find abhorrent (or at least troubling)? The answer, of course, looks a lot like crucifixion: taking up our cross, following Jesus, and pouring ourselves out for the good of those around useven those who dont think or vote like us. What better time to learn what this means for our politics than when we have to put it into practice?

Sam Haist is pastor of formation at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis.
An Iranian anti-Hijab activist living in Turkey has been released hours after being detained by the Turkish police amid concerns that she could be deported back to Iran.



Mariam Shariatmadari, who was detained in Tehran in February 2018 and later sentenced to one year in prison for removing her scarf in public, said on Instagram on September 7 that she was held by Turkish police "for no reason" in the southwestern city of Denizli, and that she could be deported along with several others.



She called on her supporters to spread the news about her arrest. Hours later, she was reported to have been released.



Turkey-based lawyer Mousa Barzin, who had spoken to Shariatmadari while she was in detention, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that she had lived in Turkey on a tourist visa for a year and that about 7 months ago, after the expiry of her visa, she had asked for asylum.



"Its not clear whether her asylum request has been reviewed or rejected but the reason why she has been put under supervision is her illegal stay in Turkey," Barzin added in a September 8 telephone interview.



Shariatmadari was among dozens of Iranian women who publicly protested the compulsory hijab in 2018 by removing their headscarves in public. They became known as the "Girls of Revolution Street" with authorities accusing them of "encouraging corruption" by removing their hijab.

Shariatmadari was reportedly injured after police pushed her off a utility box in the Iranian capital where she was waving her headscarf to protest the hijab rule, which requires women to cover their hair and body in public.



A video of the incident posted on social media went viral.

The hijab rule became mandatory after the 1979 revolution and the implementation of Islamic law.
According to a report by The Elec, Huawei claims to drop down the production numbers in 2021. Notably, the company will reportedly produce only 50 million smartphones in 2021.

Huawei is the worlds largest smartphone manufacturer in terms of shipment. And this reduced number is definitely going to hit hard on this recently received crown by the company.

For the unaware, Huawei became the worlds largest smartphone manufacturer in Q2 of 2020. Besides, it achieved this feat by surpassing the mammoth, Samsung.

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Many believe that it is because of the fact that China was able to re-group quickly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, Samsung was hit hard in the Europe and North American market were the outbreak was the worse.

But now recent reports suggest that Huawei has decided to produce only 50 million smartphones in the next year. For comparisons sake, it is a 74% drop from the total expected shipment in 2020.

Additionally, the figures for the previous year, i.e. 2019, stand at 240 million units. And this year it is speculated to reach 190 million units, even in this pandemic.

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US trade ban is the primary reason behind Huaweis fewer production in 2021

Huawei is targeting lower shipments because of the trade restrictions imposed on the company by the US. If you are living under a rock, Huawei is banned from using Google services.

On top of that, it is also not allowed to purchase semiconductors for smartphones and laptops from manufacturers after September 15.

Manufacturers like Qualcomm, MediaTek, and even TSMC, which manufactures Kirin chipsets for Huawei, is also restricted to supply chipsets to the company.

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Besides, this is the reason the upcoming Huawei Mate 40 series will be the last smartphones from the company to be powered by Kirin chipset.

However, MediaTek and other manufacturers have sent their applications to the US government, to be able to supply chipsets to Huawei. But that matter is awaiting confirmation.

In fact, Huaweis competitor Samsung will benefit from this crisis the former is facing due to the trade ban. And will eventually make its way to the top once again in 2021.

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Huawei is set to release a HarmonyOS powered smartphone in 2021

Amidst all of this, Huawei is also trying to reduce its dependency on Google. In an earlier report, we have highlighted that Huawei is all set to release a HarmonyOS powered smartphone in 2021.

Moreover, the company is looking to bring smartphones, laptops, other IoT devices powered by HarmonyOS. This will help Huawei to create an ecosystem of HarmonyOS products.

At present, Chinas Huawei is all dependent on SMIC to produce some of the Kirin SoCs. These will be used in budget and mid-range smartphones.
An extra $300 a week in unemployment aid is expected to drop into unemployed workers accounts soon, as the state has taken the next step in distributing federal aid.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 745 on Tuesday, Sept. 8, which designates $2.8 billion in Federal Emergency Management Agency dollars to give the extra funding to unemployed Michiganders, via President Donald Trumps executive order.

The extra $300 is retroactive to Aug. 1. Nearly all 50 states have applied for the FEMA funding and some have already started paying it out  including Texas, Tennessee and Missouri.

Only a few states  including Kansas, West Virginia and Montana  plan to pay out $400 extra per week to unemployed workers, with the last $100 being provided by the state.

This is good news for the thousands of Michiganders who are still without work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Whitmer said in a news release. But its still a short-term band aid that falls short of whats needed.

Whitmer is advocating for a bipartisan recovery package from Congress to keep supplementing unemployment pay, among other aid. The $600 weekly federal boost for unemployed workers expired at the end of July.

U.S. Senate Republicans unveiled a proposed $1 trillion COVID-19 aid package on Tuesday. The package would provide an extra $300 per week in unemployment pay through Dec. 27 if passed.

Michigan officials said an estimated 910,000 residents will likely qualify for the $300 payment. The requirements are stricter than what was needed to get the $600 earlier in the year, as only workers eligible for at least $100 in state unemployment aid are eligible.

FEMA told MLive last week that Michigan would be receiving $935 million in extra unemployment pay thanks to Trumps order. A state press release sent Tuesday said Michigan is getting $2.8 billion.

When asked of the discrepancy, state officials said the $935 million covers the first three weeks of funding, while the $2.8 billion would cover enough funding to get through the end of September, assuming federal funds dont run out by then.

The Detroit Free Press has reported the money will begin being processed this week. State officials declined to comment on if thats the case.

Senate Bill 745 also included $8 million in funding to develop a lock and dam in Illinois to prevent invasive carp from entering Lake Michigan, includes match funding for disaster flood cleanup in Midland and Gladwin counties and includes funding to cover flood response and mitigation costs in the city of Detroit.

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, visit https://www.mlive.com/coronavirus/data/.

RELATED STORIES

Michigan to send state workers to high-risk workplaces to help with COVID compliance

$300-per-week in federal unemployment to Michigans jobless wont last long

Michigan cut off unemployment for thousands of eligible residents. Its not the first time.
When you think of lasagne, you are likely to picture stacks of pasta coated in a rich tomato sauce and lashings of melted cheese.

So perhaps it's no wonder that Sydney baker Walla Abu-Eid's reinvention of the classic Italian dinner as a decadent, cheesecake-style dessert has attracted widespread attention on social media.

So keen is the interest that the 31-year-old mother-of-three - whose cakes have garnered an Instagram following of 83,300 - has now revealed the simple recipe for her viral creation, which has been shared by more than 60 global news outlets.

In a video filmed for Instagram TV, Ms Abu-Eid - who learned to bake on Google and YouTube and says 'anyone can do the same' - showed viewers how to make their own with five ingredients: sugar, cream, vanilla extract, Lotus Biscoff spread and biscuits.

Scroll down for video

Self-taught Sydney baker Walla Abu-Eid's viral Lotus Biscoff lasagne (pictured), a clever reinvention of the classic Italian pasta dish as a decadent dessert

To make the filling, Ms Abu-Eid mixes a carton of thickened cream with a tablespoon of sugar and a dash of vanilla extract, whipping until 'soft peaks' form in the mixture.

It should be thick and slightly stiff without being over beaten, which causes the cream to curdle.

Next, she heats a jar of Biscoff spread in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften  and then gets down to assembling the dessert.

Ms Abu-Eid lines the base of a glass baking dish with Biscoff biscuits, then covers them with the sugar and cream mixture.

She drizzles some melted Biscoff spread over the cream, then repeats the process three times, ending with a layer of cream on top.

Ms Abu-Eid also makes the lasagne in the shape of a classic cheesecake (pictured) for customers on her up-and-coming Instagram bakery page, Bake My Cake by Walla

Fans have branded Ms Abu-Eid's sweet lasagne a 'work of art' and a 'culinary masterpiece' on social media

Walla Abu-Eid, 31, inventor of the Lotus Biscoff dessert lasagne

Scooping any remaining spread into a piping bag, she pipes thin lines onto the cream and runs through them with a skewer or toothpick, creating an ornate triangular pattern.

Finally, she crumbles leftover biscuits into fine crumbs and sprinkles them around the edge of the dish for decoration.

Fans have branded Ms Abu-Eid's dessert lasagne a 'work of art' and a 'culinary masterpiece' on social media, where a video of the preparation has racked up over 85,000 views.

The gifted baker also makes the lasagne in the shape of a classic cheesecake for customers on her up-and-coming bakery page, Bake My Cake by Walla.

And it's not the only Biscoff-inspired dessert on Ms Abu-Eid's Instagram feed, which is filled with carefully curated photos of doughnuts, mousses and tarts all built around the distinctive cinnamon sweet.

To make the filling, Ms Abu-Eid mixes a carton of thickened cream with a tablespoon of sugar and a dash of vanilla extract (left); she decorates the dessert with melted Lotus Biscoff spread fanned out with a skewer to form an ornate pattern (right)

Recipe for Walla's dessert lasagne INGREDIENTS Four packets of Lotus Biscoff biscuits One jar of Lotus Biscoff spread Dash of vanilla extract One carton of thickened cream One tbsp of sugar METHOD 1. Add thickened cream to mixing bowl along with one tablespoon of sugar and a dash of vanilla extract. 2. Whisk until 'soft peaks' form  it should be thick and slightly stiff. 3. Heat Biscoff spread in the microwave for 30 seconds until soft. 4. Cover the base of a baking dish with a layer of full Lotus Biscoff biscuits. 5. Add a layer of cream mixture, followed by a generous drizzle of melted Biscoff spread. 6. Repeat three times, ending with a cream layer on top. 7. Scoop leftover Biscoff spread into a piping bag and pipe thin lines onto the top of the cream. 8. Run a toothpick or skewer through the lines to create a triangular shaped pattern. 9. Crush leftover Biscoff biscuits into crumbs and sprinkle around the edge to finish. Source: Walla Abu-Eid via Instagram Advertisement

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia in July, Ms Abu-Eid said her swift success on social media has been 'crazy'.

'People tell me my cakes look so professional, but I really just do it as a hobby whenever I have time,' she said.

Asked if she had secured a paid partnership with Lotus to promote the brand, the baker laughed and said a collaboration like that would be a dream come true.

'I wish I had a deal with Biscoff, I just love the flavour. I actually did contact them, but no word yet!' she said.

Walla Abu-Eid's 'Lotus Biscoff cheesecake', flavoured with biscuits and spread from the iconic Belgian brand

The baked dessert (pictured) is made from six simple ingredients: eggs, cream cheese, sugar, butter flour and vanilla extract

On the back of the extraordinary baking craze that's swept Australia and the rest of the world since the coronavirus crisis began, Ms Abu-Eid shared tips and tricks for first-timers looking to step into the kitchen.

Patience and practice are crucial, she says, but there's no need to enroll in expensive courses.

'I didn't go to any academy or take any classes, [I learned] from the internet - lots of Googling, reading blogs and watching YouTube,' she said.

'I'd look at clips over and over until I'd gotten everything I could from each one, then move on to the next.'

Ms Abu-Eid never lets herself run out of five staple ingredients - eggs, butter, sugar, flour and vanilla extract - which she says forms the base for almost every cake.

Ms Abu-Eid's Lotus Biscoff Twix bars, made from shortbread, milk chocolate and half a jar of the spiced cinnamon spread

While she's content to keep baking as a much-loved hobby rather than a full-time business, Ms Abu-Eid hopes to pass her skills to at least one her three young daughters.

'My second girl Masa is very interested, she's always asking to help in the kitchen,' she said.

'We went to the toy store last weekend and she picked a baking set because she said she wants to be just like mum!'

Whether she follows in those footsteps remains to be seen, but it's clear that Masa and her sisters are exceptionally lucky to have a teacher as gifted as their mother.

To view the full range of Ms Abu-Eid's cakes or place an order, visit her business Instagram account Bake My Cake by Walla.
Schools in Mumbai to reopen with rest of Maharashtra on Monday

Partial opening of schools for Class 9 to 12 from September 21: Check guidelines

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Sep 08: The Centre on Tuesday issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for partial resumption of teaching activities in schools for students of Classes 9 to 12, on a voluntary basis, from September 21.

"Government of India is following a phase-wise unlocking of activities. In days to come, this would also involve partial resumption of activities in schools for students of Classes 9th to 12th on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers. This would be allowed from 21st September 2020," said Health Minister Harsh Vardhan in a statement.

Physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed as far as feasible.

Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory.

Frequent handwashing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty.

Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds) can be done wherever feasible.

Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves the strict practice of covering one's mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing of used tissues properly.

Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest.

Spitting shall be strictly prohibited.

Installation and use of Aarogya Setu App may be advised wherever feasible.

Schools have to ensure the following arrangements:

Online/distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged.

Students of class 9th to 12th shall be permitted to visit their school on a voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers. This will be subject to written consent of their parents/guardians. Such visits and teacher-student interaction must be organized in a staggered manner.
Artist Talk: Leslie Robison and Mike Taylor 05:00pm

Please join us for an artist talk with Leslie Robison, Kenan Distinguished Professor of Art, and Mike Taylor on the occasion of CEAM's exhibition "The Nameless Now: NEFL Artists Respond." Robison and Taylor each make work that responds to urgent cultural and social issues and has recently collaborated on an artist book included in the exhibition.

Event link:

Event Registration





Artist's Bios:

Leslie Robison is interested in breaking down the language, symbols, and actions that define power in various relationships and within such institutions as art, politics, and academia. Mixed media drawing and performance become the means of investigating these structures. Whether they are drawn or knitted, scribbled or written as words, the lines in these drawings, paintings, and installations confound direct communication even as they reference the traditional language of art. By also examining her participation in these systems, the artist is simultaneously critical, questioning, and self-mocking.



Mike Taylor is a painter, book artist, screen printer, and mess maker who lives and works in Florida. Perhaps best known for his drawings, his books are exhibited widely and his paintings are exhibited very narrowly.

For more information about the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum- www.flagler.edu/ceam

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A mother has spoken about her ten-year-old daughter's grueling battle with cancer, saying she could sense her daughter had was sick weeks before the diagnosis.

Sharon McAllister, 36, said cancer did not show up on her daughter Kaiann's initial blood tests, but she sensed that the ten-year-old was suffering from the disease.

Kaiann started complaining of back pain in December 2018, which continued to get worse until she could hardly walk due to the 'crippling' agony.

Sharon, from Rutherglen, Scotland, said: 'I explained I thought she was really ill. I could smell a smell from her that I've smelled before from a lady I looked after who had cancer. It sounds crazy but I just couldn't shake this feeling off.'

Sharon McAllister, 36, said cancer did not show up on her daughter Kaiann's (above) initial blood tests, but she sensed that the ten-year-old was suffering from the disease

Kaiann, from Rutherglen, Scotland, started complaining of back pain in December 2018, which continued to get worse until she could hardly walk due to the 'crippling' agony

After multiple visits to doctors and A&E, Kaiann was taken into hospital in February 2019 and not long after Sharon and her husband Mark, 34, were told that their daughter had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia - a form of cancer that affects white blood calls.

The disease affects around 790 people in the UK each year, with most cases developing in children, teenagers and young adults.

Kaiann has since undergone grueling treatments and operations, which have side effects including hair loss and blisters and sores, to fight the disease.

Sharon has shared Kaiann's powerful and inspiring story on Facebook page Go Gold Live, which is sharing children's stories across September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and also aims to raise awareness about how childhood cancer is not rare.

She also posted heart-wrenching photographs of Kaiann's battle with cancer alongside the story, with the aim of showing people the reality of how hard and grueling cancer treatment is for children.

Speaking about the treatments, Sharon said: 'She has slight memory loss and now struggles with spelling, something she was very good at. She has anger out bursts and mentally scarred by the trauma.

Sharon shared Kaiann's powerful and inspiring story on Facebook to raise awareness about how childhood cancer is not rare and show the how hard cancer treatment is for children

Kaiann has since undergone grueling treatments and operations, which have side effects including hair loss and blisters and sores (above), to fight the disease

'She lost the ability to walk and had to use a wheelchair for months, and learn to walk again. She has no reflexes. She couldn't eat for weeks because her mouth was too sore and full of Mucositis that went down into her gut.

'She has fractures on her spine and needs bone infusions to try and strengthen her bones.

What is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia? Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells. It progresses quickly and aggressively and requires immediate treatment. Both adults and children can be affected. Around 790 people are diagnosed with the condition each year in the UK. Most cases of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia develop in children, teenagers and young adults. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is the most common type of leukaemia that affects children. About 85% of the cases that affect children happen in those younger than 15 (mostly between the ages of 0 and 5). It affects slightly more boys than girls. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is different to other types of leukaemia, including acute myeloid leukaemia, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and chronic myeloid leukaemia. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia usually starts slowly before rapidly becoming severe as the number of immature white blood cells (blast cells) in your blood increases. In some cases, the affected cells can spread from your bloodstream into your central nervous system. This can cause neurological symptoms (related to the brain and nervous system). Source: NHS Advertisement

'She's had blood transfusions, platelet transfusions and sepsis. Her body is covered in scars, she lost her beautiful long hair and has been left mentally scarred by all of it.'

Sharon added that she also shared the pictures on Facebook to show other people 'the realities' of what her family is living with.

She said: 'Every blood test is a worry, every lumbar is a worry, every single day is a worry. You see the smiles on Facebook but what you don't see is the hurt the pain and the mental effects. It would break you, so just take a minute and think when you sit and moan about life is it really worth that moan?

'Just think how hard life could really be. Be thankful you are not faced with all this.'

Sharon added that she 'did not know how to' explain the diagnosis to her daughter, who was just eight at the time.

She said: 'Explaining to our beautiful girl was heartbreaking, she was scared she asked if she was going to die. We didn't have that answer but held her tight and told her no way, not on our watch. She was eight, she was our baby she shouldn't be worried about death.'

Kaianne had organised fundraiser event Go Gold Live at Glasgow's Barrowlands to raise awareness about childhood cancer, but the event had postponed until 2021 due to coronavirus.

She said that Kaiann's journey has been 'extremely tough' but added that her daughter has been her 'warrior'.

Sharon added: 'You see the smiles on Facebook but what you don't see is the hurt the pain and the mental affects, it would break you.'

She also said she is grateful for Kaiann's consultant 'who has got her to where she is today' and said her family cannot thank her enough for doing so.

Kaiann will hopefully finish treatment on her 11th birthday, May 3, 2021, after nearly two and a half years.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.Last week, the California state legislature approved a wide-ranging slate of exemptions to AB5, the controversial law that attempts to reclassify many of the states gig economy workers as employees. But how the new changes, under new bill AB2257, will affect the adult industry remains confusing, according to Free Speech Coalition spokesperson Mike Stabile, who told AVN that FSC is currently working on additional guidance for adult performers and content creators, who remain unclear whether their work is covered by a carve-out from AB5.

The AB5 law, which took effect on January 1 of this year, required that large numbers of freelance workers who did their jobs on an independent contractor basis must now be hired as employees, with all of the protections, benefits and tax withholding requirements of any other company hirewhich would cost employers 20 to 30 percent more per worker, according to a New York Times report.

Of course, many employers have proven either unwilling or unable to meet those requirements, while freelance workers are often reluctant to sign on with corporate employersparticularly in the adult industry.

We've been opposed to the law as it relates to the adult industry. It doesnt take into account the fact that most performers and crew are small business owners, and operate numerous income streams, from clips and cams to content trades and studio work, Stabile told AVN. We believe that any legislation put forward on behalf of workers should be responsive to workers' concerns.

Exotic dancers were among the first adult industry workers to feel the effects of the new job-classification requirements.

AB5 was a response to a state Supreme Court decision, Dynamex Operations West v. Superior Court of Los Angeles handed down in April of 2018. The Dynamex case involved a trucking company that allegedly misclassified its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. But the ramifications of the California Supreme Court ruling extended far beyond the trucking industry.

By the autumn of 2019several months before AB5 took effectthe courts ruling had led to an exodus of exotic dancers from California strip clubs, as AVN.com reported at the time. Those who wanted to continue working found themselves receiving paychecks with taxes withheld, but more importantly, bearing their legal names. The changes caused an estimated 200 dancers to stop working at clubs in San Francisco alone.

Camming platforms, which have proven to be a crucial outlet for adult performers during the coronavirus pandemic, also started to dry up for California-based performers. Following the passage of AB5, at least two major camming platforms reportedly banned models from the state, to avoid the possible requirement that they be hired as employees. And the impact didnt stop at camming either, according to Stabile.

Weve had some companies pull out of California entirely, rather than deal with the regulations, the FSC spokesperson said. While the cam companies were the most public, weve certainly seen more production outside the state as a general trend.

The problems of determining how workers can do their jobs appear to arise from what State Assemblymember Kevin Kiley, a Republican representing District Six, northeast of Sacramento, calls the fundamental flaw of AB5 to behind with. Kiley had led a legislative effort to repeal AB5, which most recently received a vote on August 24. The repeal, however, was tabled (that is, set aside) by a tally of 53-17.

It has completely reversed the paradigm when it comes to the right to earn a living, Kiley said in an interview. It used to be that you could work unless there was some reason that the government said you couldnt. Now you cant work unless the government specifically allows you to. You need to get the permission of the legislature just to do your job.

According to a report by the University of California at Berkeley, 8.5 percent of all California workers relied on independent contractingmore commonly referred to as gig workas their main source of income in 2016, and the number is believed to have swelled since then. An even greater percentage of workers received at least some of their earnings from gig work.

Though the AB5 law was initially aimed largely at addressing working conditions for app workers, primarily drivers for online, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, it also had a direct impact on freelancers in almost all occupations, including the adult industry.

Under AB5, and under the state Supreme Courts Dynamex ruling, employers must now apply a stricter test to determine whether a new hire is an independent contractor, or must be brought on as a regular employee. Previously, employers could apply the Borello Test to figure out how to classify a worker. Under the new law, for many types of jobs, employers must apply the tougher ABC Test.

The bill passed last week, AB 2257, allowed a lengthy list of worker categories to skip the ABC Test, and use the more lenient Borello Test instead. But whats the difference?

Both tests involve a complicated set of standards for determining whether a worker should be an employee, or can be treated as an independent contractor. Under the ABC Test, however, a worker must meet three conditions.

The worker must be free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with the performance of the work, as well as performing work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entitys business.

Finally the worker must be engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of the same nature as that involved in the work performed.

For example, under the second condition, a department store that hires a sales clerk would have to treat that person as an employee, because sales is not outside the usual course of the stores business. But if that same store hires a plumber to fix the bathrooms, the plumber may be an independent contractor, because plumbing falls outside the stores usual business.

The Borello Test comes with a longer list of questions, but can be boiled down to asking whether the employer exercises control over the worker. Do workers set their own hours, supply their own equipment, operate without direct supervision or direction, and can they perform the work from a location of their choice? If workers appear independent under those standards, then companies dont need to hire them as employees.

The AB2257 bill, which became law September 4 when Governor Gavin Newsom affixed his signature, relaxes AB5s requirement that the ABC Test be used for performers, freelance writers, musicians, and a rangel of other occupations. But according to Stabile, for adult performers, the bill still leaves plenty of ambiguity.

The bill contains no mention of adult performers or the adult industry. But it does contain a new carve out for performance artists who are performing material that is their original work and creative in character and the result of which depends primarily on the individuals invention, imagination, or talent.

But thats not all. The performance artist must also be free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with the performance of the work, and must maintain the right to exercise artistic control over all elements of the performance, and must keep the rights to their intellectual property that was created in connection with the performance.

The wording of AB2257 defines performance artist as an individual performing comedy, improvisation, stage magic, illusion, mime, spoken word, storytelling, or puppetry. But the law also says that the definition is not limited to those genresmeaning that adult performers could also come under the definition.

But because the adult industry is not mentioned specifically, what adult performers and crew can legally do under the law is hard to say, Stabile said.

Adult performance is so varied, he said. The performance artist exemption seems to apply to cam models, but what about scenes where a director is involved? If the scene consists of two people in a room who are filmed having sex, does it fall into the carve out? Does the presence of a script preclude it? Where does the government draw the line when it comes to what consenting adults do with their bodies? How do they judge?

The lack of language applying to the adult industry specifically makes the new, apparent exemption confusing, he added, especially at a time when so much content is being produced remotely, in performers homes. Legislators unfamiliar with the industry often dont understand the incredible complexity of what we do, and the control performers have in how they do it.

Until the group creates new guidelines for adult industry workers, FSC recommends that producers and performers talk to their lawyers before deciding whether any particular production would allow workers to be classified as independent.

Because the legislature failed to address the adult industry directly, once again performers and other workers producing adult content have been left largely to fend for themselves. The new bill is less fuzzy on such professions as independent photographers, freelance writers, translators and musicians, who are now clearly exempted from the ABC Test requirements of AB5, as long as companies can show that they are not hiring independent contractors to replace employees.

Freelance writers under AB5 were given a limited exemption, for up to only 35 articles per year for any outlet. That cap is now lifted.

But Uber and Lyft drivers, the group that was the original focus of AB5, must battle on. The two companies have backed a measure, opposed by most labor organizations, on Novembers ballotProposition 22that would specifically exempt rideshare drivers from AB5 classification requirements.

The two app-based companies threatened to shut down their services in California altogether in late August, until a judge imposed an injunction on the state, allowing them to continue operating outside the AB5 requirements for a limited time.

Drivers for the two firms complain that they work full-time hours or more, without paid time off, health benefits or any other protections granted to employees. But Kiley says that where AB5 comes up short in addressing their plight is that the law does nothing to extend the social safety net to workers who either by choice or circumstance remain independent, instead simply forcing them to work as employees or lose their jobs entirely if companies refuse to hire them, or they choose not to be hired.

It doesnt seek to adapt our social safety net to a changing economy, Kiley said of the AB5 law. It simply seeks to freeze the economy and bind it to a paradigm that has already passed by.

Photo By The Naughty American / Wikimedia Commons
Shiv Senas Neelam Gorhe was re-elected as the deputy chairperson of the Maharashtra legislative Council amid din in the House on Tuesday. Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) had fielded Gorhe, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had nominated Vijay Girkar.

The BJP, however, walked out of the proceedings after chairman Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar refused to defer the election as a petition filed by BJP in the Bombay high court (HC) was to be heard on Thursday. Nimbalkar announced the Gorhe was elected unanimously, as the BJP did not contest the poll carried out through voice votes. Gorhe was the deputy chairperson of the house in June 2019.

Leader of Opposition in the Council argued that his party has approached the HC, seeking a stay on the election as some of its MLCs have been infected by Covid-19 and they will be deprived of their fundamental right of voting given by the Constitution.

However, the legislative Council chairman refused to defer the poll and said, The high court has not summoned me on the decision taken. You, the leader of opposition, are informing me about the decision of the High Court. Therefore, I will not accept the objection raised. Here, it is not the matter of one election or the rights of members as contended by you. The high court does not have jurisdiction over the internal proceedings of the House. Therefore, I will stick to my decision.

BJP MLA and state party chief Chandrakant Patil wrote to Nimbalkar and expressed his disappointment and alleged discrimination that he acted under pressure to favour ally. In the Chairman election held four years ago, we, who had never backed NCP, voted for you to get you elected as chairman. But you never cooperated with us, even though it was our government. However today you worked under pressure to discriminate against us. He added, Deputy chairperson election was held during a pandemic? While three BJP legislators could not attend as they were coronavirus positive, still election was held? Instead of 78 members, the House had 60 members, still, the election was held? The election was held while a petition was pending in the court? It is surprising.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 8

Trend:

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, received Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Rafal Poborski, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend on Sept. 8.

Bayramov mentioned the high-level cooperation existing between both states and noted that the exchange of high-level visits contributes to the development of cooperation.

The Azerbaijani minister noted the cooperation between both states during the year amid pandemic and in this regard expressed his appreciation for the humanitarian aid offered by Poland in the fight against COVID-19.

Ambassador Rafal Poborski in his turn conveyed the sincere congratulations of the Foreign Minister of Poland Zbigniew Rau to the attention of Bayramov. The ambassador noted the importance of keeping the dynamics of the development of the relations between both states.

The sides exchanged their views about the issues on the continuation of political consultations between the two states, as well as the opportunities for the enhancement of relations in energy, transportation, agriculture, education, tourism, and other areas.

Bayramov informed his interlocutor about the occupation policy of Armenia against Azerbaijan for more than 30 years, the illegal activities conducted by aggressor state Armenia in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, the provocation by the Armenian armed forces along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border on July 12-16, 2020, as well as the policy of the leadership of Armenia serving the increase of the tension in the region and undermining the settlement of the conflict through negotiations.

Poborski noted that Poland is interested in instability in its eastern neighborhood countries and underlined that respect to international law is a basic rule for Poland.

The sides also discussed other issues of mutual interest at the meeting.
Fine Gael Councillor Colm Markey has said he is honoured to become an MEP for the Midlands -North West constituency and will work hard to serve the interests of the Irish people in the European Parliament.

Colm Markey, who was first elected to Louth County Council in 2009 and is a former President of Macra na Ferime, has been nominated to replace Mairead McGuinness following the announcement today that she is Irelands European Commissioner designate.

Mr Markey said, I am deeply honoured at my appointment as one of Irelands MEPs for the Midlands-North West constituency and am committed to working hard for my constituents and to advancing Irelands interests at European level.

I have worked closely with my predecessor Mairead McGuinness for almost two decades and I wish her all the best in her new role as European Commissioner in what will be a crucial period with the challenges presented by Brexit and Covid-19 for the island of Ireland.

Cllr Markey who runs the runs a family farm in Togher, was first elected to Louth County Council in 2009 as a councillor for the Mid-Louth area. He is a former President of Macra na Feirme.

My background is in agriculture so working on the crucial area of Brexit to secure the interests of Irish agriculture, fisheries, export businesses and the wider economy is vitally important to me," Cllr Markey explained.

The negotiation of the next CAP agreement will be critically important for the next decade of farming and securing a deal that will continue to deliver on farm income, improvements in animal welfare, and better environmental outcomes, and that is something that I will also prioritise.

Having served as Chairman of a Leader local rural development company for four years, I learned so much about rural development and pursuing EU funding opportunities through Community-led Local Development which I believe serves me in good stead in my new role.

He also highlighted the fact that he is from a border county which is particularly relevant as Brexit is firmly back in the news.

Coming from a border county, I am acutely aware of the challenges that the region faces and will ensure the voices of Irish citizens, local organisations and businesses are heard in the European Parliament," he said.

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said Mr Markey will be a great addition to Fine Gaels team in the European Parliament.

I know that Colm Markey will be a formidable force for the constituents of the Midlands North-West constituency and brings great experience to the table. Colm Markey brings a wealth of experience to the table and will be a formidable force for the constituents of the Midlands North-West constituency.

He joins a hard working Fine Gael team with his four fellow MEPs; Sean Kelly, Deirdre Clune, Maria Walsh and Frances Fitzgerald. To follow in the footsteps of Mairead McGuinness will be an exciting challenge for Colm and Im confident he will excel in his new role. the Tanaiste said.
SmartStream Technologies, the financial Reference Data Utility (RDU) solutions provider, today announced derivatives is supported in its Systematic Internaliser (SI) Registry service, to help clients meet the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) deadline of September 15, 2020. This allows trading counterparties to identify who is responsible for reporting trades in general, but also the most complex part of the SI Regime which now includes derivatives.

Financial institutions are highly reliant on good quality reference data to ensure they can successfully trade electronically, automate their operations and report accurately to the regulators. The MiFID II SI Regime for derivatives will be the most challenging component which needs to handle a very complex classification scheme. The service further strengthens SmartStream's partnership with the APA (Approved Publication Arrangements) community as the RDU continues to be the sole distributor of the SI Registry, which provides SI status across equity, fixed income and derivative instruments.

The SI registry is a market initiative where SmartStream in collaboration with a group of APAs, including: Bloomberg, Deutsche Boerse, MarketAxess, TRADEcho and Tradeweb, enable SIs to register, the financial instruments for which they are providing SI services, in a centralised database.

Additionally, the new API (Application Programming Interface) service takes the complexity out of traversing between an ISIN and the associated Classes of Financial Instruments Approach (COFIA) SI status for derivatives this will drastically simplify a customer's ability to identify counterparty SI status, allowing for faster adoption and ultimately compliance of the upcoming regulation.

Linda Coffman, Executive Vice President, SmartStream RDU, states: "The derivatives component represents the last phase of the MiFID II SI Regime to be rolled out by the SmartStream RDU development team. We are excited to once again be able to partner with the industry through the APA community and to provide a helping hand to our clients in meeting all of the necessary requirements come September 15".

The MiFID II SI Regime mandates that the SI test is conducted differently depending on the asset class. For derivatives, the SI determination is based on the volume of trades across a class of instruments, and not just at the ISIN level. To meet the September deadline firms will have to handle a complex ESMA classification scheme in order to be compliant.

Ends

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005379/en/

Contacts:

Nathan Gee

Tel: +44(0)2078980630

Email: nathan.gee@smartstream-stp.com
Commercial radio presenter Kyle Sandilands breached standards of decency with last year's on-air comments about the Virgin Mary, according to a ruling handed down this week by the Australian media watchdog.

The remarks were made in September 2019, with Sandilands questioning whether the Virgin Mary was indeed a virgin and suggesting people who believe in the Bible's story of immaculate conception were "dumb as dog s---".

KIIS FM presenters Kyle and Jackie O.

Australian Communications and Media Authority chair Nerida O'Loughlin said the broadcast offended religious listeners as well as the wider community. However, claims the broadcast incited hatred and ridicule towards Christians were not upheld.

ACMA examined 180 complaints as part of its investigation. In comparison, just over 125 complaints were scrutinised in regards to Alan Jones' comments in August last year about New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Movies that cover World War I have long been overshadowed by those that are made about World War II. Why? Perhaps its that people find trench warfare lackluster or that the technology was too archaic when compared to the later war. Or maybe its just that The Great War is lodged too far back in history. Whatever the case, its nice to see that World War I is getting a little more cinematic attention of late, with such as the excellent 2017 film Journeys End as well as 2019s 1917.

But what about classic movies that covered that era in warfare? After all, many of the tropes that you see in todays war movies are based on classic films. One such movie, 1938s The Dawn Patrol, directed by Edmund Goulding, is certainly one of those classics. It contains cliches that later films would borrow heavily from, such as undying loyalty to ones fellows, unabashed patriotism, bouts of drunken camaraderie, and sustaining both intense trauma and war-weariness.

The film is set is 1915 at the 59 Squadron Royal Flying Corps, a British air base in France. Major Brand (Basil Rathbone) is the air base commander and is wracked with guilt about having to send so many young, inexperienced pilots off to their deaths against the Germans. His second in command, Phipps (Donald Crisp), attempts to console him as they wait for the days dawn patrol to return.

Donald Crisp (L) and Basil Rathbone as British air corps commanders in World War I. (Warner Bros.)

Five of the seven pilots soon return, including a couple of relatively seasoned pilots, Captain Courtney (Errol Flynn), who leads A-Flight, and his bosom buddy Scotty Scott (David Niven), as well as a greenhorn pilot, Hollister (Peter Willes). As the pilots settle in to have a few drinks, Hollister breaks down in sorrow over one of the downed pilots and becomes inconsolable despite Courtneys best efforts to cheer him up.

Errol Flynn (L) and David Niven play Royal Flying Corps buddies in The Dawn Patrol. (Warner Bros.)

Brand orders some replacements for the lost men and tells Courtney that theyll arrive the next morning. Four young pilots show up, and Courtney chooses the two of them who have the most flight experience (which still isnt much).

When Courtney leads A-Flight out for the next days dawn patrol, only four pilots return. This time, one of the pilots who doesnt make it back is Scott. This time its Courtneys turn to wallow in sorrow, with Brand attempting to lift his spirits by offering him a drink to him, with the other men joining in. Courtney reveals that he shot down the German pilot (who had in turn shot down Scott) behind friendly lines, but doesnt know what became of him.

In a tense scene, the German pilot in question, Hauptmann Von Mueller (Carl Esmond), is brought in by fellow military personnel, having been found. The German extends his respect to Courtney for defeating him in the air. Surprisingly, Courtney offers him a drink, and a sense of relief envelops the bar area as everyone commences to drink heavily together. But still upset over his friends demise, Hollister attacks Von Mueller and the others must restrain him.

Later, Scott stumbles in carrying five bottles of Champagne, having successfully survived crash-landing his plane with seemingly nothing but a bump on his head. He also drunkenly reveals that he had a few drinks with the French locals on his way back to the air base (which explains the Champagne). When Von Mueller realizes that it was Scott whom he shot down, he shambles over to Scott and embraces him and everyone drinks even more.

Much of the movies humor comes from the pilots drunken camaraderie. (LR) Carl Esmond, Errol Flynn, and David Niven in The Dawn Patrol. (Warner Bros.)

Things eventually return to a more serious tone when a notorious German pilot named Von Richter drops a pair of boots on 59 Squadrons airfield. A note attached to the boots tells the British that they dont belong in the air. Brand forbids the men to retaliate, explaining to them that the note is meant as a trap. Courtney and Scott disregard the orders, taking off the next morning in order to exact their revenge. But will they survive?

Flynn is dashing as the pilots leader, and Niven provides much of the films humor. The rest of the supporting cast is also excellent, as are the remarkable aerial combat scenes.

The Dawn Patrol is a film that doesnt romanticize World War I, but instead shows its multifaceted aspects: suffering and anguish, selflessness and sacrifice, as well as some of the absurdities of war in general.

The Dawn Patrol

Director: Edmund Goulding

Starring: Errol Flynn, Basil Rathbone, David Niven

Not Rated

Running Time: 1 hour, 43 minutes

Release Date: Dec. 24, 1938 (USA)

Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5



Ian Kane is a filmmaker and author based out of Los Angeles. To learn more, visit DreamFlightEnt.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2020) - PreveCeutical Medical Inc. (CSE: PREV) (OTCQB: PRVCF) (FSE: 18H) (the "Company" or "PreveCeutical"), is pleased to provide a further update to its non-addictive analgesic program ("Analgesic Program").

Further to the news release of September 2, 2020, the Analgesic Program consisted of an iterative approach to peptide design resulting in a number of second-generation peptide analogues optimized from the most promising first-generation series. Cell and stability testing results correlate well with the pilot animal studies. The peptides demonstrated analgesic activity in a rodent inflammatory pain model at relatively low doses, with the effects lasting for up to two hours. The results further show that the peptides did not affect inflammation in the pain model, suggesting their effects were associated with an opioid-like analgesic effect.

The Company is very pleased with these results and is currently conducting Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies on select lead peptides. The results of this work will be provided shortly.

PreveCeutical's Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Stephen Van Deventer, stated, "We are looking forward to the results of the PK studies. This brings us closer to finding non-addictive pain therapies. We will be investigating patenting the lead peptides once the study is completed. The Company is looking forward to adding this to our pipeline of intellectual property".

About PreveCeutical

PreveCeutical is a health sciences company that develops innovative options for preventive and curative therapies utilizing organic and nature identical products.

PreveCeutical aims to be a leader in preventive health sciences. The Company's current research and development programs include dual gene curative and preventive therapies for diabetes and obesity; the Cannabidiols Sol-gel Program aiming to provide relief across a range of indications from pain, inflammation, seizures, and neurological disorders; Nature Identical peptides for the treatment of various ailments; non-addictive analgesic peptides as a replacement to the highly addictive analgesics such as morphine, fentanyl and oxycodone; and a therapeutic product for treating athletes who suffer from concussions (mild traumatic brain injury).

For more information about PreveCeutical, please visit our website www.PreveCeutical.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of PreveCeutical

Stephen Van Deventer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Stephen Van Deventer: +1 604 306 9669

Or Investor Relations ir@preveceutical.com

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations and orientations regarding the future including, without limitation, matters related to the Company's current and planned research and development programs, including the Analgesic Program, the Company's anticipated business plans and its prospect of success in executing its proposed plans. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "will", "plans", "expects", "may", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "proposes" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions regarding the Company, including expected growth, results of operations, including the Company's research and development activities, performance, industry trends, growth opportunities, and that the Company will be able to obtain the financing required to carry out its planned future activities, retain and attract qualified research personnel and obtain and/or maintain the necessary intellectual property rights it needs to carry out its future business activities.

Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors including, risks and uncertainties relating to the Analgesic Program, complexities and delays in connection with research and development activities and the actual results of research and development activities, and the inability of the Company, to, among other things, obtain any required governmental, regulatory or stock exchange approvals, permits, consents or authorizations required, including Canadian Securities Exchange acceptance of any planned future activities, commercialize therapeutic and diagnostic technologies, execute its proposed business plans, pursue business partnerships, complete its research and product development programs as planned, including the Analgesic Program, and obtain the financing required to carry out its planned future activities. Other factors such as general economic, market or business conditions or changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting the healthcare and cannabis industries in Canada may also adversely affect the future results or performance of the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, unless required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the statements, beliefs, plans, expectations, intentions, and assumptions contained in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that those statements, beliefs, plans, expectations, intentions or assumptions will prove to be accurate. Readers should consider all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to other periodic reports provided by the Company from time-to-time. These reports and the Company's filings are available at www.sedar.com.

Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly, are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/63375
P Ramdas By

Express News Service

KOCHI: Back in the arms of his parents in Canada after 19 long months, 9-year-old Neeraj Krishna couldnt be happier. When he arrived in Kerala in January last year to spend his vacation with his grandparents, he wasnt expecting that he would have to stay away from his parents for over a year. According to Neerajs grandfather M Damodaran, who hails from Thrissur, the child was initially dropped off at their place because his mother had to pursue her studies at another city in Canada.

Though Neerajs parents had booked tickets to Kerala for June 19, 2020, to bring Neeraj back home, the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent restrictions on operation of flights led to the cancellation of the tickets. With the mother soon becoming pregnant again, the journey had to be delayed further. According to his grandparents, the 9-year-old often broke into tears as he would miss his parents. But all efforts by his parents to arrange a ticket to Canada for him failed, as there was no one to accompany him on the journey. Only a citizen of the destination country can get a ticket in an evacuation flight.

In the end, it was the Kerala High Court that came to the boys rescue. Based on a petition by Damodaran and Rajesh Ravindran Nair of Thiruvananthapuram, who is a family friend and a Canadian citizen, Justice Anu Sivaraman issued the order directing the Union government to allow Neeraj and Rajesh to travel to Canada.

George Mathew, the counsel for the petitioners, had told the court that staying away from parents for a period of over 19 months had already affected the psychological and physical well-being, growth, and development of the minor child. The delay in joining his parents in Canada will cause more strain and agony to the child, the counsel said. Minors accompanied by adults are permitted to travel abroad based on an affidavit sworn to by the childs parents. In this case, a joint affidavit was prepared and notarized authorising their family friend Rajesh Ravindran Nair to accompany Neeraj, while travelling in the rescue flights for Canadian citizens and its permanent residents to travel back to Canada.

Responding to the Central governments submission that it was only due to the prevailing Covid crisis that the restrictions were imposed, the court held that neither the Civil Aviation Department nor the Airports Authority of India shall restrict the right of travel in normal cases, if there are no other impediments. Two days ago, Neeraj joined his parents in Canada.
A local San Diego man, Nick Garcia, organized the second Trumptilla boat parade in San Diego this year, on Sept. 6 on San Diego's bay over the Labor Day weekend. I was there.

Nick encouraged people on boats and on land to show their support for their country, their president, and our men and women in blue by waving their flags (USA, Trump 2020, and Blue Line).

Friends invited us to join them at the park along the bay to watch the boat parade, and it was awesome.

Roy and I walked a little around nearby Seaport Village before the parade got started to assess the turnout and the enthusiasm.

Nick Garcia had hoped to double the number of boats in the Trumptilla from 1,000 to 2,000 this time. Reports indicated that more than 1,300 boats participated. He had also hoped that 50,000 would participate both on land and by sea. The Trumptilla began in Point Loma, starting with a parachutist dropping from the sky with a huge American flag. We saw the practice run the morning before. The guy actually went under the Coronado Bay Bridge during his descent. Very cool.

The Coronado Times has a few videos here.

It is difficult to say how many watched, but in the boats alone, there would have been at least an average of 5 to 10 people per boat. We are talking about several miles that the boats traversed from Point Loma to the Coronado Bay Bridge. Our friend Christy was over on the Coronado side and saw quite the multitude of people lining the coast cheering on the boats. This morning, my wife checked her Facebook and saw videos taken of all the landlubber participants like us who were in or near Point Loma.

I took many pictures to get a "flavor" of participants. What I observed was a definite cross-section of our society that came out on a very hot day in San Diego to show support for our country, our president, and for our men and women in blue.

Here are some examples:

A truly moving and humbling experience was seeing an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair who may have had a stroke before. His speech was slurred as he cheered with the crowd, both offshore and onshore, "Four more years..."

There were many symbols that clever people demonstrated. One example is from the people with the boat that were towing a Trump life preserver:

Then there was the boat with the subtle sign with the inverted California state flag indicating California in distress (see below). I didn't capture the boat with the upside-down blue line flag, but we got the message loud and clear.

The Naval Air Station nearby got into the act:

I really enjoyed seeing President Trump and Melania participate:

A Navy vessel was leaving port (great timing!) to the gratitude of all parade-supporters:

Donald Trump was near the stern of one boat while lovely participants near the bow displayed USA balloons:

There were craft of all sizes and shapes that participated. Wave runners go into the action as one brave soul we saw on a kayak.

The people whom we were next to who shared their shade tree with us were from Ramona, where the temperature was well into the 100s. They brought their grill and cooked steaks for lunch. They probably could have cooked them beforehand on the sidewalk at home. I was up there visiting family this past week. I was pleased to see a Trump 2020 banner displayed along the way at CV Construction Company.

Here are a couple of views near Seaport Village as the boat parade was starting:

Here is an idea of some of the water craft that participated:

Then there was a beautiful Venezuelan-American woman there to support our country, president, and peace officers (rumored to be a former Miss Venezuela, so I heard). Note the red, white, and blue bands on her wrist and the white band that says, "Support Our Troops."

Yes, the concept written on her cap was borrowed from President Trump. I wore my MAGA hat to the parade. It was given to me by my friend Sean, who is retired Navy and a big supporter of our president. The words are in Russian that say Make American Great Again. I was working in Kazakhstan at the time, an FSU country. I got many surprised looks there while I wore my cap proudly.

The Trumptilla came off perfectly. Everyone was civil to one another, whether they were supporters or not. Our friend Christy saw one BLM tent near the shore in Coronado, but they were there enjoying the beautiful, albeit hot, weather. There was only one screwball we saw in a boat who didn't have any flags, and who tried to stir up trouble by driving between the parade boats and the rip-rap rocks protecting the shoreline. It takes all kinds, I guess.

My friend Roy capped the day off when he sent me the following picture:

Four more years of "Promises Made, Promises Kept." God bless you, Mr. President, and your family, and God bless America.

Photos (except the meme) by Brian Tomlinson.
Sydney's iconic beaches could be off limits this summer due to restrictions on crowds aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus.

Coastal councils are working on plans to safely manage large crowds at the city's beaches before the upcoming summer season.

Spring weather has seen swimmers and sunbakers start to return to Sydney's beaches, with popular locations potentially subject to closures in coming weeks if crowds become too large.

Councillors say beach management plans are based on advice from NSW Health, public health orders and police.

Sydney's coastal councils are working on beach management plans for summer to be able to safely host crowds amid coronavirus. Pictured: crowds flock to Coogee Beach on August 30

Beaches including Bondi (pictured) were forced to close earlier this year due to coronavirus-busting restrictions on large gatherings

Waverley Council Mayor Paula Masselos said officials are still working on their plans for beaches including Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte.

'The plan involves working with key stakeholders and agencies, and draws on some of the measures and resourcing approaches we have used over the last five months,' Ms Masselos told 7News.

Many Sydney beaches closed due to restrictions on the size of gatherings in March after crowds continued to flock to the ocean once summer had ended.

They were later reopened for swimming, surfing and other exercise only, with no sunbaking or sitting on the beach allowed.

Lifeguards, police and COVID marshals were vigilant in maintaining social distancing among crowds, which is likely to be repeated this summer.

Northern Beaches Council CEO Ray Brownlee said he hopes to keep coastal businesses active as the weather heats up.

A beachgoer poses for a photo taken by a friend at Sydney's Bondi Beach on August 30

'The aim is to keep the community COVID-safe and to assist businesses to continue to operate during the summer months where there will be greater outdoors activity,' he said.

Randwick Mayor Danny Said hopes all Sydney councils can create a uniform policy to avoid crowds flocking to open beaches while others remain closed.

He said people must be willing to change their behaviour and play by the rules to keep beaches open.

'People need to prepare themselves that this will not be a normal summer,' Mr Said said.
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 23F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low 12F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
The coffee you pour into your cup every morning can be a welcome pick-me-up, a warm hug, or a necessary start to your day. If it comes from Great Lakes Coffee Company, it can also tell the story of a community and create a conversation about global trade.

What were trying to do is change the coffee industry overall, said Brad Goulding, director of brand development at Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company.

Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company is one of the businesses that Founders Brewing Company is highlighting through its Crafted in Michigan campaign. Over the pasts few weeks, weve brought you the stories of the locally-owned businesses and organizations behind Crafted in Michigan, introducing the people behind these places, and sharing their inspiration.

Check out our interview with Goulding. We talk about why farmer-direct coffee is important, why a lightly roasted bean actually has more caffeine in it than a dark roasted one, and what to look for in a great cup of joe.

Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company has several locations throughout Detroit.Courtesy Photo, used with permission.

Originally an international coffee import company, Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company opened its first coffee bar in midtown Detroit in 2012, located in a 130-year-old building. Owners Greg and Lisa Miracle had been roasting their coffee in a renovated garage on the west side of the city, hiring her dad to roast the beans.

The move to the new space involved extensive renovations, incorporating the historical elements of the building and the city of Detroit itself. Reclaimed wood was sourced from two houses in Hamtramck, original iron work was done by local artist Taru Lahti, and the couple worked with the team from local architecture firm D Met Design.

Since then, Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company has expanded several times. There is now the roastery facility in Bloomfield Hills, where you can pick up freshly-roasted beans right from the source, and experience a coffee cupping or tasting experience. Stop by here for a tour of the facility, where youll get to see green coffee beans, and learn about the science behind the roasting process. Well take you on a journey about how each region can be a different taste, Goulding said. Then, youll get to taste a variety of coffees, not just from different regions, but also from various styles of processing. Well explain how the different coffee regions, and altitudes, soil conditions, how every little thing plays a huge part in a cup of coffee.

The company also has additional cafes in Bloomfield Hills, Cobo Center, and the Woodward Corner Market.

You can find Great Lakes Coffee cold brew in cans across Michigan.Courtesy Photo, used with permission.

One thing that sets the coffee apart at Great Lakes is their focus on low-to-medium roast for their beans, a bit of a change from major coffee chains that tend to roast their beans very dark and very robust. This type of roasting allows the nuances of the coffee to shine through, and reduces overall bitterness, so you can enjoy a cup unadorned with cream or sugar if you wish.

If you are darker roasting it, you are tasting the roast profile versus the nuances and character of the individual beans themselves, Goulding said. Theres no point in buying beans from all over the world, from really unique regions, unless you are going to let people taste the nuances in the beans.

Great Lakes Roasting Company buys direct from farmers all over the world, people theyve gotten to know over the years during trips to the coffee farms. They typically do two trips a year, one in the fall and one in the spring, and travel with their import partners. When they go, the team can see how the farmers are getting paid a better living wage, how they are advancing in product, how they are advancing in technology, and really see where the money is going back in investing in themselves, Goulding said. Its really cool to see.

Many of the farmers that Great Lakes purchases from are using fair trade or even direct trade practices, but are often too small to pay for the certification. By purchasing directly, Great Lakes can still pay these producers the higher rates that certified coffees get, and the money goes right to the farmers. Its very meaningful and impactful, and its what is important to us, Goulding said.

Coffee comes from all over according to Goulding. This includes, but is not limited to, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and the Congo.

Community is important to Great Lakes Coffee, whether it is overseas where the coffee is grown, or right in the neighborhoods where the coffee bars call home. While their cafes were closed during some of the pandemic, they are reopened now. Weve been so blessed to have this community come back, and embrace us openly, Goulding said. If you cant make it to Great Lakes in person, you can find their coffees, and other prepared coffee products like their Nitro Cold Press, on shelves throughout the Midwest.

Workers sort raw coffee beans.Courtesy Photo, used with permission.

Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company

https://greatlakescoffee.com/

3965 Woodward Ave.

Detroit, MI 48201

313-831-9627

4135 Maple Road

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301

248-855-9091

1 Washington Blvd

Detroit, MI 48226

313-877-8777 (Cobo Center)

389 Enterprise Court

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

248-745-0000

30955 Woodward Ave. #305

Royal Oak, MI 48073

248-955-1041

Yuka Oba-Muschiana of the Grand Rapids Ballet performs under the Calder in downtown Grand Rapids.Courtesy Photo, used with permission.

Other Crafted in Michigan stories:

Grand Rapids Ballet Company is en pointe

Any Colour You Like creates popsicles with sweet flavor combinations

Music industry bands together for support

Rich + Maple candles take inspiration from nature

Mokaya creates edible art with chocolate

The Brandino Extravaganza is a one-man band finding his own sound.

Rebel Nells graffiti inspired jewelry is designed to lift women up

Young man turns artistic skill into hand forged knife business
ByteDance cofounder & CEO Zhang Yiming. Visual China Group via Getty Images; Ruobing Su/Business Insider

ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, is giving out bonuses this month to all of its more than 60,000 employees around the globe.

In a memo first obtained by Bloomberg, ByteDance said the bonuses are intended to thank everyone for their work amid the company's challenging last few months.

The company has faced upheavel this summer as it faces off against the US government's threats to ban TikTok over its ties to China. Now, ByteDance is close to a deal to sell off TikTok's US assets to avoid such a ban.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

TikTok owner ByteDance is reportedly handing out cash bonuses to its 60,000-plus employees worldwide as the company faces the threats of countrywide bans and the sale of its growing US business.

ByteDance told staff that eligible employees will be getting a bonus, equivalent to half of one month's salary, Bloomberg first reported. In an internal memo obtained by Bloomberg, ByteDance said the bonuses are intended to "thank everyone for their efforts and dedication" as the company faces challenges brought on by politics and COVID-19.

A ByteDance spokesperson confirmed the accuracy of Bloomberg's story to Business Insider. The bonus announcement comes after ByteDance CEO Zhang Yiming said in an earlier companywide letter, seen by Reuters, that employees had been working "endless hours" amid the surrounding "noise" of TikTok's uncertain future.

"Over the past few months, we have been working together to overcome challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and changing macro environment," ByteDance said in the memo, obtained by Bloomberg. "To thank everyone for their efforts and dedication, we will be issuing a cash bonus to all eligible employees."

Full-time employees who worked at least 26 days during July and August are eligible for the bonuses.

TikTok and ByteDance have found themselves facing upheaval since the start of the pandemic, but not because of the suffering of its platforms' popularity or its userbase's interest. Instead, concerns over ByteDance's headquarters in China became the centerpiece of a political battle between TikTok and the US government, and the future of the app's more than 100 million US monthly users has been thrown in jeopardy.

Story continues

After months or back-and-forth, ByteDance is reportedly days away from selling off its US assets to an American tech company to appease the US government's national security concerns and Donald Trump's threat to ban the app nationwide. The race for a stake in TikTok's assets  a deal valued between $20 billion and $50 billion  has surfaced names like Microsoft, Oracle, Walmart, and SoftBank as potential buyers. The frontrunners in the bidding war appears to be two groups: a joint offer between Microsoft and Walmart that's backed by ByteDance's CEO, and another from Oracle that has the support of President Trump and a group of ByteDance's US investors.

However, talks for TikTok's acquisition reportedly stalled last week on the back of the China's new restrictions on exports, which require companies obtain a license for sales from the Chinese government and state officials the power to veto such business  like ByteDance's sale of TikTok's assets.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Jane Goodfellow has the ultimate selective hearing. The mother-of-two from Kallaroo can choose to be deaf or hear whenever she wants.

Mrs Goodfellow, 48, can read the newspaper in total silence, sleep through storms, and always has the last word in an argument with her husband.

Jane Goodfellow went from living 'half deaf' for 36 years to living in silence "within hours". Credit:Lauren Pilat

I love that I can choose to be deaf or hearing whenever I want, she said.

However, the principal lecturer at North Metropolitan TAFE Leederville didnt always have that choice. It didn't come until she got two cochlear implants.
While President Donald Trump has suggested repeatedly that people who vote-by-mail also cast a ballot in person, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and 24 other attorneys general urged the public to avoid voting twice.

The coalition issued a statement on Labor Day in response to Trumps comments, which he first made Wednesday and again told supporters Friday.

Its against the law to vote twice in the election. That is true everywhere in the United States, the statement reads. Anyone who intentionally votes twice faces serious legal consequences. So do those who direct others to engage in this illegal conduct.

They encouraged voters to trust the process and cast their ballot: we want each of you to vote and to know that state attorneys general are here to ensure your vote is counted, your voice is heard, and our elections have integrity.

Signing onto the statement were attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Trump again told supporters to vote twice during a North Carolina telerally Friday night, CNN reported.

If it has not been counted, vote -- which is every citizens right to do -- you go and vote. You press the lever and vote. So if it hasnt been counted, if it doesnt show up, go and vote, and then, if your mail-in ballot arrives after you vote, which it shouldnt but possibly it could perhaps, that ballot will not be used or counted in that your vote has already been cast and tabulated, so this way youre guaranteed to have your vote count, Trump said.

Its a federal crime to vote twice in the same election. Its also a felony in almost every state, including Massachusetts.

The Bay State took a brief exception to this rule in the Sept. 1 primary, when hundreds of thousands of voters cast ballots by mail amid nationwide disruptions to the U.S. Postal Service. When sued by congressional candidate Becky Grossman to push back the ballot receipt deadline, Assistant Attorney General Anne Sterman said pushing back the deadline would create a domino effect preventing the Secretary of States office from meeting key ballot deadlines ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

Sterman suggested mail-in voters could track the status of their ballot using the state website and, if their ballot seemed unlikely to be received in time, could vote in-person with only one of their votes counting.

The Supreme Judicial Court sided with the commonwealth, keeping the 8 p.m. Sept. 1 ballot receipt deadline intact. Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin affirmed that mail-in voters concerned about USPS delays could cast a ballot in-person and that their votes would only be counted once.

So many mail-in voters in Boston heeded Galvins advice that the citys absentee ballot phone line flooded with calls from poll workers trying to verify that an in-person voter marked as an early or absentee voter did not already have a ballot marked received. Those voters whose mail-in ballots were already received were not allowed to vote, while the rest were allowed to vote and had their mail-in ballots rejected if they reached the city election clerks later on.

State officials insisted the practice was not voting twice, but rather ensuring that the vote was counted once.

Massachusetts isnt expected to encounter the same problem in the general election because there isnt a ballot receipt deadline. The emergency vote-by-mail law that took effect this summer called for a postmark-deadline for ballots. That means clerks can continue to accept ballots postmarked on or before Nov. 3 until 5 p.m. on Nov. 6.

Related Content:
Australia is governed by a parliament who legislate like 'strict but loving parents' and inhabited by people with no concept of distance, a British expat living in Queensland has claimed.

In a series of TikTok videos titled 'Things they should tell you before moving to Australia', comedy writer Jordana Milward discusses the unusual quirks she has noticed since relocating from London to Brisbane.

Because the country is so vast, the 34-year-old said people have little concept of distance and are more than willing to travel hundreds of kilometres for low-key outings like coffee with a friend.

Ms Milward said she finds it 'weird' how rigidly Australians abide by the law, having grown up in a nation where authority is taken less seriously, and likened Prime Minister Scott Morrison's government to 'your strict but loving parents'.

British comedy writer Jordana Milward (pictured on Mount Tamborine, southeast Queensland) feels Australians have little concept of distance because their country is so vast

No concept of distance

Ms Milward recalled feeling excited after a friend invited her to the beach  only to discover it was more than three hours' drive away.

Travelling such a distance in the UK would require considerable forward planning, she said, from turning off switches to packing food and leaving her phone number pinned to the fridge for family to contact in case of emergency.

'Australia is so big, [so] distance is not a thing that worries people,' Ms Milward said.

'Just going to the next town could be hundreds of kilometres, and there's no street lamps in between them!'

Ms Milward encouraged fellow expats to embrace the epic journeys and accept invitations to far flung destinations if they want to experience the Aussie way of life.

'To be Australian, it's not just about having citizenship  it's a state of mind,' she said.

'So if someone asks if you want to go to the beach, you just reply with this: Four hours away? Too easy.'

No-nonsense government

Ms Milward likened the Australian government to well-meaning parents who hold citizens to account for minor infractions far more than British authorities.

Citing COVID-19 social distancing laws as an example, Ms Milward argued that Britons simply 'don't fear' penalties from police or Westminster parliament because official instructions are issued in a suggestive rather than a directive manner.

But in Australia, she noticed the vast majority abide by the rules because of the government's uncompromising stance that 'actions have consequences'.

The 34-year-old (pictured at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane on May 30, 2020) debunked the myth about Australia's venomous creatures, assuring viewers the country is far from overrun

'It's weird living in a country where the government have power over us,' she said. 'They're like your strict, but loving, parents.'

Followers agreed, with one woman writing: 'In Australia, we have a concept of 'doing the right thing' and are generally highly compliant with rules, provided we think they make sense and are fair.'

Ms Milward replied: 'And I love that!'

One man remembered the 2006 Commonwealth Games, hosted in Melbourne, when foreign visitors were 'surprised that Victorians waited for the green light to cross the street'.

Ms Milward (pictured in Brisbane in June 2020) was surprised by how rigidly Australians abide by the law

The myth about spiders

Australia may be home to some of the world's deadliest creatures, including Mulga snakes and funnel-web spiders, but the country is far from overrun with them - a fact Ms Milward said Britons and other nationalities struggle to accept.

While many of her friends refuse to visit for fear of close encounters with venomous beasts, she said millions of Australians go about their daily lives without 'battling' spiders or other dangerous animals.

'Should you check your shoes before you put them on? I guess, not really in the city but maybe in the country,' she said.

It's more important to keep an eye out for the Hemsworth brothers, Ms Milward joked, referencing Hollywood actors Chris and Luke who are often seen out and about in the bohemian town of Byron Bay, New South Wales.

Unhelpful public transport

Interactive signs on UK buses announce the upcoming stop, but in Queensland commuters are expected to know where to alight themselves - something Ms Milward has struggled to wrap her head around since relocating.

'You get on and tell the driver where you want to go, and he just has to remember your stop,' she said.

'It's like Australians play a game of guess the tourist  it's the one who looks panicked because they don't know where they're going!'

Ms Milward said drivers always say hello and tell her where she needs to go, which has led her to believe that people are friendlier Down Under than in her native London.
The group of migrants had left Agadez, a common transit town in Nigers north, two weeks ago on separate pickup trucks to avoid detection, the agency said. They were headed for Libya, and their smugglers made a stop on Sept. 1 about 230 kilometers (143 miles) north of the Sahara crossroad of Dirkou, some of those rescued told the agency. Vehicles often break down in the desert, where many smugglers then leave their passengers.
None of this would be possible without the contributions from each of our team members with their innovative ideas, commitment to sustainability, attention to detail, and hard work.

The U. S. Chamber of Commerce announced that Maud Borup, a woman-owned, veteran-owned, sustainable candy, confections, and food gift company, has been selected as one of three finalists for the Dream Big National Small Business of the Year Award.

The Small Business of the Year Award honors contributions to the growth and diversity of the American economy. The award recognizes small businesses that exemplify the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and individual initiative. Maud Borup has shown success and leadership in business growth and performance, business strategies and goals, community engagement, customer and employee relations, and innovative business practices.

This is an amazing honor and we are incredibly grateful, said Christine Lantinen, president of Maud Borup. None of this would be possible without the contributions from each of our team members with their innovative ideas, commitment to sustainability, attention to detail, and hard work.

The virtual event to honor winners will be held on October 15 at 2:00pm ET.

About Maud Borup Inc.

Maud Borup is a 113-year-old, privately-held, woman- and veteran-owned, Minnesota-based wholesale confections company specializing in gourmet candy, indulgent drink mixes, and seasonal food gifts. Maud Borup designs and manufactures licensed, branded, and private-label products supported by an in-house design and merchandising team with over 60 years in the food gift industry. Maud Borup supplies mass and specialty retailers as well as online, grocery, and drug stores with every day and seasonal assortments designed to fit their store needs and customer preferences.

maudborup.com | facebook.com/maudborup | instagram.com/maudborup

About eco eggs

eco eggs is an environmentally-friendly division of Maud Borup committed to making, distributing, and selling quality and safe 100% recycled, BPA-free plastic Easter eggs and eco grass, reducing toxins and harmful emissions to promote positive global environmental impact. eco eggs were developed with a focus on business practices that respect employees and the earth.

ecoeggs.com | facebook/USAecoeggs | twitter.com/ecoeggsUSA
MBABANE  ESA is celebrating a successful trial of the production of a new product  brown sugar with a low glycemic index.

ESA, which is the Eswatini Sugar Association, is exploring two new sugar products, which include sugar with a low glycemic index. All along ESAs products had been molasses, with a domestic market; raw sugar (European and US markets); as well as very high polarity and refined sugars. The latter is sold regionally and in other world markets.

In his address during the presentation of the 2019/20 integrated annual report at Mountain Inn in Mbabane last Thursday, CEO Phil Mnisi said the new product was being launched in a bid to provide consumers with healthier alternatives.

Tonnes

The industry produced about 1 000 tonnes of this sugar (brown sugar with a low glycemic index) during the year.

The plan is to officially launch the product in 2020/21, said the CEO.

Experts say low glycemic foods can curb blood sugar spikes and lower risk of diabetes. The texture of the new product looks and feels just like normal brown sugar. They say you can still maintain the same intake of sugar that you consume, but this will be the healthier alternative to normal sugar.

Mnisi said the launch of their new product was a significant addition to the conventional sugars they had been selling.

Im excited about this new venture and believe it will be a platform from which to propel us to greater heights, as we continue to deliver sustainable growth by innovating and investing in the future of our industry, he said.

Growers

Meanwhile, ESA is an umbrella organisation bringing together all growers and millers of sugar cane. Its highest policy-making body is the Council, where growers and millers have equal representation. The day-to-day functions are run by the ESA office led by a chief executive officer, with its head office located in Mbabane.

ESA is responsible for providing the services necessary for the regulation and general development of the Eswatini sugar industry as well as marketing of all the sugar and molasses produced in the country. ESA provides support services to the entire industrys value chain which includes agricultural research and extension, cane testing, warehousing and distribution, marketing and policy advocacy.






New Jersey voters can now register to cast ballots in the November election and track mail-in ballots through a new website, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Tuesday.

Those visiting the site will need a drivers license number, state ID number or social security number to register to vote.

This online form is safe and secure, and can be accessed anywhere  whether from a library computer or your smartphone. Simply visit nj.gov/state/elections and click the link for Register to Vote at the top of the page," Murphy said Tuesday.

All you need to securely register to vote is your drivers license number or non-driver identification number, or your Social Security number, he said.

Some 13,000 people already registered to vote during the sites soft launch last week. Using the page, already registered voters can already confirm their status. After voting by mail, they can set up an account to track when county clerks receive the ballot, Murphy said.

Thats a question we get all the time," he said. "How do I know my vote gets there? How do I know my ballot gets there? How do I know it will be counted? Turns out, you can know that.

Murphy announced last month the state will send ballots to its 6.2 million registered voters, hoping to widely expand mail-in voting as the coronavirus crisis continues into the fall.

The move came even as President Donald Trump has vocalized his opposition to widespread mail-in voting, saying the process is rife with double-voting and fraud. These claims have not been backed by evidence.

New Jersey will still have a select number of polling locations open on Nov. 3.

The deadline to register to vote in the November election is Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Amanda Hoover may be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj.
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Emilio Vitolo Jr., Katie Holmes' new flame, is a restaurateur and native New Yorker who, despite his more humble upbringing, is no stranger to the world of celebrities.

The 33-year-old is often found in his father's iconic Nolita restaurant, Emilio's Ballato, greeting diners and taking their order.

He and his brother, Anthony, man the kitchen with help from their father Emilio Vitolo, who is omnipresent.

The restaurant has put the family in touch with a plethora of stars. On social media, the younger Emilio regularly shares photographs of famous dinner guests.

Among them are Barack and Malia Obama, Bella Hadid, Danny DeVito, Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner and David Schwimmer. In a recent profile in Instyle, he spoke of their work.

'Its a seven-day-a-week commitment. If youre going to do a restaurant the right way, you always have to be there.

'But on Sundays my father was never the cook. My mother, whos from Peru, would make us dishes like chicken and rice instead,' he said. It's unclear when he and Katie met or started their romance.

Confirmed: Katie Holmes is in the throes of a passionate new romance with restaurateur Emilio Vitolo Jr, exclusive DailyMail.com pictures confirm

Emilio Vitolo Jr., 33, is a chef, restaurateur and aspiring actor. He is shown in photos taken on social media and from his IMDB page

Father and son wishing Danny DeVito a happy birthday during one of the actor's visits to their restaurant

Vitolo Jr (second left) with his brothers and father, posing with former President Barack Obama and his daughter Malia

Vitolo with Bella Hadid on the set of In The Night, one of The Weeknd's songs. Supermodel Hadid famously dated the musician

Vitolo's father, Emilio Vitolo, is known to sit outside or at the front of his famous Nolita restaurant, quietly determining who gets a seat and in which order. The younger Vitolo is shown, right, with Whoopie Goldberg in the kitchen

Vitolo Jr. with his brothers, Anthony, right, and their younger brother Mario, left

Vitolo Jr. with actor Michael K. Williams, left, and Joe Jonas, right, who he describes on social media as one of his best friends

Until July, he appeared in social media pictures with Rachel Emmons, a designer at Anna Rachel Studio.

Neither he nor Emmons responded to DailyMail.com's inquiries on Tuesday morning and it's unclear when their romance ended.

The family have a home in Wantagh, on Long Island, and they also live in various apartments around Manhattan.

He is one of three brothers; Anthony, 29, also works in the kitchen and is married. Little is known of the other brother.

Their father has watched over the restaurant since the early 1990s. He is adored by his famous clientele.

In an interview with The New York Times in 2011, Lenny Kravitz said of him: 'Hes all love.

'I used to live on Crosby Street, right around the corner, and there were nights when I was sick, and it was raining, and I was hungry, and the dude cooked me food and walked it over himself.'

Kravitz paid for a new awning for the restaurant out of gratitude.

Passionate: Holmes, who was previously married to actor Tom Cruise, passionately locked lips with Vitolo at their table

Until recently, Vitolo Jr. was dating fashion designer Rachel Emmons. They are shown, right, in an Instagram post from July 27, that was posted by one of their friends

Vitolo plays down the restaurant's celebrity following.

The 33-year-old has also tried his hand at acting

'They just come.

'I swear to God. Lenny might come in with Denzel. Its word of mouth,' he told the Times.

There are no reservations and the restaurant does not even have its own website.

Recently, it has been among the thousands in New York City to offer outdoor dining.

Peasant, where the pair were spotted on Sunday night, is a stone's throw from Vitolo's family haunt.

He and Holmes first sparked rumors of romance when they were spotted on September 4 dining out. He had his arms wrapped around her.

Sunday night's very public display of affection from the pair comes a year after her romance with Jamie Foxx came to an end.

She was famously married to actor Tom Cruise for six years before divorcing in 2012.

They have one child together: their daughter Suri, aged 14.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks at a news conference at the State Department in Washington on April 29, 2020. (Andrew Harnik/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Chinas Global Data Security Initiative Likely a Propaganda Project: Cyber Expert

TAIPEI, TaiwanBeijing rolled out a global data security initiative with much fanfare on Sept. 8, but one local cybersecurity expert explained why Beijing has an ulterior motive behind the move.

The initiative to set data security standards was rolled out by Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi while he was addressing an international seminar on Sept. 8. Though he did not detail the nature of the initiative, he said it encompasses eight goals, such as ensuring service providers dont install backdoors in their products to illegally obtain users data, and opposing using information technology as a tool for mass surveillance.

Chinese tech companies have been documented to do both.

China has three intentions behind this initiative and one of them serves the purpose of external promotion, said Lin Tsung-nan, a professor who specializes in data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity at Taiwans National Taiwan University.

The different claims within the initiative seem very reasonable on the surface, which would allow [Beijing] to say that the United States is being selfish in rolling out its Clean Network against China, Lin said in a phone interview.

The United States Clean Network intends to safeguard citizens privacy and companies trade secrets from intrusions by malign actors, such as the CCP, according to the State Department. It seeks to protect data passing through telecommunications networks, cloud-based systems, and apps from being accessed by Beijing, such as by not using Huawei equipment for 5G networks.

Foreign minister Wang took a swipe at the United States initiative during his speech on Tuesday.

Bent on unilateral acts, a certain country keeps making groundless accusations against others in the name of clean network and used security as a pretext to prey on enterprises of other countries who have a competitive edge, Wang said, without directly naming the United States.

Chinas hawkish state-run media Global Times, in an article about Wangs announcement, also cited a Chinese cybersecurity expert who accused the United States of being a thief that shouts catch the thief in cybersecurity.

Responding to Chinas proposal, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) said on his Twitter account: Allowing China to set global data-security rules is like letting the fox guard the hen house.

Scott added: Communist China exerts significant controls over how their citizens use the internet and steals data and intellectual property from countries around the globe.

The seemingly reasonable claims in Chinas new initiative would also allow the Chinese regime to carry out internal propaganda, said Lin, so it could say the United States was slinging mud at Chinese technology.

Lin added that Beijing likely seeks to rally its friends in order to form an alliance to confront the United States.

Developing countries, particularly those that have signed up for Chinas foreign policy project, Belt and Road, would likely join the new data security initiative, Lin predicted.

Lin believed Beijing would also promote the initiative through international agencies that it influences, including those affiliated with the United Nations (UN).

In early August, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) introduced a new bill intended to counter Chinas influence in the UN system. Currently, Chinese nationals hold the top position at four UN bodies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization. A Chinese judge was also recently elected to a UN-backed judicial body that hears maritime disputes.

The Taiwanese professor also raised doubts that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) would stick to its promises in the initiative.

The CCP often says one thing and does another, he said, citing the example of Beijing failing to honor the Sino-British Joint Declarationa legally-binding international treaty signed in 1984 that paved the way for Hong Kong to be handed back to Chinese sovereignty from British rule in 1997.

The treaty guaranteed the city a high degree of autonomy for at least 50 years after 1997 under the one country, two systems model. But Beijing recently enacted a national security law that has so far ensnared dissidents who oppose Beijings encroachment on local affairs, and punished dissenting speech.

In June, the Trump administration revoked Hong Kongs special trading status, after determining that the city was no longer autonomous from mainland China following the laws implementation.

Why would anyone think that the Chinese Communist Party would keep its promises as stated in the data security initiative? Lin said.
Facebook software engineer Ashok Chandwaney has watched with growing unease as the platform has become a haven for hate. Tuesday morning, it came time to take a stand.

"I'm quitting because I can no longer stomach contributing to an organization that is profiting off hate in the US and globally," wrote Chandwaney in a letter posted on Facebook's internal employee network shortly after 8 a.m. Pacific. The nearly 1,300-word document was detailed, bristling with links to bolster its claims and scathing in its conclusions.

"We don't benefit from hate," Facebook spokeswoman Liz Bourgeois said. "We invest billions of dollars each year to keep our community safe and are in deep partnership with outside experts to review and update our policies. This summer we launched an industry leading policy to go after QAnon, grew our fact-checking program, and removed millions of posts tied to hate organizations - over 96% of which we found before anyone reported them to us."

Tuesday's resignation made Chandwaney the latest Facebook employee to quit amid rising discontent within a company that, just a few years ago, was seen as an ideal employer - exciting, deep-pocketed and, as Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg frequently said, animated by the seemingly benevolent mission of connecting the world together. Worker frustration with Facebook's policies on hate and racist speech has risen as protests against racial injustice have swept the country, with thousands of employees demanding that Zuckerberg, who controls a majority of Facebook's voting shares, change his stances.

While Facebook does not disclose the number of engineers it employs, engineers are some of the most sought-after employees and command some of the highest salaries at the company, according to people familiar with Facebook.

Chandwaney, 28, who is gender non-binary and uses they and them as pronouns, described Facebook as a genial, supportive workplace but said they realized over time that the company's leadership was focused on profits over promoting social good. The company has done too little to combat the rise on the platform of racism, disinformation and incitements to violence, Chandwaney said.

Chandwaney specifically cited the company's role in fueling genocide in Myanmar and, more recently, violence in Kenosha, Wis. Facebook failed to remove a militia group's event encouraging people to bring guns to protests ahead of fatal shootings last month despite hundreds of complaints, in what Zuckerberg called an "operational mistake."

The letter, which Chandwaney elaborated on during an interview with The Washington Post, also cited Facebook's refusal to remove President Donald Trump's post from May saying "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" and dismissed the company's response to civil rights issues as mere public-relations maneuvers. Chandwaney was hoping that Facebook would take all of the recommendations from its civil rights audit in July, which concluded that the company's policy actions "were a tremendous setback," and also said that it would be more responsive to the demands of the advertising boycott organized under the hashtag #StopHateForProfit.

"There have been so many comments that have been p.r. fluff rather than substantive," Chandwaney said in the interview in which they also criticized the company's policy that allows politicians to make false claims in campaign ads without fear of having them fact-checked. "Allowing lies in election ads is pretty damaging, especially in the current political moment we're in."

Facebook has softened some of its stances in response to outcries by employees and civil rights group, adding labels to misleading posts from politicians and directing readers to government websites with accurate information about voting and the coronavirus pandemic - though they do not take a stance on whether the material is true or false. Critics have called the labels so neutral as to be misleading.

Chandwaney, who is of South Asian descent and who is based in the Seattle area, cited the work of civil rights group Color of Change, a frequent critic of Facebook, in the resignation letter. "It is clear to me that despite the best efforts of many of us who work here, and outside advocates like Color Of Change, Facebook is choosing to be on the wrong side of history," they wrote.

That group's executive director, Rashad Robinson, who said he had met Chandwaney more than a year earlier, said they were among many people of color within the company who have complained about its direction on similar issues.

"We need more Facebook employees to speak out. We need more Facebook people to push harder," Robinson said. "I've just come to realize how all of these moments have hit them, how much they don't trust Mark Zuckerberg."

In the wake of the George Floyd protests, members of Facebook's Black employee resource group, Black@, met with Zuckerberg and COO Sheryl Sandberg to complain about the company's inaction on Trump's May post, while a Black employee has brought a lawsuit charging racial bias in its hiring practices. The lawsuit arises from broader frustrations, which were noted in the civil rights audit, that the most important decision-making at the company around hate speech are made by a group that does not include people who would be most affected by that speech.

The mood within Facebook soured nearly four years ago as it became clear that Facebook played a key role in the 2016 election of President Trump, by amplifying false news reports and Russian disinformation while allowing his campaign to deliver targeted messages to swing voters. Unrest has only grown since then among the company's more than 52,000 employees.

For Chandwaney, whose work as a software engineer at the company included stints designing advertising tools and internal training programs, one turning point came when Facebook's most senior Republican, the D.C.-based policy chief Joel Kaplan, appeared as a visible, on-screen supporter of Supreme Court nominee Brett M. Kavanaugh during his Senate confirmation hearing in October 2018.

Kaplan defended his support of Kavanaugh, a close friend, but the affiliation rankled many at Facebook at a time when the nominee was battling allegations of sexual assault and other misconduct during his youth. Kaplan has been a strong internal advocate that the platform remain "politically neutral," but former employees have charged that in practice his approach has meant favoring Republicans and Trump.

The mood internally has worsened amid a steady beat of revelations about the role Facebook and its photo-sharing subsidiary, Instagram, have played in spreading foreign disinformation, anti-Semitism and white nationalism, while allowing the QAnon conspiracy theory and violent extremists such as the "Boogaloo Bois" to grow before recent crackdowns.

When Zuckerberg declined to take down Trump's "looting shooting" post, some employees, who are working from home, staged a virtual walkout. A handful also quit, and thousands of others demanded that the company change its policies on hate speech and not fact-checking politicians, according to an employee poll obtained by The Post. On the company's internal network, called Workplace, employees compared the company's dynamic with the president to an "abusive relationship" with a romantic partner.

"What's the point of establishing a principle if we're going to move the goal posts every time Trump escalates his behavior?" software engineer Timothy Aveni asked on the internal message board in May. He subsequently quit.

The company's approach to civil rights also gave rise to a boycott by major advertisers. Color of Change said that it did not have the current number of companies still participating in the boycott, which had been called for July, but that a number of large advertisers, including Verizon and Merck, continue to pause their advertising.
MUMBAI: In fresh trouble for Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut who is already facing heat over her 'Mumbai-Pok' remark, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday (September 8) ordered a probe against her into alleged drug nexus, based on an old interview of her ex-boyfriend Adhyayan Suman.

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh today said the state government has ordered a probe into Kangana-drug nexus. In an interview, Adhyayan Suman had reportedly once claimed that Kangana used to consume drugs and had even asked him to indulge in it.

The statement from Anil Deshmukh comes at a time when Kangana Ranaut and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government have been locked in a face-off ever since the 'Queen' actress stated that she doesn't trust the Mumbai Police after the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

Her remark was strongly contested by Shiv Sena leader and spokesperson Sanjay Raut who said it was 'an insult to the Mumbai Police' and asked her not to come to Mumbai.

Hitting back at Raut, Ranaut tweeted, "Why is Mumbai feeling like Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir?" Her tweet evoked strong reaction from leaders of the Shiv Sena and ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik reminded the actress she owes her success to Mumbai. She also announced that she would be returning to the city on September 9.

On Monday, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) granted Y category security to Kangana. Sources told Zee News that seven policemen will take care of Kangana's security. Officials of CRPF, Intelligence Bureau and Himachal Pradesh Police arrived at Kangana's Manali home on Tuesday to chalk out plans of the actress' security ahead of her visit to Mumbai on September 9.
A motorcyclist has died after falling into the path of a bus on a major inner-Brisbane traffic route, with southbound lanes of a city bridge closed for hours.

The 45-year-old Wynnum West man lost control of his motorbike on Skew Street about 9.45am, falling onto the road before being struck, police said in a statement.

Paramedics assessed the man for critical injuries at the scene, where he was pronounced dead shortly after.

The driver and sole occupant of the bus was not physically injured.
Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), former President John Dramani Mahama says the next NDC government will scrap the law that bars the importation of salvaged vehicles into the country.



Similarly, he hinted, the next NDC government will also scrap the proposed increment in the import duty for such salvaged vehicles.



Mr Mahama who was highlighting some aspects of the NDCs 2020 manifesto in Accra on Monday evening, September 7, 2020, said the rationale behind the move was to secure the livelihoods of the many Ghanaians who depended on the sector for their daily bread.



The 2020 NDC manifesto is titled: Peoples Manifesto: Jobs, Prosperity and more.



We will review the Customs Amendment Act 2020 (Act 1014) to scrap the law banning the importation of salvage vehicles and the proposed implementation of a 35 per cent import duty rate. We are going to scrap it in order that salvaged cars are not banned and top duty rate government intends to impose on these vehicles does not happen. This is to safeguard the local automobile industry so that our people in Suame Magazine, Abossey Okai, Komkompe to continue to work to earn a decent living, Mr Mahama explained.



The current New Patriotic Party (NPP) in March, passed the Customs (Amendment) Bill, 2020 an amendment of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891).



The new Customs Act banned the importation of accident and salvaged motor vehicles and cars over ten years of age into the country. The Act among other things, provides incentives for automobile manufacturers and assemblers registered under the Ghana Automotive Manufacturers Programme.

Source: Daily Graphic









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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noems administration announced Tuesday that it is using federal coronavirus relief funds to pay for a $5 million tourism ad campaign aimed at drawing people to the state, even as it emerges as one of the nations top hot spots for COVID-19 infections.

The 30-second spot, which premiered on Fox News alongside Noems speech at the Republican National Convention last month, features the governor saying that with our breathtaking landscapes and wide-open spaces, were a place to safely explore. But the state currently ranks second in the country for new cases per capita over the last two weeks, with 439 new cases per 100,000 people.

The ad is narrated by Noem. It offers dramatic footage of South Dakota scenery such as Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park, then concludes with the governor introducing herself and pitching a visit to South Dakota

The state has counted 124 infections among people who attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August but has not released an estimate on secondary infections linked to rallygoers. Health officials across 12 states have found more than 300 people with infections who attended the rally, including a Minnesota man who died.

Noem spokesman Ian Fury defended using the federal coronavirus funds for the ads, saying that the state should absolutely be promoting tourism because it is vital to South Dakotas economy. After agriculture, it is the states largest industry.

Thats how people put food on the table, he said.

Money for the ad will come for $1.25 billion the state received from the federal government to address the coronavirus crisis. The U.S. Treasury Department is allowing states to use the money to publicize when tourism activities resume and ensure visitors safety. The Department of Tourism has said it is considering placing the ad on networks like History, TBS, USA, Hallmark, A&E and Discovery.

Fury said the line in the ad that touts the state as a place to safely explore fulfills Treasurys requirement for using the money to address the pandemic.

But Sen. Reynold Nesiba, a Sioux Falls Democrat who sits on the Appropriations Committee, criticized the decision, saying it was more about Noem raising her political profile than helping the state. He claimed the governors office has stressed a cautious approach to using the federal funds, delaying their deployment to non-profits, universities and businesses.

The way to get our economy going again is to address the pandemic, Nesiba said.

Noems approach has been to leverage her hands-off approach to restrictions during the pandemic to attract businesses and tourists to the state. She has said that she is focused on the number of hospitalizations from COVID-19, rather than the number of infections. That stood at 68 people on Tuesday.

Celebrate what makes America great, she says in the ad. And experience the great places and great faces of South Dakota.
Barnes will focus on enterprise program management, vendor management, IT operational improvements, financial governance, and risk compliance. "The unprecedented nature of todays environment requires the thought leadership and depth of knowledge that come with years of experience in the IT operators chair, something all our senior consultants have." - Jeff Vail, CEO of Wavestone US.

Enterprise program management expert Shelly Barnes is the latest IT executive to join IT and business management consultancy Wavestone US, bringing over 20 years of demonstrated success in global IT operations turnarounds, M&A integrations, and digital transformation. As Principal, Barnes will focus on enterprise program management, vendor management, IT operational improvements, financial governance, and risk compliance.

Barnes has led a number of multimillion-dollar IT infrastructure projects throughout her career, displaying a real flair for IT operational excellence, risk mitigation, and program management across multiple industries, including healthcare, mining, high technology, hospitality and travel, managed services, manufacturing, construction, and retail. Prior to joining Wavestone, she was Global Head of Infrastructure Programs and Process at Janus Henderson Investors. She also previously developed and steered the enterprise program management office at NTT Data, Envision Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, and Newmont Mining Corporation.

In these uncertain times, no enterprise can afford overage in time or budget. Shelly brings valuable capabilities and real-world experience to help our clients prioritize and properly manage their mission-critical investments, says Jeff Vail, CEO of Wavestone US.

The unprecedented nature of todays environment requires the thought leadership and depth of knowledge that come with years of experience in the IT operators chair, something all our senior consultants have. Extensive real-world experience is how we help our Fortune 1000 clients achieve real-world business results.

Im really delighted to be part of the Wavestone team. I believe in the firms peer-to-peer approach, where experience trumps theory, and I look forward to helping IT leaders overcome the tough challenges of today to set their organizations up for sustainable growth and future success through technology, says Barnes.

Wavestone US is the North American arm of global management and IT consulting firm Wavestone. It has supported the transformations of more than 200 Fortune 1000 companies across a wide range of industries, offering a practitioners perspective on IT strategy, cost optimization, operational improvements, cybersecurity, and business management.

Keep in touch and join in the conversation on:



About Wavestone

In a world where knowing how to drive transformation is the key to success, Wavestone's mission is to inform and guide large companies and organizations in their most critical transformations, with the ambition of a positive outcome for all stakeholders. Thats what we call "The Positive Way.

Wavestone draws on some 3,000 employees across 8 countries. It is a leading independent player in the European consulting market.

Wavestone is listed on Euronext Paris and recognized as a Great Place to Work.
With the waste processing plant at Dadumajra operating at only 10% capacity, the Chandigarh municipal corporation is working on a two-pronged strategy to meet the solid waste processing needs of the city.

Plans are being prepared for short-term and long-term operations of the existing plant and for exploring alternatives. For the short-term plan, efforts will be concentrated on improving the existing plant; for the long-term, a new plant could be set up to replace the existing one.

For meeting the citys immediate needs of waste processing, our effort will be to improve the existing plant, said KK Yadav, MC commissioner.

The National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Chandigarh, in its report had said that complete replacement of the machinery to process municipal solid waste with new technology is required.

On the other hand, the civil engineering department of Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, in its Status report of 500 TPD solid waste processing plant, Chandigarh had stated that the machinery at the existing plant required immediate repairs and maintenance, and even after that the plant can be run at 40% of its capacity.

They had advocated setting up a new modern 500 TPD (tonnes per day) plant for dry and wet waste treatment in the given plot. For the wet waste stream  biological treatment will be required to meet Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM), 2016.

Cost assessment needed for long-term plan

Replacing the existing machinery or bringing in new technology for setting up a new plant, both options will have different costs. We have to assess these costs before the long-term solution can be finalised, said Yadav.

Both the short-term and long-term plans when finalised will be presented before the MC General House for approval, he added.

Plan finalisation after court proceedings complete

The arbitration proceedings between the Jaypee Group, the former contractors of the Dadumajra plant, and the MC are underway. The civic body on June 19 had taken over the plant, citing the firms inability to run it. The private firm had then approached the courts.

When the arbitration is over and it is decided that the occupation will remain with the MC itself, only then can we incur expenditure. We are hopeful that by October-mid, the arbitration will be completed.

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Is the markets recent run of record high levels another bubble? And is the recent retreat the beginning of a burst, or just a correction? Will investors take heart from the strong August jobs report? And what about the election  how will the nations unstable political scene impact the financial markets? These are just a few of the questions that investors must answer as September heats up.

Two strategists from investment giant Goldman Sachs have weighed in on market prospects in recent days, and have published diverging opinions. For the bulls, Jan Hatzius sees the employment numbers as the key data point, saying that even if growth has slowed from its breakneck pace in the immediate aftermath of the economic reopenings, it should remain strong in the coming months.

Equity strategist Christian Mueller-Glissman, however, sees the current high valuations as a speed bump, and predicts that there will be a correction by autumn. This is what always happens after a bear market. You get an initial very sharp recovery, and then you get a period where the market actually sees what type of earnings growth you're really getting, Mueller-Glissman said. He pointed to increasing volatility as an indicator that stocks have reached an upper limit  but added that the macroeconomic data is incredibly strong, and that, combined with governmental policy support, I would be surprised if we go back into a bear market type situation.

So, we have an uncertain situation. Markets have been rising, but the last few sessions point toward a  possibly  developing correction. Volatility is high, making investors nervous  but government economic regulators are clearly intent on supporting high valuations. Its a situation tailor-made for caution.

Goldman Sachs stock analysts understand this, and the generally risk-averse stance of the firm right now implies that the analysts approach is more selective.

Taking all of this into consideration, we used TipRanks database to take a closer look at three stocks flagged by Goldman Sachs analysts for their solid growth prospects. Were talking about over 40% upside potential here.

Story continues

Rackspace Technology (RXT)

Texas-based Rackspace has a history of providing software and cloud computing solutions for the business world, with cloud-based technologies viable across applications. The companys services include data management and security, at any scale, designed to optimize returns. Rackspace operates around the world, with international offices in, among other places, the UK, Germany, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia. Rackspace started trading publicly back in August, and the stock is up 16% since then.

Shares slipped slightly after the Q2 results. The company showed a 9% year-over-year revenue gain, and EPS of 21 cents. Investors saw the negative, however, that earnings were down from the year before. Company guidance predicts full-year EPS between 75 and 81 cents, and revenue growth between 9% and 10% year-over-year.

Goldman Sachs analyst Heather Bellini, rated 5 stars at TipRanks, rates RXT shares a Buy with a price target of $38, implying an impressive 99% upside potential for the stock this year. (To watch Bellinis track record, click here)

Backing her bullish stance, Bellini writes, We believe in a world of cloud complexity and cost control Rackspace is well positioned to aid the transition from self-managed IT services to an end-to-end multicloud service management platform. As customers continue to move workloads to the cloud, we believe they will increasingly depend on more than one cloud solution at a given time to enhance performance, increase resiliency and security.

The Street agrees that RXT shares have a bright future, as evidenced by the unanimous Strong Buy analyst consensus on the stock. This is based on 9 recent positive reviews. Shares are priced at $19.27, and the average price target of $27.44 suggests a 43.5% upside potential for the year ahead. (See RXT stock analysis on TipRanks)

Plains All American Pipeline (PAA)

Next on our list, Plains All American, is another Texas-based company, this time in the energy industry. The Texas oil patch has seen a renaissance in the last decade, and pushed US to become the worlds leading producer. PAA, a major midstream provider, operates pipelines across North America, with pipelines and storage facilities all along the Rockies, from northern Alberta into Colorado, and down to Oklahoma and the Gulf Coast. Company assets also include crude oil and natural gas liquid storage in southern California, and natural gas facilities across the upper Midwest. PAA also has marine terminals at Yorktown, Virginia.

Lower demand in 1H20 impacted PAAs revenues, with the hit coming in the recent Q2 report. The company showed a 61% drop in revenues, to $3.23 billion for the quarter, and EPS of 25 cents, down from 55 cents per share in the previous quarter. On two positive notes, management updated the full-year net-earnings guidance, boosting it by 3%, and the July dividend was paid out as scheduled, at 18 cents per common share. While the dividend was cut by half earlier this year, as a cash-saving measure against the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has stated no plans to cut it further. The dividend currently yields 10%.

Taking the bullish stance on PAA is Goldman analyst Michael Lapides. His $11 price target on the stock indicates confidence in a 58% one-year upside. (To watch Lapides track record, click here)

In his comments, Lapides explains his upbeat outlook: We continue to expect PAAs Permian footprint of gathering, intra-basin, and long-haul pipelines to benefit from the basins lower breakeven production costs relative to most other US shale plays, driving a quicker recovery in production as commodity prices increase and thus throughput on PAAs system. Furthermore, we see upside to our S&L EBITDA estimates - with our 2020 forecast at $263m and 2021 at $190m for this segment - as PAA could benefit from the oil-price contango, capturing incremental arbitrage opportunities from the partnerships owned storage positions in the Permian, Gulf Coast and the small uncontracted portion of its sizable Cushing storage assets.

Overall, Plains All American gets a Moderate Buy consensus rating, based on 10 reviews including 5 Buys, 4 Holds, and 1 Sell. The average price target, at $11.33, suggests room for 62% growth from the current share price of $6.98. (See PAA stock analysis on TipRanks)

Oak Street Health (OSH)

The last stock on todays list, Oak Street Health, is a medical care provider, operating a network of primary care physician clinics under the auspices of Medicare. The network focuses on adults general medical care. Oak Street Healths clinics can be found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, as well as Rhode Island, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. The company was founded in 2012, and held its IPO this past August.

In the time since the IPO, the health networks shares have gained 15%, bringing the companys market cap up to $11 billion.

Oak Street is performing well financially, and is expanding, too. The company announced on September 1 a collaboration with Walmart  Oak Street will open clinics in three Dallas-Fort Worth area Walmart supercenters by years end.

Goldman Sachs analyst Robert Jones notes the Walmart deal, and says, The company sees this as a pilot to assess the impacts of embedding its centers within a larger retailers footprint, which could also improve the economics of serving non-MA patients. Longer-term, OSH could also seek to capitate these non-Medicare patients with Managed Medicaid or Commercial MCOs, which would represent an entirely new market for the company. Overall, we think this collaboration could be an interesting upside area to an already attractive story.

Jones backs these comments with a $66 price target, suggesting a robust 43% upside potential. Unsurprisingly, he rates the stock a Buy. (To watch Jones track record, click here)

All in all, Oak Street Health has 7 recent reviews, breaking down to 6 Buys and 1 Hold, giving the stock a Strong Buy rating from the analyst consensus. The shares are trading at $46.28 and have an average price target of $55.50, indicating room for ~20% growth in the next 12 months. (See OSH 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.
Back in the strange, still, early days of lockdown, when the sun beat down endlessly from a blue and silent sky and I was woken up early every morning by the unnatural quiet: there was a sort of underlying frenzy that acted in contrast to the inertia of the days. It was the incessant sound of pings and beeps as our phones and computers went mad with WhatsApp messages and Zoom invitations.

Zoom fatigue set in after a few weeks, and I got more discerning about who I wanted to communicate with. Credit:iStock

Trapped at home, with only immediate family for company (if we were lucky), the need to communicate with our wider networks became, for a time, incredibly urgent.

This compulsion manifested itself in surprising, and sometimes delightful ways  my husband got up at 4.30 in the morning one day to dial into a Zoom check-in with two of his best buddies from university, one in Oregon, the other in Hong Kong; while a previously sporadic WhatsApp group with my oldest group of school friends morphed into a weekly Zoom hangout where we drank wine and competed on whose life had become the most boring.

Zoom fatigue set in after a few weeks, and I got more discerning about who I wanted to communicate with. Some interactions, like my school-pal chats, were genuinely life-affirming events that I looked forward to; others highlighted the fact that real life acquaintances do not always pass the screen test. I was struck by how little I missed some people, and how much I came to rely on regular check-ins with others.
As the same time that schools reopen across Ontario, COVID-19 is surging  especially within the GTA.

The growing number of new daily cases has meant that the Ontario government has put a hold on any further loosening of public health restrictions in the province. Within the province, the GTA and Ottawa are leading new daily infections.

The recent case surge can be traced to Stage 3 reopening, said Colin Furness, an epidemiologist at the University of Toronto. However, it takes more than the two weeks thats been largely touted as the time between changes and new cases to really see the effects of reopening.

The lag time seems to be about two months, he said, pointing to similar surges in Alberta and B.C. following their respective move to opening bars and restaurants. Its not like all of a sudden theres a huge spike, it takes a while to simmer.

Opening schools this week puts another log on a really scary fire, Furness said.

While Ontarios schools arent yet the driver of new cases, the fire, I think, comes from creating situations where people are indoors without masks. he said.

I wasnt expecting this kind of rise yet. I was expecting this in about a month from now, Furness added, continuing that Ontario hasnt yet reached colder weather, which is the ideal environment for respiratory viruses. So I am very concerned. And if it were up to me, I would be rolling back some of the stuff now.

GTA vs. Ontario

The GTA has seen a steady rise in cases since mid-August, while case growth in the rest of the province has been flat.

As of reporting from the province Tuesday morning, Toronto has 48 new COVID-19 cases, while 42 have been reported in Peel, and another 37 in Ottawa. Over the past week, Toronto has seen an average 48.6 new cases of the virus each day, while Peel has seen 49.9. In Ottawa, that number is 22.7.

However, these numbers remain far below the peak of the pandemic in each respective region. In Toronto, for example, there were on average 229.9 new cases per day, while Peel reported 120.1 new cases on average.

The largest growth has been in the Toronto area (and) GTA areas, including York and Peel, said Isha Berry, a PhD candidate in epidemiology at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. She said that daily case averages are also rising.

The disparity between cities

The growing numbers highlight the importance of making sure people are following provincial public health orders, Berry said.

She warned against reading too deeply into the rising numbers in Brampton on their own. I think something to keep in mind is that we look at these health regions almost as if theyre insular, she said. But really, unless you have a good idea of how people are crossing between health regions, especially for somewhere like Peel and Toronto. We dont really know if someones actually getting that case in Toronto, (or) are they getting that case in Peel.

Berry cautioned that because the regions are fluid and Ontarians move between them often, its important to look at the situation in each place in relation to the places beside it. You dont want to look at something in isolation.

Elsewhere in Canada

New cases across Canada over the past month have been rather flat, though Alberta and Manitoba have seen spikes. Nationally, cases only began to rise toward the end of August, consistent with trends seen in Ontario and B.C.

Furness said he was much less worried about the Atlantic provinces than other regions in Canada. Nova Scotia struggled the most out there (initially), but even then they really kept it under control, he said. Theyve been really cautious.  They have not been stampeding back, (have) not been demanding bars be open.

Canada-wide, Ontario is facing a similar pandemic trajectory as other provinces, Berry said. On a per-capita basis, provinces such as Manitoba and Alberta are seeing very sustained flow over the last seven to 14 days as well.

The increase isnt due to more testing, Berry explained. Rather, she believes the country is experiencing linear growth, meaning that the number of cases seen on any given day is par with the amount seen on the previous day or previous week.

But what we are worried about, and what we dont want to see happen is exponential growth, which is what happens when you start multiplying at a rate faster than before, she explained.

With files from Ed Tubb

Jenna Moon is a breaking news reporter for the Star and is based in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @_jennamoon

Read more about:
Jeff Sherman, the Company's President of Multifamily said, "This development is not only proximate to the North Fulton and Perimeter office markets, but is also within two miles of Cumming City Center." Mr. Sherman added, "We are thrilled to be investing in Solis Cumming Town Center and continue to believe that Sunbelt suburban nodes will see healthy and sustained growth over the next decade, as we recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic." This marks PAC's fourth investment with Terwilliger Pappas, a preeminent Sunbelt multifamily developer, and provides PAC with a compelling opportunity to invest in, and have certain rights to acquire, Solis Cumming Town Center.

Joel T. Murphy, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer said, "Our real estate loan investment program in multifamily continues to be an accretive avenue for capital deployment for the Company. This strategy has historically been a profitable and strategic differentiator for us and we expect that to continue in the future. This is another example of our ability to generate healthy risk adjusted returns in the current climate while also providing us an attractive acquisition pipeline for Class A multifamily communities in the Sunbelt."

About Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc.

Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE: APTS) is a real estate investment trust engaged primarily in the ownership and operation of Class A multifamily properties, with select investments in grocery anchored shopping centers, Class A office buildings, and student housing properties. Preferred Apartment Communities' investment objective is to generate attractive, stable returns for stockholders by investing in income-producing properties and acquiring or originating real estate loans. As of June 30, 2020, the Company owned or was invested in 125 properties in 15 states, predominantly in the Southeast region of the United States. Learn more at www.pacapts.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "trend", "will", "expects", "plans", "estimates", "anticipates", "projects", "intends", "believes", "goals", "objectives", "outlook" and similar expressions. Because such statements include risks, uncertainties and contingencies, actual results may differ materially from the expectations, intentions, beliefs, plans or predictions of the future expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and contingencies include, but are not limited to, (a) the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on PAC's business operations and the economic conditions in the markets in which PAC operates; (b) PAC's ability to mitigate the impacts arising from COVID-19 and (c) those disclosed in PAC's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. PAC undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required by law.

Additional Information

The SEC has declared effective the registration statement (including prospectus) filed by the Company for each of the offerings to which this communication may relate. Before you invest, you should read the final prospectus, and any prospectus supplements, forming a part of the registration statement and other documents the Company has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the offering to which this communication may relate. In particular, you should carefully read the risk factors described in the final prospectus and in any related prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference in the final prospectus and any related prospectus supplement to which this communication may relate. You may obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the Company or its dealer manager, Preferred Capital Securities, LLC, with respect to its Series A1/M1 Redeemable Preferred Stock Offering, will arrange to send you a prospectus if you request it by calling John A. Isakson at (770) 818-4109, 3284 Northside Parkway NW, Suite 150, Atlanta, Georgia 30327.

The Series A1/M1 Redeemable Preferred Stock Offering prospectus, dated October 22, 2019, can be accessed through the following link:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1481832/000148183219000097/a424b5-2019seriesamshares.htm

SOURCE Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.pacapts.com


Starbucks Corp said on Tuesday it will add plant-based food and beverages to menus across Asia from September, including products from Impossible Foods, Oatly and Beyond Meat Inc, as it targets more environment-conscious diners. The Seattle-based coffee chain said it was introducing products in markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Taiwan and Thailand that suit local tastes and preferences.

Producing plant-based food and beverages is less demanding on the environment compared with items relying on animal agriculture, which typically needs far more land and water.

Starbucks said its new food items will include the Spiced Impossible Puff and Maize Impossible Sandwich in Hong Kong, and Beyond Meat Bolognese Penne in Taiwan. In Singapore, it will launch the Impossible Wrap comprising an Impossible Burger patty, avocado omelette, mushroom, caramelised onion and cheese. Drinks will include the Oatmilk Cocoa Macchiato from Oatly in Malaysia, the Philippines and elsewhere.

Starbucks began offering plant-based meals in Canada in February, and in April said it would do likewise in China. The initiative comes as Impossible Foods, Oatly and Beyond Meat look to expand into Asia.
US Navy faces discrimination claims as it cuts Catholic priests

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UPDATE: 9 a.m. EDT Sept. 10: Following pushback from political and religious officials, the U.S. Navy reversed its decision to terminate contracts with civilian Catholic priests.

Shortly before the Navy announced the reversal, the First Liberty Institute, which describes itself as the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans, sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper expressing concern about the decision. The organization was pleased with the reversal.

We commend the Navys quick course correction, First Liberty General Counsel Mike Berry said in a statement. If we are to remain the greatest military on the planet, we must ensure that our service members have access to the spiritual support they need.

Original

The U.S. Navy is facing allegations of discrimination after it decided to terminate its relationship with several Catholic priests who lead masses at naval bases while leaving chaplains of other religious denominations in place.

According to a report from The San Diego Union-Tribune, the Navy has declined to renew the contracts of several civilian Catholic priests serving at San Diego-area Navy bases and other bases nationwide despite there being a shortage of active-duty Catholic chaplains.

At naval bases that are far removed from any Catholic churches in the surrounding communities, contracted civilian Catholic priests will remain in place.

Brian ORourke, a spokesperson for the Navy Region Southwest, cited a desire to minister to active duty Sailors and Marines in the 18-25 year-old range as the motivation behind the difficult decision to discontinue most contracted ministry services.

The Christian Post reached out to O'Rourke for clarification but did not receive an immediate response.

Admiral Yancey Lindsey, the commander of the Navy Installations Command, pointed to limited resources as the reason why the Navy had to reduce redundancies by realigning resources. The Navy first announced its national realignment on Aug. 20.

While Catholics at most of the affected Navy bases have the option to attend Catholic mass at nearby parishes, Catholics currently serving on naval bases have argued that the base churches have created a strong sense of community.

In an interview with The Union-Tribune, Anne-Marie Miley, a retired Navy pilot, described the Coronado and North Island parish that she spent more than a decade volunteering at as a community thing. The church out in town has a large congregation; its much more personal to go on base, she said.

Rev. Jose Pimentel, who has led services at the aforementioned parish for the past eight years, will be departing from his position on Sept. 30, when his contract will come to an end two years early. One issue is discrimination [and] another is the violation of the right to practice your religion, he said.

The move to cut back on Catholic priests in the Navy comes as religious freedom advocates have expressed growing concerns about the ability of service members to practice their religion.

Over the past several months, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation has filed complaints against several military chaplains for speaking about their faith on social media.

In response to a complaint from MRFF, the U.S. Armys 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade at Fort Drum, New York, removed videos of two of their chaplains calling on service members to put their faith in God as they dealt with the coronavirus pandemic. The MRFF also complained after an army chaplain stationed in South Korea sent his colleagues a copy of an e-book titled Coronavirus and Christ.

Earlier this year, the Navy came under fire for issuing an order that critics argued prevented troops from attending religious services while allowing them to go to house parties. The Navy later clarified its guidance, stressing that worship services could take place as long as measures designed to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus were implemented.
Concord Hospital in western Sydney has gone into lockdown, closing its doors to all visitors until at least Friday.

The drastic move comes after several healthcare workers at the hospital tested positive to coronavirus, sparking fears that vulnerable patients could become infected.

There are five cases linked to Concord Hospital, including the initial emergency ward worker who worked a shift while infectious on September 1.

The hospital will be closed to visitors from 8am on Wednesday to 10am on Friday for deep cleaning of all wards, but people needing medical care can still attend.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it was 'concerning' that a person likely became infected after touching a surface in the hospital, as they were wearing full PPE.

Concord Hospital (pictured) will be closed from 8am on Wednesday to 10am on Friday for deep cleaning of all wards after five cases were linked to the hospital earlier this week

'I am always concerned about those cases, because every case can blow out if you don't contact trace and isolate,' she told Sunrise.

'But what is concerning about the Concord Hospital example is that health are still doing discussions but they suspect that this is a case where someone has picked it up from a surface, because everybody who got it was wearing a mask and full PPE.

'This is really contagious ... whilst the pandemic is around and until we have a vaccine, all of us have to be cautious and assume we have got it or that people we are interacting with have it as well.'

NSW Health assured families and friends that arrangements will be made for them to be able to contact patients by phone or video calls.

'There is no evidence that there is ongoing risk in the hospital and patients should continue to visit to receive the medical care they need,' NSW Health said in a statement.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian (pictured) said it was 'concerning' that a person likely became infected after touching a surface in the hospital, as they were wearing full PPE

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it was 'concerning' that a person wearing a mask and full PPE became infected after touching a surface in the hospital. Pictured: Healthcare workers in PPE in Rushcutters Bay, Sydney

Meanwhile, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) said those identified as contacts are being tested, and are isolating at home for 14 days.

'As an additional precaution, all staff on the aged care wards are wearing full personal protective equipment (gowns, gloves, masks and goggles) to minimise risks to patients,' SLHD said in a statement.

'We know this is a worrying time, but we would like to thank you all for your patience and understanding.'

The hospital's closure to visitors comes after more than 100 health workers were forced into isolation waiting on coronavirus tests.

There were four new COVID-19 cases in NSW on Monday - a returned overseas traveller and three healthcare workers at Sydney's Concord Repatriation General Hospital and Liverpool Hospital.

The three healthcare workers were diagnosed during investigations into an emergency department doctor, reported on Saturday, who worked at the two hospitals while potentially infectious.

Another case, a visitor to a hospital emergency department where the doctor worked or sought treatment, was included in Tuesday's numbers, taking the cluster to five.

Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) said those identified as contacts are being tested, and are isolating at home for 14 days

Patients considered close contacts and all staff at Concord and Liverpool EDs (pictured) at the same times as the positive cases are being isolated and tested

Patients considered close contacts of the infected, and all staff at Concord and Liverpool emergency departments who shared shifts with them are being isolated and tested.

The three newly reported health workers say they had no symptoms while at work, and also wore personal protective equipment while caring for patients.

Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said there was no evidence to suggest NSW hospitals weren't operating safely and effectively, and urged people not to delay urgent care.

Authorities suspect at least one of the new cases caught the virus while both parties were wearing masks.

'For some of the cases there isn't that clear-cut direct contact without a surgical mask,' Dr Chant told reporters on Monday.

'We are exploring avenues of whether there could be transmission.

'If your hands are contaminated, and then you're touching computer screens or touching pens and pencils pieces of paper, can you actually transmit the virus?'

Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant (pictured) said there was no evidence to suggest NSW hospitals weren't operating safely and effectively, and urged people not to delay urgent care

Saturday's reported case worked at Liverpool Hospital's emergency department while potentially infections on September 3 between 8am and 6pm.

The healthcare worker also worked at Concord Repatriation General Hospital between 2pm and midnight on September 1.

Two of the new cases reported on Monday worked at Liverpool Hospital between September 2 and September 4

The third case worked at Concord's emergency department between 7pm on September 1 until 7am the next day.

Meanwhile, Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday confirmed school formals and graduations would be allowed to go ahead in term 4, despite a number of outbreaks in schools in recent months.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was today warned his extradition hearing will continue without him if he continues to speak from the dock.

The judge, Vanessa Baraitser, briefly adjourned proceedings at the Old Bailey after the 49-year-old interrupted the evidence of US human rights lawyer Clive Stafford Smith this morning.

The outburst could not be heard by journalists, who are following proceedings on a videolink from another court.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (pictured in a court sketch) was today warned his extradition hearing will continue without him if he continues to speak from the dock

Australian human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson (left) with Stella Moris (right) the partner Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, outside the Old Bailey today

Assange's father John Shipton outside court today. His 49-year-old son faces 18 charges including plotting to hack computers and conspiring to obtain and disclose national defence information

'The witness must be allowed to give their evidence free from interruption,' the judge told Assange after he was allowed to speak with his lawyers.

'You will hear things, no doubt many things, you disagree with during these proceedings.'

She added: 'If you interrupt proceedings it is open to me to proceed in your absence. This is obviously something I would not wish to do.

'You must allow the witness to speak without interruption so they can give their evidence.'

The defence witness described how WikiLeaks helped expose alleged US war crimes in Afghanistan and shone a light on Guantanamo Bay.

Mr Stafford Smith, who founded the Reprieve organisation, said: 'I say this more in sadness than anger. I would never have believed that my government would do what it did.

'We are talking about criminal offences of torture, kidnapping, rendition, holding people without trial.'

He said leaks had revealed the US allegations against clients held in Guantanamo, which he was then able to prove as 'nonsense'.

tStella Moris, the partner of the Wikileaks founder, arrives at the Old Bailey today

Editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks, Kristinn Hrafnsson, right, was at court to support Assange

But cross-examining, James Lewis QC, for the US, suggested that Assange was not being prosecuted in the US for publishing cables, which had previously been reported in the New York Times and Washington Post, or hundreds of thousands of others.

He said: 'Mr Assange is not being prosecuted for publishing those cables or anything other than the documents which contain the names of informants which put their lives at risk.'

Assange has been held on remand in Belmarsh prison since last September after serving a 50-week jail sentence for breaching his bail conditions while he was in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for almost seven years.

On Monday, he was arrested in the cells at the Old Bailey over a new US indictment lodged in June, including 18 charges of plotting to hack computers and conspiring to obtain and disclose national defence information.

If convicted, he faces a maximum possible penalty of 175 years in jail.

The hearing, which is expected to last for around four weeks, continues.
Paul Atanga Nji face a la presse Fred BIHINA

When you joke with a beehive, you should know exactly what awaits you because you cannot even escape.

It is with the above words that Territorial Administration Minister Atanga Nji Paul sounded a stern warning to unscrupulous politicians, looking for cheap popularity, with a hidden agenda aimed at disrupting the electoral process, that they will face the law.

He was speaking Monday, September 7, 2020, shortly after President Paul Biya signed a decree to convene the electoral colleges for the election of Regional Councillors.

The Minister only fell short of calling out Professor Maurice Kamto, President of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, CRM, whose party has not only called for the boycott of the regional elections but has promised to lead nationwide protests beginning September 22.

Kamto has since claimed he won the October 7, 2018, presidential elections although official results put him at the second position with about 14% of validly cast votes.

Protests against a flawed electoral system in January and June 2019 led to the arrest of Kamto and his allies. They were however freed on October 3, 2019, on orders of the President of the Republic to honor recommendations of the Major National Dialogue.

But Atanga Nji warns eleven months after that should Kamto involve himself in any form of some disorder, he will face the music.

Hear him: It must also be clear that the discontinuance of legal proceedings does not imply that the charges have been dropped. Any further act of public disorder will take them back to square one.

In case of any public disorder, administrative authorities have been instructed to take necessary measures to maintain law and order.

In announcing the readiness of the Ministry of Territorial Administration to assist Elections Cameroon, ELECAM, conduct hitch-free polls, Minister Atanga Nji said:

It has come to my knowledge that some political parties, losing steam, have made some irresponsible declarations by putting some preconditions for the holding of Regional Elections. This mischievous plan is aimed at destabilizing republican institutions and is against H.E. Paul Biya who incarnates them.

Obviously, these threats have not fallen on deaf ears. Once again, I want to remind everybody that the Minister of Territorial Administration is in charge of maintaining law and order, the protection of persons and their property, as well as the supervision of the activities of political parties, associations, and NGOs. I want to make it very clear that no disorder shall be tolerated from any political party or any political actor.

The Minister went on to highlight several legal provisions that will be applied immediately if these irresponsible politicians ever attempt to disrupt the organization of the December regional elections.

He cited Section 111(1) of Law No. 2016/007 of 12 July 2016 relating to the Penal Code which punishes secession: Whoever undertakes in whatever manner to infringe the territorial integrity of the Republic shall be punished with imprisonment for life.

He went on to recall the provisions of Section 114 of the Penal Code that punishes plotters of revolutions: Whoever by force attempts to alter the laws composing the Constitution or to overturn of the political authorities set up by the said laws or to render them incapable of exercising their powers shall be punished with imprisonment for life.

In furtherance of his lessons on the law, Atanga Nji referred to Law no. 90/55 of 19 December 1990 to lay down regulations governing public meetings and processions.

Section 6(1) reads: All processions, demonstrations, parades, marches, and rallies of persons and, in general, all processions on the public highway shall be subject to prior declaration.

Section 8 adds that: The Subdivisional Officer receiving the declaration shall immediately issue a receipt thereof; however, if he deems that the planned procession is likely to seriously disrupt public order, he may: schedule another venue or route for it; prohibit it by an order which he shall immediately notify to the signatory of the declaration.

Hear Atanga Nji as he throws jabs at Kamto: Under the enlightened stewardship of His Excellency Paul Biya, Cameroon has always opted for democracy of inclusion, and not that of exclusion. A few months ago, His Excellency Paul Biya in his legendary humanism and constitutional prerogatives, ordered the discontinuance of proceedings against an official of a political party and his accomplices, who had seriously violated the laws of the Republic.

By ordering this discontinuance, the Head of State wanted to give this political leader a historic chance to turn away from anti-democratic practices.

After participating in the presidential election, the leader of this political party decided to boycott the February 9 twin legislative and municipal election. By so doing, he voluntarily took his party and himself out of republican institutions. Everyone knows that in democracy, political or republican legitimacy is acquired through the ballot box, not on social media or in the streets.

Those who make wrong political calculations and look for fallacious pretexts to evade elections must also muster the courage to face the consequences of their suicidal decisions.

Refusing to participate in elections and claiming to defend the interests of Cameroonians without any elective mandate, is a scheme that cannot work in Cameroon. We will not allow that to happen. After the February 9 twin elections, new political forces have emerged.

They are now participating in the democratic process, as His Excellency Paul Biya, Great Architect of peaceful democracy in Cameroon, has always desired.
THE best way to win the Republican presidential nomination in the United States, someone once said, is to run as far as possible to the right.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 8/9/2020 (500 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

THE best way to win the Republican presidential nomination in the United States, someone once said, is to run as far as possible to the right.

Then, when one wins the nomination?

Start running back to the centre.

Conservative Party of Canada Leader Erin OToole heeded that advice. His leadership campaign was brimming with the sort of stuff that right-wing folks love. His campaigns strategy was to depict Peter MacKay as the squishy one-world government crypto-Liberal and OToole the conservatives Conservative.

He was the "true blue" Conservative. He was going to do battle with "the Chinese regime," which would be news to our military.

He was going to start a fight to "take back Canada"  from whom, he never said, but Indigenous people were likely unamused, having always correctly believed they had Canada first.

Of course, OToole was going to give social conservatives what they wanted. He was their candidate, because he was the only one who could beat the communist MacKay. So:

he suggested he had "concerns" about banning conversion therapy;

he mused about creating "conscience rights" to make abortions harder to get;

he intoned that he didnt like medically assisted death and would work to limit its use;

he implied he would give some the "right" to refuse LGBTTQ+ marriage;

and he said social conservatives "will have a seat at the table" when he became Conservative leader.

After a clown show of a voting process, he eventually won the Tory crown in the wee hours of Aug. 23, when most of us had gone to bed.

And then, as in a dream, OToole switched the script.

I suspect OToole is going to lose some fans.

On the progressive side of the spectrum, he has created a credible case for the criticism that he has a hidden agenda. On the social conservative side  a side he actively and indisputably courted for many months  there will be feelings of betrayal and anger.

Thats what happens when you try to suck and blow at the same time. Thats what happens when you try to be all things to all people. You end up satisfying nobody, really.

OToole had an exceedingly competent campaign team. Thats obvious. They were up against a likable, experienced former senior cabinet minister in MacKay.

They were up against the widely held impression that their candidate lacked charisma, name recognition, or a policy or two in some way newsworthy.

Despite that, they expertly manipulated the Byzantine Conservative voting process and captured ridings that were ridings in name only. They decisively beat MacKay by doing that.

But make no mistake: they also did that by pretending to be the most electable social-conservative candidate. The other two social conservatives in the race couldnt speak French  a non-starter for a truly national political party.

Sure, sure  its true that Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is no longer as popular as he once was. Its true that he has become enmeshed in multiple ethical scandals. Its true that one of those scandals  the one that has soiled his family name  may yet take down his government.

But only a fool would underestimate Trudeaus electoral skills. Former Conservative leader Andrew Scheer did that and ended up looking like a fool. He ended up looking like a guy who couldnt score on an empty net if his life depended on it.

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With a pandemic raging, and Canadians worrying about kids returning to school and businesses going under, it may be that Canadians will forget about OTooles whiplash-inducing flip-flop. Or they may not care.

But Conservatives are dreaming in Technicolor if they think the Liberal electoral machine hasnt noticed. Theyre delusional if they think Trudeau wont take full and frequent advantage of their massive volte-face.

In politics, you have to believe in something. You do.

After last month, to both progressives and social conservatives, its fair to wonder if the new leader of the Conservative Party of Canada believes in anything at all.

Warren Kinsella is a Canadian journalist, political adviser and commentator.

 Troy Media
Mulan (Credit: Disney)

The controversy surrounding Disney's live-action remake of Mulan has stepped up, after it emerged that some of the movie has been shot in Chinas controversial Xinjiang province.

The province, in the north-east of the country, is where the China is being accused of detaining Uighur Muslims in so-called 're-education' camps.

However, despite international condemnation of the mass detentions, Disney has offered special thanks to several government bodies in the region in the films credits.

Among them is the publicity department of CPC (Communist Party of China) Xinjiang Uighur Autonomy Region Committee', which produces propaganda and messaging for the region.

Read more: Is Mulan based on a true story?

Uighurs who have been subject to the extra-judicial detainment have been forced into labour, indoctrination programs and forced sterilisation, according to reports.

Yahoo Movies UK has contacted Disney for comment, and while it is yet to directly address the matter, the film has already become the subject of protest.

The #BoycottMulan movement on social media is already gathering support from pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand.

One prominent activist in Hong Kong, Joshua Wong, took to Twitter to take aim at both the Chinese Communist Party and actress Liu Yifei, who plays Mulan in the movie.

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, he said.

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. https://t.co/utmP1tIWNa  Joshua Wong   (@joshuawongcf) September 4, 2020

Liu hit headlines last summer, after the Chinese-born US actress showed support for the Hong Kong police who were cracking down on anti-Chinese protesters.

Story continues

In August, 2019, she shared a post on the Chinese social media service Weibo from pro-government media, which read: I support Hong Kong's police, you can beat me up now. What a shame for Hong Kong.

She then affirmed: I also support Hong Kongs police.

Read more: Why is Mushu not in the Mulan remake?

At the time of the message, many called for an early boycott of the movie.

Following the furore, she told The Hollywood Reporter: I think it's obviously a very complicated situation, and I'm not an expert. I just really hope this gets resolved soon... I think it's just a very sensitive situation.

Disney's chairman Alan Horn also briefly referenced the row back in February, saying: My feeling is, free speech is an important component of society, certainly, and folks ought to be able to say what they want to say.

I cant speak for what Liu says in China  we didnt know about it, what she was going to say  and thats up to them.

The movie is currently available via premium streaming on Disney+.
Almost two thirds of Irish consumers are concerned about the impact of prolonged pub closures on the local economy, according to new research from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI).

The research, released as part of DIGIs Support Your Local campaign, reveals that over half of pubs are reported temporarily or permanently closed (56%) as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.

Broken down further, 61% of people living in rural areas reported a local pub closure, compared to 50% in urban areas.

These prolonged pub closures have raised a number of concerns for those within local communities, with over 60% of people concerned about the knock-on effects of the restrictions on the local economy.

According to the research, the main concerns surrounding the closure of pubs in local areas include:

 The loss of jobs within the local community (78%)

 The negative impact on supporting industries (75%)

 The isolation and loneliness of elderly people within the community (67%)

 The lack of support for musicians and the arts (67%).

Community impact

In addition to the economic concerns, people have also noticed significant changes to their local communities as a direct result of pub closures.

According to the research, almost six in ten people (59%) visited their local pub at least once a month before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Since the government implemented restrictions on the opening of pubs, half (53%) feel that the vibrancy of the community has dampened, with 50% also noting a decrease in the level of community spirit and morale among the community.

Supporting the industry

Over (72%) of the Irish population now believe that the government needs to step in and provide support measures to save the drinks and hospitality industry.

Three fifths of the population believe that local publicans will act responsibly and ensure public health measures and guidelines are enforced correctly, while the vast majority (90%) say that they are also taking personal responsibility for their health and safety by adhering to public health advice, suggesting that most will be compliant with all pub reopening requirements.

Commenting, Rosemary Garth, Chair of DIGI and Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs at Irish Distillers, said:

The prolonged closure of pubs in Ireland is not only having a negative effect on those who are directly involved in the industry: it is having widespread impact on local communities.

This is truly devastating to see. According to our research, the vast majority of people in Ireland have noticed significant change to their local community, with a particular decline in community spirits and morale.

The role of the pub in local communities has never been more prominent. It is only now, as many pubs remain shut or have closed permanently as a result of the lockdown, that people are recognising how important the industry is for local wellbeing, job creation, and the broader economy.

To ensure that pubs in local communities can not only reopen, but reopen with a fighting chance of recovery, the Government must not delay any longer.

We must look to reopen the pubs immediately, putting meaningful supports in place to allow them to recover from the damage of the past six months.

To help facilitate this, the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland is calling on the government to introduce a 15% reduction in excise tax in Ireland, which currently poses a threat to both the short and long-term viability of the drinks and hospitality sector.

Without a reduction in excise tax levels for the sector, pubs, already indebted and at reduced capacity, will reopen with the second highest rates in the EU. This will put them on an immediate backfoot and threaten more permanent closures.
08.09.2020 LISTEN

It looks like Dr. UN, officially referred to as Dr. Kwame Owusu Fordjour has stirred up a lot of controversies after saying on live radio at Zylofon 102.1fm that Blakk Rasta does not need his UN Awards as he is far bigger than that.

According to Dr. UN, Blakk Rasta, the Kuchoko Legend has more accolades than Sarkodie and Shatta combined.

Former British High Commissioner to Ghana and Togo has affirmed this position in a tweet sighted by this platform. H. E. Jon Benjamin tweeted Monday thus:

"To be honest @Blakkrasta, Ive never heard of Dr. UN, but if hes saying that youre more talented than Sarkbwoy, then hes merely stating a self-evident truth."

Blakk Rasta recently gave a heart-throbbing live band performance on TV3 's Music Music to critical acclaim raising the bar on the programme. Fans had not seen a performance like that on the show in a long while.

The Kuchoko Legend released his much-touted TIMBUKTU BY ROAD album in November last year and has been counting the success of the album so far.
Premier Mark McGowan has insisted WA's coronavirus contact tracing system is match fit after Prime Minister Scott Morrison questioned the state's preparedness.

There have been no cases of community transmission in the state for 150 days, prompting the PM to argue health services could let their guards down if they weren't used to locating cases.

Federal Canning MP Andrew Hastie, WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti, Premier Mark McGowan, Murray-Wellington MP Robyn Clarke and Mandurah MP David Templeman turning the sod on a new car park at Mandurah train station on Tuesday morning. Credit:Nathan Hondros

"When you don't have many cases, well there's not a lot to trace," he said.

But Mr McGowan said WA had been a victim of its own success in managing the pandemic.
Police have raided the head office of a disability support provider who allegedly left woman in their care to rot in her own excrement.

Ann Marie Smith, 54, who had cerebral palsy, died on April 6 from septic shock, multiple organ failure, severe pressure sores and malnourishment.

Detectives from the Major Crime squad searched the Integrity Care SA office in Edwardstown, south Adelaide, to seize evidence on Thursday morning.

Ann Marie Smith (pictured), 54, died at Royal Adelaide Hospital in April from septic shock, multiple organ failure, severe pressure sores and malnourishment

South Australia Police raided the office of Ms Smith's National Disability Insurance Scheme care providers, Integrity Care SA, (pictured above) on Thursday morning

Ms Smith died at Royal Hospital Adelaide and it is believed she was severely neglected for a year prior to her death.

The 54-year-old lived alone in putrid conditions at her Adelaide home and relied on carers under the National Disability Insurance Scheme to look after her.

Police allege Ms Smith's jewellery was taken, her money was stolen and she was left in the same chair for 12 months.

Her carer Rosemary Maione, 69, was arrested at a Hectorville home and charged with manslaughter on August 6.

Detective Superintendent Des Bray said the Integrity Care head office and a home at Huntfield Heights were raided as part of an ongoing investigation.

'We've shifted our focus to the role of others employed or running Integrity Care SA who had a responsibility to deliver care,' he explained.

Supt Bray called on Integrity Care employees to talk to police and assist with the investigation.

'Some employees have steadfastly refused to cooperate and have done nothing whatsoever to assist the investigation or to ensure that this sort of neglect could never happen to anybody again.

Rosemary Maione (left), 69, was charged with manslaughter over Ms Smith's death

South Australian police have released photos from inside Ms Smith's home where she sat in her final days. The 54-year-old was allegedly left in the same chair for 12 months

'We know some employees were concerned about operating practices and we plan to speak to more of them in the coming days,' he explained.

Supt Bray urged anyone with information about Ms Smith to contact police.

'We encourage employees to cooperate in this investigation, so we can ensure this never happens again.

'It's time for all employees, past and present, to do the right thing and speak to investigators by phoning Crime Stoppers tonight.

'Detectives will be available to talk to anybody who rings Crime Stoppers and anybody who's worked for Integrity SA,' he said.

Police allege Maione treated Ms Smith (pictured above with dogs) with severe neglect and also stole money and jewellery from the 54-year old

Maione (pictured) was granted a strict home detention bail at her house in Hectorville

The investigation has already received at least 78 calls with information in relation to Ms Smith.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme commission has been investigating Integrity Care, which took two weeks to report Ms Smith's death to the NDIS Commission.

The provider was slapped with a $12,600 fine over its failure to notify the Commission within 24 hours and has been banned from operating.

Integrity Care will no longer be a registered provider of NDIS-funded supports and services and will be banned from providing them to people covered by NDIS.

The Commission's investigation into Integrity Care remains ongoing and further regulatory action may be taken.

Maione was employed by Integrity Care until May 18, days after the police investigation into Ms Smith's death was launched.

She was granted strict home detention bail and will be electronically monitored at her Hectorville home.
The allotment committee of the luggage manufacturer approved raising Rs 50 crore by issuing non-convertible debenture (NCDs) on private placement basis.

The committee on 7 September 2020 approved the allotment of 500 listed, secured, rated, redeemable, non-convertible debenture (NCDs) of Rs 10 lakh each aggregating to Rs 50 crores on private placement basis.

Shares of VIP Industries rose 0.46% to Rs 281.95. The scrip has surged 50.01% from its 52-week low of Rs 187.95 hit on 24 March 2020.

VIP Industries reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 51.32 crore in Q1 June 2020 compared with net profit of Rs 35.08 crore in Q1 June 2019. Net sales tanked 92.9% to Rs 40.33 crore in Q1 June 2020 over Q1 June 2019.

VIP Industries manufactures hard luggage and markets soft luggage imported from Bangladesh and China. VIP is the largest player in the luggage industry in India.

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Labor infrastructure spokeswoman Catherine King has criticised the government for taking too long to start work on major projects, with some budget measures pushing back spending until the later years of this decade. Ms King said the government should be thinking about long-term trends in population and economic growth to decide where to get the greatest reward from new spending. "There just isn't any strategic thinking about that," she said. Last year's federal budget included a list of 70 major projects receiving about $40 billion from the federal government.

Loading The government has put $10 billion towards upgrading the Bruce Highway in Queensland and $5 billion to the full duplication of the Pacific Highway, as well as $5 billion towards building the Western Sydney Airport. It is also spending $10 billion on the inland rail from Brisbane to Melbourne, with construction underway near the western NSW town of Parkes, and is promising this will create 15,000 jobs across Victoria, NSW and Queensland. The government is yet to decide the infrastructure projects to be revealed in the October budget but is considering whether the pandemic will change the business case for transport as more people work from home. "COVID will make regional living far more appealing," Mr McCormack said. "You don't have to spend, you know, up to an hour and a half going to and from work every day. You don't have to spend your time just looking at the bright lights in front of you.

"These regional communities are large enough in which to get a good cup of coffee and they're small enough so that you still have that friendly, neighbourly spirit." While Liberal MP John Alexander is calling for a commitment to high-speed rail to connect regional centres between the big cities, Mr McCormack said these projects depended on state decisions. "The states have to put it on board," he said. "The states have to prioritise these things and then we obviously look at them, so we act on what the states want." Mr McCormack said high-speed rail would be "great to do" between Sydney and Melbourne but passenger rail was the remit of the states.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese is calling for a dramatic boost to infrastructure to fix urban services and help regional Australia, using a major speech on Wednesday to back more road and rail projects. "It makes sense for governments to nurture smart regionalisation," he says in the new regional visions statement. The draft speech warns that Australians will pay the price for the "Morrison recession" and calls on the government to invest in high-speed rail from Brisbane to Melbourne, something Mr Albanese has supported for more than a decade. "High speed rail opens up the possibility of people commuting to capital cities while enjoying the lower cost and lifestyle benefits of regional living," he says in a draft of the speech to be delivered in the NSW regional city of Coffs Harbour. Mr Alexander said a major rail network should be a national priority and could be funded by a "value-capture" approach because faster access to the big cities would increase the value of land in regional centres, creating profits to pay for the infrastructure. "What value is added to the towns between Melbourne and Sydney when a plane flies over at 20,000 feet?" Mr Alexander said.

Loading "The purpose of high-speed rail is not to provide an alternative to air travel between our capitals but to rebalance our settlement, to create new cities, create greater capacity and relieve our major cities of the burden of growth and the resulting congestion." Mr McCormack also said the government was working on some "really exciting" water projects, funded by a $1.5 billion fund and a $2 billion loan facility. "We're going to make sure that we work with the states," he said. "We're going to be really cranking that enterprise up in coming months to ensure that we build on what we've already done. "There's a lot of business cases and there's a lot of feasibility studies and environmental work [that] has been done over the past two years. But now it's time to put concrete down and get that water storage infrastructure built."
A group of Western Australian health workers could be stuck in Victoria for weeks after one of them tested positive to COVID-19.

The nurse had been working in an aged care home in Melbourne as part of a WA volunteer team including five other nurses and a support worker.

Health Minister Roger Cook has confirmed the nurse is isolating in a 'Hotel for Heroes' emergency accommodation facility.

Health Minister Roger Cook has confirmed the nurse is isolating in a 'Hotel for Heroes' emergency accommodation facility

He has not ruled out the health workers being forced to quarantine for two weeks in Melbourne then a further two weeks upon returning to WA.

'We will consider all options - whether it is to get them out now, care for them in the hotel for heroes facility where they would be looked after by great health and welfare teams, or whether we get them back by some other means,' Mr Cook said on Tuesday.

'I'm taking advice from the chief health officer and the state emergency coordinator just to make sure we do the right thing.'

Mr Cook said he was not aware of the nursing union's claims the health workers had been told they would be airlifted out of the state.

He said the nurse had mild symptoms including a dry cough but was otherwise 'relatively comfortable'.

The other members of that team, who returned negative tests, are isolating in a separate Melbourne hotel and have not shown any symptoms.

'Obviously we want to do the very best by these nurses ... but we also need to understand that there's an infection control risk that we have to manage as well,' Mr Cook said.

'Our principle here is that these nurses stepped up to the plate in a time of crisis and a time of need and we will do everything that we can to support them.'

Mr Cook said WA had sent a total of 19 nurses and three support staff to work across three Melbourne aged care homes.

He said all three teams were nearing the end of their stints and he did not expect WA to send more volunteers given the situation in Victoria had improved.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 09:39:34|Editor: huaxia

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The motorcade carrying recipients of the Medal of the Republic and the national honorary title is accompanied by motorcycle escorts on the way to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 8, 2020. China will hold a meeting Tuesday morning in Beijing to commend role models in the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic. The meeting will be held at the Great Hall of the People at 10:00 a.m. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 06:01:30|Editor: huaxia

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BRUSSELS/LJUBLJANA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission has approved an investment of 80 million euros (94.2 million U.S. dollars) from the Cohesion Fund to co-finance a railway track between the port of Koper and the village of Divaca in Western Slovenia.

"This EU investment is necessary for the improvement of rail connectivity of the Port of Koper, which is a crucial hub for freight and passenger transport with Central Europe," EU Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira commented in an EU press release on Tuesday.

The press release said the new line is essential to deal with a growing demand along the route and connect a crucial core network corridor to maritime routes.

By redirecting traffic from roads to railways, the project will help reduce emissions and improve local air quality in line with the EU's Green Deal targets, said the Commission.

The price tag of the entire Divaca-Koper project, the biggest publicly-financed construction project currently under way in Slovenia, is estimated at 1.19 billion euros (1.40 billion U.S. dollars), according to the Slovenian Press Agency STA.

The project will be financed from various sources, with Slovenia expected to invest the biggest share. Moreover, It will be funded by EU grants, loans by international financial institutions, commercial banks and SID Bank, the state-run export and development bank, according to STA.

The National Review Commission has recently shortened the list of suitable bidders for the principal construction works on the rail section. While some bidders will reportedly be asked to supplement their bids, one bidder each from Slovenia, Turkey, China and Austria remain in play, STA said. (1 euro = 1.18 U.S. dollars) Enditem
There are no intensive care unit (ICU) beds with ventilators available for Covid-19 patients in eight of the Capitals 11 top private hospitals, data from the Delhi governments real-time occupancy tracking app, Delhi Corona, showed on Tuesday, raising concerns that the city may face a shortage of critical care resources if the current spike in new infections worsens.

The national capital recorded 3,609 new Covid-19 infections as on Monday, taking the number of active cases to 22,377  the highest since July 8, the governments daily health bulletin showed on Tuesday. The number of people in hospital has risen in tandem: from 3,590 beds occupied August 24 to 5,218 on September 7.

While this still leaves 8,788 of the 14,202 beds vacant, the concern particularly relates to ICU beds  of the 14,202, only 2,117 are in the intensive care category.

Click here for full Covid-19 coverage

With the increase in the number of cases, we will have to start optimising our resources and may have to follow a strict cut-off like what was being followed in June -- only those with oxygen saturation below 94% were being admitted to hospitals. However, by then sometimes the condition already starts deteriorating, said Dr Neeraj Gupta, professor of pulmonology at Safdarjung hospital.

The beds data from the Delhi Corona application reflect a drastic imbalance in peoples preference, with large private hospitals being the most sought after. The high occupancy also extends to ICU beds without ventilators in the top eight private hospitals, where 85% of these were occupied. In three of these, Max Patparganj, Fortis Shalimar Bagh and Apollo, there were zero vacancies even though 35% of such beds were reported vacant across the city.

The Delhi government and top health officials acknowledged that beds in private hospitals were seeing high demand, but added that there is adequate resources for now. There are enough ICU beds available, there is no need to worry, a Delhi government spokesperson said.

It is the big private hospitals that have started getting full. And, this is mainly because many prefer to go to these possibly the big multi-speciality ones that have doctors from all disciplines available, said Dr SK Sarin, director of Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences and chair of the first expert committee that had been set up by the Delhi government to manage Covid-19 in the city.

Accounting for all private hospitals in the city, 78.6% of ICU beds with ventilators and 66.3% of regular ICU beds were occupied. These numbers were correspondingly higher than government hospitals, where 37.6% of ICU beds with ventilators and 50% regular ICU beds were already full.

Also read | Delhi: For some patients, wait for ICU bed is long and agonising

Sarin said fatality trends indicate the infrastructure was able to handle the load and the situation was unlikely to become like when it was in June, a time when the capitals hospitals were stressed. Even with the increase in the number of hospitalisations, the proportion of deaths is not that high. And, this is because of the standardised treatment protocol that is now in place. Doctors have understood the importance of high flow nasal oxygen, started proning patients to improve their oxygen saturation, started administering antiviral medications and steroids, and of course administering plasma therapy, he added.

Since the June spike, Delhi has beefed up its Covid-19 hospital resources. The city has ordered all private hospitals to reserve 20% of their beds for Covid-19 patients, the army set up a new a field hospital, the operations of two of Delhi governments newly constructed hospitals were expedited and makeshift hospitals were created adjacent to existing ones and in banquet halls.

Among the people hospitalised in Delhi are also many who are not from the city. Over 30% of all hospital admissions due to Covid-19 in Delhi were patients from neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, according to the Delhi government.

Among them was a 53-year-old patient from Saharanpur who was brought to the Sir Ganga Ram hospital after doctors in his UP hometown detected pneumonia patches in his lungs. We booked a car immediately and landed up in Gangaram hospital because I have faith in the doctors here. However, the doctors told us that there were no ICU beds available and we would have to wait. Our family suggested we take him to other hospitals nearby but we did not want to. So, we waited for a bed to become available in the emergency department. He was admitted there for two days, said the patients son, who asked not to be named or for his father to be identified.

Dr DK Sharma, the medical superintendent of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) agreed this was one of the factors. The number of hospitalisations are on the rise in Delhi mainly because of two reasons -- one, the migrant population is returning to the city as the economic activities are picking up and are then getting the disease; two, large number of people from the neighbouring and sometimes even far away states are travelling to Delhi for treatment. For example, in AIIMS 35-40% of the Covid-19 admissions are in people from other states, he said.

There might not be bed available in the hospital of your choice, however, there will definitely be a bed available for you, said Sharma.

Doctors say it is important to remind people to not become complacent. We have seen a rise in numbers in the past few weeks for mainly the below mentioned points: 1) the number of tests have gone up, thereby pushing up the diagnosis of the disease; 2) Delhi has eased its earlier lockdown norms. This is visible with increasing traffic and in markets and offices re-opening. People have to be careful in observing social distancing, wearing masks and following hygiene steps because the transmission of virus has picked up pace, said Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, group medical director, Max Healthcare.

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Dominique Boucher has watched her friend's health decline in recent years, feeling helpless as she watched her suffer through several dialysis treatments each week.

But instead of letting that feeling of helplessness get her down, Boucher started researching kidney transplants and realized there was a way to give her friend a new lease on life.

"At first, my goal was to donate a kidney to my friend, but unfortunately we are not compatible," said Boucher.

Then she discovered the Kidney Paired Donation Program which has matched more than 500 Canadians with compatible donors since 2009.

The Kidney Paired Donation Program matches living donors and recipients across the country. The program is run by Canadian Blood Services in collaboration with kidney transplant centres across Canada.

"I donate a kidney to a stranger," said Boucher, who is from Quebec's Mauricie region. "I will never know to whom I donated a kidney, because it remains confidential, but the same day that I am going to be operated on, there is also a stranger who will donate a kidney to my friend."

Undeterred by risks

Boucher said her children and extended family are worried about how the decision will impact her own health and quality of life.

There are short-term and possible long-term challenges that come with donating a kidney, ranging from risk of infection to diabetes.

But Boucher is undeterred.

"The day she receives her kidney, her life will change drastically," she said.

"Considering that the only thing I'm going to have to do is avoid the salt shaker and stop taking Advil, it's well worth the risk."

Her spouse, Pierre Plourde, will be by her side every step of the way.

"I will be the driver, her nurse, her first responder," Plourde said.

"Dominique is someone who thinks a lot, and analyzes a lot before making decisions. She has strong passions and values."

Giving her kidney falls in line with those values, Plourde said, and there was never any doubt that she would do this for a friend.

Story continues

Encouraging others to give

Boucher will soon be heading to Toronto to undergo the operation. She told Radio-Canada her story with hopes that others will at least become organ donors.

In Quebec, you can register as an organ and tissue donor with the Registre des consentements au don d'organes et de tissus or affix a signed sticker to the back of your health insurance card.

Quebec public health says each donation may save up to eight lives and help 20 people improve their quality of life. It is also possible to donate a kidney or a portion of the liver through Transplant Quebec programs.

However, Boucher said, the more people who register as organ donors when they die, fewer living people will need to donate their kidneys to loved ones.

Now that the surgery is fast approaching, Boucher has no plans to back down.

"When you've been working on something for a year and a half, it's like the grand finale, she said. "I am more excited than I am stressed."
Kuleba invited representatives of the Ukrainian community in Romania to join the development of the new MFA's foreign policy regarding Ukrainians abroad.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said Ukraine will open a new consulate in Romania.

During his working visit to Romania, Kuleba met with representatives of the Ukrainian community, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine.

Read alsoTravel amid COVID-19 restrictions: Ukraine updates list of red, green zone countriesThe minister informed the Ukrainians of Romania about the decision to open a new consulate of Ukraine, taking into account the importance of Ukrainian-Romanian relations and the need to support the Ukrainian community of Romania.

"I have decided to open a consulate in the city of Sighetu Marmatiei. I know this is important, a key place for the Ukrainians in Romania. The new consulate will create access to high-quality services, as well as becoming an instrument of better interaction with you to preserve our culture and strengthen relations between Ukraine and Romania," he said.

Kuleba also invited representatives of the Ukrainian community in Romania to join the development of the new MFA's foreign policy regarding Ukrainians abroad.

"Ukraine needs a new effective policy regarding Ukrainians abroad. Diasporas are changing, territorially expanding, new communities are being added. At the Foreign Ministry, we have begun work on a new policy that we can submit for consideration by the state leadership. I want not only the state to take part in its development, but also Ukrainians abroad. I invite a representative of your community to participate in its development together with the MFA's team," the minister said.

According to Kuleba, people who understand the problems and know how to solve them should enter the body for the development of a new policy regarding Ukrainians abroad.

The foreign minister also presented Chairman of the Union of the Ukrainians of Romania Nicolae-Miroslav Petretchi with an award from the president of Ukraine for his contribution to the preservation and development of the Ukrainian community.
The Rank-and-File Safety Committee at the Faurecia Gladstone plant in Columbus, Indiana has issued a statement denouncing the threat by the company and the state of Indiana to bring prisoners to the factory as virtual slave labor in an effort to counter the resistance of workers to unsafe and inhumane working conditions. The committee was formed last month to fight the spread of the deadly coronavirus, brutal working conditions and the systematic victimization of whistle-blowers, measures that were imposed with the connivance of government safety inspectors and union officials.

Workers reported to the World Socialist Web Site last week that the company was threatening to bring inmates from the Marion County Womens Prison to the factory. ABC News reported on April 2 that five prisoners had tested positive for COVID-19 at the prison, where Indianapolis, the largest city in the state and a hotspot for the spread of the pandemic is located, as well as at the Plainfield Correctional Facility in Hendricks County.

They are killing us, said a delegate from the Faurecia Gladstone Rank-and-File Safety Committee who addressed the network of Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees, which convened on Saturday.

Bringing greetings and support from the Gladstone committee, she told the assembled educators from throughout the United States and other countries that Faurecia was forcing employees to work side-by-side with known carriers of the virus while suppressing vital information about the spread of contagion at the factory. The company imposes 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, covers up injuries and refuses to provide injured workers with basic medical treatment or even to acknowledge the restrictions which their family physicians require. She concluded her remarks by denouncing the use of convict labor, calling for the greatest unity of the working class in struggle.

The union involved has said nothing about this latest outrage, basically offering the global auto parts maker a blank check to pursue its regime of horrific exploitation. Dont make waves, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1424 president George Frankie Ledbetter reportedly told a shop steward who was speaking up in defense of workers who were being abused. We have a good thing going with this company, he added.

This is slave labor! declared a founding member of the Gladstone committee when speaking to the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter last week. In May, the WSWS reported that prisoners were hired at $1.33 per hour, essentially slave wages, to replace striking sanitation workers in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The use of convict labor, in particular in the post Civil War South, has a long and ugly history in the US.

In the book American Prison: A Reporters Undercover Journey Into the Business of Punishment, Shane Bauer describes conditions in the aftermath of the Civil War. In Mississippi, Cotton King Edmund Richardson convinced the state to lease him its convicts, he writes. He wanted to rebuild the cotton empire hed lost during the war; and, with its penitentiary burned to ashes, the state needed somewhere to send its prisoners. With the help of convict labor, he would become the most powerful cotton planter in the world, producing more than 12,000 bales on 50 plantations per year.

During the late 1870s, the death rate for convicts in South Carolina who were leased to the Greenwood and Augusta Railroad averaged 45 percent per year. In 1870, Alabama prison officials reported that more than 40 percent of their convicts had died in their mining camps, writes Bauer. There was simply no incentive for lessees to avoid working people to death. In 1883, he continued, one Southern man told the National Conference of Charities and Correction, Before the war, we owned the negroes. If a man had a good negro, he could afford to take care of him: if he was sick get a doctor. He might even put gold plugs in his teeth. But these convicts: we dont own em. One dies, get another.

In response to the attempt by management to revert to similar brutal methods, the Faurecia Gladstone Rank-and-File Committee issued the following statement:

NO SLAVE LABOR, PRISONERS MUST GO! Brothers and sisters at Faurecia, throughout Indiana, the US. and around the world: We formed this Rank and File Safety Committee to protect our lives and those of our co-workers from the deadly coronavirus and from the other hazards we face every day in the plant. Management and the IBEW wont tell us how many people have COVID-19 and they refuse to implement universal testing and safe work practices. They further refuse to back off the brutal regime of back-breaking labor for 12-hours a day, 7-days a week. They are now ganging up with the State of Indiana to bring inmates from Marion County Womens Prison to work as industrial slaves to retaliate against our just and legitimate efforts to create a safe work environment. We reject this blatant attempt to intimidate us and advance the following just demands: 1. NO SLAVE LABOR! Prison inmates must be removed from the plant at once. Hiring and manning policies must be established and maintained on the basis of equality and under the supervision and control of the rank and file. 2. Faurecia must notify the rank and file of any new cases of COVID-19 and what areas have been affected. This vital information cannot be concealed from us any longer. 3. We demand daily testing for everyone on site with rapid results and the highest-quality health care paid for by the company for any and all family members who become ill. Combined with thorough contact tracing, this is the only way to scientifically control the pandemics spread. 4. Every confirmed case must be traced and tracked, with a full shutdown of the plant for 24 hours of cleaning and sanitizing under rank-and-file supervision, including consultation with doctors and scientific experts. 5. Inhumane work hours and schedules must end. We cannot maintain health and safety without a return to the eight-hour day in a 40-hour week with full and adequate compensation. We have the right to proper rest, recreation and healthy lives for ourselves and our families. 6. We demand an immediate end to company efforts at intimidation and victimization of whistleblowers or any workers who point to unsafe conditions or dangerous work practices. As an example, too often women of small stature are compelled to handle heavy, awkward materials and machinery that is not designed for them. This type of abusive and hazardous work practice must stop now. 7. Cancer is too common at Gladstone. The National Cancer Institute states: Occupational exposure to airborne hexavalent chromium is associated with increased risks of multiple cancers. Warning labels on the barrels of welding wire at the plant specifically name that compound. We have airborne particles throughout the plant day and night. The ventilation is horrible. The HVAC system must be improved to provide clean and comfortable air year round. 8. Whenever conditions are unsafe, we have the right to collectively refuse to work without any threat of retaliation from management or the union.

We call upon workers everywhere to join with us in supporting and building the network of rank and file safety committees to prepare united industrial and political actions to defend the health and safety of all workers, their families and communities. This is a global problem. Everywhere we confront the conspiracy of global corporations, governments and unions. We must build the strongest world network to combine our struggles worldwide, beginning with general strike action against the homicidal reopening of schools.

To join the Rank-and-File Safety Committee at your plant, or for assistance in establishing a Committee, contact the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter at autoworkers@wsws.org .
WAYNE, Pa., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Columbus Organization, a nationally recognized provider of care coordination services for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the largest care coordination organization in Florida, is pleased to announce that Patricia (Patti) Rendon has been appointed to the position of Florida Executive Director, Care Coordination. This appointment, effective September 2, 2020, is part of The Columbus Organization's ongoing strategic plan to reach, support, and positively impact as many families as possible in Florida, a state with a large population of underserved families challenged by intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Patti joins The Columbus Organization with over 30 years experience from coast to coast and was most recently the Founder and CEO of Rendon Support Services located in Brandon, Florida. From her earliest work in San Francisco helping individuals acquire the ability to travel and work, to her proven leadership with the University of South Florida's Best Buddies International chapter, the Florida Advocacy and Coordination Team, Alameda ARC, Lee County Mental Health, and Pinellas Association of Retarded Children, Patti has dedicated her life and career to advocating, partnering and coordinating services for people in need.

As Patti notes, "I believe strongly that all members of the community have a valued role to play and it is up to us to assist all individuals in overcoming barriers and accomplishing everything they set out to do. I am excited to be a part of a national organization that focuses on people. Our goal will be to let all we serve know that their coordinator and Columbus are there to stand alongside, cheer their triumphs, and wipe their tears as they build their own independent lives. Our individuals' success is our success."

Carlos Hernandez, Senior Vice President of the Care Coordination business at The Columbus Organization, commented: "In Patti, we have a strong, passionate, successful leader with the conviction to fulfill our mission that every individual we serve has an opportunity to achieve his/her meaningful-life goals. As an integral member of the Florida community, Patti also brings a unique understanding of the challenges that Floridians face. We are thrilled that Patti is now part of the Columbus family and look forward to her leadership as we continue to pioneer the evolution of care coordination in Florida."

ABOUT THE COLUMBUS ORGANIZATION

The Columbus Organization empowers individuals to realize their meaningful-life goals through nationally recognized care coordination, professional clinical staffing, and quality improvement services for the intellectual/developmental disability (IDD) or behavioral needs community. Leveraging an unmatched depth of expertise, breadth of resources, diversity of thinking, and dedication to finding the most appropriate, personalized solutions for clients, Columbus provides a wide array of services specifically for families, individuals and the organizations that support them. For more information on Columbus, visit www.columbusorg.com.

ABOUT HEALTHEDGE INVESTMENT PARTNERS

HealthEdge Investment Partners, LLC is an operation-oriented private equity firm founded in 2005 that focuses exclusively on the healthcare industry. HealthEdge seeks to achieve superior returns by investing in businesses that benefit from the knowledge, experience, and network of relationships of its partners. HealthEdge's partners have more than 100 years of combined operating experience in healthcare as CEOs and investors.

Contact:

Abbott Holdsman

800-229-5116

[email protected]

SOURCE The Columbus Organization
BUDAPEST -- Dozens of students continue to occupy a key building at the University for Theater and Film Arts (SZFE) in central Budapest on September 8 amid growing international support for their protest against a sweeping overhaul by the government that they say threatens the school's autonomy.

The dispute over control of the landmark film and theater school in Hungary boiled over into the streets of the capital two days earlier as thousands of students, staff, and supporters formed a human chain to protest changes ushered in by nationalist, conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orbans government. The moves forced a transfer of control of the public institution to a private foundation as of September 1 and a new structure to guide key decisions at the storied SZFE.

The management of the school and a number of top professors have resigned in protest, and a group of students has been barricaded inside the university since September 1.

WATCH: Thousands Form Human Chain Protesting Hungarian Government Obstruction Of University's Independence

According to Hungarian media, several internationally recognized artists, writers, directors, actors, and academics -- including actresses Cate Blanchett and Helen Mirren, and author Salman Rushdie -- have signed an open letter saying the changes are "part of a general cultural war to plunder the autonomy of all cultural spaces and institutions."

"It is, in fact, the privatization of public property, the benefits of which are migrating into the pockets of the prime ministers clients. We, the signatories, stand up for the authentic leadership of the university and its students," the letter says.

The 155-year-old university has produced several Oscar winners, including Casablanca director Michael Curtiz. The dispute prompted film director Kornel Mundruczo to don a #FreeSZFE T-shirt for the premiere of his new film, Pieces Of A Woman, at this months Venice Film Festival.

"We deplore the fact that the University Senate has been deprived of its decision-making power and that the University of Theater and Film Arts in Budapest has essentially lost its academic autonomy," European Film Academy President Wim Wenders, and the group's chairman, Mike Downey, said in a statement.

"We fully support the students and the Senate of the University in their decision to not recognize the legitimacy of the new board. The art of cinema can only breathe in an atmosphere of openness, transparency, and democracy. In support and solidarity for a successful outcome of the occupation," they added.

Private Groups In Control

In recent years, Orbans government has controversially placed several major universities under the control of private groups that critics say are dominated by loyal allies.

Orban, prime minister for the past decade, has also been accused by detractors of choking off independent Hungarian media critical of the government.

Innovation and Technology Minister Laszlo Palkovics appointed theater and film director Attila Vidnyanszky -- who also heads Hungarys National Theater and has described himself as a cultural nationalist -- to be chairman of the board of trustees that will effectively control the university.

A number of the other trustees and supervising board members are said to be close to the government.

While previously a Senate elected by the university itself decided on issues that might fundamentally affect the university, the new charter hands that control to a board of trustees.

The trustees approval is required to name a rector, as well as for picking department heads and even determining when classes begin.

The Ministry of Innovation and Technology maintains that the university can only win under new leadership.

It said in a statement that institutions will be better able to meet new challenges by renewing their operating model, which has remained unchanged for decades.

The ruling conservative Fidesz-KDNP alliance introduced a bill to implement the changes in May and dominated the vote to pass the legislation on July 3, leaving less than two months to effect the transfer.

Orban's government introduced legislation in 2017 that angered many Hungarian and international critics by mandating that higher-education institutions from outside the European economic area can only operate in the country if their home country has a bilateral treaty with Budapest.

The change sparked angry protests and was blamed for forcing the prestigious Budapest-based Central European University to move its operations to Austria.

The CEU case prompted an infringement proceeding from the European Commission in 2017 and a referral to the Court of Justice.
Boris Johnson has insisted Brexit will mean the UK takes back control of its waters - Andrew Parsons/Shutterstock

SNP ministers have been accused of betraying Scotlands fishing industry after they told the EU that the UK should give ground in Brexit trade negotiations.

Officials in Whitehall are said to have been left furious after Scottish ministers told the EU that the British side should soften its position in a long-standing wrangle over access to fishing waters and quotas after the Brexit transition period ends.

Douglas Ross, the Scottish Conservative leader, said that the SNP had displayed "pure treachery" and attempted to sell out Scotlands fishing industry by backing Brussels over the UK Government in trade negotiations.

Douglas Ross launched an outspoken attack on the nationalists - Fraser Bremner/PA

While Mike Russell, the SNPs constitution secretary, said he had called for compromise on both sides, his spokesman accused the Tories of gobsmacking hypocrisy. The SNP said recent actions of UK ministers had significantly increased the prospect of a no-deal Brexit, which they say would be devastating to the fishing industry.

Mr Ross said: Both of Scotlands governments should be resolute and united in doing what is best for Scotlands fishermen. Adopting any other position is a betrayal of Scotlands interests.

It is pure treachery for the SNP to sell out Scotlands fishing industry by backing Brussels over the UK Government in trade negotiations.

Yet again, the SNP have made it clear again that in the fight for control of Scotlands fishing waters, they are on team Brussels.

Regular discussions, separate to the Brexit negotiations, are held between Nicola Sturgeon, other Government ministers and the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.

According to a report in The Times, sources at Westminster said they "called out" their Holyrood counterparts during an official catch-up between the Scottish and UK Governments for apparently saying "both sides need to move a bit".

Mr Russells spokesman said: The Tories sold out Scotlands coastal communities on the way into Europe and now they are poised to sell them out on the way out.

Either the UK Government reneges on its promises regarding access to fishing waters  or it forces a situation which will see devastating tariff and other export barriers placed on our seafood sector.

He added: In the week in which the Tories threatened to wreck all prospects of securing a deal with the EU and re-impose a hard border on the island of Ireland, it is gobsmacking hypocrisy for them to accuse anyone else of undermining the negotiation process.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and Kangana Ranauts controversy is nothing new for anyone whos been following the ongoing investigation of Sushant Singh Rajput's demise. Raut has received massive backlash on social media for calling actor Kangana Ranaut a 'haramkhor ladki.

After receiving the backlash, he told India Today, I just said, if you have a problem with Mumbai then don't come here. Haramkhor remark has also been taken out of context ... in Marathi, it means 'beiman' or 'naughty'. I said it in that context. He added that these are deliberate attempts to defame him.

Maharashtra is ruled by the naughty son.



Is this sentence grammatically correct?



pic.twitter.com/awa4nEfzew  Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) September 8, 2020

He said, All these are deliberate attempts to defame Maharashtra, the Centre has been doing this. There are many instances where central agencies were misused. I never threatened Kangana. [BJP] IT cell deliberately gave it a different turn. Show me one statement where I threatened her.

Sanjay Raut and Kangana Ranaut were at loggerheads after the actor rejected an offer of Mumbai Police security cover as she thinks Mumbai police is no less than mafia.

Now, his statements have again grabbed the limelight as his definition of haramkhor hasnt gone down too well with the netizens who have started to roast him with memes.

I need a Hindi dictionary where haramkhor =naughty

Pls pass me one...wanna learn words which I have learned wrong in my school days.@rautsanjay61 you are such a disgrace to society..I feel sorry..You had a bad uprbringing#WorldUnitedForSSRJustice#IndiaForKangana#sanjayrout  Shweta (@shweta6e) September 8, 2020

#sanjayrout

Haramkhor = Naughty



It means #sanjayrout is a big time naughty pic.twitter.com/aB6suJtuPV  Ramsa Chaudhary  (@Ramkishor_jaat_) September 8, 2020

Now when ppl will start calling #sanjayrout ' naughty '.



*Sanjay Raut will be like : pic.twitter.com/wqsC1HIfAC  Under the roof (@undertherooof) September 8, 2020

What is your definition of haraamkhor? Do you think such comments should be made publicly? Let us know in the comments section below.
Talk between foreign ministers of Ukraine, Russia due to ceasefire violation Donbas is not held  Kuleba

KYIV. Sept 8 (Interfax-Ukraine)  The telephone conversation between the Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and Russia in connection with the violation of the ceasefire regime in Donbas has not yet held, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said.

"Despite the late hour when the conversation was initiated yesterday [Sunday, September 6], at first the reaction from the Russian Foreign Ministry was quite active, but then, this morning, we received a message that Minister Lavrov urgently left for a business trip. And it is not known when this the conversation will be held. As it turned out, he left for Syria. Therefore, I am ready, I am waiting for the conversation. I believe that when a Ukrainian soldier is killed in the East, the only side with which to speak is the Russian Federation. This is exactly the order the president gave me yesterday, to talk with Lavrov," Kuleba said on the air of the Freedom of Speech program on the ICTV television channel on Monday, September 7.

The minister also said what issues should be discussed during his conversation with Lavrov.

"What to talk about? It is very simple. The first issue is how the Russian Federation explains what happened. The second is whether it remains committed to the ceasefire. The third is to discuss preparations for the Normandy format meeting of foreign ministers, which should take place immediately after the meeting of advisers amid the shelling that took place yesterday," Kuleba said.
Caledonian Mining has revealed plans to build a $13 million solar plant at the Blanket gold mine in southern Zimbabwe. It raised funds for the project via a share sale.Canada-based Caledonia Mining has revealed plans to use $13 million it raised via a recent share issuance to back the development of a solar plant at its Blanket gold mine near Gwanda, Zimbabwe. The company, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, plans to build the $18 million PV project in three 6.55 MW phases. It expects the second stage of the facility to generate enough electricity to meet peak demand at the mine. And ...

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.
We often see insiders buying up shares in companies that perform well over the long term. The flip side of that is that there are more than a few examples of insiders dumping stock prior to a period of weak performance. So we'll take a look at whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in SRT Marine Systems plc (LON:SRT).

What Is Insider Selling?

It is perfectly legal for company insiders, including board members, to buy and sell stock in a company. However, such insiders must disclose their trading activities, and not trade on inside information.

We don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions. But logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. For example, a Harvard University study found that 'insider purchases earn abnormal returns of more than 6% per year'.

See our latest analysis for SRT Marine Systems

SRT Marine Systems Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

The CEO & Executive Director Simon Tucker made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for UK100k worth of shares at a price of UK0.25 each. We do like to see buying, but this purchase was made at well below the current price of UK0.36. Because it occurred at a lower valuation, it doesn't tell us much about whether insiders might find today's price attractive.

The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

SRT Marine Systems is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Insider Ownership

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Insiders own 29% of SRT Marine Systems shares, worth about UK17m. We've certainly seen higher levels of insider ownership elsewhere, but these holdings are enough to suggest alignment between insiders and the other shareholders.

Story continues

So What Does This Data Suggest About SRT Marine Systems Insiders?

The fact that there have been no SRT Marine Systems insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. Insiders do have a stake in SRT Marine Systems and their transactions don't cause us concern. So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. When we did our research, we found 4 warning signs for SRT Marine Systems (2 don't sit too well with us!) that we believe deserve your full attention.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.



Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com.
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Ever since a few developmental phases have passed in the quest for COVID-19 vaccine, people around the world have expressed their opinions and thoughts. The situation has been going very well for all initial phases, and the progressive phases too. A lot of countries are participating in the production of the vaccine, although a few of them are ahead in the vaccine race, as compared to others.One of the countries already ahead in this race is Russia, as it is planning to release its vaccine somewhere during this month of September. Although full-fledged tests of this vaccine have not yet been conducted. Known by the name of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, 57 % of Russians have given optimistic reactions to it. Although this percentage of Russians are optimistic about the vaccine, they expect it to fully arrive somewhere at the end of 2020. Even more ahead in the race is China, as all the tests related to the vaccine have been conducted. A larger percentage of people in China have expressed positivity with regards to the vaccine, around 87 %. They believe that the vaccine will be available for the public in China by the end of 2020. Below are a few other countries and the respective percentage of people optimistic about the COVID-19 vaccine.
The ruling NDA in Bihar on Tuesday asserted that Rhea Chakrabortys arrest by Narcotics Control Bureau was an important step in the direction of securing justice for Patna-born actor Sushant Singh Rajput whose death has struck an emotional chord with the people of the state.

The JD(U)-BJP alliance also lambasted the actor for lodging a baseless FIR against the sisters of the deceased actor and questioned the support extended to her by the Uddhav Thackeray government in Maharashtra, for reasons the Shiv Sena knows better.

Bihar police chief Gupteshwar Pandey also reacted with an air of vindication on the development.

Rhea has finally been arrested. We have been seeking a CBI inquiry into the case since the very beginning as the Maharashtra government and the Mumbai police seemed intent on driving the probe in a wrong direction.

ED too has lodged a case against the actress and investigations seem to have opened a can of worms, BJP spokesman Nikhil Anand said in a statement.

He expressed confidence that the CBI will ultimately crack the case and ensure justice for the late actor.

On Rhea filing an FIR against Rajputs sisters, Anand said Chakraborty has exposed herself by doing this. The development flies in the face of her professed love for the actor, whose father had leveled serious allegations against the actress in the FIR he had lodged at Patna.

The BJP spokesman, whose party had been an ally of the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra for more than two decades until the exit of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party from the NDA last year, also launched a stinging attack on its spokesman Sanjay Raut.

In the Sena mouthpiece Saamna, Raut had been coming out in support of Chakraborty and making appalling observations about the bereaved family of Rajput. This shows that the Shiv Sena did not want that the truth be out in the case, for reasons it knows better, he added.

The JD(U), headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, also expressed satisfaction over the arrest of the actress and said it hoped that the investigations will wipe Bollywood clean of many ills that plague the Hindi film industry.

Our government agreed to launch an investigation and, later hand it over to the CBI, because the bereaved father had requested the same and also in view of the fact that the probe taking place in Mumbai did not inspire faith.

The CBI inquiry has virtually exposed the dark underbelly of Bollywood, including the close links between narcotics traders and celebrities, JD(U) spokesman Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said.

Prasad also said that Chakrabrotys FIR, lodged a few hours ahead of her arrest and accusing the deceased actors sisters of administering narcotics to him were ample proof that she is rattled by the CBI inquiry and the consequences it may have for her given her suspected complicity.

The NDAs another partner in Bihar, Lok Janshakti Party, also hailed the arrest of the actress.

LJP president Chirag Paswan, who was among the first politicians in Bihar to demand a CBI probe into the death of the actor, tweeted NCB today arrested Rhea Chakraborty in a narcotics matter. This development would silence all those who had been standing in her suppor.

Paswan also added the hashtagjusticeforSushantSinghRajput.

The 34-year-old actor was found hanging from the ceiling of his Bandra residence on June 14. More than a month later, an FIR was lodged at the local police station here by his father K K Singh who resides in Rajiv Nagar locality of the city.

Investigation launched by the Bihar police had raised the hackles of the administration in Maharashtra where the government came out in support of Chakrabortys contention, made before the Supreme Court, that since the death had taken place in the western state, the actors home state had no jurisdiction in the matter.

Things reached a flashpoint when an IPS officer from Patna, who was sent to Mumbai to head the investigating team, was forcibly quarantined hours after landing in the metropolis, in a move that was seen as an attempt to sabotage the investigation.

Exasperated over the stalemate, Singh requested that the probe be handed over to the CBI, which was promptly granted by the Nitish Kumar government.

Meanwhile, Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey who has ruffled many feathers in the recent past with his outspokenness, reacted with an air of vindication.

Rhea Chakrabortys arrest proves that she has some links with drug peddlers and that she is not without blemishes.

Moreover, the Mumbai police carried out its investigation in a manner that could not inspire faith and when we tried to probe the matter hurdles were put in our way.

I am now confident that the mystery surrounding the death of Sushant will be unfolded and truth will come out, he said.
Astronomers using the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) radio telescope have searched for technosignatures  indicators of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations  in six known exoplanets and over 10 million stellar systems in the Vela region of our Milky Way Galaxy. But in this part of the Milky Way at least, it appears alien civilizations are elusive, if they exist.

The MWA is a unique telescope, with an extraordinarily wide field-of-view that allows us to observe millions of stars simultaneously, said Dr. Chenoa Tremblay, an astronomer at the CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science.

Dr. Tremblay and her colleague, Professor Steven Tingay from the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, searched for narrow-band signals consistent with radio transmissions from six known exoplanets (HD 75289b, HD 73526b, HD 73526c, HD 70642b, DE0823-49b and KELT-15b) and 10,355,066 stellar systems in the Vela region.

The telescope was searching for powerful radio emissions at frequencies similar to FM radio frequencies, that could indicate the presence of an intelligent source, she explained.

We observed the sky around the constellation of Vela for 17 hours, looking more than 100 times broader and deeper than ever before.

With this dataset, we found no technosignatures  no sign of intelligent life.

Even though this was the broadest search yet, we were not shocked by the result, Professor Tingay said.

As Douglas Adams noted in The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, space is big, really big.

And even though this was a really big study, the amount of space we looked at was the equivalent of trying to find something in the Earths oceans but only searching a volume of water equivalent to a large backyard swimming pool.

Since we cant really assume how possible alien civilizations might utilize technology, we need to search in many different ways.

Using radio telescopes, we can explore an eight-dimensional search space, he said.

Although there is a long way to go in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, telescopes such as the MWA will continue to push the limits  we have to keep looking.

The teams paper appears in the Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia.

_____

C.D. Tremblay & S.J. Tingay. A SETI survey of the Vela region using the Murchison Widefield Array: Orders of magnitude expansion in search space. Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia, published online September 7, 2020; doi: 10.1017/pasa.2020.27
Every four years since 1968, Harris County residents have been able to count on a Republican winning the Precinct 3 commissioners seat.

In that half century, a parade of Democrats have been trounced. Some years, the party did not even bother to field a candidate in the traditionally conservative district, which covers the western portion of the county. The past three Democratic presidential nominees carried Harris County, but no challenger in those cycles came within 16 points of Precinct 3 incumbent Steve Radack, who has held the post since 1989.

Of course, 2020 has been anything but normal. The COVID-19 pandemic has upended normal life. The Astros play in front of cardboard cutouts. And Democrats say they finally will capture Precinct 3, an open seat since Radack decided not to seek a ninth term.

They said the unpopularity of President Donald Trump in Harris County, against the backdrop of a mismanaged coronavirus response by state leaders and demographic shifts that favor Democrats will help the partys nominee, political strategist Michael Moore, defeat his Republican opponent, former Spring Valley Village Mayor Tom Ramsey.

People dont like how Texas Republicans have reacted to the coronavirus along with Trump, Harris County Democratic Party Chairwoman Lillie Schecter said. Theyve done nothing to listen to the science and the data. Theyre sending kids back to school in a way thats insane. I think all of that puts any Democrat in a really good position in Precinct 3.

Republicans argue that Democrats are overconfident and fail to account for the end of straight-ticket voting in Texas, which until 2018 allowed residents to select a partys entire slate with the push of a single button.

Seventy-six percent of Harris County voters cast straight-ticket ballots in that years Democratic landslide.

Voters must choose a candidate in each race starting this year, and many will select Ramsey no matter who they prefer for president, said Republican consultant Jeff Yates, who is advising the campaign.

Theyre going to have to hunt and peck all the way down to almost the very end of the ballot to find this race, Yates said. Were confident that when voters do that, regardless if theyre Republican, Independent, Democratic, Green Party, Libertarian, that theyre going to find Tom the better choice.

The Democratic Party has dominated the last two election cycles in Harris County. By 2018, its candidates had secured every contested countywide post, flipped Commissioners Court for the first time in a generation and even ousted popular, moderate Republican County Judge Ed Emmett.

With most incumbents well-positioned for re-election  Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis is running unopposed  Democrats have set their sights on Precinct 3. Turnover on Commissioners Court is rare; from 1974 to 2016 more members were forced from office by corruption charges than voters at the ballot box.

Ramsey, 68, said he wants county government to return to its traditional roles of providing public safety and ensuring road, bridge and flood control infrastructure that keeps pace with the fast-growing county. He also would like to find ways to trim spending.

If residents and businesses ever needed a tax break, it would be now, after (Hurricane) Harvey and after COVID, Ramsey said.

Moore said he would look for efficiencies in government  he has proposed consolidating the city and county health departments when the pandemic subsides  and take an aggressive approach to flood mitigation.

The 57-year-old said his tenure as chief of staff to Houston Mayor Bill White, which included three hurricanes and the Great Recession prepares him to be a commissioner more than Ramseys background leading a municipality of 4,200 residents.

Harris County commissioners are among the most powerful local government posts in Texas, with each individually controlling millions of dollars in road and bridge spending. A Ramsey win would not flip control of the Democratic-led control of Commissioners Court. A Moore victory, however, would give Democrats the four votes needed to raise taxes without Republicans being able to block them.

The two candidates have raised money competitively, though Ramseys $309,000 cash on hand was more than three times what Moore reported through the end of June, according to campaign finance reports filed with the county clerk.

Demographic shifts in Precinct 3 give Moore an advantage, Democratic consultant Keir Murray said. When Radack first was elected, the west Harris County district largely was white and rural. It since has grown rapidly and diversified, with an increase in non-white and college-educated residents. Both groups favor Democrats.

Precinct 3 now is probably about half white, and thats a massive change from 15 years ago, Murray said. Forty percent of the voters are probably people of color now.

He said Harris Countys shift to reliably Democratic also affects Precinct 3. Recent elections bear that out.

In 2016, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton lost the precinct by less than 1 point. The 2018 election, in a midterm year where Democrats traditionally struggle, U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Beto ORourke won the district by 4 points.

A wave of Texas Republicans, including six members of Congress, have decided against seeking re-election in 2020. University of Houston political science Professor Jeronimo Cortina said that suggests the party privately is pessimistic about its prospects this year, especially after Democrats made significant inroads in suburban communities in 2018.

From a political perspective, its easier to retire than lose an election, Cortina said.

Radack continued to raise money last year and waited until the filing deadline in December to announce he would not run again. He said Thursday that fears of losing played no role in his decision and predicted a great year for Republicans.

A poll Moores campaign commissioned found Joe Biden leading Trump by 14 points in Precinct 3, suggesting Ramsey will need to convince a significant number of Democrats to split their ticket for him. Ramseys campaign said its polling shows the candidate polling well ahead of Trump and well-positioned to defeat Moore.

Ramsey said he views serving as a commissioner through a pragmatic rather than political lens. A civil engineer by training, he said he is confident a broad swath of voters will see him as a competent consensus builder who can negotiate some concessions from the Democratic majority.

I get a call every day from people who youd say are independent, and theyre asking what can they do because theyd like to see someone like me on Commissioners Court, Ramsey said.

Murray, the Democratic consultant, said a generic Republican campaign is unlikely to still be successful in Precinct 3 unless Ramsey is able to persuade voters in the fast-growing groups that are changing the makeup of the county.

Until the Republican Party can, in earnest, begin to broaden its coalition beyond older, white voters, theyre going to be nowhere in Harris County.

zach.despart@chron.com
Pound Sterling continues to stumble as Brexit trade mood sours, markets forced to confront no deal risks, Pound-to-dollar rate dips to test key support area

Brexit tensions dominated Sterling and currency markets on Monday, especially with US markets closed for a holiday. Markets had to consider whether expectations of an eventual deal were still justified. The Sterling-to-dollar rate declined to below 1.3150 and failed to recover on Tuesday with Sterling-to-Euro retreating to near 1.1100.

Brexit tensions intensify, EU reaction crucial

Global markets were quiet on Monday with the US closed for the Labor Day holiday. The wider lack of activity tended to increase the focus on Brexit developments.

Sterling remained under pressure during the day following the UK governments move to introduce Internal Market legislation with some of the Bill overriding the Northern Ireland protocol agreed with the EU last year.

EU Commission President Von der Leyen called on the UK to implement the withdrawal agreement. EU Chief Negotiator Barnier declined to comment directly, but stated that the talks were difficult because the UK wanted the best of both worlds.

The UK government initially attempted to play down the issue with comments that the new legislation was designed to clarify a few issues. Prime Minister Johnson and French President Macron stated that they agree on the importance of making headway this month.

Johnson, however, added later that the Withdrawal deal was contradictory and needed to be re-written to protect the UK Union.

There were inevitably concerns that the UK tone would harden the EU position.

A key element is whether the rhetoric is designed to force EU concessions or a vehicle to trigger a collapse in the talks.

Pound Sterling not priced for trade deal failure

Market tensions persisted with 6-month UK implied volatilities increasing to 2-month highs, but selling has still been contained.

NAB economics director Tapas Strickland commented; the key question for markets is whether the remarks are still mostly brinkmanship as negotiations near the finish line. The mild market reaction suggests markets think so and still sniff a deal.

The reaction is liable to be much sharper if fears over no-trade deal intensify with the UK exchange rate set to slide in global currency markets.

Nomura currency analyst Jordan Rochester commented; Monday's news is just the cherry on top of the cake. We've had weeks of pretty negative stories about the UK doubling its fishing quota, which would be not agreed to by the EU. We've got the state aid regimes still not being laid out as well by the UK side.

He expects the Euro-to-Pound rate to trade around 0.9200 (1.0870 for GBP/EUR) into the mid October meeting; "And if we do get an actual announcement of no deal, prepare for a hard Brexit, the pound should continue to weaken, we're talking something like 95 to 98 pence against the euro (1.0200-1.0530 for GBP/EUR)."

MUFG commented; The UK government appears to be hardening its negotiating stance ahead of this weeks crunch talks which makes it even more unlikely there will be a breakthrough.

The developments strongly suggest that there is an increasing risk that the state of Brexit negotiations could deteriorate first before any hope of a last minute compromise deal emerges. It poses downside risks for the pound in the month ahead.

UK retail sales strengthen, confidence remains fragile

BRC data recorded a 4.7% annual increase in like-for-like sales from 4.3% previously and above consensus forecasts of 3.5%.

British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson OBE commented: While the rise in retail sales is a step in the right direction, the industry is still trying to catch up lost ground, with most shops having suffered months of closures. The fragile economic situation continues to bear down on consumer confidence, with some retailers hanging by only a thread in the face of rising costs and lower sales.

UK Coronavirus fears increase

For the second day running the UK reported an increase in new coronavirus cases of close to 3,000. Health Secretary Hancock stated that the UK had not lost control of the coronavirus situation.

There were, however, concerns that unease over trends and local lockdowns would undermine consumer confidence.
Tensions running high in lead-up to October polls, seen as major test of stability in worlds top cocoa producer.

Ivory Coasts October election was always likely to be tense  but President Alassane Ouattaras decision last month to seek a controversial third term has dramatically raised the stakes.

After all, it was only on March 5 that Ouattara announced he would not stand for re-election, even as he insisted that constitutional amendments introduced in 2016 allowed him to run again. Pledging to pass on the torch to a new generation, the 78-year-old a week later told a gathering of the governing RDHP party they will be in good hands as he backed Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly for president.

The announcement of Coulibalys candidacy seemed to end months of speculation that Ouattara would try to extend his stay, thus eliminating a great source of friction between the RDHP and the opposition ahead of the highly anticipated October 31 presidential election.

But the relief was short-lived.

On July 8, less than a week after his return to Ivory Coast from a two-month stay in France for medical treatment for recurring heart issues, the 61-year-old Coulibaly  a fervent Ouattara loyalist  fell ill during a cabinet meeting and passed away.

The sudden death of the presidents hand-picked successor created a leadership vacuum at RDHP; within hours, senior party officials began floating the idea of pressing Ouattara to reconsider. In the end, it was hardly a surprise when Ouattara declared on August 6 he would accept the RDHPs nomination to be its candidate  a decision he described as a real sacrifice.

The opposition, however, viewed it completely differently. Likening it to a coup, Ouattaras furious opponents said his course reversal violated the constitution. Moreover, they warned, it risked a return to the turbulence of the past.

The anger swiftly spilled onto the streets, too. Days of violent protests erupted in different parts of the country, leaving several opposition supporters dead and dozens arrested. Government opponents accused authorities of using excessive force to quell the demonstrations. Worryingly, a report by Amnesty International said police in the commercial capital of Abidjan had apparently allowed groups of machete-wielding men to attack those who defied a ban to protest against Ouattaras bid.

Police detain a demonstrator during an August 13 protest in Abidjan against Ouattaras decision to stand for a third term [Luc Gnago/Reuters]

The mounting tension has sparked fears the crisis would feed into long-simmering grievances, threatening almost 10 years of fragile peace in a country that has never seen a peaceful and democratic transfer of power.

In 2002, a failed coup ignited a civil war that essentially split Ivory Coast in two, with the south controlled by then-President Laurent Gbagbo and the north in the hands of the Forces Nouvelles rebels. In 2010, a delayed presidential vote meant to draw a line under the conflict instead sparked months of post-election violence when Gbagbo refused to stand down after the electoral commission declared Ouattara the winner. At least 3,000 people were killed in the fighting that ensued between forces loyal to the two men, with both sides accused of committing atrocities.

We still remember the crisis of 2002, that of 2011  [so] everybody is scared, said Sylvain NGuessan, a political analyst in Abidjan, fearing that the rising level of tension building up to next months vote could escalate into serious inter-communal violence.

Jessica Moody, a researcher in the Department of War Studies at Kings College London, shared the alarm. This is an extremely big test for Ivory Coast, she said. There is a high risk that the election will be contentious and will send the country back to war.

Economic transformation

Sliding into a violent power struggle would be a major setback for the worlds biggest cocoa producer, where years of political stability and international support have fuelled a remarkable economic turnaround.

A former top International Monetary Fund official, the Western-backed Ouattara has presided over a high-flying economy that has been expanding by an average of 8 percent annually since he took power in 2011  before the coronavirus pandemic pumped the brakes this year. His economic stewardship, including a commitment to infrastructure construction, has won the confidence of international donors and investors alike, helping Ivory Coast to largely regain its historic role as the financial hub of francophone West Africa.

Ivory Coast has been one of Africas most vibrant economies over the past decade [File: DeAgostini/Getty Images]

But beneath the gleaming towers that have transformed Abidjans skyline, deep economic and social inequalities continue to fester. According to the World Bank, nearly half of the countrys 25 million people already lived in poverty well before the pandemic struck, leaving many more struggling to put food on the table. As war-time grievances over land ownership persist, large numbers of Ivorians remain disgruntled by their inability to benefit from the years of skyrocketing economic growth.

The rewards have not been as widespread and there is still significant poverty, said W. Gyude Moore, senior policy fellow at the Washington-based Center for Global Development and former public works minister for Liberia.

Rising inequality and high youth unemployment are breeding resentment, he added.

Bubbling underneath the surface is also a lingering frustration over the unfulfilled promise of impartial justice in the post-war era, according to analysts.

In some ways, there was this image that Ouattara was sailing on a relatively calm sea for 10 years  but all the structural issues have not been addressed and are now coming back to the forefront, said Professor Jeremy Allouche, from the Institute of Development Studies, calling the countrys national reconciliation a disaster.





Kick in the teeth

After ascending to the presidency, Ouattara had repeatedly pledged to ensure accountability for the crimes committed during the 2010-2011 violence. Nine years on, however, the transitional justice process has mainly targeted Gbagbo loyalists while those associated with Ouattara have largely been spared from prosecution.

Anger over the way that this post-conflict peacebuilding process took place and the impunity it granted Ouattara supporters could easily boil over in this election, said Moody, who believes that many of those feeling marginalised under Ouattaras presidency will see the forthcoming polls as a chance to finally change things.

The fact that Ouattara is standing for a third term is a kick in the teeth for these people and they will do anything to change it  not least since at this point they have very little to lose, she added.

For Idayat Hassan, director of the Abuja-based Centre for Democracy and Development, the fact that justice and true reconciliation was never served and the winner took all after the war are a recipe for disaster.

The threats are real and genuine, she said.

Ouattara faced the enormous task of reuniting the country and rebuilding its economy after taking power in 2011 [File: Sia Kambou/AFP]

Unsurprisingly, the showdown over Ouattaras eligibility has so far dominated the election debate, with the presidents camp maintaining he has the right to run again as the 2016 constitutional changes effectively reset the countdown clock on his terms.

However, the legality of Ouattaras re-election bid is not the only question surrounding the polls.

Opposition leaders have long cast suspicion on the independence of the electoral commission, and there have also been complaints that voter registration has been a time-consuming and expensive process for many. Meanwhile, the government has faced accusations of instrumentalising the justice system into silencing opponents, including by blocking political heavyweights from standing in the election.

Guillaume Soro  a former Ouattara ally and rebel commander who swept the president to power in 2011  is in exile in France after prosecutors issued an arrest warrant against him in December last year, accusing him of plotting a coup. A few months later, the 48-year-old, who is thought to be popular among the countrys growing young population, was convicted in absentia of embezzlement.

Gbagbo, for his part, remains in Brussels following his acquittal last year of charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court in The Hague for the 2010-2011 bloodshed. Currently allowed to travel, he has been unable to return to Ivory Coast as the countrys authorities have not issued the required travel documents. Stepping on home soil, however, could result in the 75-year-old being imprisoned due to his conviction in absentia, also for embezzlement, in a separate case.

Even though both Soro and Gbagbo have been barred from running in the upcoming election because of their 20-year corruption sentences, supporters submitted candidacies in their name just before the expiration of the deadline last week.





Turning point

One contender believed certain to run is 86-year-old former President Henri Konan Bedie, of the PDCI-RDA party, widely seen as the most likely challenger to possibly force a runoff against Ouattara. Another presidential hopeful is Pascal Affi NGuessan, the nominee of Gbagbos Ivorian Popular Front party, which faces internal divisions amid a struggle with some members loyal to the former president.

The countrys Constitutional Council now has until September 15 to announce how many out of a total of 44 applicants will make it to the final list of approved candidates.

Allouche said the election marked a clear turning point in Ivory Coasts post-war era, with potentially big consequences for the stability of the country as well as the larger trajectory of the state and democracy.

Less than two months before the polls, however, there are still too many uncertainties, including how those barred from running will react to their exclusion and what strategies they will put in place, he added.

We dont know what they [Soro and Gbagbo] are going to do behind the scenes  and we dont know how theyre going to try and mobilise, or not, their troops, Allouche said. Another big unknown is how the current regime is basically preparing in terms of violence, or not.

In electoral terms, meanwhile, the fractured oppositions biggest challenge to date appears to be preventing an outright Ouattara victory  a likely scenario if all the major parties go ahead with their plans to field candidates on October 31.

The strategy of the RHDP is either to hope for the opposition to boycott the vote or to divide the opposition and its support base, so that they can easily win the election [in the first round], said NGuessan, the political analyst.

Such a scenario would probably reduce the potential for violence, added Moody.
On the evening of Nov. 3, Americans settle nervously in front of their screens to await elections results. In the early hours Donald Trump seems to be having an excellent night. Counting the votes cast at polling places, Trump is winning Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.

Those states dont even begin processing mail-in ballots until Election Day, yet Trump quickly declares victory. So do many other Republican candidates. The media complains that its premature, but Trumpworld is ecstatic.

Democrats know that as many as 40 percent of the ballots are mail-in and still being counted, and those votes are likely to be overwhelmingly for Joe Biden, but they cant control the emotions of that night. Its a gut punch.

As the mail-in ballots are tallied, the Trump leads erode. But the situation is genuinely unclear. Trump is on the warpath, raging about fraud.

Within weeks there are lawsuits and challenges everywhere. Its like Florida in 2000, but the chaos is happening in many states at once. Ballots are getting tossed because of problems with signatures, or not getting tossed, amid national frenzy.

Trump says he wont let Democrats steal the election and declares himself re-elected. Its an outrage, but as when he used the White House for a campaign prop during his convention, whos going to stop him?

A certain kind of Republican takes to the streets to enforce Trumps version of events. According to research done by Larry Bartels of Vanderbilt, 50 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents believe the traditional American way of life is disappearing so fast that we may have to use force to save it. Nearly as many believe, that A time will come when patriotic Americans have to take the law into their own hands.

The left is in the streets, too. On the fringe of the left there are those who want to overthrow the racist, cisgendered, patriarchal neoliberal oligarchy. This is their chance at mayhem, too, and they seize it with sometimes violent passion.

But a new force looms into view. For the whole Trump era a certain sort of conservative has been cowering from the Trump onslaught. Certain sorts of moderates and liberals have also been keeping their heads down, so they wont get bitten off by the woke mobs. But now the very existence of the republic is at stake.

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.

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. They know, too, that this crisis is not just about race, but also the greatness of American institutions, so scorned and derided of late.

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.

The process of mobilizing for an accurate election outcome, before it is too late, would be a struggle to preserve the order of our civic structure against the myriad foes who talk blithely about tearing down systems, disorder and disruption. It may be how we rediscover our nation again.

Its time to start thinking about what you would do.

@nytdavidbrooks
A female stray buffalo has been killed by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers at Suam Ward in West Pokot County after it killed a woman who was taking her baby to the clinic on Saturday afternoon.

According to KWS West Pokot County warden, Hamisi Amulavu, the buffalo migrated from Uganda to Chepasacha village where it destroyed maize farms and gored the woman, Chepokugho Ngolerongan, to death.

Amulavu said the stray buffalo migrated from the neighbouring country because of the cold weather for the much warmer West Pokot County.

The womans body was moved to Kapenguria referral Hospital mortuary while her baby was taken to hospital for treatment. The Buffalo was traced later by KWS rangers and killed, he said.

He advised locals to be alert if they spot any roaming wild animals and report immediately to the authorities.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
U.S. President Trump departs Washington for travel to Florida and North Carolina at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland

By Jeff Mason

JUPITER, Fla. (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an order to extend a ban until 2032 on offshore oil drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico off Florida as he seeks to win support in the state ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

The executive order, which would also expand the ban to Florida's Atlantic coast and to the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina, was met with an unusual mix of disappointment from a drilling industry group and skepticism by environmentalists.

"This protects your beautiful Gulf and your beautiful ocean, and it will for a long time to come," the Republican president said in front of Florida's Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum after signing an executive order while officials from the three states watched.

While interest in offshore drilling has waned with lackluster oil demand during the novel coronavirus pandemic, the order could be reversed by a future president.

The Trump administration - which has worked to expand U.S. oil and gas drilling and roll back Obama-era rules on pollution from fossil fuels - originally wanted to expand offshore drilling off many of America's coasts, including Florida.

But proposals for drilling off Florida prompted fierce opposition from tourism, real estate, and environmental interests.

Trump, who narrowly beat Democrat Hillary Clinton in the state in 2016, faces a tough race this year against Democrat Joe Biden. An NBC/Marist poll on Tuesday showed Trump and Biden tied in Florida with each getting the support of 48 percent of likely voters. Florida is one of several states considered crucial in the election that Trump is slated to visit this week.

The moratorium on drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico was set to expire in 2022. Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who has a bill to extend it through 2027, said earlier this year he expected Trump to back his proposed extension.

Biden opposes new permits for drilling in federal lands and waters. The former vice president said that Trump has refused to listen to scientists on climate change and his environmental record has mostly been about eliminating rules on clean air and water and opening up public lands to drilling.

"Just months ago, Donald Trump was planning to allow oil and gas drilling off the coast of Florida," Biden wrote on Twitter. "Now ... he conveniently says that he changed his mind."

Story continues

The National Ocean Industries Association, an industry group, complained that the move limits production of domestic energy and raw materials for plastics, such as those used for protection against the coronavirus.

Environmentalists were dubious that the move represented real change. Jaclyn Lopez, a Florida native with the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, said "this desperate political stunt wont make Floridians forget that Trump was the one that proposed opening our state to drilling in the first place."

(Reporting by Jeff Mason, Timothy Gardner and Nichola Groom; Editing by Richard Chang/Jonathan Oatis and Grant McCool)
KYIV, Ukraine  A leading opposition activist in Belarus was held on the border with Ukraine on Tuesday after she resisted an attempt by authorities to deport her as part of government efforts to end a month of protests against authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Maria Kolesnikova, a member of the Coordination Council created by the opposition to facilitate talks with the longtime leader on a transition of power, had been detained Monday in the capital of Minsk along with two other council members.

They were driven early Tuesday to the border, where authorities told them to cross into Ukraine. When they arrived in a no-mans land between the countries, Kolesnikova ripped her passport into small pieces to make it impossible for the authorities to expel her. She remained in custody on the Belarusian side of the border after the incident.

Two other council members who crossed into Ukraine, Ivan Kravtsov and Anton Rodnenkov, described Kolesnikovas action with open admiration.

She was shouting that she wont go anywhere, Rodnenkov said at a news conference in Kyiv. Sitting in the car, she saw her passport on a front seat and tore it into many small fragments, crumpled them and threw them out of the window. After that, she opened the back door and walked back to the Belarusian border.

He said that Maria is in great shape, full of energy and spirits, as always.

Anton Bychkovsky, spokesman for Belarus Border Guard Committee, confirmed she is in the custody of Belarusian authorities but refused to give any details of what happened on the border.

Belarus has used similar tactics to force other opposition figures to leave the country, seeking to end a month of demonstrations that followed the reelection of Lukashenko in a vote that protesters see as rigged. Lukashenko has ruled the country for 26 years, relentlessly stifling dissent and keeping most of the economy in state hands.

The 66-year-old former state farm director has rejected criticism from the United States and the European Union, which said the Aug. 9 election was neither free nor fair and shrugged off their demands to open a dialogue with the opposition.

In Washington, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement state the U.S. and its allies are considering additional sanctions targeted at Belarus, and he expressed concern about the attempt expulsion of Kalesnikava.

We commend the courage of Ms. Kalesnikava and of the Belarusian people in peacefully asserting their right to pick their leaders in free and fair elections in the face of unjustified violence and repression by the Belarusian authorities, which included brazen beatings of peaceful marchers in broad daylight and hundreds of detentions September 6, as well as increasing reports of abductions, Pompeo said.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition challenger to Lukashenko, left for Lithuania a day after the election under pressure from authorities.

Addressing the Council of Europes Parliamentary Assembly on Tuesday, Tsikhanuskaya called for international sanctions against Lukashenko and other government officials.

We need international pressure on this regime, on this one individual, desperately clinging onto power, she said.

Tsikhanouskaya stated that Lukashenko doesnt have any legitimacy after stealing the vote, warning other countries against deals with the Belarusian government.

He does not represent Belarus anymore, she said.

In separate comments about the attempt to expel Kolesnikova, Tsikhanouskaya praised her as a real hero, and said that such actions are incapable of breaking the will of the people or their desire to change their countrys future.

Kolesnikova, a 38-year-old flute player who led a popular arts center, entered politics just before the election. She led the campaign headquarters of a top potential challenger to Lukashenko, and when he was barred from running and jailed on charges widely seen as political, she joined Tsikhanouskayas campaign.

Another associate of Tsikhanouskaya, Antonina Konovalova, disappeared Tuesday after a court fined her for taking part in a weekend protest.

As evening fell, police dispersed several hundred demonstrators rallying in Minsk in solidarity with Kolesnikova and detained at least 45 protesters, according to the Viasna human rights center.

U.N. SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres expressed very serious concern at the repeated use of force against peaceful protesters, as well as reported pressures on opposition civil society activists, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

The U.N. chiefs message is that the Belarusian people should be able to exercise their political and constitutional rights peacefully in a democratic environment, the spokesman said, and the current crisis that were seeing in Belarus needs to be resolved through an inclusive dialogue amongst the Belarusian people.

After a brutal crackdown on protesters by police in the initial days after the vote that stoked international outrage and swelled the ranks of protesters, authorities in Belarus have switched to threats and selective arrests of activists and demonstrators.

Belarusian prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into members of the Coordination Council, accusing them of undermining national security by calling for a transition of power. Several council members were arrested and others were called for questioning.

Last week, Pavel Latushko, a former minister of culture and ambassador to France who joined the opposition council, traveled to Poland after facing threats and being questioned. His departure came a day after Lukashenko warned that Latushko had crossed a red line and would face prosecution.

On Saturday, Tsikhanouskaya associate Olga Kovalkova also moved to Poland after the authorities threatened to jail her for a long time if she refused to leave the country.

Kovalkova said agents of the Belarusian State Security Committee, or KGB, put her into a car, where she was told to lie on the floor, unaware where they were taking her. She was dropped off in no-mans land between the Belarus and Poland border, and Polish border guards asked a bus driver headed for Poland to take her on board.

The French Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation of arbitrary arrests and the practice of forced exiles of several members of the Coordination Council, as well as of numerous demonstrators in recent days.

We call on Belarus authorities to end without delay these actions, to free those arbitrarily detained, and open a national dialogue, the ministry said.

Despite the pressure on opposition activists, daily protests have continued and crowds have swelled on the weekends. An estimated 100,000 attended a rally Sunday, despite heavy rain.

Speaking in an interview with Russian journalists, Lukashenko said its tragic for him to face massive protests, but insisted that he has retained the support of most of the country.

I must protect what has been built with our hands, protect the people who have built it, and they are an overwhelming majority, he said.

Amid Western criticism, Lukashenko has relied on support from Moscow, his main sponsor and ally. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he stands ready to send police to Belarus on Lukashenkos request if rallies turn violent but there is no need for that yet.

Lukashenko blamed the U.S. for instigating the protests and warned Russia that it could face similar demonstrations in the future.

If Belarus collapses today, Russia will come next, he said.

Observers say Lukashenko hopes to stem the protests with selective repressions against the opposition leaders and soothe public anger with vague talk about constitutional reform and a new election at an unspecified date. The Kremlin has endorsed his promise of such a reform.

The authorities scenario is clear  push all the leaders out of the country and step up repressions against demonstrators while imitating a dialogue on a constitutional reform under the patronage of the Kremlin, said Valery Karbalevich, an independent Minsk-based analyst. Lukashenko hopes that the rallies of 100,000 will fizzle after the expulsion of opposition leaders, but so far it has had an opposite effect, helping fuel more protests.

___

Associated Press writers Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow, Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Elaine Ganley in Paris and Monika Scislowska in Warsaw, Poland, contributed to this report.

___

Follow all AP stories on the developments in Belarus at https://apnews.com/Belarus
Canadian Academy of Distinguished Neutrals Weve made it very easy for visitors to reserve appointments with preferred resolution experts. More than 70,000 lawyers, counsel & legal staff have scheduled over half a million cases online with our US members over the last decade - and were excited to now this free resource to Canadian firms.

The Canadian Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (CADN) is a new national association whose membership consists of mediators and arbitrators distinguished by their hands-on experience in the field of civil and commercial conflict resolution. Membership to the Academy is by invitation-only, with a strict peer-nomination and extensive client-interview vetting procedure to ensure that only the top 10% of qualifying ADR practitioners in any province are invited to join the roster.

Over an 8 month period, over 600 litigation lawyers across Canada were interviewed by CADNs research staff as to preferred local mediators and arbitrators. This invaluable data allowed the Academy to identify the most widely-acceptable neutrals in each province. Finally, an Executive Committee of 20 respected Canadian ADR professionals cast peer votes, assisting the Academys executive staff to narrow the pool further.

The Academys newly launched national database at http://www.Mediators.ca allows litigators and support staff access to a free roster of over 160 experienced ADR professionals, charging no referral or administration fees. The Academy is funded entirely by member dues, providing our database to the legal community at no charge. In additional to the national database, CADN has created provincial chapter sites, for ease of use: OntarioMediators.org, BCMediators.org, AlbertaMediators.org & AtlanticMediators.org.

Visitors are able to quickly find a suitable neutral by identifying their preferred region, case expertise or other practice preferences. Generally, though, litigators already have their go-to list of preferred mediators that theyve worked with in the past, often in the local area - and its here that the Academy database can assist with expedited scheduling. A majority of our members post their Availability Calendars online daily, allowing visitors to call-or-click to make direct contact with these neutrals and their staff, avoiding scheduling phone tag.

Since the launch in 2008 of our parent US association, NADN.org, weve heard from many hundreds of litigators and staff, saying how useful they find the database, particularly our online scheduling tools, commented Mr. Lee, Executive Director of both CADN and NADN. Weve made it very easy for visitors to reserve appointments with their preferred resolution experts. More than 70,000 lawyers, counsel and legal staff have scheduled over half a million cases online with our US members over the last decade - and were excited to now provide this free resource to the Canadian legal community.

CADN is also committed to working closely with the litigation community, sponsoring and supporting respected legal associations such as The Advocates Society, Canadian Defense Lawyers Association, Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia, Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association, and more.
The logo of Chinese video app TikTok outside the company's new office at the C3 campus in Culver City, Calif., on Aug. 11, 2020. (CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)

Leaked Document Reveals How CCP Uses ByteDance-Owned App to Spread Propaganda

Chinese tech companies have been documented to cooperate with Chinese authorities on censoring information and pushing Beijings propaganda messages.

One way the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) uses a popular news aggregator app owned by ByteDance to promote the regimes propaganda content to users was unveiled in an internal document recently obtained by The Epoch Times.

Meanwhile, previous comments by staff at ByteDances app platforms, detailing the extent to which the software collects user data, raises questions about whether algorithms work similarly at ByteDances most widely-used app internationally, TikTok, as it seeks to sell its U.S. business before the U.S. administrations appointed deadline of Sept. 15. Citing the apps Chinese ownership, risks to national security, and user data collection, President Donald Trump in late July signed executive orders to effectively ban TikTok from operating in the United States, unless it finds a U.S. buyer.

Document

In 2016, the Luohe city government propaganda bureau issued a notice to all Chinese Communist Party committees in the county and district-level government offices in the city. Luohe is a city located in central Chinas Henan Province.

The notice informed all-party committees to set up accounts on Toutiao, a popular news aggregator app owned by ByteDance. It then describes how Toutiao can make the propaganda information issued by these accounts appear as recommendations for users that the government has targeted.

When theres a big event or emergency incident happening, it can distribute information to designated users and users in designated regions. It supports the government in spreading information efficiently, the document stated.

The document said that the CCP committees would not need to increase their following for this to be effective.

The internal document that Luohe city government propaganda bureau issued in 2016. (Provided to The Epoch Times by an insider)

Algorithm

As early as Jan. 2018, Cao Huanhuan, software architect at Toutiao, explained how its algorithms track users preferences and habits, in a post on the apps official website.

The algorithm needs to collect three types of information before promoting a post to a user: the characteristics of a post the user interacts with; the users characteristics; and where the user is when he/she opens the app, according to Cao.

The posts characteristics include which kind of media it is, such as video, photo, picture, or text; the subject of the post, such as yoga, travel, or hip hop; how long it takes the user to read the post, such as video length, photos quantity, and text length; characteristics of the posts creator.

The users characteristics include hobbies, profession, age, gender, which kind of phone he/she uses, the users browsing history on ByteDance apps, searching and surfing histories on the internet, shopping history, and so on.

The environment characteristics include the exact position of the user, such as at home, in a restaurant, or traveling abroad, etc.; what time of day; which kind of network the user is using, such as 3G, 4G, 5G, and Wifi; and weather conditions.

The algorithm will also cull the watch histories of other users who are similar to a particular user, such as those with similar hobbies or similar profession.

After the app obtains all three categories of information, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool will generation recommendations to the user.

Cao added that the algorithm can also be used to show suitable advertisements for this user.

ByteDance also created several blacklist databases, Cao said, in which millions of keywords or pictures the Chinese authorities have prohibited would not be allowed on its social media platforms. Any post containing one or more of these contents would be removed immediately, Cao said.

He did not give specifics as to how ByteDance or Toutiao is able to collect such vast amounts of data on users behavior and preferences, nor how its algorithm would pick up on prohibited content.

ByteDance did not respond to a request for comment.

The TikTok logo outside a TikTok office in Culver City, Calif., on Aug.27, 2020. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Implications for TikTok?

But Cao noted that The different social media platforms from our company [ByteDance] use this same powerful algorithm, but make adjustments according to each platforms business models.

And during the World AI Conference held virtually on July 11, Li Lei, director of ByteDances AI lab, said that his teams designs are for all of ByteDances owned apps. The company owns over 20 apps.

In a recent job posting for an algorithm engineer, ByteDance said that the position would be responsible for the companys domestic and international products recommendations, ads, system infrastructure, big data, open platforms, and other core technologies.

TikTok did not respond to a request for comment about its algorithm models.

The apps algorithm may be the linchpin of any U.S. dealas the Chinese regime revised its export control rules on Aug. 28, mandating that technology based on data analysis for personalized information recommendation services must be approved by Chinese authorities before export.

Market analysts have noted that this could mean ByteDances sale of TikToks U.S. operations would need approval from Beijing.

Meanwhile, TikToks Chinese ownership is the crux of the U.S. administrations concerns about the possibility of user data being exploited by Beijing.

In The Epoch Times previous interview with former Chinese internet censor Liu Lipeng, he said he was scouted by ByteDance in China to become part of a team that would handle censorship on TikTok.

Another Epoch Times report also divulged the close ties between ByteDance and the Chinese Communist Party, with many of its managers also being members of the companys Party unit. Companies in China are required to establish such Party organizations within their offices to ensure that business policies and employees toe the Party line.

Though TikTok has sought to distance itself from its Beijing owner, pointing to its American board members and executives, the apps data collection and alleged censorship practices on international users have come under scrutiny in recent months.

The Epoch Times previously interviewed a Chinese international student whose TikTok account was blocked after he uploaded a video of himself lampooning the Chinese national anthem.

And the Wall Street Journal reported that some TikTok users were praising China in their videos in the hopes of gaming an algorithm that would favor China-friendly content and give them more exposure.




THE deafening silence from church organisations following the killing of a soldier in cold blood in Chivhu and attempts by the opposition to protect the bandits portray their duplicity as puppets of Western nations.





In a Press statement, ZANU PF Youth League acting secretary Cde Tendai Chirau saluted the countrys servicemen and women who have been at the frontline fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and condemned the acts of banditry that resulted in the death of a soldier on duty.





It is, however, greatly disconcerting that some criminal and lunatic elements in our society would conceive of killing in cold blood, soldiers deployed for this important duty. All progressive and patriotic elements of our society must see this attack against our security forces as not only an attack against Zimbabwe, but also as an effort to throw off course the current efforts to combat Covid-19, said Cde Chirau.

Swift action from a combined force of the countrys police and soldiers saw the two assailants who stormed a police station in Chivhu being killed and Cde Chirau warned anyone who harbours such terrorist thinking that the long arm of the law will catch up with them.





This profanity of our nationhood should never be allowed to recur, and the incident should serve as sufficient warning to any would-be malefactors. We hereby reiterate without equivocation, our position that any act of aggression against our dedicated Covid-19 frontline cadres is an act of war, and that any manipulation of this situation for personal, sectarian and political gain at the expense of national safety is treasonous.





This sums up our opinion of equally deranged fly-by-night political lawyers who continue to impress their foreign handlers with vapid talk of civilian space, in defence of trigger-happy criminals.





Needless to say that such retrogressive and self-hating sentiments manifest in words that demonise our security forces for defending the nation are not shocking coming from the usual unpatriotic voices. Bandits have no portion in civilian space, and defending them is an act of terror against the lawful citizens of Zimbabwe, said Cde Chirau.





Founder of Destiny for Africa Reverend Obadiah Msindo said the murder of a serviceman by two bandits was meant to give credence to the opposition claims that there is a crisis in Zimbabwe ahead of a visit by the South African ruling party the African National Congress (ANC) which is due to meet the ruling party Zanu PF for bilateral engagements.





He said since failing to subvert the will of the people through unsanctioned demonstrations in July, the opposition has been hard at work trying to depict Zimbabwe as a country in crisis and the killing of a soldier in Chivhu is a case in point.





What happened in Chivhu is unacceptable and it must be condemned by all peace loving Zimbabweans, the killing of soldiers on duty, even if they were not on duty by criminals should be condemned, but the Church which is always quick to accuse the Government is worryingly silent, why arent their condemning this act of anarchy.





Rev Msindo also condemned the MDC-As attempts to portray the shooting of the two assailants as extra-judicial killing saying the opposition is desperate to fan anarchy in Zimbabwe and would prefer a situation where armed bandits roam freely.





MDC-A spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere has condemned the lawful shooting of the criminals who shot members of the security forces after they had been tracked by the countrys security forces on Sunday.




Jacob Billington, who was stabbed to death in Birmingham on Sunday, has been described by his family as the light of our life.

The 23-year-old died after being attacked in Irving Street in the early hours of Sunday morning.

One of his friends, also 23, was seriously injured and remains in hospital in a critical condition, said West Midlands Police (WMP).

A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder, and remains in custody.

In a statement issued through police, Mr Billington's family said: "Jacob was the light of our life and we have been devastated by his loss.

"He was a funny, caring and wonderful person who was loved by every single person he met.

"He lit up every room with his boundless energy and witty humour and the loss of such a special person will be felt by all who knew him for years to come.

"We ask that our privacy is respected during this difficult time."

The suspect was arrested at about 4am on Monday in the Selly Oak area of Birmingham.

Following the arrest, officers appealed for more information.

Witnesses can use WMPs dedicated web page or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
CHICAGO, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global hospital hand hygiene market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 8% during the period 20192025.

Key Highlights Offered in the Report:

The hospital hand hygiene solutions market in North America would realize an absolute growth of over 74%  a phenomenal leap of over $2 billion revenue between 2019 and 2022. Buoyed by the growing demand for hospital hand hygiene solutions during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the market revenue will reach over $11 billion in 2020, registering YoY growth of over 132% from 2019. Registering a high growth CAGR over 17%, the hand sanitizers segment will contribute over $1 billion incremental revenue during 2019-2025. Owing to the growing demand of in hospitals due to COVID-19 pandemic, hand wash registers a growth CAGR over 6%. At the country level US has emerged as largest market accounting a CAGR over 9% and incremental growth over $800 million during the forecast period.

Key Offerings:

Market Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20192025

Market Dynamics  Leading trends, growth drivers, restraints, and investment opportunities

Market Segmentation  A detailed analysis by products, distribution, and geography

Competitive Landscape  7 key vendors and 27 other vendors

Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/hospital-hand-hygiene-market-size-analysis

Hospital Hand Hygiene Market  Segmentation

The global hand wash market witnessed a phenomenal growth in February 2020 following the WHO recommendations for the use of hand washes (soap or liquid wash) as a preventive measure against COVID-19. Another factor driving the growth among healthcare professionals is the increasing practice of washing hands as a means to prevent diseases and their higher efficiency from killing bacteria and other infections than liquid disinfectants and sanitizers in healthcare settings and centers.

following the WHO recommendations for the use of hand washes (soap or liquid wash) as a preventive measure against COVID-19. Another factor driving the growth among healthcare professionals is the increasing practice of washing hands as a means to prevent diseases and their higher efficiency from killing bacteria and other infections than liquid disinfectants and sanitizers in healthcare settings and centers. Lotions and moisturizers used in hospital purposes have witnessed significant growth in the past few years. The outbreak of pandemic has pushed hospital workers to opt for different types of solutions, which can be useful in terms of hygiene. The increased awareness of the benefits of using hygienic care products has increased the demand in the last few years.

Stockists play a vital role in the bulk delivery of hospital hygiene products. Pharmacies or pharma retail chains selling over-the-counter drugs and prescription medicines are important distribution centers for hygiene and health-conscious products. With the scope to prevent infections and kill germs, healthcare institutions tend to buy these products as part of health safety plans.

Hospital Hand Hygiene Market by Products

Hand Wash

Sanitizer

Wipes

Lotions & Moisturizers

Hand Scrubs

Hand Disinfectant

Hospital Hand Hygiene Market by Distribution Channel

Mass Retail

Mass Market Players

Drug Stores/Pharmacies

Wholesale Distributors/Stockists

Direct Procurement

Dealers & Distribution

Hospital Hand Hygiene Market  Dynamics

The demand for hospital hand hygiene post COVID-19 is likely to get a boost, especially in the year 2020 & 2021, due to a rise in patient footfall along with greater emphasis over hygiene maintenance. Health and hygiene are important aspects to maintain social dynamics. Developed nations have implemented a policy-driven architecture to maintain a healthy lifestyle in their societies. For instance, the WHO recommendation for preventing maternal infections is being adopted by numerous developed nations. This, in turn, creates a healthy market environment for hand hygiene products owing to its wide usage to retain hygiene in hospitals.

Key Drivers and Trends fueling Market Growth:

Rise in Geriatric Population

Advancements in Technology and Innovative Solutions

Increasing Patient Base Due to Rise in Various Diseases

Increased Chances of Epidemic or Pandemic Outbreaks

Hospital Hand Hygiene Market  Geography

North America's hospital hand hygiene solutions sector and is also likely to experience healthy growth during the forecast period. The growth in the region is mainly attributed to the increasing incidence of acute and chronic diseases such as CVDs, cancer, diabetes, and pneumonia as well as a surge in the volume of surgeries for treating such ailments. Also, the availability of advanced healthcare infrastructure and increasing concerns on safety and hygiene practices are contributing factors. A strong preference for advanced surgical procedures such as MI is one of the key reasons for this dominance.

Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/hospital-hand-hygiene-market-size-analysis

Hospital Hand Hygiene Market by Geography

North America

US



Canada

Europe

UK



Germany



France



Italy



Spain

APAC

China



Japan



South Korea



Australia



India

Latin America

Brazil



Mexico



Argentina

Middle East & Africa

South Africa



Saudi Arabia



Iran

Prominent Vendors

The 3M Company

Company GOJO Industries

Johnson & Johnson

Procter & Gamble (P&G)

Reckitt Benckiser Group

The Unilever Group

Vi-Jon

Other Prominent Vendors

B.Braun Melsungen

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)

Beitai Daily Chemical

Cardinal Health

Dynarex Corporation

Bath & Body Works

Best Sanitizers

BODE Chemie

Chattem

Christeyns Food Hygiene

Cleenol Group

Deb Group

EcoHydra Technologies

Ecolab

Edgewell Personal Care

Henkel

Kimberly-Clark

Kutol Products Company

Linkwell

Lion Corporation

Medline Industries

Nice-Pak Products

Safetec of America

The Himalaya Drug Company

Vectair Systems

Whiteley Corporation

Zoono Group

Explore our health & wellness profile to know more about the industry.

Read some of the top-selling reports:

About Arizton:

Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.

We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.

Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.

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SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence
Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness enjoyed a light leisurely stroll in New York on Tuesday.

The couple wore protective face masks as they walked their two pet pooches around Soho in Lower Manhattan.

Aussie actor Hugh, 51, and Deborra-lee, 64, both cut casual figures as they took in some fresh air and the incredible city views.

Australian actor Hugh Jackman (pictured) went for a stroll with his pet pooches Allegra and Dali in New York on Tuesday

The couple and their children Ava, 14, and Oscar, 20, recently returned to New York from their stunning holiday home in the Hamptons.

Hugh and Deborra-lee appeared to be walking nearby two of Hugh's established Laughing Man Coffee cafes.

While dining in is still not an option in New York for his businesses, the popular cafes have remained open for takeaway.

Out and about: He was joined by his wife Deborra-Lee Furness (right) after the pair returned from their East Hamptons holiday home

Keeping fit! For the outing, Hugh dressed in activewear - wearing comfortable sneakers, shorts and a grey sweater that read 'East Hampton Gym'

For the outing, Hugh dressed in activewear - wearing comfortable sneakers, shorts and a grey sweater that read 'East Hampton Gym'.

Meanwhile, Deborra-lee opted for her usual all-black ensemble and added to her look with white sneakers and a quirky Panda-print mask.

During their light stroll, the couple were joined by their two adorable dogs, Allegra and Dali.

Hugh, a responsible pet owner, carried a green plastic bag to clean up after his canines on the walk.

Safety first! The couple wore protective face masks as they walked their two pet pooches around Soho in Lower Manhattan

In July, The Greatest Showman actor revealed he was homesick for Australia after a lengthy lockdown in New York City due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Deborra-lee and the couple's children, Oscar and Ava, had initially been in Melbourne when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March.

But they returned to the U.S. just four days later in order to keep the family together.

He's just like us! Hugh, a responsible pet owner, carried a green plastic bag to clean up after his canines on the walk

Later this month, Hugh is due to virtually attend the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards.

He is one of five nominees up for an Emmy Award for Lead Actor in a Limited TV series or Movie for his role as Frank Tassone in Bad Education.

'I'm humbled by the nominations for both me and the film and excited to be named with such a talented group of actors,' Hugh said in a statement at the time.

Due to the global health crisis, the Emmy Awards will be a bit different this year.

Jimmy Kimmel will host the show from a stage inside California's Staples Center, which will have no red carpet or audience, Variety reported last month.
 When all this is over, I said to a neighbour, we should have a street party.

It was early April, the sun was shining and we were dancing awkwardly to Abbas greatest hits during a socially-distanced street dance, so perhaps my naive optimism can be forgiven. During those early days of lockdown the coronavirus pandemic seemed like something that might have a clear end.

The reality we find ourselves in is, of course, more complex  but the sentiment still stands. Historic events have long been marked by shared rites of passage: ceremonies that mark a transition from one era to another. The Queens coronation, Victory in Europe day, the fall of the Berlin Wall  all celebrated with communal events that indicate the crossing of a threshold. Now something like normality is returning. Children are back at school, we are eating out again, and most of us have had a haircuts by proper barbers. Yet community events have dwindled. We no longer clap for our carers, or dance to Seventies pop in the road.

Still, were not yet free, are we? School pick-up - ours at least - now involves queues round the block. Social encounters come with experimental forms of etiquette: do we elbow bump, nod awkwardly, or take the ultimate risk and (whisper it) hug? More significantly, confusion reigns over things like travel quarantine restrictions, and the government PR machine is going hell for leather trying to convince people to return to city centres. We run the risk of ending lockdown not with a street party but with a great unravelling. Much of this is down to the nature of the disease: until a vaccine is readily available well never be safe from Covid-19. But, when the time is right, the nation must be allowed to mark the change in some way. We need an opportunity to grieve for what weve lost  for many this tragically includes loved ones  and, yes, to be thankful for what weve gained.

When New Zealand announced they were Covid-free, a video went viral on social media: CCTV from a bar showed drinkers sitting quietly, obediently keeping their distance. But when the clock hit midnight they erupted into cheering, hugging strangers and dancing.

We in the UK may never have our New Zealand moment, but as we begin to resume some semblance of normal life, we need a national rite of passage to help us understand our new place in a changed world.
Chinese military spokesperson has urged the Indian side to desist from dangerous actions after Indian troops illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western border region.

Zhang Shuili, spokesperson for the Western Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), made the remarks in a statement on Tuesday after the Indian army again illegally crossed the LAC in Shenpao Mountain area near the southern bank of Pangong Tso (Lake) on Monday.

The Indian action, which Zhang called "severe military provocation," seriously violated agreements reached by China and India, stirring up tensions in the region, and would easily cause misunderstandings and misjudgments, said Zhang in the statement.
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.
Novartis will present 48 abstracts from its leading MS portfolio, including new data on recently FDA-approved Kesimpta (ofatumumab)-the first and only self-administered, targeted B-cell therapy for relapsing forms of MS (RMS)-Mayzent (siponimod) and Gilenya (fingolimod)



(ofatumumab)-the first and only self-administered, targeted B-cell therapy for relapsing forms of MS (RMS)-Mayzent (siponimod) and Gilenya (fingolimod) New pivotal data from ASCLEPIOS trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of Kesimpta in a subgroup of treatment-naive RMS patients will be presented for the first time 1



Subgroup analyses of the EXPAND trial showed sustained benefits on disability, cognitive processing speed and relapse outcomes for up to five years in patients with active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) treated continuously with Mayzent, highlighting potential value of early treatment initiation 2



Findings from real-world study show MSProDiscussTM tool is valuable in facilitating MS progression-related conversations with patients in daily practice3

Basel, September 8, 2020 - Novartis announced today it will present 48 abstracts at the upcoming MSVirtual2020: 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting, September 11-13, 2020. The breadth of data being presented highlights the strength and promise of the company's MS portfolio to improve the lives of patients across the MS spectrum.

"As a global leader in neuroscience, we have been committed to bringing life-changing therapies to people living with diseases like MS for more than 75 years," said Estelle Vester-Blokland, Global Head Neuroscience Medical Affairs, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. "For the first time in our growing portfolio, we are proud to be presenting data from three of our approved MS treatments across the MS disease spectrum, which is a significant milestone of our commitment to reimaging medicine for the MS community."

Novartis key highlights at MSVirtual2020: 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting include:

New efficacy and safety data on Kesimpta, the first and only self-administered, targeted B-cell therapy for patients with relapsing MS (RMS), indicate potential benefits of starting high-efficacy therapy early with Kesimpta. Kesimpta was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment in RMS to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease in adults, in August 20204:

New findings from the ASCLEPIOS Phase III trials demonstrate Kesimpta's superior efficacy vs teriflunomide in newly diagnosed, treatment-naive patients with low absolute relapse rates, very low magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion activity and prolonged time to disability worsening 1 .

. Additional safety and efficacy data on Kesimpta show that no new safety signals were identified in patients treated with Kesimpta. In this extended analysis, Kesimpta showed a safety profile that remains consistent with data reported in the Phase II and III clinical trials 5 .

. Results from the ASCLEPIOS trials also demonstrated that baseline serum neurofilament light levels (sNfL) were prognostic for lesion formation and brain volume loss for at least two years. These results support that sNfL can complement clinical assessments and help identify patients at high risk for future disease activity6.

New scientific evidence on Mayzent, the first and only oral treatment studied and proven to slow disability progression in a broad range of secondary progressive MS (SPMS) patients, highlight delays to disability progression and benefits in cognitive performance in patients treated with Mayzent:

Results from EXCHANGE interim analysis showed a good safety and tolerability profile when patients switched from an oral or injectable disease-modifying therapy (DMT) to Mayzent 7 .

. Further EXPAND data continue to demonstrate improvements of cognitive processing speed in patients with active and non-active SPMS treated with Mayzent 8 .

. Long-term data analyses from the EXPAND trial showed sustained benefits on disability, cognitive processing speed and relapse outcomes for up to five years in patients with active SPMS treated continuously with Mayzent versus those who switched from placebo, highlighting the value of early treatment initiation2.

New safety data on Gilenya, a cornerstone of MS treatment and the only oral DMT approved to treat relapsing forms of MS in adults and children from 10 years of age and older, were presented:

Additional safety findings from studies on Gilenya highlight a low risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in patients receiving Gilenya, and prevalence estimates of major congenital malformations among live births are similar to those from an untreated MS population 9,10 .

. Results from the Phase IV FLUENT study, which assessed immune phenotype biomarkers in patients receiving Gilenya treatment, expand our knowledge of changes in immune cell profiles over the short and long term in RMS patients treated with Gilenya11.

New data beyond transformative medicines on MSProDiscussTM, a first-of-its-kind clinically validated tool designed to facilitate physician-patient conversation on signs of progression in MS and to potentially allow earlier identification of patients transitioning from relapsing forms of MS to SPMS:

Results from a large, real-world qualitative survey on MSProDiscussTM in 34 countries showed that MSProDiscuss is a useful tool which is easy to use in patient consultations3.

Throughout MSVirtual2020: 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting, Novartis will host dedicated content on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by myelin destruction and axonal damage in the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord12. MS, which affects approximately 2.3 million people worldwide13, can be characterized into four main types of MS: clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing remitting (RRMS), SPMS and primary progressive (PPMS)14. The various forms of MS can be distinguished based on whether a patient experiences relapses (clearly defined acute inflammatory attacks of worsening neurological function), and/or whether they experience progression of neurologic damage and disability from the onset of the disease12.

Novartis in Neuroscience

Novartis has a strong ongoing commitment to neuroscience and to bringing innovative treatments to patients suffering from neurological conditions where there is a high unmet need. We are committed to supporting patients and physicians in multiple disease areas, including MS, migraine, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and have a promising pipeline in MS, Alzheimer's disease, spinal muscular atrophy and specialty neurology.

Disclaimer

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

About Novartis

Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach nearly 800 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 109,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at

https://www.novartis.com (https://www.novartis.com).

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References

1. Gaertner J, Hauser S, Bar-Or A, et al. Benefit-risk of ofatumumab in treatment-naive early relapsing multiple sclerosis patients. MSVirtual2020: 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting, September 11-13, 2020.

2. Giovannoni G, Kappos L, Fox RJ, et al. Sustained reduction of disability and cognitive decline with long-term siponimod treatments in patients with active SPMS: EXPAND data up to 5 years. MSVirtual2020: 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting, September 11-13, 2020.

3. Ziemssen T, Giovannoni G, Alvarez E, et al. MSProDiscussTM is a useful tool to aid discussion of multiple sclerosis disease progression: Results from a large, real-world qualitative survey. MSVirtual2020: 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting, September 11-13, 2020.

4. Kesimpta Prescribing Information. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; August 2020.

5. Cross AH, Fox E, De Seze J, et al. Safety experience with extended exposure to ofatumumab in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis from Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials. MSVirtual2020: 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting, September 11-13, 2020.

6. Kuhle J, Kappos L, Cross AH, et al. Baseline serum neurofilament light levels have prognostic value for on-study MRI activity: Results from ASCLEPIOS trials. MSVirtual2020: 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting, September 11-13, 2020.

7. Bar-Or A, Weinstock-Guttman B, Mao-Draayer Y, et al. Safety and tolerability of conversion to siponimod in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis: interim results of the EXCHANGE study. MSVirtual2020: 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting, September 11-13, 2020.

8. Penner IK, Giovannoni G, Cree B, et al. Effect of siponimod on cognitive processing speed in SPMS patients with active and non-active disease. MSVirtual2020: 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting, September 11-13, 2020.

9. Fox R, Cree B, Greenberg B, et al. Update on the risk estimates of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy related to fingolimod. MSVirtual2020: 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting, September 11-13, 2020.

10. Prach LM, Moore A, Rezaallah B, et al. Cumulative update on pregnancy outcomes after fingolimod treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis. MSVirtual2020: 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting, September 11-13, 2020.

11. Mao-Draayer Y, Cohen JA, Bar-Or A, et al. Immune cell profiles and clinical and safety outcomes with fingolimod in the 12 month FLUENT study of patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. MSVirtual2020: 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting, September 11-13, 2020.

12. Guthrie E. Multiple sclerosis: a primer and update. Adv Studies Pharm. 2007;4(11):313-317.

13. Multiple Sclerosis International Federation. Atlas of MS 2013. Mapping Multiple Sclerosis Around the World. Available from:http://www.msif.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Atlas-of-MS.pdf (http://www.msif.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Atlas-of-MS.pdf) [Last accessed: September 2020].

14. National MS Society. Types of MS. Available from: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Types-of-MS (https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Types-of-MS) [Last accessed: September 2020].

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President Donald Trump speaks during a Labor Day press conference at the North Portico of the White House in Washington on Sept. 7, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump Says Hes Not Putting Own Money in Campaign

President Donald Trump said that he would spend his own money on his reelection campaign but disputed reports saying that its because hes facing a cash shortage.

Yeah, if I have to, I would. But were doing very well, he told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland when he was asked about using his own money.

We have much more money than we had last time going into the last two months. I think double and triple, Trump remarked. But if we needed any more, Id put it up personally, like I did in the primaries last time, he said, noting that he put up a lot of money in the 2016 primaries.

If I have to, Ill do it here, he said. But we dont have to because we have double and maybe even triple what we had  four years ago.

Over the weekend, unconfirmed reports claimed Trump would spend up to $100 million of his own money. Trump did not confirm the number.

President Trumps fundraising is breaking records and we are paying close attention to the budget, allowing us to invest twice as much from now until Election Day than we did in 2016, Tim Murtaugh, a Trump campaign spokesman, told Bloomberg News on Tuesday. President Trump has also built the worlds greatest digital fundraising operation, a dominant ground game, and a third advantage Joe Biden can never matchenthusiasm.

However, the president said he will spend whatever it takes and we have to win.

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)

This is the most important election in the history of our country. We have a radical-left group going around, Trump added. These peoplethere is something wrong with them. There really is. There is something wrong with them. And Joe [Biden] doesnt have the strength. He doesnt have the mental capability to control these people.

Later, he predicted that more suburban areas will vote for him.

The suburbs are coming big to us because the suburbs are next. If you elected [Biden], the suburbs would be overwhelmed with violence and crime. So thats where we are. This is the most important election in the history of our country, said Trump.

The president loaned about $43 million of his own money during the 2016 Republican primary, and he routinely touted his self-funding as being free of special interest groups. He has also refused to take a presidential salary, instead opting to donate it to various causes.

After speaking to the press, Trump wrote in several Twitter posts on Tuesday that staffers did, and are doing, a GREAT job, and have a lot of money left over, much more than 2016.

Like I did in the 2016 Primaries, if more money is needed, which I doubt it will be, I will put it up! he added.

Last month, Biden and the Democratic National Committee raked in about $365 million in contributions.

Meanwhile, Trumps son, Donald Trump Jr., will host a reception in Cincinnati, Ohio, to raise money for the presidents reelection campaign, according to the presidents campaign. He will also be in Lima, Ohio, to stump for the president.
Assurances on Northern Irelands inclusion in future UK trade deals must be secured before the Assembly can vote on the Governments proposed policy framework, a minister has said.

Stormont economy minister Diane Dodds told MLAs that she would not bring the Governments Trade Bill before the House until such guarantees are obtained.

Mrs Dodds said International Trade minister of state Greg Hands had been unable to provide legislative assurances that Northern Ireland would be a full participant in future trade deals post-Brexit.

The Trade Bill, which will create a framework for the UKs trade policy once the transition period is over, is making its way through Parliament.

Expand Close Diane Dodds said her party was not prepared to simply follow Londons lead on Brexit issues (Liam McBurney/PA) PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Diane Dodds said her party was not prepared to simply follow Londons lead on Brexit issues (Liam McBurney/PA)

As part of that process, the devolved parliaments in the UK will be asked to give legislative consent to be covered by the terms of the new laws.

Mrs Dodds said she would not bring a legislative consent motion to the Assembly until changes were made.

It comes amid continued uncertainty about trading arrangements involving Northern Ireland under the terms of the Northern Ireland protocol contained in the Withdrawal Agreement.

The protocol will see the region continue to follow single market rules for goods and administer the EUs customs code at its ports.

Mrs Dodds said the Government needed to provide clarity that the region could still fully participate in UK-wide trade deals with third countries.

The DUP minister said her party was not prepared to simply follow Londons lead on Brexit issues.

This is challenging London and making sure that London understands the needs of businesses and families in Northern Ireland, she said.

I also want to take the opportunity to indicate to the House today that as the minister responsible for issues in relation to international trade I will be writing to executive colleagues this week to make them aware that, at this stage, I will not be seeking to bring forward a motion to seek legislative consent in the Northern Ireland Assembly for the Trade Bill, which is currently making its passage through Parliament.

It is absolutely essential that Northern Ireland is able to be a full participant in future UK trade deals. So far the Minister for International Trade has been unable to provide the necessary legislative assurance that this will be the case and there are still too many uncertainties around the implications for internal UK trade.

Mrs Dodds was speaking during an Assembly debate on post-Brexit preparedness.

Northern Irelands place is within the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland needs to be able to benefit fully from UK trade deals and not just be a named participant in those UK trade deals, she added.

That is vitally important for Northern Ireland businesses, for Northern Ireland families, jobs and prosperity here in Northern Ireland.

The minister later told a Stormont press conference: I have expressed my concern on this issue, Northern Ireland if it has to operate under the protocol, needs to know that it will be not just a named participant in those trade deals, but that Northern Ireland companies will be actively able to trade under the protocol and the terms of those future trade deals.

Thats important for global Britain, its important for global Northern Ireland.
Elections in 10 regions including restive Anglophone areas to put in place councils provided for in 1996 constitution.

Cameroonian President Paul Biya has announced the countrys first regional elections in December, including in English-speaking provinces where years of fighting between the government and separatists have cost some 3,000 lives.

Biya, who has been in power since 1982, signed a decree on Monday authorising the indirect elections on December 6 in the countrys 10 regions, including in the restive North-West and South-West provinces.

The polls will put in place councils provided for in a 1996 constitution in a move towards decentralisation but not yet implemented.

The regions will elect 90 councillors, who will have limited powers on local issues. Twenty of them will be representatives of traditional chieftains.

Today, I signed a decree to convene the electoral colleges for the election of Regional Councillors. #PaulBiya#Cameroon#237Vote pic.twitter.com/rWD0QXYxxB  President Paul BIYA (@PR_Paul_BIYA) September 7, 2020

The two Anglophone regions are home to a large minority of English speakers in a country where French speakers are the overwhelming majority  a situation that is the legacy of the decolonisation of western Africa by France and Britain more than 60 years ago.

In late 2016, long-standing complaints of political and economic discrimination against English speakers by the central government spilled over when lawyers, students and teachers began calling for reforms.





The governments lethal response to the protests provoked rebels to declare in 2017 independence for a region they call Ambazonia, triggering a stronger crackdown by the authorities. Both sides have since been accused of committing atrocities in a conflict that has forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.

Biya, 87, has promised the two regions a special status in a bid to quell the unrest.

John Fru Ndi, leader of a key opposition party, has said he will boycott the election unless there is a ceasefire first in the English-speaking regions.

The 1996 constitution limited presidents to two seven-year terms but Biyas party scrapped the term limits in 2008, allowing him to run again and extend his rule.
Photo: pixabay

A man is facing two charges after a cougar was allegedly harassed with a slingshot in Banff National Park.

Parks Canada says in a statement that its wardens received a report from the public on May 31 about a cougar being bothered by a visitor near Lake Louise, Alta.

Officials say the cougar was on the wrong side of the wildlife fencing along the Trans-Canada Highway when it was allegedly harassed.

Wardens were able to find and arrest one person after receiving a vehicle description and photos.

Charges were laid against a Saskatchewan man for disturbing wildlife in a national park and possession of a firearm  a slingshot is considered a firearm under the Canada National Parks Act.

The charges, which carry maximum penalties of $25,000 and $100,000, are to be heard in Canmore provincial court in November.
Beijing: Indian students studying in Chinese universities and colleges have been advised to remain in touch with their respective educational institutions as Beijing has still not allowed the return of foreign students to resume their studies, the Indian Embassy here said.

Responding to the Indian mission in Beijing the Chinese government on Monday said that following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year it was not permitting foreign students to enter the country for the time being and permitting such entry only in specific circumstances.

The statement by the Chinese Ministry of Education in response to the concerns raised by Indian embassy was tweeted by the latter.

"At present, foreign students in China cannot enter the country for the time being, but the Chinese Government attaches great importance to the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of foreign students in China. It requires relevant universities in China to maintain close contacts with the students, immediately notify relevant information..," posted the Indian Embassy quoting the reply by the Chinese Ministry of Education to its query.

The Chinese Ministry also suggested the Indian students to be in contact with their respective institutions and arrange to study in China in strict accordance with the suggestions and guidance of the colleges and universities.

The Indian Embassy, therefore, also advised the students to remain in touch with their respective colleges/universities and also keep monitoring the website of the Indian Embassy/Consulates for latest information regarding their return.

Earlier on September 1 and August 17 too the Embassy had addressed the concerns of Indian students over their return to China. Thousands of Indian students, pursuing various courses, had returned to India amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

The statement, however, comes at a time when tensions between New Delhi and Beijing are simmering over the ongoing standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including the 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. Sources said on Tuesday that recently an incident of firing took place on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh where troops of India and China have been engaged in a stand-off for over three months.

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.
The Delhi high court has said that doctors prescriptions are not required anymore for asymptomatic patients to undergo Covid-19 testing in the national capital. The only things required would be Aadhaar cards with Delhi address and an Indian Council of Medical Research form that people seeking to be tested need to fill, it added.

The testing will be done on a trial basis and 2,000 tests would be allowed for the asymptomatic patients out of the total 14,000 Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests conducted daily in the city, the court said.

Also Read: No of containment zones in Delhi over 1,000 likely to increase with more testing: Officials

A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad noted there has been a sharp rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the last week. It also directed the Delhi government to set up testing centres including closer to the prominent metro stations so that the commuters can easily get themselves tested.

The court directed the government to provide maps of the various testing centres and also share them with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation for display at stations for better awareness.

The bench was hearing a plea filed by advocate Rakesh Malhotra seeking ramping up of tests.

Also Read: Delhi: Covid tests cross 45,000-mark; highest single-day spike in cases in 76 days

The court has asked the Delhi government to re-strategise its testing plan to ensure anyone wanting to get tested is able to do so with any prescription.

Additional standing counsel Satyakam, who appeared for the government, told the court they are working on the plan and sought more time from the court. He said the number of RT-PCR tests has been ramped up and mobile testing centres have also been set up at the bus terminals.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Thycotic , a provider of privileged access management (PAM) solutions for more than 10,000 organizations worldwide, including 25 of the Fortune 100, today announced enhanced mobile capabilities for its award-winning PAM solution, Secret Server. Secret Server customers can now extend comprehensive privileged access management to mobile devices to keep remote teams productive and secure.

More than half of business users use their personal mobile device to access work-related items, according to research from the Ponemon institute. As much of the workforce continues to work from home due to COVID-19, mobile access is essential to maintaining business continuity. Thycotic's newly released native apps for iPhone and Android allow business users to access privileged credentials and use those credentials to log in to services and applications from their mobile device. Sensitive systems and data stay secure and productivity is never interrupted by bottlenecks.

"Business users aren't sitting at their desk and don't always have their laptop in front of them. But they need seamless access to tools and information," says Jai Dargan, Thycotic Vice President of Product Management. "Now, they can have on-the-go access from their mobile devices without compromising the industrial-grade security of enterprise PAM."

Users authenticate to a Secret Server instance (on-prem or cloud) via their mobile device using the built-in password management features. When users are logged in with their own account, they can navigate Secret Server's folder structure to access their secrets. Secret Server mobile apps can be installed and configured in minutes. An intuitive UX, appealing UI, and a simple onboarding process ensures quick adoption, so companies can bolster their security posture and improve their ROI.

Secret Server customers can access mobile applications from the Apple Store and Google Marketplace .

About Thycotic

Thycotic is the leading provider of cloud-ready privilege management solutions. Thycotic's security tools empower over 10,000 organizations, from small businesses to the Fortune 100, to limit privileged account risk, implement least privilege policies, control applications, and demonstrate compliance. Thycotic makes enterprise-level privilege management accessible for everyone by eliminating dependency on overly complex security tools and prioritizing productivity, flexibility and control. Headquartered in Washington, DC, Thycotic operates worldwide with offices in the UK and Australia. For more information, please visit www.thycotic.com .

Media Contact:

Allison Arvanitis

Lumina Communications

[email protected]

T: 910-690-9482

SOURCE Thycotic

Related Links

https://thycotic.com


Makers of the popular dance reality show Indias Best Dancer have roped in actress-dancer Nora

Fatehi to step in as a special guest judge.

This decision comes days after actress Malaika Arora, one of the key judges of the dance show, has tested positive for COVID-19. Since Malaika will have to remain quarantined for at least two weeks, Nora has agreed to fill in for the former actress provisionally. Choreographers Terence Lewis and Geeta Kapoor are the other two main judges.

Ranjeet Thakur, producer of the show, told The Times Of India, Earlier, we felt that there was not much time left to rope in another special judge on such short notice. But, thankfully, Nora who had come as a special guest for an earlier episode, will step in again this week as a special judge. I am thankful that she has agreed. Malaika will come back on the show after she recovers from COVID- 19.

In an Instagram post, Malaika confirmed her COVID 19 diagnosis and revealed she is asymptomatic and is quarantined following the instructions of the doctors and authorities.

View this post on Instagram  A post shared by Malaika Arora (@malaikaaroraofficial) on Sep 6, 2020 at 10:54pm PDT

Malaika had joined the sets of the dance show in July. She shared a few video clips from the episode when Nora was present on the show as a guest. The two dancing divas set the stage on fire with their jaw-dropping performance.

While the two grooved to Malaikas popular dance number Munni Badnaam Hui, they didnt disappoint when foot-tapping to Noras hit track, Garmi. While sharing the post, Malaika wrote, Why should only contestants have all the fun?

Heres just a small glimpse of what you can expect in tonights episode of #IndiasBestDancer with @NoraFatehi -

the new Munni is town! #rolereversal (sic).

The shooting along with Nora is expected to resume Thursday or Friday this week.

Nora last featured in Street Dancer 3D. She will next be seen in Ajay Devgn and Sanjat Dutt strrer Bhuj: The Pride of India, all set to premiere on digital platform soon.
Prime Minister and



Chief Minister will take part in a virtual 'grah pravesh' (housewarming) function on September 12 for people who have built homes with assistance provided under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

The chief minister also transferred online a cumulative amount of Rs 102 crore, which was the fourth and last installment of home finance, to 68,000 beneficiaries on Tuesday, officials said.

In a programme held in Mantralaya here, Chouhan said that 17 lakh homes out of a total of 20.30 lakh have been completed under the rural component of PMAY, and the target for 2019-20 was to build six lakh homes, of which 3.45 lakh have been completed.

Those who could not get benefit of the scheme at this time will be covered under the 'Awas Plus' scheme of PMAY, the CM added.

During his interaction with some beneficiaries, the CM was told by one Sushila Vishwakarma of Betul that she and her husband had built their home in 49 days on their own.

Dhar's Gulab Singh and Gwalior's Namdeo, both beneficiaries, thanked the government for assistance under the scheme due to which they now have homes of their own.

Additional Chief Secretary (Panchayat and Rural Development Department) Manoj Shrivastava said the PM would interact with three beneficiaries during the function on September 12.

(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 mother of a black man who died after he was restrained by officers has told an inquest he had a fear of police as he had been 'mistreated' and Tasered in the past.

Kevin Clarke died in police custody at Lewisham Hospital in March 2018, following an incident in the Polsted Road area of Catford, south-east London.

The 35-year-old - who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia when he was 17 - had been living at the nearby Jigsaw Project, a support service for people with mental health issues, for around two years up until his death.

On March 9, the day he died, staff at the facility had called police, having become concerned that he was relapsing and needed to be sectioned so he could be taken care of at a hospital, Southwark Coroner's Court heard.

One community forensic support worker, whose statement was read, described Mr Clarke as having appeared 'lost and confused' early that afternoon as he stood outside in the same spot for a period of time.

Kevin Clarke - who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia when he was 17 - had been living at the nearby Jigsaw Project, a support service for people with mental health issues, for around two years up until his death in police custody in Lewisham Hospital, in March 2018

Two police officers had attended but told staff that when they spoke to Mr Clarke he said he was 'just chilling' and that they had not assessed him to be a 'high enough risk', the inquest heard, and had left the scene at around 2.30pm.

But Wendy Clarke said she spoke to her son at 2.41pm and said he told her, 'Mum, I am coming to yours', and shortly afterwards the phone cut off.

When she rang again an officer answered and she expressed concern, asking if they were going to Taser him or arrest him and the officer said no, she told the hearing.

She later spoke to another officer and also to her son's care worker to check what was happening. At 5pm she was visited by officers to tell her that her son had died.

Tearfully, she said: 'When two officers turned up at my door telling me my son had died even though I had just spoken with my son, his housing management and the police that restrained my son, it all came as a massive shock and completely caused me to break down. I had no idea how this could have happened.'

Paying an emotional tribute to her first-born child, she described him as a 'friendly, gentle giant' and said he had once told her 'I'm a lover, not a fighter'.

Mr Clarke, 35, died in police custody at Lewisham Hospital (pictured) in March 2018, following an incident in the Polsted Road area of Catford, south-east London

She added: 'Kevin had told me that he feared the police because they had in the past mistreated and Tasered him.'

She said her son would have so-called episodes, also referred to by her family lawyer Leslie Thomas QC as a mental health crisis, every six months or so and would 'go quiet' and not eat or sleep during these periods.

Mr Thomas asked her whether these incidents of Tasering had happened in the past during such episodes and whether his encounters with police were when he was unwell and she said they were. She said he had been traumatised by the incidents.

She told the inquest: 'He was fearful. He feared for his life because of the trauma that he has suffered before by the police.'

A statement from a GP noted that Mr Clarke had been dependent on cannabis when he was last seen by a doctor in 2018 and had been 'for some time'.

It was also noted in a statement by one care co-ordinator that when Mr Clarke was well he was sociable and engaged with others, but that during periods of being unwell he could become 'aggressive' and 'violent'.

Taking Ms Clarke through her statement to the inquest, senior coroner Andrew Harris put it to her that she had a series of concerns about what had happened in the lead-up to her son's death.

He said: 'You are clearly keen that this inquest explores whether there was appropriate force used.'

She is also concerned that, having seen footage of the incident, CPR was carried out while her son remained handcuffed, he added.

Following Mr Clarke's death the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, launched an investigation, and finalised its report in March last year.

The IOPC said it would provide the outcomes of its investigation after the inquest.
Men wearing symbols of the Proud Boys, a right-wing extremist group, stand watch as supporters of President Trump kick off a truck caravan near Portland on Monday. (Richard Read / Los Angeles Times)

Right-wing extremists in Oregon accompanying a car caravan of several hundred supporters of President Trump on Monday drove from a Portland suburb to Salem, the capital, where some members of the group brawled with left-wing activists.

The clash, which apparently did not result in any serious injuries but led to at least two arrests, was the latest between Trump supporters in Oregon and protesters who oppose police brutality and racially motivated violence.

Confrontations between the opposing sides  at times affiliated with Proud Boys or Black Lives Matter  in Portland resulted in the Aug. 29 fatal shooting of a follower of a Proud Boys-aligned right-wing group, Patriot Prayer.

At the start of the caravan near Portland, a Proud Boys leader portrayed the organization classified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a fraternal association providing security for Trump events.

Several hundred Trump backers and supporters of law enforcement had gathered in the parking lot of a community college in Oregon City, southeast of Portland, for the truck caravan.

Many in the crowd wore T-shirts commemorating Aaron Jay Danielson, a follower of the right-wing Patriot Prayer group who was fatally shot in Portland Aug. 29 after participants in a truck caravan clashed with left-wing protesters. Organizers of Mondays Oregon for Trump 2020 Labor Day Cruise Rally kept their route secret, but said they wouldnt stray into the city as happened last time.

Taking an unusually public stance, a leading figure in Proud Boys, a group that has repeatedly brawled with antifa activists in Portland and other cities, used the festive kickoff gathering as a public relations opportunity, trying to put a kinder face on the organization. He said the group was a fraternity of men of various races and backgrounds, many of them Christian.

If you have not had an opportunity to meet a Proud Boy, its a good time to do it, because we are here for you, we have always been here for you," Flipp Todd, the organization's Portland vice president, told caravan participants during a short talk that elicited cheers. "Well continue to fight for you if you ever need security. We always make a wall for you guys to make sure that your events are safe."

Story continues

Joey Gibson, founder of Patriot Prayer, also spoke in memory of Danielson, saying "he's not a victim, and we're not victims."

Flipp Todd, Portland vice president of Proud Boys, said his members attended the pro-Trump caravan to support participants. (Richard Read / Los Angeles Times)

Portland is a city on edge after Danielsons killing and the fatal shooting by a federal fugitive team in Washington state of Michael Forest Reinoehl, the man suspected of gunning down Danielson. Black Lives Matter protesters marked their 100th night of demonstrations Saturday with a march that was blocked by police, who unleashed tear gas after Molotov cocktails were thrown.

Much of the city is peaceful, with protests occurring in limited areas outside police precincts and government buildings. Residents jogged, picnicked and barbecued Monday just like any other Labor Day  aside from businesses closed and restaurants operating under coronavirus restrictions.

But many in Portland say that while they share the desires of protesters for social justice and reform, they are appalled at the protest violence and disturbed by the increasing presence of right-wing activists.

The protests have been hijacked by groups that dont have anything to do with Black Lives Matter, said Michel McDonald, 74, a Black retired military pilot. He said that while he spent 20 years in the military so that people could have rights like free speech, he felt that the Trump rally was dangerously provocative, given the recent violence.

Mike Lindberg, a progressive community leader and former Portland City Council member, said that the nightly scenes of people starting fires and throwing objects at police officers have become fodder for the Trump campaign. "The people might as well be wearing a MAGA hat if they're going to damage things in Portland and injure police officers," said Lindberg, who is white.

He said that city leaders had failed to set limits on acceptable behavior and to direct police to use undercover officers to separate agitators from peaceful protesters. At this point calling in the National Guard would be best, said Lindberg, 79, who added that it pained him to say it given his memories of guard troops fatally shooting Kent State University antiwar protesters in 1970.

Mac Smiff, an advocacy journalist who participates in the protests, objected to editorial writers and white community leaders deeming that demonstrations should stop. Protests will continue as long as demands have not been met for an initial $50 million in police department budget cuts, changes in policing and other reforms, said Smiff, who is Black.

"We are not going home, because the problem is bigger than it ever was," Smiff said. "You have a Democratic governor and mayor allowing an alt-right terrorist group to come down here and assist police."

Lakayana Drury, executive director of Word is Bond, a Portland nonprofit organization that develops leadership skills in young Black men, said he was disappointed to find that tolerance for protests had worn thin in a famously progressive city. The Trump rally further dismays Black residents, he said.

"For people of color, seeing a Trump flag can come off in a threatening way," said Drury, who is Black.

But at the caravan start, participants said their point was to promote unity.

"You always have extremists on both sides," said Lauri Berg, 51, who is white. "We're trying to help unify the country in a common message of prosperity and moving forward."
A 69-year-old legendary motorcycle rider who once reached a record speed of 300mph during a race died on Sunday three weeks after losing control of his motorcycle and crashing in Utah while he was clocked at 252mph.

Ralph Hudson was severely injured in a crash while racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah, on August 14.

Hudsons death was announced on Sunday by the Southern California Timing Association.

Immediately after the crash, Hudson was treated by medical responders at the scene and transported to Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City.

Ralph Hudson, who was severely injured in a crash while racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah, on August 14, died on Sunday

Hudson was a 69-year-old legendary motorcycle rider who once reached a record speed of 300mph. On August 14, he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed in Utah while he was clocked at 252mph.

It is with a breaking heart I must inform our racing community that Ralph Hudson succumbed last night to the injuries he suffered at Bonneville on August 14, SCTA announced on social media.

He was surrounded by his son David, myself and his best friend of 30 years, Linda.

Information regarding a celebration of life and a memorial scholarship in Ralphs name will follow when available.

We sincerely thank everyone for their kind words, prayers and support during this very difficult time.

Ralph would want everyone to stay strong and keep going fast.

Hudson was airlifted from the crash scene at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah, to a hospital in Salt Lake City

In 2017, Hudson broke the world land-speed record for fastest partially streamlined, sit-on motorcycle when he clocked in an average speed of 284mph across three runs over a full mile, according to the Glendale News-Press.

Hudson even managed to reach 300mph during his run on the worlds largest salt flat in Bolivia.

From 1971 to 1976, Hudson competed in motorcycle racing at Bonneville, but quit for three decades to support his family.

After his son graduated college in 2006, he returned to racing.
A public inquiry will be held into alleged abuse of patients by staff at Muckamore Abbey Hospital, Northern Irelands health minister has said.

Health Minister Robin Swann told the Northern Ireland Assembly of the decision.

He confirmed the public inquiry will be held under the Inquiries Act 2005.

The inquiry follows two reports into the abuse at Muckamore  the serious adverse incident report and the recently-published review into the leadership and governance of Muckamore Abbey Hospital by Belfast Trust.

A major police investigation is still ongoing.

Mr Swann said: I want to take this opportunity to once again put on record my apologies on behalf of the health and social care system to patients and families who have been let down by failure to protect patients from abuse.

But families want more than apologies.

They want and need and deserve answers as to why this happened and how it was allowed to happen  and I hope that the public inquiry I have announced today will give them those answers.

I cannot find words to adequately describe the scale of this betrayal of trust, this scandal.

Mr Swann said families and patients, both current and former, will have the opportunity to influence the terms of reference for the inquiry.

He added: This is a sad chapter in the history of health and social care services in Northern Ireland and, in particular, both the Belfast Trust and Muckamore Abbey Hospital.

They have failed in their duty to protect these patients, they have failed in their duty to the family members.

This abuse should never have happened and I will do all that I can to make sure it never happens again.

Lets be very clear, the immediate priority for Muckamore remains the safety and stability of care provided there.

There will continue to be a focus on resettlement but not at the expense of those who require to be in hospital.

Looking to the long-term, there is a clear need to transform services for adults with learning disabilities in Northern Ireland and work is being taken forward through the transformation agenda to develop a new service model for learning disability services.
SRI LANKA : Indias leading IT company HCL has set up its first development centre in Sri Lanka , the Indian High Commission here said on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who attended the inauguration ceremony, spoke about Sri Lankas efforts to accord priority to the IT sector and develop the country as a global technology hub.

He observed that the presence of HCL, a global IT leader, in the country is an asset for Sri Lanka and will generate significant opportunities for the youths.

Indias High Commissioner Gopal Baglay said that HCLs presence in Sri Lanka would help in empowering the youth through the creation of jobs and enabling the transfer of knowledge and skills.

India shares its capabilities with all friends and partners, and India would continue to develop its multi-faceted cooperation with Sri Lanka for the progress and prosperity in the region.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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State of Cybersecurity Industry Exposure at Dark Web

Read Time: 9 min.

97% of the leading cybersecurity companies have had their data exposed on the Dark Web in 2020, with over 160,000 high or critical incidents that may jeopardize their clients.

Table of Content

Introduction

Last year, we conducted and published several exploratory researches welcomed by international media and the global cybersecurity community:

In light of the rapidly growing sophistication and quantity of cyber-attacks targeting trusted third-parties in the last 12 months, and following a number of requests and suggestions from our valued clients and partners, we decided to run exploratory research on the global cybersecurity industry to illuminate and measure its exposure on the Dark Web in 2020.

A survey by the Ponemon Institute says that 59% of companies had a data breach due to compromised third parties including cybersecurity vendors. Recent research, published in July 2020 by Digital Shadows, estimates that there are over 15 billion stolen records from over 100,000 data breaches currently available for sale.

A few weeks ago, a report from Malwarebytes suggested that Working From Home (WFH) causes a surge in security breaches. To better understand the multifaceted challenge, Forrester provides an insightful report on how insiders use the Dark Web to sell corporate data.

This research purports to help better understand the emerging risks and modern threat landscape both in qualitative and qualitative aspects, and to help cybersecurity companies better prioritize and address emerging cyber risks.

Key Findings

Below are the key findings about the leading global cybersecurity companies:

97% of companies have data leaks and other security incidents exposed on the Dark Web

of companies have data leaks and other security incidents exposed on the Dark Web 631,512 security incidents were found whereas 160,529 are of a high or critical risk levels

security incidents were found whereas are of a high or critical risk levels 29% of stolen passwords are weak, employees from 161 company reuse their passwords

of stolen passwords are weak, employees from company reuse their passwords 5,121 records with professional emails come from hacked porn or adult dating websites

records with professional emails come from hacked porn or adult dating websites 63% of the cybersecurity companies websites do not comply with PCI DSS requirements

of the cybersecurity companies websites do not comply with PCI DSS requirements 48% of the cybersecurity companies websites do not comply with GDPR requirements

of the cybersecurity companies websites do not comply with GDPR requirements 91 companies had exploitable website security vulnerabilities, 26% are still unfixed

Covered Cybersecurity Companies

We tried to make our sampling of global cybersecurity companies as representative, reasonably diversified and inclusive as possible to ensure generalizability of the findings.

For the purpose of this research, we compiled our list of the leading cybersecurity companies around the globe from the following independent sources:

Crunchbase - Attendees of RSA Conference 2020  546 companies

SecurityTrails - Top 100+ Best Security Companies in 2020  419 companies

Cybersecurity Ventures - the Hot 150 Cybersecurity Companies  150 companies

The Manifest - Top 100 Cybersecurity Companies  126 companies

OWASP - Corporate Sponsors and Supporters  78 companies

In total, we collected 1,319 cybersecurity companies and organizations. After the removal of duplicates from the list, we ended up with 1,040 entities.

Then we removed all entities that cannot be classified as a cybersecurity company (e.g. organizations like NIST or global companies like Panasonic whose involvement in cybersecurity business is insignificant).

We also removed all companies with an Alexa Rank above 500,000 to ensure that only sufficiently large companies remain in the research.

Finally, we ended up 398 cybersecurity companies headquartered in 26 countries. Unsurprisingly, most of them are domiciled in the US and Europe:

HQ Country Number of Companies USA 294 United Kingdom 20 Israel 16 Canada 14 Japan 11 Germany 7 Ireland 5 India 4 Russia 3 Switzerland 3 Finland 2 Singapore 2 China 2 Romania 2 Taiwan 2 Belgium 2 France 2 Czech Republic 1 Slovakia 1 The Netherlands 1 Spain 1 Malta 1 Italy 1 Portugal 1

We used company size classification provided by LinkedIn. The following company sizes figure among the 398 cybersecurity companies:

Number of Employees % of Companies 10,001+ 11% 5,001-10,000 5% 1,001-5,000 9% 501-1,000 13% 251-500 17% 101-250 21% 51-100 13% 11-50 11%

We also used annual income classification provided by CrunchBase. The following are estimated annual revenues figures among the 398 cybersecurity companies:

Estimated Annual Revenue % of Companies $10B+ 1.7% $1B to $10B 7.3% $500M to $1B 2.8% $100M to $500M 11.2% $50M to $100M 12.4% $10M to $50M 23.6% $1M to $10M 27% Less than $1M 14%

Data Sources and Methodology

For the purpose of this research, we unified the concepts of Dark Web, Deep Web and Surface Web and jointly refer them as Dark Web.

To search for and identify security incidents available on the Dark Web, we leveraged our free online test to discover and classify Dark Web exposure of the 398 cybersecurity companies described above.

The test is based on our proprietary OSINT technology enhanced with Machine Learning (see below). Here is a non-exhaustive list of various resources where we gather data about the incidents:

Hacking Forums

Underground Marketplaces

IRC and Telegram Channels

Public Code Repositories

WhatsApp Groups

Social Networks

Paste Websites

The earliest security incident dates back to 2012, while the most recent one is of August 31, 2020.

Anomalies, such as surprisingly large or small number of incidents per company, were manually validated to ensure data consistency and accuracy.

It is important to mention the growing noise on the Dark Web, ranging from outdated or duplicative data leaks to overt fakes sold by scammers. To tackle this challenge, we leverage and continuously improve our proprietary Machine Learning (ML) models to distil the findings. For instance, we have a specially trained ML model capable of differentiating between humanly created and automatically generated passwords. We also have many other ML models that detect various red flags suggesting that the data, its advertised quality or date of breach, or the seller do lack basic trustworthiness and ascertainably. In this research, findings that did not trigger any red flags are referred to as verified, while others are labelled as unverified.

Below is the estimated risk scoring for the verified incidents used by our free test and in this research:

Critical Risk: login credentials with plaintext passwords, or data leaks with highly sensitive data (e.g. PII, financial records, etc.) that are recent and/or unique

login credentials with plaintext passwords, or data leaks with highly sensitive data (e.g. PII, financial records, etc.) that are recent and/or unique High Risk: login credentials with plaintext passwords, or data leaks with highly sensitive data (e.g. PII, financial records, etc.)

login credentials with plaintext passwords, or data leaks with highly sensitive data (e.g. PII, financial records, etc.) Medium Risk: login credentials encrypted passwords, or various data leaks with moderately sensitive data (e.g. source code, internal documents, etc.)

login credentials encrypted passwords, or various data leaks with moderately sensitive data (e.g. source code, internal documents, etc.) Low Risk: mentions of organization, its IT assets or employees in data leaks, samples or dumps without accompanying sensitive or confidential information.

All incidents described and classified below are the verified ones.

How to Reproduce the Findings

The findings can be reproduced just by entering a companys main website URL into the free test and seeing the results.

The free test provides an exact number of security incidents with estimated risk scores but does not reveal technical details of the incidents for ethical and legal reasons.

Organizations looking to receive full details of the incident may consider using ImmuniWeb Discovery to get the exposed data without these restrictions.

Incidents Overview

The total number of discovered incidents in the Dark Web for the 398 cybersecurity companies is 1,658,907 whereas 38% (631,512) are verified incidents (see above):



Diagram 1: Incidents by Estimated Trustworthiness of Information

Incidents by Estimated Risk Level

The graph below illustrates the allocation of incidents by the estimated risk level (see above). Among the verified incidents, almost 17% (109,019) have estimated critical risk, 8% have estimated high risk (51,510), 49% are of estimated medium risk (311,521) and 25% have estimated low risk (159,462):



Diagram 2: Incidents by Estimated Risk Level

Incidents by Exposed Data Types

631,512 records contain highly sensitive information such as plaintext credentials or PII including financial or similar data. Hence, on average, there are 1,586 stolen credentials and other sensitive data exposed per cybersecurity company. Generalized classification of leaked data from the incidents is illustrated in the graph below:



Diagram 3: Incidents by Exposed Data Types

Incidents by Leaked Passwords Strength

We automatically analyzed the strength of leaked passwords for the Credential Theft incident types described above. 29% of the passwords were weak (i.e. less than 8 characters, no uppercase, no numbers and no special characters):



Diagram 4: Password Strength

162 out of 398 companies have incidents where their employees reuse identical passwords on different breached systems. This boosts the risk of password re-use attacks by cybercriminals.

Below is a table with the most popular passwords that clearly evidences poor password hygiene and practice even among employees of the leading cybersecurity companies:

Password Number of Uses password 1,186 123456 1,137 aaron431 1,109 12345678 344 123456789 271 Password 258 EvoPassword 254 12345 250 old123ma 237 1234 207 career121 190 none 182 welcome 163 password1 158 zaq12wsx 151 qwerty 148 micros1 144 1qaz2wsx 132 passw0rd 120 111111 120 blackberry 112 Password1 107 1234567890 92 abc123 90

Incidents by Country and Company Size

The table below show distribution of the incidents by country of the 398 cybersecurity companies:

HQ Country Total Incidents Verified Incidents High & Critical Risk USA 991,387 362,054 90,959 United Kingdom 285,656 117,559 29,226 Canada 147,866 61,447 20,902 Ireland 99,701 42,175 10,965 Japan 70,717 29,178 7,007 Germany 14,407 4,935 371 Israel 9,395 3,388 151 Czech Republic 9,097 2,932 112 Russia 5,460 1,746 98 Slovakia 5,187 1,006 257 The Netherlands 5,143 920 111 Finland 4,890 1,348 246 Singapore 3,628 401 8 Spain 1,749 692 18 China 1,514 542 58 Romania 1,028 371 19 Malta 499 86 3 India 331 107 9 Taiwan 169 144 2 Switzerland 149 66 0 Italy 78 68 0 Belgium 23 3 2 France 16 13 5 Portugal 13 4 0

The next table demonstrates distribution of incidents by company size:

Number of Employees % of Affected Companies High & Critical Risk Incidents 10,001+ 92% 54,384 5,001-10,000 100% 3,545 1,001-5,000 100% 756 501-1,000 97% 533 251-500 95% 4,498 101-250 98% 949 51-100 97% 239 11-50 100% 102

Incidents Involving Third-Party Resources

A considerable number of the incidents stem from silently breached trusted third parties, such as suppliers or other subcontractors of the cybersecurity companies, mostly represented by stolen website databases and backups.

A large number of stolen credentials with plaintext passwords likewise come from incidents involving unrelated third parties including dating or even adult-oriented websites where victims were using their professional email addresses to sign in. We found at least 5,121 stolen credentials in pornographic and adult dating websites.

Below is the table with the most popular types of the breached third parties that presumably have no direct relation to the cybersecurity company whose employees were using its services:

Breached Third Parties Number of Credentials Personal services 24,526 Shopping 16,676 Games 11,119 Business 8,030 Services 5,776 Dating 5,121 Messengers and Social Media 4,966 Media 4,076

PCI DSS & GDPR Compliance

Furthermore, to paint an even a broader picture, go beyond the Dark Web exposure perimeter and indirectly cross-validate the findings, we used our free online website security test to check compliance of the main websites belonging to the 398 cybersecurity companies.

The test uses a non-intrusive and production-safe methodology to check PCI DSS and GDPR requirements specific to a website and web server security:



Diagram 5: Main Websites Compliance

As illustrated in the graph above, the main websites of more than half of all companies (63%) fail to meet these PCI DSS requirements, which means that they use vulnerable or outdated software (including JS libraries and frameworks), or have no Web Application Firewall (WAF) in blocking mode.

191 websites (48%) do not comply with these GDPR requirements because of vulnerable software, absent of a conspicuously visible privacy policy, or a missing cookie disclaimer when cookies contain PII or traceable identifiers.

Finally, we referred to data openly available at the Open Bug Bounty project to shed more light on web application (in)security of the 398 cybersecurity companies. 279 XSS vulnerabilities were reported there for 91 companies, wherein 26% of the reported vulnerabilities were still unpatched as of this research publication date.

Conclusion

Ilia N. Kolochenko, ImmuniWeb Chief Architect & Founder, says:  The modern threat landscape has become a highly sophisticated, multidimensional and convoluted challenge for all industries. Human risk, IT outsourcing and reliance on third parties for data processing - gradually exacerbate the situation and complicate continuous security monitoring.

Worse, mushrooming national and transnational compliance requirements start overconsuming a substantial part of shrinking cybersecurity budgets. Even the cybersecurity industry itself is not immune to those problems as demonstrated in this alarming research. Covid-19 bolstered international cybercrime, and compelled millions of unprepared organizations around the globe to urgently digitalize their business processes without requisite security and data protection. In this context, cybersecurity companies are, however, doing fairly well compared to many other industries in 2020, also because of generous venture funding and access to internal talents to tackle security and compliance.

Today, cybercriminals endeavor to maximize their profits and minimize their risks of being apprehended by targeting trusted third parties instead of going after the ultimate victims. For instance, large financial institutions commonly have formidable technical, forensic and legal resources to timely detect, investigate and vigorously prosecute most of the intrusions, often successfully. Contrariwise, their third parties, ranging from law firms to IT companies, usually lack internal expertise and budget required to react quickly to the growing spectrum of targeted attacks and APTs. Eventually, they become low-hanging fruit for pragmatic attackers who also enjoy virtual impunity. In 2020, one need not spend on costly 0days but rather find several unprotected third parties with privileged access to the Crown Jewels and swiftly crack the weakest link.

Holistic visibility and inventory of your data, IT and digital assets is essential for any cybersecurity and compliance program today. Modern technologies, such as Machine Learning and AI, can significantly simplify and accelerate a considerable number of laborious tasks spanning from anomaly detection to false positive reduction. This picture is, however, to be complemented with a continuous monitoring of Deep and Dark Web, and countless resources in the Surface Web, including public code repositories and paste websites. You cannot protect your organization in isolation from the surrounding landscape that will likely become even more intricate in the near future. 

Whats next:
Public sector Jammu and Kashmir Bank is looking to raise up to Rs 4,500 crore through equities and debt, according to its annual report. The bank will seek shareholders' approval for the fund raise proposal in its annual general meeting to be held on September 28, 2020, the lender said in its Annual Report 2019-20.

The implementation of Base III guidelines has necessitated the need for banks in India to augment their capital base. This becomes important as Base III capital requirements call for increase in quantity and quality of capital, besides providing for capital buffer during economic downturn, the lender said in its report.

In the light of the economic and business environment in India besides the downward pressures in the financial sector, increase in NPAs, slow growth in overall business variables, among others, the bank gauges the capital requirements for the near to medium term from time to time, it said.

Based on these factors in the capital planning exercise carried out, the bank needs to augment its capital base in phases up to March 31, 2021, it said. The bank will augment the capital base by raising common equity issue of additional tier-1 bonds or issue of tier-2 bonds and through internal profit accruals.

"The current issue of raising capital is part of tier-1 and tier-2 capital raising exercise for augmenting bank's capital base, to the extent of Rs 4,500 crore..." the report said. The fund raise is proposed through various modes including "follow-up issue, rights issue, preferential issue to government of J&K, issue to financial institutions/employees (ESPS)/public, institutional placements, and other permitted mode of raising capital including mobilisation of around Rs 1,000 crore of Tier II capital based on the market conditions", it said.

India has been implementing the globally accepted banking norms under the Basel III guidelines. Base III capital requirements call for increase in quantity and quality of capital, besides providing for capital buffer during economic downturn.

"The board of directors of the bank believes that the proposed issue is in the interest of the bank and hence, recommends the resolutions for the approval of the shareholders by way of special resolution," it said.

Also read: Goldman Sachs joins Alibaba-backed Ant's IPO offering of up to $30 billion
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 20:44:05|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech at a meeting commending role models in the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 8, 2020. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- China held a meeting Tuesday morning in Beijing to commend role models in the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, presented medals to recipients of the Medal of the Republic and the national honorary title at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi also delivered a speech at the meeting, attended by about 3,000 people.

China has made major strategic achievements in the battle against COVID-19, demonstrating the notable advantages of the CPC leadership and the country's socialist system, the great strength of the Chinese people and the Chinese nation, the profound heritage of Chinese civilization, and the nation's sense of responsibility as a major and responsible country, Xi said.

He called for transforming the virus-fighting spirit into tremendous strength to build a modern socialist country and achieve national rejuvenation.

The meeting was presided over by Li Keqiang and attended by other senior leaders: Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan.

The meeting started with all participants rising to sing the national anthem. The participants then observed a moment of silence for every life lost due to COVID-19.

Li Zhanshu read a presidential order to confer the Medal of the Republic and the national honorary title on four medical professionals.

Renowned respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan received the Medal of the Republic, the highest state honor.

The national honorary title, "the People's Hero," was conferred on three other outstanding medical professionals:

-- Zhang Boli, a traditional Chinese medicine expert who presided over the research of the COVID-19 treatment scheme combining traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine;

-- Zhang Dingyu, head of Wuhan's designated coronavirus-treating Jinyintan Hospital;

-- Chen Wei, a military medical scientist who made major achievements in COVID-19-related basic research and development of vaccine and protective medicine.

Wang Huning read decisions to commend outstanding individuals and groups in the COVID-19 fight, as well as outstanding Party members and primary-level Party organizations across the country.

A total of 1,499 individuals, 500 groups, 186 CPC members and 150 primary-level Party organizations were commended for their roles in fighting the epidemic. Another 14 Party members were posthumously awarded.

Speaking of the anti-epidemic battle over the past eight-plus months, Xi said China has achieved another heroic feat in humankind's fight against disease by achieving major strategic achievements in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

The CPC Central Committee had adopted extraordinary measures to tackle the extraordinary incident of the COVID-19 epidemic, insisting on making people's lives and health the first priority, he said.

Xi went on to summarize China's spirit of combating the COVID-19 epidemic, which features putting people's lives first, nationwide solidarity, sacrifice, respecting science, and a sense of mission for humanity.

He also summarized the important experience of China's anti-epidemic fight in six areas.

The strong leadership of the CPC is the most reliable backbone for Chinese people in times of trouble, Xi said.

He said the unyielding will of the Chinese people is the source of power for overcoming all hardships and obstacles on the way forward.

The outstanding advantage of socialism with Chinese characteristics is the fundamental guarantee for resisting risks and challenges, and enhancing the capacity of national governance, he said.

Xi said the great struggle against coronavirus has once again proven that strong national strength accumulated since the founding of the People's Republic of China has laid a solid ground for the country to navigate any "turbulent tide" with composure.

The battle against COVID-19 has also demonstrated the power of core socialist values and fine traditional Chinese culture, which provide great motivation, and help build consensus and pool resources, he said.

He said the extensive appeal of building a community with a shared future for humanity is the right way for the mankind to overcome common challenges and build a more prosperous and better world.

Chinese people and the Chinese nation will certainly forge ahead on the great journey in the new era, Xi said.

"No individual or force can stop Chinese people's march toward a better life," he said.
The 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA 41) themed Parliamentary Diplomacy for a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community opened in Hanoi on September 8.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (fifth, right), National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (fifth, left) and other officials pose for a photo at the opening ceremony of AIPA 41 on September 8 (Photo: VNA)

The online event saw the participation of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and leaders of Vietnamese Party and State, ambassadors, representatives from embassies of participating countries to the AIPA 41, as well as representatives from observer countries and guests of host Vietnam.

Addressing the opening ceremony, NA Chairwoman Ngan said this is the first time in 43-year history the AIPA General Assembly has been held virtually amid the complicated developments of COVID-19, showing determination and efforts of ASEAN member parliaments and governments in overcoming difficulties, fighting the pandemic and moving forward for peoples well-being and cooperation and development of the ASEAN Community.

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National Asembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (Photo; VNA)

This is the third time Vietnam has undertaken on the role of AIPA chair and hosted the General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly. This event affirmed Vietnamese National Assemblys role and responsibility as well as AIPAs international mission in multilateral cooperation mechanisms.

She informed delegates that the Vietnamese National Assembly has closely cooperated with ASEAN member parliaments to organise numerous activities, promoting roles of the AIPA and its members in building ASEAN Community.

Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong applauds the organisation of AIPA 41 in the form of a teleconference (Photo: VNA)

In his video message at the opening ceremony, Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong applauded the organisation of AIPA 41 in the form of a teleconference.

A strong ASEAN that plays the central role and serves as a driving force of regional and international cooperation will be both the mainstay and the goal of Vietnam, he noted.

Its now more important than ever that AIPA keeps contributing to efforts to promote ASEANs central role in an evolving regional architecture while promoting multilateralism, international connectivity and cooperation, and respect for law.

He expressed his belief that this times general assembly will work towards community-based mindset and actions so as to achieve a strong and cohesive ASEAN Community that is oriented towards and centres on the people with its role established in the international arena.







Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc addresses the AIPA 41 meeting. (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc spoke highly of the AIPAs role as a significant organisation of legislative bodies in ASEAN. During the past decades, AIPA parliamentary cooperation has always played an important role in coordinating with ASEAN member governments in maintaining and consolidating regional peace, security, stability, cooperation and development; as well as enhancing people-to-people connectivity.

He stressed the effectiveness of the ASEAN Leaders Interface with AIPA representatives during the virtual 36th ASEAN Summit and the need to uphold the dialogue mechanism, adding that the dialogue has helped the governments implement policies to improve its peoples livelihoods and well-being.

A meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA), AIPA Young Parliamentarians and meetings of the Political, Economic, Social Affairs and Organisation Committees will be held within the events framework.

The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) is a regional parliamentary organisation. It was originally formed on September 2, 1977 as the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organisation (AIPO) by the leaders of the parliamentary delegations of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand attending the Third ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Conference in Manila, the Philippines. In 1995, Vietnam became a member, followed by Laos in 1997, Cambodia in 1999, and Brunei in 2009. At the 27th AIPO General Assembly held in Cebu city, the Philippines in 2006, there was a consensus to transform the organisation into a more effective and closely integrated institution and to change the organisation's name from AIPO to AIPA.

AIPA-41 holds first plenary session

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R), Chair of AIPA 41, and Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong (L) at the first plenary session of AIPA 41 on September 8 (Photo: VNA)

The first plenary session of the 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-41) took place in Hanoi on September 8, following the online opening ceremony of AIPA 41.

Participants approved the heads of AIPA member delegations as vice presidents of AIPA-41.

In their speeches, heads of AIPA member delegations recognised leadership by the National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Chair of AIPA 41 and dedication and steadfast commitment of the National Assembly of Vietnam in making it possible to convene the 41st AIPA General Assembly this year albeit virtually amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

They also recalled challenges facing ASEAN member countries, which are brought by the pandemic, while stressing coordination within ASEAN to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19.

Vice Chairperson of the Vietnamese National Assembly Tong Thi Phong, who headed the Vietnamese delegation to the AIPA 41 General Assembly, said given adverse impacts by the pandemic, ASEAN and AIPA are evidence of the spirit of solidarity and mutual assistance to overcome difficulties. The organisation of the AIPA 41 General Assembly has showed efforts of AIPA member parliaments and Secretariat as well as of support parliaments of observing countries of AIPA.

She voiced her support for the theme of AIPA 41 Parliamentary Diplomacy for a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community, and said the Vietnam National Assembly applauded ASEANs initiatives in 2020 in order to maintain an environment of peace, security and stability in the region, promote regional connectivity, take advantages of opportunities brought by the fourth Industrial Revolution, and promote awareness on ASEAN community and identity as well as partnership for peace and sustainable development.

Vietnam also supports ASEAN cooperation efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, she added.

She also held that AIPA and its member parliaments should stay united to overcome challenges brought by the pandemic in all fields, including universal health coverage, health emergency response network, environment protection, biodiversity and waste management.

She emphasised cooperation to develop a vaccine against COVID-19 as one of immediate tasks needed to be done.

At the session, participants adopted the AIPA-41 General Assemblys operations programme, its agenda, dialogue theme with observing countries and planned compositions of committees.
Tom Browder

1. Do you support restructuring Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to provide more attention/revenue to non-hunting wildlife and recreation?

I live in the Seeley-Swan area, close to major facilities managed by Fish, Wildlife and Parks such as the campgrounds at Salmon Lake and Placid Lake. The pandemic has significantly increased people's preference to vacation outdoors. Both tent and RV camping have set records this summer. Before any change is made to the structure of FWP, we need to assess: 1) the impact of this surge in recreation on staffing and services, and 2) the degree to which this might be a long-term trend, versus a temporary phenomenon. Only then will it make sense to look at organizational changes.

2. How do you plan to serve in the Legislature during a pandemic? Will you wear a mask while in the Capitol? Do you think the session should be held in-person, remotely or some mix of the two?

Legislators need to follow public health guidelines just as any citizen of Montana is required to do. If the mask order is still in effect, I will wear a mask while in the Capitol, and if social distancing is required, I will observe that as well. I have used virtual technology for many years in areas such as training and customer support, and I think the session can support a mix of in-person and remote deliberation. Again, conditions in the state, as well as our public health directives, should determine how the session will be held.

3. Climate change caused by human emission of fossil fuels has affected Montana, including an increase in average annual temperature and shifts in growing seasons for farmers. Should Montana offer subsidies for clean energy creation? Do you support or oppose ending tax breaks and subsidies for coal, oil and gas production?

In a relatively short period of time, we have seen drastic reductions in prices  and increases in efficiency  of alternative energy sources. This lessens the need for subsidies. Our clean energy projects should have access to the same economic development assistance that is available for other types of industry. They should be able to compete on a level playing field. Rather than continuing tax breaks for fossil fuels (which in some cases are becoming financially and technologically obsolete), I would support tax incentives and training grants to prepare workers for careers in high-growth areas like technology and advanced materials.

4. The University of Montana has seen a 40% enrollment drop since 2010, and now is struck with the effects of the pandemic. What, if anything, should be done to help the university?

UM has been a key institution in Montana since 1895. Many of our teachers, entrepreneurs and community leaders are products of this institution. UM is an economic engine for Missoula and the surrounding communities, and its recent milestone of $100 million dollars in research grants reinforces this impact. Enrollment is driven by tuition and curriculum, and these areas are being addressed by UM leadership. I would work to increase course offerings developed in partnership with local businesses, and increase opportunities for work study programs for undergraduates. I support additional state funding that is required to make these investments in curriculum.

5. What do you see as the No. 1 issue facing your constituents and how will you address it?

House District 92 is a large area comprising both urban and very rural areas. Common to all of our communities is a need for available and affordable housing . Our small businesses need growth in the working-age population to run their businesses effectively year round. These workers need places to live nearby, to raise families, and to have a rewarding work life. While some programs and funding sources are in place, the Legislature needs to address the permitting process, and provide flexible funding to help developers, land owners, contractors, and our fellow citizens who need a place to live.

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Jakarta, Sep 8 : An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale jolted Indonesia on Tuesday, officials said, adding that there were no reports of any casualties or damages.

The tremors were felt in the provinces of Maluku and West Papua, Xinhua news agency quoted the Agency of Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics as saying in a report.

The quake struck at 7.45 a.m. with the epicentre at 198 km southeast Central Maluku district and the depth was recorded 93 km under seabed.

The authorities have not issued a tsumani warning yet.

Disaster management agency officials in both provinces confirmed that there were no preliminary reports of damages or casualties.

"The jolts were felt here, but did not cause panic. So far, there are no building damaged or people injured. But we still check the risks further," Secretary of Disaster Agency of Maluku province told Xinhu.

Head of the Disaster Management Agency of West Papua province also told Xinhua that the tremors did not trigger damages in Manokwari city and Sorong town.

Tuesday's temblor comes just two days after a 6.7-magnitude earthquake jolted North Sulawesi province.

The intensity of the quake was felt in Tahuna district and Siau island.

Indonesia is frequently hit by earthquakes as it lies on a vulnerable quake-impacted zone called "the Pacific Ring of Fire".
She began her on-screen career in Hollyoaks before rising to international fame with her role in Game of Thrones.

And Nathalie Emmanuel looked radiant as ever as she arrived for the seventh day of the 77th Venice Film Festival in the Italian city on Tuesday.

The actress, 31, cut a stylish figure for the day, donning a white top with a layered embellishment and a sheer detail while attending the Miu Miu Women Talent event at the Hotel Excelsior.

Stunning: Nathalie Emmanuel, 31, looked radiant as ever as she arrived for the seventh day of the Venice Film Festival in the Italian city on Tuesday

The Fate of the Furious star also sported plaid trousers for the outing while she added height to her frame with a pair of heels.

Appearing in good spirits, the Essex native added to her outfit by carrying a mustard handbag.

Nathalie completed her look for the day by donning a pair of sunglasses and eye-catching pearl earrings.

Fashion: The actress cut a stylish figure for the day, donning a white top with a layered embellishment and a sheer detail

Outfit: The Fate of the Furious star also sported a pair of plaid trousers for the outing while she added height to her frame with a pair of heels

Looking good: Appearing in good spirits, the Essex native added to her outfit by carrying a mustard handbag

Nathalie, whose most recent film is the comedy-drama Holly Slept Over, took part in a talk with Lyna Khoudri and Katherine Waterston for the event.

The actress went solo for the event, after previously being seen in Venice with her actor beau, Alex Lanipekun. They were later spotted together.

The thespian couple were rumoured to be dating in 2018, and news of their relationship became official when they were seen putting on a loved up display at the Ischia Film Festival in Italy that same year.

Work it: The star knew how to work her best angles for the photocall

Beauty: Nathalie completed her look for the day by donning a pair of sunglasses and eye-catching pearl earrings

Event: Nathalie, whose most recent film is the comedy-drama Holly Slept Over, took part in a talk with Lyna Khoudi and Katherine Waterston for the Miu Miu Women Talent event

Solo: Nathalie went solo for the event, after previously being seen in Venice with her actor beau, Alex Lanipekun

Love in the air: The thespian couple were rumoured to be dating in 2018, and news of their relationship became official when they were seen putting on a loved up display at the Ischia Film Festival

Private: They have been spotted at multiple events since, but they prefer to keep their relationship private and out of the limelight

They have been spotted at multiple events since, but they prefer to keep their relationship private and out of the limelight.

Prior to her relationship with Alex, Nathalie was linked to Devon Anderson who is known for playing Billie Jackson in EastEnders.

They met on set of the soap drama, Hollyoaks, where Nathalie joined the cast in 2006 to play Sasha Valentine and she quickly rose to fame.

Past: Prior to her relationship with Alex, Nathalie was linked to Devon Anderson who is known for playing Billie Jackson in EastEnders

Career: Nathalie appeared on Hollyoaks until 2010 and went onto land roles in blockbuster films such as Maze Runner, Furious 7 from the Fast & Furious franchise

She was kept busy with her first major role as her character battled heroin addiction and turned to prostitution.

Nathalie appeared on the soap until 2010 and went onto land roles in blockbuster films such as Maze Runner, Furious 7 from the Fast & Furious franchise.

Her recent films include Holly Slept Over and F9.

Cosy: Nathalie was later spotted stepping out with her boyfriend Alex Lanipekun

Smitten! The couple were rumoured to be dating in 2018 and they appear to still be going strong
Observer staff report

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration on Sept. 1 announced $150 million in CARES Act grants to local governments and businesses across the state to cover the cost of necessary expenditures from the public-health emergency.

The direct local-government grant  actually a reimbursement for money spent  for the City of Rio Rancho was for a maximum of about $11.9 million, according to a news release from the governors office. Also receiving grants within the county were the Town of Bernalillo ($2.2 million), the Village of Corrales ($350,000), the Village of Cuba ($35,000) and Sandoval County ($253,000).

We are still in the process of going through the information/instructions the state has provided regarding these federal funds, said Annemarie Garcia, City of Rio Rancho spokeswoman. What we can confirm is that the city will only be able to access this funding, via reimbursement submittals, to cover costs that:

 Are necessary expenditures incurred due to the public-health emergency with respect to COVID19;

 Were not accounted for in the budget most recently approved as of March 27, 2020 (the date of enactment of the CARES Act) for the state or local government; and

 Were incurred during the period that began March 1, 2020, and ends Dec. 30, 2020.

Applications were open to most New Mexico local governments, excluding only the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, which received CARES Act funds directly from the federal government, according to the release.

The total amount of money doled out to cities, villages, towns and counties amounted to more than $99.8 million.

The pandemic has been devastating for all of us, not least local governments and small businesses across our state, Lujan Grisham said in the release. My administration will continue to deliver whatever resources we have and can make available to help our communities maintain essential services and respond to the public-health emergency.

The Department of Finance and Administration received 83 local government applications for the almost $100 million for local governments and 66 applications for $50 million for small-business grants via local governments.

The DFA scored applications based on criteria related to local government revenue lost due to expenses made responding to the health crisis, according to the release. The total amount requested exceeded the funds made available by the federal government; awards were prorated based on need.

All requests for amounts less than $50,000 for direct local government grants were awarded in full.

The grant awards for small businesses via local governments are as follows: City of Rio Rancho ($466,000), Town of Bernalillo ($1.1 million), Village of Corrales ($256,000), Village of Cuba ($32,800) and Sandoval County ($965,000).

The City of Rio Rancho has begun accepting applications.

The deadline for small business owners to apply is Sept. 18 for the first review of applications. If funds remain, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The city will award grants for up to $10,000. Rio Rancho small business owners are encouraged to visit rrnm.gov/assistance to review the list of complete eligibility requirements and restrictions and apply for funding assistance.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull said. Since the outset of the pandemic, getting funds to assist our Rio Rancho small businesses has been our priority.

Sandoval County is also taking applications for its part of the business program, according to a county news release.

The county application portal will go live Sept. 8. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 30, with all funds to be allocated no later than Dec. 30.

The program will offer one-time grants up to $8,000 to qualifying small businesses and non-profits to cover costs such as employee wages, vendor bills and rent caused by required closures.

The work it takes to run a small business is a story of hard-working people, said Dora Dominguez, county director of Economic Development. The opportunity to provide a source of emergency relief in the wake of a pandemic is a much-appreciated honor. Small business owners are the backbone of our nation and local economies.

Grants will first be prioritized to qualifying businesses in unincorporated areas of Sandoval County and towns that did not receive Small Business Continuity Grant funding. However, any qualifying business or nonprofit within Sandoval County are is to apply.

The money can only be used to reimburse the costs of business interruption caused by required closures and not covered by insurance or another government program.

To apply for the county grant program, email businessgrant@sandovalcountynm.gov to ask for a copy of the application and learn more about qualifications.

Expenses were outlined in the application process to ensure they matched CARES Act requirements dictated by the federal government. New Mexico would be required to refund the federal government should an expense not fit the specific requirements.
The ASX 200 brushed aside a fresh blast of anti-China rhetoric from US President Donald Trump to recoup more of Fridays $56 billion loss in a session that suggested investor eyes were glued to the US futures market.

The local bourse added 63 points, or 1.1 per cent, to finish Tuesdays trade at 6007.8 without a traditional Wall Street lead because of the countrys Labor Day holiday. Biotech CSL did the heavy lifting with a 2.1 per cent rise to $288.18, supported by gains for the major banks, global miners, and blue-chips such as Telstra and Transurban.

Property group Scentre rose 4.1 per cent after increasing its rental intake for August to near pre-COVID levels.

The absence of clear overseas direction meant investors turned to a fluctuating US futures market for inspiration, with the appetite for equities waning as a result.

The market shed about 60 points to slump from a late-morning peak of 6025.5 as overseas indicators softened.

A late upswing in the futures market lifted the mood and handed the local index its second straight day of gains.

Weve (seen) a bit of a pullback in US futures, particularly the NASDAQ and that adds to a little bit of concern, CommSec analyst James Tao said towards the close of trade. We had two straight days of pretty heavy losses coming through at the end of last week."

European stocks provided a strong lead while US President Donald Trumps latest dig at China appeared to pass without concern. The President again flagged the idea of decoupling the US and Chinese economies, suggesting the US would not lose out if the world's two biggest economies no longer did business.

Local economic data - while painting a largely depressing picture - was also backwards-looking and something that had little sway over the session, according to Mr Tao.

NAB said business conditions deteriorated in August with Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania showing surprising weakness.

Meanwhile payroll data for the week to August 22 surprised to the upside, rising by 0.3 per cent, which UBS said was more of a stabilisation than an improving trend.

The financials, miners, and health care sectors each added more than 1 per cent on Tuesday as the market put in its best performance in four sessions.

Consumer staples was the only ASX sector to finish lower with a 0.4 per cent loss for supermarket Woolworths and a 0.2 per cent drop for a2 Milk. Tech shares were little changed as a collective but still underperformed thanks to a 1.7 per cent drop for Afterpay to $75.04.
The Brisbane radio community is mourning the death of a presenter and promoter allegedly murdered by two men last week.

Andy Stephens, who also went by the name Andy C, was found dead at his home in Taringa, Brisbane, last Thursday.

Michael Bradley Small and Scott Richard Gordon, both aged 33, were charged with Mr Stephen's murder on Monday.

Andy Stephens, who also went by the name Andy C, was found dead at his home in Taringa, Brisbane, last Thursday

The 48-year-old was a popular and well-respected figure of the city's underground music scene.

A friend of Mr Stephens said he was 'shocked and upset' in a heartbreaking social media post.

'We are always chatting and to only learn last night is still a shock to my system. I don't want to believe it. You cant be gone, I only just spoke with you,' he said.

'One thing you will never be forgotten - so many shows and content found online, and (I've) been crying all night listen to content and our voice chats.

'Will f**king miss you man and karma will happen  You will not be forgotten!'

Small appeared via video link to the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday where he was formally charged with one count of murder, the Courier Mail reports.

Gordon also faced court via video link for a brief mention of his own murder charge.

Police allege the duo killed Mr Stephens on August 30, five days before his body was found in a Waverley Street home.
Tourist numbers to peak during golden week

By:Wu Qiong | From:english.eastday.com | 2020-09-08 12:20

The coming golden week is expected to be greeted with the first travel peak in China this year, according to several travel agencies and online travel firms.

In 2020, Chinas National Day coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival, leading to an eight-day break that goes from Oct 1 to Oct 8 (but not, of course, without makeup days). If employees take another three days off, they will get an 11-day holiday, or with six extra days off a 16-day holiday. This will be a great opportunity for long-distance travel in the tourist market.

Starting from September 2, train tickets for the National Day holiday have been officially on sale. Data from Chinas travel search engine Qunar.com, shows that tickets for Shanghai-Harbin, Shanghai-Wuhan and other long distance trains departing on September 30 and October 1 were already sold out on September 2. As a result, flights departing on October 1 for popular routes, such as Shanghai-Harbin, are only left with economy class tickets with a full price.

As the epidemic is largely under control in China and with the rapid recovery of normal life, confidence in travel and consumption has been boosted. Holding a green health code, people can travel freely but in an orderly manner in low-risk areas. Since the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has allowed cross-province, city and district group tourism to resume, China has seen an obvious recovery of the tourist industry.

Taking advantage of the upcoming eight-day holiday, peoples tourist demands are expected to explode, leading to a golden week of consumption.

However, the holiday might not be something for college students to look forward to, as many are suggested to stay on campus over the eight days.
DUBLIN, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Home Care in the US" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Home Care in USA market report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data (historic date range), allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth.



It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market - be they new product developments, packaging innovations, economic/lifestyle influences, distribution or pricing issues. Forecasts to 2024 illustrate how the market is set to change.



Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data.



Why buy this report?

Get a detailed picture of the Home Care market;

Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change;

Understand the competitive environment, the market's major players and leading brands;

Use five-year forecasts to assess how the market is predicted to develop.

Key Topics Covered



List of Content and Tables



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Green trend set to go down several different paths

Convenience dominates consumers' minds as they make purchase decisions

Shifts in laundry care consumption habits slightly push sales up in 2019

Slight growth expected through 2024, with air care and surface care the most significant drivers

MARKET INDICATORS

Table 1 Households 2014-2019

MARKET DATA

Table 2 Sales of Home Care by Category: Value 2014-2019

Table 3 Sales of Home Care by Category: % Value Growth 2014-2019

Table 4 NBO Company Shares of Home Care: % Value 2015-2019

Table 5 LBN Brand Shares of Home Care: % Value 2016-2019

Table 6 Penetration of Private Label in Home Care by Category: % Value 2014-2019

Table 7 Distribution of Home Care by Format: % Value 2014-2019

Table 8 Distribution of Home Care by Format and Category: % Value 2019

Table 9 Forecast Sales of Home Care by Category: Value 2019-2024

Table 10 Forecast Sales of Home Care by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)



SOURCES

Summary 1 Research Sources

HEADLINES



PROSPECTS

Private label set to take on bigger role in laundry care

Premium and new formats continue to take share from cheaper older formats

Internet retailing grows with aid from click and collect

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The Procter & Gamble Co responds to consumer wants

Premium brands finding success switching consumers from liquid to tablets

CATEGORY INDICATORS

Table 11 Household Possession of Washing Machines 2014-2019

CATEGORY DATA

Table 12 Sales of Laundry Care by Category: Value 2014-2019

Table 13 Sales of Laundry Care by Category: % Value Growth 2014-2019

Table 14 Sales of Laundry Aids by Category: Value 2014-2019

Table 15 Sales of Laundry Aids by Category: % Value Growth 2014-2019

Table 16 Sales of Laundry Detergents by Category: Value 2014-2019

Table 17 Sales of Laundry Detergents by Category: % Value Growth 2014-2019

Table 18 Sales of In-wash Spot and Stain Removers by Type: % Value Breakdown 2014-2019

Table 19 NBO Company Shares of Laundry Care: % Value 2015-2019

Table 20 LBN Brand Shares of Laundry Care: % Value 2016-2019

Table 21 NBO Company Shares of Laundry Aids: % Value 2015-2019

Table 22 LBN Brand Shares of Laundry Aids: % Value 2016-2019

Table 23 NBO Company Shares of Laundry Detergents: % Value 2015-2019

Table 24 LBN Brand Shares of Laundry Detergents: % Value 2016-2019

Table 25 Forecast Sales of Laundry Care by Category: Value 2019-2024

Table 26 Forecast Sales of Laundry Care by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024

HEADLINES



PROSPECTS

Health-conscious consumers creating potential for hand dishwashing

Automatic dishwashing tablets still preferred choice among consumers in the US

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Procter & Gamble releases new product in attempt to revive declining hand dishwashing

Procter & Gamble strengthens position at the top of dishwashing in the US

CATEGORY INDICATORS

Table 27 Household Possession of Dishwashers 2014-2019

CATEGORY DATA

Table 28 Sales of Dishwashing by Category: Value 2014-2019

Table 29 Sales of Dishwashing by Category: % Value Growth 2014-2019

Table 30 NBO Company Shares of Dishwashing: % Value 2015-2019

Table 31 LBN Brand Shares of Dishwashing: % Value 2016-2019

Table 32 Forecast Sales of Dishwashing by Category: Value 2019-2024

Table 33 Forecast Sales of Dishwashing by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024

HEADLINES



PROSPECTS

Legal push for transparency set for bigger role

Probiotic cleaners on the horizon?

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Private label sees its strongest growth in surface care in 2019

Consumers prioritising multi-use formats

The Clorox Co retains largest all purpose wipes share despite private label gains

CATEGORY DATA

Table 34 Sales of Surface Care by Category: Value 2014-2019

Table 35 Sales of Surface Care by Category: % Value Growth 2014-2019

Table 36 Sales of Home Care Wipes and Floor Cleaning Systems by Category: Value 2014-2019

Table 37 Sales of Home Care Wipes and Floor Cleaning Systems by Category: % Value Growth 2014-2019

Table 38 NBO Company Shares of Surface Care: % Value 2015-2019

Table 39 LBN Brand Shares of Surface Care: % Value 2016-2019

Table 40 NBO Company Shares of Home Care Wipes and Floor Cleaning Systems: % Value 2015-2019

Table 41 LBN Brand Shares of Home Care Wipes and Floor Cleaning Systems: % Value 2016-2019

Table 42 Forecast Sales of Surface Care by Category: Value 2019-2024

Table 43 Forecast Sales of Surface Care by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024

HEADLINES



PROSPECTS

Internet retailing remains a difficult channel for shipping bleach products

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Clorox adds more market share by proving that brand name matters in bleach

Private label continues losing popularity among consumers

CATEGORY DATA

Table 44 Sales of Bleach: Value 2014-2019

Table 45 Sales of Bleach: % Value Growth 2014-2019

Table 46 NBO Company Shares of Bleach: % Value 2015-2019

Table 47 LBN Brand Shares of Bleach: % Value 2016-2019

Table 48 Forecast Sales of Bleach: Value 2019-2024

Table 49 Forecast Sales of Bleach: % Value Growth 2019-2024

HEADLINES



PROSPECTS

Convenience is keeping the category afloat as consumers move to multi-purpose products

Population growth driving sales, offset by trend towards apartment living

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Consumers are more attracted to brands that fit their personal beliefs

Clorox continues to be go-to company for toilet cleaning and disinfecting purposes

CATEGORY DATA

Table 50 Sales of Toilet Care by Category: Value 2014-2019

Table 51 Sales of Toilet Care by Category: % Value Growth 2014-2019

Table 52 NBO Company Shares of Toilet Care: % Value 2015-2019

Table 53 LBN Brand Shares of Toilet Care: % Value 2016-2019

Table 54 Forecast Sales of Toilet Care by Category: Value 2019-2024

Table 55 Forecast Sales of Toilet Care by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024

HEADLINES



PROSPECTS

Shoe polish grows despite consumers leading more casual lifestyles

Product specialisation still in demand, as consumers move towards multifunctionality

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Kiwi Brands Inc maintains top position in polishes due to shoe polish dominance

Greener products have increased sales in polishes

CATEGORY DATA

Table 56 Sales of Polishes by Category: Value 2014-2019

Table 57 Sales of Polishes by Category: % Value Growth 2014-2019

Table 58 NBO Company Shares of Polishes: % Value 2015-2019

Table 59 LBN Brand Shares of Polishes: % Value 2016-2019

Table 60 Forecast Sales of Polishes by Category: Value 2019-2024

Table 61 Forecast Sales of Polishes by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024

HEADLINES



PROSPECTS

Candles and car air fresheners continue significant growth in 2019

Internet retailing and home improvement channels increase share of sales in 2019

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Newell Brands still growing in 2019, capturing largest share to date

still growing in 2019, capturing largest share to date More customisation and scent variety preferred by consumers in 2019

CATEGORY DATA

Table 62 Sales of Air Care by Category: Value 2014-2019

Table 63 Sales of Air Care by Category: % Value Growth 2014-2019

Table 64 Sales of Air Care by Fragrance: Value Ranking 2018-2019

Table 65 NBO Company Shares of Air Care: % Value 2015-2019

Table 66 LBN Brand Shares of Air Care: % Value 2016-2019

Table 67 Forecast Sales of Air Care by Category: Value 2019-2024

Table 68 Forecast Sales of Air Care by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024

HEADLINES



PROSPECTS

Insecticide baits popular as consumers seek convenience and less chemical exposure

Bed bugs continue invading consumers' living spaces in major US cities

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Most major players and private label successfully gain share in 2019

SC Johnson & Son continues to dominate, despite lack of innovation

CATEGORY DATA

Table 69 Sales of Home Insecticides by Category: Value 2014-2019

Table 70 Sales of Home Insecticides by Category: % Value Growth 2014-2019

Table 71 Sales of Spray/Aerosol Insecticides by Type: % Value 2014-2019

Table 72 NBO Company Shares of Home Insecticides: % Value 2015-2019

Table 73 LBN Brand Shares of Home Insecticides: % Value 2016-2019

Table 74 Forecast Sales of Home Insecticides by Category: Value 2019-2024

Table 75 Forecast Sales of Home Insecticides by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4513jc

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.



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Linkedin Tatiana Kalinovskaya (Agence France-Presse) Minsk, Belarus  Tue, September 8, 2020 08:55 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4356d20 2 World Belarus,Alexander-Lukashenko,protest,politics Free

Belarus said on Monday that police had detained more than 600 people at weekend protests and the opposition said a senior figure had been snatched off the streets, as authorities intensified efforts to end weeks of demonstrations.

The opposition's Coordination Council said one of its high-profile members Maria Kolesnikova had been "kidnapped by unknown people in central Minsk" along with a spokesman and executive secretary.

"Their whereabouts are unknown," it said, accusing President Alexander Lukashenko's regime of "openly using methods of terror".

Lukashenko's main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said the abductions were an attempt to disrupt the work of the Coordination Council.

It was set up to ensure a peaceful transfer of power after opposition candidate Tikhanovskaya rejected Lukashenko's claim to have won an August 9 presidential election with 80 percent of the vote.

"The more they try to scare us, the more people will take to the streets," Tikhanovskaya said in a statement.

The Coordination Council demanded the detainees' immediate release and the free return of other activists who have left the country under official pressure.

A spokesman for the European Commission, Peter Stano, said the EU's executive branch was trying to establish what happened and condemned the Belarusian authorities' actions as "unacceptable".

EU sanctions 'very soon'

He said the EU hoped to impose sanctions "very soon" after drawing up a list of individuals responsible for police violence against protesters and rigged elections.

The disputed election has sparked demonstrations that have seen tens of thousands take the streets of the ex-Soviet country of 9.5 million on Russia's western borders, in an unprecedented challenge to Lukashenko's 26 years in power.

An AFP journalist said the crowd of demonstrators waving the opposition's red-and-white flag on Sunday appeared to be as large or larger than on the previous three Sundays, when more than 100,000 people rallied in the streets of Minsk.

But police also appeared to be stepping up a campaign to quash the demonstrations, deploying troops, water cannon and armored vehicles.

Local media reported hooded men in civilian clothes with batons chased and beat demonstrators.

Interior Ministry spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova said that 633 people had been detained on Sunday for illegal mass gatherings, one of the largest wave of arrests since the early days of the demonstrations.

Kolesnikova's office said witnesses described her being snatched off the street in the capital Minsk on Monday morning by unidentified men in black who bundled her into a minibus marked "Communications".

"More than 8 hours have passed and we still don't know where Maria is and what is happening to her," said lawyer Maxim Znak, a member of the Coordination Council, in a video blog on Monday evening.

Trio of women campaigners

The Coordination Council said its press secretary Anton Rodnenkov and executive secretary Ivan Kravtsov had also disappeared, while police said they had no information on detentions.

Znak said Kravtsov and Rodnenkov went missing after heading to Kolesnikova's flat in search of her. He added that Kravtsov's flat had been searched by a state agency that probes financial violations.

Belarusian authorities had already detained several members of the Coordination Council and others have left the country under official pressure. One, Olga Kovalkova, said on Saturday she was in Poland after security services threatened her and took her to the border.

Kolesnikova and other members including Nobel Literature Prize winner Svetlana Alexievich have faced questioning in a probe over an alleged bid to seize power.

Kolesnikova, 38, is the only one of the trio of women who fronted Tikhanovskaya's campaign to remain in Belarus.

Tikhanovskaya has taken shelter in neighboring Lithuania and her other campaign partner, Veronika Tsepkalo, is now in Ukraine.

Kolesnikova, a trained flautist and music teacher, entered politics to run the campaign of another opposition politician, ex-banker Viktor Babaryko, who attempted to stand for president against Lukashenko but was jailed and barred from running.
Two Australian journalists have been rushed back to Sydney from China amid urgent fears for their safety.

Bill Birtles from the ABC and Michael Smith from the Australian Financial Review landed in Sydney on Tuesday morning.

Mr Smith is based in Shanghai and is the China correspondent for the AFR while Mr Birtles has been in Beijing since 2015 working as the ABC's China correspondent.

Their return follows the detention of Australian journalist, Cheng Lei, who Foreign Minister Marise Payne confirmed was being detained by Chinese authorities in late August.

The two journalists were told they were persons of interested into an investigation into Ms Lei and were told they could only leave China after submitting to a one-hour long interview, the AFR reported.

Michael Smith (pictured) the China correspondent for the Australian Financial Review returned to Sydney from China on Tuesday

Bill Birtles for the ABC was questioned by Chinese authorities and told he was banned from leaving the country before arriving in Sydney on Tuesday morning

The pair flew back to Australia following intense questioning by China's Ministry of State security, the ABC reported.

Mr Birtles was first warned to leave China last week by Australian diplomats and had booked flights for Thursday morning.

But after throwing farewell drinks in his apartment on Wednesday night, seven police officers showed up at Mr Birtles' home and told him he was banned from leaving China.

The officers said he would be contacted the next day and would be questioned over a 'national security case'.

He then spent the next four days staying in the Australian Embassy in Beijing as Chinese officials demanded an interview.

Mr Birtles refused to speak to them but on Sunday agreed to be interviewed so his travel ban could be lifted.

Mr Birtles is seen at Sydney airport on Tuesday following a frightening rush to leave China

Michael Smith from the AFR holds his thumbs up upon his return to Sydney on Tuesday morning. He and Mr Birtles were questioned by Chinese authorities before they could return to Australia

The following morning he flew from Beijing to Shanghai and then back to Sydney.

Mr Smith had also been questioned by Chinese officials who arrived at his home around 12.30am on Thursday.

He then sought refuge at the Australian consulate in Shanghai before returning to Sydney.

'It's great to be back home safely after a difficult five days,' Mr Smith said on Tuesday.

'The late night visit by police at my home was intimidating and unnecessary and highlights the pressure all foreign journalists are under in China right now.'

Mr Birtles had his home visited by police around midnight on Wednesday and was told he was banned from leaving China

The departure of Mr Birtles and Mr Smith means there are currently no accredited Australian journalists in China.

It comes after it was revealed Ms Lei, who has two children in Melbourne had been detained in China since August 14.

It is not known why Ms Lei, who is a high profile anchor for state broadcaster CGTN in Beijing, is being detained.

Tensions between China and Australian have continued to grow in recent months after Scott Morrison's call for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19.

The Australian government in July warned Australian citizens in China faced 'arbitrary detention' on the mainland.

At the end of last month the Australian Government confirmed journalist Cheng Lei (pictured) was being detained in China. She is a high profile anchor for CGTN, China's English language state broadcaster

AFR editor-in-chief Michael Stutchbury and editor Paul Bailey released a statement about the 'disturbing' return of the two reporters.

'We are glad Mike Smith, our correspondent who has been based in Shanghai for two and a half years, and Bill Birtles from the ABC, have made a safe return to Australia this morning,' they said.

'This incident targeting two journalists, who were going about their normal reporting duties, is both regrettable and disturbing and is not in the interests of a cooperative relationship between Australia and China.'

Penny Wong, Opposition for foreign affairs said the reports were alarming.

'I would just make a point that it is regrettable that news organisations, including the ABC, have had to make this decision,' she told ABC Radio Adelaide.

'The reports are deeply concerning, particularly some of the suggestions about what occurred prior to Mr Birtles leaving and Mr Smith leaving.'

ABC News director Gaven Morris said they had followed government advice to bring Mr Birtles home.

'This bureau is a vital part of the ABC's international newsgathering effort and we aim to get back there as soon as possible,' he said in a statement.
Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden will visit Michigan on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

Biden plans to visit Warren, Mich., to deliver remarks at on his plan for the future of American manufacturing, per a campaign release. He will speak at 1:15 p.m.

The event will not be open to the public, per a campaign spokesperson. There are currently no plans to publicly announce the event location.

U.S. Rep. Andy Levin, D-Bloomfield Township, whose district includes Warren, put out a statement Tuesday saying Biden will be talking to UAW members.

His decision to make Macomb County one of the first stops as he resumes in-person campaigning, to hear directly from UAW workers, shows that Biden understands the importance of this crucial county and the needs of our voters, he said.

In advance of Bidens visit, the UAW released a video on social media about Bidens record of supporting American manufacturers and union workers during the economic downturn in 2009.

Biden, 77, has not made many in person campaign stops after largely remaining in his home state of Delaware for months during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Wednesday, Biden visited Kenosha, Wisc., to visit with community members following the police shooting of Jacob Blake and spoke in Pittsburgh to deliver a speech on Monday.

Last week, Biden said he would resume campaign travel after Labor Day. He said at the time he plans on going to Arizona, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, all swing states this November.

Heres the deal. We plan on [campaigning], without jeopardizing or violating state rules about how many people can in fact assemble, he said, according to a pool report of his remarks. So what were working on is how I get out. Im going to be traveling throughout the country where I can do it consistent with the state rules about how many people can be assembled.

Rick Snyder is latest Republican to back Biden

In March, Biden visited Michigan on the eve of the states presidential primary election to host a campaign rally at Detroit Renaissance High School. He was joined by U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA), his recently announced running mate, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ).

The campaign has held several virtual events in the months that have followed, including an event last week with Harris and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield). In late July, Jill Biden hosted a Build Back Better virtual event with Whitmer in Warren.

Jill Biden is planning a virtual visit to Grand Rapids as part of her multi-week Back to School Tour that will stop in 10 cities across the U.S. Over the course of the tour, Biden will hold virtual roundtables with educators, parents, and students.

Michigan is, yet again, considered a battleground state in the race for The White House with 16 electoral votes. President Trump won Michigan in 2016 by just 11,000 votes over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Recent polling from Real Clear Politics shows Biden with a 2.6 percent advantage over Trump.

Biden, in Kenosha, says U.S. confronting original sin

As election nears, another battle over intelligence looms

Biden: Trump ignores pandemic, stokes unrest, solves neither

Biden cant blame Trump for the anarchy in Democrat-run cities

Joe Biden should do more than just speak out against violence
Are we nearing the end of Auto Club Speedway as we know it?

NASCAR has pitched site plans to San Bernardino County that propose turning the current 2-mile oval into a 0.5-mile short track. The Athletic first reported NASCARs radical redesign for the track and an executive for NASCAR confirmed the sanctioning bodys plans to the site.

From the Athletic:

We are still very early in the process, but we are excited about what this ambitious project could mean for our loyal fans in Southern California, Craig Neeb said. This is our first step towards creating a state-of-the-art facility that would deliver the intense short-track racing our fans love, an intimate viewing experience and upgraded suites and hospitality areas that would position Auto Club Speedway among the top entertainment venues in the market.

Assuming construction could start on NASCARs timeline, the track would exist in its current configuration for the 2021 season before the short track would be ready to go in 2022 according to Fox Sports. The short track would be located where the current tracks frontstretch and pit road are.

Located 47 miles outside downtown Los Angeles, Auto Club Speedway is just one of two tracks in the state of California that hosts a NASCAR race and the only track in the southern half of the state that has a race. Its also now owned by NASCAR after the company bought out its publicly owned sister company International Speedway, Corp.

While NASCAR has raced at tracks like Bristol, Kansas, Las Vegas, Homestead and others that have been reconfigured when theyve been repaved in recent years, a project like whats being proposed at Auto Club Speedway is unprecedented for modern NASCAR.

Auto Club Speedway won't look like this in a couple of years if NASCAR's redesign plans are approved. (AP Photo/Rachel Luna)

First NASCAR race in 1997

Auto Club Speedway opened in 1997 and has been on NASCARs Cup Series schedule every year since. The track was given two races in 2004 as NASCAR moved its traditional Labor Day weekend race from Darlington out to California.

That move was met with a lot of dissatisfaction by traditionalists and ACS only kept that Labor Day weekend date for five years. The tracks fall race moved to October for two years before it went back to hosting just one race weekend a year in 2011 amid declining attendance.

Story continues

Despite the attendance decline, the tracks worn-out surface has produced some of the better intermediate-track racing over the past decade. The current configuration has multiple grooves in its corners and tire wear is a big factor. It especially stands out as Michigan  the track that Auto Club was modeled after  has struggled to produce good racing since it was repaved in the early 2010s.

A combination of Martinsville and Bristol

The track plans call for a paperclip-shaped oval in the style of Martinsville with high-banked corners like Bristol. The two short tracks are two of the more popular tracks on the Cup Series calendar.

Theyre also two of the three tracks under a mile long that host Cup Series races. Richmond is the only other short track that hosts Cup races. Auto Club would become the fourth short track on the Cup schedule and would give NASCAR seven of 36 races at tracks less than a mile long.

In addition to adding a short track to a schedule bereft of them, NASCAR could have other motivations for making ACS a short track as well. A half-mile track takes up a lot less land than a track four times the size. Tearing down the existing oval after the short track is built could allow NASCAR to use the excess land for different purposes or even sell it. Subdivision plans were submitted earlier this year at Chicagoland Speedway that called for the sale of 82 acres owned by the track in Joliet to be sold to a property investment company.

      

Nick Bromberg is a writer for Yahoo Sports.

More from Yahoo Sports:
The Trump administration's controversial payroll tax deferral plan will be mandatory for military members and Defense Department civilians, officials announced over the weekend, although businesses can choose whether to participate.

The result will be that, starting with the September mid-month pay period through the end of the year, most service members will see paychecks increase by about 6.2%, but will have to pay back all of that money through larger withholdings from Jan. 1 through April 2021. Late payments will be subject to penalties, yet to be named. Military retirees will not be affected.

Read Next: US Soldier, Civilian Sentenced to Prison with Labor for Robbing Okinawa Business

A pay chart circulating in the Army gave examples of how much more in total pay service members who qualify for the deferral could expect to receive from the start of the deferral period through the end of the year.

For an E-2, it was $481.74; for an E-7, it was $772.35. For an O-1, it was $815.20, and for an O-6, it was $1,718.94.

"Effective for the September mid-month pay, DFAS will temporarily defer the withholding of your 6.2% Social Security tax if your monthly rate of basic pay is less than $8,666.66," the Defense Finance and Accounting Service said in guidance for service members issued Sept. 4.

"If your monthly rate of basic pay is at or above this threshold, your Social Security tax withholding will not be affected by the temporary deferral," it added.

Service members and DoD civilians "are not eligible to opt-out of the deferral if their Social Security wages fall within the stated limits. The deferral will happen automatically."

In addition, "collection of the deferred taxes will be taken from your wages between January 1 and April 30, 2021, for both military members and civilian employees," it said.

The DFAS guidance followed mixed signals from the White House about whether service members could opt out.

In a similar announcement the Internal Revenue Service stated that the deferral plan is mandatory for the entire federal workforce, without the opportunity to opt out that is afforded to private employers, who have shown a marked lack of enthusiasm for the program.

The Coast Guard was the first service to give members and civilian employees public notice of mandatory changes under the deferral plan.

In a memo, Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz said that the deferral plan is "non-negotiable, there is no opting out of the deferral" for Coasties or civilians.

The deferral "applies to all civilians at or below $4,000 per pay period" and "to all military members at or below $8,666 of basic pay only per month," he said.

The deferral plan has caused confusion, particularly in the business sector, over how it will work, and House Democrats have mounted efforts on two fronts to block it.

On Friday, Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., chairman of the House Ways and Means subcommittee on Social Security, introduced a bill to block the IRS directives on plan implementation.

Larson and other Democrats also called for a Government Accountability Office report on whether the IRS guidance complies with congressional rules. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., made a similar request to the GAO last Wednesday.

The White House and Republicans have argued that the deferral plan will boost an economy hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, while Democrats charge that it is an election-year ploy to give workers the illusion of a pay raise while downplaying that they will be hit with pay cuts starting Jan. 1.

"Many of our members consider it unfair to employees to make a decision that would force a big tax bill on them next year," the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and more than 30 trade associations wrote in an Aug. 18 letter to Congress and the Treasury Department.

"It would also be unworkable to implement a system where employees make this decision," the groups said, adding that many of their members would likely decline to participate.

FedEx is the latest employer to announce that it will not be participating in the deferral plan.

"FedEx plans to continue withholding and remitting employees' share of Social Security taxes at least until more complete guidance is released by the Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department," the company said in a Sept. 2 statement.

The subject began with an Aug. 8 executive order from President Donald Trump to the Treasury Department on "deferring payroll tax obligations in light of the ongoing COVID-19 disaster."

In the order, Trump said, "It is clear that further temporary relief is necessary to support working Americans during these challenging times. ... This modest, targeted action will put money directly in the pockets of American workers and generate additional incentives for work and employment, right when the money is needed most."

The tax, which goes to support Social Security and Medicare trust funds, currently amounts to 15.3% -- half paid by the employer and half by the employee.

For employees, 7.65% of wages are withheld from each paycheck -- 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare.

Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., has charged that the deferral plan will result in a 12% cut in pay for the military, federal workers and private employees after Jan. 1, as standard tax withholding resumes and deferred taxes come due on top of that.

"Nearly a month after the President's memorandum on deferring payroll tax obligations, the administration's conflicting and changing statements have left employers and employees confused," Beyer and 17 other Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee wrote in a Sept. 2 letter to the White House. "What steps are you taking or advising other agencies to take to inform federal workers of their lower take-home pay in 2021?"

The rollout of the deferral plan has also caused confusion in the federal workforce and the unions that represent them.

In a letter last Thursday to Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, Everett Kelley, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents most workers at the Department of Veterans Affairs, asked that federal employees have the ability to opt out.

"While some federal employees may wish to defer their payroll tax obligations, many others do not," he said. "I have heard from many of our members. Most have been unaware that they would be required to re-pay the taxes starting in January 2021 and, when they learn this, they are strongly opposed to having their tax deferred involuntarily."

However, emails sent Tuesday to employees of the Defense Contracting Management Agency and obtained by Military.com appeared to rule out options for federal workers.

Under the deferral plan, "Essentially, employees will see a temporary increase in their take home paychecks, but will see smaller paychecks in early 2021," the emails said. "There is no opt-out or opt-in option" for federal employees on the deferrals.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.

Related: 4 Ways to Stop the Payroll Tax Cut from Lowering Your 2021 Paycheck
(Photo : NASA JPL) (Photo : NASA JPL)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration welcomes its new Mars rover, Optimism on its home in Pasadena, California, to be the Earthly companion of the Mars 2020 Mission rover, Perseverance. NASA's Optimism will be primarily based on Earth, determining the needs of its twin for upgrades and tweaks.

NASA created another Mars rover called, Optimism, built on the same platform as Perseverance. However, the newborn twin, Optimism, will only see the Red Planet from afar and continue its work here on Earth to provide and determine the needs of the Mars rover.

After NASA's approval of the Mars Perseverance rover, it has created a new machine that will emulate the work and function, along with the simulation of the Red Planet's surface and harsh conditions here on Earth. The so-called 'Mars Yard' is made up of red dirt, rocks, and other substances that simulate the situation and feel of the Red Planet.

NASA's Optimism arrived at the Pasadena, California Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) which will serve as the rover's home and facility in the entirety of its function. NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover is currently on its way to the Red Planet with a whopping 36.29 million miles remaining on its journey, as of today.

Optimism arrived on the JPL facility on Pasadena last week to serve as its home and testing facility. This week faces the rover's first journey that wil determine what's needed by its counterpart with regards to software, hardware, and specific upgrades.

ALSO READ: LOOK: NASA's Chandra X-ray Telescope Captures Breathtaking Images of Cosmic Bodies You Only See on Sci-Fi Movies

NASA's Optimism: Why is it as crucial as Perseverance?

NASA's new rover that will only roam the Earth and a simulation of the Red Planet in the Mars Yard is seen as necessary as Perseverance, the rover that will do all the work. Optimism is equipped with everything that the Perseverance has-wheels, cameras, and complex computers that will all contribute to gathering data and information for the necessary upgrades.

The name OPTIMISM is a code name derived from Operational Perseverance Twin for Integration of Mechanisms and Instruments Sent to Mars

NASA's Optimism is an Earth-bound vehicle system testbed (VSTB) that will test the components and computers of the rover to determine what the Perseverance still needs once it reaches its destination on February 18, 2021.

While the Perseverance travels, Optimism will determine all the final tweaks that the rover needs so NASA can send its software patches and updates for more efficient and problem-free work. The Mars Mission 2021 would entirely be crewless, so the Perseverance rover would receive no other help apart from the remote commands from the planet Earth.

NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover

The scientists behind the Mars Perseverance Rover's motto is "No Optimism allowed" meaning that everything that the rover needs to do is look for hard evidence and data to give NASA the information it needs from the Red Planet.

Optimism is named after the motto because now, the group looks forward in testing the rover and find flaws before Perseverance land on Mars.

NASA's Mars Mission 2021 will put the lander on the Jezero crater that is believed to be a place that was once filled with water and the river Delta. The mission is to look at Mars for any signs of water to be a viable location for human life.

ALSO READ: NASA Warns London Eye-Sized Asteroid Heading Close to Earth at 23,666mph!







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HOUSTON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- KBR (NYSE: KBR) and Johnson Matthey (JM), announced today that they have signed an alliance agreement to license a groundbreaking ammonia-methanol co-production process that combines their market-leading ammonia and methanol technologies.

The co-production process is based on well-proven technologies utilizing KBR's proprietary PURIFIER ammonia process and JM's methanol process. Both KBR's ammonia technology and JM's methanol technology showcase a long history, deep experience, continuous improvements and leading-edge performance. Since the 1960s, KBR has licensed, engineered or constructed more than 244 ammonia plants worldwide. JM has supplied the methanol industry with leading technology and catalysts for over 45 years and has licensed over 100 grassroots methanol plants during this period.

Ammonia is primarily used in the production of urea for fertilizer, with methanol and its derivative products primarily used to produce formaldehyde, acrylic plastic, synthetic fabrics, adhesives, paints, and other products in pharmaceuticals and agrichemicals. The co-production of methanol and ammonia in a single plant offers many advantages including reduced capital expenditures (CAPEX) and lower operating expenses (OPEX). The KBR and JM co-production process makes the most of the possible synergies between the two processes, maximizing the savings in CAPEX and OPEX while offering the highest levels of safety, flexibility and reliability.

"I am excited to announce the alliance agreement combining market leading technologies from KBR and JM into a new offering for our clients," said Doug Kelly, KBR President, Technology Solutions. "KBR's ammonia technology is known for its lowest energy consumption resulting in reduced carbon footprint, highest reliability and safety and outstanding financial performance."

"Methanol and ammonia hold great promise for continued energy and fuels transition to a greener world. This strategic agreement is a powerful combination that provides our customers a comprehensive solution for enhanced asset optimization, cost savings and reduced environmental impact," said John Gordon, Managing Director for Johnson Matthey. "Our partnership with KBR takes ammonia-methanol production to the next step with a single point license that delivers innovative operational agility to meet ever changing market demand."

About KBR

KBR is a global provider of differentiated professional services and solutions across the asset and program life cycle within the government services and technology sectors. KBR employs approximately 28,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries.

KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long- term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.

Visit www.kbr.com

About Johnson Matthey

Johnson Matthey is a global leader in science that enables a cleaner and healthier world. With over 200 years of sustained commitment to innovation and technological breakthroughs, we improve the performance, function and safety of our customers' products and in 2020 we received the London Stock Exchange's Green Economy Mark, given to companies that derive more than 50% of revenues from environmental solutions. Our science has a global impact in areas such as low emission transport, pharmaceuticals, chemical processing and making the most efficient use of the planet's natural resources. Today more than 14,000 Johnson Matthey professionals collaborate with our network of customers and partners to make a real difference to the world around us. For more information, visit www.matthey.com.

Inspiring science, enhancing life

Forward Looking Statement

The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the significant adverse impacts on economic and market conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic; the company's ability to respond to the challenges and business disruption presented by the COVID-19 pandemic; the recent dislocation of the global energy market; the company's ability to realize cost savings and efficiencies relating to the streamlining of its Energy Solutions business; the company's ability to manage its liquidity; the company's ability to continue to generate anticipated levels of revenue, profits and cash flow from operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and any resulting economic downturn; the outcome of and the publicity surrounding audits and investigations by domestic and foreign government agencies and legislative bodies; potential adverse proceedings by such agencies and potential adverse results and consequences from such proceedings; the scope and enforceability of the company's indemnities from its former parent; changes in capital spending by the company's customers, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; the company's ability to obtain contracts from existing and new customers and perform under those contracts; structural changes in the industries in which the company operates; escalating costs associated with and the performance of fixed-fee projects and the company's ability to control its cost under its contracts; claims negotiations and contract disputes with the company's customers; changes in the demand for or price of oil and/or natural gas; protection of intellectual property rights; compliance with environmental laws; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements; compliance with laws related to income taxes; unsettled political conditions, war and the effects of terrorism; foreign operations and foreign exchange rates and controls; the development and installation of financial systems; increased competition for employees; the ability to successfully complete and integrate acquisitions; and operations of joint ventures, including joint ventures that are not controlled by the company.

KBR's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks, and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss some of the important risk factors that KBR has identified that may affect the business, results of operations and financial condition. Except as required by law, KBR undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

SOURCE KBR, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.kbr.com


Air Serbia will increase its number of operations between Belgrade and New York in October with plans to operate 34 flights during the month, ten more compared to October 2019. Next month, a total of 8.636 seats will be offered to the Big Apple, which is a 41.7% increase compared to the 6.096 seats available during the same period last year. Due to increased demand, we have decided to increase the capacity on our New York flights. We are very happy that, despite the coronavirus pandemic, this route is still doing well and it has proved to be one of Air Serbias top routes, the airlines General Manager for Commercial and Strategy, Jiri Marek, said. Air Serbia has operated a total of 758 return flights to New York up until this August since launching services to the city in June 2016. The Serbian carrier has seen its overall operations increase across its network in recent weeks.
21:51

The Drugs Regulator General of India (DCGI) has issued a show-cause notice to pharma giant Serum Institute of India (SII) asking for an explanation as to why the ongoing clinical trial of Covishield vaccine candidate has not been suspended till doubts about patient safety are cleared.





The drug regulator's move comes after AstraZeneca, which is developing the vaccine candidate against COVID-19 with researchers of Oxford University, paused its trial as a volunteer developed an unexplained illness.





The clinical trial has been put on hold across countries where it was being conducted -- the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa.







Referring to reports of AstraZeneca halting the trials in the UK, Serum Institute of India (SII), which is conducting the trials in India, said the UK trials have been paused for further review.





'We can't comment much on the UK trials but they have been paused for further review and they hope to restart soon. As far as Indian trials are concerned, it is continuing and we have faced no issues at all,' it said.





The notice to the Serum Institute has been issued by Drugs Regulator General of India Dr VG Somani.





'In view of the above Drugs Controller General of India and Central Licensing Authority hereby give you an opportunity to show cause as provided under rule 30 of the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules 2019 - why the permission granted to you on August 2 shall not be suspended till patient safety is established,' said the notice, a copy of which is with ANI.





It said that Serum Institute 'up till has not informed' the central licensing authority regarding pausing of clinical trial carried out by AstraZeneca in other countries and has 'also not submitted a casualty analysis of the reported serious adverse event with the investigational vaccine for the continuation of phase II/III clinical trial of the subject vaccine in the country in light of the safety concerns'.





"Your reply shall reach undersign immediately, else it shall be construed that you have no explanation to offer and action deemed fit will be taken against you," it added.





The country's apex drugs regulator had on August 2 granted permission to SII to conduct a phase II/III clinical trial of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavirus vaccine (recombinant) at various clinical trial sites in the country to determine its safety and immunogenicity.





The vaccine will be manufactured by Serum Institute in India under technical collaboration with Oxford University/AstraZeneca and is called as Covishield (SII-ChAdOx1 nCoV-19).





Covishield vaccine contains replication-deficient simian adenovirus vector ChAdOx1 containing structural surface glycoprotein (spike protein) antigens of SARS-CoV-2. -- ANI
Summerville, SC (29483)

Today

Cloudy with periods of light rain. Areas of freezing rain possible. Morning high of 44F with temps falling to near freezing. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Cloudy with freezing rain expected. Low 28F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precip 90%.
The Supreme Judicial Council of Armenia has approved the standards for psychological testing of contenders for judge candidates and the new procedure for conducting testing, and the psychological attributes of contenders for judge candidates will be assessed on the basis of the standards and procedure, as reported Armenian News-NEWS.am after exploring the regulatory decision of the Supreme Judicial Council.

According to the new procedure, the self-control, integrity and behavior of the contender for the judge candidate, ability to use authority moderately, communication skills and other attributes will be assessed after psychological testing. The specified attributes will be assessed through psychological tests that are considered acceptable and applied in international practice and will help check the contenders emotional intelligence, moral judgment and value system. The necessary conditions for testing must be ensured by the Ministry of Justice, and testing is conducted through an electronic system. The psychological tests included in the program are selected by the Supreme Judicial Council.

The results of the tests are advisory and are provided to the contender and the Supreme Judicial Council.

Armenian News-NEWS.am asked member of the Supreme Judicial Council Grigor Bekmezyan who will select the psychological tests envisaged for the contenders for judge candidates and under what principle. Bekmezyan stated that, in this regard, the Supreme Judicial Council is cooperating with the Ministry of Justice, which will obtain the internationally licensed program for psychological testing. He added that the purpose of psychological testing is to clarify whether the person is capable of serving as a judge or not.
The Republic of Korea's Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said on Tuesday that the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified divisive trends undermining multilateral cooperation, but also highlighted how interdependent states are, advocating for cooperation in this sense.

The clarifications were made during the Annual Meeting of the Romanian Diplomacy 2020, having as theme "The impact of the pandemic on the international trends and the answers of the Romanian diplomacy".COVID-19 has exacerbated the divisive trends that undermine multilateral cooperation, but also highlighted how interdependent and vulnerable we are, as well as the urgency of multilateral action, to prepare ourselves for the next global health crisis. (...) As to the reform of the United Nations, although begun decades ago, the progress has been slow and uneven. The place where the greatest need for reform is the Security Council (...) We can focus our efforts on reform in areas where the benefits to people would be felt immediately. The World Health Organization (WHO) is such an entity. And WHO's technical and scientific expertise should be appreciated, respected and improved, she said.Kang Kyung-wha added that the COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed the vulnerabilities of institutions as countries become "insular" and closed their borders to protect their populations from the virus.She also said that the power to strengthen multilateralism was primarily in the hands of the United Nations' states.Kang Kyung-wha recalled that this year marks 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Romania, highlighting that the country she represents is Romania's only strategic partner in Asia.Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu stressed that the Republic of Korea is a "brilliant" example in managing the crisis caused by COVID-19, including the use of communication, involving the population in the joint effort to reduce the spread of the virus. She added that Romania and Korea have an excellent bilateral relationship, built on the strategic partnership and common commitment to strengthen trade and business ties.
A new law will give families of police officers who are killed in the line of duty like PC Andrew Harper legally guaranteed support.

Home Secretary Priti Patel spoke of her disdain for those who 'laugh in the face of the law' at a meeting with top officers today.

According to The Sun, Ms Patel will tell the Police Superintendents' Association: 'The police and the families that stand behind them deserve special recognition.

'I will put the Police Covenant in law to ensure they will always have the support of the nation.'

The Police Covenant will offer physical protection, help for health and well being and support for officers' families.

A consultation that canvassed police groups as well as the public showed that 90 per cent of respondents supported the introduction of a covenant, the Home Office said.

Home Secretary Priti Patel is expected to speak of her disdain for those who 'laugh in the face of the law' at a meeting with top officers today. Pictured, PC Andrew Harper

The idea for a covenant covering police staff and officers in England and Wales was first announced last year amid concerns over safety and welfare.

Ms Patel said: 'The police and the families that stand behind them deserve special recognition.

'Their bravery and sacrifices are what keep us and our loved ones safe.

'I will put the Police Covenant in law to ensure they will always have the support of the nation.'

The agreement would create a statutory duty to support the police, and would require the Home Secretary to make an annual report to Parliament on its use.

It applies to current and retired police officers and staff, in both paid and voluntary jobs.

Leaders of police groups that have campaigned for a covenant welcomed the announcement.

Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales John Apter said: 'This covenant will mean much more than words to serving or former police officers.

'It recognises the unique position they hold in society and the fact they very often put their lives on the line.'

The Covenant says that it 'acknowledges the sacrifices' made by police staff and officers in paid or voluntary jobs.

Lissie, now 29, had been married to Andrew, 28, for just four weeks when he was killed by a gang of three teenage thieves in August last year. Pictured on their wedding day

It says: 'It is intended to ensure that they and their families are not disadvantaged as a result of that commitment and seeks to mitigate the impact on their day-to-day life or in their access to justice.'

The agreement also acknowledges 'a responsibility to provide protection and support to the police'.

It comes after PC Andrew Harper died horrifically on August 15 last year when he tried to stop three men from stealing a quad bike in Stanford Dingley, Berkshire.

His ankle got caught in a strap dangling from the back of a Seat Toledo and he was dragged to his death.

The Thames Valley police officer's killers Henry Long, 19, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 18, were jailed after being convicted of manslaughter at the Old Bailey.

The new law will have protections already in place for military personnel.

Paul Griffiths, president of the Police Superintendents' Association, said: 'The Police Covenant will provide formal recognition and a sign of clear value to the families of officers and staff who have made sacrifices in carrying out their duties.'

He added: 'This important step forward will ensure that our duty to our people begins to mirror that of our duty to the public.'

PC Harper's widow Lissie met with Secretary of State Priti Patel on September 2 after launching her Harper's Law campaign.

PC Harper's widow Lissie met with Secretary of State Priti Patel on September 2 after launching her Harper's Law campaign. Pictured, with Justice Secretary Pobert Buckland (left) and Sgt Andy Fiddler (right)

The campaign would ensure a minimum life sentence for criminals convicted of killing an emergency services worker.

Lissie is also pushing for cross-party support over her campaign for life sentences for those who kill emergency services workers.

Lissie Harper will meet shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds today to discuss proposals for tougher punishments for criminals involved in the deaths of frontline 999 staff.

She said: 'Cross-party support is so important to us and we want to get lots of different people on board. This is a bigger thing than just different parties, it's something that we all need to do together.

'This isn't just for the minority of people, it's for everyone. We really need that support to go forward to get the law passed.'

The Home Secretary will also meet PC Harper's mother Debbie Adlam on Tuesday to discuss her campaign for tougher sentences for people who kill police officers.

Lissie, now 29, had been married to Andrew, 28, for just four weeks when he was killed by a gang of three teenage thieves in August last year.

One year on, she says that she has dreams where her husband is still alive and has written him 'loads of letters' which helps her deal with the grief.

Mrs Harper said knowing convicted killers would face a life sentence would make a 'huge difference' to bereaved families.

Describing going through the court process, she said: 'It's something you want to be over and it's something you want to have the right outcome. Justice for your loved one is really important.

'You would have that certainty already that this (a life sentence) is going to happen.

'It takes away just so much heartache that you don't want to be experiencing when you're trying to deal with that level of grief.'

She said that her ability to grieve for her husband has been affected by the debate over his killers' sentences and legal appeals.

'You don't get that closure and that justice. You're in limbo, especially in my situation with appeals.

'You can't reach a point where you can just focus on what you need to focus on, which is grieving for somebody who is not here any more.'

Teenage sweethearts, the couple had been together for twelve years when they married in Oxfordshire in the summer of 2019.

Just four weeks later Lissie was woken up by a knock on her front door to the news that her husband was dead.

Henry Long (left), 19, and 18-year-olds Jessie Cole (centre) and Albert Bowers (right) were sentenced at the Old Bailey for manslaughter

In an emotional interview with the Sunday Mirror, Lissie said the hardest moment was collecting Andrew's ashes, which made her realise that her sweetheart was really dead.

But even after a year she hasn't yet been able to bring herself to scatter his ashes.

'I've kept his ashes and they're in a wooden box in my bedroom where I can see them,' she said.

On Tuesday afternoon, President of the Police Superintendents' Association Paul Griffiths said his association supports those campaigning for 'Harper's law and a mandatory life sentence for the unlawful killing of an emergency service worker whilst they conduct their duties'.

Speaking at the association's annual conference, he said: 'We will provide our support for any exploration of how a change of this kind could be implemented to ensure justice is served on those found guilty of such abhorrent crimes.'

Appearing by video link from her home in Oxfordshire on Good Morning Britain she slammed the killers for 'laughing and joking' in court

Ms Patel was also speaking at the conference and said she is 'still sickened' by PC Harper's death.

She said that, due to appeals in the case ongoing, there are limits to what she can say, but added: 'Have no doubt, I stand with you against any vile thug who threatens the thin blue line.

'If they come for our police, I will not hesitate to come for them.

'And I will do everything in my power to ensure that justice is served.'

Last month, PC Harper's mother spoke of her pain at watching her son's killers 'laughing' and joking' in court.

Long was sentenced to 16 years, while Cole and Bowers were each handed 13-year terms. The family said they were let down by the 'unduly lenient' sentences'.

Ms Adlam, 53, has launched a new 'Andrew's Law' campaign for a mandatory 20 year sentence for those convicted of killing police officers.

Andrew Harper and Lissie should have been spending the end of summer 2019 on honeymoon in the Maldives

Appearing by video link from her home in Oxfordshire on Good Morning Britain she slammed the killers for 'laughing and joking' in court and said if her son was alive he would 'fully support' the campaign.

Asked if she would have felt different if the accused showed some remorse during the trial, she told Good Morning Britain: 'I think I would, we've watched them laughing, joking.

'Because of the situation with Covid things were laid out separately to the normal situation in a court room so we were sat for quite a long time sat with them on a video screen opposite where we were sat and they were joking and laughing and talking to each other and their microphones weren't even switched on.

'Which I don't really understand how that's appropriate. If you are in a murder trial how the suspects don't have to sit there and listen to at least what there saying and doing while we are sat listening to their hideous crimes. I didn't see any remorse. '

This week the Attorney General's Office confirmed they have been asked to consider if the jail terms handed down are too lenient.

Mrs Adlam welcomed the decision this week, and this morning said she couldn't understand why reductions were taken off the sentences for her son's killers.

MailOnline has approached the Home Office for comment.
Hong Kong: Hong Kong riot police tackled a 12-year-old girl to the ground and arrested her during protests against delayed parliamentary elections.

A video widely shared online shows riot officers pushing the girl to the ground on Sunday as she tried to dash away. She was later charged for allegedly violating coronavirus social distancing rules, police said.

The girl's mother told local media: "She was just trying to buy art supplies with her brother."

The video has sparked outrage online, gathering more than a million views on Twitter. On the local internet forum, LIHKG, one comment criticised the police for being "loud and impolite" like a "mad dog chasing after people who run".
A Perth childcare centre has been fined $15,000 after an emergency fire drill resulted in three toddlers receiving second-degree burns to their feet.

Nido Early School, based in the QV1 building on St Georges Terrace, conducted an emergency evacuation drill on December 2, 2019 at 2.30pm, when the outside temperature was around 35 degrees.

Nido Early School QV1 Credit:Facebook

The drill took place as 14 toddlers were waking up from their afternoon naps and had no shoes on.

Two required treatment in a hospital burns unit while another was taken to a medical centre.
Company invites individual and institutional investors, as well as advisors and analysts, to attend its real-time, interactive presentation on VirtualInvestorConferences.com

TORONTO, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blueberries Medical Corp. (CSE:BBM) (OTCQB: BBRRF) (FRA: 1OA), (the Company or "Blueberries"), a Latin American, licensed producer of medicinal cannabis and cannabis-derived products, is pleased to announce that Camilo Villalba, Co-founder & Chief Executive Office, will present live at VirtualInvestorConferences.com on September 10th.



DATE: Thursday, September 10th TIME: 3 PM ET LINK: https://bit.ly/3fLBL3m

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask Mr. Villalba questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.



It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

Recent Company Highlights

In June 2020, Blueberries commenced sales of its proprietary cultivars and cosmetics. Blueberries has entered into multiple sales agreements to distribute its proprietary genetics to licensed producers. Production from contract growers will be processed at the Companys extraction facility under arrangements.



The Company closed a non-brokered private placement offering of C$1,000,000. The offering included a strategic investment of C$814,647 by Mr. Facundo Garreton. Consequently, on August 1, 2020, Mr. Garreton was appointed as a director of the Company. With the funds the Company looks for a ramp up its sales in Q3 and Q4, 2020.



Blueberries entered into a collaboration agreement with Medicamentos de Cannabis SAS (Medcann), to develop, and produce THC cannabis extracts for the international market.



With prudent cash management, Blueberries achieved meaningful progress on product development (formulations based on Full Spectrum) and expansion of refining capacity.



The execution of the contract and associate grower model allowed Blueberries' cultivation to expand by 130% to more than 322,000 sq. ft. (3 hectares) with additional potential expansion of the cultivated land to a total of 1 million sq. ft. (9.2 hectares), with the Cogua land being developed through an ultra-low cost outdoor cultivation model.



In July 2020, Blueberries signed an agreement with Netshop Fulfillment SAS (Netshop). The agreement transfers the management of the Cannabella CBD cosmetics business to Netshop, allowing Blueberries to focus more on its core business, keeping a royalty and an exclusivity agreement to provide CBD oil for the manufacturing of the cosmetics.

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About Blueberries Medical Corp.

Blueberries is a Latin American licensed producer of naturally grown premium quality cannabis with its primary operations ideally located in the Bogota Savannah of central Colombia and operations currently being established in Argentina. The Company is led by a specialized team with proprietary expertise in agriculture, genetics, extraction, medicine, pharmacology and marketing, Blueberries is fully licensed for the cultivation, production, domestic distribution, and international export of CBD and THC-based medical cannabis in Colombia. Blueberries combination of leading scientific expertise, agricultural advantages and distribution arrangements has positioned the Company to become a leading international supplier of naturally grown, processed, and standardized medicinal-grade cannabis oil extracts and related products.

About Virtual Investor Conferences

Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to meet and present directly with investors. A real-time solution for investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences is part of OTC Market Group's suite of investor relations services specifically designed for more efficient Investor Access. Replicating the look and feel of on-site investor conferences, Virtual Investor Conferences combine leading-edge conferencing and investor communications capabilities with a comprehensive global investor audience network.

CONTACTS:

Blueberries Medical Corp

Camilo Villalba, Chief Executive Officer

cvillalba@blueberriesmed.com

(+57) 313.483.0131

OTC Markets Group, Virtual Investor Conferences

John M. Viglotti, SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access

johnv@otcmarkets.com

(212) 220-2221

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as expects, or does not expect, is expected, anticipates or does not anticipate, plans, budget, scheduled, forecasts, estimates, believes or intends or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results may or could, would, might or will be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: commencement of commercial production of CBD-dominant oils and products in 2020, successful implementation of full GMP standards at its extraction facility to allow for additional export potential to international markets, achieving additional milestones in 2020 as contemplated, or at all, ability to expand distribution networks, ability to expand and upgrade the Companys cultivation facilities in Colombia, internal expectations, expectations regarding the ability of the Company to access new Latin American and international markets, the ability to attract and retain new customers, and future expansion plans including development of the cultivation, production, industrialization and marketing of cannabis for commercial and scientific purposes.

These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; expectations regarding the size of the Colombian and international medical cannabis market and changing consumer habits; the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives; plans for expansion; political and social uncertainties; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; and the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on cultivation, production, distribution and sale of cannabis and cannabis related products in Colombia, Argentina and elsewhere; and employee relations. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Additional information regarding the Company, and other risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's business are contained under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Listing Statement dated January 31, 2019 filed on its issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.




The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday arrested Deepak Kochhar, husband of former ICICI Bank CEO and MD Chanda Kochhar, in connection with the ICICI Bank-Videocon money laundering case probe, officials said. They said Deepak Kochhar was arrested in Mumbai under sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the agency is expected to produce him before a local court on Tuesday to seek his custody.

Officials said Deepak Kochhar was placed under arrest as the agency wants to put him under custodial interrogation to obtain more details about some fresh evidence gathered in this case, that was filed under the criminal sections of the anti-money laundering law in January last year. The ED had filed its case after studying an FIR registered by the CBI against the couple, Videocon Group promoter Venugopal Dhoot and others.

It slapped money laundering charges against the Kochhars and their business entities for illegal sanctioning of loans amounting to Rs 1,875 crore to the Videocon Group of companies". The ED had earlier said an amount of Rs 64 crore, out of the loan amount of Rs 300 crore sanctioned by a committee headed by Chanda Kochhar to Videocon International Electronics Limited, was transferred to Nupower Renewables Pvt Ltd (NRPL) by Videocon Industries Limited on September 8, 2009, just a day after disbursement of the loan by ICICI Bank. NRPL was earlier known as NuPower Renewables Limited (NRL) and is a company of Deepak Kochhar.

The agency had alleged that the net revenue of Rs 10.65 crore was generated by NRL from these tainted funds". Therefore, proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 74.65 crore were transferred to or to say generated in NRPL," the ED had claimed.

The ED, early this year, also attached assets  including a Mumbai flat where the couple lived, land, and plant and machinery of a wind farm project based in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra  valued at Rs 78 crore in possession of" Chanda Kochhar, Deepak Kochhar and the companies owned and controlled by him. It had said Chanda Kochhar and her family acquired" the Mumbai apartment, owned by one of the Videocon Group companies, by way of acquiring that company through her family trust at a nominal price and by creating book entries". The couple has been questioned by the central probe agency multiple times in the past at its offices in Mumbai and Delhi.

The CBI, in its FIR, had named Chanda Kochhar, Deepak Kochhar, Dhoot and his companies  Videocon International Electronics Ltd (VIEL) and Videocon Industries Limited (VIL). It also named Supreme Energy, a company founded by Dhoot, and Nupower Renewables, a company controlled by Deepak Kochhar, in its FIR. The CBI slapped sections of the Indian Penal Code related to criminal conspiracy, cheating and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act on all the accused.

The CBI alleged that Dhoot had invested in Deepak Kochhars company Nupower through his firm Supreme Energy, a quid pro quo to loans cleared by ICICI Bank after Chanda Kochhar took over as the CEO of the bank on May 1, 2009. The ownership of Nupower and Supreme Energy changed hands through a complex web of shared transactions between Deepak Kochhar and Dhoot, the CBI had alleged.

During its preliminary enquiry, the CBI found that six loans worth Rs 1,875 crore were sanctioned to the Videocon Group and companies associated with it between June, 2009 and October, 2011 in alleged violation of laid-down policies of ICICI Bank. Existing outstanding in the accounts of these private group companies were adjusted in Rupee Term Loan of Rs 1,730 crore sanctioned by ICICI Bank under refinance of domestic debt under consortium arrangement on April 26, 2012," a CBI spokesperson had said.

The loans were declared non-performing assets in 2012, causing a loss of Rs 1,730 crore to the bank, it had alleged.

(With PTI inputs)
The Defund SAPD Coalition has labeled San Antonio as a "sundown town" as a warning for Black residents and visitors after recent incidents involving law enforcement.

The local group, which has been calling on city and county officials to reallocate funding from the San Antonio Police Department and the Bexar County Sheriff's Department to different sectors, like health and housing, released its warning on Tuesday in the middle of its push for change.

The group's recent travel advisory is not backed by any official government entity, such as the U.S. State Department.

There are four levels within the group's advisory: Exercise normal precaution, exercise increased caution, reconsider travel and do not travel. Defund SAPD believes San Antonio is in the reconsider travel" phase.

RELATED: San Antonio teen fatally shot by police will be honored by the Seattle Seahawks this season

"San Antonio is a sundown town for Black residents and visitors," a news release said. "A travel advisory has been issued to warn that any Black people traveling to San Antonio use increased caution when in the city due to the city's policing policies that put Black Lives in danger."

Historically, sundown towns have been known to be all-white cities with racist policies like ordering minorities to leave by nightfall.

The launch of the travel advisory system was prompted by recent events in the city. Mathias Ometu, a Black jogger who was stopped and questioned for a crime he didn't commit, was arrested and held in jail for two days after he wouldnt divulge his name, as is his right. In an earlier incident, Damian Daniels was fatally shot by a BCSO officer during a wellness check in August.

Community organizer Camille Wright compared San Antonio to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man was recently shot in the back several times by police and hospitalized.

"Instead of investing in the community to address the issues police respond to at the root  City Manager Erik Walsh had the audacity to propose an increase to the police budget, Wright is quoted in the release. It is clear that San Antonio is becoming a sundown town for Black people, we arent safe and what happened in Kenosha, WI can definitely happen here.

Walsh could not immediately be reached for comment.

As it stands, San Antonios current proposal plans to earmark $487 million for police of the citys new $2.9 billion budget. The City Council will spend the next few weeks listening to public and staff concerns before voting on the budget in mid-September.

Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 20:26:06|Editor: huaxia

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ANKARA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Turkish security forces launched a new operation against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the eastern city of Van, the interior ministry said Tuesday.

Operation Lightning-10 started with 1,040 security personnel, including forces from Gendarmerie Special Operations, police and security guards, said the ministry in a written statement.

So far, at least 46 PKK members have been killed, 26 collaborators caught, 90 caves, shelters and storages destroyed, and a large number of arms, ammunition and other supplies seized in a series of Lightning operations, according to the ministry.

Last week, Turkey launched Operation Lightning-9 in the eastern cities of Mus and Bingol as well as the southeastern city of Diyarbakir.

The Turkish security forces regularly conduct anti-terror operations in the eastern and southeastern parts of Turkey. Operation Lightning-1 started in the southeastern city of Sirnak on July 14.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, has been rebelling against the Turkish government for more than 30 years, which has claimed the lives of more than 40,000 people. Enditem
Sir Jonathan Jones, , photos by Paul Heartfield, , Photographer, , Bloomsbury, , London, , , , T: +44 (0) 7799608629, , , , E: Paul@PaulHeartfield.com - Paul Heartfield/Paul Heartfield

There were warning signs in the days leading up to his resignation as the Governments most senior lawyer that all was not well with Sir Jonathan Jones.

Despite being knighted at the beginning of the year, it seems the 58-year-old Durham graduate was growing increasingly frustrated in his 160,000 a year role as the head of the Governments legal service.

On September 4, he pointedly tweeted about the Home Office's ill-fated social media post on "activist lawyers", which was found to be in breach of civil service requirements and subsequently deleted.

The straight-shooting civil servant, who was permanent secretary of the Government Legal Department and treasury solicitor, retweeted without comment a post by legal writer David Allen Green, pointing out that hundreds of lawyers actively seek to influence the courts on issues of public policy, which added: They are usually successful. They are the Government Legal Service.

Friends say the baby-faced former barrister, who was one of the most highly paid people in the British public sector, was unhappy about the Government's plan to override parts of the withdrawal agreement and had made that clear to his inner circle in recent days.

Retweeted, as usual in such cases, without comment. https://t.co/Q63CkL82Cv  Jonathan Jones (@PermSecGLD) September 4, 2020

He had already reportedly come close to resigning last autumn over the Government's attempts to circumvent the Benn Act, the rebel legislation which forced Boris Johnson to ask Brussels for a Brexit extension.

However, one source said he had decided against it after concluding that despite briefings to the media, the Government did not in fact intend to break the law.

In an interview with the Institute for Government in February, Sir Jonathan stressed the need for ministers to uphold international law, saying: "Fundamentally, international law is the law. It derives from obligations the government has entered into through treaty or otherwise arise under international law."

Story continues

"We treat that as the law, and the government is subject to the rule of law and will comply with those obligations. So, the role of the lawyer [...] will be just the same: to give the best, professional...advice as to what the law means, how it applies, and so what is the risk that a given course of conduct may be incompatible with that law."

Having already concluded that any changes to the Northern Ireland protocol via the Internal Market Bill would be in breach of the law, he is understood to have received external advice from a QC which reinforced his view.

Lord Falconer, the shadow (and former) Attorney General who has previously worked with Sir Jonathan, described him as an impressive lawyer and a loyal civil servant.
Call centre staff accustomed to angering Victorians with dinner-time calls selling discount holiday packages or insurance are now leading the charge to set them free.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal call centre companies Stellar, Helloworld and Health Direct have been contracted by the Victorian government to help trace active cases of COVID-19.

The revelations come amid a firestorm of criticism aimed at Premier Daniel Andrews' efforts to stem the virus, which threatens to ruin the economy and livelihoods of Victorians.

Epworth HealthCare staff have turned disease detectives as part of Victorias fight to contain the spread of COVID-19

Former call centre workers in the travel industry have been employed to track down active carriers of COVID-19 in Victoria

Call centre staff have led Victoria's bungled charge against contact tracing in Victoria

Who Are Victoria's Contact Tracers? Stellar boats it is a 'leading customer experience organisation', operating across Australia, Asia, North America and Africa. Stellar claims to be among 'the most awarded outsources in the industry'. Stellar is a member of the Diversity Council of Australia and proudly brags 52 percent of its managers are female. Stellar has been hired for $9 million to provide more operators, with both contracts running from July to January. Helloworld is a leading Australian based travel company with Australia's largest network of 2,000 independent franchised travel agents, it states. Call centre staff were employed by the Victorian government after the travel sector was destroyed by COVID-19 lockdown. Helloworld won a contract worth $7.6 million to provide contact tracing workers. Health Direct claims to be the leading provider of 'telehealth' in Australia. It provides 'trusted' health services that are 'easily accessible via multiple channels  helplines, video call solutions, websites, service finders, mobile applications and social media networks'. It has partnered with the governments of Australia for more than 14 years to deliver 'pioneering solutions to both local and national health challenges'. Health Direct has a not-for-profit, government-owned business model Advertisement

On Monday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison lashed out at the Andrews Government, urging it to embrace the 'gold standard' approach New South Wales had adopted to lift its performance against the pandemic.

More than 60 Navy and Army personnel have been working with the NSW Health Contact Tracing team, made-up mostly of health and other government department workers, as part of its contact tracing team.

The first rotation of 52 ADF personnel in NSW made almost 6000 calls within a couple of days in March.

Instead, Victoria outsourced most of its contact tracing to young, inexperienced call centre staff.

On Tuesday, Victoria recorded another 55 cases of coronavirus, along with eight deaths - up from 41 cases a day earlier.

'New South Wales has a stronger capability when it comes to tracing,' Mr Morrison said.

'And we want to provide support  as we already have  to the Victorian government through the ADF.'

Mr Andrews was widely condemned after he refused Australian Defence Force support to help with the state's hotel quarantine program when the pandemic was relatively new to Australia.

The refusal led to a second wave of the virus breaking free from the hotels and the implementation of new, crippling Stage Four lockdown restrictions.

Under the premier's decree on Sunday, Melbourne will only move to a second, more relaxed lockdown, from September 28 if the city reaches an average daily case rate of 30-50 coronavirus cases over the previous 14 days.

Melbourne can only move forward from October 26 if the state records an average of fewer than five new daily cases and five 'mystery cases' with unknown community transmission, on average over a two-week period.

Residents will only be granted further relief on November 23 if there are no new cases across the state for two weeks.

The premier warned a 'COVID normal' existence would only happen if there were no new cases for 28 days, no active cases and 'no outbreaks of concern' in other states and territories.

Contact tracing in Victoria has been slammed by the prime minister amid Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews' threats to lock down his people for months to come

Health Direct employees are helping trace active COVID carriers across Victoria

The plan, which is considered the harshest lockdown on earth, revolves heavily around Victoria's ability to trace active cases of the virus.

Mr Morrison said he hoped Victorias lockdown extension could be avoided by better contact tracing.

A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson defended its contact tracing efforts, telling Daily Mail Australia it had a 2600-strong 'public health team' working on it.

'Our(team) initiates contact with every single positive case within 24 hours and close contacts are followed up as soon as possible, either via phone calls or text messages,' it said in a statement.

Up to 1700 call staff make up the department's 'Case, Contact and Outbreak Management team', who work alongside 900 team members in roles such as epidemiologists, public health clinicians, logistics, phone operators and data entry staff, it stated.

In the past month, DHHS has moved to an electronic system, which allows faster import of interview information from contractors and interstate staff to the departments systems.

It has also established six regional COVID-19 case contact and outbreak teams.

A man gestures from a window inside a unit at the public housing tower along Racecourse Road in Melbourne in July. Victorians fear they will never be released under plans by their premier Daniel Andrews

Helloworld staff hot by the COVID disaster have been moved into Victoria's contact tracing team

The coronavirus contact tracing team includes epidemiologists, clinicians and phone operators

Mr Morrison said if NSW adopted a similar approach to Victoria, Sydney would be locked down like Melbourne.

'What I cant help but be struck by is that, under the thresholds that have been set in (Victoria's) plan, Sydney would be under curfew now. Sydney doesnt need to be under curfew now. They have a tracing capability that can deal with outbreaks.,' he said.

He was supported on Tuesday by Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt, who claimed Victoria's second wave could largely have been avoided if Victorias contact tracing system had been better.

'NSW has had the equivalent of about six hotel quarantine breaches,' he said.

'Victoria and NSW  both had outbreaks. NSW was able to contain theirs.'

Victorias Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton defended Victoria's contact tracing efforts despite criticism from the Commonwealth.

'Were hitting the straps with the contact tracing metrics and performance metrics that were looking at each and every day,' Professor Sutton said.

'Were contacting all of those cases for interview every day within the first 24 hours.'
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  Filipino-American filmmaker PJ Raval, who documented the Jennifer Laude case, denounced as a "grave injustice" the presidential pardon granted to convicted US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton.

The unexpected move by the President, however, is true to the "unpredictable" nature of the Philippine government, he said.

"During screenings, Q and A's, or even interviews such as these, I would hypothesize a little bit about what are some of the possibilities [in the Laude case]. And a lot of them were really unpredictable, truly kind of reflecting the current administration, how unpredictable it can be also," he told CNN Philippines' News.PH on Tuesday.

On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte issued a controversial absolute pardon to Pemberton, allowing him to walk free after serving only under six years in prison. Pemberton was convicted in 2015 for the brutal killing of Laude upon learning she was transgender.

RELATED: Nothing objectionable in Duterte pardon for Pemberton  DOJ chief

This announcement has quickly sparked public outcry, with a number groups accusing the President of giving preferential treatment to the US soldier, when thousands of poor Filipinos jailed for lighter crimes aren't afforded the same privilege.

"Giving Pemberton a presidential pardon is a disgrace to the Philippine people and slap in the face to the Philippine justice system," Raval also wrote in an earlier Facebook post.

RELATED: VP Robredo condemns injustice in pardon of US Marine Pemberton

Raval chronicled Laude's story in the award-winning 2018 documentary film "Call Her Ganda." With the recent developments to the narrative, the filmmaker said he is considering producing an updated companion piece to the earlier documentary "that really goes into the complexity of the situation."
New Delhi:

Probing into journalist Rajdev Ranjans murder case, CBI has asked Superintendent of Siwan Jail to give details about the meeting happened between Mohd Shahabuddin and Bihar Minority Affairs minister Abdul Gaffur.

Although no official confirmation has come up about the orders on the meeting which took place on March 3, 2016.

According to sources, CBI wants to know that why the minister met Shahabuddin and were all the jail manuals were followed during the meeting.

Also CBI wants to know that how long the meeting lasted. Notably the pictures of the meeting had went viral after which then Jail Superintendent Radhe Shyam Suman was suspended.

Earlier, jailed RJD leader Mohammad Shahabuddin had created yet another controversy with his purported selfie showing his changed look inside Siwan prison going viral on the social media.

In the wake of the controversy, the Siwan district administration has conducted raids inside the jail.

Officer in-charge of Muffasil police station Vinay Pratap Singh had confirmed the raids inside Siwan jail and said three mobile phones, four sim cards and two mobile batterieswere seized.

He, however, did not divulge if anything was seized from the cell of the controversial RJD leader.

Siwan jail officials denied that a selfie was clicked by Shahabuddin and said some well-wisher who might have come to meet him could have taken the photo and posted it on the social media.

Shahabuddin, a four-time RJD MP from Siwan, is currently lodged in Siwan jail after the Supreme Court cancelled his bail granted by the Patna High Court in connection with the killing of the prime witness in the murder of two brothers by pouring acid on them.

According to jail officials, Shahabuddin is also been able to put up good health. Doctors say that his blood count has really gone low. Medical teams have taken him for tests and he is under constant surveillance.

Notorious and known for muscle-flexing, Shahabuddin is facing over 36 cases, including of murder and kidnapping.

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UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine Osnat Lubrani urged the parties to the armed conflict in Donbas to continue to observe the ceasefire.

"The six weeks since the ceasefire came into force on July 27 mark the longest relative calm in eastern Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict. I reiterate UN Secretary General's call for all those concerned to abide by the agreed terms of the ceasefire and to focus efforts on the protection of civilians who suffer the most from the hostilities," Lubrani said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Lubrani, following a trip to Donetsk and Luhansk regions, noted that humanitarian needs remain acute and have been even further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to prevent and contain it.

"I can, however, also confirm resounding support and overwhelming expressions of praise for the ceasefire from people living on both sides of the 'contact line,' who share hope that it will become sustainable," Lubrani said.

"The laying down of arms and engaging in constructive dialogue is needed now more than ever, to allow for a greater focus on overcoming the health and socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is critical that no efforts be spared to preserve the current ceasefire that is bringing relief to so many conflict-weary people," Lubrani said.
Since love is never having to say youre sorry, use your ballot not as an act of party loyalty but as an act of love that will help restore the soul of this country. Vote.

Howard Becker

Greensboro

Missing mail?

The mail comes in, and the mail goes out. Its simple math  at whatever rate it comes in, it has to go out. Otherwise youre going to have once heck of a lot mail that needs to be stored somewhere while its supposedly being delayed.

As the U.S. Congressional House refuses to believe Postmaster General DeJoy, I would suggest that they launch a mission to find the tens of billions of letters and parcels that are supposedly being delayed. If they could find this secretive delayed mail storage facility, they could prove that their anonymous sources and rumors are actually true rather than just a false political narrative.
This year could end today and it would still rival the most challenging periods for the international trading system. But the next 3 1/2 months may bring even more potential disruptions that could secure 2020s spot as the most turbulent in modern history.

Several key events will occur that have potential to turbo-charge the global trade regimes trajectory toward dysfunction and chaos. On the flip side, its possible the outcomes could help cushion the worst global recession since the financial crisis and set the world on a path to recovery.

Theres no question that the next three months will be pivotal for the state of global trade, said Edward Alden, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. With protectionism on the rise in ways similar to the lead-up to the Great Depression, the echoes of the 1930s are pretty clear, he said.

As summer winds down, here are five key political and economic events affecting trade in the remainder of the year:

1) WTO Aircraft Dispute

A panel of three World Trade Organization arbiters will soon determine whether and how much the European Union can retaliate against the U.S. for its illegal subsidies to Boeing Co.

While the EU has asked the WTO for authorization to impose levies on $11.2 billion of U.S. products, those close to the case say the figure is likely to be lower -- perhaps much lower than the WTOs $7.5 billion award to the U.S. in its parallel dispute against EU subsidies to Airbus SE.

Why the Boeing vs. Airbus Fight Is Coming to a Head: QuickTake

There are hopes the ruling, which could come in a matter of weeks, could spur the U.S. to restart negotiations to settle the 15-year-old dispute. A settlement would be a huge relief to European exporters, who are currently facing stiff U.S. retaliatory tariffs, and for U.S. industries that could soon find themselves on the receiving end of WTO-authorized EU tariffs.

2) The U.S. Presidential Election

Arguably the most important trade development this year is the possibility that Americans deliver President Donald Trump a second term.

If Trump is re-elected in November, its likely the U.S. will increase tariffs on foreign trade partners as a means to reshore and diversify Americas supply chains -- particularly for medical goods.

As Trump highlighted at a press conference Monday, a second term would almost certainly see an escalation in Americas geopolitical fight with China, which Trump blames for spreading the Covid-19 pandemic and American economic misery.

If Trump wins, expect more of the same -- a roller coaster ride of volatility, threats, and tariffs, said William Reinsch, a trade official in the Clinton administration and senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. If Democrat Joe Biden wins, he has already said, in effect, that trade is going to be on the back burner while he deals with the pandemic and the economy.

3) WTO Leadership Race

In the midst of all this, members of the WTO will endeavor to select a new leader to help revive the neutered referee for international commerce. The organization is currently operating without a chief following Roberto Azevedos early departure on Aug. 31 and the vacuum at the top couldnt have come at a worse time.

The WTOs dispute-settlement function is crippled, its negotiating arm is essentially frozen and the organization is beginning to buckle beneath the pressure of the U.S.-China battle for trade supremacy.

The WTOs complex and opaque deliberations are led by a troika of trade ambassadors who hold confessionals with each of the WTOs 164 members in order to select a consensus winner.

The race itself is fiercely competitive, punctuated by nationalistic aspirations, and subject to spin and political chicanery. If WTO members are unable to select a leader by consensus, a vote requiring a qualified majority could be held as a last resort -- which would be unprecedented in the organizations 25-year history.

The WTO is in a difficult spot and would benefit tremendously from a reformer who is willing to push countries for change, said Clete Willems, partner at Akin Gump and a former Trump administration official.

4) Digital Sales-Tax Fight

The U.S. and European policy makers are sleepwalking toward a damaging trade conflict over foreign taxes on U.S. technology companies like Facebook Inc. and Alphabet Inc.s Google.

On one hand, cash-strapped governments in Europe and elsewhere are pursuing new digital sales-tax rules on foreign companies that generate huge revenues in their jurisdictions. But the Trump administration argues such taxes unfairly discriminate against American firms and is threatening retaliatory tariffs that could exacerbate the pain of the global recession.

Though nations have sought to resolve the matter at the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the U.S. withdrew from those talks in June. If an agreement is not forthcoming this year Americas top trade official has pledged to impose tariffs on nearly a dozen nations in 2021.

5) Brexit

New and significant trade barriers between the U.K. and European Union are coming at year-end. Thats because the U.K. is leaving the EUs single market and customs union -- meaning British exporters must endure new customs paperwork that will create border queues and persistent delays.

This will happen regardless of whether Britain can come to an agreement with the European trading bloc over the future of their economic relationship. If the U.K. fails to negotiate a tariff- and quota-free accord with the EU, British exports will become subject to WTO negotiated terms that bring costs, controls and red tape that havent existed for decades.

Bryce Baschuk

: bloomberg.com
Sushant Singh Rajput case: Rhea Chakraborty has been summoned by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for the third time on Tuesday. The NCB officials will try to get a confession from her regarding the drugs angle in the case. Rhea reached the NCB office at 10 am today.

The drugs watchdog has called Chakraborty for questioning and has not yet arrested or detained her. Rhea is yet to confess her role in the drugs case. The NCB is yet to establish any links between the drug peddlers caught and Rhea so far.

Apart from extracting Rhea's confession on the drugs angle, the NCB will also investigate the money trail behind payment for the narcotics substances and also to understand whether Rhea made these payments. If the central agency finds any connection, it could be a clincher and Rhea might be booked under Section 27 A of the NDPS Act.

Also read: Rhea Chakraborty files complaint against Sushant Singh Rajput's sister over fake medical prescription

In the event of an arrest, Rhea will be produced before the court with three other accused- Showik Chakraborty, Sushant Singh's house manager Samuel Miranda and the Kai Po Che actor's cook Dipesh Sawant on September 9.

Meanwhile, Sushant Singh Rajput's family may approach the Bombay High Court against Rhea Chakraborty's FIR. Rhea filed an FIR with the Mumbai Police against Sushant Singh's sisters Priyanka Singh and Dr Tarun Kumar of Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for wrongfully administering drugs to the late actor. The actress also accused the late actor's sister of sending a "bogus medical prescription" to her brother, adding that the prescription was "forged and fabricated".
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 05:35:51|Editor: huaxia

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LOS ANGELES, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- A fast growing wildfire in the Angeles National Forest has doubled its size in 24 hours and forced the authority to issue a warning for nearby cities with over 50,000 residents to prepare for evacuation.

The blaze, dubbed Bobcat Fire, scorched 8,553 acres (34.7 square km) with no containment as of Tuesday morning, according to InciWeb, an interstate incident information system. The fire that started Sunday afternoon would not be fully contained until Oct. 15, authorities said.

Fire officials put three cities' residents living in the foothills on notice that they may be ordered to evacuate if the fire spreads south.

Residents from Bradbury, Monrovia and Duarte confirmed to Xinhua that they received a warning from the authority on Monday night, which urged them to have evacuation plans in place, organize their emergency evacuation supplies, and have essential evacuation personal belongings easily accessible.

"The Bobcat Fire is burning in Angeles National Forest near Bradbury, Duarte, and Monrovia. An Evacuation Warning is in effect for parts of these cities. GET SET for potential evacuation orders. Make ready your preparations; gather loved ones and supplies," the warning sent to residents' cellphones read.

Bradbury is a small city with about one thousand residents, while the other two cities have dozens of thousands of residents, with a high percentage being Chinese Americans. Enditem
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kaduna State on Tuesday confirmed the death of its kidnapped officer, Bulus Sanda.

NSCDC Commandant in the state, Babangida Dutsinma, made the disclosure in a statement by the commands Public Relations Officer, Orndiir Terzungwe, in Kaduna.

He said that the late Mr Sanda, who joined the corps in 2010, was abducted from his residence at Mararaba-Rido, Chikun Local Government Area of the state.

The commandant said that the officer had served the corps in different locations, adding that he was dedicated to his duty in an exemplary manner.

His last location was Kaduna-North Division. He even received an award a day before his abduction and eventual death, he said.

The commandant commiserated with the family of the deceased and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Mr Dutsinma urged members of the public to support the activities of security agencies in the state to ensure safety of lives and property.

(NAN)
Macron is taking the lead on the world stage, but his foray into the Middle East has raised questions about the limits of his strategy

The relationship between France and the Middle East has been multifaceted, including not only deeper historical ties but also geopolitical, economic and cultural ones.

Yet, the centuries-old relationship between the former European colonial power and the peoples of the Middle East has also been replete with complications, contradictions and sometimes confrontations.

For decades, one of the main challenges to France in the Middle East has been the order imposed by the US on the region following the British withdrawal from East of Suez in the 1960s, making it until recently the regions dominant outside power.

Now, with US hegemony in the Middle East in relative decline, France seems to be ready to step in with President Emmanuel Macron making blunt moves and increasingly embroiling France in the regions conflicts and tensions.

Macrons latest regional overture was a highly publicised trip to Baghdad, where he tried to carve out a role for France in Iraqs stalled state-rebuilding process after Frances long hesitation to be involved in the country following the US-led invasion in 2003.

Macron arrived in Baghdad on 2 September after a two-day visit to Lebanon where he fronted international efforts to help the former French protectorate after deadly explosions in Beirut that provoked protests that forced the government to resign.

In Baghdad, Macron voiced his support for the countrys sovereignty and pledged to help the government resist foreign interference, a major issue on Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimis agenda.

Macrons promises came amid reports that France was considering redeploying troops as part of the US-led Coalition to fight the Islamic State (IS) in the country amid concerns over the terror groups resurgence as the US plans to cut its troops in Iraq.

Frances political and military support for Iraq could also be crucial in view of Irans and Turkeys interference in the countrys domestic affairs and Chinas and Russias growing foothold in the oil-rich nation.

In Beirut, Macron launched an ambitious plan to get Lebanons embattled sectarian factions to commit to a roadmap of reforms tied to a new goals-oriented government.

Macron said he would return to Lebanon in December, which would be his third trip to the country since the 4 August port blasts and symbolising his high level of personal investment in the initiative.

But Macrons most high-stakes move in the Middle East has been Frances standoff with Turkey over a host of sensitive issues including Turkish involvement in Libya and Ankaras moves in the Mediterranean.

France has ordered its forces to the Eastern Mediterranean to assist Greece in its dispute over gas-drilling and economic zones with Turkey, escalating a conflict between the two NATO members.

The major part of the story behind Frances new proactive diplomacy in the Middle East is Macrons new high-profile foreign policy, which is raising expectations about Frances ambitions to be a top global actor.

Over the last two years, Macron has initiated a flurry of diplomatic activities to position himself as Europes de facto foreign-policy leader, seizing on the vacuum left by lame-duck, messy or turbulent foreign policy-making in other key European nations.

Last year, Macron warned other European countries that they could no longer rely on the US to defend the continent through the NATO alliance, which he derided as currently experiencing brain death.

Macron has been critical of NATO for what he sees as the organisations ambivalence towards member Turkey and the latters confrontational policies in Syria, Libya and the Eastern Mediterranean.

There has been no mistaking the symbolism behind Macrons assertive policy in the Middle East, however. The French president clearly sees a strategic window through which he can lead Europes new foreign policies.

France, with its long imperialist interests and policies in the region, has become more deeply embroiled in the conflicts across the wider Middle East as the US has relatively disengaged from the region in recent years.

The French relationship with the Arabs may go back to a 9th-century AbbasidCarolingian alliance and a series of embassies, rapprochements and forms of military cooperation between the French under the emperor Charlemagne and the Abbasid caliph Haroun Al-Rashid.

France played a major role in the European Crusades in the Middle Ages by vigorously embracing Europes Roman Catholic kingdoms in their wars to secure control of the holy sites in Palestine and extend Europes influence in the Orient.

The French campaign in Egypt from 1798 to 1801, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, came to be considered as a landmark strategic bid by France to attain hegemony in the Levant, and it was followed by the conquest of the North African Maghreb region.

As a rising imperial power in North Africa and the Mediterranean in the 19th century, France played a major part in undermining the former Ottoman Empire and participated in the consolidation of imperial spheres of influence in the eastern Mashreq region.

Against such a background, Macron may be trying to impose his agenda on the Middle East and to challenge the emerging order. But Frances capacity to influence events is hardly what it was a century ago.

Macron faces several daunting challenges, as his expectations clash with the complex reality in a Middle East that has entered a new era of growing geopolitical disorder.

Looming above everything, of course, is the future of the US presence in the Middle East. US policies in the region have shifted under President Donald Trump, and all eyes are now on whether he will change his isolationist policy if reelected, or if a new administration will radically reverse US regional approaches.

Nevertheless, while the US influence may be diminishing, it is hardly over, and the US is unlikely to retreat or drastically downsize its presence in the Middle East any time soon as regional power dynamics continue to reshape.

Then there is the question of how France will face down Russia and China, two world powers which have been boosting their role in the Middle East and seem set to further marginalise the influence of the US and the EU in the region.

How the EU will deal with Macrons ambitions to make France lead Europes foreign policy from the front will be another key challenge to Macrons Middle East agenda.

By strengthening its political position in the region, France would be pushing around Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain, key European countries which have maintained huge geopolitical and economic interests in the Middle East.

The other important question that has been intriguing observers of the region is whether France has sufficient soft and hard power to deploy in the Middle East in order to compete with or confront other major international and regional players.

There is also the question of how Macrons forays are being seen in the Middle East itself. This has been intriguing Middle Eastern observers, with many remaining sceptical about Macrons pronouncements and querying whether they are really tantamount to a genuine comeback.

For many commentators, Frances make-believe return to the Middle East arouses more questions about style, substance and timing than it answers.

To them, one reason to be puzzled is the fog around Macrons statements, which has overshadowed the reality of Frances ability to compete with international and regional rivals that maintain military and economic ties and illustrate the struggles lying ahead.

While China and Russia will remain devoted to their renewed regional presence and push to maintain their trade flows, diplomatic influence and military footholds, regional powers such as Iran and Turkey are unlikely to accept any increasing French role that could weaken their regional standing.

While Iran has so far kept a low profile on Frances encroachment on areas of vital interest to its regional influence, such as Lebanon and Iraq, and has instead been keeping a careful watch on Macrons moves, Turkey has already been vociferous in criticising the French presidents assertiveness.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu lambasted Macrons criticisms of Turkey over its policies in Libya and Syria and over a dispute over maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean as hysterical.

Few other key regional and local players, such as Israel and the Iraqi Kurds, are willing or able to support Macrons half-baked policies, which they likely see as not based on the regional balance of power and possibly risking further instability in the Middle East.

Over the decades, the Western nations have tried to impose their order on the Middle East, only to underline the limits of both their influence and their desire to adopt a constructive role in the region.

Macrons rhetoric about solidifying Frances posture in the region reveals the priorities of a post-Brexit Europe and the EUs struggle to fully wake up to new global realities and the shifting balance of power in the Middle East.

But beyond a few, vague and perfunctory announcements, the fundamental problems in the Middle East continue to be ignored, setting the stage for further popular discontent and sometimes more violent backlash.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 10 September, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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First virtual European Conference of Science Journalism attracted over 600 participants

The European Conference of Science Journalism ECSJ2020 (1 and 2 September, satellite event of the Euro Science Open Forum ESOF2020 Trieste) concluded with participation that went beyond the expectations of the organisers after going fully online.

"We had the pleasure of bringing together 31 speakers from 14 different countries and more than 600 participants from 67 countries*, to discuss issues that are at the core of our profession today", says Fabio Turone, chair of the organising committee of the event and the president of the professional association of Science Writers in Italy (SWIM). "Topics ranged from the use of scientific evidence in policy-making to the coverage of issues surrounded by high uncertainty, to the need for innovative ways to support independent science journalism. All the talks and panels are now available online as a legacy for our professional community", continues Turone who is also a member of the board of the European Federation for Science Journalism (EFSJ).

The videos can be found on the conference website http://www. ecsj2020. eu/ videos-from-ecsj2020/ .

"It was great to see such a huge turnout," says EFSJ board member Mico Tatalovic, who chaired the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) when it organised the ECSJ2016 conference in Manchester, UK. "Covid travel restrictions posed a huge challenge, but the organisers managed to pull off another great conference at a pan-European level, and with global participation, which is amazing."

The event concluded with two award ceremonies, Climate Investigation Grant and European Science Journalist of the Year award, both co-organised and promoted by the EFSJ.

"The Climate Investigation Grant has attracted a lot of interest in our community. This is the second edition of the grant, which was first awarded in 2018", explains Yves Sciama, who chaired the ECSJ2018 conference organised by the French association AJSPI in conjunction with ESOF2018 in Toulouse, and currently sits in the board of EFSJ. "We evaluated 30 projects submitted by 66 journalists from 30 different countries. Proposals included 9 partnerships between European and African journalists, more than double the figures of the first edition".

Meanwhile, the European Science Journalist of the Year that was launched back in 2014 by the ABSW is now co-organised with the EFSJ, in the hope of widening its scope with the help of new supporters.

EFSJ is currently working with the organisers of the next ESOF in 2022 in Leiden, the Netherlands to continue the tradition of these useful events.

The ECSJ2020 was organised by Science Writers in Italy (SWIM) with support from the European Federation for Science Journalism (EFSJ), EurekAlert!, the Knight Science Journalism Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, European Molecular Biology Lab (EMBL), Area Science Park, and the European Union's Earth Observation Programme Copernicus/ECMWF.

*Participants registered from Afghanistan, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lithuania, Mexico, Montenegro, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, The Netherlands, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, UK, Uruguay, USA, Vietnam, Zambia.

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This story has been published on: 2020-09-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
A San Antonio man was killed and his wife hospitalized after a head-on collision cause a five-car accident Sunday in San Marcos.

San Marcos Police said 61-year-old David Hollinbeck was killed in the wreck.

Police were called to the area of Wonder World Drive and Purgatory Creek Bridge around 1 p.m. for the multi-car crash. A 2011 Ford F250, driven by Kyle Nissen of San Marcos, was driving westbound on Wonder World in the left lane when he drifted into the right lane, hitting a grey Nissan Rougue.

Nissen then drifted back into the left lane and crossed the center double-yellow stripe, crashing into four other vehicles in the oncoming lane.

The victim's wife Toni Hollinbeck along with the drivers and passengers of the other four vehicles were all taken to Ascension Seton Hays Hospital in Kyle with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

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The area was shut down for more than five hours as police investigated and cleaned up the crash site.

Police believe alcohol was a factor in the crash and additional warrants may be issued pending the results of Nissen's toxicology report.

Officials did not elaborate on what other charges Nissen may face.

Sunday's incident marked the 13th traffic fatality in San Marcos since the start of 2020, the highest number of roadway fatalities since 2012, when 13 died from car accidents.

Taylor Pettaway is a breaking news and general assignment reporter for MySA.com | taylor.pettaway@express-news.net | @TaylorPettaway
At the 14th session of UNESCOs general conference in 1966, the first ever International Literacy Day was declared and since then it has been celebrated annually on September 8, in an effort to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals and communities around the world.

According to recent consensus, about 775 million adults lack the minimum education that is required to be literate and of those, 60.7 million children are out of school or are rare attendees. According to the UNESCOs Global Monitoring Report on Education for All (2006), South Asia has the lowest regional adult literacy rate, at 58.6% and the causes for this illiteracy range from severe poverty and the prejudice against women.

This day is celebrated in an effort to combat these problems and to provide a quality education for all. Through the course of the years, the United Nations (UN) has given this day special themes keeping in line with the current environment. Ranging from Literacy and Health, Literacy and Epidemics, which focused on communicable diseases such as HIV, to Literacy and Empowerment and Literacy and Peace a few years later. For the year 2020, the theme has been kept in line with the threat of the global Covid-19 pandemic, and it focuses on Literacy teaching and learning in the Covid-19 crisis and beyond.

It may seem redundant by now, but the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the proper flow of our society as a whole. For children primarily, their education has been severely disrupted as majority of the school around the world have been closed since the start of the pandemic. According to the World Literacy Foundation, founded in 2003, more than 190 countries closed their school which affected the education of approximately 1.27 billion children and youth.

This years celebration is going to shed light on the role of educators and changing pedagogies. It thinks of literacy from the perspective of a lifelong experience and hence its importance for the youth ad adults. 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 and radio, or in open air spaces.

Most classes and lectures are being conducted online and though that does make a difference, the question of what the future holds in terms of the process of education in unknown. For the celebration of International Literacy Day, the UN are organising online seminars and talks that go over these pertinent questions. There will be two meetings held, one about the Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond: the role of educators and changing pedagogies and another on The Laureates of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2020.

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The ruling National Democratic Alliance in Bihar on Tuesday asserted that Rhea Chakraborty's arrest by Narcotics Control Bureau was 'an important step' in the direction of securing justice for Patna-born actor Sushant Singh Rajput, whose death has struck an emotional chord with the people of the state.

IMAGE: Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty at Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) office in Mumbai. Photograph: PTI Photo

The Janata Dal (United)-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance also lambasted the actress for lodging a 'baseless' first information report against the sisters of the deceased actor and questioned the 'support' extended to her by the Uddhav Thackeray government in Maharashtra, for 'reasons the Shiv Sena knows better'.

Bihar police chief Gupteshwar Pandey also reacted with an air of vindication on the development.

'Rhea has finally been arrested. We have been seeking a CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) inquiry into the case since the very beginning as the Maharashtra government and the Mumbai police seemed intent on driving the probe in a wrong direction.

'ED too has lodged a case against the actress and investigations seem to have opened a can of worms,' BJP spokesman Nikhil Anand said in a statement.

He expressed confidence that the CBI will ultimately crack the case and ensure justice for the late actor.

On Rhea filing an FIR against Rajput's sisters, Anand said, 'Chakraborty has exposed herself by doing this. The development flies in the face of her professed love for the actor, whose father had leveled serious allegations against the actress in the FIR he had lodged at Patna.'

The BJP spokesman, whose party had been an ally of the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra for more than two decades until the exit of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party from the NDA last year, also launched a stinging attack on its spokesman Sanjay Raut.

'In the Sena mouthpiece Saamna, Raut had been coming out in support of Chakraborty and making appalling observations about the bereaved family of Rajput. This shows that the Shiv Sena did not want that the truth be out in the case, for reasons it knows better,' he added.

The JD-U, headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, also expressed satisfaction over the arrest of the actress and said it hoped that the investigations will wipe Bollywood clean of many ills that plague the Hindi film industry.

"Our government agreed to launch an investigation and, later hand it over to the CBI, because the bereaved father had requested the same and also in view of the fact that the probe taking place in Mumbai did not inspire faith.

"The CBI inquiry has virtually exposed the dark underbelly of Bollywood, including the close links between narcotics traders and celebrities," JD-U spokesman Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said.

Prasad also said that Chakrabroty's FIR, lodged a few hours ahead of her arrest and accusing the deceased actors sisters of administering narcotics to him were ample proof that 'she is rattled by the CBI inquiry and the consequences it may have for her given her suspected complicity'.

The NDA's another partner in Bihar, Lok Janshakti Party, also hailed the arrest of the actress.

LJP president Chirag Paswan, who was among the first politicians in Bihar to demand a CBI probe into the death of the actor, tweeted, 'NCB today arrested Rhea Chakraborty in a narcotics matter. This development would silence all those who had been standing in her support.'

Paswan also added the hashtag 'JusticeforSushantSinghRajput'.

The 34-year-old actor was found hanging from the ceiling of his Bandra residence on June 14.

More than a month later, an FIR was lodged at the local police station here by his father K K Singh who resides in Rajiv Nagar locality of Patna.

Investigation launched by the Bihar police had raised the hackles of the administration in Maharashtra where the government came out in support of Chakraborty's contention, made before the Supreme Court, that since the death had taken place in the western state, the actor's home state had no jurisdiction in the matter.

Things reached a flashpoint when an IPS officer from Patna, who was sent to Mumbai to head the investigating team, was forcibly quarantined hours after landing in the metropolis, in a move that was seen as an attempt to sabotage the investigation.

Exasperated over the stalemate, Singh requested that the probe be handed over to the CBI, which was promptly granted by the Nitish Kumar government.

Meanwhile, Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey who has ruffled many feathers in the recent past with his outspokenness, reacted with an air of vindication.

"Rhea Chakraborty's arrest proves that she has some links with drug peddlers and that she is not without blemishes. Moreover, the Mumbai police carried out its investigation in a manner that could not inspire faith and when we tried to probe the matter hurdles were put in our way.

"I am now confident that the mystery surrounding the death of Sushant will be unfolded and truth will come out," he said.
COLUMBUS, Ohio - After cautioning that college house parties are spreading coronavirus in Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine will update the public on the states response to the pandemic Tuesday afternoon.

Last week, DeWine discussed how the house parties, combined with rigorous testing programs at the schools, is showing an increased number of cases in the counties.

For instance, a party attended by University of Cincinnati students is linked to at least 78 cases.

Watch the 2 p.m. briefing, broadcast by the Ohio Channel, below.

As usual, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted will join DeWine in the briefing.

Other coverage:

College parties causing coronavirus concern in Ohio: Capitol letter

7 Ohio counties are red, but Lorain down two levels

Ohio issues public health alert for CBD products from Avon company

New bar association serving increasing numbers of Ohio Arab attorneys, law students

Ohio Medicaid to seeks to make expanded telehealth permanent
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: The ongoing monsoon session of the Telangana legislature unanimously adopted a resolution on Tuesday urging the central government to confer the Bharat Ratna on former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao moved a motion in this regard in the state Legislative Assembly.

The Assembly took up a debate on the ongoing birth centenary celebrations of PV Narasimha Rao. Moving the motion, the Chief Minister recalled and lauded the services of Narasimha Rao for introducing economic and land reforms.

The state government started the year-long birth centenary celebrations of Narasimha Rao on June 28 this year.

The Chief Minister said that while Jawaharlal Nehru was the "architect of modern India", Narasimha Rao was the 'architect of global India".

Opposition Congress party floor leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and other members supported the government motion.

Meanwhile, the state Legislative Council too adopted a resolution urging the Centre to confer the Bharat Ratna on Narasimha Rao.

The legislature also adopted a resolution urging that Narasimha Rao's statue be erected in the Central Hall of Parliament and that the University of Hyderabad be named after him.

Meanwhile, the AIMIM boycotted Tuesday's Assembly and Council session as it could not support the government resolution. "AIMIM cannot support the resolution and cannot take part in the discussion on the centenary celebrations of late PV Narasimha Rao," an official release from the party said.
When the coronavirus hit, even the most enthusiastic cooks had to adjust to a new, more complicated relationship with their kitchens.

For the first time in a generation, Americans began spending more money at the supermarket than at places where someone else made the food. Grocers saw eight years of projected sales growth packed into one month. Shopping trends that were in their infancy were turbocharged.

The six-month shift has been a behavioral scientists dream. Shoppers began by building bomb-shelter pantries. Then came a nostalgia phase, with bowls of Lucky Charms and boxes of Little Debbies offering throwback comfort. Soon, days were defined by elaborate culinary stunts, sourdough starter and kombucha clubs.

Although kitchen fatigue is setting in for many, a new set of kitchen habits have been set.

People are moving on to more complex cooking, and we dont see that going away, said Rodney McMullen, the chairman and chief executive of Kroger, where sales rose 30 percent at the onset of the pandemic, including big jumps in the pasta aisles, the beer and wine department and baking supplies, including a 600 percent jump in sales of yeast.
President Donald Trump (left) and Rep. Adam Kinzinger. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images, Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call

Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger defended Fox reporter Jennifer Griffin after President Trump called for her to be fired on Saturday.

Griffin had confirmed details first reported by The Atlantic's Jeffery Goldberg that Trump called American soldiers who had died in war "losers" and "suckers."

Kinzinger called Griffin "fair and unafraid" and said that "Shes one of my favorite reporters."

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GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois defended Fox reporter Jennifer Griffin after President Trump called for her firing on Saturday.

Griffin, a national security correspondent at Fox News, confirmed details first reported by The Atlantic's Jeffery Goldberg that Trump called fallen American soldiers "losers" and "suckers." She also confirmed reports that Trump did not want flags lowered to half-mast after Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a veteran and former prisoner of war who often criticized Trump, died in 2018.

In a tweet, Trump wrote that "Jennifer Griffin should be fired for this kind of reporting."

Kinzinger, who is a veteran of the US Air Force, called Griffin "fair and unafraid," adding that the correspondent is "one of my favorite reporters."

Kinzinger had initially responded to reports of Trump's comments by calling for unnamed sources to go on the record and saying "This is either the most heinous hit job on a president or the most heinous comments made by a president."

Trump told reporters on Friday that The Atlantic story was "totally fake," according to The Hill.

Read the original article on Insider
Rajesh Kumar Thakur By

Express News Service

PATNA: A day after Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar mocked the 15-year RJD rule as a regime of 'Pati-Patni' at a virtual rally, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Tejashawi Yadav challenged that if Nitish Kumar fights elections alone, his party will not get even enough seats to reach double digits.

Taking to his twitter, Tejashawi Yadav said that Nitish Kumar had fought the state assembly elections in 1995 in unified Bihar alone. "He got only seven seats in 1995. In 2014, Nitish Kumar fought with the Left and just got 2 seats", Yadav taunted.

Following Yadav's challenge, Nitish Kumar was mocked by a tweet from the handle of jailed Lalu Prasad Yadav saying that Nitish Kumar has now forgotten the form that he once used to read out the special status demand.

Stepping up attacks by all digital means, the RJD alleged that Nitish Kumar will be nowhere to be found after the elections as a result of anti-incumbency due to increased unemployment, poverty, corruption migration, worse law and order system, poor education-health system under his administration.

Sharing a photo in which a handful of people was seen sitting before a LED screen on Monday to hear Nitish Kumar's virtual rally, the RJD from its official Twitter handle said that only eight people were listening to the virtual rally.

The RJD asked why the wealth of a poor state like Bihar was being looted.

Countering the recent placards with photos of late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput and the slogan"Na bhule hai na bhulne denge" brought out by arts and culture cell of BJP, the RJD also released a sticker with the slogan: "We have not forgotten and will not forget how you left 40 lakhs of residents of Bihar to die."
The military junta in Mali must work with the West African regional bloc to ensure a swift return to civilian rule, Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou said on Monday, opening a summit in which Malis post-coup progress is high on the agenda.



A group of army colonels has ruled Mali since ousting President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on August 18.



No consensus has yet been reached on the make-up and duration of a transitional government ahead of promised elections.



The 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is calling for a vote within a year, a timeline the junta, the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), has not committed to.



It is the duty of our community to assist Malians with the rapid recovery of all democratic institutions. The military junta must help us to help Mali, ECOWAS chairman Issoufou said.





The bloc will issue a communique on the results of the summit, which is also expected to address other regional issues, including the coronavirus pandemic.



Seeking to pressure the junta, ECOWAS has already closed borders and halted financial flows amid concerns from some West African leaders the coup could undermine their power and democratic gains in the region.



Talks in the capital Bamako about the transition period got off to a bumpy start on Saturday, when supporters of the influential M5-RFP political coalition accused the junta of sidelining them.



International powers fear continued political turmoil will further destabilise Mali and undermine a joint fight against Islamist militants in the wider Sahel region.



The CNSPs negotiations, which are also being held in regional capitals across Mali, will continue later this week.

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.

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EML Payments Limited (ASX:EML), might not be a large cap stock, but it received a lot of attention from a substantial price movement on the ASX over the last few months, increasing to AU$4.17 at one point, and dropping to the lows of AU$2.95. Some share price movements can give investors a better opportunity to enter into the stock, and potentially buy at a lower price. A question to answer is whether EML Payments' current trading price of AU$3.03 reflective of the actual value of the small-cap? Or is it currently undervalued, providing us with the opportunity to buy? Lets take a look at EML Paymentss outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if there are any catalysts for a price change.

Check out our latest analysis for EML Payments

What's the opportunity in EML Payments?

According to my valuation model, EML Payments seems to be fairly priced at around 12% below my intrinsic value, which means if you buy EML Payments today, youd be paying a fair price for it. And if you believe that the stock is really worth A$3.44, then theres not much of an upside to gain from mispricing. Although, there may be an opportunity to buy in the future. This is because EML Paymentss beta (a measure of share price volatility) is high, meaning its price movements will be exaggerated relative to the rest of the market. If the market is bearish, the companys shares will likely fall by more than the rest of the market, providing a prime buying opportunity.

What kind of growth will EML Payments generate?

Investors looking for growth in their portfolio may want to consider the prospects of a company before buying its shares. Although value investors would argue that its the intrinsic value relative to the price that matter the most, a more compelling investment thesis would be high growth potential at a cheap price. With revenue expected to more than double in the next few years, the future appears to be extremely bright for EML Payments. If expenses can also be maintained, it looks like higher cash flow is on the cards for the stock, which should feed into a higher share valuation.

Story continues

What this means for you:

Are you a shareholder? EMLs optimistic future growth appears to have been factored into the current share price, with shares trading around its fair value. However, there are also other important factors which we havent considered today, such as the track record of its management team. Have these factors changed since the last time you looked at the stock? Will you have enough conviction to buy should the price fluctuates below the true value?

Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping tabs on EML, now may not be the most advantageous time to buy, given it is trading around its fair value. However, the optimistic prospect is encouraging for the company, which means its worth further examining other factors such as the strength of its balance sheet, in order to take advantage of the next price drop.

If you'd like to know more about EML Payments as a business, it's important to be aware of any risks it's facing. You'd be interested to know, that we found 2 warning signs for EML Payments and you'll want to know about these.

If you are no longer interested in EML Payments, you can use our free platform to see our list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential.

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.
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Linkedin Deng Xijun (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 8, 2020 10:10 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c435eba9 3 Opinion ASEAN-China,diplomacy,multilateral-organization,COVID-19,pandemic,East-Asia,Southeast-Asia Free

The 2020 series of Foreign Ministers Meetings on East Asia Cooperation will start tomorrow. This is the first time in history for the meetings to be held via video link, due to the still raging COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with a pandemic rarely seen in a century and the complex changes in the regional landscape, people in our region might be keen to know more than ever how China-ASEAN relations are going and what signals will be sent on antipandemic cooperation in the upcoming meetings.

China and ASEAN are among the main drivers of East Asia cooperation, which has been fully evidenced by our joint fight against the pandemic in recent months. President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang conducted frequent cloud diplomacy with leaders of ASEAN countries to provide confidence, support and political guidance when they are most needed.

To work concertedly against the pandemic and stabilize economic and social order, China and ASEAN have carried out regular exchanges at multiple levels in health, economy, trade, transportation, information and disaster management, among others. All these efforts point to the building of a comprehensive antipandemic cooperation front.

China keeps in mind the needs of ASEAN countries for vaccine R&D and application and support cooperation in these areas between Chinese enterprises and relevant ASEAN countries. In the meantime, it is of paramount importance to take care of social and economic recovery both during the pandemic and in the post-pandemic era.

Toward this end, China and ASEAN countries including Singapore, the Lao PDR, Myanmar and Indonesia have established fast lanes and green lanes for personnel and goods movement respectively.

China has resumed direct international flights with Vietnam and some other ASEAN countries. China has also been actively exploring with ASEAN countries the establishment of fast and green lane networks between China and ASEAN and in East Asia at large. Together we are also working on a regional financial safety net that stabilizes regional supply and industrial chains as well as the financial sector.

These antipandemic endeavors lead us to the larger picture of China-ASEAN cooperation that is comprehensive, multi-tiered and covers a wide range of areas.

Regarding the South China Sea issue, a few external forces are determined to interfere for the sake of their domestic political and geopolitical agenda. They attempt to stir up troubles in our region by driving a wedge between China and ASEAN.

Despite the inconvenience caused by COVID-19, China and ASEAN countries have managed to hold a joint working group meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) via virtual link a few days ago. Our joint effort to promote the implementation of DOC and the consultation of Code of Conduct (COC) speaks volume of our resolve to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.

China-ASEAN economic cooperation has enjoyed remarkable growth against strong headwind. Despite COVID-19 and the sluggish global economy, China-ASEAN foreign trade in the first eight months of 2020 increased by 7 percent to 2.93 trillion yuan (US$430 billion), making ASEAN Chinas largest trading partner in goods, and China and ASEAN each others largest trading partner, indeed a milestone in history. In the first half of this year, China-ASEAN two-way investment soared by 58.8 percent.

The just-concluded economic ministers meetings between ASEAN and partner countries yielded rich fruits as well, including reaffirmed commitment to signing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by year-end, improving regional economic structure and upholding the multilateral trading system of our region.

China-ASEAN high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continues to generate good progress. Greater synergy between the BRI and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 (MPAC 2025) is being created. Steady progress has been achieved in flagship projects despite the impact of COVID-19, including the Jakarta-Bandung high speed railway, China-Laos railway and Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway, adding more solid underpinning of economic recovery in regional countries.

China-ASEAN cooperation in the digital economy is unleashing great potential. Both sides are making the most of the Year of China-ASEAN Cooperation in Digital Economy in 2020. Institution building is improving, and communication mechanisms are expanding. Experience-sharing is growing in areas of pandemic control, infrastructure construction, industrial transformation and poverty reduction through digital means. Cooperation is strengthening in e-commerce, smart cities and 5G networks. These encouraging interactions significantly energize the shaping of a China-ASEAN digital economic partnership.

Flourishing China-ASEAN people-to-people and cultural exchanges lead to deeper mutual understanding. China and ASEAN countries boast unique, diverse, yet inclusive cultures and a time-honored history of friendship among the people. The closeness and dynamism are unrivaled in Asia.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the peoples of China and ASEAN countries have supported each other through financial and material donations or expression of sympathy and blessings in videos. People from media outlets, think tanks and other walks of life have also maintained dialogue, learned from each other and deepened friendship through digital means.

As people often say, the rainbow appears after the storm. The China-ASEAN relationship is cleaving the waves in the stormy COVID-19 pandemic and will usher in its 30th year in four months. It is our fervent hope that the rainbow appears sooner rather than later. By then the testing time will be seen to have made the foundation of China-ASEAN relations stronger, driving forces greater and prospects brighter.

It is critical for China and ASEAN countries to stay clear of noises and disruptions in the upcoming Foreign Ministers meetings, stay focused on building more consensus in combating the pandemic and boosting post-pandemic economic recovery, and stay determined and confident to elevate the China-ASEAN relationship to a higher level.

***

Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China to ASEAN

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.




The Yangtze River Delta region - consisting of the metropolis of Shanghai and the provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui - is one of the most dynamic growth engines in China.

Because of the region's unique geo-economic advantages in urbanization, industrialization, talent cultivation and digital revolution, the Yangtze River Delta region has been able to contribute about a quarter of China's economic output, despite its land area being merely 3.7 percent of the country's total.

In 2019, the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region was elevated to a national strategy, adding momentum to the region's growth. Watch the video for more details.








Telecommunication companies in Ghana say they are not responsible for Unsolicited Electronic Communications (UEC) received by their clients.

Mobile Network Operators have not sent out UECs for and on behalf of any Political Party, the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications said in a statement.

Some Ghanaians have taken to social media to raise concerns over unsolicited messages they receive from political parties as the 2020 polls draw closer.

But the statement from the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications stated unequivocally that its members, the mobile network operators (MNOs), are politically neutral, and their policies and principles prohibit the promotion of any political party.

As an industry, we are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the continued growth of our democracy. How do political parties do it?

The Chamber explained that political parties rely on Content Providers to forward bulk SMS transfers on their behalf.

Content providers build databases of phone numbers from various sources including online, social media etc. Political Parties have access to data which they get through their own sources including their fundraising activities and other events. A UEC may not necessarily come from the operator you use. It could come from any source if your number is part of their targeted database, the Chamber noted.

The Chamber further urged customers who wish to unsubscribe from UECs of any kind to type STOP (space) senders name and send to the number from which the message or call was sent to stop receiving such messages.

If the UECs persists, contact your service provider to omit you from the promotional list and the Regulator as last resort.

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The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana is calling for the public censure of Republican U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins for a Facebook post the group says threatened violence against Black protesters.

The civil rights organization said the post in question featured photos of armed Black protesters alongside statements that included: One way ticket fellasHave your affairs in orderId drop any 10 of you where you stand.

Look, fair warning, the now-deleted post continued, according to screenshots posted online. If this shows up, well consider the armed presence a real threat. We being, we, the people of Louisiana.

Heres Clay Higgins threatening to shoot on sight a Black militia rumored to be coming to LFT. And heres the militia that showed up. Higgins appears to have deleted the post. pic.twitter.com/yfzg7iZJh4  Christiaan Mader (@xnmader) September 2, 2020

ACLU of Louisiana Executive Director Alanah Odoms Hebert issued a stern rebuke in response to Higgins comments.

Lafayette is a community that is grieving and rightfully demanding justice, and such calls for change should never be met by racist threats or intimidation, Hebert said in a statement. Representative Higgins racist and reprehensible threat to shoot protesters harkens back to the darkest days of racial terror in our country and should be publicly censured by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The ACLU of Louisiana will continue to stand with all those demanding justice and an end to police violence against people of color, she added.

A spokesperson for Facebook told The Hill it removed Higgins post for breaking our Violence and Incitement policies.

McClatchy News reached out to Higgins office for comment and is awaiting response.

Calls for justice continued last week as protesters marched for Trayford Pellerin, the 31-year-old Black man fatally shot by police at a gas station in Lafayette on Aug. 21, KLFY reported. Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory defended officers decision to kill Pellerin, saying he was threatening and armed with a knife, according to The Daily Advertiser.

Story continues

Pellerin is accused of trying to walk away from officers and into another store when he was shot and killed,police said. The results of an independent autopsy commissioned by his family showed he was shot 10 times, KTBS reported.

Higgins comments were seemingly in response to protests sparked by the police shooting. In a follow-up post, the congressman denied removing his initial post, which promised to eliminate the threat of armed demonstrators, according to KATC.

No, I did not remove my post, Higgins wrote, according to KATC. America is being manipulated into a new era of government control. Your liberty is being threatened from within. Welcome to the front lines, Ladies and Gentlemen. I suggest you get your mind right. Ill advise when its time to gear up, mount up, and roll out.
RIVERDALE, N.J., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Carl Stahl Sava Industries has been awarded NJBIA's Healthy Site Certification for its unflinching commitment to ensuring the workplace remain a continually clean, safe and healthy place to work since the outset of the global health emergency. As early as February, Sava put in place strict social distancing, as well as hygiene and workplace sanitization policies designed to dramatically reduce an employee's risk of exposure, contraction, and transmission of COVID-19. Said Director of Operations Bob Konig, "We were very proactive, and our employees were incredibly responsive to what has been an evolving and dynamic situation."

NJBIA awarded Carl Stahl Sava Industries their NJBIA Safe Site Certification.

NJBIA's Certified Healthy Site distinction is awarded to New Jersey businesses that demonstrate stringent adherence to health workplace safety criteria established by OSHA standards, as well as CDC and WHO checklists. The certification's coursework requires a business to thoroughly demonstrate it maintains a workplace infectious disease control and mitigation strategy that satisfies the strictest requirements set by the world's health and disease control organizations. Health and wellness mitigation systems and policies are evaluated and graded against prevailing standards set by U.S. and world health safety authorities. Routine audits, inspections and long-term planning of safe and healthy workplace measures are likewise assessed for their adherence to the most meticulous standards.

President and CEO Chris Krasas has made the company's proactive response to workplace and employee safety an urgent priority, adding, "We've made our workforce's safety and wellbeing our company's most pressing priority since the pandemic began. Being recognized and certified by NJBIA for our commitment to the safety of our workforce, while keeping our business uninterrupted, is a special honor of which we are all so enormously proud."

ABOUT CARL STAHL SAVA INDUSTRIES, INC.

For 50 years, Carl Stahl Sava Industries, Inc. has been an award-winning manufacturer and supplier of custom cable assemblies, precision miniature and small cables, fittings, pulleys and tools for a wide array of industries, including wearable and surgical robotics. Over the decades, customers from around the world, possessing mechanical cable and fittings needs, have grown to depend upon the deep bench of expertise of Sava's in-house team. For more information, visit SavaCable.com or call 973-358-0737.

Media Inquiries:

Scott Dailey, Vice President of Marketing

973-835-0882

[email protected]

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NJBIA awarded Carl Stahl Sava Industries their NJBIA Safe Site Certification.

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The Centre has decided to postpone the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2020 by one year amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the country.

The NAS, which was initially scheduled to be held in November 2020 to assess the learning levels of students, will now be held around the same time next year. Due to current prevailing pandemic situation in the country, it has been decided to postpone NAS to 2021, according to a communication sent by Union ministry of education director JP Pandey last week to principal secretaries, school education, of all the states and union territories.

The central ministry has tentatively scheduled the survey for classes 3, 5, 8, and 10 during the first week of October or second week of November 2021, asking the states and UTs to convey their preference by September 18. As the survey involves all states and UTs, early finalization of dates would help stakeholders and other agencies involved in the conduct of NAS for a seamless and timely planning, reads the letter. The postponement came as Indias Covid-19 tally raced past the 40 lakh-mark.

The exercise will be conducted jointly by the Union ministry of education and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to evaluate class-appropriate learning competencies of students in state-run and aided schools, understand educational health of schooling, diagnose maladies, and institute measures to fill them. In the last survey held in November 2017, the learning levels of 25 lakh students of 1.10 lakh schools across 701 districts in all states and UTs were assessed.

A senior official of Punjabs school education department said there is no other option available as all schools are closed. There is no plan to reopen schools for now as Covid-19 cases are rising across the country. Whenever any decision is taken, primary and middle school will be the last to be reopened, he said. Punjab held the Punjab Achievement Survey (PAS) online last month for students of classes 6 to 12 to check the learning outcomes to prepare the teachers and students for the national achievement survey. In the 2017 survey, Punjab students had not fared well, particularly in mathematics even though they did better in languages.

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Hyderabad, Sep 8 : Former custodian of the Dargah Yousufain here, Faisal Ali Shah, allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday.

Shah was found hanging in his house adjoining Dargah Yousufain at Nampally, police said.

An employee of the shrine found him hanging from a ceiling fan and informed his wife and mother who live at another place.

They lodged a complaint with Habeebnagar police station. A police officer said Shah's wife, in her complaint, said he had health issues and financial problems.

Police shifted the body to the Osmania General Hospital for autopsy, registered a case and took up investigations.

A controversy was going on between the Telangana State Wakf Board and Shah over the custody of the Dargah Yousufain for the last few years.

Shah was removed as 'mutawalli' (custodian) of the dargah in 2014 by the Wakf Board for not paying seven per cent funds to the Wakf Board, wrongdoings and selling the space for graves in the graveyard under the management of the shrine.

Shah had denied the charges and challenged the Wakf Board's action in the court. He had argued that he is hereditary 'sajjadanasheen' or caretaker of the dargah and that his family had been serving it for the last 300 years.

Shah was also barred from entering the shrine. On many instances, the police had to intervene to prevent untoward situations.
Labor Day weekend was the busiest for air travel since the coronavirus pandemic began in March, with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening more than 2million people.

On Friday, the TSA screened 968,000 travelers, the largest number since March 17.

The rising numbers showed a renewed confidence among travelers following the shutdowns but raised concerns about whether the higher levels of air travel will lead to a spike in coronavirus numbers.

Labor Day weekend was the busiest for air travel since the coronavirus pandemic began in March, as travelers regain confidence despite concerns it could lead to a spike in cases

On Saturday and Sunday, the TSA also screened a further 664,640 and 689,630 travelers, respectively, well above the numbers seen in April and May.

At the lowest point on April 14, the TSA screened only 87,534 passengers, according to Boston 25 News.

Despite the increase in travelers, the numbers are still well below what would be seen on a general Labor Day weekend.

The number of passengers screened on Friday was still 50 percent lower than Labor Day weekend last year when nearly 2.2million people went through a TSA checkpoint.

The drop in numbers has led to shorter wait times for those who do decide to catch a flight and is now at least half the time it was this time last year.

Travelers can wear masks while waiting in line but must temporarily lower them when having documents check by an agent.

'For travelers who have not flown since the beginning of the pandemic, the TSA checkpoint experience will be noticeably different as compared to Labor Day last year,' TSA Administrator David Pekoske said.

'Passengers also play an important role in helping us ensure they safely and efficiently get through security screening at our airports while wearing masks and respecting social distancing.'

Air travel had seen a previous spike at the unofficial start to the summer over Memorial Day weekend.

There were 348,673 passengers screened on Friday, May 22, the first times that TSA screening numbers had passed 300,000 since March 23.

Yet this was also significantly lower than in previous years. In 2019, TSA screened eight times that number, with 2.7million generally traveling over the holiday weekend.

The top destinations for travelers this Labor Day weekend was also affected by the pandemic with large drops in travelers to the likes of New York, where a 14-day quarantine is required for those arriving from hotspot states. Cancun, Mexico, had the biggest increase in travelers

Newark, a gateway to New York, also saw a large drop this Labor Day weekend

The top destinations for travelers this Labor Day weekend was also affected by the pandemic with large drops in travelers to the likes of New York, where a 14-day quarantine is required for those arriving from hotspot states.

According to TripIt, the top destinations for Labor Day weekend in 2019 were Denver, Colorado; Chicago, Illinois; and Las Vegas.

Las Vegas was in poll positions in 2020, followed by Denver, Orlando, and Chicago.

After being the global epicenter of the pandemic in April, New York City saw the largest drop in travelers, dropping from 5th place to 19th place.

Newark, a gateway airport to New York, dropped 43 spots, from 17th place in 2019 to 60th place this year.

Cancun, Mexico, saw the largest increase jumping from 37th place to 9th.

Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando in Florida all had the next largest jump in travelers this year.

On Friday, the TSA screened 968,000 travelers, the largest number since March 17

The number of passengers screened on Friday was still 50 percent lower than Labor Day weekend last year when nearly 2.2million people went through a TSA checkpoint

There was a 200 percent year-over-year increase on flights booked to Florida this Labor Day weekend compared to last year, TripIt reports.

Travel to current coronavirus hotspots has caused concern for health experts about the risk of further spread of the virus.

According to CDC guidelines, travel increases the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19 and travelers are asked to consider whether coronavirus is spreading at their destination or if they are at increased risk of the virus before their fly.

Most major US airlines also now require passengers to wear face masks throughout the flight.

The recent increase in air travel comes as airlines begin to open back up their routes ahead of fall travel.

American Airlines, Delta and United all plan to resume as many as 15 long-haul international routes in the next few weeks, despite predictions that passenger numbers will drop again after the summer season.

Southwest also announced that it is adding Miami and Palm Springs to its routes by the end of the year.

Major airline carriers are in desperate need of more revenue, as demand for air travel has plummeted with the coronavirus pandemic continuing to rage on.

The US Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics said on August 10 that airline passengers in June had dropped 80 per cent from where they were in 2019.

That is not as bad as in April and May, when passengers had decreased 96 per cent and 90 per cent, respectively, compared to 2019's figures.

The Transportation Safety Administration has released figures showing how far air travel has dropped off since the middle of March, when coronavirus concerns began to hit the US hard and states began going into lockdown mode.

On March 1, the TSA said it had screened more than 2.28million travelers, close to the 2.3million travelers it had screened on the same day in 2019.

But, on March 16, those numbers began to drop off in a major way - only 953,699 were screened that day, compared to 2019's 2.17million screenings that same day.

Throughout April - during the height of the quarantine phase and pandemic in the US - the TSA reported that the number of passengers screened frequently fell to 80,000 to 90,000 people. In 2019, they routinely screened more than 2million passengers.

Since travel restrictions have begun lifting and cities are reopening, people have begun taking more flights.

From June through August, between 500,000 to 800,000 travelers were screened by the TSA, however these numbers are still down by about 30 per cent from where they were in 2019, especially considering it was peak summer travel season.

Airlines are scrambling to appeal to the fraction of people who are still willing to travel during the pandemic, particularly as the $25billion government bailout funds they received to help stave off layoffs is ending.

United and other large American carriers have been trying to coax air travelers back to the airports with attractive offers and customer-friendly terms.

Last week, Delta and American joined United in scrapping flight change fees for domestic travel in the US.

Both Delta and American said the elimination of the $200 change fee is effective immediately and will be permanent.

There are now almost 6.3million coronavirus cases in the US and there have been more than 189,000 deaths.
"We are excited to be able to bring the incredible insight and information being shared within each of our podcast series to the legal industry to engage and explore a variety of topics that are on everyones minds, including diversity, mental health and career growth, said Jennifer Silver.

Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA), the worlds leading legal search firm, today introduced The Legal Talent Talk Network, home to its four podcastsBetween the Legal Lines, B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, Erasing the Stigma and the upcoming Millennial Murmurs. The Legal Talent Talk Network was created to give listeners a central location to listen to all of MLAs in-depth conversations with some of the industrys best lawyers, thought leaders and advocates.

Our recruiters are the most well-informed and connected in the legal industry. We are excited to be able to bring the incredible insight and information being shared within each of our podcast series to the legal industry to engage and explore a variety of topics that are on everyones minds, including diversity, mental health and career growth, said Jennifer Silver, Executive Director of Marketing of Major, Lindsey & Africa.

Between the Legal Lines is a series of conversations between hosts Eliza Stoker and Andrea Bricca and a variety of ambitious women who have excelled in the legal profession by embracing their unique abilities and rising to the challenges set in front of them. Past guests have included LaTanya Langley, Lacey Bundy and Jill Twedt.

B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, hosted by Merle Vaughn, explores the unique, inspiring and often unbelievable personal and professional stories and experiences of highly successful lawyers and legal professionals. Whether its someone with an unusual side gig or a passion for something out of the ordinary, Merle encourages them to share their authenticity with the world. Past guests have included Sierra Elizabeth, David Lash and Sheila Foster.

Erasing the Stigma: Conversations about Mental Health in the Legal Profession is hosted by Mark Yacano who engages in thought-provoking dialogue with a diverse group legal, mental health and wellness experts discussing the state of mental health and well-being in the profession and exploring the opportunities that exist to destigmatize the challenges and build awareness. Guests have included Brian Cuban, Gina Passarella and Chris Parsons.

In Millennial Murmurs, which launches October 6, Nathan Peart address millennial career questions, queries and curiosities to help them navigate the jungle of the modern working world with the help of industry experts.

The Legal Talent Talk Network can be found on SoundCloud, Google Podcasts, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and TuneIn. A new episode is added to the network every Tuesday.

About Major, Lindsey & Africa

Major, Lindsey & Africa is the worlds leading legal search firm. The firm, founded in 1982, offers a range of specialized legal recruiting and advisory services to meet the ever-changing needs of law firms and legal departments and to support the career aspirations of talented lawyers and legal and compliance professionals. With more than 25 offices and 200-plus search consultants around the world, Major, Lindsey & Africa uses its market knowledge and experience to partner with organizations to fulfill their legal talent needs and provide solutions to increase team efficiency and effectiveness. Major, Lindsey & Africa is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in talent solutions.

To learn more about Major, Lindsey & Africa, visit http://www.mlaglobal.com.


08.09.2020 LISTEN

Ghana is going to the polls again to elect President and Parliamentarians come December 7.

Bissa, a tribe predominantly from the Upper East Region is not left out in the race as five men from the tribe are contesting the parliamentary seats of their respective constituencies on the ticket of NPP and NDC.

As part of our mandate to inform our readers of the progress being made by some Bissas to project the unique brand, Bissanewsonline has compiled the names and constituencies of five Bissa men contesting the December 7 election in the quest to represent their constituents in the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic.

Check below:

Honourable Mohammed Bawa- Ejura-Sekyedomasi Constituency (Ashanti Region)

The only bird in hand now! The only Parliamentary pride for Bissas as at now.

Honourable Mohammed Bawa Braimah is the only sitting MP among the Bissa 5 after he won the 2016 election to join Parliament in January 2017.

His victory in 2016 marked a recapture of a seat his party, the NDC, lost to the NPP in the 2012 election.

Ejura-Sekyedomasi Constituency is one of just two in the hands of the NDC in a region known to be the stronghold of the NPP.

He came into the 2016 contest as the MCE for the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality and managed to beat the incumbent with 23,277 votes out of the 45,865 valid votes cast, representing 51.40%. With the then MP, Mohammed Salisu Bamba (NPP) losing with 21,795 representing 48.13%.

Alhaji Bawa Braimah Mohammed was the MCE from December, 2013 to January, 2017.

He is seeking a second term in office on December 7 in the parliamentary election which is expected to be fiercely contested as his opponent he once beat now comes in as the MCE.

Honourable Mohammed Bawa Braimah serves under two committees in Parliament thus the Public Account Committee (PAC) and the Defence and Interior Committee.

Mr Adams Abdul Salam  New Edubiase Constituency (Ashanti Region)

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Mr Abdul-Salam has the arduous task to recapture the New Edubiase Parliamentary seat which the NDC lost in the 2016 election.

The constituency happens to be one of those lost by the NDC in the 2016 election. It was one of the only three, the NDC had before that election.

Reports indicate that Mr George Oduro, the Member of Parliament for New Edubiase Constituency is likely to lose his seats to the NDC candidate Mr Abdul Salam Adams.

The New Edubiase seat had been in the hands of the NDC since 1992 until then Member of Parliament, Ernest Kofi Yakah lost it in the 2016 election.

Abdul-Karim Zenni Dubiure  Pusiga Constituency (Upper East Region) NPP

Abdul-Karim Dubiure, a pioneer of the Zekula campaign! A broad shoulder for Bissas to lean on.

Abdul-Karim Dubiure is contesting the election on the ticket of the ruling NPP.

He is the only NPP candidate among the five but a notable figure within the Bissa fraternity.

He is making his first attempt to enter Parliament, after winning the NPP Parliamentary primaries last year.

He has been a consultant for a number of financial institutions.

He is the chairman of the cooperative society in Accra.

He had led impeccable character in his twelve-years with the Barclays Bank, and six years with the Stanbic Bank as the Country Director of Operations.

He garnered 204 votes to beat the current District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Abdulai Zubeiru who gathered 197 votes.

He is seeking to snatch the parliamentary seat which is now occupied by Hon. Laadi Ayii Ayamba of the NDC.

Abdul Rauf Tongym Tubazu  Ayawaso Central Constituency (Greater Accra Region)

Affable! A pure Bissa creation. Too fine to be rejected

Mr Abdul Rauf Tubazu is contesting the Ayawaso Central parliamentary seat, which has been clinched on by the NPP for years.

He is one of the new faces for the umbrella party who are making a big case for their people.

He is in contention with Honourable Henry Quartey, who is the Deputy Minister for the Interior.

Issah Mumuni  Akontomra Constituency, Western North Region

A hope for the youth. Issah Mumuni joined the race to Parliament after winning the NDC primaries in August last year.

He leads the NDC into the contest in a bid to recapture the Akontombra seat, which the party lost in 2016.

In the partys parliamentary primaries he garnered 417 out of 753 total votes cast, while his contender, Mr Kenneth Yeboah the partys 2016 parliamentary candidate managed to poll 331, with five spoilt ballots.

The party lost the 2016 seat to the NPP after the incumbent MP then decided to run as an independent candidate after losing the 2015 primaries, creating an apathy to the advantage of the NPP.

Issah Mumuni has a brighter chance if he is able to unite the party rank in the constituency.

He has a contest with NPPs Honourable Alex Djonoboah Tetteh, who doubles as the Deputy Minister for the Western North region.

More to follow..

Source: bissanewsonline
NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Pipedrive, the leading CRM for sales teams, announced today that it is among the first apps featured on Samsung AppStack, a new easy-to-use and customizable platform for small and medium-sized companies looking to accelerate their business in today's economy.

Scott Fratianne, VP of Channels Sales & Partnerships at Pipedrive said that being one of the founding applications within Samsung's new marketplace is a great opportunity to support salespeople in their work wherever they are located. "Mobility has become a critical component within the SMB market, with many organizations being entirely run on mobile devices. As smartphones are the primary device that sales professionals are using to communicate with prospects and customers these days, there is a natural fit for Pipedrive to collaborate with Samsung, a market leader in mobility solutions."

The number of software being purchased directly through marketplaces and not through vendors is constantly increasing. Forrester is predicting that 17% of the $13 trillion in B2B spend will flow to marketplaces by 2023.

"For many small businesses, access to technological knowledge and resources has been a major obstacle to adapt to the digital-first economy," said Taher Behbehani, Head of the Mobile B2B Division, SVP and General Manager, Samsung Electronics America. "AppStack is a platform where SMBs can go to get a collection of highly-rated app recommendations, from a partner they can trust. We're thrilled Pipedrive is joining AppStack to support SMBs through their digital transformation journey."

SMBs have been without a dedicated resource to help them meet the technology challenges of operating in today's environment. AppStack addresses that white space, offering a one-stop-shop to discover, deploy, and centrally manage business apps. It is designed with SMBs in mind and has apps on its marketplace in a number of categories, including Office Productivity, Business Efficiency, eSignatures, Sales Essentials, Video Conferencing, and Startup Essentials. Leveraging the buying power of Samsung's enterprise network, AppStack provides free trials, competitive discounts, and increased savings based on the quantity of apps purchased.

Pipedrive is a top-rated CRM that has won a number of awards. It has been recognized as the easiest to use CRM by Motley Fool, ranked #1 by Software Reviews and #2 by the U.S. News & World Report "Best CRM Software in 2020". Pipedrive is also rated as one of the most popular CRMs with its users. Pipedrive also has its own marketplace, offering integrations with nearly 230 apps.

About Pipedrive

Founded in 2010, Pipedrive is the first CRM platform developed from the salesperson's point of view. Today, Pipedrive is used by sales teams at more than 90,000 companies worldwide. Pipedrive is headquartered in New York, and has offices across Europe and in the US. The company is backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, Insight Partners, Atomico, Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners, and Rembrandt Venture Partners. Learn more at www.pipedrive.com.

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Theres a pandemic. Millions get sick, millions die. Its followed by, or concurrent with, a period of significant social unrest.

Sound familiar?

The comparison between 2020 and 1919 is stark. The so-called Spanish Flu epidemic began to peter out and gave way to what was termed the red summer, during which race riots broke out around the country.

Its a pattern, according to a recent study released by a group of Italian researchers. The social and psychological unrest arising from the epidemic pushes aside any social conflict from before the epidemic but, at the same time it constitutes the fertile ground on which global protest may resurrect more aggressively once the epidemic will be over, the authors wrote.

Take, for example, the Black Death.

The change in the types of unrest that America is experiencing has some similarities to the 14th century uprising in England, which followed the Black Death (1346-1353), the study says, citing some previous research. The bubonic plague acted as a social incubator, which silently nurtured the class tensions that had been smoldering for more than 30 years and finally erupted in the aftermath of the plague.

Also look at the cholera epidemic that ended in 1835, after which came a period of social unrest. The 1771 plague in Moscow resulted in significant xenophobia and anti-Ottoman sentiment. And the list goes on.

So perhaps its possible to predict the societal effects of this current pandemic, or, as the studys authors wrote, We can form an informed opinion about the possible effects of COVID-19 on protest initiatives and future social unrest by looking at the great plagues of the past.
NEW DELHI: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release the JEE Main 2020 exam answer key on its official website -- jeemain.nta.nic.in on on Tuesday (September 8). Once released, candidates who took the exam can check and download it from the website.

A media report said that a provisional answer key for 8,58,273 candidates could be released soon and the results will be announced on the basis of the answer key. However, there is no official confirmation about the announcement date and time of the official answer keys. But the results are likely to be declared on 11 September, according to the tentative schedule on jeeadv.ac.in and therefore, the agency is expected to release the answer key soon.

The top 2,50,000 rank holders in JEE Main 2020 will qualify to appear for JEE Advanced 2020. The exam was conducted from September 1 to 6 across 600 centres.

Candidates who meet the required JEE Main 2020 cutoff marks will be eligible to apply for admission to various engineering institutions such as-Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs).

Following are the steps to check JEE Main 2020 answer key:

STEP 1: Once made available, candidates need to go to the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in.

STEP 2: Click on the link that reads - JEE Mains 2020 answer key

STEP 3: Enter the application number and password and click on the submit button.

STEP 4: The answer key will be displayed on the screen.

STEP 5: Candidates should download the PDF file and compare answers.

After the declaration of results, The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) will start JEE Main counselling.
JACKSON COUNTY, MI  A man died Monday while boating on Wamplers Lake in Norvell Township, police said.

The 60-year-old Hunting Woods man was driving a personal watercraft when he became unresponsive around 4:54 p.m., Sept. 7, Jackson County Undersheriff Chris Kuhl said.

A 43-year-old passenger took control of the watercraft and drove it back to shore along Lakeshore Drive, where he started CPR with help from other people, but the man died, Kuhl said.

Its believed he had a medical emergency, but the incident is still under investigation while results are pending from the medical examiners office, Kuhl said.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement, Jackson Community Ambulance and Cambridge Township Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene.

Read more from MLive.com:

Barricaded gunman arrested in Jackson after countywide search for gunfire suspects

Teen presumed drowned in Lake Michigan; South Haven beach closed

Search around Jackson for Bright Spots scavenger hunt clues
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has appeared in court in Iran and has been told she will face another trial on Sunday, an MP has said.

Irans state TV reported on Tuesday that the British-Iranian dual national was facing a new charge, citing an unnamed official.

Labour MP Tulip Siddiq later said she had spoken to Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, confirming that she had appeared in court on Tuesday morning.

Ms Siddiq tweeted on Tuesday: Ive been in touch with Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and can confirm that she was taken to court this morning and told she will face another trial on Sunday.

I know many people are concerned about her welfare and Ill keep everyone updated when we have more information #FreeNazanin.

Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was granted temporary release from prison this spring following the coronavirus outbreak after serving nearly all of her sentence.

She was arrested at Tehrans Imam Khomeini airport while travelling to show her young daughter, Gabriella, to her parents in April 2016.

She was sentenced to five years in prison over allegations, which she denies, of plotting to overthrow the Tehran government.

She was later afforded diplomatic protection by the UK Government, which argues that she is innocent and that her treatment by Iran failed to meet obligations under international law.
Vodafone Idea board approves proposal to raise up to Rs25,000 cr

The board of Vodafone Idea which met today, approved a proposal to raise funds of up to Rs25,000 crore through a mix of instruments, the company said in an exchange filing.

The cash-strapped company plans to raise funds in one or more tranches, including through 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 Rs15,000 crore via equity and another tranche of Rs15,000 crore by way of public offering or private placement of non-convertible debentures. The total fundraising, however, has been capped at Rs25,000 crore.

The proposal will be taken up for consideration at the company's annual general meeting (AGM) on 30 September.

Vodafone Idea needs to raise fresh capital to pay up overdue AGR arrears of over 50,000 crore to government and also stay afloat in the Indian market against tough competition from key competitors Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio.

The Supreme Court in its verdict in the adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues case allowed telecom players a 10-year timeline for staggered repayment beginning 1 April 2021. While most telcos will benefit from the verdict, Vodafone Idea with its Rs 50,399 crore outstanding AGR dues will have a tough time.
AUSTIN, Texas  Texas health officials on Tuesday said there had been more than 13,500 reported deaths from the coronavirus, as the governor a day earlier extended the states disaster declaration in response to the pandemic.

The extension of the disaster declaration came as three of the states largest school districts experienced technical problems on Tuesday as their students started the new school year virtually because of concerns over the pandemic.

When Texas Governor Greg Abbott first issued his emergency order on March 13, state officials hadnt yet reported any confirmed deaths. Abbott has renewed his order every 30 days since and did again Monday.

Although hospitalizations for COVID-19 have steady declined since a peak in mid-July, Abbott said Texans should remain vigilant in helping to prevent virus spread.

I urge Texans to take precautionary steps to protect their health by wearing a mask, social distancing, and sanitizing their hands, Abbott said. Working together, we will slow the spread and keep our communities safe.

Also on Tuesday, school districts in Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth dealt with various technical issues as they began their new school years online.

In the Houston school district, a web hosting service went down, causing problems for families as they tried to sign into the districts main classwork portal. Families were given a different link to access the portal until the problems were resolved by around noon Tuesday.

In this unprecedented school year, we must remain flexible and quickly adapt to changing conditions and circumstances like we noticed this morning, said Houston School District Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan.

In Dallas and Fort Worth, the school districts said on their Twitter feeds they were experiencing technical problems with their phone lines and websites and were working to fix them.

The Houston school district, the states largest, has about 209,000 students. The Dallas school district has nearly 154,000 students and the Fort Worth district has more than 84,000 students.

Texas health officials on Tuesday reported that the state has had nearly 642,000 virus infections with about 3,700 people currently hospitalized. So far, officials said there have been 13,553 reported deaths.

The true number of cases in Texas is likely higher because many people havent been tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and be fatal.
JERSEYVILLE  A group of about 50 people from a six-county region in Illinois is putting a renewed focus on the vision of the regions economic future.

Representative leaders from Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Calhoun, Christian and Montgomery counties partnered during the first half of this year to complete a planning document called the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, state Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, state Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, and state Rep. Avery Bourne, R-Morrisonville, have assisted the regional and local leaders during the process.

Keeping the project progressing and on task were Shari Albrecht, executive director of the Jerseyville Economic Development Council, along with the University of Illinois Extension team of Jennifer Russell, Zach Kennedy and Will Andresen.

By completing this process and having our plan now in place, we are eligible for federal funding opportunities, Albrecht said. Each local government has to be part of a regional economic development initiative to be eligible for federal grant funds. Having this plan, this strategy, in place now lays out ways for us to pursue funding that was not an option before it. This is a big deal for our area, as each of the six counties involved are interrelated  we are all part of a bigger picture.

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy plan, now regionally known as the Western Illinois River Valley Economic Development Strategy, was compiled by University of Illinois Extension Community and Economic Development staff, which also helped facilitate the process of its development. Funding was provided by the six participating counties at $1,900 each, along with an in-kind grant from University of Illinois valued at $45,000.

Representatives of each of the six counties comprised a 30-member team that came together to provide additional input regarding the regions economic development strengths and weaknesses and to further define the plans components.

The resulting document provided a detailed demographic profile of the encompassed area and outlines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats impacting economic stability and its potential for growth. And in its final pages, the strategy will roll out an action plan for sustaining as well as growing the regions economy.

The plan points out that the Western Illinois River Valley region is primed for similar success as St. Louis and its Metro East has had with its regional logistics and intermodal operations. Highlighted among strengths in the plan is the six-county regions blend of access to interstates and highways and rail carriers and its major river access.

Two such projects benefiting from this strength are under way in Jersey and Montgomery counties, connected by a stretch of Illinois Route 16. In Jersey County, the city of Jerseyville is in initial stages of developing a rail facility and logistics park. The Mid-American International Gateway industrial park development is a shared vision among community leaders, Kansas City Southern Railroad and the Atlanta-based nationwide development firm Stonemont Financial Group.

I believe that rural America is at a turning point and COVID-19 can accelerate a change, said Pat Pinkston, who works with the Carrollton Square redevelopment initiative. Getting this document in place lays a key cornerstone to the future for the region.
There are still many young people, middle-aged people and herders who cannot use Mandarin for basic communication, said a Q&A published by the state-backed Inner Mongolia Daily. This has become an obstacle to lifting individuals out of poverty, impacting local economic and social development, and an important factor limiting the ethnic unity and harmony in our region.
The runningmate of the opposition National Democratic Congress Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has condemned what she says is nepotism being masqueraded as businesses in Ghana.

Speaking at the partys manifesto launch at UPSA in Accra Monday, the former education minister said the Ghanaian economy must work for all since the country belongs to all Ghanaians.

Nepotism, cronyism masquerading as businesses is not good for us. Ghana is better than that. Let there no be doubt that Ghana belongs to all of us and not few individuals who arrogate to themselves the power to share our natural resources, she said.

---starrfmonline
The Lost Summer of 2020 drew to a close Monday with many big Labor Day gatherings canceled across the U.S. and health authorities pleading with people to keep their distance from others so as not to cause another coronavirus surge like the one that followed Memorial Day.

Downtown Atlanta was quiet as the 85,000 or so people who come dressed as their favorite superheroes or sci-fi characters for the annual Dragon Con convention met online instead. Huge football stadiums at places like Ohio State and the University of Texas sat empty. Many Labor Day parades marking the unofficial end of summer were called off, and masks were usually required at the few that went on.

Please, please do not make the same mistakes we all made on Memorial Day weekend. Wear your masks, watch your distance and wash your hands, said Dr. Raul Pino, state health director in Orange County, Florida, which includes the Orlando area.

The U.S. had about 1.6 million confirmed COVID-19 cases around Memorial Day, before backyard parties and other gatherings contributed to a summertime surge. It now has more than 6.2 million cases, according to the count kept by Johns Hopkins University. Deaths from the virus more than doubled over the summer to nearly 190,000.

In New Orleans, which had one of the largest outbreaks outside of New York City this spring, city officials reminded residents that COVID-19 doesnt take a holiday after they received 36 calls about large gatherings and 46 calls about businesses not following safety rules on Friday and Saturday.

This is not who we are, and this is not how we  as a community  get back to where we want to be, the city said.

In South Carolina, which was a hot spot of contagion over the summer before cases started to decline in early August, 8,000 fans, including Gov. Henry McMaster, were allowed to attend the NASCAR race at the Darlington Raceway on Sunday. State officials approved a socially distant attendance plan at the track, which can hold 47,000 people.

It was the biggest gathering in the state since the outbreak started six months ago. Many rows and seats were kept empty to keep groups of fans apart, and people were asked to wear masks.

Debbie Katsanos drove down from New Hampshire with her husband, her father and a friend. It was their first trip out of state since COVID-19 started spreading. They had time off because the Labor Day weekend fair where they typically sell concessions canceled this year.

Katsanos said they wore masks at all times when they were away from their motor home, ate in a restaurant only once on the way down and tried to stay socially distant when visiting with other people at their campground.

Its probably our only chance to get somewhere before the summer ends,  Katsanos said Monday as she sat in traffic on Interstate 95 in North Carolina on the long trip home. I saw it as the turning of the corner. We survived this. Lets live life a little.
Myanmar & COVID-19 Thailand Puts Border on Alert Amid COVID-19 Surge in Myanmar

Thai security authorities patrol the Moei River in Tak province on the countrys border with Myanmar. / Assawin Pinitwong / Bangkok Post

Thailands Ministry of Public Health is still worried about COVID-19 infections in Myanmar following predictions that the virus could reach the Thai-Myanmar border in the next two weeks.

The director of the Division of Communicable Diseases, Sophon Iamsirithavorn, said the COVID-19 situation in Myanmar was a great concern, as the country was now reporting more than 100 cases per day in many cities.

The disease had started to spread from Rakhine State on the west coast to the central region, he said, and although Myanmars COVID-19 hotspots were still far from Thailand, it was forecast that the virus would spread to the border areas in two weeks time.

Dr. Sophon said stringent measures had already been put in place along the border.

Regarding South Koreas report of a 50-year-old infected man who had just returned from Thailand, he said officials in Bangkok had requested the persons details from the Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea so they could investigate the infection.

Colonel Akekapong Krittayakiatchuti, commander of the 12th Ranger Forces Regiment Control Group, on Monday led a team of officers to at-risk patrol areas along the Thai-Cambodia border in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo, including the famous Rong Kluea Market, in an effort to prevent COVID-19 entering Thailand.

Three Cambodian men were arrested while crawling under razor wire fences from Poipet in Cambodia and all were immediately screened for the virus.

They admitted trying to sneak into Thailand to sell goods at the market, saying they used to be stall vendors there but the pandemic had prevented them from reentering Thailand for more than four months.

The Department of Disease Control on Monday reported the results of COVID-19 investigations after a male inmate tested positive for the virus on Sept. 3, saying that 520 of 990 people who had been in contact with him had tested negative for the virus.

Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang said the Department of Health of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration had dispatched a team to the condominium where the infected man lived and found that 149 people there had been in close contact with him.

Six people in his family tested negative, however, and were now staying in a local quarantine facility. The other 143 also tested negative and had self-quarantined.

The inmate worked as a DJ at two bars, on Rama III Road and Khao San Road. The authorities have shut both places until further notice.

The government on Monday reported one new case of the coronavirus over the past 24 hours, a returnee from India, as total cases rose to 3,445.

The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration said the Thai worker, aged 27, arrived last Tuesday on the same flight as a previously confirmed case.

He has been quarantined in Bangkok and the infection was confirmed in his first test on Saturday, even though he was asymptomatic.

So far, the infection rate among more than 3,000 people who have arrived from India stands at 10.1 percent. Of Thailands 3,445 cases, 95.2 percent have recovered and 106 are in hospital.

This article first appeared in the Bangkok Post.

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Since coming to power in 1979, the Iranian regime has been implicated in assassinations, terrorist plots, and terrorist attacks in more than 40 countries. As Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said, The regimes brutality and amorality know no international borders.

On August 21, the annual Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, the U.S. Department of State, to both honor and remember such victims, sanctioned 14 Iranian human rights offenders, 13 of whom were regime officials involved in a brutal and well-planned attack in Switzerland in 1990. The 13 assassins, posing as Iranian diplomats, acted on the highest orders of their government. As in so many of the plots conducted abroad by the regime, these agents of terror pursued and murdered to silence the voice of an Iranian dissident.

However, as Secretary of State Pompeo said in a statement announcing the designations, It is not only abroad where the Iranian regime uses fear and violence to control Iranian citizens. The United States also publicly sanctioned Hojatollah Khodaei Souri, director of Irans notorious Evin prison, where political prisoners are subjected to cruel and prolonged torture, including rape, beatings, and lack of medical care; and where foreigners are held hostage by the regime in order to elicit concessions from their home governments.

The designations of these 14 Iranian officials for their involvement in gross human rights abuses mean that they and their immediate family members are barred entry into the United States.

These actions send a message of support to the Islamic Republic of Irans many victims worldwide that we will promote accountability for those who spread terror and violence. The United States will continue to pressure Iran to treat its own people with dignity and respect, said Secretary of State Pompeo.

The United States looks forward to the day when the perpetrators of Irans innumerable human rights violations will face true justice and hopes that these measures offer some comfort and reassurance to the families and friends of those lost to the Iranian regimes violence and oppression at home and abroad.
What was typically a month-long process for a vessel carrying Australian coking coal to deliver to China has stretched to at least four months after import quotas became scarcer and port restrictions became tighter.Under ideal circumstances, it takes about 15 days for a vessel of Australian coking coal to arrive at a Chinese port and three days to unload. Then it takes 14 days to pass through customs [though this varies across different ports]. Thats 32 days in total, a trader in China said.But such vessels are now sitting at anchorages for longer periods in their wait to be unloaded.

At the time of writing, vessels of Australian coking coal that had arrived in early June are still waiting at the anchorages of the ports of Jingtang and Caofeidian - a wait for three months so far -...
This obituary is part of a series about people who have died in the coronavirus pandemic. Read about others here.

Neelanshu Shuklas family wanted him to apply for the Civil Service after college, a stable and prestigious career in India. But he had other ideas: He was determined to become a journalist and cover the big stories.

He started as an unpaid intern with the Hindi paper Aaj in his hometown, Kanpur, in Uttar Pradesh state in north India, working for several months there. A journalist cousin, Rishi Shukla, encouraged him to go to journalism school in New Delhi. Soon came an offer from NDTV, one of the best-known English news channels in India.

He rose through the ranks at NDTV, becoming an assistant producer. But where he really wanted to be was in the field, covering breaking news. He got his chance with a new TV channel, Republic TV, which assigned him to Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. He quickly started receiving notice.
I thought Id chat to a couple of the ladies, get some shots of Shaloms newest recruits, and be done within an hour or so. I thought wrong. In Lyndon-James house, you do things his way. Have a listen to this, he says by way of introduction, and presses play on a foul-mouthed and threatening tirade left on his voicemail. The message is hideous and, had it been sent to me, would have been passed on to police.

Lyndon-James just laughs. This is the kind of abuse I get. This is why I have 30 cameras on my house, he says. These people want to criticise me, but how many of them actually come out here and have a look at what were doing? None of em. Not one. What Lyndon-James is doing, and what hes been doing for close to a decade, does have elements common to religious cults and outlying sects.

It's not fancy, and it's not cheap, but Shalom House is always at capacity, according to its founder. He is a charismatic leader who demands complete compliance from his subjects. Part of his program separates residents from their family members, and those signing on to the Shalom House ethos will pay both financially and physically, with residents having to sign over their Centrelink benefits to the centre and then work each day for Shalom. Lyndon-James laughs again when I ask if he is running a cult. "I'm running a culture," he says.

"Have a look around. Do you see anyone here who looks like they don't want to be here?" I do not. The men, who all sport the same, close-cropped hairstyles, also appear to share warm and respectful interactions with Lyndon-James. There's a conviviality about the place; a genuine warmth. There is joking. But there's only one boss, and if you do him wrong, there are consequences.

Lyndon-James tells me residents who fall foul of the centre's strict rules would be driven "miles away  out the back of Gnangara", and left to either find their way to a bus stop, or find their way back to Shalom House. "It's up to them," he says. "That long walk gives them time to think." A measure of success? A community newspaper story published last year placed Shalom House at the bottom of the country's rehabilitation centres in terms of successful outcomes, claiming a "graduation" rate of just 12 per cent. It's not a statistic Lyndon-James can refute; he doesn't keep those records.

"If my program costs the government nothing, and costs nothing to anyone but the resident, and if I save one person, what's my success rate?" he says. "It's a hundred per cent." Lyndon-James claims not to care about headlines like this one, but he does address negative press coverage on social media. Credit:Kate Hedley As far as the money goes  and there is plenty of it, with Shalom House raking in just shy of $4 million dollars in the 2018/19 financial year  Lyndon-James says he doesn't see a single cent of it, claiming he and his partner live off the proceeds of a separate investment. Most of the money coming into Shalom, which is a registered charity, goes towards paying staff, rent on 14 properties, vehicle running costs and food and supplies for up to 140 residents.

Loading The centre's financial reports are publicly available. "There's no flies on me," Lyndon-James says. "Anyone, any time, can come and check us out." It's all about honesty, integrity, accountability, and transparency, according to Lyndon-James, who repeats these four words like a mantra throughout the day.
An editor with Belaruss independent news organization Tut.by said her home was raided on Tuesday, September 8, with her daughter detained in relation to her alleged participation in the ongoing anti-government protests.

Galina Ulasik said the raid targeted her daughter only. The questions were only about my daughter, said Ulasik. She told reporters that a number of pieces of equipment, including a laptop, were taken by investigators.

A number of reporters responded to the scene after the news broke of the raid. Video footage shows masked individuals leaving the apartment with a number of items, before departing in a car.

Videos also showed a lawyer attempting to gain access to the apartment during the raid. Credit: Tut.by via Storyful
by Mathias Hariyadi

Pandu Riono, an epidemiologist at the University of Indonesia, suspects that the Covid-19 cases will remain very high in Indonesia until the end of 2020. Or even the beginning of next 2021. "The peak will probably come next year".

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - An early warning has just been issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, indicating a level 3 warning on non-essential travel. The risks of Covid-19 in Indonesia are now very high and travel has become one of the most "predictable" causes of the massive spread of the coronavirus.

The CDC is advising travellers to avoid all non-essential international travel to Indonesia. Travelers at increased risk of serious COVID-19 disease should consider postponing all travel, including essential travel to Indonesia.

A Catholic woman, who works in finance in Semarang, the capital of Central Java, was forced to quarantine for at least 19 days after confirming that she contracted Covid-19. "It happened after a trip to Bali with my family," says today Budi, a former participant at an AsiaNews seminar.

Upon returning from the trip to Bali, tests for Covid-19 revealed that Budi's wife had the virus. "What has been very worrying for the family is the fact that it happened, without any physical symptoms," adds Budi. He himself and his two adult children are negative for covid-19.

During self-isolation, he says, his wife took many medications as prescribed by the doctor. "But she also consumed high doses of vitamin C and other health supplements." "We were very anxious, because my wife was unexpectedly infected, despite the fact that we followed all the health instructions very strictly at home," says Budi.

In several cities, a procedure has been imposed whereby arriving travellers must undergo certain tests or quarantine procedures to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

In Central Java, the Archdiocese of Semarang suspended its initial plan to open all religious pilgrimage sites across the province. The Marian shrine of Gua Kerep in Ambarawa of the Semarang regency was set to be officially inaugurated today, 8 September but yesterday evening, the local ecclesiastical authorities released a statement that the Marian shrine Gua Maria Kerep Ambarawa will be open on October 1st at the latest. "Due to the ongoing spread of Covid-19".

"Stay home as much as possible"

"Stay home as much as possible" reads the public notice issued by health authorities in almost every city.

Pandu Riono, an epidemiologist at the University of Indonesia, suspects that Covid-19 cases will remain sky-high in Indonesia until the end of 2020. Or even early next 2021. "The peak will likely come next year," he says.

Riono's argument is mainly based on the fact that in the six months since the beginning of March, when the nationwide epidemic was officially denounced, "there have been no indications that Covid-19 infection rates have eased. Indeed, its the exact opposite: the last few weeks show a worrying growth in cases ".

Riono suggested that the Indonesian authority's response to Covid-19 should be radically changed. "We must not focus primarily on economic recovery, but also significantly reduce Covid-19". Among other things, by constantly testing, tracing and close quarantine of suspected Covid-19.

Local authorities reticence in implementing health protocols

On September 3, 2020, Indonesia set its daily record, with at least 3,622 new cases emerging. The total number of cases is 184,268.

The question is: why are the numerous cases endless?

Indonesia has been widely accused of having a cumbersome economy and too much bureaucracy.

NGO Covid-19 activists have harsh criticisms of the slowness of local authorities to implement what President Joko Widodo has rigorously advocated: These include travel bans and social distancing, the use of masks or facial screens.

Former Indonesian police chief Tito Karsavina also said that as a democratic nation Indonesia has faced many "challenges" to implement its austerity policy to reduce covid-19. A similar challenge to that of other democratic nations such as the United States of America which have found it difficult to implement the strict health protocol, we are on the same path.

In comments published on the Indonesian Interior Ministry official website, Karnavian adds that the situation in autocratic nations, such as Vietnam or China, is completely different because authority rests with a handful of people so policies can be effectively applied at a grassroots level.

This "failure" was even admitted by the Nationalcovid-19 task force which confirmed that significantly high cases have become the principal concern and policies to date have not fully achieved the expected results.

"We are really not yet able to achieve our intended goals to reduce the pandemic," said Wiku Adisasmito, citing that four provinces have become the main point of spread of the virus: Greater Jakarta (DKI), West Java, Central Java and East Java.

Unlike these four provinces of Java (and Bali), where transportation is available anytime, anywhere, other islands still find serious challenges in their inland transportation.

On the island of Batam in the province of Riau, two hospitals have been swamped and are now without available beds for Covid-19 patients. Batam Island is very close to Singapore, just 30 minutes by ferry.
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Linkedin Tri Indah Oktavianti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 8, 2020 09:21 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c435b534 1 National COVID-19,COVID-19-in-Indonesia,Pilkada-2020,pilkada,Bawaslu,KPU,regional-election,regional-elections,2020-regional-elections,coronavirus,health-protocol Free

The Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) has come across 243 violations of health protocols during the 2020 regional elections registration phase from Sept. 4 to 6.

As many as 316 candidate pairs were involved in the violations. They did not abide by health protocols by bringing along many people during the registration process, Bawaslu member Fritz Edward Siregar told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

Fritz also said Bawaslu had coordinated with the Home Ministry, National Police and the General Elections Commission (KPU) to further monitor and impose sanctions against health protocols violations during 2020 regional elections.

Bawaslu has given a recommendation for the KPU to create integrity pacts [with candidates] about the implementation of health protocols when the official candidate lists are announced, he said.

Previously, President Joko Jokowi Widodo ordered on Monday the home minister, National Police and Bawaslu to assertively condemn any violations of health protocols during the regional elections by giving harsher warnings.

I instruct the home minister to take firm action [to prevent] COVID-19 clusters [from emerging] in the regional elections. The National Police also need to do the same, he said at the opening speech of Mondays Cabinet meeting.

Bawaslu chairman Abhan said the 2016 Regional Elections Law did not stipulate any criminal charges against candidates who violated health protocols during elections.

He added, however, that Bawaslu had the authority to take action against violators under the 2018 Health Quarantine Law as well as Health Ministry regulations and regional bylaws.

He further warned of potential large gatherings on Sept. 23 when the KPU announced the final candidates for the regional elections.

There will also surely be crowds gathered to stage protests against the result of elections. So, to those who may later feel the results are unfair, you can pursue legal avenues instead of gathering large crowds, Abhan said.

Home Minister Tito Karnavian has repeatedly warned regional officials and potential candidates in the run-up to the regional elections not to conduct any rallies or large campaign events, as stipulated under KPU Regulation No. 10/2020 issued on Aug. 31 on simultaneous regional elections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NEW DELHI : The government is willing to facilitate a phase 3 trial for Russias Sputnik V vaccine for which 2-4 Indian companies are in discussions to mass manufacture, NITI Aayog member (health) V.K. Paul said on Tuesday.

The outreach has been extended to several companies in India, and 2-4 of them have already come forward. Others are in discussion with the Russian counterparts and the government is facilitating that process. Yes, there would be a need for a phase 3 trial in normal course of things, and if that is required, we are paving way that such a phase 3 trial, or bridging studies, as required per science and Indias regulatory system, would be facilitated by the government," Paul said.

The Indian vaccine manufacturers are in talks with Russias Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology for mass manufacturing of the Sputnik V vaccine, which was the worlds first registered covid-19 vaccine.

However, as the phase 3 trials for the vaccine have not been completed, the Indian firm who will manufacture the vaccine may have to conduct the study in India, Paul said.

Russias recently approved covid-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, appears to be safe without any serious adverse effects, and developed long-term antibody response in humans during phase 1 and 2 clinical trials among 76 subjects, according to preliminary results published in The Lancet journal last week.

The government has also mapped manufacturing capacities of various vaccine makers and expects Serum Institute of India to produce 75-100 million doses per month of covid-19 vaccines.

We have done mapped what the potential capacities are, but it is changing dynamically because there are at least 7-8 other companies, who if they get an offer or if they have their own vaccine, they will also get into the picture," Paul said at a press conference on Tuesday.

Paul, as the chairman of the National Expert Committee on Vaccine Administration, has held discussions with five manufacturers--Serum Institute, Zydus Cadila, Bharat Biotech International, Biological E and Gennova Biopharmaceuticalsabout capacities, manufacturing timelines, procurement and financing.

Serum Institute, the worlds largest vaccine manufacturer by volume, has said it will produce around 1 billion doses of the covid-19 vaccine jointly developed by the University of Oxford and Astrazeneca plc. The Pune-based firm is currently conducting a 1,600-participanyt phase 3 clinical trial of the vaccine across 17 hospitals in India.

Bharat Biotech International Ltd has also started the second phase of clinical trials of its covid-19 vaccine Covaxin, while Zydus Cadilas phase 2 study is underway, Paul said.

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Japan has told Mauritius it would offer support on an unprecedented scale, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Monday, after a Japanese-owned ship struck a coral reef off the countrys southeast coast in late July and spilled oil.

Motegi was speaking to reporters after a phone call with Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.

A sense of gratitute was expressed over our offer of support on an unprecedented scale, including financial support, Motegi told reporters.

Jugnauth said during the phone call that he did not believe Japan was responsible for the accident, Motegi said.

The MV Wakashio, owned by Japans Nagashiki Shipping, began spilling oil on Aug. 6, prompting the Mauritian government to announce a state environmental emergency. The full impact of the spill is still unfolding, scientists have said.

Motegi said Japans support measures include helping introduce a maritime navigation safety system in Mauritius, providing fishing gear to small fishing operators, and promoting Mauritiuss trade and tourism.

He did not mention the size of Japans financial support, saying the phone talks were about discussing the outline of Japans support, not about specific figures.

(Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka Writing by Chang-Ran Kim Editing by Hugh Lawson)

Photo: Taken on Aug. 7, 2020, shows oil leaking from the MV Wakashio, a bulk carrier ship that ran aground on July 25 off the southeast coast of Mauritius. The government has declared an environmental emergency. Photo credit: Eric Villars via AP.

Topics Energy Oil Gas
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Breakthrough Prize Foundation today announced the top 30 student semifinalists in the sixth annual Breakthrough Junior Challenge global science video competition, and kicked off the 'Popular Vote' phase, posting all videos online on the Breakthrough Facebook page and inviting people from around the world to vote for their favorite video in the contest.

The 30 semifinalists were selected from thousands of students who created three-minute videos on wide-ranging topics, from quantum tunneling and the mystery of dark matter to the structure of the COVID-19 virus.

Since its launch, the Breakthrough Junior Challenge has reached 202 countries with more than 60,000 registrants, and the 2020 instalment of the global competition attracted more than 5,600 applicants. The contest is designed to inspire fresh, creative explanations of fundamental concepts in the life sciences, physics and mathematics. For this year's challenge, participants had the option of entering a special submission section focused on the science of pandemics. By establishing the new pandemic section, contest organizers gave students the option of exploring a number of the themes that ring especially relevant today, including epidemiology, virology, modeling a disease outbreak, the mathematics of exponential growth, the science of pandemics, immunology, and biostatistics.

In total, the 30 semifinalists hail from all around the world, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Chile, Egypt, Korea, India, Indonesia, Italy, Morocco, Romania, Philippines, the U.K. and Venezuela. The videos represent the top submissions following a review by the Evaluation Panel. The group includes two top-scoring submissions from each of seven geographical regions  North America (US / Canada), Central/South America, Europe, Asia, Middle East/Africa, India, and Australia/New Zealand  as well as remaining top-scoring videos from the panel's review.

All 30 semifinalists will compete in the 'Popular Vote' contest, open now until Sunday, September 20 at 11:59 PM PT. The 'Popular Vote' invites the public to vote for their favorite semifinalist submission on the Breakthrough Facebook page. The video with the highest number of combined likes, positive reactions (e.g. "love", "haha", "wow"), and shares will be declared top scorer in the 2020 Popular Vote. The top scorer will progress automatically to the final round of the competition, bypassing the next round of judging and entering the running for overall Challenge winner. Additionally, the pandemic-focused video with the highest combined likes, shares, and positive reactions on the original post will be named the 2020 COVID-19 Top Scorer and will automatically bypass the next round of judging and be placed in the final round of judging.

In addition to creating and producing their own video entries, Challengers must also participate in a round of peer-to-peer assessment, in which they score some of their fellow competitors' submissions.

"The quality of the videos this year is extremely high," said Julia Milner, co-founder of the Breakthrough Prize. "It's really thrilling to see young people communicating these big ideas with such intelligence, as well as freshness and creativity."

"The critical importance of science and math is clear this year amid Covid-19," said Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy. "These videos will help people across the planet understand the nature and dynamics of pandemics and other phenomena. It's inspiring to see bright young people from so many countries, cultures and backgrounds using their skills to help the rest of us understand our world."

On Monday, September 21, the 15 finalists and the top scorer in the 'Popular Vote' categories (Regional and COVID-19) will be revealed. The top-scorer in the Popular Vote will receive automatic entry into the finalist round. Additionally, each of the seven geographic regions will have a top-scorer who will be named a Regional Champion.



The 15 top-scoring finalist videos will be reviewed by the Selection Committee, comprising: Ian Agol, Professor of Mathematics, University of California, Berkeley, and Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics Laureate; Rachel Crane, Space and Science Correspondent, CNN; author and educator Lucy Hawking; Dr. Mae Jemison, science literacy expert, former astronaut, and Principal, 100 Year Starship; retired NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly; Sal Khan, Founder and CEO, Khan Academy; Ijad Madisch, CEO, Co-Founder, ResearchGate; Terence Tao, Professor of Mathematics, UCLA and Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics Laureate; Esther Wojcicki, Founder, Palo Alto High Media Arts Center; Pete Worden, Chairman, Breakthrough Prize Foundation and Executive Director, Breakthrough Initiatives; and Huda Zoghbi, Professor of Pediatrics and professor of Neuroscience and Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine and Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences Laureate.

The winner of the Breakthrough Junior Challenge will be awarded a $250,000 college scholarship. The science teacher who inspired the winning student will win a $50,000 prize. The winner's school will also receive a state-of-the-art science lab valued at $100,000. The winner receives the prize at the annual Breakthrough Prize ceremony, alongside the new Prize laureates representing some of the most acclaimed scientists in the world. This year, due to the pandemic, the ceremony has been postponed, and is now planned for March 2021.

For the sixth year, students ages 13-18 were invited to create original videos (up to three minutes in length) that illustrated a concept or theory in the life sciences, physics or mathematics. The submissions were evaluated on the students' ability to communicate complex scientific ideas in the most engaging, illuminating, and imaginative ways.

The Breakthrough Junior Challenge

The Breakthrough Junior Challenge, founded by Yuri and Julia Milner, is a global science video competition, aiming to develop and demonstrate young people's knowledge of science and scientific principles; generate excitement in these fields; support STEM career choices; and engage the imagination and interest of the public-at-large in key concepts of fundamental science.

The Breakthrough Prize

For the ninth year the Breakthrough Prize, renowned as the "Oscars of Science," will recognize the world's top scientists. Each prize is $3 million and presented in the fields of Life Sciences (up to four per year), Fundamental Physics (one per year) and Mathematics (one per year). In addition, up to three New Horizons in Physics, up to three New Horizons in Mathematics Prizes and three Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prizes are given out to early-career researchers each year. Laureates attend a live televised award ceremony designed to celebrate their achievements and inspire the next generation of scientists. As part of the ceremony schedule, they also engage in a program of lectures and discussions.

The Breakthrough Prizes were founded by Sergey Brin, Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, Yuri and Julia Milner, and Anne Wojcicki. The Prizes have been sponsored by the personal foundations established by Sergey Brin, Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, Ma Huateng, Jack Ma, Yuri and Julia Milner and Anne Wojcicki. Selection Committees composed of previous Breakthrough Prize laureates in each field choose the winners. Information on Breakthrough Prize is available at breakthroughprize.org.

Partners

About Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. Khan Academy's platform includes more than 70,000 practice problems, as well as videos and articles that cover a range of K12 subjects. We offer Khan Academy Kids, an award-winning free app for children ages two to seven. Our learning system is mastery based, which allows students to master key concepts at a pace that's right for them before moving on to more challenging content. We partner with school districts across the country and around the world that serve students who traditionally face barriers to academic success. In the United States, school districts use Khan Academy Districts and MAP Growth Accelerator to help teachers differentiate instruction. Nearly 20 million learners use Khan Academy every month in 190 countries and 46 languages. As a nonprofit, Khan Academy relies on donations from foundations, corporations and individuals around the world, as well as earned revenue. For more information, please see research findings about Khan Academy and our press page.

The Breakthrough Prize Lab for the winning student's school is designed by and in partnership with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL). Established in 1890, CSHL has shaped contemporary biomedical research and education. Its New York campus boasts 1100 faculty, students and employees and hosts over 12,000 visiting scientists each year for world-renowned conferences and courses. CSHL's DNA Learning Center is the world's largest provider of student lab instruction in molecular genetics and teacher training. Materials and methods developed by the DNA Learning Center are accessible for free through more than 20 award-winning educational websites. The Laboratory's education arm also includes an academic publishing house, a science policy think tank and a graduate program in biological sciences. Visit www.cshl.edu.

National Geographic Partners LLC

National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic's media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children's media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 131 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information, visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Contact

For more information, including competition rules, video submission guidelines and queries, go to: www.breakthroughjuniorchallenge.org.

SOURCE The Breakthrough Prize
Mexico City, Sep 8 : The Mexican government could unveil a key infrastructure investment plan as early as September 15 that includes private sector participation in energy and communications projects, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said.

"We have already made significant headway. It's just a matter of reaching an agreement (as to when) so that the plan is presented here," Xinhua news agency quoted the President as saying at a briefing on Monday.

"I hope the plan will be presented by September 15," he added.

In November 2019, his government announced it was spearheading a National Infrastructure Agreement between the public and private sectors to invest some 859 billion pesos ($40 billion) in about 150 projects in the areas of transportation, telecommunications, basic services and tourism, as well as energy.

Lopez Obrador's administration will present the proposed 2021 budget on Tuesday, which he has described as "austere".

Mexico's economy, Latin America's second largest after Brazil, could shrink by 10.5 per cent in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the International Monetary Fund.
Veteran and National Award-winning actress Surekha Sikri suffered a brain stroke on September 8 and has been admitted to the ICU of a hospital in Mumbai, the actor's agent Vivek Sidhwani told news agency PTI. Sidhwani also informed that the 75-year-old actress is "critical but stable".

"She suffered a stroke earlier today. She is in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). Her parameters continue to be monitored closely. She is critical but stable. She was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai this afternoon," Sidhwani added.

A recipient of three National Film Awards, Sikri, a film, theatre and TV veteran, is best known for her performances in 'Tamas', 'Mammo', 'Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro', 'Zubeidaa' and daily soap 'Balika Vadhu'.

She received widespread praise for her role of a grandmother in Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer 'Badhaai Ho' (2018).

She won the National Film Award for the Best Supporting Actress for the film.

The actor was not doing well at that time and had turned up in a wheelchair to accept the award.

Sikri was last seen in Netflix's 'Ghost Stories', directed by Zoya Akhtar.

With inputs from PTI
The admission by Jean-Luc Melenchon, the leader of the Unsubmissive France (LFI) party, that he held a telephone meeting with the head of the French employers association to discuss the competitiveness of the French economy during the coronavirus confinement demonstrates the class orientation of his organization and the other left populist European parties. Hostile to Marxism and the working class, they take their cue from the financial aristocracy and business leaders.

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, as the ruling class exposes millions to life-threatening risks and intensifies the destruction of social entitlements, the leaders of LFI and their European political allies openly collaborate with the capitalist class. This is most notable in Spain and Greece where Podemos and Syriza are or have been in government, imposing austerity that has produced a health care disaster. Were Melenchon in government he would carry out the same policy, as evidenced by his offer to assume the post of prime minister in the previous Socialist Party government.

In his speech at the LFI summer school, Melenchon boasted of a telephone call during the pandemic lockdown with the chairman of the employers federation, Medef, Geoffroy Roux de Bezieux. I called Roux de Bezieux at the Medef, Melenchon said. He has a sense of humour! He accepted the call naturally and I must say I was happily surprised.

The LFI leader wanted to know Roux de Bezieuxs position on nationalisations and requisitions to respond to the health emergency. Melenchon claimed that the employer head replied, nationalisation is not a dirty word. Everything is fine. Melenchon explained: I told him: Since the other person (Emmanuel Macron) wont do anything, go ahead, requisition yourselves! And he told me: But Mr. Melenchon, we havent been waiting for your green light. Indeed, a number of textile production facilities have been turned over to producing masks.

Melenchon congratulated himself on the fact that the LFIs response to the pandemic was correct, citing the head of French big business as proof. This signifies that we were right to ask for it [requisitioning] everywhere in the country. If we had been in government, the general requisitioning would have been orderly, verified with at least as much intensity as that which is applied today to track down those who have forgotten to wear their mask.

Questioned on the radio station France Inter, the Roux de Bezieux gave his version of events. Melenchon called me to know why we were not making enough masks, not enough respirators, why all that had gone abroad We discussed competitiveness of French production. He added: On nationalisations, we spoke about Air France. I told him simply that when there is no private money to invest in a company, public money must be forthcoming. But I assure you, we do not agree on everything.

In fact, Melenchons comments demonstrate that he is complicit in the deadly policies of Macron and the Medef. Melenchon intends to foster the illusion that a policy of nationalisations that he proposes would be more favorable to the workers. But he is in fact ready to impose austerity that he is discussing with the head of French business. Melenchon is hostile to the actual nationalisation of corporations carried out by a revolutionary movement of the working class to take power.

In 2013, Melenchon offered to be prime minister under unpopular President Francois Hollande, to carry out austerity in a Socialist Party government. He is now discreetly offering his services to Macron, while reassuring big business that he can pursue the policies of Macron and German chancellor Angela Merkel.

A nationalisation not by the working class, but as a funneling of public wealth to private corporations, is entirely compatible with Macrons policies. As Roux de Bezieux explained, the public money which must be forthcoming. But this policy of economic stimulus and tax cuts for the rich only intensifies social inequality the exploitation of workers.

The Macron government itself flirts with references to nationalisations and economic planning, the better to fool the population. Prime Minister Jean Castex announced in July the possibility of resuscitating High Planning Commission. This body had been established in 1946 at the end of World War II, with the aim of rebuilding the economy through the financial support of American imperialism.

Limited state planning of the capitalist economy, with the aid of American subsidies, allowed the modernisation of French industry, while providing certain concessions to workers, under conditions of insurrection marked by mass workers struggles throughout the Resistance. The context today is completely different.

The stimulus packages announced by the EU are bailouts of the banks, aimed at ensuring profits through a combination of increased exploitation of workers and greater state subsidies in a global economic and health crisis. As for boosting French competitiveness on the world stage, which Medef and Melenchon discussed, it would involve the lowering of labour costs (wages), and the destruction of long-established employment entitlements.

The European workers have already paid a heavy price for such policies. The left populist parties in Europe represent the capitalist elite, ruthlessly applying austerity and police repression of workers.

In Spain, which is experiencing the fastest acceleration of the pandemic in Europe, with over 10,000 recorded cases on August 4 alone, the Socialist Party-Podemos government is pursuing a policy based on herd immunity, forcing workers back to work and sending police into the factories.

In Greece, Syriza was elected in 2015 in a mass anti-austerity vote, which it betrayed within a few weeks, forming a coalition government with the far-right Independent Greeks. Faced with workers opposition, Syriza prime minister Alexis Tsipras organized a referendum on EU austerity, hoping for a vote that would allow him to resign and save face. After the population voted no, Tsipras agreed with Angela Merkel that he would remain prime minister and ignore the vote, strictly applying the instructions of the so-called troika, the European Commission, European Central Bank and the IMF.

The slogan of nationalizationand expropriationcan only be advanced through an international revolutionary struggle of the working class, which poses directly the question of taking political power and the socialist organization of the economy. The vast resources expropriated from the financial aristocracy must be used to protect workers jobs and salaries as well as small businesses from bankruptcy.

The organization of an international general strike and the struggle to the overthrow the bankrupt social order of capitalism requires that workers break from the populist political parties like Unsubmissive France, and build the sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International, the Socialist Equality Parties, in France and internationally.
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Khartoum, Sudan  Tue, September 8, 2020 22:07 499 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c438a1b3 2 Art & Culture Sudan,archaeology,pyramid Free

Rising Nile floodwaters are threatening to swamp an ancient archaeological site in Sudan, after some of the highest ever recorded river levels, archaeologists said Monday.

Teams have set up sandbag walls and are pumping out water to prevent damage at the ruins of Al-Bajrawiya, once a royal city of the two-millenia-old Meroitic empire, said Marc Maillot, head of the French Archaeological Unit in the Sudan Antiquities Service.

"The floods had never affected the site before," Maillot said.

The area includes the famous Meroe pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Farmers along the fertile banks of the Nile, the world's longest river, depend on its annual floods.

But water levels have risen much further than usual this year.

"The situation is currently under control, but if the level of the Nile continues to rise, the measures taken may not be sufficient," Maillot said, adding that the site is usually some 500 meters away from the river.

Other ancient sites are also threatened along the Nile, according to Maillot.

Read also: Gold-hunting diggers destroy Sudan's priceless past

Sudanese authorities last week declared a three month national state of emergency after record breaking floods that have killed at least 99 people.

Officials said they had recorded the highest waters on the Blue Nile -- which joins the White Nile in the Sudanese capital Khartoum -- since records began over a century ago.

Faisal Mohamed Saleh, Sudan's information and culture minister, visited the site to see the work being done to protect it.

The site, some 200 kilometers northeast of Khartoum, was a capital of an empire that controlled vast swathes of land from 350 BC to 350 AD.

Sudan's ancient civilizations built more pyramids than the Egyptians, but many are still unexplored.

Topics : Sudan archaeology pyramid
At North Carolina campaign event, Trump says Harris could never be the first woman president.

United States President Donald Trump was reportedly weighing giving up to $100m to his campaign as he headed to Florida and North Carolina on Monday, both battleground states.

The US Senate returned to session on Tuesday, as House Democrats launched probe into Postmaster General Louis DeJoys past Republican fundraising.

New Hampshire and Rhode Island held some of the last primaries of the election season to decide who will run for open House and Senate seats in the general election.

The Biden campaign had no events scheduled Tuesday, 55 days until the November 3 vote.

Here were the events of the day:

Tuesday, September 8

19:27 ET  Trump: President Kamala Harris would be an insult to our country

President Donald Trump took his campaign roadshow to Winston-Salem, NC, where he not only spent a good portion of his remarks attacking his Democratic opponent Joe Biden, but he also ramped up his criticism of Bidens vice-presidential running mate, Kamala Harris.

If our foreign adversaries were devising a scheme to cripple America, they could hardly do better than the Biden-Kamala Harris, Trump told the crowd gathered at a Smith Reynolds Airport hangar. You know what? People dont like her. Nobody likes her. She could never be the first woman president, she could never be. It would be an insult to our country.

During that line of attack, Trump did at least pronounce Harriss first name correctly: Kamala, like Comma-la.

The next time her name came up, he repeatedly referred to her as Ka-MA-la, a pronunciation some of her supporters charge is racist and deliberately mispronounced by her opponents.

16:30 ET  Trump ex-lawyer links 2016 Falwell Jr endorsement to racy photos

Michael Cohen, the former fixer for Trump, in his new book has tied together for the first time the 2016 presidential endorsement of Trump by American evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr to Cohens own role in helping to keep racy personal photographs of the Falwells from becoming public.

As Reuters reported last year, the Falwells enlisted Cohen to keep a bunch of photographs, personal photographs from becoming public, Cohen said in a recording, made surreptitiously by comedian Tom Arnold. I actually have one of the photos, he said, without going into specifics. Its terrible.

He later writes, In good time, I would call in this favor, not for me, but for the Boss, at a crucial moment on his journey to the presidency.

In the book, Cohen did not explicitly say that the endorsement was the favour he sought in return for his help in having kept the Falwell photos from getting out. But his account marks the first time he has linked the two issues.

Read more here.

Evangelical figure Jerry Falwell Jrs surprise endorsement of Trump is credited with helping the candidate maintain support from religious groups amid several scandals [File: Alex Wong/AFP]

16:00 ET  House Democrats launch DeJoy probe

The head of the House oversight panel has launched an investigation and urged the immediate suspension of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy following reports that he illegally reimbursed former employees for political contributions.

House Committee on Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, in a statement, said if the allegations are true, DeJoy faced criminal exposure for both violating the campaign finance law and for lying to Congress in a denial during a recent hearing.

We will be investigating this issue, but I believe the board of governors must take emergency action to immediately suspend Mr DeJoy, who they never should have selected in the first place, Maloney said.

I am launching an @OversightDems probe into claims that PMG DeJoy violated election contribution laws. If true, Mr. DeJoy could face criminal exposurenot only for his actions in North Carolina, but also for lying to our Committee under oath. https://t.co/mRvv3GqYWy  Carolyn B. Maloney (@RepMaloney) September 8, 2020

15:30 ET  Trump touts environmentalism during Florida visit

Trump, in an address at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum in Florida, lambasted Bidens agenda, while calling himself the great environmentalist.

At the taxpayer-funded event, Trump announced he was extending and expanding a ban on new offshore drilling sites off the coasts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. The existing moratorium covers the Gulf of Mexico, and Trump said the new one would also cover the Atlantic coast  a significant political concern in coastal states like Florida.

My administrations proving every day that we can improve our environment while creating millions of high-paying jobs, added Trump, whose administration has overturned or weakened numerous regulations meant to protect air and water quality and lands essential for imperiled species, while withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, a 2015 international climate accord.

Trump also claimed that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Bidens environmental plans would destroy Americas middle class while giving a free pass to the worlds worst foreign polluters.





14:15 ET  Kanye West makes presidential ballot in Mississippi

Kanye West will appear as a presidential candidate on Mississippis ballot in November, after being approved as a qualified candidate by the Mississippi State Board of Election Commissioners on Tuesday.

The rapper has already qualified to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate in several states, including Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Utah.

To qualify in Mississippi, he was required to pay a $2,500 fee to the Mississippi Secretary of States Office and get the signatures of at least 1,000 Mississippi voters.

Kanye West meets with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC [Saul Loeb/AFP]

13:30 ET  Trump and Biden release new battleground ads

Trump and Biden have released new battleground ads as the November 3 election approaches.

An ad released by Trump, which will run in North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, promises the Great American Comeback and portrays Biden as willing to shut down the economy again. The former vice president has said he would support another shutdown if the pandemic warranted it.

Meanwhile, ads released by Bidens campaign, which will run in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, promise a Fresh Start after what the ads describe as four years of Trumps decisive presidency. An ad titled Sacred targets elderly Americans.

The Biden campaign ad Sacred targets elderly Americans [Screen grab/Joe Biden Campaign]

13:00 ET  Trump travels to Florida in official capacity

Trump is set to highlight conservation and restoration projects in Florida, where he is travelling in his official capacity, despite his administration overturning or weakening numerous regulations meant to protect air and water quality and lands essential for imperilled species.

Trump is set to speak beside the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum before holding a campaign rally in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, another must-win state for his re-election.

The White House said Trump would use the Florida event to discuss his numerous environmental policy accomplishments, including signing the Great American Outdoors Act, protecting Americas pristine natural environments, and funding of countless environmental restoration projects.

12:30 ET  Trump confirms he is considering spending own money on campaign

Trump has confirmed he is considering spending his own money on the campaign, after a report in Bloomberg News said he was weighing giving up to $100m to his war chest.

When asked about spending his own money on Tuesday, Trump said: If I have to, I will.

Whatever it takes, we have to win, he added.

Trumps campaign is reportedly running low on funds after going big on early advertising and fundraising spending, according to a New York Times report.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One for a trip to Jupiter, Florida [File: Evan Vucci/The Associated Press]

12:00 ET  New Hampshire and Rhode Island head to the polls

Primaries in New Hampshire and Rhode Island will decide who will run for Senate and House seats in the November 3 election.

In New Hampshire, US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat, faces two long-shot opponents.

In Rhode Island, Senator Jack Reed, a Democrat, is running unopposed in the primary. He will face Republican challenger Allen Waters, who is also running unopposed, in the general election.

11:30 ET  Obama shares tips with Harris on working with Biden

Former US President Barack Obama, in a tweet, has said he wanted to share a few tips with vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris about serving with Biden.

The tweet included a video of Obama, the countrys first Black president, speaking with Harris, the first Black vice-presidential candidate in US history.

Great to catch up with our next Vice President, @KamalaHarris. I wanted to make sure to share a few tips about serving alongside our friend @JoeBiden. pic.twitter.com/ncidvmylch  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 8, 2020

11:00 ET  Army head says military only sends troops to war as last resort

The US Armys head has said that military leaders would only recommend sending troops to combat when it was in the national security interest or as a last resort, but declined to comment on Trump suggesting that leaders wanted to fight wars to keep weapon makers happy.

Many of these leaders have sons and daughters that serve in the military, many of these leaders have sons and daughters who have gone to combat or may be in combat right now, US Army Chief of Staff General James McConville said during an event.

I can assure the American people that the senior leaders would only recommend sending our troops to combat when it is required in national security and in the last resort. We take this very, very seriously in how we make our recommendations, he added.

Trump on Tuesday said Pentagon officials probably werent in love with me because they want to do nothing but fight wars so that all of those wonderful companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else stay happy.

10:30 ET  Biden campaign takes over teens Instagram

The Biden campaign has taken over the Instagram account of a 15-year-old California supporter who amassed 85,000 followers during the summer break, according to The Verge news site.

The @VoteJoe account will now become the campaigns central point for outreach on Instagram.

Campaign officials told The Verge that the account will be used to foster user-generated content from Biden supporters.

10:00 ET  Former Obama health adviser says in-person voting like shopping

Former President Barack Obamas health adviser has said that in-person voting is relatively safe, likening it to shopping.

Zeke Emanuel made the comment to the Atlantic magazine in a story published on Tuesday. Experts expect a surge in mail voting in November amid concerns about spreading the virus at polling stations.

Theres a legitimate concern, but I do think we can make it much safer by following the precautions, he said. You dont want people to be disenfranchised by the pandemic, and you should encourage people that its safe. Its like shopping.





9:30 ET  Biden condemns Antifa in local news interview

Democratic candidate Joe Biden, when asked in an interview on Monday if he condemns Antifa, responded: Yes, I do  violence no matter who it is.

The comment came during an interview with the local NBC affiliate WGAL, amid questioning about violence at racial justice protests that have swept the country since the police-killing of George Floyd in May.

I condemn it across the board, Biden said of violence at the demonstrations. The president still hasnt condemned the far-right folks coming out and protesting and using violence.





9:00 ET  Trump weighing contributing $100 mn to his campaign

On the heels of a report that the Trumps campaign is facing a money crunch after taking a free-spending, and apparently ineffective, approach, a new report said the president is considering adding $100m of his own money to his war chest.

Trump has discussed putting up the cash with multiple people, sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg news, although he has not yet made a final decision. Trump spent $66m on his 2016 campaign.

To date, the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee has spent more than $800m on Trumps re-election bid so far. Meanwhile, Bidens campaign and the Democratic National Committee have spent about half of that, $414m, according to Bloomberg.

The New York Times first reported on the Trump campaigns financial woes.

_______________________________________________________________

Hello and welcome to Al Jazeeras continuing coverage of the US elections. This is Joseph Stepansky.

Read all the updates from yesterday (September 7) here.
When we first started, and there was a lack of access to testing, this kind of triage might have made sense, said Daniella Levine Cava, a county commissioner in Miami-Dade. Clearly it doesnt make sense in the current environment. We know that children contract the disease, we know that children spread the disease, and just because they are less likely to show symptoms, that doesnt mean they pose any less of a risk to others.
Two more Asian giant hornets, dramatically dubbed murder hornets, have shown up in Washington state after a number of specimens were found in the last several months. The species made its first ominous appearance in the U.S. state in the fall of 2019.

One hornet was found on Aug. 19 already dead in a trap set by a local beekeeper, according to a statement from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). The other had flown into the outdoor seating area of a restaurant to the fright of diners.

The WSDA was setting up traps in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washingtons Birch Bay area on Aug. 19 when officials found a dead worker hornet in an existing trap.

The Asian giant hornet snapped by a diner on Aug. 18, 2020 (Courtesy of Washington State Department of Agriculture)

The worker was considerably smaller than the specimens detected up to that point, WSDA officials explained. This is a good reminder for those checking traps to keep their eyes open for smaller specimens, too.

The Asian giant hornets largely range in size from 1.5 to 2 inches in length. The small dead worker hornet was found in the same locale as an unmated queen was found earlier this year.

On Aug. 18, a member of the public dining at an unnamed Washington eatery snapped a photo of another hornet as the insect briefly dove into their field of vision. They were dining outside when the Asian giant hornet flew up, the WSDA explained. They were able to get a photograph of the hornet, but it flew off without being captured.

The hornet as compared to the size of a quarter (Courtesy of Washington State Department of Agriculture)

The Asian giant hornets first appearance in the United States was reported in November 2019. Beekeeper Ted McFall discovered thousands of his bees decapitated at their hives in Custer, Washington, the hornets having flown away with the bodies to feed their young.

Entomologist Akito Kawahara told EarthSky that the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) is fairly common in many parts of Asia. Contradictory to their name, according to Kawahara, they kill fewer than 13 people per year in Japan.

After the two specimens were reported last month, the WSDAs Pest Program met with researchers at the University of Washington to field-test radio tags for tracking live Asian giant hornets back to their colonies. The trials proved promising. Once located, colonies can be eradicated.

The WSDA is still awaiting its first live insurgent.

We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.nyc
ABC NewsBY: AVERI HARPER



(MINNEAPOLIS) -- California Sen. Kamala Harris is on the ground in Wisconsin Monday for her first campaign trip since accepting the Democratic vice presidential nomination -- as Labor Day marks the start of the home stretch for the 2020 presidential campaign season.



Shortly after landing in Milwaukee, Harris met with the family and legal team of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man who was shot in Kenosha in front of three of his children last month and remains hospitalized.



The meeting, which took place at a private airport in Milwaukee, included Blake's father, two sisters and members of his legal team. Blake, his mother and family attorney Benjamin Crump joined by phone, according to a list of attendees released by the campaign.



Harris called the meeting "really wonderful" when answering a shouted question from a reporter while on a tour of an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) training facility in Wauwatosa, a city five miles west of Milwaukee, later on Monday.



Ahead of a roundtable with Black Milwaukee business leaders in the late afternoon, Harris took the moment to share some details of her meeting with Blake and his family.



"I mean, they're an incredible family and what theyve endured and they just do it with such dignity and grace, and you know. They're carrying the weight of a lot of voices on their shoulders," she said.



She said she expressed concern for the family's well-being and that the meeting was "to let them know that they have support."



Crump called the visit "inspirational" and "uplifting" and said Harris discussed policy changes she would seek if she and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden were elected, including the Justice in Policing Act and implicit bias training for law enforcement.



"In a moving moment, Jacob Jr. told Sen. Harris that he was proud of her, and the senator told Jacob that she was also proud of him and how he is working through his pain. Jacob Jr. assured her that he would not give up on life for the sake of his children," Crump said in a statement following the meeting. "She encouraged them to continue to use their voices even through their pain to help America make progress to end systematic racism."



Biden last week also met with Blake's family and legal team.



In one of his most aggressive campaign trips in months, Biden last Thursday visited with Blake's family in Milwaukee -- with Blake joining by phone -- and met with community leaders in Kenosha.



The White House also sees Wisconsin, a state President Donald Trump narrowly won in 2016, as a pivotal prize in November. Vice President Mike Pence is also in the state Monday to tour an energy facility and deliver remarks in La Crosse.



Trump visited Wisconsin last Tuesday where he met with business leaders and local law enforcement. He didn't mention Blake's name in his remarks.



The president has previously spoken by phone to Blake's mother's pastor and called theirs "a great talk," but said he hasn't connected with the Blake family directly because they want lawyers to listen in on the conversation, which he has said would be "inappropriate."





ABC News' Sabina Ghebremedhin and Libby Cathey contributed to this report.



Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Qualification to Allow ScoutCam to Develop and Manufacture Micro Cameras for the Healthcare Company's Minimally Invasive Surgical Product



OMER, Israel, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ScoutCam (OTC: SCTC), a leading developer and manufacturer of customized visual solutions and supplementary technologies, today announced it has been officially included on a Fortune 500 multinational healthcare corporations Approved Supplier List (ASL). The qualification will allow ScoutCam to develop, manufacture and supply a complete visualization solution for the global companys minimally invasive surgical product, which incorporates ScoutCams single-use miniature video cameras.

We are extremely excited not only for the recognition of our superior technology, but for the opportunity to become a long-term supplier of innovative visualization tools that has the potential to transform minimally invasive surgeries, and all under the strictest quality standards of this global leader, said Yaron Silberman, Chief Executive Officer of ScoutCam.

The two companies initially began collaborating back in 2018 and in mid-2019, a formal audit at ScoutCam's facilities was completed. This past May, the global standard Supplier Quality Agreement (SQA) of the customer was signed. ScoutCam provided a final quote to the healthcare corporation in May as well, which included development fees of $2.4 million to be paid per milestones in 2020-2021 and prices per ordered quantities for the supply of the final deliverables, ranging in hundreds of USD per unit. ScoutCams inclusion on the ASL encompasses all of its business units, in addition to the one in which ScoutCam is currently engaged.

Now that we have officially been added to the Approved Supplier List, ScoutCam is expected to sell tens of thousands of single-use cameras annually in the next few years, which gives us the opportunity to transform minimally invasive surgeries as we know them, Silberman continued. Overall, we are extremely happy with the recognition, and we are proud that such partnership presents a parallel benefit to both patients and doctors alike.

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For more information on ScoutCam as well as the companys additional developments and products, please visit: https://www.scoutcam.com/

###

About ScoutCam

ScoutCam is a leading provider of customized visual solutions for organizations across a variety of industries in the form of highly resistant micro cameras and supplementary technologies. ScoutCam devices are used across the medical, aerospace, industrial, research and defense industries. For more information please visit: https://www.scoutcam.com/ .

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Companys expectations, beliefs, assumptions and intentions regarding, among other things, its product-development efforts, business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or prospects, as of the date of this news release. They are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as believe, expect, intend, plan, may, should or anticipate or their negatives or other variations of these words or other comparable words or by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: the Companys ability to achieve the financial forecasts and sales in connection with the development project and as a result of the companys addition to the Approved Supplier List; risks and uncertainties relating to, inter alia, the economic success and effective integration of our approved patents; the spread of COVID-19, including any resultant restrictions on our business operations and/or its negative impact on our financial condition; the Companys reliance on third-party suppliers; market acceptance of our products by prospect markets and industries; the Company's ability to raise sufficient funding in order to meet the Companys business and financial goals; and certain other factors summarized in the Companys filings with the SEC. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

Media Contact

Gabriella Velez

scoutcam@5wpr.com

646.843.1798




AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC) has launched a newly redesigned, world-class website, https://businessintexas.com.

The website serves as a key landing pad for TxEDC's mission to market Texas as a premier business destination to domestic and global audiences. The redesigned website features improved functionality, a modern design, and streamlined access to essential information and data about doing business in Texas.

"We are thrilled to debut our new website," said Robert Allen, President and CEO of TxEDC. "In an increasingly digital world, it is important that we provide a cutting-edge, mobile-friendly platform to market Texas to corporate location decision-makers worldwide. The site will serve as an excellent resource for both our current investors and companies that are considering expansions or relocations in Texas."

The new, fully responsive website compiles key statewide information about infrastructure, workforce, taxes and incentives and other areas of importance in economic development. The site also features regional pages dedicated to six core areas in Texas  Central Texas, East Texas, Gulf Coast Texas, North Texas, South Texas and West Texas  as well as profiles on 27 metro areas within Texas. Each region and metro area profile features economic dashboards and links to key resources.

"We believe Texas is stronger as a whole when we showcase the unique assets of our diverse regions," said Allen. "We're committed to marketing the state from a regional perspective."

Other key features of the site include success story profiles about companies that currently invest in Texas, including Charles Schwab, Lockheed Martin, Toyota, Dell, Oxy and Apple, as well as economic and workforce dashboards that are continually updated with the latest data available.

ABOUT TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (TXEDC)

Texas Economic Development Corporation is an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to economic development, business recruitment and job creation in the State of Texas. The public-private partnership markets Texas as a premier business destination to let corporate decision makers and site selection consultants know that they can Go Big in Texas. For more information about TxEDC, visit https://businessintexas.com.

SOURCE Texas Economic Development Corporation
Tibetans and people from Ladakh raised slogans of Bharat Mata ki Jai, Tibet desh ki Jai and We salute Indian army

The last rites of the commando was was performed in Ladakh with full honors in public glare attended by top BJP functionaries.  DC photo

In a rare move, the last rites of commando Nyima Tenzin from India's covert elite paramilitary force Special Frontier Force, which recruits its men exclusively from Tibetan migrants, was performed on Monday in Ladakh with full honors in public glare attended by top BJP functionaries.

The funeral ceremony of a Special Frontier Force (SFF) commando, who died in a mine blast in South Pangong Tso where India in involved in a face-off with China, openly is unusual as creation of the force in 1962 and its operations have never been officially acknowledged.

The body of Company Leader Tenzin, 51, was wrapped in Tibetan and Indian national flags. He was honored by traditional military 21-gun salute. Senior BJP leader Ram Madhav attended the funeral and laid a wreath. Tibetans and people from Ladakh raised slogans of Bharat Mata ki Jai, Tibet desh ki Jai and We salute Indian army. The Buddhist monks chanted hymns as the funeral pyre was lit.

Earlier his mortal remains were taken from his house in a military truck which was followed by a rally of people in cars and motorcycles carrying Indian and Tibets national flag.

India has traditionally tried to keep Tibetans activities in the country under wraps to avoid provoking China which has been hypersensitive on the Tibet issue. The question being asked is if the latest India-China stand-off has led a change in Indias Tibet policy. The role of SFF, which comprises of Tibetan soldiers, in Indias plan to out-maneuver China in Southern banks of Pangong Tso by capturing two dozen strategic heights, will embarrass the top brass of Chinese Communist Party.

The Establishment 22 or SFF was set-up during last stage of India-China war in 1962. To be manned by Tibetans its purpose was to carry out guerrilla activities and get intelligence inside Tibet. It comes under Cabinet Secretariat and was in initial days trained and equipped by US spy agency CIA.

Meanwhile, in a provocative statement Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Monday that China has never recognized so-called Arunachal Pradesh which is Chinas south Tibet region. He said that China has no details to release yet about question on Indian army sending message to PLA about five missing Indian in the region (Arunachal Pradesh).
Dr Paul Clarke of Knockbridge, Dundalk is among eight researchers from five leading Irish universities awarded Lero Directors Prizes at an online ceremony on Tuesday. Dr Clarke from Dublin City University was awarded the Lero Directors Prize for Entrepreneurship.

This is the second year of the annual awards presented by Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software, to honour members working across its 11 academic partner institutes nationwide.

Awards were presented to academics, researchers and support staff from NUI Galway, University College Dublin, University of Limerick, Maynooth University and Dublin City University.

The Lero Directors Prizes were presented at the annual gathering of Lero members which was held online this year for the first time in the centres 15-year history. Closing the conference, Professor Brian Fitzgerald, Director of Lero, told members that their resilience and dedication has meant that Lero has continued and, in many cases, expanded its ground-breaking work despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

I am constantly impressed by the women and men who are the backbone of our world-leading research centre. Their resilience, ingenuity and ambition to provide research-based solutions and insights to resolve problems, have not been derailed by a pandemic that has transformed so many other facets of modern living.

This year, Lero celebrates the 15th anniversary of its foundation. Since 2005, Lero has established itself as one of the top software research centres in the world and this is because of its people. 2020 has brought unique challenges to our members and our world. Today we recognise the resilience and ingenuity of Leros academics and researchers in providing scientific and technological solutions to global issues. We also acknowledge their dedication to the centre, to engaging the public and industry and to diversity and inclusion in our work and in our world, Professor Fitzgerald said.
Does the September share price for Standex International Corporation (NYSE:SXI) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

See our latest analysis for Standex International

Crunching the numbers

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$57.0m US$69.4m US$78.7m US$86.6m US$93.2m US$98.8m US$103.7m US$107.9m US$111.7m US$115.2m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x1 Est @ 13.36% Est @ 10.02% Est @ 7.68% Est @ 6.04% Est @ 4.9% Est @ 4.09% Est @ 3.53% Est @ 3.14% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 9.4% US$52.1 US$58.0 US$60.1 US$60.4 US$59.5 US$57.7 US$55.3 US$52.6 US$49.8 US$47.0

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$552m

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The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.2%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 9.4%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2030  (1 + g)  (r  g) = US$115m (1 + 2.2%)  (9.4% 2.2%) = US$1.6b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$1.6b ( 1 + 9.4%)10= US$669m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is US$1.2b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of US$58.8, the company appears quite undervalued at a 40% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.

dcf

Important assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Standex International as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 9.4%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.194. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

Next Steps:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Standex International, we've put together three relevant elements you should assess:

Risks: Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Standex International you should know about. Future Earnings: How does SXI's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the NYSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search 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.
Taj Mahal that has remained closed for almost six months, will reopen for public from September 21. Moreover, two other world-famous heritage sites -- Red Fort and Agra Fort -- will also reopen for visitors on September 21.

In the wake of coronavirus, entry to the Taj Mahal has been limited to 5,000 in a day. Whereas only 2,500 visitors will be permitted in Agra Fort, Agra District Magistrate Prabhu N Singh told India Today. Agra had registered 3,459 coronavirus cases until September 7.

Amid the surge in coronavirus outbreak in the country, all tourists will have to follow the government's guidelines, like maintaining social distancing and wearing of masks to visit the Taj Mahal and the fort.

Additionally, ticket counters will remain closed. Visitors will have to purchase entry tickets from the online portal.

Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber president Prahalad Agarwal has suggested that before the reopening of the Taj Mahal and other world-famous monuments, Centre must resume international flight operations in the country.

Arun Dang, former chairman of Agra Tourism Guild informed that the closing of the Taj Mahal has caused and incalculable damage to the tourism industry of Agra.

MP SP Singh Baghel also said, "The closure of this monument has nearly destroyed the tourism industry of Agra and until it is reopened, there is no possibility of any improvement in the city's economy".

So far, all the monuments have been reopened in Agra except the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Taj Mahal was among the country's first public places to be closed in March due to COVID-19 outbreak, even before the nationwide lockdown was announced.

Also read: China says 'shots fired' at Shenpao mountain in Ladakh; no comments from India yet

Also read: COVID-19 crisis: India in talks to join WHO's COVAX vaccine allocation scheme
Coco Rocha has hit out at trolls who accused her of 'hiding' her baby bump on social media.

In an impassioned Instagram post, the 31-year-old Canadian model lashed out at followers who told her she should be 'proud' of her pregnancy curves and 'show them off' more.

Insisting that she wasn't attempting to hide anything in the first place, Coco went on to note that it's nobody else's business what she chooses to show or not.

Clapping back: Pregnant Coco Rocha hit back at trolls by sharing a bikini snap on Instagram on Monday after being accused of 'hiding' her baby bum

Coco looked sensational in the snaps that accompanied her post as she posed in a high waisted lemon print bikini.

The Vogue cover girl then shared a screengrab of one of the comments she had received, in which a follower accused her of looking like someone who is 'trying to hide her bump'.

Hitting back at the comment, Coco remarked: 'Ive seen (and subsequently blocked and deleted) a few comments on here from some accusing me of hiding my pregnancy bump and asking me to instead be proud of it and telling me that I need to show it more.'

Shocked: Coco was left raging after followers accused her of 'hiding' her shape beneath a sweet picture of herself cuddling her children and husband

She continued: 'First of all, I literally announced I was pregnant 5 weeks ago via @people magazine, so if I was trying to hide it, I did a terrible job of that.

'Second, never tell a woman what part of her body you think you have a right to see on her social media.

'Third, please try to love yourself and your own life instead of wasting your days criticizing someone else.

'Im 100% loving my life, my family, my pregnancy, my body, my bump and especially my day by the pool! #stylethebump'.

Valid: Insisting that she wasn't attempting to hide anything in the first place, Coco went on to note that it's nobody else's business what she chooses to show or not

Radiant: Coco looked sensational in the snaps that accompanied her post as she posed in a high waisted lemon print bikini

Last month, Coco announced she is five-and-a-half months pregnant with her third child.

The model and her husband James Conran announced they are expecting a baby girl later this year and said their daughter Ioni, five, and son Iver, two, couldn't be more excited at the prospect of their new family member.

Speaking to PEOPLE magazine, Coco said: 'We are having a girl and big sister is so excited.

She loves having a baby brother, but she's like, "I got one of those. So let's get another one, another version". She wants to do all the mommy stuff. It's going to be like having a baby doll.'

Coco revealed that they discovered she was pregnant with their third child just before the nationwide coronavirus lockdown was announced.

Although Coca admitted she has been feeling 'really good' throughout the pregnancy and is glad to have her family around, she revealed she was missing James attend appointments and scans with her.

She said: 'The only hardship is that you can't bring daddy in. We get to FaceTime and I know I've seen some other celebrities kind of showing how that's worked for them,' she says. It is a very different scenario, but I do appreciate everyone taking it so seriously. And the doctors have been awesome.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will take part in a virtual grah pravesh (housewarming) function on September 12 for people who have built homes with assistance provided under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

The chief minister also transferred online a cumulative amount of Rs 102 crore, which was the fourth and last installment of home finance, to 68,000 beneficiaries on Tuesday, officials said.

In a programme held in Mantralaya here, Chouhan said that 17 lakh homes out of a total of 20.30 lakh have been completed under the rural component of PMAY, and the target for 2019-20 was to build six lakh homes, of which 3.45 lakh have been completed.

Those who could not get benefit of the scheme at this time will be covered under the Awas Plus scheme of PMAY, the CM added.

During his interaction with some beneficiaries, the CM was told by one Sushila Vishwakarma of Betul that she and her husband had built their home in 49 days on their own.

Dhars Gulab Singh and Gwaliors Namdeo, both beneficiaries, thanked the government for assistance under the scheme due to which they now have homes of their own.

Additional Chief Secretary (Panchayat and Rural Development Department) Manoj Shrivastava said the PM would interact with three beneficiaries during the function on September 12.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar wrote to his Bangladeshi counterpart conveying his heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to victims of a deadly gas leak accident at a mosque on September 4.

A gas leak in an underground pipeline caused six air conditioners to explode almost simultaneously in a mosque during Friday evening prayers on the outskirts of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, killing 27 people, including a child, and injuring dozens. Worshippers were at Friday evening prayers when the blast sent a ball of flames through the Baitul Salat mosque in the central district of Narayanganj, officials said.

"We are saddened to learn about the terrible loss of lives and injuries sustained due to the unfortunate accident...," Jaishankar said in the letter, shared by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. He added, "On behalf of the Government and the people of India, I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to you and the people of Bangladesh, particularly to the bereaved families I pray for the expeditious recovery of those injured."

External Affairs Minister of India Dr. S. Jaishankar wrote to Hon'ble Foreign Minister of #Bangladesh Dr. AKA Momen conveying his heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to victims of the unfortunate accident at the Baitus Saldam Mosque in Narayanganj on Friday, 04 Sep 2020. pic.twitter.com/DhUTpkVmD4  India in Bangladesh (@ihcdhaka) September 8, 2020

READ | EAM Jaishankar Holds Telephonic Talks With Bangladesh Counterpart

READ | 17 Killed, 20 Injured As Six Air Conditioners Explode In Bangladesh Mosque

Fire officials suspect accumulated gas from a leaked pipeline triggered a spark and all six air conditioners on the ground floor of the mosque exploded. According to reports, the mosque committee had recently filed a complaint over leakage of the gas pipeline of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited.

Narayanganj Fire Service and police have already initiated an investigation into the blast while the company formed another probe body to look into the incident.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed concern over the incident and issued directions to ensure all possible medical care for the victims.

(PTI Photo)

READ | Historic! Bangladesh Court Rules Hindu Widows Entitled To Share In Husbands' Properties

READ | NIA Court Jails Two For 4 Yrs For Circulating Fake Indian Currency Notes Smuggled From Bangladesh
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has sent additional dry chemical powder on a request from the Sri Lankan Navy as part of efforts to douse the blaze on board an oil tanker off the island nations coast, the maritime agency said on Tuesday.

The Indian Navy and the Coast Guard have been helping the Sri Lankan Navy to douse the fire in Marine Tanker New Diamond since September 3.

The fire, which killed one Filipino crew member and injured another, was extinguished completely on Sunday but a new fire broke out due to extreme heat, which has also been curbed considerably.

Indian Coast Guard ship Abheek was sent with 1,500 kilograms of the dry chemical powder (DCP) for the Sri Lankan Navy at the Trincomalee harbour. A Coast Guard Dornier aircraft was also dispatched to Trincomalee, it added.

In order to supplement the surface firefighting efforts with the aerial dropping of Dry Chemical Powder (DCP), the Sri Lankan Navy had requested ICG for additional DCP.

ICGS Abheek with 1,500 kgs of DCP was diverted from on scene to enter Trincomalee harbour for handing over the DCP to Srilankan Navy.

CG Dornier 770 with 700 kgs DCP was also dispatched from Chennai to Trincomalee. Sri Lankan ships, Indian Naval ships are also operating in the area, the Coast Guard said in a statement.

Being the competent national authority under South Asian Co-operative for Environment Protection (SACEP) for responding and coordinating pollution response in the South Asian Sea region, the ICG launched an operation towards fire-fighting and consequential pollution response since September 3.

A bilateral MoU also exists between ICG and the Sri Lankan Coast Guard (SLCG) covering cooperation in the marine pollution response domain.

The fire, which re-ignited late on Monday evening, increased drastically by midnight, with very high flames emanating from the funnel and aft section, reaching almost 50-60 metres from the weather deck.

The sustained firefighting efforts by ICG Ships Sujay, Shaurya, Sarang and specialised ICG Pollution Response Vessel Samudra Paheredar along with Sri Lankan ships and tugs ensured the intensity and magnitude of the fire were reduced considerably by daybreak on Tuesday.

The captain of MT New Diamond, onboard ICGS Shaurya, has intimated the Coast Guard that the fire appears to have been doused, it said.

The situation is being monitored closely and boundary cooling with seawater and application of foam has been enhanced to avoid re-ignition.

The persistence of fire for eight days has weakened the accommodation superstructure. No significant list is observed. The vessel is trimmed by aft by about 3 feet, the Coast Guard added.

MT New Diamond is being held by Tug TTT1 in position about 30 miles from the nearest coast of Sri Lanka for preventing drifting of the vessel ashore and facilitating fire-fighting operation both by ships and aircraft including logistics ease.

Continuous liaison and coordination are being maintained with Sri Lankan Navy and Coast Guard and other authorities for augmentation and effective response, the statement added.

The Sri Lankan Navy, in a statement, said the re-ignited fire on board the Panama-registered tanker, carrying nearly 2 million barrels of crude oil, has been curbed to an extent.

There is no risk of the fire spreading to the oil storage or leaking oil from the ship into the sea as of now, the statement said.

Ships, aircraft and tugs belonging to the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and other stakeholders are continuing their disaster management operations to suppress the fire caused by adverse weather, the Lankan Navy added.
Boris Johnson has been warned he risks huge damage to Britains national interests and its standing on the world stage as Brussels reacted with alarm to his threats to walk out of EU trade talks and tear up key parts of his Brexit withdrawal agreement.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen cautioned that implementation in full of the agreement which Mr Johnson signed up to last year was a legal obligation and a condition for any future trade deal with the EU, while anti-Brexit parties in Northern Ireland issued a joint statement warning that departing from the deal would undermine the peace process.

But Downing Street denied it was tearing up the withdrawal agreement and its protocol on Northern Ireland, insisting that the prime minister was committed to implementing both in their entirety, but was simply making clarifications in order to avoid confusion when the UKs Brexit transition period ends on 31 December.

Business groups urged the prime minister to refocus his attentions on avoiding an unwelcome and dangerous disorderly exit from the EU. Logistics UK, the trade body for the freight sector, warned that his latest high-wire gambit could jeopardise British businesss ability to keep Britain trading.

On the eve of the latest and most crucial round of trade talks, opening in London on Tuesday, the UK sent a triple shock through the negotiation process, which has stalled over differences on fishing, state aid and the EUs demands for a level playing field on standards.

Following an article by chief negotiator David Frost confirming the UK is ready to go for no deal, Mr Johnson declared a self-imposed deadline of 15 October to reach agreement or walk away from the table.

He claimed that leaving the EU without a trade deal  which he refers to as an Australian trading arrangement  would be a good outcome for the UK, despite Treasury analysis suggesting that it would knock up to 9 per cent off GDP.

Speaking ahead of Tuesdays talks in London, Lord Frost said: I will sit down with Michel Barnier and drive home our clear message that we must make progress this week if we are to reach an agreement in time. We have now been talking for six months and can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground. We need to see more realism from the EU about our status as an independent country.

And Downing Street confirmed that legislation to be tabled in Westminster on Wednesday will allow the government to override elements of last years withdrawal agreement, previously hailed by Mr Johnson as a great deal which was oven-ready for implementation in full.

The threats came as a new YouGov poll found that half of voters (50 per cent) believe leaving without a trade deal would be a bad outcome for the UK, against less than a quarter (24 per cent) who think it would be good.

Under Mr Johnsons plans, provisions in the Inland Market Bill and Finance Bill, both due to become law by Christmas, will allow UK ministers unilaterally to determine:

* Which goods exported from the British mainland to Northern Ireland are at risk of travelling on to the EU, and therefore subject to tariffs;

* Which subsidies to UK companies relate to Northern Ireland and must be notified to Brussels; and

* That Northern Irish companies need not file export summary declarations for shipments to Britain.

The prime ministers official spokesperson said the clarifications would avoid unintended consequences  such as the imposition of tariffs on an excessive range of goods  resulting from the failure of a UK/EU joint committee to tie up loose ends in the protocol. The measures would lapse once the committee, chaired by Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic, had resolved outstanding issues, he said.

The spokesperson also made clear that the government would not be providing the EU with details of its plans for future state aid subsidies to UK companies ahead of Mr Johnsons deadline, saying they were not something that is within the scope of any normal free trade agreement.

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

In a carefully worded tweet, Ms Von der Leyen made clear that pressing ahead with Mr Johnsons plans would risk collapsing the talks and put the UKs international reputation for trustworthiness into question.

I trust the British government to implement the withdrawal agreement, an obligation under international law and prerequisite for any future partnership, she wrote, adding that the provisions on Northern Ireland were essential to protect peace and stability on the island and integrity of the single market.

The chair of the European parliaments trade committee, Bernd Lange, said Mr Johnsons move confirmed that his signature on last years political declaration with the EU was not worth the paper it was written on and rendered the trade talks a farce.

And the president of the Socialist group in the parliament, Iratxe Garcia Perez, said it beggars belief that the PM would go back on an agreement which he negotiated less than a year ago. All is about trust and it is running out, she said. Agreements must be kept.

Irelands foreign affairs minister, Simon Coveney, tweeted ominously: This would be a very unwise way to proceed.

Former chancellor Philip Hammond  thrown out of the Conservative parliamentary party by Mr Johnson for opposing a no-deal Brexit  said: Leaving without a deal would not be a good outcome for the UK, nor would it be the outcome Boris and the Brexiteers promised.

The UK is a rule-of-law state, and attempting to legislate domestically to override international law would be an incredibly dangerous step and bound to lead to conflict with the judiciary. It would also hugely damage our standing on the world stage.

Mr Johnsons spokesman insisted that the government had always made clear it would act to ensure unfettered access to the whole of the UK internal market for Northern Irish firms.

We are taking limited and reasonable steps to clarify specific elements of the Northern Ireland protocol in domestic law to remove any ambiguity and to ensure the government is always able to deliver on its commitments to the people of Northern Ireland, he said.

But the chair of the House of Commons Committee on the Future Relationship with the EU, Hilary Benn, told The Independent: It is surprising that the government is apparently suggesting taking legislative powers to do the job of the joint committee.

That obviously will create some concern and worry on the part of the EU because the government signed up of its own free will to this agreement. Its a legally binding treaty and one would expect the government to honour its terms.

And former Conservative cabinet minister Stephen Dorrell, now chair of the European Movement, said Mr Johnson was putting our essential national interests at risk with his jaw-droppingly inept posturing.

The prospect of changes to the terms of the Northern Ireland protocol sparked concern among business leaders in the region.

The Northern Ireland Business Brexit Working Group said that, while not perfect, the protocol as agreed last year would at least avert some of the worst consequences of a chaotic non-negotiated outcome.

Business continues to ask for the certainty we need to prepare for the end of transition period, said the group.

And Stephen Kelly, chief executive of Manufacturing NI, said that efforts to ensure unfettered access to the British market for Northern Irish firms need not put at risk the arrangements set out in the protocol.

Warning that businesses were being put in an invidious position, Mr Kelly said: A disorderly end of this year is unwelcome and dangerous. For us it remains the case that a zero-tariff, zero-quota trade deal between the UK and the EU is in everyone's interests and all focus should be placed on achieving that aim.

Four anti-Brexit parties in Northern Ireland  Sinn Fein, the SDLP, the Alliance and the Greens  issued a joint statement warning that departing from the terms of the protocol would be a shocking act of bad faith that would critically undermine the Good Friday Agreement political framework and peace process.

The shadow Northern Ireland secretary, Louise Haigh, said: It beggars belief that the government is  yet again  playing a dangerous game in Northern Ireland and sacrificing our international standing at the altar of the prime ministers incompetence.

Trade body Logistics UK, whose members include companies shifting goods in and out of the UK by air, sea and land, said it was concerned about reports that the UK government may jeopardise British businesss ability to keep Britain trading by negating key elements of the EU withdrawal agreement, which could put any further negotiations with the European Union at risk.

Public policy manager Alex Veitch said: With only 16 weeks remaining until the end of the transition period for the UKs departure from the EU, this would have severe consequences for UK supply chains, leaving very limited time for the logistics industry to react and prepare to new trading conditions, especially as the industry is approaching its Christmas trading peak.

Logistics UK, as the business group representing the sector which supports every area of the economy, is adamant that a free trade agreement should still be the priority for negotiators to ensure that the movement of goods to and from Europe can continue with as few limitations as possible, to keep Britain trading effectively with its closest and largest trading partners.
The Union government is committed to compensate states for their entire Rs 2.35 lakh crore Goods and Services Tax (GST) shortfall in 2020-21 irrespective of the reason for the fall in revenue, which is either due to GST implementation issues or because of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, an act of God, two finance ministry officials said.

It has never been the stand of Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharamaram that the loss of revenue due to Covid-19 would not be compensated, the officials said requesting anonymity.

Also Read: GST compensation to states a legal obligation, Ashok Gehlot tells PM Modi

The entire compensation sum on account of shortfall in collections of GST will be paid and honoured. The news and opinion circulating in the media that the Centre is not honouring its committment is false and baseless and is aimed at creating unnecessary confusion, one of the officials said.

The officials said the revenue shortfall would, however, be met through market borrowing by states themselves as per the legal position.

Compensation cess is a resource dedicated to states. Only states can borrow on the strength of future flows from cess that will eventually get credited to their consolidated fund, one of the officials said.

However, the states that are ruled by parties in the opposition rejected the Centres position about market borrowings.

The states want the Centre to fulfil its constitutional obligation. It should pay full compensation of Rs 2.35 lakh crore in the current financial year. It should borrow the full amount from the market for us. The debt will certainly be retired from the compensation fund, said a finance minister belonging to a state ruled by opposition parties, requesting anonymity.

Also Read: GST compensation shortfall: Haryana opts for special window borrowing

These states have rejected the two options of revenue compensation proposed by the Centre last week, he said.

On August 31, Kerala finance minister Thomas Isaac had tweeted, FMs [finance ministers] of Punjab, Delhi, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Kerala agreed to reject the Centres options on GST compensation. Our option: the central government to borrow entire compensation due regardless of acts of gods, humans or nature, to be paid back by extending the period of cess.

The Centre on August 27 had decided to go for the borrowing route to compensate states for the GST revenue shortfall. It gave options --- one for Rs 97,000 crore and the other for Rs 2.35 lakh crore. Two days later, it circulated the details of the two options to the states.

Under the first option, states would not have to pay either principle or interest if they opt to borrow Rs 97,000 crore to meet GST revenue shortfall because of implementation issues, but they will have to bear significant interest costs if they choose the lager borrowing option of Rs 2.35 lakh crore due to an Act of God, the Covid-19 pandemic.

If states go for the first option and borrow Rs 97,000 crore, it does not mean they will have to forego the remaining compensation. The remaining compensation will be paid to states after the borrowing has been fully repaid. Where is the doubt about the Centre not meeting its committment? said the official quoted above.

He explained the Centres constraints regarding borrowing to pay the GST compensation. It needs to be appreciated that under the GST law, the compensation cess is a tax owned by states and under Article 292 of the Constitution, the Centre can borrow on the security of its own taxes and resources which is the Consolidated Fund of India. It cannot borrow in the security of the tax that it does not own, he said.

The compensation cess has to be transferred to the Compensation Fund of India and released to states in the form of compensation. It is not a resource of the Central government on the strength of which it can borrow under Article 292 of the Constitution, he added.

Compensation cess is a resource dedicated to states. Only states can borrow on the strength of future flows from cess that would eventually get credited to them, he said.

Officials said that partially meeting the resource gap through borrowing is beneficial for both -- the market and states. It will ensure that some resources in the form of compensation keep coming even after the end of the transition period which will allow future generations to maintain healthy levels of public expenditure. States falling off a resource cliff after the transition period of five years will not be a prudent fiscal strategy, the official quoted above said.

The GST law assures states a 14% increase in their annual revenue for five years from July 1, 2017 and also guarantee them that their revenue shortfall, if any, will be made good through the compensation cess levied on luxury goods and sin products such as liqour, cigarettes, aerated water, automobiles, coal and tobacco products.

The finance ministry officials said states have fiscal space to borrow. The Centre has already enhanced the borrowing limit from 3%, which goes up to 5% of gross state domestic product (GSDP). On average, the states have borrowed around 1.25% of the GSDP. Only a few states have reached around above 2% of the GSDP. Enough headroom is available to states to borrow as per their requirements and needs, they said.

In any case, they will get the full compensation shortfall and it is a win-win situation for all  states, the Centre, and economy a second official said.

He said if the Centre borrows it would have a higher impact on the market and push the G-Sec rate which becomes the benchmark rates for other borrowings including that by state governments. Any borrowing by the Central government would crowd out borrowings by the private sector and will make them costly for entrepreneurs. The deciding factor will be whose borrowings will have least impact on market rates he added.

It is inarguable that rates on Central government securities work as one of the benchmarks for market rates. Any additional borrowings by the Centre will have a higher impact on the market rates than that by states. If the benchmark rates increase on account of borrowing by the Centre, states, too, will get impacted because it will increase their cost of borrowing, he said.

In the current scenario, it may be a safer option for states to raise the additional resources to meet the resource gap due to non-availability of compensation. Since the repayment will come from the compensation cess, there is no reason why the rates will be different for each state. The debt window could be packaged in a way that it is state independent altogether, he added.

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Divers spent roughly two hours searching for a swimmer who disappeared at Oak Mountain State Park late Monday afternoon.

Pelham Fire Department was called to one of the beach areas about 6 p.m. Monday on a report of a drowning, said spokeswoman Ainsley Allison. The victim was found about 7:30 p.m. and rushed to Shelby Baptist Medical Center.

Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans confirmed her office has been called to the hospital on a fatal drowning. On Tuesday she identified the victim as 15-year-old Daniyah Dawson of Birmingham.

The George W. Carver High School family is saddened by the recent passing of Daniyah Dawson, a rising 10th-grader, according to a statement from high school principal Evelyn Nettles Hines. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. At this time, we are respecting the privacy of her family and friends.

Kelly Ezell, Alabama State Parks Central District Superintendent, said the 15-year-old girl was swimming with her family when she disappeared under the water about 5:30 p.m.

Our thoughts are with the family and their loved ones during this very difficult time,' Ezell said.

Pelham Fire Department was called to one of the beach areas about 6 p.m. on a report of a drowning. The victim was found about 7:30 p.m.

Multiple first responders were on the scene including Pelham police and fire, park staff and park rangers. A search light had been set up on a dock while divers were in the water. Family of the victim was on the scene.

No additional information is being released at this time.
KC FEARS THE SNEEZE!!!

Local experts give advice on allergies vs. COVID-19 KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - Labor Day marks the unofficial start of fall, a perfect time to take in nature without getting soaked in sweat. A time to stop and smell the roses, unless you have allergies. "It's a tough time of the year," Overland Park resident Robert Mintz said.

Local Faith Community Offers Human Trafficking Help

ReHope Market reopens, helps survivors of sex trafficking KANSAS CITY, Mo. - An organization in the Kansas City area that aids those exploited by sex trafficking has regained an avenue to provide service to those in need. Restoration House of Greater Kansas City, a faith-based, long-term residential care facility, reopened its ReHope Market and Cafe on Saturday.

Safety Dance

Health officials urge people to get flu vaccine during pandemic KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Health officials are reminding people to get a flu shot to avoid a double impact of flu and coronavirus. The effects on a person with both influenza and COVID-19 are not known, but Julie Richards with Swope Health said both viruses mimic each other.

Pr0n Star Stands Up For Social Media Smut Game Rules

Porn Star Siri Dahl Says OnlyFans Was 'Built, Popularized By Sex Workers' Porn star Siri Dahl has opened up about her fears regarding OnlyFans constantly changing its terms and conditions Like Bella Thorne, she is one of the top earners on the platform The adult star admitted that she fears OnlyFans will eventually ban adult content on its platform Porn star Siri Dahl, famously known as Siri, admitted she is worried about OnlyFans constantly changing the terms and conditions of the subscription platform, fearing that it will eventually lead to a ban on adult content.

Check Duce Coming Soon???

Second stimulus check: When the IRS might send a new direct payment and who could get it first Is there a chance that a second stimulus check could be sent out this year? Negotiators didn't make much headway to pass a new stimulus bill in the past month. But the Senate will reconvene this week and the House of Representatives returns next week, renewing hope that the two sides may come back to the table to finalize another direct payment.

Factions Fight It Out

Proud Boys clash with fight BLM protesters after 'cruise caravan' At least two Trump supporters were arrested in Salem, Oregon, at the end of a procession from near Portland The Trump supporters fired paintballs at Black Lives Matter counter-protesters and were led away by police The rally had begun on Monday afternoon to show Oregon's continued support for the president

Prez Trump Contradiction?!?!

Trump Rips Into U.S. Military Leaders But Insists Soldiers Love Him Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, reported last week that Trump refused to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during a trip to France in 2018 because it is "filled with losers," according to four sources described as having firsthand knowledge of the discussion; the Associated Press, CNN and Fox News later corroborated the story with administration sources.

Nasty Comments Denied

John Bolton denies claim Trump disparaged fallen American soldiers in France: 'Simply false' Former national security adviser John Bolton disputed the main thesis of The Atlantic's recent report alleging that President Trump disparaged fallen American soldiers in France, calling the claim "simply false" in an appearance on "The Story" Monday.

Sharing Nice Local Lesson

Local couple raises money to supply thousands of kids in rural districts with water bottles LEAWOOD, Kan. - A couple in Leawood is working to make sure students in rural areas have reusable water bottles when they head back to school. Kody Cook and Cortney Eidson grew up in a small community south of Kansas City and always wanted to do something to help rural parts of the region.

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Sugar Rush Hits Midtown

In Kansas City's Westport Neighborhood, Creative Culture Offers Elaborate Milkshakes With a Side of Arts and Crafts Creative Culture opened in Westport this summer, billing itself as a safe place for people to get out of the house with friends or family and go create. Encouraging creativity for all ages and skills levels, Creative Culture offers a private party room along with a variety of workshops taught by local artists.

Local Cool Down

A front is stalling which will create big weather forecast questions Temperatures split on this Labor Day with highs in the 90s south of I-70 and near 80 north of I-70 Storms develop late this evening and overnight near the Missouri and Iowa border A strong cold front and slow-moving disturbance brings several days of rain and much colder temperatures Tuesday through Friday KANSAS CITY'S MOST ACCURATE FORECAST Tonight: A few thunderstorms may develop, mostly staying in northern Missouri.

Right now pr0n hottie Siri inspires this quick glimpse at pop culture, community news and top headlines . . .is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now . . .
At a meeting of Members of Parliament from the state convened by Chief Minister on Monday, the participants decided to put pressure on the Centre to reverse its decision to hand over the management of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to a private player.

During the virtual meeting, the CM said that if the Centre decides to go ahead with privatisation despite the opposition of the state government, the latter will not co-operate with it.

In the meeting, it was also decided to raise a number of other issues in the upcoming Parliament session.

Among the other issues to be raised in Parliament, it was decided to urge the centre to abandon the decision to privatise BPCL. The state government had provided financial support to Kochi refinery of BPCL. It also decided to provide a loan of Rs 1,500 crore, it said.

It was also decided to raise the issue of GST compensation of Rs 7,000 crore which the Centre owes to the state till July 2020 and ask the former to make its share available immediately.

Among other demands, it was also decided to ask Centre to extend the moratorium on bank loans till December 31 and interest on the moratorium period should be waived.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19, MPs also decided to ask the Centre to give special grants to the state, which should be included as a matter of consideration for the 15th Finance 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.)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 8

By Fidan Babayeva - Trend:

Russian SITNO company, engaged in the agriculture production plans to start exporting to Azerbaijan by the end of 2020, Deputy Director-General of the company Timur Mironov told Trend.

We produce all food products according to a closed technological cycle system. Our products are necessary for healthy human life - flour, pasta, bakery and confectionery products, eggs and poultry meat, semi-finished products and delicacies from meat, and dairy products, said Mironov.

The company is just beginning to work with Azerbaijan. At this stage, were carefully analyzing the market, studying distributors. Now we are actively negotiating with them. I can say that we have big ambitions and plans for supplies to Azerbaijan. The volume of exports depends on many socio-economic factors. In any case, speaking about the first deliveries, initially, we are talking about the so-called test volumes, which will help to probe the market live, to understand its specifics, consumers, and demand. I think that at the initial stage, Azerbaijani consumers will be interested in Halal products, as well as flour, pasta, and confectionery, SITNOs representative said.

First of all, SITNO plans to export flour-grinding products, pasta, and flour confectionery goods, said the deputy director-general.

We will further work to expand the range and offer poultry and dairy products. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic has made significant adjustments to the export activities of companies and manufacturers around the world. Not all export plans outlined for this year have been implemented, but we plan to make up for them by the end of 2020, including through productive cooperation with Azerbaijan, Mironov added.

About 60 enterprises engaged in the agriculture and processing industry are united under the SITNO brand.

SITNOs enterprises employ over 7,000 people.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: Fidan_Babaeva
By PTI

NEW DELHI; Sushant Singh Rajput's family lawyer Vikas Singh Tuesday alleged that the FIR registered by Mumbai Police against Rajput's sisters and others on Rhea Chakraborty's complaint is illegal and they will take serious action in the matter.

The senior advocate said the case related to Rajput's death was serious where multiple agencies like the CBI, Enforcement Directorate and Narcotics Control Bureau are probing the issue and they will not allow the accused to deflect the investigation by filing of such complaints.

ALSO READ | FIR against Sushant Singh Rajput's sisters, doctor after Rhea Chakraborty's complaint

He said a decision will taken during the day whether the Rajput family, which has accused actress and Sushant's live-in partner Chakraborty of abetting his suicide, would file a contempt plea or quashing of her complaint in this matter.

I have been shown the FIR. The first thought which comes to my mind is that Bandra police station is her (Chakraborty) second home. The FIR lodged by the police is completely illegal and contempt of the orders of the Supreme Court," Singh alleged at a press conference.

The apex court has clearly said that Mumbai Police can register FIR only with respect to inquest proceedings. According to Supreme Court judgement no FIR can be registered against doctor without constituting a medical team, he said.

Chakraborty has accused Rajput's sister Priyanka Singh and a Delhi-based doctor of forgery and preparing a "fake" prescription of medicines for anxiety.

In her complaint sent to the Bandra police here on Sunday, she has sought that Priyanka Singh and Dr Tarun Kumar, working with Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi, be booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for forgery, the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines.

Rajput, 34, was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14 following which the Mumbai Police had lodged an Accidental Death Report (ADR).

On July 25, Rajputs father K K Singh lodged a complaint with Patna police against Chakraborty, her parents Indrajit and Sandhya Chakraborty, her brother Showik Chakraborty, the late actor's former manager Shruti Modi and his house manager Samuel Miranda.

He accused them of cheating and abetting his son's suicide.

He also claimed that the accused persons had siphoned off Rs 15 crore from his sons bank accounts.

Based on this allegation, the Enforcement Directorate is probing money laundering charges.

The FIR lodged by Patna police was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is probing drugs angle in the case.
Dry, hot weather combined with unusually strong gusting wind Monday night left firefighters scrambling to douse brush and structure fires across the Portland metro area.

Meanwhile, new and growing wildfires prompted evacuations across the state.

In Oregon City, a fire that began in an abandoned warehouse at Clackamas Cove spread to nearby brush and three more structures. A large apartment complex nearby was briefly evacuated as embers blew within reach. About 12 acres of brush were burned.

Clackamas Fire District spokesman Capt. Brandon Paxton said the agency was also fighting several brush fires Monday night. If the dry heat and winds held up, he expected the busy night to continue well into Tuesday.

Thats just a perfect recipe for increased fire spread, Paxton said. The take-home here is to use extreme caution and dont go out and burn material outside.

Embers that flew as far as an eighth of a mile presented a major challenge for firefighters, Paxton said.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue crews were already battling multiple brush fires Monday night before several major structure fires broke out.

A house fire in the 29000 block of Northeast Wilsonville Road in Newberg sent embers into nearby vegetation, starting spot fires, and firefighters were working to stop the fire from spreading to other nearby structures. A barn also went up in flames at Southwest Stafford Road and Southwest Childs Road near Lake Oswego, and a house fire was extinguished in the 16000 block of Northwest Juniper Hills Court.

Portland Fire & Rescue said it had extinguished to multiple small brush fires across the city. It also said its crews had responded to trees and that had toppled onto houses and branches that had fallen on pedestrians. Fire officials urged residents to say at home if possible.

OREGON WILDFIRES GROW

Heavy winds and dry weather pushed already burning and newly ignited wildfires easy, setting off a series of expanding evacuations Monday night and Tuesday morning.

The rapidly growing Beachie Creek and Lionshead fires in eastern Marion County prompted an immediate evacuation order for the Breitenbush Hot Springs resort and the Devils Creek community and communities in the Santiam Canyon from Mehama east to Detroit and Idanha. The isolated fires are moving quickly toward more densely populated areas. An evacuation staging area has been established at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem.

The Two Four Two Fire burning on the Chiloquin Ranger District of the Fremont-Winema National Forest on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020. The fire was discovered earlier in the evening and jumped U.S. 97, quickly spreading to more than 1,000 acres.Fremont-Winema National Forest

A fast-moving Klamath County wildfire discovered Monday night on the Chiloquin Ranger District of the Fremont-Winema National Forest moved three miles over the course of the evening, spreading to more than 1,000 acres with no containment by midnight. The Two Four Two fire, as its now called, jumped U.S. 97 and is now burning on both sides, exhibiting extreme fire behavior, officials said.

It prompted immediate evacuations for Collier State Park and people who live nearby. More nearby residents have been told to prepare for an evacuation.

In Lane County, a fire burning along Oregon 126 prompted immediate evacuations from areas from Leaburg east to the McKenzie River Ranger Station, including all roads to the north and south of the highway. The evacuation point is Thurston High School for those in Blue River and west of Blue River. Evacuees east of Blue River should travel east toward Sisters, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is likely to make a stopover in on Tuesday on his way to a four-day visit to Russia, where he is expected to hold bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

Sources told IANS that India and are to explore the revival of regional approach to diplomacy with respect to Afghanistan following the US-Taliban peace deal. China and share a strong bilateral relationship and have a strategic alliance in the region.

On Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had met his Iranian counterpart Brig General Amir Hatami in Tehran enroute New Delhi from Moscow.

India's strategic alliance with the US -- the arch-rival of both China and Iran -- has strained its relationship with Tehran, especially after the Trump administration killed Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Major General Qassem Soleimani and other top military leaders of Iran in an air strike in Baghdad in January this year.

The Chabahar port in Iran, which India is helping develop to access oil and gas resources in Central Asia, has seen very slow progress since.

The project is important to India as the port aims to offset the competition China poses with its Gwadar port built in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

--IANS

aat/arm

(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| 2020-09-08 23:08:26|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Officials from Latin American and Caribbean countries have expressed their optimism about China's service trade market and their willingness to deepen cooperation with China, on the sidelines of the ongoing China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) on Tuesday.

Counselor of the Ecuadorean Embassy in China Andres Armas said that he hopes to promote Ecuador's characteristic services through the CIFTIS and create more new business opportunities for the two countries.

"Our focus is on promoting Ecuador's export products, as well as helping Chinese investors find opportunities by community," Armas said.

The diplomat expressed the hope that bilateral cooperation in services trade be expanded and achieve greater results.

E-commerce services in Ecuador such as bike-sharing and online platforms to buy food and other goods have seen a rising demand during the pandemic, Armas said, adding that "they have a lot of potential in Ecuador."

Noting that about 20,000 Chinese tourists visited Ecuador last year, Armas said "we hope those numbers keep increasing in the future" as tourism is a key sector of Ecuador's national economy.

Noting that 90 percent of Ecuador's power generation now comes from hydropower, he highlighted that Chinese companies have provided great help in the construction of related projects.

Alfonso Sesma Julian, representative from the Economic Affairs Section of the Mexican Embassy in China, said several Chinese companies have approached him to discuss cooperation at the fair.

"Some Chinese companies have contacted us, and I hope they can develop their businesses in Mexico and establish enterprises there," Julian said.

Corey Archer, second secretary of the Barbadian Embassy in China, said there is still much room for cooperation between China and Barbados in the field of services trade, including tourism, finance and insurance, wealth management, education and training.

"Barbados is a regional hub featuring expansive transport links to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the Caribbean region where it serves as the regional hub for many destinations," he said.

The sixth annual CIFTIS, the first major international economic and trade event held both online and offline by China since the COVID-19 outbreak, opened Friday. Enditem
In March of this year, Yi-Wen Jiang posted a comment on the Chinese social media platform WeChat in response to a post by San Francisco Symphony associate principal viola Yun Jie Liu. Jiangs comment, which went viral, was denounced by some Chinese media outlets as racist and led to a parting of the ways between Jiang and his fellow Shanghai Quartet members.  The Strad
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 00:14:23|Editor: huaxia

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GABORONE, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Botswana is set to establish a sex offenders' register in order to address gender-based violence and sexual offenses, Botswana's justice and security minister said Tuesday.

Kagiso Mmusi, Botswana's minister of defense, justice and security, made the announcement when making a presentation on the mid-term review for national development plan (NDP) 11 in the Botswana parliament in Gaborone, Botswana's capital city.

Mmusi said the prevalence and increase in cases of sexual abuse is not only a matter of national importance but also a matter of grave concern for the justice sector.

"This calls for urgent intervention by a way of legislative reform as well as other initiatives hence the call among other things the establishment of the sex offenders' register," said Mmusi.

To address the current pandemic of gender-based violence and sexual offenses, Mmusi said he shall be tabling a bill to establish the Sexual Offenders' Registry Bill of 2020 which will provide for registration of sexual offenders and their monitoring and supervision after release from jail.

In addition, specific needs of child victims will be addressed through the establishment of child-friendly police stations and child-friendly courts, according to Mmusi.

He said this initiative aims at enhancing the capacity of the police and courts to effectively respond to cases of violence against children which is critical to child access to justice.

The 2020 World Population Review ranked Botswana second after South Africa with the highest rates of rape worldwide. Botswana, with an estimated population of 2.3 million, had 92.9 rape incidents per 100, 000 people when compared to other countries across the globe. Enditem
For past three weeks, every morning and then around 10pm, Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal sets aside other work at hand to get into a conference call with a trusted team of colleagues in Lucknow, including Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh and member of Delhi assembly Dilip Pandey. The agenda of discussion is Uttar Pradesh and the partys work in the run-up to the assembly elections in 2022.

This conference call is not an easy one. Kejriwal seeks the minutest of details and feedback on the groundwork being done, membership drive and new political strategies for the state that virtually dominates national politics with its large size, highest population and deep, defining political fault lines of caste and religion.

Kejriwals enhanced interest in Uttar Pradesh speaks of a larger political story. The fact that the party with a very small support base in UP is seeing its leaders especially Sanjay Singh and Dilip Pandey regularly camping in the state and going at full throttle in launching a strong political attack against the BJP and the Yogi Adityanath government is proof of AAPs strong desire to find a foothold in Uttar Pradesh and test its mettle in the assembly elections a year and a half way.

VICTORY IN DELHI FUELS LUCKNOW DESIRES

In February this year, as AAP retained the power in the Delhi Vidhan Sabha, with a second consecutive win in the assembly elections, the party top brasss dream of a national expansion was reignited. However, plans were put on hold following the Delhi riots and then the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

A senior party functionary, who did not wish to be named, said, We had plans to launch an extensive outreach campaign in at least UP, Uttarakhand, Bihar and West Bengal. But the Covid-19 crisis derailed the plans. Since now theres hardly time left for Bengal and Bihar, the party has decided to put maximum focus on UP and Uttarakhand, where there is still time for the assembly polls."

THE CHALLENGE AND THE OFFENSIVE

But its easier said than done. The road to finding any significant foothold in the state with 403 assembly seats and 80 Lok sabha seats is a mammoth task and AAP is fully aware of it. Getting peoples attention and doing the needed electoral groundwork are the critical tasks at hand.

It is MP Sanjay Singh, a native of Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh and a party veteran, who has been entrusted with the responsibility of AAPs foray in the state. His devotion to UP politics, zeal to take up the issues of law and order and corruption against the Yogi government are drawing attention.

Spiced up with the typical AAP style of confrontation, witty social media posts and well-designed new campaign strategies, Sanjay Singh to an extent has been able to create a new political and media space over the past one month. He has also faced the governments wrath and has been slapped with multiple FIRs and even detained on a few occasions.

Talking to News18, Singh said, AAP workers are not afraid of police action. We are a party that has emerged out of struggle and we are not afraid of going to jail." Challenging the Yogi government, the AAP MP further said, I am here in Lucknow, and will continue to raise my voice against corruption and the jungle raj in UP and if chief minister Yogi Adityanath has courage, he should get me arrested."

POOR ORGANISATION  A CHALLENGE AT HAND

Despite a certain degree of media attention and persisting intervention by top leaders, a challenge at hand is the lack of proper organisation. Though AAP leaders claim they have an organisational structure in most of the districts, its basically at a skeletal level.

It has a deep void of strong leaders and a robust organisation, has not been tried and tested to any serious extent in political battles of the past, especially the 2017 assembly polls and then the 2019 general elections.

The harsh reality is that barring the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, AAP has never taken any serious plunge in the states complicated electoral battle. Since those early years of euphoria around the party, a lot has happened. Many veterans of that time have either moved on to other political ventures or else chosen to sit back at home. And all through these years, the state had never become a serious priority for the central leadership, it being primarily caught up in the battle for Delhi.

Party leaders have no qualms in accepting it. AAPs state spokesperson Vaibhav Maheshwari, a leader who has been a part of Team Kejriwal since the days of the India Against Corruption movement, said, The past is behind us. We are getting in touch with our workers and old leaders across cities and villages of UP. The party has decided to intervene and establish a pro-people politics in the state where all others have only cheated the common man on issues of caste and religion."

WHAT IT MEANS FOR OTHERS  BJP, CONGRESS, SP AND BSP

It is still too early to predict what the AAP factor means in the state. Will it ultimately be a factor or just a footnote in the states politics? The answers are buried in the future. However the Goliaths of the state politics, the ruling BJP and the major opposition parties SP, BSP and Congress, are already observing the new entrant, the David of the state politics, with some interest.

A senior BJP leader dismissed AAP as any serious competition. However, he said, The party will be happy if AAP makes some dent in the non-BJP votes." Clearly, the BJP at this stage doesnt see AAP as a threat to its electoral arithmetic.

The Congress on the other hand is seeing the AAP experiment as a move in collusion with the Samajwadi Party. A senior party leader said, AAP can be looking towards some sort of understanding with Akhilesh Yadav, may be a last-minute arrangement on a few seats and thus it might dent the BJP in some areas."

The SP and BSP at the moment are non-speculative about the AAP factor. AAP, though, is unfazed by this claimed dismissal by rival parties.

Maheshwari said, Let BJP, Congress and others be in denial. We are here for serious business and with a clear-defined strategy. We have created ripples that will soon turn into a tsunami of change and pro-people politics."
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, when speaking live on YouTube channel "Soloviev Live" on Monday, called on Germany to select one speaker who would be responsible for all official comments regarding Alexei Navalny, Sputnik reports.

"It seems to me that now the German side has real reasons for publishing comments. ... I would like to read real data every day. What could be simpler... Choose one doctor, head of a clinic, laboratory, chemist, biologist  one person who will become a speaker on this issue, who will go out to the public every day and tell what is happening, what data, formulas are there", she said.

Commenting on Navalny's alleged "poisoning", Zakharova stated that "there is an absolute feeling that the script was written in advance".

"The answer has not been given. Neither the official request of the Russian Prosecutor General's Office, nor do I know any more about the appeals of our Omsk doctors, nor those that Mr. [Leonid] Roshal spoke about. Nothing, zero", she said.

Zakharova reiterated her demand that Germany must provide data on Moscow's request for information regarding Navalny.
The Centre on Monday launched a 24X7 toll free mental rehabilitation helpline for providing psychological support to people.

The helpline KIRAN (1800-599-0019) was launched by Union minister for social justice and empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot.

The helpline will offer mental health rehabilitation services with the objective of early screening, first aid, psychological support, distress management, mental wellbeing, promoting positive behaviour and psychological crisis management, the minister said.

The helpline will function as a lifeline to provide advice, counselling and reference in 13 languages to individuals, families, NGOs, parent associations, professional associations, rehabilitation institutes, hospitals or anyone in need of support across the country, he said.

I hope this helpline will also be very useful for family members of those with mental illness, Gehlot said.

Prabodh Seth, Joint Secretary at social justice and empowerment ministry, gave a presentation to highlight the salient features of the helpline.

This toll free helpline will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the technical coordination of BSNL. It is backed by 660 clinical and rehabilitation psychologists and 668 psychiatrists, he said.

The 13 languages covered in the helpline are Hindi, Assamese, Tamil, Marathi, Odia, Telugu, Malayalam, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kannada, Bengali, Urdu and English, he added.

Explaining the working of the helpline, Seth said when 1800-599-0019 is dialled from any mobile phone or landline of any telecom network, from any part of India, one gets the option of selecting the language following which they get connected to the helpline centre of native or desired state.

The callers will then be connected to mental health experts who will help to resolve the issue or refer and connect to external help (clinical psychologists or rehabilitation psychologists or psychiatrists), the official explained.

The helpline is dedicated to resolve mental health issues related to anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, suicide, depression, panic attack(s) adjustment disorders, post traumatic stress disorders and substance abuse.

The helpline will cater to- people in distress, pandemic induced psychological issues and mental health emergency, Seth said.

The helpline is being coordinated by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai and National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR), Sehore.

Professional support for the helpline is being provided by the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP), Indian Psychiatrists Association (IPA) and Indian Psychiatric Social Workers Association (IPSWA), he added.

PTI UZM SRY

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Washington: Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is launching a new push on economic issues as polls show voters beginning to trust his approach to reversing the job losses and manufacturing contraction brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

Biden opens the new front with a campaign trip to Michigan on Wednesday, a must-win state that Democrats just barely lost in 2016. There he will unveil a new policy aimed at tackling offshoring - the practice of US companies basing some operations in lower-tax countries - and hammer at what he sees as President Donald Trump's broken promises on improving US manufacturing and reducing offshoring, senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan said.

Joe Biden to unveil an economic plan to combat offshoring. Credit:AP

"Offshoring, outsourcing, Buy American. These are areas where Donald Trump's record has not been remotely matched by the reality," Biden said.

Between 2016 and 2018, the most recent year for which data is available, the US lost 1800 factories to offshoring and outsourcing, according to the progressive Economic Policy Institute.
A pregnant mum arrested in her pyjamas in her own home for organising an anti-lockdown rally has broken her silence on social media to demand an apology from the Victorian premier.

Zoe Lee Buhler, 28, made headlines last week after extraordinary footage of her being handcuffed by police in front of her children in her lounge room in Ballarat, north-west of Melbourne, went viral.

She was charged with incitement after she created a Facebook protest event against the draconian lockdown in Victoria.

Following a temporary ban on social media, Ms Buhler resurfaced earlier this week with a scathing message for Premier Daniel Andrews.

Zoe Lee Buhler, 28, is back on social media after footage of her arrest last week went viral

'I want a personal apology from you. You are dooming us all Dan Andrews. Go to hell where you belong. #sackdanandrews,' she posted on Facebook on Sunday.

She also uploaded a live-streamed video to update everyone on how she was going.

'Hello everyone, so you're all well aware what myself and my family have been going through,' she said.

'I haven't been able to go on social media until today. So I just wanted to jump on and say thank you to everyone for all the support.'

While several hundred protesters gathered in Melbourne on Saturday for a Freedom Day rally, an emotional Ms Buhler revealed she spent the day writing a short poem titled 'Remember, Remember' about Premier Andrews and his lockdown, which she read out.

'How can we call this living when they feel like dying?',' the poem starts.

'Were hardly surviving when we should be thriving.'

Zoe Buhler, 28, was handcuffed in her lounge room in front of her children last week and was later charged with incitement

The poem accuses the Premier of sitting on his high horse and wondering if he has any remorse over the lockdown that has destroyed thousands of livelihoods in Victoria.

The poem ends calling on the Premier to free Victorians from lockdown, which he has since been extended by two weeks until at least September 28.

Ms Buhler has since reiterated her calls for an apology from the Premier.

'So sick of living in fear!' she wrote on Monday.

Today it's windy where I am and it sounded like there was a banging at the door. I woke up thinking this is it they're coming to get me, all over me being awake and knowing the truth and for that for simply having knowledge I feel as if my life could end at any moment.

'Wake up people we can't keep living this way!

'I want an apology from Dan Andrews. I thought he cared about keeping people safe? I don't feel safe in Victoria.'

Ms Buhler has been targeted by cruel online trolls in recent days and briefly let them get the better of her on Tuesday night.

'Maybe if I kill myself all of you trolls (bullies) will be happier!' she posted.

She later assured everyone she was fine.

The Ballarat mum is demanding an apology from Premier Daniel Andrews (post pictured)

Zoe Lee Buhler (pictured on Sunday) has also written a poem about Victoria's lockdown

'Sorry to all the beautiful souls reaching out, I won't kill myself. I will stay strong for myself, the baby, my children and all of humanity,' she later wrote.

'I know everything happens for a reason and I know my arrest is serving great purpose. It's just also very hard at times, especially with the online bullies, media bullies.

'So much love to you all. I'll stay strong!

Ms Buhler's brother created a GoFundMe page to raise money for her legal fees and fine after she was charged last week.

'All money raised will go straight to Help Zoe Lee pay her legal fees! Thank you!' the page reads.

'All money left after legal costs will be donated to suicide awareness. We will not be keeping a single cent of the money for ourselves.

'Let's get back our basic human rights.'

But the fundraiser was mysteriously taken down by its creator less than 24 hours after it was created.

The page had raised more than $8,600.

Last Thursday, Buhler said she feared she was being 'kidnapped' when she was arrested.

'I was scared I was being kidnapped by people, they obviously weren't in uniforms,' she told media waiting outside her Miner's Rest home.

'I was just so scared, I was like oh my gosh if I disappear today I want it live on Facebook.

'I'm only very early pregnancy so obviously you're told not to stress out or strain.'

Buhler is about seven weeks pregnant - which she only discovered days ago - and was due to have her first ultrasound an hour after her arrest.

She said she was 'still yet to know exactly what [incitement] means' and planned to fight the charge, claiming it was an honest mistake.

'I just wanted to feel like I was doing something to stand up for human rights,' she said.

'If someone steals a car, they know they are committing a crime. I didn't, so I don't feel like I should have to pay for that.'

Buhler, who claimed to have lost her job during the lockdown, said police eventually took her handcuffs off and let her get dressed before taking her to the station.

She claimed the officers said they weren't happy about having to arrest her.

Buhler allegedly created this event for Saturday at 11am on Sturt Street in Ballarat

Remember, Remember How can we call this living when they feel like dying? Were hardly surviving when we should be thriving. Our ancestors are sick of crying, sick of seeing you lying. Lifetimes and lifetimes spent wondering where all the effort went Messages from far and wide are sent wondering when you will repent While you sit on your high horse, I wonder where is the remorse Were living in a time I cannot endorse A time where crime is enforced Enforced by those who want to protect us Those we have been taught to trust And I know youre afraid wondering what they will say But we cant keep living this way And I wont give up until my dying day So say what you may, so well please Because this is me begging on my knees Its time to let us be free Source: Zoe Lee Buhler Advertisement

Ms Buhler later told radio station 3AW that she felt the police 'barging in' to her home and arresting her was 'extreme' and a phone call would have sufficed.

'I had a bit of a bimbo moment and I actually didn't realise that it wasn't okay. I thought so long as we social distanced and wore masks it was okay,' she said.

'I was aware that the protest coming up in Melbourne wasn't permitted, but I thought, in Ballarat, we're in Stage Three lockdown.

'I'm not a criminal person... If the police had just called me and told me to remove the post I would've done so.

'I understand police were doing their job and they were very nice for me, but I wasn't very happy with them barging into my house in front of my children.'

Zoe Buhler, 28, (pictured) said she feared she was being kidnapped during the arrest on Wednesday

Mother-of-two Buhler with her boyfriend James Timmins, who filmed her arrest

Buhler is not allowed on social media until Sunday as part of her bail terms, but hoped her arrest would raise opposition to the lockdown.

'It's pretty horrible circumstances but hopefully some good comes out of it,' she said.

'It might be a bit of an eye-opener about the human rights I'm trying to stand for and people realising just how out of control things are getting

'So many people have been affected by the lockdown, people are losing their jobs, the economy has collapsed, rise in suicide and domestic violence. I wish we could see a happy medium.

'I feel like Daniel Andrews is the one that should be feeling remorseful.'

Buhler's social media pages are full of coronavirus conspiracy theories, but she insisted she believed the pandemic was real.

'My heart goes out to anyone who's died of covid, I know that people are getting sick, I don't believe it's a hoax or anything, I'm not a part of a cult,' she said.

Three other protest organisers around Victoria have been charged with incitement in the past few weeks.

Buhler's alleged offending post linked to a since-deleted 'Freedom Day Ballarat' event she created

Buhler is about seven weeks pregnant, only finding out days ago, and was due to have her first ultrasound an hour after her arrest

Buhler offered to delete the post but was told she had already committed an offence

Buhler's social media pages are full of coronavirus conspiracy theories, but she insisted she believed the pandemic was real

The video, which has since made international headlines in US and UK media, shows the confused mother asking why she is being arrested.

'Excuse me, incitement for what, what on Earth? I'm in my pyjamas, my two kids are here,' she asked police.

'I have an ultrasound in an hour because I'm pregnant.'

The increasingly distressed mother insisted she wasn't breaking any laws by creating and then promoting the event.

'Actually you are, that's why we're arresting you in relation to incitement,' police replied.

Ms Buhler offered to delete the post as her boyfriend James Timmins tried to mediate while cradling their infant child in his arms.

'How about she just doesn't do the event? It's not like she's done it, she made a post,' he said.

Police were unmoved, telling her: 'You've already committed the offence.'

Buhler was distressed by this point and crying so much she could barely tell officers that she 'didn't realise' she was 'doing anything wrong' in making the online event.

Ms Buhler was charged with incitement and released on bail to appear in Ballarat Magistrates Court on January 25 next year.
2 Catholic nuns, 60 others remain missing for weeks in Mozambique

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Two Catholic nuns and 60 others who were under their care remain missing since Islamic State group-linked militants seized control of a port city in Mozambique in early August, and the authorities have no answers.

Sister Ines Ramos, who is in her 70s, and Sister Eliane da Costa of the congregation of St. Joseph of Chambery were in their convent on the port of Mocimboa da Praia in the gas-rich northern province of Cabo Delgado at the time of the attack but no one knows what happened to them, according to Aid to the Church in Need.

We are hoping that they are still alive but have no means of communication. We have not had any official notification, Fr. Kwiriwi Fonseca of the Diocese of Pemba in northern Mozambique said, noting that no travel is allowed to the area.

If the sisters have returned to the convent, we have no way of knowing it, because there is no place there where they can buy a new mobile phone. Without any news of these people we have no idea whether they have disappeared, died or been abducted. We dont know anything.

After a series of attacks between Aug. 5 and 11, the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or IS, declared it had seized two military bases near the port town, which has remained cut off from the rest of the country since then.

There were about 60 people, mostly elderly people and a few children, in the convent in the care of the two sisters at the time of the attack, and authorities say they do not know what happened to them.

Aleteia reported that a member of the community informed the diocese of Pemba on the phone that the sisters convent was attacked.

Their silence since then makes us think that they must have lost their phones and are perhaps hiding out somewhere. Hence we have to assume that Sister Ines and Sister Eliane  whereabouts unknown and [are] therefore among the disappeared. We have no information, so we cant make it up, Fonseca said.

Father Cantifula de Castro, assistant director of Radio Encontro, the radio station of the archdiocese of Nampula, in the neighboring province, stated, The province of Cabo Delgado has been embroiled in a war for the past three years. The people are going through unbearable suffering on account of the terrorism  houses burned, villages abandoned, people reduced to living in the hills and others fleeing with absolutely nothing and seeking protection in places of relative safety.

A Washington, D.C.-based think tank, Center for Strategic and International Studies, estimates that over 1,000 people have been killed in attacks in northern Mozambique since 2017. The attacks have allegedly been carried out by the Islamic State and the homegrown Ahlu Sunna Wal extremist militant group, which has been kidnapping men and women.
Kolkata, Sep 8 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday slammed the fake news doing the rounds on social media with a claim that there would be restrictions on the most celebrated festival of Bengalis in the state, Durga Puja, this year.

Banerjee spoke about a certain post on social media which said that curfew would be imposed at night from Panchami during Durga Puja owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. It means no one would be allowed to go pandal-hopping at night during the five-day extravaganza.

The post was publicly marked as a fake post by West Bengal Police on social media.

"A rumour regarding Durga Puja is being spread through WhatsApp. No such decision has been taken. Please do not forward this message. It's fake. Action is being taken," WB Police posted on Twitter with the hashtag #FakeNewsAlert.

The CM said that some people are spreading fake news that the government has banned Durga Puja. "If you can prove it, I will hold my ears and do 101 sit-ups in public," she said.

Slamming the rumour-mongers, she also asked the police to find out people who purposely spread the fake news and make them hold their ears and do sit-ups.

"Fake news is being circulated on social media to disturb communal harmony. Those who have never worshipped Durga, Kali or Hanuman are now talking about puja," Banerjee said.

She further said that no meeting on Durga Puja has been held so far by the state government.

Latest updates on Navratri Festival 2020

-- Syndicated from IANS


Two Norfolk churches benefit from grant boost Two Norfolk churches benefit from grant boost

Two Norfolk churches are among 45 historic places of worship which have benefitted from over 500,000-worth of funding from the National Churches Trust.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on the finances of many churches says the Trust and many have been unable to raise money from worshippers, visitors or from the hire of church halls.



With the help of its Friends and supporters, including the Wolfson Foundation, the National Churches Trust is supporting 45 of the UK's historic churches and chapels with money which will help fund repairs, maintenance and the installation of community facilities.



St Mary church, Docking, part of the Anglican Diocese of Norwich has received a 5,000 Cornerstone Grant will help fund toilets at the Grade II* listed church, enabling it to better serve its community.



The oldest visible parts of St Marys are in the chancel, which was built shortly before the Black Death in 1348. It is likely that there was a church on the site long before that as the village is named in the Domesday Book and cited in documents written in 1038 by Aelfric, Bishop of Elmham.



The 15th century font is the churchs greatest architectural treasure. It carvings were mutilated at the Reformation possible on the orders of the regents of the boy king Edward VI. Around the stem are eight female saints including St Catherine, St Margaret, St Elizabeth, St Mary and St Apollonias. The latter is the patron saints of dentists and can be identified by the rather large pair of forceps that she holds in her hand. Around the bottom of the bowl are the emblems of the gospel writers St Mark, St Luke, St Matthew and St John, the bull, lion, winged man and eagle.



www.dockingbenefice.co.uk



The Anglican St Catherines church, Ludham, has received a 10,000 Cornerstone Grant to help fund the installation of kitchen and toilets at the Grade I listed church, enabling it to better serve its community.



St Catherine's church is a fine and large building standing in the very centre of its village, reflecting the former wealth of the population. It is built of flint with limestone dressings and consists of a 14th century Decorated style west tower and chancel and 15th century nave and aisles in a Perpendicular style. It replaced an older smaller and far less impressive chapel.



St Catherines has a number of special features. An unusual 15th century decorated octagonal stone font featuring two ranks of figures below the bowl, a fine oak hammer beam roof dating from 1466, the chancel arch with its carved capitals of grotesques and seaweed foliage and a rare Royal arms of Elizabeth I. More spectacular is one of the finest rood screens in Norfolk, dating to 1493 and thought likely to be unique in the Church of England.



www.watersidegroup.org.uk



Pictured above is St Catherines church, Ludham. Picture courtesy of the church.



www.nationalchurchestrust.org



Keith Morris, 08/09/2020
Hong Kong Residents Arrested at Sea Will Have to Be Dealt With by Mainland China: Lam

HONG KONGTwelve people from Hong Kong arrested as they reportedly sailed to Taiwan for political asylum will have to be dealt with by mainland China, but the city government would try to provide assistance, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Tuesday.

Chinese authorities arrested the 12 people on Aug. 23 after intercepting a boat off the coast of the southern mainland province of Guangdong. Local media have reported they were headed to Taiwan to apply for political asylum.

The question is not a question of simply getting (them) back, Lam told a regular weekly press conference.

If these Hong Kong residents were arrested for breaching mainland offences then they have to be dealt with according to the mainland laws and in accordance to the jurisdiction before any other things could happen.

Lam added that her government had a duty to render assistance to Hong Kong residents caught in all sorts of situations abroad and the governments representative office in Guangzhou, Guangdongs capital, will look into ways to provide that assistance and liaise with mainland authorities.

News agency AFP reported on Monday lawyers representing some of those captured have been denied access to their clients. Lam did not address that particular aspect when asked.

Neither mainland nor Hong Kong authorities have publicly confirmed who has been arrested, but local media have identified some of them as facing prosecution for involvement in anti-Beijing and pro-democracy protests last year.

One man, Andy Li, was recently arrested under a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing on the semiautonomous Asian financial hub on June 30. Another is a dual national with Hong Kong and Portuguese citizenship.

The Guangdong Coast Guard, which announced the arrests on its social media platform late on Aug. 26, said two of the detained were surnamed Li and Tang, without providing further details.

It is not clear what charges they face, beyond potentially illegal border crossing.

Lam also reiterated a remark made last week which stoked further worries that Hong Kong had taken a more authoritarian turn, saying the city had no separation of powers, and that its executive, legislative and judicial powers were derived from Beijing.

By Clare Jim and Marius Zaharia
(Newser)  One of Italy's most famous escape artists is back behind bars, 42 days after he busted out of maximum security. M49, described by the Guardian as "Europe's most wanted bear," was captured by rangers in Trento province with a "tube trap" device Monday. The bear was nicknamed Papillon and called an "escape genius" after previous escapes from a wildlife enclosure, including a breakout last year in which he climbed three electric fences and a 13-foot wall just hours after he had been captured for the first time. The order to capture the bear came after it was spotted near inhabited areas and blamed for attacks on livestock, but wildlife groups have vowed to fight for its freedom, saying it has never shown aggression toward humans.

story continues below

"Papillon is an animal which in the past has only caused damage to infrastructure at the zoo, and for this reason it needs to be monitored, not locked up," says Ornella Dorigatti, the local representative of the International Organization for Animal Protection. In the most recent escape, on July 27, the bear broke out of a fortified 100,000-square foot enclosure he shared with a female bear. "The fence was fortified and despite that he was able to break through the very resistant fence that was partially electric, he had a desire to escape stronger than a 6,000 volt fence," a local government spokesman said at the time, per CNN. He added: "The problem is he is too wild and has a strong instinct to return to the forest." (Read more escaped animal stories.)
A high-profile Australian journalist who worked for Chinese official media and was missing for weeks is being held on charges of endangering national security, China said on Tuesday.

Cheng Lei, who worked as an anchor for China Global Television Network (CGTN) channel, is suspected of criminal activity of endangering Chinas national security, the Chinese foreign ministry announced.

The channel is the only English channel of national broadcaster, China Central Television.

Authorities had taken compulsory measures against Cheng, foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian said at the regular ministry briefing on Tuesday.

Cheng, a Chinese-born Australian anchor, was detained on August 14, the Australian foreign ministry had said last month.

Australian diplomats spoke to her from her detention facility over video at the end of August.

Zhao didnt share details of the charges levelled against Cheng.

Zhao announcement came hours after the last two Australian journalists flew back to Sydney in late night flights after a five-day diplomatic stand-off.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporations (ABC) Bill Birtles in Beijing and the Australian Financial Reviews (AFR) Mike Smith in Shanghai were apparently questioned in connection with Chengs case.

Birtles took refuge at the Australian embassy in Beijing and Smith at the countrys consulate in Shanghai after they were questioned by the police. They left China after diplomatic negotiations gave them a window to leave China.

With their departure, it will be for the first time that Australia will not have an accredited journalist in China since the 1970s.

In a statement, the Foreign Correspondents Club of China strongly condemned the Chinese governments unprecedented harassment and intimidation of two Australian journalists by preventing them from leaving the country, leading both to flee China after a diplomatic standoff ended in a lifting of the bans.

Calling it appalling intimidatory tactics, the FCCC said that such actions threaten and seek to curtain the work of foreign journalists based in China who now face the threat of arbitrary detention.

This, combined with the expulsions of 17 foreign correspondents in the first half of this year alone, is a disappointing loss for global audiences seeking to understand more about China, the FCCC statement added.
WASHINGTON - Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is facing increased scrutiny as House Democrats investigate allegations that he encouraged employees at his former business to contribute to Republican candidates and then reimbursed them in the guise of bonuses, a violation of campaign finance laws.

Five people who worked for DeJoys former company, New Breed Logistics, say they were urged by DeJoys aides or by DeJoy himself to write checks and attend fundraisers at his mansion in Greensboro, North Carolina, The Washington Post reported. Two former employees told the newspaper that DeJoy would later give bigger bonuses to reimburse for the contributions.

DeJoy was already under fire amid allegations that operational changes he made since taking the postal job in June have delayed mail, sparking concern over the agencys ability to process a flood of mail-in ballots expected this fall due to coronavirus fears. The House Oversight Committee recently subpoenaed DeJoy for records about widespread delays that have pushed the Postal Service into the political spotlight.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney, who chairs the oversight panel, said in a statement Tuesday that if the allegations about campaign finance violations are true, DeJoy could face criminal exposure  not only for his actions in North Carolina, but also for lying to our Committee under oath.

She was referring to DeJoys testimony before her committee last month, when he forcefully denied he had repaid executives for contributing to Trumps campaign.

Campaign finance disclosures show that between 2000 and 2014, when New Breed was sold, more than 100 employees donated over $610,000 to Republican candidates that DeJoy and his family supported. The figure excludes more than $1 million that DeJoy and family members gave to Republican politicians.

GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who is facing a tough reelection race this year, was a top recipient, collecting more than $190,000 from over 35 company workers ahead of his 2014 election, records show. The contributions were all made during a short window of time, between the end of September and the first week of October.

Former N.C. Sen. Elizabeth Dole collected over $88,000 from New Breed employees between 2002 and her losing 2008 reelection bid, records show.

GOP presidential candidates Mitt Romney, John McCain, George W. Bush and Rudy Giuliani all collected tens of thousands more from New Breed employees during their campaigns, records show.

Its not illegal to encourage employees to contribute to candidates, but it is illegal to reimburse them as a way of avoiding federal campaign contribution limits.

Maloney, a New York Democrat, urged the Postal Service Board of Governors to immediately suspend DeJoy, whom she said they never should have selected in the first place.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also urged DeJoys suspension, saying Americans had lost faith in him.

Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn., who asked DeJoy about employee contributions at an Aug. 24 hearing, said reimbursing workers for making political contributions softens the coercion, but its still coercion. No oligarch or CEO should tell you how to vote or who you should give money to.

Cooper said Tuesday that he asked DeJoy about employee contributions after receiving a tip from someone in North Carolina, where DeJoys former company is based. The tip fell on fertile ground, he said, adding that lawmakers will likely issue subpoenas for top executives at the company and examine payroll records to determine if bonuses were paid, as the employees claim.

Cooper, a lawyer, said CEOs of many private companies are tempted to use the company as a piggy bank, but said forcing employees to make political contributions crosses a clear legal line. Its wrong. It should not be happening in America, he said.

Monty Hagler, a private spokesperson for DeJoy, said in a statement that DeJoy was unaware any workers felt pressure to make donations. Hagler also said DeJoy believes he has always complied with campaign fundraising laws and regulations.

President Donald Trump said Monday that DeJoy, a major donor to Trump and other Republicans, should lose his job if campaign finance irregularities are uncovered. If something could be proven that he did something wrong, an official such as DeJoy should always lose his job, Trump told reporters.

But White House chief of staff Mark Meadows dismissed the allegations as political.

Never underestimate Congress ability to ratchet up an investigation 60 days out from a presidential election, he said Tuesday at the White House.

Meadows called DeJoy an honourable man and said hes sure DeJoy will co-operate with investigators. We serve in a great country where youre innocent until proven guilty, especially when that guilt is thrown your way by members of Congress, said Meadows, who represented North Carolina in Congress for seven years before becoming chief of staff in March.

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein said Tuesday that it is illegal to directly or indirectly reimburse someone for a political contribution. Any credible allegations of such actions merit investigation by the appropriate state and federal authorities, including the Federal Election Commission and the state Board of Elections.

___

Associated Press writers Darlene Superville and Brian Slodysko in Washington, and Anthony Izaguirre in Charleston, W.Va., contributed to this story.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday arrested businessman Deepak Kochhar, husband of former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar, for alleged money laundering in a deal between the private lender and Videocon Group. The money-laundering case was registered in January last year against the businessman, his wife, Chanda Kochhar, Videocon Group MD Venugopal Dhoot and others over allegations of irregularities in loans extended by ICICI Bank to Dhoot-led Videocon Group when Chanda was at the helm of the bank. The ED had registered the money laundering case against the Kochhars on the basis of a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Also Read: ICICI Bank-Videocon case: ED arrests Deepak Kochhar on money laundering charges

Kochhars came under probe agencies' lens in October 2016 after whistleblower Arvind Gupta, an investor in both ICICI Bank and Videocon Group, raised concerns about alleged loan irregularities. He had raised concerned over the Rs 3,250 crore plus Rs 660 crore loans and alleged quid pro quo in the form of an identical 10 per cent foreign funding (Rs 325 crore and Rs 66 crore) in Kochhar's husband Deepak Kochhar's company NuPower Renewables.

Also Read: ICICI Bank-Videocon case: Chanda Kochhar's husband Deepak Kochhar sent to ED custody till Sept 19

Here are 10 reasons why ex-ICICI Bank chief Chanda Kochhar's husband is behind bars:

Deepak Kochhar was arrested by the Mumbai branch of the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after the latest round of questioning. He was arrested in connection with the ICICI Bank-Videocon money laundering case.

The Kochhars are being probed by several agencies including the income tax department, CBI, ED and SFIO, who are conducting parallel investigations in money laundering case.

On January 22, 2019, the CBI had registered an FIR for alleged cheating, criminal conspiracy and under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Chanda Kochhar, her husband Deepak Kochhar, and Videocon Group promoter Venugopal Dhoot and his companies -- Videocon International Electronics Ltd (VIEL) and Videocon Industries Limited (VIL). It also named Supreme Energy, a company founded by Dhoot, and Nupower Renewables, a company controlled by Deepak Kochhar, in the FIR.

On January 31, 2019, the ED registered a case of money laundering against Kochhars, Videocon CMD Venugopal Dhoot and others over alleged irregularities in sanctioning of loans worth Rs 1,875 crore by ICICI Bank to Videocon group.

In March last year, raids were conducted by the ED during which it had seized a diary, hard disk and Rs 10.5 lakh at the office of Pacific Capital Services Pvt Ltd.

It was alleged that Deepak Kochhar's NuPower Renewables received kickbacks from Videocon's in lieu of loans extended by ICICI Bank. Deepak Kochhar and Videocon promoters Dhoots had together set up a 50:50 JV NuPower Renewables in 2008. Around that time Chanda Kochhar was the CFO and Joint MD at ICICI Bank.

It was alleged that Dhoot had invested in Deepak Kochhar's company Nupower through his firm Supreme Energy a quid pro quo to loans cleared by ICICI Bank after Chanda Kochhar took over as the CEO of the bank on May 1, 2009.

The ownership of Nupower and Supreme Energy changed hands through a complex web of shared transactions between Deepak Kochhar and Dhoot, the CBI had alleged.

During its preliminary inquiry, the CBI had found that six loans worth Rs 1,875 crore were sanctioned to the Videocon Group and companies associated with it between 2009 and 2011. These loans turned non-performing assets in 2012, causing a loss of Rs 1,730 crore to the bank.

The ED has found that Deepak Kochhar's NuPower Renewables and Venugopal Dhoot-promoted Videocon Group had appointed a dozen dummy directors who had nothing to do with the core operations.The 'dummy' directors were appointed to hide ownership, evade tax and launder money as per reports.

By Chitranjan Kumar

ALSO READ: Who is Deepak Kochhar, the man at the centre of ICICI-Videocon controversy?

ALSO READ: Should I sit at home because my wife is ICICI Bank CEO, says Deepak Kochhar

ALSO READ: ICICI-Videocon case: Chanda did not know about NuPower tie up with Dhoot, says Deepak Kochhar
Violent clashes between right- and left-wing groups broke out following the 102nd day of unrest in Oregon and just over a week after the conflict escalated with the Antifa killing of a Patriot Prayer member.

State police arrested two men from pro-Trump groups that charged at BLM activists counter-protesting an "American Lives Matter" rally in the Oregon Capitol of Salem.

It came following the 45-mile Oregon For Trump 2020 Labor Day Cruise Rally from Portland as a smaller group of about 100 supporters, including members of the Proud Boys, faced off against about 20 counter-protesters waving flags supporting Black Lives Matter and Antifa, according to video posted to social media.

A section of the Trump-supporting group broke away to chase down at least two counter-demonstrators after two groups exchanged pepper spray between each other, according to the Associated Press.

In one clash captured on video, a BLM supporter can be seen being pushed to the ground and punched by one man as he's soon pulled off by others. A woman then sprays him in the eyes while on the ground.

"That's for everything you f***ing did to me b*itch, I told you I'd get you," she says as the man appears to say "I'm sorry" while protecting his head in the foetal position.

Soon after another BLM supporter, Eddie Coleman, is chased down and pushed over before Oregon State Police and Salem Police rush in and make the two arrests.

"I came out because one of my friends on Twitter requested back-up," Mr Coleman said in an interview with journalist Mike Baker posted to Twitter following the clash.

"I was walking across like the main area and a bunch of people rushed at me yelling slurs and, um, firing paintball guns at me and like empty rounds of something, I don't know. And when I stood my ground finally one of them pushed me to the ground and hit my face repeatedly and kneeled on my chest with his full weight."

A spokesman for Oregon State Police said in a statement that officers responded after the "American Lives Matter Rally group" chased and pushed the counter-protestors

Two men were charged with misdemeanour assault and later released.

Last week, Michael Forest Reinoehl, the self-proclaimed "100% Antifa" suspect in the killing of Patriot Prayer member Aaron "Jay" Danielson was killed in a shoot-out with police as they attempted to arrest him.

The escalation of violence comes as experts warn uncertainty over mail-in votes could spark social unrest as more than a half of Democrats, compared to one-quarter of Republicans, plan to vote by mail-in ballot.

Battleground states like Arizona, Florida and North Carolina will begin processing mail-in ballots before election day but key swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin prohibit counting ballots until after election Day.

If the election comes down to these states, and everyone is waiting on results, I'm concerned about social unrest. This is especially true if Trump is ahead on election day, Rick Hasen, an elections expert and law professor at the University of California at Irvine, told Reuters.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday questioned President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to grant absolute pardon to Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, the US Marine convicted of killing Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude in 2014.

She highlighted that it was one of the many examples to prove the Duterte administration prioritizes the rich and powerful over the thousands of poor Filipinos languishing in jail for lighter crimes.

"Ang tanong nga natin: Patas at makatarungan ba ang naging desisyong ito? Isa lang ang kasong ito sa maraming patunay ng pagkiling sa makapangyarihan na nakikita natin mula sa pamahalaan. Ang nakikita natin: Kapag mahirap, may parusa; kapag mayaman at nasa poder, malaya," she said in a statement.

[Translation: We are asking if the decision was fair and just. This case is only one of the many proof that the government coddles the powerful. From what we see, the poor are punished, but the rich are allowed to be free.]

Robredo lamented Pemberton's access to lawyers, special detention facility, quick trial, and legal options to file an appeal. She added that it's clear he has the resources to gain attention from the President of the Philippines.

"We continue to hope that the President exercises his vast powers in a manner that is fair and that benefits the common Filipino," she added.

Meanwhile, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said the grant of pardon is immediately executory and cannot be appealed. He said there are minimal restrictions when granting executive clemency, such as impeachment cases and election offenses, but the lawmaker said there should be a clear reason why the President is giving such privilege.

"That power, although absolute, should not be exercised with capriciousness. Kailangang merong rason, merong justified reason, clear and justified reason bakit ang isang bilanggo ay bibigyan ng absolute pardon. Dito sa kaso ni Pemberton, mukang walang gaanong rason," he told CNN Philippines.

[Translation: There should be a clear and justified reason why a prisoner is given absolute pardon. In Pemberton's case, it appears there is no such reason.]

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Duterte did not take the usual process when handing out clemency, but assured it was nothing illegal.

The usual procedure is for an inmate to apply for pardon or parole, which the Board of Pardons and Parole will evaluate. It will then submit its findings to the DOJ, which will endorse the recommendation to the President if all documents are fulfilled.

"Nothing prevents the president from directly exercising his constitutional power to grant executive clemency at any time, because it is a personal act of grace," Guevarra said in a message.

Pemberton's lawyer, Rowena Garcia-Flores, admitted that she was surprised by Duterte's decision because she did not personally file an application for pardon for her client. She added she has no information if anyone else wrote an application to the President

The camp of Pemberton expects the American to be released from his detention facility in Camp Aguinaldo by Friday after only serving 5 years and 10 months of jail time. He will undergo the taking of fingerprints, pictures, and acquiring clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation before he can be released.

On October 11, 2014, Laude was found dead in an Olongapo City motel room after a night out with then 19-year-old 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.
Kevin Magnussen says there are "no negotiations" yet with Haas over his place at Haas beyond 2020.

The small American team is not ruling out a wholesale driver change for 2021, adding that whoever is signed up will also race into the new era in 2022.

"Everyone is asking what we are doing for 2021," team boss Gunther Steiner told Ekstra Bladet.

"Yes, you will always want to perform and do your best, but with where we are at the moment, we must focus on 2022. Nothing is certain, but 2022 is the opportunity."

It was expected that team owner Gene Haas was flying into Monza last weekend to begin driver negotiations, but Magnussen denies that is the case.

"There have been no negotiations with Haas yet," he told BT newspaper.

"I obviously want it settled as soon as possible. It's no secret that I'm happy and content where I am.

"I want to be part of their comeback to the top of the midfield, because that's where I feel they belong."

When asked if Haas is his only option to stay in Formula 1 next year, Magnussen answered: "Not necessarily. But there are no definite negotiations with anyone else."

Haas rectified many of its chassis problems of 2019 for this year, but the team now remains at the back of the field due to Ferrari's engine power slump.

It has triggered rumours that Haas may decide to drop Ferrari and instead become Renault's 'B' team.

"We are not changing anything now," Steiner insists. "And in my opinion, it would also not be optimal when the budget ceiling comes into play.

"With the situation at the moment and also with the pandemic, we just have to through this tough period, maybe even a little until next year and then look towards the new rules in 2022 when hopefully we will be doing better again."

(GMM)
Louis DeJoy, a retired supply-chain CEO and longtime powerful Republican fundraiser who became postmaster general, faces new calls for his resignation and a Democratic-led House of Representatives investigation after former employees say they felt pressured to donate to GOP candidates and received reimbursements from his company.

Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, announced the investigation late Monday night following reports by The Washington Post that DeJoy allegedly provided unlawful reimbursements to former New Breed Logistics workers after he and aides urged them to attend fundraisers and cut checks to GOP candidates.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts renewed calls for DeJoys resignation in a statement on Monday night. If he wont, the Board of Governors should use their power to remove him, she said.

Warren and Sen. Ed Markey have already accused DeJoy and the Trump administration of sabotaging the U.S. Postal Service by cutting service and equipment, sparking delays amid the COVID-19 pandemic and election season. Many Democratic lawmakers allege DeJoy was implementing changes to undercut the postal service just as President Donald Trump ramped up his attacks on mail-in voting.

We know the Postmaster General is sabotaging the US Postal Service. And now weve learned that he may have broken... Posted by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren on Monday, September 7, 2020

Five former employees told the Post they felt pressured to make donations between 2003 and 2014.

David Young, DeJoys longtime human resources director, went on the record to say that DeJoy, a national fundraiser for the Republican Party, asked employees for money and then he reciprocated by giving us big bonuses.

When we got our bonuses, lets just say they were bigger, they exceeded expectations  and that covered the tax and everything else, Young told the Post.

Yet ANOTHER conflict of interest w PMG DeJoy- proving why he should have never been considered for the job in the first place.https://t.co/bBmeLTXXyM  Carolyn B. Maloney (@RepMaloney) September 7, 2020

Youngs comments are at odds with DeJoys testimony before the House last month, when he told Rep. Jim Cooper of Tennessee that it was an outrageous claim, which he resented and denied.

While encouraging donations is not illegal, and while the U.S. Supreme Court ruled a decade ago that corporations can donate through political action committees, companies are barred from directly reimbursing employees campaign contributions, according to federal and state campaign finance laws.

Monty Hagler, a spokesman for DeJoy, told the Post that DeJoy was unaware any employees felt under pressure to contribute to political campaigns, though acknowledged that he encouraged workers to be engaged in their communities. Hagler noted that DeJoy believes that he has always followed campaign fundraising laws and regulations.

Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, told reporters Tuesday that DeJoy is an honorable man. Im sure hell cooperate completely. We serve in a great country where youre innocent until proven guilty, especially when that guilt is thrown your way by members of Congress.

Never underestimate Congresss ability to ratchet up an investigation 60 days out from a presidential election, Meadows said. The political rhetoric gets heated and accusations get thrown away, then many times right after the presidential election, voila, they go away.

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Kim Lockett, 61, who is homeless and lives on skid row, talks with Jenna Kennedy, a clinician from the People Concern. (Los Angeles Times)

One of the greatest fears about the pandemic was that COVID-19 would run rampant through the homeless population and kill hundreds of people. Already burdened with medical problems and physically beaten down by the hardships of living outside, the most vulnerable homeless people would seem to be no match for an invasive virus that has attacked young and old, killing some 186,000 in the U.S., more than 13,000 of those in California.

But heres some surprising news: Homeless people appear to have survived this scourge  so far. According to the latest L.A. County data, there have been 1,589 cases and 41 deaths among an estimated 66,000 homeless individuals. Some public health researchers had predicted up to 10 times as many deaths.

To be clear, homeless people are still dying in alarming numbers  the county tallied 865 as of Aug. 28, a death toll almost 30% higher than in the same period last year. And its not simply because there are more homeless people.

County researchers need to examine those deaths to find out what role, if any, COVID-19 played. Heidi Behforouz, the medical director of the county's Housing for Health program, is concerned that the deaths may be related to a pandemic-caused disruption in care and support systems that homeless people rely on. Or perhaps drug and alcohol usage got worse among homeless people stressed over the pandemic. These are all factors to be evaluated.

But something did go right here. The county moved vulnerable homeless people off the streets and into about 4,000 hotel and motel rooms. The city of Los Angeles took temporarily shuttered recreation centers and turned them into shelters providing about 1,000 beds at their peak. And the city stopped enforcing anti-camping regulations and allowed people to keep their tents up during the day, in keeping with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation that people living in encampments remain in place if individual housing is not available.

Story continues

(Besides, with 544 cases reported at 106 shelters as of late August, can you blame homeless people for wanting to stay in their tents?)

Hundreds of hand-washing stations and portable toilets  all desperately needed before the pandemic  were put up at encampments across the city. County outreach workers have done 20,000 health checks on encampments since June. The Department of Health Services alone has administered nearly 30,000 coronavirus tests to more than 21,000 homeless people across the county. (That doesn't count the testing that homeless people have gotten in clinics, hospitals and other locations.)

All that effort was commendable and probably life-saving. But 72% of the L.A. County homeless population live in tents, vehicles and sleeping bags. Only 28% spend the night in shelters.

Its exquisitely ironic that the cruel circumstances under which most homeless people live may have kept them somewhat safer. Being inside with people appears to put you more at risk of getting COVID than being outside with people.

And no one gets more social distance than homeless people, who were routinely avoided on streets long before public health officials told everyone to stay six feet apart. It's unlikely that homeless people got invited to dinner parties, weddings and other super-spreader events that left guests sick with COVID-19.

Now, lets keep homeless people from succumbing at a higher rate to a virus that is still a public health crisis. The goal continues to be permanent housing. And its never been more urgent. But in the absence of that, the alternative should not be big group shelters  even with more space between beds. Nothing has changed in the CDC guidance. Homeless people in encampments should be left in encampments unless they are provided with individual housing  whether thats an apartment, a private room or a so-called tiny house.

Unfortunately, city officials and police officers have renewed efforts to displace encampments in spite of the public health risks. This includes the L.A. City Council's decision to resume the deep cleanings that dislodge homeless people and their tents, and the Los Angeles Police Department's decision to repeat the ticketing of homeless people who do not move off the sand at Venice Beach.

Nobody wants people living in tents anywhere, including on the beach. And officials insist that the efforts are done humanely  for example, by providing showers and water near the clean-ups. But we're still in the midst of a deadly pandemic, and it's not the time to send homeless people wandering in search of a new place to stay.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 21:57:24|Editor: huaxia

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MOSCOW, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Russia expects the reconciliatory national dialogue over a constitutional reform in Belarus to start soon, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.

"We proceed from the statement of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that dialogue with the public will begin in the near future to discuss the constitutional reform," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a daily briefing.

"This will be dialogue with those who are within the legal framework," he stressed.

Russia will not talk to the self-proclaimed coordination council of the Belarus opposition, as the Belarusian constitutional court has declared this body illegal and unconstitutional, Peskov said.

Belarus has been witnessing mass protests after incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won a sixth term in the Aug. 9 elections, with the opposition refusing to recognize the results. Enditem
A three-year trial in Indonesia has produced encouraging results that show a significant reduction in the number of dengue cases. It involved the release Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in and around the dengue-endemic city of Yogyakarta.

The study found that in the city and surrounding areas where the infected mosquitoes were released the number of cases of dengue decreased significantly compared with parts of the city where they were not.

The trial  conducted by the World Mosquito Program in close collaboration with the Tahija Foundation and the Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia  tested Ae. aegypti mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia for their capacity to inhibit transmission of dengue virus.

The results will be submitted for evaluation during the next meeting of the WHO Vector Control Advisory Group in December for experts to formally assess the impact of the strategy based on the results of the trial and associated studies.

As there are few effective sustainable tools available to combat Aedes-borne diseases, all new tools that demonstrate public health value against dengue and similar viruses will be a welcome addition to the vector control arsenal.

Wolbachia

Wolbachia are intercellular natural symbiotic bacteria in insects that are known to reduce the capacity of Ae. aegypti to transmit dengue virus and related viruses under laboratory conditions. However, epidemiological evidence has been awaited to demonstrate the largescale deployment of Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti in reducing the overall frequency of transmission of dengue virus within a population; the results of the study from Indonesia are therefore of great interest.

Dengue

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that has rapidly spread in all regions of WHO in recent years. The incidence of dengue has grown dramatically worldwide in recent decades. The virus is transmitted by female mosquitoes mainly of the species Ae. aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Ae. albopictus.

The number of dengue cases reported to WHO increased more than 8-fold over the past two decades, and dengue is the only communicable disease that has increased exponentially with rapid urbanization and environmental changes. The vast majority of cases are asymptomatic or mild and self-managed; hence, the actual numbers of dengue cases are under-reported.

The world relies heavily on vector control, and conventional methods have limited impact. Lack of funds for operational research and the paucity of strong evidence for sustained interventions continue to undermine global control efforts.
By Laman Ismayilova

Fikrat Amirov's ballet "One Thousand and One Nights" has been presented at the Primorsky stage of the Mariinsky Theater.

The ballet has been recently premiered at the 5th Mariinsky International Far East Festival.

The event has turned into the first theatrical premiere during pandemic, not only in Russia, but also the whole region.

"One Thousand and One Nights" is a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales compiled in Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age. Known in English as the "Arabian Nights", the work is about Scheherazade, a Sassanid Queen, who tells a series of stories to her husband, King Shahryar in order to delay her execution.

The exciting story of Scheherazade laid the foundation of the ballet of the same name. "One Thousand and One Nights" is a ballet in two acts by Fikrat Amirov to a libretto by playwright Magsud and Rustam Ibragimbayovs.

The ballet's new version was presented by chief choreographer of the Primorsky stage of the Mariinsky Theater Eldar Aliyev.

The "Arabian Nights" brought together the leading soloists of the Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theater Saki Nishida (Japan), Floria Katrina (Nurida), Kanat Nadirbek and Yuri Zinnurov, Trend Life reported.

The ballet was conducted by musical director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, Honored Artist Ayyub Guliyev.

Spectacular performance of ballet dancers was highly appreciated by the audience. The dancers reveived a round of applause.

The day before the show, the production group met with the director and artistic director of the Mariinsky Theater, maestro Valery Gergiev, who congratulated Ayyub Guliyev and Eldar Aliyev on the successful premiere.

He also proposed to expand the "geography" and show ballet also in St. Petersburg and Moscow. Valery Gergiev expressed his confidence that ballet art lovers in the two capitals would not remain indifferent to the music and choreography of Fikrat Amirov's ballet.

--

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ASTON  Nineteen-year-old Rachael McCullough stood at the township Womens Equality Day ceremony as she wore a floor-length white dress and a suffragette sash.

Today, we ring bells in memory of the women who could not vote, she said as she and the other attendants clanged their bells. Let freedom ring, ladies!

And while McCullough was a prominent part of the ceremony, she has been forwarding womens causes for years as the founder of the Traveling Womens History Museum.

In 2016, McCullough was searching for a project for her Gold Award, the Girl Scout equivalent of reaching Eagle Scout status for the Boy Scouts, and her focus turned to her education.

At the time, she was a student of the PA Leadership Charter School. She has since graduated and is studying at Delaware County Community College while simultaneously serving in the Emergency Medical Services.

But four years ago, McCullough said she noticed that women were underrepresented in her history lessons.

I was finding throughout high school, I was finding that women werent talked about in our history books, she said, adding as an example pages and pages and pages dedicated to Ulysses Grant and Robert E. Lee in the Civil War. And Harriet Tubman and Clara Barton got a couple of sentences.

So she pointed that out to her teacher, who responded, Nobody ever pointed that out to me.

Then McCullough decided that this would be the focus of her Gold Award project.

I decided that I wanted to make sure that people were learning about womens history, she said.

And what was supposed to be a two-day project that did culminate with her Gold Award has now become a lifelong project for the township resident.

The museum is McCulloughs own personal collection of items of womens history spanning from the 1770s through modern day. People have donated items to her and some things are on loan.

It serves as a pop-up museum. Prior to COVID-19, it had been a hands-on, interactive experience where visitors could touch items and even try on clothes women wore from another century. Now, its an online event.

I do it all for free, McCullough said. I remember I was very fortunate as a child. I was able to go to museums. I knew there were kids who couldnt go to museums because their parents couldnt afford it.

As a result, she chose to not charge any fees associated with her museum or exhibits.

I make sure that my museum is accessible for everyone regardless of financial status or disability status, she said, adding that shes grateful for the volunteers who help her, particularly in the installing and taking down of exhibits when she traveled prior to the pandemic.

I go out to places  schools, Girl Scout troops, historical societies, she said. One of the cool things about my museum is it can grow and shrink.

She explained it can be suited for any particular reason and can even address specific topics such as womens suffrage or women in the workplace during World War II.

Its traveled to Maryland twice, once for an exhibit at the Laurel Museum for the Laurel Historical Society in March and at the Small Museum Association conference at the University of Maryland in February.

McCullough said its traveled extensively in Pennsylvania and was scheduled for a Delaware visit that was nixed because of coronavirus.

Shes also received recognition for her work. Last year, she was honored as one of the National Liberty Museums 13 Young Heroes.

On Aug. 26, McCullough participated in the Womens Equality Day ceremony in Aston to commemorate the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote, as she recognized at the ceremony that women of color did not get that same right until 45 years later.

The ceremony was also attended by Magisterial District Judge Diane Holefelder, who spoke of how things have changed but also of the importance of remembering ones history.

The civilian support roles and leadership shown by women during World War I made clear to all citizens of the United States that females deserve the right of equality and equal protection under the law, she said, adding that prior to 1920, women did not have parent rights of their own children, the right to own their own homes or to serve on juries or vote.

It was not until Aug. 26, 1920 after more than 70 years of marching in masses, picketing the White House, personal hunger strikes and more that women in America won the right to vote, Holefelder said.

The 19th amendment moved the country to a more inclusive democracy, the judge said, one that now sees women fighting in combat zones. However, she said, the work continues, as efforts such as McCulloughs help to advance that.

We will honor the past, teach the history of women and their individual and collaborative accomplishments, to open more doors that further ensure the equality of all citizens and elevate each other through education, Holefelder said.

That is exactly what McCulloughs focus is with the Traveling Womens History Museum.

I want to make sure that all women are represented, she said. I want to make sure theres no barrier with it.

While the in-person exhibits have been suspended during the coronavirus crisis, McCullough continues to offer online seminars for free. Those interested can reach McCullough on her Facebook page at the Traveling Womens History Museum.
Montgomery County commissioners came together unanimously Tuesday to approve a $350 million budget and reduce the tax rate by 3.6 percent to give taxpayers a financial break during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Proposed by Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley, the court approved the $350 million budget for fiscal year 2021 with a tax rate of 43.12 cents per $100 property valuation, a drop from the current tax rate of 44.75 cents per $100 property valuation.

However, to make that action happen, the county will dip into its savings to cover for the lack of revenue collected by adopting a lower rate.

Commissioners originally proposed a tax rate of 44.12 cents per $100 property valuation. While that would have been a decrease from the current rate, it would have generated more revenue for the county since property values have increased. In turn, that would have increased tax bills for many property owners.

Last week, Precinct 3 Commission James Noack said he hoped the court would consider a tax rate of 43.19 cents per $100 property valuation since many property owners have been hit hard financially by the pandemic. In fact, he along with County Judge Mark Keough were the two nay votes in the courts action to accept the proposed budget and tax rate during its Aug. 21 regular meeting.

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 in a social media post last week. This is not the time to vote to increase taxes.

The courts action will secure law enforcement funding including almost $89 million for the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office. That is a decrease from the 2020 adopted budget of $93.06 million. Included in the budget is a new indoor shooting range which will be available to other agencies in the county including the constables offices and other municipalities.

There is an immediate need for (the range), Sheriff Rand Henderson said during the countys budget workshops in July.

Henderson said the facility would allow for pistol qualifications and the ability to simulate nightfall at the flip of switch to allow for deputies and officers to practice under night-time conditions during the day.

Commissioners Noack, Riley and Mike Meador all agreed to provide $250,000 each to help fund the facility.

Noack thanked Riley for his efforts to help ease the burden on taxpayers but said he hoped the county staff could find savings in the budget to avoid using its fund (savings) balance.

My amendment (to Rileys motion on the budget) gives the budget officer and auditor the ability to make line item adjustments as necessary to make certain our fund balance is always within our guidelines of 10 to 15 percent of our total expenditures, Noack said.

Commissioners expressed gratitude to each other for working together to ensure the county is adequately funded while taking steps to give taxpayers relief.

We were able to do this by working together no walking out, Noack said in response to several community members who urged he and Keough to leave the meeting before the vote.

Keough echoed Noack noting the court had the taxpayers interest in mind.

This has been an emotional topic for all of us, Keough said. But most importantly the people of Montgomery County will appreciate what we have done for them during this difficult time.

Precinct 4 Commissioner James Metts agreed.

There is never a good time to raise taxes and there is never a time to defund police, he said. Whether it is one badge, one bullet, one police car, one forensic center, these are vital tools they need and we certainly dont want to put any blood in the water and give the impression that Montgomery County doesnt support law enforcement.

cdominguez@hcnonline.com
The Black Lives Matter movement is planning to select candidates to contest seats at the next General Election.

Makes sense. Judging by that sinister stab-vests-and-balaclavas march through South London recently, BLM already has a paramilitary wing. A political arm is the logical conclusion.

It will be called the Taking The Initiative Party, or TTIP for short. No doubt it will quickly become known as the Taking The Knee Party, TTKP. (Mail reader Graham Whitmore emails to suggest that TTPP might be more appropriate. Work it out for yourself. I couldn't possibly comment.)

Sarcasm aside, this development should be welcomed by everyone who favours the democratic process over violent intimidation.

Peaceful persuasion is always preferable to criminal damage and kicking coppers.

Mind you, direct action seems to be serving BLM quite well for now. They've already got the Government, most of the political class, the universities, the police, professional sport, big business and the broadcast media on the run.

Statues are being toppled, streets renamed, curriculums 'decolonised', civil servants sent on 'unconscious bias' courses. No one voted for any of this, but the Establishment caved in regardless.

Still, if BLM are now prepared to embrace the ballot box they should be encouraged. We've had more than enough mayhem on our streets lately. Let's hope the Extinction Rebellion headbangers get the message, too.

Over the weekend, they laid siege to printing plants, stopping the distribution of national newspapers, while the petrified police stood back and watched  in Hertfordshire, at least.

Extinction Rebellion protesters sitting outside The Houses of Parliament in Parliament Square, Westminster, London, September 1

For six long hours, Herts Plod allowed XR to erect bamboo barriers and glue themselves to the road outside the plant at Broxbourne. They saw their job as not to protect private property, or keep the public highway open, but to facilitate protest.

The assistant chief constable merely expressed disappointment that the demonstrators hadn't 'co-operated' with the cops when officers attempted to negotiate with them. Since a serious criminal act was being committed before their very eyes, what was there to negotiate?

Next time a gang of blaggers, armed with sawn-off Purdeys, robs a bank in Hertford  if they can find one still open  no doubt the Old Bill will give them six hours to make their getaway before opening 'negotiations' to retrieve the money. Or share it out on a fair and equitable basis.

At least the Met have raised their game. Not that they could have lowered it any further, after skateboarding with XR protesters bringing chaos to London last summer and looking on as a pink yacht blocked Oxford Circus for five days.

This time, they've been handing out 10,000 on-the-spot fines. How many protesters do the politicians think are going to cough up ten grand? Correct, none. And when they are brought before the courts, they will inevitably be released immediately.

The truth is that neither XR, nor BLM, needs to put up candidates for election. MPs are only too happy to comply with their demands, no matter how extreme, rather than be damned as RAY-CISTS! or 'climate-change deniers'.

Look at the way they all fawned over that preposterous Greta child. And remember Labour leader Max Headroom and his daft deputy being photographed 'taking the knee' in deference to Black Lives Matter?

Meanwhile, the rest of us can only look on in bemusement, with mounting frustration and anger as our history is torn down and energy policy is rewritten to appease the 'climate emergency' alarmists.

We all want racial harmony and a cleaner, greener planet. But we don't recognise the deliberately distorted portrait of our tolerant country as a racist hell-hole. Nor do we believe further shutting down our already Covid-crippled economy and taking us back to a romanticised agrarian age is the best way to save the polar bears.

Britain has strict laws against discrimination on the grounds of race, creed, colour and sexual orientation. Parliament has enthusiastically passed some of the world's toughest targets for cutting greenhouse gases. You can never appease the wilder fringes of XR and BLM. They'll only keep coming back for more.

Nevertheless, we should applaud any move which subjects them to democratic scrutiny and accountability. That way we would soon gather a reliable measure of their actual support. It's instructive that the plan to put up BLM Parliamentary candidates was announced at the so-called Million People March  attended by, er, three to four hundred protesters, many of them white.

Britain has strict laws against discrimination on the grounds of race, creed, colour and sexual orientation. Parliament has enthusiastically passed some of the world's toughest targets for cutting greenhouse gases. You can never appease the wilder fringes of XR and BLM. They'll only keep coming back for more

Similarly, the number of hardline XR demonstrators outside printing plants this weekend could be numbered in dozens, not the thousands who turned out at the height of summer. Perhaps we have passed the high watermark of both movements, especially now the weather is about to take a turn for the worse.

Anyway, XR doesn't need to go down the Parliamentary route. It's already got a political party, the Greens, which has a grand total of one MP. At the last General Election, Corbyn's Labour supported every single demand of both Extinction Rebellion and Black Lives Matter. And we know how that ended  with Labour's worst defeat since the 1930s.

It has become de rigueur to portray both XR and BLM as sincere, peaceful organisations 'hijacked' by the Far Left. As proven by a cursory glance at their stated aims, from defunding the police to smashing capitalism, nothing could be further from the truth.

Despite the publicity their antics attract, they are about as representative of public opinion as the Monster Raving Loony Party.

Yes, plenty of well-meaning, decent people, concerned about genuine racism and the environment, have rallied to their banners. But XR and BLM haven't been hijacked by the Far Left. They are the Far Left  controlled by the same anarchists, communists and Toytown Trots behind every single agitprop gang of wreckers since the Seventies.

They don't want to change society, they want to destroy it. Which is why they take to the streets, commit criminal damage and attempt to strangle free speech.

So, when push comes to shove, I wouldn't put money on either of them putting up legitimate Parliamentary candidates.

They know full well that if they were ever to stand for election, they would not only lose their deposits, they'd lose whatever dwindling credibility they once had.

Don't watch that, watch this! Loved the picture of Boris bouncing up and down on the spot. I haven't seen dancing like that since the House Of Fun video. Still, Nutty Boy Boris will have to be careful. I know he's got a personal trainer, but unless he sheds a bit more timber, he could end up One Step Beyond. It won't be Suggs from Madness he emulates, it'll be another old ska stomper. Buster Bloodvessel.

Parliament is spending seven grand on training MPs in 'woke-friendly history' and avoiding 'offensive' language. The lessons will be conducted by consultant Femi Otitoju and a giant Muppet-style blue puppet.

You couldn't make it up.

Maybe it's time to hand over the Government to the cast of The Muppet Show? We've already got Bozzie Bear in No 10. Why not Fozzie Bear instead?

Prof Bunsen Honeydew could take over as Chief Medical Officer. He even looks a bit like Chris Whitty. And throughout the Covid crisis, ministers appear to have been taking scientific advice from Bunsen's lab assistant, Beaker.

Gonzo and Animal couldn't do any worse than Grant Shapps and Matt Hancock at Transport and Health. Priti Flamingo talks a good game, but surely the Home Office is tailor-made for Miss Piggy. She'd sort out the Old Bill with a single karate chop.

We could send Statler and Waldorf to the Lords.

And Kermit the Frog would be perfect for Environment. After all, Kermit knows it's not easy being green.
Then she launched into a list of ground rules: No images of class without her permission. Shed prefer if her students kept their Zoom videos on, so she can get to know them better. And she explained how to use the raise hand feature  by clicking a button in the bottom-right corner  before asking everyone to practice. Her last rule: Dont do anything on camera you wouldnt want your grandma to see!
A man who viciously beat an elderly woman to death after breaking into her Scarborough bungalow will be eligible to apply for parole after serving 15 years and nine months of his life sentence for second-degree murder.

The judge said he found Sinbad Marshalls period of parole ineligibility should be 18 years  which was requested by the Crown. However, because Marshall spent a total of more than two years in segregation, the judge reduced his parole eligibility by 27 months.

That was a gross violation of his (charter) right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual treatment or punishment, Superior Court Justice Robert Goldstein wrote in his sentencing decision released Tuesday. The parole eligibility period for second-degree murder is between 10 and 25 years. The defence position was it should be set at 10, which is what Marshalls jury unanimously recommended after convicting him in December.

Prosecutors argued Marshalls rights were not violated because he was the author of his own misfortune and questioned what jail officials are supposed to do with an ungovernable inmate. Institutional records from the Toronto East Detention Centre show he was found guilty of 19 misconducts, including some involving racial epithets on correctional officers, throwing urine at them, or assaulting other inmates.

While Goldstein said there is no obvious answer to how to deal with an unruly prisoner, he agreed with the defence that 27 months in segregation is shocking, deplorable, and unconscionable.

In November 2015, Marshall broke into Stella Tetsoss home through a basement window. When the frail, 82-year-old grandmother went to investigate the noise, Marshall attacked her, breaking every rib in her chest.

It was nothing like a fair fight. It was a cowardly murder of a defenceless woman involving extreme violence, Goldstein wrote.

As Tetsos lay dying in her basement, Marshall ransacked the home to rob it, cut the phone lines and drank some pop. He was wearing some of her jewellery when he was later arrested.

Marshall was on bail and probation when he killed Tetsos and had a lengthy criminal record. In 2013, he broke into another womans house and, when she arrived home, punched her in the face and chest and threatened to kill her if she called police.

The judge provided an overview of Marshalls troubled background after reviewing a number of documents, including a Gladue report provided by Aboriginal Legal Services.

Marshall, one of 11 siblings, was born when his mother was 16. A psychiatrist concluded he has problems with impulse control, attentional problems and a cognitive disorder and has received various diagnoses including schizophrenia  and malingering, or faking his symptoms.

Goldstein stated he is aware that Marshall has been subject to systemic racism all his life as an Indigenous person. In addition, he said, it is impossible to read of Mr. Marshalls background without feeling a great deal of sympathy.

Still, the judge said he cannot be blind to the danger he poses. When I balance all the factors I find that the protection of the public must take precedence. All of the evidence strongly suggests that another serious crime of violence would follow a release.
Students returned to classrooms in many San Antonio public schools Tuesday.

Districts are limiting class sizes and requiring face coverings, but a local coalition of teachers and parents remains concerned about going back to campuses.

"At the start of each school year, educators make a promise to students and their families that those in our care will be safe. [This year] we cannot promise we can keep our students and staff safe," said Adrian Reyna, a middle school social studies teacher and member of the San Antonio Coalition on School Reopening, at a news conference Monday.

On ExpressNews.com: Gradual reopening of San Antonio schools begins in earnest

How are districts managing in-person learning?

Most local districts began remote instruction in the past two weeks and expect to teach a substantial percentage of their students online throughout the fall.

Districts are requiring mask-wearing, social distancing and frequent sanitizing. Some schools are restricting the reopening to younger grades or students with special needs or those for whom at-home learning poses particular difficulties.

Approximately 14,400 students, about 22 percent of total enrollment, are set to return to North East ISD classrooms Tuesday. Class sizes are limited to five students.

San Antonio ISD is limiting class sizes to four to six students. The district began contacting families last week to invite up to 10 percent of students back to schools, giving priority to those who need special education, are at risk and struggling academically and those in pre-kindergarten through second grade.

Surveys of SAISD and Northside ISD parents revealed a reluctance to return to school buildings. Only 30 percent of NISD parents wanted to start in-person learning right away, district spokesman Barry Perez said.

What are the coalition's concerns?

According to the San Antonio Coalition on School Reopening, campuses are still waiting for personal protection equipment and air conditioning filters to arrive. Protocols have not been shared with staff or are not being followed, the coalition said in a news release.

"Safety concerns and questions have been ignored, and educators have been given a simple choice: return to work, even under dangerous conditions for you and your students, or lose your job," the release stated.

On ExpressNews.com: Parent, teacher coalition warns that schools are not ready to reopen

The coalition had several recommendations:

- Districts be required to comply with the Metro Health Directive and report COVID-19 cases and exposures on district websites

- Mandate that all districts provide proper ventilation including CO2 detectors and MERV 13 filters

- Ensure that all school employees have adequate PPE

- Provide paid sick leave to employees if they need to quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19

- Front-line workers like custodians, food service and transportation staff should get hazardous pay

"Today we want to make it very clear. We are not the enemy," said retired school teacher Wanda Longoria. "COVID-19 is. It will quickly take advantage of laxity, inconsistency, negligence and the opportunity to infect."
Parti Liyani (right) and her lawyer Anil Balchandani before the State Courts on 8 September 2020. (PHOTO: Wan Ting Koh/Yahoo News Singapore)

SINGAPORE - Recently acquitted of stealing from Changi Airport Group chairman Liew Mun Leong and his family, ex-domestic helper Parti Liyani was granted a discharge amounting to an acquittal on Tuesday (8 September) for her fifth and final charge of possessing stolen items.

Appearing in the State Courts with her pro-bono lawyer Anil Balchandani, the 46-year-old Indonesian was given an acquittal for possessing 18 items  suspected of being fraudulently obtained  on 4 December 2016 at Changi Airport upon her return to Singapore.

These items include six EZ-link cards, three branded wallets of unknown value and jewellery.

District Judge Eddy Tham granted Parti the acquittal, which means that she will no longer be prosecuted for the charge. According to the Criminal Procedure Code, the court may grant the discharge if it finds that there is no evidence to satisfy each and every element of the charge or that the charge is groundless.

Parti was first accused in 2016 of stealing more than $50,000 items from the Liew household. She was then convicted and sentenced to 26 months jail by the State Courts. She appealed and was acquitted by a High Court judge last Friday. Justice Chan Seng Onn found that the Liew family could have had improper motive in filing a police report against their maid.

Parti had said she wanted to file a complaint with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for being made to work outside of Liews house at Chancery Lane. She claimed she was made to work at the home of Liews son Karl  also along Chancery Lane  and Karls office.

According to Justice Chans findings on Friday, The Liew family followed up with a police report to ensure her return would be prevented. In my view, the Liew family might not have made a police report had Parti not made her express threat on 28 October 2016 to report the matter to MOM.

TODAY reported that a fundraising campaign for Parti raised its target $28,000 in a day and that the domestic helper intends to start a food business in her home country.

Story continues

Case background

Parti had been employed by the Liew family for over nine years when she was dismissed on 28 October 2016, with Karl and two representatives from her employment agency giving her two hours to pack before she was to be sent back to her home country. With the aid of the familys two drivers, Parti then packed her belongings into three jumbo boxes which she requested that Karl send to her address in Indonesia.

The items included a DVD player valued at $1,000, two Longchamp bags worth $400, a Gerald Genta watch worth $10,000, two white iPhone 4 smartphones with accessories valued at $2,056, 115 pieces of clothing valued at $150 each, and a $500 blanket.

A day after Parti left however, the family decided to open the boxes and found what they claimed to be their belongings within it. Karl and his father filed a police report on 30 October 2016.

On 2 December 2016, Parti returned to Singapore and was arrested at the airport, where she was found in possession of more items that allegedly belonged to the Liew family.

Parti appealed the conviction and sentencing in the High Court. The defence argued that Parti had bought some items; some items were given to her and some items she found after they were discarded; and that the rest of the items were not packed by her.

Following Justice Chans judgment, the Attorney-Generals Chambers, MOM and the police said they would be studying the findings to assess if further action have to be taken.

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New Hampshire-based Select Demo must pay $75,000 after illegally reimbursing its employees for political contributions made to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and City Councilor Michael Flaherty, according to the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

The contracting company made $21,000 in illegal corporate contributions in 2019 by reimbursing employees for their contributions, according to an agreement reached between the company and OCPF.

Massachusetts campaign finance law bars corporations from making contributions to political candidates. It also bars donors from misrepresenting the source of their funds.

The disposition agreement signed by Select Demo President Ryan Denver and OCPF Director Pro Tem Michael J. Sullivan states that the company acknowledged it violated both state statutes.

Neither Flaherty nor Walshs committees were aware of the campaign finance violations, according to OCPF. The campaigns are not allowed to keep the funds.

In a statement to MassLive, the Walsh Committee said it was notified Tuesday of the funds by OCPF and is working on disgorging the funds. As stated by OCPF, the committee was not aware that any contributions received were prohibited until the Committee was notified by OCPF, the committee said.

OCPF said it started investigating Select Demo after a routine review of campaign contributions, according to the disposition agreement. The office found bank records and other documents showing Select Demo paid several employees and affiliates either right before or after they donated to Walsh and Flahertys committees.

A Select Demo employee donated $1,000 to Flaherty. The employee was reimbursed with corporate funds by the company, according to the agreement.

Twenty Select Demo employees and company affiliates each donated $1,000 to Walshs committee. The company reimbursed them with $1,000 checks in December, according to the agreement.

Under the agreement, Select Demo agreed to campaign finance training for each employee.

Related Content:
Mumbai polices cyber unit arrested a 20-year-old from Mahua in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat on Monday for alleged child pornography, stalking and blackmailing of girls between 10 to 15 years of age.

Cyber police found nude photographs of more than 800 girls from the mobile phone of Alfaz Jamani, who allegedly managed to get them from the girls after blackmailing them.

According to cyber police officials, Jamani dropped out of school after class 12 and started working at an onion dehydration plant. Dr Rashmi Karandikar, deputy commissioner of police (cyber), said, On September 4, we received complaints from seven parents whose children are in the age group of 10 to 15 years. The parents complained that someone had uploaded morphed nude images on Instagram, a photo sharing app, of their children, following which an FIR was registered.

We have recovered four mobile phones from his [Jamani] house which he used for this crime. These phones belong to his mother, father, elder brother and himself. From one of those phones we have recovered more than 800 nude images of minor girls and the accused said he had blackmailed them to get these pictures. We have found his 17 fake Instagram profiles which he used to become friends with minors. We are further investigating to know why he was collecting these pictures, Karandikar said.

Last year, he was arrested by the Pune police for the same crime and upon release on bail he again started this. On Monday, the accused was produced before metropolitan magistrate court and was sent to police custody for six days.

Karandikar said the FIR has been under section 354D (stalking) of the Indian Penal Code section 12 (Punishment for sexual harassment) and 13 (Use of child for pornographic purposes) of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and Section 43, 66, 66C, 66D, 66E of Information Technology Act.

On September 6, a team was dispatched to Gujarat to arrest him. According to the police, the accused revealed during questioning that he used to first send friendship requests to minor girls and then would start chatting with them. He later would download the girls picture, said police, from the Instagram account, morph it with nude picture and then upload it on his other accounts wall.

The accused would then send his victim screenshots of the nude picture and would ask the victim to share their username and password so that he could stop it, the police added.

Once the victim shared the details, he would change the password and the password recovery email id and mobile number, to ensure that the victim would not be able to recover their password, and would then blackmail them over nude photographs and videos, said a police officer from the cyber unit.

Jamani, at the same time, also would chat with other female friends of the victim through the victims Instagram account and would share morphed images of the victim with them, added officials.
More than three million working days are lost each year because of air pollution, a report has found.

Dirty air contributes to conditions including bronchitis, coronary heart disease and asthma, which all lead to doctor's appointments, hospital stays and sick leave from work.

Under current air pollution limits in the UK, the cost of sick leave, premature deaths and reduced productivity could be around 1.6billion a year, the report says.

Air pollution levels in excess of WHO targets cost the lives of almost 17,000 working-age people a year according to the Clean Air Fund charity, pictured the A40 in Perivale on Monday

Dirty air contributes to conditions including bronchitis, coronary heart disease and asthma, which all lead to doctor's appointments, hospital stays and sick leave from work

But the impact could be slashed if the country followed stricter World Health Organisation limits, campaigners believe.

Analysis by the Confederation of British Industry, for the Clean Air Fund charity, found that almost 17,000 deaths of working-age people could be prevented each year by cutting air pollution targets to WHO levels.

The report estimates this could also prevent 2.2million sick days a year, and 100,000 days taken off by staff to look after children with problems such as asthma attacks triggered by traffic fumes. Another 900,000 days could be lost each year because workers with pollution-related illnesses are about 20 per cent less productive.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said that in its Environment Bill it has 'committed to setting ambitious targets to improve air quality'.

As well as calculating the economic impact on the UK as a whole, it also looked in detail at the boost to four major cities, with London predicted to see a 480 million benefit.

Manchester could see economic benefits to the tune of 28 million from the stricter air pollution limits, while for Birmingham the figure is 25 million and in Bristol it would be 7 million, the report suggests.

The Clean Air Fund is calling on the Government to include a legally binding commitment to meet the WHO air pollution standards by 2030 in the Environmental Bill which is due to be debated in Parliament this autumn.

Jane Burston, executive director of the Clean Air Fund, said: 'We know clean air makes us healthier, but our research shows it can make us all wealthier too.

'If businesses and government work together to ensure clean air for all, we can protect our health and re-energise the economy at this critical time.

'Ministers must commit to binding targets to cut air pollution in line with WHO guidelines by 2030.'

Rain Newton-Smith, chief economist of the CBI, said: 'Not only is there a clear moral responsibility to address air pollution and the impact it has on human health and the environment, there's also a striking economic rationale.

'That is why the CBI has been absolutely clear that a focus on a green recovery should be central to our Covid-19 response.'

She said there were 'incredible opportunities' from shifting to a greener economy, such as mass energy efficiency programmes and new sustainable transport infrastructure, and that improving air quality should be a key part of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

'With air pollution hitting the balance sheets of businesses across the country, and cutting the earnings of their employees, cleaning up our air would help us to lead healthier and more productive lives, while delivering a green jobs boost for the economy,' she said.
Shirley Young in her office in New York [For China Daily/Hu Haidan]

NEW YORK  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 September 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.

(Source: Xinhua)
German genetic testing company Qiagen announced Tuesday that it plans to launch a new antigen test for the coronavirus that it says could eventually be deployed in airports and stadiums if it receives the appropriate authorizations.

The company said it plans to launch two versions of the antigen test in the U.S. later this year: one version that's meant to be processed in a clinical laboratory and another that's portable and can be processed at point of care. The company has not yet applied for emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration but said it plans to.

If the test, called the Access Antigen Test, is granted FDA authorization for point-of-care use and if it's waived from the requirements under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, Qiagen said, the test could be used in high-volume settings such as airports and stadiums to test people with symptoms. Rapidly testing symptomatic people could become increasingly important in the fall and winter as seasonal influenza, which causes many of the same early symptoms as seen in Covid-19, spreads in the Northern Hemisphere.

"The portable test offers a new combination of speed and scale that marks an important step towards decentralized mass testing that health authorities all over the world have been urgently seeking," the company said in a release.

The test, which was developed in collaboration with Australian diagnostics company Ellume, can screen up to eight nasal-swab samples simultaneously, the company said. Administrators of the test use a small digital platform, called an eHub, which was launched in August with Qiagen's antibody test, to process the nasal swabs.

The platform can yield results in less than 15 minutes, the company said, and can process an average of about 30 swab samples every hour. Qiagen added that the test correctly diagnoses a positive coronavirus infection 90% of the time and correctly diagnoses a negative result 100% of the time. The company did not elaborate on the methods used to arrive at the accuracy conclusions.

The company has not yet disclosed a price point for the test, but Qiagen CEO Thierry Bernard called the tests "cost-effective." Qiagen also did not disclose details on how many tests it will be able to manufacture.

In a statement, Bernard added that the antigen tests are meant to supplement, not replace, the molecular, or PCR, tests, which are the most accurate tests on the market. PCR tests, however, are dependent on a strained supply chain of technical laboratory equipment, need to be processed by trained scientists and can take hours or days to yield results.

The company added that it will also apply for certification in Europe.

"The Access Antigen Test is fast, easy to use and cost-effective and will be a valuable tool to address the so far unmet high-volume testing needs for SARS-CoV-2 antigens in situations where time is of the essence," Bernard said in a statement. "It will deliver highly accurate results and will complement the gold-standard PCR tests used for detection of active COVID-19 infection. PCR tests offer a high level of diagnostic accuracy but are time-consuming and lab-bound."

 CNBC's Meg Tirrell contributed to this report.
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced it is introducing a family TikTok challenge called #ChipotleSponsorUs to celebrate the launch of the Group Ordering feature on the Chipotle app.

The Group Ordering feature on the Chipotle app makes it easy for families to get exactly what they want in one all-inclusive pick-up or delivery order. Guests can create a group order on the Chipotle app by signing into their Chipotle Rewards account and sending a shareable link to family members where they can customize orders from their mobile phones or computers. To celebrate the debut of Group Ordering on the Chipotle app, Chipotle and new creator collective The House Nobody Asked For are launching a family TikTok challenge called #ChipotleSponsorUs. The challenge will reward five families or small friend groups who showcase why they should be sponsored by Chipotle on TikTok with free burritos for a year.

Chipotle and new creator collective The House Nobody Asked For ( www.tiktok.com/@thehousenobodyaskedfor ) will reward five (5) families or small friend groups who showcase why they should be sponsored by Chipotle on TikTok with free burritos for a year. Each person (up to 5 people) in the winning families will win their own free burritos. Through September 13, all fans can unlock Chipotle's new Family Extra offer, one (1) free large chips and large guac, by using the promo code "4FAMILY" at checkout when they order four (4) or more entrees on the Chipotle app or Chipotle.com.

#ChipotleSponsorUs

To enter, participants must use #ChipotleSponsorUs and #contest, and post a creative TikTok video with their family or group showing why Chipotle should sponsor them in a creative way. The contest period ends on September 14th at 11am PT. The House Nobody Asked For will be reviewing entries, judging on creativity, and commenting on the winners' posts at 3pm PT on September 14.

"With people spending more time with their loved ones, we're quickly seeing TikTok become a family affair," said Chris Brandt, Chief Marketing Officer. "Our #ChipotleSponsorUs TikTok challenge will inspire creativity on the platform and highlight our new Group Ordering feature which eliminates the stress of collecting everyone's Chipotle order."

In April, Chipotle debuted a TikTok challenge called #ChipotleSponsorMe which awarded five individuals who showcased new original content that proved their undeniable love for Chipotle's real food with a Chipotle Celebrity Card. The sponsorship campaigns are in response to a high volume of social conversation among Chipotle fans asking the brand to sponsor them.

Group Ordering

The Group Ordering feature on the Chipotle app makes it easy for everyone to get exactly what they want in one all-inclusive pick-up or delivery order. Guests can create a group order on the Chipotle app by:

Signing into their Chipotle Rewards account

Sending a shareable link to friends and family where they can customize orders from their mobile phones or computers

Submitting their digital order for pick-up or delivery

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter #ChipotleSponsorUs contest. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S., 13 years or older (minors must have parental consent). Enter between approx. 11:01 am PT on 09/08/20  approx. 10:59 am PT on 09/14/20. For Official Rules including how to enter, entry limitations and prize descriptions, visit chipotle.com/family. Sponsor: CMG Strategy Co., LLC, 610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1400, Newport Beach, California, 92660.

Family Extra offer valid for one large order of chips and guacamole, for orders placed and fulfilled via the Chipotle mobile app or order.chipotle.com only, 9/8/20 through 9/13/20, that include four or more entree items. U.S. only. Add promo code 4FAMILY at checkout to redeem offer. Redemption is subject to availability. Not valid on catering or Burritos by the Box orders or on third party delivery platforms. Chipotle reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply; void where prohibited.

ABOUT CHIPOTLE

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle had over 2,650 restaurants as of June 30, 2020, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants. With more than 91,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. Steve Ells, founder and former executive chairman, first opened Chipotle with a single restaurant in Denver, Colorado in 1993. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM.

SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.chipotle.com


LOS ANGELESRock Candy Toys this week is doing a takeover of Nalpac's Instagram feed, giving consumers five days of sweet giveaways and the chance to get up close and personal with Rock Candy's lineup of confection-inspired pleasure products and the team behind the playful brand.

From Monday through Friday, Nalpacs Instagram feed and stories are being dedicated to all things Rock Candy Toys as part of the Michigan-based leading adult products distributors "F*ck COVID-19" campaign.

Follow @nalpac on Instagram this week for a daily treat with posts showcasing the top features of Rock Candy Toys selection of colorful items for self-pleasure and couples play, as well as a look behind-the-scenes from the Rock Candy Toys headquarters. The week-long Instagram promo will also include chances to win Rock Candy Toy product giveaways each day.

"I'm so ecstatic about Rock Candy Toys taking over Nalpac's social media with our fun and playful collection that I know their followers will love, Rock Candy Toys Sales Director Tracy Leone said. We wanted to go back to the basics of what our brand truly represents and just have a good time! I cant wait for everyone to see our sweet family photo, some BTS of what we do in the office, our products and giveaways! So get excited and make sure to tune in.

As the world continues to deal with the pandemic, Rock Candy Toys is reminding its clientele of its support. With the takeover of Nalpacs Instagram, Rock Candy aims to engage with consumers and bolster retail sales.

We stand by our customers so any support we can offer, we're here, Leone added.

Rock Candys growing product line includes items such as the Fun Size, Suga Daddy, Ima Joy and Gummy collections; Taffy Puller pleasure sleeve, Jelly Bean curved bullet, and the edible popping Rock Candy.

Rock Candy is available from Nalpac. Prospective customers can email [email protected] for new account details.

For additional information, visit Nalpac online. To sign up for the email newsletter and take advantage of savings, promotions and educational tools, visit their blog, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

For the latest Rock Candy information, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Mumbai: Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against actor Sushant Singh Rajput's sisters and others for abetment to suicide and criminal conspiracy by prescribing him medicines banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, an official said on Tuesday.

The case was registered after the actor's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty claimed they prescribed drugs to him without consultation, the official said.

An offence has been registered against Sushant's sisters Priyanka Singh and Meetu Singh, Delhi-based doctor Tarun Kumar and others, the official said.

Rhea in her complaint claimed these persons hatched a conspiracy and obtained false prescription on the letterhead of a government hospital for banned medicines and administered the same to the actor without supervising doses and quantity.

The case has been registered at Bandra police station under sections 420, 464, 465, 466, 468, 474, 306, 120(B) and 34 of IPC and sections 8(c), 21, 22(A) and 29 of NDPS Act, a Mumbai police spokesperson said.

In her police complaint, Rhea had sought that an FIR be registered under IPC, NDPS Act and Telemedicine Practice Guidelines. She had also accused Priyanka of molesting her.

Rhea had accused Priyanka Singh, Dr Tarun Kumar of Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and others of forgery and preparing a "fake" prescription of medicines for anxiety for the 34-year-old actor, who was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14.

In accordance with orders of the Supreme Court, this case has been transferred to CBI for further investigation, the spokesperson said.

Unhappy with Mumbai Police probe in the actor's death, his father KK Singh had registered a case with the Bihar police against Rhea Chakraborty, her family members and others for abetment to suicide and criminal conspiracy. The case was transferred to the CBI by the Supreme Court.

Rhea was interrogated by the CBI probe team, camping at the DRDO guest house in Mumbai's western suburb Santacruz.

She was also questioned by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case and by Narcotics Control Bureau in a drug supply case in which her brother Showik Chakraborty and Sushant's manager Samuel Miranda have been arrested.
A student was turned away from school within 20 minutes of arriving for the new term because her tan and eyebrows apparently looked 'fake'.

Teachers told Megan Davies, 16, her appearance did not meet Lord Derby Academy's guidelines and sent her home packing.

But her mother Marie, from Huyton, near Liverpool, is livid and insists her daughter's thick dark eyebrows and glowing tan are natural.

Teachers at Lord Derby Academy sent Megan Davies home because they thought her tan and thick eyebrows look 'fake'.

She said the family had recently returned from Portugal and attributed the fake tan to the holiday adding her daughter has never needed to paint on her thick eyebrows.

Mrs Davies said: 'They've said she's too dark. We've only just come back from Portugal, so it was a real tan.

'They said her eyebrows were too dark as well. I understand some girls draw them on and go in with big slugs but my daughter doesn't do that.

Mum Marie Davies (right) says her 16-year-old daughter's tan is the result of a recent family trip to Portugal

'She has never had to paint them or anything like that.'

Mrs Davies added the row did not stop there. Teachers also had a problem with Megan's choice of shoes which they say failed to conform to the school's uniform rules.

She added: 'They're just plain black lace-up shoes. There isn't a diamond on them, there isn't a bow.

'She said half the girls in her year have got the same identical shoes. They haven't been sent home, only Megan has.'

This is not the first time Megan's appearance has been called into question by teachers at the academy as Mrs Davies pointed out.

She alleges teachers had previously pulled up the teenager on her thick eyebrows before lockdown resulting in Megan having to prove them wrong.

She told the Echo: 'Most of the time we did laugh about it, because they would stand outside the gates with wipes.

'Megan would wipe her brows and there wouldn't be anything on them.'

Mrs Davies said she was 'totally disgusted' that her daughter was sent marching home from school when she needs to be catching up with studies having been away for six months due to the pandemic.

Lord Derby Academy principal Vicky Gowan said she was unable to comment on individual cases, but said: 'We operate to the very highest of standards at Lord Derby Academy.

Schoolgirl Megan Davies has reportedly been forced to prove her eyebrows are natural by wiping them for any tell-tale signs in front of teachers

'We take pride in our traditional approach to all aspects of school life. We strive to ensure every pupil at LDA is treated fairly and that our rules regarding uniform are applied consistently.

'The school is always keen to work in partnership with families so that the clear expectations regarding uniform and appearance can be upheld.'
(Alliance News) - Red Rock Resources PLC on Monday said it has entered into an option over former gold and silver mining and exploration assets at Zlata Bana, Slovakia.

Shares in Red Rock were down 7.1% at 0.88 pence in London shortly before close.

The natural resources development firm with assets in Kenya, Australia and Democratic Republic of Congo will pay EUR10,000 for a due diligence period ending September 21 and make a EUR23,000 payment to take a 50% interest in the Zlata Bana licence.

With the option exercised, Red Rock would acquire a 50% interest in all the other assets including land, vehicles, buildings, and mining equipment. The consideration for exercising of the option is to be EUR250,000 worth of new Red Rock shares. Another EUR100,000 shares will be issued once the process of transfer completes.

Zlata Bana's vendors consist of Lubomir Konkol and his associated parties, with a joint venture to be established between Konkol and Red Rock.

Red Rock will be responsible for certain joint venture expenditures expected to be no less than EUR100,000 in 2020.

Separately, Red Rock noted that the board of Jupiter Mines Ltd, in which it has an investment, has approved progressing an initial public offering of its Central Yilgarn Iron Ore assets.

Jupiter will also receive ZAR156 million, around GP7.1 million, of a ZAR330 million interim dividend declared by Tshipi e Ntle Manganese Mining Prop Ltd.

By Anna Farley; annafarley@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
-- The Sanjiangyuan National Park is scheduled to be officially established this year.

-- The pilot national park, with a total area of 123,100 square km, covers two prefectures, four counties and 53 villages, and harbors more than 70,000 herdsmen.

-- It is one of China's 10 national pilot parks under construction. The 10 parks involve 12 provinces, with a total area exceeding 220,000 square km.

XINING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- As the high-altitude winds make for a brisk morning, Tibetans in Goyang Village offer the ceremonial hada scarves at a monument erected beside streams that flow into a major origin of China's Yellow River.

The village, which is located in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, is in the pilot Sanjiangyuan (Three-River-Source) National Park. The pilot project started in 2016 and the park is scheduled to be officially established this year.

Aerial photo taken on Aug. 26, 2020 shows the Tongtian River, the major source of the Yangtze River, meandering past Yeqing Village in Zhiduo County of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Xinhua/Li Linhai)

BENEFITING HUMAN AND NATURE

Sanjiangyuan, meaning the "source of three rivers," is home to the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers.

The pilot national park, with a total area of 123,100 square km, covers two prefectures, four counties and 53 villages, and harbors more than 70,000 herdsmen.

It is one of the country's 10 national pilot parks under construction. The 10 parks involve 12 provinces, with a total area exceeding 220,000 square km.

Since the pilot construction of the park, authorities have assembled a comprehensive law enforcement team, integrated the protected areas under a new management system, and established a database which contains information of natural resources and wildlife in the region.

Photo taken on Aug. 27, 2020 shows a stone tablet of Yoigilangleb protection zone in Qumalai County of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Xinhua/Li Linhai)

Soso, a 33-year-old Tibetan herdsman, has lived a nomadic life like most of his peers, residing beside the Gyaring Lake in the Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It is a source area of the Yellow River, China's second longest after the Yangtze River.

"Though it's always better for herdsmen to have more yaks and goats, it would lead to the degeneration of grassland, and ultimately the animals won't survive," Soso said.

As the construction on the national park continues, government aid has emerged as a feasible way out of the dilemma.

"After the park went into trial operation, more than 17,000 herdsmen have been employed as ecological protectors, with each earning more than 20,000 yuan (about 2,900 U.S. dollars) per year," said Kata with the park's administration.

"With more protection measures, now the water has become clearer, the grass has grown taller, and the birds that had disappeared since my childhood have flown back," Soso said.

Due to the construction of the park, a more comprehensive patrol and protection mechanism for wildlife has been adopted.

Located at the origin of the Lancang River, the Namse Township of Zadoi County in Yushu, is now inhabited by a wide range of animal species.

Photo taken on Aug. 22, 2020 shows Namse Omo inside a newly-built tourist reception spot in Zadoi County, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Xinhua/Li Linhai)

So far, through consistent efforts as part of the park project, local authorities have monitored 45 snow leopards, a species under top-level protection in China, and many other rare species in the township.

Cewang Dorje, from the township government, said the improving environment and thriving tourism have benefited herdsmen as they were allowed to run businesses in their hometown.

"What tourists like most is watching wildlife like snow leopards," said Namse Omo, a local herdsman, whose homestay received the first batch of tourists to the park in 2018. Around 10 percent of her income from tourism has been utilized to support wildlife protection projects.

PARK CONSTRUCTION AT FULL TILT

According to a meeting of the central authorities held late last month, China aims to build the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau into a national and even international highland in ecological progress.

In the past four years, governments at all levels have invested a total of 780 million yuan in improving the environment and solving various ecological problems in Sanjiangyuan, such as land desertification and grassland damage by marmots, said He Wancheng, director of the park's administration.

Another 940 million yuan has been spent on the construction of roads in a bid to create a patrol road network that could safeguard the region.

Photo taken on Aug. 22, 2020 shows the grassland scenery in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Xinhua/Li Linhai)

"The construction of the park will eventually realize the authenticity and integrity of natural ecosystem protection and leave precious natural assets for future generations," said Liu Tao, deputy governor of Qinghai Province.

Technological innovation has been introduced to the park as well. At the ecological information monitoring center of the park administration, visuals of the construction sites, highways and even migration of Tibetan antelopes in Hoh Xil can be projected on a big screen to alert the staff in case of any emergencies, poaching activities, or violations of regulations.

"Even if it's dark, we are equipped with real-time online monitoring via infrared technology," said Cao Jun, director of the ecological information monitoring center of the park administration. He added that the system is able to retrieve data from more than 900 stations.

The construction of national parks means more systematic and effective protection of biodiversity, said Yang Rui, director of the Institute for National Parks of Tsinghua University in Beijing.

"China is one of the countries with the richest biodiversity and has the conditions and ability to achieve revolutionary changes in biodiversity conservation," Yang said.
Korean At Your Door Founder Kim Hyeon-jin / Courtesy of Kim Hyeon-jin



By Kim Jae-heun



The founder and CEO of social venture Korean At Your Door, Kim Hyeon-jin, has suffered from severe atopic dermatitis since birth.



Kim blamed the skin disease for the inconveniences she had to bear growing up with it. At the same time, it put her in the shoes of marginalized members of society and drove her to help them.



"Thinking about it, everyone has a defect in some way  be it physically or mentally. There are people with skin problems like me, there are people with an ear or eye that does not function, and there are people who live with a broken heart. It is paradoxical thinking if you elevate yourself above those who are social minorities or disabled," Kim said during an interview with The Korea Times.



Kim did not know she would start a business of her own. Growing up watching her entrepreneur father work until late and never having enough time to rest, she was determined never to become a small business owner like him.



But there was no company that she believed had the desire to solve the employment issue for disabled persons. Nor was the government fully committed to addressing the matter in her eyes.



When the time came for Kim to graduate and start looking for a job, her mother advised her to do whatever made her happiest.



She instantly thought of her internship in her freshman year when she worked for a social venture that trained mentally challenged people as baristas.



"Working with handicapped people and watching their life change with what we did made me happy. I thought I wanted to start a social venture too," Kim said.



In December 2018, Kim established a company that trains the visually impaired to teach the Korean language online.



Kim said she got the idea while listening to the voices of the blind that made her focus on what they were saying.



"Many blind people lose their eyesight in their lifetime and not many are born with the disability. Thus, they have already had diverse social experiences and it helps them become good language teachers. I wanted my instructors to overcome their misfortune and take this chance to live another life. I also wanted to break the stereotype that the blind can work in jobs other than just as masseuse," Kim said.



It has almost been two years now, but they have students in various countries already including Vietnam, the Philippines, India and the United States.



Recently, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with the King Sejong Institute Foundation to train more disabled persons as educators. The foundation aims to meet the increasing demand for Korean language classes in Southeast Asia.



"With the effects of COVID-19, demand for online language classes has exploded and we are now receiving 400 students every day for free tutorial programs," Kim said.



Korea At Your Door will celebrate its second anniversary in December.



"It would be really nice to throw a steak party with the teachers on that day," Kim said.


After nearly 40 personnel at the Chief Ministers Office and his residence tested positive for Covid-19 in the last few days, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has decided not to meet people for the next one month, according to a release.

As per the advice of doctors, the chief minister has decided not to meet people for the next one month. During this time he will participate only through video conference, a release said.

Nearly 40 personnel of the CMO and the Chief Ministers Residence (CMR) including some security staff have tested positive for the novel coronavirus over the last few days.

The chief minister also appealed to the people to follow social distancing norms, wear face masks and take all precautions to stay safe from the coronavirus.

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Image credit: Botswana Diamonds













Botswana Diamonds is raising 300,000 through the issue of 50 million new ordinary shares to fund ongoing exploration activities in Botswana and South Africa during the current year as well as provide working capital.The company said it will be focused on commercialising the KX36 project, in Botswana following the recent acquisition of Sekaka Diamonds from Petra Diamonds.This will include finalising a work programme to upgrade the grades and diamond value of the kimberlite pipe as well as investigating innovative mining options.Botswana Diamonds has also planned drilling on the adjacent Sunland Minerals property.The diamond explorer is also drilling kimberlite M8 on the Marsfontein licence in South Africa and has generated further kimberlite targets which will be drilled on the adjacent Thorny River concession.We are drilling the very promising M8 kimberlite at Marsfontein and further drilling is likely on targets identified on the adjacent Thorny River ground, said company chairperson John Teeling.The recently acquired KX36 diamond resource in the Kalahari offers great potential. While awaiting final approvals from the Botswana authorities some of the funds raised will be used to detail the works we will do to refine grade, size distribution and value per carat.
The final tournament of the 2020 GGPoker World Series of Poker Online Bracelet Events has determined a champion and it was all wrapped up in tidy two and a half hours. That's all it took for Connor Drinan to claim his maiden bracelet in Event #83: $10K WSOP Super MILLION$ after he defeated Daniyar Aubakirov in heads-up.

Thanks to 899 total entries, the tournament had easily surpassed the $5 million guarantee and two millionaires were crowned out of the prize pool of $8,720,300. Drinan's victory came with a big payday of $1,423,049 which in fact surpassed the total WSOP earnings he had to date. Aubakirov had to settle for just $1,041,414 and missed out on a maiden bracelet for his home country of Kazakhstan.

The nine-handed final table also featured High Roller regulars such as Viktor Ustinov, Chris Oliver, Sylvain Loosli, and Christopher Kruk who all sent their chips over to Drinan.

Final Result Event #83: $10K WSOP Super MILLION$

Place Winner Country Prize (USD) 1 Connor Drinan United States $1,423,049 2 Daniyar Aubakirov Kazakhstan $1,041,414 3 Viktor Ustimov Russia $755,754 4 Chris Oliver United States $548,450 5 Sylvain Loosli France $398,010 6 Suraj Mishra India $288,836 7 Christopher Kruk Canada $209,609 8 Arsenii Malinov Russia $152,113 9 Kenneth Smaron United States $110,389

It was a rush to the finish line as Drinan dispatched the final six opponents and by doing so, he also collected an additional payday thanks to a bracelet bet with GGPoker ambassador Daniel Negreanu in the very last event of the festival.

Action on this bet has a $100k cap per individual player.  Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker)

The Action of the Final Day

The nine players returned to their seats after a break of one and a half days and it took all but one hand to send Kenneth Smaron to the rail. Smaron defended his big blind with queen-jack and flopped top pair but Christopher Kruk's straight and flush draw instantly hit on the turn. Only a few hands later it was all over for Arsenii Malinov who called a shove by Sylvain Loosli blind on blind with ace-queen and was well ahead of nine-seven suited. But both of those appeared on the flop and Malinov was drawing dead on the turn.

Christopher Kruk jumped into the lead with seven players left, yet it was Kruk who departed next. He first lost jacks to the ace-ten suited of Daniyar Aubakirov when the river completed a ten-high straight. And just one hand later, Kruk three-bet jammed ace-jack into the aces of Connor Drinan to go from hero to zero.

The next pivotal hand for Drinan was the elimination of Suraj Mishra with nines versus tens when a nine appeared in the window. Sylvain Loosli fell next when he jammed king-four in the small blind and Drinan held with ace-deuce in the big blind.

It was an overwhelming lead for Drinan with four players remaining and he then made quick work of Chris Oliver and Viktor Ustimov to get the field down to the final two. Only Aubakirov was left and doubled the first time in remarkable fashion when he called a shove on the river with bottom pair.

Daniyar Aubakirov

The heads-up duel continued in the same manner as Aubakirov became short again, doubled twice, and was then shown a big bluff by Drinan. The Kazakh would not recover from that blow and then lost ace-jack to ace-nine as the river delivered a nine-ball in the corner pocket.

That wraps up seven weeks of WSOP Online Bracelet Events on the GGNetwork as all 54 bracelets have now been awarded.
Russia and other major oil producers have found themselves ceding market share to U.S. shale producers in recent years, with the U.S. becoming the largest oil producer in the world in 2018.

From January 2021, the cuts are expected to taper further to amount to 5.8 million bpd, with these expected to last until April 2022. Producers aim to rebalance supply and demand in the unstable market, and to support oil prices.

OPEC, Russia and other non-OPEC producers  a group known collectively as OPEC+  are currently cutting output by 7.7 million barrels per day (bpd) until December. The energy alliance agreed to impose the production cuts in response to lower demand due to the coronavirus pandemic and the global economic downturn.

"When demand begins to return to pre-crisis levels, it will be extremely important for Russia, like other oil-producing countries, to regain market share as soon as possible and, possibly, even increase it in the face of reduced competition between producers," Russia's Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in an article published in the ministry's in-house magazine Tuesday.

Russia and other major oil producers must regain, and even increase, their share of the oil market once demand returns, Russia's energy minister has said.

Wary of the damage that lower output is doing to its own oil industry, both to producers and its oilfield services sector, the Russian government is looking to support the sector and could launch a scheme to encourage (and offer tax incentives) to oil companies to drill several thousand oil wells with the idea being that the wells are left unfinished but can quickly be put into use after the OPEC+ deal ends in 2022.

Novak said that "work is underway to create conditions for the formation of a stock of unfinished wells" but did not specify if the scheme had been approved by the government.

Such a scheme is designed to support Russia's oilfield services industry that focuses on services related to oil and gas exploration as well as the construction and maintenance of oil wells, for example. The industry employs 300,000 people in Russia, Novak said, and a lack of investment in the domestic industry could lead to mass redundancies, and it losing more market share to foreign companies.

"The largest oil service companies in the world consistently reported a decline in 2020 to CAPEX (capital expenditure) ... Due to the decrease in demand for their services, corporations have been forced to reduce the number of employees, while further waves of layoffs are expected throughout the year," he said.

"As for the situation in Russian companies, the decline in the oilfield services market in 2020-2021 could be almost half of the level of 2019. As a result, we see risks of a significant reduction in the margins of oilfield service organizations. A decrease in the volume of orders will inevitably intensify competition in the market, which, in turn, may entail irreversible economic consequences for a number of companies," he said.

Novak cited estimates from the Russian Ministry of Energy warning that, "in the event of inaction, that is, failure to take systemic measures to support the industry, the market share of foreign oilfield service companies may increase to more than 50% by 2022."

"This threatens the Russian oilfield services industry with the loss of key competencies in high-tech areas, including such strategically important ones as geophysical and seismic well surveys, as well as specialized software," he said.
The mixed tofu stew at Beverly Soon Tofu in Koreatown (Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee)

This week in dining news:

Beverly Soon Tofu

Beverly Soon Tofu, the iconic Koreatown soon tofu restaurant opened by Monica Lee in 1986, will close permanently at the end of the month due to the pandemic, according to the restaurants Instagram page. One of the oldest restaurants in Koreatown, Beverly Soon Tofu was a local institution best known for its fiery tofu stew. The restaurant will continue offering takeout until Sept. 20.

189 by Dominique Ansel

Pastry chef and Cronut inventor Dominique Ansel has permanently closed his 4-year-old bakery and restaurant at the Grove, according to the chefs Instagram page. Maude chef Curtis Stone will take over the space starting Sept. 14, launching an outdoor restaurant concept called Picnic Society.

Night + Market Vegas

Kris Yenbamroongs popular Thai restaurant Night + Market is headed to Vegas later this year. The restaurant will join dining options such as Nobu and MB Steak at the upcoming Virgin Hotels resort and casino, which is expected to open in November.

virginhotels.com/las-vegas

Leviathan

Leviathan, a wood-grilled seafood restaurant from Scratch Bar chef Phillip Frankland Lee, is open in Encino for outdoor dining. The casual 16-seat concept, located in a courtyard outside Lees restaurant upstairs, offers dishes such as king crab with watermelon and goat cheese, grilled spot prawns and rib-eye with tarragon and grapes.

16101 Ventura Blvd. Ste. 110, Los Angeles, (818) 876-0818, leviathanrestaurant.com

Daves Hot Chicken Fairfax

Spicy chicken tender specialist Daves Hot Chicken is open in the Fairfax District for takeout and delivery. The new location is the fifth in Southern California for the local mini-chain, which has plans to launch franchises in Nevada, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Canada in the coming year.

465 N. Fairfax Ave., daveshotchicken.com

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Wood & Salt Tavern

Wood & Salt Tavern, a modern California-inspired gastropub from the owners of Mar Vista German restaurant Rasselbock, is open in Long Beach. The menu features dishes such as house-made rigatoni with eggplant, grilled chicken with summer squash and fresh ricotta doughnuts.

4262 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, (562) 349-0111, woodsalt.com

De Buena Planta

De Buena Planta, a vegetarian Mexican food pop-up from the owner of the Butchers Daughter, is open in Venice for outdoor dining and takeout. Dishes such as daikon radish birria and grilled cauliflower tacos along with tequila and mezcal cocktails are served on a tropical beach-themed open-air patio.

1118 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 981-3004, debuenaplanta.us

Moores Deli

Moores Delicatessen has closed permanently in Burbank. The 10-year-old deli and pub, known for its walls covered in hand-drawn illustrations, was a popular haunt for animators and artists from nearby studios such as Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon.





Caffe Vita

Caffe Vita has closed permanently in Silver Lake. The Seattle-based coffee shop and roaster, which opened in 2013, said in a social media post that the closure was due to an increase in rent.

Preux & Proper

Preux & Proper, the New Orleans-themed restaurant from owner Josh Kopel and chef Samuel Monsour, has closed permanently after six years in downtown L.A.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 16:37:30|Editor: huaxia

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HANOI, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The 41st General Assembly of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA 41) opened Tuesday via video conference under the chair of Vietnamese top legislator and AIPA 41 President Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

Addressing the opening ceremony held here Tuesday morning, Ngan, chairwoman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, said the event will discuss issues and topics including the parliament's role in promoting ASEAN economic cohesion and recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, and parliamentary diplomacy for sustainable peace and security in the ASEAN.

The three-day event also includes a meeting of women parliamentarians on promoting their role in securing jobs and income for female workers, and a meeting of young parliamentarians to improve the engagement of AIPA young parliamentarians in ASEAN Community building, according to Ngan.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong delivered a speech via video at the opening ceremony, expressing his belief that the general assembly will work towards a community-based mindset and actions so as to achieve a strong and cohesive ASEAN Community that is oriented towards and centered on the people with its role established in the international arena.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended and delivered a speech at the opening ceremony, which was also attended by other party and state officials of Vietnam as well as representatives from the AIPA 41 participating countries and from observer countries.

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 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. It is held from Tuesday to Thursday this year. Enditem
The logo of Samsung Electronics is seen at its office building in Seoul on Jan. 7, 2019. (Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters)

Samsung Wins $6.6 Billion Verizon Contract for 5G Network

Samsung Electronics Co. will develop 5G network infrastructure for Verizon Communications under a $6.65 billion deal announced Monday.

The contract runs through 2025, according to a Samsung corporate filing.

Samsung and Verizon have worked together before. In 2018, for example, Samsung technology was behind a 5G home service that Verizon offered to some customers in California, Texas, and Indiana.

Samsung has demonstrated their commitment to collaborating with us to drive innovation in 5G, New York-based Verizon said in a statement. We are excited to expand our relationship with them and benefit from a long-term strategic agreement.

Samsung said its expanded partnership with Verizon will allow the companies to push the boundaries of 5G innovation to enhance mobile experiences for Verizons customers.

Were excited to continue delivering on breakthrough network technologies that will expand whats possible through 5G, the company said in a statement.

The South Korean technology giant beat out rivals like Finlands Nokia, which has collaborated with Verizon in the past.

But one 5G rivalChinas Huawei Technologies Ltd.wasnt in the running for the contract. Huawei has been largely absent from the United States since 2012 when a congressional panel warned phone carriers to avoid it. The United States says its a security risk to give China too much access to 5G systems, which are expected to support self-driving cars, factory robots, and other applications.

More recently, the Trump administration has been pressuring European companies not to work with Huawei. In February, Attorney General William Barr said the U.S. government should consider taking a controlling stake in the European companies Nokia and Ericsson to thwart Huaweis global ambitions.

By Dee-Ann Durbin
In a career that took him from Mogadishu to Washington and beyond, veteran diplomat Wondimu Asamnew spent 24 years pleading Ethiopia's case to the world.

These days, though, he's pushing a different narrative: that the federal government he once served is now like "a drunken driver" steering the country towards "anarchy".

It's a message that plays well in Wondimu's native Tigray region, which once dominated Ethiopian politics but has fallen out with the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, winner of last year's Nobel Peace Prize.

The rancour will be on display Wednesday when Tigray holds elections for its 190-seat regional parliament, flouting a federal decision to postpone all polls because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The elections are just the latest example of how Tigrayan officials are increasingly acting like leaders of an independent state.

The region has recently adopted stricter coronavirus policies than the rest of the country, forcing most visitors from other regions to go into quarantine.

It has also reached out to Saudi Arabia offering to take in Ethiopian migrants it accuses Abiy of abandoning there.

Its independent streak can even be seen in Wondimu's unlikely career trajectory.

Earlier this year, the former ambassador came out of retirement to head the newly-formed Tigray Friendship Liaison Office, which helps Tigrayan officials communicate with other governments, trade councils and cultural bodies.

The office represents an effort by Tigrayans "to explain ourselves to the world", Wondimu said, and to distance themselves from a fraught democratic transition under Abiy that has been undermined by persistent ethnic violence.

"While the whole country is in shambles, our institutions are working," Wondimu told AFP. "In this sense you can say that we are an island in troubled waters."

- Mounting discord -

Tigray's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), led the armed struggle to topple the brutal communist Derg regime in 1991.

Story continues

Leaders from the tiny ethnic group which makes up only six percent of Ethiopia's 110 million population went on to control Ethiopia's governing coalition for nearly three decades.

But that ended after anti-government protests swept Abiy to power in 2018.

TPLF leaders complain they have since been unfairly targeted in corruption prosecutions, removed from top positions and broadly scapegoated for the country's woes.

This week's election dispute has been brewing for months, ever since the national poll body announced in March that the pandemic would force the postponement of national contests scheduled for August. No new date has been given.

Tigrayan leaders rejected the extension of political mandates -- which would have expired in October -- contending Abiy will have no legitimacy after that.

Wednesday's polls have clearly rankled the federal government.

Federal election officials said in June the elections had "no legal basis", and on Saturday the upper house of parliament ruled they were "null and void".

In recent days Abiy's office has instructed the Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority to call journalists working for foreign media outlets to pressure them not to cover the vote.

On Monday intelligence agents barred several journalists from boarding a flight from Addis Ababa to Mekele.

- Secession question -

TPLF leaders have so far refrained from advocating that Tigray secede from Ethiopia, saying they are committed to trying to keep the country together.

But a number of strident nationalists are on the ballot Wednesday.

To improve its odds, the party has replenished its roster of candidates, ousting some ageing cadres in favour of young, educated technocrats and businessmen -- some of whom had no previous formal links to the party.

"It's been a radical change in the political mindset of the Tigrayan people over the last two years. The TPLF had to reorganise themselves and reinvent themselves to capture that," said Kjetil Tronvoll, an expert on Ethiopian politics.

The most extreme of the five parties contesting Wednesday is the Tigray Independence Party, which argues that the region would be better on its own.

"At this moment, the acceptance is beyond our expectation," Girmay Berhe, the party's leader, told AFP of how the party's candidates were being received.

"So many people have started to question Ethiopia itself, and many in the intelligentsia, the youth, have started to agree with our analysis."

This comes as no surprise to Abraham Gebremedhin, a Tigrayan pop singer who made his name with songs championing national unity but recently moved from Addis Ababa back to Tigray "to stand with my people".

Though secession is not an idea Abraham endorses, he understands why others might.

The federal government "is pushing the people of Tigray into a corner in a way I have never seen in my life," he said.

"With these bad attitudes, they may make secession inevitable."

rcb/fb/ri
The Philippine president pardoned a U.S. Marine on Monday in a surprise move that will free him from his jail sentence for the 2014 killing of a transgender Filipino woman that sparked anger in the former American colony.

President Rodrigo Duterte said he decided to pardon Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton because the Marine was not treated fairly after opponents blocked his early release for good conduct in detention.

'Cutting matters short over what constitutes time served, and since where he was detained was not in the prisoners controland to do justicethe President has granted an absolute pardon to Pemberton. Here at the Palace,' Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin said in Twitter.

A left-wing human rights group, Karapatan, immediately condemned the pardon as a 'despicable and shameless mockery of justice and servility to U.S. imperialist interests.'

On Monday, it was revealed that Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton was pardoned from his prison sentence in the Philippines after killing Jessica Laude (right) in 2014

President Rodrigo Duterte (pictured) said he made the shocking pardon because Pemberton was not treated fairly after opponents blocked his early release for good conduct in detention

'By granting absolute pardon to Pemberton, Duterte is mocking the Filipino people, who, through decades, have been violated by US military intervention in the country  with the cold-blooded killing of Jennifer Laude as the latest of such reported crimes.' a statement read.

'Duterte is placing the interests of the US government above the Filipino people's demands for justice and accountability by pardoning Pemberton: this is a hard slap on the LGBTQ+ community and a blatant affront to our national sovereignty.'

Pemberton was convicted of homicide and has been serving a prison term of six to 10 years for the killing of Jennifer Laude in a motel in Olongapo city, northwest of Manila.

His lawyer, Rowena Garcia-Flores, told The Associated Press that Pemberton was already aware of Dutertes decision when she called him.

Karapatan, a human rights group in the Philippines, condemned Pemberton' pardon and said it was 'a hard slap on the LGBTQ+ community and a blatant affront to our national sovereignty'

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque maintained that Pemberton was 'still a killer' despite President Duterte's pardon on Monday

'I heard the news,' Garcia-Flores quoted the 25-year-old Pemberton as saying. 'Im very happy.'

Meeting Pemberton in detention a few days ago, she said he expressed his willingness to apologize to the Laude family even belatedly.

Pemberton would likely be removed from the Marines due to his conviction and plans to work in the U.S., Garcia-Flores added.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, who once served as a lawyer for the Laude family, said the presidential pardon would mean the immediate release of Pemberton from detention.

'The president has erased the punishment that should be imposed on Pemberton. What the president did not erase was the conviction of Pemberton. Hes still a killer,' Roque told reporters.

Karapatan (pictured) said in their statement is 'despicable' and' shameless mockery'

Laudes family denounced Dutertes action as a grave injustice, including to the LGBTQ community, family lawyer Virginia Suarez said.

Duterte is one of the most vocal critics in Southeast Asia of U.S. security policies. But on Monday he said, 'If there is a time where you are called upon to be fair, be fair.'

Last week, the Regional Trial Court in Olongapo city, which handled Pembertons case, ordered authorities to release him early from detention for good conduct, but Laudes family appealed, blocking the Marines early release.

Roque said the Department of Justice was planning a separate appeal.

The court order rekindled perceptions that American military personnel who run afoul of Philippine laws can get special treatment under the allies Visiting Forces Agreement, which provides the legal framework for temporary visits by U.S. forces to the country for large-scale combat exercises.

Pemberton (center) was convicted of killing Laude after they spent time together in a motel room on 2014

A witness told investigators that Pemberton (pictured) said he choked Laude after discovering she was transgender

Pemberton, an anti-tank missile operator from New Bedford, Massachusetts, was one of thousands of American and Philippine military personnel who participated in joint exercises in the country in 2014.

He and a group of other Marines were on leave after the exercises and met Laude and her friends at a bar in Olongapo, a city known for its nightlife outside Subic Bay, a former U.S. Navy base.

Laude was later found dead, her head slumped in a toilet bowl in a motel room, where witnesses said she and Pemberton had checked in.

A witness told investigators that Pemberton said he choked Laude after discovering she was transgender.

In December 2015, a judge convicted Pemberton of homicide, not the more serious charge of murder that prosecutors sought. The Olongapo court judge said at the time that she downgraded the charge because factors such as cruelty and treachery had not been proven.

Activists hold placards during a protest at the Department of Justice in Manila, Philippines, after President Duterte pardoned Lance Cpl. Pemberton on Monday

Pemberton has been serving his sentence in a compound jointly guarded by Philippine and American security personnel at the main military camp in metropolitan Manila.

The place of detention was agreed to under the terms of the Visiting Forces Agreement, although Laudes family had demanded that he be held in an ordinary jail.

Garcia-Flores said his detention was shortened by authorities under a Philippine law that allows the reduction of prison terms for good conduct. Suarez said the law cannot apply to Pemberton, who has been detained alone in a military camp and given other special privileges under the VFA.

The case has led to calls from some in the Philippines to end the U.S. military presence in the country, a former American colony with which Washington has a mutual defense treaty.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said the controversial Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project followed due process.

The corporation also dismissed allegation that the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project was inflated to the tune of $1.5 billion, describing the accusation by an unnamed online medium against the National Oil Company as false, baseless and unfounded.

A statement by the Corporations Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Kennie Obateru, stated that the NNPC was considering instituting legal actions against the medium.

NNPC stated in the release that the corporation brought the unfounded accusation to the attention of the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) which completely rejected the speculative analysis of the online medium as false and not portraying the true position of the BPPs report on the subject.

This is clearly a concocted analysis aimed at attacking the character of the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, and the integrity of the Bureau of Public Procurements (BPP).

Mallam Mele Kyari did not become the GMD until July 2019 and he is being mentioned in a process that took place in 2017 by the account of the publication. This is rather unfortunate and malicious, considering that a further cut of $300million of the contract value was achieved under the Mele Kyari-led NNPC Management leading to the recognition by the Federal Executive Council as an unprecedented action.

The release explained that BPP, following a detailed review and analysis of the procurement bid, confirmed that the unit costs for line pipes adopted by the NNPC for the project were reasonable when compared with current market prices for 40, 36, 20 and 14 steel pipes.

The statement added that it was on that basis that BPP confirmed and granted certificate of no objection dated August 11, 2017.

NNPC stated that the AKK project underwent a transparent and open competitive tender process that resulted in the emergence of the most competitive bidders. It wondered how a competitive tender process could be inflated.

Approval of all relevant authorities were obtained after an intense scrutiny by the various agencies. This is a deliberate attempt to mislead the Nigerian public with baseless information, the statement exclaimed.

NNPC said the AKK pipeline project was one of the key landmark projects that have had transparent processes from inception to date, with the entire evaluation exercise carried out by NNPC and Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

The corporation cited the various stringent due process reviews and scrutiny, internally and externally, which the AKK pipeline project was subjected to.

According to the corporation, these include a project bankability study, conducted at projects conception in 2013, undertaken by Standard Chartered Bank to confirm appetite for attracting financing from international community.

There also was execution of project feasibility and Front End Engineering Design (FEED) by a reputable international company, ILF of Germany, in 2014. The details developed at this phase had enough engineering design details to enable a competitive class of estimate to be submitted by the contractors.

The NNPC said there was also advertisement of the project in both local and foreign print media in 2013, and competitive tendering and evaluation of the bids by both NNPC and transaction advisers, extensive review of the project design and the final cost in 2017 by the BPP, receipt of due process certificates for the project.

It listed other steps to include renegotiation of the contract when financing was not to be provided by the contractors following a stalemate due to the inability of the company awarded the contract to progress financing in 2019, and formation of a Steering Committee in July 2020 by Mallam Mele Kyari comprising key project stakeholders as NNPC, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, the Central Bank, Debt Management Office, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and representative from the Presidency to ensure transparency in the implementation of the project.

NNPC stated that after several failed attempts in the last 13 years to commence the AKK project activities, the leadership of Mr Kyari within one year of stewardship brought the project on track leading to the award of the contract at a competitive price and eventual flag off of construction that the world witnessed in June 2020.
MIDDLEBURG  A Lebanon County woman who is one of the 11 individuals accused of being a participant in a multi-county methamphetamine ring has been released on unsecured bail.

Renee Danielle Herbster, 23, of Palmyra, was arraigned Tuesday on charges of delivery and possession of methamphetamine and marijuana and conspiracy.

Snyder County District Judge Lori R. Hackenberg released her on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Herbster was among those who testified before a statewide grand jury whose presentment led to the attorney generals office charging the 11.

The ring headed by Russel A. W. Kinslow, 51, of Freeburg, sold significant quantities of crystal methamphetamine in Snyder, Union and Northumberland counties between Jan. 1, 2017, and last October, the charges state.

The grand jury presentment provides this summary of Herbsters testimony:

In 2018 she supplied co-defendant Monica Lynn Strocko, 40, with marijuana around 30 times. About half of those times she traded marijuana for methamphetamine.

At the time, Herbster was living in Port Trevorton and Strocko in Selinsgrove.

The trade usually involved an ounce of marijuana in exchange for one gram of methamphetamine. If she bought methamphetamine the cost was $100 for a gram and between $200 and $270 for an 8 ball.

After moving to Lebanon County in October 2018 she was introduced to Kinslow and would obtain methamphetamine from him and Strocko until the latter went to jail in February 2019.

She would arrange the transactions weekly through text messages and then travel to Freeburg to meet Kinslow to purchase an 8 ball of methamphetamine.

She would buy a half-pound of marijuana from her supplier for between $1,200 and $1,700. Kinslow twice bought a half-pound from her for $1,700.

Kinslow purchased marijuana, usually 2 ounces at a time, on 10 to 15 occasions. She also sold marijuana to a number of other people.

The charges allege Kinslow obtained methamphetamine, ultimately in pound amounts, from multiple sources primarily in the Reading area.

He is charged with 12 counts of possession with intent to deliver or delivery of methamphetamine along with counts of conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, criminal use of a communication device, firearms not to be carried without a license and criminal solicitation.

Kinslow, who was denied bail, was already in jail when these charges were filed. He is accused of devising a scheme to defraud Pennsylvania casinos out of thousands of dollars.

The aim of that plot, according to authorities, was to steal between $6,000 and $100,000 from Hollywood and Mohegan Sun casinos by using fraudulent credit cards to acquire large advances chips.

The participants were to bet a small amount to avoid suspicion and then cash out.

Kinslow wanted his accomplices to use the cash obtained to pay for an attorney and to post bond so he could get out of jail, the charges allege.
H.I.G. Capital, LLC ("H.I.G."), a leading global private equity investment firm with over 34 billion of equity capital under management, is pleased to announce the expansion of its European Middle Market LBO team with the addition of Rohin Jain as a Managing Director and Nishant Nayyar as a Principal. Both will be based in H.I.G.'s London office.

Rohin has over 15 years of experience in private equity covering a wide range of sectors, regions and investment strategies. Prior to joining H.I.G., he led the Healthcare Sector Team at Triton Partners. Prior to that, he worked at Mistral Equity Partners and UBS Investment Bank.

Nishant has over 13 years of private equity experience, investing across the technology sector, including tech enabled services, telecoms, software, and business services. Prior to H.I.G., he was a Principal at Apax Partners where he spent 10 years in the TMT industry and led several successful investments. Before that, Nishant was a private equity investor at Warburg Pincus and started his career as a consultant at Bain Company.

Commenting on the hires, Markus Noe-Nordberg, Head of the European Middle Market LBO team, said, "We are delighted to welcome both Rohin and Nishant to the firm. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will prove invaluable to the team as we continue growing our European Middle Market LBO activities."

About H.I.G. Capital

H.I.G. is a leading global private equity and alternative assets investment firm with over 34 billion of equity capital under management.* Based in Miami, and with offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta in the U.S., as well as international affiliate offices in London, Hamburg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to small and mid-sized companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/value-added approach:

H.I.G.'s equity funds invest in management buyouts, recapitalizations and corporate carve-outs of both profitable as well as underperforming manufacturing and service businesses. H.I.G.'s debt funds invest in senior, unitranche and junior debt financing to companies across the size spectrum, both on a primary (direct origination) basis, as well as in the secondary markets. H.I.G. is also a leading CLO manager, through its WhiteHorse family of vehicles, and manages a publicly traded BDC, WhiteHorse Finance. H.I.G.'s real estate funds invest in value-added properties, which can benefit from improved asset management practices.

Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in and managed more than 300 companies worldwide. The firm's current portfolio includes more than 100 companies with combined sales in excess of 27 billion. For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at www.higcapital.com.

Based on total capital commitments managed by H.I.G. Capital and affiliates.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005539/en/

Contacts:

Markus Noe-Nordberg

Managing Director

mnordberg@higcapital.com

H.I.G. Capital

P +44 (0) 207 318 5700

www.higcapital.com
The news outlets being sued by Ben Roberts-Smith over allegations he was involved in unlawful killings as an Australian soldier are likely to be granted access to confidential documents that would strengthen their case in next year's defamation trial.

Mr Roberts-Smith, a former Special Air Service soldier and Victoria Cross recipient, is suing The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald over reports he allegedly committed murder on deployments to Afghanistan and that he punched a woman in the face in Canberra.

Ben Roberts Smith leading Canberra's Anzac Day march last year. Credit:Dion Georgopoulos

He denies the allegations and says the reports are defamatory because they portray him as a criminal.

The news outlets are defending the claim on a truth defence. They argue the allegations in the reports are of public interest given their seriousness.
People who were in contact with the two infected refugees are being tested and isolated, according to the UNHCR.

The UN refugee agency said on Tuesday it confirmed two coronavirus cases in the Azraq camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan, which is home to more than 40,000 people who have fled their countrys civil war.

They are the first infections to be detected among Syrians living in refugee camps in Jordan. The UNHCR said the two patients were transferred to quarantine facilities after testing positive late Monday, and their neighbours have been isolated as more testing is carried out.

It is a reminder that everyone has been affected by this epidemic, and solutions must be addressed through international solidarity and cooperation, UNHCR said in a statement.

UNHCR spokesman Mohammad Hawari said the two patients were transferred to an isolation centre on the Dead Sea. Those who were living with them, as well as their neighbours, were moved to an isolation zone inside the camp, and everyone who had contact with them is being tested.

Hawari added the camp hospital has 14 beds designated for patients with COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. But he said officials are concerned the virus could easily spread among the crowded population.

Testing has already been carried out for all individuals they were in contact with and isolation procedures implemented. We await the results and continue to closely monitor the situation. (3/3)  UNHCRJordan (@UNHCRJordan) September 8, 2020

Azraq is home to about 40,000 Syrian refugees, while the larger Zaatari camp in Jordan houses around 80,000. Jordan hosts a total of more than 650,000 Syrian refugees, most of whom live outside of camps. At least four Syrian refugees living outside the camps in Jordan have tested positive, with three of them recovering.

To date, the kingdom has reported 2,478 coronavirus cases and 17 related deaths.

More than 5.5 million Syrians have fled the country since the war broke out in 2011, with most settling in neighbouring countries where they often live in close quarters and struggle to make ends meet. Coronavirus lockdowns have taken a heavy toll on the regions economies, making it even harder for refugees to find work.

Experts and aid agencies have warned of potentially catastrophic outbreaks in the worlds refugee camps, where sanitation is often poor and social distancing is nearly impossible.

More than 70 million people worldwide have fled their homes because of war and unrest, and up to 10 million live in refugee camps and informal settlements.
CANBERRA, Australia - The last two journalists working for Australian media in China have left the country after police demanded interviews with them and temporarily blocked their departures, marking a further twist in Chinas increasingly troubled relationship with the foreign media.

The absence of Australian media from China for the first time in four decades comes during a low point in the two countries relations, and the events that led to the journalists departures were seen as evidence of an increasing risk to foreign journalists working in China.

Australian Broadcasting Corp.s Bill Birtles and The Australian Financial Reviews Michael Smith landed in Sydney on Tuesday after flying from Shanghai on Monday night, both news outlets reported.

Both journalists had sheltered in Australian diplomatic compounds in recent days.

They left after Australia revealed last week that Australian citizen Cheng Lei, a business news anchor for CGTN, Chinas English-language state media channel, had been detained.

Both journalists were told they were persons of interest in an investigation into Cheng, The Australian Financial Review reported. Seven uniformed police visited each journalists home in Beijing and Shanghai at 12:30 a.m. Thursday, the newspaper said.

Birtles said he knew Cheng, but not especially well, and Smith had met her once in his life.

I believe the episode was more one of harassment of the remaining Australian journalists rather than a genuine effort to try and get anything useful for that case, Birtles said from his Sydney pandemic quarantine hotel room.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters Tuesday that Cheng was suspected of carrying out criminal activities endangering Chinas national security.

Compulsory measures have been imposed on Cheng and she has recently been investigated by relevant authorities, Zhao said at a daily briefing.

As part of that investigation and in accordance with the law, Chinas relevant authority demanded to question Birtles and Smith which is normal law enforcement, Zhao said.

He had no details on the circumstances of the departure of the two Australians, but said China protected the legitimate rights and interests of news gathering staff and they have the obligation to comply with the laws and regulations in China.

As long as foreign journalists conduct news reporting in accordance with laws, they should have nothing to worry about, Zhao said.

Australian Embassy officials in Beijing told Birtles last week that he should leave China, ABC reported.

Birtles was due to depart Beijing on Thursday and was holding a farewell party on Wednesday when police came to his apartment and told him he was banned from leaving the country, ABC said. He was told he would be contacted on Thursday to organize a time to be questioned about a national security case, his employer said.

Birtles went to the Australian Embassy, where he spent four days while Australian and Chinese officials negotiated. Smith had similarly holed up at the Australian Consulate in Shanghai.

Birtles and Smith both agreed to give police a brief interview in return for being allowed to leave the country.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Chengs detention was part of the reason her government had advised the journalists to leave. She declined to detail all the reasons.

It is disappointing that after many years, Australia will not have a media organisation present in China for some period of time, Payne said.

She said Australia would not retaliate by revoking the visas of Chinese journalists working in Australia.

Australia operates according to law and in our national interests and unless individuals are breaching laws in Australia, then that would not be an approach that we would take, Payne said.

Australias travel warning of the risk of arbitrary detention in China remains appropriate and unchanged, she added.

ABC news director Gaven Morris said Birtles was brought back to Australia on the Australian governments advice.

This bureau is a vital part of the ABCs international news-gathering effort and we aim to get back there as soon as possible, Morris said.

The story of China, its relationship with Australia and its role in our region and in the world is one of great importance for all Australians and we want to continue having our people on the ground to cover it, he added.

The newspapers editor-in-chief, Michael Stutchbury, and editor, Paul Bailey, described the situation as disturbing.

This incident targeting two journalists, who were going about their normal reporting duties, is both regrettable and disturbing and is not in the interests of a co-operative relationship between Australia and China, they said in a statement.

Relations between China and Australia were already strained by Australia outlawing covert interference in politics and banning communications giant Huawei from supplying critical infrastructure. They have worsened since the Australian government called for an independent inquiry into the origins of and international responses to the coronavirus pandemic.

Australias journalist union, Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance, said China was no longer safe for foreign reporters.

These outrageous attacks on press freedom place any foreign correspondents reporting from China at risk, union president Marcus Strom said.

Birtles told reporters at Sydneys airport that his departure was a whirlwind and ... not a particularly good experience.

Its very disappointing to have to leave under those circumstances and its a relief to be back in a country with genuine rule of law, Birtles said.

Smith told his newspaper: The late-night visit by police at my home was intimidating and unnecessary and highlights the pressure all foreign journalists are under in China right now.

Smith said at the airport that he had felt a little bit threatened in China.

Its so good to be home, so happy, I cant say any more at the moment, its such a relief to be home, so really happy, Smith said.

It was a complicated experience but its great to be here, he added.

The Foreign Correspondents Club of China strongly condemned what it called the governments unprecedented harassment and intimidation of the two.

This effort to keep foreign journalists in China against their will marks a significant escalation of an ongoing, sustained Chinese government assault on media freedoms, the club said in a statement Tuesday.

China expelled a record 17 foreign journalists in the first half of 2020 and recently delayed renewing the press cards of five others working for U.S. outlets  putting them at risk of expulsion  in tit-for-tat retaliation for Washingtons limits on Chinese reporters operating in the U.S. and delays in renewing the visas of others.
A passenger was removed from an Allegiant Air flight on Monday after he asked a flight attendant to wear a face mask.

In a clip shared on Twitter, an elderly man is escorted off the plane at Punta Gorda, Florida, after he complained about an attendant who had lowered their mask to give the safety demonstration.

The video shows a number of passengers grumbling about his treatment as he was asked to leave the flight.

A passenger was removed from an Allegiant Air flight on Monday after he asked a flight attendant to wear a face mask

In other clips shared online, a passenger can be heard saying: 'You're supposed to be wearing a f***ing mask to begin with.'

The man then says to his fellow passengers: 'Why don't you all get off with me?'

The attendant then threatens law enforcement will arrive and deal with him if he refuses to leave.

It is not known if the woman in the video is the same attendant who gave the safety briefing.

In a clip shared on Twitter, an elderly man is escorted off the plane at Punta Gorda, Florida

The video shows a number of passengers grumbling about his treatment as he was asked to leave the flight

Allegiant Air told Newsweek, 'The passenger was removed for repeatedly disrupting the pre-flight safety briefing which includes reiteration of our inflight face-covering policy.'

The airline added that 'the flight attendant giving the safety briefing lowered their mask for speaking into the PA so the briefing could be understood.'

They said a number of passengers complained they couldn't hear the announcements, prompting the attendant to lower their mask.

In other clips shared online, a passenger can be heard saying: 'You're supposed to be wearing a f***ing mask to begin with'

The man's 'disruptive' behaviour caused the attendant to then take action and their face mask was immediately put on after the briefing.

The airline's website state: 'All crew members are required to wear a face covering at all times and gloves during inflight service.'

After the video was shared on Twitter, a number of other incidents have surfaced on Twitter of passengers complaining about safety on Allegiant flights.

After the video was shared on Twitter, a number of other incidents have surfaced on Twitter of passengers complaining about safety on Allegiant flights

Some alleged that flight attendants were not wearing masks correctly, leaving their noses exposed during travel.

One wrote: '@Allegiant How am I supposed to feel safe flying when my chatty Kathy flight attendant isnt even wearing her mask properly and keeps taking it off?!? Safety first or last...?'

Despite this, the airline has been named one of the Top 10 safest airlines to travel with during Covid-19, according to Travel Pulse.
Does Tharoors high on literacy; low on morality remark sums up current state of Kerala?

International Literacy Day 2020: History, theme and how education coping up amid COVID-19 pandemic

India

oi-Briti Roy Barman

New Delhi, Sep 08: The first ever International Literacy Day was declared at the 14th session of UNESCO's general conference on 26 October in 1966, and since then it has been celebrated annually on September 8, to raise awareness about the importance of the literacy to individuals, society, and communities as a matter of dignity and human rights.

General conference stated "The hundreds of millions of illiterate adults still existing in the world, make it essential to change national education policies."

The report said that education systems across the world should provide the training required for children and working adults so that they can learn to read and write.

"National educational plans should include schooling for children and literacy training for adults as parallel elements".

Despite all the efforts, about 775 million adults lack the minimum education, 60.7 million children are out of school or are rare attendees.

Morover, South Asia has the lowest regional adult literacy rate i.e 58.6 per cent that ends up by severe poverty and prejudice against women.

Theme

The theme of International Literacy Day 2020, is "Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond", according to United Nations.

The theme highlights literacy in a lifelong learning perspective, and therefore, mainly focuses on youth and adults.

The 'new normal'

As the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted every aspect in a global mean, for children primarily, their education has been severely disrupted as majority of the school around the world have been closed since the start of the pandemic.

More than 190 countries closed their school due to the spread of the infection, which affected the education of approximately 1.27 billion children and youth across the globe.

Despite classes and lectures are being conducted online, the doubt is what the future holds in terms of the process of education.

Celebrating International Literacy Day, the UN is organising online seminars and talks that go over these pertinent questions.

There will be two meetings held, one about the 'Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond: the role of educators and changing pedagogies' and another on 'The Laureates of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2020'.

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 9:52 [IST]
Youtuber Ethan is Supreme has passed away at the age of 17.

The online beauty influencer, whose real name is Ethan Peters, is known for his makeup and fashion tutorials. He had 139,000 YouTube subscribers and 539,000 Instagram followers.

Ethan is Supreme Died Due to Drug Overdose

His father, Gerald Peters, confirmed the devastating news to Fox News, stating that his lifeless body was found in his bedroom around 11 a.m. on September 6, Sunday.

Although there is no official ruling yet regarding the cause of death, his father believes that it was due to drug overdose. He also blamed the "cancel culture" for putting a heavy weight on his son's heart.

In addition, the older Peters described his son as a "kind soul" who wanted to inspire others through his content.

"He wanted nothing but to inspire, make people laugh, and push the boundaries of what is acceptable in our world for All young people. He was a kind soul who accepted everyone for who they were."

Beauty Community and Fans Bid Goodbye to Ethan is Supreme

The online and beauty community mourned the passing of the young Youtube creator.

His best friend and fellow influencer, Ava Louise, paid a heartfelt tribute for Ethan is Supreme.

In a lengthy post, she began her statement by recalling how he helped and inspired him during her darkest times.

Louise went on and urged fans to respect his family's privacy at this emotional time.

"His amazing parents have been parents to me when mine haven't been the best, so please respect their privacy at this time. Ethan fucking Peters I'm gunna make sure you legacy lives on you were meant for so much, the smartest teenager I knew," she wrote alongside a photo of them together.

In a separate post, Louise shared that the beauty influencer was fighting demons on his own and struggling with drug addiction.

"Ethan made mistakes, but they were so small. He was a teenager struggling with drug addiction- drugs make you act so out of character. He was the most caring and smart person I've ever met. His online persona was not a good representation of the best friend I had."

The drug that allegedly killed Ethan is Supreme is Percocet, a prescription pain medication that is a combination of a narcotic called oxycodone and acetaminophen. It is also a commonly abused drug that can have short-term and long-term effects.

On the other hand, beauty influencer and makeup mogul Jeffree Star also spoke about the loss.

"Then yesterday the makeup community lost someone named Ethan Is Supreme. Regardless of someone's history or [past], regardless of that... I had to check out of Twitter yesterday. Because there were people revelling and enjoying someone passing away. I just had to just turn off my phone," Star mentioned in a video.

Meanwhile, fans took to Twitter to express their shock towards the sudden death of the beauty influencer.

"Ethan is supreme has passed? I watched his videos all the time; bro was only 17. shit makes me so sad. I'm praying for his family," one user wrote.

Another fan slammed online trolls for mocking and celebrating the death of the Youtube creator.

The beauty influencer, who was born and raised in Texas, started uploading his videos on Youtube in 2017. In just a short period, he gained a large audience on various social media platforms.

READ MORE: Major Exploitation! Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Spark Fury of Royal Experts
The new Master Plan of Delhi-2041, the vision document for the city for the next 20 years, is likely to focus on a range of issues which were not addressed in the current plan (Master Plan of Delhi-2021). It will stress on critical urban development policies, such as, Transit oriented Development, which was mentioned in MPD-2021 but couldnt be implemented.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has roped in the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), an advisory body on urban development to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, for the preparation of MPD-2041. The two organisations are currently holding public consultations regarding the plan.

Also read: Planning a green future for Delhi

Here are the five issues which the new MPD-2041 is likely to address or have special focus on:

1.Air pollution: To address this issue, officials involved in drawing up MPD-2041 are looking at pollution and traffic data, and comparing it with advanced geographical information to get the bigger picture on what factors could be affecting air quality. The solutions could include planning for more green areas, encouraging walking by making better pavements and transit networks, and making changes that could limit or re-route the entry of heavy vehicles  one of the most prominent sources of pollution.

2.Walkability: DDA had notified the policy for enhancing walkability in the city last year. The key features of the draft policy include time-bound implementation of area specific walk plan, a centralised city-wide monitoring system, and a walk Delhi coordination, monitoring committee, among other measures. The focus will be on making the city, especially areas around residential neighbourhoods, markets etc, pedestrian friendly.

3.Unauthorised colonies: Last year, the Centre had initiated the process to give ownership rights to residents of 1,731 unauthorised colonies in Delhi. Close to four million people living in these colonies have been out of the planning ambit. The new MPD is going to focus on development of infrastructure in these colonies. DDA and NIUA recently held public consultation with the residents of these colonies to know their problems.

4.Pandemic resilience: The Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live; social distancing and protective gear are the new normal now. The pandemic has put the spotlight on disaster management strategy in the master plan, which was largely about earthquakes and floods so far. Based on the learnings from Covid-19, urban planners are looking at provisions to make the city resilient.

5. Blue green policy: The plan is to revive water bodies and clean the drains and integrate it with the green areas around it so that it can be used as recreational space.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Vice President Mike Pence will participate in the Tunnel to Towers memorial ceremony on Friday, Sept. 11, near Ground Zero, marking the 19th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation made the announcement Tuesday. The Staten Island-based Foundation stepped in to host an independent memorial ceremony after the National September 11 Memorial & Museum announced the traditional reading of the names by victims family members would not happen at its ceremony this year, citing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns.

The non-profit foundations event will be a smaller, 140-person, in-person reading near Ground Zero. The speakers, and all participants, will follow social distancing measures as they read the names of the nearly 3,000 victims who lost their lives in terrorist attacks.

Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, said his foundation is honored by Pences anticipated participation. His presence signals the immense gravity of the day and so appropriately honors the fallen, who gave their lives for us 19 years ago,' Siller said. We are grateful to Vice President Pence for helping America to Never Forget.'

Siller said such memorial events must continue to take place, to be sure that the horror of that day never leaves our collective memory.

The horrific loss of life, from the largest attack on U.S. soil, a terrorist attack, requires that we read these names out loud, in person, on this day, every year,' Siller said. We can never minimize that fateful day.'

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was founded to honor Staten Island firefighter Stephen Siller, who ran from Brooklyn to the World Trade Center through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel shortly after the first hijacked plane hit the World Trade Center on 9/11. He was one of 343 FDNY firefighters to die that day.

In addition to the name-reading ceremony, the 9/11 Museum also initially cancelled the Tribute in Light, a 19-year event in which two beams of light are shined into the sky in the week leading up to Sept. 11. When the foundation stepped in and said it would fund the Tribute in Light, the museum reversed its decision and committed to the light display.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation 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.

To date, The Tunnel to Towers Foundation reports that it has spent over $250 million to honor and support first responders and veterans and their families.
Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is a medication commonly used to treat pain and fever, but a new discovery suggests it could have implications on society.

Researchers found that acetaminophen, the main ingredient in Tylenol, which is taken by nearly 25 percent of the US population, alters perception of risk by making certain activities seem less dangerous.

Participants of a new study ingested two tablets (1,000 mg) of the drug or a placebo and were asked to rate certain activities based on risk.

Those under the influence of the acetaminophen rated activities like bungee jumping, skydiving or starting a new career in your mid-30s as less risky than those who took the placebo.

Researchers involved in the experiment note that acetaminophen was pushed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a way to treat initial coronavirus symptoms, and suggests those with a mild case may not have seen leaving their home as a risk  thus spreading the virus to others.

Researchers found that acetaminophen, the main ingredient in Tylenol and some 600 other medications, alters perception of risk by making certain activities seem less dangerous. Participants of a new study ingested 1,000 mg of the drug or a placebo and were asked to rate certain activities based on risk

The study, conducted by The Ohio State University, builds on a previous work that determined acetaminophen impacts the user's psychosis, as it was found to reduce positive and negative emotions, such as hurt feelings, concern of other's suffering and even their own joy.

Baldwin Way, co-author of the study and associate professor of psychology at The Ohio State University, said: 'Acetaminophen seems to make people feel less negative emotion when they consider risky activities -- they just don't feel as scared.'

'With nearly 25 percent of the population in the U.S. taking acetaminophen each week, reduced risk perceptions and increased risk-taking could have important effects on society.'

The study recruited 189 collect students who were given either 1,000 mg of the drug or a placebo that looked exactly the same  this group was told it was acetaminophen prior to ingesting it.

The study recruited 189 collect students who were given either 1,000 mg of the drug or a placebo that looked exactly the same  this group was told it was acetaminophen prior to ingesting it. After the drug took effect, volunteers were asked to complete a survey that ranked certain activities based on risk

Those under the influence of the acetaminophen rated activities like bungee jumping or starting a new career in your mid-30s as less risky than those who took the placebo.

After the drug took effect, volunteers were asked to complete a survey that ranked certain activities based on risk.

Results showed that those under the influence of acetaminophen rated activities like bungee jumping, walking home alone at night in an unsafe area of town, starting a new career in your mid-30s, and taking a skydiving class as less risky than those who took the placebo.

The effects of acetaminophen on risk-taking were also tested in three separate experimental studies.

For one of the studies, 545 undergraduate students were also given doses of acetaminophen before participating in a number of tasks that measure risk-taking behavior.

These exercises have been used to predict behaviors such as using alcohol and drugs, along stealing and driving without a seat belt.

The volunteers were asked to click a button that inflated a balloon on a computer screen and each time it inflated, the individual received virtual money.

However, they were allowed stop at any time and add the money to their 'bank,' and move on to the next balloon -but there is risk involved.

'As you're pumping the balloon, it is getting bigger and bigger on your computer screen, and you're earning more money with each pump,' Way said.

Acetaminophen is the main ingredient in Tylenol and used by 25 percent of the US population. It was pushed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a way to treat initial coronavirus symptoms and suggests those with a mild case may not have seen leaving their home as a risk  thus spreading the virus to others

'But as it gets bigger you have this decision to make: Should I keep pumping and see if I can make more money, knowing that if it bursts I lose the money I had made with that balloon?'

The results mimicked those of the previous study - those who took acetaminophen kept on pumping.

Results showed that those on the drug pumped more times than those on the placebo and had more burst balloons.

'If you're risk-averse, you may pump a few times and then decide to cash out because you don't want the balloon to burst and lose your money,' said Way.

'But for those who are on acetaminophen, as the balloon gets bigger, we believe they have less anxiety and less negative emotion about how big the balloon is getting and the possibility of it bursting.'

The results have a variety of real-life implications, Way said.

For example, acetaminophen is the recommended treatment by the CDC for initial coronvirus symptoms.

'Perhaps someone with mild COVID-19 symptoms may not think it is as risky to leave their house and meet with people if they're taking acetaminophen,' Way said.

'We really need more research on the effects of acetaminophen and other over-the-counter drugs on the choices and risks we take,' he said.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has extended the deadline for holding the Annual General Meeting (AGM) by companies from September 30 to December 31, owing to COVID-19.

Every year, companies hold their AGMs towards the end of the six months of the financial year, starting from April.

This move is likely to be a big relief for around 12 lakh companies. Many companies may not be able to meet the September 30, 2020, deadline for auditing accounts. Even the due dates of audit and income-tax filings have been extended till November 2020, said Anubha Sital, Partner, IndusLaw.

The Registrar of Companies (RoC) issued the order at the MCAs direction.

COVID-19 has caused some delay on the part of some companies in the proper maintenance of audited books. Also, there was such a demand from many associations," a source told Moneycontrol.

This extension is a big relief for a large number of companies which are still struggling to get business back on track and save non-compliance penalties. A similar extension has been granted by the Singapore regulatory authorities also, pointed out Sital.

Move aimed at helping smaller firms

According to Amit Tandon, Managing Director, Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IIAS), Most NSE 500 companies have either held their AGMs or announced the dates as they have to give a 21-day notice. This waiver is aimed less at listed companies and more at the long tail of smaller companies that still need to comply with these regulations but have been unable to deal with the challenges because of the pandemic.

Some experts said that the government should have issued this order long time back as most companies have already announced their AGM to comply with the 21-day notice.

Prasenjit Chakravarti, Partner, Khaitan & Co, said: The RoC has suo moto issued a blanket three-month extension to companies within its jurisdiction. This will save the RoC from being inundated with a flurry of applications from several companies. Equally, companies will be saved from the trouble of moving an application and avoid unnecessary paperwork.
Roshne Balasubramanian By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: "My father hailed from a rural background and worked hard to study law and become an advocate. So to help someone in need was second nature to him. He used to help anyone and everyone who approached him - those from the village, friends and relatives; guide them, provide assistance with finances, education and what not. He always wanted to enable others to achieve above and beyond what he had and could," shares Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, the 106th police commissioner of the city, since 1856, who was a silent observer of these attributes of his father.

Spending his formative years soaking in these values have perhaps shaped the senior IPS officer's destiny of helping and leading the city, especially during such times of crisis. "To me, rendering my service to people is very organic. I dont see it as a task. When we lend a hand, the other person doesnt need to reciprocate but most times, it becomes a virtuous cycle, creating a desirable occurrenceof one helping the other, leading to a chain of good activities. This cycle, of giving back to society and its people, has to be acknowledged and promoted in the society," he asserts.

Always in action

A testimony to these words is his Twitter handle, almost always brimming with positive, congratulatory messages for his ilk, weaved with words of appreciation for the public who have taken on the role of responsible citizens.

The most recent instance is that of a city-based woman, who chased and nabbed mobile snatchers, in an autorickshaw with the help of passers-by. The law graduate, who became an IPS officer in his early 20s, met the 28-year-old at his office and applauded her courageous act that set an example for fellow citizens.

Appointed as the head of the city police on July 2 at a time when cops have been working round the clock as frontline warriors against the coronavirus, one of his many priorities has been to boost the morale of the police force.

"Helping those from the force and their family has always been one of the primary causes for me. Even during my earlier assignments and tenures, I have done whatever I could with the resources that I had at the time," says the officer, who has been the recipient of several meritorious awards, including the Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers police medal for excellence in public service.

Coming from the school of thought where he realises that change rolls in slowly and steadily only when one leads by example, he recently rendered help to 123 children of police personnel stationed in the frontlines fighting COVID-19 by getting them admitted into colleges, paving an ignited path for their future.

"Several police personnel have been working tirelessly with no time for their family while many have also been affected by the virus. So when this idea came about, I thought helping them with the admission process of their children would not only take some pressure off their shoulders but will also reinstate that good work will always be awarded and respected with such gestures. But I dont see this as anything out of the ordinary. In fact, this is the least I can do for the force and their children, who are very meritorious and have a life to look forward to," he shares, unflattered by the recognition.

Working tirelessly with his team, in the last two months, the social media handle of the Greater Chennai Police has been buzzing with updates. Cracking down on narcotics suppliers, setting up new cybercrime cells in a short span, busting online flesh trade rackets, organising plasma donations by police personnel who've recovered from COVID-19, introducing video-call facilities for quick redressal of public grievances, sending appreciation messages to good Samaritans, curating awareness drives on crime prevention, and providing safety kits to frontline workers  the outcome is omnipresent.

Man of the masses

Despite long hours of work and roles that are often inversely proportional to their own safety, he points out that most times the humane side of the police are not recognised by society and is less appreciated. "In such times, these actions will be a boost and recognition for their hard work and sincerity," he explains.

Aggarwal, who earlier held the post of nodal officer in Chennai's north zone, to assist the Corporations efforts to contain the spread of the virus, emphasises how a strong society can be built only on the foundation of a synergetic set-up, during trying times.

"The city and state in several situations have witnessed the police and public working hand-in-hand and this has often helped in handling crisis and catastrophic situations effectively and preventing loss or damage. Joining the forces is important, especially when permanent infrastructure may not be adequate during a crisis. Even recently, we witnessed individuals, volunteers and NGOs taking on mammoth tasks along with the police during the COVID-19 relief work and the rehabilitation of migrant labourers,"elaborates Mahesh, who played a vital role in handling the issue of stranded migrant labourers during the initial days of the virus breakout in the state.

"I was tasked with the duty of identifying migrant labourers, organising food and shelter and coordinating with the employers and district administrators. It was new to me but I took it as a learning opportunity. I reiterate the same to my subordinates  dont get bogged down by challenges, look at everything as a wisdom-inducing opportunity and prove that you are capable of handling adversities," he details.

In a span of 60-odd days, several measures have been taken by the functionaries, who work under this chiefs wing, to ease the burden on the public and ensure their safety. "We are in public service and our duty is to put people first - both during normal times and in a crisis. Even during the 2004 tsunami, when the alert for a second wave was raised, we were meticulously working by placing barricades and blocking the road, ensuring the safety of people, while putting our lives at risk. While in the force, we have to be ready to take certain risks. The priority always remains the public. Many recovered personnel have also come forward to donate plasma. This willingness to help will also set an example for others," he asserts.

For the commissioner, an ideal society is where everyone abides by the norms, where everyone co-exists harmoniously while helping each other further their potentials and multilaterally developing the community. "A society where there is happiness, a sense of belonging, helpfulness and cooperation is the society I dream of. Its a work in progress to achieve the vision," he notes.

Breaking a sweat is no feat for him. And so, when he is not busy keeping the city safe from the spread of the coronavirus or busting crimes, he spends the limited time with his family. Theres no time to unwind now. Being on duty is what gives me the most fulfillment. The satisfaction one gets doing the duty is paramount, he signs off.

Making a change

The social media handle of the Greater Chennai Police has been buzzing with updates. Cracking down on narcotics suppliers, setting up new cybercrime cells, organising plasma donations by police personnel whove recovered from COVID-19, introducing video-call facilities for quick redressal of public grievances, sending appreciation messages to good Samaritans, etc  the work of his team is for everyone to see.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  The Civil Service Commission said around 260,000 are waiting to be filled via an online job fair to be held this month.

"Mayroon tayong five-day, government online career fair...ito po ay gaganapin Sept. 14 to 18," Commissioner Aileen Lizada told CNN Philippines on Tuesday. "More or less we have 260,000 vacant unfilled positions and we would like to fill them up."

Lizada said 700 government agencies have registered so far, adding she encouraged other agencies to participate as well. They have until Sept. 10 to register, she added.

RELATED: 4.6M Filipinos jobless in July as unemployment worsens in Metro Manila PSA

The job fair is a tie-up with Jobstreet.com, Lizada said. Jobseekers simply have to create an account with the site, and to fill out a personal data sheet and they will be directed to the CSC website for the next steps.

The list of vacant positions will not be available for viewing until Sept.14.

Lizada also reminded the public that everything will be done online, meaning all interviews will be conducted virtually. She also said civil service eligibility may not be required for some positions.

"As a general rule, yes (civil service eligibility is required), but may mga position po kasing hindi nagre-require ng eligibility," she said. "Like, let's say from salary grade 1 to salary grade 4, wala hong eligibility yan."

[Translation: As a general rule yes, but there are positions that do not require eligibility. Like from salary grade 1 to salary grade 4, no eligibility is needed.]

Lizada said among the most in demand jobs are deputy register of deeds, admin officer, attorney, accountant, procurement officer, research specialist, medical officer, guidance counselor, information technology, and engineer.

Watch the interview here.
This premium digital PET/CT scanner was designed to help health care providers deliver more personalized care, features include:

Half the Dose  Patients will receive a significantly lower dose of radiopharmaceuticals in comparison to conventional PET/CT Scanners.

 Patients will receive a significantly lower dose of radiopharmaceuticals in comparison to conventional PET/CT Scanners. Half the Scan Time - With patient comfort becoming more and more the focus of healthcare offering half the scan time goes a long way to reducing anxiety.

With patient comfort becoming more and more the focus of healthcare offering half the scan time goes a long way to reducing anxiety. Twice the Image Resolution  The benefits of this new scanner go beyond patient comfort, doctors will see 2x the resolution giving considerably better image quality for diagnoses and treatment planning.

Other patient-centric design aspects include a more comfortable patient bed that adjusts making it easier to enter and exit the machine as well as making it more comfortable during the study.

PET/CT scans are utilized to diagnose a variety of illnesses including cancer staging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's & Dementia. SDMI will be scheduling patients on this new scanner beginning September 2020.

About Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging Centers:

In 1958, Dr. Leon Steinberg moved to Las Vegas to open Sunrise Hospital's first radiology department in Southern Nevada. Through this experience, he saw a need for a more patient-friendly option for medical imaging and aimed to build such a practice. With Dr. Mark Winkler and his son, Dr. David Steinberg, as his partners, Dr. Leon opened the first SDMI office in 1988. Their standards of excellence in patient care and technology have brought national and international recognition. Today, the commitment to deliver top-notch care wrapped around a positive patient experience has never been stronger. With more than 30 years under their belt, the number one priority in this family-owned business is to make sure that every patient is treated as a VIP.

SOURCE Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging

Related Links

www.sdmi-lv.com


Mick Dunn, who lives in Brisbane with his eight-year-old son, had to cross the border into Tweed Heads on Wednesday last week

A single dad was separated from his young son and forced to sleep in his car for three days due to confusing border rules.

Mick Dunn, who lives in Brisbane with his eight-year-old son, had to cross the border into Tweed Heads on Wednesday last week.

He got a border pass to appear as a witness in a real estate matter in Tweed Heads Local Court but as he tried to head back home he found himself in trouble.

When he went cross the border he was told he had the wrong border pass and would be unable to go home.

'I am currently stuck in NSW and unable to go home to my son because I made a mistake on my covid19 form,' he wrote on Facebook.

Mick Dunn, who lives in Brisbane with his eight-year-old son, had to cross the border into Tweed on Wednesday last week. He got a border pass to appear as a witness in a real estate matter in Tweed Heads Local Court but as he tried to head back home he found himself in trouble

'I have only been to tweeds heads (where there have been no covid 19 cases). The Palaszczuk government thinks inviting hundreds of AFL players from Victoria (Australia's covid19 hotspot) is ok but allowing Queensland residents home from Tweed heads. This is not ok.'

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.

With his son back in Brisbane, Mr Dunn had to make a desperate call to lock in a last-minute sitter.

'I'm the only parent my eight-year-old son has. So he was left without a parent while I was stuck,' he told the Courier Mail.

'I phoned up DOCS to see what my options were with them, I didn't know what was going to happen.'

He spent three days stuck on the NSW-side of the border separated from his son - only able to return after he switched his listed residence to a friend's Pimpama address.

'I am currently stuck in NSW and unable to go home to my son because I made a mistake on my covid19 form,' he wrote on Facebook

He now believes there needs to be more compassion when it comes to border restrictions.

'My poor son would have ended up in state care if I didn't have someone to pick him up.'

He said tough stance on getting back into Queensland seemed ridiculous since there had been no COVID-19 cases in the Tweed Shire.

A Queensland Health spokesperson said the restrictions were designed to keep Queenslanders safe.

'The media and the community has done a great job raising awareness that Queensland's borders are closed, except in rare circumstances.

'There are provisions in the border restrictions direction for those assisting with a state or Commonwealth law enforcement investigation.

'You will need to obtain a Queensland Border Declaration Pass to cross the border even if you are a returning Queenslander.'
KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Taliban attempts to overrun Dasht-e-Archi district, Kunduz province, have been repulsed and the militants fled away after leaving seven bodies behind, district governor Nasrudin Nazari said Tuesday.

The insurgent group launched a massive offensive in the wee hours of Tuesday to overrun the district headquarters but faced stiff resistance, the official said.

Seven militants and three policemen had been killed in the fire exchange lasted for a couple of hours, the official said.

Two policemen and a number of insurgents sustained injury in the fighting, the official added.

Taliban militants who are in control of parts of Kunduz province have yet to make comment.
Vietnam is an attractive market for pharmaceuticals. It is estimated that the country imports around 60 percent of total demand for this product. The development of this sector is forecast to attract US$100 million of investment throughout the industry and increase the pharmaceutical market value by up to US$27.6 billion, according to accounting firm KPMG.

With the EU-Vietnam FTA (EVFTA) in effect, the pharmaceutical market is expected to open even further to EU businesses bring in new investment inflow for the foreseeable future.

To learn more about the benefits of the EVFTA on the pharmaceutical industry, our Business Intelligence Assistant Manager  German Desk, Do Thanh Huyen, conducted a webinar on how investors can qualify for preferential tariffs for the pharmaceutical industry. During this webinar, Huyen discussed Vietnams pharmaceutical industry potential, including emerging opportunities and challenges, and finally ideal market entry options for foreign investors. The webinar can be viewed here.

We highlight some insights below:

Why should investors be optimistic about Vietnams pharmaceutical industry?

Vietnam is currently undergoing economic and demographic transformations that provide great potential for its healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. The COVID-19 outbreak certainly dampened economic activity in Vietnam, but it is unlikely to reverse ongoing socioeconomic changes. Rather, health stands firmly as the top priority and concern for both the Vietnamese people and the government as demonstrated in the countrys efforts to control COVID-19.

Vietnams pharmaceutical industry is the second-biggest product imported from the EU into Vietnam  and contributes to peoples health and socioeconomic status. Vietnam spends 7 percent of its GDP on health with the average person spending approximately US$69 on pharmaceutical products.

Vietnam pharmaceutical industry still depends on importing raw materials and remains a net importer of pharmaceutical products representing significant opportunities for investors.

What are some drivers for growth?

Vietnam has a fast-growing middle class and an aging population. It is expected that by 2038, 20 percent of Vietnamese people will be over 60 years old. As people get older, rising health concerns become a factor increasing the need for medical care and pharmaceutical products.

Besides, domestic firms mainly produce simple medications and generic drugs. Domestic firms also lack research capability as well as the capability to invest in new compounds. Partnership with foreign firms will further help in attracting high-tech manufacturing and producing specialized medicines and products for the local population as well as export markets.

What are Vietnams main import and export markets?

Vietnams largest pharmaceutical import markets are the EU, India, the US, and South Korea while export markets are the ASEAN region, Japan, Cyprus and the US.

It is important to note that most EU investors source raw materials in the EU, ship it to Vietnam and manufacture or process the product before re-importing back to the EU.

What are some emerging opportunities due to the tariff reduction implemented by the EVFTA?

About 71 percent of import tariffs have been eliminated after the EVFTA came into force. In addition, emerging opportunities from non-tariff barriers include improvement in intellectual property rights and direct pharmaceutical imports  so EU investors are now allowed to establish a company to import pharmaceutical products and sell to local distributors or wholesalers. EU investors are also allowed to build warehouses and carry out clinical research and trials.

As per the EVFTA, Vietnam will also align with international standards on pharmaceuticals which means that products already certified in the EU will not require additional testing and certification in Vietnam, thus reducing time and costs in the Vietnamese market.

Finally, Vietnam has committed to open pharmaceutical-related bidding packages in a number of central and local state agencies including: Vietnams social insurance program, the Ministry of Health, the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, and 33 other hospitals.

While this is good news, are there still any barriers?

Foreign-invested companies are still prohibited from distributing drugs in Vietnam and are only permitted to conduct wholesale and retail activity with non-pharmaceutical supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, and powder.

In marketing terms, for the promotion of drugs, FIEs cannot promote drugs used for human treatment, except for promotion among drug traders or distributors. The promotion to end-users or health professionals is strictly prohibited.

In addition, prescription drugs cannot be advertised but can be introduced to healthcare professionals via drug introducers, drug information materials, and seminars.

What are some market entry strategies?

There are three recommended market entry strategies. The first one is to invest in Vietnam as a form of drug importer, the second is to operate a manufacturing company through an M&A and lastly, the third is participate in pharmaceutical-related bidding packages of certain central and local state agencies.

Investors are advised to set up a trading company to benefit from preferential treatment which is a low-cost option. A trading company allows a company to source in Vietnam and resell in Vietnam and maintain quality control.

In order to establish a trading company, investors are required to obtain an import license along with other certifications, obtain proof of origin for EU pharmaceutical products, and export to Vietnam. Investors will also need to apply for a certificate of satisfaction of conditions (CSC) and certificate of goods storage practice (GSP) for importing into Vietnam.

EU exporters are required to use the Registered Exporter System (REX) to show proof of origin of a product. The REX system is a statement of origin document made by exporters registered in the REX system by competent authorities.

We think an M&A is one of the best options to enter the Vietnamese market. An M&A is less time consuming and helps the investor gain the local partners assets, suppliers, distributors, and so on. However, the investor may not fully be able to control decision making.
We also will be accepting pre-orders for some take-and-bake pans of more Greek favorites, such as tyropita, pastisio, galaktoboureko and baklava.

Salis said the church also will have QR codes for customers to view the menu offerings on their smartphones.

We will have on-site parking available for those who want to stay and eat in their cars, and we will have Greek music playing on the grounds, he said.

A Gyros for Heroes day is scheduled Friday, Sept. 11, in remembrance of 9/11 in our nations history. A free gyro will be given to any law enforcement or firefighter with proper identification.

The Tulsa Greek Festival has been held all but one year at the church, the first when it drew 300 to the Tulsa Hotel. The following year, 1,000 attended.

According to reports, it took off in the 1970s, when it was called Glendi, a Greek word for festival or party, and it has grown ever since. Feta cheese and baklava reportedly were introduced to Tulsans at the early Greek festivals.
Protesters hold up placards as they march during a demonstration in Pittsburgh, Pa., on June 6, 2020. (Maranie R. Staab/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump Criticizes Black Lives Matter Protesters Who Harassed Diners

President Donald Trump on Tuesday criticized a group of Black Lives Matter (BLM) protesters who were captured on video assaulting a man and harassing people eating outside at a restaurant.

BLM Protesters horribly harass elderly Pittsburgh diners, scaring them with loud taunts while taking their food right off their plate, the president said in a social media post.

These Anarchists, not protesters, are Biden voters, but he has no control and nothing to say. Disgraceful. Never seen anything like it. Thugs!

Similar thuggery is happening in other Democrat run cities and states, he added.

A Pittsburgh police official confirmed to The Epoch Times that two videos showing violence and harassment at the Sept. 5 protest are under investigation. In a statement, Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissirch said: People have the right to dine in public without being accosted and without vulgarities being thrown at them. What we saw this weekend was assault and battery. It was embarrassing. The vast majority of the protests in Pittsburgh have been peaceful, but this weekend was anything but peaceful.

The clips showed a demonstrator smacking a bicyclist in the head with a skateboard after the bicyclist shoved a megaphone away that had been put in his face, and demonstrators harassing diners at a restaurant.

We witnessed demonstrators bullying, harassing and physically assaulting random people simply walking past them or quietly enjoying a meal. Drinks were taken out of restaurant patrons hands and drank before throwing to the ground. People were shaken & scared as they ran away from their tables around us, Grace Harvey, who posted the videos, wrote on Facebook. She said she was enjoying lunch at the restaurant when the demonstrators passed by.

Monique Craft, 35, a Black Lives Matter activist who drank from a beverage on a couples table, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the videos didnt show three men who shouted: Blue lives matter! Craft claimed one of the men grabbed her hair and another swung his bicycle at people.

Craft is facing a number of charges from unrest over the summer, including harassment, criminal mischief, and riot, according to court records.

The man with the megaphone, Lorenzo Rulli, 24, whose given name is Shawn Lateff Green, is also facing charges from violent demonstrations, including riot, failure to disperse, and recklessly endangering another person. Rulli has talked about killing police and dying in confrontations in police, according to court documents.

Lorenzo Rulli, 24 of Pittsburgh, a Black Lives Matter activist, trades words with a supporter of President Donald Trump in Pittsburgh, Penn., on July 4, 2020. (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

According to KDKA, a photojournalist who was covering a May 30 riot recorded the crowd setting a police vehicle on fire. The crowd soon turned on Smith, grabbing him and smashing his camera. Smith told police officers that Rulli told people: Stop that cameraman. Stop that cameraman.

Rulli told WTAE that the protesters intended to act peacefully on Saturday but they were protecting themselves against being attacked.

There was an agitator in the crowd who was being aggressive and physical with peaceful protesters, he said. We do what we do to keep us safe in any capacity when the police do not engage when it is their time. Its your time to engage when someone is throwing blows at peaceful protesters.

Rulli said the bicyclist rode through the crowd and physically touched someone.

He also claimed the diners triggered the actions by making remarks against the crowd.

People were starting to get aggressive towards us because they didnt see what happened. But the other people actually didnt care. They got up out of their seats and moved to the side so that we could address the people who actually were making remarks, he said, adding: We abide by the law in our marches.

Rulli later led the crowd to Mayor Bill Pedutos house.

Police officers were stationed outside Pedutos house on Saturday when demonstrators marched there again.

Peduto, a Democrat, said in a social media statement that people during protests twice tried to break into his house while others threatened on social media to attack the residence.

In another post, he accused the Alt-Left of attacking him.

Hundreds of Black Lives Matter demonstrations involved violence, researchers said in a recent study.

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Scott Brady shared a story about what happened in Pittsburgh over the weekend, writing: This is completely unacceptable.

We will work closely with [police] to identify and hold these provocateurs accountable, he said.
With so many people focusing on the coronavirus pandemic, Jacksonville/Morgan County Office of Emergency Management director Phil McCarty worries the potential for other disasters to strike without warning has been a low priority for some.

Now is the time to prepare, though, as the weather cools in west-central Illinois and winter approaches.

Since March, weve all been talking about COVID. Winter weather is coming soon. All those other risks are still out there. People have to be prepared to stay at home, McCarty said.

Some of the dangers of spring, such as flooding and strong thunderstorms, continue. Although more common in the spring, tornadoes can occur year-round and are often brought about by temperature changes.

Storms can trap people in their houses, cause damage to buildings and result in extended power outages.

Winter brings its own worries, such as ice and snow.

McCarty said its important to have a plan ready and supplies prepared for any emergency.

Its been proven, now even more than before, how important it is to be prepared, he said. Whether you are working from home or in a traditional manner, you have to be prepared.

ReadyIllinois, the state emergency management agency website, offers tools and information on how to prepare for emergencies.

Among the suggestions:

Make a plan for different emergency situations  where to go, what to bring, who to contact. The plan should be practiced, especially for families with children. Items such as medicine lists should also be developed.

Build an emergency kit  food, water, weather radio, batteries, medication, supplies for each member of your family, including face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

Practice with children  While it is important for adults to practice, go over drills and plans with children so they know what to do in an emergency. Get children involved in planning by having them help assemble kits or prepare their own supplies.

McCarty suggests people download the Jacksonville/Morgan County Office of Emergency Management app, which can help provide information and resources during an emergency.

We will help connect people with resources, McCarty said.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : The Centre has reached out to the states again clarifying that it would pay entire GST compensation dues to them amid the mounting opposition over the borrowing options proposed in lieu of the shortfall in indirect tax collections.

Sources in the Finance Ministry said that the entire shortfall of compensation to the states -- irrespective of whether it is on account of the GST implementation or Covid pandemic -- will be compensated and the same has been communicated to the states again.

"It has never been the stand of Union Finance Minister that the loss of revenue due to Covid would not be compensated. The Central government has, time and again, committed that the entitlement of the states would always be for full compensation. The entire compensation sum on account of shortfall in collections of Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be paid and honoured", a top government source said.

Under the two options given to the states towards settlement of the GST compensation, the first option provides option to borrow by states and under a special dispensation from the RBI for a sum of about Rs 97,000 crore this year. This is the amount of shortfall calculated by the Centre that is directly on account of the GST implementation. The option two allows states to borrow from market the entire expected GST compensation shortfall of about Rs 2,35,000 crore in FY21.

States have been asked to return with their views on the options so that the scheme could be operationalised.

Doubts arose over the option 1 with few states saying that GST compensation would be paid to states only for the shortfall arising due to the implementation of the new indirect tax regime and not the shortfall arising due Covid-19 disruptions.

Finance Ministry sources said that working out the revenue shortfall on account of GST implementation is just a mechanism to assess how much of the shortfall should be met by borrowing and how much could be deferred. Borrowing for meeting the entire shortfall when the private sector is struggling to stand back on its feet could hurt them badly.

"If states go for option 1 and borrow Rs 97,000 crore, it does not mean they will have to forego the remaining compensation. The remaining compensation will be paid to the states after the above borrowing has been fully repaid. Therefore, where is the doubt about the Centre not meeting its commitment?", asked a top Finance Ministry official.

The plan is to to extend compensation cess beyond the five year transition period that ends in June, 2022. The cess collected in the extended period would entirely go towards the settlement of the compensation dues that arose during the period of transition under the formula put on the GST Act.

There have also been a demand that the Centre take over the full responsibility of the GST compensation to the states and undertake borrowings on its own to settle dues rather than putting the responsibility on the states.

Sources said that so far as the question of borrowing by the Central government is concerned, it needs to be appreciated that under the GST law, the compensation cess is a tax owned by the states and under Article 292 of the Constitution of India, Centre can borrow on the security of its own taxes and resources which is the Consolidated Fund of India. It cannot borrow in the security of the tax which it does not own.

According to an official, the compensation cess has to be transferred to the Compensation Fund and released to States in the form of compensation. It is not really a resource of the Central Government on the strength of which it can borrow under Article 292 of the Constitution of India. Compensation Cess is actually a resource dedicated to the states, and only they can borrow on the strength of future flows from cess which will eventually get credited to the consolidated Fund of States.

Also, partially meeting the resource gap through borrowing is not only beneficial for the market, but also to the states. "It will ensure that some resources in the form of compensation keep coming even after the end of transition period which would allow future generations also to maintain healthy levels of public expenditure. States falling off a resource cliff after the transition period of five year would not a prudent fiscal strategy", said the same source.

Fin Min sources said that the Government of India has already enhanced the borrowing limit from three per cent, which goes up to five per cent of GSDP. On an average the states have borrowed so far only about 1.25 per cent of the GSDP. Only a few states have reached around above two per cent of the GSDP. Therefore, "enough headroom is available to the states to borrow as per their requirements and needs. In any case, they will get the full compensation shortfall and therefore it is win-win-win for all - states, Centre, and economy" said the top official.

Borrowing by Centre to pay compensation to the states could have a bigger impact on the market and could push up the G-Sec rate, which becomes the benchmark rates for other borrowings including borrowing by the state governments. Any borrowing by the Central Government would crowd out borrowings by private sector and would make borrowings costly for entrepreneurs. The deciding factor would, thus, be whose borrowings will have least impact on the market rates.

"It is unarguable that since rates on Central Government securities works as one of the benchmarks for market rates, any additional borrowings by Centre would have higher impact on the market rates than that by States. If the benchmark rates increases on account of borrowing by the Center, the states too will get impacted because it will increase their cost of borrowing", said the source in the know of the matter.

Therefore, the Centre is in favour of the states raising the additional resources to meet the resource gap due to non-availability of compensation. "Since the repayment will come from the compensation cess, there is no reason why the rates would be different from each State. In fact, the debt window could be so packaged that it is state independent altogether", said the top sources.

(Subhash Narayan can be contacted at subhash.n@ians.in)
Hyderabad: The Telangana Cabinet on Monday approved several bills, which be taken up for discussion at the Monsoon session of the State Legislative Assembly. The meeting approved a number of bills to be taken up including the GST and Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management -2020 (FRBM) Bills.

The following bills were approved for consideration: The Telangana Abolition of Village Revenue Officers Bill 2020, The Telangana Rights in Land and Pattadar Pass Books Bill-2020, the Telangana Municipal Act-2019 Amendments Bill, the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development-Gram Panchayats-Transfer of non-Agriculture Properties Act-2018 Amendment Bill.

Telangana GST Act-2017 amendment Act, the Telangana Private Universities Act amendment Ordinance-2020, the Telangana Disaster and Public Health Emergency Ordinance-2020, the Telangana Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Bull-2020 and the Ordinance increasing the retirement age of teachers in Ayush Medical Colleges were also approved.

The Cabinet also gave nod to the TS B Pass Bill, the Telangana Court Fees and Suits Valuation (Amendment) Act-1956, the Telangana Civil Courts Act-1972, the administrative expenditure of demolishing the old Secretariat and construction of the new Secretariat, the administrative sanctions for funds for the newly constructed Integrated District Office Complexes and the BC Commission`s recommendations to add 17 new casts under the BC Category.
Yep, you read that headline right.

A man in China was rushed to hospital after getting a beer glass stuck up his arse.

The 53 year old man, named Mr Huang, pushed the 6cm tall, 5.6cm wide glass into his bum upside down, if you must know the details.

Professor Li Wusheng and his team of medical professionals were forced to operate after an X-ray revealed the glass was firmly in the bloke's rectum.

The surgery went to plan and the beer glass was safely removed without any complications.

So why did the man do it? We have no f**ken clue. Doctors didn't dislose that information, and we're not sure we even wanna know.

In other weird medical news, a woman in Russia was recently rushed to hospital after a 1.2 meter long snake slithered inside to her mouth.

Gotta love 2020 headlines.
The issue of US-Russia energy ties has been enjoying a bit of media spotlight as President Trump accused Democrats in New England of purchasing Russian crude to the detriment of national economic interests. Technically, this claim is true only to a marginal extent  most of the Russian crude exports to the United States were in reality from Kazakhstan and were only loaded onto vessels in Russia (CPC Blend). Were we to assess strictly crudes that originate in Russia, U.S. refiners have taken in a mere four cargoes this year (2 Urals and 2 Varandey). Yet behind the facade of political rhetoric, Russia and the United States have embarked on an impressive show of synergy, with fuel oil becoming a rare demonstration of mutually beneficial liaison. Graph 1. Russian Fuel Oil Exports to the United States in 2017-2020 (thousand barrels per day).



Source: Thomson Reuters.

That American refiners would buy Russian fuel oil is by no means a new story, one could find deliveries of the kind way back in 2013 and 2014, albeit quite sporadic in nature. The bilateral fuel oil trade ramped up in early 2018 on the back of two important oil market developments  the OPEC+ crude production curtailments that have compelled Middle Eastern producers to decrease heavier sour exports and the tightening of US sanctions vis-a-vis Venezuela and Iran. All this resulted in much tighter supply to the sophisticated refineries at the US Gulf Coast, not to speak of heavy sour crudes tangible appreciation. Russian fuel oil, in contrast, has not appreciated that much considering its relatively high Sulphur content and is widely available at a time when its traditional European outlets are drying up.

The history of fuel oil in Russia leads us back to the 1960-1970s when rapidly increasing crude production in the Volga-Urals region has compelled the Soviet authorities to increase its downstream capacities. In those years fuel oil was widely used in electricity generation as most thermal power plants were still configured for it (the general switching to natural gas as the main Russian generation source came about later in the 1980s). Following the Soviet Unions collapse the position of fuel oil has weakened again as its usage in the military complex and energy-intensive industry plummeted along with the economy of nascent modern-day Russia. As a consequence of the above trends, fuel oil production has been heavily oriented towards exports in the past 20 years. In an unforeseen twist of events, exactly when European buyers have started to drift away from pollution-prone fossil fuel, the United States appeared on the horizon.

Related: The One Big Problem With Green Hydrogen



The US Gulf Coasts refiners could be producing vast amounts of fuel oil, too, were they to be less sophisticated than they are. Russia, on the other hand, has traditionally suffered from a tangible discrepancy between its plentiful primary refining capacities and inadequate secondary refining capacities. Under normal circumstances most of the less sophisticated refineries would have died out gradually, however the Russian government introduced a peculiar hydrocarbon taxation regime that more or less saved its vast primary refinery capacities. The export tax for heavy products was pegged to the price of crude, setting the marginal tax rate at 22.4% (a mere third of crudes marginal tax rate). Obviously enough this was assumed to play out in a price environment where crude prices remain firmly below $50 per barrel. With crude prices skyrocketing in the second half of the 2000s, fuel oil was living its golden era.

This halcyon era needed to come to a close at some point  it was brought to an end almost concurrently by the 2014-2015 price plunge and the Russian authorities revamp of crude taxation (also called as the new tax manoeuvre). Interestingly, most of Russias fuel oil production comes from a handful of refineries in Northwest Russia  the Kirishi refinery alone produces 6-7 million tons per year of fuel oil, almost one-sixth of the total Russian output. Over the years the delivery routes of Russian fuel oil have changed significantly. Before 2015, Baltic non-Russian ports such as Ventspils, Tallinn or Riga have enjoyed a steady flow from the largest fuel oil producers yet by now most of those conduits have been shut  not only do logistics remain complicated but also the Russian government has been actively promoting (if not mandating) the safer domestic routes.

In 2019 Russian refineries have produced a total of 285 million tons of oil products, including a still hefty 47.3 million tons of fuel oil (the all-time high was 77.7 million tons in 2014). Of this, a little more than 4 million tons remained in Russia for domestic usage and 43 million tons went for exports. Attesting to the increasing role the United States market plays for fuel oil exports, deliveries there have doubled year-on-year in 2019 to an aggregate of 12.6 million tons, i.e. almost 30% of the total. The overwhelming majority of Russian fuel oil exports to the US are Atlantic  there were only 7 cargoes that loaded in the Far East ports of Vanino and Nakhodka (they went to California and Washington), whilst a whopping 110 cargoes were supplied across the Atlantic Ocean.

Given that the largest fuel oil producers are located in Russias northwest, it should come as no surprise that the main loading ports for LSFO and HSFO are located on the Baltic coast, with Ust-Luga taking the prime as the main export terminal. If one is to assess the prospects of future fuel oil trading between the two nations, the probability of the US-Russia fuel oil romance ending anytime soon are rather slim. Judging by this years trading volumes, the US will remain the top market outlet for Russian fuel oil (the second-largest Netherlands has 9-10 mtpa) for a considerable time. Serving both as a bunkering and delayed coker feedstock, Russian fuel oil has supplanted the deficient Venezuelan volumes and will continue to do so unless Latin America produces another major heavy sour oil producer.

By Viktor Katona for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
ALBANY  Queens resident Ana Roman has been out of work since March, and has not seen a dime in government assistance.

Though her work preparing food at an Italian restaurant on Long Island contributes to the unemployment system, the 30-year-old does not qualify for unemployment and can't access state or federal funds available to people hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic because she is an undocumented immigrant.

Honestly, the last few months Ive been struggling not only physically but mentally, Roman said through a Spanish-language interpreter during a recent interview with the Times Union. My bills are piling up, Im not able to pay my rent. Also, the way we get food is from the food pantry  food that we get that schools are giving out, other organizations or the city.

Legislation carried by state Assemblywoman Carmen De La Rosa, D-Manhattan, and Sen. Jessica Ramos, D-Queens, aims to provide financial relief to those who have been left out by establishing an excluded workers" fund that would provide $750 weekly payments retroactive to the beginning of the pandemic to families that have lost income but are barred from accessing existing programs and funding.

People who were recently released from incarceration or immigrant detention and are unable to get work as well as businesses or self-employed workers who lack documentation to apply for small business relief and are barred from unemployment and federal pandemic assistance also could qualify, De La Rosa said.

The fund would be financed through a tax on residents with $1 billion or more in net assets, which is estimated to generate $5.5 billion in revenue, De La Rosa said. The fund would receive $3.5 billion of that revenue, with the rest going into the general fund to fill gaps in the state's overall budget plan.

De La Rosa said Roman's story is not unique, with many of the assemblywoman's constituents facing similar challenges.

"Unsurprisingly enough, these are the same communities that were the epicenter of the epicenter (of the pandemic) when New York was going through the worst," she said. "There are also people who are not able to engage in the traditional workforce, so they may not qualify for unemployment benefits or even the economic stimulus that is coming from Washington."

Not only have Black and Hispanic communities been hit hardest by COVID-19, but the populations also account for the highest unemployment rates nationwide. Over 18 percent of Hispanic workers, whether immigrants or U.S. citizens, were unemployed during the height of the pandemic with Black workers at over 16 percent, according to data compiled by the Migration Policy Institute.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

While overall unemployment rates have improved, Black and Hispanic workers continue to lead with about 15 percent and 13 percent respectively, according to the MPI, which analyzed unemployment data from January 2019 to July of this year.

New York has roughly 600,000 undocumented immigrants in the labor force whose work contributes to the unemployment fund, but cannot access those funds. Employers pay a tax on a portion of employees wages to the fund. A May report by the Fiscal Policy Institute estimated that over the past decade, undocumented immigrants' employers paid $1.4 billion in unemployment insurance taxes in New York on their employees' behalf. Those contributions from working immigrants nationwide total $13 billion.

While the fund is being pushed by downstate legislators, immigrants across the state have been hurting. Advocates say an excluded workers fund would provide the financial boost families need to weather the public health crisis.

"In my work in the community, Ive seen undocumented workers suffering greatly during the pandemic, falling behind on the rent and struggling to feed their families. They have risked their lives providing essential services, yet the state and federal government have excluded them from pandemic relief," said Jarin Ahmed, of the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement. "We need to pass the Excluded Worker Fund to support the people making the states re-opening possible."

Roman, who has lived in the U.S. for seven years, said she has struggled to find work since she was laid off March 17. Either employers are not hiring, or the work requires more manual labor than she can handle.

The proposed fund "will help many families like mine be able to have some type of help to start over, Roman said.
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have accused the government of massaging the figures of Ghanas annual gold royalties in an attempt to justify the Agyapa Minerals deal.



At a media briefing in Accra on Tuesday, they accused government of under-reporting the countrys earnings from gold royalties and restricting access to the information on the deal communicated to the CSOs.



They claim government reported Ghanas gold royalties last year to be $123 million during a meeting with CSOs when the actual figure is alleged to be $200 million.



Dr Steve Manteaw who speaks for the 22 CSOs told the media: We have so far been constrained in our analysis of this transaction by our inability to access the full complement of data and assumptions used in governments valuation of the royalties being traded.



At our last meeting with the Ministry, some slides containing some data were presented. However, when we requested for copies, those particular slides of interest to us were omitted either deliberately or inadvertently.



The interesting thing for citizens to appreciate is that through governments communication it is evident that it is either not paying attention to the revenue flows in the sector, or deliberately undervaluing the assets for unknown reasons.



When a direct question was posed to the Deputy Minister of Finance on the amount of royalties received from gold in 2019, he said Ghana received about 650 million ($123 million).



The truth is that Ghana received 1.06 billion ($200 million) from the big companies under the Chamber of Mines alone. Government has data on the other receipts, yet it decided to under-report the numbers.



Again, in our meeting with the Ministry of Finance, we were given half-year receipts for 2019 of $72 million (366 million). The underreporting of the 2019 revenue which is the most significant period for revenue projection and emphasis on old royalty numbers is intriguing, Dr Manteaw added.



But the governing New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Andrew Agyapa Mercer, said the $123 million figure represents only royalties from the 16 mining leases that are part of the Agyapa Minerals Royalties deal.



Its unfortunate that deals of this nature are made without backing them with facts. They are accusing government of a serious offence, he said.

Source: Myjoyonline.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.

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A Safe Haven provides a full complete solution to help prevent and end homelessness for over 700 veterans annually. Im so humbled to say that this property will be a crown jewel for our organization.

A Safe Haven Foundation Co-Founders, Neli Vazquez Rowland and Brian Rowland hosted Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor along with other Indiana dignitaries and leaders and military veterans to host the groundbreaking ceremony for the 75 unit Rauner Family Veteran Housing project in Hobart, Indiana. Patrick ODonnell of Veterans Radio served as the event emcee and introduced the local color guard, speakers and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

A Safe Haven Foundation (ASHF) is a 25-year-old Chicago nonprofit dedicated to presenting permanent solutions to help prevent homelessness and rebuild lives from homelessness. The Rauner Family Veteran Apartments by A Safe Haven Foundation is a US Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and US Veterans Administration (VA) 75 Apartment Units Supportive Housing development.

A Safe Haven provides a full complete solution to help prevent and end homelessness for over 700 veterans annually, Vazquez Rowland said. Im so humbled to say that this property will be a crown jewel for our organization. It will truly be a safe haven that will live up to our name and a place that will be dedicated exclusively to helping house our military veterans.

Grateful for A Safe Haven Foundations commitment, Snedecor mentioned the many representatives serving Indiana who came to this event. It speaks volumes of their commitment and support in this project, he said.

Scheduled to open in spring 2021, the apartments will be made available to low-income, senior and disabled military veterans who are referred to A Safe Haven by the local US Veteran Administration offices. Onsite services will include supportive housing, individualized case management and peer support services.

The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers (VAMCs) and community-based outreach clinics to help Veterans find and sustain permanent housing. HUD has approved 75 vouchers for use by veterans for this project.

The 75 apartments will showcase fully furnished apartments, a flexible meeting space/community room, exercise room, laundry room, bike storage and a beautifully, professionally landscaped outdoor patio courtyard, the US Flag and a flag from every branch of the military. The walkway to the main entrance will feature a Bronze Star monument to Michael J. Rowland, a decorated Korean War Veteran and father of A Safe Haven Co-Founder and US Army Veteran Brian M. Rowland.

We are the home of the free, because of the brave, Brian Rowland said. The brave are the men and women who have served, given so freely of their time. And risking their lives for us to be out here and enjoy life. This project is not just a much-needed resource in Northwest Indiana, but everywhere in the country, because our veterans deserve better. We have made drastic improvements in the last three to five years and were proud of this project and other projects weve done for veteran housing. We wound up doing this because I was one of those veterans who needed the help.

Dr. Edward Landreth, director of Mental Health Services US Veteran Administration Veteran Integrated Service Network 12 in Westchester, Illinois, praised A Safe Haven for its partnership with its organization.

This project is testimony to the commitment and relationship between so many people and organizations, Landreth said. It's so gratifying for me to see the USDVA working in collaboration with all of you. Thank you for giving us this chance to work with you to change and save the lives of veterans and their families. In this vein, A Safe Haven has been a great partner. Since 1994, A Safe Havens mission has always been to set new paradigms and standards of care to address and solve the root causes of poverty and homelessness, especially on behalf of our veterans.

For information, visit A Safe Havens website: http://www.asafehaven.org. Event photo gallery: https://asafehaven.zenfolio.com/p91399828

About A Safe Haven:

A Safe Haven Foundation is a 501(c) 3 not for profit, social enterprise that helps people aspire, transform and sustain their lives as they transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency with pride and purpose. A Safe Haven provides the tools for each individual to overcome the root causes of homelessness through a holistic and scalable model. A Safe Havens visible social and economic impact unites families, stabilizes neighborhoods, and creates vibrant, viable communities. For information, visit http://www.asafehaven.org.
Egypt's new Thanaweya Amma system: University prospects will be based on a new electronic module which will replace the former grading system

Egyptian Education Minister Tarek Shawky on Tuesday announced a long-awaited ministry plan that sets out the details of attendance in the new school year, in light of the coronavirus.

It also includes changes to the long-established thanaweya amma high school exam system.

Below is a short guide to the main points in the plan.

Egypt's new Thanaweya Amma system:

 University prospects will be based on a new electronic module which will replace the former grading system.

 The exams will not be unified nationwide.

 The exams will be taken and evaluated electronically, without any human intervention.

 The exams will be based on multiple-choice questions.

 The students will find out their results as soon as they finish.

 The ministry will issue four versions of the exam at the same difficulty level.

 The improvement exam system is being brought back; students are allowed to improve their grades by retaking any subject in a second round without any mark deduction.

Plan for school attendance:

 The year will start officially on 17 October 2020.

 Each year group will attend school for a specific number of days only, and not the whole week.

 There will be different schedules for pupils who attend public schools that are open for one session per day, and for those who attend schools which open for two sessions per day. Two-session schools are common in high-density areas.

 For one-session schools:

* Preparatory stage (first to third grade): two days only

* From kindergarten to third grade: four days only

* Fourth grade to sixth grade: two days only

* Secondary stage: two days only

 For two-session schools:

* Preparatory stage (first to third grade): two days only

* From kindergarten to third grade: three days only

* Fourth grade to sixth grade: three days only

* Secondary stage: two days only

 The secondary stage will depend mostly on digital content available on the students tablets.

Schools following international curricula, like the IGSE or the American system, will start their academic year on 15 September.

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Shortly after the arrest of Steve Bannon, President Trumps former White House strategist, on fraud charges, the New York Times ran an editorial with the headline Steve Bannons Art of the Grift.

The word grift did not appear in the editorial. The Washington Post did use it: The grift alleged is disgusting, if not surprising, its editorial on Bannon said.

Meanwhile, the New York Post had an article about a serial grifter, a woman accused of squatting in peoples apartments.

Those incidents of grift show the broadness of the category for what amounts to the crime of theft. A grift, though, has the sense of a con, a swindle, more sophisticated than simply grabbing a chain off someones neck. As Merriam-Webster says, Grift was born in the argot of the underworld, a realm in which a grifter might be a pickpocket, a crooked gambler, or a confidence manany criminal who relied on skill and wits rather than physical violenceand to be on the grift was to make a living by stings and clever thefts.

Grift traces to the US in the early part of the twentieth century; M-W says it first appeared as a verb in an Iowa newspaper in 1902, while the Oxford English Dictionary traces it to a 1914 dictionary of criminal slang. Its probably derived from graft, a similar word (and crime).

The original graft appeared in English in the late fifteenth century in the botanical senseTo insert (a shoot from one tree) as a graft, the OED says. In the mid-nineteenth century, graft was used to mean hard work, possibly from an earlier meaning as the depth of earth that may be thrown up at once with a spade, the OED says. A person doing a graft is a grafter.

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Once again, the Americans gave it its dark side. Around 1865, the OED says, graft in the US was The obtaining of profit or advantage by dishonest or shady means, especially bribery, blackmail, or the abuse of a position of power or influence. The OED speculates that that meaning came from the idea of graft as hard work, or with the original botanical graft, with the notion of excrescence,  or outgrowth.

The difference between grift and graft may come down to whether the person committing it is taking advantage of an official position. As M-W says in its Words at Play entry on the difference between grifter and grafter: The grifter is a small-time confidence man, a carnival swindler, or thief of some sort or other. The grafter may be most of these things, but also may be someone who engages in the political corruption sense of the word graft.

If the charges against Bannon are true, it sounds more like graft than grift. But, except for a 2020 movie, Lincoln Is Crying: The Grifters, Grafters and Governors of Illinois, which covers all bases, grafter as a noun is increasingly rare. (It was first recorded in 1896.) That may be because grafter retains a positive image in the botanical and British worlds. A New York Times profile of the English chef Jamie Oliver explains: Mr. Oliver is, by most accounts, an optimist and, by his own account, what the Brits call a graftersomeone who just puts his head down and works, whatever the circumstance. Thats what has gotten him this far. I always graft it, he said. I put the effort in.  Captain Tom Moore, who was knighted after raising millions of pounds by walking in his English backyard, is a hard worker and a grafter, his daughter told CNN. Good thing those citations included context.

In the past twenty years or so, grifter has caught up with grafter in appearances in books, according to a Google ngram, and is threatening to take over the lead.

Of course, its impossible to tell whether grafter is being used as the swindler, hard worker, or botanist in these citations. So it looks as if grifter, with only one meaning, has cheated its way to the top.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Merrill Perlman managed copy desks across the newsroom at the New York Times, where she worked for twenty-five years. Follow her on Twitter at @meperl.
Sonic shark deterrent equipment, which use electrical fields to repel the creatures, is being considered by Gold Coast City Council after a local real estate agent was fatally attacked while surfing on Tuesday afternoon.

Nick Slater, 46, was mauled on the leg off Greenmount Beach in Coolangatta just after 5pm  the first fatal shark attack at a Gold Coast beach since 1958, according to the Global Shark Attack File.

Mr Slater is listed as a sales agent for London Estate Agents, which is based in Mermaid Beach. According to his social media accounts, Mr Slater was a keen surfer, paddleboarder and cyclist.

The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter, council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving Queensland lifesavers on jet-skis and water police boats patrolled Gold Coast beaches on Wednesday.
But those issues, he said, are merely a symptom of a larger problem faced by the nations 13,000 school districts: a lack of guidance from state and federal education officials. Rather than receiving recommendations for best practices and coordinated purchasing plans, districts large and small were largely left on their own while tackling the huge challenge of finding virtual learning platforms and signing contracts within a few months.

Its just way too much to even think about as a district leader, Dr. Polikoff said. Youve got to figure all these things out for yourself.

Tuesday was the first day of school in some of the nations largest districts, including Chicago, Dallas and Baltimore, along with many suburbs of Washington, all of which started remotely. Most had originally planned to offer at least a mix of in-person and remote classes, but rising virus caseloads, pressure from teachers unions and concern from parents and health officials forced many to make the switch to remote-only instruction.

Some districts, including many in Texas, still plan to open classrooms several weeks from now if virus caseloads decline in their communities and if buildings can be prepared for students. But in New Jersey, where officials had planned earlier in the summer to offer in-person instruction starting this week, many districts instead have decided to remain online only, citing teacher shortages, ventilation issues and delayed guidance from the state.

In New York City, the nations largest district, teachers and staff members reported to work on Tuesday, but the citys 1.1 million students will not arrive until Sept. 21  10 days later than initially planned. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the shift a week ago after many educators said classrooms would not be ready to reopen this week.

In other parts of the country, including several states in the South and the Midwest, schools have been open for more than a month, resulting in student quarantines and temporary shutdowns in some districts where classes are being held in person. A district in Cherokee County, Ga., had to order more than 1,200 people to quarantine and close down two high schools after just more than a week of classes.

Other districts seem to have reopened without major outbreaks, although reporting is uneven, making cases difficult to track.
For years, the more than 2,000-mile-long unmarked border between the countries has been a sore spot. In 1962, the two countries fought a war over it. China won, wrenching away a huge but sparsely populated plateau from India.

After that, small skirmishes erupted from time to time until the 1970s, when relations between India and China began to improve. That led to a protocol in which both sides ordered their border patrols to refrain from firing their weapons during disputes, which tend to be frequent. Because the border is unmarked and both countries patrol some of the same areas, the troops often find themselves face to face with each other.

Indian officers called the use of firearms, even as a warning, a game changer.



Indian military analysts said the situation was heading into a dangerous stalemate. Neither side wants to start a war. But neither side wants to back down either.

Bite by bite, China has been eating away at Indian borderlands, said Brahma Chellaney, a professor of strategic studies at the Centre for Policy Research in Indias capital, New Delhi.

The Chinese government increasingly seems unwilling to negotiate in many of the disputes it finds itself in, from the claims it has made in the South China Sea to its trade wars with the United States. When it comes to India, Chinese officials and those aligned to them in the Chinese news media often take a condescending and belligerent tone.

China is several times stronger than India, and India is no match for China, read a recent editorial in The Global Times, an organ of the Communist Party. We must smash any Indian illusion that it can deal with China by colluding with other powers, such as the U.S.
An aircraft sprayed a special chemical on a patch of diesel fuel near a large oil tanker off Sri Lanka's coast where firefighters are battling a new blaze that broke out two days after an earlier fire was extinguished, the navy said.

The MT New Diamond is carrying nearly 2 million barrels of crude oil and officials have warned of possible massive environmental damage to Sri Lanka's coast if the ship leaks or explodes.

Navy spokesman Capt. Indika de Silva said the new fire started Monday evening and reached the magnitude of the previous blaze. Firefighters have contained it but it is still burning, he said.

High winds, extreme temperatures on the ship and sparks reignited it, the navy said, adding that so far there is no risk of a crude oil leak or of the fire spreading into the oil storage area.

The navy said the initial fire began in an engine room boiler and did not spread to the oil storage area.

However, it said a diesel patch had been spotted in the ocean about one kilometer (0.6 mile) from the ship. The patch is likely to be diesel fuel from the ship, it said.

The ship has about 1,700 tons of diesel fuel to power its engines.

An aircraft sprayed a chemical on the patch to minimize damage to the marine environment, the navy said.

Ships and helicopters from and neighboring India are taking part in the firefighting efforts.

The initial fire killed one Filipino crew member and injured another, but 21 other crew members escaped uninjured.

Twenty were taken to the southern port city of Galle on Tuesday, while the captain remained on a ship near the tanker to help firefighting efforts, de Silva said.

The tanker is about 30 nautical miles (55 kilometers) off the coast, the navy said.

The 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.

(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 interesting column over on traveller.com.au today by Ben Groundwater.

He takes a look at how the general public has responded to the border closures and how little concern there seems to be over the resulting collapse of the tourism industry.

If tradies, farmers or miners were facing a $55 billion hit to their industries this year, there would be a national outcry from the public, he writes. Here's a taste:

Everyone has a few friends like these. They're great to be around when the going is good. They turn up at all your parties  they invite you to all of theirs. You spend a lot of time together just having fun. You form a tight bond.

But then something goes wrong in your life, and they totally ghost you. Maybe you get sick, maybe you go through a break-up, maybe there's some other painful disruption. And these people just cease to exist. They don't want to know you. They'll appear again when you've sorted yourself out.

Travel agents wear masks at a store in Melbourne earlier this year. Credit:Luis Ascui

The tourism industry in Australia has a lot of these fair-weather friends. Right now, hoteliers and tour guides, air hosties and travel agents, destination managers and PR reps, cleaners and drivers, bar staff and waiters and so many more people  almost a million across Australia directly or indirectly involved in tourism  are all hurting, because they've come to realise something: their friends have disappeared.

Australians love to travel in the good times. It's part of our national identity, something we proudly spruik. From the long-held Indigenous tradition of the walkabout, to the modern-day gap years spent drinking at the Walkabout, we as a nation have always travelled, and we always will.

That's why it has been such a shock to so many in the industry to find that in the bad times no one cares about travel, and no one cares about those people who work in the industry.

And these are, undoubtedly, bad times. The worst. The federal government recently released modelling showing the Australian tourism industry will lose $55 billion this year, thanks to COVID-19 and its associated restrictions and closures. Fifty-five billion dollars if states keep their borders closed and other restrictions continue.

Imagine if tradies were about to take that sort of hit to their bottom line. Imagine if chippies and sparkies, brickies and plumbers were poised to collectively lose the net wealth of an entire country in the space of a year.

Imagine if that was going to happen to the coal industry: the value of coal exports in Australia is currently about $67 billion, so that would pretty much mean an entire industry wiped from the nation. Imagine if farmers were going to lose $55 billion.

There would be a national outcry. There would be something done. If we can find a way to shift AFL players around the country to play in their grand final then we would definitely be able to swing tradies some more work, or make special allowances to salvage big coal, or lend the farmers a hand. These industries occupy an important place in the Australian psyche, there's something solid and tangible and real about the work they do.

But tourism? Nah. It's a bit of fun. Harmless frivolity for the good times.

Read the full version of Ben's column.
S everal branches of the South African health and beauty company Clicks have been forced to close, after it ran a hair advertisement slammed by critics as racist.

The Clicks shampoo advert, commissioned by the TRESemme hair company and ran on the pharmacy's website, included pictures of African hair labelled dry, dull and damaged, while an example of white hair was described as fine, flat and normal.

The opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) called the advert "racist" and "dehumanising", and urged people to protest outside the company's outlets.

On Twitter, the EFF posted: "We will not permit the unrepentant and perverse racism of Clicks to go on in South Africa. #clicksmustfall."

Protestors outside a Clicks store / AFP via Getty Images

EFF supporters, wearing the party's red berets, raided several stores across the country on Monday, forcing some to close, with others instigating security guards to form a protective line in front of singing protestors.

Leader Julius Malema has called for all Clicks stores to be closed, and the local news website TimesLive reported that at least one store had been petrol-bombed early in the morning, causing minor damage.

Mr Malema told his supported to be "combat ready" and claimed the EFF wouldn't be "intimidated by threats", despite Clicks threatening the political party with legal action.

In a statement, EFF said: "The implications of this are that black identity exists as inferior to the identity of white people.

"It is an assertion that white standards of beauty are to be aspired to and features of black represent damage, decay and abnormality."

In 2018, party members similarly held protests against clothing retailer H&M after the company published a catalogue showing a black boy wearing a hoodie with the slogan "coolest monkey in the jungle".

Clicks Pharmacy is one of the two largest retailers in the country, with more than 500 stores, and removed the advert posted last week, due to mounting anger.

On Friday, in a statement on it's Twitter account, Clicks said: "We are strong advocates of natural hair and are deeply sorry we have offended our natural hair community.

"We have made a mistake and sincerely apologise for letting you down."

Clicks boss Vikesh Ramsunder said: "[I am] deeply disappointed that we allowed insensitive and offensive images to be published on our website."

He added that the "negligent employees" had been suspended.

Many social media users also expressed their outrage over the advert, with the hashtag #BlackHairMatter trending on Twitter, as well as #RacismMustFall and #BlackHairIsNormal.

Zozibini Tunzi, who was crowned Miss Universe in December, tweeted: "Not only is this disrespectful to black lives, it is also evidence of an absence of representation and diversity within the organisation.

"And we are talking about a South Africa with a population of about 80% black people."
Beijing, Sep 8 : The last two reporters working in China for the Australian media were flown home after a five-day diplomatic standoff, according to media reports on Tuesday.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Bill Birtles and the Australian Financial Review's Mike Smith landed in Sydney on Tuesday, the BBC reported.

Chinese authorities questioned both men before their departure. The ABC said in a report that Birtles was "not asked about his reporting or conduct in China".

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said consular officials had assisted the two journalists in returning home.

"I also want to note that Australia is of course a strong supporter of media freedom, freedom of the press, and that it is disappointing that after many years, Australia will not have a media organisation present in China for some period of time," the BBC quoted Payne as saying in a statement on Tuesday.

It was reported that Chinese authorities had questioned the journalists about Cheng Lei, an Australian journalist for Chinese state broadcaster CGTN who has been detained since last month.

In their first comments on the detention, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said she was being held on "national security grounds".

The case of Lei - made public last week - has been shrouded in secrecy.

The Melbourne-raised presenter is being held in a secret location for unknown reasons, according to Australian officials.

The Foreign Correspondents' Club of China said on Monday a record 17 foreign journalists were expelled from the country in the first half of 2020.

Meanwhile, ties have deteriorated further this year between Australia and China after Canberra backed an inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus, the BBC report said.

Beijing has since imposed restrictions on Australian exports such as beef, barley and wine.

It has also warned Chinese tourists and students about racism in Australia.

In July, Australia warned its citizens they may face "arbitrary detention" in China - a travel warning that remains in place.

Canberra has also expressed concerns about human rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, and urged China to release detained Australians such as Yang Hengjun, a democracy activist who has been held for 19 months without trial.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 15:34:52|Editor: huaxia

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Zhang Dingyu, recipient of the "People's Hero" national honorary title, arrives at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 8, 2020. China started a meeting Tuesday morning in Beijing to commend role models in the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

WUHAN, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Perhaps no hero is coming to save Zhang Dingyu, a 56-year-old doctor with an incurable disease. But over the past months, he has been a hero to many in Wuhan, the former epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak in China.

Heading Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, one of the major battlefields amid the epidemic, Zhang knows his clock is ticking. Having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), he will progressively lose muscle strength, and eventually become paralyzed and unable to speak, move, swallow, or even breathe.

But the ALS sufferer and his colleagues have treated and saved more than 2,800 COVID-19 patients, many of whom were severely and critically ill.

On Tuesday, Zhang became one of the recipients of the national honorary title, "the People's Hero," for his outstanding contributions to the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic. At a meeting held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping presented medals to him and other awardees.

"I never thought about being a hero. Everyone has made sacrifices and contributions (in this battle). I'm just one of them," he said.

A RACE AGAINST DEATH

Dec. 29, 2019, was a foggy day in Wuhan, a megacity in central China's Hubei Province. The first batch of patients with pneumonia of unknown cause were transferred to Zhang's hospital. He immediately had a separate area set up to handle them.

Zhang remained on high alert. However, the situation was even worse than he imagined. On the second day, he decided to allocate more medical resources and collected the patients' bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples for tests, which laid a foundation for future research on the virus.

Jinyintan, a once little-known hospital specializing in infectious diseases, was scented with the odor of disinfectant and an undercurrent of uneasiness. The sound of call bells never stopped.

The sense of urgency made Zhang even more short-tempered than usual. He demanded doctors and nurses answer his questions regarding patients quickly and accurately.

"Otherwise he would scold you without mercy," said Zhang Li, head of a ward in the hospital. "But thanks to his resolute and daring actions, medical staff in our hospital were willing to turn to him whenever they faced challenges because he would always figure out a solution."

On Jan. 23, China locked down Wuhan in an unprecedented effort to curb the spread of the new infectious disease. The city become the center of a storm sweeping across the nation.

Going to bed at about 1 a.m. and getting up at about 6 a.m. had become Zhang's daily routine. In many cases, he slept no more than two hours before being woken up by a stream of emergency calls.

After working around the clock for 22 days, Zhang received the bad news that his wife Cheng Lin was diagnosed with COVID-19 while working at another hospital in Wuhan.

Zhang did not find time to visit her until three days after she was hospitalized, and he only stayed for half an hour.

"I feel very guilty. Perhaps I'm a good doctor, but not a good husband," Zhang said. "We have been married for 28 years. I was afraid of losing her."

Luckily, his wife recovered.

"For me, ALS is like a sword hanging in the air. I want to make a contribution with the limited time I have been left. I try to outrun death, save time, and save more patients," he said.

A TOUGH MIND AND A TENDER HEART

Born in Wuhan in December 1963, Zhang picked a medical specialty in college because his mother had suffered from bronchiectasis.

"I saw her cough up blood. I decided to be a doctor with my father's support," he recalled, adding that his determination was strengthened when he saw how difficult it was for his rural relatives to get a diagnostic test at a Wuhan hospital at that time.

Zhang never talked about his health problem with his colleagues after he was diagnosed with ALS in 2018.

His legs had been gradually rendered powerless. He had to clutch at the handrails as he slowly made his way up and down the stairs. As more and more colleagues noticed his strange way of walking down the stairs, he finally admitted his illness.

"I was very scared when I first knew I had a rare disease," Zhang said. "You love life, but imagine one day being told that you won't live long."

Zhang researched ALS. "I will perhaps live another five to 10 years. Nobody knows. This is why I cherish every minute in particular," he said.

Zhang's illness has touched a nerve with his colleagues. Jia Chunmin, a nurse in the hospital, cannot believe it.

"He actually walks very fast," she said, recalling Zhang once called her to arrive in a new ward in five minutes. Hanging up the phone, Jia ran fast to the ward, only to find Zhang was already there although his office was further away than hers.

"No one can keep up with him in the battle against the new virus," Jia said.

It was not the first time that Zhang has stood on the frontlines over the past 33 years.

In 2008, he led a medical team from Hubei to help victims in southwest China's Sichuan Province after the devastating Wenchuan earthquake. He was also once a member of a Chinese medical team assisting in Algeria. In 2011, he worked in a hospital in Pakistan to help local people.

Zhang admitted the life-and-death battle with COVID-19 was the toughest challenge he has ever faced. "As a doctor, you felt helpless, dejected and tormented when you saw patients die despite every means of treatment," he recalled the early days of the battle.

Now, this hero doctor is struggling with his own disease day and night. Getting up and putting on socks and shoes are all challenges for him.

Cheng Lin said her husband's health has worsened.

"He is too tired. His left leg is no longer able to move normally. Once, it took him 15 minutes to hobble home from the parking lot, which is just over 200 meters away," Cheng said.

Zhang usually places an alpenstock in his car trunk to assist him in walking after an exhausting day at work.

While he is still able to move, he would like to move more, working alongside his colleagues or helping his wife wash dishes or throw away trash.

"It's normal that every life has a destination. We should accept it and bravely face the reality," Zhang always tells his family. Enditem
Some of the ancient forests in places like Shilin, China, are unique not for their trees, but their rock formations. Researchers, long fascinated by the natural phenomenon, recently looked into how these structures are formed.





The Stone Forest in China and others like it are the result of hundreds of millions of years of seismic activity and erosion. The Chinese forest covers about 100,000 acres.

The rocky landscape, also called karst, is made of a variety of rocks such as dolomite, gypsum, and limestone. Culturally, the rocks have significance, such as the rock of Ashimaa symbol of hope for freedom to choose who to marry.

Ashima is a legendary woman who was forced to marry someone she did not love and was later rescued by Ahei, her lover. As they fled, a flood swept their lives away, and stones formed upwards from the earth to symbolize her life. Her story is celebrated annually at the Torch Festival.



World's Largest Stone Forest

The Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve in Madagascar is the world's largest stone forest. Some of the rock formations rise as high as 230 feet from the ground. 'Tsingy' roughly translates to 'where one cannot walk barefoot' in the indigenous Malagasy language.

Some of the eroded limestones are not just rock towers but have forest canyons and caves underneath and act as shelter to various flora and fauna. Nearly 200 million years ago, a bed of limestone formed underneath a lagoon until tectonic activity eventually pushed the rock above sea level.

READ: Archaeologists Finally Discover the Origins of Stonehenge



Candy Simulations

A team of researchers published a paper in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences explaining new findings on the origins of stone forests. Their study may help with future designs of pointed structures like probes and micro-needles for medical or other scientific purposes.

"This work reveals a mechanism that explains how these sharply pointed rock spires, a source of wonder for centuries, come to be," said Professor Leif Ristroph from New York University's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences. The team conducted several experiments and simulations to demonstrate how flow, mimicking erosion, can carve landforms to create sharp spikes.





Professor Michael Shelley, from the Courant Institute, shared that the research also explains why karst topography is not only composed of soluble rocks, but also pinnacles that are sharp and pointed.

At the university's Applied Mathematics Lab, combining a mathematical model, automated simulations, and a block of solid candy displayed how dissolving rocks created flows and reshaped the formations.

The sugar-based candy has pores that are reshaped into pointed spikes after being dissolved. The team found it interesting that they did not have to design the flow of water since the dissolution process naturally has flow patterns that produces spikes.

In the same way, karst rocks dissolve, but a lot slower during the time that minerals are submerged underwater. When the water recedes, it results in stone forests and rock pinnacles.

READ: How the Heavy Rains of Hurricane Maria Shattered the Forests of Puerto Rico

Check out more news and information on Forests and Geology on Science Times.
A Snake River Correctional Institution inmate who tested positive for coronavirus died Saturday, bringing to six the number of state prison inmates who have tested positive for the illness and died.

Snake River Correctional Institution is the states largest prison. It is located in Ontario, about 13 miles from the Idaho border.

One other Snake River inmate diagnosed with coronavirus died in August. Three inmates from the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton have died and one inmate with coronavirus died at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem.

The Oregon Justice Resource Center, a group that has advocated for a broader release of inmates in response to the pandemic, on Tuesday urged Gov. Kate Brown to release significantly more people to ensure that individuals can physically distance and remain safe."

Last month, The Argus Observer had sought video footage from inside Snake River to see whether corrections officers and staff wear face coverings when in close proximity to inmates.

That public records request was denied by the Oregon Department of Corrections. The news organization appealed the decision to the Oregon Department of Justice, which denied the petition.

The newspaper said its request for footage followed multiple complaints from inmates, their loved ones and an anonymous person who works at the prison, who said corrections officers were not taking protective measures. In addition, according to the newspaper, corrections officers had been seen in uniform at Ontario businesses and were failing to follow social distancing measures even after the prison was put on quarantine due to an outbreak among inmates and staff.

About 71 percent of the prisons 870 employees live in Idaho, according to the Oregon Department of Corrections.

On Tuesday, Department of Corrections spokeswoman Jennifer Black said the agency is addressing instances where staff have violated policy regarding coronavirus protections.

Many staff have been verbally counseled, resulting in immediate and cooperative compliance, she said in a statement. She said a handful of instances are still under investigation, which could lead to discipline."

-- Noelle Crombie; ncrombie@oregonian.com; 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
Students in a new program at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College have set a high standard in their first year.

The Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) program is a one-year certificate program that was started last summer at UC Blue Ash to meet growing demand in the dental care industry. The 17 students enrolled in the program recently completed the rigorous classroom and clinical requirements and were eligible to take the EFDA Board Exam for Ohio. All 17 students passed.

The exam is made up of two sections: a written multiple-choice question section and a hands-on clinical section where students must place three fillings on a patient simulation. The chief examiner who conducted the test said its rare that all the students in a class pass their board exam on their first attempt and called it a remarkable achievement.

Heather Ferris is the EFDA Program Director at UC Blue Ash who helped launch the program.

When I was told that every student passed the board exam, I was thrilled and incredibly proud of my students. I literally skipped though the halls with excitement," she said. "This would not have been possible without the support and guidance given by our tremendous adjunct faculty: Cathleen Middlestetter, Patricia Jodery, and Dr. Kelly Kirtland, as well as the financial support of the ADEAGies foundation grant.

The EFDA program at UC Blue Ash trains dental professionals in the art of restorative dentistry. A registered EFDA can provide preventative and restorative care for patients that includes dental fillings and sealants.

Students also develop self-evaluation skills, an understanding of the Ohio State Dental Board Rules and Laws as they pertain to EFDAs, as well as professionalism and critical thinking in dentistry.
Mulan movie boycott calls grow over scenes filmed in Xinjiang A billboard for Disneys "Mulan" film is seen outside a shopping mall in Bangkok, where calls for a boycott of the movie are growing

Disney's "Mulan" remake is facing fresh boycott calls after it emerged some of the blockbuster's scenes were filmed in China's Xinjiang, where widespread rights abuses against the region's Muslim population have been widely documented.

The lavish $200 million film about a legendary female Chinese warrior was already tangled in political controversy after star Liu Yifei voiced support for Hong Kong's police as they cracked down on democracy protests last year.

But the latest furore exploded as soon as the credits stopped rolling after the movie began showing on the Disney+ channel last week.

Viewers spotted that Disney included "special thanks" to eight government entities in Xinjiang -- including the public security bureau in Turpan, a city in eastern Xinjiang where multiple internment camps have been documented.

Another entity thanked was the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda department in Xinjiang.

The revelation has sparked renewed anger at a time of heightened scrutiny over Hollywood's willingness to bow to authoritarian China.

Rights groups, academics and journalists have exposed a harsh crackdown against Uighur and Kazakh Muslims in Xinjiang, including mass internments, enforced sterilisations, forced labour as well as intense religious and movement restrictions.

Isaac Stone Fish, a senior fellow at the Asia Society, said the film was now "arguably Disney's most problematic movie" since "Song of the South" -- a 1946 glorification of antebellum plantation life that the company has since pulled.

"It's sufficiently astonishing that it bears repeating," he wrote in a Washington Post column.

"Disney has thanked four propaganda departments and a public security bureau in Xinjiang, a region in northwest China that is the site of one of the world's worst human rights abuses happening today."

Badiucao, a dissident Chinese artist living in Melbourne, said he was currently working on a new cartoon portraying Mulan as a guard at one of the internment camps in Xinjiang to satirise Disney's new film.

Story continues

"It's very problematic and there's no excuse. I mean, it's clear, we have all the evidence showing what is going on in Xinjiang," he told AFP.

- Coronavirus victim -

Badiucao accused Disney of "double standards", embracing western social justice movements such as MeToo and Black Lives Matter, while turning a blind eye to China's rights abuses.

The live-action remake of Disney's 1998 animation classic, "Mulan" has had a troubled release.

It was meant to hit global theatres in March but became an early victim of the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead, Disney rocked the industry -- and its own cast -- by announcing the film would in streamed into living rooms in many markets, including the United States, which it started Friday.

Hollywood has been increasingly accused of hypocrisy over its relationship with authoritarian China.

In August the anti-censorship group Pen America published a report which said screenwriters, producers and directors often change scripts, delete scenes and alter content to avoid offending Chinese censors.

The actions include everything from deleting the Taiwanese flag from Tom Cruise's bomber jacket in the upcoming "Top Gun: Maverick," to removing China as the source of a zombie virus in 2013's "World War Z."

But it also means completely avoiding sensitive issues including Tibet, Taiwan, Hong Kong politics, Xinjiang and the portrayal of LGBTQ characters, the report said.

AFP contacted Disney for comment but has yet to hear back on the Labor Day holiday.

Xinjiang is a resource-rich region home to mostly Turkic-speaking Muslim Uighurs and boasts spectacular desert and mountain backdrops.

After sectarian unrest and attacks by Uighur militants, Beijing blanketed the region in a draconian security crackdown, building dozens of huge internment camps.

Initially China denied the camps existed before switching to describing them as voluntary re-education centres.

Even before the latest Xinjiang controversy the hashtag #BoycottMulan has been trending in recent weeks Hong Kong, Thailand and Taiwan.

Activists in all three places have launched multiple online campaigns critical of China's authoritarianism.

Dubbed the "Milk Tea Alliance" -- named after a shared love of the drink -- they seized on social media comments made last year by actress Liu supporting Hong Kong's police.

They have also noted the resemblance of actor Tzi Ma, who plays Mulan's heroic father, to China's leader Xi Jinping.

After her arrest last month under Beijing's new security law, young Hong Kong dissident Agnes Chow was dubbed "the real Mulan" by supporters.

jta/fox/rbu
Jotun has signed the first commercial contract for container vessels with its Jotun Hull Skating Solutions (HSS). The contract was signed with global container shipping and logistics leader MSC, Mediterranean Shipping Company, a statement said.

MSC, a company committed to investing in decarbonising its operations, will install the Jotun HullSkater, the first robotic technology that has been designed for proactive cleaning, and the specially developed high performance SeaQuantum Skate antifouling as parts of the Hull Skating Solutions, on the 14,000 TEU MSC EVA later this year.

The solution will then proactively work to ensure an always clean vessel hull, with no biofouling, optimal efficiency, reduced fuel costs and significantly lower CO2 emissions, the company added.

Proactive approach

Jotun unveiled

HSS, which was unveiled in the market in March this year has been designed to help ship owners facing the most severe biofouling challenges. It combines the antifouling and robotic proactive cleaner, housed onboard the chosen vessel, with proactive condition monitoring, high-end technical service, and performance and service level guarantees. Jotun operators control the HullSkater via a 4G connection, conducting cleaning and inspections in line with individual vessel schedules developed through a proprietary algorithm and big data.

It is a unique proactive cleaning solution, delivering unique results, said Alberto Genovesi  Marine Global Key Account Manager, Performance Coatings, Jotun, and added: This, instantly appealed to MSCs desire to invest in game-changing innovative technology.

Win-win for industry

MSC is not only a market leader, but it is also leading the way in terms of exploring innovative new solutions to meet the IMOs goals of decarbonising shipping, Genovesi commented. We have worked with them as a partner to provide premium anti-fouling coatings to their advanced fleet over many years and knew that HSS would chime with their ambitions to deliver both improved environmental performance and enhanced efficiency and cost control for business stakeholders. HSS is a clear win-win in that respect, he added.

MSC EVA will install HSS at GWD Guangzhou Shipyard in China later in 2020, at the same time as it undergoes class renewal and scrubber installation. The vessels flexible sailing pattern, with exposure to differing water temperatures and environments, leads to its severe biofouling challenge.

Jotun believes that if all ships facing such challenges adopted the HSS proactive approach  cleaning hulls before biofouling takes hold and therefore eliminating associated drag and fuel consumption  maritime CO2 emissions could be reduced by at least 40 million tons per year.

Sustainable vision

We are acutely aware that the shipping industry needs to adopt innovative solutions to meet ambitious environmental goals, stated Giuseppe Gargiulo, Head of Newbuildings, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. We believe HSS will help solve the problem of biofouling, equating to strong benefits for the natural world  through reduced emissions and decreased spread of invasive species  and better results for our business, customers and society. This is the embodiment of what were looking to achieve at MSC.

Clean hulls are only one piece of the jigsaw when it comes to delivering a more sustainable shipping industry, but a central piece nonetheless. MSC is committed to exploring and trialing new scalable solutions to minimise overall environmental impact, for both our business and the shipping industry as a whole.

HSS has been developed over several years and brought to market by Jotun in cooperation with Kongsberg. Comprehensive testing has been taking place on vessels, in partnership with leading shipowners (such as MSC) and at selected ports worldwide. Common for MSC and all the partners are their global footprint and their focus on development for a sustainable future.

The Jotun HullSkater, which utilises magnetic wheels to cling to vessel hulls, works to remove individual bacteria and biofilm before macro-fouling grows. At such an early stage, fouling can be removed without risk of damage to, or erosion of, coating nor brushes. This not only delivers peak performance, and unlimited idle days for shipowners, but minimises the need for reactive cleaning, cutting costs, environmental risk and optimising fleet flexibility, the company explained.--TradeArabia News Service
The sudden emergence of the COVID-19 disaster has positively affected the global respiratory disease testing market growth in 2020. This is mainly due to a rise in the need for respiratory disease testing systems during the COVID-19 catastrophe.

"Coronavirus has positive impact on Respiratory Disease Testing Market - Analyst at Research Dive"

PUNE, India, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report on the Global Respiratory Disease Testing Market has been published by Research Dive. The report caters clear insights on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the present and upcoming growth of the global industry, by considering important factors such as key drivers & restraints, regional market situations, latest trends & developments, and size & scope of the market during the pandemic period.

Factors Boosting the Market Growth amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

The global respiratory disease testing market is projected to experience substantial growth owing to the rising demand for respiratory disease testing systems as patients with respiratory disorders are at greater risk of getting infected by COVID-19 disease. Moreover, numerous foremost industry players in this sector are taking initiatives to boost their production of respiratory disease testing devices.

Highlights of the Report

The CAGR of the respiratory disease testing market, as projected before the outburst of the COVID-19 pandemic, was 8.4% during the estimated period, 2020-2026. The CAGR of the global industry, as estimated post the inception of the COVID-19 crisis, is expected to be 9.2% throughout the estimated timeframe, 2020-2027. The size of the respiratory disease testing industry in 2020, as estimated before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, was $10.6 billion . The present market size (2020), tolerating the after-effects of the coronavirus pandemic, is $10.8 million . Get Access to COVID-19 Impact Analysis Sample Report [80 pages]

Current State of the Market due to COVID-19 Crisis:

Some of the top players in the respiratory disease testing industry are profoundly investing in the development of advanced respiratory disease testing devices during the pandemic. For instance, in July 2020, SIME, a Medical AI company focused on developing rapid ICU diagnostics techniques, has developed and completed clinical research of world's 1st predictive test for neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD). With the help of this newly invented digital test, clinicians will be capable of screening CLD at birth and offer early targeted treatment for the disease.

Additionally, governments in various COVID-19 infected regions are supporting the market players to withstand during the coronavirus turmoil. For example, in March 2020, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has approved about $679,000 to DiaSorin Molecular, LLC., for developing the Simplexa COVID-19 Direct Assay, along with about $598,000 to QIAGEN LLC., for swiftly developing the QIAstat-Dx RPS2 test for the COVID-19 disease.

Future Scenario of the Industry:

As per the report, the global respiratory disease testing market is projected to perceive ceaseless growth after the end of coronavirus disaster.

Top 10 companies in Global Respiratory Disease Testing Industry:

Koninklijke Philips N.V. BD. CARESTREAM MEDICAL. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. SDI Diagnostics bioMerieux SA ResMed COSMED srl Abbott. Seegene Inc.

Many others are projected to transform the future of the global respiratory disease testing market in the coming years.

The report offers several strategies and tactics of the leading players functioning in the market such as the latest strategic plans & developments, financial performance, product portfolio, and SWOT analysis. Quick Download Top Companies Development Strategies Summary Report [75 pages]

Interesting to read:

Various Methods of Respiratory System Testing

Supportive Government Approvals, During The Outbreak Of Covid-19 Pandemic, To Promote The Respiratory Disease Testing Market

Increasing Cases of Respiratory Disorders to Boost the Demand for Oxygen Cylinder and Concentrators

Some 2910313 Market Research Studies:

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Research Dive is a market research firm based in Pune, India. Maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the services, the firm provides the services that are solely based on its exclusive data model, compelled by the 360-degree research methodology, which guarantees comprehensive and accurate analysis. With an unprecedented access to several paid data resources, team of expert researchers, and strict work ethic, the firm offers insights that are extremely precise and reliable. Scrutinizing relevant news releases, government publications, decades of trade data, and technical & white papers, Research dive deliver the required services to its clients well within the required timeframe. Its expertise is focused on examining niche markets, targeting its major driving factors, and spotting threatening hindrances. Complementarily, it also has a seamless collaboration with the major industry aficionado that further offers its research an edge.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Restaurateurs, their employees, and local politicians joined a group of attorneys on Tuesday in St. George to advocate for the return of indoor dining in New York City.

The press conference and rally outside the Staten Island Courthouse in St. George followed a class-action lawsuit filed Monday on behalf of Bocelli Ristorante in Grasmere, Joyces Tavern in Eltingville, and the Independent Restaurant Owners Association Rescue (IROAR) that seeks to prevent the enforcement of Gov. Andrew Cuomos coronavirus executive orders preventing indoor dining.

Robert DeLuca, a founder of IROAR and owner of DeLucas Italian Restaurant in Tottenville for three years, said hes tried to work with government officials since the start of the pandemic, but feels that a lawsuit is necessary to ensure his employees have work to return to.

We feel like were discriminated against, and were being bullied, DeLuca said. Enough is enough. We want to be treated fairly.

Every other region of the state has been permitted to resume indoor dining when entering Phase 3 of the reopening process, which New York City has been in since early July. The boroughs' numbers have remained below the necessary threshold for Phase 3, and comparable with the rest of the state.

Cuomo has repeatedly pointed to concerns about executive order enforcement in the five boroughs, and has been working with City Council Speaker Corey Johnson on an indoor plan that may include up to 4,000 NYPD officers for a compliance task force.

State Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-South Shore), Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-East Shore/South Brooklyn) and City Council Minority Leader Steven Matteo (R-Mid-Island) attended Tuesdays rally. They said enforcement was important, but expressed confidence in the restaurants to adhere to safety standards.

These people want to do it safely. They care about their customers. They care deeply about their customers. Theyre going to do it safely," Lanza said. This nonsense about oh, we have to see what the police are going to do about it, please.

Last Tuesday, the Advance/SILive.com reported that all of Staten Islands politicians, excluding City Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore), sent a letter to the governor to call for the resumption of indoor dining on Staten Island.

Since then, Rose sent a separate letter on Thursday to Cuomo, and Mayor Bill de Blasio, who is also named in the lawsuit, asking that clear, comprehensive guidelines be published for small-business owners so that they can prepare for the reopening of indoor dining.

A spokesman for Roses office said they had not yet received a response from neither the governor nor the mayor. The governors office did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication, and a spokesman for the office of Attorney General Letitia James, which is also named in the suit, referred the request for comment to the governors office.

A spokesman for the mayors office referred a request for comment to the citys Law Department, which said it is reviewing the case.

The suit, filed by Staten Island attorneys Mark Fonte and Louis Gelormino along with Long Island attorney James Mermigis, also seeks $400,000,000 in compensation in addition to the injunction.

Mermigis has filed similar lawsuits seeking relief for small businesses negatively impacted by the governors executive orders. Cuomo quickly passed the decision on New Yorks gyms to localities after Mermigis filed a similar lawsuit on behalf of those businesses in August.

I asked the governor to supply the science that hes basing all his decisions on, and instead of supplying the science and responding to our papers, he opened up the gyms, Mermigis said. I feel like we forced his hand in filing that lawsuit, and I hope to do the same thing here.
Arab foreign ministers will attend a virtual session against the backdrop of UAE normalising relations with Israel.

An Arab League meeting on Wednesday will focus on the Palestinian cause after the Israel-UAE normalisation deal, with analysts suggesting division rather than usual unity on the issue will dominate the discussion.

The run-up to the virtual session has already left a sour taste for the Palestinian leadership.

On Sunday, the Palestinian Authority (PA) accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain of blocking a draft resolution that called on Arab states to adhere to the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative plan before normalising ties with Israel.

The Arab Initiative put forth by Saudi Arabia calls for establishing ties with Israel in exchange for its withdrawal to the 1967 borders, a just solution for Palestinian refugees, and occupied East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

A senior member of the PAs governing Fatah faction, Hussein Hamayel, said Bahrains opposition to the draft resolution places it on the side of the enemies of the Arabs and Muslims.

However on Tuesday, in a bid to soften its tone, the official spokesman for PA President Mahmoud Abbas said the leader will not accept insulting the national symbols of Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates.





In a statement carried by the official news agency Wafa, Nabil Abu Rudeinah said the state of Palestine is keen on maintaining brotherly relations with all Arab countries on the basis of mutual respect, with the necessity of the latter adhering to the Arab Peace Initiative.

Betraying the cause

Announced by US President Donald Trump on August 13, the UAE-Israeli normalisation agreement caught the PA by surprise, which then accused the UAE of betraying the Palestinian cause  long seen as a pan-Arab issue.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said more Arab countries will soon follow in the UAEs steps, and Bahrain and Oman have both voiced support.

The Palestinian cause has traditionally been a unifying theme for the Arab League, which this year appears to be more a cause for division, rendering the Arab League ever more irrelevant in managing the affairs of the Arab world, said Andreas Krieg, assistant professor of security studies at Kings College London.

The motion to be put forth by the Palestinian leadership will likely not be endorsed by a number of Gulf states, he added.

While there might not be an immediate move by any other Arab state to normalise ties with Israel formally, there will be more exchanges and engagement with Israel, which is no longer tied to the Palestinian cause, Kreig told Al Jazeera.

For the UAE, Bahrain and Sudan, the Arab-Israeli conflict has been relegated to the Israeli-Palestinian problem, which should not be an obstacle to a warming of bilateral ties with Israel.

Palestinians shoes are placed on pictures of US President Donald Trump, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a protest [Majdi Mohammed/Reuters]

Marwa Fatafta, a policy member with the Palestinian policy network Al-Shabaka, agreed, saying geopolitical interests trump the rights of Palestinians.





Many Gulf states have keen interest in formalising ties with Israel and the UAE-Israel was the ice-breaker, she said. Normalisation between Israel and Gulf states has already been in the making, and now it is just a matter of timing.

What would probably come out from the Arab League is the usual recycled lip-service to the Palestinians, she added.

Saudi stance

The Arab League, in contrast to Abbass granted request to hold an emergency session in the aftermath of the US announcing Trumps Middle East Peace Plan, refused to do the same once news of the UAE-Israel agreement was announced.

This led to Saeb Erekat, the secretary of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)s Executive Committee, to call on Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul-Gheit to condemn the UAEs normalisation deal with Israel  or step down.

If he is not able to issue a statement condemning the UAE-Israeli normalisation, he should resign, Erekat told PalestineTV.

And while regional power Saudi Arabia has declared it will not normalise relations with Israel without securing Palestinian interests, Riyadh fell short of condemning the UAEs decision.

Saudi Arabia will verbally endorse the Palestinian cause, the issue of Jerusalem, and the Arab Peace Initiative, Kreig said. However, it remains to be seen what Riyadh does in terms of action on the matter.

A Palestinian waves a national flag during a protest against Israels operations in the Gaza Strip [File: Majdi Mohammed]

The oil-rich kingdom could choose the opportunity to shore up support for the Arab Peace Initiative, Kreig continued, while simultaneously not taking a solid stance against normalisation, thereby leaving the door open for individual Arab states to deal with Israel as they see fit.

With the UAE as a leading Arab state already sacrificing the Palestinian cause to satisfy Emirati national interests with Israel, it will be hard to build firm support for the Arab Peace Initiative in this multilateral setting, he said.

Fatafta said Saudi Arabia will stick to the Arab Peace Initiative plan, more for the sake of convenience, while at the same time cultivating warmer ties with Israel.

Saudi Arabia indicated on number of occasions over the years that it has interest in cooperating with Israel especially with the growing threat from Iran, she said.

In fact, Saudi Arabia facilitated the normalisation deal between Israel and the UAE by opening its airspace for direct flights between the two countries.
New Delhi: Russia has said it encourages India and China to resolve Line of Actual Control (LAC) row but won't directly "interfere". Border tensions have increased between the two neighbouring countries especially after the Galwan incident of June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers.

Roman Babushkin, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Russian embassy in Delhi said, "Directly we are not recommending or advising do so or not do something..it up to both countries to decide. What we are doing.. it's not interference, it creating some sort of positive atmosphere."

Explaining further, "By and large, we are promoting this principle or political and diplomatic solution of disputes. We are adhering to that when it comes to dialogue with our Chinese friends, same we doing with Indian friends."

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers meeting. On the sidelines of the meet, he is expected to meet Chinese FM Wang Yi, the second in-person high-level political engagement between ministers of two countries. Last week defence ministers of India and China met on the sidelines of the SCO defence ministers meet.

Babushkin said, "You will always find statements of officials and experts supporting, the idea of peaceful coexistence, cooperation, partnership because eventually, sooner or later India and China will find a mutually acceptable solution for the border crisis."

Giving an example of its border dispute with China, Deputy Envoy said, "Russia had a very good experience in solution of border issues including with Chinese friends..it took us 40 years." He added, "We have no doubts that Indian and Chinese friends will also be able to do the same."

Russia has good relations with both India and China and when it comes to New Delhi, defence forms a key pillar of partnership. Asked if Russia will supply defence equipment to Pakistan, the deputy envoy said Moscow is "following the request and sensitivities of the Indian side".
- Erik Matti was able to watch the recently-released live-action adaptation of Mulan

- He aired his disappointment through a lengthy social media post on September 7

- The veteran filmmaker claimed that the movie did not get the soul of the original version

- According to Matti, the much-awaited remake was nothing but highly-diluted

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Erik Matti recently took to social media his disappointment after watching Disneys live-action remake of Mulan.

KAMI learned that the much-awaited adaptation starring Chinese actress Yifei Liu was finally released on September 4, following multiple delays due to the on-going COVID-19 crisis.

Erik Matti (Photo from Flickr)

Source: UGC

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Through Facebook, the BuyBust director admitted that he had been waiting for the live-action version of the said 1998 animated film. He even revealed that he loved the trailer when it first came out.

However, after finally watching the full version, Matti claimed that the movie did not get the soul of the original version.

He also stated that he will watch the animated version again to refresh his memory and forget the highly-diluted live-action adaptation.

Watched the original one with my kids over and over again when they were growing up. I know every montage and plotpoint including all the memorable songs. Now, Ive finally seen the highly anticipated overhyped live action version. What a disappointment! It feels old and backward than the animated version. Boring, bland and by the numbers,

I guess this is what happens when you only want to cash in on a franchise Even the action parts look tired and rehashed with lots of parts where the editing jumps here and there... But Ill rewatch the animated one again just to preserve the best memory of how I want to remember Mulan before it was ruined by this heavily diluted generic live action version, he wrote.

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Erik Matti is an award-winning filmmaker in the Philippines. He was at the helm of well-acclaimed movies such as On the Job, Honor Thy Father, and Seklusyon.

Several months ago, he slammed a social media user who claimed that he did not want Liza Soberano to be the next Darna.

The veteran director also fumed at the inclusion of Vice Gandas film on this years Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Please like and share our Facebook posts to support KAMI team! Dont hesitate to comment and share your opinion about our stories either. We love reading about your thoughts!

Source: KAMI.com.gh
(Newser)  House Democrats are calling for the immediate suspension of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy as they investigate alleged campaign finance violations. The USPS "never should have hired (him) in the first place," Rep. Carolyn Maloney, chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, said late Monday, per the Washington Post, adding DeJoy may have lied to the committee under oath. She said the committee would begin an investigation into claims that former employees at DeJoy's North Carolina-based New Breed Logistics were pressured into donating to Republican candidates between 2003 and 2014, while DeJoy worked as a GOP fundraiser. The employees said they were reimbursed with large bonuses in violation of state and federal election laws. Federal violations carry a five-year statute of limitations, but there is no such statute in North Carolina.

story continues below

On Sunday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called on North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein to launch a criminal investigation. Stein noted it is illegal to "reimburse someone for a political contribution" and "credible allegations of such actions merit investigation by the appropriate state and federal authorities," per Salon. Maloney said DeJoy faces "criminal exposure" if the allegations are true "but also for lying to our committee under oath," per the Post. DeJoy denied that he repaid employees for contributions to President Trump's campaign while testifying in front of the panel last month. "That's an outrageous claim  and I resent it," he said, per ABC News. "The answer is no." DeJoy now says he "believes that he has always followed campaign fundraising laws and regulations." Trump has said he should lose his job if wrongdoing "can be proven." (Read more Louis DeJoy stories.)
Relations with the government, the bank's majority owner, are a tricky issue for all SBI chiefs, and, like all his predecessors, Khara will be closely watched for his equations with the finance ministry representative on the SBI board.

On August 28, Dinesh Kumar Khara received a birthday present of sorts.

The Banks Board Bureau, the autonomous body set up in 2016 to improve governance in public sector banks, recommended his name for the post of arguably the countrys most powerful banker.

Assuming the government approves Kharas name as chairman of the State Bank of India, the countrys largest lender, he will move to the corner office at State Bank Bhavan in Mumbais Nariman Point on October 8.

He succeeds Rajnish Kumar, who completes his three-year term.

If Kharas name is finalised, he will get a three-year extension, since he would have retired in August 2021 in the ordinary course.

An MBA from the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi, Khara has risen through the SBI ranks - he joined as a probationary officer in 1984.

So insiders say he is unlikely to make radical changes to the banks style of functioning.

He knows the institution better than most, having served in almost all the major verticals, including a stint at SBIs Chicago office.

In any case, he was part of the top management having been appointed a managing director in 2016 (the three other MDs had also been interviewed for the post).

Against this backdrop, Khara will have to hit the ground running and prepare his plan of action.

Being an insider, Khara knows SBI culture well and has the backing of an experienced team.

Apart from his wide experience within SBI, his biggest asset could be his mild and polite personality - quite contradictory to the stereotypical image of the Delhi boy as brash and pushy.

A senior SBI banker who has worked closely with Khara said he was no pushover, though; he could be firm even as he remained congenial.

This ability is expected to stand him in good stead in carrying the banks stakeholders at a uniquely challenging time, thanks to the economic destruction caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Indeed, relations with the government, its majority owner, are a tricky issue for all SBI chiefs, and, like all his predecessors, Khara will be closely watched for his equations with the finance ministry representative on the SBI board.

Everyone acknowledges that the road ahead for the Indian banking sector is going to be very bumpy.

Maintaining the tempo of credit and keep an eye on asset quality at the same time will be a major ask.

Keeping slippages to a bare minimum will demand lot of attention, a senior banker pointed out.

Khara has the advantage of taking charge of a bank with a better asset quality and capital adequacy profile than four years ago.

In March 2016, SBIs gross non-performing assets (or bad loans) were at 6.5 per cent with provision coverage ratio (PCR) standing at 60.7 per cent.

Bad loans moved up in later years as a result of the clean-up act under the RBI-mandated asset quality review (AQR) to touch a peak of 19.91 per cent with PCR of 66.17 per cent in March 2018. By June 2020, bad loans had declined to 5.44 per cent with PCR of 86.32 per cent in June 2020.

The capital adequacy ratio was 13.12 per cent in March 2016 and moved up to 13.4 per cent in June 2020.

In this four-year period, the bank learned how money moves in corporate and how to recover it.

Now credit underwriting and monitoring standards are much tighter.

This will come handy for Khara in debt recast and credit support.

As head of the subsidiaries and associates portfolio, Khara has been involved in integration of associates with the main bank.

Many officials from erstwhile associates are moving up the channel to be part of top management.

That assimilation takes place has to be seen as a human resource challenge.

The pandemic has accelerated the pace of changes, especially for electronic banking - retail, MSME and corporate. Building on the Yono, SBIs integrated digital banking platform, and hastening the pace of digital banking will also be a crucial task.

Also, as with SBIs private sector counterparts - ICICI and HDFC and Axis - projecting a One SBI identity across financial services will have to be a priority.

Having shepherded subsidiaries such as the mutual fund, Khara understands their importance for fee income by cross-selling to SBIs customer base, which is almost one-third of Indias population.

This has the potential to become a steady source of rising revenues as support to interest income in lean times.

A clutch of robust subsidiaries will also be a good source for capital generation.

The bank has not raised equity capital in the last three years and monetisation of part of its stakes in subsidiaries will be one critical source of capital, a senior SBI executive pointed out.

Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhury/Reuters
There is much ground to cover as Money moves from traders in Sichuan to goldsmiths in London to investors in the Mississippi Territory. Each treatment is necessarily brief, and some readers may want more detail. But stacking up case studies like this means a bigger story  a recurring pattern  begins to appear. Cash evolves in fits and starts; there are long periods of stability where nothing much happens followed by rapid bursts of change. The Federal Reserve is a case in point: The worlds most important bank exists because of a financial panic in 1907 and decisions taken by a small group of bankers immediately after it. These bursts of innovation happen when the wants, needs and trades in an economy shift. Money changes when society does.

Recent history is a challenge when attempting to tell fresh stories about money: More than a decade has passed since the chaos of 2008 and by now the players, motives and failures are familiar. But Goldsteins emphasis on the social side of currency  on belief and behavior  gives him an interesting lens. Money skips over reckless investment banks and credulous regulators to land on the money-market fund as its key character. These funds took on risk, allowing them to offer interest to depositors, but were marketed and regulated as cashlike entities, leading people to believe they were as safe as a physical greenback. Money-market funds, in other words, had become a new kind of money. When these funds broke the buck by returning less than $1 for every dollar invested, it was a violation not of the financial markets, which are allowed to go up and down, but of money itself, which is supposed to be solid. The damage was not just economic, but psychological.

This story gets to the heart of why money matters. Since currency is partly a social compact, the biggest damage to an economy comes when expectations are violated, confidence drains and people begin to fear holding money. Goldstein concludes this chapter: What is the thing that is like a piece of paper from a goldsmith in 1690, or a deposit in a bank in 1930, or a money-market fund balance in 2007? When everybody who holds that thing decides to cash it in at once, the world will get very ugly very fast. For this paragraph alone Money should be required reading for every financial regulator.

Looking to the future, Goldstein unpicks the origins of bitcoin, a new digital currency that many are betting is the money of tomorrow. Yet he argues that new forms of cash often emerge by accident from unexpected places, rather than by design, as is the case with cryptocurrencies. For this reason, I would have liked a chapter on underground and informal currencies. People living in the worlds toughest economies use all sorts of monies that are made up. From powdered milk in Syrian refugee camps to prepaid debit cards in United States prisons to pawnshop tickets in postindustrial British cities, a world of hidden currency innovation by economic outsiders exists. These shadow monies too are social, unofficial and come to the fore where the mainstream system fails.
Pipeline

8 September 2020

Manchester City Centre is to have a new hotel when the Kimpton Clocktower opens its doors next month.

It will be the brand's fourth hotel to open in the UK joining Kimpton London Fitzroy, Kimpton Blythswood Square in Glasgow and Kimpton Charlotte Square in Edinburgh.

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is a magnificent, terracotta Grade II listed building with a history dating back to 1890, when it first opened as The Refuge Assurance Company headquarters. The grand clock tower at the centre of its striking Victorian architecture is an unmistakable landmark on Manchester's skyline. All 270 loft-style bedrooms, including 11 suites, were designed to make the most of the stunning, double and triple-height ceilings.

Other original, period features including glazed bricks, tiles and faience, stained glass and carved wooden staircases, meet contemporary fittings and interiors, including a three-metre-tall bronze horse by artist Sophie Dickens which sits in the lobby. The piece denotes a horse-and-carriage 'turning circle' that once stood on the spot.

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Every time Talaat combs her daughters hair, it takes her back her own school years. She was bullied for having the same kinky hair, ruining her teenage life. But she's determined her daughter will have a different experience.

I was, like, fighting every day for no reason except that I have curly hair in a society that believes in one kind of beauty, Noha Talaat, a 37-year-old English teacher, told Al-Monitor.

As a girl with dark skin and kinky hair in a society that embraces European beauty standards, Talaat used to hear people describe her as a house maid when she was just 13 years old. Her colleagues would also bully and reject her.

I tried hundreds of methods and products to straighten my hair to avoid bullying, but the result was that I got depressed and I damaged my hair. I dont want my daughter to suffer like me, said Talaat. She found refuge in emerging online platforms that offer help on how to take care of her natural hair.

Although this hair type is common among Middle Eastern people, Egyptians with it are often regarded as inferior. The discrimination pushes many people, especially women, to straighten their hair using heat and chemical treatments and to even cover it with wigs.

Last year, CAPMAS estimated the value of Egypts imports of wigs, mostly from China, at 3 million Egyptian pounds (about $181,000), or about 7.5% of Egypts total imports from China during the first quarter of 2019.

But a new movement has emerged as women, beauty salons and online platforms have revolt against the norms. They sought and offered services and advice for taking care of their natural curly hair.

There are now many groups and social media pages like Curly Hair Egypt, which offers advice and fights discrimination. Egyptian Curls offers reviews on relevant hair products, The Hair addict sells appropriate products and The Curly Studio is a hairdresser dedicated to curly hair.

Sara Safwat, founder of The Curly Studio, is a pioneer of the natural hair movement in Egypt. She opened her salon three years ago.

Curly hair is an identity for us.  About 80% of us have curly or wavy hair. But this identity has been obliterated or became indistinct as many people have sought straight hair, Safwat told Al-Monitor.

Safwat established her studio because she didnt find anyone to help her take care of her own hair.

My mother never urged me to straighten my hair. I grew up loving my hair. But I faced bullying in the street. Surprisingly, it was by women, she said.

When I was 12 years old, I used to go to school by subway. I was thin with thick, long, curly hair. Women used to stare at me and speak about me as if I were odd. So I decided never to take the women-only subway car and take the mixed one instead. I chose to ride in the mixed car and to be anxious of harassment, to escape the bullying and curious eyes, she explained.

The natural hair movement started about three years ago. After Safwat opened her hair studio, other groups and hairdressers emerged along the same path, revolting against societal beauty standards. Together they urged more women to accept their natural hair and to feel confident.

When we go to any European or American county with our curly hair, people stop us in the street to ask us how we do our hair. Its our special feature so we should take care of it, Safwat said.

I feel that now, with the help of many guiding groups and natural products, that the beauty standards have changed. More women are wearing their hair curly and this encourages other women to go natural, Safwat added.

Men also face bullying for their hair.

We dont care about peoples opinion much, but sometimes it hurts when you are called the guy with the messy hair. They dont understand that its natural, they always feel its carelessness by me, recent university graduate Hassan Mohamed told Al-Monitor.

I joined some online groups for curly hair because I want to help spread awareness about us. We need people to accept us, he added.

But some mothers still urge their daughters to straighten their hair.

Beauty standards are planted in womens minds since childhood. And as life standards change from place to place, culture also changes. Communities with less education and understanding often bully others [over their] curly hair. But these cases have decreased. Now I receive mothers who come to me with their daughters asking me to take care of their curly hair, Safwat explained.

Many young women, even brides, are wearing their hair naturally on formal occasions without a hint of shyness.

I think that natural hair is my identity. You need to accept your natural hair as it is, just like you have to accept your name, your skin color or anything else that identifies you, university student Wesal Aboelsoued told Al-Monitor.

Aboelsoued joined many curly hair groups and learned a healthy hair routine that avoids damaging heat treatments.

I love the movement as I don't want to live my whole life with hair that's not mine, she told Al-Monitor. It's not just about the curly hair, its about accepting yourself and the people around you  and even if you still can't accept them, at least be nice, she added.

For Safwat, Aboelsoued and many other women and men, the natural hair movement is about more than hair care. It promotes self-acceptance.

Our aim is to help every woman feel and say I love myself, I accept myself, I wont change the real me for anything or anyone. Wearing your hair natural definitely boosts your self-confidence; dont settle for less, Safwat said.
Two of Australia's leading foreign correspondents in China have rushed home for their own safety after they were questioned separately by China's Ministry of State security, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on Tuesday.

China correspondents for the ABC and the Australian Financial Review (AFR) sought shelter in Australia's embassy in Beijing and consulate in Shanghai as diplomats negotiated with Chinese officials to allow them to leave the country, the ABC and the AFR reported.

The two journalists - ABC's Bill Birtles and AFR's Michael Smith - had been banned from leaving China until they answered questions about detained Australian citizen and television anchor Cheng Lei, AFR said in a report.

Both journalists were told they were "persons of interest" in an investigation into Cheng, a high-profile business anchor on Chinese state television, who has been detained by authorities, the AFR report said.

The journalists flew out of China on Monday night and arrived in Sydney on Tuesday morning following what public broadcaster the ABC called an "extraordinary diplomatic standoff".

Birtles told reporters at Sydney airport it was very disappointing to have to leave China under "those circumstances."

"But this was a whirlwind and it was not a particularly good experience," he said.

The ABC said it brought Birtles back to Australia following advice from the Australian government.

The Australian Financial Review said in a statement the two journalists were "going about their normal reporting duties". It added that the incident was "regrettable and disturbing and is not in the interests of a co-operative relationship between Australia and China".

Relations between Australia and China have soured this year in the wake of Canberra's calls for an independent international investigation into the source of the coronavirus pandemic.

Beijing was angered by the move and has since blocked Australian beef imports, placed dumping tariffs on Australian barley, and launched an anti-dumping investigation into Australian wine.

(REUTERS)
Irelands foreign affairs minister has described claims that British government proposals to override the Brexit deal would breach international law as gravely concerning.

There has been widespread anger after Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told MPs legislation to ensure Northern Ireland could continue to enjoy unfettered access to markets in the rest of the UK would breach international law in a very specific and limited way.

However, Simon Coveney told the Dail that the comments have exacerbated his concerns about how Britain will deal with the Withdrawal Agreement.

While we still await publication of the legislation, earlier this week we raised the media reports and briefings on this issue with the UK through diplomatic and official channels to express our concerns, Mr Coveney said.

However, rather than being reassured my concerns have been exacerbated by the additional comments deliberately made in the House of Commons today, openly committing the UK Government to legislate to break international law in relation to the Withdrawal Agreement.

He said he has asked Irelands ambassador in London to raise the issue directly with the UK government on Tuesday.

Michel Barnier is also due to raise the issue with David Frost during their engagement today, Mr Coveney added.

Clearly, any unilateral departure from the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement would be a matter of considerable concern and a very serious step.

Mr Coveney added: Our view is that such a departure could seriously erode and damage political trust, not only in the Brexit negotiations, but also within Northern Ireland at time of real sensitivity.

Northern Ireland does not need this further uncertainty in relation to Brexit.

The UK does have a long and proud tradition of upholding international law and advocating for the primacy for the rule of law.

Any departure from this tradition, particularly on an issue as high profile as Brexit, would have serious implications, not least for the UKs international reputation.

We and the EU will continue to take a calm and measured approach. Time is short and we are very much focused on trying to get a positive outcome in terms of future relationship negotiations.

Together we will carefully analyse the detail of the legislation once it is published and I remain in close contact, daily, with the EU task force on this critical issue.

He added: The protocol represents a fair and balanced outcome for all parties, with compromises on all sides. It is surely not too much to ask that the UK government will implement in full respect of its international obligations.

Fianna Fail TD Jim OCallaghan said that if Ireland and the EU appease lawlessness, it would only encourage the law breaker.

It is astonishing that any minister of any government, in any part of the world would attend before the parliament of that government and state that it is the intention of that government to break the law, he said.

Its imperative that the European Union is absolutely straight in dealing with this issue. We should not tolerate any attempts by the British Government to break the law.

He said that if the British Government publishes legislation that breaks international law, then Ireland and the EU should break away from the talks.
Broadcaster and lecturer Dr Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain has received an "overwhelming" response since speaking out about her two-year ordeal of sexual harassment at University College Dublin.

Dr Ni Shuilleabhain detailed a number of disturbing interactions with a professor, Hans-Benjamin Braun, between 2015 and 2017, in an article in the Irish Times in the hope her story will help others going through a similar experience.

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The professor, who no longer works at the college, was subsequently charged with harassment and barred from contacting her for five years.

Dr Ni Shuilleabhain said while it was positive UCD was now reviewing its policy towards harassment following the revelations, she hoped "it would be victim-centred".

The academic was working in UCD less than a year when Prof Braun began initiating "conversation that just didn't seem appropriate."

"It really kind of started properly when he arrived at my office and asked me for a date and it took me a couple of minutes to realise why he was in my office because I was like maybe he wants a conversation about public engagement. I was really trying to wrack my brains because we wouldn't have worked together in a professional capacity at all," she told RTEs Today with Claire Byrne.

She said she rejected his offer, telling him she was in a relationship, and asked him to leave her office.

"He came back again the next day and that was quite frightening because he was in a very frantic state, accusing me of lying to him of not being honest with his feelings, saying that he wouldn't ordinarily ask a person out, and I had to go with him, basically, on a date.

"I was quite worried because there was no way out of my office without him leaving first. He was blocking the door, basically," she said.

"I just eventually tried to make my body language really strong and clear and I kept my hands on the table and I just said, 'I'm not going to go on a date with you. I want you to leave my office now.' And I just left it at that and he left."

Dr Ni Shuilleabhain said she rang a colleague to tell them what had happened and they advised her to inform UCDs Human Resources department.

"I was like, okay, I will, but you know what, it's Friday evening, I'm going away with my friends, I'm just going to call them on Monday. That was the weekend then where I was down in a hotel with three of my girlfriends. We were just having a nice weekend away, we do it once a year."

The next morning, Dr Ni Shuilleabhain received a phone call from the hotel manager telling her Dr Braun was downstairs in the reception with a bouquet of flowers for her.

"She was relaying the conversation then between himself and myself in that he had said I was expecting him and it was our weekend away, and I asked her to tell him that we'd already gone for the day. She came back to say he knows your car is outside. That was petrifying because I didn't know how he knew my car."

She said hotel management called gardai and Prof Braun was asked to leave. However, he returned the next day and gardai were called a second time.

"In the interim, I had called members of UCD to inform them that this was happening and arranged to have a meeting with HR that morning," she said.

"On Monday, I had a meeting with two people and reported all those incidents, and they suggested if I wanted to that I should work from home or I could work from home for a couple of days until they communicated with him.

"They had eventually got in touch with him and I could return to work if I wanted to because they didn't believe he would be back on campus for a while."

Prof Braun was instructed not to contact Dr Ni Shuilleabhain again.

Dr Ni Shuilleabhain said he eventually returned to work but she was not informed of his return by UCD.

"I wasn't told actually when he would be coming back to work or when he was back on campus. And I think I saw him in the distance and, obviously, try and keep away from wherever his office was," she said.

"He sent me an email, then, to see if I would take over lecturing one of his modules which isn't in my field and I wouldn't be able to. It was a completely inappropriate conversation. I knew he had been told not to contact me so I contacted HR directly to say he's contacted me, can you address this because he shouldn't have.

"I was assured afterwards that he had been told not to, it was an error of judgment on his part, and I was told then he'll be out of the country until January."

In January 2016, Dr Ni Shuilleabhain said she began to receive phone calls from Prof Braun from different numbers all made around the same time.

She said he also began returning to her office again.

"I can't remember the exact date but he did again come back to my office. Repeatedly, he would come in, I would either see him and tell him immediately, 'You're not allowed to be here. Go away.' And, he often would go away.

"Sometimes he wouldn't go away. One time I rang a colleague who had their office next door, and again it was a little bit embarrassing because I wanted to keep this quiet, I was on a temporary contract at the time and this was a senior professor."

Dr Ni Shuilleabhain said she told only a small number of colleagues about Prof Brauns behavior as she did not want "to be seen as a troublemaker" or as though she was "making a drama out of nothing".

"I had to expand that as I felt more and more unsafe, I guess. That colleague came out and told him he wasn't allowed to be there," she said.

"It just didn't stop. Eventually, I just was working in my office locked because I couldn't afford him barging in because it would just take it over the whole day because after an incident would happen it took me so long to try and get my headspace back into actually doing my work again. It was just too much.

"I didn't come in at weekends. I didn't stay late, because I didn't want to be walking across campus either to the bus or to my car late at night. I had my phone ready to call the emergency numbers, keys in hand in case anyone would attack you."

In April 2017, Dr Ni Shuilleabhain reported Prof Braun to gardai in Donnybrook, saying: "It kind of started to ramp up, and it felt like it was really getting out of hand. And at that point, I was so afraid, my nerves were just gone I couldn't deal with it anymore.

"I'd also just got engaged, and I really was having such a lovely time being engaged, it's such a happy time. To have my work really bring me down, I just couldn't take it anymore."

After a garda investigation, the case was brought to court last year where a judge imposed an order barring Professor Braun from having any contact with her for five years.

"It was so nice to hear that, that it had gone through a process, and that at the other end division was an outcome that couldn't be denied," she said.

In August 2018, while on maternity leave, Dr NI Shuilleabhain made a formal complaint to UCD.

"I asked myself continuously why didn't I make that formal complaint sooner. It was only one day where I realised, 'Hold on, I have made a complaint to the guards about this but I haven't actually made a complaint formally to my university'.

"And then I realised how ridiculous it was. So I reported that. Because the court case was going on at that time where it hadn't concluded, that formal complaint had to be paused until I came back.

"This was all part of the process, that when I came back to UCD from my maternity leave in December last year I really wanted to make sure that there would be changes made so that nobody else would have to go through the same thing."

She said she would have liked more encouragement from UCD to make a formal complaint and that policy that was in place when the ordeal began emphasised informal mediation.

"That is just not appropriate for harassment. Harassment is all about power. He wanted to be in a room with me. I couldn't be in a room with him because I felt unsafe."

She said she is pleased Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has called for all institutions to review their policies currently in place relating to harassment.

"But I want to say to that, though, is you can have bright shiny new policies and procedures, but unless everyone knows what they are, and unless the cultures are changed to help people actually first of all, disclose what is happening to them, so that they can get support, and then maybe complain if they wish to."

Dr Ni Shuilleabhain said she has received an apology President of UCD Andrew Deeks on Sunday night following a statement he made to the Sunday Independent.

In the statement, Mr Deeks said he was "greatly saddened" by Dr Ni Shuilleabhain's experience.

"I apologise to Aoibhinn on behalf of UCD," He said, adding: "I also apologise to other colleagues and students who have suffered such experiences while in our care."

Mr Deeks said he is now undertaking "a core procedural shift" which means the university will have the authority to instigate an investigation without ever receiving a formal complaint going forward.

Currently, the university can only investigate when there is a formal complaint made.

Other measures Mr Deeks is proposing include "clarifying" the relationship between informal and formal internal complaints and complaints to An Garda Siochana.

The university will also introduce bystander intervention training, which will form a key part of orientation for all new undergraduate students later this month.

"The university is committed to learning from the experience, both of staff and students," he said.
Unlike RIL, the Adani group has not yet brought in any big stakeholders to refinance debt or expand.

Recently, the SB Adani Family Trust, representing the promoters, announced that it was pledging 1.01 per cent of its equity holding in Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd to raise Rs 430 crore from Credit Suisse AG.

The money was being raised for Adani Rail Infra Pvt Ltd, a company that has shown interest in running private trains in India, but that news was overshadowed by another announcement that the group was acquiring a controlling stake in the marque Mumbai airports from the GVK group.

With this buy, the Adani groups presence in the infrastructure sector, especially transport, is unmatched by any player, even globally. Consider:

The group operates 11 ports and terminals along the coastline and has acquired rights to six airports - eight if the two Mumbai ones are included.

Through Adani Logistics, it has presence in most segments of the cargo business.

In power, the group is present in all three verticals of generation, transmission and distribution.

It is going to be the biggest player in solar power with the Union governments Solar Energy Corporation of India earlier this year awarding it an 8 gigawatt photovoltaic power plant and a 2-Gw solar cell and module manufacturing capacity.

This entails an investment of Rs 45,000 crore at a time when companies are pulling away from power sector investment.

It already has 12,450 Mw of coal-based generation capacity in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh, 8,500 circuit km of power transmission capacity and rights to retailing power to 2.9 million consumers in Mumbai.

Inevitably, comparisons have been drawn between the industrial empire of Mukesh Ambani and that of Gautam Adani but the two have followed different approaches.

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has largely depended on acquisitions.

Adanis evolution from a pure commodity player and exporter to a major infrastructure group has been primarily through greenfield ventures, whether it was the Gujarat Maritime Board approving the groups captive jetty at Mundra in 1994 or in Australias controversial coal and transportation project.

Nonetheless, it, too, started taking the relatively safer route of inorganic growth, such as buying out Krishnapatnam port earlier this year and Snowman Logistics in December 2019.

And buying out the controlling stake in the existing GVK-run airport in Mumbai, one of Indias two busiest airports, and even the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport.

The question is whether the group has the ability to sustain these capital-heavy businesses.

Unlike Ambanis RIL, Adani has not been in a comfortable position when it came to funding his ambitions.

On July 13, Fitch Ratings assigned Adani Ports and Special Economic Zones (APSEZ) senior unsecured notes of up to $1.25 billion BBB- (minus) with a negative outlook.

The proceeds are to be used for refinancing the debt of Krishnapatnam Port Company Limited (KPCL) and other debt, including early redemption of part of a US dollar bond due 2024.

Four days later, Fitch pointed out that APSEZ had some timing flexibility in its expansion projects with the management reducing its original capex spending for FY21 from Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 2,300 crore.

In the worst-case scenario, management could cut capex to only maintenance, which is about Rs 800 crore, said Fitch in its report, suggesting that the debt overhang need not be serious.

A look at the groups six BSE-listed companies shows that its debt-to-equity ratio has been improving for its non-power business (see chart).

Its the power companies that have reported high levels of debt principally on account of the stressed 4,620 MW ultra mega Mundra power plant and its takeover of the Mumbai power retailing business.

By contrast, at Adani Enterprises, the parent company of Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), the ratio improved to 0.73 in FY20 from 3.03 in FY14.

With six smaller and two big Mumbai airports in hand, this is bound to deteriorate.

Even in its Australian business, raising just $1 billion to part-fund the $15-billion Carmichael coal mine project, which includes building a railhead and port, became difficult when it signed a memorandum of understanding with the State Bank of India during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit in November 2014.

The state-owned lender was extending support to a group that was neck deep in debt at the time.

Besides, anti-coal activists have been campaigning against the project ever since, creating legal and financing problems for the company.

For the six airports that have been leased to it in India, the group will have to follow a timeline.

Raising money for the Thiruvananthapuram airport would be especially difficult if the Kerala government persists in its opposition to the project award and does not provide land.

Even in the Mumbai deal, the group is taking over the debt of GVKs Airport Developers Limited, the holding company that owns 50.50 per cent equity in Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), which in turn holds 74 per cent in the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited.

Unlike RIL, the Adani group has not yet brought in any big stakeholders to refinance debt or expand.

The only big tie-up it currently has is with Frances Total for its fuel and green energy business.

Total acquired 37.4 per cent in city gas distributor Adani Gas for around Rs 5,700 crore earlier this year and is expected to increase this to 50 per cent.

In April, Total also invested Rs 3,707 crore for a 50 per cent joint venture with Adani Green, which houses 2,148 Mw of operating solar projects in 11 Indian states.

In 2019, the French energy company had picked up a 50 per cent stake in a 5 million tonne LNG import terminal that the Adani group is building at Dhamra in Odisha.

Though the buy-out of Mumbai airports comes at a time when airport operators across the world are incurring losses, the groups hold over the infrastructure sector has only tightened.

It is divesting stakes only in new businesses of petroleum retailing and LNG terminals.

And it is here that Gautam Adani will be in direct competition with Mukesh Ambani.

Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Abbas Mousavi, Trend reports.

Presenting his credentials to President Ilham Aliyev, Ambassador Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said:

- Mr. President, it is an honor for me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to present to Your Excellency my credentials and a letter of recall of my predecessor. Please allow me also to convey to you the most cordial greetings from the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Hassan Rouhani. Thank you!

President Ilham Aliyev: Dear Mr. Ambassador, I sincerely welcome you to Azerbaijan  you are welcome! Please pass my cordial greetings on to my friend and brother, President Rouhani.

I wish you success in your activities. I am sure that you will make a valuable contribution to the relations between our countries, and that our relations will continue to develop successfully in the future too.

As you know, we have had more than 10 meetings with President Rouhani over the past few years. A number of issues discussed and decisions made during these meetings have brought our countries closer together. Many documents covering almost all areas have been signed. We always support each other's position in international organizations. We always show solidarity within the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

About two months ago, following yet another act of military aggression on the part of Armenia against Azerbaijan, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation adopted resolutions supporting the position and just cause of Azerbaijan and condemning the actions of Armenia. The Islamic Republic of Iran as an active member of these two organizations has once again shown its support for Azerbaijan by joining this position. Thank you for that.

Armenia's aggression against Azerbaijan continues. As a result of this aggression, about 20 percent of our lands have been occupied. The fact that Azerbaijani citizens have become refugees is the result of this occupation. A policy of ethnic cleansing has been carried out against the Azerbaijanis, the Khojaly genocide has been committed. Armenia has destroyed our historical and religious monuments and desecrated our religious sites. The Armenians have destroyed our mosques in the occupied territories. They even keep animals in some of the mosques. There is extensive video and photo evidence of these ugly deeds. It can be found on the Internet. This is a crime not only against us but also against the entire Muslim world.

As you know, Azerbaijan contributes to the strengthening of Islamic solidarity and makes great effort towards that. Azerbaijan is always ready to make additional effort to unite the Islamic world and resolve the problems between some countries.

I should also note that our countries are also actively involved in trilateral cooperation formats in foreign policy. The Azerbaijan-Iran-Turkey and Azerbaijan-Iran-Russia trilateral cooperation format has existed for several years, and this format is very effective.

The relations between neighboring countries and the development of these relations are a guarantor of stability and peace in the region. The fact that the legal status of the Caspian Sea has finally been resolved shows the intention of all the Caspian littoral states, our policy and the friendship among these countries.

As for our bilateral relations, I want to say again that our relations are developing fast and have reached a high level. I had a telephone conversation with President Rouhani at the end of July. Many important issues were discussed and we agreed that relevant members of our governments should hold meetings via videoconferencing during this pandemic. In fact, many of these meetings have already been held. This is very important because we do not want to waste time. After all, the pandemic has interfered in our work, of course.

I am confident that the important transport and energy projects that are being implemented today will become even larger in the coming years. As you know, the North-South transport corridor can connect not only our countries but also the entire Eurasia. Both Iran and Azerbaijan are making great efforts to launch and further develop this corridor.

There are good results in all other areas - investment, power engineering and others. In particular, our relations in the military-technical sphere have a long history. New agreements have been reached. I am confident that our cooperation in this area will continue to develop successfully. So you are welcome again!

Ambassador Seyyed Abbas Mousavi: Thank you very much for receiving me today.

You spoke at length about our bilateral relations, and I see no need for any extra words. I convey to you the cordial greetings of Mr. Dr. Rouhani. I also convey greetings from members of our Cabinet, in particular the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

I want to assure you that the determination and intentions of all the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran are to further develop and strengthen bilateral relations. Glory to Allah, thanks to your wisdom, as well as the wisdom of the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the relations between the two countries are developing every day.

The relations with neighboring countries, in particular, with the Republic of Azerbaijan, play an important role in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Our neighbors are 15 countries. We have a special relationship with Azerbaijan. My mission is to further strengthen the relations between two friendly, fraternal and Muslim countries. I see no obstacles to expanding relations between our countries. With your support, as well as with the support of Cabinet members, these relations will develop every day.

The people and state of the Islamic Republic of Iran looked forward to your visit to Iran in March. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, this visit did not take place. The people of Iran and the Iranian state continue to look forward to this visit, and I convey this invitation to you again.

Our friendly and good-neighborly relations are a special relationship that no third force can harm. The Islamic Republic of Iran supports the fair position and just cause of Azerbaijan on the issue of the occupied territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We believe that this conflict must be resolved within the framework of international laws, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

As you noted, our trilateral and quadrilateral regional cooperation will be continued in the future. We have common positions within regional and international organizations, and we will continue to support each other's positions. I am sure that thanks to your wisdom, our relations, which are currently at a high level, will develop in the future. Inshallah, we will witness the further development of our relations at the videoconference upcoming soon with your participation and with the participation of President Hassan Rouhani.
The heads of Israels two largest banks will lead separate delegations to the United Arab Emirates this month after a formal agreement on banking and finance was signed by the two countries last week, Times of Israel reported citing the Reuters news agency.

A delegation led by Bank Hapoalim will depart Israel on Tuesday for a trip with stops in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai for meetings with government officials as well as counterparts from the UAEs banking sector.

Hapoalim CEO Dov Kotler told the news agency it was a unique opportunity to establish economic relations and cooperation between our countries and their financial systems, which will yield economic growth for both parties.

The statement added that there was an immediate bilateral desire for strong economic ties to be established between the two nations.
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It looks as though Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have had some company this weekend in the form of their close friends David Foster and Katharine McPhee.

David, 70, and wife Katharine, 36, were spotted near the Duke and Duchess's Montecito mansion on Saturday, with exclusive images from DailyMail.com showing the couple filling up their car with gas before driving off to a house just a few doors down from Meghan and Harry's new home.

The couple's Montecito outing comes just days ahead of Prince Harry's birthday, for which David is reported to be masterminding celebrations, and could well be a sign that the foursome got together in order to celebrate the big day early - while also no doubt toasting Harry and Meghan's newly-inked Netflix deal.

On the move: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's close friends David Foster and Katharine McPhee were seen out and about near the Sussexes' home in Montecito on Saturday - suggesting they may have visited the couple over Labor Day weekend

Errands: Katharine, 36, was seen filling up her car with gas before she and husband David, 70, drove to a property just a few doors down from Harry and Meghan's new $14.7 million Montecito home

Late night? The actress was pictured yawning while standing at the pump, as her music producer husband sat in the car

Helping hand: The couple shared the job of pumping gas, with Katharine taking over from David, who then went to sit in the driver's seat of their Land Rover

Both David and Katharine were dressed casually for the outing, with actress Katharine wearing a pair of jeans and a black T-shirt, with a white button-up which she had tied at the waist.

She completed her look with a pair of slip-on Gucci loafers, and her hair was tied up in a messy ponytail.

Celebration? Katharine and David's trip to Montecito comes just one week before Prince Harry's 36th birthday - for which David is said to be organizing a party

David mirrored his wife's ensemble, donning baggy jeans, a white T-shirt, a blue button-up, and a pair of sunglasses that were seen hanging from the neck of his tee.

The couple were both pictured taking turns by the pump, before David got climbed back into the driver's seat of their Land Rover while Katharine blew him a sweet kiss through the window.

Their arrival in Montecito came just over a week before Harry's turns 36 - and one month after it was first reported that David is planning to throw the Duke a fun-filled party in celebration of his first Los Angeles-based birthday.

In August, the Mirror claimed that the party, which is set to take place on September 15, the date of Harry's birthday, will be held at David's Los Angeles home, with a source telling the publication that it would be a low-key and intimate celebration.

'David wants to make it special for Harry but also keep it casual and low-key with some fine wine, great food and intimate company,' the source claimed.

'He is setting aside the fire pit at his home plus the whole outdoor area, which security will cordon off.'

According to the publication, no royals other than Harry and Meghan were due to be in attendance at the event, however David was reportedly planning to include his daughters, actresses Erin and Sara, and their respective husbands, all of whom 'are around the same age' as the Duke and Duchess.

'Father figure': David and Harry have formed a very close bond since being introduced by their wives last year, with Katharine recently saying they are like 'father and son'

Pucker up! Katharine, who seen blowing a kiss to her husband through the window, attended school with Meghan as a teen, and the pair also took part in a local theater group together

Preparations? According to the Mirror, David is planning a low-key and intimate birthday celebration for September 15, which will take place at his Los Angeles home

Party people: Ahead of Harry's birthday, the group would still have had plenty to celebrate - not least Harry and Meghan's newly-inked deal with Netflix, which is said to be worth between $100 and $150 million

Low-key: Katharine opted for a casual look for her outing, modeling jeans and a white button-up that she tied around the waist over a black T-shirt, before finishing the look off with Gucci loafers

But before Harry's big birthday arrives, the couple still has plenty to celebrate - not least their newly-signed deal with Netflix, which is said to be worth anywhere between $100 and $150 million.

Details of the deal first emerged last week, with The New York Times revealing that Meghan and Harry have founded a yet-to-be-named production company through which they will create documentaries, feature films, scripted shows, and children's programming.

In a statement, the Sussexes said: '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.'

They added that Netflix's 'unprecedented reach will help us share impactful content that unlocks action.'

And that's not the only news that the foursome will have had to celebrate together.

Close: Katharine revealed to Access Hollywood in May that she and Meghan reconnected last year, before introducing their husbands, who became fast friends

Heartwarming: 'My husband has a really, really beautiful relationship with Harry. They're like, they're so cute. They're like father and son,' she said of David and Harry's friendship

Helping hand: Katharine's husband David actually helped to arrange Meghan and Harry's stay in Vancouver, where they lived for several months before moving to Los Angeles

On Monday it was revealed that Harry and Meghan have paid back all of the $3.1 million in taxpayer money that was spent on the redevelopment of Frogmore Cottage, the five-bedroom property that they use as their UK base.

The couple, who had been paying the cash back in monthly installments, announced that they have completely refunded the Sovereign Grant in the days after their lucrative Netflix deal was revealed.

Sources close to the couple also claimed that they will no longer be receiving handouts from Prince Charles as they have sought to establish 'financial independence' - something that their latest career move will certainly help to provide.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex certainly appear to be settling fully into life outside of the royal family, having now spent several months in their new $14.7 million home in Montecito - where they may well have entertained David and Katharine over the long Labor Day weekend.

It is understood that the two couples have grown incredibly close, with Meghan and Katharine establishing a friendship back when they attended the same Los Angeles school as teenagers, before introducing their husbands, who also formed an instant bond.

Another friend: Meghan's former Suits co-star and close friend Abigail Spencer was also seen out and about in Montecito over the weekend. The actress was pictured selling flowers out of a vintage Volkswagen van with her company County Line Florals

Popular: According to an onlooker, Abigail's flower pop-up proved incredibly successful, with almost every bloom selling out in just two hours

Set up: Abigail, 39, was incredibly hands on, helping to set up the display before any customers arrived

You go girl! An onlooker told DailyMail.com that Abigail's 'traveling flower shop was an absolute hit, selling out of product in less than two hours'

Picture perfect: The source added that customers were charmed by Abigail's picturesque set-up, and kept stopping to take photos of the van

In fact, Katharine told Access Hollywood in May of this year that her husband and Harry have formed a 'beautiful relationship' that is more like that of a 'father and son'.

'My husband has a really, really beautiful relationship with Harry,' she said. 'They're like, they're so cute. They're like father and son.'

Best friends: Meghan and Abigail (pictured in New York in February 2019) met while they were both starring in Suits, however they formed a close friendship that has long outlasted the TV show

She added that she and Meghan first reconnected last year, having formed a friendship during childhood, although Katharine noted that David and Harry have actually grown far closer than the two women.

David even stepped in to help Meghan and Harry organize their recent stay at a $14.1 million mansion in Canada, where they spent several months before moving to Los Angeles earlier this year.

Speaking to DailyMail.com in January, music producer David said that he hooked the royal couple up with the sprawling property, which was located on the waterfront in North Saanich, near Vancouver.

David said his wife Katharine discovered that the Duke and Duchess were in need of a discreet spot for their first Christmas holiday with a then-seven-month-old Archie and Meghan's mother Doria Ragland, and he was happy to oblige.

'I felt honored that I was able to help Meghan there, because I'm a Canadian and we're a commonwealth country, we're the Crown's,' Foster told DailyMail.com. 'It's important to us, so I grew up with that kind of sentiment.

'I was really happy to be able to help them to find a respite just to take a little time off.'

He added that he did not know if the couple were paying rent, saying that he simply helped them make the connection with a close friend, who owns the property.

'The owner has allowed this to happen through me, and I was happy to facilitate,' he said. 'I don't know what their next plans are, but I know that it was reinvigorating for them to spend some downtime.

'This is a great testament to my hometown of Victoria that they were able to go under the radar for so long.'

David and Katharine were not the only people from the Duke and Duchess's close friendship group to be seen in Montecito this weekend however.

Protection: While walking around and setting up the store, Abigail made sure to cover her face with a floral-print scarf

Getting ready! 'The traveling flower shop was an absolute hit, selling out of product in less than two hours with locals stopping to chat and take photos of the actresss picturesque set-up,' an onlooker told DailyMail.com

Cheery: The actress seemed to be in great spirits as she chatted with friends and customers

Entrepreneur: Abigail founded County Line Florals - which is a subscription-based flower delivery service - earlier this year

Meghan may well have had another visitor in the form of her former Suits co-star-turned-close pal Abigail Spencer, who was pictured in the Duke and Duchess's Montecito neighborhood on Friday, when she set up a flower shop pop-up for her new business, County Line Florals.

The actress put on an incredibly chic display in a blue eyelet lace dress, black sandals, and a wide-brim black-and-white hat, finishing off the look with a pair of sunglasses and a pair of hoop earrings. She also added a silk neck scarf that doubled up as a face mask.

According to an onlooker, 39-year-old Abigail's flower pop-up proved incredibly popular with customers, with the Suits star selling out of all her blooms in under two hours.

'The traveling flower shop was an absolute hit, selling out of product in less than two hours with locals stopping to chat and take photos of the actresss picturesque set-up,' the source told DailyMail.com.

Given Abigail and Meghan's close friendship, it's likely the actress stopped in to visit the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at their Montecito home, where they have been living with their one-year-old son Archie since the start of the summer.

Abigail attended Meghan and Harry's wedding in the UK back in 2018, and she was also one of a very select group of guests invited to the Duchess of Sussex's star-studded baby shower in New York in February last year.

The former Suits star set up her flower business, which is a subscription-based service, earlier this year.
Indian Army on Tuesday (September 8) rejected China's claim that the Indian army crossed the Line of Actual Control and fired warning shots near the Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh, stressing that India is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC.

Indian Army said in a statement that China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate and at no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing.

"It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress. In the instant case on 07 September 2020, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops. However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner," said the statement.

"The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility, however is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs. The statement by the Western Theatre Command is an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience," it added.

Sources told Zee Media that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed about the situation at the LAC.

Army Chief also briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about the situation. It is learnt that assessment of situation from local commanders were taken by Army Headquaters on Monday. High level meetings likely in second half in south block and the meeting will be attended by Defence Secretary, CDS and all three chiefs will be part of this.

On Monday (September 7) too, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) tried to intrude from Southern end of the Pangong Lake in Ladakh but the Chinese troops were once again pushed back by Indian forces patrolling along the LAC. This is the third time that the PLA has been defeated by brave Indian soliders at the LAC in the last 83 days.

Earlier, spokesperson of China's Western Theater Command, Colonel Zhang Shiuli, had claimed that while acting provocative, the Indian army crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake. He said that during the operation, the Indian Army opened fire and threatened our soldiers.
RTHK: Tehran launches new case against Zaghari-Ratcliffe

Iran on Tuesday told Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian woman detained in Tehran, that she faces a new indictment, dampening her supporters' hopes of an early release.

She has already spent more than four years in jail or under house arrest since her arrest at Tehran airport in April 2016 after visiting relatives in Iran together with her young daughter.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who at the time worked for the Thomson Reuters Foundation - the media organisation's philanthropic arm - was convicted on sedition charges, which she denies, and sentenced to a five-year jail term.

The new indictment comes after her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, said late last month that he feared his wife could face a second trial.

"I think, behind closed doors, they keep saying there's a second court case," he told the British broadcaster ITV.

On Tuesday, Iranian state television's website Iribnews reported: "The 15th chamber of the Islamic Revolutionary Court summoned Nazanin Zaghari this morning with her lawyer... to notify them of a new indictment".

The report cited "an informed source" but gave no further details on the charges or trial date.

Tulip Siddiq, the British MP for Zaghari-Ratcliffe's constituency, tweeted that she had been in touch with the detainee, confirming that "she was taken to court this morning and told she will face another trial on Sunday".

"I know many people are concerned about her welfare and I'll keep everyone updated when we have more information," said Siddiq, a member of the #FreeNazanin campaign.

Britain's foreign ministry said bringing new charges against Zaghari-Ratcliffe was "indefensible and unacceptable".

"We have been consistently clear that she must not be returned to prison," a ministry spokesperson said.

Already in 2017, when Zaghari-Ratcliffe's family had hoped to obtain her early release, the Iranian Judicial Authority ruled out the possibility, saying there were "two cases" against her.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been on temporary release from Evin prison in Tehran and under house arrest since the spring due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Iran, the worst-hit country in the Middle East, has released tens of thousands of prisoners from its crowded jails to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Media in both the UK and Iran have drawn a possible link between Zaghari-Ratcliffe's detention and a British debt dating back more than 40 years, to when the shah of Iran paid the UK 400 million for 1,500 Chieftain tanks.

When the shah was ousted in 1979, Britain refused to deliver the tanks to the new Islamic Republic but kept the money.

The British government has previously admitted it owes Iran up to 300 million (US$390 million), but both countries have denied any link with the Zaghari-Ratcliffe case.

"Well, of course there should be no link," the detained woman's husband told ITV. "It's completely outrageous to be holding people and using them as collateral."

British daily The Guardian reported on Friday that the UK defence minister, Ben Wallace, had for the first time said he was "actively" seeking to repay a debt to Iran to secure the release of Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other Iranian-British detainees, in a letter to her lawyers.

"With regard to... the outstanding legal dispute, the government acknowledges there is a debt to be paid and continues to explore every legal avenue for the lawful discharge of that debt," he wrote.

A court hearing over the debt is set for November 4, according to The Guardian.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe is among several dual nationals and other foreigners held in Iran on security charges.

They also include Iranian-American businessman Siamak Namazi and his father Mohammad Bagher Namazi.

The Islamic republic does not recognise dual nationality and has lashed out at foreign governments for interfering in what it says are domestic cases. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2020-09-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Aboriginal civilian groups that would oversee police actions are long past due in Canada, says a commissioner who served on the inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 7/9/2020 (500 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Commissioner Michele Audette listens as Bernie Williams testifies at the final day of hearings at the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, in Richmond, B.C., on April 8, 2018. Aboriginal civilian groups that would oversee police actions are long past due in Canada, says a commissioner who served on the inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Michele Audette says it's been obvious for decades that the way police are held accountable is failing Indigenous people and other communities of colour. "It is urgent, very urgent, that we have a civilian body," Audette said in an interview with The Canadian Press from Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Aboriginal civilian groups that would oversee police actions are long past due in Canada, says a commissioner who served on the inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Michele Audette says it's been obvious for decades that the way police are held accountable is failing Indigenous people and other communities of colour.

"It is urgent, very urgent, that we have a civilian body," Audette said in an interview with The Canadian Press from Montreal.

For three years, Audette listened to testimony from Indigenous families and experts. She recalls stories about crime victims not being supported or families not taken seriously when a loved one disappeared. Some spoke about not knowing where to turn if they alleged police were the perpetrators of harm.

The inquiry's final report was delivered to the federal government in June 2019. It included 231 "calls for justice"  many of which included police reform and increased oversight.

It urged federal and provincial governments to establish Indigenous civilian bodies in all jurisdictions to oversee investigations into cases involving Indigenous people.

Nothing happened, Audette said.

A spokesman for Public Safety Canada, which is responsible for policing and police oversight, said the government is working to address the inquiry's report and there have been meetings with Indigenous leaders about Indigenous policing.

"While still early days, it can be expected that questions around effective civilian police oversight and the relationship between Canada's Indigenous population and police services will surface and will need to be carefully assessed as work progresses on this mandate commitment," Tim Warmington said in an email.

Ian McLeod, a federal Justice Department spokesman who could not speak to police oversight specifically, said there is a lot more work to do when it comes to supporting Indigenous people.

"We will continue working with First Nations, Inuit and Metis people, and with provincial, territorial and municipal partners to respond to the (inquiry's) calls for justice," he said in an email.

There are specialized services for Indigenous victims and the government also provides support to community-based programs and family liaison units, McLeod said.

Audette said the tide has started to turn with rallies demanding police reform after the death of George Floyd, a Black man in the United States. A police officer trying to arrest Floyd knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes, even as Floyd said he couldn't breathe.

There are many recent stories about Indigenous people dying during encounters with police.

Three Indigenous people  Eishia Hudson, 16, Jason Collins, 36, and Stewart Andrews, 22  were killed by Winnipeg officers over a 10-day span in April. The province's independent police watchdog is investigating.

In Toronto, Regis Korchinski-Paquet, a 29-year-old Black-Indigenous woman, fell to her death from her balcony in May after police went to her apartment. Her family criticized Ontario's Special Investigation Unit for clearing the officers of wrongdoing and its finding of no "overt racism" in their actions. Of that unit's 52 investigators, two are Indigenous and three are Black.

In June, two Indigenous people died in encounters with police in New Brunswick, including 26-year-old Chantel Moore, who was shot after officers were called to do a wellness check. Quebec's independent investigation unit was brought in to look at the circumstances of Moore's death.

Not a single investigator in that unit is Indigenous.

Audette said it shows the need for Indigenous oversight of such investigations.

"Even if you are a good person, it's just the structure, the culture and  systemic discrimination or racism," she said. "Let's break this by having a civilian body."

Grand Chief Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said First Nations people in his province have been calling for reform for decades. He pointed to the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, which investigated the brutal murder of Helen Betty Osborne near The Pas in 1971 and the fatal Winnipeg police shooting of John Joseph Harper in 1988.

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The shooting of Harper was originally ruled an accident, but the inquiry said the officer used excessive force.

No one was convicted in Osborne's death for 16 years. It was concluded that the most significant factors prolonging the young Cree woman's case were racism, sexism and indifference of white people.

"Fundamentally, the missing piece is there is not enough of a political will and there's not enough of a desire for the institutions to truly address these issues," Dumas said.

He said he must remain hopeful the current push for police reform will finally lead to action.

"The only recourse, really, is to have an independent objective First Nations perspective on oversight of these issues."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 7, 2020
Two Myanmar soldiers gave the military's first documented confession of participating in the massacre of Rohingya Muslims in 2017, the New York Times reports.

The big picture: Thousands of Rohingya adults and children suffered violent deaths in what the United Nations has deemed a genocidal campaign against the Muslim minority. Over one million refugees have been displaced after villages were burned and destroyed, food withheld, men decapitated and women and girls raped, according to witnesses.

What they're saying: Private Myo Win Tun said in video testimony shared with international prosecutors that he participated in killing 30 Rohingya Muslims after receiving an order from his commanding officer in August 2017 to "shoot all you see and all you hear," per the Times.

Private Zaw Naing Tun said that he and his comrades "wiped out about 20 villages" after they were ordered to "kill all you see, whether children or adults."

Both men said that they later dumped the bodies in mass graves, the locations of which were independently confirmed to the Times by multiple villagers.

The big picture: The two soldiers, who fled from Myanmar last month, are effectively in the custody of the the International Criminal Court, which has agreed to investigate the atrocities. Myanmar's government has denied a campaign against its Rohingya population.

Where it stands: The UN's International Court of Justice is also currently overseeing a case, filed by Gambia, that accuses Myanmar of attempting to "destroy the Rohingya as a group, in whole or in part," through torture, killings, rape, beatings, as well as destroying their food and shelter.

Go deeper: Rohingya refugees long to return home but fear what they'd find there
A Christian man has been sentenced to death in Pakistan for sending 'blasphemous' texts to a former supervisor at work.

Asif Pervaiz, 37, has been in custody since 2013 for allegedly insulting Islam and was found guilty in Lahore on Tuesday but denies any wrongdoing.

He claims after quitting his job at a hosiery factory, his supervisor Muhammad Saeed Khokher tried to convert him to Islam.

Pakistani soldiers stand guard outside the Lahore High Court in 2018. A Christian man has been sent to death in Pakistan for sending 'blasphemous' texts to a former supervisor at work

But Asif says when he refused to change his beliefs, he was then accused of having sent blasphemous texts about Islam to his boss.

Asif's lawyer Saif-ul-Malook told Al Jazeera: 'The complainant was a supervisor in a hosiery factory where Asif was working under him.

'He denied the allegations and said that this man was trying to get him to convert to Islam.'

The lawyer added Asif would appeal his sentence of a three-year prison term and a fine of 50,000 Pakistani rupees ($300) for 'misusing' his phone to send the derogatory text message.

The court order said Asif would be 'hanged by his neck till his death' after serving the jail time.

Asif spoke in his own defence during the trial, saying he was confronted by his boss after he quit the factory job.

But Khokher denies wanting to convert his Christian colleague, according to his lawyer, Ghulam Mustafa Chaudhry.

He said: 'He has taken this defence after the fact, because he had no other clear defence. That's why he accused him of trying to convert him.'

Police officers gather at an entry gate of district court after Tahir Shamim Ahmad, who was in court accused of insulting Islam, was shot dead by an assailant who walked into the courtroom

Chaudhry added that other Christians work at the factory and none have accused Khokher of trying to convert them to Islam.

Pakistan has strict blasphemy laws which carry a death penalty for people who insult the Prophet Muhammad, Islam, the Quran or certain holy people.

There are at least 80 people in prison in Pakistan accused of blasphemy, with half facing life sentences or the death penalty, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom found.

An overwhelming 98 per cent of the population follows Islam and critics say the law targets members of other religious groups including Hindus and Christians.

Domestic and international human rights groups say blasphemy allegations have often been used to intimidate minorities and settle personal scores.

People shout slogans as they protest the release of Asia Bibi, a Christian accused of blasphemy, whose death sentence was annulled by the Supreme court, in Lahore, Pakistan, in November 2018

A US citizen of Pakistani origin on a blasphemy trial in the northwestern city of Peshawar in July was shot dead in the courtroom by a teenager who told bystanders he killed him for insulting the Prophet Muhammad.

Since his arrest, the alleged shooter has been glorified as a "holy warrior" by supporters in Pakistan and thousands of Islamists have rallied to demand his release

A Punjab governor was killed by his own guard in 2011 after he defended a Christian woman, Asia Bibi, who was accused of blasphemy.

She was acquitted after spending eight years on death row in a case that drew international media attention.

Faced with death threats from Islamic extremists upon her release, she flew to Canada to join her daughters last year.
West Bengal: Is the Managed Retreat Plan for the Sundarbans Misguided?

by Debjani Bhattacharyya and Megnaa Mehtta

September 08,2020 | Source: The Diplomat

The authors of the Delta Vision 2050 who are proposing managed retreat from the Sundarbans see other challenges to their vision including the unwillingness of the islanders. While we would argue that any plan for managed retreat should pay attention to what people want, what is perhaps less obvious is the diversity of desires, which development workers often read as the failure of consensus building. Sometimes residents are forging different paths, often from within the same neighborhood. The very few local elites of the region are managing their own retreat and have increasingly begun to acquire two bases: a home in the Sundarbans and another in towns neighboring Kolkata such as Canning and Sonakhali.



Yet, Piyali Mondol, an unmarried woman and one of four daughters who collects crabs for a living in the mangrove creeks opposite her home, cannot afford to move. Nor does she want to. It was only last year that Mondol managed to save enough money to convert her mud hut into a brick home. Cyclone Amphan cracked the roof of her house and will potentially send her into a cycle of debt. Most of the population in her island share her fate  they are landless fishing communities and some only have squatters rights. They dont have independent means to leave the Sundarbans or buy lands on higher ground. If the government were to ever come to buy them out for relocation, they will have no land to offer  deepening their precarity even further.



The biggest threat Mondol faces is the Forest Department. Wildlife and conservation laws, starting with the Wildlife Protection Law of 1972, have transformed residents of the Sundarbans into encroachers for inhabiting areas designated for the protection of the Bengal tiger. Intensive policing has turned Mondol from being a custodian of the forest to a trespasser there. These attempts to fence off the forest are both detrimental to the foresters and simultaneously compromise biodiversity. Such conservation methods tend to ignore that forests are also products of human labor and interaction.



In the past decade, in order to wean Mondol off her forest-dependency, several conservation NGOs have given her free chickens and ducks to rear. On the receiving end of a series of development projects, Mondol must negotiate between the good livelihood of raising chickens versus the bad choice of going to the forest. Planned retreat would discipline such patterns of forest dependency by relocating Mondol to a peri-urban location. Mondol is well aware of the crossroads that lie ahead of her. With the onslaught of more cyclones and storms to come, she says, No, I do not want to leave. I like it here the city, with its cars and sounds make me want to vomit. She only wishes to escape the surveillance of the Forest Department and remain in the mangroves. As her neighbor points out: It is not the tiger that is killing us, it is the fear of the Forest Department that forces us into the mouth of the tiger.



Upon asking Mondol about potential future storms that might do even more damage than Amphan, her response echoes that of several others, including Bimla Sarkar. She replied: let another storm come we were born here and will die here  what can we do? Our life is cheap. They [the government] havent even built us a hospital here. No one is yet asking what futures in the Sundarban would look like if provisions for basic services and infrastructures were brought to the islands. The majority of Sundarban residents have an attachment to home, a community of relatives and neighbors, and the daily rhythms of life alongside a forest and the accompanying village festival calendar.



Taruq Mistry, on the other hand, imagines his future differently from Mondol and Sarkar. He is in his mid-30s with two young children and makes a living by working as a daily wage field laborer. Mistry desires a different home elsewhere  but one with access to a livelihood. With a stable source of income, he hopes to be able to provide a better education to his children than the one he had access to while growing up. With relation to planned retreat, he responded by saying, The government would never do that, but if they did, I would go I dont want to live here anymore. There are more jobs in [the southern Indian states of] Kerala and Tamil Nadu, here we have no jobs. But leaving is not that easy for Mistry either. While he is drawn to the life in the city and its opportunities for work, he was aware that his wife desires no such move. The last time they were in the city for a medical visit, commuting on a train or bus made her sick, and the food, water, and air in the city didnt suit her. Besides, the two have ailing and elderly parents in the Sundarbans who would not be able to leave the moist airs of the mangroves for the smog of the higher grounds.



Yet no one knows if the next cyclone might be the one that shifts Mondols desires and make her want to leave. Likewise, one cannot ever discount the fact that after a few years on a factory shop floor in Tamil Nadu, Mistry might want to return to his village. What we heard was not the lack of consensus building or the awareness of climate threats, but a crucial and overlooked aspect of the lives of residents of the Sunderbans: the provisioning of basic infrastructure for a dignified life. A thread that runs through the residents aspirations is that they want to escape from the lack of basic necessities as much as  if not more than  they want to escape the rising waters. If Mondol wanted hospitals, Mistry wanted opportunities for work and access to better education for his children  none of which they felt the government would grant them in the delta or elsewhere.



Moving People



Independent India is familiar with mass displacement of population in the name of development. Indias experiment with industrial modernization meant homelessness for thousands of people in independent India, who were forced to remake their lives in urban and peri-urban areas housed in furnace-like metal shacks and remade as laborers in a wage economy. Sundarban itself is no stranger to the violence of displacement. The memory of the 1979 massacre in an island named Marichjhapi is all too alive.



The island of Marichjhapi was being used by the Forest Department for coconut plantations when lower-caste refugees from Bangladesh, who were promised and then denied resettlement by the West Bengal Left Front government, began making a home on the island. In 1979, the West Bengal government decided to forcibly clear the island of the new settlements. Recounting the massacre from oral histories of survivors, the number of people killed and thrown into the Rai Mangal river is in the thousands, in contrast to the Indian governments official estimates that put the death toll in the dozens. This tragedy shows how the state gave primacy to ecology and revenue generation over people. Is planned retreat again pitting the health of the forest against its custodians?



There have recently been experiments with managed retreats globally, often led or lobbied for by the Dutch. The Dutch Room For River Project, which was conceived in 2007 and completed in 2015, has been hailed as a pioneering success in managed retreat. With a budget of 2.2 billion euros, the Dutch began to protect flood plains and create spaces for the river to flood. In the process, they moved away from policies of raising the dykes in some parts of the floodplains in and around the town of Nijmegen. While not every resident whose house was demolished was happy about the outcome, the project has been hailed a success and is now being either replicated or considered in many parts of the world threatened by floods. The Indonesian President Joko Widodos announcement to move the capital away from the sinking space of Jakarta is the latest managed retreat. Nineteenth-century Dutch colonialism created the water crisis for Jakarta and now contemporary Dutch global water governance brings it the solution.



In some instances, retreat has been the product of collective organizing as in the low-lying Beachwood community in Staten Island, a predominantly white borough, which lobbied the governor of New York to have their homes bought out by the government and allow them to relocate elsewhere. This began the process of unbuilding the South Shore as a floodplain for future storms. Managed retreat in North America is a story of race too. While there has been successful community organizing for retreat, predominantly in white floodplain communities, that is not the case for instance in the disappearing marshlands of Isle de Jean in New Orleans, which was destroyed by the oil industry, and whose inhabitants are mostly members of the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw tribe. Tribe members want to remain and hold onto their way of life in the marshes, even though they have to gradually raise their homes as the waters steadily rise. They would rather have the oil companies retreat so that they can continue with their marshy lives.



The conflict here is not simply between the sinking marshes and rising waters, but between two economic arrangements of space: flourishing from subsistence fishing and foraging versus profiting from fossil fuel extraction. Climate policy discussions often fail to substantially engage with the economic arrangements of subsistence versus capitalist growth and productivity when it comes to spaces like the low-lying Tuvalu in the Pacific. Carol Farbotko, who is a cultural geographer by training, has termed climate policy discussions over Pacific islands as wishful sinking. The Pacific Islands have become sites of global climate anxiety and experiments projected onto an uneven economic geography. Their disappearance index both the evidence of climate change for climate deniers in Northern nations as well as the tragedy unfolding for the global commons.



When the Water Comes



Planned retreat in the Sundarbans will funnel fishers, foresters, and honey-collectors into the dust-laden air of the neighboring city of Kolkata, to become low-wage workers in the building and construction industry. The real-estate boom in Kolkata, which is fast gobbling up the critical wetlands on the edge of the delta, will further devastate the mangroves by altering the hydrological structure of the region.



A different future is possible in the Sundarbans if we carefully listen to Piayli, Tarqu, and Sarkar. We have to rethink governance as a community asset: Whereby Sundarbans residents can be given the capacities to maintain their own embankments, build houses attuned to their own knowledge systems, and use the fruits of the forest through ideas of collective ownership. There is a long history of people who saw the landscape as flood dependent, rather than a flood risk. They knew how to move with the river, cultivate newly formed fertile alluvial mudflats, and sustain themselves from the thriving mangroves.



Climate change has offered us a frame to make sense of the mobile landscape as one vulnerable to the furies of wind and tides. But land here has been moving for a long time, perhaps at a slower pace than our current moment. For instance, it did not escape the notice of 19th century British geologists who marveled and shuddered at how land in the Bengal delta is in a constant state of flux sculpted by the moods of the river and the sea. Farmers often call their flooded paddy fields teeming with fish life jami jalajanta in Bengali  land brimming with life. Rhythms of the sea, the moving mangroves, and the river define their relation to the land and shape their livelihood.



The forest of the Sundarbans is known by residents who live alongside it as Maar Khamor, which literally translates into mothers pantry  the mother here is the forest goddess Bonbibi and her forest is thought of as a commons in times of need. When we begin to treat islanders as custodians and not invaders of the forest, the paradigm of retreat would need to focus on the real threats to the delta  our carbon intensive livelihoods of concrete, cement, luxury cruises, fishing trawlers, and coal plants.



If Bimla Sarkar states after surviving a series of cyclones that the Sundarbans is where she was born and this is where she will die, could it be the case that her willingness to die in a certain way goes alongside a particular commitment to life? This is not just an idea of staying alive, but of living a fuller form of life, within her structural constraints, defined by her own parameters of what it means to live well and live autonomously.
On Monday, in the morning, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Mrs Kaye de Jersey departed Government House for Regional Government House operations in Gladstone.

Following, at Maryborough, His Excellency and Mrs de Jersey visited St Helens State School, and the Governor addressed students and guests and Mrs de Jersey read a book to students and guests.

Following, at Maryborough, His Excellency and Mrs de Jersey toured the Achievers Walk and the Governor unveiled a plaque.

Following, at Maryborough, His Excellency and Mrs de Jersey toured Maryborough on the Mary Ann Steam Train.

Following, at Maryborough, His Excellency and Mrs de Jersey visited the Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial, and the Governor and Mrs de Jersey laid a wreath.

In the afternoon, at Maryborough, His Excellency and Mrs de Jersey received a briefing from Fraser Coast Regional Council representatives.

Following, at Maryborough, His Excellency took a guided tour of the PL Travers Story Bank.

Following, at the Brolga Theatre, Maryborough, His Excellency and Mrs de Jersey hosted a community afternoon tea, and the Governor addressed guests.

Following, at Gladstone, His Excellency and Mrs de Jersey received a briefing from Gladstone Regional Council representatives.

In the evening, at Gladstone Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gladstone, His Excellency and Mrs de Jersey hosted a reception in support of the Gladstone community, and the Governor addressed guests.
At the beginning of this pandemic, it was our understanding that we all needed to accept the responsibility of lessening the burden on the healthcare system and decrease the death rate. With that said, we believe that our medical providers have more than adequate resources and availability to serve those in need, the letter said. In addition, we do not see an increase in the death rate in this region and in fact it seems to be steadily decreasing.
Corporate diversity and board diversity go hand in hand  leadership starts at the top. To best serve the broader stakeholder community, companies need to understand their employees' communities, have a clear point of view and set a purposeful course of action. By joining the alliance, signatories voluntarily commit to accelerate change by supporting a concerted enterprise transformation approach to diversity by integrating talent, accountability and engagement.

Specific signatory commitments include:

Increasing the number of Black directors on the board of directors to one or more;

Disclosing of the self-identified race and ethnicity of directors on corporate boards;

Reporting on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion measures on an annual basis.

Founding signatories include Dow, Macy's, Mastercard, PNC, Uber, UPS, and WW.

The Board Diversity Action Alliance will lead the focused and aligned effort to quantify, convene and amplify the work being done by building partnerships with the corporate and non-profit community to increase awareness and expand influence. Visit www.boarddiversityactionalliance.com to learn more.

Ursula M. Burns, former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Xerox Corporation, current board director of Uber, Nestle, ExxonMobil and Datto, and Teneo Senior Advisor, said "We know that leadership starts at the top and presence makes an impact. If the outcome we seek is one where companies value the positive differences of the customers they serve and the communities where they operate, then we need to accelerate the drive for more inclusive representation on boards. This is the reason we formed the Board Diversity Action Alliance . . . to engage people and companies in positions of influence to be the change we want to see and push for more progress."

Gabrielle Sulzberger, former Chair of the Board of Whole Foods, current board director of Mastercard and Brixmor Property Group and co-founder and general partner of Fontis Partners, said "Ultimately we believe diversity of background, perspective and experience make for more robust decision making and resilient organizations overall and is therefore in the best interest of all of our employees, customers, and importantly, our stockholders. This must have its foundations at the very top of the organization and is why Board Diversity Action Alliance is so focused on the diversity of corporate boards."

Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, said "The mission of the Ford Foundation is addressing poverty, inequality and injustice. We know that to drive more inclusive capitalism for the benefit of all stakeholders, we must address the unbalanced structural incentives that are distorting our economy. This work starts with the board of directors. Foundations, like Ford, must continue to do more and the Board Diversity Action Alliance brings together the right voices to advance this pressing work."

Crystal Ashby, Interim President and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council, said "It is not an option, but a business imperative, to have Black men and women directors on today's corporate boards. Increased board diversity as a priority enhances corporate reputation, helps improve company performance and positively impacts board performance. It also sends a strong message to the employee population of a company's authentic commitment to diversity as demonstrated by the intentional action of leadership."

Tonie Leatherberry, Board Chair of The Executive Leadership Council, said "The ELC's north star is to increase the number of Black executives on corporate boards. As corporate leaders, we have witnessed how board diversity broadens the ability of companies to more effectively meet the market due to an expanded understanding of differing demographics. Without a diverse board, companies risk missing out on diverse ideas that come with a diverse leadership"

Declan Kelly, Chairman and CEO of Teneo, said "Board diversity and especially increasing the number of Black executives on boards is a critical issue for CEOs and corporate directors. Teneo is proud to be involved in driving this important diversity initiative and we will continue to dedicate the resources of our firm to help ensure its success."

Teneo

Teneo is the global CEO advisory firm. Working exclusively with the CEOs and senior executives of the world's leading companies, Teneo provides strategic counsel across their full range of key objectives and issues. Our clients include a significant number of the Fortune 100 and FTSE 100, as well as other global corporations. Integrating the disciplines of strategic communications, investor relations, digital advisory, diversity & inclusion, management consulting, physical & cyber risk advisory, financial advisory, corporate governance advisory, political risk advisory, and talent advisory. The Firm has more than 800 employees located in 20 offices around the world. (www.teneo.com)

Ford Foundation

The Ford Foundation is an independent, nonprofit grant-making organization. For more than 80 years it has worked with courageous people on the frontlines of social change worldwide, guided by its mission to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. With headquarters in New York, the foundation has offices in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. (www.fordfoundation.org)

Executive Leadership Council

The Executive Leadership Council is the preeminent membership organization committed to increasing the number of global Black executives in C-Suites, on corporate boards and in global enterprises. Our purpose is to open channels of opportunity for the development of black executives to positively impact business and our communities. (www.elcinfo.com)

SOURCE Teneo

Related Links

https://www.teneo.com


ACCRA, GHANA, AFRICA  7 September 2020 - Currently, thousands of maternal women, cancer patients, children with sickle cell disease, and others who need life-saving blood transfusion are at risk. This is due to an 80% drop in blood collections according to the National Blood Service.

In her June Statement, First Lady of Ghana Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo said, It is in these times of crisis, that we must come together to save lives. So today I am supporting the call for all healthy Ghanaian citizens, to be Champions of Change. Please give blood and save lives.

The Queen Mothers of Ghana are mobilizing to help. The initiative, known as the Champions of Change, will create awareness on the critical importance of blood donation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative includes a social media campaign as well as the upcoming one-day workshop on 7 September in Accra organized for the Queen Mothers.

The workshop will deliver tools and strategies around donor recruitment and retention to support Queen Mothers in their community outreach. The goal is to help build capacity for safe, available and accessible blood for patients all over the country.

Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies in partnership with the Global Blood Fund are behind the Champions of Change initiative in Ghana, lending their expertise and support to bring key stakeholders together to create awareness on the critical importance of blood donation during the crisis.

Approximately 80% of blood collections in Ghana are from students in secondary and tertiary schools and donations mobilized by faith-based organizations. However, due to the necessary response to curb the spread of COVID-19, schools have been closed and large religious gatherings reduced, leading to 80% fewer blood collections recorded by the National Blood Service.

We laud the First Lady and Queen Mothers efforts to develop the health infrastructure in your communities and gladly share our global experiences to help craft solutions for you. This is part of our commitment to serve in the communities in which we operate, said Antoinette Gawin, President and CEO, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. Each of us has nine pints of blood, and it takes only one pint to save a life.

Dr. Justina Ansah, CEO at the National Blood Service, Ghana (NBSG), said, We are optimistic that this campaign will reach far and wide for every healthy Ghanaian to make the decision to donate blood to save a life.

Champions of Change partners in Ghana include The Rebecca Foundation; the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation; the Institute for Research, Advocacy and Training (INSRAT); and SMART Global.

About Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies

Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a medical device company. Our products, software and services enable customers to collect and prepare blood and cells to help treat the challenging diseases and conditions of today and tomorrow. Our associates in more than 130 countries believe in the potential of blood and cells to do even more for patients than they do today. terumobct.com

About Global Blood Fund

Global Blood Fund is a non-profit established in 2008 and registered as a charity in both the US and UK. It is run by practising blood banking professionals who share a deep concern about the huge global inequalities in access to safe blood and a determination to do something about this problem. The aim is simple; to save lives by improving the availability and safety of blood in some of the worlds poorest nations.

About National Blood Service Ghana

The mandate of the National Blood Service, Ghana, is to ensure an effective and coordinated national approach to the provision of safe, adequate and efficacious, blood and blood products, making it timely, accessible and affordable to all patients requiring blood transfusion therapy in both public and private health care institutions in the country.
The Tory civil war over Europe exploded back into life last night after ministers admitted that planned changes to the Brexit deal would break international law.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis stunned MPs by confirming that proposals to 'clarify' Boris Johnson's deal would breach the international treaty he signed.

Downing Street had sought to play down controversy over the Internal Market Bill legislation, which will limit the role of the EU in Northern Ireland after Brexit.

It said the 'limited clarifications' were needed to protect the peace process if talks on a trade deal break down.

Asked directly whether the Government's proposals were illegal, Mr Lewis said: 'Yes, this does break international law in a very specific and limited way.'

Whitehall sources said there was 'strong precedent' for the UK occasionally breaching treaty obligations in exceptional circumstances, such as the refusal to give prisoners the vote.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis stunned MPs by confirming that proposals to 'clarify' Boris Johnson's deal would breach the international treaty he signed. Pictured: Johnson on Tuesday

Brussels threatened to make food exports from Great Britain to Northern Ireland illegal Michel Barnier's team made threats to make food exports from Great Britain to Northern Ireland illegal if the UK did not bow to their trade deal demands, it emerged today. The chief negotiator's warning prompted the government to make legal changes to the Withdrawal Agreement, according to the Sun. Under the deal, the export of products of animal origin, including meat, fish, shellfish, eggs and dairy from the UK mainland to Northern Ireland will be subject to EU oversight. After Brussels warned the UK might not be on an approved list in the event of a No Deal, ministers demanded new domestic legislation in the Withdrawal Agreement, to avoid exports being made illegal. Advertisement

But Mr Lewis's comments triggered a backlash led by former prime minister Theresa May and prompted warnings the move could undermine fragile hopes of a Brexit trade deal.

Earlier, the row prompted the resignation of Sir Jonathan Jones, head of the Government's legal department.

Sir Jonathan gave no public reason for his decision to quit, but a former colleague said: 'He is not someone who has ever wanted to push himself into the limelight. If he has done this, it demonstrates that he must see what they are doing as a terrible insult to the law.'

Last night there were rumours that Scotland's Advocate General, Lord Keen, was also considering quitting.

The Attorney General's office confirmed that its director general, Rowena Collins Rice, was leaving, but insisted it was unrelated.

Attorney General Suella Braverman and Justice Secretary Robert Buckland also faced calls to quit. But sources said both ministers would stay.

Whitehall sources also played down suggestions that the move could be a breach of the ministerial code, which stipulates an 'over-arching duty to comply with the law'.

Sources said explicit references to international law had been removed by then prime minister David Cameron.

The decision to make unilateral changes to the Brexit deal's Northern Ireland Protocol split Tory MPs. Mrs May warned there could be no back-tracking on the Withdrawal Agreement, which was approved by MPs in January.

In a pointed question to Mr Lewis, she asked: 'How can the Government reassure future international partners that the UK can be trusted to abide by the legal obligations in the agreements it signs?'

Earlier, the row prompted the resignation of Sir Jonathan Jones, head of the Government's legal department

Sir Bob Neill, chairman of the Commons justice committee, said he would vote against the 'very troubling' plans.

He added: 'No country can ever break its international obligations. The UK and the Conservative Party are all about the rule of law.'

Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the Commons defence committee, warned that Britain's ability to stand up to law-breaking by Russia, China and Iran would be 'severely weakened' if it was seen to break international law deliberately.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer insisted it was 'wrong' for the UK to break its word.

But Tory Eurosceptics urged ministers to go further and tear up the Withdrawal Agreement completely if the EU refuses to do a trade deal.

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said the Government was 'quite within its rights' to take unilateral action.

Attorney General Suella Braverman (pictured) and Justice Secretary Robert Buckland also faced calls to quit. But sources said both ministers would stay

Sir Bernard Jenkin, chairman of the Commons liaison committee, said: 'If the EU insists on an unreasonable interpretation of the Withdrawal Agreement, the UK must stand ready to repudiate it.

'I hope it is not necessary, but if it is the only way to achieve UK prosperity and the kind of sovereign independence which is the democratic right of any nation then so be it.'

Bob Blackman, of the backbench 1922 Committee, said: 'It would be wholly irresponsible of the Government not to take measures to ensure the integrity of the United Kingdom and to preserve the ability of Northern Ireland businesses to trade with the rest of the United Kingdom.'

Mr Lewis said the planned changes to the law were needed to prevent Northern Ireland's status as part of the UK being undermined by a deal which will leave it effectively within the EU's single market and customs union.

Changes will prevent the blanket imposition of EU tariffs on goods being sent from the mainland to Northern Ireland. Goods sent from the province to the rest of the UK will not require export declarations.

Ministers have also acted to prevent the EU extending jurisdiction over state aid rules in Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK.

But the decision to override the 'direct effect' of EU law in these areas risks denting hopes of a Brexit deal.

Trade talks resumed in London yesterday between Mr Johnson's chief negotiator, David Frost, and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier.

One EU diplomat said rewriting parts of the Brexit deal would have 'huge negative consequences' on the talks. The insider added: 'Who would want to agree trade deals with a country that doesn't implement international treaties?'

But Whitehall sources insisted there were precedents for the move, including Canada's 2018 decision to legalise cannabis in violation of international narcotics treaties.

A disdain for rules that still haunts Blair

By Simon Walters for the Daily Mail

The last Prime Minister to provoke the resignation of a Whitehall legal mandarin by flouting international law is still haunted by the consequences.

Elizabeth Wilmshurst, Foreign Office legal expert, resigned on the eve of the 2003 Iraq War in protest at Tony Blair's secret last-minute decision to overturn her official advice that it broke international law.

He did so after Attorney General Lord Goldsmith, under massive pressure from No 10, conveniently changed his previous advice that it was illegal without a second United Nations ruling.

The rest, as they say, is history.

The resignation yesterday of the head of the Government's legal department, Jonathan Jones, may not be a matter of war and peace. But the principle is the same: the dangers for Britain of a Prime Minister making up international law as he goes along are clear.

The last Prime Minister to provoke the resignation of a Whitehall legal mandarin by flouting international law is still haunted by the consequences. Pictured: Tony Blair

As was the case with the Iraq War row, the legal details concerning Mr Jones's departure are complicated.

But Mr Johnson only has himself to blame for the most controversial element, his decision to go back on the agreement with the EU concerning Northern Ireland. Last November, when he was trying to woo Ulster Unionists to back his Brexit deal, he promised there would be no customs checks between Britain and Northern Ireland when we finally leave the EU.

Critics said he could never deliver such a commitment. Sure enough, the Unionists duly accused Mr Johnson of betrayal when he went back on the pledge in the EU withdrawal agreement he signed with Brussels. Now he has gone back on that too.

Nor is it only the EU who are crying foul. If Mr Johnson flagrantly breaks this international law how on earth could any country trust him to abide by any other treaty, demanded his No 10 predecessor, Theresa May, yesterday.

Elizabeth Wilmshurst, Foreign Office legal expert, resigned on the eve of the 2003 Iraq War

His hope that he could explain away rewriting his Brexit deal as merely tying up 'loose ends' was blown out of the water when Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis openly admitted it breached international law.

For Tony Blair, international legal niceties mattered less than the fact that despite being told by his own legal chiefs that the Iraq War was illegal, he had promised US President George Bush (again in secret) a year earlier that he would do just that.

Unlike Mr Blair, no one can accuse Mr Johnson of not being open about his intentions.

He won an election landslide pledging to 'get Brexit done'. Critics accused him of similar reckless bravado last year when he said Britain would leave the EU, 'no ifs or buts' and  eventually  did just that.

After seeing Brexit in danger of coming undone under law-abiding but lacklustre Mrs May, many of the millions who voted for Mr Johnson will not care about the legal small print.

In his defence his latest move may be more akin to an unlawful but possibly effective tactical ploy in the long-running Brexit diplomatic war, rather than, in Mr Blair's case, an illegal move in a real war.

As with Mr Johnson on Brexit, Mr Blair had gung-ho public support for the Iraq War.

Two decades later, I would estimate a majority wishes Mr Blair had not forced little-known civil service lawyer Mrs Wilmshurst to walk out.

Mr Johnson will be hoping that history is kinder to him for forcing little-known Mr Jones out.
Australia's ecologists say they face gags on getting their information into the public domain, potentially leading to poor policy outcomes for issues ranging from threatened species to tackling climate change.

A survey of 220 people conducted by the Ecological Society of Australia and published on Wednesday in the Conservation Letters journal, found about half of government respondents, and almost 40 per cent of industry respondents, had been prohibited from public communication about their research.

Ecologist Sonya Ku and conservationist Malcolm Fisher go searching for climbing galaxias fish in Manly Dam. A new report warns that ecologists fear increased restrictions on getting their information into the public domain. Credit:James Brickwood

"Suppressing expert knowledge can hide environmentally damaging practices and policies from public scrutiny," the paper said.

Of the 220 surveyed, 88 were from universities, 79 from governments, 47 from industry, with the other six declining to give a classification.
T his is the moment a goat was caught on camera inside a US police car, chewing on a stack of paperwork before butting an officer to the ground.

The bizarre body-cam footage was recorded last week in Georgia by a police deputy and posted to the Facebook page of Douglas County Sheriffs Office.

The officer was serving civil papers to a house in the area and returned to her vehicle to find the animal sitting on the police car's front seat.

In the footage, she is seen grabbing the goat, which continues to keenly eat through the paperwork, and snatching files from under the animal's hooves.

She then successfully coaxes the goat out of the car, but it headbutts the deputy while she attempts to wrestle a piece of paper from its mouth, knocking her to the ground, before fleeing the scene.

Despite her fall, the deputy was not physically injured during the encounter, the Douglas County Sheriffs Office said.

The department's Facebook post accompanying the footage of the incident read: "To explain what you are about to see, the deputy went to a residence to serve some civil papers.

"The deputy explained that due to the number of houses she visits daily, she routinely leaves her vehicle's door open because she has had to retreat on a number of occasions from vicious dogs.

"Never once did she expect or even consider what was about to happen this day!"

The post added: "Even though she was knocked to the ground she was not physically harmed in the incident.

"At the end of the day we all got a little laugh out of it and we hope you do as well!'"
How do you scratch the adventure sailing itch when air travel is challenging and a worldwide pandemic restricts entry to some countries? To paraphrase Dorothy Gale, you dont need to look any farther than your own back yard. Close-to-home charters are often overlooked for exotic destinations farther afield but theres great sailing to fun places to be had just a car ride away, and theres never been a better time to explore.





The Northeast

Trying to describe bareboat chartering in the Northeastern United States is like the classic parable about the blind men trying to describe an elephant by touching just one part. There are so many different faces to the Northeast that many skippers have spent a lifetime exploring these waters and still havent scratched the surface.

The coastline and islands of New England are rich in maritime history. Pilgrims and whaling ships plied these waters, and the area is marked by picturesque harbors and a sophisticated charm. Theres no better starting point than Newport, Rhode Island, with its long yachting history, bustling harbor and Colonial streets that balance the Beaux Arts summer home mansions of the Wall Street barons.





Just 15 miles offshore is Block Island with its single village (rent a bike to explore). Dont leave before the boat from Aldos Bakery makes the rounds of the anchorage, or youll miss fabulous pastries. Another 25 miles is Marthas Vineyard, with resortlike Edgartown and more traditional Vineyard Haven. You can explore the Elizabeth Islands and then head for Cape Cod and the Massachusetts coast, with famed ports such as Marblehead

and Gloucester.





In no time, youre in Maine, which old sailors called Down East. Rugged and serrated, a charter on this coast is like stepping back in time. Lobster fishing and boatbuilding are traditions in the small mainland and island towns and, even in the summer tourist season, life continues at a quiet and relaxed pace. You could spend your entire charter poking around Penobscot Bay, which has the picturesque ports of Camden and Rockport. From Penobscot Bay, you can exit via Eggemoggin Reach next to Deer Island and then head for Mount Desert Island.
Delhi-based lawyer Saurabh Kirpal, who was one of the lawyers who successfully challenged Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code in the Supreme Court in 2018, has alleged that he was blocked from becoming a judge of the Delhi high court because he is gay.

Kirpal, 48, said he was first asked if he was open to become a HC judge in April 2017 and filled a form as part of his formal consent.

The proposal was cleared by the high court collegium which comprised justices Geeta Mittal, Sanjeev Khanna and Ravindra Bhatt, but got stuck when it was sent to the Intelligence Bureau and Supreme Court for further clearances.

Between September 2018 and April 2019, Kirpals elevation came up thrice in the top courts collegiums, according to Him, but the decision was deferred each time.

My professional competence was known to the high court and the Supreme Court collegium and my case for elevation was presumably not deferred for that reason. Media reports seemed to indicate the issue might have been the nationality of my partner who is Swiss. Had I been a straight man with a foreign spouse, this would not have been an issue; former Supreme Court judges have had foreign spouses. But it became an issue only because I am not, Kirpal told HT.

The top courts website that lists the names of candidates considered by the SC collegium continues to cite Kirpals case, indicating it was considered. The last time the SC collegium met was on August 20 under Chief Justice of India SA Bobde.

HT spoke to a judicial officer who was aware of the case and confirmed that the Intelligence Bureau asked for more time to look into the allegation of his relationship. The SC collegium, he said, could have ignored IBs report but they decided to wait for their clearance.

When contacted, an IB official said,  The SC has decriminalised section 377, so why should it be a factor?

But Kirpal said he believed his sexuality was the only stumbling block. The aim was to have diversity on the bench. I really believe it could change the lives of so many LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender] people in India.

In 2018, Kirpal was part of the legal team that argued against section 377, which criminalized intercourse against the order of nature. On September 6, 2018 the top court read down the colonial law and decriminalised homosexuality.
At the beginning of this unprecedented crisis, when speed was the most important and it was critical for us to get to the most vulnerable in our society and when uncertainty was the highest, our funds resources filled that dire early funding gap, Penny Pritzker said at a news conference announcing the final round of grants.
Secure web gateway facilities assists companies to upgrade business functionality by improving productivity in a cost-efficient manner and presenting SME's as top adopters.

DUBAI, UAE / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / The secure web gateway market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 21% through the forecast period (2019-2029) across the globe while Latin America is anticipated to overtake North America after recording a CAGR of 24%. On the basis of end-user segment, the fast growth of SaaS (Software-as-a-service) application is motivating cloud-integrated web gateway.

"Small and medium enterprises settled in Europe, Latin America and MEA are motivating revenue generation by procuring secure web gateway. These enterprises are procuring to cloud-integrated security for a proper traffic before the traffic actually arrives at the destination through internet," states the FMI Analyst.

Request a report sample to gain comprehensive market insights at https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3518

Secure Web Gateway Market - Key Highlights

As Latin America exhibits a CAGR of 24%, this region is expected to overtake North America by 2026.

On the basis of industry segmentation, BFSI accounts for almost 1/5 of global adoption of SWG.

Market vendors have shifted their focus to URL filtering, malware defense, and tunnelling options.

On the basis of region, Europe has taken the spotlight with Western Europe being at the top.

Secure Web Gateway Market - Driving Factors

Wide applications and adoption of secure web gateway in e-commerce and retails industries is driving the market.

Network designing and integration services is gaining pace in the developing economies and contributing to the economy.

MEA is set to provide series of opportunities and is said to be the most lucrative of all.

As the financial and industrial sectors are digitalizing themselves by adopting SWG, this market is growing at a considerable rate.

Secure Web Gateway Market - Key Constraints

Internet reliance drives the fear of cyber-attacks and manipulation of data, therefore causing hindrance.

Businesses are not ready to disclose information to internet tools and want to be on the safe side always.

Buy Now@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/3518

Expected Impact on Market by Coronavirus Outbreak

Growth of SWG market will not suffer much of a loss because social distancing norms will only promote internet reliance and people will avoid the manual process. In the coming years, the SWG market is only expected to rise owing to the digitalization of industrial as well as financial sectors. Therefore, it is probably safe to assume that SWG market will gain proper momentum and will not suffer much loss.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the market include Symantec, Forcepoint, Cisco Umbrella, Zscaler, Inc., McAfee, LLC, Trend Micro Incorporated etc.

Small and Medium Enterprises are expected to be the top adopters of SWG. Companies are working thoroughly to enhance the condition of secure web gateway tools The tools include real-time traffic inspection, protection for off-grid workers, and time- and content-based access and data leak prevention and other operating systems. These factors will lead to the growth of the secure web gateway market on a global scale.

For any Queries Linked with the Report, Ask an Analyst@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-3518

More on the report

FMI's report presents segmentation in 5 major types- component (solutions, services, and major services), deployment (cloud and on-premise), enterprise size, industry (BFSI, Healthcare etc.) and region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Russia etc)

Explore Wide-ranging Coverage of FMI's Technology Landscape

Threat Intelligence Market FMI's report presents market outlooks, key finding and strategies with parent market trends and segmentation on the basis of service, deployment mode, industry region etc.

Radar Security Market FMI's analysis gives an insight into RADAR market trends, issues and challenges. It provides key strategies of the companies and a neutral perspective on market performance.

About FMI

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, and has delivery centers in the UK, U.S. and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.

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SOURCE: Future Market Insights

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Young people were handed a stark warning tonight that the UK faces more lockdown misery unless they start obeying social distancing rules.

Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock joined medical experts in delivering a desperate appeal for 20 and 30-somethings to rein in their behaviour, amid growing alarm over a surge in cases.

In a potential sign of things to come for the rest of the country, the Health Secretary announced that pubs in Bolton must shut their doors to stem a flare-up. With immediate effect, they can only serve takeaway, and are obliged to close between 10pm and 5am.

Mr Hancock said the dramatic action - along with giving legal force to a ban on mixing outside your own household - was needed as the area has the highest rate of cases in the UK, at 120 per 100,000 people.

Those in Bolton showed no sign of heading for a final night of carnage following the announcement, with all ten pubs in the deserted Churchgate - the town's busiest area for drinkers - already shut to customers ahead of the new closure time of 10pm.

Speaking tonight, one pub worker said: 'Tuesdays are not traditionally a busy night so the bosses decided to close. Many of the other pubs have done the same because they are thinking "Why bother?"

'I hope it doesn't last long because I rely on this job. Hopefully we will get furloughed again until we can re-open.'

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson has warned he 'will not hesitate' to impose tougher measures to tackle a renewed threat from Covid.

The PM is on the verge of slashing the legal limit on private gatherings, potentially as early as tomorrow, to assuage concerns about the level of infections in the UK. Cases were well over 2,000 for the third day running, while 30 deaths were declared today - the highest for six weeks.

Those in Bolton showed no sign of heading for a final night of carnage following the announcement, with all ten pubs in the deserted Churchgate - the town's busiest area for drinkers - already shut to customers ahead of the new closure time of 10pm

Pictured: Closed pubs in the centre of Bolton following the Government's announcement of further lockdown measures

The Health Secretary announced that pubs in Bolton must shut their doors to stem a flare-up. With immediate effect, they can only serve takeaway, and are obliged to close between 10pm and 5am

Mr Hancock said the dramatic action - along with giving legal force to a ban on mixing outside your own household - was needed as the area has the highest rate of cases in the UK, at 120 per 100,000 people. Pictured: Bolton today

Pictured: Women wearing face masks walk through a deserted Bolton town centre after new measures were imposed today

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson has warned he 'will not hesitate' to impose tougher measures to tackle a renewed threat from Covid. Pictured: Bolton today

Pictured: A handful of people walk through Bolton town centre after new coronavirus measures were imposed today

The number of people legally allowed to meet up in private homes could be reduced in England from the current maximum of 30, potentially to as low as six, and subject to fines running into thousands of pounds. It is not expected the change would cover venues such as pubs, which have 'Covid Secure' measures in place.

Addressing his Cabinet this morning, Mr Johnson warned that in other countries the rise in infections 'was followed a couple of weeks later by a rise in hospitalisations'. He said that was due to young people picking up the disease and then 'going on to infect other generations'.

No10 refused to confirm that the limit on gatherings will definitely be tightened this week, but insisted the government was taking the situation 'extremely seriously' and 'will not hesitate' to act if necessary.

However, the move immediately sparked anger from Tory MPs who pointed out that infection levels remain extremely low. One former minister told MailOnline it would be 'dreadful and disproportionate', an 'enormous intrustion into private life' and 'rule by directive'.

In other developments in the coronavirus crisis today:

The number of people dying from coronavirus in the UK fell to a 24-week low in the final week of August, official data revealed. A total of 73 people died from Covid-19 in England and Wales in the week ending August 28, according to the Office for National Statistics;

Nicola Sturgeon risked a fresh row with today after she said the Scottish government is 'not encouraging people to rush back to the office';

England's deputy chief medical officer warned coronavirus must be taken very seriously again or the UK will face 'a bumpy ride over the next few months';

The director of the government's test and trace system has admitted that screening for the public is being held back by problems with testing capacity.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that bars and restaurants in Bolton will only be allowed to serve takeaway, and must close between 10pm and 5am

Boris Johnson (pictured chairing Cabinet today) and his senior ministers are working out how to deal with concerns about rising infections - which have topped 2,000 for three days running

The Cabinet meeting today was held in the grand environs of the Locarno room in the Foreign Office, where there is more space for social distancing

The infection rates for young people have been rising recently, but so far they have been relatively flat for older people

Data from Public Health England shows that more than 40 per cent of coronavirus tests done in hospitals were positive in March and April but this has now plummeted and remains below 2.5 per cent in both hospitals and the community. This shows that there remains only a small proportion of people with the symptoms of coronavirus who actually have it

Scientists have previously said cases have risen over August as a result of increased testing (pictured, how testing has risen during the pandemic)

But the number of people who receive a 'positive' result after getting tested under Pillar 2 has increased in recent weeks (blue line) to 2.3 per cent. It's also increased under Pillar 2 (red line), but is nowhere near the levels seen at the height of the pandemic

The challenge facing the government was underlined today with the director of the test and trace programme admitting that accessing screening was being hampered by problems with lab capacity

WHAT DO THE RISING CORONAVIRUS CASES IN BRITAIN ACTUALLY MEAN? Are cases really rising? The number of people testing positive has definitely risen. On Sunday and Monday almost 6,000 new cases were confirmed, which was a level not seen since May. And after June and July had no days with 1,000 or more positive cases, there were 19 with four-figure counts in August. The daily average is now 2,032 cases per day, which is up from 1,323 a week ago and 834 on August 7. The most recent data from the Office for National Statistics, however, suggests infections are relatively stable. The ONS, which does mass testing in households around the country, said last Friday that it estimates around 2,000 people per day are catching the virus in England. This has 'levelled off', it said, and 'Evidence suggests that the incidence rate for England remains unchanged' throughout August. ONS's estimate fell throughout June from 8,700 cases per day in May to a low of 1,700 per day in early July. It then spiked at the end of July and has since levelled off at 2,000 daily. Is increased testing behind the surge? Experts say that increased testing  particularly in places where there are known surges in infections  was always going to lead to more cases being discovered. It is likely that tests now pick up on a greater proportion of the true number of cases in the community, whereas it only found the most seriously ill during the peak of the crisis. For this reason, the raw numbers of cases cannot be compared like-for-like, because there are now fewer 'hidden' infections. The positivity of tests - the proportion that are positive - is still very low, at just 2.3 per cent in the community and 0.5 per cent in hospitals. The huge numbers of negative tests  over 90 per cent of all tests done each day, so more than 150,000  show that still only a small number of people who think they have Covid-19 actually do. This suggests the testing regime is successfully picking up most infected people. During the peak of the crisis, positivity was above 40 per cent at times, meaning there were likely a lot more infected people who were not getting tested. Who is catching coronavirus now and is that important? A major change in the cases being diagnosed now is the shift towards younger age groups. Infection rates in people in their teens and 20s have surged since lockdown was lifted in July, at least trebling in both groups. MailOnline analysis shows infections have surged from 9.2 to 28 cases per 100,000 since July 4, 'Super Saturday', in those aged 20 to 29 in England. And the case rate has also quadrupled among teenagers - those aged 10 to 19 years old - over July and August, before schools reopened, from 4.1 cases per 100,000 people to 16.2. At the same time, cases in elderly groups have dropped drastically since the height of the pandemic, when they made up the majority of Covid-19 cases, and have halved since July. This shift towards younger people is promising because they are significantly less likely to get seriously ill or die if they catch Covid-19. Sir John Bell, a medicine professor at the University of Oxford, wrote in the Daily Mail today: '[Rising cases] are concerning and, yes, we must be prepared for a second wave of Covid-19 while working hard to contain localised outbreaks to prevent it. 'We must not, however, let this hamper our efforts to return to normality. 'Much of the increase in infections is among the young, who tend to experience moderate or no symptoms. Crucially, we have not yet seen a jump in hospital admissions or deaths.' Is this a second wave? Scientists and politicians have largely refused to brand what is happening now a second wave. Mr Hancock has warned that one could be on its way, while critics of the Government have said there is 'no sign' of one coming at all. They say that it was obvious that cases would rise when lockdown was lifted, and that the priority now is keeping local lockdowns effective and continuing to test to isolate outbreaks. Experts do not expect another crisis like the one we had in March and April, which happened because hundreds of thousands of people were already infected by the time the Government had realised there was a UK outbreak. Professor Carl Heneghan said recently: '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.' Advertisement

The sharp increase in coronavirus cases over the past few days has caused anxiety about the possibility of a second peak, but experts point out that the uplift has been concentrated among younger people rather than the more vulnerable older generation.

However, some experts believe the situation might be less serious than it initially appears, with theories that treatments have improved and social distancing could be reducing the viral load - meaning cases are less severe.

The government's existing guidance is that gatherings indoors should involve either a maximum of two households, or up to six people from more households.

However, the legal limit is currently 30.

Above that gatherings can be subject to police enforcement, with fines of 100 for attending and up to 10,000 for those who organise events.

Reducing the ceiling would potentially enable the government to crack down on house parties, particularly with students preparing to start or return to university.

Making a statement to the Commons on the Bolton situation, Mr Hancock said: 'Unfortunately after improving for several weeks, we've seen a very significant rise in cases in Bolton.

'Bolton is up to 120 cases per 100,000 of population, the highest case rate in the country and I'm publishing the data behind the decisions that we've taken.

'I must therefore tell that House that, working with the local council, we're taking further local action.

'The rise in cases in Bolton is partly due to socialising by people in their 20s and 30s, we know this from contact tracing.

'And through our contacting tracing system we've identified a number of pubs at which the virus has spread significantly...

'We will restrict all hospitality to takeaways-only and we'll introduce a late-night restriction of operating hours which will mean all venues will be required to close from 10pm to 5am.

'We'll introduce urgently further measures that put the current guidance that people cannot socialise outside their household into law.'

He added: 'Young people do not just spread the virus to each other. They spread the virus to their parent and their grandparents...

'I know social distancing can be hard, and how it can be extra-tough for students who will be starting university  but please, stick with it and play your part in getting this virus under control.'

The challenge facing the government was underlined today with the director of the test and trace programme admitting that accessing screening was being hampered by problems with lab capacity.

Sarah-Jane Marsh tweeted: 'Can I please offer my heartfelt apologies to anyone who cannot get a COVID test at present.

'All of our testing sites have capacity, which is why they don't look overcrowded, its our laboratory processing that is the critical pinch-point.

'We are doing all we can to expand quickly.'

Mr Johnson and the Cabinet were updated on the Covid-19 response by chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.

Mr Johnson's official spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister cautioned that in other countries which had seen an increase in infections this was followed a number of weeks later by a rise in hospitalisations.

'The PM said that what had taken place elsewhere was that young people had gone on to infect older generations that had become seriously ill, and it was vital to ensure that did not happen here.

'The Prime Minister said the Government must remain extremely vigilant and ensure that there was no complacency from the public and young people, in particular in following the guidance on how to prevent the virus from spreading.'

Asked about the prospective lowering of the numbers on gatherings, the spokesman said: 'We are taking the rise in infections which has been reported in recent days extremely seriously.

'Throughout the pandemic we have kept all of (the) regulations under review and we will not hesitate to act if further steps are needed to protect the NHS and to save lives.'

Mr Johnson is expected to stage a press conference in Downing Street later this week.

But Tory MP Desmond Swayne said the idea of toughening rules on private gatherings was 'dreadful and disproportionate'.

'In Hampshire cases are 6 per 100,000,' he said. 'This is enormous intrusion into private life. It is rule by directive.'

The government's deputy chief medical officer said last night that coronavirus must be taken very seriously again or the UK will face 'a bumpy ride over the next few months'.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said the public had 'relaxed too much' over the summer and described the rising number of cases as of 'great concern', despite Health Secretary Matt Hancock saying the situation was not 'out of control'.

Professor Van-Tam issued the warning as Caerphilly in south Wales prepared to be placed under local lockdown and stricter measures were extended in Scotland.

There were a further 2,948 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK as of 9am yesterday, following the 2,988 reported on Sunday, which was the largest daily figure since May.

In an interview with journalists, Prof Van-Tam said: 'This is a big change. It's now consistent over two days and it's of great concern at this point.

'We've been able to relax a bit over the summer, the disease levels have been really quite low in the UK through the summer but these latest figures really show us that much as people might like to say 'oh well it's gone away' - this hasn't gone away.

The Department of Health announced the significant hike in deaths but said it did not include Northern Ireland which is yet to report its figures

Public Health England data show that over the outbreak as a whole infections have been focused on older people (chart left), but the more recent surge has been among younger people (chart right)

Mr Johnson climbs the stairs in the Foreign Office on his way to the gathering of senior ministers this morning

It was the last Cabinet meeting for Sir Mark Sedwill (pictured centre), who has stood down amid rumours of clashes with No10 chief aide Dominic Cummings

The government's chief medical officer urged younger people to 'protect others' amid rising cases of coronavirus

Michael Gove and Priti Patel were among the ministers at the Cabinet meeting in the Foreign Office today - which has more space for social distancing

Rising Covid cases being driven by young people Rising Covid-19 cases are being driven by people in their teens and 20s, where cases have tripled since July, official data shows, while the number of positive tests among older generations has continued to fall. MailOnline analysis shows infections have surged from 9.2 to 28 cases per 100,000 since July 4, 'Super Saturday', in those aged 20 to 29 in England. And the case rate has also quadrupled among teenagers - those aged 10 to 19 years old - over July and August, before schools reopened, from 4.1 cases per 100,000 people to 16.2. At the same time, cases in those over 80 have dropped drastically since the height of the pandemic, when they made up the majority of Covid-19 cases, and have halved since July. Infections among older people  those who are most likely to get seriously ill or die if they catch the virus  have fallen steadily since lockdown. Those groups may be more likely to take social distancing rules seriously and to continue staying home to protect themselves because they understand the risks the virus brings, scientists have said. While fears grow of a severe second wave of Covid-19 hitting the UK, the fact that most cases are among younger, healthy generations offers reassurance that hospitalisations and deaths will not be a direct result of small spikes. Advertisement

'And if we're not careful, if we don't take this incredibly seriously from this point in we're going to have a bumpy ride over the next few months.'

He said that the rise is 'much more marked' in the 17-21 age group, but noted there is a 'more general and creeping geographic trend' across the UK.

'People have relaxed too much,' Prof Van-Tam said. 'Now is the time for us to re-engage and realise that this is a continuing threat to us.'

Mr Hancock told MPs at a committee hearing earlier today that people needed to take responsibility for their behaviour.

'There is no inevitability to a second peak,' he said. 'It depends on the decisions that all of us take.'

Following the lockdown news, the Conservative leader of Bolton Council, councillor David Greenhalgh, said: 'This is not something we want to do but it is clear the virus is currently moving round the borough uncontrolled and so we need to halt the transmission rate...

'Be under no illusion, we are in this position due to the irresponsible actions of a few which has led to a position where our rates are at a level where Government had no choice but to take action.'

Oxford professor Sir John Bell today urged the government to keep focusing on the economic damage being done by tight restrictions.

'The spike in infections reported in the past few days was to be expected as life slowly returns to our streets and workplaces,' he wrote in the Mail.

'They are concerning and, yes, we must be prepared for a second wave of Covid-19 while working hard to contain localised outbreaks to prevent it.

'We must not, however, let this hamper our efforts to return to normality.

'Much of the increase in infections is among the young, who tend to experience moderate or no symptoms. Crucially, we have not yet seen a jump in hospital admissions or deaths.'

At her daily briefing in Edinburgh today, Nicola Sturgeon said the 'really unwelcome' decision to impose more lockdown restrictions on Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire was a 'proportionate' response to rising coronavirus cases.

There are now restrictions preventing people meeting in homes in East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, Refrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Glasgow City.

The First Minister said of the restrictions: 'Overall, I believe that they represent a proportionate and hopefully effective  but also an absolutely necessary  response to a worrying increase in Covid-19 across these areas.

'The restrictions will be reviewed again next week and they will stay in place for as long as they are needed, but they will not stay in place for any longer than that.'

She said that gatherings in people's homes were the biggest source of coronavirus spreading in the west of Scotland, rather than the hospitality sector.

She added: 'They're also a setting in which older and more vulnerable people are often most at risk of infection because older and more vulnerable people are perhaps more likely to socialise at home, rather than visit pubs and restaurants.

'As a result, our restrictions focus on meetings in people's houses.

'However, we know some transmission is taking place in pubs and restaurants and so we will also keep that under close review.

The latest surge in infection figures means the UK is above its own threshold for imposing quarantine on other countries

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said the public had 'relaxed too much' over the summer and described the rising number of cases as of 'great concern'

What are the current rules on gatherings? The government's guidance is that gatherings indoors should involve either a maximum of two households, or up to six people from more households. However, the legal limit is currently 30. Above that gatherings can be subject to police enforcement, with fines of up to 10,000 for those who organise events. Reducing the ceiling would potentially enable the government to crack down on house parties, particularly with students preparing to start or return to university. The change would not be expected to apply to pubs and other venues, which have 'Covid Secure' measures in place. Advertisement

'We'll discuss with the five local authorities concerned what further steps we can take to ensure that pubs, bars and restaurants are operating in line with the necessary rules.'

In a plea to partying 20-somethings, Ms Sturgeon said: 'To younger people, please think about your loved ones and to older people be even more vigilant with hygiene and distancing if you're spending time with young relatives who might have been in pubs and restaurants.'

Rising Covid-19 cases are being driven by people in their teens and 20s, where cases have tripled since July, official data shows, while the number of positive tests among older generations has continued to fall.

MailOnline analysis shows infections have surged from 9.2 to 28 cases per 100,000 since July 4, 'Super Saturday', in those aged 20 to 29 in England.

And the case rate has also quadrupled among teenagers - those aged 10 to 19 years old - over July and August, before schools reopened, from 4.1 cases per 100,000 people to 16.2.

At the same time, cases in those over 80 have dropped drastically since the height of the pandemic, when they made up the majority of Covid-19 cases, and have halved since July.

Infections among older people  those who are most likely to get seriously ill or die if they catch the virus  have fallen steadily since lockdown.

Those groups may be more likely to take social distancing rules seriously and to continue staying home to protect themselves because they understand the risks the virus brings, scientists have said.

While fears grow of a severe second wave of Covid-19 hitting the UK, the fact that most cases are among younger, healthy generations offers reassurance that hospitalisations and deaths will not be a direct result of small spikes.

Health officials are rattled, however, and are warning young people to stop going to parties and large gatherings and to respect the social distancing laws. Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday appeared on Radio 1 to tell youngsters 'Don't kill your gran

Mr Johnson said in July that he was hoping for a 'significant return to normality' by Christmas.

'It is my strong and sincere hope that we will be able to review the outstanding restrictions and allow a more significant return to normality from November at the earliest - possibly in time for Christmas,' he told a Downing Street press conference.

But John Edmunds, a member of the government's SAGE scientific group, told ITV's Robert Peston last night: 'The epidemic continues to increase and then we have Christmas.

'And that is very difficult. What is Christmas? Well it's meeting with your family very close. Restaurants and pubs and stuff like that. It's all high risk. And it's all indoors.'
An update on natural bioactive compounds

Natural compounds continue to play a key role in drug development. Many clinically approved drugs are either unmodified natural products or their semi-synthetic derivatives. This book series presents reviews of exciting new bio-active natural products that have huge potential as drugs. Each volume presents comprehensive chapters contributed by eminent scientists. The volumes focus on drug candidates which are in the later stages of drug development and are being evaluated in clinical trials. The series, therefore, highlights the importance of natural products in our lives.

The second volume covers the following topics:

- A review of recent patents and natural products in clinical trials to treat schistosomiasis

- Natural products: the new intervention regimen for metabolic disorders

- Fluorine-containing drugs and drug candidates derived from natural products

- Natural products for the management of cardiovascular diseases

- Implication of natural compounds for the prevention of ocular diseases

###

About the Editors:

Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman, Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Cambridge University (1968) has 1,232 international publications (45 international patents and 341 books). He received the following awards: Fellow Royal Society (FRS) London (2006), UNESCO Science Prize (1999), Honorary Life Fellow Kings College, Cambridge University (2007), Academician (Foreign Member) Chinese Academy of Sciences (2015), Highest Civil Award for Foreigners of China (Friendship Award, 2014), High Civil Award Austria ("Grosse Goldene Ehrenzeischen am Bande") (2007), Foreign Fellow Chinese Chemical Society (2013), Sc.D. Cambridge University (UK) (1987), TWAS (Italy) Prize (2009). He was the President of Network of Academies of Sciences of Islamic Countries (NASIC), Vice President TWAS (Italy), Foreign Fellow Korean Academy of Science & Technology, President Pakistan Academy of Sciences (2003-2006) and (2011 -- 2014). He was the Federal Minister for Science and Technology of Pakistan (2000 --2002), Federal Minister of Education (2002) and Chairman Higher Education Commission/Federal Minister (2002-2008), Coordinator General of COMSTECH (OIC Ministerial Committee) (1996-2012), and the Editorin-Chief of Current Medicinal Chemistry.

Dr. Shazia Anlum is a Professor of the Chemistry Department and the Director of Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. She is an experienced medicinal and natural product chemist. She has authored and co-authored more than 112 research papers (cumulative Impact Factor: 200), a US patent, has edited 08 books and has published 03 chapters in international books. She has accomplished the synthesis of several naturally occurring aminoglycosides- that can be used as antibiotics. Several students have completed their MS degrees under her supervision and a couple of others are pursing for MS/PhD degrees.

As recognition of her contributions to science, she has been awarded with 03 International awards like Fellowship from Islamic World Academy of Sciences, Postdoctoral fellowship from Ministry of Culture and Education, Spain and a Young Chemist Award from Third World Academy of Sciences, Italy. She also has several national awards to her credit.

Prof. EI-Seedi obtained a Doctorate (Ph.D.) degree in Organic Chemistry, Channel program at Kemisk Institute, Aarhus University, Denmark / Menoufia University, Egypt. Prof. EI-Seedi is a Former Fellow of the Japanese Society of Promotion of Science as a Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Japan. He worked in internationally recognized laboratories including Kunglia Tekniska hogskola (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden, Uppsala Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Sweden, University of Malaya, and Menoufia University, Egypt. Prof. EI-Seedi has published original papers, reviews, chapters in high level peer-reviewed International Journals including one paper in The Lancet. Most recent awards are: 2017 Price for the best presentation and paper from the Association of Arab Researchers in Bees (AARB) 2017 and 2015: Award from STEFELSEN Foundation for Pharmacognosy: For many years of Scientific Contributions to Pharmacognosy Research and thereby increasing the knowledge about bioactive Natural Products and building contributions with Developing Countries.

Keywords:

Natural products, clinical trials, schistosomiasis, cardiovascular diseases, ocular diseases, bioactive natural products, metabolic disorders

For further details, please visit: https:/ / bit. ly/ 3h3n8cj

This story has been published on: 2020-09-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Comedian, actress, writer and director Whitney Cummings hosts the Wondery podcast Bunga Bunga, on the rise and fall of Silvio Berlusconi, which debuted Tuesday.

The podcast goes deep into the scandalous life of the controversial Italian billionaire businessman-turned-politician  a reality-TV and real-estate mastermind, who managed to climb his way to the top political office of Italian prime minister. Berlusconi served as prime minster for nine years total, being elected for the first time in 1994.

But a 2010 prostitution scandal put his political career in hot water.

Cummings describes the podcast as the Sopranos meets Pornhub, and says she recently became intrigued by Berlusconi through Ronan Farrows book, Catch and Kill, and the story of Ambra Battilana Gutierrez, the Italian model who accused film producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault in 2015.

Former Italian Prime Minister and Forza Italia party leader, Silvio Berlusconi. (Photo by Andrea Pirri/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The Bunga Bunga podcast title, Cummings explains, refers to the wild sex parties that the former Italian Prime Minister would host. Lets just say, if you participate, she jokingly adds, you will get COVID.

It was at one of the namesake parties in Milan where Berlusconi met Gutierrez, who wound up wearing a wire that caught audio evidence of Weinsteins misconduct and led to his arrest. In 2010, Gutierrez and another model were invited by a TV anchor to Berlusconis villa.

According to Italian court records, months after their encounter, Gutierrez reported she was groped by Berlusconi and his associates. A case was built against the prime minster with other women who had also attended other bunga bunga bashes and, three years later, Berlusconi was convicted of abuse of power and having sex with an underage prostitute. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and barred from holding public office. In 2014 his conviction was overturned.

It got me thinking, Cummings says. No wonder women are so afraid to speak up against powerful men  they can just crush you.

Whitney Cummings hosts the Wondery podcast Bunga Bunga, about former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. (Getty Images)

She says people are done with abuse of power stuff, and that Berlusconis story is one that needs to be heard. She applauds the women that have come forward with allegations of sexual assault. I think it's okay that men are a little scared, Cummings explains. We've been scared for thousands of years.

Story continues

She adds, A lot of women have set incredible examples and have been incredibly brave. I hope that this starts to affect change in other businesses, as well.

The eight-episode series Bunga Bunga is available now on Wondery, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Cummings also hosts her own weekly podcast, Good For You.

Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 19:36:25|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- As China held the meeting to commend role models in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, it is especially meaningful to bring to mind a game-changing decision made by President Xi Jinping at a crucial juncture of the anti-epidemic battle: locking down the central megacity of Wuhan.

The city of over 10 million residents pressed a "pause" button to contain the spread of the rampaging novel coronavirus after Xi's instruction on the afternoon of Jan. 22 led to the suspension of all public transport and outbound travel and a ban on people stepping out of homes.

It was only after 76 days of arduous efforts led by Xi that the Chinese people achieved decisive results in Wuhan's defensive battle against the invisible enemy, and made strategic achievements in the nationwide epidemic prevention and control campaign.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said making the decision required enormous political courage. "But time calls for resolute action. Otherwise, there would be trouble," he said.

Xi has stressed putting people's lives and health first and placing their interests above anything else. He said all prevention and control measures by the CPC Central Committee were taken with the primary objective of preventing infections among the people and saving lives.

"It was an important measure to contain the COVID-19 spread during the early stages of the outbreak, and significantly helped cut the infection rates in other places," said Ding Xiangyang, deputy secretary-general of the State Council, China's cabinet.

One of the strictest and most comprehensive public health measures in modern human history, the lockdown in Wuhan proved effective in curbing the spread of the deadly virus, said a senior official with the National Health Commission.

If the government had not acted to shut down the city, the number of infected people in China would have been higher by more than 700,000, according to analyses of 15 top global research institutions.

On the ground, the lockdown in Wuhan entailed efforts beyond mere restrictions on the movement of people and channels of exit from the city.

The country took immediate steps to ensure medical treatment and the supply of daily necessities for people.

When visiting Wuhan in March, Xi took charge of the response and gave important instructions on fighting the virus, making a special request to officials to supply more fish, a favorite food of the people of Wuhan.

"Let's keep it up! Hold on for a little longer!" Xi said, encouraging local residents in lockdown.

Over the past few months, Xi has led the country's efforts to coordinate epidemic prevention and control, and social and economic development based on the fast-changing situations both at home and abroad.

The country managed to effectively contain the spread of the virus with strenuous efforts.

On March 11, the number of newly confirmed coronavirus cases in Wuhan came down to single digits for the first time. On April 26, hospitals in Wuhan were free of all COVID-19 cases. As of June 15, the city had no asymptomatic cases and there were no more close contacts under medical observation.

With less than 0.006 percent of its domestic population infected, the country has brought the virus under control, creating a miracle in the battle against infectious diseases in the history of humanity. Enditem
By Ayya Lmahamad

Azerbaijans gold mining company AzerGold CJSC increased its revenues from the sale of gold and silver in the first eight months of 2020, the companys official website has reported.

The companys revenues increased by $16 million or 32 percent in the reporting, amounting to $68.5.

During the reporting period, AzerGold produced 39,312 ounces of gold, which is by 4,752 ounces or 14 percent more than initially planned. The production volume increased due to optimization works in production and introduction of new technological methodologies.

Additionally, the company paid AZN 6 million in taxes to the state budget, of which, AZN 4.8 million were paid in the form of taxes and AZN 1.2 million to the State Fund of Social Protection.

AzerGold has paid AZN 36.7 million in taxes since its establishment in 2016, out of which AZN 31.6 million were paid in the form of taxes and AZN 5.1 million to the State Fund of Social Protection.

The company recently started geophysical and geological exploration in the countrys Dashkasan iron ore deposit with a proven reserves of 270 million tons. In August, President Aliyev ordered to allocate AZN 3 million ($1.7M) from the state budget of 2020 to AzerGold to begin preparation of the primary document of assessment of the Dashkesan iron ore deposit.

It should be noted that for the last eight months of the year, gold has firmly established its position among the top three main export products of the non-oil sector of the country. Thus, increase in production volumes and gold prices on the world stock exchanges has contributed to the increase in the volume of currency attracted to the countrys economy, as a result of export operations.

In the near future, AzerGold plans to place bonds through the Baku Stock Exchange for the first time. The funds to be received from the issue of bonds will be used to increase resources of new fields in the projects Chovdar (Dashkasan), Kokhnemeden (Balakan) and Garadag (Shamkir-Gadabay), to accelerate ground operations and finance field research. Implementation of these projects will contribute to the socio-economic development of the region, as well as to the introduction of new fields in the region.

Azerbaijans exports in non-oil sector amounted to $1.3 million in 2020.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Q: Were four couples whove been close friends for years, including our children, based on friendship between the husbands who originally met in high school.

One couple lives one hour away from the others. We hadnt all gotten together during the pandemic lockdown or family bubble restrictions.

But we finally agreed recently to picnic and play games in a park that was central for us all.

The eight adults were one grouping and we stayed socially distant. The 13 kids ended up in two groups (under 12s and teenagers), also socially distanced.

We wore masks to start but, of course, not when we were eating. The picnic food had been divided into separate trays for each person.

It looked like a very upbeat get-together for us all, until I overheard two of the guys voices getting louder. They were obviously arguing and their kids were gathering closer.

One of my buddies suddenly grabbed his wifes hand, she hoisted her backpack, their son took their cooler, two daughters followed and they rushed toward their car.

I still dont know what went wrong, but they took it very seriously. The other guy insists he doesnt know why. He apologized anyway but was brushed off.

I feel terrible about this incident. These are very decent people, including everyone present.

Weve been through a lot together, always supportive  from the serious illness of one couples child to celebrating every major milestone together.

Ive phoned/emailed the couple asking what I can do to resolve things. No response.

Is this about the anxiety weve all got because of the coronavirus or a private dispute between two old friends thats boiled to the surface?

Bewildered Best Friend

A: You may recall some clues about the response of the angriest husband/couple. Or the other husband said something insensitive that exploded into this standoff.

Meanwhile, you and the other couple shouldnt take sides. Stay in touch with the others, but back off seeking an answer.

Whatever the reason, it was felt deeply enough by the one man to storm away with his whole family.

Yes, this may also reflect the times. The pandemic has put many people on edge, even as they try to adapt to opened-up stages of returning to work and having their children re-enter school.

It feels both necessary and risky at the same time, perhaps especially for the couple who had a very sick child. Check in with them fairly often.

Readers Commentary: Regarding the woman who feels cheated on because her friends with benefits (FWB) relationship ended (Aug. 17):

For those who prefer FWB only, can they expect more than the opportunity for another FWB when the current transaction ends?

The writers reaction indicates a feeling is present, even though emotional connection wasnt the intent.

Many people meet, have romantic dates and sex, and become bonded. Some meet, have sex like the writer, and she thought they were similarly bonded.

If sex is natures way of joining people together in a bonded pair, FWB is a fragile concept, likely to lead to disappointment.

Awaiting Your View

Ellie: Sexual activity can arouse many positive feelings: physical release (satisfying/energizing); comfort and connection (friendship) 

And, in this case, sex became affection/warmth that sparked unspoken emotional bonding.

Thats what seems to have happened to this woman and naturally left her hurt when she found it was over.

FWB relationships can be sustaining for a while, but she learned its not the best choice if she hopes for shared love.

Ellies tip of the day

Even close friendships can be rent apart by insensitivity, inner anxieties.
BURLINGTON, ON, Sept. 8, 2020 /CNW/ - The safety and well-being of Canadians are top priorities of the governments of Canada and Ontario. But the COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than Canadians' personal health; it is also having a profound impact on the economy.

That is why governments have been taking decisive action to support families, businesses and communities, and continue to look ahead to see what more can be done.

Ontarians need help getting safely to work and home, getting out to appointments, to shop and to conduct business. Strategic investments in sustainable public transportation infrastructure play a key role.

Today, the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development and Member of Parliament for Burlington, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and to the Minister of Canadian Heritage (Sport) and Member of Parliament for Milton; Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for Oakville NorthBurlington; were joined by Jane McKenna, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development and Member of Provincial Parliament for Burlington, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure; Effie J. Triantafilopoulos, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care and Member of Provincial Parliament for Oakville NorthBurlington; and Her Worship, Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of Burlington, to announce funding for six projects that will modernize and improve public transit in Burlington.

Public transit users will benefit from the purchase of 12 new 40-foot conventional buses to expand the fleet over the next three years. This will make public transit more efficient and convenient for riders by increasing service frequency and enabling connections between bus routes and regional transit. In addition, five new conventional buses will replace buses that have reached the end of their lifecycle, helping to maintain a reliable, high quality service.

In addition, three specialized accessible vehicles will be added to Burlington's fleet over the next three years to support the community's need for more accessible public transit. Devices will also be installed on traffic signals and buses to help improve the transit system's on-time performance, while the implementation of intelligent transit system technology will enable on-demand transit service to be introduced to underserviced areas.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $5.1 million in these projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is providing more than $4.3 million, and the municipality is contributing more than $3.4 million.

Quotes

"Public transit is a convenient, environmentally friendly and affordable way for Canadians to get to work, visit loved ones and access the services they need. These new buses and upgraded software systems will help make public transit in Burlington more accessible and convenient for riders. Canada's infrastructure plan not only invests in thousands of projects across the country, but it also creates jobs and builds stronger communities."

The Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development and Member of Parliament for Burlington, on behalf of the honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Investments in public transit are critical to building healthy, sustainable communities where residents can thrive. The important projects announced today will expand the fleet and services offered to Burlington's growing population, responding to current and future transit needs."

Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for Oakville NorthBurlington

"Improved and integrated public transit systems are vital for building greener and more resilient communities. The projects announced today will improve public transit services for Burlington residents, allowing them to get where they need to go safely. These investments will benefit the community, residents, and the environment."

Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and to the Minister of Canadian Heritage (Sport) and Member of Parliament for Milton

"Today's transit funding announcement will improve capacity, quality and more importantly accessibility of Burlington's transit system. The provincial investment of more than $4.3 million will help to increase service frequency and enable connections between bus routes and regional transit for the residents of Burlington."

Jane McKenna, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development and Member of Provincial Parliament for Burlington, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure "

"The Ontario Government is investing more than $4 million today for public transit in Burlington. This means twelve new buses for transit riders, five new buses to replace older buses going out of service, and other transit improvements. More transit is good for commuters and the environment, and I am pleased that Ontario is helping to deliver Burlington transit priorities to ensure better services for Burlington residents."

Effie J. Triantafilopoulos, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care and Member of Provincial Parliament for Oakville NorthBurlington

"This funding is welcome news for our community at a time when safe and reliable public transit is more important than ever. The City of Burlington has a strong commitment to transit as an environmentally-friendly way to help our growing population work and play. Earlier this year our ridership was trending upwards from the previous year and the impact of these funds will contribute significantly to that positive momentum. I thank our Federal and Provincial partners for this timely and valued support."

Her Worship Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of Burlington

Quick facts

Through the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

plan, the Government of is investing more than over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities. $28 .7 billion of this funding is supporting public transit projects, including $5 billion available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

.7 billion of this funding is supporting public transit projects, including $5 billion available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Ontario is investing $10.2 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green, and rural and northern community infrastructure.

is investing under the Investing in Infrastructure Program to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green, and rural and northern community infrastructure. The Government of Canada has invested more than $7.9 billion in over 2,600 infrastructure projects across Ontario under the Investing in Canada plan.

has invested more than in over 2,600 infrastructure projects across under the plan. Across the province, Ontario is investing more than $7.3 billion in public transit infrastructure over 10 years through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

is investing more than in public transit infrastructure over 10 years through the Investing in Infrastructure Program. To support Canadians and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new stream has been added to the over $33-billion Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to help fund pandemic-resilient infrastructure. Existing program streams have also been adapted to include more eligible project categories.

Investing in Infrastructure Program to help fund pandemic-resilient infrastructure. Existing program streams have also been adapted to include more eligible project categories. The COVID-19 Resilience Stream will help other orders of governments whose finances have been significantly impacted by the pandemic by increasing the federal cost share for public infrastructure projects.

The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will provide up to $31 million in existing federal funding to support communities as they deploy innovative new ways to adapt spaces and services to respond to immediate and ongoing needs arising from COVID-19 over the next two years.

Related product

Backgrounder

Canada and Ontario invest in public transit infrastructure for Burlington's growing population

Joint federal, provincial and municipal funding through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan will support six public transit projects in the City of Burlington. These investments will support more accessible and sustainable public transit for communities.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $5.1 million in these projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS). The Government of Ontario is providing over $4.3 million, while the municipality is contributing more than $3.4 million in total toward these projects*.

Project Information:

Project Name Project Details Federal

Funding Provincial

Funding Municipal

Funding Conventional Transit

Vehicle Expansion The purchase of 12 new 40-foot conventional buses over the next three years will improve the quality of public transit by expanding the size of the fleet. This will make transit more efficient and convenient for riders, increase service frequency and enable connections between bus routes and regional transit. $3,123,606 $2,602,745 $2,082,664 Conventional Transit

Vehicle Replacement The procurement of five conventional buses, which will replace buses that have reached the end of their lifecycle, will help maintain a reliable and efficient transit fleet. $1,121,467 $934,463 $747,738 Specialized Transit

Expansion Vehicles Acquiring three specialized vehicles will increase the capacity of specialized transit between 2020 and 2023, which will improve the transit system's accessibility and support the growing demand for a more accessible public transit service. $281,544 $234,597 $187,720 Transit Traffic Signal

Priority The installation of devices on traffic signals and conventional buses, which involves the installation of 10 sets of on-board equipment, 11 sets of intersection equipment, and 1 central monitoring software package, will help increase public transit efficiency and on-time performance by allowing buses to move through traffic more efficiently. $334,000 $278,306 $222,695 On

Demand/Alternative

Service Delivery The procurement and implementation of an intelligent transit system technology system to introduce new, on-demand services to areas that are currently underserviced and where ridership on conventional transit is low. This will result in improved capacity, quality, safety and access to the public transit system. $80,000 $66,660 $53,340 Vehicle Hoist

Replacement and

Fuel Pump Expansion The purchase of a new fuel pump with twinned dispensing nozzles and two vehicle hoists will improve the quality of the public transit system. $220,500 $183,732 $147,018



*The federal and provincial governments are each contributing the maximum share of eligible costs for these projects, which are 40% and 33.33% respectively as per the requirements of the Canada-Ontario Integrated Bilateral Agreement. Contributions from recipients may include both eligible and ineligible costs. Ineligible costs are expenditures that municipalities have chosen not to request reimbursement for or that cannot be reimbursed (e.g., property purchases, overhead costs). Cost sharing may differ depending on recipient.

Associated links

Investing in COVID-19 Community Resilience:

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/covid-19-resilience-eng.html

Canada Healthy Communities Initiative:

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/chci-iccs/index-eng.html

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map:

http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario:

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-on-eng.html

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:

http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Ontario Builds Project Map: https://www.ontario.ca/page/building-ontario

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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

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There is something special about the first day of school each year, the excitement, the promise of so many new things. Doing it more than once each year, however, is something else. Because of the coronavirus and Hurricane Laura, thats what many school districts in Southeast Texas are doing today  holding another opening day, and hoping it is their final one of this school year.

Several districts sensibly postponed the start of in-person instruction because virus numbers were so high in August. Frankly, those stats are not much better in September, but the commitment has been made and teachers and students are getting ready to face each other for the first time since March.

Nederland ISD will start today for the first time, but Vidor and other school districts are going for their second opening after Lauras setback. Several others, such as Bridge City, West Orange Cove and Little Cypress Mauriceville, wont return until Sept. 14 at the earliest.

Problems like this make a new school year even harder, but its something that each district must deal with the best it can.

Parents should make sure their children get off to a good start by staying current with all classwork and sending them to school each day if their campus is open. This school year will be challenging enough, but any student who falls behind will face a steeper hill to climb. Parents, teachers and students should do everything possible to prevent that from happening.

The good news is that children and teenagers are less susceptible to COVID-19, though that doesnt mean they are immune from contracting it. They still might be able to transmit the virus to another person after being infected without showing any symptoms themselves.

Their teachers are more vulnerable to the virus. The fact that these educators will now be interacting with hundreds of students, who of course have contact with countless other people, means that some new infections are inevitable. Vidor ISD has already had several outbreaks, including four students and three faculty members. Its probably not alone in this predicament

Each school has to monitor this threat closely, being ready to isolate some students or teachers in a different part of campus if there is any extra space available. Principals may need to get creative here, perhaps by setting up temporary classrooms in parts of a building that have completely different uses. Its either that or a return to online learning, and most parents and students want to avoid that if possible. Students can learn from home via a laptop computer, but most studies show its not as effective as on-campus instruction.

Despite these hurdles, each district has to provide the best education possible to its students. This goal is vitally important. It takes cooperation and commitment to get through a regular year, and the task will be even harder this year. Lets all do our part and hope the future is not quite as dire as it may seem at times.
The prospect of a vaccine to shield Americans from coronavirus infection emerged Monday as a point of contention in the White House race as president Donald Trump accused Democrats of disparaging for political gain a vaccine he repeatedly has said could be available before the election.

Its so dangerous for our country, what they say, but the vaccine will be very safe and very effective, the president pledged at a White House news conference.

Trump leveled the accusation a day after Sen. Kamala Harris, the Democrats vice presidential candidate, said she would not trust his word on getting the vaccine. I would trust the word of public health experts and scientists, but not Donald Trump, Harris said.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden amplified Harris comments Monday after he was asked if he would get a vaccine for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Biden said hed take a vaccine tomorrowwant to see what the scientists have to say, too.

Biden said Trump has said so many things that arent true, Im worried if we do have a really good vaccine, people are going to be reluctant to take it. So hes undermining public confidence.

Still, the former vice president said, If I could get a vaccine tomorrow Id do it, if it would cost me the election Id do it. We need a vaccine and we need it now.

The back-and-forth over a coronavirus vaccine played out as three of the candidates fanned out across the country on Labor Day, the traditional start of the two-month sprint to the election. Harris and Vice President Mike Pence campaigned in Wisconsin and Biden went to Pennsylvania. Trump added the news conference to a schedule that originally was blank.

Harris, a California Democrat, said in a CNN interview broadcast Sunday that she would not trust a coronavirus vaccine if one were ready at the end of the year because theres very little that we can trust that ... comes out of Donald Trumps mouth. She argued that scientists would be muzzled because Trump is focused on getting reelected.

Trump dismissed her comments as reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric designed to detract from the effort to quickly ready a vaccine for a disease that has killed nearly 190,000 Americans and infected more than 6 million others, according to a count by Johns Hopkins University.

Shes talking about disparaging a vaccine so that people dont think the achievement was a great achievement, Trump said, answering reporters questions as he stood at a lectern placed at the front door of the White House on the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the mansion.

Theyll say anything, he said.

Trump insisted he hasnt said a vaccine could be ready before November, although he said so repeatedly and as recently as Friday.

The president then proceeded to say what he had just denied ever saying.

What I said is by the end of the year, but I think it could even be sooner that that, he said about a vaccine. It could be during the month of October, actually could be before November.

Under a program Trump calls Operation Warp Speed, the goal is to have 300 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine in stock by January. He has spent hundreds of billions of dollars on what amounts to a huge gamble since vaccine development usually takes years.

Concerns exist about political influence over development of a vaccine, and whether one produced under this process will be safe and effective.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the governments top infectious-disease expert and a member of the White House coronavirus task force, told CNN last week that it is unlikely but not impossible that a vaccine could win approval in October, instead of November or December.

Fauci added that hes pretty sure a vaccine would not be approved for Americans unless it was both safe and effective.

Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, has said the agency would not cut corners as it evaluates vaccines, but would aim to expedite its work. He told the Financial Times last week that it might be appropriate to approve a vaccine before clinical trials were complete if the benefits outweighed the risks.

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, meanwhile, has given assurances that Trump will not in any way sacrifice safety when it comes to a vaccine. And executives of five top pharmaceutical companies pledged that no COVID-19 vaccines or treatments will be approved, even for emergency use, without proof they are safe and effective.

Some concerns were sparked by a letter dated Aug. 27 in which Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asked governors to help government contractor McKesson Corp. make sure vaccine distribution facilities are up and running by Nov. 1.

Redfield did not say a vaccine would be ready by then.

Three COVID-19 vaccines are undergoing final-stage, or Phase 3, clinical trials in the U.S. Each study is enrolling about 30,000 people who will get two shots, three weeks apart, and then will be monitored for coronavirus infections and side effects for anywhere from a week to two years.
In 2015, Europe was faced with a migrant and refugee crisis as more than a million people crossed into the continent as they fled war, poverty and human rights abuses in other countries. More than 350,000 arrived from Syria as they escaped a civil war, while hundreds of thousands of others made the journey from Iraq and Afghanistan, CGTN writes in the article Why are migrant and refugee numbers falling in Europe?

Migrants and refugees settled in countries across Europe. Germany received 475,000 asylum applications, while Hungary was the second most popular destination, where 177,130 people applied for asylum. But five years on and the landscape is very different. Last year 123,663 migrants crossed into Europe, with numbers falling significantly each year since 2015. But why?

"There are a number of factors, it's a very complex situation," Shabia Mantoo, from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, told CGTN. "This year there is a coronavirus pandemic which has affected movement, it's stopped daily life for most of us, but also affected movement among people. "But also, there are other issues as well in terms of people being able to make those journeys either from their destination or transit countries. The situation has changed on the ground, the search and rescue capacity issues as well, so there are a whole host of different reasons."

So far this year 46,600 migrants and refugees have arrived in Europe, with most of them heading to Italy (19,339) Spain (13,982) and Greece (11,971) - but some countries have had enough.

This week, Greece announced that more than 10,000 migrants and refugees have been prevented from entering the country this year, prompting fears that they could be left stranded or sent back to the countries they have fled from.

"We know a significant proportion of people that continue to flee, they're fleeing war torn countries, they're fleeing conflict, persecution, instability," said Mantoo. "So we need that compassion, that solidarity. "Unfortunately, wars and persecution have not stopped. There are people in need who need safety and they need to be protected. So we are appealing for more solidarity and compassion."

In 2020, 90 per cent of migrants and refugees making the journey to Europe have done so by sea, with one in ten journeys by land. The voyage is fraught with danger, with 495 people known to have lost their lives or been reported missing, leading to calls for safer pathways for those seeking asylum.

Mantoo added: "It's very risky and that's why we do need more of these safe and legal pathways."
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Dage Girault Albert 21 has become the first Lycoming College student to earn an undergraduate scholarship from the LAGRANT Foundation. Girault Albert is one 30 undergraduate students nationwide to earn the scholarship from the foundation.

I was pretty happy and surprised, he said while on a bus to his home in Newark, N.J., from his summer internship with Americorps in New York City. The focus of the scholarship is on public relations, marketing, advertising, and communications. One of the questions on the scholarship application was to pretend you work for a company that sells a product  a cooking device meant for college students. I had to get college students to buy the product and tell about how I would reach them and what steps would I take to get them attracted to the product in the first place.

Girault Albert, a corporate communication major from Newark, N.J., will receive a $2,500 scholarship. In normal years, the scholarship comes with a trip to New York City, where the scholarship winners participate in career-building activities. Due to COVID-19, Girault Albert said that the LAGRANT Foundation did more things virtually, including a Zoom call with all of the scholarship winners. The winners have also found each other in a GroupMe chat, as well as on LinkedIn.

There were some other steps to get us in touch with other agencies, Girault Albert said. We were still able to build relationships with partner companies.

Girault Albert said that Lycomings corporate communication program, especially the help of Professor Emeritus Eugene Donati, was key not just in getting the scholarship, but also in developing his career aspirations.

Professor Donati was my academic counselor, he said. I went in one day and was looking for career advice and to pick his mind. He recommended I apply for the LAGRANT Foundation and it sounded like a good opportunity so I took his advice and I got it. I think the work that I have done with Professor Donati helped me get the scholarship. His class helped me because I was able to see how people target and get stuff out there to specific groups. I really applied it to the questions on the scholarship.

As he heads into his senior year, Girault Albert said that the combination of his classes at Lycoming, the LAGRANT Foundation programming, and his internship have helped drive home what he wants to do in the future.

I want to be a communications director or manager, he said. I want to be the person who helps craft a companys communications and public image. I want to be the person that makes sure a company doesnt put out offensive content or statements. Thats what I want to do in my career.

The LAGRANT Foundations mission is to increase the number of ethnic minorities in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations by providing scholarships, career and professional development workshops, mentors and internships to African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian American/Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino undergraduate and graduate students. The foundations goal is to provide minorities the necessary resources and tools not commonly available to many minorities entering the fields of advertising, marketing and public relations.
India, a global hub for generic drugs, has launched a new scheme to boost production of active pharmaceutical ingredients that are greatly dependent on the Chinese supply chain, according to NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant.

Speaking at the 14th Annual BioPharma and Healthcare Summit, he said India is now gearing up for innovation in its pharmaceutical ecosystem focusing on speedy and scaled up delivery of new vaccines and personalised medicines.

He said that India has launched a new scheme to boost production of active pharmaceutical ingredients that are greatly dependent on the Chinese supply chain.

"We are planning to do complete manufacturing in India, he said at the virtual summit organised by the USA-India Chamber of Commerce on Friday.

The day-long virtual summit was attended by major players from the US pharmaceutical sector, whose combined annual research and development budget is more than USD 45 billion.

Relations between the US and China, the worlds leading manufacturer in a number of sectors, have deteriorated after the coronavirus outbreak spread across the world from the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

President Donald Trump has squarely blamed Beijing for allowing the virus to spread across the world that has led to the death of over eight lakh people and triggered an unprecedented global health crisis.

Bilateral tension between Washington and Beijing has also spiked over security concerns and human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet.

This has led to a number of countries looking at India as a substitute to China for their manufacturing bases and key commodity production. Kant said the Indian government is committed to achieve its Pharma Vision 2020, which aims to make the country a global leader in drug discovery, innovation, and drug manufacturing.

India is working towards robust innovation landscape awareness, innovation facilitators such as human capital investment in research and development, safety-legal environment, regulatory environment to provide truly world class biopharma research, he said.

The government has carried out far-reaching reforms to streamline the clinical trial and regulatory approval process to facilitate drug discovery in partnership with the private sector, he said. Bio incubators have been set up to monitor and nurture scaling of technologies.

India is developing world class clinical trial infrastructure to increase the number of beds per thousand population. "Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) launched the National Digital Health Commission on our Independence Day, (now) electronic health records will be created for individuals which will be immensely valuable for research purposes, Kant said.

Professor K Vijay Raghavan, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, said the dramatically changing context, after the COVID-19 outbreak this year, hugely favours India. He said personalised medicines are the future in healthcare.

Personalised medicine was till recently seen as a "fancy way of having individual-oriented medication but today in India  due to the dramatic scaling up of telemedicine and a variety of tele-consulting ways  one is going to see personalised medicine at the grassroot-level in a population of more than a billion, Raghavan said.

This opens up a very critical aspect for innovation, which is feedback. Feedback from people will drive innovation enormously, he said.

Karun Rishi, president of USAIC, said its a great opportunity for India to play a critical role in the biopharma research and development process.

President of Takeda Pharmaceuticals, R&D, Andrew Plump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a new healthcare plan that offered care to over half a billion people, referring to the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

We have started to see innovation on the clinical trial front. If you go back a decade ago, the number of global clinical trials that were run in India were little over a dozen. Today we have close to 200. Its not where it needs to be. But its amazing progress that were seeing in this wonderful country which we have immense commitment to, he said.
Dan Milisavljevic, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Purdue University, is one of very few scientists who studies both massive star explosions called supernovae and their debris fields called supernova remnants. This background composite color image is of the Milky Way galaxy created from data obtained by Milisavljevic's collaborator Stu Parker at Parkdale Observatory. Stu Parker is a dairy farmer and accomplished amateur astronomer in Oxford, New Zealand. (Purdue University photo/Mark Simons)

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  For the answers to the universal questions, Dan Milisavljevic looks to the sky. Quite literally.

Milisavljevic (pronounced mili-sahv-le-vich), an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Purdue University, is one of very few scientists who studies both massive star explosions called supernovae and their debris fields called supernova remnants. These explosions and their remnants often produce spaces most dazzling and colorful images.

Milisavljevic has emerged as an expert on the turbulent events that occur within the dynamic universe and is a leading researcher of how astronomical objects change over time. This burgeoning field of study is called time-domain astronomy.

The concept of a dynamic universe and time-domain astronomy are both 20th-century creations that have been transformed by 21st-century innovations.

The dynamic universe concept views the universe as a volatile system punctuated by violent events  including the explosion of stars, or supernovae. The concept replaced the centuries-old view of the universe as a region of relative tranquility and sparked the growth of time-domain astronomy, which depends on the marriage of multimessenger astronomy  the study of messenger signals from extrasolar events  with sophisticated Big Data management.

In order for scientists to analyze as many signals as possible, Milisavljevic is helping create a system that would place the universe under constant, connected surveillance from locations all around the globe. Whether its a professional astrophysicist at a cutting-edge observatory in Chile or a farmer and amateur astronomer in New Zealand, astronomers everywhere can observe phenomena and catalog them in a centralized online location in real time, around the clock, every day.

I consider myself to be a reporter on the universe, said Milisavljevic, who specializes in understanding supernova explosions. Sometimes, Im the first human to have seen something happen trillions of billions of miles away, and there is a real thrill in being able to see that, characterize it and understand whats going on.

This is a great time for astronomers, and technology absolutely plays a critical role in that. Theres a lot going on out there  a supernova goes off somewhere in the universe every second  and there is an incredible amount of sky to cover. New technologies have increased our capacity to find things to study, coordinate our efforts and process all the information.

Backyard explosions

Milisavljevics research can generally be divided into two categories: the near-forensic study of supernova remnants in our own Milky Way galaxy, which can now be enhanced by virtual-reality reconstructions; and investigations of supernovae and other transient events that take place in the wider universe. The study of these many transients, which are disruptive events that exist for limited periods of time, have been made possible by advances in observational, communications and machine-learning technology.

Milisavljevic has recently done groundbreaking research on two supernova phenomena  Cassiopeia A and SN 2012au.

Milisavljevic co-authored a 2015 report that presented near-infrared observations of Cassiopeia A, a supernova remnant in the Milky Way, and a three-dimensional map of its interior unshocked ejecta. The investigation provided new information on the potential explosive properties, mass loss and long-term fate of core-collapse supernovae.

Then, in 2018, Milisavljevic co-authored a report announcing unique observations of SN 2012au, a distant supernova that exploded in 2012. Unlike most transient events, whose duration normally lasts no more than a few months, SN 2012au was still luminous six years later. Milisavljevic and his team believe this is because the supernova produced a rare pulsar wind nebula, a strongly magnetized and rapidly rotating neutron star that continues to power the supernova.

A large component of my research is dedicated to looking at those explosions that happened in our own backyard, in our own galaxy. They are resolved  you can actually see where the stellar debris has gone and its characteristics, said Milisavljevic, who likens supernova reconstruction to a bomb-squad investigation.

Galactic supernovae like Cassiopeia A are rare but nearby and resolvable. Extragalactic supernovae are numerous but far away and almost always impossible to resolve, he said. These events are very diverse, so I need to find out how this particular star exploded and what type of star it was before it exploded. Its very exciting, and it helps us understand the possible characteristics of unresolved phenomena that are farther away.

Transformative innovations

At Purdue, Milisavljevic has enhanced his ability to study remnant characteristics by using the cutting-edge VR technology of Purdues Envision Center to produce enriched, interactive reconstructions. Previously, he had been limited to building reconstructions of supernovae phenomena on a computer screen.

What were doing here is something that could really transform how we explore complex datasets, Milisavljevic said.

Technological advances are also part of another Milisavljevic project: The Recommender Engine for Intelligent Transient Tracking (REFITT) network, that could revolutionize the observation capabilities of researchers around the world.

REFITT will be a global, artificial intelligence-directed telescope network that leverages interdisciplinary expertise in research computing, statistics and computer science. The network, strategically centered at Purdue, optimizes advances in both hardware and software to connect academic researchers with amateur astronomers, centralize efforts, process information and analyze results.

You could say that the goal of REFITT is to crowdsource Earth to watch the universe, Milisavljevic said. Technology developed in the last five years has made it much easier for astronomers, including amateurs, to make important contributions. In the not-too-distant future, there will be tens of thousands of transients to potentially follow on any given night. Thats great, but it has also opened up a huge fire hydrant of data  and observatories are already struggling to follow up on these discoveries.

Were positioning Purdue to be a central hub that sorts through and simplifies this data, with the goal of making tailored recommendations for people with access to telescopes to make optimal observations. I really do think that is pioneering.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 6 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://purdue.edu/.

Writer: Aaron Martin

Purdue News Service contact: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-412-0864, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Dan Milisavljevic, dmilisav@purdue.edu

Journalists visiting campus : Journalists should follow Protect Purdue protocols and the following guidelines:
San Francisco Gym Owners Shocked Upon Finding Out Gyms in Government Buildings Have Been Open for Months

Gym owners in San Francisco expressed their anger after finding out that gyms in government buildings have been open for the past few months and have allowed city employees to use them.

According to a report from NBC Bay Area, city employees such as police officers, lawyers, and judges have been allowed access to gyms in government buildings.

Daniele Rabkin, owner of Crossfit Golden Gate, told the station, Its shocking, its infuriating  Even though theyre getting exposed, there are no repercussions, no ramifications?

She added that she has been struggling through the pandemic to keep her gym afloat.

Dave Karraker, owner of MX3 Fitness in the Castro, told the station that the situation demonstrates that there seems to be some kind of a double standard between whats allowed for city employees and the rest of the San Francisco residents. He added that the situation has created a great case study showing that working out indoors is safe. As such, he said he would be seeking for restrictions to be lifted for private gyms.

Gyms were ordered closed for public health reasons related to the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic back in March.

Mayor London Breed announced on Sept. 1 that outdoor gyms in San Francisco are being allowed to reopen on Sept. 9. The city has set a goal of allowing indoor solo use of gyms and fitness centers, with limited capacity, by the end of the month.

Our priority has always been to protect the health and safety of the people of San Francisco, Breed said in a statement. Since March, people have been struggling financially, mentally, and emotionally, and being able to continue our gradual reopening of businesses and activities will help to ease some of that burden.

We remain committed to making decisions based on data and our local conditions with COVID-19, and our next steps take a balanced and thoughtful approach to reopening. But we all need to do our part to reopen while keeping our community safe, so remember to cover your face, keep your distance, and wash your hands regularly.

Businesses and certain activities were allowed to resume on Sept. 1, including outdoor hair salons, outdoor personal services, outdoor massage, outdoor pools, outdoor non-contact recreational activities, indoor malls, childcare and out of school time programs, higher and adult education, and indoor funerals, with some of the listed points subject to limitations.

The city government said that as long as San Francisco continues to make progress on limiting the spread of COVID-19, more services, businesses, and activities are expected to reopen over the next few weeks.

The Epoch Times has reached out to the San Francisco Mayors office for comment.
The current COVID-19 pandemic has brought many nations into economic recession, but the economic cooperation and trade volume between China and BRI countries remain positive and show promise for the future, according to a report on the BRI economic landscape released Monday.

The China-assisted Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project in Indonesia has been making steady progress this year. While implementing strict safety measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese enterprises have also managed to guarantee the construction and operation of overseas projects under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. (Photo/People's Daily Online)

The report, published by the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under Chinas Ministry of Commerce, noted that the BRI entered its eighth year in 2020, with this years priorities being to overcome global development challenges such as poverty alleviation, job creation and improvement in livelihoods, as well as injecting new momentum into a global economy devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the report, despite the global economic recession and pandemic situation, as of May 2020, China had signed 200 BRI cooperation agreements in the fields of connectivity, investment, trade, finance, science and technology, society, culture, livelihood, and marine affairs with 138 countries and 30 international organizations.

Such close international cooperation has benefited Chinas economic growth. In 2019, Chinas total trade in goods with 138 countries that signed the BRI cooperation documents reached $1.9 trillion, accounting for 41.5% of Chinas total trade in goods.

BRI nations have also seen large incomes through their BRI networks. By the end of 2019, the overseas cooperation zones between China and foreign nations had made $41.9 billion in investments and attracted thousands of enterprises. Of particular note, the cooperation zones involving BRI countries had made a total investment of $35 billion, paid more than $3 billion in taxes to the host countries and created 330,000 local jobs.

Meanwhile, the BRI network continues to expand. The report added that China had signed 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) with 25 countries and regions, and was conducting 12 FTA negotiations including those for upgrading FTAs, as well as 10 joint feasibility studies on FTAs or upgrading FTAs by the end of 2019.
President Donald Trump's supporters hold a rally and caravan in Oregon City, Oregon on September 7, 2020

Hundreds of Donald Trump's supporters gathered for a large motorcade in support of the US president and police near Portland, where anti-racism activists have clashed continuously with law enforcement for more than 100 days.

Small groups of men loaded with paramilitary equipment, many of them armed militants from right-wing extremist groups, milled among the crowd that consisted mostly of families and older people.

About 300 cars, including many massive pickup trucks, then took to the roads surrounding Oregon City, some 30 miles (50 kilometers) from Portland, before dispersing.

But 150 to 200 people, led by members of the far-right Proud Boys militia, which advocates white supremacy, decided to follow the road to Oregon's capital, Salem, for a show of force on the steps of the state capitol building.

Tensions in the Portland area heightened on August 29 when Aaron Danielson, 39, a supporter of the far-right group Patriot Prayer, was shot dead in the city.

Hundreds of Donald Trump's supporters gathered for a large motorcade in support of the US president and police near Portland, where anti-racism activists have clashed continuously with law enforcement for more than 100 days

He had had just participated in a pro-Trump motorcade like the one on Monday and left the parade to go into Portland with other attendees.

A 48-year-old man named Michael Reinoehl, who claimed to be an "anti-fascist" on social media, was suspected of the shooting. He was shot dead five days later by police looking for him. Reinoehl allegedly tried to escape and grabbed a gun when he was killed.

On Monday, the Labor Day holiday in the US, rally organizers stressed their motorcade route would not go near Portland for safety reasons.

- 'Has the brains' -

Hundreds of American flags waved above the motorcade, often with banners calling for Trump's reelection on November 3.

Pictures of Trump, depicting him as Rambo with a machine gun in hand, occasionally appeared on the banners as well.

About 300 cars, including many massive pickup trucks, then took to the roads surrounding Oregon City, some 30 miles (50 kilometers) from Portland, before dispersing

"Trump has the brains to get America back on track," said Cassy Larson, an accountant in a small Oregon town.

"He knows what it takes for the capitalism to generate the money to fix the buildings down in downtown Portland that are being destroyed by the other people," she told AFP.

She was referring to the protests against racism and police brutality that have rocked the city -- and the entire country -- since the death in May of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of white police officers.

Demonstrations have been particularly stormy in Portland, a city of 650,000, where anti-fascist activists frequently clashed with police.

President Donald Trump's supporters hold a rally and caravan in Oregon City, Oregon on September 7, 2020

Trump has cast the city as being under siege by "thugs" engaged in "domestic terrorism," though the demonstrations have been peaceful for the most part.

While protests have continued in Portland, and many downtown businesses have boarded up their storefronts, the damage has been minimal and daily life continues to be calm, an AFP reporter confirmed.

But Carol Williams, a retiree and longtime Republican activist, disagrees: she said downtown Portland "looks like a third-world country with all of the graffiti and the burning and the looting.

"We don't stand for violence, even though that's what we're accused of," said Williams, who lives in the small town of Silverton, 37 miles south of Portland.

"We are peaceful. We don't go looking for retribution," she added, referring to Danielson's death.

Art White, a veteran who spent three and a half years in Vietnam during the war, says he made the trip to show he supports "my president Donald J Trump 1,000 percent.

"We have finally come up with a president that will stand up for our rights," one supporter said of Donald Trump

"We have finally come up with a president that will stand up for our rights" and American values, said the short, mustachioed 70-year-old, proudly sporting a cowboy hat.

"I've seen what a socialistic, Communistic community state does to their people, and it is not nice," White said, adding he worries about "the socialist outsiders, the Communist outsiders, that has invaded our country in the last 20 years."

"I will support my constitutional rights... with my own life if I have to," White said.

"It makes me sad that I have to fight in my own country."
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) New Delhi  Tue, September 8, 2020 16:21 499 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c437cf6e 2 News Taj-Mahal,India,destination,travel Free

India's top tourist attraction the Taj Mahal is set to reopen more than six months after it was shut, officials said Tuesday, even as the vast nation battles soaring coronavirus infections.

India, home to 1.3 million people, on Monday overtook Brazil to become the world's second most-infected nation with more than 4.2 million cases, behind only the United States.

"The Taj Mahal will reopen on September 21. All COVID-19 protocols, like physical distancing, masks will be followed," northern Uttar Pradesh state's Tourism Department deputy director Amit Srivastava told AFP.

Visitors will be limited to 5,000 a day, down from the usual daily average of 20,000, he added.

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the shining marble mausoleum south of the capital New Delhi has been closed since mid-March as part of India's strict virus lockdown.

Uttar Pradesh, home to Agra city where the Taj is located, is one of the worst-hit states in India with more than 270,000 virus cases recorded so far.

India has pushed ahead with reopening to boost its virus-battered economy even as infections have steadily increased.

Since August, India has been reporting the highest single-day rises in the world.
We started this to have fun and to bring excitement to a world that is so troubled..So many people have responded favorably to what we are doing, wrote Klein, who founded jelly bean company Spectrum Confections. Unfortunately there have been a few haters that are attempting to take away the fun..I believe in freedom of speech but to be called a scam is so wrong...We will be removing members whose only intent is to take away any joy that this is giving everyone.
El-Qabbaj and Reed discussed cooperation in social protection, economic empowerment, crises and relief and efforts to combat all forms of violence against women and support centres hosting battered women.

Egypts Social Solidarity Minister Nevin El-Qabbaj and USAIDs new Egypt director Leslie Reed met virtually on Tuesday for a discussion that covered the new NGO law and cooperation in various fields.

The pair discussed cooperation in response to the implications of the coronavirus pandemic, an official statement from the ministry said, as well as on social protection, economic empowerment, crises and relief, efforts to combat all forms of violence against women, and support centres that host abused women.

El-Qabbaj added that the ministry is close to issuing the executive regulations on the law, which regulates civil society organisations operating in Egypt, noting that these regulations were created in partnership with community leaders, civil society organisations, MPs, as well as specialised experts and knowledgeable figures.

Reed hailed Egypts efforts in the field of social protection, adding that the amended NGO law constitutes a significant step to boost social participation, the statement read.

The US aid agency representative also lauded the social solidarity ministrys efforts around issues that affect the lives of marginalised groups of people.

The House of Representatives passed an amended NGO law in July 2019, after the existing version of the law was criticised for imposing steep restrictions on the work of tens of thousands of civil society organisations in the country.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly formed a committee to oversee the amendment of the original NGO law in 2018, after President Abdel-Fattah El asked for revisions to be made.

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My wife, Lordina

Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, our 2020 Running Mate

Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu from the Council of Elders

National Chairman

General Secretary

Members of the National Executive Committee

The good people of Ghana

My media friends

Ladies and gentlemen

The world is changing fast and in truly fundamental ways. Global climate change, migration, terrorism, racial tensions and lately COVID-19 are throwing up new challenges that are testing the quality of leadership of every nation.

The stress tests nations are going through are revealing fissures based on the development models and paradigms used by various countries.

In many cases, countries considered relatively less advanced with smaller economies are emerging more resilient and less affected by the global shocks than countries that are considered advanced.

The case of Vietnam a relatively smaller country bordering China, and therefore closer to the original source of the pandemic, has survived pretty much better with relatively less infections and deaths than known global superpowers.

Never in the history of the world has the quality of a countrys leadership been more critical to its survival than now. Leadership that has been proactive and visionary have emerged from the shocks with less effect on their people and economies.

Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for our beloved country Ghana. Our economy is in tatters and we are on track to post the highest ever fiscal deficit in our history since the 4th Republic.

Excessive borrowing over the last four years have placed Ghana in a high debt risk category with absolutely nothing to show for it. Job losses are at an all-time high with lay-offs and business collapses becoming the order of the day.

The capital and lifetime savings of small businesses and households have been eroded by the not to well thought through, financial sector clean-up.

Business confidence is an all-time low with many Ghanaian business struggling to stay afloat.

Ghanaians are tired and hungry while an elite few have access to all the opportunities the nation has to offer.

Our institutions have been politicised and there is a gradual erosion of our democratic space.

Government has clearly failed to contain the virus and has given up providing timely statistics and data on the status of COVID-19 in our nation.

Despite the huge resources made available to Ghana by the IMF, World Bank and withdrawals from our stabilization fund, Government has failed in its COVID-19 alleviation and containment programme.

Public education has been poor, food distribution during the lockdown was chaotic and disorderly. Protective gear remains in short supply, putting frontline health workers at risk.

It is critical that we rescue Ghana from the abyss into which it is sinking. We must prepare Ghana to cope with the current global changes. We must open new horizons and new hopes, to instill a new sense of purpose in our people, catching up on what we have missed while taking steps to enhance our growth.

We must place Ghana in sync with the new developments taking place around the world in order to prepare our economy to become an advanced one.

To achieve this, we must build a knowledge-based economy and move faster into the new world of smart manufacturing and digital services. This will generate not only growth, but prosperity for all Ghanaians. We will create not only jobs, but sustainable and decent jobs, so that people can live dignified lives.

We must put Ghanaian businesses at the centre of our economic growth. It is only when Ghanaian businesses thrive that our economy can grow and create jobs and prosperity.

We must create equal opportunities for Ghanaian businesses and not deal with them based on the political colour or family affiliation of their owners.

My brothers and sisters, I have had the unique and humbling privilege of providing leadership as President, stepping back and being elected again to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC) into the December 2020 elections.

I have had the opportunity, during the period, to reflect soberly on the challenges and expectations of governance and the heavy burden of peoples hopes and aspirations that come with it.

Ghana cannot afford to do things the old way. Survival and success for today and future generations require a much more urgent and, in many cases, substantial change to prevailing economic and social relations.

Ghana needs a new era of Social Justice:

 it is time for renewal and gathering

 it is time for greater self-reliance

 it is time to close the wealth gap that divides our society

 it is time to finally end intolerance and social discrimination against ethnic groups, religious groups, gender and age groups

 it is time to end repression of the media

 it is time to unite and create opportunities for all  not just for a privileged few

 it is time to do this democratically  with the full involvement of our people

With this in mind, we set out to develop the Peoples Manifesto, a social contract between the NDC and the people of Ghana. To make our manifesto-writing process widely consultative and popular, we adopted a bottom-up approach.

In addition to internal consultations within the NDC, our grassroots organs engaged their communities and forwarded the expectations for inclusion.

I was also privileged to hold town hall meetings with representatives of different socio-economic groupings. I sought to derive a consensus on what the new NDC government must do, how we must do it, and what roles citizens want to play in our march forward.

The idea was to distil this knowledge and commitment into our Manifesto.

Our consultative process was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We did not, however, abandon our objective. We continued, using technology and small group meetings.

Six months later, the pandemic is spreading even faster and with more disruptive effect on our lives than the current government anticipated. From all indications, COVID-19 will continue to plague the world for some time to come, but this Manifesto lays the foundation for the renewal of our institutions and progress for all.

I hope you will identify with the ideals of our Peoples Manifesto, vote for me, John Dramani Mahama, and for the great NDC team, and engage us with a view to improving our programme delivery.

I believe that there are great times ahead for our people. All of us, myself included, learned a lot of valuable lessons during the period of preparing this manifesto. The most important was the growing and humbling understanding of the fact that the December election will be unlike any other election in our recent history.

This election will be about the very soul of the New Ghana. Our historic mission right now is to provide our fellow Ghanaians with the opportunity to become a part of tomorrows world and offer our beloved country a clear chance to spread prosperity to all our people and move into the status of an advanced middle-income country within the next 5 years.

It is possible together. We can do it with the right and dedicated leadership.

We owe it to our wonderful people to create new job opportunities, to bring new skills, and to provide better chances for everyone, so that all of us will be able to live a dignified and prosperous life.

The time is now, my brothers and sisters!

The change starts now!

Let us all join hands to create the country that we all wish for!

May God bless our homeland Ghana!

May god bless each and every one of you!
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said the purpose of his trip to Tehran is to strengthen Iran-Switzerland relations.

In an interview with SRF, he said, "This is to build trust in bilateral path between Switzerland and Iran and also to protect interests as a mediator between the United States and Iran", Trend reports citing Mehr.

Describing Switzerland's role in the tensions between Iran and the United States, he said, " You can make mistakes in life and that is part of it. However, two things must be avoided: The first is to have high expectations because the world changes, but humans do not change in five minutes. The second is to take actions that destroy trust."

He noted that Switzerland has played a good role as a mediator between Tehran and Washington.

We are celebrating one hundred years of diplomatic relations which is still based on trade and peace, he said.

Cassis, on Monday morning met and held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Tehran.

The Swiss Foreign Minister arrived in Isfahan on Saturday morning to pay a three-day visit and meet with officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

One of the most significant events during the Swiss officials Iran visit will be a meeting marking the 100th anniversary of the start of relations between the two countries.

He is also scheduled to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

On Sunday, Cassis met with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

One of the biggest scientific advances of the last decade is getting better thanks to researchers at The University of Texas at Austin; the University of California, Berkeley; and Korea University. The team has developed a new tool to help scientists choose the best available gene-editing option for a given job, making the technology called CRISPR safer, cheaper and more efficient. The tool is outlined in a paper out today in Nature Biotechnology.

The CRISPR gene-editing technique holds tremendous potential to improve human health, agriculture and the future of people on the planet, but the challenge lies in the delicate nature of gene editingthere is almost no room for error.

To edit genes, scientists use dozens of different enzymes from a naturally occurring system called CRISPR. Researchers locate a problematic DNA sequence and use these specialized enzymes to snip it as if using a pair of scissors, allowing genetic material to be added, removed or altered. But these scissors are not perfect. Accuracy and effectiveness vary by the CRISPR enzyme and the project. The new tool guides users, so they can pick the best CRISPR enzyme for their high-stakes gene edit.

"We designed a new method that tests the specificity of these different CRISPR enzymeshow precise they arerobustly against any changes to the DNA sequence that could misdirect them, and in a cleaner way than has ever been done before," said Steve Jones, a UT research scientist who co-wrote the paper with Ilya Finkelstein, an associate professor of molecular biosciences.

Problems can occur when a CRISPR enzyme targets the wrong sections of DNA. Each CRISPR enzyme has strengths and weaknesses in editing different sequences, so the researchers set out to create a tool to help scientists compare the different enzymes and find the best one for a given job.

"CRISPR wasn't designed in a lab. It wasn't made by humans for humans. It was made by bacteria to defend against viruses," said John Hawkins, a Ph.D. alumnus who was recently with UT's Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences. "There is incredible potential for its use in medicine, but the first rule of medicine is 'do no harm.' Our work is trying to make CRISPR safer."

The team of researchers developed a library of DNA sequences and measured how accurate each CRISPR enzyme was, how long it took the enzyme to edit the sequences and how precisely they edited the sequence. For some tasks the commonly used enzyme CRISPR-Cas9 worked best; in others, different enzymes performed much better.

"It's like a standardized test," Hawkins said. "Every student gets the same test, and now you have a benchmark to compare them."

The tool allows scientists to choose the best enzyme for editing on the first try, so the process becomes more efficient and cheaper. Additionally, it gives scientists information about where mistakes are most likely to occur for each enzyme, saving time.

"This technique gives us a new way to reduce risk," Jones said. "It allows gene edits to be more predictable."

Explore further Safer CRISPR gene editing with fewer off-target hits

More information: Stephen K. Jones et al, Massively parallel kinetic profiling of natural and engineered CRISPR nucleases, Nature Biotechnology (2020). Journal information: Nature Biotechnology Stephen K. Jones et al, Massively parallel kinetic profiling of natural and engineered CRISPR nucleases,(2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41587-020-0646-5
An 8-year-old girl was among those killed during a violent Chicago Labor Day weekend, police say. The Cook County Medical Examiner's office has identified the girl as Dajore Wilson.

CBS Chicago reports at least 53 people were shot in the city, eight of them fatally, and another person was stabbed to death as year-to-date homicides soar. Another person suspected of stabbing a man was killed by officers during his arrest when police said he tried to attack a sergeant with a butcher knife, the station reports.

Dajore Wilson was inside an SUV with three other occupants, including her mother, stopped at a traffic light on Monday evening, Chicago Police Chief of Operations Brian McDermott said. A car that was directly behind the vehicle waited for the light to turn green, then opened fire, made a U-turn and fled, McDermott said.

The girl was rushed to University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Two other people inside the car were wounded by the gunfire and the child's mother was injured when the car crashed into another vehicle and then a tree, McDermott said. Chicago fire officials told The Associated Press that a 31-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman wounded were in critical condition, with each suffering a gunshot wound to the back.

Resident David Johnson told CBS Chicago he heard multiple gunshots from a block away and came over to see a child on the ground.

"Everybody was running towards the little girl that was laying on the ground  trying to help her; trying to help everybody else that was shot in the vehicle," Johnson said.

Police on Tuesday released a photo of the suspect's vehicle, which McDermott said was believed to be a black Dodge Charger.

Chicago police released this image of a suspect vehicle in a September 7 shooting that killed an eight-year-old girl and critically wounded two adults / Credit: Chicago Police

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Chicago Police superintendent David Brown urged anyone with information to come forward.

"Getting notified about another child being a victim of gun violence is one of the most painful experiences, not only as a law enforcement professional, but also as a parent," Brown said. "We are once again asking for the community's help and partnership to bring this killer to justice."

Story continues

Chief of Detectives Brendan Deenihan said there is an ongoing gang conflict in the area and investigators believe someone else in the car the girl was riding in  or someone believed to be in the car  was the intended target of the shooting.

The other victims over the weekend included a 36-year-old man killed by a family member, a 36-year-old woman shot dead in an Englewood home, a 26-year-old man fatally shot during a large gathering, and a 26-year-old man shot in the head when someone fired into a crowd outside a housing development, reports CBS Chicago. A 38-year-old man was shot in the back as he tried to flee two assailants, a 22-year-old man was shot dead inside a car and a 21-year-old man was fatally shot in the neck by assailants who opened fire into a car he was riding in, the station reports.

A 4-year-old child and at least four teens were among those wounded by gunfire, according to CBS Chicago.

Murders in Chicago have spiked this year, according to police data, with the department recording 524 murders year to date in 2020 compared to 345 for the same time in 2019. Homicides had previously been on the decline in the city since 2016, a year when murders soared to a nearly two-decade high, but the grim year-to-date homicide number in 2020 is now about on par with that deadly year. Warm holiday weekends in the summer typically see spikes in violence.

Despite the year-to-date surge, Brown cited "tenuous progress" with a 50% reduction in homicides and 18% reduction in shootings over the past seven weeks. Brown, who took the helm as Chicago police superintendent in April, said he re-organized the department to include two city-wide community safety teams and a critical incident response team to help combat violence that began to spike nationwide in May, June and July.

Brown also said police have worked to take illegal guns off the streets in Chicago, seizing 7,303 guns so far this year and 201 over Labor Day weekend alone, and called for tougher penalties for gun offenders. He said the department is working with federal prosecutors to ensure tough consequences for gang-related crimes in hopes of warding off future criminal activity.

"It sends a message to others who might commit violence that this will be you," Brown said. "These 15-year sentences, 20-year sentences in the federal system are preventative measures as well as consequential ones for those who are convicted and brought to justice."

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Free masks are on display in the front window of Agora Vintage, a boutique in downtown Athens, on Sept. 2, 2020 in Athens, Georgia. Store owner, Airee Edwards, buys the masks from Tia Cox, a woman in Tennessee who is unable to work due to COVID-19 and now makes and sells masks. Edwards buys the masks in bulk, giving them away to Athens local businesses and anyone who asks. I just want everyone to feel safe and have one if they need one or cannot afford one, said Edwards. (Photo/Caroline Head, chead@randb.com)
Justin Hemmes has long been a prominent figure on Sydney's social scene and has been linked to a bevvy of beauties, including Lara Bingle and Natalie Imbruglia.

And the playboy billionaire's love life has taken centre stage once again thanks to his new romance with 24-year-old model Madeline Holtznagel - two years after splitting from his long-term partner Kate Fowler, 29.

With Madeline's luscious brunette locks, pretty features and statuesque physique bearing a strong resemblance to designer Kate's own striking appearance, it seems the 48-year-old certainly has a type.

In the spotlight: Billionaire Justin Hemmes' love life has taken centre stage once again thanks to his new romance with 24-year-old model Madeline Holtznagel

Justin confirmed his romance with Madeline in true playboy style while ringing in his 48th birthday on his Bombardier Challenger jet late last month.

When asked about the youthful stunner, who is the sister of Australia's Next Top Model finalist Simone Holtznagel, a coy Justin said: 'We hang out a bit.'

Madeline was one of four models who was permitted by Justin to self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic at his $60million mansion in Sydney's Vaucluse.

Meanwhile, the hospitality mogul stayed at one of his country properties with his two daughters, Alexa, four, and Saachi, three, whom he shares with Kate.

Things have moved at an alarming rate for Justin and Madeline, and the pub baron recently permitted his squeeze to move into his $2.1million beachfront apartment in Coogee.

Seeing double! With Madeline (left) bearing a striking resemblance to Justin's ex Kate Fowler (right), it seems the 48-year-old hospitality mogul certainly has a type

'We hang out a bit': Justin confirmed his romance with Madeline (pictured) in true playboy style while ringing in his 48th birthday on his Bombardier Challenger jet late last month

According to The Daily Telegraph, the father of two often stays at his family's Vaucluse mansion and pays visits to Madeline in Coogee.

In 2018, Justin announced his split from Kate, who is the older sister of Victoria's Secret model 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.'

Home, sweet home: Things have moved at an alarming rate for Justin and Madeline, and the pub baron recently permitted his squeeze to move into his $2.1million apartment in Coogee

'Kate and I have the utmost love and respect for each other': In 2018, Justin announced his split from Kate, who is the older sister of Victoria's Secret model Georgia Fowler. Pictured in 2016

'We love our children dearly and for now, continue to live together happily in our family home,' he continued.

'Kate is a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful woman. As for what the future holds, I am not sure.'

Justin, who has been described by friends as 'not the marrying kind', has attracted many column inches for his love life over the years.

In 2011, model Lara Bingle was coy about their alleged relationship, telling The Kyle and Jackie O Show that the pair 'bump into' each other occasionally.

'He owns half of Sydney. I'm bound to bump into him. [He's] such a nice guy, such a gentleman,' she said at the time.

In 2014, Natalie Imbruglia sparked rumours she was dating Justin when the longtime friends ate lunch together at his Coogee Pavilion restaurant.

Mogul: Justin, who has been described by friends as 'not the marrying kind', has attracted many column inches for his love life over the years

The pair had been linked once before in 2010, when they were spotted together on multiple occasions.

Justin is believed to have broken up with his previous girlfriend, yoga teacher Carla McKinnon, whom he had been dating since 2012, in August 2014.

Shortly after his split from Kate in 2018, it was claimed that Justin was dating a then-single Montana Cox of Australia's Next Top Model fame.

The brunette denied the reports, however, insisting they were 'just friends'.
A Texas man is facing charges of threatening an attack on the University of Houston after he "Zoom-bombed" an online class and praised the Islamic State group, the Justice Department said Tuesday.

Ibraheem Ahmed Al Bayati, 19, disrupted the lecture being held via the online conference service Zoom last Wednesday.

When he got a chance to speak, Bayati said, "What does any of this have to do with the fact that UH is about to get bombed in a few days?" drawing gasps from the other students, according to an indictment.

He then said twice an Arabic phrase that means, "Islamic State will remain," and pointed his index finger toward the sky, a gesture common with Islamic fundamentalists.

Bayati admitted his acts on Friday after he was tracked by his online IP address and arrested by FBI agents at a relative's house.

But he told agents it was just a joke, showing them text messages from a friend which included a link to the Zoom class.

After he joined the class, his friend texted him: "say some Arabic shit and leave lmaooooo."

But investigators further searched his phone and found communications with another friend in which Bayati discussed recruiting supporters of Islamic State, which the United States has designated a terror organization.

Bayati discussed getting another person to pledge allegiance to Islamic State and told his friend "that he was 'literally known' as an ISIS recruiter," the charges said.

Bayati was charged with two counts related to making a bomb threat against the university, with a possible total of 15 years in prison.

He was to appear in federal court in Houston Tuesday afternoon.

pmh/dw
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 7) - Despite the massive corruption allegations hounding the state health insurer, President Rodrigo Duterte advised embattled Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to stay in his post.

In his Monday night address, Duterte assured Duque, who is also the ex-officio chairperson of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), that he has his trust.

Secretary Duque, this is not the time for you to resign...Ive heard stories about you going to resign. I have full trust in you, said Duterte.

Duterte also said that he understands Duque's struggles in his job, and even briefly joked about taking a vacation in Spratlys Islands in the West Philippine Sea with him and the Americans for "a sightseeing tour."

"One of these days, magtawag ako ng bakasyon. Bakasyon tayo. Mamili ka sa lugar, Secretary. Huwag lang sa labas ng Pilipinas," Duterte told Duque during his address.

[Translation: One of these days, I'll call for a vacation. Let's take a vacation. You choose the place, Secretary. Just not outside the Philippines]

Maybe well visit Spratlys but we will also invite the Americans to come along. Were going to a sightseeing tour, he added.

The President also told Duque to let the investigation by the Justice Department-led task force on PhilHealth to run its course.

There is an investigation going on, let it be, said Duterte. Let us see doon sa negligence mo. Pero you know, if you handle a big organization...talagang magne-neligent ka, kasi hindi mo talaga mahahabol minsan (Let us see about the negligence charge. But you know, if you handle a big organization...you will be seen as negligent, because you cannot run after them sometimes).

As he thanked Duterte for his remarks, Duque took the opportunity to air his gripe regarding allegations thrown at him.

Height of injustice...Masakit po 'yan, yung hindi ka nga pumirma, ikaw pa yung pinipilit na idawit, said Duque.

[Translation: Height of injustice...It really hurts, when you did not sign on anything, but you are the one being accused.]

Earlier, the Senate adopted the report of the Committee of the Whole on the alleged fraud mess inside PhilHealth.

One of its recommendations is for Duque to heed the call of 14 senators, who recently signed a resolution seeking for his resignation for "failure of leadership, negligence, lack of foresight and efficiency in performing his mandate" resulting to a delayed response in addressing COVID-19, and perceived tolerance of alleged corruption in PhilHealth.

Hearings finished by Monday night

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Menardo Gueverra said the task force will end its hearings that night (Monday) on the alleged corruption in PhilHealth.

We expect that all our hearings will be concluded today, this evening, said Guevarra. Starting tonight and the rest of the week, we will be consolidating and analyzing all the information and evidence that we have gathered through seven hearings conducted by the task force since we formed it."

After the hearings, Guevarra said the task force will submit its report and recommendations to Duterte on Monday next week, Sept. 14.

The Justice Secretary also said the filing of charges against the PhilHealth officials will likely be done after the submission of the report.

But the actual filing [of cases] will be after the submission of the report, because of this need to make sure that any complaint that we are going to file will be backed up by competent evidence, said Guevarra.

Among the initial findings of the task force was the discovery of centers of fraud inside the agency.
Ukraine's course toward European integration and accession to NATO meets the common interests of Ukraine and Romania in our region of Europe, Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu has said.

He said this at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Bucharest on September 8, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

As for the principled position of Romania in relations with Ukraine, I assured Minister Kuleba of Romania's continued support for Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic course, based on our common interests in our region of Europe, Aurescu said.

He added that he had also discussed with his Ukrainian counterpart other issues related to the European region. We have very common positions on the safety of navigation in the Black Sea, and this is evidenced by the potential of our cooperation. Wed like to emphasize the importance of our dialogue in the future, the Romanian foreign minister noted.

As reported, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is on a working visit to Romania on September 7-8.

ish
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  China-backed Dito Telecommunity has been officially allowed to put up cell towers inside military camps, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Tuesday.

The Cabinet official told House members that he recently signed an agreement allowing the new telecommunications player to install cell towers within camps, similar to mobile service providers Smart and Globe.

Last year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines allowed the country's third telco player to set up communications equipment in its camps, but was halted amid security concerns raised by some lawmakers about allowing the China-backed firm to do so.

RELATED: Barring Chinese-backed Dito from military camps against competition laws  DICT

Lorenzana explained that the document was submitted to him in 2019 but went under Senate review.

"They came out with nothing naman, wala silang complaint or any recommendation on the contract. It was returned to us," he said, noting that the AFP pledged to install safeguards.

However, Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez said it was wrong to compare Smart and Globe with Dito, as the latter is 40 percent owned by a Chinese state-run company.

"Can you imagine there will be Chinese (individuals) allegedly employees of Dito who may be spies for China  where we have a conflict especially in the West Philippine Sea  entering our camps and being able to secure installations which should not be known by outside forces?" Rodriguez emphasized during the agency's budget hearing.

Dito is a brand built through the partnership of businessman Dennis Uy's Udenna Corporation and Beijing-run China Telecom through a $5.4 billion (about 60 billion) investment deal last year. The joint venture plans to put up 10,000 cell towers in the next five years.

READ: Bicam on Bayanihan 2 OKs move to expedite cell towers construction

Dito paid a 25.7-billion performance bond to the government as it pledged to provide internet service with a speed of 27 megabits per second to more than a third of the population on its first year of operation. Failure to deliver meant the government gets to keep the money.

The third major player pushed back its rollout target from July 2020 to next year, saying lockdowns due to the pandemic delayed its processes.

READ: Duterte tells telcos Smart and Globe to improve services before December

Meanwhile, Lorenzana supported President Rodrigo Duterte's order to honor all other contracts with Chinese firms despite a blacklist by the American government, a retaliatory move against Beijing's incursions in the South China Sea.

"If we will get out of the contract, granting it has been signed, then we will be slapped with huge damage," the defense chief said, adding that projects like the 500-billion contract for the Sangley airport upgrade was secured "fair and square."
Two large medical companies in the Myrtle Beach region announced separate hospital projects Tuesday to bring nearly 400 new jobs to the area and more than $227 million in new construction.

Both projects  one from Conway Medical and another from Tidelands Health will be built along S.C. 31. Tuesday's announcement comes just weeks after McLeod Health announced plans to build a four-story, $56 million hospital with 48 beds near its current outpatient buildings at International Drive and S.C. 31.

Bruce Bailey, president and CEO of Tidelands Health, said the hospital will file with the state a certificate of need this week to build a 36-bed, $77 million hospital in southern Horry County. If approved, it will be located at S.C. 31 and S.C. 707 in Socastee community.

"The population growth in this region that we serve is just really, really strong and seems to be continuing to grow rapidly, even through the COVID period, we've still seen a lot of people moving to the area and a lot of homes being built," Bailey told the Post and Courier. "We think this location south of (U.S.) 501 is going to be very accessible to folks who choose Tidelands Health. We think it's going to be a good location.

"That region south of (U.S.) 501, that's where we've been for a long time serving the community with our Waccamaw Community Hospital."

The new hospital will offer an emergency department, medical, surgical and critical care, four operating suites, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services and more. It will employ an estimated 140 professionals at opening, according to a press release announcing the plans.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control's 2020 Health Plan shows Horry County needs an additional 155 hospital beds to keep up with current growth.

Tidelands Health has more than 60 locations across the region, and more than 54 percent of the patients it sees annually are Horry County residents, according to the hospital. Tidelands Health Carolina Bays Hospital will be the second Tidelands Health hospital in Horry County. Tidelands Health Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass Health, opened in Little River in 2019.

Conway Medical Center also filed a certificate of need to transfer 50 beds to a new hospital that, if approved, will be built on International Drive in Carolina Forest, hospital officials announced at a press conference Tuesday.

CMC Carolina Forest plans to offer womens health services, surgical, emergency, cancer care, orthopedics and imaging.

Better access to care is crucial for our rapidly growing communities, so we are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring our award-winning care and service to Carolina Forest," Bret Barr, president and chief executive officer of Conway Medical Center, said in a news release.

The new Conway hospital in Carolina Forest will cost about $150 million and will create more than 250 new jobs.

The state-of-the-art technologically advanced facility would include eight labor and delivery rooms, two C-section rooms, six ICU beds, three operating rooms, and a six-bay infusion center, according to the release. The beds would be transferred from CMCs current 210-bed licensed capacity at its main campus in Conway. These beds are currently under-utilized at the main facility, and the transfer would allow CMC to properly align resources to meet the communitys growing health care needs.

This new hospital facility in Carolina Forest would allow us to provide services like labor and delivery and minimally invasive surgical procedures closer to home for many Horry County residents, said Dr. Paul Richardson, chief medical officer.

Hospital officials said if the certificate of need is approved and the project moves forward, the current timeline has construction finishing in late 2024.
Shareholders in Saga plc (LON:SAGA) may be thrilled to learn that the analysts have just delivered a major upgrade to their near-term forecasts. The consensus estimated revenue numbers rose, with their view now clearly much more bullish on the company's business prospects.

After the upgrade, the consensus from Saga's three analysts is for revenues of UK526m in 2021, which would reflect a painful 34% decline in sales compared to the last year of performance. Prior to the latest estimates, the analysts were forecasting revenues of UK465m in 2021. The consensus has definitely become more optimistic, showing a nice increase in revenue forecasts.

See our latest analysis for Saga

The consensus price target fell 9.3% to UK0.32, with the analysts clearly less optimistic about Saga's valuation following this update. There's another way to think about price targets though, and that's to look at the range of price targets put forward by analysts, because a wide range of estimates could suggest a diverse view on possible outcomes for the business. Currently, the most bullish analyst values Saga at UK0.55 per share, while the most bearish prices it at UK0.19. As you can see the range of estimates is wide, with the lowest valuation coming in at less than half the most bullish estimate, suggesting there are some strongly diverging views on how think this business will perform. With this in mind, we wouldn't rely too heavily on the consensus price target, as it is just an average and analysts clearly have some deeply divergent views on the business.

Looking at the bigger picture now, one of the ways we can make sense of these forecasts is to see how they measure up against both past performance and industry growth estimates. One more thing stood out to us about these estimates, and it's the idea that Saga'sdecline is expected to accelerate, with revenues forecast to fall 34% next year, topping off a historical decline of 3.7% a year over the past five years. By contrast, our data suggests that other companies (with analyst coverage) in a similar industry are forecast to see their revenue grow 11% per year. So while a broad number of companies are forecast to grow, unfortunately Saga is expected to see its sales affected worse than other companies in the industry.

Story continues

The Bottom Line

The most important thing to take away from this upgrade is that analysts lifted their revenue estimates for this year. They're also anticipating slower revenue growth than the wider market. Furthermore, there was a cut to the price target, suggesting that the latest news has led to more pessimism about the intrinsic value of the business. Seeing the dramatic upgrade to this year's forecasts, it might be time to take another look at Saga.

Still got questions? At least one of Saga's three analysts has provided estimates out to 2023, which can be seen for free on our platform here.

Of course, seeing company management invest large sums of money in a stock can be just as useful as knowing whether analysts are upgrading their estimates. So you may also wish to search this free list of stocks that insiders are buying.

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.
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Intellirent (https://www.myintellirent.com/) recently announced it had entered into a mutually beneficial partnership with BostonApartments.com to reach more renters, offer innovative tenant screening services to agents, and help expand overall services provided to clients of both companies. BostonApartments.com is the oldest and longest running real estate site for apartments in the Boston area. Intellirent is the maker and provider of a suite of rental and leasing software tools created to help streamline rental businesses, while helping them save time and money.

Intellirent Boston Apartments

"We're extremely happy to be partnering with BostonApartments.com," said Cassandra Joachim, Director of Business Development. "Not only are they well-respected by renters and real estate agents in the Boston-city area, but that reputation extends throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Southern New Hampshire as well."

Intellirent gives agents from BostonApartments.com access to new listing sites through their multiple listing partners, which ensures more renter attention to those listings. Cassandra added, "Our Rental Marketing feature helps to enhance BostonApartments.com's already extensive reach. And our modern tenant screening tools can be integrated into new and existing accounts on BostonApartments.com  allowing faster screening of potential renters by reducing tedious tasks, giving agents more time to focus on tenant relations."

A long-time real estate advocate and tech entrepreneur, Eric Boyer, CEO at BostonApartments.com, shared his enthusiasm. "Our partnership with Intellirent is the perfect complement to our technology that has been offered for the Boston area agents over 25 years, adding innovative services at no additional charge! More leads plus an easy comprehensive screening process."

About BostonApartments.comSM

BostonApartments.com offers multiple services to hundreds of real estate agencies and landlords. A full-featured site, classified ads on BostonApartments.com are constantly updated by participating agencies that use the site's proprietary apartment database, ensuring that each listing is always up-to-date. Learn more at: www.BostonApartments.com.

About Intellirent

Founded in 2016, Intellirent is a team of talented real estate professionals that love to learn, collaborate, and create. Built by agents for agents, Intellirent offers a unique software solution with smart automations to help its clients run smoother, more efficient businesses. Fostering deep relationships with users that encourages product feedback, Intellirent works under the principle that they are not the smartest people to solve problems facing the industry  their clients are. Learn more at: www.MyIntellirent.com.

Media Contact:

Cassandra Joachim, Director of Business Development

415-849-4400

[email protected]

SOURCE Intellirent
Melburnians struggling through the city's COVID-19 lockdown should make their beds to combat mental health issues, a top medical expert has advised.

Dr Nick Coatsworth issued a series of suggestions to those 'suffering from psychological distress' due to the Victoria's tough restrictions that have left thousands out of work and confined 6million people to their homes.

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer said setting daily, 'achievable goals' would be key to getting Melburnians through the next two weeks of Stage Four lockdown.

'One of the simplest things you can do in the morning - and this was said to me once at a leadership seminar by someone who is a very good leader, is make your bed,' Dr Coatsworth said on Tuesday.

'It sounds so simple, but if you get into some structure and routine for the next two weeks while the Stage Four restrictions are still in place in metro Melbourne and the surrounds, those sorts of achievable goals and structure can be very important to keep you on track.'

Dr Nick Coatsworth has issued 'a series of things that can really assist' Australians 'suffering from psychological distress due to the restrictions' ahead of R U OK? Day on Thursday. Pictured: A Melburnian in lockdown in Victoria

Melburnians struggling through the city's COVID-19 lockdown should make their beds to combat mental health issues, a top medical expert has advised (stock)

Dr Coatsworth added: 'My advice to you is this: Make sure you're staying connected with friends and family. If you're feeling isolated, take what can sometimes be a difficult step to reach out and maintain those important connections.'

He urged people to contact support networks such as Beyond Blue or Lifeline if they were 'thinking about behaviour or doing things that may be dangerous, to yourself even'.

'If there is a psychiatric emergency in your family, then importantly, accessing emergency department services is critical,' he said.

'I hope that helps over the coming weeks. It is not going to be easy.'

A person is seen walking across a quiet Bourke Street on September 6

Dr Coatsworth (pictured) advised Melburnians to keep in touch with friends and family throughout this time, especially if they were feeling isolated or experiencing dark thoughts, and take up a hobby

Thousands flocked to social media to mock Dr Coastsworth's 'bed making' advice, with some labelling it as 'a joke' and 'condescending codswallop'.

'Most Melbournians won't be able to afford sheets and a blanket the rate the economy is crumbling,' one commented.

'Is this a joke?' another asked.

'Telling desperate people losing their livelihoods that they should make their beds? They can't sleep at night Mr Coastsworth because of the failures of the team you are a part of,' a third said.

Many social media users have criticised Dr Coatsworth's advice - labelling it as 'a joke' and 'condescending codswallop'. Pictured: Online comments about the recent health advice

'This is condescending codswallop and unlikely to help anyone that's struggling with their mental health at this time. I would strongly recommend anyone not in Victoria to refrain from giving us mental health advice at the moment,' another social media users said.

As part of the first step of easing restrictions from September 13, Melbourne's curfew will move back an hour - operating from 9pm until 5am - and singles will be allowed to visit one another as part of the 'singles social bubble'.

Public and household gatherings will also increase to two people for a maximum of two hours as part of the roadmap out of COVID-19 lockdown.
A Ukrainian religious leader who blamed gay marriage for the spread of coronavirus has tested positive for Covid-19.

Patriarch Filaret, 91, who heads one of Ukraine's largest Orthodox congregations, is in hospital and in a stable condition after being diagnosed with the disease following routine testing.

Filaret has also developed pneumonia, according to the Ukrainian news website 112.international.

The Patriarch's diagnosis was confirmed on Friday in a statement posted on Facebook.

Pictured: Patriarch Filaret of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kiev's Patriarchy, who blamed the spread of Covid-19 on gay marriage, has tested positive for coronavirus himself

'We inform that during planned testing, His Holiness Patriarch Filaret of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine tested positive for Covid 19. Now His Holiness Bishop is undergoing treatment at a hospital,' the statement said.

Filaret is one of Ukraine's most prominent religious leaders, and claims to have 15 million followers among its 42 million people.

He is a renowned figure in the country, having led a split of the Ukrainian church from its Russian parent which had him defrocked and excommunicated.

But he was on the end of heavy criticism from LGBT groups in March for his comments, saying that the spread of the deadly virus was divine retribution for same-sex activity, which he sees as sinful.

Filaret told Ukrainian national TV network Channel 4 that the epidemic was 'God's punishment for the sins of men, the sinfulness of humanity. First of all, I mean same-sex marriage,' he said.

On April 13, a Ukrainian LGBT+ group said it had sued Filaret for his comments, in what the group said was the first such case in an ex-Soviet nation.

Rights groups described his comments as 'dangerous' saying they risked stirring violence at a time where the health crisis was already stoking tensions and anxieties.

'Such statements ... are very harmful because they could lead to increased attacks, aggression, discrimination and acceptance of violence against certain groups,' Maria Guryeva, a spokeswoman for Amnesty International Ukraine, said at the time.

Responding to reports about a possible lawsuit in March, the Patriarchate said Filaret's remarks were consistent with Ukrainian laws.

'As the head of the church and as a man, the Patriarch has the freedom to express his views, which are based on morality,' the Patriarchate's press service said in a statement.

'The Patriarchate reserved the right to bring counterclaims against those who sought to abuse judicial protections to encroach on Ukraine's traditional family values,' it added.

The administrative proceeding filed in a Kiev court sought to obtain an apology for disseminating false information and a rectification from the Patriarch and the TV channel that aired the interview, said Shevchenko of Insight the group that filed the lawsuit.

'We just want them to be more responsible the next time,' she said. 'Our aim is to show people that there is no longer place for such statements from church leaders in Ukraine.'

While the Ukrainian government has increased support for LGBT rights in recent years, same-sex unions are not legally recognised and activists say homophobia remains widespread.

Patriarch Filaret is not the only religious leader to have blamed the virus on LGBT people since it first emerged in China late last year.

Prominent leaders in the US and a rabbi in Israel have since claimed the virus is divine intervention in response to LGBT rights.

In response, the World Health Organisation has condemned the spread of misinformation, and warned that it fuels discrimination and stigmatisation.
The government has begun investigations into circumstances that led private developers to appropriate state lands occupied by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Accra.



The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, who made this known, said the Office of the Chief of Staff was leading the multi-ministerial engagement that involved MESTI and the ministries of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) and Works and Housing to get to the root of the matter.



"Nobody can authorise the sale of CSIR lands or property without recourse to the sector minister. Even the President will not do that because this is a democracy and we are governed by laws. We will get to the root of this issue," he said.



Prof. Frimpong-Boateng made this known in response to a question posed to him by the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, Mr. James Klutse Avedzi, on what he (the minister) was doing to protect CSIR lands and property from encroachment.



Mr. Avedzi entreated the minister to ensure that none of the members of staff of CSIR was ejected from his or her bungalow, saying: "We want to insist and let you know that those members of staff should not be compelled to leave the place until you get to the root of the matter."



PAC sitting



The minister was among heads of institutions under the CSIR who appeared before the PAC in Parliament yesterday to answer queries raised against them by the Auditor-General in its 2017 report.



Among the CSIR institutions whose heads appeared before the committee were the Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (STEPRI), the Animal Research Institute (ARI), the Forestry Research Institute, the Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI) and the Water Research Institute (WRI).



Demonstration



On August 31, this year, workers of CSIR demonstrated against the demolition of some of their bungalows at Labone in Accra by some private developers who claimed to have been authorised by the Lands Commission to undertake the exercise.



Also, on August 8, 2020, the Daily Graphic carried a story in which the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, had fingered officials of CSIR-ARI in the sale of CSIR-ARI lands at Katamanso, near Adenta in the Greater Accra Region.



However, the Director of the ARI, Dr. E.D.O. Ansa, denied the claim and said officials of the institute were not involved in the illegal sale of land.



Denial



According to Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, he was not aware of the sale of any bungalow or land belonging to the CSIR to private persons and gave an assurance that the matter would be delved into to unravel those behind the act.



"If it is true that the Lands Commission or the Works and Housing Ministry is selling something belonging to an agency under my ministry, I should be informed, but I have no idea about it and the Director-General of the CSIR does not know about it too.



"The bungalows are occupied by staff of the CSIR and we find it distasteful that someone can go with bulldozers and earth-moving equipment to pull them down," he added.



When asked if STEPRI was still relevant, he said the mandate of the institute was critical to research and the scientific advancement of the country.



For his part, the Director-General of the CSIR, Prof. Victor Kwame Agyeman, said the council would ensure the protection of its land.



In line with that, he said, a directive had been given to the various institutes of the council to construct security walls to safeguard their land.



He also said efforts were being made by his outfit to address queries in the Auditor-Generals report, especially on management and safety issues.

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
RPI (A) workers will provide



protection to actress when she reaches Mumbai, Union minister said on Tuesday.

The actress is locked in a bitter war of words with the ruling Shiv Sena over her comments on the Police after the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

After Sena MP Sanjay Raut reportedly asked Ranaut not to return to for comparing the city to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (Pok), the actress had dared anybody to stop her when she reaches here on September 9.

"RPI (A) workers have geared up to protect Ranaut who is scheduled to reach on Wednesday. Our party workers will offer protection to her at the airport as well as at her residence," Athawale said in a statement.

Athawale's party is an ally of the BJP in the Centre and in Maharashtra.

Earlier, Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik had issued a slap threat after the actress dared anyone to stop her when she returns to Mumbai.

The Centre on Monday decided to provide Y-plus category security to the actress.

While lashing out at the Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, Athawale said, "Ranaut did not criticise the Mumbai city but the state government. It's against the democratic principles to oppose her right to live here on the grounds of her critical remarks against the government. She has all the rights to live here in Mumbai".

The Union minister also claimed that Ranaut had thanked him for offering her protection in Mumbai.

"Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut shouldn't have threatened the actress over her right to live in Mumbai," he added.

The trouble started after the actress said she didn't trust Mumbai Police following the death of Rajput and that she feared them more than the "movie mafia".

Reacting strongly to her comment, Sanjay Raut had purportedly said, "We kindly request her not to come to Mumbai. This is nothing but an insult to Mumbai Police."



Hitting back, Ranaut tweeted, "Why is Mumbai feeling like Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir?"The tweet evoked strong reaction from leaders of the Sena and ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.

(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.)
(CNN)  Saudi Arabia has issued "final verdicts" against eight suspects in the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018 -- sentencing five of the defendants to 20 years in prison -- the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) has reported, citing a public prosecutor spokesman.

One defendant was handed a sentence of 10 years and the two others face seven years in prison, SPA reported on Monday.

The verdicts come after Khashoggi's family "pardoned" five of the suspects in May, thereby sparing them the death penalty, CNN previously reported.

Agnes Callamard, the UN Special Rapporteur for Extrajudicial Killings who lead an independent investigation into the murder, called the verdicts a "parody of justice" on Monday.

"The Saudi Prosecutor performed one more act today in this parody of justice. But these verdicts carry no legal or moral legitimacy. They came at the end of a process which was neither fair, nor just, or transparent," Callamard wrote on Twitter.

"The 5 hit men are sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, but the high-level officials who organized and embraced the execution of Jamal Khashoggi have walked free from the start -- barely touched by the investigation and trial," she added.

Khashoggi -- a Washington Post columnist and royal insider-turned-critic -- was killed and allegedly dismembered after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018, having gone into the building to collect documents for his upcoming wedding.

In December 2019, Saudi authorities said they were investigating 11 people involved in the Khashoggi murder. Charges were dismissed against the most high-profile figures, including former deputy intelligence chief Ahmed al-Assiri and Saudi Consul-General at the Istanbul consulate Mohammed al-Otaibi.

Additionally, there was "no evidence" Saud al-Qahtani -- a former top adviser to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and a member of his inner circle -- the Saudi Prosecution said in 2019.

The murder of Khashoggi drew international condemnation and the CIA concluded that bin Salman personally ordered the killing.

Riyadh's version of what happened on October 2 has repeatedly shifted as new details emerged, but it has always maintained that neither bin Salman nor his father King Salman knew of the operation to target Khashoggi.

US officials, however, have said such a mission -- including 15 men sent from the Kingdom -- could not have been carried out without the authorization of bin Salman.

This story was first published on CNN.com 'Saudi court sentences suspects in Jamal Khashoggi murder'




During an inspection in July 2015, Ma Xingrui, then secretary of the CPC Shenzhen Committee and incumbent provincial governor of Guangdong, suggested that Luohu district should break its "space bottleneck" with a wave of urban renovation.





On August 29 the same year, the program was officially launched, and the first district-level regulation on urban renovation was later issued.





In June 2016, six major renovation projects started operation.





In October 2016, Luohu's urban renovation mode was evaluated as fruitful and effective and was promoted across the city.





In February 2017, Luohu established "a whole map" supporting system to improve its decision-making capacity.





In March 2017, another six major renovation projects were launched.





In December 2018, the amended regulation on urban renovation took effect.

To ensure transparency, Luohu launched a corruption prevention system this April, strengthening its supervision over the approval and advancement of renovation projects.







In May, the Luohu district government inked a cooperation agreement with the city's bureau of natural resources, aiming to explore new mechanisms and new modes for urban planning and natural resources management.





It is reported that about 107.7 hectares of land supply and 7.83 million square meters of industrial space have been released via forty projects that are underway.





Over the last five years, the district has built 10 primary and middle schools, 19 kindergartens, and 5,682 government-subsidized apartments. About 83 municipal roads, 18 bus terminals, and nine substations have been added to its map. In addition, Luohu has guaranteed the smooth construction of the Chunfeng Tunnel, four subways, and two high-speed railways passing through the district.





Since 2016, Luohu has seen about 72 billion yuan of fixed asset investment in urban renovation, with its land revenue ranking first in the city for consecutive years.





To make Luohu more livable, the district government has started pollution treatment measures and renovation along the Bijiashan River, Buji River, and Qingshui River. Cultural sites, such as Sungang Art Exhibition Center, have been built. Dongmen Street and Yumin Village have also become the district's cultural brands.





Drafting a new urban layout, Luohu has concentrated on building the headquarters economic corridor, forging an international consumption service center, creating an ecological leisure area with a profound cultural atmosphere, and developing the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Port Economic Belt, the Dawutong Emerging Industrial Belt, and the Hongling Emerging Financial Belt.





In each of these four areas  Caiwuwei-Hubei Shennan Headquarters Economic Corridor, Sungang-Qingshuihe Key Area, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Port Economic Belt, and Bijiashan River bank area, a promise of a hundred billion yuan of economic output is being nourished.





Taking advantage of the national plans of building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and building Shenzhen into the pilot demonstration zone for socialism with Chinese characteristics, Luohu is gearing up to improve its carrying capacity and exploring a sustainable model of urban renovation.





As the city marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Luohu is set to continue its high-quality development and become more vibrant through urban renovation.




Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Edo governorship election says Governor Godwin Obaseki has toyed with his chances for re-election by failing to keep to his electoral promises and betraying his people.

Mr Ize-Iyamu made the assertion on Monday, during his ward-to-ward campaign at Ogwa, Esan West and Amahor, Igueben Local Government Areas of the state.

He said Mr Obaseki, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), missed his chances of reelection when he betrayed the trust of people of the state.

He said it was because the governor could not give account of his stewardship to Edo people that he decided to cross-carpet to PDP where he felt he would not be held accountable for his actions.

SEE ALSO:

Just like his major rival, whom he criticises, the cleric also recently cross-carpeted to the ruling APC. Both men had reversed roles in 2016: Mr Ize-Iyamu contested under the PDP while Mr Obaseki won under the APC.

Criticism

The governor did nothing for Edo people for almost four years and does not deserve a second term because he will also not work for the people, he said, urging the electorate to vote massively for APC to restore Edo to the path of development.

We will bring more roads and employ teachers in your schools. In the area of manpower development, our women need more than wrappers, they need money to support their businesses, Mr Ize-Iyamu said.

At Udo, Igueben council, he promised to construct the road linking the community to Igueben town.

In his remarks, Adams Oshiomhole, who was recently ousted as APC chairman after a potracted political battle with his protege turned foe, Mr Obaseki, said he withdrew his support for Mr Obaseki because he failed to continue with the upgrade of infrastructure he met on ground.

Mr Oshiomhole said Mr Obaseki could not deliver the dividends of democracy to Edo people, a promise the governor made during his electioneering campaign in 2016.

Former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomole Photo: DailyPost

Today, you are complaining of lack of good roads, no teachers, no water because he failed to continue with my work.

We will ensure credible polls: INEC

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday said it was committed to the credible electoral process in the upcoming forthcoming Edo and Ondo Governorship elections.

The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, made this known at a webinar on Edo/Ondo Elections organised by the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN).

The theme of the webinar was Edo/Ondo Elections: The imperative of Safety Consciousness and Conflict Sensitivity in Media Coverage and Reportage.

Mr Oyekanmi said that the commission was committed to providing a level playing field for all candidates and parties.

INEC

We are not interested in the outcome of the elections but the credibility of the process to ensure that materials get to the polling unit on good time.

Mr Oyekanmi appealed to journalists to be fair and objective in reporting the Edo and Ondo elections.

He also said that the commission had taken proactive measures to address security concerns.

INEC is determined to conduct the election despite the current difficult circumstances, he said. Out of the 14 activities listed in the timetable released in February, we have carried out 12.

The only two left are the deadline for campaigns slated for September 17 and the election proper slated for September 19.

All the logistics needed for the election have been taken care of. The non-sensitive materials have been delivered to the 18 local government areas of the state, he said.

Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of IPC, said the key objectives of the webinar were to strengthen the capacity of the media to engage professional, ethical, issue-oriented, and gender-sensitive issues.

Mr Arogundade said it was also to improve their capacity on inclusive sensitive and conflict sensitive reporting of the electoral processes and elections.

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DUBLIN, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Research Report on Coffee Bean Imports in China 2020-2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

According to the report, thanks to the rapid development of the Internet industry and take out delivery mode, the coffee market in China is growing rapidly, especially the freshly ground coffee market. From 2017 to 2019, the total import of coffee beans remained stable, with the highest total import in 2018, reaching 294.26 million US dollars.



Affected by COVID-19 in the first half of 2020, the import volume of coffee beans was less than half of that in the previous years. The average import price of coffee beans increased from USD 4,005.41 per ton in 2017 to USD 4,474.38 in 2018 and then dropped to USD 4,134.05 in 2019. In the first half of 2020, the price rose again, with an average of USD 4,476.09 per ton. The Chinese market divides the imported coffee beans into four categories according to whether they are roasted and whether they are decaffeinated. Green coffee beans are the main products imported from China, roasted coffee beans rank the second. The major sources of imported coffee beans are Vietnam, Malaysia, Brazil, Columbia, Indonesia, Guatemala, and Ethiopia.



Since China's per capita consumption of coffee is far lower than that of countries with mature coffee culture, there is still a lot of room for development. The annual growth rate of coffee consumption in China is expected to maintain at about 8.3% in the next few years.

According to the report, as for the import of coffee beans, due to the impact of the epidemic situation, it is expected that the import volume of 2020 would decline compared to the previous years, rebound after the economic recovery in 2021, and stabilize at 64-65 kilotons in the following years. The import value is expected to be close to USD 300 million in 2024.



Readers will obtain the following information through this report:

Economic Environment of Coffee beans Industry in China

Policies of Imported Coffee beans in China

Analysis of Supply and Demand of Coffee beans in China

Analysis of Imported Coffee beans in China

Analysis of Major Sources of Coffee beans in China

Price Trends of Imported Coffee beans in China

China's import of coffee beans into customs

Key Topics Covered

1 Development Environment of China's Coffee Bean Imports

1.1 Analysis of Domestic Coffee Consumption in China

1.2 Policy Environment of China's Coffee Bean Imports



2 China's Coffee Bean Imports, 2017-2020

2.1 Classification of Coffee Beans by China Customs

2.2 Total Imports

2.3 Sub Products

2.3.1 Coffee, not roasted or decaffeinated

2.3.2 Decaffeinated coffee, not roasted

2.3.3 Roasted coffee, not decaffeinated

2.3.4 Roasted and decaffeinated coffee

2.4 Average imported price



3 Major Enterprises of Coffee Bean Imports in China

3.1 Shangti

3.2 Cubita Coffee

3.3 Oldtown White Coffee



4 Major Sources of Coffee Bean Imports in China, 2017-2020

4.1 Major Sources of Coffee Bean Imports in China, 2017

4.1.1 coffee, not roasted or decaffeinated

4.1.2 decaffeinated coffee, not roasted

4.1.3 roasted coffee, not decaffeinated

4.1.4 roasted and decaffeinated coffee

4.2 Major Sources of Coffee Bean Imports in China, 2018

4.3 Major Sources of Coffee Bean Imports in China, 2019

4.3. roasted and decaffeinated coffee

4.4 Major Sources of Coffee Bean Imports in China, 2020



5 Forecast on China's Coffee Bean Imports, 2020-2024

5.1 Factors Influencing Coffee Bean Imports

5.1.1 Driving Forces and Market Opportunities

5.1.2 Unfavorable Factors

5.2 Forecast on Import Volume of Coffee Beans in China 2020-2024

5.2.1 Total Imports

5.2.2 Sub Products



Table of Selected Charts

Chart History of Coffee Consumption Pattern in China

Chart Distribution of Consumption Scenarios in China's Coffee Market

Chart Import Tax Rate and Supervision Conditions of Coffee Beans in China

Chart Classification of Coffee by China Customs

Chart Import Volume and Value of Coffee in China, 2017-2020

Chart Import Volume and Value of Green Coffee in China, 2017-2020

Chart Import Volume and Value of Decaffeinated Coffee in China, 2017-2020

Chart Import Volume and Value of Roasted Coffee in China, 2017-2020

Chart Import Volume and Value of Roasted and Decaffeinated Coffee in China, 2017-2020

Chart Import Price of Coffee Beans in China, 2017-2020

Chart Major Sources of Green Coffee Imports in China, 2017

Chart Major Sources of Decaffeinated Coffee Imports in China, 2017

Chart Major Sources of Roasted Coffee Imports in China, 2017

Chart Major Sources of Green Coffee Imports in China, 2019

Chart Major Sources of Decaffeinated Coffee Imports in China, 2019

Chart Major Sources of Roasted Coffee Imports in China, 2019

Chart Major Sources of Roasted Coffee Imports in China, 2020

Chart Major Sources of Roasted and Decaffeinated Coffee Imports in China, 2020

Chart Forecast on Import Volume and Value of Coffee Beans in China, 2020-2024

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/aien44

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]



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Pakistan government has decided to hold a new session of the National Assembly and the Senate on September 14 and 15 respectively to pass important bills, including one related money laundering and terrorist financing, which was earlier rejected by the upper house of Parliament.

The decision to call the fresh sessions was taken during a meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan and his adviser on parliamentary affairs Babar Awan on Monday, according to a media report. Awan called on the prime minister following the postponement of the Senate and National Assembly (NA) sessions scheduled for Monday.

According to a press release, various matters of importance came for discussion during the meeting. It has been decided that the fresh session of the National Assembly will be held on September 14 and that of the Senate on September 15, Awan told Dawn newspaper.

He said the FATF-related money laundering and terrorist financial bill and other bills would be tabled before the two houses for fresh legislation. The Paris based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) put Pakistan on the grey list in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action by the end of 2019 but the deadline was extended later due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Asked why already convened sessions of the Senate and the NA were shelved, the adviser said they were postponed due to the devastation caused by the recent rains across the country. Regarding the FATF-related bills, he said the government would not allow any delay in the passage of "bills of national interest".

In reply to a question about the convening of a joint sitting of parliament to get the FATF-related bills passed if the Opposition objected to them again, he said no date for the sitting had been decided so far. Two days ago, Awan had said the government was considering referring the Anti-Money Laundering (Second Amendment) Bill and the Islamabad Capital Territory Waqf Properties Bill - both rejected by the Senate - to the joint sitting of Parliament.

The 104-member Opposition-dominated Senate had rejected the two bills on August 25 through a voice vote. In its third and final plenary held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic in June, the FATF decided to keep Pakistan in the "grey list" as Islamabad failed to check the flow of money to terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

With Pakistan's continuation in the 'grey list', it will be difficult for the country to get financial aid from the IMF, World Bank, ADB and the European Union, thus further enhancing problems for the nation which is in a precarious financial situation. If Pakistan fails to comply with the FATF directive by October, there is every possibility that the global body may put the country in the 'Black List' along with North Korea and Iran.

The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

Also read: Ex-US President Nixon calls Indians 'most sexless', 'pathetic' in newly declassified White House tapes

Also read: China seeks setting up military logistic facilities in about a dozen countries: Pentagon
Prepare an emergency plan for your family : Keep emergency phone numbers handy, written down or on your cell phone. Organize how your family members will communicate with each other, especially if you are not together at the time of the emergency and how you will be reunited if separated. Establish a family gathering place that is familiar and easy to find.

Assemble an emergency kit: Include important items in one place. Collect prescription medications, bottled water, ready-to-eat foods, important documents, first aid kit, battery-powered radio, spare batteries, and flashlight, among other items. Don't forget your pet when preparing these supplies. For more tips on building an emergency kit, visit Ready.gov.

Make sure you know where your nearest shelter is: Be aware that due to the coronavirus pandemic, you may have a different designated location than previous years. Check with local authorities where you should take refuge with your family if necessary.

Evacuate if asked: Always follow the instructions of state and local government officials. Evacuate if asked and do not return home until officials inform you that it is safe to do so. If you go with your family to a public shelter, remember to practice social distancing and follow CDC's travel safety precautions.

Receive alerts from authorities: During an emergency, the fastest and most reliable way to get information is through the warnings and alerts provided by public safety officials. Important systems include Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), and the Weather Radio from NOAA. Learn more about these and other warning systems.

Download the FEMA and Red Cross Apps: With the FEMA app, you can get information on disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety updates in your area. This tool is available in English and Spanish. You can also download the Red Cross Emergency App to monitor security and weather conditions and share your status with loved ones.

Follow the official accounts on social networks: Follow USAGov, your official guide to government information and services, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Other helpful accounts for updates include FEMA, the National Weather Service, and the National Hurricane Center.

SOURCE USAGov
Notice something about the BLM/AntiFa rioting? Nobody seems to be very concerned about the workers. And yet, here we are at Labor Day, when all good progressive souls, for whom Kindness Is Everything, ought to be thinking of nothing else.

Yeah, I know, as a good liberal lady was telling me the other day: Given the obscene inequality of todays capitalism it is time to do something.

Yes. But compared to what? Compared to the Fabulous Fifties when unionized white autoworkers and steelworkers were doing great, until they werent? A decade when blacks and women were, well And whatabout gays! How Fabulous were the Fifties for them?

Whatabout the Thirties! Back then progressive Democrats were putting their pedal to the metal to help the workers, and nothing worked until they took their foot off the pedal and let Henry J. Kaiser build Liberty ships without much gubmint supervision.

May I propose a universal principle here? Governments and politicians and activists and nice liberal ladies Have No Clue how to help the workers.

And the reason is simple. You can propose all kinds of pro-labor legislation and unions and benefits and Diversity and Inclusion, and well assume that the union leaders and government tax-gatherers and race-card players dont loot the businesses right off the bat. But what happens to the workers when the next technological revolution comes along and the workers find themselves working for a corporation that is on the skids?

Exactly. Because the union leaders and politicians and activists Have No Clue what to do other than tax and bully and regulate.

And this is not new. I am struggling through Thomas Mores Utopia published around 1530 and what is he complaining about? He is complaining, already, about enclosures, the conversion of common land into sheep pasture. The editors thoughtfully include a list of important events, including the 1495 act passed by the English Parliament to Do Something about vagabonds and beggars.

Do you see what I see? Already, by 1500, the old feudal order was breaking up, the landholders were kicking the surplus peasants off the land, and Parliament Had No Clue what to do about it. Except pass the first Poor Law a century later in 1597.

The fact is that peasants in England were getting thrown off the land and were starving right up until 1830 when they finally found jobs in those dark satanic mills.

Right now, the Chinese are going through all this in 50 years instead of 500 years. In Factory Girls, Chinese-American WSJ reporter Leslie T. Chang takes us into the lives of teenage girls in the mid-2000s in Dongguan, just up the road from Hong Hong. These girls just off the farm are the workers assembling handbags and clothing and plastic knickknacks that we buy at Walmart. And they are sending money home to their parents in their home village.

The factory girls are thriving, despite the fact that there are no unions, no benefits, no help from the government when their employer doesnt pay them. When they change jobs, they probably leave a months wages behind them. And when their smartphone gets stolen, they lose all their contacts in the big city. Consuming self-help books by the bushel, they are the most radical individualists in the world: You can only rely on yourself. And they are just off the farm.

Back in the 1930s we were promised that social insurance and labor legislation would protect the workers. Today social insurance programs are breaking the budget and unionized teachers dont want to work.

In the 1980s, the Reagan economy opened opportunities for a new generation, but also hollowed out the Rust Belt.

Now Trump is promoting an economic nationalism that is raising wages for the lower-paid workers, for now.

I am here to say that Nobody Knows Nothing. Not Thomas More back in 1530, not the educated Youth of the 19th century that imagined the industrial era a replay of feudalism, not the regulatory experts, not the New Deal liberals, not the globalists, not the nationalists, not the Wokies.

When disaster strikes we can, like the Cajun Navy, sweep in and help out, for a moment or for a season.

But solve the problem? In my view the problem is usually a cock-up on the ruling-class front. In the 1500s it was probably the nobles improving their estates and kicking peasants off the land so they could strut their stuff as courtiers. In the unionizing 1870s it was probably the post-Civil War deflation. In the 1930s it was probably the fault of the Federal Reserve failing to act as lender of last resort after the Crash of 1929. In 2008 it was probably the fault of the Federal Reserve -- Ben, oh Ben -- failing to act as lender of last resort for Lehman Brothers.

But what do nice liberal ladies or brave Antifa street warriors know of all that? Let alone care about the workers.

Christopher Chantrill @chrischantrill runs the go-to site on US government finances, usgovernmentspending.com. Also get his American Manifesto and his Road to the Middle Class.

Image: Pixabay
Following the Labor Day holiday, the vast majority of K-12 public schools have now begun their fall semester across the United States. Millions of students and educators have been forced back into overcrowded and dilapidated schools, which will induce a massive spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday, the US surpassed 6.5 million COVID-19 cases and is on track to soon reach the gruesome death toll of 200,000.

The nations roughly 13,600 school districts have been left to their own devices, reopening either fully in-person, or fully remote instruction, or under the hybrid model combining the two. Given the rapid level of community transmission of COVID-19 and the porousness of district and state boundaries, the latest science makes clear that the only safe method of instruction at present is full remote learning.

A study released in July found that the transition to remote learning in the spring prevented 1.37 million infections over a 26-day period and saved roughly 40,600 lives in the US over a 16-day period. Another study last month found that aerosolized particles containing COVID-19 can travel up to 16 feet through indoor settings, exposing the utter fraud that a hybrid model with minimal social distancing can be done safely.

Teachers, parents and children march in the Brooklyn borough of New York to protest the reopening of city public schools amid the threat of a teachers strike, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020 in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

Democratic and Republican politicians nationally are consciously implementing a policy of herd immunity that they know will lead to a catastrophic loss of life for the most vulnerable sections of the population. They do so in order to reduce pension and health care obligations, and to force parents back into factories and other workplaces where they face ramped-up exploitation in order to service the unprecedented levels of debt produced by the CARES Act bailout of Wall Street and major corporations.

There are no national or state bodies aggregating reopening plans for all school districts in the country, a damning testament to the contempt of the ruling class for educators and the entire working class.

The most comprehensive list of reopening plans has been compiled by Education Week, which reports plans for 888 districts across the country, including the 100 largest districts. Of these districts, 219 are providing fully in-person instruction involving 2.54 million students; 246 are reopening under the hybrid model involving 3.84 million students; and 423 are reopening fully online involving 13.2 million students.

Based on this list, roughly a third of all public school students have returned to classrooms at least part-time. If these figures are extrapolated for all 50.8 million students in the US, then roughly 6.6 million have now resumed fully in-person learning and another 10 million have resumed partial in-person learning under the hybrid model.

The results of these policies have already been catastrophic, with thousands of COVID-19 infections tied to K-12 school reopenings and tens of thousands on college campuses. Following reports of major outbreaks at schools that first reopened in late July, a regime of censorship has been erected across the country, with districts and states falsely claiming that HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) laws prevent them from sharing information on outbreaks in schools.

In the coming weeks there will be a flood of news reports that teachers, education workers, students and parents have died as a result of school reopenings, which will provoke a groundswell of opposition. There will be revolts by educators, attempted retaliation by administrators and the state apparatus, and the eruption of broader struggles by the working class against the homicidal back-to-school and back-to-work policies.

Teachers and school workers have no choice but to take matters into their own hands, form their own organizations which they control, and fight for their collective self-defense. The critical task at present is to rapidly build an interconnected network of independent, rank-and-file safety committees to prepare for the immense struggles that lie ahead. The Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, which formed four weeks ago to facilitate the growth of this network of rank-and-file safety committees, made the following statement condemning the mass reopening of schools:

These policies will lead to untold suffering and death, all of which is entirely unnecessary. We call for the immediate closure of all schools that have reopened, in order to stop the spread of the pandemic and save lives. To achieve this, educators, parents and students must take matters into their own hands and organize independently of the unions and both big business parties, which are doing everything to facilitate the reopening of schools. In schools that have reopened, rank-and-file safety committees must demand and enforce the provision of the highest-grade PPE, daily and rapid testing for all students and staff, the reduction of class sizes to no more than 10 students, the retrofitting of schools to have the most advanced ventilation systems, and other measures to ensure the greatest degree of safety. In opposition to the conspiracy to withhold vital public information, these committees will expose the truth, defend whistleblowers against retaliation and uphold the right of educators to collectively refuse to work when outbreaks occur. In fighting for these demands, the committees will win wide support among educators and prepare the grounds for a broad struggle to completely close schools and transition to high quality remote learning, with online working conditions also to be controlled by these committees.

The formation of rank-and-file safety committees must be wholly independent of both the Democrats and Republicans, as well as the teachers unions and their apologists in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and other pseudoleft organizations, all of whom support the reopening of schools with only minor tactical differences.

Throughout the summer and over the past six weeks that schools have reopened en masse, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the National Education Association (NEA), and their state and local affiliates, have directly facilitated the homicidal reopening of schools.

The unions have promoted illusions in impotent lawsuits, opposed the mobilization of millions of educators in joint strike action, and reached miserable sellout deals with Democratic politicians to reopen schools with in-person instruction in New York City, Detroit and other cities. In districts such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Diego, the unions struck deals to start the semester online, simply forestalling the resumption of in-person learning by a few weeks.

There has been an outpouring of opposition since early July, when the Trump administration began escalating the drive to reopen schools. There have been hundreds of protests, which are continuing, votes for strike action and widespread discussion on social media. The most conscious expression of this opposition has been the formation of rank-and-file safety committees in Detroit, Florida, Texas and other locations.

The orientation of these committees is to the broader working class in the US and internationally, fighting for the unification of educators with workers in the auto industry, health care, logistics, meatpacking, and all those who face the same deadly conditions worldwide.

Only through such unity will it be possible to mount a powerful struggle to shut the unsafe schools, provide high quality online learning, and take the measures needed to contain the pandemic and save workers lives. All those who agree with this perspective should fight to build such committees today.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eldorado Gold Corporation (Eldorado or the Company) announces that Dr. Michael Price will be stepping down from the Companys Board effective September 30, 2020. As previously announced on July 20, 2020, Judith Mosely joined the Board effective September 1, 2020. This is consistent with Eldorados succession planning at the Board level.



The Company also reports that it has completed the redemption of $58.6 million of its senior secured notes. The Company announced that it had issued a redemption notice for these notes on July 30, 2020.

On behalf of Eldorado and the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Mike for his ten years of service and substantial contributions to the Company. I would also like to welcome Judith to the Board, said George Burns, President and CEO. We are also pleased to announce the closing of the redemption of $59 million of our senior secured notes, which demonstrates our continued commitment to reducing our debt.

About Eldorado Gold

Eldorado is a gold and base metals producer with mining, development and exploration operations in Turkey, Canada, Greece, Romania and Brazil. The Company has a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, safe and responsible operations, a portfolio of high-quality assets, and long-term partnerships with local communities. Eldorado's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: ELD) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: EGO).

Contact

Investor Relations

Peter Lekich, Manager Investor Relations

604.687.4018 or 1.888.353.8166 peter.lekich@eldoradogold.com

Media

Louise Burgess, Director Communications & Government Relations

604.601.6679 or 1.888.363.8166 louise.burgess@eldoradogold.com




Recently, Malaika Arora, who is seen as a judge in India's Best Dancer, tested positive for COVID-19. The actress is reportedly home-quarantined and the shooting of the dance reality show has been stopped. It was also said that the makers have no plans to replace Malaika. However, as per the latest report, Nora Fatehi, who had appeared on the show as special guest, will be seen filling in Malaika's place, for time being!

As per a TOI report, Nora will be a special judge for this week, and the shooting will commence this week on Thursday or Friday.

The producer of the show Ranjeet Thakur, was quoted by TOI as saying, "Earlier, we felt that there was not much time left to rope in another special judge on such short notice. But, thankfully, Nora who had come as a special guest for an earlier episode, will step in again this week as a special judge. I am thankful that she has agreed. Malaika will come back on the show after she recovers from COVID-19."

A few days ago, there were reports that around seven to eight crew members have been tested positive for Coronavirus. A source had earlier, told the leading daily, "The shooting of the show will be postponed until further notice. We are awaiting test results of all the contestants and crew members. Only after we get confirmation, will we announce new dates for the shoot. If everyone else on the set tests negative, then we plan to shoot on Thursday or Friday."

When asked if the makers are planning to replace Malaika, the source had said that the makers don't plan to get another judge, as for just two or three episodes, it is not possible to rope in another judge. Also, because no celebrity will agree to come as a judge at such short notice.

Meanwhile, India's Best Dancer is judged by Geeta Kapur, Malaika Arora and Terence Lewis. The show is hosted by Bharti Singh and her writer-husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa.

Also Read: 2 Crew Members of Kaun Banega Crorepati 12 & 7 Members Of India's Best Dancer Test COVID-19 Positive

Also Read: Latest TRP Ratings: India's Best Dancer Enters Top 5 Slot; Naagin 5 Witnesses A Drop
Serum Institute of India chief Adar Poonawalla remains optimistic on Oxford covid vaccine as the coronavirus pandemic claimed close to 9 lakh lives across the world. Viewed as a front-runner in the global race to deliver an effective vaccine to combat Covid-19 , the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine is now undergoing Phase III clinical trials in Britain, Brazil, South Africa and India.

"Proud and excited for the next few months and looking forward to the vaccine," Poonawalla tweeted.

In his tweet, Poonawalla shared photograph of standing next to the legendary Edward Jenner statue at University of Oxford, along with Professor Adrian Hill. In India, the Oxford covid vaccine is undergoing advanced trials.

The origins of the Oxford vaccine with Professor Adrian Hill; standing next to the legendary Edward Jenner statue, here at @UniofOxford. Proud and excited for the next few months and looking forward to the vaccine. pic.twitter.com/rRJVBWGV7N  Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) September 7, 2020

Recently, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla was named are among the emerging leaders" from across the world named by Fortune in its annual list of influential people under the age of 40.

The Serum Institute is the world's largest manufacturer of vaccines by volume. And it has signed an agreement to manufacture the potential vaccine developed by the Jenner Institute of Oxford University in collaboration with British-Swedish pharma company AstraZeneca.

Professor Hill is Director of the Jenner Institute, which focuses on designing and developing vaccines for infectious diseases prevalent in developing countries.

Serum Institute of India has entered into a partnership with Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to accelerate the manufacture and delivery of up to 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for India and low- and middle-income countries.

Serum Institute of India has also entered into a supply and license with US vaccine-maker Novavax Inc for the development and commercialization of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

The Indian vaccine maker will have exclusive rights for the vaccine in India during the term of the deal and non-exclusive rights during the Pandemic Period" in all countries other than those designated by the World Bank as upper-middle or high-income countries.

A new experimental Covid-19 vaccine originating from the University of Oxford has begun human trials in Australia in partnership with the Serum Institute of India, the worlds largest vaccine manufacturer.

The shot was devised by SpyBiotech, a U.K. company spun out of Oxford in 2017 by researchers who worked alongside Adrian Hill and Sarah Gilbert at the universitys Jenner Institute. (With Agency Inputs)













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Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen is simply too smart not to know what he was doing on Facebook last week.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 8/9/2020 (500 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen is simply too smart not to know what he was doing on Facebook last week.

Goertzen posted a link to a CNN story on his personal Facebook page about the race in the United States to approve a vaccine for COVID-19. "For those who refuse to get a vaccine, that is absolutely your right," Goertzen posted. "For everyone else..." he provided a link suggesting a COVID-19 vaccine could be ready for distribution before the end of October.

Goertzen was immediately assailed by opposition critics for his post, which was widely seen as support for the anti-vaccine movement. But was Goertzen really trying to put wind in the anti-vaxxer sails right before we resume in-person public education, when so many parents in Manitoba and elsewhere are battling anxiety over sending their children into potentially crowded indoor spaces?

Goertzens explanation was less than illuminating. In an email statement, Goertzen said he was only trying to inform the public about "the current state of a COVID-19 vaccination development as reported by the (Centers) for Disease Control and Prevention."

"While I personally support vaccination, I also believe that vaccination should be a personal choice," Goertzens statement said, adding that he and his family get flu shots. "There has never been a mandatory vaccine in Canada federally or provincially."

There was nothing in that statement that explained his decision to remind his Facebook followers that they could refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19. And certainly nothing that explained why he thought it was important to do that just a few days before the resumption of school.

To get greater insight into his motivations, lets take a look at the link he posted.

The Sept. 3 CNN story in question reported that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had indeed issued a directive to state governments to start the process of approving the distribution of a vaccine, which it said could come as early as late October. Could a vaccine be available that soon?

Its not likely although it must be said that the prevailing wisdom on when a COVID-19 vaccine will be ready seems to change by the day. And when you get right down to it, the CDC itself is not really confident that a vaccine will be ready by Halloween.

The CDC directive to states was included in a "scenario document" that acknowledged "the COVID-19 landscape is evolving and uncertain." The directive was really just a request for states to start preparing now to provide permits to federally approved vaccine production and distribution firms so there is no delay once a vaccine is ready.

The subtext to this story is also worthy of note. U.S. President Donald Trump and White House officials have been adamant that a vaccine should and can be available before the first Tuesday in November, when Americans vote in the presidential election. However, infectious disease experts, including some on the White House COVID-19 task force, dispute the notion that a safe vaccine can be ready in that time period.

So, Goertzen posted a link to a story that  at its core  raised concerns about whether a vaccine was being rushed for political purposes. If you had any doubts about the safety of vaccines, this link  and the Goertzen Facebook post in which it was mentioned  would be enough to send you into a frenzy.

But perhaps its more than that. In his original post and his email statement, Goertzen focused on an issue that was not part of the CNN story: mandatory vaccination.

There has been some talk about whether a COVID-19 vaccine should be made mandatory, both here and around the world. But there doesnt seem to be a lot of traction for the idea in Canada given that no government at any level has forced someone to get a vaccination. For proof of that, Google "British Columbia" and "measles outbreak."

Still, that hasnt stopped some organizations from raising the spectre of mandatory vaccination.

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.

Profoundly misinformed libertarians have been railing against the social and economic restrictions that have been put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, claiming mistakenly that they violate constitutional rights. This same conspiracy constituency has been trying to drum up concern about mandatory vaccinations, based largely on a comment Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made in April about how "it was too soon" to talk about forcing people to be vaccinated.

No one has said definitively that mandatory vaccination is off the table, but chances are that enough Canadians will volunteer to get vaccinated to control the spread of the virus. Unless, of course, some country rushes a vaccine into production that is not completely safe, or provocateurs try to trigger our libertarian sensibilities.

Which brings us back to Goertzen, who clearly knew his post was going to be gobbled up by both the anti-vaxxer crowd and the aimless libertarians.

At best, this was mischief on Goertzens part. At worst, it was an attempt to undermine the vaccine program if and when it is rolled out in this country.

Either way, it seems beneath a man who is clearly one of the smartest politicians in the Manitoba legislature. Smart enough to know that nothing good will come from his post.

dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca
The India Day Parade was established to highlight significant Indian contributions in the United States. The committee works together to empower Indian communities through the promotion of economic development, education, leadership, social advancement, and environmental awareness.

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / Long-time committee member and community supporter, Bhavana Chamoli, recently fulfilled the role of Grand Marshal at the annual India Day Parade on August 15th, 2020.

The India Day Parade (IDPUSA) is a recognized historic event, which brings together more than 100 organizations annually to celebrate the Independence of India. With various religious, cultural, and not-for-profit organizations in attendance, the parade helps to instills a sense of pride and self-worth in all members of the Indian-American community.

"It was an unbelievable honor to be involved in such an important day for our community," states Bhavana Chamoli, "We go to great lengths to highlight the contributions of Indians in businesses and in government. I cannot wait to see what next year brings."

For more information on the annual India Day Parade and the missions of the community, please visit their official website here.

About Bhavana Chamoli

Bhavana Chamoli formerly held the position of Senior App Developer at MIO Partners - an asset management firm based out of New York City.

Despite her professional successes, Bhavana is always searching for new ways to cultivate positive change in her community. As the Founder and President of the India Organization, she fights to promote civil rights and social actions while volunteering her time regularly for youth development.

Bhavana also recently launched an Academic Scholarship Campaign to help provide financial assistance for individuals who have been hit hard by the current economic downturn.

Contact Information:

Bhavana Chamoli

Website: www.idpusa.org

Email: idpusalongisland@gmail.com

SOURCE: Bhavana Chamoli

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/605108/Bhavana-Chamoli-Partakes-in-the-Annual-India-Day-Parade-in-the-Role-of-Grand-Marshal
A popular charter school in Baton Rouge is hitting turbulence as it seeks special standards for promoting its children to the next grade, standards likely more difficult than those in other East Baton Rouge Parish public schools.

The request by BASIS Baton Rouge prompted a lengthy debate Thursday by the parish School Board. It turned on the question of whether schools like BASIS, as well as selective magnet schools, provide academic opportunities to minority and low socioeconomic students or if they serve to exclude them from those opportunities.

Board Vice President Tramelle Howard said getting into Baton Rouge magnet schools already forces kids to enter a lottery and those who fail to get in have a slim to none chance of getting a high quality education, with the chances even less for minority students. He said BASISs requested changes would amount to setting up a new lottery.

BASIS is a great program. They have educated a lot of great students across the nation, but it should be accessible to every single student, Howard said.

Board member Jill Dyason, however, argued that, while the higher promotional standards BASIS is seeking might mean more students repeating their grade level, it would mean stronger learning over time.

My belief is this model is setting students up for success in the long run, instead of immediate success, I passed this grade  success that will follow them through a lifetime, Dyason said.

The board plans to debate the subject again when it meets Sept. 17.

Basis charter school's rapid growth among affluent families in Baton Rouge prompts scrutiny Just nine months after opening its first school, BASIS.ed has won approval to open a second campus in Louisianas Capital City.

Arizona-based BASIS, which has several high schools that each year make national best-of lists for their academics, opened its first school in Louisiana in 2018. Located next to Womans Hospital, its corporate sponsor, BASIS Baton Rouge quickly became popular and now has about 700 students in grades kindergarten to six. High demand led the School Board in May 2019 to agree to allow BASIS to open another school in Baton Rouge, likely in fall 2021.

Dyason, who represents that part of Baton Rouge, said she has heard nothing but positives about the school since it opened.

I hear comments about the culture being very inclusive and nurturing to the student, Dyason said.

Thursdays debate centered around whats known as the pupil progression plan, which lays out how a school district ensures the student's mastery of grade-appropriate skills before he or she can be recommended for promotion.

BASIS and the other eight district-sponsored charter schools in Baton Rouge  they are known as Type 1 charters  all use the school systems pupil progression plan. BASIS is the first such charter school to push for its own plan.

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Non-district charter schools, particularly those sponsored by the state, already have the freedom to establish their own pupil progression plan. Type 1 charter schools like BASIS, though, first need the approval of their sponsoring school district.

Roberto Ramirez, the principal of BASIS Baton Rouge, said the proposed changes are meant to align its standards with those of the other schools in the BASIS network. He said BASIS standards usually exceed those of states such as Arizona and Texas, where the charter schools operate.

+2 Charter schools fuel local enrollment growth in East Baton Rouge, traditional high school slip After bottoming out in the wake of the August 2016 floods, overall enrollment in East Baton Rouge Parish public schools has rebounded. But new

BASIS Baton Rouge, which plans to eventually go all the way to 12th grade, this year has its first sixth-grade class.

BASIS is known for offering advanced coursework at earlier grades than other schools. So, BASIS sixth-graders are typically taking their first years of algebra, physics, chemistry, biology and are in their second year of Latin, Ramirez said.

BASIS gives an in-house comprehensive exam that its sixth-graders need to pass, either at the end of the year or in a summer retest, to advance to seventh grade. Other East Baton Rouge schools have no such high-stakes test for that grade.

Board member Connie Bernard said she will oppose the plan as long as BASIS insists on using its own standardized test, as opposed to using a recognized nationally normed test or a state-level test like the LEAP test.

That is not an acceptable measure or an acceptable placement instrument, Bernard said.

Another BASIS proposed change that sparked debate is its insistence that it may place transfer students in a lower grade than the grade the students were in at their previous school if those students do poorly on a BASIS readiness test. East Baton Rouge accepts at face value the grade level of transfer students as long as they are coming from an accredited school.

Ramirez downplayed the chances of such grade demotion happening, especially in elementary grades, noting that his schools practice so far has been to work hard to close the gap with students, including ones that come in years behind the BASIS standard. But he acknowledged thats more difficult to do with students transferring from other middle and high schools who are behind where their BASIS peers are.

Board President Mike Gaudet criticized his colleagues for micromanaging BASISs policies and said he will judge the school instead by its outcomes.

Im willing to vote for this and let you guys do it, Gaudet said, and my judgment is gonna be at the end when we see how the pudding comes out.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval to the monetisation of Power Grid Corporation of India's Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) assets, held through a special purpose vehicle (SPV), through through an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT).

The CCEA has also allowed Power Grid to monetise through InvIT, its other TBCB SPVs including those which are either under construction or shall be acquired by the company in future, as per the directives and targets fixed by the Centre, an official statement said.

"The approval would facilitate Power Grid, a Central Public Sector Enterprise under Ministry of Power, to undertake asset monetisation of its identified TBCB transmission assets through InvIT, so that the proceeds from the asset monetisation could be utilised for fresh investment in the transmission network expansion and other capital schemes of the company," it said.

In the first block, Power Grid would be able to monetise five TBCB assets of gross block of Rs 7,164 crore.

As per the statement, the premium generated from the sale would augment the net worth of the state-run company.

The assets proposed for monetisation through InvIT are operational assets proposed to be managed by the existing manpower of Power Grid already deputed for this purpose and therefore no additional employment generation is envisaged with regard to them.

However, additional employment opportunities are likely in services incidental to InvlT, such as merchant banking, legal advisory, trusteeship, financial and taxation consultancy, valuation, printing, advertisement and in allied activities.

Monetisation of the first block of eligible TBCB SPVs is expected to be completed in FY 2020-21. Based on the experience gained and depending upon the eligibility for monetisation of TBCB SPVs, further monetisation shall be carried out in future, as per the directives and targets fixed by the Centre, said the official statement.




Container lorries at Moc Bai Intenational Border Gate in Vietnam's southern province of Tay Ninh, which borders Cambodia (Photo: VNA)

Speaking during the recent 20th Cambodia-Japan public-private sector meeting, Secretary of State at this ministry Nou Savath said the MPWT minister plans to lead an inter-ministerial working group to examine another international border gate with Vietnam for container crossing because the pair of Bavet  Moc Bai border gates is getting heavily congested.

Cambodia is considering opening a new border gate, Prey Vor in Cambodia with Binh Hiep in Vietnam, to ease the procedure for both customs and relevant institutions to reduce the container congestion in Bavet, he said.

According to the official, Bavet international border gate used to have between 250 to 300 container trucks crossing a day, but with COVID-19, only 70 go through a day.

He said the minister will also ask the government to prepare the terminal for containers to ease the traffic jam, adding: We also want to prepare different lines for different goods containers and empty containers and we also have to prepare a line for passengers and small goods as well.

Bilateral trade between Cambodia and Vietnam dropped 8.1 percent year-on-year to 2.17 billion USD in the first five months of 2020 on the back of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to figures from the Vietnamese Embassy in Phnom Penh./.
Istanbul, Sep 8 : A Turkish court handed down 40 aggravated life sentences plus over 1,300 years to the gunman in the 2017 New Years attack on an Istanbul nightclub that killed 39 people.

On Monday, Istanbul's Heavy Penal Court No. 27 sentenced Uzbek national Abdulkadir Masharipov for violating the Constitution and the deliberate killing of 39 people, including a police officer, reports Anadolu News Agency.

Masharipov was also sentenced to 1,368 years in prison for the attempted murder of 79 people and violating firearms law.

In addition, Ilyas Mamasaripov, who faced charges over being one of the planners of the terrorist attack and helping the main gunman, was sentenced to 1,432 years in prison for aiding the attack, among other offenses.

At least 39 people, including a police officer, were killed when the gunman opened fire on New Year's Eve partygoers at the Reina nightclub in Istanbul's Ortakoy district in the early hours of January 1, 2017.

The fatalities included 27 foreigners, and 79 people were wounded.

The assailant, who was captured at a police operation two weeks after the attack, said he acted on behalf of the Islamic State (IS) terror group.

The IS has been blamed for a spate of deadly attacks over the years in Turkey, in which more than 300 people were killed.
Maria Kolesnikova vowed to stay in Belarus despite official intimidation and after the main opposition presidential candidate went to Lithuania - Tut.by via AP

A Belarusian opposition leader tore up her passport on Tuesday to stop authorities forcibly evicting her across the Ukrainian border.

Maria Kolesnikova, the last of three women who spearheaded the revolution to remain in the country, was abducted from the streets of Minsk on Monday.

More than 24 hours later, the Belarusian State Border Committee said that she was detained on Tuesday morning at the border while trying to illegally cross into Ukraine.

However, the respected Interfax-Ukraine news agency quoted an unnamed security source, saying that Ms Kolesnikova ripped up her passport while she was essentially getting deported by Belarusian authorities.

Hundreds of people rallied in Minsk yesterday/TUES evening to demand Ms Kolesnikova's release. Riot police violently arrested several from the crowd, according to footage released by Tut.by website.

Ms Kolesnikova was one of the few remaining free members of the Coordination Council set up by the opposition to facilitate possible transition talks with President Lukashenko.

Faced with snowballing public discontent, Mr Lukashenko on Tuesday made a rare admission that he may have overstayed his welcome as he sat down with Russian state media for his first interview since re-election on Aug 9.

President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday sat down for his first interview since the Aug 9 re-election - Nikolai Petrov/BelTa via Reuters

I may have stayed (in power) a little too long, Mr Lukashenko was quoted as saying by one of the journalists present at the interview.

He also reportedly insisted that he was the only one to protect Belarusians now.

Speaking about Mr Kolesnikova, President Lukashenko said a border guard did the right thing by detaining her as she allegedly tried to run away to Ukraine.

The 38-year old professional musician who entered politics earlier this year as a campaign manager for one of the disqualified opposition candidates, Ms Kolesnikova previously insisted that she was unafraid of the governments threats and that she would stay in Belarus.

Anton Herashchenko, Ukraines deputy interior minister, in a Facebook post called Ms Kolesnikova a brave woman who took steps to make sure she will not be taken across the border.

Story continues

Alexander Lukashenko is fully and personally responsible for her life and well-being, he said. Ms Kolesnikova's disappearance follows the forcible removal of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition candidate who went missing the day after the Aug 9 presidential election only to surface in Lithuania.

Veronika Tsepkalo, another woman who campaigned against Mr Lukashenko alongside Ms Kolesnikova and Mrs Tsikhanouskaya, fled to Poland in recent weeks.

Students rallied in Belarus on Tuesday against the Lukashenko regime - Natalia Fedosenko/Tass via Getty Images

Mr Lukashenko was awarded a widely disputed landslide victory in the presidential election last month.

Authorities crushed the following protests with unprecedented violence and tortured hundreds in prison.

Ms Kolesnikovas press office said yesterday/TUES that they had received reports that she was being held by border guards at a military unit near the southern town of Mazyr but said that they were not able to confirm the reports.

We call on Belarusian authorities to inform us about Maria Kolesnikovas whereabouts and, in case she is held, to release her and ensure her full rights to legal counsel, her press office said.

Two of Ms Kolesnikovas allies who also went missing on Monday have since crossed the border into Ukraine and are safe and well, her press office said.

That was not a voluntary entry, Mr Herashchenko, Ukraines deputy interior minister, said, referring to Ivan Kravtsov and Anton Rodnenkovs border crossing.

Most of Mr Lukashenkos main rivals were jailed or pushed out of the country before the election.

Mrs Tsikhanouskayas husband, a popular blogger, was barred from running and later jailed for allegedly assaulting a police officer.
The United Kingdom headed into a fresh round of Brexit trade talks acknowledging it could break international law but only in a limited way after reports it may undercut its divorce treaty with the European Union.

As the pound fell sharply on Tuesday on fears of a no-deal exit, the governments legal department head, Jonathan Jones, quit in disagreement with a plan to overwrite parts of the Withdrawal Agreement treaty signed in January.

The UK left the European Union on January 31 but talks on new trade terms have made little headway as the clock ticks down to an October 15 deadline, and then the end of the status-quo transition arrangement in late December.

As diplomats gauged whether Johnson was blustering or serious about allowing a tumultuous finale to the four-year saga, the UK insisted it would abide by the treaty.

Asked if anything in the proposed legislation potentially breached international legal obligations or arrangements, Northern Ireland minister Brandon Lewis said, Yes, this does break international law in a very specific and limited way.

We are taking the powers to disapply the EU law concept of direct effect required by Article 4 in a certain, very tightly defined circumstance, he told Parliament.

He added that the government supported the Northern Ireland protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement and there was clear precedence for what the UK was planning.

European Union chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, right, and the British prime ministers Europe adviser, David Frost [File: Yves Herman, Pool Photo via AP]

Amid warnings from the EU that if it reneged on the divorce deal there would be no agreement governing the roughly $1 trillion annual trade, former Prime Minister Theresa May said the government risked serious damage to its international image.

The government is now changing the operation of that agreement, May, who resigned after her own Brexit deal was repeatedly rejected, told Parliament.

Given that, how can the government reassure future international partners that the UK can be trusted to abide by the legal obligations of the agreements it signs? May asked.

The Financial Times said the governments very unhappy legal head Jones walked out in protest against the possible plan to undercut the withdrawal agreement in relation to the protocol for British-ruled Northern Ireland.

The prospect of a messy divorce between the EUs $16 trillion and the UKs $3 trillion economies pushed sterling to two-week lows with traders betting there was more volatility to come.

We need to see more realism from the EU about our status as an independent country, said David Frost, the UKs top Brexit negotiator, adding that the UK was ramping up no-deal preparations.

The latest round of negotiations in London are likely to be tough: the UK said the EU has failed to understand it is now independent  especially when it comes to fishing and state aid.

The EU, weary of wrangling, said it needs specifics from London and that the UK cannot make its own rules and have preferential access to its markets.

A disorderly Brexit would not be good for Europe, it would be a real disaster for Britain and its citizens, German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz told Reuters.

British officials say they can make do with an Australia-style arrangement. Australia is negotiating a free trade deal with the EU to improve its market access, but for now, largely trades with the bloc on World Trade Organization terms.
Lightning strikes in Jharkhand have killed at least 12 people in eight districts of the state on Monday while torrential rain left many places waterlogged, officials said on Tuesday.

The state disaster management department officials said they were verifying the total death reports so that compensation could be paid to the next of kin of those killed. The Jharkhand government gives Rs 4 lakh to the family of a person killed by lightning.

Three persons were killed after being struck by lightning in Giridih district on Monday afternoon. Giridih police said a 60-year-old woman, who went to bring water from a well in Devri area, died due to lightning strike while a 25-year-old youth and 16-year-old boy were killed in Saria and Birni in the district.

Two elderly persons in Ramgarh, who took shelter under a tree during the heavy rains, were killed in a lightning strike. One death reported each from Ranchi, Gumla, Latehar, Deoghar, Jamtara and Bokaro.

A farmer in Ranchis Bero block, identified as Jogi Munda, and his ox were killed in lightning. Munda had gone to the farm field to bring his ox from the field.

Lightning has been a major killer in Jharkhand over the years with over 1,600 people dying due to lightning in the past one decade, according to the state disaster management department. Experts, however, say the numbers are much higher as several deaths in remote parts of the state go unreported.

The torrential rain on Monday afternoon caused heavy damage in different parts of Jharkhand. Three youths on different bikes were swept into drains in heavy rain in Ranchis Khora Toli area and Hindpiri. Two youths, one at Khora Toli while one at Hindpiri, were rescued by local people while one is still missing.

The rain caused waterlogging on major roads, overflowing drains and long-hour power cuts in Ranchi. Many low-lying areas and slums submerged due to the rains. Water gushed in Ranchis Prem Nagar slum causing heavy damage.

In just 90 minutes, Ranchi recorded 23 mm rainfall on Monday afternoon. The rain left knee-deep water on Station Road, near Tribal Research Institute in Morabadi and Bihar Club. Overflowing drains caused a traffic jam in Ratu road.

Usha Devi, a resident of Vidyanagar, said, Drain water entered the house and we are in deep trouble.

The MeT office said similar weather conditions could prevail till September 11 in Jharkhand. Thunderstorm is likely for next few days, as high convection is being recorded in day time, said Abhishek Anand, deputy director at Ranchi centre of India Meteorological department.

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Microsoft apparently is going back to its roots with a new Surface for studentsa smaller, cheaper Surface Laptop that it reportedly plans to announce this fall.

A smaller, 12.5-inch Surface Laptop priced somewhere around $600 might not be the most exciting laptop Microsoft has ever produced, but theres something to be said for cutting out the razzle-dazzle and simply selling a general-purpose Surface that targets cost-conscious consumers.

The new laptop, code-named Sparti, is scheduled to be part of the traditional fall refresh of Surface devices, according to Windows Central. Microsoft has typically used this period to release an updated Surface Pro tablet, as well as new Surface Laptops, and sometimes new Surface Studios as well.

Mark Hachman / IDG Microsofts original Surface Laptop simply got the job done.

Windows Central is reporting that the Sparti Surface Laptop will start with a Core i5, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, for somewhere between $500 and $600. Thats underpowered relative to other student-targeted laptops, although Microsoft may view this as another challenge to the Chromebooks that dominate American classrooms.

If so, this sounds very much like a trial run for Windows 10X, the simplified OS which Microsoft now intends as a Windows 10S-like operating system for managed devices. Windows 10X, however, is reportedly designed to be released in 2021. On the other hand, Microsoft has already missed the fall back-to-school window, anyway.

Keep in mind what made the original Surface Laptop so great, however: a simple clamshell design, all-day battery life thats still impressive today, and a straightforward design that emphasized everything you should want in a budget laptop: a great screen, a great keyboard, and a great battery. I suspect well see a return to some different color schemes, too.

Any Surface Laptop with just 4GB of RAM will likely be somewhat disappointing, even if Microsoft anticipates a cloud PC environment where students work entirely in the browser. But an 8GB machine with a Core i5? If youre assuming that students wont be running Fortnite after hours, an inexpensive Surface with minimal storage could work, and work wellas long as its understood that students arent undergrads studying for a degree in architecture, but elementary- and middle-school aged.

With the exception of the somewhat underpowered Surface Go, Microsoft has focused on PCs that buyers aspire to. This Sparti Surface Laptop sounds like a more practical approach, a mass-market PC that goes back to the Laptops roots as an everyman option. Is it weird that this otherwise boring PC sounds so exciting?
These heat map images show the amount of time in seconds that the test animals spent in the 3-chamber apparatus, with each side chamber containing a social (S) or a non-social (NS) stimulus under the cup (circle). The autism animal model (right) spends less time with the social stimulus than does the normal animal (left). Credit: Zhen lab

A sensitive and reliable new protocol for assessing social deficits in animal models of autism and certain psychiatric conditions is expediting the search for effective treatments. Developed by University at Buffalo researchers, the new protocol is described in a paper published today in Nature Protocols.

"The protocol we developed is facilitating studies on social behaviors and mental disorders related to social impairment," said Zhen Yan, Ph.D., SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB and senior author on the paper.

She noted that a clinical trial for an autism treatment now underway by Oryzon, the European biopharmaceutical company, is, in part, based on preclinical studies conducted at UB with the protocol. That trial is focused on a form of autism called Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, which results from a single genetic deficiency in a gene called Shank3. The UB researchers have significantly contributed to the understanding of how that genetic mutation causes the social deficits.

Determining the effectiveness of a potential treatment for brain disorders cannot be done the way it is for many other diseases: by checking a biomarker in the blood or measuring tumor size and spread. The only way to determine how effective potential therapies for autism might be is to observe behavioral changes in preclinical models.

No biomarkers

"We don't have a biomarker for autism," said Yan. "Social deficits are the core symptom."

That's why a sensitive and reliable protocol for measuring social deficits is so crucial to finding new autism treatments.

"To find out whether a therapeutic strategy works or not, outcome measurements rely on behavior," Yan said. "So a social preference protocol is a critical ingredient in determining the effectiveness of potential therapies in brain diseases like autism and certain mental disorders."

Social preference protocols for autism and similar conditions are based on the fact that normal animals will spend much more time interacting with a so-called social object, meaning another animal, than they will with a non-social, inanimate object, such as a block of wood.

"In a mouse model of autism, this social preference will be significantly diminished," Yan said.

Assessing behavior changes

But assessing behavior changes in mouse models of autism isn't easy. A widely used method for social preference has been a simple three-chamber assay, in which the test mouse is first habituated to an empty three-chamber apparatus. Then, one empty cup is placed in one side chamber, and another cup containing a mouse is placed in the other side chamber, and the amount of time spent interacting with either stimulus is recorded.

"That type of test had an intrinsic bias," Yan explained. "The social stimulus, which contains both a novel social stimulus (mouse) and a novel non-social stimulus (cup), is more salient than the non-social stimulus (cup alone), which may mask the presence of social preference deficits in autism models."

Similar protocols have produced inconsistent results, Yan said.

The protocol developed at UB is different for several reasons. The test mouse is first habituated to a three-chamber apparatus containing two empty cups in side chambers. The animal then is introduced to two identical inanimate objects (e.g. paper balls) placed within the cups. In the test phase, a social stimulus (mouse) is introduced under one cup and a novel non-social stimulus (e.g. wooden block) is placed under the other cup. The preference between social and non-social stimuli under conditions of equal salience is assessed.

Tests by Yan and her colleagues have demonstrated that this protocol successfully detects social preference deficits in several autism mouse models, and outperforms the widely used method that differs in animal habituation and testing.

"You need a measurement of the phenotype that is both sensitive and robust, and this protocol is both," said Yan.

Repeated measurements of social preference behavior using this protocol also enable longitudinal studies of therapeutic efficacy in autism models, as demonstrated by several publications from the Yan group.

Explore further Autism researchers map brain circuitry of social preference

More information: Benjamin Rein et al. A standardized social preference protocol for measuring social deficits in mouse models of autism, Nature Protocols (2020). Journal information: Nature Protocols Benjamin Rein et al. A standardized social preference protocol for measuring social deficits in mouse models of autism,(2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-0382-9
(CNN)  Joe Biden has described himself as a "bridge" between the Democrats' current and future generations of leaders. But he may also be a bridge between its present and future on the electoral map.

Exactly eight weeks before Election Day, Biden has strong opportunities to recapture states that President Donald Trump won in 2016 both in the Rust Belt and the Sun Belt. But public and private polls consistently show that Biden is running slightly better in the former group of battlegrounds -- centered on Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin -- than the latter, which include North Carolina, Florida and Arizona.

That's something of a surprise, because Trump has focused his message and agenda so precisely on the priorities and resentments of the older, rural and non-college Whites who dominate the electorate in Rust Belt states, while the Sun Belt states are adding many more of the younger non-White voters who increasingly compose the Democrats' base.

View Trump and Biden head-to-head polling

Through the 2020s, many Democrats believe that the party will need to make greater inroads in both congressional and presidential contests across the diversifying Sun Belt -- including not only this year's targets but also emerging opportunities led by Texas and Georgia -- to offset the likelihood that Republicans will compete more effectively throughout the preponderantly White Rust Belt.

But if Biden can regain enough ground in the Rust Belt in November to win the White House, he'll buy time for Democrats to allow increasing racial diversity and a steady influx of college-educated White professionals to strengthen their hand in Sun Belt states that have leaned reliably Republican for decades.

That's how Biden could offer Democrats a bridge: His potential to improve on Hillary Clinton's showing with older and blue-collar Whites means that even if falls short in some or all of the Sun Belt states that many in the party see as its long-term future, he could still reach 270 Electoral College votes by recapturing Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, the three big Rust Belt states that Trump dislodged from the Democrats' "blue wall."

As on many fronts, Biden's electoral strategy may not define the Democrats' long-term direction, but he may revive just enough of the party's past to sustain it until that future comes more clearly into focus. "You don't want to be in a position of having to make the Sun Belt work [this year]," says Ruy Teixeira, a veteran Democratic electoral analyst who's a senior fellow at the left-leaning Center for American Progress. "You want to be in a position of having a lot more degrees of freedom than that. That's the beauty of Biden in this election."

The electoral battlefield this year offers almost perfect symmetry between the Sun Belt and the Rust Belt. The six states noted above, which both sides consider the most competitive, split evenly between the regions. So does the next tier of possibly competitive states.

Though facing longer odds than in the first group, Democrats see opportunity in four more states Trump carried last time: Iowa and Ohio across the Rust Belt, and Georgia and Texas in the Sun Belt. Meanwhile, the two states carried by Hillary Clinton that Trump is most hoping to pry loose -- again at longer odds -- also divide between the Rust Belt (Minnesota) and Sun Belt (Nevada).

A geographic shift

The equal number of contested states in each region is in one sense unexpected. Over the past generation, Democrats have consistently run better in both presidential and congressional contests in the Rust Belt than the Sun Belt. Of the potentially competitive Rust Belt states this year, Democrats carried four of them in all six elections from 1992 to 2012 (Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Minnesota), Iowa five times and Ohio four. By comparison, they won Texas not at all, Georgia, Arizona and North Carolina only once and Florida three times; only in Nevada (four wins) did they prevail most of the time.

But the 2016 election -- shaped by Trump's polarizing message and persona -- rattled this alignment. Behind big gains among Whites without college degrees, he surged forward in the Rust Belt, routing Clinton in Ohio and Iowa, narrowly capturing Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and significantly reducing the margin in Minnesota, which Clinton held by less than 2 percentage points. Trump benefited from big gains in small-town and rural places, and his strength in those communities remains formidable to this day. Even now, "there is a huge urban-rural divide" across the Midwest, notes Craig Robinson, the former political director of the Iowa Republican Party.

How to make sure your 2020 mail-in vote is counted

The picture in the Sun Belt was more complex. Clinton solidified earlier Democratic gains in well-educated and diverse Virginia and Colorado, moving them from swing states toward a deeper shade of blue (to the point where neither side considers them seriously in play this year). And she significantly improved on President Barack Obama's 2012 showing in Arizona, Georgia and Texas, three other states also being reshaped by increasing racial diversity and an influx of college-educated suburbanites, though she ultimately fell short in each. But with Trump's strength among his core groups of older, non-college and rural Whites as the battering ram, Clinton lost ground relative to Obama in Florida, North Carolina and Nevada, winning only the latter.

Those results -- combined with Trump's strategy of targeting so much of his agenda and rhetoric at blue-collar and rural Whites on issues such as immigration and trade -- seemed to establish the conditions for a historic geographic shift between the parties. When Trump took office, many Democrats feared he might consolidate his 2016 beachhead in the Rust Belt, forcing the party to make greater inroads across the Sun Belt if it hoped to beat him this year.

Instead, since taking office, Trump and the Republican Party have demonstrably lost ground across both regions. But because Trump began with less margin for error in the Rust Belt states, the consequences of that erosion have been more severe for him there than in the Sun Belt.

That was evident in the 2018 elections.

Roaring back after Trump's 2016 inroads, Democrats convincingly won both the governor's and Senate races in Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and a Senate contest in Ohio; although Republicans held the governorships in Iowa and Ohio, Democrats also ran much better in both contests than Clinton had in those states.

In the Sun Belt, the picture remained more mixed. Democrats broke through to win Senate seats in Arizona and Nevada and the governorship in the latter. But even with charismatic candidates who inspired huge turnout -- and significant gains in white-collar suburbs around cities such as Atlanta, Dallas and Houston -- the party fell just short in high-profile races for the Senate in Texas (behind Beto O'Rourke) and the governorships in Georgia (Stacey Abrams) and Florida (Andrew Gillum). Veteran Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson also lost in Florida. And Democrats were routed in the Texas and Arizona governor's races.

Something of a surprise

While Biden has clear opportunities in both regions, public polls and internal surveys by his campaign again show him in a slightly stronger position across the Rust Belt battlegrounds than those in the Sun Belt. In their internal rankings, the Biden campaign and other Democratic groups such as the super PAC Priorities USA all place the three central Rust Belt swing states as slightly better opportunities than any of the three Sun Belt showdowns.

That's not a prospect that all Democrats or analysts (myself included) expected when the campaign began.

"When the cycle started, I was of the belief that Arizona was going to be easier for Democrats than Wisconsin," says Democratic pollster Andrew Baumann. "I thought those were the two states that were going to be the tipping point states."

The Road to 270: Interactive Electoral College maps

These assessments are shaped by the core tension in the modern electoral landscape: While changes in the underlying demography are more favorable for Democrats in the Sun Belt, their capacity to win White voters remains much greater in the Rust Belt.

The nonpartisan States of Change project, which Teixeira helps to direct, projects that since 2016 minorities have increased much more as a share of eligible voters in Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Georgia and North Carolina than in Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. By the project's forecast, Trump's best group, which is Whites without college degrees, will remain a majority of the eligible voters in all of the big Rust Belt battlegrounds (except Pennsylvania, where they will fall just below half) but make up no more than 41% of the eligible population in any of the most contested Sun Belt states -- or, for that matter, Virginia and Colorado.

Yet the Rust Belt states may still prove somewhat easier for Biden because considerably more White voters -- both with and without college degrees -- appear willing to vote for him there. Recent public polls by CBS News and Fox News in Wisconsin; Quinnipiac University and Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania; and Monmouth University in Iowa earlier this summer all showed Biden winning at least 40% of Whites without college degrees in those states and holding his deficit with Trump among that group there to about 10-15 percentage points.

By contrast, recent Monmouth polls in North Carolina and earlier this summer in Georgia; summer Quinnipiac surveys in Texas and South Carolina; and a new Dallas Morning News/University of Texas at Tyler survey in Texas each showed Biden attracting no more than 28% of Whites without college degrees in those states and trailing Trump by margins that stretched as high as 50 percentage points. (A Fox poll in North Carolina put Biden at 31% with those voters there.) Only in Florida (Quinnipiac) and Arizona (Fox) did Biden approach the 40% mark in the recent public polls with those blue-collar Whites, which he routinely reached in the Rust Belt.

Political experts offer several explanations for these huge disparities: More non-college Whites in the South are evangelical Christians, fewer have experience with labor unions and more may be receptive to Trump's overt appeals to racial resentment. But whatever the cause, Trump's towering margins among Southern non-college Whites, even if potentially slightly diminished from his 2016 levels, remain a huge obstacle for Democrats hoping to flip North Carolina, much less Georgia and Texas or, at some future point, South Carolina.

"In Texas and Georgia, North Carolina, the White non-college margins are like a mountain," says Teixeira. "That's something you always have to take into account."

Not only this year, but through the 2020s, the Democrat prospect of overcoming those deficits with Sun Belt working-class Whites will likely depend on following the same formula that moved Colorado and Virginia reliably into their camp: benefiting from growth in the minority population while improving their performance among college-educated suburban Whites.

The most recent round of polls almost all show Biden substantially leading Trump among college-educated White voters across the key Rust Belt states; both the Quinnipiac and Franklin & Marshall surveys, for instance, showed Biden ahead with them in Pennsylvania by more than 20 percentage points. In the Sun Belt, his position with college Whites isn't as strong or as consistent.

The latest polls show him establishing leads of around a dozen percentage points with them in Arizona and Florida, which would likely be enough to win those states, and a narrow edge in North Carolina that leaves the state at the tipping point. But in Texas and Georgia, Biden is still struggling to push much past 40% with those voters, about the same level of support O'Rourke and Abrams drew in their narrow defeats.

Shifting foundations

Another big uncertainty is whether Biden can inspire a large turnout among minorities, especially young people. That would improve the Democrats' fortunes in both regions, but especially in the Sun Belt states where people of color dominate the new voters who turn 18 each year.

Though Biden struggled with young people during the Democratic primaries and public polls have offered contrasting pictures of their enthusiasm for the general election, a poll Baumann released last week for the advocacy group NextGen America found unexpectedly high levels of interest among young people, with Blacks and Hispanics as engaged as Whites. Among young people, because of their strong antipathy to Trump, "there is no question [Biden] is better positioned in terms of both margins and turnout than Clinton," Baumann insists.

Biden's own unique strengths and weaknesses reinforce these underlying regional dynamics. Polls have repeatedly raised questions about whether Biden, who also struggled with Hispanics during the primary, will match Clinton's margins with that growing voter bloc; Trump, some in both parties believe, may be positioned to slightly improve his 2016 showing, particularly with Hispanic men. Conversely, strategists on both sides agree that Biden doesn't alienate nearly as many Rust Belt non-college White voters as Clinton, whom many perceived as an elitist who looked down on them.

"Some of those White non-college, particularly older, voters who had moved toward Trump are coming back to Biden in the Rust Belt, which has blunted that movement which we saw moving away from Democrats," says Baumann. "And it does certainly seem that Biden is a little weaker with Hispanics than Hillary was, which blunts his potential gains in the Sun Belt. So you put those things together and the Rust Belt still seems a little stronger."

A Presidential race like no other

With the political foundation shifting in both regions, the range of possible results is multiplying. On Election Day in 2016, I wrote: "The risk for Hillary Clinton is that her party's foundation in the Rust Belt is fracturing before the twin forces of diversity and rising education levels have advanced enough to provide Democrats a secure foothold in the Sun Belt."

That's exactly what happened to Clinton: She fell just short in the key Sun Belt battlegrounds and lost by even smaller margins in the decisive Rust Belt contests. That remains the nightmare scenario for Democrats this year: Trump mobilizes just enough non-college Whites to squeak by again in the Rust Belt, while Biden fails to energize quite enough non-Whites (and/or convert enough well-educated Whites) to flip the big Sun Belt battlegrounds.

But Trump now faces the risk of the opposite scenario. Biden could recapture the key Rust Belt battlegrounds by reeling back just enough older and non-college Whites while advancing further in white-collar suburbs and improving minority turnout even slightly. Simultaneously, the latter two dynamics could allow him to flip some of the Sun Belt battlegrounds, even if blue-collar Whites there remain overwhelmingly behind Trump. That would produce a blowout election.

Most troubling for Trump is that Biden can reach an Electoral College majority even if he breaks through on only one of these fronts.

"One of the benefits of the map that exists now is we have multiple paths to 270," says Katie Drapcho, director of polling and research at Priorities USA. "Of the six [big swing states] we can win some of them, not win some of them, and still deny Trump a path to reelection."

Of course, even though Biden's position looks stronger at this point than Clinton's, it's worth the footnote that Democrats felt that way for most of the final weeks in 2016 as well.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "How Biden is pressing a two-front war against Trump."
An 86-year-old woman was raped and assaulted, allegedly by a 37-year-old plumber, after he offered her a ride on his motorcycle and took her to a farm in an isolated area in southwest Delhis Chhawla on Monday evening.

The man was nabbed from the scene of crime after locals, alerted by the screams of the woman, rushed to help, police said on Tuesday.

Deputy commissioner of police (Dwarka) Santosh Kumar Meena said, The plumber was immediately nabbed and a case was registered at the Chhawla police station.

On Tuesday, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal met the elderly woman and said she had several injuries and bruises on her body.

The woman was found bleeding profusely and in extreme trauma. We will help the family in further legal proceedings in the matter, said Maliwal.

The DCW in its statement said that the elderly woman (who the commission says is 90 years old) told them that on Monday around 5pm, she was waiting for the milkman when the plumber arrived at her house and told her that the regular delivery guy would not be able to make it. The man told her that he could take her to a nearby area from where she could purchase milk.

...he then took the elderly woman to a nearby farm and raped her, ignoring her repeated pleas that she was of his grandmothers age. The suspect also assaulted her brutally, when she tried to resist and protect herself...Later, local villagers passing by the area heard her scream and ran to help her. The locals caught hold of him and called the police..., the DCW said in the statement.

Police, on the other hand, said that the woman, in her statement, had told them that she was a little distance away from the village, when the plumber saw her and offered her a lift on his motorcycle.

The man then took the woman to a farm in a secluded place, which is nearly 2km away from her home, and forced himself on her. He also assaulted her. Prima facie, it appears that he does not have a criminal record. We are still verifying the allegations. He hails from another village in Chhawla, said a senior police officer.

A DCW member, who did not wish to be named, said that the woman had been admitted to a government hospital where she was medically examined, given treatment, and discharged on Tuesday morning.

A team of counsellors has been with her since Monday. The woman lives with her son and daughter-in-law, who were not present at home at the time of the incident, the DCW member said.

DCW chief Maliwal added, From a six-month-old girl to a 90-year-old woman, no one is safe in Delhi. The kind of trauma this woman had to face clearly indicates that the perpetrators of these crimes are not humans. I met the woman today. She is extremely courageous and we will ensure that she gets justice. This case needs to be fast-tracked and justice delivered within 6 months.

The elderly womans statement was recorded by a magistrate, which is now admissible evidence against the 37-year-old suspect.
India's Covid-19 tally of cases went past 4.2 million with a record 90,802 people being infected in a day to surpass Brazil and become the second worst-hit country after the United States.

India recorded more than 90,000 cases for the second consecutive day as the total number of deaths rose to 71,642.

In terms of deaths caused by Covid-19, too, India is in third spot after the US and Brazil.

India has been reporting the highest number of daily Covid cases in the world for nearly a month, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) data, adding more than 50,000 infections each day since late July.

Clearly, India is facing a challenge with respect to the disease," said Mike Ryan, head of emergency preparedness at the WHO. "India is really trying to beef up its testing regime. It is aiming for one million tests a day. It is huge but it is getting there slowly,

We knew the pandemic would surge but never expected that it will happen so fast, Pritam Kapur, an engineer in the capital told RFI.

Nobody can tell us how this pathogen is moving and how fast. When will India see its peak? Nobody knows. It is scary, Ravinder Gupta, a businessman from Mumbai told RFI.

Rise in cases

As the world's second most-populous country, and one with a relatively poor public health system, it is inevitable that India's outbreak will continue to accelerate as it shifts to the rural hinterland and the peninsula, both highly populated regions and with inadequate health care systems.

With increased testing, it could emerge as the top country affected by the pandemic," said Himanshu Sikka of IPE global, an international healthcare development consultancy.

"While testing rates have increased by 240 percent since the beginning of July, Covid positive cases have increased by almost 325 percent."

Infectious diseases experts cite setbacks in primary health care to contain the virus and a huge population as the prime reasons for Covid-19's rapid spread.

Expert concerns

Experts worry that India will surpass the US's 6.4 million cases and become the world's most coronavirus affected country.

In absolute numbers, India will cross the United States S but not in cases per million population, Dr K Srinath Reddy, president of the Public Health Foundation of India told RFI.

Different places (states) would peak at different times. There is the need for co-operation between the general public and the governing authorities if India's states want to beat coronavirus.

Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh are the five states which reported the highest number of cases in the last 24 hours. These five states account for more than 62 % of the active cases, according to the health ministry.

Low mortality is the silver lining

However, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, are the two biggest contributors to the recent surge in numbers in the country. For the last nine days, Andhra Pradesh has been reporting between 10,000 and 11,000 new cases.

The saving grace for India as the pandemic surges is its lower mortality which is under two percent and a recovery rate of more than 70 percent.

With antibody studies in capital New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and other cities showing that the number of people with signs of past infection is between 40 and 200 times greater than the official case count, the true size of India's epidemic is probably far larger than its reported 4.2 million infections.

The disease is moving from urban to rural areas, it's moving from states with better health-care infrastructure to other places, said Ramanan Laxminarayan, director of the New Delhi and Washington DC - based Centre for Disease Dynamics Economics and Policy.

On 17 July, India crossed the 1 million mark in total coronavirus cases. The cases started piling up when the country began to emerge in June from a hard lockdown. Cases in India have grown from 1 million to 4 million in 50 days. The same rise took 75 days in Brazil and 86 in the US.

India raced past four million on Friday, just 13 days after hitting the 3 million mark.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The citys Learning Bridges program will begin on Sept. 21, the first day of the blended learning for city schools, with 30,000 seats, city officials announced Tuesday.

The mayor said in July that the city would provide free child-care options for 100,000 kids from 3-K through eighth grade this fall. The program would provide relief to families who cant stay home or find alternate care for their kids on days they arent in school buildings.

De Blasio said the first 30,000 seats will be highly prioritized for who has the greatest need.

A DOE spokeswoman said the following populations will be prioritized: children living in temporary housing and NYCHA developments; children of DOE school and program personnel; children receiving child welfare services; students with IEPs; and children whose parent/guardian is an essential worker or were previously enrolled in a Regional Enrichment Center.

By the end of October, the Learning Bridges program will have 70,000 seats available and 100,000 seats available by the end of December.

There are over one million students in the citys public school system.

We want to assure parents that activities and programs will be offered in a safe and welcoming environment, said Department of Youth and Community Development Deputy Commissioner Susan Haskell.

To prevent outbreaks, strict risk mitigation measures will be taken, including:

Wearing masks and daily health screening for children and staff

Frequent hand washing

Cleaning and disinfecting program space and common areas

Physical distancing

Cohorting that maintains group stability from school to program and small group size

The spokeswoman said nurses will be available for all programs for on-site visits and telehealth from 8 a.mn. to 8 p.m.

WHAT WILL A DAY IN LEARNING BRIDGES LOOK LIKE?

Operated by Community Based Organizations contracted through DYCD and the DOE, Learning Bridges centers will be open five days a week from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., a DOE spokeswoman said.

Preschool students enrolled in Learning Bridges will have center-based play and physical movement activities during the day.

Social-emotional development and early learning activities will also take place.

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade will receive assistance with their remote learning lessons.

Creative arts and STEM, recreation and physical fitness activities will also take place.

All participants enrolled in the Learning Bridges program will receive free, healthy meals and snacks.

All families who expressed interest and filled out the survey on the DOEs website will automatically go into the enrollment process.

You can fill out the survey here.

Locations for the free child-care program havent yet been announced.

96% OF CLASSROOMS PASSED VENTILATION INSPECTIONS

In preparation of the school year, inspectors began ventilation checks in every school building across the five boroughs to ensure proper airflow, which will help combat the spread of COVID-19.

Using guidelines set by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control, a citywide team of independent engineers assessed each space to determine if there is adequate ventilation.

De Blasio said that all 1,485 school buildings had been inspected by Sept. 8 and about 96% of classrooms passed inspection.

Repairs are being completed on an aggressive timeline and many have already been fixed, said School Chancellor Richard Carranza.

No stone will be left unturned to protect students, staff and families, he said.

The city has made the ventilation reports available for parents who wish to check the condition of their childs school.

The reports, broken down by school and rooms within the building, can be found here.

FOLLOW KRISTIN F. DALTON ON TWITTER.
On Friday September 4, 2020 at about 6:44 PM PDT the Creek Fire began in the Big Creek drainage area between Shaver Lake, Big Creek and Huntington Lake, Calif. NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured these images of the fire on Sep. 05 through Sep. 07, 2020. From the series of images the spread of the fire can be seen in the outward movement of the red hot spots, although the huge cloud on the 6th obscures all readings due to its size.

The huge, dense cloud created on Sep. 05 and seen in the Suomi NPP image was a pyrocumulonimbus cloud (pyroCb) and the resulting smoke plume that grew upward was spotted and confirmed on Sep. 06, 2020. A pyrocumulonimbus cloud is also called a cumulonimbus flammagenitus. The origins of the latter word are from the Latin meaning flame and created from. This perfectly describes a cloud that is caused by a natural source of heat such as a wildfire or volcano. Rising warm air from the fire can carry water vapor up into the atmosphere causing clouds. Any type of convective cloud can be created. In this case, the cumulonimbus, or thunderhead cloud, was created. Precipitation and lightning can also occur with these types of clouds creating a risk that the fire will expand due to increased wind from precipitation downdraft or by creating new fires due to lightning strikes. These are all things that fire managers must keep in mind while continuing to try to fight the fire.

The pyrocumulonimbus cloud created aerosol index values indicate that this is one of the largest (if not the largest) pyroCb events seen in the United States, according to Dr. Colin Seftor, Atmospheric Scientist at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

This fast-moving fire is burning in both the Madera and Fresno districts of the Sierra National Forest. The fire began near the communities of Big Creek and Huntington Lake and moved swiftly prompting evacuations. Timber in the area has approximately 80-90 percent tree mortality from the bark beetle providing ample fuel for the fires spread.

Inciweb reports that the fire has grown to 135,523 acres as of Sep. 08, 2020. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Weather concerns continue to plague firefighters as hot and very dry conditions remained over the region through Labor Day with relative humidity very low. Forecasts expect terrain driven winds with overnight temperatures between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit and daytime temperatures between 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit.

###

NASAs satellite instruments are often the first to detect wildfires burning in remote regions, and the locations of new fires are sent directly to land managers worldwide within hours of the satellite overpass. Together, NASA instruments detect actively burning fires, track the transport of smoke from fires, provide information for fire management, and map the extent of changes to ecosystems, based on the extent and severity of burn scars. NASA has a fleet of Earth-observing instruments, many of which contribute to our understanding of fire in the Earth system. Satellites in orbit around the poles provide observations of the entire planet several times per day, whereas satellites in a geostationary orbit provide coarse-resolution imagery of fires, smoke and clouds every five to 15 minutes. For more information visit: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/fires/main/missions/index.html

NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Worldview application provides the capability to interactively browse over 700 global, full-resolution satellite imagery layers and then download the underlying data. Many of the available imagery layers are updated within three hours of observation, essentially showing the entire Earth as it looks "right now. Actively burning fires, detected by thermal bands, are shown as red points. Image Courtesy: NASA Worldview, Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS). Caption: Lynn Jenner with information from Inciweb, Dr. Colin Seftor, and William Straka of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Premalal Jayasekara from governing party becomes the first convict facing death sentence to take oath as a legislator.

A Sri Lankan politician sentenced to death for murder has been escorted out of prison and became the first convict to be sworn in as a member of parliament, to heckles from opposition MPs.

Premalal Jayasekara  from the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP)  was convicted in July of murdering an opposition activist after opening fire at an election rally in 2015.

But the 45-year-olds conviction and sentence came after nominations for the August 5 poll, and he was allowed to contest the election and take up his seat.

Jayasekara did not attend the current parliaments first session on August 20 as prison authorities refused to let him out.

However, he petitioned the Court of Appeal, which issued an interim order on Monday that he should be escorted from prison to exercise his rights as an MP. He is to be escorted back to prison after the days session.

Opposition lawmakers wore black scarves in protest and heckled Jayasekara on Tuesday as he took the oath. Several staged a walkout.

Sri Lankas opposition legislators wearing black scarves protest as convicted murderer Jayasekara (unseen) takes oath as a member of parliament [Ishara S Kodikara/AFP]

Jayasekara is the first convicted murderer to serve as an MP in Sri Lanka. He has been an MP since 2001.

In January 2015, he opened fire at a stage being set up for an election event by a rival party, killing one person. He has appealed the conviction and the death sentence.

Although Sri Lanka does hand down death sentences, no one has been executed since 1976.

Jayasekara is not the only legislator escorted from prison to Parliament in Sri Lanka.

Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, a first-time MP, is awaiting trial for alleged murder and is brought in for legislative sessions.

Brushes with the law are no bar to a career in politics in South Asia.

More than 40 percent of lawmakers in Indias parliament face criminal charges  some as serious as murder and rape, according to the Association of Democratic Reforms, an electoral reform group.
Now, if youre highly anticipating its arrival in the country (just like us), then we have some good news. Isuzu has begun exporting the new D-Max to foreign markets this month.

It has been almost a year since Isuzu launched the all-new D-Max pickup in Thailand. Given the local demand for pick-ups in Thailand, it's unsurprising that their home market was prioritized and export markets have had to wait.

According to a press release from Isuzu, exports of the new D-Max will begin with Australia before proceeding sequentially to countries across the world. Unfortunately, they did not specify a date as to when the pickup trucks will arrive in the Land Down Under. Instead, they did say that after Australia, Isuzu will move forward to export the all-new D-Max to Europe, among others.

Considering the Australia and Europe markets are being planned first per the announcement, it might take a while before the new D-Max arrives in the Philippines. One probable reason why Australia was first is that they have the steering wheel on the right; just like Thailand.

Isuzu did assemble the first and second-generation D-Max in the Philippines but ceased to do so when they could no longer justify the cost versus importing from Thailand. On average, assembling a vehicle in the Philippines incurs a handicap of about USD 1500 per unit (about PhP 75,000) versus importing the same from Thailand.

We had expected the Philippine market to get the D-Max fairly early because another reason that Isuzu Philippines executives cited for the cessation of the local assembly is to increase the speed when offering a new model. But that doesn't seem to be the case for the all-new model.

In review, the all-new Isuzu D-Max is longer, wider, and taller than the current-model sold locally. Styling-wise, the pickup looks a lot bolder thanks to the aggressive front end with a massive grille and slimmer headlights. Meanwhile, the interior has been completely redesigned with none of the round patterns to be found.

The Thailand-spec D-Max is available with two powertrains. The first is the 1.9-liter RZ4E introduced in 2017 featuring the same power figures of 150 PS and 350 Nm torque. The other is a 3.0-liter BluePower mill producing 190 PS and 450 Nm torque. Both engines can are available with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic and is available in both 4x2 and 4x4 variants.
FRANKLIN, Tenn., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 20 animal welfare organizations across the United States received extra support this summer thanks to a partnership between Mars Petcare and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). In total, $200,000 in grants was awarded to municipal and public shelters, rescues and animal welfare organizations. Funding for the grants was generated by the HSUS's highly successful "Rock the House for Animals!" livestream, which featured a $100,000 match from Mars Petcare.

"Throughout the pandemic, many people have turned to pets as a source of comfort and companionship," said Mark Johnson, president of Mars Petcare North America. "With our BETTER CITIES FOR PETS grants, we hope to provide much-needed support to the animal welfare community who work tirelessly to help pets in need, and keep people and their pets together during these tough times."

About the Grants

Since 2018, Mars Petcare has offered grants through the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS program to help cities create or expand programs that provide more welcoming places for people and pets. This year, the focus was on keeping pets in homes, knowing the unprecedented challenges facing families during the pandemic.

With financial and health stressors affecting many people, some pet owners may be required to surrender their pets  something Mars Petcare hopes to help avoid.

With the grants, the company is helping the animal welfare community in cities across the United States in their tireless work to help pets in need and keep people and pets together.

Answering a Critical Need

"With this generous donation, Mars Petcare's BETTER CITIES FOR PETS program brings great relief to some of the most vulnerable animals on the planet  the dogs and cats who depend on caring people to give them the love, protection and sustenance they need to survive," said Humane Society of the United States president and CEO, Kitty Block.

"Pets provide comfort, loyalty and affection, qualities that are especially important during these difficult times," she added. "As the world grapples with the tragic effects of the pandemic, Mars Petcare funds answer a critical need to help dogs and cats, whether they have been displaced because their human family can no longer afford to care for them or they have lost their caretaker to this deadly virus. We cannot thank Mars Petcare enough for being heroes for these animals who have no other hope."

Recipients of the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS Grants

The recipients of grants through the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS program include:

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria | Alexandria, Va.

| City of Southport Animal Protective Services | Southport, N.C.

Dallas Animal Services | Dallas, Texas

Humane Rescue Alliance | District of Columbia

Humane Society of Manatee County Inc. | Bradenton, Fla.

Independence Animal Services #1 | Independence, Mo.

Memphis Animal Services | Memphis, Tenn.

Miami Veterinary Foundation | Miami, Fla.

Monroe County Humane Association | Bloomington, Ind.

Pet Pal Rescue, Inc. | St. Petersburg, Fla.

Pima Animal Care Center | Tucson, Ariz.

The Arizona Pet Project/Friends of Animal Care and Control | Phoenix, Ariz.

The Pet Project for Pets, Inc. | Wilton Manors, Fla.

Recipients of the Match Grants

These additional recipients were awarded grants from donations raised in response to Mars Petcare's match.

Animal Protective Association of Missouri | St. Louis, Mo.

| Association of Humane Societies | Newark, N.J.

Charm City Companions | Baltimore, Md.

Companion Animal Alliance | Baton Rouge, La.

Gabriel Foundation | Elizabeth, Colo.

Hearts Alive Village | Las Vegas, Nev.

Lifeline Animal Project | Atlanta, Ga.

Louisiana SPCA | New Orleans, La.

Second Chance Animal Services | East Brookfield, Mass.

Helping Prevent Pet Homelessness

This year's grants provided through the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS program are part of multiple initiatives in 2020 to help prevent pet homelessness and assist pet parents in this difficult time. Others include:

FOSTER TO FOREVER, which encourages adoption. With help from celebrity advocates in May, Mars Petcare raised awareness of the need for pet adoption. In June and July, FOSTER TO FOREVER kits were given to 1,000 pet parents who opted to give a forever home to their foster pet.

DOGS ON ZOOM, a program from Mars Petcare's PEDIGREE brand, which has helped potential adopters meet and adopt dogs via video chat.

PEDIGREE Foundation, which was created by the makers of PEDIGREE food for dogs and has awarded $175,000 in grants to help shelters and rescues across the U.S. that are struggling due to the pandemic.

in grants to help shelters and rescues across the U.S. that are struggling due to the pandemic. Mars, Incorporated made a $1 million donation to Humane Society International for its programs to care for dogs and cats affected by the COVID-19 pandemic around the world.

Grants awarded through the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS program in 2018 and 2019 were provided in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors. See a list of prior grant recipients here.

About BETTER CITIES FOR PETS

When cities are pet-friendly, they support a happy, healthy world for everyone. The BETTER CITIES FOR PETS program encourages and helps cities to be pet-friendly so more people can enjoy the benefits of pets, from companionship to exercise to social connections. The program was created by Mars Petcare, the world's leading pet nutrition and health care business, in partnership with experts in city planning and key government stakeholders. It includes a playbook for cities, city certification program, best practice research, policy advocacy, grants and free online resources. Learn more at BetterCitiesForPets.com

About Mars Petcare

Part of Mars, Incorporated, a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love, the 85,000 Associates across 50+ countries in Mars Petcare are dedicated to one purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. With 85 years of experience, our portfolio of almost 50 brands serves the health and nutrition needs of the world's pets  including brands PEDIGREE, WHISKAS, ROYAL CANIN, NUTRO, GREENIES, SHEBA, CESAR, IAMS and EUKANUBA as well as the WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute which has advanced research in the nutrition and health of pets for over 50 years. Mars Petcare is also a leading veterinary health provider through an international network of over 2,000 pet hospitals and diagnostic services including BANFIELD, BLUEPEARL, VCA, Linnaeus, AniCura and Antech. We're also active in innovation and technology for pets, with WISDOM PANEL genetic health screening and DNA testing for dogs, the WHISTLE GPS dog tracker, and LEAP VENTURE STUDIO accelerator and COMPANION FUND programs that drive innovation and disruption in the pet care industry. As a family business and guided by our principles, we are privileged with the flexibility to fight for what we believe in  and we choose to fight for: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

SOURCE BETTER CITIES FOR PETS
Jenkintown Road closed from Monday through May
The Recently Revised Website is Now More User-Friendly Than Ever

MAUI, HAWAII / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / The founders of Ocean Epic, Hawaii's leading digital marketing agency, are pleased to announce the launch of their newly revised website.

To check out the updated site and learn more about the services that Ocean Epic provides, please visit https://oceanepic.com/.

As a company spokesperson noted, the founders of Ocean Epic want their website to be as easy as possible to navigate-for both current and potential clients. This inspired them to update the site in a number of ways and create a new web design that is extremely user-friendly.

From small mom and pop businesses who would like to be sure that their website is also eye-catching and effective to other small companies that need assistance with SEO, the friendly and experienced team from Ocean Epic is ready and willing to help transform businesses of all sizes in Hawaii.

To ensure that their clients stand out from the competition, Ocean Epic is proud to offer innovative tactics in both SEO and digital marketing. In order to do this as effectively as possible, Ocean Epic uses a four-step process that begins with analyzing the client's website, current rankings and keywords in the specific niche while also researching the local competition.

"Then we formulate a game plan best suited for your business to dominate in the search engine rankings," the spokesperson noted, adding that the team of SEO experts from Ocean Epic will also create and launch a comprehensive digital marketing campaign that will help their clients to succeed over the competition.

"Our results lead to more growth in revenue for your business from all the traffic and exposure generated by dominating the search results leading to more website visits and phone calls, which in turn results in an increased customer base and no longer losing out to your competitors."

Anybody who would like to learn more about Ocean Epic may fill out a Discovery Form on the newly revised website; after reviewing the information that is submitted, a member of the company's team will set up a follow-up phone call.

About Ocean Epic:

At Ocean Epic they offer cutting edge tactics in search engine optimization and Web Design. They help businesses increase exposure by dominating in search results, growing their customer base, and increasing revenue from new customer inquiries. For more information, please visit https://oceanepic.com/.

Contact:

Nick Azadeh

hello@oceanepic.com

224-567-2961

SOURCE: Ocean Epic

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/605138/Maui-SEO-and-Marketing-Agency-Ocean-Epic-Unveils-New-Web-Design-in-2020
An Aide to the Presidential Candidate of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Lawyer Edudzi Tamakloe has lambasted those who have resorted to justify the Akyem people involved in the Agyapa Royalty deal.



The comment from a listener and read by the host of Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, Kwame Nkrumah Tikese said that the relations of President Akufo-Addo may be blessed with knowledge in terms of governance, juxtaposing it to the relations among the Big Six in the struggle for the countrys independence.



The comment was borne out of the fact that some of the relations of President Akufo-Addo are leading the Agyapa Royalty deal which the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) claim it is a conflict of interest.



Responding to the text in an interview on the same platform, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe found the logic in the analogy of the person who texted wrong, wondering why it is good to mention that some of the Presidents relations are part of the Big Six but wrong to mention his Akyem relations who are involved in the Agyapa Royalty deal.



So, it is good to say that three relatives of President Akufo-Addo are on the nations Currency but it is wrong to say some of his Akyem relatives are involved in the rotten Agyapa Royalty deal. What logic is that?



Digressing from the Agyapa Royalty issue, he said that the struggle for the countrys independence was not done by one person as it was the collective interest of the people of this country.



He was of the view that Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah could not have won the Odododiodoo seat over the father of the late Obetsebi Lamptey who was a stalwart of Ga politics from prison without the help of Mr Gbedemah.



The struggle for independence was not done by one person. It was the collective interest of the people of this country. When Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah was in prison, he won Ashiedu Keteke which is now Odododiodoo. When he was in prison, it was Gbedemah and Co campaigning for him to win the seat over the father of the late Jake Obetsebi Lamptey who was a stalwart of Ga politics; is it an easy thing? Can Nkrumah say that he alone made sure to win the election?



 . . So should he sell Ghana? What kind of analogy is this? Whoever sent this text with the greatest of respect should withdraw it, he lambasted.



With regard to Dombo, Torong-Naa then, Abayifa Karbo who are being mentioned as founding fathers of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), lawyer Edudzi Tamakloe wondered why their relations are not part of the Agyapa Royalty deal as they also deserve mineral royalty.



He, therefore, described the comment read by the host as demeaning and insulting; still insisting that the struggle for independence was not the handy work of only the Big Six.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Mairead McGuinness sets a lot of store in what she calls the Dinny principle. Its a playful adaptation of the acronym for Do It Now, and it has driven much of her career in journalism and politics.

Her elevation to a heavy-hitting job in the Brussels executive is probably not the end of her political ambitions. Many observers see her as a contender to be President of Ireland in elections due in 2026, after the current Commissions term ends in November 2024.

The new Commissioner for financial services is seen by some people who worked with her as being good with people, while also managing to be on top of policy. Few politicians manage this combination and are known to excel at either one or the other, and sometimes neither.

Read More

She is a great mixer with a tremendous sense of fun, one former colleague says.

Not all her Fine Gael party colleagues like her, however. In the run-up to the unsuccessful June 2010 leadership heave against Enda Kenny, she was seen as privately supporting the malcontents. But once the heave became public, she loudly backed Mr Kenny.

Then again, in the May 2017 Fine Gael leadership election, she strongly and publicly backed the loser, Simon Coveney. Some people thought she would never get to the starting gate for this Brussels post because of that  but she was unrepentant about her decision as recently as last week.

The new Irish EU Commissioner used Dinny to overcome anxiety and indecision in her earlier years and it stood to her since. It drove her to go on RTE radio last Sunday week and frankly stake her claim for one of the biggest, and most lucrative, jobs available to Irish politicians.

The basic rate for this EU job is 273,000 per year  about 86,000 more than the Taoiseach gets. But a range of allowances, including a 15pc per year overseas allowance, bring the gross salary package well above the 300,000-mark with about one third of that likely to go on the preferential EU income tax regime.

Taking to the airwaves was a very high-risk strategy. At that point the job was set to go to Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney, as Fine Gael urged Taoiseach Micheal Martin to ignore EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyens request to send two names, one male and one female.

Ms McGuinness corrected assertions that Ms von der Leyen was seeking the names of a man and a woman. The nuance actually landed her the job.

Listen to what she said. She said she wanted names of a woman and a man, Ms McGuinness chided this writer.

There is an irony in her succeeding the former Irish EU Commissioner Phil Hogan, because he played a big role in launching her in politics. He was Fine Gael director of elections in spring 2004 when she was chosen to run for the European Parliament in Ireland East.

McGuinness had a high-profile as farming editor of the Irish Independent, and presenter of the RTE television rural affairs show Ear to the Ground. Hogan was pleased to get her as a candidate as she had offers from the now defunct Progressive Democrats, who had recruited former IFA president Tom Parlon to take a Dail seat two years earlier.

But soon much of the campaign focus became a straight battle between Ms McGuinness and sitting Fine Gael MEP Avril Doyle of Wexford, both of whom had a posh rural air about them.

Political colour writers had a ball: Designer handbags at 100 paces and Horseboxes drawn were among the headlines.

Expand Close Mairead McGuinness has served as a Fine Gael MEP since 2004 (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook

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There were ill-tempered clashes when Doyle campaigners invaded to canvass McGuinness turf at Fairyhouse Racecourse in Co Meath. Soon McGuinness posters appeared in Doyles native Wexford, causing further fury.

But the infighting meant big publicity, which in turn meant votes, and when the counting was done both Avril Doyle and Mairead McGuinness were elected to the European Parliament.

Ms McGuinness was re-elected in 2009, 2014, and again in 2019 with impressive vote tallies and gained considerable recognition across the country.

One blip in her political career was her failed attempt to win a Dail seat in May 2007 for her home constituency of Louth, when she polled less than half a quota and was off the pace. This led to her parking domestic political ambitions for future government office and concentrating on the European Parliament where she is currently senior vice-president and had been tipped to be president of the assembly.

There was another blip in July 2011 when she failed to get the party nomination to contest the Irish presidency. It was a blow at the time  but many believe that ambition remains.

As a graduate of agricultural science from UCD, she already knew much about the EUs cornerstone Common Agriculture Policy and this was enhanced by frequent trips to Brussels as a journalist.

During 16 years in the European Parliament she has learned how the system works, building contacts in all the EU institutions.

The chemistry is very good between herself and her new boss, Ms von der Leyen, whom she got to know on her arrival in Brussels last autumn. That contact proved invaluable in landing the big one.
Trump Again Raises Prospect of Decoupling US Economy From China

President Donald Trump on Labor Day again raised the prospect of decoupling the U.S. economy from Beijing, to bring back manufacturing jobs from China and key supply chains back to the United States.

The president on Monday reiterated parts of his second-term economic agenda to make the United States more prosperous and resilient than ever before by reducing its reliance on Beijing.

So when you mention the word decouple, its an interesting word, Trump said in his Labor Day speech at the White House. So we lose billions of dollars, and if we didnt do business with them, we wouldnt lose billions of dollars. Its called decoupling. So youll start thinking about it.

As the presidential election nears, Trump has pledged as part of his reelection bid to reduce the nations reliance on China as the worlds biggest manufacturer. Last month, the president floated the idea of a complete decoupling from China during his second term, meaning cutting off economic ties for national and strategic reasons.

At the same time, he has accused his Democratic opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden, of being soft on Beijing, pointing to his China policies as part of the Obama administration. Bidens 2020 campaign has mentioned tackling China under its Made in All of America plan, which includes goals such as bringing back supply chains and reducing dependence on China by taking aggressive trade enforcement actions.

If Biden wins, China wins, because China will own this country, Trump told reporters Monday. Todays Labor Dayits a good time to talk about where were being ripped off by countries, but nobodys even close to China.

The president said in an interview with Fox News last month that he had learned that China could interfere in the Nov. 3 election on behalf of the Democratic presidential nominee.

China owns Joe Biden. His son got a billion and a half dollars. His son with no experience, no brainpower, no anything, never did it, not only Ukraine, he got hundreds of thousands of dollars a month from Ukraine and the $3 million dollar upfront payment, and then with China, he walks out with a billion and half dollars to manage.  Its ridiculous, he said. They own Joe Biden. They own him and they want me to lose so badly.

The president said that if reelected in November, his administration would prohibit federal contracts with companies that outsource to China and make the United States the manufacturing superpower of the world.

We will  end our reliance on China once and for all, Trump said. Whether its decoupling, or putting in massive tariffs like Ive been doing already, we will end our reliance in China, because we cant rely on China.

We will bring jobs back from China to the United States and we will impose tariffs on companies that desert America to create jobs in China and other countries, he added.

In June, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said a decoupling of the U.S. and Chinese economies will result if U.S. companies are not allowed to compete on a fair and level basis in Chinas economy.

The president has made bringing manufacturing jobs to the United States a key element of his reelection campaign, noting that items such as electronics, machines, tools, air and space parts, vehicles, and iron and steel need to be domestically manufactured in order for the United States to be secure.

Trump also signed an executive order on Aug. 6 aimed at boosting U.S. production of medicines and medical equipment, lowering drug prices, and protecting the United States against shortfalls in a future pandemic.

We cannot rely on China and other nations across the globe that could one day deny us products in a time of need, Trump said last month.

In July, Chinas foreign vice-minister Le Yucheng said that decoupling the two countries economies would be impractical and benefits no one.

The real enemy of the U.S. is not China. It is the invisible virus and growing non-traditional security threats. The U.S. should not treat a partner as an adversary because doing so will only wear each other out, said Le. Like it or not, globalization is the order of life and the tide cannot be reversed.

Emel Akan and Reuters contributed to this report.

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(Alliance News) - The head of the UK government's legal department has resigned amid anger over suggestions Prime Minister Boris Johnson is planning to override elements of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

Jonathan Jones's departure was confirmed by the Attorney General's Office, which declined to comment on the reason for the latest exit in a string of resignations of top civil servants.

The Financial Times reported on Tuesday that Jones was quitting as the department's permanent secretary due to a dispute with Downing Street.

Two Whitehall officials were said to have told the paper that he was departing over concerns the prime minister wanted to row back on parts of the Brexit deal relating to Northern Ireland.

A spokesman for the Attorney General's Office said: "I can confirm Sir Jonathan has resigned but cannot comment further."

Also quitting as Treasury solicitor, is the sixth resignation of a senior civil servant this year amid growing tensions between officials and Downing Street as Johnson and his top aide, Dominic Cummings, plan an overhaul of Whitehall.

Labour's shadow attorney general Lord Falconer tweeted: "Jonathan Jones impressive lawyer and very decent person. Loyal civil servant.

"If he can't stay in the public service, there must be something very rotten about this Government. Reckless, law-breaking, trashing the best of the UK."

The resignation came as the eighth round of trade deal negotiations between the UK and the EU were to get underway in London on Tuesday.

Senior EU figures were dismayed by suggestions new Brexit legislation to be introduced on Wednesday could override key elements of the Withdrawal Agreement brokered by Johnson last year.

The prime minister's official spokesman insisted the "limited clarifications" were necessary to ensure the gains from the Good Friday Agreement can be preserved in the event talks fail.

But European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen warned there could be no backtracking by the UK on its previous commitments if it wanted to reach a free trade agreement.

And Ireland's foreign minister, Simon Coveney, warned that abandoning the agreement would be "a very unwise way to proceed".

Jones, a barrister and Queen's Counsel, became the head of the government Legal Department in 2014, having previously served as legal adviser to the Department for Education and director-general of the Attorney General's Office.

His departure follows the resignation of Mark Sedwill as Cabinet Secretary and of permanent secretaries Jonathan Slater, from the Department for Education, Simon McDonald, from the Foreign Office, Richard Heaton, from the Ministry of Justice, and Philip Rutnam from the Home Office.

Cummings has reportedly told aides a "hard rain is coming" for the Civil Service amid plans to reshape Whitehall.

source: PA

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Help.org, a trusted online resource for individuals who struggle with addiction and their loved ones, has announced the Best Rehab Facilities in Lubbock, Texas for 2020. The informational guide recognizes the top 9 rehab facilities based on cost, treatment options, location, accompanying services and more.

According to recent studies, drug overdose is the leading cause of death among people under age 50. In Lubbock, deaths related to opioid abuse increased significantly from 2011 to 2015. Substance abuse among adolescents is also escalating in Lubbock with 55 percent of high school students reported using alcohol, 38 percent reported using marijuana, 8 percent reported using prescription drugs without a valid prescription, and 2 percent reported using heroin. With the growing need for accessible and high-quality rehab programs, Help.org has developed a unique ranking process to help connect individuals with treatment providers that meet their needs.

The Help.org research team analyzed thousands of facilities across the country and then identified the most cost-effective and highest rated programs in larger cities like Lubbock. Each facility was evaluated based on rehabilitation services, treatment approaches, cost, special programs for unique demographics and ancillary services. The website also provides information about drug use and side effects as well as educational articles. For a detailed listing of the Best Rehab Facilities in Lubbock, Texas please visit https://www.help.org/drug-and-alcohol-rehab-centers-in-lubbock-tx

2020 Best Rehab Facilities in Lubbock, Texas (in alphabetical order)

Aspire Recovery Centers

3330 70th Street Suite 120 Lubbock, TX 79413

806-589-5911

Family Counseling Services

5701 Avenue P Lubbock, TX 79412

806-747-3488

Lubbock Faith Center, Inc.

2809 Clovis Road Lubbock, TX 79415

806-762-8086

Lubbock Lighthouse

1308 Avenue Q, Suite A Lubbock, TX 79401

806-744-3419

Managed Care Center for Addictive/Other Disorders, Inc.

1705 North Farm Market Road 179 Lubbock, TX 79416

806-797-8003

Plainview Serenity Center Inc.

450 Interstate 27 Plainview, TX 79072

806-293-9722

Ranch at Dove Tree

1406 Quinlan Street Lubbock, TX 79403

800-218-6727

Stages of Recovery, Inc.

4413 71st Street, Suite G-101 Lubbock, TX 79424

806-412-4721

StarCare Specialty Health System

1950 Aspen Avenue Lubbock, TX

806-740-1421

ABOUT HELP.ORG

Help.org is an online resource for individuals who struggle with addiction and their loved ones. The website provides the latest research through scientifically proven methods, community recovery resources as well as information about local financial assistance. Help.orgs team of researchers, activists and writers work together with addiction counselors and other professionals to offer useful and accurate resources to help individuals seeking recovery. To learn more, visit https://www.help.org/.
The meeting will reportedly take place in Berlin.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the meeting of advisors to the Normandy Four (Ukraine, Russia, Germany, and France) leaders will be held on September 11.

"The meeting of advisors to the Normandy Four is scheduled for September 11. We are waiting for certain proposals, certain decisions to be adopted there," he told journalists during a working trip to Sumy region, an UNIAN correspondent reports.

Read alsoZelensky: Ukraine looking forward to Normandy Four summit after advisors meetAccording to the Ukrainian media outlet European Pravda, member states of the Normandy format have agreed to hold this meeting in Berlin, although the advisors' negotiations had to take place in Paris.

Normandy Four: latest developments
PEOPLE talk about...

[1] 'SWIFT JUSTICE.' Who says the machinery of justice moves oh-so-slowly in the country? Senator Ping Lacson, commenting on President Rodrigo Duterte's remark virtually clearing Health Secretary Francisco Duque III of the multibillion-peso Philhealth scandal multibillion-peso scandal, tweeted Tuesday, September 8:

"With the appointed chief investigator to his right and one of those accused...to his left, he cleared the accused of any wrongdoing. End of story."

Justice can be swift either way, based on government response or action. Speedy removal, on the mere whiff of suspicion of thievery. Or speedy clearance, despite strong evidence of looting.

[2] GUESS HOW HARRY ROQUE REACTS TO PEMBERTON PARDON. Would it be something like, "It's the prerogative of the president. While I was Jennifer Laude's lawyer in 2016, my professional duty to her has long been over. My personal feelings on the issue were unimportant then, as they are now."

No, Roque won't say that because even after he stopped lawyering for the Laude family, he publicly "deplored the short period of punishment meted on Pemberton who killed a Filipino in the most gruesome manner. Laude's death personifies the death of Philippine sovereignty."

Whatever President Duterte's spokesman will say at his press briefing Wednesday, September 9, it will be aimed more at not hurting his boss's interest or personal feelings than at explaining the clash of his own views in the past with the logic behind some of the Malacanang decisions he now must defend or explain.

Duterte granted absolute pardon to US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton who was convicted of killing Filipina transgender Jennifer Laude in 2016.

***

John and his grandpa

John "Sonny" Osmena -- whose long record of public service includes being vice mayor, mayor and congressman of Cebu City, senator of the land with multiple terms, and Toledo City mayor -- remembered having learned a lesson on defeat from his grandfather Sergio Osmena Sr., then president of the Philippines (1944-1946). Wednesday, September 9, is Don Sergio's 142nd birth anniversary.

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Sonny said in 1991 that his interest in public service was "kindled by a singular incident" at Malacanan Palace when he was only 11 years old.

Recounted in the "Philippine Graphic" weekly magazine issue of September 16, 1991, where an article about Sonny and Don Sergio story was the cover story, the incident happened a few nights after his father lost to Manuel Roxas in the 1946 presidential election. The sentiment among his family and aides then was that the voters were ungrateful for not electing Don Sergio as the first president of an independent Philippines.

Sonny remembered his "lolo" quietly eating his meal amid the chatter at the dinner table. When he finished his food, he stood up and talked briefly to the family members and co-workers gathered at the Palace, "Do not feel bad. We should be grateful that I was given a rare opportunity to serve the nation." Then the old man walked quietly to his bedroom.

SONNY'S WISH AT 11. As quoted by Graphic contributor Felix Fojas (with Nick Joaquin as editor-in-chief), Sonny said to himself, "I wish that in my old age, I could say the same thing." Sonny was 55 when he made the recollection. In the article, writer Fojas called Sonny the Lone Ranger of the Senate for his "causes for good government."

In the 2019 elections, Sonny lost, heavily and indisputably, to Representative Pablo John Garcia of One Cebu in his bid for the House seat in Cebu's third district. Sonny had the chance then to feel and say what Don Sergio said and felt in 1946.

If Sonny got his wish, he must have expressed his gratitude privately. The public didn't know about it.

P.S. The former public official just survived a bout with Covid-19. No mean feat at 84.

***

Tell us about it.

[paseares1@gmail.com]
A couple of weeks ago, the Vice President of the Republic, Dr. Mahamud Bawumia gave a presentation of the state of infrastructure of the country since the coming into office of the Akuffo Addo administration. Those of us who are outside the country were glued to our seats hoping to hear our towns being beneficiaries of the massive infrastructure development in Ghana.

If I am not mistaken, he said the government has undertaken about 8746 projects and those projects are at the various stages of completion. As a native of Sunyani, the former regional capital of the Brong Ahafo region and currently the regional capital of the Bono region, I was attentively waiting to hear what was going on in the Suncity by way of infrastructural development.

At the end of the presentation, I was not only sad but also disappointed. The only mention of my Sunyani was when he was talking about airport projects in the country. Even on that, he said for the Kumasi and Tamale airports, construction  work of the airports were on going but on Sunyani he describe the work there as rehabilitation. My checks at the airports revealed that the so-called rehabilitation work is just as extension of the runway and nothing more.

After literary wiping away my tears, I ask myself what our political representatives to be specific our MP is doing on behalf of the town he has represented in the parliament for over a decade. I have asked the question before and I want to ask the same question here again whether we have an MP? What is he doing to fight for projects for the town? Whether we like it or not politicians who indeed think about their constituency when it comes to developmental projects will always lobby for projects and not think about how many houses or radio stations they can put up. Nobody is against the current MP but the truth is that he has failed and has not done anything that will be a legacy for which he can be remembered of when tomorrow he is no more.

I dont know whether he listened to the presentation by the Vice President and if he did, I am wondering what went through his mind after the presentation. Mr. MP, never think that anybody is against you, what we are asking of you is not something above your ability. As a majority Chief Whip, we want to see the town receiving its fair share of the national cake, so to say. As a regional capital, is the rehabilitation of the Sunyani airport the only thing that should come to us in the midst of about 9000 infrastructural projects? This brings me to the type of politicians we have in the region these days.

I can say with all certainty that the politicians that we have in the region now dont think about the development of the region but rather on how many properties they can acquire. I dont have a problem with a politician building hotels and setting up radio and TV stations. What I am against is doing so at the expense of the general good of the people they represent. Today we dont have politicians from the region who can fight for the interest of the people they represent.

I ask myself where are the J.H Mensahs, A.A. Munufies, the Owusu Acheampongs of our day? These are the men who stood for the region and did not think about their personal interest and as such their names are always ringing in the minds of the people in the region. From the days of the Bonokyempim era, these people with the help of some Chiefs had the interest of the region at heart and as such were always prepared to champion the interest of the region above their personals interest.

I am yet to see the same type of politicians from both major parties in the region these days. Most of the politicians in the region now are grapping properties like brato while others in other parts of the country are thinking about the projects they can bring to their area. One thing that our politicians from the region should not forget is that they will not occupy those positions forever and that one day, they will be described as former MP or former Minister and they will come to live in the towns and cities that they did not help.

When the Vice President announced that there was going to be an airport in Cape Coast, something just amazed me. I saw politicians from both NPP and NDC in the Central Region all defending and supporting the project. Can we see that in our region? In regions like Ashanti and others, when it comes to development projects, there is no NPP or NDC. The development of the region is paramount so they all come together to get things for their regions. I read an article recently about the MPs in the region being described as one MP one radio station politicians. After all the radio stations, hotels and other properties not to talk about the numerous houses, can our politicians point to something concrete that they have done for the good of the people they represent?

Back to the forgotten regional capital  Sunyani, I think the youth of the town should come together to form an advocacy group to put our MP to work. We should demand accountability and let him know that we are expecting much from him because much has been given him. Sunyani should not be missing in action when it comes to infrastructural projects in the country.

Honourable MP, I will be following your campaign from a distance to see the promises and the assurances that you are going to give to the people in your constituency especially those in Sunyani. Some couple of weeks ago, I heard the Chief of Dwinim asking the President to come to the aid of Sunyani in terms of some projects when he paid a courtesy call on the President, Nana Akuffo Addo.

Sunyani doesnt deserve the crumbs from the table so this time around we are not going to sit down for us to be lagging behind when we are looking at infrastructural projects. I am calling on all citizens of Sunyani and those who may not be citizens of Sunyani but have the interest of the town at heart both home and abroad to join in the fight for Sunyani and more importantly to put our political representatives at work

To the politicians in the Bono region especially, the MP for Sunyani East, Hon Kwasi Ameyaw Cheremeh, wake up and work for the people who have entrusted their votes to you for over a decade. If in the past nobody was watching you, these days there are a lot of people who are thirsty for development and as such are prepared to work with you for the good of Suncity.

You should not see those of us who have started talking as your enemies but rather partners in development. Listen to some of the things we say or write about and Sunyani will forever remember you when you are no more there. A word to the wise is enough.

Augustine Boahen, Calgary, Alberta Canada. Email: [email protected]
Celebrated Azerbaijani filmmaker Hilal Baydarov has won international acclaim for a fast-growing body of work that has included seven films in the past two years while also attracting high-profile collaborators.

Baydarov is making his Venice debut with the competition title In Between Dying, a film he produced with Elshan Abbasov and co-producers Joslyn Barnes of Louverture Films and Mexican filmmaker Carlos Reygadas and his Splendor Omnia Studios. Danny Glover and Susan Rockefeller also served as executive producers for Louverture.

In Between Dying follows a troubled young man, Davud (Orkhan Iskandarli), who leaves his home on what is to become a fateful and dreamlike journey that spans a single day as he flees pursuers and searches for meaning in his life.

Baydarovs largely improvised work was inspired by the story of Buddha  the early life of the pampered Siddhartha, who was kept sheltered in his fathers palace and shielded from the suffering of the outside world, but who undergoes profound change after venturing out and coming face to face with the sick and dying.

Expressing great admiration for French filmmaker Robert Bresson, Baydarov finds particular inspiration in his quote: Id rather people feel a film before understanding it. He notes that of the thousands of films he has seen, it is the works of Bresson, as well as those of Ingmar Bergman and Andrey Tarkovsky, that he loves the most. I adore them, I adore their filmmaking. They are real masters. I am inspired by their films and their ideas as artists.

Baydarov shares Bressons view of cinema. Film is art, first of all. You should feel it. You should feel the rhythm. You should feel the characters. I only remember films that made me feel something. Bresson is a real master of cinema. His films always make me think about life and human nature. Even when I mention him, when I think about Robert Bresson, I start to feel something. I prefer to feel something before understanding it.

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Like his past works, which often blur the lines between fiction and documentary, In Between Dying was largely improvised, with the director and actors often relying on weather conditions and landscape for motivation. The main idea was to show the change, the perception of the young man in one day, the director explains.

Baydarov studied film in Bosnia-Herzegovina under acclaimed Hungarian filmmaker Bela Tarr, who founded the Film Factory program at the Sarajevo Film Academy. It was there he first met Reygadas, who served as a mentor at the school, but they rarely spoke as Baydarov spent most of his time in the city of Mostar, where he earned his living playing chess.

Baydarovs films are so rooted in a tradition of cinema that is today an endangered species  and at the same time so mystical, Reygadas says.

He met Barnes at last years Visions du Reel documentary festival in Nyon, Switzerland, where she was serving on the international feature jury. When the Persimmons Grew, Baydarovs intimate portrait of his family, won a jury prize there for its uncompromising restlessness and poetic subjectivity, for its grammar of pure cinema and its exploration of time.

These are bedrock elements in all the work I have subsequently seen Hilal undertake, Barnes states. She describes Baydarov as a filmmaker erupting with a volcanic and obsessive need to create, adding that he exhibits the kind of courage that is just essential in responding to the era we live in.

Thanks to Barnes and Reygadas support, Baydarov was able to finish post production on In Between Dying in New York and Mexico City.

Filmmakers in Azerbaijan face limited resources, but it is a challenge that Baydarov nevertheless embraces. Of course, everybody complains about the restrictions and limitations. Honestly, I love it. I really love it. Ive made some documentaries in just one room, in one house, and I really showed all the things that I wanted to show. Of course the limitations and restrictions are bad. But I take advantage of it. I see that its all I can do and know what I can do. I love it because it helps me enlarge my creativity. It gives me inspiration. We are very few and we understand that we are not the masters of the world, we are not powerful, we have to wait for the special moment.

That economical creativity has also contributed to an impressive output of two to three films a year. I never start with the intention of making a documentary or a fiction film, Baydarov says. I enjoy making films with my friends and I enjoy playing with the camera. If it becomes a documentary film, its okay for me. If it becomes a fiction film, its still okay for me. There is no difference for me. Thats why so many people dont understand my films. Are they documentaries or are they fiction? I dont see any difference between them and I dont believe in categorizations, I dont believe in genres  cinema is just cinema.

Baydarov is working on two projects, including a crime drama that is in post production, described as an anatomy of a crime, an atmospheric and poetic story about death. He is also set to start shooting another film in December, a kind of sequel to his 2018 feature Hills Without Names, which was inspired by Caspar David Friedrichs 19th-century painting Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog. The new film will continue the mystic story of the wanderer, exploring themes of solitude and aspects of the human mind.

Berlin-based Pluto Film is handling world sales for In Between Dying.

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WATERLOO  Police are searching for a male suspect after a reported sexual assault in the area of King Street North and Hickory Street West.

Officers said a woman was walking in the area on Sunday morning at around 8 a.m. when the suspect approached and sexually assaulted her. There were no reported physical injuries as a result, police said.

Officers describe the suspect as a white male, standing five-foot-six with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a black jacket with the hood up, a black face mask and black track pants.

The investigation is ongoing and police are asking anyone who has information about this to contact investigators at 519-570-9777. Anonymous tips can also be left with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
In early April, Sean Tevlin hiked out to Castle Rock  a granite outcrop overlooking the southeast corner of Lake Tahoe  to check on a nest of peregrine falcons. Tevlin is an environmental specialist for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and he had been monitoring this nest closely for the past several years.

Peregrine falcons have slowly been making a comeback to Tahoe. The birds once thrived in Tahoe, but they disappeared entirely for decades.

Now, there are five nests surrounding the lake. But this nest on Castle Rock has been having a particularly hard time.

In 2017, the peregrine falcons nesting at Castle Rock stopped producing young. That same year, a new trailhead with an expanded parking lot was built, and more people arrived to recreate. Hikers on the summit of Castle Rock were coming so close to the nest they had direct eye-contact with the peregrine falcons, and the birds were reacting to the intrusion.

Tevlin said he could hear their screeches and see them diving through the air. When theyre hunting, peregrine falcons tuck their pointed wings and reach speeds as fast as 200 mph. Its an impressive sight when theyre going after prey, but Tevlin said its not a good sign when they behave similarly toward hikers.

For two years in a row, this nest on Castle Rock failed to fledge baby peregrine falcons, likely because the birds had to leave their nest so often to ward off the hikers. Last year, thanks to increased monitoring and collaboration with local hiking and climbing groups, the nest successfully hatched eggs. Tevlin hoped the birds would have another good year, but when he arrived to check on the Castle Rock nest in the early spring, his fears were confirmed. The area was already teeming with hikers desperate for fresh air in the middle of the pandemic. There were people everywhere and the peregrine falcons were clearly distressed.

If they leave their eggs at all for an extended period of time, it can be the death of the eggs, Tevlin said.

He sprang into action and scrambled to put signs up that asked hikers not to summit Castle Rock, hoping that would be enough to educate people and encourage stewardship of the wildlife in the area.

Peregrine falcons are a special interest species in Tahoe, closely monitored by a network of biologists, government agencies, and environmental nonprofits. The birds disappeared entirely in Tahoe after the 1940s, when a pesticide known as DDT pushed the species to the brink of extinction. Then, in 1970, peregrine falcons were added to the Endangered Species List.

The Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of DDT in 1972. And gradually, peregrine falcons have made a comeback in the United States. In 1999, the birds were taken off the Endangered Species List, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service praised their dramatic success story.

But its taken a lot longer for peregrine falcons to get re-established in Tahoe. And now, the birds are facing a new challenge: how to survive in places that are frequently visited by humans who are out exploring the mountains.

You dont have to go back that far to find a time when peregrine falcons didnt occur at Lake Tahoe, said Mark Enders, a wildlife biologist for the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

The birds need steep and sheer cliffs to nest, which often overlap with popular hiking and climbing spots. There are really only a few places like that in Lake Tahoe. In the 1980s, scientists tried to re-introduce peregrine falcons to Lake Tahoe by releasing chicks in places they had identified as ideal nesting habitat. Those attempts were unsuccessful. Some died, others just flew away and didnt come back.

Two decades passed before peregrine falcons were seen in Tahoe again.

In 2006, a biologist saw peregrine falcons at Luther Rock in South Lake Tahoe. Climbers love this area for its featured granite, and so do the two falcons who have been nesting here. The Forest Service started monitoring the Luther Pass nest in 2008. More than six years later, a second nest was spotted at Cave Rock. Enders has been monitoring that nest since 2015.

As a biologist, said Enders, any time youre able to witness the success of a species that is really rare and see it proliferate in an area, thats a good feeling.

In Lake Tahoe, theres no single prescription that will guarantee the success of peregrine falcons. Each nest is different, and Enders thinks that the different nest sites reflect the personalities of the birds. Cave Rock, for example, offers ideal nesting habitat with a steep cliff face that drops into the lake, where food is abundant. However, there is also a four-lane highway driving through the rock.

The amount of traffic noise is really intense pretty much all hours of the day and night, Enders said. It always surprises me how successful that nest is.

Every year that Enders has been monitoring the Cave Rock nest, fledglings have successfully left their parents nest. Several years saw triplets. Enders thinks the birds must be accustomed to the noise of traffic, like background noise, so theyre not disturbed by it. Cave Rock also has a lot of foot-traffic from hikers looking for a view at the top. But the hikers arent in as direct a line of sight of the birds as they are at Castle Rock.

Cave Rock still produces young despite the heavy disturbance from hikers. A lot of it comes down to how threatened they feel, Enders said. Castle Rock, for example, people are able to reach a point on that cliff that stares directly into that nest from only 50 feet away. Thats shown to be really threatening to those birds.

The failure of the Castle Rock nest motivated biologists to monitor it even more closely. They needed to know what, exactly, was disturbing the birds and they enlisted the help of local climbing and hiking groups.

Turns out, the climbers were not as big of an issue. Climbers started to avoid routes that were close to the nest, but the peregrine falcons still didnt raise fledglings for the second year in a row. The birds didnt seem to be that bothered when climbers were nearby, Tevlin said. But as soon as a hiker appeared on the overlook  youre literally almost eye-to-eye with the nest  the birds started to make a lot of noise.

So what did they do next? The TRPA and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association installed signs asking that hikers not summit Castle Rock while peregrine falcons are nesting. The Tahoe Fund, a local philanthropy, chipped in to pay for additional monitoring of the nest, which was a crucial move this year when the pandemic complicated efforts to get staff from government agencies into the field. The Tahoe Institute of Natural Sciences, a local nonprofit, helped pull that extra weight.

It worked.

For the second year in a row, the teamwork and collaboration to support peregrine falcons  the monitoring, the signage, but perhaps most importantly the willingness of hikers and climbers to respect nesting birds  was successful. Last month, a triplet of fledgling peregrine falcons successfully left the nest at Castle Rock.

Julie Brown is a contributing editor for SFGATE who covers Lake Tahoe. Email: julie.brown@sfgate.com | Twitter: @imjuliebrown
Taxpayers could be left footing the bill for workers' entitlements when government support is stripped away, as business groups and insolvency firms warn companies will fail without enough money to cover staff payouts.

The federal government has extended insolvency protections until the end of the year and committed to paying wage subsidy scheme JobKeeper until March 2021 to help businesses stay afloat during the worst recession since the Great Depression.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg described Australia's economic crunch as "devastating" in the first recession in about 30 years. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

But a growing group of advisory firms and lobby groups warn shielding businesses for too long during the coronavirus pandemic will cause the problems facing companies to grow.

Workers owed money by businesses that have fallen into liquidation or bankruptcy are typically able to claim through the government's safety net, known as the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG), which paid out about $970 million between July 2015 and June 2020.
Four boys aged ten to 13 have been arrested on suspicion of raping a four-year-old girl in South Africa.

The boys are being held at a youth detention centre and are expected to appear in court soon over the alleged gang-rape in Muldersdrift, near Johannesburg.

The alleged rape is said to have taken place on an informal settlement, a type of slum-like housing where millions of people are thought to live in South Africa.

The girl's mother learned of the alleged attack from her nephew while braiding a customer's hair, according to Eyewitness News.

Four boys aged ten to 13 have been arrested on suspicion of raping a four-year-old girl in South Africa (stock photo)

The mother and daughter were taken to the police station where officers opened a rape investigation.

In a separate case, a 24-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl in Khutsong.

The man is accused of breaking into the child's home and kidnapping her after she and her older brother had been left alone.

The suspect was found after a 'lengthy search' while the mother could also face charges of child negligence, police say.

The UN has said that violence against women and girls is 'pervasive' in South Africa despite attempts at legal reforms.

Campaigners have dubbed the country the Republic of Sexual Abuse, adapting the formal name of the Republic of South Africa.

To make matters worse, violence against women rose sharply after the end of a lockdown-related ban on alcohol sales earlier this year.

21 women and children were killed in the first three weeks after the sales of alcohol resumed in June, president Cyril Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa described the violence as 'another pandemic that is raging in our country, condemning the 'brutality that defies any form of comprehension'.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / CIBT Education Group Inc. (TSX:MBA)(OTCQX:MBAIF) ("CIBT" or the "Company") is pleased to report that one of its subsidiary limited partnerships has received a US$10 million investment (approximately C$13.1 million). The funds will be used by the new subsidiary to acquire two rental apartment buildings located in Vancouver, announced by CIBT on June 9th, 2020. Details of the acquisition target, closing date and other information will be announced shortly. Assuming the acquisition completes, the GEC portfolio will comprise of 11 projects and 16 buildings operating under the GEC brand, with a total buildable square footage of 1.5 million.

"We are pleased to see the level of financial support that we have received from the investment community as we expand our rental and development income despite economic and pandemic uncertainties," said Toby Chu, Chairman, President and CEO of CIBT Education Group. "This latest round of $13.1 million investment adds to the $4.9 million investment as reported on September 1st, 2020. We view these successful closings as a testament and endorsement of our business model that transforms conventional rental apartments into student-centric accommodations while operating the facilities with maximum efficiency.

"Our GEC projects provide a unique opportunity to invest in the burgeoning Western Canadian rental apartment sector with a particular focus on the student demographic group using smart-furniture and unique designs. With vacancy rates remaining at all-time lows of around 1%, applications to construct rental apartments having declined substantially year-over-year according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and a commercial real estate report published online (https://goodmanreport.com/app/uploads/2019/07/2019-Mid-Year-Report_web.pdf). The report discloses that only 372 rental apartments have started construction in the City of Vancouver as of June 30th, 2020, down from 954 at the same time last year, which represents a drop of new supply by 156% while the vacancy rate is sitting at about 1%. The report also indicates that the typical period currently required for a developer to rezone lands and complete construction is seven years. Furthermore, the pandemic is causing economic uncertainties, and many prospective homebuyers are likely suspending their purchases and remain as renters. This will obviously increase the strains to the already critical supply of rental inventory.

"Anticipating that the rental crisis will create tremendous opportunities, CIBT continues to move towards under-valued opportunities in this sector while the supply of new rental apartments is in a chronic shortage. We have created a fully integrated hub that provides education services while utilizing our student housing arm to supply students with necessary living accommodation under the GEC brand. For more information, please visit our newly launched student living website www.GECliving.com."

About CIBT Education Group:

CIBT Education Group Inc. is one of the largest education and student housing investment companies in Canada focused on the domestic and the global education market since 1994. CIBT owns business and language colleges, student-centric rental apartments, recruitment centres and corporate offices at 45 locations in Canada and abroad. Its education subsidiaries include Sprott Shaw College (established in 1903), Sprott Shaw Language College, Vancouver International College and CIBT School of Business. Through these schools, CIBT offers over 150 educational programs in healthcare, business management, e-commerce, hotel management and language training. The total annual enrolment for the group exceeds 12,000 students. CIBT owns Global Education City Holdings Inc. ("Global Holdings"), an investment holding and development Company focused on education-related real estate such as student-centric rental apartments, hotels and education super-centres. Global Holdings, under the GEC brand, provides accommodation service to 72 schools in Metro Vancouver, serving 1,500 students from 77 countries. The total portfolio and development budget under the GEC brand exceeds C$1.4 billion. CIBT also owns Global Education Alliance ("GEA") and Irix Design Group ("Irix Design"). GEA recruits international students on behalf of many elite kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities in North America. Irix Design is a leading design and advertising company based in Vancouver, Canada. Visit us online and watch our corporate video at www.cibt.net.

Toby Chu

Chairman, President & CEO

CIBT Education Group, Inc.

Investor Relations Contact: 1-604-871-9909 extension 319 or | Email: info@cibt.net

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information (the "forward-looking statements") about CIBT Education Group Inc. and its plans. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements in this news release include (without limitation) the expected completion of the acquisition of two rental apartment buildings and the statement as to CIBT continuing to move towards under-valued opportunities in the rental apartment sector. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause CIBT's actual results or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by forward-looking statements, including but not limited to usual construction risks, obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals, and the ability of the relevant limited partnerships to raise further funds as they are needed. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions and expectations of CIBT's management at the time they are made, and CIBT does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions or expectations, or other circumstances should change, except as may be required by law.

SOURCE: CIBT Education Group Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/605069/CIBT-Education-Group-Subsidiary-Receives-CA131M-Investment
Telugu actor Sudheer Babu revealed that he has taken advice but never any help from his father-in-law, yesteryear Telugu superstar Krishna, and brother-in-law, Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu. He said that if they helped him, it would be equivalent to them giving (him) dowry. Sudheer is married to Priyadarshini Ghattamaneni, daughter of Krishna and younger sister of Mahesh.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Sudheer said, I consult with them on whatever major decisions I am making but at the end of the day, I have made my own decisions for every project. Whatever I wanted to do, I have done it myself, and decided whom I want to work with. Of course, I have considered whatever they have suggested but the final decision was mine. Sometimes, you might fail but the beauty of it is you learn from it and grow as an independent person.

Sudheer added that he has never asked his in-laws to recommend his name for films or produce a film for him. Till date, I never went to my father-in-law or Mahesh, asking them to put in a word with anyone. I never asked them to produce a film or guide me. I was into distribution of films before, so I have a little experience and friends here and there, who have helped me in training. I made sure when I decided to come into films that I will never ask Mahesh or my father-in-law, Krishna garu, (for help), he said.

Also read | Why is Akshay Kumars wife not a big star?: Twinkle Khanna has hilarious meme as her answer

Sudheer said that one of the reasons he entered the film industry was because he wanted to break away from his family business of manufacturing pesticides and insecticides and achieve something on his own. I wanted to do something on my own and that is the reason why I never approached Krishna garu or Mahesh, he said.

Sudheer was seen in the recently-released thriller V, which also starred Nani, Nivetha Thomas and Aditi Rao Hydari. The film, directed by Mohana Krishna Indraganti, got a direct-to-digital release on Amazon Prime Video.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Scientists from Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago were the first to examine endothelial cellsone of the main sources of blood productionfor clues as to why people with Down syndrome have higher prevalence of leukemia. They identified a new set of genes that are overexpressed in endothelial cells of patients with Down syndrome. This creates an environment conducive to leukemia, which is characterized by uncontrolled development and growth of blood cells. Their findings, published in the journal Oncotarget, point to new potential targets for treatment and possibly prevention of leukemia, in people with Down syndrome and in the general population.

"We found that Down syndrome, or Trisomy 21, has genome-wide implications that place these individuals at higher risk for leukemia," says co-lead author Mariana Perepitchka, BA, Research Associate at the Manne Research Institute at Lurie Children's. "We discovered an increased expression of leukemia-promoting genes and decreased expression of genes involved in reducing inflammation. These genes were not located on chromosome 21, which makes them potential therapeutic targets for leukemia even for people without Down syndrome."

Down syndrome is a congenital genetic disorder caused by additional genetic material from an extra copy of chromosome 21. The condition occurs in about one in 700 babies. In addition to developmental and physical impairments, people with Down syndrome have a 500-fold risk of developing acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) and a 20-fold risk of being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

"Our discovery of leukemia-conducive gene expression in endothelial cells could open new avenues for cancer research," says co-lead author Yekaterina Galat, BS, Research Associate at the Manne Research Institute at Lurie Children's.

The study used skin samples from patients with Down syndrome to create induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) that were then differentiated into endothelial cells. Impairment in endothelial cell genetic expression was found to produce altered endothelial function throughout the cell maturation.

"Fortunately, advances in iPSC technology have provided us with an opportunity to study cell types, such as endothelial cells, that are not easily attainable from patients," says senior author Vasil Galat, Ph.D., Director of Human iPS and Stem Cell Core at Manne Research Institute at Lurie Children's and Research Assistant Professor of Pathology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "If our results are confirmed, we may have new gene targets for developing novel leukemia treatments and prevention."

Explore further Genes related to Down syndrome abnormalities may protect against solid tumors
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 23:59:27|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's national housing development fund has mobilized 500 million shillings (about 4.6 million U.S. dollars) toward the construction of affordable houses.

James Macharia, Cabinet Secretary of Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and Public Works, told journalists in Nairobi that the fund has so far registered 23,000 voluntary monthly contributors in the past two years.

"When Kenyans see the number of housing units completed, the number of contributors will go up," Macharia said during a media briefing ahead of Shelter Afrique's 39th annual general meeting (AGM) and annual housing symposium that will take place virtually with Kenya as the host from Sept. 15-17, marking the fourth time in recent years that the east African nation is hosting the event.

Macharia said that the national housing development fund is expected to provide the finance for the construction of 500,000 affordable houses.

He observed that there are currently 8,800 housing projects that are in various stages of completion while investors have already identified land to put up 370,000 housing units.

"There has been a slow down due to COVID-19 but eventually the target will be achieved," he added.

According to the ministry of housing, the fund was put in place to provide a ready market for the real estate sector that caters to the low-income segment of the population.

Macharia noted that the government is also prioritizing the construction of social housing in order to contain the proliferation of slums in the country. Enditem
When you look at the broad customer base that RBC has, it makes sense, especially when you compare it to some of the other big names, said Jen Miller-Osborn, deputy director of threat research at Palo Alto Networks. These attackers are going after [domains] where they can make the most money, so theyre focusing on these organizations that have really broad customer bases because that really ups the number of potential victims.

In an interview with BNN Bloomberg, Miller-Osborn outlined what consumers should be looking out for to filter our fraudulent emails.

Typically, the ones that are going to be scam-related are trying to invoke some sort of emotional response, Miller-Osborn said. So they might say something like Someone tried to change your password, click here to say whether or not that was you, or Click here to confirm this charge on your statement, or We've locked your account for strange activity. Essentially, things that will make people anxious and will make them want to click first, and not take a step back and pause to think, Is that really the kind of email that my bank would usually send?

Other red flags include misspellings and basic grammar errors in the message, especially the sender line.

Attackers try to closely mimic domain names, so you might see the number zero substituted for o, or a one substituted for the letter l. Little thing like an extra s or c in the name. These things, people tend to glance over very quickly and not notice.
As the Friendswood Library moves to reopen some services previously restricted by COVID-19 precautions, its staff has added programs including socially distanced neighborhood storytimes and home-delivery services for vulnerable community members.

Library Director Matthew Riley said the library, 416 S. Friendswood Drive, was able to recently reopen its community room for use as a computer lab as well as the circulation desk for in-person item requests. He said the library has five computers available for public use, but the space can allow seven more people to make use of the facilitys free Wi-Fi on their own devices. All people coming to the library must wear a face mask.

They can call to reserve a time or just come in and reserve in person as well, Riley said, explaining that time slots will be granted in 30-minute increments. Priority will be given to job-seekers and students, who also may be allotted more than a half hour if possible.

Riley said he was happy to finally be able to allow more access to the facility, which has been impacted by the pandemic, which led the staff to close off part of the building and move much of the programming online. He said theres been a demand especially for use of computers and internet access.

Throughout the past few months as the pandemic has raged through the United States, the library has offered curbside book and other item pickups and has made more use of its popular drive-through window service.

Riley said the drive-through window has been busier than ever.

We have continued to see anywhere from 100 to 200 vehicles a day, he said.

City spokesman Jeff Newpher stressed that the window is a service-oriented component of the librarys offerings.

Friendswood Library Where: 416 S. Friendswood Drive Hours: 10 a.m. to noon and 2-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Drive-through window is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Contact:www.friendswood.lib.tx.us; 281-482-7135 For assistance with any online services, call the reference desk at 281-482-7135 or email reflib@friendswood.lib.tx.us See More Collapse

Its not just a book drop, he said.

Outdoor storytimes in your neighborhood

Other service features have popped up as a result of the pandemic, including book bags for children, which librarians put together based on childrens ages, interest and whats popular.

Additionally, childrens librarians Christina Hicks and Brenda Feaster recently began traveling to Friendswood neighborhoods to host outdoor storytime sessions for toddlers and preschool-age children. The duo traveled to the Sun Meadow neighborhood recently for the first outdoor session and plan to host a storytime, complete with songs, stories and puppets, every Friday.

Only neighborhood residents are encouraged to attend the in-person storytimes, but the sessions will be broadcast live on the librarys Facebook page for anyone to enjoy.

The library staff has also begun a once-a-week home delivery of library materials for those people considered vulnerable to complications should they contract the coronavirus.

Staff members also are working to purchase 11 computer devices and corresponding hotspots to allow patrons to check out the devices to use at home with the embedded internet service.

Were still working out the details on that, but it should come into effect over the next month or so, Riley said.

The library director said patrons should continue to check out the library website at friendswood.lib.tx.us for updates to service and programs, including the calendar for the Friday neighborhood storytimes. He said anyone wanting to request a neighborhood storytime in their subdivision should call the library at 281-482-7135.

The library is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until noon and from 2-5:30 p.m. It is closed on Saturday and Sunday. The drive-through window is open weekdays from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Kim Jong Un has ordered North Korean units to shoot to kill anyone near the 900-mile China-Korean border.

This was the news from the U.S. backed Radio Free Asia, that informed that the shoot kill order applies to anyone that is a kilometer away from the border. Intel reports that Chinese imports are more expensive and harder to come by in commercial areas.

North Korean citizens are now in worse conditions than before. Some have resorted to smuggling to earn a decent income, but at risk of getting shot, reported Express UK.

Last month, hard-times caused seven North Koreans living in Hyesan City, which was very close to the border caught for smuggling goods,mentioned a source about the incident.

At the end of last month, seven North Korean residents of Hyesan City close to the border were arrested for smuggling, a second insider said according to Daily NK.

The source added that they were lucky to avoid execution but were sent to prison camps as punishment for smuggling. Authorities do not take to any breaking of the laws, especially in the peninsula and during a pandemic.

Most got life sentence but not death. Unfortunately, their kin was forced to be exiled internally in the mountain areas, noted Korean News Digest.

News of protests by residents of the punishments were given to those caught smuggling. Some say it will be much better than a prison camp. Many are choosing to risk life and limb while smuggling on the Nokor border, instead of starving to death.

Also read: Kim Yo Jong Authorizes Using Nuclear Weapons Against the US With Kim Jong-Un's Support

Overall, the order encompasses the entire border from provinces of North Hamgyong, North Pyongan, Chagang, and Ryanggang, mentioned Radio Free Asia.

Despite the suspension of trade between North Korea and China during the pandemic's start during January, there is still existent trade as the need for good from China is important, and the border is still active with smuggling activities despite the ban, said the Economist.

Oddly, since the year's beginning, border crossings were successful without incident. One refugee snuck back even after escaping, yet was not caught by border guards.

When Kim Jong Un learned of the travesty, he had the unit separated which allowed the border crossing unimpeded. He was reported to be very furious at it.

As insurance, North Korean special forces were dispatched to keep an eye on guard units on the border. Though it is speculated they were not there to assist or watch, instead of preventing smugglers from paying them off for safe passage especially when shipments are going in or out of North Korea.

In middle August, one officer who headed to the border guard unit was taken into custody by the military for smuggling charges.

According to the source, the officer had 500 kilograms given by a Chinese smuggler but gave it to a local when the quarantine was in full effect.

The soldier was taken in immediately but might avoid punishment for what he did. Other insights were that the officer got into smuggling to give food to his troops, not for self-gain.

According to one source, several Nokor soldiers killed three Chinese fishermen in home waters.

Related article: North Korean Defector Describes 'Hellish' Life in NoKor, People Were Starved to Death

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
BEIJING - India and China accused each other on Tuesday of making provocative military moves and firing warning shots along their disputed border despite talks on ending the escalating tensions.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 7/9/2020 (500 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FILE-In this Sept. 14, 2017, file photo, Pangong Tso lake is seen near the India China border in India's Ladakh area. India said Monday its soldiers thwarted China's "provocative" military movements near a disputed border in Ladakh region amid a monthslong standoff. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup, file)

BEIJING - India and China accused each other on Tuesday of making provocative military moves and firing warning shots along their disputed border despite talks on ending the escalating tensions.

China said Indian forces on Monday crossed into territory it holds and fired warning shots at a Chinese patrol in what it called a violation of their agreements. India denied that and said Chinese soldiers tried to surround one of its forward posts in a grave provocation and also fired warning shots.

China described it as the first exchange of fire between the countries in 45 years.

The nuclear-armed rivals have been engaged in a tense standoff in the cold-desert Ladakh region since May, and their defence ministers met Friday in Moscow in the first high-level direct contact between the sides since the standoff began.

Chinas western military command said the incursion occurred Monday along the southern coast of Pangong Lake in an area known in China as Shenpaoshan and in India as Chushul. The two countries' local military commanders have held several rounds of talks to defuse the tense standoff.

FILE - In this Sept. 14, 2018, file photo, Border Roads Organization workers rest near Pangong Lake in Ladakh region, India. As the escalating and bitter military standoff between India and China protracts following their bloodiest confrontation in decades in the Ladakh region in 2020, experts warn the two nuclear-armed countries can unintentionally slide into a war over the roof of the world. The two most populous nations share thousands of kilometers (miles) disputed border and have accused each other for opening new fronts. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File)

After shots were fired, Chinese forces took necessary measures to stabilize and control the situation, the command said in a statement citing spokesman Zhang Shuili. It demanded the Indian forces withdraw and investigate the move to open fire.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian repeated that Indian troop were the first to shoot. He said it was the first exchange of fire between the sides since 1975, despite the increasing tempo of recent clashes.

We, the Chinese side, has been been stressing repeatedly that the two sides should peacefully settle our differences through dialogue and consultation. Confrontation will not benefit either side," Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing.

FILE- This Sept. 14, 2018 file photo shows Pangong Lake in Ladakh region, India. India and China accused each other Tuesday of making provocative military moves and firing warning shots along their disputed border despite talks to end the escalating tensions. China said Indian forces Monday crossed into territory it holds along the southern coast of Pangong Lake and fired warning shots at a Chinese patrol in what it called a violation of their agreements. India denied that and said the Chinese soldiers tried to surround one of their forward posts in a grave provocation and also fired few warning shots. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File)

Col. Aman Anand, an Indian army spokesman, said China continues provocative activities to escalate tensions and called the Chinese military statement an attempt to mislead domestic and international audiences.

Anand said the Chinese soldiers tried to surround an Indian military post and fired a few shots in the air when the Indian soldiers dissuaded them. He said Indian troops exercised great restraint.

He accused Chinas military of blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvrs while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress.

Map shows Ladakh region in disputed area between India and China, where the countries accused each other of firing warning shots;

There was no word of casualties on either side.

Late last month, India said its soldiers thwarted Chinese militarys moves to change the status quo in violation of a consensus reached in past efforts to settle the standoff. In turn, China accused Indian troops of crossing established lines of control.

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The activities last month and on Monday were alleged to have occurred on the southern bank of Pangong Lake, a glacial lake divided by the de facto frontier and where the India-China face off began on its northern flank in early May.

This frame grab from video shows an Indian army convoy driving in Leh, India. India and China accused each other on Tuesday of making provocative military moves and firing warning shots along their disputed border despite talks on ending the escalating tensions. The nuclear-armed rivals have been engaged in a tense standoff in the cold-desert Ladakh region since May, and their defense ministers met Friday in Moscow in the first high-level direct contact between the sides since the standoff began. (AP Photo)

The standoff escalated to a nighttime clash on June 15 that was the deadliest conflict in 45 years between the countries. According to Indian officials, Chinese troops atop a ridge at the mouth of the narrow Galwan Valley threw stones, punched and pushed Indian soldiers down the ridge at around 4,500 metres (15,000 feet). India said 20 of its soldiers were killed, including a colonel. China did not report any casualties.

The disputed and undemarcated 3,500-kilometre (2,175-mile) border between India and China, referred to as the Line of Actual Control, stretches from the Ladakh region in the west to the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh in the east. China also claims all of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory.

The Asia giants fought a border war in 1962 that also spilled into Ladakh and ended in an uneasy truce. They have been trying to settle their border dispute since the early 1990s, without success.

India unilaterally declared Ladakh a federal territory and separated it from disputed Kashmir in August 2019, ending its semi-autonomous status. The move further strained the relationship between New Delhi and Beijing, which raised the issue at international forums including the U.N. Security Council.

In a symbolic move amid soaring tensions, India has banned scores of Chinese-owned apps, including TikTok, citing privacy concerns that it said pose a threat to Indias sovereignty and security.
Will come back to haunt you: Jaishankar in veiled reference to Pakistan

SCO Meet: S Jaishankar leaves for Moscow, likely to meet Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Russia

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Sep 08: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar left for Moscow to attend a meeting of foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on September 10. He is expected to meet Chinese FM Wang Yi on the sidelines of of SCO even as tensions soar in an unprecedented manner between both sides at the LAC in Ladakh. The time of the meeting is being finalised.

While EAM Jaishankar will arrive in Moscow on Tuesday evening with desk officers of China division, Foreign minister Wang will reach the next day to discuss the border escalation in Ladakh. On the way to Russia, Jaishankar will make a stopover in Tehran to meet his Iranian counterpart.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh left for Moscow on Wednesday on a three-day visit to attend a meeting of SCO defence ministers. "The external affairs minister will be visiting Moscow to attend the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers'' meeting which is scheduled on September 10," spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Srivstava said at an online media briefing.

India-China standoff: Focus shifts to Sep 10 meeting of Jaishankar-Wang Yi

Asked whether Jaishankar will meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Srivstava said, "Once his engagements are finalised we will let you know."

The SCO meetings are taking place at a time when India and China, two of the bloc''s members, are engaged in a fierce border row in eastern Ladakh.

The SCO, seen as a counterweight to NATO, has emerged as one of the largest transregional international organisations which accounts for almost 44 per cent of the world population stretching from the Arctic Ocean to the Indian Ocean and from the Pacific Ocean to the Baltic Sea.

The aim of the SCO is to maintain peace, stability and security of the region. India became a member of SCO in 2017.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Voter registration deadlines are coming up for the Nov. 3 elections.

All new voters in New York must register by Oct. 9.

That deadline applies to postmarks or any application thats hand-delivered to county boards of elections, according to Onondaga County Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny.

All changes of address registrations  whether mailed or delivered in person  must be received by the board of election by Oct. 14.

If youre unsure whether you already registered, you can use this online lookup tool.

This week, the Onondaga County Board of Elections will mail out notices with polling place information to registered voters, Czarny said. Each household will receive just one mailer, no matter how many registered voters live there.

Already, thousands of people in Onondaga County have requested absentee ballots. I estimate were at 20,000 today and growing, Czarny said last week.

You can request an absentee ballot online.

You can also request an absentee ballot by emailing, telephoning or going in-person to your local county board of elections.

Onondaga County will start sending out absentee ballots in mid-September.

Just because you request and get an absentee ballot doesnt mean you have to use it, Czarny said.

You can decide later to vote in person, either during early voting (Oct. 24 through Nov. 1) or on Election Day.

Even if you send in an absentee ballot, you can still wake up on Election Day and go vote, Czarny said. The vote you cast in person  whether during early voting or on Nov. 3  will be the one counted, he said.

MORE ON THE 2020 ELECTION

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 story idea or news tip youd like to share? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274.
A Han River park in Seoul is crowded with people, Sunday, Sept. 6. The city government said it will restrict access to some areas of Han River parks to help contain the spread of the coronavirus. Yonhap



The Seoul metropolitan government said Tuesday it will restrict access to crowded areas of Han River parks starting at 2 p.m. to help contain the spread of COVID-19.



The affected areas are two squares at Yeouido Han River Park, parts of Ttukseom Park and two picnic zones at Banpo Han River Park.



Across the Han River parks, 28 stores and seven cafes will end at 9 p.m. every day. Forty-three parking lots at 11 Han River parks will also deny entry from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.



The measure follows a resurgence in COVID-19 cases in the capital area, which has led to stricter social distancing guidelines and caused people to flock to the parks.



Under the Level 2.5 guidelines, restaurants and smaller eateries can operate until 9 p.m., and only takeout and delivery are permitted from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.



For franchise coffee chains, bakeries and ice cream parlors, only takeout and delivery are allowed.



"Even outdoor spaces are not free from the risk of infection," Shin Yong-mok, head of the city government's department in charge of the riverside parks, said during a press briefing. "We came up with measures to respond to the surge in visitors following the implementation of Level 2.5 guidelines."



According to Shin, nearly half of all visitors to the parks went to the three parks designated for restricted access.



He also said the number of visitors to the Han River parks increased up to 40 percent from last year, with especially large crowds seen last weekend.



"The aim of this measure is to reduce the number of visitors, as well as the eating and drinking activities that fail to meet social distancing guidelines," he said.



The new measures will remain in effect until the end of the city's latest campaign to slow the spread of COVID-19, dubbed "Pause 10 million citizens week." The campaign was supposed to end Sunday but was extended for another week.



Shin called on citizens to refrain from gathering at Han River parks during the campaign period and to instead spend time with family at home on weekends.



"We ask that citizens refrain from meeting, drinking and eating at Han River parks for now to ensure that everyone can be safe at the parks," he said.



The city plans to step up nighttime patrols at the parks to urge visitors to refrain from eating and drinking after 9 p.m. It will also continue its campaign to encourage citizens to stay 2 meters apart and wear masks. (Yonhap)


Georgia's top election official said Tuesday that there were up to 1,000 potential instances of voters casting two ballots -- one by absentee ballot and one in person on election day -- across about 100 counties during the June presidential and statewide primaries and the August runoff elections.

"Let me be clear: It is a felony to double vote in Georgia, and we prosecute. ... A double voter knows exactly what they're doing, diluting the votes of each and every voter ... that follows the law. Those that make the choice to game the system are breaking the law, and as secretary of state, I will not tolerate it," Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, said, adding that his office will work to prevent this from happening in November, but not detailing exactly how he plans to do that.

Raffensperger said that his office will be turning the suspected cases over to the state attorney general, local district attorneys and also federal prosecuting attorneys, should they want to take on these cases. He called double voting a "serious felony," noting that if convicted, voters who cast two ballots face a minimum sentence of one year in prison, and a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, plus up to a $100,000 fine.

The secretary asserted that "there's no excuse under the law for double voting," ending his news conference by specifically saying that "intentionality is not an excuse under the law." However, several election experts were skeptical of this many instances of doubling voting, and noted that poll worker data input errors or administrative failures, like wrongly issuing a regular ballot to a voter instead of a provisional one, could lead to this happening.

MORE: Heres what to know about mail-in voting for November

He said that "some of those (votes) did show up in election results," which had to be certified within 17 days of each election, but that the votes did not impact the outcomes of any elections. Asked for clarification about whether all the alleged double votes were counted, Walter Jones, a spokesperson for the secretary, said that the investigation is ongoing and will look into "whether two votes were counted for the same individual."

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Raffensperger repeatedly asserted that these voters "knew what they were doing," and that this was not the result of a system failure, but he did not provide any evidence to back that claim. None of these cases have been fully investigated or tried.

"It's not the system. It was the county election officials, but also it was the voters knowing what they're doing, and then putting pressure on them and taking advantage of the system -- the protocols that the counties had in place," he said. "But it's really the voter that bears responsibility for that. They mailed back their ballot, they knew that they had a ballot that was back. They knew what they were doing."

PHOTO: Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger speaks during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Jan. 20, 2020. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

However, when pressed on how he could know these alleged double voters' motivation, Raffensperger said that was why investigations would be conducted, and cited one voter whom he said "was bragging about it down in Long County." No additional evidence of the alleged voter fraud was outlined during the press conference.

States have moved to make voting by mail more accessible as the coronavirus pandemic continues in the United States, and as that's played out, President Donald Trump has been claiming -- without evidence -- that mass mail-in voting will lead to widespread voter fraud. It's an accusation that election officials have repeatedly said is unfounded.

Michael McDonald, a political science professor at the University of Florida whose expertise is in American elections, was skeptical of the secretary's claims of that many cases of double voting. McDonald is involved in litigation with Fair Fight Action against the secretary of state's office, but that litigation does not involve Tuesday's announcement.

"We've seen these allegations many times before, in different guises over the years where there are sensational allegations of vote fraud and then upon further investigation, the allegations unravel," McDonald told ABC News. "It may yet be that there are a few people who voted twice. ... But these sensationalistic numbers that you get at the initial stages of an allegation, like 1,000 people double voting -- they almost never hold up upon closer examination."

On Twitter, McDonald pointed to a report from ProPublica and the Atlanta Journal Constitution about how law enforcement records ultimately discredited allegations made by former Secretary of State Brian Kemp, who is now the governor, just two days before the 2018 gubernatorial election, in which he was the Republican candidate. Kemp alleged that the state Democratic Party had been involved in an unsuccessful attempt to hack the state's voter registration files, which was untrue.

Scott Hogan, executive director for the Democratic Party of Georgia, accused Raffensperger of promoting "conspiracy theories and disinformation."

"Voter fraud continues to be extremely rare in Georgia, and any implication otherwise undermines our elections," Hogan said in a statement. "It is clear that rather than do his job of promoting the safety and security of our voting process, the Secretary of State is instead pushing the GOPs voting conspiracy theories and disinformation, as he fights in court to make voting by mail less accessible to voters."

Raffensperger's announcement was also slammed by Georgias Voter Empowerment Task Force, a group backed by several organizations, including Stacey Abrams' voting advocacy group Fair Fight Action, the Georgia NAACP and Black Voters Matter.

"Secretary Raffenspergers grandiose press conference was a deliberate distraction from his failures to do his job. Under his so-called leadership and the meltdown of an election over which he presided, Georgians faced barriers in casting their votes and having their votes counted," the group said in a statement. "Now, unsurprisingly, Georgias failed top elections official has decided to push a right-wing narrative spreading across the country rather than focusing on protecting the Constitutional rights of every Georgian."

MORE: Here's how states have changed the rules around voting amid the coronavirus pandemic

At the news conference, Raffensperger was also pressed on how -- if the system was working -- someone could successfully cast an absentee ballot and vote in person.

"During Election Day, it gets to be very hectic, and as you're juggling the many balls of many voters, if you don't go back -- back to the system and check it off, then that's how that would actually get through, and so it wasn't recorded at the precinct level," Raffensperger said.

That is in line with what Amber McReynolds, an expert in election administration, told ABC News. She said that if these instances of alleged double voting pan out, it is likely due to a procedural failure.

"My guess is it's a process problem because what should happen -- especially in the state where you have to request a ballot -- is that if you show up and they can't determine if you've returned that ballot, you vote a provisional (ballot). So if (poll workers) were letting them vote an in-person ballot without going through that process, then that is a process problem more than anything," said McReynolds, the CEO of the National Vote at Home Institute, who served as the head of elections in Denver when Colorado transitioned to being a state that conducts all elections predominantly by mail.

She continued, "When you think about risks and elections, when you have all of this field process stuff happening at polling places, and different people in charge at each one of them, you run the risk of poll workers not following procedures. As best I can tell, that's what this is -- poll workers made mistakes."

Normally, only about 5% of Georgia voters cast absentee ballots, but there was a significant increase in voters casting ballots this way, especially for the primary, when the secretary's office proactively mailed applications to all 6.9 million active voters to request an absentee ballot. McReynolds's organization had been advising Raffensperger's office about best practices for scaling up the absentee ballot system, she previously told ABC News.

For the general election, there could be nearly 50% of votes cast via absentee ballot, Raffensperger said in his press conference, adding that already, about 900,000 voters have requested one.

MORE: Millions of Americans are receiving absentee ballot applications from outside groups. Heres what you need to know.

McDonald, the Florida professor, told ABC News Tuesday that he and fellow researchers had examined data from Georgia's June primary, and classified all the reasons that voters' ballots had been rejected or cancelled, and they found that there were nearly 70,000 voters who, according to their analysis, were issued an absentee ballot, but then voted in person. However, there was no uniformity in the how that data was entered, even within counties, he said, and there were over 1,000 unique reasons cited for this particular issue -- that they voted in person after requesting an absentee ballot.

PHOTO: People wait in line to vote in Georgia's primary election at Park Tavern on June 9, 2020, in Atlanta. (Brynn Anderson/AP)

He said if a voter did go to vote in person after mailing back an absentee ballot, the systemic checks should prevent both ballots from being counted.

It's possible, he said, that voters who were concerned their absentee ballots wouldn't arrive in time to be counted could have shown up at the polls to vote in person, and could have even specifically said that to election officials on site -- but that situation could have gone unnoted in the system.

"You're really at the mercy of somebody who's just doing this data entry to make a notation correct, that would have described the voter's situation. If they fail to properly cancel the ballot -- they don't enter it into the system properly -- that could also lead to the appearance that the voter is ... intentionally trying to vote twice, when in fact, they're just concerned about their situation and are trying to make sure that their vote is actually, indeed counted. That's why whenever we have these allegations, law enforcement needs to follow up on them," McDonald said.

More than once last week, Trump seemed to encourage his supporters to try to vote twice in the November election.

MORE: North Carolina officials reject Trump's call for supporters to vote by mail and in person

"On Election Day or early voting, go to your polling place, even though you've mailed (your ballot) in. Go to your polling place to see whether or not your mail in vote has been tabulated or counted. If it has, you will not be able to vote because it's going to be counted. You'll not be able to vote and the mail in system worked properly as it should. But there's a big chance that it won't work properly," Trump said during a "tele-rally" for North Carolinians on Friday.

After he first made similar comments while in North Carolina on Wednesday, the executive director of North Carolina's State Board of Elections, issued a statement, telling voters not to do this.

"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," said Karen Brinson Bell.

In at least 40 states, voters have a way to track their mail ballots to ensure they are received by election officials.

Georgia secretary of state alleges up to 1,000 cases of 'double voting' in primary, runoff elections originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Charges: 2 Killed Detective, Informant in Robbery Attempt

CLEVELANDTwo teenagers were charged Tuesday with fatally shooting a Cleveland police detective and another man during what authorities said was a robbery attempt.

Eighteen-year-old David McDaniel Jr. of Cleveland, was charged with two counts of aggravated murder in Cleveland Municipal Court, records show. A 17-year-old male, who was not identified because of his age, faces aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, and felonious assault charges in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court.

Court records dont indicate whether McDaniel has an attorney to speak for him.

McDaniel and the 17-year-old are accused of killing Cleveland police detective, 53-year-old James Skernivitz, and 50-year-old Scott Dingess as they sat in Skernivitzs unmarked police car Thursday night.

A hearse bearing the body of Det. James Skernivitz, passes under an arch made by two Cleveland Division of Fire fire engines, as it proceeds to the funeral home under police escort in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sept. 5, 2020. (Lt. Mike Norman/Cleveland Division of Fire via AP)

A police statement of facts filed with the charges against McDaniel says he and two juveniles approached Skernivitzs car, which was parked behind a store, and shot Skernivitz and Dingess during an attempted robbery. McDaniel was arrested Sunday.

Skernivitz along with other law enforcement officers were sworn in Aug. 2 as members of the FBIs Violent Crime Task Force in support of Operation Legend, a Justice Department effort to crack down on violent crime in Cleveland and other cities.

He was also assigned to the Cleveland police gang unit. Authorities have not said whether Skernivitz was working with the federal task force or the gang unit when he was killed.

Skernivitzs funeral is scheduled for Friday.

By Mark Gillispie
The government on Tuesday invited tenders to conduct a survey for a 741 km long high-speed rail corridor from Mumbai to Nagpur for potentially running a Bullet Train on the route. The high speed rail corridor will also pass through Nasik in Maharashtra.

The project implementing agency National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) has been entrusted by the railways to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for seven new high-speed rail corridors.

The tender reviewed by Hindustan Times has been issued for carrying out survey, identification of overhead, overground, underground utilities and identification of power sourcing options for substations along the proposed Mumbai-Nasik-Nagpur High-Speed Rail Corridor.

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 (865 km) Varanasi-Howrah (760 km), DelhiAhmedabad, MumbaiNagpur (741 km), MumbaiHyderabad (711 km), Chennai-Mysore (435 km) and DelhiAmritsar (459 km).

The length of the corridors as mentioned is tentative and subject to change as per actual survey, a NHSRCL spokesperson said.

NHSRCL has also floated tenders related to data collection for the DelhiJaipur-Udaipur-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor and the DelhiLucknowVaranasi HSR corridor.

The 886 km long Delhi-Ahmedabad high speed rail project will pass through Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan.

This also comes at time when the Centres first bullet train project from Ahmedabad to Mumbai is facing delays and may fail to meet its 2023 deadline.

The timeline of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai high-speed rail corridor will need to be reassessed due to Covid 19, but the real timeframe for its completion can be provided only within the next three to six months, railway board chairman and CEO VK Yadav said on Saturday.

Last Friday, Hindustan Times had reported that 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.

So far, 63 per cent land has been acquired for the project, according to the railways.

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.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office has identified the teenager who was fatally shot during an argument Sunday night as 16-year-old Ian Harrison.

Police were called to the 8700 block of Cinnamon Creek Drive, near Fredericksburg and Wurzbach roads, just after 10:30 p.m. for the shooting at an apartment complex.
BHP will shift much of its interstate FIFO workforce to Western Australia in the face of the state's border restrictions, requiring new operational employees to live in the state or be willing to move there.

The move is in response to pressure from the state government, which has urged WA's resources sector to relocate its 7000-strong interstate workforce to reduce the risk of COVID-19 entering the state.

WA Premier Mark McGowan. Credit:Getty

Before the pandemic interstate mine workers, a majority living in Queensland, supplemented WA's workforce.

But BHP will now give preference to West Australian job applicants for operational jobs in its iron ore, nickel and petroleum operations, with some exceptions for maintenance and project based jobs.
U.S., Turkish forces bring in military reinforcement to bases in NE Syria

DAMASCUS, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. and Turkish forces on Sunday brought in new military reinforcements to their bases in the northeastern province of Hasakah, state news agency SANA reported.

The U.S. forces on Sunday brought military and logistic reinforcement from their bases in Iraq through the al-Walid crossing east of Hasakah province to the base in the northern countryside of Hasakah, said SANA.

On Friday, the U.S. forces sent 50 military vehicles from Iraq into Syria through the al-Walid crossing, the report added.

Over the past few hours, the Turkish forces brought large amounts of military gears from Turkey through the Ras al-Ayn and al-Sukkariyah crossings in northern Hasakah countryside heading toward their bases in the villages of Bab al-Khir, Daoudia, and Eineq al-Hawa.

SANA said the entry of military gears by both powers is "a violation of international laws."

It said throughout the past few months, the U.S. and Turkish forces have sent thousands of military vehicles to reinforce their "illegitimate" bases in northern Syria.

The Syrian government completely condemns the presence of Turkish and U.S. forces on Syria soil as both powers entered the country illegally and supported various groups against the Syrian government.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Lok Janshakti Party said on Tuesday that the JD(U) has done it a "favour" by making it clear that the two parties have never had any alliance, in a sarcastic reaction as the ties between the two National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members from Bihar continue to unravel.

"We welcome this statement from the JD(U) that his party has never had any alliance with the LJP. JD(U) leader K C Tyagi has done us a favour," the LJP said in a statement.

The party will only join hands with those who support its president Chirag Paswan's agenda to make Bihar the leading state in the country, it added.

Tyagi had said on Tuesday that any party which is a part of the NDA in the state will have to accept Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership, noting that top BJP leaders, including Amit Shah and its president J P Nadda, have announced that the alliance will fight the upcoming Bihar assembly polls under Kumar's stewardship.

The JD(U), he said, has always had an alliance with the BJP in Bihar but not with the LJP.

His statement came after the LJP authorised Paswan to take a call on whether the party will fight against the Kumar-headed JD(U) in the assembly polls and decided to prepare a list of candidates for 143 constituencies.
G-Eazy led the tributes to late rapper Mac Miller on Monday two years after his death at age 26 from an accidental drug overdose.

The 31-year-old Oakland, California rapper posted a photo of himself and Mac enjoying a pizza party together.

Mac stuck out his tongue as he held a slice of pizza in one hand and a box holding a half-eaten pizza in the other while G-Eazy leaned back and bit into a slice.

Missing him: G-Eazy lead the tributes on social media on Monday to late rapper Mac Miller two years after his death at age 26 from an accidental drug overdose

'Miss you brother,' G-Eazy wrote in the caption for his roughly 8.7 million followers along with a pair of blue heart emojis.

Pittsburgh native Mac, real name Malcolm James McCormick, died on September 7, 2018 in Los Angeles of an accidental drug overdose at his home.

G-Eazy wasn't the only one to remember the late rapper on social media.

Souly Had, Juicy J, Wale and Mustard also tweeted about Mac.

Good times: The 31-year-old Oakland, California rapper, shown in January in Florida, posted a photo of himself and Mac enjoying a pizza party together

Twitter post: Mustard also remembered Mac on Twitter

Also missing: Juicy J also was missing Mac two years after his death

Many fans also said they were spending the Labor Day holiday listening to his music.

Mac was found unresponsive by his personal assistant at his home in the Studio City area and was pronounced dead by paramedics.

The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office ruled in November 2018 that he died from an accidental drug overdose due to a 'mixed drug toxicity' of fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol.

Holiday music: Many fans also said they were spending the Labor Day holiday listening to the music of Mac, shown in March 2018 in Brazil

Alll day: Souly Had tweeted that Mac was a 'huge inspiration'

A federal grand jury in October 2019 charged three men with scheming to distribute fentanyl-laced pills that caused the rapper's death.

Cameron James Pettit, of West Hollywood; Stephen Andrew Walter, of Westwood; and Ryan Michael Reavis, formerly of West Los Angeles, were charged in a three-count indictment.

Court documents alleged that Pettit sold the rapper counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl that he ordered from Walter and were delivered by Reavis.

Mac dated pop star Ariana Grande, 27, from August 2016 to May 2018 and featured on her lead single The Way for her debut album, Yours Truly.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has pledged to ensure survivors of gender violence, especially rape survivors are able to access free healthcare services, should the party wins this years December polls.



Currently, rape victims pay for medical examinations, a situation some people believe has made it difficult for many rape victims to report to the police.



Under the gender section of the NDCs 2020 manifesto titled: Peoples Manifesto: Jobs, Prosperity and more, which was launched on Monday evening, September 7, 2020, in Accra, the party has promised to promulgate an anti-sexual harassment law.



The party also intends to support and empower vulnerable women and victims of socio-cultural practices, including inmates of the witch camps in the North of Ghana by promoting public education against lynching and accusation of elderly women as witches.



The party similarly promises to collaborate with the traditional authorities and communities to close down the witch camps.



The 2020 manifesto of the NDC also pledges to work towards the attainment of a minimum 30 per cent quota of appointments for women and also facilitate easier access to land for women for their maximum participation in agriculture.



The NDC in its next government wants to pursue objective policies aimed at achieving gender parity in education at all levels, establish a Community Female Mentorship Programme and an agency for the protection of Street Children under the Department of Social Welfare.

Source: Daily Graphic









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Gov. Henry McMaster made the right decision when he gave the green light for South Carolina to apply for supplemental federal unemployment funds, despite concerns about when the money will be available and whether it will benefit some of the people who need it most.

We are starting to see encouraging signs of an economic recovery here and across the nation, but its a fragile recovery. Unemployment in South Carolina remained above 8% in July, with the leisure and hospitality sector particularly hard hit, losing more than 20% of its workforce. Indeed, the 58,900 jobs lost in this sector since July 2019 make up almost half of all the states job losses.

Unfortunately, the governor may have waited too late for the federal program to offer much-needed assistance. South Carolina is at the end of a long line of states that already have signed up  and at the bottom of another list of states that have applied but so far not been approved.

According to a recent report by Politico, 42 states had reached a decision to participate before South Carolina did. At least four states are already issuing the lost-wage payments, and 11 expect to issue them in September. And as Department of Employment and Workforce Director Dan Ellzey said in a letter to the governor, it will take DEW up to three weeks to make the changes necessary to to administer the program once the federal government signs off.

While the $300 weekly checks will be retroactive to Aug. 1, they come from a FEMA disaster relief fund that contained only $55 billion before Hurricane Lauras arrival on Aug. 26.

Experts expect the fund will be exhausted by mid-October. All the more reason for Congress to resolve its differences over the next round of pandemic relief.

The states delay in applying, while prudent since so much was initially unclear about what our obligations might be, means those unemployed South Carolinians who qualify (many will not) are unlikely to get any help until October, if then. But better late than never, and better some than none.

We hope that by October, the whole Trump emergency plan, which was meant as a stopgap after Congress allowed the previous federal unemployment supplement to expire July 31, will have been overridden by new congressional action.

Meanwhile, construction employment in South Carolina has returned almost to the high level it had reached last year, and construction employment is a bellwether of economic growth. Although many pundits predict a double-dip recession, early third-quarter data from the New York and Atlanta Federal Reserve banks indicate strong growth is occurring, according to Douglas Holtz-Eakin, head of the American Action Forum, a conservative economic think tank.

South Carolinas budget prognosticators note that a lot of our growth has been driven by the first round of federal stimulus checks and unemployment benefits, so how well it holds up still depends not just on COVID-19 infection rates but also on when or whether Congress decides on the next pandemic relief program.

So while things are looking up, there still arent enough jobs to go around, so unemployed workers  and through them our economy  can use all the help they can get.

This editorial is from The Post and Courier of Charleston via The Associated Press.
SATO Corporation

Press release 8 September 2020 9:00 am





Kuva, joka sisaltaa kohteen sisa, poyta, istuminen, elaminen Kuvaus luotu automaattisesti





Every other person in Finland reports being ashamed of their home. Up to one in five feels this way all the time or much of the time. More than half of the people dream of having a more comfortable home. These are some of the findings of the 1,000+ respondent survey commissioned in August/September by SATO, one of Finlands largest rental housing providers.

SATO, which owns around 26,000 rental homes across Finland, commissioned a survey of how people in Finland feel about the decor, tidiness and comfort of their homes. Conducted in August/September, the survey revealed that 49% of respondents felt home shame all the time, much of the time or some of the time. Home shame was more common among women than men.

Among the respondents, 74% said that everyday life created clutter in the home in the form of piles of clothes or other things. Such clutter was a permanent factor of life for 22% of respondents. Around one quarter of those who reported clutter also felt ashamed of their clutter much of the time. A messy home can put pressure on anyone, and people prefer not to expose their messes to outsiders: according to the survey, up to 90% clean house before having people over.

Professional organiser and non-fiction author Ilana Aalto considers the figures unfortunately high. As she sees it, clutter in the home is directly proportionate to the stresses and strains of everyday life. It is also indicative of how people own much more stuff than they have the energy to take care of.

"In Finland, the home is considered an indicator of overall respectability. Shame comes into the picture especially when we look at our home through the eyes of an outsider. We imagine that everyone elses home is much nicer and tidier. In my experience, many people find entertaining and family events highly stressful. They may start cleaning house and hiding away the clutter even weeks in advance", Aalto says.

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"People put inordinate effort into making their homes spick and span when having people over, just to cover up the messiness of everyday life. No wonder that entertaining in the home has been in decline in Finland for the past 40 years", Aalto add

Even when a work in progress, the home is a source of joy and happiness

The respondents nonetheless had mainly positive feelings about their home. This came to light when respondents were asked to choose the emotion(s) they most associated with their home. Happiness was chosen by 45%, joy by 43% and gratitude by 38%. For many, incompleteness in the home was also a familiar feeling. A sense of inadequacy regarding their home was reported by 16% of respondents.



Most of the respondents were happy with the decor, tidiness and comfort of their homes. As many as 80% reported being happy with the comfort of their homes, while 76% were happy with the decor in their homes. Tidiness of the home was a source of happiness for 70%.



Still, more than half of the respondents dreamed of greater comfort, yet reported the barrier to this to be lack of money (39%), lack of time (12%) and lack of skills (7%). Only 7% of respondents reported that instead of seeing barriers, they were constantly working to make their home more comfortable.



The homes shown on social media platforms and other media put pressures on 35% of respondents to decorate and organise their own homes. Such pressures were much more commonplace among women: 76% of the male respondents reported feeling such pressures seldom or never, while among women this figure was only 55%.

Aalto advises to take such images as eye candy that can be enjoyed without any compulsion to strive for the same



"The pressure comes off when enjoyment of the home is measured by wellbeing, smooth everyday living and the security that comes from having a home  not by how others might look at our homes", Aalto says"



"Especially now, that we are all spending much more time at home, it would be high time to shift from home shame to home-positivity."

The survey was conducted as an online panel survey among the Dynata consumer panel and it had 1,005 respondents. The sample is representative of the Finnish-speaking population in mainland Finland aged 1874. The representativeness of the responses was confirmed according to age, gender and location.



For more information on the survey, please contact:

Miia Eloranta, Director of Marketing and Communications, SATO Corporation, phone +358 50 441 4221, miiia.eloranta@sato.fi

Ilana Aalto, professional organiser, PhD, phone +358 40 558 0811, ilana@paikkakaikelle.fi



SATO is one of Finland's leading rental housing providers. SATO aims to offer a comprehensive choice of rental housing and an excellent customer experience. At year-end 2019, SATO owned over 26 000 apartments in Finland's largest growth centres and in St Petersburg.

We promote sustainable development and initiative through our operations and work in open interaction with our stakeholders to generate added value. We operate profitably and with a long-term view. We increase the value of our housing stock through investments, divestments and repairs.

SATO Group's net sales in 2019 were EUR 296 million, operating profit EUR 726 million and profit before taxes EUR 671 million. The value of SATO's investment assets is roughly EUR 4,7 billion.




From there, she expanded and started making clothes.

But when Felicity Howells first started, Williams was in the middle of a career change.

I had been working in film as costume supervisor in New York, she says. I had done that for about seven years and it was really intense and really fun, but I got burnt out.

Williams and her husband, seeking a change of pace, decided to move to Portland, Oregon. She got a job at a fabric store and, thanks to an employee discount, started bringing home fabric every day.

I would come into work wearing something I made the night before and my coworkers said, You should sell this stuff, Williams says, adding that it was always in the back of her mind to sell her creations, but she hadnt had the courage to do it. I was having so much fun making this stuff and being inspired by the fabric store, so I said, Why not give it a try?

By 2017, the couple moved to Tucson after visiting a couple years earlier. Although they were only in the Old Pueblo for one night, Williams says, Tucson spoke to us.
Ferguson opened an investigation shortly after Johnson was found asleep at the wheel at 34th Place and Aberdeen Street in the Bridgeport neighborhood on the night of Oct. 16. Johnson publicly blamed the incident on his failure to take blood pressure medication but privately told Lightfoot he had a couple of drinks with dinner that evening, which she disclosed in an interview with the Sun-Times.
Schools may be reopening as planned but the recent surge in COVID-19 cases will stop Ontario from easing any other pandemic restrictions over the next four weeks, meaning residents remain limited to one social circle of 10 people.

Caps on the size of gatherings will also stay in place while saunas, steam rooms and Canadas Wonderland must stay closed, with Premier Doug Ford urging people to call the police if they see neighbours having backyard parties without proper physical distancing or know of anyone violating a quarantine.

We have to start putting the hammer down, Ford told a news conference Tuesday, expressing alarm at what the rising number of new infections could portend with kids going back to class.

The higher the numbers in the community, its going to affect the schools.

Ontarios new cases of COVID-19 in the last two days approached 200, double the level of a month ago and at their highest since early July  although the number of patients requiring hospitalization is low and is not growing at anywhere near the same pace.

The latest trends have raised some concern, Health Minister Christine Elliott acknowledged. We did not take this decision lightly.

The pause on easing restrictions was made on advice from chief medical officer Dr. David Williams, who just last month was musing about allowing people to have more than one social circle of 10 people, including those in their own household, for social gatherings without precautions such as physical distancing and wearing masks.

A University of Toronto epidemiologist called on Ford to restore some restrictions immediately.

The steady rise is really concerning but also not surprising: this is the result of opening restaurants and bars and telegraphing to people that they can relax physical distancing and bubbles, said Colin Furness. We should be closing restaurants and bars and gyms now  any situation where people congregate without masks  in order to avoid more severe lockdowns in November.

Unfortunately, the situation may need to get much worse to motivate the public to demand better protection from Queens Park.

The Ministry of Health reported 185 new cases Tuesday, on top of 190 on Monday, 158 on Sunday and 169 on Saturday, for a total of 702 new infections in four days.

Following a recent trend, most of the new cases are in the GTA and the nations capital while other areas remain in good shape.

Today, 28 public health units are reporting five or fewer cases, with 18 of them reporting no new cases. Toronto is reporting 48 cases with 42 in Peel and 37 in Ottawa, Elliott said on Twitter.

The rising case counts since mid-August  when there was a week in which new infections stayed below 100 daily  have been increasingly on the radar of health authorities.

Ford and Williams have repeatedly urged Ontarians not to let up on pandemic precautions with children heading back to school, called for renewed emphasis on physical distancing at family and gatherings to stop the spread of COVID-19, along with mask-wearing and frequent hand washing. Outbreaks with multiple cases have occurred at a Toronto church, a York Region wedding and numerous workplaces.

Ive gotta beg the people out there, Ford said Tuesday. Theres some big parties happening in Brampton. We cant have those parties.

Williams said precautions are more important than ever with the cooler weather here and cautioned COVID fatigue is no excuse to abandon them.

Were heading into respiratory virus season.

Despite Toronto, Peel and Ottawa being the hot spots for COVID-19 activity, Ford said its too early to consider restrictions aimed at those districts. We still feel were containing it, Williams added.

But he and associate medical officer Dr. Barbara Yaffe warned a continued sharp increase in cases could force the province to reimpose restrictions, even if only in hard-hit regions.

It is certainly possible, Yaffe said.

The number of active cases diagnosed within the last 14 days has reached 1,527, an increase of almost 300 from the same time last week and the highest since July 28.

Peel has the most active cases with 453, compared with Toronto at 423 and Ottawa at 228 with the highest incidence remaining among people in their 20s at 409, followed by under 20s at 264, and people in their 30s at 267. There are just 41 active cases in Ontarians over the age of 80, with few new cases in nursing homes.

There are 54 Ontarians in hospital for COVID-19, including 17 requiring intensive care and seven of them on ventilators to breathe. The situation is well within the health systems capacity. At the peak of the first wave, there were more than 1,200 Ontarians in hospital.

With the majority of cases in those under 40 who are less likely to need medical intervention, Furness said Im not expecting hospitalizations to spike until November.

Labs across the province tested 20,929 samples on Labour Day Monday.

A Star compilation of data from health units at 5 p.m. Tuesday found 233 confirmed and probable cases in the previous 24 hours and in some cases from over the long weekend. That raises Ontarios tally to 45,682 cases since late January. There have been 2,854 deaths. The Star numbers are more up-to-date than the Ministry of Health figures, which are based on reports from health units at 4 p.m. the previous day.
Sole traders and small businesses could have found a loophole to JobKeeper 2.0, allowing them to claim $1,200 per fortnight while only working part-time.

From September 28, the coronavirus supplement will drop from $1,500 a fortnight to a more targeted payment based on hours worked.

Employees working 20 hours a week or more will be entitled to the full $1,200 payment, while people working less will receive $750.

Sole traders will need to demonstrate that they have 'been actively engaged in the business' more than 20 hours each week.

Scroll down for video

People are seen in a long queue outside a Centrelink office in Brisbane prior to the introduction of JobKeeper when the pandemic forced people out of work

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg (pictured) helped to create the JobKeeper payment. Sole traders and small businesses could have found a loophole to JobKeeper 2.0, allowing them to claim $1,200 per fortnight while only working part-time

But Michael Croker, the tax lead at Chartered Accountants, told ABC it could very easily become 'a very loose test'.

'Now, you could be washing the dishes at night and thinking about your business at the same time,' he revealed.

While the loophole leaves room for exploitation, the CEO of the Council of Small Business, Peter Strong, said business owners often work constantly.

'Lots of small business people go on holidays and still work more than 20 hours per week, just by the nature of what they're in,' he said.

Newcastle based hair salon owner Sandy Chong agreed that she feels she is constantly working.

Shops on Sydney Road in Brunswick display signs informing customers of their closure on August 5 amid the pandemic and second outbreak in Victoria

'If you own a business, you work 24/7,' she said. 'There is no small business owner who leaves their business at the door when they close the door.'

'And so I can understand that you would be washing up and you would be thinking about what it is that you need to do, how can I be resourceful at this time, and what is it that I need to do to make my business survive.'

She insisted that thinking about business while washing up should 'definitely' be considered working under the new guidelines.

All businesses and not-for-profits seeking the JobKeeper payment will be required to demonstrate their business has been substantially impacted by the pandemic.

Eligibility will be re-assessed based on turnover in the September quarter of 2020.

JobKeeper has kept businesses open throughout the pandemic by paying staff wages. Pictured: People eat breakfast at Albert and Moore Cafe in Freshwater

When the payment reduces again in January, a new assessment will be performed, and will need to prove they still meet the requirements for the December quarter.

Meanwhile, employees will be entitled for the full time or part time supplement based on their hours worked.

The reference periods for consideration will be the two fortnightly pay periods prior to March 1, or July 1.

The period with the highest number of hours worked will be considered.

That means if an employee was working above 20 hours prior to the pandemic, they will be entitled to the higher payment.

Similarly, if an employee has been working increased hours up until July, they will also be entitled to the higher payment rate.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 00:27:57|Editor: huaxia

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks during his visit in Nicosia, Cyprus, Sept. 8, 2020. U.S. actions in the eastern Mediterranean "contribute to conflict" instead of helping peaceful solutions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday during a visit in Cyprus. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

NICOSIA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. actions in the eastern Mediterranean "contribute to conflict" instead of helping peaceful solutions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday during a visit in Cyprus.

"There are other issues which are a cause of concern to us in relation to the situation in the eastern Mediterranean ... There are outside players, such as the USA, who try to draw lines and contribute to conflict instead of peaceful solutions," Labrov said after a meeting with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades.

Lavrov's visit to Cyprus was considered by political analysts as important regarding ties between the eastern Mediterranean island and Russia, as it came after a period of rather strained relations between the two traditionally friendly states.

Lavrov also held talks with his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides, during which they signed two agreements, one being the amended double taxation avoidance agreement and the other on issues to be discussed between the two sides.

Issues that came up in the talks included the long standing Cyprus issue and efforts to restart negotiations, stalled since 2017, for a solution reunifying the island, and Turkish actions relating to exploration for natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean, which have led to heightened tensions in the region.

Lavrov said the position of his country is that the Cyprus issue should be solved in line with United Nations resolutions, and expressed hope that the United Nations would be able to restart the negotiations as soon as possible.

"We watch the situation in the eastern Mediterranean regarding your relations with Turkey," Lavrov told the Cypriot president, adding that compromise and dialogue were the only solutions.

"We are ready to offer any assistance in developing a real dialogue towards mutually accepted solution," he added.

Lavrov also said that Russia was open to the development of the dialogue "with our Cypriot friends, on the bilateral agenda and international matters."
Despite additional excise tax and Covid-19 surcharge on alcohol, Rajasthan witnessed a revenue deficit of over 300 crore in the current financial year on the back of a sharp decline in sales amid the pandemic and particularly during the lockdown period.

Between April to August this year, the excise department earned a revenue of 3,301crore compared to 3,607 crore for the same period in 2019 a deficit of 306 crore despite additional tax and surcharge on liquor.

The highest losses came in the April when it garnered revenue of 145 crore against 670 crore in the corresponding period of last year to set up a deficit of 525 crore in the first month of the current fiscal. In subsequent months, the revenue has been more than that the corresponding months of last year because of higher taxes, but sales have dived.

The Rajasthan State Beverages Corporation Limited, which has rights for sourcing and pricing of Indian made foreign Liquor (IMFL) sold 46 lakh cases of IMFL in 2019-20, which fell to 29 lakh this year. Similarly, the sale of beer cases fell to 66 lakh from 149 lakh in 2019-20.

In comparison to 2019 (April to August 31), the sale of IMFL has reduced by 37% and beer by 56% in the corresponding period this year.

Liquor shops which were shut in Rajasthan during the lockdown, reopened on May 4 except in containment zones and those places which were under curfew.

To raise revenue amid Covid-19 crisis the state government on April 29 imposed an additional excise duty from 35%-45% on IMFL and 45% on beer. On the same day, the Rajasthan Excise Act was amended to raise the basic license fee for sale of country liquor and Rajasthan made liquor (RML).

Thereafter, on June 2, a surcharge was levied on IMFL, beer, RML and country liquor from 1.50 to 30 per bottle. The surcharge was made for the purpose of mitigating natural or man-made calamities like drought, flood, epidemic, public health exigencies, fire etc.

Though the government managed to go surplus with the revenue with imposing additional tax and surcharge but the volume of consumption declined steeply.

Secretary finance, Prithvi Raj said, We are getting almost the same revenue as that of last year. At the same time the volume of consumption has decreased, which supports the states policy of discouraging liquor consumption.

He said that other than April, the months from May to August are revenue positive  May registered 18% growth, June (15%), July (16%), and August (26%).

There is this price elasticity of demand concept, which says that whenever there is an increase in the price of any product its consumption tends to fall, said Prithvi Raj.

A senior official of the excise department said on condition of anonymity that there has been a decline in liquor sales compared to last year but the sale of IMFL is now rising. The department is focusing on increasing the lifting of the stock from depots.

The sale of beer has fallen in almost all states, which is because of a steep rise in prices; the product is preferred consumed chilled and doctors during the Covid-9 pandemic have cautioned against drinking cold beverages. The tourist footfall is low and the situation is the same with bars, said the official.

said the official.

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It comes after the British government confirmed it is willing to break parts of the withdrawal agreement relating to Northern Ireland.

Minister Coveney says it would seriously damage the UK's international reputation.

He says the withdrawal deal needs to be honoured:

"Let me be very clear, the protocol agreed as part of the withdrawal agreement is designed and empowered to operate in all circumstances.

"Including in the absence of an agreement on the future relationship of the EU and the UK.

The protocol represents a fair and balanced outcome for all parties involved.

Earlier today, a British Cabinet minister said he expects the UK would break international law with its proposals to change how a key agreement with the EU operates.

Internal Market Bill

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told MPs it would be in a very specific and limited way, adding there are clear precedents for the UK and other countries which need to consider their international obligations as circumstances change.

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His Labour counterpart Louise Haigh described the admission as absolutely astonishing and warned it would seriously undermine the UKs authority on the international stage.

The British government will introduce the Internal Market Bill on Wednesday, which aims to ensure goods from the North continue to have unfettered access to the UK market while making clear EU state aid rules  which will continue to apply in Northern Ireland  will not apply in the rest of the UK.

Concerns have been raised that key parts of the Withdrawal Agreement, which sealed the UKs departure from the EU in January, will be overridden by the legislation.

Mr Lewis told MPs the government is fully committed to implementing the Withdrawal Agreement and the Northern Ireland protocol.
The Realme Narzo 10 will be going on sale yet again today for consumers in India. The companys budget offering features a large 5,000mAh battery and runs on Android 10 with Realme UI on top. The new Narzo series was introduced in India in May after facing certain delays due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Narzo 10 is said to be a rebranded version of the Realme 6i. The smartphone will be going on sale at 12PM IST on Flipkart and the companys own website, Realme.com. The Narzo 10 is priced at Rs 11,999 for the sole 4GB + 128GB storage variant. The handset was launched in two colours- That Green and That White and a new That Blue colour option was later introduced in the country.

As for the sale offers, customers can get 10 percent off on Flipkart Axis Bank credit cards, an extra 5 percent off with Axis Bank Buzz credit cards, and no-cost EMI plans starting from Rs 1,334 per month. There is also SuperCash worth Rs 500 through MobiKwik via Realme.com.

REALME NARZO 10 SPECIFICATIONS

The Realme Narzo 10 comes with a 6.5-inch HD+ (1600 x 720 pixels) resolution Mini-Drop display with an 89.8 percent screen-to-body ratio protected by a 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass. On the inside, there is an octa-core MediaTek Helio G80 processor, with a Mali G52 GPU and 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage expandable using a dedicated microSD card slot.

There is a quad rear camera setup at the back that includes a 48-megapixel primary sensor with an f/1.8 lens, an 8-megapixel secondary sensor with an f/2.25 lens, a 2-megapixel monochrome portrait sensor with an f/2.4 lens and a 2-megapixel macro camera with an f/2.4 aperture lens. The front camera includes a 16-megapixel camera sensor with an f/2.0 lens. The handset will run on Reami UI based on Android 10. The rest of the features include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth v5.0, GPS/ A-GPS, and a USB Type-C port. There is also a 5,000mAh battery with support for 18W Quick Charge.
The Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine (PGO) intends to transfer the collected evidence regarding the Ilovaisk tragedy in 2014 to the International Criminal Court in the near future in order to resolve the issue of initiating proceedings, Deputy Prosecutor General Giunduz Mammedov said.

"Evidence of an aggressive war against Ukraine and financing of terrorism has also been submitted to the International Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights. Investigation of the circumstances of the Ilovaisk tragedy has unquestioningly established violations of the Russian Federation and the high military command of the agreements on the provision of a humanitarian corridor for the withdrawal of the Ukrainian military from the encirclement in the Ilovaisk area," Mammedov said in an interview with Radio Liberty.

According to him, during the Ilovaisk tragedy, some 366 Ukrainian soldiers were killed, some 429 soldiers were wounded of varying severity, some 300 soldiers were taken prisoner, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine suffered significant losses of weapons and military equipment.
Military members and veterans can get up to four free months of Apple Music through the Apple Music military discount -- but...
Fear and fright compel us to blame those we are frightened of; it is quite natural.





by Ali Sukhanver

Views expressed in this article are the author's own





On 25th August the Zee News published a report on Dawood Ibrahim, the so-called India's most wanted terrorist and 1993 Mumbai blasts mastermind. Trying to create a linkage between Dawood Ibrahim and Pakistan, the report says, Once upon a time, Dawood Ibrahim had a great influence on Bollywood and he used to invest in several Bollywood films. Many Indian actors used to go to attend his house parties too. But it seems that Dawood's interest in film industry has not ended even after running away to Pakistan. The compilers of this Mumbo-Jumbo type of report have themselves admitted that Dawood Ibrahim had been investing a lot in the Bollywood and his investments had made him the most influential figure in the film industry. If he were really a criminal, why did the Indian Intelligence and law-enforcement agencies keep their eyes closed on his activities? Does their negligence not point out two things possibly; either these agencies had some very personal type of monitory interests or they were inefficient.













A very important point to be clarified is that as the Muslim community all over the world could not be held responsible for the misdoings of every individual Muslim, in the same way the whole Pakistani nation could not be criticized for the criminal activities of an individual Pakistani. Same is the case with the Hindus; all Hindus are neither extremist nor brutal in their approach, neither prejudiced nor narrow-minded; there are countless Indians who condemned the action of demolishing the Babri Mosque, of burning the houses of Muslim families and abrogation of the Article 35-A and 370. Moreover there are so many Hindus who rescued their Muslim neighbors from the clutches of BJPs violent extremists in incidents of racial violence. If Dawood Ibrahim and his family has some alleged relations with Pakistan, it does not mean, he is enjoying support of the government of Pakistan and people of Pakistan. The Zee News not only abrogated the true basis of fair journalism but also violated all ethical rules and regulations by misreporting that he (Dawood Ibrahim) is not only in Pakistan but has also got the support of the Imran Khan government and its intelligence agencies.





Fear and fright compel us to blame those we are frightened of; it is quite natural. A few weeks back, the Times of India also published the same type of a report prepared by the Global Watch Analysis. This report showed nothing but the fear of Inter Services Intelligence Agency of Pakistan the ISI which is haunting the whole of R&AW set up. The said report was reprinted in different newspapers and on-aired at various news channels; certainly most of these newspapers and channels did it on desire of the R&AW. The report said, Pakistans intelligence agency, ISI, has been using the services of Pakistani crime syndicates operating in several countries, including France and Thailand, to further its agenda.





According to the details provided in the report, Thailand Police arrested a Pakistan national named Baqar Shah who came to the notice of the Thai authorities when he organized an anti-American protest outside the US Consulate in Chiang Mai in September 2012. In February 2016, his name again surfaced when Thailand Police busted a major fake passport syndicate in the country and an Iranian national, Hamid Reza Jafary, and five Pakistanis were arrested. It is nothing but a childish joke that among the arrested six culprits, one was Iranian and five were allegedly Pakistanis, so following the philosophy  majority is authority the whole cart of dirt was awarded to Pakistan.





It is a fact that on one hand tourism strengthens the economy of a country but on the other hand it increases the crime rate. It is also a fact that some criminals also travel frequently to other countries in guise of tourists. They try to establish new contacts in the countries they visit and in this way they try to spread and enhance their criminal net-working. There are so many gangs of criminals which started their journey from America and ultimately their radius of working crossed the American boundaries. There are so many other groups of the same type in different countries; Cosa Nostra is also one of them. Cosa Nostra frequently known as the Sicilian Mafia is an Italian organized crime syndicate, originated somewhere in the 19th century in the region of Sicily. Some experts on history say that its roots can be traced back to the early days of New York City's lower east side. By the 20th century, following wide-scale emigration from Sicily, the organization acquired a strong presence in other countries in North and South America Reports say that Cosa Nostra has around 25,000 members and more than 250,000 affiliates around the world. The members of this organization are always involved in illegal and criminal activities but no Intelligence Agency has ever been blamed of patronizing this organization.





Before linking the ISI with the criminal syndicates working in Bangkok, we must cast a look at a report published in March 2018 in The Little India, a news portal. The report indicated that a total of 84 foreigners were arrested by the Bangkok police for entering the country illegally and breaking the law. The arrested ones included 25 Indians, 31 Myanmar nationals, 18 Laotians, 4 Cambodians, one Vietnamese, one Iraqi, two Nigerians and one Afghan. The total number of the detainees was 117. Moreover, 20 foreigners were arrested for overstaying their tourist visas. The list comprised five Indians, two Egyptians, a Russian, a Dutch, a Laotian, a Myanmar national, a Grecian, four Cambodians, two Chinese, one Vietnamese and one person from Qatar. But the government of Thailand did not blame the Intelligence Agencies of the countries these arrested ones belonged to. Zee News all hue and cry over arrest of just one Pakistani in Bangkok is difficult to understand. People would certainly desire to know if the Zee News had raised the same hullabaloo when 25 Indians were arrested in Bangkok in 2018 and if the Global Watch had done the same willful effort to establish linkage between the arrested ones and the R&AW.
Popular YouTuber Ghib Ojisan shared his happy video reunion with the Bangladeshi friend and collaborator hes been unable to meet since all worker dormitories were locked down due to COVID-19.

In the Japanese expats latest episode, he listens as Likhon Khan tells him how he emerged from months of pandemic lockdown healthy and employed but remains concerned about his elderly parents back home.

A lot of my viewers were asking me how my Bangladeshi bro is doing. Is he doing OK? I know hes doing great and [is] healthy, but I havent called him for a while so I thought Ill call him right now, Ojisan, whos kept his real name secret, says in the video My Bangladeshi Bro Still Cannot Come Outside 4 Months of Quarantine.

The duo had appeared in multiple YouTube videos exploring Singapore, including Khans first time dining on sushi. Their last video together was posted in April when containment measures were in place.

Its not clear when they could meet in person again. Even as the authorities begin to relax containment measures for migrant workers, many are still not allowed to roam Singapore freely.

Currently I can only go to work and come back to my room. Sometimes I can visit nearby places outside my dormitory, Khan tells Ojisan in the video. But very far places using the MRT, [I] cannot go. Because foreign workers cannot really go anywhere. Mostly, just work and dormitory only,.

More than 160,000 people are subscribed to Ojisans channel, where he has posted clips of him and Khan exploring Sentosa, Paya Lebar, and Orchard, where they had sushi together.

Khan is among thousands of migrant workers deemed healthy and allowed to resume work. Last month, the Manpower Ministry said 180,000 of the 300,000-plus workers in dormitories were cleared to resume work in sectors including construction and shipyards.

After 4 months of not working, it was so hard to adjust. Then the next day I cannot wake up, Khan said, without disclosing his job.

Story continues

Khan said that a blood test confirmed he was not infected. The dormitory roommates he was living with were also healthy, he said.

Khan did not reveal the dorms name but gave a glimpse of its green buildings and empty common areas in the video call.

With a mask on his face, Khan also mentioned that he once received a warning for not wearing face protection, which carries a S$100 fine.

Asked about his family, Khan said: Yes, my family [is] ok. Im very worried about my parents. Thats why sometimes I think too much [because] my father and mother [are] very old.

Other stories you should check out:

COVID-19 cases re-emerge in Singapores dorms with 15 new clusters

Law firm says it only played a very small part in surprise acquittal of Changi Airport chiefs ex-maid

Injured worker trapped atop crane rescued from Bartley Road job site (Video)

This article, Cannot really go anywhere: Singapore YouTuber catches up with locked-down Bangladeshi Bro, originally appeared on Coconuts, Asia's leading alternative media company.
Larissa Waters created history in 2017 by breastfeeding her baby in the senate

In a surprise move, the Australian Greens, the third largest party in the country, is up arms against the Government of India for alleged human rights violations amidst Covid-19 pandemic. Close on the heels of the Greens of the New South Wales senate asking the Australian government to include human rights clause in trade negotiations with India, Larissa Walters, leader of the Greens in the federal senate, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of rounding up critics in the shadow of the virus.



The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said this week that Covid-19 has fuelled authoritarian trends, she said on September 3, adding, As the UN Special Rapporteur, on the situation of human rights defenders, recently said, the pandemic means that we need to do more to protect human rights activists.

Walters underlined, Indian authorities have arrested dozens in a nationwide crackdown, with arrests based on scant evidence. Those who have been detained include a youth activist who raised awareness of police violence against Muslims, an academic who opposes the government's dangerous anti-Muslim citizenship law, and a co-founder of a women's collective.

Coming down heavily on Indias Kashmir policy, she said, Authorities continue to impose harsh and discriminatory measures in Kashmir just over a year after the Indian government drastically eroded Kashmiris' right to self-determination. To quell dissent and to keep away news from the outside world, it continues to maintain stifling restraints, with widespread detention and drastic limits to the internet, to name a few abuses.

Walters also spoke about how in the Philippines, Duterte's brutal drug war goes on, leading to the murder of human rights activists; the egregious abuses against the Uighur people in China, which got exacerbated by the pandemic; and the Ethiopian crackdown following the killing of popular Oromo artist and activist Hachalu Hundessa, leading to detention of dozens of opposition members and journalists , often without charge.

Pointing towards how, over the last six months, the world's attention has been diverted to the response to the Covid-19 crisis, Walters said , giving examples of human rights abuses that continue to occur unabated around the world in spite of the pandemic, regretted, In some cases, the abuses have been exacerbated by the pandemic, even as devoting most of her time on how this is happening in India.The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said this week that Covid-19 has fuelled authoritarian trends, she said on September 3, adding, As the UN Special Rapporteur, on the situation of human rights defenders, recently said, the pandemic means that we need to do more to protect human rights activists.Walters underlined, Indian authorities have arrested dozens in a nationwide crackdown, with arrests based on scant evidence. Those who have been detained include a youth activist who raised awareness of police violence against Muslims, an academic who opposes the government's dangerous anti-Muslim citizenship law, and a co-founder of a women's collective.Coming down heavily on Indias Kashmir policy, she said, Authorities continue to impose harsh and discriminatory measures in Kashmir just over a year after the Indian government drastically eroded Kashmiris' right to self-determination. To quell dissent and to keep away news from the outside world, it continues to maintain stifling restraints, with widespread detention and drastic limits to the internet, to name a few abuses.Walters also spoke about how in the Philippines, Duterte's brutal drug war goes on, leading to the murder of human rights activists; the egregious abuses against the Uighur people in China, which got exacerbated by the pandemic; and the Ethiopian crackdown following the killing of popular Oromo artist and activist Hachalu Hundessa, leading to detention of dozens of opposition members and journalists , often without charge.

The Greens want Australian government to renegotiate trade agreement with India in order to include a human rights clause in it

I urge the government to actively call out global atrocities and abuses, even as our attention is turned inward to our domestic response to the Covid-19 pandemic, she concluded.

Earlier, on August 27, Greens senator David Shoebridge in the New South Wales Senate, who moved a motion against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), said, Indias constitution commits it to democracy, equality, secularism asymmetrical federalism, and the protection of freedom of speech, and yet, In December 2019, India enacted CAA which discriminates on the grounds of religion and the provision of citizenship.

Stating that the citizenship legislation is effectively being used to revoke the citizenship of religious minorities and will result in statelessness for many vulnerable, marginalized groups, Shoebridge noted that as a result of this Act large number of people have been declared foreigners, are are at risk of statelessness by citizenship verification processes of questionable legality.

He also said, in India protests and dissent have been met with an authoritarian government response and civil liberties have been dramatically curtailed, adding, Not only were protesters subject to police violence during the protests, but intellectuals, activists, and students who were active in the anti-CAA protest scenario have been arrested amidst the Covid-19 lockdown, in the aftermath of violence in northeast Delhi.

He called upon the Australian government to include these human rights violations as part of its broader engagement with the Modi administration, insisting on a renegotiated trade agreement between Australia and India in order to include a human rights clause.
External Affairs Minister arrived here on Tuesday on a four-day visit to Russia to attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

His trip to Moscow comes days after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Russian capital to attend a meeting of the defence ministers of the eight-nation SCO of which both India and China are members.

During his stay in Moscow, Jaishankar will attend the meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of SCO. It will be the third CFM meeting that India will be attending as a full member of SCO.

On the sidelines of the SCO meet, he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Thursday amidst the escalating border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh.

On Friday, Defence Minister Singh held an over two-hour meeting with his Chinese counterpart Gen Wei Fenghe here on the margins of the meeting of defence ministers of the SCO bloc that primarily focuses on security related issues.

It was the highest level face-to-face contact between the two sides after border tension erupted in eastern Ladakh in early May.

On his way to Russia, Jaishankar made a stopover in Tehran on Tuesday and held talks with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, covering various aspects of bilateral relations and regional developments.

"A productive meeting with FM @JZarif during a stopover in Tehran. Discussed strengthening our bilateral cooperation and reviewed regional developments. Thank him for his gracious hospitality," he tweeted.

The Iranian foreign ministry, in a tweet, said the two sides emphasised on their will to further expand bilateral ties in "all aspects".

Defence Minister Singh had also made a visit to Tehran on his return from Moscow and held talks with his Iranian counterpart



Brigadier General Amir Hatami and discussed ways to bolster bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional security issues, including the situation in Afghanistan.

(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.)
London, Sep 8 : England forward Mason Greenwood has said that he "only has himself to blame" after being dropped over a breach of Covid-19 quarantine guidelines in Iceland.

Greenwood, 18, who plays for Manchester United, and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, 20, were told to leave Gareth Southgate's squad on Monday.

England beat Iceland 1-0 and it was the debut for both Greenwood and Foden.

"I can only apologise for the embarrassment I have caused," Greenwood said as quoted by BBC.

He added: "In particular, I want to apologise to Gareth Southgate, for letting him down, when he had shown great trust in me.""Playing for England was one of the proudest moments in my life and I only have myself to blame for this huge mistake."I promise my family, the fans, Manchester United and England that this is a lesson I will learn from." As per reports in Icelandic and other media, Foden and Greenwood allegedly met two women in a separate part of the hotel away from where the England players were lodging.
Fears have arisen that bubonic plague could spread into China after its bordering country Mongolia reports its third victim who died of the Black Death this year.

A 38-year-old man had died from the plague on Monday in Mongolia's western Zavkhan province after eating marmot meat last month, said the local authorities.

It comes as China's Inner Mongolia region, near the Chinese border with Mongolia, has recorded two deaths caused by the plague in August, prompting the authorities to impose partial lockdowns and quarantine residents.

Fears have arisen that bubonic plague could spread into China after its bordering country Mongolia reports its third victim who died of the Black Death this year. This picture taken on September 4 shows a man walking with the Chinese national flag in a park in Wuhan

Mongolian authorities have also declared at least 17 out of all 21 provinces in the country are at risk of bubonic plague, raising fears that the disease could spread into neighbouring China. People wearing face masks visit the Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan, Hubei on September 3

Mongolian authorities have also declared at least 17 out of all 21 provinces in the country are at risk of bubonic plague, raising fears that the disease could spread into neighbouring China.

Bubonic plague, known as the 'Black Death' in the Middle Ages, is one of the most devastating diseases in history, having killed around 100million people in the 14th century.

The Mongolian man was infected with the plague after consuming marmot meat in Khuvsgul province in northern Mongolia last month, reported Chinese state media Xinhua, citing Mongolian provincial department of zoonotic diseases.

A total of 25 people who had close contact with the patient have tested negative for the disease, the officials said.

The country first reported a death caused by the bubonic plague in July, a 15-year-old boy from the western Govi-Altai province.

The Mongolian man was infected with the plague after consuming marmot meat in Khuvsgul province in northern Mongolia last month. The picture shows a health worker conducting anti-plague disinfection in Kosh-Agach district, a municipality in Russia bordering Mongolia

Plague cases are not uncommon in China, but outbreaks have become increasingly rare. From 2009 to 2018, China reported 26 cases and 11 deaths. Pictured shows a Mongolian marmot

Last month, a 42-year-old man died of the bubonic plague in Khovd, west Mongolia.

So far, the country bordered by China and Russia has found 18 suspected cases of the disease this year.

Meanwhile, China has reported two deaths caused by the plague since January.

On August 6, the Baotou city health commission confirmed a resident died of a different form of the disease four days earlier.

The city of Baotou, in northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, said the victim had contracted the enteric plague.

A second victim died from multiple organ failure in a case of the bubonic plague, the Bayan Nur health commission of Inner Mongolia said on the following day.

The city of Baotou, in northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, said the victim had contracted the enteric plague. The file picture shows a view of the buildings in Baotou

China's Inner Mongolia region has seen two deaths, one reported in Baotou and the other in Bayan Nur from the plague since August as officials have issued level-three epidemic warnings

Baotou officials ordered the city to enter a precautionary warning period, which is set to last until the end of the year.

The government admitted that the city was facing a potential epidemic of plague among humans.

The bubonic plague, one of the four forms of the disease, is one of the most devastating diseases in history.

The enteric plague, also known as the pharyngeal plague, attacks a person's digestive system and can arise as a result of exposure to infectious aerosols or by ingestion of infected meat.

The other forms of the disease are the pneumonic plague, a severe lung infection, and the septicemic plague, which affects a person's blood systems.

China has largely eradicated the plague, but occasional cases are still reported.

The last major known outbreak of the disease was in 2009 when several people died in the town of Ziketan in Qinghai province on the Tibetan Plateau.

However, British health experts have said that no evidence shows bubonic plague can be passed from one person to another, therefore it is unlikely to trigger another health crisis.

Dr Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow in Global Health, University of Southampton, said: 'Bubonic plague is a thoroughly unpleasant disease and this case will be of concern locally within Inner Mongolia.

'However, it is not going to become a global threat like we have seen with COVID-19. Bubonic plague is transmitted via the bite of infected fleas, and human to human transmission is very rare.'

Prof David Mabey, Professor of Communicable Diseases from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, called the case in China 'not worrying at all'.

He said: '[The disease] is transmitted from rodents to human by flea bites. There were a number of cases recently in Madagascar where it was suspected there might have been human to human transmission due to so called pneumonic plague, when the infection spreads via the blood stream to the lungs, but this was never proven.'

Prof Christl Donnelly, Professor of Applied Statistics, University of Oxford and Professor of Statistical Epidemiology, Imperial College London, said commonly available antibiotics were effective at treating plague.

'Sometimes antibiotics are given preventatively to close contacts of cases. Most cases of plague in the last 30 years have been recorded in Africa. However, small numbers of plague cases occur annually in the United States, usually in rural areas of western states,' Prof Donnelly said.
India has knocked Brazil off the second place with its 90,000 daily coronavirus positive cases. From Maharashtra to Odisha, states are pushing the daily tally relentlessly. Yet, to lift the economy from the depths to which it had sunk, the Centre has unlocked almost all activities. Pretty much everything is open now. And people, confined mostly to their homes due to the lockdowns and curbs for months, have unleashed themselves. The pictures and videos are everywhere. From the weekend markets of Chennai to the congregation in Odishas Cuttack where hundreds gathered to catch a glimpse of the first flood water of the monsoon in Mahanadi river, social distancing norms have gone for a toss. The mobbing of actor Rhea Chakraborty at Mumbai was another low and came from the media fraternity.

Indians are simply breaking free when the country is registering its highest daily caseload. A deep sense of confusion prevails. When Covid cases were in two digits, the country was in total lockdown. Now when its exploding, everyone is out. True, India needs to get its economy back on track; the livelihoods of millions are at stake and life must go back to normal. But we, as a nation, need to understand that behavioural chaos will not help. Face mask use, physical distancing and hygiene must take precedence at all cost. From what is being reported across states, this is not happening and people can already be seen flouting masking and other guidelines.

Suddenly, the emphasis on corona norms is on the wane as governments are busy opening up. The communication blitzkrieg that marked the early days of outbreak is missing. There is little evidence to show that the coronavirus scare is going to go away so soon. Vaccines will take time and if India needs to get a grip on transmission, the Centre must advise the states to chalk up fresh public communication strategies on masking and distancing with strict enforcement. That is the weapon at hand. The country had unitedly responded to Swachh Bharat; cant it do so for the pandemic?
Cabinet sets tasks before new Strategic Industries Ministry

18:35, 08.09.20 1139

The move is made to prevent duplication of functions by other ministries.
Riyadh, Sep 8 : Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and French President Emmanuel Macron reviewed the efforts of the G20 countries to support global economies.

In a phone call on Monday, the two sides also discussed the role of G20 in backing health systems to combat the implications of the coronavirus pandemic, reports Xinhua news agency.

Macron hailed the cooperation between the two countries and the efforts of the Saudi G20 presidency.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations and the latest regional issues and efforts to tackle them.

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, the G20 countries have been holding regular meetings to deal with various impacts of the virus on various sectors to overcome them.

The G20 leaders during a summit held in March vowed to pump more than $5 trillion into the international economy.

Monday's call came a day after King Salman and US President Donald Trump discussed the efforts of the G20 group to combat the global Covid-19 pandemic.

During the call on Sunday, the Saudi King also appreciated the efforts made by the US to promote regional peace, affirming the Kingdom's keenness to reach a lasting and just solution to the Palestinian cause through the Arab Peace Initiative proposed by the Kingdom in 2002.

Under a historic US-brokered accord on August 13, the United Arab Emirates agreed to become the third Arab state to normalise ties with Israel, after Egypt and Jordan.

Under the Initiative, Arab nations have offered Israel normalised ties in return for a statehood deal with the Palestinians and full Israeli withdrawal from territory captured in the 1967 Middle East war.
Charlottesville is seeking an attorney to represent the Police Civilian Review Board.

The city published a request for proposals for legal services to assist the oversight panel on Friday.

The board unanimously voted to start the process for hiring independent legal counsel last month in an effort to maintain independence from the city government.

Mayor Nikuyah Walker has been critical of the proposal, telling the board that outside counsel only makes sense in terms of use-of-force or other incidents in which City Attorney John Blair would be defending an officer.

The young board has already butted heads with city officials in the past few months as the CRB tries to maintain its independence from the city government and boost its power.

Activists also called foul as the council appointed a city employee to fill a vacancy on the board last month in violation of the boards ordinance and bylaws. The council quickly rescinded the appointment and filled it with a different applicant.

An attorney would be the first hired hand dedicated to the board as it has yet to hire an executive director.

Although the board voted, 3-2, to send a draft job description for the executive director to the city managers office at its meeting last month, the position is not yet posted.

Its unclear how much independent counsel could cost. The city has allocated $150,000 to the board, which is also expected to include salary for the executive director.

The city will accept proposals for the legal services until 2 p.m. Oct. 2.

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The government has been offering a range of services to help people cope with stress and depression amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials said Tuesday.







The move comes as an increasing number of South Koreans are suffering from the "corona blues," which refers to depression caused by the coronavirus outbreak that began in the country in late January.







"Many people seem to be suffering from the corona blues amid the prolonged outbreak of COVID-19," Yoon Tae-ho, a ranking health official, said in a daily coronavirus briefing. "There has been rising demand for counseling on depression and suicide prevention."







The government currently operates a psychological counseling hotline for people suffering from the corona blues, with 17 municipal and provincial governments running support centers for mental restoration.







According to government data, the number of psychological consultation cases came to more than 4,400 cases Friday, up sharply from about 3,100 on Aug. 14.







South Korea has been striving to contain a resurgence of virus cases as daily infections have been in the triple digits since Aug. 14 due to cluster infections tied to churches and a large-scale rally in central Seoul.







Health authorities have put an enhanced social distancing scheme, called Level 2.5 measures, in place in the greater Seoul area. Under the scheme, eating at restaurants and small eateries is only allowed until 9 p.m. Franchise coffee chains, bakeries and ice cream parlors are permitted to offer only takeout and delivery.







So far, the novel coronavirus has infected nearly 21,400 South Koreans with the country's death toll reaching 341. (Yonhap)


This story was published in partnership with The 19th, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom reporting on gender, politics and policy.

At a school board meeting in Phoenix this month, parent after parent got up to speak, letting the tensions of a year of uncertainty spill out inside a musty auditorium at the Queen Creek Unified School District.

At issue was the coming school year, which was set to start Aug. 17 almost entirely in-person. The end of the previous term had challenged their children, many parents argued, and it was time that they return to the classroom.

Why, asked one dad and a physical education teacher at a local high school, if a registered nurse he knew who is a cancer survivor had not missed a day of work, were other teachers saying they wouldnt be willing to return?

You can make that choice to come into work and say that you love your profession, he said, then Ill see you on the 17th, brother.

The audience exploded in raucous applause.

A Columbia County student returns to Evans Middle School in August 2020.

Children went up to speak, too.

I hope they let me go back to normal school in person, said one kindergartner. Another pleaded with the district through sobs: Please, let us go back.

But some teachers told another story: In the week before the start of school, they felt they had few options.

Resignations had started at Queen Creek  eight teachers gone between the end of July and early August. Unlike other districts across the country that were adopting a hybrid model allowing teachers to move online if they prefer, online learning in Queen Creek will come from teachers outside the district.

Many teachers feel trapped. The tension in Arizona and around the nation is dredging up a conversation on teaching contracts that in a typical year ensure educators dont renege too close to the start of the school year  thus leaving the district scrambling to find a replacement  by imposing fines, or threatening a temporary suspension or revocation of a teaching license.

But as special education teacher Karen Oliver stressed when she spoke at the August school board meeting, this isnt a typical year.

Story continues

Oliver had already resigned in July, knowing she, at 61, could not risk returning to in-person learning, particularly with an 87-year-old sick mother in Michigan who she planned to visit.

Still, the district was holding her to her teaching contract and fining her the customary penalty  3% of her salary, or nearly $2,000.

I am being held under my contract, Oliver told the board, asking the district to waive the resignation fees. I need to take care of my mother. I love my students, I have worked hard to make sure my responsibilities are taken care of. This has been a hard decision.

This year has exposed so much of what already made the teaching profession challenging for educators. Its often devalued work for little pay, and the question of school security was already looming. But coronavirus has further complicated that picture, leaving districts around the country to decide how to deal with the valid concerns of parents, who want their kids education to continue, and those of teachers, who are worried about their own health.

On top of that is the worry, held by both parents and teachers, about students mental health without the structure of in-person school, but also their well-being if coronavirus cases spread in classrooms. Already, there have been hundreds of outbreaks.

States have laid out guidelines for returning to school, but its up to the districts to decide how it looks in practice. So though most have been flexible, experts said, particularly with teachers who have raised red flags about safety, others, like Queen Creek, have not.

A day after the school board meeting where Oliver spoke, she received an email telling her the district would be garnisheeing her wages until she met her full fee.

For Oliver, that moment at the end of a decadeslong teaching career captured the disregard shes felt leaders have had toward her profession most of her life.

Women are mostly the workers in public education, and we historically are not treated as though were real people, Oliver said. Im listening to these people, theyre talking about, We have the right to send our kids to school. We should have that choice for face-to-face. Nobody was considering the fact that teachers were people.

Across the country, educators are worried. In Mississippi, some feel at risk of losing their licenses. In Kansas, the fees can be as high as $10,000 for teachers who cut their contracts short. And in Arizona, at least 109 staff members of the neighboring district to Queen Creek called in sick before the start of classes Aug. 17, protesting what they said were insufficient safety measures. The mass absences forced the district, J. O. Combs in Arizona, to cancel classes.

Of the 145 largest school districts that the National Council on Teacher Quality tracks, nearly 60% have a date by which teachers need to resign to avoid a penalty. All of those dates have passed. Nine large school districts specify a monetary penalty, and 45% impose other penalties like a potential suspension or refusal to hire the teacher in the future, according to data from NCTQ, which is an education think tank. In 15 large school districts, teachers face potentially losing their licenses.

The question is how willing districts are to help teachers who want the flexibility to teach from home, said Mark Paige, an associate professor of public policy and education law at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a former fifth grade teacher.

Paige, who has previously represented school districts in contract negotiations, said hed advise them to consider the costs of enforcing contract rules during the pandemic.

Just because they have a hammer doesnt mean everythings a nail, Paige said. Theres litigation costs, theres PR costs.

All of it is almost ironic, he said, considering that in the early months of the pandemic, teachers were heroes. Students lined up in car parades with signs to thank them. Parents started to truly appreciate how difficult it was to educate their children.

Its a sad commentary, Paige said. All of a sudden, we have this appreciation of teachers. Well, how times have changed in a matter of like 60 days.

In Wichita, Kansas, substitute teacher Kimberly Howard and English teacher Gabriel Costilla are looking at the new teachers starting this year and wondering how the decisions around coronavirus will impact them in the long run.

Theres already a substitute teacher shortage where they live, Howard said. Around the country, a teacher shortage has been raging for years. So though their district is offering teachers options such as retiring early with no penalty, theyre concerned about what the next few months will bring.

Its not that teachers are lining up to resign, Costilla said. Thats not what they want to do, they want to teach. But they just want to have that choice to do it safely.

At his high school, a new teacher moved in a few doors down.

Im really afraid that some of these new teachers are going to get into this year and realize how hard all this is going to be  trying to do it virtually or even trying to do it on-site, he said. Im afraid were gonna see some new teachers drop off in numbers that we havent seen in the past.

The teacher shortage is estimated to be well beyond the 100,000 mark, according to a report from the Economic Policy Institute.

Annual pay for teachers has been falling since the mid-1990s, with the median teacher salary now at about $60,000, plus benefits. Overall, teachers weekly wages are 17 percent lower than the compensation for comparable workers, according to an analysis of 2015 data from EPI (compared to 1994, when they were just 1.8 percent lower). The issue drew protests in 2018 and 2019 that framed the problems as a result of cutbacks on public education that will ultimately be detrimental to students, too.

Teaching is also the profession that employs the most women in the United States: 4.2 million.

We kept seeing less people are going into education, said Todd DeMitchell, professor emeritus of education law and labor at the University of New Hampshire, and a former educator, principal and superintendent. Its a hard job, pay isnt very good and actually the thing that drives teachers out isnt so much the pay, its the working conditions: How am I treated?

Whats emerged this year with coronavirus is a fight to improve those conditions that, at times, have turned to broader social justice themes. A coalition of teachers unions around the country have been pushing not just for safety in the return to school, but for police-free schools and support covering rents and mortgages.

Its a delicate dance, said Brad Marianno, an assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and an expert on education policy and teacher contracts.

Teachers unions have to be careful not to overplay their hand here, Marianno said. The longer this drags on and the longer that schools remain in a distance learning option, parental support for that message is going to wane. And thats going to maybe tip the balance toward the reopening, but right now teachers unions kind of have the strength and the voice to make sure that schools are closed.

At risk, if parents and districts remain rigid in their demands, is a further exodus of educators from the profession, one that will ultimately hurt students of color the most.

Your Black and Brown students in your high poverty areas, your large urban centers, will have difficulty with staffing, and so its likely that those students will bear the brunt of the teacher shortage, Marianno said. And in ways that theyve already borne the brunt of the COVID-19 crisis in the same locations that have trouble with internet access and computer access.

Keri Rodrigues, a Latina mother of three small boys, is worried about just that. She is the president of the National Parents Union, a network of about 200 parent organizations.

For families like hers, whose children are already at a disadvantage due to systemic racism, its difficult to come down on either side of the teacher/parent debate. About 80% of teachers are white.

The white district was never coming to save us in the first place. We dont have high hopes that theyre going to sweep in and save them now, Rodrigues said. The consequences for families like ours if were not reading at grade level is the school-to-prison pipeline, its poverty, its incarceration and death.

On the issue of safety, the group largely sides with teachers. Low-income families tend to live intergenerationally, with grandparents in the home. They understand concerns about bringing home the virus, Rodrigues said.

But some teachers have pushed back against virtual learning too, saying it isnt effective, and unions have been criticized for offering limited plans on how to improve at-home learning.

A large majority of us understand  we dont want to send our kids into unsafe buildings, Rodrigues said. The alternative is not doing nothing.

Thats going to put a lot of the onus on parents to ensure their children are getting adequate support. In the earlier months of the pandemic, parents already got a better understanding of the kind of virtual learning their kids had access to. For some, it was not enough.

We as parents are also going to be checking on the truancy of educators to see what were actually getting for our money. How many hours are educators spending actually engaged with students? Rodrigues said. Placing all of the responsibility on parents and families in this moment of anxiety, in the middle of a pandemic, where some of us are trying to hold on to housing, to our jobs, and the fabric of our families  and then on top of it, youre also supposed to be your childs educator? Youre seeing the awakening of a beast that is going to transform education as we know it.

For now, it doesnt seem like much help is on the way.

CARES Act stimulus checks

The first coronavirus stimulus bill, the CARES Act, included some funding for public education that covered some of the existing deficits, said Marianno, the Nevada professor. But its dried up alongside talks of another round of stimulus as members of Congress have reached an impasse.

Senate Republicans have suggested including $70 billion for K-12 schools  two-thirds of that money going to schools that reopen in-person to some degree in the fall  $29 billion for higher education, $5 billion for other state education needs and $1 billion for the Bureau of Indian Education and outlying areas.

In the House, Democrats passed the HEROES Act in the summer that called for $90 billion for education, including $58 billion for K-12 schools and $27 billion to public universities and colleges. The bill also provides $915 billion in emergency funding for state and local governments, which could help protect public teaching positions.

But neither of the proposals has obtained bipartisan support, and it appears additional help will be unlikely this year, said Shannon Holston, director of teacher policy at the National Council on Teacher Quality.

With the election in November, its really uncertain if anything will be done federally, Holston said. People arent relying on that.

Many are waiting to see how these first months of the new school year play out, she said.

Thats frustrating for teachers like Maxie Hollingsworth, an elementary school math lab specialist in Houston. Hollingsworth said she craves leadership in her district, her state and in Congress.

We should not be a nation of shooting stars that you never see, Hollingsworth said. Thats what we sort of have in Congress right now.

She understands the debates this school year probably better than most. One of her daughters is asthmatic  she winds up in the ER every single year from a cold  so remote learning is critical for her. Hollingsworths district is 100 percent remote for the first weeks of school before they reassess later in the year, so shell be able to stay home with her daughter.

Hollingsworth also works with low-income families and understands deeply the challenges of an in-person return. These are families whose kids ride the bus, whose little ones cant stick to mask mandates and whose schools cant afford to put plexiglass around each desk. But theyre also the kids of many essential workers, who cant stay home if the teaching is remote.

To me, this whole pandemic has exposed so much about the United States, Hollingsworth said. It exposes a lot of the weaknesses in our infrastructure, a lot of the weaknesses related to school funding, a lot of weaknesses related to equity.

To reach parity, there needs to be a consideration of everyones unique situations. And most of all, there needs to be choice, she said.

It reminds Hollingsworth of her school custodian whose 5-year-old is recovering from leukemia. Teachers and educational support staff have legitimate concerns, she said.

Theyre also used to those concerns being ignored.

The lack of respect for teachers, the lack of standards across the board in terms of pay, expectations  its very hard to recruit teachers, and now because of this, I think its going to be even harder. This is gonna sort of blow up the system, Hollingsworth said. And then people will recognize that we got to do things differently.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Back to school amid COVID-19: Teachers want to be real people
To the editor:

Midland Quiltmakers have been busy at home during the pandemic. One hundred fifty quilts went to Randy Hildebrand, Gods Country Co-op in Newberry, Michigan. Randy is a missionary for the Methodist Church and serves the needs of most of the U.P. Joe Sepesy and his father delivered the quilts for us. Aarons Gifts From Home had 12 quilts going with their overseas packages. Megan Farrell of Grinnell, Iowa had a box of quilts for her Read 2 Lead ministry.

What's next? Midland Quiltmakers and the Midland Church of the Brethren plan to send 100 baby quilts to Samaritans Purse as a thank you from the grateful people of Midland for sending teams of workers to help anyone whose house was flooded and needed help cleaning up. Samaritans Purse in Boone, North Carolina uses quilts for hospitals they set up in some parts of the world and they have a need for baby and childrens quilts for the hospital beds.

I would like to share a story that just came to our attention. I was in a local bank doing business for my son and had to come back early from visiting my sister. Rose was sorry I had to come back early to sign a paper. I said thats OK, I was out of quilts for us to work on. She asked me about Midland Quiltmakers, I said we were short 450 quilts to hit the 30,000 mark. I told her about a woman from China whod come to bury her mother. She had adopted two girls from a Chinese orphanage and said there were three babies to a crib with no covers. Quilts went back to China with her to be donated to the orphanage. Rose looked at me with a funny expression on her face and said, That was my mother." Small world!

Midland Quiltmakers will continue to work and make quilts at home to reach our goal of making and donating number 30,000 quilt. Jane Hitchcock already has 60 more quilts to be donated to a childrens hospital in Grand Rapids.

JUDY HARRIS

Midland
New Delhi, Sep 8 : The Centre on Tuesday ordered attachment of Punjab-based immovable properties of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and Hardeep Singh Nijjar, key handlers of pro-Khalistan secessionist group -- Sikhs For Justice's (SFJ) -- who were designated terrorists in July.

In exercise of powers conferred under Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, the Centre has ordered for attachment of the immovable properties of Pannun in district Amritsar and Nijjar in district Jalandhar.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is investigating a case relating to a concerted campaign launched by the secessionist organisation under the banner of 'Sikh Referendum 2020' for the creation of so called 'Khalistan', had identified these properties during the investigation.

Based on the NIA's recommendation, the Central government ordered the attachment of these properties under the provisions of the UA(P)Act, 1967.

Pannun's properties include 46 Kanal of land in the Khankot village in Amritsar and 11 Kanal 13.5 Marla in Sultanwind Suburban in Bhainiwal area in the same district. Nijjar's properties have been identified as 11 Kanal 13 Marla of land in Bhar village in Jalandhar's Singhpura.

The SFJ, headed by US based terrorist Pannun, is presently making efforts to propagate 'Sikh Referendum-2020' on social media, the NIA said, adding this outfit is also trying to hold meetings at certain places in the US and other countries to instigate and mobilise the diaspora for their illegal activities.

Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) declared the SFJ as an 'Unlawful Association' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 through a notification issued on July 10 last year.

Significantly, the MHA, as per the notification dated July 1 this year designated Pannun, Nijjar and seven other pro-Khalistanis as 'terrorists' in the Fourth Schedule to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  The Cebu provincial government has issued a cease-and-desist order on Tuesday against two mining firms for unauthorized mineral extraction related to the controversial Manila Bay 'white sand' project.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia issued the order against Dolomite Mining Corporation and the Philippine Mining Service Corporation in Alcoy town preventing them from further "extracting, processing, selling and transporting dolomite, associated mineral deposits, and other quarry resources."

"The extraction of dolomite minerals from Alcoy and the consequential damage it will cause the terrestrial environment of Cebu Island violate the Cebuano's constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology," the order stated.

The order mentioned that although the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of Central Visayas granted a transport permit to the Philippine Mining Service Corporation to bring the minerals to Manila, it did not inform the Cebu provincial government nor Alcoy town officials about the project.

There was also no environmental impact study on the effects of dolomite extraction and its use on the Manila Bay shoreline, it added. This came after the governor met with representatives from the bureau and other officials, provincial legal consultant Marino Martinquilla said.

Ironically, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu on the same day defended the dumping of the sand, citing that the same practice was done in Cebu resorts.

"Nakikita na ngayon na ginagamit ito since 1996 para sa beach nourishment nila sa kanilang mga resorts dito sa Mactan, Cebu," Cimatu said during a House panel hearing on the 2021 budget. "Since 1996 pa ito, wala naman kaming narinig o nabasa na may mga nagreklamo... so ito ang ating agrument sa 'yung question nila that it is harmful."

[Translation: This has been used since 1996 by resorts in Mactan, Cebu for their beach nourishment. Since it has been practiced in 1996 we have not heard of any complaints...so this is our argument against those saying that it is harmful.]

The overlaying of the crushed dolomite on a segment of the Manila Bay shoreline itself drew flak from environmental groups for prioritizing aesthetics over environmental concerns. The Department of Health also warned of the health risks from being exposed to the sand. Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso also sought clarification from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on the project's health implications.

The secretary addressed these, saying dolomites are used to filter water and are often used in aquariums. He said the only harm it poses is during the mining process when the dust particles are inhaled, but he assured that the finished product deposited on the shoreline is much larger than dust.

"The size of the dolomite in the baywalk is 2 to 5 milimeters... or 100 times bigger than dust and therefore, cannot be suspended in the air or inhaled," Cimatu said.

Other environment officials also clarified that the budget for the dolomite extraction and transportation was only P28 million compared to the earlier reported P389 million. The larger amount covers the entire Manila Bay "beach nourishment" which includes desilting, or removing filth from the water, Undersecretary Jonas Leones said. He added that the project will span 120 meters across the shoreline from the US Embassy area and 60 meters towards the sea.

Leones said the department is ready to answer to any legal actions that may be filed against them on the Manila Bay rehabilitation.

Cebu-based journalist Dale Israel contributed to this report
The scholars of Panjab University (PU) are demanding accommodation in hostels and access to libraries, saying that research work has suffered after class work was suspended in March.

The Panjab University Research Scholars Association (PURSA) submitted a representation in this regard to the varsity on Tuesday.

After the lockdown was imposed, more than 3,000 research scholars working in the varsitys teaching departments had no access to laboratories. A total of 491 students were awarded PhD degrees by PU in 2019.

The scholars of the science departments said they had a lot of pending work. A research scholar at PUs chemistry department, who did not wish to be named, said, We have already lost six months due to the lockdown. My research is in the final stage, but just because of a few pending experiments, my submission is getting delayed.

Many scholars said that their number was lower than students in other disciplines and they should be allowed re-entry on the campus. They assured to follow necessary precautionary measures. The representation focussed on the need for research scholars to access libraries and a good internet connection to access online journals.

When all premier institutions like CSIR, DU, IISC have allowed re-entry of PhD students in a planned manner, PU should also consider it as a priority and reopen, read the PURSA representation.

Meanwhile, the National Students Union of India (NSUI) started an online petition demanding that research scholars be allowed to enter the campus and stay at hostels. Pahul Kaur, district president of NSUI and a research scholar at PU, said, We also demand that the last date of submission of bills and related documents must be extended.

Dean students welfare (DSW) SK Tomar said, We have forwarded the representation to the vice-chancellor and an appropriate decision will be taken keeping in view the present situation and the guidelines of the government.
Radiology Image Enhancement Cloud-Based Platform (Claritas iRAD) proprietary software, an image enhancement process that preserves the finest details by individually enhancing each pixel to produce an image of high precision

With a mission to empower radiologists and medical professionals by improving the image clarity for all types of radiology images, Singapore-based healthcare software company, Claritas HealthTech Pte Ltd, on 8 September 2020, announced the launch of their proprietary software, Claritas iRAD.

Diagnostic errors in medicine are a longstanding problem and imaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnostic process for many patients. With estimates of average diagnostic error rates ranging from 3% to 5%, there are approximately 40 million diagnostic errors involving imaging annually worldwide. Moreover, in the face of COVID-19, digital transformation has been accelerated in many areas of healthcare, and the need for greater efficiency and responsiveness has become even more urgent. From identifying cases to determining the diagnosis at the very start of a patients journey, rapidly changing circumstances in healthcare today will inevitably place more demand on radiology departments.

To overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology available, a team of imaging specialists, scientists and mathematicians at Claritas HealthTech, have developed Claritas iRAD and engineered an image enhancement process that preserves the finest details by individually enhancing each pixel to produce an image of high precision. Whether unclear due to radiation, low light or tissue absorption, the unique methods at Claritas HealthTech greatly improves clarity, without distorting, exaggerating or compromising the details of the original image.

Claritas iRAD can be seamlessly integrated into any of the existing radiology platforms, such as PACS (Picture archiving and communications systems) Viewer, to support better workflow. Additionally, as the platform is accessed through the Cloud, Claritas HealthTech provides fast image processing at a user-friendly level, with no need for lengthy and complex training, even for first-time users.
The federal government is to establish a fora to facilitate coordination of humanitarian activities to enhance accessibility to crisis victims in the North East.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said that the inability to access crisis victims was a source of concern.

The statement was signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Nneka Anibeze.

Ms Farouq said that the safety of aid workers in the North East was also an issue militating against the seamless conduct of relief delivery to beneficiaries.

The Technical Working Group is to develop a framework that we all have to key into as humanitarian actors, including security operatives, so that we have a seamless working relationship.

Our work is augmentative because we all need each other to carry out this mandate effectively.

To this end, the ministry is to establish a fora at national and state levels to coordinate humanitarian activities in the North East.

It will also liaise with appropriate Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure the conduct of seamless humanitarian activities, Ms Farouq said.

The minister said that the ministry would also serve as a one-stop-shop that addresses operational needs of various stakeholders and conduct periodic field visits to the North East.

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She further explained that the ministry would receive monthly reports of humanitarian activities through the Office of the Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Ms Farouq, however, said that food and non-food items support would be taken to inaccessible locations when identified.

The areas that can be reached by road will have the military support us while those inaccessible locations will have air drop-offs by the Air Force.

So, we all have to work together with the States, military, UN, INGOs, NEMA, SEMA and others to ensure safe delivery of these humanitarian aid to beneficiaries, Ms Farouq said.

(NAN)
The Hungarian Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, closed after the Cold War ended, relaunched on September 8 in response to the countrys steep decline in media freedom.

We are very excited to return to Hungary with state-of-the art programming and RFE/RLs signature commitment to serving the public interest by reporting the issues that our audiences say matter most, said RFE/RL acting President Daisy Sindelar.

We have an outstanding team of local journalists, and they are determined to be the go-to source for reliable, unbiased news, she added.

WATCH: Thousands Form Human Chain Protesting Hungarian Government Obstruction Of University's Independence

The service is led by Gyula Csak, formerly a journalist and editor with the pan-European network Euronews and a producer and Hungary correspondent for the BBC. Csak has also worked as a senior news executive for numerous Hungarian media outlets.

RFE/RL announced its plans for a Hungarian Service in autumn 2019 in response to the dramatic constriction of the countrys media landscape -- reflected in a 16-point plunge, to 89th place, in Reporters Without Borders 2020 World Press Freedom Index.

Over the past 10 years, the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban has taken control of most of the countrys press outlets either directly or indirectly.

Public television and radio stations and the state news agency came under government control in 2011.

In 2019, about 500 private media outlets were concentrated into the Central European Press and Media Foundation (KESMA), which has close ties to the Orban government.

RFE/RLs original Hungarian Service, known as Szabad Europa Radio, operated from Munich during the Cold War and closed in 1993.

RFE/RLs return to Hungary marks its third reentry in an EU member state. In 2019, it opened new bureaus in Bulgaria and Romania -- countries, like Hungary, where the broadcaster played a critical local role during the Cold War.
Teen drivers and drivers 65 years and older  two age groups at a higher risk of being involved in an automobile accident  are more likely to be driving vehicles that are less safe, putting them at even higher risk of injury.

Thats according to a study from the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) that stresses the need for these groups to prioritize driving the safest vehicle they can afford. The findings are being published Aug. 27 in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention.

Both younger and older drivers face unique challenges in reducing their crash risk. Newly licensed drivers have the highest crash risk of any age group, and older drivers have the highest crash fatality rate of any age group, with many of these crashes related to physical changes in health.

Additionally, drivers of all age groups living in lower-income neighborhoods are disproportionately represented in fatal crashes, and younger and older residents in those neighborhoods are more likely to face financial challenges in securing a vehicle with key safety characteristics than their peers in wealthier neighborhoods, the study found.

The authors say that one promising approach to reduce injuries related to crashes is to ensure drivers are behind the wheel of the safest vehicles they can afford.

To better assess the risk presented to these vulnerable driver groups, this study adds empirical data describing the extent to which they are driving vehicles with fewer critical safety characteristics.

Survey studies had previously found that younger drivers were more likely to drive vehicles that were older, smaller and lacked certain safety features, but there had yet to be a population-based study that really explored this question for different ages and income levels, says Kristi Metzger, PhD, MPH, a statistical scientist at CIRP and first author of the study.

Metzger said this is the first large-scale study to estimate the prevalence of important vehicle safety criteria among a statewide driver population.

The study showed that teens and older drivers were more likely than middle-aged adults to drive older cars that did not have ESC or side and curtain air bags.

Additionally, drivers of all ages from lower-income neighborhoods were less likely to drive newer, safer cars. On average, young drivers from lower-income neighborhoods drove vehicles that were almost twice as old as their peers from higher-income neighborhoods. Young drivers from high-income neighborhoods were 53% more likely to drive cars with side airbags, and older drivers from high-income neighborhoods were 35% more likely to have vehicles with side airbags than older drivers from low-income neighborhoods.

All drivers should strive to be in the safest vehicle they can afford, regardless of age or income level, says Dr. Metzger.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- DiDi Chuxing (DiDi) has been given green light to conduct road tests for autonomous cars by Hefei government, the Chinese ride-hailing giant said on September 4.

DiDi's on-demand Robotaxi service has started picking up riders in Shanghai. Starting from June 27, upon sign-up via DiDis App, passengers can request autonomous driving rides for free within a designated open-traffic area that covers Shanghai Automobile Exhibition Center, the local business districts, subway stations and hotels in downtown Shanghai.



(DiDi's Robotaxi fleet, photo source: DiDi)



In accordance with current laws, DiDi's Robotaixs are requested to have safety drivers in case any emergency happens. Besides, DiDi also supports the pilot project with a safety control center for real-time monitoring of vehicle and road conditions, and for improved remote command assistance designed to cope with larger-scale autonomous fleet operations in the future.

Key V2X (vehicle-to-everything) hardware is deployed at main junctions within the testing area to facilitate coordination among fleets and minimize safety blind spots.

We will start with a mixed dispatch model that breaks out the current geo-fence limitations, said Zhang Bo, CTO of DiDi and CEO of DiDi's autonomous driving company. Autonomous driving needs to go beyond being a novel but limited experience to become a reliable and efficient daily mobility option for the general public in highly complex real-world environment.

Launched in 2016, DiDi's autonomous driving unit has to-day had a staff over 400 and obtained testing licenses from authorities in California and key cities in China including Beijing, Shanghai and Suzhou. It was the first company afforded with a passenger-carrying service license for its autonomous fleet in Shanghai. In August 2019, the unit was spun off into a standalone firm.

More and more ride-hailing platforms are diving into the Robotaxi competition and some of them have made significant progress. On August 21, Baidu launched the full operation of its Robotaxi service Apollo Go in Cangzhou, Hebei province, which allows local commuters to enjoy a free self-driving taxi ride through a simple click on Baidu Maps, a desktop and mobile web mapping service application provided by Chinese Internet giant.

The latest move came after the tech giant fully opened the same service in April in Changsha. However, as for the location where the service is deployed, Cangzhou is the first city in China makes the Robotaxi available in downtown.

AutoX, a leading Chinese self-driving tech startup, announced on April 27 that its autonomous vehicles were available on AutoNavi's Amap app, also known as Gaode in Chinese, which is one of the most popular navigation and mapping platforms in China.

At the initial stage, users in Shanghai had the chance to experience the self-driving rides after delivering an application via the Amap, while the chance was quite rare. The public launch was announced in mid-August, which was first available in Jiading District, starting with a fleet of 100 vehicles.
Help.org, a trusted online resource for individuals who struggle with addiction and their loved ones, has announced the Best Rehab Facilities in Tampa, Florida for 2020. The informational guide recognizes the top 14 rehab facilities based on cost, treatment options, location, accompanying services and more.

According to recent studies, drug overdose is the leading cause of death among people under age 50. In Tampa, deaths related to opioid abuse increased significantly from 2011 to 2015. Substance abuse among adolescents is also escalating in Tampa with 55 percent of high school students reported using alcohol, 38 percent reported using marijuana, 8 percent reported using prescription drugs without a valid prescription, and 2 percent reported using heroin. With the growing need for accessible and high-quality rehab programs, Help.org has developed a unique ranking process to help connect individuals with treatment providers that meet their needs.

The Help.org research team analyzed thousands of facilities across the country and then identified the most cost-effective and highest rated programs in larger cities like Tampa. Each facility was evaluated based on rehabilitation services, treatment approaches, cost, special programs for unique demographics and ancillary services. The website also provides information about drug use and side effects as well as educational articles. For a detailed listing of the Best Rehab Facilities in Tampa, Florida please visit https://www.help.org/drug-and-alcohol-rehab-centers-in-tampa-fl

2020 Best Rehab Facilities in Tampa, Florida (in alphabetical order)

ACTS

4612 North 56th Street Tampa, FL 33610

813-246-4899

Addiction Recovery Care Tampa

13719 North Nebraska Avenue, Suite 101 Tampa, FL 33613

813-978-1300

Clean Recovery Centers

9270 Royal Palm Avenue New Port Richey, FL 34654

888-534-7893

DACCO Behavioral Health

4422 East Columbus Drive Tampa, FL 33605

813-384-4000

Florida Department of Children & Families  Substance Abuse & Mental Health

9393 North Florida Avenue Tampa, FL 33612

941-554-1719

Narconon Suncoast

1390 Sunset Point Road Clearwater, FL 33755

727-474-0706

New Beginnings of Tampa

1402 East Chilkoot Avenue Tampa, FL 33612

813-971-6961

Phoenix House Florida  The Derek Jeter Center

510 Vonderburg Drive, Suite 301 Brandon, FL 33511

813-881-1000

Riverside Recovery

4004 North Riverside Drive Tampa, FL 33603

800-871-5440

Salvation Army Adult Rehab Center Tampa

13815 North Salvation Army Lane Tampa, FL 33613

813-972-0471

Tranquil Shores

4300 Duhme Road Madeira Beach, FL 33708

727-888-6623

Turning Point of Tampa

6227 Sheldon Road Tampa, FL 33615

800-397-3006

WhiteSands Treatment Tampa

2011 North Wheeler Street Plant City, FL 33563

813-756-5660

ABOUT HELP.ORG

Help.org is an online resource for individuals who struggle with addiction and their loved ones. The website provides the latest research through scientifically proven methods, community recovery resources as well as information about local financial assistance. Help.orgs team of researchers, activists and writers work together with addiction counselors and other professionals to offer useful and accurate resources to help individuals seeking recovery. To learn more, visit https://www.help.org/.
Pres. Donald Trump suggested to send out immediately the $1,200 stimulus checks using the unspent $300 billion under the CARES Act.

Pres. Donald Trump has now become more aggressive in pushing for another stimulus bill and sending $1,200 direct stimulus checks. Even though it is not yet clear if either the new stimulus bill includes the stimulus check or not, the Pres. will make sure that there be another stimulus checks in another way.

According to a published report in a news outlet, the unspent $300 billion under the CARES Act is more than enough to pay more than 160 million Americans who qualified in the first round of stimulus payments, including the $500 dependent stimulus payment

This means that if Congress only releases the $300 billion, the $1,200 direct stimulus and another $500 dependent stimulus payment are too possible to be sent out immediately. This is while waiting for the other relief aids under the new stimulus bill.

Pres. Trump said at the White House on Friday that the money is available, and he is willing to use it for stimulus checks. He said, "I would be willing to release it, subject to Congress, and use that as stimulus money, and it would go right to the American people."

The unspent $300 billion is supposed to be for the small businesses, but Trump said that it was not used because the economy is going well. This just shows how the U.S. economy is working even amid the global pandemic.

Trump added, "All Congress has to do is say, 'Use it.' If they say, 'Use it' - I'd like to use it without their permission, but I guess I'm not allowed to do that. I did ask that question. So Congress has just to say, 'Use it.', and $300 billion gets immediately put into our system, and will really help the American people. There's nothing else to do - just a very quick statement."

It is undeniable that both Republicans and Democrats agree on another round of $1,200 stimulus checks. However, the top negotiators have disagreements on the total package. Democrats are pushing for $2.5 trillion, but when asked how it will be used, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi cannot give the details.

Meanwhile, the Republican lawmakers' last offer that they will discuss on Sept.8 is $1.3 trillion. The reason may be why they did not include the stimulus check in the new bill because the administration wants to use the unspent $300 billion, which is more than enough.

It can also be remembered that Treasury Secretary appeared on Sunday on a news outlet and gave a positive message about the new stimulus bill. Next week, Congress will also go back to the Capitol to discuss whatever needs to be discussed.

However, Pres. Trump assures that whatever will happen, he will make sure that there will be enough relief aids for millions of Americans until this year ends. In a recently published article in Latin Post, it was reported that he might divert some funds like what he did with FEMA.

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The group reached the picturesque overlook atop Green Mountain in the Sierra Nevada and surveyed the increasing smoke and towering black plume south of them. It was Asha Karims 25th birthday celebration, and the Berkeley resident had just started an eight-day backpacking trek with her partner and another couple.

We wondered, Is this a new fire or an already active fire? Karim recalled Monday to The Chronicle. They had already scrapped a trip to Mount Whitney because of smoke from a nearby fire there. They thought they had clear skies.

What they didnt know was the monster Creek Fire had exploded Saturday south of the start of their trek near the San Joaquin River in the Sierra National Forest. The blaze ballooned to 78,790 acres by Monday, burning homes and threatening communities.

As they stood exposed on the rock outcropping, thunder roared for two to three minutes at a time, as the hot smoke mixed with the colder atmosphere. The growling continued as the foursome used satellite phones to get mixed messages from friends about the then-little-known fire.

Now Playing: A group of four Bay Area hikers planned to spend Labor Day weekend on a backpacking trip in the Sierra National Forest. Then the Creek Fire was ignited. They were forced to cut their trip short, and hike 14 miles to safety. Video courtesy Asha Karim. Video: San Francisco Chronicle

We realized it just wouldnt be wise to keep going forward, said Karim, a Twitter engineer who shared the ordeal later on the social media service. Every part of my animal body was like, do not go toward that thunder.

So the four scurried back down the mountain to Karims 1996 Toyota RAV4, starting a whirlwind escape from the massive conflagration by car and foot as they battled the elements, wild rumors, a dearth of information and an ominous orange glow. Their experience illustrates the dangers of getting stuck in the backcountry when a wildfire strikes and youre largely on your own.

Karim, her partner, Stephen McKinley, and good friends Lucas Wojciechowski and his partner Jaymie Shearer, who live in nearby Mammoth Lakes, met Saturday morning near Granite Creek. They planned to loop around the Ansel Adams Wilderness for four days, pick up more food supplies at Wojciechowskis van at Reds Meadow, before returning to Karims car.

Lucas Wojciechowski

But by early Saturday afternoon on the overlook the plans were up in smoke. The four piled into Karims RAV4 and began descending a country road. Mountaintops appeared white with snow, but it was ash. Soot rained down on them, and they appeared to be driving closer to an impossibly red swirl of smoke.

It was really apocalyptic, Karim recalled.

What they didnt realize at the time was they were heading toward the Mammoth Pool Reservoir and the road that had burned up and trapped a couple hundred campers at the lake, where helicopters would have to rescue them hours later.

Jaymie Shearer

A convoy of cars raced past the group in the opposite direction waving their arms and flashing their high beams, signaling the drivers to turn around. Karims group continued a little farther before speaking to an old man sitting in his old Toyota Tacoma. He had already lost his house in Jackass Rock, he told them, and said he was heading north to ride out the fire in a nearby tungsten mine.

It was right then that I realized, there was no real plan, Wojciechowski said. Right now were on our own.

The group decided to turn around and head back to the trailhead. They would take the more direct route toward the van parked at Reds Meadow. Using what little information they could glean from friends and a ranger, and the wind data, they determined it was the safest option. They brought their salmon and mussels: Only our best foods, Karim laughed.

Now Playing: A group of four Bay Area hikers planned to spend Labor Day weekend on a backpacking trip in the Sierra National Forest. Then the Creek Fire was ignited. They were forced to cut their trip short, and hike 14 miles to safety. Video courtesy Stephen McKinley. Video: San Francisco Chronicle

She ran her finger down the soot on her RAV4 window and carved out a message in case rescuers searched for them: Took Mammoth Trail to Reds Meadow to escape fire.

In the other window, they scrawled, Good luck!

Asha Karim

They took off on the hike, gaining thousands of feet in altitude while ash rained on them and their satellite phones offered spotty coverage. They remembered passing panicked hikers and one placid hiker resting comfortably in his chair, nonchalantly saying he was headed to Wawona in Yosemite National Park.

Famished and exhausted, the group found a spot to camp in a meadow by a creek.

They woke up around 7 a.m. Sunday to discover they had cell coverage. A friend sent Karim news on the fire, that it had jumped in size from 1,000 to 36,000 acres.

I had to doublecheck that it wasnt a typo, she said.

Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California

They learned that the giant plume of clouds they spotted was a pyrocumulus cloud associated with extreme fires. After a quick breakfast and increasing smoke, they packed up and finished a grueling 10 miles uphill to Devils Postpile National Monument.

The ecstatic group reached the van around 4 p.m. Sunday as oblivious tourists posed for photos at the trailhead. The foursome devoured the food supplies and shared mai tais in the van, marveling at their escape.

In the moment, no one had information. We made observations with our eyes and we heard wild rumors and we had to make decisions nonetheless, Wojciechowski said. You just have to make a decision anyway.

Jaymie Shearer

The group drove back to Wojciechowski and Shearers Mammoth Lakes home, took showers and polished off some onion rings.

When it was really rough going, every small step felt like a small step forward to what I wanted to do in the future, Karim said. To the people I wanted to see. To see my dog.

Shearer, a former guide, said she tried to follow the old outdoors saying, Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

We are capable as humans of doing hard things, she said.

As the two couples recovered in the Mammoth Lakes home, they plotted their next backpacking trip. They still had a week off, after all. They searched for destinations with no smoke and realized theyd have to leave California.

We might head east, Karim said.

Matthias Gafni is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: matthias.gafni@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mgafni
It is sometimes said that when someone resorts to making comparisons to Adolf Hitler during a debate they have lost. Comparing mandatory pandemic lockdowns or the near-forced labour of essential workers and educators to Nazi policy may indeed, at times, be overly-dramatic.

But when what is being criticised is the instinct to shout Sieg Heil, campaign slogans bearing the name of American Nazi sympathiser organisations, plans to stop a demographic bomb and prevent the breaking down of the white, male power structure, when the society criticised is one in which white supremacists kill protesters protesting against the state killings of an ethnic minority, when a senior adviser to the president promoted materials on the theme of white genocide and the top writer for the most popular news programme in the country wrote posts about intellectual deficiencies in Asian and Black people, the comparison is not always out of place.

There have been several nights of broken glass in the history of the American colony. Several dark-skinned Anne Franks hiding in the exposed roots of trees covered in spruce pine and red onion to throw off the tracking dogs. Holocausts, pogroms are a dime a dozen, extermination attempts, mass internment, cattle cars, but its primary targets were Black and Indigenous  populations whose lives and deaths are still considered to be of little consequence.

As a result, the society built upon a gulag continues to be called a great experiment in democracy. Atrocities committed against non-white people are trivialised and reduced to the imperfections of an imperfect nation. The tonnage of blood and flesh peeled from whipping posts, Black town burnings, and Indian Wars are but flecks of dust floating against a harmonious, pioneering white settlement destined to civilise the world.

More a Merkers Mine than a state, the slave colony where Black life was waterboarded between the threshing wheel of slave production and the thin air of race riots is, even in 2020, seen by many as the birthplace of modern liberty. This is because embedded in both the colonys structure  and in the minds of its admirers  is the fact that Black people do not count. If Black lives mattered, the lights shining from the shining city on the hill would be known to be concentration camp searchlights. If Black lives mattered, globally, America would be a pariah state.

Leftists will watch racists genuflect before a president who hugs the flag. They will watch protesters taken away in unmarked vans for protesting the arbitrary state murder of Black people and cry: fascism!

But there is a particular form of fascism to which the American state conforms. A fascism that is organised around the logic of white nationalism, the destruction, exploitation and expelling of ethnic minorities, and white political supremacy. The charge of fascism conveniently leaves out or makes subordinate the race hatred that fuels, enables and is the primary reason for the support of this burgeoning authoritarianism.

A leftist that comes away from reading the history of Nazi Germany denouncing, first, the Third Reichs subversion of political norms, should be suspected of anti-Semitism. A leftist who warns of the rise of fascism as evidenced by the destruction of mail-sorting machines and the appearance of unmarked vehicles at protests in a country that has prison farms, is one for whom Black life has not counted.

As many have laboured to remind this society, Hitlers genocidal project was inspired by (if not a tribute to) the American colony. Contrary to the racist claim that racism is un-American, it is more accurate to say that the Third Reich was a type of Americanism.

European innovation and efficiency were added to the blood quantum laws, Black codes, eugenics, forced relocation, work camps, and killing fields of rugged America. Slave ships to cattle cars, Tuskegee experiments to Josef Mengele, the Nazi project was less an otherworldly radical evil that came out of nowhere than it was a facsimile of the white supremacist order of the colonies.

It remains an entirely strange thing to shoot into a crowd of protesters protesting against police anti-Blackness and killings. Stranger still, is to wish Kyle Rittenhouse, a teenager who killed two people and injured one, to be president. And for the leader of the country to come to his defence.

It does, however, follow exactly the logic of Nazism. Whereas firing automatic weapons into a crowd and killing scores in Paris is seen as evidence of the collapse of Europe under Islamofascistic terror  often by the very same conservatives and religious groups who now come to the aid of Rittenhouse  the killing of the people protesting against the centuries-long tradition of white right to the pleasurable destruction of dark-skinned people is to be excused.

In America, white supremacists are handled as if the Shoah never happened. As if a civil war was not fought to maintain their power to destroy the flesh and aspirations of dark-skinned bodies at will, and keep them in perpetual sexual and physical torture.

Even now the president and conservatives sacralise the battle flag of that effort and decry the felling of monuments to its child abusers. In America, white supremacists are given water bottles and all but deputised to put down a Black uprising against pleasure-killing. Like all white supremacist colonies, in America, the white settler is expected to be the colonys auxiliary force. In the colony, the Allgemeine SS is always already assembled.

White supremacists are treated as if modernity is not a holocaust they got away with. As if they do not speak of and attempt to launch and carry out race wars to this day, to infiltrate security forces they deem not sufficiently white supremacist and to perpetrate mass killings. Devotees of a death-cult to pink pigmentation, responsible for murders from Goa to Gambia, are given more benefit of the doubt than a Black boy in a convenience store.

Republicans invited white people brandishing weapons at protesters to speak at their national convention. Days later, a white person killed protesters with an automatic weapon. This has not led to contrition. On the contrary, the killer is being praised and defended by police and politicians and funds are being raised for his legal defence. The killing of protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is being given tacit approval. This is not without precedent. For instance, the pogrom on German Jews of November 9-10, 1938, was not pushed back against by Nazi leaders. Presumably, white liberals were imploring the Fuhrer to turn around and heal the country then as well.

If the boy who killed the protestors in Kenosha erred, it was that he was too eager. A bit more patience and the aspiring officer would have the murder laundered as police error. Now conservatives must assemble a patchwork of defences. They say he travelled to defend property and put down lawlessness. For those nostalgic for the era when Black people were subject to any white persons authority and those accused of stealing could be killed by any ordinary white civilian with impunity , it is, of course, reasonable for a teenager to travel across state lines and shoot into a crowd suspected of property damage. To those for whom Black lives do not matter unless they are property, it is no more improper to chase and shoot the Blacks that refuse to remain in their chains than it is to shoot rabid horses in a barn.

The Nazis have not disappeared; they have just said that they are not Nazis. This has proven enough to shake the bloodhounds of liberal investigative journalism and scholarship off of their trail. But it need not confuse the dispassionate observer.

When examining the photos of the corrections officer mock-killing George Floyd before a Trump banner affixed to the rear window of a pick-up truck, one might reflect upon why that particular banner was chosen. It is rare for campaign hats to be worn throughout the entire first term or as props for shows of white supremacist aggression. George W Bush merchandise and campaign signs were not often sported in neo-Nazi rallies, neither was Hilary Clintons name routinely spat at visible minorities as if to punctuate racist attacks. There are only two dots; they are quite easy to connect. One struggles to draw the line because the pencil is gripped by anti-Blackness.

The cognitive dissonance required to misrecognise this four-year-long Kristallnacht is helped along by the deep-seated misrecognition of the humanity in Black people. You do not need to affix a yellow Star of David to the clothes to dehumanise a people who are shot at for saying their lives matter.

Hitler called America a mongrel nation. The current administration  ably helped by its enthusiastic civilian volunteers  has set itself to the task of de-mongrelisation. Those who cry Nazism are told they are being alarmist and that it cannot happen here. It has happened here. It is happening here, constantly. But the life and lives of the victims of the American holocausts, Black and Indigenous, do not matter. Their persecution is normalised. Their massacre is referred to as a flawed past. There is no never again in a country of holocaust-deniers.

It is not good to kill people while they protest against arbitrary and racist murder. This is not clear in America. Those who await that particular train of enlightenment to arrive should check beneath their shoes. Ensure that the grave you stand upon does not continue to go unmarked. In fact, consider leaving the crowded station altogether. If white supremacist past is prologue, the next train is pulling cattle cars.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
Hyderabad, Sep 8 : Telangana's Covid-19 tally crossed 1.45 lakh on Tuesday as 2,392 more people tested positive and the toll breached the 900 mark with 11 fresh fatalities during the last 24 hours.

Health officials said with the new Covid cases, the tally has gone up to 1,45,163 while the toll mounted to 906.

The fatality rate in the state however, remained at 0.62 per cent against the national average of 1.69 per cent. Of the fatalities, 53.87 per cent had comorbidities.

The cases which had dropped to 1,802 on Monday due to fewer tests, surged again as the authorities ramped up testing.

According to a media release from the office of the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, with 60,923 tests during the last 24 hours, the number of tests conducted till now rose to 18,27,905.

The samples tested per million population mounted to 49,234. Officials say this is much higher than the daily testing target of 5,600 as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) benchmark of 140 per million per day.

Of the 60,923 samples tested, 27,415 were primary and 8,529 were secondary. The results of 1,606 samples were awaited.

As many as 17 government and 38 private laboratories were conducting these tests while the state has 1,076 rapid-antigen test centres.

According to officials, of 1,45,163 cases, 1,00,162 (nearly 69 per cent) were asymptomatic and 45,001 (nearly 31 per cent) symptomatic.

The number of active cases in the state stands at 31,670, including 24,579 in home/institutional isolation.

As many as 2,346 people recovered from Covid-19 taking the cumulative number of recoveries to 1,12,587. The state's recovery rate improved further to 77.5 per cent while the national average was 77.54 per cent.

Of the new cases registered during the last 24 hours, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for 305.

The state capital's neighbouring districts Rangareddy and Medchal Malkajgiri reported 191 and 132 cases, respectively. Sangareddy, another district bordering the state capital, recorded 37 cases.

Outside Hyderabad and surrounding districts, Karimnagar recorded the highest single-day jump of 157. Khammam saw 116 cases, Nalgonda 105, Nizamabad 102 and Suryapet 101.

Age-wise Covid positive details show that 65.3 per cent of those who tested positive were in the age group of 21 to 50 years. Officials said 24.71 per cent were above 51 years. Nearly 10 per cent were below 20 years.

Of 64.41 per cent of those testing positive were male while the remaining 35.59 per cent were female, the officials added.

According to the media release, of 20,396 beds with the government, 17,734 beds were vacant, including 1,600 ICU beds.

As many as 196 private hospitals treating Covid patients have 10,312 beds, of which 5,883 were vacant.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen put former Latvian prime minister Valdis Dombrovskis in charge of the influential trade portfolio in a reshuffle forced by the departure of Irishman Phil Hogan.

Von der Leyen also named Mairead McGuinness, a senior member of the European Parliament, as the new Irish commissioner for financial services and stability and capital markets.

Dombrovskis, one of three executive vice presidents among the 27 commissioners, will continue to oversee the European Union economy and attend Eurogroup meetings of euro zone finance ministers.

Ireland lost the trade portfolio after Hogan resigned following allegations he breached COVID-19 health guidelines on a trip home.

Dombrovskis was already put in temporary charge of trade and faces a busy next few months as the permanent appointee.

The bloc is locked in difficult negotiations over future ties with post-Brexit Britain, faces trade tensions with the United States, pressure to rein in China and a challenge pushing through a trade accord struck with Brazil and other Mercosur countries.

Dombrovskis will hope a transatlantic mini-deal that removes duties on U.S. lobsters can help resolve more significant differences over aircraft subsidies for Boeing <BA.N> and Airbus <AIR.PA> as well as U.S. tariffs on EU steel and aluminium - all in the run-up to the U.S. election.

The Commission also wants EU members to unite around a new leader for the World Trade Organization, for which a two-month selection process began this week, and is seeking to conclude an overall review of its trade policy.

McGuinness has been an EU lawmaker from Ireland for the MidlandsNorth-West constituency since 2004 and has served as the chamber's deputy head since 2017. She is a member of Fine Gael.

Dombrovskis and McGuinness are with the centre-right European People's Party (EPP), the largest grouping in the European Parliament, which will have to vet both appointments.

(Reporting by John Chalmers, Writing by Gabriela Baczynska and Philip Blenkinsop, editing by Ed Osmond)
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) London  Tue, September 8, 2020 10:09 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c435e9cb 2 People Prince-Harry,Meghan-Markle,Netflix Free

Prince Harry has paid back 2.4 million (US$3.2 million) of British taxpayers' money used to renovate his home at Windsor Castle, using cash from his recent Netflix deal, his spokesman said on Monday.

The Duke of Sussex, as he is formally known, and his wife, American former actress Meghan Markle, retired from royal duties earlier this year in a quest for "financial independence".

In doing so, the couple said they were giving up their taxpayer-funded income, and promised to reimburse the public money used to renovate their Frogmore House home.

Harry's spokesman said: "A contribution has been made to the Sovereign Grant by the Duke of Sussex."

The money "fully covered" the renovation costs of the house, which belongs to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and will remain his and the duchess' UK residence, he added.

Harry and Meghan spend much of their time in her native US.

Britain's domestic Press Association news agency said the payment was made possible because of a deal the couple signed with Netflix, the streaming giant, announced last week.

No financial terms were disclosed but it was reported to be a multi-million-dollar deal over several years.

They promised to produce content that "informs but also gives hope", as well as make "inspirational family programming" and "powerful storytelling through a truthful and relatable lens".

The Sovereign Grant, which amounted to 82 million ($108 million, 91 million euros) in 2018-19, is paid to the queen to cover her and family members' official duties.

It also goes towards the upkeep of royal palaces.

Frogmore Cottage, a 19th-century Grade II listed building on the sprawling Windsor Castle estate, was transformed from five separate homes into a single property.

The couple moved there from Harry's late mother Diana, princess of Wales' former home at Kensington Palace, in west London, before the birth of their son, Archie, in April 2019.
Ships and aircraft from Sri Lanka and India on Tuesday battled to contain a re-ignited fire on board a giant oil tanker that went up in flames last week off Sri Lanka's eastern waters while carrying crude oil from Kuwait to India. The Sri Lankan Navy in a statement said the re-ignited fire on board the Panama-registered tanker MT New Diamond, carrying nearly 2 million barrels of crude oil, has been curbed to an extent.

The fire on board MT New Diamond, which killed one Filipino crew member and injured another, was extinguished completely on Sunday but a new fire broke out due to extreme heat, the Navy said. There is no risk of the fire spreading to the oil storage or leaking oil from the ship into the sea as of now, the statement said.

Ships, aircraft and tugs belonging to the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and other stakeholders are continuing their disaster management operations to suppress the fire caused by adverse weather, the Navy added. The Navy said that at least 11 disaster management professionals, directed to the island by the company that acts as the commercial and technical operator of New Diamond, have arrived at the location where the tanker is located to support disaster management operations.

At least nine ships, five tugs and aircraft are working in the disaster management operation about 30 nautical miles off Sangamankanda off the east coast of Ampara.

A research team from the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and University of Ruhuna departed this morning from the port of Hambantota to visit the site to inspect water samples, to find out if any damage to the marine environment due to this disaster. The tanker which caught fire last Thursday was transporting crude oil from the port of Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait to the Indian port of Paradip, where the Indian Oil Corp. has a refinery.
She was recently spotted in the company of her longtime friend and former flame Jaden Smith, 22, amid her split from ex Scott Disick, 37.

But Sofia Richie looked every bit the single lady on Monday afternoon as she hung out on the beach with pals in Malibu on Labor Day.

The 22-year-old model stunned in a white crop top and black short shorts before changing into a red, white, and black striped bikini.

Single lady: Sofia Richie looked every bit the single lady on Monday afternoon as she hung out on the beach with pals in Malibu on Labor Day

Fashion forward: Her fashion forward bikini included a classic triangle top and a pair of high legged bottoms

Prior to the beach, Sofia had her hair swept up into a brown claw clip as she walked arm-in-arm with a female pal.

Her enviable abs were on full display, while laughing away with her friend.

She also had a designer handbag tucked under her arm and a pair of white slide sandals on her feet.

While at the beach, Sofia showcased her enviable tan and donned a pair of brown vintage-inspired sunglasses.

Must be done: In order to surf, Sofia had to slip her refined curves into a wetsuit

Pre-beach hang: The 22-year-old model stunned in a white crop top and black short shorts before changing into a red, white, and black striped bikini

Total pro: Sofia looked like an expert as she trekked through the rough waters with her board

Her fashion forward bikini included a classic triangle top and a pair of high legged bottoms.

She leisurely sipped on a drink as she took in the glorious ocean view from her lounge chair.

The daughter of Lionel Richie looked totally relaxed, while leaning back and engaging in conversation with her pals.

Relaxing: She leisurely sipped on a drink as she took in the glorious ocean view from her lounge chair

Chatty: She was joined by her good pal Moises Arias, 26, who swam up beside her on his surf board

In order to surf comfortably, Sofia had to slip her refined curves into a wetsuit.

Appropriately, Sofia paddled on her stomach as she waited for the perfect wave.

She was joined by her good pal Moises Arias, 26, who swam up beside her on his surfboard.

Three is NOT a crowd: They were, eventually, joined by another unidentified male pal who could be seen laughing

Total pro: She carried her surfboard under her arms as she moved in and out of the water during her beach day

The pair, who have been friends for years, spoke for a while to one another before reengaging with the water.

They were, eventually, joined by another unidentified male pal who could be seen laughing at whatever they were conversing about.

Sofia's wetsuit featured a short design, which showcased her toned legs.

Stunning: Sofia's wetsuit featured a short design, which showcased her toned legs

Expert: She carried her surfboard under her arms as she moved in and out of the water during her beach day

She carried her surfboard under her arms as she moved in and out of the water during her beach day.

Sofia was ultra smiley and a great sport as she attempted to assimilate herself with the tide.

After being thrown off her board numerous times, Sofia's tresses became damp and she was forced to slick them back.

Patient: Sofia was ultra smiley and a great sport as she attempted to assimilate herself with the tide

Get out of here: After being thrown off her board numerous times, Sofia's tresses became damp and she was forced to slick them back

Switch up: After getting her fill of the surf life, Sofia and a male pal ventured back out into the ocean on a paddle board

After getting her fill of the surf life, Sofia and a male pal ventured back out into the ocean on a paddle board.

The model had the paddle in hand and maneuvered herself and her pal around the open water effortlessly.

Her friend seemed totally comfortable as she led the way.

Total pro: The model had the paddle in hand and maneuvered herself and her pal around the open water effortlessly

Feeling safe: Her friend seemed totally comfortable as she lead the way.

Sofia, eventually, got tired and passed the paddle off to her friend, who graciously moved them closer to shore.

Before reaching the sand, the duo stopped to talk to their fellow paddle boarding pals.

Sofia seemed hesitant to leave the water because she was having so much fun.

Taking over: Sofia, eventually, got tired and passed the paddle off to her friend, who graciously moved them closer to shore

Hold up: Before reaching the sand, the duo stopped to talk to their fellow paddle boarding pals

Right at home: Sofia seemed hesitant to leave the water because she was having so much fun

Prior to heading to the beach, Sofia shared videos of herself and her friends in masks.

Sofia was recently spotted canoodling with her longtime pal and former flame Jaden Smith, 22, on Saturday.

The pair romped in the water and enjoyed a tight embrace, while hanging out at a beach in Malibu.

In the evening, the pair met up with pals at swanky Japanese joint Nobu in Malibu for dinner.

Safety first: Prior to heading to the beach, Sofia shared videos of herself and her friends in masks

The duo, who reportedly dated in 2012 when they were just 14, sat right next to one another as they chowed down.

Though it's unclear whether or not she is rekindling her romance with Jaden, Sofia is currently single following her split from ex Scott Disick, 37.

Sofia and Scott ended their three-year relationship in May, following the Talentless founder's brief stint at a Colorado rehab facility.

Over: Sofia and Scott ended their three-year relationship in May, following the Talentless founder's brief stint at a Colorado rehab facility; Scott and Sofia pictured in February

Two-months after their breakup, the pair reunited at a Fourth Of July party in Malibu.

But by mid-August, numerous outlets reported that Scott and Sofia decided to end their relationship for good.

Instead of galavanting around town with Sofia, Scott has been spending tons of quality time with his ex Kourtney Kardashian, 41, and their three children, sons Mason, 10, and Reign, five, and daughter Penelope, eight.

Jaden also has a connection to the Kardashian clan due to the fact that he reportedly dated Kylie Jenner, 23, in 2013. Just months after his alleged split from Sofia.
September 09, 2020 / 08:15 AM IST

India China border tension has escalated on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after an incident of firing took place on the LAC in Eastern Ladakh sector. Troops of India and China have been engaged in a stand-off in the region for over three months. In a statement, the Indian Army said, "India is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC. However, China continues to undertake

provocative activities to escalate." At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to using of any aggressive means, including firing, it said. Meanwhile, China accused Indian troops of violating a bilateral agreement and firing warning shots in the air during a confrontation with Chinese personnel on the disputed border near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake on September 7.Chinese border guards took "countermeasures" to stabilise the situation, Zhang Shuili, the spokesman for the military's western command theatre, said in a statement published by the military's official news website. The statement did not make clear what those measures were or whether Chinese troops also fired warning shots. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has described the India-China border situation in eastern Ladakh as "very serious. He said there is a need for "very very deep conversation" between the two sides at a political level. Jaishankar said the state of the relationship with China and the state of border situation with the country cannot be de-linked. Jaishankar is expected to have talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow.
Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media

HARTFORD  A ransomware virus has prompted the citys public schools to delay their first day back on Tuesday, according to a letter sent to students and families.

Tuesday marked the first day back for many teachers and students across Connecticut since the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools in March.
NEW DELHI: Debt-ridden Vodafone Idea Ltd said on Monday it is rebranding itself, as the company, which has been losing customers, looks to change its image three years after announcing the merger of two of India's biggest telecom service providers.

The companys shares, which rose 10% in morning trade, were up 3.3% at 0750 GMT.

The loss-making telecom carrier on Friday approved fundraising of up to 250 billion rupees at a time it owes roughly 500 billion rupees ($6.81 billion) in dues to the government. The dues, according to an Indian Supreme Court order, will have to be paid over a ten-year period.

Vodafone Idea, a joint venture between Britain's Vodafone Group and India's Idea Cellular, said it will go by the brand name "Vi".

Vis focus will be to deliver a superior network experience, better customer service and leading products and services, Vodafone Group Chief Executive Officer Nick Read said.

On a media call before the announcement, Vodafone Idea CEO Ravinder Takkar said the company would make its next payment of government dues on March 2022, and was contemplating raising tariffs.

Telecom carriers in the country have already raised some subscription tariffs as they look for ways to pay down government levies.

Vodafone Idea lost 4.7 million customers in May alone, while market leader Reliance Jio added 3.7 million. The Indian unit of Vodafone had gross debt of 1.19 trillion Indian rupees as of June end.

A newspaper report last week said Verizon Communications Inc and Amazon.com Inc may invest more than $4 billion for a stake in Vodafone Idea, but the telecom company said on Thursday its board had no investment proposal to consider from them.
SHANGHAI/BEIJING: President Xi Jinping honoured the heroes" of Chinas peoples war" against COVID-19 at a ceremony on Tuesday, lauding the countrys resilience as well as the decisive role played in containment efforts by the ruling Communist Party.

Defying charges from the United States and elsewhere that early failures enabled the coronavirus pandemic to spread more quickly, Xi said that China acted in an open and transparent manner throughout, and took decisive actions that saved lives.

China has helped save the lives of tens of millions of people around the world with its practical actions, showing Chinas sincere desire to build a common future and community for humanity," Xi said at a ceremony in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

He said China is the first major economy to return to growth during the pandemic - a fact he said demonstrates the countrys resilience and vitality.

Xi awarded Zhong Nanshan, the senior medical adviser and coronavirus expert who helped shape Chinas COVID-19 response, with a Medal of the Republic, the countrys highest honour.

There was no mention of Li Wenliang, the doctor who was punished for spreading information about a new infectious disease in Wuhan, and whose death from COVID-19 in February sparked nationwide outrage.

Beijing faced criticism at home and overseas in the early days of the outbreak, with some describing COVID-19 as Chinas Chernobyl" - referring to the 1986 nuclear accident that destroyed confidence in the Soviet Unions ability to govern.

Local authorities in Wuhan, the city where the coronavirus was first identified, were accused of a cover-up that delayed the countrys emergency response by at least two weeks.

But as infections spread throughout the world while slowing domestically, Beijing grew more assertive, resisting global investigations into the origins of the outbreak and saying its swift actions helped buy time for other countries to prepare.

State media has stressed Xis role in Chinas containment of the virus.

The official Xinhua news agency said in a long special report on Tuesday that Xi has worked tirelessly since January and even suffered sleepless nights as he shouldered the extremely difficult mission of fighting the epidemic".

Beijing has sought to focus on Chinas success at overcoming the virus, rather than its origins.

During a government-arranged tour of Wuhan last week, reporters were shown schools and tourist sites reopening, but were not allowed to report from the Huanan seafood market where the outbreak was first believed to have originated.

The shifting narrative is aided by the governments success in containing the spread and it has been quite successful at home, though internationally it isnt as successful as it would hope," said Yanzhong Huang, senior fellow with the Council on Foreign Relations, a U.S. think tank.

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
Melbourne's coronavirus lockdown is longer than Wuhan's and should be ended sooner than October 26, Greg Hunt said today.

The health minister said Victoria 'can do better' and should adopt a more ambitious target towards getting back to normal.

'We want Victorians to be able to open their businesses safely, in a staged way, to return to life and to be free of a curfew which has profound mental health consequences,' Mr Hunt told the ABC.

'This situation is longer than Wuhan. Melbourne's lockdown is four weeks longer than Wuhan. I am sure we can do better.'

Melbourne's coronavirus lockdown is longer than Wuhan's and should be ended sooner than October 26, Greg Hunt said today. Pictured: Melbourne

The Chinese city of Wuhan, where the virus was first identified late last year, was locked down on 23 January when nine million residents (pictured) were prevented from leaving the city

He later told the Today show that the the government would continue to support Victoria, but 'the last thing you do is lock people in their homes'.

Under premier Daniel Andrews' plan, released on Sunday, lockdown will only end when there are an average of five cases per day, which is not expected until October 26.

Until then, a curfew will be in place from 9pm to 5am and residents can only leave home for exercise, shopping, school and work, and caregiving.

The Chinese city of Wuhan, where the virus was first identified late last year, was locked down on January 23 when nine million residents were prevented from leaving the city.

The area was put under a system of 'sealed management' where residents were forbidden from leaving their homes except for essential reasons.

Officials and volunteers sealed off buildings, erected barricades and stepped up surveillance to ensure compliance with the ban on movement.

In Wuhan (pictured) officials adopted a system of 'sealed management' where residents were forbidden from leaving their homes except for essential reasons.

Officials and volunteers in Wuhan (pictured) sealed off buildings, erected barricades and stepped up surveillance to ensure compliance with the ban on movement

The virus reproduction rate dropped significantly and the lockdown was withdrawn on April 8, after 11 weeks.

If extended until 26 October, Melbourne's lockdown will total 15 weeks.

Mr Hunt urged Victoria to bolster its contact tracing regime so future cases can be suppressed effectively.

New South Wales has managed to remove lockdown and keep its economy going while suppressing cases to an average of less than 10 per day this month.

'NSW is the gold standard but we can get Victoria there and if they need more help,' Mr Hunt said.
LONDON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Creativity and commerce are both important when it comes to corporate success, and the head of global advisory firm, Pottinger, is known for being a valuable blend of both. Now John Sheehy has won two Business Worldwide Magazine (BWM) 2020 CEO Awards, being named both 'Corporate Advisory CEO of the Year - Australia' and 'Growth Strategy CEO of the Year - Australia'.

The aim of the BWM CEO Awards is to identify and honor the most respected C-level executives across the globe from a variety of sectors. Unlike many business awards that focus on the overall companies' success, instead, the spotlight is on the individuals who make them tick - namely senior executives such as CEOs, Managing Directors, Directors and senior-level management. The intention is to give worthy individuals the recognition they deserve, using their example to inspire others to achieve similar success.

John Sheehy describes himself as 'a mixture of executive, consultant, banker and lawyer,' and passionately believes that the most important part of any business is its people. In an interview with BWM, he spoke about his career to date, what makes Pottinger so special, and how important the awards are to him.

John qualified as a lawyer in Australia, trained in England, then worked with clients from all over the world while working in the UK, Russia and the US before returning to Australia to pursue a new path in corporate advisory with Pottinger. The move came after deciding that his heart lay with helping clients achieve their own successes, and he was attracted to Pottinger for its reputation, 'strategy meets M&A' business model and integrated team of experts.

He is known for his down to earth, common sense approach and commercial attitude, which has helped Pottinger secure a growing list of high profile clients. Assignments vary from helping large companies to develop destination-led strategies to full service domestic and cross-border M&A advice, and the company also works with a variety of governments, peak bodies and inter-governmental organisations on public policy, long term strategy, infrastructure projects and asset sales.

John cites the company's ability to think in a dynamic, holistic way rather than working in silos as the key to its success. This translates into strategic advice for companies that is backed up with the quantitative rigour you would expect from an investment bank, and transactional advice that is supported by robust, long term strategic analysis. Pottinger is also committed to high ethical standards and has won multiple awards as a place to work, with a forward-thinking, inclusive culture.

Speaking of his BWM CEO Awards, John said, "I am honoured to receive both awards and couldn't have got to where I am without Pottinger's courageous clients and our exceptional team, plus the unwavering support of my family, especially my wife. If people in business or government take one thing away from my unusual journey, it is that the best advice needs to be both commercial and creative in order to have impact."

Further information on Pottinger, including its people, services and select experience, can be found at https://www.pottinger.com/

An article on Pottinger can be found on the BWM website: https://www.bwmonline.com/2020/08/17/pottinger-bring-the-business-not-just-the-brains/

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
Restaurants and bars in Pennsylvania are getting some relief.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced today that starting Sept. 21 establishments can increase indoor seating capacity from 25% to 50%. But Wolf also threw in an additional caveat - restaurants with alcohol sales will have to cut off booze sales at 10 p.m.

While our aggressive and appropriate mitigation efforts have kept case counts low, we must continue to take important steps to protect public health and safety as we head into the fall. At the same time, we must also support the retail food services industry that has struggled throughout this pandemic, Wolf said in a statement.

In July, Wolf reduced indoor seating capacity limits to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. In addition, seating around bars is prohibited and establishments are no longer permitted to serve alcoholic beverages unless patrons order sit-down, dine in meals. Those rules continue to remain in effect, even with the higher seating capacity, to the dismay of some restaurant owners.

This summer, restaurant and bar owners banded together to express their dissatisfaction with the governor and the mandates. The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association circulated a petition asking the governor to raise the capacity limits.

Governor Tom Wolf, Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, Second Lady Gisele Fetterman and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine visit the York County YMCA to announce the findings of the Wolf Administrations COVID-19 Response Task Force for Health Disparity. August 13, 2020 Sean Simmers | ssimmers@pennlive.com

Under Wolfs revised mandates, establishments will be able to show they are following orders through a self-certification process. Participating establishments will appear in a searchable online database.

The governors office said the program is modeled after similar mitigation efforts in Connecticut, while the alcohol sales limit is modeled after an effort in Ohio.

READ MORE: Survey of Pa. taverns and restaurants shows state COVID-19 orders will likely lead to more closures

The self-certification will be used as part of the states enforcement efforts through the Department of Agriculture and Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement.

Documents and information on the Open & Certified Pennsylvania program can be found online starting Sept. 21 and will contain the following:
From Lab to Tundra: Building a More Efficient Future with Rural Alaska

Sept. 8, 2020

Working in remote communities that often lack infrastructure and heavy equipment, the Cold Climate Housing Research Center designs homes that are light, simple, and easy to assemble.

In a small Athabascan village on the Yukon River, a new house is going up. Two workers raise a truss onto an elevated foundation and another one nails it to the support beam. A mountain of insulation sits on the tundra, waiting to be filled in. Tribal leaders in Huslia, Alaska, hope these homes will attract health care and law enforcement workers to the remote Arctic community.

Those are the two positions they desperately need, said Mitch Shewfelt, who is overseeing construction of the new homes. With no roads in and out of Huslia, the nearest police are more than 100 miles away. If theres a threat in the village, theres no one there to immediately take care of it.

The new homes in Huslia use an integrated truss designed by CCHRC specifically for rural construction. Combining the roof, walls, and floor into a single unit allows for easy shipping and rapid assembly, helping to bring down the cost of building in remote villages. Photo courtesy of Tanana Chiefs Conference

Hundreds of miles away in Mountain Village, near the mouth of the same river, a crew unloads a barge full of materials. It holds everything they need to build six super-insulated tiny homes, which will help alleviate overcrowding in the Yupik village and, more immediately, provide shelter for those most at risk from coronavirus.

It is construction season in Alaska, or, in local terms, the short window between duck-hunting season and moose-hunting season. The few months of the year when the ice vanishes, the tundra blooms, and the sun shines nearly around the clock. It is a precious time to load up on fish and berries and firewood for the long winter ahead.

Staying warm is the center of life at this latitude, and the driving purpose of the Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC), an Alaska-based lab that joined the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in June with a focus on the Arctic and extreme energy efficiency. For 20 years, the center has been developing building technologies in some of the worlds harshest conditions. But the research is not confined to its lab in Fairbanks. The real tests happen out here, on the tundra, where temperatures dive to minus 50 and energy costs soar to more than five times the national average.

We learn from the lab. We rely heavily on the building scientists, said Aaron Cooke, an architect at CCHRC-NREL. But we never forget that buildings are for people.

A local crew is building a super-insulated duplex in Huslia, which tribal leaders hope will help recruit police and health care workers to the remote Athabascan village. Each CCHRC housing project incorporates workforce training and "sweat equity," where future home occupants work on the crew to gain both equity and a sense of ownership and pride in the home. Photo courtesy of Tanana Chiefs Conference

That means combining the latest technologies with a deep well of traditional knowledge. Alaskans have always been an innovative bunch. Since the First Alaskans set foot on this continent over 10,000 years ago, life has been an almost constant battle to survive, to scrape together enough food for winter, to build shelters that would keep them warm. When it comes to adaptation, they are experts in the field.

Today they are adapting to a new reality: a housing and energy crisis that spans much of the circumpolar north. In places like Huslia and Mountain Village, the housing stock is failing. Homes imported in the 1970s and 80s were not appropriate for the extreme climate or the frozen ground. Most are cold, leaky, and very expensive to heat. High levels of mold and rot have created widespread health problems for Alaska Native communities, who suffer from the highest rates of respiratory disease in the nation.

The Yukon Kuskokwim region, where Mountain Village is located, is one of the largest river deltas in the world, made up of countless rivers and ponds carving through frozen silt and clay. Permafrost here is changing faster than anywhere in Alaska and is expected to be mostly thawed by 2040, posing a serious challenge to building homes and infrastructure in this traditionally Yupik region.



Mountain Village is no exception, said John Agwiak, with the Asa'carsarmiut Tribal Council. Many homes in the village have black mold and rotting floors, thanks to poor insulation and shoddy plumbing.

Some floors are so caved in you can see outside to the ground, he said.

CCHRC-NREL tackles these issues from the ground upliterally. With 80% of the land in Alaska underlain by ice-rich permafrost, there is no such thing as a stable building site. Examples can be found in almost any communitydoors that will not close, walls pulling away from the floor, orin the worst caseshomes sinking into the ground, losing a battle to the ever-changing earth. In southwest Alaska, where Mountain Village is located, the permafrost is changing faster than anywherethawing and sinking from the top down like an ice cream cake left in the sun. In the next two decades, almost all the permafrost is expected to thaw down to 1 meter, leaving a chaotic surface pocked with sinkholes, grassy tufts, and pools of water. Building on this kind of soil is difficult, especially on a limited budget.

Thawing permafrost in the Arctic leads to failing foundations in many buildings, such as this home in Newtok, Alaska.

To address this problem, CCHRC-NREL designed foundations for the new homes that can be easily adjusted by their occupants. The homes sit above the ground on threaded jacks bolted to steel beams. If the ground shifts over time, the homeowner simply manipulates the jacks to bring the home back to level.

New home foundations designed by CCHRC-NREL sit above the ground on threaded jacks bolted to steel beams, allowing the homeowner to adjust the jack to level the house as the ground shifts.



Energy efficiency is another top priority. Alaskas rural communities burn diesel for both heating and electricity. Even though it is heavily subsidized, they still pay the highest energy costs in the nation. In Mountain Village, diesel runs about $6.50 a gallon, Agwiak said, and some households spend up to half their income on energy.

In this context, efficiency comes first.

We always start with the envelope, Cooke said. The northern animal doesnt eat more in the winter to stay warm. They grow thicker fur or blubber.

When it comes to buildings, that means packing on the insulation. The Mountain Village homes use a technique called REMOTE (Residential Exterior Membrane Outside insulation TEchnique). Adapted from Canadian building scientists, the REMOTE wall consists of a 2x4 frame wall filled with fiberglass batts, with an additional six inches of rigid foam attached to the outside. The idea is to move the majority of the insulation outside the structure to create a thick, airtight envelope with no thermal bridgingsimilar to wearing a heavy parka with no rips or seams. Using a vapor-impermeable insulation like rigid foam on the outside keeps condensation from forming in the wallpreventing the mold and rot problems that plague many Alaska homes.

Of course, with such tight envelopes, ventilation is key to keeping families healthy. CCHRC developed the BrHEAThe System to ensure these airtight homes would receive enough fresh air. Through pairing a heat recovery ventilator with a high-efficiency boiler, BrHEAThe combines heating and ventilation into a single system, so that whenever the home is receiving heat it is also receiving fresh air.

The BrHEAThe System developed by CCHRC ensures that airtight homes receive enough fresh air. By pairing a heat recovery ventilator with a high-efficiency boiler, BrHEAThe combines heating and ventilation into a single system, so that whenever the home is receiving heat it is also receiving fresh air.



Those are just a few ways CCHRC-NREL technology is trickling from the lab all the way to the Arctic tundra. But just as important as technology is culture. Like anywhere in the world, a home must reflect the lifestyle and identity of its occupants. Over the past century, however, this need was sorely overlooked in rural Alaska. A cornerstone of CCHRC-NRELs work is to bring culture back into housing.

When you come into a community, you have to be willing to start over and listen to what they need, Cooke said. Whats their desired amount of modernization, and what is the desired amount of traditional values that need to remain present?

A prototype home in Anaktuvuk Pass is the perfect illustration. The village sits on a windy pass in the Brooks Range, with no trees or natural buffers from the Arctic weather. For generations, the Inupiaq people carved sod igloos into the hillside to stay warm. When CCHRC designed a home with the community in 2008, they blended traditional principlessuch as living undergroundwith advanced technologies like a floating foundation and a thick polyurethane shell.

CCHRC designed a prototype earth-bermed home in Anaktuvuk Pass that blends traditional building techniques with advanced technologies to ensure stability and heating efficiency.



The earth-bermed shelter is a clear throwback to the sod igloos of the past. But sometimes the connection is not as obvious. The Mountain Village homes, for example, may just look like tiny boxes sitting on bright red car jacks and wood footings. But they are actually much morea healthy refuge, a safety net for elders, a weapon against homelessness.

They will make families very happy this winter, Agwiak said. Because they dont have to choose between heating their home and eating, or buying food or paying for electricity, or paying for the cost to go to medical.

CCHRC staff visited Mountain Village, Alaska, for a design charrette in the summer of 2019 to gain input from community members about what type of housing would fit their climate and culture.

In a few short weeks, ice will start running on the Yukon River, first forming delicate pans that float on the surface, then solidifying into a thick crust that can support snowmachines, dog teams, and herds of caribou. In places like Huslia and Mountain Village, the world gets quiet. Life slows down.

This winter, a few more people will be warm inside.

Learn more about the new NREL-CCHRC Partnership.

Molly Rettig
Two beloved pubs have been forced to permanently close amid Melbourne's second draconian lockdown.

The Morning Star in Williamstown, south west Melbourne, and the Mona Castle in Seddon, west Melbourne, both shut their doors for good this week.

Businesses have struggled to stay afloat after Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews hit the city with severe restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Two beloved Melbourne pubs, The Morning Star Hotel (pictured) in Williamstown and the Mona Castle Hotel in Seddon, have been forced to close amid the draconian second lockdown

The Mona Castle (pictured) owner was forced to close the pub after not being able to pay the rent. He criticised the Victorian Government for neglecting small businesses during COVID-19

Mona Castle owner Gary Clough handed over the keys to the historic pub, which is more than 140-years old, on Friday after more than 15 years with the business.

'We had a glimmer of hope there about two and a half months ago and then the landlord was wanting full rent,' he told 3AW.

Mr Clough made the tough decision to shut the venue after his landlord refused to offer a rent reduction during the pandemic.

'It got to the stage where we had to go into negotiations with the Small Business Commission,' the owner explained.

Mr Clough criticised the Victorian Government for failing to support small businesses during lockdown.

'They government don't work in small businesses, they don't understand the amount of people employed and the amount of tax we pay,' he said.

Mr Clough said he would continue with his old job as an electrician and 'keep moving forward' with the support of his friends.

Small businesses have struggled through Melbourne's tough stage 4 coronavirus lockdown where all non-essential businesses were shut (Melbourne CBD pictured on Thursday)

He explained the owner of the Morning Star Hotel, Darren Dean, was also forced to close because of landlords putting up the rent.

The popular hotel announced it would not be reopening its doors in a Facebook post on Monday.

'Wanted to say thank you to each and everyone of you for making the experience of living in and owning a pub an enjoyable one.

'It is with heavy hearts that we advise that we will not be reopening the Morning Star post this lockdown, the financial impact is simply too great.

'We thank the patrons, staff and local community with all of our hearts,' the statement read.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced a roadmap out of the harsh restrictions on Sunday (Bourke Street in Melbourne's CBD pictured on Sunday)

Premier Daniel Andrews sent Melburnians into strict stage four lockdown that saw all non-essential businesses closed and residents confined to their homes.

Melburnians may only leave to exercise within a 5km radius of their homes for one hour per day, provide or receive care, buy supplies and conduct essential work.

They must also wear a mask and adhere to a curfew between 8pm and 5am.

Mr Andrews' roadmap out of lockdown was released on Sunday and showed a four-step plan to ease the restrictions.

The first round of eased restrictions will come into effect on Sunday and extend the curfew to 9pm and allow restaurants to open for take-away and delivery.

Public gatherings of two people outdoors will also be allowed for two hours.

Victoria recorded 55 new coronavirus cases and eight deaths on Tuesday.
AIPA-41 is expected to adopt the AIPA 41 General Assemblys activities and agenda, time and venue for the AIPA-42 General Assembly, draft resolutions of the committees, the establishment of the AIPA Young Parliamentarians Conference. It will honour a number of MPs for their contributions to AIPA and admit new AIPA observers.

AIPA-41 opening ceremony in photos
The Congress decided on Tuesday to work to field a joint opposition candidate for the post of the Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson in a bid to present a united front against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament beginning on September 14, people familiar with the development said on Tuesday.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the parliament strategy group of the Congress on Tuesday, a party leader said on condition of anonymity.

The meeting was otherwise dominated by the India-China military standoff on the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. The Congress decided to corner the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government on the issue in parliament, but in a nuanced way, given that Indian forces are eyeball-to-eyeball with Chinese troops along the LAC, the leader cited above said.

The meeting was attended by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, his deputy Anand Sharma, party leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury,, his deputy Gaurav Gogoi, and senior leaders AK Antony, Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge, Jairam Ramesh, KC Venugopal, Manish Tewari, K Suresh, Manickam Tagore and Ravneet Singh Bittu.

The Congress leader cited above said Tewari pitched for a nuanced approach on the military standoff with China following the June 15 skirmish in the Galwan valley in which 20 Indian soldiers and an unspecified number of Chinese were killed.

Tewari also noted nationalistic fervour on the issue and said the Congress needs to be careful how it articulates its position. At the same time, while keeping popular perception in mind, he said it was important to expose the government because there was absolutely no doubt that it had bungled on the China issue.

Tewari said that his concern was not what the people will say but what a soldier standing on the borders and guarding the country 24x7 putting his life at stake, will feel at a time when the country is facing the biggest challenge from China since the 1962 war.

Are we going to dampen the morale of the soldiers at a time when they are standing eyeball-to-eyeball with Chinese troops, he asked.

At this point, Rahul Gandhi intervened and agreed with Tewari, said another leader present in the meeting, requesting anonymity. We need to calibrate our stand, the leader quoted Rahul Gandhi as saying at the meeting.

Venugopal also said the Congress should be vocal in its criticism of China, which he described as the invader and the aggressor.

Sharma too echoed Tewaris views. He said the party should be careful not to demoralise the armed forces given that extensive mobilisation is taking place along the borders and the country faces a situation that is unprecedented since 1962.

But some leaders such as Tagore and Bittu said patriotism needs transparency and telling the truth and the Congress should keep up its attack on the government on the issue. Chowdhury said the Congress should demand a white paper from the government on the Ladakh situation.

At the outset, Azad listed the issues to be raised in the monsoon session. He said the election to the Rajya Sabha deputy chairpersons post was coming up and all opposition parties should collectively contest it. His views were endorsed by Patel.

The Rajya Sabha deputy chairpersons post is vacant after Janata Dal (United) MP Harivansh retired in April this year. He was re-elected to the Upper House from Bihar soon after and is expected to be the NDA candidate yet again.

In August 2018, after the retirement of PJ Kurien of the Congress, Harivansh was elected as the Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson. As the NDA candidate, he defeated BK Hariprasad of the Congress. Harivansh secured 125 votes to 105 for Hariprasad. The election to the post is scheduled to be held on the first day of the monsoon session on September 14. The last date for filing nominations is September 11.

The Congress is likely to approach the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for the post, and has authorised Azad to speak to other parties on the issue and finalise a candidate.

The post of deputy speaker of the Lower House is also vacant since the 17th Lok Sabha was constituted in May last year.

The party will also flag the Covid-19 situation across the country, the impact of lockdowns, the current state of the economy, decline in gross domestic product growth, Good and Services Tax (GST) compensation to states, job losses, agrarian distress, restoration of the Question Hour and Facebooks alleged nexus with the ruling BJP. It will also seek a discussion on the PM CARES Fund set up in March to provide relief to those affected by Covid-19.

Rahul Gandhi said the party should aggressively raise the Covid-19 issue, given that the situation is grim . He said accountability for the deteriorating situation should be fixed.

Ramesh briefed the meeting about the 11 ordinances the government is expected to bring in the session and said the Congress will oppose four of them, including the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance, 2020, the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 and the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020.

Tewari said the party should not oppose the ordinance on the Insolvency and Banking Code (IBC), given that the economy is in a bad shape. It is a good ordinance and suspends the rigour of the Act, the second leader quoted him as saying at the meeting.

Tewari said the Congress should move adjournment motions to find out who stands where on these issues.

The meeting also decided to firm up a joint strategy with other like-minded opposition parties.

Some key opposition leaders like Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Shiv Sena chief and Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader and Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren have already stated that they will work closely with each other to take on the government in Parliament.

The leaders expressed their views at a recent meeting of non-NDA chief ministers called by Sonia Gandhi. A meeting of opposition parties is expected to be held later this week.

This was also the first time that three  Azad, Sharma and Tewari -- of the 23 signatories to a letter to the party president seeking a complete overhaul of the organisation came face-to-face with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi after the stormy Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on August 24.

Four out of the 23 signatories who are CWC members  Azad, Sharma, Mukul Wasnik and Jitin Prasada  had come under intense fire from other colleagues at the meeting for writing the letter.

After Tuesdays meeting, Sonia Gandhi is likely to leave for an overseas trip for a routine health check-up and will not be able to attend the full monsoon session of Parliament.

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Future wireless networks of the 6th generation (6G) will consist of a multitude of small radio cells that need to be connected by broadband communication links. In this context, wireless transmission at THz frequencies represents a particularly attractive and flexible solution. Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have now developed a novel concept for low-cost terahertz receivers that consist of a single diode in combination with a dedicated signal processing technique. In a proof-of-concept experiment, the team demonstrated transmission at a data rate of 115 Gbit/s and a carrier frequency of 0.3 THz over a distance of 110 meters. The results are reported in Nature Photonics (DOI: 10.1038/s41566-020-0675-0).

5G will be followed by 6G: The 6th generation of mobile communications promises even higher data rates, shorter latency, and strongly increased densities of terminal devices, while exploiting Artificial Intelligence (AI) to control devices or autonomous vehicles in the Internet-of-Things era. "To simultaneously serve as many users as possible and to transmit data at utmost speed, future wireless networks will consist of a large number of small radio cells," explains Professor Christian Koos, who works on 6G technologies at KIT together with his colleague Professor Sebastian Randel. In these radio cells, distances are short such that high data rates can be transmitted with minimum energy consumption and low electromagnetic immission. The associated base stations will be compact and can easily be mounted to building facades or street lights.

To form a powerful and flexible network, these base stations need to be connected by high-speed wireless links that offer data rates of tens or even hundreds of gigabits per second (Gbit/s). This may be accomplished by terahertz carrier waves, which occupy the frequency range between microwaves and infrared light waves. However, terahertz receivers are still rather complex and expensive and often represent the bandwidht bottleneck of the entire link. In cooperation with Virginia Diodes (VDI) in Charlottesville, USA, researchers of KIT's Institute of Photonics and Quantum Electronics (IPQ), Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT), and Institute for Beam Physics and Technology (IBPT) have now demonstrated a particularly simple inexpensive receiver for terahertz signals. The concept is presented in Nature Photonics.

Highest Data Rate Demonstrated So Far for Wireless THz Communications over More Than 100 Meters

"At its core, the receiver consists a single diode, which rectifies the terahertz signal," says Dr. Tobias Harter, who carried out the demonstration together with his colleague Christoph Fullner in the framework of his doctoral thesis. The diode is a so-called Schottky barrier diode, that offers large bandwidth and that is used as an envelope detector to recover the amplitude of the terahertz signal. Correct decoding of the data, however, additionally requires the time-dependent phase of the terahertz wave that is usually lost during rectification. To overcome this problem, researchers use digital signal processing techniques in combination with a special class of data signals, for which the phase can be reconstructed from the amplitude via the so-called Kramers-Kronig relations. The Kramers-Kronig relation describe a mathematical relationship between the real part and the imaginary part of an analytic signal. Using their receiver concept, the scientists achieved a transmission rate of 115 Gbit/s at a carrier frequency of 0.3 THz over a distance of 110 m. "This is the highest data rate so far demonstrated for wireless terahertz transmission over more than 100 m," Fullner says. The terahertz receiver developed by KIT stands out due to its technical simplicity and lends itself to cost-efficient mass production.

###

Original publication:

T. Harter, C. Fullner, J. N. Kemal, S. Ummethala, J. L. Steinmann, M. Brosi, J. L. Hesler, E. Brundermann, A.-S. Muller, W. Freude, S. Randel, C. Koos: Generalized Kramers-Kronig Receiver for Coherent THz Communications. Nature Photonics, 2020. DOI: 10.1038/s41566-020-0675-0.

For the abstract, see https://www.nature.com/articles/s41566-020-0675-0.

More about the KIT Information  Systems  Technologies Center: http://www.kcist.kit.edu

Further material: Publication in Nature Photonics: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41566-020-0675-0

Contact for this press release: Dr. Felix Mescoli, Editor/Press Officer, Phone: +49 721 608 41171, felix.mescoli@kit.edu

Being "The Research University in the Helmholtz Association", KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,300 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 24,400 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack revived the claim that Victoria's second wave of coronavirus cases was caused in part by a Black Lives Matter protest in June on Q+A before backing down.

Host Hamish McDonald interjected nine times to challenge Mr McCormack's assertion, which he initially defended. "There were three confirmed cases from one of those protest rallies," Mr MrCormack said. Contact tracers did not know who may have caught the virus there, he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is not a professional singer. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

There were six cases of coronavirus detected among people who attended the rally in Melbourne on June 6, which conservative politicians at the time argued led to a subsequent sharp spike in cases. But the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has said there is no evidence to show the protesters acquired the virus there or that it spread to people in public housing towers, which were locked down and formed part of the second wave.

When McDonald put that to Mr McCormack, he relented. "I'll accept that but people shouldn't be protesting," Mr McCormack said. Australian Medical Association president Omar Khorshid agreed there was no evidence the protest spread the virus but backed up Mr McCormack's broader point, saying large gatherings like protests risked mass transmission of the virus.
Married At First Sight star Tamara Joy was left furious on Monday after breaking a nail while in hotel quarantine in Brisbane.

The 31-year-old reality TV star shared a video to Instagram stories whinging about the 'disaster' on day one of her two-week isolation.

'The first disaster. This nail in the middle is about to fall because I just smacked it and locked it in the drawer when I was having a snoop around my room,' she said.

Married At First Sight star's hotel quarantine NIGHTMARE: Tamara Joy (pictured) was furious after 'breaking a nail' on day one of her two-week isolation on Monday

She continued: 'I can't have a broken nail for two weeks, that can't happen! I need to order some superglue.'

Tamara arrived in Queensland on Monday, and is required to isolate in a hotel for two weeks to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

'I am quarantining for 14 days in Brisbane. I'm not planning to stay here, I'm going to go up to the Gold Coast but I flew in here,' she explained.

'[After arriving] I was met by about 50 policeman and 50 army men. It's pretty hectic as you get ushered into a bus and straight to a hotel,' she said.

'This can't happen!' She shared a video to Instagram stories complaining about the 'disaster' on day one of her two-week isolation

Tamara's post comes after she copped a brutal spray from her father over her 'clown' look due to her use of lip fillers.

The reality star shared the awkward exchange on Instagram on Wednesday.

In a series of videos, the 31-year-old's father brought her a coffee in bed, before he unleashed on her love of cosmetic injectables.

'You look like a clown!' Tamara's post comes after she copped a brutal spray from her own father (pictured) over her 'clown' look due to her use of lip fillers on Wednesday

'The lips. It's old hat. It's in the past. Move on. It's ridiculous,' Tamara's father, Les, is seen telling his daughter in the clip.

'So, I'm out of fashion because my lips are big?' she asks Les with a laugh, indicating that the pair are close and that their clash was in good fun.

'It's not natural. It looks ridiculous, I think. You look like a clown mate. But that's just ridiculous,' he continued.
Ambassador of Ukraine to Belarus Ihor Kyzym has returned to Minsk after consultations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Radio Liberty reported this with reference to the Ukrainian Embassy in Minsk.

When asked how relations between Kyiv and Minsk will be built, the ambassador replied: As Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has already noted, official contacts between our countries have been put on pause. At the same time, the further development of Belarusian-Ukrainian relations will depend on many factors, in particular, the development of the situation directly in Belarus, as well as integration processes within the framework of the union state of Belarus and Russia.

As reported, on August 17, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba summoned Ukrainian Ambassador to the Republic of Belarus Ihor Kyzym for consultations in Kyiv, given the political situation in the neighboring country.

On August 28, Kuleba said that Ukraine had stopped preparing for and holding of all official meetings with Belarus due to the tense situation in the country.

ish
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 20:14:27|Editor: huaxia

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HONG KONG, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- India reported 75,809 daily COVID-19 cases on Tuesday with the highest single-day number worldwide as the Philippines logged 3,281 new infections.

India's COVID-19 tally continues to rise sharply during the past 24 hours as the total figure reached 4,280,422, showed the latest data released by the federal health ministry.

According to the data, as many as 1,133 deaths took place since Monday, taking the total to 72,775 so far. The recovery rate of India's patients increased to 77.65 percent on Tuesday, the country's health ministry said.

The number of confirmed cases in the Philippines surged to 241,987 after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 3,281 new daily cases.

Bangladesh reported 1,892 new cases and 36 new deaths, making the tally at 329,251 and death toll at 4,552, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said. The official data showed that 14,973 samples were tested in the last 24 hours across Bangladesh.

Cases in Indonesia rose by 3,046 within one day to 200,035, with the death toll adding by 100 to 8,230, the Health Ministry said.

Brunei reported no new infections, with the national tally of cases standing at 145.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for the government of Victoria state to fast-track its plan to ease coronavirus restrictions. Morrison told reporters on Monday that he wants Victoria to reopen more quickly than setout in a roadmap released by Premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday.

South Korea reported 136 more cases compared to 24 hours ago, raising the total number of infections to 21,432. The daily caseload stayed below 200 for six straight days, but it continued to grow in triple digits since Aug. 14.

New Zealand confirmed six new cases of COVID-19, including two imported cases detected in managed isolation facilities and four community cases.

Myanmar reported 92 more new cases, according to a release from the Ministry of Health and Sports. The newly confirmed cases brought the number of infections in the country to 1,610 in total. Enditem
These 10 routes are launched by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism after fully integrating the province's intangible heritage resources, aiming to promote the creative transformation and innovative development of intangible heritage protection, and facilitate the in-depth integration of culture and tourism.

The notice requires that all prefectures and cities of Yunnan implement the policy of "prioritizing intangible heritage protection and salvation, and reasonably utilizing, and developing intangible heritage". On the basis of consolidating and reinforcing the achievements of intangible heritage protection, they should give full play to the role of the market in allocating resources, make reasonable use of intangible heritage resources at representative protection projects, strengthen the construction of intangible heritage-themed tourist routes, enhance the cultural quality of Yunnan's tourist routes, and shape high-caliber cultural tourist brands.

Each of the 10 intangible heritage routes has its own unique history, culture, scenery and flavor of Yunnan. If you want to know more about the beauty of Yunnan, pick up your phone, check out Go-Yunnan app and embark on a visual journey to Yunnan. Recently, Go-Yunnan app officially released its V1.5, adding Lonely-Planet-featured "Yunnan Highlights", "Yunnan by Month", "Festivals and Events" and "Itinerary", and new functions such as "Ask for Local" and "Email Registration and Login", in a bid to create more enjoyable experiences for travelers from abroad. Having upgraded and optimized its core services such as "Essentials", "Translator", the new Go-Yunnan app presents a visual feast that takes you deep into the destination as a local travel guide to understand the environment, folk customs, culture and history of the thriving southwestern province. It aims to reshape the concept of travel, which used to be sightseeing, into a lifestyle of travelers to learn about the world and renew themselves. If visitors want to know the many ways to experience the charm of Yunnan, they can just pack their bags and follow their dream. Yunnan welcomes everyone with open arms.

SOURCE Go-Yunnan
Russia has released the first batch of Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus disease Covid-19, news agency ANI reported on Tuesday. On the other hand, Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech Ltd said its vaccine candidate CoronaVac appeared to be safe for older people as per preliminary results from an early to mid-stage trial.

In the United States, president Donald Trump has said that the vaccine to treat the deadly disease may become available in October whereas a new experimental Covid-19 vaccine originating from the University of Oxford has begun human trials in Australia in partnership with the Serum Institute of India, the worlds largest vaccine manufacturer.

Follow latest updates on coronavirus here

At a time when the global Covid-19 tally has topped 27 million and the toll from the disease is at 892,880, heres a look at the latest on Covid-19 vaccines being developed across the world

-- India: The Post Graduate Institute (PGI) Rohtak is set to begin phase-2 human clinical trial of Bharat Biotechs vaccine candidate, based on inactivated virus procured by ICMR, on Wednesday.

We got permission from Bharat Biotech to start a phase-2 human clinical trial of their vaccine. Weve 300 volunteers, aged between 12 years and 65- years, out of which screening of 15 has been completed, Dr OP Kalra, vice-chancellor, PGI Rohtak told news agency ANI.

Zydus Cadilas candidate based on viral DNA is also in a second phase trial while the Oxford vaccine candidate developed by Serum Institute of India is already in Phase III trial in Maharashtra and some other states.

--Russia: Sputnik V, vaccine developed by Russia against the viral infection, has been released into public civil circulation and regional deliveries are planned in the nearest future, the Russian health ministry was quoted as saying by ANI. It added that the vaccine has passed the necessary quality tests in the laboratories of medical device regulator Roszdravnadzor.

--Australia: Australia expects to receive its first batches of a potential COVID-19 vaccine in January, its prime minister Scott Morrison said.

Also, a new shot devised by a UK firm SpyBiotech has begun going into volunteers in a phase I/II trial in Australia run by the Serum Institute, which will eventually enroll several hundred participants, said Sumi Biswas, the companys chief executive officer and a professor at Oxfords Nuffield Department of Medicine.

Click here for complete Covid-19 coverage

SpyBiotech has an exclusive licensing agreement with the Serum Institute for the vaccine. The institute reached a licensing deal with AstraZeneca earlier this year to produce 1 billion doses of the Oxford shot developed by Gilbert.

--United States: US president Donald Trump said at a White House briefing on Monday that a vaccine may be ready in October.

Three Covid-19 vaccines are undergoing final-stage, or Phase 3, clinical trials in the US. Each study is enrolling about 30,000 people who will get two shots, three weeks apart, and then will be monitored for coronavirus infections and side effects for anywhere from a week to two years.

Also, under a program Trump calls Operation Warp Speed, the goal is to have 300 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine in stock by January.

--China: China firm Sinovacs candidate CoronaVac is being tested in Brazil and Indonesia in final-stage human trials to evaluate whether it is effective and safe enough to obtain regulatory approvals for mass use. It has already been given to tens of thousands of people, including about 90% of Sinovac employees and their families, as part of Chinas emergency inoculation scheme to protect people facing high infection risk.
The Supreme Court of Ukraine rejected the motion of activist Serhiy Sternenko on removal of the case consideration from Odesa to Kyiv.

"The case against me is left in Odesa. There is no full text of the decision. The Supreme Court leaves my trial where everything is controlled by the person who ordered the attack on me. Where I was attacked right before the first hearing," Sternenko wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.

According to him, in this way the Supreme Court upheld the position of the prosecutor, who said that "transferring the consideration of the Sternenko case to Kyiv does not guarantee that the attempts on his life will stop." The activist also said that the court retired to the deliberation room, not allowing him to "say an important remark."

In addition, Sternenko said that the prosecutor in his case was the same state prosecutor as in the case of the murder of Kherson activist Kateryna Handziuk.

Later, the Supreme Court posted a statement on the Facebook page that the consideration of criminal proceedings against Sternenko would continue in Odesa.

"On September 8, 2020, the panel of judges of the Cassation Criminal Court within the Supreme Court dismissed the petition of defense lawyer Serhiy Sternenko, who is accused of premeditated murder (Part 1 of Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and of carrying cold arms without a legal permit (Part 2 of Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), on the direction of criminal proceedings against Sternenko from Prymorsky District Court of Odesa to Shevchenkivsky District Court of Kyiv," the court said in the statement.

The announcement of the full text of the court decision on this case No. 522/13809/20 was announced in the Supreme Court at 10:00 on September 11, and it will be possible to get acquainted with it in the Unified State Register of Judgments.
The five poachers who allegedly killed a tiger in Nagarahole Tiger Reserve in Karnataka have been arrested by the Forest Department personnel. According to news agency PTI, The sniffer dog Rana played an integral key role in catching the poachers.

 BCCL

The poachers had shot the tiger just for its claws and teeth. And now all the five poachers involved have been arrested within a span of 10 days and also the tigers teeth and claws have been recovered from them.



Also, the Environment and Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar praised the team for their swift action. He took to Twitter saying, "Well done, Forest staff & officers of Nagarhole Tiger Reserve for nabbing all the culprits responsible for poaching the Tiger, in such quick time.

Well done , Forest staff & officers of Nagarhole Tiger Reserve for nabbing all the culprits responsible for poaching the Tiger, in such quick time. @moefcc https://t.co/lnakDKPEGh  Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) September 6, 2020

Karnataka Forest Minister, Anand Singh also took to Twitter to appreciate the department officials.



He Tweeted, "This is a warning bell for poachers. The government is committed to controlling poachers, increasing the number of animals, and bringing down man-tiger conflicts. We have a responsibility to hand over beautiful wildlife to our future generations.

 BCCL

Poaching wild animals for their body parts has been a major concern and a consistent problem in our country. Also, the sniffer dog Rana has been praised largely, and arresting these culprits should definitely help.


Appointment

8 September 2020

Most recently working at Conrad on Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road where he was responsible for overseeing the hotel's entire F&B operations, including the launch and opening of Korean casual dining outlet Kimpo, Timlin has more than 16 years of experience in the industry.

In his new role, Timlin will be responsible for the resort's F&B operations including including its signature restaurants; Al Maeda, Piaceri Da Gustare, SOL, Pura Vida and newly renovated The Kitchen all-day dining. One of the main objectives in his new role will be to further progress the strategic goal of establishing the resort as a renowned culinary and lifestyle destination.

Timlin has previously worked at Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai for five years, starting as GM for British gastropub Dhow and Anchor, before being promoted to oversee the hotel's entire F&B department.

He has also worked in McGettigan's in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
A brand new campaign set up by Scene Change is responding to the Culture Secretary's so-called "Operation Sleeping Beauty".

Titled "This Is No Pantomime", the scheme said today: "This is an urgent wake-up call. It's about theatre and the communities it entertains. It's about cancellation and closures. Without our government providing ongoing sector-specific support, we are witnessing the collapse of our world-leading culture industry. Built up over centuries, killed off in a matter of months."

"Despite the government's announcement that theatres can now re-open, indoor productions and live performances are just not financially viable whilst social distancing is in place. With Christmas on the horizon, and the majority of pantomimes also now cancelled, theatres will be falling desperately short of the revenue required to see them through 2021, and will soon be left facing even more redundancies and closures."

The poster being put up in London

 Max Jones

"The impact on the 200 000 self-employed theatre workers is even more devastating: 33 per cent have received no government support at all since lockdown began in March, and there are few prospects for work for the remainder of this year and long into 2021. Many of those doing the hundreds of jobs on our poster are leaving the industry right now, and these skills will take years to rebuild.

"34 million theatre tickets were sold in 2018. Around 3 million of those tickets were for a pantomime. It is too late for this year's Dames and Sleeping Beauties. Without urgent, increased support, our theatres will remain dark, the seats remain empty, the stories untold, long into the future: this is no pantomime."

Today Andrew Lloyd Webber warned that the sector is in need of a reopening date and further support to be able to survive a winter where the vast majority of venues remain closed.


By Anne-Marie Slaughter and Sharon E. Burke





Anne-Marie Slaughter Saron E. Burke
By Ayushi Malik, TwoCircles.net

Rajouri: It has been three weeks since the DNA samples of the families of three missing labourers from Rajouri were taken by police authorities to investigate the allegation that the missing labourers were killed in a staged encounter in Shopian.

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The family claims that the process of filling out the forms and other formalities was held again on 3 September and the results, already delayed, has been slowed down further.

Naseeb Bokari, a cousin of one of the missing labourer Abrar, told TwoCircles.net over the phone that the authorities told them the process will be completed within the next 10 days. They came again yesterday to fill the same forms. Earlier in Urdu, now in English, he said.

On 2 September, Mohd Saleem, another cousin of Abrar was assured by the authorities that the DNA result will come in the next three days. They said that new forms are to be filled as the previous ones wont work in Chandigarh now. The team came again yesterday and informed that the DNA result will take more days.

According to family members, a team of officials had collected the DNA samples of the family members of the trio on August 13 to match them with the bodies of alleged unidentified militants killed in a gunfight on July 18 in Shopian.

The families were told that the process of DNA matching will take a week, however, nearly a month later the familys long wait for the bodies of their kin isnt over.

The 3 Rajouri youth namely Abrar Ahmed, Mohd Abrar and Imtiaz Ahmed had gone to Shopian district in Kashmir for labour work and went missing from their rented room in Shopian from July 17. The families filed a missing complaint on 9 August and identified their kin from a photograph doing rounds on social media of alleged militants killed in a gunfight in Shopian on July 18.

Mohd Yousaf, the 50-year-old father of Abrar Ahmed, demands the bodies to be returned to the families.

Despite the delay in the process of DNA matching, he is assured that the authorities will return the bodies of their kin.

Talking to TwoCircles.net on phone he informed that a team had once again visited them on 3 September to fill out some forms again but his restlessness to see his son Abrar is evident in his voice. 26 din ho gaye hue hain DNA liye hue, Dekh lete hain kya hota hai. DNA ka kya matlab tha 20-22 din tak. Bache mere hain who mujhe pata hai, koi 6 mahine ki baat thori hai (Its been 26 days that the authorities collected our blood samples but why is it taking so long when I am certain that they (the missing trio) are our kids?)

He was told that the samples have been sent to Central Laboratory and the results will come back soon. Umeed to mujhe poori hai ki administration meri poori madad kar rahi hai aur aage bhi karegi kyuki iski guarantee hai ki yeh bache innocent hain (I fully trust the administration in helping us get justice for our sons because I know that my kids are innocent), Yousaf added.

Yousaf claimed that the authorities have reassured them that the samples have reached Chandigarh and the results will come soon and refuse to share any other information with them.

Naseem Bokari in conversation with TwoCircles.net expressed his disappointment over the delay and asked, Inta late kyu ho raha hai? Jaldi se jaldi aye report nahi to hum sab protest karenge (Why are the results delayed so much? If the report doesnt come in few more days we will protest against the delay.)

We demand the DNA result be produced soon and once it is out, he said.

Humein yeh sabboot de dijiye ki yeh militant the ya nahi. Filhal humein bas DNA report chaiye nahi to poora gaon aur Sarpanch sab protest krenge. Humein clear hona chaiye ki bache militant the ya nahi. Aur agar nahi the to inhe kyu mara? (We demand for the DNA results to be out soon or our whole village will protest including the Sarpanch and we are asking for evidence if our kids were militants or not. And if it is proved that they were not, why were they killed?) he asks.

The families are demanding the dead bodies of their sons identified through photographs of unidentified militants killed in the encounter.

Pertinently, the bodies have been buried in Baramulla as per polices protocol of burying militants away from their hometowns due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Jammu and Kashmir police officials are silent on the investigation process and refused to comment on the delay of the DNA matching process. When TwoCircles.net approached the officials, there was no response. We dont have any knowledge of the case, the matter is still under investigation, said one of the officials on phone with TwoCircles.net.
LANCASTER, Pa./WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump and Democratic rival Joe Biden took rhetorical swipes at each other on Monday as the presidential campaign entered its traditional homestretch on the U.S. Labor Day holiday.

Trump described Biden, whom he trails in national polls, as a threat to the economy and stupid," while Biden took aim at Trumps reported disparaging of fallen troops.

At a White House news conference, Trump said: Biden and his very liberal running mate (Kamala Harris), the most liberal person in Congress by the way - is not a competent person in my opinion, would destroy this country and would destroy this economy."

He also called Biden stupid." Trump has frequently referred to the former vice president as Sleepy Joe."

Trump pushed back again against a report in The Atlantic that he had referred to fallen U.S. soldiers as suckers" and losers," calling it a hoax." The story has dominated news coverage for days and threatens Trumps support among veterans and military members, a key voting bloc.

Theres nobody that has more respect for not only our military, but for people that gave their lives in the military," Trump said.

Biden cited the reported remarks while campaigning in the electoral battleground state of Pennsylvania.

Referring to his son Beau Biden, who served in Iraq as a member of the Delaware National Guard and died of brain cancer in 2015, he said: Beau was wasnt a loser or a sucker.  He served with heroes."

Bidens visit to Pennsylvania on Monday kicked off a flurry of travel to battleground states this week by both Biden and Trump as some opinion polls show the race tightening with less than 60 days to go until the Nov. 3 election.

With the coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest over racism and police brutality commanding attention in recent months, Biden is seeking to maintain his edge by painting the Republican president as an ineffectual leader who thrives on chaos and has left the working class behind.

Trump has struggled to change the contours of the campaign despite highly charged rhetoric on racial polarization and law and order" intended to motivate his base and draw new supporters in suburban parts of key swing states, such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.

LABOR ENDORSEMENTS

Biden met with union leaders in Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania capital, and spoke virtually with the leader of the largest federation of U.S. labor unions, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. He also took questions from union workers and met earlier in the day with union members who served in the U.S. military.

Bidens campaign also announced the endorsements of three unions: the Laborers International Union of North America, the International Union of Elevator Constructors and the National Federation of Federal Employees.

Biden promised to be the strongest labor president" in the history of the country, vowing to hold executives legally accountable if they interfere with union organizing, and to raise the minimum wage and strengthen the National Labor Relations Board.

Folks have figured out that its not the financial wizards of Wall Street that make this country run. Its you, the essential workers," Biden said during the virtual event with Trumka.

Trump said that if Biden were elected, the Democrat would mandate another economic shutdown to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

Bidens plan for the China virus is to shut down the entire U.S. economy," Trump said. Hed be laying off tens of millions of workers and causing countless deaths from suicide, substance abuse, depression, heart disease and other very serious illnesses."

Trump plans to visit North Carolina, Florida, Michigan and Pennsylvania later in the week, all considered crucial to both candidates chances of victory.

Polls in Pennsylvania, which Trump won narrowly in 2016, have consistently put Biden in the lead, but averages show that margin narrowing to roughly 4 to 5 percentage points, down from about 8 points in late June. Biden is scheduled to be back in Pennsylvania on Friday.

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
Archaeologists have unearthed what they believe could be the oldest ever remains of a domesticated pet dog.

It is thought the remains could be between 14,000 and 20,000 years old, spanning back to the very dawn of the special relationship between humans and canines.

While dogs are known as man's best friend and one of the most domesticated animals on Earth, the origin of this dynamic is still a relative mystery.

Researchers from the University of Siena in Italy hope their discovery can shed light on how dogs made the change from wild carnivores to loving companions.

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The difference between dog remains found at the prehistoric cave of Grotta Paglicci (the smaller one) and the same anatomic element from a current wolf

This jaw bone comes from the cave of Grotta Paglicci shows how the teeth of what could be Europe's earliest domesticated dogs

One theory is that wolves became scavengers out of necessity due to a lack of food, and this took them close to human settlements.

Some experts believe the animals and humans slowly developed a bond and the symbiotic relationship flourished from there.

Others think wolves and humans worked together when hunting and this is how the relationship spawned.

The research team from Siena University hopes that the surviving fragments of one of the first dogs to live alongside humans as a pet could help find a definitive answer.

Dr Francesco Boschin led a piece of research, published in August in Scientific Reports, on early canine remains found at two paleolithic caves in Southern Italy, the Paglicci Cave and the Romanelli Cave.

Writing in this study, the scientists say: 'Our combined molecular and morphological analyses of fossil canid remains from the sites of Grotta Paglicci and Grotta Romanelli, in southern Italy, attest of the presence of dogs at least 14,000 calibrated years before present.

'This unambiguously documents one of the earliest occurrence of domesticates in the Upper Palaeolithic of Europe and in the Mediterranean.'

However, further analysis which is still ongoing shows this figure could indeed be much later, towards 20,000 years, Dr Boschin told RealPress.

'From an archaeological point of view, the oldest remains of domesticated dogs were found in Central Europe and date back 16,000 years,' Dr Boschin said.

'In the Mediterranean area we have now established that domesticated dogs lived here 14,000 years ago for sure, but possibly even 20,000 years ago.'

While defining their true age is still a work in progress, the researchers are confident of one thing, their findings include the oldest pet dog specimens discovered in the Mediterranean area.

'[They] could also represent the until now missing evidence of the evolutionary process that led to the dog, the very first domesticated animal,' Dr Boschin adds.

Dr Francesco Boschin lead a piece of research, published in August in Scientific Reports, on early canine remains found at two paleolithic caves in Southern Italy, the Paglicci Cave and the Romanelli Cave

Remains of wolves were also discovered in the caves. They were bigger than the dogs and had distinct molars designed to tear meat apart that dogs do not have.

Molecular analysis has indicated that the genetic separation of wolves and dogs started somewhere between 20,000 and 30,000 years ago, and according to Dr Boschin, the domestication process itself may have played a key part in that process.

'We believe that in the first stage of the domestication process it is always like that - domesticated animals are always smaller than wild ones,' he said.

'This is true for all mammals. In the case of dogs, we consider them to be pets, and this is the first evidence: Their smaller size.'

Scholars and scientists agree that the domestication of the dog dates back to the Last Glacial Maximum, a period of strong environmental crisis during which many European animal populations - and humans - sought refuge in warmer regions, such as the peninsulas of southern Europe, including Italy, Iberia and the Balkans.

Difference between dog of Grotta Paglicci (the smaller one) and the same bone from a current wolf. On the table are other two remains of Grotta Paglicci (a vertebrae and a jaw)

Professor Caramelli (left), of the Florence University, seeing the difference between a dog from Paglicci and a current wolf in the lab of anthropology of the university

'In this period of serious crisis, the wolf, a social predator in some way similar to man, found a new way to ensure survival: taking advantage of a new niche, eating the leftovers from human settlements,' Dr Boschin explained.

He also believes it is possible humans tried to accelerate the divergence from wolf to dog by killing the most aggressive offspring, encouraging calm and obedient genes to be passed down the generations.

The genetic profile from one of the dogs discovered in the Paglicci Cave closely resembles the genetic profile of similar remains found in Germany. Both of these findings could be dated to about 14,000 years ago.

This, Dr Boschin said, shows that the specimens found more than 600 miles apart both originated from a common population before spreading across Europe.

'At that time our continent was characterised by a strong cultural fragmentation, but the discovery of two genetically related dogs, one in southern Italy and the other in Germany, suggests that, despite cultural differences, the dogs may have represented a common cultural feature among human groups.'

The research could lead to a better understanding of the role dogs played in Palaeolithic communities, something we still know next to nothing about.

Dogs may have had a specific function in the hunting or in the defence of camps.

They may also have served a more spiritual purpose, as dogs still do today in some tribal cultures, where they are considered reincarnations of the dead or earthly manifestations of spirits.

The research team is still analysing the findings and hope to eventually be able to provide more answers to this and other questions about the early co-existence of man and his best friend, Dr Boschin said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 00:26:15|Editor: huaxia

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LUANDA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) has granted 20 million U.S. dollars to Angola to aid its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and promote diversification of the economy, the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs Tete Antonio said on Tuesday.

The minister, who made the statement following the 5th Angola-EU ministerial meeting via a video conference, said the amount adds to the 10 million U.S. dollars already in the portfolio for the acquisition of sanitary equipment and to mitigate other effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The parties will now work to implement this support, the Angolan minister said, adding that a European and Angolan entrepreneurs forum as well as the signing of an investment agreement, is expected to be held soon.

The EU's plan to combat money laundering, which is part of the fight against corruption in Angola and the illicit flow of financial assets, was also discussed at the meeting.

Angola's Secretary of State for Economy, Mario Caetano Joao, said that in the framework of the joint path program, a 2 million euros financing is currently being operated, of which 1 million has already been used in the energy sector and good governance.

Under the European Development Fund, Angola has benefited from more than 130 million U.S. dollars applied in the agriculture and industry sector, said Joao.

The ministerial meetings are an important high-level platform, which take place every year alternately between Luanda and Brussels, except this year which was virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Enditem
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) urges everyone to do their part to support those who may be struggling with depression or other mental health challenges by recognizing the warning signs of suicide, knowing how to help, and becoming more familiar with resources available in each community.

"Spotting suicidal thoughts or behaviors could help avoid a tragedy," said William Jaquis, MD, FACEP, president of ACEP. "Each of us will process this pandemic in our own way, but people may be more likely to experience difficult feelings during a crisis. You can be sure that if and when you need us, an emergency physician will be there for you."

Call 911 or visit the closest emergency department in the event of a medical emergency or if there is an immediate health or safety threat. Contact a mental health professional if you, or someone you know, exhibits one or more of these warning signs:

Hopelessness

Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge

Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities

Increased alcohol or drug use

Withdrawal from friends, family, or society

Anxiety, agitation, trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time

Dramatic mood changes

Consider contacting a health professional if stress impedes your daily activities for several days in a row. Talk to the person to understand what they are thinking and feeling. Research shows that discussing suicide may reduce suicidal thoughts. Help a person at-risk by connecting them with trusted friends or family, or a mental health professional.

If emergency care is required for a suicide attempt, a physician-led care team will keep the patient safe until they are ready to go home. Prior to discharge, resources for longer-term care will be outlined as appropriate and a list of nearby experts and places to go for help will be provided as available. The care team will work with the patient to create a written safety plan that includes their unique warning signs, coping strategies, and resources for help.

It is critical that patients try to maintain a safe environment for themselves at home. More than half (52 percent) of suicides involve a gun, according to research available through AFFIRM, an emergency-physician-led organization dedicated to firearm injury prevention research. Misuse of medication also poses significant risks. Ask a doctor about how to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medicines. Consider taking steps to identify the best strategies for safe storage of medication, firearms or other potential home hazards. One helpful tool that encourages safe storage based on personal choices is Lock2Live, an education website developed by emergency physicians.

"Suicide is complicated, and emergency physicians are vital partners in the collaborative effort necessary to prevent these incidents from occurring. If you ever feel like you may hurt yourself or others or you have thoughts about taking your own life, please seek help right away," said Dr. Jaquis.

If you or somebody you know experiences suicidal thoughts or behaviors, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is available to anyone and all calls are confidential. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers additional resources for help here.

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public education and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of its 40,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150 million Americans they treat on an annual basis. For more information, visit www.acep.org and www.emergencyphysicians.org.

SOURCE American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
New AI-based test uses X-rays to detect Covid in a few minutes

Hospitalisations in Delhi during third Covid wave significantly lower than second

Doctor's prescription not mandatory now for COVID-19 testing in Delhi

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Sep 08: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday ordered that doctor's prescription will not be mandatory from now on for those going voluntarily for RT/PCR test to detect COVID-19 infection in the national capital.

Till now it was mandatory for a person to have a doctor's prescription or symptoms to get tested for the virus.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said he has directed the Health Minister that doctor's prescription should not be asked for testing and that Anyone can get himself/herself tested.

RT/PCR, short for Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction, is a laboratory technique widely used in the diagnosis of genetic diseases and to measure gene expression in research.

The High Court said people need to carry Aadhaar card for Delhi address proof and fill up a form as prescribed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for COVID-19 testing.

The court noted that there was a sharp increase in the number of cases in Delhi and asked private laboratories to allow 2,000 COVID-19 tests a day for those who want to undergo the voluntarily screening.

In view of recent increase in COVID-19 positive cases, Delhi government had earlier said that it is scaling up the number of daily tests to 40,000 daily.

Majority of the COVID-19 tests being conducted are rapid antigen tests that give results quickly.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 01:35:58|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Floods have stricken northeast China as typhoon-induced rainfall lashed the region, according to the Ministry of Water Resources on Tuesday.

A total of 23 rivers have seen floods running above the warning level, among which five saw water levels breach the guaranteed level.

There may be more floods as torrential rains are expected in parts of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang over the next three days.

Vice Minister of Water Resources Ye Jianchun on Tuesday urged efforts to step up flood control in affected rivers. Enditem
Kyiv to strongly oppose attempts of special services of Belarus, Russia to use openness of Ukraine'a borders for Belarusians to damage relations between peoples  Kuleba

Citizens of Belarus, as before, can enter Ukraine legally, despite the restrictions imposed on the entry of foreigners into our country, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said.

"Despite the restrictions on the entry of foreigners, the Ukrainian border is open for Belarusian citizens who want to cross it legally. At the same time, we will strongly oppose any attempts by the special services of Belarus or Russia to use this openness of ours in order to damage relations between the Belarusian and Ukrainian peoples," Kuleba wrote on his Facebook page.
A phase 3 global clinical trial led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) has shown a new drug boosts bone growth in children born with achondroplasia, the most common type of dwarfism

A phase three global clinical trial led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) has shown a new drug boosts bone growth in children born with achondroplasia, the most common type of dwarfism.

The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial results, led by MCRI clinical geneticist Professor Ravi Savarirayan, have been published today in the prestigious medical journal, The Lancet.

Achondroplasia is the most common cause of dwarfism and is caused by overactivity of the FGFR3 protein, which slows bone growth in children's limbs, spine, and the base of their skull.

The experimental drug, vosoritide, blocks the activity of FGFR3, potentially returning growth rates to normal. Previous MCRI-led trials have confirmed vosoritide was safe to give to young people with dwarfism. This new randomised controlled trial conclusively shows it is also effective increasing bone growth over one year of daily injections.

Professor Savarirayan said, "This drug is like releasing the handbrake on a car, it lets you get up to full speed instead of having to drive with the brakes on."

Achondroplasia is a genetic bone disorder affecting 250,000 people worldwide, or about one in every 25,000 children. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene that impairs bone growth and means that children grow around 4 cm per year, instead of the usual 6 to 7 cm.

Current achondroplasia treatments, like surgery, only address the symptoms. In contrast, vosoritide is a precision therapy directly targeted at the molecular cause of the disease.

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, who manufacturers the peptide drug and funded the trial, has applied to the US Food and Drug Administration to license vosoritide for its use in treating achondroplasia. The European Medicines Agency validated the Company's application. Australian licensing is expected to follow sometime after a successful US application.

For the trial, 121 children aged five to under 18 were enrolled, which was conducted at 24 hospitals in seven countries. In Melbourne, the trial was conducted at the Melbourne Children's Trial Centre. The 60 children who received daily injections of vosoritide grew an average of 1.57 cm per year more than the children who received placebo, which brought them almost in line with their typically developing peers.

Professor Savarirayan said, "We know that beyond the cold hard facts and figures around growth rates and bone biology, we have hope that a treatment can improve kids' health outcomes, social functioning and increase access to their environments. Anecdotally, our patients tell us they now are able to do more stuff like climbing trees, jumping rocks and being more independent generally, which is specific to their experiences."

Dr Johnathon Day, Medical Director of Clinical Science at BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. said, "Vosoritide is the first potential precision pharmacological therapy that addresses the underlying cause of achondroplasia and this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study further adds to the scientific knowledge we've gained over many years from the clinical development program. I'd like to personally thank and congratulate all of the investigators and I am especially grateful to all of the children and their families who have participated in these studies,"

Paul Cohen and Elizabeth Ryan's daughter, Sarah, was born with achondroplasia. Sarah was one of the very first patients enrolled in the trial. Mr Cohen said, "During the trial we've seen Sarah grow up at the same rate as her friends. She can now join in bike rides with her friends, and loves being allowed on our local waterslide."

Although the trial did not significantly improve the children's proportions between their upper and lower bodies, the children will be followed until they achieve their final adult height to see how long the drug's effects last and whether they experience a growth spurt during puberty, as this doesn't normally happen in children with achondroplasia.

Vosoritide is also being tested in children from birth to five years which may improve final height, body proportion and other age-related complications such as spinal cord compression, which can cause sudden death.

###

The full text of The Lancet article is available at: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31541-5/fulltext

Publication:

Once-daily, subcutaneous vosoritide therapy in children with achondroplasia: a randomised, double-blind, phase 3, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial. The Lancet 396;10252

Ravi Savarirayan, Louise Tofts, Melita Irving, William Wilcox, Carlos A. Bacino, Julie Hoover-Fong, Rosendo Ullot Font, Paul Harmatz, Frank Rutsch, Michael B. Bober, Lynda E. Polgreen, Ignacio Ginebreda, Klaus Mohnike, Joel Charrow, Daniel Hoernschmeyer, Keiichi Ozono, Yasemin Alanay, Paul Arundel, Shoji Kagami, Natsuo Yasui, Klane White, Howard M. Saal, Antonio Leiva-Gea, Felipe Luna-Gonzalez, Hiroshi Mochizuki, Donald Basel, Dania Porco, Kala Jayaram, Elena Fisheleva, Alice Huntsman-Labed, and Jonathan Day.

Available for interview:

Professor Ravi Savarirayan; Leader, Musculoskeletal Research Group MCRI

Paul and Elizabeth, parents of Sarah, a participant in the phase 3 trial
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Bolgatanga Central Constituency, Mr Isaac Adongo, has accused Vice President Dr Muhamudu Bawumia of making fresh promises outside the NPP's 2020 Manifesto.

Speaking on Metro TV's Good Morning Ghana on Tuesday, 1 September 2020, the legislator said Dr Bawumia's promise that the NPP intended to construct a military airstrip and establish a satellite campus for the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Yendi were alien to the NPP's Manifesto.

He said those two promises, which Dr Bawumia announced to the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya Na Abukari II, when he paid a courtesy call on him at his palace in Yendi, were promised on the spur of the moment, given their absence in the party's manifesto.

"So, is it the case that the Vice President does not believe in the manifesto or he was not consulted such that he will be making promises outside the document?" he asked.

He said it was inappropriate for Dr Bawumia to abandon the manifesto, days after its launch, and resort to speaking outside it.

The opposition lawmaker said Dr Bawumias new promises also confirmed the NDC's stance that the NPP manifesto was inferior, rushed through and full of policies that the party does not fully commit to.

Mr Adongo said unlike the NPP, the NDC believes in its manifesto, which was launched on 7 September 2020, adding that it is a social contract between the party and the electorate and would, therefore, not propose policies that were alien to it.

He added that the party's manifesto was a reflection of the wishes of the people of Ghana, given that it was the outcome of an extensive consultation nationwide on the wishes and aspirations of the electorate under a new NDC administration.

The Executive Director of the Danquah Institute, Mr Richard Ahiagba, who was also on the show, said Dr Bawumia needed not to speak only to the NPPs 2020 manifesto.

He said the manifesto was a vision to which different policies could be anchored.

He said the proposed satellite campus of the UDS and the military airstrip in Yendi were two projects that the Vice President believed to be relevant although not captured in the manifesto.

---classfmonline
P olice have released an image of a man they want to speak after an "unprovoked" assault on a bus driver in south London which resulted in a serious eye injury.

The TfL employee was assaulted in Atkins Road, Lambeth, shortly before midday on July 20 when a man boarded the bus he was driving and began punching him in the face.

The 43-year-old driver was on a break at the time of the attack.

He was later treated for serious facial injuries in hospital.

Officers have established that a motorcyclist had earlier been involved in an altercation with the victim at a set of traffic lights.

PC Nick Kortright, from the Met Police's Roads and Policing Command (RTPC), said: This was a completely unprovoked attack which has left the victim with an eye injury. As a professional driver, this is clearly of significant concern to him.

I would urge anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV stills to contact us.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RTPC via 101 or tweet@MetCC.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 23:06:22|Editor: huaxia

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MUMBAI, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Indian information technology company Wipro plans to set up a digital innovation hub in Germany's Dusseldorf to serve as its flagship center in Europe, the Bengaluru-headquartered company said on Tuesday.

The digital innovation hub will aim to galvanize the adoption of new skills and technologies by companies to innovate and reimagine their products and services, improve operational efficiencies, and drive customer and employee delight, thereby transforming their ability to compete and thrive in the market.

According to the European Commission, only one out of five companies across the EU are highly digitalized. In addition, around 60 percent of large industries and over 90 percent of small and medium-sized enterprises lag in digital innovation, the company said in filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange.

"Wipro has built significant expertise around such Digital Hubs/Pods globally. Germany is an attractive destination for world-class talent and innovation, which we're excited and committed to harnessing in collaboration with our clients," said Barath Narayanan, head of Continental Europe at Wipro. Enditem
Mumbai, Sep 8 : Cinematographer PC Sreeram on Tuesday revealed he has rejected a film that features actress Kangana Ranaut in the lead role.

"Had to reject a film as it had Kangana Ranaut as the lead. Deep down I felt uneasy and explained my stand to the makers and they were understanding. Some times its only abt what feels right. Wishing them all the best," Sreeram tweeted: Sreeram has not mentioned the name of the film.

His tweet garnered mixed responses from social media users.

"Stay strong and tall sir. Social distancing with kangana is better for ur heath. no point in working with negative, venomous person," a user tweeted.

Another user wrote: "Good... the entire industry should take a stand against her vileness." There were negative comments, too.

"A very bad and unprofessional decision," a user commented.

"Sir, In this case you will have to quit working in any Bollywood movies since it's against public's collective ideology," another user slammed his decision.

Kangana, who has been openly accusing Bollywood of nepotism and favouritism towards star kids for a while now, recently said 99 per cent of the industry was addicted to drugs. She also said the current Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra has turned Mumbai into Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and compared their rule to Taliban. She has been provided Y-plus security ahead of her return to Mumbai on September 9 from hometown Manali.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
28 people have lost their lives when fighting intensified between Yemen's government forces and the Houthi group in the country's al-Jawf province. Out of the 28 people, 18 people belonged to the Houthi group and rest were members of the government forces. A local military official who chose to be anonymous was quoted by ANI saying that armed confrontations that began on late Sunday are still taking place between the government troops and the Houthi group over the control of key areas in al-Jawf province.

Read: Saudi Arabia's Top Military Commander And Son Removed From Posts

Yemen war intensifies

The official told ANI that the government forces wanted to get done with the Houthis from all the strategic areas in al-Jawf. He said, "The Houthis staged a stiff resistance and succeeded in impeding the progress of the government forces in al-Jawf til the moment. According to a local Yemeni military official Houthis had made progress on-ground and had also captured areas in the neighbouring oil-rich province of Marib. This is when Saudi Arabia intervened and carried out a series of airstrikes against the Houthi-led areas in al-Jawf and Marib provinces. The Saudi-led coalition reportedly intercepted and destroyed a remotely-controlled bomb-laden boat in the south of the Red Sea on August 30. Coalition spokesperson Colonel Turki al-Malki said that the Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) was launched by Iran-backed Houthis from Yemens port city of Hodeidah, according to Saudis state news agency SPA.

Read: Saudi-led Coalition In Yemen Destroys Bomb-laden Unmanned Boat In Red Sea: Report

The spokesperson reportedly accused Houthi militants of blatant violation of the international humanitarian law and the Stockholm Agreements ceasefire provisions. According to the SPA, the Joint Forces Command of the coalition claimed that the Houthis are using the port city as a ballistic-missile, bomb-laden UAV, USV launch site, and a point of indiscriminate deployment of naval mines. Over 100,000 people have lost their lives in the ongoing civil war and millions depend on international food aid, making it one of the biggest humanitarian crises. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had made an appeal for an immediate global ceasefire fearing a collapse of health systems in war-ravaged countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read: Boris Johnson Dials Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman To Discuss Trade, Yemen Crisis

Also Read: United Nations, Huthi Rebels At Impasse Over Stranded Oil Tanker Off Yemen Coast

(With imputs from ANI)

(Image Credits: ANI)
On Thursday, September 10, at 11:30, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency will host a press conference entitled "Presentation of Results of Sociological Research: National Rating of Political Parties, Security of Citizens, External Influence." Participants include political strategist, Director of Robotic Telesystems LLC Anton Sokolov; Call-center supervisor Viktoria Shmorhylo (8/5a Reitarska Street). The press conference will be broadcast on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Additional information by phone: (095) 178 9787.
Giorgio Aliberti, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam

How far have European technologies penetrated Vietnam, including technology transfer at the macro level and between businesses?

Openness to international trade is one of the most relevant and robust determinants of technology transfer. In order to successfully transfer technology and maintain sustainable economic growth, Vietnam has to invest in human capital.

I believe that by improving education and skill levels of workers while also enhancing their productivity, combined with a higher emphasis on research and development (R&D), the uptake of technologies from the EU could be facilitated. The protection of intellectual property (IP) rights is also important in this context.

How do you think the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and Investment Protection Agreement (EVFTA and EVIPA) will improve Vietnams chances to reorganise activities on investment and technology transfer?

The FTA can be seen as a crucial factor in triggering the necessary domestic reforms in Vietnam and thus contributing to a more stable and predictable environment, which can in return boost stronger foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, technology transfer, and know-how sharing.

Transparency, protection of IP rights, labour and working standards, as well as environmental commitments will improve the performance of Vietnams administration as well as the economy as a whole.

Today, we can say that Vietnam is laying solid foundations for the implementation of the EVFTA. In fact, it is fair to say that the country is currently undergoing a reform of almost every aspect of its legal framework and society.

How has investment and tech transfer from the EU into Vietnam fared so far?

The EU is the fifth-largest foreign investor in Vietnam. European investors are present in all sectors, industries, and provinces across the length and breadth of Vietnam.

The top three sectors for European investment are manufacturing ($8.4 billion), production and transmission of electricity ($5 billion), and real estate ($2.6 billion). In 2018, trade in goods between Vietnam and the EU was worth over 49 billion ($58 billion).

The main exports from the EU to Vietnam  amounting to around 11 billion ($13 billion)  include high-tech products such as electrical machinery and equipment, pharmaceuticals, aircraft, and vehicles.

Only a limited number of domestic businesses can take part in the supply chains of foreign-invested enterprises. How do you think this can be improved?

Vietnams integration in global value chains (GVCs) is still quite limited. Despite progress in attracting FDI, Vietnams overall performance appears to lag far behind its potential. Without FDI, integration into GVCs will likely remain just a plan.

The EVFTA fully covers FDI from the EU. Without integration into GVCs, the growth in trade will be limited at some stage. In this context, the biggest challenge will be whether the business communities of Vietnam and the EU can fully reap the benefits of the EVFTA. Already today, the added value  which is basically the wealth that remains in Vietnam  is higher from EU FDI created exports than from other investors.

From anecdotal evidence, we know that EU FDI uses much higher local content and connects with many more Vietnamese suppliers than typical investors from other countries. The critical challenge is to increase the awareness of companies on market access preferences and to check if they are entitled to under the FTA and what they should do to get those entitlements. We sometimes meet local companies and the impression is that they are keen on the FTA but they have not yet been proactive enough to engage in this exciting venture.

What do Vietnamese businesses need to do to be part of supply chains for foreign-invested enterprises?

The EU-Vietnam partnership, especially the EVFTA and EVIPA, will support Vietnam in participating in GVCs. The EVFTA is expected to increase the exports of Vietnam to the EU by about 42.7 per cent by 2025 and 44.37 per cent by 2030 compared to a scenario without the EVFTA.

The total exports of Vietnam to the world are also expected to rise by about 5.2-8.2 per cent on average in the first five years of the FTAs implementation, about 11-15 per cent in the next five-year period, and about 18-22 per cent in the following five years. It can be expected that because of the EVFTA, Vietnam will attract foreign investors and will be subject to thorough reforms, which may improve the business environment.

Broad and in-depth commitments on investment via the agreement will help Vietnam continuously renovate its economic structure, improve its institution and business environment, and facilitate EU investors to do business in Vietnam.

This will boost FDI inflows from the EU to Vietnam in the coming time. It can also be predicted that the EVFTA and EVIPA would attract high-quality investment inflows from advanced economies when Vietnam opens its market of goods and services more for European enterprises. This will create new impetus for FDI inflows.
The ambassadors of the EU member states will prolong on September 9 the restrictive measures against Russia for another six months for undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reporter Rikard Jozwiak has said.

"EU ambassadors will tomorrow green light the visa bans and asset freezes on 175 ppl and 44 entities that the block believes have undermined the territorial integrity of Ukraine," he wrote on Twitter.

Jozwiak added that the sanctions would be rolled over for six months as usual.

The EU imposed sanctions on Russia in March 2014 in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and the violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity. Since then, the sanctions have been repeatedly extended and the list of persons and entities under restrictive measures has been expanded. Restrictive measures include the freezing of financial assets in EU countries and restrictions on entry into the EU by persons on the sanctions list.
(HealthDay)The number of Americans using electronic cigarettes is soaring, especially among youth, a new study finds.

Nearly 14 million U.S. adults vaped in 2018, up from just over 11 million adults in 2016. The increase was seen in all socioeconomic groups, the researchers found.

"An increasing number of individuals are using e-cigarettes, especially in the younger age groups, which suggests that more individuals are becoming addicted to e-cigarettes rather than just experimenting with them, making the increased uptake among tobacco-naive individuals even more concerning," said lead researcher Dr. Olufunmilayo Obisesan. She's a postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, in Baltimore.

"The increase in e-cigarette use among individuals with other health-risk behaviors is also concerning, particularly in light of the outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injuries that has been linked to the vaping of tetrahydrocannabinoids [THC]," she said. THC is the main mind-altering ingredient found in marijuana.

Between 2016 and 2018, young adults aged 18 to 24 years old were the fastest-growing population to start using e-cigarettes. E-cigarette use in that age group increased from 9% in 2016 to 15% in 2018, and use among students increased from 6% in 2016 to 12% in 2018.

E-cigarette use even increased among people who had never smoked traditional cigarettesfrom more than 1.4% in 2016 to 2.3% in 2018, the findings showed.

Also, people who were into other risky behaviorssuch as drinking alcohol and smoking marijuanawere more likely to use e-cigarettes, the study authors said.

For the study, the researchers collected data on more than one million Americans who took part in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for 2016 to 2018.

"Increase in e-cigarette use among adults in the U.S., particularly daily use, is reflective of the addictive potential of e-cigarettes," Obisesan said. "This is very important to note, particularly for the youth and for individuals who currently use or are considering using them as a means of experimentation."

The report was published online Sept. 8 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Stanton Glantz, a professor of medicine at the Center for Tobacco Control, Research and Education at the University of California, San Francisco, said the increase in e-cigarette use is troubling because the health risks of e-cigarettes are similar to the risks linked to traditional cigarettes.

"I think there's some things that are pretty clear nowone is in terms of lung disease. E-cigarettes are about as bad as cigarettesyou're still breathing in ultrafine particles, heavy metals and flavors that have high pulmonary toxicity," he said.

Glantz also pointed out that the damage e-cigarettes can cause in the lungs may also make COVID-19 infections more severe.

E-cigarette use has also been tied to an increased risk of heart disease, and in animal experiments, to cancer and DNA damage, he added.

The bottom line for Glantz is that e-cigarettes aren't safe alternatives to regular cigarettes and often lead to dual use.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has the power to regulate e-cigarettes, and they could actually ban them, Glantz said.

"The FDA can simply say, we're not going to allow these products to be sold," he said. "In order to sell e-cigarettes in the United States, you need to have what's called a marketing order. If the FDA doesn't grant a marketing order, then the product can't be sold. If the product can't be legally sold, that will solve the problem."

Copyright  2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) receives the token of the AIPA 41 Chairmanship from Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand Chuan Leekpai, Chair of AIPA 40, on August 29, 2019 (Photo: VNA)



According to Chairwoman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, the success of AIPA Year and AIPA 41 will contribute pragmatically to advancing the AIPA-ASEAN partnership and enhancing coordination in action between the legislative and executive channels, thus pushing ahead with the building of an ASEAN Community of peace, stability, safety, prosperity, and happiness.

In an article published prior to AIPA 41, slated for September 8-9, Ngan highlighted the significance of the year 2020, with Vietnam simultaneously serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC), the ASEAN Chair, and the AIPA Chair.

This allows Vietnam to continue affirming its role, position, and prestige in the international arena, she said. It also requires the country to make more contributions to maintaining peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and the world at large.

Themed Parliamentary Diplomacy for a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community, AIPA 41 will be held as a teleconference for the first time.

AIPA 41 and activities in the AIPA Year have demonstrated the Vietnamese legislatures responsibility and practical contributions to AIPA, while helping to strengthen solidarity and lead joint efforts so that AIPA can assist ASEAN in building the ASEAN Community, Ngan emphasised.

Central tasks now lie in overcoming the adverse impact of COVID-19, maintaining economic development, and ensuring social welfare for all, she said.

Recalling the 43-year history of AIPA, Ngan said it has become an open and useful forum where regional parliaments and parliamentarians can exchange views and candidly discuss issues of shared concern.

The enhanced mutual understanding, respect, and trust have helped build a firm foundation for regional cooperation, she continued.

AIPA attaches great importance to intensifying its collaboration with partners outside the ASEAN, she went on, saying that since 1979, the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organisation (AIPO - the predecessor of AIPA) has established dialogue mechanisms with the parliaments of Australia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (RoK).

AIPA has now set up annual dialogue mechanisms with 12 observer member parliaments from Australia, Belarus, Canada, China, the EU, India, Japan, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, the RoK, Russia, and Timor-Leste.

Regarding Vietnams AIPA membership over the last 25 years, Ngan said the country has proven itself to be an active, proactive, and responsible member, adding that it has fully participated in activities within AIPA while contributing many result-oriented ideas and initiatives in order to revamp the organisation and the operations and agenda of AIPO/AIPA, and promoting the role of AIPO/AIPA as well as its connectivity with ASEAN in addressing regional issues.

In security and politics, the Vietnamese legislature has upheld the significance of solidarity among regional countries and affirmed the key principles in building the ASEAN Community for peace, stability, and prosperity on the basis of solidarity, unity, observance of international law, and respect for the legitimate interests of each other, in harmony with the groupings interests.

In the economic arena, Vietnam has called on AIPA member parliaments to increase domestic legal reviews in an effort to remove trade and investment barriers and ensure transparent and effective mechanisms, for a dynamic and integrated ASEAN.

As for social affairs, Ngan said, Vietnam has contributed to and co-sponsored resolutions on gender equality, womens empowerment, and support for people with disabilities, for sustainable environment in AIPA.

The country has also proposed many initiatives to promote the role of women in general and female parliamentarians in particular.

Notably, the NA has been one of the most active members in boosting the AIPA-ASEAN relationship, with marked initiatives.

Ngan said AIPA 41 takes place in the context of ASEAN working hard towards the goal of cohesion and to affirm its centrality in maintaining peace, stability, and development in Southeast Asia.

ASEAN countries are also making efforts to contain the pandemic and materialise policy packages in order to enhance post-pandemic economic recovery, maintain commitments to opening trade and investment, connect supply chains, ensure food security, prevent economic downturn, and ensure social welfare.

At the same time, countries are grappling with a host of difficulties and challenges, including the adverse impact of COVID-19, Ngan said, pointing to the rapid and unexpected changes in the global situation, and policy adjustments and relations among powers tending to influence peace, security, cooperation, and development in the region.

Hot spots such as the East Sea and new political developments in certain countries will also impact ASEANs centrality in maintaining peace and stability in the region, she added.

Given this, Vietnam, in its capacity as the AIPA Chair, will do its best to ensure the success of the activities in AIPA Year and AIPA 41, Ngan pledged./.
NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) today announced that its Power and Energy business was named Renewable Energy Lead Arranger of the Year by Power Finance & Risk, a top publication covering the energy project finance industry.

CIT's Power and Energy business was selected by the Power Finance & Risk editorial team based on its independent research and industry insights. The award is granted for excellence and innovation while serving as lead arranger in financing renewable energy projects for a variety of clients, the magazine said.

"We are honored to receive this Renewable Energy Lead Arranger of the Year Award in recognition of CIT's expertise and agility in supporting clients in leading financings for clean energy projects across the U.S.," said David Harnisch, president of CIT's Commercial Finance division, which includes the Power and Energy group.

"In recent years, our Power and Energy team has done exceptional work in leading financings for some of the biggest and most innovative renewable power projects in the nation," said Mike Lorusso, who leads Power and Energy as managing director and group head. "We're proud to receive this recognition from Power Finance & Risk, itself a recognized leader in the field.

"We look forward to continuing to serve our clients with the financing they need to develop renewable power generation, support economic development and create a cleaner, more sustainable environment for everyone," Lorusso added.

CIT consistently ranks among the top banks in leading financing for U.S. power and renewables projects, according to league tables compiled by Inframation, an Acuris company.

Earlier this year, CIT received a Stevie American Business award for achievement in banking management in recognition of its continuing success in financing renewable power projects and utility-scale battery storage projects across the U.S.

Power and Energy, part of CIT's Commercial Finance division, leverages its deep industry knowledge and expertise to offer comprehensive financing solutions for renewable and conventional power generation. The unit manages a large, diverse portfolio that includes investments in all asset classes across the energy sector.

About CIT

CIT is a leading national bank focused on empowering businesses and personal savers with the financial agility to navigate their goals. CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) is a financial holding company with over a century of experience and operates a principal bank subsidiary, CIT Bank, N.A. (Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender). The company's commercial banking segment includes commercial financing, community association banking, middle market banking, equipment and vendor financing, factoring, railcar financing, treasury and payments services, and capital markets and asset management. CIT's consumer banking segment includes a national direct bank and regional branch network. Discover more at cit.com/about.

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Rhea Chakraborty has been sent to 14-day judicial custody, who was arrested today in a drug case by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Rhea has been remanded for 14-day judicial custody. Her bail application has also been rejected. Rhea has been asked to approach the Sessions Court with her bail plea.

The development comes after Mutha Ashok Jain, Deputy Director-General, South-Western region, NCB, on Tuesday told the reporters that they don't need her custody remand and will seek judicial custody. "We are not asking for her custody remand as whatever we wanted to cross with her, we have done already," Mutha Ashok Jain said.

NCB To Oppose Rhea Chakraborty's Bail Plea

Shortly before presenting Rhea Chakraborty before the magistrate court, the NCB has confirmed that they will oppose her bail plea if filed. "Whatever she has told us during interrogation is sufficient for her arrest. We will be opposing all bail petitions. Persons in NCB custody presently, 4 of them, their remanding plea is ending tomorrow. We will be opposing all bail pleas. We are satisfied with the interrogation," Dy DG Jain told media on Tuesday evening.

Ankita Lokhande reacts to Rhea Chakraborty's arrest, says 'You create your own fate'

Rhea slapped with 5 NDPS Sections

The NCB has arrested the Bollywood actor under sections 8(c), 20(b), 27A, 28 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS). As per sources, on Day 3 of her interrogation by the NCB, Rhea Chakraborty admitted that she was consuming not just marijuana, but also hard drugs.

As per top sources, the actor had earlier admitted procuring drugs along with her brother Showik, who has also been arrested by NCB. In her latest statement to the NCB, Rhea stated that she was consuming chemicals or hard drugs, apart from marijuana, as per sources.

Rhea Chakraborty's 2009 'narcotic' tweet goes viral after her NCB arrest; Netizens react

Among the other highlights of Rhea's confession to the NCB has been that she took the names of Bollywood stars who were consuming drugs, as she was confronted about the links to these names. As per top sources, she has also spoken about the parties where such drugs were consumed. `
David French has an active imagination.

Looking into the near future, the former National Review staff writer sees California banning private ownership of guns. This leads an embittered rancher to ambush four police officers.

In another near future, he envisions the end of the filibuster in a Democratic-majority U.S. Senate and the packing of the Supreme Court, causing Republican state legislatures to criminalize enforcement of what they deem unconstitutional [federal] statutes within state boundaries.

The result in both fictional scenarios, as he outlines in his new (mostly) nonfiction book, Divided We Fall: Americas Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation: The United States violently splits apart, spinning off into a handful of independent nations.

The subtitle of Frenchs book makes clear that he doesnt want to see the U.S. break up. The contents of the book, however, suggest he believes its inevitable. In fact, in laying out why the threat of secession exists (and by offering no concrete solutions), he makes the case that Americans would be better off living on a continent made up of many smallish nations rather than a big one where a single federal authority stretches from sea to shining sea.

Were all familiar with the red and blue American maps, he writes. Most Americans live in a state thats either solidly Republican or solidly Democratic, and its not just the states that are unified around a single political party. Consider the growth of the so-called landslide county, a county that one party or the other wins by at least 20 points. In 1992 only 38 percent of American voters lived in a landslide county. In 2016 that number hit a record 60 percent.

French points out that a break-up of the country could happen in a logical geographic manner: the West Coast states and the New England states would make cohesive nations, respectively, on their own. California, Oregon and Washington, he notes, would challenge Germany for the worlds fourth-largest economy. Needless to say, the Old South states also could make a sensible independent nation. The only question is where some of the border states would go. Would Idaho, Nevada and Arizona want to be part of the progressive West Coast behemoth, or would they prefer to join up with what would be a vast but economically limited conservative nation sweeping across the Great Plains? And what about the handful of real-life purple states out there, like Colorado and Wisconsin?

An illustrator outlines the secession debate in the run-up to the Civil War. (Library of Congress)

Moving into his conclusion, French doubles down on the litany of reasons hes already given for the partisanship-warped U.S. heading for a crack-up.

So, is there hope for tolerance to break out? he writes.  Will cultural antibodies emerge to save the body politic from the disease of negative polarization? Frankly, Im not optimistic. In part its because the tolerance thats indispensable to pluralism requires a degree of political and moral courage, and in modern America that kind of courage is in short supply.

This sure sounds like an argument for secession. And why not? Without question, a lot more Americans would end up being happy with their federal government if the United States broke up into, say, five independent countries. A lot fewer Americans would have to put up with public policies and federal court decisions they dont like.

This is not a new viewpoint. Indeed, its been increasingly popular in recent years. Columbia Law School professor Bernard Harcourt, for one, argued in 2018 that Americans diametrically opposed positions on core issues like health care, guns and immigration mean the union should not continue. The cleavages between these different values and views of society have simply become too deep, he wrote. There is no longer good reason for some to impose their set of values on others.

But even if our current tattered state of the nation makes secession appear reasonable, that doesnt make Harcourts view -- or David Frenchs new book -- relevant. Our failure so far to develop cultural antibodies, as French puts it, will mean continued political dysfunction in the years ahead, probably more violence as well. But its highly unlikely it will mean secession.

The reason: The U.S. Constitution provides no provision for it. A constitutional amendment probably would be necessary to allow any state or states to go their own way. And despite all of the heated differences in this large, diverse country, there are simply too many persuasive reasons out there that would keep a majority of our elected representatives from allowing states to leave. (Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell from federally dependent Kentucky, for example, might love the idea of having Californias political power removed from the scene, but he doesnt want to see its economic power go.)

French, a Harvard-trained lawyer and old-school conservative, is better served when he focuses on one of the key reasons Americans have become so divided: cable news and the internet. He points out that Fox News and the rest of the right-wing media hook their audience through a very deliberate strategy of counterprogramming the mainstream media. Thus the most minor bits of cultural effluvia -- holidays cups at Starbucks, say -- can become sources of outrage, pushing Americans ever deeper into warring camps.

This isnt about values or reasoned ideology. Its about making money -- and celebrities. Such is the power of Fox fame, French writes, that Ive seen with my own eyes conservative leaders alter their message and public priorities in response to Foxs demands.

All of this money making and fame grabbing by media-driven partisans on both sides comes at a price. The entrenched divisiveness undercuts both Americas economy as a whole and its influence in the wider world.

A house divided against itself cannot stand, Abraham Lincoln said in 1858 as the U.S. hurtled toward the Civil War. Thats still true. But more than 150 years after Lincoln uttered those words, the United States isnt going to cease to exist. It could, however, become increasingly weak and poor.

Divided We Fall: Americas Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation

St. Martins Press

$28.99

-- Douglas Perry

dperry@oregonian.com

@douglasmperry

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
The presidential election is less than two months away but before Americans cast their ballots, Republican nominee President Donald Trump will face Democrat Joe Biden in a series of debates.

Three presidential debates are planned with one additional event for vice presidential candidates Mike Pence and Kamala Harris.

The first presidential debate is planned for Tuesday, Sept. 29 in Cleveland. The second debate is set for Oct. 15 in Miami. The third presidential debate is Oct. 22 in Nashville.

Debates will be held from 8-9:30 p.m. CST with no commercial interruptions.

The first debate will be hosted by Chris Wallace of Fox News. Steve Scully of C-Span will moderate the second debate with NBCs Kristen Welker will host the final event. The vice-presidential debate, planned for Salt Lake City, Utah, will be moderated by USA Todays Susan Page.

At the first debate, topics will be selected by Wallace with six segments of approximately 15 minutes each. The segments will start with a question with each candidate given 2 minutes to respond. Wallace is no stranger to presidential debates, moderating the third debate between Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016.

The U.S. election is set for Nov. 3.
The Oregon Department of Corrections on Tuesday evacuated an estimated 1,400 inmates from three state prisons in Marion County in response to wildfires threatening the region.

The agency confirmed the evacuations from Mill Creek, Santiam and Oregon State Correctional Institutions. The men are being moved to the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem. Oregon Department of Corrections officials said prisoners will be housed in emergency beds at the state penitentiary and will be kept with people from their home institution whenever possible.

The prisons that were evacuated were in potential danger due to the growing threat posed by the Santiam and Lionshead wildfires.

Agency spokeswoman Jennifer Black issued a statement saying state corrections officials are working with the Oregon State Police and the fire marshal and will take any necessary action to safeguard our institutions and the people who work and live there.

Its really amazing to me how much our employees and our adults in custody have been through over the last several weeks, said Black in an interview. Everything from not being able to see their loved ones for months and months on end to having to wear masks while working and living in the institutions and now dropping everything and moving institutions because of the fire.

The three prisons that are being evacuated are located around the Salem area.

Gov. Kate Brown has declared a wildfire emergency in Oregon, where fire in the Santiam Canyon forced evacuations and wildfires elsewhere sent thick smoke across western Oregon, from Mount Hood to Lincoln County.

According to the governor, the Santiam fire, along with the Lionshead fire, have burned an estimated 200,000 acres so far.

Earlier Tuesday, Marion County commissioners declared a state of emergency as frightening videos show structures burning in Mill City.

The evacuations also come as state corrections officials deal with the threat of coronavirus, which so far is linked to six deaths and nearly 1,000 cases among inmates and staff.

-- Noelle Crombie; ncrombie@oregonian.com; 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie

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AUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / The Texas A&M University System has awarded Fetii Inc a systemwide contract to utilize Fetii's technology this fall. The software solution developed by Fetii Inc helps give smart campuses the ability to reopen and stay open by limiting COVID-19 outbreaks.

Fetii accomplishes this by utilizing QR scanning technology, an IOS/Android application and a management system to provide contact tracing and communication solutions. Fetii allows universities to have control of their campus without sacrificing the privacy of their students, faculty, staff, and guests. The partnership spans to all 11 universities, eight state agencies and the systems office.

With Fetii, administrators are given a tech solution for many of their COVID-19 operational concerns.

"Our technology gives institutions the tools they require to maintain student safety and prevent campus closures," Fetii Inc Co-CEO Matthew Iommi said. "If Susan, a student at a university, tests positive for COVID-19, then an administrator or contact tracer can enter her name into the Fetii management system. The system will then display what locations Susan has checked in to within a given time period as well as the students, faculty and guests that were in those locations at the same time. The contact tracer can then group the students, faculty and guests that have been exposed to the virus and send out a push notification to their Fetii app explaining they may have been in contact with the virus. All of this is done with Fetii and is contactless."

Without Fetii, contact-tracing teams have difficulty reaching students and acquiring the information necessary to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks.

"Many times, students, faculty members and guests won't answer a contact tracer's call due to the uncertainty and inconvenience of an unknown number and phone call," Iommi said. "There are many reports from contact-tracing teams confirming this. If they do answer and comply, most of them will not remember all the buildings, rooms, vehicles, labs, etc., that they have been in  let alone the exact time and who was in there with them. With Fetii, these obstacles to student safety are solved."

Fetii Inc, based out of Austin with offices in Texas and California, has garnered the attention of many as the turnkey solution to COVID-19 contact tracing and communication logistics. With Fetii, educational institutions such as Texas A&M are also able to utilize Fetii's contactless QR scanning technology to keep track of capacity limits for vehicles and designated locations.

Iommi and co-CEO Justin Rath are advocates of privacy, a hot topic when discussing contact-tracing solutions.

"We didn't like what we were seeing in terms of contact-tracing solutions," Rath said. "One big issue that kept coming up was the issue of privacy. While most options out there are using your phone's wireless technology to keep track of your every movement and connect with phones around you, Fetii uses QR check-ins that don't overstep on anyone's privacy or liberties."

The Texas A&M System is only the latest institution to adopt Fetii for their fall 2020 reopening, Fetii has also begun preliminary discussions with The University of Texas System. This partnership will give The Texas A&M System key tools to help ensure the safety of their students and the prevention of any COVID-19 outbreaks this fall.

About Fetii Inc

Fetii Inc is an American technology company that utilizes UPC scanning tech to deliver software solutions to both businesses and consumers. Our cloud-based management system and multi-platform app deliver user-friendly solutions that create great experiences and streamline operations. For more information, visit: www.fetii.com.

Contact Information:

Fetii

info@fetii.com

https://www.fetii.com/

SOURCE: Fetii Inc

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/605183/Texas-AM-System-Fetii-Inc-Take-On-COVID-19-With-Systemwide-Partnership
An economist has cast doubt on the actualisation of both the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifestoes should they win the upcoming elections.



Prof Godfred Bokpin in an interview on Joy FMs Top Story Tuesday, noted that the economy has been badly affected by the current Covid-19 crisis, therefore, raising resources and funds to achieve the numerous promises listed by both parties will be difficult.



The manifestoes didnt recognise Covid-19 that these are unusual times that we are talking about Ghanas economy where recovery now will go beyond three years. We are not talking about growth post Covid-19 and all of that.



So I see a big disconnect between the reality on the ground right now and the medium term outlook and the manifestoes we are considering right now, he stated.



His comments come after NDCs flagbearer, John Mahama together with his running mate, Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang and some top NDC officials highlighted their policies and initiatives should they win the December polls.



In the 143 page document titled The Peoples Manifesto, the NDC pledged at least 18 free items across all sectors.



There was mention free primary healthcare, tertiary education to persons with a disability, seedlings for cocoa farmers under agriculture among others.



But commenting on the NDCs Big Push agenda that is to invest $10 billion in infrastructure, education and agriculture, Prof Bokpin said the countrys debt stock will rise.



This, he argued, will retrogress the growth of the economy post Covid-19.



When you go through the entire manifesto and there is very little effort at demonstrating how the money will be accumulated to finance this without adding to the public debt stock.



The NDC must come clearly and demonstrate bearing in mind the challenges we have right now and the outlook for the next three to four years and how this promises sits within this. Until then, I think we do not have anything to discuss, he said.



But responding to the economist, the NDC parliamentary candidate for Abura Asebu Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu said Mr Mahama is committed to using internal means to generate revenue for the $10 billion Big Push agenda.



I dont think that the impression should be created that merely because we have Covid-19, we are going to stop collecting revenue, or we are no longer going to benefit from oil revenue as a country.



What will happen is that government is going to readjust its priorities and cut down on non-critical consumption related expenditure.

Source: Myjoyonline.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.

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New GPS tracking data from 45 million cell phones in the US shows that stay-at-home orders slowed the spread of COVID-19 by three-fold.

The amount of time it took for the number of US coronavirus cases to double was stretched from less than two days to six after more Americans started moving less, University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found.

As the pandemic took off across the US, 42 states issued stay-at-home orders or advisories in a desperate attempt to slow the spread of the virus.

Much of the country protested the measures as draconian and prohibitive to businesses.

The US economy did indeed reel from sudden sea-change, millions lost their jobs, but the new study leaves little doubt that keping Americans home also kept them safe from infection and reduced the number of coronavirus cases.

A clear 'flattening' of the epidemic curve occurred after stay-at-home orders (blue), as measured by the time it took for COVID-19 case numbers to double, University of Wisconsin-Madison research found

At the height of the coronavirus pandemic in the US, the number of new infections nationwide doubled in single week.

In just 6.5 days between March 31 and April 7, the US added 35,000 new cases.

When New York City was the worldwide epicenter of the pandemic, the number of cases in New York state was doubling every two days, as of March 30.

By the second week of April, the number of cases in the city was still rising fairly steeply, but it took eight days for the tally to double.

It was the first glimmer of hope that Governor Andrew Cuomo's stay-at-home order and intense lockdown of the state was was working.

According to the new study, published in JAMA Network Open, cases in New York were doubling every 1.8 days, on average, prior to the March 20 stay-home order.

After the order, it took an average of 6.4 days for the number of cases in the state to double (up until the end of the study period, April 10).

By April 10, more than 460,000 Americans had tested positive for coronavirus, but after stay-at-home orders, the time it took for cases to double increased from less than three days to six

During that period, the average daily distance travelled by cell phones fell from 2.01 km to 0.04 km per day.

Instead, New Yorkers spent 118.7 minutes longer at home each day, compared to before they were ordered to stay home.

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.

After stay-at-home orders or advisories were issued in 42 states, the distance Americans traveled decreased (top) and their time at home increased (bottom)

The time it took for case numbers to double in the state stretched from 3.3 days to 5.3 days over the course of the study. The difference may have been less dramatic because the order was issued so early, heading off exponential case increases.

But in the months that followed, 41 other states enacted measures similar to California's.

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.
Romania's Prime Minister Ludovic Orban had a meeting in Bucharest on Tuesday with visiting Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, extending a message of support for Ukraine's democratic course and aspirations for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, as well as for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to a press statement released by the government, Orban expressed the expectation that Ukraine will pay due attention to the protection and promotion of the identity rights of persons belonging to the Romanian minority in Ukraine.

The two officials also discussed economic co-operation, including prospects for a new session of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Industrial and Technical-Scientific Cooperation, as well as ways to expand connectivity projects between the two countries, with emphasis on expanding the existing networks of border crossing points.

In his turn, Kuleba voiced gratitude for the support provided by Romania, including among the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and underlined Ukraine's readiness to be actively involved in solving the problems on the bilateral agenda, as well as in advancing co-operation between the two countries.
NEW DELHI: Despite the ongoing border dispute with China, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will attend the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) which is scheduled to be held in Moscow on September 9-10.

Accordng to news agency ANI, the External Affairs Ministry said on Tuesday, It will be the 3rd CFM meeting that India will be attending as a full member of SCO. Earlier two meetings were held in Beijing (China) on April 23-24, 2018 & Bishkek (Kyrgyz Republic) on May 21-22, 2019, EAM said in a statement.

The Council of Foreign Ministers meeting comes at a time when India and China are at the loggerheads over the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

In the latest turn of events, China has accused India of crossing the LAC and its troops of firing warning shots near Pangong Tso lake in Eastern Ladakh  a claim rejected by the Indian side.

Spokesperson of China's Western Theater Command, Colonel Zhang Shiuli, said that India, while acting provocative, illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake. He said that during the operation, the Indian Army opened fire and threatened our soldiers.

China further accused India of severely violated agreements between the two sides and blamed that it is working towards increase regional tensions, calling it an act of provocation that leads to misunderstandings.

Zhang Shuili urged the Indian side to stop this dangerous game immediately and asked the Indian soldiers to return to their border. Along with this, investigate the matter and take action against the soldiers who opened fire so that such an incident does not happen again.

China's government mouthpiece, the Global Times reported the incident writing, ''The #Indian army again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake on Monday, #PLA Western Theater Command spokesperson revealed.''

As per ANI, an incident of firing took place on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Eastern Ladakh sector where troops of India and China have been engaged in a stand-off for over three months.

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.

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.
Police detained a minor minor boy in Madhya Pradeshs Indore city for allegedly killing a minor girl in his neighbourhood, police said on Monday.

According to police, the boy allegedly killed the girl as he was infuriated after the girl allegedly killed his pet mouse and beat him in games on the phone.

As per preliminary investigation, the girl went out of her flat to collect flowers nearby this afternoon. When she didnt return her father went out and spotted her body. Her head was smashed, Indore deputy inspector general (DIG) of police Harinarayanchari Mishra said.

The girl was a student of class 5 and the boy, class 6.

The boy was taken into custody after a police team spoke with several children in the area and examined the CCTV footage of the apartment. The girl was last seen with him. A boy told the police team that he had seen the boy returning and blood stains on his hands and clothes. During questioning the boy confessed to have committed the crime, Mishra said.

The boy told the police team that the girl was his friend but what angered him often was her defeating him in games on their mobile phones and other games. A few days back, she killed his pet white mouse. This infuriated him and he killed the girl to take a revenge on her, Mishra added.

However, the elder sister of the deceased girl said, We cant believe that the boy killed my sister on such petty issue like defeat in games and killing of the pet mouse. Police should investigate the murder seriously as there might be involvement of some adult person too in the crime.

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With face masks on and shovels in hand, the Manitoba Metis Federation broke ground last week on an affordable housing project in Portage la Prairie, a growing city where the organization foresees high demand for quality residential options in the years to come.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 8/9/2020 (500 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With face masks on and shovels in hand, the Manitoba Metis Federation broke ground last week on an affordable housing project in Portage la Prairie, a growing city where the organization foresees high demand for quality residential options in the years to come.

"Portage has always been on our radar," said Will Goodon, the MMFs minister of housing and property management. Not only does the city have a quickly expanding agro-business scene, but it also has a vibrant Metis community, Goodon said. According to the 2016 census, the city had 875 Metis residents, amounting to nearly seven per cent of the total population.

The development will consist of a two-storey triplex intended for family use, with three bedrooms in each unit, and a pair of duplexes built specifically for senior citizens, all on a previously empty lot on Willow Bay. The 1,050 square-foot duplex units will have two bedrooms and will be fully accessible, with features like ramps and wider door frames to ease access.

Two of the triplex units will be 1,145 square feet, with the third planned to be 1,025 square feet. Each unit will have two bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a parking stall, a storage locker, an open concept kitchen, and a laundry room. Construction begins in the coming weeks, and is expected to be finished by early 2021, and the project is budgeted at $1.8 million.

Each building will be classified as affordable housing units, with rents coming in well below market rates, Goodon said. For the seniors housing, the MMF will subsidize part of the rent.

MMF Manitoba Metis Federation, Minister of Housing and Property Management, Will Goodon.

To bring the development from concept to reality, Goodon said the city council were extremely helpful. In an MMF release, Portage la Prairie Mayor Irvine Ferris welcomed the investment.

"This new housing project is important to not only the Portage Local of the MMF, but this neighbourhood and this entire city," Ferris said at the groundbreaking. "The Metis people were instrumental in establishing our community over 100 years ago, and they continue to build our city today."

For now, the project will be called the Willow Bay Development, Goodon said, but eventually, the goal is to find a name that reflects local Metis history, similar to the MMFs recently opened seniors housing in St. Laurent.

MMF Duplex units for seniors will feature ramps and wider door frames for full accessibility.

That project  called the Frank Bruce Metis Seniors Complex, in honour of a Metis veteran  had its ribbon-cutting earlier this summer, bringing nine seniors units and a small community hall to the community. Even before an application was sent out for residency, the complex had a waiting list, Goodon said. Its since reached full occupancy.

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The Frank Bruce complex and the Willow Bay development are just a small sampling of the MMFs recent housing projects around the province, but are the first local projects to draw funding from the federal Metis Nation Housing Sub-Accord, signed in 2018.

The accord amended earlier Indigenous housing funding to include the Metis Nation, setting aside a total of $500 million to be divvied up between different jurisdictions for residential projects over the next decade. Of that total, $125 million was earmarked for the MMF.

MMF The two-storey triplex units for families will feature three bedrooms.

Goodon said the MMF has several plans in the works for more housing developments, which will hopefully be announced in the near future. In addition to the project in Portage, the MMF is also moving forward with construction plans for a six-unit affordable housing project in St. Boniface; it was supposed to begin earlier this summer, but was caught up by some red tape, Goodon said.

Hes hopeful the project in Portage will have a smooth start after last weeks ground breaking.

"Portage la Prairie represents the Metis Nation so well," he said. "It fit our immediate plans to build on the short term, and this was (a project) we are excited to jump into with both feet."

ben.waldman@freepress.mb.ca
In the past, our reports raising questions about the accuracy of COVID-19 tests have been met with accusations of 'fearmongering' and spreading 'misinformation'.

But not today.

That's because new research from the University of Oxfords Center for Evidence-Based Medicine and the University of the West of England has found that the swab-based technique used for most COVID-19 testing is at risk of returning "false positives" since copies of the virus's RNA detected by the tests might simply be dead, inactive material from a weeks-old infection. Although patients infected with COVID-19 are typically only infectious for a week or less, tests can be triggered by virus genetic material left over from a weeks-old infection.

The team's research involved analyzing 25 studies on the widely used polymerase chain reaction test. PCR tests use material collected with a swab - the most common type of test around the world, and especially in the US - then utilize a "genetic photocopying" technique that allows scientists to magnify the small sample of genetic material collected, which they can then analyze for signs of viral RNA.

What the researchers here have effectively found is that these PCR tests just aren't sensitive enough to distinguish if the viral material is active and infectious, or dead and inert.

For those who desire a more comprehensive understanding of how these tests work, the chart below can be helpful.

Professor Carl Heneghan, one of the authors of the study, said there was a risk that a surge in testing across the UK was increasing the risk of this sample contamination occurring and it may explain why the number of Covid-19 cases is rising but the number of deaths is static.

"Evidence is mounting that a good proportion of new mild cases and people re-testing positives after quarantine or discharge from hospital are not infectious, but are simply clearing harmless virus particles which their immune system has efficiently dealt with," he told the Spectator.

Professor Heneghan added that international scrutiny might be required to avoid "the dangers of isolating non-infectious people or whole communities."
SINGAPORE  Shares of Chinese bottled water giant Nongfu Spring closed 54% above their issue price on the first day of trading in Hong Kong, after soaring as high as 85% at the open.

The stock opened at 39.80 Hong Kong dollars per share ($5.14) on Tuesday before ending the session at 33.1 Hong Kong dollars. Its initial public offering was priced at 21.50 Hong Kong dollars, allowing the company to raise around $1.1 billion.

Dickie Wong, executive director of Kingston Securities, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" that Nongfu Spring was "one of the hottest IPO ever" in the history of Hong Kong's stock market. He pointed out that the IPO was oversubscribed by 1,148 times.

Wong explained that investors are interested in the stock not only for its "fundamentals or its very high profit margin." He added that there has been a general lack of investment opportunity given that valuations of many stocks  especially technology or internet companies  are high.

"So investors think (participating) in a new IPO is always the best strategy," he said.

Investors have also been turning to stocks as interest rates globally remain low, said Fraser Howie, an independent analyst.

"Ultimately, half the world is operating on negative rates and half of the rest of them is operating on zero rates, and governments keep printing money," he told CNBC's "Street Signs Asia."

"The world is awash with money, Chinese stocks are hot," he added.
Hong Kong recorded just three locally transmitted coronavirus cases on Tuesday, including two detected by the ongoing citywide testing scheme.

In total six cases were confirmed  the lowest daily figure since July 3 when the city reported five infections  taking the overall tally to 4,895. That came as officials revealed that from Friday more social-distancing measures would be eased and the cap on public gatherings raised to four people.

But Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan, head of the Centre for Health Protections communicable disease branch, warned the public not to lower their guard.

Any social gatherings may lead to [a] rebound if we are not careful enough to maintain a certain extent of social distancing, hygiene and masks, she said.

Chuang revealed that an outbreak at an industrial building in Tai Wai was growing, with one more case identified, bringing the number of infections in the cluster to 10.

The latest case was a 50-year-old cleaner who worked on all floors of the Transport City Building.

Shes asymptomatic so I think theres [danger] because we dont know when she got the disease, but according to our existing protocol, the risk of her transmitting the disease to other persons since September 5 [her last day at work] is not high, Chuang said.

The other three new cases were imported, involving arrivals from Ukraine and the Philippines.

Of the two patients found through the citywide screening programme, one was a close family contact of previously confirmed cases, and the other a symptomless housewife in Tuen Mun who mostly went to markets and malls in the district, Chuang said.

Eighteen new infections have now been identified through the programme.

The cases in the Transport City Building cluster, including security guards and tenants, were uncovered through contact tracing and the mass testing scheme.

Chuang said 25 close contacts linked to the cluster had been identified and would be sent to quarantine, while some 400 test bottles had been distributed to workers at the 10-storey building.

Story continues

Separately, around 2,000 inmates and staff at immigration detention centres and prisons had tested negative for the coronavirus so far. Officials had pledged to test more than 7,000 inmates after two men were confirmed as infected on Sunday.

At the Metropark Hotel in Mong Kok, where mass testing was carried out after four Covid-19 cases were recently recorded, most deep-throat saliva samples returned negative results.

Chuang said health authorities had tried to identify common activities among the infected hotel guests but had not yet found any.

Premises such as mahjong parlours will be allowed to reopen. Photo: May Tse

The city, meanwhile, also edged closer to 100 Covid-19 deaths on Tuesday, as a 90-year-old resident at the Salvation Army Lung Hang Residence for Senior Citizens in Tai Wai died, taking the number of fatalities to 99. The institution has recorded 15 infections in total.

Earlier on Tuesday, the government said that from Friday, up to four people would be allowed per table in restaurants, as well as to meet in public.

A number of closed premises would be allowed to reopen, including museums, mahjong parlours, ice-skating rinks, and most indoor and outdoor sport facilities, but not swimming pools. Theme parks and exhibition venues could reopen next week if the health situation was kept under control.

The administration also revealed it was in discussions with about 11 countries, including Japan, Thailand, Germany, France and Switzerland, on forming travel bubbles.

Get the latest insights and analysis from our Global Impact newsletter on the big stories originating in China.

This article Coronavirus: Hong Kong confirms six Covid-19 cases, with just three locally transmitted first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020.
Macrophage Activation Syndrome in COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 enters cells via the ACE2 receptor. It causes cell death in lung cells, and these dying cells release cytokines that activate macrophages. Separately, the virus that enters macrophages activates them. These activated macrophages recruit T cells, which in turn activate more macrophages. This becomes a positive feedback loop that leads to MAS and subsequently hyperinflammation. Credit: Ryo Otsuka, Ken-ichiro Seino. Inflammation and Regeneration

A significant percentage of COVID-19 cases are severe enough to warrant admission to hospital for monitoring and treatment. A substantial number of these patients die from the disease after appearing to respond well to treatment. The major cause of these deaths is a phenomenon called the cytokine storm, which occurs when hyperactivation of immune cells leads to a large amount of cytokines (cell signaling molecules), which in turn trigger systemic hyperinflammation. If untreated, this leads to multiple organ failure and, finally, death. If the cytokine storm could be weakened or prevented, the number of mortalities due to this phenomenon would drastically decrease, reducing the overall mortality to COVID-19.

Ryo Otsuka and Ken-ichiro Seino from the Institute for Genetic Medicine (IGM) at Hokkaido University reviewed the existing research on macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). Their work, published in the journal Inflammation and Regeneration, addresses the role that MAS plays in COVID-19, and highlights how existing therapies for MAS have shown initial success in ameliorating severe COVID-19 cases.

The cytokine storm occurs in other diseases and disorders such as influenza, pneumonia and sepsis, and has been studied in some detail. Along with MAS, an associated syndrome is the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), which is characterized by rapid onset of widespread inflammation in the lungsa common feature of severe COVID-19 cases. Thus, the scientists reviewed the links between MAS and ARDS and the role MAS played in COVID-19.

Their review explained that MAS in COVID-19 was accompanied by ARDS, and that far more cytokines were involved than in previously documented cases of MAS. This difference is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. When the virus enters the cells, it triggers an inflammatory response as the cells fight against it. The virus also triggers the inflammatory response by causing pyroptosis (a type of cell death caused when it infects cells), which activates macrophages. Additionally, the virus enters macrophages, activating them. The activated macrophages recruit T cells, which activate more macrophages, triggering a positive feedback loop. This causes MAS, which in turn leads to ARDSwhich, untreated, is fatal.

According to this review, MAS is directly triggered by cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor  (TNF), and indirectly by IL-1. The scientists discussed previous case studies that had used therapies targeting these molecules to suppress MAS.

The review covered therapies targeting the molecules that cause MAS which show promise in reducing the severity of COVID-19. Preliminary trials have been carried out on tocilizumab (an IL-6 blocker) for severe cases in China, and on anakinra (an anti-IL-1 medication) for non-severe cases in Italy, and the results are generally positive. Additionally, in a trial conducted on 19 patients in the U.S., treatment with acalabrutinib, a drug that targets the production of IL-1, also had favorable outcomes in severe COVID-19 cases. There are currently many clinical trials underway, testing many drugs that act on different aspects and stages of infection by SARS-CoV-2. "The clinical trials that show promise must be replicated on a much larger scale before their effectiveness can be validated," says Ryo Otsuka. "In the process, we may discover clues to a novel treatment."

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

More information: Ryo Otsuka et al. Macrophage activation syndrome and COVID-19, Inflammation and Regeneration (2020). Ryo Otsuka et al. Macrophage activation syndrome and COVID-19,(2020). DOI: 10.1186/s41232-020-00131-w
President Trump said Monday that he has the support of U.S. troops, if not necessarily their bosses in the Pentagon.

I'm not saying the military is in love with me, the soldiers are," Trump said at a Labor Day press conference.

"The top people in the Pentagon probably aren't," the commander in chief continued, "because they want to do nothing but fight wars so that all of those wonderful companies  that make the bombs, and make the planes, and make everything else  stay happy. But we're getting out of the endless wars."

In other contexts, Trump has claimed credit for rebuilding military stockpiles that he claims were depleted under President Obama.

President Trump speaks during a labor day press conference at the North Portico of the White House. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump made the provocative comment after launching a wide-ranging attack on his Democratic opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden, who he said supported "endless wars" and bad trade deals.

The comment was striking as Trump continues his aggressive pushback against a report in the Atlantic that quoted him disparaging members of the military, including soldiers who died in battle, as "losers" and "suckers." The article, and other reports corroborating the gist of it, was attributed to unnamed senior military officials.

Trump has had a tumultuous relationship with the military brass, especially the retired generals whom he initially turned to to staff key posts in his administration, such as former Defense Secretary James Mattis and former White House chief of staff John Kelly. Since leaving the White House, both Mattis and Kelly have openly criticized Trump on several fronts, including foreign policy and the use of the military to quell protests in the U.S.

Kelly was also present for key moments in the Atlantic report, which said Trump couldn't understand why American service members risked and lost their lives in combat, while visiting the Arlington National Cemetery gravesite of Kelly's son, who died in Afghanistan.

I dont get it. What was in it for them? Trump reportedly asked Kelly, then serving as homeland security secretary, of the war dead buried around them.

Story continues

Trump has repeatedly denied the Atlantic report, and he did so again on Monday after a reporter inquired if he had asked Kelly to publicly deny the story. (Many other Trump allies have gone on record rejecting the claims but Kelly has been conspicuously silent.)

"The story is a hoax," Trump said, ignoring the main thrust of the question but saying he had disagreements with his former chief of staff.

"Who would say a thing like that? Only an animal would say a thing like that," Trump later said of the Atlantic comments attributed to him. "There's nobody that has more respect for, not only our military, but for people who gave their lives."

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
Lucknow, Sep 8 : The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday revoked the Sunday restrictions and markets will now follow their weekly arrangements as per the earlier practice.

The state government had earlier ordered weekend lockdowns in which all markets, commercial establishments and offices remained closed on Saturdays and Sundays to enable sanitization of various areas.

Earlier this month, the state government brought down the curbs to Sundays and now this also has been relaxed.

With this, the state will now return to its normal routine of the pre-Covid era.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing a meeting of his Team 11 on Tuesday, however underlined the need for creating awareness about Covid protocols among people and also enhancing the medical infrastructure to deal with increasing cases.

He said all persons living in containment zones should be tested for Covid.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Accra, 08 September 2020 - As part of its commitment to supporting education as a key enabler of development, telecom operator AirtelTigo is supporting this years National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ), the biggest academic competition in the country.

As a key partner, AirtelTigo and Primetime Limited, the organizers of the competition will introduce the AirtelTigo Highest Scorer Award to this years competition to reward schools with the highest score of the day from the preliminary to the finale.

The National and Science Math Quiz is a laudable initiative and we hope that our contribution to this academic competition will go a long way towards grooming future engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow, said the Chief Human Resource Officer at AirtelTigo, Eric Adadevoh.

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of Primetime Limited, Nana Akua Ankomah-Asare expressed her gratitude to AirtelTigo, adding that the support will enable them to run the competition.

This year, the competition will run from 8th September to 8th October 2020. The competition will be live on television besides social media platforms of both AirtelTigo and National Science and Maths.

About AirtelTigo:
(Representative Image: PTI)



Incident of firing took place on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh sector where troops of India and China have been engaged in a stand-off for over three months. More details awaited: Sources pic.twitter.com/URFIpr22ZP

 ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2020

An incident of firing took place on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh sector, ANI reported quoting sources. Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a stand-off in the region for over three months.

Referring to the firing, China accused Indian troops of violating a bilateral agreement and firing warning shots in the air during a confrontation with Chinese personnel on the disputed border near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake on September 7.

Chinese border guards took "countermeasures" to stabilise the situation, Zhang Shuili, the spokesman for the military's western command theatre, said in a statement published by the military's official news website. The statement did not make clear what those measures were or whether Chinese troops also fired warning shots.

The incident comes in two days before External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow.

Ahead of his meet, Jaishankar on September 7 said the situation in eastern Ladakh was "very serious" and called for "very very deep conversation" between India and China at a political level.

Jaishankar is set to meet Wang on September 10 in Moscow on the sidelines of the meeting of the foreign ministers of the eight-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Earlier, on September 4, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had categorically conveyed Indias position on the developments along the India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC) during his meeting with Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe.

He had made it clear that "the actions of the Chinese troops, including amassing of a large number of troops, their aggressive behaviour and attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo were in violation of the bilateral agreements".

The Indian Army on August 31 said that it had thwarted an attempt by Chinese troops to unilaterally change the status quo at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the intervening night of August 29-30.

The army further said that Indian soldiers pre-empted activity Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) on the southern bank of Pangong Tso and undertook measures to strengthen positions and thwart Chinese intentions.

Tensions escalated manifold along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh after the Galwan Valley clashes 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.
STRATFORD  A new Old Glory found a home at Bunnell High School Tuesday.

In a brief ceremony the day before school is scheduled to start, the color guard of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9460 presented a new U.S. flag to Principal Nancy Dowling as dozens of faculty looked on.

Dowling said the ceremony was especially poignant on this day as we approach 9/11 this coming Friday.

Im proud as principal to accept this beautiful gift and we will, we assure you, raise it proudly each and every day, she said before the color guard unfurled and ran the flag up the halyard of the flagpole near the schools front entrance.

Town Council member Bill OBrien, who represents District 9 in the north end of town and arranged the ceremony, then drafted Bunnell Latin teacher Dylan Connor into singing an a cappella rendition of Star Spangled Banner.

OBrien said he reached out to the VFW after his sister, who lives near Bunnell and often walks there, noticed the schools old flag was getting the worse for wear.

Bob Bracci, a former post vice commander and head of the color guard, said Post 9460 was happy to oblige with an 8-by-12 Stars and Stripes.

Its an honor for us to be here today, he told Dowling.

After the anthem, the principal thanked the educators for returning to work with such an unprecedented, unsure, uncertain backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, this is what gives students and families certainty, Dowling, the states current high school Principal of the Year, said. Its all of us, its Bunnell High School, its Stratford.

She noted students were scheduled to return to school Wednesday. It will be the first time students will be back in the towns schools since March.

I am just so moved and equally excited to have this day, this moment, shared among all of us as we prepare to say to students and families tomorrow, Come back to school, its OK and were going to take steps as a community back to normal, Dowling said.

Also in attendance Tuesday were the Town Councils Laura Dancho and Bill Perillo of the 10th and 7th Districts, respectively; Public Safety Director Larry Ciccarelli; and Michael Downes, Mayor Laura Hoydicks chief of staff.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 11:24:05|Editor: huaxia

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Zhong Nanshan, recipient of the Medal of the Republic, is seen during a meeting commending role models in the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 8, 2020. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- China's renowned respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan on Tuesday morning received from Chinese President Xi Jinping the Medal of the Republic, the highest state honor, for his outstanding contribution to fighting the COVID-19 epidemic.

Zhong was described by an official statement as a leading expert in China's respiratory disease research and a "brave, outspoken and responsible doctor" who proposed epidemic prevention and control measures that saved numerous lives and made a great contribution to fighting both SARS and COVID-19. Enditem
The offshore patrol vessel, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), will undergo sea trials starting on September 8 2020, to check whether it is ready for deployment after its engine room caught fire last May, a Philippine Navy official said Monday.

The offshore patrol vessel, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), will undergo sea trials starting on September 8 2020, to check whether it is ready for deployment after its engine room caught fire last May, a Philippine Navy official said Monday.

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A Gregorio del Pilar class frigate, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16). (Picture source: Philippine Navy)

Philippine Navy chief, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, said the vessel underwent major checks and repairs since it arrived last June 12 from picking-up overseas Filipino workers and tourists stranded in India and Sri Lanka.

Sea trials are the last part of the construction or repair process which determines the vessel's seaworthiness.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz and landing dock, BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), are the two ship-component of Naval Task Force 82 (NTF 82) deployed to Oman in February for the repatriation of overseas Filipinos in the Middle East following tensions between the United States and Iran early this year.

When tensions between the two countries eased, the task force went on another mission of transporting donated face masks and repatriation of stranded Filipinos in India and Sri Lanka due to the pandemic.

A Gregorio del Pilar class frigate, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16). (Picture source: Philippine Navy)

About the BRP Ramon Alcaraz:

BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) is the second ship of the Gregorio del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels of the Philippine Navy. From 1968 to 2012, she was known as USCGC Dallas and served the United States Coast Guard as a high endurance cutter.

Ramon Alcaraz employs the shipboard application of aircraft gas turbine jet engines with the use of controllable pitch propellers. She is equipped with two 18,000 horsepower (13,000 kW) Pratt & Whitney gas turbines and can propel the ship at speeds up to 28 knots (52 km/h). Ramon Alcaraz also has two 3,500 horsepower (2,600 kW) Fairbanks-Morse diesel engines, capable of driving the ship economically at 17 knots (31 km/h) for up to 14,400 nautical miles (26,700 km) without refuelling.

Prior to turn-over to the Philippine Navy, the ship was armed with a Mk.75 Oto Melara 76 mm Compact main gun, two Mk.38 25 mm Bushmaster chain guns at midships, and a Phalanx CIWS system aft. The CIWS and chain guns were removed prior to its turn-over, with the Mk.75 gun remaining.

The Philippine Navy then purchased two new Mk.38 Mod.2 25 mm Bushmaster Autocannons to replace the mounts removed by the US Coast Guard. These were already installed as of January 25, 2015.
China has informed that foreign students in China cannot enter the country for the time being due to the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic. It has asked Indian students to maintain close contact with their relevant Chinese colleges and universities and follow each instruction issued by the institutions to protect their academic progress. Earlier, the Embassy of India in Beijing has raised the issue with the concern Chinese authorities regarding the return of Indian students studying in China for their return to their Colleges/Universities.

What International Students Can Do On Thanksgiving Day?

The Chinese Ministry of Education has informed Embassy of India, "At present, foreign students in China cannot enter the country for the time being, but the Chinese Govt attaches great importance to the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of foreign students in China.

It added, "It requires relevant Universities in China to maintain close contacts with the students, immediately notify relevant information and try their best to protect students' academic progress through online courses, properly respond to students' reasonable demands and help solve their practical difficulties."

It concluded, "In view of the fact that the epidemic situation in the world is still unclear and relevant policies on entry and exit in China are being gradually adjusted, it is suggested that Indian students should maintain close contact with relevant Chinese Colleges and Universities and arrange to study in China in strict accordance with the suggestions and guidance of the Colleges/Universities"

According to the reports, over 23,000 Indian students enrolled for various courses in Chinese universities and colleges. Out of which more than over 21,000 students enrolled to study MBBS.

Indian students are advised to keep visiting the official website of the Indian Embassy/Consulates in China to remain updated regarding the return of foreign students to China.

Aiming For Foreign MBA? Explore The 9 Important Things About GMAT
Photograph: Brendan McDermid/Reuters

The chief and deputy police chiefs of Rochester, New York, are to step down, it was announced on Tuesday less than a week after footage emerged of a fatal incident from March in which officers in the city put a hood on Daniel Prude, who was potentially having a mental health episode, and then holding him down on the street.

The police chief, LaRon Singletary, and the deputy chief, Joseph Morabito, had both served in the department for a number of decades. There were conflicting reports on Tuesday afternoon over whether the officers were going to retire or had resigned.

The news came on the same day that Prudes family sued the chief, the city and others, arguing that the officers who arrested their loved one used physical, deadly force when Prude was not a threat.

Breaking: Chief Singletary Dep Chief Simmons retire the day they get sued in federal court. Handful of other RPD officers (some suspended) named in the suit. @news10nbc pic.twitter.com/DrbiYrJN6O  Berkeley Brean (@whec_bbrean) September 8, 2020

Local Black Lives Matter activists had been demanding that Singletary resign since last week because of the departments handling of the investigation into Prudes death, and there have been protests in the city.

The mayor, Lovely Warren, made the surprise announcement of the retirements at a city council briefing.

Council members had expected the chief to appear in person to discuss ongoing protests over the death of Prude, a 41-year-old Black man from Chicago, who died several days after an encounter with the police on 23 March, while he was visiting his brother in Rochester.

As you all know, this has been a very challenging time for the city of Rochester, and the chief was not asked to give his resignation because I do believe that hes giving his very best, Warren told council members.

Story continues

Singletary had said at the weekend that he would not resign, according to a local report. He was appointed to the top spot in the department in April, 2019, by the citys mayor and is a Rochester native.

This is great news, Iman Abid said of the retirements, speaking for activist group Free the People ROC, which has held nightly protests since details of Prudes death emerged.

It says to the people that people are able to move things and to shape things. The police chief wouldnt retire if it werent for something that he felt he was accountable to.

But, she said, nightly protests will continue to push other demands, including the resignation of the mayor, demilitarizing of police and diverting funds from the department to other public services, and development of a state law barring police departments from responding to mental health crises.

A statement by Singletary on Tuesday read, in part: I announce my retirement from the Rochester police department. For the past two decades, I have served this community with honor, pride and the highest integrity.

He then pushed back against criticism of the handling of Prudes case.

I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character, the statement continued. The events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity  The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr Prudes death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for.

The autopsy report ruled Prudes death a homicide, including complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint.

Seven other police officers have been suspended. Prudes brother called 911 seeking help because Daniel Prude was acting erratically. Footage shows Prude naked on the dark street, as light snow is falling, having an anti-spitting hood put over his head. He had reportedly shouted that he had coronavirus. He can be seencomplying with police commands and being handcuffed.

Prudes death had received no public attention until last Wednesday, when his family held a news conference and released police body-camera video and reports obtained through a records request.

Warren said that Singletary initially portrayed Prudes death as a drug overdose.

The New York attorney general, Letitia James, on Saturday announced a grand jury to investigate the death.
BANGKOK  Two soldiers who deserted from Myanmars army have testified on video that they were instructed by commanding officers to shoot all that you see and that you hear in villages where minority Rohingya Muslims lived, a human rights group said Tuesday.

The comments appear to be the first public confession by soldiers of involvement in army-directed massacres, rape and other crimes against Rohingya in the Buddhist-majority country, and the group Fortify Rights suggested they could provide important evidence for an ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court.

More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar to neighboring Bangladesh since August 2017 to escape what Myanmars military called a clearance campaign following an attack by a Rohingya insurgent group in Rakhine state. Myanmars government has denied accusations that security forces committed mass rapes and killings and burned thousands of homes.

Fortify Rights, which focuses on Myanmar, said the two army privates fled the country last month and are believed to be in the custody of the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands, which is examining the violence against the Rohingya.

According to Fortify Rights, privates Myo Win Tun, 33, and Zaw Naing Tun, 30, who served in separate light infantry battalions, gave the names and ranks of 19 direct perpetrators from the Myanmar army, including themselves, as well as six senior commanders  they claim ordered or contributed to atrocity crimes against Rohingya.

The videos were filmed in July while the soldiers were in the custody of the Arakan Army, an ethnic guerrilla group in Rakhine engaged in an armed conflict with the government, and included subtitled translations into English, the human rights group said. They were posted on Fortify Rights page on a video-sharing site, where the Associated Press viewed them.

The AP was not able to independently corroborate the soldiers accounts or ascertain whether they made their statements under duress.

However, U.N. agencies and human rights organizations have extensively documented atrocities carried out against the Rohingya by Myanmar security forces. The International Court of Justice agreed last year to consider a case alleging that Myanmar committed genocide against the group. The courts proceedings are likely to continue for years.

Myanmar has long considered Rohingya Muslims to have migrated illegally from Bangladesh, even though their families have lived in Myanmar for generations. Nearly all have been denied citizenship since 1982, effectively rendering them stateless. They are also denied freedom of movement and other basic rights.

In separate videos, the two soldiers were shown seated stiffly in military uniforms with a sheet covering the background, as an off-screen male voice asked them questions. The details in the questions, as well as the ready answers about events that occurred about three years earlier, made it evident the content was prepared, if not actually rehearsed. However, the violent acts the men described echoed the vast number of accounts of atrocities collected by U.N. investigators and independent human rights workers from Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

After answering questions about his name, serial number and military units, Myo Win Tun said the commander of the 15th Military Operations Center, whom he named as Col. Than Htike, gave an order to shoot all you see and all you hear when raiding Muslim villages. He said in one operation, they killed and buried 30 people: eight women, seven children and 15 men and elderly.

He asserted that Col Than Htike ordered his unit to exterminate all Kalar  a derogatory name for the Rohingya  and that they shot the men in their foreheads and kicked their bodies into a hole. They also raped the women before killing them and he admitted to carrying out one rape.

He said his unit appropriated mobile phones and laptops, and also seized cattle, an allegation that has been widely reported.

Staring directly at the camera with barely any perceptible movement, Zaw Naing Tun recounted how his unit wiped out 20 Rohingya villages.

The soldier said about 80 people in all were killed, including children, adults and the elderly of both sexes. The killings were sanctioned by his battalion commander, Lt. Col Myo Myint Aung, he said.

In one incident, 10 villagers suspected of belonging to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, the Rohingya insurgent group, were captured and tied up, and then shot on the orders of a captain, he said, acknowledging that he was one of the shooters.

Zaw Naing Tun said he was present when a sergeant and a corporal raped three Rohingya women in the course of searching houses, but asserted he did not carry out any rapes.

He acknowledged taking part in looting, saying his unit officer declared what you take is what you get ahead of a raid on a market.

We entered into the market, destroyed locks and doors, and then we took money, gold, clothes, food and mobile phones, he said.

Fortify Rights said the two deserters arrived at Myanmars border with Bangladesh in mid-August and asked Bangladesh authorities for protection. Bangladesh officials then notified the International Criminal Court about their presence, and said they are no longer in Bangladesh, according to Fortify Rights.

Asked about the two soldiers Tuesday, the ICCs Office of the Prosecutor said it does not comment on its ongoing investigations, adding in a statement that it has been independently and impartially collecting evidence from a variety of sources regarding the alleged atrocity crimes.

These confessions demonstrate what weve long known, which is that the Myanmar army is a well-functioning national army operating with a specific and centralized command structure, Fortify Rights chief Matthew Smith said in a statement. Commanders control, direct, and order their subordinates in all they do. In this case, commanders ordered foot soldiers to commit genocidal acts and exterminate Rohingya, and thats exactly what they did.

Under the legal doctrine of command responsibility, higher-ranking officers are held responsible for heinous acts carried out by those serving under them.

That the two men described similar atrocities in separate areas also may indicate operational consistency between battalions, coordination, and intent to commit genocide, Fortify Rights said.

It said the video confessions appeared to be credible because their content was consistent with other evidence previously unearthed by the group and other investigators, such as the U.N.-empowered Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar.

Fortify Rights urged that the two former soldiers be tried by the ICC and that the court put them in a witness protection program.

It is reasonable to assume Myo Win Tun and Zaw Naing Tun could plead guilty to the crimes to which they confessed in exchange for becoming insider witnesses for future trials. Such a development would significantly advance efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for atrocity crimes against Rohingya, the group said.

The International Court of Justice is the U.N.s top court. It settles disputes between nations and does not prosecute individuals. The International Criminal Court, which seeks to hold individuals responsible for crimes, has not issued any public indictments in the investigation it is conducting. Both courts are based in The Hague in the Netherlands.

___

Associated Press writer Mike Corder in The Hague, Netherlands, contributed to this report.
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. cut power to nearly 171,000 customers across Northern California, including parts of Sonoma and Napa counties late Monday and early Tuesday as the utility company braces for intense winds that could damage its equipment and potentially spark new wildfires.

Electrical services might not resume until late Wednesday, though if winds die down earlier than anticipated it could be sooner.

As many as 172,000 customers across the state could lose power as the utility responds to forecasts of strong winds beginning late Monday night and early Tuesday morning. Combined with bone-dry vegetation and continuing heat, there are red flag warnings across much of the state, with extreme fire risk. The shut-offs are meant to reduce the risk of the utilitys equipment igniting a fire.

This round of shut-offs, affecting 22 counties in all, comes amid several large wildfires, an extreme heat wave, poor air quality and the COVID-19 pandemic, making them even more difficult to deal with than in previous years.

As of Tuesday morning, PG&Es outage map showed scores of planned outages in effect across the Sierra Nevada, stretching from Shasta County to Tuolumne County.

A flare-up of the Walbridge Fire in the Russian River area of Sonoma County prompted a new mandatory evacuation orders and evacuation warnings Monday night for areas west of Healdsburg. Cal Fire said the evacuations came after new activity kicked up on the fire, which is part of the LNU Complex. Cal Fire said forward progress on the flare-ups had been stopped. Earlier evacuation orders in the area had been lifted.

The electricity cuts are to include 15,000 households and businesses in Santa Rosa, which works out to about 45,000 people. An additional 2,633 customers in Sonoma Countys unincorporated areas also are set to lose their electricity. In Napa County, about 5,000 customers in and around Calistoga will be shut down, PG&E officials said.

The estimated time for the shut-offs for both North Bay counties was 3 a.m. Tuesday, though its subject to change based on weather.

The utility anticipated shutting off power between 9 p.m. and midnight in other parts of Northern California, though the times will depend on when the winds arrive. The counties affected include: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Humboldt, Kern, Lake, Lassen, Mariposa, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Sonoma, Tehama, Trinity, Tuolumne and Yuba.

Aaron Johnson, vice president of wildfire safety and public engagement at PG&E, acknowledged all that California is facing right now and said the decision to shut off power is necessary to protect public safety.

To mitigate the hardships, the utility plans to set up 47 centers in 17 counties where residents can access charging stations, water and snacks. Utility officials said all of the centers will require face masks, check peoples temperatures, enforce social distancing rules and regularly sanitize surfaces.

We know that (public safety power shut-offs are) an important wildfire safety tool, Johnson said. But losing power is disruptive for everyone and can cause significant hardship, especially in the current environment.

PG&E has shut off power in an attempt to prevent utility-caused wildfires since 2018, a year after downed or damaged electrical equipment sparked fires in Wine Country. In 2019, several intentional blackouts left hundreds of thousands of customers without power for days, stoking anger among lawmakers and residents.

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.

Meanwhile, much of the Bay Area baked Monday during day two of a punishing heat wave that has seen daily records fall in several cities.

Although San Francisco and areas around the coast were getting some relief with ocean breezes, Oakland had hit 96 degrees by 3 p.m., surpassing the previous record high of 93 degrees on Sept. 7, 1957. Livermore also looked to be on its way to setting a daily record at 111 degrees, said Drew Peterson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

The areas away from the immediate coast are still cooking, Peterson said.

The intense heat is expected to stay until at least Tuesday and then dissipate throughout the remainder of the week.

Over the weekend, many in the Bay Area sought refuge at coastal beaches, filling up parking lots and hiking down to the water.

Mayor London Breed denounced the more than 1,000 people who gathered on Ocean Beach Saturday night to celebrate Burning Man, a weeklong festival in the Nevada desert that was canceled this year because of the pandemic. Breed said on Twitter that the city was closing the beachs parking lots Sunday and that law enforcement would be present. She called Saturdays gathering reckless and selfish.

On Sunday, heat records for Sept. 6 fell throughout the Bay Area, including 100 degrees in downtown San Francisco; 102 in downtown Oakland; and 110 in Napa. Also showing record heat were Livermore, Richmond, Kentfield, Redwood City, Half Moon Bay, San Jose and Gilroy.

Cynthia Dizikes is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cdizikes@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @CDizikes
UPDATE Sep. 9, 12.40 p.m.: As fires spread across the state, the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has announced an additional 10 closures for 5 p.m. Wednesday evening. The move means that all 18 of California's National Forests will be closed. They include Eldorado National Forest, Klamath National Forest, Lassen National Forest, Mendocino National Forest, Modoc National Forest, Six Rivers National Forest, Plumas National Forest, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Tahoe National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

---

As California's most devastating fire season in history continues to worsen, government agencies responsible for the some of the nation's most beloved forests are attempting to prevent more damage.

The Creek Fire  a raging monster that has consumed 143,929 acres and is 0% contained  was still outside Yosemite as of Tuesday morning. But as it continues to engulf the Sierra National Forest, officials issued a fire advisory for the southern portion of Yosemite, according to the parks website.

To prepare in advance for the potential of the Creek Fire crossing into Yosemite National Park, the Mariposa Grove closed to all visitor use [Sunday] night at 7 p.m., stated a post on the parks Instagram account. This closure was put in place to ensure that no one would be in this region of the park if the fire advances in the direction of the Mariposa Grove and the associated trail system.

The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region also announced temporary closures and fire restrictions for eight national forests as of 5 p.m. Monday evening. The forests include Stanislaus National Forest, Sierra National Forest, Sequoia National Forest, Inyo National Forest, Los Padres National Forest, Angeles National Forest, San Bernardino National Forest and Cleveland National Forest.

NPS photo by J. Stevenson

One of Yosemites highlights, the Mariposa Grove includes more than 500 mature giant sequoias spread over 250 acres. Aside from clearing out the public, park staff are taking action to protect the grove.

Yosemites fire personnel are taking preventative measures now to protect critical park resources and infrastructure, said Dan Buckley, Yosemite Fire Management Officer. By taking these preventative measures now, we will be able to more effectively allocate fire resources in response to the Creek Fire.

All park entrances remain open, with reservations required to drive into the park. A layer of smoke over the park is spoiling some views, though, and particulates in the air have reached an unhealthy level for sensitive individuals.

Krish Nayar

In addition, all developed campgrounds and day-use sites within the state's National Forests are closed. Ignition sources such as campfires and gas stoves are prohibited on all national forest system lands throughout California.

The wildfire situation throughout California is dangerous and must be taken seriously, said Randy Moore, Regional Forester for the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region. Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behavior, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire.

As an example of extreme fire behavior, Moore pointed to the Creek Fire. It began Friday, Sep. 4, and exploded in size on Saturday, Sep. 5, making a 15-mile run in a single day and burning 36,000 acres. More than 200 people have been evacuated in its wake.

Moore said that during this kind of monumental threat, its critical that people follow the rules.

We are bringing every resource to bear national and internationally to fight these fires, but until conditions improve ... the priority is always to protect both the public and firefighters, Moore said. With these extreme conditions, these temporary actions will help us do both.

Ashley Harrell is an associate editor for SFGATE. Email her at: ashley.harrell@sfgate.com.
Washington

At least there won't be a government shutdown.

But as lawmakers straggle back to Washington for an abbreviated preelection session, hopes are dimming for another coronavirus relief bill  or much else.

Talks between top Democrats and the Trump administration broke off last month and remain off track, with the bipartisan unity that drove almost $3 trillion in COVID-19 rescue legislation into law this spring replaced by toxic partisanship and a return to dysfunction.

Expectations in July and August that a fifth bipartisan pandemic response bill would eventually be birthed despite increased obstacles has been replaced by genuine pessimism.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Democrats seem secure in their political position, with President Donald Trump and several Senate GOP incumbents lagging in polls. Trump is seeking to sideline the pandemic as a campaign issue, and Republicans aren't interested in a deal on Democratic terms.

All of this imperils the chance for another round of $1,200 direct payments, the restoration of more generous unemployment benefits to those who've lost their jobs, updates to a popular business subsidy program, and money to help schools reopen and states and local governments avoid layoffs.
Q. What are ministers proposing?

A. The reported move would get rid of the requirement for new customs arrangements in Northern Ireland.

It has been reported that the Internal Market Bill would end the legal legitimacy of the Withdrawal Agreement in areas such as NI customs and state aid and financial assistance. At present Northern Ireland is supposed to adhere to some EU regulations after the Brexit transition period ends on December 31 in a bid to stop a "hard border" on the island of Ireland.

Q. Why is the UK taking this stance?

A. The Government has indicated it is a necessary move in case trade talks fail.

Q. Hasn't Brexit already happened?

A. The UK has formally left the EU, but adheres to the bloc's trade rules and regulations until the end of the year. A trade agreement was intended to be worked, but the process has been slow and acrimonious, particularly regarding issues such as fishing rights. Both sides have said a deal would need to be done by mid-October in order for it to be ratified in time.

Q. How has the EU reacted to the Government's move?

A. Not well. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney has branded the UK course of action "unwise". And EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said he will be seeking clarification of the UK's plans.

Q. How is the UK Government presenting the situation?

A. It is playing it down. Environment Secretary George Eustice insisted the measures are intended to tie up "loose ends" and not meant to rip up the agreement with the EU.

He told the BBC: "What we are talking about here is what type of administrative customs processes you might have for goods that might be at risk of entering the EU single market - going from GB to Northern Ireland. These are important but minor technical details."

Q. What does the opposition say?

A. Labour has accused Prime Minister Boris Johnson of misleading people.

Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told the BBC: "Boris Johnson, I thought, told us he had an oven-ready deal. And, he fought a general election telling us he had an oven-ready deal; now suggests that he was misleading people in that general election."

Q. What is likely to happen next?

A. The eight rounds of talks between Britain and the EU begin today, and the Government is expected to outline its proposed new legislation tomorrow.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / Silver Elephant Mining Corp. ("Silver Elephant" or "Company") (TSX:ELEF)(OTCQX:SILEF)(Frankfurt:1P2N) announces that it has entered into a binding sales and purchase agreement ("SPA") with a private party ("Vendor") to acquire the Sunawayo silver-lead mining project ("Sunawayo") located immediately adjacent to the Malku Khota silver project in Bolivia. Malku Khota has a historic (2011) resource of 350 million oz of silver contained in its greenfield Wara, Sucre, and Limnosa deposits, which are only 200 meters southeast of the Sunawayo border (Southeast border). (Cited historic resource estimates are not current mineral resources or mineral reserves.)

Sunawayo is patented land which Silver Elephant has acquired through the SPA, whereas Malku Khota is unpatented land administered by the government's Corporacion Minera de Bolivia (COMIBOL). In January 2020, Silver Elephant applied for a mining production contract (MPC) with COMIBOL that would give it the rights to mine and explore Malku Khota. The application was received by COMIBOL and is under review.

The purchase of Sunawayo includes a fully permitted 100 ton-per-day open-pit mining operation that produces a lead concentrate. Sunawayo has a strike of 17 km which covers 59.5 square km of prospective area. Sunawayo has ready access to water and power. And by road it is 165 km from Bolivia's 5th largest city, Oruro.

Joaquin Merino, VP for South America Operations, states:

"A combined Sunawayo-Malku Khota district would feature a 34 km property extent encompassing an area of over 110 square kilometers. We believe the district is situated within a very large hydrothermal system that produced the Malku Khota sedimentary exhalative (Sedex) deposit comprising a historic resource of 350 million oz silver based on 42,704 meters of drilling that took place between 2007 and 2010. The district is remarkably under-explored. Roughly 3.5 km of strike have been drilled from the Southeast border into Malku Khota project, yet the Malku Khota lithological trend and host-sandstone units extend for another 8 km northwest into Sunawayo without receiving a single exploration drill hole. The current mine pit (approximately 180m by 75m) is located 10 km northwest of the Southeast border and the pit has also never been drill-tested."

Forty-eight samples, spanning 11 km, were taken at Sunawayo, where multitudes of visible mineralization were observed during a recent site visit. Assay results are expected in early October. Visit www.silverelef.com for project maps, photos, and a recorded video presentation.

About Sedex Deposits

Sedex-style Pb-Zn-Ag deposits account for 50% of the world's lead and zinc reserves and 30% of the world's silver resources, according to 2019 USGS and GSGS Global Data. Large, regional scale Sedex systems can span hundreds of kilometers, forming large tonnage deposits.

Examples are:

Teck's Red Dog mine is the USA's largest silver producer, producing 6.6 million oz silver annually, along with 1.2 billion pounds of zinc and 226 million pounds of lead.

Glencore's Mount Isa mine has proven and probable reserves of 97 million tonnes at 7.0% zinc, 3.3% lead, and 60 g/t silver within measured and indicated resources of 419 million tonnes at 7% zinc, 3.7% lead and 67 g/t silver. It has been in operation since 1923.

Teck's former Sullivan mine in British Columbia, Canada has in its lifetime produced 160 million tons of ore containing 8 million tons (16 billion pounds) of lead, 7 million tons (14 billion pounds) of zinc, and 285 million oz of silver. After 92 years of active production, the Sullivan mine was closed in 2001.

Malku Khota was described in the May 2011 technical report by GeoVector management as a Sedex-style deposit with a late hydrothermal overprint associated with the uplift of the Bolivian Altiplano which has endowed the deposit with indium and gallium in addition to silver, lead, and zinc.

Proposed Transaction Summary

Subject to the provisions of the SPA, the Vendor agrees to irrevocably transfer the mining rights of the Sunawayo to Silver Elephant upon the latter's paying it $6,500,000. That payment will consist of $300,000 on SPA signing with the remaining $6,200,000 to be paid in cash over a one-year period in twelve equal monthly installments, starting March 1, 2021.

Closing Remarks

Silver Elephant's goal is to explore near the Southeast border, in and around the current open pit mine, and along the 8 km Malku Khota lithological trend within sandstone units at Sunawayo. In parallel, the Company continues to advance a mining production contract application with COMIBOL for the rights to mine and explore Malku Khota.

Silver Elephant has amassed a large silver resource portfolio, consisting of:

Silver: Sunawayo (59.5 km 2 ), within 200 meters of Malku Khota's historical 350-million-oz Sedex-style silver deposit. Sunawayo is fully permitted for a 100 tpd mining operation.

), within 200 meters of Malku Khota's historical 350-million-oz Sedex-style silver deposit. Sunawayo is fully permitted for a 100 tpd mining operation. Silver: Pulacayo (35.5 km2), with 93,311 meters drilling. An updated resource estimate is expected in September. Refer to Company news dated July 20.

Gold/silver: Triunfo (25.6 km2), with step-out drilling next to 95 meters grading 0.4 g/t Au, 22g/t Ag, 1% Pb+Zn. First batch of assay results is expected in October. Refer to Company news dated August 19.

Joaquin Merino, VP for South America Operations, further states:

"Bolivia has more than 5 centuries of proud mining tradition and is home to Cerro Rico and Pulacayo, two of world's largest silver mines, based on historical production. I have been working in Bolivia since 2005 and we are thrilled to explore these elephant-sized silver projects at this exciting time of rising silver prices in a country opening up to investors after a decade of under-investment."

All currencies are in USD.

Qualified Person

The technical contents of this news release have been prepared under the supervision of Danniel Oosterman, VP Exploration. Mr. Oosterman is not independent of the Company in that he is employed by it. Mr. Oosterman is a qualified person ("QP") as defined by the guidelines in NI 43-101. Historic resource numbers for the Malku Khota project cited in this release are taken from the May 10th, 2011 Technical Report completed by Geovector Management Inc., AGP Mining Consultants, and Pennstrom Consulting. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserve, and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves.

About Silver Elephant

Silver Elephant is a premier silver mining company. The Company's goal is to enable shareholders to own as much silver in the ground as possible.

SILVER ELEPHANT MINING CORP.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"John Lee"

Executive Chairman

For more information about Silver Elephant, please contact Investor Relations:

+1.604.569.3661 ext. 101

ir@silverelef.com www.silverelef.com

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts are forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities, are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the documents incorporated by reference herein are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In addition, although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events, or results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release any future revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as expressly required by law.

SOURCE: Silver Elephant Mining Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604904/Silver-Elephant-Acquires-Sunawayo-Silver-Project-Bordering-Historic-350-Million-Silver-oz-Malku-Khota-Project
A 17-YEAR-OLD has pleaded guilty to the murder of a young man in Dublin in April this year.

The teenager, who cannot be identified because he is a minor, was charged with the murder of Glen Osborne (20) at Ballybough House, Ballybough, Dublin, on April 15, 2020.

At the Central Criminal Court yesterday the teen, who was 16 at the time of the offence, was arraigned and pleaded guilty to the charge.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded him in custody until October 5.

Pauline Walley SC for the prosecution told the judge that the deceased's mother wishes to make a statement to the court before a sentence is imposed.

As the defendant is a minor, the mandatory life sentence for murder does not apply.

Mr Justice McDermott said that the guilty plea means Mr Osborne's family will not have to undergo the trauma of listening to extensive evidence in relation to his death.

However, he added that before sentencing he will need to hear evidence relating to the incident, the effect it has had on the family of the deceased and evidence in relation to the defendant.

Remanding the boy in custody until October 5, the judge ordered a probation report to be prepared.

Independent.ie previously reported how the victim had spoken of his joy about learning he was to become a dad just hours before he was stabbed to death.

Mr Osborne, from Taaffe's Place in Ballybough, was found at 10pm on April 15 with a stab wound to the upper body and was treated by paramedics at the scene, before being rushed to the Mater Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

"Up until about 10 days ago, the teenager and the victim were very close pals and hung around with each other all the time," a source previously told the Independent.ie.

Earlier that evening, the young man had posted a message on Facebook sharing a picture of an ultrasound scan.

"I just can't wait 'til you're born to see you, to get a father and son bond. I'll be there for you no matter what," he wrote.

"You'll never have me out of your life the love I have for you it's just mad what's going on. I'll still stand by you no matter what, a little boy you mean everything to me."

The post was written at 8.11pm, but within two hours of the heartfelt message Mr Osborne was lying fatally wounded in the apartment complex.

Shortly after the incident, detectives at Mountjoy Garda station arrested the 16-year-old over the incident.
When Chef David Sider called everyone back to work at The Restaurant at Redstone Winery, he told them there would be changes to how theyd be compensated.

It was mid-June  the start of Stage 2 of reopening businesses in the province  and three months after the Beamsville dining room went quiet with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic locally.

The time away from day-to-day restaurant operations gave Sider a chance to reflect on Redstone going forward. That meant scrapping tipping for wait staff.

Instead, they would earn a consistent hourly salary, between $19 and $25, with opportunity to climb the pay scale much like workers in other industries. Sider left it up to his front of house staff to decide whether they wanted to return to a gratuity-free model of hospitality work.

They did.

Everyone said yes, which honestly surprised me, Sider said. Its extremely uncommon for the service industry. We operate like any other business now. We changed our prices to cover our expenses and pay our staff what theyre worth. If their performance is great, theres merit increases.

With that decision, Redstone became Niagaras third non-gratuity restaurant. It joins Restaurant Pearl Morissette, the first to forgo tipping here when it opened in late 2017 in Jordan Station, and Dispatch in St. Catharines, which opted to pay employees a living wage when it launched in March 2019.

In an industry podcast last spring, Adam Hynam-Smith, Dispatch chef and co-owner, recalled how he and Tamara Jensen, his business partner and wife, worried about attracting staff to a tip-free workplace.

It was difficult, he said, but by the time Dispatch opened, they found the right staff  staff who wanted to act and work as professionals and be paid at that level, too.

How is the tipping model sending the message to the dining public that were professionals? Its not, Hynam-Smith said in the podcast.

Getting rid of tips has been a contentious issue in North Americas hospitality industry. The mere act of letting a diner decide the wage of the person bringing their meal to the table can catapult a servers hourly wage to $35 at a place like Redstone. Meanwhile, employees preparing the meal at the back of house, in the kitchen, make significantly less as a result of being stuck behind a burner.

The practice of tipping, which started in North America so employers could avoid paying proper wages to formerly enslaved people after the Civil War, also perpetuates racism  on both the server and the diners part  sexism and uneven power dynamics among restaurant staff.

The need for fair compensation and the push for social justice have motivated restaurateurs to get rid of tipping altogether, starting in 2015 with Danny Meyer at his 13 New York dining rooms.

Meyer recanted this past July. He didnt want to prevent his staff from earning extra compensation during the novel coronavirus-induced economic crisis, according to an interview in the New York Times.

Still, for others in hospitality, revisiting the tipping structure  and pivoting away from it entirely  has become ever more important as the industry and the 1.2 million Canadians it employs try to map a sustainable path forward amid dire forecasts of the sectors collapse.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the third big moment for the concept to catch on, said Bruce McAdams, an associate professor at University of Guelph School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management.

McAdams has studied tipping for the past decade, and brought the idea to the forefront in a TED Talk in 2012. Then came Meyers decision to end the practice at his restaurants.

Being forced to shut down last spring then reopen with pared-down operations has given restaurateurs another opportunity to reflect on how they do business  and their shortcomings, including giving up control of roughly 15 per cent of revenue thats arbitrarily determined by the customer  McAdams noted.

In addition, tipping makes employee retention a challenge, but not for the reasons Hynam-Smith and Sider feared when they implemented a salary structure. McAdams sees many of his students leave the industry after two years because theyre disillusioned by the pay disparity created by tipping.

We have a crisis in Canadian kitchens, McAdams said. We cant fill positions and gratuities are partly to blame for that.

Then theres the anecdotal evidence hes collected, indicating wait staff provide lesser service to certain ethnic and religious groups because of stereotypes they tip poorly.

The industry would be far better off  employees, employers would be better off  without tipping. Thats my conclusion, he said.

Even Canadian diners, who may have winced at the idea of higher menu prices to fairly compensate employees, are buying into what McAdams is saying more than ever.

A recent poll out of Dalhousie University in Halifax found 56 per cent favoured getting rid of tipping and including labour costs in the price of their meal rather than adding it to the bill themselves at the end.

Thats up from 40 per cent in 2016.

Prior to spiking tipping, Redstone was already an industry rarity with its controlled gratuity model. Servers tips were put on their paycheques and taxed instead of leaving it up to individuals to declare themselves.

Reaction to Redstones no-tipping has been mixed, Sider said.

Some diners are confused by the higher prices and think the tip is included in the bill. Thats not entirely accurate. Menu prices have simply been calculated to cover the cost of doing business, including fair staff wages, he explained.

Others have suggested eliminating tipping takes away the incentive for wait staff to work hard. Sider objects to that, too.

If the only reason a server gets out of bed in the morning it to make tips, why does anyone do anything? Its insulting, he said.

One server also pushed back until Sider served up some perspective.

Can you honestly say the work you do is worth $35 an hour but a cook is worth $17? If you really have an objective conversation with someone, even a server, you cant make a good argument for tipping. Its just getting to the point of having an objective conversation about it.

It was pure joy, he added, when he put the wage change forms in front of his back-of-house staff and asked them to sign for their $4 to $5 raise.

Its super sad that getting paid what theyre worth is such a far-fetched idea.

Still, hes optimistic that wont always be the case in professional kitchens. A tipping point is coming, whether it takes Canada Revenue Agency stepping up and cracking down on the tax evasion thats rampant when gratuities are collected or consumers realizing the importance of paying a fair price for dinner  and service.

Its the right thing to do, Sider said. Were extremely happy with where we are and the decision we made.

The history of tipping

Tippings history is believed to trace back to Tudor England. It crossed the Atlantic after the U.S. Civil War when rich Americans, who travelled to Europe, started using the practice when they returned home.

On the surface, the gesture might seem kindly enough, but tipping was very much a way to show off, flaunting wealth and worldliness. It quickly became a racialized practice when formerly enslaved people moved to cities and took jobs in hospitality, working for employers who didnt want to pay their workers real wages. What a server made depended entirely on the whims of the person they served.

Today, the U.S. government requires employers to pay workers a minimum of $2.13 an hour to employees who get $30 a month in tips. If the wages and tips earned by a worker dont equal the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour in a week, employers are supposed to make up that difference, though its not clear how this is enforced.

In Ontario, the general minimum wage is $14 an hour (rising to $14.25 on Oct. 1) for anyone over 18 and working more than 28 hours a week. If they serve liquor in their job, that hourly rate gets pared back to $12.20 an hour. That rate is set to increase to $12.45 on Oct. 1.

The living wage in Niagara, by comparison, is $18.12.
When I first took office as San Franciscos district attorney  elected on a progressive platform of ending mass incarceration, combating the criminalization of poverty, and holding police accountable  I knew I would often be at odds with more traditional prosecutors. So when I walked in to my first meeting of the California District Attorneys Association I was surprised that I agreed with every single other elected district attorney in the state on the need for prosecutors to have greater access to information about officers with known misconduct. Nine months later, that legislation is sitting on Gov. Gavin Newsoms desk. He should sign it.

SB1220 creates procedures to ensure that prosecutors are able to disclose to the defense evidence of officers prior misconduct. My support for SB1220 is based on both my perspective as a top prosecutor and my background as a public defender.

When I was public defender, I constantly encountered the problem SB1220 seeks to remedy. Under the foundational Supreme Court decision of Brady vs. Maryland, prosecutors are required to disclose to the defense exculpatory, material evidence. This generally includes evidence of an officers prior misconduct. In order to inform the defense about Brady evidence, however, the prosecutor must know it exists. What I frequently encountered as a public defender, though, was that prosecutors had no knowledge (and no way of learning) of any prior misconduct by an officer involved in my cases. That was unacceptable to me as a defense attorney trying to provide a rigorous defense for my clients, and it is equally unacceptable as the elected district attorney trying to ensure the proceedings are fair for the defendant. I want my staff to fulfill our Brady disclosure obligations but, often, we cannot. SB1220 will enable us to comply.

Part of the problem is the dramatic variation between law enforcement agencies policies. Many local agencies share a list of officers who have misconduct in their personnel files with prosecutors. Other statewide agencies  like the California Highway Patrol  refuse to notify prosecutors. So when CHP officers are involved in a case, the prosecutor cannot provide any information about potential Brady evidence. As the district attorney, I want everyone in San Francisco to receive a fair trial  but I cant guarantee that in any case involving CHP officers.

SB1220 would change that. It would force all law enforcement agencies to report their officers misconduct to prosecutors so that we can fulfill our constitutional obligations to defendants and restore public trust.

Unsurprisingly, the San Francisco Police Officers Association and numerous other law enforcement lobbies are attempting to kill this bill  just as so many law enforcement unions have fought other police reform legislation. We should not let the same agencies that created the problem block a bill that moves towards a solution.

To be sure, there are other critiques of the bill. Some of my former public defender friends argue the bill is too narrow in its definition of what agencies would need to disclose, enabling prosecutors to skirt their constitutional mandates. That concern misses the mark; nothing about this bill could change the constitutional requirements under Brady. Prosecutors would still be required to comply with the Constitution even though its protections are broader than the statute or they could face discipline  or risk that convictions they secured could be overturned on appeal.

It is an unfortunate reality that there may always be prosecutors who ignore their obligations under the Constitution  but this bill will allow the many who seek to follow the law to do so. Under current practice, prosecutors are not even able to comply with their duties in many thousands of cases a year  this bill will remove a significant obstacle to constitutional compliance and transparency. Others take issue with the fact that the bill allows officers to receive notice that they were placed on a Brady list. But this does not give officers the power to remove themselves from the list, and, once again, prosecutors would still remain ethically bound to comply with the Constitution.

We cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good; SB1220 promotes desperately needed police transparency. Absent this new law, the fairness of a prosecution will hinge on the happenstance of which law enforcement agency initiated the arrest.

This bill has support from traditional prosecutors as well as progressive ones like me. No matter our politics, we all have an interest in ensuring that convictions secured by our offices are not overturned on appeal when Brady evidence prosecutors did not know about is uncovered. I share that sentiment  but I am also driven by my experiences on both sides of the courtroom. SB1220 is a long overdue step towards transparency in our law enforcement agencies.

Chesa Boudin is the district attorney of San Francisco.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 15:00:41|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- China proposed the Global Initiative on Data Security at the International Seminar on Global Digital Governance held Tuesday with the theme of "seizing digital opportunities for cooperation and development."

The following is the full text of the initiative:

Global Initiative on Data Security

The phenomenal development of information technology revolution and digital economy is transforming the way of production and life, exerting far-reaching influence over social and economic development of States, global governance system and human civilization.

The explosive growth and aggregation of data, as a key element of digital technology, has played a crucial role in facilitating innovative development and reshaping people's lives, bearing on security and economic and social development of States.

In the context of closer global cooperation and new development of international division of labor, maintaining supply chain security of ICT products and services has never become more important for boosting users' confidence, ensuring data security and promoting digital economy.

We call on all States to put equal emphasis on development and security, and take a balanced approach to technological progress, economic development and protection of national security and public interests.

We reaffirm that States should foster an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for mutual benefit, win-win outcomes and common development. At the same time, States have the responsibility and right to ensure the security of important data and personal information bearing on their national security, public security, economic security and social stability.

We welcome governments, international organizations, ICT companies, technology communities, civil organizations, individuals and all other actors to make concerted efforts to promote data security under the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.

We underscore that all parties should step up dialogue and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, and join hands to forge a community with a shared future in cyberspace featuring peace, security, openness, cooperation and order. To make this happen, we would like to suggest the following:

-- States should handle data security in a comprehensive, objective and evidence-based manner, and maintain an open, secure and stable supply chain of global ICT products and services.

-- States should stand against ICT activities that impair or steal important data of other States' critical infrastructure, or use the data to conduct activities that undermine other States' national security and public interests.

-- States should take actions to prevent and put an end to activities that jeopardize personal information through the use of ICTs, and oppose mass surveillance against other States and unauthorized collection of personal information of other States with ICTs as a tool.

-- States should encourage companies to abide by laws and regulations of the State where they operate. States should not request domestic companies to store data generated and obtained overseas in their own territory.

-- States should respect the sovereignty, jurisdiction and governance of data of other States, and shall not obtain data located in other States through companies or individuals without other States' permission.

-- Should States need to obtain overseas data out of law enforcement requirement such as combating crimes, they should do it through judicial assistance or other relevant multilateral and bilateral agreements. Any bilateral data access agreement between two States should not infringe upon the judicial sovereignty and data security of a third State.

-- ICT products and services providers should not install backdoors in their products and services to illegally obtain users' data, control or manipulate users' systems and devices.

-- ICT companies should not seek illegitimate interests by taking advantage of users' dependence on their products, nor force users to upgrade their systems and devices. Products providers should make a commitment to notifying their cooperation partners and users of serious vulnerabilities in their products in a timely fashion and offering remedies.

We call on all States to support this initiative, and confirm the aforementioned commitments through bilateral, regional and international agreements. We also welcome global ICT companies to support this initiative. Enditem
NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday (September 8, 2020) inaugurated the Delhi government's e-filing consumer complaint system, which aims to help Delhiites during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Delhi's Consumer Affairs Minister Imran Hussain and top government officials of the Consumer Affairs Department were present during the inauguration of the E-filing consumer complaint system.

While launching the system, the CM said, I am confident that the e-filing consumer complaint system will be of much help to the people in Delhi who can now file their complaints online from their homes. I also hope that other states will take inspiration from Delhi and replicate the same for addressing the grievances of people in their respective states.

Inaugurating Delhi Govt's E-filing consumer complaint system, it will help Delhiites especially during this tough time of pandemic | LIVE https://t.co/fPswuYDjfb  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 8, 2020

It may be noted that in July, Delhi became the second state to launch an e-RTI portal that will enable citizens to file online Right to Information (RTI).

Maharashtra is the first state to launch the online RTI platform.

Speaking at the launch, Kejriwal, who has been an RTI activist himself before he plunged into politics, said in order to make government functioning more transparent, there is a need to put all relevant information online and the Aam Aadmi Party government is working in that direction.

There is a need to take the RTI to the next level. If all governments put all relevant information, which affects peoples life and helps in bettering transparency, there wont be any need to file RTI to seek information, said Kejriwal while addressing Delhi government officials after launching e-RTI portal of Delhi government.

The portal launched will enable citizens to file RTI and seek information related to 172 departments of the Delhi government including the office of the chief minister and his ministers.

Earlier in June, the Arvind Kejriwal government had launched the Corona App to provide detailed information on coronavirus situations in the state and to check the availability of beds and ventilators.

Kejriwal-led Delhi government had in 2015 launched a 24X7 helpline to register waterlogging complaints.
SINGAPORE  As tensions mount between Washington and Beijing ahead of the U.S. presidential elections in November, Stonehorn Global Partners' Sam Le Cornu sees more Chinese firms returning home.

"There's a huge amount of money coming back home in terms of the IPO space," Le Cornu, who is CEO & co-founder of the firm, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" on Monday.

That comes as U.S. President Donald Trump's rhetoric "is getting harsher and harsher" ahead of the election, he said.

On Monday, Hong Kong-listed shares of China's largest chip manufacturer Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) plunged more then 20% following reports that the Trump administration is considering imposing export restrictions on the firm.

Le Cornu sees potential investment opportunities in this environment, telling CNBC that the return of Chinese firms is "a huge shot in the arm" in terms of positive sentiment for the Hong Kong stock exchange as well as brokers such as China International Capital Corporation that have been "getting in" on the IPOs in roles such as underwriting.

"There's money to be made when looking at this activity," he said, adding that it's "not one-way in terms of negative sentiment."

For his part, Le Cornu said his firm is positioned for more listings in Shanghai and Shenzhen on the mainland as well as Hong Kong.

"I think the second half of the year will see an increase ... in these IPOs," the investor said.

Major firms that have found their way back to China through secondary listings on the Hong Kong stock exchange, following listings in the U.S., include: Alibaba, JD.com as well as NetEase.

"The trend is more companies coming home," Le Cornu said, adding that he expects "a lot more" to follow in the footsteps of JD.com and Alibaba in returning to list in China.
SPOKANE, Wash.  Gov. Jay Inslee has directed the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission to draft new rules governing the killing of wolves involved in conflicts with livestock, a move winning praise from conservation groups.

The Democrat on Friday reversed the commission's denial of a petition filed by the Center for Biological Diversity in May that called for reform of the state's wolf-management policies. He wrote in a letter to the commission that the potential for future conflicts between wolves and livestock, and the resulting killing of wolves, was unacceptably high.

"We must move more quickly and decisively to institute practices that will avoid the repeated loss of wolves and livestock in our state.,'' Inslee said.

He directed the commission to create a standardized definition and requirements for the use of range riders. He also wants requirements for use of nonlethal deterrents, plans for areas of chronic livestock attacks to end the need for annual lethal removal of wolves.

"I strongly believe new rules and policies could, and should, be adopted and in place prior to the grazing season next year," Inslee said.

Conservation groups praised the action. "The governor's decision to approve this petition is a necessary step in cleaning up the mess the department has made of wolf management," said Jocelyn Leroux, Washington and Montana director for Western Watersheds Project.

Sophia Ressler, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, called it "a tremendous victory for Washington's wolves and all of us who have been speaking out against the state's relentless wolf-killing."

Donny Martorello, a wolf specialist with Fish and Wildlife, said the wolf management process produces plenty of conflict.

"It's a very contentious issue with little middle ground,'' Martorello said. "You see that across the nation where there are wolves.''

The agency years ago created a special Wolf Advisory Group made up of stakeholders from all sides of the wolf issue, but there are still some groups that don't want to compromise, he said.

The number of wolf packs in the state continues to rise, and the vast majority do not kill livestock, Martorello said. A rancher who is a member of the Wolf Advisory Group said changes were needed.

The current plan does not account for the declining population of deer and other ungulates that provide food for wolves in the wild, which has knocked the predator-prey relationship out of balance, said Samee Charriere, who ranches near Clarkston.

"The plan has no way to account for locally dense wolf populations,'' Charriere said. "Therefore there are areas of the state that have reached recovery and need additional management tools.''

The state has killed 34 wolves since 2012, most of them for livestock conflicts in the Kettle River Range, an area of prime wolf habitat. Twenty-nine of the wolves killed have been for the benefit of the same rancher.

Wolves were exterminated in Washington by the 1930s, but they began returning to the state from Idaho and British Columbia early this century. Most live in sparsely-populated northeastern Washington state.

The DFW estimates the state's wolf population grew to 145 animals in 26 packs in 2019. But the rate of growth in the number of wolves has slowed substantially in recent years, the Center for Biological Diversity said.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has ended Endangered Species Act protection for wolves in the eastern third of the state. Under state law, wolves are listed as endangered throughout Washington.

That didn't prevent the state from wiping out all three members of the so-called Wedge Pack in August for the second time since 2012. The DFW has also ordered that some members of the Togo and Leadpoint packs be killed, hoping that will change the behavior of the survivors.

Environmentalists say the problem is that wolves are being killed in prime habitat regions, which are almost immediately re-colonized by other wolves that begin preying on the same livestock.

It's an endless cycle, said Sophia Ressler, an attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity. "Killing wolves does not solve any problems.''

Instead, the state should focus on hiring more range riders, using lights, removing dead or injured livestock, and other non-lethal methods to keep wolves away from cattle, she said.

"We need to work toward co-existence with these creatures,'' Ressler said. "These wolves shouldn't be gunned down just for trying to feed their families.''

Environmentalists contend range riders are needed for longer periods of time in country shared by wolves and cattle. The DFW also relies on livestock producers to remove sick or injured livestock from fields, a process that can take weeks.

That "amounts to baiting wolves," Leroux said.

The DFW also recently removed a vocal wolf advocate from the Wolf Advisory Group for disagreeing with the department's choices, conservation groups said.

Tim Coleman of Republic had served on the advisory group since 2015 and is the executive director of Kettle Range Conservation Group. The Department of Fish and Wildlife cited his participation in lawsuits, protests, interviews and other activities critical of the agency for his removal.

Coleman said he was "devastated" by his dismissal, which he blamed in part on the livestock industry. "I was often the only voice speaking for those who believe wolves have a right to live in our state's forests," he said.

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Prostate cancer referrals have halved since the beginning of lockdown as thousands of men put off seeing their GP.

In total 27,000 fewer men have been referred to a specialist with suspected cases compared to the same period last year, according to analysis of official NHS data by Prostate Cancer UK.

Urgent GP referrals for prostate cancer have now plunged to their lowest level in ten years due to the devastating impact of Covid-19.

Experts say the delays mean around 3,500 men with advanced prostate cancer have not yet been diagnosed, putting their lives at risk.

Early diagnosis dramatically raises survival chances, but it is now feared that coronavirus could undo years of progress in treatment and diagnosis of the deadly condition.

Prostate cancer became the UK's most commonly detected cancer earlier this year, following a surge in men getting tested.

The Daily Mail has spent 20 years campaigning to raise awareness of prostate cancer, to prevent thousands of men dying needlessly after being too slow to report symptoms out of embarrassment or fear.

Urgent GP referrals for prostate cancer have plunged to their lowest level in ten years (stock image)

Latest figures showing there are around 57,000 new prostate cancer cases and 12,000 deaths each year in the UK.

But the number of men referred to see a specialist after going to their GP with symptoms plummeted by 49.5 per cent during lockdown.

Prostate Cancer UK said 27,000 fewer patients than would be expected were referred to see a specialist over the three-month period from April to June, including around 3,500 with high-risk cancer.

Angela Culhane, Chief Executive of the charity, said: 'Detecting prostate cancer earlier helps save lives, but Covid-19 has made it harder for men to visit their doctor this year - especially if they don't feel unwell or have no symptoms. As a result, we estimate there could be 3,500 men in England with a higher-risk prostate cancer which has not yet been diagnosed.

'If we don't act now, we could face a future where thousands of men are diagnosed too late, when the cancer has advanced to a stage that cannot be cured.

'Most men with early prostate cancer don't have any symptoms, so it's important not to wait until you notice something's wrong.'

Prostate cancer often has no symptoms, but some men experience changes including pain during urination.

The charity is calling for men to check their risk of prostate cancer using a 30-second online test.

Those who are over 50, black or have a family history of prostate cancer are more at risk and are urged to discuss the pros and cons of a 'PSA' blood test with their GP.

If this suggests they are at risk, patients will be referred to hospital for further diagnostic tests which can include an MRI scan or a biopsy. They should be seen by a consultant within two weeks.

Ms Culhane added: 'Some areas have been hit especially hard by the pandemic, and it's critical that men feel safe calling their GP. Most GP surgeries offer phone and video consultations, and men need to be reassured that the hospitals their GP may refer them to will be safe and not put them at undue risk from Covid-19.'

The NHS data show that referrals for prostate cancer plummeted by 60 per cent in April, although they are now improving.

However Prostate Cancer UK said there is still huge regional variation, with London seeing 46 per cent fewer referrals compared to 2019.

Dr Sarah Jarvis, a GP who is backing the charity's call for greater awareness, said: 'It is a cause of enormous concern to me that cancer assessments have dropped so significantly in the last few months. There have been many reasons for this - patients have been understandably concerned about being referred to hospital because of the risk of COVID-19, it has been harder to get a face to face appointment with the GP and GPs have found it harder to get patients seen urgently.

'But earlier diagnosis of prostate cancer greatly improves your long-term outcomes, which is why I'm supporting Prostate Cancer UK's campaign to encourage men to have these vital conversations with their GP. If you're over 50, black or have prostate cancer in your close family, you're at higher risk of prostate cancer so it's even more important to speak to your GP about your risk.'

The figures follow warnings from experts that delays in cancer diagnosis due to lockdown will cause thousands of excess deaths.

Hundreds of thousands of patients have had vital scans, tests, surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy delayed or cancelled during lockdown.
New curbs come as daily new COVID-19 cases have risen across the UK recently, with 2,460 infections reported on Tuesday.

South African economic output has shrunk 51 percent in the second quarter, as a strict lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus shut down most activity.

Chinas President Xi Jinping told a ceremony in Beijing that the country had acted in an open and transparent manner concerning the coronavirus.

There have been more than 27.4 million cases of coronavirus confirmed around the world, according to Johns Hopkins University, and 894,430 people have died. At least 18.4 million people have recovered.

Here are the latest updates:

Tuesday, September 8

22:20 GMT  Brazil reports 14,279 new cases, 504 deaths

Brazil recorded 14,279 new confirmed coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, as well as 504 deaths from the disease, the health ministry said.

Brazil has registered more than 4.1 million cases of the virus since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 127,464, according to ministry data.

22:15 GMT  AstraZeneca puts vaccine trial on hold over safety concern: Report

AstraZeneca Plc has put a hold on the late-stage trial of its highly-anticipated COVID-19 vaccine candidate after a suspected serious adverse reaction in a study participant, health news website Stat News reported.

It quoted an AstraZeneca spokesperson as saying in a statement that the standard review process triggered a pause to vaccination to allow review of safety data.

Read more here.

AstraZeneca has paused a phase three trial of its potential COVID-19 vaccine [Drago Prvulovic/Scanpix via Reuters]

21:44 GMT  England tightens virus rules as cases mount

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a tightening of rules on social gatherings amid concerns over rising infection rates, particularly among young people.

The law in England will change from next week to reduce the number of people who can gather socially from 30 to six, with some exemptions.

Johnsons government also unveiled a new public information campaign entitled Hands. Face. Space, to emphasise the importance of handwashing, face coverings and social distancing.

We need to act now to stop the virus spreading, the prime minister said, ahead of a press conference on Wednesday where he will explain the changes.

More than 41,500 people confirmed to have coronavirus have died in Britain, the worst toll in Europe.

20:22 GMT  Egypt air to resume direct flights between Cairo and Moscow

Egypt Air will resume direct flights between Cairo and Moscow as of September 17, at the rate of three flights per week, state news agency MENA reported, citing a statement by the company.

Travellers to Moscow must obtain a medical certificate with a negative PCR test result for coronavirus (COVID-19) from an accredited laboratory in Egypt, issued 72 hours at most before the date of arrival, MENA added.

19:15 GMT Jordan reopens main airport after six-month shutdown

Flights resumed at Jordans main airport after a near six-month shutdown to stem cases of the novel coronavirus.

A Fly Jordan plane carrying 141 passengers from Istanbul landed at Queen Alia Airport near Amman on Tuesday evening, according to the airports website.

It was the first scheduled commercial flight to arrive since Jordan shut its airports and suspended international flights in mid-March.

Restrictions have hit Jordans key tourism industry.

In a normal year, five million visitors come to Jordan. Tourism generates 14 percent of GDP and employs some 100,000 people.

19:00 GMT  Canada frets over rising coronavirus cases as schools start to reopen

Canada is seeing a worrying increase in the number of people infected with the coronavirus as schools across the country are starting to reopen, a top medical official said.





Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam said an average of 545 new cases had been reported daily over the last week, up from around 300 in July.

Several of the 10 provinces have started to reopen schools this week for the first time since March after investing millions in added protections. Quebec, which welcomed back pupils last month, has already reported several cases.

Canada has recorded a total of 132,142 COVID-19 cases and 9,146 deaths.

18:45 GMT  French COVID-19 cases and deaths mount up

The number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in France rose by 6,544 over the last 24 hours to reach a total of 335,524 cases, the health ministry said, as the country battles to avert a second wave of the virus.

The number of deaths also climbed by 39 over the last 24 hours to reach a total of 30,764.

France has the worlds seventh-highest COVID-19 death toll, and authorities are scrutinising the data to see what measures might be needed to help it cope with an expected second wave of the virus this winter.

17:10 GMT  Ireland reports most daily coronavirus cases since May

Ireland reported 307 new cases of coronavirus, the highest number of cases reported in one day since mid-May, amid concern that new restrictions could be introduced to the capital, Dublin.





The National Public Health Emergency Team said 182 of the new cases were in Dublin, a city that government minister Simon Harris earlier on Tuesday told journalists was at a delicate point due to a surge in cases.

Newstalk radio earlier cited government sources as saying additional restrictions may be introduced in Dublin and Limerick if cases continue to increase.

17:00 GMT  Fears Britons abandoning social distancing as COVID-19 cases jump

Rising numbers of coronavirus cases are leading to fears Britons are easing social distancing measures too hastily, with the United Kingdoms deputy chief medical officer worrying people had relaxed too much over the summer.

Warning people on Monday that they must continue to follow guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19, Jonathan Van-Tam said: We have got to start taking this very seriously again.

In its latest bulletin on Monday, the health ministry reported 2,948 new cases  the second daily high since May  bringing the total number to 350,100.

Read more here

16:45 GMT  Israel imposes week-long restrictions on coronavirus contagion zones

Israel has begun a week-long campaign of night curfews and school closures in dozens of towns and neighbourhoods with high coronavirus counts, hoping it will help stem a spike in cases.

Most of the 40 zones subject to the partial lockdowns are identified with Israeli Arabs or ultra-Orthodox Jews, minorities where crowding has helped spread the pandemic.

Israel, with a population of nine million, has recorded 135,288 cases of COVID-19 and 1,031 deaths.

Some government officials have called for a nationwide lockdown if the partial measures fail. That could disrupt celebrations of the Jewish high holy days, which run from September 18 to October 10.

15:30 GMT  Vast majority of virus cases in Karachi asymptomatic: study

Up to 95 percent of the coronavirus cases in Karachi have been asymptomatic, researchers said, shedding possible light on why Pakistan has been able to weather the pandemic.





Research by the Aga Khan University in Pakistans largest city found that more than nine out of 10 people who contracted the coronavirus showed no sign of the disease.

Public health experts tested 2,000 people from several neighbourhoods across the sprawling metropolis of about 20 million.

Researchers said more surveys were needed to understand why so many cases appear to be asymptomatic in Karachi, but they suggested Pakistans young population might have been a factor.

To date, Pakistan has confirmed about 300,000 infections and is recording a few hundred new cases per day, while the daily death toll continues to hover in the single digits.

15:05 GMT  South Africa daily virus cases drop below 1,000, lowest in months

South Africa has reported fewer than 1,000 new coronavirus infections, the lowest daily increase in three months, as health authorities warn that a second wave remains a risk.

The country is the hardest-hit in Africa, registering around half of the continents more than 1.3 million coronavirus cases.

But the number of new infections has been declining steadily since an average daily peak of around 12,000 in July.

A woman has a sample collected for coronavirus testing during the screening and testing campaign aimed to combat the spread of COVID-19 [Themba Hadebe/AP]

South Africa recorded 845 new cases on Monday, taking its total number to 639,362, according to a health ministry report released overnight.

It also registered 115 more COVID-19 related deaths, raising its total toll to 15,004.

14:50 GMT  EU parliament moves Strasbourg session to Brussels over virus

The European Parliament has cancelled plans to hold a plenary session in Strasbourg next week after the French city was placed in a coronavirus red zone.





We are very saddened by this decision, but the transfer of the administrative operation of the European Parliament would mean all the staff would have to be quarantined on their return to Brussels, said the speaker, David Sassoli.

13:55 GMT  UN reports first COVID-19 cases inside Syrian refugee camps in Jordan

Two Syrian refugees at Jordans Azraq camp have tested positive for coronavirus, becoming the first confirmed cases to be reported inside a refugee camp in the kingdom, the UN said.

The Azraq refugee camp is Jordans second-largest and home to almost 37,000 refugees. It is located around 100 kilometres east of the capital Amman.

Jordan hosts more than 1.2 million Syrian refugees, including some 650,000 registered with the United Nations.

Read more here

13:51 GMT  Teachers in Bosnian village build open-air classroom to protect children from COVID-19

Teachers at an elementary school in the village of Kacuni in central Bosnia have used their summer holiday to build an open-air classroom outside their school to the joy of their students and local community.

Our model offers a breath of fresh air both for teachers and students. It allows us to breathe, speak and work freely. I am so proud of it, said Mirza Begovic, a language teacher at the Kacuni school, which has 1,000 students.

Bosnia has registered 21,961 cases of COVID-19 and 669 deaths.

12:45 GMT  Face masks outside compulsory in Turkey

Turkey has made it compulsory for people to wear face masks outdoors in a bid to combat the spread of the coronavirus, media reports.

Turkey is experiencing the second peak of its outbreak, and currently, it has 281,509 registered cases.

12:30 GMT  Dutch coronavirus infections jump to highest level since April

The number of new coronavirus infections in the Netherlands jumped 51 percent last week to their highest level since the end of April, Dutch health authorities said on Tuesday.

Newly confirmed infections increased to 5,427 in the week to Tuesday, up from 3,597 in the previous week, while the total number of tests rose 10 percent to slightly more than 180,000.





12:00 GMT  India weighing Russian offer for Sputnik-V vaccine trial, manufacturing: official

India has received an offer from Russia to conduct a trial and manufacture its Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccine, with several Indian companies currently studying the proposal, an Indian government official said.

The government of India attaches great importance to this offer of partnership from a friend, said VK Paul, member of the Indian federal government think-tank NITI Aayog.





11:45 GMT  Liberias Taylor denied coronavirus jail move

Judges have rejected a bid by Liberian ex-President and convicted war criminal Charles Taylor to be moved from a British jail, where he claimed he risks dying from coronavirus.

Taylor is serving a 50-year sentence at Frankland prison near Durham in northeastern England after being convicted in 2012 by a court in The Hague of fuelling civil conflict in Sierra Leone.

The warlord had argued that due to a massive outbreak of COVID-19 in the UK his life was at risk from continued detention and that he wanted to be moved to a safe third country.

11:20 GMT  Hong Kong to further ease virus measures

Hong Kong is further relaxing social distancing measures, as the territorys number of new coronavirus cases dwindles.

Hong Kong reported another six cases of the virus on Tuesday.

From Friday, the limit on public gatherings will be relaxed to four people, up from two people. Most indoor and outdoor sports facilities, as well as museums, will be allowed to reopen.

11:00 GMT  Russia completes early trials of second potential COVID-19 vaccine: Report

Siberias Vector virology institute has completed early-stage human trials, known as Phase II, of a second potential Russian vaccine against COVID-19, the state consumer safety watchdog was cited by the Interfax news agency as saying.

Russia registered its first vaccine candidate, developed by Moscows Gamaleya Institute, in August. Late-stage trials of this vaccine, due to involve 40,000 participants, were launched last week.

Human trials of the second potential COVID-19 vaccine, a peptide-based jab, began on July 27 and involved a group of 100 volunteers, Interfax cited watchdog Rospotrebnadzor as saying.





10:45 GMT  Montenegro: Protests lead to a spike in coronavirus cases

Montenegro reported 106 new coronavirus cases, bringing the national total to 5,659.

The spike came after the government declared the country coronavirus-free. The director of the Institute of Public Health, Boban Mugosa, said that the latest protests have contributed to the rise of numbers.

10:30 GMT  UN reports 42 virus cases among Syria staff, families

More than 40 members of UN staff and their families have caught coronavirus in Syria, a UN official told AFP, warning the illness was spreading in the war-torn country.

There were about 200 people including staff and dependents, spouses, children, parents, who have displayed symptoms of COVID19, said Jens Laerke, spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

From these 200, there are 42 staff and dependents who have been confirmed positive with COVID-19, he added, speaking to AFP from Geneva, without specifying the nationalities of the infected personnel.

10:15 GMT  Dont kill your gran  the UK sounds COVID alarm

Ministers and medics are urging the public to get serious again about the coronavirus after a sharp rise in infections raised fears the outbreak was slipping out of control in some parts.

Close to 3,000 new cases were recorded on Sunday and again on Monday  a sudden jump from numbers much closer to 1,000 for most of August, and the highest since May.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said young people had become too relaxed about social distancing and could endanger older relatives through complacency.

Dont kill your gran by catching coronavirus and then passing it on. And you can pass it on before youve had any symptoms at all, he told a BBC radio programme aimed at younger audiences.





09:45 GMT  Japans Suga says coronavirus will take priority in deciding on snap election

As Japans governing party formally kicked off its leadership race, frontrunner and chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said that preventing the spread of the coronavirus should take priority in any decision to call a snap election.

Suga, a favourite to succeed incumbent Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is stepping down due to poor health, also stressed that the biggest job for the new prime minister will be to revive the coronavirus-ravaged economy.

Thinking about the dissolution of parliament and a general election, of course, we have to prioritize the coronavirus infection situation, Suga told a news conference.

09:30 GMT  S.Koreas Celltrion to begin commercial production of COVID-19 antibody drug

South Koreas Celltrion Inc will begin commercial production of its experimental treatment for COVID-19 this month, as it pushes ahead with clinical trials of the antibody drug.

The company said it planned to make a request soon to regulators for emergency use authorisation of the drug, but that it would start mass production  likely to amount to around one million doses  before receiving that approval.

The treatment became the countrys first COVID-19 antibody drug to be tested on humans after receiving regulatory approval in July for clinical trials.

09:15 GMT  Egypt coronavirus cases top 100,000: ministry

Egypt has detected more than 100,000 COVID-19 infections and reported 5,541 deaths from the virus disease, the health ministry has said.

The North African country of more than 100 million people had imposed a night-time curfew from March to June to curb the spread of the illness but since eased restrictions.

Daily life has since returned in the largest Arab country, with cafes, restaurants and tourist sites again open to the public.

08:50 GMT  Taj Mahal to reopen even as virus rages in India

Indias top tourist attraction the Taj Mahal is set to reopen more than six months after it was shut, officials have said, even as the vast nation battles soaring coronavirus infections.

India, home to 1.3 billion people, on Monday overtook Brazil to become the worlds second-most-infected nation with more than 4.2 million cases, behind only the United States.

The Taj Mahal will reopen on September 21. All Covid-19 protocols, like physical distancing, masks will be followed, northern Uttar Pradesh states Tourism Department deputy director Amit Srivastava told AFP.

By mid-March, the iconic Taj Mahal  a UNESCO World Heritage Site  was closed to visitors as part of measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic [File: Sunil Kataria/Reuters]

08:35 GMT  Philippines expand mandatory wearing of face masks

The government of the Philippines has expanded its face mask requirement by making the wearing of it mandatory in supermarkets, shopping malls and government venues.

According to local reports, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) said that in all other public areas, the wearing of face shields shall be highly encouraged.

The Philippines has the most coronavirus infections in Southeast Asia, with 238,727 confirmed cases.





08:20 GMT  Russia reports 5,099 new coronavirus cases, 122 deaths

Russia has reported 5,099 new coronavirus cases, pushing its national tally to 1,035,789, the fourth-largest in the world.

Authorities confirmed 122 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 17,993.





08:00 GMT  Election countdown starts in Myanmar under virus shadow

Myanmars election campaign begun with Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains widely admired and respected at home despite her tarnished image abroad, hoping for a landslide win to further cement her status as the countrys civilian leader.

The Nobel laureates National League for Democracy (NLD) swept to power in 2015  the first national polls since the Southeast Asian nation emerged from decades of junta rule.

Wearing a red face mask, plastic visor and rubber gloves, Aung San Suu Kyi raised the NLD flag  with its fighting peacock symbol  at the partys office in the capital, Naypyidaw.

We want our victory to be the countrys victory, she said, thanking supporters for flying the NLD colours across the nation.

07:45 GMT  South Korea: Five people from China test positive for coronavirus

Five passengers from China arriving in South Korea have been tested positive for coronavirus since August 16, according to South Koreas health authorities, raising a question over the credibility of Chinas claim of no local infection cases for more than three weeks.

Among the five people, two were South Korean nationals and three were Chinese nationals. All of them showed no symptoms.

China has announced that there have been no new locally transmitted cases of coronavirus since August 16.

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted a ceremony to honour those who have been working to stem the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was widely seen as Chinas declaration of a victory over its battle against coronavirus.

07:30 GMT  Ukraine reports record number of daily coronavirus deaths

Ukraine has registered a record 57 deaths related to the new coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the national security council said, up from a previous record of 54 deaths registered last week.

The council said a total of 140,479 cases were registered in Ukraine as of September 8, with 2,934 deaths and 63,546 people recovered.

Hi, this is Elizabeth Melimopoulos in Doha taking over the live updates from my colleague Kate Mayberry in Kuala Lumpur.

04:50 GMT  India reports highest number of deaths in a month

India has reported the most deaths from coronavirus in a month.

The health ministry says 1,133 people died of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, lifting the total death toll to 72,775.

The number of cases was 75,809, the lowest daily figure in a week.

04:00 GMT  Xi says China open and transparent on COVID-19

More from the ceremony in Beijing where President Xi Jinping has been speaking.

He told the audience that China acted in an open and transparent manner over the virus, which first emerged in the central city of Wuhan late last year.

The country has also made concrete efforts to help other nations affected by the disease, he said.

President Xi Jinping presents the national medal to respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing [Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters]

03:50 GMT  Victoria to strengthen contact tracing as it doubles down on virus

Victoria is strengthening its contract tracing programme to ensure is maintains a steady decline in cases.

State Premier Daniel Andrews says the state government will set up five contact tracing teams to focus on different geographic areas of the southeastern state of Australia, making it easier to target specific areas when patients are diagnosed.

Andrews says the lower daily case figures show the states on the right track with its tough lockdowns.

I think well be able to take some significant steps soon because the trend is with us, the trend is good, he said in a televised news conference, referring to more rural areas of the state.

03:30 GMT  Zhong Nanshan honoured in China special COVID-19 event

China is holding a special event to recognise its role models in the fight against the coronavirus with Zhong Nanshan, Chinas top respiratory disease expert, awarded the Medal of the Republic  Chinas top honour.

Zhong was among a group of specialists who first went to Wuhan in January to investigate the mysterious new virus that had emerged at the end of December.

We must not lower our guard and must finish the battle, Zhong said in his acceptance speech.

China came down hard on doctors in the city who tried to raise the alarm over the disease, and there was outrage after the death of Li Wenliang, an eye doctor who was reprimanded by the authorities for raising his concerns about the new illness with colleagues. Li was exonerated in August.

Commending role models signals #China's victory in the hard-won battle against the deadly #coronavirus: epidemiologists https://t.co/K8pYHXXGRJ pic.twitter.com/wicpRQ6vPE  Global Times (@globaltimesnews) September 8, 2020

Never has a building been more aptly named: Outstanding individuals, set to be honored for the parts they played in the nation's COVID-19 fight, travel to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing https://t.co/jPKTJsFodI #ThankyouCOVID19Heroes pic.twitter.com/2itUE75GlV  China Xinhua News (@XHNews) September 8, 2020

03:15 GMT  South Korea daily cases below 200 for sixth straight day

South Korea has reported 136 new cases of coronavirus, the sixth day in a row that the number has been below 200, according to Yonhap.

The countrys been trying to control a spike in cases that begun in August 14 and has been linked to a church service and a political rally in central Seoul.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says stricter distancing measures are beginning to have an impact although the emergence of case clusters remains a concern.

02:50 GMT  Antigen tests in focus as Bali cases surge

Medical experts are linking a surge in coronavirus cases on the Indonesian island of Bali to the inaccurate, low-cost rapid antibody test kits that are being used to screen domestic visitors.

Foreign tourists cant travel to the popular island, but Indonesians have been able to do so since July 31.

Since then, the islands tourist authority says it has been welcoming an average of 3,000 domestic tourists every day.

But along with the tourists return it has also seen a spike in coronavirus cases, and health experts say the use of cheap, but unreliable, antigen tests could be creating a false sense of security.

You can read more on that story here.

Balinese people, who are Hindu, wear protective suits during a cremation ceremony called Ngaben in Klungkung last month. The island has seen a growing number of cases since domestic tourism resumed in August [Made Nagi/EPA]

01:40 GMT  Japan to tap emergency reserve for $6.3b for coronavirus vaccines

Japan has approved the use $6.3 billion from its emergency budget to secure coronavirus vaccines.

The government says it hopes to have enough vaccine for every citizen by the middle of next year, providing any innoculation for free.

01:30 GMT  Japans economy shrinks more than thought in Q2

It seems Japans economy shrank even more than initially thought in the second quarter to the end of June.

The government initially said the economy contracted by 7.8 percent compared with the first quarter.

Now its taken a closer look at the figures and says it shrank 7.9 percent.

Its the countrys worst economic contraction in its modern history.





00:15 GMT  Victoria in Australia reports 55 new cases, eight deaths

Victoria state has reported 55 new cases of coronavirus and a further eight deaths.

The southeastern state now accounts for about three-quarters of Australias 26,377 cases. Melbourne, its capital city, is under a strict lockdown and curfew until September 28.

#COVID19VicData for 8 September, 2020. Yesterday there were 55 new cases reported and 8 lives lost. Our thoughts are with all those affected. More information will be available later today. pic.twitter.com/GEo5Iio7vU  VicGovDHHS (@VicGovDHHS) September 7, 2020

00:00 GMT  South Korea doctors say they will return to work

Doctors associations in South Korea say their members are returning to work after a weeks-long strike over government plans to reform the medical system.

The Korean Intern Resident Association (KIRA), which represents interns and residents, at general hospitals, says the doctors will resume work from 7am (22:00 GMT), Yonhap News Agency reported.

A separate committee representing physicians and clinicians who also took part in the strike says its members will also report for duty.

The Korean Medical Association, the countrys largest doctors group, reached an agreement with the government to end its strike on Friday, as coronavirus cases surged.

-

Hello and welcome to Al Jazeeras continuing coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. Im Kate Mayberry in Kuala Lumpur and will be keeping you updated over the next few hours.

Read all the updates from yesterday (September 7) here.
The attorney general of the U.S. Virgin Islands has issued subpoenas for testimony from several former financial and business associates of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, court documents made public Tuesday show.

The subpoenas were actually filed on Sept. 3 but made public on Tuesday in a civil racketeering investigation led by Attorney General Denise George. The targets include billionaire hedge fund manager Glenn Dubin, his former company Highbridge Capital Corporation and his wife, Eva Andersson-Dubin, a physician who is a former Miss Sweden and former Epstein girlfriend.

Epstein and Dubin had business that dates back almost two decades, and at least one Epstein accuser has said she was forced to have sex with Dubin, something both Dubins have denied.

The subpoena for Dubin asked for all documents and recordings of his communications with Epstein, Epstein entities and Epsteins alleged madam Ghislaine Maxwell.

Subpoenas were issued to banks and to Broadview Networks, a telephone and internet services company that helped wire Epstein property in the Virgin Islands. Atelier 4, a logistics company in Long Island that specializes in the transport of valuable art for museums and galleries, was also subpoenaed.

Also targeted were Lesley Groff, a former personal assistant to Epstein, and Jet Aviation Holdings Inc., an aircraft maintenance company that apparently did work on Epsteins airplanes, which, according to some reports, had hidden cameras that filmed passengers as they traversed the globe.

Plaintiff's Subpoena to Third-party ( Glenn Dubin) by Casey Frank on Scribd

Epstein famously once described Groff as an extension of his brain, and she is a subject of interest in the U.S. criminal prosecution of Maxwell.

Attorney General George brought a civil enforcement action against the Epstein estate in January, alleging that Darren K. Indyke and Richard Kahn  co-executors of the estate and Epsteins longtime lawyer and accountant, respectively  were part of an ongoing criminal enterprise.

Story continues

The subpoenas were issued as part of that ongoing probe, and those targeted have 30 days to respond.

Glenn Dubin

George recently asked a federal judge in Maxwells criminal case to be allowed to join as an interested party, and has expressed interest in both that prosecution and an ongoing legal battle in a civil case over making public a 418-page deposition that Maxwell gave in 2015 in a now-settled civil lawsuit that may shed light on some of the people named in the subpoenas made public Tuesday.

Those subpoena notices were made public the same day that the executors of the Epstein estate asked a judge in the U.S. Virgin Islands to seal the monthly reports coming from a special fund created to compensate Epsteins sexual abuse victims.

In a 24-page filing to Judge Carolyn P. Hermon-Percell, the magistrate judge of the Superior Court, the estate did not present a pressing justification for why the reports should be kept secret.

In order to maintain the confidentiality of the Program Administrators monthly reports  as agreed to by the Attorney General and claimants counsel, given the importance of maintaining an effective, confidential [at claimants sole discretion] mechanism to provide compensation to those who suffered sexual abuse at Mr. Epsteins hands  the Co-Executors seek the Courts approval to submit the Program Administrators monthly reports under seal, said the request from Indyke and Kahn.

Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his New York City jail cell in August 2019. The multimillionaire had been charged with sex trafficking.

The filing, which included a proposed order for the judge to issue, gave no indication of a leak or any other justification for why after two filings future reports should now be made under seal and out of public view.

The Epstein Victims Compensation Fund officially opened its doors on June 25, and its new program administrator, Jordana Jordy Feldman, filed required monthly reports to the court on Aug. 3 and again last week.

There is no indication that Feldman sought to have her reports filed under seal since all parties had already agreed on their confidentiality. In fact, her funds website notes that her monthly communication to the court will report on an aggregate level only. No individual Claimant information will be published or disclosed in a way that compromises Claimant confidentiality.

U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George

Tuesdays filing by the co-executors does provide some insight into the compensation fund, which was designed to give Epstein victims a more private forum away from court battles to seek a measure of financial redress for what happened to them. The filing from Indyke and Kahn said 47 individuals have submitted claims to the confidential compensation fund, that eight determinations have been made and individual claimants informed, and that no funds have yet been distributed. The filing also said the deadline for accepting claims is March 25, 2021.

The issue of sealed documents has vastly complicated a number of civil suits involving Maxwell, Epsteins alleged madam. The Miami Herald sued for the release of documents in a civil suit settled in 2017 between Maxwell and Virginia Roberts Giuffre, Epsteins longtime accuser, who alleges the two trafficked underage girls for sex and abused them. The release of those documents has led to a lengthy legal fight as Maxwells lawyers attempt to keep secret a deposition from her that they say will prejudice her in her criminal case. She was arrested on July 2 on charges she aided Epsteins alleged sex crimes.

Report of the co-executors by Casey Frank on Scribd

Indyke and Kahn are co-executors of Epsteins will, which was changed shortly before he was ruled dead by hanging in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019.

Lawyers for the Epstein estate had no immediate comment, nor did Feldmans office.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 21:42:08|Editor: huaxia

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BLANTYRE, Malawi, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Many Malawi school classes have reopened to prepare students for their final national examination this year.

At Mbayani primary school in Blantyre, a good number of students were seen returning to their classes wearing masks, ready to get classroom education again.

When Shukrani Saidi arrives at school on Monday, the situation was not, as usual, large buckets of water were placed at each classroom's door and every student was being advised to keep a distance.

In an interview, Shukrani told Xinhua that he is very happy that he has now returned to the class, according to him, the development will benefit him a lot as he prepares for his long-awaited national examinations.

"I am very excited that I am now back in class, meeting my friends once again, this will help me a lot in my personal study because I'll now be able to discuss my school work with my peers and my teachers," said Shukrani.

"We have started very well, our head teacher has provided each class with its own bucket and soap to ensure that everyone entering the class is disinfected," he said.

According to the head teacher at the school, the students at the school have been grouped into eight different classrooms to ensure that students are not sharing desks.

As for Anita Kaliu, district education manager for Blantyre, the exercise has started very well with a good number of students returning to classes.

"I would like to thank parents for being supportive in this intuitive, parents play a big role in influencing their children to make informed decisions, before opening schools many parents helped in cleaning and disinfecting all the classrooms, and this time they have send their children to school wholeheartedly, this is remarkable," she said.

Meanwhile, according to the ministry of education, other classes will also resume very soon after a thorough monitoring and evaluation of the current phase. Enditem
TEL AVIV, Israel - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at the countrys law enforcement system on Tuesday, continuing a crusade to discredit those who have pressed corruption cases against him ahead of the resumption of his trial early next year.

Netanyahus latest tirade came in response to a report by Channel 12 TV alleging that police covered up a conflict of interest involving one of its senior investigators who was looking into alleged crimes committed by Netanyahu and his wife Sara.

Speaking at an event meant to be focused on Israels struggling battle against the coronavirus, Netanyahu was asked about the report and devoted a chunk of his time accusing the police of conspiring to oust him.

The entire chain of command is involved: senior investigators, the chief of police, the state attorney, and everything is sanctioned and authorized by the attorney general, Netanyahu said. This was not an investigation. This is a corrupt political conspiracy to topple a prime minister.

To highlight his point about police wrongdoing, Netanyahu addressed another media report claiming the former state prosecutor did not pursue an investigation into a case of alleged police misconduct. The case surrounded the fatal shooting of a Bedouin Arab man in 2017 out of fears it would tarnish the image of law enforcement amid its investigations into Netanyahu. Police shot the man, claiming he had intentionally rammed his car into police who were carrying out a demolition in his village. His family disputes the police claims.

On Tuesday, Netanyahu apologized for the killing and for the man being wrongly labeled a terrorist, which he said is what he was told by police at the time.

Since he was indicted on charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes, Netanyahu has repeatedly sought to disparage the police and prosecutors, accusing them of being biased against him and seeking to force him out of office. Legal officials and experts say Netanyahus attacks on an independent and reputable system have done lasting damage to Israels democracy.

The charges revolve around a series of scandals that accuse Netanyahu of trading favours with wealthy associates in exchange for gifts and palatable media coverage of himself and his family.

Netanyahus trial is set to resume in January, with evidentiary hearings to take place three times a week and sure to keep Netanyahus alleged crimes firmly in the public conversation at a time when he faces widespread discontent over his handling of the coronavirus crisis.

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On the election campaign trail last year, Boris Johnson was clear  put the Conservatives back in power and they could get a fantastic new free trade agreement with Brussels.

Not only that, the complex negotiations could be done and dusted within 12 months  meaning there was absolutely no need for any extension to the Brexit transition period which comes to an end at the end of this year.

The Conservative election manifesto spelt it out: We will negotiate a trade agreement next year .and we will not extend the implementation period beyond December 2020.

Nine months on from Mr Johnsons triumphant return to No 10, with the talks seemingly deadlocked, the mood music has changed.

The sunny optimism of last winter has given way to a stark warning from the Prime Minister that unless a deal can be done within the next five weeks, it would be better for both sides to walk away.

In his latest statement, he said that if there was no agreement by the time of the next EU summit on October 15, then it would simply be too late for it to come into force before the end of the year.

If we cant agree by then, then I do not see that there will be a free trade agreement between us, and we should both accept that and move on, he said.

Mr Johnson insisted that, following the UKs departure from the EU in January, it would still represent a good outcome and that the country would prosper mightily trading on terms enjoyed by countries such as Australia.

However, for many in industry  already ravaged by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic  the prospect of a final no-deal break with Britains biggest trading partner is an alarming one.

In Brussels, Mr Johnsons aim of getting a deal within the year was always seen as an ambitious  if not a completely improbable  one.

The EUs deal with Canada  which the Prime Minister wants to be a template for an EU-UK agreement  took five years to negotiate and a further three to implement, leading some to question whether he really wanted a deal at all.

For some, his latest intervention now smacks of sabre-rattling ahead of the latest round of talks  due to resume in London on Tuesday  with the UK side attempting to inject some much-needed momentum into the process.

Read my statement on our final phase of negotiations with the EU. https://t.co/dG0mZAUQtw  Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) September 7, 2020

Mr Johnson insisted there was still an agreement to be had and that the British would continue to work hard throughout the coming month in order to try to achieve it.

But with the talks stalled on issues of state aid rules and fishing rights, he was also clear that he would hold the EU side  and its unwillingness to offer a Canada-style arrangement  responsible if they failed.

Even at this late stage, if the EU are ready to rethink their current positions and agree this I will be delighted, he said.

But we cannot and will not compromise on the fundamentals of what it means to be an independent country to get it.

The coming weeks should determine whether the political will exists in London and Brussels to finally break the logjam.
The trial in Vietnam of 29 villagers detained after a deadly land clash near Hanoi opened this week with defense lawyers protesting irregularities in court procedure, objecting to a film shown in court and telling the judge they are being denied the right to meet with their clients during the trial.

The trial opened Monday, with the group facing charges of murder and obstruction for what prosecutors said was their role in the 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 early-morning 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.

At the lunch break on the first day of the 10-day trial, ten defense attorneys filed an application with the chief justice of the Peoples Court of Hanoi pointing to what they described as violations of court procedure and demanding the lawyers right to meet with their clients during the trial.

A documentary on the Dong Tam clash broadcast by the court also presented the governments point of view in falsely accusing the defendants of committing crimes, thereby prejudicing their right to a fair trial, defense attorney Dang Dinh Manh told RFAs Vietnamese Service on Monday.

I challenged this, because the documentary had been heavily edited and had not been submitted as evidence in the case, he said.

Video clips were also shown in which defendants appeared to confess their guilt, but which had never been shown to defense attorneys in the case, Dang said, adding,  According to law, everything that is submitted must be included in the pre-trial profile for the case, and lawyers have the right to learn about them first.

Forced confessions common

Use of torture and forced confessions are common in police custody in Vietnam, Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia Director of Human Rights Watch said in a Sept. 7 statement, noting that detainees shown confessing on Vietnamese television less than a week after the Dong Tam clash had many bruises on their faces.

There are still many unanswered questions about what happened during the Dong Tam raid that may never be answered in Hanois rush to convict these defendants, Robertson said. Quite clearly, the authorities want to hit them with very harsh penalties to warn off others who might dare to challenge state authority in the future.

To support transparency and fairness in the trial, Vietnam should allow international observers including journalists, diplomats, and nongovernmental organizations to observe proceedings in the court, Robertson said.

Defendants relatives and other Dong Tam residents, some of whom had walked the 35 miles from their commune to the court, were meanwhile blocked from attending the trial on Monday, while many activists living in Hanoi were stopped by police from leaving their homes.

This morning, relatives of the 29 defendants and other villagers arrived at the court in Hanoi, but no one was allowed to go in to observe the trial. Police even forced us to stay away from the courthouse gate, one Dong Tam resident told RFA on Monday.

We could only get updates on information about the trial on the television, but these broadcasts were cut and edited incorrectly, the resident said, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation by the authorities.

Closely watched by police

Hanoi-based activist Le Hoang said that police had watched the front of his house all night before the trial, working in shifts, while detained activist Trinh Ba Phuongs wife Do Thi Thu said that a large number of police dressed in plain clothes had arrived at her house on Monday morning and were watching me and my parents very closely.

On Tuesday, a group of six Vietnamese civil society organizations and individuals and over 50 local residents sent a letter to Vietnams President Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, demanding that authorities protect Bui Viet Hieu, a defendant in the trial, whose testimony in court has contradicted statements by police on the death of Le Dinh Kinh.

Bui should now be transferred to a detention center not under the authority of local police, and the 29 defendants trial should be postponed, with Vietnams National Assembly sending representatives to oversee the investigation and prosecution of the case, the petition 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.

Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Huy Le. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-07 23:34:29|Editor: huaxia

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A visitor tries a Chinese-learning system in the education services exhibition area of the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2020.(Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Though the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the global education order, it has provided new opportunities for international education services.

At the ongoing 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), which kicked off Friday in Beijing, educational experts from China and abroad held discussions on how to grab such opportunities in the post-pandemic era.

BLENDED LEARNING IS THE NEW NORMAL

Blended learning has been proposed as the new model for future technology-assisted classrooms by educators participating in the International Forum on Trade in Education Services of the CIFTIS.

Data released by UNESCO shows that a staggering 1.5 billion students in 194 countries have been affected by COVID-19 school closures.

Liu Limin, president of China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), said in his keynote speech that China promptly launched a national cloud platform for primary and secondary schools during the epidemic, and started more than 30,000 free online courses for college students, including 1,291 national quality courses.

"Classrooms on the Air" were also opened for learners in remote areas across the country. All these measures have met the needs of more than 200 million students studying at home.

"It was quite a miracle in the field of global education," Liu said.

The pandemic has promoted the development and use of online teaching resources and changed the role of teachers from imparters of knowledge to guides in learning, said Wang Hongjun, vice principal of Beijing No. 35 High School.

Andreas Schleicher, director of the Directorate of Education and Skills at OECD, said more than half of the schools his organization surveyed regarded blended learning as the new normal for post-pandemic school education.

The convenience of blended learning also offers opportunities for international cooperation, Schleicher noted.

A child learns about an English-learning app in the education services exhibition area of the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

China has established educational cooperation and exchange with 188 countries and regions and 46 international organizations, according to Liu Jin, director of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges of the Ministry of Education (MOE).

As the world's largest source of international students with about 1.4 million Chinese now studying abroad, China has also forged agreements with 54 countries on mutual recognition of qualifications and degrees in higher education.

Nick Miles, provost and pro-vice-chancellor of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), said UNNC reopened its campus and became the first Sino-foreign university to resume face-to-face teaching at the end of April, with around 90 percent of domestic students returning.

UNNC had six sample classrooms upgraded to better blend online and offline teaching, with flexible furniture as well as interactive and sharing technologies.

"These technical innovations allow off-campus students to gain a real-time view of instructors and let them easily participate in discussions," Miles said.

Although students might grapple with uncertainty given plans to study abroad due to the pandemic, their enthusiasm for quality educational resources was in no way flagging, according to chancellor Yu Lizhong of New York University Shanghai.

"Sino-foreign cooperative education projects that integrate Chinese culture and overseas educational resources will become a new choice for some students," Yu said.

Visitors communicate with education institution delegates in the education services exhibition area of the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

NEW SERVICE FOR OVERSEAS STUDY

At the CEAIE booth at the fair, Liu Qian, a member of CEAIE staff, was busy introducing the AFS intercultural programs to visitors.

"Many people discuss our overseas exchange programs and are concerned whether they could go ahead as planned," Liu said, noting that CEAIE is in contact with schools in some 40 countries and has kept most of its programs running.

According to the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange affiliated to MOE, the development of online overseas study services brought by the pandemic has increased people's access to information they are concerned about.

The center has made its traditional counter service digital, enabling visitors to experience one-stop online services such as archiving and employment registration.

Educators attending the forum thought that only by opening up and cooperation can international education better share development opportunities in a globalized world.

Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, China will further deepen cooperation and exchange with other countries in the education sector, Liu Jin said. 
Victoria's coronavirus lockdown is dragging down the nation's recovery out of recession, with up to 100,000 jobs disappearing in the past month and business conditions deteriorating sharply amid concerns about the economic outlook.

As one of the world's major credit agencies downgraded its outlook for the Australian economy, figures showed payroll job numbers up in every state and territory except Victoria in mid-August.

A deserted Swanston Street in Melbourne's central business district. Victoria's lockdown is hitting employment and business activity with forecasts up to 100,000 jobs nationally disappeared during August. Credit:Joe Armao

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported payroll jobs lifted by 0.3 per cent in the fortnight to August 22, led by a 1.3 per cent jump in Tasmania. But in Victoria, the nation's second-largest jobs market, payroll numbers fell 0.7 per cent.

Through all of August, payrolls nationally were down 0.6 per cent, suggesting at least a 60,000 fall in total employment, with some analysts arguing it could be as much as 100,000.
The following editorial was published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

(TNS) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has quietly revised testing guidelines for COVID-19.

Regarding people who have come into contact with an infected person, the recommendations now read: You do not necessarily need a test unless you are a vulnerable individual or your health care provider or state or local public health officials recommend you take one.

The move has kicked off a political firestorm.

Democratic leaders allege that the White House is deliberately steering people away from taking tests, pointing to President Donald Trumps public comments about the link between the countrys high case count and high rates of testing. Numerous public health officials have denounced or questioned the change, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert.

Meanwhile, officials at the CDC and Health and Human Services say the move is intended to allow testing to target the most vulnerable populations, where lagging testing has hindered effective containment efforts.

The CDC has reversed and updated policy throughout the pandemic, but theres a feeling of foul play this time given the presidents recent fulminations.

Still, lets take a step back.

First, the new guidance does not discourage or prevent those exposed to the coronavirus from seeking a test. It merely downplays the urgency of doing so in favor of focusing testing on more at-risk individuals.

Second, the CDC released a study in July suggesting that the actual number of coronavirus cases could be anywhere from six to 24 times higher than current testing reveals.

The U.S. is laughably shorthanded in terms of testing capacity. Targeting its limited resources toward more vulnerable populations, such as nursing homes and health care workers and school teachers, is a reasonable proposal.

If testing was coming anywhere close to keeping up with current numbers the shift would indeed seem nefarious. But its not. The U.S. has been testing between 600,000 and 800,000 people per day in recent weeks, with a steadily falling positivity rate, currently down to about 6%. Some experts suggest that the country would need to test 4 million people per day to actually keep up with the rate of transmission.

Of course the country should be worried about asymptomatic individuals spreading the virus unknowingly. Some officials argue that asymptomatic people who test negative could still be positive and transmit the virus depending on how soon after exposure they are tested.

The CDC and HHS are continuing to emphasize masking and social distancing and hand-washing  and self-quarantining in the case of exposure.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York sums up the more conspiratorial take: The only plausible rationale is that they want fewer people taking tests, because as the president has said, if we dont take tests, you wont know the number of people who are COVID-positive.

His assertion isnt entirely unfounded, but it ignores plausible reasons for the shift. The fact remains, there isnt enough testing in the country to keep up with the spread of the virus. Until there is, it is not unreasonable to prioritize testing for high-risk individuals.
WEST CHESTER  In choosing a person to lead Chester Countys newly reconfigured open space and parks department, the county commissioners decided to think inside the box.

On Friday, the commissioners announced that they had selected longtime county employee David Stauffer as director of the new Department of Parks and Preservation. Stauffer moves to this new role following 12 years as capital projects coordinator within the countys Department of Facilities.

The new department combines oversight of the countys seven public parks and three hiking/biking trails with its Office of Open Space Preservation, which doles out grant funds used by municipalities, land conservation groups, and the countys farming community to preserve land from development.

Stauffer will be the first person to lead the countys successful open space program who came from inside the county government structure since the creation of the independent office in 2004. The first director, Bill Gladden, arrived from East Bradford, where he had served as assistant township manager. After his departure for a position with the French and Pickering Creeks Land Preservation Trust in 2018, he was replaced by Hawaii-resident Brianna Zanin, who had led Mauis Department of Parks and recreation.

The position opened in July when Zanin moved to become the deputy county administrator. Oversight of the parks had been under the countys Facilities and Maintenance Department for several years.

Stauffers experience as capital projects coordinator included management of the design, permitting and construction of the countys newest parks and regional trails capital improvements projects, and liaison with the Chester County Parks Board, consultants and construction management. He was most instrumental in development of the 13-mile-long Schuylkill River Trial through the county.

Prior to joining the county, he served as a project manager with Simone Collins Landscape Architecture of Norristown, where his responsibilities included open space, parks, recreation and trail planning, design and development for municipal clients.

Commenting on the appointment, the three commissioners  Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline  said in a press release that, Davids knowledge of Chester Countys parks, trails and open space, and his immense understanding of the methods with which to expand and develop parks and preservation is invaluable. He has managed many projects and worked with many partners to develop our parks and trails, and this provides a great foundation to lead our Parks and Preservation Department.

Stauffer, 44, of East Brandywine, will oversee parks that have a total of 4,350 acres, and an open space program that in 2020 awarded $3.5 million in open space grants. The county protected 2,400 acres of land in 2019, bringing the amount of open space protected through the grants program to 142,000 acres, or more than 29 percent of the countys total size.

We are proud of the quality of staff that we have within Chester County Government, and are confident that both David and Brianne will undertake their new roles with professionalism and a thorough understanding of our Countys systems and goals, added the three commissioners.

To contact staff writer Michael P. Rellahan call 610-696-1544.
Joint Venture Company Novara Therapeutics is set to advance diagnosis and treatment of bone fractures through a patented bone-targeting contrast agent.

Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK) and Embryo Ventures (Embryo) announce the formation of Novara Therapeutics, a joint venture company, to commercialise a patented bone-targeting contrast agent. Novara Therapeutics will focus on pre-clinical development of the proprietary imaging and therapeutic technology to advance diagnosis and treatment of bone disease in patients.

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease, affecting over 200 million people worldwide1. The condition is characterised by a progressive reduction in bone mass and strength that results in more than 8.9 million osteoporotic fracture annually1. With one in three women and one in five men aged over 50 years experiencing an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime, the condition poses a major public health challenge that is expected to increase markedly as the world's ageing population continues to rise the annual cost to the UK alone is estimated to reach over 5.8 billion by 20302

While contrast agents are often used to improve the quality of imaging used in normative diagnosis, these agents have no tissue specificity nor have any therapeutic action. Novara Therapeutics is set to deliver the world's first bone-targeting contrast agent for early diagnosis and intervention of osteoporotic fractures and aims to reduce the burden of this condition on healthcare payers, providers and patients around the world.

Dr Arash Angadji, CEO of ORUK, said: "The creation of Novara Therapeutics is the result of over a decade of solid scientific research at the University of Brighton, and proudly backed by Orthopaedic Research UK, aiming to offer better treatment and diagnostic solutions for osteoporotic patients. We are delighted to join forces with Embryo Ventures to further develop this exciting technology and make it available for patients to enhance their quality of life."

Embryo Ventures' Chief Executive Dr Arash Moavenian commented: "We are delighted to be working with ORUK and building on truly pioneering technology to redefine the way bone fractures are diagnosed and treated. This venture represents an exciting and major step in accelerating the translation of this novel technology and executing our joint vision."

Professor Matteo Santin, Director of the Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, at University of Brighton added: "As one of the inventors of this technology I am delighted and excited to see it being driven by Novara Therapeutics towards its clinical use. The robust R&D so far conducted, together with its industrial sustainability and operator-friendly features, makes me confident of its future impact on the early resolution of osteoporosis fractures".

Martin Gouldstone said: "As a Trustee of ORUK, I am delighted to see IP that ORUK has supported has the opportunity to be developed directly for the benefit of patients. The joint venture with Embryo Ventures represents a new operating model in this space and we are excited to see how this can accelerate the development into the patient setting."

About Orthopaedic Research UK

Orthopaedic Research UK is a medical research charity funding high quality research and education into musculoskeletal science.

www.oruk.org

About Embryo Ventures

Embryo Ventures is an innovation and venture development partner to forward-thinking organisations and entrepreneurs.

www.embryoventures.com

Novara Therapeutics

www.novaratherapeutics.com

1 International Osteoporosis Foundation (2020): Facts and statistics https://www.iofbonehealth.org/facts-statistics

2 Broken bones, broken lives: a roadmap to fragility fracture crisis in Europe https://www.iofbonehealth.org/broken-bones-broken-lives

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005245/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Arash Angadji

media@oruk.org



Investor Contact:

Arash Moavenian

venture@embryoventures.com
Newly elected Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Chairman, President Akufo-Addo, has expressed gratitude to colleague heads of state for electing him to steer the affairs of the sub regional body.

President Akufo-Addo elected Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government ECOWAS, at the 57thECOWAS Summit held in Niamey, Niger, on Monday, 7thSeptember 2020.

The President, who was elected unanimously by his peers, takes over the mantle of leadership from the President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, for a period of one year.

Following in the footsteps of his predecessors, Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, and John Dramani Mahama, who have enjoyed, in times past, a similar privilege, President Akufo-Addo thanked the Assembly for the honour, and assured that he will do his utmost not to let the side down, and discharge his duties to the best of his abilities.

Excellencies, I am fully aware of the challenges which confront West Africa. Past leaders of ECOWAS have demonstrated their collective will and determination to drive the agenda of regional integration, opening up our economic frontiers, encouraging healthy competition amongst Member States, and ensuring that we adhere to our formative principles, he said.

The President continued, As much as considerable progress has been made since the establishment of ECOWAS, some forty-five (45) years ago, we are all agreed that there is much more to be done to consolidate the socio-economic and political gains made over the years.

President Akufo-Addo noted that five immediate challenges face the regional organization of ECOWAS, for which Member States must address.

These, he said, are the continuing activities of terrorists in the Region concentrated, for the time being, in the Sahelian area, involving Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and the northern parts of Nigeria; the COVID-19 pandemic, which has attacked the populations and economies of each Member States; the imminent coming into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area on 1st January 2021; the 2020 decision on monetary union within the ECOWAS space; and the consolidation of democratic governance in the turbulent conditions of the Community.

The challenges, in these critical regional spheres, such as security, economy, trade, currency and health, must be addressed in a spirit of genuine co-operation and solidarity, if we are to succeed in overcoming them, which we can. In so doing, we must protect, at all costs, our freedom and independence of action, so that the development of our Community responds to the needs and aspirations of our peoples, and not to the goals of external agencies and forces. I am confident that, by the grace of God, I can count on the unstinting support of each one of Your Excellencies in navigating the immediate future of our Community, he added.

The President urged his fellow Heads of State to recognise that the way forward is to implement regional decisions, such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, recognising that, ultimately, the benefits are in everyones interest.

Those of us who believe strongly in integration can do no better than to give our full support to regional decisions. Through this, we will build institutional confidence and integrity in the structural organs of ECOWAS, he said.

To this end, he admonished Members of the ECOWAS Community to collaborate to ensure that we adhere to and maintain common values of governance, i.e. the principles of democratic accountability, respect for individual liberties and human rights, and the rule of law. Such commonality will facilitate immeasurably the process of bonding amongst the peoples of our Community.

In conclusion, he urged all in ECOWAS to give enthusiastic support to Community decisions, and build rapidly our Community. Our peoples deserve no less, and the objectives of peace, progress and prosperity will, thus, be within our reach, realising the historic purposes of ECOWAS.
Burning issue: IFA president Tim Cullinan (right), the associations animal health chairman Pat Farrell (left), and deputy president Brian Rushe, burning copies of the Dept of Agriculture TB letters, on Mr Farrells farm in Athy, Co Kildare as part of a campaign demanding that the Department backs down on its new TB strategy. Photo: Finbarr ORourke

ANGER has intensified over the Department of Agricultures decision to issue farmers with controversial TB herd history reports, with the IFA claiming the reports breach data protection laws and the INFHA questioning the legality of the Department strategy.

The reports provide farmers with an individualised TB herd risk category and advice on how to reduce the risk of TB in their herd.

The Department ranks farmers herds based on their risk of a future TB breakdown and says the reports are part of its plans to eradicate the disease.

However, IFA president Tim Cullinan claimed the letters are persecuting farmers.

These letters are a typically bureaucratic response by the Department, seeking to avoid addressing the real issues and keeping the TB industry going, he said.

In addition, the decision by the Department to include the current status of other herds that the farmer previously purchased animals from is a clear breach of data protection.

IFA has lodged a formal complaint with the Data Protection Commissioner.

Cullinan was speaking at the escalation of IFAs campaign to highlight what it maintains is the Departments failure to meaningfully address problems with the TB eradication scheme.

Legal challenge

The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association claimed that the letters may leave the State open to legal challenge.

It questioned whether the Department considered the legal implications for the State in advising farmers to cull stock a number of years after a Department-approved test gave that farmer the all-clear.

INHFA president Colm ODonnell asked how animals that passed a test a number of years ago and continue to do so ever since can now deemed a high risk for TB? Where does this leave the State approved testing programme?

Over the last number of days, ODonnell said farmers have been contacting our office confused and angry at the contents of these letters, which we understand is replicated with farm advisers and public representatives across the country.

There is, he continued, an urgent need for the Minister to intervene with his Department and provide legal clarity on the value of the current testing programme.

ICSA animal health & welfare chair Hugh Farrell called for the immediate reconvening of the TB Forum, which needs to be chaired by Minister.

We believe that the TB letters are a breach of data protection rules because it is possible in many instances to determine the TB status of a farmer from whom you have bought stock, based on the information set out in the letter, he said.

Responding to the concerns, the Department said the TB herd history risk statement sets out to provide information to farmers about their own herds and does not require farmers to do anything  farmers can choose to take the advice if they wish to reduce the risk of their herd to TB.

The Department also said that it has for many years been informing farmers of their risk statuses in TB testing letters.

"These new risk categorisations replaced older categorisations which were complex and were primarily used internally to manage the programme. The new way of categorising herds was the method favoured by stakeholders in the TB Forum  it is based on the herd categorisation model used in New Zealand and it is this specific system which was recommended by the TB Forum in its report.
Second quarter net revenues increased by 40.0% year-over-year

Second quarter GAAP/non-GAAP net margin were 6.6%/8.0% respectively

BEIJING, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- China Online Education Group ("51Talk" or the "Company") (NYSE:COE), a leading online education platform in China, with core expertise in English education, announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020.

Second Quarter 2020 Financial and Operating Highlights

Net revenues were RMB493.5 million ( US$69.8 million ), a 40.0% increase from RMB352.6 million for the second quarter of 2019.

( ), a 40.0% increase from for the second quarter of 2019. Gross margin was 70.9%, compared with 69.5% for the second quarter of 2019.

GAAP net income was RMB32.8 million , representing GAAP net margin of 6.6%, compared with GAAP net loss RMB33.2 million and GAAP net margin of negative 9.4% for the second quarter of 2019.

, representing GAAP net margin of 6.6%, compared with GAAP net loss and GAAP net margin of negative 9.4% for the second quarter of 2019. Non-GAAP net income was RMB39.6million , representing non-GAAP net margin of 8.0% compared with non-GAAP net loss RMB27.6 million and non-GAAP net margin of negative 7.8% for the second quarter of 2019.

, representing non-GAAP net margin of 8.0% compared with non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP net margin of negative 7.8% for the second quarter of 2019. Operating cash inflow was RMB172.1 million ( US$24.4 million ), compared with RMB99.2 million operating cash inflow for the second quarter of 2019.

( ), compared with operating cash inflow for the second quarter of 2019. Cash, cash equivalents, time deposits and short-term investments balance reached RMB1,426.7 million ( US$201.9 million ) as of June 30, 2020 .

( ) as of . Gross billings[1] were RMB676.4 million ( US$95.7 million ), a 35.7% increase from RMB498.5 million for the second quarter of 2019, the highest year-over-year growth rate since the first quarter of 2018.

Key Financial and Operating Data For the three months ended





Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,

Y-o-Y

2019

2020

Change











Net Revenues (in RMB millions) 352.6

493.5

40.0% K-12 one-on-one mass market offering 259.6

417.9

61.0% K-12 small class offering 33.1

28.5

(13.8%) One-on-One others 59.9

47.0

(21.4%)











Gross billings (in RMB millions) 498.5

676.4

35.7% K-12 one-on-one mass market offering 418.5

612.5

46.4% K-12 small class offering 33.0

42.4

28.5% One-on-One others 47.0

21.5

(54.3%)











Active students[2] (in thousands) 233.4

298.2

27.8%















[1] Gross billings for a specific period, which is one of the Company's key operating data, is defined as the total amount of cash received for the sale of course packages and services in such period, net of the total amount of refunds in such period. [2] An "active student" for a specified period refers to a student who booked at least one paid lesson, excluding those students who only attended paid live broadcasting lessons or trial lessons.



"We extended our outstanding performance by delivering another quarter of robust across-the-board results in the second quarter," said Mr. Jack Jiajia Huang, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of 51Talk. "These results were fueled by the continued optimization of our K-12 one-on-one mass market strategy in non-tier-one cities[3] as well as the overall growing market awareness and acceptance of online education brought about by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial highlights of the second quarter include our net revenues increasing 40.0% year-over-year to reach RMB493.5 million, a figure 5.0% above the high end of our guidance. Net revenues from our core K-12 one-on-one mass market offerings increased 61.0% year-over-year to reach RMB417.9 million. Furthermore, our gross billings reached RMB676.4 million, growing 35.7% year-over-year and recording the highest growth rate since the first quarter of 2018. Our K-12 one-on-one mass market gross billings grew 46.4% year-over-year to RMB612.5 million, accounting for 90.6% of our total gross billings.

"Operationally, our teams continued to execute well and capture market opportunities. We grew our number of second quarter active students by 27.8% year-over-year. To augment our K-12 offerings, we recently launched brand new Level-K courses for kindergarten students aged 3 to 5, aiming to broaden our student base and build good study habits from a young age through our platform. We also held tournaments for our flagship China Youth Talk speech contest between April and August. This high-profile event attracted more than 500,000 K-12 aged contestants from across the country and showcased the achievements among some of the most talented youth. In the second quarter we embarked on a brand uplift effort in the Philippines to further burnish our already strong appeal among existing and potential instructors. A highlight of this campaign is the appointment of Ms. Pia Wurtzbach, a former Miss Universe with strong popularity among our target instructor demographic, as our brand ambassador in the Philippines. With her appointment and our continuous promotion efforts, we further strengthened our leadership position in online education and effectively promoted teaching careers at 51Talk for Filipinos with high English proficiency, passion for teaching, and familiarity with the Chinese culture.

"Additionally, I am pleased to announce that on September 2, at the K-12 Online Education Service and Evaluation Standard conference, we presented the first-ever enterprise standards. The standards were also recently published through the Standard Platform of the Standardization Administration of China. During the conference, we signed the K-12 Online Education Industry Self-discipline Convention, together with representatives from six other companies. Through strengthened self-disciplinary actions, these companies strive to lead by example in areas such as curriculum creation, class duration, foreign teacher selection, and tuition prepayment, amongst several others. Furthermore, we, along with other business representatives, experts and scholars kicked off a process to establish an evolving and formal K-12 Online Education Service and Evaluation Standard. This would be an important step forward in the maturity of our industry and the standardization of the service scope and requirements for K-12 online education enterprises.

"In summary, we are proud of our second quarter achievements both financially and operationally. The firm's organizational foundation built over the years, coupled with our sharp strategic focus in the K-12 one-on-one mass market in non-tier-one cities, has helped us emerge today in a stronger, better position. As we move into the second half of 2020, I look forward to continuing to execute on our mission, bringing our strong value proposition to the market and delivering long-term benefit to all our stakeholders," concluded Mr. Huang.

"I'm pleased to report another strong quarter marked by both continued top-line growth and robust profitability driven by our strategy to pursue healthy growth while keeping a close eye on operational efficiencies," said Mr. Min Xu, Chief Financial Officer of 51Talk. "During the second quarter, we achieved Non-GAAP net income of RMB39.6 million, as our net revenues and gross billings continued to expand. Excluding the RMB17.9 million favorable impact of government-related COVID-19 relief benefits received in the second quarter, our non-GAAP net profit margin would have been 4.4%, compared with a non-GAAP net margin of negative 7.8% for the second quarter of 2019. We are pleased to record operating cash inflow, a key metric of our financial health, of RMB172.1 million. Another highlight of the quarter was our successful follow-on public offering, which further strengthened our balance sheet and stimulated investor interest. I am confident that the Company is on the right track for continued growth and profitability."

[3] Tier-one cities include Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Tianjin.

Second Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Net Revenues

Net revenues for the second quarter of 2020 were RMB493.5 million (US$69.8 million), a 40.0% increase from RMB352.6 million for the same quarter last year. The increase was primarily attributed to the increases in the number of active students and the average revenue per active student. The number of active students in the second quarter of 2020 was 298,200, a 27.8% increase from 233,400 for the same quarter last year. The average revenue per active student in the second quarter of 2020 increased by 9.5% year-over-year.

Net revenues from one-on-one offerings for the second quarter of 2020 were RMB464.9 million (US$65.8 million), a 45.5% increase from RMB319.5 million for the same quarter last year. Net revenues from small class offerings for the second quarter of 2020 were RMB28.5 million (US$4.0 million), a 13.8% decrease from RMB33.1 million for the same quarter last year.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues for the second quarter of 2020 was RMB143.6 million (US$20.3 million), a 33.5% increase from RMB107.6 million for the same quarter last year. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in total service fees paid to teachers, mainly due to an increased number of paid lessons.

As part of Chinese government's effort to ease the burden of businesses affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration temporarily reduced and exempted employer obligation on social security contributions from February 2020. The impact of coronavirus policies on cost of revenues was RMB0.4 million in the second quarter. Excluding the impact, total cost of revenues for the second quarter would have been RMB144.0 million (US$20.4 million), representing a 33.8% year-over-year increase.

Cost of revenues of one-on-one offerings for the second quarter of 2020 was RMB131.8 million (US$18.7 million), a 42.5% increase from RMB92.5 million for the same quarter last year. Cost of revenues of small class offering for the second quarter of 2020 was RMB11.7 million (US$1.7 million), a 22.1% decrease from RMB15.1 million for the same quarter last year.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

Gross profit for the second quarter of 2020 was RMB349.9 million (US$49.5 million), a 42.8% increase from RMB245.0 million for the same quarter last year. Gross margin for the second quarter of 2020 was 70.9%, compared with 69.5% for the same quarter last year.

Excluding the positive impact of the coronavirus related exemption of employer obligation on social security contributions, gross profit and gross margin for the second quarter would have been RMB349.5 million (US$49.5 million) and 70.8% respectively.

Gross margin for one-on-one offerings in the second quarter of 2020 was 71.6%, compared with 71.1% for the same quarter last year. The increase was mainly attributable to a favorable mix of higher margin products. 51Talk's small class offering gross margin for the second quarter of 2020 was 58.9%, compared with 54.5% for the second quarter of 2019. The increase was mainly due to a favorable mix of higher margin products.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the second quarter of 2020 were RMB332.4 million (US$47.1 million), an 18.7% increase from RMB280.1 million for the same quarter last year. The increase was the result of an increase in sales and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses, partially offset by decreases of product development expenses.

Sales and marketing expenses for the second quarter of 2020 were RMB239.9 million (US$34.0 million), a 27.4% increase from RMB188.4 million for the same quarter last year. The increase was mainly due to higher marketing expenses and higher sales personnel costs related to increases in the number of sales and marketing personnel. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses for the second quarter of 2020 were RMB237.4 million (US$33.6 million), a 26.8% increase from RMB187.3 million for the same quarter last year. Non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses, excluding branding expenses, were 30.7% of the gross billings for the second quarter of 2020, compared with 32.6 % for the same quarter last year. The impact of coronavirus policy related exemption of employer obligation on social security contributions on sales and marketing expense was RMB6.7 million in the second quarter. Excluding the impact, sales and marketing expenses for the second quarter would have been RMB246.6 million (US$34.9 million), representing a 30.9% year-over-year increase.

Product development expenses for the second quarter of 2020 were RMB38.6 million (US$5.5 million), a 6.6% decrease from RMB41.4 million for the same quarter last year. The decrease was primarily due to favorable COVID-19 policy related impact. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP product development expenses for the second quarter of 2020 were RMB37.0 million (US$5.2 million), a 7.0% decrease from RMB39.7 million for the same quarter last year. The impact of COVID-19 policy related exemption of employer obligation on social security contributions on product development expenses was RMB2.2 million in the second quarter. Excluding the impact, product development expenses for the second quarter would have been RMB40.8 million (US$5.8 million), representing a 1.4% year-over-year decrease.

General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2020 were RMB53.9 million (US$7.6 million), a 7.0% increase from RMB50.4 million for the same quarter last year. The increase was primarily due to the higher professional services fees in connection with the follow-on public offering. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2020 were RMB51.1 million (US$7.2 million), a 7.7% increase from RMB47.5 million for the same quarter last year. The impact of coronavirus policy related exemption of employer obligation on social security contributions on general and administrative expenses was RMB1.6 million in the second quarter. Excluding the impact, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter would have been RMB55.5 million (US$7.9 million), representing a 10.1% year-over-year increase.

Other income

As part of Chinese government's effort to ease the burden of businesses affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the State Taxation Administration exempted a wide range of consumer services from value added tax (VAT) from January 2020. The income obtained by taxpayers from providing essential services shall be exempt from VAT. The favorable impact of coronavirus relief policies was RMB7.0 million in the second quarter.

On September 30, 2019, Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration announced that from October 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021, the taxpayers engaging in the provision of essential services are allowed to deduct an extra 15% of the deductible input tax for the current period from the payable tax. The impact of the policy of additional value-added tax credit for the income generated by the essential services provided by enterprises was RMB2.6 million in the second quarter.

Income/(loss) from Operations

Operating income for the second quarter of 2020 was RMB27.1 million (US$3.8 million), compared with loss from operations of RMB35.1 million for the same quarter last year. Operating income margin for the second quarter was 5.5%, compared with operating margin of negative 9.9% for the same quarter last year.

Non-GAAP operating income for the second quarter of 2020 was RMB34.0 million (US$4.8 million), compared with non-GAAP loss from operations of RMB29.4 million for the same quarter last year. Non-GAAP operating income margin for the second quarter was 6.9%, compared with non-GAAP operating margin of negative 8.3% for the same quarter last year.

The total favorable impact of coronavirus relief policies was RMB17.9 million in the second quarter, including impact of coronavirus policy related exemption of employer obligation on social security contributions on income from operations of RMB10.9 million, in addition to coronavirus policy related VAT exemption of RMB7.0 million. Excluding the favorable impact, operating income and non-GAAP operating income for the second quarter would have been RMB9.2 million (US$1.3 million) and RMB16.1 million (US$2.3 million) respectively, representing 1.9% GAAP operating margin and 3.3% non-GAAP operating margin.

Net income/(loss)

Net income for the second quarter of 2020 was RMB32.8 million (US$4.6 million), compared with net loss of RMB33.2 million for the same quarter last year. Net margin for the second quarter was 6.6%, compared with net margin of negative 9.4% for the same quarter last year.

Non-GAAP net income for the second quarter of 2020 was RMB39.6 million (US$5.6 million), compared with non-GAAP loss of RMB27.6 million for the same quarter last year. Non-GAAP net margin for the second quarter was 8.0%, compared with non-GAAP net margin of negative 7.8% for the same quarter last year.

The favorable impact of coronavirus relief policies was RMB17.9 million in the second quarter. Excluding the favorable impact, net income and non-GAAP net income for the second quarter would have been RMB14.9 million (US$2.1 million) and RMB21.7 million (US$3.1 million), representing net margin of 3.0% and 4.4% respectively.

Basic net income per American depositary share ("ADS") attributable to ordinary shareholders for the second quarter of 2020 was RMB1.55 (US$0.22), compared with basic net loss per ADS of RMB1.62 for the same quarter last year. Diluted net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders for the second quarter of 2020 was RMB1.44 (US$0.20), compared with diluted net loss per ADS of RMB1.62 for the same quarter last year. Each ADS represents 15 Class A ordinary shares.

Non-GAAP basic net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders for the second quarter of 2020 was RMB1.87 (US$0.26), compared with non-GAAP basic net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB1.34 for the same quarter last year. Non-GAAP diluted net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders for the second quarter of 2020 was RMB1.75 (US$0.25), compared with non-GAAP diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB1.34 for the same quarter last year.

The favorable impact of coronavirus relief policies was RMB17.9 million in the second quarter. Excluding the favorable impact, basic net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders for the second quarter of 2020 was RMB0.70 (US$0.10) and non-GAAP basic net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders for the second quarter of 2020 was RMB1.03 (US$0.15).

Excluding the favorable impact, diluted net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders for the second quarter of 2020 was RMB0.65 (US$0.09) and non-GAAP diluted net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders for the second quarter of 2020 was RMB0.96 (US$0.14).

Balance Sheet

As of June 30, 2020, the Company had total cash, cash equivalents, time deposits and short-term investments of RMB1,426.7 million (US$201.9 million), compared with RMB1,053.4 million as of December 31, 2019.

The Company had advances from students[4] (current and non-current) of RMB2,411.8 million (US$341.4 million) as of June 30, 2020, compared with RMB2,186.6 million as of December 31, 2019.

[4] "Advances from students", which is defined as the amount of obligation to transfer good or service to students or business partners for which consideration has been received from students in advance. The deposits from students are also presented in the total amount of "advances from students".

Outlook

We cannot predict whether the incremental revenue boost from students spending more time at home amidst the COVID-19 outbreak will continue during the remainder of 2020. However, based on latest information available at the time of this release, for the third quarter of 2020, the Company currently expects net revenues to be between RMB525 million to RMB532 million, which would represent an increase of approximately 28.5% to 30.2% from RMB408.7 million for the same quarter last year;

The above outlook is based on the current market conditions and reflects the Company's current and preliminary estimates of market and operating conditions and customer demand, which are all subject to change.

Conference Call

The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on September 8, 2020 (8:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong time on September 8, 2020).

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

United States (toll free): 1-866-264-5888 International: 1-412-317-5226 Mainland China: 400-120-1203 Hong Kong (toll free): 800-905-945 Hong Kong: 852-3018-4992

Participants should dial-in at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time and ask to be connected to the call for "China Online Education Group."

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.51talk.com.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible until September 15, 2020, by dialing the following telephone numbers:

United States (toll free): 1-877-344-7529 International: 1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code: 10147343

About China Online Education Group

China Online Education Group (NYSE: COE) is a leading online education platform in China, with core expertise in English education. The Company's mission is to make quality education accessible and affordable. The Company's online and mobile education platforms enable students across China to take live interactive English lessons with overseas foreign teachers, on demand. The Company connects its students with a large pool of highly qualified foreign teachers that it assembled using a shared economy approach, and employs student and teacher feedback and data analytics to deliver a personalized learning experience to its students.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In evaluating its business, 51Talk considers and uses the following measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the SEC as supplemental metrics to review and assess its operating performance: non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses, non-GAAP product development expenses, non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating income/(loss), non-GAAP net income/(loss), non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders, and non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders per share and per ADS. To present each of these non-GAAP measures, the Company excludes share-based compensation expenses. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures" set forth at the end of this press release.

51Talk believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance by excluding share-based compensation expenses that may not be indicative of its operating performance from a cash perspective. 51Talk believes that both management and investors benefit from these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing its performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management's internal comparisons to 51Talk's historical performance. 51Talk computes its non-GAAP financial measures using the same consistent method from quarter to quarter and from period to period. 51Talk believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision-making. A limitation of using non-GAAP measures is that these non-GAAP measures exclude share-based compensation expenses that have been and will continue to be for the foreseeable future a significant recurring expense in the 51Talk's business. Management compensates for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from each non-GAAP measure. The accompanying table at the end of this press release provides more details on the reconciliations between GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB7.0651 to US$1.00, the rate in effect as of June 30, 2020 as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "aims", "future", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", "likely to" and similar statements. Among other things, 51Talk's business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as 51Talk's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. 51Talk may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about 51Talk's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: 51Talk's goals and strategies; 51Talk's expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its brand and platform; 51Talk's ability to retain and increase its student enrollment; 51Talk's ability to offer new courses; 51Talk's ability to engage, train and retain new teachers; 51Talk's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; 51Talk's ability to maintain and improve infrastructure necessary to operate its education platform; competition in the online education industry in China; the expected growth of, and trends in, the markets for 51Talk's course offerings in China; relevant government policies and regulations relating to 51Talk's corporate structure, business and industry; general economic and business condition in China, the Philippines and elsewhere and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in 51Talk's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and 51Talk does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

China Online Education Group

Investor Relations

+86 (10) 8342-6262

[email protected]

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Brandi Piacente

+86 (10) 6508-0677

+1 (212) 481-2050

[email protected]





CHINA ONLINE EDUCATION GROUP UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands)























As of







Dec. 31,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,







2019

2020

2020







RMB

RMB

US$

















ASSETS













Current assets















Cash and cash equivalents

342,951

317,385

44,923



Time deposits

144,093

220,334

31,186



Short-term investments

452,936

441,911

62,548



Inventory

308

962

136



Prepaid expenses and other current assets

250,215

268,246

37,968

Total current assets

1,190,503

1,248,838

176,761



















Non-current assets















Property and equipment, net

20,336

19,651

2,781



Intangible assets, net

9,918

8,413

1,191



Goodwill

4,223

4,223

598



Right-of-use assets

56,638

62,075

8,786



Time deposits

113,415

447,095

63,282



Other non-current assets

6,784

10,362

1,467

Total non-current assets

211,314

551,819

78,105



















Total assets

1,401,817

1,800,657

254,866

















LIABILITIES













AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT





Current liabilities















Short-term loan

16,578

-

-



Advances from students

2,181,808

2,408,570

340,911



Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

166,955

197,760

27,991



Lease liability

31,550

34,287

4,853



Taxes payable

21,661

23,990

3,396

Total current liabilities

2,418,552

2,664,607

377,151



















Non-current liabilities















Advances from students

4,783

3,220

456



Lease liability

23,545

27,059

3,830



Other non-current liabilities

1,595

1,775

251

Total non-current liabilities

29,923

32,054

4,537



















Total liabilities

2,448,475

2,696,661

381,688

















Total shareholders' deficit

(1,046,658)

(896,004)

(126,822)

















Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit

1,401,817

1,800,657

254,866



CHINA ONLINE EDUCATION GROUP



UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)/ INCOME

(In thousands except for number of shares and per share data)





































For the three months ended

For the six months ended







Jun. 30,

Mar. 31,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,







2019

2020

2020

2020

2019

2020

2020







RMB

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$

Net revenues[5]

352,603

487,084

493,471

69,846

672,677

980,555

138,789

Cost of revenues

(107,559)

(144,031)

(143,560)

(20,320)

(213,287)

(287,591)

(40,706)

Gross profit

245,044

343,053

349,911

49,526

459,390

692,964

98,083

Operating expenses































Sales and marketing expenses

(188,369)

(228,387)

(239,894)

(33,955)

(374,656)

(468,281)

(66,281)



Product development expenses

(41,362)

(35,867)

(38,616)

(5,466)

(82,063)

(74,483)

(10,542)



General and administrative expenses

(50,389)

(50,689)

(53,902)

(7,629)

(101,548)

(104,591)

(14,804)

Total operating expenses

(280,120)

(314,943)

(332,412)

(47,050)

(558,267)

(647,355)

(91,627)

Other income

-

16,761

9,628

1,363

-

26,389

3,735

(Loss)/income from operations

(35,076)

44,871

27,127

3,839

(98,877)

71,998

10,191

Interest income

3,556

7,577

8,735

1,236

6,607

16,312

2,309

Interest expenses and other expenses, net

(503)

(209)

(1,337)

(189)

(4,841)

(1,546)

(219)

(Loss)/income before income tax expenses

(32,023)

52,239

34,525

4,886

(97,111)

86,764

12,281

Income tax expenses

(1,182)

(1,447)

(1,759)

(249)

(2,330)

(3,206)

(454)

Net (loss)/income, all attributable to the Company's

ordinary shareholders

(33,205)

50,792

32,766

4,637

(99,441)

83,558

11,827



































Weighted average number of ordinary shares used

in computing basic (loss)/earnings per share

307,458,227

313,197,499

317,793,905

317,793,905

306,754,257

315,495,702

315,495,702



































Weighted average number of ordinary shares used

in computing diluted (loss)/earnings per share

307,458,227

336,903,081

340,457,526

340,457,526

306,754,257

338,680,304

338,680,304



































[5] By performing our last year-end financial closing procedures, we discovered an oversight in our process for evaluating the status of lessons that caused us to overstate net revenues during 2018 and in interim periods of 2019. The amounts were reflecting RMB2.9 million (including RMB 2.5 million out-of-period adjustment attributed to the year of 2018) and RMB0.8 million decreases to net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and June 30, 2019, respectively. Based on our quantitative and qualitative analysis, we do not consider the out of period impact to be material to our financial position or results of operations for any prior periods or for the quarter or year ended December 31, 2019.

CHINA ONLINE EDUCATION GROUP UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)/ INCOME (In thousands except for number of shares and per share data)









For the three months ended

For the six months ended







Jun. 30,

Mar. 31,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,







2019

2020

2020

2020

2019

2020

2020







RMB

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$



































Net (loss)/earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders





















Basic

(0.11)

0.16

0.10

0.01

(0.32)

0.26

0.04

diluted

(0.11)

0.15

0.10

0.01

(0.32)

0.25

0.03

Net (loss)/earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders





















basic

(1.62)

2.43

1.55

0.22

(4.86)

3.97

0.56

diluted

(1.62)

2.26

1.44

0.20

(4.86)

3.70

0.52

Comprehensive (loss)/income:





























Net (loss)/income

(33,205)

50,792

32,766

4,637

(99,441)

83,558

11,827

Other comprehensive

(loss)/income





























Foreign currency translation

adjustments

6,681

4,544

917

130

965

5,461

773

Total comprehensive

(loss)/income

(26,524)

55,336

33,683

4,767

(98,476)

89,019

12,600



































Share-based compensation expenses are included in the operating expenses as follows:



































Sales and marketing expenses

(1,119)

(2,302)

(2,447)

(346)

(1,403)

(4,749)

(672)

Product development expenses

(1,617)

101

(1,637)

(232)

(2,191)

(1,536)

(217)

General and administrative

expenses

(2,915)

(4,000)

(2,785)

(394)

(5,927)

(6,785)

(960)



CHINA ONLINE EDUCATION GROUP





Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures to the Most Comparable GAAP Measures





(In thousands except for number of shares and per share data)











































For the three months ended

For the six months ended





Jun 30,

Mar. 31,

Jun 30,

Jun 30,

Jun 30,

Jun 30,

Jun 30,





2019

2020

2020

2020

2019

2020

2020





RMB

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$































Sales and marketing expenses

(188,369)

(228,387)

(239,894)

(33,955)

(374,656)

(468,281)

(66,281) Less: Share-based compensation

expenses

(1,119)

(2,302)

(2,447)

(346)

(1,403)

(4,749)

(672) Non-GAAP sales and marketing

expenses

(187,250)

(226,085)

(237,447)

(33,609)

(373,253)

(463,532)

(65,609)































Product development expenses

(41,362)

(35,867)

(38,616)

(5,466)

(82,063)

(74,483)

(10,542) Less: Share-based compensation

expenses

(1,617)

101

(1,637)

(232)

(2,191)

(1,536)

(217) Non-GAAP product development

expenses

(39,745)

(35,968)

(36,979)

(5,234)

(79,872)

(72,947)

(10,325)































General and administrative expenses

(50,389)

(50,689)

(53,902)

(7,629)

(101,548)

(104,591)

(14,804) Less: Share-based compensation

expenses

(2,915)

(4,000)

(2,785)

(394)

(5,927)

(6,785)

(960) Non-GAAP general and administrative

expenses

(47,474)

(46,689)

(51,117)

(7,235)

(95,621)

(97,806)

(13,844)































Operating expenses

(280,120)

(314,943)

(332,412)

(47,050)

(558,267)

(647,355)

(91,627) Less: Share-based compensation

expenses

(5,651)

(6,201)

(6,869)

(972)

(9,521)

(13,070)

(1,849) Non-GAAP operating expenses

(274,469)

(308,742)

(325,543)

(46,078)

(548,746)

(634,285)

(89,778)































(Loss)/income from operations

(35,076)

44,871

27,127

3,839

(98,877)

71,998

10,191 Less: Share-based compensation

expenses

(5,651)

(6,201)

(6,869)

(972)

(9,521)

(13,070)

(1,849) Non-GAAP (loss)/income from

operations

(29,425)

51,072

33,996

4,811

(89,356)

85,068

12,040

















-











Income tax expenses

(1,182)

(1,447)

(1,759)

(249)

(2,330)

(3,206)

(454) Less: Tax impact of Share-based

compensation expenses

-

-

-

-

-

-

- Non-GAAP income tax expenses

(1,182)

(1,447)

(1,759)

(249)

(2,330)

(3,206)

(454)

























-



Net (loss)/income, all attributable to the

Company's ordinary shareholders

(33,205)

50,792

32,766

4,637

(99,441)

83,558

11,827 Less: Share-based compensation

expenses

(5,651)

(6,201)

(6,869)

(972)

(9,521)

(13,070)

(1,849) Non-GAAP net (loss)/income, all

attributable to the Company's ordinary

shareholders

(27,554)

56,993

39,635

5,609

(89,920)

96,628

13,676

















-





-

































Weighted average number of ordinary

shares used in computing basic

(loss)/earnings per share

307,458,227

313,197,499

317,793,905

317,793,905

306,754,257

315,495,702

315,495,702





























Weighted average number of ordinary

shares used in computing diluted

(loss)/earnings per share

307,458,227

336,903,081

340,457,526

340,457,526

306,754,257

338,680,304

338,680,304































Non-GAAP net (loss)/earnings per share attributable to

ordinary shareholders

















-



basic

(0.09)

0.18

0.12

0.02

(0.29)

0.31

0.04 diluted

(0.09)

0.17

0.12

0.02

(0.29)

0.29

0.04 Non-GAAP net (loss)/earnings per ADS attributable to

ordinary shareholders























basic

(1.34)

2.73

1.87

0.26

(4.40)

4.59

0.65 diluted

(1.34)

2.54

1.75

0.25

(4.40)

4.28

0.61





































CHINA ONLINE EDUCATION GROUP



UNAUDITED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



(In thousands except for number of shares and per share data)



































For the three months ended

For the six months ended







Jun. 30,

Mar. 31,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,







2019

2020

2020

2020

2019

2020

2020







RMB

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$



































Net revenues





























One-on-one offerings

319,489

464,424

464,926

65,806

612,047

929,350

131,541

Small class offerings

33,114

22,660

28,545

4,040

60,630

51,205

7,248

Total net revenues

352,603

487,084

493,471

69,846

672,677

980,555

138,789

































Cost of revenues





























One-on-one offerings

(92,477)

(133,607)

(131,818)

(18,658)

(183,268)

(265,425)

(37,569)

Small class offerings

(15,082)

(10,424)

(11,742)

(1,662)

(30,019)

(22,166)

(3,137)

Total cost of revenues

(107,559)

(144,031)

(143,560)

(20,320)

(213,287)

(287,591)

(40,706)

































Gross profit





























One-on-one offerings

227,012

330,817

333,108

47,148

428,779

663,925

93,972

Small class offerings

18,032

12,236

16,803

2,378

30,611

29,039

4,111

Total gross profit

245,044

343,053

349,911

49,526

459,390

692,964

98,083

































Gross margin





























One-on-one offerings

71.1%

71.2%

71.6%

71.6%

70.1%

71.4%

71.4%

Small class offerings

54.5%

54.0%

58.9%

58.9%

50.5%

56.7%

56.7%

Total gross margin

69.5%

70.4%

70.9%

70.9%

68.3%

70.7%

70.7%



CHINA ONLINE EDUCATION GROUP

UNAUDITED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

(In thousands except for number of shares and per share data)













For the three months ended



For the six months ended





Jun. 30,

Mar. 31,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,

Jun. 30,





2019

2020

2020

2020

2019

2020

2020





RMB

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$































Sales and marketing expenses



























One-on-one offerings

(173,811)

(215,510)

(225,226)

(31,879)

(344,660)

(440,736)

(62,382) Small class offerings

(14,558)

(12,877)

(14,668)

(2,076)

(29,996)

(27,545)

(3,899) Total sales and marketing expenses[6]

(188,369)

(228,387)

(239,894)

(33,955)

(374,656)

(468,281)

(66,281)





























Product development expenses



























One-on-one offerings

(36,234)

(31,982)

(35,102)

(4,969)

(71,403)

(67,084)

(9,495) Small class offerings

(5,128)

(3,885)

(3,514)

(497)

(10,660)

(7,399)

(1,047) Total product development expenses[7]

(41,362)

(35,867)

(38,616)

(5,466)

(82,063)

(74,483)

(10,542)





























General and administrative expenses



























One-on-one offerings

(45,845)

(47,297)

(50,509)

(7,149)

(90,779)

(97,806)

(13,844) Small class offerings

(4,544)

(3,392)

(3,393)

(480)

(10,769)

(6,785)

(960) Total general and administrative expenses[8]

(50,389)

(50,689)

(53,902)

(7,629)

(101,548)

(104,591)

(14,804)





























Operating expenses



























One-on-one offerings

(255,890)

(294,789)

(310,837)

(43,997)

(506,842)

(605,626)

(85,721) Small class offerings

(24,230)

(20,154)

(21,575)

(3,053)

(51,425)

(41,729)

(5,906) Total operating expenses

(280,120)

(314,943)

(332,412)

(47,050)

(558,267)

(647,355)

(91,627)





























Other income



























One-on-one offerings

-

15,536

7,884

1,116

-

23,420

3,315 Small class offerings

-

1,225

1,744

247

-

2,969

420 Total other income

-

16,761

9,628

1,363

-

26,389

3,735





























(Loss)/income from operations



























One-on-one offerings

(28,878)

51,564

30,155

4,267

(78,063)

81,719

11,566 Small class offerings

(6,198)

(6,693)

(3,028)

(428)

(20,814)

(9,721)

(1,375) Total (loss)/income from operations

(35,076)

44,871

27,127

3,839

(98,877)

71,998

10,191







































































[6]Share-based compensation expenses included in the sales and marketing expenses for one-on-one offerings and small class offerings were RMB2,308 and RMB139 respectively for the second quarter of 2020, and RMB1,075 and RMB44 respectively for the second quarter of 2019. [7]Share-based compensation expenses, included in the product development expenses for one-on-one offerings and small class offerings were RMB1,056 and RMB581 respectively for the second quarter of 2020, and RMB1,223 and RMB394 respectively for the second quarter of 2019. [8]Share-based compensation expenses, included in the general and administrative expenses for one-on-one offerings and small class offerings were RMB2,743 and RMB42 respectively for the second quarter of 2020, and RMB2,888 and RMB27 respectively for the second quarter of 2019.

SOURCE China Online Education Group

Related Links

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Mercedes-Benz has entered into a first-of its-kind collaboration with Virgil Abloh, Chief Creative Director and Founder of Off-White and Mens Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton for a conceptual design project aimed at 'driving luxury forward with innovative design.'

Project Gelandewagen  the first outcome of the collaboration  was unveiled via a unique digital launch event.

The conceptual design project, led by Mercedes-Benz Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener and Abloh used the Mercedes-Benz G-Class to explore ways of disrupting future perceptions of luxury.

The result is a distinctive manifestation of the G-Class as never seen before. Compelled to support the arts at a critical time, a replica of the design piece will be auctioned as part of Sothebys Contemporary Curated, one of the auction houses most revered series which is defined by the unique perspective of a different influential tastemaker each year, with all proceeds going to a charity that supports international creative communities. Advanced bidding will begin on September 14.

Abloh said: My ultimate goal in this project with Mercedes-Benz is inspiring young artists, engineers, designers to question the status quo, in addition to experimenting with my own design abilities."

"For me its all about providing opportunities for those coming after me and giving this next generation a foundation for success, both here with Mercedes-Benz and through my own Virgil Abloh "Post-Modern" Scholarship Fund," he stated.

Born in Illinois, US, Abloh is an artist, architect, engineer, creative director, and fashion designer.

Mercedes-Benz Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener said: "With Project Gelandewagen we create a unique artwork that showcases future interpretations of luxury and the desire for beauty and the extraordinary. The result is something between reality and future."

"The collaboration with Virgil has seen two distinct design philosophies unite, for a one-of-a-kind re-imagination of the G that continues to celebrate the extraordinary at its core," noted Wegner.

Project Gelandewagen perfectly encapsulates Mercedes-Benzs manifestation of contemporary luxury, pushing creativity and innovative design says Bettina Fetzer, Vice President Marketing at Mercedes-Benz AG.

Culture and the arts have always played an important part in both Mercedes-Benz products and the brand, and we are proud to donate all proceeds of the replica auction to support international creative communities to continue their education in the arts, observed Fetzer.

From a 4x4 to a Landaulet, the G-Class has had many incarnations to date, but never a race car  until now. The finished design simultaneously never forgets its point of origin, and captures the experience of a racing car.

The design process was inspired by Wagener and Abloh owning and experiencing the G-Class first hand and identifying opportunities for maximizing its Mercedes-AMG attitude.

Together they considered how to make the viewer look at Mercedes-Benz designs with a fresh perspective, while driving luxury away from a polished and flawless aesthetic to something raw, natural and altogether more honest.

The exterior is kept as clean as possible to emphasize the G-Classs iconic silhouette, demonstrating its monolithic character. The final design lays its construction methods bare, and celebrates the handcrafted imperfections that make it unique.

The paintwork was partially sanded by hand to create a sense of timeless simplicity. Welds are celebrated as key design motifs, as craftsmanship takes centre stage.

The indicators, outside mirrors and the bumper bar have all been removed and the body of the car is widened and lowered, for a sportier effect. The distinct personality of the G remains intact, however, and an exaggeration of the tyres and spare wheel exude the Gs inimitable charisma.

Inside the art piece, reduction reigns and the racing inspiration is clear; eschewing all cliches of an SUV. All interiors have been stripped back, and the safety frame becomes a central motif.

The dashboard is removed and replaced with a clean, reduced version which celebrates an analogue speedometer and fuel gauges, reminiscent of a classic car. This contrasts with the steering wheel and seats, which are more akin to a Formula 1 vehicle. Safety features and key racing elements, such as the safety frame or the 5 point seat belts are highlighted in baby blue and bright red tones. These strong accent colours create a new kind of colour grouping, and contrast against the bare interior.

Through Project Gelandewagen, the worlds of fashion, art and automotive are united by one common passion: outstanding luxury design that anticipates future ambitions. Utilizing the craftsmanship and know-how that is unique to Mercedes-Benzs heritage as the worlds first car manufacturer, Wagener and Ablohs creation embodies Mercedes-Benz innate understanding of the extraordinary, a bold vision for the future of luxury design, and the power to dream.-TradeArabia News Service
When Michel Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator, sits down to resume Brexit negotiations with his British counterpart David Frost today, let's hope he has learned his lesson.

From the moment Britain voted for Brexit more than four years ago, Brussels became enveloped by an emotionally charged thunderstorm  with Mr Barnier as its overzealous lightning bolt.

Yet last week, even those European MEPs who thought that they had seen it all  myself included  were astounded by Barnier's latest incendiary salvo.

Insisting that Britain will never be handed full sovereignty of its fishing waters, Barnier suggested that while Britain will have control of its coastal waters, 'the fish which are inside those waters' is 'another story'.

From the moment Britain voted for Brexit more than four years ago, Brussels became enveloped by an emotionally charged thunderstorm says Charlie Weimer (pictured)

Petulance

Of course, as every MEP knows, one of the most politically charged issues in Britain is access to its fishing waters.

How else can we explain the stinging ultimatum laid down by Boris Johnson yesterday, itself no doubt a response to Barnier's intransigence?

In no uncertain words, Mr Johnson reiterated that Britain is 'preparing, at our borders and at our ports, to be ready for' a 'trading arrangement with the EU like Australia's'.

Certainly it was a bold, no-nonsense act of statesmanship designed to reassure his citizens on the eve of crucial negotiations.

But one has to wonder whether it would have been needed had Barnier prioritised political compromises that could have enabled a deal over making such unhelpful remarks.

Whatever the truth, his petulance lends justification to rumours circulating among EU diplomats that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to sideline him and take control of the negotiators herself.

You could be forgiven for thinking that the prospect of such a move would enrage anti-federalist MEPs such as myself.

And yet, having watched how Barnier's arsenal of aggressive tactics have failed to break the current impasse, it has become increasingly clear that he simply isn't up to the job.

After all, the role of the EU's chief negotiator is not to play politics but to work towards an agreement with the United Kingdom  the European Union's most important trading partner, on a par with the United States and China.

For the truth is that Brexit and the outcome of the ongoing negotiations are politically sensitive subjects.

Livelihoods on both sides of the Channel are at stake, and macho bluster simply isn't going to cut it.

Indeed, it's hardly surprising that a resolution is yet to be reached when the EU has put so much effort into trying to impose its own regulations on the UK.

Take the example of state aid  the use of public money to give financial assistance to organisations and companies  a tool which Downing Street hopes to utilise to subsidise new industries after Brexit and, together with Britain's fisheries, is seen as the key remaining obstacle to a deal.

At the moment, the EU's intransigent negotiating team maintains that Britain can only enjoy a fruitful access to its market if it pledges to remain aligned to the bloc's rules on state aid.

On paper, that may seem like a technical problem, but ultimately what this negotiation comes down to is something more fundamental  trust.

In this case, the EU's failure to trust the UK to distribute state aid in a responsible manner.

Of course, this overlooks the fact that if there is one area where the birthplace of Western-European democracy should be trusted, it is in its institutional framework.

On a practical level, too, fears that the UK would suddenly dish out massive handouts of state aid are misplaced.

Let's not forget that in 2018, Britain spent only half as much on state aid as the average EU country.

And that's before the Covid pandemic drove European countries to inject monstrous amounts of government cash into the private sector.

Germany alone splashed out almost twice as much state money as the UK.

Indeed, if anyone has grounds to be suspicious about the unfair use of state aid, it's Britain.

Undoubtedly aware of this, yesterday the EU shifted its disdain for Britain's handling of its departure to focus on the leaked text of a proposed Internal Market Bill due to be published tomorrow.

In essence, Prime Minister Johnson's Bill would override two sections of the Withdrawal Agreement first negotiated by his predecessor Theresa May: those on state aid and customs in Northern Ireland.

Torpedo

Like clockwork, President von der Leyen warned that if the Bill is passed, it could torpedo any hope of a post-Brexit trade deal, despite the fact that the draft legislation hasn't even been published.

Predictably, Barnier weighed in, too, claiming in a grandiose fashion that the Northern Ireland Protocol in the Withdrawal Agreement was a 'prerequisite for peace since the end of the [Irish] conflict'.

Of course, we still need to see the detail of the Bill before making a judgment, though I strongly suspect that these accusations are overblown.

Even so, this episode has revealed the EU's knee-jerk approach to these negotiations.

Put to one side the fact that a number of EU member states fail to accurately implement the bloc's many protocols.

Far more concerning is how it is symptomatic of the EU negotiators' reluctance to accept that, whether it likes it or not, the UK is going to become a sovereign nation at the end of the year.

When Michel Barnier (pictured), the EU's chief negotiator, sits down to resume Brexit negotiations with his British counterpart David Frost today, let's hope he has learned his lesson

For, crucially, Brexit needn't be bad news for the EU.

Indeed, if the Covid crisis has taught us anything, it's that doing things differently on an international scale can be useful. We can learn from each other's successes and failures.

Understandably, it is hard for Brussels to accept that in areas such as financial services, the UK Government is likely to prefer to go its own regulatory way.

Damaging

Yet given it has become clear that there will be many occasions where the UK Government chooses not to deviate from certain EU technical standards, such as in car manufacturing, it is simply not reasonable for the likes of Barnier to dismiss Britain outright.

For that is precisely what Brussels' chief negotiator and his acolytes have been relentlessly doing  even though the EU's trade arrangement with Switzerland, which does not treat services and goods equally, proves that Barnier's claims about flexibility endangering the single market are farcical.

It also forgets that restricting EU market access for UK-based companies could end up damaging Europe, not least because its consumers and importers will be deprived of British business.

Moreover, some of these firms with a large presence in the UK, such as BMW, are actually owned by EU shareholders.

How would the EU benefit from seeing its supply chain disrupted?

And that's before you factor in the debilitating impact that restricting financial investment from the City of London into the EU would have on mainland Europe's post-Covid recovery.

And so as Michel Barnier sits down today at the negotiating table, he would do well to wake up to a cold hard fact: the Brexit clock is ticking  and Britain and Europe's badly suffering economies simply have no time for political games.

n Charlie Weimers is MEP representing the Sweden Democrats, which is part of European Conservatives and Reformists group.
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.
Few people, or for that matter animals, have been able to dodge the eagle-eyed security personnel at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) and roam about at will. But thats exactly what eight-month-old Nala, a cat who was put on an Air India flight from Bengaluru, did on reaching Delhi on September 1.

She deftly slipped out of the carrier, kept in the aircrafts cargo belly, and disappeared into the cavernous expanse of the airport, leaving her pet parent Astha Shah worried and the Delhi airport staff flustered.

And while Nala went about her adventure, airport personnel searched high and low for her, finally locating her on Friday, four days after she went awol, and reuniting her with a relived and happy Shah.

Wildlife SOS, a Delhi-based non-profit organisation that works for rehabilitation and rescue of wildlife, helped Shah relocate Nala to Delhi. An NGO official said Shah was travelling with her two cats to Delhi from Bengaluru on the Air India flight.

Both cats were being transported in certified pet carriers. When the plane landed in Delhi, the passenger was informed that one of the cats went missing from her carrier during transit at the IGI Airport. Our enquiries revealed that the pet carrier in which Nala was put had come undone in the aircrafts cargo compartment.The cat had slipped out and gotten lost on the vast Delhi airport premises, a spokesperson for the Wildlife SOS said.

Nala reunites with her pet parent. (Photo: Wildlife SOS)

When Shah was informed about Nala going missing, she cancelled her onward journey to Ahmedabad and stayed back in Delhi to help find Nala. The airport authorities immediately launched a search for the missing feline. Wildlife SOS also assisted with the search operation by placing food baits at several locations inside the airport to lure Nala out. After four days of tracking the cat, she was finally located in the airports cargo hold area, the spokesperson said.

As Nala looked terrified and hungry, it took the Wildlife SOS team hours to ease her out from the cargo facility before being reunited with Shah, the spokesperson said.

Nala the cat (Photo: Wildlife SOS)

Shah, who lives in Bengaluru, said the cats are her family and the incident had left her in tears. House cats struggle to survive on their own for long. I thank Wildlife SOS for reuniting my beloved Nala with me. The past few days have been extremely stressful, but I received a lot of support from the animal community, the Air India staff, airport authorities and the airport operator. This incident showed me that compassion is not dead and people will still go the extra mile to help a stranger desperately searching for her beloved pet, Shah told Wildlife SOS.

Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder & CEO, Wildlife SOS, said they are glad they could help find the missing feline and reunite her with her family.

Air India also said the airline is happy that Nala is now safe in the warm embrace of her pet parent.

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REPUBLIC OF WRATH

How American Politics Turned Tribal, From George Washington to Donald Trump

By James A. Morone

If political scientists warnings about the poisonous effects of partisanship may have seemed a bit overwrought before, they certainly dont at present. Viewing the reality of the coronavirus pandemic through the cockeyed lens of American politics can now be lethal. When asked in June by the Pew Research Center whether masks should always be worn, Democrats and Democrat-leaning independents were about twice as likely to say yes as Republicans. The same poll showed Republicans far more optimistic in thinking that the worst of the pandemic was over, a sunny outlook that was not only wrong but that also may have caused many to put themselves in jeopardy by failing to take the crisis seriously. In June, the former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain attended a Trump rally without a mask. Less than two weeks later he was hospitalized with Covid-19, and subsequently died. These days, millions of Americans appear quite willing to jeopardize their own well-being to prove their factional bona fides.

How did it come to this? James A. Morones Republic of Wrath offers a fresh theory to an already sizable pile of explanations for the dismal state of our politics. Morone, a professor of political science at Brown University, posits that while American political life has certainly seen vicious chapters before, our current era is marked by an important distinction. In the past, he argues, the two major parties were internally split as they debated the countrys most explosive fights over race and immigration, and party platforms reflected these in-house divisions. The Democratic Party of the early 19th century embraced immigrant voters but staunchly supported slavery. The Republican Party, which tried to use a literacy test to block immigrants from entering the country, embraced Black emancipation.

But today, Morone writes, the most passionate differences ringing through American history are now organized directly into the parties. For the first time, all the so-called minorities are on one side. Black Americans, immigrants and liberal women are crowded into the Democratic Party, while white Americans are more likely to be Republican. And so a debate about health care policy or how to resolve inequality easily devolves into irreconcilable conflict. Both parties are deeply enmeshed in feelings about identity because each draws people who see themselves as fundamentally different from those on the other side.
After a visit to North Carolina by President Donald Trump, state and local elections officials are warning voters not to try to cast more than one ballot in the general election.

Trump visited Wilmington on Wednesday and gave a V-J Day speech in front of the Battleship North Carolina Memorial. It was for an event to designate the city as the first World War II Heritage City, according to the Associated Press.

While in Wilmington, Trump also encouraged those who cast votes by mail to cast another in person as a check to see if the mailed vote was counted.

They'll go out and they'll vote and they're going to have to go and 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 in an interview with WECT-TV at the Wilmington airport. And if their system's as good as they say it is, then obviously they wont be able to vote. If it isnt tabulated, they'll be able to vote. So thats the way it is, and thats what they should do.

Trump made a similar appeal in remarks to supporters at the airport.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Instead of relaxing and savoring tasty bites of barbecue on the Labor Day holiday, Northeast Ohioans dealt with treacherous waters and road closures from flooding Monday that dumped more than 4 inches of rain .

Counties across Northeast Ohio were under a flash flood warning most of the day. Rain poured as early as 7 a.m. and did not relent for hours, causing the National Weather Service Cleveland to tell people to stay home if possible.

Sounds more like a winter storm message than a bulletin on the unofficial last day of summer.

Related: Northeast Ohio rain totals from the National Weather Service

The downpour flooded lakes, highway underpasses, creeks, streams and roads.

High water closed many streets, including Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and the Carter Road Bridge in Cleveland, the Route 18 and I-71 bridge in Medina, North Park Boulevard in Cleveland Heights and Canal Road in Garfield Heights.

Here is video from flooding at the Shaker Lakes dam and bridge at Coventry Road and North Park Boulevard in Cleveland Heights, recorded Monday at 11:30 a.m:

The Akron Police Department closed Route 8 northbound from Perkins Street to East Tallmadge Avenue because of high water. A residential area in Avon flooded, according to photos on social media. The Rocky River was filled with brown, rushing water.

Anyone who wanted to go to Edgewater Beach was advised to avoid contact with water due to a sewage overflow into Lake Erie on Monday morning.

NOTICE: This mornings downtown deluge resulted in a combined sewer overflow event at our Edgewater CSO.



Overflow events here are rare and video of them occurring are even more so, but our sewer maintenance crew was on site at the time. Details to follow. pic.twitter.com/7dqTJX51Sn  NE Ohio Regional Sewer (@neorsd) September 7, 2020

While the storm didnt cause widespread power outage or tree damage, among the hardest hit spots as of 1:30 p.m. in terms of precipitation were the Jennings area in Cleveland (4.5 inches), North Royalton (4.23), Oakwood (4.17), Brecksville (4.13) and Shaker Heights (4.1), according to the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District.

A raging Doan Brook west of Lower Shaker Lake around 6 pm today. pic.twitter.com/OBxgVzxaeg  Peter Krouse (@PeterKrouse) September 8, 2020

Flash flooding also occurred in Lorain, Elyria, Willowick, Vermilion, Parma, Lakewood, Euclid, Strongsville, Brunswick, Westlake, North Ridgeville, Solon, Avon Lake, Hudson, Twinsburg and Streetsboro.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport had received 3.98 inches of rain as of 2 p.m., a National Weather Service representative told cleveland.com.

Maple Heights 3.62

Mary Street Pump Station 3.7

Mayfield Hts 2.6

Moreland Hills 3.54

N. Olmsted 3.51

N. Royalton 4.23

Oakwood 4.17

Olmsted Falls 3.34

Parma 3.16

Richfield 3.1

Shaker Hts 4.1

S. Euclid 2.5

Southerly WWTP 3.4

University Hts 3.59

Westlake 3.45"



2/2  NE Ohio Regional Sewer (@neorsd) September 7, 2020

A chance of rain and thunder continue until the 10 p.m. hour, according to the NWS, with more chances for thunder and rain Tuesday from 5 a.m. until the 10 a.m. hour.

Reporters Maura Zurick and Olivia Mitchell contributed to this report.
In latest developments, the Shiv Sena IT cell has now gone ahead and filed an FIR against the actress for her statement. The FIR was filed at Shrinagar police station in Thane under the charges of "sedition for her Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) analogy for Mumbai. A picture of the FIR being filed also made its way online. Scroll below to take a look.

Maharashtra: Shiv Sena IT Cell files a complaint at Shrinagar Police Station in Thane against Kangana Ranaut seeking FIR against her under 'charges of sedition for her Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) analogy for Mumbai'. pic.twitter.com/wiiFkWBIFm  ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2020

The FIR has been filed a day after Kangana was granted Y+ security by the central government.

Kangana Ranaut triggered a massive outage on social media when she compared Mumbai to POK. This resulted in Sanjay Raut taking a dig at the actress . Even the Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray expressed his displeasure over the remark.
Three days in a row  the last two days of August and the first day of September 2020  newspapers in India carried perplexing front-page reports.

On 30 August, headlines prominently displayed the new set of Unlock India guidelines issued by the Centre. Equally prominently placed alongside was the news that the country broke the world record for the maximum number of new COVID-19 cases in a single day. With 78,761 new cases, India had broken the previous single day spread record of 77,200 COVID-positive cases logged by the United States on 17 July.

On 31 August, the front page headlines conveyed that India on the previous day, a Sunday, had achieved the dubious distinction of becoming the first country in the world to log more than 80,000 new COVID-19 cases in a single day.

On the third consecutive day, 1 September, the front pages screamed that Indias GDP  which was tottering even before the pandemic struck  had contracted by nearly 24 percent in the April-June quarter of FY 2020-21. The slump was said to be attributed to the prolonged countrywide lockdown imposed by the government as its first COVID-19 response.

The lockdown, which in hindsight, has done little to arrest the spread of infections, did freeze both investments and consumption across the core sectors and pushed up the unemployment rate. Since April, millions of workers have been laid-off and many small businesses shut overnight. Next to this story was the news detailing how the Unlock 4.0 guidelines of Maharashtra, the state that continues to contribute almost a quarter to the national tally of COVID-19 cases, had opened up most sectors, albeit with all mandatory preventive measures in place.

Nothing august about August

India registered its first single-day 70,000-plus cases on 22 August. After a momentary decline over the next two days, the daily caseload jumped to 66,873 on 25 August. The subsequent four days consistently hit the 76,000-plus mark whereas on August 30, the country breached the 80,000-plus single day cases mark.

Incidentally, both the days when India breached the two unsavoury milestones of 70,000 and 80,000 daily case count fell on weekends, during which, the numbers had reliably dropped since the cases started spiralling in May. Lesser number of tests conducted over the weekends were considered to be contributing to the lower weekend figures. Earlier, the highest peak recorded on a Sunday was on 9 August, when 63,851 people tested positive.

The surge in the last week of August has also reversed some of Indias initial gains in terms of both the day-to-day growth of cases and fatalities. The growth rate of the number of cases reached 13.1 percent, nearly thrice than the average of 4.7 percent registered in the previous week. The highest earlier weekly peak of 10.9 percent was recorded during 3-9 August. The fatality rate also grew to nearly 4 percent, more than double of the 1.7 percent logged in the previous week.

Despite the steep increase of cases, there was a silver lining around the dark COVID clouds in August. India successfully ramped up testing to ensure, on a five-day rolling average, a sharp rise in both  the doubling time for the growth of cases as well as deaths. From around a 24-day doubling rate of cases at the start of the month, the rate increased to around 33 days on 31 August. Likewise, the doubling rate of deaths also increased from around 30 days in early August to over 50 days by the month end. In early June, when the Unlock 1.0 was announced, the doubling rate of cases and deaths was at 15 and 17 days respectively.

This increase in the doubling rate can be attributed to the increased testing, which breached the 10 million tests per day mark towards August end. According to the Union Health Ministry, the exponential jump in the testing capacity and number of tests drove the tests per million to 30,000-plus. Increased testing also reduced the positivity rate (share of confirmed COVID-19 positive cases among all tests conducted) from nearly 12 percent on 25 July to marginally less than 8 percent on 31 August on a 7-day rolling average.

Balancing lives and livelihoods: India walks the tightrope

The surge was a foregone conclusion ever since the gradual lockdown relaxations were introduced. With the kind of the impact that the lockdown had on the economy, the unlocking too, wasnt too hard to predict. However, given the increased fury with which the pandemic has spread, one is still quite unsure of when the peak will set in, let alone how long will it take to flatten the curve.

Indias CFR (case fatality rate) of 1.8 percent, which is well below the world average of 3.4 percent, as well as the countrys low positivity rate by and large seems to have given an impression that the ease on movement and businesses means that the country is out of the woods. Millions who were locked up indoors for months are convinced that the novel coronavirus is not all that dangerous as it was earlier believed to be and certainly not as deadly.

The way large crowds have thronged public places with little regard for face masks and social distancing norms and the pre-lockdown congestion on roads in Indias cities making a comeback prove that, for most, the pandemic is all but over. Such complexity was also reflected in the comments made by the municipal commissioner of Mumbai in mid-July. Citing the ramped-up testing facilities and the R rate (rate of healthy people getting infected by a COVID-19 patient) being 1.1, he said that technically the pandemic was as good as over.

Cities such as Mumbai have done a commendable job in ensuring that the outbreak doesnt run riot. They are therefore well-advised to learn from Auckland and South Korea, which despite having negligible population densities and a high degree of civic discipline, were recently forced to re-impose lockdowns as the virus struck back after it was claimed to have been defeated.

Incidentally, the spread of the pandemic in India is in line with the study predictions made by the Indian Institute of Science in mid-April. In a worst-case scenario, it concluded, India would record 3.5 million cases by August end. India has fared a bit worse, logging nearly 3.7 million cases as on 31 August. The peak, according to the worst-case scenario prediction, would set in only in March 2021. Another study, initially attributed to the ICMR which later distanced itself from the same, had claimed that the contagion will peak in the country by mid-November leading to a shortage of critical care equipment including isolation beds, ICUs and ventilators.

Indeed, the way things are going, the rural areas that already suffer from poor health infrastructure stand exposed to a much higher degree of risk. More than 55 percent of the cases during the surge in August came from 584 districts classified as mostly rural or entirely rural. Another 16 percent came from rurban areas. To put this into context, entire urban areas contributed to 64 percent of Indias total cases in April. Dr T Jacob John, professor emeritus at Christian Medical College, Vellore, has surmised the governments in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai  despite the initial spread like wildfire, brought the contagion under relative control thanks to the available health resources. What we are likely to see in villages will not be like this  it will be slow- and long-burning fire  much harder to contain, he warned, explaining how villages are disadvantaged because of their inadequate health systems.

Unlocking India: A necessary evil to be handled with caution

With a sure shot vaccine yet to be discovered and then made available to 1.3 billion Indians still an uncertain time away, the virus seems set to run its course in the country. The economic devastation caused by the lockdown has to be stopped by all means.

The onus is firmly on each individual to adhere to all the precautions and safety norms. From September, as the Unlock 4.0 sets in, the war against COVID-19 is literally an all for one and one for all effort. At the same time, the government has to announce a slew of additional measures to boost the economy that is staring down a black hole. Unless targeted fiscal injections are not administered urgently, the green shoots are at a risk of withering away.

Disclaimer: Dhaval Desai is senior fellow and Vice President at Observer Research Foundation, Mumbai. View(s) expressed by the author are personal.

This article first appeared in ORF
Kenneth Egbaran, the Managing Director of Veritas Kapital Assurance has assured farmers affected by recent floods in Sokoto State of prompt settlement of their insurance premium to defray their losses.

Mr Egbaran made the assurance on Tuesday in an interview with reporters after he inspected farms affected by flood in Sokoto, Goronyo, Kware, Wamakko and other areas in Sokoto State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the farmers comprised members of Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) and National Cotton Farmers Association of Nigeria (NACOFAN).

He said the company is a solid leading agricultural insurance company targeted at providing good disaster cover to farming communities in the country.

We are committed to ensure that farmers losses were restored, to facilitate increased investments in agricultural value chain, he said. We build the capacity of farmers, promote expertise in agric business and ensure partnership with other stakeholders in agricultural sector.

Veritas Kapital Assurance is committed to actualise federal governments vision on agricultural development and liase with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other partners to promote all category of farming toward enduring food security and empowerment, Mr Egbaran said.

He said the present exercise was tagged Area Yield Index Insurance (AYII) which covers all forms of disasters that might affect harvests.

Mr Egbaran said his team has inspected all the affected farmlands to ensure that farmers benefit maximally with the insurance covers agreed according to the modalities.

According to him, consultants and supervisors were also deployed to capture benefiting farmers and observe the correct situations on ground, stressing that some teams were deployed to Kebbi.

He added that farmers groups provided list of their members and partnered with them in the assessment.

The offcial explained that farmer premium payments depends on farm sizes, adding that CBN intervened to facilitate success of FG social intervention programmes.

In their separate remarks, Sokoto chairmen of RIFAN and MAAN, Ibrahim Salihu and Abubakar Danfoloti, commended Veritas Kapital Assurance for their prompt response.

They explained that thousands of their members suffered losses due to increased rainfall experienced this year and appealed for prompt intervention in order to provide succor to them.

The leaders noted that the insurance payment would motivate farmers and encourage them to invest more in agriculture. (NAN)
Researchers and regulators are working together to ensure a likely increase in the number of drones in our skies happens as safely as possible.

Airservices Australia has commissioned the Queensland University of Technology to develop a system to automatically manage flight requests for drones.

QUT's Dr Aaron Mcfadyen is leading the development of a real-time automatic approval system for drone flights in built-up areas. Credit:QUT

All approvals for drone flights have to be done manually, meaning there could be significant delays if there is a sudden influx of flight requests.

That is an unlikely prospect today, but as drone use increases in the commercial sector for everything from food delivery to ferrying medical supplies, the prospect of dozens or even hundreds of drones all seeking flight approval at once is a real future concern.
The last time Kimberly Curry saw Peter Singh, he had set up camp behind 6 St. Joseph House  a downtown resource centre for individuals struggling with challenges from homelessness to addiction.

Curry was called in, she said, because Singhs setup was butting against a neighbours property. When she arrived, she recalled that Singh had laid out sleeping supplies and some vegetables to eat, carefully, for himself and a friend to stay. It was like a little house he had set up outside, she remembered.

Thats just how Singh was, Curry said  he took care of the people around him, even as he battled with his own mental health and substance use. He was struggling, but he just always wanted to do good.

That was roughly two months ago. Singh then fell of the radar, joining the list of individuals experiencing homelessness that people like Curry  executive director of the charity Seeds of Hope  lost track of during the shuffle of COVID-19. Its just very difficult to track whats happening, she told the Star.

On Tuesday, police made the grim announcement that Singh, whod been living under a bridge on the West Humber Trail, had been killed  the citys 48th homicide this year. He was found by a jogger shortly after 7 a.m. Monday, lifeless and having suffered from visible trauma. First responders couldnt revive him.

The specifics of Singhs death are yet unclear, with investigators appealing to the public for information about out-of-the-ordinary occurrences in the area or sightings of Singh alive in the early hours of Monday. His murder is the latest in what outreach workers say has been a particularly deadly summer for Torontos homeless population, particularly due to a city-wide increase in overdose deaths.

And tensions have been high as the pandemic has shaken up homeless services across Toronto.

We have seen a lot of stress, a lot of death, a lot of people using more  and people using alone, said Diana McNally, from the Toronto Drop-In Network. More people in Toronto died of suspected overdoses in July than any other month on record, with 27 fatalities.

Mary-Anne Bedard of Torontos Shelter, Support and Housing Administration said theyd definitely seen that increase show up among shelter clients  while the stress and strain of the pandemic took a visible toll on peoples mental health.

Frontline shelter worker Tommy Taylor told the Star there seemed to be an extra edge within encampments across the city, and even within some shelter sites, as the pandemic had altered the support networks that individuals experiencing homelessness relied on. Your supports are gone, maybe the group meetings you were going to, the drop-in you were going to  that stuff compounds, he said.

He argued the overdose deaths underscored a need for more support services within the shelter system for those struggling with substance use, floating the idea of some facilities specializing in harm reduction for individuals battling addictions. Other facilities could specialize in areas like geriatrics, he said. Such a move was especially important, he said, as many individuals experiencing homelessness in Toronto were dealing with the stress of the pandemic on top of challenges of life on the streets.

Official data on homeless deaths in Toronto during the pandemic isnt yet available, with the last published numbers by Toronto Public Health ending on June 30, 2019. Three new names were added to Torontos Homeless Memorial on Tuesday, including Singh and Tara Morton  a 41-year-old who McNally said had been homeless for some time, who died last month after police say she was stabbed by another woman. The third name was a man identified as Andrew, who reportedly died in a tent.

Its just been really draining that on top of the pandemic, theres so much loss and grief, Taylor said. This year just feels so much worse than any of the years that have come before.

With files from Irelyne Lavery

Victoria Gibson is a Toronto-based reporter for the Star covering affordable housing. Her reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. Reach her via email: victoriagibson@thestar.ca
President extends US prohibition on new offshore drilling sites off the Florida, Georgia and South Carolina coasts.

United States President Donald Trump sought to claim the mantle of environmental steward on Tuesday as he announced an expansion of a ban on offshore drilling and highlighted conservation projects in Florida.

Trump spoke beside the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, lambasting Democrat Joe Bidens agenda at the taxpayer-funded event. The trip comes as Trump steps up his travel to battleground states eight weeks before the election.

From Florida, he was headed for a campaign rally in North Carolina, another must-win state for his re-election.

Trump announced he was extending and expanding a ban on new offshore drilling sites off the Florida coast as well as the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. The existing moratorium covers the Gulf of Mexico, and Trump said the new one would also cover the Atlantic coast  a significant political concern in coastal states like Florida.

My administrations proving every day that we can improve our environment while creating millions of high-paying jobs, Trump said. He claimed Bidens environmental plans would destroy Americas middle class while giving a free pass to the worlds worst foreign polluters.

The announcement could open the president up to charges of an election-year flip-flop given that he acted in January 2018 to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans. His administration has overturned or weakened numerous regulations meant to protect air and water quality and lands essential for imperilled species.

Trump offered himself as the greatest environmental president since Theodore Roosevelt.

Who would have thought. Trump is the great environmentalist? the president said. You hear that? Thats good, and I am. I am. I believe strongly in it.

President Donald Trump holds a signed memorandum to expand the offshore drilling moratorium to the Atlantic coast of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina after speaking at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum in Florida. At left is Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler [Evan Vucci/AP Photo]

Trump, though, has rolled back numerous regulations meant to protect the environment, from power plant emissions to auto fuel standards to clean water. He withdrew the US from the 2015 Paris Agreement, a global accord to address the emission of heat-trapping greenhouse gases.

The Trump administration has made the environment a primary target of his deregulatory push, eliminating or weakening dozens of rules that protect the nations air and water quality and lands essential for imperilled species while reversing initiatives to fight climate change from the era of US President Barack Obama.

Trump replaced Obamas Clean Power Plan aimed at slashing greenhouse gas pollution from electric plants and eased automobile fuel economy standards. Under Trump, the Environmental Protection Agency stripped federal protection from millions of acres of streams and wetlands.

He lifted restrictions on oil and gas exploration in sensitive areas and shortened environmental reviews of construction projects such as highways and pipelines.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, a longtime Trump ally who has opposed the administrations drilling exploration expansion plans, applauded Tuesdays announcement as good news but warned we must remain vigilant in the conservation and preservation of our coastline.

South Carolina is blessed with the most beautiful and pristine beaches, sea islands, and marshes in the nation, McMaster said. Seismic testing and offshore drilling threatens their health and jeopardises the future of our states $24bn tourism industry.

Soon after the initial expansion plans were floated early in Trumps term, McMaster advocated against drilling and met with then-US Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to seek an exemption for the state. McMaster has also signed into law a state budget proviso prohibiting state or local government funds from being used for offshore oil and gas-related activities.

Trump said he had been discussing extending the moratorium with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who greeted Trump at the airport in West Palm Beach and attended the Jupiter, Florida event [John Raoux/AP Photo]

Trump said he had also been discussing extending the moratorium with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who greeted Trump at the airport in West Palm Beach and attended the event in Jupiter.

This protects your beautiful gulf and your beautiful ocean, and it will for a long time to come, Trump told an audience of about 200 people, including federal and state officials and members of Congress. Few wore face coverings or practised social distancing.

Environmental groups and former EPA chiefs from both parties have criticised Trumps environmental record. Current EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist, defended it last week in a speech commemorating the agencys 50th anniversary.

Wheeler contended Trump that had reined in an agency that had lost sight of its core mission. A second term would bring more clean-ups of Superfund toxic waste dumps and restoration of polluted industrial sites, which drew renewed emphasis during Trumps first term, Wheeler said.
The next phase of the 25-year deal between China and Iran will focus on a large-scale roll-out of electronic espionage and warfare capabilities focussed around the port of Chabahar and extending for a nearly 5,000 kilometer (3,000 mile) radius, and the concomitant build-out of mass surveillance and monitoring of the Iranian population, in line with the standard operating procedure across China, senior sources close to the Iranian government told OilPrice.com last week. Both of these elements dovetail into Beijings strategic vision for Iran as a fully-functioning client state of China by the end of the 25-year period. By that time, Iran will be an irreplaceable geographical and geopolitical foundation stone in Beijings One Belt, One Road project, as well as providing a large pool of young, well-educated, relatively cheap labor for Chinese industry. The mass surveillance, monitoring, and control systems to cover Irans population is to begin its full roll-out as from the second week of November, after the final agreement on event sequencing has been reached in the third week of October at a meeting between Irans most senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and intelligence services figures and their Chinese counterparts. Irans Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, already agreed on the broad plans in July, according to the Iran sources. The plan is for nearly 10 million extra CCTV [closed-circuit television] cameras to be placed in Irans seven most populous cities, to begin with, plus another five million or so pinhole surveillance cameras to be placed at the same time in another 21 cities, with all of these being directly linked in to Chinas main state surveillance and monitoring systems, said an Iran source. This will enable the full integration of Iran into the next generation of Chinas algorithmic surveillance system that allows for the targeting of behavior down to the level of the individual by combining these inputs with already-stored local, national, and regional records on each citizen, together with their virtual data footprints, he said. At the same time as this, China will start to trial its own heavily-censored version of the internet via the Great Firewall of China [that prohibits foreign internet sites], in Iran, and to begin the broad roll-out of Mandarin as a key foreign language to be learned in school, initially alongside English, but then to replace English, one of the Iran sources added. By the end of this process, these seven cities in Iran will be among the top 25 most surveilled cities in the world, he underlined.

Related: China To Fast-Track Adoption Of Hydrogen Cars



This Sino-technologicalisation of Iran is essential to the use of Irans labor force by China, as envisioned in the original 25-year plan that was agreed between Irans Foreign Minister, Mohammad Zarif, and his China counterpart, Wang Li, last year - itself a development of the previous strategic co-operation deal agreed in 2016. Specifically, Beijing intends to build factories and other centers of business that function as extensions of existing businesses in China, with the same machinery, technology, and production lines, managed by Chinese personnel who have been overseeing identical production lines in mainland China. It will be exactly like a factory has been picked up from the middle of China by a giant hand and then placed into Iran, just like Apple operates in China or Chinese firms operate in various African countries, one of the Iran sources said.

The resultant products will then be able to access Western markets by dint of another element of the new 25-year deal, which will be the new transport infrastructure to be financed and implemented by Chinese companies in Iran. Shortly after the new 25-year deal was presented by Irans Vice President, Eshaq Jahangiri (and senior figures from the Economic and Finance Ministry, the Petroleum Ministry, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to Irans Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei) late last year, Jahangiri announced that Iran had signed a contract with China to implement a project to electrify the main 900 kilometer railway connecting Tehran to the north-eastern city of Mashhad. Adjunct to this, Jahangiri added that there are also plans to establish a Tehran-Qom-Isfahan high-speed train line and to extend this upgraded network up to the north-west through Tabriz.

In tandem with this increased surveillance of the population, China will use the end of the global arms embargo on Iran on 18 October to begin fast-tracked preparations for its increased military presence in Iran, as part of the China-Iran Integrated Defence Strategy of the 25-year deal exclusively revealed by OilPrice.com in July. The top priority in these preparations will be ensuring that the military hardware and personnel that China, and Russia, are set to deploy as from the second week of November, are not vulnerable to attack. This equally applies to the oil and gas resources upon which Chinese and Russian firms are still working, despite the U.S. sanctions on Iran, under the guise of standalone contracts. Such efforts would encompass each of the three key EW areas - electronic support (including early warning of enemy weapons use) plus electronic attack (including jamming systems) plus electronic protection (including of enemy jamming), although in the Chinese system, unlike in the traditional Western model, cyber and electronic warfare have been merged into a single discipline.

More specifically, Iran will be host to a range of technology, equipment, and systems coming from both China and Russia, as part of a three-pronged usage strategy for Iran that includes - in addition to the monitoring, surveillance of the workforce  proactive intelligence-gathering capabilities, and an extensive defensive apparatus, as part of, in particular, Russias standard anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) operational approach in these conditions. Included in the hardware of the military package, according to the Iran sources, will be the highly-regarded Russian S-400 anti-missile air defense system and the Krasukha-2 and -4 systems that proved successful in Syria. This equipment will function alongside the new dual-use civilian/military centers across Iran, for the air force and naval assets. In the same way that the Russian military Khmeimim Air Base near Latakia functions alongside the civilian Bassel Al-Assad International Airport in Syria, sharing many facilities, so many of the existing Iranian airports that are designated for this dual-use will be extended to accommodate warplanes from China, and to a lesser degree, Russia, according to one of the Iranian sources.

Related: The Complete Breakdown Of Russian Output Cuts



This process will begin with purpose-built dual-use facilities next to the existing airports at Hamedan, Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, and Abadan, he added. Indeed, OilPrice.com understands from these sources that the bombers to be deployed in the first instance will be China-modified versions of the long-range Russian Tupolev Tu-22M3s, with a manufacturing specification range of 6,800 kilometers (2,410 km with a typical weapons load), and the fighters will be the all-weather supersonic medium-range fighter bomber/strike Sukhoi Su-34, plus the newer single-seat stealth attack Sukhoi-57. It is apposite to note that in August 2016, Russia used the Hamedan airbase to launch attacks on targets in Syria using both Tupolev-22M3 long-range bombers and Sukhoi-34 strike fighters.

At the same time, Chinese and Russian military vessels will be able to use newly-created dual-use facilities at Irans key ports at Chabahar, Bandar-e-Bushehr, and Bandar Abbas, constructed by Chinese companies. These companies will have attached to their workforces another 5,000 Chinese security personnel on the ground to protect the Chinese projects, although many of these will be air force pilots, warship and submarine officers, special forces officers, and intelligence officers, in addition to straightforward army personnel. This number will be increased to nearly 50,000 military and neo-military Chinese and Russian personnel within the next 14 months, with around half of that number focussed on developing and safeguarding Chinas oil and gas assets in Iran and the other half being used in air force, navy, and intelligence hands-on and training roles, one of the Iran sources said.

In tandem with all of this, as from the second week of November, China plans to build one of the biggest intelligence gathering listening stations in the world, in Chabahar. It will have a staff of nearly 1,000, comprising top Chinese intelligence and communications experts, plus some Russians to support their equipment and technology in the field, with a very small number of Iranians chosen from the top ranks of the IRGC in training, and will have a near-5,000 kilometer radius range, he said. This will allow the station to intercept, monitor, and neutralize the C4ISR [Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance] systems used by NATO members and associate members, including U.S.-friendly countries in the region, most notably, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel, he added.

As such, the Chabahar facility will allow Beijing to extend its reach in monitoring and disrupting the communications of its perceived enemies across an area ranging from the edge of Austria in the West (including all the former Yugoslav states, Greece, and Turkey), to Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya in the south, and back to the East across all of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Thailand. The Chabahar facility will also be connected into Russias intelligence gathering stations in and around its core military bases in Syria  the naval facility in Tartus, and the Khmeimim Air Base near Latakia  which, in turn, would allow it to be easily be tied in to Russias Southern Joint Strategic Command 19th EW Brigade (Rassvet) near Rostov-on-Don, which links into the corollary Chinese systems.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
First local lockdown in Wales driven by people meeting indoors, lack of social distancing and people coming back from holidays abroad

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Sep 8th, 2020

The first local lockdown in Wales will begin in Caerphilly County from 6pm today.

It is being introduced following a rapid increase in the number of confirmed cases in coronavirus in the county.

They have been linked to clusters of people meeting indoors, not following social distancing guidelines and summer holidays overseas.

In the last seven days, there have been 133 new cases confirmed, equivalent to a rate of 55.4 cases per 100,000 population  the highest rate in Wales and one of the highest in the UK. It is expected case numbers will continue to rise.

From 6pm Tuesday, people will not be allowed to enter or leave the Caerphilly County Borough Council area without a reasonable excuse.

Everyone over 11 will be required to wear face coverings in indoor areas and people will only be able to meet outdoors  meetings with other people indoors and extended households will not be allowed for the time being. No overnight stays will be allowed.

Schools, pubs, bars and restaurants will remain open under the measures.

The new restrictions will apply to everyone living within the Caerphilly County Borough Council area and are expected to be in place until at least October.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: Weve been tracking the spread of coronavirus across the whole of Wales and weve noticed a spike in particular over the last week in the Caerphilly County area.

Yesterdays figures showed 55 cases per hundred thousand, that puts Caerphilly in the top 10 of local authority areas in the UK.

Mr Gething told BBC Radio Wales that he expected the infection rate to rise because we did additional testing from Saturday in the Caerphilly area and the first days results showed a positivity rate of 4%.

That may not sound significant but actually it shows there is community transmission taking place and its much greater than any other area of Wales.

The point about coronavirus we shouldnt lose sight of is that even a week ago we had the lowest rate of coronavirus across the UK nations, were now in a position a week later where we have seen a significant spike in activity. He said.

That shows coronavirus over the course of a couple of weeks can build up very quickly.

If we dont address the issue and go further, you will see wider community transmission within the Caerphilly area, that will spread to other areas as well.

Thats unfortunately why weve had to introduce the local lockdown measures.

Asked why the Welsh Government wasnt closing pubs in Caerphilly in a bid to reduce the spread of the virus, he said: Significant transmission isnt taking place in pubs, pubs, of course, need to follow the rules to remain open so I know the council are going to be looking at checking that their pubs are following the rules.

Whats actually taking place is were seeing an element coming back from European travel, thats why we took action against Greek islands last week.

The largest element the transmission is taking place in peoples homes, thats partly because people do relax when theyre in that environment, there is also sadly, some deliberate rule-breaking, if youre having a large house party with 20-30 or more people, I dont think theres any suggestion you dont understand the rules, thats a choice, and that choice has consequences.

The Chief Medical Officer of Wales Dr Frank Atherton said that Wales has reached a bit of a turning point in the disease progression.

We are at a place where we need to really remind everybody that social distancing is really important. He told BBC Radio Wales.

Over the weekend we saw a very significant increase in the number of cases, and thats what caused the alarm bells to ring.

It caused us to think about what extra measures were needed particularly in Caerphilly County, but it does apply to the rest of Wales

We need to take social distancing and hygiene very seriously.

Dr Atherton said that as we got into the summer we were in a good position because we know the virus doesnt transmit easily in sunny warmer weather and so we have a reasonably good summer the numbers came down.

Were moving now into autumn and winter and people need to just remember that the virus has not gone away, it is still around.

Although the cases that were seeing are not translating into hospital admissions yet, it can only be a matter of time before that happens.

The last thing that any of us wants is to get back to the situation we faced in March and April where the NHS was almost facing overload, so unless we take this very seriously now, were going to get back into that position.
New Delhi: Sushant Singh Rajput's family lawyer Vikas Singh on Monday alleged that actress Rhea Chakraborty's complaint with Mumbai Police is a ploy to derail ongoing CBI investigation and keep the role of state police alive in the matter.

Rhea has filed a complaint with the Mumbai Police accusing Rajput's sister Priyanka Singh and a Delhi-based doctor of forgery and preparing a "fake" prescription of medicines for anxiety.

Singh said Mumbai police does not have any right in this matter and this have been done to keep the jurisdiction of the Mumbai police alive.

"The complaint is itself an offence. This is a ploy to derail and deflect the investigation. This is an attempt to keep Mumbai police alive in the case so that they can do some mischief and ensure that the family of Sushant does not get justice in this matter," he told reporters.

In her complaint sent to the Bandra police here on Sunday, Chakraborty sought that Priyanka Singh and Dr Tarun Kumar, working with Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, be booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for forgery, the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines

Singh said that there can be no FIR in this matter and the complaint is not maintainable as the police does not have jurisdiction.

The senior advocate said the investigation in the case has been handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court and the state police cannot see whether Telemedicine Practice Guidelines have been violated or not.

Rajput, 34, was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14 following which the Mumbai Police had lodged an Accidental Death Report (ADR).

On July 25, Rajput's father KK Singh lodged a complaint with Patna police against Rhea Chakraborty, her parents Indrajit and Sandhya Chakraborty, her brother Showik Chakraborty, the late actor's former manager Shruti Modi and his house manager Samuel Miranda.

He accused them of cheating and abetting his son's suicide. He also claimed that the accused persons had siphoned off Rs 15 crore from his son's bank accounts.

Based on this allegation, the Enforcement Directorate is probing money laundering charges.

The FIR lodged by Patna police was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is probing drugs angle in the case.
London: Julian Assange's legal team has tried, but failed, to adjourn the extradition hearing for the WikiLeaks founder until after the US presidential election at a court hearing in London.

Assange appeared at his long-delayed hearing wearing a dark suit, light-coloured business shirt and tie, he was clean-shaven and his white hair was neatly cut. He sat behind a glass pane to watch proceedings.

Julian Assange transported from court in London in 2019. Credit:AP

It was the first time he had been seen in a courtroom since February; his image was a stark contrast from his dishevelled, bearded appearance in April 2019, when he was dragged into a prison van after being arrested at the Ecuadorian embassy in Knightsbridge. Assange had been living there since seeking political refuge in 2012 to avoid facing sexual assault charges in Sweden.

Assange is in jail at Belmarsh prison on the outskirts of London, having been denied bail in March.
In March, as the pandemic swept away much of Canadas economy, millions of workers faced the prospect of lost jobs and wages with no hope that traditional employment insurance would come to the rescue.

So in April, when Ottawa announced a 12-week program  the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)  that would run retroactively from March 15 to June 6, it quickly became York University economist Amin Mawanis favourite federal response.

It was a good one in that it was established very fast, says Mawani, of Yorks Schulich School of Business. And I always thought businesses were the conduits for the employees, the main beneficiaries were the employees, he says.

That original program offered to pay employers that lost more than 30 per cent of business revenue up to 75 per cent of wages  to $847 a week maximum  to retain workers, or keep them attached to their companies in cases of layoffs. (Torstar, the parent company of the Toronto Star, is among the recipients of the subsidy.)

However, when the government announced in late July that it would extend CEWS into December, Mawani and other economists began to cool on the scheme.

Now Im seeing more and more that perhaps the businesses are the main beneficiaries, he says.

The newly extended program, which covers the period between Aug. 2 and late December, would open up to companies that show losses of less than 30 per cent  even companies with a small drop in revenue would be eligible for a reduced amount.

It would also tie payments to a complex formula based on the size of those losses  and gradually drop the maximum weekly benefits for the most affected employers from the current $847 to $508 per employee for the period running from Oct. 25 to Nov. 21. (Benefit formulas for periods beyond that have yet to be announced.)

Mawani, however, sees even the lower benefit levels as somewhat troublesome, as is the very real possibility the program could be extended even further should the virus persist  or worsen with a second wave.

For one thing, a continuation of wage subsidies as businesses recover might simply be boosting bottom lines for employers who had no real plans to shed workers, Mawani says.

One problem with a blanket program like this is it subsidizes companies ... that would not have let (employees) go, he says.

In some ways there is moral hazard. It might end up subsidizing businesses that might have kept their employees anyway.

Mawani also says the program could allow companies to split off profitable elements of their businesses into separate entities while still claiming wage subsidies for their losing ends.

Lets say a restaurant is losing business because customers arent coming but their online sales are increasing, he says.

One option is they could carve up the online operation into a separate company, then the restaurant business can continue suffering and they would (still be) eligible for CEWS.

Certainly there are businesses that need fewer employees as a direct result of the virus, Mawani says.

Companies like Best Buy, for example, now their customers are coming in gradually ... because theyre lining up, he says.

So at any given time, instead of 50 customers inside the store there are 25  and now they only need five salespeople on the floor instead of 10.

One solution to this problem, Mawani says, would be to adopt the wage subsidy model devised in Germany, which runs until March 2022 but only pays a company for the precise number of hours its employees have lost to the pandemic.

It only pays subsidies for missing (pandemic-related) hours, not just based on the success or failure of the company, he says.

The company (here under CEWS) could be failing for different reasons, like oil price declines.

Most importantly, however, Mawani says the program  especially if its extended into the pandemics potentially lengthy future  could impede a natural migration of labour into more viable businesses or sectors.

Labour moves all the time as economies evolve  often glacially  in different directions, Mawani says.

Blacksmiths and carriage makers were slowly lost to the workforce as cars took over the streets and factories, for example.

The pandemic, however, may shift the economy in a tsunami-like fashion, sweeping away important sectors that may never fully return.

At the end, if the customers never come back ... we might want to start reallocating labour from less productive sectors to more productive sectors, Mawani says.

If my services are out of sync or no longer in demand then I better learn to do something else, he says.

And COVID-19 alarms are clanging for many important sectors of the economy, many experts agree.

Hotels, airlines, restaurants, cruise ships. Should these industries even survive a prolonged pandemic, crowding fears embedded by the virus in the social consciousness might badly curtail them for a generation.

And my employer being subsidized to keep me might not be appropriate in the long run, Mawani says.

In the short run, the macroeconomic benefits (of CEWS) were even higher than (wrongly) subsidizing some employer who did not need the subsidy. But in the long run we need the market signals to work again.

Dionne Pohler, acting director of the University of Torontos centre for industrial relations and human resources, has another idea altogether.

My preference right from the beginning would have been a targeted basic income paid directly to workers who made below a certain amount, says Pohler.

Some kind of benefit that was tied to your income, because that is actually a better measure of need, she says.

Such direct, income-based payments would address the actual financial needs of recipients and help ward off the potential for corporate gaming or outright fraud that has worried Mawani and others.

I just think they could have avoided a lot of this by not tying all of these benefits to participation in the labour market, Pohler says.

Particularly when we were trying to flatten the (COVID-19) curve and protect vulnerable populations.

Such direct payments would have most benefited lower-income workers, who are more likely to lose their jobs, have less access to traditional Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, are less able to work from home and are often slotted into public-facing roles when they return to work.

Thats the group the government should have focused on in its initial income support programs, Pohler says.

The idea, she says, that the government should tie workers to their employers and send them back to their jobs as soon as theyre open again, may defeat the entire purpose of shutting down the economy to begin with  flattening the deadly viral curve.

Their obsession with (not creating) work disincentives and attachment of employees to employers is tied up in this idea that people dont like to work, Pohler says.

You should only support people if they are unemployed and cant find work and we should get rid of these programs as soon as were trying to recover the economy. (This) just ignores what the intent was of shutting down the economy to begin with.

Direct payments  based on ready Canada Revenue income data  would preserve the option for low-income workers to stay home and not add to the slipstream of virus transmission.

That strategy is still available to Ottawa, Pohler says. And indeed, it is already partially embedded in CEWS sister program, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or CERB.

As for the CEWS itself, it may have taken on something of a life of its own, she says.

But its far too early to judge its success, or how long it should last, Pohler says.

I dont think we know enough about what kind of businesses have benefited from it, she says. If its mostly big corporations that are still making massive profits and paying out dividends to shareholders then I think thats problematic in the long run.

If, on the other hand, the CEWS program has allowed small businesses to stay afloat with reduced and subsidized staff  and quickly rehire employees as they ramp up  then it would have been a cost benefit success, Pohler says.

Pohler says CEWS could certainly be extended again, given its previous renewals and the stubborn vagaries of the virus.

But in the end, the economy should follow the consumer, says Mawani. And if the pandemic has fundamentally shifted consumer demand, the economy, its workers and the government programs that serve them should follow those shifts.

Consumers are king. And if I want to buy this good and not that good (and) you are making that good, you better shift your productive services to making this good that I want now, he says.

We cant continue ... subsidizing horseshoe employees.

Joseph Hall is a Toronto-based contributor for the Star. A former Star reporter and feature writer, he is based in Toronto.

Read more about:
SPRINGFIELD  Nine people were displaced after a fire heavily damaged a kitchen in a duplex Tuesday.

Flames broke out at about 4:15 p.m. at 19 Wallace St. No one was injured in the fire, Capt. Drew Piemonte said.

They were able to get on scene quickly and established an aggressive interior attack and knocked it down, Piemonte said of the firefighters who responded.

The Fire Departments Arson and Bomb Squad determined the fire was caused by unattended cooking, he said.

The fire damaged the unit at 19A and caused smoke damage in the neighboring duplex at 19B. The family in 19B will be able to return to their home as soon as the landlord can sanitize the unit, but the second family will not be able to move back until repairs can be made, Piemonte said.

The fire caused between $15,000 and $20,000 damage. The residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross, he said.

Firefighters were able to leave the scene by about 5 p.m.

Related content:

Holyoke brush fire at Ashley Reservoir contained but expected to burn for days

Fire at vacant Springfield nightclub was caused by arson

Springfield fire in apartment building displaces 7
After pulling off around 11 apps from the Play Store in July this year, Google Play has taken 6 more off the Play Store for containing the Joker malware. These apps accounted for nearly 200,000 downloads.

The notorious Joker malware has turned up on the Google Play Store again just after the platform banned 11 apps in July this year for being infected with the malware. Cybersecurity firm Pradeo has now identified six new apps that have the Joker malware and are on the Play Store, Zee News reported. The firm said that these infected applications have nearly 200,000 downloads

Pradeo explained in a blog post that Joker is a malicious bot that has been categorised as fleeceware. The main task of this type of malware is to simulate clicks and intercept SMS to subscribe to unwanted paid premium services without the users learning about it. Joker uses as little code as possible and thoroughly hides it to generate a very discreet footprint that is tricky to detect.

Also Read: Google bans these apps for injecting malware, uninstall them right away

The six apps that have been infected with Joker malware and have turned malicious include Safety AppLock, Convenient Scanner 2, Push Message- Texting & SMS, Emoji Wallpaper, Separate Doc Scanner and Fingertip GameBox.

All these apps have been removed from the Play Store already and if you have them on your smartphone you should uninstall them right away, Pradeo suggested.

Google had identified Bread (also known as Joker) which is a large-scale billing fraud family in 2017 that identifies apps that are designed solely for SMS fraud.

Also Read: Almost 4.5 lakh Indian debit,credit card records are being sold on dark net for $9 a piece

Google wrote in a blogpost earlier this year that the Play Store has introduced new policies and have scaled up defenses and Bread apps were forced to continually iterate to search for gaps and have used just about every cloaking and obfuscation technique to try and go undetected.

Many of these samples appear to be designed specifically to attempt to slip into the Play Store undetected and are not seen elsewhere, Google wrote.
Stable conditions promise stable supply chains and that is what DB Schenker stands for

Leading global logistics service provider DB Schenker announced it was offering a Stability Package for Damco customers that would take over short-term service agreements of up to two months contract period for the same conditions as agreed with Damco.

"Stable conditions promise stable supply chains and that is what DB Schenker stands for, said Thorsten Meincke, Member of the Management Board for Air and Ocean Freight at DB Schenker. The last thing shippers need at present is further uncertainty. We are making an offer to all those who are now looking for long-term security and reliability," he added.

"With our global footprint and operational excellence, we can offer ocean solutions in these changing and challenging times," commented Daniel Bergman, DB Schenker Chief Commercial Officer, Region Americas. For companies in longer-term Damco agreements, we can provide prioritized quotes quickly at very competitive rates. Our customer advisors are standing by to help Damco customers wanting to take advantage of this special program, he added.

To reach a DB Schenker customer advisor, email us at US.sm.MIA.SalesSupport@dbschenker.com.

For more information about DB Schenker, visit http://www.dbschenker.com/usa.

About DB Schenker USA

DB Schenker is one of the largest Integrated Logistics Service Providers in the United States with over 7,200 employees in 47 branches and 60 logistics centers providing over 17 million sq. ft. of distribution operations to its clients. DB Schenker offers land transport, air and ocean freight, as well as comprehensive logistics solutions and global supply chain management services from a single source.

Issued by: DB Schenker Americas 800 Waterford Way, Suite 600 Miami, Florida 33126 U.S.
New Delhi/Beijing, Sep 8 : China on Tuesday claimed that Indian troops had fired warning shots, in retaliation of which the People's Liberation Army (PLA) took "countermeasures to stabilise the situation on the ground" along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.

The government in New Delhi is yet to issue a statement on the sequence of events that led to the fresh escalation in the ongoing face-off along the LAC between the two countries.

In a statement, Colonel Zhang Shuili, spokesperson for the PLA Western Theatre Command, claimed the Indian Army "crossed the line and entered Bangong Hunan, the western section of the Sino-Indian border". He said, "Indian actions seriously violated the relevant agreements, and the agreements between China and India, pushing up regional tensions, and easily causing misunderstandings and misjudgments".

Last week, Indian troops preemptively scuttled the attempts by PLA to unilaterally change the status quo on the Southern Bank of Pangong Tso in Eastern Ladakh. Reacting to the preemptive action of the Indian Army, the Xi Jinping regime had threatened that the China-India border tensions will "surely escalate this time," since India "crossed the LAC at the border and purposely launched provocations." India on Thursday had asked China to show sincerity in expeditiously restoring peace along the LAC and border areas through complete disengagement and de-escalation in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Thermal imaging has been available for decades to detect temperature differences on the skin that could signal breast cancer without exposing patients to radiation, although the method is not as reliable as mammography.

New research performed at The University of Texas at Dallas and published June 22 in Nature Research's Scientific Reports takes a critical step toward making digital infrared thermal imaging more useful for monitoring breast cancer.

Engineers in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, working with radiologists at UT Southwestern Medical Center, recruited 11 female patients who volunteered for the study through UT Southwestern and Parkland Health & Hospital System in Dallas. The team used a high-resolution infrared camera, clinical data from patient volunteers, 3D scanning and computer-aided design to build a proof-of-concept computer model of the thermal properties of breast cancer.

Dr. Fatemeh Hassanipour, corresponding author of the study and associate professor of mechanical engineering in the Jonsson School, said their goal is to improve digital thermal imaging as a tool for monitoring cancer and its treatment, rather than replacing cancer screening by mammograms.

"Infrared imaging could potentially provide useful information in a diagnostic setting to radiologists," Hassanipour said. "We want it to be used like a second device for monitoring tumors."

The research utilized thermal imaging, with the infrared camera taking images of the skin, to identify temperature changes generated by breast cancer as it induces changes to the local vasculature and cellular metabolism. The technique only shows patterns of heat and blood flow on or near the surface of breasts, however, leaving unknown information about tumor activity deeper in the breast tissue.

The UT Dallas researchers worked to address this issue by applying engineering tools to imaging data to develop a model that quantifies the thermal characteristics of breast cancer throughout one patient's breast. The results showed a detectable temperature difference in metabolic heat generation between the patient's normal and cancerous breasts. They also noted increased perfusion rates, which is the rate of blood flow through a given volume, in the affected breast.

The researchers cautioned that the model cannot be applied to all types of breast cancer. In addition, not all breast cancers generate sufficient heat to be detected via thermography. Now that UT Dallas researchers have demonstrated their computational model, they plan to develop models for the other breast cancer patients enrolled in the study.

"Our team has many great ideas moving forward," Hassanipour said. "We'd like to add more dedicated graduate students to this project. The subject case that we reported in the manuscript was a proof of concept. A lot of lessons were learned that will facilitate modeling other cancers."

Recent UT Dallas graduate Adolfo Lozano PhD'20, who works for Raytheon Technologies Corp., was lead author of the paper; in addition to Hassanipour, Jamasp Azarnoosh PhD'20 was a co-author. The UT Dallas researchers teamed up with UT Southwestern assistant professors of radiology Dr. Jody C. Hayes and Dr. Lindsay M. Compton.

Lozano said he was eager to join Hassanipour's breast-cancer research project because his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.

"I still recall hearing the news and how shocked and saddened we were as a family," said Lozano, whose mom's cancer is in remission. "When I had the opportunity to join Dr. Hassanipour's research group and establish this new project in the area of breast cancer, I was immensely grateful and saw it as a gift from above."

Hassanipour's work is supported by a National Science Foundation CAREER award, which she received in 2015 to study the biomechanics of breastfeeding. She said she became interested in the thermal imaging project after discovering that little work had been done to create a thermal model of the breast based on real clinical data.

###
Amid rising tensions for press freedom and international relations in China, two Australian news agencies have removed their journalists from the country during a diplomatic standoff.

On Tuesday, Bill Birtles from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Mike Smith from the Australian Financial Review (AFR) arrived back in Sydney.

Fleeing China

According to the BBC, Chinese officials questioned the two men before they departed from their home country. The ABC said that authorities did not ask Birtles about his reporting operations or conduct in China.

In recent years, the relationship between Australia and China has continued to deteriorate. Australian Prime Minister Marise Payne stated that consular officials provided support for the journalists to return home safely.

On Tuesday, Payne said that the Australian Embassy in Beijing and the consulate-general in Shanghai have met with Chinese authorities to discuss the two men's safe departure.

The AFR revealed that Chinese authorities asked the journalists about an individual named Cheng Lei, an Australian journalist who is employed with the Chinese state media, kept in detention since August.

AFR's editor-in-chief, Michael Stutchbury, and editor Paul Bailey released a joint statement that called China's actions regrettable and disturbing. They also shared their thoughts on Smith's safe return, who has been stationed in Shanghai for the last two and a half years, and ABC's Birtles, as reported by The Guardian.

The Australian officials said that the incident with the two journalists, who were simply conducting their professions and reporting news, reveal the deteriorating relationship between Australia and China.

Several reports revealed that Australian diplomats in Beijing previously warned Birtles to leave China last week. Two days later, the diplomats re-issued their warnings, which resulted in ABC preparing a scheduled flight for Thursday.

Also Read: China Forces Traditional Medicine on Xinjiang Residents Amid Strict Coronavirus Lockdown Procedures

Questioned for national security

However, ABC noted that before Birtles was able to depart, police officers visited his apartment on Wednesday while holding a farewell drinking party. Allegedly, authorities told him that he was banned from going out of the country and that he would be questioned about a national security case.

Birtles requested assistance from the Australian Embassy in Beijing and hid inside the agency but later continued with the interview accompanied by Graham Fletcher, the Australian ambassador to China. Chinese authorities to let the journalist leave the country if he agreed to be questioned.

According to 9News, Birtles and Smith arrived in Sydney this morning after a grueling week in China and the potential threat of being detained. The support of high-level diplomatic negotiations was able to safely get the two men out of the country and remove the risk of being taken into custody.

At the Sydney airport, Birtles said that the incident was very disappointing and said he was glad to have finally gotten back to his home country that follows a genuine rule of law while calling his experience in China a "whirlwind."

Chris Uhlmann, a political editor for 9News, said that the AFR and ABC saw the unacceptable risk that their reporters faced in China and the possibility of arbitrary detention in Beijing's hands and responded accordingly.

Related Article: Hong Kong Police Arrest 289 People For Massive, Violent Protest Against Legislation Election Postponement

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Image Credit: WildLeaks

A shaky video is posted to WildLeaks blog. At first, it just looks like any other (badly shot) home video of a safari trip, until you see the barrel of the gun. The person holding it is standing in the bed of a truck, moving at speed, as wildebeest flee in different directions. Its unclear how long theyve been pursuing them, but eventually the truck comes to a stop. A man gets out and circles an exhausted, terrified animal, all while performing the moves of a cartoon boxer. He grabs the animal by the horns and the video ends, but the torture does not.

The shocking videos by [safari organizers] Green Mile showed hunting with automatic weapons, having children hunt with automatic weapons, gunning down fleeing animals from moving cars, capturing baby animals and torturing dying ones, and using bait and lights at night to attract unsuspecting animals  all illegal acts reads the summary of events in WildLeaks report, released today.

Green Mile was part-owned by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohammed Bin Butti al-Hamed, a member of Abu Dhabis ruling family and a government official. After receiving the videos via WildLeaks, Crosta launched a campaign along with the Humane Society International and the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the US Ambassador to Tanzania to revoke Green Miles safari hunting permit. In 2019, they achieved just that. Its one of a number of depressing stories told within the reports pages.

WildLeaks report stands out. If youve ever taken the time to read similar publications from more conventional non-profits, youll know they can be a heavy read. Lots of formal language broken-up with the occasional infographic. Crostas goes in a different direction and doesnt just feel like a document designed to pat-down peoples pockets (though no doubt thats part of the goal). What it mostly achieves is reminding us that environmental crime affects us all, and will only continue to do so in increasingly direct ways.

ELI believes it is important to revise the current, outdated narrative around environmental and wildlife crime, currently focused on poachers and end consumers one sections reads. Its the same section that talks about WildLeaks forthcoming graphic novel. This fusion of the dire truth with surprising ideas seems to be WildLeaks MO. Crostas clearly not just targeting the suits, hes going after young, connected adults to achieve his stated goal of transforming information into concrete actions.

TIP I am writing to you from [redacted]. We received a report about the regular smuggling of African Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) from Nigeria to Lebanon, with the complicity of members of the Lebanese community living in Nigeria, such as travel agents, freight forwarders, employees of MEA (Middle Eastern Airlines) used to ship the birds. We did not receive any additional details. This species has suffered a massive population decline in Nigeria, currently only extremely low and scattered populations are reported although there appears to be an ongoing illegal trade from Cameroon. There is no CITES export quota for P. erithacus from Nigeria. Thanking you in advance.

As Crosta tells it, most NGOs or activist groups are going after the wrong people. Because it's so much easier to bust, you just see the low hanging fruit, so the local NGO is happy, they get more money, and the law enforcement is happy. This has been the situation since basically forever, and Crosta wants to change it. In this regard, Crosta isnt unique. One of our key messages in relation to environmental crime is that environmental crime is as serious as any other crime you would think of, like drugs smuggling or human trafficking. Maria Socorro Manguiat, UNEPs Senior Legal Officer and Head of National Environmental Law Unit, told Engadget.

UNEP is the UNs environmental program, and its on the exact other end of the spectrum to WildLeaks: well-funded, austere, political and procedural. But the two organizations do share some ideologies, despite their different approaches. [Theres] this notion that there are two categories of crimes, the real crimes and the not-so-serious crimes. And we find often that environmental crimes tend to be put in the second category Manguiat added.

And shes right. Unlike the war on drugs, the war on poaching, animal trafficking and environmental crime has historically focused on the foot soldier, the equivalent of going after the street dealer. That tends to be what we see on the news, and terms like poacher have become ingrained in our mind as the real, if not only, villain. Rarely do we think of the network behind the poacher, the illegal logger or the terrorist groups directly profiting from unsanctioned charcoal trade.

Where the differences between organizations like the UN and NGOs like Crostas become apparent is in how they can operate. The UN is deeply sensitive to international political challenges where environmental crime is carried out. It plays a much more advisory role, offering legal solutions, facilitating meetings between nations or helping train customs officers on what suspicious items or traits to look out for. As with all large organizations, things are slowed down by processes, summits, seminars or whenever its possible to get the right people in the room together. UNEP does have online efforts and uses resources like Google Witness, but diplomacy and education are its main tools.

WildLeaks operates directly with local informants and its band of agents, moving with all the hustle of a small team mostly operating online. Crosta would likely scoff at the idea of training customs officials, as in his world, theyre often the very person committing the environmental crime. There was this leak, I think a couple of years ago, we received an anonymous message saying, There is a small plane that leaves Lusaka Airport every Monday morning and is very shady. They bypass customs, they get a lot of crates on it" Ironically, being nimble sometimes throws up situations youre under-resourced to investigate. If you are a big organization, you send someone to Lusaka International Airport and be there on Monday morning. That's why we have to share with the media, with law enforcement, with NGOs. Crosta told me.

They were talking about wildlife trafficking and then they shifted to human smuggling and then to money laundering.

As if to illustrate that point, Crosta told me about one of WildLeaks bigger profile undercover operations. It reads like the setting for a showdown on an episode of Narcos. In our investigation a couple of months ago, we were in a Latin American country. We met very important Asian traffickers ... At the same table, there was a guy involved with narcotrafficking, another one working for customs. And us, our undercover team filming everything and recording everything he said. They were talking about wildlife trafficking and then they shifted to human smuggling and then to money laundering.

I asked Manguiat what UNEP thinks about organizations like WildLeaks. I was expecting a diplomatic answer about how they empathize with their cause but wish they would operate in more conventional channels with more traditional methods. But thats apparently not the case. The work of these independent groups is appreciated because I think there is a recognition that part of the challenge in many countries is the low capacity to do this kind of monitoring, this investigative work because the resources are stretched. It seems, then, that theres a potential for symbiosis between smaller, more agile groups like Crostas and monoliths like the UN.

Crostas story about the round-table meeting of several organized crime bosses is a good example of the boots-on-the ground investigations the UN cant do. During one of our conversations, he held up a sheet of card. On it were several photos of people with their names below, like an arts-and-craft version of a crime movie suspect board. This is a crime map of illegal fishing in Mexico. And of course, if you see any name, please don't mention the names. Fortunately, I couldnt read any names.
Back to back sexual assault on a Covid-19 patient and woman who was under quarantine has shocked Kerala, with state government now directing health authorities to strictly avoid putting women alone in ambulances and ensure that health workers accompany them.

The government direction came in the wake of the rape of a 19 year old Covid-19 patient by an ambulance driver in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala on Saturday night. Another shocking incident has also come to light at Pangode in Thiruvananthapuram district in which a junior health inspector has been accused of sexually harassing a woman who required Covid  19 negative certificate to rejoin her duty post quarantine.

In the first case, the ambulance driver Naufal, 29 has been arrested by police and charged with rape, assault, Prevention of SC/ST (Atrocities) Act and violation of Covid 19 safety protocol. In the second case, the junior health inspector Pradeep was taken into custody and charged with sexual assault.

With the two incidents causing huge embarrassment to the government, health minister K K Shailaja directed the authorities to remove Naufal from 108 ambulance services and suspend Pradeep from service pending inquiry.

The back to back incidents have caused outrage in the state with many asking the government to scale up the safety of patients and those under observation.

According to police, the Pathanamthitta case appears to be a crime preplanned by the ambulance driver. On Saturday at 10 pm Naufal, put the victim in the ambulance. Instead of taking her to Pandalam hospital which is just 10 minutes away from where the pickup place, she was put in a different ambulance from Adoor General hospital along with another Covid  19 patient.

After dropping the other patient at the local taluk hospital, the driver took the ambulance to an isolated area and sexually assaulted the victim.

She secretly recorded the statement of the ambulance in which he is heard pleading with the woman to not reveal the incident to any one or else he would lose his job. The police said the audio clip will help in proving involvement.

Naufal has a criminal past. Cases of attempt to murder and assault are pending against him. He got recruited without producing the mandatory police clearance certificate, which is a grave lapse. As per norms those being hired for 108 ambulance services, have to produce police clearance certificates.

In the second incident, the junior inspector Pradeep had asked the woman who was in quarantine in Thiruvananthapuram to come to his flat in Bharathanoor to collect the Covid 19 negative certificate.

According to the victims complaint, her hands were tied and she was kept in the house through the night and sexually assaulted. The health inspector threatened her that he would get a case registered against her for jumping quarantine and get her arrested by police.

The victim is working as a home nurse in Malappuram district. She was asked to go under quarantine after she returned from Malappuram.

Meanwhile the opposition Congress and BJP stepped up their attack against the government for failing to protect Covid-19 patients. They said there was a grave lapse on the part of authorities in recruiting ambulance drivers with criminal background.
Meeting of Four leaders' advisors should be held on Sept 11  Zelensky

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that the meeting of the advisers to the heads of state of the Normandy Four is expected on September 11.

"We should have a meeting of the Normandy format advisers on September 11. We expect certain proposals and decisions there," he said at a briefing during a working trip to Sumy region on Tuesday.
NHS Test and Trace director of testing Sarah-Jane Marsh (pictured) has issued an apology to people unable to get a Covid-19 test as officials consider new lockdown restrictions to curb the current spike in cases

A senior official at NHS Test and Trace has issued an apology to people unable to get a Covid-19 test as officials consider new lockdown restrictions to curb the current spike in cases.

Director of testing Sarah-Jane Marsh said there is capacity at testing sites but laboratories processing the tests are at a 'critical pinch-point'.

Ms Marsh added that the system is doing 'all it can to expand quickly'.

There have been reports of people being told there are no appointments available at test centres in England and that there are no home tests kits available to send out.

Ms Marsh wrote on Twitter: 'Can I please offer my heartfelt apologies to anyone who cannot get a Covid test at present.

'All of our testing sites have capacity, which is why they don't look overcrowded; it's our laboratory processing that is the critical pinch-point. We are doing all we can to expand quickly.

'We have additional NHS, Lighthouse, University and Partner Labs all due to open up imminently and we are also expanding the use of non-Laboratory based tests.The testing team work on this 18 hours a day, seven days a week. We recognise the country is depending on us.'

Ms Marsh said there is capacity at testing sites but laboratories processing the tests are at a 'critical pinch-point'

In other coronavirus developments:

I t is understood that officials are considering reducing the number of people who can gather indoors in England;

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said the recent rise in the number of coronavirus cases is 'concerning';

Local lockdown imposed in Caerphilly because there is evidence of 'community transmission' in the area;

Restrictions on household visits across western parts of Scotland have been extended for a further week and now include East Dunbartonshire and Renfrewshire;

Some 2,948 cases were reported yesterday following the 2,988 reported on Sunday, which was the largest daily figure since May;

Just over 57,400 deaths involving Covid-19 have now been registered in the UK;

Aviation industry leaders have urged the Government to commit to a coronavirus testing regime for international arrivals;

New regional approach to England's quarantine policy was announced.

Andy Thompson, 38, a technical manager from Crewe, said his six-year-old daughter is home from school with a continuous cough, but has so far been unable to get a home test.

'It's an absolute shambles. No home tests available. And now the nearest test centre is Oldham, a 100-mile round-trip with a sick child,' he told the PA news agency.

'I didn't realise how bad it is. If you haven't got a car, no way you're getting tested.'

People have also complained in recent days and weeks of being directed hundreds of miles to get a test.

On Monday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock pledged that people would have to travel no more than 75 miles for a test.

An NHS Test and Trace worker sorts through coronavirus tests at a drive-through testing facility in Bolton

An official collects a testing kit through a car window at a mobile drive through coronavirus disease in Richmond, London, last month

Further problems with the testing system came as a member of the Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said the latest increase in coronavirus cases is 'very worrying'.

Professor Andrew Hayward said scientists are monitoring the data closely for signs of wider community transmission of the disease.

'Generally it is local outbreaks, but there is also very worrying increases in cases, particularly over the last few days,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

'That is what we are really keeping a close eye on - the extent to which it moves away from these local outbreaks to broader community transmission.

'What we saw in the last few days from this surveillance data was this worrying increase in cases which, as we know from the first wave of the pandemic, can potentially get out of hand if we don't be very serious about the control measures.'
Iteris Unveils Next-Generation Traveler Information Services Solution

SANTA ANA, Calif. September 7, 2020; Iteris today announced the deployment of ClearRoute, the companys next-generation traveler information services solution. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), which has now deployed ClearRoute, will provide the traveling public who rely on the states 511 traveler information service a significantly enhanced user experience.

Iteris has been providing traveler information services to SCDOT since 2013 and its latest contract extends this partnership another seven years. As part of SCDOTs deployment of ClearRoute, Iteris upgraded the SC511 service to an enhanced, state-of-the-art suite of SC511 mobile apps and transitioned the SC511 interactive voice response (IVR) to a more powerful, flexible and streamlined infrastructure. In addition, the SC511 website was upgraded to a more dynamic and advanced solution, which will ensure continued innovation and longevity, while preserving the functionality and features that SCDOT and SC511 users depend on.

New features and enhancements to the SC511 system include: Waze crowdsourcing, whereby users can switch seamlessly between the Waze and SC511 apps; a look-ahead feature, whereby a pop-up display in the SC511 mobile app notifies users of upcoming incidents or construction along their route; as well as truck parking, weather integration, best-available route and multi-language support features.

We are thrilled to have worked with Iteris to provide South Carolinas traveling public with a series of transformative enhancements to the states 511 system, said Jennifer Oswalt Rhoades, PE, asst. state traffic management engineer at SCDOT. Our transportation network has been challenged by severe weather last year and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, both of which demonstrate the need for a highly flexible 511 service such as Iteris ClearRoute.

Iteris is excited to introduce ClearRoute, which will make available a series of upgrades, enhancements and new features to the users of the SCDOT 511 traveler information system, said Moe Zarean, vice president and assistant general manager, Transportation Systems at Iteris. In addition to providing an unparalleled technology solution, we are committed to continuing to deliver the highest level of customer service to South Carolina and its citizens.

ClearRoute, a component of the ClearMobility Platform, provides multimodal traveler information via mobile apps, websites and IVR systems. Iteris powers 11 state and regional transportation agencies across the U.S., supporting over 63 million combined interactions and 7.1 million individual IVR phone calls in the past year alone.

The ClearMobility Platform is the worlds most complete solution to continuously monitor, visualize and optimize mobility infrastructure. ClearMobility applies cloud computing, artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, advisory services and managed services to help ensure roads are safe, travel is efficient, and communities thrive.

About Iteris, Inc.

Iteris is the global leader in smart mobility infrastructure management  the foundation for a new era of mobility. We apply cloud computing, artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, advisory services and managed services to achieve safe, efficient and sustainable mobility. Our end-to-end solutions monitor, visualize and optimize mobility infrastructure around the world to help ensure that roads are safe, travel is efficient, and communities thrive. Visit www.iteris.com for more information and join the conversation on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Seven Indian-Americans have figured in Forbes' list of richest Americans, topped by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos for the third year in a row.

The 2020 Forbes list of 400 Richest People in America has been topped by Bezos, 56 who has a net worth of USD 179 billion and has occupied the spot of the richest person in the US for the third year in a row.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Cofounder Bill Gates is ranked second on the list with a net worth of USD 111 billion.

The richest people in the US saw their wealth swell despite the coronavirus pandemic's devastated impact on the economy .

Pandemic be damned: Americas 400 richest are worth a record USD 3.2 trillion, up USD 240 billion from a year ago, aided by a stock market that has defied the virusEven in these trying times mega-fortunes are still being minted, Forbes said.

The list has seven Indian-Americans - cybersecurity firm ZScaler CEO Jay Chaudhry, Founder and Chairman of Symphony Technology Group Romesh Wadhwani, co-founder and CEO of online home goods retailer Wayfair Niraj Shah, Silicon Valley venture capital firm Khosla Ventures founder Vinod Khosla, Managing Partner of Sherpalo Ventures Kavitark Ram Shriram, Airline veteran Rakesh Gangwal and Workday CEO and Cofounder Aneel Bhusri.

Rounding out the top five on the list are Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg on the third spot with a net worth of USD 85 billion, Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, ranked 4th and with a net worth of USD 73.5 billion and chairman, chief technology officer and co-founder of software giant Oracle Larry Ellison, ranked 5th with a new worth of USD 72 billion.

President Donald Trump is ranked 339th on the list with a net worth of USD 2.5 billion.

Chaudhry, 61 is ranked 85th on the list with a net worth of USD 6.9 billion. He founded ZScaler in 2008 and the company went public in March 2018.

Forbes said in 1996, Chaudhry and his wife, Jyoti, both quit their jobs and put their life savings to start cybersecurity firm SecureIT, his first startup.

Wadhwani, 73 has been ranked 238th on the list and has a net worth of USD 3.4 billion.

His Symphony Technology Group brings in USD 2.5 billion in annual revenues and Wadhwani combined nine of his companies that were AI-focused into a new group called SymphonyAI in 2017, Forbes said.

An alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology and Carnegie Mellon, Forbes said the serial entrepreneur founded Aspect Development, which i2 Technologies acquired for USD 9.3 billion in stock in 1999.

Romesh and his brother, Sunil, founded the Wadhwani Institute of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Mumbai in 2018, committing over USD 30 million.

On the 299th spot is Shah, 46, who has a net worth of USD 2.8 billion. Shah started the business in 2002 with Steve Conine, who is also a billionaire.

Wayfair, which now offers more than 18 million products, generated USD 9.1 billion in net revenue in 2019, up 35 per cent from the previous year, Forbes said.

Khosla, 65 is ranked 353rd with a net worth of USD 2.4 billion. Khosla co-founded computer hardware firm Sun Microsystems in 1982 and spent 18 years at venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers before launching his own fund. In June 2019, Khosla said he believes artificial intelligence could replace traditional industries such as radiology and music, Forbes added.

On the 359th spot is Shriram, 63, who has a net worth of USD 2.3 billion. Forbes said an early Google backer, Shriram has sold off most of his stock but remains on the board of its parent company, Alphabet.

Born in India, Shriram studied math at the University of Madras. His portfolio includes online invitation service Paperless Post, online HR service provider Gusto and mobile advertising company InMobi.

Gangwal, 67 is ranked 359th on the list and has a net worth of USD 2.3 billion.

Forbes said Gangwal made his fortune from InterGlobe Aviation, the parent outfit of budget airline IndiGo, India's largest by market share. Gangwal cofounded IndiGo, headquartered outside Delhi, with Rahul Bhatia in 2006 with one aircraft, it said.

On the 359th spot is Bhusri with a net worth of USD 2.3 billion. Bhusri is CEO of business software firm Workday, which he cofounded with Dave Duffield, the founder of PeopleSoft.

Bhusri started his career in the early 1990s at business software firm PeopleSoft, where he rose to become vice chairman.

Bhusri has been on the Forbes Midas List six times since 2008 and in May 2018, Bhusri joined the Giving Pledge, a commitment by the world's wealthiest people to dedicate the majority of their wealth to philanthropy, Forbes said.
OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Four elevator mechanics filed a lawsuit against Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. and Mitsubishi Electric US Holdings, Inc. In their Complaint, they describe supervisors at Mitsubishi referring to Black workers as "undesirables," "lazy," and "dumb ass n***ers", delegating them menial tasks, and failing to provide them with the same training opportunities. Plaintiffs LeiRoi Bowie, Gabriel Ross, Lavell Roberson and Craig Martin also state Mitsubishi failed to provide Black mechanics with a safe work environment, and take remedial and effective action to stop the harassers from continuing their harassment, and deter others from engaging in similar racist conduct.

Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. is one of the core companies of the Japanese conglomerate, the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. In the United States, Mitsubishi Electric is headquartered in Cypress, California, and manufactures elevators, home appliances, and more.

At this moment of national reckoning on the realities of America's struggle with systemic racism, the mechanics' experiences are especially chilling. In 2019, Plaintiff LeiRoi Bowie found a noose on the barricade next to his assigned elevator while working on a construction site in Downtown Oakland. It was his first day at that particular site; he was the only Black worker on site.

"I was terrified," said Bowie. "I knew someone was sending a message about what happens to people like me when we step where we 'don't belong,'" referring to the predominantly White elevator mechanic trade.

While an apprentice was fired for the offense, Bowie and others on site that day say the man behind the threat was not reprimanded. He continued to menace Bowie and other Black workers under his charge.

Mitsubishi's protection of supervisors, who openly disdained Black workers, used racial slurs including the n-word, and openly displayed the confederate flag on toolboxes, is a symptom of the larger problem at Mitsubishi.

Four supervisors are named in the suit. The filing details supervisors boasting of clearing the elevator trade of "undesirables." And telling Black workers horrifying jokes like, "How do you get a Black guy out of the tree? Cut the rope."

Workers allege that Black mechanics were routinely assigned menial tasks, like sweeping, and other non-mechanic work while more junior white apprentices were given substantive elevator work. The Plaintiffs also alleged they were given less overtime hours, resulting in significant wage loss, and denied benefits like housing for out-of-state workers, which White workers received.

The Complaint alleges that despite many formal complaints to HR, Mitsubishi frequently failed to take action to protect its Black employees. These same employees say that the hostile work environment became even worse after they reported it to HR, as their supervisors retaliated.

"These are hard-working men who spent years in the trade and were just trying to do their job and provide for their families. They simply wanted the opportunity to work hard to earn a good wage, but instead were robbed of respect and deprived of dignity because of their color and race. Mitsubishi failed to protect these men as required by law," said Larry Organ of the California Civil Rights Law Group, the Plaintiffs' attorney.

Gabriel Ross, a mechanic who also pastors a local church, was subjected to racist jokes as well as Klan and Satanic graffiti targeting his race and devout beliefs. He says that the years of harassment have beaten him down. But he's hoping this suit will help pave the way for a more just workplace.

"I look out for the younger guys. When I spoke up to HR, it was for them, not just for me. Mitsubishi didn't stop the conduct or make any attempts to change the culture. Today, we're taking a stand. You can't treat human beings this way and get away with it."

About California Civil Rights Law Group

The California Civil Rights Law Group represents employees throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and across California. Headed by renowned trial lawyer Lawrence A. Organ, our world-class legal team specializes in employment and civil rights matters. Organ and his colleagues are proud to have taken on many of the nation's largest employers and held them to account for workplace civil rights abuses.

Photos of LeiRoi, Lavell, Gabe, and Craig are linked, as well as some photographic evidence of the racist images they saw in the workplace, and of Black employees being assigned lesser jobs. The legal filing is attached and linked here . Also attached are images of the noose and some racist graffiti at a worksite.

SOURCE California Civil Rights Law Group

Related Links

https://www.civilrightsca.com


The two soldiers confess their crimes in a monotone, a few blinks of the eye their only betrayal of emotion: executions, mass burials, village obliterations and rape.

The August 2017 order from his commanding officer was clear, Pvt. Myo Win Tun said in video testimony. Shoot all you see and all you hear.

He said he obeyed, taking part in the massacre of 30 Rohingya Muslims and burying them in a mass grave near a cell tower and a military base.

Around the same time, in a neighboring township, Pvt. Zaw Naing Tun said he and his comrades in another battalion followed a nearly identical directive from his superior: Kill all you see, whether children or adults.

We wiped out about 20 villages, Zaw Naing Tun said, adding that he, too, dumped bodies in a mass grave.

The video testimony from the two soldiers, which was shared with international prosecutors, is the first time that members of the Tatmadaw, as Myanmars military is known, have openly confessed to taking part in what U.N. officials say was a genocidal campaign against the countrys Rohingya Muslim minority.

On Monday, the two men, who fled Myanmar last month, were transported to The Hague, where the International Criminal Court has opened a case examining whether Tatmadaw leaders committed large-scale crimes against the Rohingya.

The Myanmar government has denied any orchestrated campaign against the Rohingya.

Only a few Tatmadaw soldiers have been punished, with brief prison terms, for what the military says were isolated missteps in a couple of villages.

It is not clear what will happen to the two men, who are not under arrest but were effectively placed in the custody of the International Criminal Court on Monday. They could provide testimony in court proceedings and be put in witness protection. They could be tried. The courts office of the prosecutor refused to publicly comment on an ongoing case.

The soldiers accounts will also add weight to the separate case at the International Court of Justice, where Myanmar is being accused of trying to destroy the Rohingya as a group, in whole or in part, by the use of mass murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, as well as the systematic destruction by fire of their villages.

Hannah Beech, Saw Nang and Marlise Simons c.2020 The New York Times Company
The Government official delivered his best wishes to the generations of teachers, education workers and pupils at the school. He expressed his wish that the teachers will continue to promote the quality of teaching and studying so that Tran Hung Dao Primary School will always be a leading school in primary education quality in Ho Chi Minh City.

At the ceremony, on behalf of the Government and the National Traffic Safety Committee, Deputy PM Binh launched the Month for traffic safety among students along with a helmet presentation programme.

Under the helmet presentation programme, helmets will be provided for nearly two million first graders in the 2020-2021 academic year across the country.

At the event, the National Traffic Safety Committee and Honda Vietnam presented 355 helmets to first grade pupils at Tran Hung Dao Primary School.

In addition to learning knowledge, love and compassion, you must grasp and comply with traffic safety rules, particularly the wearing of a helmet when riding a motorcycle or electric bicycle. You should wear a helmet for yourselves and request your grandparents or parents who drive you to wear qualified helmets before joining the traffic, Deputy PM Binh conveyed the message to all pupils at the school.

The helmet presentation programme for first graders was also carried out simultaneously at nearly 15,000 primary schools across the country on the occasion of the opening of the new school year in conjunction with propaganda activities on traffic safety and the importance of wearing helmets.
Nigerian tertiary students in Osun, Oyo and Ondo States are currently protesting the recent hike in electricity tariff and petrol price in the country.

The protest is organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone D.

The students gathered in their hundreds at the different states capital.

In Osogbo, hundreds of protesters converged at Freedom Park, in the Osun State capital.

The students came out with placards showing different inscriptions condemning the hike.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, the students associations spokesperson, Kazeem Israel, said the increment on the price of petrol and in electricity tariff is anti-people.

Some Protesters in Abeokuta, Ogun State Protesters in Akure, Ondo State. Major roads in state capital blocked.

No doubt, this government has worsened all the crises it inherited from the last administration. In fact, the Buhari government is a clear example that we the students must go back to our revolutionary days as we cannot continue to lament, he said.

Today, education underfunding has become a norm, healthcare under the pandemic is undergoing cuts officially from government at all levels while the rich run to private hospitals and dash abroad through chartered flights leaving the plebeains to self-medicate.

Protesters in Akure, Ondo State. Major roads in state capital blocked. Protesters in Akure, Ondo State. Major roads in state capital blocked.

Mr Israel said said President Buhari should resign if he cannot reverse petrol price to N97 and stop the deregulation of the oil sector.

READ ALSO:

He should stop the devaluation of the naira now, increase budgetary allocation to education to 35%, return to the old stamp duty price, give 500% increment to healthcare budget to reflect the pandemic era, pay N100,000 Cost of Study Allowance (COSA) to all students and stop the Anti-Social Media Bill Now.

Speaking further at the protest ground, he told our correspondent that no dialogue with the government would be accommodated.

Electricity distribution companies (DisCos) across the country this month implemented a new electricity tariff regime.

The is as a result of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) directive that DisCos to maintain a N4 tariff for all customers consuming less than 50kWh of energy per month.

The government has also increased the price of petrol with a litre now sold at N162.

Nigerians on social media have called on various opposition leaders to stage protest again the development.

Mr Buhari on Monday reiterated that there was no going back on subsidy removal.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- When Turkey and Greece last came to the brink of war, phone calls from President Bill Clinton to the leaders of both countries persuaded them to pull back. Now, as the two NATO allies again face off in the eastern Mediterranean, President Donald Trumps desultory efforts to defuse the tensions are having no effect.

After the intervention of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, both sides stood down  though only briefly. Hostilities have since resumed in earnest. Ankara and Athens are dialing up their belligerent rhetoric, and two of their warships recently collided during a confrontation. The stakes are higher than in 1996. Then, the clash was primarily over a cluster of islets in the Aegean Sea. Now, territorial claims are being invoked to support assertions of exclusive drilling rights over large deposits of natural gas under the eastern Mediterranean.

Outright military conflict is possible. With the U.S. lacking both the will and the influence with allies it would need to intervene effectively, Merkel needs to redouble her efforts.

Turkey is isolated. Other countries with energy interests in those waters  especially Cyprus, Egypt, and Israel  also harbor grievances against Ankara, and are siding with Greece. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for economic sanctions against Turkey and recently dispatched a frigate and jets to the area. The Trump administration, having failed to resolve the crisis, might have made it worse by choosing this moment to ease a longstanding arms embargo on Cyprus.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is unlikely to be cowed. International pressure perfectly suits his populist-nationalist narrative of Turkey against the world. Military adventurism abroad, notably in Libya and Syria, has allowed him to distract attention from the parlous state of Turkeys economy and his mismanagement of the coronavirus crisis. He will also be buoyed by the recent natural gas find off Turkeys other shore, in the Black Sea.

Story continues

Even so, Erdogan does listen to Merkel. At her request, he paused Turkish exploration activities near Cyprus last month, resuming only when Greece announced a maritime-border agreement with Egypt, akin to one between Turkey and Libya last year. The renewed reciprocal brinkmanship has made Merkels task harder, but not impossible. Having shown that she can get the principal protagonists in the confrontation to pause, she should strive to mediate a permanent resolution. It helps that Germany is a major trading partner of the interested parties, and that Berlin currently holds the European Unions rotating presidency.

Bringing Turkey into the East Mediterranean Gas Forum would be a good place to start. This was created by the littoral states to establish a regional gas market and an export hub to Europe. Turkey was left out because the forum includes Cyprus, which Ankara doesnt recognize. Membership would allow Turkey a share of the resources and access to mechanisms for resolving disputes over where it can drill.

Getting Turkey and Cyprus to agree on this would be a challenge for any mediator, to be sure. Greece and Merkels other European partners, vexed by Erdogans intransigence on other issues, may balk. She could remind them that access to the eastern Mediterraneans natural gas reserves offers Europe its best alternative to energy dependence on Russia  while telling Turkey and Cyprus that Europe is the logical market for the gas and that the shortest route is through both countries.

That seems like a basis for talks. If Merkel steps up, she might make the difference.

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Army begins efforts to rescue Indians reportedly abducted by PLA

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Sep 08: The Indian Army has begun efforts to secure the release of the villagers from Arunachal Pradesh, who were reported abducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

Efforts are on, a source said while adding that the Indian Army has made contact at the commander level. A hotline message has been sent to to the counterpart in the Eastern Frontier of Arunachal Pradesh.

However a report in the Global Times said, "China's position on the eastern section of the China and India boundary and China's southern Tibet is consistent and clear. We have never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established on the Chinese territory."

Warning shots fired by India, claims China as tensions further escalate

Last week, a Congress MLA from Arunachal Pradesh has said that five people have been abducted by the People's Liberation Army.

The MLA, Ninong Erin said that the five people had gone for fishing when they were abducted by the Chinese Army.

The five-Tanu Bakar, Prasat Ringling, Ngaru Diri, Dongtu Ebiya, and Toch Singkam were reportedly abducted from the Sera 7 area under the Subansiri district along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh.

Ering said that the Chinese Army has started incursions in Arunachal Pradesh after Ladakh and Doklam. He also said that the Chinese have crossed the Line of Actual Control.

The Chinese have again started creating a nuisance. Just like in Ladakh and Doklam, they have started incursions in Arunachal Pradesh. It is proved that they have entered our side of the LAC, he further added.

SHOCKING NEWS: Five people from Upper Subansiri district of our state Arunachal Pradesh have reportedly been 'abducted' by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA). Few months earlier,a similar incident happened. A befitting reply must be given to #PLA and #CCPChina, the MLA said in a tweet.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 8:36 [IST]
Robots could be introduced to care homes across the UK after a study showed they can improve mental health and have the potential to reduce loneliness in older people.

The robots, called Pepper, can move independently and gesture with robotic arms and hands. They are also designed to be culturally competent, which means that they have the ability to learn about the interests and backgrounds of care home residents.

Scientists say this allows them to start basic conversations, play a persons favourite music, teach languages and offer practical help including medicine reminders.

The study, involving the University of Bedfordshire, Middlesex University and Advinia Health Care  one of the largest providers of dementia care in the UK  is the first time researchers have collaborated to explore the possibility of developing culturally competent robots.

The robots were tested in care homes across the UK and researchers found that older adults who used them for up to 18 hours across two weeks saw a significant improvement in their mental health.

After two weeks of using the system there was also a small but positive impact on loneliness severity among users, and the system had a significant positive impact on participants' attitudes towards robots.

Participants said that some of the robots limitations included their conversations feeling superficial and lacking richness. They also said Pepper lacked personalisation and that its head movements and hand gestures were often distracting.

The study's lead author, Dr Chris Papadopoulos from the University of Bedfordshire, said the research was ground-breaking.

The results show that using the Caresses artificial intelligence in robots such as Pepper has real potential benefit to a world that is witnessing more people living longer with fewer people to look after them, he said.

Pepper the robot with an elderly man (PA)

Poor mental health and loneliness are significant health concerns and we have demonstrated that robots can help alleviate these.

Irena Papadopoulos, professor of transcultural health and nursing at Middlesex University, added that the trial was not intended to explore the replacement of human carers with robots, but to help combat loneliness when staff do not have enough time to keep residents company.

Socially assistive, intelligent robots for older people could relieve some pressures in hospitals and care homes, she said.

No-one is talking about replacing humans  the evaluation demonstrates that we are a long way from doing that  but it also reveals that robots could support existing care systems, she said.

Dr Sanjeev Kanoria, surgeon, founder and chairman of Advinia Health Care, said that it hopes to introduce the robots into more of its care homes.

This is the only artificial intelligence that can enable an open-ended communication with a robot and a vulnerable resident, he said.

We are working towards implementing this into routine care of vulnerable people to reduce anxiety and loneliness and provide continuity of care.

The robot was tested in Advinia's care homes in the UK. Now we are working towards bringing the robot into routine care, so it can be of real help to older adults and their families.
Representative Image

Weighed down by the COVID-19 pandemic-induced slowdown, automotive and allied sector companies welcomed the loan restructuring parameters approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) based on the recommendations of the K V Kamath Committee.

Vehicle manufacturing companies, automotive component making companies and automotive dealerships are part of the 26 sectors selected by the committee whose financial ratios are outlined.

Good recommendation for the industry but implementation is key," replied a chief financial officer of one of Indias top three automakers to a query from Moneycontrol. Most of the vehicle manufacturers are financially stable. This will benefit the component and dealerships sector more," added the executive.

For the first time in history sales and production of the auto sector came to naught for more than 40 days in March and April when the country undertook strict lockdown measures to control the spread of coronavirus.

This crippled the economic cycle and disrupted the working capital flow forcing companies to raise funds from external sources during the past few months.

Deepak Jain, president, Automotive Components Manufacturers Association (ACMA), said, The auto-components sector dominated by small and medium enterprises, witnessed severe hardships on the front of cash flow and working capital during the lockdown period. The report will come handy in resolving the borrowing related issues of the sector and financing of technology investments for the industry.

In May, the government had altered the definition of the medium, small and micro enterprises (MSME), allowing several companies from the auto component sector to benefit from collateral-free automatic loans and the subordinate debt scheme.

Considering the average asset life in the industry to be around 10 years, we recommend the committee to enhance the Total Debt/EDITDA ratio to 6 times from the current 4.5 times, the premise of repaying loans in 4.5 years for assets that will last over double the time needs to be reconsidered. Further, considering the cost of borrowing capital in India is one of the highest in the world, we request the committee to recommend lending to the auto component industry at the same interest spread as priority sector, to secure the industry from any downgrade in ratings due to the adverse impact of COVID-19 related disruptions," added Jain.

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the apex lobby body of the vehicle manufacturers, has been intensely lobbying for a cut in Goods and Service Tax (GST) rates to push up retail demand. It recently suggested a plea to postpone the emission norms which are slated to come into effect in 2022.

SIAM did not offer any comments immediately on the RBI acceptance of the Kamath Committee recommendations, but said it "may issue a statement later".

Auto dealers

The automotive dealership sector was one of the most stressed sectors even before it got impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 300 dealerships were shut down permanently in the last financial year. Some automakers extended a direct financial aid to their dealer partners in the form of loans and advances during the last three months.

Vinkesh Gulati, president, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), said, FADA has been interacting regularly with the RBI and Industry Monitoring Group for restructuring support. The economic fallout on account of the Covid-19 pandemic has led to significant financial stress for auto dealers. The resultant stress can potentially impact the long-term viability of dealerships.

The recommendations of the report will benefit only a small section of dealerships as we normally have current ratio of 0.8 - 0.9, due to the already two year distress we have seen. Hence, the ratio suggested as 1 will be a difficult parameter. Nevertheless, we wholeheartedly welcome this move," added Gulati.
Hanoi, Sep 8 : The 41st General Assembly of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA 41) opened on Tuesday via video conference.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, chairwoman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, said the event will discuss issues and topics including Parliament's role in promoting ASEAN economic cohesion and recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, and parliamentary diplomacy for sustainable peace and security in the region, reports Xinhua news agency.

The three-day event also includes a meeting of women parliamentarians on promoting their role in securing jobs and income for female workers, and a meeting of young parliamentarians to improve the engagement of AIPA young parliamentarians in ASEAN Community building, according to Ngan.

Vietnam President Nguyen Phu Trong said the general assembly will work towards a community-based mindset and actions so as to achieve a strong and cohesive ASEAN Community that is oriented towards and centred on the people with its role established in the international arena.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended and delivered a speech at the opening ceremony, which also saw the participation of other party and state officials of Vietnam as well as representatives from the AIPA 41 member countriesr.

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 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.
Last year marked a slight decrease in global technology M&A activity from the blockbuster year that was 2018  when SAP bought Qualtrics for $8 billion, IBM acquired Red Hat for a staggering $33 billion and Broadcom picked up CA Technologies for $18.9 billion in cash.

As of the end of Q3 2019, technology M&A deals worth $245 billion had been announced globally, marking a decrease of 25% year-on-year according to GlobalData.

Which mergers and acquisitions does 2020 have in store? If January alone is anything to go by, there will be no slowing of major deals across the industry, with security already proving to be a hot area.

Here are the biggest technology acqusitions of 2020 so far, in reverse chronological order:

14 December: Vista Equity Partners buys Pluralsight for $3.5B

Private equity firm Vista Equity Partners has agreed to buy the Utah-based training software specialist Pluralsight for $3.5 billion in cash, a small premium on its market cap at the time of the sale of $2.94 billion.

[Also on Computerworld: Utah's four SaaS unicorns come of age]

Founded in 2004, Pluralsight provides online training software-as-a-service (SaaS) that allows companies to offer employees bespoke training courses, or individual contributors to sign up to hone their IT skills. The enterprise version of the platform also comes with analytics, allowing HR and IT leaders to see where they have skills gaps and to identify training requirements for tech staffers. Pluralsight went public on the Nasdaq in 2018, seeing its stock price dip during the pandemic this year before rebounding to its IPO price this month.

Todays announcement is an exciting milestone for Pluralsight as we begin the next phase of our evolution, Aaron Skonnard, cofounder and CEO of Pluralsight, said in a statement. Through this partnership with Vista, we will be able to move faster and be more agile, accelerate our strategic vision and, ultimately, deliver deeper, more powerful solutions that help companies adapt and thrive in the digital age. We are relentlessly focused on helping enterprises improve and optimize their technology workforce and providing the most effective path to skills transformation for their technology teams."

Vista focuses on investments in enterprise software companies and also counts the likes of Apptio, Datto and Jamf in its portfolio.

1 December: Salesforce to acquire Slack for $27.7B

Salesforce saved the biggest software acquisition of the year (so far) until last, snapping up the popular workplace communication company Slack for $27.7 billion in stock and cash.

The deal brings together two software-as-a-service (SaaS) giants, with Slack seeing explosive growth since its founding in 2009. It also marks the biggest acquisition of Salesforce founder and CEO Marc Benioff's career, blowing the $15.3 billion deal for data visualisation specialist Tableau last year out of the water. For context, the final price is more than Microsoft paid for LinkedIn ($26.2 billion) in 2016 and is only topped by IBMs $34 billion purchase of Red Hat in 2018.

This is a match made in heaven," Benioff said in a statement. "Together, Salesforce and Slack will shape the future of enterprise software and transform the way everyone works in the all-digital, work-from-anywhere world. Im thrilled to welcome Slack to the Salesforce Ohana once the transaction closes."

[Also on Computerworld: Why a Slack acquisition would make sense for Salesforce]

Despite its popularity, Slack hasn't fared particularly well since it went public in June 2019 via a direct listing. Fierce competition from Microsoft Teams and videoconferencing tools such as Zoom, combined with continued struggles with profitability, has pushed the company's stock price down by as much as 40% over that period.

The SaaS company expects to make close to $850 million in revenue for the 2021 financial year, but is still running at a loss despite having 130,000 paying users at last count. In Salesforce, it joins a company that recently passed an annualized run rate of $17 billion. Slack cofounder and CEO Stewart Butterfield will continue to lead the company after the deal closes.

30 November: Facebook acquires Kustomer for $1B

Facebook announced that it is acquiring New York-based startup Kustomer in November, for a reported $1 billion.

Founded in 2015, Kustomer has built an omnichannel customer relationship management (CRM) platform, specifically focused on the contact center. Facebook is increasingly keen to connect customers of its Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram services with businesses and is fully aware of the need for businesses to seamlessly talk to their customers across a broad variety of digital channels.

"Facebook plans to support Kustomers operations by providing the resources it needs to scale its business, improve and innovate its product offering, and delight its customers," Dan Levy, Vice President of Ads and Business Products, and Matt Idema, COO, WhatsApp, wrote in a joint statement. "That way, more people will benefit from customer service that is faster, richer and available whenever and however they need it, whether its phone, email, web chat or messaging."

10 November: Adobe to acquire Workfront for $1.5B

Adobe announced the acquisition of project management tool Workfront for $1.5 billion at the start of November.

Utah-based Workfront is a task management and collaboration tool that operates in a highly competitive space alongside the likes of Microsoft Project and Planner, Wrike, Asana, Smartsheet, Liquid Planner, monday.com, Jira, Trello and Clarizen. Unlike those firms, it focuses on specifically helping marketing professionals get their work done, aligning well with Adobe  specifically its Experience Cloud product.

Workfront counted 3,000 customers and 1 million users at the time of the acquisition, including a number of shared customers with Adobe, such as Deloitte, Under Armour, Nordstrom, Prudential Financial, T-Mobile, and The Home Depot.

Adobe and Workfront share a common affinity to help the modern marketer thrive in an ever-evolving, increasingly demanding setting, Workfront CEO Alex Shootman  who will remain in the role  said in a statement. Were excited to join Adobe and believe this will be a tremendous opportunity for our customers and partners.

29 October: Marvell Technology to acquire Inphi for $10B

The semiconductor market continued to consolidate at a rapid pace toward the end of 2020, when Marvell Technology announced that it will acquire Inphi in a $10 billion cash-and-stock deal. This followed AMD's purchase of Xilinx earlier in October and Nvidia buying Arm in September, marking a major shake-up of the industry.

The two California-based firms will combine to form a chip company worth around $40 billion and plan to focus on building high-performance chips for data centers and 5G wireless infrastructure.

Inphi specializes in optical-networking chips, which are most commonly used in cloud data centers and by telcos to power their 5G networking infrastructure. Marvell has historically been strong in similar areas, making the acquisition highly complementary.

Marvell and Inphi share a vision to enable the worlds data infrastructure and we have both transformed our respective businesses to benefit from the strong secular growth expected in the cloud data center and 5G wireless markets Ford Tamer, president and CEO of Inphi said as part of the announcement. Combining with Marvell significantly increases our scale, accelerates our access to the next generations of process technology, and opens up new opportunities in 5G connectivity.

27 October: AMD to acquire Xilinx for $35B

Merger-and-acquisition activity in the semiconductor market continued to boom in late October when AMD announced it would acquire Xilinx in a $35 billion all-stock deal.

Xilinx specializes in programmable processors aimed at high-performance use cases like video file compression and digital encryption, and will help AMD compete with Intel in data centers. Both US firms also outsource the manufacturing of their chips, primarily to Taiwan, and use modular design principles, so there are immediate synergies to be seen in the deal.

Our acquisition of Xilinx marks the next leg in our journey to establish AMD as the industrys high performance computing leader and partner of choice for the largest and most important technology companies in the world, AMD President and CEO Lisa Su said in a statement.

The Xilinx team is one of the strongest in the industry and we are thrilled to welcome them to the AMD family. By combining our world-class engineering teams and deep domain expertise, we will create an industry leader with the vision, talent and scale to define the future of high performance computing.

Xilinx CEO Victor Peng will take the role of president, responsible for the Xilinx business and strategic growth initiatives when the companies are combined in 2021.

12 October: Twilio to acquire Segment for $3.2B

Cloud communications specialist Twilio made a splashy acquisition in October, picking up customer data platform Segment for $3.2 billion in an all-stock deal.

Both San Francisco-based companies specialize in application programming interfaces (APIs) that make collecting and consolidating customer data (Segment) and communicating via digital channels (Twilio) easier than building this functionality from scratch.

Data silos destroy great customer experiences, Jeff Lawson, co-founder and CEO of Twilio, said in a statement. Segment lets developers and companies break down those silos and build a complete picture of their customer. Combined with Twilio's Customer Engagement Platform, we can create more personalized, timely and impactful engagement across customer service, marketing, analytics, product and sales.

Twilio hopes that by bringing Segment's rich customer data together with its variety of engagement channels it can enable something close to personalized customer outreach at scale  the modern day holy grail for many marketeers.

13 September: Nvidia to acquire Arm for $40B

Chipmaker Nvidia confirmed the planned acquisition of UK-based chip designer Arm in September for $40 billion in a combined stock-and-cash deal. The purchase sees the Japanese telco Softbank part with an asset it only acquired in 2016.

Simon Segars and his team at Arm have built an extraordinary company that is contributing to nearly every technology market in the world. Uniting NVIDIAs AI computing capabilities with the vast ecosystem of Arms CPU, we can advance computing from the cloud, smartphones, PCs, self-driving cars and robotics, to edge IoT, and expand AI computing to every corner of the globe," Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA said in a statement.

Based in Cambridge, England, Arm designs chips for companies such as Nvidia and its rivals to manufacture. "As part of NVIDIA, Arm will continue to operate its open-licensing model while maintaining the global customer neutrality that has been foundational to its success, with 180 billion chips shipped to-date by its licensees," the company said.

In terms of Nvidia's commitment to the UK, it outlined in the announcement that Arm will remain headquartered in Cambridge," and the company will continue to "attract researchers and scientists from the UK and around the world."

"I thought that Arm was the best tech company to come out of the UK in the last 50 years. I thought that its original sale to Softbank in 2016 for $32 billion was a mistake and should have been stopped by HMGovt at that time. I thought allowing Softbank to offload to Nvidia was an even bigger mistake on so many fronts," analyst Richard Holway at TechMarketView said.

8 September: Progress Software acquires Chef for $220M

In September, Progress Software announced it was acquiring the infrastructure-as-code pioneer Chef for $220 million in cash.

This acquisition perfectly aligns with our growth strategy and meets the requirements that weve previously laid out: a strong recurring revenue model, technology that complements our business, a loyal customer base and the ability to leverage our operating model and infrastructure to run the business more efficiently, CEO Yogesh Gupta said in a statement.

Chef and Progress share a vision for the future of DevSecOps and Progress will provide the scale to further drive Chefs platform forward and deliver additional value to our customers, said Chef CEO Barry Crist.

The price tag shows that Chef has had a hard time maintaining its early momentum in the highly competitive open source DevOps tooling space. When it last raised funding in 2015 the company was valued at $360 million.

13 July: HPE picks up Silver Peak for $925 million

Hewlett Packard Enterprise made a big commitment to the SD-WAN (software-defined networking in a wide area network) market in July when it announced its intention to buy Silver Peak for $925 million.

Founded in 2004, Silver Peak specialises in WAN technology and will join HPE's networking brand Aruba.

"Our Unity EdgeConnect SD-WAN edge platform is highly complementary to HPE's industry-defining SD-Branch offerings and it will become the centerpiece of Aruba's WAN edge strategy," Silver Peak CEO David Hughes wrote in a blog post. "Upon closing the deal, we will become part of HPE's Aruba division, bringing together the industry's most comprehensive end-to-end secure networking portfolio from the data centre to the campus, to branch and remote worker locations."
The Downingtown Area School District is among those that are starting the year virtually but offering child care in school buildings through a third-party provider. Read more

Some area students are going back to school buildings this fall  not for class, but for child care.

In a number of school districts, child care providers are operating out of district buildings, offering full-day programs for a limited number of children. School leaders say they provide an option for parents who may be working or not able to care for children while they log on to virtual school at home.

But some families are questioning the logic of opening schools for child care that families must pay for, in buildings officials have opted not to reopen for instruction.

Its absurd, said Daniel Finnegan, a father of a third and first grader in the Springfield Township School District in Montgomery County, where a provider renting space from the district is offering full-day child care. Theyre taking in private money to administer much worse education to 10% of the school district, while telling the other 90%, Its going to be tough. 

School officials said the programs are serving far fewer children than would be present if schools reopened, even under a hybrid model of in-person instruction and virtual learning.

As a school district, we cannot limit the number of children who attend our schools once we open our doors for in-person instruction, unlike a child care provider, said Nancy Hacker, Springfield Township superintendent.

 READ MORE: As schools reopen virtually, parents scramble for day-care options

Whether and how to reopen schools has been a fraught debate nationally and across the region. Many districts around Philadelphia are starting the year virtually  decisions that have drawn pushback from parents like Finnegan, who believe the pitfalls of virtual instruction outweigh the risks of in-person learning.

Hacker said that even if the district reopened with part-time in-person learning, we would have considerably more children and students to be concerned about in any of our school buildings than what Kid View  the day-care provider  is working with.

It wasnt clear how many students Kid View is enrolling in the program; the provider did not respond to a request for comment.

In the Downingtown Area School District, A Childs Place has enrolled 295 children, spread out among 10 schools, according to district spokesperson Jennifer Shealy. By comparison, the Chester County district enrolls 13,000 students.

Many people have asked why it is safe to bring in students to [A Childs Place] but not for a hybrid or full-time instructional model, Shealy said. She said that even if the district offered staggered instruction, we are still looking at 6,500-plus students spread across 16 schools, adding that county health officials have recommended that all schools begin the year virtually.

 HELP US REPORT: Are you a health care worker, medical provider, government worker, patient, frontline worker or other expert? We want to hear from you.

The cost to enroll in full-day care through A Childs Place is $175 a week. Some Downingtown parents have called for the program to be free.

Its completely unethical in my belief to say that the schools cannot safely open, but you can pay this company to send children to the same facilities, said Henry Luu, a physician who is among a group of district parents advocating for their schools to reopen.

By law, school districts are not allowed to subsidize child care costs, Shealy said. But she said the $175 weekly rate is less than what the provider would typically charge, and the district negotiated to waive rental fees while school is operating virtually, with an agreement that the savings would be passed down to families.

Tracie Costello, CEO and president of A Childs Place, said the company is charging similar rates in the four Chester County school districts  including West Chester, Coatesville, and Owen J. Roberts  where it is offering full-day programs.

All of the districts  want to pass savings onto their families, Costello said. She said her companys rate was lower than other area programs: We were really careful about how we priced it.

Costello said children and staff are being spaced six feet apart, with one employee for every 12 young children, and one for every 15 older students.

The programs are set up to assist children while they complete their online education model at their school district, Costello said.

 READ MORE: Philly-area children, parents, and teachers brace for a school year unlike any other

Asked about parents questions, Costello said her program had lower enrollment than schools, noting that their Downingtown program is the largest of the four. She said most people using that program are essential workers.

Thats why its really important that something like that exist for those families, Costello said.

Parents like Brendan Close said they understand the need to accommodate families. But Close, who has a kindergartner and second grader in the Lower Merion School District, doesnt understand how full-day child care is being offered on district premises.

Why is that perfectly fine, but its not OK for our kids to go to a classroom in a similar structure, taught by their own teachers? Close said. He isnt necessarily advocating for children to return to school  Im not sure its perfectly safe, he said  but there should be a consistent policy across the school district.

District spokesperson Amy Buckman said Right at School would be operating in the districts administration building, rather than its schools, with room for just 60 students. The program will maintain six feet of social distancing and has submitted a health and safety plan, Buckman said, adding that the district had shared information with families about child care subsidies.

Right at School is also operating a full-day program in the Radnor School District; in both Lower Merion and Radnor, the rate is $300 per week, according to the companys website.

Like a number of parents, Finnegan, of the Springfield Township district, is frustrated by how schools have addressed reopening decisions. At a recent school board meeting, he said, one member commented that schooling was not babysitting.

But, the fact is, it kind of is, Finnegan said. He and his wife, who both work, can maybe afford to hire help for their children  but many parents cant, he said.

The fact that schools are allowing a select group of students to return to buildings to learn virtually, at a cost to their families, is crazy, he said.
ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- The number of political prisoners in Kazakhstan has risen to nine, local human rights defenders say in an update of a register they keep of such persons.

The chairwoman of the Almaty-based Ar. Rukh. Khaq. (Dignity, Spirit, Truth) rights group, Bakhytzhan Toreghozhina, said on September 8 that six more Kazakh citizens prosecuted in recent months or being prosecuted have now been recognized as political prisoners on the list, which does not include numerous cases where rights and political activists are jailed for less than 30 days.

The new political prisoners named on the list are Sanavar Zakirova, Asqar Ibraev, Serik Ydyrysov, Askhat Zheksebaev, Abai Begimbetov, and Qairat Qylyshev.

Zakirova, whose initiative to create a new political party, Our Right, was rejected by the authorities, was sentenced to one year in prison in July for "inflicting bodily damage" on a woman, which the civil rights activist denies.

Ibraev, from the northern city of Qostanai, is serving a one-year prison term for taking part in the activities of a banned political opposition movement.

Ydyrysov, a resident of the East Kazakhstan region, was initially handed a parole-like, one-year sentence for supporting a banned opposition group in December 2019. But he was subsequently arrested for organizing a flash mob that demanded an investigation into the death of activist Dulat Aghadil while in custody. Ydyrysov remains in pretrial detention.

Zheksebaev, Begimbetov, and Qylyshev are well-known civil rights activists who have been sentenced to several days in jail on numerous occasions for taking part in unsanctioned rallies. The three men are currently in a pretrial-detention center in Almaty. They are charged with being members of a banned political group called Street Party.

The previous list included Aron Atabek, Maks Boqaev, Erzhan Elshibaev, Eskendir Erimbetov, and Mukhtar Dzhakishev.

Prominent poet and dissident Atabek has been serving an 18-year prison term since 2007. He was convicted of helping organize protests that resulted in the death of a police officer, which he denies, calling the case against him politically motivated.

Boqaev was sentenced to five years in prison in 2016 for organizing massive unsanctioned protests in Kazakhstans west against land reform.

Elshibaev, an activist from the restive southwestern town of Zhanaozen, was sentenced to five years in prison in October 2019 for leading protests staged by jobless youths earlier in 2019. He was found guilty of hooliganism, which he and his supporters reject.

Businessman Erimbetov, who is a brother of a lawyer of fugitive Kazakh ex-banker and opposition figure Mukhtar Ablyazov, and Dzhakishev, a former chief of Kazakhstan's state nuclear company, Kazatomprom, were released from prison in December and March, respectively.

They and their supporters have said that their cases were also politically motivated.
Coronavirus clusters have been linked to Greek life events in multiple states. Ann Hermes/The Christian Science Monitor via Getty Images

Officials have identified a cluster of COVID-19 cases that are linked to a University of New Hampshire fraternity party.

More than 100 people attended the Theta Chi party last weekend, and few wore masks, university officials said.

At least 11 people exposed to the party, or those who have attended, have tested positive for the virus.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The University of New Hampshire and public-health officials have identified a cluster of COVID-19 cases that are believed to be linked to a Theta Chi fraternity party on August 29, the university said in a statement.

More than 100 people attended the party without masks, according to the university.

"The August 29 party is reprehensible and will not be tolerated. As soon as we heard of this party at Theta Chi, we started an investigation with the Interfraternity Council," the university's president, James W. Dean Jr., said in the statement. "We will be pursuing student-conduct charges against the organizers and all students who attended the event."

So far, at least 11 cases of the coronavirus have been linked to the event, which was attended by students as well as people who don't attend classes at the institution.

The school's chapter of Theta Chi was immediately suspended, Dean said, adding that other groups that held parties would face the same penalty.

As colleges reopen to in-person classes, it has proved challenging to limit gatherings among students. Many people have accused colleges of attempting to shift blame onto their students after making the decision to hold in-person instruction.

Greek life has already been hit particularly hard by the virus, as some members continue to host packed parties without social distancing measures in place.

In early July, the University of Washington announced that at least 145 of its students tested positive for the coronavirus in what became known as the "Greek row outbreak."

Story continues

A week later, the University of California at Berkeley announced it saw an uptick in new cases  to 47 from 23  associated with "a series of recent parties connected to the CalGreek system."

Schools are limited in what they can enforce at Greek-life houses, as some of the buildings are located off campus on private property, Insider's Inyoung Choi previously reported.

Many students opted to remain in Greek housing even as in-person classes and gatherings had been banned.

"Let me be clear: This is reckless behavior and the kind of behavior that undermines our planning and will lead to us switching to a fully remote mode," Dean said of hosting gatherings that violate guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Linkedin Asip Hasani (The Jakarta Post) Kediri, East Java  Tue, September 8, 2020 08:43 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4355f04 1 Politics regional-elections,Kediri,political-dynasty,PDI-P,politics Free

The road to the top administrators seat in Kediri regency, East Java, looks to be clear for Hanindhito Himawan Pramana, the son of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.

He has managed to secure a key vote from local figure Sutrisno, who, as husband of the incumbent Kediri Regent Haryanti and a former regent himself, vowed to end his political resistance against the 28-year-old in the upcoming regional elections scheduled for December.

Hanindhito, whose father is a Kediri native, previously bagged a recommendation from the PDI-Ps central executive board (DPP) to run for regent there, before going on to secure the support of eight other political parties that won legislative seats in the 2019 election.

He pairs up with Dewi Maria Ulfa, leader of the Kediri branch of Fatayat Nahdlatul Ulama  the womens wing of NU  who is the candidate for deputy regent.

As contestants in a one-horse race, all of the parties have thrown their support behind the Hanindhito-Dewi ticket. And if the General Elections Commissions (KPU) extension of the registration period sees no independent candidate sign up to challenge them, they may well run against a blank box on the ballot paper.

With this recent development, we are confident in setting a target of winning at least 80 percent of the vote, said Murdi Hantoro, the newly appointed head of the PDI-Ps Kediri branch, in an interview with The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

Sutrisnos family is one of the longest-serving political dynasties of post-Soeharto Indonesia. Sutrisno, 66, served as Kediri regent for two terms between 2000 and 2010, while his first wife Haryanti, 71, is soon to conclude her second term as regent this year.

Read also: 'Political dynasties' to take center stage again in 2020 elections

When she was first elected in 2010, Haryanti was the richest regent in the country, with a reported fortune of more than Rp 40 billion (US$2.71 million). In her first term, she won more than 54 percent of the vote and defeated two other candidates, including Nurlaila, Sutrisnos second wife.

Nearing the end of his wifes second term in office, Sutrisno had since last year prepared to nominate Mujahid and Eko Ediono, his close aide and a relative, as the next candidates for regent and deputy regent, respectively.

However, the pair was reportedly rejected by the PDI-Ps central board, which then prompted Sutrisno to resign on Dec. 20 last year as head of the partys Kediri branch, which he had led since 2014.

On July 17, the PDI-P officially endorsed Hanindhito-Dewi to run for the regency, which was soon followed by a movement calling for the people to abstain in the upcoming Kediri election.

Sutrisno had backed this movement as a response to the partys rejection of his pairing of choice, but made a complete U-turn late last month by vowing to support Hanindhito and Dewis candidacy.

I am waiting for Pak Prams [Pramono] instruction. I am ready to help, Sutrisno told journalists on Aug. 25, without divulging the reason for his change of mind. Dont ask me why; this is enough for the public to know.

Some sources, who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue, told the Post that the sudden shift in Sutrisnos stance was the result of pressure on him and his family, including over investigations by police and prosecutors into alleged corruption in the Kediri administration.

The Kediri Regency Police have confirmed a preliminary investigation into some cases.

In the worlds third-largest democracy, where regional autonomy has not always translated into good governance, the existence of entrenched political dynasties in Indonesia has posed a lasting challenge to the development of democracy and civic participation.

In a survey by Kompas Research and Development Department in July, almost 30 percent of the 553 respondents said political dynasties were simply normal practice and part of the nations democratic process, even though the majority of those polled were fed up with them.

Read also: Many Indonesians fed up with political dynasties: 'Kompas' survey

Taufiq Chavifudin, head of the United Development Partys (PPP) Kediri branch, expressed disappointment over the process that has allowed Hanindhito-Dewi to run uncontested in the upcoming Kediri election.

He said it would undermine the quality of the electoral process.

Along with Gerindra and the PKS [Prosperous Justice Party], the PPP has struggled to maintain support for the Mujahid-Eko ticket. As we can see, local support from both those parties has been driven into the ground by their respective central boards in Jakarta, Taufiq told the Post late last month, just a few days before the PPP officially backed Hanindhito-Dewi.

The PPP was the last political party to publicly endorse them. The pair has now secured 100 percent support from the political parties that hold all of the regencys 50 legislative seats.

Taufiq said the Mujahid-Eko pairing would have carried on the reign of the Sutrisno dynasty, but that a stronger force from Jakarta was intent on establishing a bigger and even stronger dynasty by backing Hanindhito.

I think Kediri has become the target of a nationwide political agenda orchestrated by the Palace Coalition in preparation for the 2024 election, Taufiq said.

Read also: 'Don't come to Kediri, Jokowi': The myth surrounding the citys presidential curse

Despite Sutrisnos endorsement, a big question still hangs on the possibility of running against a blank box on the ballot paper, especially if people choose to cast their votes against the sole contenders.

Eka Wisnu Wardhana, a commissioner for the KPUs Kediri chapter, said it would prepare accordingly. We will have two boxes on every ballot paper; one for the candidate pair and another left empty [for abstentions], he told the Post recently.

He said that if the blank box received more votes than the candidate pair, then the election would need to be redone the following year.

Kediri regency has around 1.28 million voters and a considerably low rate of voter participation, which has in part allowed the Sutrisno clan to hold on to power for some 20 years.

In the 2010 regional election, just 65 percent of the population cast their vote. In 2015, this number was 61 percent.

Editor's note: Updated for clarity
San Diego authorities are searching for a woman who was exposed to a rabid bat at a local zoo after it flew around her, potentially infecting her and one other visitor.

The bat was spotted flying around the unidentified woman in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park near Escondido late Sunday morning, according to the San Diego Health and Human Services Agency.

The bat, which is not one of the zoo's animals, was later caught and found to be infected with rabies.

A search is now underway for the woman, and another person who may have come into direct contact with the rabid animal, amid fears they were exposed to the deadly virus.

San Diego authorities are searching for a woman who was exposed to a rabid bat at San Diego Zoo Safari Park near Escondido (pictured) after it flew around her, potentially infecting her and one other visitor

Visitors to the zoo saw the bat flying around the woman at the Mombasa Cooker, a restaurant in the Nairobi Village area of the park, around 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

A park employee caught the bat and handed it over to county health officials, who confirmed the bat was rabid.

Health officials are now asking for the public's help in locating the woman who left the park without providing contact information.

'We are concerned about the health of this woman and any park patrons who were in direct contact with the bat,' said Eric McDonald, medical director of the county Epidemiology and Immunization Services branch.

'We want to make sure they were not potentially exposed to this deadly disease.'

Officials reassured other zoo visitors who did not come into contact with the bat that they are not at risk of contracting rabies.

San Diego authorities are searching for a woman who was exposed to a rabid bat at a local zoo after it flew around her, potentially infecting her and one other visitor

Visitors to the zoo saw the bat flying around the woman at the Mombasa Cooker, a restaurant in the Nairobi Village area of the park, around 11:30 a.m. Sunday

Rabies is a deadly virus spread to humans from the saliva of rabid animals including bats, foxes and raccoons.

It is usually transmitted through a bite but can also be passed through the saliva from the animal coming into contact with a person's eyes, nose, mouth or open wound.

The virus is fatal if not treated quickly after infection and before symptoms begin to develop.

It attacks the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death.

A map of the zoo. A search is now underway for the woman, and another person who may have come into direct contact with the rabid animal, amid fears they were exposed to rabies

This latest encounter is the latest in a string of incidents where rabid bats have been detected in both the zoo and the wider county.

This year alone, four other rabid bats have been detected in San Diego County.

In April 2017, a rabid bat was detected in San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

This came after another was detected at the park in September 2016 and a dead rabid bat was found in 2015.

Anyone who knows the identity of the woman who may have been exposed, or who was at the park and believes they were potentially exposed to the bat, is urged to immediately call the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency at (619) 692-8499.
NORWALK  Tuesday marks the first day of school for the citys public schools. By now, most families have decided whether to send their children back into the classrooms or keep them home for virtual learning. They know the rules around masks, washing their hands and being in the classroom while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Norwalk Public Schools has also initiated some of these new protocols and programs to help ease families back to school, many returning to the building for the first time since March.

1. Parent help desk

Chief of Digital Learning and Development Ralph Valensizi told the Board of Education last week that the district plans to launch a help desk for parents with questions about the technology their students are using.

Theres going to be a lot of questions that are going to come up, so we came up with a very robust help site, he said.

The district also launched Norwalk Parent University, which offers informational sessions on technology and activities used by students. Valensizi said more than 700 parents attended some of the live, virtual sessions last month.

2. Community pods for virtual learning

Superintendent Alexandra Estrella said the Norwalk Public Library and the Carver Center will offer support for middle and high school students on their virtual learning days. Each pod will contain up to 12 students who will be part of the group for the entire semester. A paraeducator will be assigned to each pod. For more information, see the districts Reopening Handbook for Parents.

3. Isolation rooms

Part of the districts reopening plan includes an isolation room at each school for students who might begin to show symptoms of COVID-19 during the school day. It can also be used for students who refuse to wear a mask even after being corrected by staff. Paraeducators trained by the districts coordinator of health services, Joann Malinowski, will supervise each isolation room, which is equipped with personal protective equipment. Patient dividers are also supposed to be installed in each of the isolation rooms.

4. Spare masks on buses

According to the district, there will be a box of spare personal protective equipment on each bus for students who may lose or break a mask. The district also hired 58 bus monitors to make sure students socially distance on the bus and enter and exit the vehicle properly.

5. Free meals still available

Families with children between the ages of 2 and 18 can pick up free meals around the city through the end of 2020, thanks to the USDA extending its Summer Food Service Program. The district began meal pickup when school buildings closed due to COVID-19 in March. Its available to all children in the city, not just those with Norwalk Public Schools. For pickup times and locations, visit the Norwalk Public Schools website.
The Kauffman family  Derick and Carrie with children Shelby and Jacob, both 13  chose this Bryn Mawr colonial because they "wanted something that wasnt brand new but also something that wasnt too cookie cutter, Carrie says. Read more

When Carrie and Derick Kauffman toured the circa-1950s Colonial home in Bryn Mawr in 2011, they knew it had potential. Their twins, Jacob and Shelby, were 4 years old at the time, and the house was in move-in condition. They had visions of renovating the kitchen and creating a master suite but knew that would happen in due time.

We wanted something that wasnt brand new but also something that wasnt too cookie cutter, Carrie recalled. We wanted something large enough for us to grow into and be our forever home. Radnor Township was a big draw for the schools.

The couple decorated the 2,800-square-foot house to look put together but at a reasonable cost, especially with young kids.

We wanted the quality, Carrie said, but if somebody stained something, I wasnt going to be too rattled.

A couple of years after moving in, the Kauffmans completely renovated the kitchen. Derick, who was a professional chef before switching careers and had been thinking about his dream kitchen for years, was instrumental in the design. Function was the priority  he needed a working kitchen  but the appearance also mattered. With help from interior designer Amy Cuker and a custom cabinetmaker, his vision became a reality.

As my familys roots are in Berks and Lancaster County, I was very familiar with Amish craftsmanship and wanted to display it prominently by employing real wood cabinetry, said Derick, who now practices law. I also wasnt interested in having just another white kitchen. I wanted it to have some character and show off my personality a bit  one of the reasons I chose red as my main accent color.

In 2018, the couple created a main suite, inspired by a recent trip to Italy for their 15th anniversary.

We stayed in a hotel in Florence that had everything I loved, recalled Carrie, a professional organizer and owner of Carries Essential Services, serving Philadelphia and the Main Line. That included a refrigerator, coffee station and heated floors. Though their room in Italy had a real stone wall behind the bed, she recreated the look with wallpaper.

Carrie put her professional talents to work in the 6-by-8 foot closet, which sits behind a dark-brown barn door made by a local craftsman from reclaimed wood. She designed the closet to specifically fit and showcase her clothes and accessories. The mostly white room is efficiently organized for function but is also a beautiful space.

I dont have a lot, but what I do have are quality items, said Carrie, whose bedroom and closet are her favorite spaces in the home. I love handbags and shoes, and I wanted to look at them any time I wanted to. The design is very simple, with crisp lines.

Now, her shoe and handbag collections are prominently displayed, while jewelry and other accessories sit in dedicated drawers. A large island is not only visually pleasing, but also functional as a space for folding laundry. The rooms focal point is a glass chandelier controlled by a motion sensor.

Theres no wiping down a light switch when it gets dirty, said Carrie, who planned the space for a concise fit. I actually counted how many pairs of pants my husband has and how many button-down shirts. I built it to our needs and to not waste any space. Its designed for exactly what I need.

Another one of her favorite spaces is the sun room they added, adjacent to their backyard pool. Bright light pours in from 19 windows. The room is mostly white with baby-blue and orange accents. Carrie uses color as a way to easily change decor.

We can use this patio set for the summer, she said, and then during the fall and winter months, I can change out the rug and pillows, and its still a decorated space.

The Kauffmans say they enjoy Bryn Mawrs vibe. Its very quaint, Carrie said. I love walking the streets, going into the shops and restaurants, and all the amenities Radnor Township gives us.

Is your house a Haven? Nominate your home by email (and send some digital photographs) at properties@inquirer.com.
Regardless of a companys product or service, nothing comes close to employees as the organizations most valuable asset in bringing in revenue. In the same breath, its also the employees that are the perennial apple of the eyes of cybercriminals to help them bring home the bacon. Exploiting human weaknesses like inattention, ignorance or negligence has proved to be easier and cheaper than trying to fool sophisticated protection software.

Company size and industry doesnt even matter --- cyber attacks are usually productive leaving business owners hurting with losses. To manage the damaging effects of a single data breach, a small to medium business (SMB) spends an average of $101,000 (5.050 million pesos) while an enterprise company shells out a whopping $1.057 million (52.850 million pesos), according to the most up to date Kaspersky data.

Historically, the human factor has been the organizations weakest link in any cybersecurity incident. And regardless of how advanced your security technology is --- just one careless or clueless move by an employee will put the whole organization at risk. But todays working environment as impacted by COVID-19 may potentially up the ante as far as cybersecurity risks are concerned, said Mary Grace Sotayco, Kaspersky territory manager for the Philippines.

According to the cybersecurity company, working remotely means companies have less control over IT security such as in situations when employees are not issued corporate devices. In the Philippines, the bring-your-own device (BYOD) approach is pervasive within the small and medium sector due to cost issues.

With the pandemic, Kaspersky said its business as usual for cybercriminals who are also working from home. These nefarious groups have been active since the second quarter of this year as brute-force attacks on database servers were monitored to have increased by 23%, malicious files planted on websites were up by 8%, and network attacks and phishing rose.

But a bigger threat to any businesses during this period is not the lack or insufficient technical cybersecurity know-how of its employees but their wellbeing.

A recent survey on the mental health of remotely working Filipino employees during quarantine revealed that adjusting to the new normal and isolation are leaving employees stressed, anxious, and depressed.

The cybersecurity company said despite being considered the weakest link, businesses can start looking at their employees as their first line of defense instead to bolster their defenses. Kaspersky says its possible for business owners to achieve this by prioritizing their employeess wellbeing immediately.

We have always advocated for businesses to provide technical support to their entire organization. But were currently in a different situation and the logical step forward is to ensure that work-from-home teams are not only supported in their technical knowledge on security but are also assisted in terms of their wellbeing. When employees remain calm and collected, work-related human error is significantly minimized. We strongly recommend organizations to pay extra attention to their staffs mental health to boost their teams resilience at this time, added Sotayco.

While breaches are unavoidable, its impacts can be kept to a minimum. Kaspersky offers the following tips for businesses during these times:

1. Keep communication lines open, communicate more and sincerely.

Your people will need and appreciate your transparency. In case a crisis strikes, make sure they get information first from you than from external sources.

2. Provide employees with an emergency preparedness plan early on.

This will empower the people and will help lessen their possible panic and stress over the incident. A recent Kaspersky report revealed that almost half of employees dont know how to respond to ransomware attacks. Another study from the cybersecurity company revealed nearly three-quarters (73%) of workers say they have not had any additional IT security awareness training after they switched to working from home full-time.

3. Equip WFH employees with protection solutions for their devices.

In the Philippines, Kaspersky has an ongoing limited offer for enterprises which will allow their employees to have internet protection software at discounted pricing. Most SMBs would benefit from this since the BYOD practice has been worrisome for 48% of businesses because they acknowledge that devices are shared for personal and work use. This is a particular concern for 57% of small businesses.

In a study conducted by Kaspersky in April 2020, it showed that only a third (32%) of businesses have provided their employees with antivirus software to use on personal devices for work purposes since the transition began. While 86% of respondents say they have antivirus software installed on their personal computers, there is now more responsibility on employers to offer the right protection solutions.

Additionally, just half (53%) of workers say they are using a VPN to access their employers network when working from home. This could potentially be leaving corporate information and files vulnerable to cyberattacks, or accessible to people outside of the business.

4. Put in place a good workload management.

Against the backdrop of this global crisis, most employees these days identify burnout as their biggest stressor, according to professional feedback platform blind. The study cited the following reasons as reasons for burnout: no separation between work (27%), unmanageable workload (20.5%) and job security concerns (19%).

5. Provide psychological and social support.

When your staff feel theyre being supported enough by the company, this validates their contributions and their performance is enhanced. In an article by the World Health Organization, Switzerland-based neurologist Dr. Konstantinos Petsanis says that stress behavior in general brings a lot of problems. He affirms that if mental health needs are addressed as soon as possible, there will be fewer work-related errors and issues and there will be less stress and panic among the staff.

Kaspersky, through its local distributor iSecure Networks, recently launched its Enterprise Employee Discount Program which allows its existing partners nationwide to avail of up to 45.15% off on its premium security solutions.

Under the exclusive promo, the 2-year, 5-device Kaspersky Internet Security license, which regularly costs Php3,080 is now offered for just Php2,150 or just Php25 per month. Meanwhile the 1-year, single-device Kaspersky Total Security is priced from Php1,390 to only Php800, or a savings of 42%.

Kaspersky partners interested to avail of the promo may get in touch with Shiela Borja, marketing communications officer at iSecure Networks at 09269593725 or through their Facebook page at iSecureNetworksInc.
Hong Kong church pastor says China monitored webinar on state-church relations, booted him from meeting

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Authorities with the Chinese Communist Party are suspected to have hacked a Hong Kong church webinar, monitoring Christians discussing the countrys church-state relations and eventually booting the pastor from the session.

International Christian Concern reports that on Aug. 30, the Church of Christ in China Tuen Mun Church was hosting a webinar titled The Historic Changes of the Cross Under the Red Flag when three unknown users identifying themselves with the Chinese government requested to join.

Three users identified as National Security Bureau in China- Hong Kong Branch, National Security Bureau in China," and Shenzhen government demanded access at the beginning of the session. All three were denied by the administrator, as the webinar was only opened to registered church members.

When Pastor Chan Minyi mentioned this incident toward the end of the webinar, he was repeatedly removed by an unknown party from the session. He was booted from the session at least 10 times, followed by other coworkers from the church, forcing the church to end the webinar prematurely.

Confident his coworkers were not the ones who had removed him, Chan said he suspected there were other people tapping in the webinar. Though the church met through Google Meet, not Zoom, for security reasons, they were still put under surveillance.

I believe the webinar is speaking the truth and is not in violation of any law, the pastor said, adding that reporting the incident to police is futile, as the police and the national security personnel are essentially the same entity.

Similar reports have emerged out of China, where authorities routinely use technology to suppress religion and religious minorities.

In April, several members of Chinas heavily persecuted Early Rain Covenant Church were arrested by communist authorities for participating in an online Easter worship service on Zoom and ordered to cease all religious activity.

In July, two Chinese cyber thieves sanctioned by the U.S. for targeting firms involved in coronavirus research were also accused of hacking the private emails of a Christian house pastor and sharing them with communist officials, leading to his arrest.

Recently, Sam Brownback, U.S. ambassador at large for International Religious Freedom, detailed how China is employing its most aggressive technology to oppress Uighur Muslims, including sophisticated cameras, facial-recognition technology, and collecting DNA samples.

Brownback predicted that China's methods represent the future of religious oppression, adding that eventually, religious minorities are going to be oppressed by a system where they can't live and work in the society if they choose to practice their faith.

Its the future of the world if we dont stop this. You can look at this [and] say, That's a long way away, it's not my religion, and it's going to be fine. But this stuff is coming if we don't get on and stop it early, he said.

China is ranked on Open Doors USAs World Watch List as one of the worst countries in the world when it comes to the persecution 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.
Epfosurat.com scored 41 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team

This CoolSocial report was updated on 30 Dec 2012, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.

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PAGE TITLE EPFO | Employees' Provident Fund Organisation, Surat Region (Surat, Vapi) DESCRIPTION Official Website of EPFO Surat Region(Surat, Vapi). You can check your Claim Status, EPF Balance, Pension Status, Establishment Payment position from here KEYWORDS epf, epfo, pf, epf surat, epf vapi, epfo surat, epfo vapi, pf surat, pf vapi, epfo gujarat, epf gujarat, pf gujarat, provident fund, employees' provident fund organisation, Epf India, Provident Fund, EPFO OTHER KEYWORDS



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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Shalom House is the toughest  and most successful  drug rehabilitation centre on the planet if you believe its founder, Peter Lyndon-James. The program is tough. Conditions are tough. Lyndon-James is tough. So what if you're a drug addict desperate for help, but you can't afford to pay? Tough. Shalom House founder Peter Lyndon-James. Credit:Kate Hedley Lyndon-James takes no prisoners. There's no free ride in his house, and Shalom House, with its various offices, workshops and residential dwellings scattered in Perth's picturesque foothills, is all his house.

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Besides, why should society pay for the mistakes of drug addicts? Since 2012 Lyndon-James has been putting his residents through their paces, but only if he deems an applicant worthy of his efforts. The rehab founder estimates he accepts around one in 20 people who apply for the program, and he makes no apologies for making it hard to get in. "If you're not 150 per cent serious about changing your life, I can't help you," Lyndon-James says. "I'm not interested in filling beds. I'm interested in changing lives." Once accepted into what Shalom House's website refers to as the "strictest rehabilitation centre in Australia", the real tough stuff begins. Residents hand over enduring power of attorney to Shalom House, and Centrelink payments cover their board and lodging.

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There is absolutely no smoking  or drinking, or any illicit drugs, of course  new intakes won't see family members or children for at least a couple of weeks or so, every resident will be put to work, and the men will have their heads shaved and piercings removed. "I'm trying to get my fellas into work; back into the community," Lyndon-James says. "Do you think anyone's gonna hire a bloke with a mohawk and a hundred facial piercings?" Up until about five or six months ago, Shalom House only took men as program participants. Now there's a program and residence for women, and while Lyndon-James calls them his "princesses", and says he's a bit softer with "the ladies", Shalom House is no picnic for them, either. 'Good stuff comes out of this place' Fifteen years of using and dealing meth in Perth earnt 37-year-old Nicola a three-year stretch in prison.

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It was this custodial term the current Shalom House resident credits as having saved her life. The Shalom House women's program includes couples and children, and started when Nicola - far right - refused to take no for an answer from Lyndon-James. Credit:Kate Hedley Before her release, there was no women's program at Shalom, and if it wasn't for Nicola refusing to take "no" for an answer from Lyndon-James, there may never have been one. "She wouldn't go away," Lyndon-James says. "I told her I couldn't help, but she wouldn't leave. She's the one who started the ladies' program." "Good stuff comes out of this place," Nicola says. "I'm glad I didn't leave."

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The women, who are separated from the men, live, cook, and work together. During the day they sort rags and work on setting up the cafe they hope to open next year. Every one of the seven current female Shalom House residents, has a backstory littered with drug addiction, domestic violence, brushes with the law, tragedy, and hopelessness. Brittany, who has been clean for 11 years and who is helping the women set up the cafe, spent five years using meth and "benzos". "I was pretty bad," the 34-year-old said. "I thought there was no way out, but there is absolutely hope." Brittany said finding God set her free, and working alongside the women at Shalom - which was founded and is run on Christian principles, according to Lyndon-James - is what keeps her on the straight and narrow.

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Russia has begun rolling out its coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik V, to the general public as part of a year-long mass vaccination campaign, after a recent study showed the jab caused no adverse side-effects.

In a statement on Tuesday, the countrys Health Minister said the first batch of the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine  has passed the necessary quality tests in the laboratories of Roszdravnadzor (Russia's health watchdog) and has been released into civil circulation.

Regional deliveries were planned in the nearest future, the ministry added, with developers preparing to carry out large-scale Phase 3 clinical trials while administering the shot to civilians.

Last month Russia became the first country in the world to approve a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Based on two adenovirus vectors, the vaccine was developed by the state-run Gamaleya epidemiology and microbiology research centre in Moscow.

Results peer-reviewed

Peer-reviewed research into early clinical trials published in The Lancet confirmed that the vaccine candidates elicit an antibody response. "The two 42-day trials  including 38 healthy adults each  did not find any serious adverse effects among participants, the study 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".

While the Mayor of Moscow has said he hoped most residents of the capital would be vaccinated over the next few months, the Russian Health Minister has warned that the first deliveries of Sputnik V would be small for the time being.

Priority is be given to health workers and teachers, although various media reports claim several high-level Russian government officials have already received the vaccine.

Gamaleya has estimated that it would need to produce 80 million doses in Russia to achieve mass immunity. Of the 40,000 volunteers needed for the double-blind Phase 3 trials, 10,000 will receive placebos.

Story continues

Some 20 countries such as India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Philippines, Mexico and Brazil have expressed their interest in obtaining the vaccine.

Future plans include ramping up the vaccine production to 200 million doses by the end of 2020, including 30 million doses in Russia.

The country has reported more than 1 million coronavirus infections and almost 18,000 deaths since March.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 23:03:27|Editor: huaxia

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson walks back to 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, Sept. 8, 2020. Crucial talks aimed at finding a post-Brexit trade deal between Britain and the European Union (EU) opened Tuesday in London. Boris Johnson said Monday that he wants a post-Brexit trade deal agreed with EU by an Oct. 15 deadline, warning that a failure of that could mean London ending its EU membership with no deal. (Xinhua/Han Yan)

LONDON, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Crucial talks aimed at finding a post-Brexit trade deal between Britain and the European Union (EU) opened Tuesday in London.

Britain's chief Brexit negotiator David Frost called for realism from the EU side prior to the talks, insisting there was still time for the two sides to agree on a post-Brexit trade deal.

British communities secretary Robert Jenrick said on the Times Radio station Tuesday that the government was willing to leave without a deal if necessary and urged the 27 member states of the bloc to show flexibility.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Monday that he wants a post-Brexit trade deal agreed with the European Union (EU) by an Oct. 15 deadline, warning that a failure of that could mean London ending its EU membership with no deal.

However, for some business leader in Britain, "a no deal would be the worst outcome for consumers."

"Amid all the noise and negotiations, businesses in the UK and EU remain clear, a good deal is essential. An agreement will be the foundation for post-COVID recovery across the continent," said Josh Hardie, deputy director general of the Confederation of British Industry.

Britain ended its EU membership on Jan. 31 but is still following EU rules during the transition period until Dec. 31 to enable a permanent future trade deal to be reached. During this period, Britain would have to pay into EU funds but have no say in laws imposed by Brussels.

Both sides have said for a deal to be ready for implementation from January 2021, details need to be agreed by mid-October.

But negotiations stalled last month over fishing rights and a so-called level playing field over future subsidies to British industry. Enditem
FOX News Channel

It's been 50 years since Geraldo Rivera made his television debut  and after five decades of broadcasting, the journalist has no plans to retire.

"They used to say that my life has had more ups and downs than the cycle of roller coasters at Coney Island," Rivera, 77, tells PEOPLE with a laugh. "I believe that thats true."

"Im honored, Im humbled by it," the Fox News Channel roaming correspondent-at-large says of the milestone. "It exhilarates me and exhausts me."

After leaving law to pursue the reporting business  a decision his parents were initially "horrified" by  Rivera did his first story for Eyewitness News on Sept. 8, 1970.

Since becoming a journalist, Rivera has covered countless stories (including his Willowbrook State School expose), hosted his own self-titled talk show, written multiple books, traveled the globe, worked as a war correspondent, graced the cover of Playgirl magazine, competed on Dancing with the Stars, and interviewed President Donald Trump more than 30 times.

RELATED: Geraldo Rivera Celebrates 50 Years in Television: See His Life and Career Throughout the Years, in Photos

In celebration of Rivera hitting his 50-year anniversary in TV, the Emmy- and Peabody-award winning reporter opens up to PEOPLE about his life, including his achievements, his regrets, his friendship and support of the divisive president, having different political views than his (fifth) wife, Erica Levy, and what he still hopes to do. (Note: this interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.)

How does it feel to have been in television for 50 years? Thats a huge milestone.

Its funny. I think of Regis Philbin, the hardest working man in show business. I think that longevity and endurance and resilience, the fact that Ive lived through so many different trends, styles and crazies and ups and downs. They used to say that my life has had more ups and downs than the cycle of roller coasters at Coney Island. [Laughs] I believe that thats true. Im honored, Im humbled by it. It exhilarates me and exhausts me.

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FOX News Channel Geraldo Rivera writing John Lennons obituary for ABC Nightline in 1980.

Looking back at those five decades, what do you consider to be your biggest accomplishments both personally and professionally?

Substantively, I dont think it can be argued that my stories over the years about the developmentally disabled have really helped change the way intellectually disabled people are cared for from coast to coast. Every state, every city we campaigned against and effectively helped end the whole institutionalization of the population we used to refer to as mentally retarded  now developmentally disabled. I think that we used television, I used  I dont mean to use the imperial we  but my team and I used television for positive social change. We didnt just complain about the institutionalization. We suggested and advocated for a solution to the problem, the creation of the group homes that now are prevalent throughout the nation, throughout the world, really.

So I think that it is, without a doubt, my biggest triumph and its also my recurrent nightmare because its something that, having done so many stories and being so close to so many people, either with the affliction or their families or their friends or their neighbors or relatives, you carry that. I think about, I worry about and I in some ways feel almost guilty that Ive gone on in life and I live in a big house and people know me. I know this sounds weird, but whenever I see a family with a child [with Down syndrome], its like theyre related to me. They respond to me that same way.

They teach the Willowbrook saga in just about every social work school at the college level and at the high school level. The film has been screened millions of millions of times. Its more than a story to me. The story of my life. I will never be able to rise to that level. Its almost like I started at the top and the rest of my life has been a follow-up.

FOX News Channel Geraldo Rivera alongside Bernard Carabello (in 1988), a former resident of the infamous Willowbrook State School who spent 18 years institutionalized, although he was not mentally impaired. Carabello was released from Willowbrook following Riveras expose of the institutions practices

Is there anything that you havent yet accomplished  either professionally or personally  that you still want to do?

I sailed my boat around the world, and I sailed it 1,400 miles up the Amazon River. I rode my motorboat up the Erie Canal to be on Lake Erie here in Cleveland. I want to keep going around the great lakes and then go to Chicago and then go down the Alamo River to the Mississippi River and complete the inner loop. Thats my last remaining adventure that Ive got planned single hand  I want to do it single hand.

RELATED: A Birth, a Death and a Wedding Postponed: What Fox News' Bryan Llenas Learned in the Pandemic

So fun! What type of boat do you have?

We donated a big sailboat that we sailed around the world, Voyager. We did eight hours with the Travel Channel and all those various sagas. Now for the last 22 years Ive also had Hinckley. I have a Hinckley 36-foot picnic boat, which is easy to single hand. Its got a little joystick that goes along with the steering wheel. Its resilient, made in Maine, modeled after the old lobster boats. Me and my boat are very close.

What an adventure!

I look forward to it. The only reason Im not going right now  this is the time I was going to do it  is Im worried about the coronavirus. You go to a port in these little towns, and the whole joy of it is to, you know you stop, go to the local bar, you hang out with the folks and find out what theyre into and whatever. And you go onto the next port. And you pick them at random almost. When we came through the Erie Canal, wed go through different towns and theyd have signs up, Geraldo, stop here! because they heard that I was doing some stuff with Fox & Friends. They heard I was on the way. I love the country, but its a weird time. Theres a lot of distractions with the virus and the election. Everything else thats going on, the violence now  I dont think its a good time to go traveling just yet.

How long would that trip take?

Oh, itll take me, you know Id have to stop and work here or there. It would take me at least six weeks to two months.

Would you go by yourself or take a friend?

Yeah, Id go by myself and maybe, typically what I do is I go 500 miles and maybe my brother would meet me or one of my buddies would meet me. Wed go another 100 miles or 200 miles together. Mostly single handled, but I definitely would meet friends. My wife doesnt like [laughs] spending too much time on the boat. Its funny, when we were unmarried she was my most eager sailor. But then once we got married, almost 17 years ago now, she said, no more motorcycles and I dont like the boat.

FOX News Channel Geraldo Rivera, his wife Erica Levy, and their daughter Sol at Levys 40th birthday party in NYC in 2015.

Is there anything you consider a regret in your life, or something you wish you had done differently?

Thats a great question. Of course, youre reminded of the old Sinatra song Regrets, Ive Had a Few. You know, I kind of wish I didnt get married five times. I made choices earlier and stuck with them. I regret some of the more flamboyant aspects of the talk show years, although its hard  the problem is if you start replacing [something] here or there, you start wondering about the whole edifice come tumbling down on you. I mean, the fights Ive had, and maybe attracted too much personal attention, not enough to the work.

But you know, when you live through different decades  now remember, this is my sixth decade. My actual anniversary is Tuesday [Sept. 8], my first story was for Eyewitness News. I covered the losing candidate for state attorney general and they only showed my hand. They cut me out of it, but they showed my hand holding the microphone with the candidate. And my mother recognized the star on my left hand  I have the Star of David tattoo on my left hand  and so she had been with my dad horrified that I got into the business, left law to get into the reporting business they knew nothing about. But when she saw my hand on television, she became a convert. She says that then she loved the fact that I was a big star.

FOX News Channel Geraldo Rivera's children (L to R): daughter-in-law Deborah, son Cruz, daughter Isabella, daughter Sol, daughter Simone and son Gabriel, husband of Deborah.

RELATED: Fox News Anchor Martha MacCallum Talks the 'Completely Different Environment' of Virtual Convention

Looking at the state of our country, which seems to be so divided, Im curious what your opinions are about current events, including this election.

Let me start there. I am an undecided voter leaning to President Trump, although I may vote for Kanye [West]. My wife is an ardent [Joe] Biden/[Kamala] Harris supporter. I can send you the funniest picture. We have a Biden/Harris sign in my front yard. And then a sign that I handmade right next to it that has an arrow that says wife only. Husband is undecided, leaning to President Trump. Its hilarious. Its become like a tourist attraction here in Cleveland. Everyone stops.

But putting politics aside, theres no doubt that the minority populace, particularly African Americans in this country, feel that theyre really getting the short end of the stick. That they have a totally different experience in life, even with all equality and everything that we have in this country. That a Black man going out in his car at night has a whole different bundle of anxieties than a non-Black man does. I think that thats an injustice that has to be fixed in this country. I also believe that theres such dysfunction and disorder and violence in inner city communities. Remember, my first house was in the Lower East Side. My law practice was in Spanish Harlem. Im a city kid, Im a ghetto kid. I lament, I agonize over the inequalities in America and I just wish that there was a more [of] an atmosphere that was more healing and more united. That this division that has cleaved American society in half is one that I think will survive [who] wins the election and increasingly well have two Americans. Well have an America largely people of color and young idealists on the one hand; and a largely, or almost universally white side, working class who are resentful of people who want to upset the apple card. Anyway, the resentment is terrible, the anger is terrible, the division is raw and profound and undeniable.

It reminds me somewhat, in 1969 I was arrested twice in Washington D.C., one of them after we kidnapped Donald Rumsfeld, who at the time was the head of the office of economic opportunity. We were legal services lawyers  all Black and brown lawyers  and we chained ourselves in his office. He writes about it in his autobiography. Its hilarious that he says that I grew up to be me, and there I was one of the people holding him captive. But I mean that division there was almost, that was a young-old division more or less. This is a Black-white division, rich-poor division thats much more I think raw and egregious. Then, that was mostly about kids being afraid they were going to be drafted. This is about something much more fundamental. Its about fairness, its about equality, its about how do you solve problems without violence.

You did say that youre also considering voting for Kanye. What do you feel 

Thats kind of a joke.

RELATED: Fox & Friends' Ainsley Earhardt Opens Up About Balancing Her Career and Motherhood After Divorce

Being a Trump supporter and your wife being a Democrat, how are you maintaining the peace in your home?

Erica now is co-hosting my daily radio show, so we get to articulate our various positions. Erica feels very strongly. She watches MSNBC most of the day. She listens to 538 and The Daily, the podcast. Shes really educating herself to a great degree about politics. We try never to debate politics in person or when were not on the air because the topic is so inflammatory. The discussion tends to be impassioned, so we kind of have a truce in our real life and save the ebb and flow of big politics for when were on the air.

I support the president, but I dont endorse the president. I dont think its my job to endorse.

He listens, but he doesnt always heed my advice. But Im honored that the President of the United States, the most powerful person on earth, listens to a humble Puerto Rican Jewish guy thats been knocking around television for half a century.

Playgirl Geraldo Rivera's 1988 Playgirl cover

Switching gears a little bit, reflecting on your Playgirl cover 

[Laughs] Well, I didnt look that badly. I mean, the Playgirl cover you can forgive because it was so long ago and that was when there was still a Playboy mansion and Playgirl was the hot magazine for gay guys or women. But that was that era. I dont remember what year it was, 70s or 80s. I think that much more damning, in terms of reflecting on my flamboyance, is my [near-nude] selfie. When you asked about things I regret, I thought of saying that, but then I said, Eh, I wont bring it up if she doesnt. [Laughs] But I take that into that 70 is the new 50 and I think that is much more controversial than my Playgirl cover.

If you dont consider it a regret, would you cover Playgirl again if asked to be on the cover?

Um, I hesitate because I would say yes, but my wife would say a resounding no; so would my daughters. So the answer is no I would not.

Do you think you'll ever retire?

Thats a great question. Were doing a 50th anniversary on Fox News Channel, so were going through all the photos and news clips and I had to do some on-camera stuff. And when I signed off and I thanked everybody, I just did the close an hour ago: Goodnight America and thank you for sticking with me for 50 years and so forth. And I did my kind of signature, I kissed two fingers and I made the victory sign. I said, Im Geraldo Rivera, reporting. It would be so dramatic if I just said, Im Geraldo Rivera, reporting for the last time and just walked off the set.

But I dont know what I would do if I retire, to tell you the truth. I dont know. I dont know how I would fill my time. Ive written eight books, I write lots of articles, I tweet here or there. Because I know Ill still be engaged as long as I can speak, as long as I can see whats going on. I feel that I have a point of view that reflects an underserved community. I call myself roadkill. You know anything in the middle of the road is roadkill and I call myself roadkill, the moderate view of life. I think that that middle is the ground Im going to go down fighting on.

If theres a job that you love and are passionate about, why retire?

Fox is very good to me. Theyve been very nice. They know where I stand. I dont have a show of my own. I do [Sean] Hannity two to three times a week. I do Fox & Friends. I do Bill Hemmers show in the afternoon. And theyve been very respectful and kind.

FOX News Channel Geraldo Rivera alongside the late Hugh Hefner for Good Night America in 1974.

Is there anything that I didnt ask that you would like to share or include?

Thats such a huge question. I am grateful for every break Ive ever had, every opportunity Ive had. Nothing has come easily. Its been at times very challenging, but its also enormously rewarding and I swear to God when I say that there are very few people who can say that they are on a first-name basis with the whole country and I think that I am.

Its a huge accomplishment that youve been in it for 50 years.

Ive gone through about 20 generations of television critics that said I would never last. [Laughs] I was like a one-hit wonder. Nobody knows their names.

Over the weekend, FOX News Channel aired the one-hour special Fox Nation Presents: I Am Geraldo 50 Years; the entire series is available for download on FOX Nation.
For all his rhetorical flaws, Trump has pushed back against aggressive campus feminism, critical race theory and other subversive forces within the US, says doctoral scholar on neo-realism, researcher and columnist Sumantra Maitra.

Doctoral scholar on neo-realism, researcher and columnist Sumantra Maitra, one of the sharpest conservative voices around, provides freewheeling answers to a few questions from Firstpost on liberalism, United States presidential elections, foreign policy and more. Following are the edited excerpts:

Do you see the culture war amid the poll battle in the US reflecting the larger ideological debate facing liberal democracies?

I do. It was inevitable and predicted by various scholars (Mearsheimer, Kaplan, Huntington, although no one was quite certain about how history will return. Liberalism as a theory is predicated on a worldview which is providential in nature, almost like a religion, a faith in a progressive arc of history; similar to Marxism in that way, which also has its own version of end of history. On one hand liberalism is a universalist idea, on the other hand, it values individual liberty which is particularist and naturally, those two are often in contradiction. It also refuses to acknowledge the concept of power and hierarchy in politics and thinks rational debate is the only way forward.

The theory which talks about diversity so much is intolerant of opposing worldviews. It prefers superficial diversity but is, in reality, an imperial, homogenising force. As we now know, the world is too big for one worldview and history isnt an arc of progress, but a cycle. The electoral wins of Narendra Modi, Boris Johnson, and Scott Morrison, the return of Turkish imperial ambition, the rise of China, narrow nationalism, and realism in Anglo-American foreign policy, Jair Bolsonaro, Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban are different rebellions against the homogenising universalist impulse.

Do you view Trump as the disruptor or a product of the disruption?

For American domestic politics, both. Ironic that it took a reality TV star to grasp and act on the reality of structural changes already underway. For all his rhetorical flaws, Trump has pushed back against aggressive campus feminism, critical race theory and other subversive forces within the country. Thats more than any true-blue conservative president or prime minister in recent history. He is also correct about the massive geopolitical upheaval that is Chinas rise and has realised that the better way to achieve peace in the Middle East is through a balance of power. Refreshingly old school.

In foreign policy, however, it is irrelevant what type of individual Trump is. Structure matters more than an agency in international relations, and structural forces dictate that the US will retrench from Europe and the Middle East in order to focus on Asia. This overarching change will happen regardless, under any upcoming US administration, though the details might vary. US concerns about NATO freeriding, EUs rise as an economic competitor, Chinas rise as a military peer, wasteful wars and nation-building -- these issues predate Trump and will continue after him.

Whats your take on Joe Bidens foreign policy that has been described as restorative? Do you see any change in policy towards India in a Biden White House?

Biden, for all his flaws, is comparatively decent on foreign policy. He is fundamentally a risk-averse man. He opposed the strike on Osama bin Laden, gave a cautious statement about the strike on Qasem Soleimani, as well as opposed interventions in Libya and Syria, and has a disdain for Gulf states promoting jihadists. That indicates how he thinks and decides. He also wants a return to a status quo in Europe. His China hawkery sounds shallow. Biden is not a hawk. That said, he will be mostly influenced by aides and cabinet, so thats something to observe.

India will be courted by the US as a counter-balance to China, and that broader strategy will not change. But India may face more criticism about domestic politics from a Biden administration than it would from a Trump return. The Biden team (Kamala Harris and others) are ideological about promoting liberalism abroad, something which Trumps team isnt. So, India should expect more push on domestic reforms, human rights, etc., which might strain ties a bit. But overall, the grand strategy wont change. The US needs local powers to balance China, and India is a major regional power, middle-class market, as well as a potential supply-chain base. Those simple facts determine policy. How smartly India plays it, is up to Indian policymakers. If I were to suggest a course forward, then Id refer back to the golden rules of a realist great power grand strategy. Have a strong economy at any cost; maintain equidistance and hedge between various great powers and avoid costly long wars; and build a large, massive navy.

Is the obsession with Russia in US political discourse justified, or does it miss acknowledging the centrality and enormity of the geopolitical, geoeconomic and ideological threat posed by China?

It is not justified at all, but understandable given how partisan and ideological US politics is. China is the only overwhelming great power threat to the US; much, much larger than even USSR, Nazi Germany, or Imperial Japan ever was. But there are three factors which determine American policy towards Russia.

One, the smaller East European states, who try to bog down Americans for providing security in Europe, when they should demand more from Germany and France. Consider the Baltic states hyperventilating about Belarus, a country that is peripheral to American grand strategy.

Two, domestic politics. Russia is the Pakistan of the US, the original and perpetual adversary. Regardless of how weak it gets, every small act will result in a hysteria, which is mostly cynical and political. Russia is an adversary, sure, capable of mischief, but not an existential threat. Its a key difference. Law of international politics states that increased threat perception determines military rearmament. Russia has a demographic decline, no discernible soft power, second-rate technology, a mono-industrial economic base and a GDP smaller than Italy and California. Russians are bleeding dry in Syria and Ukraine, and if anyone studies Russian military journals, theyd know that Russia has no capability or will to go on conquest mode or quell an insurgency if it tries to conquer Ukraine or Georgia. It simply is not capable.

Three, there are liberal hawks in Washington who have made a career out of promoting a particular version of liberal democracy in Europe. They are the ones pushing Russia hysteria. If Biden wins, nothing will change much about actual policies concerning Russia, but we will see lofty rhetoric about how devastating Russian revanchism is in Belarus, Ukraine, Syria, and Georgia.

To what extent do you think a surge of violence in US cities will be a poll issue? Will Democrats be affected for failing to oppose looting and violence, or has Biden been able to sidestep that trap?

Thats a million-dollar question and any foreign policy wonk should be careful not to give a deterministic answer. Anarchy is worse than tyranny, and the constant lawlessness usually leads the middle class to vote right-wing. That said, there are two complicating factors. Trump is not a normal president like Richard Nixon or Ronald Reagan. He is all sound and fury, signifying nothing. He lacks the real will to use the power handed to him. Theres a lot that could be done, from intelligence, crackdown, economic punishment on anarchist cities, etc.

Instead, Trump is tweeting and biding his time hoping the voters would vote for him. Its a gamble. The voters might find him craven and spineless when a challenge finally came. Second, American media is overwhelmingly liberal to the point that it is capable of simply hiding the reality. The major outlets are all in on a liberal restoration. How that affects the election remains to be seen.

Sumantra Maitra is a doctoral scholar at the University of Nottingham, UK, and a senior contributor to The Federalist, columnist for The National Interest, War on the Rocks, The Spectator and Quillette Magazine, and a non-resident fellow at the James G Martin Center, US.
The New Diamond, a supertanker carrying 270,000 tonnes of crude oil, has been ablaze for days off the coast of Sri Lanka

India on Tuesday sent fresh supplies of firefighting chemicals to help battle a new blaze on a stricken tanker loaded with a massive cargo of crude oil off Sri Lanka's eastern coast.

The New Diamond has been burning since Thursday, and a huge blaze believed to have been extinguished on Sunday reignited because of strong winds on Monday, raising fears of another environmental disaster in the Indian Ocean.

Rescuers and salvage experts have said there is no sign of a leak in the Panama-flagged supertanker, which was carrying 270,000 tonnes of crude and another 1,700 tonnes of diesel as its fuel.

Ramping up the rescue effort, an Indian Coast Guard aircraft was expected to bring dry chemical powder on Tuesday, which would then be dropped by helicopters on the ship, the Sri Lankan navy said.

Six salvage experts and 11 disaster management professionals flown in by the New Diamond's Greek owners were taken Monday to the vessel, some 55 kilometres (34 miles) off the coastal village of Sangamankanda Point, the navy said.

SMIT, a Dutch salvage company, said the stern was still too hot and unsafe for them to board the vessel for an inspection.

"Once the situation is deemed stable and safe, we will be able to inspect the vessel," SMIT told AFP in The Hague.

The company said there was a possibility of towing the tanker to a safer location and removing the cargo.

The fire started after an explosion in the boiler room while the New Diamond was on its way to the Indian port of Paradip

"At this point in time, there are no signs of a leak. Due to the unpredictable situation, however, the above may change and details including ultimate destination and timing are unknown," it added.

Nineteen vessels from India and Sri Lanka have been involved in fighting the fire on the New Diamond, which reportedly started after a boiler room explosion that killed a Filipino crew member on Thursday.

The remaining 22 crew members were rescued.

The vessel was on a journey from Kuwait to the Indian port of Paradip.

"As a result of the incessant effort of the (rescue) mission partners, the flames have been reduced to a certain extent as of now," the Sri Lankan navy said in a statement.

Sri Lanka's Marine Environment Protection Agency (MEPA) is due to visit the area to test water samples for any pollution, officials said.

MEPA has said that 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 much 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.

Explore further Race to assess damage to stricken oil tanker off Sri Lanka

 2020 AFP
Shortly after Trump was elected president, HATE HAS NO HOME HERE (HHNHH) yard signs began adorning the minority-manicured lawns of white-collar, white-skinned liberals. Youve seen the sign. Its message is translated into multiple languages, which is meant to broadcast a globalist diversity of sorts by those who speak not only just English, but that sniffy dialect molded within the narrow confines of a university pedigree loftier than junior college but conspicuously short of Ivy League. You can all but hear them finish their Starbucks order with that irritating raised inflection on the last syllable.

The underlying message of the HHNHH yard sign is two-fold. First, its virtue signaling in its most tawdry form. Yard signs announcing POVERTY IS BAD and I SUPPORT CURING CANCER would ring just as hollow. Sorry, but you dont get a cookie for broadcasting to the world that you oppose hate. Most people do, and their daily actions are sufficient proof thereof. A lion doesnt need to convince people its a lion.

Second, the HHNHH yard sign alludes that a home which opposes President Trump is axiomatically hate-free, and, by deductive logic, a home which supports President Trump categorically welcomes hate with open arms. The sign smugly implies, I'm a good person, and it's a shame that you're not. This insinuation might not rise to the level of hate, but it certainly sinks to the level of arrogance, condescension, and sweeping judgment.

But over time the HHNHH yard signs faded along with the Im With Her bumper stickers. The yard sign prophets needed something new, something snarkier, with which to impress their woke comrades and irritate the handyman who lives on the streets only single story home. So a new yard sign was handed out that reads like a manifesto. The sign blares loudly WE BELIEVE:, which is followed by (in differing order, and with slightly altered wording, depending on the sign) BLACK LIVES MATTER; NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL; WOMENS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS; LOVE IS LOVE; SCIENCE IS REAL; and KINDNESS IS EVERYTHING.

They really upped the ante, didnt they?

The first thought conservatives have looking at this sign is that they agree with every statement on it. But the purpose of the sign is not to find common ground across the political spectrum, but to further drive a wedge. The purpose of the sign is to insist that these statements are true only within the narrow ideological limits of the sign owners worldview. If you disagree with the yard sign prophets on any policy point, then, in their minds, you disagree with the statements themselves.

Lets break it down by statement:

BLACK LIVES MATTER

Aside from progressive mayors, BLM rioters, and Dylan Roof, one is hard-pressed to find Americans of any political persuasion who behave like black lives dont matter. In fact, conservatives take this statement to the next logical steps. Black lives, White lives and Hispanic lives matter. Unborn lives matter and police lives matter.

But by declaring BLACK LIVES MATTER, they are concerned only with black people who have been shot by police. The justification for the shooting, or the lack thereof, or any other pertinent fact of a specific case, does not factor into their reasoning. The black victim is merely a prop, brutishly exploited to peddle an anti-police narrative.

But dont posit to a yard sign prophet any of these seemingly a priori statements without first donning a face shield, because spittle will most definitely fly. By insisting that all lives matter rather than just those of a single race, you are somehow the racist. Now thats a trick that would leave even Houdini scratching his head.

NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL

Who is saying that humans are illegal? It's a conservative idea that human beings not only have a legal right to peacefully exist to pursue their happiness, but should be legally protected at all stages of life, at all income levels, and in every neighborhood. What this statement is attacking is the concept of illegal immigration. But a person's immigration status is very different from their right to exist, as the yard sign prophets surely know. That is why they obfuscate the argument with underhanded statements like this. Those who scream NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL do so from the safety of their alarmed homes and gated communities, which serve essentially the same purpose as does a border wall.

WOMENS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS

Who is saying they arent? Certainly not conservatives, for whom human rights (be they for women, gays, ethnic or religious minorities) arent conveniently ignored when the offending societies are non-Western. There are plenty who do treat women like animals and slaves, and who use their culture and religion as an excuse to do so. And which political party courts these misogynists and defends them against "phobic" criticisms?

The purpose of this statement isnt to promote actual equality into cultures for whom the concept of womens rights is tantamount to heresy. The statement is abortion advocacy, pure and simple, and it reflects the most threadbare ad hominem attack in American politics, i.e. if you oppose abortion, you oppose women. This would be news to Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Jane Addams, and other historical dreadnoughts opposed to abortion, in whose mighty wakes meander the empty vessels of contemporary feminism.

LOVE IS LOVE

Sure. And broccoli is broccoli. The point of this hackneyed statement is not a defense of love, in the sense of a deep and selfless affection from one person to another. The purpose is to transpose the definition of marriage with that of love, i.e. if you dont agree with the definition of marriage as progressives do, then you are opposed to love. If you disagree with the institution of gay marriage yet harbor no animosity whatsoever towards the gay community, it matters not. You are a hateful bigot whose business must be shut down and whose social life must be cancelled.

This hijacking of love as understood by the advocacy of non-traditional marriage in the Western sense is, like the advocacy of womens rights, oddly ambiguous when the boundaries of acceptable marriage expand in directions seemingly at odds with progressivism. The LOVE IS LOVE windbags are uncharacteristically quiet about the legal codes in certain non-Western cultures which allow one man to have (own) multiple wives. Likewise, they are quiet about speaking out against (or for) definitions of love and marriage as insisted upon by the likes of NAMBLA. Whatever doesnt fit the narrative is ignored.

SCIENCE IS REAL

Science is a process, a methodology employed to determine empirical facts and laws by which we can better understand the world around us. What science is never is a set of permanently settled, rigid theories that remain immovable despite the ebb and flow of conflicting evidence. SCIENCE IS REAL was just as true when we knew the Earth was flat as when we discovered it was round. What changed was not the science, but the evidence.

The SCIENCE IS REAL statement is a transparent reference to global warming, and global warming only. The statement is meant to ridicule climate deniers, i.e. those who deny the settled science that not only is the Earth warming at logarithmically catastrophic rates, but that mankind (particular Western man) is solely responsible. These armchair Einsteins have little time for the sciences of biology, genetics, and economics because they dont conform to the narrative.

One problem with the global warming debate is that it, in its current metamorphosis, is far too politicized from which to derive much objective substance. The vast majority of partisans on both sides understand very little of the actual science, and instead rely on either conspiracy theories or internet searches for whichever article or chart is tailored to fit their particular bias.

Since I fall into this category of blissful ignorance, Im in no position to comment on the science one way or another, though I will say this. Reasonable skepticism is not anti-scientific, especially when the apocalypse peddlers are batting 0.000 with regards to their predictions ever actually occurring. Ill also say that any proposal that punishes Western democracies (who do the most to lower emissions) while subsidizing brutal dictatorships (who do the least) is not a serious solution, but rather a massive transfer of wealth and power unconvincingly cloaked as environmentalism. Pollution from Chinese smokestacks destroys the planet just as much as pollution from American smokestacks. This isnt racism, this is the science you allegedly support.

KINDNESS IS EVERYTHING

This statement can be found in all shapes and sizes in the millennial-old texts of most world religions, but one would struggle to find anything remotely close in the atheistic fanaticism of Karl Marx, Che Guevarra, or Richard Dawkins. For cultural icons like Bill Maher, Chelsea Handler, and Michael Moore, kindness is more an impediment than a virtue, as are the empathy and tolerance that accompany it. Our city streets are overflowing with black-masked kindness, and itll bash you across the head with a brick if your own kindness is found wanting.

Like its HHNHH predecessor, the WE BELIEVE yard sign isnt an argument, an ideology, or a philosophy. It isnt a set of principles or tenets of a faith. It has no depth, no complexity, and no animation. Its a regurgitation of drive-by gotcha-isms, dutifully parroted with overconfident arrogance and unearned righteousness by those who havent thought to the next sentence.

The WE BELIEVE statements are easily dissectible, and should never be allowed to fester unchallenged for the sake of avoiding unpleasant conversation. The yard sign is designed to elicit shame in its opponents, but there is nothing shameful and everything noble in resisting what Solzhenitsyn called the mechanical propaganda of dead ideas. You wont make a dent, but they should know that neither did they.

Image credit: Monica Showalter, own photo.
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

The father of an Albuquerque Academy student says the state is treating private schools unfairly because theyre required to operate at a lower in-person capacity than public schools.

Douglas Peterson filed a lawsuit in federal court last week against New Mexico Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham over the state public health order that mandates that private schools operate at 25% capacity. The same public health order will allow public schools to operate at 50% capacity after Labor Day.

Peterson is alleging civil rights violations because students in private schools are arbitrarily restricted from getting an in-person education, unlike their public school counterparts. He argues that in-person learning would be more effective for his seventh-grader.

Nora Meyers Sackett, a Governors Office spokeswoman, said the 50% capacity provision exists for public schools because the state has oversight over them, and can make sure health and safety precautions are in place.

The Public Education Department does not have similar oversight of private schools to ensure students safety there, which is partly why the emergency public health order stipulates a 25% maximum for those entities, Sackett said in an email. No matter public or private, in-person schooling during a pandemic should only take place when every single public health precaution is taken to ensure the well-being of students, families, educators and other school staff.

Becky Richards, an Albuquerque Academy spokeswoman, said the school would be able to bring back 100% of its student body if it were allowed to operate at 50% capacity due to distancing protocol that has been put in place. She confirmed that the school is currently online only.

Peterson is asking a judge to determine the 25% capacity restriction to be null and void, and to allow private schools to operate at 50% capacity or higher.

The Governors direction that the New Mexico Department of Public Education permit public schools to open for in-person learning at 50% of classroom capacity  and Secretary Kunkels restriction allowing private schools to open for in-person learning at only 25% of classroom capacity, treats children whose situations are otherwise indistinguishable differently, the lawsuit states.

Some private schools, such as Hope Christian School, are holding in-person classes.
HDI Global SE holds a majority stake in Vietnamese life insurer PVI

As VIR reported previously, the State Securities Commission (SSC) has fined HDI Global SE  a German investor which is the largest shareholder of Vietnamese non-life insurer PVI  for non-compliance with information disclosure and violating foreign ownership limit (FOL) rules.

In mid-August, HDI Global SE was allegedly fined for VND125 million ($5,430) for conducting one or several transactions to obscure company ownership and avoid information disclosure responsibilities. A fine of VND60 million ($2,600) was also imposed on the corporation for violating the FOL.

On the other hand, HDI Global SE now holds a majority stake in PVI with 53.92 per cent.

Specifically, on April 8, 2018, PVI confirmed that HDI Global SE purchased all PVI shares of Funderburk Lighthouse Ltd. (FLL), which owned 11.58 per cent.

Besides, PVcomBank  a commercial lender backed by PetroVietnam  previously divested its capital in PVI. HDI Global SE requested PVI to dismiss the representative of PVcomBank from the Board of Management, although the representative allegedly bore a great deal of responsibility and was legally bound to work to bring the best out of PVI.

Accordingly, PVI Board structure decreased from eight to seven members, including three representatives of PetroVietnam and four representatives directly and indirectly nominated by HDI (three representatives of HDI and one of FLL). This was contrary to HDIs prior decision to keep eight board members during 2017-2019.

In March 2019, in a document sent to the prime minister of Vietnam, Jens Wohlthat, director of HDI, proposed to increase the number of board members at PVI from eight to nine.

Nguyen Anh Tuan, representative of PetroVietnam and chairman of the PVI Board, requested keeping key personnel on the board unchanged with eight members until PetroVietnam could successfully divest from PVI. The plan would have helped PetroVietnam to retain control over the PVI Board.

However, PetroVietnam later agreed to HDI's proposal to increase the number of board members from eight to nine.

On March 16, 2020, at PVIs annual shareholders' meeting, PVI elected and replaced three members of the board, bringing total members to nine. In particular, four members are PVI representatives, while HDI and FLL representatives number five.

Jens Holger Wohlthat has been appointed as chair of the board for 2017-2022, effective since January 16, 2020.

Nguyen Xuan Hoa has been appointed as standing vice chairman of the board cum head of the Remuneration and HR Committee.

Duong Thanh Danh Francois, who is of French nationality, has become chairman of the Members Council of PVI Insurance on February 28, 2020. Francois is currently also director of the Asia-Pacific region (except Japan) of HDI Global SE.

So far, besides its 42.34 per cent stake, HDI allegedly indirectly owns 11.58 per cent through FLL, bringing its total interest to 53.92 per cent.

HDI Global SE is a subsidiary of Talanx  the third-largest German insurance group in terms of premium income and one of the largest in Europe.

HDI operates through foreign branches, subsidiaries, and affiliates, as well as network partners in more than 130 countries, offering international industrial insurance products.

Headquartered in Germany, the company generates more than half of its premium volumes abroad. In line with this international focus, the former HDI-Gerling Industrie Versicherung AG changed its name to HDI Global SE in 2016.
It would be utterly perverse to say Im glad COVID-19 leaves some sufferers with long-term symptoms, including crippling fatigue. I wouldnt wish that on anyone. But as one who has coped with that very thing along with chronic pain for more than a decade, I am thrilled that its at last getting serious attention from the medical profession. Pity its taken a global pandemic, an illness (almost) everyone believes is real, to make it happen.

There are numerous reports of COVID sufferers anguished at the length of their recovery, symptoms that wax and wane, hitting them like a truck just when they think they are improving. Credit:Stocksy

"I have sympathy for people with chronic fatigue syndrome now, and I believe this disease fast-tracks you into experiencing these symptoms," Professor Paul Garner, infectious diseases specialist at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, told the ABC.

He should know. He has COVID-19. It is, he says, his worst-ever illness, and he has had dengue fever and malaria. "You feel quite well and then suddenly in the afternoon it slaps you round the head like a cricket bat, he said. Welcome to my world.

There are numerous reports of COVID-19 sufferers anguished at the length of their recovery, symptoms that wax and wane, hitting them like a truck just when they think they are improving. Professor Francis Williams, of Kings College, London, wrote in The Conversation that this may be the case even for some with mild symptoms. She acknowledged: Chronic fatigue doesnt lie within the remit of a single medical speciality, so its often overlooked on medical school curricula, and doctors are poorly trained in the diagnosis and management of chronic fatigue.
The African Education Watch (AEW), a Non- Governmental Organization (NGO) has appealed to the Government to enact flexible policy that will make re-entry of school girls, who would wish to continue schooling after delivery, easy.



This, it said would help encourage teen girls who got pregnant along the way to feel free to return to school after having their babies in order not to cut short their goals, aspirations and ambitions.



The observation popped up at the Central and Western Regional launch of the COVID-19 back to school Monitoring Report on school girls who got pregnant during the pandemic.



It was organized by the AEW with CareLove Charity Foundation as implementing partners and funded by Actionaid and Light Children, Ghana.



The AEW, whose sole interest is centered on quality education for Africa, said there were few challenges with the Governments re-entry policy which needed to be amended to arouse the interest of such girls in getting back to school.



Identifying these challenges, Mr. Ebenezer Ansah, a friend of the Foundation, said the centralized computerized school placement system for first year of the Senior High School (SHS) students was too rigid to admit such girls.



This was because a unique code, valid for the three-year duration of the SHS would have expired before the girls got to the final year.



Such girls, Mr Ansah said, had to go back to sit for another Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) with their mates going ahead of them which sometimes discouraged them to continue schooling.



Mr. Pius Dzinyela, The Vice Chairman for Ghana National Association of Education Campaign Coalition enumerated poverty, social media influence, peer pressure, lack of sex education, as prominent issues contributing to pregnancy among girls of school-going age, adding that modernization was two-edged sword with the disadvantaged side negatively affecting the youth.



As much as we fight for human right, we should not suffer for it, lets instill discipline in them for they are young and exuberant and lets be role models ourselves, he stated.



Mrs. Martha Jonah, The Executive Director of CareLove Charity Foundation, an NGO on Governance, Health and Education, said the Government should reconsider the re-entry policy and adequately amend it.



She suggested that there should be some sanctions against such girls and eventually be admitted again with flexible conditions.



Mrs Jonah further encouraged girls to make their education a priority and make the nation proud with their excellent performance as they serve at key positions in future.

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.

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Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday condemned the remarks made by actress Kangana Ranaut about the Mumbai Police in the context of actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case, which he said amounted to "insult" of the police force.

Ranaut had recently said that she feared Mumbai Police more than the "movie mafia", and would prefer security either from Himachal Pradesh or the Centre.

Speaking on the floor of the Legislative Assembly, the Leader of Opposition said he knew the capacity of the Mumbai Police since had had served as chief minister of the state for five years.

"But, the police can come under political pressure," he said.

Fadnavis also said since handling of Rajput death case was "wrong", the probe was entrusted to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

"What had been happening? 40 days of inquest? This was a perfect case of 'aa bail mujhe maar' (inviting trouble)," he said referring to the probe of the case by Mumbai Police.

Seeking to dismiss allegations raised by the Shiv Sena and other ruling parties the the BJP's demand for a CBI probe had demoralised the police, Fadnavis said many legislators had passed adverse remarks against the police at different points of time.

"Even Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, during a rally in Kalyan, had said the police were capable of only washing utensils," he said.

Ranaut's recent remark comparing Mumbai to Pakistan- occupied Kashmir has drawn ire of the ruling Shiv Sena whose leaders are targeting the BJP for defending her.

Fadnavis further said any reference to the CM without respect was wrong.

"Even though we are in opposition, but Uddhavji is our chief minister," the senior BJP leader said.

Citing the arrest of a Marathi news channel reporter over a report on partial resumption of train services during the initial phase of lockdown, Fadnavis said the state government wanted to stifle the voice of journalists who are critical of its functioning.
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine refutes the information of the State Border Committee of Belarus about the arrival of three members of the Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition to Ukraine from Belarus and reports that only two of them entered our country, namely, Anton Rodnenkov and Ivan Kravtsov, but Maria Kolesnikova did not arrive on Ukrainian checkpoint.

"Two citizens of the Republic of Belarus, Rodnenkov and Kravtsov, arrived at one of the Ukrainian checkpoints within Kyiv region to enter Ukraine. A citizen of the Republic of Belarus Kolesnikova did not arrive at the checkpoints of Ukraine to go through border control," Speaker of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Andriy Demchenko told Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday.

According to him, Rodnenkov and Kravtsov are currently "undergoing the necessary border control measures in accordance with the legislation determining the procedure for crossing the state border."

As reported, a day earlier, information about the disappearance of Kolesnikova became available in the media, Rodnenkov and Kravtsov did not get in touch. On Tuesday morning, some Telegram channels reported that they allegedly tried to break through the Belarusian-Ukrainian border, while Kolesnikova was detained.

After that, the State Border Committee of Belarus said that representatives of the Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition, Kolesnikova, Rodnenkov and Kravtsov, were passing border control on the border with Ukraine, but later reported that Rodnenkov and Kravtsov had left the territory of Belarus, and Kolesnikova was detained.
As a mom and pediatrician, I was dismayed to learn that Mount Pleasant Town Council voted down a mask-wearing mandate on Sept. 1.

Even more frustrating was hearing that the discussion was dominated by false statements about the seriousness of the pandemic, including a claim that only 6% of COVID-related deaths are actually due to virus.

When did we stop listening to health care experts and other scientists?

We know areas with mask mandates have seen a greater than 40% decline in the number of COVID-19 cases, so why is there any debate?

Our leaders need to listen to the experts so we can expedite our return to normalcy.

This news was harder to swallow because it came on the day that my two school-age children returned to their classrooms to meet their teachers and receive virtual learning supplies.

Our children need to be in school and they are relying on us to do what is right, to give them the best possible chance of returning to face-to-face learning at some point this year. We are failing them.

I want to live in a society that values its children, and this is why I will continue to be a vocal advocate for children in our community and why I will always #votekids.

This one is easy, folks. Wear your mask so our kids can go back to school.

ANNIE ANDREWS

Shannon Drive

Mount Pleasant

Trump is no protector

I respectfully disagree with the Sept. 2 letter that called Donald Trump a protector of the Great Outdoors.

In my view, he has rolled back so many environmental regulations that its impossible to call him a protector of anything.

His environmental record is pathetic and getting worse.

Anyone who supports the outdoors and the environment hopefully will not vote for Trump.

WILLIAM BULL

Martins Camp Lane

Gilbert

Term limits needed

I believe there is a constitutional problem that needs to be resolved.

Its name is term limits and most people know the solution.

When politics becomes a career instead of a service, decisions are made based on special interest contributions instead of serving the people, who elected officials are supposed to represent.

Term limits should start with the president, who should serve one term of six years with no reelection option.

From my experience in Washington, D.C., new presidents spend their first two years learning how to do the job and the next two years seeking reelection. If reelected, they can try to do good things for the public. If they dont get reelected, then its rinse and repeat.

If the president were elected for a six-year term, he or she would spend the first two years learning to be a president, then have four years to try to accomplish good things.

Maybe he would try to keep his party in power, but not with the same zeal and expense and certainly with less distractions.

Eight years of either party with presidential powers is a bit too long, and the impact of the status quo is dangerous.

At the same time, we could further restrict campaign spending so those who arent rich can step forward and offer their service as intended by the constitution.

The problem, however, is that those who gain power will never give it up.

MARION A. ROYAL

Whitcomb Drive

North Charleston

Barber will be missed

When I opened the obituary section in the Aug. 27 Post and Courier, I was shocked and in disbelief.

I was stunned to see a picture of my barber and good friend, Jim Riley, and his obituary. He had just cut my hair the week before.

We discussed politics, local happenings and, of course, COVID-19.

He mentioned that he had suffered a mild heart attack in the spring.

Jim was the town crier of Charleston and always did so in a loving manner.

He was very bright and well informed about life and countless matters of interest. Truthfully, we spent more time talking than Jim did cutting my hair.

I will miss him terribly and so will many of his friends and customers throughout the greater Charleston community. I was a loyal customer for more than 30 years and I will always remember that when you called him, hed answer, Hello, Jim Riley!

Well, goodbye Jim Riley.

May the good Lord keep Jim under his wings and give him eternal peace.

PHILIP H. SLOTIN

Tarleton Drive

Charleston

Betting on a check?

So, what do you think the chances are that any of the states $775 million budget surplus will be rebated to South Carolinas taxpayers?

THOMAS PLICHTA

Sugarbush Way

Charleston
Martin Montoya

BCW has brought on Martin Montoya as president, Latin America, effective Sept. 14. Montoya joins BCW from Cheil Brazil, where he was chief operating officer. He was previously CEO of Edelman Brazil and has also served as president of WMcCann in Sao Paulo. Based in Brazil, Montoya will be responsible for growth across 13 offices in the region, with a focus on strengthening the regions integrated offerings. He replaces Jim Joseph, who left BCW in August to join McCann Health. Martin has an enviable track record in building and leading agencies across disciplines and delivering integrated solutions that drive powerful results for clients. This was a critical factor in our search for a regional leader, said BCW global CEO Donna Imperato.

Brian Keeter

APCO Worldwide has named Brian Keeter as senior director in the office of executive chairman Margery Kraus. Keeter joins APCO from Auburn University, where he served for 14 years as the executive director of public affairs. Before coming to Auburn, he served as the associate administrator for public affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportations Federal Highway Administration. Based in Washington, Keeter will provide expertise and strategic counsel to APCO clients, focusing initially on transportation and infrastructure, higher education and international engagement. Brian has extensive experience in government relations, public affairs, strategic communications and business cultivation, and I am thrilled to welcome him to APCO, Kraus said.

Alvenia Scarborough

The Chemours Company, which was founded in July 2015 as a spin-off from DuPont, has promoted Alvenia Scarborough to senior vice president, corporate communications and chief brand officer, effective Oct. 1. Scarborough is currently senior director, corporate communications at the company. She will assume her new position from Erich S. Parker, who is retiring. Before coming to Chemours, Scarborough was a senior marketing communications consultant at UPS. She has also served as director, business communications and brand marketing at Newell Brands and director of marketing communications, consumer imaging at Kodak. Upon her promotion, Scarborough will join the Chemours executive team and will lead the company's communications strategy, with a focus on advancing the company's corporate narrative, advancing growth priorities, and elevating the company's corporate responsibility commitments.
A man who led police on a multi-state chase in late May was taken into custody on Saturday.

Police observed a beige Mazda traveling on Interstate 75 on May 29, with an officer learning the vehicle could be stolen and that the occupant, Jeremy Conner, 49, was the suspect in the burglary. Police then began to follow the vehicle, but did not turn on their lights yet as the officer waited for other units.



Police said the Mazda began to change lanes in an attempt to shake the police car. The Mazda abruptly changed lanes to I-75 on the 24/75 split. At this point, officers turned on emergency equipment on Interstate 75 South, but the car would not stop.



Police said the Mazda continued to drive down the interstate at 75 MPH and into Georgia. The vehicle made a u-turn at Exit 363 and then a right on Cloud Springs Road. After driving on Cloud Springs for a while, the car then made a right turn onto Ringgold Road. Police said this maneuver almost caused a wreck.

Police said they were able to pull up beside the vehicle and identify the driver. After turning on West Highland, the Mazda continued the chase through a neighborhood. The Mazda was later tracked to some woods, where it was sitting unoccupied. The Catoosa County Sheriffs office arrived soon thereafter, but their K-9 unit could not find the suspects.

Police said they found a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine, and paperwork belonging to Conner and Dawn Robinson. Police also saw two sets of footprints leading away from the car.



Conner was taken into custody on Saturday. He is facing charges of reckless driving, theft of property over $1,000, failure to exercise due care, speeding, stop sign violation, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony evading arrest, driving on a revoked license.


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
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A Swiss federal commissioner announced Tuesday that a U.S.-Swiss program aimed to protect personal information exchanged between the two countries doesn't go far enough, and has downgraded the United States to rank it as a country deemed to have inadequate data protection.

Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner Adrian Lobsiger, in a new policy paper, recommends that Swiss companies or government should disclose personal data to the U.S. only if safeguards are put in place to protect people from prying U.S. authorities.

Lobsiger's paper follows a regular review of the three-year-old U.S.-Swiss program known as Privacy Shield, and his recommendations follow similar concerns expressed by EU authorities about an alleged lack of privacy protections in the United States. Switzerland is not an EU member, but often mirrors or lines up with the positions of the 27-member bloc that all but surrounds the wealthy Alpine country.

In July, the EU's top court ruled that the bloc's own Privacy Shield program with the U.S. was invalid because the American government can snoop on people's data. The ruling complicated business decisions for some 5,000 companies including tech giants and financial firms. The EU court ruling followed a case brought by Austrian activist Max Schrems, who complained about the handling of his Facebook data.

In his paper, Lobsiger determined the United States should be categorized as providing "inadequate" data protection, a downgrade from its earlier classification of the U.S. as "adequate in certain conditions." The U.S. is now placed alongside countries like Russia, China, Cuba, Japan and most African and Latin American states. Most European countries are deemed to have adequate protections.

The recommendations do not have the force of law, but could factor into decisions by corporate chiefs or government officials about whether to share private information about Swiss residents and citizens. Only a court would have final say.

Lobsiger said Swiss residents and citizens "do not have sufficient enforceable legal rights in the U.S." and pointed to a lack of transparency in the U.S. ombudsman systemraising questions about the ombudsman's power and independence. He said safeguards were "lacking" in the United States, and said hoped-for improvements in the U.S. didn't come about.

The "Privacy Shield" program focuses on data exchange between businesses and guarantees provided by U.S. authorities on protecting personal data transferred between the countries, notably involving "the mass collection of non-US citizens' data for the purposes of anti-terrorism measures and national security," the paper said.

Explore further EU court boost for activist in Facebook data transfer fight

 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Congratulations, aafcv.com got a very good Social Media Impact Score! Show it by adding this HTML code on your site:

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aafcv.com is very popular in Facebook. Furthermore its facebook page has 65 likes.

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PAGE TITLE American Advertising Federation - Chattahoochee Valley - Columbus, Georgia DESCRIPTION A brief summary/description of the content on the page, which may appear in search engine results KEYWORDS AAF, Columbus, American Advertising Federation OTHER KEYWORDS luncheon, awards, email, doing digital media right sorry, digital media right sorry , tomorrows luncheon has been cancelled, luncheon has been cancelled



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FACEBOOK PAGE LINK FOUND FACEBOOK PAGE www.facebook.com/pages/Chattahoochee-Valley-AAF/32361864097 DESCRIPTION The Chattahoochee Valley Chapter of the American Advertising Federation is a local association in the 7th District representing Columbus LIKES 65 PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT 0 PAGE TYPE Club TIMELINE PAGE TIMELINE

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UPDATE: Danny Garcia, 47, died Monday from drowning and his death was ruled an accident, the Lehigh County Coroners Office said after an autopsy on Tuesday. The man jumped from a rock wall into the Jordan Creek in Allentown, the coroners office said.

INITIAL POST: A Labor Day weekend full of pleasant weather ended tragically in Allentown on Monday afternoon when a 47-year-old New York City man died after being pulled from Jordan Creek.

Allentown police Assistant Chief Bill Lake said officers were called to Jordan Park just before 4 p.m. after the man reportedly did not come back up from underwater. He was pulled from the creek and taken by ambulance to St. Lukes Hospital in Allentown, where the Lehigh County coroners office said the man was pronounced dead at 4:22 p.m.

The coroners office identified the victim as Danny Garcia, of the Flushing neighborhood in Queens. An autopsy is scheduled Tuesday to determine the exact cause and manner of death.

Police were not immediately able to say what the man was doing in the creek before he slipped under the surface.

The 34-mile Jordan Creek winds through Lehigh County and enters Allentown from the north. It flows south along American Parkway and 3rd Street before joining the Little Lehigh Creek and then the Lehigh River.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com.
A man has been charged following a series of stabbing across Birmingham on Sunday.

Zephaniah McLeod, 27, has been charged with murder and seven counts of attempted murder following the incidents, West Midlands Police said.

He will appear at the city's magistrates' court on Wednesday following knife attacks which resulted in the death of Jacob Billington on Sunday.

The force declared a major incident after Mr Billington was killed and seven other people were stabbed during a rampage in the city centre spanning some 90 minutes.

Two of the victims remain in a critical condition - with one, a 22-year-old woman, now critical but stable

Zephaniah McLeod, 27, has been charged with murder and seven counts of attempted murder following the incidents, West Midlands Police said

A police statement said: 'We've charged a man with the murder of Jacob Billington (pictured), who was one of eight people stabbed in Birmingham city centre in the early hours of Sunday'

Police had issued CCTV images of a man wanted in connection with a series of stabbings

A police spokesperson said: 'We've charged a man with the murder of Jacob Billington, who was one of eight people stabbed in Birmingham city centre in the early hours of Sunday.

'Zephaniah McLeod, 27, of Selly Oak, Birmingham, is also accused of the attempted murder of the seven other victims of the knife attacks.

'McLeod will appear before Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday morning.'

The police statement said a post mortem examination concluded that Mr Billington died as a result of a stab wound to the neck.

Jacob, 23, died after being attacked in Irving Street while enjoying a night out with school friends from Liverpool visiting one of their group who is studying in Birmingham.

West Midlands Police arrested a man at a house in Selly Oak, Birmingham in a dramatic dawn raid earlier this week

Forensic officers cross a cordon on Hurst Walk, off Hurst Street, and near to the Arcadia Centre, where part of the attack took place

A 23-year-old man, who was seriously injured in Irving Street, remains in hospital in a critical condition.

A 22-year-old woman, attacked in Hurst Street, remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

Another man, aged 30, remains in a serious condition in hospital, while four others have been discharged.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Munro is leading the investigation. He said: 'Since these tragic events unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning we've had a team of officers working non-stop on the investigation.

'Our driving focus is to secure justice for the victims, their family and friends. Our sympathies remain with everyone who's been impacted by these terrible crimes.

'Our investigation continues and I would urge any witnesses who've not yet spoken to us, or anyone with information they feel could help, to get in touch.'
Unionized GM workers will have a voice when contract talks open Wednesday, although the company itself will be on the sidelines.

On Tuesday, Unifor selected Ford Motor Co. as its first negotiating partner.

National president Jerry Dias said securing long-term commitment to manufacturing in Canada from the big three automakers  Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles  is key.

The strike deadline is midnight Sept. 21.

Tim McKinnon, plant chair for Local 199 representing 1,150 workers at GMs Glendale Avenue plant in St. Catharines, said he will caucus with other union representatives during talks with Ford.

I still sit at that table so that General Motors (union) still has a voice, so does the chair of (Fiat Chrysler union). So were still intimately involved in this.

Typically, Unifor selects one of the Big Three as a so-called strike target to open negotiations and set a pattern for talks with the other two.

On Tuesday, Dias didnt say which of GM or Fiat Chrysler would come next.

He noted the challenge with GM will be that by the year 2024, half of our St. Catharines powertrain facilities will be without product and without work as models are phased out.

So we need a major commitment from General Motors to invest in our St. Catharines operations and maintain those great jobs in the community.

In a statement Tuesday, spokeswoman Jennifer Wright said, GM Canada remains focused on reaching a new, fair, flexible four-year agreement for the 1,600 represented employees at our St. Catharines propulsion plant, the new Oshawa OEM stamped products and service operations and the Woodstock parts distribution centre.

McKinnon called the recent opening of a $28-million environmentally friendly cogeneration facility in St. Catharines a very good sign of GMs long-term plans.

In talks with the company, he said, he wants a firm commitment from GM to bring more work to St. Catharines after 2024.

While GM is seeking a four-year deal, McKinnon said Unifor wants a three-year term to align its contracts with United Auto Workers in the U.S.

Going to the table at the same time they do, we might have a better opportunity of getting things as opposed to going a year after when everything is gone, he said.

Dias said unlike other countries, especially in Europe, Canada has no national auto industry strategy.

He said Canada was the worlds fourth-largest manufacturer of automobiles in 1999.

We built over three million, he said. In 2019 we built 1.9 million and this year we will be building much less.

So we went from No. 4 in the world to No. 12 behind Thailand, and now we have Turkey and Indonesia nibbling at our heels.
Health secretary Matt Hancock giving a statement to MPs in the House of Commons, London. (PA)

It will soon become illegal to meet or socialise with anyone from outside of your own household in Bolton, the health secretary has announced.

Announcing tough new coronavirus restrictions on the north-west England town, which has become a particular concern for the government, Matt Hancock said people in their 20s and 30s have been socialising and that has led to a spike in cases.

He added that authorities have identified a number of pubs where the virus had spread, and now venues will need to close between 10pm and 5am. Hospitality venues will be limited to takeaways.

Watch: Health Secretary Matt Hancock announces new Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in Bolton

Guidance on mixing outside of your own household would become law, Hancock said. Current advice allows for meeting your support bubble, but not with other households indoors or outdoors.

Visitors restrictions will also be introduced to try and stop the virus spreading into care homes and hospitals, he added.

Hancock told parliament, amid fears of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, that just because weve come through one peak, it does not mean we cannot see another one coming.

It comes after COVID-19 cases rose by 2,988 across the UK on Sunday and 2,948 on Monday, following a significant rise of 1,813 on Saturday.

The increases have worried health officials, who have stressed the importance of maintaining social distancing with the looming threat of a second wave over winter.

Englands chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said the cases were rising in people aged 17  29 and insisted we all need to protect others.

Jonathan Van Tam lays the situation out clearly. We have through the extraordinary efforts of the whole population got COVID rates right down. They are now rising again especially in those aged 17 to 29. If we stop social distancing COVID comes back. We all need to protect others https://t.co/9uYMSLkbnp  Professor Chris Whitty (@CMO_England) September 8, 2020

On Monday, deputy chief medical officer for England Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said the rises were of great concern at this point.

Story continues

Weve been able to relax a bit over the summer, the disease levels have been really quite low in the UK through the summer but these latest figures really show us that much as people might like to say oh well its gone away  this hasnt gone away, he said.

And if were not careful, if we dont take this incredibly seriously from this point in were going to have a bumpy ride over the next few months.

Watch as Yahoo UKs Health reporter explains how coronavirus is treated

Hancock previously spoke of his worry about a second wave, telling LBC on Monday: The rise in the number of cases we have seen in the last few days is concerning.

It is concerning because we have seen a rise in cases in France, in Spain, in some other countries across Europe  nobody wants to see a second wave here.

It just reinforces the point that people must follow the social distancing rules, they are so important.

When asked if people were not following the rules he added: We certainly see cases where they are not, and then we take action.

Coronavirus: what happened today

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Gaming the System All the Way Into the White House

Commentary

As Election Night 2018 drew to a close, it looked as if the enthusiastically predicted blue wave of a sweeping Democratic victory had not come to pass. True, the party had picked up about 24 seats in the House, enough to make Nancy Pelosi speaker againpretty much in accordance with political tradition that says the out party generally gains seats in the House in the next off-year election.

Still, the GOP had held onto its Senate majority, and three of the Democrats brightest young starsBeto ORourke, Stacey Abrams, and Andrew Gillumall were defeated. All in all, not bad, and hardly the confidently media-forecast tsunami.

And then came the late votes: absentee ballots, provisional ballots, and a cornucopia of ballot harvesting. In a remarkable coincidence, the Democrats picked up 17 more House seats nationwide in races that saw new donkey votes materialize literally at the last minute and beyond.

In formerly conservative Orange County, California, the GOP was skunked as every seat went to a Democrat. Republicans could only watch helplessly while apparently solid leads melted away as sacks of votes were dumped off at precincts or trickled in days later with handy Nov. 6 postmarks. In all, seven GOP seats in the state flipped.

The blue wave had come aboutby gaming the system.

The Tammany Party

It wasnt the first time Democrats have benefited from such astounding good fortune. In the close 2004 Washington state gubernatorial race, Republican Dino Rossi was declared the winner on election night, then won an automated recount. It wasnt until a second recount, which was done by hand, that the Democrat won, after which they stopped counting.

And why not? A tranche of 723 uncounted ballots were miraculously discovered during the second recount; and thus Christine Gregoire, the Democrat, won by 129 votes.

Similarly, in Connecticut in 2010, Democrat Dannel Malloy defeated Tom Foley in part thanks to shenanigans in the rust-bucket city of Bridgeport, which got a court order on election night keeping the polls there open two hours longer than usual so that a newly printed bunch of ballots could be made available in selected precincts. Foley was clinging to an 8,000-vote lead statewide until that pointafter which he lost.

The pattern is clear: In close races, the Democrats follow the totals very closely, until they know exactly how many votes they have to fabricate or manufacture, et voila! Who needs cemeteries when the likes of Connecticut Superior Court Judge Marshall K. Berger Jr. can decree extra time to benefit the Democrats?

In fact, at least since the middle of the 19th century, the Tammany Party has been rigging elections, intimidating voters at the polls, having their partisans vote multiple times, and conjuring marked ballots out of thin air. (For chapter and verse regarding Democrat electoral chicanery around the turn of the last century in New York, read Plunkitt of Tammany Hall by William L. Riordon.)

Changing the Bedrock Notion of Elections

One reason this works is the simple fact that elections are now weeks-long events. Early voting, absentee voting, provisional votingwhich occurs when a voters eligibility is in questionand other exceptional exercises of the franchise have destroyed the bedrock notion that elections are held on a single day, between designated hours, in person, and at polling places determined by law.

The reasons for this notion are obvious. Prevention of fraud is one, of course, and to that end, many but not all localities require proof of residence and identitythe mysteriously controversial voter ID.

Another is that elections are meant to be snapshots of the national mood on a given time and place. Extending voting hours for days or even weeks and months makes a mockery of the process; we might just as well have a rolling daily plebiscite to see who will be president today, then vote for somebody else tomorrow.

As the Republicans discovered, the worst new wrinkle has been Californias quiet amending of its election code in 2016, which now permits a voter too sick or lazy to stand in line or even go to the polls to mark his ballot in his own home and either mail it back, drop it off in person at his local precinct or a designated drop-off location. And 

However, a vote by mail voter who is unable to return the ballot may designate any person to return the ballot to the elections official from whom it came or to the precinct board at a polling place within the jurisdiction. (Italics mine.)

In the hands of legions of Democrat operatives, it isnt just harvestingits outright solicitation, with canvassers going door to door offering to pick up ballots and even helping voters fill them out.

All of these changes to what used to be a straightforward procedure are couched in the language of rights, of course, making it easier for people to vote. But why should voting be easy? If voting is as solemn an activity as the Democrats say it is, why shouldnt it be a special occasion, conducted in the privacy of the ballot box between fixed hours on a designated day?

Further, shouldnt honest elections be in everybodys interest? Shouldnt something as sacred and important as the vote be as secure and legitimate as possible? And yet the push to expand voting rightsto felons and illegal aliensensures that it wont be.

Gaining Power

The fetishization of the franchise by the Jacobin left has only one purpose: gaining political power. Despite all the yapping in the secular media about the sanctity of the vote, a sizable minority of Americans dont seem to care. Only about 60 percent of the eligible population bothers to vote in a presidential year, while the number falls to 40 percent in congressional elections.

Already, major figures in the Democrat Party have warned of continued violence in the streets (Kamala Harris) and have advised somnambulist Joe Biden not to concede on Election Night or, indeed, ever (Hillary Clinton). The Washington Postwhere Democracy Dies in Darknessrecently warned (threatened?) that the election could spark violenceand a constitutional crisis.

Rosa Brooks wrote of a George Soros-funded front group called the Transition Integrity Project, which war-gamed various Democrat fantasy scenarios: A landslide for Joe Biden resulted in a relatively orderly transfer of power. Every other scenario we looked at involved street-level violence and political crisis.

In other words, nice Republic you got there. Would be a shame if anything happened to it.

In the midst of our Cold Civil War, which is turning ever hotter, Lincoln would have closed that newspaper down in a heartbeat for open sedition and incitement to violence.

With their usual flair for projection, the Democrats are wish-casting an election in which Trump refuses to concede and must be frog-marched by the Secret Service or the military out of the Oval Office at noon on Jan. 20, 2021.

The reality is that the Republicans must be ready to combat levels of fraud that Plunkitt and the old Tammany sachems could only have dreamed of. For its clear, under the guise of protecting our democracy that the Democrats will instead abide by their real sloganby any means necessaryto rid themselves of this meddlesome president.

Such is the continuing fury on the left that a defeat would likely expose not only Trump but every member of his family, his cabinet, and his prominent supporters to Democrat revenge, conducted principally through the state courts. New York States radical attorney general, Letitia James, has been waging lawfare against the president from the time she took office, and shes hardly an outlier.

What to Do

What can the Republicans do to stave off such attacks?

The first thing to do is win. Nothing would crush the lefts spirits more than a defeat beyond the margin of cheating even worse than that handed to them in 2016. Ballot harvesting outside California needs to be strangled in its cradle, with GOP lawyers watching in every swing state precinct and challenging any ballots that just fell off a truck.

With the left promising Electoral College chaos if neither candidate gets to 270 electoral votes, Trump also needs to warn the voting public that should the election be tossed into the House, then under the 12th Amendment, there is a possibility that Nancy Pelosi could emerge as president. In addition to running against Biden and Harris, he needs to run against Pelosinot just to prevent her accession but to take back the House as well.

The Republicans also need to keep a weather eye on the state of Bidens plainly deteriorating mental health. It would be just like the Democrats to remove him from the ballotsay, after a disastrous first debateand substitute Harris.

After all, despite the fact that it was plainly illegal, thats exactly what they did with corrupt New Jersey Sen. Robert Torricelli in 2002, forcing him off the ballot and replacing him with superannuated former Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who wasnt even a declared candidate. Theres no reason to think they wouldnt do it again.

In a 70 decision, the Democrat-dominated state supreme court ruled a month before the election that New Jersey election law should be interpreted to allow parties to put their candidates on the ballot, and most importantly, to allow the voters a choice, even though in crafting the law, the legislature had stipulated that changes could not be made less than 51 days from voting.

For the future, early voting and extending voting hours need to be eliminated. Election Day doesnt just sneak up on people. Further, absentee ballots should be drastically reduced and allowed only for active-duty military and diplomats and their families stationed overseas. Retirees in Costa Rica have effectively renounced their right to vote.

Further, the constant tinkering with the franchise has got to stop. Via the 14th and 19th amendments, and other administrative rulings, every American is guaranteed the right to vote. And part of being a free country is that your exercise of that franchise is neither mandated nor coerced; indeed, not voting is every bit as much participatory democracy as voting itself is.

America has already endured several chaotic elections: in 1800 (Adams v. Jefferson, which was decided in the House); 1824 (Adams Jr. versus Jackson, in which Jackson won the popular vote and had the most votes in the Electoral College, but was euchred out of his victory by a corrupt bargain), 1876 (Garfield versus Tilden, which was decided by a special bipartisan commission), and 2000 (Bush versus Gore).

We dont need another one.

Michael Walsh is the editor of The-Pipeline.org and the author of The Devils Pleasure Palace and The Fiery Angel, both published by Encounter Books. His latest book, Last Stands, a cultural study of military history from the Greeks to the Korean War, will be published in December by St. Martins Press.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : More international GI tags for India's native products can allow exports to command premium prices along with global acceptance, said Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) Chairman Mohit Singla.

A geographical indication (GI) tag gives certified information about the distinct identity of a product based on its native region of production. This is key to promote India's agri-exports.

Some notable GIs include California almonds, Chilean wines and Swiss chocolates, among others.

In a conversation with IANS, Singla pointed out that international GI tag has helped 'Danish cookies' attain a per unit price of $5,368 while Italian 'Parmesan cheese' fetches a per unit price of $10,142.

At present, most of India's unique products have domestic GIs. Of 366 registered products, India has only one international GI for 'Darjeeling tea' and second one 'Basmati rice' was in the pipeline.

In contrast, China has 24 international GIs.

"We need to focus on international GI tags for our brands," Singla said.

"To merit a premium branding and price, we need global branding of these products at international platforms, no one gives a premium price without adequate branding." According to him, heritage brew of Rajasthan like 'Chandra Haas' consumed by 'Kings and Royals' can provide India's answer to the European scotch or champagne or Mexican tequila.

"These kinds of unique products should be put forth for international GIs," Singla added.

He cited Assam's 'Bhut Jolokia' spice as another contender for GIs.

"If we could explain this to the world, how it (Bhut Jolokia) has to be consumed or made into a variety of other products," Singla said.

Additionally he called for the establishment of 'strong' regional associations which should apply for GIs.

"We need to create a basket of products and separate associations which can work on GIs and branding at international level," he added.
Explained: How typhoon Haishen is different from cyclones, hurricanes?

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

New Delhi, Sep 08: On Sunday, Typhoon Haishen made landfall over southern Japan becoming the country's second landfalling typhoon within a week. According to Japan's meteorological agency, Typhoon Haishen has referred to the tropical storm as "large" and "very strong".

What has been the impact of the tropical storm?

The typhoon is categorised as a Category 4 storm which means well-built framed houses can suffer severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and exterior walls. The Japanese authorities urged more than 8 million residents to evacuate the areas that were at risk. Multiple typhoons hit Japan every year and typically, it can be seen that typhoon season is expected to last till November.

Covid-19: China asks Indian students to stay in touch with their Chinese colleges for info to return

Typhoon Haishen has left over a dozen people injured and left hundreds of thousands of households without electricity in the country. The Mainichi reported that over 425,000 houses in the Nagasaki and Kagoshima prefectures were without electricity.

Meanwhile, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned people of torrential rains, strong winds and tidal surges in some areas, even as the tropical storm is now making its way to the Korean peninsula.

Warning shots fired by India, claims China as tensions further escalate

The damage associated with strong typhoons include wind damage, water damage, high tide damage and wave damage.

How are typhoons named in Japan?

It can be seen that the JMA numbers typhoons in Japan and the first typhoon to occur after January 1st of the year is called typhoon number 1. While in the US, hurricanes are referred to by English names, the intergovernmental organisation called the Typhoon Committee, which has 14 members including Japan uses Asian names for typhoons that are contributed by the member countries. Haishen was a name recommended by China and means "Sea God" in Chinese.

Why are hurricanes called typhoons in the North Pacific and Asia?

Depending on where they occur, hurricanes may be called typhoons or cyclones. The scientific name for all these kinds of storms is tropical cyclones.

The tropical cyclones that form over the Atlantic Ocean or the eastern Pacific Ocean are called hurricanes and the ones that form in the Northwest Pacific are called typhoons. Tropical storms that form in the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea are called cyclones.

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 12:48 [IST]
SUV

Hyundais compact crossover is one of the worst kept secrets of the company in 2020  we have seen it in countless renders (some even playing with the color palette just to make a change) and the brand has officially teased it on more than one occasion.Hopefully, this will be the last snippet of hidden, camouflaged before the actual reveal takes place on September 15th at 02:30 am CEST. The odd European hour corresponds to the world unveiling taking place at exactly 9:30 am KST (Korean standard time).Yes, we know the new Tucson will be like an extraterrestrial not only among competing SUVs but also in Hyundais own lineup. It is, after all, the harbinger of things to come. But we are not here to discuss all these ethereal suppositions. We are here because Hyundai promises the all-new Tucson will arrive as a fun-to-drive SUV that has efficient powertrains and many practical characteristics.Speaking of the latter, these include the available all-wheel drive system and towing capabilities  all thoroughly tested all around Europe, in places such as the Czech Republic and Austria (after all, the brand touts its Old Continent production DNA). The development phase included the 4x4 portion at a special proving ground in the Czech Republic, while the Austrian part had to do with the Alps and the models towing capacity.Of course, Hyundai was also keen to inform us these were just two of the many testing locations it traveled throughout the creation process  as the Tucson was also honed on the most demanding circuit in the world (aka the Nurburgring Nordschleife), and endured the scorching heat of southern Spain or the freezing cold of Swedish winters.This is already the third consecutive generation of the Hyundai Tucson ready to be produced in Europe, with the all-new model ready for manufacturing at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC) production plant in Nosovice, the Czech Republic.
BALTIMORE, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- How will the history books describe 2020? A year of change, a year of uncertainty, and perhaps a year of opportunity. The opportunity to connect with customers on a more human level. The opportunity to lead with transparency. And focus on delivering outstanding CX (customer experience) in extraordinary times.

But the assessment management industry has so far not capitalized on that. This is according to the 2020 Asset Management Clarity Report released this week by VisibleThread. It analyzed the communications of 60 of the largest firms.

2020 Best and Worst Performers

The top performers were:

1. PGGM 2. Federated Hermes 3. Barclays Wealth Management

Bottom of the table were:

58. Manulife Investment Management 59. Nomura Asset Management 60. Wellington Management

Websites remain harder to read than Moby Dick

Only two out of 60 firms communicate at levels understandable by the average consumer. This impacts CX (customer experience) negatively. Whether we look at COVID-19 specific content or more general website content, complexity is rife. And this erodes investor confidence, trust and CX.

Asset management firms can create or lose trust with every experience they provide. From their website and initial investment consultations, to update bulletins and research. Communicating clearly with existing and potential investors is mission-critical for any firm. Yet, the research shows that the average firms' websites remain harder to read than Moby Dick.

Other key findings include:

The average sentence length still at 5x the recommended level

57 out of 60 firms overuse passive voice and are not clear on who needs to take the action

There was a slight reduction of complex word density in 2020

Overall, firms did not improve trust and CX in 2020

No mention of COVID-19 on 30% of websites sampled

The picture worsened when we analyzed crisis communications. 30% of asset management firms in the sample do not mention COVID-19 on their website. Leaving investors without easily accessible information about the impact of the pandemic on their funds.

Mission-critical investor communications must be transparent

We used VisibleThread's Language Analysis Platform to analyze all 60 organizations. This is the third year of our research into asset management firms.

"Investor communications are mission-critical to asset management firms. Improving efficiency and clarity reduces risk for these firms. And, firms can achieve this when transparency takes priority," said Fergal McGovern, CEO, VisibleThread.

"It's disappointing that our 2020 findings show little change from previous years. More and more organizations focus on CX. It's a key differentiator and business success factor, especially during the current pandemic. Yet, our analysis shows that firms continue to overuse jargon and complex language. These unclear communications can damage relationships. Each time a customer must contact their firm due to complex language, it has a negative impact."

VisibleThread provides the Language Analysis Platform that means business. Organizations gain quantifiable improvements to the efficiency of mission-critical business writing across all functional areas. From operations, to HR to marketing. We used the platform to analyze all 60 asset management firms. For a copy of the full report, including methodology, rankings and results, go to visiblethread.com.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABOUT: VisibleThread helps organizations make quantifiable improvements to the efficiency, clarity and compliance of mission-critical business writing. We are the Language Analysis Platform that means business.

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Speaking at the event, PM Phuc expressed his delight that 15 Japanese firms want to expand investment in Vietnam, which will provide a source of encouragement for the nation to continue improving its business environment and create favourable conditions for firms to do successful business, including those from Japan.

The Vietnamese Government highly values the role of the Japanese business community, with serious and responsible investors who contribute to the State budget, pay attention to environment protection and care for workers, he said.

According to him, the Vietnamese legislature adopted the Law on Investment, the amended Law on Enterprises, the Law on Public-Private Partnership with a number of incentives.

He stressed that with a population of nearly 100 million and being part of the dynamic 650 million-strong bloc of ASEAN, Vietnam is big enough for business plans and suitable for restructuring, shift of regional and global supply chains by foreign investors, especially those from Japan.

The leader informed that a working group in charge of promoting foreign investment cooperation led by a Deputy PM has been established in order to catch opportunities and deal with major investors suggestions.

The PM also directed resuming commercial flights to several safe destinations, including Japan.

Vietnam always welcomes Japanese firms to expand investment in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, high-quality agriculture, information technology, smart urban development, financial and banking services, innovation-based start-up, as well as in joining the equitisation of State-owned enterprises as strategic partners, he said.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the dialogue. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)



The Vietnamese Government, leaders of ministries, agencies and localities will stand side by side with the business community, offer all possible support to business operations to lift Vietnam-Japan ties to a greater height, he added.

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio, for his part, said over the past two decades, the Vietnamese economy has grown rapidly and ties between Vietnam and Japan have become deeper.

He added that while countries are battling with COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam has soon recovered and directly benefited from diversified supply chains in the world.

According to him, a number of Japanese firms are considering a shift of production facilities to Vietnam. He hoped that Vietnam will catch this opportunity.

The ambassador also expressed his support for the resumption of flights between the two nations, thus improving disbursement for public projects at present, attracting more foreign investors to Vietnam, and improving Vietnams credit rankings.

He affirmed that Japan will continue assisting firms in investing in Vietnam as well as helping the Southeast Asian nation develop its economy in the new normal condition.

The Japanese firms also mentioned issues in investment cooperation with Vietnam such as human resources, support industry, research and development, among others.

The Vietnamese PM asked ministries, agencies and localities to promptly tackle difficulties faced by businesses and vowed all possible support to Japanese business operations.
WASHINGTON  With primary season almost at a close, New Hampshire and Rhode Island held nominating contests on Tuesday.

Two incumbents in New Hampshire, Republican Gov. Chris Sununu and Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, defeated long-shot primary challenges, the Associated Press determined at 8 p.m. ET.

Delaware will hold its state primary on Sept. 15.

Here are key things to watch for Tuesday's primaries:

New Hampshire gubernatorial race

Republican Gov. Chris Sununu, the incumbent, faced a long-shot primary challenger, Franklin City Councilor Karen Testerman.

Sununu was first elected in 2013, and was the first Republican elected after Democrats had held the seat since 2005. Testerman jumped into the race due to Sununu's response to COVID-19, saying that he has been too restrictive, according to WMUR.

According to a June poll by Saint Anselm College Survey Center, Sununu's job approval rating was at 77%.

Two Democrats are also vying to be their party's gubernatorial nominee, State Sen. Dan Feltes and Andru Volinsky, a member of the Executive Council of New Hampshire.

Nationscape Insights: Where do Americans stand on election issues? Let them tell you.

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu speaks on stage prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on August 2, 2020, in Loudon, New Hampshire.

Both Feltes and Volinsky have touted their records on education funding, and have criticized Sununu for his coronavirus response, particularly for allowing local school districts to decide how to reopen.

Feltes has outraised Volinsky in fundraising. However, Volinsky earned the support of top progressives, such as Sen. Bernie Sanders.

NH Sen. Jeanne Shaheen defeats primary challengers

Shaheen, the Democratic incumbent, defeated two long-shot challengers in the Democratic primary for her Senate seat.

Shaheen competed against Paul Krautmann and Tom Alciere, who previously ran for a House seat in 2018 as a Libertarian candidate.

According to the Saint Anselm survey, Shaheen's approval rating is at 52%.

There are also four candidates running on the Republican side, Gerard Beloin, Don Bolduc, Andy Martin and Bryant "Corky" Messner.

Story continues

Messner is leading in fundraising and has been endorsed by President Donald Trump. His main opponent is Bolduc, a retired United States Army officer. Messner, who owns a charitable foundation to help low-income college students, has faced scrutiny over the past several weeks after the Washington Post reported that the Messner Foundation awarded just one scholarship in its first 10 years.

In addition, Messner has also been criticized for running in New Hampshire instead of Colorado, where he has owned a longtime home and a business. Messner, who also owns a home in New Hampshire, didn't register to vote there until 2018.

Rhode Island Rep. Jim Langevin beats primary challenger

Incumbent Rep. Jim Langevin, who has served Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District for nearly two decades, beat a late primary challenger, progressive Dylan Conley.

Conley jumped into the race in June, citing the Black Lives Matter protests and the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Cranston Herald.

This race follows an ongoing trend of young, progressive candidates trying to unseat longtime Democratic incumbents. Jamaal Bowman of New York and Cori Bush of Missouri are among two key progressives who won primaries against more moderate incumbents.

Get ready: Register to vote or check your status here

Langevin said he sought reelection because he believes more needs to be done to address the economic and health crisis facing the nation following the pandemic, the Herald reported.

There's still more work to be done to help the people of Rhode Island, and the people of our country get through this crisis right now, Langevin told the Herald. We are battling a war on two fronts: The COVID health care crisis, but also the economic fallout from the COVID crisis.

According to the Herald, Conley has criticized Langevin for his low profile in Congress. Conley focused on income inequality and also supports Medicare for All.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2020 primary: Chris Sununu, Jeanne Shaheen face primary challengers
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has finally come out of his basement. After three months of being largely silent on the lawlessness and mob rule, I guess the Democrats have decided to take a stand against protest-related violence in Portland, Seattle and Kenosha, Wisconsin  all of which have Democrat mayors.

Many businesses have been destroyed by rioters, some of whom are Marxists and Antifa members. Many people were hurt or killed, including policemen who were just trying to do their jobs.

Maybe the Summer of Love (which is what Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan called the protests there in June) is ending, and reality is setting in. The presidential polls that favor Biden over incumbent President Donald Trump are tightening, and the average American is not thrilled with the Democratic lefts weak excuses for not speaking out against what is so obviously wrong.

Now, Biden is blaming the president for stoking the fires of racial division instead of putting the blame on the Democrat officials of those cities.

Many ideologically driven reporters and editors seem to be in agreement with the anti-police-brutality crusade against our countrys traditions and values. They say America is systemically racist and unequal economically, which is also the belief of most in Democrat Party. It is obvious to me that the mainstream media want Biden to win this election.

The refusal of Democrat politicians, including some district attorneys, to hold lawbreakers accountable might hurt Bidens chances of winning.

I have my doubts about whether Biden is strong enough to take on the radical left while trying to satisfy the moderates of his party.

Barbara Essington, Carneys Point Township

Our rights dont include right to riot

When Alexander Hamilton wrote the opening paragraph of the Federalist Papers, he argued for ratifying the proposed Constitution, expressing concern that the Articles of Confederation then in effect might not facilitate preservation of the Union.

Today, we know there are people who want destruction or drastic changes to the Constitution, and our government and our nation.

The right to protest was, and still is, guaranteed by the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights. But we now see rioting and other expressions that actually run counter to the intent of the constitutional right to protest. Some protesters are expressing support for dissolution of the government.

Is the destruction of our Union being enabled by the Bill of Rights? The Ninth and 10th amendments are suspect, since they cite rights beyond those specifically enumerated elsewhere in the Bill of Rights. The 10th Amendment states The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Along the way, we have had Supreme Courts that have reinforced interpretations of this concept. The 10th has been used to make the states into supporters of resistance to federal authority against rioting. States and municipalities are allowing property destruction and resisting granting permission for federal assistance to control riots.

These positions are insulting, and count as dereliction of duty by elected officeholders. Our Congress also refuses to address the rioting.

Gerald Keer, Turnersville

Scrapping new jail means loss of jobs

The Cumberland County freeholder board has announced intentions to scrap plans to build a new $65 million jail, stating that it would not be cost effective.

Instead, they would pay to outsource the inmates to facilities in other counties, and close the current jail in Bridgeton because of its obsolescence.

Did the freeholders ever consider building a replacement jail, but downsizing it to shave millions off of the $65 million cost estimate?

The net result of the closure is that there could be a loss of up to 121 Cumberland County jobs. This is very unfortunate news in a county with such a historically high unemployment rate.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many people have lost their jobs. Now, we may have to add another 100-plus people to the unemployment rolls.

Based on notice to the state, layoffs of up to 121 employees could become effective as soon as Nov. 3  Election Day. This process could have been started at a later date. It seems to be reflective of poor timing.

David M. Levin, Vineland

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She is currently acting as the Jury President for the 77th annual Venice Film Festival.

And Cate Blanchett was sure to turn heads as she arrived in style at the event for the Di Yi Lu Xiang (Love After Love) premiere in the Italian city on Tuesday.

The Thor: Ragnarok star, 51, exuded elegance in an androgynous chic look that paired a puffy white dress with a simple black blazer.

Wow! Cate Blanchett exuded elegance in a puffy white dress and a black blazer as she arrived in style at the Di Yi Lu Xiang premiere at the 77th Venice Film Festival on Tuesday

Cate's ensemble featured asymmetrical peplum tulle skirt across her torso, while her blazer also had a matching white material on one shoulder to complement the look.

The evening gown also had silver floral embroidery across the front to give her look a glamorous flourish as she stepped out onto the red carpet.

Cate boosted her statuesque figure in a pair of black Jimmy Choo heels, and chose to keep her accessories to a minimum so that all attention remained on her outfit.

The actor brushed her golden locks into a sleek, straight style, and embraced her natural beauty by wearing a light palette of make-up.

Quirky look: Cate's ensemble featured asymmetrical peplum tulle skirt across her torso, while her blazer also had a matching white material on one shoulder to complement the look

Chic: The evening gown also had silver floral embroidery across the front to give her look a glamorous flourish as she stepped out onto the red carpet

Cate's outing comes after she revealed she prefers to be referred to as an actor than an actress, as she often found the latter term to be used in a 'pejorative sense'.

Throwing her support behind Berlin International Film Festival's new plan to do away with gendered awards, she told AFP: 'I have always referred to myself as an actor.

'I am of the generation where the word actress was used almost always in a pejorative sense. So I claim the other space.'

Turning heads: Cate boosted her statuesque figure in a pair of black Jimmy Choo heels, and chose to keep her accessories to a minimum so that all attention remained on her outfit

Cate is heading the jury at Venice during an historic year, when the number of women directors competing for the top prize has quadrupled to eight.

'I think a good performance is a good performance no matter the sexual orientation of who is making them,' she added of her thoughts on the matter.

'The hardest thing as a jury member is to sit in judgement of other people's work. That's the hardest thing not the (gender) demarcation.'

The Venice Film Festival is one of the world's oldest award ceremonies and is listed as one of the 'Big Five' events. It starts on 2 September and ends on the 12 September.

According to Variety, when the Film Festival unveiled its official selection in late July, the 'unprecedented inclusion of eight female-directed titles within the 18-film roster was heralded as welcome progress for an event that has come under fire in recent years for scarce representation of female filmmakers.'

Cate was chosen to head the jury back in January, making her the third woman in four years to hold the role.
In this image made from a video, Australian Broadcasting Corporation journalist Bill Birtles speaks to the media on his arrival at Sydney airport, Australia (Australian Broadcasting Corporation via AP)

The last two journalists working for Australian media in China have left the country after police demanded interviews with them, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has reported.

ABCs Bill Birtles and The Australian Financial Reviews Michael Smith landed in Sydney after flying from Shanghai on Monday night, the broadcaster said.

Both had sheltered in Australian diplomatic compounds in recent days after being visited by Chinese police amid a deepening diplomatic row between the two countries.

Chinese police arrived at Mr Birtless doorstep last week, demanded he submit to questioning and told him he was banned from leaving the country, the ABC reported.

Australian and Chinese officials negotiated for the travel ban to be lifted if Mr Birtles spoke to police.

The journalists left after Australia revealed last week that Australian citizen Cheng Lei, business news anchor for CGTN, Chinas English-language state media channel, had been detained.

Australian media have reported Mr Birtles and Mr Smith were told by Chinese police they were persons of interest in the case of Ms Cheng, whose detention has been widely seen by western observers as a cynical blow by China amid increasing tensions between Beijing and Canberra.

Expand Close Australian Financial Review journalist Michael Smith arrives at Sydney Airport (Australian Broadcasting Corporation via AP) / Facebook

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Foreign Minister Marise Payne confirmed that her government had provided consular support to the two journalists to assist their return to Australia.

Our embassy in Beijing and Consulate-General in Shanghai engaged with Chinese government authorities to ensure their wellbeing and return to Australia, she said in a statement.

Australias travel warning of the risk of arbitrary detention in China remains appropriate and unchanged, she added.

Mr Birtles told reporters at Sydney airport that his departure was a whirlwind and  not a particularly good experience.

Its very disappointing to have to leave under those circumstances and its a relief to be back in a country with genuine rule of law, Mr Birtles said.
South Africa: Committee extends condolences to Mdeliswa family

The Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture has extended condolences to the family of popular television actress, Thandeka Mdeliswa, who passed away at the weekend.

The death of Thandeka in a situation where she was trying to defuse an argument between two men indicates the explosiveness of the problem of gender-based violence in South Africa. It has reached unspeakable proportions, chairperson of the Committee Beauty Dlulane said on Monday.

According to media reports, Mdeliswa passed away on Saturday after being allegedly shot in a gender-based violence (GBV) incident.

Mdeliswa heard a commotion between her brother and two men and went out to investigate when one of the men then reportedly shot her. The two men then fled the scene.

A statement released by her family said she was rushed to hospital after the incident and later transferred to Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria for further treatment.

The circumstances surrounding her shooting are still under investigation by the Evander police. The brutality inflicted on our daughter has left us deeply hurt. This is another incident of violence against women which our country has to fight against. We believe that justice will be served, the family said.

Mdeliswa portrayed a character in the SABC 1 IsiNdebele drama series Ikani.

Dlulane said South Africa and the arts sector had been robbed of a precious gift in this talented and inspirational young woman.

She added that Mdeliswas death demands that all South Africans should stand up and fight GBV in all its manifestations.

The chairperson extended condolences, on behalf of the committee, to the Mdeliswa family, relatives and friends, and wished them strength during this difficult time. - SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2020-09-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
DUBLIN, Sept. 8, 2020 The "Powder Coatings Market by Resin Type (Thermoset and Thermoplastic), Coating Method (Electrostatic Spray, Fluidized Bed), End-Use Industry (Appliances, Automotive, General Industrial, Architectural, Furniture), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global powder coatings market is projected to grow from USD 11.6 billion in 2020 to USD 14.9 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 5.2% between 2020 and 2025.

Strong growth can be witnessed in the powder coatings market in the APAC region, especially in China, India, and South-East Asian countries. The increasing use of Powder Coatings in the appliance and automotive industry is projected to create new opportunities for the market players. The penetration of powder coatings is expected to increase in the long term and is projected to witness a high CAGR during the forecast period. The abundant availability of raw materials, especially in APAC, is expected to support the production of powder coatings.

The appliances industry, being highly dependent on China, was the hardest hit by COVID-19. However, it is expected to witness a V-shaped growth trajectory as the demand for appliances, especially refrigerators, grew even during the initial phase of the pandemic. The introduction of antimicrobial surfaces on appliances is also expected to trigger the demand for powder coatings.

Automotive segment is projected to be the largest end-use market of Powder Coatings.

The automotive industry is expected to lead the overall Powder Coatings end use market, in terms of value, between 2020 and 2025. The powder coatings market in the automotive segment is anticipated to witness healthy growth owing to increased competition among players, growing demand for vehicles, supportive government policies, development of transportation infrastructure, and rapid economic growth. APAC accounts for the largest share of the automotive coatings market owing to large demand and production of automobiles, rising number of joint ventures among key players, and favorable political and economic scenarios. While the major challenge that Europe and North America face is the economic slowdown, the market for powder coatings in both the regions is anticipated to benefit from stringent environmental regulations.

Thermoset resin is the fastest-growing segment of the Powder Coatings market.



Thermoset powder coating is the preferred powder coatings technology for industrial applications. Epoxies and polyesters are predominantly used. Epoxies are preferred for their overall physical properties, while polyesters exhibit better outdoor weathering properties. The resin component in the formulation will largely determine the processing and performance properties of powder coatings. The thermoset resin segment is expected to lead the growth during the forecast period. Thermoset powder coatings are used on a wide array of automotive, appliances, and general industrial products.

APAC is the fastest market for Powder Coatings during the forecast period.

APAC is projected to be the largest and the fastest-growing market for Powder Coatings during the forecast period. The high growth in the region is fueled by booming economies in China, India, and a few smaller countries such as Indonesia and Taiwan. Thermosetting powder coatings are preferred more than thermoplastic powder. As the end-use industries in the APAC are growing rapidly, especially in China and India, the market for powder coatings is increasing significantly. The demand for powder coating has increased in countries such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam because of the growing automotive, furniture, appliances, industrial, and agriculture sectors.

Key Topics Covered:

1 Introduction



2 Research Methodology



3 Executive Summary



4 Premium Insights

4.1 Attractive Opportunities in the Powder Coatings Market

4.2 Powder Coatings Market Size, by End-Use Industry

4.3 Powder Coatings Market Size, Developed Vs. Developing Economies

4.4 APAC Powder Coatings Market, by End-Use Industry and Country



5 Market Overview

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 Advantages and Disadvantages of Powder Coatings

5.1.2 Benefits of Powder Coatings Over Liquid Coatings

5.2 Market Evolution

5.2.1 Powder Coatings Adoption in Different Applications, 1950-2000

5.3 Technology Analysis

5.4 Market Dynamics

5.4.1 Drivers

5.4.1.1 Stringent Government Regulations

5.4.1.2 Growth in Various End-Use Industries

5.4.1.3 Technological Advancements

5.4.2 Restraints

5.4.2.1 Difficulty in Obtaining Thin Films

5.4.3 Opportunities

5.4.3.1 Increasing Use of Powder Coatings in Automotive Industry

5.4.3.2 Emerging Applications in Shipbuilding and Pipeline Industries

5.4.3.3 Growing Demand for High-Performance Fluorine Resin-Based Powder Coating

5.4.3.4 Surging Demand for Powder Coatings for Coil Coating Applications

5.4.3.5 Emergence of New Application Methods

5.4.4 Challenges

5.4.4.1 Environmental Challenges

5.5 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

5.6 Macro Indicator Analysis

5.7 Value Chain Analysis

5.8 Revenue Shift and New Revenue Pockets for Powder Coating Manufacturers

5.9 Powder Coatings Patent Analysis.

5.10 Covid-19 Impact

5.11 Covid-19 Economic Assessment

5.11.1 Covid-19 Economic Impact - Scenario Assessment

5.12 Value Chain of Paints & Coatings Industry

5.13 Impact on Value Chain

5.14 Customer Analysis

5.15 Shift in Aerospace Industry

5.16 Shift in Construction Industry



6 Powder Coatings Market, by Resin Type

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Comparison Between Thermoset and Thermoplastic Powder Coatings

6.3 Thermoset

6.3.1 Polyester

6.3.2 Epoxy Polyester Hybrid

6.3.3 Epoxy

6.3.4 Acrylic

6.3.5 Polyurethane

6.3.6 Others (Fluoropolymer)

6.4 Thermoplastic

6.4.1 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

6.4.2 Polyvinyl Fluoride (PVF)



7 Powder Coatings Market, by Coating Method

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Electrostatic Spray

7.2.1 Demand for Electrostatic Spray Increasing at An Impressive Rate

7.3 Fluidized Bed

7.3.1 Fluidized Bed Method is Most Widely Used Method for Thermoplastic System

7.4 Others

7.4.1 Electrostatic Fluidized Bed

7.4.2 Flame Spraying



8 Powder Coatings Market, by End-Use Industry

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Appliances

8.2.1 Appliances is Second-Largest End-user of Thermosetting Powders

8.2.2 List of Customers

8.2.3 Operational Drivers of the Industry & Future Opportunities

8.3 Automotive

8.3.1 Increasing Consumer Preference Supporting Growth of Automotive Powder Coatings Market

8.3.2 List of Customers

8.3.3 Operational Drivers of the Industry & Future Opportunities

8.4 General Industrial

8.4.1 Population Growth, Improved Standard of Living, Infrastructure Growth Driving the Market

8.4.2 List of Customers

8.4.3 Operational Drivers of the Industry & Future Opportunities

8.5 Architectural

8.5.1 Excellent Durability and Availability Fueling Consumption of Powder Coatings

8.5.2 List of Customers

8.5.3 Operational Drivers of the Industry & Future Opportunities

8.6 Furniture

8.6.1 Changing Customer Preference and Improved Standard of Living Driving the Demand for Powder Coatings

8.6.2 List of Customers

8.6.3 Operational Drivers of the Industry & Future Opportunities

8.7 Others

8.7.1 List of Customers

8.7.2 Operational Drivers of the Industry & Future Opportunities

8.8 Customer Key Requirements

8.9 List of Customers (Coaters)

8.10 Voice of Customers



9 Powder Coatings Market, by Region

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Apac

9.3 Europe

9.4 North America

9.5 Middle East

9.6 South America

9.7 Africa



10 Competitive Landscape

10.1 Overview

10.2 Market Share Analysis

10.3 Investment & Expansion

10.4 New Product Launch

10.5 Merger & Acquisition



11 Company Profiles

11.1 Company Evaluation Matrix, 2019

11.1.1 Stars

11.1.2 Emerging Leaders

11.1.3 Pervasive

11.1.4 Emerging Companies

11.2 Strength of Product Portfolio

11.3 Business Strategy Excellence



12 Company Profile

12.1 PPG Industries, Inc.

12.2 The Sherwin-Williams Company

12.3 Akzo Nobel N.V.

12.4 Axalta Coating Systems, LLC

12.5 Jotun A/S

12.6 Tiger Coatings GmbH & Co. Kg

12.7 Asian Paints Limited

12.8 Nippon Paints Holdings Co. Ltd.

12.9 Protech Powder Coatings Inc.

12.10 Igp Pulvertechnik AG

12.11 Anhui Meijia New Material Co. Ltd

12.12 Kansai Paint Company Limited

12.13 RPM International Inc.

12.14 Berger Paints India Limited

12.15 Powdertech Surface Science

12.16 Somar Corporation

12.17 Duluxgroup Ltd.

12.18 Cloverdale Paint Inc.

12.19 Other Companies

12.19.1 Emil Frei GmbH & Co. Kg

12.19.2 Diamond Vogel

12.19.3 Ifs Coatings

12.19.4 3M

12.19.5 Erie Powder Coatings Inc.

12.19.6 Keyland Polymer

12.19.7 Primatek Coatings O

12.19.8 Cardinal

12.19.9 Modern Sak Factory for Powder Paint

12.19.10 Protech Powder Coatings Inc.

12.19.11 Hentzen Coatings, Inc.

12.19.12 Vitracoat

12.19.13 WEG

12.19.14 Europolveri Spa

12.19.15 Pulverit S.P.A.

12.19.16 ST Powder Coatings S.P.A.

12.19.17 BA Kimya

12.19.18 Neokem S.A.

12.19.19 Teknos Group Oy

12.19.20 Helios

12.19.21 Karl Wrwag Lack- Und Farbenfabrik GmbH & Co. Kg

12.19.22 Arsonsisi S.P.A.

12.19.23 KCC Corporation

12.19.24 CWS Powder Coatings GmbH

12.19.25 Pulver Kimya San. VE Tic.



13 Adjacent/Related Markets



14 Appendix



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qfui22

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

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The Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) an NGO, has called for the establishment of special courts to try corruption cases in Nigeria.

The Director of the group, Ishaq Akintola, a professor, made the call on Tuesday in a statement in Abuja.

Mr Akintola said the call became necessary considering the dangers that corruption posed to the peace, development and security of the nation.

Although the war against corruption has registered some significant victory in some areas, it is very glaring that many cases are being delayed in courts courtesy of legal technicalities.

 Many individuals are hiding under the provision of some legal clauses to delay, frustrate their trial and subsequently escape justice.

Special courts will remove such obstacles and ensure that cases are speedily and efficiently disposed, the MURIC official said.

Mr Akintola also reiterated the need for the National Assembly to expedite action to ensure that the establishment of special courts for corruption become a reality.

We therefore charge the National Assembly to expedite action on the establishment of special courts particularly to try corrupt public officials.

 The present NASS is on course and it should not relent until it gives Nigeria special courts.

 The machinery for enacting a bill on special courts for corruption into law should be set in motion in the NASS without any delay, he said.

Mr Akintola said those who rob poor citizens of the opportunity to have access to life more abundant do not deserve to roam freely on the streets.

A special prison should be constructed for those who steal pensioners money. The inmates of this jail should be in chains 24-7.

Rapists should be castrated while kidnappers should be given long jail terms and this reclassification of punishments will deter criminally-minded Nigerians, Mr Akintola said.

READ ALSO:

He commended the giant stride of President Muhammadu Buharis administration for the ongoing infrastructural development across the country.

The infrastructure development which we see in various places have been made possible by the fact that Nigeria now has an incorruptible leader.

We would not have been talking of any Abuja metro line, any Mambilla Hydropower project of 3050 megawatts forty years after it was abandoned, talk more of Itakpe-Warri-Ajaokuta standard gauge rail line abandoned since 1987, and the Second Niger Bridgehe said.

We will continue to support the war against corruption because we know that the latter is the bane of development in this country he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Muhammadu Buhari submitted the Special Crimes Bill 2016 to the legislature in 2016 as part of his anti-corruption policy.

NAN reports that the bill was drafted by the Itse Sagay-led Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption.

The proposed court will exclusively handle corruption cases and other cases including narcotic, human trafficking, kidnapping, cyber-crime, money laundering and other related offences.

The offences under the existing legal framework are still being prosecuted by the some law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission before the Federal High Courts and State High Courts.

The intention of the bill, the executive said, is to ensure speedy trials of the offences  as indicated in its title which reads  An Act to provide for the establishment of a Special Crimes Court as a superior court of record to allow for speedy trials of certain offences, including economic and financial crimes, terrorism, money laundering and corruption offences and for related matters.

(NAN)

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New Delhi, Sep 8 : The Southwest monsoon in India is forecast to begin its withdrawal through South Asia at a slower than average pace this season, a weather report said on Tuesday. This may delay the onset of the Northeast monsoon in southern India.

"We do not expect the withdrawal to begin in northwestern India until the week of September 6 or 13," AccuWeather Lead International Meteorologist Jason Nicholls said.

On average, the monsoon begins its retreat in northwestern India at the very start of September.

With the later withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon, the Northeast monsoon onset in southern India may be delayed until late October.

"Some of the rain from non-tropical systems will be excessive and can lead to flooding across Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia," Nicholls said.

"Onset of the Northeast monsoon in Chennai can be delayed a week or perhaps more from its average October 20 start date," Nicholls added.

AccuWeather's team of international meteorologists expects a normal to above-normal monsoon season across much of southern India from October through December.

This Northeast monsoon brings a surge of rainfall to parts of eastern and southern India as dry air invades the main Asia continent. Far southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala and Sri Lanka could be drier than average due partially to the late onset of the monsoon.

"Sri Lanka may make up for rainfall deficits from October to December as the Northeast monsoon and associated wet weather may last into January," Nicholls said.

Tropical depressions or cyclonic storms are forecast for both basins of the northern part of the Indian Ocean this autumn.

"The wild card for rainfall in South Asia will be the threat from tropical systems," Nicholls said.

Long-term weather and sea surface conditions are predicted to favour more storms over the Bay of Bengal, but the Arabian Sea will be quite active this season, too.

"Steering winds may favour most storms in the Bay of Bengal to impact northeastern India and Bangladesh, but tracks into southern India cannot be ruled out," Nicholls said.

"Systems in the Arabian Sea could impact western India, but the favoured areas for impacts look to be toward the southern Arabian Peninsula." Drier weather is forecast to return to the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula during November.

Much of the rest of the Middle East will be drier and warmer than average for the autumn as a whole.

Much of East Asia is forecast to have near-to above-normal temperatures during this autumn, but as is sometimes the case, late-season cold shots are forecast to spread southward from Siberia and into Mongolia and northeastern China.

Cold air is also forecast to settle into portions of Kazakhstan later in autumn.
The running mate of the opposition NDC Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has disclosed that the party will absorb 50% of the fees for tertiary students for the 2020/2021 academic year if the party wins power after the December polls.

She says this was to cushion parents and students whose finances have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Professor Naana Jane said this at the manifesto partys reading on September 7.

She said we know how Covid-19 has impacted an already weak economy and personal finances and we must not let this become another barrier to opportunities. That is why the next NDC administration will absorb fifty percent of fees for tertiary students for the 2020/2-21 academic year as an incentive to mitigate the effect of COVID -19 on students and their families.

She also announced that the NDC intends to increase the student loan amount.

---starrfmonline
A small Sydney community has united behind a family's desperate search for a beloved toy bunny after it was lost while a toddler was out walking with her mother.

Sofia Simpson has been crying herself to sleep since her furry best friend went missing last Friday afternoon near Queens Park in the city's eastern suburbs.

The 16-month-old's anguished parents Trish Ferreira and Russell Simpson have put up posters in surrounding streets pleading for help finding the toy.

'We don't normally let Bunny out of the house in fear of this,' Ms Ferreira said.

'It's her only comfort. She's never taken to anything else - not a dummy, nothing - it's only ever been Bunny.'

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A Sydney community has united behind a family's search for a beloved toy bunny after it was lost while a toddler was out walking with her mother. Sofia Simpson has been distraught since the toy went missing on September 5 near Queens Park in the city's eastern suburbs

Sofia's anguished parents Trish Ferreira and Russell Simpson (pictured with the 16-month-old) have put up posters in surrounding streets pleading for help finding her toy bunny

Already at least three residents have contacted Ms Ferreira and Mr Simpson after finding toys similar to Sofia's but they have not been the right one.

'I've lost count of the people that have come forward,' Ms Ferreira said.

'It's been a really amazing community effort so many people trying to help and look and even offer their own bunnies.'

One 15-year-old girl offered to give Sofia an identical Jellycat Bashful Beige Bunny she had kept since early childhood but a substitute will not be good enough.

The couple has tried comforting Sofia with a 'back-up' bunny bought four months ago in case the original was ever lost but their daughter was not falling for the ruse.

'She doesn't want a bar of it,' Ms Ferreira said. 'She takes him, smells him and throws him out of the cot.'

Ms Ferreira said a friend had given Sofia the toy shortly after she was born in May last year and his loss had devastated her daughter.

'We call him stinky Bunny,' Ms Ferreira said. 'He's covered in sweat, tears, snot, dog slobber, you name it.

'We don't normally let Bunny out of the house in fear of this,' Ms Ferreira said. 'It's her only comfort. She's never taken to anything else - not a dummy, nothing - it's only ever been Bunny'

Ms Ferreira has retraced the steps of the journey on which Bunny disappeared. She and Sofia set off from their Bondi Junction home and finished at Queens Park playground

'She has many, many other similar looking toys, other bunnies in other colours, but this is the one she chose.

'He's always tucked under her chin. She falls asleep with nothing else in her cot, just Bunny. Every morning she gets up and she's standing in her cot holding Bunny.

'She's still waking up at 5am looking for him. We got so upset seeing how upset she was. It's taken me three days to stop crying myself to be honest.'

The Jellycat Bashful Beige Bunny is freely available online but Sofia wants her own back

Ms Ferreira headed out with Sofia in her pram from the family's home in Mackenzie St, Bondi Junction, about 2pm on September 5.

'We were just very busy on Friday rushing to an appointment,' Ms Ferreira said. 'I didn't realise Dad had given her Bunny.'

Mother and child went down Birrell Street, turned into Bronte Road, then attended a house inspection in Edmund Street after cutting through Henry Street.

'I took her out of the pram and held her the entire time,' Ms Ferreira said. 'I saw she had Bunny in her hand.'

After viewing the house Ms Ferreira put Sofia back in the pram and the pair followed Carrington Road until it meets Darley Road and finished their journey at Queens Park Playground near The Shed cafe.

'As we were packing up to go home about 3.30 I was putting her back in the pram and I suddenly just had this stomach-churning realisation,' Ms Ferreira said.

'Hang on, where's Bunny? I had a look around the pram and I think I just knew. I couldn't find him. She was so distraught.'

A frantic Ms Ferreira called Mr Simpson who cancelled a meeting and drove to join the search. She also rang a real estate agent who contacted the home owner in Edmund Street but Bunny was not there.

It began pouring rain as the couple retraced Ms Ferreira's route, dropping Sofia into her child care centre where staff were horrified that Bunny was gone.

'We looked in bushes, we looked in bins, we looked in people's mail boxes just in case,' Ms Ferreira said. 'We asked people that we saw that are local in the area, "Have you seen a bunny?"'

Back home the night just got worse as Mr Simpson went out searching with a torch and Sofia wept uncontrollably for her lost partner in cuddles.

'It was horrible,' Ms Ferreira said. 'We were cuddling her and she just cried and cried. Eventually she cried herself to sleep.

'That night was pretty horrific. She normally wakes up at seven but she was awake at five. You could see her looking around the cot, searching for him and crying.'

Ms Ferreira got a call from a lady who said she had found Bunny and told her: 'He's got a white tail, floppy ears, the label on the back says Jellycat London.' The family is pictured

The couple pulled out their back-up Bunny but Sofia rejected him as a fraud.

'No matter how much we give her the other bunny she just didn't want it,' Ms Ferreira said. 'Which is funny and heart-wrenching at the same time.

'She just won't take to him. She knows the difference. She knows it's not her Bunny.'

The next morning the couple retraced Ms Ferreira's steps again and left a description of Bunny with their details at Waverley police station.

They printed 25 posters appealing for help and put them up around Queens Park then dropped 10 more in Darley Road letter boxes after a possible sighting.

Strangers posted the appeal for Bunny on Instagram and community Facebook pages, including one for Queens Park's dog walkers.

Ms Ferreira got a call from a lady who said she had found Bunny and told her: 'He's got a white tail, floppy ears, the label on the back says Jellycat London.'

'I ran home crying from relief,' Ms Ferreira said. 'I got to the front of the house and she was definitely holding a bunny.

'It was the same brand. It was so similar but it wasn't Bunny. She had found him on the street. So there's all these bunnies who are missing their owner.'

'We haven't seen any family now since roughly Christmas,' Ms Ferreira said. 'Its been a very long difficult year with COVID as it has been for a lot of people.' Sofia stopped crying for Father's Day (pictured)

At least two other residents - one from Marrickville in the inner-west - had also found similar toys that were not Bunny.

'I got a call from a 15-year-old girl who said, "I saw your posters, I have exactly the same bunny from when I was little and I'd like to give her mine".'

Ms Ferreira took a box of chocolates around to the girl's house. 'I said to her mum, "You should be so proud for a 15-year-old to have that level of empathy".'

Ms Ferreira, a 40-year-old program manager for Centennial Parklands, and Mr Simpson, a 36-year-old town planner, have no other family in Sydney.

'We haven't seen any family now since roughly Christmas,' she said. 'Its been a very long difficult year with COVID as it has been for a lot of people.'

The loss of Bunny has united swathes of the community around Queens Park as the search for Sofia's lost companion goes on. 'We walk down the street and people we don't know recognise us and Sofia in the pram,' Ms Ferreira said. The family is pictured

The loss of Bunny has united swathes of the community around Queens Park as the search for Sofia's lost companion goes on.

'We walk down the street and people we don't know recognise us and Sofia in the pram,' Ms Ferreira said.

'They go, "Have you found him yet?" "We've got one the same if you want" or "That happened to us too".'

'I think that's the best thing that's come out of this. It's just a lovely a sense of community, it's blown me away.'

Ms Ferreira said the sightings of similar bunnies gave her hope Sofia's toy would be found.

'I'm hopeful that he's dropped into a bush or he's somewhere and someone will spot him and maybe give us a call,' she said. 'I just know the reunion would be beautiful.

'We've often asked ourselves in the night when she's gone to bed, "Where are you Bunny?"'

'I half expect to open the front door one morning and he's made his way back, Paddington Bear style. Wherever you are, just come home.'
Pranav Mohanlal and Vineeth Sreenivasan are joining hands for the first time, for the upcoming project Hridayam. The movie, which is said to be an out-out-out emotional drama, marks Vineeth's comeback to direction, after a gap. Recently, Darshana Rajendran, who plays one of the lead roles in Hridayam, opened up about the project.

In a recent interview, Darshana revealed that she is playing a bubbly college student in the movie. Interestingly, the C U Soon actress stated that she felt like a college student all over again while shooting for Hridayam. She also added that Vineeth Sreenivasan has made her do things that she never imagined herself doing, for the film.

Darshana Rajendran is happy with the fact that director Vineeth Sreenivasan completely trusted her for the character, and gave her enough space to perform. The actress stated that the director's faith in her made her very comfortable in the asking of the character. The C U Soon actress also added that it was absolutely fun to share the screen with Pranav Mohanlal, and a bunch of new talents, for the film.

Along with Pranav Mohanlal and Darshana Rajendran, Hridayam will also feature Varane Avashyamund fame actress Kalyani Priyadarshan as one of the protagonists. The Vineeth Sreenivasan directorial will mark the second onscreen collaboration of Pranav and Kalyani, the son of Mohanlal and daughter of Priyadarshan. In that case, the project also marks the first collaboration of the next generation of Mohanlal, Priyadarshan, and Sreenivasan.

Vineeth Sreenivasan himself has penned the story and screenplay for the movie. Anend C Chandran is the DOP. Newcomer Hesham Abdul Vahab composes the music. Hridayam is jointly produced by Visakh Subramaniam and Helen fame actor-writer Noble Babu Thomas, for the renowned banner Merryland Cinemas.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  The Department of Agriculture has partnered with a US business group to boost agricultural investments and trade to help jumpstart the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement on Monday, the department said Agriculture Secretary William Dar met with US-ASEAN Business Council President Alex Feldman via teleconference on September 3, during which they also signed a memorandum of understanding to institutionalize the partnership and strengthen agricultural cooperation.

Aside from trade and investment, the DA said the agreement also includes cooperation in livestock production and animal health, agricultural technology and digital agriculture, food safety, and inclusive business and sustainability.

Dar said he hopes the partnership can help build a more resilient food system for better livelihood, nutrition, and health. He also said it would be better to accelerate digital transformation in agriculture to come up with new revenue streams and help improve livelihood in rural communities.

There is a great opportunity to grow Philippine agribusiness more, not only at this time of the pandemic, but continuously over the longer term, Dar said. We need a strong agribusiness sector to achieve inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, and keep our people food secure.

During the teleconference, Dar also informed members of the business group about DAs recovery plan for the agribusiness sector as it enters the new normal, include attracting investments in agriculture, fisheries, post-harvest facilities, and food logistics.

The US-ASEAN Business Council is an advocacy group for US companies that aims to promote economic growth and trade relations between the US and countries in Southeast Asia.
The presidential election is less than two months away, but before Americans cast their ballots, Republican nominee President Donald Trump will face Democrat Joe Biden in a series of debates.

Three presidential debates are planned, plus one additional event for vice presidential candidates Mike Pence and Kamala Harris.

The first presidential debate is planned for Tuesday, Sept. 29 in Cleveland. The second debate is set for Oct. 15 in Miami. The third is Oct. 22 in Nashville.

Debates will be held from 9-10:30 p.m. EST with no commercials.

The first debate will be hosted by Chris Wallace of Fox News. Steve Scully of C-Span will moderate the second debate with NBCs Kristen Welker will host the final event. The vice-presidential debate, planned for Salt Lake City, Utah, will be moderated by USA Todays Susan Page.

At the first debate, topics will be selected by Wallace, with six segments of approximately 15 minutes each.

Wallace is no stranger to presidential debates, moderating the third debate between Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016.

The U.S. election will be held Nov. 3.
A n 80-year-old man who went missing while out walking in the Yorkshire Dales has appeared at a press conference three days after his disappearance.

Harry Harvey was reported missing after becoming separated from an organised walking trip in north Yorkshire on Saturday.

A major search effort was launched which included members of the RAF, the police and rescue dogs.

But, at lunchtime on Tuesday, he was found by a wildlife photographer who noticed Mr Harvey waving at her, police said.

Harry Harvey, 80, explained how he braved the elements / The Tan Hill Inn

He was then driven to the the nearby Tan Hill Inn where his family had organised a press conference.

They had gathered at the pub to make an impassioned plea for help to find him. Instead, they were treated to an emotional reunion.

Explaining his ordeal to reporters Mr Harvey, from Tynemouth, said: "I just got separated by getting caught in a really heavy hailstorm, a howling gale of wind.

"By the time I got my kit on it was getting really dark, so I missed what I would say was a turning.

I had a plan B straight away: find somewhere safe to camp, put my tent up, keep warm, and that was it.

The family were reunited at the Tan Hill Inn  the highest pub in the UK / PA

Inspector Mark Gee of North Yorkshire police said it was fantastic that Mr Harvy had been found safe and well.

I want to thank all the search volunteers for their time, as well as gamekeepers, estate owners, farmers and local residents for their help and understanding, he said.

Thanks also to the Tan Hill, who looked after the volunteers and Mr Harveys family.

At 1,732 feet (528m) above sea level, the inn is famous for being Britains highest pub.

Mr Harvey was reported missing at 1.30pm on Sunday and police said they thought he had probably got lost during the organised trip.

Officers said he was an experienced walker who was carrying camping gear, but were very concerned due to his age and the poor weather.
A pair of San Antonio anglers reeled in what they are calling a "river monster" last week near Three Rivers Lake.

Daniel Uriegas told mySA.com he and his friend Mark Sanmiguel caught a 6-foot-5-inch alligator gar on Aug. 31 at Choke Canyon, which is a reservoir about 88 miles south of San Antonio.

Uriegas, who has a side business in which he takes clients on fishing trips, said his friend really wanted to catch a gar, so he decided to take him out on the lake. That day, Uriegas said the two caught eight small alligators gar before catching the 6-foot-5-inch gar.

'BRIEF RELIEF' INCOMING: A cold front could hit parts of Houston this week

"We ended up landing ourselves a river monster," he said about the gar, which he estimates is about 125 pounds.

The fight between the gar and the anglers was about 13 minutes, Uriegas said, adding that they had to use a rope after hooking it to get the gar on the boat.

"That was the difficult part," Uriegas said about getting the gar on the boat. "They are really big fish and have a lot of power, and they will fight until they can't anymore."

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The anglers harvested the meat and ended up with about 40 to 50 pounds of meat, Uriegas said.

During his fishing trips, Uriegas said the largest he's ever caught was a 6-foot-8-inch alligator gar.

Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre
COVID-19: Union Minister urges Piyush Goyal to relaunch Shramik Special trains from Odisha

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

Bhubaneswar, Sep 08: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, seeking his intervention to relaunch the now-suspended services of Shramik Special trains from Odisha to other states to facilitate return of migrant workers to their places of work.

In a letter to Goyal, the petroleum and steel minister said he has received many representations from migrant labourers in the state, seeking resumption of such special train services to Gujarat, Maharashtra and other states.

Coronavirus crisis: 43 inmates of Muzaffarnagar jails test positive for COVID-19

"As you would be aware, there was a mass exodus of migrant workers from states like Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra to Odisha in the wake of nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. With the efforts of the Railway Ministry, thousands of workers across the country could reach their home towns by Shramik Special trains and the same was appreciated widely," Pradhan said.

"There is a need to resume train services for migrant workers so that they can go back to their workplaces," he said, adding that these labourers have expressed their plight due to unavailability of jobs.

Covid-19: China asks Indian students to stay in touch with their Chinese colleges for info to return

"I am informed that even though some employers are willing to offer bus transport service from Odisha, due to the prevailing monsoon conditions, a long and arduous journey via road is neither feasible nor safe," Pradhan said in his letter.

"I request your intervention for restarting of Shramik Express Trains from Odisha to states like Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra at the earliest," he added.

Pradhan's letter came after eight migrant workers, who were on their way from Odisha's Ganjam to Surat in Gujarat, were killed and several injured when the bus carrying them met with an accident in Chhattisgarh last week.

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 13:51 [IST]
Pakistani Christian man arrested on blasphemy charges after Quran pages found in drain

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Police in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province arrested a Christian man on charges of blasphemy after residents alleged they found pages torn from a Quran inside a drain. While it's unknown how he could have done it, the man is now facing life in prison if found guilty.

David Masih, a Christian from the Kachi Line area of Risalpure neighborhood, was arrested Sunday and charged with committing blasphemy under Section 295-B of Pakistans Penal Code, the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern reported.

Masih was arrested three days after someone posted a video of pages of a Quran lying in a drain on social media and it reportedly went viral.

While police say they have started investigating, they have not released any evidence linking Masih to the desecrated Quran.

The abuse of Pakistans blasphemy laws must be curbed, ICCs Regional Manager for South Asia, William Stark, said. Too often these laws have been a tool in the hands of extremists seeking to stir up religiously motivated violence against minority communities. Without real reform, religious minorities, including Christians, will face more false blasphemy accusations and the extreme violence that often accompanies these accusations.

Christians are often targeted both by Pakistans blasphemy laws meant to protect Islamic sensitivities and by hardliners who carry out violence and have killed scores of believers in the past several years.

The blasphemy law, embedded in Sections 295 and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code, is frequently misused for personal revenge. It carries no provision to punish a false accuser or a false witness of blasphemy.

The law is also used by Islamist extremists to target religious minorities  Christians, Shias, Ahmadiyyas and Hindus.

A Christian man recently charged with blasphemy for making a theological argument on Facebook that Muslims deemed insulting toward the Islamic prophet Muhammad is now facing a potential death sentence for the post.

The London-based Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement, an interdenominational aid agency serving persecuted Christians in Muslim-majority Pakistan, earlier reported that Sohail Masih in the Nowshera Virkan area in Punjab province was arrested on Aug. 5.

Following a protest by a crowd of enraged Muslims who heard about Masihs comment online, police officially charged Masih under sections 295-A and 295-C of the Pakistani Penal Code.

Efforts by some of the countrys prominent leaders to repeal or amend the law have gone in vain.

A Pakistani Christian, Shahbaz Bhatti, who was an elected member of the National Assembly, was assassinated in March 2011 for his efforts to repeal the law. Minister of Minority Affairs, Bhatti was murdered two months after Punjabs Governor Salman Taseer was assassinated for his advocacy for Pakistani Christian woman Asia Bibi, who had been convicted by a trial court for blasphemy and was released in 2019.

Pakistan is ranked as the fifth-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USAs 2020 World Watch List.

At the U.S. State Departments 2019 Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, Pakistani rights activist Shaan Taseer said that there are as many as 200 people jailed in Pakistan on blasphemy charges.
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, (PCG) Rt. Rev Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, has called on Ghanaians to demonstrate their love and compassion towards one another to ensure national unity.



The Moderator said for the nation to develop, there was the need for Ghanaians to love each other, unite and fight for a common goal.



Rt. Rev. Prof. Mante made the call in a sermon at a church service to dedicate new chapel for the Prince of Peace Congregation at Adweso-Abogri near Koforidua in the Eastern Region on Sunday.



Preaching on the theme; Love one another the Moderator said Christ stood for peace, unity and love, and that Ghanaians must show such attitude to their neighbours.



He said as the nation prepares for the 2020 general elections, it is important for politicians and Ghanaians in general to eschew vices such as hate speech, ethnocentric statements aim at dividing the nation and insults.



Rt. Rev Prof. Mante indicated that hate speech, ethnocentric statements and insults.and other deviant practices were eating deep into the successes of the country.



The Moderator also urged Ghanaians to cultivate the spirit of love for peace, harmonious living, national tolerance and sustainable development.



He explained that it was only when Ghanaians longed and desired for peace that they would respect each other's views and work together for the wellbeing of all the citizenry.



The Rt. Rev. Prof. Mante advised the congregation to see the dedication of the magnificent edifice as a period to reach out to people who did not know Jesus Christ and prepare them for His second coming.



Dedicating the building which was attended by a number of personalities, Ministers of the Gospel and worshippers from the Congregations in and around Adweso District of the Church, the Moderator stressed the need for church members to be properly accommodated in a serene atmosphere.



The construction of the building was fully funded by Nana Adjei Twene I Chief Executive Officer of the Mac-Dic Royal Plaza Hotel Limited in Koforidua and his family.



The Moderator commended Nana Adjei Twene and his family for their commitment and dedication to the Church over the years more especially for putting up the building for worship.



The Moderator called on the leadership of the congregation to maintain the structure. He said, failure to have regular maintenance would derail all the toil and sweat of the donors.



Nana Adjei Twene I in a speech said the building was a donation from the family to support Gods work in the area. He said he was touched by the spirit of the Lord to support His work.



The Moderator was accompanied by the Akuapem Presbytery Chairperson of the Church, Rev Ismael Dometey Asare, Rev Raymond Baah Abeka, Adweso District Minister and Mr. Robert Adu Mante, Akuapem Presbytery Ray Representative on the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.







Source: Presbyterian Church of Ghana









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I think the resiliency and perseverance we have seen from the American people in the face of the health crisis gives me hope towards unifying our nation, said Taylor Radell, C22, a political science and economics major who participated in the American Enterprise Institutes Summer Honors Programan intensive, fully funded educational and professional development opportunity for top undergraduate students.

Radell is one of several Mount Fellows and Honors Program students who secured prestigious internships this summer. Despite changes, challenges, cancellations and the coronavirus, these students continued to thrive as they adapted and learned from their experiences.

Taylor Radell, C22

Radell attended the virtual one-week seminar alongside students with diverse ideological backgrounds to discuss and debate the most pressing issues facing the country and the world with the goal of providing students with a deeper understanding of contemporary public policy, appreciation for dialogue across ideological divides and networks to pursue a career in policy. Radall attended virtual classes alongside 15-20 students from around the world. Her class, taught by Mary Hirschfeld, Ph.D., of Villanova University, examined Are Markets Moral? In Search of a Humane Economy for the Initiative on Faith and Public Life series.

Throughout the weeklong seminar, my class and I dissected papal encyclicals, foundational articles in the field of economics and the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas as well as other prominent sources to uncover how foundational moral principles can better coexist with a flourishing market economy, she said. The intensive pushed us to consider capitalism in a moral context and how we as Christians can better engage with markets while adhering to Church teachings.

Radell also participated in the United Nations Intensive Summer Study Program, a weeklong virtual intensive which she says gave her an opportunity to directly interact and engage with current U.N. practitioners, peacekeepers, and ambassadors. Each day she heard from speakers on different topics ranging from U.S. and U.N relations to the U.N.s inner workings.

I found talks with the former ambassadors and the press secretary for the secretary general to be most interesting and insightful as to how the assembly actually operates, she said.

Rachel Wheeler, C22

Fellow classmate Rachel Wheeler, who also participated in the United Nations Intensive Summer Study Program, was the one who told Radell about the opportunity. I believe programs such as this one, which encourage people to stay informed and stay educated about the current state of the world will help unify the nation as we work together to acknowledge and resolve problems, Wheeler said.

The international studies and English major with a minor in Spanish said the program was supposed to take place at Seton Hall University and the United Nations headquarters in New York.

I believe the work of the U.N. is extremely important in world peace, improving standards of living across the globe, and social progress, and effective in that all the U.N. member states have agreed to develop and work for the sustainable development goals, Wheeler said.

Wheeler currently serves as a first responder; shes a patrol ranger for a private lake community, Lake Naomi Club, in the Pocono Mountains.

Matthew McDonald, C21

Just as Wheeler and Radell completed their program, Matthew McDonald was beginning his eight-week hybrid summer internship as part of the Cyber and SIGINT Solutions Division of the Intelligence group for Leidos. The mathematics and computer science major with a minor in data science was originally accepted, and planned to attend, a summer program with the National Security Agency. When the program was canceled in March due to the pandemic, he contacted the program manager at Leidos, where he interned last summer, and was welcomed back.

As part of the Cyber and SIGINT Solutions Division of the Intelligence group for Leidos, his on-site work was for a government contract and his at-home work explored Android research.

The goal was to create a comprehensive outline of the behaviors of the biometric authentication mechanism running on Google Pixel phones while looking for any vulnerabilities that could be exploited, he explained. We learned to use reverse engineering and analysis software such as Frida and Radare2 to decompile and analyze low-level behaviors of the biometric mechanisms.

He says learning binary and low-level code in the Computer Architecture course helped prepare him for this project. Thank you to Dr. (Brian) Heinold and Professor (Rebecca) Portier for writing more letters of recommendation than I can remember and Dr. (Jamie) Gianoutsos who has been an amazing mentor throughout, he said. Associate Professor of History Jamie Gianoutsos, Ph.D., is director of the Office of Competitive Fellowships.

Portier connected him to the National Security Scholars Program, whose partners include Geon Technologies, Leidos, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, the National Security Agency, and more.

Being anywhere in person feels like a special opportunity at this point, McDonald acknowledged. The pandemic has slowed down my life during my time as a college student, certainly when it feels it is moving the fastest. It has helped turn person-to-person interaction into a real source of joy for me.

Collin Nji, C23

Collin Nji completed a 100% remote internship at CSET, a policy research organization within Georgetown Universitys Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service. The internship selection process involved four rounds of interviews over the span of three months.

Nji, who studies computer science and data science, already has a plenitude of impressive internships and accomplishments. Last summer he interned at Enforme Interactive in Frederick, Maryland. He also completed internships at FunNode, a startup in San Francisco, JUV Consulting, a marketing company in New York, and Google DeepMind Technologies in London where he was a visiting student.

CSET produces data-driven research at the intersection of security and technology, providing nonpartisan analysis to the public community. Its current focus is on artificial intelligence and government policy recommendations for emerging technologies, he summarized. Daily tasks included writing and testing code, attending meetings with his project manager, learning about Natural Language Processing models and preparing data for machine learning tasks.

I learned how to approach problems from the standpoint of breaking down the problem and looking for multiple solutions rather than looking for a single solution to a more complex problem, he said. I also learned how to run various experiments using data, which was quite fun. Nji said he was afforded various career-enhancing opportunities from attending talks about cybersecurity and the involvement of China in American foreign policy to talking with coworkers about their graduate school experiences.

Id like to thank Dr. Gianoutsos for introducing me to Dr. Sulmeyer. Without that initial introduction, I dont think all of this would have been possible, Nji shared.

Gianoutsos and Sulmeyer, who spoke at the Mount last year, are both Marshall Scholars. Sulmeyer, is the Belfer Centers Cyber Security Project director at the Harvard Kennedy School. He served as the director for plans and operations for cyber policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and previously worked on arms control and the maintenance of strategic stability between the United States, Russia and China.

Nji admitted the pandemic gave him time and space. He learned to play a musical instrument. Although I did have moments of personal growth, it was initially tough to accept the fact that the pandemic has changed the fabric of society, and things will simply never be the same.

Unsure of what his undoubtedly bright future will hold, he does know he wants to use his knowledge in technology to help the people in his community. My dream job is any job that can make this aspiration a reality, he said.

Harry Scherer, C22

Harry Scherer, who is studying philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) and history with minors in theology and Latin, had a busy summer. His work with Vision for Life was mostly remote, but in-person work included attending board meetings, visiting pregnancy medical centers and assisting with the production of video advertisements. Scherer says Vision for Life is an all-volunteer nonprofit headquartered in Pittsburgh that provides advertising for pregnancy medical centers. His research centered on a study of abortion and STD statistics in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas.

The most convincing finding from my research is that incidences of abortion in the Pittsburgh area have declined more rapidly since 2010 when Vision for Life started advertising than incidences of abortion in other large urban areas in the same time period, explained Scherer.

This summer Scherer also participated in the Richard Macksey National Undergraduate Humanities Research Symposium hosted by Johns Hopkins University. Scherers participation was funded by the Office of Competitive Fellowships. Scherer presented his scholarship, which was submitted and accepted, based on a paper he wrote last fall in Associate Professor of Philosophy Richard Buck, Ph.D.s Liberalism course. The paper was titled Capitalism as the Bride of Liberalism: How Philosophy Impacted Economic Thought.

The thesis of the paper was that classical liberalism and modern capitalism are inseparably linked and that the economic inequality that can be attributed to modern implementations of pure capitalism harms the liberal claim that its system promotes freedom, equality and fairness, he said. In order to make this argument, I used the writings of John Locke, John Rawls, C.B. Macpherson, Pope Pius XI, Bishop Fulton Sheen and some other recent scholarship. The paper is currently under review by the editorial board at The Macksey Journal and pending approval.

Scherer was also part of The American Enterprise Institutes Summer Honors Program that Taylor Radell attended. His course about Liberal Education in an Age of Distraction was part of their Initiative of Faith and Public Life. The virtual, one-week course was taught by professors of political science at Baylor University, David Corey, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Corey, Ph.D.

Throughout the course, we read and discussed foundational texts written by Pieper, Oakeshott, Marcuse, Friere and others. I marveled at the knowledge and eloquence of my professors and peers and I was blessed just to be part of such a cohort, he added.

Finally, he participated in the Gilder Fellows Seminar. Organized by the Discovery Institutes Center on Wealth, Poverty and Morality, two three-hour seminars with two one-hour lunches were held with George Gilder, co-founder of the Discovery Institute and a prolific writer and economist.

It was an honor to be able to learn from national thought leaders on some of the most pressing issues our generation faces, Scherer said.

This coronavirus experience has taught me a little bit (or a lot) about patience, the importance of real social interaction, the fact that not everyone thinks in the same way about common experiences and the importance of balancing a recognition of my own ideas with a charitable consideration and encounter with those of others, Scherer reflected.

Rebekah Balick, C22

An international studies and history major with a minor in Spanish, Rebekah Balick completed a summer internship with The Heritage Foundation. Due to the pandemic, rather than a more traditional internship role, her work included reading and research, similar to a class experience or fellowship program.

I felt very welcomed in my program and felt inspired to pursue a higher level of intellectual scholarship due to the influence of the people I met, she said. They have outstanding research fellows and staff who have some of the best minds in D.C., and their policy proposals are thorough, sensible, backed by research, and published with a genuine care and concern for this nation.

Through readings and recorded lectures, she familiarized herself with the policy world and the work of the foundation. Our main task was the completion of our capstone project in a chosen policy area, where we worked with Heritage fellows and used our own research to present a policy proposal for an issue we are passionate about, she shared.

Balick credits her success and contributions to the capstone project, which she led, to her classroom experience because she was comfortable talking about policy and expressing her views. I also think my experiences in church and different communities have encouraged me to form strong, informed opinions on controversial issuesso I was familiar with different sides of certain topics and the discussions happening, she said.

Balick learned how a think tank operates, the different jobs in the policy world and many research, editorial, communication and leadership skills.

I strongly believe in Americas model of democracy and its commitment to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and equality, she said. The principles in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence are timeless in my opinion and represent a higher calling to virtue for American citizens. I also am passionate about civil society in America and believe that building support for solid families and small communities is the best way to heal divisions and solve problems in our country. Despite our failings, I believe we are indeed One nation under God and ought to lead the world by our example.
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New Delhi: Sushant Singh Rajput's US-based sister Shweta Singh Kirti has slammed Rhea Chakraborty over the police complaint she filed against her siblings Priyanka and Meetu Singh. Shweta called the FIR 'fake' and said, "Nothing's gonna break us, definitely not this fake FIR!"

On Monday, Rhea filed a police complaint against Priyanka, Meetu and a Delhi-based doctor for sharing a "bogus" medical prescription for the late star. She claimed that these people hatched a conspiracy and obtained false prescription on the letterhead of a government hospital for banned medicines and administered the same to Sushant without supervising doses and quantity.

Later, the Mumbai Police registered an FIR against Priyanka, Meetu and others for abetment to suicide and criminal conspiracy by prescribing Sushant medicines banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

In accordance with the orders of the Supreme Court, this case has been transferred to CBI for further investigation.

Meanwhile, Rhea is being questioned by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in a drug case linked to Sushant's death. Today is the third day of interrogation.

(With PTI inputs)
Blackhawk, who authorities said at the time was stabbed in 7400 block of South Parnell Avenue, near where she lived, was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Prosecutors said Clifton was arrested on Saturday about a week and a half after the attack.
The personal information of some Oregon State University students and faculty members may have been compromised during a computer security breach, officials said.

A hacker accessed a computer server for the universitys Ecampus online education program this summer, gaining access to records containing the names and OSU email addresses of about 1,700 students and faculty.

The university made the announcement on Thursday and said in some cases, 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, Clark added.

OSU has since 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.

Clark said such cyberattacks are becoming more common. The last computer security breach at OSU happened in May 2019 and affected 630 records.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Cyber Education Oregon Universities
A month after Harry Jowsey asked Francesca Farago to marry him with a Ring Pop during the Too Hot to Handle reunion, Netflixs hottest couple announced their split. That was about three months ago. Since then, Farago and Jowsey have been doing their best to move on.

Frankie recently posted a video to her YouTube channel where she answered fans most burning questions, including those about her ex. Heres what she had to say.

Harry Jowsey and Francesca Farago | Netflix

Francesca and Harry have not kept in touch since their breakup

Farago took to YouTube after she kept receiving the same questions from fans. Many of those questions were about her current relationship with Jowsey.

Harry and I have not spoken one word to each other in months, she says in the video. He sent me one message months ago. Zero contact. Im blocked on everything. Zero. Zero contact whatsoever. None. So if that answers any more questions if were gonna get back together, if were still in contact, if we still talk, if we miss each other, its gonna be a hard no.

The reality star went on to say that the relationship is dead to [her].

I look back at that point in my life and its very sad to think about someone that meant so much to me just disintegrated so quickly out of my life, she continued. Its insane to think about how one day you think youre gonna get married and then the next day youre just not. Its just sad.

RELATED: How Francesca Farago Feels About Her Parents Watching Too Hot to Handle

Farago says theres a chance she and Harry will be friends in the future. But its not very likely.

I wouldnt hate that, she said. But theres a lot of bad blood. Theres a lot of bad blood. I dont wish him any ill will. I do wish him the best now that Im kind of over what happened. It took a while and I was kind of bitter. Its really hard not to be bitter and its really hard to not be kind of petty because when youre really heartbroken like that you just dont know how to act.

The Too Hot to Handle star says she regrets how some of her breakup with Harry played out.

Theres no rulebook to guide you through this new publicity type of breakup situation, she said. And I didnt really have anyone in PR helping me and me and him were kind of just like going at it. I regret a lot of things that happened, I dont know from his end if he does, but I hope that there is no more drama because it was really hard to deal with.

Farago also requested that her fans stop asking [her] about Harry. Shes ready to move on.

Francesca is currently dating someone

The reality star also received a lot of questions from fans about her current love life. She confirmed that she is dating someone but wants to keep his identity a secret for now.

RELATED: Too Hot to Handle: Who Is Going to Make the Most Money From Instagram Advertising Now That the Show Has Aired?

Yeah, Im dating someone, kind of, sort of, a little bit. Im not gonna mention his name, she said. This person and I got really close recently.

Unfortunately, Farago just left the states to head back to her home, Canada, and shes worried about how the time apart will affect her new relationship.

This person and I are very, very new and now Im leaving. So its gonna put whatever this is that we have to the test. So I guess well see, she said.
Welcome to your guide for spending a day exploring the gorgeous city of Rome and only taking a small handful of money with you. This is Exploring Rome on a budget!

Please note, this guide is designed assuming you have already arrived in Rome, have accomodation organised with a free breakfast included and you aren't interested in dining throughout the day.

Additionally, the fees to enter the Colosseum, Sistene chapel and Musei Vaticani are currently 12 respectively for an adult, therefore, if you are satisfied just seeing the outside of each, you will save 36 on the day.

Lastly, Rome is easily navigated by foot, so if you want to save yourself further money, or enjoy walking, then the following information regarding public transport can be disregarded and please feel free to tailor this guide to suit your walking pace.

Rise and shine!

First thing's first. Get showered, pack a backpack with all the essentials, get down to the free breakfast and let's get going. Don't forget to fill up your water bottle!

The free breakfast provided by some accomodation choices is the hidden key to getting the most out of your accomodation. Although basic, usually the food provided is nutritious, filling and won't go bad during the day, therefore, without breaking any hotel rules (usually it's fine) it is advisable to grab a piece of fruit or two and perhaps a bread roll or croissant if they are available. Always handy to have in the backpack on a day of exploration.

First call of business

7 for a 24-hour pass. Grab one of those and validate it straight away. Once that's done, your travel around the city is organised for the entire day. Head to a train, bus or tram station nearest to your hotel and organise a metro pass. These are quite cheap, only costingGrab one of those and validate it straight away. Once that's done, your travel around the city is organised for the entire day.

Rome has 2 main train lines that run through the city, A and B (with a new line C in progress). These connect a large amount of the city and will cover all the main attractions on offer.

If you've chosen the walking option, go you! Simply get going and head to the furthest attraction from your hotel, so as to gradually make your way back towards your accomodation as the day progresses.

It is always advantageous to visit the main attractions such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain etc., during the early or late parts of the day so as to avoid the enormous crowds and enhance your experience. Ph: Photointoto / Shutterstock.com

Morning adventures

Take this first part of the day to explore the previously mentioned attractions and be sure to give yourself the proper time to explore and photograph them.

They are world famous for a reason and they have well and truly earned their reputations. The Colosseum and Roman Forum can be accessed via bus, tram or train, all of which have stops dedicated to this spot.

Depending on what is the easiest to access from your accomodation, take your chosen transport method to the 'Colosseo' stop and there you'll find the most visited attraction in the world.

Within a 10 minutes walk of the Colosseum, there is also the Roman Forum, as mentioned, the Arch Di Constantine, the Mouth of Truth , Circus Maximus and an enormous range of other ancient ruins. Ph: PalSand / Shutterstock.com

Break time (but only briefly)

North-west of this area, around 25 minutes by foot or 10 minutes by bus (line 87) is the Parione area . In this "Rione" you will find the incredible Piazza Navona , containing museums, restaurants, cafes, Neptune's Fountain, along with some beautiful churches and other facilities.

Find a quick on-the-go lunch here, like an enormous yet delicious slice of takeaway pizza, a focaccia, a salad etc ., have yourself a quick rest, use the facilities (fill up that water bottle!) and then it's time to go!

Afternoon adventures

Less than 3 minutes east of Piazza Navona on foot is the Pantheon , a beautiful piece of architecture built somewhere between 118 and 125 A.D, a must see!

Another very short walk, north-east of the Pantheon, Il Tempio Di Adriano can be found. An old temple with columns similar to those of the Pantheon, this building is now a conference center, but the facade is worth the detour.

Continuing east on foot (hopefully you have some change from lunch) you'll find the Trevi Fountain ! Completed in 1762, this spot needs a moment to soak in how incredibly detailed the figures are.

Once you've tossed in your coin, made your wish and snapped some photos, head north where you'll find the Spanish Steps as well as the surrounding Piazza di Spagna . A stunning area with a great view from the top of the steps. Here there is the metro station 'Spagna,' for those with metro passes. Those without, you're in for a decent, yet beautiful walk. Take the Metro line from 'Spagna' to 'Ottaviano' and you're now a short walk away from the smallest country in the world! Ph: sancastro / Shutterstock.com

Late afternoons in a new country

The Vatican City is merely 0.44 square kilometres (0.17 square miles) and hence claims the title as the smallest country in the world.

Making a lot of its tiny space, however, Vatican City contains some very famous architecture, works of art and events. Being the location of Easter mass held by the pope each year, Vatican City draws around 80,000 people for that particular service in Saint Peter's Square.

You can enter the country and Saint Peter's Basilica for free, however seeing the amazing contents of the museum, as well as the inside of the Sistine Chapel will cost you (around 24 for an adult). Ph: RPBaiao / Shutterstock.com

As the sun goes down

panoramic views of the amazing city you just spent the day exploring and is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset and unwind after a huge day. After spending time in your second country for the day, it's time to wind down. A gorgeous 20 minute walk south of Vatican City (suggested that even public transport users take this walk and also suggested that you walk along the river), you'll find Janiculum Terrace . This particular location providesyou just spent the day exploring and is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset and unwind after a huge day.

There are facilities and a bar so you can freshen up and choose to treat yourself to an aperitivo after a day of spending very little if you like. After the sun disappears, it's time to head back to the accomodation and get some much deserved rest whilst looking through your photo collection.

If you can master this way of travelling in Rome, then there is absolutely no reason why you couldn't apply the same formula to travelling other parts of the world. All of a sudden, those amazing places you've only ever dreamed of visiting seem a little more within your grasp.

Top ph: Catarina Belova / Shutterstock.com
Although much about the 2020 racing season has been unusual, Clinton Raceway will wrap things up on a traditional note this coming Sunday (Sept. 6) with its annual Charity Drivers' Challenge in support of the Clinton branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

This is the 40th year weve done it, and wed actually planned on having a special event this year and inviting up all the drivers that ever drove in it for a reunion of sorts, but COVIDs kind of changed that; its put that off for a year, but were still planning on having a good day, said general manager Ian Fleming. We wont have the people there, but well still get our audience watching online and well get some good donations for the Clinton Legion. Every cause is a good one, but around Clinton that seems to be an extra-good cause. Theyre fighting to keep them open these days, so if we can help out in some way its a good thing.

The 2020 edition of the Charity Drivers' Challenge features the top five money-earning reinsmen in Canada, Bob McClure, Doug McNair, Sylvain Filion, Jody Jamieson and Trevor Henry, and the top three drivers from the 2020 Clinton Raceway season, Brett MacDonald, Austin Sorrie and Travis Henry.

McClure, who has steered his drives to 160 wins and $3.7 million in purses this season, has been shut out in each of his challenge appearances thus far, but the resident of Rockwood, Ontario is hoping that 2020 is the year his luck changes.

I havent had real great luck in the draw department, but heres hoping this year changes that, said McClure. But at the end of the day were all there to support and were going to have some fun. Its good that Clinton is still putting that on. Its important, because the legion still needs some local support whether COVID-19 exists or not, so were happy to go forth and do our part.

Filion heads into the challenge as the reigning champion and Jamieson, Henry and McNair all have multiple titles, meaning McClure is the only Woodbine Mohawk Park regular without a win, which is a statistic he would dearly like to remedy on Sunday. The reinsman may have a Hambletonian title on his resume, but he said charity driving challenge titles hold special sway in the competitive Ontario driving colony.

Theres more competition in that, when youre donating your five per cent, than when youre going for $100,000. Its an extreme amount of bragging rights, said McClure. The trophy you win isnt near as good as the bragging rights you get for beating the other guys, so thats what were gunning for.

The drivers will compete in eight races and will earn points based on where they finish in each race. The top point earner is declared the champion, along with the Clinton Legion, which will receive all the driver commissions generated in the six races.

Well get $2,000 or $3,000 out of that and then weve got sponsors for every race, said Fleming. Generally, we raise about $10,000, but were hoping to raise $7,000 with no people, well well have 100 people here, but thats a couple thousand less than what we normally have.

This event is a testament to the drivers that drive in it, really. I mean this is somewhere that they come and they know theyre not going to get paid, Fleming continued. Weve raised over $325,000 doing this, and its on the backs of the horsepeople that bring the horses for them to drive and the drivers that are working for nothing.

In addition to the annual Charity Drivers Challenge, Clinton Raceways season finale will also feature the fourth Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots leg for the two-year-old pacing fillies. The action will get underway at 1:30 p.m. and fans can follow both events by downloading a program and watching the live stream on the Clinton Raceway website.

(Clinton Raceway)
Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) President Paul Grod has noted the important role of the organized Ukrainian diaspora in strengthening the global support for Ukraine.

He said this during a virtual meeting with the Member of the European Parliament, former Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, according to the UWC website.

UWC is committed to further strengthen the international coalitions in support of Ukraines reform and European integration strategic agenda. Ukrainian communities in the EU, united by UWC, are crucial in the grassroots advocacy effort for Ukraine, working with their MEPs, their home governments, parliaments and civil society leaders, Grod said.

The meeting was also attended by UWC Foreign Policy Council Chair-former Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine Roman Waschuk, Executive Director of the UWC Mariia Kupriianova, and the UWC office representatives in Brussels Igor Chocholak and Anna Yavorska.

The UWC president thanked MEP Kubilius for his continued support for Ukraine.

Kubilius stressed the significance of developing a strong foreign policy strategy for Ukraine and building international coalitions of support, providing historical examples and parallels from Lithuania. They also discussed the roadmap for further European integration of Ukraine, as well as the pace of reforms in Ukraine.

The participants highlighted the prominent role Ukraine plays in the EU Eastern Partnership.

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After-Tax NPV of C$423M, 25.2% IRR at US$1,450/oz Gold

Figure 1

Projected Annual and Cumulative LOM Post-Tax Unlevered Free Cash Flow

Projected Annual and Cumulative LOM Post-Tax Unlevered Free Cash Flow

Table 5

PEA Mine Plan Pit Sequencing

PEA Mine Plan Pit Sequencing

Figure 2

Projected LOM Production (koz)

Projected LOM Production (koz)

O3 MINING PEA WEBINAR TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 @9:00 AM EST.

To join the webinar, register here .



TORONTO, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- O3 Mining Inc. (TSX.V:OIII) ("O3 Mining" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce positive results from the independent preliminary economic assessment ("PEA"), prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), for its 100% owned Marban project at the Malartic property, in the world-class mining region of Val D'Or in Quebec, Canada.

With the PEA now complete, O3 Mining will begin working on a pre-feasibility study to advance the Marban project towards production as part of a staged development strategy while continuing its aggressive drilling programs aimed to maximize value creation for shareholders.

PEA Highlights*

Long-term Gold Price of US$1,450/oz

Exchange rate of C$1.00 = US$0.74

After-tax net present value ("NPV") (discount rate 5%) of $423 million

After-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") of 25.2%

After-tax payback period 4.0 years

Initial capital of ("CAPEX") of $256 million including mine preproduction, processing, infrastructure (roads, power line relocation, tailings facility, ancillary buildings, and water management)

Life of mine ( "LOM") of 15.2 years

Average LOM strip ratio (W:O) of 5.9:1

Total production of 60,356 kt of mill feed yielding 1.8 Moz Au

Average annual gold production of 115,000 oz

Average gold mill head grade of 1.13 g/t in years 1 to 10 (0.97 g/t for LOM)

Average recovery of 93.7%

Measured and indicated mineral resource of 54,151 kt at a 1.10 g/t Au grade

Cash cost of US$741/oz

All-in sustaining cost ("AISC") of US$822/oz

Story continues

* All figures are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

** Cautionary Statement: The reader is advised that the PEA summarized in this news release is intended to provide only an initial, high-level review of the project potential and design options. The PEA mine plan and economic model include numerous assumptions and the use of inferred mineral resources. Inferred mineral resources are considered to be too speculative to be used in an economic analysis except as allowed for by NI 43-101 for PEA studies. There is no guarantee that inferred mineral resources can be converted to indicated or measured mineral resources, and as such, there is no guarantee the project economics described herein will be achieved.

The O3 Mining team is pleased to present the results of a PEA on its Marban Project, which unequivocally demonstrates the potential of O3 Mining to become a major North American gold producer, with a positive after-tax IRR of 25.2% and an after-tax NPV of C$423 million. The PEA supports an 11,000 tonnes per day open pit project with production spanning 15.2 years with robust economics at a US$1,450/oz gold price, with very attractive cash costs and AISC, low CAPEX and low capital intensity. The first 12 years will target production in excess of 130,000 ounces gold per year peaking at more than 161,000 ounces in Year 9.

"Marban has shown potential to become a highly profitable gold mine in one of the most prolific producing regions in Canada, supported with a PEA produced by the Ausenco team, one of the most experienced and reputable engineering firms working on gold projects in Canada. The Marban Geological team has demonstrated the ability to identify an abundance of gold resources over a very short period. The ongoing drill program will continue to add to and upgrade resources as we seek to move the project forward towards production," commented Jose Vizquerra, President, CEO and Director of O3 Mining.

O3 Mining believes the Marban property has the geological potential to extend the LOM beyond the initial 15.2 years presented in the PEA as well as the opportunity to expand the scale of production by increasing the mineral resource through ongoing exploration and drilling. The Corporation's goal is for Marban to be a cornerstone mine for its future growth in a mining-friendly jurisdiction. With a strong treasury to support its next steps, the Corporation plans to commence pre-feasibility and environmental impact studies, while continuing to explore the geological potential of its Marban property.

"O3 Mining was born out of a series of successful mining ventures on properties in the same Val D'Or region in Quebec  ranked as the fourth best mining jurisdiction in the world and has produced over 30 million ounces of gold. O3 Mining is ready to maximize Marban's value by advancing the studies to further refine and de-risk the project, which the Osisko Group has successfully done with other deposits in the past, such as Canadian Malartic," added Mr. Vizquerra.

O3 Mining looks forward to working with its partners in the Abitibi region including the Malartic and Val D'Or municipalities and the Abitibiwinni, Lac Simon, Long Point, and Kitcisakik Anishinabeg First Nations as well with the support of the Quebec and federal governments, to advance the Marban Project.

Overview

Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. ("Ausenco") was appointed as lead consultant on May 7, 2020, to prepare the PEA in accordance with NI 43-101, and was assisted by Moose Mountain Technical Services, Golder Associates Inc., and WSP Canada.

The Marban project is located on the Malartic property in the Abitibi gold district of Quebec, Canada. The Project area contains three past-producing mines (Marban, Norlartic and Kierens), which collectively produced 585,000 ounces of gold between 1959 and 1992. The land package owned by O3 Mining, in the heart of the Malartic, and Val D'Or gold mining camps, covers 125 square kilometres and is located 12 kilometres from the Canadian Malartic Mine and along the same shear structure as Wesdome's Kiena deposit.

Financial Analysis

The economic analysis was performed assuming a 5% discount rate. On a pre-tax basis, the NPV is $715 million, the IRR is 31.5% and the payback period is 3.7 years. On an after-tax basis, the NPV is $423 million, the IRR is 25.2% and the payback period is 4.0 years. A summary of project economics is listed in (Table 1) and shown graphically in the figures below.

Table 1: Summary of project economics

GENERAL LOM TOTAL / AVG. Gold Price (US$/oz) $1,450 Exchange Rate ($US:$CAD) 0.74 Mine Life (years) 15.2 Total Waste Tonnes Mined (kt) 355,627 Total Mill Feed Tonnes (kt) 60,356 Strip Ratio 5.89 PRODUCTION LOM TOTAL / AVG. Mill Head Grade (g/t) (Average gold mill head grade of 1.13 g/t in years 1 to 10) 0.97 Mill Recovery Rate (%) 93.7% Total Mill Ounces Recovered (koz) 1,757 Total Average Annual Production (koz) 115 OPERATING COSTS LOM TOTAL / AVG. Mining Cost (CAD$/t Mined) $2.7 Mining Cost (CAD$/t Milled) $17.9 Processing Cost (CAD$/t Milled) $9.6 G&A Cost (CAD$/t Milled) $0.7 Total Operating Costs (CAD$/t Milled) $28.2 Refining & Transport Cost (CAD$/oz) $2.5 Royalty NSR 1.5% Cash Costs (US$/oz Au) $741 AISC (US$/oz Au) $822 CAPITAL COSTS LOM TOTAL / AVG. Initial Capital (CAD$M) $256 Sustaining Capital (CAD$M) $189 Closure Costs (CAD$M) $10 Salvage Costs (CAD$M) $7 FINANCIALS - PRE TAX LOM TOTAL / AVG. NPV (5%) (CAD$M) $715 IRR (%) 31.5% Payback (years) 3.7 FINANCIALS - POST TAX LOM TOTAL / AVG. NPV (5%) (CAD$M) $423 IRR (%) 25.2% Payback (years) 4.0

Notes

* Cash costs consist of mining costs, processing costs, mine-level general & administrative expenses and refining charges and royalties.

** AISC includes cash costs plus sustaining capital, closure cost and salvage value.

Figure 1: Projected Annual and Cumulative LOM Post-Tax Unlevered Free Cash Flow: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b6764eed-f808-48d1-be04-641d7be68a88

Sensitivity

A sensitivity analysis was conducted on the base case pre-tax and after-tax NPV and IRR of the Marban project, using the following variables: metal price, total capex (initial + sustaining), total operating cost and exchange rate. The tables below provide a summary of the sensitivity analysis.

Table 2a: Post-Tax NPV(5%) Sensitivity

GOLD PRICE

US$/Oz BASE CASE TOTAL CAPEX

(-10%) TOTAL CAPEX

(+10%) OPEX

(-10%) OPEX

(+10%) FX

(-10%) FX

(+10%) $1,200 $174 $214 $135 $253 $93 $44 $297 $1,350 $327 $366 $287 $398 $252 $190 $456 $1,450 $423 $462 $383 $494 $351 $283 $561 $1,750 $707 $746 $667 $775 $637 $542 $869 $1,950 $892 $932 $853 $959 $825 $711 $1,072

Table 2b: Post-Tax IRR Sensitivity

GOLD PRICE

US$/Oz BASE CASE TOTAL CAPEX

(-10%) TOTAL CAPEX

(+10%) OPEX

(-10%) OPEX

(+10%) FX

(-10%) FX

(+10%) $1,200 13.1% 15.8% 10.8% 17.1% 9.1% 7.0% 19.1% $1,350 20.5% 24.2% 17.5% 24.2% 16.7% 13.8% 26.8% $1,450 25.2% 29.4% 21.7% 28.8% 21.5% 18.3% 31.7% $1,750 38.5% 44.6% 33.7% 42.1% 35.0% 30.8% 46.2% $1,950 47.2% 54.4% 41.5% 50.6% 43.8% 38.7% 55.5%

Mineral Resource

The mineral resource is estimated from a drill hole database containing 5,808 drill holes consisting of 271,599 metres of drilling and 288,345 assay intervals. Data prior to 1984 was not used in the interpolation. The Marban deposit consists of 27 domains and the Kierens-Norlartic consists of 16 domains with gold grades capped at values between 10g/t Au and 100g/t Au and outlier restriction of gold grades during interpolation at values of 1.5g/t to 50 g/t Au depending on the domain. Blocks were assigned a classification based on the variography and drill hole spacing by domain, with measured blocks requiring three drill holes within 10 metres and indicated blocks requiring two drill holes within 30 metres.

The base case cut-off grade is 0.30 g/t Au based on a cut-off grade mill recovery of 87%, processing + general & administrative costs of CDN$15/tonne and a US$1,400/oz Au price, with smelter terms as detailed below. The underground resource is within a 3.5 g/t gradeshell. At these cut-offs, the total measured and indicated mineral resource is estimated at 54.1Mt at 1.10 g/t Au for a total of 1.9Moz (Table 3). Of the total resource 76% is considered measured and indicated mineral resources.

Table 3: Mineral Resource Estimate (effective date August 12, 2020)

CLASS SOURCE TONNAGE (Kt) AU (G/T) AU METAL Oz Measured Marban - Pit 65 1.32 2,762 Kierens-Norlartic - Pit 450 1.03 14,900 Indicated Marban - Pit 46,260 1.03 1,536,671 KN-Pit 6,646 1.15 246,430 Marban - UG 220 7.77 54,982 Kierens-Norlartic - UG 510 3.57 58,504 Meas. + Ind. All 54,151 1.10 1,914,249 Inferred Marban - Pit 6,465 1.09 227,226 Kierens-Norlartic - Pit 6,299 1.42 286,724 Marban - UG 304 8.73 85,317 Kierens-Norlartic - UG 119 3.02 11,560 All 13,187 1.44 610,827

Notes

The Mineral Resource estimate has been prepared by Sue Bird, P.Eng., an independent "qualified person" (within the meaning if

NI 43-101). Resources are reported using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards and were estimated in accordance with the CIM 2019 Best Practices Guidelines. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The open pit mineral resource has been confined by a "reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction" pit shell generated using the following assumptions: US$1,800/oz. Au at a currency exchange rate of 0.75 US$ per CDN$; 99.95% payable Au; CDN$4.30/oz Au offsite costs (refining, transport and insurance); a 3% NSR royalty; $16/t process and G&A costs; $2.60/t mining costs; grade dependent mill process recoveries; and pit slopes varying from 25 to 50 degree overall depending on geotechnical characteristics. The underground mineral resource reports all material within a continuous 3.5g/t Au gradeshell Metallurgical recovery is based on the formula: ln(Au)*0.0372+0.9017, maximum 96.7% The specific gravity of the deposit has been determined by lithology as being between 2.67 and 2.81. Numbers may not add due to rounding.

There are no other known factors or issues that materially affect the mineral resource estimate other than normal risks faced by mining projects in the province in terms of environmental, permitting, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, and political factors and additional risk factors as listed in the "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information" section below.

Mining

The mine plan includes 60Mt of mill feed and 356Mt of waste over the 15.2-year LOM. Mine planning is based on conventional open pit methods suited for the project location and local site requirements. Owner operated and managed open pit operations are anticipated to begin 912 months prior to mill start up, running for 13 years to pit exhaustion, then followed by 2.2 years of low-grade stockpile reclamation to the mill. The subset of mineral resources contained within the designed open pits, summarized in Table 4 with a 0.35g/t gold cut-off, forms the basis of the mine plan and production schedule.

Table 4: PEA Mine Plan Production Summary

PEA Mill Feed 60,356 kt Average gold mill head grade (LOM) 0.97g/t Waste Overburden and Rock 355,627 kt Strip Ratio (LOM) 5.9 Mill Feed Gold Grade (Years 1-10) 1.13 g/t Strip Ratio (Years 1-10) 6.5

Notes:

The PEA Mine Plan and Mill Feed estimates are a subset of the August 12, 2020 mineral resource estimates and are based on open pit mine engineering and technical information developed at a scoping level for the Marban and Kierens-Norlartic deposit. The PEA Mine Plan and Mill Feed estimates are mined tonnes and grade, the reference point is the primary crusher. Waste/ore contact edge dilution of 20% at 0.15 g/t is applied to the insitu Mineral Resources. Mining Recovery of 100% of diluted tonnages is assumed. Cutoff grade of 0.35 g/t assumes US$1,400/oz. Au at a currency exchange rate of 0.75 US$ per C$; 99.95% payable gold; $4.30/oz offsite costs (refining, transport and insurance); a 3.0% NSR royalty; and a variable metallurgical recovery for gold that is anticipated to be 88% at cutoff. The cut-off grade covers processing costs of $14.00/t, administrative (G&A) costs of $2.00/t, and low grade stockpile Rehandle costs of $1.50/t. Estimates have been rounded and may result in summation differences.

The economic pit limits are determined using the Pseudoflow algorithm. The Marban deposit is planned as one pit split into four phases or pushbacks, and the Kierens-Norlartic deposit is split into six phases, two for Kierens, two for Norlartic, one for North North-Zone, and one for Gold Hawk. Pit designs are configured on 5 metre bench heights, with 6 to 9 metre wide berms placed every four benches, or quadruple benching. Benchface angles and subsequent inter-ramp angles are varied based on prescribed geotechnical zones. General pit sequencing is shown in Table 5 below.

Table 5: PEA Mine Plan Pit Sequencing: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2aaa8ea9-030c-4157-a052-ff31cfb78bd1

The mill will be fed with material from the pit at an average rate of 4.0 Mtpa (11ktpd). Cut-off grade optimization is employed, which feeds a low-grade stockpile south of the Marban deposit, which is planned for reclamation to the mill in the later years of the mine life. Overburden will be placed in

a stockpile directly north of the Marban pit. Waste rock will be placed in stockpiles adjacent to all pits. Waste rock will also be used for construction of the tailings and water management pond northwest of the deposits.

Mining operations will be based on 365 operating days per year with two 12-hour shifts per day. An allowance of 10 days of no mine production has been built into the mine schedule to allow for adverse weather conditions.

The mining fleet will include diesel powered down the hole (DTH) drills with 165mm bit size for production drilling, diesel-powered RC drills for bench-scale grade control drilling, 12 cubed meter bucket size diesel hydraulic excavators and 13 cubed meter bucket sized wheel loaders for production loading, and 91 t payload rigid-frame haul trucks and 36 t articulated trucks for production hauling, plus ancillary and service equipment to support the mining operations. In-pit dewatering systems will be established for each pit. All surface water and precipitation in the pits will be handled by submersible pumps.

The mine equipment fleet is planned to be purchased via a lease financing arrangement. Maintenance on mine equipment will be performed in the field with major repairs to mobile equipment in the shops located near the plant facilities.

Milling

The Marban Process Plant employs standard Carbon-In-Leach (CIL) technology along with gravity concentration for gold recovery. The plant includes crushing, grinding, gravity concentration, classification, thickening, leach and CIL and detoxification before deposition into a Tailings Storage Facility.

The plant will treat 4.0 Mt of ore per year at an average throughput of 496 tonnes per hour. The mill design availability is 8,059 hours per year or 92%. The plant has been designed to realize an average recovery of 93.7% of the gold over the life of the project based on metallurgical testwork completed by SGS Lakefield in years 2012-2016. Of this, 30.4% of the gold will be extracted by the gravity circuit and a further 63.3% by the leach/CIL process.

Tailings storage capacity has been identified to safely accommodate the life of mine production as described in this PEA. Tailings produced over the first eight years of mine operation will be accommodated in a new tailings storage facility to be constructed northwest of the Kierens-Norlartic open pits The tailings storage facility perimeter containment dams will be constructed with waste rock and overburden from open pit mine development and will utilize the downstream construction method to ensure safe tailings storage over the long-term. Runoff from the tailings storage facility will be collected in an adjacent water management pond. Tailings production after Year 8 will be placed in the mined out Kierens-Norlartic Pit #4. Water will be reclaimed for reuse at the mill from the Water Management Pond and from the Kierens-Norlartic Pit #4 after Year 8. Tailings will be dewatered to approximately 60% solids by weight with a thickener located at the mill to reduce the volume of water being pumped between the mill and tailings storage facilities.

In order to allow mining of the Kierens-Norlartic pits, Kierens Creek will be diverted to the North. The 120kV power line crossing through the Marban property will be re-aligned along the south edge of the property boundary to free up room for the waste rock stockpile.

Capital and Operating Costs

The total pre-production capital cost for the Marban project is estimated to be $256 million including allowances for indirect costs and contingency of $24.5 million and $30.6 million, respectively. Sustaining capital costs are estimated at $199 million, including closure costs (Table 6). Operating costs are estimated at $28.2 per tonne milled (Table 7).

Table 6: Total Capital and Operating Costs

COST AREA DESCRIPTION INITIAL CAPITAL COST

(CAD$M) SUSTAINING CAPITAL

COST (CAD$M) TOTAL CAPITAL COST

(CAD$M) Mining 48.8 153.9 202.74 Processing 105.3 - 105.25 Infrastructure (and Tailings) 36.2 35.0 71.22 Indirect Costs 24.5 10.2 34.67 Owner's Project Costs 10.6 - 10.61 Contingency 30.6 - 30.60 Total 256.0 199.0 455.09

Table 7: Total Life of Mine Operating Costs

COST AREA LOM

(CAD$M) ANNUAL AVG.

COST (CAD$M) AVG. LOM

(CAD$/T MINED) AVG.LOM

(CAD$/T

MILLED) AVG. LOM

(US$/OZ) OPEX

(%) Total Mine Operating Costs Inc. Reclaiming Costs 1,083 71 2.7 17.9 456 64 Total Mill Processing Inc. Water Treatment Costs 577 38 1.4 9.6 243 34 Total G&A Costs 43 3 0.1 0.7 18 3 Total 1,702 112 4.2 28.2 719 100

Gold Production

Projected gold production averages 115,000oz per year over the LOM, peaking at 161,000oz in

year nine.

Figure 2: Projected LOM Production (koz): https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b0f40e7b-89ca-4887-8a96-5ab46d84d546

Exploration potential

The present PEA considers production from the Marban, Norlartic (South and North), Kierens, North-North and Gold Hawk deposits. The extensions of theses ore deposits offer significant opportunity to grow the mineral resource base, where many significant historical intercepts remain open and warrant follow-up drilling. For example, the high-grade gold veins at Gold Hawk have been outlined by many different drilling programs since the 1980s. Drilling at 30-metre spacing and to a vertical depth of 400 metres identified three veins or vein systems named Vein #1, #2, and #3, remains open at depth. Non 43-101 compliant resource suggests 254,000t grading 8.6g/t Au at Gold Hawk (Sigeom).

Additionally, the Marbenite and Norbenite shears host several mineralized zones geologically similar to the typical Malartic District vein type, namely Orion 8, MK, Malartic Hygrade, Malartic H and Malartic NE. Past production (U/G) at Malartic Hygrade was 28,000t at 19.6g/t Au (Sigeom). There is a non 43-101 compliant resource at Orion 8 of 205,000t at 8.4g/t Au (Sigeom). Geophysical data suggests a 1.1 kilometre stretch of the Norbenite shear, which hosts the North Zone mineralization, exists at Marban NE. Many significant historical intercepts in these zones, including high-grade, remain open and warrant follow up drilling. All of these zones are located within 3 kilometres of the open pits considered in the present PEA.

Finally, the Malartic property covers approximately 8 kilometres of the interpreted Camflo mine prospective horizon, mostly covered by overburden. The small footprint of the deposit (80 metres x 80 metres) makes it a difficult to find, but valuable target. The Camflo mine produced 1.5Moz Au at 5.9 g/t Au (19651986). The ore deposit is contained in a single intrusive plug lodged in the hinge of a fold axis. It was renowned for having one of the lowest production costs in all North America. The ore body crosses into the current O3 Mining property at 800 metres below surface and mining continued down to 1,240 metres below surface, the lowest level in the mine. Drilling from the last production level shows the ore body continues at depth.

The 2020-21 drilling program considers 40,000 metres for the Malartic property to test extensions of the deposits and zones listed above, test greenfield targets along the Camflo horizon and move resources from the inferred to indicated category.

Next Steps

The results of the PEA indicate that the proposed project has technical and financial merit using the base case assumptions. It has also identified additional field work, metallurgical testwork, trade-off studies and analysis required to support more advanced mining studies. The qualified persons consider the PEA results sufficiently reliable and recommend that the project be advanced to the next stage of development through the initiation of a pre-feasibility study and working towards completion of an environmental impact study for the project, while continuing to explore the geological potential of the Marban property.

PEA Details

The independent PEA was prepared through the collaboration of the following firms: Ausenco, Moose Mountain Technical Services, WSP Canada, and Golder Associates. These firms provided mineral resource estimates, design parameter and cost estimates for mine operations, process facilities, major equipment selection, waste and tailings storage, reclamation, permitting, and operating and capital expenditures. Table 8 summarizes the contributors and their area of responsibility.

Table 8: Consulting Firm and Area of Responsibility

CONSULTING FIRM AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY Ausenco Engineering Canada Moose Mountain Technical Services WSP

PEA Review and Webinar

O3 Mining will conduct a webinar to discuss the positive PEA results for Marban Project.

Date and Time: Tuesday, September 8, 2020 from 9:00  10:00 a.m. EST

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cfuFebbQSDmUm6RoemJuRg

Details: Participants will be able to submit questions. A recording of the webinar will be made available on o3mining.ca following. If you have any technical difficulties, please email info@o3mining.ca

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release, other than any information pertaining to the PEA, has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Louis Gariepy, P.Geo (OIQ #107538), Vice President Exploration of O3 Mining, who is a "qualified person" within the meaning of NI 43-101.

The PEA has been prepared by Ausenco. Each of the contributors to the PEA is a "qualified person" within the meaning of NI 43-101 and are independent of O3 Mining for purposes of NI 43-101. The scientific and technical information contained in this news release pertaining to the PEA has been reviewed and approved by each of:

Robert Raponi, P.Eng, Process and Infrastructure

Scott Elfen, P.Eng, Tailings and Water Management

Mike Petrina, P.Eng, Mining

Sue Bird, P.Eng, Resource Estimate

Sylvie Baillargeon, biologist, M.E.I., Environment

Quality Control and Reporting Protocols

Half-core samples are shipped to Agat laboratory in Val D'Or, Quebec and Mississauga, Ontario for assaying. The core is crushed to 75% passing -2 mm (10 mesh), a 250 g split of this material is pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns (200 mesh) and 50 g is analyzed by Fire Assay (FA) with an Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) finish. Samples assaying >10.0 g/t Au are re-analyzed with a gravimetric finish using a 50 g charge. Commercial certified standard material and blanks are systematically inserted by O3 Mining's geologists into the sample chain after every 18 core samples as part of the Quality Assurance, Quality Control ("QA/QC") program. Third-party assays are submitted to other designated laboratories for 5% of all samples.

Historic assays have been validated through extensive validation procedures and analyses. Re-assaying of historic drilling is ongoing with re-assayed values included in the resource estimate. Data prior to 1984 that has not been re-assayed has not been included in the resource estimate due to lack of QA/QC. The drill program design, QA/QC and interpretation of results are performed by qualified persons employing a QA/QC program consistent with NI 43-101 and industry best practices.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

The Corporation has included certain non-IFRS financial measures in this news release, such as initial capital cost, sustaining capital cost, total capital cost, AISC, and capital intensity, which are not measures recognized under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. As a result, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other corporations. Each of these measures used are intended to provide additional information to the user and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS.

Non-IFRS financial measures used in this news release and common to the gold mining industry are defined below.

Total Cash Costs and Total Cash Costs per Ounce

Total cash costs are reflective of the cost of production. Total cash costs reported in the PEA include mining costs, processing and water treatment costs, general and administrative costs of the mine, off-site costs, refining costs, transportation costs and royalties. Total cash costs per ounce is calculated as total cash costs divided by payable gold ounces.

AISC and AISC per Ounce

AISC is reflective of all of the expenditures that are required to produce an ounce of gold from operations. AISC reported in the PEA includes total cash costs, sustaining capital, closure costs and salvage, but excludes corporate general and administrative costs. AISC per ounce is calculated as AISC divided by payable gold ounces.

About O3 Mining Inc.

O3 Mining, which forms part of the Osisko Group of companies, is a mine development and emerging consolidator of exploration properties in prospective gold camps in Canada - focused

on projects in Quebec and Ontario  with a goal of becoming a multi-million ounce, high-growth company.

O3 Mining is well-capitalized and holds a 100% interest in properties in Quebec (435,000 hectares) and Ontario (25,000 hectares). O3 Mining controls 61,000 hectares in Val D'Or and over 50 kilometres of strike length of the Cadillac-Larder Lake Faut. O3 Mining also has a portfolio of assets in the James Bay and Chibougamau regions of Quebec.

About Ausenco

Ausenco is a global company redefining what's possible. Our team is based across 26 offices in 14 countries, with projects in over 80 locations worldwide. Combining our deep technical expertise with a 30-year track record, we deliver innovative, value-add consulting studies, project delivery, asset operations and maintenance solutions to the mining & metals, oil & gas and industrial sectors. We find a better way.

Cautionary Note Regarding Estimates of Mineral Resources

This news release uses the terms measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources as a relative measure of the level of confidence in the resource estimate. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources are not mineral reserves and that the economic viability of resources that are not mineral reserves has not been demonstrated. The mineral resource estimate disclosed in this news release may be materially affected by geology, environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing or other relevant issues. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration. The mineral resource estimate is classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum's "CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves" incorporated by reference into NI 43-101. Under NI 43-101, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies or economic studies except for preliminary economic assessments. Readers are cautioned not to assume that further work on the stated resources will lead to mineral reserves that can be mined economically.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things: the PEA for the Marban project; the numerous assumptions underlying the PEA, including the mine plan and economic model; the after-tax and before-tax IRR and NPV modeling of the Marban project; the capex, LOM and production modeling of the Marban project; the potential for brownfield value creation; grade estimates; the speculative geology of inferred mineral resources; gold prices; project scope, including mining methodology and infrastructure; processing methodology; the ability, if any, to achieve the project economics described in this news release; the mining and processing strategy; the projected infrastructure; the ability, if any, to construct the required infrastructure; the ability, if any, to obtain the required economic and restoration approvals and permits; the current drill program on the Marban project and the significance of new drill results; potential mineralization; the ability to realize upon any mineralization in a manner that is economic; the ability to complete any proposed exploration activities and the results of such activities, including the continuity or extension of any mineralization; and any other information herein that is not a historical fact may be "forward-looking information".

This "forward-looking information" involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of O3 Mining to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such "forward-looking information". Such factors include, among others, risks relating to the ability of exploration activities (including drill results) to accurately predict mineralization; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in international, national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); access to capital; errors in management's geological modelling; the ability of O3 Mining to complete further exploration activities, including drilling; property interests in the Marban project; the ability of O3 Mining to obtain required approvals and complete transactions on terms announced; the results of exploration activities; risks relating to mining activities; the global economic climate; metal prices; exchange rates; dilution; environmental risks; and community and non-governmental actions.

Although the "forward-looking information" contained in this news release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, O3 Mining cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities of O3 Mining that actual results will be consistent with such "forward-looking information", as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither O3 Mining nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such "forward-looking information".

O3 Mining does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such "forward-looking information" contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. Risks and uncertainties about O3 Mining's business are more fully discussed in the disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available on SEDAR ( www.sedar.com ) under O3 Mining's issuer profile. Readers are urged to read these materials and should not place undue reliance on any forwardlooking statement and information contained in this news release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

For further information on O3 Mining, please contact:

Jose Vizquerra

President, CEO and Director

Telephone: (416) 363-8653




New Delhi, Sep 8 : Minutes after Rhea Chakraborty was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Tuesday, her legal team headed by senior advocate Satish Manshinde slammed central agencies for "hounding" a lone woman "just because she was in love with a drug addict".

The Bollywood actress was arrested after a tough three-days of grilling to unravel the drugs nexus in the film industry, officials said. Unlike on previous days when she was hounded by media and the actress looked flustered, trying to hop, skip and run away from media attention.

Rhea in an unexpected gesture waved at the media before boarding the van that took her for medical checkup. Social media called the gesture "almost a challenge" thrown at her distractors.

"Central Agencies hounding a single Woman just because she was in love with a drug addict and was suffering from Mental Health issues for several years under the care of 5 Leading Psychiatrists in Mumbai, who ended up committing suicide due to consumption of Illegally Administered Medicines and used drugs," said Manshinde who is representing Rhea Chakraborty.

In his statement to the media, Manshinde also talked about the fresh complaint filed by his client with the Mumbai Police and said that the Bandra FIR has been transferred to CBI as per the order of the Supreme Court.

"CBI will investigate if the Doctor is criminally culpable or otherwise. There's no negligence alleged but Criminal culpability of forging a prescription. The drugs administered are prohibited psychotropic substances as contained in the NDPS Act, which are not the subject matter of the CBI case already pending investigations," he said.

Rhea has been charged under various sections of the NDPS Act for her alleged role in the drugs angle which has emerged in the investigations into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

Rhea has been taken for a medical test and is likely to be produced before a magistrate through video-conferencing for remand in the evening.

The NCB had interrogated Rhea for six hours on Sunday, later on Monday for eight hours and again for around five hours on Tuesday before placing her under arrest.

Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Advertisement

New York City is the only major city in the world that is yet to reopen indoor dining after closing for the coronavirus pandemic, despite having greater testing than anywhere else and an infection rate of less than one percent.

The industry in the Big Apple is at its wits end with Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio who inexplicably won't allow discussions for indoor dining to resume.

They insist it is not safe and that other regions have seen a sudden uptick in cases when it begins but every other city in the state of New York is allowing it and most around America are too.

Beyond the US, in cities including London, Paris, Milan and Beijing - all of which coronavirus spikes - indoor dining is happening safely.

It has driven restaurateurs and bar owners in New York to sue the city and state for $2billion in damages. They are now seeking an injunction and are demanding Cuomo and de Blasio show the so-called scientific evidence they have that proves it cannot be done safely.

New York City restaurants remain closed for indoor dining indefinitely until officials can decide on a plan to reopen them. It is destroying the entire industry and is growing increasingly difficult to understand when infection rates are low and other indoor activities like shopping, haircuts and nail salons are able to function

The infection rate in New York City has now been below one percent since July and the number of deaths and hospitalizations continues to go down

LONDON - JULY 4th REOPENING

Indoor dining in London resumed on July 4 and people were allowed to dine indoors immediately.

There were rules - like the number of people permitted at one table and how far apart people had to sit - but the infection rate held somewhat steady afterwards.

People were not only told they could go out again to bars and restaurants but they were encouraged to do it by the British government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme which subsidized restaurants, allowing them to give diners 50 percent off their meals, to draw in more customers.

The UK's infection rate saw a slight uptick afterwards but the number of daily deaths remains lower than ever before.

Diners in The Bluebird in London on July 4, when dining reopened across the UK after weeks of closures. Perspex glass separates the tables and staff had to wear extra safety equipment but it has proven safe

Dining indoors in London and other parts of the UK resumed on July 4 but it did not cause a spike in COVID-19 deaths. There was a slight uptick in cases but deaths remain lower than in months

PARIS - JUNE 15th REOPENING

Restaurants in Paris were allowed to welcome diners again on June 15. Staff had to wear masks and some were tentative about reopening but the number of deaths remained low.

It allowed residents, many of whom are elderly, to return to the cafe culture they adore with special, new safety precautions.

Tourists from other parts of France were also allowed to revisit.

The staff of Paris restaurant La Tour d'Argent is briefed before the lunch service in central Paris on September 2, 2020. France allowed people back into restaurants on June 15 and so far it has had no bearing on COVID-19 deaths

Across France, there has been an uptick in the number of cases recently - due largely in part to summer travel - but the number of deaths are nowhere close to where they were at their worst

BERLIN - MAY 15th REOPENING

All of Germany's restaurants were allowed to reopen, bringing people back inside, on May 15th. The number was limited to fewer than six at a table and only if they were from two households or less.

That was relaxed the following month.

Before she made the decision, German Chancellor Angela Merkel noted the decrease in coronavirus cases and deaths.

'We can afford some audacity,' she said at the time.

All of Germany's restaurants were allowed to reopen, bringing people back inside, on May 15th. The number was limited to fewer than six at a table and only if they were from two households or less

Before she made the decision, German Chancellor Angela Merkel noted the decrease in coronavirus cases and deaths. 'We can afford some audacity,' she said at the time.

ITALY - MAY 18TH REOPENING

Italy, which once saw catastrophic coronavirus numbers like the rest of Italy, allowed diners back into restaurants, bars and shops on May 18, after the spike had passed.

It allowed teaming metropolises like Rome, Florence, Naples and Milan to restart an essential part of their economy after the crippling months-long lockdown.

Since then, cases have seen a slight uptick but deaths remain lower than they were in April.

Restaurant staff wear face masks as they serve meals to customers at 'La Favorita' restaurant ahead of the 77th edition of the Venice Film Festival at the Venice Lido, Italy, Monday, Aug. 31, 2020

Since restaurants reopened in May, cases have seen a slight uptick but deaths remain lower than they were in April

SINGAPORE - JUNE 19TH REOPENING

On June 19, Singapore - which had some of the strictest lockdown rules in the world - reopened bars and restaurants.

Among the mandatory safety measures were temperature checks for diners and a limited number of seating.

Digital check-ins were also implemented so that if there was an outbreak, restaurants could quickly trace who had been where and notify others of the risks.

A staff member wearing a face mask as a prevention measure against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus takes the temperature of a customer lining up outside a McDonald's fast food restaurant on its first day of opening after three weeks closure due to the pandemic in Singapore

CHINA - APRIL REOPENINGS

China, where the virus originated, saw its peak towards the end of last year and at the start of his year.

Restaurants began reopening tentatively in April and since then, there has only been one major spike in infections and deaths which the state says is down to a statistical anomaly and not down to them covering anything up or a second wave.

People eat in a restaurant in Wuhan, China's central Hubei province on September 4, 2020. Wuhan was where the virus began

People eat at a newly-opened Taco Bell restaurant in Beijing on August 21, 2020. Restaurants began reopening tentatively in April and since then, there has only been one major spike in infections and deaths which the state says is down to a statistical anomaly and not down to them covering anything up or a second wave.
Photo credit: CHRIS HENZE/NASA/SPL - Getty Images

From Popular Mechanics

Researchers have spotted the most powerful black hole merger ever recorded and unearthed evidence of a previously disputed class of black hole: intermediate-mass black holes.

The astronomers used the LIGO and Virgo observatories to analyze the gravitational waves.

The perplexing collision could be the result of a chain reaction of collisions, researchers say.

Roughly seven billion years ago, two monstrous black holes slammed together in a catastrophic celestial event so intense, it shot a pulse of gravitational waves out across the universe. Astonishingly, those gravitational waves only reached Earth one year ago, and astronomers now believe they've spotted the most powerful black hole collision yet: an event they've dubbed GW190521.

 You love our badass universe. So do we. Let's explore it together.

Researchers at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in the U.S. and the Virgo Observatory in Italy first detected the wavesripples in the fabric of space-timein May 2019. The two smashed black holes at the heart of the collision were 66 and 85 times more massive than our sun, astronomers report in two papers published last week in Physical Review Letters and The Astrophysical Journal. When they collided, they formed a gargantuan black hole approximately 142 times more massive than our sun.

Not only is this likely the most powerful explosion ever recorded, but it proves the existence of a rare class of black holes: intermediate-mass black holes. Now we can settle the case and say that intermediate-mass black holes exist, LIGO astrophysicist Christopher Berry of Northwestern University, told National Geographic.



A black hole 85 times the mass of our sun theoretically shouldn't exist. It doesn't pair well with the theories researchers have about how stars die. Stars that range from a few times to 60 times the mass of our sun typically burn all of their fuel and eventually collapse in on themselves, forming a "conventional" black hole.

Story continues

Stars that are about 60 to 130 times more massive than our sun go out with a bang, but they usually don't become black holes. Instead, they form something called a pair-instability supernova. The heat that occurs during the star's compression is so powerful, all of the material ejected is destroyed. According to the current theory, it simply can't become a black hole. (Supermassive black holes, like the one photographed at the center of M87, form from stars millions to billions the mass of our sun.)

A discovery like this is simultaneously disheartening and exhilarating," LIGO team member Daniel Holz, a theorist at the University of Chicago, told the New York Times. "On the one hand, one of our cherished beliefs has been proven wrong. On the other hand, heres something new and unexpected, and now the race is on to try to figure out what is going on."

So how did this massive collision unfold? Some researchers propose the black holes that slammed into each other were primordial, meaning they've been around since shortly after the Big Bang and follow their own set of cosmic guidelines. Another theory suggests perhaps these mysterious intermediate-mass black holes formed from black hole mergers that occurred earlier.

In order for this scenario to work, location is key. When black holes collide, the gravitational waves they generate often cause them to recoil, propelling them out of their galaxy. But for these two massive black holes to meet, the galaxy in which their previous collisions occurred would have to have been incredibly crowded and had enough of a gravitation pull to keep the black holes relatively close together.



Astronomers aren't sure where the massive collision occurred. There is, however, a clue. In June, researchers at the Zwicky Transient Observatory in California spotted the flare of a quasar in roughly the same patch of sky. This bright flash could be the result of a shockwave produced by the recoiled black hole formed during the GW190521 event. But more work needs to be done to link the two phenomena.

In any case, this is a watershed moment in astrophysics. Discoveries made at the Virgo Observatory and LIGO, the twin observatories located in Washington and Louisiana, respectively, have reshaped our understanding of the universe and earned researchers there a Nobel Prize. The work done at these observatories has allowed astronomers to slowly tease out our universe's most cryptic secrets. They're not finished yet.

Explore the Cosmos With These Telescopes

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A city in China has sparked outrage after the authorities planned to score their citizens behaviour through a smartphone app that monitors peoples daily lives.

Officials in eastern Chinese city Suzhou introduced the rating system, loosely translated as the Civility Code, to encourage people to become the model citizens in the eye of the government, reported Chinese media.

Each resident starts with a score of 1,000, with rewards and plus-points for volunteering, minus for running a red light, according to the app.

The citys new plan was widely criticised by Chinese social media users. Many called it suffocating and pointless while others compared it to the popular British TV series Black Mirror.

A city in China has sparked outrage after the authorities planned to score their citizens behaviour through a smartphone app that monitors peoples daily lives. The file picture taken on August 19 shows a Chinese man using his phone outside Beijing Railway Station

Each resident starts with a score of 1,000, with rewards and plus-points for volunteering, minus for running a red light, according to the app introduced by Suzhou officials. The picture shows a woman using her mobile phone outside a shopping mall in Beijing on August 18

It comes as China has faced widespread doubts and criticism over its use of artificial intelligence to monitor its citizens during the pandemic.

Tens of millions of Chinese residents were ordered to use a smartphone app that evaluates their health condition and tracks their travel history during the outbreak.

Millions of video cameras blanket streets from major cities to small towns. Censors monitor activity on the internet and social media. State-owned telecom carriers can trace where mobile phone customers go.

Suzhous new scoring system is composed of a travelling index, a volunteering index, as well as other indicators, reported Global Times.

The travelling index is linked to road manners and one's traffic violation records, while the volunteer index is measured by a persons involvement in volunteering work.

The system aims to generate a personal portrait for each resident in a bid to promote good daily habits such as trash sorting, civilised dining manners, social courtesy and online behaviour, the authorities reportedly said in a statement.

Officials in Suzhou, east China, introduced the rating system, loosely translated as the Civility Code, to encourage people to become the model citizens in the eye of the government

During a brief trial last week, the smartphone app faced a fierce backlash from the public. Many web users slammed the system as suffocating and real-life Black Mirror.

In one episode titled Nosedive, the popular British TV series portrayed a dystopian world where people rate each other after every interaction using their smartphones, affecting their social ranking.

One commenter wrote: Oh my god, I feel like we are living in a real-life Black Mirror episode.

Another replied: Please, give the common people some space to survive and breathe.

A third netizen said: Big data will strip us all naked, and this will mark the beginning of our loss of freedom.

China has faced widespread doubts and criticism over its use of artificial intelligence to monitor its citizens during the pandemic. A passenger is pictured scanning a QR code to get his green pass at a subway station in Wuhan on this file picture taken on April 1

A worker is pictured adjusting a surveillance camera outside the home of a journalist placed under quarantine after he had visited Wuhan in Beijing on May 3. Such security cameras are set up 'purely for the needs of counter-epidemic works', according to The Global Times

The officials responded to the public criticism on Sunday, telling reporters that the system is still in the trial phase and will be introduced again when its fully developed.

They also claimed that the public had 'certain misunderstandings about the system and it will be used on a voluntary basis', reported The Paper.

The government is said to have stopped testing the smartphone publicly app following the public backlash.

Security analyst Paul Bischoff, who has penned a report about the world's most-monitored cities, believes that China has taken advantage of the health crisis to speed up the implementation of state surveillance.

Mr Bischoff told MailOnline: 'This is the exact sort of surveillance creep that privacy advocates have warned against since contact tracing apps were first introduced.

'There was always a risk that contact tracing apps would be used beyond their intended purpose, particularly for surveillance. It's not hard to imagine authorities taking advantage of access to contact tracing data and using it to restrict freedom of movement and assembly.

'Whether this actually happens or not, even having the capability to monitor users will cause them to act differently, creating a chilling effect on those freedoms.'

Officials have used various surveillance methods, including increasing location tracking via people's phones and boosting the use of face recognition in public places, during the pandemic, according to Mr Bischoff.

China has also been building a mass surveillance network, which boasts hundreds of millions of street cameras.

A passenger holds up a green pass on their phone on a subway train in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province. Green is the 'health code' that says a user is symptom-free and it's required to board a subway, check into a hotel or just enter Wuhan

Security analyst Paul Bischoff, who has penned a report about the world's most-monitored cities, believes that China has taken advantage of the health crisis to speed up the implementation of state surveillance. A man scans a QR code to show his health and travel status on a phone app before being allowed to enter a supermarket in Beijing on June 22

The surveillance network has been billed as the world's most powerful facial-recognition system and aims to identify any of its 1.4 billion citizens within three seconds.

The country's residents are due to be carefully watched by 626 million street monitors, or one camera for nearly every two people, as early as this year, according to a study.

China has five most-monitored cities in the world. Its most-surveilled city, Chongqing, is equipped with more than 2.5 million street cameras, or one for every six people.

Critics have cautioned over the scheme. Many have compared it to a dystopian system run by a fictional state leader, Big Brother, in George Orwell's novel 'Nineteen Eighty-Four'.
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows (R) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin arrive at the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) at the Capitol in Washington on Aug. 1, 2020. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo)

White House Predicts Congress May Pass Relief Package Before Election

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said he believes Congress could pass a new CCP virus relief package ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Asked whether another stimulus package could be passed in the next two months or so, Meadows struck an optimistic tone, telling Fox News: I do. Im not sure, obviously, but I do believe well see that, only because Ive had a number of conversations, probably a dozen sometimes a day, with different rank-and-file members. When you listen to them, theyre listening to their constituents.

He added: Im more optimistic today than I have been in a long time.

The Senate on Tuesday returned to Capitol Hill from its scheduled August recess, following a breakdown in talks between the White House and top Democrats. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in a statement that GOP senators are now planning to vote on a targeted relief deal this week, claiming that Democrats are holding up talks because it will benefit them politically.

It does not contain every idea our party likes, McConnell said in a statement. I am confident Democrats will feel the same. Yet Republicans believe the many serious differences between our two parties should not stand in the way of agreeing where we can agree and making law that helps our nation.

Democrats said they would cut about $1 trillion from the roughly $3.4 trillion HEROES Act passed in the Democrat-controlled House in May. White House and GOP leaders have sought to keep the price closer to $1 trillion while Republicans in the Senate are seeking to pass an approximately $500 billion deal.

Meadows told Fox that the two sides should come together to pass a bipartisan deal.

Theres more we agree upon than what we disagree upon, he said. I think its time we put politics aside, pass this stimulus, actually allow it to go to the presidents desk.

McConnells deal, however, appears unlikely to pass in the House as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said that a bill worth less than $2.2 trillion wont garner the support of Democrats.

The main point of contention between both sides is whether to provide about $1 trillion in federal funding to state and local jurisdictions, which President Donald Trump and other Republicans have termed as a bailout for badly run states.

Meadows reiterated that the amount is untenable.

Right now, the stumbling block is aid to state and local governments, he told Fox News. The number that Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi put forth is just not supported by the facts.
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A sign reads, "Everyone is required to wear a mask" at the entrance to Playland's Castaway Cove as the state of New Jersey continues Stage 2 of re-opening.

The head of the World Health Organisation has called on countries to invest in their public health systems, as he stressed that the world must be better prepared for the next pandemic.

"This will not be the last pandemic," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference Monday, "but when the next pandemic comes, the world must be ready, more ready than it was this time."

He said too many countries had neglected their basic public health systems in recent years and called on governments to "invest in public health as an investment in a healthier and safer future."

"Public health is the foundation of social, economic and political stability. That means investing in population-based services for preventing, detecting and responding to diseases," he said. "I call on all countries to invest in public health, and especially primary health care."

Publishing its latest weekly statistics Monday, the WHO said that, cumulatively, nearly 27 million Covid-19 cases and 900,000 deaths had been reported to the organization to date. A tally by Johns Hopkins University puts the number of coronavirus cases to date at 27.3 million and the number of deaths at 892,714.

Over 1.8 million new cases and 37,000 new deaths were reported during the week ending Sept. 6, the WHO said Monday, marking a 5% increase in the number of cases and a 2% decrease in the number of deaths compared to the week before.

The WHO said the Southeast Asia region continued to show the highest increase in new coronavirus cases in the past week, compared to the previous week, with over 600,000 new cases reported.

An increase in the number of new reported cases was also seen in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, but both new cases and deaths declined in the African and Western Pacific regions compared with the previous week.

The WHO said that reported cases in the Americas rose 1%, and deaths fell 4%, but it added that the region "continues to carry the highest burden of the disease globally, accounting for nearly half of all new cases reported in the past seven days."
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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way of life for many, and for those dealing with addiction, it has even slowed the option of getting help when an addict realizes that his life is being ruined by alcohol or drug use.

It has slowed us down, but addiction is still the same, said Winston Henry, program director for Gateway Foundation Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers.

We have to do more (COVID-19) testing now  it has not declined nor has it increased, he said of the number of people dealing with addiction.

But despite client numbers staying the same regarding treatment, Henry said that getting them into a program is a longer process now.

Processing has slowed down, but addiction has not, Henry said.

Henry oversees three location in the west-central Illinois area: Springfield  which is the main hub; Pekin  which is out-patient services only; and Jacksonville.

Its growing in the central Illinois area, he said of trends from year-to-year of people dealing with addiction.

The Jacksonville location offers three main types of services for people wanting to get help: residential help; recover-to-home; and outpatient services.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, clients receiving out-patient treatment had to go through a 21-day program before being able to work at businesses, like a referral program. But once the pandemic hit, that time-line has doubled.

Now they have to spend 45 days in recovery due to covid because of safety issues, Henry said, adding that when reaching the milestone of being able to get back to work they have to make sure clients are also being safe by wearing masks.

A River Oaks Treatment survey shows that one in 10 Illinoisans treated pain with alcohol or drugs during the pandemic; one in three actively avoided seeing a doctor or dentist during the lockdown out of fear of contracting the coronavirus; and 22% said they have tried to treat anxiety with alcohol or non prescription drugs since the beginning of the pandemic.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that his administration received $36 million in federal funding to fight the opioid crisis that plagues Illinois. The funding is to expand prevention, treatment, recover and response initiatives across the state.

This wave of funding is immensely helpful for a population that continues facing challenges, especially during COVID-19. We have really strengthened our public health approach around the opioid crisis. This funding helps with outreach and increases access to services. This has made a huge difference with the stigma around substance use which is a real health issue we are addressing, said Grace Hou, Illinois Department of Human Services secretary.

For Henry, who has been with Gateway for 26 years, one thing has not changed  the feeling he gets when someone took the steps to enter a program to better themselves, stick with the program and make a better life, including building relationships back with family members and loved ones.

Oh, man. Its so rewarding to see the light in their face when theyre done, he said.
Santa Maria resident Richard Cunningham served a little more than two years in the Army starting in 1967 and in the Vietnam War. He spent the last eight months of his enlistment at a San Francisco hospital recovering from a gunshot wound he received while in the country.

Cunningham, 72, doesn't talk about his experience, but he retired after a 40-decade career in the construction industry. He started Back Alley Pro, a shop that caters to professional bowlers, and took up the sport himself to stay occupied and help cope with his post-traumatic stress disorder.

But his business and Santa Maria's Rancho Bowl are under threat of closing permanently due to COVID-19 restrictions, if they can't reopen soon. Wade Stever, Rancho Bowl's general manager, and Cunningham organized a rally Saturday at the bowling alley located at 128 E. Donovan Road, where Cunningham's shop is located.

Both Cunningham and Stever are members of Open California Bowling Centers Now, a Facebook group with more than 5,500 members, and part of a larger statewide effort to petition Gov. Gavin Newsom and other officials to reopen bowling alleys despite the coronavirus.

Santa Barbara County confirms 71 new COVID-19 cases Thursday The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department confirmed 71 additional COVID-19 cases on Thursday, for a total of 8,300 cases in the county

"People like me need something because of our age," Cunningham said. "They know about PTSD. If affects us and everything we do in our nature of life and now we're sitting idle, doing nothing. That easily creates more problems."

Owned by Luke and Ashlee Carranza, and Vicki Murray, Rancho Bowl has been open more than 60 years and employs dozens of people.

Rancho Bowl closed after Newsom's initial shutdown order in March but reopened from June 15 to July 1. It shut down again after customers weren't abiding by health guidelines, such as mask requirements, according to Stever.

Before reopening, Stever reduced 32 bowling lanes to 16 in order to comply with physical distancing guidelines and spent $20,000 on cleaning materials. He and his employees spent time developing a system to keep the bowling alley sanitized and safe, but never had a chance to see it work.

The venue and its sport should be open because it attracts a diversity of bowlers across the state, providing recreation and a therapeutic activity for senior citizens and kids with special needs, according to Stever.

"There's not a whole lot out there for special needs kids," Stever said. "There's no other sport like bowling for them. That's the highlight of their lives.

"Isolation is a killer. You've got to have social interaction."

Bowling alleys across the Central Coast are in danger of closing permanently because of the coronavirus restrictions, according to Stever. The one in Paso Robles is no longer in business and the alleys located at Cal Poly, Pismo Beach and Goleta are temporarily closed.

On Aug. 28, Newsom issued "A Blueprint for A Safer Economy," or a color-coded, tiered reopening system that allows businesses to operate and graduate to less restrictive tiers if the number of coronavirus cases in the county drops below certain thresholds.

Santa Barbara County is coded purple, the most restrictive tier, meaning that bowling alleys cannot operate indoors because the coronavirus risk level is "widespread," or that new confirmed cases exceed seven or more per 100,000 people. More than 8,300 residents have been infected and 97 have died from the coronavirus, according to county health officials.

In order for bowling alleys to reopen, the county must be in the orange tier, indicating "moderate" coronavirus spread, with less than four new daily positive cases per 100,000 people.
North Carolina sets data breach record

(TNS)  A cyberattack against an international software company included a database breach of customer Atrium Health, which may have compromised some personal information about patients.In recent weeks, affected patients and philanthropic donors were notified and Atrium posted a notice of the ransomware attack on its website. Atrium Health officials said in the notice some information  possibly including a persons name, birth date and doctors name  was accessed when cybercriminals targeted one of its vendors, Blackbaud.The hospital system says no medical records or information about medications or test results were compromised and no credit card or bank account information was stolen.Blackbaud, which provides donor management software to many institutions around the world, notified Atrium on July 16 of the attack on its systems, according to Atriums letter to patients, one of which was obtained by theon Saturday.Its unclear how many people in Charlotte or in Atriums other locations may be impacted.In a statement to theon Saturday, Atrium said there are still many unanswered questions and we are diligently pursuing both answers and resolution. Like thousands of other Blackbaud clients, we are very concerned about this event and are carefully evaluating our next steps.We sincerely apologize for this incident at Blackbaud and any concern or inconvenience it may cause, Atrium said in its notification to patients. record number of data breaches were reported in North Carolina last year, N.C. Attorney Gen. Josh Stein said in January. The 1,210 breaches reported to the North Carolina Department of Justice were the most in a year since reporting requirements began in 2005, according to Stein.In its statement Saturday, Atrium said it has been in frequent communication with Blackbaud to understand what took place and who may have been impacted. Atriums legal, security and privacy teams are investigating the attack.According to the hospital systems website post, Blackbaud discovered on May 14 that an unauthorized party accessed its systems. The breach occurred from Feb. 7 to May 20, Atrium said.Soon after discovering the breach, Blackdaud locked the cybercriminals out of its systems, according to Atrum Health.Blackbaud paid the cybercriminals a ransom to delete the data, the hospitals letter states.The cybercriminals managed to steal a copy of a back-up database that contained information from numerous Blackbaud clients, Atrium said. Unfortunately, Atrium Health was one of those clients, according to the statement.Blackbaud also hired a company to monitor the Internet for any misuse of the stolen information, according to Atrium, and has found none. That company has seen no evidence that the information still exists or is being misused, according to the hospital system.On Aug. 12, Atrium confirmed the breach included information from some of its patients, including possibly their first and last names, home addresses, phone numbers, emails and dates of birth.The stolen information also included their guarantor information, decedent status, internal patient ID number, when and where they were treated and the names of their doctors.Stolen information from minors might have included the name and relationship of their guarantor.If the patient made a donation to support Atrium Health, the date and amount of the donation may have also been included, according to Atrium.No social security information stolen, Atrium saysThe breach did not include Social Security numbers and credit-card and bank account information, Atrium said.Also, according to Atrium, Blackbaud has never had access to medical records or information about patient prognosis, medications and test results.As a precaution, the breach prompted Atrium Health to review its security safeguards.We take this matter very seriously and are reviewing our relationship with Blackbaud, the hospital system said.Patients with questions can call (888) 498-0914, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. weekdays, except for holidays.
A day at the beach with former boyfriend Jaden Smith was followed by dinner with another male acquaintance as Sofia Richie ventured out on Monday evening.

The daughter of Motown legend Lionel Richie was accompanied by close friend Andrew Beyer while dining at celebrity restaurant of choice Nobu Malibu.

In accordance with current safety guidelines, both wore protective face masks as they exited the eatery hand in hand later that night, with the coverings still in place as they shared a goodnight kiss.

Side by side: A day at the beach with former boyfriend Jaden Smith was followed by dinner with close friend Andrew Beyer as Sofia Richie ventured out on Monday evening

Opting for a plain white T-shirt and high-slung trousers, Sofia, 22, looked typically stylish as the pair prepared to make separate journeys home.

The young socialite added to her look with a simple black handbag, while her hair was neatly pulled into a conventional ponytail.

Joining Sofia, Andrew was dressed down in a white T-shirt and black jeans, teamed with a grey windbreaker jacket.

Covered up: In accordance with current safety guidelines, both wore protective face masks as they exited the eatery later that night

Two days previously Sofia was spotted canoodling with her longtime friend and former flame Jaden on Malibu beach.

In the evening, they pair, who reportedly dated in 2012, met up with an extended group at Nobu, where they occupied neighbouring seats.

Though it's unclear whether or not she is rekindling her romance with Jaden, Sofia is currently single following her split from ex Scott Disick, 37.

Farewell: The coverings still in place as they shared a goodnight kiss before making separate journeys home

Sofia and Scott ended their three-year relationship in May, following the Talentless founder's brief stint at a Colorado rehab facility.

Two-months after their breakup, the pair reunited at a Fourth Of July party in Malibu.

But by mid-August, numerous outlets reported that Scott and Sofia decided to end their relationship for good.

They they are: Sofia shared an Instagram snap with Andrew and pal Tess Kemper earlier that day
Vietnam to rely on coal for decades to come

Coal-fired power will remain a key energy source for Vietnam for several decades to come despite the boost in renewables, senior officials say.

Without coal-fired power, Vietnam will have to confront energy insecurity, Deputy National Assembly Chairman Phung Quoc Hien said Monday at a meeting between the parliamentary Economic Committee and Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh.

Amidst the boom in renewable energy production including solar and wind power in recent years, many localities have stopped accepting new coal power projects, which has led to a power supply shortage, Hien said.

Renewable energy, which includes solar power, wind power and small hydropower plants, accounted for 15.8 percent of Vietnam's energy supply last year, compared to coal-fired power at 36.1 percent and hydropower 30.8 percent, according to the Vietnam Energy Association (VEA).

Vietnam needs to ensure power security in the upcoming years, and coal power will still play a major role in achieving that goal, he added.

Minister Anh said in concurrence that coal power will still account for 36-37 percent of total power supply in the new energy development plan that the ministry is drafting for the 2021-2030 period.

"Coal energy is not a sinner that must be abandoned," he said.

A report prepared by the ministry shows that Vietnams power supply growth in the last five years has slowed down to an annual average of around 8 percent, compared to 13 percent in the 2011-2015 period.

Between the two periods, hydropower supply growth slowed from 15 percent to 5 percent, and that of thermal power (mostly coal-fired) down from 27 percent to 10 percent, it says.

Construction of coal-fired power plants has only met 60 percent of target for the 2016-2020 period. Ten major coal-fired power projects with a total capacity of 7,000 MW were scheduled to operate in this period, but all of them will fail to meet the deadline this year, it says.

With power demand set to increase 8 percent annually in the 2021-2030 period, the delays of new coal-fired projects will pose challenges to ensuring sufficient power supply in the next five years, the report stresses.

Minister Anh said that to ensure power security, the ministry will work to complete the development of existing coal-fired projects that have been delayed in recent years.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 16:45:13|Editor: huaxia

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CANBERRA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Australians are losing faith in government handling of the coronavirus crisis, a poll has found.

The poll of more than 1,000 voters, published by the Guardian Australia on Tuesday, found that 59 percent of respondents approved of the federal government's handling of the pandemic, down from 73 percent in May.

In early September Australia's COVID-19 death toll surpassed 700, an increase of more than 500 percent from 103 at the end of May, with a vast majority of the deaths having occurred in aged care facilities.

However, Scott Morrison remained the most popular choice for the prime minister with 49 percent of respondents identifying him as their preferred PM compared to 26 percent for Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

More than 40 percent of voters said aged care providers were responsible for outbreaks in their facilities while 31 percent blamed the federal government and 28 percent state governments.

Almost 80 percent agreed that authorities failed to prepare for COVID-19 outbreaks in aged care and 72 percent agreed that the issue has been exacerbated by underfunding.

The poll also found that voters' faith in state and territory governments has declined.

Support for the New South Wales' government response to the pandemic fell two points to 57 percent while that for the government of Queensland, which is facing an election at the end of October, fell seven points to 66 percent.

Half of voters approved of the Victorian government's handling of the crisis despite the state accounting for 74 percent of Australia's coronavirus cases and more than 85 percent of the nation's deaths.

The government of Western Australia (WA), which has taken a hardline stance on keeping the state's borders closed, was the most popular with 87 percent support among voters. Enditem
By Azernews





By Ayya Lmahamad

Azerbaijan continues improving power supply in the country, the countrys energy providing company Azerishig has reported.

Recently, powers supply was improved in 14 villages of Astara region, and a new 10 kV line with the length of 13 kilometers was put into operation.

Moreover, in order to provide consumers with uninterrupted, stable and quality electric power, the company continues extensive construction works in the service area of the Southern Regional Power Supply and Sales Department, as well as in other regions of the country.

The new 10 kV line means improvement of power supply to about 5,000 residents of 14 villages. In addition, improved supply will also prevent large losses in this direction.

Every year floods, heavy snow and winds cause frequent accidents on the 10 kV line, which has been in operation for over 50 years. As a result of which the population were left without electricity for hours. From now on, the 14 villages of the region will be provided with better and more stable electricity.

Earlier it was reported that construction of a new distribution facility for the installation of two power transformer is underway in Baku.

Furthermore, Azerishig is reconstructing electric substations located in four regions across the country. Large-scale reconstruction work is being carried out on the electrical system located on the Aran Regional Division of Energy Supply and Sales contact line. Moreover, the 35/10 kV Boyuk Behmenli substation, located on the territory of the Fizuli region electric network, is being fully reconstructed with increasing capacity. In addition, 35/10 kV Dostlug substation, located in the Beylagan power grid, is being reconstructed, the equipment is completely renewed.

Likewise, reconstruction works have also begun on the 35/10 kV Khindiristan substation, located in the Agdam region electric network contact line. Moreover, the power supply system in Akhmadagali and Chiragli villages is being fully reconstructed.

Additionally, the reconstruction works are being carried out at Behramtepe substation, located in Imishli region.
One of the world's most important collections of art has re-emerged after having been lost for more than 70 years.

The corpus  103 original drawings by the non-Western world's most famous artist, the 19th century Japanese painter, Hokusai  came to light in Paris and has now been bought by the British Museum.

The newly discovered artworks appear to have formed part of one of the most ambitious publishing projects ever conceived  a Japanese plan to create a huge pictorial encyclopaedia.

Known as the Great Picture Book of Everything, it was conceived by Hokusai (best known for his most famous work  The Great Wave)  but was never completed.

The project was abandoned in the 1830s  either because of cost or possibly because Hokusai insisted on reproduction standards that were difficult to attain.

The Great Picture Book of Everything was to have been a comprehensive way for the Japanese to have access to images of people, cultures and nature around the world  at a time when virtually no Japanese people had been allowed out of Japan for some two centuries - and virtually no foreigners had been allowed into 99 per cent of the country.

In that ultra-restrictive atmosphere, the project was to have given people an opportunity to explore a highly stylised printed version of the outside world as well as Japan itself.

However, so limited was Hokusai's access to up-to-date images of foreigners and foreign cultures, that he often had to use very old pictures as his source material  which led to him portraying much of the outside world as it would have looked several hundred years earlier.

Studies of various types of water bird, swimming and diving among river weed. This work seems to have been intended as a kind of picture thesaurus (Katsushika Hokusai, 1829.  The Trustees of the British Museum)

Thus, the only European (described as a 'Southern Barbarian'), portrayed in the known portions of the pictorial encyclopaedia, is wearing 16th or 17th century, rather than 19th century, costume.

Other images portray Chinese and Indian history, animals, birds and minerals  and Hokusai's impression of what ancient Chinese houses, paper-making, printing and alcohol production would have looked like.

The only other known works, painted by Hokusai for his Great Picture Book of Everything, are in the Museum of Fine Arts In Boston and the Biblioteque Nationale in Paris. They portray Japanese arts and crafts, Buddhist cosmology, plants, fish and landscapes.

But there are several major subjects (including Japanese history and Japanese literary history  and much zoology), which Hokusai would almost certainly have wanted to include in his pictorial encyclopaedia which are not represented in the London, Boston or Paris material.

The British Museum therefore believes that it is likely that other major drawings made by Hokusai for the encyclopaedia may survive, unidentified, in private or even public collections around the world.

The hunt will now be on to try to find the rest of them.

All 103 newly re-discovered images have now been put on-line by the British Museum both in print and online.

So, if further images come to light, there is the possibility that 171 years after Hokusai's death, his great unpublished masterpiece, The Great Picture Book of Everything  could ultimately be fully or at least very substantially published.

If he had produced his multi-volume encyclopaedia in the 1830s, as he had intended, only a few thousand copies would have been made.

But today, millions of people worldwide can begin to admire these long-lost works by Asia's most famous pre-20th century artist.

Fumei Choja and the nine-tailed spirit fox: Fumei Choja appears as a character in kabuki and bunraku plays which also feature the shape-shifting nine-tailed fox and its adventures in India, China and Japan (Katsushika Hokusai, 1829.  The Trustees of the British Museum)

Hokusai was extremely famous in 19th century Japan  but he and his Japanese artistic contemporaries were also a major influence on European art  especially Impressionism and Art Nouveau.

He and his contemporaries ultimately influenced the style of artists like Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Paul Gauguin, Mary Cassatt, Vincent van Gogh and Gustav Klimt.

Indeed, back in the early 20th century, the recently rediscovered Hokusai masterpieces belonged to the famous Art Nouveau jeweller, Henry Vever, who was a personal friend of Claude Monet and other Impressionist artists.

He and Monet were members of the Amis de L'art Japonais  a Paris-based artistic society, which helped popularise Japanese art in Europe.

Devadatta (Daibadatta), appearance of evil spirits with supernatural arts: Monk Devadatta was by tradition the cousin and brother-in-law of Shakyamuni Buddha. In the Lotus Sutra he was the archetype of an evildoer. Here he holds sway over a variety of grotesque evil spirits (Katsushika Hokusai, 1829.  The Trustees of the British Museum)

Hokusai was not just a superb and innovative artist, but was also a consummate showman. He took part in literally hundreds of 'performance art' events (known as 'calligraphy and painting parties') that the Japanese general public paid to observe.

Most famously, he also produced at least two giant works of art, each around 180 meters long  vast drawings, on hundreds of square metres of paper, created with dozens of buckets of ink (and painted with brooms instead of paintbrushes).

His eye for self publicity turned him into a valuable brand. What's more, he insisted on reinvigorating his brand by awarding himself new and innovative additional names (each with a new meaning). One of the last names he adopted simply meant 'Old Man Crazy to Paint'.

Indeed, the name Hokusai itself was one of his invented names: it means 'North Studio' (a reference to the North Star)  and suggests that he potentially viewed himself as a creative fixed point, around which aspects of the rest of the artistic world could revolve.

The newly rediscovered Hokusai works were produced in 1829 (around the time that The Great Wave was published).

Published at around the same time as Hokusai was producing the 103 recently rediscovered drawings, The Great Wave is the artist's most famous painting (Wikimedia Commons)

It is likely that after the Great Picture Book of Everything project was abandoned, the drawings were sold by Hokusai and were subsequently purchased by Japanese dealers who took them to Paris (after Japanese foreign travel restrictions were lifted in around 1860).

Henri Vever subsequently acquired them (probably in the late 19th century or the first quarter of the 20th century). Many years later, in 1948, six years after Vever's death, they were auctioned in Paris to an unknown private buyer.

The works then resurfaced last year  and were bought by the British Museum this summer. It is the first time that this extraordinarily important material has been in a public collection.

It will go on public display at the British Museum next year.

Bizarrely, the world owes the survival of the newly rediscovered Hokusai drawings to the abandonment of the great artist's pictorial encyclopaedia publishing project. If the publishing operation had gone ahead, the manufacture of the printing blocks would have involved the destruction of the original drawings, which the British Museum has just acquired.

Recommended British Museum undergoes biggest deep clean in decades to remove lockdown dust

The British Museum, Boston and Paris material will now be the subject of a groundbreaking research project using a new and very innovative and interactive online system known as ResearchSpace.

This new research tool will allow relevant scholars in any country to access Hokusai material in collaborating museums worldwide  and to then present that material and knowledge in new and fluid ways, thus enabling a hitherto unprecedented level of analysis of Hokusai's work. It is that analysis which is likely to enable art historians to reconstruct the great Japanese artist's lost pictorial encyclopaedia.

Tim Clark, honorary research fellow of the British Museum, who is cataloguing the newly re-discovered Hokusai drawings, says that they will expand considerably our knowledge of the artists activities at a key period in his life and work.

All 103 pieces are treated with the customary fantasy, invention and brush skill found in Hokusais late works, he said.
Yesterday images and specs of the Realme 7i surfaced online, and today we have the official renders of the new affordable phone, thanks to the device being listed on the Lazada Indonesia website.

The 7i will have four cameras in L-formation, while the front will be occupied by a big display with a punch hole in the upper left corner. Lazada listed the phone in two paint jobs - Jade and Champagne, which arent real names of colors, but thats the closest Realme can get to describing what can be seen on the back.





Realme 7i in Jade and Champagne

While Lazada has listed the Green as Champagne and the Blue as Jade, we think they are the opposite. However, thats hardly an issue and we have to focus on the positive thing - the top 1/4 of the phone will be glossy, reflecting the light in one way, while the rest 3/4 is a matt finish, adding a unique touch to the phone.

The listing also gives us more specs details on the Realme 7i, but it isnt anything new - we already know it will have a 64 MP main camera, a 5,000 mAh battery, and a 90 Hz refresh rate.

While Lazada does not say when the phone will be launched for sale, we know the official announcement is scheduled for September 17, when the local fans will also see the already announced Realme 7 on stage as well.

Source | Via
With cases of Covid-19 steadily rising, 60% of all Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds in the district are currently occupied, as per the data available with the district health department. This is up from occupancy of about 30% till early August.

Officials in the district administration and health department said that a review of the availability of beds was undertaken on September 7 and that they are keeping a close watch on the occupancy rates, in case infrastructure needs to be ramped up in the coming weeks.

There are a total of 1,740 hospital beds in the city reserved for Covid-19 treatment across 42 dedicated Covid hospitals and healthcare centres  including 1,541 general hospital beds (with oxygen facility) and an additional 199 ICU beds (which further includes 94 beds with ventilator support).

Of the available ICU beds, 121 are currently occupied (including 43 patients on ventilator support). While officials did not provide older data, they confirmed that ventilator bed occupancy has risen in the past two weeks.

Despite the increase, officials maintained that there is no cause for alarm. There are at least 328 ventilators available across the districts Covid-19 hospitals. We can always allocate more for Covid-19 treatment if need be. The capacity can be created, said Dr Virender Yadav, chief medical officer(CMO), Gurugram, adding that the health departments goal was to hospitalise less than 10% of the active cases. However, health department data shows that at least 20% of the active cases are currently hospitalised.

Vivek Kalia, nodal officer for Covid-19 hospital management said that private hospitals currently reserve 25% of their bed capacity for Covid-19, which can be further escalated to an additional 35% in case there is a surge in the number of cases. According to a state government order, a maximum of 60% of beds can be reserved in private hospitals. At present, there has been no step towards the further expansion as the existing capacity continues to remain unused. Divisional commissioner Ashok Sangwan reviewed the situation on Monday and we have been told to keep a close eye on bed occupancy, in case we need to ramp it up soon, Kalia said.

On the other hand, despite an increase in ICU bed occupancy and ventilator use, a significant majority of general hospital beds continue to be vacant, despite a 70% increase in active cases recorded over the past seven days. Of the 1,541 hospital beds reserved for Covid-19, just 447 (or 29%) are currently in use. Of these, 75 beds are being used by suspected cases, whose test results have not yet been processed. General bed occupancy on September 3 was higher, at 31%.

This discrepancy, experts said, may indicate that the health departments primary response to Covid-19 is no longer able to keep up with the spread of the virus. As transmission continues and more people get infected, it may so happen that many cases dont emerge through testing and tracing, but because an individuals symptoms have worsened, said Dr Rajesh Kumar, epidemiologist and former professor of community medicine. In a lot of these cases, ventilator support will be required because the person has tested positive at a later stage of infection. So that may be one reason why ventilators are being taken up more rapidly, though this does not explain why other general hospital beds are vacant.

This view was shared by an internal medicine expert in DLF-4, who claimed to have been approached by at least 16 symptomatic cases in her private practice over the past week. I am not an epidemiologist, but if these many people are approaching doctors with symptoms and then testing positive, it stands to reason that there are a significant number of infected patients at large, the physician said, requesting anonymity.

Other experts offered slightly a different explanation. Dr Prabahakaran Dorairaj, vice president (research and policy) at the Public Health Foundation of India, said, More ventilator bed occupation isnt necessarily a sign of failing surveillance. It could just be a function of the increase in cases. Proportionally, more people will require ventilator support as reported infections increase. However, it is a bit odd that oxygen beds are disproportionately vacant. But, home isolation is also being encouraged in Gururgam and many people are opting for it, so that could be why general hospital beds are going empty. If home isolation is working, especially without oxygen support, then it will keep hospitals beds empty for those who really need them.
A 13-year-old autistic boy has been shot multiple times after his mother called the police for help when he was having a mental breakdown in Salt Lake City.

Golda Barton called the police for a crisis intervention team (CIT) when her son Linden Cameren, who has Asperger's, started suffering severe separation anxiety over her going back to work.

Barton said that police told her the CIT would 'deescalate the situation using the most minimal force possible' at her home in the Glendale neighborhood.

But she said that within less than five minutes of the police arriving she heard an officer shout at the boy 'get on the ground,' before several shots were fired.

Linden Cameren, from Glendale, Salt Lake City, Utah, was shot several times by police on Friday night after his mother called for assistance dealing with a psychiatric episode

Linden Cameren, who remains in hospital, suffered injuries to his shoulders, both ankles, intestines and bladder

Golda Barton told KUTV: 'He's a small child. Why didn't you just tackle him? He's a baby. He has mental issues.'

Barton told KUTV: 'I said, he's unarmed, he doesn't have anything, he just gets mad and he starts yelling and screaming. He's a kid he's trying to get attention, he doesn't know how to regulate.'

She added: 'He's a small child. Why didn't you just tackle him? He's a baby. He has mental issues.'

She said the officers told her to wait outside while they entered the property and then soon after she heard the gunshots.

Barton said she thought her son was dead because the officers didn't immediately say what had happened.

In addition, she claims she heard one of the officers say to the other: 'He's just a child, what are you doing?'

Linden Cameren, who remains in hospital, suffered injuries to his shoulders, both ankles, intestines and bladder.

Salt Lake City Police Department, who are investigating the circumstances, said that it was called to reports of a 'violent psych issue' and that the teenager was 'making threats to some folks with a weapon.'

There was no indication over whether a weapon had been found, but police said they were not certain there wasn't one.

Golda Barton said she called police when her autistic son suffered a mental breakdown because she was going back to work

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said in a statement Sunday: 'While the full details of this incident are yet to be released as an investigation takes place, I will say that I am thankful this young boy is alive and no one else was injured.

'No matter the circumstances, what happened on Friday night is a tragedy and I expect this investigation to be handled swiftly and transparently for the sake of everyone involved.'

Linden Cameren's father drove down from Iowa immediately after hearing the news, Barton said.

'He's an amazing father,' she told KUTV.
BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Central Committee of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League (TDSL) held a symposium in Beijing on Monday, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Su Hui, chairperson of the TDSL Central Committee, called on Taiwan compatriots to carry forward the spirit of resisting aggression fostered during the war and to promote people-to-people exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait.

Speaking at the symposium, members of the TDSL reminisced the legacy of Taiwan compatriots' contributions to resisting foreign aggression and safeguarding national unity.

Founded in 1947 by Taiwan compatriots living on the mainland, the TDSL is one of the eight non-Communist political parties on the Chinese mainland.
Bengaluru, Sep 8 : As part of the on-going war against drug menace in Karnataka, the City Crime Branch (CCB) Police conducted its raid at Kannada actress Sanjana Gulrani's residence in the up market Indira Nagar area early Tuesday.

Sanjana acted in Ganda-Hendathi a Kannada movie which is a remake of super hit Emran Hashmi and Mallaika Sherawat starrer "Murder".

This is the second high-profile raid on a Kannada actress, after Ragini Dwivedi, who is already in police custody for her alleged role in drug trafficking during high-end parties organized in Bengaluru.

In a statement released by the Joint Police Commissioner (Crime) Sandeep Patil said, "After obtaining a warrant from a court, a search is being conducted at Sanjana Gulrani's house for her alleged role in a drug case." Post Bollywood actress, Kangana Ranaut's revelations about the alleged nexus between drug mafia and a section of Bollywood biggies, noted Kannada film-maker Indrajit Lankesh, about a week back, alleged that the drug mafia had gained its root in Sandalwood as well.

As a fallout of his revelations, the City Police, inquired him and he is alleged to have given 15-20 prominent names of Sandalwood stars, musicians and technicians who are allegedly indulging in drugs and who frequent high-end parties organized in the city.

According to the Bengaluru Police, the CCB arrested Niyaz Ahamed, a native of Kerala on Monday in a drug related case involving Kannada Actress Ragini Dwivedi.

The police sources disclosed that the raid at Sanjana's house was part of this operation and she is likely to be taken into custody for further investigations.
President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker delivers a speech during a session of the European Parliament on Brexit on January 30, 2019 in Brussels, Belgium.

U.K. and EU negotiators are unlikely to reach a trade agreement in the coming months, Jean-Claude Juncker, the former president of the European Commission, said at an event Tuesday.

The two negotiating teams started their eighth round of discussions over new trade arrangements on Tuesday  a necessary step after the U.K. left the European Union in January and agreed to work toward a trade deal with the bloc, to be implemented in January 2021.

However, the trade talks have not made any significant progress so far and there are growing doubts that this will change in the coming weeks.

"The situation is not developing in the best direction possible," Jean-Claude Juncker, who led the executive arm of the EU between 2014 and 2019, said at an event hosted by financial services company Principal.

"No deal is the most possible and probable, the only outcome of the negotiations," Juncker, who often played a key role in prior Brexit negotiations, said.
Egypt and China signed on Monday a cooperation protocol to teach the Chinese language in pre-university schools in Egypt as a second optional foreign language.

The protocol was signed by the Egyptian Minister of Education and Technical Education, Tarek Shawki, and the Chinese Ambassador to Cairo, Liao Liqiang.

"Egypt is keen to benefit from the unique Chinese experience in economic development as well as other fields," Shawki said during the signing ceremony.

He added that Egyptian-Chinese ties are deeply rooted as Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1956.

"Today's agreement represents an illuminating image of the distinguished and fruitful relations between the two friendly countries, which we always strive to strengthen and support by all means to achieve the desired goals," Shawki said.

The minister said the Chinese side helps the ministry in many areas such as establishing solar power plants in schools, establishing workshops for technical education, installing electronic screens in secondary schools nationwide, and establishing smart classrooms.

According to the Chinese Embassy in Cairo, there are two Confucius Institutes in Egypt, one in Cairo University, the other in Suez Canal University,in addition to three independent Confucius classrooms in Egypt.

A total of 16 universities in Egypt have either established Chinese language departments or teach the Chinese language within their curriculums.

The Chinese government also built two schools under an educational aid program for Egypt.

In March last year, China's Tianjin Light Industry Vocational Technical College, Tianjin Transportation Vocational College, and Egypt's Ain Shams University signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the Egypt Luban Workshop in Cairo.

Luban workshop is the first project of international cooperation on vocational training supported by China's Tianjin Municipality, which aims at improving academic education of top technical talents and serving the local economy and society via vocational training.

In 2019, China provided more than 300 scholarships for Egyptians to finish master and PhD degrees, according to the Chinese Embassy in Cairo.

Meanwhile, Liao said the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped cooperation between the two countries in the field of education.

"We have given each other's international students meticulous care and exchanged experiences in resuming classes. China has also donated 300,000 masks and other anti-virus materials to the Egyptian Ministry of Education and Al-Azhar University," the ambassador said during his speech.

The ambassador noted that the integration of Chinese teaching into the Egyptian national education system reflects the vision of the Egyptian government.

"Similarly, China will further open up education to the outside world to facilitate people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and pave the way for building a China-Egypt community with a shared future," he added.

"We are willing to work with Egypt to implement the agreement step by step and strengthen cooperation in improving the proficiency of teachers, enriching Chinese teaching materials, optimizing teaching methods, and compiling syllabus," the ambassador said.
Fuchs said that poll workers errors probably led to some of the instances of double ballots. Typically, when a voter shows up to vote in person, the poll worker checks the poll book to see if the voter has requested an absentee ballot or has received one. If so, the worker is supposed to call the county elections headquarters to cancel the persons mail ballot, and then can allow the voter to cast a ballot in person.
(CNN)  Two Australian journalists working in China have left the country after they were questioned by police and forced to seek the protection of their country's government, their news organizations said Tuesday.

The exodus leaves Australia's media without any journalists working in China for the first time in nearly 50 years.

The diplomatic standoff began when the two men  Bill Birtles, Beijing correspondent for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), and Mike Smith, Shanghai correspondent for the Australian Financial Review (AFR)  were told they were "persons of interest in an investigation" into Cheng Lei, an Australian anchor for state broadcaster CGTN, according to the AFR. The Australian government said last week that Cheng had been detained by police in China, though she has yet to be charged with anything and Chinese authorities have not revealed what she is being investigated for.

The Australian government had already warned the ABC to remove its staff from China before the men were questioned by police, according to the broadcaster.

The ABC added that Birtles, for example, was hosting farewell drinks when the police visited his apartment and told him he was banned from leaving the country, and that he would be called in the following day for questioning over a "national security case." The broadcaster did not say what Birtles was questioned about.

Both journalists then sought refuge in Australian diplomatic missions in Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, while Canberra negotiated with Chinese officials to allow them to leave the country. The standoff lasted five days before the travel bans were rescinded and they were able to fly back to Sydney.

CNN Business has reached out to the Chinese foreign ministry about the case, but has yet to receive any response.

Australian foreign affairs minister Marise Payne said in a statement that the government "provided consular support to two Australian journalists in China to assist their return to Australia."

Birtles said on the ABC Tuesday that it was "very disappointing to have to leave under those circumstances."

"It's a relief to be back in a country with genuine rule of law," he added. "This was a whirlwind and not particularly good experience."

Speaking to CNN Business from quarantine in Australia, Smith said that the visits to his and Birtles' apartments had felt "very political."

"It was a very tense few days," he said of his time spent within the Australian consulate in Shanghai. He added that he and Birtles were allowed to leave China on the condition that they allowed themselves to be interviewed by China's Ministry of State Security about Cheng Lei.

"So we agreed to do that largely because we didn't really have any option. You don't want to be a Julian Assange and stuck in an embassy for years," Smith added, referring to the WikiLeaks founder who lived in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for nearly seven years to avoid extradition to Sweden.

Heightened tensions

The relationship between Australia and China has frayed in recent months after Canberra called for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. The countries have since engaged in tit-for-tat trade restrictions.

In an editorial Tuesday, the Chinese state-backed tabloid Global Times said "the actions of Australian politicians in recent months indicates that they don't value trade ties with China as highly as their political interests."

Canberra already advises Australians that they may be "at risk of arbitrary detention" in China. Payne said in her statement that the travel advice, which was last updated July 7, remains unchanged.

For Australia's media industry, the departures of Birtles and Smith are highly significant: ABC reports that there are now no more journalists employed by Australian media in mainland China. That hasn't happened since 1972, when Canberra normalized relations with Beijing.

While there are still some Australian journalists working in China, all are employed by non-Australian media companies.

One other news outlet, The Australian, said Tuesday that it had been advised by Canberra against sending China correspondent Will Glasgow back to the country. Glasgow is currently in Australia but had been due to fly to Guangzhou last Sunday, he said on Twitter.

Poor relations

Trevor Watson, who was the ABC correspondent in Beijing from 1988 to 1990, told CNN Business there has been a marked shift in how the Chinese government views Australian journalists.

When Watson was working in the country, including when he covered the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, "there was a recognition that the ABC and Australian journalists operated independently of their government."

That has changed dramatically now, he said.

"They're quite fortunate really to be out of there," he said of Birtles and Smith. "Having been a regular visitor to China since 1979, I think it will be a very long time until I return.

Smith told CNN Business that being forced to leave China was "really sad."

"It's just become harder and harder to be a foreign correspondent in China," he added. "It's getting really hard for people to talk to you. It's becoming more authoritarian. I think it's becoming riskier and this really highlights that."

He said that prior to this event, he had been largely dismissive of any potential risk to Australians in China.

"If they're going to put exit bans on journalists, you don't know what they're willing to do to a prominent businessman or someone else who gets into trouble," he added.

Journalists in China

Foreign journalists in China have been facing scrutiny more broadly as well. Just days ago, Chinese authorities imposed new visa restrictions on foreign journalists working for American news organizations  including CNN.

And earlier this year, Beijing effectively expelled about a dozen journalists from the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal after the Trump administration capped the number of Chinese nationals allowed to work in the US offices of China's state-run media.

Since then, Washington has designated a growing number of US offices of China's state-run news organizations as "foreign missions," requiring them to file paperwork with US authorities on their finances and personnel. Beijing has hit back by demanding the same of multiple US outlets in China.

The Foreign Correspondents' Club of China said that "in the first half of 2020 alone, China expelled a record 17 foreign journalists by canceling press credentials."

"At least another 12 foreign correspondents in China have received punitive truncated-term visas, sometimes for as short as 1 month, rather than standard year-long visas," the organization added. "This comes in addition to increasing harassment and surveillance of foreign journalists, including physical assault and cyber attacks."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Australian journalists evacuated from China after five-day diplomatic standoff."
Photo: The Canadian Press

Three teenagers were charged Tuesday with fatally shooting a Cleveland police detective and another man during what authorities said was a robbery attempt.

David McDaniel Jr., 18, of Cleveland, was charged with two counts of aggravated murder in Cleveland Municipal Court, records show. A 17-year-old male and 15-year-old male, who were not identified because of their ages, face aggravated murder, aggravated robbery and felonious assault charges in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court.

Court records dont indicate whether McDaniel has an attorney to speak for him.

McDaniel and the two juveniles are accused of killing Cleveland police detective James Skernivitz, 53, and Scott Dingess, 50, as they sat in Skernivitz's unmarked police car Thursday night.

A police statement of facts filed with the charges against McDaniel say he and two juveniles approached Skernivitz's car, which was parked behind a store, and shot Skernivitz and Dingess during an attempted robbery. McDaniel was arrested Sunday.

A Cleveland police official knowledgeable about some details of the shooting, but who was not authorized to speak publicly, told The Associated Press that Skernivitz, a 25-year member of the force, was working undercover that night during a drug operation and that Dingess was a police informant.

Skernivitz along with other law enforcement officers were sworn in last Wednesday as members of the FBIs Violent Crime Task Force in support of Operation Legend, a Justice Department effort to crack down on violent crime in Cleveland and other cities.

He was also assigned to the Cleveland police gang unit. Authorities have not said whether Skernivitz was working with the federal task force or the gang unit when he was killed.

Skernivitz's funeral is scheduled for Friday.
The head of the British governments legal department has resigned in a row over plans to revisit a key part of the Brexit withdrawal deal which was signed by the UK and the EU earlier this year.

Jonathan Jones disagrees with the UK Prime Ministers plan to give British ministers the power to interpret parts of the Northern Ireland protocol, which was the most difficult part of the deal to negotiate.

A proposed internal market bill to be put before the British parliament on Wednesday would give British ministers such power although the UK government insists the bill will only lead to minor clarifications and maintains it is committed to the Northern Ireland protocol.

The move has caused some concern in Brussels. Commission president Ursula von der Leyen suggested in a tweet that if Britain did not implement the withdrawal agreement, it would be a breach of international law and remove the trust needed to continue ongoing discussions on the future UK-EU relationship.

In answer to a question about the proposed bill today in the UK parliament, British government's Northern Ireland Secretary said "Yes. This does break international law in a very specific and limited way."

He said customs arrrangements concerning Northern Ireland needed to be made to cover a no-deal situation.

But former UK prime minister Theresa May expressed serious concerns about the damage to the UK's reputation if it failed to abide by accords it had signed.

Meanwhile, ahead of the start of todays eighth round of talks, the UKs chief negotiator David Frost said the EU should show more realism.

Britain is keen to signal that it is prepared to walk away from talks on its future relationship with the EU if a deal is not agreed between the two sides by mid-October.

The European Union says whilst it will to everything in its power to agree a deal, it will be ready for a no-deal situation.

European Commission spokesman Dan Ferie said that while the bloc shared the UK's "desire to reach a deal quickly", it should be "in line with the EU's long-term economic and political interests".

The transition period - which sees the UK following a number of the EU's rules while the two sides try to negotiate a trade deal - is due to end on 31 December.

If a deal is not made and ratified by parliaments across Europe by then, the UK will move onto trading with the bloc on World Trade Organisation rules, which would involve tariffs. Critics fear this would damage the economy.
At the end of July, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Canadians he had just downloaded COVID Alert, the new national tracing app, and urged them to do the same thing.

He said that if enough people use the mobile phone app it could help prevent future outbreaks of COVID-19 in Canada.

And yet were now in September, with students heading back to school and more people out working, shopping and socializing, and this national app is still not available in most parts of Canada.

Ontario, along with Newfoundland and Labrador, are the only two provinces currently using the app, which aims to alert people who may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for the coronavirus.

Thats hardly the seamless, national app that Canadians were promised. So whats the hold-up to getting the real deal?

The Quebec government says it has no intention of using the national app but might reconsider that position later on if the province takes a turn for the worse. That make no sense from a health perspective  the best time to take precautions is before cases get out of control. Quebecs reluctance is about provincial politics far more than anything to do with COVID-19 or this app in particular.

British Columbia says it supports the national app in principle but no word on when it might turn that support into action. Alberta claims its willing to transition from its problematic provincial app to the national one but says Ottawa is holding things up. Saskatchewan says it will start using the app soon. Manitoba, which pushed for a national app, says its still evaluating the technology and working out technical details.

For the most part, this seems like government bureaucracies moving in slow motion  my tech people will have to talk to your tech people and so on  and unnecessarily delaying what could be a useful tool in the fight against COVID-19.

Its the way Ottawa and the provinces often handle the implementation of new national programs. But in these pandemic days Canadians have come to expect fewer excuses and swifter action from everyone.

If were going to have a national contact tracing app  and we should  it cant stop at provincial borders. It must be available right across Canada and it needs to be accompanied by a public awareness campaign to encourage Canadians to download and use the app in the numbers necessary for it have an effect.

Experts dedicated to protecting our privacy, namely the federal and Ontario privacy commissioners have already signed off on this app. It does not compromise privacy by revealing personal details or locations.

Public health officials have rightly noted that the app is not a magic bullet  no single measure short of a vaccine will ever be that  but it is a useful tool in the fight against COVID-19.

Canadas chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says the app is one way to mitigate the risk of spreading the illness unknowingly but for that to really happen there needs to be more take-up. The more the better, she says.

That means provinces need to sign on to the app without further delay. And people need to use the app when its available.

Ontario has had COVID Alert for more than a month but it has been downloaded only 2.2 million times, which represents a fraction of the provinces population. The experts say most people (65 to 80 per cent) must download the software for it to be truly effective.

Test and trace, our public health leaders have long been telling us, is the formula for successfully reopening society.

But COVID Alert cant help with that if we dont use it.
To the editor:

Over 250,000 individuals in Bay and Midland counties depend on the success of my small business to provide the jobs that allow them to make a living and provide for their families.

Even with a major employer such as Dow, three-fourths of all jobs in our area are provided by small business. And one of the major challenges for any small job provider is complying with the sometimes arbitrary, unreasonable, and burdensome regulations imposed by federal, state, and local politicians. If we trip up just once, hundreds of people could lose their jobs.

Thats why its so important to helping people make ends meet that we have policy makers who understand the need to guarantee public health and safety remains our highest priority, while ensuring government over-regulation doesnt cost people their jobs.

That requires a level-headed, rational, reasonable, common sense, business-type approach based on science and data, not a liberal ideological agenda that threatens peoples jobs and livelihoods.

Thats why Im supporting Republican state Rep. Annette Glenn, whos endorsed by the Small Business Association of Michigan, National Federation of Business-Michigan, Associated Builders and Contractors-Michigan, and the state Chamber of Commerce.

Annettes exemplary performance of her duties as our state representative has earned broad respect, including from small business owners.

Annette called one local manufacturer and asked him to retool his auto parts business to make Personal Protection Equipment. He did, not only keeping employees on payroll but making tens of thousands of masks and ventilators for medical workers. One phone call from Annette made that happen.

After the flood, Annette called Three Rivers Construction and asked them to donate manpower and heavy equipment to the cleanup. They did, well in excess of $1 million worth.

When tens of thousands of jobs have already been lost, the last thing we need is turning back the clock to an agenda of higher taxes and over-regulation that puts more people out of work. I want a steady, proven hand on the job. Thats why Im not only voting Annette Glenn, but have contributed to her campaign. I urge you to join me.

DAVID DITTENBER

Midland
PATNA

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which leads the ruling alliance also consisting of Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal in the neighbouring state, is looking to fill up the void following the departure of Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S) in Bihars Grand Alliance (GA).

HAM-S leader and former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi opted out of GA on August 20 citing and later cast his lot with the NDA.

A delegation of JMM leaders is likely to meet RJD chief Lalu Prasad, who is serving his jail sentence in Ranchi, next week for formal talks on the alliance.

The RJD and Congress are already having a hard time in accommodating left parties, apart from allocating seats to allies like the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) and Vikassheel Insan party (VIP) ahead of the Bihar assembly polls, due in October-November.

Headed by former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren, the JMM hopes to field its candidates in seven to 12 constituencies with significant presence of tribals. The states public health and engineering department (PHED) minister Mithilesh Thakur has been authorised to hold formal talks with the RJD chief next week, said JMM spokesman Manoj Kumar alias Bablu Pandey.

The Congress, however, pleaded its ignorance about the development, saying the RJD could be planning to spare seats from its own quota. Right now, the Congress does not have any proposal from JMM, said Bihar Congress chief Madan Mohan Jha.

However, the JMM is expecting reasonable returns from the RJD for its generous gesture in Jharkhand. JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya said it was not unreasonable as RJD was given seven seats to contest and the lone legislator was allotted berth in the cabinet.

In 2015, JMM leader Hemant Soren, who is now Jharkhand CM, was left high and dry when his plans to contest the Bihar polls under the GA was turned down by Prasad and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar.

Soren had visited Patna and met GA leaders and reportedly agreed to limit his partys fight on three seats, which was not allocated to any of the allies till then.

Later, the three undecided seats were shared equally among the GA constituents, RJD, JD(U) and the Congress.

Left out, the JMM fielded its candidates on 32 constituencies, mostly in areas bordering Jharkhand. However, it did not fare well and lost security deposits, polling only about 2% votes in the constituencies it had contested.

Till 2015, the JMM had one legislator in Bihar assembly.

Sources in the JMM said they had identified seats in Jamui, Banka, Purnia, Katihar, Kisanganj, West Champaran and Kaimur districts.

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(L) Shane Moon lies on the ground after being struck by a vehicle in Vancouver, Wash., on Sept. 5, 2020. (R) Moon in the hospital recovering. (Shane was involved in a hit and run/GiveSendGo)

Man Arrested After Hit-and-Run Near Memorial for Slain Trump Supporter

A man was arrested for allegedly striking another man on purpose with his vehicle following a memorial for a slain President Donald Trump supporter in Washington state on Saturday.

Charles R. Holliday-Smith, 30, turned himself in to the Vancouver Police Department late Monday and was booked for assault and felony hit and run.

No mugshot was available as of Tuesday.

Holliday-Smith is accused of ramming Shane Moon, a member of the mens fraternity group Proud Boys, with his truck outside a bar around 7 p.m., shortly after a memorial for Aaron Jay Danielson, the Trump supporter who was shot dead in Portland last month.

According to the original police statement, Moon and his friends were inside the bar when another man began filming them. The parties got into a verbal altercation.

The suspect later left the bar and the victim and several friends also went outside. As the suspect was leaving the parking lot, he hit the victim with his vehicle and fled the area, police said in a statement.

In an update, police said there was actually no verbal altercation inside the bar and that the suspect stopped filming and exited the bar when security staff approached him.

Moon and his friends went outside and then the suspect hit Moon, police said.

According to a GiveSendGo fundraising page, Moon was hit by a truck in the parking lot of a bar in Vancouver after leaving a celebration of life of a friend.

The truck then fled the scene leaving Shane unconscious and bleeding from his ears on the ground, it stated.

The Proud Boys pose for pictures at a memorial for Aaron Danielson in Vancouver, Wash., on Sept. 5, 2020. (Roman Balmakov/The Epoch Times)

Moon is still in the hospital.

A Proud Boys leader told the crowd at Danielsons memorial that Moon was in a parking lot and he was deliberately ran over.

It was a deliberate attack by a known Antifa member, the leader said, claiming the suspect is also a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Rex Fergus, who witnessed what happened, told the Gateway Pundit website that the suspect was walking around the bar and recording people inside, allegedly for the purpose of doxxing them, or revealing personal details to the public.

Security ultimately removed him from the bar.

Once the guy started his vehicle up and started to drive off, he hit Shane, Fergus said. Shane tried to get out of the way and the guy ran him over.

Danielson was shot dead in Portland on Aug. 29. Authorities identified the shooting suspect as Michael Forest Reinoehl, a member of Antifa, the far-left, anarcho-communist group.

Reinoehl was killed by law enforcement officers during an attempt to apprehend him in Washington state last week.

The Proud Boys is an all-male fraternity group that has brawled with members of Antifa in the past. Multiple Proud Boys received jail time after a fight between the groups in New York City last year.

Roman Balmakov contributed to this report.
Sanjay Dutt recently announced that he will be taking a break for medical attention after reportedly being diagnosed with lung cancer. However, the actor was seen back on sets on Monday and is said to have to resumed shoot for the action-adventure film, Shamshera starring Ranbir Kapoor in the lead.

The film has been stuck following the six-month coronavirus-induced lockdown and Sanjay did not want to delay it further. So, even though he is currently undergoing treatment, he reported at a city studio on Monday, taking all the necessary precautions and following the SOPs while on the set, Mumbai Mirror quoted a source close to the actor as saying.

The actor was papped outside a studio in Mumbai and was seen greeting the paparazzi by waving at them. Take a look at the pictures:

On August 11, Dutt, who was hospitalised a few days before that owing to breathing problem and chest discomfort, shared that he was taking a break for medical treatment.

In the statement, Maanayata Dutt, wife of Sanjay Dutt, said that the initial treatment of the actor would continue at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai. The family would consider going abroad for further treatment when the Covid pandemic situation eases.

The statement read: To all of Sanjus fans and well wishers, I cant begin to thank you for the love and warmth you have shown him all these years. Sanju has been through many ups and downs in his life, but what has kept him going through every tough phase has always been your adulation and support. And for this, we will always be grateful. We are now being tested through yet another challenge, and I know, the same love and warmth will see him through this time as well.

As a family, we have decided to face this with positivity and grace. We are going to go about our life as normally as possible, with a smile, because this will be a tough fight and a long journey. And, we need to do this for Sanju, without any negativity setting in. In these trying times, unfortunately, I have been unable to be by his side in the hospital, due to my home quarantine which ends in a couple of days. Every battle has a torchbearer and someone who holds the fort. (Sanjay Dutts sister) Priya who has worked extensively over two decades with our family-run Cancer foundation, and who has also seen her mother battle this illness, has been our incredible torchbearer, while I will hold the fort.

For those asking, Sanju will complete his preliminary treatment in Mumbai. We will formulate further plans of travel depending on how and when the covid situation eases. As of now, Sanju is in the best hands of our esteemed doctors at Kokilaben hospital. I request everyone, with my folded hands, to stop speculating the stage of his illness and let the doctors continue to do their work. We will update you all regularly with his progress. Sanju is not only my husband and father to our children, but he has also been a father figure to Anju and Priya, after losing their parents. He is the heart and soul of our family.

While our family is shaken up, we are determined to fight tooth and nail. With God and your prayers on our side, together we will overcome, and emerge as winners."

Although the 61-year-old actor or his family members did not reveal anything officially, it is speculated that Dutt has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
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A photographer has captured the beaming faces of several pooches for a new collection aiming to keep dog adoption rates high after lockdown.

London-based Liz Greggs captured the pets looking their happiest with a Sony Xperia 1 II phone as part of a campaign organised by British rehoming charity All Dogs Matter and Sony.

She has also revealed her top tips on how to capture your beloved pet's best features using a phone - by making sure the photoshoot is fun for your dog and using treats to keep them focused.

The photographer said that keeping things short and having play breaks was the best way to make sure your dog was relaxed and poised for pictures.

All Dogs Matter recorded a surge of interest in adopting pooches during lockdown and are hoping the photoshoot will help keep this rate high.

What a good boy! A spaniel shows of its wild side in a picture by London-based Liz Greggs, who captured the pets looking their happiest as part of a campaign organised by London rescue and rehoming charity All Dogs Matter

A pug goes from alarmed to relaxed during the photoshoot. Liz said that if a dog looked unsure in pictures, it was best to take a break and go play before trying to take their photograph again

This adorable poodle was caught 'smiling' mid-jump by Liz. The photographer said to sit very close to your pet and to snap the picture as you throw a treat aimed straight to their mouths

Looking good! An adorable pooch showcases its grey and brown hair. London-based Liz said the best way to make sure a photoshoot went well was to keep things spontaneous

Ready to play! A spaniel shows his best playful grin to the camera. Liz advised to keep photoshoots short in order to make sure that they are enjoyable for your pooches

These two spaniels can be seen having a lovely time during the photoshoot by Liz for All Dogs Matter. The photographer explained that she often used treats as a great way to keep the dogs focused

Overjoyed! Using Sony technology, photographer and dog-lover Liz explained how she was able to capture this golden retriever's dazzling eyes in spite of their protruding snout

The photographer said to use a camera with a fast shutter speed: 'So you have the control to get an in-focus photo of your dog no matter how fast and frenzied they are.' Pictured, an excited dog appears to be ready to play

In order to take a great picture of a dog like this handsome boy with brown fur, Liz advised to pick a background that was interesting but not distracting

Raw! A white dog showcases his stunning teeth to the camera. Liz said using positive reinforcement was the best way to take lovely pictures of your pooches
There was hope, in the early days of the global pandemic, that our planet would benefit from a decrease in the emission of greenhouse gases that came with the severe economic lockdown. That observation was not intended to ignore the suffering these restrictions inflicted on the worlds population; rather, it was an acknowledgement that the planet could use a break from the human activity that is destroying its climate.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 8/9/2020 (500 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Editorial

There was hope, in the early days of the global pandemic, that our planet would benefit from a decrease in the emission of greenhouse gases that came with the severe economic lockdown. That observation was not intended to ignore the suffering these restrictions inflicted on the worlds population; rather, it was an acknowledgement that the planet could use a break from the human activity that is destroying its climate.

Lamentably, even though there was a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, climate scientists believe it has done little to mitigate the slow, steady, potentially catastrophic march toward global warming. Scientists have determined that by 2019, temperatures had increased by 1.1 per cent over long-term averages. Those same scientists believe temperatures will continue to rise this year and beyond, undaunted by the economic slowdown.

The advancement of global warming is plainly evident today. Wildfires in California may reach an all-time high in terms of number and scope of the devastation. The first global database of glacial lakes  the significant bodies of water left behind as glaciers melt  shows they are growing in number and in volume. And that often means they are unstable, and at risk of bursting and creating catastrophic floods, as has been seen in Nepal, Peru and Iceland.

Stay informed The latest updates on the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 delivered to your inbox every weeknight. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

In this context, it is more than a little concerning that while the pandemic did provide a brief period of respite for the planet, it may also derail potentially game-changing policies and initiatives designed at curbing the increases in global warming.

The European Union, for example, had hoped 2020 would be the year the major pillars of its ambitious Green Deal  which seeks to make the continent and its 440 million people carbon-neutral by 2050  would start rolling out. As COVID-19 swept across Europe, those plans were somewhat derailed. Now, lawmakers are trying to find a way of melding an economic stimulus program with the principles of the Green Deal. It is still unclear whether that can be done.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised that the core of the next throne speech, to be delivered this fall, will be a green recovery plan that combines economic stimulus with measures to transform the economy to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, both as consumers and producers.

The idea that the pandemic represents an opportunity to reconfigure global economies was not created in Canada. With so many people displaced from so many jobs, there is an opportunity to create new jobs that are not just less harmful to the planet, but which conceive, design and build new sources of clean energy.

Rachel Kyte, a professor at Tufts University and former special representative to the United Nations for Sustainable Energy for All, told the New York Times recently that it is imperative for governments to focus on developing the economy of the future, not the economy of the past. "We need to invest in what is going to be competitive in a decarbonized world," she said, not "pour funding into zombie companies."

Every crisis, particularly one such as the pandemic, is also an opportunity. And there is no better way to pay tribute to those who have suffered from COVID-19 than to use the pandemic as an opportunity to build a better and more sustainable world.
For business owners with EDD audits of their payroll and 1099 contractors whose audits were suspended temporarily, the grace period is over. As of September 2, 2020, EDD has announced that audits that were pending and in process have now resumed. EDD will now, potentially, open new audits of companies who hired 1099 contractors and subsequently had those workers file UI claims with the state alerting EDD to their potential misclassification.

When California businesses hire and classify workers as 1099 contractors based solely on the information collected from those contractors, they run the risk of misclassification. If those 1099 workers subsequently file for unemployment, EDD will open an investigation into the hiring entity. Whether the error was a mistake or a deliberate effort to reduce overhead costs does not matter. The law introduced by Assembly Bill 5 which was signed in January of this year clearly redefines the criteria for contractor classification.

With the upcoming wave of EDD audits, the agency will likely target companies who hired contractors, requiring them to re-classify their workers as W-2 employees and assess payroll taxes, penalties, and interest.

Need a refresher on 1099 vs W-2 classifications check out our article here: https://www.caltaxadviser.com/blog/2020/09/edds-confirms-it-has-resumed-tax-audits/

If your EDD audit was on hold, or, if you suspect that your 1099 contractors should be reclassified as W-2 employees, reach out to our office today.

Proactive adjustments of classification and records-gathering can make an EDD audit swifter and less painful. If you are in an EDD audit currently, contact the experienced attorneys at Milikowsky Tax Law. We have resolved over 300 government tax cases and we are dedicated to resolving your most challenging tax matters.

Amanda Rogers

858-945-1069

[email protected]

SOURCE Milikowsky Tax Law
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 22:04:35|Editor: huaxia

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by Xinhua writers Zhang Yiyi and Jiang Tingting

BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- As China walks the talk of wider opening up with a focus on high-quality growth engines, leading global companies are confident of the country's ever-growing market amid its recovery from COVID-19 strains.

At the ongoing 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, the first major international economic and trade event held both online and offline by the country since the COVID-19 outbreak, the top Chinese leadership has vowed to ease market access in the service sector further and actively expand imports of quality services.

China has become a major contributor to the global growth of trade in services and has been the world's second-largest service importer and exporter since 2014.

"Although a relative latecomer in trade in services, China is striving to build a global brand for 'Services by China,'" said Merlin Swire, chairman of Swire Pacific Limited, noting that an already vast and growing middle-income population that prefers to buy goods or services of better quality and variety is a solid foundation for such upgrades.

Statistics showed that since 2012, the country's services trade has grown at an average annual rate of 7.8 percent, which is 3.7 percentage points higher than the global growth rate. In 2019, China's international services trade totaled 5.42 trillion yuan (about 775.6 billion U.S. dollars), ranking second in the world for six consecutive years.

China has pledged to stay committed to further opening up, with measures including the establishment of a sound negative list management system in cross-border service trade, and promoting open platforms for piloting innovative development of trade in services.

"We are pleased to see that the negative list compiled by the Chinese government is getting shorter, and the encouraged catalog is getting longer," said Swire.

Shipping and logistics giant Maersk also expects that an improved business climate and a shorter negative list will create more opportunities. It cited the public vessel agency being off the list in 2019 as one of the examples.

"We continue to see significant growth potential in China as the economy transforms and the composition of trade evolves towards higher value-added goods," said Jens Eskelund, managing director of Maersk China Ltd.

Eskelund, who is also vice president of the European Chamber of Commerce in China, told Xinhua that reciprocity in market access will ultimately benefit both Chinese and European companies and lead to more efficient services for users of shipping services.

"It is a very important signal and symbol in terms of opening up and that we are back in business," said Jochen Goller, president and CEO of BMW Group Region China, noting that CIFTIS 2020 is the need of the hour.

Despite COVID-19 posing serious challenges to the world, China has proved itself to be an important engine of global economic growth, manifesting strong resilience and growing signs of recovery.

"The short-term fluctuations will not change our plans for investment and development in the country," said Zhang Zhuoping, chairman of John Swire & Sons (China) Ltd.

"Our strategy is to continue increasing our investment in China and offer high-quality services, products and experiences to Chinese consumers in existing businesses and new areas," said Zhang, adding that the group announced a new joint investment in the field of healthcare services on the Chinese mainland.

Under the new economic development pattern of "dual circulation," China continues apace in sharing development opportunities with the rest of the world while reshaping its economy from an export- and investment-driven to domestic demand focused.

"In mid- and long-term we are very confident in the Chinese market, and I don't think the prospect of China is changing," said Goller, citing huge potential in domestic need and different business models. Enditem
 Read the full article on Motorious

Were telling you, no one can agree on these Corvettes!

In part one of the three-part-series on the early VIN 1963 Corvettes, that may have or not have been Pilot Line cars, we dove head first into the rabbit hole and just as it seems that weve reached the bottom, it becomes apparent that there is a whole other level to this. The journey started when we tracked down three of the first 23 (or 25) 1963 Corvettes, that are clearly different from the regular production Corvettes, photographic evidence documenting the differences from official production-spec, and an expert that has done extensive research into the car's history. Case closed right? Maybe not. Actually, its just getting blown wide open.

What's In A Name?

What are these cars called, exactly? The consensus on that term is not settled, and what this means is not agreed upon in the Corvette world. The paperwork and articles referring to the initial Corvettes produced under the 1963 design seem innocent enough, but digging deeper, the lack of definitive information makes the situation more mysterious.

There are many references to the early 1963 cars as being Pilot cars, or what would commonly be referred to as the 1963 Corvette Pilot Line. As it turns out, there were no actual Pilot Corvettes in 1963, according to Larry Galloway, a Quality Engineer at GM during the time these Corvettes were being made. Pete Vicari, current owner of three of these Corvettes, and someone who has done extensive research on these cars, also agrees that Pilot Line is not correct when referring to these 1963 Corvettes.

Curiously enough, literature shared with us by the GM Heritage Center - for reference only, so we're unable to share the exact documents - shows that there is internal documentation calling these cars 'Pilot' cars. There's also marketing material from GM that again makes the 'Pilot' reference!

What starts to throw up even more questions is that the C2 Corvettes were in production on the St. Louis assembly line, but photographs show a handful of 1963 bodied Corvettes at the Flint Pilot Plant. However, there are no records of 1963 Corvettes being produced at the Pilot Plant, so what were they doing there? Which is what has prompted some to call these cars prototypes after the photographs were released by the photographers grandson in recent years.

Story continues

What the Pilot Line reference is said to represent is the pre-production 1963 Corvettes that were built. To add another phrase to the mix of pre-production and Pilot Line is the term prototype that has become the third way to represent these 23 (or 25!), special Corvettes.

So, what is the correct name for these cars? Good luck getting anyone to agree on that.

Call it a Pilot Line, pre-production, or prototype, the Corvettes these terms cover started rolling down the assembly line first, so from here on out, we're sticking to pre-production cars, just to play it safe.

Production Controversy

What to call these cars is only part of the controversy. The belief is that, while the 1962 Corvettes were still in production, 1963 Corvettes were on the same line. Historical factory photos actually show a 1963 Corvette being painted at the Flint Pilot Line plant, with the clearly visible double headlights of a 1962 directly behind it, but does that even mean anything? To some, no, it doesn't.

A GM engineer at the plant the Corvettes were being produced at spoke with us prior to going further. What he told us is that the production of the early VIN Corvettes meant they made 25 cars, all of which had VINs, and all of which hit the road. And as far as those pictures go, the claim by some is that the car was simply there to be painted. Although, this claim seems a bit far fetched. After all, did the St. Louis plant not have its own paint booth for the regular production cars, and if the early production Corvettes were simply an extension of that, how would it make fiscal sense to transport the first of the year models three states away from their birthplace to receive a coat of paint?

While there were 23 bodies in the registry, Vicari notes that there are several blank spots. He explains that this seems to indicate very few that you could actually drive, with the rest never making it to the road. According to Vicari, only 8 or 9 of the 23 (or 25) have been discovered to be complete cars. This theory is supported by mismatching VIN and body numbers on the books.

All of this conflicting information is confusing, to say the least. While initial instincts will lead almost anyone to believe the story of someone that was actually there at the time, it is hard to argue with the experience that Vicari brings to the table. His research has led him to the discovery of several of these pre-production Corvettes that have mismatched body and VIN numbers. This may seem somewhat insignificant, but in truth, it is not. What this points to is that some of the first 1963 Corvettes were not completed and instead parted out to complete the others. A fact that, if true, would make these three Corvettes that got us going down this journey may be some of the rarest of the rarest Corvettes ever made.

See them, here, here, and here!

Missed part one? Read it here.

Source: Vicari Auction

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By Richa Naidu

CHICAGO, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Spooked by COVID-19, Martha Jones of Southern Kentucky will not let her three children trick-or-treat this year. Instead, she is transforming her sun deck into a mini-haunted house and setting up games, a grill and a bonfire in her backyard.

"It'll give the children something to be excited about without going door-to-door for candy," said Jones, a 31-year-old chocolatier. Hundreds of miles away in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, 43-year-old musician Paul Lee is figuring out how to make sure his two kids can safely go trick-or-treating - the Halloween custom in some countries of children wearing costumes and going from house to house, asking for candy with the phrase "Trick or treat."

In the weeks leading up to the Oct. 31 event, Jones and Lee will see very different ads on social media and websites from candy maker Hershey Co, based on where they live, how likely they are to be on lockdown, and what Halloween activities they have been searching for online. This is part of a new marketing strategy in partnership with Alphabet Inc's Google, Hershey executives told Reuters.

Hershey will tailor digital ads to households using search data provided by Google to overcome fresh challenges that threaten to derail this years Halloween.

The Pennsylvania-based candymaker struck a deal with Google last month for access to data showing whether people are more or less likely to go outside based on what they search for. For instance, a person who sought out business hours for nearby stores or vacation ideas suggests the likelihood to go outside.

So Jones and other people staying home for the holiday could see videos and clips on social media of people eating KitKats and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups under twinkly lights in their backyards or living rooms. In places where people are more inclined to venture out, they might see ads of mask-clad kids and adults going door-to-door for candy.

"On a weekly basis, we can change how we're talking to consumers based on what we're seeing geographically," Phil Stanley, Hershey's chief sales officer, said in an interview in August.

Story continues

The move is one of many strategic changes to marketing and logistics that U.S. candy companies are making ahead of Halloween, after a disappointing Easter.

Halloween is typically the candy industry's biggest holiday season by sales, followed by the periods around Christmas, Easter and Valentine's Day. For Hershey, Halloween represents a tenth of its roughly $8 billion in annual sales.

This year, anticipating a sharp increase in online sales and fewer trick-or-treaters, Hershey, Mondelez International Inc and their rivals are shrinking candy packs, spending more on digital marketing, setting up Halloween store displays earlier in the year, and keeping aside more e-commerce inventory for retailers trying to make up for lost brick-and-mortar sales.

Hershey, which relies on trick-or-treating for about half of its Halloween sales, told Reuters it plans to increase digital media spending on Halloween by 160% versus last year, targeting mainly e-commerce shoppers. Mondelez, which makes Sour Patch Kids chewy candies, said it too plans to spend more this Halloween on social and digital media.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Only about one-third of U.S. parents plan on sending their kids trick-or-treating this year, according to Matt Voda, CEO of marketing analytics firm OptiMine Software. "So that's the big dilemma for candy companies - how do you overcome that potential shortfall?"

A key part of the industry's marketing strategy is convincing people that going out is no longer an essential part of Halloween.

The message candy makers are pushing is that shoppers should buy candy for Halloween-at-home in the three months leading up to the event. Retailers like Walmart Inc and Target Corp reinforced this idea when they started setting up Halloween displays as early as August, a move that has so far driven a 24.8% increase in Hershey's seasonal sales.

The trick is convincing the right people to shop for home celebrations while not alienating others who plan to continue to go door-to-door with their kids.

"We have the ability to tailor our advertising by ZIP Code," said Hershey spokeswoman Allison Kleinfelter, referring to a postal code used by the U.S. Postal Service to designate locations. "Our team can see where there are differences like in cities or large states."

The Google data that Hershey is mining weekly flags which people are more likely to go out and the degree to which local governments are restricting movement in their areas. Hershey said the data - which is completely anonymous, showing only the data points of unnamed users - is used with research from shopper surveys, retailers and municipalities.

"It's impossible to say how much more Hershey is going to be able to sell before Halloween, whether it'll be enough," Wells Fargo analyst John Baumgartner said. "But will they keep it from being a complete washout? It's possible." (Reporting by Richa Naidu in Chicago Additional reporting by Marcelo Texeira in New York and Uday Sampath Kumar in Bangalore Editing by Vanessa O'Connell, Kenneth Li and Matthew Lewis)
(Newser)  A Saudi court issued final verdicts on Monday in the case of slain Washington Post columnist and Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi after his son, who still resides in the kingdom, announced pardons that spared five of the convicted individuals from execution. While the trial draws to its conclusion in Saudi Arabia, the case continues to cast a shadow over the international standing of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose associates have been sanctioned by the US and the UK for their alleged involvement in the brutal killing, which took place inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, the AP reports. Turkish officials say Khashoggi was killed and then dismembered with a bone saw inside the consulate by a team of 15 Saudi agents who had flown to Turkey. Khashoggi had gone to the consulate to seek paperwork to marry his Turkish fiance.

story continues below

The court ordered a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the five spared from execution. Another individual received a 10-year sentence, and two others were ordered to serve seven years in prison. Western intelligence agencies have said the crown prince bears ultimate responsibility for the killing and that an operation of this magnitude could not have happened without his knowledge. Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur who investigated Khashoggi's killing, tells the AP that the crown prince has remained well protected against any kind of meaningful scrutiny in his country and the high-level officials who organized the killing have walked free from the start. "These verdicts cannot be allowed to whitewash what happened, she said, calling the proceeds a "parody of justice."

(Read more Jamal Khashoggi stories.)
Help.org, a trusted online resource for individuals who struggle with addiction and their loved ones, has announced the Best Rehab Facilities in Lexington, Kentucky for 2020. The informational guide recognizes the top 6 rehab facilities based on cost, treatment options, location, accompanying services and more.

According to rentec studies, drug overdose is the leading cause of death among people under age 50. In Lexington, deaths related to opioid abuse increased significantly from 2011 to 2015. Substance abuse among adolescents is also escalating in Lexington with 55 percent of high school students reported using alcohol, 38 percent reported using marijuana, 8 percent reported using prescription drugs without a valid prescription, and 2 percent reported using heroin. With the growing need for accessible and high-quality rehab programs, Help.org has developed a unique ranking process to help connect individuals with treatment providers that meet their needs.

The Help.org research team analyzed thousands of facilities across the country and then identified the most cost-effective and highest rated programs in larger cities like Lexington. Each facility was evaluated based on rehabilitation services, treatment approaches, cost, special programs for unique demographics and ancillary services. The website also provides information about drug use and side effects as well as educational articles. For a detailed listing of the Best Rehab Facilities in Lexington, Kentucky please visit https://www.help.org/drug-and-alcohol-rehab-centers-in-lexington-ky

2020 Best Rehab Facilities in Lexington, Kentucky (in alphabetical order)

Landmark Recovery

1510 Newtown Pike, Suite 120 Lexington, KY 40511

859-212-6734

Isaiah House Treatment Center

2084 Main Street Willisburg, KY 40078

859-375-9200

New Vista

1351 Newtown Pike, Building 1 Lexington, KY 40511

859-253-1686

Chrysalis House, Inc.

1589 Hill Rise Drive Lexington, KY 40504

859-977-2504

Hope Center Recovery Program for Women

360 West Loudon Avenue Lexington, KY 40508

859-252-7881

Ridge Behavioral Health System

3050 Rio Dosa Drive Lexington, KY 40509

859-269-2325

ABOUT HELP.ORG

Help.org is an online resource for individuals who struggle with addiction and their loved ones. The website provides the latest research through scientifically proven methods, community recovery resources as well as information about local financial assistance. Help.orgs team of researchers, activists and writers work together with addiction counselors and other professionals to offer useful and accurate resources to help individuals seeking recovery. To learn more, visit https://www.help.org/.
Over 20 years have passed since the iconic TV sitcom Seinfeld ended, but fans still want more. Whether its a reboot, reunion, or yada yada yada, the more Seinfeld, the better. As it turns out, the show almost had a spinoff based on a side character, but never took off.

Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld had this spinoff idea

Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Elaine Benes, Jerry Seinfeld as Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander as George Costanza, Michael Richards as Cosmo Kramer | George Lange/NBCU Photo Bank

RELATED: Seinfeld: Heres How Much the Real Kramer Reportedly Earned for Use of His Name

With the massive success of Seinfeld, co-creators Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld wanted a way to cash in after the shows end. In 1999, just after the series finale, David and Seinfeld came up with a spinoff idea for NBC and planned to executive produce.

The premise didnt feature any of the main cast members (Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, or Jason Alexander) but may have allowed for a cameo here and there. Instead, the Seinfeld-based world revolved around attorney, Jackie Chiles (Phil Morris).

In a report by Chicago Tribune, the untitled show was slated for a mid-season premiere. Morris, who appeared in six episodes of Seinfeld throughout its nine-year run, loosely based Jackie off of famed attorney, Johnny Cochran.

Jackie wouldve worked in an austere white law firm and sparks will fly. Jackie needs to be in constant conflict, Morris told the outlet.

I dont think Michael Richards wants to revisit the (Kramer) character. Julia (Louis-Dreyfuss) isnt that interested in another weekly grind, and I dont think Jason (Alexander) is, either. Jackie has his own energy and conflicts. Well go from there, he added.

Why didnt the show happen?

RELATED: What Is Seinfeld Actor Patrick Warburtons Net Worth and How Did He Get His Start?

Morris has had a plethora of credits since his last appearance on Seinfeld. His voiceover work can be heard in dozens of animated shows. Jackie Chiles also still lives on through the Coen Brothers-produced Honda commercials, Jim Beam commercials, and several Funny or Die videos.

His inspiration for the role came directly from Cochran, whom Morris knew from the same Los Angeles barbershop.

It was almost like I was doing homework, Morris told The News-Press. At the time, he was a public defender. He was always pretty much a mouthpiece. But he hadnt yet become JOHNNIE COCHRAN. He was just another blowhard at the barbershop.

He continued: The producers wanted that energy, he said. Everybody knows his inflections and his look. That wasnt hard.

Morris got the part after reading three lines in the audition. When he pitched the spinoff idea, Seinfeld rejected it  at first.

He said, You know, youre right. Its time for this guy. Hes a killer character. Youre going to be a big-time TV star. Those were his exact words, Morris said, referring to the call he received from Seinfeld later on.

He continued on his pitch: Theyve given us the sense that this character would exist outside the Seinfeld franchise. The public wouldnt let him go. Since the final episode, people had been clamoring for something that reminded them of Seinfeld. 

So why didnt the spinoff come to fruition? Conflicting reports suggest the network had no knowledge of the series or any meeting to pitch the idea.

This is the first were hearing about it, an NBC spokeswoman said when at the time. Its news to the network.

Others have stated that an entire show based on [the now-deceased] Cochran mightve exploited the entirety of the O.J. Simpson trial beyond parody. Morris described the character as part pimp, part hustler and part street-corner preacher, to The News-Press.

Those things may not have held up after Seinfelds run. We may never know.

Seinfeld alum Jason Alexander had a few spinoff ideas

RELATED: Seinfeld Star Julia Louis-Dreyfus Wasnt in the Pilot  Heres Who Almost Took Her Place

Though Morris didnt get to re-live his Jackie Chiles days in a show of his own, Alexander has a few spinoff ideas for Seinfeld-lovers. Talking to Chris Hardwick and Matt Mira on the Nerdist podcast, Alexander shared two ideas that NBC shouldve snagged.

The No. 1 that I thought, through the roof, wouldve been the four parents down at the condo in Florida. That wouldve been unbelievableI dont think they ever looked at it, he said.

The other one that I thought really would have been timely was the Johnnie Cochran character [Jackie Chiles]. If they had made a legal comedy, with [actor Phil Morris] as the centerpiece, that would be absolute gold.

There you have it  even George Costanza approved of a Jackie Chiles spinoff. Then again, this is from the man who invented The Human Fund and lied about being an architect (among other things). So, take it with a grain of salt.
Joan A. Lipton

New York

To the Editor:

Re Trumps Ex-Chief of Staff, at Center of Report on Presidents Remarks, Keeps Silent (news article, Sept. 5):

John F. Kellys unwillingness to comment on President Trumps reported remarks about military service can be taken as an expression of his respect for the military remaining outside of politics and an unwillingness to be used as a weapon in the campaign. I consider Mr. Kelly an honorable man, and his unwillingness to denounce the accusations as false and slanderous provides a thunderous ring of truth to the charges.

Michael Caplow

Seattle

To the Editor:

Regarding John Kellys silence about the report in The Atlantic, he might read the words of John Lewis: When you see something you believe is unfair or unjust, you have to say so. Silence is not the answer.

If President Trump did not utter the words attributed to him, Mr. Kelly owes it to the president to say so. But if the president did utter those words, Mr. Kelly owes it to the country to say so. Silence is not the answer.

James Scheuer

New York

To the Editor:

I abhor nearly everything that President Trump stands for and has done and, based on his past record, tend to believe the statements anonymously ascribed to him denigrating American military members as suckers, losers and the like. But it is reprehensible for The Atlantic to cite these unnamed sources for such serious accusations and equally inappropriate for The Times and other media to report them without attribution.

Although the remarks certainly sound like the presidents, the fact that they are a few years old and only surfacing now, a couple of months before the election, makes them suspect. While maintaining confidentiality of sources is sometimes necessary, such as for whistle-blowers, hiding behind a cloak of anonymity makes the purveyors of these presidential comments as cowardly as the individual to whom they are ascribed.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  Sorsogon 2nd District Rep. Maria Bernardita "Ditas" Ramos has passed away after testing positive for COVID-19, a House leader announced Tuesday.

Lawmakers offered prayers for their colleague after House Deputy Majority Leader XJ Romualdo informed them of Ramos' passing. They suspended the session for the day.

Ramos is the second coronavirus-stricken lawmaker to pass away after Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Francisco "Jun" Datol, Jr.

On Sunday, House Secretary General Jose Luis Montales said Ramos developed symptoms and was diagnosed with the coronavirus disease.

The House of Representatives has recorded a total of 68 COVID-19 cases.

This is a developing story. Please refresh page for updates.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Labor Day rainstorm was one of Clevelands wettest days on record. Is climate change at play?

Were talking about flooding on This Week in the CLE.

Listen online here.

Editor Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour coronavirus news podcast, with crime editor 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:

What happened to Northeast Ohio being officially classified as abnormally dry in the national drought scale? First we have plague. Now biblical floods? In August we went 16 out of 18 days without rain. But while we were about .3 inches behind average for September at the start of Labor Day, we are now way over. Some communities saw 4 inches by 1:30 p.m.

Whats the latest in the quest to solve the milling of Cleveland Police Detective James Skernivitz, and are funeral arrangements set? Police have offered $35,000 for information leading to the identity and prosecution of anyone involved in the murder. Five people have been arrested, and a funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

Does Northeast Ohio continue to show good manners during the coronavirus, by adhering to social distance standards, and what is going on in Ohios small counties? Cell phone location data estimates that person-to-person interactions were up just 0.3% in Cuyahoga County during August. In comparison, interactions were up more than 50% across much of middle America, and in a handful of small Ohio counties, the research said.

Normally, we might leave a politicians divorce unmentioned on this podcast, but might the recent divorce of former Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel offer insight into his abrupt dropping out of the U.S. Senate race two years ago, leaving his fellow Republicans to scramble for a replacement candidate to challenge incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown? Mandel was a one-time Republican rising star who cultivated a political image of a staunch conservative, often featuring his family in campaign ads and literature. Turns out he went to Ashland County to get a divorce and have the records sealed.

Do we finally know how people will learn when the coronavirus shows up in schools? Yes, through the state. Starting today, schools will be required to notify parents within 24 hours of learning of a new positive coronavirus case. Schools will report cases to the state, which will publish them each Thursday.

What is Clevelands response to criticism it received over how it is dealing with the Community Police Commission, which was set up as part of the federal consent decree designed to improve the police departments relationship with the people it serves? The city calls a report about the citys fractured dealings with the panel an extremely negative characterization of its relationship and argues the commissions contributions have been significant.

With students in high school bands blowing with all their might into their instruments, what can be done to stop them from spreading the coronavirus? Safety recommendations include special musician masks that incorporate a small slit for the mouthpiece, covers for the bells of all instruments, performance distance of at least 6 feet, and special trays to collect any condensation produced by brass instruments.

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.

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And on PlayerFM, we are here
Alabama families waiting for vouchers to cover internet service should find them in their mailboxes not later than the end of this week, according to the agency handling the voucher program, called Alabama Broadband Connectivity for Students.

As of (Sept. 4), all 250,000 letters have been mailed out to families with children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program but it will take a few days for all of them to land in mailboxes, according to Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Communication Chief Mike Presley. Those 250,000 vouchers should cover up to 450,000 children, as only one voucher was mailed for each eligible family.

Vouchers began being mailed on Aug. 24.

The staggered mailing was designed to avoid overloading internet service providers and to enable them to take orders by phone without causing long delays on the phone for families calling to place orders.

The vouchers, good for internet service through Dec. 30, are being made available through a $100 million allocation from federal CARES Act funding. Families who earn less than 185% of the federal poverty level are eligible to redeem the vouchers, estimated to be worth $400 per family.

The voucher can be used to pay for existing service or to connect to new internet service. Every school district in Alabama is offering remote learning as an option for families worried about returning to in-person school. Nearly three dozen school districts are offering only remote learning for now.

Future mailings will begin as our contractor (CTC Technology and Energy) receives updated lists of newly enrolled families and families who have corrected their mailing address with their local school, Presley said.

A website, www.abcstudents.org, has been set up to answer questions related to the program. It includes a step-by-step of what families should do to get connected.

The list of eligible students was provided to ADECA by the Alabama State Department of Education and included families who were eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.

However, a federal program created in 2014 that allows schools or districts with a high percentage of students in poverty to serve free meals to all means some on the list might not meet the income eligibility requirements. State officials are counting on families to be on the honor system and not use the voucher if they dont meet the requirements.

Related: As more schools move online, access to internet presents roadblock in rural Alabama

The letter will state that by using the voucher, families confirm that they meet the income requirements of the National School Lunch Program, ADECA spokesperson Josh Carples wrote in an email to AL.com in August. Families with incomes exceeding that limit will be instructed to destroy the voucher and not redeem it.

ADECA reviewed proposals from 40 internet providers and selected 35 who met requirements. The minimum capability, according to information on the website, must be able to run at least two simultaneous virtual classroom sessions, using such applications as Zoom or Google Classroom. The agency provided the following list of participating providers to AL.com:

Ardmore Telephone Company

Cable One, Inc. d/b/a Sparklight

Camelia Communications (Hayneville Fiber Transport)

Central Alabama Electric Cooperative

Century Link

Charter Communications (Spectrum)

Comcast

Community Cable and Broadband, LLC

R.M. Greene (CTV Beam, Cable TV of East Alabama)

Cyber Broadband, Inc.

Demopolis CATV Co., Inc.

Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc.

Fort Code, Inc. (Weiss Internet)

Hayneville Telephone, Inc.

JTM Broadband

Mediacom Southeast LLC

Millry Communications, Inc.

Mon-Cre Telephone Cooperative

National Telephone of Alabama

New Hope Telephone Cooperative

North Alabama Electric Cooperative

Northland Cable Television, Inc.

OTELCO (Blountsville Telephone LLC, Brindle Mountain LLC, Hopper Telecommunication LLC, Otelco Telephone LLC)

Pine Belt Broadcasting, L.L.C.

Pine Belt Cellular, Inc.

Pine Belt Telephone Company, Inc

Riviera (The Utilities Board of Foley/d/b/a Riviera Utilities)

Roanoke Telephone Company, Inc.

The Electric Power Board of the City of Scottsboro, Alabama

Southern Linc (Southern Communications Services, Inc. dba Southern Linc)

T Mobile

Tombigbee Communications, LLC.

Troy Cablevision, Inc.

Union Springs Telephone Company, Inc.

Viasat

Related: Internet vouchers for low-income students going out next week
Greenwich-based Firm Continues Expansion of Private Commercial Banking

Adam Ercoli, Fieldpoint Private

Adam Ercoli has joined Fieldpoint Private as a Commercial Banker in its Greenwich, Connecticut, headquarters.

Adam Ercoli has joined Fieldpoint Private as a Commercial Banker in its Greenwich, Connecticut, headquarters.

GREENWICH, Conn., Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fieldpoint Private, the fast-growing wealth advisory and private banking boutique serving families and institutions, announced that Adam Ercoli has joined the firms Greenwich, Connecticut, headquarters as a Commercial Banker.



The announcement follows Fieldpoints addition of commercial banker Tripp Moore on August 10. Both served previously with Stamford, Connecticut-based Patriot Bank.

Mr. Ercolis 15 years of financial services experience includes the past 11 years in commercial banking. At Patriot Bank, he served as a Commercial Banking Team Leader, managing commercial lending and branch staff, and working with entrepreneur clients to deliver commercial and industrial loans, leveraged finance and commercial real estate credit. Prior to that, he was a commercial banker with Greenwich, Connecticut-based Connecticut Community Bank. Mr. Ercoli began his commercial banking career in Florida, with Synovus Bank and Fifth Third Bank, in Sarasota.

I could not be happier to be joining a firm whose beliefs and philosophy so closely match my own, said Mr. Ercoli. Here I can serve as a holistic concierge for my clients, with a level of customization and service they will find truly remarkable.

We are thrilled to welcome Adam to the firm, said Tim Tully, Fieldpoint Privates Chairman and CEO. He embraces the connected nature of a business, its ownership, and its families, and I know he is excited to be part of a firm that shares his approach and has the platform to deliver on it.

Mr. Ercoli is the firms fourth commercial banker in Greenwich, said H. Russell Holland, President and CEO of Fieldpoints banking unit. He added that the firm has a commercial banking presence in New York City, as well, with more additions planned.

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We are clearly seeing an appetite among entrepreneurs for private commercial banking relationships that deliver robust credit and deposit solutions, but also go beyond, to the broader financial picture for clients and families, said Mr. Holland. But we are also seeing a similar appetite among the banking professionals who serve these owners. Adam understands that the business is the most important investment of the entrepreneurs life, and we are excited that he has chosen to come to a firm that fully embraces that.

About Fieldpoint Private

Headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, Fieldpoint Private ( www.fieldpointprivate.com ) is a boutique financial firm providing the highest degree of personalized, confidential wealth planning and private banking services. Catering to highly successful individuals, families, businesses and institutions, Fieldpoint Private offers a powerful combination of wealth management and strategy, family office, private banking and business banking services addressing every financial need for each of our clients including: wealth transfer advice, tax planning, aggregation and performance reporting, risk management, goals-based investing strategies, sophisticated investment selection, discreet and personalized banking, highly customized credit solutions, custom custody and trust solutions, highly attentive/responsive service and concierge services.

Fieldpoint Private was established in 2008 by 31 Founders with a specific vision and purpose. These extraordinary leaders of industry and community recognized the opportunity to create a financial firm totally attuned to peoples individual circumstances. Our firm is built on a philosophy of exclusive membership and client-centricity. Working with a limited number of relationships gives every person the experience of belonging to an extremely selective group. The result is a new breed of institution established on the basis of personalization, responsiveness, and exclusivity, and an ensured commitment to impeccable service and consistently flawless execution. Our service approach offers a unique client experience custom crafted to each clients financial needs.

Banking Services: Fieldpoint Private Bank & Trust

Registered Investment Advisors: Fieldpoint Private Securities, LLC, is a SEC Registered Investment Advisor and Broker Dealer. Member FINRA, SIPC.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8f25a045-d7ad-4ffa-8244-c0863f5aefd7

CONTACT: Media Contact: Michael White Chief Marketing Officer Fieldpoint Private 203.413.9340 mwhite@fieldpointprivate.com




THE Commission on Population and Development (Popcom) in Central Visayas conducted a Bilateral Tubal Ligation (BTL) activity in Olango Island last August 31, 2020, which culminates the Family Planning Month in partnership with DKT Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH)-City Health Department, and the local government unit of Lapu-Lapu City with Sta. Rosa Community Hospital.

The team was led by Popcom Assistant Regional Director Darlynn S. Remolino; Sybel Alquizola, OIC of Popcom-Central Visayas Technical Division; and Dr. Dino D. Caing from the Department of Health Local Health Support Division.

Out of 72 interested clients, 40 women who were screened for medical eligibility had successfully undergone bilateral tubal ligation by minilaparotomy under local anaesthesia.

Minilaparotomy, generally referred to as minilap, is an abdominal surgical approach to the fallopian tubes by means of an incision less than 5 cm. in length as a sterilization procedure for permanently sealing the fallopian tubes.

Mildred Diaz, a family planning (FP) acceptor and BTL client, came with her husband who wanted to show his support for her during the procedure.

The Diaz couple believes that family planning is important, especially at this time of the pandemic to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Bilateral Tubal Ligation (BTL) is a surgical procedure in family planning that involves blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent the ovum (egg) from being fertilized.

The BTL Caravan in Olango Island was also made possible with the easing of quarantine status in the region now set to modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Since March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has greatly challenged Popcom-Central Visayas from visiting the islands and grappling with its protocols. But the agency maintains its mandate to provide family planning (FP) services to achieve fertility intentions and these have been delivered through the best practices and heroic deeds of the population officers, midwives and barangay health workers.

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Many of them conducted home visits as a team and held clinics in health centers while observing physical distancing, using face shields and face masks even at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As early as April 2020, Popcom-Central Visayas, in partnership with DKT Philippines, distributed family planning commodities (condoms, pills and later, implants), and IECs about family planning and Covid-19.

Under current circumstances, Popcom-Central Visayas adjusted to the context of the pre-vaccine period and still holds family planning services with different classes and activities, such as the Pre-Marriage Orientation and Counselling (PMOC), online Usapan and Enhanced Usapan Sessions, and home visits.

The pandemic has provided Popcom-Central Visayas with creative methods and strategies to reach out to clients maximizing the platform at the internet.

This year, the Popcom-Central Visayas gradually meets its target of 84,000 clients in family planning by posting 32,368 or 38.53 percent accomplished for the period January to July 2020 and its identified unmet need of 1,790 has served a total of 990 representing 55 percent accomplishment with the help of civil society organizations (CSOs) and partners: Glory Reborn, Friendly Care and the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines Inc. (IMAP).

Popcom Regional Director Bruce N. Ragas said, The office responded according to the protocols set by the Department of Health, the Civil Service Commission and the local government units. While it was very difficult to provide family planning services we were able to deliver as public health workers.

Popcom-Central Visayas is currently preparing for its upcoming online Regional Population Management Conference to gather more updates and best practices from the field. (PR)
RAMALLAH, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye said on Monday that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is trying to get its tax revenue dues from Israel, without being submitted to any "Israeli blackmail."

"The tax revenue dues are the money of the Palestinian people, and we are trying to obtain them without Israel's blackmail," Ishtaye told the weekly cabinet meeting held in Ramallah.

Under an economic treaty reached in 1995, Israel collects taxes from Palestinian importers on behalf of the PA as it controls the borders and ports and it should pay the taxes back to the PA every month.

The PA had used the tax revenue dues to cover its monthly running cost, mainly paying salaries to its civil servants and security employees in the West Bank and Gaza.

However, on May 19, the PA refused to receive the money in protest to the Israeli plan of annexing parts of the West Bank.

Since then, the PA has been passing through a crucial financial crisis and has only paid around 50 percent of its employees' monthly salaries.

According to the agreement, the tax revenue dues, which Israel collects on behalf of the PA, represent 60 percent of the total Palestinian budget, WAFA news agency reported.

"The Israeli annexation plan and the U.S. Deal of the Century will not weaken the stable and strict Palestinian position that rejects these plans and deals," Ishtaye said.
Thank you for tuning in to episode 89 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at PSCU. As the nations premier payments CUSO, PSCU proudly supports the success of more than 1,500 credit unions.

My guest on this episode is Kathryn Davis. Kathryn is the President and CEO of Valley First Credit Union in California. We talk about Kathryns path to her current position as President and CEO, and I appreciated her willingness to talk about the struggles she had getting there. Kathryn shares some advice for others who are trying to move into the C-Suite and some advice for people who are doing the hiring.

Kathryn shares the leadership lessons she has learned on her journey. She talks about changes she has seen during the pandemic, and what she believes credit unions need to do to stay relevant going forward.

Listen as Kathryn shares why she took the position at Valley First Credit Union and how the inspiration has changed with time on the job. She speaks about how she cultivated the ability to make hard decisions, some myths about being a leader, and her mistakes on her journey to the top.

We wrap it up with rapid-fire questions and learn that Van Morrison is Kathryns favorite artist. She wanted to be a news anchor when she grew up before she got into credit unions, and spending time with her family is what she loves to do when she has time off. Kathryns final words were, Dont give up, put it out there and be deliberate in what you want in life. I couldnt have said it better, enjoy!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List

How to find Kathryn:

Kathryn Davis, President and CEO of Valley First Credit Union

kdavis@valleyfirstcu.org

www.valleyfirstcu.org

LinkedIn | Facebook

Show notes from this episode:

A big shout-out to our friends at PSCU, an amazing sponsor of The CUInsight Experience podcast. Thank you!

Check out all the outstanding work that Kathryn and her team at Valley First Credit Union are doing here.

Article mentioned: Mortgage Womens Magazine

Shout-out: Chuck Purvis

Shout-out: Jill Nowacki

Shout-out: James Wileman

Shout-out: Lauren Culp

Album mentioned: Days Like This by Van Morrison

Book mentioned: Tools of the Titans by Tim Farriss

Book mentioned: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Previous guests mentioned in this episode: Chuck Purvis, James Wileman, Lauren Culp, Jill Nowacki (episodes 4, 18, 37, 64 & 82)

In This Episode:

[02:14]  Welcome to the show, Kathryn!

[03:28]  Kathryn shares her path to the C-Suite and the challenges she faced

[05:30]  She speaks about the first job that offered her a position as CEO.

[08:10]  Kathryn discusses realizing about five years in that she wanted to get back into credit unions.

[09:32]  Kathryn shares some advice for people that are making the hiring decisions.

[12:19]  What are some changes youve seen during this pandemic?

[13:34]  Kathryn says that credit unions need to go back to their roots and concentrate on who they are serving to stay relevant.

[14:40]  She speaks about how she has changed as a leader during the pandemic.

[15:51]  Kathryn shares that she will be proud that theyve had a big impact on their community a year from now

[18:04]  What was the inspiration to take the President and CEO position at Valley First Credit Union?

[19:21]  Kathryn speaks about how the inspiration has changed since taking the job.

[20:08]  Were not saving lives around here because no one is going to die from the decisions we make here. is what Kathryn says all the time.

[21:13]  Kathryn shares when she got good at making hard decisions.

[22:26]  Kathryn talks about the myths about being a leader.

[23:13]  Is there a mistake you made or one you see young leaders make today?

[25:03]  Kathryn says that some advice she was given that she still uses today is to keep trying and showing up.

[25:57]  Kathryn shares about the mentors she has had along the way.

[27:42]  Listen as Kathryn discusses what she does when she has a day off to recharge.

[30:12]  Kathryn speaks about how she was in high school, and although she didnt get into trouble, she used to TP the neighbors houses.

[30:53]  She discusses what she wanted to be when she grew up.

[31:11]  Coffee and silence are her morning routines.

[32:14]  What is your favorite album?

[32:43]  What book do you think everyone should read?

[33:37]  Time and connection with people have become more important, and material possessions have become less important.

[34:57]  When you hear the word success, which is the first person who comes to mind?

[36:29]  Kathryn shares some final thoughts for the listeners.

[37:26]  Thank you so much for being on the show!
Syracuse, N.Y.  Syracuse police arrested a 16-year-old boy the day after the boy allegedly fired a gun at a 48-year-old man.

The boy was caught Monday carrying an untraceable ghost gun," according to Sgt. Matthew Malinowski, a Syracuse police spokesman.

Malinowski gave the following account of the incident and arrest:

Officers John Harriman, Craig Walters, Mitch Anthony and Roy Bell responded to a call about shots fired on Shonnard Street Sunday afternoon. A 48-year-old man told police that the boy had fired at him. The man was not struck. The two knew each other.

The officers found the boy along with two other young men on Merriman Avenue shortly after. They fled from police.

Officers caught one of them and released him without charges. The officers found a loaded, defaced 9mm handgun in the area. A warrant was obtained for the boys arrest.

The next day, Harriman and Officer Cody Nellis saw the 16-year-old on Sabine Street and stopped him. They found him carrying a loaded Polymer80 handgun, Malinowski said.

Polymer80 makes guns parts which can be easily assembled at home and dont require a serial number. The parts are shipped as a kit with instructions on how to assemble them into a functional gun.

Local and federal officials have been asking the White House to adopt stricter policies on these homemade guns amid a huge spike in their usage. Mayor Ben Walsh said last month police had seen a 30% increase in ghost gun seizures so far this year.

Officers arrested the boy and charged him with two counts of criminal weapon possession, criminal possession of a firearm, reckless endangerment and menacing.
Rio Tinto's board is being forced to consider dismissing senior executives over the blasting of two 46,000-year-old Aboriginal rock shelters as an investor campaign for greater accountability from the miner gathers pace.

Rio Tinto chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques and two senior executives were last month stripped of $7 million in bonuses after an internal investigation found they must bear some responsibility for the destruction of 46,000-year-old Juukan Gorge rock shelters in Western Australia, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the nation.

Rio Tinto CEO Jean-Sebastien Jacques faces mounting pressure over how his company allowed the detonation to go ahead without traditional landowners' consent. Credit:Josh Robenstone

However, institutional investors in Australia and the United Kingdom told Rio's London-based chairman Simon Thompson that the disaster calls for a significantly stronger response from the board. Investors are expecting an update on the matter from the Anglo-Australian company's board, which will discuss the matter on Wednesday.

Rio Tinto investors have told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald that any further financial penalties would be considered inadequate, leaving the board to mull the question of whether to stand down any, or all, of the three executives identified as being responsible, including Mr Jacques. A company insider said there was a growing verdict within Rio that "heads will roll".
When Dancing with the Stars season 29 premieres later this month, there will be a new judge.

Derek Hough, who has won the dancing competition as a dancer six times, will fill in for judge Len Goodman who is stuck in Europe because of COVID-19 travel restrictions, according to USA Today.

Hough said, Looking forward to being Back in the Ballroom. This show has and will always be incredibly special to me. This show has gifted me with so many memories and priceless experiences.

The other returning judges are Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.

According to USA Today, the judges will be sitting eight feet apart because of COVID-19 safety protocols.

HOW TO WATCH: Dancing with the Stars, 8 p.m. ET, Sept. 14 on ABC. Stream ABC on on : Dancing with the Stars, 8 p.m. ET, Sept. 14 on ABC. Stream ABC on on Hulu Live TV and fuboTV.

According to USA Today, the producers are still trying to determine what Goodmans role will be. Executive producer Andrew Llinares told USA Today, We absolutely want him to be part of the show. Hes part of the family, but unfortunately, with travel restrictions, he cant physically be here. Were looking at a few options and trying to figure out the best way for him to be part of the show in some way.

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The exams will no longer be unified and will be taken and evaluated electronically

Egypt's well-established and decades-old system of high school final exams, known as Thanaweya Amma, has been abolished as of the end of the 2019/2020 academic year, Egypt's Education Minister Tarek Shawki announced in a presser on Tuesday.

The high school final exams, which determine university prospects based on grades obtained, will be replaced by a new electronic module as of the upcoming 2020-2021 school year.

The exams will no longer be unified and will be taken and evaluated electronically, without any human intervention, Shawki said.

The exams will be based on multiple-choice questions and students will know their results once they are finished, he noted.

The ministry will issue four versions of the exam at the same difficulty level, with students allowed to retake any subject in a second-round without any grades deducted, which revives the improvement exam system that was in place until the 1990s.

"The improvement exams will return as we do not want the Thanawaya Amma exams to be a matter of life and death," he added.

Over the years, dozens of Thanaweya Amma students have taken their own lives during the course of the final exams, and after receiving undesired marks and under parental pressure to achieve.

"The diligent student will join the faculty he/she wants," Shawki said.

"The concept of equal opportunity does not mean that the exams must be standardised... the exams will be different but have the same level of difficulty," he pointed out.

"The new system will put an end to exam leaks and cheating," he stressed.

In the past few years, Thanaweya Amma exams have been repeatedly leaked and shared on Facebook and WhatsApp.

The minister assured that the science, mathematics, literature divisions of Thanaweya Amma will remain unchanged.

Limited school attendance

Egyptian schools are set to resume activities in September and October under a hybrid plan that will give students from kindergarten through high school the option of attending class in-person two or more days a week to reduce density at classrooms amid the coronavirus pandemic, according Shawki.

Shawki elaborated on the state's plan for the new school year, saying the ministry is issuing general instructions for all schools nationwide, but that it is up to each school's headmaster to announce a schedule for students.

Less than three months before the end of the 2019/2020 academic year, Egypt suspended in-person classes at schools and universities as part of sweeping anti-coronavirus measures, introducing a new research paper system as an alternative to written and oral exams for all grades, except for final year students, who sat for in-person exams in June and July.

According to the minister, the new school year 2020-2021 will start on 17 October at all Egyptian schools, with only international schools allowed to start earlier on 15 September.

"We were thinking about how [to solve the issue of] accommodating over 23 million pupils and over 1.3 million teachers, as well as administrative employees, amid the pandemic. The solution cannot be generalised over the country's schools, but rather each school will have its own solution," the minister said.

He added that the ministry will suggest that educational directorates allow pupils from kindergarten to third grade to attend face-to-face classes for four days at double-shift schools and only three days a week at single-shift schools.

Pupils from the fourth to the sixth grade can attend school from two to three days a week.

The ministry also will suggest allowing each preparatory and high school student to attend school at least two days a week.

The educational resources for students from the third primary grade to high school will vary from educational TV channels and online platforms established by the ministry, he added.

The minister said that all anti-coronavirus safety measures must be in place, including keeping a safe distance of 1.5 meters between students.

He said that morning line ups will not be suspended, but each school's headmaster will determine which students will stand in the queues.

Shawki stressed that the students should refer to their respective schools to know what they should do during at-home days.

Last month, the country's Supreme Council of Universities announced that the next university academic year will begin on Saturday 17 October, with the implementation of a hybrid education model aimed at reducing the density of students inside education halls.

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Experts have finally unveiled if a person can catch or get infected with COVID-19 from food. A team of experts has recently studied the link between food and COVID-19.

Recently, there have been reports about food that can be a potential source of COVID-19 after a frozen chicken product from Brazil has tested positive for the COVID-19.

Several countries had then imposed a temporary ban on poultry meat imports from Brazil. But authorities said people who had contact with the contaminated products were examined and tested negative for the disease.

The concerns over virus transmission via surfaces began in late March after a study was published in the well-known New England Journal of Medicine.

Jamie Lloyd-Smith, a scientist who studied how long SARS-CoV-2, said the virus that causes COVID-19, might remain on various surfaces.

"What the study showed is that under certain conditions in the laboratory, which are obviously kind of artificial, SARS-CoV-2 is detectable for up to three hours in aerosols, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel," he explained.

According to a new study on getting COVID-19 from food or food packaging, experts said it is highly unlikely that a person can get the coronavirus from food and its packing, or be a source of virus transmission.

In a recently published article on CNN Lifestyle, the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF) said it looked at the evidence that the virus may be carried on food or its pack and the study found little evidence that a person can get infected with COVID-19 through food or its packaging.

The study supports the earlier report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that there is no real risk of getting the virus that causes COVID-19 from food or food packaging.

"To date, there has not been any evidence that food, food packaging or food handling is a source or important transmission route for SARS-CoV-2 resulting in COVID-19," the organization said.

"There are no foods that should be considered a risk or warrant consideration as a vector for SARS-CoV-2," it added.

The ICMSF also noted that while it is possible that people could eat something contaminated with the virus and become infected, they have never seen it to have happened.

The group said it is still prudent to emphasize good food hygiene practices. The ICMSF added that countries don't need to ask the origin of imported food and then ban them since there is a very little chance that the virus can be transmitted through food.

"The focus for food businesses should be on protecting food workers, consumers and restaurant patrons from becoming infected by person-to-person SARS-CoV-2 spread," the group said in a statement.

Instead of focusing on food contamination or possible virus transmission through food, food companies should focus on providing their employees with personal protective equipment and conduct testing to prevent the virus' spread and boost confidence about coming back to work.
Today in history, on September 8, 1380, Russia began its long march to liberation from the Tatar yoke, by way of a battle that is as important to Russian history as the battles of Tours and Vienna are to the West.

Although pagan when they conquered Russia around 1240, by 1300, the Mongols were thoroughly Islamized. Arabic was adopted; "the entire Muslim religious establishment of qadis, muftis, and the like arose in Sarai, the Golden Horde's capital on the lower Volga"; and "sharia, Muslim religious law," reigned supreme. "With this the Russo-Tatar conquest society entered the mainstream of Medieval Christian-Muslim frontier life"  that is, it entered into a familiar paradigm of enmity and war, punctuated only by vast sums of gold and slaves flowing from Russia to the Horde.

In 1327, Uzbek Khan's cousin Shevkal  "the destroyer of Christianity," according to a Russian chronicle  asked a boon of his khan: "allow me to go to Rus to destroy their Christian faith, to kill their princes and to bring you their wives and children." Uzbek consented. At the head of a vast horde, Shevkal invaded Russia "with great haughtiness and violence. He inaugurated great persecution of the Christians, [using] force, pillage, torture, and abuse." Nor were Russians ignorant of the reason behind their (renewed) sufferings: everywhere in their chronicles, "they appear as defenders of the faith battling to save Christianity from marauding infidels driven by religious animosity." Moreover, "Mongol atrocities" are always recorded "as incidents in a continuous religious war."

When the Golden Horde's infrastructure began to fracture from internal discord in 1359, the principality of Moscow (or Muscovy) began to defy its overlords. So Khan Mamai, seeking to squash the rebels and "impose Islam on the Russians," made for Moscow with, according to sources, some 100,000 Turco-Tatars in 1380. Boasting that they would put their swords "to the test for the Russian land and the Christian faith" against "the armor of the Moslems," the Russians accepted the challenge.

Under the general leadership of Grand Prince Dmitri Ivanovich of Moscow, some 50,000 Russians went out and met the khan at Kulikovo Field, near the Don River and other tributaries. The opposing armies were so vast as to be spread out over eight miles. The Christians strategically positioned themselves between rivers and dense forests, thereby limiting the Tatar horsemen's maneuvering and flanking abilities.

"I will neither protect my face nor hide in the rear, but let us all brothers fight together," Dmitri said in response to his nobles' pleas to stay out of harm's way: "I want to die for Christianity ahead of anyone else, with deed as well as word, so that all others who see it will become bold." (More practically, explained the grand prince, "it is better that we fall in battle than become slaves of these infidels.")

Once battle commenced on September 8, 1380  640 years ago today  "there was such a great massacre and bitter warfare and great noise, such as there never had been in Russian principalities," writes the chronicler; "blood flowed like a heavy rain and there were many killed on both sides." Although outnumbered two to one, the Russians, "seek[ing] revenge for Tatar offenses," fought with a savage fury. True to his word, Dmitri was seen at the front "striking to the right and to the left, killing many; he himself was surrounded by many [Tatars] and was hit many times on his head and his body."

After hours of fierce fighting and despite heavy casualties, the Russians, with the aid of hidden cavalry that had charged out of the surrounding thick woods, managed to rout the Muslims. And so Grand Prince Dmitri  who, on learning that the Mongols had fled, instantly collapsed from heavy loss of blood and nearly died  led the first major Russian victory against their Tatar oppressors since their "yoke" began 150 years earlier. Thus, the Battle of Kulikovo shattered the myth of Mongol invincibility and bestowed great honor on Moscow.

Even so, full liberation was still a century away. For in 1382, the regrouped and recovered Tatars invaded Moscow, nearly burning the entire city to the ground and leaving some 24,000 corpses in their wake. But the resilient duchy continued to be the chief Russian thorn in the Horde's side. By 1409, Emir Edigei was warning Grand Prince Vasily Dmitrivich to stop withholding full payment of jizya  "lest evil befall your domain, and Christians meet their final doom, and our anger and war be upon you!" The warning ignored, Edigei came slaughtering, pillaging, and burning, including in Moscow, though he failed to take it.

For what was done at the Kulikovo Field could not now be undone; over the next few decades, Moscow continued to grow in strength and prestige even as the Horde continued to diminish in both. Finally, in October 1480  precisely one hundred years after Kulikovo  the two armies met at the Ugra River, and "thus ended the Horde tsars," to quote a chronicler. "Then in our Russian Land we were freed from the burden of submission to the Muslim and began to recover as if from winter to clear spring."

Note: All quotations in the above account were excerpted from and documented in the author's book, Sword and Scimitar: Fourteen Centuries of War between Islam and the West. Raymond Ibrahim is a Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center, a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Gatestone Institute, and a Judith Rosen Friedman Fellow at the Middle East Forum.
Olympic beach volleyball star Kerri Walsh Jennings explained in a lengthy Instagram post that she chose not to wear a mask inside a store as part of a 'little exercise in being brave'.

The three-time Olympic gold medalist laid out her opposition to wearing face masks Sunday night, despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encouraging the public to take such precautions to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Walsh Jennings, who is looking to represent the US in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, first explained: 'I had a little exercise in being brave yesterday & I'm still a bit edgy about it. I went shopping without a mask on [sic] & this is why ... I read a quote the other day that shook me.

'THIS HAS NOT BEEN ENFORCED, IT'S BEEN CONSENTED TO,' Walsh Jenning wrote.

Olympic volleyball star Kerri Walsh Jennings explained in a lengthy Instagram post that she chose not to wear a mask inside a store as part of a 'little exercise in being brave'.

Walsh Jennings, who is looking to represent the US in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, first explained: 'I had a little exercise in being brave yesterday & I'm still a bit edgy about it. I went shopping without a mask on [sic] & this is why ... I read a quote the other day that shook me'

She said that the quote 'woke me up & the truth of it has had me obsessing on the matter of how I can mindfully & compassionately stand up for my rights & for the freedoms our constitution has granted us all WITHOUT being reckless or putting anyone else in danger'

She said that the quote 'woke me up & the truth of it has had me obsessing on the matter of how I can mindfully & compassionately stand up for my rights & for the freedoms our constitution has granted us all WITHOUT being reckless or putting anyone else in danger.

'We are all endlessly complaining about the restrictive & arbitrarily selective rules that we are being strongly "suggested" to follow & yet we are all consenting; Not much of a fight, just a lot of complaining & strongly disagreeing with this manipulation, but we keep consenting.

'It's maddening. It has crushed our society, people's livelihoods, our children's spirits, & the fabric of our world. We have become a country & a world estranged from each other & it is more deeply unhealthy than any virus could ever be,' she added.

Walsh Jennings said that she's aware that many people have been sickened by COVID-19 and many have died. There are more than 6.3 million cases in the US and at least 189,000 deaths.

'I would never downplay the impact of a single loss of life. That is it's own conversation & my heart goes out to all those suffering poor health, the loss of a loved one and the fear that the reaction to & media coverage of COVID-19 has created in your days,' she wrote.

Walsh Jennings described her interactions at the store as 'incredibly uncomfortable'. She then continued her thoughts in the comments section of the post by advocating for people to start or continue 'to live healthy lives'.

Her post drew harsh criticism from some of her followers and in a subsequent post on Monday, she apologized 'to those I've upset so deeply'

'I was not looking to do anything but express my belief that FREEDOM IS RIGHT WORTH FIGHTING FOR, and amidst the chaos, divisiveness, fear and undeniable emotion of these times,' Walsh Jennings wrote

Walsh Jennings, who won gold medals in beach volleyball in 2004, 2008, 2012 and bronze in 2016 in Rio de Janiero, then added that she is 'not advocating for people to stop wearing masks'

'Eat well and eat real food. Prioritize sleep. Move and get your heart working every day. Pay attention to your breath and perhaps start a breath work protocol to work and strengthen your lungs. Get outside. Think good thoughts.

'KNOW your immune system is designed to support you through any illness -- we must support our entire system. I want people to stop living in fear and start living in a way that strengthens themselves body, mind and spirit.'

Her post drew harsh criticism from some of her followers and in a subsequent post on Monday, she apologized 'to those I've upset so deeply'.

'I was not looking to do anything but express my belief that FREEDOM IS RIGHT WORTH FIGHTING FOR, and amidst the chaos, divisiveness, fear and undeniable emotion of these times, I believe we have to stay mindful of the FACT that our freedoms have slowly been taken from us with our consent,' Walsh Jennings wrote.

Walsh Jennings, who won gold medals in beach volleyball in 2004, 2008, 2012 and bronze in 2016 in Rio de Janiero, then added that she is 'not advocating for people to stop wearing masks'.

'I wear a mask most often. I don't believe in their efficacy unless it's of a certain caliber, yet I wear them. I am advocating critical thinking and civility. I am advocating personal responsibility.'

Since the pandemic began in mid-March, Walsh Jennings has been doing online talks with young volleyball players, including one with the team at her alma mater of Archbishop Mitty High School in California.

Through her volleyball and lifestyle platform p1440, Walsh Jennings put together an online program mixing skills, fitness and mindset training.

The four-week pilot called 'The Fundamentals' sold out in six days with 250 men, women, boys and girls of all ages, volleyball rookies up to semipro level.
South African retailer Clicks' stores face protests over ads seen as racist South Africa's drug store chain Clicks and Unilever in hot water over prejudice against natural black hair

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Demonstrators damaged seven of South African drug retailer Clicks Group's shops on Monday and forced more than 400 to close during protests over what they said was a racist advertisement.

The advert by TRESemme, a Unilever Plc brand, showed an image of African black hair which it described as "dry and damaged", while an example of white hair was referred to as "fine and flat".

The advert, posted on Clicks' website on Friday, provoked a backlash on social media and the retailer removed it the same day. It apologised, as did TRESemme South Africa.

But on Monday, protesters led by hard-left party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) demanded Clicks stores be shut for at least a week. Some wore EFF's trademark red hard-hats and overalls and sung struggle songs outside Clicks stores.

"White people insult us and then they apologise, they think that's the end. We are no longer going to accept any apology which is not accompanied by justice," EFF leader Julius Malema told supporters outside a closed Clicks store in Polokwane in the province of Limpopo. "Who is punished for projecting black people as ugly people?"

Video footage on Twitter showed protesters toppling shelves and destroying products in one store. Another, in Witbank in Mpumalanga province, appeared to have suffered fire damage.

Clicks said 51 stores had closed in the Western Cape province, 92 in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, and 302 in Gauteng and elsewhere.

Seven stores were damaged, but Clicks said it was unable to estimate the cost of the damage for now.

"The negligent employees have been suspended, and we have engaged the supplier, who has now also issued an apology," Clicks Chief Executive Vikesh Ramsunder said of the advert.

Facing accusations of racial prejudice, Unilever said in June it would drop the word "fair" from its "Fair & Lovely" skin lightening products.

Many makers of consumer packaged goods have reconsidered their marketing following global protests against racial injustice. Several brands have scrapped Black advertising mascots.

(Reporting by Nqobile Dludla and Mfuneko Toyana; Editing by Promit Mukherjee and Timothy Heritage)
California is being plagued by 'life threatening temperatures' and out of control wildfires, with flames scorching more than two million acres since August.

The 'Creek Fire' ignited Friday in Sierra National Forest, which burned more than 150,000 acres and produces a massive 'fire cloud' visible from space.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellites captured the gigantic pyrocumulonimbus cloud that towered an estimated 45,000 feet high above the region.

The phenomenon formed from intense heat released by the flames that mixed with moisture in the atmosphere, resulting in the massive cloud that also produced thunderstorms.

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The 'Creek Fire' ignited on Friday in Sierra National Forest, which burned more than 150,000 acres and produces a massive 'fire cloud' visible from space

Fire Departments across California have battled more than 900 wildfires since August 15, many of which have been spurred by record-breaking temperatures and other freak weather conditions, including concentrations of thousands of lightning strikes in a number of different areas.

Five new fires were identified just over the weekend that have burned more than 100,000 acres in just a few days.

In Northern California, rescuers in military helicopters airlifted 207 people to safety over the weekend after an explosive wildfire trapped them in a popular camping area in Sierra National Forest that has burned since Friday afternoon.

The flames in the park have scorched more than 150,000 acres and created fire tornadoes and intense thunderstorms, Space.com reported.

The dense cloud appeared on September 5, with the plume growing updated the following day.

The dense cloud appeared on September 5, with the plume growing updated the following day

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellites captured the gigantic pyrocumulonimbus cloud that towered an estimated 45,000 feet high above the region

'@NOAA's #GOES17 has been monitoring California's #CreekFire, which grew explosively today after igniting in the Sierra National Forest on Friday,' NOAA's public affairs office wrote on Twitter on Sunday, September 6.

'In this loop, you can see the fire's extraordinary #Pyrocumulonimbus cloud, which reached an estimated 45,000+ ft [14,000 meters, or about 8.5 miles] high.'

Experts have compared these clouds to large chimneys that send large amounts of smoke into the lower stratosphere.

When smoke does reach the stratosphere, it tends to spread globally and remain high in the atmosphere for longer periodsmonths or even yearsthan smoke that stays in the lower troposphere.

Experts have compared these clouds to large chimneys that send large amounts of smoke into the lower stratosphere

When smoke does reach the stratosphere, it tends to spread globally and remain high in the atmosphere for longer periodsmonths or even yearsthan smoke that stays in the lower troposphere

Five new fires were identified just over the weekend that have burned more than 100,000 acres in just a few day and the Creek Fire is one of the blazes

And it can also send tons of pollutants into the atmosphere.

Dr. Glenn K. Yue, an atmospheric scientist at NASA Langley Research Center, said: 'n individual pyroCb can inject particles into the lower stratosphere as high as 10 miles.'

Some homes surrounding Sierra National Forest have been burned to the ground, but officials have yet to confirm the amount of damage. Officials said at least 2,000 structures were threatened in the surrounding 290 miles of the blaze.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

'The lake is totally engulfed with smoke. You can't hardly see in front of you,' area resident Jack Machado said. 'The sky's turning red. It looks like Mars out there.'
Nearly two-thirds of restaurants across New York state say they may close permanently without an additional bailout from the government.

A new survey from the New York State Restaurant Association of 1,042 restaurants found 64% said they are likely to close by the end of the year due to lost business amid the coronavirus pandemic. Indoor dining remains banned in New York City, and Upstate New York eateries are still required to limit capacity to less than 50% on top of other Covid-19 restrictions.

It is painfully clear that without financial assistance, the restaurant industry in New York State could collapse, Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of NYSRA, told the New York Post. These recent survey results illustrate just how dire the financial situation has become for most restaurants, and it shows how critical it is that elected officials understand the urgency of the situation.

More than a third of respondents said they expected to stay in business next year, but more than half of those in danger of closing said they would shutter their doors before November. The Post reports 80% of NYCs 27,000-plus restaurateurs were unable to fully pay their July rent.

Alcohol-to-go, outdoor dining, and takeout orders have helped some stay afloat, but may not for much longer. Business owners have asked Gov. Andrew Cuomo to allow indoor dining in NYC and expand capacity for indoor seating statewide.

We would find it very difficult to survive past January, Jason Birchard, co-owner of the Ukrainian restaurant Veselka in Manhattan, told CNN. Im doing the best I can right now.

Cuomo said Thursday that he knows NYC restaurants are struggling, but wont let allow indoor dining until the city comes up with a plan to make sure they are following Covid-19 regulations.

These institutions are under dire economic circumstances, Cuomo said. And we know that compliance has to happen.

Another coronavirus relief package remains up in the air in Congress, and its unclear how much assistance would be provided for the restaurant industry if passed.

In the meantime, more than 300 restaurant owners have sued New York City and the state for more than $2 billion over the continued ban on indoor dining, despite the Empire States infection rate staying below 1% for more than a month. In Central New York, a handful of local restaurants have closed permanently and cited challenges from the coronavirus.

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Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 18:58:31|Editor: huaxia

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FREETOWN, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sierra Leone's Health and Sanitation Minister Alpha Tejan Wurie has lauded the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) for its support in the country's fight against infectious diseases.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Xinhua, the minister said the government of Sierra Leone continues to realize greater commitment from the China CDC in terms of developing the health sector, and added that without the intervention of China CDC, it would have been extremely difficult for Sierra Leone to make the required gains in the health sector.

The China CDC team arrived in Sierra Leone in mid-December last year with the task of implementing the second technical assistance project of Sierra Leone's fixed biosafety laboratory from the China CDC.

Wu Wei, deputy chief of the team, said the project is a follow-up project of China's assistance to the public health improvement of Sierra Leone since the Ebola period in 2014.

"It aims to help Sierra Leone improve its capacity to prevent and control infectious diseases," he said.

According to Wu, since the outbreak of COVID-19, the 11-member team has shifted its focus to fighting against the coronavirus for Sierra Leones. The team has always maintained good communication and collaboration with Sierra Leone's Ministry of Health and Sanitation, World Health Organization, World Bank, and other international organizations.

The experts of the team participated in nearly 40 special meetings on the prevention and control of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone, and worked hard in policy-making about the technical strategies and plans for prevention and control of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone, and gave suggestions for addressing the issue of COVID-19 in the country, Wu said.

Lots of local medical staff have also been trained by the team to enable them to contribute to transforming the health sector, he added. Enditem
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The Kremlin on Monday denied any involvement of Russian authorities in the suspected poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

"Attempts to somehow associate Russia or the Russian leadership with what happened are unacceptable to us. They are absurd in essence," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a daily briefing.

According to Peskov, the Kremlin is waiting for information from Germany on the Navalny case.

"We hope that, given the resonance of this issue, information will be provided in the coming days. We are looking forward to it," Peskov said.

Navalny, a harsh critic of the Kremlin, felt unwell on the flight from the Russian city of Tomsk to Moscow on Aug. 20 and 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 was later transferred to Germany for treatment.

Last week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Navalny, who was in intensive care in a Berlin hospital, was poisoned with a Soviet-style nerve agent, the same type that was used in 2018 to poison former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter.
- Samira Bawumia was reported saying bringing back Mahama to lead the country would be a big mistake

- According to her, a vote for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer will be a retrogression

- Ghanaians have bared their teeth at the second lady for making such a statement

Our manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

The wife of the vice President of Ghana, Samira Bawumia was reported saying bringing back Mahama to lead the country would be a big mistake.

According to her, a vote for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer will be a retrogression.

Speaking at an event to inaugurate the partys Womens Wing Campaign Committee in the Ashanti region, Samira opined that what Ghana needs now is leader with vision.

This election is not about an individual, it is about our nation Ghana. It is not for you and me alone, it is about the future of Ghana. For the good job His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and my own Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the kind of work they have done and served Ghana, we have to consolidate our gains, Mrs. Bawumia said in Twi.

READ ALSO: Selasie Dzisa: Joe Mettle's wife gives marriage goals in latest photo

In a native post created by YEN.com.gh, Ghanaians have shared their varied thoughts and comments from the statement made by the former first lady.

Jabir Mohammed Dreamchaser believes Samira should nort just follow politics blindly

I respect her she is a woman I see her has a mum but from outside view I believe samira herself knows very well that NDC have done more in development in Ghana than her husband and his president regime and Ghanaians knows that very well is just that when we attached to a party we don't wanna leave it we don't look at what is best for us. Both mahama and nana are already rich so what about you. Think about Yr future don't follow politics for nothing

Rashid Abdul-rahaman said Ghanaians cannot afford to have her husband as the vice president for a second time.

We cannot also afford your husband who has negative credibility and integrity as our veep come January 7,2021.

Carter Woode believes we should be made to reason on our own.

Let us decide for ourselves we don't need your opinion family and friends Government

Francis Ametrona said governance was not about makeup

Governance is not just about make up and face painting

Samed Deff said maintaining her as the second lady for the second time will be a mistake

Point of correction. Maintaining you as the second lady for the second time will be the biggest mistake.

READ ALSO: Kuami Eugene presents VGMAs to head pastor of Fadama Church; beautiful photos pop up

In other news, Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama has revealed that when he is voted into power, he would scrap the law banning the importation of salvaged vehicles.

According to him, the decision to scrap the ban on the importation of salvaged vehicle was informed by the spare part dealers at Abossey Okai who otherwise would have been out of business.

He added that, it is meant to stimulate the local automotive industry rather than kill it.

READ ALSO: Pensioners to be paid 13th month bonus - Mahama promise

Have national and human interest issues to discuss?

Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition?

Your stories and photos are always welcome.

Get interactive via our Facebook page.

Source: YEN.com.gh
Its possible that other people that were in this vehicle were the targets. Obviously the 8-year-old was not, Deenihan said. It doesnt appear that it was a random act. It appears that the people from this vehicle were definitely targeting someone in that car or someone they thought should have been in that car. So its ongoing gang-on-gang or group-on-group violence.
Tom Hanks announced his coronavirus diagnosis while on Australia's Gold Coast filming Baz Lurhmann's Elvis Presley biopic in March.

And now, the Castaway star, 64, is back in Queensland to resume filming on the hotly anticipated movie.

On Tuesday, the Hollywood heavyweight landed at Coolangatta airport in the Sunshine State.

Welcome return: Tom Hanks (pictured) announced his coronavirus diagnosis while on Australia's Gold Coast filming Baz Lurhmann's Elvis Presley biopic in March. And now, the Castaway star, 64, is back in Queensland to resume filming on the hotly anticipated movie

Tom put safety first, covering his famous face with a black mask as he deplaned on the tarmac.

The actor wore a black and white Adidas tracksuit and a pale cap along with a pair of sneakers.

He carried a typewriter as well as a travel mug, and was surrounded by airport staffers dressed in protective gear.

Tom was met by Queensland health officials at the airport and had a police escort him to the Oracle Resort in Broadbeach.

He's back: On Tuesday, the Hollywood heavyweight landed at Coolangatta airport in the Sunshine State

Careful: Tom put safety first, covering his famous face with a black mask as he deplaned on the tarmac

Casual: The actor wore a black and white Adidas tracksuit and a pale cap

Tom and his wife Rita Wilson, 63, contracted COVID-19 while staying on Australia's Gold Coast in March.

Prior to her diagnosis, Rita performed a number of concerts during her time in Australia, including one at the Sydney Opera House.

After their diagnosis, the Hollywood couple remained in hospital for three days before returning to their rented home on the Gold Coast to continue quarantining.

Accessories: He carried a typewriter as well as a travel mug

Dressed down: The Saving Private Ryan star finished his ensemble with a pair of sneakers

Helpful: Tom was surrounded by airport staffers dressed in protective gear

Helpful: Following him off the plane appeared to be an assistant who carried a coat

Assistance: Tom was met by Queensland health officials at the airport and had a police escort him to the Oracle Resort in Broadbeach

Following their quarantine period, the A-list couple returned to Los Angeles in late March.

Also in Late March, Warner Bros on Friday confirmed production on the Baz Luhrmann-directed Elvis biopic would be delayed until later in the year.

Oscar-winning actor Tom plays Elvis Presley's manager Colonel Parker in the AU$105 million feature.
Drug dog sniffs out almost 2 pountds of meth

District Attorney Greg Newman credited a Polk County drug dog for sniffing out more than a pound and a half of methamphetamine in a stranded motorists car, leading to an arrest and conviction. The case was among the felony charges tried in recent Superior Court terms in Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties.

Superior Court Judge Peter Knight sentenced William Andrew Lee Morgan, 24, of Mount Pleasant (Cabarrus County), to a mandatory term of seven years and six months in prison for trafficking in methamphetamine by possession.

Morgan was approached by Polk County deputies who had been alerted to a stranded motorist in the Land OLakes section of the county. Morgan had active warrants for his arrest from Cabarrus County and the Polk Sheriffs drug dog was called in to sniff for illegal narcotics. After the canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in the back seat, deputies found more than 800 grams of methamphetamine (1 pound, 12 ounces) in a backpack belonging to Morgan. A gun and scales for the weighing of narcotics were also located in Morgans car.

The Polk County deputies did an excellent job sizing up the situation with Mr. Morgan, Newman said. Once it was determined that he was wanted for felonies in his home county, the drug interdiction unit was brought in and the discovery of a large amount of meth was made with the help of Karak, the drug dog. This case was the result of alert community policing and prompt response from Sheriff Wrights deputies. This was a positive outcome and I appreciate everything the Polk County Sheriffs Department does to keep our communities free from drug suppliers.

In Henderson County, Judge Knight sentenced Harley Weatherly, of Candler, to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and 10 months for trafficking in methamphetamine. Weatherly pleaded guilty to possessing between 28-200 grams of methamphetamine during a motor vehicle stop by the Henderson County Sheriffs Office.

In Transylvania County, Jordan Hogsed, 360 West Fork Loop Road in Rosman, pleaded guilty to the negligent infliction of child abuse causing serious bodily injury. Judge Knight sentenced him on Aug. 24, four years and eight months in prison. Hogsed will be eligible for release after serving a minimum sentence of three years.

Also, in Transylvania County, Travis Ray Queen of Brevard, no permanent address, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine. Based on his prior record, Judge Knight sentenced him to serve an active prison sentence of one years and seven months.

I want to repeat to the public that the North Carolina Chief Justice has suspended jury trials until further notice due to the current COVID crisis, Newman said. Currently, we are limited in Superior Court to address probation violations and guilty pleas. We have been unable to have a jury trial since March and no one knows when the Chief Justice will allow us to resume prosecuting cases that require a jury. Plans are underway between my office, our Superior Court Clerks and with Judge Peter Knight to move forward with trials, when authorized, in a safe and healthy way. As soon as all North Carolina district attorneys are given the green light to proceed, I will make additional public comments about our plans to move forward.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / NMS Consulting, Inc. ("NMS") is pleased to announce its global expansion into the Indian market through it's exclusive agreement with Concept International Business Consulting Pvt. Ltd. ("CIBC"). Through this partnership, NMS is able to expand its service offerings to clients to include Market Strategy, Market Entry, M&A Advisory Services, Logistics, Supply Chain and Distribution, Greenfield Setup and Regulatory Compliance for the Indian market.

Founded in 1997, CIBC is led by five seasoned partners with more than 200 years of combined Market Entry consulting experience. Together, the partners have guided CIBC to become a top leader in this specialized sector. The Partners have helped over 750 companies from US, Western Europe & Australia to understand the India opportunity & participate in doing business in India. CIBC clients include many Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 clients in a wide variety of industries ranging from Industrial and Manufacturing, Automotive, Consumer Products, Food and Beverage, Chemicals, Construction and Building Materials, Healthcare, Electronics, Paper and Packaging.

Trevor M. Saliba, Managing Partner and Global Head of Private Equity, M&A and Strategy of NMS said, "We are very excited about this new partnership with CIBC and how this expansion will directly benefit our US- and European-based clients looking to enter the Indian market. The Indian marketplace has emerged as the best option as an alternative to China, specifically for the Manufacturing sector. CIBC is a leading Indian firm with a strong management team which offers a suite of unparalleled comprehensive services, and we look forward to a long lasting and mutually beneficial partnership".

Ritesh Dudeja, Founding Partner of CIBC said "We are pleased & excited about our strategic partnership with NMS Consulting Inc, a global strategic advisory firm named one of the 50 Fastest Growing Companies of 2019 by The Silicon Review, a leading Business and Technology magazine. Founded in 2018 resulting from the uplifting and spinoff of the global consulting practice of a leading private equity and advisory firm, NMS Consulting was formed to serve as an independent, global focused management consulting, corporate advisory and strategic communications firm. NMS has a staff of over 150 people with 12 offices around the globe. The addition of India & the changing global consulting landscape presents a huge opportunity to both the firms & we look forward to a strong & long-lasting partnership".

The NMS-CIBC partnership also expands NMS' global footprint with two offices in India located in New Delhi and Mumbai, and staff of about 60 professionals to the existing NMS global team of approximately 150 professionals. As part of this new partnership, Trevor M. Saliba and Harry Moore, Senior Partner and Head of Europe for NMS Consulting shall serve on the advisory board of CIBC and Sujay Gupta, CEO and Director and Yajna Prakash, Partner and Director of CIBC, shall also serve on the advisory board of NMS.

About NMS Consulting

NMS Consulting, Inc. is a global management consulting firm providing strategic counsel to private and public organizations and the individuals who lead them. The firm operates through four business segments; Management Consulting, Corporate Advisory, Strategic Communications and Tax Advisory. The Management Consulting group engages with clients to provide such services as Change Management, Turnaround and Restructuring, Transformation, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Post-Merger Integration. The Corporate Advisory group engages with clients to provide services which include Corporate Governance, Strategy, Marketing and Sales, Risk Management, Technology Advisory, and Structured and Specialty Finance. The Strategic Communications group advises clients on Branding and Communications, Digital Media, and Capital Markets campaigns. The Tax Advisory group engages with clients to provide counsel on General Tax, M&A Tax, State, Local and Property Tax advisory. For more information, please visit, www.nmsconsulting.com

Media Contact:

USA

Lili Swanson

+1.310.855.0020

info@nmsconsulting.com

EUROPE

Sophia Binder

+44 20 3895 3540

sbinder@nmsconsulting.com

SOURCE: NMS Consulting, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604833/NMS-Consulting-Expands-into-India-Market-Through-Exclusive-Partnership-Agreement-with-Leading-Consulting-Firm-Concept-International-Business-Consulting-Pvt-Ltd
A court in has commuted the death sentences of five people convicted over the 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, state media said.

The public prosecution said they were given 20-year jail terms because the journalist's family had pardoned them. Three had their sentences of between seven and 10 years upheld, the BBC reported.

Khashoggi, a prominent critic of the Saudi government, was killed inside the kingdom's consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul by a team of Saudi agents. The Saudi government said the journalist was killed in a "rogue operation" and the following year Saudi prosecutors put 11 unnamed individuals on trial.

Five were sentenced to death for directly participating in the killing; three were handed prison sentences for covering up the crime; and three were acquitted.

The trial was dismissed as "the antithesis of justice" by a UN special rapporteur, who concluded that Khashoggi was "the victim of a deliberate, premeditated execution" for which the Saudi state was responsible.

--IANS

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(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.)
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Linkedin Park Yuna (The Korea Herald/Asia News Network)  Tue, September 8, 2020 18:01 499 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4386df8 2 Art & Culture Korean-International-Art-Fair,exhibition,South-Korea Free

Korean International Art Fair (KIAF), the largest international art fair in Korea, will go online as the governments strengthened social distancing system continues, the KIAF Art Seoul Committee announced Monday.

KIAF Art Show 2020  which was scheduled to be held in late September at Coex in southern Seoul -- will take place online through Online Viewing Room, showcasing around 4,000 works of art from 143 galleries from home and abroad. The number of participating galleries, however, is subject to change, and the lineup will be finalized by Wednesday, according to the committee.

The OVR will open to the public starting at 3 p.m. on Sept. 23 while the VIP Preview session will begin at 3 p.m. on Sept. 16 via its website, kiaf.org. The OVR will run through Oct. 18.

Read also: Art Basel cancels 2020 edition

We have prepared the art fair for a long time, but we decided to shift to the online platform because it is hard to gauge when the social distancing restriction would be lifted at this moment, Park Yun-na, public relations and media associate manager of the organizing committee, told The Korea Herald.

The usual art fair catalogue will be replaced by the Mobile App Book, which will be offered on its website starting Sept. 23, according to the committee.

Since its establishment in 2002, the annual art show has grown into one of the major international art fairs in Asia with Korean art galleries such as Kukje, Hyundai, Arario, PKM and Gana Art Center participating.

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This article appeared on The Korea Herald newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
VILNIUS (Reuters) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko could be about to give away his country's independence by signing an agreement on deeper integration with Russia, Lithuania's foreign minister said on Monday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has for many years pushed for closer ties with Belarus under the auspices of a unified state, and raised the idea again last month.

Lukashenko has in the past rejected such moves, accusing Russia of wanting to swallow up his country, but now faces protests and the threat of Western sanctions over an Aug. 9 presidential election which opponents say was rigged.

Russia has stood by Lukashenko throughout the protests and says he will visit Moscow for talks in the coming days.

"(Russia) will now quickly finish what they weren't able to for 20 years, and it is very worrisome", Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius said in televised comments.

The process of integration between the two former Soviet republics "can hardly be stopped", he said, adding that Lukashenko, who denies electoral fraud, had "neither moral nor political justification to do that".

Linkevicius, whose country declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1990 and is now a member of the European Union and NATO, said a closer relationship between Minsk and Moscow could lead to Russian military being based in Belarus.

Such moves would require a "mandate from the people", without which it would be "a route towards more tensions," he said.

(Reporting By Andrius Sytas, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica - Two women who had lodged sexual abuse complaints against Nobel Peace Prize laureate and two-time Costa Rican President Oscar Arias have withdrawn those complaints.

The prosecutors office said Monday that the two victims decided not to continue the criminal process.

The decision to drop the complaints means that a court could drop the charges, given that it appears prosecutors have no other evidence to rely on in the case.

There was no immediate explanation for the victims decisions.

Rafael Rodriguez, a lawyer for former Miss Costa Rica Yasmin Morales, who filed one of the complaints, said he could not comment on the decision to drop it. Rodriguez simply said for us, this is over on the legal level.

The other woman did not respond to text messages seeking comment. In 2019, Arias met with prosecutors to give a statement in the two criminal complaints against him which alleged sexual assault and sexual abuse in 2014 and 2015.

The 1987 Peace Prize winner denied the first accusation when it surfaced earlier that year.
It is estimated there are 300 million chronically hungry children in the world despite the fact that the world is very well capable of feeding that many people with no difficulty.

59 million children miss school because of poverty. Instead of sitting in school they are working in fields, begging on street corners or scavenging among garbage just to survive. Millions attend school so hungry that they are not able to concentrate and learn.

Marys Meals vision is that every child should receive one good meal every day in a place of education.

Working together with people who share our ideals  whether individuals, groups or businesses - we believe this vision can be achieved in our world today. 1,667,067 children presently receive a daily meal through Marys Meals in school.

This meal is provided for each child, each day of the year, for 18.30. Marys Meals are feeding children in Malawi, Liberia, South Sudan, Thailand, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Romania, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Zambia, Syria, Benin, Madagascar, Kenya, India, Haiti, Myanmar and Ecuador.

All money raised is spent in the local area of the schools so that the local population also have a market for their products, that way the local area improves using a system not unlike the Irish Co-op Society system, employed in Ireland in older times.

With all the above in mind, the Longford Branch of Marys Meals this year dedicated themselves to raise the much needed funds to help out as many hungry children in these very poorest countries in the world as they possibly could.

The yearly event of the walk to Our Ladys Shrine in Knock from all points on the map of Ireland was our starting point.

Covid-19 made it a virtual walk for most of the volunteers this year. From Longford to Knock it is 90 Kilometres so a walk of 10 Kilometres for 9 days was undertaken by one to eight people daily, until the 90 Kilometres was completed.

Only Clonguish man John Coppinger undertook the walk from Dublin to Ballyhaunis. Knock was closed for August 15, so Johns walk, under instructions from the Dublin office, had to stop in Ballyhaunis.

We wish to acknowledge and thank John for his great endeavour, all Marys Meals volunteers who undertook the walk, a sincere thank you, you are feeding the hungry.

The fund raising was a fantastic success financially. Longford Marys Meals Gabrielle Devine Treasurer presented Patrica Freil with a cheque of 24,639.68 on Friday last.

Kitty Ross, Secretary, who started and kept the group going for many years, Louis Heterich, PRO, and Dolores Kiernan, Chairperson, were also there on behalf of all Longford Marys Meals volunteers.

That is only the money received up to last week; money is still coming in.

Marys Meals in Longford would like to say a very sincere thank you to everyone who has contributed with large or small donations to this great cause.

What happens next? We have a lot of plans but getting together backpacks with basic school requirement from items around most houses is our next priority. If there is an old school bag around your house, it can be filled with a pencil case, copy books, pencils, pens, sharpener, crayons, rubber, ruler and maybe an extra gift of soap, towel, toothpaste, toothbrush, flip flops or sandals, spoon and small ball.

These backpacks may be the only presents these children ever receive, so if a t-shirt, skirt or some other school type clothes could be added it would be a great added bonus. These packs can be dropped into any of the Committee who will look after them until they are collected here in Longford.

We are also looking for more volunteers to make Marys meals in Longford an even harder, working thriving organisation. Please feel free to contact any of the committee.

Longford to date will feed 1,346 children for a year so Longford should be very proud of its achievement but not be complacent; it is an ongoing battle that we will keep fighting, with your help.
Former BBC political correspondent John Sergeant has said non-payment of the BBC licence fee should be decriminalised.

The veteran broadcaster said the current annual 157.50 licence fee should be frozen and the BBC should be 'forced' to earn more by other means.

His comments come as the Government is set to announce its response to a consultation on decriminalising licence fee evasion later this month.

The BBC has warned that switching to a civil, rather than a criminal system of enforcement, would cost the broadcaster more than 200 million a year.

Former BBC political correspondent John Sergeant has said non-payment of the BBC licence fee should be decriminalised

'Despite the likely loss in revenue, the BBC should also accept that failing to pay the licence fee is no longer a criminal offence,' the 76-year-old wrote in the Radio Times.

A consultation, that took place earlier this year, has evaluated whether criminal sanctions for the non-payment of the licence fee should be replaced by an alternative enforcement scheme.

The BBC has said the current system to tackle TV licence evasion 'is effective in ensuring payment with very few people ever going to prison'.

Sergeant, who was the BBC's chief political correspondent from 1992 to 2000, said alternative funding models for the BBC should also be considered.

'The system itself has to change - the licence fee, as presently constituted, now commands insufficient public support,' he said.

'All reasonable alternatives should be considered. Personally, I would be in favour of freezing the present arrangements and forcing the BBC to earn more by other means.'

Sergeant also urged the broadcaster not to reverse its decision to means-test the TV licence for over-75s, saying it 'would be far too damaging'.

He praised new director-general Tim Davie, who started in the role last week, for pulling a U-turn on the BBC's decision not to have Rule, Britannia! and Land of Hope and Glory sung at The Last Night of the Proms.

The BBC has 'enormous strengths', he said, adding: 'It is the most trusted news source in the country.

Sergeant praised new director-general Tim Davie (pictured) for pulling a U-turn on the BBC's decision not to have Rule, Britannia! and Land of Hope and Glory sung at The Last Night of the Proms

It has no political axe to grind.' Sergeant said he was 'fearful of stepping out of line' during his time with the broadcaster, which later revived his career with his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2008.

He recalled a news editor telling a reporter asking for a pay rise: 'It's much colder outside.' In his first speech as director-general, Mr Davie last week announced a new social media crackdown on BBC employees, warning that if they wanted to be an 'opinionated columnist or a partisan campaigner' they should leave.

On this Sergeant said: 'You don't need to parade these policies in front of the public as a form of virtue signalling - just instruct those involved. And if they don't like it, tell them: 'It's much colder outside'.'

The full interview is in Radio Times magazine, out now.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Periods of rain. Morning high of 46F with temps falling to near 35. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Rain...some freezing rain late. Low 29F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precip 90%.
Sister Martha Ann Kirk isnt being hard on herself, or on other religion teachers, when she says theyve failed.

For more than 300 years, she says, theyve devoted themselves in this very Catholic of cities to teaching the difference between right and wrong.

It started in doctrina classes in elementary school, where nuns who still wore habits led children to make their First Holy Communion.

Then those children resumed religion classes to make their confirmations, becoming soldiers of Christ, another important sacrament.

Some San Antonians had the privilege of attending Catholic schools, where religion was required study. Many others, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, took religion classes to earn diplomas from one of the citys Catholic universities.

Kirk, a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, sees failure in religious education where others might not.

We were founded in 1718, Kirk said. We have been doing Christian education for 300 years, and we have failed.

Had religion teachers, nuns included, done a better job, Kirk reasons, San Antonio wouldnt be one of the poorest large cities in the United States.

It wouldnt be so highly segregated by race and social class, and it wouldnt be losing so many Black and Mexican American residents to COVID-19, she said.

Had religion teachers better taught Gospel teachings and thus better seen  and acted on  whats right and wrong, people in my ZIP code wouldnt live shorter lives than those who live in richer areas.

She lives in 78207, a ZIP code on the West Side known as the poorest in the city.

Those were the arguments Kirk and the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word used to convince a group of religious nuns to make a stop in San Antonio in October to help residents do better, at least in time for the November elections.

Theyre best known as the Nuns on the Bus, but the group they represent is called NETWORK. Each election cycle, the group travels around the country to bring attention to the critical questions people of faith must ask themselves before voting.

They take seriously Pope Francis advice that a good Catholic meddles in politics.

Nuns on the Bus wont board any vehicles this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, the group will hold online conversations hosted by cities across the country.

Those will begin midmonth and continue through mid-October, landing in San Antonio the week of Oct. 5, Kirk said.

The goal will be to elevate the experiences of those facing the greatest challenges and prepare people to vote for the common good.

No doubt they will advocate for voters to do what they must, whether its voting at the polls or by mail, a legal means to vote that has become demonized this election cycle.

From its inception, NETWORK has urged Catholic sisters to be more public in teaching right from wrong in the classroom and beyond it. It has said the best way to advocate for right vs. wrong is to influence institutional systems and structures.

It asks people to monitor how elected officials vote and speak for our issues, a list that Kirk says includes vulnerable people, health care and the environment.

Over the years, Nuns on the Bus has cited the Gospels in calling for justice through civil rights, womens rights, immigrant rights, farmworkers rights and environmental rights.

I dont think Im reaching to say that many Catholics are appalled by the priests and bishops whove twisted religious teaching by saying that voting for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is a mortal sin.

Kirk has worked to right the wrongs in religion education by researching better teaching methods. At the heart of it is critical thinking, not only in reading the Bible but in reliable news accounts. Shes teaching social justice leadership to 26 young San Antonians at the University of the Incarnate Word. Shes talking to students and faculty.

Since the death of George Floyd, people have wanted to talk about racism and injustice. A Black man, Floyd was killed in Minneapolis by a white police officer who held his knee on his neck for almost nine minutes. The video of that horrific death has galvanized a nation to question police training and budgets. It has led to questions about leadership and elections.

We the teachers have been listening to sad and angry students, Kirk said.

While some on campus wouldve preferred otherwise, teachers like Kirk have encouraged people to talk.

Weve got to talk now, she said. We have to publicly speak about the injustices.

We have to listen, too.

Elaine Ayala is a columnist covering San Antonio and Bexar County. To read more from Elaine, become a subscriber. eayala@express-news.net | Twitter: @ElaineAyala
Vietnam will hold the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM-53) and related meetings via a video conference from September 9-12, said the organising board at an international press conference on September 7.

Nguyen Quoc Dung, Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, ASEAN SOM leader, and Secretary General of the National ASEAN 2020 Committee who chaired the event, said the AMM 53 will be one of the important highlights of the countrys ASEAN chairmanship this year.

Vietnam will host and facilitate talks with partners on several issues, including the COVID-19 prevention and control, the post-pandemic recovery plan, the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund, and the women empowerment.

In addition, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers will make preparations for the upcoming 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in November. They will also discuss and exchange views with external partners on the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic and other important traditional and non-traditional regional and international challenges.

Dung further said that priorities have been given to promoting a cohesive and proactive ASEAN Community in line with the theme and priorities for this year. Besides, Vietnam has also put forth numerous initiatives on COVID-19 prevention and control as well as post-pandemic economic recovery.

According to the official, 27 delegations from the 10 ASEAN nations and partners will join meetings in the framework of the AMM-53.

Participants will attend 20 meetings, and 40 documents adopted, including AMM-53 Joint Communique, focusing on ASEAN's commitment to promoting the ASEAN Community, economic connectivity and cooperation with dialogue partners.

Deputy FM talks agenda for 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting

Deputy Foreign Minister and head of Vietnam's ASEAN SOM Nguyen Quoc Dung answered reporters queries about preparations and agenda for the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM-53) and related meetings during a press conference in Hanoi on September 7.

Deputy Foreign Minister and head of Vietnam's ASEAN SOM Nguyen Quoc Dung at the event (Photo: VNA)

About the possibility to establish new partnership between ASEAN and partners within the framework of the meeting, Dung said ASEAN now has three partnership levels, including full dialogue partnership, dialogue partnership in areas and development partnership. The bloc has received proposals from countries at all the above levels.

Recently, the UK proposed establishing full dialogue partnership while Morocco and the United Arab Emirates were also interested in setting up dialogue partnership in areas with the grouping. Several countries also suggested joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). All proposed are being considered by ASEAN.

On the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Dung said as RCEP is one of the priorities of the bloc. Vietnam has actively stepped up negotiations for signing the agreement later this year in its capacity as ASEAN Chair.

He added that Vietnam hopes that at ASEAN ministers meetings, especially those discussing economic affairs, terms of the deal will be reached and signed.

Sharing Vietnams expectations at AMM-53 and related meetings when the region and the world are coping with new non-traditional security challenges such as COVID-19, Dung said the pandemic response is part of the meetings agenda.

Since early this year, ASEAN has strived to fight the pandemic with various new initiatives. Additionally, challenges arising from climate change, terrorism, security and safety at sea and protection of fishermen will also be discussed.

As regards to negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) at the meeting, Dung said the COC continues to be a priority of both ASEAN and China. Talks on the issue have been delayed due to the pandemic.

According to him, both sides discussed ways to resume negotiations as well as upcoming goals.

Senior ASEAN officials discuss preparations for AMM-53

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung, head of ASEAN SOM of Vietnam, chaired a meeting of senior ASEAN officials and a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (ExCom SEANWFZ) Treaty on September 7, as the opening activities of the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM-53) and related meetings.

Participants reviewed preparations for AMM-53 and related meetings, during which ASEAN foreign ministers will discuss the building of the ASEAN Community as well as cooperation in settling and controlling the pandemic and post-pandemic recovery, along with a number of regional and international issues.

The FMs will review and sketch out orientations for ASEANs external relations, with consideration given to certain proposals to set up partnerships and the admission of Colombia and Cuba to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

They will also discuss the enhancement of ASEANs central role, in particular the way to ensure that the bloc will continue to be the key force in the region to lead the cooperation process for peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity.

Senior ASEAN officials affirmed the significance of the SEANWFZ Treaty, which expresses the blocs commitment to maintaining a region free of nuclear weapons, contributing to regional security and the international communitys efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation and promote nuclear disarmament and the dismantling of weapons of mass destruction.

ExCom SEANWFZ agreed to submit to the SEANWFZ Committee a number of recommendations for the effective implementation of the method of expanding the SEANWFZ Treaty. Officials welcomed SEANWFZ signatories to further strengthen cooperation with relevant international organisations, especially between the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Addressing the event, Deputy FM Dung underlined that amid COVID-19, ASEAN should stay firm in commitments and maintain solidarity in action, thus speeding up the building of the Community and successfully dealing with the pandemic as well as emerging challenges.

He hailed the contributions of countries in the process of building the Community and expanding ASEANs external relations, saying that at these meetings, foreign ministers of ASEAN countries will affirm ASEANs determination to enhance its central role, promote solidarity and cooperation, speed up successful construction of the Community, and effectively control the pandemic and boost the post-pandemic recovery.



Dung emphasised that the full participation of partners at the conference affirms ASEANs position and role as well as the blocs image in the eyes of international friends, while manifesting the determination of countries to maintain dialogues for peace, stability, and cooperation. At the end of the meeting, the senior officials agreed to submit proposals to the foreign ministers related to cooperation within ASEAN as well as between ASEAN and partners, which is reflected in many different documents from the meeting.



AMM-53 and related meetings will open on the morning of September 9 in Hanoi. Host Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc will address the opening session./.VNA
A collection of Jim Crow-era photos shot in the Mobile by Gordon Parks may be 60 years old, but thanks to the HBO series Lovecraft Country theyve gotten a shot of pop-culture currency just as the Mobile Museum of Art prepares to display them.

Parks, already on his way to legendary status, visited southwest Alabama in 1956. His mission was to provide the image for a Life Magazine story on segregation. Some of his work was indeed published in that forum. But some wasnt, and as a whole the collection languished in relative obscurity for half a century.

It wasnt exactly unknown. Some of the images became iconic, particularly the image of an elegantly dressed Black woman standing on a Mobile sidewalk under a colored entrance sign. In 2012 staff at the Gordon Parks Foundation rediscovered a trove of color transparencies from the trip and began to build an exhibition that opened in 2014 at Atlantas High Museum.

In 2015, hopes were high that the exhibition would come to the History Museum of Mobile. Those plans fell through, but five years later the Mobile Museum of Art is preparing to showcase Gordon Parks: Segregation Story in Mobile, 1956. Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood provided $30,000 to make it possible, and members of the Mobile City Council recently approved an additional $14,715.

It was very important to me and our staff to have that community support, said the museums director, Deborah Velders. This is the only outside exhibition currently on the museums calendar.

The COVID-19 epidemic has brought difficulties and opportunities. Like many public institutions, the museum shut down temporarily. (It reopened in late June with limited capacity and other safety measures; visit www.mobilemuseumofart.com for details.) That pushed back the timetable. The exhibition would have been open by now if not for the epidemic. Instead itll open Jan. 16.

"Department Store, Mobile, Alabama, 1956." Photograph by Gordon Parks. Courtesy of and copyright The Gordon Parks Foundation

But the delay has also allowed for a fresh wave of interest generated by the premiere of Lovecraft Country in mid-August. The HBO series smashes together the idiosyncratic, influential horror fiction of H.P. Lovecraft, with its alien gods and other eldritch terrors that regard humanity as little more than feedstock, and the all-too-real horrors of Jim Crow.

Several scenes in the shows premiere episode were modeled directly on Parks' photos. These included what many would argue is the most famous shot in the set, the image of Mobile educator Joanne Thornton Wilson standing outside the colored entrance to the Mobile Saenger Theater. The shot has often been shared over the years with a minimal caption that doesnt identify the subject and gives the location as a department store, but in a 2015 AL.com interview, Wilsons son and granddaughter visited the exact spot and talked about what the image meant to them.

I was excited to see Lovecraft Country on HBO but I fell in love when the James Baldwin voiceover with the Gordon Parks montage happened. I saw those images and sat up in the bed. #jamesbaldwin #gordonparks #lovecraftcountryhbo

#LovecraftCountry pic.twitter.com/SmZNzlm9VW  Piscean Dancer (@misteralgernon) August 17, 2020

The references immediately were spotted by media outlets such as Newsweek and decider.com. As Meghan OKeefe wrote for Decider, In the same montage that features James Baldwins breath-taking words, we see the people captures in Parkss photos show up alongside the shows heroes. This, too, is a sort of fantasy. The photo of the mother and child outside the movies was taken in Mobile, Alabama and that would take Tic, Leti, and George way off-journey, but that doesnt matter. What Lovecraft Country is showing us is that these characters exist in that real world as well as in the shows fantasy.

The foundation mentioned to us its a good thing we already had it booked, said Velders. Theyre getting a million requests now.

While a pop-culture boost never hurts, backers see the arrival of this exhibition in Mobile as something much deeper.

This exhibition is about Mobile and from Mobile, said Velders. Its very much a community project.

Im really excited that the Mobile Museum of Art is bringing it, said Ludgood. "I see it as it a tool that we can use to really talk about the community then and talk about the community now, and what has transpired in the between times.

Its not often that we get exhibits like this, said Ludgood.

For the citys contribution, six members of the council joined together to pool allocations from their discretionary funds. Velders said that money will fund programming around the exhibition, including spoken word and dance performances. Support from the Altmayer Foundation will support school programs such as field trips to the exhibition.
Yangon:

At least 65,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh from Myanmara third of them over the past week -- since the army launched a crackdown in the north of Rakhine state, the UN said on Monday.

The figure marks a sharp escalation in the numbers fleeing a military campaign which rights groups say has been marred by abuses so severe they could amount to crimes against humanity.

They also come the same day the UNs human rights envoy for Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, began a 12-day visit to probe violence in the countrys borderlands that will take her to the army-controlled area.

Over the past week, 22,000 new arrivals were reported to have crossed the border from Rakhine state, the UNs relief agency said in its weekly report.

As of 5 January, an estimated 65,000 people are residing in registered camps, makeshift settlements and host communities in Coxs Bazaar in southern Bangladesh, said the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The exodus of Rohingya from northern Rakhine began after Myanmars army launched clearance operations while searching for insurgents behind deadly raids on police border posts three months ago.

Escapees from the persecuted Muslim minority in Bangladesh have given harrowing accounts of security forces committing mass rape, murder and arson.

The stories have cast a pall over the young government of Aung San Suu Kyi, with mainly Muslim Malaysia being especially critical.

Myanmars government has said the claims of abuse are fabricated and launched a special commission to investigate the allegations.

Last week it presented its interim report denying accusations of genocide and religious persecution and saying there was insufficient evidence that troops had been committing rape.

That judgement came days after a video emerged showing police beating Rohingya civilians, something the government said was an isolated incident after the officers were arrested.

Today the UNs Lee began her own probe with a visit to Kachin state, where thousands have been displaced by fighting between ethnic rebels and the army.

Lee, who has faced threats and demonstrations on previous visits over her comments on Myanmars treatment of the Rohingya, is due to visit Rakhine before leaving on January 20.

Hardline Buddhist monk Wirathu caused outrage when he called her a whore in our country for criticising controversial legislation considered discriminatory to women and minorities.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 23:33:19|Editor: huaxia

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TEHRAN, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif hailed "Swiss efforts to mitigate the United States' sabotage," after his Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis' three-day visit to Iran, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported on Tuesday.

"While appreciating Swiss efforts to mitigate U.S. sabotage, a return to normal trade is global priority," Zarif tweeted post on Monday.

Iran's chief diplomat wrote he was "pleased" to host Cassis on the "centennial of the diplomatic ties" between Iran and Switzerland. Zarif also praised as "excellent" the talks held during the three-day visit to Isfahan and Tehran on "bilateral, regional and global issues," after meeting Cassis on Monday.

Switzerland hosts a payments channel called Swiss Humanitarian Trade Arrangement (SHTA), meant to allow Tehran to buy food, medicine and medical devices despite U.S. embargoes on the Iranian financial system. Enditem
Dean of the School of Performing Arts of the University of Ghana, Legon, Professor Kofi Agyekum, popularly known as Opanyin Agyekum has urged Ghanaians to weigh the track records of the Akufo-Addo administration and previous Mahama government to determine who wins the 2020 elections.



The battle of manifestos has just begun.



The two main political parties, New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have both launched their manifestos ahead of the 2020 elections.



The NDC launched their manifesto at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) in Accra while the NPP launched theirs in Cape Coast.



The NPP, in their manifesto, has promised that all tertiary students will get to acquire a student loan without a guarantor in President Akufo-Addo's next administration.



The party further outlined that they will construct Senior High Schools in the 16 Regions in Ghana and provide free wifi in all Senior High Schools and tertiary institutions in Ghana, eliminate import duties on sanitary pads, provide GHC100 million seed money for a National Rental Assistance Scheme and establish a new harbour and airport in Cape Coast among others.



The NDC, on the other hand, has also promised to absorb fifty percent (50%) of fees of tertiary students for the 2020/2021 academic year as an incentive to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on students and parents, establish free Wi-Fi zones in all public and private tertiary institutions, provide free laptops to tertiary students to facilitate participation in virtual classes, encourage shared laboratory experiences especially for those in the science and technology programmes and include private tertiary institutions, complete the conversion of all polytechnics into Technical Universities (TUs) in line with our original vision of creating opportunities for professional mobility of practitioners among others.



Commenting on the NDC manifesto ''Kokrokoo'' on Peace FM, Opanyin Agyekum asked Ghanaians to vote wisely saying they have tasted both political parties and know their capabilities, hence they should be guided by their knowledge of the parties to make a decision in the elections.



Speaking to host Kwami Sefa Kayi, he said ''it is without a shred of doubt that these two big parties are the main ones in the administration of Ghana. But we have the hindsight of the regimes of these two parties because they have all been in government before. We have witnessed their works...so let's weigh their track records''.





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.

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The Chinese military was "forced to take countermeasures" to maintain stability at the China-India border after Indian troops trespassed via the southern bank of Pangong Tso Lake on Monday and fired warning shots at Chinese border patrols, said Senior Colonel Zhang Shuili, spokesman for the People's Liberation Army Western Theater Command, in a statement on early Tuesday.

It is the second time Indian troops violated the Chinese border in eastern Ladakh of China's Tibet autonomous region in the last two weeks. In the second incident, the PLA personnel were about to negotiate with the Indian side when they were fired upon by Indian soldiers, Zhang said.

A source in New Delhi confirmed the incident without giving any details. It is unclear if there are any casualties. The incident came three days after defense ministers from both countries met in Moscow and agreed to de-escalate the border situation.

Zhang called the shots a serious violation of relevant agreements between the two countries and a "serious military provocation" that has escalated tension further and could easily lead to misunderstandings. As a result, the Chinese border troops "were forced to take necessary countermeasures to get the situation under control," he said.

Zhang urged the Indian side to immediately stop its dangerous actions, pull back troops that have entered Chinese territory, strictly restrain the behavior of its front-line servicemen, and seriously investigate and punish the person who fired on the Chinese soldiers to ensure similar incidents do not occur again.

The PLA Western Theater Command will uphold its duties and missions to staunchly safeguard national sovereignty, he added.
In this Aug. 24, 2020, photo, Jean Grady wears an insulin pump to help manage her diabetes at her home in Westford, Vt. Before the pandemic, Medicare rules required her to make regular two-hour, one-way trips to New Hampshire to meet with her doctor to discuss treatment. Many diabetics nationwide struggle to access affordable insulin. Read more

Insulin affordability has been a major issue for the health of millions of Americans, even gaining attention during the Democratic debates. For patients living with diabetes, particularly Type 1 diabetes, access to insulin is literally a matter of life and death.

Although our collective attention has appropriately shifted to the overwhelming health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the 2020 presidential election approaches, it is essential that we refocus at least some attention to diabetes  a longer-standing, growing, unrelenting epidemic in the U.S.

Diabetes affects more than one out of 10 Americans and represents the seventh leading cause of death. Similar to COVID-19, there is no cure. Unlike COVID-19, there has been effective treatment available for a century. However, in our country, research suggests it is currently too expensive for a quarter of insulin-dependent diabetics to afford.

 READ MORE: Type 1 diabetes rising among young children of color in Philadelphia

The medical and news media have reported stark evidence of the insulin cost-crisis  with stories of diabetes patients dying because they could not afford their insulin, rationing insulin supplies, and seeking out unvetted insulin products on Craigslist because they could not afford it otherwise.

Insulin prices have increased sharply over the past decade, making it unaffordable for many patients. Studies have shown that prior to the COVID pandemic, up to 25% of insulin-dependent diabetics rationed supplies to save money. The dramatic rise in unemployment and the loss of employer-sponsored health insurance due to the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to bring this crisis to a breaking point. This is particularly true in Pennsylvania, where unemployment rates hover around 13%, almost 700,000 residents are uninsured.

As of August, seven states have enacted legislation to cap out-of-pocket spending on insulin for those with commercial insurance. While the Pennsylvania legislature is not among them, a bill by State Rep. Jeanne McNeill (D., Lehigh) that would cap monthly costs at $100 has been introduced.

There are other necessary, if limited, measures that government officials at both the federal and state levels should take to address the specific needs of the uninsured, particularly those not financially eligible for Medicaid.

 READ MORE: COVID-19 is worsening disparities in pediatric type 1 diabetes. Community health workers can help. | Expert Opinion

This year, President Donald Trump signed executive orders capping insulin copays at $35/month for Part D Medicare beneficiaries, who are 65 and older, disabled, or suffer end-stage renal disease and enrolled in Part A or B Medicare plans. Congress has introduced several proposals addressing the crisis, including the Affordable Insulin Act, which promotes the ability to purchase insulin at the Medicaid price, sponsored by Rep. Peter Welch (D., Vt.), and the Insulin Price Reduction Act from sponsor Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D., N.H.) to incentivize drug manufacturers to lower prices. On his presidential platform, Joe Biden advocates for considerable action to limit unregulated price increases from pharmaceutical companies, as well as expanded access to high-quality generic medications. Importantly, he also defends legislation that will permit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to negotiate drug pricing with pharmaceutical companies.

These are important steps. But in the meantime, patients with diabetes still come to the emergency room in crisis. Hospitalists  including one of the authors of this piece  see many of them. We take care of these patients, stabilize their acute illness, and listen to their stories, their circumstances, the battles that they have lost with the health-care system. And we dont have a clear solution. There are insulins available over-the-counter at lower cost than many prescription insulins. We provide instructions, dosing information, advice. But these insulins are not a long-term solution.

 READ MORE: Could Type 2 diabetes be managed with a simple outpatient procedure? Penn doctors investigate.

To level the playing field of health outcomes, we need policy that will dramatically shift the landscape of drug pricing and affordability. These issues have never been more crucial. We live in the wealthiest country in the world. No one should die because they cannot afford insulin.

As a nation, we have never been so aware of the fragility of human life, of the pain of lives cut short. Let us take this opportunity and this moment to commit to lasting changes through health reform that will protect our loved ones, friends, neighbors, and strangers in need. Lets make insulin available to all who need it. There is a time to act, and it is now.

Jennifer N. Goldstein is an internist and associate professor of medicine at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Jefferson University. Abby Donnelly is an undergraduate student at Georgetown University studying global health.
The COVID-19 testing facility at the Delhi international airport will initially handle up to 2,500 samples per day in mid-September and if required, the capacity can later be ramped up to 15,000 samples per day, a top official of Genestrings Diagnostic Center stated. The Delhi Airport International Limited (DIAL) on Friday said it has set up a COVID-19 testing facility at the multi-level car parking area of Terminal 3, in collaboration with Genestrings Diagnostic Center, for arriving international passengers who have to take connecting domestic flights.

Weve equipped the lab to handle up to 2,500 samples per day in the initial days. Were ready to quickly ramp-up our testing capacity multiple folds of up to 15,000 tests per day in this 3,500 Sq. Ft. facility," said Dr Rajat Arora, Director, Genestrings Diagnostic Center. The test will cost a passenger Rs 2,400, as mandated by the Delhi government, he told PTI.

DIAL & GMR management are working closely with the Ministry of Health to establish this SOP (standard operating procedure) which will be well-defined before commencing the lab operations, mid-September," Arora noted. GMR group-led DIAL operates and maintains the Delhi international airport. Unlike quite a few tests on arrival facilities across the globe, there are two key differentiators that we have brought about here at Indias first on-arrival testing lab at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA)," Arora noted.

Firstly, this is not just a collection centre, but rather an actual testing facility has been created on-site at the airport, he explained. Secondly, weve given a time commitment of reporting within 6 hours of sample collection which is going to be one of the fastest anywhere in the world for RT-PCR tests", he mentioned.

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Arora said the company would be providing passengers with the option of online booking and payment to minimise touch transactions which may otherwise lead to further transmission of the infection". The Civil Aviation Ministry had on Wednesday said that international passengers who have to take connecting domestic flights after landing in India will have the option of getting themselves tested for COVID-19 at the entry airports.

If the RT-PCR test result is negative, the international passenger will be allowed to board his or her connecting domestic flight and he or she will not need to undergo any institutional quarantine, the ministrys order said. An international passenger who does not have a COVID-negative result certificate from a test done not more than 96 hours prior to the journey, and does not opt for an on-arrival testing facility at the entry airport, will have to compulsorily undergo seven-day institutional quarantine followed by seven-day home quarantine. On August 2, the Union Health Ministry had said if an international passenger has a negative result from an RT-PCR test done 96 hours prior to the journey, he or she will not need to undergo institutional quarantine in India.
In the darkness of the early morning, the California National Guard rescued 35 more people Tuesday trapped within the zone of the Creek Fire that's tearing across the Sierra National Forest in Central California.

The National Guard confirmed helicopters picked up 13 people at China Peak at 3:16 a.m., 11 people from Lake Edison at 4:44 a.m. and another 11 people at the lake at 5:42 a.m. National Guard choppers delivered everyone to the Fresno Air Terminal. The rescue flights were thwarted earlier by heavy smoke Monday night.

"Definitely great news, the weather and the smoke are cooperating with us a little better," Cal Guard 40th CAB Commander Col. David Hall told NBC's Today Show.

"Many more people remained trapped, and more flights will take place today," according to the Fresno Bee.

The Creek Fire, burning south of Yosemite, began Friday evening and was raging by Saturday afternoon. It moved so fast that campers became trapped around Mammoth Pool Campground.

On Saturday, National Guard rescuers in two military helicopters airlifted 214 people at the reservoir to safety after flames trapped them in a wooded camping area near Mammoth Pool Reservoir. Two people were seriously injured and were among 12 hospitalized.

Of the 63 people rescued, two were severely injured, 10 were moderately injured and 51 others had minor or no injuries, according to a tweet by the Fresno Fire Department.

Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Rosamond, the pilot of a Chinook helicopter, said visibility was poor and winds increasingly strong during the three flights he made into the fire zone during the operation that started late Saturday and stretched into Sunday. His crew relied on night-vision goggles to search for a landing spot near a boat launch where flames came within 50 feet of the aircraft.

The injured, along with women and children, took priority on the first airlift, which filled both helicopters to capacity, he said.

We started getting information about how many people were out there, how many people to expect, and that number kept growing. So we knew that it was a dire situation, Rosamond said.

The Creek Fire started Friday and by Saturday afternoon it had exploded in size, jumping the San Joaquin River and cutting off the only road into the Mammoth Pool Campground.

Bone-dry conditions and the hot weather fueled the flames once the fire started and it grew seven-fold to 55 square miles (142 square kilometers) within a few hours Saturday afternoon.

The fire sent huge plumes of smoke into the air, affecting the air quality for miles around and turning the sky a sickly orange.

The Creek Fire has consumed 135,523 acres or 212 square miles as of Tuesday morning, Cal Fire officials said. The fire has zero containment.

Sixty-five structures have been destroyed; of those, 45 are single family homes and 20 are minor structures. Firefighters are battling flames to protect 5,296 threatened structures.

MORE WILDFIRE COVERAGE:

Photos show scope, destruction of Bay Area wildfires

'Saddened': Oldest state park in Calif. closed for at least a year due to wildfire damage

Will wildfire evacuations accelerate the spread of coronavirus in the Bay Area?

California wildfires now as big as the Grand Canyon

10 things to do if a wildfire is approaching your house

How to keep your pets safe from wildfire smoke

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Amy Graff is the news editor for SFGATE. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com.
In China, an even scarier bubble than Big Tech is brewing. It's engineered not by the nation's notorious mum-and-dad investors, but professional stock pickers.

These days, even a soy sauce maker can be valued at 100 times earnings. And this is no penny stock: Foshan Haitian Flavouring & Food Co. is a blue chip with an $US81 billion ($111 billion) market cap. From pig farmers to manufacturers of China's famous fiery liquor, the food and beverage industry has surpassed banks as the heavyweight in the benchmark CSI 300 Index. On average, the sector has rallied 60 per cent this year.

A food and beverage bubble is brewing on China's sharemarket. Credit:AP

This trade started to unwind last week. On Thursday, without warning, Foshan Haitian tumbled off its record high. The selloff widened to the entire sector Friday. Foshan dropped 14 per cent in two days.

Unlike the retail-focused tech names in Shenzhen, these blue chips are chased by institutional investors. Mutual fund managers have allocated 11.8 per cent of their money to food and beverage stocks on average, second only to healthcare, data compiled by Haitong Securities show.
Barabanki (UP):

Samajwadi Party MP Beni Prasad Verma has filed a complaint with the election commission accusing cabinet minister and Ramnagar MLA Arvind Singh Gope of casteism in appointment of police officers in Barabanki district.



The move comes after Vermas son Rakesh was declared a candidate by Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav for the segment in place of Gope who is the sitting MLA and an Akhilesh loyalist.



In his letter to EC, Beni alleged that just before announcement of polls, the Rural development minister got a Superintendent of Police (SP) belonging to his caste posted in the district as well as getting SHOs of his choice posted. He alleged this was a violation of the model code of conduct.



A blanket distribution function was held on Jan 6 in Ramnagar under protection of the police, Beni further alleged in the letter faxed to the EC.

Follow complete coverage of Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections at Newsnation

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration Roderic OGorman said he was acutely aware that the costs examined in the report are based on pay rates that are unacceptably low (Julien Behal/PA)

Days missed by schoolchildren due to Covid-related issues will not be counted in the overall number of school absences, Childrens Minister Roderic OGorman has confirmed.

Sinn Fein TD Kathleen Funchion said concerned parents had contacted her about being reported to the child and family agency Tusla if their child misses more than 20 days of school.

Last month, the Department of Education said it was required by law to notify Tusla if a student missed more than 20 days.

There are fears rates of absenteeism may be higher in the 2020/2021 academic year as a result of the Covid crisis, with parents keeping students home if they show any symptoms of coronavirus, or where there are concerns about being a close contact of a confirmed case.

Read More

Mr OGorman has now confirmed that if a child has to miss school due to any legitimate Covid reason including where theres a confirmed case or the requirement to quarantine, this will not count towards absenteeism rates.

The school will note such absences as explained when completing the bi-annual report, he told the Dail.

Theyre going to adopt a fair and balanced approach in assessing absences.

In the context of Covid-19 and the situations which may arise, Tusla said it would "work with schools, students and their parents to support them as required".

Under the Education Welfare Act, schools are legally required to inform the relevant authorities about high absenteeism levels.

Im happy to confirm that and we double-checked with the Tusla Education Support Service today and where an absence is explained due to a Covid-related reason, that wont count towards the 20 days, minister OGorman said.

I understand parents are nervous, it is such a different environment.

He also said high-risk students who have to remain at home due to concerns about Covid will not have those days included in their overall absence rate.
Commissioners in Marion County declared a state of emergency hours after officials issued Level 3 GO evacuation orders for residents in Santiam Canyon as the Beachie Creek fire continued to spread amid dry conditions and high winds Tuesday.

On Monday, residents living in the canyon from the community of Mehama east to Detroit including Mill City, Gates, Detroit, the North Fork corridor, Scotts Mills and south through the Crooked Finger areawere told to leave immediately. Evacuation orders were expanded early Tuesday to include the area west of the Mehama community to Cascade Highway Southeast and north to Highway 214.

Silver Falls State Park was also being evacuated Tuesday morning, officials said and residents of Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Silverton, Highway 213 west of Mt. Angel and Silverton to Drakes Crossing were told to be ready to go.

Officials opened an evacuation staging area at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, located at 2330 17th St Northeast in Salem and a second evacuation staging area was established at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.

We care deeply about the safety of all of our community members. The extreme fire activity in the area poses an imminent danger to anyone who chooses to remain in the evacuated area, Marion County Sheriff Joe Kast said in a statement. I encourage anyone still in the Santiam Canyon to leave immediately following the deputies out of the area. I cannot say when the conditions will allow deputies and other emergency responders to return to the area to render assistance. Please leave now.

Eastbound Highway 22 was closed to allow residents to evacuate from Stayton to Santiam Junction.

The Beachie Creek fire started on Aug. 16 in the Opal Creek Wilderness about 6 miles north of Detroit. The blaze was expected to continue its spread Tuesday with high winds forecast for the area and a red flag warning through 8 p.m. All recreational sites within the Willamette National Forest were closed until further notice and officials were warning folks to avoid travel in the southern half of Mount Hood National Forest.

Several smaller fires were also burning around the Portland metro area Tuesday morning. Firefighters issued Level 2 GET SET evacuation orders for Dundee Road in Washington County after a fast-moving brush fire closed the boat ramp and surrounding park at Hagg Lake. Around 9:30 a.m., Firefighters from Forest Grove expanded Level 1 GET READY evacuation orders as the fire spread. Evacuation orders were upgraded to Level 3 GO for the entire community of Cherry Grove around 12:30 p.m.

UPDATE: LEVEL III evacuation orders extended to the entire city of Cherry Grove  Washington County Sheriffs Office (@WCSOOregon) September 8, 2020

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue was working to put out several small fires near Jackson Quarry Road and West Union Road that were sparked by a downed power line.

In Clackamas County, crews responded to several fires Monday night, one of which burned through 10 acres of brush and forced the evacuation of four homes. That blaze was brought under control by Tuesday morning and no structures were damaged, but firefighters were responding to new fires near Oregon City, Estacada and off Interstate 205, officials said.

In Lincoln County, on the Oregon Coast, at least three wildfires were burning. A blaze on Echo Mountain Road and another on Kimberling Mountain Road, both off of Highway 18, had resulted in evacuation notices. The third fire, burning near milepost 4 on Highway 34 near Waldport, had been contained, officials said.

The Lionshead fire, burning not far from the Beachie Creek fire, prompted evacuations for the Breitenbush Hot Springs resort and the Devils Creek community. In Klamath County, a wildfire discovered Monday night on the Chiloquin Ranger District of the Fremont-Winema National Forest moved three miles over the course of the evening, spreading to more than 1,000 acres with no containment by midnight. The Two Four Two fire, as its now called, jumped U.S. 97 and is now burning on both sides, exhibiting extreme fire behavior, officials said. Evacuation orders were issued for some areas and others were told to prepare to leave.

Around noon, officials in Ashland reported the outbreak of a grass fire near Interstate 5 and traffic was shut down in both directions.

Gov. Kate Brown approved an emergency conflagration declaration that authorizes the State Fire Marshall to provide resources to local firefighters.

Almost every year since becoming Governor, Ive witnessed historic wildfire seasons, Brown said in a statement. This past weekend, we experienced significant wind that is fueling wildfires with devastating consequences across Oregon, on top of a dire pandemic."

Scientists have long predicted that increased temperatures due to climate change would cause wildfires to burn hotter, longer and with more intensity.

This story will be updated.

-- Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale
Lehigh Valley voters who got to hear Monday night from one of the presidents sons can tune in for an interview next week with the presidents challenger.

The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce on Monday announced former Vice President Joe Biden as the guest Sept. 14 on Business Matters. Chamber President and CEO Tony Iannelli hosts the show carried by WFMZ-TV 69.

Monday nights episode, available at wfmz.com, featured a one-on-one interview with Donald Trump Jr. When he was announced last week as a guest, it drew a torrent of comments online critical of the partisan guest appearance during this years contentious presidential campaign pitting Biden, a Democrat, against Republican President Donald Trump in his bid for a second term.

Tune in to WFMZ next Monday, September 14, at 7:30pm for a special episode of Business Matters with Joe Biden! Posted by Lehigh Valley Chamber on Monday, September 7, 2020

Pennsylvania is one of the most closely contested battleground states ahead of Election Day, Nov. 3.

Just in the past week, Biden spoke Aug. 31 in Pittsburgh followed by an appearance by Vice President Mike Pence last Tuesday in Exeter and, according to a buckscountyherald.com, a stop by Ivanka Trump on Friday in Chalfont.

President Trump spoke at a campaign rally Thursday night, Biden spoke Monday in Harrisburg. On Friday, both Trump and Biden plan to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks in Shanksville, where one of the hijacked planes crashed in a field.

Biden as of Monday was leading Trump by 4.2 percentage points in Pennsylvania, according to the realclearpolitics.com average of six polls. Trump won Pennsylvania by 0.7 of a point in 2016, four years after President Barack Obama with Biden as vice president took the state by 5.4 points.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
Speaking to the full Cabinet this morning, the Prime Minster warned that young people must to take more care about spreading coronavirus following a surge in daily cases to almost 3,000.

The Standard understands that minsters are deeply concerned about gatherings held by young people, particularly as students head back to university in coming weeks.

Mr Johnson may hold a press conference tomorrow, where he could announce moves to cut the legal maximum size of a gathering from 30 to a smaller number, possibly as few as six.

The PMs official spokesman said Mr Johnson cautioned Cabinet ministers that other countries had seen an increase in infections among young people lead to a rise in hospital admissions among vulnerable older people.

The PM said that what had taken place elsewhere was that young people had gone on to infect older generations who had become seriously ill, and it was vital to ensure that did not happen here, said the official spokesman.

The prime minister said the government must remain extremely vigilant and ensure that there was no complacency from the public and young people in particular in following the guidance on how to prevent the virus from spreading.

Currently, the law and the official guidance for social distancing say different things, with people advised to stick to groups of six or under whether at home or outside. The law empowers police to break up groups of 30 or more, with 100 fines available for offenders.

Sources say that data analysed by the Joint Biosecurity Centre shows infections are rising steeply and that Britain could face the same upwards spiral as France and Spain.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick this morning appealed to younger people to moderate their behaviour and follow Government guidelines on social distancing.
THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS (NDC) OF THE BOLE-BAMBOI CONSTITUENCY WARMLY WELCOMES HIS EXCELLENCY THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA, DR. MAHAMUDU BAWUMIA TO THE BOLE BAMBOI CONSTITUENCY.

Ladies and gentlemen, today Monday 7th September, 2020, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is expected to visit Bole-Bamboi constituency to pay a courtesy call on the overlord of the Bole Traditional Area, Bolewura Safo Kutege Feso I at his Palace as part of his official tour of the Savannah Region of Ghana.

Your Excellency, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Bole-Bamboi Constituency joins hands with the good people of the constituency to warmly welcome you to the constituency. Maraba Your Excellency.

Your Excellency, first of all, we wish to admonish you not to fall asleep and keenly be observant as you drive from Fufulso to Damongo and to Sawla to kindly take some time to appreciate the huge infrastructural development dotted along the numerous communities on the sawla-fufulso road, a project your predecessor, the visionary leader, Former president John Dramani Mahama gave the people of Gonjaland which is so far the single most largest investment ever in Gonjaland and have impacted the lives of several thousands.

The hundreds of CHPS Compounds, the Community Day Senior High Schools blocks, the District hospitals, Polyclinics, Basic school blocks dotted across the length and breadth of the Savannah Region are Mahamas legacy and he is proud of them and visited sites of the projects anytime he toured Gonjaland during of the time of their construction.

Your Excellency, not too long ago, you launched your Error Ridden infrastructure website or tracker to showcase your much touted korshiorkor infrastructural achievements of your government which badly exposed your government and your lies to the whole world leading to your new accolade as the best liar in Ghana according to google.

The NDC in the Bole-Bamboi Constituency is respectfully throwing a challenge to you. Your Excellency, as you visit Bole, kindly ensure you pay a visit to at least the first three of the following project sites that is captured on your sakawa tracker as ongoing projects so the whole world will see for themselves the progress of works on those projects sites so you may salvage the almost lost credibility left.

The ongoing groundnuts oil, paste and animal feed processing factory at Bole under 1D1F. Ongoing extention of electricity at chibrinyua, around Bamboi in the Bole district Ongoing rehabilitation and maintenance work on the 1 km road: reshaping of Bole to Sonyor feeder road (18KM) Completed construction /installation/ extension of 1KM road: reshaping of Jama - Agbelekama road Completed Teachers Quarters at Bole district Ongoing construction of 1No.16 seater WC at Yelwa-Bole

Finally, Your Excellency, we wish to assure you that you will be severely ridiculed if u make attempt to mention DAMS at the Palace as part of your achievements in the Bole District because our Chief knows the difference between dams and dugouts. In 2016 alone the visionary Former President, HE John Dramani Mahama constructed eight (8) dams in the Bole District without promising 1V1D in 2012 electioneering campaign.

You are again warmly welcomed to Bole even as we wish you the very best of your visit whilst having it in mind that this is going to be your last visit to Bole as Vice President of the Republic of Ghana.

Long live Ghana

Long live Bole

Long live the NDC

Bashiru Dramani Amantana

Constituency Communication officer

Bole-Bamboi Constituency

NDC
The first weekend New Jerseyans have been able to dine indoors, watch a movie inside a theater or visit local gyms since the coronavirus pandemic triggered unprecedented closures, the reopening of those businesses across the state appears to have worked out well, Gov. Phil Murphy said Tuesday.

There were few reports of businesses not compiling with the new restrictions in place, the governor said during his regular COVID-19 briefing in Trenton.

With the return of limited indoor dining and limited-capacity movie showings, among everything else, we had very few reported cases of knucklehead behavior, Murphy said.

This gives us all some hope for the days ahead as we continue to battle this virus, he said. And, for this, I thank all of you for all your hard work  over this past weekend, and over these past six months.

He didnt elaborate on any incidents of knucklehead behavior. State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan said there were no violations of executive orders related to the coronavirus over the weekend.

Still, the governor said earlier in the day officials may not know for up to 10 days if eased restrictions were a success or if they led to an increase in new cases.

The Labor Day weekend was an incredibly good weekend in terms of compliance, based on anecdotal evidence, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says.



Outside, you dont see enough masking as youd like, but the virus is a lot less lethal outdoors than it is indoors, he adds. pic.twitter.com/Ou4Wx6e2we  New Day (@NewDay) September 8, 2020

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

There have been 15,996 deaths attributed to COVID-19 since the state recorded its first case in early March.

Still, Murphy has taken steps to reopen businesses that have been shuttered since he imposed strict restrictions to blunt the spread of the outbreak in mid-March. Last week, gyms across the were permitted to reopen, as were movie theaters and restaurants were allowed to let diners eat indoors ahead of the Labor Day weekend.

Earlier Tuesday, Murphy said he thinks the chances are relatively low there will be any significant spikes in COVID-19 cases after he lifted restrictions on restaurants.

The early returns ... are good, we wont know for, you know, something like another week to 10 days, if there is a flare-up as a result of the steps we took, he said during a morning radio interview. Were going to look back a week or 10 days from now and see.

He added: So far, so good.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 12:59:14|Editor: huaxia

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DHAKA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from an explosion in a masjid in Bangladesh's central Narayanganj district, about 20 km from the capital Dhaka, has risen to 27, an official said Monday.

Another nine people are still battling for their lives at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka following the simultaneous blasts of all the air-conditioners on the ground floor of the masjid during prayers on Sept. 4 night.

"Another victim died Monday which takes the number of total death toll to 27," Samanta Lal Sen, coordinator of the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, told journalists.

Of the victims, he said, 26 succumbed to their injuries until Sunday night.

A total of 37 injured people were rushed to the institute on Friday night after the explosion.

Most of the victims suffered from 60 percent to 70 percent burns, and the condition of nine other patients is still critical, said Sen.

Fire officials said the incident might have happened due to the leakages in a gas pipeline underneath the masjid.

All the air-conditioners on the ground floor burst into flames at around 9:00 p.m. local time on Friday when the worshippers were about to leave the masjid after their Isha (night) prayers.

There were reportedly around 100 worshippers at the three-storey masjid during the explosion.

The Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense formed a committee to investigate the incident. Enditem
Administrative reform in Ukraine cannot be the subject of discussions at the international level, despite the possible dissatisfaction of certain national minorities, as this issue is an internal affair of the state, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said.

He said this at a joint press conference with Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu in Bucharest on Tuesday, September 8, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"As for administrative and territorial reform, it is exclusively a matter of domestic policy. No country in the world will teach us how to arrange the administrative and territorial structure of our country. This reform is taking place in close cooperation with the EU, in compliance with European standards and with respect for the rights of persons belonging to national minorities," Kuleba said.

He added that Ukraine had fruitful discussions on this issue with Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania, during which they found balanced solutions that preserve full opportunities for national communities to develop in Ukraine's new administrative system.

In this context, Kuleba stressed that all members of the Romanian community are citizens of Ukraine.

"We fully respect their Romanian identity, just as Romania respects the identity of Ukrainians," the diplomat said.

At the same time, he noted that Romanians living in Ukraine may, for some reason, be dissatisfied with the administrative reform in their city, just as Ukrainians are dissatisfied with it.

"It's normal because it's an administrative reform. But this is purely our internal affair. There is nothing to discuss here. There are no international obligations regarding the administrative structure of a country. But there is a commitment to respect the rights to education of national minorities, and we certainly have a dialogue on this not only with minorities but also, for example, with the Romanian government, because we understand that their hearts ache for Romanians who live in Ukraine, just as our hearts ache for Ukrainians living in Romania," Kuleba said.

Yevheniia Kravchuk, deputy head of the parliamentary faction of the Servant of the People party, said on September 7 that the new wording of a draft law on amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine regarding decentralization could be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada after the local elections, closer to winter.

On December 13, 2019, President Volodymyr Zelensky registered in the Verkhovna Rada the bill No. 2598 "On Amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine (concerning decentralization of power)."

op
Algerian journalist Khaled Drareni Tuesday denied a slew of charges against him, insisting at his appeal that he was just doing his job in a case seen as a barometer of press freedoms in the country.

Battling a three-year jail term handed down in August for his coverage of the Algerian protests, Drareni was greeted by a crowd of supporters outside the court in the capital Algiers.

"From the first day, all I did was do my job as a journalist. I am here because I covered the 'Hirak' (movement) in all independence," he told the court.

Editor of the Casbah Tribune news site and correspondent for French-language channel TV5 Monde, Drareni, 40, was convicted of "inciting an unarmed gathering" and "endangering national unity" with his coverage of the year-long demonstrations that ousted longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika last year.

Press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), for which Drareni also works, has condemned the three-year jail term and a fine of 50,000 dinar ($388) as "arbitrary, absurd and violent".

Drareni was arrested on March 7 while covering a protest led by the Hirak, and accused of having criticised Algeria's political system on Facebook, according to RSF.

"You can look again at all my posts to see if there was anything endangering national unity. I was recounting the facts," he said in court.

- 'Restricting coverage' -

Very few reporters were allowed into the courtroom to cover Tuesday's hearings, and some 30 lawyers were due to speak.

The prosecutors called for a four-year jail term for Drareni. It was not known if the verdict would be handed down on Tuesday.

"The appeals trial of @khaleddrareni opened without almost any witnesses. Only about 10 journalists were allowed into the courtroom, compared with a 100 in the first hearings," RSF said in a tweet.

It added it was clear the "authorities want to limit very symbolic media coverage... by imposing without warning new restrictions on journalists' access."

Drareni was swept into the court complex by bus from Kolea prison outside Algiers, where he has been held since March 29. A small crowd of supporters met him, shouting "Khaled Drareni is a free journalist".

The appeals of co-defendants Samir Benlarbi and Sliman Hamitouche, both leading Hirak figures, were also being heard. They were each sentenced to two years, but with most of the term suspended, they have already been released and freely presented themselves to the court.

Since Drareni was jailed last month, thousands of people have signed petitions calling for his release, noting that his sentence was "the heaviest" handed down to a journalist in decades in Algeria.

Signatories include academics, lawyers and fellow journalists, as well as writer and independence war veteran Louisette Ighilahriz.

- Press freedom 'symbol' -

RSF secretary general Christophe Deloire said authorities in the North African country had "made him (Drareni) a symbol of the defence of freedom of the press".

The appeal comes after the government agreed draft changes to the constitution over the weekend that will be submitted to parliament for approval ahead of a nationwide referendum in November.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said the reforms "respond to the demands of the popular movement".

Tebboune, a former premier under Bouteflika who was elected in December, has promised to break with the old regime, seen as synonymous with authoritarianism, corruption and nepotism.

But the proposed constitutional changes fall far short of the protest movement's demands for wholesale political reform and the departure of all Bouteflika-era officials.

Regular weekly protests organised by the Hirak movement petered out in March in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

But as the referendum looms, they are expected to regain steam.

The CNLD prisoners' rights group says around 45 people linked to the Hirak are currently behind bars, with several of them facing trial.

In recent months, the government has accused journalists of spreading discord and subversion. During a meeting with the press in May, Tebboune hinted without naming Drareni that he may have been "an informer for foreign embassies".

RSF ranked Algeria 146 out of 180 countries and territories in its 2020 World Press Freedom Index, five places lower than in 2019.

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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Mazda Motor (China) Co.,Ltd. reported a retail sales volume of 17,327 units in August, a year-on-year decrease of 2.3%.

The downturn should be completely attributed to the plunge in FAW-Mazda's sales. Last month, the joint venture saw its deliveries plunge 35% from a year ago to 5,013 units, which were also 26.3% fewer than that of the previous month.



With 3,293 units delivered, FAW-Mazda's CX-4 was the second best-selling model among those Mazda currently sells in China. Its Jan.-Aug. delivery volume amounted to 31,655 units.

(2021 Mazda CX-4, photo source: FAW-Mazda's WeChat account)



The 2021 Mazda CX-4 hit the market on August 15 with prices ranging from 148,800 yuan ($21,767) to 215,800 yuan ($31,570), the same as that of the existing models.

Apart from the CX-4, FAW-Mazda still has a China-made model (the Mazda6 Atenza) and an imported model (the MX-5) for sale.

Retailing 12,314 vehicles, Changan Mazda boasted a robust 23% year-on-year leap in August, which significantly counteracted the decrease caused by FAW-Mazda.



(Mazda3 Axela, photo source: FAW-Mazda's WeChat account)

Last month, Changan Mazda's Mazda3 Axela was once again honored the best-selling model within Mazda's China product lineup. The Mazda CX-5 took the second runner-up place, which was outperformed by the CX-4 by only 249 units.

For the first eight months of the year, Mazda saw its cumulative China deliveries fall 6.2% from a year ago to 132,407 units. To be specific, FAW-Mazda and Changan Mazda delivered 52,196 units (-3.2% YoY) and 80,211 units (-8% YoY) respectively.

At the Chengdu Motor Show 2020, Mazda's e-SKYACTIVE X compression-ignition petrol engine introduced by Changan Mazda made its China's debut. The new Mazda3 Axela and the Mazda CX-30 powered by this kind of engine will hit the market in this year's September.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 10:32:00|Editor: huaxia

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BELGRADE, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Medical aid from China, along with the logistics of these supplies to Europe in recent months, have played a critical role in the continent's combat against the COVID-19 pandemic.

As early as mid-March, the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy sounded an alarm to China to boost the development of a Health Silk Road, which aims to expand and strengthen cooperation among countries in Europe and across the world in the field of health.

Apart from the readiness of the Chinese government and companies as well as the help from local communities in European countries, the success of the construction of the Health Silk Road in Europe is largely due to improved connections in rail and air freight transport under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

FAST-DEVELOPING TRANSPORT TIES

So far, China has brought medical supplies and aid to over 150 countries, organized thematic video conferences between Chinese health experts and their counterparts in more than 180 countries, and sent 33 medical teams to 31 countries badly in need.

Within weeks after the first batch of assistance to Europe arrived in Rome, two teams of medical experts landed in Milan together with tons of medical supplies, setting the stage for cooperation in coping with COVID-19.

Millions of masks and medical equipment were donated by the Alibaba Foundation and the Jack Ma Foundation, of which a significant part ended up in Italy.

Soon, China spread the solidarity shown to Italy -- a country that last year became the first among G7 to sign a memorandum of understanding on the BRI -- across the whole continent.

The donations from the Chinese government, companies as well as local Chinese community started arriving in Spain as early as March 17, which had the second-highest number of COVID-19 infections in Europe, after Italy.

Millions of masks, protective suits, medical goggles, and testing kits soon reached other countries, such as Poland, Bulgaria and Serbia, with diverse slogans bringing hope to local people -- "Love knows no border," " Love Stretching Thousands of Miles is Stronger than Stone," "Unity Makes Strength," and "Steel Friends Share Both Good and Bad Times."

Among the greatest beneficiaries of the Health Silk Road was Serbia.

The Chinese medical team to Serbia arrived on March 21, and in the next two months toured across over 20,000 km to visit medical institutions, talked to their counterparts, shared experience and recommended measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Besides, in partnership with China's BGI Group, Serbia built two Fire Eye testing labs with a capacity of testing 3,000 samples per day.

Moreover, the "17+1" cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries has been expanded to the field of health, enabling these countries to partake in conferences with Chinese experts and learn more about COVID-19.

Such exchanges in supplies and knowledge in the face of the raging pandemic would be impossible without the fast-developing ties between China and Europe in past years, especially in the field of transport.

HEALTH SILK ROAD

China-Europe air bridge played an extensive role in the early response to the raging coronavirus outbreak, while rail freight transport later helped to compensate for the standstill in global air transport, and secured a steady supply of medical equipment to Europe.

The logistics behind delivering such large shipments relied on the existing air transport lines with China within Alibaba's electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) hub at the Liege airport in Belgium, which soon became a key logistics hub in the fight against the epidemic in Europe, taking donations of medical supplies to countries including France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.

"The Alibaba Foundation and the Jack Ma Foundation were able to activate this logistics network quickly and efficiently at the beginning of the crisis to deliver urgently-needed donations of PPE (personal protective equipment)," said Michel Kempeneers, chief operating officer of Overseas Export-Investment at Wallonia Export-Investment Agency, adding it was a determining factor in World Health Organization's choice to place Liege on the map of the world's emergency relief hubs.

In a similar way, Alibaba's eWTP global hubs have played a significant role in distributing urgently-needed medical supplies across the world, and will continue their efforts in assisting economic recovery in the coming days, the company announced.

"As countries gradually emerge from the crisis, our eWTP hubs will pivot towards supporting global trade, with a focus on using technology to assist SMEs (small and mid-size enterprises), in order to assist with the economic recovery," said James Song, secretary general of the Globalization Office of Alibaba Group.

When air transport could no longer meet the demand of Europe for medical supplies, rail freight transport lines were expanded to ensure continuity in shipments.

In mid-April, a new China-Europe rail freight transport connection was established in order to meet the rising demand for international parcel delivery amid the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting China and Lithuania.

The first train of the new service with much-needed medical supplies arrived from China's southwest Chongqing municipality on April 12 in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, and 42 containers of parcels were distributed to many European countries.

Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications Jaroslav Narkevic said at the time that the country engages in closer cooperation with China during the difficult pandemic period, and the new railway connection "will bring new impetus for further strengthening of a versatile partnership of Lithuania and China."

Since the new line was launched, it has brought thousands of tons of medical equipment, as well as consumer goods to most European countries, helping the fight against the pandemic and promoting multilateral trade exchange and cooperation between regions of southern China and countries and regions along the route.

Michael Schumann, board chairman of Germany's Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, told Xinhua in a written interview that the freight train connections "created and improved by the BRI have played a positive role in securing certain supplies at the start of the corona pandemic."

"The supply of important protective devices and medical equipment from China reached many European countries quickly and easily that way," he said, noting that the BRI can make an important contribution to developing alternative transport routes in the future, which is key to preventing a transport standstill.

During a welcome ceremony of the train from Wuhan in German city of Duisburg, State Transport Minister Hendrik Wuest said the supplies transported from China by rail, especially medical ones, are of great significance for the steady restoration of normalcy, as people in Germany are also suffering from COVID-19.

Moreover, for Erich Staake, chief executive officer of German logistics company Duisburger Hafen AG, the China-Europe freight train has also helped further promote cooperation in the logistics and the economic development of both sides.

Now, during the upcoming post-pandemic era, China's Health Silk Road not only continues to play a key role in helping Europe combat the coronavirus outbreak, its improved transport and logistics capacities have also promised more rapid development of both sides, so as to facilitate global economic recovery. Enditem
Artists conception of Oumuamua, emphasizing its cigar shape. The object could also have been shaped like a disk, with an elongated dimension that we couldnt see from Earth. Credit: ESO/M. Kornmesser

Explaining the concept of a dust bunny to small children can be quite amusing. No, it's not actually alive. It's moving around because of really small currents of wind that we can't even see. It's mainly formed out of dead skin and spider webs. No, the spiders don't actually eat the dead skin. Most of the time.

Now, take that same concept of a bunch of particles stuck together, scale it up a few orders of magnitude, and put it in space. Though it's still not alive, it would be blown by solar radiation rather than the winds. And instead of being made out of skin and spider webs, it could be made up of cometary dust particles. That is what scientists think our first detected visitor from another star might bean interstellar dust bunny.

One of the strangest things about 'Oumuamua, the first object detected and confirmed to come from outside the solar system, is its shape. The commonly seen artist's rendering depicts the body as a cigar shape. However, there is the possibility that it is, in fact, more disc-like, as the dimension of depth was unobserved as it passed through our solar system.

'Oumuamua also had another interesting characteristicit was accelerating faster than can be explained by gravity. One possible explanation for the acceleration is that the object itself is made entirely of solid hydrogen. Such an object could actually be turned into a type of natural ion engine as it approaches a star. While an interesting concept, there is no evidence to support this theory so far.

An illustration of Light Sail 2, a human-made light sail, with its solar sails deployed. Credit: Josh Spradling / The Planetary Society

However, it is not the only interesting theory that 'Oumuamua's acceleration has spawned. Another possible cause of this non-gravitational acceleration is radiation pressure, a force exerted by sunlight on the object. However, in order for sunlight to be able to accelerate an object, its density would have to be extremely low. The unique shape and extremely low density prompted a flurry of speculation in the scientific community about how the object might have formed. One particularly novel theory was that it was an intelligently designed light sail. As with any scientific theory that involves intelligent aliens, there was probably a more likely explanation.

That explanation was recently put forward by Dr. Jane Luu and her colleagues at the University of Oslo in a new paper published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. The paper posits the idea that 'Oumuamua formed as a "fractal" in the coma of an extrasolar Oort cloud comet.

Dr. Luu and her colleagues are actively working on developing the concept of what, exactly, a cometary fractal is and how they form. Their theory is that they form from dust that is blown off of a cometary nucleus. Usually, all it takes to start forming a fractal body is a relatively large bit of rock breaking off the nucleus. This fragmentation process is already well-known in comets in our own solar system.

As the stream of particles continues to emerge from the cometary nucleus, the particles move faster than the fragment, so more and more particles attach themselves to the fragment, forming the fractal body. Eventually, the gas flow from the comet will break the fractal body from the fragment, and since comets have very low gravity, there is nothing to keep the fractal near the comet.

Example of the how dust from a comet might accumulate into a fractal in the tail of a comet. Credit: Jane Luu et all

As the parent comet was likely an Oort cloud comet, also known as a "long-period" comet, the fractal would most likely be on an escape trajectory, heading out of the stellar system. Most short-period comets have much reduced activity due to their many close approaches to their star, and so would most likely not have enough material needed to form a fractal like 'Oumuamua. But if a fractal managed to form from a short period comet, radiation pressure will eventually break any feeble gravitational bond and send the fractal off into interstellar space, never to rejoin its cometary birthplace.

One example of a long-period comet that might have formed a fractal entered the solar system not long after 'Oumuamua. Borisov is definitely a comet, and possibly originally had a long period in its original solar. It has shown the process of fragmentation that could have formed the seed for 'Oumuamua.

Luckily, observing such interstellar visitors is going to become much more common in the near future. Dr. Luu points out that, for the first time in human history, we have a systematic sky survey that provides high-quality images of the whole sky every two to three days. Pan-STARRS, as the project is called, can also see extremely faint objects such as 'Oumuamua. The efficiency with which the survey images the whole sky is extremely important for such fast-moving objects, as the whole observing window of 'Oumuamua in the solar system was only a few weeks.

That speed doesn't dampen the enthusiasm of some who want to catch up to these interstellar objects, though. Scientists recently proposed a plan to visit these objects as they move through the solar system. Dr. Luu agrees that getting a sample from these objects would be wonderful, though she suggests a slightly more traditional approach of simply setting a rocket in orbit to wait for an opportunity to accelerate rapidly toward a newly found interstellar traveler.

There will be plenty of new targets to choose from as Pan-STARRS continues its work. That also means there will be plenty more opportunities to determine if the model Dr. Luu and her colleagues developed for 'Oumuamua's formation is a common occurrence in the galaxy, or whether we just happened to be lucky to observe a cometary fractal as our first interstellar visitor. Who knows? Maybe the interstellar fractals we find in the future will be made up partially of spider webs.
on Tuesday exuded confidence that India and China will be able to resolve the border standoff through dialogue, and ruled out any possibility of its mediation between the two countries unless asked by both of them.

Deputy Chief of the Russian embassy Roman Babushkin said his government would like to see "de-escalation and disengagement" through talks in eastern Ladakh.

"We hope that India and China will find a solution to the border issues through dialogue," he said at an online interaction with journalists.

His comments came a day after tension escalated in eastern Ladakh following a fresh confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops in the region.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar left for Moscow on Tuesday on a four-day visit to attend a ministerial meeting of the eight-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

He is expected to hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the SCO meet on Thursday amid escalating tensions between the two countries in eastern Ladakh.

"We are not participating in the resolution of disputes between the two countries. We are focusing on the creation of a positive atmosphere for it," Babushkin said, ruling out the possibility of playing the role of a mediator unless it is asked to do so by both India and China.

The Russian diplomat said though the SCO Charter doesn't allow any bilateral dispute to be taken up, the bloc provides a platform to create mutual trust and finding common ground between member countries.

He also said that Jaishankar will have a bilateral meeting with his Russian counterpart on the sidelines of the SCO meet.

Asked whether will consider exporting weapons to Pakistan, he said "it is based sensitivities of the Indian side", virtually ruling out such a possibility.

Jaishankar's trip to Moscow comes days after Defence Minister Singh visited the Russian capital to attend a meeting of SCO defence ministers.

On Friday, Singh held an over two-hour meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Gen Wei Fenghe on the escalating border row between the two countries in eastern Ladakh.

(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.)
TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Israel's Delek Group <DLEKG.TA> said on Monday it is in talks with third parties about a possible merger of its North Sea energy operations, as it reported a second quarter loss.

Merging Ithaca Energy with an international group would be part of a process of turning it into a public company traded in London, Delek said in a statement, adding that it also expected to receive a cash payment under the plan being considered.

Several international investment banks were involved in the discussions, said Delek, which was hit hard by the global coronavirus crisis and fall in energy prices and has been selling off assets to appease worried bondholders.

Delek, which has stakes in Israel's two largest offshore natural gas fields, said quarterly revenue in the local market net of royalties rose 64% to 498 million shekels (110.90 million pounds), mainly due to gas production starting from the Leviathan field.

Revenue rose 177% at Ithaca, boosted by Delek's November purchase of Chevron's <CVX.N> British North Sea oil and gas fields for $2 billion.

Delek said it posted a quarterly loss of 326 million shekels, mainly due to one-time accounting provisions, compared with a 190 million shekel profit a year earlier.

Revenue slipped to 1.94 billion shekels from 1.96 billion as a rise in revenue from the sale of gas and oil in Israel and in the North Sea was offset by lower revenue from fuel distribution and marketing operations in Israel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Reporting by Tova Cohen; Editing by Alexander Smith)
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Biotech firm BioNTech said on Monday it widened an ongoing pivotal global study of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate to include testing in its home country of Germany. Germany's vaccines regulator, the Paul Ehrlich Institute, gave the approval for the Phase 2/3 trial of the experimental vaccine known as BNT162b2, BioNTech and its partner Pfizer said in a statement. The global trial was initiated in July, with a view to including about 120 sites globally and seeking up to 30,000 participants in total. More than 25,000 participants have been enrolled, ...
Star Plus' popular show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai grabbed the headlines a few weeks ago, as actors Sachin Tyagi, Swati Chitnis and Samir Onkar, and four crew members tested positive for Coronavirus. As per the latest report, Sachin, who underwent appropriate treatment, has recovered and tested negative for COVID-19.

A source close to the production house was quoted by TOI as saying, "Sachin's latest reports have come negative. Thankfully, he has recovered and is currently resting at home."



As per the promo that was aired a few weeks ago, the story was supposed to revolve around Kartik's father Manish aka Sachin, who had lost his memory. Now that the actor has recovered, will he resume shoot soon? Well, the answer is no! As per the report, it will take some time for the actor to resume shoot.

It is being said that the writers are working on alternate track that doesn't require Sachin, until the actor recuperates.

The source told the leading daily, "The writers are working on it. Currently, the track does not revolve around Sachin. So, the writers will have to think of a new angle. Till then, Sachin will rest and recuperate, so that he can start shooting on the sets soon."

Well, we hope Manish and other actors too recover and resume shoot soon. We are sure that the audiences are missing them!

Also Read: India's Best Dancer: Nora Fatehi Roped In As Special Judge After Malaika Tested COVID-19 Positive

Also Read: Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai: Mohsin Khan & Shivangi Joshi Test Negative For COVID-19
As India reached another grim milestone in the number of coronavirus disease cases, beating Brazil, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that Indias high tally is due to governments mismanagement.

Due to Modi Govts gross mismanagement of Covid: 1. Indias total cases worlds 2nd highest. 2. Indias weekend tally higher than US & Brazil put together. 3. On Sunday, Indias share was 40% of total cases worldwide. 4. No flattening of curve, Gandhi said in a tweet.

Due to Modi Govts gross mismanagement of Covid:



1. Indias total cases worlds 2nd highest.



2. Indias weekend tally higher than US & Brazil put together.



3. On Sunday, India's share was 40% of total cases worldwide.



4. No flattening of curve.



Stay safe everyone.  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 8, 2020

This is yet another jibe from the Congress leader who has relentlessly attacked the Centre on social media, blaming it for mishandling the outbreak of virus contagion and countrys economy.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 8, 2020 - 19:48 | All, Japan

Mikiso Iwasa, adviser for a major Japanese antinuclear group who attended a ceremony to mark former U.S. President Barack Obama's historic visit to Hiroshima in 2016, has died of pancreatic cancer, his family said Tuesday. He was 91.

Iwasa, who died early Monday at his home in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, co-headed the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, known as Hidankyo, before assuming the advisory post. He was also a professor emeritus at Kanazawa University.

A native of Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, Iwasa was 16 years old when the first U.S. atomic bomb exploded on Aug. 6, 1945, about 1.2 kilometers away from his home in Hiroshima.

While researching the history of political thought at the university, Iwasa became involved in antinuclear activities and supporting atomic bomb victims, including those who survived the second U.S. nuclear attack that devastated Nagasaki.

He established a group of survivors, known as hibakusha, in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1960.

After retiring from the university, he became an assistant secretary general of Hidankyo in 2000 and a co-chairperson in 2011, before given the post of adviser in 2017.

In 2011, he formed a group aimed at recording testimonies of hibakusha and collecting materials related to the atomic bombings, together with Japanese Nobel laureate writer Kenzaburo Oe and others.

Representing hibakusha, he participated in the event at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima when Obama visited the western Japan city as the first sitting U.S. president in May 2016.

Joining hands with other peace groups, he played an active role in launching a major international signature campaign, demanding the ratification of a U.N. treaty banning nuclear arsenals, which was adopted in 2017.

Related coverage:

Pacific island used in nuke tests urges people to remember history

FEATURE: Nagasaki A-bomb survivor determined to share memories in English

43 countries and regions ratify U.N. nuclear ban treaty
Ltdand Marelli on Tuesday



announced that they have entered into a multi-year global agreement for automotive engineering services.

Marelli is one of the world's leading global independent suppliers to the automotive sector with operational headquarters in Saitama, Japan and Corbetta, Italy.

The integration synergies of this partnership from across business units will help Marelli drive speed to value and realise its vision of transforming the future of mobility in partnership with its customers, the Bengaluru-headquartered IT major said in a statement.

As part of this agreement, will leverage its 'EngineeringNXT' framework and automotive engineering expertise to establish a software engineering factory for Marelli.

Also, it will help improve Marelli's operational efficiency and expedite launch of cutting-edge technologies on connectivity and sustainable mobility solutions, the statement said.

Detlef Juerss, Executive Vice President - Chief Commercial, Engineering & Technology Officer, Marelli, said: "Given the rapid evolution of connectivity and mobility, Marelli is scaling its software engineering capabilities globally.

The Marelli- partnership will allow us to drive leadership in mobility and transform our products to future market needs.

(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.)
Inspections prompted by manufacturing missteps within Boeing Co.'s Dreamliner program are slowing deliveries for new aircraft, adding to complications brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

Eight affected 787 jets were temporarily pulled from service late last month after the planemaker identified two flaws in their aft-body sections that were made at its factory in North Charleston.

The company confirmed Tuesday that it has found another production issue with the 787 that could cause delays, this time involving a wing-like flight-control component called the horizontal stabilizer that goes at the rear of the plane.

"We are taking time to thoroughly inspect completed 787s to ensure that they are free of the issues and meet all engineering specifications," Boeing said in a statement. Those inspections will affect the timing of Dreamliner deliveries in the "near-term," Boeing said.

Final assembly and deliveries for the Dreamliner program are split between production sites in North Charleston and Everett, Wash.

The horizontal stabilizer is made at a Boeing factory in Salt Lake City, Utah. In a statement Tuesday, the company said the issue occurred when some components of the part were "clamped together with greater force" than they should have been.

That could cause that section of the plane to age prematurely, Boeing said, but doesn't create an immediate flight-safety issue. The company said none of the affected jets in service "are within a window where they could begin to experience this aging," but Boeing is looking into whether it needs to take action on the in-service fleet.

The issue with the Salt Lake City-made part is separate from the production flaws that took eight Dreamliners out of service a couple of weeks ago. Those groundings were related to issues with improper spacing in the place where two sections are joined on some 787 jets.

United, Air Canada and Singapore Airlines were among the carriers that own one of the 787s taken out of service.

All tail sections for the program, including those for Dreamliners assembled on the West Coast, are made at the South Carolina factory. In the eight grounded jets, two flaws were found within the aft-body sections of the planes that, together, made them unsafe to fly until the issues were corrected.

One of those flaws involved an issue with the smoothness of the fuselage's inner skin. There are "very tight tolerances" for the flatness of that skin, Boeing said, and any variances greater than about the width of a human hair don't meet engineering standards.

"In many cases, engineering analysis can show that the variation has no effect on structural integrity but this finding must be documented to remain in compliance with our approved processes," the company said.

The skin flatness issue also affected several undelivered 787s, Boeing said, and the completed jets sitting at its factories are being inspected to "ensure every one of them meets all engineering design specifications."

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the production issues.

According to a Wall Street Journal report Monday that cited an internal FAA memo and unidentified sources, the review is considering requiring "enhanced or accelerated inspections" on as many as 900 Dreamliner jets.

The FAA said in its statement that it is "too early to speculate" about any of the airworthiness directives that could come out of its probe.

Boeing's South Carolina plant was recently called out by the FAA for alleged violations of a program that allows the company to inspect its own aircraft and issue airworthiness certificates. In letters sent to Boeing early last month, the agency detailed claims that deadline-driven managers at the plant had put "undue pressure" on its safety workers.

The North Charleston plant also faced widespread scrutiny last year after claims of shoddy production work at the site, and Boeing's overall safety practices have been closely watched since the first of two deadly 737 Max crashes occurred almost two years ago, in October 2018.

The continued grounding of the Max, combined with the ongoing financial strain caused caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, has driven down the planemaker's order and delivery totals this year and led to thousands of layoffs companywide.

That trend continued in August when cancellations continued to outpace new airplane orders.

Just four Dreamliners were delivered last month. The deliveries were split evenly between Charleston and Everett, according to a spreadsheet from the blog All Things 787.

That brings the delivery total for the program this year to 42. At this time last year, 101 Dreamliners had been delivered.

A list of eight new orders logged in August included a few 777 cargo planes for the Taiwanese carrier Eva Air. The airline is swapping out freighters and smaller Dreamliners for 787-10s it had on order.

That's a setback for the North Charleston plant, which is the only site that can build the 787-10, the largest of the three models. Eva Air originally booked an order for 18 of the "Dash 10" jets, but it will be exchanging seven of them for four 787-9s and three 777s.

Like other airlines, Eva reported a steep decline in passenger flights last quarter, about 94 percent, but made up for some of its losses during the pandemic with increased income from cargo services.
Florida school counselor Stacey King was really, really scared about returning to school during the coronavirus pandemic, she tells Katie Couric in a video series produced with TIME.

King, a counselor at the Sanibel School, a small public school in Sanibel, Fla., is now working with about half her students in person, while the rest learn from home. For those at school, that means a combination of hand sanitizer, plexiglass desk dividers and masks. Its very different to be in front of a classroom of kids, and all you can see are their eyes, King says. It has been a challenge.

Teachers across the country have been adapting to an unprecedented school year, as districts bring students back to classrooms, continue with months of more remote learning or develop a mix of in-person and virtual instruction. Many teachers have raised concerns about whether its safe to return yet, leading to some sickouts and strike threats. Some teachers, worried about their districts plans, chose to retire early.

In Florida, where new COVID-19 cases have been on the decline since peaking in mid-July, a state order that all schools offer in-person classes five days a week sparked an ongoing legal battle from the Florida Education Association teachers union.

Were educators who love children and love what we do, so of course we want to go back to work and of course we want to be there for our kids. But if it was safe to return to school, we wouldnt be required to wear masks and go through all the protocols, so obviously there is some danger there, King tells Couric. I personally wouldve preferred to return online and to get the numbers down in Florida, make sure that were ready to go back. Im not sure that [the benefit of] going in person outweighs the risks.

But since the school year began on Aug. 31, King has also noticed her students resilience. One minute, they might say, Ms. King, is this ever going to end?' she says. The next minute, theyre laughing and having fun with their friends.

See the full interview in the video above.

This interview is part of a special series produced in collaboration with Katie Couric. Read more from TIME Reports with Katie Couric, and sign up for her weekday morning newsletter Wake-Up Call with Katie Couric.
Syracuse resident Robin Kasowitz responded to the coronavirus pandemic in the best way she knew how: through art.

Kasowitz is a part-time psychotherapist, full-time studio artist and was recently welcomed on as a new member of The Everson Museum of Arts Board of Trustees.

After a meeting with the board at the Everson, she realized the deep impact and uncertain future the coronavirus pandemic was causing for many local workers and businesses. She felt helpless, but knew she needed to take action.

She took a walk and started thinking how she could make a difference.

Originally I was thinking that I know a lot of artists and maybe we could all create things and sell them. Then with the money that we make in selling them, we would be able to give back to art communities and establishments that are really facing financial devastation, Kasowitz said. Then it occurred to me that many people I would be asking to produce things are the very people that are financially devastated.

Finally her idea started to gel and she created the Art to Heart project. Kasowitz creates abstract acrylic paintings and then gifts them to local workers from hospitals, shelters and transportation companies. The paintings are colorful and come in multiple sizes. Sometimes the paintings go to an individual and sometimes they are done in triptychs and hang within a hospital unit as a tribute to all of the workers there.

If Kasowitz knows the name of the recipient of the painting in advance, she will include it in the design.

The Art to Heart Project raises money by asking people to donate funds to purchase the paintings to gift to essential workers of Kasowitzs choosing. Donors may also choose a specific essential worker to receive the gift. Whatever funds she receives, she then matches and plans to donate those monies to two local artists and two art communities who have been hit hard financially due to Covid-19.

Her system of donations has become more efficient as the project has gone on. To start, she would carry paintings in her car and at the ready if she found herself encountering an essential worker, for example a bus driver. Now she contacts offices directly to coordinate the presentation of the paintings.

I would jump out of the car and get on the bus and say have you been working through Covid? and then I would say I want to present you with this painting for helping so much. For keeping things going, for putting your life at stake, for putting your familys life at stake, I cant tell you how much I appreciate it, Kasowitz said.

The Art to Heart Project created by Robin Kasowitz presents workers on the pandemic's front line with paintings in appreciation for all that they do. The initiative also raises funds for local artists impacted by the state shutdown.Provided photos | syracuse.com

She said not one person said no to her question of working throughout the pandemic. Upon receiving the painting, she said the emotions of recognition and validation would emerge.

There was a gratitude that was so humbling that would often times bring me to tears, Kasowitz said.

In total she has created around 200 paintings. They have gone to bus drivers, nursing homes, and many staff at local hospitals. Around 60 paintings are going to be presented to a local hospital for workers in their Covid-19 unit, respiratory unit, and the environmental service unit next week.

In the upcoming days she will also be presenting donation checks with funds raised through the Art to Heart project. She has chosen to donate the money to ArtRage, the Everson, and two local artists. If more funds are raised now through the project, she will choose more artists and art institutions to donate to.

So often right now what Im seeing especially in the political climate and the times we live in right now, its almost like what can we do, theres nothing we can do,  Kasowitz said. To me there is a ton we can do and if each of us starts in that direction, I think it will have such a positive effect. I know it will. I see it in every person I hand a painting to.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the Art to Heart Project can reach out to Kasowitz via arttoheartproject@gmail.com.

READ MORE

Keeping it personal during the pandemic at Stone Quarry art park

Jackson Pollock original, worth millions, to be auctioned off to support minority artists at Syracuse museum

Q&A: Syracuse Stage Artistic Director Bob Hupp on theater during a pandemic

Pandemic decompression: Goats join yoga class (photos)
By Brian Bergen

A truth ignored by progressives who look at people through a government lens is that revenue and spending do not bring about economic growth but is a result of it. Anybody with an understanding of economics knows that taxes distort social surplus, which is the maximal economic benefit to all people involved and affected.

The motive of Republicans and Democrats are the same - to help people in New Jersey. The difference is that Republicans want to help people to afford a living regardless of their income, while Democrats want to help people because they are low income. That may seem like semantics but for the states economy, the distinction is crucial.

Its a distinction made clear by Thomas Sowell, an economist at Stanford University. He said, Liberals want to help the poor while they are poor but really the biggest benefit is to stop them from being poor.

Having a low income does not mean you have to be poor if you can afford basic necessities. Food stamps and housing subsidies help but they would not be needed so widely if costs werent so high for the people who sell food and provide housing. Producers need costs low enough to make a profit and low enough so people with a low income can buy them.

More government cannot solve these problems because government solutions exacerbate the problems.

To pay for any service taxes must be raised, which causes costs to go up. We know taxes must exist to improve the quality of life for those who pay them in whatever form. At some point, however, taxes begin doing more harm than good.

The property tax is a great example.

It is the biggest reason why New Jersey is an economic outlier in the United States and why so many people struggle to save money and pay their bills. That is why being low-income in New Jersey means earning $20,000 more than the average American. That is why almost 40% of families in New Jersey are working poor. If it costs $75,500 minimum for the average family to afford to live in New Jersey, the cost of living, driven by high taxation, is the problem  not salaries and wages.

Ironically, the more it costs people to afford living in New Jersey, the more Democrats think we need to raise the cost of living to provide a larger social safety net  perpetuating the cycle. The reality is $1 in New Jersey is only worth 88 cents. Essentially, the people of New Jersey are $9,800 in the hole just for living here. ($9,809 is 12% of $81,740, the state median household income.)

If the government is the answer, the problems that exist wouldnt have gotten worse over the past 20 years of Democrats controlling state government. Sure, Republican Chris Christie was the governor and head of the state for eight years but the state legislature was the neck and Democrats had a large majority. As the mother in My Big Fat Greek Wedding said, the neck can turn the head any way it wants.

And, so, Christie didnt get to do nearly as much as he wanted because the legislature, particularly the more-liberal Assembly, preferred a stiff neck to one that turns. Christie and the Senate wanted to improve the state by doing different things but the Assembly decided to keep the neck stiff, which didnt work, doesnt work and always involves pain.

Everybody involved needs to get the best outcome possible. The problem is not everybody involved will get the best outcome possible: a harsh reality of humanity. What we can do is make sure everybody has the best opportunity to take care of themselves and their families. That is something both parties agree is true.

New Jersey needs to cut spending during this pandemic because it needs to cut taxes and use federal aid to help people stay in their homes and put food on the table. The most important thing is not what would be wonderful but what is needed for basic human dignity and comfort.

Small businesses are closing all over the state because they cant continue to do more with less, especially when government says less is actually a complete shutdown. Those arent just businesses: those are jobs, those are wages, those are the means to provide for themselves, their families, their employees and their employees families. Raising taxes wont make that easier, even if you raise them on the wealthy. Government will not be able to replace the physical, mental and financial health that work and human interaction provides.

The truth is a dollar kept in the pocket is worth more than cents back from the government.

Brian Bergen became an assemblyman in January. A resident of Denville, he represents parts of Morris and Somerset counties in the 25th Legislative District. He is a combat veteran and a small business owner.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

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China said Indian forces crossed into territory it holds along the border and fired warning shots at a Chinese patrol in what it called a violation of their agreements.

India denied that and said the Chinese soldiers tried to surround one of their forward posts in a grave provocation, and also fired warning shots.

China described it as the first exchange of fire between the countries in 45 years.

The nuclear-armed rivals have been engaged in a tense standoff in the cold-desert Ladakh region since May, and their defence ministers met on Friday in Moscow in the first high-level direct contact between the sides since the standoff began.

Chinas western military command said the incursion occurred on Monday along the southern coast of Pangong Lake in the area known in Chinese as Shenpaoshan.

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After shots were fired, Chinese forces took necessary measures to stabilise and control the situation, the command said, in the statement citing spokesman Zhang Shuili.

It demanded the Indian forces withdraw and investigate the move to open fire.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian repeated that Indian troops were the first to shoot.

He said it was the first exchange of fire between the sides since 1975, despite the increasing tempo of recent clashes.

We, the Chinese side, has been stressing repeatedly that the two sides should peacefully settle our differences through dialogue and consultation. Confrontation will not benefit either side, Mr Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing.

Colonel Aman Anand, an Indian army spokesman, said China continues provocative activities to escalate tensions and called the Chinese military statement an attempt to mislead domestic and international audiences.

Col Anand said the Chinese soldiers tried to surround an Indian military post and fired a few shots in the air when the Indian soldiers dissuaded them.

He said Indian troops exercised great restraint.

Col Anand accused Chinas military of blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress.

There was no word of casualties on either side.

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Late last month, India said its soldiers thwarted the Chinese militarys moves to change the status quo in violation of a consensus reached in past efforts to settle the standoff.

The activities last month and on Monday were alleged to have occurred on the southern bank of Pangong Lake, a glacial lake divided by the de facto frontier and where the India-China face-off began in early May.

The standoff escalated to a nighttime clash on June 15 that was the deadliest conflict in 45 years between the nuclear-armed rivals.

According to Indian officials, Chinese troops atop a ridge at the mouth of the narrow Galwan Valley threw stones, punched and pushed Indian soldiers down the ridge at around 4,500 metres (15,000 feet).

India said 20 of its soldiers were killed, including a colonel. China did not report any casualties.

The disputed and undemarcated 2,175-mile border between India and China, referred to as the Line of Actual Control, stretches from the Ladakh region in the North to the Indian state of Sikkim.

The nuclear-armed Asia giants fought a border war in 1962 that also spilled into Ladakh and ended in an uneasy truce.

The two countries have been trying to settle their border dispute since the early 1990s, without success.

India unilaterally declared Ladakh a federal territory and separated it from disputed Kashmir in August 2019, ending its semi-autonomous status.

The move further strained the relationship between New Delhi and Beijing, which raised the issue at international forums including the UN Security Council.

In a symbolic move, India banned some Chinese-owned apps, including TikTok, about two weeks after the deadly clash, citing privacy concerns that it said pose a threat to Indias sovereignty and security.
Secretary of the Bright Armenia faction of the National Assembly of Armenia Gevorg Gorgisyan and Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs of the National Assembly Ani Samsonyan have issued the following statement:

Warning

Lydian Armenia has issued a press release stating that deputies of the Bright Armenia faction encouraged certain unlawful acts in Amulsar gold mine. Lydian Armenia also attached to the press release a video of the meeting of deputies of the National Assembly of Armenia Ani Samsonyan and Gevorg Gorgisyan with defenders of Amulsar gold mine in two positions on September 6.

Deputies of Armenia have taken an oath to fulfill the obligations before the people faithfully for implementation of the pan-national goals and empowerment and prosperity of the homeland and observe the Constitution and laws of Armenia.

In accordance with the Constitution of Armenia, deputies shall represent the whole people, shall not be bound by imperative mandate, shall be guided by their conscience and convictions.

Let us affirm that deputies are called for protecting the interest of citizens of Armenia and the rule of law in Armenia.

No organization can threaten a citizen of Armenia for protecting his or her vital interests and for fighting against a potential threat to his or her life and safety.

No organization can be disrespectful towards the Police of Armenia.

No organization can exploit the national wealth of Armenia by disregarding the desire of the exclusive owner of that wealth, that is, the State and the people holding power.

Every organization can protect its interests only in accordance with the law, respecting others rights and freedoms.

Stating the aforementioned, as representatives with the primary mandate of confidence of the people, we urge Lydian Armenia to refrain from making attempts to distort, discredit and obstruct the work of deputies of Armenia. The lies, falsehood and defamation of the company will not contribute to the improvement of the situation.

P.S.: Guided by the conviction of our remorse, protection of the long-term national security of Armenia and not the short-term benefits, we inform that Amulsar will remain a mountain.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 22:10:25|Editor: huaxia

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LUSAKA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Lawrence Banda, vice secretary-general of the Universal Peace Federation - Zambia Chapter, on Tuesday commended China and the Chinese people for advancing what he called the ultimate goal of human existence amid their anti-COVID-19 efforts made to the world.

"It is in the best interest of the world to promote the vision of a community with shared future for mankind because global peace and prosperity depend on it," said Banda.

"Such calls deserve the support of the global community because they seek to bring about global peace, prosperity as well as security. It is good to note that China has been consistent in promoting the vision of a community with shared future for mankind," Banda said.

According to him, it is an inescapable truth that no one country can fully realize its aspirations without the support of the international community and it is a fact that the world is now one big space with many interlinked players.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that we need to work together as a global community in order to fight challenges, such as poverty and disease," he said.

Banda further said that triumphing over challenges such as COVID-19 will require nations to work in unison at all times. Enditem
Fresno County, CA  Over 1,000 firefighters have now arrived to help fight the 143,939 acre Creek Fire in the Sierra National Forest near Shaver Lake.

The fire started this past Friday and the growth has been attributed to the dry conditions, extreme heat, difficult terrain and winds. Fire activity remains extreme with crowning and long-range spotting. Much of the area has been impacted by high tree mortality in recent years due to drought and bark beetles.

Mandatory evacuations remain in place for the communities of Big Creek, Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake and Cascadel Woods. Evacuation warnings now in effect from Cressman Road  Auberry Road from the top of the four lanes to Powerhouse to the San Joaquin River. Also included are Jose Basin, Alder Spring, Mono Wind Casino, Meadow Lakes and Mile High.

All roads into Yosemite remain open, as the fire has not reached the park, but the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias remains closed as a precaution.
Meridian Rocks is the culmination of bringing out the creativity of the amazing individuals who make up our Meridian communities along with spending time together to build a sense of community.

Amidst uncertainty during the pandemic, Meridian Senior Livings more than 75 communities across the nation aim to bring joy to their towns by running a rock hunt contest to generate community enthusiasm. Residents and staff members will decorate and add hashtags to river rocks before they are hidden in the vicinity outside their buildings in socially distanced areas. Starting on September 16th, communities will provide photos of these hidden rocks along with hints on the community Facebook page to encourage participation. From September 16th  30th, contest participants can search for these hidden rocks and post photos of them on the community Facebook page along with #MSLRocks and the communitys hashtag in the caption. Each rock found and posted counts as an entry into a drawing for a prize at the Meridian community on October 1st. The contest is open to anyone who wants to rock it and have fun.

Meridian Rocks is the culmination of bringing out the creativity of the amazing individuals who make up our Meridian communities along with spending time together to build a sense of community, says states Sue Johnston, National Director of Program Development, Meridian Senior Living. During the pandemic, Meridian communities work creatively in bringing joy and offering engaging activities that provide purpose to their residents. Meridian Rocks is a way residents and staff can work together in having fun and celebrating with others.

While times may be uncertain right now, Meridian assisted, independent and memory care senior living communities are vibrant and safer than ever. They remain open and have rooms move-in ready for new residents. Their dedicated staff is committed to the safety and well-being of their residents and are trained and certified to assist in daily support functions such as dressing, bathing, medication management and especially the ability to immediately respond to emergency circumstances. Furthermore, Meridian understands the power of communal living and bringing extraordinary experiences to residents in their communities. The staff provides compassionate support and keeps their residents engaged with activities and, where allowed by state and local health departments, Meridian communities are implementing outdoor visitation, group activities, and communal dining.

To learn more about a Meridian Senior Living near you and how to participate in Meridian Rocks, visit the website: http://www.meridiansenior.com or Facebook page: @Meridian Senior Living.

About Meridian Senior Living:

Meridian Senior Living, a privately held company based in Bethesda, Maryland, owns and operates seniors housing communities across the country and provides operational consulting to 24 communities in China. With more than 75 communities in 21 states and more in development, Meridian is one of the largest seniors housing operators in the U.S. The company prides itself on providing the highest quality care, exceptional lifestyle programming and a distinctive dining experience for its residents. For more information on Meridian Senior Living, visit meridiansenior.com.
European countries have threatened sanctions on Russia over the alleged nerve agent attack on opposition leader Alexei Navalny, but a concerted decision will be tough to reach given the interests at stake.

Western governments are united -- at least in outrage -- over the latest in a long line of assassination attempts against critics of President Vladimir Putin.

And the Navalny case also raises particular concerns as German doctors say it involved the use of the Novichok nerve agent.

The EU last week condemned the use of a chemical weapon as "a serious breach of international law" and warned Moscow it may respond with "appropriate actions, including through restrictive measures".

A diplomat explained that "restrictive measures" is code for sanctions against individuals who would then be banned from travelling to the EU and would have any assets they hold in the bloc frozen.

There is already a precedent for such measures: in 2019, the EU added four members of Russia's GRU military intelligence service to its sanctions list.

This followed the attack on Russian ex-double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter, who were poisoned in March 2018 in the English town of Salisbury with Novichok -- like Navalny now.

But the Skripal case was different in one crucial respect: The attack took place on the soil of an EU and NATO member, whereas Navalny was poisoned in Russia.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said an "international response" is needed but has refused to speculate on what form it might take.

- No 'smoking gun' -

Steven Blockmans, an expert on EU external relations law at the Brussels-based Centre for European Policy Studies, said another key difference was that after Salisbury, British authorities soon found GRU agents had been in the UK.

"In the Navalny case the forensic evidence of an involvement of Russian intelligence services is not there. The smoking gun is still missing," he told AFP.

Story continues

If Russian intelligence was involved in the poisoning, that could lead to individual sanctions, Blockmans said -- but given it happened in Russia, this will be difficult to prove.

Sanctions against individuals have to be legally watertight, since they can be challenged in court, and "conjecture" is not enough to justify them, Blockmans said.

The mere fact that Novichok was used is not enough, even though the poison was developed by the Soviet military and is not freely available.

The EU and NATO have both called for an independent international investigation into the Navalny case.

"The ball has been hit back to Moscow, saying 'show us an independent investigation, otherwise we'll take your inaction as an admission of guilt'," said Olivier Dorgans, a sanctions expert with the Hughes Hubbard & Reed law firm.

- Broader sanctions -

Another possibility could be broader economic sanctions, which can be more political and require less legal justification.

After the shooting down of flight MH17 in the Ukrainian conflict in 2014, the EU imposed a whole series of such measures against Russia, directed against state banks, the import and export of armaments, and the oil and gas industry.

An EU diplomat noted that the bloc's statement last week "did not explicitly mention economic sanctions but nor did it explicitly rule them out."

But Blockmans said this was unlikely, since they would need unanimous approval by all 27 member states, and some are already chafing at the impact existing measures are having on their own companies who want to do business with Moscow.

"In this case, I would assume there would not be any political support from countries like Italy or Hungary because of closer economic and political relations with Russia. Cyprus might be an outlier as well," he said.

The Navalny case has also brought calls for an end to the Nord Stream 2 project, a 10 billion-euro ($11.7 billion) pipeline which is set to double Russian natural gas shipments to Germany.

The project has been delayed for months after Washington moved to impose sanctions on companies involved, over fears of growing Russian influence.

Germany is now facing calls to abandon it altogether.

mt-pdw/dc/mbx/gle
The (CBI) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Monday filed status reports in a sealed cover into Thoothukudi custody death case which is being monitored by Madurai Bench of the

After hearing submissions made in the matter, the Court adjourned the matter to be taken up on September 22.

The CBI informed the court that the team which is probing the forensic samples from the Sushant Singh Rajput case would be examining the forensic samples related to the father-son custodial deaths case.

The court was also informed that the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) team has not yet been able to visit the scene due to COVID-19 situation and they are engaged in the death case of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

As many as 10 accused policemen, arrested in connection with the custodial deaths of Jayaraj and his son in Tuticorin, who were lodged at the Madurai Central Prison. P Jeyraraj (55) and his son J Benicks (31) were allegedly tortured in the police station leading to their deaths.

The father-son duo was arrested on June 19 and was lodged in Kovilpatti sub-jail for keeping their mobile shop open during a curfew imposed amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

(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.)
Paytm Mall has slapped a legal notice on US-based cyber-risk intelligence platform Cyble for a blogpost wherein it was alleged that the e-commerce platform suffered a massive data breach.

The notice gives Cyble seven-day time to come out with a public clarification regarding its report, which Paytm claims is false.

Failure to comply with the notice will result in criminal and civil suits against the American startup, according to the document issued on September 4.

Also Read: Paytm Mall data breach: Intelligence firm claims cyber-attack; Paytm denies

"...you have attempted to prey on the reputation of our company by feeding counterfactual and fallacious information to the innocent public who are vulnerable to misinformation," the document said, the Economic Times reported, adding that Cyble confirmed that it had received the notice related to its blogpost about a security breach at Paytm Mall.

Meanwhile, the cyber-security firm has said that it is reviewing the notice and will soon come out with a "suitable reply" to Paytm Mall "placing on record all the relevant facts and its stand."

Furthermore, Paytm Mall claims that Cyble did not carry out due diligence in substantiating facts and had committed intentional misinformation and slander.

Also Read: Paytm Mall to hire 300 people, appoints Abhishek Rajan as COO

The US-based cybersecurity research firm had last month published a report alleging "massive" breach of Paytm Mall's database.

According to the firm, a cybercrime group with the alias "John Wick," which hacks databases of companies in the guise of offering help to fix bugs, was behind the alleged data breach.
Geojit's report on Agri Picks

It has been a bitter year for the Indian economy, but sugar exports seem to have hit a sweet spot. Factors like high international prices, quarterly review of export quota by the government, and the opening up of new markets have helped the country push through sugar exports. India received 7.4 mm rainfall yesterday, 11% above normal, the India Meteorological Department said. Since Jun 1, India has received 815.2 mm rainfall, 8% above the normal weighted average. Rainfall is likely to pick up during the second half of September after poor rains across central and northwest India in the first half, India Meteorological Department Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said. The southwest monsoon may start withdrawing from parts of Rajasthan during the second half of September, India Meteorological Department Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said. The normal date of the monsoon withdrawal is Sep 17. As of Thursday, farmers planted sugarcane across 5.24 mln ha this kharif season, 1.3% higher from a year ago, farm ministry data showed. Farmers have sown moong across 3.55 mln ha in the kharif season, up 16% from a year ago, as of Wednesday, farm ministry data showed. Farmers have sown cotton across 12.9 mln ha in 2020-21 (Jul-Jun), up 3.2% on year, as of Thursday, data from the farm ministry showed. Farmers have sown soybean across 12.1 mln ha in the kharif season as of Thursday, up 7.0% from a year ago, farm ministry data showed.The National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange has extended the additional surveillance margin of 5% on turmeric and guar gum contracts till Sep 28, the bourse said in a circular.

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.

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A protester stands holds a poster reads "poison is the weapon of a woman, a coward and a eunuch!" during a picket in support of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in the center of St. Petersburg, Russia, on Aug. 20, 2020. (Elena Ignatyeva/AP Photo)

UK Urges Russia Investigate Navalny Poisoning

The UK on Monday urged Moscow to provide answers about the poisoning of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, calling it an attack on international rules, and said that the UK will work to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron on the same day demanded Russia explain the incident.

Britains Foreign Office on Monday summoned the Russian ambassador to express the UKs deep concern over the use of a chemical nerve agent in the poisoning of Navalny, a leading opponent of President Vladimir Putin.

The Foreign Secretary has made it clear that it is absolutely unacceptable that a banned chemical weapon has been used, and that violence has again been directed against a leading Russian opposition figure, a Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.

There is a case here for Russia to answer, the spokesperson added.

They have international obligations to uphold. This is nothing short of an attack against the rules based international system which keeps our societies safe.

The spokesperson said Russia should conduct a full, transparent criminal investigation into the case.

We will work with our partners, including through action in the OPCW [Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons], to hold the perpetrators to account, the spokesperson said.

Johnson on the same day spoke to Macron on the phone.

They expressed their outrage at the attack on Alexey Navalny and reiterated that Russia must urgently explain how the opposition leader was poisoned with Novichok, the prime ministers office said in a statement.

Germanys Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Sunday said if Russia wouldnt help in investigating the poisoning incident, Germany will consult with its partners regarding a response, including possible sanctions against Russia.

Navalny, a Kremlin critic and corruption investigator, fell ill on a flight to Moscow last month and was taken to a hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk.

He was flown to Charite hospital in Berlin for treatment on Aug. 22 and placed into an induced coma before coming out of it on Monday.

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 nerve agent, developed during the Soviet era, as the poison used on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England in 2018.

President Vladimir Putins spokesman has brushed off allegations that the Kremlin was involved in poisoning Navalny and said last week that Germany hadnt provided Moscow with any evidence about the politicians condition.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he wanted to wait until he sees the evidence, which he was expecting to receive soon, before criticizing the Kremlin for its role in the case.

The Associated Press and Tom Ozimek contributed to this report
Queen Mathilde proved you don't have to compromise safety to look stylish as she stepped out in a matching dress and face mask in Brussels.

The royal, 47, was on hand to open the new interactive and digital financial education center, Wikifin Lab, developed by the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA).

The aim of the lab is to put teenagers through everyday life financial situations in order to prepare them better for adult life.

Mathilde, who has diligently respected all the safety rules put in place to reduce the spread of covid-19, wore a face covering mad in the same fabric as her dress.

She looked relaxed as she visited the centre with members of its staff and local teenagers, also all wearing masks.

Queen Mathilde married safety and style together by pairing her sanitary mask to her dress during an outing today. The mother-of-four, 47, was in Brussels to open the new interactive and digital financial education center, Wikifin Lab

The mother-of-four looked relaxed as she visited the centre with members of its staff and local teenagers, also all wearing masks

Making the most of the gentle early September weather, the Belgian royal opted by a blue and white summer dress.

She wore it casually with the sleeves rolled up. The number was adorned with a graphic blue, grey and white motif.

Mathilde paired it with a clutch bag in eggshell and heels of the same colour.

Her mask, which she kept on for the duration of the visit, was made of the same fabric as the dress.

The Belgian royal wore the dress and mask with statement earrings and a slim silver bracelet and watch

The Queen listened intently during the visit while a member of staff talked her through the different interactive exercises offered by the centre

She kept her jewellery to a minimum, only wearing a slim silver watch on her left wrist, with another silver bracelet.

As always paying attention to the details of her outfit, she also donned a pair of statement earrings matching her bag and heels.

Mathilde's blond locks bounced on her shoulders in a natural blow-dry as she walked around the premises.

She wore a discreet trait of eyeliner and mascara to bring the focus to her blue eyes.

The royal seemed relaxed as she followed the staff around the new facility, accompanied by a small group of teenagers, all wearing masks.

Mathilde was joined on her visit by members of staff and a small group of teenagers, today. The centre is aimed to help secondary school students learn about financial matters and how to deal with them

The Wikifin Lab aims to better prepare teenagers to deal with financial matters later in life.

The course at the centre lasts for three hours and follows an interactive method where second school students will be confronted with everyday financial matters that they will be expected to face in their adult life.

The Lab offers both individual and group exercises supervised by a member of staff.

Mathilde looked back at the group of students accompanying her on the tour during their visit today

Mathilde paired her mask to her outfit, and picked a smart clutch bag in eggshells as an accessory

The Queen, whose own children are teenagers, looked in her element during the visit at the Wikifin lab

Princess Eleonore, Mathilde's youngest, 12, just started secondary school and will be among the Lab's target audience.

The Belgian queen also matched her mask to her outfit when she accompanied her daughter on her first day or school with King Philippe last week.

The family all sported masks when arriving at Heilig-Hartcollege in Wezembeek-Oppem, and the young princess opted for a pink top and jeans, while carrying her school bag.

All schools in Belgium are resuming on-site teaching from the start of the new academic year this month.

For students in secondary education, the current plan means they will go to school four days a week and distance-learn on Wednesdays.

Princess Eleonore did want to continue her studies at Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege, having completed her primary school education there, according to local media.

However, she had to accept her second choice of Heilig-Hartcollege because she doesn't have an older sibling at Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege and lives outside the catchment area.

Heilig-Hartcollege is a Dutch language catholic secondary school in the Brussels region.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 22:09:24|Editor: huaxia

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People watch an outdoor movie in Brussels, Belgium, Sept. 7, 2020. Gross domestic product (GDP) in the eurozone shrank by 11.8 percent while the employment rate decreased by 2.9 percent in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the previous quarter, Eurostat said on Tuesday. The EU's statistical office estimated that in the whole of the European Union (EU), GDP decreased by 11.4 percent and the employment rate dropped by 2.7 percent in the second quarter, when strict COVID-19 containment measures were still in place in many EU countries. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)

BRUSSELS, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Gross domestic product (GDP) in the eurozone shrank by 11.8 percent while the employment rate decreased by 2.9 percent in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the previous quarter, Eurostat said on Tuesday.

The EU's statistical office estimated that in the whole of the European Union (EU), GDP decreased by 11.4 percent and the employment rate dropped by 2.7 percent in the second quarter, when strict COVID-19 containment measures were still in place in many EU countries.

These were by far the sharpest declines observed since the time series started in 1995, Eurostat said. In the first quarter of 2020, GDP had decreased by 3.7 percent in the eurozone and by 3.3 percent in the EU.

Compared with the same period of 2019, seasonally adjusted GDP decreased by 14.7 percent in the eurozone and by 13.9 percent in the EU in the second quarter of 2020.

Among the EU member states for which data are available, Spain (-18.5 percent) recorded the sharpest quarter-on-quarter GDP decline, followed by Croatia (-14.9 percent), Hungary (-14.5 percent), Greece (-14 percent), Portugal (-13.9 percent) and France (-13.8 percent).

The lowest GDP declines were registered in Finland (-4.5 percent), Lithuania (-5.5 percent) and Estonia (-5.6 percent), followed by Ireland (-6.1 percent), Latvia (-6.5 percent) and Denmark (-6.9 percent).

Employment was also severely impacted by the pandemic, with the number of employed persons decreasing by 2.9 percent in the eurozone and by 2.7 percent in the EU in the second quarter of the year, compared with the previous quarter.

Year-on-year, the employment rate decreased by 3.1 percent in the eurozone and by 2.9 percent in the EU in the second quarter of 2020.

While the impact of the pandemic on the employment rate remained relatively moderate due to government support schemes, declines in hours worked were much more pronounced. Hours worked decreased by 12.8 percent in the eurozone and by 10.7 percent in the EU in the second quarter of 2020, compared with the previous quarter.
Murals thanking frontline health care workers have popped up in neighborhoods all over New York during the pandemic. A new art piece, unveiled on Tuesday across the city, pays homage to other essential workers: the men and women who run the transit system and pick up garbage day in and day out.

And it comes from an artist, Mierle Laderman Ukeles, who for decades has honored those who toil anonymously in the service of the city.

Ms. Ukeles, 80, the artist-in-residence at the New York Department of Sanitation, is perhaps best known for a 1979-80 performance piece for which she shook hands with all 8,500 employees of the agency, saying to each one, Thank you for keeping New York City alive!

Her new work, entitled For  forever, reprises that exact message, via a 15-second animation of a note being handwritten. The message  Dear Service Worker, Thank you for keeping NYC alive! For  forever  will be played on a loop on a digital billboard in Times Square and on 2,000 message boards in the subways.
Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi at a party briefing (File image: Reuters)

Congress President Sonia Gandhi will chair a meeting of the partys parliamentary strategy group through a video conference on September 8. The meeting will formulate the party's strategy for the monsoon session of the Parliament beginning September 14.

Sources said that Sonia Gandhi, a member of Parliament from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh, might miss the first ten days of the session as she is scheduled to travel abroad for a regular health check-up after the meeting. Her daughter and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi is expected to accompany her.

The virtual event will be the first meeting involving the party's top brass after the stormy working committee meeting held on August 24. Gandhi is expected to interact with senior leaders, such as Ghulam Nabi Azad, Manish Tiwari and Anand Sharma, who were among the 23 signatories of the letter that triggered a ramblings within the grand old party over leadership issues.

Other party leaders expected to attend the meeting are Rahul Gandhi, AK Antony, Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh, KC Venugopal, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Gaurav Gogoi, Ravneet Singh Bittu, to name a few.

The meeting will discuss issues, to be raised by party leaders in both houses of the parliament in the upcoming session, including Centres handling of COVID19 pandemic, economic crisis, GST, GDP numbers, standoff in Ladakh with China, agrarian crisis, among others.

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

After the Congress meet, there will be a meeting of key Opposition parties for, perhaps, coming up with a united strategy against BJP-led NDA government at the Centre on critical issues during the session.
SEATTLE, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Persona Nutrition the leading personalized vitamin program, announced today that it is celebrating its three-year anniversary with the achievement of several new milestones in a variety of business areas. Persona is increasing its global shipping to 140 countries and is now tracking 3,000 prescription medications to ensure customers avoid mixing medications and vitamins that can have potential side effects.

"It's remarkable to see how our once tiny start-up has accelerated to become a global vitamin company that is giving more people a convenient nutrition program that is tailored to what their bodies need most," said Jason Brown, founder and CEO, Persona. "Consumer demand, which has increased year-over-year for personalized nutrition, is positively impacting our business. In three short years, which includes a pandemic, we opened more job opportunities and educated more consumers about the importance of identifying which meds and supplements cause side effects before starting a vitamin program. We look forward to continuing to be a trusted nutrition brand and employer for those who align with our mission to make people's lives more nourished."

Persona's recent milestones in various business areas, include:

Employment  Persona added more than 100 new employees, including nutritionists, to bolster its nutritionist-by-appointment offering

 Persona added more than 100 new employees, including nutritionists, to bolster its nutritionist-by-appointment offering Charitable Giving  Through its charitable partner, Vitamin Angels, Persona and its customers helped more than 740,000 children in need receive essential vitamins

 Through its charitable partner, Vitamin Angels, Persona and its customers helped more than 740,000 children in need receive essential vitamins Medical Advisory Board (MAB)  Persona added renowned bariatric surgeon, Dr. Philip Schauer , to its MAB to design bariatric and weight management-specific nutritional supplements

 Persona added renowned bariatric surgeon, Dr. , to its MAB to design bariatric and weight management-specific nutritional supplements Drug-Nutrient Side Effect Database  Based on the expertise of its MAB, on-staff nutritionists and pharmacists, Persona can now cross-examine 3,000 prescription medications to help consumers avoid potential side effects when mixing meds and vitamins

 Based on the expertise of its MAB, on-staff nutritionists and pharmacists, Persona can now cross-examine 3,000 prescription medications to help consumers avoid potential side effects when mixing meds and vitamins Shipping  Persona is now shipping to 140 countries with new countries

 Persona is now shipping to 140 countries with new countries Marketing  Persona engages more than 700 ambassadors globally to amplify its brand awareness and educate consumers about the benefits of a personalized approach to nutrition

To learn more about Persona Nutrition or to take the free nutritional assessment, please visit www.personanutrition.com.

About Persona

Persona, a Nestle Health Science (NHSc) company, creates science-backed, uniquely personalized vitamin programs. Each customized program uses high-quality, bioavailable ingredients, delivered to customers' doorsteps. The proprietary algorithm used for the assessments is based on scientific research reviewed by the company's team of MDs, RDs and nutritionists, and factors in lifestyle, individual needs, and prescription medications to deliver vitamin and supplement recommendations as unique as the consumer. Persona Nutrition is available in more than 140 countries via worldwide shipping. Persona is a supporter of Vitamin Angels. With every Persona vitamin pack order, at least two children who are at risk of malnutrition receive a full year of vitamins. To learn more, please visit www.personanutrition.com or www.nestlehealthscience.com.

About Nestle Health Science (NHSc)

Nestle Health Science (NHSc), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nestle, is a globally recognized leader in the field of nutritional science. NHSc is committed to empowering healthier lives through nutrition for consumers, patients and their healthcare partners. The company offers an extensive consumer health portfolio of industry-leading medical nutrition, consumer and VMS brands that are science-based solutions covering all facets of health from prevention, to maintenance, all the way through to treatment. NHSc is redefining the approach to their management of health in several key areas such as pediatric health, allergy, acute care, oncology, metabolic health, healthy aging, gastrointestinal health, and inborn errors of metabolism. Headquartered in Switzerland, NHSc employs over 5,000 people around the world, who are committed to making a difference in people's lives, for a healthier today and tomorrow. For more information, visit https://www.nestlehealthscience.com.

SOURCE Persona

Related Links

https://www.personanutrition.com/


Sandra Corkin, managing director of Oasis Travel, has spent over 35 years building her six-shop travel agency business. This year was to mark its best year yet. Instead, she says, it's facing its worst.

"This pandemic has been the most devastating event the industry has faced and travel has seen its fair share of tragedies, from terrorist attacks to war and ash clouds, but I don't think anything has impacted world travel like this," she says.

"This year our business is down 80%. Today it's about rebuilding, about acknowledging the fact that it's going to take us a few years to get back to what we had last year."

When lockdown was announced in March Oasis' 55-strong team went into damage limitation mode, organising refunds and rebookings in what Sandra says was an exhausting process. "Everyone thought it was for a period of six to eight weeks. We had two jobs at first - contacting those who had booked to go abroad and to cancel or change their travel plans and to get those who were abroad, home. We never imagined it would last for six months and counting.

"We worked morning, noon and night dealing with over 10,000 people. It's been tough."

Sandra, who is one of the trade's most respected leaders in Northern Ireland, has become part of a travel agency support group which will set out to lobby the Government to get those in the sector more support, particularly after current schemes such as furlough end.

The Association of NI Travel Agents will act as a support body for the trade to ensure the rebuild of the industry gets adequate funding.

"We all want to stay in business coming into the winter, which would traditionally be the quieter months of the year for travel, and there really has been no specific assistance for the industry and we know we've been one of the hardest hit. We will be seeking help from the Government to ensure that the very strong business we had continues," says Sandra.

To date, agencies like Oasis have benefited from the furloughing and rates relief schemes and Sandra has availed of the Government's Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Support Scheme (CBILS) through Danske Bank.

She says the support from the bank during the crisis has been "vital in getting our business through the lockdown" and will play a part in getting the company back up and running in 2021.

Next year's business is up by 25%, she says. The appetite among travellers is there - but she warns that bookings will only be realised if travel restrictions are eased and quarantines lifted. "We need to be okay next year, there is no doubt about it. For the whole health of the travel industry we have to be okay.

"From this July people started to travel again, where they could. The appetite is there, demand is there but it's the uncertainty that prevents people from making plans. Some people did come into us and book but that number would be a fraction of the business that we would usually have that time of year."

To prepare for a small flow of fresh demand, Sandra's son Scott went on a tour of Europe on a familiarisation trip.

"He went to Germany, Italy, Spain and the Canaries to see how travel would change and how our customers would be impacted. He did that so we could educate customers and he did have a fantastic time. He saw how the most popular destinations were dealing with new ways of life and his feedback and the customers who did travel has been really positive."

Oasis has long been known in NI as a cruise specialist among its loyal customer base. It has hosted, for 15 years running, a cruise fair that has, year on year, welcomed more and more visitors.

It will still host that fair but the grand Waterfront backdrop will be replaced by an online set-up instead. It will take place on September 25 and 26.

"The cruise fair was getting bigger and bigger. It generates great income for the cruise companies and while we can't get everyone together, the virtual fair will allow people to listen to presentations from the comfort of their own homes and take advantage of exclusive deals and offers," explains Sandra, who says cruise companies are optimistic.

"They are enthusiastic and they're offering some great incentives and I think we're all looking forward to getting back to travelling again."

Sandra has admirably soldiered on through what has been her most challenging year to date, not just professionally but personally.

She lost her brother, Gary (62), just weeks before lockdown to cancer. Gary was another well-known figure in the travel trade and was Oasis' Travel's financial director.

Sandra says she misses her brother deeply, and that he's also much missed by the rest of the staff and the wider community in the trade.

"We talk about our Oasis family and that's what we are. Everyone was close to Gary and the staff went above and beyond to make this year easier. I'm very grateful to them," she says.

Sandra was born and raised in Lisburn and says her late father was the inspiration behind her career. A retailer with 18 shops, including a record shop, he supported Sandra financially when she opened her first agency in 1984. He passed away in 1989, not seeing the growth of the business over the years.

Sandra's mother died 10 years ago and shared a love of travel with her children. Sandra's sister also worked at the business and Gary's wife has stepped into the financial director role.

"We are a family affair and that's always been the way it is. My son Scott is in his final year at Queen's University and will come back to the business when he finished his degree in business management.

He has helped deal with claims, a department with six dedicated staff now. It's been a massive task and while it hasn't been the year he hoped to have, it taught him resilience."

Looking to the future, Sandra adds: "We're in the worst possible situation but now it's all about refocussing and rebooting. We've started a Reboot Camp for our staff, to help get them focused because this has been a very difficult year for all of them.

The company lost Gary, we've had a tough year already and we hope we come out of it stronger,and I do believe the travel industry will bounce back better than others because the desire to travel is still there."
A severe weather warning is in place for most of southern and eastern Australia as a cold front continues to create damaging winds.

The low pressure trough pushed strong winds across southeast South Australia, southern Victoria and Tasmania before moving into New South Wales on Tuesday.

Dust storms wreaked havoc across northeast South Australia and Broken Hill on Monday, with a chance of more 'raised dust' throughout Tuesday.

A Bureau of Meteorology forecaster told Daily Mail Australia the NSW alpine peaks around Thredbo have experienced winds up to 120km/h, the strongest in the state.

The coastline from Batemans Bay to the Port Macquarie will also experience gusty winds as the cold front moves in a northeasterly direction.

Much of southern and east Australia will experience strong winds as a strong cold front continues to create damaging conditions as it moves across the country (dust storm in Broken Hill pictured on Monday)

The Bureau of Meteorology said Thredbo will experience the worst of the conditions with wind gusts of up to 120km/h already being recorded in the alpine region (pictured)

Meanwhile central and southern Victoria has been issued with a severe wind warning with peak gusts up to 100km/h being forecast.

Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Wonthaggi, Bacchus Marsh and Falls Creek will be battered by the cold front.

The Bureau of Meteorology said conditions in SA started to ease as the cold front began to move east into NSW.

In Tasmania a strong wind warning was issued from the Central Plateau Lakes to the the south east and central west coasts of the state.

In Queensland a strong wind warning has been issued for the north of the state, from the Mackay coast right up to the Torres Strait.

Temperatures are also expected to drop as the strong cold front moves across southern and eastern Australia.

The strong cold front (pictured) also led to severe weather warnings being issued for much of central Victoria and the alpine regions of NSW with coastal areas also expected to receive gusty conditions

The low pressure trough is expected to weaken as it moves across the country with strong winds expected to ease by Tuesday afternoon (dust storm in Broken Hill pictured on Monday)

Conditions in the north or the country will remain hot and dry while the west will continue to enjoy mild spring weather.

Dry and sunny conditions across the Northern Territory have led to a severe fire danger rating being issued, with temperatures expected to reach 36C.

Meanwhile most of Western Australia will remain sunny and cool for the remainder of the week.

The cold front moving across southern and eastern Australia is expected to ease by Tuesday afternoon.

'It should start to ease for central parts in the next couple of hours but will hang on until later this afternoon,' the BOM spokeswoman said.
Marijuana, a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant, is facing crackdown from the police in Karnataka amid Sandalwood drug racket. However, the cannabis is scared in certain temples of North Karnataka and is served as prasad.

Among Sharana, Aruda, Shaptha and Avadhuta traditions, devotees consume marijuana or ganja in various forms believing it helps to achieve enlightenment, the Times of India reported. Mouneshwara temple at Tinthini in Yadgir district, in fact, has an annual fair in January were devotees gather and receive small packets of marijuana as prasad. The devotees then smoke the prasad after praying to Mouneshwara or Manappa.

The devotees and saints believe this sacred grass shows the path to enhancing knowledge of spirituality, Gangadhar Nayak, a member of the temple committee, was quoted as saying as he talked about the wide usage of marijuana.

The temple authorities have denied that the cannabis is sold to outsiders for recreational purpose. During the fair, anybody can come here and smoke. While some eat ganja after boiling it, others consume it like tobacco powder, Nayak said.

Usage of Marijuana for recreational purpose has become a part of the raging debate over actor Sushant Singh Rajputs death. His girlfriend Rhea Chakrabortys brother Showik and Sushants house manager Samuel Miranda were taken by the NCB for questioning in connection with a bud supply racket. The bud (marijuana) is the most sought after drug in parties, the NCB has said.

The usage of marijuana varies with its bud and the leaves. While weed (ganja) is made from the extract of Marijuana leaves, bud refers to smoking elements of the plant directly as against an extract, the Indian Express said in a report.

Bud is more expensive and costs around Rs 4000 to Rs 5000 per gram. The price of the bud is almost on par with drugs like cocaine.

Marijuana is illegal in India. However, some countries like Canada, Georgia and South Africa have legalised the usage of the cannabis for recreational purposes.
In his keynote address at Mondays veterans ceremony, First Sgt. Barry Horner said Monday  the final day  at the Nebraska State Fair was Family Day, which was appropriate given how much family ties into the military.

Horner said that before recruits joined the military, they were a member of a family of closely-related individuals who have many things in common. He said as family members, recruits learn to share living spaces and to get along well with their fellow family members.

You learned that in order to get along well with other members of your family, you must have consideration for them, do your part of the work and share the things with the rest of the household, Horner said. That was your golden rule and the primary law of family relationship and citizenship.

Horner said the same family dynamics also apply to the military.
By Associated Press

BEIJING: Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Tuesday praised China's role in battling the coronavirus pandemic and expressed support for the World Health Organisation, in a repudiation of US criticism and a bid to rally domestic support for Communist Party leadership.

Xi told a televised assembly at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing that China's battle against COVID-19 demonstrated the strengths of its socialist system and traditional Chinese culture in stirring motivation, building consensus and pooling resources.

"We are willing to do whatever it takes to protect people's lives!" Xi told participants, most of whom wore masks and exercised social distancing.

The coronavirus was first detected in the central city of Wuhan late last year, and the US and others have alleged the outbreak spread out of control because China withheld information about it.

China says it acted swiftly and responsibly but has rejected calls for an independent investigation into its handling of the emergency.

China has also been a key supporter of the WHO against accusations, mainly from the US, that the organisation is too "China-centric" in its orientation.

Washington is in the process of withdrawing from the UN health agency, to which it still owes back dues.

Xi said China would continue to support the WHO in playing a "leading role in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic."

"All selfishness, scapegoating and confusing right and wrong will not only hurt a country and its people, but harm people of all countries," Xi said.

China itself had "helped save a great number of lives from COVID-19 around the world with concrete actions," Xi said, pointing to the export of 209,000 ventilators, 1.4 billion protective suits and 151.5 billion masks.

China also sent medical staff to assist a handful of countries.

During the meeting, Xi also conferred the Medal of the Republic, China's highest civilian award, on famed respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan, honouring his work in battling both COVID-19 and SARS, a disease caused by a related virus that occurred in 2002-03.

Zhang Boli, a specialist in combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine in treating COVID-19, Zhang Dingyu, head of Wuhan's designated coronavirus-treating Jinyintan Hospital, and Chen Wei, a military medical scientist who who worked on treatment and a vaccine, also received the People's Hero award for their work.

China has not reported any COVID-19 illnesses from local transmission in more than three weeks, with all of the new cases detected in that time among travellers from abroad.

China has reported a total of 4,634 deaths from 85,144 cases of COVID-19.
amphotora/iStockBy EMILY SHAPIRO, ABC News



(NEW YORK) -- A manhunt is intensifying for a 29-year-old suspected of shooting a Georgia sheriff's deputy.



Dalton Potter, a wanted Texas fugitive, was allegedly driving a stolen trailer when he was pulled over on a traffic stop early Monday, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.

BLUE ALERT issued for Dalton Potter, age 29. Potter is suspected of shooting a Whitfield County Sheriffs Office deputy overnight. Last known to be on foot on Interstate 75 at the Whitfield/Gordon County line. Potter is considered armed and dangerous. Call 911. #BlueAlert pic.twitter.com/Vdyl8ReGaW  GA Bureau of Investigation (@GBI_GA) September 7, 2020

Potter allegedly fired several times at Whitfield County Sheriffs Deputy Darrell Hackney, the state agency said.



Hackney was hit but wasn't seriously hurt due to his ballistic vest, the GBI said.



Hackney and a fellow deputy returned fire, but Potter escaped and drove south on Interstate 75, the GBI said.



Whitfield County is about 30 miles southeast of Chattanooga, Tennessee.



Potter later crashed near the Whitfield County-Gordon County line. Potter, who is considered armed and dangerous, then fled into the woods on foot, the GBI said.



Another Texas fugitive, 47-year-old Jonathan Hosmer, was later identified in connection to the shooting, and has since been taken into custody, the GBI said Tuesday morning. Hosmer "was captured on a home surveillance system in a subdivision near the truck wreck," the GBI said.

Jonathan Hosmer, age 47, is in police custody. Dalton Potter remains at large.



If you have any information on Potter, please contact the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office at 706-370-4900. pic.twitter.com/NueHUb980o  GA Bureau of Investigation (@GBI_GA) September 8, 2020

Potter faces a charge of aggravated assault on a deputy, the GBI said.



Anyone with information is asked to call the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office at 706-370-4900.



Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
The Indian government is considering the request of Russian government for holding phase 3 trials of the Sputnik V covid vaccine in the country and also manufacturing of the vaccine in the country, said Dr VK Paul, member (health) of NITI Aayog.

The Indian government of India attaches great importance to this offer of partnership from a very special friend of this nation, and on both the tracks there has been significant movement, he said.

Dr Paul heads the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19.

In August, Russia had registered its first vaccine candidate, developed by Moscow's Gamaleya Institute, after completing early-stage human trials.

The Sputnik V vaccine is currently undergoing Phase 3 trials in Russia. The Sputnik V vaccine produced an antibody response in all participants in early-stage trials, according to results published last week by The Lancet medical journal.

The Sputnik-V vaccine is administered in two doses, with each based on a different vector that normally causes the common cold: human adenoviruses Ad5 and Ad26

Russian Health minister Mikhail Murashko has said Russia will start mass-inoculation from November or December, with a focus on high-risk groups.

Over half a dozen drugmakers are already conducting advanced clinical trials, each with tens of thousands of participants.

In India, three vaccines are currently undergoing clinical trials, including the Oxford vaccine. (With ANI inputs)

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Bazaar Corporate Radar | Feb 22, 2021, 12:00 AM IST

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George Poikayil By

Express News Service

KASARAGOD: The collapse of the gold jewellery business of Manjeshwar MLA MC Kamaruddin is snowballing into a major political controversy with more depositors having come forward to press charges of corruption against the IUML leader.

To date, 12 cases of cheating (Section 420 of the IPC) have been registered against Kamaruddin in various police stations. While FIRs on four more complaints filed at the Kasaragod Town Station have not yet been registered, two cases of cheque bounce have also been registered against the MLA.

According to sources, 18 persons are planning to take the MLA to court after Fashion Gold failed to return the deposits. Cumulatively, Fashion Gold - whose chairman is Kamaruddin and managing director is Islamic religious leader Pookoya Thangal - owes the 18 depositors Rs 2.64 crore.

The cases would be investigated by DSP Satheesh Kumar A of the District Crime Branch. "Since there are many cases, I have assigned them to a DSP who investigates economic offences," said Kasaragod district police chief Shilpa Dyavaiah.

The IUML and its partner the Congress have refused to comment on the development. "It is an internal matter of the Muslim League and related to a business run by an IUML leader. I have nothing to say," said Congress district president Hakkim Kunnil.

Kasaragod MP and Congress leader Rajmohan Unnithan said he had shared his opinion with IUML national president PK Kunhalikutty and IUML state general secretary KPA Majeed.

To be sure, MC Kamaruddin is the chairman of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kasaragod. Though there were reports that he would be removed from the post, party leaders said it was not discussed.

LDF, BJP demand resignation

The LDF and the BJP are gunning for Kamaruddin's resignation. The Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of the RSS, took out a march to the Taluk Office in Manjeshwar demanding the resignation of the MLA. Yuva Morcha district president Dhananjayan Madhur said the state government should hand over the investigation to central agencies. He alleged that Fashion Gold was a cover to defraud the public.

The LDF, in a statement, said Kamaruddin used his social clout as a leader of the IUML and MLA to raise at least Rs 150 crore for his gold business. "He should step down from the position of MLA against the backdrop of the allegation that he had cheated his depositors," it said.

The LDF said it would organise protest meetings and public trial of the MLA at 20 different centres of the district on September 16. The LDF also demanded action against the MLA in connection with the illegal purchase of a Wakf property by an educational trust run by him.

On February 20, the Jamia Sadiya Islamia, an organisation of EK faction of Samastha Kerala Jamiat-ul-Ulema sold 2.03 acres in West Trikaripur to the Trikaripur Charitable and Educational Trust, headed by Kamaruddin.

Interestingly, the Jamia Sadiya Islamia is headed by T K Pookoya Thangal, who effected the sale.

Thangal is also the district president of the Sunni Mahal Federation and president of Trikaripur Muslim Jamaath; and importantly, he is the business partner of Kamaruddin and managing director of Fashion Gold.

After the sale became controversial as it is illegal to buy or sell Wakf properties, Samastha announced that it was cancelling the sale.

Defaulting on depositors

Fashion Gold started in 2007 had four jewellery stores in Kasaragod, Cheruvathur, Payyannur andThalaserry. Six months ago, all four stores were closed.

While the business model of Fashion Gold was to raise money directly from the public, the investors got into an agreement with Fashion Gold that they would get a fixed dividend every month, and return the entire deposit on a three months' notice.

"The agreement on a stamp paper was signed by Kamaruddin and Pookoya Thangal," said KM Muhammed, whose wife Noor Jahan invested Rs 10 lakh in Fashion Gold in 2008. Noor Jahan died six months ago.

Her mother Khadeeja M too invested Rs 10 lakh in Fashion Gold. "My father-in-law sold his restaurant in Mumbai and put in the money in Kamaruddin's business," said Muhammed.

Initially, the agreement was that they would get Rs 12,000 every month for the Rs 10 lakh invested. Later, Fashion Gold reduced the dividend to Rs 10,000 and then halved it to Rs 5,000, said Muhammed. "One year and a half ago, we asked Fashion Gold to return our money. But it did not and now the business shut down," he said.

Khalid C, another investor, had deposited Rs 78 lakh in two gold businesses of Kamaruddin. The other complainants have invested between Rs 3 lakh and 30 lakh, taking the total to Rs 2.64 crore. Kamaruddin said he was not involved in the day-to-day running of the business but was making efforts to return the money. He said that the CPM was using the business misfortune to reap political gains.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 9, 2020 - 05:55 | All, World

Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven industrialized countries strongly criticized Tuesday what they have confirmed to be a poisoning attack on a Russian opposition leader and urged Moscow to be transparent in its investigation.

The ministers from the United States, Japan, Germany and elsewhere said in a statement that they are "united in condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the confirmed poisoning of Alexei Navalny."

Navalny, known as a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, lost consciousness on a flight to Moscow after drinking tea at a Russian airport on Aug. 20. He was initially hospitalized in Russia, but later transferred to a hospital in Berlin as his wife sought treatment for him outside the country.

According to the G-7 statement, Germany has briefed the other countries on its clinical and toxicological findings, which conclude that Navalny was poisoned by a Russia-developed "Novichok" chemical nerve agent.

"Any use of chemical weapons, anywhere, anytime, by anybody, under any circumstances whatsoever, is unacceptable and contravenes the international norms prohibiting the use of such weapons," the ministers said, adding that they "call on Russia to urgently and fully establish transparency on who is responsible for this abhorrent poisoning attack."

Moscow has insisted that no toxic substances were found during checks at the Russian hospital where Navalny was first treated.

The Berlin hospital said Monday that the Russian opposition leader has come out of a coma. But he is still in intensive care and remains in serious condition, according to the G-7 statement.

The other G-7 members are Britain, Canada, France and Italy, plus the European Union.

Related coverage:

Trump looking to postpone G-7 summit until after Nov. election

Japan to draw map of marine plastic pollution with help from G-20

FOCUS: Japan policy on strike capability could raise tensions in East Asia
Six people are facing federal charges for alleged crimes committed during riots in late May in the wake of George Floyd's death. (Justice Department)

Federal Charges Brought Against 6 People for Crimes Linked to May Riots in South Carolina

The Justice Department (DOJ) on Tuesday announced that six people are facing federal charges for participating in riots and civil unrest in South Carolina in May.

In the wake of George Floyds death, many people around the country took to the streets to protest against police brutality and the use of excessive force by law enforcement. While many protests were peaceful, some cities saw rioters engage in violent acts, looting, and rioting, leading to the widespread destruction of public and private property, as well as injuries, and deaths.

This was the case in Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina, on May 30 and 31, where violent agitators disrupted peaceful protests and engaged in violent behavior that threatened public safety, vandalized business, and destroyed public property, U.S. Attorney Peter McCoy, Jr. said.

This is unacceptable and crosses a line, and this office will always stand up for law and order. We worked diligently with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to identify, arrest, and prosecute the individuals whose violence, vandalism, and destruction violated federal law. By escalating and inciting violence, these individuals interfered with the legitimate forms of expression and Constitutionally protected activity, McCoy said in a statement.

According to federal prosecutors, the six people charged or agreed to plead guilty include:

Abraham Jenkins, 26, of Charleston, has agreed to plead guilty to civil disorders related to the violence and destruction on May 30;

Kelsey Jackson, 28, of Charleston, has agreed to plead guilty to arson of a Charleston Police Department patrol car on May 30;

Tearra Guthrie, 23, of Charleston, has agreed to plead guilty to civil disorders related to the violence and destruction on May 30;

Orlando King, 31, of North Charleston, has agreed to plead guilty to a violation of the Anti-Riot Act related to the violence and destruction on May 30, 2020, and to being a felon in possession of a firearm stemming from an unrelated incident on April 25;

Karlos Gibson-Brown, 24, of Columbia, has agreed to plead guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition for a riot-related incident on May 31; and

Marcello Woods, 28, of Columbia, has been charged with destroying a Columbia Police Department vehicle by means of fire for riot-related conduct on May 30.

Woods was brought before a federal court on Thursday, while court dates for the remaining individuals have not been scheduled, federal prosecutors say.

Prosecutors say some of the charges carry significant maximum prison sentences, such as arson, which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Meanwhile, the individuals charged with civil disorder and inciting a riot could face up to five years in prison if found guilty.

Attorney General William Barr has long been condemning the rioting and calls to defund the police as a response to Floyds death. While there is still work to improve the relationship between the African American community and law enforcement, Barr said, responding to problems with violence, acts of demonizing the police, and proposals to defund them are counter-productive and can be gravely injurious to our inner-city communities.

When a community turns on and pillories its own police, officers naturally become more risk-averse, and crime rates soar. Unfortunately, we are seeing that now in many of our major cities, he said, during his opening statement at a House Judiciary Committee hearing in July.

Barr highlighted the destruction and chaos experienced during the persistent civil unrest in Portland, Oregon, which has seen continuous violence and rioting for months, causing dozens of injuries and a death. Federal law enforcement agents have been deployed to address the violence, sparking widespread criticism from local and state officials and lawmakers saying that the deployment had escalated the violence.

However, Barr and acting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Chad Wolf have said on separate occasions that it was the responsibility of the federal government to protect federal property, especially when the states are not fulfilling their duties to do so.

As of Aug. 31, DOJ spokesperson Kerri Kupec said in an update that 300 individuals have been federally arrested, while 302 have been charged federally amid civil unrest across the nation.
Mr. Kofi Koranteng, leader of the Independent Presidential Aspirants (IPAs) coalition, on Monday paid a courtesy call on the National Chief Imam, Sheik Dr. Nuhu Sharubutu at his Accra residence.

The purpose of the visit was to formally introduce Mr. Kofi Koranteng as an aspirant seeking to contest the forthcoming elections as an Independent Presidential Candidate.

Mr. Koranteng is a mechanical engineer, a former investment banker with JP Morgan-Chase in New York, USA, an entrepreneur and family man. He has also been a key activist for the implementation of the Representation of the People's Amendment Act (ROPAA).

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Chairman of the Kofi Koranteng for President 2020 Campaign Team Mr. Samuel Ofori Ampofo explained that Mr. Kofi Koranteng has demonstrated enough commitment to prove that he is the political game changer that Ghana has been looking for and acknowledged the importance that he be officially introduced to the Chief Imam to seek his blessing as he embarks his journey to pursue the mandate of the people to lead them for true national development.

It is time Ghana gets someone with the right vision who is truly committed to developing the country. Kofi Koranteng is that man with the vision. He has the support of other progressive independent political aspirants, and we have come to seek your blessings for this journey, Mr. Ofori Ampofo stated.

In his brief remarks, Mr. Kofi Koranteng said he is counting on God to see him through a successful campaign to deliver inspired leadership, unity and true development to the people of Ghana.

By the help of Almighty Allah we are going to change this country: we are not politicians, we are people who love our people. We have come to serve and to offer ultimate and national service to Ghana and to our people, and that include all people from all backgrounds. Ours is a leadership that brings people together; we unite for the common good he stated.

Welcoming the delegation, the Chief Imam reiterated the need for Mr. Koranteng and his team to wage a clean Presidential campaign that would elevate the standard of politics in Ghana; avoid religious and tribal prejudices, and to ensure that his policies would be designed to help all Ghanaians.

The mission you have brought to this place is a truly noble one. My wish and expectation is that Ghana must move forward. Whoever comes to me here with a mission to propel Ghana into advancement and progress I support such venture. But my plea is that we do so in peace and in harmony. Whatever we do in this venture must be peaceful. God has been gracious to Ghana in peace and harmony. I pray for Allah to help you and guide you in this journey, the Chief Imam stated.

Mr. Koranteng expressed his admiration at how the Chief Imam has always shown exemplary leadership based on unity, deep humility and integrity - qualities that had made Ghana a global example of religious tolerance and understanding. He noted that those qualities attributed to the Chief Imam would be the guiding principles he would be embracing as a President for all Ghanaians.

In a separate visit Mr. Kofi Koranteng also paid homage to his hometown Chief, Okuapehene Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo II at his Akropong Palace where he and his elders received their son of the soil with pride.

The Okuapeman was indeed thrilled with Mr. Koranteng's endeavour to seek the office of the Presidency, and was pleased to offer his blessing. The Okuapeman extended a personal invitation to Mr. Koranteng to join him in the forthcoming Odwira festival.

Accompanying Mr. Koranteng was Mr Ofori Ampofo and Mr Onipayede Ossom Teye, members of the Kofi Koranteng for President 2020 Campaign Team.
The president himself has been inconsistent in his approach, one day saying its very patriotic to wear a mask, the next acting as if its essentially a fashion statement (mask optional). When he visited Wilmington recently, the lack of masks and social distancing was impossible to miss.

To be sure, every candidate loves the high energy and optics of a packed crowd with smiling faces you actually can see on the campaign trial. But doing so at risk to public health is beyond irresponsible. (North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis found himself apologizing, as well he should have, after appearing at the president's Republican National Convention speech at the White House on Aug. 27 without a mask. Tillis had in April proclaimed, "The last thing I want to do is see an elected official who is responsible for imposing a stay at home order or a wear a facial mask order out in public and not with a mask on.")

As for Trump, despite his campaigns assurances, the pandemic is not over. More than 185,000 Americans have died from it, more than 2,900 of them in North Carolina. Were all vulnerable, but some are more so, including our elderly residents, which the presidents supporters should keep in mind in Winston-Salem today.
Kansas City, KS - A promise kept, a dream fulfilled. A northeast Kansas horse ranch has found new life in a new location in the KC Metro thanks to a promise made between two friends. Green and Heim promised each other, when they were kids, that they would grow up and run the Watkins "C" Ranch.
Moscow and Damascus confirmed their commitment to strengthening their ties, while Walid al-Muallem said that the timing of the next presidential elections will not be tied to the discussions on a new constitution, SANA reports

President Bashar al-Assad on Monday received a Russian senior delegation, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov in the presence of a number of Russian diplomats, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The two sides expressed their satisfaction over the level their bilateral cooperation reached in different fields, and asserted their joint will to continue the development of this cooperation and promoting it to achieve the interests of the two friendly peoples.

On the economic field, the two sides discussed means of implementing agreements signed between the two countries and their endeavors to realize new agreements in a way that would contribute to achieving the interests of the two countries and ease the repercussions of coercive sanction policies adopted by some countries against the Syrian people. There was an agreement on the importance of the implementation of mechanisms that would overcome the economic blockade and pressures imposed on the Syrian people.

As to the political field, the Russian delegation confirmed Russias continued support and help for Syria in its political endeavors on different tracks despite the attempts of some western countries to hinder reaching any understandings or agreements that come in the interests of the Syrian people.

The Russian delegation underlined its commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria and to the restoration of its regional and international role.

President al-Assad affirmed that Syria was and still adopts flexibility on the political track and that it synchronizes between working to combat terrorism and achieving the security and stability the Syrian people hope for.

The President expressed the Syrian peoples appreciation for Russia, as leadership and people, for its military, economic and political support and for helping Syria restore its security and territorial integrity as well as passing the effects of economic terrorism on the Syrian citizen, stressing the Syrian governments determination to continue work with Russia to carry out the agreements signed between the two countries and making Russian investments in Syria a success.

Press Conference

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Walid al-Muallem held a press conference with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Muallem said that the future of relations with friends in Russia is promising and hopeful with regards to the economic and political situation in the country.

Borisov said that Syria and Russia were linked by a partnership relation in different domains and that the two countries spare no effort to boost them.

Al-Muallem added that the next constitution will be the result of what will be reached by the members of the committee for discussing the Constitution, affirming that whether the constitution is a new one or an amendment one, it will be put before a popular referendum to have the widest representation.

He said our economic relations grow and develop in the interests of both the Syrian and Russian peoples and we are optimistic that the general economic situation will improve in the coming months.

Al-Muallem stressed that the discussion on the constitution will continue until an understanding between members of the committee for discussing the Constitution is reached and that its timing is not related to the presidential elections which will be run on time next year.

Meanwhile, Lavrov affirmed that the current visit is dedicated to discussing the future prospects of developing Russian Syrian relations and discussing the situation in Syria, the region and the world .

He added that Syria gained victory, with the support of Russia, in its war against international terrorism and the foreign forces that support them.

Lavrov said that the two sides discussed the priorities of the bilateral economic and commercial cooperation within the joint committee between the two countries.

He added that some countries attempt to pass their schemes in Syria by targeting the Syrian people through sanctions.

Lavrov went on to say, we reaffirmed our commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, and our respect for the principle which affirm that the Syrians are the only ones to decide the future of their country.

Lavrov said that all documents issued by the Astana track and bilateral agreements confirm the commitment of Turkey and Russia to the territorial integrity of Syria.

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.
In the center of this move toward global discourse control is an organization called the Poynter Institute, home to the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), a body created to coordinate, promote and train dozens of fact-checkers from around the world.Almost four years of mainstream media hype about fake news and Russian meddling propaganda has brought to the world exactly what they were intended to bring: an effective mechanism for internet and social media censorship.

The IFCN and many non-profits working in the same field are funded by the big capitalist philanthropists of our era, like George Soros, Pierre Omidyar, Bill Gates, and even the Koch brothersbut also by the US Department of State and a shady aid  in reality, political meddling  organization, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), historically linked to the CIA and regime change operations.

Google and Facebook  itself tied to the warmongering Atlantic Council and its Digital Forensic Research Lab  are also associated with Poynter, by funding and partnerships to fight fake news (including the development of an automated fact-checking program for the upcoming 2020).

The marriage between Poynters IFCN, politically inclined billionaires, the State Department  and the whitewashed public face of the Deep State  suggest that the institute is probably working in what Nelson Poynter, its founder, worked on for a key part of his life: propaganda and censorship for the US government.

Although this information is not available in Nelson Poynters Wikipedia profile or in poynter.orgs history page, his work for a government propaganda agency is not exactly a secret. A resemblance of his wife, Henrietta, also at the institutes website, quickly passes over the fact that Poynter did work for the Office of War Information (OWI) during WWII, but his specific role as a government censor and propagandist is never mentioned.

Nevertheless, Hollywood Goes to War, a book written in 1987 by Clayton R. Koppes and Gregory D. Black, is one of the many historical sources that tell the details of Poynters job.

FILM CENSORSHIP AND THE BIRTH OF THE VOICE OF AMERICA

Nelson Poynter was recruited by the OWI with his wife Henrietta, who worked as assistant program chief under Elmer Davis, head of the agency. She came up with the name for the Voice of America, the famous psychological war operation of the US government.

The radio project was established in February 1942 and soon grew to be the most important US overt propaganda arm of the Cold War.

Unlike his wifes job, Poynters regarded not radio  or his previous line of work, journalism  but movies. In 1942, the OWIs Bureau of Motion Pictures (BMP) set up office in Hollywood, naming Poynter as its head. His mission was to act as liaison between the agency and the owners of Warner Brothers, Twentieth Century Fox, MGM and the other big studio names.

Elmer Davis, head of the OWI, regarded films as:

The easiest way to inject a propaganda idea into most peoples minds, in part, because they do not realize that they are being propagandized.

Davis was a career journalist who worked for ten years for the New York Times before being recruited by the government. Franklin D. Roosevelts White House needed the film industry to incorporate specific themes in their movies, ideas that promoted the notion of WWII as being a popular war, fought to defend his Four Freedoms.

But at first, Poynters office in Hollywood had little veto power over what the industry could produce  for the entire Western world  limiting itself to suggest cosmetic changes here and there, or the toning down of reactionary and racist imagery and language, an inherent feature in the Hollywood of that era.

The heads of the studios were in fairly good terms with the US Army, historically close to the industry. Its owners were happy to portrait US wars abroad as heroic, in exchange for the lending of military equipment, installations and expert advice.

But in most cases, a disappointed Poynter complained, war ended up only as a backdrop for shallow romance, cheap comedies and other proven formulas. Poynter and his boss at the BMP, Lowell Mellett, also hired a former assistant of Harold Lasswell, a famous social researcher who said  back in the 30s  that democracy needed propaganda because people were not the best judges of their own interest.

Eventually, the team devised a way to exert more power over the unruly, reactionary and overly commercial Hollywood studios. They decided to ask the US Office of Censorship to weight in and threat them with banning offending films from export, seriously reducing their potential earnings.

According to Koppes and Blacks Hollywood Goes to War, it was a success, prompting MGM, Warner and the other big names to start turning their scripts for review to the Poynter. The BMP knew it was important to intervene right at that stage, before big amounts of money were spent in production.

Poynter was a diligent censor and propagandist, going as far as to suggest dialogues for the movie scripts he was reviewing, breaching one of the industries taboos and provoking the powerful tycoons, according to the authors mentioned above.

When the war ended, Poynter went back to journalism. He eventually took over the St. Petersburg Times (renamed Tampa Bay Times in 2012), owned by his father. He also founded the Congressional Quarterly with his wife Henrietta, who died in 1968. As we can read in the Poynter institutes website:

When Henrietta died suddenly at the age of 66, Nelson mourned deeply. Her passing marked the end of an era for Mr. Poynter, said David Shedden, former research librarian at The Poynter Institute. He started looking to the future and thinking about his legacy. He focused on creating a school for journalists, which of course became the Modern Media Institute, and then the Poynter Institute.

Nevertheless, historian W.C. Bourne explains that many of the OWIs top brass  as Elmer Davis and Nelson Poynter, former journalists  returned to the corporate media after the war, but retained an abiding belief in the things for which OWI stood and the possibilities of accomplishment in the international information picture.

Many of them also retained the Deep State contacts and a nationalistic spirit of collaboration.

A LEGACY OF CENSORSHIP

Nelson Poynters work for the government ended many decades ago, and it would be reasonable to suggest that his ties to the US government and its propaganda apparatus probably never involved the journalism institution he founded years after leaving the OWI.

But we have evidence pointing precisely in the opposite direction.

Firstly, the obvious  and open  ties between the institute and todays version of the foreign meddling machine installed by the US during the Cold War (i.e. the NED). As informed on many occasions by independent journalists, one of the founders of the National Endowment for Democracy once admitted that:

A lot of what we do today was done covertly twenty-five years ago by the CIA.

Secondly, the intimate ties between the Poynter Institute and the US State Department, which selected it to conduct the Edward Murrow Program for Journalists. It brings together more than 100 emerging international journalists from around the world to examine journalistic practices in the United States.

In other words, to be indoctrinated in Western corporate journalism and culture and start a relationship with a potential foreign opinion leader.

The State Departments Murrow program is part of Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), an agency dedicated to cultural diplomacy, intimately tied to intelligence and foreign policy since way before the Cold War. The participants to be trained by Poynter are chosen by US embassies abroad.

A 2017 report of the historical success of the educational exchange agency stated that:

565 alumni of the ECA programs are current heads or former heads of state and government, and 31 alumni are heads of international organizations.

Thirdly, the Poynter Institute, too, redacted an infamous blacklist of fake news sites, with the intention of marginalize and, in this case, deny many of them of any kind of advertisement money.

A BLACKLIST TO DEFUND THEM ALL

For this operation, launched on April 30, 2019, Poynter ganged-up with the rest of the fact-checking cartel, so to speak.

The institute gathered the blacklists and analysis done in recent years by Snopes, Fact-check.org, Politifact (owned by the Tampa Bay Times and Poynter), OpenSources and the Fake News Codex, and used them to create the mother of all blacklists, naming 515 unreliable news websites.

It was retracted shortly after its publication, on May 2, after coming under criticism for unreliability and poor methodology. The irony! And this should be understood as an indictment on the whole bunch. As one critic from the George Washington University noted:

Beneath the veneer of its precision, the fact-checking enterprise relies heavily on opinion and interpretationIf a list summarizing fact-checking results and verified by fact checkers is ultimately retracted by those same fact checkers for not being rigorous, it underscores the question of why we should trust anything from the fact-checking community.

To add insult to injury, Poynters dubious list of unreliable websites was intended to cause financial harm to those named in it, by guiding advertisers and ad-technology applications to deny them of ads.

After the retraction, Stephen Gutowski, a writer from one of the affected websites, Free Beacon, wrote:

What a disgusting exercise in bad faith from an organization thats supposed to be about improving and promoting journalism. Instead, theyre creating tabloid-level listicles to smear reporters without offering even a single piece of evidence. Shame on you, @Poynter.

Philip Klein, from The Washington Examiner  also listed  thought it was:

worrisome to call for advertisers blacklisting news organizations, especially given the opacity of the process and arbitrariness of many of the judgements [sic].

THE CARTEL

Most of the non-profits behind Poynters blacklist share patrons, except for the controversial Snopes, that runs on less grant money than advertisement revenues.

The International Fact-checking Network and its more than a hundred associated  subordinated  smaller fact checkers around the globe, are also funded by the same philanthropists, like Bill Gates, whose foundation already finances tens of mainstream corporate news outlets with tens of millions of dollars, just like the Columbia Journalism Review recently uncovered.

Regarding Poynter and Gates, specifically:

Poynter senior vice president Kelly McBride said Gatess money was passed on to media fact-checking sites, including Africa Check, and noted that she is absolutely confident that no bias or blind spots emerged from the work, though she acknowledged that she has not reviewed it herself.

In a blatant conflict of interests, those same fact-checkers often (try to) debunk information related to the Gates Foundation, just like a private PR agency.

Many lesser players in the global constellation of fact checkers are also funded directly by George Soros and his Open Society Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the US embassy and/or the NED.

When fact-checking, the members of this private-public consortium often limit themselves to copy/paste from their parent sources, like Poynters Politifact and Snopes.

As Emil Marmol and Lee Mager recently wrote for Project Censored, the fake news psychological operation was little more than a Trojan horse for silencing alternative news and reestablishing corporate news dominance:

The fake news hysteria created by those in government and echoed by the corporate news media is being harnessed and used as a pretext for the suppression of dissent and counterhegemonic viewpoints while re-establishing the corporate presss preeminence as the sole purveyor and manufacturer of public opinion.

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the degenerative process under the guise of protecting us, prompting democratic governments to take dangerous paths, like arresting citizens for promoting street marches on Facebook.

The internet opened up a world of information to the regular citizen, we must keep it open so more of us can take a look.

Daniel Espinosa lives in Arequipa, second largest city of Peru. He graduated in Communication Sciences in Lima and started researching propaganda and mainstream media. He writes for a Peruvian in-print weekly, Hildebrandt en sus trece, since 2018, and collaborates with many online media. His writings are a critique of the role of mass media in society. You can read his previous work through his MuckRack profile.
The British public are being urged to encourage their MPs to show support for the nation's farmers and food producers tomorrow.

Back British Farming Day (9 September) is a chance for the industry to demonstrate to MPs the importance of British food and farming.

Now in it's fifth year, the initiative, created by the NFU, will celebrate the work farmers do and their importance to the UK economy.

Farmers and food producers will also have the opportunity to promote their commitment to high production standards.

The NFU said: "We will be reminding politicians that British food and farming contributes over 120bn to the UK economy each year and employs four million people.

"This autumn will be a critical time for British farming as the Agriculture Bill returns to the Commons to be passed into law and trade negotiations continue with countries across the world.

"There has never been a more important time to highlight the crucial role farmers play in feeding the nation and caring for the countryside."

All MPs are being invited to show their support for farming by wearing a wool and wheatsheaf pin badge in Westminster tomorrow.

It comes as the government recently shared a video on social media thanking farmers for feeding the nation during the Covid-19 crisis.

How can I get involved with Back British Farming Day?

The NFU has listed ways for the public to get involved on Back British Farming Day:

 Say why youre proud to produce food for the nation and show how you're keeping the nation fed with a short video.

 Use the Back British Farming day twibbon to add to your profile picture on Twitter.

 Click on the NFU's Facebook event for Back British Farming Day to stay up to date and ensure you have access to the resources.

 Reach out to your MP ahead of the day and share your farming images to illustrate why food and farming is important to them.

 Tag your MP in your Twitter post.

 If you know your MP, invite them on farm.

 Invite your MP to wear the wool and wheat-pin badge they will have received from the NFU President Minette Batters and share the picture.

 See if you can spot your MP wearing a wheat-pin badge on 9 September in the House of Commons and say thank you on social media.
Georgia's top elections official said Tuesday that his office has identified about 1,000 cases of 'potential double voting' in the June primary election - a felony he's determined to see prosecuted.

These voters submitted absentee ballots but also voted in person, a problem that happened across 100 Georgia counties, and election officials didn't catch them in time to keep the second votes from being tallied, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said.

'No one gets to vote twice. Everyone gets one vote,' Raffensperger said.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said he found about 1,000 cases of 'double voting' and wants to see those voters prosecuted

President Donald Trump, speaking at Andrews Air Force Base Tuesday, had told supporters in Wilmington, North Carolina last week that they should mail in ballots and then show up on election day at the polls

It was not immediately clear whether the outcome of any races may have been affected.

The revelation follows a suggestion last week by President Donald Trump that people who vote early by mail should show up at their local polling places on Election Day and vote again if their ballots haven't been counted.

The president said in a series of tweets Thursday that voters who submitted absentee ballots should 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.'

He first made the suggestion to a crowd of supporters and journalists on the tarmac in Wilmington, North Carolina on Wednesday and then doubled down on what he said.

Election officials were quick to warn that this could cause further disruption and long lines on an Election Day already made more complicated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Raffensperger said his office's investigators will hand the findings over to the state attorney general and local district attorneys for possible prosecution.

Double voting is a felony that is punishable by one to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000, Raffensperger said.

'A double voter knows exactly what they are doing, diluting the votes of each and every voter that follows the law,' Raffensperger said.

He said repeatedly during a news conference that those 1,000 voters intentionally cast two ballots, knowing they had submitted an absentee ballot but still showing up to vote. But when he was pressed on that point, Raffensperger didn't provide any evidence of voter intent to game the system, other than mentioning one voter in Long County who he said bragged about voting twice.

Raffensperger had encouraged voters to use absentee ballots for the June primary to avoid potential exposure to the coronavirus and to reduce the number of people voting on Election Day.

Election officials received a record 1.6 million absentee ballot requests, overwhelming some county election offices and leading to delays in some ballots being sent out.

About 150,000 of the Georgia voters who requested absentee ballots for the June primary later showed up to vote in person, Raffensperger said.

One thousand of them ended up casting a second ballot, and his office intends to investigate every case thoroughly, he said.

Raffensperger said his office is working with county election officials to ensure that no double voting happens in the November general election.

The system is designed to prevent double-voting, but it depends on humans, he said.

If voters request an absentee ballot but then show up to vote in person on Election Day, the election system flags them as having requested an absentee ballot.

The poll worker is then supposed to call the county election office to see if the absentee ballot has been received for that voter.

If the county election office says an absentee ballot has been received, the person should not be allowed to vote in person.

If there's no record of an absentee ballot having been received, the voter is allowed to cast a ballot in person and the county election office is supposed to cancel the absentee ballot request so that the absentee ballot won't be counted if it comes in.

If the poll worker fails to call the county election office, or can't get through to anyone, or if the county election office fails to cancel the absentee ballot request, that could allow double voting.

Statistics show that double voting is rare, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

An Iowa woman pleaded guilty to election misconduct in July 2017 after trying to vote twice in the 2016 election.

She told police she believed Trump's assertions that the election was rigged and feared her first ballot would be changed to a vote for Hillary Clinton.

Authorities in New Hampshire last week arrested a man accused of voting twice in the 2016 election using two different names, his own and a woman's, local news outlets reported.

Authorities said he also used the woman's name to sign up as a 2020 election inspector for the state Democratic Party.

Studies have shown voter impersonation to be quite rare.

In one study, a Loyola Law School professor found 31 instances involving allegations of voter impersonation out of 1 billion votes cast in U.S. elections between 2000 and 2014.

Another study by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University Law School found many reports of people voting twice or ballots being cast on behalf of dead people were largely the result of clerical errors that suggested wrongdoing when none had occurred.

Georgia Democratic Party executive director Scott Hogan accused the secretary of state of playing politics.

'Voter fraud continues to be extremely rare in Georgia, and any implication otherwise undermines our elections,' Hogan said in an emailed statement. 'It is clear that rather than do his job of promoting the safety and security of our voting process, the Secretary of State is instead pushing the GOP's voting conspiracy theories and disinformation, as he fights in court to make voting by mail less accessible to voters.'

Raffensperger's office on Friday appealed a federal judge's order that extended the absentee ballot deadline in Georgia for the November election.

U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross ordered the state to count any absentee ballots that are postmarked by Election Day and received by 7 p.m. three days later, instead of only counting ballots received by the close of polls.
A 17-year-old from Newark was charged with two counts of attempted murder for stabbing two individuals Monday on the sand in Point Pleasant Beach, authorities said.

The identity of the individual will not be released, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Point Pleasant Police Chief Joseph A. Michigan said in a joint statement.

Police initially had two people in custody for the stabbings, but officers determined only one person was responsible, authorities said. Both victims, who were stabbed multiple times, are in serious but stable condition as of Tuesday morning. The victims, ages 18 and 22, are both from West Haverstraw, New York.

The juvenile was also charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Officers responded around 3:30 p.m. Monday to a report of a stabbing following a dispute near 300 Broadway and found two male victims, authorities said. The incident happened on Jenkinsons Beach near the bar, officials say.

The father of the 22-year-old victim told NJ Advance Media that the fight was over a girl. His son had surgery last night and is still connected to a breathing tube and other machines, he said.

Im not doing good right now, the father said. When you get a call of this magnitude, you think about the worst, of course. I wasnt sure if I was going to see my son alive again.

NJ Advance Media is withholding the identities of the victims and also not naming the father.

A video posted on Twitter shows swarms of lifeguards, police officers and EMTs running toward Jenkinsons.

Mayor Paul Kanitra, in a post on Facebook, used the incident to call on Jenkinsons to drop its lawsuit against the borough, which is seeking to curb alcohol consumption on the beach.

I certainly hope Jenkinsons will finally see the light and drop the counterproductive lawsuit that undermines our ability to protect residents and visitors alike, the mayor said. This cannot stand in Point Pleasant Beach.

In a statement, Jenkinsons spokesman Toby Wolf said ownership is deeply saddened by the horrible incident which occurred on their beach on the last day of the traditional summer season.

Our prayers are with the victims and their families & relatives. We continue to wish for their speedy recovery. This is the first incident of this nature in the 40+ years of our ownership of Jenkinsons, the statement said. The quick reaction and concerted teamwork of all involved including Jenkinsons lifeguards and EMTs, the Point Pleasant Beach Police and First Aid and many others who assisted in responding to the tragic incident is greatly appreciated.

NJ Advance Media research editor Vinessa Erminio contributed to this report.

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WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has failed in a bid to exclude fresh allegations against him in his fight to avoid extradition to the United States.

The activist, who has been in high-security Belmarsh Prison for 16 months, was arrested in the cells at the Old Bailey on Monday over an indictment containing 18 charges, lodged in June.

He and others at WikiLeaks are alleged to have recruited hackers to target computers between 2007 and 2015 using the organisation's "Most Wanted Leaks", a "wish list" including US military and intelligence documents up to the "secret" level.

Assange, 49, is also said to have conspired with army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to crack a scrambled password, known as a "hash", to a US Department of Defence computer.

If convicted of the charges, relating to the publication of hundreds of thousands of classified documents, he faces a maximum possible penalty of 175 years in jail.

Assange appeared in the dock of Court 10, clean shaven with spectacles perched in his short cropped hair, wearing a smart dark suit, maroon tie and white shirt.

He spoke to confirm his name and date of birth at the start of the hearing before answering "no" when asked if he consents to being extradited to the US.

Mark Summers QC, defending, said the "fresh allegations at the 11th hour" were brought without warning or explanation, giving the defence no time to properly prepare a response before the extradition hearing.

"What is happening is abnormal, unfair and liable to create injustice if allowed to continue," he said.

But district judge Vanessa Baraitser rejected the defence bid to "excise" the allegations, saying: "These are issues which must take place in the context of considering the extradition request and not before it."

Assange's lawyers later failed in a bid to adjourn the case until January to give them time to deal with the new material.

The fresh indictment supersedes a previous one, although the 18 charges, including plotting to hack computers and conspiring to obtain and disclose national defence information, remain the same.

New allegations include claims Assange recruited a teenager to hack into the computer of a former WikiLeaks associate.

According to an updated opening document, submitted by the US but not outlined by representatives in the Old Bailey on Monday, Assange met the then 17-year-old, who gave him data stolen from a bank.

"In September 2010, according to a human source, and as corroborated by the records of online chats between Mr Assange and that source, Mr Assange directed Teenager to hack into the computer of an individual formerly associated with WikiLeaks and delete chat logs containing statements of Mr Assange," the document said.

"When Teenager asked how that could be done, Mr Assange wrote that the former WikiLeaks associate could 'be fooled into downloading a trojan', referring to malicious software, and then asked Teenager what operating system the former WikiLeaks associate used."

Defence lawyers said Teenager was previously referred to in court documents as "Iceland1" and was convicted in Iceland of fraud, theft, and impersonating Assange.

Mr Summers told the court: "The FBI were kicked out of Iceland by the Icelandic authorities because it was thought they were using Teenager to frame Mr Assange."

The new allegations include claims a television network was hacked days after it aired a documentary about WikiLeaks, which included claims Assange intentionally risked the lives of named sources.

Assange is also accused of providing a list of targets to the leader of the hacking group LulzSec and attempting to assist Edward Snowden to avoid arrest, while he was in Hong Kong, after leaking National Security Agency documents.

His lawyers say those claimed to be "co-conspirators" have already been the subject of trials in the UK and the US a decade ago.

Assange's legal team has previously accused the Donald Trump administration of targeting him for "political" reasons after WikiLeaks exposed alleged war crimes and human rights abuses.

Giving evidence by videolink on Monday, US journalism lecturer Professor Mark Feldstein said leaking and publication of classified information was commonplace.

Edward Fitzgerald QC, for Assange, asked: "Are you aware of any publisher of leaked information ever being indicted in US history?"

The witness replied: "That's never happened."

Dozens of supporters, including Assange's father John Shipton and fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, protested outside court before the hearing began with demonstrators making their voices heard throughout the day.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures 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. 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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

Dame Vivienne said: "I'm an activist, I am very frightened, I've lost days and years of sleep worrying about Julian Assange.

"Julian Assange is the trigger, he is shining the light on all the corruption in the world."

Mr Shipton described the extradition hearing as an "abuse trial", adding: "The insistence, the malice that constantly falls like a Niagara upon Julian is just appalling, and indicates to us that the administration of justice here is enfeebled."

Assange's partner Stella Moris, who has two children with him, was in court after visiting Downing Street in a bid to deliver a Reporters Without Borders petition against the extradition, which has been signed by around 80,000 people.

Dozens of witnesses are expected to be called to give evidence over four weeks, with the judgment likely to be delivered at a later date.

Press Association
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 15:29:03|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday China has offered assistance to the international community to the best of its ability in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the tremendous pressure in domestic epidemic control.

China has been working together with other countries, and contributing its wisdom and strength to the global fight against the pandemic, said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

Xi made the comments at a meeting in Beijing to commend role models in the country's fight against COVID-19.

In an open, transparent and responsible manner, China gave timely notification to the international community of the onset of the epidemic, and shared without reserve its experience in containing the spread of the virus and treating the infected, said Xi.

China twice donated funds to the World Health Organization totaling 50 million U.S. dollars and sent 34 medical expert teams to 32 countries, he said.

China also provided anti-epidemic assistance to 150 countries and four international organizations. It offered or exported anti-epidemic materials to more than 200 countries and regions, he added.

For example, between March 15 and Sept. 6, China exported 151.5 billion masks, 1.4 billion protective suits, 230 million goggles and 209,000 ventilators to support the global fight against COVID-19.

"With concrete actions, China has helped save a great number of lives from COVID-19 around the world," said Xi. Enditem
American Airlines has become the latest major airline to support its employees wearing Black Lives Matter pins on the job.

"American Airlines believes in equity and inclusion for all," read a statement from American provided to USA TODAY by representative Sarah Jantz. "In light of the appropriate attention to lives of Black Americans, we will allow team members who wish to wear a Black Lives Matter pin to do so if they choose."

Some of American's Black employees noticed workers at other airlines sporting Black Lives Matter pins and asked if they could do the same, Jantz said.

American Airlines is working with its Black Professional Network to design a company-specific Black Lives Matter pin that may be worn with the American uniform, as it has done with several other Employee Business Resource Groups, including its Christian, Veteran and LGBTQ groups. Until a company pin is created, employees will be allowed to wear their own Black Lives Matter pins.

"Fundamentally, we believe Black Lives Matter is an expression of equality, not a political statement," the statement continued. "It doesnt mean other lives dont matter, rather that in our society Black lives should matter and be valued the same as others. We are showing our support for our Black colleagues and customers who have experienced discrimination and injustice, not any particular organization.

"This decision underscores our belief that all people, regardless of race, gender or ethnicity, deserve to be treated with equality and respect."

Demetria Poe is applauding Delta Air Lines for "taking a stance" against racism and discrimination after she was harassed by her seatmate during a recent flight from Minneapolis to Washington, DC.

American isn't the only airline to offer Black Lives Matter pins.

Last week, Delta Air Lines passenger Demetria Poe applauded the company for "taking a stance" against racism and discrimination after she was harassed by her seatmate during a flight from Minneapolis to Washington, D.C.

Poe told USA TODAY Wednesday that a white woman appeared to purposefully swap her American flag face mask for a Blue Lives Matter mask once realizing she was assigned the seat next to Poe, a Black woman. Blue Lives Matter supports police officers and is viewed as a counter movement to Black Lives Matter, which aims to eradicate white supremacy and has organized nationwide protests in response to police violence against Black people.

Story continues

'You matter to us': Delta Air Lines upgrades Black traveler harassed by white flyer

"That woman was trying to entice me into an argument because there was no need for her to flip that mask in my presence," Poe said. "She didnt do it for anyone else. It was as if she was making a statement and wanted me to know."

The company replied to Poe's viral Facebook post, writing, "When we say Black lives matter, we mean it. You matter to us, Demetria."

Poe said Delta Air Lines went above and beyond to rectify the situation by upgrading her seat on her flight back to Minneapolis. Poe said she also received a gift bag filled with goodies, including a Black Lives Matter pin engraved with Delta Air Lines' logo.

"This is a major corporation saying that Black lives matter," Poe told USA TODAY. "It was very heartwarming. I cried because I look at God using me for the movement."

On Facebook, Poe added, "Its time and situations like these were these companies need to take a stance."

Contributing: Cydney Henderson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Black Lives Matter: American, Delta show support with custom BLM pins
SHAVER LAKE, Calif.  More than a dozen California firefighters trying to protect a fire station in rugged mountains were overrun by flames Tuesday, and several were hurt. Elsewhere, military helicopters rescued more than 150 people stranded in a burning forest.

Fourteen firefighters deployed emergency shelters as flames overtook them and destroyed the Nacimiento Station in the Los Padres National Forest on the states central coast, the U.S. Forest Service said. They suffered from burns and smoke inhalation, and three were flown to a hospital in Fresno, where one was in critical condition.

The injuries came as wind-driven flames of more than two dozen major fires chewed through bone-dry California and forced new evacuations after a scorching Labor Day weekend that saw a dramatic airlift of more than 200 people.

Pilots wearing night-vision goggles to find a place to land before dawn pulled another 164 people from the Sierra National Forest and were working to rescue 17 others Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said.

Its where training meets the moment, but it always takes the courage, the conviction and the grit of real people doing real work, said Newsom, who called the fires historic.

California has already set a record with nearly 2.3 million acres (930,800 hectares) burned this year, and the worst part of the wildfire season is just beginning.

The previous acreage record was set just two years ago and included the deadliest wildfire in state history, which was started by power lines and swept through the community of Paradise, killing 85 people.

That 2018 blaze forced the states largest utility, Pacific Gas & Electric, to seek bankruptcy protection and guard against new disasters by cutting power preemptively when fire conditions are exceptionally dangerous.

The utility shut off power to 172,000 customers over the weekend. More outages were expected in Northern California as high and dry winds were expected until Wednesday.

More than 14,000 firefighters were battling fires around the state. Two of the three largest blazes in state history are burning in the San Francisco Bay Area, though they are largely contained after burning three weeks.

California was not alone: Hurricane-force winds and high temperatures kicked up wildfires across parts of the Pacific Northwest over the holiday weekend, burning hundreds of thousands of acres and mostly destroying the small town of Malden in eastern Washington.

In Southern California, fires burned in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego counties, and the forecast called for the arrival of the regions notorious Santa Ana winds. The U.S. Forest Service on Monday decided to close all eight national forests in the southern half of the state and shutter campgrounds statewide.

In the Sierra National Forest east of Fresno, dozens of campers and hikers were stranded at the Vermilion Valley Resort after the only road in  a narrow route snaking along a steep cliff  was closed Sunday because of the Creek Fire.

Well before dawn Tuesday, the sound of helicopter blades chopping through the air awoke Katelyn Mueller, bringing relief after two anxious nights camping in the smoke.

It was probably the one time youre excited to hear a helicopter, Mueller said. You could almost feel a sigh of relief seeing it come in.

She and others had to abandon their vehicles and were flown to Fresno, where a friend picked her and three friends up for the drive back to San Diego.

The fire had roared through the forest exceptionally quickly, advancing 15 miles (24 kilometers) in a single day over the holiday weekend. It has burned 254.4 square miles (658.89 square kilometers) since starting Friday from an unknown origin. About 365 buildings, including at least 45 homes, were confirmed destroyed so far, and another 5,000 structures were threatened.

Cressmans General Store, a gas station and popular stop for more than a century near Shaver Lake, was a total loss. Flames threatened the foothill community of Auberry between the lake and Fresno.

The use of military helicopters to rescue a large number of civilians for a second day  after 214 people were lifted to safety after flames trapped them in a wooded camping area near Mammoth Pool Reservoir on Saturday  is rare, if not unprecedented.

Char Miller, a professor of environmental analysis at Pomona College who has written extensively about wildfires, said hes only seen rescues of this size during floods, when people need to be plucked from narrow canyons.

This is emblematic of how fast that fire was moving, plus the physical geography of that environment with one road in and one road out. Its scary enough to drive there when nothing is burning, Miller said. Unless you wanted an absolute human disaster, you had to move fast.

Steve Lohr of the U.S. Forest Service defended the decision not to close the national forests sooner.

We can second-guess ourselves, but Ill say that we didnt take the situation lightly, Lohr said. When you have a fire run 15 miles in one day, in one afternoon, theres no model that can predict that. And so we can look at those things and learn from them, but the fires are behaving in such a way that weve not seen.

Numerous studies in recent years have linked bigger wildfires in America to global warming from the burning of coal, oil and gas, especially because climate change has made California much drier. A drier California means plants are more flammable.

The frequency of extreme wild fire weather has doubled in California over the past four decades, with the main driver being the effect of rising temperature on dry fuels, meaning that the fuel loads are now frequently at record or near-record levels when ignition occurs and when strong winds blow, Stanford University climate scientist Noah Diffenbaugh said in an email.

Arson is suspected as the cause of the blaze that injured the firefighters above the scenic Big Sur coastal region. The fire had been burning for weeks, but it doubled in size overnight.

Police arrested a Fresno man near the fires starting point Aug. 19 on charges that included arson of forestland and illegal marijuana cultivation. Hes being held on $2 million bail.

___

Melley reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writers Christopher Weber, Frank Baker and John Antczak in Los Angeles, Olga Rodriguez and Juliet Williams in San Francisco and Seth Borenstein in Washington contributed.
Bengaluru: The CCB probe into Sandalwood Drug racket is putting more actors in trouble with the sleuths taking another lead actress Sanjjanaa Galrani into their custody from her flat in Indiranagar on Tuesday.

The style of the CCB raid was similar to the one conducted five days ago on the house of another actress Sandalwood Ragini Dwivedi, the sleuths descended on her flat on Tuesday morning around 6.30 am and questioned her till 10.30 am, before arresting her.

While being taken to the CCB office, Sanjjanaa's mother also accompanied her. After questioning her for a few hours, the sleuths would take a decision on her arrest.

The CCB officials said that the news of the actor's raid had been leaked to Sanjjanaa and she was aware of the raid at least half an hour before the sleuths reached her house.

Sanjjanaa had called her neighbours and had requested them not to give out any statements against her. Besides, she is also said to have requested them to come to her flat during the raid for moral support.

Realising the drama, the CCB sleuths did not allow the neighbors anywhere near her flat. However, she asked one of the neighbors to inform her lawyer as well as 'doctor'. The police say that the 'doctor' was her associate in parties and suspect that he had gifted her a luxury car.

Though Sanjjanaa's name cropped up during initial stages of investigation, the CCB sleuths did not get concrete evidence against her. Though her photos prominently figured along with Rahul, who was arrested soon after the arrest of Ragini's boyfriend Ravi Shankar, she claimed that Rahul was her Rakhi brother.

However, her name cropped up when the CCB sleuths picked up Malayalam actor Nayaz Ahamed, who revealed that Sanjjanaa was constantly in touch with him. Besides, Prithvi Shetty, a Mangaluru based girl, who faced two days of CCB questioning, also threw a lot of light on Sanjjanaa's role in the Sandalwood drug scandal.

After collecting clinching evidence, the CCB raided her house and took her into their custody. CCB sleuths have also seized two laptops and couple of mobile phones from her house.

So far 13 people have been booked and six arrested.
BPCL offers 2% shares to employees at one-third of market rate

State-owned Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is offering stock options to its staff at one-third of market price ahead of finalising potential bidders for sale of governments stake in the oil refining and marketing giant. Expressions of Interest from private investors are due by the end of this month.

The PSU is offering two per cent of its shares through stock options to eligible employees out of the 'BPCL Trust for Investment in Shares' that the company holds. The trust holds 9.33 per cent of BPCLs entire shares.

BPCL in a regulatory filing said its board approved the proposed Employee Stock Purchase Scheme (ESPS) to the specified employees through the trust mechanism, subject to the approval of the shareholders.

The employees will be given an opportunity to become shareholders at one-third of the cost of BPCL scrip in the six months leading to the time of the sale, it added.

The stocks offered to the staff members will have a one-year lock-in period and its number will differ according to the seniority of the individuals involved. However, this scheme is subject to the approval of the shareholders and hence a decisive call will be taken on it in the annual general meeting later this month.

BPCL has issued an update to the EoI offer list accordingly, clarifying that BPCL Trust shares will be cancelled, which could lead to a reduction in the sale of government holding, which accounts for 58.43 per cent shares of the company.

BPCL Trust for Investment in Shares holds 20,23,72,422 equity shares of BPCL, ie, 9.33 per cent (treasury shares) for the benefit of BPCL. It is possible that these shares may be retained, cancelled or disposed prior to the proposed transaction; and correspondingly the total number of outstanding shares / capital structure of BPCL may change.

Notwithstanding any such retention, cancellation, or disposal, the number of shares held, and to be sold by the GoI in the proposed transaction, will not change and remain the same at 1,14,91,83,592, it added.

Department of Investment & Public Asset Management under the finance ministry issued a Preliminary Information Memorandum (PIM) on 7 March 2020 for inviting expression of interest for strategic disinvestment of 1,14,91,33,992 equity shares (92.93 per cent of shares held by Government of India) in Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (except BPCLs 61.69 per cent stake in Numaligarh Refinery Ltd).

The PIM was further modified on 31 March 2020, 26 May 2020 and 29 July 2020 in view of requests received from the interested parties and the prevailing situation arising out of Covid-19, and the last date for submission of written queries on PIM was extended to 23 June 2020.

The department has also clarified on the net worth criteria, saying, This Net Worth criterion may be satisfied either by the IP (interested party) or by the entity into which the accounts of the IP are consolidated.

Also, it said the net worth of an IP will be considered on a consolidated basis.

If a qualified IP has submitted its EOI independently of any other and subsequently wishes to form a consortium for the bid, then the same is permitted, provided the consortium is formed within 45 days of it being qualified as a QIP (subject to submission of required documents, had the consortium been formed at the outset). However, this will only be permitted so long as such QIP is the lead member of the consortium. Additionally, each of the consortium members should be qualified as required in the PIM.

Also, where two sole bidders have qualified based on the EoIs submitted by each of them independently, the formation of a consortium by these sole bidders will not be permitted.

Similarly, in case two consortia have been qualified based on the EoIs submitted by them independently, then their consolidation into a single consortium shall not be permitted.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Centres decision to allow the National Testing Agency to conduct entrance tests will put rural students at a disadvantage and the Tamil Nadu government is not in support of the move, Minister for Higher Education KP Anbalagan said in a letter to Union Minister for Education Ramesh Pokhriyal on Monday. This move will discourage rural students and become a burden, and hence, we are not in favour of this, he said.

Calling the contents of the letter as initial remarks on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Anbalagan said the State has already decided to continue with its two-language policy as it has been a success. Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had appointed a seven-member panel to be chaired by the Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, to analyse the policy to make recommendations.

The State will surpass the Centres target of 50 per cent Gross Enrolment Ratio by 2035 by aiming for 65 per cent enrolment, since it is set to achieve the Centres target by this year itself. Tamil Nadu has a teacher-student ratio of 1:17 against the All-India ratio of 1:26, Anbalagan said.

Tamil Nadu would not be following the NEP with regard to allowing colleges to only be autonomous or be a constituent college of a University. Pointing out that a large number of colleges in the State are affiliated institutions, Anbalagan told Pokhriyal that this would affect lot of students.

Out of 587 college across the State, only 53 are autonomous and all the others are required to be nurtured suitably by the affiliated universities and then improve upon their quality standards, he said asserting that present model be allowed in the State.

The one point that Anbalagan did welcome was the NEP committees decision to convert the BEd programme into a 4-year Integrated Degree Course including two major subjects.
President Donald Trump called the Black Lives Matter protesters who screamed 'f*** the white people' Joe Biden voters and 'Anarchists' and challenged the Democratic ticket to 'utter the words "Law & Order."'

During a flurry of tweets he pushed out Tuesday morning, Trump commented on footage that went viral after a Saturday protest in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - a key swing state in the upcoming presidential election.

'BLM Protesters horribly harass elderly Pittsburgh diners, scaring them with loud taunts while taking their food right off their plate,' Trump complained. 'These Anarchists, not protesters are Biden voters, but he has no control and nothing to say. Disgraceful. Never seen anything like it. Thugs!'

Trump said 'this thuggery' was happening in Democratic-run cities and states.

'Biden and his most Liberal in Senate running mate, Kamala, won't even talk about it,' Trump charged. 'They won't utter the words, LAW & ORDER!'

Biden has repeatedly said that violence, looting and other bad behavior didn't count as protesting.

The video shows demonstrators yelling at diners at Pittsburgh's Sienna Mercato restaurant and then swiping a drink from an elderly white couple and downing it in front of them, with the glass breaking afterward.

The protesters involved later told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that what the video didn't capture was a group of men shouting 'Blue Lives Matter' and one man swinging a bike at them.

Black Lives Matter protesters screamed in the face of white elderly outdoor diners during protests in Pittsburgh on Saturday, disturbing new video shows

In two tweets Tuesday, Trump challenged Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris to 'utter the words, LAW & ORDER,' after protesters displayed bad behavior in Pittsburgh Saturday. The protesters later told the Post-Gazette that the video didn't tell the whole story

When demonstrators entered the outdoor dining space, Nique Craft (pictured) took a couples' drink and drank it before leaving

'Even though people [at the restaurant] saw that whole thing, they still saw me as an aggressor,' Nique Craft, a protester at the event, told the PG.

Cellphone footage shows the protesters taking over the outdoor dining space with Craft approaching an older couple's table before drinking their beer in front of them; another smashed a glass from a table.

One protester, identified as Lorenzo Rulli, tells the diners: 'F**k the white people that built the system.' He adds: 'F*** 12'; a reference to police.

Others eating at the restaurant pick up their belonging and leave after demonstrators call them an 'embarrassment'.

The demonstrations are in response to several black Americans who have died in police custody, with the recently shared footage of the death of Daniel Prude in Rochester, New York in March, sparking the new wave of outrage.

Similar scenes have played out across the county with a diner in Washington D.C. last week cornered by a group of anti-racism protesters outside a restaurant. In another incident, diners in Rochester were also confronted by a large group of demonstrators.

'We're shutting your party down,' one woman was seen shouting in the face of a New York diner as demonstrators smashed the customer's glasses in front of their faces, broke plates, overturned chairs and chanted at them to get out.

A second video taken in Pittsburgh over the weekend shows a demonstrator speaking with a megaphone while walking next to a cyclist. It's unclear what is said, but the demonstrator nudges the cyclist with his megaphone.

The cyclist swats the demonstrator in response, but a second protester reportedly hits the man from behind with a skateboard.

According to Craft, who identifies as nonbinary, the incident sparked when protesters marched through the area and three men shouted 'Blue Lives Matter.' It's unclear if these men were diners or pedestrians in the area.

When protesters approached the group, one man reportedly swung at people.

Craft told the Post-Gazette that one man grabbed Craft's hair and placed a hand on Craft's chest, saying he was trying to stop a confrontation from happening.

After the initial confrontation Craft said that the older man seen in footage chastised protesters for their actions. His wife, however, invited Craft over for a drink and to discuss the situation.

Similar scenes have played out across the county with a diner in Washington D.C. last week being cornered by a group of anti-racism protesters outside a restaurant

Craft (pictured) said a confrontation began after a group of men yelled 'Blue Lives Matter' at protesters and one man reportedly swung at bike at people

'So, being a theatrical, snarky type of person that I am, I said that I dont have time to wait for you to order another beer; I will take the one you have,' Craft said.

Craft did not know the man who swung the skateboard at the cyclist.

Police in Pittsburgh are said to have launched an investigation into both clips; there were no arrests during Saturday's protest.

The footage of the diners in Pittsburgh being approached sparked outrage online. One Twitter user, Michele Lippert, wrote: 'I am so sick of this!!!'

Another, Ricardo Dinero, said: 'These terrorists have no place in Pittsburgh or anywhere in America. They dont care about black lives, they care about chaos.'

One demonstrator and a cyclist get into a brief slapping match as others watch the exchange from restaurants and businesses (pictured)

Authorities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, are investigating after social media footage showed demonstrators and civilians clashing on Saturday

Lorenzo Rullie (left and right): 'The reason I engaged the individual man and his wife is because ... her husband called me "an embarrassment" and "disgusting"'

Bob Billen wrote: 'I just don't understand what the endgame is for this insult, smash and dash style of "protesting". Who is sympathetic to it?'

Lorenzo Rulli, who wore a purple shirt and shouted at the older couple, said the videos also didn't show a number of agitators who harassed demonstrators that day.

'We dont target businesses,' he told Post-Gazette. 'Our restaurant industry in the city supports us very much.

'We were talking to people that were talking to us. The beer that was consumed was an offer. The glass that fell was a mistake.'

He added that people at the restaurant were cheering for demonstrators, and he only approached the older couple after they disparaged him.

'The reason I engaged the individual man and his wife is because ... her husband called me "an embarrassment" and "disgusting,"' he said.

GOP Sen Pat Toomey said in response to the videos that 'These are crimes,' but Rulli doesn't think the footage will cast anti-racism protests in a negative light.

'Honestly, the protesters could never be in a good light in this city until the people who have the power to convey the message properly are doing so,' said Rulli.

In Rochester a man attending a demonstration was struck by a car on Sunday.

Shared by Carolyn Delvecchio Hoffman, footage shows a group of demonstrators standing in an intersection during the city's third night of protest.

Protesters watch a vehicle turning right out of the intersection with a screech, but a few voices suddenly scream out in warning.

Seconds later, a red vehicle accelerates into the crowd and the driver unleashes a wave of yellow spray paint at protesters.

Meanwhile, the unidentified man was crouching down on the concrete and did not see the vehicle coming in time.

The man manages to jump in the air, but is still hit by the vehicle and thrown to the ground. The group of witnesses then call for volunteer medics as the man remains on the ground.

Hoffman said: 'The driver was not arrested at the scene. Volunteer medics responded to the injured protesters.'

She added that over the course of the night she was shot with rubber bullets and pepper spray during confrontations with the Rochester Police Department.

A man attending a demonstration in Rochester, New York, was struck by a car on Sunday

The driver of the vehicle was spraying yellow paint at demonstrators as he drove through the crowd and hit the unidentified man on Friday night in Rochester, New York

Demonstrators take part in a protest over the death of a Black man, Daniel Prude, after police put a spit hood over his head during an arrest in March, in Rochester, New York

A demonstrator wear protective glasses, a hoodies and holds a trash can top as a makeshift shield as he takes part in a demonstration on Sunday in Rochester

On Saturday, police used batons, pepper balls and tear gas to push back about 2,000 protesters who marched toward the Public Safety Building on Saturday night, chanting 'Black Lives Matter' and 'Daniel Prude.'

The Rochester Police Department said in a statement that protesters had ignored their orders to disperse, and that some hurled bottles, rocks and fireworks at officers.

A group of local 'elders' arrived early to the protest to act as a human barricade between demonstrators and the Rochester Police Department, according to The Democrat & Chronicle.

The mayor of Rochester on Monday promised reforms are coming to the citys police department.

The demonstration held in Rochester, New York, on Sunday night was the fourth consecutive protest in the city over the death of Daniel Prude

Demonstrators hold signs reading 'Black Lives Matter' while standing outside in the streets of Rochester on Sunday to continue to protest the death of Daniel Prude

Sunday's protest ended peacefully with demonstrators playing music and dancing outside the Public Safety Building in Rochester

Two demonstrators hold up signs reading 'Defund The Police' on Sunday after protests sparked in Rochester, New York, this week

People look at a makeshift memorial during a protest over the death of a Black man, Daniel Prude, after police put a spit hood over his head during an arrest and died from 'complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint'

By 8pm on Sunday, a rally had begun on Jefferson Avenue, the street where Prude was restrained by officers and suffocated to death, and continued to the Public Safety Building.

Once at the Public Safety Building, protesters made calls for police reform and an end to inequality. The night ended with music and dancing in front of the Public Safety Building.

On Friday night, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto was confronted over his city's policies and law enforcement at his home by upset residents.

Around 100 people met in the East Liberty neighborhood for 'Civil Saturdays,' the name given to their continued protests, they traveled through downtown.

The Post-Gazette reports that Saturday's demonstration was meant to disrupt restaurant diners and residents with a call for Black Lives Matter.

'Out of the bars and into the streets,' the group chanted.

Once outside Peduto's home, demonstrators were met with a half-dozen Pittsburgh police officers standing in front of the mayor's door.

After standing there for a short time, Post-Gazette reported that officers began putting on their riot helmets.

'I don't see a riot here why are you in riot gear?' protesters chanted in response.

The group eventually left Peduto's home and the demonstration peacefully dispersed just after 10pm.

Mayor Peduto's home was surrounded by a line of Pittsburgh police officers who stood guard at the front door (pictured)

A crowd of demonstrators hold their fists in the air in solidarity on Sunday night as they protest the death of Daniel Prude and other black Americans who died in police custody

Pictured: a protester wearing protective gear and holding a makeshift shield stands among a crowd of other demonstrators in Rochester

In Portland, Oregon, officials revealed that 59 people had been arrested on the 101st night of protests in the city - a new record.

The majority of arrests were over low-level misdemeanors that Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt said he will dismiss, Oregon Live reports.

Oregon State Police was responsible for 16 of the 59 arrests, and they have not yet released the identities.

A rally and march at Alberta Park was scheduled to take place on Sunday, but authorities later received word that protesters were outside the North Precinct blocking traffic.

KOIN reports that a fire was started on NE MLK Boulevard, and fire emergency crews put out the flames without further incident.

The night before, hundreds of protesters continued to clash with law enforcement as nearly 30 people were arrested, a swarm of fireworks were launched into the air and one person caught on fire from a deployed Molotov cocktail.

In one video, officers implore residents to disperse from the area as Molotov cocktails crash against the pavement and fire erupts.

'This has been declared an unlawful assembly,' officers say. 'All persons immediately leave the area. Failure to adhere to this order may subject you too arrest, citation or the use of crowd control agents including but not limited to tear gas and, or impact weapons.'

During the 100th night of protest in Portland, a man's shoes caught on fire after some people launched Molotov cocktails into roadways

Seconds later, a Molotov cocktail is thrown but drops dangerously close to a protester standing in the roadway.

A wave a gasps are heard as a man rushes out of the inferno with both his feet on fire. The man desperately tries to kick the fire away but needs assistance from other demonstrators.

'Stop, drop and roll!' one person shouts. The man on fire rolls across the ground but is forced to take his shoes off as the fire continues to burn the fabric.

After the riot was declared, a BLM 'snack van' that hands out food to protesters pulled up to an intersection blocked by police and faced officers in a tense standoff.

When a line of riot police charged the BLM demonstrators they scattered, and officers were filmed sprinting after the fleeing protesters down normally quiet streets lined with family homes, pinning them to the ground and cuffing them while others shouted insults and taunts.

Neighbors blocked their roads with traffic cones and barrels to prevent protesters parking and joining the demonstration that devolved into a riot.

A local standing outside his home told DailyMail.com that at one point a line of hundreds of marchers trooping down East Burnside Street by Ventura Park stretched almost twenty city blocks.

A protester holds a megaphone as he takes part in a protest outside the Portland Police Bureau's North Precinct on the 101th consecutive night of protests against police violence and racial inequality in Portland

Protesters gather outside the Portland Police Bureau's North Precinct on the 101th consecutive night of protests against police violence and racial inequality
Prime cattle finishers have seen major recovery in returns from the low point of the April Covid market disruption and are experiencing some of the highest farmgate prices for years, according to Quality Meat Scotland.

Only twice in the past decade, in 2013 and 2017, have farmgate cattle prices been higher at this time of year than they currently are, QMS said.

Beef prices across Europe have also firmed over the past quarter although they have lost some ground in the past couple of weeks.

However, in contrast to the UK, farmgate prices across Europe, although much higher than a year ago, do not match prices in 2018 nor those of earlier in the decade.

The UK has one of the highest producer prices for beef across Europe and the world, and the gap has widened in the past quarter, said Stuart Ashworth, Director of Economics Services at QMS.

That would suggest that the UK would be an attractive export market for European countries like Ireland, although it is protected from other international suppliers by EU tariffs and trade agreements.

Nevertheless, and despite trade data collected by UK Customs being slow to be published, according to Mr Ashworth, there is little evidence that UK imports of beef have increased in response to firm domestic prices.

In the first six months of 2020 beef imports are reported to have been lower than last year, he added.

Lower demand from out of home eating, a sector which is sensitive to the cost of materials used in meal preparation, is likely to have reduced demand for imported meat."

The firming of UK prices has occurred despite higher volumes of prime cattle reaching abattoirs during June and July.

Latest indications from price reporting abattoirs are, however, that prime cattle supplies have begun to tighten through August.

Historically the weekly kill during August is very similar to July, before starting to rise through September, said Mr Ashworth.

Looking at weekly slaughterings during May, these were lower than last year so some of the increase in the kill during June may reflect a catching up in kill numbers.

However, firm prices through June and July may also have drawn cattle on to the market a little quicker.

This may explain why the average carcase weight of cattle slaughtered during July was just over 4 kg lighter than the same month last year and 3 kg lighter than in June, said Mr Ashworth.

Selling cattle younger and lighter will be a contributory factor in the reduction in slaughterings in price reporting abattoirs during August.

However, Scottish calf registrations in 2018 were 2.5% lower than in 2017, suggesting that the current pool of slaughter age cattle is likely to be smaller than a year ago which will impact on supplies through to the end of 2020.

The increase in the number of animals slaughtered during June and July more than offsets the fall in carcase weights and the volume of beef produced in July was 9% higher than the same month last year.

The continued firmness of the producer price points towards firm consumer demand for beef, said Mr Ashworth.

The impact of Covid-19 on home working, and hence home catering, plus the disruption to holiday plans with more people staying within the UK, are likely to have contributed to firming consumer demand for beef.

The slow return of restaurants and fast food outlets and the success of the UKs Eat out to help out initiative will also have supported demand for beef through August, he said.

Over the next quarter the beef market, and indeed the whole red meat market, faces some significant uncertainties.

Not only does uncertainty over the terms of Brexit remain, but answers to other important questions will also affect demand, added Mr Ashworth.

One is how quickly the price-sensitive out-of-home eating sector recovers, and the other is how retail demand for fresh meat will be affected if the end to the furlough scheme leads to an increase in unemployment.
D onald Trump clashed with a reporter during a White House news conference after demanding he remove his mask to ask a question.

The US president never wears a mask in his frequent media briefings, but many of the watching reporters do - in accordance with the US Centres for Disease Control guidelines to don a face covering.

But on Monday, as Reuters reporter Jeff Mason began asking him a question, Mr Trump interjected: "Youre going to have to take that off please.

The journalist raised his voice - clearly audible - and tried to continue, but the US leader grew frustrated, insisting: You can take it off. How many feet are you away?

Mr Mason said he would instead speak louder, prompting the president to fire back: "Well, if you don't take it off you're very muffled, so if you would take it off, it would be a lot easier."

Reuters reporter Jeff Mason refused to remove his mask / White House

However, Mr Mason refused and raised his voice instead, asking: "Is that better?"

Mr Trump rolled his eyes and let out a loud sigh as he answered: "Its better, yeah.

It is not the first time the pair have clashed over face masks. During a lively exchange in May, Mr Trump told Mr Mason, you want to be politically correct when he refused to remove his mask to ask a question.

"No. I just want to wear the mask," Mr Mason shot back, his mask in place.

Donald Trump rarely wears a mask in public / REUTERS

The president frequently asks reporters to remove their masks during briefings, and some comply.

Mr Trump was pictured in public donning a mask for the first time in mid-July during a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

He insisted at the time that he had never been against masks, but in April he said: "I don't think I'm going to be doing it. Wearing a face mask as I greet presidents, prime ministers, dictators, kings, queens - I just don't see it."

The Republican has also mocked his Democrat rival Joe Biden for liking masks too much, as the pair enter the final two months of the presidential race ahead of election day on November 3.

During Mondays press conference, Mr Trump accused his rivals of "disparaging" for political gain a vaccine he has said could be available before polling day.

Donald Trump often asks reporters to remove face masks at the White House / REUTERS

He told the White House briefing: "It's so dangerous for our country, what they say, but the vaccine will be very safe and very effective."

Mr Trump levelled the accusation a day after Senator Kamala Harris, the Democrats' vice presidential candidate, said she "would not trust his word" on getting the vaccine.

"I would trust the word of public health experts and scientists, but not Donald Trump," Ms Harris said, amplified by Mr Biden.
SINGAPORE and LONDON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Fintech startup Thunes, which operates a global B2B cross-border payments network, continues to attract investment as emerging markets take off. The latest Series B funding round sees Africa-focused Helios Investment Partners leading the US$60 million investment in the Singapore-based company. Additional investors include Checkout.com as well as existing investors GGV Capital and Future Shape.

"This marks a significant milestone in our next phase of growth as we strive towards helping financial institutions and businesses around the world move money between each other in a faster, more economical and reliable way. Our goal is to make financial services affordable and accessible to everyone," said Peter De Caluwe, CEO of Thunes.

Launched in 2016, Thunes' global network connects mobile wallet providers, banks, technology companies and money transfer operators, enabling seamless cross-border payments to and from emerging economies in a fast and secure manner. Today, Thunes connects different payment players in more than 100 countries, allowing them to tap into the largest partner network in emerging markets.

The latest round of funding will drive the continued development of Thunes' global network and accelerate its expansion and growth in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The capital raised will be deployed to expand its team and product offering, including business payments and collections from emerging markets.

These regions represent Thunes' largest growth opportunity, where fragmented and complex payment ecosystems often leave consumers and businesses struggling with slow, costly and unreliable ways of moving money.

De Caluwe added, "The projected size of emerging markets cross-border payments is around US$45 trillion. We will continue to invest and deliver additional value to the global payments ecosystem and capitalise on this explosive growth. We expect transaction volumes on our platform to double annually, through the expansion of our network. For the five billion people and businesses in the growing emerging market economies, we enable cross-border payments seamlessly, faster, and at more competitive rates."

Tope Lawani, Co-founder & Managing Partner of Helios Investment Partners, commented: "The African fintech space, and payments in particular, remains a key focus area for Helios and we continue to look for opportunities to back high-growth companies building key infrastructure for the financial ecosystem in Africa. Thunes is a great example of a firm leading this. The unique network built by the company enables its partners to process cheaper and faster cross-border payments of all types. We are delighted to be supporting Thunes in their plans to connect multiple payment ecosystems across often challenging markets in Africa and other emerging markets and thus, foster further financial inclusion."

Guillaume Pousaz, CEO & Founder of Checkout.com, noted: "We're pleased to support Thunes with this investment, which marks our third transaction of 2020. As a leading, profitable payment provider, Checkout.com has the opportunity to support entrepreneurs who strive towards our vision of connected finance. Thunes closely aligns to this, with a mission to build the rails which facilitates greater payment options in the emerging markets, and unite leading financial institutions on one platform. We have followed Thunes' growth and recognise the company as a pioneer in cross-border payment solutions. We look forward to working closely with them."

In May 2019, upon regulatory approval, Thunes successfully closed a US$10 million Series A financing led by GGV Capital, a leading global venture firm. Thunes' Series B funding takes the company's total funds raised to US$70 million.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Thunes

Thunes is a B2B cross-border payments network that enables corporates and financial institutions to move funds seamlessly and provide financial services in emerging markets. Our global platform connects mobile wallet providers, banks, technology companies and money transfer operators in more than 100 countries and 60 currencies. Through our growing network, Thunes' solutions allow over 400 partners across the world to send and receive money on a global scale. Thunes is headquartered in Singapore with regional offices in London, Shanghai, New York, Dubai, and Nairobi.

For more information, visit www.thunes.com

About Helios Investment Partners

Established in 2004, Helios Investment Partners is the largest Africa-focused private investment firm, with a record that spans creating start-ups to providing expanding companies with growth capital and expertise. Led and predominantly staffed by African professionals with the language skills and cultural affinity to engage with local entrepreneurs, managers and intermediaries on the continent, Helios leverages its local and global networks to create attractive proprietary investment opportunities, with an emphasis on building market leaders in core economic sectors and driving performance through a highly engaged approach to portfolio operations. The firm's unique combination of a deep knowledge of the African operating environment, a singular commitment to the region and a proven capability to manage complexity, is reflected in the firm's diverse portfolio of growing, market-leading businesses and its position as a partner of choice in Africa. Helios is the largest emerging markets-focused private equity firm, and second mainstream private equity firm globally, to receive B Corp certification. B Corp status recognizes the firm's long-standing commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.

For more information, visit https://www.heliosinvestment.com/

About Checkout.com

Checkout.com empowers businesses to adapt, innovate, and thrive with the connected payments they deserve. The company's technology makes payments seamless. Flexible solutions, granular data, and instant insights help global enterprises launch new products in new markets and create outstanding customer experiences. They provide the fastest, most reliable payments in more than 150 currencies, with in-country acquiring, world-class fraud filters and reporting, through one API. And they can accept all major international credit and debit cards, as well as popular alternative and local payment methods. Checkout.com launched in 2012 and now has a team of 750 people across 13 offices worldwide, offering local expertise where it's needed. Find out more at www.checkout.com

About GGV Capital

GGV Capital is a global venture capital firm that invests in local founders. As a multi-stage, sector-focused firm, GGV focuses on seed-to-growth stage investments across Social/Internet, Enterprise Tech and Smart Tech sectors. The firm was founded in 2000 and manages $6.2 billion in capital across 13 funds. Past and present portfolio companies include Airbnb, Affirm, Alibaba, Boss Zhipin, Grab, Hello, HashiCorp, Keep, Khatabook, Kingsoft WPS, Peloton, RuangGuru, Slack, Square, StockX, Tray.io, Wish, Workboard, Xpeng, Zuoyebang and more. The firm has offices in Singapore, Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Shanghai and Beijing. Learn more at ggvc.com, @GGVCapital or GGVCapital on WeChat.

Find out more at https://www.ggvc.com/www.ggvc.com

SOURCE Thunes

Related Links

http://www.thunes.com


Denver is set to experience the biggest temperature drop for nearly 150 years as raging wildfires turn to snow overnight in Colorado.

Snow is expected on Tuesday in Fort Collins, the Denver metro area and along the Interstate 25 corridor.

The National Weather service says Denver's temperature is set to drop up to 70 degrees within one day.

Welcome to September in Colorado. Where its 32 degrees and snowing in Evergreen! pic.twitter.com/BA1o2nhwkW  Dara (@SportsWithDara) September 8, 2020

Smoke envelopes the downtown Denver skyline as winds carry the smoky air from the Cameron Peak Fire in Colorado as the Colorado city braces itself for a drastic temperature drop

The current record for the city is 66 degrees within 24 hours, which happened in 1872.

The snow is also unusually early, with the average first snowfall in Denver happening on October 18.

The last time it snowed there in September was in 2014, but it was only a small amount.

Video shares online on Tuesday morning showed heavy snowfall, with residents shocked at the sudden change in temperature.

Unreal moments flying through the smoke plume of severe #wildfires in #Colorado  watch the sky turn completely orange as visibility drops to near zero. @capitalweather



These fires are burning near Fort Collins, though blazes are torching large areas of the West. #fire pic.twitter.com/zTR0IVLvNN  Matthew Cappucci (@MatthewCappucci) September 7, 2020

The Cameron Peak Fire, west of Fort Collins in Colorado, is now one of the largest wildfires in the state's history

Snow is expected on Tuesday in Fort Collins, the Denver metro area and along the Interstate 25 corridor

The second biggest one-day temperature drop of 64 degrees happened in 1888, while Denver experienced a 61-degree drop in 2015.

On Tuesday, up to 20 inches of snow is expected to fall in some parts of Colorado, helping put out the dangerous wildfires that have burned through the state.

The National Weather Service have warned residents of broken tree limbs and power outages due to the snow.

It comes after one person died and 50 were trapped by wildfires in California as blazes ripped through Washington, Utah Colorado and Oregon during a record heatwave.

A member of the Colorado National Guard directs motorists at a roadblock after forced evacutaions

Red Cross volunteer Faith Reihing stands outside a pop-up shelter for evacuees from Cameron Peak wildfire, Colorado

Wildfires have been blazing across swathes of the western United States, from California and Washington to Colorado

Fires destroyed homes and devastated forests and grasslands, as record high temperatures and strong winds made the task of fire fighters even more challenging.

In California, 14,100 fire fighters were battling 24 separate blazes, which have collectively destroyed 2 million acres.

An all-time temperature record for Los Angeles County of 121 degrees was set on Sunday, during a historic Labor Day weekend heat wave.

Its a dark and eerie day in Fort Collins. No, its not sunset, but its as dark as night. These photos were taken about noon as the smoke plume from the Cameron Peak Fire rained down ash and cast an eerie, mesmerizing glow. Snow is expected tonight. It can hurry up. pic.twitter.com/KSLY6c6AlK  Jennifer Hefty (@jenniferhefty) September 7, 2020

The all-time county record was set at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, a suburb of LA.

Denver was cloaked in smoke from the Cameron Peak Fire, which began on August 13 and has so far burned 96,462 acres.

The state has 829 people battling to contain the fire, but evacuations have been ordered.

The Cameron Peak Fire is burning strongly through the timbers around Fort Collins.
Almost a million businesses could be forced to close over the next three months, leaving 20 per cent of Australians on the dole by Christmas, worst-case scenario modelling predicts.

Some 35 per cent of small businesses will find it hard to meet financial commitments between now and December due to the coronavirus-caused recession, according to a government survey.

This equates to about 810,000 of the 2.3million small businesses across Australia.

Almost a million businesses could be forced to close over the next three months, according to grim modelling. Pictured: A closed shop in Melbourne

Some 35 per cent of small businesses said they will find it hard to meet financial commitments between now and December. Pictured: Melbourne residents wearing masks

If all these companies go under then approximately 1.7million jobs will be lost, based on the fact that each small company employs an average of 2.1 people.

With one million Australians already unemployed, the number on the dole could hit 2.7million, according to the modelling by free-market think tank The Institute of Public Affairs.

This could cause the official unemployment rate to rise from 7.5 per cent to as high as 20 per cent.

Australia's economy has been hammered by coronavirus restrictions and plunged a record seven per cent the June quarter.

Victoria's second-wave lockdown, which is expected to last until October 26, has put about 400,000 people out of work.

The situation would be worse except for the federal government's JobKeeper scheme, which is estimated to have saved 700,000 jobs across the nation since March.

The number on the dole could hit 2.7million, according to a think tank. Pictured: Degraves Street in Melbourne lies empty

Australia's economy has been hammered by coronavirus restrictions and plunged a record seven per cent the June quarter. Pictured: Melbourne residents wearing masks

IPA Research Fellow Kurt Wallace said: 'The lockdown measures are smashing small businesses and jobs across Australia, many of which will never return.

'Small businesses embody the dignity of work, aspiration, resilience, community, and reward for hard work and merit. They are the very core of the Australian way of life.'

There is also pressure on the housing market, with the Reserve Bank of Australia predicting that a 40 per cent plunge in house prices is plausible.

In March, 900,000 home and business borrowers were given six-month mortgage repayment holidays as Covid-19 trading restrictions kicked in.

National Australia Bank chief executive Ross McEwan last month suggested home borrowers who couldn't repay their loans should consider selling their house.

On Wednesday Australia officially sunk into recession for the first time in almost 30 years.

On an annual basis, the economy shrunk by 6.3 per cent - a level unseen since the aftermath of World War II in 1945 when the troops returned home.

The national accounts data confirmed a technical recession for the first time since mid-1991, following a 0.3 per cent decline in gross domestic product during the March quarter.

On an annual basis, the economy shrunk by 6.3 per cent. The June quarterly slump was an worse than the 1930s Great Depression while the annual decline at a level unseen since the aftermath of World War II in 1945

A recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of GDP contraction and the last time Australia suffered one mobile phones were the size of bricks and the internet was an American university research project.

The downturn experienced in 2020 is at a level unseen since the early days of radio and before television, with the quarterly economic plunge worse than some months of the early 1930s.

The seven per cent downturn in just three months was the equivalent of two-and-a-half years of economic growth, between March 2017 and December 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic.

The ABS's head of national accounts Michael Smedes said the pandemic had caused the worst economic slump since quarterly economic records began in 1959.
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British police said Monday that a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after one person died and seven others injured in the weekend stabbings in Birmingham in central England.

The man was arrested at an address in the Selly Oak area of the city and was being questioned in custody, said the West Midlands police.

The suspect was also being held over seven counts of attempted murder. The streets involved remained closed on Monday morning while investigations continued.

British police launched a murder investigation after declaring the stabbings in Birmingham a "major incident". Among the wounded, two people were seriously injured.

The stabbings took place on Sunday between 12:30 a.m. (2330 GMT Saturday) and 2:20 a.m. (0120 GMT).
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 19:24:14|Editor: huaxia

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KUWAIT CITY, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait on Tuesday reported 857 new COVID-19 cases and two more deaths, raising the tally of infections to 91,244 and the death toll to 548, the Health Ministry said in a statement.

Currently, 9,042 patients are receiving treatment, including 89 in ICU, according to the statement.

The ministry also announced the recovery of 617 more patients, raising the total recoveries in the country to 81,654.

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
This article will reflect on the compensation paid to Alistair Phillips-Davies who has served as CEO of SSE plc (LON:SSE) since 2013. This analysis will also evaluate the appropriateness of CEO compensation when taking into account the earnings and shareholder returns of the company.

Check out our latest analysis for SSE

How Does Total Compensation For Alistair Phillips-Davies Compare With Other Companies In The Industry?

According to our data, SSE plc has a market capitalization of UK13b, and paid its CEO total annual compensation worth UK2.4m over the year to March 2020. Notably, that's an increase of 48% over the year before. While we always look at total compensation first, our analysis shows that the salary component is less, at UK890k.

In comparison with other companies in the industry with market capitalizations over UK6.1b , the reported median total CEO compensation was UK1.9m. This suggests that SSE remunerates its CEO largely in line with the industry average. What's more, Alistair Phillips-Davies holds UK1.3m worth of shares in the company in their own name.

Component 2020 2019 Proportion (2020) Salary UK890k UK890k 37% Other UK1.5m UK749k 63% Total Compensation UK2.4m UK1.6m 100%

On an industry level, roughly 49% of total compensation represents salary and 51% is other remuneration. SSE pays a modest slice of remuneration through salary, as compared to the broader industry. If total compensation is slanted towards non-salary benefits, it indicates that CEO pay is linked to company performance.

A Look at SSE plc's Growth Numbers

Over the last three years, SSE plc has shrunk its earnings per share by 36% per year. Its revenue is down 6.8% over the previous year.

Few shareholders would be pleased to read that EPS have declined. And the impression is worse when you consider revenue is down year-on-year. It's hard to argue the company is firing on all cylinders, so shareholders might be averse to high CEO remuneration. 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 SSE plc Been A Good Investment?

SSE plc has generated a total shareholder return of 6.9% over three years, so most shareholders wouldn't be too disappointed. But they probably wouldn't be so happy as to think the CEO should be paid more than is normal, for companies around this size.

To Conclude...

As we touched on above, SSE plc is currently paying a compensation that's close to the median pay for CEOs of companies belonging to the same industry and with similar market capitalizations. According to our analysis, SSE is suffering from uninspiring EPS growth, and even though shareholder returns are stable, they are hardly impressive. This doesn't compare well with CEO compensation, which is close to the industry median. We wouldn't go as far as saying CEO compensation is inappropriate, but we don't think the executive is underpaid.

It is always advisable to analyse CEO pay, along with performing a thorough analysis of the company's key performance areas. In our study, we found 5 warning signs for SSE you should be aware of, and 2 of them are potentially serious.

Important note: SSE is an exciting stock, but we understand investors may be looking for an unencumbered balance sheet and blockbuster returns. You might find something better in this list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.

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.
Mumbai:

The Shiv Sena has asked the Union government to reveal how many soldiers died at the borders post demonetisation, in an apparent bid to rubbish the Centre's claim that terror funding has been checked with the note ban exercise.

Also, taking exception to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's statements crediting the RSS teachings for surgical strike across the LoC last year, it said the Army should not be dragged into politics.

The Sena said that the Monday's terror attack on General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) camp in Akhnoor sector of Jammu in which three civilian workers were killed, proves that demonetisation has not deterred the terrorists as they continue with their activities without any hindrance.

"Terrorists once used to attack public places, but are now directly targeting Army bases and killing jawans. Should this be considered a change? Thwarting terror attacks was one of the main reasons cited for demonetisation.

But terrorist attacks continue unabated even at places in Manipur," an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said. "Last year, 60 jawans were martyred while the number stood at 32 and 33 in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

How can we believe that these are the signs that Pakistan is being reigned in? Nobody should drag the Army in the muck of politics," it said. "Manohar Parrikar credited the RSS teachings for the surgical strike on Pakistan and during campaigning for the polls in UP, the BJP has taken all credit for the strike attributing nothing to the Army," the Sena said.

"Demonetisation has become more of a political issue than one which is supposed to hold national importance. The number of deaths of soldiers post demonetisation should be released and politics over the scrapping decision should be stopped," it further said.

The Sena also said that if BJP has the courage, it should implement the uniform civil code, build a Ram temple in Ayodhya and scrap Article 370 of the Constitution.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Chennai: Chief Minister Thiru Edappadi K Palaniswami has pledged to donate his eyes during National Eye Donation Fortnight in Tamil Nadu. The Chief Minister has initiated the state-led portal for eye donation on Monday enabling people who are willing to pledge to donate their eyes.

The Chief Minister has urged the people of the state to come forward to donate their eyes and create a blindness free society.

Palaniswami has been given a certificate issued by SV Chandrakumar, State Programme Officer, Tamil Nadu State Blindness Control Society, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu.

The certificate stated that Thiru Edappadi K Palaniswami is a proud eye donor and has solemnly pledged to make his country blindness free by gifting his vision.

The National Eye Donation Fortnight is observed between August 25 and September 8 in India every year. It is observed to raise awareness about donating one`s eyesight to others after their death.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE's pioneering global award in sustainability, has announced the postponement of the 2021 Awards Ceremony, which was scheduled to take place in January, as part of the annual Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

Entities that have submitted their applications this year will be automatically moved to the 2022 cycle, said the event organisers.

The decision was made due to travel restrictions for different countries and to ensure international participants safety and well-being in light of the unprecedented global challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, they stated.

Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, said: "After careful consideration, we took the prudent decision to postpone the 2021 Zayed Sustainability Prize event, while ensuring that all those who submitted for the Prize will be considered in the 2022 cycle."

"The Prize, inspired by the UAEs founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and driven by the countrys leadership, reiterates its unwavering commitment to humanitarianism and sustainable development goals, as it has impacted more than 335 million people, to date," observed Al Jaber.

"We are also continuing to focus on accelerating the UAE-driven 20by20 initiative which is pioneered by the Prize in partnership with several entities by donating past finalists and winners solutions to vulnerable communities around the world to improve their quality of life," he added.

Established by the UAE leadership, in 2008, to honour the legacy of the founding father,

the Zayed Sustainability Prize acknowledges and rewards global pioneers and innovators who are committed to accelerating impactful sustainable solutions. Over the past 12 years, the Prize has awarded 86 winners.-TradeArabia News Service
A mother has revealed she is forced to give her three-year-old daughter life-saving CPR on a 'weekly' basis due to a rare condition that can cause cardiac arrest when she holds her breath.

Rebecca Barrow, 29, and Andrew Drinkwater, 41, from Darwin, Lancashire, were left devastated when their daughter Charlie was born in February 2017 plagued by problems, including spina bifida and a rare condition called Chiari malformation.

The condition means sees Charlie's brain tissue extends into her spinal canal, creating serious implications for her respiratory system and heart and means her brain does not kick in to tell her to breathe when she holds her breath.

Rebecca who cares for Charlie full-time, explained she and Andrew who works in social care, live on red alert, saying: 'It can be the most terrifying thing to have your child's life in your hands - but I try not to think about it too much.'

Rebecca Barrow, 29, from Darwin, Lancashire,has revealed how she has to give her three-year-old daughter Charlie CPR at least once a week because of a brain condition which makes her stop breathing (pictured left and right)

Describing her as a 'sassy chatter box,' she says Charlie, who has some intellectual impairment and is 'mentally around 18 months old,' has been plagued by problems since her birth on Valentine's Day 2017.

Ecstatic when they discovered they were expecting a little girl in the summer of 2016, sadly, Rebecca and Andrew were devastated to discover at their 20-week scan at Royal Blackburn Hospital that Charlie had spina bifida - a serious condition caused when a baby's spine and spinal cord do not develop properly in the womb.

A gap is left in the spine and can result in damage to the nervous system, which, in turn, can cause hydrocephalus - a build-up of fluid on the brain - which can further damage it.

Rebecca revealed: 'I have epilepsy and my research revealed that my medication could increase the chances of a baby getting spina bifida.'

Charlie has a string of serious health conditions including Chiari malformation, where her brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, creating serious implications for the respiratory system and heart ( Pictured: The little girl during one of her many stays at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital)

'But the odds are still very low, and, in Charlie's case, our doctors could never say, for sure, what caused it.'

A few weeks after the bombshell news, a special foetal scan at Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester, confirmed that their unborn baby also had hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation.

'We were absolutely devastated,' said Rebecca, whose doctors decided at 35 weeks that it was safest to induce her.

She was admitted to Saint Mary's Hospital two days later and endured a 48-hour labour before Charlie arrived weighing 7lb 5oz.

Rebecca and her husband Andy were devastated when their daughter was born with a range of health issues including the rare condition

Yet she revealed: 'When she was put on my chest, I felt an immense rush of love.'

Only permitted a moment to bond, Charlie was then whisked away to an incubator.

At three days old Charlie had back closure surgery because the spina bifida had caused a gap in her back.

She also had a shunt fitted - a flexible plastic tube, which is inserted into the brain or spinal cord to divert excess cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) away from the brain.

Charlie remained in the incubator for two weeks, then spent a further fortnight under observation before she was allowed to go home.

After she was born, Charlie only had a moment to bond with her mother before being whisked away to an incubator (Pictured: The mother and daughter after the birth)

At three days old Charlie had back closure surgery as the spina bifida had caused a gap in her back. She also had a shunt fitted - a flexible plastic tube, which is inserted into the brain or spinal cord to divert excess cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) away from the brain

But sadly, just two weeks later, the baby was back in hospital again, with Rebecca revealing: 'Her breathing started to get worse. It was really heavy, and she sounded very distressed.'

WHAT IS SPINA BIFIDA? Spina bifida is a fault in the development of the spine and spinal cord that leaves a gap in the spine. About 1,500 babies are born with spina bifida each year in the US, according to the CDC. In the UK, approximately one in 1,000 babies are born with the condition. Most cases are detected before birth, at the 20-week scan. The most serious form of the disease is called myelomeningocele. In myelomeningocele, the spinal column remains open along the bones making up the spine. The membranes and spinal cord push out to create a sac in the baby's back. This sometimes leaves the nervous system vulnerable to infections that may be fatal. In most cases surgery is carried out to close the gap in the spine after birth. But damage to the nervous system will usually already have taken place, resulting in: Most babies with myelomeningocele will also develop hydrocephalus, with excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pooling inside the brain. This is caused by a malformation at the base of the skull in which the lower parts of the brain are pushed down towards the spinal cord. Babies with hydrocephalus are fitted with a shunt after birth to divert the fluid from the brain, so reducing the risk of increasing cranial pressure, into the abdominal cavity. Advertisement

And when baffled doctors at Royal Blackburn Hospital could not explain what was causing Charlie's distress, she was transferred to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

Rebecca said: 'I just had this gut feeling - like a mother's instinct - that something terrible was going to happen.'

Sadly, shortly after arriving in Manchester, Charlie suddenly stopped breathing completely and needed to be resuscitated.

Thankfully, doctors stabilised the baby, who was taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and put back on an incubator.

Rebecca revealed: 'That was one of toughest moments of my life - not knowing if my little girl would be okay.'

After being referred to a neuro specialist, Charlie had a series of brain scans, with doctors deciding the best course of action was to perform decompression surgery - to remove bone at the back of her skull and spine to widen the space for her brain stem.

Just 12 weeks old when she had the nine hour operation, sadly, it did not work as well as hoped.

Within days, Charlie's oxygen level had dropped to a dangerously low 30 - compared to the reading of 95 to 100, which is considered normal for a baby, and she was returned to ICU.

Further scans detected fluid blocking the shunt in her brain, which was causing her respiratory issues - after which, she spent the next few months in hospital, where doctors worked tirelessly to save her life.

Rebecca said: 'She had three shunt revisions and then her breathing improved again.'

Finally, in December 2017, after almost 10 months in hospital, Charlie finally went home.

'It was absolutely amazing to be at home for Christmas as a family,' Rebecca said.

But by March 2018, her condition deteriorated again, and she needed another shunt revision.

She went on to spend the next 18 months in and out of hospital, where doctors tried to help with her breathing.

Then in September 2019, she had a second decompression surgery.

'Charlie's had 11 operations in total to help her breathe or to relieve her symptoms,' said Rebecca.

'And while her breathing improved, she kept having episodes where she would just stop breathing altogether.'

These episodes led to Rebecca and Andrew being trained by hospital staff to perform CPR on Charlie, so they could save her life.

Rebecca said: 'I try not to think about it too much and just leap into action and do what I have to do.'

She was on the phone to her sister, Jessica, 31, who works in an opticians, during an episode in January - which had a profound effect on her sibling.

Charlie has since been in and out of intensive care with Rebecca revealing it is 'terrifying' having to perform CPR on her daughter

Rebecca said: 'My sister lives in Somerset, so we don't get to see each other as often as we'd like and spend a lot of time chatting on the phone.

'That day, we were on the phone when, suddenly, Charlie went into cardiac arrest. I didn't have time to hang up and had to perform CPR while I was on the phone.

'Jessica knew how awful it was, but to hear it and not be able to see it, or know if Charlie was okay, really affected her.'

The family are constantly prepared to leap into action and save their daughter's life.

Rebecca said that despite her health conditions, Charlie is a playful and joyful little girl with a lovely personality (pictured with Andrew)

Rebecca said: 'Charlie can go into cardiac arrest anytime, anywhere. Usually, it starts with a typical toddler tantrum, where she'll hold her breath.

'But, unlike other toddlers, whose brains will kick in and force them to breathe, hers doesn't.'

'Instead, she holds her breath to the point where she'll go into respiratory or cardiac arrest.

'If it's respiratory, she'll start turning blue and if it's her heart she'll go a grey-white colour.

The couple live on red-alert in case their daughter goes into cardiac arrest with Rebecca revealing they are constantly prepared to give chest compressions

'As soon as it happens, it's all systems go. If it's respiratory we use an Ambu-bag - a self-inflating resuscitator - to pump air into her lungs and bring her round.

'But when it's a cardiac arrest, we have to perform CPR with chest compressions - which happens around once a week.'

There are also times when, despite their growing expertise, her parents cannot revive Charlie, who uses a wheelchair and stops breathing a few times a day.

Rebecca said: 'Sometimes, we do have to call 999. When Charlie comes to afterwards, she bounces back really quickly and I just think, "How is she going through all that and then carrying on?"

The mother-of-one added that despite 'everything she's been through', Charlie still has this amazingly happy personality'

Since Rebecca's sister Jessica, 31, heard the mother having to give Charlie CPR during a phone call, the caring sibling has been taking on a serious of often wacky challenges to raise 750 for the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Charity (pictured, Jessica with Charlie)

'She's so confident and whenever we go back to hospital, she'll always wave at everyone and be like, "Hi, I've arrived".

'After everything she's been through, she still has this amazingly happy personality.'

Since then, Jessica has been taking on a serious of often wacky challenges to raise 750 for the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Charity.

Rebecca said: 'She was planning on doing a 50km trek - but when lockdown happened, those plans were put on hold.

'Instead, she's done two mini challenges - one where she balanced 27 slices of cheese on her face for as long as possible and another, where she spent 27 minutes in a paddling pool filled with tuna, tomatoes, egg, avocado, milk and honey!

One of the wackier challenges Jessica has undertaken saw her balance 27 slices of cheese on her face for as long as possible

'She's already raised 760, but now she's planning to go on a camping trip next year where she will do the 50km trek.'

Rebecca added: 'I think what she's doing is brilliant and I'd love to see her try and camp, because she's definitely not the outdoors type!'

Rebecca also wants to emphasise the importance of the charity's work, revealing: 'They do so much for all the children in the hospital - even if it's just bringing them a balloon to put a smile on their face.

'They are always there - even if it's just for a little chat. They are invaluable and the work they do is incredible.'

Fantastic medical support has helped Rebecca to feel positive about her daughter's future, as she revealed: 'We're hoping one day that Charlie does grow out of these episodes - as they're usually bought on by a toddler tantrum.'

In another wacky challenge, Jessica spent 27 minutes in a paddling pool filled with tuna, tomatoes, egg, avocado, milk and honey

'If she does, there's no reasons why she can't live a wonderful life.

'She's such a little character and, considering everything she's been through, she's so resilient.

'She's always smiling and making other people smile - I'm just so proud to be her mum.'

To sponsor Jessica visit JustGiving.
A mission of Australian Defence Force officials, Victorian health officials and the Australian Chief Scientist Alan Finkel will travel to NSW to glean improvements that can be applied to Victorias contact tracing system.

Dr Finkel and ADF officials have been embedded in Victorias Health Department working on it its tracing system and will now travel to NSW to assess what improvements could be brought to the southern state.

The relative performance of the contact tracing in the two states has become a political flashpoint with Prime Minister Scott Morrison describing NSW as the "gold standard" and Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt blaming short-comings in Victoria for the extent of its crippling second wave.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday said the embedded experts had already been examining systems in other parts of the country and around the world.

"They have done an amazing job and we are very, very grateful for that advice, providing us with those second and third opinions, giving us that sense of confidence that there is a culture of continuous improvement and we are finding sometimes minutes, sometimes hours, but there is always that work every single day, every shift, to try and be better," he said.
People walk on campus at San Diego State University. Gregory Bull/AP

San Diego State University ordered students to stay in their dorms through Labor Day weekend as COVID-19 cases continue to rise on campus.

SDSU canceled in-person classes on September 2 when 64 COVID-19 cases were confirmed after nine days.

As of September 5, there are 223 probable and confirmed COVID-19 cases on campus.

SDSU President Adela de la Torre blamed a "plague of parties" for the rapid spread of the virus.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

San Diego State University issued a stay-at-home order on September 5, mandating that students stay inside their dorms throughout Labor Day weekend as COVID-19 cases on campus continue to rise.

SDSU paused in-person classes on September 2  nine days after 8,000 of its 35,500 students returned to campus  when 64 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed among the student body. An additional 120 cases have been identified and there are now 223 probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 on campus.

From 10 p.m. Saturday until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, students are only allowed to leave their residence halls for "essential needs" such as food, medical care, and other supplies.

SDSU President Adela de la Torre blamed a "plague of parties" for the virus' rapid spread, according to the San Diego Tribune.

In a Friday press release reported by the Tribune, County Public Health Officer Wilma Wooten implored students to "help to stop the spread within your campus community and our larger community."

"If you have been to parties and social events, you need to get tested, now," Wooten said, according to the Tribune. "And isolate until you get results."

Luke Wood, vice president of student affairs and chief diversity officer, told the Los Angeles Times that the school was hiring the private security firm Elite to help enforce social distancing measures and mask mandates with additional security patrols.

"I want to be clear that there are consequences for violating our COVID-19 policies," he told the Times.

Story continues

Colleges across America are grappling with how to prevent coronavirus outbreaks on campuses after students arrived for the school year. The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill was forced to move classes online after confirming 135 cases in seven days, and the University of Arkansas banned all nonacademic gatherings of more than 10 people after counting 639 cases.

Read more:

These simulations show how face shields and valved masks allow clouds of respiratory droplets to escape

Penn State doctor says one-third of their athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 developed inflamed heart muscles which can be fatal if not treated

Boston University won't notify professors if a student in their class tested positive for the coronavirus, and faculty and students are not happy about it

Read the original article on Insider
Grandparents: Consider These Financial Moves

Each year, on the first Sunday after Labor Day, we observe National Grandparents Day. Although it's not as widely recognized as Mother's Day or Father's Day, if you're a grandparent, you probably want to do whatever you can to help your grandchildren on their journeys through life. So, you might want to consider the following moves:

Contribute to their education. If you want to help your grandchildren pay for college, you have a variety of options, including 529 plans. You could also simply set aside some money in an investment account earmarked for education. But you don't just have to stick to helping out financially  you might also want to do some research to see what scholarships are available.

Consider a UGMA/UTMA account. The Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) and Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA) are custodial accounts that provide a relatively easy way for you to give money to your young grandchildren. A financial advisor can help determine if such a plan is right for you. However, once you put money into the UGMA or UTMA, you no longer have any legal access or authority over the funds unless you are the custodian managing the account. After children reach the age of majority  typically 18 or 21  or the age of termination if the state where they live allows for the assets to be held until a later age, they will control the assets, and they may not want to use the money as you had envisioned, such as for college. (Also, tax issues for custodial accounts can be complicated, so, before opening an UGMA or UTMA, you'll want to consult with your tax advisor.)

Consider gifts to older grandchildren. If you have older grandchildren, you might want to help them out if they're saving for a down payment on a home, or are between jobs, or perhaps are even having children of their own. You can give $15,000 per year, per individual, without having to file a gift tax return. Your spouse can also give $15,000 per year to the same individual, again without triggering the need for a gift tax return.

Review your will. If you've already created your last will and testament, you may want to review it upon the arrival of grandchildren. You can include specific instructions, such as requiring your grandchildren to turn a specific age before they can receive their inheritance. You could also codify the same requirements through the use of a living trust. Contact your legal advisor to determine if such a trust is appropriate for your situation.

Update beneficiary designations. If you want your grandchildren to receive proceeds from various accounts, such as your 401(k), IRA and life insurance, you may need to update the beneficiary designations, which can even supersede the instructions on your will. Keep in mind that if you have grandchildren with special needs, you may want to designate a supplemental needs trust for your grandchild as the beneficiary instead of naming your grandchild directly. Again, contact your legal advisor for more information.

These aren't the only steps you can take to help your grandchildren, but they should give you some options to consider. The world is an expensive place, and any assistance you can provide to your beloved grandkids can make a big difference in their lives.
(REUTERS)

The chief of police as well as several other high-ranking law enforcement officials in Rochester, New York have resigned following protests and accusations of a cover-up in the wake of the killing of Daniel Prude, a black man who was placed in a hood while in custody in March.

Mayor Lovely Warren also announced during a city council meeting that the entire command staff had resigned.

Rochester Police Chief LaRon Singletarys resignation follows New York Attorney General Letitia Jamess announcement of a grand jury investigation into Mr Prudes death.

As a man of integrity, I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character, chief Singletary said in a statement. The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for. The mischaracterisation and the politicisation of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr Prudes death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for.

Seven officers were suspended for their roles in Mr Prudes death. Nightly demonstrations against his killing have followed widespread protests against police violence against black Americans across the US.

Officers found Mr Prude, whose family says had struggled with mental health and drug issues, naked in the middle of a street in the early morning hours of 23 March.

He followed officers orders to get on the ground and place his hands behind his back, according to recently released police video from the scene that the family obtained through a public records request after months of uncertainty.

As he tried to rise, police placed a spit hood over his head and pinned him to the ground for two minutes. He died seven days later on 30 March after he was removed from life support.

An autopsy report from the Monroe County Medical Examiners office confirmed Mr Prude died from complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint" and compounded by acute intoxication by phencyclidine, or PCP.

Story continues

The death was initially reported as the result of a drug overdose, a characterisation that the familys attorneys argue was intended to insulate the police from mishandling the arrest.

The Prude family and the Rochester community have been through great pain and anguish, the states attorney general said in a statement on Saturday. My office will immediately move to empanel a grand jury as part of our exhaustive investigation into this matter.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement following Attorney General James announcement that justice delayed is justice denied and the people of New York deserve the truth.

Read more

Daniel Prude: Seven police officers suspended over death of black man in custody

Daniel Prude death: Bodycam footage shows police laughing before death of unarmed black man in custody

Daniel Prude: Black man killed in New York by police spit hood restraint
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 8, 2020 17:40 499 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4384fd8 1 Books National-Library-of-Indonesia,Central-Jakarta,library,Perpusnas,COVID-19 Free

The National Library of Indonesia at Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 11 in Central Jakarta is temporarily closed following confirmed COVID-19 cases.

According to a statement, four library employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently under self-quarantine.

The building has been sterilized and sprayed with disinfectant, and all other employees have been told to work from home.

In accordance with COVID-19 health protocols, all employees are required to undergo polymerase chain reaction [PCR] testing, National Library of Indonesia head of human resources and general bureau Ahmad Masykuri said in a statement.

The library is slated to reopen to the public on Sept. 14.

The National Library of Indonesia previously suspended operations on March 16. It reopened to the public in June with strict health protocols, including body temperature checks for all visitors, providing hand sanitizer in several areas and regular spraying disinfectant throughout the building. (wir/kes)
Circuit court stops Trump admin. from enforcing Title X ban on funding clinics that promote abortion

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An appeals court has upheld a judges ruling that blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a rule that halted Title X funding for medical professionals who refer women for an abortion.

In a 9-6 decision released last Thursday, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit upheld a district court decision issuing a permanent injunction against the Title X rule.

All dissenting judges were appointed by Republican presidents, including three by President Trump. All judges in the majority were appointed by Democrat presidents, save for Chief Judge Gregory, who was appointed by President George W. Bush.

Fourth Circuit Judge Stephanie Thacker, a nominee of President Obama, authored the majority opinion, arguing in part that the rule on Title X funds failed to recognize and address the ethical concerns of literally every major medical organization in the country, and it arbitrarily estimated the cost of the physical separation of abortion services.

Several medical organizations submitted comments to HHS about the Final Rule, and all of them stated that the Final Rule would violate the established principles of medical ethics, wrote Thacker.

 even if HHS did not need to identify a particular medical organization that supported its view, it nonetheless cannot easily brush off the swell of evidence in the record before the agency that the medical community finds this Rule to be repugnant to the ethical rules governing the profession.

The majority opinion also argued that the Title X rule violated the Noninterference Mandate of the Affordable Care Act, which said that HHS cannot advance a regulation that, among other things, creates any unreasonable barriers to the ability of individuals to obtain appropriate medical care.

Prohibiting Title X health care providers from referring a woman for an abortion when she requests it, as the Final Rule does, quite clearly interferes with communications about medical options between a patient and her provider, continued Thacker.

Circuit Judge Julius N. Richardson, a nominee of President Trump, authored a dissent, arguing in part that the Title X rule falls well within HHSs established statutory authority, and the record shows that it was a product of reasoned decision making.

Whatever courts or commenters think about the wisdom of an agencys regulations are of no moment, wrote Richardson. I conclude that the agency considered the issues and drew a rational line from the facts it found to the choices it made.

Todays decision ignores text, abandons administrative-law principles, and forsakes the limited role of courts, particularly inferior ones, in our constitutional structure.

The Title X family planning program gives approximately $286 million a year to health clinics that provide services, among them STD testing and contraceptives, to lower-income patients.

In February 2019, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a Final Rule regarding Title X funds, clarifying that funds could not go to programs that supported abortion, meaning they cannot provide abortion procedures or provide referrals for abortions.

The rule was based off of a similar measure created during the Reagan administration in 1988, which was upheld by the United States Supreme Court in 1991 but never implemented.

Planned Parenthood, the nations leading abortion provider, protested the rule change and exited the Title X family planning program rather than comply with the new regulations. Prior to the exit, Planned Parenthood received approximately $60 million in Title X funding.

In February, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld the new rule, with a 7-4 decision whose majority opinion was authored by Circuit Judge Sandra Ikuta.

In light of Supreme Court approval of the 1988 regulations and our broad deference to agencies interpretations of the statutes they are charged with implementing, plaintiffs legal challenges to the 2019 rule fail, wrote Ikuta.

In her decision, Ikuta took issue with the term gag rule, which is commonly used to pejoratively describe the HHS rule, noting that the Trump administration rule does not fully censor abortion talk.

 a counselor providing nondirective pregnancy counseling may discuss abortion so long as the counselor neither refers for, nor encourages, abortion  There is no gag on abortion counseling, added Ikuta.

In late March, the Fourth Circuit denied the Trump administrations motion to stay a district court order blocking the new rule from taking effect in the state of Maryland.
The first batch of the Sputnik V vaccine against Covid-19, developed by Russias Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) has been released into civil circulation, regional deliveries are planned in the nearest future, the Russian health ministry informs.

The first batch of the Gam-COVID-Vac [Sputnik V] vaccine for the prevention of the new coronavirus infection, developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Health of Russia, has passed the necessary quality tests in the laboratories of Roszdravnadzor [medical device regulator] and has been released into civil circulation, the ministry said in a statement.

Also Watch | India rebuts PLA claims; Russia releases 1st batch of Sputnik V to public

Follow latest updates on Covid-19 here

The Russian health ministry registered the first vaccine against Covid-19, named Sputnik V, on August 11.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin expressed hope on Sunday that the majority of the Russian capitals residents would be vaccinated against the coronavirus within several months.

Also read: Covid-19 vaccine may be ready by October, says Donald Trump

According to the health ministry, the delivery of the first batches of the Russian vaccine to the countrys regions is planned in the nearest future.
KERRVILLE, Texas, September 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- James Avery Artisan Jewelry, a family-owned jewelry retailer based in Texas, announces the upcoming opening of its new store on Wednesday, September 16 in Terrell, Texas in Crossroads at Terrell located at 608B American Way.

"When we select a new store location, convenience and service are always top of mind," says James Avery Director of Customer Service and Marketing Communications Lindsey Avery Tognietti. "And, we think our new Terrell location is perfect  bringing the James Avery experience closer to home for many of our long-time and new customers alike."

At the moment, the James Avery shopping experience may be a little different, but the company is committed to making each visit to their stores convenient, inviting and memorable for customers. Tognietti says customer and associate safety is the number one priority and the Crossroads at Terrell store will open following recommended health protocols and guidelines which have been implemented in all James Avery stores. There are hand sanitizing stations in the store for customers and associates as well as regular cleaning and sanitizing of all jewelry and high-touch areas of the store. The company asks customers to honor social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings when in store. James Avery associates undergo daily health screenings and wear facemasks.

The current store hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m. and are subject to change. Crossroads at Terrell customers are welcome to shop in the new store or use the Contactless, Curbside Pickup or Buy Online, Pickup in Store options at JamesAvery.com. The James Avery team will announce plans for a grand opening celebration after regular store operations resume across the company.

About James Avery Artisan Jewelry James Avery is a vertically integrated, family-owned company located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. We offer finely crafted jewelry designs for men and women in sterling silver, 14K and 18K gold, gemstones and leather handbags. James Avery jewelry is designed by our own skilled artisans in Kerrville, Texas. We are a multi-channel retailer with 94 James Avery stores in four states. Our jewelry is also available in more than 220 Dillard's stores in Texas and 28 additional states, airport stores in Austin and Houston, Army and Air Force Exchange Service locations at Fort Hood and Fort Belvoir and nationwide through JamesAvery.com. James Avery crafts jewelry in Texas workshops in Comfort, Hondo and Kerrville, made of the finest materials sourced worldwide. For more information, visit JamesAvery.com or facebook.com/JamesAvery.

SOURCE James Avery Artisan Jewelry

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Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Sarah Skidmore, a member of our Emerging Fellows program evaluates the role of religious contention in destabilizing peaceful futures of Africa through her ninth blog post. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the APF or its other members.

The Sahel is a leading region currently experiencing religious conflict. Keep in mind, the Sahel is the belt spanning across the continent from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea in northern Africa. Within the past five years alone, religious contention has been a leading factor influencing most conflicts in the Sahel. Amid the religious disputes, the area is home to harsh desert climates, drought, food insecurity, and poverty. As climate change continues to escalate in the coming years, the trajectory for increased conflict seems inevitable. With climbing temperatures, increasing droughts, and diminishing rainfall, food insecurity compounds the instability the Sahel faces.

Though instability and violence in the Sahel are not a modern phenomenon, the situation's caliber and extremity continue to rise exponentially. Specifically, the influx in ideologically-fueled conflicts  including armed conflict, religious violence, and religious extremists  is increasing at an alarming rate. Religious discrimination is on the rise, and discriminatory thinking certainly influences the thought of the groups initiating and prolonging, armed conflicts in the region. Marginalization. Frustration. Aggression.

Understand that, customarily, Islamists inhabited the northern portion of the Sahel with fundamentalist Christians in the southern part. With climate change progressing rapidly, food insecurity is an influencer spurring violence from militant Islamic groups. Also, realize that people living in the Sahel may fall victim to recruitment, kidnapping, or killing by Islamic extremist groups. Without immediate intervention, a future of religious warfare and the escalating violence will be the cyclical reality of the millions of Africans living in the Sahel.

The contention is not limited to interactions between opposing religions such as Islamists and Christians. Disputes are ripe within religious groups as well, consider the distinctions between Catholics and Protestants. In sub-Saharan Africa, just over 60% of Africans identify as Christian. Within this 60%, over half identify as Protestant, and roughly one-third of Christians identify as Catholic. Nuance and differences between catholic religiosity and protestant evangelical leanings demonstrate one area of growing hostility. The second area of growing hostility within Christianity is the rub between African religious interpretation with other aspects of the global Christian church. In the next three decades, as population growth in Africa expands, the African Christian church is projected to be the leader in numbers of the global Christian church, including the branches of Protestantism and Catholicism. This dynamic further opens doors for further religious hostilities. The African Christian church clings to more traditional and fundamental religiosity than Western religion, which leans more liberal in comparison. Consider attitude and beliefs toward the LGTBQ+ community regarding marriage equality and clergy ordination as one example.

The religious contentions that exist among African groups compounded with global religious contentions do not foster a foundation of a conflict-free future; in contrast, they do the opposite, and seemingly uphold hostilities and conflict in the continent. With these ideological and global influences at work, is it possible to have shared vision across an entire continent? What are the odds that there is buy-in on the shared vision being a conflict-free future for the African people? Is a conflict-free future merely a fleeting idea and utopian dream?

 Sarah Skidmore 2020
The National Assembly's economic committee held a hearing on the development of Vietnam's energy sector until 2030 yesterday.

A power station in the central region. Mustering the financial resources required to increase the country's energy supply, which is estimated at US$8-10 billion annually, has been difficult.  Photo Industry and Trade Magazine

Speaking at the hearing, Tran Tuan Anh, Minister of industry and trade and leader of the ministry overlooking the energy sector, said the development of power supply was being held back by a number of shortcomings and limitations in the country's investment framework.

Mustering the financial resources required to increase the country's energy supply, which was estimated at US$8-10 billion annually, has been difficult. State-owned enterprises have struggled financially, so the country must look to the private sector and foreign investors, who often require government assurances and other forms of assistance.

Many key power supply projects, as a result, had experienced delays and this was likely result in a shortage of supply, Anh said, claiming barely over 60 per cent of planned output for the period would be connected to the national grid between 2020-2025.

In addition, there is a mismatch in supply and demand in different regions across the country. While the northern and central regions experience an oversupply, the southern regions is often hit with shortages and can only meet 80 per cent of demand.

Despite the rapid development of renewable energy, including in the central region, the national grid has not been able to handle its full output. Several solar farms in the provinces of Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan with a total combined output of 690 MW have had to cut back production. Anh said this issue would only be resolved at the end of the year when a number of infrastructure projects in the region were completed.

Meanwhile, the sector has become more dependent on imports of raw input material. Vietnam has had to import coal and soon liquefied natural gas (LNG). By the ministry's projection, the country will have to import up to 60 million tonnes of coal and 12 million tones of LNG in 2030, which puts the country's energy security at risk without careful planning and strategy.

As the country suffers from an economic slowdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for electricity will likely fall compared to previously projected figures, with commercial electricity output maintaining modest growth of just 8 per cent in the 2021-2030 period.

Total output in 2030 is forecast to reach 138.000 MW. Of which, thermal, mainly from coal-fired plants, will account for 27 per cent, gas and LNG 19 per cent, hydro 18 per cent, solar and wind 28 per cent with the remainder from imports and other sources.

The minister said his ministry had been working on a power development plan for the country which outlined steps to be taken to address these issues including increased efforts to attract FDI investment and seeking government support for BOT projects. The plan is to be submitted to the Prime Minister no later than this October.

It also proposed greater autonomy for local governments by making them investors in infrastructure projects with investment value under VND5 trillion. Projects with investment value between VND2.3-5 trillion using State capital with State-owned enterprises as investors would be put under the management of the Prime Minister.

The ministry also recommended the government to grant energy projects access to State-sponsored preferential loans and reduce red tape in the planning process. VNS

VN lacks mechanisms for private investment in renewable energy Many private enterprises said they want to invest in building renewable energy infrastructure, but Viet Nam still lacks mechanisms to encourage private enterprises to participate in this activity.
Tokyo: Japanese Coast Guard ships have resumed searching for a livestock ship and its 40 missing crew members off Japan's southern islands after the efforts were suspended due to a typhoon.

The Gulf Livestock 1 sent a distress signal early on September 2 while it was sailing in stormy conditions in the East China Sea as a typhoon passed the area. Two survivors were rescued before a second typhoon halted the search.

An overturned lifeboat was found in the ocean after the Gulf Livestock 1 ship was hit by a large wave and capsized. Credit:Getty Images

The aerial search had resumed late on Monday. Coast Guard officials said two patrol ships were back at sea on Tuesday after the waters calmed.

Rescuers have seen dozens of cows carcasses, an empty raft, a life vest carrying the ships name and a bundle of rope floating in the area. They also found traces of fuel in the water, a sign of the ships submersion.
When the first graders started shuffling into Sarah Wahlquists classroom, she had to stop them when they reached out to hug her.

Instead she smiled beneath her cloth mask, opened her arms and made a hugging motion  an air hug as she called it. One student still could not help himself and clung to her waist. Even with all the COVID-19 safety changes at Mahaffey Elementary and Klein ISD, her students were beaming.

I think the kids are just so happy to be back. That was surprising because I thought they might be a little scared with their masks and things being different, Wahlquist said. But they were so positive.

The kids were not actually back yet. The scene at Mahaffey was part of a dress rehearsal Klein ISD held for students last Wednesday, a way to get the kids used to a variety of COVID-inspired changes, including new rules for arriving at school, markers on the floor to help keep students distanced from each other, hand sanitizing stations and signs in the hallway to help with the flow of foot traffic.

It was the third practice round Klein officials had held across the district since the last week of August. The first was a dry run for teachers, who practiced procedures among themselves. The second, last Monday, was aimed at students who chose virtual learning, helping them and their parents to sign in and address any technology issues.

Its like the first year for every single teacher, and so we really felt it was critical to have this time to practice, Mahaffey Principal Holly Mason said of the rehearsals. The students need to know what its like, in person, to socially distance.

Students in Klein and about nine districts throughout the region will get their real first taste of the new learning environment on Tuesday as those districts welcome back those who opted to come to school rather than attend online. Among them are Cypress-Fairbanks, Katy, Conroe, Spring Branch, La Porte, Magnolia and Santa Fe ISDs.

It marks the biggest return of students to school campuses in six months, after schools were closed in mid-March to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Already, students in Lamar CISD and Humble, Alvin, Dickinson, Galveston and Barbers Hill ISDs have brought some of their students back in recent weeks.

The districts are forging ahead with plans to reopen campuses despite warnings from regional health authorities and some local leaders who say it still is too early. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Public Health Executive Director Umair Shah recommended in August that schools remain closed until there are fewer cases of COVID-19 and less community spread. The two set benchmarks for schools to begin reopening, but with current statistics, it would take weeks to reach them.

Hidalgo and Shah only can offer recommendations, after Gov. Greg Abbott said local government officials do not have the legal authority to preemptively close campuses. Instead, he said, those decisions should be left to school districts. In some Houston-area districts, school boards, parents and some educators have argued that the benefits of face-to-face instruction, especially after such a long hiatus, outweigh potential health risks.

We can provide a schooling online, but we cant provide an education online, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Superintendent Mark Henry said at a July board meeting.

Others have opted to keep their students learning remotely for the foreseeable future, including Fort Bend and Alief ISDs. In Houston ISD, the states largest district, students will return Tuesday to online-only classes, which are scheduled to remain in place until mid-October.

District officials estimate that about 18,000 students still lack the computer or internet access needed for online classes. As a result, HISD is directing those students to 36 learning centers with adult supervision and available technology. HISD officials said they are not publicizing the learning center locations.

It just cant be everyone showing up, HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. Its truly assigned locations for students and staff.

Texas Education Agency officials have said districts can limit in-person classes for up to the first eight weeks of school, but students without at-home technology must have access to on-campus instruction.

For those that already have opened classrooms, teachers and students still are adapting.

In Humble ISD, middle and high school students are coming into the buildings in alternating groups, with an A group coming on some days and a B group on others.

Superintendent Elizabeth Celania-Fagen said she has been surprised the elementary schoolers have not had as many issues with face masks and social distancing as some had feared.

Were starting to get our arms around it pretty well, Fagen said. Every day there are new metrics to monitor, and we hope we can get to a place for (more) in person in near future.

For students at Klein ISDs Mahaffey Elementary who chose in-person instruction, last Wednesday served as a crash course for their new school realities.

Staff practiced funneling students through entrances assigned by grade rather than the main doors in the front. They showed students how to keep their distance in hallways and spent class periods juggling between in-person students and those learning remotely on Zoom calls. They adjusted their cameras, helped parents troubleshoot technology problems and made sure the kids in their classrooms knew the new procedures.

Rhyland Gossett, 6, was just excited to finally, actually get to first grade. He said his Avengers cloth mask and the new COVID safety procedures did not bother him, but he missed his best friend Gavin, whose parents opted to keep him at home and online.

I was a little bit nervous because I didnt think I was actually going to finish all my work, but we just finished a Director Draw, so I feel kind of good and stuff, Gossett said.

shelby.webb@chron.com
The US stock market closed on Monday, 07 September 2020, for the U. S. Labor Day holiday.

Asian stocks closed mostly lower on Monday, due to mixed trade data released by China and on worries about rising tech tensions between Washington and Beijing after reports that the U. S. government is considering adding China's largest chipmaker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. or SMIC to a trade blacklist.

U. S. President Donald Trump's administration is considering imposing export restrictions on SMIC, according to a Defense Department spokesperson.

The potential move by Washington would mark a major escalation in the tech battle between the U. S. and China.

Data from China's General Administration of Customs showed Monday that the country's dollar-denominated exports rose 9.5% from a year ago while imports declined 2.1% in the same period. China posted a trade surplus of $58.93 billion for the month of August. China's trade surplus was $62.33 billion in July.

August shipments to the United States jumped 20% from a year earlier to US$44.8 billion, while imports of US goods rose by 1.8% to US$10.5 billion. China reported a trade surplus of US$34.2 billion with the US in August, up 27% from a year earlier. This was also wider than the US$32.46 reported in July.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Murchison Widefield Array radio telescope in Australia. (ICRAR)

Its looking a little more likely that humanity might be all alone in the universe after a scan of 10 million stars found not a whisper of alien life.

A scan using a radio telescope in the Australian outback conducted a deep and broad search for alien communications at radio frequency.

Focusing on a patch of sky known to contain at least 10 million stars, the researchers used the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) telescope to scan  and found nothing.

Dr Chenoa Tremblay, from the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), said the telescope was searching for powerful radio emissions at frequencies similar to FM radio frequencies.

Read more: What are fast radio bursts, and why do they look like aliens?

These possible emissions are known as technosignatures, Tremblay said.

The MWA is a unique telescope, with an extraordinarily wide field-of-view that allows us to observe millions of stars simultaneously, she said.

We observed the sky around the constellation of Vela for 17 hours, looking more than 100 times broader and deeper than ever before.

With this dataset we found no technosignatures  no sign of intelligent life.

The Vela supernova remnant in the southern constellation Vela. (Getty)

But Tremlay said alien-hunters shouldnt give up hope.

As Douglas Adams noted in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Space is big, really big, she said.

And even though this was a really big study, the amount of space we looked at was the equivalent of trying to find something in the Earths oceans but only searching a volume of water equivalent to a large backyard swimming pool.

Since we cant really assume how possible alien civilisations might utilise technology, we need to search in many different ways. Using radio telescopes, we can explore an eight-dimensional search space.

Although there is a long way to go in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, telescopes such as the MWA will continue to push the limits  we have to keep looking.

Read more: There might once have been life on the moon

Story continues

The MWA is a precursor for the instrument that comes next, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), a huge observatory with telescopes in Western Australia and South Africa.

The SKA is so-called because it forms one huge satellite dish built to watch stars billions of light years at a resolution never achieved before.

The area of the dish, spread over several continents, is a square kilometre.

The machine could detect signals from intelligent life forms 50 light years away, some researchers have suggested.

One of the telescopes goals is to see back through time to the Big Bang.
A 58-year-old man has died in an industrial accident at a Georgia poultry processing plant.

The maintenance worker was killed at the loading dock of the Tyson Foods plant in Vienna on Thursday afternoon, Dooly County Coroner Ricky Hudson said.

The employee was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not immediately identified.

Hudson did not release any further details about the accident.

Tyson Foods said in a statement that company officials, local authorities and the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration were investigating.

Were deeply saddened by the accident and extend our thoughts and prayers to the team members family, friends and co-workers, the statement said.

Vienna is about 55 miles (89 kilometers) south of Macon.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Website vwestcu.org uses latest and advanced technologies like: JQuery and Php. It is very popular on the web, it's within the 1 million most visited websites of the world at position 389465 by Alexa. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 56831 bytes (55.50 kb uncompressed) and 13403 bytes (13.09 kb compressed).

This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-12-20, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.
President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is taking the 'high road' or the best method in making sure to send the stimulus relief aid before government operation shuts down.

President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is taking high roads or will use the best method to deliver the stimulus aid to millions of Americans without negotiating with the Democrats. This is to make sure that heavily impacted Americans will receive the relief aids they need amid the global pandemic.

If there is one person who has been very aggressive in calling for the second round of the stimulus bill, it is Pres. Donald Trump. He said this during the Labor Day Conference and a day before the Senate session resumes where the Republican Senators will discuss and vote for the new stimulus bill.

Trump also told the reporters during the conference not to say that there is no hope. Trump also asserted that he knew very well the top negotiators of Democrats, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer.

Trump said "They don't wanna make a deal, because they think it's good for politics if they don't make a deal. This has nothing to do with anything other than you have to know who you're dealing with. I do," Pres. Trump also explained why he does not show a lot of respect with these leaders.

He firmly believed that Pelosi and Schumer do not respect the American people after they rejected the stimulus offer of his administration. He will also not meet with Pelosi with Schumer because he knew that his stimulus offer will only be turned down.

Meanwhile, the Senate is back on Tuesday to discuss and vote for the new stimulus bill that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will introduce and unveil. The Senate is dominated by Republicans which will surely support the new bill.

Moreover, Democratic-dominated Congress is more likely to support the new bill after U.S Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin testified before a Congress subcommittee panel over the need to have another round of stimulus payment. It can also be remembered that over 100 Democratic Representatives sent a letter to Pelosi to support the new stimulus bill.

Recently, Mnuchin gave a positive message about the stimulus bill. He said that Pres. Trump wants to give more stimulus to Americans and qualified individuals. It is possible that Pres. Trump will divert some funds like what he did with FEMA just to make sure that the unemployment claims will be extended.

Moreover, Mnuchin also shared that Pelosi agreed to come up with a continuing resolution. This action will make sure that there will be relief aids until the end of this year and to avoid government operations shut down without doing anything.

It is important to note also that the continuing resolution is separate from the stimulus bill. Trump's administration wants to make sure that there is enough financial support while Americans are waiting for the bigger coronavirus relief aid.

Check these out!
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that former ICICI Bank managing director Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak Kochhar, who was arrested on Monday night in connection with a money laundering probe, worked in tandem in a conspiracy to extend a loan to Videocon Group and then used an elaborate structure/web of entities for layering a bribe of Rs 64 crore.

Deepak Kochhar, according to the ED, not only actively engaged in laundering proceeds of crime and projecting it as untainted, but continued to have access to the laundered money. Interestingly, after Deepak Kochhar was arrested around 8.06 pm in EDs Mumbai office, the agency informed Chanda Kochhar on telephone that her husband had been arrested.

In its remand document submitted in a Mumbai Prevention of Money Laundering Act Act (PMLA) court on Tuesday while seeking 14 days custody, the ED said that Deepak Kochhars arrest was qualitatively more elicitation oriented and absolutely necessary since he has been totally non-cooperative and needs to be taken to Delhi to be confronted with voluminous evidence so that the agency can decipher the complete money trail.

The ED added that various persons examined by it in the case are linked to various sham transactions and several documents have been recovered showing details of other companies controlled by Deepak Kochhar.

Also read: ED probes over 24 transactions in Deepak Kochhars accounts. It includes one by his wife

Deepak Kochhar.was sent to EDs custody until September 19. His lawyer, Vijay Aggarwal, argued that the arrest was illegal.

This arrest and remand will not stand scrutiny in higher courts,Aggarwal told HT, adding that his client joined the investigation and submitted 10,000 pages of documents in two years, and was arrested in a case punishable with seven years imprisonment which is illegal . According to the amended Criminal Procedure Code, an accused may not be arrested for offences in which the maximum punishment is seven years.

At the heart of the case are allegations of loans for favours and conflict of interest. According to the ED investigation, details of which were accessed by HT, ICICI Bank extended a loan of Rs.300 crore to (Rs 283.45 crore was the actual disbursed amount) to Videocon International Electronics Ltd (VIEL) on September 7, 2009, following which Rs 64 crore was transferred to Deepak Kochhars company NuPower Renewables Ltd (NRL) through Supreme Energy Pvt Ltd, the very next day.

NRL was started by Videocons Venugopal Dhoot and Deepak Kochhar together; Dhoot later transferred control of it to Kochhar.

ED has prepared a detailed flowchart on how money moved from Videocons various companies and bank accounts to finally reach NRL, a company controlled, owned and managed by Deepak Kochhar from 2012.

Chanda Kochhar was part of decision making process and chairperson/member of the recommending/sanctioning committees for other loans sanctioned to Videocon Group by ICICI Bank, it added.

SEPL, ED said, was acquired by Pinnacle Energy (a family trust of Deepak Kochhar).

an elaborate structure/web of entities was created to ostensibly hold this amount of Rs 64 crore. Loan funds travelled from VIL to NRL through SEPL, but two intermediaries were brought in for purpose of layering, it added. The money was used by Deepak Kochhar for purchase of properties (wind farm projects of 33.15 MW capacity), the agency added.

The agency has claimed that Deepak Kochhar was given multiple opportunities to rebut the allegations against himself but his stand has been contrary to the records of the case. He also wilfully withheld information which was in his exclusive knowledge.

ED has also identified an overseas transaction in Deepak Kochhars company.

Officials hinted that Venugopal Dhoot and Chanda Kochhar may also soon be called for questioning on the basis of Deepak Kochhars custodial interrogation.

Calls made to Chanda Kochhars mobile number failed to connect and WhatsApp messages did not elicit a response.

In January 2019, Chanda Kochhar was sacked as chief executive of ICICI Bank, a post to which she was appointed in 2009, with retrospective effect after a panel indicted her on several counts. The ICICI Bank board terminated her services following a meeting where it discussed the report that found the former banker to have breached the banks code of conduct.
W ikileaks founder Julian Assange has been warned he could be removed from his extradition hearings after he interrupted a witness with an outburst from the dock.

District Judge Vanessa Baraitser halted proceedings at the Old Bailey when Assange attempted to intervene in the cross-examination of one of his supporting witnesses.

Resuming the session after a ten-minute break, she told the 49-year-old: Witnesses must be allowed to give their evidence free from interruption.

In these hearings, things will most likely be said which you dont agree with, and you would like to contradict it and speak about these things yourself. This is not the opportunity to do so.

She said she wanted Assange to remain in court as the hearing continues, but told him: If you interrupt witnesses, it is open to me to proceed without you, in your absence.

Obviously that is not something I wish to do.

I am giving you a clear warning, you must allow witnesses to speak without interruption so they can give their evidence.

Julian Assange supporters outside the Old Bailey on Tuesday / AP

Mark Summers QC, representing Assange, then asked the judge for time to confer before he was called to question the witness to take onboard Assanges views and better construct re-examination without interruption.

Assange is wanted in the US over the mass leak of classified documents and military cables, which it is claimed amounted to spying and put peoples lives at risk.

The court has heard this morning from Clive Stafford Smith, the founder of London-based charity Reprieve, who argues that the Wikileaks disclosures helped to expose war crimes and human rights abuses by the US.

He described an Orwellian situation where Guantanamo Bay detainees are held without knowing the charges they face, the deeply troubling case of a war correspondent allegedly targeted for assassination, and claimed that the American government has murdered prisoners during torture.

I can say that I have been surprised at just how dreadful the US intelligence has been that has been used to justify keeping my clients indefinitely detained without trial, he said.

I say this more in sadness than anger, as of 2001 I would never have believed that my own government would do what it did.

We are talking about criminal offences, torture, kidnapping, rendition, holding people without the rule of law, and  Im sad to say  murder.

I debriefed one person about a murder he had witnessed. The US government thought it was OK for them to keep that a secret.

They said that was a mean of interrogation, murdering people at Bagram airport.

Mr Stafford Smith insisted the Wikileaks disclosures have become of key importance in our work to evidence war crimes and human rights violations by the US and its allies.

When questioned by James Lewis QC, representing the American government, Mr Stafford Smith said he has not seen the new charges laid against Assange.

He was unaware that the charges now relate specifically to the naming of military sources in the unredacted Wikileaks documents, but he insisted information outside of the charges would be introduced in a trial in the US.

Mr Stafford Smith added that he believes the US has damaged its reputation in the last twenty years by over-classifying its material.

It has harmed us more than anything else, he said, adding that evidence of torture is classified because exposure would damage the countrys international reputation.

The hearing continues.
Former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday in an exclusive interview on ABC's "Good Morning America" that her former colleagues who have criticized President Donald Trump after leaving their positions were "disgruntled employees" who "have tried to push their own agenda."

Sanders, whose memoir was published Tuesday, told ABC News Chief Anchor George Stephanopoulos that the cacophony of negative comments from former officials -- including former National Security Adviser John Bolton, former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis -- contrasted sharply with her own account because hers was "honest."

"It's really simple," Sanders said. "I think mine is actually the honest account. You're looking at people who have left as disgruntled employees, people who have tried to push their own agenda."

PHOTO: Sarah Sanders appears on 'Good Morning America,' Sept. 8, 2020. (ABC News)

Sanders' book, "Speaking for Myself: Faith, Freedom, and the Fight of Our Lives Inside the Trump White House," covers her years in the White House. She said it was "very candid, very authentic and shows you a different side of the president."

MORE: A message for President Donald Trump from his niece: 'Resign'

One voice critical of Trump -- Retired Gen. John F. Kelly, a former White House chief of staff under Trump -- has remained silent in the past several days after a report in The Atlantic last week said Trump had made disparaging remarks about members of the military.

Pressed by Stephanopoulos on why Kelly had not spoken out to defend the president, as Sanders and numerous other current and former officials had, Sanders said, "That's a question you'd have to ask General Kelly."

Sanders said she was present on the day Trump reportedly called fallen service members "losers" and "suckers" and that "those comments didn't happen." ABC News has not confirmed The Atlantic's account.

In a later interview on "The View," Sanders sidestepped a question from co-host Meghan McCain about Trump's past "incendiary" comments about her father, the late Sen. John McCain, and other members of the military -- and how that makes these allegations more believable even though they come from anonymous sources.

Story continues

She said she "witnessed firsthand the president's respect and admiration for the men and women of our armed forces."

Pressed by McCain, Sanders later added, "There's no denying the fact that not only did Donald Trump dislike your father, your father disliked the president."

"I'm not saying that there weren't some moments that were heated, that were not of the highest level of respect," Sanders said, "but when it comes to who this president is, at his heart, and how he feels about the men and women of our armed services, I can say for my own experience he has a great level of respect."

She said she was not present for an incident in 2017, when, according to The Atlantic, standing beside the grave of Kelly's son, who died in Afghanistan in 2010, Trump said: "I don't get it. What was in it for them?"

"I was not standing next to the president for that, no," Sanders said.

Trump's former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, also has a book critical of the president out Tuesday.

"Having a difference of opinion is not a bad thing," Sanders said on "Good Morning America." "I think that's one of the reasons the president has been successful. He's willing to listen to those people."

PHOTO: Sarah Sanders speaks to the media outside the West Wing of the White House, May 23, 2019. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images, FILE)

The former press secretary would not confirm speculation she was considering a run for governor of Arkansas, her home state. Her father, Mike Huckabee, served as governor from 1996 to 2007.

MORE: The Note: Erstwhile allies keep Trump on guard and off message

"We'll see," Sanders said. "Right now my focus is on the 2020 election, helping the president get re-elected. I'd love to see us pick up some more seats in the Senate and take back the House, and I'll make a decision on that after we get through 2020."

Sanders also said that being a mother helped her in her role as press secretary, from telling both reporters and children "no" to having a consistent message.

"I think being a mom made me a better press secretary, and being a press secretary for Donald Trump, I think, made me a better mom," she said.

Former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders: Former officials critical of Trump are 'disgruntled employees' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A hoagie from Cosmi's, widely considered among the best in the city. Read more

Update: Theres been a tentative agreement, and Cosmis reopens at 10 a.m. Sept. 10.

Heres why you cannot order one of Philadelphias finest hoagies right now:

Cosmis Deli, which has held the corner of Eighth and Dickinson since the depths of the Great Depression, is closed, though its operator says he believes that its temporary.

Its not a coronavirus issue, said Mike Seccia, whose great-uncle Cosmi Quattrone founded the deli in 1932. Cosmi and Pauline Quattrone ran it till 1976, when Mikes father, Leon, took it over. Mike  who added sandwiches to the menu  bought the business from his father in early 2007.

Through the pandemic, business has been fine, he said.

Cosmis fan base is wide, hitting high on many best-of lists, and includes Roots drummer Amir Questlove Thompson, who admitted to the Hollywood Reporter a few years ago that a stop at the deli was his guilty pleasure. (Hes into the honey-roasted turkey hoagie and jalapeno chips, followed by a package of Tastykake butterscotch krimpets.)

Mike Seccia acknowledged that he had financial difficulties several years ago (to wit, four kids in college) and took on Trenton-area pizzeria owner Brian Maglione as a business partner, awarding him a majority interest. The problem now, as Seccia puts it, is a dispute between Maglione and the buildings owner. Maglione would not comment on the situation. I reached out to the landlord but have not heard back.

Until the dispute is resolved, Seccia is caught in the middle and his slicer is silent. If the dispute cannot be resolved, Seccia said, he will open another deli nearby with the same sandwiches and recipes. Its all mine anyway, he said. No way Cosmis is going to get shut down.
Statewide

All information from the Iowa Department of Public Health, except where noted. Numbers are as of 10 a.m.

Cases of coronavirus: 70,659

The total number of people who have ever tested positive for active novel coronavirus infection since testing began March 1, 2020.

14-day average cases per day: 864

Percent change in cases over 14 days: 40.4% National average: -6.2% (Info: KFF.org)

National ranking in cases per capita: 12th (+1; New Jersey now 13th) (Info: kff.org)

Rate of spread: 1.04

The average number of people who currently become infected by an infectious person. Over 1.0 means the virus will spread, and below 1.0 means it has stopped spreading. (Info: Rt.live)

Positive testing rate in past 14 days: 10.5%

As of May 12, the World Health Organization recommends a positive testing rate of less than 5% or lower for at least 14 days before an area reopens.

Deaths: 1,173

The total number of people who died of the novel coronavirus beginning March 1, 2020.

14-day average deaths per day: 6.8

Fatality rate: 1.7%

National ranking in deaths per capita: 23rd (+1; Ohio now 24th) (Info: kff.org)

Recoveries: 50,371

As of June 30, IDPH now classifies anyone not hospitalized or deceased after 28 days to be recovered.

Recovery rate: 71.3%

Positive serology tests: 3,127

The number of people with no current infection who tested positive for antibodies of the novel coronavirus, indicating they may have already had the virus.

Hospitalized patients with COVID-19:

Statewide: 326 (+15)

326 (+15) RMCC Region 6 (Northeast Iowa): 74 (+7)

74 (+7) RMCC Region 2 (North Central Iowa): 83 (+6)

Hospitalized in intensive care units:

Statewide: 92 (+6)

92 (+6) Region 6: 18 (+2)

18 (+2) Region 2: 20 (+2)

Hospitalized on a ventilator:

Statewide: 37 (no change)

37 (no change) Region 6: 4 (no change)

4 (no change) Region 2: 6 (no change)

Long-term care facility outbreaks: 26 (-3)

An outbreak is added when a facility has three or more residents test positive, and removed when no new cases appear.

LTC current outbreak cases: 743 (-35)

743 (-35) LTC total outbreak deaths: 629 (+24)

State prisons: (Info: doc.iowa.gov/covid19. Some staff numbers are self-reported.)

Anamosa State Penitentiary

Inmates positive: 0 (no change)

Inmates recovered: 0 (no change)

Staff positive: 1 (no change)

Staff recovered: 7 (no change)

Inmate COVID deaths: 0

Clarinda Correctional Facility

Inmates positive: 0 (no change)

Inmates recovered: 3 (no change)

Staff positive: 0 (no change)

Staff recovered: 3 (no change)

Inmate COVID deaths: 0

Fort Dodge Correctional Facility

Inmates positive: 2 (no change)

Inmates recovered: 358 (no change)

Staff positive: 0 (no change)

Staff recovered: 39 (no change)

Inmate COVID deaths: 3 (no change)

Iowa Correctional Institute for Women (Mitchellville)

Inmates positive: 0 (no change)

Inmates recovered: 0 (no change)

Staff positive: 3 (no change)

Staff recovered: 8 (no change)

Inmate COVID deaths: 0

Iowa Medical Classification Center (Coralville)

Inmates positive: 127 (-1)

Inmates recovered: 154 (+32)

Staff positive: 6 (no change)

Staff recovered: 23 (no change)

Inmate COVID deaths: 0

Iowa State Penitentiary (Fort Madison)

Inmates positive: 0 (no change)

Inmates recovered: 0 (no change)

Staff positive: 13 (no change)

Staff recovered: 7 (no change)

Inmate COVID deaths: 0

Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility

Inmates positive: 139 (+95)

Inmates recovered: 26 (+24)

Staff positive: 2 (no change)

Staff recovered: 2 (no change)

Inmate COVID deaths: 0

Newton Correctional Facility

Inmates positive: 0 (no change)

Inmates recovered: 0 (no change)

Staff positive: 1 (no change)

Staff recovered: 2 (no change)

Inmate COVID deaths: 0

North Central Correctional Facility (Rockwell City)

Inmates positive: 0 (no change)

Inmates recovered: 0 (no change)

Staff positive: 0 (no change)

Staff recovered: 0 (no change)

Inmate COVID deaths: 0

------------------

Black Hawk County

Cases: 4,040

14-day average cases per day: 24.8

Hospitalized: 20

Recoveries: 3,112

Deaths: 79

14-day average deaths per day: 0.6

Percent currently infected of total infections: 17.9%

Fatality rate: 2.0%

Total population currently infected: 0.6%

Total population ever infected: 3.6%

Positive testing rate in past 14 days: 10.2% (+0.3%)

Iowa school districts may request a temporary waiver to send students home for 14 days and move all instruction online if 10% of students are absent and a 14-day average shows at least 15% of county residents screened for coronavirus test positive.

Long-term care facility outbreaks: 2

Added Aug. 25: Pinnacle Specialty Care in Cedar Falls : 12 cases (no change), 1 recovered (+1)

: 12 cases (no change), 1 recovered (+1) Added Aug. 25: Northcrest Specialty Care in Waterloo: 48 cases (+1), 0 recovered

University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls): (Info updated Mondays and Fridays: forwardtogether.uni.edu/covid19-dashboard)

Number of faculty, staff and students testing positive: 45 (-9)

Positive testing rate: 22.96% (-9.18%)

Number in isolation: 18 (-10)

Number in quarantine: 75 (-8)

Data below from blackhawkcovid19.com:

Reported cases by zip code as a percentage of total county cases:

Cedar Falls (50613): 21.8% (+2.2%)

Dunkerton (50626): 1.0% (+0.1%)

Elk Run Heights, Evansdale, Raymond (50707): 4.7% (no change)

Gilbertville (50634): 0.6% (+0.1%)

Hudson (50643): 0.7% (+0.1%)

La Porte City (50651): 1.4% (+0.1%)

Waterloo (50701): 22.2% (-0.4%)

Waterloo (50702): 25.7% (-1.0%)

Waterloo (50703): 20.2% (-0.3%)

Other: 1.7% (-0.8%)

Reported cases by sex:

Male: 52.9% (-0.7%)

Female: 47.1% (+0.7%)

Reported cases by age:

0-17: 5.1% (no change)

18-40: 52.2% (no change)

41-60: 29.6% (no change)

61-80: 10.5% (no change)

80+: 2.6% (no change)

Reported cases by race:

Asian: 9.5% (-0.4%)

Black: 23.3% (-0.4%)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 2.1% (-0.1%)

White: 65.1% (+0.9%)

Reported cases by ethnicity:

Hispanic/Latinx: 15.4% (-0.6%)

Non-Hispanic: 84.6% (+0.6%)

------------------

Bremer County

Cases: 389

14-day average cases per day: 8.8

Hospitalized: 2

Recoveries: 226

Deaths: 7

14-day average deaths per day: 0

Percent currently infected of total infections: 39.3%

Fatality rate: 1.8%

Total population currently infected: 0.6%

Total population ever infected: 1.6%

Positive testing rate in past 14 days: 18.8% (+0.9%)

Iowa school districts may request a temporary waiver to send students home for 14 days and move all instruction online if 10% of students are absent and a 14-day average shows at least 15% of county residents screened for the coronavirus test positive.

Wartburg College (Waverly): (Info: wartburg.edu/knights-care)

Number of faculty, staff and students testing positive or inconclusive: 69 (+4)

Number in isolation (those testing positive or displaying symptoms): 69 (+4)

Number in quarantine (those exposed without symptoms): 99 (-27)

-----------------

Buchanan County

Cases: 191

14-day average cases per day: 1.6

Hospitalized: 1

Recoveries: 133

Deaths: 1

14-day average deaths per day: 0

Percent currently infected of total infections: 28.9%

Fatality rate: 0.5%

Total population currently infected: 0.3%

Total population ever infected: 0.9%

Positive testing rate in past 14 days: 4.0% (+1.7%)

Iowa school districts may request a temporary waiver to send students home for 14 days and move all instruction online if 10% of students are absent and a 14-day average shows at least 15% of county residents screened for the coronavirus test positive.

------------------

Butler County

Cases: 231

14-day average cases per day: 4.7

Hospitalized: 4

Recoveries: 196

Deaths: 2

14-day average deaths per day: 0

Percent currently infected of total infections: 14.0%

Fatality rate: 0.9%

Total population currently infected: 0.2%

Total population ever infected: 1.6%

Positive testing rate in past 14 days: 11.6% (-0.9%)

Iowa school districts may request a temporary waiver to send students home for 14 days and move all instruction online if 10% of students are absent and a 14-day average shows at least 15% of county residents screened for the coronavirus test positive.

---------------

Fayette County

Cases: 161

14-day average cases per day: 2.4

Hospitalized: 0

Recoveries: 92

Deaths: 1

14-day average deaths per day: 0

Percent currently infected of total infections: 39.3%

Fatality rate: 0.6%

Total population currently infected: 0.3%

Total population ever infected: 0.9%

Positive testing rate in past 14 days: 5.2% (+0.7%)

Iowa school districts may request a temporary waiver to send students home for 14 days and move all instruction online if 10% of students are absent and a 14-day average shows at least 15% of county residents screened for the coronavirus test positive.

----------------

Floyd County

Cases: 242

14-day average cases per day: 4

Hospitalized: 0

Recoveries: 189

Deaths: 3

14-day average deaths per day: 0

Percent currently infected of total infections: 19.8%

Fatality rate: 1.2%

Total population currently infected: 0.3%

Total population ever infected: 1.6%

Positive testing rate in past 14 days: 5.6% (-2.0%)

Iowa school districts may request a temporary waiver to send students home for 14 days and move all instruction online if 10% of students are absent and a 14-day average shows at least 15% of county residents screened for the coronavirus test positive.

--------------------

Grundy County

Cases: 147

14-day average cases per day: 2.4

Hospitalized: 3

Recoveries: 81

Deaths: 1

14-day average deaths per day: 0

Percent currently infected of total infections: 42.8%

Fatality rate: 0.7%

Total population currently infected: 0.5%

Total population ever infected: 1.2%

Positive testing rate in past 14 days: 7.8% (+0.3%)

Iowa school districts may request a temporary waiver to send students home for 14 days and move all instruction online if 10% of students are absent and a 14-day average shows at least 15% of county residents screened for the coronavirus test positive.

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Robert Jenrick unveiled a boost to home ownership last night as he launched plans to build tens of thousands of affordable houses to buy.

Billions of pounds of funding will be ploughed into a scheme to provide up to 180,000 new homes across the country, should economic conditions allow, the Housing Secretary said.

For the first time, half of these will be homes available to buy.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick announced a 12billion boost for housing last night as he launched plans to build tens of thousands of affordable houses to buy

Mr Jenrick also unveiled reforms to make it easier for people to get on the housing ladder via shared ownership schemes.

This will reduce the minimum initial share that can be bought in a property from 25 per cent to just 10 per cent.

He also said new rules will be brought in to make all new homes more accessible for older and disabled people.

He said: Todays announcement represents the highest single funding commitment to affordable housing in a decade.

Helping families get on the ladder: Around half of the new homes built will be available for affordable ownership in a bid to help people onto the property ladder

This Government is helping hard-working families and prospective first-time buyers get their feet on the housing ladder in an affordable way.

House prices jump to record new high: Prices top record 245k By James Salmon Associate City Editor A mini boom in the property market post-lockdown has pushed house prices to a record high, Britains biggest mortgage lender has found. Halifax revealed average house prices have topped 245,000 for the first time. It said lifting lockdown has unleashed pent up demand for new, bigger homes while buyers have also rushed to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday. House prices rose 1.6 per cent  or almost 4,000  to a record average of 245,747 last month, Halifax said. But Russell Galley, managing director of Halifax, warned: Rising house prices contrast with the adverse impact of the pandemic on household earnings and... we do expect greater downward pressure on house prices in the medium-term. Experts fear rising unemployment when the furlough scheme ends will hit demand. From the Mail, September 3 Advertisement

The 12.2billion overall investment in affordable housing was confirmed in the Budget.

The homes will be available from next year, with around half available for affordable home ownership and the rest available for discounted rent, including 10 per cent for supported housing for those with physical or mental health challenges.

Mr Jenrick also announced a new model for shared ownership with the minimum initial share reduced to 10 per cent.

Tenants will then be able to buy additional shares in their home in 1 per cent instalments.

A Right to Shared Ownership will be available on the vast majority of rented homes delivered through the new programme, providing tenants with a pathway to ownership.

Ministers will also consult on plans to raise housing standards for elderly and disabled people.

A higher minimum standard would include requiring a living area at entrance level and step-free access to all entrance level rooms and facilities, wider doorways and corridors as well as clear access routes to reach windows.

It would also include features to make homes more easily adaptable to a wide range of occupants, including older people, those with reduced mobility and some wheelchair users.

This would involve bathrooms and toilets in which grab rails can be easily installed and stairs designed to allow a stair lift to be fitted easily.
New Delhi:

Delhi Court issued a notice to ex-IAF chief SP Tyagis cousin Sanjeev Tyagi on a plea challenging bail granted to him in VVIP chopper scam case on Tuesday.

CBI had moved separate pleas in the high court against the trial court's order granting bail to two other co-accused, Sanjeev Tyagi alias Juile and lawyer Gautam Khaitan.

On last Wednesday, a special court had granted bail to Sanjeev and Khaitan in VVIP chopper scam.

CBI had alleged that Tyagi and the other accused received bribes from AgustaWestland and helped the manufacturer win the $530-million contract to purchase the helicopters.

ALSO READ | Former IAF chief SP Tyagi purchased properties in 'cash', didn't inform govt: CBI sources

The agency has approached the high court against the trial court's January 4 order, by which bail was granted to Sanjeev Tyagi and lawyer Gautam Khaitan in the scam, saying that no purpose would be served by keeping them in custody.

71-year old S P Tyagi, who was arrested by CBI on December 9, 2016 along with Sanjeev Tyagi and lawyer Gautam Khaitan in the case relating to alleged irregularities in procurement of 12 VVIP choppers from UK-based AgustaWestland during the UPA-2 regime, was granted bail by a trial court on December 26 last year.

Both Tyagi and Khaitan were interrogated by CBI, had been asked by special CBI judge Arvind Kumar to furnish a personal bond of Rs two lakh and one surety of like amount as pre-requisites for release on bail.

With PTI Inputs

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Ashwini M Sripad By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Harmful chemicals, which can cause serious health issues in both humans and animals, were used to coat thousands of tons of sub-standard seeds which were seized a few months ago, lab reports have revealed.

During the lockdown in April and May, Agriculture Department officials had seized 16,510 bags of maize seeds and 721 bags of sunflower seeds, altogether weighing about 10,000 quintals and worth Rs 5.91 crore. This is said to be the biggest seizure by the department in such a short time.

Cases were registered at Haveri, Ballari, Hubballi and Dharwad. Under the Seeds Act, 1996, Agriculture Department inspectors can seize fake/sub-standard seeds and initiate action against offenders. In nine cases registered, 40 of the 65 offenders have been arrested. The lab reports in six of these cases said chemicals like Thiamethoxam, Imidacloprid and Metal oxide had been coated on the seeds.

We are yet to receive reports in three more cases, a police officer who is part of the investigation told The New Indian Express. As part of the investigation, we had sought the opinion of experts, who say that these chemicals are harmful for human being and animals, the officer said.When contacted, Agriculture Minister B C Patil confirmed that the seized stocks of seeds were chemically treated. There has been progress in the investigation over the last four months and chargesheet will be filed soon. We will take it to the logical end, he said.

Sub-standard seeds give less yield

In his maiden press conference after taking charge as minister, BC Patil had announced a crackdown on the fake seed mafia. A senior official of the Agriculture Department said that after Patil took over as Agriculture Minister, he had directed them to take the help of the police department. If we had taken up the case by ourselves, it would have ended with the seizure of seeds. Now that the police are involved, they had sent the seed samples to the Agriculture University laboratories in Bengaluru as well as Dharwad for tests, the official said. Sub-standard seeds lead to less yield and the produce will contain the chemicals which are a health risk, he explained.
TEHRAN, Iran - A British Iranian dual national held in Tehran in an internationally criticized espionage case faces a new charge, Iranian state television announced Tuesday, raising fears she could be forced to return to prison following her temporary release.

The report, citing an unnamed official, did not elaborate beyond saying that Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe appeared Tuesday morning before a branch of the countrys Revolutionary Court in Tehran, where she was first sentenced to prison on murky espionage charges in 2017.

Calls to Zaghari-Ratcliffes attorney and the court were not immediately returned. Her husband said early Wednesday that the new charge hit us hard.

We had long been warning the government that the closer we got to the end of Nazanins sentence, the more there was a risk of Iran opening again a second case to threaten holding her more, Richard Ratcliffe said in a statement.

He said his wife was expected back in court Sunday before Judge Abolghassem Salavati. The judge is known for his tough sentences and has heard other politically charged cases, including one in which he sentenced Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian to prison.

The new indictment comes as Britain and Iran negotiate the release of some 400 million pounds ($530 million) held by London, a payment the late Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi made for Chieftain tanks that were never delivered. The shah abandoned the throne in 1979 and the Islamic Revolution soon installed the clerically overseen system that endures today.

Authorities in London and Tehran deny that Zaghari-Ratcliffe is linked to the repayment deal. But a prisoner exchange that freed four American citizens in 2016 saw the U.S. pay a similar sum to Iran the same day of their release. Richard Ratcliffe said Wednesday that Nazanins arrest always was about the debt from the tank sale.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe this spring was granted temporary release from prison due to the coronavirus pandemic after serving nearly all of her five-year sentence, raising hopes she would soon return home to Britain.

Iran has been hit hard by the virus, becoming the worst-affected country in the Middle East with more than 391,000 reported cases and 22,542 deaths. In the wake of the pandemic, Iran furloughed more than 100,000 inmates over fears of unchecked contagion in its crowded prisons.

Zaghari-Ratcliffes case has stirred tensions between Iran and Britain, where on Tuesday her local lawmaker in London, Tulip Siddiq, confirmed that Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been taken to court and would face another trial Sunday in what she called an extremely worrying development.

Siddiq urged the British government to demand transparency from Iranian authorities and resolve the outstanding issues in Zaghari-Ratcliffes case, including the long-running debt dispute.

Iran does not recognize dual nationalities, so detainees like Zaghari-Ratcliffe cannot receive consular assistance. A U.N. panel has described an emerging pattern involving the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of dual nationals in Iran, which Tehran denies.

Analysts and family members of dual nationals and others detained in Iran accuse hard-liners in the Islamic Republics security agencies of using prisoners as bargaining chips for money or influence in negotiations with the West.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe was scooped up at the Tehran airport when trying to return to Britain with her toddler daughter in April 2016.

Her family insists she had travelled to Iran to visit relatives, vigorously denying the charges that she was plotting the soft toppling of Irans government. U.N. experts decried her detention as arbitrary and expressed grave concern for her welfare when she was held in Tehrans Evin Prison.

At the time of her arrest, Zaghari-Ratcliffe worked for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of the news agency.

The Thomson Reuters Foundation CEO, Antonio Zappulla, condemned the new charge, saying it would prolong Zaghari-Ratcliffes inhumane and unjust ordeal.

She has already endured the unthinkable, he added.

____

Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell and Isabel DeBre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.

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An 86-year-old woman was allegedly raped by a man in a secluded area in south west Delhis Chhawla area, police said on Tuesday. The accused Sonu (37), a plumber, is a resident of Rewla Khanpur. He has been arrested in connection with the incident, they said.

The incident took place on Monday evening when the elderly woman was on her way to a nearby village. On the way, she happened to meet the accused who offered her lift on his two-wheeler, a senior police officer said. On the pretext of dropping her safely at her destination, he took her to an isolated field and raped her, he said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Santosh Kumar Meena said, A case under section 376 (rape) of IPC was registered at Chhawla Police Station and the accused was arrested." The medical examination of the victim was conducted and her statement has been recorded, he said. The woman is stated to be stable now, police said, adding she was discharged from hospital on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Commission For Women (DCW) called it an extremely disturbing" case. According to the woman, she was waiting for milkman at around 5 pm on Monday when the perpetrator came and told her that the milkman would not come that day and that he will take her to the place where she could get milk, the DCW said.

He took the woman to a farm instead and then brutally raped her, it said. The woman kept crying and pleading that she was of his grandmothers age. The perpetrator assaulted her brutally when she tried to resist him and raped her," the women rights panel said.

Local villagers rushed to the spot after hearing the womans cries. They caught hold of the perpetrator and called the police, it said. The woman was bleeding and in extreme trauma. The locals called her son and the police later took her for medical examination, the DCW said.

Her medical examination report reveals several injuries and bruises on her body, it said. DCW chief Swati Maliwal and panel member Vandana Singh met the survivor at her house in Chhawla on Tuesday.

From a six-month-old girl to a 90-year-old woman, no one is safe in Delhi. The kind of trauma this woman had to face clearly indicates that the perpetrators of these crimes are not humans. I met the woman today, she is an extremely courageous woman. We will ensure she gets justice. This case needs to be fast tracked and justice should be served within six months, Maliwal said.
If an alien were to arrive on Irish soil today, they would likely note the barbaric Leaving Cert system as a particularly weird and cruel way to measure children's educational achievement.

Although many kids felt thrilled when they received their calculated grades yesterday, others reported feelings of overwhelming disappointment and, despite all the talk of grade inflation, when the brick wall of reality hits a hopeful teenager, the fallout can be severe.

Other countries don't have a tradition of annual heightened reports about teenagers' exam results and, now the Leaving Cert of 2020 has been so messy, perhaps this year will be the first that we begin to view the Leaving Cert more appropriately and with perhaps less dysfunctional fascination?

Leaving Cert students today are under enough pressure. At the best of times, the brutal CAO system can disorientate even the most committed students and, this year, with the arrival of calculated grades, students have been completely powerless since March. And now they can't even look forward to the joys of college the way other years have.

Added to that, the judgment and demands from social media are pretty relentless: the numbers of likes, followers, hits, shares and haters shape most teenagers' days.

The arrival of calculated grades into teenagers' inboxes yesterday will have created yet another expectation for students and some felt they should put some effort into composing a funny message or a coy message or some sort of message for social media almost as soon as they received their grades.

Students have been told by everyone - their teachers, the grind schools, their nervous parents and the media - that this exam is the big cheese. Of course, it's utter rubbish and anyone who cares about another person's Leaving Cert beyond the age of 20 probably needs to expand their parameters of success.

The CAO points race is exactly the type of system some people thrive upon while others stagnate.

Although many teenagers think they will shape their entire lives around the grades that they received yesterday, in truth, few will.

The Leaving Cert is merely a method to get into college so that you can follow certain career paths.

So long as you are prepared to think laterally and have some commitment, there are many routes to a successful career.

Thankfully, in order to have a brilliant career, fabulous grades are not a prerequisite; rather, the defining qualify of most people's lives is their ability to handle the curve balls that life throws at us.

Every therapist knows the magic is in the repair.

If a student feels deflated by their results and frightened that they might have messed up the first big challenge of their adult life, this is an opportunity to dig deep and find the natural reserves of strength that can bring a person further than any H1 ever could.

It is a horrible feeling to be assessed, judged and found wanting, and if this has happened to you then you will at first need some time to lick your wounds before you then begin to harness your strength to make sure you are not flattened by a bad result.

Nobody's life needs to be shaped by their Leaving Cert results and, with some gentle encouragement, it is times like these we can learn to positively shape our lives by using whatever power we have to make sure we don't get completely knocked off course.

There is a certain unacknowledged freedom in the strangeness of 2020.

This year, more than perhaps any other year, anything goes. This is the year students can take the less travelled road and it will raise fewer eyebrows than usual.

Epictetus was born a slave, became crippled and was eventually banished from ancient Rome, yet his stoical wisdom remains as he warns us that it's not what happens to us but how we react to it that matters.

Shrewd students will consider post-Leaving Cert courses, they will consider studying for diplomas, they will consider taking a year out and be smart enough to realise the well-travelled road isn't the only road in life.

The Leaving Cert is often described as equally unfair on everyone - this year it has been particularly unfair, and so it's important teenagers don't get bent out of shape by it.

First rolled out in 1925, 2020 is the first year that the Leaving Cert has been cancelled - and if we have any sense at all, we will now work hard so that it loses its disproportionate importance in people's heads.

Wouldn't it be great if Covid gave us an unexpected gift and motivated the Exam Commission and the CAO to finally alter this exam system so that 14 years in the school system is no longer evaluated over two short weeks in June?

Stella O'Malley is a psychotherapist, writer and public speaker
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  Derrick Lente wanted to campaign this spring.

Instead the Democratic legislator  whose district includes pueblos and other tribal lands  was fielding pleas for doctors and medical equipment as coronavirus tore through New Mexicos tribal communities.

The disease would kill a disproportionate share of Native Americans, including in the months preceding the June 2 primary election.

I was just as scared as anybody else, Lente said in a interview. The way it hit many of our areas, it definitely left us scarred.

A new report by Common Cause New Mexico outlines the damage to Native American turnout in the June 2 election. It found that turnout in Native American precincts fell by 1 percentage point in the 2020 primary election, compared with four years earlier, even as voter participation surged by 8 points throughout the state as a whole.

In some precincts, the report said, turnout plunged as much as 29%.

Potential explanations include travel restrictions in tribal areas, a reduction in polling places, and too little public information about the changes, according to the report and Journal interviews with its author and state officials.

Folks couldnt jump in the car together and go to the polling location theyre used to, said Amber Carrillo, a member of Laguna Pueblo and co-author of the nonpartisan Common Cause report.

In some cases, she said, voting locations were moved from a central location to the edge of pueblo or tribal land.

In others, a polling place was closed or moved outside tribal lands altogether because of travel restrictions. The curfews and other restrictions came as tribal and health officials tried to limit the transmission of the disease.

Without anybody intending, the result was a disenfranchisement  frankly a systemic disenfranchisement  of voters on Native American land, said state Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, an Albuquerque Democrat and lawyer who works for the states county clerks.

On Election Day in the primary, seven pueblos and a Navajo Nation chapter didnt have a polling location on tribal land, according to state election officials, though members either had an alternative voting location available or could visit any other polling place in the county.

A new state law aims to protect tribal voting locations.

Senate Bill 4, co-sponsored by Ivey-Soto, prohibits closing a polling place on tribal land without the tribes consent. It also calls for at least one voting location to be on tribal land if travel in and out of the area is shut down for public health concerns.

The new law also makes clear that the voting location can remain open even if its inaccessible to voters from other parts of the county. The changes  passed in a special session in June  are in effect only for this years general election.

Under the circumstances, Ivey-Soto said, I think it provides the needed protections.

Gabriel Sanchez, a professor of political science at the University of New Mexico and co-founder of the UNM Native American Budget and Policy Institute, said the extra barriers facing Native American voters in the 2020 primary election werent unique to New Mexico. But they have an outsized impact in the state, he said, because Native Americans make up roughly 10% of the population eligible to vote.

Its one of the highest percentages in the country.

Sanchez said turnout in Native American precincts may not rebound entirely in the fall, even with the changes to the election law. Native voters, he said, are less likely to vote by mail  an option that exploded in popularity this year as voters sought ways to cast a ballot without the risk of in-person voting.

Today, Native Americans make up 32% of New Mexicos coronavirus cases, a percentage roughly three times higher than their share of the overall population.

I still would expect a bit of suppressed turnout for Native Americans, Sanchez said, because of the cloud of COVID.

Rep. Lente of Sandia Pueblo said geographic and cultural factors may be at play, too. Some Navajo Nation chapters, he said, are 15 to 30 miles from the nearest town, where residents get their mail.

For a lot of the Navajo Nation folks, Lente said, Election Day and voting is a social function. For many of them, this was quite uncommon to have to vote via absentee.

Carrillo, Native American voting rights organizer for Common Cause New Mexico, said its critical that election officials and others launch a public information campaign explaining where to vote in person and how to request and return an absentee ballot.

Election officials, she said, should keep in mind that some tribal communities may have limited internet service, making telephone hotlines or other methods of communication more important. Voting information will also have to take into account languages other than English.

Not all of our languages are written languages, Carrillo said. Thats really important.

She also suggests establishing ballot drop boxes in central locations, so voters can return their absentee ballots without having to travel to a post office.

Lente, for his part, said he expects Native American turnout to bounce back after months of staying home to limit the spread of COVID-19. The presidential contest, in particular, will drive interest in the Nov. 3 election, he said.

A lot of people have watched television for hours a day at home, Lente said. Theyre going to want to cast their ballots.
Contributed Photo / Bridgeport Police Department

BRIDGEPORT  A city man accused of stealing computers and causing property damage at the New England Tractor Trailer Training School faces burglary-related offenses, officials said Monday.

Police responded to a report of a person seen breaking in to a commercial property in the 500 block of Barnum Avenue around 6:40 p.m. Sunday, according to Scott Appleby, the citys director of emergency communications and emergency management.
Agra, Sep 8 : As the world prepares to say "Wah Taj" after a gap of nearly half a year, Agra's famous petha sweet industry as well as tourist guides, who went into near closure, are ecstatic.

"As the Taj Mahal reopens, the petha industry will greatly benefit. Sales will jump by 50% because it's the tourists who buy most of the pethas," Sanjeev Singhal, who is the general Secretary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Kutir Petha Udyog, told IANS. He added that at least 25,000 to 30,000 people are linked to the petha sweet industry.

The Taj Mahal will reopen after six long months on September 21 with full COVID-19 protocols. Initially only 5,000 tourists a day, in two slots, will be allowed to enter the Mughal era architectural marvel, keeping social distancing norms in mind. It was shut down on March 17, days ahead of the nationwide lockdown due to the pandemic.

Vasant Swarnkar, Superintending Archaeologist of the ASI (Agra Circle) told IANS, "Before the pandemic, Taj Mahal was shut for 2 days during the Second World War. It was also shut during the 1971 war and the 1978 flood in Agra." He added that the Taj Mahal along with the Agra Fort, which too will open its doors, is being sanitised. While the Taj Mahal will remain shut on Fridays and Sundays, Agra Fort will remain closed on Sundays.

Online tickets, compulsory masks, temperature checks at entry, ban on taking food items along -- elaborate measures are being put in place to ensure that life and livelihood are not in confrontation.

However, the guides, most of whom have been out of business, aren't complaining about all these curbs. "Reopening of the Taj Mahal is a big positive message, worldwide. There is a global community who are waiting for the reopening so that they can travel down here. According to me, all monuments should be reopened," Ajay Singh, who is the National President of the Tourist Guide Federation Of India told IANS. He also batted for proper sanitisation and strict following of government protocols.

He added that many tourist guides have taken up other jobs. This reopening will send the right message. "In Jodhpur, a German speaking guide has been found selling fodder. In Udaipur, guides have taken to agriculture by using tractors," Singh added while highlighting why this move is so significant for the tourist guides.

He claimed there are 3227 active guides registered with the Tourism Ministry, around 22,000 registered with the states while there are around 20,000 spot guides all across India. This reopening of the iconic Taj Mahal, which has come to be a representative picture of India, globally, will enthuse them.

Agra's economy runs on the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Shutting them means shutting the tour operator industry, petha industry, hotel industry as well as the guides. With India and the world readying to say, "Wah Taj" once again, all of them can't keep calm anymore.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Hundreds of people gathered Monday afternoon in a small town south of Portland for a pro-President Donald Trump vehicle rally  just over a week after member of a far-right group was fatally shot after a Trump caravan went through Oregon's largest city.

Later, pro-Trump supporters and counter-protesters clashed in Oregon's Capitol city of Salem.

Vehicles waving flags for Trump, the QAnon conspiracy theory and in support of police gathered at about noon at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City.

The rallys organizers said they would drive to toward Salem and most left the caravan before that. A smaller group of members of the right-wing group the Proud Boys went on to Salem, where a crowd of several dozen pro-Trump supporters had gathered.

At one point Monday afternoon, the right-wing crowd rushed a smaller group of Black Lives Matters counter-demonstrators, firing paint-gun pellets at them.

Videos on social media showed right-wing protesters chasing, tackling and assaulting left-wing protestors with weapons, their fists and with pepper spray, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. Paintballs were also fired between the two groups.

After unfolding a large American flag on the steps of the Capitol, right-wing protesters charged counter-protesters, leaving several of them injured, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. Right-wing protesters made a second rush later, tackling and beating at least one person, leading to two arrests, the media outlet said.

Organizers of the earlier vehicle rally in Oregon City said they did not plan to enter Multnomah County, where Portland is located. Oregon City is about 20 miles south of Portland.

In Portland on Monday, Black Lives Matter supporters rallied in a city park and demonstrated peacefully, KOIN TV reported.

Teacher unions are part of the labour movement, and I feel like its really important for people who are members of a union to step up and say, Our labour supports Black Lives Matter and we are ready to organize in support of systemic change,'  educator Joanne Shepard told the TV station.

On Aug. 29 Aaron Jay Danielson, a supporter of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer, was killed in Portland after a pro-Trump caravan went downtown. Trump supporters fired paint ball canisters at counter-demonstrators, who tried to block their way.

Danielsons suspected killer, Michael Forest Reinoehl, was fatally shot by police Thursday. Reinoehl was a supporter of antifa  shorthand for anti-fascists and an umbrella description for far-left-leaning militant groups.

Demonstrations in Portland started in late May after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and have continued for more than 100 days.

A fire started outside a police precinct on Portland's north side resulted in about 15 arrests during protests Sunday night into Monday morning, police said.

Demonstrators protesting police brutality began marching about 9 p.m. Sunday and stopped at the North Precinct Community Policing Center, the site of several volatile protests in recent months.

Officials warned demonstrators against entering the precinct property, saying they would be trespassing and subject to arrest.

Shortly after arriving, the crowd began chanting, among other things, burn it down," police said. Some in the group lit a mattress on fire.

Most of those arrested were from Portland. Others were from San Francisco; Sacramento, California; Mesa, Arizona; and two from Vancouver, Washington.

Charges included interfering with an officer, resisting arrest, reckless burning and possession of a destructive device.
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Dolly Varden Silver Corporation ("Dolly Varden" or the "Company") (TSXV: DV) (OTC: DOLLF), is pleased to announce an update to the ongoing drilling program targeting high-grade silver mineralization at its flagship Dolly Varden Property, located in northwestern, BC.

A second drill rig has arrived on the Property to prioritize discovery-focused exploration drilling along a previously untested trend of alteration and mineralization that strikes north from the high grade Torbrit silver deposit. Additional drilling is also being planned to expand and upgrade the current resources and for future engineering studies. Analytical results from the 2020 Dolly Varden Property drilling program are pending. We are continuing with surface exploration work including mapping and soil sampling which has already generated additional potential drill targets.

"Dolly's geological team is very excited about the prospects along the Torbrit Mine Trend. Torbrit hosts our highest-grade area of the current mineral resource with overlapping styles of high-grade silver mineralization," said Shawn Khunkhun, President and CEO of Dolly Varden Silver. "We look forward to updating our shareholders with the assays for our drilling completed to-date, and we are prepared to continue exploring through the fall season with the purpose of maximizing the results of our drill plan and budget."

The +4,500 meter long trend hosting the Torbrit deposit exhibits two significant styles of high-grade silver mineralization: 1) stratiform exhalative-style silver mineralization and overprinted by 2) epithermal banded-vein mineralization, with associated lead and zinc sulphides. Additional technical information on Torbrit can be reviewed at https://www.dollyvardensilver.com/

Rob van Egmond, P.Geo, Chief Geologist for the Dolly Varden Silver Corp. is the "Qualified Person" as defined by NI43-101. He has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release and is supervising the ongoing exploration program and QA/QC procedures on the property.

About Dolly Varden Silver Corporation

Dolly Varden Silver Corporation is a well-financed mineral exploration company focused on exploration in northwestern British Columbia. Dolly Varden has two projects, the namesake Dolly Varden silver property and the nearby Big Bulk copper-gold property. The Dolly Varden property is considered to be highly prospective for hosting high-grade precious metal deposits, since it comprises the same structural and stratigraphic setting that host numerous other high-grade deposits (Eskay Creek, Brucejack). The Big Bulk property is prospective for porphyry and skarn style copper and gold mineralization similar to other deposits in the region (Red Mountain, KSM, Red Chris).

Forward Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements or forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation that may not be based on historical fact, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believe", "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "potential" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Dolly Varden to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements or information relates to, among other things, completion of the Offering, Exchange approval of the Offering, the use of proceeds with respect to the Offerings, the results of previous field work and programs and the continued operations of the current exploration program, interpretation of the nature of the mineralization at the project and that that the mineralization on the project is similar to Eskay and Brucejack, results of the mineral resource estimate on the project, the potential to grow the project, the potential to expand the mineralization, the planning for further exploration work, the ability to de-risk the potential exploration targets, and our beliefs about the unexplored portion of the property. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs but given the uncertainties, assumptions and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements or information. The Company disclaims any obligation to update, or to publicly announce, any such statements, events or developments except as required by law.

For additional information on risks and uncertainties, see the Company's most recently filed annual management discussion & analysis ("MD&A"), which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The risk factors identified in the MD&A are not intended to represent a complete list of factors that could affect the Company.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE Dolly Varden Silver Corp.
A Queensland MP received a "violent threat" and was warned against supporting an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities of a state-government-funded agency on North Stradbroke Island.

Queensland State Member for Oodgeroo, Mark Robinson. Credit:Facebook

LNP State Member for Oodgeroo Mark Robinson, whose electorate includes Redland City and North Stradbroke Island, revealed the threat on Tuesday and has referred it to police.

"I have taken the action of reporting to the police a violent threat made against me, after first seeking advice from the Clerk of the Queensland Parliament," Dr Robinson said.

"Sadly, the threat to me is not isolated, it is part of a pattern of intimidation, thuggery and violence towards residents of all backgrounds on North Stradbroke Island.
Companies around the world are trying to solve the back-to-work puzzle  but few workers trust their bosses to make the right decisions.

By the numbers: Just 14% of employees trust CEOs or senior managers to lead the return to work, according to an Edelman survey. Only half believe their offices are safe.

Between the lines: There's little consensus regarding which safety measures are needed for people to return to offices. Only about half of Americans think that masks and social distancing should be mandated, and even fewer think that temperature checks and plastic dividers are necessary.

Looking ahead: Many CEOs are looking for a vaccine before reopening workplaces, but 42% of Americans say they're either unsure or determined not to take a vaccine.

Why it matters: "This return to workplace is huge for business, if done safely and well," says Edelman Global CEO Richard Edelman. "If not, youll have a 2008 moment, when trust in business was really diminished."

Workers also expect their bosses to take a stand against systemic racism, per another new Edelman report.

61% of American expect corporations to publicly speak out against racial injustice.

But while 62% trust small businesses to do so, only 43% feel the same way about large companies.

Still, people have placed far more trust in companies to respond to racial injustice (71%) than in the government (36%).

The bottom line: Between navigating the return to work and responding to racial justice protests, businesses have an opportunity to distinguish themselves to workers and consumers alike.
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The physical hearings started in the high court will not be stopped, however, it would be continue in a slow pace till the Covid pandemic situation is normalised, Delhi High Court chief justice D N Patel said on Tuesday.

Once things have started in this high court, they are not going to be stopped. We will not start and close like the other high courts, the chief justice said, according to PTI.

We are of the opinion that we will not shut down physical hearings, but we will continue it slowly, he added.

Despite several of his staff members having tested positive for Covid-19, Justice Patel was still holding physical courts and hearing matters via video calls, he said. We want your (lawyers) cooperation to continue with it slowly, he added.

Justice Patels comments come after the counsel in one of the matters before his bench sought that their matter be listed on a date when virtual hearings are held.
Microsoft's low-end Series S console will retail for $299 (249 in the UK) and looks like a hi-fi speaker.

An official image revealed by the company on Tuesday shows a distinctive black circular vent on a slim white body.

Series S, which appears to come without a disc drive, is cheaper, smaller and less powerful than the Series X console, the company's official fourth-generation Xbox.

The image had leaked on several US websites late on Monday before Microsoft decided to 'make it official' today.

Series S is the 'smallest Xbox ever', according to Microsoft, which promised it would reveal more details soon.

An official leaked trailer showing the Series S from multiple angles also reveals the Series S is 60 per cent smaller than the Series X.

Both consoles will be released on November 10, according to rumours.

Although Microsoft hasn't revealed a specific release date for either, it confirmed last month that Series X will launch some time in November.

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Microsoft's official image of the new Series S, which will enter the market along with Microsoft's main event and next-gen Xbox console, the Series X

'Lets make it official!' the official Xbox Twitter account tweeted on Tuesday morning.

'Xbox Series S. Next-gen performance in the smallest Xbox ever. Looking forward to sharing more! Soon. Promise.'

Unlike the Series X, Series S will not feature a disk drive, with users instead downloading content for the system digitally.

The image of the Series S was leaked on technology website Thurrott on Monday, which predicts Series S to be cheaper than Sony's PlayStation 5, set to be released late 2020.

'The console is white and based on the image, does not appear to have a disc drive but we dont fully know that until we get a better side shot of the console,' said Brad Sams at Thurrott.

'Further, this device appears to look closer to the Xbox One family of devices than the tower of the Series X.'

The Xbox Series X console, to be released this November. The design of the new console is different from previous Xbox generations, with a more upright 'tower block' appearance

The Series X will be 6 inches by 6 inches by 11.8 inches and it will weigh 9.8 pounds, according to EuroGamer.

Windows Central also said on Monday that Series X will cost $499 (around 380) and will be available on November 10.

Microsoft will offer customers the option to pay $35 or $25 a month for its All Access subscription service for the Series X and Series S, respectively, it said.

XBOX SERIES X Price: $299 Release date: November 10 (rumoured) Microsoft says: 'Next-gen performance in the smallest Xbox ever.' Appearance: White with circular black vent on side and another vent on top. Advertisement

All Access lets gamers spread the cost of an Xbox console and access to games over 24 months.

Microsoft will hold a press event soon to reveal more details about the next-gen consoles' pricing, Windows Central said.

Last month, Microsoft confirmed Series X will be released this November, calling it the most powerful console it has ever made  featuring processing power twice that of the current generation Xbox One X.

The design of the larger Series X console is different from previous Xbox generations, with a more upright 'tower block' appearance.

It will have backwards compatibility technology, which allows games from older consoles to be played on the new system.

There are 50 new games planned for launch this year, including Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Gears Tactics, and Watch Dogs: Legion.

'There will be thousands of games to play, spanning four generations, when Xbox Series X launches globally this November, and over 100 optimised for Xbox Series X titles, built to take full advantage of our most powerful console, are planned for this year,' Microsoft said in a blog post.

'Hundreds of developers are at work on new games for Xbox Series X that will raise the bar for fidelity, speed and immersion.'

Microsoft said that the ability to play all the old favourites across four generations of Xbox 'was a key tenet' in the next generation of console gaming.

Backwards compatibility means gamers will have access to thousands of titles across four generations of content  from the original Xbox, released in 2001, to 2005's Xbox 360 and 2013's Xbox One.

However, the release of the new console's flagship game, Halo Infinite, is being delayed until 2021, giving Microsoft more time 'to finish critical work'.

Microsoft said its vision is 'to deliver the most ambitious Halo game ever' while 'balancing the teams well-being'.

'To do that, we will need some more time to finish the critical work necessary to launch Halo Infinite, which will come in 2021,' it said.

Microsoft revealed a glimpse of Halo Infinite game play footage in July, although the gameplay was criticised for its overall 'art style and visual fidelity', the developers admitted, and the extra time will allow for much-needed tweaks.

The US gaming giant has already partnered Samsung for the release of its new Galaxy Note 20 range, which has built-in support for game streaming via Xbox Game Pass.

Like the video games version of Netflix, Xbox Game Pass delivers a library of content across console and PC, including all games from Xbox Game Studios the day they launch.

The Xbox Series X release will coincide with the arrival of Sony's new console, the PlayStation 5, which is expected to launch in the last three months of the year.
The DUP has cautiously welcomed reports that the Government could abandon commitments it made to Brussels on Northern Ireland in its Brexit deal.

The leaders of Stormont's four pro-Remain parties have said that abandoning elements of the Northern Ireland protocol would seriously undermine the Good Friday Agreement.

Michelle O'Neill, Colum Eastwood, Naomi Long and Clare Bailey were speaking after Downing Street said that new Brexit legislation was needed to protect the peace process in case Britain can't secure a free trade deal with the EU.

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But on Monday night the DUP said that while it awaited details of the proposed legislation, it appeared to be a positive move.

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In a statement not attributed personally to any MLA or MP, the party said: "We note the speculation that the Government will pursue fall-back measures under the internal market bill to protect Northern Ireland's interests should a deal not be agreed that mitigates the threat of the Northern Ireland protocol. We will want to see the finer details and clauses relating to this and will study them carefully.

"We welcome them in broad terms in so far as they go, but the Government must continue to work to remove any disadvantages to Northern Ireland brought about by its signing up to the protocol."

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Senior figures in Brussels reacted with dismay after it was reported that the Government will table new legislation that could override key elements of the Withdrawal Agreement which sealed the UK's departure from the EU in January.

Boris Johnson has set a five-week deadline for talks on a free trade deal to reach an agreement, or for both sides to accept there will be no deal when the current transition period ends in December.

Northern Ireland pro-Remain parties voiced grave concern at the prospect of the Prime Minister introducing domestic legislation to supersede parts of the protocol governing state aid and customs arrangements.

They said: "It is entirely unacceptable to the Northern Ireland parties that the UK Government would seek to abandon these safeguards and mitigations, which we believe would amount to a serious betrayal of an existing international treaty. The economic and political impact on the island of Ireland, on the UK, and above all on the people whom we represent, would be devastating and long-lasting.

"It would represent a shocking act of bad faith that would critically undermine the Good Friday Agreement political framework and peace process and the UK's ability to secure other crucial deals to protect the Northern Ireland economy."

The parties called on the Government to "honour its commitments" and ensure that the protocol is implemented rigorously. Under the protocol, Northern Ireland will continue to follow single market rules for goods and administer the EU's customs code at its ports. It was designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, but unionists oppose it, arguing that it creates an economic border between Northern Ireland and Britain.

UUP leader Steve Aiken said: "Nobody should be in any doubt that the Northern Ireland protocol is the worst of both worlds economically and constitutionally for Northern Ireland. It attacks the very foundations of the Belfast Agreement and should be amended.

"If there is any chance to change it, it should be changed."

Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald said: "I am deeply concerned that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson would step away from an international obligation like this. To do so would show total disregard for the lives and concerns of the people of Ireland. Throughout the sorry saga of Brexit, Sinn Fein have been very clear that Ireland cannot become collateral damage to the posturing of the British Government in this Tory Brexit."

The Irish Government has conveyed its concerns to London. Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said if the UK introduced domestic legislation that undermined commitments made in the Withdrawal Agreement it would be a very serious breach of trust.

However, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said the Government was proposing only "limited clarifications" to the law to ensure ministers can preserve the gains of the Good Friday Agreement in the event of no deal.

The Internal Market Bill, to be tabled on Wednesday, will ensure goods from Northern Ireland continue to have unfettered access to the UK market while making clear EU state aid rules - which will continue to apply in Northern Ireland - will not apply in the rest of the UK.
Sophie Derrick's Jewel Sapphire uses her own body as part of the painting process

The art world was put into hibernation by coronavirus, yet experts believe now could be an ideal time to invest in a work of art.

With restrictions on sales slowly being lifted you can now attend a live auction if you are willing to wear a face mask.

One of the biggest investment winners in the recent past has been contemporary art. Over the past five years, the most collectable pieces have risen in value by some 160 per cent, according to data compiled by Art Market Research, an arm of estate agent Knight Frank.

Over the past 12 months, this same index has risen in value by just under 5 per cent, yet between the coronavirus shutdown in March and June it fell 7 per cent.

Art Market Research says the market was undermined last year by Brexit uncertainty and China-US trade tensions. These issues were then exacerbated by coronavirus, but it now believes risk-averse investors may see it as an opportunity.

Younger generations, it says, will become keener to collect as the market's growth is driven by online sales. Anya Zakharova is managing director of the Stellar International Art Foundation which finds art for collectors.

She says: 'It is not just a new wave of art lovers who are happy to buy online without even visiting a gallery. There are also a number of collectors who need cash and are willing to sell at lower prices than before.'

But she warns against rushing into buying art simply as an investment. She says you must first follow your heart and discover what art you really love.

She adds: 'The art world can seem daunting and scary from the outside. But if you love art, do not be afraid to take the plunge. Talk to art gallery staff about favourite artists and styles. It is their job to encourage new people to join the market  and not to frighten them away.'

If something catches your eye, the chances are that it will draw in other art fans. But before you buy, it is important to gain an appreciation and an understanding of what makes a piece of good art.

There are numerous books on the subject and you should also visit public galleries as they start reopening. Learn about the work of individual artists you like: where they were schooled and the previous sales prices their work commanded.

Industry magazine Antique Trade Gazette provides details of auctions plus gallery shows  as well as prices you can expect to pay. Contemporary art caters for a full range of budgets  from just a few hundred pounds to 50,000 or more.

As an investor, you are making a bet that someone will be prepared to pay more for the work you have purchased. When collector Charles Saatchi bought a pickled shark off artist Damien Hirst for 50,000 in 1988, most people thought he was crazy. Yet just over a decade later he sold it for 5 million.

A great place to start is an end-of-degree art college sale. This year the market has been thrown into chaos because of coronavirus shutting down courses early. But pieces are still being sold and there are 'online exhibitions' on college websites.

Among the colleges for nurturing talent is the Royal College of Art in Kensington, West London  where David Hockney and Tracey Emin studied  and Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design in Central London.

Another marketplace for new talent is the Affordable Art Fair. The next scheduled dates for shows are in London, at Battersea between October 22 and 25 and Hampstead between November 20 and 22. You can pre-register to attend.

Signs of Life by artist Rick Stevens is one of the paintings at an accessible price to invest in

It also offers online sales and showcases pieces by art graduates as well as more established painters. Items typically sell for between 100 and 6,000. DegreeArt.com is also a good website to seek out up-and-coming artists.

Claire Gallagher, of Affordable Art Fair, says: 'Acquiring art can be a great investment as well as a thrilling pastime if a hunch on a talented artist proves right. But even if a piece does not increase in value, there is an enormous reward to be gained from living with art that inspires you.'

Art brings joy, makes us healthier, and allows us to reflect on life  so now may be the perfect time to buy

Sadly, the vast majority of artists will never make investors rich. But as Gallagher says, collectors should view their rewards as far more than just being financial.

Unlike with stocks and shares, collectors enjoy awe-inspiring artwork that brings pleasure just by looking at it  and can prove a fabulous asset to a home. Gallagher adds: 'Art brings joy, makes us healthier, and allows us to reflect on life  so now may be the perfect time to buy.

'And if you invest in the right piece, it not only has a positive impact on your mood, but can prove a shrewd investment.'

Zufle & Hancer.1 by Hira Gedikoglu would cost someone 4,500 to invst in

Attending an auction without bidding is not only free, but a fun way to learn the 'trade'. Major auctioneers such as Christie's, Bonhams and Sotheby's have experts to give advice. Auction houses usually also hold open days when you can talk to experts.

Once you have gained enough confidence to bid, it is important to set yourself a maximum price to stop you getting carried away. Remember, you will have to pay a 'hammer price' commission that can be as much as 25 per cent on top of the sale price.

Most art investors buy paintings for the long term, keeping pieces for at least ten years. So insurance is a must.

It may well be covered under your existing household insurance, but should be individually named if worth more than 2,000. Alternatively you can use a specialist insurer such as Hiscox to ensure your artwork is fully covered.

When selling, you must also pay commission to an auction house  which could be as much as 15 per cent of the price.

On top, there could also be an insurance fee for any accidental loss or theft that amounts to 1.5 per cent of the artwork's value. If the art is particularly valuable, it could be liable to capital gains tax, which kicks in at 20 per cent on gains this tax year of more than 12,300.

toby.walne@mailonsunday.co.uk
This is an extremely worrying development, and I know many people are concerned about Nazanins welfare, Ms. Siddiq said. The last four years have been excruciating for her husband Richard and her daughter Gabriella, who is growing up without a mother.

Ms. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who had been working as a program director at the Thomson Reuters Foundation, was traveling home to Britain after a visit with her family in Tehran in April 2016 when she was detained at the airport. She was eventually put on trial on sedition charges and was jailed in the notorious Evin Prison in the Iranian capital.

She spent a prolonged time in solitary confinement and her mental and physical health have at times deteriorated, her family have said. Last year, her daughter, Gabriella, now 6, was reunited with her father, Richard Ratcliffe, in Britain after years living with her mothers family in Iran.

Ms. Zaghari-Ratcliffes years of detention have strained an already fraught diplomatic relationship between Britain and Iran. Mr. Ratcliffe, her husband, who has been an outspoken advocate for her release, has said that he believes his wife is being used as collateral in a decades-old dispute over a debt owed to Iran by Britain for the nondelivery of an order of tanks in the 1970s.

This week, Ben Wallace, the British defense secretary, acknowledged the debt, worth up to $530 million, in a letter to the family, according to a report in The Guardian newspaper, which quoted him as saying that the government was trying to resolve the issue. The British government has denounced the new charges.
Presidente @MartinVizcarraC: El exito en la lucha por la Independencia del Peru y de America estuvo marcado por el coraje, el pundonor y el esfuerzo colectivo, pero, sobre todo, por la capacidad de miles de hombres y mujeres de identificar un unico enemigo comun. pic.twitter.com/K9ULeBn5xF
The fierce Creek Fire, burning in the Sierra National Forest northwest of Fresno, grew so suddenly and exponentially that helicopter rescues were needed to ferry hundreds of people to safety over the weekend.

The fire began on Friday but exploded on Saturday afternoon when many people were enjoying the area's lakes. The fire jumped the San Joaquin River, cutting off the only roads in and out of the Mammoth Pool campground and Shaver Lake.
A 15-year-old boy said to be a member of the Crips has been arrested after police said he opened fire from a stolen car at members of a rival gang during a shooting that left five people wounded in Brooklyn before dawn on Monday, including a 6-year-old boy.

The alleged Crips member whose name has not been released has been charged with five counts of attempted murder, according to the New York Post.

An unidentified 21-year-old who was also said to be armed was taken into custody by police.

The suspect allegedly shot at members of the rival Folk Nation gang from a stolen car at Crown Street and Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights at around 3am on Monday.

A 15-year-old boy reputed to be a member of the Crips gang was arrested by police in New York in connection with a shooting in Brooklyn before dawn on Monday. The image above shows a blood-stained sidewalk and clothing in Crown Heights on Monday

Disturbing video captured the moment a six-year-old boy was scooped up off the pavement by his mother after they were both shot alongside three other people during a pre-dawn J'Ouvert celebration in Brooklyn on Monday morning

The boy is seen lying on the pavement in a pool of his own blood as a woman, identified as his mother, rushes over and tries to pick him up

A few feet away from the boy, a man is seen collapsed on the ground after he was also apparently struck by gunfire

The shooting took place as some 300 people gathered for a pre-dawn procession celebrating the Caribbean J'Ouvert festival.

Video obtained by DailyMail.com showed the dramatic moment a six-year-old boy was scooped up off the pavement by his mother after they were both shot during the festival.

Dozens are heard screaming in terror and fleeing after the gun went off.

The shooting, one of more than 20 across the five boroughs, came as New York City continues to see a dramatic spike in violence with at least 28 people shot over the course of Labor Day weekend.

In the video, the boy is seen lying on the pavement in a pool of his own blood as a woman, identified as his mother, rushes over and tries to pick him up.

A few feet away from the boy, a man is seen collapsed on the ground after he was also apparently struck by gunfire.

Police sources told the New York Post that the boy, identified as Maxwell Cesc-Vinho, was shot in the left leg while his mother Patricia Bratwaith, 47, and a man named Flavian Yves, 40, were struck in the left foot.

The sources identified the other two victims as Bob Charlotin, 46, and Kelly Barthold, 34, and said they were both shot in the right leg.

All five victims were transported to Kings County Hospital Center with non-life threatening injuries.

Five people were shot and wounded, though their injuries were not life-threatening. Pedestrians are seen near the crime scene in Crown Heights on Monday

Police believe that the 15-year-old suspect was aiming for members of a rival gang, Folk Nation

A 21-year-old who was also armed was taken into custody by police

The incident in Crown Heights was one of more than 20 shootings across the city over Labor Day Weekend

At least 28 people were either wounded or killed in gun violence over the Labor Day weekend, according to New York police

Investigators are still working to determine the motive for the shooting, but NYPD Chief of Detectives Rodney Harrison said it appeared to be gang-related.

'This is a notorious gang area that, you know, we've had problems with in the past,' Harrison told reporters on Monday morning.

It's unclear whether any of the victims were targeted on purpose. Harrison said that the mother and son were just getting out of a cab when they were struck.

'It was really crazy - everyone was in shock,' Joshua Kristal, who was in the procession when the shooting occurred, told the Post.

'The boy, his mom was carrying him. You could see there was blood in his pants. She dropped him, I didn't know what to do, then I saw tons of blood.'

Kristal said he ran over to help a woman who was shot in the foot and held pressure on her wound until medics arrived.

'A woman was walking around saying: "I'm shot in the foot, I'm shot in the foot,"' he recalled. 'I was holding her foot. I was wondering where all this blood was coming from. It was really crazy.'

Another witness told the Post that he saw one of the gunmen wearing a white coat, jeans, red cap and blue surgical mask.

'People were dancing and hanging out, having a good time and out of nowhere the shooting started,' the man, who did not want to be named, said. 'He was on foot. He came from Nostrand Avenue. He let off some shots.'

He noted that the shooter casually walked away after opening fire.

Video obtained by ABC7 showed first responders carting people into ambulances soon after the shooting took place - as well as crowds gathered for the march.

First responders are seen rushing one of the victims into an ambulance shortly after the shooting on Monday morning

Police arrested two males at the scene who were carrying guns. A 15-year-old teen is the alleged gunman

Mayor Bill de Blasio canceled the official J'Ouvert celebration and the West Indian Day parade, which also would have been held on Monday, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But many people got up early to recognize J'Ouvert - a pre-dawn party that signifies the launch of Carnival in Caribbean nations - before daybreak on Monday anyway.

De Blasio had warned last week that the NYPD would break up any Labor Day gatherings that flouted his ban.

Harrison said many residents celebrated with barbecues and playing music outside.

'We actually promote that,' he said. 'That doesnt mean that people should come out and start shooting.'

Hours after the shooting, a heavily police presence was stationed on Eastern Parkway, the traditional site of the West Indian Day parade.

The West Indian American Day Carnival Association is still planning to hold its 53rd annual celebration, but will be doing so virtually.

Brooklyn's J'Ouvert festivities have been marred by violence in past years.

In 2016, 22-year-old grad student Tiarah Poyau was shot dead through her eye by Reginald Moise, 20, after she asked him to stop grinding on her at the festival.

In 2017, four people were stabbed and one was shot during the revelry.

New York City has seen a troubling spike in crime and violence this over the course of this summer.

Last week police revealed new data showing there were 242 shootings recorded in August, compared with just 91 in the same month last year.

At least 28 people have been shot over Labor Day weekend alone - including the five in the J'Ouvert incident and a 62-year-old man who was shot and killed a few hours later in Brooklyn's Bay Ridge neighborhood.

Police said the man was gunned down at about 6.50am while walking his dog on 74th Street near Seventh Avenue.

About 300 people had congregated in Crown Heights for a pre-dawn processional

The man was struck in the head and shoulders and was rushed to NYU Langone Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police have not made any arrests in that shooting and are working to determine whether it was random or targeted.

The motive of the shooting, and the whereabouts of the man's dog, remain unclear.

Less than an hour earlier in Inwood, two man and a woman were shot at a BP gas station near Sherman Avenue.

Police said the 31-year-old woman was shot in the leg, a 23-year-old man was hit in the right arm and a 29-year-old man was struck in the leg and shoulder.

All three victims' injuries were non-life threatening, cops said.

A fourth shooting took place at about 4.30am in the Fordham Manor neighborhood of the Bronx, where a 31-year-old man was struck in the leg by a masked gunman who took off on a motorcycle.

That victim was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.
Dozens of tertiary institutions students under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) , Zone D, are protesting in Lagos over hike in electricity tariff and petrol price in the country.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that a similar protest also held in Osun, Ondo, Oyo and Ogun states, on Tuesday.

The students gathered in their hundreds at the different states capital.

The spokesperson of the association, Kazeem Israel, earlier told PREMIUM TIMES that the hike in the price of petrol and electricity tariff is anti-people.

No doubt, this government has worsened all the crises it inherited from the last administration. In fact, the Buhari government is a clear example that we the students must go back to our revolutionary days as we cannot continue to lament, he said.

READ ALSO:

One of the protesters in Ojota, Lagos, Bimbo Alonge, told this newspaper that the reason for the protest is to ensure that President Muhammadu Buhari reverses the recent hike.

Buhari is the number one citizen of this country and he has power to up turn the increment. Nigerians are suffering and protest should not come this time.

Some protesters in Lagos [Photo Credit: NANS ZONE D] Some protesters in Lagos [Photo Credit: NANS ZONE D]

COVID-19 has already caused more harm on hungry Nigerians and the government should not in any form add to the existing bitterness. Enough is enough, he told our correspondent.

Earlier this month, Electricity distribution companies (DisCos) ,across the country , this month, implemented a new electricity tariff regime.

Currently, petrol is being sold for N162 per litre, a development that has caused furore on social media as Nigerians tasked opposition leaders and organised labor to reject the developments with physical protest.

Amidst all these, Mr Buhari, on Monday, said there was no going back on subsidy removal.
United Airlines says it will fly 40 percent of its full flight schedule by next month after adding new and restored flights amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The airline announced that it plans to add limited capacity to its flight schedule for October.

Domestic flights will be running at 40 percent of its full schedule compared to the same month last year.

Part of the restored flights include eight new routes to Hawaii.

The airline is adding the new flights off the back of the state's planned pre-arrival testing program that is due to be implemented on October 1.

United Airlines says it will fly 40 percent of its full flight schedule by next month after adding new and restored flights amid the coronavirus pandemic

As part of the program, the state is scheduled to start allowing out-of-state visitors to return without having to quarantine for 14 days after arrival if they have a negative COVID-19 test.

United also expects to fly 33 percent of its schedule for international flights in October.

The airline has added flights to cities in Mexico, Central America and South America.

'We continue to be data-driven and realistic in our approach to rebuilding our network,' United's vice president of Domestic Network Planning, Ankit Gupta, said in a statement.

'Because October is typically a slower month for leisure travel, we're adjusting our schedules to reflect these seasonal changes in customer demand while resuming service or adding capacity on routes where we're seeing increased customer demand for travel.'

Adding flights to its schedule is the latest attempt by the airline to boost bookings that have been wiped out by the coronavirus pandemic.

United announced last month it was permanently eliminating change fees on tickets for domestic travel.

The Chicago-based airline is among the major US carriers that began implementing temporary waivers of change fees this year to give passengers more flexibility with their travel plans given the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.

Domestic flights will be running at 40 percent of its full schedule next month, while the airline expects to fly 33 percent of its schedule for international flights

United has now made the policy permanent for all standard economy and premium cabin tickets and also applying it to any ticket already booked through the end of the year.

The standard change fee - charged to passengers who change their tickets - for domestic flights was $200.

In another change beginning January 1, United will allow customers to list for stand-by for free on a different flight on the same day of travel with the same departure and arrival cities if a seat is available.

United said last week that it was preparing to furlough 16,370 workers when federal aid expires on October 1.

United's cuts include 6,920 flight attendants, but the union representing them said 14,000 will not have a paycheck in October unless Congress acts to extend $25 billion in aid.

This is because many have opted for leaves that will provide healthcare but no money, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA International President Sara Nelson said.

Airlines have been lobbying Washington for a second stimulus package to protect jobs through March while the industry awaits a recovery.

The first $25 billion, which covered airline payrolls, expires this month, but talks have stalled as Congress has struggled to reach agreement on a broader coronavirus assistance package.

Chicago-based United had over 90,000 employees before the pandemic brought the industry to a near standstill in March. It warned in July that 36,000 jobs were at risk of involuntary furloughs as demand remained weak.

Airlines are still being battered by the coronavirus pandemic as travel restrictions and fear of contracting the virus are keeping travelers at home.

Normally in summer, 2 million or more people pass through security checkpoints at US airports each day but that number hasn't been above 900,000 since mid-March when the pandemic first hit.
The following contains spoilers for Mulan (2020).

Mulan fans might have recognised a familiar face  and voice  in the films new live-action version.

Actor Ming-Na Wen, who voices the titular character in the 1998 Disney animated movie, makes a short but noticeable appearance towards the end of the newly released film.

The new Mulan came out on 4 September as part of a special release on Disney+.

Towards the end of the movie, when Mulan, having revealed her gender and saved the emperor, is received at the palace as a guest of honour.

Ming-Na Wen attends the world premiere of 'Mulan' on 9 March 2020 in Hollywood (FREDERIC J BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

During the sequence, shes introduced to the emperor by none other than Wen.

The actor told The New York Times that making sure she could shoot an appearance for Mulan, while at the same time conducting filming duties for the series Agents of SHIELD (in which she plays Agent Melinda May) was kind of a logistical nightmare.

She was originally supposed to play in a longer scene, but that would have required her to be away from the Agents of SHIELD set for a month, which wasnt a possibility.

Wen and the team settled on the cameo instead.

I thought that was very appropriate and just wonderful, a little Easter egg where I could pass the baton, she told the newspaper. And this time, they only needed me there for a week. So it all worked out!

Wens appearance in the new film has been met with enthusiasm from fans on social media.

Mulan is out on Disney+ now.
Both of these men lived roughly during the same time period. One, in fact, learned from the other and took up the mantle of his job as a prophet. But it doesnt help that both of them have extremely similar names in the English language.

Elijah and Elisha lived during the time of the kings of Israel. In fact, Elijah personally went head to head with one of the most evil royal couples in their history: Ahab and Jezebel. Both prophets completed miracles and called down Gods judgment on various evildoers (1 Kings 18, 2 Kings 2).

In this article, well endeavor to explain the difference between these two prophets. Well show how they interacted with one another, and what Christians can learn from their lives.

Who Was Elijah?

Elijahs story appears mostly in 1 Kings. He was a prophet during one of the most wicked times in Israels history, when worship of Baal was at an all-time high.

In fact, one of the most famous stories from Elijahs life comes from when he faces off with the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18. Both prophets attempt to show which of their gods has more power. The prophets of Baal call out to their false god to set alight their altars, but nothing happens. Elijah, to add salt to their wounds, asks them to cover his altar in water. They do so, and God sends down fire and consumes the drenched platform.

To say Elijah and King Ahab and Queen Jezebel did not get along would understate their animosity. In fact, right after the 1 Kings 19 escapade, Jezebel threatens to kill Elijah, so he flees.

Elijah completes many miracles in his life. Some of these include causing the rain to stop for years (1 Kings 17:1) and resurrecting a womans son (1 Kings 17:22).

The Bible compares Elijah with John the Baptist (Luke 1:17), both prophesying to wicked generations (and also because both appear to have eccentric attitudes).

As we see in the narrative, Elijah takes on an assistant with a similar name: Elisha. At the end of Elijahs ministry, he anoints Elisha and is taken up into heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2). Elijah technically does not die, and many have speculated if he is one of the two eyewitnesses who appears in Revelation 11.

Who Was Elisha?

Elisha has a similar story to that of the disciples. His master prophet, Elijah, finds him working in the fields. When he casts his cloak on Elisha (essentially calls him to follow him, and symbolizes he will transfer his power to him in the future), Elisha drops what hes doing and starts as an assistant to the prophet (1 Kings 19:19-21).

When Elijah leaves earth, Elisha is granted double Elijahs power, explains this Got Questions article.

Although Elisha doesnt appear to go head to head with any Israelite kings (in fact, he advises them, rather), he does dedicate his ministry to finishing what Elijah set out to do: getting rid of all Baal worship, which he accomplishes (2 Kings 10:28).

No doubt, like Elisha asks, he does receive a significant portion of Elijahs power, doubled. Some miracles that happen during his life include parting the Jordan river in two (2 Kings 2:14) and the famous healing of the leper Namaan (2 Kings 5:14). His healing powers last even after he dies. When the Israelites throw a corpse into Elishas tomb, the man springs to his feet after touching Elishas bones (2 Kings 13:21).

What Can We Learn from Elijah?

Elijah felt alone in this world and even said so (1 Kings 18:22). Often we may find ourselves being the only Christian in a situation. Maybe we dont have any believing family members or dont have anyone else in our workplace who claims to have a saving relationship with Christ.

Through Elijahs example, we can know what it looks like to faithfully serve God, even in wicked places.

David Jeremiah also gives some examples of how we can learn from Elijahs example on how to trust in God when faced with opposition. In the example of the prophets of Baal, he was outnumbered by the hundreds. Still, he exercised faith and his God won out the day.

Elijah also learned the importance of passing the mantle of a ministry. Scripture never tells us if he was disappointed that he didnt eradicate Baal worship completely during his time on earth. But he entrusts Elisha to finish what he started. Maybe we have similar experiences. Perhaps we have encountered people to whom weve shared the love of Christ, but they never committed fully to a relationship with our Savior. And perhaps they have moved to another region and dont keep in contact much.

However, we can trust that we set the groundwork for another Christian to continue witnessing to them in our stead.

What Can We Learn from Elisha?

Elisha shows us an example of humility and complete dedication to Gods handiwork. When called by Elijah, he completely abandons his trade and follows him.

Perhaps God has done the same in our lives. Maybe he has called us into a vocation in which we have no experience, or he calls us away from our comfort zones. We can mimic Elishas example and go without hesitation to where God had called us.

We can also learn from Elisha what it looks like to carry on a legacy of a mentor or Christian who came before us. Before the New Testament discipleship existed, Elijah and Elisha showed a great example of how to teach someone in ministry and pass the mantle to them.

We need mentors in our lives, older Christians who can instruct us and help us on our spiritual walk.

Both of these prophets exemplified total dedication to God during one of the most evil times in Israels history. They learned the importance of passing on a legacy and humility. God granted both of them extraordinary power, and through their lives, they were able to eradicate Baal worship in the land and advise kings.

We can learn from them the importance of trusting God during uncertainty. And we can also discover what a good mentor-student relationship looks like through their lives.

Photo credit: Getty Images/digitalskillet

Hope Bolinger is a multi-published novelist and a graduate of Taylor University's professional writing program. More than 1,200 of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer's Digest to Keys for Kids. She has worked for various publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, and literary agencies and has edited the work of authors such as Jerry B. Jenkins and Michelle Medlock Adams. Her modern-day Daniel trilogy is out with IlluminateYA. She is also the co-author of the Dear Hero duology, which was published by INtense Publications. And her inspirational adult romance Picture Imperfect releases in November of 2021. Find out more about her at her website.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as the Election Commission plans to hold bypolls to Kuttanad and Chavara Assembly constituencies in November, the Left government wants to avoid elections over such a short period.

The state government informed Opposition UDF of its stance and sought its support for the same. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called up Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala to seek his opinion.

The UDF is, however, not very keen on the suggestion. It is of the view that if local body elections are held, bypolls to Assembly constituencies can also be conducted. The UDF meet on Tuesday discussed the matter.

ALSO READ | UDF to field Shibu in Chavara, Thomas for LDF in Kuttanad

The state Assembly has now only around 6-7 months before election notification for the next assembly elections is issued. Therefore even if bypolls are held, the winning candidates will get hardly 4-5 months in power. Byelections will also have to be held following the Covid-19 protocol.

Keeping such things in mind, the government plans to approach the Election Commission seeking to skip the byelection. The LDF government wanted all political parties in the state to jointly approach the Election Commission and raise such a demand. That is why it had sought the Opposition's opinion in this regard.

The UDF, however, wants local body elections to be postponed in view of the Covid scenario. In such a scenario, local body elections can be postponed and byelections can be avoided. The Opposition will soon inform the government about its decision.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will visit Moscow to attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Foreign Office said on Tuesday. The invitation to the Foreign Minister to attend the SCO-CFM was extended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the ministry said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will also attend the meeting of foreign ministers of the SCO of which both India and Pakistan are members. The SCO 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 Moscow SCO-CFM on September 9-10 will consider more than 20 documents for subsequent adoption in the SCO Council of Heads of State. It will also adopt a Joint Communique reflecting member states' unified stance on important regional and international issues.

Qureshi will also have bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the CFM but the details of his meetings were not shared by the foreign office. SCO is an important forum for further enriching our deep-rooted historical and cultural links with member states, providing these ties a sound economic foundation, and promoting Pakistan as a regional trade and transit corridor, the foreign office said.
This artist's impression of different mass stars; from the smallest red dwarfs, weighing in at about 0.1 solar masses, to massive blue stars weighing around 10 to 100 solar masses. While red dwarfs are the most abundant stars in the Universe, its the massive blue stars that contribute the most to the evolution of stars clusters and galaxies. Credit: ESO/M. Kornmesser

Massive stars are those larger than about 10 times the mass of the sun and are born far less often than their low-mass counterparts. However, they contribute the most to the evolution of star clusters and galaxies. Massive stars are the precursors of many vivid and energetic phenomena in the universe, including enriching their surroundings in supernova explosions and altering the dynamics of their systems.

The best tool to study massive stars are detailed stellar evolution codes: computer programs that calculate both the interior structure and the evolution of these stars. Unfortunately, detailed codes are computationally expensive and time-consumingit can take several hours to compute the evolution of just a single star. For this reason, it's impractical to use these codes for modeling stars in complex systems such as globular star clusters, which can contain millions of interacting stars.

To address this problem, a team of scientists led by the ARC Center of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav) developed a stellar evolution code called METhod of Interpolation for Single Star Evolution (METISSE). Interpolation is a method for estimating a quantity based on nearby values, such as estimating the size of a star based on the sizes of stars with similar masses. Via interpolation, METISSE quickly calculates the properties of a star at any instant by using selected stellar models computed with detailed stellar evolution codes.

Lightning fast, METISSE can evolve 10,000 stars in less than three minutes. Most importantly, it can use sets of stellar models to predict the properties of starsthis is extremely important for massive stars. Massive stars are rare, and their complex and short lives make it difficult to calculate their properties. Consequently, detailed stellar evolution codes often have to make assumptions while computing the evolution of these stars. The differences in the assumptions used by different stellar evolution codes can significantly impact their predictions about the lives and the properties of the massive stars.

This illustration demonstrates how a massive star fuses heavier and heavier elements until exploding as a supernova and spreading those elements throughout space. Credit: NASA, ESA, and L. Hustak (STScI)

In their recently published study, the OzGrav researchers used METISSE with two sets of state-of-the-art stellar models: one computed by the Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA), and the other by the Bonn Evolutionary Code (BEC).

Poojan Agrawal, OzGrav researcher and the study's lead author, explains: "We interpolated stars that were between nine and 100 times the mass of the sun and compared the predictions for the final fates of these stars. For most massive stars in our set, we found that the masses of the stellar remnants (neutron stars or black holes) can vary by up to 20 times the mass of our sun."

When the stellar remnants merge, they create gravitational wavesripples in space and timethat scientists can detect. Therefore, this study's results will have a huge impact on future predictions in gravitational wave astronomy.

Agrawal adds: "METISSE is just the first step in uncovering the part massive stars play in stellar systems such as star clusters, and already, the results are very exciting."

More information: Poojan Agrawal et al. The fates of massive stars: exploring uncertainties in stellar evolution with metisse, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2020). Journal information: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Poojan Agrawal et al. The fates of massive stars: exploring uncertainties in stellar evolution with metisse,(2020). DOI: 10.1093/mnras/staa2264
A pet owner has been reunited with her beloved corgi after she claimed it was stolen by an elderly couple she asked to dog-sit for two weeks.

Carmen Pham, from Labrador on the Gold Coast, asked family friends to look after her four-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi 'Haku' while she went overseas.

But when she returned they refused to hand the dog over, she said.

After months of emotional appeals, police intervention and the enlistment of a pet detective, Haku was finally returned to his owner's arms on Tuesday afternoon.

Carmen Pham has been reunited with her beloved corgi 'Haku' after it was allegedly stolen by an elderly couple she asked to dog-sit (pictured together)

Ms Pham was emotional as she embraced her pet for the first time in six months.

She said she has big plans to celebrate the dog's return.

'I'm so happy. It was her birthday yesterday so we want to do a big party tonight,' she told Nine News.

Meanwhile the man accused of stealing the dog insists it was a misunderstanding.

'They said I could keep the dog in the middle of May,' he said.

'It just got all out of hand... the dog is now handed back- that's it, full stop.'

Haku was returned to the Surfers Paradise police station and collected by the joyous owner just after 4pm

The pet owner launched an emotional appeal to track down her dog after the couple stopped responding to her messages in July

Haku the four-year-old Pembroke Welsh corgi disappeared along with an elderly family friend who was her pet-sitter during the pandemic lockdown

Haku was returned to the Surfers Paradise police station and collected by the owner just after 4pm.

A spokesperson for Queensland Police told Daily Mail Australia no charges have been laid.

The pet owner launched an emotional appeal to track down her dog after she said the couple stopped responding to her messages in July.

She went to police and sought assistance through social media to get the dog back.

Ms Pham posted a plea for her dog's return on the Missing & Stolen Pets QLD Facebook page last Thursday night and it was quickly shared more than 745 times by outraged pet-lovers.

Kirilly Cull, from the Missing & Stolen Pets QLD Facebook page, said the police had found the person who 'stole Haku'.

'He has now gone into hiding,' she said.

Haku with Carmen Pham and her family at Christmas

The man who took Haku has repeatedly insisted he did not steal the dog, but thought she had been left with him permanently.

However Missing & Stolen Pets page administrators wrote on Friday that they had copies of all conversations between the 'persons of interest' and the legal owners as well as a copy of the police report.

'Hand Haku into a vet, pound or police. Keeping an animal that is legally not yours is deemed under Australian law "theft of property",' they wrote, all in capital letters.

Ms Pham posted a plea for her dog's return on the Missing & Stolen Pets QLD Facebook page last Thursday night and it was quickly shared more than 745 times by outraged pet-lovers
Has this summers unrest been mostly peaceful, as some have claimed? A new study from Roudabeh Kishi and Sam Jones at the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) has been trumpeted as sufficient justification for the medias attempt to push this line. Kishi and Joness partisan framing have doubtlessly contributed to this misunderstanding. In more than 93 percent of all demonstrations connected to the movement, demonstrators have not engaged in violence or destructive activity, they explain. Violent demonstrations, meanwhile, have been limited to fewer than 220 locations, they assure us. More remarkable is their assertion that the media is responsible for the publics increasingly negative view of the Black Lives Matter movement. They lament the disproportionate coverage of violent demonstrations and dismiss the claim that antifa is a terrorist organization as a mischaracterization. They advise that we not let ourselves be manipulated by the media focus on looting and vandalism . . . there is little evidence to suggest that demonstrators have engaged in widespread violence.

While Kishi and Jones may be surprised that the media is more inclined to cover violent riots than peaceful protests, the people living and working in the neighborhoods ravaged by those riots do not share their confusion. For widows such as Ann Dorn, whose husband, David, was killed in St. Louis by people attempting to loot a pawn shop he was protecting, it is readily apparent why the violence matters. Nineteen people had already died in riot-related violence two weeks into the protests in early June. For small-business owners already struggling to stay afloat under the pressure of a pandemic, it is similarly self-evident. In a six-day period from May 29 to June 3, rioters were responsible for over $400 million in damage across the country. As of June 9, 450 New York City businesses had been looted or otherwise vandalized. In Minneapolis and St. Paul  where riots first broke out after George Floyds death  1,500 businesses have sustained damage. As Brad Polumbo has observed, the socioeconomic shadow cast by that damage will be a long one, as business owners will be loathe to invest in an area in which the government cannot guarantee that their property will be protected. Tragically, because the riots are concentrated in urban settings, they disproportionately take the lives and damage the property of minorities.

Story continues

Yet Kishi and Jones remain sanguine about the role that Black Lives Matter has played in the destruction, and insist that where violence has occurred, it is largely attributable to the far right. As evidence, they cite the fact that a single member of the Hells Angels gang was caught smashing windows in Minneapolis in late May. That behavior is worthy of condemnation and imprisonment, but Kishi and Jones cant help themselves from laying the blame of all of the ensuing violence on this single incident. According to their analysis, those smashed windows helped spark an outbreak of looting following initially peaceful protests. If a man smiles and shakes your hand before pulling a gun on you, the initial feigned friendliness may not have been genuine. If a man sees smashed windows and thinks, That looks like fun, he was probably never especially opposed to committing acts of violence.

The ACLED researchers further excuse lawlessness in American cities by conveniently ignoring the aforementioned harm caused to blameless families and businesses, asserting that in many cases the violent demonstrations have specifically targeted statues seen to represent the countrys legacy of racist violence. Notably, Kishi and Jones draw no distinction between efforts to tear down statues of Confederate leader Jefferson Davis versus those of Christopher Columbus. Moreover, while Rich Lowry has convincingly argued that conservatives should not feel any particular affinity toward Confederate monuments, all Americans should share an attachment to the rule of law.

Kishi and Joness assessment of data also changes depending on if they feel the numbers carry enough water for Black Lives Matter. They dismiss violence in 7 percent of demonstrations as miniscule, yet count a similar proportion of violent incidents inspired by anger at monuments as very many. Kishi and Jones also express outrage at the fact that there has been government intervention in about 9 percent of the demonstrations, despite the fact that demonstrations associated with the BLM movement have been overwhelmingly peaceful. Per their own analysis, that makes for a difference of only 2 percent between the protests that have turned violent and the ones in which authorities have stepped in.

None of this is to say that the many peaceful protesters who have participated in marches around the country have no legitimate grievances, or to call those participants violent criminals. The Republican majority in the Senate has acknowledged issues with our criminal-justice system and proposed legislation to address many of them  legislation blocked by their Democratic colleagues for political purposes. But it is to suggest that that hundreds of violent riots resulting in billions of dollars in damage, lost life, and a fraying social fabric is not an issue to be set aside. And its also to suggest that the efforts of academics and journalists attempting to set them aside are as transparent as they are egregious.

More from National Review
A man who shook his seven-week-old son so violently he was left permanently disabled has been jailed for six years.

The unnamed 'inexperienced' father appeared at Penrith District Court on Tuesday, alongside the child's mother, when he was found guilty of the life-altering incident.

The then 27-year-old was caring for the infant in April 2018 while the boy's mother slept in the couple's Dundas home in Sydney's north-west.

The baby boy started to twitch and smack his lips after a night of 'uncontrollable crying' before being taken to The Children's Hospital at Westmead when his mother grew concerned, the court heard.

The then seven-week-old was found to have suffered extensive brain and spinal injuries, and doctors later stated he would likely suffer lifelong disabilities.

Police were alerted to the infant's condition when he was admitted to hospital on April 17, 2018, with seizures.

The unnamed 'inexperienced' father appeared at Penrith District Court (pictured) on Tuesday, alongside the child's mother, when he was found guilty of the life-altering incident

The child's father was arrested while at work in Ryde on April 19, 2018.

He charged with reckless grievous bodily harm and not providing for a child, causing danger of serious injury, after being taken to a nearby police station.

Police alleged the baby suffered seizures for at least 24 hours before medical attention was sought, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

The father told a relative the child 'slipped out of my hands', but this was disputed by District Court Judge Ian Bourke SC.

Bourke said medical evidence showed the child suffered abusive head trauma while in the care of his father, and 'can in no way be explained by actions such as picking him up too quickly'.

'I do not believe (he) intended to deliberately harm (his baby), rather  (he was) an inexperienced father who was attempting to manage on his own with a child who would not settle and was crying uncontrollably,' the judge said, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The child's father was arrested while at work in Ryde (pictured) on August 23, 2018

He was charged with reckless grievous bodily harm and not providing for a child and causing danger of serious injury. Pictured: The child's father being arrested

'(The father) in his private thoughts genuinely knows that it was his actions  committed out of frustration  that led to these terrible consequences.'

Mr Bourke told the court the precise time of injury to the child remained undetermined.

The then 27-year-old father was convicted and sentenced to six years six months behind bars.

He has a non-parole period of three years, 10 months, and will be eligible for parole in July 2024.

The child's then 27-year-old mother - who also appeared in court, cannot be named and was charged with neglect in June 2018 - was also convicted and sentenced to a two-year community correction order. Pictured: The mother being arrested

The child's then 27-year-old mother - who also appeared in court, cannot be named and was charged with neglect in June 2018 - was also convicted and sentenced to a two-year community correction order.

This is despite the court hearing she would not have known her child had been shaken.

The court heard it was understandable the mother had not taken any initial action prior to taking the young child to the hospital.
By PTI

SINGAPORE: Around 13,000 foreign workers in Singapore were not allowed to resume work after they missed the deadline to undergo the mandatory fortnightly COVID-19 testing, officials said on Tuesday.

The AccessCode Status for these 13,000 foreign workers will remain "red" and they cannot return to work, said the Ministry of Health.

"This is to protect the health and safety of the other workers," it added.

The workers missed the September 5 deadline to undergo the fortnightly Rostered Routine Testing (RRT).

Once these workers have undergone their RRT, their AccessCode will be restored to "green" and they will be allowed to return to work.

CLICK HERE FOR COVID-19 LIVE UPDATES

As part of the safeguards to ensure the safe restart of work, workers, many of them from India, staying in dormitories, are required to undergo rostered routine testing every 14 days.

The Ministry of Manpower, Economic Development Board, Building and Construction Authority, and Health Promotion Board have been engaging the employers since August and reminding them to schedule their workers for RRT before September 5 deadline.

Meanwhile, Singapore on Tuesday reported 47 new coronavirus cases, taking the country's tally to 57,091.

There was an imported case who had been placed on stay-home notice upon arrival in Singapore.

The rest were migrant workers here.

ALSO WATCH:
The wreckage of a German warship that was struck by a British torpedo in 1940 has been discovered off the coast or Norway. Norwegian power grid operator Statnett said the cruiser Karlsruhe was identified more than 1,600 feet underwater from sonar images.

Launched in 1927, the 571-foot ship led the attack on the southern Norwegian port of Kristiansand during the invasion of Norway on April 9, 1940. With nine cannons and three triple turrets, it was "the largest and most fearsome ship in the attack group," Statnett said.

An element of sunken German WWII warship cruiser

Gun turrets and a Nazi-era swastika were captured in underwater images taken by Statnett and televised by Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, Reuters reported.

Karlsruhe was struck by a British submarine torpedo while returning from Kristiansand. The ship's crew evacuated and the vessel was finally sunk by the Germans themselves, resting upright on the seabed at a depth of 490 meters, Statnett said.

An element of sunken German WWII warship cruiser

"You can find Karlsruhe's fate in history books, but no one has known exactly where the ship sunk," Norwegian Maritime Museum archaeologist Frode Kvaloe said. "After all these years we finally know where the graveyard to this important warship is."

Statnett was able to capture dramatic images of the wreck by using an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) and multi-beam echo sounders.

"When the ROV results showed us a ship that was torpedoed, we realized it was from the war," said project engineer Ole Petter Hobberstad. "As the cannons became visible on the screen, we understood it was a huge warship."

An element of sunken German WWII warship cruiser

Statnett said the warship was first detected in 2017 only 50 feet away from an underwater power cable that connects Norway and Denmark. The grid operator said it never would have laid the cable in that location in 1977 if it had known of the wreckage, Reuters reported.

A sonar scan of sunken German WWII warship cruiser

Joe Biden leads Trump by 10 points in CBS News Battleground Tracker poll

Michael Cohen claims Trump will do anything to win the 2020 election

Helicopter rescues 200 trapped by fast-moving California wildfire
An 18-year-old cant buy a beer in most U.S. states, but pretty soon he or she may be able to drive a commercial truck across state lines  and that has safety advocates alarmed.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is considering a pilot program to test lowering the age limit for interstate commercial drivers from 21 to 18, the agency announced Friday.

Lowering the age requirement is backed by the trucking industry, which is struggling to fill seats in commercial vehicles as a shortage of truck drivers is forecast to double in the next decade, according to the American Trucking Associations. Safety groups have raised concerns about the idea of lowering the age of drivers who often must travel long-hauls in heavy vehicles with large loads.

Trump Administration Rule Changes Allow Trucker Work Day of 14 Hours Insurance Group Says Safety Technologies Could Stop 40% of Big Truck Rear Crashes

Youre talking about an age group that has the highest risk of being in a crash and now youre going to put an 18-year-old behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound rig? Jackie Gillan, a board member of Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways, said in an interview on Friday. She called the proposal one of the dumbest and most dangerous proposals that the trucking regulator has ever come up with.

The FMCSA would require the participants to have commercial driving licenses and take part in a 120-hour probation and a subsequent 280-hour period under an apprenticeship program established by an employer. Participants in the pilot group would not be allowed to operate vehicles hauling passengers or hazardous materials or special configuration vehicles.

The FMCSA, which announced Friday it is starting the rule making process for a pilot program, will take comments on the proposal for 60 days.

Forty-nine states and the District of Columbia currently allow 18- to 20-year-olds to drive commercial trucks for intrastate commerce, the motor carrier safety agency said. But they cant cross state lines and that would change under the pilot program and legislation currently being considered in Congress. Bills have been introduced in both the House and the Senate.

Young people in North Dakota are raised on hard work, Senator Kevin Cramer, a Republican from that state, tweeted on Friday. Theyre ready and able to handle important responsibilities, accept whatever challenges life throws at them, and take advantage of good opportunities placed in front of them. Theyd be prime candidates for this program.

American Trucking Associations, which lobbies for trucking companies, said the pilot program was a significant step toward improving safety on our nations roads, setting a standard for these drivers that is well beyond what 49 states currently require.

ATA President Chris Spear said in a statement that if our freedom can be defended from tyranny around the world by our men in women in uniform, many well below the age of 21, then its quite clear that we can train that same group how to safely and responsibly cross state lines in a commercial vehicle.

Photo: Trucks drive along Interstate 80 on February 18, 2014 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Photographer: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America

Topics Auto Personal Auto Politics Trucking
The Embassy of Luxembourg has announced the appointment of Seturaman Mahalingam as the country's new Honorary Consul in Chennai with consular jurisdiction over Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Mahalingam replaces Suhasini Maniratnam whose mandate terminated after five years, the embassy said in a statement.

The Ambassador of Luxembourg in India, Jean Claude Kugener, welcomed the nomination of Mahalingam in Chennai and wished him all the very best of luck to further deepen the bilateral relations between Luxembourg and the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, it said.

Mahalingam retired as the chief financial officer and executive director of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). He is currently on the board of a number of companies and is associated with social causes as well, it said.

The statement further added that Luxembourg is the 15th Foreign Direct Investor and has very strong and historic bilateral relations with India.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 8

By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend:

The Tau-Ken Samruk National Mining Company (JSC) of Kazakhstan is negotiating with potential investors on partnership to develop the Shokpar and Gagarinskoye deposits, the company told Trend.

"At the end of 2019, the assessment stages of geological explorations at these fields were completed. The reserves of gold and silver discovered here have been approved within industrial categories, put on the state balance sheet and are subject to industrial development," said the company.

In accordance with the legislation of Kazakhstan on subsoil use, procedures are presently being carried out to obtain licenses for production, the company noted.

Field work isnt being carried out at the moment, the company is negotiating with potential investors on options for development partnership, the company said.

By the decision of the state commission on reserves of Kazakhstan the reserves on the Gagarinskoye deposit in the amount of 2.2 million tons of ore, gold of 10,104 kilograms, and silver of 84.2 tons were approved. The reserves of the Shokpar deposit were approved in the amount of 1.5 million tons of ore, gold  10,952 kilograms, silver - 51.5 tons.

The Gagarinskoye field is located in the Kordai district of the Zhambyl region, approximately 200 kilometers west of Almaty city.

The Shokpar field is located in the Kordai district of the Zhambyl region, 40 kilometers from the Gagarinskoye field.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @nargiz_sadikh
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Thousands of Donald Trump supporters took to the waters on Labor Day Monday for a Make America Great Again boat parade.

The devoted followers showed their support of the President after five boats sank and another capsized over the weekend during the celebrations.

In Florida, MAGA supporters congregated off the shore of President Trump's home at Mar-a-Lago.

Thousands of Donald Trump supporters took to the waters on Labor Day Monday for a Make America Great Again boat parade. Pictured: boaters in Florida

Donald Trump Jr joined in with the parade, according to reports, as the Sunshine State hosted events to herald the current Commander-in-Chief for a second term.

On Saturday, officials said that five boats sank during a Trump boat parade at Lake Travis, Texas, amid a flurry of distress calls.

Lake Travis, a reservoir on the Colorado River, is known for its hazardous sailing conditions at times and has been the site of dozens of boating accidents over the years. No injuries or deaths were reported.

Supporters of President Donald Trump have decorated their boats with flags during a Labor Day boat parade at the Coralville Reservoir in Iowa

A boat takes part in a pro-Trump boat parade on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania

In Florida, MAGA supporters congregated off the shore of President Trump's home at Mar-a-Lago

Participants waved large Trump 2020 and MAGA flags as they showed their support for the President, with one even wearing a Trump mask

As of Monday, three of the five boats have been towed from the lake.

And on Sunday, a nautical Trump parade in Wisconsin resulted in a boat capsizing amid five-foot waves.

Supporters gathered on the St. Croix River but the huge water traffic caused tricky conditions.

Donald Trump Jr joined in with the parade, according to reports, as the Sunshine State hosted events to herald the current Commander-in-Chief for a second term

One of the supporters wore the famed red Make America Great Again cap and sat in a Trump rubber ring

On the shore of Mar-A-Lago, one boater wrapped his vessel in a number of banners, reading 'Black boater for Trump' and 'Biden = riots, looting, burning'

In Florida, sunbathers wearing US swimming costumes and even a mermaid's tail enjoyed their Labor Day on the waters

A Trump superfan waved a placard which read 'Trump's Front Row Joes', a term for his diehard supporters at his rallies

Keith Smith, who lives on the river in River Falls, Wisconsin, told WCCO: 'The river was flooded with boats. Big boats, small boats, all kinds of boats.

'The waves were probably four to five footers pounding my boat into the dock.'

The rope which had been holding his docked boat in place snapped, and he had to fight for an hour and a half to stop it from sinking.

One of his neighbours did lose their boat during the parade.

The defiant boaters took to the waters after a number of vessels capsized over the weekend during MAGA parades

On Saturday, officials said that five boats sank during a Trump boat parade at Lake Travis, Texas, amid a flurry of distress calls

A boat decked out in Trump flags takes part in a pro-Trump boat parade in Pennsylvania

A small counter protest saw supporters of Joe Biden waving flags in support of their candidate on Monday

Mr Smith said: 'There was so much wake from the boats that it actually lifted my dock up three or four feet, and the waves came underneath my floating dock. The waves overwhelmed the boat.'

He added that he was not angry with the parade but wished the boaters had helped him out when they saw him struggling.

Labor Day is traditionally a big weekend for boating in the US, and this year's comes just two months before the highly polarized presidential election in November.

During the parades, boaters waved Trump 2020 flags, MAGA signs and US flags in a patriotic show of support for the current President.

Labor Day is traditionally a big weekend for boating in the US, and this year's comes just two months before the highly polarized presidential election in November

During the parades, boaters waved Trump 2020 flags, MAGA signs and US flags in a patriotic show of support for the current President

Revellers wearing skimpy bikinis and swimming shorts partied on their boat near the President's Florida home
PrivateRentalHouses.com offers rental properties in Tampa

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Besides serving tenants, the company also understands that landlords may also be hard-pressed to find tenants during these challenging pandemic times. For this reason, the company has a free tenant finding service for landlords. All a landlord has to do is register with the company and it will actively find them tenants that meet their rent requirements at no cost.

The company has also been active in charity during this period and has been donating to the local church and several charities in its quest to touch the lives of the most vulnerable during these tough times. The company has been especially active in donating to charities that fight against diabetes in children. Private Rental Houses understands that this group is highly vulnerable during these pandemic times and needs all the help it can get in managing the underlying condition.

Private Rental Houses is a rental property portal that operates in Florida. The company has rental properties in Tampa, New Port Richey, Port Richey/Hudson, Zephyrhills/PASCO, Lutz, and Orlando among many other locations. The companys goal is to make the search for a rental as easy and stress-free as possible. To learn more about their services, check out their website on https://www.privaterentalhouses.com.

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Huawei may soon have even more trouble sourcing components for its phones. According to South Korean newspaper Chosun llbo (via UPI), Samsung and memory manufacturer SK Hynix plan to suspend selling parts to the Chinese company on September 15th. That's the day new restrictions the US Commerce Department announced partway through August go into effect.

Those restrictions prohibit non-American companies from selling components to Huawei that they developed using equipment or software made in the US. The ban has already affected Huawei's business. The company's Richard Yu recently said the Mate 40 would feature Huawei's final high-end Kirin processor due to the trade sanctions. The ban is likely to hurt Samsung and SK Hynix as much as it does Huawei. In SK Hynix's case, 40 percent of its $13.3 billion revenue in the first half of 2020 came from exports to China.

Huawei has tried to reduce its reliance on foreign chip suppliers by sourcing components from SMIC, China's leading chip foundry. However, the Trump Administration's ongoing trade war with China may not make that a viable option for much longer.

At the start of September, the Defence Department confirmed it might add the chipmaker to the same Commerce Department entity list that prevents US companies from dealing with Huawei. If the Trump administration goes through with the move, it will stop SMIC from getting the equipment it needs to manufacture chips for Huawei. Even if SMIC avoids a potential ban, it's two process node generations behind Huawei's former chip supplier, Taiwan's TSMC. It will take a while before the company can make processors for Huawei's flagship phones. A best-case scenario for Huawei is that it can start purchasing parts from Samsung and other component manufacturers at some point in the future.
The United States wars launched in the aftermath of the attacks on September 11, 2001 have resulted in the displacement of at least 37 million people worldwide, according to a new Brown University report.

That was a conservative estimate, the researchers said: their report indicated the actual number of people displaced worldwide by Americas post-9/11 wars could be as high as 48 to 59 million.

The report, which was said to be the first of its kind, measured the impact US wars have had on displaced population levels since the US became involved in a number of military conflicts around the world. Those wars have forcibly displaced millions of people from not just Afghanistan and Iraq, but also Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, the Philippines, Libya and Syria, the report said.

While the report also found that 25.3 million people who were displaced amid US wars have since returned home, its authors noted: Return does not erase the trauma of displacement or mean that those displaced have returned to their original homes or to a secure life.

The report, titled Creating Refugees: Displacement Caused by the United States Post-9/11 Wars, was published on Tuesday and authored by David Vine, Cala Coffman, Katalina Khoury, Madison Lovasz, Helen Bush, Rachel Leduc, and Jennifer Walkup.

The US began a global war on terror in response to the 2001 terror attacks linked to Al Qaeda, sending combat forces to at least 24 countries during nearly two decades of nonstop global military involvement.

Like other wars throughout history, the U.S. post-9/11 wars have caused millions of people  the vast majority, civilians  to fear for their lives and flee in search of safety, the report said. Millions have fled air strikes, bombings, artillery fire, drone attacks, gun battles, and rape. People have fled the destruction of their homes, neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, jobs, and local food and water sources. They have escaped forced evictions, death threats, and large-scale ethnic cleansing set off by the US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq in particular.

As the US carried out military operations across the globe, domestic attitudes towards refugees became sharply polarised. Although President Donald Trump sailed to victory in the 2016 elections in part thanks to his calls for a shutdown of Muslims entering the country, the majority of Americans have consistently supported taking in refugees in nationwide surveys and said immigration strengthens the US.

The new report found that nearly half (46 percent) of Somalias entire population had been displaced since the US sent military forces into the region in 2002.

In a statement to the New York Times, the studys coauthor Mr Vine said: It tells us that US involvement in these countries has been horrifically catastrophic, horrifically damaging in ways that I dont think that most people in the United States, in many ways myself included, have grappled with or reckoned with in even the slightest terms.
How did being on a film set again feel?

It was like having held your breath underwater for a long time.

Im finding the most borderline traumatic things are the things that are similar: If everything was completely different, it might be easier to adapt, but when things are anything like what you recognize from before March, it is confusing, and confusion is very exhausting.

So after a millisecond of realizing there were going to be crew members I will never recognize without their masks, we just approached shooting a film the way we always would have shot it: A few things are going to change in this new world, and so much more is not going to change.

Did you learn anything unexpected during lockdown?

Nothings new under the sun. During lockdown  and this has been the first, but there may be more  there was an opportunity to reflect on all we have. My mantra at the moment is that we have what we need, we just need to look and see it.

And what did you miss most?

Everybody missed big screen cinema in a way that they missed very little else. That was  and still is  a thing that we have to rally around.

Just that sharpening of that appetite for the bigger screen. Feeling that it might be months before Id get a chance to be in a theater again, that was really sore. Just the sharpening of that dependence.
A Sri Lankan politician sentenced to death for murder was escorted out of prison on Tuesday to become the first convict to be sworn in as a member of parliament, to heckles from opposition MPs.

Premalal Jayasekara from the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP) was convicted in August of murdering an opposition activist after opening fire at an election rally in 2015. But the 45-year-olds conviction and sentence came after nominations for the August 5 poll, meaning he could still contest the election and take up his seat.

Jayasekara was a no-show when the current parliament held its first session on August 20 as prison authorities refused to let him out. However, he petitioned the Court of Appeal which on Monday held that he should be escorted from prison to exercise his rights as an MP.

Opposition lawmakers wearing black shawls in protest heckled Jayasekara as he took the oath and several staged a walkout. He is to be escorted back to prison after the days session.

Jayasekara became the first convicted murderer to serve as an MP in Sri Lanka. He has been an MP since 2001.

In January 2015, he opened fire at a stage being set up for an election event by a rival party, killing one person. He has appealed the conviction and the death sentence.

Although Sri Lanka hands down death sentences, no one has been executed since 1976.

Jayasekara is not the only legislator to be escorted from prison to parliament in Sri Lanka.

Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, a first-time MP, is awaiting trial for alleged murder and is brought in for legislative sessions.

Brushes with the law are no bar to a career in politics in South Asia. More than 40% of lawmakers in Indias parliament face criminal charges  some as serious as murder and rape - according to the Association of Democratic Reforms, an electoral reform group.
Vietnam enjoyed large trade surplus in August thanks to Samsung Note 20 exports

Export turnover in August 2020 was estimated at $26.5 billion, up 6.5 per cent compared to the month prior (after adjustment), of which the domestic companies contributed $9.5 billion, up 4 per cent, while foreign-invested enterprises made up $17 billion, up 8 per cent. The growth of exports in the past month was mainly driven by Samsung Complexs export of its new Note 20, according to Bao Viet Securities (BVSC).

Over the first eight months of the year, export turnover is estimated at $174 billion, up 1.6 per cent on-year, while import turnover was $162.2 billion, down 2.6 per cent. Since imports experienced a more significant decline than exports, Vietnam maintained a large trade surplus of $11.9 billion in the first eight months and $3.5 billion in August alone.

The US remains the largest export market with 19 per cent growth, followed by Chinese market with a 13 per cent increase. In the opposite direction, exports to the EU, ASEAN, Japan, and South Korea decreased by 4, 13.6, 6, and 1.5 per cent.

As of August, there were three groups of high-value industrial products achieving solid export growth, namely electronics, computers, and components ($27.6 billion, up 25 per cent); machinery, equipment, and spare parts ($15.1 billion, up 32 per cent); and wood and wooden products ($7.3 billion, up 9.6 per cent).

Meanwhile, exports of industrial manufacturing products either plunged or achieved a lower growth than the same period last year, including textile of $19.2 billion, down 11.6 per cent year-to-date and footwear of $11 billion, down 8.6 per cent.

Agricultural exports underwent a fall in most products compared to the same period last year, including vegetables (down 11 per cent), natural rubber (down 12.7 per cent), cashew nuts (down 5.4 per cent), and coffee (down 1.3 per cent), among others.

Rice exports, on the other hand, grew by 10.4 per cent thanks to high demand globally spurred by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

In terms of exchange rate, in August, central rate and actual exchange rate quoted at commercial banks moved in opposite directions. While the central rate decreased by VND13 (0.06 per cent), the actual rate at commercial banks increased slightly by VND9 (0.04 per cent). Thus, compared to the end of 2019, the central rate by the end of August increased by 0.2 per cent while the exchange rate at commercial banks was almost unchanged.

BVSC believed that the downtrend of the USD on the global market was the main reason for the decline of the USD/VND exchange rate in August, marking the second consecutive month that the USD declined in the global market. Compared to late 2019, the USD Index at the end of August dropped 4.3 per cent. Besides, Vietnams large trade surplus (of $11.9 billion in the first eight months of 2020) also helped maintain the USD supply.

The US Department of Treasurys recent report of Vietnams large purchases of foreign currency in 2019 raised the risk that the US might name Vietnam as a currency manipulator. To prevent this risk, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) may suspend or limit foreign currency purchases in the short term. Therefore, if Vietnam's trade surplus stays high, the VND may appreciate slightly against the USD.
Gold Stocks in Correction Mode

The gold miners stocks are mired in correction mode, which isnt surprising after their mighty post-stock-panic upleg. Huge buying catapulting them higher left this sector extremely overbought. Corrections are normal and healthy after prices get too stretched technically. They eradicate upleg toppings excessive greed, rebalancing sentiment. That paves the way for bulls next uplegs, and offers great buying opportunities.

The most-popular gold-stock benchmark today is the GDX VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF. It includes the worlds biggest and best gold miners, dwarfing its peers in size. Launched way back in May 2006, GDXs first-mover advantage has grown insurmountable. This ETFs $17.9b in net assets this week are running 31.4x larger than its next biggest competitors in the 1x-long major-gold-miners-ETF space. GDX is king.

Gold stocks have a well-deserved reputation for excessive volatility, which is a key reason they are so alluring. When the stars align right for them, meaning a big and persistent gold upleg, their stock prices skyrocket! We just witnessed that in this sectors enormous upleg following Marchs COVID-19-lockdown-fueled stock panic. The subsequent gold-stock gains were among the largest out of all stock-market sectors.

As gold temporarily got sucked into that stock panic, GDX was pummeled to a deep low of just $19.00. Those radically-oversold conditions gave the gold stocks massive room to mean revert far higher. And thats exactly what they did over the following 4.8 months into early August, where GDX rocketed a stupendous 134.1% higher! Contrarian traders who bought in soon after the stock panic multiplied their capital.

But such colossal gains in such a short span generated incredible greed, and left GDX way overextended technically. So over the next 4 trading days into mid-August, GDX corrected 12.2%. Since then it has been consolidating high, meandering in a tight trading range between that upleg top and initial correction low of $44.48 and $39.05. Until GDX powers to new bull-market highs, it technically remains in correction mode.

Many if not most traders hate these necessary selloffs after bull-market uplegs. Unlike powerful rallies to major new highs, corrections arent any fun. But they do offer the best opportunities to buy relatively low in ongoing bull markets. Bulls inevitable alternating series of uplegs followed by corrections also greatly expand their tradable gains. Correction bottomings are when to buy low before later selling high at upleg toppings.

Because GDX has spent the past 6 weeks or so mostly drifting in the low $40s, those levels increasingly feel normal. But they are actually quite high in the context of this 4.6-year-old gold-stock bull. This first chart shows the whole thing through the GDX lens. Gold stocks have run really far really fast thanks to that huge post-panic upleg! Thats a big reason why they stalled out in early August to start correcting.

Relative to their bull market, the major gold stocks shot parabolic in recent months. The tail end of that gargantuan 134.1% upleg went vertical, leaving GDX extremely overbought at a 7.5-year secular high! This leading sector benchmark soared way above both its 200-day moving average and 50-day moving average, rendered in black and white here. Theres no doubt gold stocks are really stretched technically.

When any prices surge too far too fast, they stoke excessive popular greed. Traders rush in to chase the quick gains, expecting them to persist indefinitely. But pulling forward big buying rapidly exhausts traders available capital firepower. Soon everyone who wants to buy in anytime soon has already fully deployed their limited funds in the red-hot sector. Only sellers remain, and they soon overpower the dwindling buying.

The building selling momentum fuels corrections, which work off technical overboughtness while bleeding away excess greed. The gold-stock realm is like Texas, everything is bigger there! So corrections are as outsized as uplegs, making them nothing to be trifled with. Looking at the upleg-correction cycles so far in this secular gold-stock bull offers important insights into what is likely in our current young correction.

Gold stocks massive post-stock-panic soaring this year was this bulls fourth upleg. All four averaged hefty 99.2% gains over 7.6 months. The first three uplegs were followed by corrections clocking in at a serious mean of 36.5% over 8.0 months. If todays fourth correction rises to that bull-market precedent, it would batter GDX all the way back down to $28.24! Thats a heck of a long ways farther down from here.

But for a variety of reasons, the gold stocks probably wont have to collapse so far this time around before adequately rebalancing sentiment. This gold-stock bulls first three corrections were each dragged down to more-severe levels by unusual events. The first and largest one into late 2016 grew anomalously big after Trumps surprise election win. Gold and gold stocks were shunned as stock markets surged on tax-cut hopes.

The second correction into late-summer 2018 was exacerbated by extreme speculator positioning in gold futures, driving rare cascading stop-loss selling. And of course the third one earlier this year was driven by a full-blown stock panic, which are normally only seen about once a century. Typical corrections in gold-stock bulls run closer to 20% to 30%, which we can call 25%. Thats much less painful than 37%.

Because of gold miners high inherent profits leverage to gold prices, gold-stock corrections tend to mirror and amplify golds own. The major gold stocks dominating GDX usually exaggerate golds own upleg-correction cycles by 2x to 3x. And of course gold is much less volatile than its miners stocks. So a normal 10% gold correction multiplied by 2x to 3x yields that same 20%-to-30% correction range, averaging 25%.

25% off of early Augusts euphoric gold-stock peak would drag GDX down to $33.36. That is still way under this past months lower-$40s drift. Interestingly that would also push GDX back down near its 200-day moving average, which is running $32.15 as of the middle of this week. 200dmas happen to be the highest-probability bottoming zones technically for bull-market corrections without exacerbating factors.

A GDX 200dma approach today would likely signal the end of this necessary rebalancing correction. That is the ideal time to buy relatively low, aggressively redeploying in beaten-down gold stocks. While no one knows in advance how closely GDX will retreat to its 200dma, the closer it gets the better the odds this correction has largely run its course. Considering price levels compared to their 200dmas is a great trading tool.

Ive been researching this key technical relationship for a couple decades now, and actively trading gold stocks based on it with great success. I call this method Relativity Trading, since it looks at gold-stock price levels relative to their 200dmas. This simple-yet-powerful relationship can be quantified by dividing GDXs daily closes by their current 200dmas. That yields the Relative GDX indicator, or rGDX for short.

Charted over longer periods of time, this rGDX ratio forms horizontal trading ranges. They effectively reveal how overbought or oversold gold-stock prices are, which are the best times to sell high and buy low. This rGDX chart tracks this multiple during this gold-stock bull to date. Visualize Relativity charts as flattening out 200dmas to 1.00x, and recasting price action around that in comparable constant-percentage terms.

Relativity trading ranges are based off the past 5 calendar years price action. The Relative GDX has mostly meandered between 0.85x to 1.50x during this span, which coincides with this secular gold-stock bull. Gold stocks are extremely oversold when the rGDX falls under 0.85x. At mid-Marchs stock-panic low, this metric plunged to a radically-oversold 0.694x! So we backed up the truck to aggressively buy then.

While our specific stock trades are only recommended to our paying newsletter subscribers graciously keeping us in business, I did flag that incredible buy-low opportunity publicly in a weekly essay in early April. Published on April 3rd when GDX was still under $25, I warned All this argues that a major new gold-stock upleg is getting underway, portending big gains coming! and the gold stocks will power far higher.

While extreme technicals and sentiment alone supported that bold contrarian call, so did gold miners amazing fundamentals. Higher prevailing gold prices guaranteed much-higher profits for the gold stocks, which indeed came to pass. Several weeks ago I did a deep quarterly dive into the actual Q2 operational and financial results of the major GDX gold miners. Sector-wide implied earnings soared 66.2% YoY last quarter!

But after GDX skyrocketed 134.1% in just 4.8 months out of those crazy stock-panic lows, that left gold stocks extremely overbought. That rGDX indicator stretched as high a 1.454x in late July, and was still way up at 1.448x when the major gold stocks crested in early August. In other words, GDX stretched a massive 45% over its 200-day moving average! That was challenging the 50%+ extremely-overbought levels.

Overboughtness is a short-term technical condition totally independent from underlying fundamentals that govern longer-term gold-stock fortunes. Once gold stocks run too far too fast exhausting all near-term buying potential, they need to correct no matter how profitable mining gold is. Excessive greed still needs to be bled away to rebalance sentiment. And excessively-extended technicals need to mean revert back to norms.

And that is exactly what has started happening in this sector over the past month since GDX peaked. The rGDX plunged as low as 1.259x in mid-August as GDXs initial sharp 12.2% 4-trading-day selloff bottomed. Since then GDX has drifted around 31% above its 200dma, with the rGDX running 1.299x in the middle of this week. While way less overbought than 45%, 31% remains far above the correction-ending 0%.

Extreme overboughtness can be worked off two ways, correcting or consolidating. Gold stocks can either sell off fast enough to mean revert back near their 200dma, or they can drift sideways long enough for that 200dma to catch up. While investors prefer the lower volatility and milder selloffs of consolidations, faster corrections are much more beneficial to speculators. They usher in superior buy-low opportunities quicker.

While GDX did plunge into formal correction territory over 10% in those initial days after it crested in early August, the gold-stock price action since has been more consolidation-like. But consolidations can morph into corrections at any time, depending on what gold stocks dominant primary driver gold does. GDX can still easily slump into a bigger correction here, likely much closer to 25% than the mild 12% seen so far.

Golds own overboughtness relative to its 200dma in early August proved far more extreme than the gold stocks. The rGold indicator soared to nosebleed heights of 1.260x, an 8.9-year high! The last time gold was so overextended technically was back in September 2011 soon after its previous secular bull had peaked. That extreme exhausted golds bull, birthing a bear that would crush it 44.5% lower in the next 4.3 years.

While golds current secular bull isnt likely to fail yet for plenty of fundamental and sentimental reasons outside the scope of this essay, gold really needs to correct after such epic overboughtness! But at worst so far after peaking in early August, gold only dropped 7.5% in this selloffs initial few trading days. It is hard to imagine it not falling into 10%+ correction territory given those crazy technical and sentimental extremes.

A 10% gold selloff would drag this metal back down near $1856, which is another 4.5% lower from where it was trading in the middle of this week. And if the gold stocks amplify golds losses by that usual 2x to 3x, that extends GDXs correction near 25%. While seeing GDX back down near $33.36 is no big deal at all in gold-stock-bull context, that is still another 20.1% lower than its mid-week prevailing level of $41.76!

With the major gold stocks undeniably in a correction, why buy now if they are likely to drift or plunge still another 20% or so lower before it bottoms? Trading, both speculation and investment which only differ by time horizons, is all about buying low then later selling high. The best times to buy relatively low within ongoing bull markets is when corrections have largely run their courses. GDX is nowhere near that point yet.

GDX has to retreat closer to its 200dma, which will be evident in that rGDX indicator and normal charts. This leading gold-stock ETF doesnt necessarily have to fully return to its 200-day moving average, but it has to get a heck of a lot closer than 30% above. Plenty of other factors will help determine when to resume pulling the trigger on buying fundamentally-superior gold stocks, which I discuss constantly in our newsletters.

But whenever and wherever this gold-stock correction bottoms, the gold miners fundamentals continue to strongly support another major bull-market upleg. Once sentiment is rebalanced and technicals are no longer stretched, gold stocks upside potential in the subsequent months is massive. So Im really looking forward to redeploying hand over fist into excellent gold miners once the necessary green lights flash.

My recent essay on the GDX gold miners Q2 results dove deeply into their fundamentals. You ought to read that if you missed it a few weeks ago. But in a nutshell, heres the current situation. With Q320 now 2/3rds over, gold has already averaged an all-time-record high $1910. Even if we assume gold corrects hard enough in the rest of Q3 to drag that average down to $1875, that is wildly profitable for gold miners.

Over the past four reported quarters, the GDX gold miners averaged all-in sustaining costs of $933 per ounce. AISCs are actually likely to fall in Q3 with gold output rebounding following Q2s shrinkage from government-imposed national lockdowns. But at $1875 gold and $933 AISCs, the major gold miners are on track to earn a colossal $942 per ounce in this current quarter. That would surge 59.5% from Q319 levels!

So the gold stocks still have big bull-market gains to come after they weather this necessary and healthy correction. Even after that enormous 134.1% post-stock-panic upleg, additional massive upside is still fundamentally justified in this contrarian sector! Higher prevailing gold prices drive much-higher earnings for the gold miners, which ultimately support much-higher stock prices. Those come gradually over time in bulls.

All bull markets naturally flow then ebb, taking two steps forward before retreating one step back. Their price action gradually meanders around uptrends. This normal upleg-correction pattern keeps sentiment balanced, extending bull markets longevity. And it is a huge boon for traders, offering excellent mid-bull opportunities to buy relatively low before later selling relatively high. That greatly expands bulls potential gains!

At Zeal we started aggressively buying and recommending fundamentally-superior gold and silver miners in our weekly and monthly subscription newsletters back in mid-March right after the stock-panic lows. We layered into dozens of new positions before gold stocks grew too overbought, which were stopped out recently at huge realized gains running as high as +199%! Our subscribers multiplied their wealth within months.

To profitably trade high-potential gold stocks, you need to stay informed about their technicals, sentiment, and fundamentals. And what is moving gold, their dominant primary driver. Our popular newsletters are a great way. They draw on my vast experience, knowledge, wisdom, and ongoing research to explain whats going on in the markets, why, and how to trade them with specific stocks. Subscribe today and take advantage of our 20%-off sale! Corrections are the time to do your gold-stock homework, preparing to redeploy as they pass.

The bottom line is gold stocks are in correction mode. They shot parabolic into early August, surging too far too fast exhausting the capital firepower available for near-term buying. Then they quickly plunged into a mild correction, which has morphed into a high consolidation since. But with gold stocks remaining very overbought technically, and greed still elevated after an insufficient selloff, a resurgent correction is likely.

That could easily extend to 25% in GDX, another 20% lower from this weeks levels. The depth of this necessary and healthy rebalancing selloff for gold stocks depends on what happens in gold. The larger golds own correction, the farther the amplifying gold stocks will drop. But bigger and faster is better for traders, yielding much-better buy-low opportunities sooner than if gold stocks instead keep drifting sideways.

Adam Hamilton, CPA

So how can you profit from this information? We publish an acclaimed monthly newsletter, Zeal Intelligence , that details exactly what we are doing in terms of actual stock and options trading based on all the lessons we have learned in our market research. Please consider joining us each month for tactical trading details and more in our premium Zeal Intelligence service at  www.zealllc.com/subscribe.htm

Questions for Adam? I would be more than happy to address them through my private consulting business. Please visit www.zealllc.com/adam.htm for more information.

Thoughts, comments, or flames? Fire away at zelotes@zealllc.com . Due to my staggering and perpetually increasing e-mail load, I regret that I am not able to respond to comments personally. I will read all messages though and really appreciate your feedback!

Copyright 2000 - 2019 Zeal Research ( www.ZealLLC.com )

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




A group of 19 Australian women and children have been taken from their beds in a midnight raid at the al-Hawl camp in north-eastern Syria and moved to another detention centre 100 kilometres away as part of an operation by Kurdish officials to reduce the population of the overcrowded camp.

Twenty Australian women, former wives of Islamic State fighters, and their 47 children have been trapped in deteriorating conditions in al-Hawl since the final fall of the "caliphate" in early 2019.

But on Sunday night, five women and 14 children were moved, some barefoot and in handcuffs, after their tents were raided and searched and their bedding destroyed, according to onlookers at the camp.

Australian Zahra Ahmed (left) holding her son Ibrahim in the al-Hawl camp in north-east Syria in October 2019. Credit:Kate Geraghty

The Australian-based spokesman for the group, Kamalle Dabboussy, said one family from Sydney and one family from Melbourne were searched out by name and then taken away, some in handcuffs. Everyone on the camp's "Australia Street" was terrified.
Pre-tax profits at Co Mayo-based civil engineering group Wills Bros last year increased more than threefold to 5.3m as revenues soared 46pc from 89m to 130.17m.

The company said that as the business expanded, it hired more workers and the number of employees rose to 344 from 282.

The directors said that for 2020 the group had a strong order book but they pointed out that revenues may be impacted by Covid-19.

In order to comply with government measures in different jurisdictions, some facilities were closed temporarily "thus resulting in a significant decrease in activity", they added.

Through 2019, "the group completed works on several major projects across Ireland, the UK and Europe which included enabling works for many multinational clients and civil engineering projects for the public sector amongst others", the report said.

The company was set up in 1972 by James and Charles Wills.

After a profitable year in 2019, during which the firm continued "strengthening its balance sheet", the group said it had boosted its bid teams in Ireland and the UK to ensure that clients get the best possible offering with a high degree of design development output.

Looking at the business impact of Covid-19, the directors said in their statement that the group may experience a reduction in activity, although the precise impact of any hit could not yet be determined.

Staff costs last year increased from 16.04m to 18.18m while directors' remuneration decreased from 500,570 to 487,221.

The profit numbers for last year include non-cash depreciation costs of 2.1m and a gain of 836,510 on the sale of tangible assets.

Shareholder funds at the end of December last year totalled 14.72m and that included accumulated profits of 13.75m.

The group's cash pile increased from 7.8m to 23.7m and it paid dividends of 140,000 following a dividend payout of 100,000 in 2018.
Black jogger detained for matching suspect description offered job with sheriff's office

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A black jogger who matched the description of a recent burglary suspect and was detained by sheriff's deputies last month in Florida has been offered a job by the same department that detained him.

Bodycam footage released by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office shows Joseph Griffin, a black registered nurse and military veteran, out jogging on Aug. 27 when he was approached by a deputy.

The officer told him he matched the description of a recent burglary suspect  a black male with a white tank top, dark shorts, and a beard  and assured him multiple times that he was not under arrest.

Youre not in any trouble or anything. There was a burglary that happened, you kind of fit the description. Let me just make sure youre not him, OK, an officer told Griffin.

The full video from the officers body camera shows the officer's approach, conversation and departure.

The last minute of the video shows the actual suspect, not Griffin, being arrested.

WTSP, also known as local television news channel 10 Tampa Bay, told The Christian Post that the bodycam footage it obtained was verified by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.

Im gonna detain you. Look, you're not under arrest. I'm detaining you right now because you fit the description, a deputy told Griffin as his hands were cuffed behind his back.

Griffin can be seen in the recording starting a Facebook Live video, capturing the scene and telling the officer: I just had a daughter born two days ago, so just have this on Live."

While Griffin was being handcuffed, he looked at his phone on the ground and said, If something happens to me, yall better raise Hell, addressing those who were watching the video.

Today, while jogging in my neighborhood; I fit the description... I remained compliant and the situation was not escalated... @nursej504 Posted by Joseph Griffin on Thursday, August 27, 2020

Griffin was compliant the entire time, as the officer assured him that he was not being arrested but detained while they use his identification card to verify whether he was involved in the burglary.

While Griffin was released without arrest or conflict, he told Orlandos Fox 35 that his experience was unnerving.

Witnesses' descriptions are never perfect, and it is very scary when your future is in the hands of that nonperfect identification and description, he said. When you see your neighbor get pulled over and talk to the cops, perception is reality at that point, and youre gonna automatically assume that theyre doing something.

Griffin served as military police in the U.S. Army and was offered a job with the Volusia County Sheriff's office after the event took place. He declined the offer since he has a job in healthcare already.

In a tweet thread Saturday, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood acknowledged how both parties were cooperative and professional during the interaction. The sheriff also announced that Griffin will be participating in implicit bias training with the department.

"Joseph Griffin is going to come out and join us during implicit bias training, and tell this story from his perspective, Chitwood tweeted. I think we can all learn from his point of view, just like he has listened to ours. Mr. Griffin is a military veteran and a medical professional, and I told him we'd train and hire him as a deputy in a second if he ever wants a new job."

Chitwood added that he is proud of the way his deputies handled the situation.

Granted, nothing like Facebook Live existed when I was starting out, but I dont know if a young Mike Chitwood would have kept a live video running for somebody I was detaining, the sheriff explained. These guys did it because, in that moment, they understood what it meant to Mr. Griffin, who was going out of his way to be cooperative and respectful."
The widower of Lori Klausutis is publicly pleading with President Trump to stop exploiting the death of his late wife  causing the president's promotion of a conspiracy theory about it 'just inhuman.'

T.J. Klausutis, a civilian research engineer for the Air Force, pleaded with Trump to cease in an open letter this spring after the president fired off a series of tweets trying to pin Lori's sudden death on political rival MSNBC host Joe Scarborough.

Now, he is airing his inner turmoil over the matter  after Trump's flurry of tweets this spring got picked up by followers including a sizable contingent of QAnon conspiracy theorists.

T.J. Klausutis, the widower of former Joe Scarborough staffer Lori Klausutis, complained of 'inhuman' suffering after the president's attacks on Scarborough using his wife's death

'Nobody, and I mean nobody, should have to be used in such a fashion. ... It's just inhuman,' Klausutis told Yahoo News during several interviews  his first on the subject.

Trump stoked conspiracies about Kluasutis again and again this spring, at one point tweeting: 'Then you have Psycho Joe 'What Ever Happened To Your Girlfriend?' in one of several incendiary tweets suggesting the former Florida congressman may have committed murder.

'It's complete nonsense,' Klausutis said. 'It's just disgusting.'

'It got to the point that I literally could not stomach this,' he said.

Klausutis told the outlet he could tell Scarborough barely knew his wife during an encounter at a fundraiser in 2000.

'I remember when she walked up and she got introduced to Joe and someone goes, 'Oh, this is, this is Lori from,' you know, and you just saw that he didn't recognize her and didn't know her,' Klausutis said. 'And I was standing right there.'

Lori Klausutis died at age 28 in 2001. She had an undiagnosed heart condition and fell and hit her head at work

Klausutis suddenly collapsed in Scarborough's district office in Fort Walton Beach, Florida while the lawmakers was in Washington, D.C. and voting on record.

Trump's tweets, including calling Scarborough  a former friendly interviewer who turned critic  'cold case Joe'  got retweeted 239,000 times and got 873,400 likes, according to an analysis of how the unproven theory spread.

About a tenth of total mentions were linked to conspiracy theory QAnon accounts, data analysis firm Zignal found.

At the time of Klausutis' death, the medical examiner found she had an undiagnosed problem with her mitral valve anomaly, which can cause cardiac arrhythmia.

President Trump stoked conspiracy theories by calling Scarobough 'Cold Case Joe' and referring Klausutis as his 'girlfriend'

Police officers investigate the scene of Rep. Joe Scarborough's Fort Walton Beach office after employee Lori Klausutis was found dead in July 2001. Authorities found that Scarborough was in D.C. at the time and Klausutis had an undiagnosed heart condition

Timothy Klausutis sent a letter to Twitter on May 21, but it didn't deter President Trump from calling Lori Klausutis' death a 'Cold Case against Psycho Joe Scarborough,' adding that he thought the television host was a 'Nut Job'

President Trump has continued to tweet about the conspiracy theory - despite Lori Klausutis' family being so rattled by it that her widower asked Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to pull Trump's tweets about his dead wife down

Klausutis died at a satellite office in Fort Walton Beach while Rep. Scarborough was about 1,000 miles away in Washington

Trump also spoked the conspiracy in media appearances. ''I've always felt he got away with murder,' Trump told Fox News Channel's Brian Kilmeade on the anchor's radio show in June. 'That was my feeling, my very strong feeling, and I do feel it.'

He asked the same question on Twitter in May. 'Did he get away with murder,' while calling Scarborough 'Psycho Joe.'

The story found Klausutis 'appears to have been totally devoted to her husband' and sang in the choir at her Catholic church.

Scarborough addressed the situation on his show amid Trump's spring attacks.

''I didn't know Lori well. She worked in an annex office... I met her a couple of times at a couple of public events. But after she passed away [her widower] T.J. told me that she was working in a bank and she was a lifelong Republican and a faithful Catholic... and she decided she wanted to work in something bigger than herself,' he recalled.

'I've thought about this. A good woman, a young woman's desire to do something good for the country that she loved... and now the President of the United States is sullying this good woman's name,' Scarborough continued. 'It is heartbreaking, the cruelty is unspeakable,' he said.

T.J. Klausutis wrote Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in a May 21 letter urging tech tycoon to act against Trump's tweets. 'My request is simple: Please delete these tweets,' he wrote. The company has not taken them down, although it has begun to more aggressively police tweets that violate its polices on violence or falsehoods.
Over the past three decades, contemporary Chinese art has grown into a global phenomenon, with more and more Chinese talents taking center stage at major art festivals, exhibitions and auctions worldwide, said Yu Ding, director of the Institute of Arts Administration and Education, Central Academy of Fine Arts, at an academic forum at the Beijing World Art Museum on Thursday.

"What deserves special mention is that a large number of young and upcoming Chinese art curators, who work mostly behind-the-scenes, are contributing to this development," said Yu, who also is deputy director of the Young Curators Art Project initiated by the Wu Zuoren International Art Foundation. "But most of them are unwilling to become professional curators. Because working as a full-time curator can hardly earn them a decent living."

"On the way to become a qualified and even outstanding curator, a young curator needs a strong support from all relevant parties in and outside of the art circles,'' said Wu Hongliang, a key organizer of the forum, titled Curating into the Future 2020, which focuses on the cultivation, training and promotion of younger generations of curators.

The forum is a spin-off of Curating in China, an annual academic gathering incepted in 2018 to bring together China's top-notch curators from major art galleries, museums and art academies to tackle the main challenges to and opportunities for the curatorial community.

Featuring a cluster of sub-forums running through Sept 23, Curating into the Future 2020 is co-organized by the Art Curators Society under the Chinese Artists Association, the Wu Zuoren International Art Foundation and the museum.

Themes to be discussed include the expression and communication of Chinese culture in the context of globalization, the rediscovered value of cultural heritage in contemporary art creation and interpretation, the social responsibilities for exhibitions on design and architecture, and emerging technologies and new possibilities for curatorial experiments.

"We must aware that young and upcoming curators are a vital factor for the sustainable development of contemporary Chinese art," said Fan Di'an, chairman of Chinese Artists Association.

In his keynote speech, Fan said the pandemic has posed a great threat to economic development and even the creation and communication in arts and culture.

"But that does not mean arts and culture are withering," Fan said. "Instead, Artists and curators alike have found new ways, such as online exhibitions, to present artworks to the public."

"In light of this new trend and also a challenge, art curators need to shift from an artist-centered approach to an audience-centered approach when doing their part. This is the moment for young and innovative curators to excel," Fan concluded.
BRUSSELS - The European Parliament will keep its plenary sessions in Brussels next week because travelling to Strasbourg would pose too many dangers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Parliament President David Sassoli said legislators have done everything to resume the normal course of our plenary sessions in Strasbourg but noted it was just too dangerous to move there.

Staff and parliamentarians are mostly based in Brussels but almost all plenary sessions need to be held 450 kilometres (280 miles) away in the eastern French city of Strasbourg, much to the chagrin of many legislators.

The resurgence of the pandemic in many member states, and the decisions taken by the French authorities to classify the entire Lower Rhine department as a red zone, obliges us to reconsider the move to Strasbourg, said Sassoli.

___

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In recent years, Beijing has frequently upped its expansionist rhetoric over Arunachal Pradesh and sought to needle India over the issue

China on Tuesday asserted that it never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh", and reiterated its claim that the state is actually 'south Tibet' and part of its territory.

The statement came in response to the Indian Armys question asking if five civilians who went missing from Arunachal Pradesh days ago were in the custody of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian stonewalled a query on the civilians from Arunachal Pradesh, and was quoted by News18 as saying, "We have no details to release yet about question on Indian Army sending a message to PLA about the five missing Indians in the region."

Arunachal Pradesh shares its entire north and eastern boundary with China, which claims the state in its territory as the part of Tibet it occupied in 1951. However, the northeastern state is within India according to the Mcmohan Line drawn in 1938.

China routinely objects to Indian leaders, and Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, visiting Arunachal Pradesh to highlight its stand.

India says the state of Arunachal Pradesh is its integral and inalienable part and Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other parts of the country.

In recent years, Beijing has frequently upped its expansionist rhetoric over Arunachal Pradesh and sought to needle India over the issue. Following are some such instances:

Stapled visas

The issue of stapled visas first cropped up in 2009, when China began to issue such visas on a separate page to the people from Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, implying that they do not belong to India. This was after a visit of the Dalai Lama to Tawang.

In January 2011, Beijing issued stapled visas to two Indian sportsmen from Arunachal Pradesh. One of them was Indian Weightlifting Federation Joint Secretary Abraham K Techi while the other was a weightlifter from the state.

The two were turned away by the Indian immigration officials as India does not recognise the stapled visas, while the External Affairs Ministry stated India will not honour such visas.

On this issue, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman's office was quoted by PTI as saying, "China's position is consistent and clear about the China-India border issue, including the disputed area of Eastern section and the Indian side is aware of it. The position has remained unchanged."

The Eastern section of the India-China border covers the Arunachal Pradesh sector.

Incursions

Tapir Gao, the BJP MP who represents the Arunachal East parliamentary constituency, had alleged in August 2019 that Chinese troops had made an incursion into Indian territory in July 2019. He also claimed that Chinese troops had constructed a temporary wooden bridge over a stream in Anjaw district.

Gao also said that in October 2018, an Indian Army patrol had come across Chinese troops in the area.

The Army had then denied any Chinese incursion into Arunachal Pradesh. It had said in an official statement, "The area being referred to in the media report on 'some electronic channels', is the area of Fish Tail. There is a differing perception of the alignment of the Line of Control, as in many other areas."

In June 2020, Gao also shared a video of a wooden footbridge built over a stream as proof of his claims. The army, however, insisted that there is no permanent presence of either Chinese soldiers or civilians in the area, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Nevertheless, the Congress cited the allegations of incursions to step up pressure on the Centre and sought the convening of a special session of Parliament to discuss issues such as national security.

Maps

In March 2019, China destroyed 30,000 world maps printed in the country for export for not mentioning Arunachal Pradesh and Taiwan as part of Chinese territory.

The world maps were meant for export to an "unspecified country", state-run Global Times reported at the time.

In April 2020, Beijing's Sky Map or digital maps showed parts of Arunachal Pradesh within its international borders. Sky Map is operated by the country's National Surveying and Mapping Geographic Information Bureau, as reported by Outlook.

With inputs from PTI
West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra slammed the Centre for India''s dismal GDP print in the first quarter of 2020-21, and said the Narendra Modi-led government did not spend enough on fiscal stimulus to bolster the economy amid the COVID-19 crisis.

The country's GDP sank to a record low of 23.9 percent in the quarter to June.

Mitra, who has been critical of the Union government''s efforts to revive the coronavirus-battered economy, also said "negligible" additional stimulus led to a loss of Rs 11 lakh crore of GDP.

"Centre rudderless & clueless. Why did India''s GDP shrink the most in the world? GoI spent ONLY 1 lakh crores more in April-July 2020, compared to 2019-20, while headlines scream 20 lakh crore stimulus! Negligible additional stimulus meant 11 lakh cr of GDP lost forever," Mitra said on Twitter.

The Bengal minister had last month attacked the Centre over GST compensation to states.

"The Centre must pay the compensation from the different cesses that it collects, as it is not getting devolved to the states.

"In case of shortfall it is the responsibility of the Centre to garner resources for fully compensating the states, as per the formula agreed upon with the states," Mitra had said.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. The government of Artsakh is lifting the coronavirus-related shutdown of its border with Armenia.

Citizens of Artsakh are also no longer required to obtain permission to exit the country.

The requirement of undergoing a mandatory COVID-19 testing upon entering the country is also lifted.

However, arriving travelers will be screened for fever and other symptoms upon entering.

Minister of Territorial Administration and Development of Artsakh Zhirayr Mirzoyan, who heads the COVID-19 task force, said the reason for lifting the ban is the decrease of coronavirus transmission rates in Armenia.

At the same time, he called on Artsakhis to continue following safety precautions.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
In an interview with Toronto-based CP24 television last week, the head of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF), Harvey Bischof, admitted that the government-big business drive to reopen schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic is endangering teachers health and even lives.

He pointed to the lack of social distancing measures, the Ontario Conservative governments refusal to reduce class sizes, and the failure of the government and school boards to provide teachers with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to substantiate this assessment.

Yet when Bischof was asked what the trade unions intend to do about these life-threatening work conditions, his answer was unequivocal. If the question is whether we are planning some illegal job action, the answer is a flat out no, he asserted.

In other words, the OSSTF intends to join the hard-right Doug Ford-led government in corralling teachers into the provinces schools when they reopen this week, and it will insist they remain on the job as their colleagues, students, and parents inevitably fall sick to the virus. More than 80 Quebec schools have reported at least one COVID-19 case since they began reopening two weeks ago.

Moreover, in Ontario, as in most parts of the country outside the Atlantic provinces, COVID-19 cases are rising sharply. On Saturday, Ontario reported 169 new cases, its highest tally since July, and nationally new cases are averaging more than 500 per day, twice the number in mid-July. Most worryingly, due to the lack of proper contact-tracing and systematic testing, health authorities have little idea as to how the disease is being transmitted.

In Canada as around the world, teachers and school support staff are on the front lines of the fight against the homicidal policy of reopening the economy amid a raging pandemic, regardless of the cost in human life. This policy is supported by the entire ruling elite. The federal Liberal government led by Justin Trudeau has spearheaded the back-to-work campaign and provided crucial political and financial support to allow Ford and other hard-right premiers to put the lives of teachers, students, and parents at risk by returning them to overcrowded and under-resourced classrooms.

Reopening the schools is seen as essential by big business, because it means that they can compel parents to return to their jobs and resume producing profits for the corporate elite.

The OSSTF presidents remarks speak volumes about the function of the procapitalist trade unions and their relationship to the workers they purport to represent. For the well-heeled bureaucrats who staff the union apparatuses, loyalty to the capitalist state and its anti-worker collective bargaining system is far more important than their members health and lives.

Bischofs contemptuous dismissal of illegal job action is no different than the United Food and Commercial Workers rejection of illegal strikes as it ordered 2,000 meatpacking workers back on the job at Cargills High River plant in Alberta last spring. The deaths of at least three people were tied to the COVID-19 outbreak at that facility, where over 1,000 workers were infected.

Rather than organize a struggle to protect the lives of teachers, students, and parents, the OSSTF and the other teacher unions are directing their energies at working to prevent popular opposition to the reckless back-to-school drive from breaking out of the stultifying framework of establishment politics.

At the outset, the OSSTF, Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO), and the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) offered to work with Ford in fashioning the governments back-to-school plan. They pursued this strategy even though it was clear Ford, whose government has cut billions from social spending, had no intention of taking substantive measures to prevent the virus from running rampant in schools. Instead the right-wing populist premier has railed against the unions for urging even the most elementary protective measures, such as reduced class sizes and clear standards regarding proper ventilation, student cohorting, and physical distancing on school grounds and in school buses.

In a bid to contain the mounting public anger towards the Ford government, the four unions made a public show of breaking off talks last week and denounced Ford for failing to cooperate in good faith. The OSSTF, ETFO, OECTA, and AEFO subsequently made a joint complaint to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) accusing the government of violating the Ontario Health and Safety Act.

In a joint statement published August 31, the unions wrote that the Ministry of Educations Guide to Re-opening Ontarios Schools does not take every reasonable precaution to protect workers, as required by Section 25(2)(h) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Teachers and their supporters must recognize the unions appeal to the OLRB for what it is: a transparent fraud. The OLRB is a pro-employer arm of the provincial government that to date has upheld just one out of more than 300 worker COVID-19 related complaints.

Moreover, with over two million students and 190,000 teachers scheduled to return to school in the coming days, it seems increasingly likely that the OLRB will not even issue a ruling on the unions complaint until teachers and students have returned to packed classrooms, thus putting them at risk of infection and death.

Anyone harbouring illusions about the possibility of the OLRB enforcing adequate health and safety measures should consider its long history of imposing the anti-worker dictates of big business and the ruling class. In 2015, the current chair of the OLRB, Bernard Fishbein, declared the job action by teachers in Durham and Peel counties illegal. Fishbein was also instrumental in outlawing job actions against GMs shuttering of its Oshawa assembly plant in 2019.

The teacher unions support for this anti-worker institution is of a piece with their transformation over decades into appendages of the capitalist state tasked with enforcing austerity and smothering opposition among educators. During their 15-year-long collaboration with successive Liberal provincial governments from 2003-18, the unions imposed net zero pay settlements on teachers and connived in the imposition of austerity budgets that drove up class sizes and starved teachers and students of resources.

After teacher opposition to Fords intensification of this austerity drive forced them to call a one-day provincewide strike last February, the unions moved quickly to end all further job actions and to agree to concessions-laden contracts, including a further increase in class sizes (see: Citing COVID-19 crisis, Ontario teacher unions impose concession filled contracts).

If the spread of the virus is to be stemmed and the reckless back-to-school drive halted, it is paramount that teachers form independent rank-and-file safety committees to take the conduct of the struggle out of the hands of the unions. Teachers and students in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany have already taken a courageous stand by forming independent committees.

These committees must fight for the immediate closure of the schools until the pandemic is under control and prepare job actions to protect the health and lives of teachers, students and parents. They should take up the call for a massive increase in public funding for schools to cover the costs of ensuring stable and reliable distance education for all, as well as an array of support services, including for mental health, special education, and food security.

The ruling elite will inevitably claim that there is no money to implement these demands. The reality is society has ample resources, but they are monopolized by the capitalist elite. A recent Parliamentary Budget Office study found that the richest one percent of Canadians own about as much as the poorest 80 percent.

We strongly encourage all educators, students, parents, and family members in Ontario and across Canada who agree with this program to attend the next online call-in meeting of the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee. It will be held at 3 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday, September 12.

We strongly urge all educators, parents and students in Ontario and across Canada who agree with this program to attend the next online call-in meeting of the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee. Contact us today, build the Educators Rank and File Safety Committee Facebook group and make plans to attend our next online call-in meeting on Saturday, September 12.
A strong delegation of the African National Congress (ANC) led by secretary general Ace Magashule has arrived in Zimbabwe amid political tensions in the country with the ruling Zanu PF party describing the visit as a bilateral arrangement of the two former liberation movements.

Magashule, who is accompanied by Lindiwe Zulu, Gwede Mantashe, Tony Yengeni, Enock Gondongwana and Nosiviwe Ngqakula, were expected to meet with various political parties, civic society leaders and other stakeholders over the deteriorating political situation in the country.

In a statement, acting Zanu PF information secretary, Patrick Chinamasa, said, Zanu PF wishes to make it categorically clear that this is a meeting between the Zanu PF delegation and the ANC delegation only.

 Zanu PF will take the opportunity to share the reality on the ground in Zimbabwe, South Africa and the region candidly and frankly with their revolutionary sister, the ANC.

A letter written by the ANCs Magashule to Zanu PFs secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu, states that South Africas ruling party is looking forward to fruitful and constructive engagements between our two sister parties.

President Emmerson Mnangagwas government insists that there is no political crisis in Zimbabwe although over 60 political activists were arrested recently while others were detained and tortured by suspected state security agents for allegedly planning to stage a public protest on July 31 on corruption and the deteriorating economic situation.

Gladys Hlatywayo of the MDC Alliance told reporters that there is need for the ANC delegation to meet with other stakeholders as Zanu PF is accused of gross human rights violations.
She was hospitalised over the weekend due to a severe trapped nerve.

And Ashley James reassured her worried 278K followers on Monday night as she modelled some new maternity lingerie on her Instagram.

The DJ, 33, who is five months pregnant with her first child, kept things candid as she revealed she was celebrating 'feeling sexy' after her 'pregnancy boobs' left her 'emotional'.

Scary! Ashley James reassured her worried 278K followers on Monday night as she modelled some new maternity lingerie after she was hospitalised due to a severe trapped nerve

Ashley displayed her growing baby bump in a pink nude lace bralette with a pair of matching pants.

The model styled her blonde locks into a glossy blow-dried hairdo and added a slick of glamorous make-up.

Ashley sweetly cradled her baby bump for the snaps and also shared a video to her Instagram Story to show off the back of the lingerie set.

The mother-to-be also admitted that she wanted to show off more maternity lingerie looks but she was still in pain from her trapped nerve.

Keeping it real! The DJ, 33, who is five months pregnant with her first child, kept things candid as she revealed she was celebrating 'feeling sexy' after her 'pregnancy boobs' left her 'emotional'

Ashley kept things candid in her caption as she revealed she was celebrating 'feeling sexy' after her 'pregnancy boobs' left her both 'worried' and 'emotional'.

She penned: 'Well I've found my new 'everyday' lingerie set, and wanted to shout out an incredible independent lingerie store I visited in Notting Hill where I found it, because I think you'll love it.

'You'll remember I had a fitting a few weeks ago and I left very emotional and worried about pregnancy boobs. Well, @maison.sl got in touch with me inviting me to go there, and from the moment I stepped in Susana made me feel so empowered and confident.

'I just want to say that I've not been asked to post, but I know what a hard time it is for small businesses at the moment, and also how hard it is for us big boobed girls to find bras that still make us feel sexy.'

Glowing: Ashley displayed her growing baby bump in a pink nude lace bralette with a pair of matching pants

Ashley celebrated the fact that she can wear bras that don't make her lose her 'identity' or 'sense of style'.

She continued: 'I was honestly blown away by the selection of bras Susana showed me

'She kept bringing out a whole different selection, and was really knowledgeable about sizing, but also reminded me that we don't need to lose our identity or sense of style just because we're pregnant.

'We can still find sexy lingerie that's still practical and comfortable.'

Glamorous: The model styled her blonde locks into a glossy blow-dried hairdo and added a slick of glamorous make-up

Ashley added that she wanted to show off more maternity lingerie looks but is still in pain with her trapped nerve.

She continued: 'I want to show off all the selection I ended up getting in a video, but I'm still in some pain, but for now here's my new everyday bra. It's got a racer back, is beyond comfortable, and it's flat lace so you can wear it under T-Shirts.

'The matching thing is so nice too, there's no elastic band and it's really stretchy. Anyway, Susana offers free fittings in store, or on zoom if you're not in London.

'She had loads of different brands and sizes, so whether you're pregnant or not, big boobed or small and are looking for someone to make you feel empowered as you try on lingerie then I can't recommend her enough.'

Candid: The mother-to-be also admitted that she wanted to show off more maternity lingerie looks but she was still in pain from her trapped nerve

Ashley finished her post by also celebrating her growing baby bump and new 'outie belly button'.

She said: 'I left the store with a swing in my step (and this bra on, I didn't even take it off after wearing it). #ljngerie #noretouching #shoplocal PS shout out to my outie belly button, it's well and truly popped now.'

It comes after Ashley revealed that the mystery pains in her side that left her hospitalised over the weekend were due to a severe trapped nerve.

The DJ, who is five months pregnant with her first child, shared selfies from a maternity ward on Instagram on Saturday night after being admitted as a precaution.

Worried: It comes after Ashley revealed that the mystery pains in her side that left her hospitalised over the weekend were due to a severe trapped nerve

And on Monday, the 33-year-old model took to her Instagram Story to update her followers on what happened, explaining she experienced spasms along her body.

Speaking about the incident earlier on Monday, Ashley thanked her boyfriend Tom Andrews for waiting outside the hospital for 10 hours.

Tom, 30, had been forced to wait outside as hospitals reduce the number of people allowed on wards amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Scary times: Ashley revealed earlier on Monday that her boyfriend Tom Andrews rushed with her to hospital after she suffered the mystery pains in her side on Saturday night

Ashley, who famously championed single life, started dating tech professional Tom in October 2019 when they reconnected after meeting a decade earlier at work.

Six months later, the couple discovered they were having their first baby, after Tom moved into Ashley's London home amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Last month, the couple discovered they are expecting a baby boy, which is due in January 2021.
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.

Russia has approached India to consider manufacturing its COVID-19 vaccine through the network of Indian companies and assist in phase-3 studies in India, Dr VK Paul, Member of NITI Aayog (Health), said.



The vaccine developed by Russia has been under consideration of the country. Government of Russia approached our govt & sought help on two counts- to consider its manufacturing through our network of companies, and phase 3 studies in India: Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog pic.twitter.com/d8f9A40k85

 ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2020

"The vaccine developed by Russia has been under consideration of the country. The Government of Russia approached our government and sought help on two counts- to consider its manufacturing through our network of companies, and phase-3 studies in India," said Paul, reported ANI.

Paul also said, "The government of India attaches great importance to this offer of partnership from a very special friend of this nation, and on both the tracks there has been significant movement."

The development comes after Russia had expressly shown interest in partnering with India to produce the COVID-19 vaccine. Besides, India was among the 20 nations that were interested in being part of Sputnik Vs phase-III trials.

Earlier, on September 7, Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, confirmed that the phase-III clinical trials of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine will begin in India from September.

The third phase of the clinical trials of the Russian coronavirus vaccine will also be conducted in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, and Brazil, reported News18.

Dmitriev also informed that the preliminary results of the Phase-III Sputnik V trials will be published by October-November 2020.

After Russia registered Sputnik V as the worlds first COVID-19 vaccine on August 11  jointly developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute and the Russian Defence Ministry  Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had expressed confidence in the efficacy of the vaccine even in the face of reasonable doubt.

On September 7, India overtook Brazil to become the second country in the world with the highest number of COVID-19 cases. It also recorded more cases over the weekend than Brazil and the US combined, accounting for 40 percent of all the COVID-19 cases reported over the weekend from around the world.
She's the glamorous AFL WAG who enjoys the finer things in life.

And it seems Rebecca Judd's children have inherited her expensive taste.

The mother of four, 37, revealed on Monday's 3pm Pick-Up that her three-year-old son Tom had very snobby response to hearing Drake's new song Popstar.

Expensive taste! Footy WAG Rebecca Judd (right) has revealed her three-year-old son Tom's (left) very snobby response to hearing the word 'lobster' in Drake's new song Popstar

'I played it to my twins, Tom and Darcy, this morning and this was their reaction,' Rebecca said, before sharing audio of her sons listening to Popstar.

During the song, Drake raps: 'Busy at the crib, cookin' salmon with the lobster.'

'Lobster! I like eating lobster,' Tom could be heard yelling in the background.

'A three-year-old but I like eating lobster! Of course that is a Judd kid saying that. Out of everything, that's what he notices!' laughed Rebecca's co-host Katie 'Monty' Dimond.

'Of course that is a Judd kid saying that': The mother of four, 37, revealed on Monday's 3pm Pick-Up that Tom's interest piqued when he heard a reference to eating lobster

Set the record straight: Rebecca, who lives in a $7.3million mansion in Melbourne, clarified: 'For the record, he's never tried lobster in his life.' Pictured with her twin sons, Tom and Darcy

Rebecca, who lives in a $7.3million mansion in Melbourne's south-east, clarified: 'For the record, he has never tried lobster in his life.'

'Sure!' Monty replied.

Rebecca explained that her son just 'gravitated towards' the phrase, even though he has never eaten lobster.

At-home restaurant! While Tom may not have sampled lobster before, he is no stranger to high-class dining. In April, Rebecca revealed on Instagram that she was feeding her family restaurant-quality food from Melbourne Crown's Atlantic Group during COVID-19 lockdown

While Tom may not have sampled the expensive crustacean before, he is no stranger to high-class dining.

In April, Rebecca revealed on Instagram that she was feeding her family restaurant-quality food from Melbourne Crown's Atlantic Group during COVID-19 lockdown.

In July, she also treated her brood to a decadent home-delivered high tea.

Rebecca and her husband, retired AFL star Chris Judd, share four children: son Oscar, eight, daughter Billie, five, and twin sons Tom and Darcy, three.

Fancy feast: In July, she also treated her family to a decadent home-delivered high tea
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Linkedin Adrian Wail Akhlas (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 9 2020

In response to concerns among economists and market players regarding proposed revisions to legislation on the central bank, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati pledged on Sept. 4 that the government would maintain a credible and independent Bank Indonesia (BI) to maintain stability and market trust.

Monetary policy must remain credible, effective and independent going forward, the minister stressed, reiterating President Joko Jokowi Widodos statement earlier last week.

The government has not yet discussed the revision to the BI laws that was initiated by the House [of Representatives], she said at a virtual press briefing last Friday.

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LONDON  Britains government is banning gatherings of more than six people in England, as officials try to keep a lid on daily new coronavirus infections after a sharp spike across the U.K. that has been largely blamed on party-going young adults disregarding social distancing rules.

Downing Street said urgent action was needed after the number of daily laboratory-confirmed positive cases hit nearly 3,000 on Sunday. The figure dipped Tuesday to 2,460.

Officials said that starting Monday, the legal limit on all social gatherings in England will be reduced from the current 30 people to six. The new law applies both indoors and outdoors, including private homes, restaurants and parks. Failure to comply could result in a 100-pound ($130) fine.

Weddings, school, funerals and organized team sports are exempt, and larger gatherings will also be allowed if the household or support bubble is larger than six.

Government ministers and scientists took to the airways to urge Britons not to let down their guard.

Weve been able to relax a bit over the summer  but these latest figures really show us that much as people might like to say Oh well, its gone away  this hasnt gone away, said Dr. Jonathan Van-Tam, the governments deputy chief medical officer.

He said while the rise in infections is much more marked among people between 17 and 21, he was concerned about a more general and creeping geographic trend across the U.K.

People have relaxed too much, he said. Now is the time for us to re-engage and realize that this is a continuing threat.

The U.K. has Europes worst death toll from the virus, with nearly 41,600 deaths within 28 days of testing positive. The actual toll is believed to be far higher as the government tally does not include those who died without having been tested.

The spike in U.K. cases follows big daily case increases in Spain and France, both of whom have seen rising numbers of COVID-19 patients being hospitalized. Spain saw an average of 8,800 new cases a day over the weekend, and France has been recording over 5,000 a day.

The worry is that the U.K. will also start seeing increases in virus patients being hospitalized and dying.

While young people are less likely to die from this disease, be in no doubt that they are still at risk, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told lawmakers, adding that six months after getting infected, some previously fit people are still laid low by chronic fatigue, muscle pain and breathing difficulties.

Prime Minister Boris Johnsons Conservative government has faced strong criticism for its mixed messages since it started easing the coronavirus lockdown in late spring. It spent much of the summer encouraging people to eat out to help the hard-pressed hospitality sector and is now urging workers to return to their offices to help hard-hit businesses in city centers.

John Edmunds, an epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said cases are rising, though not spectacularly, but hes worried about what will happen following the reopening of schools and universities.

There are big movements afoot in the country and these will inevitably accelerate transmission, he told Sky News. Im not sure we have to go back to work when we can work from home.

The government has also been criticized for testing problems, prompting an apology from Sarah-Jane Marsh, director for the National Health Services Test and Trace program.

All of our testing sites have capacity, which is why they dont look overcrowded. Its our laboratory processing that is the critical pinch point, she said. We are doing all we can to expand quickly.

The testing team work on this 18 hours a day, seven days a week, she said.

Still, the U.K. is testing tens of thousands more people than it did in the early months of the pandemic. On Monday, it processed around 175,000 tests.

A local lockdown, meanwhile, went into effect Tuesday in the Welsh district of Caerphilly. Under the new restrictions, people there will not be allowed to enter or leave the area without a reasonable excuse, everyone over 11 must wear masks in shops and indoor meetings between different households are banned.

Hancock also announced new lockdown restrictions for Bolton, a city in northwest England that has the highest number of per capita coronavirus cases in the U.K. Most new cases there involve people between 18 and 49. Among the restrictions, Hancock said restaurants, cafes and pubs in Bolton now can only offer takeaway services.

___

Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
Even as the coronavirus pandemic appears to recede in New York, corporations have been reluctant to call their workers back to their skyscrapers and are showing even more hesitation about committing to the city long term.

Fewer than 10 percent of New Yorks office workers had returned as of last month and just a quarter of major employers expect to bring their people back by the end of the year, according to a new survey. Only 54 percent of these companies say they will return by July 2021.

Demand for office space has slumped. Lease signings in the first eight months of the year were about half of what they were a year earlier. That is putting the office market on track for a 20-year low for the full year. When companies do sign, many are opting for short-term contracts that most landlords would have rejected in February.

At stake is New Yorks financial health and its status as the worlds corporate headquarters. There is more square feet of work space in the city than in London and San Francisco combined, according to Cushman & Wakefield, a real estate brokerage firm. Office work makes up the cornerstone of New Yorks economy and property taxes from office buildings account for nearly 10 percent of the citys total annual tax revenue.
Lenders to Reliance Communications Ltd (RCom) and Reliance Telecom Ltd (RTL) on Tuesday informed the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) that they will move the Supreme Court for clarity on sale of spectrum.

While the Supreme Court had asked the NCLT to decide whether spectrum could be sold as part of the resolution process under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), lenders want the apex court to direct the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) to look into it, two people aware of the matter said, on condition of anonymity.

This is because the Mumbai NCLT has already approved Aircels resolution plan which envisaged the sale of spectrum and therefore it would not be fair to seek directions from the same tribunal," said the first person cited above.

The Supreme Court had on 1 September said that the NCLT should decide whether spectrum held by stressed telcos can be sold under IBC.

Therefore, lenders have to first go to the SC to seek a revision that allows the appellate tribunal to decide on the issue," said the second person.

On 21 August, the department of telecommunications (DoT) had told the NCLT that spectrum assets should not be included in the resolution plan for RCom and its unit, RTL. RCom owes 49,054 crore to its lenders and 25,199 crore in spectrum usage charges and licence fee dues to DoT, according to government estimates.

UV Asset Reconstruction Co. Ltd (UV ARC) and Reliance Jio, the winning bidders for RComs spectrum, real estate, enterprise, tower and data centre business, have together offered more than 20,000 crore (on net present value basis) for these assets.

However, in another twist, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently rejected UV ARCs resolution plan for Aircel, saying the plan does not conform to the guidelines of the Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (Sarfaesi) Act.

RBIs primary objection, Mint reported, was that instead of buying debt, the ARC was buying equity in a company.

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Vineet Upadhyay By

Express News Service

DEHRADUN: On the lines of incentive-based schemes for tourists recently introduced in Japan and in European countries Sicily and Cyprus to woo large number of tourists, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) will be implementing the state government's initiative of 25 per cent discount under 'Tourist Incentive Coupons' following the recent decision of the state cabinet.

Giving an insight on the Tourist Incentive Coupons scheme, tourism secretary T Dilip Jawalkar, says, "The introduction of the TIC scheme makes our state Uttarakhand the first ever state in India to introduce such an incentive-based scheme."

"It is noteworthy that apart from Uttarakhand, similar incentive-based schemes were recently introduced in Japan and in European countries Sicily and Cyprus to woo large number of tourists. Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has initiated this scheme to boost the tourism related economy as well as to attract large number of tourists in the state. The launch date of this scheme will soon be announced," he added.

Under the scheme, all the tourists visiting Uttarakhand, who have registered themselves under the Dehradun Smart City portal, will be provided with a discount of Rs 1000 or 25 per cent of the accommodation charges per day (whichever is less) subject to a maximum stay of 3 days.

However, this scheme will be applicable only for stay in hotels/homestays in limited areas of Uttarakhand which will be amended as per discretion by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board.

The discount will be adjusted on the accommodation charges by the hotel/ homestay owner. On the other hand, the hotel/homestay owners can claim the pending bills from the respective government departments on successful submission of documents.

Under the guidance of the COVID-19 State Task Force, the scheme will be tested as a pilot project for one months time and may be further extended for a period of 2 months on the basis of successful results.

An overall expenditure of Rs 2.7 crore is expected under this scheme in the initial month, which will be compensated from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The scheme is aimed to provide incentive to attract tourists in the state, especially in the home stays of the hills.

This scheme can be availed by all the tourists visiting Uttarakhand for a minimum of 3 days, tourists and pilgrims visiting the Chardhaams in accordance with the prevailing safety guidelines, as well as by tourists following the timely guidelines issued by the Disaster Management Department.

Moreover, this scheme inculcates the idea of 'Vocal for Local' as proposed by our honorable Prime Minister, said the department officials.

Dhairya Arora, who runs Adidev Homestay in Dehradun, says, "I feel that the TIC scheme launched by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board will prove to be quite beneficial from the tourists as well as hotel and homestay owners' perspective. This is a welcoming initiative from the Uttarakhand government and will help in boosting the tourism related economy in the state."
UK engages bankers to advise on Tata Steel bailout

UKs Treasury has engaged investment bankers to devise a rescue plan for Britains biggest steel maker after its current owner Tata Steel abandoned months of discussions about a deal that could save thousands of jobs.

The government brought in investment bankers to suggest bail-out plans after the crisis at Tata Steel Europe hit inflection point as the Indian parent informed the British government that it won't be able to fund the losses in the UK.

"Tata group chairman N Chandrasekaran is reported to have told company executives in January that things cannot go on indefinitely, although the steelmaker will have to make up for current losses.

Tata Steel reported a consolidated net loss of Rs4,609 crore in the April-June quarter as the UK business continued to pile up losses. Tata Steels Indian unit posted a profit of Rs1,193.27 crore in the first quarter, despite the lockdowns.

Credit Suisse, along with the management consultancy McKinsey, is to advise the government on negotiations with Tata Steel, ending speculation that government talks with the Indian industrial conglomerate on reviving the plant had ended.

Tata Steel UKs plant in Port Talbot, south Wales is Britains largest steel plant and employs 3,500 people. Tata employs about 8,000 people in the UK.

Tata Steel had been sought a substantial injection of taxpayer money into the loss-making unit, but treasury officials rejected it because the parent company would have written off equivalent debts without committing much of its own new capital.

The government has already enlisted some of Credit Suisses senior bosses to help in the bailout from the Covid-19 economic fallout.

Former Credit Suisse banker Charles Donald heads UK Government Investments (UKGI), which oversees `Project Birch, the rescue programme for companies seen as structurally important to the UK economy but that have been unable to obtain funding from other sources.

Reports citing an official spokesman said the government is very supportive of the UK steel sector and valued its contribution to the UK economy, adding that the government regularly uses external advice to better understand how to support businesses.

Tata Steel Europe also said it is in active discussions with the UK government on several options for the future of its UK operations, including potential co-operation and government participation to make it sustainable.

The management of Tata Steel is left with limited options to turn around its sick European business. N Chandrasekaran at the company's annual general meeting (AGM) had said the company simplified the structure in Europe by reducing the number of subsidiaries to 151 from over 300. He also said the management is actively involved in finding a sustainable and structural solution in Europe.

Tata Steels integrated report for 2020 had cited CEO and managing director TV Narendran and executive director and CFO Koushik Chatterjee as saying that significant market headwinds, particularly in the last two quarters, and the disruptions caused due to the Covid-19 pandemic, have made the issue complex in Europe.

The company is running a transformation programme, which aims at reducing the cost of operations, to improve productivity, focus on marketing and sales, and improve competitiveness both in the UK and the Netherlands.

The debt-ridden steelmaker has realised benefits of about Euro 370 million in the last financial year due to these improvement programmes.

Earlier, Tata Steel and German steelmaker Thyssenkrupp planned to combine the steel businesses in Europe to turn around their ailing businesses. But the proposal failed to receive the approval from the European Commission. Tata Steel Europe, formerly Corus Plc, was acquired by the Indian steelmaker for $12 billion in 2007. It has a 12.3 million tonne steel-making capacity.

Tata Steel had earlier sought 900 million Pound financial aid from the UK government in exchange for an equity stake of up to 50 per cent in its UK business.
The following are arrests the Danbury Police Department reported to have made last week:

A 32-year-old Myrtle Avenue man was charged with interfering with an officer and breach of peace.

A 56-year-old Morgan Avenue man was charged with sixth-degree larceny.

Aug. 31

A 51-year-old Austin Street woman was charged with risk of injury to child, breach of peace, disorderly conduct and third-degree assault.

A 48-year-old Scuppo Road man was charged with threatening and second-degree harassment.

A 50-year-old homeless man was charged with interfering with an officer.

Sept. 1

A 38-year-old man from Wingdale, N.Y., was charged with second-degree failure to appear and driving with a refused, suspended or revoked license or registration.

A 51-year-old Spring Street woman was charged with breach of peace.

A 60-year-old Starr Avenue woman was charged with sixth-degree larceny.

A 40-year-old homeless woman was charged with third-degree robbery, breach of peace and sixth-degree larceny.

A 31-year-old Myrtle Avenue man was charged with second-degree stalking, second-degree reckless endangerment, evading responsibility, reckless driving, violation of a protective order and driving with a refused, suspended or revoked license or registration. Read more here.

Sept. 2

A 48-year-old Harrison Street man was charged with third-degree strangulation, second-degree unlawful restraint, third-degree assault, threatening, disorderly conduct and breach of peace. Read more here.

A 26-year-old Tower Place man was charged with failure to display plates/inserts, failure to meet minimum insurance coverage requirements, improper use of marker, license or registration and operating a motor vehicle with a refused, suspended or revoked license or registration.

A 29-year-old Robinson Avenue man was charged with risk of injury to child, disorderly conduct, criminal attempt to commit first-degree assault, threatening and reckless endangerment.

A 26-year-old West Wooster Street man was charged with second-degree failure to appear.

A 42-year-old woman from Hartford was charged with third-degree assault and breach of peace.

A 55-year-old Cedar Drive man was charged with driving under the influence, evading responsibility, failure to drive upon right, failure to meet minimum insurance coverage requirements, illegally operating a motor vehicle under suspension and operating a motor vehicle with a refused, suspended or revoked license or registration.

A 23-year-old Meadow Street man was charged with third-degree assault and disorderly conduct.

A 29-year-old Kohanza Street woman was charged with second-degree failure to appear.

A 27-year-old man from Brookfield was charged with a signal device violation and operating a motor vehicle with a refused, suspended or revoked license or registration.

A 33-year-old Town Hill Avenue woman was charged with third-degree assault and disorderly conduct.

A 31-year-old man from Bridgeport was charged with violation of a protective order.

Sept. 3

A 34-year-old Balmforth Avenue man was charged with disorderly conduct.

A 41-year-old man from Bronx, N.Y., was charged with engaging police in pursuit, reckless driving, disobeying the signal of an officer, failure to carry a certificate of registration or insurance, failure to display plates/inserts, operating a motor vehicle in violation of license classification, violating tinted auto glass requirements, possession of a controlled substance, possession of burglary tools and interfering with an officer. Read more here.

A 40-year-old woman from Bayside, N.Y., was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

A 45-year-old Nabby Road woman was charged with first-degree criminal trespass.

A 59-year-old woman from Bethel was charged with operating a motor vehicle with a refused, suspended or revoked license or registration.

An 18-year-old Harmony Street man was charged with first-degree criminal mischief.

A 28-year-old Osborne Street woman was charged with sixth-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny.

A 29-year-old Osborne Street woman was charged with sixth-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny.

Sept. 4

A 30-year-old Townhill Avenue man was charged with prohibited act in an access area and failure to respond to infraction.

A 27-year-old woman from Carmel, N.Y., was charged with second-degree failure to appear.

A 25-year-old Pahquioque Avenue man was charged with second-degree strangulation, risk of injury to child and disorderly conduct.

A 28-year-old Crows Nest Lane woman was charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.

Sept. 5

A 23-year-old Rose Lane man was charged with possession of a controlled substance, use of drug paraphernalia and first-degree failure to appear.

A 46-year-old Mazur Drive man was charged with first-degree threatening and breach of peace.

A 45-year-old Chappelle Street man was charged with failure to meet minimum insurance coverage requirements and failure to yield right of way.

A 51-year-old Nabby Road woman was charged with evading responsibility, failure to drive at a reasonable distance and operating a motor vehicle in violation of license classification.
NBC News chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel excitedly celebrated his youngest son's first steps this Labor Day weekend.

The 46-year-old took to Twitter on Monday to share video of the happy moment, catching the whole family cheering one-year-old Theo on as he toddled across the room.

'And this happened today! Baby steps. Go Theo! Henry and @MaryKForrest cheering on,' he wrote.

Ta-da! NBC News chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel excitedly celebrated his youngest son's first steps this Labor Day weekend

Woohoo! The 46-year-old took to Twitter on Monday to share video of the happy moment, catching the whole family cheering one-year-old Theo on as he toddled across the room

The video shows the whole family is around for the occasion, with toys scattered around the room.

Engel helps Theo on the 'start' side, assisting the tot into a standing position in his diaper and green onesie.

He lets go as Theo takes a few unsteady steps, but the baby makes it all the way across to his mother, Mary Forrest, siting a few feet away with four-year-old Henry in her lap.

When Theo makes it to his mom, she wraps her arms around him in a hug, holding Henry's arm so he hugs his brother, too.

Family time! The video shows the whole family is around for the occasion

He lets go as Theo takes a few unsteady steps, but the baby makes it all the way across to his mother, Mary Forrest, siting a few feet away with four-year-old Henry in her lap

When Theo makes it to his mom, she wraps her arms around him in a hug, and Engel comes in for a kiss on the head

'And this happened today! Baby steps. Go Theo! Henry and @MaryKForrest cheering on,' Engel wrote

In addition to plenty of cheers and applause from his family, little Theo was also congratulated on Twitter, where thousands of viewers liked the video.

'That's awesome. Glad you were able to be home to witness this important milestone with your wife & children,' wrote one.

'How wonderful to see such an incredible moment,' wrote another.

Theo just celebrated his first birthday last month, marking one year since Engel proudly announced his birth in 2019.

'Hes healthy, happy (unless you unwrap his swaddle), and thirsty. We couldnt be more in love. And now Henry is a big brother, too,' he said at the time.

'Life has twists, turns and new beginnings. This is Theos first chapter, and a new one for our family. Were excited, nervous, and thankful,' he said.

Family of four: Engel and his wife have two children: Theo and Henry, who turns five this month

Struggles: Henry suffers from Rett Syndrome, a genetic mutation that leads to severe cognitive deficits and physical impairment.

Engel has also celebrated milestones for his older son, Henry, who turns five this month.

Henry suffers from Rett Syndrome, a genetic mutation that leads to severe cognitive deficits and physical impairment. The condition is rare, even more so in boys, and there is no cure.

The pandemic has been particularly hard on the little boy, and last month Engel published an essay on Today about how Henry's condition has deteriorated this year.

'Henry has severe special needs, and COVID has been an absolute nightmare for him and millions of other children like him. I'd add more colorful adjectives, but you get the point,' he wrote.

'Henry, who turns 5 in September, doesn't walk or talk. He can't feed himself efficiently. He doesn't sit up straight. Now that he's getting bigger, he can barely move independently.'

Before the pandemic, Henry was enrolled in a number of 'amazing therapies' that stimulated him and brought him joy, including equine therapy.

One year later: A proud Engel announced Theo's birth in August 2019

Sweet: 'Mary and I are so excited to introduce our new son Theodore (Theo),' he said. 'Hes healthy, happy (unless you unwrap his swaddle) and thirsty. We couldnt be more in love'

He rode a horse named Coco with the help of two attendants, and not only did Henry visibly enjoy the rides, but the rocking movement helped strengthen his core.

'He did astronaut therapy in a soft-play room, spinning on a large Lazy Susan to let him feel a mild centrifugal force,' Engel added.

'He did music therapy and enjoyed touching the vibrating guitar strings. He did hydrotherapy in a warm pool with hoists attached to the deck. He went to a school, for a few hours a day, with an aide who helped him.

'That's all gone. He's bored. He's whiny,' the dad said. 'There is nothing more frustrating than hearing him upset and not being able to figure out what's wrong and how to soothe him. The TV helps, but you can only put on cartoons for so many hours a day. He's averaging around one.'

Engel said Henry can only interact through 'sight, sound, and touch,' so they constantly cuddle him, praise him, massage him, and give him kisses. His wife also sings to him and uses flash cards to teach him letters, numbers, and colors.

The couple also has a nearly one-year-old son, Theo, who has started showing his older brother affection as well, but it's not enough to improve his condition now that he has been removed from all other human interaction.

Hard to handle: Engel and his wife have noticed their son Henry's overall condition has deteriorated since the start of the pandemic

Loss: Henry, who cannot walk or talk, has been cut off from the therapies that enrich his life due to the pandemic. He is pictured playing with his father and baby brother, Theo

'Since Henry can't play normally, school was the only place where he could interact with other children,' Engel explained. 'The kids would come up and kiss him, tussle his hair and bring him toys. He didn't always respond as they expected, but the excitement in his eyes told them he enjoyed and appreciated it.'

Engel and Forrest made the decision to hire a physical therapist to work with Henry during the pandemic because movement is essential for him to build strength.

Henry can't stand on his legs and his muscles are weak; his hips can dislocate easily and may one day require major surgery. They bought him a $1,000 upright standing frame that they strap him into, so he puts weight on his hips, knees, and feet.

Despite their struggles amid the pandemic, they consider themselves lucky to be able afford private physical therapy and equipment to help their son.

'I say he's lucky to be keeping up with his physical therapy, because we are paying about $100 an hour to have a private therapist  known to us and part of our bubble  come to our home,' he said.

'There are risks with having the therapist come, touching and moving Henry, but not doing the therapy has risks too. So we roll the dice, hoping not to hit seven and COVID out.'

Dedication: Physical therapy is a large part of his routine, and the couple will put Henry in a stranding frame so he puts weight on his hips

Engel estimates that they have about $5,000 to $10,000 worth of equipment for Henry in their London home, noting that some of it was provided by local authorities.

'That's why I say we're lucky. Other families can't afford to turn their homes into therapy gyms, and not all community support is strong,' he noted.

'Without physical therapy Henry's body would deteriorate, collapsing under its increasing weight. It goes without saying you can't do physical therapy online any more than at-home dentistry or a Zoom appendectomy.'

But despite their efforts, they are still noticing a 'deterioration in Henry's overall condition.' Since the start of the pandemic, his tremors and body shakes have become more pronounced.

His hand-mouthing has also become more frequent, and they have to either put his arms in braces or socks over his hands to keep him from chewing his skin until it bleeds. They're not sure if these symptoms are due to stress or just his the progression of his condition.

Engel and his wife have had plenty to celebrate with Henry, too. In March of 2019, the little boy said the word 'Dada' for the first time, which for Engel was incredibly emotional.

Family: Engel and his wife Mary Forrest are dedicated to finding a cure for their son

'I finally got a Dada. It was a long time coming, which made it all the sweeter  an unexpected reward,' he wrote in an essay for Today.

'[Henry's] physical and mental development arent on pace with other children. So when I got the Dada from him, I went a little wild.'

The war correspondent explained that he had been away on a reporting trip, covering the fall of the Islamic State in Syria. While he was gone, his wife Mary Forrest would tell their little boy that he was coming home soon.

When he arrived home from his trip, Henry was already sleeping, so he waited until the next morning to greet his son.

'As I was singing good morning to Henry and reconnecting after a long trip away, he looked at me, locked eye-contact and said, clear as any word, "Dada,"' Engel explained.

'He didnt just say it once, but two or three times. There was an urgency and excitement to it,' he added.

Life-changing moment: Henry, pictured as a baby, was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome in 2017. The genetic mutation leads to severe cognitive deficits and physical impairment

'Henry had made the sound before. Da-Da, or Ga-Da, and even vaguely made it about me, when I was in the room with him or holding him close to my face.

'But this time it was stronger and more decisive. Dada was a single word and he was clearly looking at me, talking to me, addressing me.'

Engel said he thanked his son by giving him 'a big cuddle.'

'To parents with typically developing children, a little Dada may not seem like a big deal,' he said. 'But for me it was a validation, an acknowledgement that hes in there, knows me, knows that his mother and I are forces for good in his life, and above all, that he loves us.'

The proud father said that his wife Mary hadn't gotten a 'clear "Mama" yet,' by that time, but he hoped she would one day, because 'she deserves it.'

Engel also spoke about the moment while appearing on the Today show that week.

'It was something Id been waiting for for years,' he said. 'A lot of parents, it happens naturally; it happens early on. Henrys situation is different.'

While there is no cure for Rett's Syndrome, Texas Children's Hospital is working on a treatment that Engel hopes will one day benefit his son.

'Its not that [Henry] has brain damage  although the seizures arent helping  but hes lacking the protein so the brain isnt functioning. In Texas, theyre trying to fool the body chemically into producing more of the protein [safely]. If they can, then the other problems become less,' Engel said.
SANTA FE  For the first time in two months, New Mexico announced no new coronavirus deaths Tuesday, leaving the statewide death toll unchanged at 807.

The seven-day rolling average of new cases, meanwhile, plunged to just 103  less than a third of the peak in late July, when the state averaged about 330 new cases a day.

The good news comes as some of New Mexicos public schools prepare to bring elementary students back to campus on a hybrid schedule that rotates in-person and online learning.

The last day without a new COVID-19 death reported to the public was July 5. At its peak in mid-May, the daily death toll was about 10.

The number of new cases detected by testing each day remains in decline, with just 44 new infections reported Tuesday. It pulled the seven-day rolling average down to 103 cases a day  a 23% decline over the last week alone.

The daily case totals havent been routinely that low since April, about a month after the pandemic reached New Mexico.

Bernalillo County, the states most populous county, led the state with 22 cases Tuesday. No other county had even five cases.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and state health officials began relaxing New Mexicos public health orders about 10 days ago. The state, for example, now allows indoor dining at restaurants and breweries at 25% capacity.

For now, New Mexico is in compliance with all of its reopening criteria but one  the number of coronavirus tests conducted per day. The state has averaged about 4,910 tests a day over the last week, just below the states goal of 5,000 tests.

But state health officials last week expressed little concern about the falling number of tests, contending that New Mexico is still doing well compared to other states.

New Mexicos positivity rate  the share of tests that come back positive  remains well below the states target of 5%. The positivity rate for the most recent seven-day period was 2.4%.
Nigerians have reacted to the statement made by Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that the government spends at least N400,000 to treat a COVID-19 patient in the state.

In a Channels TV video seen by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr El-Rufai, on Monday, spoke at an executive committee meeting with traditional rulers in Kaduna.

The meeting was chaired by Saad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto.

The governor noted that telling patients to take responsibility of the medical bills would lead to widespread of the deadly virus.

We have a very high success rate in treating COVID-19 patients. Even a 90-year-old person, with underlying conditions, diabetes and hypertension was treated successfully in the state.

The virus has not left us. We may ignore it, but it is still there. We urge you to sensitise our people to protect themselves against this virus, particularly those that are above the age of 60.

It costs about N400,000 to treat one coronavirus patient. They have to be isolated and fed. The cost of medicine has increased, even the personal protective equipment that the doctors treating them have to wear. When you add all this up, the average cost of treatment is over N400,000 per person. We have to bear the cost, he said.

It was not the first time a state official would spark reactions over the cost of treating a coronavirus patient, although Mr El-Rufais estimate appears to indicate that his state spends approximately N29,000 per day on patients who receive 14-day medical care.

That is far lower than the cost estimate provided by Lagos in July.

On July 24, the Lagos state government triggered a public outcry after it said the government spends between N500,000 and to N1 million a day to treat COVID-19 patients in critical conditions. It also said non-complicated admissions cost around N100,000 per day.

That means that for critical cases, Lagos may be spending between seven and fourteen million in handling each critical case on 14-day admission. Non-complicated cases may be costing the state at least N1.4million for 14-day admission.

Government expenditures on COVID-19 have remained a sore point for Nigerians largely because of the lack of transparency in the spendings.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered some reactions to Mr El-Rufais claim below:

https://twitter.com/DeCryptolord/status/1303292412320714752?s=19

The real drama behind the Index is finally dancing Azonto in the market square.

We have heard of LASG and now KDSG.more States expenditures loading without any modern Hospitals to cope future epidemic ati pandemic. We are one of a kind on Earth. SMH  Alagba Ken (@AlagbaKenneth) September 8, 2020

And it applies to all patients both severe(complications and other illnesses) and mild.

A country that cannot give a breakdown, everything is Fixed price. I was expecting in dollars though in a naira economy. Bless the federal republic of Nigeria .  Mc_Matj (@mc_matj) September 8, 2020

https://twitter.com/AdelekeOsuola/status/1303284467956699136?s=19

We would have no reason to doubt him if only he could account for what the 400million was spent on. I'm certain this same person would demand for the nitty-gritty of all expenses made by his employees  Ore (@ore_daniels) September 8, 2020

Now we see and know the reason for the number of cases recorded and still recording.. Nigeria should win Oscar for best drama producing country!  Mind 'n' Pen (@MindnPen) September 8, 2020

Really ? Could that be the reason States were competing for number of positive cases? 400k per a patient. That means it will stay longer like Poliomyelitis. Soon first ladies will start floating NGO for Covid- 19. Chai ! Diaris God oooo!  Emma. (@emmajohn316) September 8, 2020

The problem is thaf these leaders don't ask question when thwy bring adulterated bills. I have been to some of these so call covid centers. And i see nothing that cost so much. You guys are just cashing in with this covid. We know how much u pay the health works & cost of PPE.  Charles_Chizu (@charleschizu) September 8, 2020

Pls covid-19 is a global pandemic, since we treat 1 patient with as much as N400,000, abeg, all of us for naija get the covid-19, share our own N400,000 give us. Which kain nonsense be this.  AMADI CHIBUIKE (@MADCHRISKING) September 8, 2020

Is it the same Nigerian youths that are more interested in Big Brother than what is going on in the Country? Have you not noticed that this Government enacts new bizarre policies or increment in prices usually during the Big Brother season?  Law O (@drlaw4u2) September 8, 2020

Mr El-Rufai is simply telling us that Kaduna State has spent more than 880m naira on covid-19 patients Bravo!  Mind 'n' Pen (@MindnPen) September 8, 2020

https://twitter.com/DreamMan_NG/status/1303294422428389376?s=19

https://twitter.com/Usman_I_Lamido/status/1303295537467318272?s=19

I wonder how much the vaccine or cure will eventually cost. We have entered once chance already.  pearlandemeraldhomes (@mankind4real83) September 8, 2020

I can only bliv it if the air they were breathing at the time of treatment was monitized. U guys should be fearing God small oh, bcos the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.,.. may God be with u all.  oguguo chizoba (@tcheezzy) September 8, 2020

https://twitter.com/Olariches82/status/1303284348779716608?s=19

Na wa

Sha not surprised

If we can not give acct on the studnt dey feeding during the lockdown then what is mare 400k  Smallz (@Smallz85149742) September 8, 2020

Can This man explain to us, where they got those drugs from? My instincts tell me, they got those drop from Angel Gabriel  okafor chinedu (@chiokafor30) September 8, 2020
Eastons charter school principal has resigned, according to an email sent to the school parents.

The email sent Tuesday from Easton Arts Academy Elementary Charter Schools CEO doesnt say why William Wright left just as school started this year. CEO Chadwick Antonio confirmed Wrights departure.

Mr. Wright has resigned as principal. Easton Arts Academy wishes him the very best in his future endeavors. The school has begun a search for an ideal candidate to serve as principal, he said in an email to lehighvalleylive.com.

The school has seen considerable administrative turnover since it opened in 2017. Wright was the schools fourth principal. The chief academic officer, CEO and solicitor were fired in 2019. Their ousters followed a lehighvalleylive.com report on employee complaints of a toxic work environment at the school.

None of the school board members nor Antonio returned emails seeking comment. A voicemail left at the school wasnt immediately returned. Wright could not be reached for comment.

An auditor criticized the school earlier this year for not catching a $570,000 discrepancy in its books. Auditor Francis Skip Bedics suspected fraud, although school board president Michael Lieberman said the discrepancy was a bookkeeping error.

The school has named Mohamed Hagag as its new business manager, according to the CEOs email to parents. He already oversees the schools technology department. He will start as business manager on Sept. 14.

The school at 30 N. Fourth St. in Easton is publicly funded but privately run. Charter schools are taxpayer funded but exempt from some of the regulations governing public schools. They were created in order to promote innovative approaches to education.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Lehighvalleylive.com.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. If theres anything about this story that needs attention, please email him. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
Last month journalists in Michigan got word that there were 14 positive cases of COVID-19 in Michigan schools.

The first and most obvious question was where?

Fast forward to the end of the week and the question is stillwhere?

As parents all over the state wrestle with the decision to go with virtual learning options or face-to-face learning they are not being fully informed about positive cases in their childrens school.

Reporters have reached out to the Governors office, to the Department of Health and Human Services and other state and local officials to find out where there are positive cases in our schools. To date no one seems to know or be willing to supply this information.

Transparency matters more now than ever. Families need this information to make decisions about the education of their children. Being armed with facts will help them make those decisions.

Many people today are living in multi-generational homes. Not only is the safety of the student at play here, there may be concerns about elderly family members living in the same home or members of the family with underlying health problems.

Weve been told over and over how important it is to track and trace positive Covid tests. We know the awful consequences of an outbreak in a community, we know how quickly one case can become many. There are no privacy violations involved in letting communities know which school has a problem so parents can make informed decisions.

Be it lack of transparency on purpose, or a case of poor preparedness, its time for the state and local departments of community health to step up and provide this vital information to the citizens of Michigan.

Dirk Milliman is the Public Policy Committee Chairman of the Michigan Press Association.
Humble ISD middle and high school students could return to in-person education on a normal schedule earlier than expected.

The school board will determine if secondary students can return to a five-day per week schedule in-person in about two weeks during their regular monthly meeting tonight. The move would speed up the timeline significantly, allowing middle and high school students to return to normal in-person schedules on Sept. 21.

HIGHER ED: Katherine Persson begins retirement after 12 years as LSC-Kingwood President

Due to the coronavirus, Humble ISDs board decided on Aug. 3 that middle and high schools would operate on A/B alternating schedules that limit class sizes and lessen the daily campus capacity to limit the spread of COVID-19. Students who attend in-person currently learn on campus two or three times per week.

That A/B schedule was supposed to last until Oct. 12 for middle schools and potentially for the remainder of the year for high schools. Elementary students have been at full capacity since Aug. 24, with some campuses having greater attendance than others. Families are still able to opt into remote learning.

Humble ISD was one of the first districts to start their school year in the Houston area, which began virtually on Aug. 11. On the same day, the board held their monthly meeting and approved a series of COVID-19 related purchases, such as new outdoor tables and updated HVAC systems.

One week later on Aug. 17, self-contained special education students were able to return to campus in person. By Aug. 24, all students whose families choose to return to in-person education went back to campus.

EDUCATION: Despite COVID fears, some Houston-area school districts lose fewer teachers

According to the board agenda action item D, the administration has recommended to the board that they change their Aug. 3 decision in the interest of students and allow for all students to return without an A/B schedule starting Sept. 21, about two weeks from now. The administration also recommends that all students and staff in secondary education would be required to wear face coverings if everyone is allowed to return to campus. With this decision, the board would also delegate any changes that would need to be made regarding community health decisions to Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen.

The board meeting will be held at the Humble ISD Board Room at 7 p.m. on Sept. 8. For more information, visit Humble ISDs website.

savannah.mehrtens@chron.com
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 8, 2020 16:55 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4382e9c 1 National Muhammadiyah,former-minister,obituary,dies Free

Prominent Muhammadiyah figure Abdul Malik Fadjar passed away at 7:00 p.m. on Monday at Mayapada Hospital in Kuningan, South Jakarta. He was 81 years old.

The news of his death was announced by Muhammadiyah Malang University, where Abdul served as the head of the daily advisory board.

President Joko Jokowi Widodo also delivered his condolences following the news of Abduls death. Through his official Instagram account, the President paid tribute to Abduls remarkable dedication to the nation.

"Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun [We belong to God and to God we shall return]. We have lost a figure and a teacher of this nation, Prof. Abdul Malik Fadjar who died on Monday, he wrote.

He was a teacher with persistence and high dedication, working to improve the education for this nation.

Abdul served as religious affairs minister during the presidency of the late Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie from 1998 until 1999. He was also the education and culture minister during the presidency of Megawati Soekarnoputri from 2001 until 2004.

Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Makarim also paid tribute to the respected figure on Tuesday, saying Farewell, hero and teacher of our nation.

He gave us many inspirations and lessons. He taught us about humanistic and democratic approaches, as well as educating us about human rights and freedom in education, Nadiem said on Tuesday as quoted by kompas.com.

Abdul also served as an interim coordinating minister for social welfare, replacing Jusuf Kalla, who ran as a vice-presidential candidate in the 2004 election.

President Jokowi also appointed Abdul as one of nine members of the Presidential Advisory Board (Wantimpres) during his first term in 2015.

Abdul also actively participated in the Association of Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals (ICMI) and helped to build Muhammadiyah schools across the nation. (trn)
Missionary Sean Feucht slams Seattle for shuttering park ahead of Labor Day prayer rally

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Missionary and political activist Sean Feucht has slammed officials in Seattle for their hypocrisy in shuttering a local park to prevent him from hosting a prayer rally on Labor Day while allowing protesters to engage in "looting" and "riots."

Feucht, who has helped local pastors host 19 prayer rallies in defiance of coronavirus guidelines in 19 cities over the last eight weeks, reacted to the closure of the Gas Works Park by Seattle Parks and Recreation after officials announced the park would be closed all day Monday due to anticipated crowding that could impact the public health of residents.

This is the height of hypocrisy for the city of Seattle to turn a blind eye to riots, looting, and AntiFa, while refusing to let Christians gather in a public park to sing and worship, Feucht said in a statement. First the government shuts down churches. Now its shutting down parks to stop us from worshipping. Time to stand up church!

Park officials explained in a statement Friday that the decision was taken to shutter the park because they anticipate people would attend the event and flout social distancing protocol. Previous attendees at Feuchts rallies reportedly did not wear masks or practice social distancing.

Out of concerns for the safety of all those who visit Gas Works Park we have opted to close the entire park for the day, park officials said.

Seattle Parks and Recreation has been committed to keeping parks open during this pandemic as they provide critical physical and mental health supports to our community. However, we are also committed to ensuring that parks do not become spaces where COVID-19 is transmitted. Prolonged close contact with a large group, without the use of a mask, is the type of behavior that public health experts have determined to hold a high risk for transmission of COVID-19, they continued. The closure will begin at 8 pm on Sunday, September 6 and will end at 6:00 am on Tuesday, September 8. The City of Seattle is not issuing permits to any events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Feucht, who previously ran an unsuccessful congressional campaign, is connected to Bethel Church in Redding, California, but the church has sought to distance itself from him.

The leadership is having ongoing conversations and discussions about this event, different events, also some things that were said from the podium, a communications director for Bethel Church told a local TV news channel after a similar event in Redding. We value peoples freedom to express themselves but we also really value the safety of our region and thats why weve limited activities at church, social distancing, not having services and thats what weve been doing as a church at this time.

In his response to the park closure, Feucht said that despite acknowledging that parks provide critical physical and mental health supports to our community, and their support of First Amendment gatherings, park officials still chose to temporarily shut down the entire park rather than risk Christians gathering for an open-air worship service.
September 08 : Actor Rhea Chakraborty who has been facing multiple investigations into the death of fellow actor and her boyfriend Sushant Singh Rajput has been arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

Though its a good news for SSR family and fans, but Bollywood is definitely spilt over the decision, celebs like Kubbra Sait and filmmaker Alankrita Shrivastava arent happy with the arrest, whereas celeb Vikas Gupta believes that smoking weed isnt a small thing.

Following Rheas arrest, many celebrities took to their social media and expressed their thoughts.

Filmmaker Alankrita Shrivastava wrote, Excellent job, India! Enjoy the burning of the witch. And while we are at it we may as well get Sati back. And no, lets not lift a finger to stem any crimes against women. Lets dance wildly and applaud the fire

Excellent job, India! Enjoy the burning of the witch. And while we are at it we may as well get Sati back. And no, lets not lift a finger to stem any crimes against women. Lets dance wildly and applaud the fire.  Alankrita Shrivastava (@alankrita601) September 8, 2020

Actress Kubbra Sait shared, May the universe give the parents of Rhea the strength through this devastating time. Arrested by NCB. Still not a murderer. #MediaCircus I wonder your conversations over your shaam ki chai

May the universe give the parents of Rhea the strength through this devastating time. Arrested by NCB.

Still not a murderer.#MediaCircus I wonder your conversations over your shaam ki chai.  Kubbra Sait (@KubbraSait) September 8, 2020

Whereas celeb Vikas Gupta wrote, Now at least people will stop with the #BipolarBakwaas Yes #RheaChakraborty is arrested for her lies & not just purchasing weed alone. The intellectuals need 2 stop making weed sound like its mouth freshener. #Warriors4SSR R waiting for the truth #14thJune #SushantSinghRajput #VG

Now at least people will stop with the #BipolarBakwaas Yes #RheaChakraborty is arrested for her lies & not just purchasing weed alone. The intellectuals need 2 stop making weed sound like its mouth freshener. #Warriors4SSR R waiting for the truth #14thJune #SushantSinghRajput #VG pic.twitter.com/fI9x2yiBsA  Vikas Gupta (@lostboy54) September 8, 2020

Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 15:09:55|Editor: huaxia

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by Yu Qianliang, Zheng Shibo

JAKARTA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- "Facing the test of the pandemic, China and ASEAN have more deeply realized the importance of promoting the building of a China-ASEAN community with a shared future. The strategic mutual trust between the two sides has reached a new level," Chinese Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Deng Xijun said.

In a written interview with Xinhua, Deng said China and ASEAN have set a fine example in anti-pandemic cooperation since the outbreak of the COVID-19 and the cooperation has injected a new strong impetus into two sides' future endeavors of building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Chinese leaders conducted frequent "cloud diplomacy" with leaders of ASEAN countries to provide confidence, support and political guidance that are most needed, he added.

Deng said China looks forward to working together with all other parties to pool consensus and boost confidence and is ready to work concertedly to strengthen counter-pandemic cooperation, revive regional economy at a faster pace and renew shared commitment to multilateralism and free trade.

"We would also champion openness and inclusiveness for win-win cooperation. Together we would further move East Asian cooperation forward, which will contribute more to regional peace, stability and prosperity," He said.

Deng said the China-ASEAN Health Ministerial Conference, Senior Officials' Meeting and expert meetings were held one after another since the outbreak of COVID-19. Both sides have shared anti-pandemic experience, carried out vaccine cooperation, and promoted to build a global community of health for all.

Besides, Chinese central and local governments, the military, the business community and private entities donated a large number of anti-epidemic materials such as masks, protective clothing and testing kits to ASEAN countries.

China also sent medical expert teams to five ASEAN countries, namely Cambodia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Laos and Malaysia, and helped the Philippines and Myanmar build urgently needed virus-testing labs.

Talking about the China-ASEAN relation, the ambassador said ASEAN is a priority in China's neighborhood diplomacy and a key area of the Belt and Road cooperation. "China highly values cooperation with ASEAN and firmly supports ASEAN's centrality in East Asia cooperation. China has been actively engaged in East Asian cooperation by playing an important promoting role in it."

Deng said China and ASEAN countries including Singapore, Laos, Myanmar and Indonesia have established "fast lanes" and "green lanes" for personnel and goods movement respectively to take care of social and economic recovery both during the pandemic and in the post-pandemic era.

Besides, China has resumed direct international flights with Vietnam and some other ASEAN countries. China has been actively exploring with ASEAN countries the establishment of networks of fast and green lanes between China and ASEAN and in East Asia at large.

"Together we are also working on a regional financial safety net that stabilizes regional supply and industrial chains as well as the financial sector," said Deng.

Despite the global downward pressure, China-ASEAN trade and investment has witnessed remarkable growth. Deng said in the first half of this year, the trade in goods between China and ASEAN reached 2.09 trillion RMB yuan (about 298 billion U.S. dollars), representing a 5.6 percent year-on-year increase.

ASEAN has overtaken the European Union to become China's largest trading partner for the first time, showing the strong resilience of China-ASEAN economic and trade relations and contributing to the recovery of regional and global economy.

Deng said China and ASEAN will continue to firmly support multilateralism and free trade, and maintain close cooperation to further facilitate bilateral trade and economic cooperation. China will work with the other parties towards the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement within this year as planned.

For the on-going developments in the South China Sea, Deng said thanks to the concerted efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea remains stable on the whole.

He also said good progress has been made as countries concerned have effectively managed their maritime differences and disputes and carried out step by step dialogue and cooperation on maritime issues.

China and ASEAN countries are committed to the full and effective implementation of the Declaration of Conduct (DOC) and have stayed in close touch to advance consultations on the Code of Conduct (COC).

Deng said China and ASEAN countries have the confidence, capability and wisdom to stay clear of disruptions. "We will stick to the dual-track approach, resolve disputes by countries directly concerned through consultations and negotiations, accelerate the COC consultations, and advance joint maritime development while setting aside disputes. Together we would maintain a peaceful and stable South China Sea and build it into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation."

"I believe China and ASEAN countries will once again send a clear and strong message of jointly safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea in the upcoming China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting," He added. Enditem
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Cyprus on Tuesday that Moscow was ready to help mediate in any talks with Turkey over energy exploration in the east Mediterranean Sea.

A decades-old rift between Turkey and Cyprus, which is backed by Greece, has come to a head this year in disputes over commercial rights in the east Mediterranean, an area thought to be rich in natural gas.

"As far as your relations with Turkey are concerned, we are ready to promote dialogue, pragmatically based on mutual interests and in search of decisions, which will be fair and based on international law," Lavrov said at a meeting with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades in Nicosia.

"Russia considers any steps that could lead to a further escalation of tensions (in the east Mediterranean) unacceptable," he later added in a news conference.

NATO allies Turkey and Greece are at loggerheads over the extent of their continental shelves. Ankara also disputes the rights of Cyprus to explore for natural gas in the sea area around the island.

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Martin Clunes has dismissed hopes of a Men Behaving Badly reunion because it would 'just be hideous dirty old men talking about Kylie Minogue's bottom'.

The actor, 58, appeared on Loose Women via video link on Tuesday, after it was announced Doc Martin would end after 17 years.

When asked if he would reprise his role as Gary Strang in Men Behaving Badly, Martin said: 'This dad bod thing is no good, you couldn't talk about a woman's body that way.'

Martin Clunes has dismissed hopes of a Men Behaving Badly reunion because it would 'just be hideous dirty old men talking about Kylie Minogue's bottom'

The sitcom follows Gary (Martin) and Tony (Neil Morrissey) as London-based beer-guzzling flatmates revelling in mindless talks about women, which puts their relationships in jeopardy.

Martin told the panel: 'I don't think the subject matter would go down well with the woke millennials.

'It would just be hideous dirty old men talking about Kylie Minogue's bottom.

Discussion: Asked if he would reprise Men Behaving Badly, Martin said: 'This dad bod thing is no good, you couldn't talk about a woman's body that way' (pictured with Caroline Quentin)

Interview: The actor, 58, appeared on Loose Women via video link on Tuesday, after it was announced Doc Martin would end after 17 years

'This dad bod thing is no good, you couldn't talk about a woman's body that way.

'It's open season on men and I don't know why because if you said it about a woman, you'd be called in front of a tribunal.'

To which Denise Welch replied: 'We're celebrating it'.

Hitting out: 'This dad bod thing is no good, you couldn't talk about a woman's body that way', Martin told the panel

Men Behaving Badly: The sitcom follows Gary (Martin) and Tony (Neil Morrissey) as London-based beer-guzzling flatmates revelling in mindless talks about women

Andrea McLean then asked: 'Why are you finishing Doc Martin?'

Martin replied: 'All good things have to come to an end. We're at huge pains not to repeat ourselves and we've sort of done everything.

'It would be great to carry on but I don't think we could keep it as good. We've had 16 years.'

ITV announced on Monday, the much-loved drama will come to an end in 2021 after 17 years on-screen.

Dad bods: Martin added: 'It's open season on men and I don't know why because if you said it about a woman, you'd be called in front of a tribunal'

Doc Martin first debuted on screens in 2004 with Martin playing the cantankerous GP, and the show has won a legion of fans with its heartwarming nature and idyllic Cornwall setting.

In a statement, star Martin and producer Philippa Braithwaite explained that they've decided to end Doc Martin now to allow fans a chance to celebrate the show and its titular character with a final series.

They said: 'We have loved making nine series of Doc Martin. When we launched the series in 2004 we could never have imagined how much our loyal viewers would take to the grumpy Doc like they have.

'The series has avid fans both in the UK and throughout the world and we are thrilled that Doc Martin has topped the ratings every time.

'However, after sixteen years we now feel that the time has come to say goodbye to Portwenn. We will be making the tenth and final series in 2021 and we are very much looking forward to returning to Cornwall to film it.'
LONDON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Verde Leaf bags the 'Best Hemp Company' in South-East America by Global Brands Magazine. Awards core motive is to credit the distinct performers across industries.

Global Brands Magazine (GBM) has been on the forefront, bringing news, views and opinions on brands that are shaping the future of their industry. The UK-based magazine provides its readers with the latest news and information on 'best-in-class' brands across the globe. Each year, GBM develops a series of awards for companies that stood out having unique vision, exceptional service, innovative solutions and consumer centric products, among their industry leaders.

Verde Leaf scored this year's Agro Awards for their innovative activities and extensive R&D to create an infrastructure in the industry. Verde Leaf believes in singular one-stop-shop approach and has made huge inroads South East American agro markets. Hemp industry's first vertically integrated hemp company, they have consistently progressed in the direction of untangling key challenges while providing superior client experience. They have made remarkable advancement in reducing the knowledge gap and weaving the essentials, to excel in the emerging market.

Remarking on winning the award, R. Jackson Garth, President and CEO at Verde Leaf, stated: "We at Verde Leaf  have worked tirelessly to assist in creating infrastructure within the hemp industry, and are extremely honoured to be recognized on an international platform such as Global Brand Magazine. As an organization, our goal is to provide superior service across our entire supply chain that delivers customer satisfaction from our extraordinary product lines."

ABOUT VERDE LEAF

Verde Leaf is one of the hemp industry's first vertically incorporated businesses that crafted solutions for every stakeholder from farmer, business owners, and consumers. We solve some of the major challenges in the emerging hemp industry by assisting farmers with license acquisition, hemp cultivation and processing, and filling the information gap with our network of seasoned hemp farmers and specialists across the Southeast. Verde Leaf acquires special contracts with farmers that ensures the hemp product has unparalleled clarity, consistency, and verified data available for the consumers. By controlling our supply chain seed-to-sell, Verde Leaf assures customer trust and confidence in the superior quality of our consumable and non-consumable product lines. For more information please visit verdeleafgroup.com

About Global Brands Magazine (GBM)

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Global Brands Magazine is the pioneer and leader for publications, research & branding. GBM is a data-centric and research-oriented organization bringing up-to-date news, reviews, opinions, and polls on leading brands across the globe, to its readership. GBM Credits the distinct efforts of Champions and help create a unique brand identity. For more information please visit www.globalbrandsmagazine.com

About Global Brand Awards

Global Brand Awards was established with the aim of honouring excellence in performance and rewarding companies across different sectors. The brand awards bring lime light to organizations who have performed remarkably well in the field of Finance, Education, Hospitality, Automobiles, Lifestyle, Education, Real Estate and Technology. The GBM Brand Awards aim to recognize key players who make progress toward excellence and giving a stage to acknowledge their efforts.

In addition, GBM strives to create awareness concerning significance of such organizations and reward them for rigorous efforts, with ultimate global recognition.

SOURCE Global Brands Publications Limited
South Carolina seniors turning 65 this year are advised to compare Medicare insurance policies as a way of saving money. Medigap costs, fees and available discounts across South Carolina for virtually identical insurance can vary dramatically according to the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance (AAMSI).

"In Charleston a woman turning age 65 could pay as little as $104 each month or as much as $195 for basically identical Medicare Supplement coverage," shares Jesse Slome, director of the national organization. "The small monthly difference adds up to well over $10,000 over a decade or longer. That's why we strongly advocate comparison shopping."

Slome explains that there are other benefits to comparing policy options and costs. "A few insurance companies add fees. Some make available discounts for two-person households. In South Carolina those discounts vary from zero to as high as 14 percent," the national Medicare insurance expert reports.

The 2020 Price Index reports both the lowest and highest insurance rates for Plan G. "Medicare Plan G is the most popular choice among seniors turning 65," Slome explains. To see 2020 Medicare insurance pricing for top U.S. cities visit the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance's website.

South Carolina Medicare Supplement Plan G 2020 Price Index Findings

COLUMBIA, SC (Zip 29223)



FEMALE age 65, Plan G



Lowest monthly premium: $93.08



Highest monthly premium: $172.97

MALE age 65, Plan G



Lowest monthly premium: $107.08



Highest monthly premium: $190.27

CHARLESTON, SC (Zip 29412)



FEMALE age 65, Plan G



Lowest monthly premium: $104.36



Highest monthly premium: $194.59

MALE age 65, Plan G



Lowest monthly premium: $114.38



Highest monthly premium: $214.05

GREENVILLE, SC (Zip 29601)



FEMALE age 65, Plan G



Lowest monthly premium: $93.08



Highest monthly premium: $172.97

MALE age 65, Plan G



Lowest monthly premium: $107.08



Highest monthly premium: $190.27

To find South Carolina Medicare insurance agents access the Association's online directory of local Medicare agents. "The nations listing of nearly 1,000 area Medicare insurance advisors is free to use and completely private," Slome adds.

The American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance advocates for the importance of Medicare insurance planning. The national organization supports insurance professionals who market Medicare Supplement insurance.
NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio -- Beginning tomorrow (Sept. 9), the intersection of Gatestone Road and Gatewood Drive in the Ridgefield subdivision will be closed for upgrades for an estimated three weeks.

The upgrades will include new pavement and the addition of raised splitter islands -- sometimes known as channelizing islands -- according to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).

They are popular at roundabouts and are intended to divert traffic to the right, according to ODOT information.

The purpose of the splitter island is to provide refuge for pedestrians, assist in controlling speeds, guide traffic into the roundabout, physically separate entering and exiting traffic, and deter wrong-way movements.

The engineering estimate for the project was $370,000, according to Eric Brown, a civil engineer with the North Ridgeville Engineering Department. But he said the project was awarded for $265,428.

This particular project consists of two roadways to be reconstructed, said Brown. The Gatestone and Gatewood intersection comprises about 35 percent of the total costs.

He noted that the project is being funded by the city and the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC).

Mayor Kevin Corcoran shared detour routes: Residents that live south of the circle should access Ridgefield subdivision from Root Road. Residents that live north and east of the circle should access Ridgefield subdivision from Bagley Road.

He added that detour signs will be posted and that a detour map is available at www.nridgeville.org.

Please use caution when driving through this area, Corcoran said. All work is scheduled weather permitting, and the City of North Ridgeville apologizes for any inconvenience during the project.

Read more from the Sun Sentinel.
Speaking at a press conference conference in Ankara, Turkeys Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut Cavusoglu addressed Congos Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Claude Gakosso in Russian. Gakosso is on a working visit to Turkey, RIA Novosti reports.

Thank you very much, Cavusoglu said in Russian as he addressed Gakosso after their joint press conference.

Earlier, Cavusoglu had declared that he has learned Russian so much that he is able to joke with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin during their meetings.

In 1983, Gakosso graduated from the Department of Journalism at Leningrad State University, after which he went on to become a successful politician in his country where he has held high positions throughout the years.
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According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Bending Beam Load Cells market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. Some of the key factors such as increasing usage of these cells in aerospace for the in-flight test, ground test, or even onboard aircraft measurements and automotive industries for the development and to monitor the performance of equipment installed in vehicles, are driving the market growth. However, continuous electric energy for the production and display of signals act as the restraining factors for the market growth.

Request For Report Sample@ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/12059

A Bending Beam Load Cell is the simplest type of load cell with a strain gauge. It is equipment that is used during measurement where weight acts on the load cell's metal spring element and causes elastic deformation. This strain is converted into an electrical signal by a strain gauge that is installed on the spring element. Often, the basic components, i.e. spring element and strain gauge, are complemented with additional elements (housing, sealing elements, etc.) protecting the strain gauge elements.



By Product, Hydraulic Load Cell segment is likely to grow during the forecast period as the weight changes in pressure of the internal fluid and are safe from damage caused by lightning strikes or other electrical surges. They are waterproof, shockproof, explosion-proof, and resistant against both caustic and corrosive environments. By geography, Asia Pacific is likely to have a huge demand mainly due to the increasing demand for industrial weighing equipment that is rapidly evolving in the region with consumers migrating towards automated systems and expansion of infrastructure for mining, manufacturing, warehousing, construction, and shipping.



Some of the key players in this market include Ascell Sensor, Vishay Precision Group, BCM Sensor, Penko Engineering, TesT GmbH, Siemens, Celmi Srl, Puls Electronic and Flintec.



Channels Covered:

 Distributor

 Direct Sales



Products Covered:

 Pneumatic Load Cell

 Hydraulic Load Cell

 Piezoelectric Load Cell

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Applications Covered:

 Belt Scale

 Packing Scale

 Other Applications



Regions Covered:

 North America

o US

o Canada

o Mexico

 Europe

o Germany

o UK

o Italy

o France

o Spain

o Rest of Europe

 Asia Pacific

o Japan

o China

o India

o Australia

o New Zealand

o South Korea

o Rest of Asia Pacific

 South America

o Argentina

o Brazil

o Chile

o Rest of South America

 Middle East & Africa

o Saudi Arabia

o UAE

o Qatar

o South Africa

o Rest of Middle East & Africa



What our report offers:

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The concessionaire, Purple Line Transit Partners (PLTP), has said it plans to terminate the 36-year public-private partnership because the state has refused to pay for $755 million in unforeseen costs. Those expenses, the companies say, stem from more than 2 years of delays that are the states responsibility. The state has said the overruns are exaggerated or are the contractors fault.
Actor Rhea Chakraborty reached the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) office in Mumbai on Tuesday for the third round of questioning in the drug abuse angle in Sushant Singh Rajputs death.

Chakraborty was escorted from her residence in Juhu to the NCB office in Fort by a police vehicle after she was mobbed by a horde of mediapersons on Sunday, the first day she was summoned by the agency.

NCB said Chakraborty, who was quizzed for around eight hours on Monday and six hours on Sunday, was cooperating in the drug-related probe linked to Rajputs death on June 14.

Also read| Absolutely baseless, illegal: Sushant Singh Rajputs family lawyer reacts to Rhea Chakrabortys charges

NCB deputy director general (south-west region) Mutha Ashok Jain on Monday said that the agency was doing a professionally thorough and systematic job and that it will inform the court about its findings in detail.

The agency has said it wants to question the 28-year- old actor and confront her with her brother Showik (24), Rajputs house manager Samuel Miranda (33) and his house staffer Dipesh Sawant to ascertain their roles in the alleged drug racket.

The NCB launched its investigation after WhatsApp chats related to drug consumption, procurement, usage and transportation in connection with Rajputs death case surfaced.

Chakrabortys lawyer, however, had denied that either of the two siblings ever consumed drugs.

The agency has till now has arrested eight people including Showik, Miranada and Sawant in the case.

Others who have been arrested are Zaid Vilatra, Kaizan Ebrahim, Abdel Basit Parihar, Karan Arora, and Abbas Lakhani.

However, Vilatra and Parihar, two accused who had implicated Rhea Chakrabortys brother and Sushant Singh Rajputs house manager Samuel Miranda and domestic help Dipesh Swant, have retracted their statements given to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

(With agency inputs)
Pune Municipal Corporation on Monday issued a show-cause notice to three private testing labs in the city for not providing updated testing data on a daily basis to the district administration.

The district administration in a press release said it is important for the district administration to get testing data on time to take further steps in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the city. However AG Diagnostic Private Limited, Krishna Diagnostics Private Limited and Laboratory Services Ayugen Bioscience Private Limited have not been providing updated testing data to Pune Municipal Corporation.

Hence show-cause notices have been issued to all three testing labs by the additional municipal commissioner of Pune Municipal Corporation, the press note added.

Five states including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, contribute over 60 per cent of total Covid-19 cases, 62 per cent of active cases and 70 per cent of overall fatality reported due to the virus in India, the Union Health Ministry informed on Monday.

Maharashtra is at the top with 21.6 per cent, followed by Andhra Pradesh (11.8 per cent), Tamil Nadu (11per cent), Karnataka (9.5 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh at 6.3 per cent.

According to the Union Health Ministry, Maharashtra has 26.76 per cent of the active cases in the country, followed by Andhra Pradesh (11.30 per cent), Karnataka (11.25 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (6.98 per cent ) and Tamil Nadu (5.83 per cent).
DALLAS - Sept. 8, 2020 - A program that asks patients to mail in stool samples to screen for colon cancer is an effective way to expand screenings to underserved and underinsured communities and offers an alternative to in-person testing during the pandemic, according to a study conducted by UT Southwestern.

In an article published recently in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, UT Southwestern physicians identified nine best practices for effective mail-in screening campaigns, which can take the place of invasive, unpopular colonoscopies.

While doctors say that mail-in stool samples bring new meaning to the phrase "dropping something in the mail," they also note that this program is a way to continue cancer screenings while keeping people out of clinics and hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It's also cost-effective and just as capable of detecting cancer as a colonoscopy.

"This project is succeeding in making cancer screenings less invasive and more widely available. Serendipitously, it now has the added benefit of being yet another way to keep people out of hospitals and clinics during pandemic shutdowns," says Amit Singal, M.D., an author of the study, professor of internal medicine and population and data sciences, medical director of the Liver Tumor Program, and clinical chief of hepatology at UT Southwestern.

More than 53,200 Americans are expected to die of colon cancer in the United States in 2020, according to the National Cancer Institute.

The best practices identified in the article are:

1. Reach out to recipients with texts, telephone calls, and printed mailings before sending them the fecal immunochemical testing kit, or "FIT kit." 2. Ensure the invitation letters are brief and easy to read. 3. Keep instructions simple and address challenges that may lead to failed laboratory processing. 4. Send reminders to recipients who do not return their tests. 5. Use data infrastructure to track each step of the outreach process. 6. Have protocols and procedures, such as patient navigation, in place to promote a colonoscopy if a FIT test shows abnormal results. 7. Use high-quality FIT tests. 8. Ensure the program has a champion, organizational support, and sufficient funding. 9. Push for wide implementation to increase the program's efficacy and efficiency.

The best practices were learned from mailed FIT campaigns throughout the United States, including one that reached more than 108,000 people in 25 North Texas counties including Tarrant County. Another campaign reached more than 15,000 persons at Parkland Health & Hospital System, the Dallas County safety-net health system. Nearly a third of the FIT kits were returned by recipients, and approximately 5 percent of them returned positive.

"What the test enables you to do is say you can do this in the privacy of your own home. A lot of people prefer that," says Keith Argenbright, M.D., director of UT Southwestern's Moncrief Cancer Institute in Fort Worth and a professor in the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Returned stool samples were tested for a blood antigen associated with colon cancer, and patients who tested positive were told they needed to schedule a diagnostic colonoscopy. Follow-up with patients from Dallas County was performed by UT Southwestern staff, and follow-up with patients from other counties was handled by staff from the Moncrief Cancer Institute, which is part of the Simmons Cancer Center.

Argenbright said oncologists nationwide fear cancer deaths will spike several years from now because many cancers will go undetected as people put off colonoscopies and other screenings during the pandemic.

"We think this is an extremely timely solution to the current pandemic," he says. "Even though screening efforts restarted, patients are still afraid to come in."

###

Additional study authors are Samir Gupta, Gloria D. Coronado, Alison T. Brenner, Sheila F. Castaneda, Jason A. Dominitz, Beverly Green, Rachel B. Issaka, Theodore R. Levin, Daniel S. Reuland, Lisa C. Richardson, Douglas J. Robertson, Michael Pignone.

The publication was supported by a grant or cooperative agreement (NU38OT000286-01-01) funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Singal receives funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (PP160075). Argenbright and Singal receive funding from CPRIT, (PP160075 and PP200009).

Singal reports personal fees from Exact Sciences outside the submitted work. No other disclosures were made.

About UT Southwestern Medical Center

UT Southwestern, one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education. The institution's faculty has received six Nobel Prizes, and includes 23 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 16 members of the National Academy of Medicine, and 13 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators. The full-time faculty of more than 2,500 is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. UT Southwestern physicians provide care in about 80 specialties to more than 105,000 hospitalized patients, nearly 370,000 emergency room cases, and oversee approximately 3 million outpatient visits a year.
As another reminder of the growing strength of OTT services in mobile-dominated markets, OSN, (Orbit Showtime Network) has signed a multi-year partnership with Vodafone Egypt.

OSN is an Emirati multinational direct-broadcast satellite provider serving the Middle East and North Africa, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

This is a partnership through which the OSN streaming app is available to all Vodafone customers. Subscribers to the postpaid Vodafone RED Plan now have complimentary access to the OSN streaming app and premium exclusive content available on the platform.

Vodafone customers with lower-cost plans wont miss out, however; they will be able to subscribe through direct carrier billing.

The monthly cost of a RED subscription varies from EGP500-1000 ($31.7-$63.4). The RED offer has been substantially revamped in recent weeks. New offers include allowing RED customers to consume from their local bundle while outside the country, as well as a points reward system, and of course the OSN offering. Its all been backed up with a stylish (and no doubt costly) ad campaign.

This strategic partnership gives Vodafone Egypt subscribers, through the OSN streaming app, exclusive access to original content from Disney Plus, HBO, Universal, Sony, MGM, and other Hollywood studios in addition to Arabic and Turkish productions.

Zahra Zayat, senior vice president of telco, digital and OTT at OSN highlighted the huge library of premium content on offer via the OSN streaming app, which allows viewers to watch programmes not only on a TV or computer but on a smartphone or tablet.
Air India is not certain about resuming services between Mumbai and Aurangabad in Maharashtra from September 15, an official said on Saturday evening. Earlier in the day, Airport Aurangabad Director had tweeted that Air India was set to resume its services to Mumbai from here with three flights per week, starting September 15.

But later, the tweet was deleted. When contacted, an official said that Air India was not certain about the resumption of the service which was suspended in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

The Airport Directors deleted tweet had stated that Air India is starting Mumbai-Aurangabad-Mumbai flight from 15 September 2020. Frequency of operation 2,4,6 days a week." When contacted, the airport official said that since Air India was not certain about the launch of the flight, the tweet was withdrawn.

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After the Unlock 4.0 was announced, Air India stated that it will continue to operate in a calibrate manner as last month with only non-scheduled international flights under air bubble agreement, domestic flights and Vande Bharat Mission flights will be allowed to operated.

The Vande Bharat Mission, largest-of-its-kind repatriation drive undertaken by any country enters its 6th phase now and under this mission, Ministry of Civil Aviation will operate flights to bring back stranded Indians from countries where international flying is not yet permitted.

Air India, Indias national air carrier who has been flying VBM flights since phase 1 has put out the list of repatriation flights that it will operate starting September 1. Destinations for the same include countries like Canada and China. The airline will also operate repatriation flights under the recently-established air bubbles till October 23 to destinations including London, Frankfurt, US and Maldives.
It may also see two Nationals MPs, Chris Gulaptis and Gurmesh Singh, sit on the crossbench next week, which would leave the Berejiklian government without a majority in the lower house.

Planning policy related to koalas is threatening to split the government, with Deputy Premier John Barilaro asking Premier Gladys Berejiklian to call an emergency cabinet meeting. Credit:Kate Geraghty, NSW government, Dylan Coker

Her stance is likely to infuriate the junior Coalition partner, which has threatened to boycott a joint party room meeting next week ahead of a parliamentary sitting period.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian will stand her ground and refuse the Nationals' demands for an urgent cabinet meeting to debate planning policy relating to koalas.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro on Monday asked Ms Berejiklian to hold a special cabinet meeting on September 14 to urgently debate issues around the guidelines which form part of a State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) that seeks to protect koala habitat.

The Nationals want Planning Minister Rob Stokes to agree to a raft of changes, including the definition of core koala habitat, before Parliament resumes next Tuesday.

But on Tuesday Ms Berejiklian ruled out the special meeting and said the issue would be added to a further cabinet agenda. She also backed Mr Stokes.

"There are scheduled cabinet meetings and of course, that issue will be discussed at a scheduled cabinet meeting," Ms Berejiklian said.

"I'm really pleased with the way in which Mr Stokes has listened to the concerns of members and I feel that he has continued to provide a good balance where we protect one of our most loved species but also protect the property rights of people."
With less than two months to go until the US election, President Donald Trump is having trouble energizing his core supporters, especially white voters without college degrees who were key to his victory in 2016, a Reuters polling analysis shows.

The analysis, based on Reuters/Ipsos national opinion polling from May to August and 2016 exit poll data, found that Trump has lost support among non-college educated whites, who made up 44% of the US electorate four years ago and heavily favored the Republican over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump is still more popular with this group than Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, with 46% saying they would vote for Trump, compared with 34% who back Biden. But his 12-point advantage in August is down from a 21-point lead in May, and well below the 34-point advantage he had over Clinton.

What is more worrisome for Trump, however, is that the constituencys commitment to voting has remained flat this year, while interest has risen among groups that lean toward Democrats: minorities, women, urban and suburban residents and people with below-average incomes.

The data suggests that this time, there will be greater pressure on the Republican Party  and not the Democratic Party  to boost voter turnout to win.

This is rare, and its an interesting indication of how energized or agitated the electorate is, said Donald Green, a political scientist at Columbia University. People who would ordinarily not make it past the likely voter screen are doing so because theyre so decisively hostile toward the president.

In the August poll, 69% of registered African-American voters and 61% of registered Hispanic voters said they were certain to cast their ballots in November, up 7 and 6 percentage points, respectively, from May. The number of committed voters rose by 5 points each among women, suburban and urban residents, and people who make less than $50,000 a year.

The number of certain voters has remained unchanged among non-college whites since May at 65%, and is down 2 points among rural Americans to 63%.

The number of registered Democrats who say they are certain to vote has increased by about 5 percentage points to 79% from May to August, while it has increased by 1 point among registered Republicans to 78%, the polling shows. Thats a reversal from August 2016, when 69% of registered Democrats and 71% of registered Republicans said they were certain to vote.

An Ipsos analysis of the data shows that Biden leads Trump by 10 percentage points in election scenarios that include only the most engaged, or likely, voters. Trump claws back most of Bidens advantage only in high-turnout scenarios.

The Republican Party has traditionally attracted the most politically active Americans, including majorities of older, white voters, religious conservatives and gun owners.

Republican candidates usually could expect to perform better in elections where the turnout was low.

To be sure, Trumps base is likely to get more fired up the closer it gets to Election Day. The August polling shows as many as 20% of white voters without college degrees remain undecided. In 2016, about one in every eight Trump voters said they made their choice in the last week of the campaign, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll at the time.

TROUBLE WITH THE WHITE BASE

Despite the growth of minority populations, whites still dominate the US electorate, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the voters in 2016, even though they make up only 60% of the overall population.

Their opinions are crucial for Trump, who during his presidency has focused on opposing immigration and expressed his sympathy for white racial grievances. Trump has criticized anti-racism protesters as thugs, and most recently defended a white gunman charged with killing two Black Lives Matter demonstrators in Wisconsin.

According to Reuters/Ipsos polling in August, 61% of non-college whites believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, and 53% think the same of the US economy. More than 70% say they are concerned about the coronavirus pandemic, and only 48% approve of the way Trump has responded to the crisis.

Meanwhile, 48% of college-educated whites said they would support Biden and 40% said they would back Trump. This compares with exit polls in 2016 that showed Clinton

had just a 2-point edge over Trump with the same group.

Trump campaign spokesman Hogan Gidley said its internal polling shows that the president is tied or ahead in all of the key battleground states.

Our data shows supporters are wildly enthusiastic and excited to cast their vote for the President, unlike the small minority of Democrats who actually like Joe Biden, Gidley said.

Polls by media and academic organizations currently show Biden ahead by at least a few points in most battleground states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida and Arizona, however.

Trumps efforts to discourage voting by mail due to the coronavirus pandemic  saying without evidence that it will lead to widespread fraud  may backfire given that the data suggests a higher turnout would work in his favor.

Some people are going to be discouraged, some people are going to motivated to push back and vote, and some will be confused about what to do, said Myrna Perez, the director of the Voting Rights and Elections Program at the Brennan Center for Justice.
On Monday, China analyst Gordon Chang said that the United States should not associate itself with China, which he called was a hostile regime that is developing its military to kill off Americans.

During an interview, Chang said he supports United States President Donald Trump's plan of completely severing economic and trade ties between the US and China. The analyst noted that the move was an "absolutely good idea."

Specialized to kill Americans

According to Fox News, Chang told Bill Hemmer was preparing and training its military to be capable of killing Americans whenever it deemed necessary. He added that the US should not be enriching the authoritative country by dealing with trade or investment.

The analyst's statement comes after the Pentagon recently reported that claimed China is preparing to double its stored nuclear warheads within the next ten years. The plan includes warheads designed for ballistic missiles that are capable of reaching the US.

Chang said that Chinese President Xi Jinping's perspective is that China has been given a heavenly mandate to conquer the world. The analyst said the authoritative leader has continued to increase activities to further his agenda, believing he is obliged to rule.

The analyst added President Xi has openly expressed his plans to extend his rule to the public, along with his officials, showing his attempts to revise the international system instead of competing within it.

He also cautioned that the Chinese government is taking full advantage of the coronavirus pandemic and the effects it has had on the world's economy and environment. The author of "The Coming Collapse of China" added Xi has a limited timeframe to utilize the opportunity to his favor.

Chang also warned that China has the belief that it needs to act immediately, prompting the United States to see the resulting consequences sooner rather than in the 2030s, as reported by Flixwor.

Also Read: China Forces Traditional Medicine on Xinjiang Residents Amid Strict Coronavirus Lockdown Procedures

Cutting economic and trade ties

During an interview in August, President Trump has expressed his plans of potentially cutting economic and trade ties with China amid rising tensions between the two countries over several international issues.

The Republican said that China had been the proprietor of one of the world's most infamous rip-offs, saying America has lost hundreds of billions of dollars from the authoritative nation that has not given anything back.

The past few months have seen the rise in international arguments between the US and China, one reason for which is the disputed area in the South China Sea. Beijing has, for years, continued to claim the territory as its own despite laws stating otherwise.

The US government has responded by sanctioning 24 Chinese firms that have continued to operate within the disputed waters, five of which are subsidiaries of China Communications Construction Co. (CCCC).

The State Department also denied visas for many Chinese executives that the agency believes have ties to the companies operating in the region.

The orders follow the announcement of the US government that denies China's claims to the territories. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo revealed that the decision was made to maintain international law.

Related Article: Hong Kong Police Arrest 289 People For Massive, Violent Protest Against Legislation Election Postponement

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NEW YORK, NY (September 8, 2020) - Leading cancer scientists working with the New York Genome Center (NYGC) announced today that grants are being awarded to fund six projects that address the role of ethnicity in several major cancer types, taking advantage of the diversity of patients being treated at health care institutions throughout the New York City area.

The awards are being made under the auspices of a NYGC research initiative, called Polyethnic-1000 (P-1000), which was launched in 2018 to help address cancer care inequities in underserved populations.

Participants in the P-1000 initiative include cancer clinicians and investigators representing all of the NYGC's member institutions, including six of New York City's NCI-Designated Cancer Centers. The initiative is overseen by the Genome Center Cancer Group, led by nationally recognized cancer experts Nobel Laureate Harold Varmus, MD, Senior Associate Core Member, NYGC, and Lewis Thomas University Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, and Charles Sawyers, MD, Chair, Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Marie-Josee and Henry R. Kravis Chair, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Recent advances in DNA sequencing and analysis have revolutionized approaches to the prevention, risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cancers. However, many ethnic groups, especially non-European minorities, have been significantly under-represented in cancer research, including clinical trials, and have not received equal benefits in clinical practice. As a result, current knowledge of tumor biology, cancer risk, and response to treatment has been primarily derived from patients of European descent. These inequities limit the understanding of the many types of cancer and may exacerbate health disparities in the United States.

"This is a remarkably exciting time in cancer research," noted Dr. Varmus. "Technological advances have enabled scientists to conduct comprehensive genomic studies that are leading to the development of next-generation therapies, as well as diagnostic and preventative public health strategies," he said. "The objective of P-1000 is to democratize and broaden access to the power and potential of cancer genomics."

Dr. Tom Maniatis, the Scientific Director and CEO of the NYGC, and the Isidore Edelman Professor of Biochemistry at the Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University, commented, "The P-1000 project is exactly the kind of collaborative scientific initiative the founders of the NYGC had in mind when establishing the center in 2011. Both the scientific investigators and the participating patients are from the network of NYGC "Institutional Founding Member" hospitals throughout the city and Long Island. The initiative benefits from the extraordinary scientific talent of the cancer centers involved, and the exceptional ethnic diversity of cancer patients in New York."

The six new research projects follow the first phase of P-1000, in which a multi-institutional network of collaborators was developed throughout New York City, including scientists, pathologists, local Institutional Review Boards and administrators; a scientific leadership steering committee and review board were established; a centralized, secure system for data management, sharing, analysis and quality controls was created; and a data sharing platform, including visualization tools, was developed.

For this next phase of P-1000, request for proposals was distributed to the members of the P-1000 community with the aim of identifying projects that would provide the greatest benefit to under-represented ethnic populations. An external review board composed of six esteemed scientists and physicians, all experts in cancer biology and cancer health disparities, reviewed the proposals and selected the projects. Chaired by Dr. Deborah Schrag (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute), the board also included Dr. Otis Brawley (Johns Hopkins), Dr. Funmi Olopade (University of Chicago), Dr. Susan Domchek (University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Stephen Chanock (NCI), and Dr. David Beer (University of Michigan). The awardees were selected based on relevance, innovation, experimental design, achievability, and most effective use of the P-1000 network.

These new research grants have been made possible by generous gifts from NYGC Board member Weslie Janeway, the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Family Foundation, The New York Community Trust, Donna and Ben Rosen, and with support from Illumina, Inc. Funding of the first phase of the project was provided by The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research. "We are very grateful for the visionary philanthropic support that enables researchers to help answer a difficult and important question," said Dr. Varmus. "How do cancers differ in patients with different genetic backgrounds?"

The award-winning cancer research projects include:

"Immunogenomic Determinants of Ethnic Disparities in Clinical Outcomes for Urothelial Cancer Patients," a Weill Cornell Medicine study to determine how ethnic diversity affects the clinical outcomes of bladder cancer. The multi-disciplinary team will be led by Drs. Bishoy Faltas and Olivier Elemento, Weill Cornell Medicine.

"Molecular Determinants of Increased Vulnerability to Pancreatic Cancer Among African Americans," a multi-institutional study to understand why this patient population has higher incidences and lower survival rates after diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in comparison to other populations. Lead investigators include: Drs. Alexander Krasnitz, David Tuveson, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Drs. Jeff Boyd, Matthew Weiss, James Crawford, Noah Kauff, Northwell Health; Drs. Laura Martello-Rooney, Shivakumar Vignesh, Evan Grossman, Francesco Serafini, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University and Kings County Medical Center.

"Ethnic-based Differences Between East Asian and Caucasian Patients in Genomic, Transcriptomic and Immune Profiles of Pre-invasive and Invasive Adenocarcinoma of the Lung," a study that aims to identify the somatic alterations in non-solid lung nodules in East Asian and Caucasian patients that explain the significant demographic, clinical and biological differences between these two groups. The multi-disciplinary research team includes Drs. Nasser Altorki, Alain Borczuk, Timothy McGraw, Giuseppe Giacconi, Olivier Elemento, Weill Cornell Medicine.

"Molecular Links between Ancestry and Outcome Disparity in Breast and Prostate Cancer Patients Across the African Diaspora in New York City," a study to identify molecular links between African ancestry and aggressive forms of breast and prostate cancer and investigate these as a source of racial disparities in cancer outcomes. Co-PIs include: Drs. Olivier Elemento, Cora Sternberg, Juan Miguel Mosquera, Melissa Davis, Weill Cornell Medicine; Dr. Marcin Imielinski, New York Genome Center; Dr. Paz Polak, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Dr. Lisa Newman, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

"Uncovering the Mechanisms of Colorectal Cancer Disparities in African Americans," a study by researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. The project aims to employ a multipronged approach to interrogate the genetic and non-genetic factors that can improve understanding of colorectal cancer in African American patient populations. Co-PIs include: Drs. Semir Beyaz, Hannah Meyer, Richard McCombie, Fieke Froeling, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Drs. Laura Martello-Rooney, Mohammad Almeqdadi, Henry Talus, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.

"Mechanisms of Endometrial Cancer Disparities in African Americans," a collaborative study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, and Northwell Health. The aim is to establish an annotated biobank and create the necessary clinical and experimental frameworks to gain new insights about the endometrial cancer disparities in African Americans. Lead investigators include: Drs. Semir Beyaz, Hannah Meyer, Richard McCombie, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Drs. Onyinye Balogun, Hani Ashamalla, Tan Ince, Margaux Kanis, Constantine Gorelick, NewYork-Presbyterian/Brooklyn Methodist; Dr. Wen Shen, Weill Cornell Medicine; Drs. Gary Goldberg, Marina Frimer, Aaron Nizam, Northwell Health.

Over the course of the next two years, the funded researchers will work with academic health centers and community hospitals throughout the New York City region to recruit patients, perform whole-genome and RNA sequencing with cancers and normal tissues to identify differences between ethnicities that may account for disparities in occurrence, response to treatment, and survival for the cancer types under study.

Findings from the projects will be shared with the research community. Data will be stored in a repository maintained by the NYGC that will serve as a global resource for efforts to understand the roles of ethnic diversity in cancer.

###

About the New York Genome Center

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, nonprofit academic research institution focused on furthering genomic research that leads to scientific advances and new insights and therapies for patients with neurodegenerative disease, neuropsychiatric disease, and cancer. Leveraging our strengths in whole genome sequencing, genomic analysis, and development of new genomic tools, the NYGC serves as a nexus for collaboration in disease-focused genomic research for the New York medical and academic communities and beyond.

NYGC harnesses the expertise and builds on the combined strengths of our faculty, staff scientists, member institutions, scientific working groups, affiliate members, and industry partners to advance genomic discovery. Central to our scientific mission is an outstanding faculty who lead independent research labs based at the NYGC, and hold joint tenure-track appointments with one of our member institutions.

Institutional founding members of the NYGC are: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Columbia University, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Jackson Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York University, Northwell Health, The Rockefeller University, Stony Brook University, and Weill Cornell Medicine. Institutional associate members are: American Museum of Natural History, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Hospital for Special Surgery, The New York Stem Cell Foundation, Princeton University, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

For more information on the NYGC, please visit: http://www.nygenome.org.

Media Contact:

Karen Zipern, Senior Director, Communications, NYGC

kzipern@nygenome.org

o: 646-977-7065

c: 917-415-8134
This animated adaptation is Foldess first feature, but the director is no stranger to animation. He was born in the U.S.  his father was the renowned experimental animator Peter Foldes  and raised in France, where he established himself as a composer and painter before moving into filmmaking. His animated shorts include Mikrodramas and Coffee and Bananas.

Foldes described the genesis of the film to French animation magazine Blink Blank. He explains that he initially sought Murakamis permission to adapt one of his novels, but the author declined, offering his short stories instead. Foldes chose a number of stories, intending to adapt them sequentially as an anthology film. But then, he says,

It was only later, while I was reworking my script, that I began to interpret characters from different short stories as multiple facets of the same characters, at different points in their lives. I like to think of my life so far as a series of short stories. And thus, little by little, the idea came to me to merge the stories and characters, and combine them in a shared chronology.

Citing live-action cinema as a key influence, Foldes is integrating techniques from the medium into his pipeline. The producers describe the films approach as a hybrid animation technique guided by several elements: a live-action shoot, 3d models of heads, and a classic layout.

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is due to be completed in the first half of 2022. International sales are handled by Germanys The Match Factory. The budget is around 6.0 (USD$7.1) million.

The film is co-produced by Studio Ma, Arte France Cinema, Auvergne-Rhone-Mapes Cinema (France), Micro_Scope (Canada), Unite Centrale (Canada), Doghouse Films (Luxembourg), An Original Picture (Netherlands), and Proton Cinema (Hungary). Finance partners are CNC, Ile-de-France region, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Sud region, Procirep and lAngoa, Cinemage, Cineventure, Cine+, Eurimages, Media-Europe Creative, Cineaxe, Film Fund Luxembourg, Netherlands Film Fund, SODEC, Telefilm Canada, and Harold Greenberg Fund.

Check out more stills below:
California-based media and tech service provider Netflix has delayed the release of French film Cuties in Turkey after the Turkish media watchdog (RTUK) ordered the movie to be scrapped because it might lead to potential child exploitation, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) reports.

We are considering RTUKs demand  and in the meantime have delayed the launch of Cuties in Turkey, a Netflix spokesperson said.

The decision came one week after RTUK ruled that the film contained exploitation and abuse and might lead to potential child exploitation behavior patterns emerging.

Cuties, to debut on September 9, stars 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, Netflix notes.

This is the second time the US-based company is facing criticism in Turkey. It denied in July rumors it was leaving Turkey after coming under attack by some Turkish viewers for the release of Love 101, a Turkish TV series that was expected to include a gay character among the main roles.

RTUK had ordered the streaming giant to remove the character.
This article by Jared Keller originally appeared on Task & Purpose, a digital news and culture publication dedicated to military and veterans issues.

The Air Force deployed an unusual new system during a recent exercise: "Robot dogs" designed to enhance the situational awareness of security forces during a mission.

The robot dogs -- developed by Ghost Robotics as part of an Air Force Research Laboratory contract awarded back in April -- were deployed last week to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada as part of an agile combat employment exercise during which airmen scrambled to secure a simulated airfield against hostile attack.

The exercise, conducted by active-duty and Air National Guard airmen from across the United States, was planned to test the Air Force's next-generation Advanced Battle Management System, "a state-of-the-art system designed to provide combatant commanders the ability to control Department of Defense assets in real-time," according to the Air Force.

The specific model robot dog is technically called the Vision 60, a military-grade version of Ghost Robotics' Quadrupedal Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) platform that's designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions; distributed communications; and "persistent security," as The War Zone put it.

"Beyond all-terrain stability and operation in virtually any environment, a core design principle for our legged robots is reduced mechanical complexity when compared to any other legged robots, and even traditional wheeled-tracked UGVs," according to Ghost Robotics. "By reducing complexity, we inherently increase durability, agility, and endurance, and reduce the cost to deploy and maintain ground robots."

During the exercise, airmen assigned to the 321st Contingency Response Squadron, 621st Contingency Response Wing, flew from Buckley Air Force Base in Colorado to Nellis AFB via a 109th Airlift Wing LC-130 Hercules aircraft and secured the airfield.

The Vision 60 robot dogs provided visual assessments of the area while allowing 621st CRW airmen to maintain a tighter perimeter to the aircraft as the other supporting airmen arrived on the scene, according to Master Sgt. Lee Boston, CR team chief for the exercise and 321 CRS loadmaster.

The exercise eventually saw a second C-130, an MC-130J Commando II, and four F-16 Fighting Falcons undergo rapid re-arming and refueling on the ground while the robot dogs stood watch alongside security forces.

While details are scarce regarding the specific capabilities tested on the Vision 60 robot dogs during the ABMS demonstration, photos published to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service show airmen from the 621st CRW operating with multiple variants of the platform -- likely a testament to the modular design touted by Ghost Robotics.

"Our modular design even supports field swapping any sub-assembly within minutes," according to Ghost Robotics. "Strategic partners can build solution-specific Q-UGVs for virtually any use-case with their choice of sensors, radios, and even size the robot to suit specific requirements by licensing our reference designs."

For more details on the ABMS and how the Vision 60 robot dogs fit in, check out this detailed analysis at The War Zone. In the meantime, here's a video of those robot dogs in action:

-- This article originally appeared at Task & Purpose. Follow Task & Purpose on Twitter.

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A Nigerian broadcaster, Daddy Freeze, has responded to death threats made by David Ibiyeomie, a Nigerian televangelist and founder of Salvation Ministries.

Mr Ibiyeomie threatened to kill the broadcaster if he ever insults the founder of Living Faith Church, David Oyedepo, again.

The cleric made the threat and rained curses on the broadcaster while delivering a sermon at his church headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday.

Daddy Freeze responded to the threats in a video which he posted on his YouTube channel in the early hours of Tuesday.

In his response, he accused the pastor of racism, discrimination, and threat to life. He also said he was devastated by the pastors video because of the content and he went on to reveal why his remarks bothered him a lot.

Defending himself, Daddy Freeze said contrary to Mr Ibiyeomies claims, he didnt insult Mr Oyedepo but simply drew the religious leaders attention to a portion of the bible.

Correcting the scripture is not an insult. Christ was criticized, Peter was criticized, Paul was criticized, even the Pharisees were criticized, so theres no way youre going to preach a message from the scriptures that youll not get criticisms, he noted.

READ ALSO:

In his sermon, Mr Ibiyeomie described Daddy Freeze as a non-Nigerian & a Somalian, a statement that has been condemned by many.

Daddy Freeze said the term half-caste is racist and asked the cleric to apologise to victims of racism.

Daddy Freeze said he found it devastating that just to get to me, Pastor Ibiyeomie will drag the whole Somalia nation. Im very proud to associate myself with Somalians because theyre a beautiful people. It is hate speech to undermine them with derogatory words, like theres anything wrong with the Somalians.

He also drew the attention of the public and the law enforcement agencies to the threat to his life.

Pastor Ibiyeomie, I dont know if you realize that a threat to life is a criminal offence. If anything happens to me, I hope you know who to hold responsible,.

In his viral sermon, Mr Ibiyeomie appeared to undermine the broadcasting profession in a bid to justify that Daddy Freeze was being paid pittance as a radio host. This statement also attracted criticisms especially on Twitter.

You went on again to undermine the noble profession of broadcasting. Im a proud broadcaster for the last 25 years. Ive dedicated my life to this beautiful, noble profession. I think you should apologize to every journalist, every broadcaster, for undermining our work, he noted.

Reacting to being called a bastard by Mr Ibiyeomie, Freeze said: You say Im not my fathers son. I put it to you to prove who my real father is.

Criticisms

Mr Ibiyeomies remarks have continued to attract mixed reactions from the public on social media.

The likes of Charly Boy, Reno Omokri and Femi Aribisala have all eased into the debate.

See their reactions below

Pastor Ibiyeomie's diatribe against Daddy Freeze just rubbished Ibiyeomie's ministry. It shows this so-called pastor knows Oyedepo but does not know Christ. Ibiyeomie spoke out of the abundance of his evil heart. What a disgrace to his church!  Femi Aribisala (@femiaribisala) September 8, 2020

My takeaway from that @DavidIbiyeomie video is that he is

1. A racist

2. Murderer in waiting

3. A classless thug hiding under the guise of a preacher

We may not all agree with @DaddyFRZ (I don't all the time) but more, way more is expected from someone standing behind the pulpit  Colin NOT Collins (@ColinUdoh) September 8, 2020

Dear Pastor Ibiyeomie, Christ was insulted, but He did not retaliate. When they hurled insults at him, he did not retaliate-1 Peter 2:23.@DaddyFRZ was wrong on Oyedepo. But I know his mother and father. By calling him bastard, you not only insult him. You insult his mother.  Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) September 7, 2020
New Delhi:

Soon after a BSF jawan shared the alleged plight of poor quality food that is being given to the soldiers through a series of videos, the Home Ministry sought a report on the same from BSF and HS.

Taking cognisance of the video, BSF tweeted from its handle that an inquiry has been ordered.

He has 4 bad entries in 20 yrs of service,hence,didnt get promoted which can be cause of frustration, said MDS Mann, DIG BSF. If any of his allegations are found true we will certainly initiate action against the defaulters, he added.

Yadav, BSF's 29th battalion soldier, who made the video is currently deployed along the LoC in J&K.

ALSO READ | BSF jawans complaint video of poor food quality: Rajnath, Rijiju take serious note

IG BSF, DK Upadhyay briefed the media on the issue in Jammu

It is a sensitive matter for us, we will probe the whole matter and take actions accordingly. I can agree that taste of the food might not be very great but have never received any complaint from jawans regarding the same. IAgree that taste isn't good because in winters there is tinned and dehydrated food but jawans don't complain, said IG BSF, DK Upadhyay on BSF Jawan's video.

Can't comment on the allegations as yet, enquiry has been ordered. If any lapses found strict action will be taken. He indulged in in disciplinary actions, was to be court-martialed in 2010, considering his family he wasn't dismissed. He will be shifted to a different headquarter so that no one can pressurise him and fair enquiry can be held. DIG level officers who have visited the camp in past have never received any complaint regarding allegations levelled in the video. DIG had visited the location & had asked everyone including him but no complaint were received;intentions were diff probably", Upadhyay added.

What had happened?

Tej Bahadur Yadav of 29th battalion uploaded a series of videos on Facebook where he is seen criticizing the quality and inadequacy of food they get on their duty. For which he is blaming his senior officials for corruption.

ALSO READ | Watch | BSF Jawan narrates agony on 'poor food', blames senior officials of persecution

The videos went viral on social media and reached the desired destination, the government. In the viedos, Yadav blamed his seniors of injustice and persecution. He also said that he don't want to blame any government but only want to spread this message to the citizens of the country.

Yadav also made an appeal to the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conduct a probe into the issue.

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BATON ROUGE, La., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- BXS Insurance, Inc., a subsidiary of BancorpSouth Bank (NYSE: BXS), has been named one of the "Best Places to Work in Insurance" by Business Insurance magazine for the second consecutive year. This national award recognizes employers' efforts to establish a workplace where employees can enjoy their day-to-day work, reach their career potential and contribute to their organization's success.

"Our employees have displayed tremendous adaptability and resilience this year," said Markham McKnight, president and CEO of BXS Insurance. "We have leaders at every position who have ensured our viability and that we are making strides together. This honor from Business Insurance validates our efforts of continuing to make BXS Insurance a welcoming, inclusive and fulfilling work environment."

Best Places to Work in Insurance is an annual feature presented by Business Insurance and Best Companies Group that lists the agents, brokers, insurance companies and other providers with the highest levels of employee engagement and satisfaction. Best Companies Group identifies the leading employers in the insurance industry by conducting a free two-part assessment of each company. The first part is a questionnaire completed by the employer about company policies, practices and demographics. The second part is a confidential employee survey on engagement and satisfaction.

The program divides employers into the categories of small, 25-249 employees; medium, 250-999 employees; and large, 1,000 or more employees. This year's report features 75 companies of various sizes, from 25 employees to more than 4,000. The ranking and profiles of the winning companies will be released in the November issue of Business Insurance and at businessinsurance.com.

About BancorpSouth Bank

BancorpSouth Bank (NYSE: BXS) is headquartered in Tupelo, Mississippi, with approximately $23 billion in assets. BancorpSouth operates approximately 310 full-service branch locations as well as additional mortgage, insurance, and loan production offices in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas, including an insurance location in Illinois. BancorpSouth is committed to a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion in both its workplace and communities. To learn more, visit our Community Commitment page at www.bancorpsouth.com ; "Like" us on Facebook; follow us on [email protected]; or connect with us through LinkedIn.



About BXS Insurance, Inc.

BXS Insurance, Inc. is the fifth largest bank-owned insurance broker in the nation and is in the top 10 percent of brokers in the U.S based on total revenue. This large, nationally recognized firm has strategically grown to 31 offices across eight states. From small companies to organizations with more than 10,000 employees, BXSI delivers the highest standard in brokerage services. It has become an industry leader in commercial insurance, surety, employee benefits and private client brokerage services by investing in technology and human capital to expand service offerings and create a competitive advantage for clients.

About Business Insurance

Business Insurance is the authoritative news and information source for executives concerned about risk and the impact on their business. With information for risk managers, insurers, brokers and other providers of insurance products and services, Business Insurance delivers in-depth analysis on new and emerging risks, case studies of successful programs, market intelligence on trends, and guidance on how to capitalize on opportunities and overcome challenges. In addition to a monthly print magazine, Business Insurance provides essential news via its website, BusinessInsurance.com; daily and weekly e-newsletters; and breaking news via email news alerts. To subscribe, please contact Business Insurance at [email protected].

About Best Companies Group

Best Companies Group works with partners to establish "Best Places to Work," "Best Companies," and "Best Employers" programs on a national, state-wide and regional basis. Through its thorough workplace assessment using employer questionnaires and employee satisfaction surveys, Best Companies Group identifies and recognizes companies that have been successful in creating and maintaining workplace excellence.

SOURCE BancorpSouth Bank

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Father Mulloys resignation as bishop-elect came after the Vatican in July told bishops around the world to report cases of clerical sex abuse to the civil authorities, part of an ongoing and contentious effort by Francis to confront a blight on the Catholic Church.

Father James B. Bissonette, the diocesan administrator for the Diocese of Duluth, announced Father Mulloys resignation in a statement on Monday.

We grieve with all who have suffered sexual abuse and their loved ones, Father Bissonette said. I ask you to pray for the person who has come forward with this accusation, for Father Mulloy, for the faithful of our diocese, and for all affected.

Father Mulloy remains a priest in the Diocese of Rapid City, the diocese said in a statement on Tuesday. The diocese said it had informed law enforcement officials about the allegation and told Father Mulloy to refrain from engaging in ministry during an independent investigation that it had commissioned.

Based on the findings of that inquiry, the diocese said, the allegation was referred to a lay-majority diocesan review panel, which concluded that it warranted further investigation under canon law. The diocese said it had brought the allegation to the attention of the pope. It did not provide further details about the allegation, which Bishop Peter Muhich said was the only one it had received against Father Mulloy.
A mining company seeking an exploration licence over coal-rich land in NSW that was secretly owned by the family of then state Labor MP Eddie Obeid was told it could not meet the landowners, the Supreme Court has heard.

Obeid, 76, his son Moses, 51, and former NSW Labor mining minister Ian Macdonald, 71, are standing trial on charges of conspiring to commit misconduct in public office relating to the 2009 grant of a lucrative coal exploration licence over the Obeid family's farm at Mount Penny in the Bylong Valley in NSW.

Eddie Obeid's farm Cherrydale Park, in the Bylong Valley, where a controversial coal exploration licence was granted.

Mr Macdonald is accused of leaking confidential information about a state government tender process for the licence to the Obeid family.

The men have pleaded not guilty to the charges and Justice Elizabeth Fullerton is presiding over the lengthy trial, which is not expected to conclude until next year.
Gardai are on alert that senior members of the Kinahan cartel may travel back to Ireland this week to pay their respects to senior mob henchman Graham 'The Wig' Whelan after his partner died in tragic circumstances.

The funeral of the woman, who was in her 30s, is expected to take place later in the week after her body was found at a property in south Dublin on Sunday morning.

Crumlin gardai were called to the scene of the sudden death, which is not being treated as suspicious.

"A post-mortem is due to be carried out but this matter is being treated as a personal tragedy," a senior source told the Herald.

Despite being in a relationship with Whelan (37) for many years, the tragic mother of a number of young children was not considered to be involved in organised crime.

The same cannot be said of Whelan, who is said to be "heartbroken" over the tragic death of the woman who was originally from the south inner city.

Exile

"Whelan is one of the highest ranking members of the cartel not to be locked up or in exile abroad," a source said last night.

"While there is no specific intelligence of what gang members may return to pay their respects to 'The Wig', there is an expectation that some key players will come back for the funeral," the source added.

Sources say that Whelan deals directly with exiled cartel boss Daniel Kinahan, who is not expected to be back in Dublin this week as he fears being arrested by gardai.

Whelan last hit the headlines in May of last year when he was arrested and later released without charge as part of a major money laundering investigation.

In total, 18 homes and businesses linked to Whelan were searched, including solicitors' firms, a car business and the mobster's own home.

Seven luxury Rolex watches were seized, along with two high-end SUVs, a 152 Nissan x-Trail and a 141 Land Rover Discovery.

A GPS tracker, designer clothing and documentation related to assets and finances were also recovered, along with mobile phones.

Originally from Clonard Road in Crumlin, Whelan was based mainly in Liverpool, Amsterdam and Ibiza for years, where he is suspected of being heavily involved in the cartel's operations.

However, in recent times he has been spending more time in Dublin and sources say that he was called to the property after the tragedy there on Sunday morning.

Whelan was close pals with cartel figure David Byrne, who was shot dead in the Regency bloodbath in February 2016.

Possession

He was also central to the drugs bust that led to the bitter Crumlin/Drimnagh feud breaking out in 2001.

In February of that year, 'The Wig' was jailed for six years for possession of IR1.25m of ecstasy tablets and cocaine at the Holiday Inn on Pearse Street in Dublin a year earlier.

After being arrested by gardai, Whelan told them he could do 10 years "standing on his head".

'The Wig' was arrested but later released without charge by gardai investigating the feud gun murder of rival criminal Gary Bryan (31) in Walkinstown in September 2006.
On September 6, thousands of demonstrators marched to the outskirts of the presidential residence in the capital of Belarus.

The demonstrators are calling for the country's authoritarian leader to resign to protests against President Alexander Lukashenko.

The fifth week of protest

The protests took place in major cities throughout Belarus, according to Interior Ministry spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova.

The crowd sizes for the protests were not reported immediately, but the head of the Viasna human rights organization, Ales Bialiatski, said that it attracted more than 100,000 people, according to New York Post.

On August 9, the protests began after the presidential vote. According to election officials, it gave Lukashenko a sixth term in office with 80% support.

Also Read: Fact Check: Bill Passed to Legalize Pedophilia?

However, protesters say that the results were rigged and some protesters explained to Associated Press journalists how the fraud took place in their respective districts. Lukashenko has ruled the country since 1994 with an iron first, repressing press freedom and dissent.

During the first days of protests, the police cracked down on demonstrators and arrested 7,000 people and beating hundreds.

Even though the police have scaled back, detentions continue. Viasna reported that scores of people were arrested in Grodno and Minks on September 6.

On the same day, police and army troops blocked off the centre of Minks. But that did not stop the demonstrators, they marched to the outskirts of the Palace of Independence, the working residence of the president. The grounds of the palace were blocked off by riot police holding water cannons and shields.

Maria Kolesnikova, a leader of the Coordination Council, said that the thousands of people couldn't be stopped by military equipment, propaganda, water cannons and arrests. She added that most Belarusians want a peaceful change of power and that they will not get tired of demanding it.

The Coordination Council was set up by the opposition to try to arrange a dialogue with the president about a transition of power. The president is now 66-years-old.

Won't back down

Despite the efforts, Lukashenko has rejected any discussion with the council, and some of its top members were arrested and are now in jail. One of them, Olga Kovalova, was expelled from the country and driven to Poland by police.

Although there seems to be no progress between the president and the opposition, the protesters are determined and stated that they would not tire. Some of the placards that they carried showed a sense of humour.

One placard read "Lukashenka, start building a house near Yanukovych," referring to former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych who fled to Russia in 2014 after months of protests.

Another placard read "The collective farm went bankrupt," referring to Lukashenko's former position as a collective farm director and his retention of state-controlled Soviet-style economy for Belarus, which is an Eastern European nation of 9,5 million.

Authorities also have revoked the accreditation of many journalists in Belarus and deported some foreign journalists, including two Moscow-based Associated Press journalists.

Lukashenko is dubbed "Europe's last dictator". In August 2020, he was met with protesters when he visited a tractor factory, instead of cheers he was greeted with chants telling him to "go away", according to The New York Times.

Related Artilce: Pentagon's Move to Shut Down 'Stars and Stripes' US Military Newspaper Raises Constitutional Questions

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 7)  The Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service has filed administrative charges against the nine policemen involved in the June 29 shooting incident in Sulu that killed four soldiers.

PNP Chief Police General Camilo Cascolan said grave misconduct charges were filed against the policemen, adding this may lead to their dismissal from service.

Administrative charges were also filed against three officers for command responsibility: Provincial director of Sulu police Col. Michael Bawayan, Jolo Chief of Police Major Walter Annayo, and Sulu police drug enforcement head Captain Ariel Corcino.

All policemen are now under restrictive custody in Camp Crame.

The National Bureau of Investigation earlier filed murder and planting of evidence charges against the nine policemen while neglect of duty cases were filed against the three officials before the Justice Department.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomed the filing of administrative cases against the 12 police officers.

"We in the AFP will not stop until justice is served with dispatch for the victims of that unfortunate incident. Justice should neither be delayed nor denied to our soldiers who were killed while in the actual performance of their solemn duty to protect our people and secure our country from terrorists," it said in a statement.

AFP Chief Gilbert Gapay previously said that the four troops killed were chasing suspected terrorists on that fateful day. He said they were minutes away from taking down the suspects when the soldiers were shot by the police. The suspects that got away were later found to be those who perpetrated the deadly twin blasts in Jolo, Sulu last August 24.

CNN Philippines correspondent Gerg Cahiles contributed to this report.
China's commercial banks have come under increasing pressure from government plans to support economic recovery with eased credit policies and mounting bad loans.



On Aug. 20, banking regulators reported an "uncommon" 9.4- percent drop in net profits for China's commercial banks in the first half of the year to 1 trillion yuan (U.S. $144.5 billion, the official Xinhua news agency said.



The average return on bank assets fell 0.15 percentage points at the end of the first quarter to 0.83 percent at midyear, according to the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC).



New loans jumped 25 percent in the first half from the year-earlier period to 12.09 trillion yuan (U.S. $1.74 trillion).



The official ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) climbed to a decade high of 2.04 percent at the end of the first quarter, the CBIRC reported in mid-June.



At the time, the agency urged banks to make "a bona fide classification of their assets, truthfully exposing their NPLs."



"Any actions aimed at glossing over bad loans and manipulating their balance sheets will be resolutely dealt with," the CBIRC warned. So far, there have been few signs that an industry-wide reform is in the works.



The wording of the statement in June suggested a firm but cautious approach.



Regulators said they would "guide" banks to set aside adequate loan loss provisions in case of defaults.



As of the end of the second quarter, commercial banks had raised loan loss reserves to 5 trillion yuan (U.S. $722.6 billion), or 182.4 percent of presumed loans at risk.



But the cushion appears somewhat smaller, based on statements by CBIRC Chairman Guo Shuqing in a Xinhua interview reported by the South China Morning Post on Aug.

13.



Guo said banks will face 3.4 trillion yuan (U.S. $491.3 billion) of NPLs this year, a 41-percent jump over the problem loan figure of 2.41 trillion yuan (U.S. 348.2 billion) reported for 2019.



That would put set asides slightly below the 150-percent "red-line" level unless provisions are increased.



More pressure expected



In the past week, Reuters reported that all of China's top banks expect further pressure on profits as "forebearance policies" on bad debt expire.



"The external challenges in the second half are unprecedented," said Wang Jiang, president of Bank of China Ltd.



The rise in problem debt was "inevitable" because of the COVID-19 crisis, said Guo, predicting that the effects would spill over into 2021.



"As many loans are rolled over, some problems will only emerge next year," he said.



The quote appeared to imply that banks would prefer to roll over at-risk loans rather than classify them as non- performing and drive businesses into bankruptcy.



Critics have long decried the practice in normal times, particularly in the case of under-performing state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that have been supported by loan extensions year after year.



China's relatively low NPL ratios have long been a point of contention with financial analysts and institutions, including the International Monetary Fund.



In a 2016 report, Fitch Ratings Inc. estimated that actual NPL ratios could be as high as 15 to 21 percent at a time when China's regulators put the ratio at 1.8 percent.



"The solvency of the banking system is a state secret," said Derek Scissors, an Asia economist and resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington.



"Nothing said publicly is anywhere close to accurate," Scissors said.



On Wednesday, a Fitch statement voiced a mixed view of the outlook for China's banks as a result of rising provisions and their impact on profits.



"Continued NPL recognition and resolution should help prevent a further build-up of credit risks in the system, and we view these factors as having a more lasting impact on our assessment of China's operating environment than near-term profitability pressures," the rating agency said.



While the official NPL ratios may be only a token of bad loan problems, the reported 4.5-percent rate for the manufacturing sector at the end of the first quarter was more than double the rate for all bank lending, suggesting deeper troubles for industrial production.



But with government pressures to recover from the pandemic, banking regulators had openly called for extending more credit to smaller enterprises with outstanding loans that could already be classified as NPLs.



Limited access to credit



The loosening followed months of complaints from smaller businesses about limited access to credit.



The CBIRC "will appropriately increase the tolerance for potentially non-performing loans granted to micro and small enterprises," said Vice Chairman Zhou Liang at a press conference in February, as reported by the official English- language China Daily.



"It will also encourage banks to establish long-term institutions that will lend to small businesses, increase their willingness to lend, and enhance their lending capabilities," Zhou said.



On Aug. 25, a CBIRC official told reporters that the risk of loans to small and micro-sized businesses was "generally controllable."



Bad loans to small enterprises had risen 9.5 percent so far this year, said senior economist Li Junfeng, while the NPL ratio for the segment reached 2.99 percent, 0.88 percentage points higher than the ratio for all loans.



The statements are a reminder of how heavily the government has relied on bank lending to revive the economy, forming a second leg of support along with tax cuts and other fiscal policies.



State media have portrayed the deteriorating condition of China's banks as a result of their altruism rather than a consequence of government policy and control.



"China's banking industry seeks to shield real economy from epidemic shock," read the headline from Xinhua's report on Aug. 20.



The loss of profits "was not due to worsening operational capability of commercial banks, but the result of intensified endeavor to share profits with the real economy," said a researcher at the National Institution for Finance and Development, as quoted by Xinhua.



While the condition of China's banks may depend on the actual extent of bad loans, the government has signaled that it believes that the worst of the economic crisis is over and that pressures on banks may be gradually reduced.



"China has suspended its large-scale monetary easing, as the economy is recovering, and shifted to innovative monetary measures to channel funds into weak sectors in more targeted ways," China Daily reported on Aug. 19, citing analysts' views.



In July, new yuan-denominated loans fell 6 percent from a year earlier to 992.7 billion yuan (U.S. $143.4 billion), while the broader category of year-to-date total social financing rose 12.9 percent.



"The PBOC (People's Bank of China) noted the focus in the second half is to ensure monetary policy becomes more precise, and China may pull this off, although history suggests that monetary policy is a blunt tool rather than a scalpel," said Shaun Roche, Asia-Pacific chief economist for S&P Global Ratings, as quoted by China Daily.



But Guo's remarks may be taken as a sign that bad debt disposal will take place only carefully and gradually with demands for more targeted credit measures extending NPL "recognition and resolution" well into next year.
A new survey reveals how Americans feel about adaptation and prevention policies to combat wildfires and floods in the face of climate change.

From wildfires in California to hurricanes battering the Gulf, the United States has been assailed by natural disasters from coast to coast. But how can the United States address, mitigate, and adapt to the widespread destruction from wildfires and floods as they intensify from unchecked climate change?

According to a new survey by researchers at Stanford University, Resources for the Future, and ReconMR, Americans overwhelmingly want leaders at the federal and state levels to enact policies to adapt to wildfires and floods.

The second in a six-part series, the natural disasters installment of Climate Insights 2020: Surveying American Public Opinion on Climate Change and the Environment explores how Americans see climate change in relation to wildfire and inland flood adaptation policies.The report gives policymakers and the public an idea of where Americans stand on prospective policies, the role of governments, and who should pay for prevention and adaptation.

Weve found that Americans favor action, report author and Stanford University professor Jon Krosnick said. Liberals and conservatives, wealthy and not, people want public policy that will protect future generations and the most vulnerable. This is a strong signal to lawmakers that the public is supportive of new policies.

Topline Findings

The majority of Americans favor a mix of state and federal government efforts to protect people from future wildfire and flood damage. However, most Americans prefer that people in fire- and flood-prone areas shoulder the costs of prevention and adaptation policies.

Americans who believe in the existence of climate change and people who are told that there is a link between climate change and natural disasters are more likely to support adaptation policies.

People who think climate change threatens future generations are far more likely to support adaptation policies than those who do not. Belief in this threat is the strongest predictor of policy support studied in this survey.

Black and Hispanic Americans are more supportive of government efforts than white, non-Hispanic Americans. This may be explained by the fact that people in historically marginalized communities disproportionately live in areas that are and will be most affected by climate change.

Contrary to the luxury goods hypothesis, lower-income people (with incomes less than $35,000) were more likely to support government adaptation policies than people with incomes of $35,000 and more.





While issues of climate change and the environment often feel dividedand even divisivein the United States, its interesting to see that the majority of Americans support adaptation policies to help us remain resilient in the face of fire and flood, RFF Senior Fellow Margaret Walls said. Whats more, the relationship between support for these adaptation policies and belief in climate change drives home the fact that education and trust in science is the bedrock upon which public policy must be built.

To learn more about these findings, read the natural disasters installment of Climate Insights 2020 by Jon Krosnick, social psychologist at Stanford University and RFF university fellow, and Bo MacInnis, lecturer at Stanford University and PhD economist. You can also try out our data tool, which allows users to explore the data in greater depth.

Future installments in the survey series will focus on green stimulus, political dynamics, electric vehicles, and an overall synthesis. The first installment of this report, which focused on overall trends, was published on August 24, 2020.
If you were tested for COVID-19 immediately after you were exposed to someone who tested positive, it was probably too soon to get a reliable test result, says one doctor.

Dr. Stephen Pierce, a physician at Texas MedClinic in Austin, told KXAN-TV that getting tested too soon after exposure to COVID-19 can be ineffective and counterproductive.

Its frustrating for us as physicians, he said. You have to tell them, Youre negative, but you still might be infected. Your testing is too soon after your exposure to be sure that its a valid negative result.'

According to Pierce, getting tested within a couple of days of being exposed to the virus can sometimes register a negative test result  even if you're positive.

ON THE FRONT LINES: Father, son ER doctor duo tackles COVID and saves lives together at Houston hospital

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incubation period for the virus is around four to five days, but can last up to two weeks. But just because you're not showing symptoms right away, however, doesn't mean you should let your guard down.

The CDC recommends those who are not experiencing symptoms but who have been exposed to the virus quarantine for 14 days, and wait until after the fifth day to get tested.

People who are infected are most contagious one to two days before experiencing symptoms.
SARASOTA, Fla. - A white Florida jail deputy has been suspended following a fight that led to a Black teen being hospitalized, officials said.

Sarasota County Deputy Neil Pizzo was placed on administrative leave Friday pending an internal affairs investigation, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported. The confrontation with the 17-year-old boy occurred Sept. 1 at the Sarasota County Juvenile Assessment Center.

Sheriff Tom Knight said he was disturbed after watching a surveillance video of the fight.

I feel that I am disappointed in what I saw, Knight said.

The teen had been arrested on drug charges and other counts, officials said. He was participating in a police lineup when deputies said he became unco-operative.

A soundless surveillance video shows Pizzo and the teen argue from across a room. As Pizzo walks toward the teen, the teen jumps to his feet.

Pizzo wrote in his report that the teen had threatened to kill him and that he believed the teen was taking a fighting stance as he approached.

The video shows Pizzo grab the teens neck area with one hand and strikes him with the other. The two struggle to the ground as another deputy enters the room. The video shows Pizzo strike the teen several more times with an open hand. Pizzo then restrains the teens hands behind his back.

The teen was taken to a nearby hospital for abrasions to his head, according to the sheriffs office report.

Knight said he was concerned about the lack of de-escalation techniques used by his deputy.

If a deputy is trying to de-escalate and you go hands on and you have a confrontation, what did he attempt to do prior to the physical confrontation to prevent it from happening? Knight said.

Knight said the investigation will determine what drove the incident, but he doesnt believe it was driven by race.
Myanmar & COVID-19 Myanmar Policeman Catches COVID-19 After Rohingya Arrest

The infected police officer was taken to Hinthada District Hospital on Sept. 7. / Shan Lay / Hninthada

Pathein, Ayeyarwady RegionA policeman who transported Rohingya detainees to a quarantine center in late August in Ayeyarwady Region has tested positive for coronavirus.

Myanmars navy on Aug. 27 detained 42 undocumented Rohingya from northern Rakhine State at the estuary in Mawlamyinegyun Township, Ayeyarwady Region.

The group consisted of 11 men, 29 women and two children. Their nasal swabs were tested for COVID-19 at the National Laboratory in Yangon and a 21-year-old detainee tested positive.

The man was taken to the Waibargi Infectious Disease Hospital in Yangon and the Ayeyarwady regional government kept the others in isolation in a makeshift quarantine center in Kyangin Township on the Rakhine-Ayeyarwady border. It sent them back to Maungdaw in Rakhine State on Sept. 1.

Ayeyarwady police transported the group from Mawlamyinegyun to Kyangin and provided security at the quarantine center. A 43-year-old corporal providing security at the center tested positive for the virus, according to the police.

He is one of the policemen who provided security for the undocumented people from Rakhine at the temporary quarantine center. He was sent to Hinthada District Hospital on Monday and we have also provided assistance for his family, Ayeyarwady police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Tun Shwe told The Irrawaddy.

Twenty-five police officers who participated in arresting and providing security for the Rohingyas are being kept in quarantine at a disaster management training school in Hinthada.

As of Sept. 7, there have been four COVID-19 cases in Ayeyarwady Region. Three of the most recent cases were tested while they were in quarantine and are now at Pathein Hospital.

We are treating those infected and holding all those who came into contact with them at quarantine centers. And we are planning to issue further orders to control the spread, said Ayeyarwady regional minister for electricity, industry and transport U Win Htay.

The regional government has imposed strict checks on those entering Ayeyarwady Region at all the entry points, including in Nyaungdon, Maubin, Dedaye, Kyangin and Pathein townships.

The regional government says residents returning from townships in Rakhine State and Yangon Region where the government has issued stay-at-home orders will have to spend 21 days in quarantine: 14 days at quarantine sites and seven days in their homes.

More than 200 who have returned to Ayeyarwady Region are currently being held at quarantine centers.

As of Tuesday morning, Myanmar has reported 1,610 COVID-19 cases with 388 recoveries and eight deaths.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko

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Oil pipelines, pumping rigs, and electrical transmission lines dot the landscape along California's "Petroleum Highway" (Highway 33) running along the northwestern side of the San Joaquin Valley on April 24, 2020, near McKittrick, California.

Oil producers in the top U.S. shale fields are stockpiling drilling permits on federal land ahead of the November U.S. presidential election, concerned that a win by Democratic candidate Joe Biden could lead to a clamp-down on oilfield activity.

Federal permitting in the largest U.S. oilfield in the Permian Basin, located in Texas and New Mexico, is up 80% in about the last three months, which analysts attribute to a hedge against a win by Biden, who currently leads U.S. President Donald Trump by several points in national polling.

Biden has stated that he does not want to ban fracking outright, putting him at odds with many environmentalists and Democratic party activists.

However, his climate plan includes banning new oil and gas permits on public lands, which industry groups say would hurt the economy and cut off an energy boom that has made the United States the world's largest crude oil producer.

The shale revolution of recent years boosted U.S. crude output to roughly 12 million barrels per day (bpd) last year through hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, which is environmentally controversial as it involves pumping water, sand and chemicals into rock at high pressure to release oil or natural gas.

As of Aug. 24, producers have received 974 permits so far this year for new wells on federal land in the Permian, compared with 1,068 for all of last year and 265 in 2018, according to data firm Enverus.

In the 90 days up till Aug. 24, producers received 404 permits in the Permian, compared with 225 and 11 in the same period in 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The scramble for permits comes despite the weak outlook for oil drilling and prices due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Crude prices plunged in spring following the outbreak and have remained stuck near $40 a barrel. The number of oil and gas rigs drilling new wells in the United States hit record lows for 15 weeks and last week was 71% lower year-on-year, according to Baker Hughes data, and analysts do not expect a sharp rebound for some time.

Uncertainty about a ban and other possible regulatory changes, including a proposal to modify royalties to account for climate costs, mean more permits will be filed ahead of the election, said Bernadette Johnson, vice president at Enverus.

The industry has raced to file for permits before ahead of potential regulatory changes.

In Colorado in 2018, as voters considered a proposition to increase the distance required between new wells and buildings, permitting jumped 165% in the last six months of the year compared with the first half, according to Enverus. At least nine producers stockpiled more than two years' worth of permits.

EOG Resources, Cimarex Energy, Matador Resources and Devon Energy are among the shale producers who have said they expect to have years of drilling permits.

Devon is "proactively managing risks" by stockpiling more than 550 federal permits in New Mexico and Wyoming, Chief Executive Officer Dave Hager told analysts this month.

Most producers have "a runway of 12 to 18 months" in permits in the Permian and Wyoming's Powder River Basin, said Jake Roberts at energy investment bank Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co.

Federal permits are for two years and can be extended another two, but there is no guarantee that routine permit extensions would continue in the future, Cimarex CEO Tom Jorden said on an earnings call in August.

U.S. oil production remains below 2019's peak and analysts expect it will be slow to recover in the coming year, as shale production depends on new investment due to the short life of the wells drilled.
A group of leading scientists have questioned the 'highly improbable' results of Russia's Covid-19 vaccine tests.

The 19 scientists, who work at prominent universities across Europe and the US, have cosigned an open letter highlighting their concerns over a series of duplications in antibody response results from early-stage Sputnik V vaccine trials.

Enrico Bucci, a biology professor at Temple University in the US, told the Moscow Times that the repeated appearance of data in the results published in The Lancet on Friday is 'highly improbable'.

'It's like if you throw a dice and you get exactly the same sequence of numbers several times,' he said.

Andrea Cossarizza, professor of pathology and immunology at the University of Modena, said the values look like they'd been 'photoshopped'.

A group of leading scientists have cosigned an open letter highlighting their concerns over a series of inconsistencies they see in Russia's Covid-19 vaccine results, which were published by leading medical journal The Lancet last Friday

Bucci said he saw 'strange patterns' in the data, which shows the number of antibodies produced by patients in different groups.

Russia tested six different formulations of Sputnik V on 76 patients. The 76 were split into four groups of nine and two groups of 20. Each group was given a different vaccine.

Bucci said that it was 'highly improbable' to see so many duplicate values across the four groups of nine patients in particular.

He said that in other vaccine trials, like those published by Oxford University, China and the US, there were no unexplained duplications.

The letter calls on the authors of the study to publish the raw data, which was not included with the original article.

Bucci said the omission of the data is 'not tolerable for such important research in such an important journal'.

'There might be an error, there might an explanation, there might be fraud. We just don't know', he added. 'This is a request for clarification. It's not an allegation of anything.'

Cossarizza also called the data 'very strange', adding that it looked like it had been 'photoshopped'.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with winners of the Leaders of Russia contest for managers via video conference at his residence outside Moscow today

'It's too similar and too unlikely from a statistical point of view', Cossarizza said while discussing a series of charts that were published alongside the results in the Lancet.

Cossarizza said it was surprising that the mistake was not noticed before the results were published.

Denis Logunov, who is the lead author of the article and in charge of developing Sputnik V, refuted the allegations and said there were no errors in the information published by The Lancet.

Logunov told Russian publication Meduza he wouldn't reply directly to the authors of the open letter but that he would engage with The Lancet's editorial board if required.

The Lancet told MailOnline in a written statement: 'We encourage scientific debate on papers we have published, and are aware of the open letter on the Russia vaccine trial by Logunov et al.

'We have shared the letter directly with the authors and encouraged them to engage in the scientific discussion.

'The Lancet has invited the authors of the Russian vaccine study to respond to the questions raised in the open letter by Enrico Bucci. We continue to follow the situation closely.'

Sputnik V became the first vaccine in the world to be approved for mass use last month, with Vladimir Putin suggesting nationwide injections could be available from as early as October.

The move sparked uproar in the scientific community because there was no evidence to prove the vaccine 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 Friday in the prestigious Lancet, initially indicated the vaccine was 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.
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OnePlus has rolled out another software update for its OnePlus Nord (Review) model. The much-hyped OnePlus mid-range phone was released just a month back and continues to receive updates.

In a forum post published on Sunday, the company said that the OxygenOS 10.5.7 software update will receive incremental roll out. The update is for the India and global variant, whereas the European Union version is set to release soon. In India, the build has come with the version number 10.5.7.AC01DA. For the global product, it is 10.5.7.AC01AA.

No new feature has been introduced through the update but certain key sections like the power, camera, display and network connectivity have received optimisation.

The OxygenOS 10.5.7 update improved the general power consumption of the OnePlus Nord, meanwhile the general display calibration has been fixed.

In the camera sector, the 4k 60 FPS video stabilisation of the front camera has been enhanced. Also, the update brings better image clarity of the macro camera lens. Not going into the details, the changelog of the update states that the overall bluetooth connection stability has been fixed now. The update regarding the network sector has come in the form of an improved voice call stability.

As the update is incremental, the company has mentioned that the OTA will reach only a small percentage of users immediately. The firm has promised to release a broader rollout in a few days time. OnePlus has requested users to inform them about any other bug in the companys device on this website.

Launched in India through the Amazon Prime Day sale on 6 and 7 August, OnePlus Nord came with two storage variants: 8 GB and 12 GB RAM while the 8 GB option was priced at Rs 27,999, the larger storage device was available for Rs 29,999.

There is another 6 GB RAM model, set to be released in India on 11 September. This will cost Rs 24,999 and will have 64 GB internal storage.
Sergey Lavrov has hailed Russian-Turkish cooperation on the M4 highway and in Syria on general, the Anadolu news agency reports

Russias foreign minister on Tuesday hailed the progress made in joint Russian-Turkish patrols in the Syrian province of Idlib.

Each mission has been adding several kilometers (miles) to the length of the patrolling route and recently Russian and Turkish servicemen were able to inspect the whole length of the M4 highway, said Sergey Lavrov, speaking at a meeting with first-year students and faculty of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University).

Patrolling is tied to the need of depriving the terrorists of any space and freedom of action in the Idlib zone. There is the M4 highway, which, in accordance with another protocol signed by the presidents of Russia and Turkey, must be freed, its full normal operation must be ensured for civilian cargo, as well as for the Syrian army and Russian military police, Lavrov said.

The M4 highway, also known as the Aleppo-Hassakeh road, is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Turkeys southern border.

Patrolling this route is not moving very fast, because the extremists are resisting, but each time this patrol has been adding several kilometers and recently was carried out along the entire length of this route, the minister continued.

There is a lot more work to do in Idlib, however, thanks to Russian-Turkish efforts there is no bloodshed in the region, Lavrov said, adding that consultations between Russian and Turkish experts on Syria, as well as cooperation on Libya, were ongoing in Moscow.

This March, Ankara and Moscow agreed on a protocol urging parties to cease all military actions along the line of contact in the Idlib de-escalation area.

The protocol said joint Turkish-Russian patrols would begin on March 15 along the M4 highway from the settlement of Trumba  2 kilometers west of Saraqib  to the settlement of Ain al-Havr.

Idlib has long been under siege by the forces of the Bashar Assad regime and its allies, and previous cease-fires for the region were plagued by violations.

Turkey has worked to protect the local civilian population as well as rid the wider region of terrorist elements.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
New Delhi, Sep 9 : Every day, several phone calls were being received at the Customs office that "the Customs officers are demanding money to clear parcel and couriers". When the matter was brought to the notice of senior officers, an investigation into the matter revealed the fraudsters are using names and letterheads of various senior officials to dupe people over clearing the parcels from abroad, in New Delhi's IGI Airport.

A complaint in this regard was filed by Vinod Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Customs, IGI Airport, alleging that online frauds are going on in the name of the Chief Commissioner of Customs (Delhi Zone) and other Customs officers.

Instances have come to notice where people have been cheated by unscrupulous elements.

During the course of the investigation, on September 6, an alleged bank account holder Shelly Achhumi, 41, a resident of Mahavir Enclave, New Delhi, a permanent resident of Nagaland, was traced and later arrested.

She had provided her bank account for 8 per cent commission to other co-accused Christian Anthony Maduneme alias Chris, 32, a Nigerian national residing in Noida, adjoining the national capital.

On sustained interrogation, Shelly revealed that she handed over the details of account numbers and SIM cards to Chris -- who was arrested later.

The accused used to influence the mindset of the victims emotionally, on the pretext of marriage or friendship.

In one such case, an accused contacted the victim through a matrimonial site and collected their mobile number, Facebook ID, WhatsApp number, etc.

Thereafter, the accused began contacting the victim over the phone and chatting apps. She impersonated herself as Anita Saha (Amsterdam) and desired to visit India for marriage and tourism purposes.

"Upon arrival in India, she posed that she had been intercepted by Customs officials at IGI Airport as she was carrying articles and jewellery beyond the permissible limit. Also, the other accused persons impersonated themselves as custom officials and directed the victim to pay a Custom fee of Rs 47,900, and other subsequent amounts in Indian bank accounts," said Rajeev Ranjan, DCP, IGI Airport.

Gradually, the accused involved in the scam demanded more money citing issues like charges and levy fees, duty fees, etc.

The unsuspecting victim followed the instructions one after another and deposited huge sums of money in different Indian bank accounts as provided by these scamsters.

From this particular victim, the fraudsters extracted more than Rs 69 lakh, so far.

The accused named in the case also cheated some other persons using a similar modus operandi.

Further investigation into the case is underway.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
KEY FACTS 1:25 p.m. Health Minister Christine Elliott announced the Ontario government is taking a pause on further reopening of the economy.

11:53 p.m. The federal government is extending its commercial rent-relief program one last time.

10:25 a.m. Ontario is reporting 375 new cases of COVID-19 over the past two days.

The latest coronavirus news from Canada and around the world Tuesday. This file will be updated throughout the day. Web links to longer stories if available.

8:35 p.m. Late-stage studies of AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccine candidate are on temporary hold while the company investigates whether a recipients potentially unexplained illness is a side effect of the shot.

In a statement issued Tuesday evening, the company said its standard review process triggered a pause to vaccination to allow review of safety data.

AstraZeneca didnt reveal any information about the possible side effect except to call it a potentially unexplained illness. The health news site STAT first reported the pause in testing, saying the possible side effect occurred in the United Kingdom.

An AstraZeneca spokesperson confirmed the pause in vaccinations covers studies in the U.S. and other countries. Late last month, AstraZeneca began recruiting 30,000 people in the U.S. for its largest study of the vaccine. It also is testing the vaccine, developed by Oxford University, in thousands of people in Britain, and in smaller studies in Brazil and South Africa.

Two other vaccines are in huge, final-stage tests in the United States, one made by Moderna Inc. and the other by Pfizer and Germanys BioNTech. Those two vaccines work differently than AstraZenecas, and the studies already have recruited about two-thirds of the needed volunteers.

Temporary holds of large medical studies arent unusual, and investigating any serious or unexpected reaction is a mandatory part of safety testing. AstraZeneca pointed out that its possible the problem could be a coincidence; illnesses of all sorts could arise in studies of thousands of people.

We are working to expedite the review of the single event to minimize any potential impact on the trial timeline, the company statement said.

Its likely the unexplained illness was serious enough to require hospitalization and not a mild side effect such as fever or muscle pain, said Deborah Fuller, a University of Washington researcher who is working on a different COVID-19 vaccine that has not yet started human testing.

This is not something to be alarmed about, Fuller said. Instead, its reassuring that the company is pausing the study to figure out whats happening and carefully monitoring the health of study participants.

Read more here: AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine study paused after one illness

7:35 p.m. Social gatherings of more than six people will be banned in England from Monday, as the government tries to curb a significant rise in coronavirus cases.

The legal limit on all social gatherings will be reduced from the current 30 people to six, and the new law will apply to parties both indoors and outdoors - including private homes, restaurants and parks. Failure to comply could result in a 100-pound ($130) fine.

Downing Street said urgent action was needed after 2,988 laboratory-confirmed coronavirus cases were recorded in the U.K. on Sunday  the largest daily figure since May.

Weddings, school, funerals and organized team sports are exempt, and larger gatherings will also be allowed if the household or support bubble is larger than six.

Read more here: England bans gatherings of more than 6 as virus cases spike

7:22 p.m. British Columbias top doctor is ordering nightclubs and banquet halls to close to control the spread of COVID-19.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says shes ordering the immediate closures after recent spikes in cases linked to them.

Henry says there have been 429 new COVID-19 cases in B.C. since Friday.

The province also recorded two additional deaths, both of them in long-term-care homes.

Henry says her revised health orders also include a 10 p.m. cut-off for alcohol sales at bars and restaurants, and they must close by 11 p.m. unless they are serving food.

She says the province needs to focus on getting students back to school and people back to work, which means cutting down on social interactions.

We now need to put our focus and attention on the important things, she told a news conference on Tuesday.

Henry says she needs to impose stricter health restrictions because COVID-19 cases were linked to clubs and halls.

Read more here: Nightclubs ordered closed in B.C. over COVID-19 case spike

5:38 p.m. Ontarios regional public health units are reporting more than 200 new COVID-19 cases for the first time in more than a month as the provincewide rate of new infections continues to rise.

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, the health units were reporting another 233 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, according to the Stars latest count. A handful of smaller regions did not report to their websites over the long weekend, meaning Tuesdays total included at least some cases that had been discovered over the previous three days.

The total was nevertheless the most for any single day since July 13. The last time the health units reported more than 200 cases was 49 days ago on July 24, which saw 210 reported infections.

Also on Tuesday, Ontarios seven-day average passed 150 daily cases, a threshold Chief Medical Officer of Health David Williams last week said he was glad the province had been under.

The same seven-day average has nearly doubled since Aug. 16, when it hit a recent low of 85 cases daily.

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.

As has been the case in recent weeks, the majority of new cases continue to come in the GTA, especially in Toronto and Peel Region. Toronto reported 58 new cases on Tuesday; Peel added 39, and York Region 10. Halton and Durham regions both reported multi-day totals that included the long weekend  20 and 16 new cases, respectively.

One new fatal case was reported Tuesday, in the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit.

The province has now seen a total of 45,682 confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19, including 2,854 deaths.

The vast majority of the provinces COVID-19 patients have since recovered, and the recent rise in cases has not yet resulted in a significant jump in hospitalizations or deaths. The province lists 1,527 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, meaning they have symptoms and contacts or travel history that indicate they very likely have the disease, but have not yet received a positive lab test.

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, saying that in the event of a discrepancy, data reported by (the health units) should be considered the most up to date.

5:10 p.m. Cadillac Fairview has confirmed a case of COVID-19 in a Uniqlo store at Toronto Eaton Centre. While the operator didnt specify whether a customer or an employee tested positive, it confirmed in a statement Tuesday afternoon that the clothing store has been closed for the time being while the affected space undergoes a deep clean.

Eaton Centre itself remains open for service following the cleaning of "all elevator banks, food court tables, common area seating, doors and stair railings, and all other high-touch points in the complex."

At this point in time, no further action is required, the company wrote.

4:37 p.m. Three Quebec cabinet ministers and Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante are self-isolating after a suburban mayor contracted COVID-19.

Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette, Transport Minister Francois Bonnardel and Chantal Rouleau, the minister responsible for the Montreal region, have been placed in isolation after learning Longueuil Mayor Sylvie Parent tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

All three ministers and members of their staff met with Parent last week and were to be tested Tuesday for COVID-19.

Plante says she had not met with Parent but did meet with Rouleau in the last few days.

3:52 p.m. Students across the U.S. ran into computer glitches Tuesday as they began the school year with online instruction at home because of the coronavirus threat, adding to the list of problems that have thrust many a harried parent into the role of teachers aide and tech support person.

The online learning platform Blackboard, which provides technology for 70 of the nations 100 biggest districts and serves more than 20 million U.S. students from kindergarten through 12th grade, reported that websites were failing to load or were loading slowly, and users were unable to register on the first day of school.

Three of Texass largest school districts  Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth  were hit with technical problems, as were school systems in places such as Idaho and Kansas. A ransomware attack forced schools in Hartford, Connecticut, to postpone Tuesday's start of online and in-person classes.

3:43 p.m. At least 20 Alberta schools have reported cases of COVID-19 since students across the province started returning to classrooms a week ago.

Support Our Students Alberta, a non-partisan, non-profit public education advocacy group, has a COVID-19 tracker for kindergarten to Grade 12 schools on its website.

It suggests 22 schools have had cases  including seven in Calgary and four in Edmonton  based on recent letters and emails sent to parents.

Alberta Health Services says it is compiling a list of schools with confirmed cases.

None of the schools have declared outbreaks and all remain open.

2:47 p.m. Health officials in P.E.I. reported two new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, saying both individuals had recently travelled abroad and were in self-isolation when they were diagnosed.

The Island's chief public health officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, issued a statement confirming that the province's total number of active cases stood at nine.

One of the new infections involves a male essential worker in his 30s who arrived in the province on Aug. 28.

The other case is a woman in her 30s who arrived in P.E.I. with her family on Aug. 27.

She is part of a family that includes two young children under the age of 10 who previously tested positive for the virus.

Morrison says all nine active cases continue to do well and remain in self-isolation as contact tracing is being completed.

She confirmed that the two new cases and four reported Monday were among people who travelled on four Air Canada flights between Aug. 25 and Aug. 28, two of which arrived on the Island.

Morrison says all passengers aboard these flights should monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.

She said there is no evidence of community spread of COVID-19 in Prince Edward Island and the risk of transmission in the province remains low.

2:47 p.m. Saskatchewans education minister expects the COVID-19 pandemic will lead to an increased demand for substitute teachers in schools.

But Gord Wyant says officials dont know what the impact will be, so for now funding for substitutes isnt considered a priority.

Thousands of Saskatchewan students are back to school for the first time since classes were cancelled because of the arrival of COVID-19 six months ago.

At the elementary school in Indian Head, a town east of Regina, all students are starting the year with online learning because a staff member tested positive for the virus.

The Prairie Valley School Division says other staff at the school have to isolate for 14 days and the plan is to start in-person classes next week.

Wyant says COVID-19 cases in schools are inevitable and that divisions have processes in place to respond when there are infections.

The government has outlined how it will spend about $40 million in provincial funding to help school divisions safely reopen schools. Wyant said Tuesday priority was given to sanitization supplies and helping immunocompromised students.

2:22 p.m. Canadas chief public health officer says she wont get ahead of an independent review of the early-warning unit in her agency thats meant to flag potential pandemics.

Dr. Theresa Tam says the unit within the Public Health Agency of Canada continues to function.

The government ordered an outside review of the global health unit after the Globe and Mail newspaper reported that people in the unit had been reassigned just prior to the COVID-19 crisis.

The report also said warnings from scientists werent properly sent up the chain of command.

Tam says she doesnt want to pre-empt the findings of any report, but will be looking closely at whatever recommendations come.

Tam also says that she received warnings about the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in China late last year, and that the information would have been passed on to provinces and territories.

2 p.m. Top executives of nine drugmakers likely to produce the first vaccines against the new coronavirus are promising theyll be safe and effective.

The drugmakers chief executives say theyll maintain the highest ethical and scientific standards in testing and manufacturing their vaccines. They also say theyll make the well-being of those getting vaccinated their top priority.

The move is meant to boost public confidence. The announcement comes amid concerns the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will be under political pressure to approve a vaccine before tests to prove it is safe and effective are finished.

The pledge was signed by the CEOs of American drugmakers Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Moderna, Novavax and Pfizer, and European companies AstraZeneca, BioNTech, GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi. BioNTech has partnered with Pfizer on one of the vaccines now in the final round of human testing.

2:19 p.m. Nova Scotias chief medical officer of health says the province is ready to deal with a second wave of COVID-19 should a resurgence occur.

Dr. Robert Strang says measures currently in place around border entry, the mandatory use of masks in most indoor areas and the required testing of students returning to universities and colleges has the province well positioned for whats to come.

Strang says another key has been the response of the public, who he says acted quickly to comply with the measures imposed by health officials.

He says the public has been vigilant about keeping the virus at bay.

Strang made the comments during an appearance today before the legislatures health committee.

Nova Scotia currently has three active cases of COVID-19.

2 p.m. Italy added another 1,370 coronavirus cases to its confirmed daily tally, while ex-Premier Silvio Berlusconi remains hospitalized with the coronavirus.

Berlusconis personal doctor Alberto Zangrillo reported Tuesday that the patient was responding well to treatment and his condition was reassuring.

The 83-year-old Berlusconi tested positive for the virus on Sept. 2 and was hospitalized two days later with a lung infection.

The number of daily infections has topped 1,000 for several weeks and has reached 280,153. The Health Ministry reported 10 deaths in the past day, bringing Italys death toll to 35,563, the second highest in Europe after Britain.

1:47 p.m. Ontarios courts are wading into the debate over sending students back to school during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with one judge ruling a nine-year-old boy should return to in-person classes despite his fathers objections.

In a decision released late last month, Ontario Superior Court Justice Andrea Himel said the case is one of many such disputes currently before the courts and seeking urgent resolution as schools prepare to reopen.

She says the parents, who are divorced and share custody of their son, disagreed on whether the boy should attend classes in person or continue with the remote learning system put in place when schools were forced to close in March.

The mother argued it was in the boys best interest to return to his French immersion school in person, partly because neither parent speaks the language well enough to help with school work, and because the child has struggled with isolation.

The father, meanwhile, countered that COVID-19 continues to pose significant risks that can be better managed through at-home, online learning.

Himel sided with the mother, saying the Ontario government is better placed than the justice system to assess and address the health risks of going to school.

(Updated) 1:25 p.m. Ontario wont ease any pandemic restrictions for at least four weeks because of a recent spike in COVID-19 cases based on advice from chief medical officer Dr. David Williams.

The latest trends have raised some concern, Health Minister Christine Elliott told a news conference Tuesday. We did not take this decision lightly.

Ontarios new cases of COVID-19 in the last few days are pushing toward 200, double the level of a month ago and at their highest since early July  but the number of patients hospitalized remains low and is not growing anywhere near the same pace.

The Ministry of Health reported 185 new cases Tuesday, on top of 190 on Monday, 158 on Sunday and 169 on Saturday, for a total of 702 new infections in four days.

Following a recent trend, most of the new cases are in the GTA and the nations capital.

Read the full story from the Stars Rob Ferguson: Surge in COVID-19 cases means Ontario wont ease restrictions for at least a month

1:24 p.m. Premier Doug Ford said at his daily briefing that more than 37 million pieces of personal protective equipment have been delivered to Ontario school boards, including 19 million masks.

12:47 p.m. Ontarios new cases of COVID-19 in the last few days are pushing toward 200, double the level of a month ago and at their highest since early July  but the number of patients hospitalized remains low and is not growing anywhere near the same pace.

The Ministry of Health reported 185 new cases Tuesday, on top of 190 on Monday, 158 on Sunday and 169 on Saturday, for a total of 702 new infections in four days.

Following a recent trend, most of the new cases are in the GTA and the nations capital.

Today, 28 public health units are reporting five or fewer cases, with 18 of them reporting no new cases. Toronto is reporting 48 cases with 42 in Peel and 37 in Ottawa, Health Minister Christine Elliott said on Twitter.

Nevertheless, the rising case counts since mid-August  when there was a week in which new infections stayed below 100 daily  have been a cause for concern.

Read the full story from the Stars Rob Ferguson: Ontario reports 185 new cases of COVID-19

12:11 p.m. Thousands more students returned to class under new pandemic precautions Tuesday, as public health officials in Ottawa said they were assessing the risk to 200 students and staff linked to a handful of cases.

The staggered start opened doors to elementary and high school students in six provinces where a host of COVID-19 protocols have reimagined everything from seating to lunch breaks to the playground.

But the reopening came with news of cases at five French-language Catholic schools in Ottawa, where some students returned earlier this month.

Ottawa public health says people connected to four elementary schools and one high school tested positive after catching the virus outside of the school setting. They say 193 students and seven staff members were told late Monday night to stay home.

Other boards in Ontario have delayed their restart over the next two weeks, with the countrys largest, the Toronto District School Board, set to begin a staggered opening next Tuesday.

12 p.m. Graduate students who teach classes were on strike Tuesday at the University of Michigan over in-person instruction during the coronavirus pandemic and other issues.

The strikers chanted and held umbrellas while marching in the rain. I do not want my students and colleagues to get a chronic illness because this university decided it was most important to collect tuition, Surabhi Balachander wrote on Twitter.

The Graduate Employees Organization, which represents more than 1,000 instructors, has called for a four-day strike.

Most classes at the University of Michigan have shifted to online. But the union says the university isnt doing enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It robust plans for testing, contact tracing, and campus safety. It wants plans for testing and contact tracing, allowing graduate employees to work remotely and a more flexible childcare subsidy.

University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald says the strike is illegal under state law and the union contract, and the university plans to continue classes in the event of a strike.

12 p.m. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis has reacted angrily to the local branch of World Health Organization voicing its opposition to his countrys possible plan to reduce contract tracing for the coronavirus.

The WHO says the situation in the Czech Republic is concerning and data shows elevated and growing levels of transmission across many regions and districts. It says the solution is not to stop tracing, but to rapidly scale up the service.

Babis tweeted the WHO should keep quiet, saying the country has one of the lowest death rates in Europe.

The Czech Republic has registered a surge of confirmed cases to record levels in recent days. Health authorities in Prague acknowledged they have reached their limit in contact tracing and up to 30% of contacts are not identified.

Health Minister Adam Vojtech says the plans is to make contact tracing more effective, not reduce it.

The Czech Republic has 28,716 confirmed cases and 437 confirmed deaths.

12 p.m. Turkey is requiring masks in all locations apart from homes, following a spike in the number of COVID-19 infections.

An Interior Ministry circular sent to the countrys 81 provinces on Tuesday says citizens are obliged to wear masks without exception in all areas excluding their residences.

Previously, the wearing of masks was mandatory in most public spaces, in shops and on public transportation, but not at workplaces.

On Monday, Turkey reported 1,703 new daily infections, the highest since mid-May.

Last week, Turkey barred social gatherings such as wedding and engagement parties and henna nights and restricted marriage ceremonies to one hour.

11:57 p.m. A major testing and contact-tracing operation at Greeces largest migrant camp on the eastern island of Lesbos has so far detected 35 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among the overcrowded facilitys 12,500 residents, authorities said Tuesday.

Health and migration ministry officials said medical teams have carried out 1,900 tests for the coronavirus on migrants at the Moria facility, which was initially designed to hold 2,800 people. Another 100 staff members have been tested, and none were found to have COVID-19.

Gkikas Magiorkinis, a member of a scientific committee advising the government, told a media briefing Tuesday that some optimism was allowed by the fact that most of the 35 migrants were relatively young and didnt belong to high-risk groups.

Although this doesnt mean we should pay less attention and strive less to fight the epidemic in Moria, he said. Out of the 35 cases, 18 were recorded Tuesday.

The camp has been quarantined until Sept. 15, with a police cordon to enforce the entry and exit ban.

Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi said late Monday the infections were all linked with one Somali man who left the camp after being granted asylum in Greece, went to Athens but failed to find work and housing there and returned to Moria. Health officials werent immediately able Tuesday to confirm that the virus had been spread by the one man.

11:55 a.m. Porter Airlines Inc. is extending its suspension of all flights until Nov. 12, five weeks after its previously announced target to resume flying.

The Toronto-based airline grounded its fleet on March 21 amid the COVID-19 outbreak, with initial plans to take off again in early June.

Travel restrictions and plummeting demand have prompted the company to push back its relaunch date several times.

Porter says the Atlantic Canada travel bubble, travel restrictions limiting those who can come to Canada and the ongoing two-week quarantine requirement for those entering the country are factors in its delayed restart.

CEO Michael Deluce says all of its markets are affected by the travel ban on would-be visitors to Canada.

The pandemic has devastated the airline industry, with the International

11:53 p.m. The federal government is extending its commercial rent-relief program one last time.

The Liberals say the program that aims to help small businesses with their rent or lease costs will be extended for this month, unveiling the details one week after rent was due.

In a release, the government says the one-month lifeline is a final extension for the program and that officials are looking at other options to help small businesses.

The rent-relief program provides forgivable loans that cover half of rent for eligible small businesses, and also requires landlords to waive a further one-quarter of what theyd otherwise be owed.

Property owners have to apply for the help, but take-up has lagged expectations and spending is projected to fall far short of the nearly $3 billion the Liberals have budgeted.

The government says that as of the start of this week, the program had provided over $1.32 billion in aid to more than 106,000 small-business tenants.

11:20 a.m. Two new studies made the case recently for an alternative to the invasive COVID-19 tests that require collecting a sample from deep in the nose. Saliva samples, both studies found, were nearly as reliable and far less of a hassle.

Anne Wyllie, a researcher at the Yale School of Public Health who was the lead author of one of the studies, said she hopes the work helps quell some of salivas detractors.

Theres been a lot of debate about saliva versus swab, she said. I think some of it is not entirely justified.

The U.S. is more than six months into a global pandemic made worse by delayed and disorganized testing efforts and theres still no clear consensus on who to screen, when to do it, or even what the best way to do so is. These studies suggest saliva could present a compelling alternative to other tests  one that does not necessarily require trained personnel to collect a sample and therefore use up valuable personal protective gear or put staff at risk. Even if the tests are marginally less accurate, the tradeoff may be worth it.

In a second study from Canada in Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers tested nearly 2,000 people with either mild symptoms of the virus or no symptoms but at a high risk of infection. Participants collected their own saliva and also took the traditional swab test: 34 came back positive in both tests. In 14 cases, virus was detected in the saliva sample, but not the nasal sample. In 22, the opposite was true.

Though the nasal sample had a slight edge in detecting infections, the University of Ottawa researchers said the study made a case for saliva samples.

11:11 a.m. Quebec health authorities are reporting 163 new cases of COVID-19 and no additional deaths in the last 24 hours.

Previously, the province had seen two straight days with more than 200 new cases of the novel coronavirus.

The number of hospitalizations related to the virus remains at 105, while the number of patients in intensive care has dropped to 15.

Provincial Health Minister Christian Dube warned Quebecers ahead of the Labour Day weekend to maintain an adequate distance from others.

He is addressing the media this morning to discuss a regional alert system for COVID-19 cases.

Quebec has now seen 63,876 cases of COVID-19 and 5,770 deaths since the pandemic.

(Updated) 10:25 a.m. Ontario is reporting 375 new cases of COVID-19 over the past two days.

There were also 238 cases newly marked as resolved on Sunday and Monday in the provincewide report.

Health Minister Christine Elliott says there were 185 new cases in the past 24 hours, with 190 recorded the day before.

The province is reporting two days worth of data today because of the holiday weekend.

The total number of cases in Ontario now stands at 43,536, which includes 2,813 deaths and 39,196 cases marked as resolved.

The province was able to complete nearly 45,000 tests over the past two days.

10:20 a.m. The Stars Kristin Rushowy sat down with Evy Kwong from the Stars audience team to answer questions about back to school sent by readers and listeners in a Q&A last week.

Usually, a day after Labour Day, many kids, parents and teachers are ready and eager  and a bit nervours  to go back to school. But this year, during a pandemic, that nervousness is at a new high. What will this school year be like? What happends if a child or teacher in school tests positive for COVID-19? What about bussing? Or playing? Kids are kids, after all.

We will all have more questions. But Kristin Rushowy has been covering education for over a decade and will get you up to speed.

Listen to the full This Matters podcast here: Your back-to-school questions, answered

10 a.m. India officials say Russia had approached it to conduct Phase 3 clinical trials for the experimental Sputnik V vaccine and for Indian companies to potentially manufacture it.

Russian scientists published results from early trials of the experimental Sputnik V vaccine on Friday. Developers say the vaccine appeared to be safe and prompted an antibody response in all 40 people tested in the second phase of the study within three weeks.

The vaccine received government approval last month but drew considerable criticism from health experts because the shots had only been tested on several dozen people.

Dr. V.K. Paul heads a government task force on vaccines and called the partnership a win-win for India and the world. He says Tuesday that Russia had asked for assistance to conduct more research, including Phase 3 clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in India.

Officials say some companies had already come forward.

10 a.m. The Dutch public health institute says 5,247 people tested positive on Tuesday, an increase of 1,830 from the previous week.

There were 17 confirmed COVID-19 deaths, seven fewer than the previous week.

The increased infections came after schools reopened in recent weeks, but the health institute say there was no significant increase linked to transmissions at schools. It says a few clusters at schools involved mainly adults infecting other adults.

The health institute says the percentage of positive tests rose to 2.8% compared to 2.2% in the previous week.

8:41 a.m. Students in Ontario will begin returning to the classroom in person today for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The province shuttered all schools on March 13 after cases of coronavirus disease began to rise.

This fall, boards will offer a mix of in-person classes and online learning for students who opt to stay home.

Some boards in different parts of the province will reopen schools today, while others will begin to restart over the next two weeks.

Last month, Education Minister Stephen Lecce gave boards permission to stagger school reopenings if they required more time to put pandemic safety protocols in place.

For instance, high school students will start orientation at the Peel District School Board today, with elementary students beginning Wednesday, while Toronto District School Board students will not begin returning to class until Sept. 15.

In Ottawa, where some students returned to class earlier this month, health officials say people at five French-language Catholic schools  four elementary and one high school  have tested positive for COVID-19.

Ottawa Public Health is reaching out to everyone who was in close contact with those infected and telling them to self-isolate and get tested, she said.

Follow the Stars live coverage of the return to school today: Durham kids first in GTA to head back to school today

8:30 a.m. Students return to class in Manitoba and Saskatchewan today, and the differences this year due to COVID-19 begin with how they will arrive at school.

Parents in both provinces are encouraged to transport their children to school if they can, and in Saskatchewan children who ride the school bus may be assigned seats and a partition may separate the kids from the driver.

As far as mask wearing, Saskatchewan says its up to school boards to decide whether to make them mandatory, although the chief medical health officer advises Grade 4 to 12 students should wear them in busy areas such as hallways and on buses.

Manitoba, meanwhile, requires masks for grades 5 to 12 when physical distancing isnt possible, and they will be required on the bus.

But kids in the Winnipeg School Division may not be able to ride the bus on their first day back, since the union representing the drivers have been preparing for a strike thats to begin today.

The union and the school division have been bargaining since October 2019 after the drivers contracts expired in June of last year, and a spokeswoman for the division said late Monday there had been no movement on negotiations.

Students in Saskatchewan were originally scheduled to return to school as early as Sept. 1, but the province pushed back the date last month, explaining it wanted to give teachers and school staff a bit more time to prepare for a safe return.

8:06 a.m.: The U.N. agency for refugees says it has confirmed two coronavirus cases in the Azraq camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan.

They are the first infections to be detected among Syrians living in refugee camps in Jordan, which are home to more than 100,000 Syrians displaced by that countrys civil war.

The UNHCR says the two patients have been transferred to quarantine facilities and their neighbours have been isolated as more testing is carried out.

8 a.m. A retiree in Austria says he received a U.S. government coronavirus relief check for $1,200, despite not having lived in America for over half a century.

The check, with President Donald Trumps name on it, is part of a massive federal stimulus program. But the money also has been sent to people who arent eligible  including deceased U.S. taxpayers.

Austrian public broadcaster ORF reports the 73-year-old man from Linz, who worked as a waiter in the United States for two years in the 1960s, was able to cash the check.

His wife, who never worked or lived in the United States, got one too.

ORF reports banks in Austria confirm theyve cashed dozens of checks for residents of the Alpine country. Its unclear how many were entitled to the money.

8 a.m. The Indonesian government announced the country has surpassed 200,000 coronavirus cases on Tuesday.

The National Task Force for COVID-19 Mitigation reported 3,046 new coronavirus cases in Indonesia, bringing the total to 200,035 confirmed cases. It reported 100 people died in the last 24 hours, reaching a confirmed death toll of 8,230.

National COVID-19 Mitigation Task Force spokesperson Wiku Adisasmito says, We have to pay attention to our condition today as President Joko Widodo said that we have to take care of the health affairs first so the economic situation can get better.

Indonesian government imposed large-scale social restrictions in the regions of the country in April. The regional governments lifted the restrictions and reopened the business activities in June.

8 a.m. Hong Kong is further relaxing social distancing measures, as the territorys number of new coronavirus cases dwindles.

Hong Kong reported another six cases of the virus on Tuesday.

From Friday, the limit on public gatherings will be relaxed to four people, up from two people. Most indoor and outdoor sports facilities, as well as museums will be allowed to re-open.

The city has seen its coronavirus cases dwindle after a surge in locally-transmitted infections in July. Hong Kong has reported a total of 4,896 infections since the pandemic began, with 99 deaths.

Hong Kong officials said Tuesday that the city is in talks with 11 countries about setting up travel bubbles, which would allow residents to travel internationally even amid the pandemic.

Such travel bubbles would include a pre-flight coronavirus test that will be mutually recognized by both Hong Kong and the partnering country.

8 a.m. Austrias leader says he wants to keep both ski resorts and schools open this winter as the country tries to keep coronavirus infections down while supporting the tourism industry.

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said during a visit to Slovenia on Tuesday that the government will do everything to ensure that safe skiing is possible. The Austrian ski resort of Ischgl became an early European hot spot as the pandemic took off in March.

The Austria Press Agency reported that Kurz said that we must try to lead as normal a life as possible in all areas of our life and added that winter tourism and skiing will be possible. Asked whether skiing areas might have to be closed so that schools can remain open longer, he said: I would not like to play schools the economy off against each other.

Kurz said that post-skiing partying wont be possible in the way it was previously, but didnt give details.

8 a.m. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Egypt has passed 100,000.

The Health Ministry reported 178 new cases late Monday. Since the pandemic began Egypt has recorded 5,541 virus deaths.

Egypt has recently relaxed most of its restrictions taken to stem the speed of the virus.

7:35 a.m.: The 166 remaining Tour de France riders have been cleared to continue racing ahead of Tuesdays Stage 10 after undergoing COVID-19 tests, but the race director is going home.

Tour organizers said that all the riders tests returned negative but announced that race director Christian Prudhomme tested positive along with four staff members from four different teams who have been dropped from the race bubble.

5:35 a.m.: The British government faced pressure Tuesday to act fast to keep a lid on coronavirus infections after a sharp spike in new cases across the U.K. over recent days stoked concerns about the pandemics prospective path during winter.

In the wake of figures Monday showing that the U.K. recorded nearly 3,000 new coronavirus cases for the second day running, government ministers and scientists voiced concerns that the easing of the lockdown during the summer has prompted many people, particularly young adults, to let their guard down in a country that has seen Europes deadliest virus outbreak.

4:16 a.m.: India reported today 1,133 deaths from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, its highest single-day total.

The Health Ministry also reported 75,809 new cases, raising Indias tally to nearly 4.3 million  second only to the United States and maintaining an upward surge amid an ease in nationwide restrictions to help mitigate the economic pain. The countrys death toll now stands at 72,775.

India has been reporting the highest single-day caseload in the world for more than a month.

Read Mondays rolling file.

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Heading down East Commerce Street, its impossible to miss the dilapidated Friedrich complex.

A hodgepodge of gray and sand-colored buildings dotted with broken windows and graffiti stretches across more than 5 acres, like a sleeping, shabby giant.

Its been years since workers walked the factory floors, but a Friedrich Refrigerators sign still sits atop one of the structures. Rusty Friedrich air-conditioning units stick out of the buildings sides.

Its been an eyesore for some time, said Aubry Lewis, president of the Denver Heights Neighborhood Association.

Past plans to redevelop the Friedrich complex  a move seen as the key to kick-starting development along that portion of Commerce Street  have amounted to almost nothing. Developers were stymied by financing challenges.

Its such an important part (of the area). As you go into the East Side, you see this dilapidated (site) that obviously is in disrepair, said Tuesdae Knight, president and CEO of the nonprofit San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside. Its just sitting there. People are just waiting.

Yet the site appears poised for a breakthrough  finally.

Dallas-based Provident Realty Advisors plans to tear down most of the buildings comprising the complex and build 347 apartments, a $68 million undertaking dubbed Friedrich Lofts.

The project has been in the works for several years but was stalled until recently due to financing problems. A prior investor backed out, but Provident recently found a new equity partner.

Its been a long haul, said Dave Holland, executive director of multi-family development at Provident.

The company is working with the San Antonio Housing Trust Public Facility Corp., a city nonprofit overseen by five City Council members, and the American South Real Estate Fund.

It is also applying for a loan from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for just under $60 million, Holland said. The project is set to receive about $2.2 million worth of local incentives, including $1.7 million from the Inner City Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, along with city and San Antonio Water System fee waivers.

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Weve been trying to figure out a way to redevelop that property, said Pete Alanis, the housing trusts interim executive director. Im excited that were closer now than we have ever been before. This is going to help bolster and create some additional life the community has wanted for so long.

Other commercial dead zones in the area are coming back to life. A few blocks to the west of the Friedrich, the historic Sunset Station is undergoing a redesign and rebranding. Another former industrial site, the Merchants Ice complex on East Houston Street, is being turned into a hub for bioscience and medical research.

The housing trusts involvement in the Friedrich project means it will receive a property tax exemption in exchange for at least half of the apartments being priced for residents who earn up to 80 percent of the area median income.

Half will be market-rate units with rents costing from $1,100 to $1,800 per month, depending on the size, and 160 apartments will go to residents earning up to 80 percent of the area median income, with rents from $1,100 to $1,420 per month.

The remaining 14 units will be for families making up to 60 percent of the median income and are expected to be priced between $767 and $987 per month. Those figures, provided by the housing trust, are the anticipated rents when construction wraps up in two years.

The housing trust recently closed on the property, which was previously owned by Friedrich Lofts Ltd., an entity registered to Dallas developer John Miller. The trust will lease the site to Provident.

Friedrich Lofts Ltd. is keeping the portion with the looming neon Friedrich Refrigerators sign, anchored at the corner of Olive and Commerce streets. Providents development does not include retail or office space.

Miller could not be reached by press time.

American South, a joint venture between SDS Capital Group and Vintage Realty Co., is providing $10.6 million in equity for the development. The fund provides mezzanine debt, preferred equity and equity financing for projects in low- and moderate-income areas. Friedrich Lofts is its largest investment to date.

Its a risky project, but there is a lot of potential, said managing partner Deborah La Franchi, who is also founder and CEO of SDS Capital Group. Were really excited.

On ExpressNews.com: Skyline: Blighted downtown building to be reborn as mixed-use project

Before construction can begin, environmental-remediation and demolition plans need approval from government agencies.

The complex is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, so Provident will need a memorandum of understanding with the Texas Historical Commission regarding demolition and mitigation.

Then the developer can submit its final application for the HUD loan and start construction several months later, Holland said. Work will likely start in the first quarter.

The proximity to downtown and the jobs downtown, and the access and visibility (of the property) work out great, he said.

Friedrich history

The original Friedrich building was built in the 1920s, and other structures were added through the 1950s for the production of refrigerator units.

But it closed in 1990 after most of the work shifted to another location nearly a decade earlier, according to San Antonio Express-News archives.

Miller and local developer Eugene Simor bought the property in 1999, planning to turn it into residential lofts, and retail and office space. They said they invested millions in the site, but several swings at redeveloping it were ultimately unsuccessful.

Theres a reason deals like the Friedrich take a long time  theyre hard to do, Miller told the Express-News in 2008. You have multiple sources of capital and equity and loans, and it all has to come in and be ready to go to closing on the same day. All the parts and pieces were never ready at the same time.

City Council agreed to sponsor an application for a HUD loan, but it never closed. A plan to renovate the complex and move the San Antonio Independent School Districts headquarters to the site also fizzled.

Eventually, the developers decided to sell the properties because of the hefty cost of rehabilitation. They sought to demolish some of the buildings, reasoning that leveling the structures would make the site more attractive to buyers.

The citys Zoning Commission approved a proposal to remove historic status from most of the structures in 2015. Provident got involved not long after, Holland said.

Residents in the area are eager to see the Friedrich complex renovated and hope it will help draw more businesses, particularly retail.

A lot of neighbors are excited for it to be redeveloped, said Eduardo Martinez, vice president of the Dignowity Hill Neighborhood Association. There is a lot of unrealized potential.

Mark Outing, who owns a burger joint across the street, also considers the buildings an eyesore. But the area is changing, and hes hopeful rehabilitating that site will continue the trend.

People are buying property here and moving in, he said. It would be great to see more businesses coming into the area.

District 2 Councilwoman Jada Andrews-Sullivan said shes excited to see life returning to the Friedrich.

On ExpressNews.com: In fast-changing San Antonio neighborhoods, homeowners flooded with offers from investors

This is a continuation of economic development coming to this area, she said through a spokesperson. We will continue to work to bring affordable housing, jobs, healthy food choices, reduce poverty and overall improve the quality of life.

Monica Savino, who can see the complex from her kitchen window, said she wishes the concrete and steel buildings would be preserved. She served on a Friedrich task force several years ago set up by the citys Office of Historic Preservation.

Savino is also concerned that the housing isnt as affordable as it should be.

We dont need more $1,100- or $1,200-a-month one-bedrooms, Savino said. The affordable component needs to be much greater, especially now. By the time it opens, we will probably have had a year of recession because of COVID-19 and its aftermath.

Lewis, the Denver Heights Neighborhood Association president, wants to see more restaurants, gas stations, pharmacies and dry cleaners. He remembers a time when there were more businesses in the area.

We had so much to offer the community back in the day, Lewis said. Its kind of floated away from us.

madison.iszler@express-news.net
The president has called climate change a hoax, weakened oversight of drilling in federal waters, opened up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas companies and moved to repeal about 100 environmental regulations.

Yet on Tuesday, he congratulated his administration for what he called our incredible record of natural conservation and environmental protection.

Offshore drilling is deeply unpopular in Florida, where communities worry that the industry could hurt tourism along the states pristine beaches. A number of Republican leaders, including the Floridas two senators and governor, lauded the announcement.

But Mr. Trumps event and inaccurate claims about his record drew swift condemnation from environmental groups, as well as Mr. Biden.

Failing to adequately fund Everglades restoration, attempting to sell off our waters to corporate polluters and rolling back more than 100 environmental protections doesnt make you anything other than the worst president ever for the environment and climate, said Ariel Hayes, the political director of the Sierra Club. Voters in Florida and across the country have watched Trump achieve this status for nearly four years, and no amount of greenhouse gaslighting will change that.

Mr. Biden responded on Twitter, noting that he was consistent in his opposition to new offshore drilling. Just months ago, Donald Trump was planning to allow oil and gas drilling off the coast of Florida, he tweeted. Now, with 56 days until the election, he conveniently says that he changed his mind. Unbelievable.

Josh Stein, the attorney general of North Carolina, which also opposes drilling off its coast and has sued to block it, said he was concerned that the president was simply picking favorites in states with Republican governors. North Carolina is a key swing state, like Florida, but its Democratic governor is also up for re-election.
Chhattisgarh's case



count rose to 47,280 with 2,017 more people, including the state Congress chief, testing positive on Monday while the death toll climbed to 395 after 15 more people succumbed to the infection and co-morbidities, a health official said.

The state also witnessed the highest number of patients being discharged in a single day at 979, he added.

So far, 22,177 patients have recovered from the infection since the first case reported in March, leaving the state with 24,708 active cases, he said.

Of the 2,017 fresh cases reported from all the 28 districts, maximum was reported in Raipur district (654 cases), worst-hit by the pandemic in the state, followed by Durg (197), Rajnandgaon (190), Bilaspur (173) and Janjgir- Champa (110), he said.

The new cases also included six persons who arrived in from other states, he added.

State Congress president and MLA Mohan Markam tweeted that he has tested positive for

My report for test has come positive due to which I have been hospitalised. I request all those who have came in my contactrecently to stay in quarantine and get themselves tested, Markam said.

Of the 15 deaths, six each took place on Monday and Sunday, two on Saturday and one on September 4, he said.

The state has recorded over 35,800 cases and 308 deaths just in the last one month, he said.

With 16,866 cases, Raipur district tops the tally in the state and it has witnessed 207 deaths so far.

Chhattisgarh's COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases 47,280, new cases 2,017, deaths 395, discharged 22,177, active cases 24,708, people tested so far 6,81,978.

(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 newly launched Max Life Insurance's COVID-19-specific rider is available on 12 of Max Life's existing products ranging from term plans, savings and income plans to retirement plans

Max Life Insurance on Tuesday launched a COVID-19-specific rider on life insurance policies that will provide up to Rs 10 lakh fixed benefit over and above the base policy benefits if death happens due to coronavirus. The rider will come at a premium of Rs 271-2710 excluding taxes for rider sum assured ranging between Rs 1 lakh and 10 lakh. Moreover, right after the COVID-19 diagnosis, the policyholder will receive 20 per cent of the rider sum insured as a fixed benefit, weather death happens or not.

Take, for instance, a person with a life insurance plan of Rs 50 lakh coverage. If he buys Rs 10 lakh COVID rider (premium at Rs 2,710) and tests positive for COVID-19 during the rider policy term, the insurance company will give 20 per cent of Rs 10 lakh (Rs 2 lakh) right then and if death happens, main policy coverage of Rs 50 lakh and COVID rider cover of Rs 10 lakh, both will be paid.

Also Read: Coal off-take improves to 52 MT in July after lockdown relaxations

"It's an industry first rider in the life insurance space which has diagnosis and death benefit both due to COVID-19. For the diagnosis benefit, you don't require medical bills of the insured life. It is a lumpsum amount provided only on the basis of authorised lab report confirming COVID-19 positive result. Upon death of the insured life, 100 per cent of rider sum assured will be paid," says V Viswanand, Deputy Managing Director, Max LifeInsurance.

The newly launched rider is available on 12 of Max Life's existing products ranging from term plans, savings and income plans to retirement plans. It will be available to customers between the age of 18 and 65 years. Note that the rider premium is only dependent on the amount of cover, not the age. So, irrespective of the age, the higher the rider cover, the higher will be the premium.

"There is no hospital benefit available under this rider. You can add Max Life COVID19 One Year Term Rider to your life insurance policy to provide additional protection benefits in case you are diagnosed with COVID-19. The benefits under this rider are payable over and above the base plan benefits," says Viswanand.

Max Life Insurance launched the rider taking into account the findings of its recent survey titled 'Max Life India Protection Quotient- Express in association with KANTAR. The survey revealed that that when confronted by the thought that COVID-19 could prey on the individual and/or family, 31 per cent respondents in metros and 20 per cent in Tier 1 cities said they bought a life insurance with COVID-19/ critical illness rider.

Waiting period and who can buy

Before you go ahead with buying the rider, you must know there will be a waiting period of 15 days since the policy issuance date. Besides, if you happen to travel abroad during the rider policy term, then the 15-day waiting period will again be applicable after you return to India.

Also note the rider is only available for new policy buyers. Existing policyholders cannot have it even if they hold one of the 12 policies on which the rider is available.

Should you buy

Since the premium on COVID rider is quite affordable for a substantial coverage, it can be considered, especially for elderly who stand higher chances of COVID infection and mortality. If you compare it with fixed benefit COVID policy Corona Rakshak that health insurance companies have launched, Max Life COVID rider may turn out to be a better option since former comes with a policy term of 9.5 months at a slightly higher premium.

"Our product is comparable with Corona Rakshak on which Rs 2 lakh diagnosis cover comes at about Rs 4,000 premium for 9.5 months. On the other hand, we're providing diagnosis cover of Rs 2 lakh at Rs 2,710 along with the death benefit of Rs 10 lakh for 12 months," says Viswanand.

Also Read: Deepak Kochhar arrested: 10 reasons why ex-ICICI Bank chief Chanda Kochhar's husband is behind bars

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Arrival at Mascot of the first official TAA flight (Skyliner "Hawdon") from Melbourne on September 9, 1946. Credit:Staff photographer

The public had not yet been invited to travel by T.A.A., as certain airport and terminal amenities had not been completed, it was stated yesterday.

Trans Australia Airlines, operating organisation for the National Airlines Commission, will begin its first passenger air service in the Commonwealth to-day, with a Melbourne-Sydney flight and return.

First published in The Sydney Morning Herald on September 9 & 10, 1946 NEW AIR SERVICE (Sep 9, 1946)

MELBOURNE, Monday.-The first Government airline service will be opened to the public on

October 7, when Trans-Australia Airlines will increase its Sydney-Melbourne flights to four a day.

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Only mail, Government passengers, and Government freight will be carried until October, when terminal facilities will be ready for the large scale handling of passengers.

By December, T.A.A. will have 120 pilots and 60 air hostesses fully trained for its interstate air services.

The Minister for Air (Mr. Drakeford) was a passenger to-day in a T.A.A. airliner, which inaugurated the Melbourne-Sydney service.
BEIJING - India and China accused each other on Tuesday of making provocative military moves and firing warning shots along their disputed border despite talks on ending the escalating tensions.

China said Indian forces on Monday crossed into territory it holds and fired warning shots at a Chinese patrol in what it called a violation of their agreements. India denied that and said Chinese soldiers tried to surround one of its forward posts in a grave provocation and also fired warning shots.

China described it as the first exchange of fire between the countries in 45 years.

The nuclear-armed rivals have been engaged in a tense standoff in the cold-desert Ladakh region since May, and their defence ministers met Friday in Moscow in the first high-level direct contact between the sides since the standoff began.

Chinas western military command said the incursion occurred Monday along the southern coast of Pangong Lake in an area known in China as Shenpaoshan and in India as Chushul. The two countries local military commanders have held several rounds of talks to defuse the tense standoff.

After shots were fired, Chinese forces took necessary measures to stabilize and control the situation, the command said in a statement citing spokesman Zhang Shuili. It demanded the Indian forces withdraw and investigate the move to open fire.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian repeated that Indian troop were the first to shoot. He said it was the first exchange of fire between the sides since 1975, despite the increasing tempo of recent clashes.

We, the Chinese side, has been been stressing repeatedly that the two sides should peacefully settle our differences through dialogue and consultation. Confrontation will not benefit either side, Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing.

Col. Aman Anand, an Indian army spokesman, said China continues provocative activities to escalate tensions and called the Chinese military statement an attempt to mislead domestic and international audiences.

Anand said the Chinese soldiers tried to surround an Indian military post and fired a few shots in the air when the Indian soldiers dissuaded them. He said Indian troops exercised great restraint.

He accused Chinas military of blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvrs while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress.

There was no word of casualties on either side.

Late last month, India said its soldiers thwarted Chinese militarys moves to change the status quo in violation of a consensus reached in past efforts to settle the standoff. In turn, China accused Indian troops of crossing established lines of control.

The activities last month and on Monday were alleged to have occurred on the southern bank of Pangong Lake, a glacial lake divided by the de facto frontier and where the India-China face off began on its northern flank in early May.

The standoff escalated to a nighttime clash on June 15 that was the deadliest conflict in 45 years between the countries. According to Indian officials, Chinese troops atop a ridge at the mouth of the narrow Galwan Valley threw stones, punched and pushed Indian soldiers down the ridge at around 4,500 metres (15,000 feet). India said 20 of its soldiers were killed, including a colonel. China did not report any casualties.

The disputed and undemarcated 3,500-kilometre (2,175-mile) border between India and China, referred to as the Line of Actual Control, stretches from the Ladakh region in the west to the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh in the east. China also claims all of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory.

The Asia giants fought a border war in 1962 that also spilled into Ladakh and ended in an uneasy truce. They have been trying to settle their border dispute since the early 1990s, without success.

India unilaterally declared Ladakh a federal territory and separated it from disputed Kashmir in August 2019, ending its semi-autonomous status. The move further strained the relationship between New Delhi and Beijing, which raised the issue at international forums including the U.N. Security Council.

In a symbolic move amid soaring tensions, India has banned scores of Chinese-owned apps, including TikTok, citing privacy concerns that it said pose a threat to Indias sovereignty and security.

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The automotive remote diagnostics market is expected to grow by USD 11.65 billion during 2020-2024. The report also provides the market impact and new opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect the impact to be significant in the first quarter but gradually lessen in subsequent quarters with a limited impact on the full-year economic growth.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005537/en/

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Automotive Remote Diagnostics Market 2020-2024 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire)

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Technological developments in the field of vehicle connectivity and changing consumer demands have led automakers to introduce telematics applications and services such as e-call, interactive service schedule and planning, and vehicle tracking in their offerings. Besides, government bodies across the world are introducing various mandates regarding the use of connectivity solutions in automobiles. For instance, in 2015 the EU mandated that all cars should be equipped with automatic emergency call technology by 2018. Such mandates are compelling automotive OEMs to offer various telematics solutions as part of their standard services package. These factors are fueling the growth of the global automotive remote diagnostics market.

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=IRTNTR44492

As per Technavio, the increasing volume sales of hybrid and electric vehicles will have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the forecast period. This research report also analyzes other significant trends and market drivers that will influence market growth over 2020-2024.

Automotive Remote Diagnostics Market: Increasing Volume Sales of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Globally the adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles has significantly increased over the years. Manufacturers of these vehicles are increasingly implementing remote diagnostics as a key differentiator to gain an edge over their competitors. The telematics systems used in these vehicles continuously tracks driving behavior, fuel efficiency, and fleet mechanisms to ensure efficient operation of the vehicle. With the growing popularity of self-driving and autonomous vehicles, the growth of the global automotive remote diagnostics market will accelerate during the forecast period.

"Use of telematics in fleet management and the increasing use of active safety systems in entry-level cars will further boost market growth during the forecast period", says a senior analyst at Technavio.

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Automotive Remote Diagnostics Market: Segmentation Analysis

This market research report segments the automotive remote diagnostics market by Type (Passenger cars and Commercial vehicles) and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA).

The North American region led the automotive remote diagnostics market in 2019, followed by Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA respectively. During the forecast period, North America is expected to register the highest incremental growth due to the increasing stringency of regulations regarding vehicle safety in the region.

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report

Some of the key topics covered in the report include:

Market Drivers

Market Challenges

Market Trends

Vendor Landscape

Vendors covered

Vendor classification

Market positioning of vendors

Competitive scenario

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis 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.

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Weeks ago NATO formally rejected embattled President Alexander Lukashenko's claim that the military alliance was busy building up forces along border areas with Belarus. NATO troops are at our gates. Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and  Ukraine are ordering us to hold new elections, he previously told supporters at a rally in mid-August.

Lukashenko reportedly deployed Belarusian national troops to the Western border in response, as tens of thousands of demonstrators demanding he step down after what they say was a "rigged" Aug.9 election ensuring the 26-year ruling strongman stays in power.

While it's unclear the degree to which NATO forces were actually mobilizing or on alert in prior weeks, what is clear as of this weekend is that US troops are indeed next door after having freshly arrived in preparation for two months of joint drills.

2019 file image of Abrams tanks transported to Lithuania, via the Ministry of Defense of Lithuania.

Several hundred troops arrived in neighboring NATO member Lithuania for the "pre-planned" military drills, AFP reported Saturday. Crucially the drills are near the border with Belarus, and include dozens of Abrams tanks which earlier crossed the border from Poland to participate in the war games.

While Lukashenko is likely to see it as a self-validating prophecy of sorts, Lithuania's defense ministry has stressed the war games are pre-planned and not associated with any events in the region.

Still, Minsk has viewed Lithuania as an external trouble-maker given it immediately gave refuge to opposition head and Lukashenko rival for president Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. After she fled Belarus she's given frequent messages of support to the mass anti-Lukashenko movement in the streets.

Meanwhile, the embattled leader which has recently witnessed tens of thousand march to the entrance of his presidential compound, has had to call in military armed vehicles in order to secure the capital amid the swelling protests.

Over the course of August and into September protests, clashes with police have gotten increasingly fierce:

Riot police have been filmed by the BBC attacking and forcibly arresting university students in the capital of Belarus



The students from Minsk were marching in protest against long-time leader Alexander Lukashenkohttps://t.co/Tez19DC5OI pic.twitter.com/O4dy99fyWj  BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) September 2, 2020

He's also touted that Putin has pledged security assistance should the situation destabilize, though it at this point remains unclear the degree Moscow would back his rule, unless Lukashenko comes under direct threat of NATO intervention.

The worst fear is that another Ukraine situation could develop, but at moment it's unlikely that either Europe or Russia has the stomach to escalate things to that level.
By PTI

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut on Monday took to Twitter to share videos of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials at her office premises here and expressed apprehension they may demolish the property.

However, the civic body said the visit by its officals was part of a regular exercise undertaken to keep a tab on illegal constructions in suburban Bandra where her office is located.

Kangana's recent remark comparing Mumbai to Pakistan- occupied Kashmir (PoK) has drawn ire of the ruling Shiv Sena whose leaders are targeting the BJP for defending her.

In a tweet on Monday, she said officials of the Sena- ruled civic body visited her office and may demolish the property on Tuesday.

Stating that she has done nothing illegal on her property, the actor said BMC should show the illegal construction with a notice.

"They have forcefully taken over my office measuring everything, also harassing my neighbors," she tweeted.

"I am informed tomorrow they are demolishing my property," she added.

ALSO READ | My end is my beginning: Kangana Ranaut's message to 'movie mafia'

Parag Masurkar, deputy municipal commissioner, confirmed that a team of officials inspected Ranaut's office set up in a row house located in the upmarket Pali Hill area of Bandra.

He said the visit was a part of regular exercise to keep a tab on illegal constructions and the team also inspected some other row houses in the area.

Masurkar said as per their records it (Ranaut's office) was a residential property, and they wanted to confirm if any changes have been made in the structure.

According to BMC sources, the team is likely to submit a report within a couple of days after which further course of action will be decided.
RTHK: Belarus 'tried to force opposition figure abroad'

Belarus tried to force opposition figure Maria Kolesnikova to leave the country but she tore up her passport to avoid expulsion, a colleague who was in a car with her on the border said on Tuesday.

"She was pushed into the back seat (of the car), she yelled that she wasn't going anywhere," Anton Rodnenkov told a press conference in Kiev after he and another member of the opposition's Coordination Council crossed into Ukraine.

"She tore up her passport," he said, then she left the car through a window and walked back to the Belarusian border.

The other person in the car, the Council's executive secretary Ivan Kravtsov, told the press conference that he and Rodnenkov had been seized in Minsk as they were on their way to Kolesnikova's flat on Monday following reports of her abduction.

Moved between various buildings with their hands tied and bags over their heads, the two men were interrogated, threatened with legal action and finally offered the chance to leave the country alongside Kolesnikova, he said.

"What they were interested in was getting Maria Kolesnikova outside the country. They said this was necessary to de-escalate the situation in Belarus," where anti-government protesters have been taking to the streets for weeks, Kravtsov said.

"I realised that they were trying to take her by force" to the Ukrainian border, he said.

The three were eventually taken in a car to the buffer zone between the two countries' borders, where the two men passed into Ukraine while Kolesnikova refused and was detained. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2020-09-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Kabul:

Bombings across three Afghan cities including Kabul killed around 50 people, in a day of carnage that shattered a relative lull in violence as Taliban insurgents escalate a deadly winter campaign.

At least nine people died when explosives hidden in a sofa detonated inside the governors compound in southern Kandahar during a visit by the UAE ambassador to Afghanistan, who escaped the attack with injuries.

Just hours earlier, twin Taliban blasts in Kabul tore through employees exiting a parliament annexe, which houses the offices of lawmakers, killing at least 30 people and wounding 80 others.

A Taliban suicide bomber killed seven people in Lashkar Gah, the capital of volatile Helmand province, as the militants ramp up nationwide attacks despite the onset of winter, when fighting usually wanes.

The carnage underscores growing insecurity in Afghanistan, where US-backed forces are struggling to combat a resilient Taliban insurgency as well as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants.

ALSO READ | Terror strikes Afghanistan: 47 killed in Kabul, 9 dead in Kandahar; UAE ambassador among injured

Kandahars governor and UAE envoy Juma Mohammed Abdullah Al Kaabi were wounded by flames from the explosion, but many others were burned beyond recognition, provincial police chief Abdul Raziq told AFP.

He said around a dozen people were killed in the bombing, but local Tolo News gave a death toll of nine. No militant group has so far claimed responsibility. But the Taliban said they were behind the Kabul blasts.

In the first explosion, a suicide bomber blew himself up next to a minibus transporting government employees. As rescuers reached the scene, a car bomb exploded.

Among the 30 dead were four policemen who were killed in the second explosion when they rushed to help the victims of the first blast.

Health ministry spokesman Waheed Majroh warned that the toll was expected to rise as many of the wounded were battling for their lives in hospital.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said they were behind the twin blasts, adding the victims were mostly Afghan intelligence agents. The insurgents are known to exaggerate battlefield claims.

The deaths of scores of civilians in todays Kabul bomb attacks indicates that the Taliban are pressing ahead with a gruesome campaign of violence that makes no effort to spare civilian lives, Amnesty International said in a statement.

An immediate, impartial and independent investigation must be carried out to secure justice for the victims and their families.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
We often see insiders buying up shares in companies that perform well over the long term. On the other hand, we'd be remiss not to mention that insider sales have been known to precede tough periods for a business. So before you buy or sell Eagle Mountain Mining Limited (ASX:EM2), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling.

What Is Insider Selling?

Most investors know that it is quite permissible for company leaders, such as directors of the board, to buy and sell stock in the company. However, rules govern insider transactions, and certain disclosures are required.

We would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing. But it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. As Peter Lynch said, 'insiders might sell their shares for any number of reasons, but they buy them for only one: they think the price will rise'.

View our latest analysis for Eagle Mountain Mining

Eagle Mountain Mining Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when MD & Director Charles Bass bought AU$750k worth of shares at a price of AU$0.15 per share. Even though the purchase was made at a significantly lower price than the recent price (AU$0.27), we still think insider buying is a positive. Because the shares were purchased at a lower price, this particular buy doesn't tell us much about how insiders feel about the current share price.

You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Does Eagle Mountain Mining Boast High Insider Ownership?

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Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It's great to see that Eagle Mountain Mining insiders own 47% of the company, worth about AU$18m. I like to see this level of insider ownership, because it increases the chances that management are thinking about the best interests of shareholders.

So What Does This Data Suggest About Eagle Mountain Mining Insiders?

There haven't been any insider transactions in the last three months -- that doesn't mean much. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. Judging from their transactions, and high insider ownership, Eagle Mountain Mining insiders feel good about the company's future. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Eagle Mountain Mining. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 5 warning signs for Eagle Mountain Mining (of which 2 don't sit too well with us!) you should know about.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.



Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com.
The rams saw a harder to please demand but still managed a clearance of 78%. All averages were up on the year with females 20 - 42.50 up. Rams saw a lift of 87.

The senior ewes set a strong trade when topping at 181/head for a pen of seven 3 year olds from DW Ellis, Pentrefoelas, going home with JG Morton, Penrith. Mr Ellis sold further pens for 176/head (2 year olds), 168/head (4 year olds) and 145/head (5 year olds). GO & E Williams, Derwen sold 3year olds for 142/head to RJ Davies, St Asaph.

The shearling ewes were topped by well known breeders E & D Jones, Machynellth when selling a pen of seven for 220/head to Andrew Hartley, Hebden Bridge. The same buyer bought a pen at 198/head from the Joness. Whilst GW & GW Green, Bridgenorth also paid 198 for a pen of eight form the Jones Family. All the way down from Ruthwell, Scotland was James Goldie who sold pens for196/head and two lots at 190 to JM Hallam, High Peak. JA & R Geldard & Sons, Kendal sold their best pen at 195/head to Adam Kikbride, Keswick. There was a consistent show of quality sheep throughout with 160-170 achieved regular away. You could pick up smaller compact types from 145 to 155. With those picked out for pedigree breeding regularly 180 and above.

The solid trades in the prime and store lamb rings at present provided a firm base for ewe lambs helping to put the average up 21 on the year. A & G Hughes, Clynnogfawr topped when selling their first pen at 202/head to the telephone bid of Francis Brewer, Exeter. Next AW Davies, Pwllheli sold his pen at 172/head to another telephone bidder this time, Aidan McConville in Northern Ireland. Mr McConville also bought two pens at 140/head from G & A Fort, Keighley. Both WJ & DJ Williams, Pwllheli and C & J Price, Brecon sold pens for 120/head. Most pens hit the 100 with some smaller running type lambs bought could be bought in the 90s.
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) London  Tue, September 8, 2020 10:37 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c436153d 2 News England,quarantine,travel,greece,tourism Free

England on Monday added seven Greek islands to its coronavirus quarantine list, but the mainland remains exempt, as the government seeks a more targeted way to limit new cases from abroad.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said anyone arriving from Lesbos, Tinos, Serifos, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini or Zakynthos from 0300 GMT on Wednesday must self-isolate for a fortnight.

At the same time, Britain's foreign ministry warned against all but essential travel to the seven islands, many of them popular destinations for British tourists, particularly young people.

Read also: Australian filmmaker braves double COVID quarantine for Venice festival

The UK began introducing quarantine in June as one way to stop new infections of coronavirus, which has killed more than 41,500 people -- the worst death toll from the pandemic in Europe.

But changes made with little notice and confusion over different policies in different UK nations -- notably England and Scotland -- sparked anger in the travel industry and frustration among tourists.

Shapps said quarantine measures could not be targeted at specific regions within countries as there was too much movement between high and low risk areas, but islands had natural boundaries.

"Through the use of enhanced data, we will now be able to pinpoint risk in some of the most popular islands, providing increased flexibility to add or remove them -- distinct from the mainland -- as infection rates change," he said.

Scotland has introduced quarantine measures for arrivals from the whole of Greece, while Wales also has restrictions on six islands.

Topics : England quarantine travel greece tourism
MUMBAI, India, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Edtech venture GlobalShala has announced that they will be sending winners of their Superhero U contest to the UN Headquarters in New York, USA. The competition launched earlier this month for college and school students with curiosity and creativity to solve global challenges highlighted in the United Nation's SDGs. Besides this, the company had earlier announced prize money worth $90,000 for the winners and up to a total of 7 final round winners will be announced across the globe.

The sole purpose behind the Superhero U competition was to cultivate a force of forward-thinking young leaders, where individuals are to invent a 'Superhero' that essentially takes on universal challenges and strives to make the world a better place. Inspired by the United Nation's SDGs, GlobalShala has crossed the boundaries with this initiative and has invited applications from across the globe to participate.

Talking about the competition, Anushika Jain, Founder & CEO, GlobalShala, said, "Sustainability is the driving force towards accomplishing economic and social development of every nation across the world. The United Nations have been the torchbearers for Sustainable Development Goals among international communities. We want everyone who participates to be a winner of the Superhero U competition at each round by demonstrating the most creativity, innovation, collaboration, and resilience that will win gift cards, micro-scholarships for college, and learning experiences valued at up to US$90,000 along with an opportunity for their ideas to be showcased and reviewed by top officials at UN. Geographically speaking, every continent, country, the state has its own set of differentiated sustainable development goals, and therefore each will have a different Superhero to tackle their problems for social good. Hence, taking into account the global perspective, we are planning to announce one winner from each continent, making a total of 7 final round winners who will be chosen to visit New York, USA. We hope to aspire individuals across the world to create their own Superhero and aim towards transforming these creative ideas into action plans for global development."

Besides this, GlobalShala has also introduced an interesting referral program, where individuals can refer their family and friends and win Amazon gift cards worth $1000.

The competition has opened its doors wide for creativity and has allowed candidates to bring out the social entrepreneurship in them and catalyze their creative thinking and innovation to design their own hero in posters, comic strip, video, or video game formats featuring their hero to solve a global problem.

So far GlobalShala has received entries from over 50 countries for the competition and will be accepting entries till October 9, 2020.

To learn more, please visit: https://superherou.globalshala.com

About GlobalShala:

Inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (mainly Education, Gender Equality and Women Empowerment), GlobalShala is providing learners across the globe a platform to express, experience, explore, and engage through various learning opportunities and internships to obtain quality jobs and sustainable economic growth through purposeful possibilities that will open up hopes and dreams of lifelong learners to make a good world better.

Link: https://globalshala.com/

SOURCE GlobalShala
Autry Museum President and Chief Executive W. Richard West Jr., pictured at the museum in 2015 (Richard Vogel / AP)

The man credited for transforming L.A.'s Autry Museum of the American West and championing contemporary Native American artists has announced plans to retire.

President and Chief Executive W. Richard West Jr. will retire in June 2021, the museum said Tuesday. UCLA history professor emeritus Stephen Aron, who has a scholarly history with the Autry dating to 2002, will succeed him.

West, who is a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, has led the Autry since Jan. 1, 2013. Previously he was founding director of the Smithsonians National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., and prior to that he spent nearly 20 years as a Native rights attorney.

During his 7-year tenure at the Autry, he is credited with transforming the institution founded as the Autry Museum of Western Heritage in 1988 by actor-cowboy Gene Autry and his wife, Jackie, along with another singing cowboy, Monte Hale, and his wife, Joanne.

My life as a director of museums is a double rainbow, West said in an interview. Ive had the honor and the pleasure of directing two of the finest museums, but I made a vow to myself that I would not be directing a museum when I turned 80!

West, 77, grew annual attendance at the Autry by more than 25%, to an average of nearly 200,000 visitors a year before the museum closed in March because of the pandemic. In 2015 he launched an $80-million fundraising campaign (of which $71 million has been raised so far) to expand exhibitions, programming and educational initiatives. West also grew the collection, adding about 3,600 items to whats now more than 600,000 objects  art and artifacts as well as a library and archives that include rare books, old maps and sound recordings. In 2019 he oversaw completion of the Autrys Resources Center, a collections, research and education facility in Burbank that will open to the public in early 2021.

West  who was born in San Bernardino and whose father was an artist  also shaped exhibitions and programming with an eye toward making the museum more relevant and diverse. That has included the Autry on the map as a destination for contemporary Native American art.

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The museum has presented traveling exhibitions featuring contemporary artists including Rick Bartow and David Bradley. The museum's group show When I Remember I See Red: American Indian Art and Activism in California will open virtually this fall.

West is particularly proud of the 2019 Autry-produced exhibition Coyote Leaves the Res: the Art of Harry Fonseca, centered on the California-born artist whose estate the museum acquired in 2016, and La Raza, the Autrys 2017 offering for the Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA initiative organized by the Getty. "La Raza" was about a Chicano rights movement publication of the same name that was active from 1967 to 1977.

West diversified the Autrys curatorial staff with the goal of expanding whose stories are told in the American West. This past December, the museum announced two high-profile hires: Minnesota-based curator Joe D. Horse Capture as vice president and curator, and California African American Museum curator Tyree A. Boyd-Pates as associate curator of Western history.

Tyree and Joe, because of their own experiences and their own work," West said, "will bring voices of the African American communities and the numerous contemporary native communities across the U.S. that then have impact on the life of the museum and making the museum a resource for those communities.

Wests tenure at the Autry was not without its difficulties.

He inherited a controversial conversation over the future of the historic but financially troubled Southwest Museum of the American Indian, the 100-plus-year-old museum in Mt. Washington that is L.A.s oldest. The Autry assumed ownership of it when the organizations merged in 2003. The Southwest Museum holds one of the countrys most important collections of indigenous art and artifacts, for which the Autry cares. But groups such as Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition and residents of the area have argued that the shuttered 1914 building and grounds should reopen as a museum unto itself. The Autry has said the cost of updating and operating the building, including seismic structural improvements, would be prohibitive.

In Spring 2019, together with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, West began the complicated process of seeking to transfer ownership of the Southwest Museum. Conversations between the city, L.A. County and the Autry about the Southwest Museums future are still in progress.

In 2015 West changed the museums name from the Autry National Center of the American West  a name it had gone by since 2004, representing the Autry, the newly-acquired Southwest Museum and a new research arm, the Institute for the Study of the American West, for which Aron was founding executive director. Autry Museum of the American West was more streamlined and Google-friendly, whereas the old name, West told the Los Angeles Times in 2015, "is a bit of a misnomer and out of date."

During the COVID-19 crisis and nationwide protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd, the Autry launched collecting initiatives to document the pandemic and the protests for future generations. Boyd-Pates is curating the Collecting Community History Initiative: The West During Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter Protests in the West, acquiring and preserving ephemera  handwritten journals, photography, recipes, protest posters, face masks and other PPE  from this moment in history.

Aron, who joined UCLAs history department in 1996, helped to secure a grant for the initiative from the UCLA History Departments Luskin Center for History and Policy.

The project, Aron said in the announcement Tuesday, exemplifies the ways in which Rick West and the Autry staff have tackled the diversity and complexity of the American West, blazing a trail that I intend to follow.

West will stay on at the Autry for such an unusually long time, until next summer, because he feels its important to guide the museum through what he hopes is the worst of the pandemic.

In something of a programmatic exit ceremony, West will host a series of events, virtual to start, over the next year that touch on museum trends, COVID-19, and contemporary Native American art, among other topics.

I have great confidence in Stephen Aron, Im thrilled hes my successor, West said. As for myself, I dont play golf, Im not heading in that direction. Im still involved with a number of Native-connected or museum-connected organizations, and I will just continue to do these kinds of things, the elements that always inspired and drove me.
Last Thursday, The Atlantic dropped a bomb that wasnt really all that surprising. The President of the United States, that faux-patriot, had referred to Americans who had died in war as losers, and suckers, the magazine alleged; other outlets later confirmed this story (despite the predictable and repeated denials of the President himself). This might have felt indefensible to most  and yet some have defended it.

The most visible defender rushed to the Presidents aid on Sunday. Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, upon learning that Joe Bidens camp would be using Trumps quotes as fodder for a campaign video, said that the President has tremendous love and respect for American troops.

Former Governor Haley was once touted as a rising star within the Republican Party, and so it may seem shocking that she would choose this particular moment to defend Trump. There are few opportunities, after all, that are as ripe for distancing as this one. What But what Haleys comments show are that Republicans have actually learned something from this Trumpian era, like Pavlovs dogs. It seems her drooling, power-hungry reaction betrays not a true belief that the president loves our troops, but, rather, a true belief that that Republicans will not be penalized for saying even the most disgusting, most outlandish things. Trump certainly hasnt been.

If Haleys goal is to be president someday (and many would argue that this is, in fact, her ultimate goal), she might as well toss out any semblance of ethos she once claimed to possess. As of 2016, ethos doesnt matter. A president can show disdain for the troops without consequence. A political strategy of supporting said president is not necessarily a losing one, cast in this light.

Haley has been, in fact, a student of the political moment. She has watched a man rise to power by employing every crass tactic in the book. She has stood by as Trump has faced no consequence for conspiring with Russia to rig an election; for hiring criminal after criminal for his administration; for debasing the Constitution; for dog-whistling at the extremist right (more like cow-belling, really); for inciting violence through his inflammatory rhetoric; for failing to act with any federal authority in a pandemic; for overseeing an economic collapse; for referring to women as pigs; for calling Black people thugs; and for always taking the side of the oppressor, in every imaginable scenario, wearing his racism like a cape.

More broadly, Nikki Haley, in her sad, aspirational way, is a stand-in for every Republican. Inaction  or, in Nikki Haleys case, action, in the form of a mounted defense  has been a choice, dictated by learned behavior. Nikki Haleys defense of the president shows that Republicans have learned one thing in the Trump era, and its that bad behavior is rewarded. Why be moral, when you can win elections? Why be decent, when you can get paid?

This may not have been the teachable moment we had hoped for in this fraught moment, but Haley, whom many had pinned hopes on, proves its truth. The point, for Republicans, is not to outlive evil, or to turn away from it. It is, instead, to use it as a stepping-stone to more power, since evil, it turns out, is plenty popular in its own right. The lesson Republicans have learned is one that the truly decent among us should take to heart: Trump has made winning the only important thing. Those who do not win, on account of morals or ethics, are only, after all, losers or suckers.
By Neil Jerome Morales and Karen Lema

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines reported its lowest number of new daily coronavirus cases in nearly eight weeks on Monday, but officials sought to temper optimism and warned of a prolonged battle as the pandemic rages on.

The health ministry confirmed 1,383 new infections, bringing total cases to 238,727, the highest in Southeast Asia, but the least since July 14. It reported 15 new deaths, taking total fatalities to 3,890.

Officials warned against complacency as the economy reopens.

"This challenge of COVID-19 could extend to next year. First of all, we cannot be complacent and ignore the threat," Vivencio Dizon, who leads the government's testing programme, told a news conference.

Only three-quarters of testing laboratories submitted results on Monday, however, less than the 82% average in the past week.

The Philippines from mid-March to June imposed one of the world's strictest lockdowns, during which new daily cases were reported in the low hundreds. But infections started soaring soon after, as authorities eased restrictions in a bid to revive the country's troubled economy.

The capital and nearby provinces are still under coronavirus restrictions until end-September, limiting the movement of non-essential personnel and banning social gatherings to prevent more infections. International travel and movement between regions remains restricted.

"We are in the process of flattening the curve but this process can easily be reversed," Ranjit Rye, a University of the Philippines professor and part of a research group whose projections and recommendations have guided the government's lockdown measures.

"The government should not overestimate this achievement and underestimate the virus," Rye told Reuters, adding that the improvement in testing, contact tracing and isolation should continue.

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales and Karen Lema; Editing by Martin Petty)
An Ethiopia Airline plane on Monday, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, conveying 120 passengers and 13 crew members from Addis Ababa. The aircraft with registration number ET-AUC arrived at 1:32 pm.

It was the first commercial flight into the capital city since March 2020.

Speaking with newsmen after the flight arrived, the Director-General of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Rabio Yadudu, described the feat as a huge breakthrough in the aviation industry in the country.

He recalled that the Federal Government closed the nations airspace due to COVID-19 pandemic in March. The international flight that just arrived is a lifesaver to all of us in the aviation industry. The past seven months have been challenging for everybody in the sector.

The first flight that did come into domestic wings gave us a lot of confidence that we were coming back. Now the international flight. I believe every stakeholder in the aviation sector is happy. Having multiple international flights in a day depends on the preparation of the airline. Our airport has resumed operation and we open our doors for the airlines. Some airlines are ready to resume today while some will be ready within the week, he said.

Yadudu commended passengers for their patience and compliance with stated policy to avoid spreading COVID-19 in the airport.

Some of the arriving passengers, however, frowned at the tedious nature of the processes they were made to go through by airport officials. They also complained about the long period it took to fill the COVID-19 test form online.
The extortion continued with Ryan Rusts transfer to the Bullock medium-security prison in Union Springs, where he was stabbed again, and from where the family received one of the more horrifying threats. They were going to take baby oil and something else and heat it up in the microwave, Jeff Rust said. Then throw it on him if we didnt pay.
Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi wrote a letter to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urging him to ensure the safe return of five youth from Arunachal Pradesh who have allegedly been abducted by Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).

I am writing to you to register my grave concern regarding the condition of the five young men from Arunachal Pradesh that have gone missing from the Upper Subansiri district during a hunting exercise. Members of the family have made statements alleging that they have been abducted, wherein they hold the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army as the party responsible for the said abduction, Gogoi stated.

I urge the Government to look into this matter and ensure that steps are taken immediately to ensure the safe return of these 5 youth and to strengthen security along the border region, he said.

The Member of Parliament said that such an action in the North East is alarming and must be dealt with more sternly in light of rising aggression by the Chinese in the Ladakh region.

As per reports, the Indian Army at present is merely waiting for a response from its Chinese counterparts at the respective border point. Besides these statements, the State Government has divulged no further information or elucidated any further steps that would be taken in this regard, read the letter.

The people of Arunachal Pradesh have already expressed their displeasure at the States level of inaction and apathy in the situation. They have raised the question; why has the Government failed to take into account the numerous aggressions and incursions undertaken by the PLA along the McMahon line in Arunachal Pradesh? he asked.
STOREY COUNTY, Nev.Even as Nevadas legal brothels remain locked down due to health restrictions in the coronavirus pandemic, one well-known brothelthe Mustang Ranch, about 15 miles east of Renohas qualified to receive federal cash as part of a COVID-19 economic relief program, according to a report by The Associated Press.

Nevadas legal brothel industry, which consists of about 20 establishments, has struggled during the pandemic. But with the state still enduring an alarmingly high 11.1 percent coronavirus test positivity rate, and 390 new COVID-19 cases per dayor almost 13 new cases fro every 100,000 residentsNevada still has not entered its third phase of economic reopening. That means the brothels remain closed.

Sex-industry businesses have been shut out from receiving federal aid, as AVN.com has reported, but now thanks to a program administered by Nevadas Storey County, one of the most widely-known brothels in the state will receive at least some cash relief. But the brothels owner says it wont nearly be enough.

The Mustang Ranch is the only state-licensed brothel in Storey County, and is owned by Lance Gilmanwho sits on the board of county commissioners. According to the AP report, the brothel could receive up to $3,000 in grant money. The cash comes out of a $150 billion fund that was allocated to local governments by the federal government.

But according to the report, Gilman says that his establishment has already lost $11 million in combined income and expenses, as a result of shutting down in March.

If theres help, its going to be a drop in the bucket," Gilman said, as quoted by the AP. "Were going to put it toward surviving. Were in the same plight as anybody else. We have to be a standing business when, finally, the administration decides they can open the state.

Storey Countys share of the $150 billion in federal cash came to about $200,000. Despite the federal regulations shutting out adult industry businesses, individual counties may determine which businesses qualify for the funds. Storey is the only Nevada County that decided to make brothelsor in this case, its only brotheleligible for the payments.

While Mustang Ranch, as a sexually-oriented business, was unable to qualify for a federal Paycheck Protection Loan, a restaurant attached to the brothelthe Wild Horse Saloondid get approval for a PPP loan that was reportedly as high as $350,000.

PPP loans were designed to cover employee payrolls for about 10 weeks, thus avoiding layoffs at least in theory. The county grants, however, can be used for other expenditures such as product inventory and personal protective equipment.

Photo By Fernando Zhiminaicela / Pixabay
Global risk and reinsurance specialist Guy Carpenter has launched a new flood model for the heavily-hit area of Indonesia.

The Marsh & McLennan companies business will offer countrywide coverage that allows insurers to assess their exposure to floods, which is the natural peril that occurs on a most common basis in the country.

Based on a 10,000 year stochastic catalog that simulates riverine and rainfall flooding, the idea behind the flood model is that it can be used to produce event-loss tables, probability curves and average annual losses at almost any level of aggregation. According to Dr David Marechel, lead hydrologist at Guy Carpenter, it is a vital step given that the area suffers from very regular flooding.

This is driven by natural causes such as high-intensity seasonal rainfall, and man-made influences such as increasing urban density in flood plains and deforestation, he said. We expect to see increased impact from flooding over the near and medium term due to climate change influences.

According to Rob Bentley, CEO of global strategic advisory at Guy Carpenter, the introduction of the model follows the success of similar editions in the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand.

The new model covers the whole of Indonesia, replacing our previous Jakarta-only model, and includes the proposed area for the new capital city in East Kalimantan, he said. Our new generation of models in Southeast Asia have combined event-sets, allowing us to study correlations within the region.
Govt asks auto makers to reduce imports, boost exports

The Modi government has exhorted automakers to reduce imports and increase domestic production in order to play a bigger role in the global supply chain, as part of its effort to make the country more self-reliant.

Addressing the annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) today, union minister of commerce and industry and railways Piyush Goyal said Indias auto industry should strive for global dominance, in terms of both auto components and finished products.

Reciprocity, high quality, affordability and good economies of scale will help us expand our global engagement, Goyal said, adding, Design, packaging and brand building are three pre-requisites for us if we want to offer our products across the world.

India is willing to provide a very facilitated environment. We are engaged with many companies who are looking for more resilient value chains. We have to identify sectors where we have a comparative and competitive edge over other countries. I am sure we will become trusted, reliable partners where countries across the world can look at greater engagement with India, he said.

Calling upon the automotive industry to work together in the spirit of partnership, he said, Ours is a listening government, and we are delighted to be available to the auto industry to find solutions and work together in partnership to achieve a better future, increase localisation in India and harness export potential on fair terms. When a company works in India, they get a large Indian market.

We are improving the scale and quality of what we are producing and serving. With this, we are seeing how we can improve competitiveness to engage with the world, he said.

The government, he said, is open to raising duties on auto imports in a phased manner in a bid to boost domestic production, even as the country's auto industry set a target to halve imports of components within five years.

Goyal said raising duties was "not a bad idea" to discourage automakers from importing car kits, comprised of partially or completely knocked down vehicles, and using India only as an assembly base to get market share.

"We may look at something like a phased manufacturing plan. I will be open to suggestions," he said.

As the country moves towards `Aatmanirbhar Bharat the automobile industry's role becomes more important, he said, adding that the government is willing to engage as often as required to find solutions for greater global engagement.

Goyal asked the automotive companies to reduce royalty payments to their principals, which, he said, would also help them to sail through the crisis easily. He said those automakers that hold a sizeable share of the countrys auto market also pay millions of dollars as royalty to their parent companies. Reduction in Royalty can help them reduce the cash outflow, bring down vehicle prices and help boost domestic sales.

On the issue of Quality Control Orders (QCO), Goyal said that these should not be seen as barriers. He said that it is high time India started looking at quality control and provided the world with high-quality products. Once we get the quality consciousness in the country as a whole, we will transform India's future, and that is the effort we are taking. Quality is never expensive. It brings down the cost. Quality brings in a culture in the company which always brings in - more efficiency, better productivity, and makes cost reasonable. We need to bring in a culture of quality in the country, which has to be emulated by the customer. Only then will we become a global player, he said.

Quoting Swami Vivekananda he said, "If the mind is intensely eager, everything can be accomplished - mountains can be crumbled into atom, the minister said that he is glad that auto industry is looking at re-skilling and re-training workers to align them with current trends in manufacturing

Goyal said the auto industry has over the last many years overcome many difficult situations and emerged stronger. Our auto industry over the last many years has overcome many difficult situations but has come out stronger because they had the will to achieve. Truly, the industry is our pride. I have no doubt that the resilience that the automobile industry has demonstrated itself to be over the last many years, will once again help the industry to emerge stronger from Covid crisis. I would like to congratulate the automobile manufacturer industry for their contributions towards the fight against Covid-19, where the people showed adaptability and innovation. Many repurposed units to even manufacture ventilators, rising to the occasion, he added.

The minister said that to help the auto industry with affordable logistics option, Indian Railways is ready to reduce freight rate. Goyal said that the automakers should find out innovative finance options, which would attract the financiers to lend money, as well as attract the buyers. To help the auto sector, especially exporters, the government will be happy to come up with innovative credit guarantee schemes, he added.
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The Government could soon launch a crackdown on young people spreading coronavirus after the UK today reported 30 more Covid-19 deaths - the highest one-day total for six weeks - and a further 2,420 cases.

Young people were handed a stark warning tonight that the UK faces more lockdown misery unless they start obeying social distancing rules.

Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock joined medical experts in delivering a desperate appeal for 20 and 30-somethings to rein in their behaviour, amid growing alarm over a surge in cases.

There is growing speculation that Mr Johnson could move to impose stricter rules on indoor gatherings but the prospect of a fresh crackdown has sparked anger among some Tory MPs who have urged the PM not to overreact to worsening case numbers.

In a potential sign of things to come for the rest of the country, the Health Secretary announced that pubs in Bolton must shut their doors to stem a flare-up. With immediate effect, they can only serve takeaway, and are obliged to close between 10pm and 5am.

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson has warned he 'will not hesitate' to impose tougher measures to tackle a renewed threat from Covid.

The PM is believed to be on the verge of slashing the legal limit on indoor private gatherings, potentially as early as tomorrow, to assuage concerns about the level of infections in the UK.

The number of people legally allowed to meet up in private homes could be reduced in England from the current maximum of 30, potentially to as low as six, and subject to fines running into thousands of pounds.

It is not expected the change would cover venues such as pubs, which have 'Covid Secure' measures in place.

Addressing his Cabinet this morning, Mr Johnson warned that in other countries the rise in infections 'was followed a couple of weeks later by a rise in hospitalisations'. He said that was due to young people picking up the disease and then 'going on to infect other generations'.

No10 refused to confirm that the limit on gatherings will definitely be tightened this week, but insisted the government was taking the situation 'extremely seriously' and 'will not hesitate' to act if necessary.

However, the prospect of such a move immediately sparked anger from Tory MPs who pointed out that infection levels remain extremely low.

One former minister told MailOnline it would be 'dreadful and disproportionate', an 'enormous intrustion into private life' and 'rule by directive'.

The latest daily death total of 30 is considerably higher than the three recorded yesterday. Although the statistic is higher than recent weeks scientists have cautioned against reading too much into one-day fluctuations and have said that broader trends are a better indicator of the situation.

There were 13 fatalities recorded on Thursday last week and a spell of three days that saw a total 44 in the last week of August.

The Government has been fearful hospitalisations will soon begin to rise as a result of rising infections, despite scientists reassuring that most cases are among younger, healthy generations.

The Department of Health announced the significant hike in deaths but said it did not include Northern Ireland which is yet to report its figures

In other coronavirus developments today:

Officials are considering reducing the number of people who can gather indoors in England. The current limit is 30 but it could be cut as a result of the current spike in cases;

Just over 57,400 deaths involving Covid-19 have now been registered in the UK, according to statistical bodies which uses death certificates;

Pubs in Bolton have been ordered back into lockdown today - the first in England - amid desperate efforts to stop partying young people fuelling a surge in coronavirus cases;

England's deputy chief medical officer warned coronavirus must be taken very seriously again or the UK will face 'a bumpy ride over the next few months';

The director of the government's test and trace system has admitted that screening for the public is being held back by problems with testing capacity.

Official data shows the surge of new cases over July and August has been driven by those in their teens and 20s while cases in older generations continue to decline.

British hospital admissions have remained stable with just one in 100,000 people currently needing medical care for Covid-19 infection, which further supports people aren't getting seriously sick with the disease.

It follows Mr Hancock telling MPs in the House of Commons today that 'just because we've come through one peak, it does not mean we cannot see another one coming'.

Several locations in the UK have had to impose tighter Covid-19 restrictions to try and curb transmission, with pubs in Bolton the first in England to be ordered back into into lockdown.

The Department of Health's update of 30 Covid-19 deaths today covers all settings, including hospitals, care homes and private homes.

Scotland recorded three Covid-19 deaths across all settings earlier today - the highest since June 30.

It comes after several weeks with barely any deaths and after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned this week hospitalisations may also be on the up.

The death toll today is ten times higher than yesterday, when only three deaths were reported.

LOCKDOWNS IN THE UK Caerphilly, Wales Wales's health minister has said local lockdown in the county borough of Caerphilly will not be lifted until October 'at the very least'. People will not be allowed to enter or leave the area without a reasonable excuse after the restrictions come into force at 6pm on Tuesday. Everyone over the age of 11 will be required to wear face coverings in shops  the first time this will be mandatory in Wales. Meetings with other people indoors and extended households will not be allowed, while overnight stays have also been banned. Western Scotland Lockdown restrictions on household visits across western parts of Scotland have been continued for a further week  as well as being extended to other council areas. Measures  originally introduced in Glasgow, East Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire  now also apply to East Dunbartonshire and Renfrewshire. The restrictions bar people from visiting separate households in these parts of the country, while also prohibiting them from visiting homes in other local authorities which have not been impacted. The measures also mean indoor visits to hospitals and care homes will be limited to essential visits only to protect the most vulnerable. Bolton, England Hospitality venues are being restricted to takeaway-only in Bolton as part of new measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the town, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told MPs. Bolton Council said on Saturday it was introducing tougher measures 'with immediate effect', with people asked not to mix with other households in any setting, either indoors or outdoors, and to only use public transport for essential purposes. The council said the new restrictions aim to prevent a local lockdown, after the town's infection rate increased to 99 cases per 100,000 people per week  the highest in England. Those aged between 18 and 49 account for more than 90 per cent of the cases, the local authority said. Parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire, Preston, and West Yorkshire If people live in one of the affected areas they must not host people they do not live with in their home or garden, unless they are in their support bubble. You also must not meet people you do not live with in their home or garden, whether inside or outside of the affected area, unless they are in your support bubble, according to the Government website. A support bubble is where a household with one adult joins with another household. Households within a bubble can still visit each other, stay overnight, and visit public places together. Blackburn, Oldham and Pendle As with the above, there is a ban on two households mixing indoors or in a garden. People should not visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances. And in specific areas with additional restrictions, people should not socialise with people they do not live with at indoor public venues or outdoor venues such as parks. Leicester City People should not have visitors to their homes or socialise with people they do not live with in other indoor public venues such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions. They also should not visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances. There are no local lockdown measures in Northern Ireland so far. Advertisement

And it does not appear to be as a result of the 'weekend' or 'bank holiday' affect, when a delay in reporting deaths leads to a higher number on Tuesday, given that trends show three deaths were reported last Tuesday, and only 16 the week before that.

The last time deaths were this high was July 29, when 34 deaths were reported. Daily fatalities have continuously declined since then.

Today's high death count may just be as a result of historical data.

Scientists tend not to put much weight on a singular daily figure and look at trends over time.

It is too early to say what it means, if it is significant. However, it follows a barrage of warnings from Health Secretary Matt Hancock that hospitalisations and deaths would follow a rise in cases over July and August.

Cases have been on an upward trajectory in the late summer, with some 2,193 people now being diagnosed each day, on average.

Infection rates are highest among those in their teens and 20s, official data shows, and Mr Hancock has said it is mostly '17 to 21 year olds' testing positive.

Scientists have consistently said this is not something to worry about until spread starts spilling into the vulnerable and elderly parts of the community - which hospital and death data has so far suggested is not the case.

Health officials are rattled, however, and are warning young people to stop going to parties and large gatherings and to respect the social distancing laws.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday appeared on Radio 1 to tell youngsters 'Don't kill your gran' as deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam said people had 'relaxed too much'.

Downing Street warned yesterday the 'concerning' number of cases would generally be expected to lead to a rise across the population as a whole.

A recent spike in cases across the country should be a reminder that the virus 'remains a threat', the Health Secretary said today, as he warned of a possible second peak of coronavirus.

'This is not over,' he told the House of Commons.

'Just because we have come through one peak doesn't mean we can't see another one coming towards our shores.'

England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has also warned that if people stop social distancing then 'Covid comes back'.

Mr Hancock's warning of a potential second wave in the UK - one of many in recent weeks - comes just a day after he said cases in Britain are not spiralling out of control.

Scientists, too, have said there is nothing unexpected about the uptick in cases, given that so many lockdown restrictions had been eased this summer.

Dr Andrew Preston, a reader in microbial pathogenesis at the University of Bath, told MailOnline: 'A rise in infections was inevitable. The way we reduced infections in the first place was through a very draconian lock down.

'Easing of restrictions equates to increasing interactions between people which, as the virus was still circulating at that time, means increased transmission.

'It highlights that probably, it is impossible to restart the economy, with service and hospitality being so central to it, without increasing infections.'

However, experts agree there is an element of risk that new cases - predominantly in young people - could lead to hikes in hospitalisations if people are not careful.

Dr Preston said: 'If it remains focused on cohorts who generally don't suffer disease, or suffer only mild disease, then in theory it might not amount to a major problem.

'However, the age group in which some of the increase is happening are the dangerous asymptomatic carriers. This could mean we could build up high levels of infection without necessarily knowing about it, and there is the risk this could lead to a tipping point where it spills over into vulnerable populations and then we have a serious issue.'

Mr Hancock has repeatedly expressed his fears this will happen, saying it was a pattern seen in the US and other parts of Europe and the UK must to 'everything in its power' to avoid the same.

But reassuring data shows hospital admissions in Europe are still at only a fraction of the level they were in March and April.

Countries such as France, Spain and Belgium, which are now seeing hospital patient numbers rise again, are recording far fewer admissions than at the peak of the pandemic despite thousands of cases being declared each day.

In France, for example, the weekly rate of admission to hospital is now two per 100,000, down from more than 35 at the peak of the outbreak in March. This is despite the country counting record numbers of infections in recent weeks.

Data from Public Health England shows that more than 40 per cent of coronavirus tests done in hospitals were positive in March and April but this has now plummeted and remains below 2.5 per cent in both hospitals and the community. This shows that there remains only a small proportion of people with the symptoms of coronavirus who actually have it

Rising Covid cases being driven by young people Rising Covid-19 cases are being driven by people in their teens and 20s, where cases have tripled since July, official data shows, while the number of positive tests among older generations has continued to fall. MailOnline analysis shows infections have surged from 9.2 to 28 cases per 100,000 since July 4, 'Super Saturday', in those aged 20 to 29 in England. And the case rate has also quadrupled among teenagers - those aged 10 to 19 years old - over July and August, before schools reopened, from 4.1 cases per 100,000 people to 16.2. At the same time, cases in those over 80 have dropped drastically since the height of the pandemic, when they made up the majority of Covid-19 cases, and have halved since July. Infections among older people  those who are most likely to get seriously ill or die if they catch the virus  have fallen steadily since lockdown. Those groups may be more likely to take social distancing rules seriously and to continue staying home to protect themselves because they understand the risks the virus brings, scientists have said. While fears grow of a severe second wave of Covid-19 hitting the UK, the fact that most cases are among younger, healthy generations offers reassurance that hospitalisations and deaths will not be a direct result of small spikes. Advertisement

And in Spain, where the admission rate was one per 100,000 in June, hospitalisations hit four per 100,000 at the end of August - still a far cry from the 50 per 100,000 being admitted in early April.

Mr Hancock claimed today that Spain's hospitalisations had 'risen 15 times since mid-July'. But data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control shows admissions rose by four times in that period.

British hospital admissions have remained stable with just one in 100,000 people currently needing medical care for Covid-19 infection.

It represents a fraction of the approximately 32 people per 100,000 who were taken to hospital with the virus at the peak of the UK's crisis in mid-April.

Professor Paul Hunter, an epidemiologist from the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline that in the science community 'nobody expects hospital admissions and death rates to stay flat for more than two weeks'.

But the kinds of people ending up in hospital is crucial for judging the severity of the outbreak  younger people are significantly less likely to die than the elderly.

Professor Hunt said: 'Most people would expect that in two, three, four, weeks we'll see an obvious increase in both in hospitalisations and deaths.'

Keith Neal, emeritus professor in the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, told MailOnline: 'I think the likelihood is that hospital rates go up in the coming weeks because even some young people will end up in hospital - because infections are quite high.

'A small percentage of young people will be badly affected and need hospitalisations, and the threshold for admissions has probably been lowered compared to in April when only the sickest people were admitted.'

MailOnline analysis shows rising Covid-19 cases are being driven by people in their teens and 20s, where cases have tripled since July.

Infections have surged from 9.2 to 28 cases per 100,000 since July 4, 'Super Saturday', in those aged 20 to 29 in England.

But European nations are only seeing a fraction of the weekly admissions they had during the peak of the pandemic, raising questions about whether it can really constitute a 'second wave'

Coronavirus hospital admissions could start to rise in the UK in three weeks, data from other European countries suggests. When Spain, France and Belgium hit 18 cases per 100,000 (which the UK did on Sunday) they then saw admissions increase by up to four-fold

WHAT DO THE RISING CORONAVIRUS CASES IN BRITAIN ACTUALLY MEAN? Are cases really rising? The number of people testing positive has definitely risen. On Sunday and Monday almost 6,000 new cases were confirmed, which was a level not seen since May. And after June and July had no days with 1,000 or more positive cases, there were 19 with four-figure counts in August. The daily average is now 2,032 cases per day, which is up from 1,323 a week ago and 834 on August 7. The most recent data from the Office for National Statistics, however, suggests infections are relatively stable. The ONS, which does mass testing in households around the country, said last Friday that it estimates around 2,000 people per day are catching the virus in England. This has 'levelled off', it said, and 'Evidence suggests that the incidence rate for England remains unchanged' throughout August. ONS's estimate fell throughout June from 8,700 cases per day in May to a low of 1,700 per day in early July. It then spiked at the end of July and has since levelled off at 2,000 daily. Is increased testing behind the surge? Experts say that increased testing  particularly in places where there are known surges in infections  was always going to lead to more cases being discovered. It is likely that tests now pick up on a greater proportion of the true number of cases in the community, whereas it only found the most seriously ill during the peak of the crisis. For this reason, the raw numbers of cases cannot be compared like-for-like, because there are now fewer 'hidden' infections. The positivity of tests - the proportion that are positive - is still very low, at just 2.3 per cent in the community and 0.5 per cent in hospitals. The huge numbers of negative tests  over 90 per cent of all tests done each day, so more than 150,000  show that still only a small number of people who think they have Covid-19 actually do. This suggests the testing regime is successfully picking up most infected people. During the peak of the crisis, positivity was above 40 per cent at times, meaning there were likely a lot more infected people who were not getting tested. Who is catching coronavirus now and is that important? A major change in the cases being diagnosed now is the shift towards younger age groups. Infection rates in people in their teens and 20s have surged since lockdown was lifted in July, at least trebling in both groups. MailOnline analysis shows infections have surged from 9.2 to 28 cases per 100,000 since July 4, 'Super Saturday', in those aged 20 to 29 in England. And the case rate has also quadrupled among teenagers - those aged 10 to 19 years old - over July and August, before schools reopened, from 4.1 cases per 100,000 people to 16.2. At the same time, cases in elderly groups have dropped drastically since the height of the pandemic, when they made up the majority of Covid-19 cases, and have halved since July. This shift towards younger people is promising because they are significantly less likely to get seriously ill or die if they catch Covid-19. Sir John Bell, a medicine professor at the University of Oxford, wrote in the Daily Mail today: '[Rising cases] are concerning and, yes, we must be prepared for a second wave of Covid-19 while working hard to contain localised outbreaks to prevent it. 'We must not, however, let this hamper our efforts to return to normality. 'Much of the increase in infections is among the young, who tend to experience moderate or no symptoms. Crucially, we have not yet seen a jump in hospital admissions or deaths.' Is this a second wave? Scientists and politicians have largely refused to brand what is happening now a second wave. Mr Hancock has warned that one could be on its way, while critics of the Government have said there is 'no sign' of one coming at all. They say that it was obvious that cases would rise when lockdown was lifted, and that the priority now is keeping local lockdowns effective and continuing to test to isolate outbreaks. Experts do not expect another crisis like the one we had in March and April, which happened because hundreds of thousands of people were already infected by the time the Government had realised there was a UK outbreak. Professor Carl Heneghan said recently: '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.' Advertisement

And the case rate has also quadrupled among teenagers - those aged 10 to 19 years old - over July and August, before schools reopened, from 4.1 cases per 100,000 people to 16.2.

At the same time, cases in those over 80 have dropped drastically since the height of the pandemic, when they made up the majority of Covid-19 cases, and have halved since July.

Some 6.6 cases per 100,000 people were diagnosed in the week to August 30, almost half the 11.8 in the week to July 5.

Infections have stayed stable among those in their 60s and 70s, while very slightly increasing in those between the ages of 40 to 59 years old.

Infections among older people  those who are most likely to get seriously ill or die if they catch the virus  have fallen steadily since lockdown.

Those groups may be more likely to take social distancing rules seriously and to continue staying home to protect themselves because they understand the risks the virus brings, scientists have said.

While fears grow of a severe second wave of Covid-19 hitting the UK, the fact that most cases are among younger, healthy generations offers reassurance that spikes will not have deadly consequences.

Young people have been told, however, to stop going to parties and large gatherings and to respect the social distancing laws.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday appeared on Radio 1 to tell youngsters 'Don't kill your gran' as deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam said people had 'relaxed too much'.

It comes after a number of restrictions on people's lives were lifted, allowing those of working age and younger to work and socialise in pubs, parks and summer barbeques.

'Super Saturday' on July 4 was the biggest step out of lockdown, when pubs, restaurants and bars were allowed to re-open their doors.

People in England flooded to their favourite spots in their droves after several months in lockdown.

Afterwards came the successful Eat out To Help Out Scheme in August, giving diners 50 per cent of their food bill designed to boost the struggling hospitality industry. It drove the younger generations to restuarants in their millions, helping kickstart the economy again.

Meanwhile, the older generations, some of whom may have been significantly vulnerable to Covid-19 due to health conditions, have continued to voluntarily keep shielding or be extra cautious, scientists say.

Dr Preston said the rise in cases in people of teenage years and beyond eventually comes down to the 'impossible balancing act of public health versus the economy'.

'Can we get the younger age groups to shoulder the burden of economic activity while allowing the older age groups and vulnerable to shield effectively?

'Only if the two cohorts don't interact, so perhaps that's where attention could be focused: on doing everything we can to protect those who are likely to suffer serious illness if they become infected. This will decrease the seriousness of the almost certain rise in case during the next few months.'

In PHE's most recent report, the agency gives its own case rate per 100,000 people in the week from August 23 to August 30, and its highest in those in their 20s.

There were 26.5 cases per 100,000, four times higher than that of those in their 80s and beyond, at 6.2.

There are disparities across the country, however, with case rates higher in the north-west, where swathes of towns have been put under tighter Covid restrictions due to rising cases.

There were 49.3 cases per 100,000 people in their 20s in the north-west compared to 17.3 in both the South West and South East - the lowest of all regions.

In London the rate was 24.9, higher than the East (20.1), East Midlands (18.9). Yorkshire and the Humber (35.7), North East (34.9), and West Midlands (29.2) are on the higher end of the scale.

Similar patterns are seen in those in their teens, with the North West (26.2) and North East (24.2) at the top of the table, and the South West (12.6) and South East (16.5) at the bottom.

The data does not factor in that at the start of the pandemic, it was mostly people in hospitals - who were old and very unwell - that could access tests, and younger, healthier people were very unlikely to show symptoms serious enough to get one.

Now the situation is very different, and its possible for anyone to get a test even if they are not showing any symptoms. This may skew the results slightly.

Experts say that increased testing  particularly in places where there are known surges in infections  was always going to lead to more cases being discovered.

It is likely that tests now pick up on a greater proportion of the true number of cases in the community, whereas it only found the most seriously ill during the peak of the crisis. For this reason, the raw numbers of cases cannot be compared like-for-like, because there are now fewer 'hidden' infections.

The most recent data from the Office for National Statistics suggests infections are actually relatively stable, further confusing whether there is a true rise in coronavirus transmission.

The ONS, which does mass testing in households around the country, said last Friday that it estimates around 2,000 people per day are catching the virus in England. This has 'levelled off', it said, and 'Evidence suggests that the incidence rate for England remains unchanged' throughout August.

MailOnline analysis shows infections have surged from 9.2 to 28 cases per 100,000 since July 4, 'Super Saturday', in those aged 20 to 29 in England.

At the same time, cases in over 80 year olds have dropped drastically since the height of the pandemic, when they made up the majority of Covid-19 cases, and have halved since July. Infections have stayed stable among those in their 60s and 70s, while very slightly increasing in those between the ages of 40 to 59 years old

Cumulative cases in those aged between 10 to 19 and 20 to 29 over the course of the pandemic. It shows cases have increased from July 5

Cumulative cases in those aged between 70 and above 80 over the course of the pandemic. It shows cases have continued to decline over the summer

A number of restrictions on people's lives have been lifted during the summer, allowing those of working age and younger to work and socialise in pubs, parks and summer barbeques

Case rates in young people are higher in the north-west of England. There were 49.3 cases per 100,000 people in their 20s in the north-west compared to 17.3 in both the South West and South East - the lowest of all regions

COVID-19 DEATHS AT A 24-WEEK LOW The number of people dying from coronavirus in the UK fell to a 24-week low in the final week of August, official data reveals. A total of 73 people died from Covid-19 in England and Wales in the week ending August 28, according to the Office for National Statistics. The dip marks a 24 per cent drop on the previous week's 96 deaths, the first time they fell to single figures since the pandemic began. It is also a nose-dive from the 8,000-plus deaths a week registered at the peak of the pandemic. But ONS data shows the total number of deaths in the UK has remained above the five-year average for the third week in a row, at 9.6 per cent over the expected level. More than 790 additional people are dying in private homes and care homes, while deaths in hospitals remain below the average. Experts argue this is because many patients are still too scared to seek medical treatment for conditions, while others don't want to 'burden' the health service. Flu accounted for 14 times more deaths than coronavirus in the last week of August, at 1,040. It marks the twelfth week that deaths from influenza have remained above those from coronavirus. The UK has now registered as many as 57,417 deaths from Covid-19, with 52,316 in England, 4,228 in Scotland and 873 in Northern Ireland. Advertisement

ONS's estimate fell throughout June from 8,700 cases per day in May to a low of 1,700 per day in early July. It then spiked at the end of July and has since levelled off at 2,000 daily.

There are now a number of mini-lockdowns around the UK to try and curb further spread of the coronavirus. But experts say a full-scale nationwide lockdown is unlikely.

Sir John Bell, a medicine professor at the University of Oxford, wrote in the Daily Mail today: '[Rising cases] are concerning and, yes, we must be prepared for a second wave of Covid-19 while working hard to contain localised outbreaks to prevent it.

'We must not, however, let this hamper our efforts to return to normality.

'Much of the increase in infections is among the young, who tend to experience moderate or no symptoms. Crucially, we have not yet seen a jump in hospital admissions or deaths.'

Ms Sturgeon revealed earlier that 176 positive cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in the last 24 hours in Scotland.

The latest Covid-19 measures imposed in the UK were announced in the Welsh borough of Caerphilly.

The Welsh health minister has said local lockdown in the county borough of Caerphilly will not be lifted until October 'at the very least'.

There have been 187 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the past two weeks, data from Public Health Wales shows. This equals 103.3 cases per 100,000 population - the highest rate in Wales and one of the highest in the UK.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething told BBC Radio Wales the rate is 'expected to rise' after community testing on Saturday showed four per cent of people tested were getting a positive result compared with 1.7 per cent across Wales.

Wales has recorded a further 150 cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 18,664. The case rate is 26.3.

Lockdown restrictions on household visits across western parts of Scotland have been continued for a further week  as well as being extended to other council areas.

Measures  originally introduced in Glasgow, East Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire  now also apply to East Dunbartonshire and Renfrewshire.

At the Scottish Government's briefing in Edinburgh on Tuesday, Ms Sturgeon said the 'really unwelcome' decision to impose strict rules was a 'proportionate' response to rising coronavirus cases.

In England, various measures are in place across parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire, Preston, and West Yorkshire, Bolton, Pendle, Oldham, Leicester and Blackburn to try and keep cases down.

Downing Street has said the Government is taking the latest rise in coronavirus cases 'extremely seriously' and would not hesitate to introduce fresh restrictions if required.

It followed reports that ministers are considering tightening restrictions on household gatherings, with Boris Johnson on the verge of slashing the legal limit on private gatherings.

The number of people legally allowed to meet up in private homes could be reduced in England from the current maximum of 30, potentially to as low as six, and subject to fines running into thousands of pounds.

It is not expected the change would cover venues such as pubs, which have 'Covid Secure' measures in place.

Addressing his Cabinet this morning, Mr Johnson warned that in other countries the rise in infections 'was followed a couple of weeks later by a rise in hospitalisations'. He said that was due to them 'going on to infect other generations'.

Mr Johnson's official spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister cautioned that in other countries which had seen an increase in infections this was followed a number of weeks later by a rise in hospitalisations.

'The PM said that what had taken place elsewhere was that young people had gone on to infect older generations that had become seriously ill, and it was vital to ensure that did not happen here.

OFFICIAL APOLOGIES FOR TESTING FIASCO The director of the test and trace programme admitting that accessing screening was being hampered by problems with lab capacity. Sarah-Jane Marsh tweeted: 'Can I please offer my heartfelt apologies to anyone who cannot get a COVID test at present. 'All of our testing sites have capacity, which is why they don't look overcrowded, its our laboratory processing that is the critical pinch-point. 'We are doing all we can to expand quickly.' There have been reports of people being told there are no appointments available at test centres in England and that there are no home tests kits available to send out. Andy Thompson, 38, a technical manager from Crewe, said his six-year-old daughter is home from school with a continuous cough, but has so far been unable to get a home test. 'It's an absolute shambles. No home tests available. And now the nearest test centre is Oldham, a 100-mile round-trip with a sick child,' he told the PA news agency. 'I didn't realise how bad it is. If you haven't got a car, no way you're getting tested.' People have also complained in recent days and weeks of being directed hundreds of miles to get a test. When asked by the committee about director of testing Sarah-Jane Marsh's tweet apologising for people unable to get tests, Mr Hancock said: 'We are working incredibly hard. 'We are doing everything we can. We have had these operational issues that I have talked about, we have had a problem with a couple of contracts and we discussed some of that in the House of Commons. 'But it's a matter of a couple of weeks until we can get all of that sorted in the short term.' On Monday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock pledged that people would have to travel no more than 75 miles for a test. Advertisement

'The Prime Minister said the Government must remain extremely vigilant and ensure that there was no complacency from the public and young people, in particular in following the guidance on how to prevent the virus from spreading.'

They added: 'We are taking the rise in infections which has been reported in recent days extremely seriously.

But Tory MP Desmond Swayne said the idea of toughening rules on private gatherings was 'dreadful and disproportionate'.

'In Hampshire cases are 6 per 100,000,' he said. 'This is enormous intrusion into private life. It is rule by directive.'

The government's deputy chief medical officer said last night that coronavirus must be taken very seriously again or the UK will face 'a bumpy ride over the next few months'.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said the public had 'relaxed too much' over the summer and described the rising number of cases as of 'great concern', despite Health Secretary Matt Hancock saying the situation was not 'out of control'.

Bolton continues to have the highest infection rate in England, with 121.7 cases per 100,000, according to PA news agency.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that bars and restaurants in Bolton will only be allowed to serve takeaway, and must close between 10pm and 5am.

Mr Hancock said the dramatic action was needed as the area has the highest rate of cases in the country.

Partying by 20 and 30-somethings is thought to be largely responsible, and the Cabinet minister said a ban on socialising outside of your own household with now be given legal force.

Making a statement to the Commons on the Bolton situation, Mr Hancock said: 'Working with the local council, we're taking further local action. The rise in cases in Bolton is partly due to socialising by people in their 20s and 30s, we know this from contact tracing.

'And through our contacting tracing system we've identified a number of pubs at which the virus has spread significantly.

'We will restrict all hospitality to takeaways-only and we'll introduce a late-night restriction of operating hours which will mean all venues will be required to close from 10pm to 5am.

'We'll introduce urgently further measures that put the current guidance that people cannot socialise outside their household into law.'

He added: 'Young people do not just spread the virus to each other. They spread the virus to their parent and their grandparents.'

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said there had been 'a very notable increase in Birmingham and Solihull' infection rates in the last few days.

He said the imposition of the 'simplest form of restriction city-wide' were now looking 'likely' while stressing no final decisions had yet been taken.

'Everyone can see the numbers,' added Mr Street.

In Birmingham, the infection rate is 60.3 cases per 100,000 while in neighbouring Solihull it is 42.5.

Mr Street said: 'Thus far, it (the virus) has concentrated in the younger age groups, that's why we're not saying that much increase in hospitalisations and deaths.

'But if we don't stop this it will translate into these elder age groups and we will have a very serious situation on our hands.'
The presidential election is less than two months away, but before Americans cast their ballots, Republican nominee President Donald Trump will face Democrat Joe Biden in a series of debates.

Three presidential debates are planned, plus one additional event for vice presidential candidates Mike Pence and Kamala Harris.

The first presidential debate is planned for Tuesday, Sept. 29 in Cleveland. The second debate is set for Oct. 15 in Miami. The third is Oct. 22 in Nashville.

Debates will be held from 9-10:30 p.m. EST with no commercials.

The first debate will be hosted by Chris Wallace of Fox News. Steve Scully of C-Span will moderate the second debate with NBCs Kristen Welker will host the final event. The vice-presidential debate, planned for Salt Lake City, Utah, will be moderated by USA Todays Susan Page.

At the first debate, topics will be selected by Wallace, with six segments of approximately 15 minutes each.

Wallace is no stranger to presidential debates, moderating the third debate between Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016.

The U.S. election will be held Nov. 3.

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(ANSA) - BEIRUT, SEP 8 - A strong political pact against the emergency is needed in Lebanon, Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte said after a visit to Beirut Tuesday.

"There's a full-blown emergency here," Conte told the press.

"There is tremendous suffering.

"It can only be resolved with a strong political pact between the best forces in society.

"Without this prospect the international community can do little".

Conte met with President Michel Aoun and told him that Italy was "with Lebanon".

He said he hoped the government would start a programme of reforms starting with the renewal of governance.

Conte told Aoun that the confidence of the people must be rebuilt.

He said this challenge was "within the government's reach".

For Lebanon, Conte said "now is the time to roll up one's sleeves, and to do so the citizens' trust must be rebuilt, between one another and with the institutions.

"Italy has profound respect for Lebanese sovereignty, it will stay by its side hoping that a government can be formed as soon as possible that tackles reconstruction and initiates reforms as soon as possible".

Conte also communicated this message to Prime Minister designate Mustapha Adib. (ANSA).


A group of leading transport and infrastructure advocacy organisations say the government must ramp up investment in road maintenance immediately, as data shows an alarming decline in the quality of road surfaces around the country.

The Association of Consultants and Engineers, the Automobile Association, Civil Contractors NZ, Employers and Manufacturers Association, Infrastructure NZ, and the Road Transport Forum - has come together to demand urgent action.

AA General Manager for Motoring Affairs Mike Noon says that investment in road maintenance was wound back heavily in real terms over much of the last decade, with the result being that road surfaces on more and more of the network now need urgent repair.

"Our state highways and local roads are becoming more difficult and more dangerous to drive on - anyone driving around the country over the last few years has noticed it. Its bad news for road safety, it makes for an unpleasant driving experience, and its unfair.

"Road users pay a huge amount in fuel tax and road user charges, and that has only been going up over the last decade. If theres one thing they expect in return, its that roads they drive on will be maintained to a decent standard - right now, theyre being badly let down. Even the best driver can lose control if the road theyre on doesnt have good grip."

The group says that the government has missed a massive opportunity to get our roads back up to standard, and also to stimulate the economy, through the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

The Fund has committed over $620 million towards "shovel-ready" transport projects to help generate economic activity, but none of this has been directed towards road maintenance.

Road Transport Forum Chief Executive Nick Leggett says that, from an economic stimulus perspective, road maintenance offers a number of benefits.

"Road maintenance projects deliver excellent value for money, theyre labour intensive, theyre needed all over the country, and they can start immediately - they are literally shovel-ready. Investment in road maintenance is an excellent chance to create jobs, improve road safety, and deliver transport benefits that really matter to all New Zealanders."

While the road maintenance budget has increased in the last two years, and further increases are planned, Nick says its not enough to address years of under-investment.

"In some areas, road surfaces are so poor they are costing road users in damage to their vehicles. Interestingly, trucking operators have had a five percent increase in road user charges (RUCs) in eight of the past 10 years. Essentially they keep paying more, but getting less value from roads.

"We are calling on the government to invest around $300 million extra per year on road surface repairs for the next three years, sourced from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. And adequate investment needs to continue after that, to make sure we dont slide back into the hole."
Health insurers say providers are overcharging them for COVID-19 tests and the added costs could mean higher premiums for their plan members in the future.

The problem, insurers said, is providers can charge whatever they want for the tests and insurers must cover the full costs  no matter how high  under federal laws passed to address the coronavirus pandemic. One free-standing emergency room charged Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas $4,800 for a nasal swab test, according to a redacted claim provided by the insurer.

A recent report by Americas Health Insurance Plans, an industry lobbying group in Washington, D.C., said such charges are akin to price gouging.

The amounts billed to insurance companies vary widely, depending on where the test is administered, according to an analysis of 35,000 claims by the Houston insurer Community Health Choice. The analysis found that in-network providers billed an average of $153 per COVID-19 test. Out-of-network providers charged an average of $254, and free-standing emergency centers $463.

Some of the highest costs incurred so far, said Lisa Wright, president of Community Health Choice, have come from free-standing emergency centers that administer those tests.

At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, which received about 600,000 claims for COVID-19 tests by the end of July, roughly 30,000, or 5 percent, came from free-standing emergency centers and out-of-network providers. They accounted for 13 percent of charges, said Shara McClure, senior vice president of Texas health care delivery for the insurer  costs that eventually will get passed to consumers.

If theyre exorbitant charges, McClure said, theyll see them later on in their premiums.

Why so expensive?

Federal law mandates insurers must pay the cash price quoted for a COVID-19 test, which can be as high the provider wants.

TESTING SNAFU: Presumed COVID-19 patients often sent home from Houston hospital ERs without testing, doctors report

Price gouging, when a supplier increases the cost of a product or service in high demand to take advantage of a disaster declaration, is illegal in Texas. But high prices dont necessarily mean that a seller is price gouging, because businesses are generally allowed to determine the prices for their products, according to the Texas Office of the Attorney General.

Health care providers may be charging more to make up for falling revenues as patients put off routine visits and elective procedures, said Chien-Ping Chen, a professor of health economics at the University of Houston-Victoria.

Think about it right now in the pandemic, Chen said. Their business is terrible. Maybe this is the only business they can have. So in order to maintain their revenue, they will try to charge you higher. They have the incentive, no question about it.

Free-standing ERs

In Texas, some of the highest testing charges to insurance companies have come from free-standing emergency centers.

Its hard to say exactly why some free-standing emergency center bills are higher than in-network testing, said Rhonda Sandel, president of the Texas Association of Freestanding Emergency Centers. But the costs of COVID-19 care, Sandel said, are high and the centers must cover the entire costs themselves.

Free-standing emergency centers are not eligible for federal relief funds.

Unlike health insurance companies, hospitals and doctors offices, (free-standing emergency centers) did not receive federal relief or subsidies to offset costs associated with the pandemic, Sandel said.

Its unclear how many patients in Texas get tested at free-standing emergency centers, but demand is incredibly high, Sandel said.

The average cost from out-of-network providers and free-standing emergency centers are likely higher because, unlike network providers, they have not negotiated and agreed on rates with insurers. Still, the charges should not be double or triple those of in-network testers, insurance executives said.

CARPETS, CLUTTER: Ventilation expert reveals how Texas schools can stop the spread of COVID in classrooms

What were finding is that if an in-network provider can do it for $153, Wright said, then we have to start wondering whats going on at the free-standing ERs to drive it up so high.

How it affects patients

Early projections show COVID-19 testing and treatment will add at least $30 billion in costs to health care nationwide and potentially increase premiums by 40 percent, according to Americas Health Insurance Plans and the Texas Association of Health Plans.

Insurers are now discussing what premiums will look like for 2021. The marketplace for individual plans through the Affordable Care Act opens in November, less than two months away, and many employer-sponsored plans hold open enrollment periods for workers late in the fall for the next year.

Will we have to increase rates to account for some of this price gouging were seeing? Wright said. That is something that I think all health insurers are thinking about.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 8, 2020 16:15 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c437c0e7 4 National tiger,Sumatran-tiger,East-Java,zoo-management,zoo,lamongan,COVID-19,#COVID19 Free

Maharani Zoo and Cave in Lamongan regency, East Java, has denied that a Sumatran tiger under its care is malnourished after a recent viral video sparked concerns that the animal was too skinny.

A 13-second video posted on the Instagram account @ndorobeii on Monday showed a Sumatran tiger with a flat stomach and an extremely short tail walking around an enclosure in the zoo, eliciting questions and criticism from internet users.

If you cant take care of it, its better to release it into its habitat in the wild, Instagram user @rico_achmady replied to the post.

From its movements, this tiger looks traumatized by something. The tail isnt there? Is it a victim of abuse by the zookeepers? @yusuf_n1933 added.

Juli Tri Wahyuningtyas, a marketing coordinator at Maharani Zoo and Cave, confirmed that the Sumatran tiger belonged to the zoo.

Juli said the distance between the visitors stands, from which the video had been shot, and the bottom of the animal cage  about eight meters  made the tiger look thin.

Read also: Slaughtering zoo animals to feed other animals last resort in hunger crisis

She said Sumatran tigers had different body types than other kinds of tigers.

The fact is that Sumatran tigers are not as big as other types of tigers. They are slimmer, Juli said on Tuesday, as quoted by tribunnews.com.

Juli said the tiger in the video was an approximately 10-year-old male and had reproduced three times with another Sumatran tiger in the zoo.

She acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic had caused visits to the zoo to decline but said the managers had been providing enough food for the animals.

We are still providing nutrition and food according to standards, even though there have not been as many visitors as before the pandemic and we have been closed for several months, said Juli. (syk)
An Algerian court is to begin hearing an appeal Tuesday by journalist Khaled Drareni against a three-year jail term handed down last month in a case seen as a barometer of press freedoms in the North African country.

Drareni, 40, editor of the Casbah Tribune news site and correspondent for French-language channel TV5 Monde, was convicted of "inciting an unarmed gathering" and "endangering national unity" in his coverage of demonstrations by the Hirak protest movement which swept longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika from power last year.

Press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), for which Drareni also works, condemned the August 10 jail sentence as "arbitrary, absurd and violent".

Drareni will not be in court for the appeal. Instead, he will appear by video conference from the Kolea prison outside Algiers, where he has been incarcerated since March 29.

Since Drareni was jailed last month, thousands of people have signed petitions calling for his release, noting that his sentence was "the heaviest" handed down to a journalist in decades.

Signatories include academics, lawyers and fellow journalists, as well as writer and independence war veteran Louisette Ighilahriz.

Drareni was arrested on March 7 while covering a protest led by the Hirak, and accused of having criticised Algeria's political system on Facebook, according to RSF.

He has denied the accusations against him, insisting during his trial that he had been merely doing his job as an independent journalist and exercising his right to inform.

The appeals of co-defendants Samir Benlarbi and Sliman Hamitouche, both leading Hirak figures, are also being heard. They were each sentenced to two years in jail.

On the eve of the trial, journalists and human rights activists rallied in Paris, Algiers and Tunisia demanding that Drareni be freed.

'Symbol' of press freedom

RSF secretary general Christophe Deloire said Algerian authorities arrested and sentenced Drareni "to intimidate all journalists in Algeria".

Instead, they have "made him a symbol of the defence of freedom of the press", he added.

Drareni's appeal comes as the government prepares to hold a constitutional referendum that is expected to rekindle the protest movement that ousted longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika last year. By RYAD KRAMDI (AFP/File)

Drareni's appeal comes after the government agreed draft changes to the constitution over the weekend that will be submitted to parliament for approval ahead of a nationwide referendum in November.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said the reforms "respond to the demands of the popular movement".

Tebboune, a former premier under Bouteflika's rule who was elected in December, has promised to break with the old regime, which was seen as synonymous with authoritarianism, corruption and nepotism.

But the constitutional changes his government is proposing fall far short of the protest movement's demands for wholesale political reform and the departure of all Bouteflika-era officials.

Regular weekly protests organised by the Hirak movement were stopped in March in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

But as the referendum looms, they are expected to regain steam.

In the meantime, the government has kept up a crackdown on the protest movement and its supporters in the political opposition and the media.

The CNLD prisoners' rights group says authorities are currently holding around 45 people linked to the Hirak.

RSF ranked Algeria 146 out of 180 countries and territories in its 2020 World Press Freedom Index, five places lower than in 2019.
Ground will be broken today on a nearly $21 million expansion that will add 36,000 square feet to the Passavant Area Hospital campus and allow Springfield Clinic to expand its offerings in Jacksonville.

A two-story building will be attached to the northeast side of the hospitals medical office building, which opened in June 2013 and has been the home to Memorial Physician Services-Jacksonville and Springfield Clinic.

Passavant Area Hospital President Scott Boston said Springfield Clinic has wanted additional space so it can provide services to Morgan and surrounding counties. Springfield Clinic will lease all of the new space.

It will be increasing access for people in the community and not having them travel to Springfield, Boston said.

When the $20.6-million project is completed by fall 2021, Springfield Clinic providers will offer full-time coverage for cancer and family medicine services and part-time coverage in ophthalmology. These will be in addition to the numerous specialty providers already available in Jacksonville.

More laboratory services and an additional X-ray room will be provided and the additional office space will allow more Springfield Clinic specialists from Springfield to visit Jacksonville to see patients.

Jen Boyer, vice president of operations for Springfield Clinic, said she was excited about the expansion of the clinics services.

We currently have a heavy presence in the Jacksonville area. With this expansion, were able to have oncology [services] full-time in Jacksonville, Boyer said.

Other specialties will include such areas as allergy, audiology, cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, pulmonary, rheumatology, urology and vascular.

With the expansion, Boyer said, the providers will be able to better accommodate patients.

Patients like  and are more comfortable when  they can stay within their own community, she said.

Boyer said its important to her that the patients are pleased.

The expansion was to be completed in the spring, but was pushed back because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
AFTON  It might be a worn out cliche to some, but for a dedicated group of folks on both sides of Afton Mountain, there is, literally, light at the end of the tunnel  the Blue Ridge Tunnel that is.

The former railroad tunnel, known locally as the Crozet Tunnel after its builder Claudius Crozet, is nearly ready to open as a converted rails-to-trail pathway connecting Nelson and Augusta counties.

Recently, a limited number of visitors who have been instrumental in the restoration of the tunnel were allowed inside to get a glimpse of the project that has taken nearly two decades to complete. Until the official fall opening, however, visitors will have to wait to take the 4,273-foot walk under the mountain. Because the site is still an active construction zone, anyone caught trying to visit the tunnel now will be charged with trespassing.

Once open, the converted railway tunnel is sure to be a hit as a greenway. Situated as it is near Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail and the U.S. Bicycle Route 76, it will be a must for outdoor enthusiasts both local and from afar. Future plans call for the western portion of the trail to extend into Waynesboro.

There are two parts to the Blue Ridge Tunnel story  construction and life as a railroad and restoration and conversion into a tourist attraction.

The railroad

The railroad story begins in the 1840s with a new-fangled form of transportation making its way through Virginia until its arrival at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Albemarle County. The Virginia General Assembly pushed to have a railroad go west over the mountains to Staunton with an eventual eye to a terminus on the Ohio River.

That railroad to Staunton, initially called the Virginia Central, become the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (now CSX). It was not until 1873 that it reached the Ohio River.

In the meantime, the train from Richmond to Staunton started chugging over Afton Mountain in the mid-1850s. At the same time, Virginias public works engineer, immigrant Claudius Crozet, who had been an artillery officer in Napoleons army, designed a tunnel for trains to go through the mountain. It took nine years for hundreds of Irish immigrants and enslaved African Americans to perform the dangerous and physically brutal task of building the tunnel using hand drills and black powder.

The geology of the mountain almost proved Crozets undoing. The hard greenstone rock on the east was nearly impenetrable and the softer sandstone and shale on the west were so unstable that layers of brick had to be added to the walls and ceilings for support.

When it opened in 1858, the 4,273-foot long tunnel was North Americas longest. At its deepest, it was 700 feet below the surface of the mountain. The sophisticated ventilation and drainage systems designed by Crozet remain in place today and have earned the tunnel recognition as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

If that was the end of the story that would be a nice chapter in a history book, but nothing more. The tunnel served the railroad for 86 years until modern locomotives became too large for the 16-foot wide, 20-foot tall tunnel. In 1944, the railroad replaced the tunnel with a larger, parallel one.

In the 1950s, cement bulkheads were placed in the abandoned tunnel in an effort to store propane. The failed venture exacerbated drainage issues in the already deteriorating tunnel.

A tourist attraction

New life came in 2001 when visionaries in Nelson County saw potential as a public greenway. The county acquired the tunnel from the railroad and began gathering a host of partners to restore the tunnel and acquire easements for trails and parking. Thus was launched a two-decade project that will cost upwards of $6 million dollars.

In addition to Nelson County, major players in the public-private partnership have been the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the city of Waynesboro, the Virginia Department of Conservation and recreation, Woolpert Inc., Fielders Choice Enterprises, Inc., the Whitesell Group, and the Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel Foundation.

As the director of the Waynesboro Parks and Recreation Department, Dwayne Jones has been involved in the project since the beginning and has watched the restored tunnel come to life. Today, he serves as vice president on the Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel Foundation that coordinates the project.

This has been a passion of mine since 2001, Jones said. When we open there will be something for everybody. There is railroad history, a nice trail, nature and just a nice place to take a walk.

The project will have a parking area in Afton and one just off U.S. 250 in Augusta County. The length of the trail from one parking area through the tunnel to the other is 2.35 miles, nearly a five-mile roundtrip. The trail is smooth with a crushed stone surface.

With just a few more final construction details to complete, Jones said the foundation is shooting for a public opening sometime this fall.
With summer now a distant memory, a cloud of doom seems to have returned to these shores.

Yesterday, Britain recorded over 2,400 new Covid-19 cases for the third day in a row, raising the prospect of a fearsome second spike.

While Englands Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam warned that the latest surge in cases is of great concern, Health Secretary Matt Hancock was far more blunt.

Pointing to the rise in infections among Britains young, he urged them: Dont kill your gran by catching coronavirus and passing it on.

Indeed, such is the fear among officials that one member of the Governments Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies has even suggested Christmas could be called off.

But before we sink into apocalyptic misery, lets look at the science.

For despite the doom and gloom, not everything is as bad as it seems, writes John Naish.

In fact, as these ten reasons reveal, all the indications are that Covid-19s second strike wont be nearly as bad as the first ...

1. Proportion of positive tests is down

Yes, more people are testing positive for Covid-19. But rather than simply being the result of a surge in infections, its also because far more tests are being carried out now than at the height of the pandemic in April and March.

Back then, only a fraction of the people who were seriously ill were tested, so the early daily figures of 5,000 new infections were a mere fraction of the true total.

More importantly, whereas in April 40 per cent of test results were positive, this figure has plummeted to only 2.3 per cent in the community and 0.5 per cent in hospitals.

Data from Public Health England shows that more than 40 per cent of coronavirus tests done in hospitals were positive in March and April but this has now plummeted and remains below 2.5 per cent in both hospitals and the community. This shows that there remains only a small proportion of people with the symptoms of coronavirus who actually have it

The number of tests being done is significantly higher than it was at the peak of the outbreak, and is still only finding relatively small number of cases. The number of infections during March and April were a massive underestimate because testing was limited only to those sick enough to be in hospital

2. Infections are far less virulent

While cases of Covid-19 have been creeping up in the UK since early July, death rates among those infected have plummeted.

In fact, researchers at Oxford University have found that the percentage of those infected with Covid-19 who die from it fell from 6 per cent on June 24 to only 1.5 per cent on August 5.

That amounts to a four-fold drop in less than six weeks. While it may sound callous, one explanation for this is that the virus claimed the most vulnerable victims first, causing a strikingly high initial fatality rate.

But another reason could be that coronavirus is being spread in smaller doses, thanks to social distancing. This means people may be getting less intensely infected, and are thus more likely to beat the virus.

As the statistician Tim Harford wrote on these pages recently, the prospect of dying from Covid-19 is not much more than taking a bath.

The numbers of people being admitted to hospital with coronavirus have plummeted across Europe since the height of the pandemic, which may be because people are developing less serious illness now, partly because cases are in younger people

3. Fatalities are also falling

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), coronavirus fatalities are no longer inflating the overall excess death rate in England and Wales.

Yesterday, there were 30 more deaths reported in Britain from Covid-19  the biggest spike in six weeks. But according to the ONSs data for the week ending August 28, there were 599 fewer deaths than the previous week.

Office for National Statistics data shows that deaths from coronavirus in England and Wales have fallen dramatically in the past six months, from more than 1,200 per day at the height of the pandemic, to fewer than 100 per week in August

4. Weve found life-saving drugs

When Covid-19 first hit, doctors across the globe were forced to improvise treatments as scientists scrambled to find a cure.

Early on, many patients in intensive care were put on ventilators, despite the fact that this is now regarded as an ineffective, and in some cases dangerous, treatment.

The good news is that in recent months cheap and effective medicines have been discovered in the form of two steroid drugs, dexamethasone and hydrocortisone.

Just last week, a major study showed that treatment with these steroids can save eight lives for every 100 critically ill patients treated  a figure hailed as impressive by its researchers.

They achieve this by effectively calming a patients immune system that would otherwise be viciously aggravated by Covid-19, with potentially lethal consequences.

At the beginning of the year, at times it felt almost hopeless knowing that we had no specific treatments, says Professor Anthony Gordon, from Imperial College London. Yet less than six months later weve found clear, reliable evidence in high-quality clinical trials of how we can tackle this devastating disease.

5. Virus is shifting to resilient young

While positive tests among older, more vulnerable, generations have been falling, rising Covid-19 cases are being driven by healthy resilient people in their teens and 20s, where infection numbers have tripled since July, according to official data.

This means that the number of severe cases should remain low, since younger people are disproportionately more likely to either be asymptomatic or have manageable symptoms.

Indeed, Cambridge University statistician Sir David Spiegelhalter says: In school kids aged five to 14 its not only a tiny risk, its a tiny proportion of the normal risk.

Of course, any life lost  especially when the victim is young  is tragic. But we must not ignore the fact that the demographic now largely being infected is far better placed to survive it.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the uptick in cases in the past few days have been in younger people under 25, 'especially 17 to 21 year olds'. Pictured is the raw data for new cases in each age bracket over August, showing females aged 20 to 30 make up the majority of cases

Public Health England data on the number of cases being diagnosed each week shows that cases among people aged 20 to 29 have started surging again since July after falling dramatically since the height of the crisis

MailOnline analysis shows infections have surged from 9.2 to 28 cases per 100,000 since July 4, 'Super Saturday', in those aged 20 to 29 in England. There have been rises in other younger age groups, particularly teenagers, but they have not been as dramatic

At the same time, cases in over-80-year-olds have dropped drastically since the height of the pandemic, when they made up the majority of Covid-19 cases, and have halved since July. Infections have stayed stable among those in their 60s and 70s, while very slightly increasing in those between the ages of 40 to 59 years old. Diagnoses are likely down in older people because they are sticking more strictly to social distancing rules

6. Optimism for a vaccine

When the virus first hit, scientists warned that it may take years for an adequate vaccine to be found. To further compound fears, early evidence suggested that our bodies might only produce antibodies against Covid-19 for a few months at most, thus rendering vaccinations pointlessly temporary.

But last week, a study in Iceland found that when our bodies are naturally infected by the coronavirus, they produce a long-lasting form of protective antibodies.

Moreover, as of yesterday, some six vaccines were in the final stages of testing, known as phase three clinical trials  while Russia has already approved another, though scientists are sceptical that adequate safety procedures were observed.

Crucially, vaccine researchers at Oxford University believe they have made a breakthrough  leading Kate Bingham, chair of the UK Vaccine Taskforce, to say: I think we have a shot of getting a vaccine this year.

7. We are wiser and better prepared

The UK is vastly better prepared for a new wave of Covid-19 infections than it was in March, with NHS hospitals restructured to cope with infectious patients.

Following the rapid construction of the so-called Nightingale Hospitals, many of which were largely unused and have now been put into hibernation, if anything Britain is overprepared for a second spike.

8. The public army is on hand

While much of the Governments initial Covid-19 guidance was criticised for being unclear, the vast majority of Britain is now doing its bit to ensure the virus doesnt spread through a combination of social distancing, mask-wearing and handwashing.

If these preventative strategies are practised constantly and consistently, future spreads of Covid-19 will be limited.

9. The initial fears were unfounded

At the pandemics peak in March, Prime Minister Boris Johnson presented a now much-derided paper published by Professor Neil Ferguson of Imperial College that claimed 500,000 people in Britain could die from Covid-19.

The current UK death toll stands at 41,586. Yes, its still a high number. But its far from the apocalyptic figure first mooted by the Government.

10. We can use local lockdowns

Of course, the introduction of regional lockdowns following localised spikes has largely proved unpopular among those affected by them. But it does seem that they are an effective tool in Britains anti-Covid arsenal.

Only yesterday Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that the local lockdown in Leicester had resulted in a very significant drop in cases and measures there will be reviewed on Thursday.

With their successful implementation, there is every chance that well be able to stop the virus from spreading from region to region.
A San Francisco salon owner has thanked supporters for raising $300,000 in just five days after Nancy Pelosi broke Covid-19 rules for a blowout at her business.

Erica Kious, the owner of eSalon SF, said she was forced to shutter her business after she received death threats in the wake of exposing the House Speaker's trip to her business last Monday.

After footage of the Democrat's trip went viral a day later Kious told Tucker Carlson Wednesday that her business was 'done'.

San Francisco salon owner Erica Kious (pictured) has thanked supporters for raising $300,000 after Nancy Pelosi broke Covid-19 rules for a blowout at her business

Last week, Fox News released footage of Nancy Pelosi (pictured) inside eSalon SF when the business was closed over pandemic restrictions and without a mask

A GoFundMe page that was set up in the wake of the scandal has now reached its target of $300,000.

Kious thanked her supporters from 'all sides of the political spectrum' for their 'kindness' and 'generosity'.

In an interview with Fox News, she said: 'I wish I could personally thank every person who sent me their prayers, words of encouragement and support, especially at a time when so many are struggling to make ends meet in their own lives.

'I am very humbled and grateful to have received such an outpouring of kindness, empathy and generosity from people I don't even know, and from all walks of life and all sides of the political spectrum.

'It's a powerful reminder that the common things that bind us all together as Americans are far more meaningful and lasting than political and ideological differences that get so much attention and focus.'

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

Pelosi (pictured) said in a statement that she had been 'set up' by the salon and asked for an apology

She continued: 'Today, on Labor Day, we should all focus on celebrating the efforts and achievements of hard-working people everywhere.'

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.'

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

Erica Kious 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'

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 Nevada State GOP chairman Amy 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.

Earlier Thursday last week 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.

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

Pelosi held a press conference in San Francisco last 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.

'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.
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The Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Abdulmumuni Danga, is to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a seven-count charge of r.a.p.e following his alleged assault of one Elizabeth Oyeniyi earlier this year.

Ms Oyeniyi had accused Mr Danga of brutalising her after he allegedly r.a.p.e.d her multiple times on March 29.

The 23-year-old, showing her severely blistered arms and thighs, told Premium Times she was targeted after posting a comment about the commissioners stepsister, who has been her friend for years, on Facebook.

According to Ms Oyeniyi, Mr Danga personally flogged her and said he could have killed her but for her young son who was with her.

She said the commissioner then stripped her while at least 15 men, who worked for him, watched. The suspected thugs also allegedly filmed her nude as she was being whipped and humiliated.

After the attack, Mr Danga drove her to a hotel close to the Kogi State House in Lokoja, the state capital, where he allegedly forcefully r.a.p.e.d her three times overnight, the victim claimed.

While Mr Danga denied the allegations, activists, rights groups, including Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, mounted pressure on the police for an investigation. The group also called on the Kogi State government to sanction Mr Danga. Afterwards, the state had promised to launch an investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, five months after, the police have instituted a criminal case against the commissioner after inviting all parties involved.

According to the documents for service obtained by PT, Mr Danga was charged on seven counts, including r.a.p.e, brutality, coercion and torture at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Judicial Division.

He is to be arraigned alongside one Success Omadivi, 35, who was also indicted in the course of investigation.

The case filed on September 4 will be prosecuted by the police on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, PT reports.

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Covid-19 special envoy for the WHO, David Nabarro, said that people should not bank on a vaccine to restore normality.

Mr Nabarro, speaking on RTEs Drivetime, said people need to learn to live with the virus, and predicted the end of the year was the very earliest people should expect to see a vaccine.

He said: "I would like to echo my colleagues at the W.H.O such as Irishman Dr Mike Ryan, the Director of the Emergencies programme, in saying that we should not bank on a vaccine to restore normality."

This came after the news that nine pharmaceutical giants drafted a letter which states they will not compromise the safety of any vaccine in favour of speeding up the process.

Companies such as AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer - who have vaccines in phase three clinical trials - signed up to the agreement.

Read More

Speculation has mounted that there is significant political pressure being applied to companies with vaccines in the human trial stages of testing to speed up the trials.

This is big news that the heads of these companies have come together to pen this document. Theyre making a commitment to the safety of any potential vaccine and are prioritising safety over speed.

I think this will bring an extra bit of reassurance to the public. The last thing we need is having people saying they dont want to take a vaccine even if theres one available, due to safety concerns.

Lets learn to live with this virus - then the economy and social life can be restored. We cant have one or the other; we must have one and the other, Nabarro insisted.

Mr Nabarro said that while the frustration felt by some at the restrictions is understandable, he explained that when ICU admissions and hospitalisations are low, the country is at its most vulnerable.

When case numbers and hospitalisations are low, this is when people can let their guard down and the virus comes back like a flash. It is the most dangerous time of all, Nabarro said.

The Londoner said that before any mass non-essential travel is permitted, he would like to see a widespread standardised framework put in place for testing and tracing. Nabarro suggested that the European Union is the perfect organisation to bear responsibility for this type of coordinated response.
In a new development in actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested actress Rhea Chakraborty on Tuesday (September 8, 2020), after three days of interrogation in connection with the drug case linked to Sushant's death. The actress has been arrested under section 8 (c), 20 (b), 27 (a), 28 and 29 of NDPS Act.

As per a report in Republic TV, Rhea will undergo a medical test at 4pm today.

KPS Malhotra, Deputy Director, Narcotics Control Bureau told ANI, "Rhea Chakraborty has been arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau in Mumbai."

Reacting to the news of Rhea's arrest, Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey told ANI, "Rhea Chakraborty is totally exposed in the sense that she had connection with drug peddlers. This has been established, that is why she has been arrested. NCB must have found evidence against her."

For the unversed, actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Bandra apartment on June 14, 2020. While the Mumbai police confirmed his death by suicide, the case took a shocking turn when Sushant's father KK Singh registered an FIR in Patna, against Rhea Chakraborty and her family members. The FIR named Rhea Chakraborty, her parents, brother Showik, Sushant's former manager Shruti Modi and Samuel Miranda, along with others.

Sushant's father accused Rhea of mentally harassing his son, siphoning his funds and driving him to take this drastic step. Following KK Singh's FIR, the Directorate Enforcement (ED) filed a money laundering case in connection with Sushant's death case, and began their investigations.

Amid the various conspiracy theories floating on social media and a turf war between the Mumbai police and Bihar police, the Supreme Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over Sushant Singh Rajput's death case.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is the latest agency to be drawn into Sushant's death case after the ED stumbled upon a 'drug' angle, while probing the money laundering angle in the case.They alerted the NCB about purported WhatsApp conversations between Rhea and others regarding drugs like cannabidiol, MDMA, LSD and marijuana.

The NCB then filed a criminal case against Rhea Chakraborty, her brother Showik Chakraborty, Jaya Saha, Shruti Modi and Gaurav Arya under sections 20, 22, 27, and 29 of the NDPS Act. Last week, the agency arrested Rhea's brother Showik and Sushant's ex house manager Samuel Miranda.

ALSO READ: Sushant's Sister Shweta Singh Kirti Calls Rhea Chakraborty's FIR Against Her Siblings As 'Fake'
Vice President Mike Pence discussed faith and abortion among other issues at Christ Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC. Pence's speech was part of a "Life Wins! 2020" event held by the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List.

Pence stressed the importance of family, speaking extensively about his wife and children and how important they are to his life and his political duties.

Pence began the speech by acknowledging Marjorie Dannenfelser, the President of the Susan B. Anthony List and the moderator of the event, for her staunch pro-life values and her work to advance this cause. He stressed their impact on electing and reelecting pro-life representatives and referred to the Susan B. Anthony List as "the most effective advocate for the right to life in America."

Pence additionally referenced the pro-life efforts of representatives of North Carolina, including Thom Tillis, the senator of North Carolina who is up for reelection in November. Pence then encouraged North Carolinians to elect Mark Robinson as lieutenant governor and Dan Forest as governor, saying "it's time North Carolina had a pro-life governor."

Pence's speech struck a celebratory tone; he spent much of the speech describing exactly how "life is winning" in America, due to the efforts of the Trump administration, organizations such as the Susan B. Anthony List, and grassroots campaigns of ordinary Americans.

Pence spoke favorably about the younger generation of Americans: "It's undeniable, more and more young people today are embracing life; I believe the rising generation is the pro-life generation."

He mentioned the stories of two young women who had chosen life after visiting what he called a "crisis pregnancy center." He went on to speak positively about the work going on at these crisis pregnancy centers where according to Dannenfelser over 2 million women have been helped this year.

Dannenfelser referenced appellate court appointments made by the Trump administration as some of the administration's best work. In addition, both Pence and Dannenfelser spoke positively about each other's work toward defunding Planned Parenthood.

Vice President Pence advised volunteers for the Susan B. Anthony List to have faith in neighbors, friends, and the American people.

When asked about the decisions of Democratic governors of North Carolina, New York, and Virginia, Pence condemned their actions and detailed the story of his political career, where he started as a Democrat but changed party allegiance after he "understood principles and values" once he reached college.

When speaking about Joe Biden, Pence claimed that him and Kamala Harris, Biden's running mate, are calling for "historic increases in federal funding to the largest abortion provider in America." Pence additionally criticized Biden for his flip-flopping on the Hyde amendment, which bans federal funding for abortions.

Pence spoke extensively about the efforts and character of President Trump. Pence said "To know President Trump is to know someone whose word is his bond" and that Trump "says what he means and means what he says."

He gave the example of Trump's diplomatic achievements in the Middle East, "It was this president who gave his word to the American people and it was President Donald Trump who moved the embassy to Jerusalem." In addition he claimed that under President Trump was "the first time in 26 years an Arab country recognized the Jewish state of Israel."

Pence summed up the Trump administration's goals for pro-life advocacy: "Whether it be judicial appointments, whether it be working with legislators to advance the cause of life, whether it be working with great future governors.. we're gonna keep our word for life."

The moderator of the speech asked Pence about him and his wife: "what can we pray for you?"

Pence replied: "We feel those prayers everyday. I always ask people to pray for my family."

Pence went on to describe the work that the Second Lady puts toward helping veterans and advancing the pro-life cause, describing her as an inspiration for his own tireless efforts.
The veal project aims at creating job opportunities, developing livestock, and providing red meat at fair prices

Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi urged the speedy construction of 200 dairy assembly plants nationwide and ordered the doubling of allocations for the national veal project to EGP 2 billion (about $126.7 million), a presidential statement read.

Expanding on dairy assembly plants will reflect positively on people's health and economic conditions, El-Sisi added.

El-Sisi's statements came at a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation El-Sayed El-Quseir and his deputy for livestock, fisheries and poultry Mostafa El-Sayad, and General Director of the National Service Products Organisation of the Armed Forces Mostafa Amin.

The president also urged supplying livestock owners with quality fodder and livestock strains known for their high productivity of meat.

Funding for the national veal project was doubled last month to EGP 1 billion, the presidency said in an earlier statement.

The veal project has been ongoing for the past four years. It targets providing good strains of imported livestock for fattening mainly to owners of small farms, in exchange for loans with five percent maximum interest.

The project aims at creating job opportunities, developing livestock, and providing red meat at fair prices. It seeks to decrease meat imports through fattening calves to provide more meat.

The project mainly targets youth, small farmers and women. Head of the Livestock and Poultry Development Sector at the Agriculture Ministry Tarek Soliman told the media 15,300 people have benefited from more than 183,000 calves in the project.

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Ekta Kapoor has landed in a major controversy thanks to a particular scene from her web series Virgin Bhasskar 2. The series starring Anant Joshi and Rutpanna Aishwarya had a scene that showed a sex racket taking place in a hostel named after Ahilyabai Holkar.

This did not go down well with many netizens who expressed their displeasure over the use of name 'Ahilyabai' online. Later, a descendant of the warrior queen Ahilyabai Holkar, Bhushansingh Raje Holkar, wrote a letter to the production house demanding immediate removal of the scene from the show.

This was followed by Ekta issuing an apology on her social media account. She apologised on behalf of the team for hurting sentiments of a section of people, whilst adding that the scene was removed as soon as it was bought to her attention.

But despite her apology, an angry mob of around 40-50 protested on Tuesday by pelting stones at Ektas Juhu residence in Mumbai, causing damage to her property. An ETimes report states that no major damage took place to the property in the vandalism besides a few lights near the main gate being damaged and some glass being shattered. However, after the incident, the security cover outside Kapoors building has been beefed up.

ALSO READ: Ekta Kapoor Apologises After AltBalaji Web Series Uses The Name 'Ahilyabai'

ALSO READ: Ekta Kapoor Opens Up About Triple X-2 Controversy & Cyber Bullying, Slams Hindustani Bhau!
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 23:54:29|Editor: huaxia

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NANNING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- A court in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Tuesday handed down the death penalty to a man over a kindergarten knife attack.

The man, named Li Xiaowen, was given capital punishment after being convicted of homicide, according to the Intermediate People's Court of Wuzhou City.

On June 4 this year, Li, a school security worker, injured dozens of people, including children, in a knife attack at the kindergarten affiliated to the central school of Wangfu Township in Cangwu County, according to the court. Enditem
Brightspark Capital, a Montreal and Toronto, Canada-based venture capital firm, held the third close of its new Brightspark Canadian Opportunities Fund (BCOF) with commitments of $60m towards an ultimate fund size of $75m.

Investors included the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) managed by BDC Capital for the Canadian Federal Government, BMO Capital Partners, Fondaction, Investissement Quebec, RBC, Teralys Capital Fonds Amorcage Quebec (TFAQ2019) managed by Teralys Capital, and individual investors and family offices from the Brightspark network.

BCOF is Brightsparks third traditional institutional VC fund with a standard venture investing structure.

Over its 21-year history, the firm has generated top-quartile returns through two VC funds and a series of direct investments. In 2014, Brightspark began investing in early stage companies with a deal-by-deal structure using a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and capital from a pool of accredited investors. Through this approach, more than $40 has been invested in 16 companies, with investments made by members of its network of more than 5,000 high-net-worth individuals and family offices.

Now, with the addition of BCOF, Brightspark will further capitalize on the investment opportunities it is seeing in the Canadian technology market. With both its BCOF and SPV investment models investing in parallel,

The firm anticipates it will invest an estimated $125m in early-stage companies over the next few years. Across its funds, Brightsparks investment strategy remains focused on early and Series A investments in entrepreneur-driven technology companies throughout Canada, with a particular focus on those that have the potential to become a category leader. It leads investment rounds when appropriate.

Since BCOFs first closing in January, Brightspark has invested from this fund in six companies: Potloc, BuyBack Booth, Prevu3D, Elevate Farms, Classcraft, and Potential Motors.

The firm is led by Mark Skapinker, Sophie Forest and Jacques Perreault, as well as recently promoted Eleonore Jarry as Principal.

FinSMEs

08/09/2020
It is unfortunate that just when the world needs far-sighted leadership from its superpowers (the US and China), in particular, we have the exact opposite. The US, facing a polarizing presidential election, the result more of a liberal" unwillingness to tolerate the presence of a Donald Trump than the latters own manifest unsuitability for the job, is at war with itself. China, no doubt driven by internal threats to its own authoritarian power structure and emboldened by a weak America, has launched verbal and physical assaults on neighbours in the belief that it can become the new Asian hegemon. Far from providing solutions to a world driven apart by inequality, de-globalization, and internal and external conflicts, it has chosen to worsen the problem.

The midi powers (Russia, Germany, Japan, Britain, France and India) are too busy grappling with their own economic and geopolitical insecurities to provide the collective leadership that needs to replace a world driven solely by superpower interests. But it is Americas self-absorption with its internal fault-lines that is giving every tyrant around the chance to spread mayhem when Uncle Sam isnt watching.

The one thing Trump did not do wrong was to keep giving China under Xi Jinping a free pass. This might well change if the Democrats win big on 3 November, though there is loud talk of both the Republicans and Democrats preparing legal ammunition in case the election does not produce a decisive result. Given the highly decentralized nature of American elections, it is easier for foreign powers to cyber-meddle at the county or state levels and impact outcomes. The real problem is that an America that does not trust its own poll processes is a danger to itself and the world that depends on its leadership.

This is largely a failure of liberalism in America, which has steadfastly refused to understand its own sub-national cultures. A book by Colin Woodard, American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures in North America, says that the country is really a composite of 11 sub-national cultures.

These nations are Yankeedom (the entire north-east north of New York City), New Netherland (NY City with its materialistic culture), the Midlands (the ethnically diverse region comprising parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, etc), Tidewater (now shrinking, and comprising areas around Chesapeake Bay and North Carolina), Greater Appalachia (parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Indiana and Texas, among others), the Deep South (Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, and parts of Texas), the Hispanic El Norte (parts of Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and California), the Left Coast (most of coastal California, Oregon and Washington state), the Far West (spanning states like Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Nebraska, etc), New France (New Orleans and areas bordering Canadas Quebec), and First Nation ( areas populated by Native American-Indians).

Broadly speaking, Yankeedom, New Netherland, Greater Appalachia, Left Coast, and New France tend to be liberally-biased, and give the Democratic party its popular vote heft. The Deep South and Far West tend to be conservative, with Midlands opportunistically swinging both ways. The sub-cultures were formed based on the kind of European immigrants that colonized the regions.

The current ideological polarization is partly a reflection of the sub-national cultures that continue to exist, but more the result of the growing intolerance of Americas liberal elite. They dominate the Deep State and national institutions and are characterized by a cancel culture" in which opinions other than their own are not accorded a right to exist.

That left-liberal hubris comes from having won most of the culture wars of the past, from the abolition of slavery to the enactment of civil rights laws to womens empowerment and recognition of sexual preferences and identities. Past victories tend to engender a belief that one has all the answers, but this presumption of infallibility has reduced liberalism to a label, not a lived reality. The cause of US polarization is not a flawed man called Donald Trump, but a flawed understanding of what it means to be liberal in America, where non-liberal views are denied space of their own.

Equally, by being unwilling to tolerate a Trump presidency for another term, left-liberals are signalling that they may not accept the results of a democratic process, though this is equally true of some Trump supporters. But heres the point: in America, no president can have more than two terms in office, and so even if Trump wins (the odds are against him), so-called liberals have a 100% chance of seeing his back by 2024. If they cant wait four years to see their enemy off, it speaks poorly of their own liberal credentials.

Closing the trust deficit needs greater acceptance of the right by Americas left-liberal elite. By suggesting that they wont accept a Trump victory, howsoever legitimate it may be, it is they who appear to be sharpening its polarization. They are more accountable for letting US leadership in the world decline, as they are busy undercutting their own elected president. Liberals are killing the Idea of America by not living up to their labels.

R. Jagannathan is editorial director, Swarajya magazine

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The on Tuesday reserved its order on a petition seeking transfer of the investigation in a case related to the suspicious death of a student of Law University in Jodhpur in 2017, from the Rajasthan Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

A bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman, pulled up the Rajasthan Police for the final report filed by it in an attempt to close the case. The bench observed that the report was an "eye-wash" and that there is a need for a fresh investigation.

"We all can see that this report is a complete eye-wash and there is a need for a fresh investigation. This is not the way," the bench said.

Senior advocate Manish Singhvi, appearing for the Rajasthan Police, contended that probe was done and there was no suspicious angle found in the death of the student.

The apex court was hearing a plea filed by the student's mother seeking transfer of the probe from Jodhpur, Rajasthan Police to the or alternatively to a court-monitored SIT.

On July 8, the top court had granted the Rajasthan Police two months to complete the investigation into the death of NLU student Vikrant Nagaich.

Neetu Kumar Nagaich, the mother of the deceased student, had approached the apex court and accused the state police of "lackadaisical and callous manner of the probe" into the FIR lodged on June 29, 2018, with Jodhpur's Mandore police station.

She has sought an independent inquiry while complaining of a shoddy probe with probable collusion to shield some influentials. The mother of 21-year-old NLU student claimed that the FIR in the case was not registered for a period of 10 months from the date when the incident occurred, and was reluctantly filed thereafter.

Three years since the incident, the investigation is at a standstill with no progress and no chargesheet filed in the case, stated the plea. In the plea, she alleged that the state was "criminally negligent in the investigation" or was "trying to cover" up for the perpetrators or had some malafide intention.

The third-year law student, Vikrant was found dead on August 14, 2017, under unnatural circumstances near a railway track opposite the university. The authorities had reportedly tried to present the case as that of alleged suicide due to depression.

(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 opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has promised to revisit an inquiry into the Ayawaso West Wuogon vigilante incident where violence led to the hospitalization of many, with at least one person, said to have suffered an amputation as a result.

This is captured in the partys 2020 manifesto titled Peoples Manifesto: Jobs, Prosperity and more.

According to the party, it will immediately disband the militia set up by President Akufo Addo when it assumes power in January 2021.

The continuous training, arming and indiscriminate deployment of NPP militia is dangerous and distasteful especially when such elements have been recruited into the security agencies, the Manifesto stated.

It further promised to re-structure national security in Ghana based on professionalism, meritocracy fairness, and competence.

In a bid to beef up security in the country, the social democratic party also promised to establish new military installations in all regions across the country, the focus being the

borders and new regions, to prevent terrorist attacks and to ensure rapid response to

security challenges.

It will also commence a programme to establish a University for Security and Intelligence Studies, empower the 48 Engineers Regiment to construct barracks and living accommodation for security personnel and establish new military training and recruit academy in the northern sector of the country.

Furthermore, it will establish one police station and barracks in each district where there is none, to cater for increased population and establish DOVVSU units and offices in police districts where there is none.

---kasapafmonline
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 00:16:05|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at a meeting to commend role models in the fight against COVID-19 has demonstrated the country's tremendous achievements against the pandemic, and inspired confidence for world's final victory against the pandemic, experts said.

At the meeting held here on Tuesday morning, Xi said that China has made major strategic achievements in the battle against COVID-19, demonstrating the notable advantages of the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership and the country's socialist system, the great strength of the Chinese people and the Chinese nation, the profound heritage of Chinese civilization, and the country's sense of responsibility as a major global player.

Wilson Lee Flores, a columnist of The Philippine Star newspaper, said that "Chinese people's decisive victory over the COVID-19 pandemic is inspiring, a source of hope."

"The world can learn much from China's hard-fought success made possible due to the respect for science, transparency, speed, pro-people policies and strong political will of the Chinese government, leaders and people; also the unity, the unconquerable spirit and sacrifices by the Chinese people," Lee said.

Christine Bierre, editor-in-chief of France's Nouvelle Solidarite magazine and an expert at Schiller France Institute, praised China for being proactive in putting "the life and health of the people first," noting that it has used its scientific and technical know-how in AI, 5G, research and production, to save all possible lives.

Bierre said she believes that China has acted in an exemplary manner in this crisis, in particular in terms of transparency, responsibility towards the international community and voluntarism in the face of adversity.

Saeed Chaudhry, director of the Islamabad Council for International Affairs, said that the Chinese leadership has taken a clear strategy to handle the pandemic, which features putting people's lives first.

"They made it exemplary," said Chaudhry, referring to China's achievements to save its people from the virus.

In addition, Indrananda Abeysekera, president of the Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation, commended China's action toward building a community with a shared future for mankind, saying that fulfilling the vision "is the right way for the world."

"I remember the way China helped Sri Lanka during the pandemic," he said, adding that as a major country, China has shown the responsibility to jointly build a global community of health for all.

Abdul Ghafar Gardizi, a former professor at Marshal Fahim National Defense University in Afghanistan, said that as COVID-19 developed into a pandemic, China, while fighting to contain the virus on the domestic front, also provides much-needed assistance to many other countries.

"I totally agree with President Xi that people around the world could eventually overcome all kinds of problems and build a better world through solidarity and cooperation," he said.

Gardizi, also a local commentator, expressed the belief that the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative will help people in the region and the whole world to cope with common challenges facing mankind and build a more prosperous world. Enditem
A Dutch journalist told the trial of a Malian jihadist on Monday that he had found evidence of strict rules imposed on women by the Islamists who seized Timbuktu.

Harald Doornbos was the first witness to testify at the International Criminal Court in The Hague against alleged jihadist police chief Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud.

Al Hassan, 42, is charged with war crimes, crimes against humanity, rape and sexual slavery while the fabled Malian shrine city was under the control of the extremists for almost a year from early 2012.

Middle East-based freelance journalist Doornbos said when he went to report from Timbuktu after the jihadists had been driven out, he found evidence in a former bank that had been turned into a police station by the extremists.

There was like this document showing basically a picture of a woman in niqab, Doornbos told the court, adding that he had taken pictures of some of the documents he found there.

Basically this was a leaflet where the jihadists, where the rulers, by then the former rulers of Timbuktu, basically had written on it by which laws women had to dress themselves, what they had to do, what was allowed, what was not allowed.

The journalist also said he took a picture of a room in the bank with metal bars at the entrance.

People were telling us that women were locked up there after they were convicted for various crimes what the Islamic police would consider to be a crime, and that they would keep women there, Doornbos added.

The case against Al Hassan, who has not entered a plea, was opened in July.

He is accused of personally overseeing corporal punishments including amputations and floggings, and of arranging for women and girls to be forced to marry militants in what prosecutors called gender-based persecution.

The journalist said by far most of Timbuktus residents were overjoyed that the jihadists  who were from the Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and Ansar Eddine groups  had been driven out.

They really had the feeling that the town was liberated by French army and Malian army. Everybody was very happy that the jihadists left, he said.
The 19th meeting of Supreme Court -mandated Committed on Content Regulation in Government Advertising (CCRGA) was held (virtually) on 4th September, 2020.



The meeting, chaired by Sh. Om Prakash Rawat, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, was attended by two other members, Sh. Ramesh Narayan of Asian Federation of Advertising Associations and past President, IAA and Shri Ashok Kumar Tandon, Part- Time Member, Prasar Bharti Board.

As per directions of the Honble Supreme Court, states are mandated to set up their respective three member committees on Content Regulation of Government Advertisements. Karnataka, Goa, Mizoram and Nagaland States have already constituted state-level Three Member Committees. The State Government of Chhattisgarh has given its consent to the Central Committee to monitor the content of their government advertisements.

The CCRGA meeting took a serious note of the fact that other states have yet to constitute their respective state level Committees.

The CCRGA was of the view that some state governments delay in setting up the state-level committees may be construed as contempt of Honble Supreme Courts order.

The CCRGAs attention was also drawn to the fact that some respondents were yet to furnish their replies to the notices issued to them in response to the complaints received by the Committee.

In view of the current Covid19 pandemic the Committee decided to allow further time to respondents to furnish their replies to the notices In all the pending complaints lodged with the Committee.

The CCRGA felt that non-compliance of its decisions was a serious matter. It was of the considered opinion that in the event of any non-compliance of CCRGAs Orders, the Committee may be constrained to put embargo on issue of further advertisements by nodal agencies of concerned governments, which come under purview of this Committee.

The Committee may, if necessary, also decide to summon the concerned official of the Govt. agencies dealing with release of advertisements in the event of undue delay in responding to Committees notices.

It may be recalled that as per the directions of Honble Supreme Court on 13th May, 2015, the Government of India on 6th April, 2016 had set up a three member body consisting of persons with unimpeachable neutrality and impartiality and who have excelled in their respective fields, to look into content regulation of government funded advertisements of all media platforms. Under the Honble Supreme Courts guidelines dated 13th May, 2015  the content of Government Advertisement should be relevant to the governments constitutional and legal obligations as well as the citizens right and entitlements. Honble Supreme Court has also observed that Advertisement materials should be presented in an objective, fair and accessible manner and designed to meet the objectives of the campaign, Advertisement materials should be objective and not directed at promoting political interests of ruling party, Advertisement Campaigns be justified and undertaken in an efficient and cost-effective manner and  Government advertising must comply with legal requirement and financial regulations and procedures.

The Committee is empowered to address complaints from the general public on violation of the Honble Supreme Courts guidelines and make suitable recommendations.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 21:46:46|Editor: huaxia

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NEW DELHI, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- India's Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Narendra Singh Tomar on Tuesday inaugurated 22 bamboo clusters in nine states in a bid to promote and export products made out of bamboo, said a statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The bamboo clusters are located in the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Uttarakhand and Karnataka.

The move would help raising nurseries and plantations and development of products like furniture, incense sticks, window blinds, chopsticks, toothbrushes, lifestyle products, jewelry, bottles, yoga-mat and charcoal.

In order to promote bamboo products, the government had launched the ambitious National Bamboo Mission (NBM) in October 2006, as part of the Ministry of Agriculture. A restructured format of the mission was launched in 2018 with an investment of 1,290 crore Indian rupees (around 172 million U.S. dollars) in the coming two years.

The restructured NBM is aimed at supporting the development of the entire value chain of the bamboo sector, starting from planting material, plantation, creation of facilities for collection, aggregation, processing marketing, micro, small and medium enterprises, skill development and brand building initiative in a cluster approach mode.

Speaking on the occasion, Tomar said the use of bamboo has been an ancient tradition in India, and that it is now being supported with modern technology. Youth are also being given training for the bamboo industry, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always strived to protect the local industries and make progress so that local artisans get a source of livelihood.

Keeping in consideration the importance of bamboo, the Indian Forest Act 1927 was amended in 2017 to remove bamboo for the category of trees. As a result, now anyone can undertake cultivation and business in bamboo and its products, said an official statement.

Import policy has also been modified to ensure the progress of the bamboo industry in the country, the statement added. Enditem
The Government expects to break international law with its proposals to override the Withdrawal Agreement, ministers have admitted.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told MPs it would be in a very specific and limited way, adding there are clear precedents for countries to consider their international obligations as circumstances change.

It comes after the head of the Governments legal department resigned over concerns that Downing Street is attempting to overrule sections of the Brexit divorce deal with new legislation.

Senior civil servant Sir Jonathan Jones is said to be very unhappy about the plans to overwrite parts of the Northern Ireland protocol through the Internal Market Bill.

Former prime minister Theresa May questioned how the Government could be trusted internationally if it does not abide by the legal obligations of the agreements it signs.

Meanwhile, UK and EU negotiators are meeting in London for crunch talks in an attempt to forge a trade deal.

Read more below.

02:56 PM

Tearing up treaties is 'what rogue states do', veteran diplomat warns

Lord Kerr of Kinlochard, who served as British ambassador to Washington and Brussels, launched the scathing attack over suggestions the Prime Minister wants to row back on parts of the agreement relating to Northern Ireland.

Lord Kerr, who wrote Article 50 which triggered the formal withdrawal process, was critical of the Government seeking to act unilaterally "with a domestic law purporting to over-ride an international commitment".

"Tearing up treaties is what rogue states do. I can't recall our ever doing so," he said.

Story continues

Responding, Cabinet Office Minister Lord True argued there were "ambiguities" in the Northern Ireland protocol, intended to ensure there is no return of a hard border with the Republic once the transition is over.

02:51 PM

Mini reshuffle

A small reshuffle has been triggered by the resignation of Local Government Minister Simon Clarke.

Here's who a list of who is moving where:

02:25 PM

Any questions for the PM?

Boris Johnson has appealed to the public to submit questions ahead of an anticipated press conference.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman says there is likely to be a press conference later this week, where Mr Johnson will be talking more about about Covid and next steps.

Ill be answering some of your questions about coronavirus.



Ask your questions at https://t.co/FBynuacYFP pic.twitter.com/7cw6hbYQp8  Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) September 8, 2020

02:10 PM

Government committed to upholding UK's 'word class' food standards, peers hear

Business minister Lord Grimstone of Boscobel said chlorinated chicken and hormone-injected beef were not permitted for import into the UK.

In his maiden Lords speech, Lord Grimstone said: "Food imported or produced in the UK will always be safe."

He was opening the second reading debate on the Trade Bill, which has already cleared the Commons, as talks between the UK and the EU on a post-Brexit trade deal resumed.

02:04 PM

Britain's 'honour is not for sale or barter', Tory MP warns

Sir Roger Gale, the Tory MP for North Thanet, warns that to try to re-write an international agreement would be "regarded world-wide as an act of bad faith".

He said: "Those of us who supported the Withdrawal Agreement did not expect that the Clause 38 Get Out Of Jail provision would be used to try to re-write an international agreement signed up to by the Prime Minister.

"Britain is an honourable Country and that honour is not for sale or barter."

Those of us who supported the Withdrawal Agreement did not expect that the Clause 38 Get Out Of Jail provision would be used to try to re-write an international agreement signed up to by the Prime Minister. 2/3  Sir Roger Gale MP (@SirRogerGale) September 8, 2020

01:50 PM

Tory MP Sir Bob Neil says any breach of international law is 'unacceptable'

Conservative MP Sir Bob Neil, who earlier questioned Brandon Lewis in the Commons, said that any attempt to breach international legal obligations is "unacceptable, regardless of whether it's in a 'specific' or 'limited way'".

"Adherence to the rule of law is not negotiable," he said.

Any breach, or potential breach, of the international legal obligations we have entered into is unacceptable, regardless of whether its in a specific or limited way.



Adherence to the rule of law is not negotiable. pic.twitter.com/VQhhA5w6lJ  Sir Bob Neill MP (@neill_bob) September 8, 2020

01:24 PM

Andy Street says there has been a 'notable increase' in Birmingham infection rates

The West Midlands Mayor Andy Street says there has been "a very notable increase in Birmingham and Solihull" coronavirus infection rates in the last few days.

He said the imposition of "additional restrictions" were now looking "likely" while stressing no final decisions had yet been taken.

"Everyone can see the numbers," added Mr Street. "That would be looking likely - and is in the context of a deteriorating national position, as well."

In Birmingham, the infection rate in the week ending September 5 was 62.4 cases per 100,000 while in neighbouring Solihull it was 46.1, according to NHS Digital.

01:21 PM

Sir Ed Davey says breaking international law will do 'untold damage' to UK's reputation

The new Lib Dem leader says Brandon Lewis' admission marks a "sad and shocking state of affairs for our country".

He said: "Breaking international law will do untold damage to our reputation abroad, it will make us poorer and make it harder to solve global crises like the climate emergency."

This is a really sad and shocking state of affairs for our country. Breaking international law will do untold damage to our reputation abroad, it will make us poorer and make it harder to solve global crises like the climate emergency. https://t.co/zUeYxxsTKL  Ed Davey MP  (@EdwardJDavey) September 8, 2020

01:15 PM

Donald Trump says UK and US are 'working great together'

Donald Trump has publicly thanked Boris Johnson for his support after a Telegraph article revealed the Prime Minister said the US President was making America great again.

Mr Johnson made the comments during his tenure as foreign secretary in 2017.

Along with a link to the article, President Trump tweeted: "Thank you Boris, working great together!"

Thank you Boris, working great together! https://t.co/84LabKf513  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 8, 2020

12:57 PM

Local Government Minister stands down

The Regional Growth and Local Government Minister Simon Clarke reveals that he is standing down "for personal reasons".

"It has been an honour and a privilege and I hope to return to serve at a future opportunity," he says.

With regret, I have decided to stand down from the Government for personal reasons. It has been an honour and a privilege and I hope to return to serve at a future opportunity. pic.twitter.com/VzEuQLRZgB  Simon Clarke MP (@SimonClarkeMP) September 8, 2020

12:50 PM

Matt Hancock announces Bolton pub curfew

After a number of cases have been linked to pubs, Matt Hancock tells the Commons that bars, pubs and restaurants in Bolton will now only be allowed to open for takeaway.

The Government will also introduce a late night restriction of operating hours, which will mean all venues will be required to close from 10pm to 5am.

He asks young people to do their bit, saying: "I know social distancing can be hard and how it can be extra tough for students who will be starting university but please stick with it and play your part in getting this virus under control."

12:44 PM

Matt Hancock says that social distancing is 'the first line of defence' from coronavirus

The Health Secretary warns that while younger people, who are driving a spike in cases, are less likely to die from the disease "they are still at risk" and they can "infect others".

Mr Hancock says: "Just because we've come through one peak, it doesn't mean we can't see another one coming towards our shores.

"But together we can tackle it so long as we remember that in a pandemic our actions today have consequences tomorrow."

12:40 PM

'Absolutely astonishing' for Government to admit breach of international law, Labour says

Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Louise Haigh says: "Absolutely astonishing that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has confirmed the government WILL be in breach of international law by undermining the Northern Ireland Protocol.

"This seriously undermines our authority on the international stage."

Absolutely astonishing that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has confirmed the government WILL be in breach of international law by undermining the Northern Ireland Protocol.



This seriously undermines our authority on the international stage.  Louise Haigh (@LouHaigh) September 8, 2020

12:32 PM

Government 'within its rights' to override Withdrawal Agreement, Sir Iain Duncan Smith says

The former Conservative leader says the Government is "quite within its rights" to revisit the Withdrawal Agreement.

He tells the Commons: "In the Act that gave effect to the Withdrawal Agreement, it's quite clear in clause 38 that the Government did reserve to itself the right to make clarifications under the sovereignty clause.

"Now given that is the case and given that when the protocol was signed the Government recognised that the state aid(s) rules would apply to Northern Ireland, this extension of them to the rest of GB is an interpretation by the EU, and the Government is quite within its rights to dispute that interpretation and use clause 38 to explain that they don't agree with that and will not implement such an agreement."

12:28 PM

Prime Minister says it is vital to ensure no complacency among young people

Boris Johnson told this morning's Cabinet meeting that it was vital to ensure that young people do not go on to inject older generations amid rising case numbers driven by those under 25.

He said: The Government must remain extremely vigilant and ensure that there is no complacency from the public and young people in particular in following the guidance on how to prevent the virus from spreading.

12:26 PM

Downing Street says it is for ministers to determine legislation after senior legal civil servant quits

The Prime Ministers spokesman says it for ministers to determine the legislation which is put to Parliament, amid fears that a senior legal civil servant resigned over the Governments plans to override the Withdrawal Agreement.

The spokesman confirms Sir Jonathan Jones resignation and says the Government wishes him well for the future.

He says: We will be introducing reasonable steps to create a safety net that removes any ambiguity and ensures that the Government is always able to deliver on its commitments to the people of Northern Ireland.

These steps are fully in keeping with what the Government has constantly said, what we promised in our manifesto.

We will continue to work with the EU as we implement the protocol. At all stages we must, as a responsible government, ensure that we have the ability to uphold our commitment to the people of Northern Ireland.

12:19 PM

Brandon Lewis admits proposed WA overriding breaks international law

The Northern Ireland Secretary is asked by Tory MP Sir Robert Neill if the Government's proposed legislation "does or potentially might breach international legal obligations".

Mr Lewis replied: "Yes, this does break international law in a very specific and limited way."

He says there are "clear precedents" of countries considering their "international obligations as circumstances change".

12:13 PM

Second senior Tory MP expresses concern

Simon Hoare says he shares Theresa May's concern that the UK is at risk of no longer being a country that keeps its word and abides by international obligations.

The Chairman of the Northern Ireland Select Committee asks if Mr Lewis can give certainty that the Government "understands the seriousness of these issues".

Mr Lewis says the Government's focus "is on concluding those in a satisfactory and suitable way to get a good outcome".

12:06 PM

Brandon Lewis says Withdrawal Agreement changes could become 'effectively irrelevant'

The Northern Ireland Secretary says the overriding changes in the Internal Market Bill will only take effect if a deal does not emerge.

He says that he hopes "we will get to a position where these do become effectively irrelevant".

11:57 AM

Labour invokes Margaret Thatcher

Labour's shadow Northern Ireland secretary Louise Haigh quoted former Tory prime minister Margaret Thatcher as she urged the Government not to renege on its commitments set out in the Withdrawal Agreement.

She told the Commons: "At the start of a new chapter for our United Kingdom, we cannot afford to be seen as a country that cannot be trusted.

"As Margaret Thatcher said 'Britain does not renounce treaties. Indeed to do so would damage our integrity as well as international relations'.

"In those interests, in the national interest, I urge the Government to stop the posturing, rediscover their responsibility and secure the deal that was promised to the people of this country."

11:49 AM

Theresa May asks how Government can be 'trusted' if it overrides Withdrawal Agreement

The former Prime Minister tells the Commons that the Government signed the Withdrawal Agreement and Parliament voted it through.

She says: "The Government is now changing the operation of that agreement. Given that, how can the Government reassure future international partners that the UK can be trusted to abide by the legal obligations of the agreements it signs?"

Mr Lewis says that the Withdrawal Agreement is "not like any other treaty" and was "written on the assumption that subsequent agreements could be reached between the UK and EU".

11:44 AM

Government accused of using Northern Ireland as a 'political football'

Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Louise Haigh says that it is "deeply concerning" that the Government is "appearing to undermine our legal obligations and his own deal".

Ms Haigh says that "some fear the Prime Minister is once again using Northern Ireland as a political football to suit his wider political means".

She asks if Sir Jonathan Jones resigned "in response to these plans by the Government to bring forward legislation that will undermine our legal obligations".

11:40 AM

Brandon Lewis says Government is 'fully committed' to implementing NI protocol

The Northern Ireland Secretary is up in the Commons and says the Government is "fully committed to implementing the Withdrawal Agreement and the Northern Ireland protocol".

He tells the Commons the protocol was "designed to maintain the Belfast Good Friday Agreement" and to "protect the interests of all people in Northern Ireland".

Mr Lewis says the Government is "taking limited and reasonable steps to create a safety net" to "deliver on its commitments to the people of Northern Ireland".

11:35 AM

Sir Jonathan Jones resigned over conflict with 'his own and ministerial obligations', FDA General Secretary claims

David Penman, the General Secretary of the FDA union, suggests that the senior legal civil servant has resigned "over an issue that he presumably believes conflicts with his own and ministerial obligations".

He said: "Civil servants, like ministers, have an obligation to uphold the rule of law  it's extraordinary that the govts most senior legal adviser has decided he has no choice but to resign over an issue that he presumably believes conflicts with his own and ministerial obligations.

"In a year where we have witnessed permanent secretaries go in numbers that can't be explained simply as churn, Sir Jonathans resignation will stand out as an extraordinary decision of principle, representing the very best values of an impartial and professional civil service."

11:27 AM

Senior Conservative MP calls on Boris Johnson to 'repudiate' the Withdrawal Agreement

Sir Bernard Jenkin, who chairs the steering group of the pro-Brexit European Research Group, said that if there was no agreement with Brussels the UK must assert its own interpretation of the divorce deal.

"If the EU is unwilling to do a deal with us, there are two options. The first is to enact domestic legislation that will largely nullify the direct effect and direct applicability of EU law. We have the mandate and majority to do this," he said in a statement.

"Second, if the EU insists on an unreasonable interpretation of the Withdrawal Agreement, the UK must stand ready to repudiate it.

"I hope it is not necessary, but if it is the only way to achieve UK prosperity and the kind of sovereign independence which is the democratic right of any nation recognised under the UN Charter, then so be it. And most other nations would respect us for that."

11:10 AM

Matt Hancock says it will be 'a couple of weeks' until testing issues are resolved

A senior official at NHS Test and Trace earlier issued an apology to people unable to get a Covid-19 test, saying laboratories processing the tests are at a "critical pinch-point".

The Health Secretary told the Health and Social Care Committee it will be "a couple of weeks until we can get all of that sorted in the short term".

"We've already put in certain solutions to ensure people don't have to travel more than 75 miles," he adds.

"I appreciate 75 miles is far longer than you want to go, and indeed the vast majority of tests are much closer than that."

10:52 AM

Lord Falconer says civil servant departure belies 'something very rotten'

Labour's shadow attorney general Lord Falconer has described Sir Jonathan Jones as an "impressive lawyer and very decent person" and raised questions over his departure.

He said: "If he can't stay in the public service, there must be something very rotten about this Government. Reckless, law breaking, trashing the best of the UK."

10:35 AM

Chris Whitty: 'If we stop social distancing Covid comes back'

England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has echoed concerns raised by his deputy Jonathan Van-Tam about a rise in coronavirus cases.

He said: "We have, through the extraordinary efforts of the whole population, got Covid rates right down.

"They are now rising again especially in those aged 17 to 29. If we stop social distancing Covid comes back. We all need to protect others."

Jonathan Van Tam lays the situation out clearly. We have through the extraordinary efforts of the whole population got COVID rates right down. They are now rising again especially in those aged 17 to 29. If we stop social distancing COVID comes back. We all need to protect others https://t.co/9uYMSLkbnp  Professor Chris Whitty (@CMO_England) September 8, 2020

10:16 AM

Matt Hancock says Government is 'keeping all options open' over case spike

The Health Secretary says ministers are "concerned" about rising cases and are "keeping all options open", amid reports that the Government is set to tighten social distancing measures.

Mr Hancock tells the Health and Social Care Committee that it is "so important that people take their responsibilities seriously and people don't get relaxed about the virus".

10:08 AM

Irish commissioner to decide on UK financial services' access to EU after Brexit

Irelands new European Union commissioner is likely to have a pivotal role in deciding on British financial services access to the blocs markets after Brexit, James Crisp reports.

Mairead McGuinness was announced as the replacement for Phil Hogan, the trade commissioner who was forced to resign after breaking coronavirus restrictions, on Tuesday.

Ms McGuinness, 61, a vice-president of the European Parliament, will be influential in equivalence decisions for the City of London, as well as spearheading Brussels' efforts to lessen its dependence on London for raising funds on the international capital markets and for clearing.

Read more here:

09:49 AM

Head of Government's legal department quits over Withdrawal Agreement row

The head of the Government legal department has quit over concerns that Downing Street is attempting to override sections of the Brexit divorce deal, according to reports.

The Financial Times reports that senior civil servant Sir Jonathan Jones is very unhappy about the decision to overwrite parts of the Northern Ireland protocol.

The formal announcement is expected to be announced later today.

09:28 AM

Lord Lloyd Webber says he thought about turning London Palladium into a garden centre

The theatre boss confesses that he did "think of turning the London Palladium into a garden centre at one point" to get around social distancing rules.

He says that Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden is "up against a brick wall that is certainly not of his making".

Lord Lloyd Webber says that he doesn't want to "embarrass" people by sharing the "some of the remarks that we heard from Public Health England".

09:22 AM

Director of testing apologises for backlog

Sarah-Jane Marsh, one of the experts on the Government's coronavirus test and trace team, has apologised to people struggling to get a test as the system struggles to cope with demand.

In a tweet, she said: "Can I please offer my heartfelt apologies to anyone who cannot get a Covid test at present.

"All of our testing sites have capacity, which is why they don't look overcrowded, its our laboratory processing that is the critical pinch-point.

"We are doing all we can to expand quickly."

Can I please offer my heartfelt apologies to anyone who cannot get a COVID test at present. All of our testing sites have capacity, which is why they dont look overcrowded, its our laboratory processing that is the critical pinch-point. We are doing all we can to expand quickly.  Sarah-Jane Marsh  (@BWCHBoss) September 8, 2020

09:02 AM

Lord Lloyd Webber warns theatres are facing a 'point when we really can't go on anymore'

The theatre impresario says that theatre "is an incredibly labour-intensive business".

Lord Lloyd Webber adds: "In many ways putting on a show now is almost a labour of love. Very few shows hit the jackpot in the way a Hamilton, Lion King or Phantom Of The Opera do.

"We've just got to get theatres open."

He says that the industry needs a conditional opening date to plan for.

08:47 AM

Mairead McGuinness selected to be Ireland's new EU commissioner

Ms McGuinness was chosen today as Ireland's new EU commissioner, replacing Phil Hogan who resigned after being caught breaking coronavirus restrictions, James Crisp writes.

Valdis Dombrovskis, executive vice president of the commission and former prime minister of Latvia will take on Mr Hogan's old role as Trade Commissioner, which is one of Brussels' most influential top jobs.

Ms McGuinness, a vice-president of the European Parliament, will take over Mr Dombrovskis' old role as commissioner for financial services.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said Ms McGuinness "has great qualifications" and "my full trust" for the post.

I propose @MaireadMcGMEP as future Commissioner for financial services. She has great qualifications & my full trust for this post. It is now for the EU Parliament to organise the hearings. Executive Vice-President @VDombrovskis will take on the trade portfolio. pic.twitter.com/OwGxwvpBad  Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 8, 2020

08:39 AM

Government 'not bluffing' on Brexit deal, former minister says

The pro-Remain former cabinet minister David Gauke says that the Government is "painting themselves into a corner" with its Brexit stance.

He said: "It is of course still possible for a deal to be reached. It wouldn't be a very full deal, wouldn't be very comprehensive, but a thin deal is possible. But it doesn't seem that there is the willingness to reach a compromise."

08:16 AM

Government to reduce group gatherings, reports suggest

Ministers have expressed their concern at rising rates of coronavirus, as the UK had saw case numbers of around 3,000 for two days in a row.

ITV's Robert Peston reports that in light of the spike the Government is considering significantly reducing the threshold for lawful gatherings of people in homes from 30 to as low as six.

At the moment, attending a gathering of 30 is punishable with a 100 fine and organising such an event risks a 10,000 fine. Under reduced threshold, due to be announced perhaps today, the police would empowered to break up and levy fines on much smaller groups. The new...  Robert Peston (@Peston) September 8, 2020

08:09 AM

Robert Jenrick insists he 'doesn't have any time for homophobia or sexism'

The Housing Secretary made the remarks when grilled over Tony Abbott's alleged sexist comments.

Mr Jenrick claimed that former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard labelled the UK's new senior trade adviser a misogynist because "she was his opponent".

I dont know Tony Abbott, but I am pleased weve managed to secure someone of his calibre to advise us on trade, he said.

I dont know Tony Abbott, but I am pleased weve managed to secure someone of his calibre to advise us on trade.



More cabinet backing for the former Oz PM, this time from Housing Sec @RobertJenrick who maintains he has no time for homophobia or sexism. JM #KayBurley pic.twitter.com/qQ0aPrgXo1  Kay Burley (@KayBurley) September 8, 2020

07:43 AM

German MEP says Brexit deal must be 'in line' with EU economic and political interests

David McAllister, who leads the UK Coordination Group, says that there are "many, many good arguments" for British negotiators agreeing to level playing deal demands.

Mr McAllister claims the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier will be "fully concentrated on making the most out of this week's negotiating round".

"We are still interested in finding a deal," he adds.

07:28 AM

Quarantine system could be changed if it proves too confusing, Robert Jenrick says

The Housing Secretary says the current system will be kept under review and changed if it proved to be confusing.

He claims that the testing at airports would need to be made "more sophisticated" before being implemented in the UK.

"It's an attractive solution but it's not currently one which works as well as we would want it to if we were going to apply it because only a relatively small number of people who later develop the virus would be caught by being tested immediately on arrival," he said.

"If the model can be made more sophisticated in the months and weeks to come then it's something that we could adopt but we want to make sure we don't give people a false sense of security if they've been tested on arrival."

07:25 AM

Sage adviser warns UK could be moving to second wave

Professor Andrew Hayward says there is a very worrying increase in Covid outbreaks nationally.

"I think that's what we're really keeping a close eye on - the extent to which it moves away from these localised outbreaks to broader community transmission," he says.

He adds that the "worrying increase in cases" could potentially "get out of hand if we're not very serious about the control measures".

Prof Hayward says that the lifting of "all of these restrictions" is happening as the weather gets colder and scientists "expect to see high levels of transmission".

07:15 AM

Today's front page

Today's Daily Telegraph leads on the news that Boris Johnson is to tell EU leaders that the Brexit divorce deal is "contradictory" and must be rewritten to protect the Union.

The Prime Minister believes the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement is legally ambiguous and would leave Northern Ireland isolated from the rest of the UK.

You can read the report here:

Tomorrows Telegraph front page: Brexit deal never made sense, PM to tell EU#TomorrowsPapersToday



Read more: https://t.co/tjRohk5Cj5 pic.twitter.com/c122VvaTmX  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) September 7, 2020

07:07 AM

Warnings any violation of Good Friday Agreement could mean no US trade deal

It's not just Brussels diplomats that are concerned by reports the Government could override the Withdrawal Agreement.

Congressman Brendan Boyle said that reneging on deal would make it very difficult for the US to engage in trade negotiations where trust is an issue.

He said that any violation of the Good Friday Agreement would mean no US trade deal.

Mr Boyle said that if the UK leaves the EU "in such a way that it violates the Good Friday Agreement there will be no US-UK free trade agreement, period".

06:57 AM

Good morning

The eighth round of Brexit talks kick off in London today. The UK's chief negotiator said last night that he wanted to "see more realism" and his comments have been echoed by ministers this morning.

The Government is also coming under pressure over rising coronavirus cases.

This morning Robert Jenrick warned that people should follow the guidance as closely as we can or else we do risk greater restrictions later.

We'll bring you the latest here.
President Donald Trump said on Monday he'd be open to an investigation into Postmaster General Louis DeJoy amid allegations that DeJoy encouraged his employees to make donations to Republican fundraising causes and then reimbursed them through bonuses.

The president, when pressed ABC News Correspondent Kyra Phillips, at first said, "I don't know much about it," at a news conference at the White House on Monday afternoon but that he would support an investigation into the issue, even as he signaled he's not inclined to believe DeJoy engaged in unlawful behavior.

According to reporting in the Washington Post and The New York Times, DeJoy, a former GOP fundraiser whose political connections helped garner his position at USPS, encouraged employees of his former company, New Breed Logistics, to write fundraising checks and gave bonuses to offset the costs. DeJoy's background in the private sector has shown significant financial stakes in companies that do business or compete with the Post Office.

ABC News has not independently confirmed these reports but has reached out to DeJoy for comment. It is against the law for an employer to reimburse employee campaign contributions.

"Let the investigations go. But he's a very respected man," the president continued on Monday from the White House's North Portico. "Again, it was a bipartisan commission. Postmaster General is appointed by a bipartisan commission. We'll see how that goes. I think he's a very honest guy. We'll see."

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a labor day press conference at the North Portico of the White House in Washington, DC, Sept. 7, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Asked then by Phillips if DeJoy should lose his job if it is shown that he engaged in a campaign finance scheme, Trump said yes but again seemed to express doubt that wrongdoing would be proven by referring to his own scandals.

"Yes, if something can be proven, always. They have been looking at me for four years. They found nothing. Four years," he said.

A spokesperson for DeJoy told the Washington Post that DeJoy believes that he has always followed campaign fundraising laws and regulations. A spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Service did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

Story continues

DeJoy has not offered a public reaction to the allegations, but he faced questioning about his possible use of straw donors during his testimony before the House Oversight committee last month.

Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn., asked DeJoy whether he paid back several top executives for contributing to Trump's campaign by providing them bonuses.

"That's an outrageous claim sir, and I resent it," DeJoy said. "The answer is no."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer over the weekend called for an investigation into DeJoy after the allegations surfaced that he had reimbursed former employees for GOP campaign contributions.

MORE: Senate returns to partisan showdowns as election looms

"These are very serious allegations that must be investigated immediately, independent of Donald Trump's Justice Department," Schumer said in a statement Sunday.

PHOTO: Rep. Katie Porter questions Postmaster General Louis DeJoy during the House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing in Washington, Aug. 24, 2020. (Tom Williams/Pool via Reuters)

DeJoy's former business, where the alleged activities took place, was based in North Carolina. On Sunday, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein reacted to the Post's reporting in a tweet.

"It is against the law to directly or indirectly reimburse someone for a political contribution," Stein tweeted. "Any credible allegations of such actions merit investigation by the appropriate state and federal authorities. Beyond this, it would be inappropriate for me as Attorney General to comment on any specific matter at this time."

MORE: Trump administration insists politics won't play into timeline for coronavirus vaccine

The Senate minority leader threw his weight behind Stein to lead an investigation into the reported allegation.

"The North Carolina Attorney General, an elected official who is independent of Donald Trump, is the right person to start this investigation," Schumer said in a statement.

DeJoy has been the focus of several Congressional inquiries in recent months as Democratic lawmakers have sought to understand changes at the postal service that they say has delayed the delivery of mail and could put the security of mail-in ballots at risk.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference on the North Portico of the White House, Sept. 7, 2020, in Washington. (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Wide range of topics covered

The president covered a wide range of topics in the Labor Day news conference, which was announced Monday morning on Twitter, as the presidential race heats up.

Trump also alleged Biden wanted to get the U.S. into "endless wars" and then suggested -- in a striking comment from the commander-in-chief about the nation's top military leaders and their motives -- that "the top people in the Pentagon" aren't happy with Trump because he wants to get the U.S. out of war.

"It's one of the reasons the military -- I'm not saying the military is in love with me -- the soldiers are. The top people in the Pentagon probably aren't, because they want to do nothing but fight wars so that all of those wonderful companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else stay happy," he said.

MORE: US employers added 1.4 million jobs in August, unemployment rate at 8.4%

Trump began by trumpeting economic recovery from the pandemic while threatening a crash "the likes of which you've never seen before" if Democratic nominee Joe Biden were elected president in remarks from an area from the White House usually reserved for greeting foreign leaders.

"As you probably see, the numbers are terrific. So, we called some people, wished them a very happy Labor Day, and they told us how they're doing. And we really celebrate the American worker. We are in the midst of the fastest economic recovery in U.S. history," Trump claimed.

Trump says he's open to investigation into Postmaster General DeJoy amid alleged campaign finance law violations originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
That bill, part of a package of legislation overhauling police oversight, failed last week when a couple of Democrats voted against their majority. Del. Ibraheem S. Samirah (D-Fairfax) said he voted against it to try to add language limiting local funding for police, but he dropped that effort Tuesday and asked that the bill be reconsidered. It passed 49 to 45 with two abstentions.
By Melanie Threlkeld McConnell Grace Allen (left), a finance professor in the College of Business, passed away Aug. 19. A new scholarship has been established to honor long-time Western Carolina University College of Business professor Grace Allen, who passed away Aug. 19 after a brief battle with cancer.

Allen, 63, taught finance classes at WCU for 28 years. She was beloved by many for her enthusiasm for teaching and her dedication to her students  some 7,000 since she arrived at the university in 1992. Debra Burke, interim dean of the College of Business, said the Grace Allen Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund came together quickly and organically because Allen was held in such high esteem by her students, colleagues, friends and family, and so many wanted to honor her memory.

She was always so positive and so passionate, Burke said. She was excited for all things in the College of Business. She was excited about teaching her students, about placing them in jobs, getting them career days. For her, it was about being a 360-degree professor.

Jake Robinson, who graduated from WCU in 2010 with a degree in finance and a minor in accounting, said he credits Allen with steering him to his chosen profession.

Dr. Allen was everything an educator should be, said Robinson, president and CEO of Champion Credit Union. Her enthusiasm and passion for students was infectious and motivated everyone to be a better version of themselves. She was a significant contributor in my decision to pursue a career in finance. I am eternally grateful for the decades of service she provided to students just like me.

A new scholarship has been established to honor Grace Allen, a long-time College of Business professor who passed away Aug. 19. Emily Ranson, who graduated from WCU in 2017 with a degree in finance, said Allen was her friend and mentor, outside of being her professor. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with Grace throughout my years at WCU both in the classroom and out. She cared deeply about her students and worked diligently to improve the lives of anyone she came into contact with, said Ranson. Being in her presence was always a one-of-a-kind experience. Some days we would walk into her classroom expecting a lesson on balance sheet analysis and walk out with practical knowledge of investing in trailer parks as rental property. Other days we might get a foot-stomping, passionate rant about how stupid it is to buy a new car and leave with a list of 50 better things to spend money on. Those days were my favorite.

When we would go to conferences, she spent a lot of time networking on our behalf to connect us to prospective employers and build a positive reputation of the student talent coming from WCU, she said.

Tim Eller credits Allen with simply changing his life for the better. I came back to WCU after taking a few years off. I was struggling academically and financially, said Eller, who graduated in 1996 with a degree in finance. I re-enrolled, met with an adviser and made a plan. Then I met Dr. Allen. She was a game-changer for me. She was full of encouragement, fun and knowledge. Her influence helped me achieve my most successful semesters at WCU. Then, after graduation, she stopped by to visit me at my first job and took my picture at my desk to put on the wall in the business department. She was simply awesome.

Former WCU economics professor Robert Mulligan called Allen his partner in crime because of the many trips they took their students on together each fall to visit the New York Stock Exchange. Mulligan, in a Facebook post announcing Allens death, said she brought out the best in everybody.

Allens flair for teaching did not go unnoticed. She received the Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2003, the College of Business Professor of Excellence Teaching Award multiple times, and the Chancellors Distinguished Teaching Award.

Grace leaves a huge void, but filled an equally huge space with her kindness and love while she was with us, Burke said. For that I am eternally grateful.

Grace is survived by her husband of 28 years, Bill May, and their children Marshall May and Gracie May.
Advertisement

With less than two months to go until the U.S. election, President Donald Trump is having trouble energizing his core supporters, especially white voters without college degrees who were key to his victory in 2016, a Reuters polling analysis shows.

The analysis, based on Reuters/Ipsos national opinion polling from May to August and 2016 exit poll data, found that Trump has lost support among non-college educated whites, who made up 44% of the U.S. electorate four years ago and heavily favored the Republican over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump is still more popular with this group than Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, with 46% saying they would vote for Trump, compared with 34% who back Biden.

But his 12-point advantage in August is down from a 21-point lead in May, and well below the 34-point advantage he had over Clinton.

What is more worrisome for Trump, however, is that the constituency's commitment to voting has remained flat this year, while interest has risen among groups that lean toward Democrats: minorities, women, urban and suburban residents and people with below-average incomes.

Then and now: How the 2016 election went among whites without college educations (left) and where the polls stand now (right) shows that Trump's advantage has been eroded

Contrasting demographics: A series of voting groups who lean Democratic have seen increases in enthusiasm - with the opposite the case for the white non-college educated Trump core

The data suggests that this time, there will be greater pressure on the Republican Party - and not the Democratic Party - to boost voter turnout to win.

'This is rare, and it's an interesting indication of how energized or agitated the electorate is,' said Donald Green, a political scientist at Columbia University.

'People who would ordinarily not make it past the likely voter screen are doing so because they're so decisively hostile toward the president.'

In the August poll, 69% of registered African-American voters and 61% of registered Hispanic voters said they were 'certain' to cast their ballots in November, up 7 and 6 percentage points, respectively, from May.

The number of committed voters rose by 5 points each among women, suburban and urban residents, and people who make less than $50,000 a year.

The number of certain voters has remained unchanged among non-college whites since May at 65%, and is down 2 points among rural Americans to 63%.

The number of registered Democrats who say they are 'certain' to vote has increased by about 5 percentage points to 79% from May to August, while it has increased by 1 point among registered Republicans to 78%, the polling shows. That's a reversal from August 2016, when 69% of registered Democrats and 71% of registered Republicans said they were certain to vote.

An Ipsos analysis of the data shows that Biden leads Trump by 10 percentage points in election scenarios that include only the most engaged, or 'likely,' voters. Trump claws back most of Bidens advantage only in high-turnout scenarios.

The Republican Party has traditionally attracted the most politically active Americans, including majorities of older, white voters, religious conservatives and gun owners.

Republican candidates usually could expect to perform better in elections where the turnout was low.

To be sure, Trump's base is likely to get more fired up the closer it gets to Election Day. The August polling shows as many as 20% of white voters without college degrees remain undecided. In 2016, about one in every eight Trump voters said they made their choice in the last week of the campaign, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll at the time.

Vital to defeat: Hillary Clinton's low showing among white voters without college degrees was the key factor in her defeat, particularly because of their outsized importance in the industrial midwest where she lost Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan by razor-thin margins

Despite the growth of minority populations, whites still dominate the U.S. electorate, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the voters in 2016, even though they make up only 60% of the overall population.

Their opinions are crucial for Trump, who during his presidency has focused on opposing immigration and expressed his sympathy for white racial grievances. Trump has criticized anti-racism protesters as 'thugs,' and most recently defended a white gunman charged with killing two Black Lives Matter demonstrators in Wisconsin.

According to Reuters/Ipsos polling in August, 61% of non-college whites believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, and 53% think the same of the U.S. economy. More than 70% say they are concerned about the coronavirus pandemic, and only 48% approve of the way Trump has responded to the crisis.

Meanwhile, 48% of college-educated whites said they would support Biden and 40% said they would back Trump. This compares with exit polls in 2016 that showed Clinton had just a 2-point edge over Trump with the same group.

Trump campaign spokesman Hogan Gidley said its internal polling shows that the president is 'tied or ahead in all of the key battleground states.'

'Our data shows supporters are wildly enthusiastic and excited to cast their vote for the President, unlike the small minority of Democrats who actually like Joe Biden,' Gidley said.

Polls by media and academic organizations currently show Biden ahead by at least a few points in most battleground states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida and Arizona, however.

Trump's efforts to discourage voting by mail due to the coronavirus pandemic - saying without evidence that it will lead to widespread fraud - may backfire given that the data suggests a higher turnout would work in his favor.

'Some people are going to be discouraged, some people are going to motivated to push back and vote, and some will be confused about what to do,' said Myrna Perez, the director of the Voting Rights and Elections Program at the Brennan Center for Justice.
New Delhi: Ahead of his expected talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said the state of the border with China cannot be de-linked from the state of the overall relationship with the neighbouring country.

The external affairs minister also described the situation in eastern Ladakh as "very serious" which he said calls for "very very deep conversation" between the two sides at a political level.

Jaishankar was speaking at an interactive session by The Indian Express newspaper.

"The state of the border cannot be de-linked from the state of the relationship. I wrote it before that unfortunate incident happened in Galwan," Jaishankar said referring to his newly published book 'The India Way'.

Tensions escalated manifold along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh after the Galwan Valley clashes 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.

If peace and tranquility on the border is not a given, then it cannot be that the rest of the relationship continues on the same basis, because clearly peace and tranquility is the basis for the relationship," the External Affairs Minister said.

Jaishankar is set to meet Wang on September 10 in Moscow on the sidelines of the meeting of the foreign ministers of the eight-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

"Exactly what I will tell him, obviously I am not going to tell you," Jaishankar said when asked what message he will deliver to his Chinese counterpart.

He, however, said the broad principle around which his position would be constructed would be about the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility along the border for the overall development of ties which has been reflected in the last 30 years of the relationship.

The minister also talked about the number of pacts between the two countries on the border management since 1993, saying they clearly stipulate keeping forces at a minimum level along the border and largely shaped the behaviour of the armed forces.

"If these are not observed, then it raises very very important questions.... I note that this very serious situation has been going on since the beginning of May, this calls for very very deep conversation between the two sides at a political level," he added.

Jaishankar said there were problems left over from history as well. "We have problems left over from history which continue to be an overhang on the relationship," he said, calling the current standoff as of "a very different order".

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

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Mumbai police have registered an FIR against Sushant Singh Rajput's sisters and others after the actor's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty claimed that they prescribed drugs to him without consultation.

An offence has been registered against Sushant's sisters Priyanka Singh and Meetu Singh, Delhi-based doctor Tarun Kumar and others, an official said on Tuesday.

The case has registered under sections of IPC and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act at Bandra Police Station in Mumbai, the offcial said.

In her police complaint, Rhea had sought that an FIR be registered under IPC, NDPS Act and Telemedicine Practice Guidelines. She had also accused Priyanka of molesting her.

Rhea had accused Priyanka Singh, Dr Tarun Kumar of Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and others of forgery and preparing a "fake" prescription of medicines for anxiety for

the 34-year-old actor, who was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14.

In accordance with orders of the Supreme Court, the case has been transferred to CBI for further investigation, a Mumbai police spokesperson said.
A mailman wearing a mask and gloves to protect himself and others from COVID-19, loads a postal truck with packages at a United States Postal Service (USPS) post office location in Washington, on April 16, 2020. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Police Investigating After Mail Bags Found Dumped in Los Angeles

An investigation is underway after officials found piles of unopened mail in Southern California this week.

Glendale Police Sgt. Christian Hauptmann told the Los Angeles Times that mail and packages were discovered at two locations in Glendale.

Officials responded to a call about the dumped mail at around 8 a.m. on Sept. 4. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) asked the police to deal with a situation about possible stolen mail or whatever was dumped in an alleyway, Hauptmann said.

A second call about mail that was allegedly dumped was made hours later. A business owner told police that they saw a similar incident in a store parking lot near the alley, Hauptmann added.

The USPS said it will not comment on the matter, suggesting that it is being investigated.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the law enforcement, crime prevention, and security arm of the Postal Service, spokesperson Evelina Ramirez said in a statement to news outlets. In order to preserve the integrity of their investigations and to prevent fundamental unfairness to the subjects of those investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service does not comment on any ongoing investigations.

Video footage that was obtained by KTLA in the 1600 block of Glenoaks Boulevard appeared to show a Budget rental truck backing to a gate at the 7Q Spa Laser & Aesthetics before a man gets bags of mail and tosses them on the ground.

It was completely unusual, 7Q owner Lilia Serobian told CNN, adding: Its suspicious. You start thinking, OK, something is going on, because no one has access to all those boxes and packages.

USPS employees were not involved in the incident, said Omar Gonzalez, the Western Regional Coordinator for the American Postal Workers Union, according to CNN.

We wanted to make sure it wasnt a bargaining employee, Gonzalez said. We talked to the Glendale supervisor and the Glendale manager and asked from where the contractors would have received the bags. Thats when they responded, telling us the Union should not speak about it.

Gonzalez said the Postal Inspectors Office and local police are investigating the incident.
Appointment

8 September 2020

Plunge Beach Resort has announced the appointment of Michele Leyden as Director of Sales at the stylish, laidback retreat located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. With over three decades of hotel industry experience - more than 20 years of which is in Florida alone - Leyden is responsible for planning and directing sales force activities to maximize profit from all segments of the market.

Leyden joins Plunge Beach Resort from PHM Management, Inc. where she served on the task force as director of sales for the past year prospecting, negotiating and executing group room sales to drive revenue. Previously, Leyden served as director of sales at Hyatt House in White Plains, New York where she was responsible for top line revenue, following budget guidelines, forecasting for ownership and solidifying new business opportunities. Additional leadership roles throughout her career in hospitality have included event consultant at Paragon Events, Inc. in Delray Beach, FL.; senior sales manager at Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach, FL.; marketing and events manager and human resources manager at Azopharma Product Development Group in Hollywood, FL.; hotel sales manager at Pier 66 Resort and Spa, Bahia Mar Beach Resort and Yachting Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL.; and sales service manager at Royal Caribbean Cruises International in Miami, FL.

Leyden received her bachelor's degree in hospitality tourism from Baruch College in New York City, NY. She has been an active and involved professional throughout her career, with board memberships in many industry organizations including Meeting Professionals International (MPI) where she was the recipient of the "Supplier of the Year" Award and the "Rising Star" Award in the MPI South Florida division.

As she assumes her new role as director of sales at Plunge Beach Resort, Leyden will be responsible for targeting, soliciting and cultivating business within the transient leisure market segment, with efforts directed toward building business relationships with key consortia and Plunge Beach Resort partners securing room, suite and beach bungalow revenue. Leyden will also oversee all beach wedding and small meeting bookings.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (fifth, right), National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (fifth, left) and other officials pose for a photo at the opening ceremony of AIPA 41 on September 8 (Photo: VNA)



The online event saw the participation of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and leaders of Vietnamese Party and State, ambassadors, representatives from embassies of participating countries to the AIPA 41, as well as representatives from observer countries and guests of host Vietnam.

Addressing the opening ceremony, NA Chairwoman Ngan said this is the first time in 43-year history the AIPA General Assembly has been held virtually amid the complicated developments of COVID-19, showing determination and efforts of ASEAN member parliaments and governments in overcoming difficulties, fighting the pandemic and moving forward for peoples well-being and cooperation and development of the ASEAN Community.

This is the third time Vietnam has undertaken on the role of AIPA chair and hosted the General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly. This event affirmed Vietnamese National Assemblys role and responsibility as well as AIPAs international mission in multilateral cooperation mechanisms.

She informed delegates that the Vietnamese National Assembly has closely cooperated with ASEAN member parliaments to organise numerous activities, promoting roles of the AIPA and its members in building ASEAN Community.

In his video message at the opening ceremony, Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong applauded the organisation of AIPA 41 in the form of a teleconference.

A strong ASEAN that plays the central role and serves as a driving force of regional and international cooperation will be both the mainstay and the goal of Vietnam, he noted.

Its now more important than ever that AIPA keeps contributing to efforts to promote ASEANs central role in an evolving regional architecture while promoting multilateralism, international connectivity and cooperation, and respect for law.

He expressed his belief that this times general assembly will work towards community-based mindset and actions so as to achieve a strong and cohesive ASEAN Community that is oriented towards and centres on the people with its role established in the international arena.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc spoke highly of the AIPAs role as a significant organisation of legislative bodies in ASEAN. During the past decades, AIPA parliamentary cooperation has always played an important role in coordinating with ASEAN member governments in maintaining and consolidating regional peace, security, stability, cooperation and development; as well as enhancing people-to-people connectivity.

He stressed the effectiveness of the ASEAN Leaders Interface with AIPA representatives during the virtual 36th ASEAN Summit and the need to uphold the dialogue mechanism, adding that the dialogue has helped the governments implement policies to improve its peoples livelihoods and well-being.

A meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA), AIPA Young Parliamentarians and meetings of the Political, Economic, Social Affairs and Organisation Committees will be held within the events framework.

The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) is a regional parliamentary organisation. It was originally formed on September 2, 1977 as the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organisation (AIPO) by the leaders of the parliamentary delegations of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand attending the Third ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Conference in Manila, the Philippines. In 1995, Vietnam became a member, followed by Laos in 1997, Cambodia in 1999, and Brunei in 2009. At the 27th AIPO General Assembly held in Cebu city, the Philippines in 2006, there was a consensus to transform the organisation into a more effective and closely integrated institution and to change the organisation's name from AIPO to AIPA./.
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have paid back the 2.4m of taxpayers money used to renovate their royal residence, Frogmore Cottage, after the pair signed a multi-million-pound deal with streaming service Netflix.

A spokesperson confirmed the duke had paid the bill in full by making a contribution to the Sovereign Grant.

Harry's spokesperson said: "A contribution has been made to the Sovereign Grant by the Duke of Sussex.

"This contribution as originally offered by Prince Harry has fully covered the necessary renovation costs of Frogmore Cottage, a property of Her Majesty The Queen, and will remain the UK residence of the duke and his family."

The building project involved turning five properties back into a single mansion - and while the couple paid for all fixtures and fittings, the cost of renovation initially fell to the taxpayer.

Recommended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sign deal with Netflix

It was previously reported the work on the property overran after the Sussexes made a string of design changes as the renovation progressed, with the 2.4m bill including structural work, rewiring and flooring.

A source said the couple will still base themselves there with their son Archie when visiting the UK.

"It's still the plan for Frogmore Cottage to be their main family home in the UK," the source said.

The couple recently bought an 11m house in Montecito, Santa Barbara, having relocated to the US as they pursue a life of personal and financial freedom away from the monarchy.

Meanwhile the couple's new Netflix deal to produce a range of films and series for the streaming service is reported to be worth $100m (76m).

Graham Smith of Republic, a group that campaigns for an elected head of state, said: "Harry should have paid this bill from the outset, rather than expecting the taxpayer to stump up the cash.

"They've now paid for the refurbishment while continuing to use the home whenever they stay in the UK.

"Their statement claims the cottage is the Queen's property, which is untrue.

"It belongs to the Crown Estate, which is there to raise revenue for the Treasury, so we have a right to know what rent they are paying for the place."
LONDON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Delegates at this year's Gastech Virtual Summit Strategic Conference have heard exclusive critical insights from Ministers, policy makers, business leaders, disrupters and innovators. The Gas, LNG and Energy industry's most powerful executives spoke today at Day 2 of the Summit. The world's leading event for the Gas, LNG and Energy industry is taking place digitally from 7  11 September.

Gastech has a successful history of attracting the industry's top CEOs as speakers. The renowned strategic and technical conference programmes feature more than 200 speakers, in 89 conference sessions and presentations. Over 1,500 delegates are participating in the global Gas, LNG and Energy industry's premier knowledge exchange platform. Issues impacting the future of the industry; energy security of supply; affordability and sustainability; the prospects for demand and investment recovery; and changes to supply in a post COVID-19 world are top of the agenda.

Joseph McMonigle, Secretary General of International Energy Forum opened Day 2 of the conference with a Keynote Address, he said, "The pandemic increases the stakes by pushing the demand gap out further over the next decade. This opens a new window of opportunity that enables the gas industry to play a larger role in achieving climate, clean air, and energy access goals."

Global Business Leaders discussed the current and future global LNG market, with Atsunori Takeuchi, Executive Officer, Senior General Manager of LNG Optimization & Trading Department at Tokyo Gas saying, "Our company would like to contribute to sustainable development of global energy market and the implementation of low carbon society and the decarbonised society ahead of it. This is our future."

Faisel Khan, Chief Financial Officer of Sempra LNG said, "We're quite optimistic on the growth and need of natural gas and LNG across the world for some time to come, especially in Asia. We see it eventually as competing with coal on a long-term basis both from a social cost perspective in terms of GHG emissions and even potentially on a price basis for a long time." Anatol Feygin, Chief Commercial Officer of Cheniere added, "We're very confident that LNG and US LNG in particular will have a seat at the table and will be part of a long-term multi-decade solution."

Thomas Siebal, Author, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at C3.ai spoke at a Gastech Tech Talk on the digital transformation of the oil and gas industry and the importance of digital technologies in surviving the impact of COVID-19, he said, "When we get to this issue of corporate mass extinction and digital transformation, predictions are that 70% of the existing companies today will go digital and 21% will succeed. The rest will go out of business. They'll be acquired, they'll be merged and they'll cease to exist. This is accelerated by what's been going on. This digital transformation process has clearly been accelerated in the post-COVID economy."

Hydrogen's potential to play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future was discussed during a Global Business Leader panel discussion. De La Rey Venter, Executive Vice President, Integrated Gas Ventures of Shell said; "How important is hydrogen really in the context of our climate aspirations? Bluntly put, it is mission critical."

Keisuke Sadamori, Director, Energy Markets and Security of International Energy Agency said, 'There's a lot of opportunity now for hydrogen probably more than ever before, so we must start now. What we do between now and 2030 is critical, the challenge is to turn the momentum into investment decisions." Hydrogen will play an important role in decarbonising the energy industry, today the Gastech Hydrogen Exhibition and Conference was launched, co-located with Gastech, the event will enable those driving the development of Hydrogen and those investing to convene in Singapore next September.

Lisa Glatch, Chief Operating Officer of Sempra LNG; Tracy Lothian, Senior Vice President, LNG at ExxonMobil; Julie Mayo, Energy Transactions Partner and Head of US Oil and Gas at Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP and Maria Sferruzza, Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific at Baker Hughes discussed diversity and inclusion in energy, addressing how vital it is that companies deploy initiatives to move towards meeting a balance. ExxonMobil hosted Powerplay Panels, connecting women from across the global energy business, highlighting excellence and supporting greater diversity and environments in which women can flourish.

Martin Houston, Vice President at Tellurian wrapped up day 2 of the strategic conference in analysis with Eithne Treaner, Gastech presenter, he stated, "Energy demand is growing, and gas is an important part of that!" The underlying of the Summit was that the gas industry will be both resilient and critical in the journey to a net zero carbon position by mid-century, all gas companies are now energy companies, with the shared mandate to drive a low carbon energy future.

Other speakers leading today's conversation included: Prabhat Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, Petronet LNG; Niek den Hollander, Executive Board Member Uniper SE; Keisuke Sadamori, Director, Energy Markets and Security, International Energy Agency; Sanjiv Lamba, Executive Vice President, APAC, Linde; Thorbjoern Fors, Executive Vice President, Industrial Applications, Siemens Energy and Dan Feldman, Partner, Shearman & Sterling; Hiroki Sato, Managing Executive Officer & Chief Global Partnership Officer, JERA Inc.; Jun Nishizawa, Executive Vice President, Group CEO, Natural Gas Group, Mitsubishi Corporation; Jane Liao, CEO, Natural Gas Business, CPC Corporation, Taiwan; Steve Hill, Executive Vice President for Gas & Energy Marketing & Trading, Shell; Irtiza Sayyed, President, ExxonMobil LNG Market Development Inc and Michael Stoppard, Chief Strategist for Gas, IHS Markit

The topics covered by the Gastech Virtual Summit include the role of natural gas in the energy transition; the criticality of IoT and data security in the future of the energy industry; the impact of deregulation on markets and investment; opportunities and challenges to the energy sector posed by Industry 4.0; hydrogen's ability to deliver on decarbonisation commitments and what impact environmental activism will have on the emerging growth opportunities for the industry.

The Gastech Virtual Summit 2020 is being held in place of the Gastech exhibition and conference, scheduled to take place in Singapore, in September. dmg events and the Gastech Governing Body, in consultation with Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Tourism Board collectively took the decision to postpone that event, to 13  16 September 2021, due to concerns around the global pandemic, accessibility and the wellbeing of speakers, delegates, exhibitors and visitors.

About Gastech

For almost 50 years, Gastech has been at the heart of the Gas, LNG and Energy conversation. As the world starts to emerge from the shadow of COVID-19, the Gastech Virtual Summit will engage with, and address, the key issues and most promising opportunities for the Gas, LNG and Energy industries in the 4th industrial age.

Taking place from 7-11 September 2020, Gastech Virtual Summit will provide leadership and direction as the Gas, LNG and Energy industries seek to strike a balance between business priorities and their licence to operate, in a post COVID-19 world. With an emphasis on technology innovation; supply and demand dynamics; evolving partnerships; people and talent and governance and influence, the Summit will set the agenda for the global Gas, LNG and Energy industries for decades to come.

For more information please visit www.gastechevent.com.

Follow us on social media @Gastechevent and use #GTVirtualSummit and #Gastech for the latest soundbites and news updates as the event happens!

SOURCE Gastech Virtual Summit 2020
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) announced Tuesday that its founder Alan Miller will step down as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2021. Marc Miller, who currently serves as President, will become the new Chief Executive Officer. Meanwhile, Alan Miller will continue to serve as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of UHS in addition to retaining certain other management responsibilities within the company. Alan Miller will also continue to serve in his current role of Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Health Realty Income Trust (UHT), a real estate investment trust founded by UHS. He founded UHS in 1979 with six employees. UHS currently employs approximately 90,000 employees and operates through its subsidiaries close to 400 facilities located in 37 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. Marc Miller, President since 2009, is the newly appointed CEO of UHS. He is a member of the UHS Board of Directors and serves on both the Executive Committee and the Finance Committee. 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.
Hong Kong: Travel bubble talks underway

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau today said the Government has approached 11 countries to discuss setting up travel bubbles.

Speaking to the media this afternoon, Mr Yau explained that discussions with some countries including Japan and Thailand are underway.

When asked about a timetable for establishing travel bubbles and relaxing travel restrictions, Mr Yau said it depends on various factors.

The timetable for creating a travel bubble would be a matter of striking a bilateral agreement between Hong Kong and the partnering country. It all depends on how ready and how comfortable both parties are with the situation.

Now, the question on our readiness is a matter of whether we can agree on the protocol. I mentioned details about the essential feature in that protocol, which includes a pre-boarding COVID-19 test, which must be mutually recognised by the respective health authorities. I mentioned details about the double insurance by ensuring travellers have it upon arrival during port health checks. Plus, we must address any additional measures, which may be printed in the receiving countries documents.

Further discussions are needed before rolling out any plans, Mr Yau added.

Mr Yau also expressed hope that social distancing measures adopted in theme parks and exhibition venues could be lifted on September 18 if the situation permits.

This story has been published on: 2020-09-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Does Tharoors high on literacy; low on morality remark sums up current state of Kerala?

Make reading books at habit: PM Modi at Patrika Gate event

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Sep 08: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for inculcating the habit of reading books among the new generation, saying it is imperative in this age of text, tweet and "Google guru" that they are not weaned away from gaining serious knowledge.

Inaugurating Patrika Gate in Jaipur and releasing two books authored by Patrika Group Chairman Gulab Kothari through a video conference, Modi also asserted that the voice of India along with Indian products is becoming more global with the country now enjoying stronger presence at world bodies.

The world is now listening to India with more attention, he said.

The Indian media, he added, needs to go global too.

International Literacy Day 2020: History, theme and how education coping up amid COVID-19 pandemic

The media, the prime minister said, has served people in an "unprecedented way" by spreading awareness on the coronavirus pandemic and by analysing government works and pointing out their shortcomings.

Though the media is also criticised at times, more so in this age of social media, but everybody needs to learn from criticism, he said, adding this is what makes India's democracy strong.
The UAE and South Korea have agreed to boost cooperation and investments in 10 vital and strategic sectors besides development programmes.

The seventh session of the UAE-South Korea Joint Economic Committee was chaired virtually by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, and Nam-Ki Hong, Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, in the presence of Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade.

During the session, the two countries emphasised the strength of ties, which have witnessed significant expansion since bilateral diplomatic relations were established in 1980, said a statement from the Ministry of Economy.

In addition, the duo discussed the global economic developments in light of the spread of Covid-19 and its impact on global trade.

Cooperation and investments aimed at industrialisation and commercial production in the sectors of SMEs and communication, information technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, smart agriculture, green economy, energy, renewable energy, science and innovation in the medical and agricultural sectors, in addition to education, tourism, financial services and transportation were also discussed.

Also an agreement was reached to sign a MoU by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the UAE and Korea to activate the cooperation frameworks related to Seoul's participation in the Expo, which has been postponed to next year because of the pandemic.

Bin Touq said that the volume of non-oil trade exchange between the two countries is promising, as it amounted to more than $5 billion in 2019. The volume of UAE exports to Korea doubled compared to 2018, while re-exports grew nearly three times.

"We are focusing on the advanced technology sectors in particular, so that the UAE and Korean economies can progress and work together through investments in the fields of innovation, research and development, to reach the commercial production in the sectors of the new economy," he said.

He also touched on how the UAEs leadership is expediting the systematic response to the economic challenges posed by the pandemic, pointing to the UAE governments recent launch of a flexible package and a general plan of 33 initiatives to support various economic sectors.

Nam-Ki Hong said, "This year, very close cooperation between both countries in dealing with Covid-19 has once again proven the value of our outstanding strategic partnership.

"Given the history of our highly successful and mutually beneficial cooperation, I look forward to advancing these efforts to the next stage by jointly developing strategies for the post-Covid-era," he added.

Recently, Korea announced the Korean Green New Deal Strategy, much like the 50-year strategy announced by the UAE, which aims to develop future industries based on AI, IoT, 5G, ICT and advanced manufacturing."

The agenda of the seventh JEC between the UAE and Korea included 10 new development programmes for cooperation that will continue to be implemented and followed up over the next two years until the next session of the Committee 2022, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Disaster upon disaster is how the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario describes long-term-care homes during the pandemic.

Nursing homes basically during COVID-19 for several months were abandoned, said CEO Doris Grinspun. Abandoned by government in very concrete ways.

Despite promises from the federal and provincial governments to end long-standing problems that led to long-term care and retirement homes becoming the epicentre of COVID-19, accounting for at least two-thirds of Ontarios pandemic deaths, Grinspun says little has changed as Ontario prepares for an expected second wave of the virus over fall and winter.

It will be one tragedy on top of another tragedy, she said. I basically am afraid we will finish a whole generation of seniors in nursing homes if we dont do something fast.

The lack of progress in properly staffing, overseeing, modernizing and funding long-term care raises questions about whether Ontario is prepared for the second wave of COVID-19. Will seniors homes be the epicentre again? How will Ontarios normally overcrowded hospitals cope? Will the public even know about outbreaks in businesses and workplaces? How do Ontarians know what risks are worth taking as the province reopens?

Nobody knows when that second wave will hit or how bad it will be, said Dr. Dominik Mertz, associate professor of infectious diseases at McMaster University. We will see what happens when fall and winter comes.

Most Ontarians fear the second wave, according to a poll commissioned by the Canadian Mental Health Association. The vast majority expressed worry people are becoming relaxed too quickly and not following physical distancing requirements, found the survey of 1,002 Ontarians conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights from July 23 to Aug. 2.

Nearly 80 per cent are concerned the province will go back into lockdown and 85 per cent dread a second wave will put us back where we started.

Even when things are going well, there might be a turn for the worse, said Dr. Mark Loeb, infectious disease physician and professor at McMaster University. When you can move forward, you have to do it cautiously. There will be setbacks. Its going to be like this until there is a vaccine that is proven to be effective and thats available. Were going to be in this game for a while.

"Nobody knows when that second wave will hit or how bad it will be," said Dr. Dominik Mertz, associate professor of infectious diseases at McMaster University. "We will see what happens when fall and winter comes." Dr. Dominick Mertz

Some feel Ontario is ready for whatever hits.

We have the resource capacity and the knowledge from the first wave to deal with the second wave, said Dr. Zain Chagla, infectious disease physician at St. Josephs Healthcare.

But others say the province is vulnerable, especially in hard-hit areas such as long-term care where the situation has deteriorated over the pandemic, says the Ontario Health Coalition.

The capacity to provide care is worse than it was entering the first wave, said executive director Natalie Mehra. Its the lack of staffing that has been the biggest barrier.

Long-term care staffing challenges

The province has limited staff to working at one long-term-care facility during the pandemic to stop the spread of the virus. Having to choose between jobs has decimated the workforce in some homes, says the coalition.

The workforce is so precarious theyve had to cobble together multiple jobs across multiple facilities, said Mehra. That was a lesson the SARS commission highlighted that in the hospitals, workers went from hospital to hospital and that was a danger. But in long-term care its much more extreme than in hospitals.

Compounding the problem is that families ordinarily take on some of the care in seniors homes but their visits are restricted due to COVID-19.

They dont have enough staff for regular times, said Mehra. What has been made very clear is that when you do have COVID-19 outbreaks, there is a need for more staff than the regular times. It has been a complete failure. Those things have been laid bare, but its not like theyve actually been addressed.

The staffing shortages leave the homes relying on temporary agency workers who are exempt from the order prohibiting employees from working in multiple homes. It raises concern they will inadvertently spread COVID-19 from home to home in the same way workers did in the first wave before the new rule was put in place.

We learned a lesson that the spread of infection is not necessarily from patient to health-care workers, said Chagla. It was also that health-care workers  spread it to other health-care workers. That was a pocket we didnt anticipate.

Staff need to be hired immediately to avoid a repeat of the terrible toll the first wave took on Ontarios most vulnerable seniors, says Grinspun.

"Nursing homes basically during COVID-19 for several months were abandoned," said Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario CEO Doris Grinspun. "Abandoned by government and by bureaucracy in very concrete ways." Torstar file photo

We want increased staffing now so we dont find ourselves in the predicament that we did last time, she said. Because, on top of everything, this time you will have influenza and you will have people who are exhausted.

She says she honestly believes Premier Doug Ford when he says he wants to fix the problems in long-term care, but the clock is ticking down to the second wave and no government has a good track record when it comes to seniors homes.

They were abandoned for the last two decades, said Grinspun. Government after government after government.

Niagara Health president Lynn Guerriero said establishing a better system of managing COVID-19 in nursing homes will also help ensure hospitals dont get overwhelmed if the next wave of the virus is more severe than the first, as it appears to be in other countries including Australia.

Backlogs in the hospital system

Niagara Health, Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Josephs Healthcare are still struggling to catch up with a massive backlog of surgeries and other patient procedures that were cancelled in the first wave of the pandemic. Research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal on Sept. 1, estimates 148,364 surgeries were postponed provincewide from March 15 to June 13. The Toronto researchers estimate it will take 84 weeks to clear the backlog.

The best thing we need to do between now and the fall is make sure that we have a plan in place for congregate settings, said Guerriero. As a hospital system, we cant really function if we have to always have the capacity to decant long-term care. So you saw that happening in various places where 10, 20, 50 patients, residents of a long-term-care home, with no other option, would have to go to a hospital.

In Hamiltons deadliest COVID-19 outbreak, 63 seniors from the Rosslyn Retirement Residence had to be evacuated to St. Josephs Charlton Campus and Hamilton General Hospital  most within a matter of hours on May 15  when the home had no staff left and was shut down. Hospital workers said theyd never seen so many patients admitted at once in their careers.

In the second wave, such evacuations would be a bigger challenge as hospitals work to clear the backlog of postponed care.

What that means for the hospital is all of a sudden we have to ramp down our procedures, said Guerriero. We dont want that to happen, so I think that the relationships weve built with congregate settings and public health need to be strengthened and kept in place so that we are absolutely ready for whatever happens in the fall.

Many wonder how Ontarios normally overcrowded hospitals will juggle influenza, COVID-19 and the backlog.

We are chronically above 100 per cent (occupancy) just to do what we are supposed to do without being faced with a pandemic at the same time, said Mertz. Finding the right balance between opening up as much as we can to provide care to those who have waited a very long time but still making sure we are nimble enough to reduce scheduled care when we see things are ticking up again, will continue to be a challenge throughout this pandemic.

The question is how to keep beds open  an issue that has increasingly challenged hospitals for decades.

We do have capacity, said Chagla. At the same time, we have a plan on how to create more space relatively quickly. I think its just part of the new normal that you have to have some capacity.

But hospitals usually have more patients than funded beds, especially during flu season, so they have to put people in unconventional spaces such as hallways, family rooms and sunrooms  something that has been coined hallway medicine.

Every year Im screaming in the media about not enough beds, said Grinspun. Picture this year when you will have influenza plus COVID. Unless we really prepare primary care, nursing homes and home care for October, November and December, we are toast in my opinion. The entire system will crumble not only nursing homes.

Ontario has to break down the silos in the health-care system and improve co-ordination, said Guerriero.

I think one of the biggest things that has to change  is better integrating the response between hospital, home and community, and long-term-care and retirement homes, she said.

The RNAO says whats missing now is a sense of urgency from the provincial government to get ahead of the second wave.

"The best thing we need to do between now and the fall is make sure that we have a plan in place for congregate settings," said Lynn Guerriero, president of the Niagara Health System. Torstar file photo

I have been asking and asking for the plan for wave two and the answer is always, Its coming, its coming.  she said. A key message is to move faster, much faster, and with a more serious sense of urgency.

Mertz is also frustrated by wasted opportunities, particularly when it came to the best way to get kids back in the classroom.

I think we lost valuable time in terms of testing models back in May and June in areas where there was hardly any COVID, he said. We were stuck in a one-size-fits-all approach for the entire province for a very long time.

Local or partial lockdowns?

He says sticking with a regional approach will be even more important as the second wave hits.

I dont think there will be a need to shut down the entire province anymore as a whole, but there might be need for local or partial lockdowns along the way, said Mertz. I think the main challenge is identifying clusters early and reacting quickly.

In the second wave, outbreaks are expected to shift more to stores, restaurants, bars, factories, transit and workplaces as services reopen.

The bigger area of concern now is the community, said Chagla. Theres always a risk with some of these indoor, poorly ventilated activities that we see a big transmission event. I think we just have to be smart, universal mask, make sure people are getting tested. Every individual has to make their own risk assessment on how much they want to engage with society.

A need for transparency in reporting

The Ontario Health Coalition fears the public wont even know about the majority of outbreaks in the second wave. While public health departments report outbreaks in congregate living and hospitals, they ordinarily dont reveal cases at businesses.

"We have the resource capacity and the knowledge from the first wave to deal with the second wave," said Dr. Zain Chagla, infectious disease physician at St. Joseph's Healthcare. "We learned in the hospital we were able to control the infection." St. Joseph's Healthcare

The reporting is actually much worse, said Mehra. The names are being shielded from public scrutiny. There is no reason why you can publish the name of a long-term-care home with an outbreak, but not a food production facility. It is in the public interest for transparency.

It leaves the community counting on the businesses themselves to make COVID-19 outbreaks public.

Some stores have been reporting publicly, but many others have not, said Mehra. This is about protecting business interests and that should not supersede the public interest. Theres no reason to hide it, so it shouldnt be hidden.

The lull right now between the waves is the time to find a new normal the community can live with for months or even years, say infectious disease experts.

Weve gotten to a point that this is as good as its going to get, said Chagla. Were not going to eliminate COVID without something in terms of a treatment or a vaccine.

Over the summer, the numbers of new cases have been low meaning the community has been as safe as it can be.

I think people can  go back to some semblance of normalcy as long as they are practicing good hand hygiene, distancing and testing if they have symptoms, said Chagla.

The focus now needs to be on giving people the tools to make the right decisions, said Mertz.

I think we need to stop asking the question if doing X or Y is safe, he said. We really should say how can I do X or Y as safely as possible. Going back to simple principles like the three Cs: Avoid close spaces; crowded places and close contact.

I hear about people who are still scared to leave the house, he adds. If you are not considering things safe enough now than this will be a major problem for you in the months to come because it will likely not get any safer.

Incredible testing capacity

The one piece that is already in place for the second wave is the ability to quickly test for COVID-19.

"The capacity to provide care is worse than it was entering the first wave," said Ontario Health Coalition executive director Natalie Mehra. "It's the lack of staffing capacity that has been the biggest barrier." The Canadian Press file photo

The testing capacity is incredible in terms of 20,000 to 30,000 tests provincially (a day), said Chagla. I think we learned very quickly that you cant fight the enemy that you dont see.

What Mertz wants to stop in the second wave is the shaming of so-called COVIDIOTS which he believes ultimately hampers the ability to stop the spread of the virus.

I think blaming will not help us moving forward, he said. If anything, it will result in people hiding what they really did and then we fail with our contact tracing.

While Hamiltonians could have the chance to test a vaccine candidate in early 2021, Loeb says having an immunization proven to be effective and thats available to the public is still a ways off.

There is no guarantee the first horses out of the gate are going to work, he said. Even if they do, then the question becomes the availability  which countries are going to get those. The United States is not going to be giving vaccines to Canada before theyve vaccinated their own country  thats pretty clear. Canada has to make its own arrangements to secure vaccine.

Until then, Ontario is left bracing for the next wave  particularly as children go back to school  whether its ready or not.

Were probably not going to see a surge in a day or two  its going to happen over weeks and months that well start to see rises in cases and, hopefully, we can respond to them to keep them relatively low, said Chagla. Were at a point where we can breathe, think about and reflect on where weve been and on the next wave.
Co-workers and family gathered at a rehab center in Camden County on Tuesday to celebrate a man who has battled the coronavirus since May.

After more than a hundred days away from his family  between his hospital stay and a stint at PowerBack Rehabilitation in Voorhees Township  Chris Stanek is finally going home.

The veteran state corrections officer was greeted by members of NJ PBA Local 105 and officers from law enforcement agencies from around the state who gathered in front of the rehab to celebrate his victory over the disease and provide him an escort back to his house in Bridgeton.

Stanek, 46, who works at South Woods State Prison, was taken from his home by ambulance on May 20 after developing a fever, breathing problems and disorientation, his wife, Jean, explained in July.

He remained at Cooper University Hospital in Camden for months, where he was intubated and placed on a ventilator twice and put on continuous dialysis at one point. His condition would improve, then nosedive, Jean recalled, but she credited her faith in God and support of family and friends for getting the couple through the worst of it.

Corrections officer Chris Stanek, of Bridgeton, is greeted by his wife Jean Stanek and officers from across the state as he is released from PowerBack Rehabilitation in Voorhees after battling Covid-19 since May, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Stanek exited the rehab on a stretcher Tuesday morning and was met with a round of applause and cheers from well-wishers and a hug from his wife. He gave a thumbs-up and expressed his gratitude for the support.

I really appreciate it, he told the crowd. It makes me feel good.

Asked how he felt at that moment, Stanek summed it up in one word: Elated.

Im so happy, he said. Its been such a long time.

He said hes looking forward to his wifes cooking and seeing his grandkids again. Stanek will continue his recovery at home under Jeans watchful eye.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, she could only see her husband via video calls during those long months in the hospital.

Im not going to leave his side, thats for sure, his beaming wife said. "My husbands been away from home for so long and now hes finally coming home. He beat COVID. God is good.

Its a new beginning for us.

Jean Stanek records as her husband, corrections officer Chris Stanek, of Bridgeton, is taken home by ambulance with a police escort after being released from PowerBack Rehabilitation in Voorhees, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. Chris Stanek has been battling the coronavirus since May.Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

PBA Local 105 Vice President Mike Gallagher launched a GoFundMe drive to help the family with its medical bills and related expenses.

Stanek knows all about helping others in need.

He previously volunteered for an ambulance squad, where he met Jean, and traveled to New York City after the 9/11 terrorist attacks to help at ground zero.

The couple married in 2004.

In addition to corrections department personnel, officers from various agencies, including police, sheriffs officers and county corrections officers, turned out and formed a roughly 50-vehicle procession to Bridgeton, where an honor guard welcomed Stanek home. He traveled via ambulance.

Many feared he would not survive the illness.

Chris has been sick for 111 days and hes a true survivor, Gallagher remarked. He fought this and won. For him to be going home, its a blessing.

22 DOC officer released from rehab facility after long battle with coronavirus, Sept. 8, 2020

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
British telecom giant Vodafones merger with Indian telecom giant Idea Cellular has been in the works for over 3 years, since January, 2017. While the merger itself was completed in 2018, Vodafone Idea has only now completed its integration, and they are marking this with the announcement of a re-brand from Vodafone Idea to simply Vi.

With the re-brand, Vi (pronounced as We) will be designed to be leaner and agile, with a huge spectrum portfolio, massive capacity with 5G ready technologies built into its networks. The company also showed off a new Vi logo to mark the announcement, complete with the tagline Together for Tomorrow.

Over the past few months, Vodafone Idea has been steadily integrating many of the services that were previously offered to Vodafone and Idea customers separately. This includes announcements like the availability of Vodafone RED to all Vodafone Idea postpaid customers.

In the wake of the disruption caused by Reliance Jios entry into the market, Vodafone and Idea have suffered heavy losses and hope to make a comeback to the market with this merger.

Commenting on the re-brand, Ravinder Takkar, MD & CEO, Vodafone Idea Limited said:
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Croatia's producer prices declined for the sixth month in a row in August, figures from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics showed on Tuesday. The producer price index fell 4.1 percent year-on-year in August, following a 4.0 percent decrease in July. Prices in domestic market decreased 2.7 percent annually in August and those in foreign market fell 5.7 percent. On a month-on-month basis, producer prices fell 0.3 percent in August, after a 0.7 percent increase in the previous month. Separate data from the statistical office showed that the trade deficit decreased to EUR 6.92 billion in June from EUR 7.45 billion in the same month last year. In May, trade deficit was EUR 6.53 billion. 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.
Family Housing Resources of Tucson will host two online events for homebuyers and lenders to learn more about a lease-to-own program that entered the market last year.

Through the program, potential homebuyers can lease a home for up to five years and use the appreciation of the houses value as a down payment when they are ready to buy.

During the time of the lease, the person is required to participate in financial counseling.

Mortgage company Trio is partnering with Pima Countys Industrial Development Authority on the program.

Both new and resale homes are eligible up to a maximum price of $325,000 and rates locked in for 30 years at todays rates.

To qualify, participants must have:

Minimum 580 credit score

Minimum $3,600 monthly household income

24-month clean housing history (on-time rent or mortgage payments)

Minimum $2,500 in savings

Maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%

The program is privately funded and the role of the IDA is to promote awareness of the option. Trio receives no government subsidies.
WhatsApp messages that crash recipients' phones instantly and forces them to delete and reinstall the app have reportedly been doing the rounds.

When opened, the messages, which contain a long string of unfamiliar numbers and characters, cause WhatsApp to freeze.

The issue is caused by a software bug that prevents WhatsApp from processing the combination of characters in the messages, leading to an 'infinite crash'.

This has resulted in some WhatsApp users who had not recently backed up their conversations losing their entire chat histories permanently.

Independent WhatsApp experts WABetaInfo were alerted of the issue by a user on Twitter and detailed the problem in a blog post.

The weird code and character combinations reportedly originated in Brazil, where it was becoming a particular problem for users.

The issue only affected devices that use iOS and Android devices were not affected, according to WhatsApp.

WhatsApp experts WABetaInfo were altered of the bug on Twitter. A WhatsApp contact might send a message that contains many weird characters, which the app might interpret the wrong way and crash

'The combination of these characters create a situation where WhatsApp isnt able to process the message, determining an infinite crash,' said WABetaInfo.

'If you find any dangerous message, do not send it just for fun  your friends might lose their chat history if they havent a recent backup,' it warned.

WhatsApp told MailOnline that the issue has now been resolved.

'WhatsApp has released and already begun rolling out a patch that addresses this in its latest iOS software update,' it said in a statement to MailOnline.

HOW TO PROTECT AGAINST THE BUG Go to Settings indicated by the three vertical dots in the top right. Then go to Account > Privacy > Groups. Select either 'My contacts' or My contacts except...' and press 'DONE'. This prevents other unknown contacts adding you to groups, sending a scary message. Advertisement

'As with any tech product, we strongly encourage users to keep their WhatsApp app and mobile operating system up to date and download updates whenever theyre available.'

The bug was detailed thoroughly by WABetaInfo.

The blog explains that, even when users close and reopen WhatsApp, it is still frozen and continues to crash.

The user's only option is to uninstall and reinstall the app, which could lead to them losing all their chat history.

WhatsApp users are advised to beware of messages from unknown contacts, which may contain the characters.

Rather than opening them on their phone to find out, users should log in using WhatsApp Web, the platform's desktop application, to block the sender and delete the message if possible, WABetaInfo advised.

They should then set their group privacy settings to 'My Contacts' or 'My Contacts except', instead of 'Everyone'.

'If WhatsApp Web isnt able to reach your device (because WhatsApp is repeatedly crashing) or you haven't a WhatsApp Web session enabled, unfortunately you must reinstall WhatsApp, losing your chat history,' WABetaInfo said.

The messaging app said it has begun rolling out a patch that addresses the bug in its latest iOS software update

'For this reason I recommend to back up your chat history at least once a week, if you care your messages.'

The problem may have stemmed from tweaked, unauthorised versions of WhatsApp, know as WhatsApp 'mods'.

Mods tend to be more prone to attack by hackers as they lack end-to-end encryption, meaning strangers can access the private contents of a message.

Mods aren't recommended because they might alter the WhatsApp code behaviour, meaning WhatsApp cannot ensure messages are correctly encrypted.

The messages can also be passed on by vCards, a file format standard for electronic business cards that lets users easily add contacts to their address book.

Each vCard may contain 100 contacts, each with a 'very long weird name' that contains a crash code.

Earlier this year, WhatsApp had to fix an issue that caused some users' phone numbers to show up in Google search results.

According to researcher Athul Jayaram, the issue affected at least 300,000 phone numbers which appeared in Google when searching for, 'site:we.me'.

The numbers were indexed by Google because WhatsApp failed to request that they be ignored by the search giant's web crawler.
WESTPORT  Warm smiles, some familiar faces and plenty of hand sanitizer welcomed students to a new school year at Coleytown Elementary school on Tuesday.

Students stepped off buses and out of cars with their back packs and a colorful assortment of masks for their first day back. Several teachers and administrators shared their joy with families as they welcomed everybody outside the school.

We are so excited for this, Janna Sirowich, principal of Coleytown Elementary School, said. No one becomes an educator to work at home without seeing children. We are so thrilled to welcome everyone back.

Sirowich said staff has spent the past two weeks discussing student engagement, health and safety protocols and building relationships.

This is the day everyone has been waiting for  to be able to see our children again in person, she said.

Coleytown Elementary School, like other schools in the area, also provided a warm welcome to students new to not only the school system but the town as well. The towns public school system saw a spike in enrollment over the summer as out-of-state residents moved to Connecticut.

At Coleytown, we had 44 new students actually come this year, Sirowich said.

Coleytown parents reached out to new families over the summer to answer questions about the school, she said. A new family orientation last week also gave students a tour of the building while parents spoke with a former Coleytown Elementary PTA president.

Sirowich said new students are paired with buddies in school for support and to help with any questions. The school will also host a variety of new family activities throughout the next month, she said.

Were really excited to have all the new families here and all the new students here, Sirowich said. Coleytown is growing and were happy about that.

Sirowich said parents and staff members set the temperature for the children.

If we are modeling positivity and modeling that we are excited to come back, they feel that, she said.

With the reopening of schools comes excitement and anxiety but a familiar atmosphere will help to comfort families as they navigate the new school year, she said. Once students are back in the building they can also see that their classrooms are largely not that different  despite some changes.

Yes its different, but theres a lot of things that are the same, Sirowich said. I think thats going to help our children as they start the school year.

dj.simmons@hearstmediact.com
A man has been arrested after another man was injured and shots were fired at a house in Sydney's south-west on Tuesday night.

A 49-year-old man sustained a cut to his head when five unknown men entered a property in Canley Vale.

Carcoola Street in Canley Vale where police were called at 7.30pm yesterday following reports that gun shots were fired at a house. Credit:Kate Geraghty

Emergency services attended the incident on Carcoola Street about 7.30pm on Tuesday following reports a man had been assaulted and two shots had been fired towards the house.

A second man chased the group from the property.
The Oregonian/OregonLive is now accepting applications for our 2021 internship program, which is open to college students and recent college graduates.

If selected for the program, interns can look forward to challenging and fast-paced news assignments; training in interviewing, multimedia, and other essential skills; and working with a team of experienced journalists.

We offer three paid internship opportunities over the course of the year:

Spring Crime and Public Safety Reporting Fellowship, a 12-week post-graduate internship beginning in January

10-week summer internship starting in May or June

Fall Crime and Public Safety Reporting Fellowship, a 12-week post-graduate internship beginning in September or October

Applications are accepted until midnight Pacific time Oct. 14, 2020. Apply here.

Were looking primarily for college students who have completed their junior or senior year and who have previous internship experience. A team of journalists review applications, and we expect to extend offers by mid-November.

Interns are given news assignments just like regular staff members, producing journalism for OregonLive.com and The Oregonian. We offer one-on-one mentorship with experienced journalists, in addition to regular check-ins with a designated editor; training and small-group sessions throughout the length of the program; and a robust orientation that familiarizes interns with the Portland area and our newsroom.

You may upload a cover letter, personal essay, resume and clips (or a link to those materials) during the application period. Were looking for critical thinkers and students who want an intensive learning and training environment to sharpen their skills.

Interns must find their own housing, though we provide a list of journalists in the Portland area who have hosted interns in the past. Interns should have a valid driver license. We provide news cars during work hours, though many interns prefer to bring their own vehicle to experience Oregon in their free time.

Direct the cover letter to Karly Imus, director of audience development. If you have questions, email Elliot Njus at enjus@oregonian.com. Please put internship question in the subject line of emails.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive
Treatments for kidney cancer have improved considerably over the past few decades. In 1988, when Memorial Sloan Kettering oncologist Robert Motzer started researching the disease, the average survival was less than one year. There were no approved therapies at the time besides surgery. By 2005, with the development of targeted drugs such as sunitinib (Sutent), survival nearly tripled. Today, with the addition of immunotherapy drugs to these regimens, people with kidney cancer are living even longer, and some even seem to be cured.

Despite this clear progress, it remains difficult to predict who will respond to these therapies, and what underlying biological factors influence these responses. To help answer these questions, an international team of investigators led by Dr. Motzer performed an in-depth study of kidney cancer tumors from nearly 900 people who were treated as part of a large, phase III clinical trial.

That trial compared two different treatments: a combination of avelumab (an anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy) and axitinib (a drug targeting tumor blood vessels), versus sunitinib (another blood vessel-targeting drug) given alone. People with advanced renal cell carcinoma who received the combination did better (in terms of the length of time their cancer shrunk or did not get worse) than people who received sunitinib alone. On the basis of these results, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the combination of avelumab (Bavencio) and axitinib (Inlyta) to treat kidney cancer in May 2019, establishing a new standard of care for this disease.

While that might seem like crossing the finish line, Dr. Motzer and his colleagues wanted to extract all the useful information they could out of the clinical trial data.

"Oftentimes, when a drug is approved, there's not really an effort on the part of pharmaceutical companies to understand the underlying biology of tumors collected from patients treated on the pivotal trial," Dr. Motzer says. "With this study, which we conducted in partnership with Pfizer, we wanted to take a deep dive into the biology so that we could generate new avenues of research to keep the field moving forward."

The results of this deep dive -- including identification of several novel biomarkers of response -- were reported on September 7 in the journal Nature Medicine.

Beyond PD-1 and TMB

Among the variables the team analyzed were levels of a biomarker called PD-L1 (a common immunotherapy target) and the number of mutations present in the tumor (dubbed tumor mutation burden or TMB). Both these measures have been associated with improved responsiveness and better survival in other cancer types. Somewhat surprisingly, neither measure correlated to a better response to the immunotherapy and targeted therapy combination in this trial.

In addition to these well-known biomarkers, the scientists also looked for patterns of gene activity and specific genetic mutations that correlated with treatment response. Here, they found clear contenders.

In particular, they identified a set of 26 genes whose activity correlated with progression-free survival (PFS) in the combination arm of the trial. They dubbed this the "Renal 101 Immuno signature." They also identified mutations in 11 other genes that were associated with differences in PFS in the combination arm.

Likewise, in the sunitinib-only arm, the investigators found a specific pattern of gene activity that correlated with longer progression-free survival. Because the genes are mostly involved in generating new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis, they dubbed this the "Renal 101 Angio signature."

By testing for these specific markers in tumors, doctors could potentially personalize treatments for patients based on whether they are more or less likely to respond. The gene signatures and mutations also provide scientists with new avenues of biological research to understand how these genes are contributing to the response.

"My priority right now as a clinical investigator in kidney cancer is to help facilitate this kind of collaborative translational research between clinicians and laboratory scientists so that we can identify why these new combinations are working and maybe develop even better treatments as a result," he says.

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This trial was sponsored by Pfizer, Inc., New York, NY, USA, and is part of an alliance between Pfizer and Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Patients treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center were supported in part by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Support Grant/Core Grant (P30 CA008748). Dr. Motzer reports a consulting or advisory role for Pfizer, Novartis, Eisai, Exelixis, Merck, Genentech, Incyte, Lilly, and Roche; research funding from Pfizer (Institution), Bristol Myers Squibb (Institution), Eisai (Institution), Novartis (Institution), Genentech (Institution), and Roche (Institution); and reimbursement for travel, accommodations, and expenses from Bristol Myers Squibb.
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.
Research network presents action plan for the plant science community to maximize impact on pressing global issues such as human health and climate change

Plant science research has tremendous potential to address pressing global issues including climate change, food insecurity and sustainability. However, without sustained investment in plant science, the necessary research to generate innovative discoveries that solve these urgent problems is at risk.

On September 1, the Plant Science Research Network (PSRN) released its Plant Science Decadal Vision 2020-2030: Reimagining the Potential of Plants for a Healthy and Sustainable Future, a report that outlines bold, innovative solutions to guide investments and research in plant science over the next 10 years.

The PSRN calls on its community to unite around the Decadal Vision's priorities and to inspire their government representatives and fellow community members.

"The Decadal Vision is a community-wide vision that is a powerful tool for communication and advocacy," said David Stern, President of the Boyce Thompson Institute and corresponding author. "After all, the public should be the ultimate beneficiary of the vision."

The Decadal Vision grew out of Plant Summit 2019, a conference held February 10-13, 2019, at Biosphere 2 in Arizona.

"Fifty diverse participants - including scientists, industry representatives, educators and advocates - discussed the future of research, training and infrastructure," says Stern, who is also an adjunct professor of plant biology in Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "From that meeting, the writing team developed the Decadal Vision as a rallying cry for all plant scientists to unite around a common vision, inspire new collaborations to pursue interdisciplinary research goals, and implement new paradigms for professional development that will catalyze a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable future."

The Decadal Vision recognizes the intersection of human and scientific elements and demands integrated implementation of strategies to advance research, people and technology. The vision is presented through eight specific and interdisciplinary goals, each with an accompanying action plan.

Four research goals are presented: Harness plants for planetary resilience; Advance technology for diversity-driven sustainable plant production systems; Develop 21st-century applications of plant science to improve nutrition, health, and well-being; and Launch the "Transparent Plant", an interactive tool to discern mechanisms and solve urgent and vexing problems.

When it comes to agriculture, "Increasing food production may not be the solution," explains co-author Ole Wendroth, professor of soil science at the University of Kentucky. "Food needs to be produced more sustainably, and plant science plays an important role in this for the future. Farmers that I have worked with are very willing to take this bold step as long as they can produce a safe farm income."

The two goals emphasizing our people are: Reimagine the workplace to nurture adaptive and diverse scientists; and Build capacity and interest to engage with plant science.

"What I like about the Decadal Vision is that equity and justice were part of the vision right from the beginning, and not just tacked on at the end," says co-author Madelaine Bartlett, an associate professor of biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. "Everyone should have the same opportunities that I have had, but that is simply not the case right now. It is hard work, but it can be done and it must be done."

Bartlett adds that collaborations among people from many scientific disciplines is the new normal, and the PSRN has strengthened connections between scientific societies.

"My research is in the intersection of genetics, bioinformatics, developmental biology and evolutionary biology, so I belong to four different research societies," she says. "I hope this report will help knock down those barriers and stimulate more research that integrates multiple disciplines."

The two goals focused on technology infrastructure are: Develop new technologies to revolutionize research; and Manage and realize the potential of Big Data.

Co-author Eric Lyons, associate professor in the School of Plant Sciences at the University of Arizona, says such new technologies are necessary because plant research is a diverse set of sciences that span from molecules to the entire planet.

"Addressing the most pressing questions of plant research requires an unprecedented level of coordination, collaboration, and training across many disciplines of science," says Lyons. "This Decadal Vision is essential to bring a common voice to the needs of these diverse researchers and the central role that data science plays in facilitating integrating information to make new discoveries to improve the human condition through plants and agriculture."

While the Decadal Vision makes a case for new funding, obtaining that support will require plant scientists to engage the public and advocate for needed resources.

Indeed, federal funding agencies, private philanthropies, corporations and entrepreneurs, are all necessary for plant science to have a maximum impact on enhancing human health, improving environmental quality, boosting the economy, and benefitting global equity and justice.

"Plant science gets such a small piece of the funding pie. If there are going to be solutions to surviving climate change, then plants are going to be a critical part of those solutions," says Bartlett.

Wendroth believes that funding agencies can foster plant science discoveries to address pressing global issues by calling for proposals in forward-thinking, interdisciplinary research with speculative outcomes. "This would help harness scientific creativity in a similar way that venture capital is used to invest in long-term growth potential opportunities," he says.

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Decadal Vision 2020-2030 was published in the open-access journal Plant Direct. The citation for the report is: Henkhaus N, Bartlett M, Gang D, et al. Plant science decadal vision 2020-2030: Reimagining the potential of plants for a healthy and sustainable future. Plant Direct. 2020;00:1-24. https://doi.org/10.1002/pld3.252

The PSRN was formed in 2015, with a grant from the National Science Foundation (IOS 1514765) to the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI). The network comprises representatives from 15 organizations and scientific societies with interest in advancing plant science research, which includes research applied to agriculture, foundational research in plant biology (such as genetics, molecular biology, etc.), and ecological research to understand plant biodiversity and apply knowledge (for example to conservation efforts):

American Phytopathological Society

American Society for Horticultural Science

American Society of Agronomy

American Society of Plant Biologists

American Society of Plant Taxonomists

Association of Independent Plant Research Institutes

Botanical Society of America

Council on Undergraduate Research

Crop Science Society of America

Ecological Society of America

Genetics Society of America

Global Plant Council

North American Arabidopsis Steering Committee

Phytochemical Society of North America

Soil Science Society of America
Heaping praise on the Kolkata Police and the West Bengal Police for their relentless fight against the Covid-19 pandemic over the past six months, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said they should carry on the good work without paying heed to any adverse remark.

Banerjee, during a programme here to mark Bengals first Police Day, said the two forces have been diligently performing their duties and providing all possible help to the people of the state, amid the crisis.

Bengal had observed Police Day on September 1, but the programme was postponed to September 8, as the state was mourning the demise of former president Pranab Mukherjee.

The police forces in the state are humane and brave.

They should not pay heed to any adverse comment and keep up the good work, Banerjee said at the programme.

Several police personnel received medals and certificates for their services, on the occasion.

Apart from maintaining law and order, police personnel have also donated blood during this pandemic.

Several members of the force, who had contracted the disease and recovered, are donating plasma for Covid-19 treatment, thus saving lives of many patients, Banerjee said.

She congratulated the family members for standing beside the police personnel, as they work tirelessly to combat the Covid-19 situation.

The Kolkata Police, which was once equated with the Scotland Yard, is excelling further, while the Bengal Police is also faring well, she said, after virtually inaugurating a cyber forensic laboratory of the West Bengal Police, three new police stations at Khardah, Sagarpara and Kalitala Asuti and 22 other buildings, including some police barracks.

State Home secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay, on the occasion, announced that the kin of 20 Covid warriors who succumbed to the infection -- eight personnel of the West Bengal Police, seven of the Kolkata Police, four officials of the health department and one of the personnel department - were being given jobs, under the Compassionate Appointment Scheme, as promised by the government.

Bandopadhyay also said that 24 police personnel have died of Covid-19 in West Bengal so far.

Among others, State Director General of Police Virendra was present at the programme.
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Imagine logging onto social media and discovering that your picture was being used to scare young children. Not by cruel teenagers, mind you  by adults.

That happened recently to Lizzie Velasquez. Velasquez was born with a rare genetic disorder that leaves her unable to gain weight. Now 30, she has never weighed more than 62 pounds. The disorder has left her with deformed facial and skull bones. In 2006, a cruel YouTube video dubbed her the Worlds Ugliest Woman.

Instead of crushing her spirit, Velasquez has used the bullying and mockery to become a champion for the disabled and for others on the receiving end of internet-enabled cruelty. After graduating from college, she has become an author, writing several books to bring hope to those who have been abused because of their looks or disabilities.

Velasquez is not shy about what is behind her remarkable response to all of this adversity. Her Christian faith, she says, has been her rock through everything, just having the time to be alone and pray and talk to God and know that Hes there for me.

Tragically, as our cultures disregard for human dignity worsens, so has the ridicule and abuse. The controversial app TikTok recently launched what it called a New Teacher Challenge. In it, adults pretended to FaceTime their childs new teacher. Nothing wrong with that. The problem lies in the pictures some so-called adults chose to represent the new teacher. Some posted police mugshots, likely without the permission of the person in the photo.

The really cruel posted pictures of Velasquez and others with disabilities. When their kids cried out in shock or fear, the parents laughed and posted it all on TikTok.

Courageously, Velasquez confronted these TikTok users, pointing out that what they were teaching their kids is that its okay to mock and laugh at people with disabilities. If you are an adult who has a young human in your life, Velasquez said, please do not teach them that being scared of someone who doesnt look like them is OK, please ... Because we are humans. We have feelings.

Velasquez is right to appeal to our shared humanity and human dignity, and as a Christian knows that our human dignity is based on the fact that each and every one of us is created in the image and likeness of God. Everyone, regardless of what we look like or how able-bodied we are or not, are eternally valuable, from the moment of our conception to the moment of our natural death. Tragically, our society jettisoned that belief decades ago.

Abortion is, of course, the most obvious and pervasive example of what happens when certain human lives are considered disposable. Another is our increasing acceptance of physician-assisted suicide, which is based on the idea that some lives are not worth living and some people are not worth keeping alive. This is why disability-rights activists like Joni Eareckson Tada and my New Zealand friend John Fox, both of whom have disabilities, spend so much time and energy opposing abortion and physician-assisted suicide.

Our cultures disdain for and impatience with the disabled is just another example of what happens when life is devalued. Sometimes, its overt and cruel, like the mockery and bullying Velasquez and others have endured. Other times, it takes the form of regarding those with disabilities as burdens and annoyances. Parents of children with cognitive disabilities are far-too-acquainted with the impatient looks and even hostility from people who resent the disruptions at grocery stores, movie theatres and elsewhere. Chuck Colsons daughter Emily, who has raised her autistic son Max, can tell you all about that.

From abortion clinics to social media apps, the loss of the belief in the imago dei has resulted in the denial of the sanctity and dignity of every human person. The world, as a result, has become a crueler and less humane place. Ideas have consequences. Bad ideas have victims.

Thank God for Lizzie Velasquez and people like her, whose faith and endurance show the world what true dignity looks like. In fact, lets learn from her and never tolerate for a second the mistreatment of people with disability.

Originally published at BreakPoint
The Russian government has sought India's help in manufacturing the Sputnik V vaccine and also to conduct Phase-3 trials or bridging studies in the country, a top official said on Tuesday.

Sputnik V, an adenovirus vector-based vaccine, was developed by the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, along with the Russian Direct Investment Fund and was registered on August 11.

"The Russian government approached the Indian government through appropriate channels and sought help on two counts - to consider its manufacturing through our network of companies that are well-known for vaccine manufacturing of high quality. The second request was, if need be, Phase-3 or any bridging studies be conducted in India," said NITI Aayog member, Dr. V.K. Paul.

The Indian government attaches great importance to this offer of partnership from a very special friend of this nation, and on both the tracks there has been significant movement, he added.

Calling it a "win-win" situation for India, Paul said: "India can manufacture that vaccine in large and significant quantities, which is good for Russia and India and the specific part of that quantity can also be provided to the world."

The NITI Aayog member said that Indian scientists have looked at the data of their vaccine and there would be a need for a Phase-3 trial. "We are working in partnership with this vaccine candidate for manufacturing, trial, and regulatory facilitation in the spirit of partnership, science, and humanity."

Outreach has been extended to several companies in India and four of them have already come forward, Paul said, adding that others are in discussion with their Russian counterpart and the government is facilitating the process of how that connection can be made.

Meanwhile, in India, three vaccines are in advanced stages. There are two indigenous vaccines being developed by Zydus Cadila and Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research. The Serum Institute of India has also partnered with AstraZeneca for manufacturing the Covid-19 vaccine candidate developed by the University of Oxford.

"Bharat Biotech-ICMR's Phase-1 is completed and enrollment for Phase-2 has started today. Zydus Cadila's Phase-2 is progressing nicely. Manufacturing capacity of Serum Institute is unimaginable - 75 to 100 million doses per month. The Phase-3 trials in 17 sites on 1,600 people will start soon," Paul added.
WASHINGTON - Audiences in Hungary woke this morning to Szabad Europa, the 21st-century update of Radio Free Europe/Radio Libertys (RFE/RL) storied Hungarian Service, which launched today on digital platforms to provide objective, fact-based reporting in a country that has witnessed a decline in diverse media voices.

We are very excited to return to Hungary with state-of-the-art programming and RFE/RLs signature commitment to serving the public interest by reporting on the issues that matter most to our audiences, said Acting President Daisy Sindelar. We have an outstanding team of local journalists determined to be the go-to source for reliable, unbiased news.

On its first day online, the Hungarian Service  publishing on szabadeuropa.hu and on Facebook and Instagram  led with a feature on the digital divide revealed by the coronavirus pandemic, contrasting the experiences of poorer and richer families as they try to school their children. The Service is also covering the on-going standoff between the government and striking students over leadership of Budapests landmark University for Theater and Film Arts (SZFE). A special project on the Hungarian parliament 30 years after the fall of Communism will be published this week. Regular features will include a 3-minute morning newsletter, a weekly dispatch on the European Union, and podcasts that take a fresh look at history while optimizing RFE/RLs trove of rich radio archives. The Service is also investing in original investigative reporting, while partnering with local outlets to leverage resources for broad-scope and high-profile reports.

The Service is led by Gyula Csak, formerly a journalist and editor with the pan-European network Euronews and a producer and Hungary correspondent for the BBC. Csak has also worked as a senior news executive for numerous Hungarian outlets including InfoRadio, Kossuth Radio, Hirsarok, and Radio C, and blogged for Hungarys popular blog.hu platform.

RFE/RLs return to Hungary marks its third entry into an EU member state. In 2019 it relaunched work in Bulgaria and Romania  where, like Hungary, it played a critical role during the Cold War, reaching well over 50 percent of adult audiences in the 1980s with uncensored radio news.

In 1991, soon after independence, then-leader of the Fidesz parliamentary faction Viktor Orban commended the work of the Hungarian Service in an address to the countrys parliament. Orban, now prime minister, told the gathering that Szabad Europa Radio rendered a significant service to the Hungarian people and continues to be indispensable today and in the future as well on the platform of free Hungarian telecommunication.

RFE/RL exited Hungary in 1993, but announced plans to return in 2019, as declining media pluralism and disinformation degraded the information landscape. That year, a report by the global monitor Freedom House described Hungarys great success in snuffing out critical journalism. Reporters Without Borders ranked Hungary 87th among 180 countries surveyed, downgrading it 14 places from 2018 and 23 places from five years before.

About RFE/RL

RFE/RL relies on its networks of local reporters to provide accurate news and information to more than 38 million people in 27 languages and 23 countries where media freedom is restricted, or where a professional press has not fully developed. Its videos were viewed over 3.6 billion times on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram/IGTV in FY2019. RFE/RL is an editorially independent media company funded by a grant from the U.S. Congress through the U.S. Agency for Global Media.

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For more on RFE/RL's journalism and journalists, check out our "Press Room" page. Or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Media inquiries in the U.S. can be made to Martins Zvaners in Washington at zvanersm@rferl.org or +1.202.457.6948. In Europe, contact Joanna Levison in Prague at levisonj@rferl.org or +420.221.122.080.
Syracuse, N.Y.  The restaurant news isnt always good these days, but there are glimmers of hope now and then. This week, two Central New York restaurants that have been closed since April are reopening their dining rooms.

Darwin on Clinton, a soup, sandwich and salad shop in downtown Syracuse, reopens for lunch today. It will be open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday, but wont resume breakfast yet. It had closed in early April after giving up on the takeout-only model.

The Dark Horse Tavern in DeWitt opens for dinner on Wednesday. It will be open 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. It closed at the end of April, but resumed takeout about a month ago.

Baby steps, is how Dark Horse co-owner Andrew McDonough described the process of restarting the pub/restaurant at 4312 E. Genesee St. Doing takeout for a few weeks got things back in motion.

The timing of the dining room reopening, he said, just felt right. Theres was no science to it.

At Darwin, in downtowns Chase Bank building, owners Daryl McGrew and Davey Holtman had kept an eye on early September. Their thought was that when school reopened, parents also might return to the offices downtown, McGrew said. (Downtown workers are the life blood of Darwins business.)

That might not work out as planned, with many offices still closed, but Darwin will give it a try.

Weve been hearing a lot of interest in the past few weeks, so we figured wed open up and see what happens, McGrew said. Our fan base is telling us theyre excited to come back.

Aside from the absence of downtown workers, McGrew had said the decision to close in April was also based on the unemployment bonus checks his employees were able to get.

Now, most of the staff has returned, though some have shorter hours and are working part-time.

We plan to go with operations as close to the old way we did things as possible, McGrew said. The Chase Building owners have opened up a new room for Darwin to supplement the existing room. Theres also seating outside for now.

Both Darwin and the Dark Horse will need to follow New York state guidelines, including a limit of 50% capacity, social distancing, masks etc.

At the Dark Horse, McDonough says the capacity limit may be the hardest part. (It does not have outdoor seating). Like Darwin, The Dark Horses fans have let them know theyre happy about the reopening.

Itll be tough to put a limit on everyone who wants to come back, McDonough said. But well be ready.

Across Central New York, more than a dozen restaurants have officially announced they are closed for good since the pandemic hit in March. Many others that are closed are weighing when, or whether, to reopen.

A new survey from the New York State Restaurant Association of 1,042 restaurants statewide found 64% said they are likely to close by the end of the year due to lost business amid the coronavirus pandemic. Indoor dining remains banned in New York City.

MORE ON BARS AND RESTAURANTS

Winter is coming: What happens when CNY restaurants lose their outdoor seating?

Walton Street outdoor dining extended for another month

Poll: New Yorkers reluctant to return to indoor activities this fall

How to open a pub in a pandemic: A case study at Sammy Malones in Bville

Jake Hafners in North Syracuse reopens after coronavirus exposure

Daniellas to open year-round seafood/pasta restaurant at State Fairgrounds

Don Cazentre writes for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook.
Jesinta Franklin was relaxed and happy as she spent time with her newborn daughter Tullulah after returning home from work on Monday.

The model, 28, shared an adorable photo to Instagram, cradling her seven-month-old baby girl after visiting a Sydney school and reading to the children.

In the photo, Jesinta wore a black crop top and white buttoned shirt as she carried her baby girl and enjoyed a stroll.

Mum duties: Jesinta Franklin shared an adorable photo cradling her daughter Tullulah as she returned home from work on Monday

The mother-of-one also wore sunglasses and let her natural beauty shine.

'And home to my angel,' she captioned the sweet picture.

Earlier in the day, Jesinta visited Gawura School, a school for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Sydney's CBD.

The 28-year-old shared a video to Instagram while reading to the young children and wrote: 'Highlight of my day'.

Helping hand: Earlier in the day, Jesinta visited Gawura School, a school for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Sydney's CBD

After visiting the Sydney school, Jesinta posed for a photo shoot for Crown Sydney ahead of its opening in December.

The Australian model first returned to work in May, three months after giving birth to her daughter.

She revealed on Instagram she was getting up in the early hours of the morning for what appeared to be a project with Olay skincare.

Visit: The 28-year-old shared a video to Instagram while reading to the young children and wrote: 'Highlight of my day'

The former Miss Universe Australia posted a video getting herself ready for her busy day and expressing milk for Tullulah so her AFL star husband Lance 'Buddy' Franklin could feed the newborn throughout the day.

'So, I am slowly easing back into work today and tomorrow and then next week is quite a big week for me work wise,' she explained.

'But I am up very early. If mum life has taught me anything its if you are prepared and organised it makes everything run so much more smooth.'

Meanwhile, Jesinta was forced to celebrate Father's Day without her husband Buddy who is currently locked down at an AFL hub in Queensland.
A day after proposing its voluntary retirement scheme, the State Bank of India (SBI) has said that it will recruit 14,000 employees this year. The SBI said in a statement, "It has been employee-friendly and is expanding its operation and requires people, which is evidenced by the fact that Bank has plans of recruiting more than 14,000 employees this year". It also added that its VRS is not cost-cutting.

SBI's statement on hiring came after former Finance Minister P Chidambaram slammed the proposed VRS Scheme.

"News reports say that SBI plans to implement a VRS scheme as an 'economic measure'. In normal times the plan would be debatable. In these abnormal times, when the economy has collapsed and jobs are scarce, it is cruel," Chidambaram tweeted.



News reports say that SBI plans to implement a VRS scheme as an economy measure



In normal times the plan would be debatable. In these abnormal times, when the economy has collapsed and jobs are scarce, it is cruel  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 7, 2020

"The plan is ostensibly voluntary but we know that subtle pressure will be brought on the employees that the Bank wants to get rid of. If the current rules provide for genuine voluntary retirement, why announce a new plan and give out an exact number like 30,190?" Chidambaram added.

If Indias biggest lender has to shed jobs, imagine what other big employers and MSMEs are doing



The plan is ostensibly voluntary but we know that subtle pressure will be brought on the employees that the Bank wants to get rid of  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 7, 2020

If the current rules provide for genuine voluntary retirement, why announce a new plan and give out an exact number like 30,190?  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 7, 2020

Yesterday, SBI proposed a voluntary retirement scheme under which the bank said about 30,190 employees are eligible. SBI has an existing workforce of around 2.50 lakh. Against this backdrop, the bank has decided to provide a congenial solution to employees "who expressed a desire for making strategic shifts in their vocations, either due to professional growth limitations, physical health conditions or other situations," SBI said.

The SBI has reportedly prepared a draft scheme for VRS and only board approval is awaited. As per the draft scheme, 'Second Innings Tap VRS-2020' will be opened to all permanent officers and staff who have put in 25 years of service or completed 55 years of age on the cut-off date.

The VRS will open from December 1, 2020 till February 2021. As per the proposed eligibility criteria, a total of 11,565 officers and 18,625 staff members will be eligible for the scheme.

According to the SBI, total net savings would be Rs 1,662.86 crore if 30 per cent of eligible staff opt for retirement, as per estimates based on July 2020 salary.

The SBI staff whose request for retirement under VRS will get accepted will get ex-gratia amounting 50 per cent of salary for the residual period of service (up to the date of superannuation).

Other benefits like gratuity, pension, provident and medical benefits will be given to employees seeking VRS.

"A staff member retired under the scheme will be eligible for engagement or re-employment in the bank after a cooling-off period of two years from the date of retirement," SBI added.

Also read: SBI VRS scheme 2020: Check out eligibility, compensation, other details

Also read: SBI moots VRS scheme to optimise costs, 30,000 employees eligible
As the world came to a standstill in March due to the coronavirus crisis, it seems many Australian women put their personal health on the back-burner, with a shocking drop in the amount of people attending regular checkups.

MBS data shows that the number of face-to-face GP attendances for women from March to June fell by almost 24% compared to the same period last year.

Experts have raised concerns after women's health checkup figures decreased amid the pandemic.

Jean Hailes for Women's Health CEO, Janet Michelmore AO, told Yahoo Lifestyle that in mid-March there was a sharp drop of around 40% in pathology testing nationally and in April alone, the National Cervical Screening Test rates fell by 67%.

According to Janet, there has also been a significantly sharp increase in the number of women who are anxious or depressed, with nearly a 3000% increase in demand to the womens health clinic at The Alfred in one month alone.

Now, women are being urged to put their health first with a monumental nudge from experts who are extremely concerned about the dismal figures.

In the first lockdown, women had really stopped getting checks. People were told not to go out unless it was for a medical appointment and people dont see that screening is a medical appointment and they think, I can leave that, Janet said.

Also a lot of women were dealing with homeschooling and trying to manage work - screening for mammograms, cervical screening , cancer screening, that was not at the top of their priority list and i can understand why it wasnt at the top of their priority list.

Janet said theres a real concern amongst a lot of healthcare professionals and organisations, who have been very proactive about encouraging women and men to get checked.

Nationally in August, the figures appeared to be returning to levels pre-COVID, excluding Victoria.

But then we had stage four lockdown in Victoria and so for the week of the 10th of August for example, cervical cancer screening was down still by close to 40%, Janet continued.

Thats a real concern to all of us. Screening for all sorts of things, blood pressure checks, cholesterol checks, mammograms, cervical cancer, it really dropped off. 

Story continues

Janet believes some of the reasons for this are that women with children at home dont want to go out unnecessarily or due to lockdown requirements, women are only visiting their doctor if absolutely necessary.

Theres going to be a delicate balance in Victoria of encouraging people to go and get their regular checks versus the requirements of lockdown, she continued.

RELATED:

In March, the government introduced a Telehealth service to help stop the spread of COVID-19, with Aussies able to receive essential care by video conferencing or phone call. By April, more than three million patients had used the service,

The governments new Telehealth has been fantastic because its enabled women who are isolated at home to get the support they need, Janet said.

In its annual National Womens Health Survey, Jean Hailes identified the two biggest barriers to women following a healthy lifestyle is lack of time and health not being a priority.

This week is a real opportunity for women to feel supported, get information that theyve asked us that they want but most importantly its a monumental nudge to make sure you keep up to date with your screening because thats how we prevent ill health. And we all know that but its been easy to put it on the back-burner, Janet said.

According to Janet, there has also been a significantly sharp increase in the number of women who are anxious or depressed, with nearly a 3000% increase in demand to the womens health clinic at The Alfred in one month alone. Photo: Getty Images

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is also urging women to book a health check with their GP and to stop putting it off.

We know that women can tend to put the needs of their loved ones before themselves  on top of that many have faced additional stress, anxiety and financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, RACGP spokesperson Dr Lara Roeske said.

My message to women across Australia is this: even in the most difficult times, its important to take care of your own health and wellbeing.

For those who may have missed a scheduled health check in the past months, Womens Health Week serves as a valuable reminder  call your GP and book that appointment today.

She stressed that pregnant women are a particular concern and should be attending regular checkups to ensure the health and wellbeing of both mother and child.

To sign up for Womens Health Week, click here or to fill out the National Womens Health Survey, click here

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.
Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden traded tough blows Monday as the White House race entered its final stretch, with the Republican leader branding his opponent "stupid" -- and the Democrat firing back that the president lacked the "guts" to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

As Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris took their campaign message to must-win swing states Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, the president convened a surprise news conference at the White House.

In a freewheeling and grievance-laden performance, Trump once more teased the possibility of a Covid-19 inoculation by Election Day -- something experts say remains unlikely -- and accused his opponents of playing politics with a vaccine after Harris said she would not take his word alone on its safety.

Touting an upswing in job creation -- after tens of millions lost jobs -- and claiming the US is turning the corner on the pandemic, he called Biden "stupid," saying he "wants to surrender our country to the virus, he wants to surrender our families to the violent left-wing mob, and he wants to surrender our jobs to China."

Labor Day traditionally kicks off the final sprint of the campaign, with less than two months until the November 3 election -- but the rival campaigns have been knocked off stride by multiple layers of turmoil, from the pandemic to the struggling US economy to deep racial unrest.

Candidates who normally would be skipping daily from state to state to speak before big crowds are limiting their movements and doing much more virtually.

And the sometimes violent anti-racism protests and counter-protests -- the latest a pro-Trump motorcade rumbling Monday on the outskirts of Portland -- lend an explosive element to the campaign.

Biden headed Monday to the swing state of Pennsylvania, where he held a socially-distant meeting with union leaders before taking questions from members of the huge AFL-CIO union at its headquarters.

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Addressing the event, he hit back at Trump, charging that "he didn't have the guts to take on Covid."

"We know he's been great for his rich friends, but he hasn't been so great for the rest of us," charged Biden, who went on to assail Trump over a report in The Atlantic magazine that he has disparaged the military and its veterans.

"He's downright un-American," Biden fumed.

Though Trump has dismissed the report as a "hoax," it appears to have hit a nerve following a poll showing his support below that for Biden among active duty personnel.

"I'm not saying the military (leadership) is in love with me -- the soldiers are," he told reporters at the White House.

- Battling for Wisconsin votes -

At 77, Biden last week picked up the pace of campaigning but, citing the Covid-19 threat, has been far more cautious than Trump, who at 74 has appeared before hundreds of supporters.

Still, polls show Biden maintaining a persistent lead over Trump, with both increasingly focusing on key upper Midwest states like Wisconsin, where polling is closer -- and where Hillary Clinton narrowly lost to Trump in a 2016 shocker.

Harris, in her highest-profile campaign sortie yet, headed to the state where she followed in Biden's footsteps by meeting with the family of Jacob Blake, the African American man whose shooting by police touched off widespread protests last month.

The California senator -- the first woman of color on a major-party presidential ticket -- spoke by phone to Blake himself as he recovers in hospital. Later she met with union members and black businesspeople.

Black participation dropped in Wisconsin in 2016, and could prove pivotal this year.

Pence also headed to the state Monday to deliver remarks to an energy cooperative in the western city of La Crosse.

- A racial tinderbox -

Up to now, the shadow of the coronavirus has produced a somewhat muted campaign, with Biden originally spending so much time in his Delaware home that Trump taunted him about coming out of "his basement."

But the sometimes violent anti-racism protests simmering around the nation have created a tinderbox situation.

Trump, blaming the violence on "radicals" and "anarchists," has positioned himself as a law-and-order champion.

Portland, where tensions are running high, was on edge Monday as hundreds of pro-Trump protesters -- some of them armed and with military gear -- were gathering for a motorcade around the city, which has seen months of unrest and two deaths among protesters on either side.

A sixth night of demonstrations was also expected in the New York city of Rochester, where a black man with psychological problems, Daniel Prude, died after being placed in a hood and forced face-down on a road by police.

Biden has issued a sharp rebuke of the violence and looting that have accompanied some protests, even while denouncing racism as the country's "original sin."

bbk/ec/jm
Jaipur, Sep 8 : Former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and ex-PCC chief Sachin Pilot's 43rd birthday has been celebrated in a different manner as around 45,000 people donated blood, witnessing the highest number of donors turning out to donate blood following a call by any public leader in the state, to date.

Pilot's birthday on Monday was, in fact, more like a show of strength as hoardings were put along the roads, plantation programmes were organised, animal fodder was arranged, eye donation camp was set up in different parts of the state, food and fruits were distributed among the poor, and books were distributed to the poor children in all districts of the state.

Prior to his birthday, Pilot had himself appealed to people to not come to Jaipur and crowd in times of the Covid-19 pandemic, asking party workers and supporters to come forward and donate blood instead.

"I have made an appeal to everyone to not congregate in Jaipur in order to wish or greet me on my birthday on September 7. The health and safety of the people is of paramount importance and we all have to follow the protocol and guidelines issued by the authorities," he said in a statement ahead of his birthday.

Following his advice, his supporters and activists did not come to Jaipur but donated blood at different places of the state to script history.

According to the data received from the districts, 7,222 units of blood were donated in Jaipur city, 6,151 units in Jhalawar, 3,453 units in Jaipur Rural, 3,182 units in Sikar, 3,181 units in Ajmer, 2,390 units in Alwar, and 2,211 units were donated in Dausa.

This massive blood donation drive organised in Rajasthan in all 200 Assembly seats have left a mark on Pilot's 43rd birthday.

Though the drive comes as a gesture of social service to mark his birthday, it is also seen by many as political messaging conveying that Pilot still enjoys the support of party cadres and youngsters throughout the state, said one of the Congress workers citing the recent political crisis where Pilot's posters were taken off from PCC office soon after he opened revolt against the present leadership of the state and went to Delhi with his 18 supporting MLAs.

On Monday, Pilot thanked his supporters in a video message and said: "Donation of blood is the most humane gesture in Covid-19 times, The support of people of Rajasthan has been a great source of strength for me and am thankful for blessings of people who wished me on my birthday as well as donated blood for a noble cause." Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's camp, however, was not active during the blood donation drive and wished Pilot on Twitter.
The UK on Monday recorded nearly 3,000 new cases for the second day running and unveiled a new islands policy that will require anyone returning to England from seven Greek islands, including Crete. Mykonos and Santorini, to self-isolate for 14 days.

According to the Department of Health and Social Care, the UK reported 2,948 daily new Monday, down from the previous day's number of 2,988, which had been the highest since May.

Although the higher cases can partly be attributed to more testing, it's clear there's been an uptick in the past few weeks as lockdown restrictions have been eased. In some places, local outbreaks in Britain have been so severe that many lockdown restrictions have been reimposed.

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Monday the situation was concerning but denied that the government had lost control over the spread of the virus.

He said those under 25 accounted for a large number of the new infections and appealed to them to keep social distancing to protect vulnerable loved ones.

Don't infect your grandparents, he said.

Britain's Conservative government also said Monday that travelers returning from seven Greek islands will have to quarantine for 14 days on their return to England beginning early Wednesday.

Lesbos, Serifos, Tinos and Zakynthos have been added to the UK quarantine list.

The other Greek islands and the mainland remain free of quarantine requirements. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the changes are part of a new targeted risk approach to quarantine requirements to guard against importing cases.

Britain has Europe's worst death toll from the virus, recording more than 41,500 deaths within 28 days of testing positive.

The actual toll is believed to be far higher as the government tally does not include those who died without having been tested.

The spike in UK cases follows big increases in Spain and France, both of whom have seen the number of COVID-19 patients being hospitalized rising dramatically during the summer.

Spain's Health Ministry on Monday reported 26,560 new infections since its last report on Friday an average of 8,800 new infections a day.

France has been averaging over 5,000 new infections a day recently. In France's second city of Marseille, doctors have raised the alarm that nearly all the intensive care beds reserved for COVID-19 patients are already being used.

Over the past few weeks, British tourists have faced travel chaos as the government tweaked its weekly advice to popular holiday destinations.

The travel advice to the two most visited countries, Spain and France, changed at short notice, prompting many travelers to return to the UK in the middle of their vacations in order to avoid mandatory quarantines. Spain's Balearic and Canary Islands remain on the UK government's quarantine list.

The changes in travel advice have also slammed the travel industry.

Shapps said the government is working actively on the practicalities of using testing to release people from quarantine earlier than 14 days."



Many travel companies such as London's Heathrow Airport have urged a ramp-up in testing but the government claims testing isno silver bullet.

Jim McMahon of the opposition Labour Party said the government's response during the coronavirus pandemic has been nothing short of chaotic and says that ineptitude has been acutely felt in aviation.

(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 former butler at Buckingham Palace has landed two job interviews after donning his best suit to hand out CVs at a railway station.

Trevor Walford, 63, lost his job as a restaurant manager in Keighley, West Yorkshire, during lockdown.

After spending months at home being knocked-back for jobs, the former hotel worker took his job search to Leeds railway station, armed with his best suit, a sign and a stack of CVs.

He talked to hundreds of people during his search last Tuesday and when he got home found that his LinkedIn page had been viewed more than 100,000 times.

Mr Walford, whose first job was as a butler at Buckingham Palace at the age of 15, has since had two job interviews and has been offered other opportunities.

He told the BBC: 'I spent two months applying to catering agencies and I never got any replies, now all of a sudden every catering agency in the world wants to know me.'

Trevor Walford, 63, stood in Leeds railway station last Tuesday and handed out his CV to anyone who would take it

A week later, Mr Walford, from Keighley, West Yorkshire, has had two job interviews and has been offered other opportunities

Hotels Trevor Walford has worked at: Shrigley Hall Hotel, Macclesfield

The Feathers hotel Oxford

Ritz Hotel London

K club hotel, Caribbean

Springs Hotel, Oxford

The Lygon Arms Hotel, Cotswolds

Compleat Angler, Buckinghamshire

Randolph Hotel, Oxford Advertisement

He added: 'I've had lots and lots of messages from young people saying you've been an inspiration to us.

'It's a competitive market out there, I'd encourage youngsters to do the same thing, don't get despondent, get out there, hand out your CV.'

Speaking last week, Mr Walford said: 'I live alone and after months of sitting here, applying for jobs online, I got tired of it all.

'I figured I should put myself out there, so that's exactly what I did. I didn't think much of it really.

'But when I was in Leeds station, the amount of people that came over - probably because I was in a suit and a crappy sign - and spoke to me, it was all just so brilliant. I spoke to so many people.'

He had been left devastated after losing his job in March and had spent almost every hour of every day trying to find a new role.

But with restaurants pulling down the shutters up and down the country, he struggled to find work.

'I suppose I am one of many who are in this situation - it has been a very difficult time,' he said.

'But after feeling sorry for myself, I realised that I do not want to just sit around and do nothing. I just cannot do that. So I begun looking for work anywhere I could get it.'

Mr Walford admitted he feels employees shouldn't shy away from hiring him because of his age and he thinks he has been shunned from certain jobs in favour of younger workers.

'I am as fit as I have been. I could probably do more push-ups than most 30-year-olds,' he said.

Trevor's first job was as a butler at Buckingham Palace at the age of 15, he has since spent most of his life working in the hotel and restaurant industry

'Just because of my age, and previous roles, does not mean I am not happy to take a role - I would be happy to stack shelves.

'Right now, I need to keep my head above water. And I want to give myself the best opportunity to be back in work. That's why I put the suit on and travelled to the station.'

'I'm blown away by all the support, but all I want is to be back in work,' he said.

'I know it's a difficult time right now, for so many people. My message to those in my situation would be to get out there and keep on pushing, keep on knocking on the door.

'If you show that you really want it, you'll give yourselves the best chance possible. I hope I have done that.'
Dubai-based Emirates plans to operate two flights between Dubai and Casablanca on 8 and 9 September 8 and 9 to help stranded Moroccans around the globe get home.



Customers can also connect to these flights in Dubai from Emirates current network of 84 destinations across the Middle East and GCC, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas.



Emirates flight EK9953 on September 8 and 9 will depart Dubai at 1000hrs, arriving in Casablanca at 1530hrs. The return flight, EK9954 will depart Casablanca at 1730hrs, arriving Dubai at 0350hrs the next day.



Flights can be booked on emirates.com, through travel agents, Emirates sales offices and contact centre. Passengers must meet all the entry requirements to Morocco to be allowed to board the flights.



Flights from Dubai to Casablanca



Passengers who will be able to board must be Moroccan citizens, or foreign nationals holding Moroccan residency, or foreign nationals travelling to Morocco for business (holding a permit from the Moroccan Embassy in the UAE) in addition to diplomatic staff connecting from Dubai to Morocco.



Emirates customers entering Morocco must complete a PCR test (within 48 hours of travel) and a Serology test for Covid-19, with printed results to present on request at check-in and to the local authorities on arrival.



Customers must also complete the passengers health form before departure. The form must be printed and presented upon arrival.



In addition, foreigners who do not require a visa to Morocco can be accepted if they provide a confirmed hotel booking.



Flights from Casablanca to Dubai



These flights will be available for passengers eligible to enter or transit through the UAE.



Ensuring the safety of travellers, visitors, and the community, Covid-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from.



Dubai residents can check the latest travel requirements at emirates.com/returntoDubai.



Health and safety: Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air, including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes to all customers.  TradeArabia News Service
The Kano State House of Assembly has passed the Emirate Councils Amendment Bill 2020.

The House presided over by the Speaker, Abdulazeez Gafasa, adopted the amendment during plenary on Tuesday in Kano.

In 2019, the House approved the creation of four additional emirate councils, bringing the number of First Class Emirs in the state to five.

The new councils are Gaya; Karaye, Rano, Bichi and the existing Kano Emirate Council.

The Majority Leader of the House, Kabiru Dashi, said the amendment made provisions for the Emir of Kano to serve as the chairman of the Council of Chiefs, thus, putting the issue of rotation to an end.

In the new law, the number of kingmakers has also increased from four to five members, to allow for free and fair election of a new emir whenever there is vacancy.

We have four kingmakers in each of the Emirate Councils, in the case of death or removal, we are trying to avoid a situation where two will support and two will reject.

By increasing the number to five; it must be free and fair while electing an emir. And also, the new law will provide a three-day deadline for the election of a new emir, he said.

Mr Dashi added that the amended law has also changed the title of the Council of Chiefs, now to be known the Council of Emirs.

The lawmakers, after considering the amendment at the Committee of the Whole, adopted the amendment to the bill.
U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a member of the Mara Salvatrucha criminal gang near Hebbronville as he tried to move further into the country, authorities said.

He was identified as Luis Fernando Ramirez, a 20-year old Honduran citizen who had crossed the border illegally.
Filtration & Separation Asia (FSA) combined with China International Filtration & Separation Exhibition, which is hosted by China Filtration & Separation Society (CFS), CNTA Science & Technology Co., Ltd (CNTA) and Informa Markets, is a leading professional exhibition in filtration and separation area.

As a famous and important exhibition in Asia area, this every-2-year event aims to provide a trade and technical communication platform for exhibitors and visitors, where the up-to-edge filtration technologies, technical solutions and know-how can be found and discussed. The scale of the FSA2020 exhibition has expanded to 12,500, an increase of 12% compared with 2018. It is expected to have 235 exhibitors, and the audience is expected to reach 10,000.

The exhibit category covers filter media, filter media production equipment and accessories, chemicals, filters, filters production lines, testing & analysis equipment, services and others.

PARTS OF FSA2020 EXHIBITORS

Exhibitor Technical Presentation, the concurrent activity, will invite more industry experts and well-known exhibitors to participate and share the latest industry technology and information.

Join FSA2020 to find suppliers, make purchase orders and learn about frontier markets. We are looking forward to your arrival.

Please click the link or scan the QR code below to register:

https://www.ubmconlinereg.com/FNS20/exhibitionen/?source=PR

For more information, please contact the organizer:

For more exhibit inquires

Icy Fan

T:+86 21 6157 7235

E:[email protected]

For visitors and media partner inquires

Susanna Zhang

T:+86 21 6157 3924

E:[email protected]

About CFS

CFS--China Filtration &Separation Committee, founded in May 2008, is approved by the Ministry of Science & Technology of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People's Republic of China. It is the only comprehensive trade association of filtration &separation in China. Now there are more than 100 members covering all the fields of Filtration & Separation, such as: filtration & separation machinery manufactures, filter media producers, membrane manufacturers, air filter, liquid filter, cartridge, bag filter, testing instruments manufacturers, institutes & universities engaged in filtration & separation etc.

About CNTA

CNTA is devoted to:

Technical innovation and R&D in nonwovens, filtration

Import and export of nonwovens (roll goods, converted products), filter media, and related raw materials, machine parts, equipments, chemical, instruments etc.

Consulting of investment, cooperation, trade, etc. for foreign companies.

Organising international S&T exchange, conference and exhibition etc.

Promoting trade, cooperation, between Chinese companies and foreign partners.

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

SOURCE FSA2020
Actor Rhea Chakraborty has reportedly revealed the names of Bollywood personalities who may have consumed drugs. She made the revelation to the Narcotics Control Bureau during one of her interrogations in connection to the Sushant Singh Rajput death case, according to India Today.

Rhea and her brother Showik Chakraborty provided the names of top Bollywood celebrities, and the NCB will soon issue summons to them, based on a list that has been compiled. The list will separate the 25 celebrities into three categories -- Cartel A, B and C. The report cites the top official of the NCB as its source.

Also Watch | Sushant death: Rhea Chakraborty arrested by NCB in drugs case after questioning

The report says that data recovered from the electronic devices of an alleged drug dealer that the NCB had nabbed earlier corroborates some of these claims.

Rhea is also said to have confessed to partaking marijuana. Rheas lawyer had previously denied that her client had ever consumed banned substances, and had even offered for her to undergo a drug test. Rhea in an earlier interview to India Today had refrained from discussing drugs, but had said that Sushant used to smoke marijuana.

Also read: Swara Bhasker defends Rhea Chakraborty, says no proof of murder, but evidence that Sushant Singh Rajputs family lied is emerging

According to the new report, Rhea has said that drugs were also consumed on the sets of Sushants 2018 film, Kedarnath, co-starring Sara Ali Khan and directed by Abhishek Kapoor.

The NCB has already arrested Showik, Sushants house manager Samuel Miranda, and the actors cook Dipesh Sawant. Two parallel investigations -- by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate -- are also being conducted. Rhea has been accused by Sushants family of abetting his suicide. On Monday, she filed a counter-complaint against two of Sushants sisters.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

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Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of People Corporation (CVE:PEO) as an investment opportunity by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for People

The method

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 Levered FCF (CA$, Millions) CA$23.9m CA$34.3m CA$40.7m CA$49.8m CA$56.5m CA$62.1m CA$66.7m CA$70.5m CA$73.6m CA$76.3m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x3 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 13.42% Est @ 9.89% Est @ 7.42% Est @ 5.69% Est @ 4.48% Est @ 3.64% Present Value (CA$, Millions) Discounted @ 7.4% CA$22.3 CA$29.7 CA$32.9 CA$37.4 CA$39.5 CA$40.4 CA$40.5 CA$39.8 CA$38.7 CA$37.4

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = CA$358m

Story continues

We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 1.7%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.4%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2030  (1 + g)  (r  g) = CA$76m (1 + 1.7%)  (7.4% 1.7%) = CA$1.4b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= CA$1.4b ( 1 + 7.4%)10= CA$662m

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is CA$1.0b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of CA$10.1, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 29% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

The assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at People as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.4%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.955. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

Moving On:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For People, we've put together three important items you should look at:

Risks: You should be aware of the 3 warning signs for People we've uncovered before considering an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does PEO's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Canadian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search 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.
A mother's homemade solution that leaves dirt-encrusted tiles impossibly shiny without a drop of toxic chemicals has attracted widespread praise on social media.

When the woman moved into her new rental in southeast Queensland, the bathroom floor was filthy.

She immediately set about scrubbing the tiles with hot water, sugar soap and dishwashing liquid - transforming them from grimy to gleaming in minutes.

Photos comparing the difference have gone viral since they were shared in an Australian cleaning group on Facebook, with one woman replying: 'Now that's what I call a clean!'

Scroll down for video

A mother transformed the filthy bathroom floor of her Queensland rental (left) from grimy to gleaming (right) with a simple solution of hot water, sugar soap and dishwashing liquid

The mother said she used a handheld scrubbing brush instead of a mop to achieve the impressive sheen.

'I used a bit of a scrubby scrub, not with a long-handled floor scrub. I feel like it doesn't do as good of a job as I do on my hands and knees,' she said.

And people were quick to praise her handiwork with comments including 'so satisfying', 'top job' and 'you should be proud, looks stunning'.

'This is amazing! Like a completely different floor,' one woman said.

A second said: 'Fantastic job! Pity it was in such an awful state to begin with.'

'What a difference a little scrubbing does - look how beautiful the grout came up,' added a third.

The tiles gleamed after just a few minutes of scrubbing with a handheld brush

Her simple solution for sparkling tiles is the latest cleaning hack to catch attention on social media, following a mother's budget-friendly trick for stopping plastic containers flipping and filling with water in the dishwasher.

Turned upside down, $7 drying racks from Kmart keeps loose lunchboxes and other utensils in place during the cleaning cycle, putting an end to splashback and spillages on the kitchen floor once and for all.

The hack  originally shared on Reddit and reposted in a cleaning group on Facebook - has gone viral, drawing dozens of comments like 'fabulous suggestion' and 'this is brilliant, thanks for sharing'.

An upside down dish rack (pictured) can be used to secure loose containers in the dishwasher, preventing them flipping and filling with water during the cleaning cycle

People who tried the method confirmed its effectiveness, with one woman writing: 'Yep, this works a treat! I use cake racks.'

Others shared suggestions that kill two birds with one stone.

One woman said she secures containers with oven racks to save time scrubbing them by hand, while another said she slots ceramic bowls over loose items instead.
On July 18, retired Niles police officer Joseph Paglia and Niles Community Service Officer Michael White were killed when an alleged drunk driver crossed into their lane of traffic just south of Kerrville Texas and struck several motorcycles, including the ones on which they were riding. A third man, identified in media reports as Jerry Wayne Harbour of Houston Texas, was also killed that day.


By Choi Sung-jin





) is a Korea Times columnist.



"Goodbye and good riddance!"Many Koreans might have thought this  some out loud  late last month when they heard the news that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was stepping down.During Abe's eight-year "reign," relations between Korea and Japan couldn't have deteriorated further. Unlike his relatively moderate first term in 2006, Abe returned as a fervent nationalist, i.e., ultra-rightist, six years later.Abe visited the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors 2.5 million fallen soldiers, including 14 Class A war criminals  whose remains were placed there in the 70s  defying appeals from Seoul, Beijing and even Washington. His government also tried to neutralize the Kono Statement, which acknowledged the Japanese Imperial Army's involvement in the coercive recruitment of comfort women, under the pretext of verifying how the statement was made.According to opinion polls, 70 percent of Koreans dislike Japan, and 62 percent of Japanese do not like Korea. Few leaders in either country are completely free from criticism that they abuse this mutual antagonism in order to raise their approval ratings. The outgoing Japanese premier might have been the most determined in this area, however. Abe used to pander to Japan's far-right groups by taking unprecedentedly hawkish stances toward the two Koreas.One of Abe's campaign pledges was to solve the issue of a dozen Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea. Japanese diplomats posed obstacles in the Korean Peninsula peace process more than a few times by raising the unresolved issue of the kidnapped people. It also served as the biggest stumbling block during normalization talks between Japan and North Korea between 1990 and 2006. At one such meeting, Song Il-ho, Pyongyang's point man on Japan at the time, said, "You are talking about 12 kidnapped people while your ancestors abducted tens of thousands times more Korean women and you are not even admitting to it."Many South Koreans sympathized with Song, indicating how Japan  especially its unrepentant politicians  could unite Koreans, South and North, right or left. Nothing could be more glaring in this regard is that some scholars here are justifying Japan's misdeeds concerning wartime sex slaves and forced laborers.Abe, and most right-wing politicians in Japan for that matter, said Japan has nothing more to concede to Korea because the compensation for colonial rule was settled by the 1965 Basic Treaty, once and for all. However, many legal experts, including some Japanese, agree that an individual's rights to indemnity remain valid. The Supreme Court's ruling in favor of forced Korean laborers in 2018 reflected this internationally accepted view. Tokyo says the verdict and the Moon Jae-in administration's nullification of the bilateral accord on comfort women in 2015 violate international laws.As in any democracy, the Moon administration maintains the position that the executive branch cannot meddle with the judiciary's judgment and that in dealing with human rights abuses, the discussion should center on the victims, not governments or politicians. Diplomatic watchers in Seoul and Tokyo have agreed on one thing: The two countries will not be able to untangle the ongoing diplomatic impasse until the current leaders leave office. Now Abe is exiting from center stage, and Moon will conclude his term some 20 months later. Even after that, however, Korea-Japan relations will likely remain chilly because it is not due to individual leaders but to policies and structural problems.Barring some unexpected event, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga will succeed Abe a week from now. Suga has made it clear that he would follow Abe's path, including in his foreign policy, emphasizing he would "thoroughly deal with the violation of international laws in the Japan-Korea relationship." Suga once opposed Abe's paying his respects at the war shrine but described Ahn Jung-geun, a Korean patriot who assassinated Governor-General Hirobumi Ito in 1909, as a "terrorist."It is unclear how long Suga will stay in the post. Even if he outstays Moon's tenure, it is equally uncertain who his South Korean counterpart will be  a liberal or a conservative president. One thing is certain, however: Few Korean presidents will, or can, make concessions to Japan unless and until the latter makes some moves, even ostensible, for self-reflection and reconciliation.Japan is unlikely to do so and will move toward ignoring South Korea in its global strategy, as Abe has done. For example, Seoul had made various proposals to solve the forced laborer issue  only to face Tokyo's chilly response of virtually ignoring the Supreme Court's decision.Pundits call for the government to be more realistic and move closer to Japan if for no other reason than to jointly deal with the increasingly assertive China, let alone North Korea's nuclear blackmail. That is also what Korea's ally  the United States  wants. To Seoul's chagrin, however, Washington played a pivotal role  or all but twisted South Korea's arms  in the one-sided 2015 deal on comfort women as it did so in normalizing Korea-Japan ties in 1965 as part of its strategy to roll back emerging rivals over global hegemony.For the U.S., Japan may remain a bigger and more important regional partner than Korea. However, international justice has never been realized in this part of the world due largely to the U.S.' strategic interests. Koreans do not like China much either, a large and overbearing neighbor for centuries. Still, China, or any other country for that matter, did not go as far as Japan by changing colonists' names, or systematically mobilizing their women as sex slaves for soldiers.Unless Washington moves to correct at least part of its tilt toward Tokyo, Seoul will remain a half-hearted partner at best.Choi Sung-jin ( choisj1955@naver.com
A 40-year-old man fired two rounds outside a grocery shop near Delite cinema in central Delhi on Monday night, triggering panic among shopkeepers and local residents.

The man fled the scene, but the police traced him to northeast Delhis Bhajanpura, arrested him and recovered a pistol and seven cartridges, nearly four hours after the incident.

The police identified the man as one Aarif. During interrogation, Aarif told the police that he fired the bullets to inimidate a medical shop owner near Delite cinema. There was bad blood between, said senior police officers associated with the case.

Deputy commissioner of police (central) Sanjay Bhatia said that around 9.15 pm, the police were informed that two rounds were fired in the air outside a shop. The Chandni Mahal police station team met the caller, Aslam (who goes by his first name), who alleged that an unidentified man fired outside his grocery shop. One empty bullet shell was found at the spot.

The CCTV cameras around the crime scene were defunct. Local enquiries revealed that the suspect was earlier seen at a medical shop in the area. The suspects identity was ascertained and his house in central Delhi was raided, said DCP Bhatia.

The police activated their human intelligence network and learnt that the suspect, Aarif, was seen near a mosque in Bhajanpura. The team went there and caught him after a couple of hours.

Initially, Aarif denied his involvement in the crime. But when interrogated and confronted with the evidence collected against him, he confessed and revealed that the pistol used in the crime was hidden somewhere in Jafarabad. We took him there and recovered the pistol with seven bullets, said an investigator who did not want to be named.

Aarif was arrested for an act endangering the life or personal safety of others, possessing and using an illegal firearm, a case regarding which was registered under Section 336 of the Indian Penal Code and sections 25 and 27 of Arms Act at the Chandni Mahal police station, the DCP said.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / GlobeX Data Ltd. (OTCQB:SWISF)(CSE:SWIS) ("GlobeX" or the "Company"), the leader in Swiss hosted cyber security and Internet privacy solutions for secure data management and secure communications, is pleased to report that, after consulting with our distribution network, we can confirm that despite the economic slowdown in many of the countries GlobeX has distribution agreements, sales of Sekur will meet or beat our internal targets for 2020 sales.

After discussing with several of its distributors in Canada, USA, Latin America, the Bahamas, and South Asia; GlobeX has been able to compile an estimate of sales for Sekur for the remainder of this year. Although most markets are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic economic damages, sales are expected to attract a minimum of 1,000 paid users and reach a potential of 5,000 paid users in 2020, depending on economic factors, bringing recurring yearly gross sales of US$70,000 to US$350,000 for 2020, through distributors, with an estimated increase of 100% in volume of paid subscribers sold for 2021 as the Company expands into other markets, such as the Middle East, Africa and Australia. The licenses in South Asia are paid on a yearly basis in advance, as they are activated. GlobeX expected a lower paid subscriber base in 2020, due to the economic damage inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic, however, cyber-attacks and BEC attacks on enterprises and government infrastructures has created an immediate need for Sekur.

The Company has already received interest for Sekur for 2,000 users in South Asia and Central America from two distributors, and is working diligently to try to close these opportunities before December 31 2020. The Company is also having advanced discussions with its distributor in Toronto Canada, Darn IT Group, in order to find large scale distribution in Canada and has had early discussions with a large distributor that wishes to remain anonymous due to the nature of the discussions as the distributor is looking at a possible exclusivity agreement for Canada.

Sekur is the Company's Swiss hosted secure communications suite, which includes encrypted messaging, voice recording transfer, self-destruct timer, an encrypted email account and a secure file transfer solution. All data is secured using GlobeX's proprietary encryption technology and is hosted exclusively in Switzerland for ultimate privacy.

Sekur includes the Company's proprietary anti-phishing and privacy feature called SekurSend. SekurSend lets a user send an email to any other recipient, whether they have Sekur or not, in full privacy and security as the email never leaves Sekur's encrypted email servers based in Switzerland. The recipient can then click on the notification and reply in the same manner using SekurReply, without the recipient having to register for a Sekur account. The sender can also decide to protect any email sent by adding a password to open it, a read-limit and a self-destruct timer as well. Using the SekurSend feature allows the senders and recipients to add limitless size attachments to the emails without crowding the recipients' email box. This also guarantees to eliminate BEC attacks for businesses and email phishing attacks. Additionally, Sekur includes the Company's latest SekurMail technology, which includes full control of email delivery, automatic data export for large Enterprises and an automatic Data Loss Prevention technology ("DLP") with real time continuous archiving.

One of the many Privacy and security features of Sekur is that the user does not register with their phone number, eliminating a huge loophole in security and privacy. Just recently, according to an article written by Lindsey O'Donnell and posted on the website threatpost.com on June 5 2020, it was disclosed that WhatsApp phone numbers and users were searchable on Google, creating a massive security and privacy breach. Earlier in the year, an article was written about a similar flaw affecting all businesses, NGOs, UN and non-profit organizations, where WhatsApp Group members were also compromised and searchable in a reverse engineering trick done on Google.

Recent data breaches in messaging applications and in particular in the WhatsApp application have created a certain urgency for businesses and data privacy advocates to protect their communications form cyber-attacks and identity theft via mobile and desktop devices.

Sekur eliminates many of the privacy and security risks by not only not requiring a phone number, which would divulge a user's phone device ID, but also by not social engineering a user's phone or computer contact list and infecting the contacts by default as well. Sekur issues each user a username and a SM number. The SM number is the contact ID a user would disclose in order for other SM users to be added. The service comes with a self-destruct timer and other features as well, including GlobeX's proprietary VirtualVaults and HeliX technologies with all data stored in Swiss hosted encrypted servers.

Sekur is available for purchase immediately in USD, and will be available in local currencies in CAD, CHF, EUR, AUD and NZD by mid-October, in order to be able to penetrate other markets and sell to distributors and directly to businesses and consumers through email marketing and social media awareness.

GlobeX's Data privacy solutions are all hosted in Switzerland, protecting users' data from any outside data intrusion requests. In Switzerland, the right to privacy is guaranteed in article 13 of the Swiss Federal Constitution. The Federal Act on Data Protection ("FADP") of 19 June 1992 (in force since 1993) has set up a strict protection of privacy by prohibiting virtually any processing of personal data which is not expressly authorized by the data subjects. The protection is subject to the authority of the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner.

Under Swiss federal law, it is a crime to publish information based on leaked "secret official discussions." In 2010 the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland found that IP addresses are personal information and that under Swiss privacy laws they may not be used to track Internet usage without the knowledge of the individuals involved.

About GlobeX Data Ltd.

GlobeX Data Ltd. is a Cybersecurity and Internet privacy provider of Swiss hosted solutions for secure data management and secure communications. The Company distributes a suite of secure cloud-based storage, disaster recovery, document management, encrypted e-mails, and secure communication tools. GlobeX Data Ltd. sells its products through its approved wholesalers and distributors, and telecommunications companies worldwide. GlobeX Data Ltd. serves consumers, businesses and governments worldwide.

On behalf of Management

GLOBEX DATA LTD.

Alain Ghiai

President and Chief Executive Officer

+1.416.644.8690

corporate@globexdatagroup.com

For more information please contact GlobeX Data at corporate@globexdatagroup.com or visit us at https://globexdatagroup.com.

For more information on Sekur visit us at: https://www.sekur.com.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "project" and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guaranteeing future performance. GlobeX cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond GlobeX's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the future of the Company's business; the success of marketing and sales efforts of the Company; the projections prepared in house and projections delivered by channel partners; the Company's ability to complete the necessary software updates; increases in sales as a result of investments software development technology; consumer interest in the Products; future sales plans and strategies; reliance on large channel partners and expectations of renewals to ongoing agreements with these partners; anticipated events and trends; the economy and other future conditions; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in GlobeX's prospectus dated May 8, 2019 filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available on www.sedar.com. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, GlobeX undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

SOURCE: GlobeX Data Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/605080/GlobeX-Data-on-Track-to-Beat-Sekur-Sales-Targets
Contributed Photo / Connecticut State Police

Connecticut State Police responded to less calls for service and fewer motor vehicle accidents during Labor Day weekend this year compared with 2019, data provided Tuesday showed.

From midnight Friday through 11:59 p.m. Monday, state troopers responded to 6,315 calls for service. There were 299 crashes, including fatal accidents in Watertown and Tolland.
The inventor of the gender reveal party has urged people to 'stop having these stupid parties' as more than 10,000 acres have been destroyed by a California wildfire sparked by a celebration gone wrong.

Blogger Jenna Karvunidis took to social media Monday to call on people to stop the celebrations after it emerged a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device used to announce whether an expectant mom is having a boy or girl caused the massive El Dorado wildfire now ravaging part of the state.

'Stop having these stupid parties,' Karvunidis wrote.

'For the love of God, stop burning things down to tell everyone about your kid's penis.'

California has been in the grips of savage wildfires in recent weeks, with two of the blazes some of the biggest in the state's history.

The inventor of the gender reveal party has urged people to 'stop having these stupid parties' as more than 10,000 acres have been destroyed by a California wildfire sparked by a celebration gone wrong. Pictured blogger Jenna Karvunidis

Jenna Karvunidis took to social media Monday to call on people to stop the celebrations after it emerged a gender reveal pyrotechnic caused the massive El Dorado wildfire

Karvunidis slammed the 'tool' responsible for the latest blaze in a Facebook rant Monday.

'Oh my god NO. The fire that evacuated parts of California is from a GENDER REVEAL PARTY,' the blogger wrote.

'Stop it. Stop having these stupid parties. For the love of God, stop burning things down to tell everyone about your kid's penis. No one cares but you.'

The blogger branded the need to use pyrotechnics in a gender reveal as 'toxic masculinity' and pointed to the vast difference between their actions and her own when she unveiled her baby's gender with a cake back in 2008.

'It was 116 degrees in Pasadena yesterday and this tool thought it would be smart to light a fire about his kid's d**k,' she wrote.

'Toxic masculinity is men thinking they need to explode something because simply enjoying a baby party is for sissies.

Karvunidis is famed for inventing the gender reveal party when she announced she was expecting a girl by cutting a cake that revealed pink frosting inside (above)

'Oh, and of course I'm getting hate messages. Excuse me for having a cake for my family in 2008.'

She added: 'Just because I'm the gender reveal inventor doesn't mean I think people should burn down their communities. STOP.'

Karvunidis is famed for inventing the gender reveal party when she announced to family and friends that she was expecting a girl by cutting a cake to reveal pink frosting inside.

She shared the celebration on her blog High Gloss And Sauce in 2008 inspiring a huge trend that many expectant parents worldwide have since copied.

On Sunday, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection announced that the huge El Dorado wildfire in southern California started Saturday by a gender reveal photoshoot, when the pyrotechnical smoke device sent sparks into the bone-dry brush.

The El Dorado Fire burns in San Bernardino National Forest near Yucaipa, California, Saturday

On Sunday, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection announced that the wildfire started Saturday by a gender reveal photoshoot

An evacuation map of the El Dorado fire which started when the pyrotechnical smoke device sent sparks into the bone-dry brush

GENDER REVEAL PARTIES GONE WRONG April 2017 - A gender reveal sparked the massive Sawmill Fire which scorched more than 45,000 acres across Arizona. Partygoers shot a makeshift target labeled with the words 'boy' and 'girl' which then exploded setting fire to the brush. The off-duty border patrol agent responsible for starting the fire pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay more than $8 million in restitution. October 2019 - Partygoers made a homemade 'pipe bomb' to release blue or pink gun powder at a gender reveal in Iowa. The bomb exploded sending shrapnel 45 feet and striking and killing a grandmother. September 2019 - A gender reveal stunt involving a pilot dumping 350 gallons of pink water from the plane while flying at low altitude ended in a plane crash in Texas. The pilot escaped unscathed while a passenger suffered minor injuries. April 2020 - A pyrotechnic gender reveal device sparked a 10-acre brush fire in Florida. September 2020 - A gender reveal pyrotechnical smoke device started the El Dorado wildfire in southern California. The blaze has scorched 10,574 acres and was just 16 percent contained by Tuesday morning. Fire officials described the blaze as 'one of the most dangerous fires' they've ever seen. Advertisement

The devices release blue or pink smoke to announce the gender.

The blaze has scorched 10,574 acres and was just 16 percent contained by Tuesday morning.

Fire officials described it as 'one of the most dangerous fires' they've ever seen.

The fire started on Saturday at 10.23am, authorities said, before spreading from the El Dorado Ranch Park north, onto the Yucaipa Ridge.

The ridge separates Mountain Home Village and Forest Falls from the City of Yucaipa.

Bennet Milloy, spokesman for the fire department, told DailyMail.com the people hosting the party were still on the scene when the firefighters arrived.

'We know how it started because they were still there,' he said. 'That, and the fact that there were surveillance cameras in the park.'

Milloy said that it was a relatively small family gathering, and that the relatives had gathered for a photo opportunity.

He did not know if they were local people, but he said they were potentially both civilly and criminally responsible for the fire and could face jail time and hefty fines.

The family could be held responsible for the entire cost of putting the fire out, amounting to many millions of dollars, he said.

The civil costs were deemed 'suppression costs' - the charges associated with hundreds of fire fighters, engines, helicopters and planes.

The criminal charges could fall under 'a variety of charges', he said - which would be more severe if homes were destroyed.

The family could be hit with violations of public resources codes and even arson, under California's penal code section 452.

Arson convictions can result in a sentence of up to nine years.

Milloy did not have the names of the family, but said they would be released if charges were pressed.

The El Dorado fire. The blaze has scorched 10,574 acres and was just 16 percent contained by Tuesday morning

The family behind the gender reveal could be held responsible for the entire cost of putting the fire out, amounting to many millions of dollars, officials said

This isn't the first time a gender reveal party has caused a huge wildfire.

In April, a similar gender reveal pyrotechnic device sparked a 10-acre brush fire in Florida.

This came after a gender reveal in April 2017 sparked the massive Sawmill Fire which scorched more than 45,000 acres across Arizona.

Partygoers shot a makeshift target labeled with the words 'boy' and 'girl' which then exploded setting fire to the brush.

The off-duty border patrol agent responsible for starting the fire pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay more than $8 million in restitution.

The latest blaze comes as California is already being ravaged by massive wildfires, with more than 14,000 fire fighters currently battling 24 separate blazes statewide.

More than two million acres have been destroyed and 172,000 people left without power during a record heat wave in the drought-stricken state.

The latest blaze comes as California is already being ravaged by massive wildfires, with more than 14,000 fire fighters currently battling 24 separate blazes. Pictured the Creek Fire in Fresno County
NPP National Youth Organizer, Henry Nana Boakye has asked the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Minority in Parliament to go to court if they believe to have a genuine case with the Agyapa Royalties deal.



The Minority walked out when the deal was brought up for discussion in Parliament, claiming it is shrouded in secrecy.



They also argued it is tainted with corruption and are opposed to it.



They opposition party also raised concerns over the selection of Senior Minister Yaw Osafo-Maafo's son, Kofi Osafo-Maafo and President Nana Akufo-Addo's cousin, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko to be part of the managers of the deal.



They accuse the President of cronyism.



Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, addressing the press after their walkout, stated emphatically that no NDC government will support the deal.



Former President and NDC flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama has also pledged to scrap the deal when elected as President again.



We will do everything legitimately in our power to oppose the agreement and make sure it doesnt happen, he said.



But Nana Boakye, also called Nana B says ''if any person feels someone has discredited or suspect corruption with the Minerals Income and Investment Fund, proceed to the law court''.



"The minerals royalties are not a Finance Minister's property. Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko doesn't own it. It's not for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo but rather belongs to all Ghanaians. It is Ghanaians who own shares in this Agyapa with the government overseeing it on behalf of Ghanaians," he asserted while discussing the Agyapa Royalties deal on ''Kokrokoo'' on Peace FM.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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THE Leaving Certificate classes of 2020 are anxiously awaiting news of college places on Friday after receiving their results.

The reaction from schools to the calculated grades has been largely positive with principals saying they are broadly in line with expectations.

At the all-boys Colaiste Choilm in Tullamore, which had 104 Leaving Certificate students, principal Tadhg O'Sullivan expressed his delight with the results.

Speaking to the Tullamore Tribune, Mr O'Sullivan said: My feeling would be that the process carried out by the DES (Department of Education and Skills) calculated grades office was very fair.

We followed the process we were told to follow in May and June.

Prior to the results being released, there was speculation that some 17% of grades would be changed by the use of a standardisation procedure by the Department of Education.

On Monday the department said one in five Higher Level marks as assessed by teachers were downgraded by one grade after standardisation. One in ten Ordinary Level results were lowered by one grade.

Mr O'Sullivan said he did not believe that to be the case in his school.

We had some upgrades as well as some downgrades. It wasn't the 17% or anything like it, he said.

While some students had achieved maximum points, Mr O'Sullivan was keen to stress that the importance of points should not be overstated.

It is important too to realise that academic success is neither a guarantee nor a necessity for someone to enjoy a full life and a rewarding career.

At the Sacred Heart School, Tullamore, 104 girls received their results and the principal, Pauline McKenna, said they were as expected because the teachers knew the year group was a very good one.

The results were excellent but they would have been anyway if everything had gone according to plan and they had sat the Leaving Cert, said Ms McKenna.

Having reviewed results for the last number of years for comparison, she believed 2020 is more or less in line.

If you look at the last five years they're not totally removed. They fit in quite well.

A higher percentage of students than previous years had achieved more than 500 or 600 points but, again, that was not unexpected.

The girls who got those points, you wouldn't be surprised, said Ms McKenna.

There had been some downgrades and upgrades due to standardisation but having examined them, she believed the marks were really well adjusted.

The results all the girls got were really well deserved given the amount of nonsense they had to put up with, she said.

Overall, the calculated grades system showed an increase of 4.4% on average across all subjects. In Birr, St Brendan's Community School were extremely proud of the achievements of their class of 2020 in the Leaving Certificate and LCA results.

On its social media platform, the south Offaly community school told its students: As a group you have come through the uncertainty of an unprecedented world pandemic, that caused so much disruption to your plans. Your results are the culmination of two years of dedicated study and well earned. We wish you well in the next phase of your lives.

They advised students that while awaiting CAO offers the school's guidance counsellors were available to answer any queries students had.

Elsewhere, Gallen Community School, Ferbane extended congratulations to all its Leaving Certificate students.

The results of this years group were both exceptional and well deserved. We are delighted that the students will be moving forward with results that match their work ethic and ability over their time in Gallen Community School. It was great to meet them and hear about their plans for the future.

We will have students hopefully starting college life in Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Cork, Athlone and other students starting apprenticeships in their chosen trades. It has been a privilege to welcome these amazing young people in to our school community over the last 5/6 years. We will continue to remain available for support and guidance all week, please dont hesitate to contact the school at any stage.
The Delhi high court on Tuesday dismissed the plea filed by Khalid Saifi, an accused in the north-east Delhi riots case, challenging a trial court order that granted more time to the investigating agency to conclude its probe in the case.

A single judge bench of justice Vibhu Bakhru, while rejecting the plea said the trial court order cannot be faulted on the grounds that the petitioner was not afforded adequate opportunity to be heard.

The requirement of providing the petitioner a notice as well as an opportunity to be heard in opposition to the application for extension of time for completion of the investigation were complied with by the court. A report indicating the progress of investigation, including specific reasons for detaining the accused beyond the specified period, was furnished. The trial court had perused the same as well as examined the case diaries and had recorded its satisfaction in this regard, the bench said.

Saifi, in his plea, sought directions from the high court to set aside the trial court order, dated August 13, extending the time for completing the investigation till September 17. The plea has also sought to issue consequential directions that he be released on bail in terms of Section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Saifi, a member of United Against Hate group, was arrested on March 21 for allegedly being a part of those who conspired to start the north-east Delhi riots in February. Police booked him under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

On August 13, the trial court allowed the application of the investigating agency seeking an extension of the time period to conclude the investigation under Section 43D(2)(b) of the UAPA, and extended the time period by 30 days, till September 17.

Besides Saifi, other accused persons in the case are Ishrat Jahan, Tahir Hussain, Gufisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Natasha Narwal, Devangana Kalita, Asif Iqbal Tanha, and Shafa ur-Rehman. The accused persons have denied their involvement in the riots and have accused the Delhi Police of launching a witch hunt against anti-government voices. The arrested persons were prominent faces who took part in the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests.
It has been six months since the COVID-19 pandemic plunged family budgets into their worst crisis in decades. I know this because I got a letter from my health insurance fund this week about my premium increase.

Health insurers postponed their annual April 1 price hikes for six months to assist customers facing coronavirus-induced financial hardship, but that date has come around mighty fast, especially for those who are still likely to have trouble paying.

Boosting the excess on the amount you would pay if you need to have something done in a private hospital can save you hundreds of dollars. Credit:Alamy

There are a number of tips for saving money on your health cover in the month before it is due to increase, but, this year, there are some extra opportunities available because of the pandemic. Here are just a few.

JobKeepers and JobSeekers can hit pause
Public anxiety over the possibility that President Donald Trump may refuse to accept an electoral loss in November is now reaching a fever pitch. The concern is, alas, valid: Trump has shown time and again that hes uninterested in playing by the rules of our democracy and that hes unable to accept the notion that he could be wrong, much less suffer a loss without insisting its the result of someone else cheating. Thats why its urgently important to understand where the key uncertainty lies heading into November: Its not legal; its mental. The fact is that the law has remedies and fixes for the most likely ways in which Trump might attempt to resist defeat at the polls. The law, by and large, should be able to handle what may be coming. The real threat, then, lies not in formal guardrails but in our confidence. The threat is that Americans accepting those legal answers as legitimate is shaky, and that is where Trump can do the most serious damage.

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Were hardly naive or sanguine when it comes to how this election and the transition that follows might play out. Indeed, we were two of the earliest commentators to raise concerns that Trump might refuse to heed the type of clear electoral defeat that any other candidate in recent memory would acknowledge. Its not Cassandra-like wailing to acknowledge that theres real cause for concern here. But we need to be focused on where the biggest problems are. Because, sure, theres legal uncertainty around the November contest. There are laws that could be exploitedabused, reallyin unprecedented ways this election cycle. These are little-known lawslaws that, for example allow a state legislature to declare Election Day failed and to concoct its own method of appointing electors, and laws that describe in inscrutable terms how Congress should resolve any dispute over competing slates of electors sent by the same stateand, to be sure, they are susceptible to manipulation and, in turn, competing interpretation. There are already a slew of contested election-related lawsuits working their way through courts nationwide, and perhaps the only absolute certainty about the 2020 election is that theres a lot more litigation to come.

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Yet, to a larger degree than you may think, when it comes to the most likely ways in which Trump might resist a valid defeat at the polls, its not the legal but the cognitive aspects that are poised to sow the greatest chaos. Recognizing the most glaring threats requires a look back at Trumps most brazen moments of resistance to election results, all of which are largely forgotten now. Consider three.

The first was the only major electoral defeat of Donald Trumps relatively short political career. In February 2016, Trump lost the Iowa caucuses to Sen. Ted Cruz. This was, at the time, seen as a major setback to Trumps bid to secure the Republican nomination for president. The very next day, Trump tweeted that Cruz didnt really win in Iowa but illegally stole it, and called for a redo. Thats right: The only major political defeat Trump has suffered he has, within 24 hours, claimed was stolen was from him.

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For all the legal complexity that can surround an election, the law is quite clear on what to make of such claims.

The second revealing moment occurred over two years later, as the 2018 midterm elections approached and the polls suggested potential disaster for the Republicans. Trump tweeted what still ranks as one of the strangest tweets of his presidency, suggesting that the Russians were pushing very hard for the Democratsyes, the Democratsin November 2018. No one had said thisnot the intelligence community, not law enforcement, not the media, no one. Yet Trump appeared to be laying the groundwork for calling into question the midterm results as skewed by foreign election interference should his party suffer a debilitating defeat at the polls.

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Trumps third moment of resistance to election results came in the wake of those very midterms. Election night left two prominent Republicans running in Floridaone for governor, one for senatorwith a slim lead, but there were more ballots to be counted. As that counting continued, Trump tweeted yet again, baselessly claiming that large numbers of new ballots showed up out of nowhere and that America Must go with Election Night! Never mind that ballots remained uncounted; Trump simply wanted to stop counting when the results conformed to what he wanted to see.

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All three of these all-too-Trumpian moments give us reason to worry about his likely forthcoming claims that the 2020 results are invalid if Trumps the one who loses. Indeed, Trump already has laid the groundwork for claiming a stolen election, by suggesting fraudulent voting (this time by mail-in ballots and drop boxes) is afoot and casting doubt on any vote-counting that persists past Election Daywhich is a virtual inevitability. But for all the legal complexity that can surround an election, the law is quite clear on what to make of such claims. If Trump echoes his post-Iowa call for a recount, theres law in each of the 50 states that tells us precisely when a recount is justified. Often, its the margin of difference between the candidates that determines whether the trailing candidate is entitled to a recount. This process isnt a free-for-all that can be made up as the candidates-turned-litigants see fit. Any dispute at the margins can and should be settled in court.

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If Trump claims theres been election fraudwhether by foreign interference, mail-in ballots, drop boxes, or whatever he may dream upour constitutional structure allows for swiftly determining whether such claims are true or bogus. The House of Representatives can immediately call a hearing and subpoena anyone who would have information on the veracity of Trumps claims. For claims of foreign election interference, for example, that would mean getting key intelligence community officialsnot political leadership but career civil servantsin front of the House Intelligence Committee in open session, at an unclassified level, to explain whether theres any basis for such allegations. For claims of fraud through mail-in ballots or drop boxes, it means getting state election officials in front of Congress to confirm or deny what Trump has alleged. Here, too, our legal system has a way of obtaining the truthincluding aggressive subpoena enforcement by Congress if necessary. The truth, in other words, is knowable, and no matter how often Trump suggests that its not, we have legal systems for unearthing it.

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And as to Trumps new-and-old claims that all vote-counting must end on election nightwell, hes simply full of it. Thats not the law. The law is that vote-counting ends when all legitimate ballots cast that should be counted have been counted. When certain ballots can begin to be counted is determined by state law; so is whether certain ballots should be counted, including based on how close the race is. But the idea that all voting simply ends on election nightor at any premature point, just because Trump likes where the numbers areis legal hogwash.

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So the real challenge isnt legal; its cognitive. Trump, actively aided by Attorney General William Barr, has devoted months to undertaking a domestic influence operation to lead Americans to distrust the legitimacy of any election in which Trump doesnt win. For this to work, they need you to distrust the legitimacy of the laws that provide answers to the scenarios discussed above. Skilled lawyers and even judges can explain why a recount isnt justified, or why ballot-counting must continue, but Trump has primed the pump for many Americans not to care what lawyers and judges and election statutes and even the Constitution may say. (Consider that Trump and Barr continue to cast unfounded aspersions on mail-in ballots, even as the Trump campaign was able to provide no evidence whatsoever to back up those claims when asked to do so by a federal court in Pennsylvania.) Instead, Trump has many Americans prepared to reject any such explanation as election theft, or a rigged system, or a hoax or fake news. So it is bolstering faith in elections that may prove to be the real challenge: not obtaining a legitimate election result but convincing wide swaths of Americans that it is, in fact, legitimate.

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Thats a cognitive challenge of profound proportions. But its alsowith two months left before the electiona cause for optimism, because theres still time for action. It means that the power to make this election work isnt just in the hands of the lawyers, or the judges, or even the Congress that will, in a special January session, ultimately certify the presidential election results. That power is in the hands of the rest of us. Its on all of us to help explain to our family, our friends, our colleagues, our neighborseveryone wholl listenthat theres fixed and reliable black-letter law here to guide us through key hoax and disaster scenarios for which the president is trying to prepare us. That means, in turn, that the fewer Americans who accept Trumps attempt to delegitimize election results he dislikes and the institutionslike the courts and the intelligence communitythat can explain why those results are valid, the stronger our nations cognitive election infrastructure is heading into November.

Trumps a lousy lawyer. But hes a devilishly good brainwasher. Let the lawyers fight the legal battles, which are already fierce and sure to get fiercer. Its on all of us to fight the mental battles.
Robots carry freshmens luggage in Tongji University

By:Zheng Qian | From:english.eastday.com | 2020-09-08 09:25

As Tongji University embraces newcomers on September 7, unmanned luggage carts can be seen busily carrying students heavy luggage to their dormitories.

Produced by the university and the Neolix autonomous driving vehicles company, the device was especially designed for freshmen to carry their hefty baggage since parents are not allowed to enter the campus this year due to the pandemic.

As soon as bags are lifted onto the cart at the campus entrance, it will automatically drive on the scheduled route to its set destination where students with a luggage tag pick up their respective bags.

Its said that in the future, these smart vehicles will play other roles like risk warning and retail distribution in Tongji campus.




Amsterdam, September 7, 2020 - A recent study by a team based at the University of Bologna, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, has shed new light on the Minoan system of fractions, one of the outstanding enigmas tied to the ancient writing of numbers.

About 3,500 years ago, the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete developed a writing system composed of syllabic signs, called Linear A, which they sometimes used to inscribe offerings at sanctuaries and adorn their jewelry, but mainly assisted the administration of their palatial centers.

Today, this script remains largely undeciphered and includes a complex system of numerical notation with signs that indicated not only whole numbers, but also fractions (such as 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, etc.). While the whole numbers were deciphered decades ago, scholars have been debating on the exact mathematical values of the fractional signs.

Principal Investigator Silvia Ferrara, Professor of the Department of Classical Philology and Italian Studies of the University of Bologna, said: "We aimed to solve the problem through a lens combining different strands of research, very seldom tied together: close paleographical analysis of the signs and computational methods. In this way we realized that we could access information from a new perspective."

The members of the European Research Council project INSCRIBE (Invention of Scripts and their Beginnings), Michele Corazza, Barbara Montecchi, Miguel Valerio, and Fabio Tamburini, led by Dr. Ferrara, applied a method that combines the analysis of the sign shapes and their use in the inscriptions together with statistical, computational and typological strategies to assign mathematical values to the Linear A signs for fractions.

The team first studied the rules that the signs followed on the clay tablets and other accounting documents. Two problems had so far complicated the decipherment of Linear A fractions. First, all documents containing sums of fractional values with a registered total were damaged or difficult to interpret, and second, they contradicted uses of certain signs, which suggest the system changed over time. Thus, the starting premise had to rely on documents concentrated to a specific period (ca. 1600-1450 BCE), when the numerical system was in coherent use across Crete.

To investigate the possible values of each fractional sign, the team excluded impossible outcomes with the aid of computational methods. Then all possible solutions - almost four million - were whittled down also comparing fractions that are common in the history of the world (e.g., typological data) and using statistical tests. Finally, the team applied other strategies that considered the completeness and coherence of the fractions as a system and in this way the best values were identified, with the least redundancies. The result, in this case, was a system whose lowest fraction is 1/60 and which shows the ability to represent most values of the type n/60.

The system of values suggested by the Bologna team has yielded further important implications.

The results explain how the Linear B script, adopted by the later Mycenaean Greek culture (ca. 1450-1200 BCE) from Linear A, reused some of these fractions to express units of measurement. The new results suggest that, for example, the Linear A sign for 1/10 was adapted to represent a capacity unit for measuring dry products which was, in turn, 1/10 of a larger unit. This explains a historical continuity of use from fractions to units of measurements across two different cultures.

This research aims to show that traditional methods and computational models, when used in synergy, can help us make remarkable progress into explaining some unresolved issues tied to ancient scripts that are still undeciphered.

###

Notes for editors

The article is "The mathematical values of fraction signs in the Linear A script: A computational, statistical and typological approach," by Michele Corazza, Silvia Ferrara, Barbara Montecchi, Fabio Tamburini, and Miguel Valerio (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2020.105214). It appears in Journal of Archaeological Science (September 2020), published by Elsevier.

Copies of this paper are available to credentialed journalists upon request; please contact the Elsevier Newsroom at newsroom@elsevier.com.

About Journal of Archaeological Science

The Journal of Archaeological Science is aimed at archaeologists and scientists with particular interests in advancing the development and application of scientific techniques and methodologies to all areas of archaeology. This established monthly journal publishes focus articles, original research papers and major review articles, of wide archaeological significance.

About Elsevier

Elsevier is a global information analytics business that helps scientists and clinicians to find new answers, reshape human knowledge, and tackle the most urgent human crises. For 140 years, we have partnered with the research world to curate and verify scientific knowledge. Today, we're committed to bringing that rigor to a new generation of platforms. Elsevier provides digital solutions and tools in the areas of strategic research management, R&D performance, clinical decision support, and professional education; including ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciVal, ClinicalKey and Sherpath. Elsevier publishes over 2,500 digitized journals, including The Lancet and Cell, 39,000 e-book titles and many iconic reference works, including Gray's Anatomy. Elsevier is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. http://www.elsevier.com

Media contact

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Six-month period 1 January-30 June 2020

The return of Solidium's equity holdings in the review period was -7.0 per cent

Metso and Outotec merged, and the stake in Neles was agreed to be sold to Valmet

Financial year 1 July 2019-30 June 2020

The return on equity holdings was -8.3 per cent in the financial year

Solidium's result for the financial year was EUR 211 million

Solidium's Board of Directors proposes that a dividend of EUR 168 million be paid to the owner

Solidium's CEO Antti Makinen comments:

"Solidium's financial year 2019-2020 was overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic that broke out in the spring and the resulting restrictions that hit the global economy hard. The state of emergency declared had impacts on the operations of several of Solidium's portfolio companies due to weakened demand, in particular.

During the financial year, Solidium increased its holding in Konecranes, Nokian Tyres and Nokia, and reduced holdings in Kemira and Sampo. There were also significant transactions in the portfolio companies as Tieto and the Norwegian EVRY as well as Metso and Outotec merged.

During the past financial year, we decided to take a more in-depth look into the companies' carbon balance. We launched a project that benchmarks the carbon dioxide intensity of our portfolio companies against companies in the same industries globally.

In accordance with its mandate, Solidium pays to the State the dividends it receives from the portfolio companies. The coronavirus pandemic also affected the dividend payment of listed companies. In the Annual General Meetings in the spring of 2020, dividends were cut and the payments of dividends were postponed. Therefore, the dividends, before taxes, we received during the financial year decreased from the previous financial year's EUR 337 million to EUR 230 million."

SOLIDIUM'S HOLDINGS

Development of holdings and key indicators

The value of Solidium's all holdings (equity holdings and money market investments) was EUR 6,950 million on 30 June 2020 (EUR 7,701 million on 31 December 2019 and EUR 8,193 million on 30 June 2019). The return on all holdings was -6.7 per cent over the review period of six months, and -7.9 per cent for the past financial year. More detailed information on the investment key indicators are attached.

Equity holdings

The value of Solidium's equity holdings was EUR 6,799 million on 30 June 2020 (EUR 7,541 million on 31 December 2019 and EUR 7,742 million on 30 June 2019). The total return of Solidium's equity holdings was -7.0 per cent during the review period and -8.3 per cent for the past financial year. During the financial year the best returns were generated by Elisa (30%), Valmet (10%) and Outotec (9%).

Money market investments

Solidium's money market investments amounted to EUR 151 million on 30 June 2020 (EUR 160 million on 31 December 2019 and EUR 452 million on 30 June 2019). The return of money market investments was 0.0 per cent during the review period and 0.1 per cent for the past financial year.

Distribution of profit to Solidium

During the financial year, Solidium received a total of EUR 230 million before taxes as dividends distributed by its portfolio companies (1 July 2018-30 June 2019: EUR 337 million) and after taxes EUR 206 million (EUR 300 million). The dividend income received by Solidium was approximately 3.4 per cent proportioned to the value of equity holdings on 30 June 2020. Nokia, Outokumpu, TietoEVRY and SSAB decided not to pay dividend in the spring 2020, but in July 2020, TietoEVRY decided to pay dividend during the summer and autumn.

Participation in nomination boards and board elections

A central aspect of Solidium's corporate governance model is to actively influence the board composition of the portfolio companies. Therefore, Solidium participated actively in the work of nomination boards preparing board elections during the financial year. Solidium's aim is to form a board composition which best serves the goal of shareholder value creation and needs of the company. A total of 11 new members, 4 of whom were women, were elected to the boards of directors of Solidium's portfolio companies.

Representatives of Solidium have served as the chairman of the shareholders' nomination boards of Elisa, Metso, Outokumpu, Outotec and Valmet, and as a member of the shareholders' nomination boards of Kemira, Konecranes, SSAB, Stora Enso and TietoEVRY. The nomination boards prepared proposals for the election and remuneration of board members to the Annual General Meetings in 2020.

In accordance with Solidium's strategy, the long-term objective is to have a seat in the board of each portfolio company. In the AGMs in spring 2020, Solidium's CEO Antti Makinen was re-elected to the boards of Metso, Sampo and Stora Enso. Investment Director Annareetta Lumme-Timonen was elected as a new member to the board of SSAB and Investment Director Petter Soderstrom was elected to the board of Neles, which was demerged from Metso. In addition, among Solidium's board members, Aaro Cantell is a member of the board of Valmet, Jannica Fagerholm is a member of the board of Sampo and Timo Ahopelto in the board of TietoEVRY.

Share transactions

During the financial year, Solidium purchased Nokia's shares for EUR 207 million, Nokian Tyres' shares for EUR 55 million, and Konecranes' shares for EUR 25 million. As a result of the share purchases, Solidium's holding in Nokia increased from 3.7 per cent to 4.8 per cent, in Nokian Tyres from 5.1 per cent to 6.8 per cent, and in Konecranes from 7.4 per cent to 8.5 per cent during the financial year. In addition, the merger of Tieto and EVRY momentarily diluted Solidium's shareholding to 6.3 per cent. Through the share sale and purchase agreement signed between Solidium and Apax in December 2019, Solidium purchased TietoEVRY's shares for EUR 123 million, which reverted Solidium's holding to 10 per cent.

In October 2019, Solidium reduced its holding in Kemira from 14.0 per cent to 10.2 per cent by selling 6 million Kemira shares to the market. The proceeds from the divestment were approximately EUR 84 million. In addition, Solidium sold its Nordea shares, which were received as an extra dividend from Sampo, to the market at a sale price of EUR 36 million in the autumn of 2019. In February 2020, Solidium sold approximately 2.0 per cent of Sampo's outstanding shares. The proceeds of approximately EUR 458 million were used for repaying debt facilities and for new share investments. As a result of the share sale, Solidium's holding in Sampo decreased from the previous 10.0 per cent to 8.0 per cent.

Transactions

In June 2019 Tieto Oyj and EVRY ASA announced their cross-border merger arrangement in which the combined company will be called TietoEVRY. Solidium conditionally agreed to purchase approximately 4.4 million Tieto shares from EVRY's largest shareholder Funds advised by Apax Partners LLP. Following the completion of the merger on 5 December 2019, Solidium's shareholding was diluted to 6.3 per cent since EVRY's shareholders held 37.5 per cent of TietoEVRY. Following the share sale and purchase agreement between Solidium and Apax, that was executed on 2.1.2020, Solidium's holding reverted back to 10 per cent.

In the beginning of the review period, July 2019, Metso and Outotec announced their intention to combine Metso Minerals and Outotec while Metso's flow control business Neles would continue as an independent publicly listed company. The necessary competition clearances were received on time and the transaction was completed on 30 June 2020. Starting from 1 July 2020, Metso Outotec continued in the stock exchange from Outotec's listing whereas Neles continued from Metso's listing.

On 17 June 2020 Solidium agreed to sell its entire 14.9 per cent stake in Neles for a price totaling approximately EUR 179 million. The purchase price will be adjusted based on Neles' share price development. In addition, the agreement includes an anti-embarrassment clause, according to which Solidium could be entitled to an additional cash payment in certain circumstances during a three-year period after the closing. Also, the agreement includes a one-year lock-up period.





Events after the reporting period

On 5 August 2020 Sampo and Rand Merchand Investment Holdings Limited (RMI) announced a recommended EUR 1.8 billion cash acquisition of the UK Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance company Hastings Group Holdings PLC (Hastings). Following completion of the offer, Sampo would hold 70 per cent of the jointly owned company while RMI would hold 30 per cent.

SOLIDIUM OY'S EVENTS

Annual General Meeting

Solidium's Annual General Meeting was held in Helsinki on 6 November 2019. The Annual General Meeting adopted the company's financial statements for the financial year of 1 July 2018 - 30 June 2019 and discharged the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability. The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the proposal of the Board, that a profit distribution of EUR 338 million in total be paid to the owner for the financial year, corresponding to the amount of dividends received by Solidium, taking the taxes payable on these dividends into consideration. For a term ending at the end of the next Annual General Meeting, the following persons were elected to the Board of Directors: Harri Sailas was elected as the Chairman, Aaro Cantell as the Vice Chairman, and Timo Ahopelto, Jannica Fagerholm, Marjo Miettinen, Laura Raitio and Kimmo Viertola were elected as members.

Financial key indicators

Solidium's net profit for the financial period was EUR 211 million. Solidium's operating expenses were EUR 3.8 million, resulting in a management cost ratio of operations of 0.05 per cent. Solidium's net asset value decreased as a result of the value changes of equity investments and profit distribution by EUR 0.77 billion and was EUR 6.6 billion at the end of the review period.



1 July 2019-

30 June 2020 1 July 2018-

30 June 2019 Operating profit, EUR million -3.8 -3.9 Profit for the period, EUR million 210.6 297.2 Return on investment at fair value, % -7.9 -2.9 Management cost ratio of operations, % 0.05 0.05 Net asset value, EUR million 6,572.1 7,340.8 Interest-bearing liabilities, EUR million 0.0 205.0 Equity ratio, % 95 90 Distribution of profit, EUR million 168.0* 338.0 Average number of employees 12 12

* The Board of Directors' proposal





Solidium's Annual Report in English is available on Solidium's website at

http://www.solidium.fi/en/publications-and-media/annual-report/ .

This report is unaudited.

Attachment Solidium's holdings on 30 June 2020



Solidium Oy

Further information: CEO Antti Makinen, tel. +358 10 830 8905

Solidium is a limited liability company wholly owned by the State of Finland. Its mission is to strengthen and stabilise Finnish ownership in nationally important companies and increase the value of its holdings in the long term. Through its stakes, Solidium is a minority owner in twelve listed companies: Elisa, Kemira, Konecranes, Metso Outotec, Nokia, Nokian Tyres, Outokumpu, Outotec, Sampo, SSAB, Stora Enso, TietoEVRY and Valmet. The market value of Solidium's total investments is approximately 7.4 billion euros. Further information: www.solidium.fi.

Attachment
Pro Romania's party will not join any government after the parliamentary elections in December, and it will remain in opposition until 2024, the leader of this political party, Victor Ponta, stated on Tuesday in Botosani.

According to him, Pro Romania will not join either PSD or another political party at rule, but "it will stay in opposition," with its objective being to gain all elections four years from now.On the other hand, the Pro Romania leader said he was certain that the future government will be imposed by President Klaus Iohannis, with right-wing parties in its composition.
By Ayya Lmahamad

Some 9,000 cargo containers were transported via Aktau-Baku route during the first eight months of 2020, local media reported with reference to the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development of Kazakhstan.

According to the statement, in total 1.5 million tons of cargo were transported between the ports of the Caspian littoral states.

It should be noted that more than 3.8 million tons of cargo was transported through the seaports of Aktau and Kuryk in Kazakhstan during the reporting period.

It should be noted that the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan is around $230 million.

The main export products from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan are mineral resources (oil and gas), chemical raw materials, grain, barley, tobacco products, carbon steel rolling, and electrical equipment. Azerbaijan exports to Kazakhstan petroleum products extracted from bituminous materials, ethylene polymers, components for machines and mechanisms, prefabricated buildings, etc.

Presently, over 700 companies with Azerbaijani capital are registered in Kazakhstan, and about 60 companies with Kazakh capital are registered in Azerbaijan.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and closure of the borders, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan repatriate its citizens from Baku and Aktau ports via ferries of Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company.

--

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
The Ogun State Government has announced September 21 as the reopening date of schools in the state.

The new students who will be resuming for the first time after the nationwide closure in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will join students in SS3 who are currently writing the West African School Certificate Examination.

The state government announced that all students had been given automatic promotion to the next class, including automatic placement for primary 6 students in public primary schools into JSS1 of public secondary schools.

The students will be resuming in their new classes for the first term of 2020/2021 academic session.

Exemption

Meanwhile, early Child Care Development and Education classes, comprising pupils of 3-5 years, will not be resuming in public schools until the next phase of schools reopening.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kunle Somorin.

He also announced that this second phase of the reopening of schools is extended to all classes in primary and secondary schools, Technical and Vocational Colleges, and Tertiary Institutions.

READ ALSO:

However, as part of the efforts to meet the COVID-19 guidelines for school operations, the school hours are staggered as follows for public schools.

 Primary 1 to primary 38.00am to 11.00am

 Primary 4 to Primary 612.00noon to 3.00pm

 JSS 1 to JSS3 8.00am to 11.00am

 SS1 to SS3 12.00noon to 3.00pm

 Technical and Vocational will operate their normal school hours of 8.00am to 2.00pm.

Measures

With the new guidelines, private schools are expected to take necessary measures to meet the COVID-19 protocols for physical distancing, among other requirements.

Tertiary institutions are allowed to commence reopening from September 21as may be determined by their respective Management.

Mr Somorin further stated that primary 6 students who seek placement into the state-owned boarding schools will sit for the Common Entrance Examination on Saturday, 12 September, 2020.

Provision of sick bays / isolation rooms in schools, training and designation of some teachers as first line responders, use of face masks, suspension of assemblies, regular check of body temperature with infrared thermometers amongst other measures have been made compulsory for the schools.

Our approach to COVID-19 pandemic management has been deliberate, methodical, focused, inclusive and carefully balanced between life and livelihood and this has manifested in the steps we have adopted to the reopening of schools, ensuring safety of our children whilst minimising disruption in their education. The guidelines are applicable to all schools in the state whether private or public, he noted.

According to Mr Somorin, the governor has directed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to provide all public schools with the required items to meet the guidelines. Private school owners are enjoined to follow suit.
Turkey issued two navigational warnings Wednesday regarding Russian plans for live-fire naval exercises this month in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, according to a notice from the Turkish naval forces office of navigation, hydrography and oceanography. The Russian exercises will run from Sept. 8-22 and Sept. 17-25.

Although the drills will not take place in the waters contested between Turkey and Greece, they could likely add to an already tense standoff between the two countries in the energy resource-abundant region.

In July, Turkey sent an exploration vessel escorted by warships to search for untapped oil reserves in eastern Mediterranean waters that are also claimed by Greece and Cyprus.

Athens condemned the move. Since then, the countries have been locked in a heated standoff, with Greece sending warships into the waters. At the end of August, six Greek fighter jets triggered a Turkish maritime Navtex alert.

On Thursday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Greece and Turkey had agreed to begin technical talks to reduce the risks of military accidents in the area.

Athens denied any such agreement, however, according to Hellas Journal, and diplomatic sources in Greece said Turkey must first withdraw its ships from the area. Ankara said it backs Stoltenbergs efforts for talks and urged Greece to join it at the table.

Why it matters: The announcement of Russias naval exercise came the day after the United States decided to waive a 33-year arms embargo on Cyprus. The restrictions will be lifted beginning Oct. 1 for one year. The US move removes a block on the sale or transfer of non-lethal defense articles and defense services, the State Department said.

The US conditioned lifting the embargo on Cyprus denying Russian military vessels access to its ports as well as complying with anti-money laundering regulations to prevent illicit Russian financial activity. Turkey immediately slammed the decision.

The US decision ignored the equality and balance between the two peoples on the Island, read a Turkish Foreign Ministry statement. If the United States does not reconsider its decision and support peace-establishing efforts, Turkey said it would take necessary decisive counter-steps to guarantee the security of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Whats next: Turkeys relationship with Russia has grown in recent years through a military partnership in Syria and Ankaras purchase of the S-400 missile system. Turkey also recently broke ground on its first nuclear power plant that will be Russian made.

Know more: Al-Monitor correspondent Barin Kayaoglu analyzes how Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is using the tensions in the area to boost his domestic approval.
Busing for more than 2,000 Winnipeg students stalled on the first day of class after drivers for the citys largest school division took strike action Tuesday.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 8/9/2020 (499 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Busing for more than 2,000 Winnipeg students stalled on the first day of class after drivers for the citys largest school division took strike action Tuesday.

Rather than loading up eager but anxious youngsters clad in non-medical masks for their first day of school, drivers with the Winnipeg School Division were preparing to walk a picket line outside the bus depot.

"Our members that are school drivers are very frustrated. They would much rather be doing their usual tasks, which is taking the kids to and from school," said Bea Bruske, secretary-treasurer with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 832. The local represents about 90 drivers working for WSD who transport approximately 2,300 students to and from schools in the division.

Our members that are school drivers are very frustrated. They would much rather be doing their usual tasks, which is taking the kids two and from school." Bea Bruske, UFCW

The drivers' collective bargaining agreement expired in June 2019 and in March, the union voted unanimously to strike, Bruske said, though additional bargaining took place during the summer. The salary schedule in the last agreement lists the starting wage as $24.59 an hour, topping out at $25.66 after three years.

Bruske said the latest offer from the division follows the Public Services Sustainability Act, or Bill 28, which was passed by the Progressive Conservative government in 2017 but never proclaimed. It limits public-sector employers to freeze wage increases for two years, increase them 0.75 per cent in the third year and one per cent in the fourth.

In June, Manitoba Court of Queens Bench struck down the bill and ruled it violated the constitutional rights of unionized public-sector workers by eliminating their right to collective bargaining. The provincial government has appealed the ruling.

"The Winnipeg School Division continues to utilize Bill 28 as a reason why they cant provide a reasonable offer to our members," Bruske said.

"Its a very minimal wage offer. These drivers have a very significant responsibility at the best of times, driving school buses full of kids in traffic, in all kinds of weather, getting them safely to and from school.

"Now, of course, with COVID, theres additional responsibilities."

Bruske said the strike will continue until the two parties reach a tentative agreement, the government legislates drivers back to work or if both agree to have an arbitrator settle outstanding issues.

"We don't like being in a situation where we have to withdraw services in order to get a fair deal for workers... this is not something we do lightly," Bruske said. "We would like to see any kind of movement at this point."

"We don't like being in a situation where we have to withdraw services in order to get a fair deal for workers... this is not something we do lightly." Bea Bruske, UFCW

The division is preparing for a drawn-out labour dispute. Senior information officer Radean Carter said before-and-after school programs are going online, students requiring transportation for special-language education can enrol at schools closer to home and the division will provide distance learning for students who cannot attend because of the strike.

"Theres no way that any of us can guess how long it will take," Carter said. "Like any negotiation, both sides have to be willing to meet and be open to resolve the issues.

"Wages appear to be the main concern, and our division is offering as much as it can afford because being fiscally responsible is a key priority for the division, at any time and, perhaps, now even more than ever because of the added costs we have related to COVID," she said.

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Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen said he hopes a resolution to the dispute can be found "quickly." He would not say whether Bill 28 was preventing a settlement.

"We wont negotiate from the ministers table or from a podium or in the public," he told reporters Tuesday.

Pressed further, Goertzen said it is the governments "expectation, at all times, that tax dollars be used appropriately."

"These are particularly unique times financially, obviously, around Canada and around the world," he said.

 With files from Larry Kusch

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca
The RCF police on Monday arrested a 36-year-old man for allegedly sexually assaulting two-year-old girl.

The minors mother said, The accused took her to his room where he forced her to a watch porn. He then sexually assaulted her.

The RCF police station then registered a case under section 376 (2)(1) (punishment for rape), 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of Indian Penal Code and section 6 (punishment for aggravated penetrative sexual assault), 12 (punishment for sexual harassment) of Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act. We have arrested him and investigating the case, officer said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 8

Trend:

Our friendly and good-neighborly relations are a special relationship that no third force can harm, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said presenting his credentials to President Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports.

Ambassador noted that Iran supports the fair position and just cause of Azerbaijan on the issue of the occupied territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

We believe that this conflict must be resolved within the framework of international laws, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, Mousavi 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.
Lorraine Kelly has detailed the pain of going through a miscarriage as she claimed it 'never leaves you.'

The TV presenter, 60, took to Twitter on Tuesday to respond to a post by First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, who shared the story of the country's Justice Minister Humza Yousaf and his wife Nadia El-Nakla and their loss.

In her post, Nicola wrote: 'Brave account of miscarriage from @HumzaYousaf & Nadia El-Nakla. It's an experience my husband & I had just once, but it never leaves you.

'It never leaves you': Lorraine Kelly detailed her struggle with suffering a miscarriage in candid post shared via Twitter on Tuesday

'Nadia's account of the physical pain especially sparks awful memories. We don't talk about all this enough.'

Agreeing with Nicola's poignant post, Lorraine retweeted it and added: 'Affects far too many of us @nicolasturgeon and you are so right. It never leaves you xx'

Lorraine, who shares daughter Rosie, 26, with her husband of 28 years Steve Smith, previously revealed the devastating loss happened when her daughter was five.

Candid: Lorraine responded to a post by Nicola Sturgeon, who shared the story of husband and wife Humza Yousaf and Nadia El-Nakla and their loss, saying it 'affects far too many of us'

Loss: Lorraine, who shares daughter Rosie, 26, with her husband of 28 years Steve Smith, previously revealed the devastating loss happened when her daughter was five

In 2015, she told OK! Magazine: ' Another baby would have been super. But, hey, it didn't happen. I had a miscarriage when Rosie was about five.'

Rosie, who also spoke about the incident with the publication, said: 'I do remember. We were in Dundee. I was in the car with Dad following the ambulance. I was okay, though  I had no idea what was going on.'

In March, Lorraine spoke to Giovanna Fletcher on the Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast about her loss, saying going through a miscarriage was 'really difficult'.

Experience: In 2015, Lorraine told OK! Magazine: 'Another baby would have been super. But, hey, it didn't happen. I had a miscarriage when Rosie was about five'

The TV presenter explained: 'That was a really difficult time and I think, yes of course we should absolutely sympathise with the women who go through this, but nobody asked after Steve.

'Nobody ever said 'How are you?' The only people who did, funnily enough, were friends that experienced it themselves and sadly as we know, far too many people experience it.

'I think we've got to be a bit more considerate about everyone and not just partners but extended family.'

Honest: Rosie (pictured in 2018), who also spoke about the incident with the publication, said: 'I do remember. We were in Dundee. I was in the car with Dad following the ambulance'

Detailing what helped her get through the difficult time, Lorraine went on: 'It was really sad but what did help me though was being open and talking about it at the time, because obviously I'm off work and you need to tell people why.

'That wasn't easy, but the response I got from viewers was unbelievable. I thought it was important to be honest.

'I felt we had to because viewers were asking what was wrong. We were just inundated with letters and really brave women sharing their experience with me. Really heartfelt. People took a lot of time and trouble.'

Last year, Lorraine also spoke to the BBC about how being open about her miscarriage and how talking about difficult issues is 'crucial' for our mental health.

Admitting she suffered personally when she went through a miscarriage and the menopause, she claimed the menopause left her feeling low and anxious.

The ITV presenter said: 'Five or six years ago, I suddenly felt really overwhelmed and anxious, and I'm not an anxious person.

'I'm somebody that just gets on with it, and I've usually got a sunny disposition, and I don't know where that went. All the life drained out of me, and I felt very flat.'

'I went on HRT [hormone replacement therapy], which I know doesn't work for everyone, but for me was an absolute game changer. So I thought, if it's happened to me, it's happened to lots of people.'

If you have been affected by this story support can be found with the Miscarriage Association (miscarriageassociation.org.uk) or Sands (sands.org.uk).
TOPEKA, Kan., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Teamsters Local Union 696 announced its support for Dr. Barbara Bollier for US Senate in Kansas.

"During her time in the State Legislature, Barbara Bollier has worked with Republicans and Democrats to make sure the voices of Kansas workers are heard," said Mike Schribner, President of Teamster Local 696. "The US Senate needs new, bipartisan leaders like Dr. Bollier who can work with both parties to deliver results for working families."

"The US Senate is badly broken. Some in the Senate play political games while working families struggle amid pandemic, economic woes and a looming retirement crisis," said Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa "But there's one simple thing Kansas Teamsters can do to end the partisan gridlock in Washington. Elect Barbara Bollier to the US Senate."

Dr. Bollier faces Congressman Roger Marshall in the November 3rd General Election. In the 116th Congress, Marshall earned a 16 percent on the Teamster legislative scorecard. Marshall voted against pension security, against workers rights, and against equal pay.

Contact:

Matt Hall, (785) 424-4831

SOURCE Teamsters Local Union 696
Salvador Dali would have been just as proud of his design for the Chupa Chups wrapping paper as he would be to see The Persistence of Memory hanging at MoMA, according to ad man Adam Ferrier.

In 1969 the Spanish surrealist was having coffee with a friend, Chupa Chups founder Enric Bernat, who a decade earlier had created the Catalan lollipop but had struggled to make it popular.

Reportedly, Bernat complained to the painter that his ad agency was yet to come up with compelling branding. So Dali immediately set to work, scribbling away at the cafe table on pages of a discarded newspaper, and within an hour had the daisy logo in its preliminary form. He also suggested that the logo be placed on top, rather than the side, so it could always be seen.

Adam Ferrier at St Kilda Botanical Gardens Credit:Joe Armao

"Dali wanted to be influential and wanted as many people as possible to see and experience his brain and his work," Ferrier says.
KIPP DC, a sought-after charter network, said it has open slots in its prekindergarten schools. The network is typically over-enrolled during the first weeks of school with the expectation that some students will not show up or will transfer to a different school. This year, according to spokesman Adam Rupe, the network has the capacity for 6,903 students and has enrolled 6,901. It is still trying to contact about 60 of those students, and officials are unsure whether they plan to attend. Some grades have a waiting list, which the network can pull from if students do not show up.
Photo: The Canadian Press A firefighter battles the Creek Fire as it threatens homes in the Cascadel Woods neighborhood of Madera County, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Wildfires have burned more than 2 million acres in California this year, setting a state record even as crews battled dozens of growing blazes in sweltering temperatures Monday that strained the electrical grid and threatened power outages for millions.

The most striking thing about the record is how early it was set, with the most dangerous part of the year ahead, said Lynne Tolmachoff, spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.

Its a little unnerving because September and October are historically our worst months for fires, she said. Its usually hot, and the fuels really dry out. And we see more of our wind events.

The previous high was 1.96 million acres (793,184 hectares) burned in 2018. Cal Fire began tracking the numbers in 1987.

Firefighters struggled to corral several dangerous blazes ahead of dry, hot winds predicted to raise fire danger to critical levels in the coming days. Evacuation orders were expanded to more mountain communities as the largest blaze, the Creek Fire, churned through the Sierra National Forest.

Debra Rios wasn't home when the order came to evacuate her hometown of Auberry, just northeast of Fresno. Sheriff's deputies went to her ranch property to pick up her 92-year-old mother, Shirley MacLean. They reunited at an evacuation centre.

I hope like heck the fire doesn't reach my little ranch, Rios said. Its not looking good right now. Its an awfully big fire.

Mountain roads were filled with cars and trucks leaving the community of about 2,300 people.

Firefighters working in steep terrain saved the tiny town of Shaver Lake from flames that roared down hillsides toward a marina. About 30 houses were destroyed in the remote hamlet of Big Creek, according to resident Toby Wait.

About half the private homes in town burned down, he said. Words cannot even begin to describe the devastation of this community.

A school, church, library, historic general store and a major hydroelectric plant were spared in the community of about 200 residents, Wait told the Fresno Bee.

Sheriff's deputies went door to door to make sure residents were complying with orders to leave. Officials hoped to keep the fire from pushing west, possibly toward Yosemite National Park.

The Creek Fire has charred more than 114 square miles (295 square kilometres) of timber after breaking out Friday. The 850 firefighters on the scene had yet to get any containment.

On Saturday, rescuers in military helicopters airlifted 207 people to safety after flames trapped them in a wooded camping near Mammoth Pool Reservoir.

Record-breaking temperatures were driving the highest power use of the year, and transmission losses because of wildfires have cut into supplies. The California Independent System Operator that manages the states power grid warned of possible power outages if residents didnt curtail their electricity usage. None have yet to occur.

The weather was predicted to cool later in the day, but the weather change also was expected to bring winds that could fan wildfires.

Pacific Gas & Electric warned it might cut power starting late Monday to about 158,000 customers in parts of 21 Northern California counties because of the increased fire danger. Some of the states largest and deadliest fires in recent years have been sparked by downed power lines and other utility equipment.

PG&E received criticism for its handling of previous planned outages. The utility said it has learned from past problems, and this year will be making events smaller in size, shorter in length and smarter for customers.

In Southern California, crews scrambled to douse several fires that roared to life in searing temperatures, including one that closed mountain roads in Angeles National Forest and forced the evacuation of Mount Wilson Observatory. Cal Fire said a blaze in San Bernardino County called the El Dorado Fire started Saturday morning and was caused by a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device used by a couple to reveal their baby's gender.

In eastern San Diego County, a fire destroyed at least 10 structures after burning 16 square miles (41.44 square kilometres) and prompting evacuations near the remote community of Alpine.

Daytime temperatures in fire zones neared or exceeded triple digits. Downtown Los Angeles reached 111 degrees (44 Celsius) on Sunday and a record-shattering high of 121 degrees (49.4 Celsius) was recorded in the nearby Woodland Hills neighbourhood of the San Fernando Valley. It was the highest temperature ever recorded in Los Angeles County, according to the National Weather Service.

Meanwhile, downtown San Francisco set a record for the day with a high of 100 (37.7 Celsius) on Sunday, smashing the previous mark by 5 degrees.

Cal Fire said 14,800 firefighters were battling 23 major fires in the state. California has seen 900 wildfires since Aug. 15, many of them started by an intense series of thousands of lightning strikes. There have been eight fire deaths and more than 3,300 structures destroyed.
Lawyers for Clinton Young, who is on death row after being convicted of capital murder in Midland, want a new trial because they said one of the prosecutors in the 2003 trial was also working for the district judge involved in the trial.

In an application for a writ of habeus corpus seeking relief from a judgment of death, Youngs attorneys wrote that the trial judge  the late John Hyde of the 238th District Court -- overseeing Youngs conviction and death sentence employed then-assistant district attorney Ralph Petty as a judicial clerk while Petty also represented the state at Youngs trial and in the appeals process.

Young was sentenced to death in 2003 after he was convicted in Hydes court of the 2001 murders of Doyle Douglas and Samuel Petrey for the use of their vehicles. Douglas, 41, of Ore City was killed near Longview. Petrey, 52, of Eastland was kidnapped in his hometown and killed in an oilfield near Midland, according to the reports. The incidents occurred within a 48-hour period, according to Texas Department of Criminal Justice records.

This is Youngs fifth post-conviction writ of habeus corpus, according to the Midland County District Attorneys Office. Young was scheduled to be executed in 2017, but he received a stay of execution a little more than a week ahead of that October date. The TDCJ website doesnt show that a subsequent execution date has been scheduled.

While the trial took place in 2003, it wasnt until August 2019 that the Midland County District Attorneys Office reported to Youngs attorneys that Petty had been billing the district court judges for work he had been performing while at the same time working for the district attorneys office as its primary lawyer in post-conviction writ of habeas corpus cases.

The writ states that for approximately 17 years, Petty had billed the trial court and other Midland judges for tens of thousands of dollars for work as a judicial clerk, all while he was a working as a prosecutor appearing in these courts, sometimes on the same cases he was working on as a judicial clerk.

The Midland County District Attorneys Office filed a motion on Aug. 22, 2019 to recuse itself. In September of that year, the Dawson County district attorney was appointed as attorney pro tem to act for the state in this matter.

In the writs claims for relief, the first claim is that the judicial bias and structural defect from the trial courts hiring of a prosecutor as a paid judicial clerk during Youngs trial violated due process and the separation of powers. It states the trial judge paid Petty for work as a law clerk before, during and after Youngs trial.

It stated the simultaneous role as a judicial clerk and prosecutor violated the state and federal separation of powers and the Texas Constitution. It stated that Petty  a member of the executive branch with the DAs Office -- was working as a member of the judicial branch while Hyde authorized payments to him for his work as a judicial advisor/law clerk.

It stated that the due process and separation-of-powers violations stemming from the trial courts arrangement with the prosecutor is a structural defect that warrants a new trial.

In the statement of the case portion of the writ, it states that Hyde sought  in 2002 -- an advisory opinion from Midland County Attorney Russell Malm about Ralph Pettys receiving pay for work he dod for district judges on post-conviction writs. The writ then says Malm states Mr. Pettys duties as an assistant district attorney do not include work on post-conviction writs and that if a writ progresses to the stage that the involvement of the District Attorneys Office is necessary, another attorney within the department handles the case.

The trial court disregarded Malms advice, according to the writ. Petty did serve in a dual role as a judicial clerk in cases where he was the prosecutor, including work on Youngs case.

The sole reason that Judge Hyde sought my advice was to determine whether the county auditor could approve additional payments to Mr. Petty beyond his salary, Malm told the Reporter-Telegram this weekend. This is different from the issues presented in Mr. Youngs application for writ of habeas corpus.

The second claim stated that Hyde was required to disqualify himself after hiring one of the prosecutors appearing against Young as a judicial clerk, rending the trial courts judgment void and a nullity. According to the writ, Hyde hired Petty to work for the court on at least 20 separate cases during Youngs trial proceeding.

This arrangement, the words of the Midland County District Attorneys Office, made Petty a de facto law clerk of Judge Hyde during Youngs trial, according to the writ.

A third claim is that pervasive prosecutorial misconduct  including the authorization of a prosecutor to work for the trial court  warrants a new trial. The writ states that despite knowing of Pettys arrangement with the trial court at the time of Youngs trial, leadership at the District Attorneys Office didnt disclose Pettys simultaneous role until 2019.

***

County Attorneys Russell Malms comments this past weekend about the advisory opinion Judge John Hyde sought in 2002.

When Judge Hyde requested my opinion in 2002, it was not with regards to whether Mr. Petty performing work for the judges would create ethical issues or would cause due process or other issues with any criminal prosecution. It was solely with reference to a very limited question. That question was whether Mr. Petty, as a County Attorney, could receive additional compensation for work he performed for the District Judges.

Normally the Texas Constitution prohibits a county employee from receiving additional compensation for work for which he is already being compensated. My opinion was solely limited to this question and was based upon the facts I was presented with at the time. The sole reason that Judge Hyde sought my advice was to determine whether the county auditor could approve additional payments to Mr. Petty beyond his salary. This is different from the issues presented in Mr. Young's application for writ of habeas corpus.

I had no further involvement with this issue after rendering my opinion and had no knowledge of which individuals in the District Attorney's Office were working on the Clinton Young case. As that case is still active, I do not believe it would be appropriate for me to state whether my 2002 opinion would have been different if I was presented with a different set of facts at that time.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 13:00:26|Editor: huaxia

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Brazil will continue to expand the benefits of their economic complementarity with China, the country's Vice President Hamilton Mourao has said, calling for more investment and cooperation in strategic sectors.

"For more than 10 years, China has been our largest trading partner and an important source of investment for Brazil, especially in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Brazil, in turn, is a stable and reliable supplier of safe food for China," he said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

On wider China-Brazil relations beyond trade, the vice president said "the year 2019 was very productive for bilateral ties between Brazil and China."

Last year saw the two presidents visiting each other's nation, and the successful holding of the fifth meeting of the China-Brazil High-Level Commission for Coordination and Cooperation (COSBAN) at the vice-president level, he said.

"We firmly believe that the COSBAN is a model of bilateral cooperation between two large developing countries such as Brazil and China," he added.

"Unfortunately, the schedule of bilateral meetings was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the diplomatic dialogue continued via video conferences," Mourao said.

Given the current pandemic, he said "it is even more important to strengthen the ties of dialogue, cooperation and solidarity between our nations."

"The Chinese (side) cooperate with Brazil on various fronts to combat the pandemic, either by supplying materials, equipment or in the development of a vaccine," the vice president noted.

Mourao also said that the bidding for the construction of Brazil's 5G network will be based on technical criteria, not politics.

For the tender scheduled for the first half of 2021, he said "we will not differentiate companies based on their country of origin, but rather on their ability to offer products and services that are reliable, safe and, obviously, at competitive prices."

"I am making it very clear that our decisions in this matter, and any other, will be sovereign and responsible," he said.

One of the firms participating in the bidding is China's Huawei, which Mourao has acknowledged as "a major supplier of equipment" and with "a wide presence in the Brazilian market."

He also noted that the two countries "exercise increasing influence in discussions and forums, such as the G20 and BRICS."

The vice president said he is hopeful about Brazil's accession to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the opening of the BRICS New Development Bank office in Sao Paulo, saying they are "important developments that will surely increase the flow of finance for Brazil" as well as "very important source of resources for the construction of sustainable infrastructure of the Amazon."

"Brazil and China can work side by side, shoulder to shoulder, to bring the global community closer together and to understand that tackling the pandemic will be more effective if we are all united and spreading the positive results we are achieving," Mourao said. Enditem
The Legacy Lab Foundation Set to Recognize a Black Student Leader Focused on Enduring Change



Call for Submissions Now Open Through November 1

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Legacy Lab, Team Ones award-winning think tank and strategic consultancy, is now accepting submissions from students across the country at the undergraduate or graduate level. Launched in 2019, the scholarship aims to support students who represent the next wave of legacy makers, future leaders dedicated to creating lasting and positive change in their communities and beyond. The scholarship awards a future leader $10,000 to put toward school-related expenses.

For this years submissions, the Foundation is looking to engage Black and African-American students, specifically next gen entrepreneurs and leaders working towards long-term and sustainable contributions. This years scholarship will be awarded to one student who is studying with the intent to revolutionize an industry, change social norms, build a long-lasting brand solution in culture, or create opportunities that will support generations to come.

Were honored to kick off this Scholarship program for the second year, continuing our mission to support the next generation of leaders, said Mark Miller, Chief Strategy Officer at Team One and Founder of The Legacy Lab. We are at a tipping point and the current demand for systemic change in our country is at an all-time high, and young leaders and activists are some of the most important voices right now. Its our goal to support these young leaders on their quest to create lasting change.

Scholarship funds are intended as an investment in ongoing education: to help a student achieve a personal ambition and subsidize school-related expenses. An ideal applicant would be an undergraduate or graduate level student attending college within the United States, studying with the intent of creating positive, enduring change. The application asks students to submit a video response to the following questions:

What is your dream for a better world and what CONTRIBUTION will you make toward achieving that dream?

Academically, what are you studying? Why have you chosen this path of study? What do you LOVE about it?

What makes you exceptional in your chosen field of study? What is it about you that makes you GOOD at it?

How will you apply your studies after graduation? Or how are you already applying your studies? How will your ideas CREATE VALUE (e.g., earn money) and yield a solution, such as a business idea, that is built to last?

Why are your intended contributionsyour creative, social and/or commercial contributions post-graduationsomething the world needs more of? How will your idea(s) IMPACT PEOPLES LIVES for the better and for the long-term?

Team One and The Legacy Lab Foundation recently announced last years scholarship winner , Isabelle Hall, a recent graduate from the University of Southern Californias Marshall School of Business. With a Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship, Hall will use her business skills as a force for good. She aspires to create effective sustainable business models that strike a balance between upholding a social mission, while maximizing the productivity (and profitability) of the venture to ensure that impact can be sustained. Hall specifically plans to work in areas of gender inequality, poverty, and mental health.

This Scholarship is powered by The Giving Back Fund, an LA-based nonprofit that facilitates charitable giving. More information on The Legacy Lab Foundation Scholarship and application requirements can be found at: https://www.givingback.org/legacy-lab-scholarship/

The deadline for submission is November 1, 2020, and the chosen scholar will be identified in December 2020.

ABOUT TEAM ONE

Team One is Publicis Groupe's fully integrated media, digital and communications agency dedicated to helping premium brands thrive in the modern media landscape. Team One has five North American offices, including its Los Angeles headquarters, Dallas, New York, Chicago and Atlanta. Team One clients include Lexus, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Expedia, Jacuzzi Brands, St. Regis Hotels and Resorts, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Make-a-Wish, Gateway for Cancer Research, Cathay Pacific and W Hotels. Visit TeamOne-USA.com .

ABOUT THE LEGACY LAB

Launched in 2012, The Legacy Lab is a Los Angeles-based think tank exploring the dynamics of long-term brand building in a short-term world. It focuses on ambitious leadersremarkable men and women who have succeeded in making their brands enduringly unique, inspiring and influentialeven as the times, technology and competition change around them. The Legacy Lab includes The Legacy Lab Consultancy, which helps brands build legacies with the understanding that premium brands endure over time and have lasting value, as well as The Legacy Lab Foundationa nonprofit created to invest in leaders and organizations aiming to make a durable difference in the world. The Legacy Lab is an enterprise of Team One. For more information, visit thelegacylab.com and follow all the latest learning on Twitter @thelegacylab and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelegacylab .

Press Contact:

Christine Perez

DiGennaro Communicationschristine@digennaro-usa.com

(212)966-9525
By Terri Fullerton, student at Northern Seminary

Pay attention to the narratives.

Over a year ago a professor at Northern Seminary exhorted us to pay attention to the cultural narratives that shape us, including ones we hear from the church, the media, and politics. Discern whether its a false narrative. Listen to what its telling you about God and others.

Her call to us has afforded ample opportunities to listen and think through what is being said, who it benefits and who it harms. COVID19 continues to spread in most of the world and especially our own country, surpassing 6.1 million cases and almost 190,000 deaths.

I find it grievous that the response to the top infectious disease physicians requests to wear masks and social distance has become politicized and party aligned, creating a morally dangerous divisive tactic which protects us from discerning more costly issues.

The CDC, leaders at the World Health Organization, and Dr. Fauci, the leading expert in infectious diseases, have studied and recommended wearing masks as it prevents the virus from spreading. This is especially important as some people are not showing symptoms and its a highly contagious virus. You have already heard the statistics and seen the visuals.

When I wear a mask, I protect you. I put those around me above my comfort. I relinquish rights for the common good.

When I wear a mask, I protect you. I put those around me above my comfort. I relinquish rights for the common good.

One surface narrative reveals the refusal to wear masks is because of individual freedom and rights. Who is benefitting from this narrative? Who pays the price? What is the more crucial issue?

No one is going to tell me I have to wear a mask.

I live in America and I have freedom.

While I do not deny that we have freedom, though systemically unequal, this is not the core issue. Civil liberty has been pulled in as the bottom line but its a smoke screen.

Claiming our personal rights in America keeps us from seeing a corrosive problem in our culture and in our own hearts. Whether we wear a mask is not about party alignment or civil liberty. It reveals our moral character. A refusal to cover our faces is not just about people taking a stand for their freedom. Its that people value themselves and their comfort more than others. Its about character and our desire for the well-being of others, especially the vulnerable population.

As Christians we have the opportunity to serve in the smallest inconvenience and do so with joy. But do we? N. T. Wright wisely points out, We become what we habitually do.[1] Perhaps we need to ask ourselves if we are consistently making decisions to put others first.[2] In his lecture, Wright used the example of Captain Sully (Chesley Sullenburger) who made a successful landing on the Hudson, avoiding an airline tragedy. It was based though on the thousands of decisions, landings, and problem solving he practiced as a pilot.

If our character is shaped not by one heroic deed but the thousands of times we say yes for the other, we must see the opportunity and responsibility we have each time we slip the mask or face shield around our ears. What could be more unprecedented this year than the virus and how its handled is the humility and joy Christians could display rather than complaining when we are inconvenienced. Are we choosing joy and self-giving love rather than clinging to individual liberty?

We, as a nation, cling to our rights and freedom when Christ did not model this for us. Paul encourages the Philippians to remember that Christ relinquished his position for the sake of humanity, pouring himself out to the point of death. He was the true model of faithfulness in loving God and loving his neighbor.

For Americans, individual freedom and personal rights planted long ago, has deep tangled roots. We are seeing evidence of the kind of fruit it bears in our collective selfishness, and disregard for the other.

Dont believe the lie that its just political. We have a mission to faithfully love others in all that we do. Christ relinquished position and power to lay down his life for all. Lets get in the habit of practicing sacrificial love with unprecedented joy.

Join me on my blog and Social Media.

http://terrifullerton.com/

http://twitter.com/terrigfullerton/

http://intagram.com/terrigfullerton/

[1] Wright, N.T., 2012. After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters. (video) Available at: https://youtu.be/ukyNU51OcnA. (accessed 26 July 2020).

[2] I am not suggesting nor supporting abusive relationships of any kind.
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.
Mrs Jemima Oware, the Register-General, on Tuesday said the Department is set to deploy a new Central Beneficial Ownership Register for all companies in Ghana to disclose the identities of owners to help fight corruption.



Mrs Oware told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the exercise, scheduled to start in October, 2020, would first assimilate the extractive industry and other high risk sectors like banks and other financial institutions.



Beneficial Ownership (BO), a term in domestic and international commercial law, refers to the natural persons who exercise significant influence over and receive profits from a company even though they are not its legal owners.



Some people can assign a nominee in relation to their shareholding or directorship position at the board and they would be at the back end controlling affairs, they would have a legal arrangement with such persons that we would not be privy to, but things have changed now, Mrs Oware said.



She explained that the lack of information about who owned and controlled businesses incorporated in Ghana had created a dangerous and widening gap in the countrys fight against corruption, money laundering, terrorism financing and other forms of financial crimes.



Mrs Oware said none of the countrys laws provided for disclosure of beneficial ownership, until last year, and this made it easier for companies in the past to hide the identities of their owners if necessary.



She said following the release of the Panama Papers, which reveal the names of wealthy and well-known individuals who have had offshore dealings through companies, and global efforts to address issues related to anti-corruption and tax evasion, the Government came under pressure to act on beneficial ownership disclosure, hence the passage of the new Companies Act, 2019, (Act 992).



The Act has enhanced the ease of doing business in Ghana by simplifying the process of company registration to ensure that Ghana, as the gateway to Africa, becomes a competitive and transparent investment destination, she noted.



Mrs Oware said the new Business Ownership would address four key issues, with the first being the reinforcing of underlying legal and regulatory requirements for disclosure of different types of ownership across various legal vehicles.



Second is the application of common standards such as the Beneficial Ownership Data Standard and linking ownership information with other policy areas to help track money and assets across sectors and jurisdictions.



Third is the opening of beneficial ownership data, coupled with strong verification systems to ensure that data is accurate and useable and fourth is to open formal and informal channels for accountability to enable citizens to actively use ownership data to uncover networks of corruption.



Mrs Oware said from next month whoever wished to register a company to operate in the extractive industry should visit www.rgd.gov.gh and download the Beneficial Ownership form and provide the answers required.



No thresholds exists for shareholders and directors of extractive industry players operating in Ghana. Whether you own one per cent or two per cent, that information has to be disclosed.



However, if its a foreign company within the extractives industry operating in Ghana, that shareholder must have at least five percent before the disclosure is made on the BO register.



The Registrar-General said government remained committed to meeting a number of international obligations regarding the implementation of the

Beneficial Ownership regime.



Government would work through partnerships with the Financial Intelligence Centre, the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, and Financial Action Taskforce to help meet the deadline for various beneficial ownership requirements.



She emphasised that all registers must list the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) and include the same basic information: name, month of birth, nationality, country of residence, and nature/size of the interest held in the companies or entities and the Tax Identification Numbers (TIN).



In the mining, oil, and gas sectors, the implementation of the BO transparency disclosures are taking place through the Ghana Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI) with the support of the Registrar-General.



This information will then be made publicly available through EITI country reports and/or national registries, she noted.

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.

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Ukraine and Romania will create a joint working group to develop projects in the energy sector.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said this during a joint press conference with his Romanian counterpart Bogdan Aurescu on September 8, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"We discussed in detail promising ambitious projects in the energy sector, primarily those related to electricity, gas and hydrogen. We decided to create a working group on energy issues. We are looking forward to the day when our colleagues with the energy ministers of Ukraine and Romania and business companies involved will begin a detailed, substantive conversation," Kuleba said, commenting on the results of negotiations with his Romanian counterpart.

In addition, he noted that the issue of launching the Isakcha-Orlivka ferry line [across the Danube River] at full capacity was also discussed.

"We have every opportunity to create and implement ambitious projects that will make Ukraine, Romania, and our region as a whole stronger. It would be an unacceptable mistake not to use the opportunities that we have, primarily in the field of energy and infrastructure," the minister stressed.

At the same time, Kuleba thanked Romania for its unconditional support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and condemnation of Russian aggression both in Donbas and in the occupied Crimea.

He also added that security issues, namely security in the Black Sea, will always be on the agenda in relations between the two countries.

As reported, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is on a working visit to Romania on September 7-8.

ish
THANKS FOR NOTHING

Thanks, Ridley Township! Ridley permitted the building of five homes on Michigan Avenue where there is no street parking permitted. Well, the new residents have already taken parking spaces on side streets in Swarthmore causing parking problems for those residents. Where did the township officials think multiple car owners and their visitors would park? Only worried about the almighty tax dollar and to heck with quality of life issues.

FRUSTRATED IN RIDLEY

ANSWER THIS

Hard to believe anti-police critics state that spit/bite hoods used on criminals to stop them from biting or spitting at police are inhumane. Well, what would they suggest? Maybe asking the person resisting arrest to please stop. I would love for those critics to walk a few days in the shoes of a police officer. In no way am I defending the very small number of rogue officers. I just cant figure out how people who claim to be smart would stop some of these drug-crazy criminals who are resisting arrest. Great to be a critic with no answers.

JOHN RP

TRY AGAIN, JOE

8.4% unemployment at the end of August  astounding! The rate would have been even lower, if the blue state governors had not shut down their economies to help Biden win the election. The shutdowns did not help. Blue states covert mortality rates are 30% higher; unemployment rates are 30% higher; additional non-covert mortality from hospital/medical shutdowns. Bidens shut down plan was not based on science. It was based on polling results. People thought it was a good idea, so the DNC adopted it. The American economic recovery has already started, as Trump predicted. At the end of October 2020, there will be more Americans working, during a pandemic, then were working at the end of the Obama-Biden administration (December 2016). Unemployment reached a reasonable 4.7% because participation rates were at a 20-year low. Millions of people had stopped looking, so they were not included in the unemployment.

JR

WHOS A LOSER?

Its bad enough that Trump is that incompetent, corrupt, petty, immature and juvenile. And now he is calling the military huge suckers and losers. Well, the real suckers and losers here are the suckers and losers who are still supporting Trump. And these suckers and losers say that he didnt say that. Hes the biggest liar this country has ever seen. So who can believe anything he says? Thats right, the suckers and the losers that are Trump supporters and even suckers and losers in the military who are still supporting Trump because they dont believe he said it, even though the story has been corroborated.

JOES A LOSER

Trump has accomplished a lot during his presidency  the economy was great, jobs good, the border wall being built. all things positive for America. Then the virus came and slowed things down but the biggest accomplishment was getting Biden out of his basement. Trump was out campaigning while the phony Joe Biden hid. But then Biden surfaced after feeling guilty and left out. The big phony isnt afraid of anything more interesting. He has proven that he used the virus as an excuse to hide. So he wouldnt and couldnt face people and answer questions about his future plans. It was a miracle, but hes still a loser now my choice.

SHOW SOME EMPATHY

This is a reply to Beth. Dont you understand that my husband and I are in our 80s? We sent for mail-in ballots four weeks ago and havent gotten anything yet. Dont you understand, Beth, that on Election Day we will have to get up at 5 in the morning to be at the polling place by 6 a.m. with my walker and a chair for my husband? So well have to wait for hours to vote. Dont you understand? Is that so hard for you. Beth? Thank you. Please be more understanding of other people.

WHACK THE WEED

Pennsylvania is rated next-to-last in the number of states having testing done yet Gov. Wolfs priority seems to be legalized marijuana. Has he been smoking the weed? Lets take care of the virus before we worry about weed.
The Ebola virus is considered one of the world's most dangerous pathogens. During the most severe outbreak to date in West Africa, over 11,000 deaths were documented between 2014 and 2016. Single cases are repeatedly reported from Europe as well, which are connected to previous travels to affected regions. An important source of infection are so-called reservoir hosts that carry the virus without being affected by it. For the various types of the Ebola virus, the most likely involve reservoir hosts are various species of bats and fruit bats.

For the first time, scientists investigated where nine of such bat and fruit bat species may encounter suitable habitats and climatic conditions in Africa. "Zaire ebolavirus is one of the most dangerous Ebola viruses. It kills up to 88 percent of those infected with it. To prevent or curb outbreaks of this virus, it is essential to know exactly where potential hotspots of infection may lurk," explains parasitologist Prof. Dr. Sven Klimpel of the Goethe University in Frankfurt and the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre.

Based on ecological niche modeling, his team was able to show that the respective bat and fruit bat species are able to thrive in West and East Africa, including large parts of Central Africa. A wide belt of potential habitats extends from Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia in the west across the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Sudan and Uganda in the East. A few of the studied bats and fruit bats may even occur in the eastern part of South Africa.

In a second step, the researchers compared the potential habitats with range maps of the bat and fruit bat species that were generated by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on the basis of observations of these animals. In addition, the team considered where a Zaire ebolavirus endemic has broken out in the past. The results were surprising: "The modeled habitats of the Zaire ebolavirus hosts are larger than their previously known ranges. It is possible that the bats and fruit bats have not yet been able to reach habitats beyond these ranges due to the presence of certain barriers," says Klimpel.

"Another, more worrying explanation could be that science has hitherto underestimated the range of Ebola-transmitting bat and fruit bat species. In this case, the models would provide a more realistic picture," explains Dr. Lisa Koch, the study's lead author from Goethe University. Regions affected by Ebola outbreaks often suffer not only from health effects, but also from economic and social effects of the epidemic. The study's findings suggest to keep a closer eye on diseases that occur in the modeled ranges of the reservoir hosts and to inform the public about potential Ebola infections, ultimately alleviating the consequences of an epidemic.

With regard to Europe, Klimpel states: "Ebola viruses, just like the SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus), are viruses from the animal kingdom that can be transmitted to humans. It can be expected that diseases of this type will occur more frequently in the future, since humans have increasing contact with wild animals, and globalization facilitates the spread of viruses around the world. In Europe, with its overall efficient health system, Ebola infections are certainly going to remain isolated incidents in the future. Nonetheless, in view of these trends it would be beneficial to intensively train and further educate physicians and nursing personnel in the treatment of tropical infectious diseases in our latitudes as well."

To study and understand nature with its limitless diversity of living creatures and to preserve and manage it in a sustainable fashion as the basis of life for future generations - this has been the goal of the Senckenberg Gesellschaft fur Naturforschung (Senckenberg Nature Research Society) for 200 years. This integrative "geobiodiversity research" and the dissemination of research and science are among Senckenberg's main tasks. Three nature museums in Frankfurt, Gorlitz and Dresden display the diversity of life and the earth's development over millions of years. The Senckenberg Nature Research Society is a member of the Leibniz Association. The Senckenberg Nature Museum in Frankfurt am Main is supported by the City of Frankfurt am Main as well as numerous other partners. Additional information can be found at http://www.senckenberg.de.

###
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CognitiveScale today has announced that Cortex Certifai is now available through Red Hat Marketplace. Red Hat Marketplace is an open cloud marketplace for enterprise customers to discover, try, purchase, deploy, and manage certified container-based software across environmentspublic and private, cloud and on-premises. Through the marketplace, customers can take advantage of responsive support, streamlined billing and contracting, simplified governance, and single-dashboard visibility across clouds.

CognitiveScale works with enterprises to accelerate their digital business transformations with intelligent, trusted, responsible and transparent AI. Its award-winning Cortex software helps organizations leverage their data to transform customer engagement and lifetime value, boost employee expertise and operational productivity, while helping protect organizations from AI business risks. Cortex helps our customers seamlessly combine AI with human judgment and experience to:

Deliver proactive, predictive, and hyper-personalized products and services through a seamless omnichannel online experience. Significantly reduce costs by accelerating intelligent automation that provides critical, contextual input to complex, high cost back-office processes and tasks. Mitigate financial, regulatory, and reputational risks from biased and unjust automated decisioning systems. Scale quickly through a low-code platform to acquire and operationalize the skills and data needed to put AI at the core of business and operating models.

"CognitiveScale is focused on delivering trusted AI so that the technology and the practical outcomes it creates help innovate and grow wider-scale AI utilization and associated customer benefits," said Matt Sanchez, CTO of CognitiveScale. "We are looking forward to greater awareness and availability of Certifai via Red Hat Marketplace, providing customers the ability to validate how their data models work, and helping them implement trusted and compliant AI solutions."

Built in collaboration with Red Hat and IBM, Red Hat Marketplace delivers a hybrid multicloud trifecta for organizations moving into the next era of computing: a robust ecosystem of partners, an industry-leading Kubernetes container platform, and award-winning commercial supportall on a highly scalable backend powered by IBM. A private, personalized marketplace is also available through Red Hat Marketplace Select, enabling clients to provide their teams with easier access to curated software their organizations have pre-approved.

Lars Herrmann, senior director of technology partnerships, Red Hat, said, "We believe Red Hat Marketplace is an essential destination to unlock the value of cloud investments. With the marketplace, we are making it as fast and easy as possible for companies to implement the tools and technologies that can help them succeed in this hybrid multicloud world. We've simplified the steps to find and purchase tools like CognitiveScale's Cortex Certifai that are tested, certified and supported on Red Hat OpenShift, and we've removed operational barriers to deploying and managing these technologies on Kubernetes-native infrastructure."

Sandesh Bhat, IBM General Manager, Open Cloud Technology & Applications, said, "Through Red Hat Marketplace, we're expanding our ecosystem together with partners like CognitiveScale and helping our customers thrive in a hybrid multicloud world. Container-based environments are the future of enterprise technology, and Red Hat OpenShift is the industry's most comprehensive enterprise Kubernetes platform. We're excited to simplify software purchase and adoption for our clients through a curated private Marketplace experience."

Red Hat Marketplace is designed to meet the unique needs of developers, procurement teams and IT leaders through simplified and streamlined access to popular enterprise software. All solutions available through the marketplace have been tested and certified for Red Hat OpenShift , allowing them to run anywhere OpenShift runs. A containers-based approach helps ensure that applications can be run and managed the exact same way, regardless of the underlying cloud infrastructure. This gives companies the flexibility to run their workloads on premise or in any public or private cloud with improved portability and confidence that their applications and data are protected against vendor lock-in.

Additional Resources

Learn more about Red Hat

About CognitiveScale: CognitiveScale is an enterprise AI software company with solutions that help customers win with intelligent, transparent and trusted AI/ML powered digital systems. Our Cortex software and industry AI accelerators enable businesses to rapidly build, operate, and evolve intelligent, transparent, and trusted AI systems on any cloud. The company's award-winning software is being used by global leaders in banking, insurance, healthcare and digital commerce to increase user engagement, improve employee expertise and productivity, and protect brand and digital infrastructure from AI Business risks. Headquartered in Austin, Texas , CognitiveScale has offices in New York , London , and Hyderabad, India , and is funded by Norwest Venture Partners, Intel Capital, IBM Watson, Microsoft Ventures, and USAA.

Red Hat, Red Hat Enterprise Linux and OpenShift are trademarks or registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and other countries. Linux is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the U.S. and other countries.

SOURCE CognitiveScale
ALBANY, N.Y., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global xanthan gum market may derive growth form the various benefits it offers. Escalated efficiency, high-temperature resistance, and the ability to increase the viscosity of concrete used underwater are some of the properties that help the xanthan gum market to garner extensive growth. The growing application of xanthan gum in the oil and gas industry may also invite immense growth prospects for the xanthan gum market.

The researchers at TMR (Transparency Market Research) expect the global xanthan gum market to expand at a CAGR of ~6 percent during the forecast period of 2019-2027. The global xanthan gum market was valued at ~US$ 1 bn in 2019 and is expected to reach ~US$ 1.5 bn by 2027.

Request for COVID-19 Impact Analysis on Xanthan Gum Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/Covid19.php

The heightening awareness about the benefits of healthy food consumption across the consumers and growing demand for food and beverages around the world owing to the increase in population numbers are the factors that assure good growth for the xanthan gum market. The use of xanthan gum as a mud additive is also influencing the growth rate of the xanthan gum market greatly.

Xanthan Gum Market: Analysts' Perspective

The xanthan gum market has been deriving growth prominently from the oil and gas industry for long but lately, it is also recording great demand from personal care, pharmaceuticals, and others. This factor may invite great growth prospects for the xanthan gum market according to TMR analysts.

Download PDF Brochure - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php

The analysts advise the players in the xanthan gum market to pay attention to developing products suited to applications in end-user industries to obtain a competitive edge. The analysts also suggest the players to disocover opportunities in Latin America and Europe.

Xanthan Gum Market: Significant Findings

The food and beverages segment clenched a prominent growth share of the global xanthan gum market in 2018

On the basis of end-users, the oil and gas segment may bring extensive growth prospects

APAC accounted for more than one-third of the global xanthan gum market share in terms of revenue

APAC is anticipated to expand at a volume CAGR of ~6 percent during the forecast period

Europe and North America held more than half of the global xanthan gum market share by value in 2018

View Detailed Table of Contents at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/8737

Xanthan Gum Market: Growth Opportunities

Regulatory relaxations for the food and beverage industry in various countries are boosting production. This factor is ultimately bringing growth for the xanthan gum market as it is a prominent material used in the sector.

Xantham gum is used as a binding agent across various cosmetics and the rising sales of cosmetics may bring great growth opportunities for the xanthan gum market

Oil and gas industry makes use of xantham gum as a thickening agent in drilling mud, thus pumping growth for the xanthan gum market

Pharmaceuticals are also inculcating xanthan gum as a prime component in the production of various drugs

Purchase Premium Research Report on Xanthan Gum Market @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php

Xanthan Gum Market: Growth Obstacles

The growing number of substitutes of xanthan gum may prove as a prominent growth dampener for the xanthan gum market. The use of guar gum as a substitute for xanthan gum may affect the growth of the xanthan gum market negatively. Furthermore, the anti-dumping policy implementation by the U.S. for xanthan gum imported from China is proving to be a major growth restraint.

Browse More Press Releases: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/press-releases.htm

Global Xanthan Gum Market: Segmentation

By Application

Food & Beverages

Bakeries & Confectioneries



Dairies & Ice Creams



Meat & Fish



Beverages



Sauces & Dressings

Oil & Gas

Pharmaceuticals

Personal Care Products

Others (Including Lab Research, Agrochemicals, Paints, and Printing Inks)

By Region

North America

South America

Asia Pacific

Europe

Middle East & Africa

Browse Latest Reports by TMR: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/latest.htm

Explore Transparency Market Research's award-winning coverage of the global Chemicals and Materials Industry,

Pine-derived Chemicals Market - Transparency Market Research finds a cut throat competition between players in the pine derived chemicals market. This is mainly because of the presence of several local as well as international players in the market. The international players are focusing on strengthening their market share by improving their supply chain management. Most of them are working to strength their online presence to tap numerous opportunities in the global pine derived chemicals market.

Tall Oil Fatty Acid Market - One of the major factors working for the global tall oil fatty acids market is the risen use of these fatty acids over various applications in the raw petroleum production area. Attributable to the rising development of raw petroleum over in various regions across the globe, the increase of tall oil fatty acids has likewise picked up the pace considerably. The pattern is foreseen to be sustained throughout the following couple of years also, with the enduring rise in R&D activities in Europe, North America, and the Middle East giving consistent development prospects. The surging demand for oleic acid, is considered as one of the central point that is foreseen to energize the development of the global tall oil fatty acid market in the coming years.

Sterols Market - The global sterols market was valued at US$ 750.09 Mn in 2017 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2018 to 2026, according to a new research report titled 'Sterols Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 20182026' published by Transparency Market Research (TMR) Rise in the demand for sterols among cardiovascular disease patients is driving the global sterols market. Asia Pacific accounts for a major share of the global sterols market, led by increase in usage of sterols in food and nutraceuticals industries in the region.

Rosin Market - Based on source, the rosin market can be segmented into gum resin, wood resin, and tall oil resin. The gum rosin segment is expected to dominate the global rosin market due to increase in demand for gum rosin in synthetic rubber and printing inks applications. Gum rosin is broadly used as a softener and binder in the adhesives and synthetic rubber industries. Tall oil rosins are widely used in adhesives, printing inks, enamels, and other varnishes. The tall oil segment is projected to expand significantly during the forecast period, owing to strong demand from the adhesive industry.

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About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.

Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.

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SOURCE Transparency Market Research
United Nations, Sep 9 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for global efforts to address air pollution.

Around the world, nine out of every 10 people breathe unclean air. Air pollution contributes to various diseases and causes an estimated 7 million premature deaths every year, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries, he said in a video message that was played at a virtual UN event to mark the first International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, Xinhua reported.

Air pollution also threatens the economy, food security and the environment. The world needs to pay far greater attention to air pollution as it recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, he said.

Guterres asked for urgent action to address the deeper threat of climate change. Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees from pre-industrial levels will help reduce air pollution, death and disease, he said.

This year's lockdowns in response to Covid-19 have caused emissions to fall dramatically, providing a glimpse of cleaner air in many cities. But emissions are already rising again, in some places surpassing pre-Covid levels, he warned. "We need dramatic and systemic change. Reinforced environmental standards, policies and laws that prevent emissions of air pollutants are needed more than ever." Countries need to end subsidies for fossil fuels and to cooperate at the international level to help each other transition to clean technologies, he said.

"I call on governments still providing finance for fossil fuel-related projects in developing countries to shift that support toward clean energy and sustainable transport. And I urge all countries to use post-Covid recovery packages to support the transition to healthy and sustainable jobs." The International Day of Clean Air for blue skies falls on September 7, which is a public holiday in the US. The UN commemoration was held on Tuesday instead.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 20:36:02|Editor: huaxia

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MOSCOW, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Kavkaz-2020 counter-terrorist military drills, which will involve troops from 10 countries, will take place in Russia between Sept. 21-26, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced on Tuesday.

The main actions will unfold at the Kapustin Yar and Ashuluk training grounds in south Russia's Astrakhan Region, as well as in the waters of the Black and Caspian seas, Shoigu said at an online conference with the country's senior military officials.

In addition to the 10 participants, nine more countries will send military observers to Russia, he said, without naming any of them.

Shoigu did not disclose the number of troops or military equipment involved, though the Russian Defense Ministry has said that the Kavkaz-2020 will be the country's largest training event this year. Enditem
On 2 September, indigenous journalist Karl Dockstader was arrested and charged with criminal mischief after covering a Caledonia land dispute during the summer. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Canadian affiliates, CWA Canada and UNIFOR, condemned the arrest of a journalist for merely doing his job and urged the Canadian police to drop these charges against Dockstader.

The arrest of Karl Dockstader, an award-winning Indigenous journalist, working for 610 CKTB radio, raises concern that both he and other journalists will be discouraged from covering the land dispute in the future because of the threat of further charges.

Dockstader had covered the land dispute between members of indigenous group Six Nations, the band council, and a development company, on a land known as the Haldimand Tract, located in Caledonia, Ontario.

I thought I had covered all my bases and that my being there in my capacity as a journalist would have protected me, Dockstader told local media.

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 added.

His supporters say that the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged Dockstader in total disregard to his status as a journalist reporting on public interest matters and have therefore clearly exceeded its powers.

Correspondents say that there are increasing restrictions on media coverage of indigenous stories in Canada. In August 2020, a Danish journalist making a documentary on indigenous resistance against a controversial pipeline was denied entry to Canada by immigraton officials, citing Covid-19 restrictions despite presenting all necessary paperwork justifying his stay. The IFJ and all its Canadian and Danish affiliates reacted and urged the authorities to grant him access.

IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: Canada should be a model country on press freedom protection, not a country where the police attempts to interfere in media coverage. The Canadian authorities must drop all charges against Dockstader and stop harassing independent journalism.
Shortly after the June 28 publication of the Black Female Anonymous essay, Mr. Dennis stepped away from his daily leadership role at the company. Caroline A. Wanga, a former Target executive who was serving as Essences chief growth officer, was named interim chief executive, a role she still holds, the company said.

Ms. Wanga said in a statement that the company had handled the allegations appropriately.

When faced with anonymous allegations, unlike leaders who would have tried to keep it as private as possible out of concern it would diminish the company, Richelieu boldly called for a full review of all allegations, because he knows that the cultural investment made in this iconic brand would transcend the untruths being spread in an attempt to diminish it and his leadership, she said.

Essence magazine, the pre-eminent lifestyle publication for Black women, celebrated its 50th anniversary with its May issue, which featured the model Naomi Campbell on the cover. The magazine has a circulation of more than one million, and its website attracts nearly seven million visitors each month.

Essence holds a special place in the heart of a lot of Black women, said Yanick Rice Lamb, a professor of journalism at Howard University, who has been a contributor to the magazine. Many Black women grew up on Essence, and when it was started, there werent that many publications for us.

Many Essence readers were pleased that the company returned to Black ownership when it was bought by Mr. Dennis. He is the Liberian-born founder of Sundial Brands, the parent company of the Black, woman-centric beauty lines SheaMoisture and Nubian Heritage.

The report from Morgan Lewis was not all sunshine, however. Investigators noted a widely shared sentiment that employees feel overworked and unappreciated.

Several witnesses stated that they feel pressured to work incredibly hard without recognition or reward and there are no boundaries or work-life balance, the report said. According to a number of employees, much of this work is generated by poor planning and a lack of communication from certain members of management. Based on our interviews, there also is a lack of transparency with respect to pay and promotions.
Two of Libyas National Oil Company affiliates on Monday sent some oil workers home and halted some work due to the spread of Covid-19, according to a NOC statement.

Libyas Arabian Gulf Oil Company (AGOCO) has suspended all work for 30 days to protect workers from the pandemic, NOC said on Monday. Libyas largest refinery, Zawiya is placing 10% of its staff on emergency leave.

Zawiya processes 120,000 barrels per day, and supplies western and southern Libya with fuel.

The moves are precautionary, the companies said, and not the result of any outbreak of the coronavirus among its oil workers.

Libyas oil industry has already taken a severe hit after paramilitary formations affiliated with the LNA of General Khalifa Haftar occupied oil export terminals and oilfields earlier this year, with production ultimatley falling to 100,000 barrels per day. This is down from 1.2 million barrels per day at the start of the year.

While the production outage in oil-ich Libya has been a boost for OPECs production cut efforts designed to drawdown global oil inventories, it has cut off nearly all oil revenue to the country and resulted in extensive blackouts in the country.

Libyas oil terminals have been closed for some time, which has caused the massive blackouts because the condensate reservoirs at the export ports are now filled to the brim, and there is nowhere to put the gas that is the byproduct of condensate.

Libya reported an additional 1,080 cases of Covid-19 on Monday, according to official figures cited by Reuters, bringing its total number of cases to more than 18,800. It is the highest number of virus cases in a single day since the start of the pandemic.

More than half of those new infections were from persons located in Tripoli and the surrounding suburbs.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
8-Year-Old Girl Killed, 2 Adults Critically Injured in Chicago Shooting

An 8-year-old girl was fatally shot and two adults were seriously injured in Chicago on Monday evening after gunshots were fired into a vehicle in the citys south side, according to police.

Shots were fired into a Subaru SUV at a stop light just before 6 p.m. in Chicagos Canaryville neighborhood, Chicago Police Chief of Operations Brian McDermott said. The young girl and three adults were in the vehicle at the time of the shooting incident.

Two of the adults, a 31-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, suffered gunshot wounds.

Our victims vehicle was parked facing northbound on Union Avenue with the offenders vehicle directly behind it, McDermott said, reported ABC 7. When the light turned green, the offenders vehicle immediately opened fire on the victims vehicle.

The victims vehicle continued northbound on Union and crashed into a tree, McDermott said.

The girl was rushed to University of Chicago Comer Childrens Hospital to be treated for her injuries, where she was pronounced dead. Her name hasnt been released.

The suspect reportedly made a U-turn and fled the scene in a black, newer-model Dodge.

I stand before you, saddened and angered, that another child has lost their life in senseless gun violence in the city of Chicago, McDermott told reporters.

The location where an 8-year-old girl was killed in Chicago, Illinois, on the evening of Sept. 7, 2020. (Google Maps)

The two adults who each sustained a gunshot wound to their backs in the attack were transported to University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition.

Another 30-year-old woman, reportedly the mother of the 8-year-old girl, also sustained injuries, but it is not yet clear if she was caught up in the gunfire. She remains at the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition, McDermott said.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the 8-year-old is the sixth child aged 10 or younger to be killed in the city since late June.

As of late Monday night, at least seven people were killed and 44 others were wounded in shootings across Chicago over the Labor Day weekend.

So far in 2020, figures from the Chicago Tribune show that at least 175 children ages 16 or younger have been shot in the nations third largest city, with at least 21 of them dying. Overall, more than 2,850 people have been shot in Chicago this year, at least 464 of them fatally.

The Chicago Police Department has urged anyone with knowledge of the shooting to send in anonymous tips at CPDTip.com.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Islamabad, Sep 8 : At least 17 people were killed and nine others injured after a landslide struck a gathering in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, authorities said, adding that a search and rescue operation continued on Tuesday.

The landslide took place on Monday in Mohmand district's Safi town near the Afghan border, The Express Tribune reported.

"Huge pieces of marble from a hill fell on a routine gathering of 50-60 people (on the foothill)," the district's Deputy-Commissioner Iftikhar Alam said, adding that heavy machinery had been dispatched from nearby districts to accelerate the rescue operation.

"Five ambulances and a recovery vehicle have been dispatched from Peshawar to Mohmand and the PDMA is in close contact with the district administration and concerned agencies," the director-general of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said.

Dozens were still feared trapped under the rubble as army troops were assisting the district administration to rescue them.

Mohmand, one of seven former semi-autonomous tribal regions in Pakistan, is famous for marble reserves.

In 2015, some 12 labourers were killed after a marble mine collapsed.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
PORTLAND, Ore.  Political violence is easy to start, and nearly impossible to stop. A single incident isnt enough to launch a cycle of democratic decay, although the recent killings in Kenosha (rightist shoots leftists) and Portland (leftist shoots rightist) should have everyone in America concerned.

With Election Day approaching, we are facing the possibility of months of politicized street violence, unprecedented in our lifetime, and an eruption of false symmetries and polarized thinking that amplify individual incidents into narratives of victimhood.

Ive seen this before. As a correspondent in South America, Africa and the Middle East for two decades, Ive watched democracy wrestle with violence and often lose.

A man on the ground was shot in the chest in Kenosha, Wis., on Aug. 25 during protests over the shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake, by a police officer. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

In other countries, street fighting and assassinations have been prime drivers in a wave of recent authoritarian transformations. While there are risks to politicians who embrace one side of this divide  as President Trump has done, from Charlottesville to Kenosha  there is also a proven route to power through encouraging politicized violence.

Politicians from Venezuela to Turkey benefit from threatening their opponents, or having supporters do it. In Argentina, political parties routinely mobilize their members for violent street brawling before elections or even when trying to pass a bill. In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte has actually cemented his popularity and power by encouraging a wave of vigilante killings.

The risk to democracy feels palpable here in Portland. In June, long-simmering Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality erupted in nightly violence as federal riot troops using tear gas and nonlethal munitions tried to clear the streets in front of the federal courthouse. Instead, thousands of new faces joined the protests in July, until Trump pulled back his task force.

A relative calm followed  late last month, I found the courthouse protest camp abandoned, the streets around it empty. Small, scattered marches continued around the city, often accompanied by property damage, trash fires and vandalism, including to the lobby of Mayor Ted Wheelers apartment building.

Story continues

But by late August the nations attention switched to Kenosha, Wis., where a protest against a police shooting drew armed counterprotesters, and 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse allegedly shot three people, killing two.

The national and even global spotlight returned to Oregon on Aug. 29, when a Trump Cruise of supporters in trucks and pickups formed up in Clackamas County and paraded, past my house with horns blaring, into Portland. Over a series of hours the violence returned, first with paintball guns and fists and mace, but then with a real gun.

As the protests and counterprotests were breaking up around 9 p.m., Michael F. Reinoehl, an Army veteran and self-described antifa security volunteer, allegedly shot dead Aaron Jay Danielson, a caravan participant and pro-Trump activist from the group Patriot Prayer.

Michael Reinoehl is seen during a protest in front of Mayor Ted Wheelers residence on Aug. 28, in Portland, Ore. Reinoehl is suspected of fatally shooting a supporter of a right-wing group in Portland. (Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian via AP)

The atmosphere in Portland abruptly flipped from quiet relief to terrified silence; my tour of the five most common protest sites the next night revealed not a single raised fist in the streets. Reinoehl, facing a warrant for his arrest, went into hiding, but popped onto Vice News to admit he was the shooter, claiming he acted out of fear for his life. I had no choice, he told Vice.

But late last week, when a task force of federal and local police swarmed him outside a residence in Lacey, Wash., Reinoehl did have a choice. He allegedly chose to pull a gun and face off with officers, according to a neighbor, who told the New York Times that the subsequent fusillade of shots lasted a minute and a half.

Do these two killings mean that violence between right and left is equal? No. Reinoehl represents one all-American nightmare, the loose cannon. He was carrying a gun in a movement that largely eschews firearms; in the past two months, searching carefully, I have never seen a gun at any leftist protest in Portland or Minneapolis. Even in the chaos that engulfed Portland this past weekend, the violence that sometimes accompanies left-wing protests is primarily aimed at property, not people.

By contrast, this year I have been to multiple right-wing protests, from Michigan to Idaho, and counted hundreds of guns, worn openly and championed as the necessary next step, the essential and final form of resistance to the American left. On a statehouse lawn, at a county fairground and in front of a barbershop, Ive seen the Trump 2020 flag waved by people with purse pistols, black rifle semiautos over their shoulders and even a .50 caliber sniper rifle. I never went to an outdoor Trump rally this year without seeing a gun.

When I drove across America in June, interviewing Michigan boogaloo bois and Three Percent Militia members in Idaho, and everyone from a North Dakota farmer to a Washington state politician, I heard the same thing over and over: America has decayed so far already that violence is justified, even desirable, as a tool to remake the country.

Even at the Portland courthouse in July I saw rightists making threats almost every night  from the racing engines of drive-by counterprotesters in muscle cars to a man wearing MAGA red who wandered the edge of the crowd and threatened to shoot anyone who tried to talk to him. (Im going to kill you, he said when a protester approached him. I will shoot people!)

Far-right protesters walk past the state Capitol with long rifles during a rally Monday in Salem, Ore. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Up to this point, and with the exception of the rare Molotov cocktail, the weapons have generally been nonlethal, including clubs and tossed cans of black beans. Federal and local police have responded with flash-bang grenades and stinging paintballs, pepper gas from hand-operated canisters and tossed grenades. In Portland, they also used fumigation-style sprayers that required federal officers to move constantly upwind of protesters.

But it can be no surprise that in a nation of over 300 million guns, pistols and rifles are increasingly present. An improvised explosive device was thrown at BLM protests in Portland, and a man pulled a gun on several of them in July. Reinoehl had already been arrested for carrying a gun at the protests and said he was shot in the arm while wrestling with a pro-Trump protester in a previous incident.

Dan Slater, chair of political science at the University of Michigan, has shown how, around the world, democracy is actually thriving  if you redefine democracy as majority rule.

The old model of classically liberal, rule-of-law democracy created a citizen compact by protecting everyone (i.e., the weak) equally. The new democratic trend internationally is might makes right, meaning that once you win, you get what you want, without parliaments, the press, minorities, courts, norms or legal niceties getting in the way.

This is the model in Turkey, where Recep Tayyip Erdogan has detained over 100,000 opponents and won reelection with a militarized nationalism. In Russia, President Vladimir Putin keeps the peace for ethnic Russians at home while meddling in Ukraine, Georgia and Belarus, an enemy always at hand to justify his reelection.

In multicultural Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro has divided his countrymen into makers and takers and winked at police and paramilitary groups who terrorize the slums. Likewise, in the Philippines, Duterte has maintained his popularity by targeting slum dwellers and drug addicts, who then die in mysterious midnight executions, terrifying his critics and pacifying an anxious middle class at the same time.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, left. (How Hwee Young-Pool/Getty Images)

The elections in all these countries may be dubious, or unfriendly to real opposition, but all these leaders won enough votes to claim a democratic mandate. While certainly not up to the best standards, they give these strongmen something to point to when they insist they rule with majority support.

The real danger is that majoritarian democracy depends as much on violence as it does on votes  violence either verbally implied or all too real, like the trail of dead bodies I followed in the Philippines back toward Dutertes incitements. Violence creates the majority in these countries  it validates and intimidates, policing the line between disloyal and loyal, enforcing the rule of the latter.

And majority doesnt always mean the most votes, even in the U.S., where Trump was able to handily lose the popular vote only to become president through the Electoral College. White House chief of staff Mark Meadows recently claimed that most of Donald Trumps America is peaceful, as if the president were responsible only for that portion of the country.

In any authoritarian system, defining the real citizens can be tricky. They may be defined by history, by loyalty and by group membership (including language, race and gender). Outsiders just dont count. Its not so much that American democracy is at risk of dying. Its that American democracy may be transformed into the illiberal ones we see abroad, where an up-or-down vote on power lets winners take all.

From Michigan to Idaho and Portland to Boise, there is a growing confidence on the far right. These self-recruited warriors see themselves not as vigilantes but as modern Minutemen. That farmer in North Dakota told me gun owners were standing by to defeat busloads of anarchist invaders he expected in Bismarck; Trump himself speaks without evidence of planeloads of looters flying to hurt people.

Protesters in Portland, Ore., Aug. 28. (John Rudoff/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

But unlike BLM, with its fundamental opposition to the police, right-wing vigilantes usually see themselves as force multipliers, aligned with law enforcement, deputizing themselves as informal paramilitaries and adopting police and army clothing, equipment and weapons. Kyle Rittenhouse was one of dozens of gunmen who stood beside police armored vehicles brandishing rifles that can kill at 1,000 feet. Like Reinoehl, his ideological opposite, Rittenhouse appears to have felt he had no choice about shooting someone.

More and more Americans seem to want to decide for themselves when violence is justified. Alexander Reid Ross of the Center for Study of the Radical Right in Portland calls this a dangerous development, as the hierarchical militia movement gives way toward a looser vigilante model in which armed individuals decide for themselves whom to confront in the streets, and when.

The military movement has turned a corner, Ross says. It used to be survivalists creating a niche for themselves, developing defensive strongholds like Bunkerville in Nevada or the so-called Redoubt in northern Idaho. Now Ross sees vigilantes going on the offensive, confident in going beyond the law.

Ross points out that America is filled with veterans of foreign wars and contractors trained in counterinsurgency doctrines while overseas. And some small number of these veterans now appear to have signed up with the radical right. Their ideology is to punch people into submission in American society, in public, without being shunned, he says.

Ross says participating in caravans and counterprotests is a tool that stands in for other acts, for microaggressions. You cant stand on the street in Portland and call somebody a fag anymore, so joining like-minded reactionaries in public violence reframes that derogatory instinct into a brave fight for political correctness. In or out of formal organizations, the armed groups are all equally dangerous.

The Proud Boys, an alt-right group, faces off against Black Lives Matters protesters using mace and a paintball gun in Portland, Ore., Aug. 15. (Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)

Even the threat implied by simply carrying rifles through the street can end politics as we know it. As I learned the hard way in Colombia and Yemen, there is no political process at the end of a gun barrel.

We already know this from American history. The ex-Confederate states all experienced nearly a century of white rule that was enforced by lynching and more routine forms of domination, while politicians rode white supremacy to office. Politicized street violence isnt some alien import to America.

Some politicians may think they can ride this tiger. But things can still go terribly wrong, even for those who think they are on top.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
Tiffany Haddish has plans for beyond her acting career, revealing in a new interview that she wants to start her own movie studio.

The 40-year-old actress revealed on TMZ Live on Monday, where she was asked by Charles Latibeaudiere if she would like to branch out with her own studio, like filmmaker Tyler Perry has.

The Girls Trip star excitedly said she wants to follow in Perry's footsteps, after it was revealed that Perry is now a billionaire thanks in no small part to his massive Atlanta studio, with Haddish revealing she even has a name for the studio all ready to go.

Beyond acting: Tiffany Haddish has plans for beyond her acting career, revealing in a new interview that she wants to start her own movie studio

Billionaire: The 40-year-old actress revealed on TMZ Live on Monday, where she was asked by Charles Latibeaudiere if she would like to branch out with her own studio, like filmmaker Tyler Perry has

'Oh yeah. She Ready Studios,' Haddish exclaimed. 'I would love to do that. I talk to Tyler all the time. He's teaching me.

She added that she talks to people, 'who are doing the things that I want to do,' adding that just yesterday she, 'went on a hike with some billionaires.'

'I'm just picking their brain while we're looking at big trees, about how do you build business, how do you build storefronts, 'cause I don't know. The best way to know is to talk to people who do know,' she added.

Teacher Tyler: 'Oh yeah. She Ready Studios,' Haddish exclaimed. 'I would love to do that. I talk to Tyler all the time. He's teaching me

Haddish was also congratulated her Emmy nomination for her Netflix special Black-Mitzvah, in the Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) category.

The comedienne added that, 'if I win, I'll be the first African-American, Jewish female to win in that category.'

When asked if she had prepared a speech, Haddish said that this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nominees were required to record speeches and send them in.

Emmy Nominee: Haddish was also congratulated her Emmy nomination for her Netflix special Black-Mitzvah, in the Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) category

'I had prepared one that I thought was perfect, and they told me I had to re-do it,' she said, and while she wouldn't say why they asked her to change it, fans may see it anyway.

'If I win, I'm gonna post it, and if I lose, I'm still gonna post it, cause I thought it was great,' Haddish said with a laugh.

'Regardless if I win or lose, I'm gonna post the one that they rejected, because it was hilarious, it was poignant, and yeah,' she added.

Perfect speech: 'I had prepared one that I thought was perfect, and they told me I had to re-do it,' she said, and while she wouldn't say why they asked her to change it, fans may see it anyway

Haddish has also been working with comedian Dave Chappelle for his Camp Covid shows he's doing in Ohio, with the actress revealing, 'It's so much fun.'

'First of all, I've never felt more safe anywhere in my life,' Haddish began. 'As soon as you get off the airplane you get tested immediately, you're always wearing your mask, and I love it.'

She added that she can take the mask off on stage, adding the audience is 'all spaced out' in a 'huge field,' joking that they're growing 'Christmas trees on one side and corn on the other.'
Its going on six months since most offices in Niagara and across Canada sent most or all of their workers home to do their jobs during the pandemic.

It was absolutely the right thing to do for the sake of public health and to control the spread of the novel coronavirus. Some workers have started to return but many, maybe most, are still not back in the office.

That presents an immediate problem for owners of small businesses, and the long-term ripple effects could be more widespread than many think.

People who run restaurants and small shops downtown or near office buildings invested their futures in the idea that five days out of seven their businesses could expect drop-in visits from those office workers.

In some cases it is a significant portion of their trade; many close for the day shortly after the offices shut down.

Theyve struggled through half the year under those conditions. Restaurants have had to rely heavily on takeout and patio service because indoor seating is limited, due to COVID-19.

But now there is speculation Ontario might be on the verge of that second wave epidemiologists have warned of.

If that prevents office workers from returning to the office  and winter forces the shutdown of patios  the risk of business failure grows.

Thats the short-term problem governments will have to deal with: How to provide a second wave of financial assistance to prevent closure of small businesses, which are the bedrock of the Canadian economy.

Long term, having fewer traditional offices presents its own challenges.

For one, downtowns as we have always known them will have to change, probably incorporating more residential units in space that used to be commercial.

That means more small businesses moving out from there and into residential neighbourhoods. Its not a bad thing, but it could be a big thing.

It will change not only our shopping habits, but maybe also local transit needs and downtown property values. And smaller offices pay less tax.

Working from home was a growing trend COVID-19 accelerated. Moving forward, its going to change our expectations for downtowns and commercial districts.

WERE ALL FOR PAYING a fair salary for work done.

But Welland city council is nothing if not bold for its support of a pay raise for itself in the middle of a pandemic. And a nearly 47 per cent pay raise to boot.

Is it justified?

Thats in the eye of the beholder.

At just under $19,000, Welland councillors pay did lag behind St. Catharines and Niagara Falls which both hover around $25,000.

With a 46.9 per cent increase, Wellands reps would receive just under $28,000.

As Niagaras third-largest local municipality, its members logically should receive a little less than their counterparts in those larger cities.

In Welland, those in favour argue councillors pay rates havent been studied and formally kept up to date in three decades, though there have been cost of living increases along the way.

However, its not right when elected representatives give themselves a raise. Thats a decision best made before an election  in this case, late 2022  by the out-going council.

And its bad timing. City staff were laid off during COVID-19 and not all have been brought back. Small businesses are struggling, and the municipality itself required emergency funding from higher levels of government.

Jobs have been lost, some permanently. Some people will have a hard time scraping together the money to pay their property tax bills.

This may or may not be the right raise, but it definitely comes at the wrong time.
The hate crime unit of Hamilton police is investigating after one or possibly two swastikas were spray-painted on a sidewalk and road in Greensville, north of Dundas.

At least two residents in the neighbourhood called the city about the graffiti, that invokes the symbol that marked the national flag of Hitlers Nazi Germany.

Police arrived to investigate at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday morning. An officer in the Mountain division told The Spectator no suspects have been identified yet in the incident.

A white swastika was painted on a sidewalk along Harvest Road, near where it meets Brock Road, a two minute drive from Highway 5.

Resident David Arbuckle contacted the city through the graffiti reporting hotline and also his local councillor at about 8 p.m. on Monday night.

Arbuckle and his wife had been walking their dog that evening when they spotted it, about five minutes from their home.

I was shocked and disgusted that someone took the opportunity to purposefully and deliberately spread hate messaging in our community, he said in an email to The Spectator.

Arbuckle said hes aware of occasional incidences of graffiti in Greensville, but has not heard of cases where it was targeted toward specific groups.

About six million Jews were murdered by the Nazis in the Holocaust.

A second white swastika, meanwhile, was reported by another resident, painted directly on Harvest Road. From photographs taken by The Spectator, it appears that it has since been scribbled over with green paint.

Kristin Glasbergen, who saw both swastikas, told The Spec its shocking to see that type of graffiti in her neighbourhood.

We have an open-minded community, so you assume its not someone from Greensville, but who knows, she said. I was pretty grossed-out when I saw it.

A Greensville man called the incident shameful in a post on a private neighbourhood Facebook page, adding that as one of the small handful of Jewish families in town, Im absolutely disgusted.

Hamilton police report that they received 92 reports of suspected hate/bias incidents and criminal offences in 2019.

The High Holidays of the Jewish faith, that begin at this time of year with Rosh Hashanah, has in the past coincided with a spike in anti-Semitic incidents.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept.8

By Tamilla Mammadova  Trend:

Over the centuries, Armenia has always betrayed Georgia, and unfortunately today this is also manifested quite clearly, Guram Markhulia, President of the "Caucasus International Center for the Study of Geohistory and Geopolitics" told Trend.

In his words, neighboring Armenia does not want Georgian refugees to return to their homes.

The Georgians are not going to return to the occupied territories without restoring the territorial integrity of Georgia. The Georgian government, together with the UN, is continuing its diplomatic struggle, Markhulia noted.

Markhulia also noted that the actions of the Armenian government are an example of non-recognition of the territorial integrity of Georgia.

"If not betrayal, how else to explain the actions of Armenia?" says Markhulia.

On September 3, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution Status of internally displaced persons and refugees from Abkhazia, Georgia, and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, Georgia. The document was supported by 84 countries, only 13 countries voted against. Georgian President, Salome Zourabichvili expressed gratitude to the countries that supported Georgia's position.

According to him, as a result of Georgia's successful diplomacy this year, Armenia refrained from voting against the resolution, but in the future, it will not change its position, since the Georgian and Armenian foreign policy orientations differ.

Georgia's neighbors Azerbaijan and Turkey voted for the UN General Assembly resolution on ensuring the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons from Abkhazia and Samachablo, thereby again supporting Georgia. Armenia, however, avoided this by not participating in the voting.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356
Rochester police chief LaRon Singletary criticized those who sought to destroy his integrity in the aftermath of Daniel Prudes death

Rochesters police chief and the entire command staff resigned following the death of Daniel Prude and the outrage that has ensued.

Rochester Police Chief LaRon Singletary, a veteran of the force for 20 years announced his resignation in a press release on Tuesday. It will be effective on Sept. 29. He criticized those who have sought to destroy my character and integrity, ABC News reported.

Read More: Mayor suspends officers involved in Daniel Prudes suffocation death

Daniel Prude.

The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for, Singletarys resignation letter said. The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prudes death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for.

Mayor Lovely Warren announced that the entire command staff was also resigning. She informed the Rochester City Council that no one had been forced into their decision.

As theGrio reported, Rochester has experienced unrest similar to what has happened over the summer in other cities after footage was released of Prudes death in March. Prudes brother, Joe, called police for help for a mental health check.

He died after Rochester police placed a hood over his head and restrained him in the street. His manner of death was attributed to complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint. Other contributing factors included excited delirium and acute intoxication by phencyclidine, or PCP.

That was a full-fledged, ongoing, murder- cold-blooded, Joe Prude said.

(Credit: screenshot)

Attorney General Letitia James has called for an investigation amid an outcry that police dont know how to offer proper care to those who are mentally ill. Seven police officers were suspended by Warren last week in connection to Prudes death but many also faulted the leadership of Singletary. There were demands for him to be fired.

Story continues

Read More: Video in Black mans suffocation shows cops put hood on him

Deputy Police Chief Joseph Morabito also released a statement about his from the Rochester Police Department on Tuesday.

I have often reflected on my time growing up in this City, and the many friends and neighbors who helped guide me and encouraged my decision to become an officer, his statement read.

I have never regretted that decision, and the people who I have had the privilege of assisting throughout my service, and will always consider my membership with the Rochester Police Department as one of the proudest achievements of my lifetime.

Have you subscribed to theGrios podcast Dear Culture? Download our newest episodes now!

The post Rochester police chief and entire command staff retire after facing backlash for Prude death appeared first on TheGrio.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal is in favor of increasing his own gas production, the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine reports.

"Today we have unhindered access to the EU gas market, which also contributes to a decrease in energy imports. But at meetings with the president, we have repeatedly raised the issue of increasing our own production. We need to conduct appropriate exploration, complete exploration plans that have already been partially fulfilled and start production promptly," Shmyhal said.

The premier stressed that, for its part, the government is making every effort for this and also counts on the relevant legislative initiatives of the deputies of the Verkhovna Rada.
By Akbar Mammadov

Azerbaijans Presidential Aide Hikmat Hajiyev has said that the establishment of peace in the region means the withdrawal of the Armenian troops from Azerbaijans occupied territories.

Hajiyev made the remark in an interview with Turkish Haber Global TV on September 7.

July clashes

Hajiyev said that Armenia staged a pre-planned provocation near Azerbaijans Tovuz district on the border, 300 kilometres from the line of contact between the Armenian and Azerbaijani armed force in July. He said the reason for the cross-border provocation was two-fold.

Firstly, Armenia sought to threaten the east-west platform of Azerbaijan, the joint [energy] projects with brotherly Turkey, such as TANAP and TAP.

Secondly, Armenia attempted to capture territories and seize control in Tovuz.

Armenia was trying to create a new source of danger in the region by diverting attention from the Karabakh issue, Hajiyev added.

Hajiyev said that the cross-border provocation in July as well as the April war in 2016 showed Armenia the strength of the Azerbaijani army and the solidarity of the Azerbaijani people and the government.

Hajiyev said that Armenias policy of occupation and aggression against Azerbaijan has been continuing for over thirty years, with the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the seven adjacent regions remaining under occupation and ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijani civilian committed in those territories.

Weapons delivery to Armenia

He also spoke about Russias weapons delivery to Armenia, saying that more than 500 tons of weapons and ammunition were transported to Armenia after the provocation in July.

We have not yet received an answer to our question about the purpose of transporting these weapons. We should also say openly that we have raised this issue before the relevant Russian authorities. But we could not receive an answer.

Commenting on the military training camp organized for women in Armenia, Hajiyev said that this testifies to Armenias policy of hatred against Azerbaijan and the Turkish nation.

We again recommend to Armenia and the Armenian people to look into the future without falling victim to such ugly propaganda and being a captive of the past in the 21st century.

The presidential aide also said that the Armenian diaspora organizations have recently carried out large-scale smear campaign against Turkey and Azerbaijan but failed in their attempt to discredit these countries.

Our joint activities, as well as our cooperation with brotherly Turkey in the field of media prevented such ugly propaganda. International organizations have made statements in support of Azerbaijan's rightful position. Azerbaijan's true voice was heard in the world media. This shows that we, as fraternal countries, should act together and more actively convey the truth to international organizations."

Joint drills

Speaking about the large-scale drills held between Azerbaijani and Turkish troops in August in Azerbaijan, Hajiyev said that these exercises are carried out in accordance with the annual plan and are very useful in terms of military practice and in terms of serving peace, cooperation and security in the region.

"We do not set a border on the presence of a Turkish soldier in Azerbaijan or an Azerbaijani soldier in Turkey We support each other when needed, in the right place, Hajiyev said.

Tension in Mediterranean

Furthermore, Hajiyev reiterated Azerbaijans support for Turkey over the tension in the Mediterranean.

Azerbaijan always stands by brotherly Turkey without hesitation, and this was also noted by President Ilham Aliyev. We see and are proud of Turkey's active policy at the regional and international levels, taking into account its national interests and the interests of its people.

He also said that Turkey's discovery of a natural gas field in the Black Sea was welcomed in Azerbaijan.

The cross-border fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan started on July 12 with Armenia's firing artillery at Azerbaijan's positions in the direction of Tovuz region. The Armenian attack killed 12 Azerbaijani servicemen, including an army general, as well as a 76-year-old civilian.

Azerbaijanis' peaceful protests against the Armenian attack was met by hate crimes committed by Armenian natioanlists in Los Angelese, Belgium and other cities and countries across the world.

---

Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Raghuram Rajan (REUTERS/Anindito Mukherjee/Files)

Likening the economy to a patient, former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan said that government relief is the sustenance the patient needs while on the sickbed.

In a LinkedIn blog titled The Alarm in the GDP Numbers posted on September 7, Rajan cautioned that Indias dismal Q1FY21 GDP numbers should alarm us all, adding that the 23.9 percent contraction would probably be worse if informal sector estimates are included.

Rajan noted that in the current economic environment, government-provided relief becomes all the more important, but criticised the announcements so far as meagre and patchy.

This has been meagre; primarily free food grains to poor households; and credit guarantees to banks for lending to small and medium (SMEs) firms, where the take down has been patchy, he said, adding that the governments strategy to conserve resources for a possible future stimulus is self-defeating.

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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

Comparing the economy to a patient, Rajan said: relief is the sustenance the patient needs while on the sickbed and fighting the disease. Without relief, households skip meals, pull their children out of school and send them to work or beg, pledge their gold to borrow, let EMIs and rent arrears pile up... Similarly, without relief, small and medium firms - think of a small restaurant - stop paying workers, let debt pile up, or close permanently. Essentially, the patient atrophies, so by the time the disease is contained, the patient has become a shell of herself.

He then said that economic stimulus can be thought of as the tonic. When the disease is vanquished, it can help the patient get out of her sickbed faster. But if the patient has atrophied, stimulus will have little effect.

Also Read | 'Numbers should alarm us': Raghuram Rajan raises concern on India's GDP data

Even if they start earning, indebted households will not consume freely, especially if they believe they have to manage further periods without livelihoods or government help. Similarly, even small and medium firms that have stayed open but have huge unpaid bills and interest will not be able to function well, he pointed out.

Without relief measures, the growth potential of the economy will be seriously damaged. Brazil, which has spent tremendously on relief, is seeing a much lower downgrade to medium term growth than India, he added.

Rajan further criticised government officials for holding out on possible stimulus for when India finally contains the virus, and said they are underestimating the damage from a more shrunken and scarred economy at that point.

Instead of claiming there is a V-shaped recovery round the corner, they should wonder why the United States, despite spending over 20 percent of GDP in fiscal and credit relief measures, is still worried the economy will not return to pre-pandemic GDP levels by the end of 2021, he added.
Two thugs beat a husband to death in front of his wife after he intervened when they racially abused her, a court has heard.

Amaan Momand, 23, died from serious head injuries in September last year, three days after he was attacked in the Maypole area of Birmingham.

His wife, Halima Hussain, told police the attack started shortly after Jamie Taylor, 22, called her a 'p*** c***,' as she crossed the road.

Taylor, joined by 18-year-old Taylor Pountney, allegedly returned and attacked Amaan, after he tried to intervene in the row.

Both Taylor, from Kings Heath, and Pountney, from Yardley, deny a charge of murder.

A trial at Coventry Crown Court heard statements from an interview Ms Hussain gave to police following the attack, which happened near an Iceland supermarket at around 4.40pm on September 19.

In her statement, she said her husband was 'literally beaten to death'.

Amaan Momand, 23, died from serious head injuries three days after he was attacked in Birmingham last September, a court has heard

Mrs Hussain said: 'As I walked into the centre of the road, a car came up and a boy shouted "you p*** c***".

'I shouted back: "You white c**t," the car carried on driving.

'I carried on walking, me and my partner were saying stuff like' "It's racist, it's not nice, why do people do these things?"

'The car went around the corner and stopped. The boys left the car and started walking towards us.'

Mrs Hussain then described the confrontation which followed.

Mrs Hussain said: 'The boy came towards us and said: "What the f*** did you say?"

'I said: "You called me a p*** c*** so I called you a white c***". I said I can't walk, I have sciatica. The boy said: "I don't give a f***".'

Mrs Hussain told police that her husband then tried to intervene saying: 'Why did you try and run her over? She's a woman, she's my wife'.

'The boy said "I'll smash you you m***********".'

Mrs Hussain said she told her husband to 'leave the boy alone, he's just a kid'. Mrs Hussain told police: 'The boy said: "I'm not young I'm 22 I'll knock him out", then the second boy threw a punch at my partner. At my partner's face. My husband's cap fell off.

'Then he went to pick it up but before he got up the other boy kicked him in the side of head.'

Mrs Hussain said the pair then ran off into a car that drove away.

Mrs Hussain tearfully told police: 'I was screaming and crying, there was blood everywhere on the floor.'

She added that as Mr Momand was taken away she was 'so scared because I wanted to be with him'.

Mrs Hussain explained to the interviewing police officer how upset it made her feel to be racially abused.

Flowers were left at the scene of the attack, which allegedly started after Mr Momand intervened when his wife was called a p*** c***

Mrs Hussain said: 'We were just going shopping. Why do we have to get attacked? I don't feel safe in my house anymore.'

The officer asked if there was any 'warning' the two defendants were going to be violent towards them.

Mrs Hussain replied: 'He just kept saying: 'I'll f****** smash you' to my husband.'

When the officer asked what Mr Momand had done, Mrs Hussain said: 'Nothing he was just asking: "Why are you saying that to my wife?"'

She then broke off in tears before saying: 'They literally beat him to death.'

A post-mortem examination revealed that Mr Momand died from a head injury.

Reporting restrictions meant Pountney's identity was not initially published as he was 17 at the time of the incident. But he can now be named after turning 18.

The trial is set to last for three to four weeks.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 23:43:49|Editor: huaxia

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BRUSSELS, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday announced that she proposes Mairead McGuinness to be new European Commissioner from Ireland.

If approved by the European Parliament and the European Council, McGuinness will be in charge of financial services, financial stability and the Capital Markets Union, according to von der Leyen's statement.

The Irish position became vacant following the resignation of former Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan, in the wake of controversy about his compliance with COVID-19 protection during a visit to Ireland.

The trade commissioner portfolio held by Hogan will go to Valdis Dombrovskis of Latvia, who is currently the Executive Vice President of the Commission for An Economy that Works for People. Dombrovskis would also remain the Commission representative on the Eurogroup, alongside with Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni, von der Leyen said.

Dombrovskis has been interim trade commissioner since Hogan's resignation.

Von der Leyen noted in her statement that McGuinness has significant political experience on EU issues, having been an MEP since 2004 and currently holding the post of First Vice-President of the European Parliament. Enditem
BRNO, Czech Republic, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Flowmon Networks, a network intelligence company, has today announced an alliance with Paessler AG, an IT monitoring specialist. The integrated solution brings together broad IT infrastructure monitoring and advanced performance and security analysis to ensure a healthy and secure run of digital environments.

Managing today's ever-changing IT environment requires a bullet-proof certainty that all assets are reliable, well-functioning and protected. Enhancing the symbiosis of IT infrastructure monitoring with advanced NetSecOps technology is only a natural step along the path to reaching this goal. Flowmon and Peassler's PRTG integrated solution brings together the excellence of both worlds.

"We are excited to cooperate with an IT infrastructure monitoring leader like Paessler. Several points of synergy between our solutions promise a great benefit to all who desire their digital environment to be more transparent, reliable, and secure," says Pavel Minarik, CTO at Flowmon Networks.

Paessler's PRTG Network Monitor monitors IT infrastructure, its availability, performance, and applications as well as cloud services or virtual environments. Using conventional monitoring methods and protocols combined with a powerful API, it has become one of the most widely-adopted solutions for broad IT monitoring.

"Integrating Flowmon with PRTG creates a new level of insights from both solutions, bringing together a broad overview with in-depth analytics, making it even easier for our customers to keep their IT up and running and secure," explains Steven Feurer, CTO at Paessler. "We found a partner that makes a great fit with Paessler, from a business point of view as well as from a technical perspective," he adds.

Integration with Flowmon allows feeding PRTG with network telemetry data, unlocking AI-powered analysis and advanced security features. Performance and security events detected by Flowmon are displayed on the PRTG dashboard and grouped by severity, allowing for a faster response. Moreover, when an unusual incident happens, PRTG alerts the user, who can then directly switch to Flowmon for root-cause analysis.

IT specialists using Flowmon together with PRTG enjoy the following benefits:

Know everything: Broad IT monitoring, combined with in-depth flow analysis, joined to deliver maximum transparency.

Enhance security: Detect unusual behavior, recognize indicators of compromise, insider threats and DDoS attacks, monitor firewalls, virus scanners, and backups.

High availability monitoring: Monitor Flowmon with PRTG and assure availability with PRTG's included failover.

Flowmon's network intelligence integrates NetOps and SecOps into one versatile solution. It delivers actionable insights by automatically analyzing network traffic and detecting advanced threats, which eliminates the trouble of sifting through information noise. It allows IT professionals to quickly learn about breaches and performance degradations, understand their context, impact, magnitude, and root cause, and respond to them in time.

Further resources

Join us for Integrating Flowmon and PRTG guarantees IT performance and maximises security webinar on Wednesday 16th September at 3 PM (GMT+2).

Learn more about the integration of Flowmon and PRTG in this joint solution brief.

About Flowmon Networks

Flowmon creates a secure and transparent digital environment where people rule the network regardless of its complexity and nature.

About Paessler AG

In 1997 Paessler revolutionized IT monitoring with the introduction of PRTG Network Monitor. Today over 300,000 IT administrators, in more than 170 countries, rely on PRTG to monitor their business-critical systems, devices and network infrastructures. PRTG monitors the entire IT infrastructure 24/7 and helps IT professionals to seamlessly solve problems before they impact users.

Our mission is to empower technical teams to manage their infrastructure, ensuring maximum productivity. We build lasting partnerships and integrative, holistic solutions to achieve this. Thinking beyond IT networks, Paessler is actively developing solutions to support digital transformation strategies and the Internet of Things.

Learn more about Paessler and PRTG at www.paessler.com

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/590352/Flowmon_Networks_Logo.jpg

For additional information, please contact:

Lukas Dolnicek

PR & Communications

T: 00 420 530 510 616

E: lukas.dolnicek@flowmon.com
David Gordon knows his way around a rectangle. This choreographer and director has stared at them  and filled the spaces inside of them with his imaginative arrangements of words and movement  for ages. He is, after all, 84.

There has been the rectangle of the stage, the rectangle of the page on which he writes or draws and even the rectangle of a store window; for years he designed the displays at Azuma, a much-beloved New York City shop.

Now he is faced with another rectangle: the screen. Mr. Gordon, an Obie Award-winning director and founding member of the 1960s collective Judson Dance Theater, may not grasp the ins and outs of TikTok, but it seems as though hes been preparing for digital dance  one of the few ways to present the art form during the coronavirus pandemic  his entire career.
A second round of stimulus measures for the economy is on the table, and the central government is closely monitoring how different industries are recovering so that it can support them when needed, a senior government official said.

The Centre is also paying extra attention to ensure that its planned capital expenditure is executed without any hurdles.

The government wants to time any further easing of its purse strings to deliver the maximum impact. It fears that delivering another round of stimulus measures before the coronavirus pandemic has peaked in India wont provide optimal results.

We are keeping all options open and are watching the situation closely, the official said on condition of anonymity.

(We will) keep supporting sections of the industry as and when there is a need, said the official, pointing to the evolving situation. The pandemic is not yet over. We do not have a vaccine yet, said the official.

The Narendra Modi administration has already raised its borrowings for the current year by 53% to 12 trillion to deal with the humanitarian and economic impact of the coronavirus crisis.

The pandemic, however, has shown no signs of abating. India surpassed Brazil to become the country with the worlds second-highest number of coronavirus cases. Given the surge in caseload, many economists have pared their initial forecasts for the September quarter to less optimistic levels.

Though many high-frequency economic activity indicators are still in the red, the pace of contraction has been reducing, giving the central government confidence of a V shaped recovery.

One area receiving special attention from government is capital expenditure. There is no cutback in already committed spending, and Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is holding periodic reviews to ensure that the central government and state-owned enterprises execute their capex plans.

However, departments are not encouraged to come up with new projects, anticipating that these will get cleared during supplementary demands for grants, as the focus is on executing already firmed up plans.

It is not that we are rationalizing (expenditure) in that sense. Whatever is scheduled to be spent by the government and departments is going on, said the official.

In a May interview, Sitharaman said that a second stimulus package was not ruled out and all options were open.

In the June quarter, Indias GDP contracted by around 24%, reflecting the intensity of the nationwide lockdown, one of the most stringent in the world.

The first-quarter GDP growth numbers highlighted a challenging outlook for the economy, although agriculture recorded an output growth.
WATERLOO REGION  Parents who work away from home are taking more days off, using more vacation days, asking more favours of grandparents and other family or friends  whatever it takes to find someone to watch their kids.

Families are scrambling after the Waterloo Region District School Board announced last week they were pushing back the start date of school for most students.

Most students in public elementary schools will be returning September 14 and 15 instead of the scheduled September 8 and 9.

Sara Daniel and her husband Chris are sending their son Michael to start senior kindergarten this fall. Both work full-time away from home, and finding new child care arrangements has been challenging.

Trying to find someone to watch your kid with a weeks notice for even one entire day is pretty hard, says Daniel. Were tapping out all our resources.

The Daniels arranged for their son to stay with his grandmother for two extra nights until Wednesday, then Thursday and Friday hell be staying with her sister.

The week after that she and her husband will trade-off going to work late and leaving early in order to drop off and pick up Michael, since before- and after-school care wont start until Wednesday. For his staggered days off, Michael will spend the day with his other aunt.

Luckily, Sara grew up in the area and has a well-woven network of family and friends.

What about people who have just moved here? she says. They dont have a network like me. Even with my network its still stressful and hard.

Theyve got to do what theyve got to do so everyone feels comfortable and safe to come back to school, but more notice would have been nice.

Officials from the Waterloo Region District School Board acknowledged the challenge.

This was a difficult decision, but one we believe is necessary to ensure we are best positioned to meet the needs of our students and staff, said education director John Bryant last week.

Kandace and Mike Boos of Kitchener are sending their kids Caleb and Junia into Grade 2 and junior kindergarten.

My calendar is nuts, it looks like a novel, says Boos.

The short notice was really hard because Im starting a masters (degree). All day tomorrow I have classes, said Boos.

They arranged a complicated combination of care involving daycare, taking time off work, and help from family.

RELATED STORIES Students head back to school over next two weeks

Its very all over the place.

Laura Camplin works as a teacher in Guelph, while her husband Jeremy works from home and watches their two children, Allie and Nathan. Nathan is starting junior kindergarten this year and will be spending it at home with some distance learning activities provided from his Elmira teacher.

Camplin sees the situation from the viewpoint of a teacher and parent simultaneously.

You have to do whats best for your family. Every family has a different situation, she says.

Everybodys working their butt off to make it safe to return and to make the best of the online learning. If everybody is kind to one another, then well get through it.
In a new twist in a tumultuous race, San Marcos Unified School District Board challenger Christina Linden has obtained a temporary restraining order against her opponents husband following a confrontation at a street fair.

The incident emerged from what has become a bitter race in San Marcos first district-based elections. In these races, voters choose representatives for specific areas of the city, a strategy intended to increase diversity of representation.

In the first race for Trustee Area E, in the northern part of the school district, however, both candidates are Latina Democrats who would appear to be like-minded colleagues, but have emerged as adversaries in a bare-knuckle political brawl.

The latest clash led to Lindens request for a restraining order against Daniel Finkenthal, the husband of school board president Stacy Carlson, pending a court hearing on her complaint. The court action follows an argument at the San Marcos Fall Festival Sunday, when Finkenthal approached Lindens booth about a missing campaign sign.

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A video of the incident shows Finkenthal arguing with representatives at Lindens booth about the sign and other campaign issues, but doesnt include footage of the alleged assault. Linden said Finkenthal grabbed her phone while she was recording the exchange, and pushed her as she tried to retrieve it.

San Marcos Unified School Board candidate Christina Linden (Courtesy of Christina Linden)

He physically took my property and was very aggressive, very threatening in his behavior, she said. I dont know what anyone is capable of, so if hes willing to do that in public, of course I would want to protect my family and my kids.

Finkenthal and Carlson said they had not been served the temporary restraining order yet, but Finkenthal obtained a copy from the courthouse Thursday. They said they had not had a chance to review it and couldnt comment on its allegations.

I actually dont know what shes alleging, Carlson said. I havent seen it. We havent been served. She made sure that the media got it before we got it, which is kind of strange. If youre so terrified of somebody that you need to get a temporary restraining order, you think you would make sure they get it.

The San Diego Union-Tribune received an emailed copy of the restraining order from the Linden campaign Tuesday, and independently obtained the document from the San Diego Superior Courts North County Division. In the restraining order request, Linden alleges that Finkenthal made profane and derogatory comments, would not leave her campaign booth, then grabbed her cellphone.

The temporary restraining order requires Finkenthal to stay 100 yards from Linden and her family, as well as their home, schools and workplaces, and to surrender any firearms. Those restrictions are valid until a court hearing on the complaint, scheduled for Nov. 2.

Carlson said Linden and her campaign volunteers are the ones who are stoking conflict between the candidates.

I understand that I am a public figure, but I also have a right to privacy, she said. These people have done everything they can to invade my privacy and incite people. I dont think that people like it. I dont think that voters like it. I dont think San Marcos likes it.

The election has been unusually rancorous for a school board race, particularly for San Marcos, a North County suburb known for its stable civic life and subdued politics. Linden has taken aim not only at Carlsons voting record, but also at her personal finances and educational background. Her campaign sent media outlets copies of legal documents about financial disputes regarding Carlsons home, and posted those on her website.

San Marcos Unified School Board Member Stacy Carlson (SMUSD)

Last month, Lindens campaign noted that Carlson, who had listed a degree in business administration from Vanguard University in Orange County, had not actually completed graduation requirements.

Carlson attributed the conflict to a misunderstanding with the college, and said she had made up the required credits in 2002, and believed that she had earned her diploma. However, after meeting Vanguard officials following Lindens complaint, Carlson said she is taking steps to finalize her degree.

Lindens involvement in the school districts politics  and her disagreements with Carlson  began before she ever ran for office. In October 2016, she was one of two plaintiffs in a lawsuit demanding district elections for San Marcos schools. The suit filed by Malibu-based attorney Kevin Shenkman alleged that disenfranchisement of the Latino community is so complete, that it is believed that no Latino has ever been elected to the district board.

Carlson, who had served on the board since 2014, disputed that, pointing out her ties to Latino civic groups, and her fathers Mexican heritage.

In spring of this year, Linden began contemplating a run for school board, and in August she filed papers for her candidacy. An active member of parent teachers organizations with her childrens schools, she said her chief platforms have been increasing community influence with the school board, and adding busing routes, in order to reduce the distance that students must walk to school.

Out of the gate, Linden took aim at Carlson, delving into opposition research. Lindens campaign released financial paperwork on her adversary online and to news outlets, probed Carlsons school records and protested her endorsements by the San Diego Democratic Party and the San Marcos Educators Association, the districts teachers union.

Michael DeVries, president of the teachers union, said Linden was scheduled for an endorsement interview in May, but did not show up. Linden said she had a scheduling mix-up, but felt the union should have held the interviews later, after the candidate filing deadline. The union endorsed Carlson, a decision that DeVries said is supported by her school board record.

Our feeling is that she has been an advocate for both students and teachers during her tenure on the board, and we feel she will continue to do so, he said. Christina Linden had the opportunity to meet with us for our endorsement process, and she did not.

DeVries said the vitriol of this race has surprised him, even after 11 years as union president.

Weve been involved in a school board campaign every year, he said. Ive never seen a campaign like this one, that the Lindens are running. Ive never seen one thats this dirty, where theyve made it this personal.

When Linden posted the names of teachers slated for layoffs on her Facebook page, DeVries asked her to take them down, saying it was upsetting the teachers. Linden said this week that she had since removed the names, but as of Thursday, the names were still posted on her page.

Linden countered that the union is protecting its interests in the election, not the political high ground.

Stacys campaign is run by the union, Linden said. This is the first time a candidate has ever challenged the union directly. They call it acrimonious because I disagree with their candidate.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan
MCO market 2020

MCO market 2020

Parsippany, NJ, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In 2020, Kline anticipates two-wheeler sales to decline due the impact of the COVID-19 on low- and mid-income segments of the population in developing countries that make up a large percentage of two-wheeler users. Nevertheless, driven by the demand for individual mobility, industry growth is expected to bounce back in 2021. According to Klines just-published Lubricants for Motorcycles, Scooters, and Mopeds: Global Market Analysis and Opportunities study, the global motorcycle oil (MCO) market is projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.8% from 2019 to 2024. To learn more about this resilient market, join our free webinar , taking place on October 7, 2020.

The growth rate is lower than what has historically been witnessed, due to the disruption in demand in 2020 and contraction of Chinas demand beyond 2020. North America will most likely register the highest growth in CAGR terms, but the Asia-Pacific region will have the highest volume growth. The two-wheeler population in Europe is expected to register the lowest growth due to dwindling sales and an aging two-wheeler population, along with an overall slowing in economic activity.

The increasing commercial use of two-wheelers is primarily driving growth in the MCO market. According to Sushmita Dutta, the project manager of Klines study, Using two-wheelers as taxis and courier/delivery services is increasing in almost all regions, not just in developing countries. E-commerce has been favorably affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people have increased their online purchasing due to the stay-at-home policy in many countries. This change in consumer purchasing behavior is expected to be permanent, providing an impetus to further e-commerce growth and, thus, the rising use of two-wheelers for delivery services. Dutta adds, Unlike personal-use vehicles, two-wheelers utilized for commercial transportation accumulate higher mileage and require lubrication more frequently, driving the MCO demand.

Story continues

Key product growth segments are semi-synthetic and original equipment manufacturers (OEM) genuine lubricants. The penetration of OEM genuine lubricants has significantly increased globally during the past few years. In India, the largest two-wheeler market globally, genuine oils accounted for 5%-10% of the countrys MCO demand in 2019. Almost every leading OEM (Harley-Davidson, Hero, Honda, Suzuki, TVS, Kawasaki, and Yamaha) has its own brand of genuine oils. Adoption of these oils varies according to the country, depending on their popularity, pricing, and the marketing efforts of the OEMs and their authorized workshops. Genuine oils have a higher usage preference over other merchant brands in countries such as Indonesia and the United States, among others.

A further penetration of genuine oils is expected to positively influence synthetics adoption, as the consumers of genuine oils are more likely to adhere to OEM recommendations. In Asia-Pacific and South America, where most end users of two-wheelers belong to low- or mid-income segments, synthetics will continue to face challenges. However, with the increasing sales of automatic scooters and higher-cylinder-capacity vehicles in these regions, a shift toward semi-synthetic will likely be witnessed.

Electric vehicle (EV) penetration is increasing globally, but they are not being seen as a significant MCO growth disrupter in the near future. This is because twowheeler adoption volumes are very low and are insignificant in most countries. The only exception is China, which has experienced exponential growth in the electric two-wheeler population over the last five years. While the MCO market in China will continue to shrink due to this trend, markets in other countries will expand, resulting in an overall positive outlook for the global market. However, the Indian governments proposed move toward EVs, and other countries desire to promote EVs, could be detrimental for the industry beyond the forecast period.

About Kline

Kline is a worldwide consulting and research firm dedicated to providing the kind of insight and knowledge that helps companies find a clear path to success. The firm has served the management consulting and market research needs of organizations in the agrochemicals, beauty & personal care, chemicals & materials, energy, and life sciences industries for more than 60 years. For more information, visit www.KlineGroup.com.



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CONTACT: Vera Sandarova Kline & Company Vera.Sandarova@klinegroup.com




By PTI

MUMBAI: Actor Rhea Chakraborty's lawyer said after her arrest by the NCB on Tuesday that she was being hounded by three agencies only because she was in love with a man who was a "drug addict" and had "mental health issues".

Chakraborty was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau in a drug case linked to her boyfriend, actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death.

"This is a complete travesty of justice," said her lawyer Satish Maneshinde.

"Three central agencies hounding a single woman, just because she was in love with a drug addict and a person suffering from mental health issues," he added.

Rajput, who allegedly hanged himself at his Bandra residence here on June 14, had been been treated by five leading psychiatrists in the city, Maneshinde claimed.

"But he ended up ending his life due to consumption of illegally administered medicines and (also) used to consume drugs," the lawyer said, adding that Chakraborty was prepared for the worst.

Chakraborty (28) was arrested under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act's sections 8(c) (sale, possession or manufacture of banned drugs), 20(b)(ii) (possession or use of small quantity of banned drugs) and other relevant provisions.

She is likely to be produced before a magistrate's court through video link on Wednesday.

Apart from the drugs case, she is facing an abetment of suicide case in connection with Rajput's death which the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing, and a related money laundering case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Rajput's father who accused Chakraborty of abeting his son's suicide had also claimed that she siphoned off Rs 15 crore from his son's bank accounts.

The ED launched a probe into this aspect.

The NCB began a probe after Chakraborty's mobile phone chats allegedly revealed that she used to consume drugs.
Luxembourg's job market appears to be recovering slowly from the health crisis, with residents the first to benefit from the creation of new roles.

Luxembourg's labour market, one of the most robust in the world, is getting back on its feet following the health crisis. Although many jobs were at risk during the spring and summer of 2020, over the last few weeks, employers have been recruiting for new positions.

The Fondation Idea revealed in its latest publication that the labour market had seen 8,453 new roles created since May, for the benefit of residents over cross-border workers.

Statec data supports this statement - in July, the number of employed residents exceeded its pre-crisis level (+308 positions occupied), after a sharp drop during confinement (-3,700).

For cross-border commuters, the rebound is somewhat slower: in July, they were still 864 jobs short of February's figures for roles in Luxembourg. The growth in cross-border employment, which is traditionally far higher than resident employment, only exceeded resident growth in the month of July.

The Fondation Idea clarified that compared to pre-crisis levels, 602 jobs had suffered. However, the average growth rate based on 2019 projections should have allowed for 8,000 additional jobs in July, showing the market still has some way to go before attaining normal levels.
Some not yet eligible for retirement have told her they will take a year off and then go back or will go to work for one of the virtual charter schools. Others said they will try teaching in their schools for a semester and then reevaluate the situation.

Geri Ayers, a former English teacher who is a board member for Chisholm Public Schools in Enid, said the board approved eight staff resignations at its meeting Aug. 5, one week before in-person school started.

Theyre just afraid. Several others have gone back into the classroom but are afraid, Ayers said. With the teacher shortage, its really become a strain on the schools.

Among those resigning was Lindy LeGrant, an upper-level math teacher at Chisholm High School. That position can be difficult to fill, especially with short notice.

LeGrant, 64, said she watched the number of COVID-19 cases growing across the nation, beginning in New York, where her son lives. As the first day of school grew closer, cases were increasing in her community and the state.

I just wasnt comfortable returning, she said. I thought about it a long time. It was difficult to make that decision.
DUBLIN and NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Avature, a leading enterprise SaaS platform for talent acquisition and talent management, has announced an integration with WeChat Work, Tencent's enterprise-level office management platform that combines the traditional WeChat ecosystem with specific functions to manage communications within companies, improve internal stakeholder efficiency and boost business relations.

By integrating with one of the biggest tech companies in China, Avature continues to deepen its efforts and focus in the region, where it's already serving leading clients like L'Oreal, Bayer and Shell and, WeChat Work has supported more than 220 million people during the pandemic not only making it one of the market leaders but spearheading China's digital revolution in the workplace.

Thanks to the new partnership, Avature now offers single sign-on with WeChat Work, so users can seamlessly log into its portals directly from WeChat Work Station, without the need to enter credentials again. This way, recruiters and hiring managers can optimize their processes, save time and drive efficiency when carrying out a broad range of HR activities with ease and on-the-go.

The integration arrives amid a turning point in the region's business landscape. Lockdown measures and social distancing protocols motivated by the pandemic have accelerated China's digital transformation, prompting organizations to search for alternatives to optimize communications and engagement. As the country now begins to transit through its post-COVID reality, productivity apps are expected to be an intrical part of the work environment going forward.

"In addition to facilitating integrations directly requested by customers, Avature is continuously on the lookout for new integrations," Dimitri Boylan, Avature founder and CEO, explained. "These integrations will drive value and benefit users as part of our commitment to improving day-to-day life for sourcers and recruiters."

About Avature

Pioneer of CRM technology for recruiting, Avature is a highly configurable enterprise SaaS platform for talent acquisition and talent management that drives innovation in the HCM software space. Founded by Dimitri Boylan, Avature empowers the leading-edge HR strategies of over 650 enterprise-level customers in 164 countries and 32 languages. These include 110 of the Fortune 500 and 28 of the Forbes Global 100.

Avature's solutions include shared services sourcing, applicant tracking, video interviewing, campus and events recruiting, employee referral management, social onboarding, branded employee engagement and performance management, employee mobility and contingent workforce management. Avature delivers its services from its private cloud, located in data centers in the US, Europe and Asia, and has offices in Buenos Aires, London, Madrid, Melbourne, Munich, New York, Shenzhen and Paris. Learn more at www.avature.net or follow @Avature.

SOURCE Avature

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www.avature.net


02/09/2020 (L to r) Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD & Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue TD during a session of Dail Eireann at the Convention Centre, Dublin. Photo:Gareth Chaney/Collins

New Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has conceded that he faces a tough battle to secure funding for the sector from Budget 2021.

In an interview with the Farming Independent, Minister McConalogue agreed that a fierce battle to secure funding is likely at the Cabinet table because of the battering the countrys finances have taken from Covid-19.

The budget is going to be really important with Brexit on the horizon, but also in relation to the transition period for CAP. We need to roll over schemes and to get those properly funded. Thats a big priority in the next five to six weeks, the Minister said.

With farmers still in the dark over the future of CAP payments from next year, Minster McConalogue conceded this was a major cause of concern, but he hopes more clarity will emerge in the coming weeks.

Negotiations on CAP reform post-2020 stalled because of the uncertainty around the EU budget, and it is still unclear if the new EU farm programme will be delayed by one year or two.

"Certainly some of the indications at EU level are that there is a need for two years. Over the next couple of weeks, we will have to engage with what are the transitional arrangements for next year. This is one of my first objectives," he said.

The establishment of a National Food Ombudsman office will be another key priority this autumn.
L upita Nyongo has described the late Chadwick Boseman as being fuelled by love in a touching statement following the star's death.

The 37-year-old, who starred alongside Bosemans King TChalla in 2018 hit film Black Panther, paid her respects to the star after he died last month following a previously private colon cancer diagnosis.

Sharing a picture of herself laughing alongside her co-star, Nyongo shared a long letter detailing her feelings about Bosemans unexpected passing.

I write these words from a place of hopelessness, to honour a man who had great hope, her post began.

I am struggling to think and speak about my friend, Chadwick Boseman, in the past tense. It doesnt make sense.

The news of his passing is a punch to my gut every morning. I am aware that we are all mortal, but you come across some people in life that possess an immortal energy, that seems like they have existed before, that are exactly where they are supposed to always be  here!  that seem ageless Chadwick was one of those people.

Nyongo went on to explain Bosemans quiet and powerful presence when they worked together.

A number of Boseman's colleagues have paid their respect / Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP

Chadwick was a man who made the most of his time, and somehow also managed to take his time, she said. I didnt know him for long, but he had a profound effect on me in the time that I did.

When we came together to make Black Panther, I remember being struck by his quiet, powerful presence. He had no airs about him, but there was a higher frequency that he seems to operate from. You got the sense that he was fully present and also somehow fully aware of things in the distant future.

As a result, I noticed that Chadwick never seemed rushed! He commanded his time with easeAnd he put in the work with all of us. He showed up to every rehearsal and training and shoot day with his game face on. He was absorbent. Agile.

The Us actor then described how Boseman had been a rock of support while they worked together

He set the bar high by working with a generosity of spirit, creating an ego-free environment by sheer example, and he always had a warm gaze and a strong embrace to share, she said. Chadwicks hands were strong enough to carry the weight of the film and free enough to clasp mine when I needed it.

Nyongo has said she's struggled to come to terms with Boseman's death / Getty Images

Going on to explain Bosemans good-hearted nature that saw him never complaining, and never speaking down or ill on others, Nyongo described how the star lived life to the full, before discussing the profound effect he had on people of colour.

When I was around Chadwick, I wanted to be better, less petty, more purposeful, she said.

He was fuelled by love, not fear. He moved quietly, deliberately and without imposing himself or his ideals on others. And yet he also made damn sure that his life meant something. He was unwavering about that. He cared so deeply about humanity, about Black people, about his people.

He activated our pride. By pushing through and working with such high purpose in the films he chose to commit to, Chadwick has made the infinite his home. We are all charged by his work as a result, by his presence in our lives. His power lives on and will reverberate for generations to come. He used his life force to tell meaningful stories. And now we tell his.

Saying she is struggling to comprehend his death, Nyongo finished her post by paying her prespect to Bosemans grieving family.

The touching tribute comes a day after a number of Bosewicks co-stars, including Michael B Hordan and Winston Duke celebrated Bosemans life at a private memorial in Malibu.
The Flagbearer and Founder of Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Reverend Christian Kwabena Andrews, popularly known as Sofo Kyiriabosom, has stated that his government will prosecute the current President Nana Akufo-Addo over the 'wasteful' National Cathedral project should he win the 2020 December, elections.

According to him, the President deceived Ghanaians and wasted resources by pulling down a supposed property to build a Chapel for God which has never been achieved.

He also said that Ghanaians are not in full support of the National Cathedral project.

"I will take Nana Addo to court when I'm elected as President because he is disturbing Ghanaians. He promised to build a chapel for Christ which he supposed to buy land and do that but he pulled down a national property."

He said this in an interview after addressing the media in Accra on the miraculous incident that happened over the weekend when on a campaign tour in the Western North region.

Detailing what transpired on the trail, he said, "On my regional campaign at Sefwi Bekwai in the Western North Region, after greeting the chiefs and the residents a miraculous rainbow in a circular form appeared in the sky and the whole place became dark for some seconds. It began to disappear the moment my convoy began to move from the place which I see as a sign of victory. We all know Rainbow is a sign of victory, peace, and unity which I strongly believe God wants me to rule Ghana with peace," he said.

Osofo Kyiriabosom said Ghanaians are fed up with political parties like New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Party(NDC), adding that the leaders are liars and have nothing to offer the good people of Ghana.

"The New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)  had both failed to transform a country like Ghana that is endowed with rich natural and human resources.

Although he acknowledged the fact that there have been some attempts such as Akufo-Addos flagship One District One Factory and rearing for food and jobs, he described it as a failed promise.

Punching the NDC too, he said Former President John Mahamas return into the presidential race was pointless as he had nothing to offer the people because he had his chance to rule

He was emphatical that Mahamas records showed that he failed woefully in fixing unemployment issues, fighting corruption, and contributed to putting the nation at great financial risk by borrowing excessively which the current government is doing despite promising Ghana Beyond Aid.

"Nana Addo promised Ghana Beyond Aid which means we don't need any help but he has borrowed a lot. For the records if the debt is to be shared among Ghanaians each person has to pay GH10,000 to pay," he said.

"The time has come for Ghanaians to make use of their common sense rather than allowing members of NDC and NPP to fool them," the GUM leader advised.

He, then, urged everyone to vote massively for GUM come December 2020 General Election for good governance.
Arizona News

Phoenix, Arizona - As Arizona continues to take proactive measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Governor Ducey today issued an Executive Order deferring requirements to renew standard driver licenses that have an expiration date between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 by one year from their original expiration date.

This action will minimize in-person visits to Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) Offices and help contain the spread of COVID-19.

View this information in Spanish HERE.

Arizona continues to focus on proactive steps to protect the health of our communities and keep our state moving in the right direction, said Governor Ducey. "Todays commonsense Executive Order extends the deadline for drivers to renew their licenses by one year, helping reduce the number of in-person MVD visits during the upcoming months and protecting our most vulnerable.



Under this Executive Order, all Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board certified law enforcement officers as well as state government agencies, county and municipal governments, and election officials will accept Arizona driver license cards with expiration dates between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 as valid identification for any purposes for which unexpired driver license cards would otherwise be accepted.



Governor Ducey in March issued an Executive Order delaying expiration dates on Arizona driver licenses for six months, ensuring residents over the age of 65 do not need to visit MVD offices to renew their driver licenses during the public health emergency.



Starting Wednesday, any driver may see their updated driver license expiration date at AZMVDNow.gov. Drivers have the option to order a duplicate license with the updated expiration date.
Mollie, an Amsterdam, The Netherlands-based payment service provider, closed a 90m Euro (US$100m) Series B funding round.

The round, which brought the total amount raised by the company to 115m, was led by TCV.

The company will use the funding to accelerate international expansion and invest in product and engineering.

Launched in 2004 by Adriaan Mol, Mollie is a PSP facilitating companies of all sizes to scale and grow by using different payment methods. With the help of a payments-API, it can offer multiple payment methods in a uniform way. Mollie currently has nearly 100,000 customers in Europe (expecting to process well over 10 billion Euro transaction volume this year and doubling year-on-year) and employs an international team of nearly 300 professionals.

The company is headquartered in Amsterdam and has offices in four other locations across Europe.

FinSMEs

08/09/2020
Frontrunner is 71-year-old Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga who says tackling the coronavirus will be a priority.

Japans governing party on Tuesday kicked off the race to pick Prime Minister Shinzo Abes successor, with his powerful right-hand man Yoshihide Suga commanding an all-but-insurmountable lead.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga, the 71-year-old son of a strawberry farmer, has already secured the support of significant factions in the Liberal Democratic Party ahead of its leadership vote on September 14.

But he is not running unchallenged, with a popular former defence minister and the partys policy chief standing against him.

With the LDP commanding a solid legislative majority, whoever wins the contest is certain to win a parliamentary vote on September 16 and be named the countrys next prime minister.

The LDP race began after Abe, modern Japans longest-serving prime minister, announced in late August that he was resigning because of ill health.

There is also speculation that the new leader may also call a snap election to shore up public support.

On Tuesday morning, representatives for Suga and his rivals  former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba and party policy chief Fumio Kishida  formally registered their candidacies.

At a public address later, Suga said he would make fighting the coronavirus his priority and would continue with Abes economic strategy, known as Abenomics.





The contenders will also take part in two public debates, although the vote itself will include only LDP politicians and three party representatives from each of Japans 47 regions. A broader vote including rank-and-file party members was ruled out, with officials saying it would take too long to organise.

Whoever takes the top office will face multiple challenges  from the coronavirus and the associated collapse in the economy to ensuring the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games will go ahead next year.

Powerful enforcer

Ishiba and Kishida have both spoken of the need to ensure that stimulus unleashed following the coronavirus crisis targets those most in need.

Former banker Ishiba, 63, is popular with the electorate and consistently topped polls before Abes resignation.

A defence policy wonk, he supports strengthening the role of the countrys Self-Defense Forces in the pacifist constitution.

But he is still regarded with suspicion by some in the LDP because he left the party for a time, serving as an independent and then with a rival party, before returning.

Kishida, also 63, was long viewed as Abes heir apparent and considered the prime ministers favoured successor.

But he appeared to fall from grace more recently, with his proposal for targeted stimulus being cast aside in favour of money for all residents, and Abe has declined to publicly support any one candidate.

Suga had until recently denied any ambition for the top job but said he decided to run to continue Abes programmes, especially economic measures.

Suga has said tackling the coronavirus will be a priority if he becomes prime minister [File: Kimimasa Mayama/EPA]

He put himself through night college by working odd jobs before winning a Yokohama city council seat, and has served as Abes closest adviser and a powerful enforcer of government policy.

Suga is seen as able to bend Japans vast and sometimes intransigent bureaucracy to the governments will, but has come under fire for his dealing with journalists, with critics accusing him of dodging questions.

Abe rose to power by touting conservative policies including amending the constitution.

But what is known of Sugas policy interests tends towards the practical rather than the ideological, including speeding up digitalisation of government agencies, cutting the cost of mobile services and increasing foreign tourism.
The Detroit Tigers arrived in Minnesota on Friday needing to win games to make up ground in the American League playoff chase.

They will go back home after having lost four of five, including a 6-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Monday afternoon at Target Field.

Twins starter Michael Pineda pitched seven strong innings and the Tigers couldnt repeat the 17-hit offensive outburst that led them to victory on Sunday.

Tigers starter Michael Fulmer ran into trouble in the third after pitching two scoreless innings. He gave up a solo home run to Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers and left the bases loaded for reliever Daniel Norris. Twins left fielder Eddie Rosario bounced a ball off the bag at first, scoring three runs.

Jeimer Candelario, who had a walk and two doubles, scored both the Tigers runs.

The Tigers (18-21) play a two-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers beginning Tuesday at Comerica Park.

The box score and game updates are below.

GAME RECAP

Top 9th: Twins reliever Taylor Rogers struck out the side, retiring Jeimer Candelario, Willi Castro and Travis Demeritte. Final: Twins 6, Tigers 2.

Bottom 8th: Tigers reliever Rony Garcia gives up two long fly-ball outs before Byron Buxton hits one 416 feet to give the Twins an extra cushion. Twins 6, Tigers 2.

Top 8th: The Tigers got a runner into scoring position against Twins reliever Cody Stashak when Victor Reyes walked and got to second on a wild pitch. But Jonathan Schoop grounded out and Miguel Cabrera struck out to end the inning. Twins 5, Tigers 2.

Bottom 7th: Tigers reliever Joe Jimenez struck out two in a scoreless seventh inning. Miguel Sano was not among them, as the Twins sluggers was getting a day off. Twins 5, Tigers 2.

Top 7th: The Tigers get a run back but miss an opportunity to add more against Michael Pineda. Jeimer Candelario led off with a double and scored on a fielders choice. Candelario has two doubles and a walk today and has scored both the Tigers runs. Twins 5, Tigers 2.

Bottom 6th: As the rain started to fall on a chilly day in Minnesota, Byron Buxton reached on a one-out double but the Twins got nothing more against Daniel Norris. Twins 5, Tigers 1.

Top 6th: Michael Pineda adds a couple more strikeouts and now has seven on the day. He gets Victor Reyes and Miguel Cabrera in a 1-2-3 inning. Twins 5, Tigers 1.

Bottom 5th: Daniel Norris got a couple of groundouts and a lineout by Eddie Rosario for a quick fifth inning. Twins 5, Tigers 1.

Top 5th: Michael Pineda retired the Tigers in order. Right fielder Jake Cave made a nice catch to end the inning, leaping into the seats along the line to grab Isaac Paredes fly ball. Twins 5, Tigers 1.

Bottom 4th: The Twins get that run right back. Jake Cave reached on a bunt single and scored on Ryan Jeffers RBI base hit. Twins 5, Tigers 1.

Top 4th: The Tigers have started chipping away at the Twins four-run lead. Jeimer Candelario doubled and Willi Castro singled him home with two outs. Twins 4, Tigers 1.

Willi Castro!

Hitting Machine!

RBI Single and the @tigers are on the board.#DetroitRoots pic.twitter.com/m5WUtLtySp  FOX Sports Detroit (@FOXSportsDet) September 7, 2020

Bottom 3rd: Michael Fulmer allowed a one-out home run to Ryan Jeffers, followed by a double, walk and single. Acting manager Lloyd McClendon went to Daniel Norris for a lefty-lefty matchup against Eddie Rosario with the bases loaded. Rosario hit a soft bouncer that caromed off the bag at first for a bases-clearing double. Twins 4, Tigers 0.

Final line for Michael Fulmer



2.1 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K. 47 pitches, 23 strikes (0 whiffs).



He didn't run into trouble until the 3rd and three of the four scored after he departed.



Still disappointing after he had 6 strikeouts in his last outing.  Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) September 7, 2020

Top 3rd: A lightning-quick inning for Michael Pinedo, who needs just six pitches to retire the Tigers order. He got Isaac Paredes swinging for his fourth strikeout. Tigers 0, Twins 0.

Bottom 2nd: Eddie Rosario reached on a lead-off single, but Michael Fulmer retired the next three batters. Hes at 28 pitches through two innings, which means a four-inning outing could be in reach if he has a quick third. Tigers 0, Twins 0.

Top 2nd: After a lead-off walk to Jeimer Candelario, Michael Pineda struck out Willi Castro, Christin Stewart and Jorge Bonifacio. Tigers 0, Twins 0.

Bottom 1st: The ball never leaves the infield as Tigers starter Michael Fulmer retires the Twins in order. Tigers 0, Twins 0.

Top 1st: Twins starter Michael Pineda retires the Tigers 1-2-3, getting Miguel Cabrera to fly out to end the inning. Tigers 0, Twins 0..
India has said that Chinese troops on Monday fired shots to intimidate Indian soldiers while attempting to close in on a forward position held by the army along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the southern bank of Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh where the border row has worsened.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Indian Army said its troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner despite the grave provocation. The Indian Army said its troops did not cross the LAC or open fire at any stage, denying accusations made by the PLA.

It is the Peoples Liberation Army that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress, the statement said.

Also Read: PLA move in Ladakh is part of Beijing plan to destabilise India

The development comes three days after defence minister Rajnath Singh asked China to strictly respect the LAC, not make attempts to unilaterally change the status quo, and work with India for complete disengagement from all friction areas in eastern Ladakh in the midst of military tensions between the two sides.

ALSO WATCH | India calls for disengagement, China hardens stand: Key updates

In the instant case on September 7, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops, the army statement said.

The army said while India was committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC, China was undertaking provocative actions to escalate the row.

Also Read: Past midnight, China claims to have taken countermeasures to Indias military provocation

At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing, the statement said.

The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity, however is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs. The statement by the Western Theatre Command is an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience, it added. The Western Theater Command had said that Indian soldiers illegally crossed the LAC and fired warning shots, forcing the PLA to take countermeasures.

At a meeting in Moscow on Friday, Singh made it clear to the Chinese defence minister that India was fully determined to defend its frontiers. He told his Chinese counterpart, General Wei Fenghe, that the PLAs aggressive actions in the Ladakh sector to unilaterally change the status quo on the ground violated bilateral agreements and the understanding between the special representatives of the two sides.

Singh said while Indian troops showed a responsible approach towards border management, there should be no doubt about Indias determination to protect the nations sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The latest round of tensions flared up in the Ladakh sector after the 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.

China 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 in the area.

Last week, Singh said that the Chinese side should work with India for complete disengagement at the earliest from all friction areas, including the Pangong Lake, and also for de-escalation in border areas in accordance with bilateral agreements.

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Julianne Moore looked ready for a day of errands as she stepped out in a comfortable outfit in New York City on Monday.

The veteran movie actress was in an easy-going army green jumpsuit with her red locks pulled back and a blue tie-dye face mask from brand 100% Human on.

This is a big contrast from how she looked in the trailer for her latest movie The Glorias in which she portrays feminist icon Gloria Steinem with her signature long straight blonde hair.

Chic on the street: Julianne Moore looked ready for a day of errands as she stepped out in a comfortable outfit in New York City on Monday

While in the Big Apple Julianne looked ready for business as she walked down the street.

The Crazy Stupid Love star had on no makeup and her fiery red hair looked only slightly brushed as it was pulled up into a chic little bun on top of her head.

The Manhattanite added black shiny Birkenstock shoes as she held on to a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses.

Strolling in style: The veteran movie actress was in an easy-going army green jumpsuit with her red locks pulled back and a blue tie-dye face mask from brand 100% Human on. She walked with a friend who had on a black-and-white snakeskin blouse

Lockdown glam: The Crazy Stupid Love star had on no makeup and her hair looked only slightly brushed as it was pulled up into a chic little bun on top of her head

She added several gold pieces of jewelry to her on-trend look as she went about her business.

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle star was also seen with another woman who opted for a black-and-white snakeskin print top and black slacks as she added a surgical mask and blue-and-white sneakers.

This sighting comes after she was seen in the trailer for The Glorias.

Four different actresses channel feminist icon Steinem in the Julie Taymor biopic, which starts streaming on Amazon Prime Video/VOD on September 30.

The 59-year-old Oscar winner - who most resembles the 86-year-old women's rights activist - portrays her after age 40.

Alicia Vikander, 31, plays Gloria from ages 2040 when she co-founded Ms. magazine and helped campaign for the Equal Rights Amendment.

A new look: This is a big contrast from how she looked in the trailer for her latest movie The Glorias in which she portrays feminist icon Gloria Steinem with her signature long straight bronde hair

Her look is still strong: The real Gloria Steinem attends HISTORYTalks Leadership & Legacy at Carnegie Hall in February 2020 in New York City

The trailer - which dropped Thursday - did not include the teenage and child versions of Steinem played by Lulu Wilson and Ryan Kira Armstrong, respectively.

'They are able to interact with each other, literally sit next to each other on that Greyhound bus traveling to the next march on Washington, or rally against abortion laws, or protest against injustices or conference on the equal amendment rights,' the 67-year-old filmmaker told People on Wednesday.

'They also can take each other's place in the middle of a scene.'

The legendary Bette Midler took on the role of New York Congresswoman Bella Abzug, who co-founded the National Women's Political Caucus with Gloria.

Orange Is the New Black scene stealer Lorraine Toussaint portrays lawyer Florynce 'Flo' Kennedy, who also helped found the National Women's Political Caucus.

R&B songstress Janelle Monae (Harriet, Hidden Figures) plays the co-founder of Ms. magazine, Dorothy Pitman Hughes.

'Gloria is a living leader - a hero because she carved out her course in life against many odds and made it work for herself and for millions of women,' Taymor told the mag.

'Her humility, her ability to listen, her humor, her ease with she moves across cultural, racial and gender lines. She is the great communicator. I love her positive attitude to conflict. She is always looking to 'the upside of the downside' and one of her great expressions is, "The truth will set you free but first it will p*** you off."'
Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia (Armenia is chairing the Summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie), delivered a speech at the open discussion hosted by the UN Security Council under the title Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organizations: Role of the International Organization of La Francophonie, as reported on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.

The foreign minister attached importance to the organizing of a discussion on the cooperation between the United Nations and the International Organization of La Francophonie and expressed gratitude to the assistant to the Secretary-General for Africa and the Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie for their extremely important speeches.

Mnatsakanyan also highly appreciated the role of Niger, which had undertaken the initiative to hold the discussion and in the capital of which La Francophonie was born in 1970 as an Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation and went on to serve as a basis for the formation of the International Organization of La Francophonie, which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year.

Fifty years after its establishment, La Francophonie serves as a major platform for multilateral cooperation. The relations between the United Nations and La Francophonie are hinged on several role-players bearing common values, and they are united by the common desire to work for the strengthening of peace and global security, as well as the determination to fight against terrorism and prevent genocides and crimes against humanity.

Armenias foreign minister attached special importance to the holding of the discussion during the current global, health-related, humanitarian and economic crisis that poses a threat to undermine the consolidation of society. Mnatsakanyan described the discussion being held within the scope of the United Nations Security Council as a unique call to take action and a test of universal endurance and collective capabilities.

In a period when the negative consequences of the crisis are direr for developing countries and the more vulnerable layers of the population, the United Nations and La Francophonie need to reaffirm their willingness to promote peace and cooperation, solidarity and living together. In this regard, with determination, Armenia supported the call of the United Nations Secretary General for global ceasefire, reaffirming the fact that there is no place for force and the threat of force in the settlement of conflicts.

Armenia is also concerned about the growth of hate speech, which was particularly seen during this health crisis. Today, more than ever, it is important to underscore our commitment to tolerance, respect for human rights and the values of cultural diversity. Despite the tremendous efforts of the multilateral system, we continue to face armed clashes, destabilizing military escalation and manifestations of hate speech at the highest political level, including in our direct vicinity, Mnatsakanyan stated.

In closing, Minister Mnatsakanyan reaffirmed Armenias commitment to promoting cooperation between the United Nations and La Francophonie, expressing certainty that the cooperation will become stronger through the discussion and the joint efforts of the Secretary-General of La Francophonie and the United Nations Secretary-General, opening new and promising perspectives for cooperation.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 22:51:46|Editor: huaxia

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COLOMBO, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has ordered the removal of taxes imposed on the profits earned by the gem and jewelry manufacturers and on gold imports to further strengthen the industries, local media reported Tuesday.

Accordingly, a 14-percent income tax imposed on the profit earned by the gem and jewelry manufacturers and a 15-percent tax on gold imports will be removed.

President Rajapaksa, in discussions with the State Ministry of Gem and Jewellery related Industries, said removing these taxes would uplift the country's lucrative industry.

State Minister Lohan Ratwatte also presented 14 proposals to resolve the issues pertaining to Sri Lanka's inability to become the global hub for gems.

The president was further informed at the meeting that unregulated and illicit gem mining was taking place in areas containing rich gem deposits of the Ratnapura District, in southwestern Sri Lanka, on a large scale.

He urged officials to immediately halt the gem mining activities that are carried out in a harmful manner to the environment as well as to remove barriers to the traditional gem mining industry.

The new Sri Lankan government, under President Rajapaksa, is aiming to boost exports this year as at least four state ministers have been appointed to develop key local products including gems. Enditem
BBC Europe editor Katya Adler has been found to have breached impartiality rules after branding Michael Gove 'delusional' in a tweet, the corporation's complaints unit has found.

Adler, Europe editor since 2014, slammed comments by Cabinet Office Minister Gove in April, after he said 'the Covid crisis, in some respects, should concentrate the minds of EU negotiators, enforcing the vital importance of coming to a conclusion'.

In response, Adler wrote: 'Am not first to comment on this today but below observation by Michael Gove that #coronavirus will focus EU minds on post #Brexit trade deal is delusional. It distracts EU leaders all the more from something which was not top of in-tray even before Covid-19.'

Now, as new director-general Tim Davie plans a social media crackdown, the BBC's Editorial Complaints Unit has found her use of the word delusional breached guidelines.

BBC Europe editor Katya Adler has been found to have breached impartiality rules

A member of the public had complained to the BBC over the use of the word.

The complaints unit ruled: 'The detail she marshalled in support of her initial assertion shed light on the complexity of the story in a measured and balanced way; and she acknowledged the economic dimension of the argument, while pointing out the political imperatives driving the EU towards focusing on Covid-19.

'The ECU therefore did not agree that these tweets, taken as a connected series, raised questions about the overall impartiality of the BBC or Ms Adler.'

However, it ruled that the word 'delusional', acted more as a term of evaluation than of objective description and therefore was 'necessarily to some extent an adverse reflection on the person making it'.

As such the tweet went beyond the BBC editorial guidelines' licence for 'professional judgments, rooted in evidence', the ECU said. It reported the finding to the BBC News board and discussed it with relevant members of editorial management.

It is the latest episode involving a BBC journalist, after Naga Munchetty was rapped by BBC bosses after appearing in a business interview series for NatWest.

The BBC Breakfast presenter, who earns up to 195,000 per year, hosted webinars for the banking giant weeks after she was rebuked for fronting a paid corporate video for car maker Aston Martin.

She already appears to have antagonised new director general Tim Davie, who has launched a radical shake-up of the national broadcaster to dispel accusations of partiality.

New director general Tim Davie has launched a radical shake-up of the national broadcaster to dispel accusations of partiality

The BBC told MailOnline Munchetty has been warned the gig 'could be seen as a conflict of interest and will be kept in mind for future editorial decisions.'

Davie unveiled his bold manifesto in his debut speech last week, warning: '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 there would be 'clearer direction on the declaration of external interests' following concerns that news stars had risked undermining impartiality at the BBC with their corporate work. He added that the BBC should be 'utterly impartial'.

While the videos were filmed before Davie took up the post, BBC insiders are reportedly 'furious' about Munchetty's external engagements.

The 45-year-old is the latest in a slew of stars at the corporation including Huw Edwards, Greg James, Mishal Hussain and Jon Sopel, who have topped up their hefty salaries with payouts from oil companies, banks and car giants.

One source told the Sun: 'How can she remain impartial if she's doing corporate gigs for a banking giant in her free time?

'What happens if there's a financial story she has to discuss on the sofa, it's an impossible situation.'

A BBC spokesperson said: 'Since this event, Naga has been reminded of the risk of conflict of interest when undergoing external engagements.

Naga Munchetty (left) was already in hot water after appearing in the corporate promo video for Aston Martin (pictured), with BBC bosses saying she may have once more put the broadcaster's impartiality at risk

'We are developing clearer direction in this area as part of our wider work on impartiality and will have more to say on that in due course.'

Last month, Munchetty hosted a webinar video for the luxury carmaker without gaining approval from her employer or declaring her fee, sources told the i.

The video played up how Aston Martin was 'engaging and assisting employees' during the coronavirus crisis despite the company's plans to cut 500 jobs - a fifth of its workforce.

Its chief executive Andy Palmer was fired after the company's share price plummeted and falling sales lead to a 227m loss.

The ECU also published its ruling against Newsnight's Emily Maitlis, who said in a monologue at the start of a programme in May that Boris Johnson's chief advisor Dominic Cummings had broken lockdown rules and 'shocked' the public.

It said the loaded rant 'placed the presenter closer to one side of the debate' over the behaviour of Boris Johnson's chief adviser.

Following the broadcast, bosses were quick to accept the programme had strayed beyond impartiality after viewers bombarded the BBC with complaints.

The ECU yesterday released its own verdict on the May 26 episode which reaffirmed the position that it broke strict rules governing impartiality and accuracy.

However, the ECU considers the matter closed and said it will not be taking any further action for the breach.

It ruled: 'The definitive and at times critical nature of the language  asserting without qualification that Mr Cummings broke the rules, that 'the country could see that' and that the Prime Minister was guilty of 'blind loyalty' in refusing to sack him, placed the presenter closer to one side of the debate over his behaviour.'

The ECU accepted that the programme was entitled to play 'devil's advocate' and ask tough questions on behalf of viewers.

But it said that at the time of the broadcast it had not been established by an independent arbiter that Mr Cummings broke lockdown rules, which undermined the veracity of Maitlis' scathing remarks.

'In the ECU's view the opening remarks did not sufficiently acknowledge such uncertainties.'

Although some complainants put pressure on the complaints board to discipline the programme, the ECU has drawn a line under the episode and considers its probe closed.
In line with the commitment to continuously resource public institutions, the government will in the coming days present logistical support to select public institutions as part of the implementation of the Public Sector Reform for Results Project (PSRRP).



This was disclosed by the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah at a press conference in Kumasi on Tuesday.



The logistics which comprises 25 vehicles, scores of motorbikes, and office equipment will be presented to selected beneficiary entities including the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Birth & Deaths Registry and some selected Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.



Addressing journalists, the Minister noted that these logistics are to augment the vehicles and office equipment available in these institutions and also forms part of the governments moves to equip state-owned institutions with logistics and resources needed to effectively and efficiently discharge their duties.



The development objective of the PSRRP is to improve efficiency and accountability in the delivery of selected services by these public entities. The project partially supports the implementation of Ghanas National Public Sector Reform Strategy (2018- 2023) through a World Bank credit facility.



It is the expectation of government that these logistics will further enhance the service delivery, efficiency, accountability, and citizen engagement of the beneficiary organizations, he added.



The Minister also charged these institutions to ensure that the logistics are used effectively and for the purposes for which they are intended.

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.

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Michigans response to coronavirus as it relates to nursing homes was a perfectly appropriate strategy to be taken, according to an independent analysis conducted by the Center for Health and Research Transformation.

The nonprofit health policy center at the University of Michigan evaluated the states decision to establish 21 nursing home hubs to help care for COVID-19 patients transferred from other nursing homes or discharged from hospitals, and came up with recommendations to improve the system moving forward.

Upon reviewing the states handling of the pandemic, and national best practices, the group recommended continued use of the hub strategy, according to its report released Tuesday, Sept. 8.

We collectively believe that the states strategy was an appropriate strategy that was taken in the peak of the surge, said Marianne Udow-Phillips, CHRTs founding executive director. The strategy followed the guidance that was known at the time and it was a perfectly appropriate strategy to be taken.

Michigans use of the nursing home hubs" has been heavily criticized by many Republic lawmakers, who said actions by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her administration exacerbated the situation. But Michigan has fared better than other states.

Through Aug. 19, 271 of Michigans 442 nursing homes (61%) had at least one COVID-19 resident case, and 209 (47%) had at least one COVID-19 resident death. Nursing homes reported 8,456 resident cases, 4,226 staff cases, 2,100 resident deaths, and 21 staff deaths.

Michigan has reported a smaller percentage of COVID-19 deaths coming from nursing homes (33.2%) than the U.S. average (38.6%), according to CHRTs data. The percentage of deaths among nursing home residents with COVID-19 was also considerably lower in the hubs (17.4%) than compared to non-hub nursing homes (26%).

Related: States handling of COVID in nursing homes worthy of critique, but GOP lawmakers miss mark, experts say

Among Republicans' biggest complaints has been that the administration hasnt created separate facilities to house nursing-home patients with COVID-19. Instead, those patients are quarantined in facilities that also have non-COVID-19 residents.

But CHRT opposes those calls.

We dont think a COVID-only facility will answer the problem that is trying to be addressed, and we know now that patients indeed can be maintained safely with the right safety protocols," Udow-Phillips said. We dont think a separate facility is appropriate. In fact, we think its probably counterproductive. Its very expensive, very inflexible, and certainly not needed.

The independent review provided the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services with more than 50 recommendations that aim to improve criteria for selecting nursing homes as hubs, increase training and monitoring of hubs, and to provide nursing home staff with more access to mental health resources.

There are also recommendations for more flexible and broader visitation policies, which Udow-Phillips said is important for the mental health of residents who are struggling with social isolation and depression. She noted room for more outdoor visitation, where feasible, and other unique ways to setup in-person communication in areas where theres low community spread.

Robert Gordon, MDHHS director, said the state is looking at best practices for nursing home visitation policies, and MDHHS will provide new guidance this week.

Gordon said MDHHS remains committed to protecting nursing home residents and their family members. He thanked CHRT for its analysis and said the department takes the recommendations with the utmost seriousness and will continue to strive for improvement."

Do we think our performance has been perfect or is perfect now -- the answer is no," Gordon said. We have been and remain deeply committed to doing everything in our power to improve our performance and theres always room for improvement.

In evaluating the states nursing home strategy during the pandemic, CHRTs team spoke to more than 25 key informants" around the country, including researchers, policy-makers, nursing home and association representatives, patient advocates, and representatives of Doctors Without Borders. They also reviewed all peer-reviewed literature done to date," and conducted a detailed analysis of whats happened in Michigan and nationally, according to Udow-Phillips.

Since the April surge, we have more knowledge and experience with managing COVID-19 patients safely in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, Udow-Phillips said. That information will allow states all across the country to improve their strategies.

To view the full 30-page report, visit CHRTs website, here.

COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS:

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued 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/.

Read more on MLive:

Michigan reports 11 coronavirus outbreaks at K-12 schools and 11 on college campuses

This week marks 6 months of coronavirus in Michigan. Heres whats happened by the numbers.

No, CDC did not reduce the coronavirus death count, despite what you may have heard

Gyms, sports get green light, but Michigans top doc says you should still avoid both
BA owner IAG's new chief executive Luis Gallego, who takes over the pilot's seat from Willie Walsh, has a weighty journey ahead.

The Anglo-Spanish airline group's pandemic finances should be stabilised by 2.5billion of new equity supported by investors including the group's biggest shareholder Qatar Airways, which has a 25 per cent stake and took its full allocation.

What a pity that Walsh allowed his last bow to be disturbed by an investor revolt over his pay.

BA owner IAG's pandemic finances should be stabilised by 2.5bn of new equity issue supported by investors including the group's biggest shareholder Qatar Airways

There is much for his successor Gallego to address at Heathrow and in Madrid.

The biggest threat to the carrier's future is the closed London to New York corridor. A bit more effort by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to get this reopened, with more testing and shorter quarantines, would be a huge advance.

Instead, Shapps seems obsessed by opening and closing routes to the Greek islands and the Algarve while London's role as a great entrepot city is strangled.

BA provided 7m seats across the Atlantic last year connecting the City and Britain's service industries to the USA.

It is disconcerting that BA, its chief executive Alex Cruz and the departing Walsh have taken punishment from the Transport Select Committee during the pandemic.

Walsh's decision to cull 12,000 jobs is enormously painful. The speed of BA's retrenchment means that it is one of the few global carriers to retain its credit rating and not to rely on the billions of euros of state aid holding up Air France-KLM and Lufthansa.

IAG retains its credit rating, which will give it advantage when buying next generation aircraft  hopefully with Rolls-Royce engines.

A curiosity is why Tory Huw Merriman thought it appropriate, during lockdown, to side with Unite, label BA a disgrace and threaten the divestment of take-off and landing slots, which would undermine the nation's flag carrier.

It is already the case that, of slots allocated at Heathrow over the last seven years, 95 per cent have gone to competitors, with upstart Chinese carriers acquiring most of them.

Gallego still has a mountain to climb in Spain. The posts of some 14,000 laid-off staff at Iberia and 4,000 at Vueling are being supported by Spanish government cash. That will likely run out by year-end, requiring permanent job losses.

There is also unfinished M&A. IAG wants to proceed with the 1billion purchase of Air Europa and its fleet of Dreamliners but needs a post-Covid lower-priced deal.

BA also has interest in acquiring bailed-out Norwegian and there may be no better opportunity than in a pandemic. Much of this looks unachievable while IAG's North Atlantic money-spinner is shut down.

Low energy

Through the most turbulent market conditions over the last century one of the few certainties for investors is dividends from big oil.

In the UK, Shell and BP have cut dividends while they adjust to a slump in demand as they seek to position themselves for a zero carbon world.

Now, after a steady recovery in the oil price since the spring, it is on the slide, dragging global energy shares down with it.

A spike in coronavirus cases in the US, India and, on a lesser scale, Britain, raises fears of a second demand shock.

Crude prices slumped 5 per cent in London to below $40 a barrel, the lowest level since June.

Falling prices may be good for UK motorists (at least until Rishi Sunak ends the freeze on fuel duty) but are terrible for investment returns.

The next oil major to trim the dividend could be the biggest beast of all, Exxon Mobil, amid analyst calculations that big bets on shale oil and global expansion have gone horribly wrong resulting in a potential cash shortfall of 37billion in 2021. A once-sacrosanct payout could be a victim.

Bad hair day

Running a global consumer group in a pandemic is tough enough without marketing blunders.

Unilever is at the centre of a storm in South Africa after a commercial for hair brand Tresemme clumsily contrasted a black person's hair as 'dry and damaged' with a white person's 'fine and flat'.

South Africa's Clicks chemist chain has come under siege.

After a row in India over a skin whitening cream, this is a farrago chief executive Alan Jope doesn't need.
Wilton: Rochester, New York's police chief abruptly resigned on Tuesday along with his command staff, saying there had been a "mischaracterisation and politicisation" of his actions following the death of Daniel Prude in police custody.

Rochester mayor Lovely Warren told a city council meeting that she had not asked LaRon Singletary to resign, though she said there was "information that was brought to light today that I have not previously seen before." She did not elaborate.

Resigned: Rochester police chief La'Ron Singletary. Credit:AP

Rochester, a city of 200,000 people on Lake Ontario, erupted with protests last week after the Prude family released body camera footage showing officers had used a mesh hood and pinned Prude, a 41-year-old black man, to the pavement during the March arrest.

The release of the footage five months after Prude's death had raised questions of a possible cover-up and turned Rochester into the latest flashpoint in a summer of protests over racial injustice first sparked by George Floyd's May 25 death.
A woman wrongly called the cops on an unarmed black man sitting in his car in an Ohio parking lot where he was drinking tea and talking on his cellphone because she was 'pretty darn sure' he had a gun.

Darren Cooper was parked outside the Portage County Job and Family Services in Ravenna ahead of a work training meeting last month when armed cops approached his vehicle and shouted at him to 'put your hands up!'

Ravenna cops were responding to a 911 call from a woman in a dentist's office across the street claiming a man was sitting in a black Mustang with a gun.

A search of the vehicle revealed the black father, who lives in Hudson and works for Summit County, was unarmed and simply speaking on loudspeaker on his cellphone at the time.

Cooper is calling for the woman to face charges over the false report, saying he is lucky to be alive and his 'kids almost lost their father'.

A woman wrongly called the cops on an unarmed black man sitting in his car in an Ohio parking lot where he was drinking tea and talking on his cellphone because she was 'pretty darn sure' he had a gun. Pictured Darren Cooper being detained by cops

Darren Cooper was parked outside the Portage County Job and Family Services in Ravenna ahead of a work training meeting in the building when armed cops approached his vehicle and shouted at him to 'put your hands up!' Pictured the incident as seen on the police bodycam

The incident unfolded on August 13 when Cooper was attending a training course at the Portage County Job and Family Services building in South Chestnut Street, Ravenna.

Cooper told the Akron Beacon Journal he had arrived early and signed in for the 9 a.m. course, so returned to his car in the parking lot at about 8:47 a.m.

He was drinking tea and talking on loudspeaker on his cellphone when he noticed cops pull up in the parking lot.

He told the Journal he didn't think anything of the presence of cops at first because he regularly sees cops stationed at the government offices where he works.

Police bodycam footage of the incident captures what happened next as four cops are seen approaching Cooper shouting: 'Put your hands up!'

Cooper puts his cellphone down and holds both his hands up where the cops can see them.

At least two of the cops have their firearms un-holstered, the footage reveals.

The officers then tell Cooper they are 'going to tell you why we're here' and tell him to step out of his vehicle.

Cooper calmly follows their instructions, gets out the car and is detained by the cops.

The officers explain to him they are responding to reports of a man with a firearm in a Mustang in the parking lot.

Cooper tells them he was on his iPhone and that he does not have a gun in his possession.

'Someone looked over and said "this guy in a Mustang is waving a gun around",' one of the cops is heard telling Cooper about the report.

The cop adds that when an officer arrived on the scene they said they thought he was only holding a smartphone.

A search of Cooper and his car revealed he has no firearm on him and that he was simply talking on speaker on his cellphone.

The black father does have a concealed-carry weapons permit, but was not carrying a gun at the time of the incident.

One of the cops is heard apologizing to Cooper as they leave a few minutes later.

'Sorry to startle you,' the cop says. 'When we get a call like that we gotta...'

Cooper said the cops 'didn't come at me with excessive force' but slammed the 911 caller for making a false report which could have cost him his life.

The woman, who has not been identified, said in the call she was 'darn sure' he was holding a gun.

'I really believe he was holding a pistol,' she said, according to the Journal.

'I'm pretty darn sure it's a pistol.'

The caller did not identify Cooper as a black man but identified his car as a Mustang.

Cooper said he was the only black man in the parking lot in a Mustang.

He told the Journal he doesn't understand how the woman could have been able to see a gun in his hand from inside the dentist's office when she could not even correctly identify the color of his car from where she was.

Cooper is calling for the woman to face charges over the false report, saying he is lucky to be alive and his 'kids almost lost their father'. The incident unfolded on August 13 when Cooper was attending a training course at the Portage County Job and Family Services building in South Chestnut Street, Ravenna (pictured)

She identified his car as black when it is dark grey, he said.

'But if you don't know the exact color of my vehicle, how do you know I had a gun?' Cooper said to the Journal.

Cooper blasted the caller for lack of 'attention to detail' and said his kids could have 'lost their father' because of the false accusation.

'I am happy to be able to share this story because my wife almost lost a husband, and my kids almost lost their father, over someone who thought I had a gun, but it was my iPhone, and the person did not have the correct color of my car,' Cooper said.

'When someone's life is on the line, as mine clearly was, attention to detail is of the utmost importance.'

Cooper added that he feels lucky to be alive given the current climate of black men being killed in police custody.

'[The cops] didn't come at me with excessive force, but the person who filed the false police report should be charged,' he said.

'It just wasn't my time, it just didn't happen.'

Ravenna Police Dpt said it does not plan to pursue charges against the woman and said both Cooper and the officers involved acted in a professional manner

Ravenna Police Department did not immediately return DailyMail.com's request for comment.

However police spokesman Capt. Jake Smallfield told the Journal police did not plan to pursue charges against the woman because they did not want to discourage the public from sending in tips.

'We want people to tell us if they see, or in this case, if they feel that they see somebody with a gun. We will, of course, investigate all those complaints,' Smallfield said.

'We would not in any way try to discourage people from calling us with tips such as that.

'You know, we teach it in school, if you see something, say something. We rely heavily on tips.'

He said false report charges are usually filed for people making 15 to 20 calls in a single night, disrupting police services, rather than for a single call.

Smallfield added that both Cooper and all the officers involved acted in a professional way.

'I think a lot of times we get into situations where one or more people could have overreacted. I think everyone acted professionally and civilly,' he said.

Demonstrators raise their fist in the air during protests last month in Kenosha, Wisconsin over the shooting of Jacob Blake

Protesters at a makeshift memorial in LA last week following the shooting death of Dijon Kizzee by cops

The incident comes as tensions continue to build between law enforcement and black communities across America after several black men and women have been killed in police custody in recent months.

Thousands have taken to the streets demanding justice and calling for an end to police brutality and racism since May following the 'murder' of George Floyd by a Minneapolis cop who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes until he passed out and died.

Floyd's death reignited outrage over the death of Breonna Taylor, 26, who was shot eight times while sleeping in her bed when three plain clothes officers performed a no-knock arrest warrant at her Louisville apartment on March 13.

In June, unarmed father Rayshard Brooks was shot dead while he ran away from cops in the drive-thru of a Wendy's restaurant in Atlanta.

On August 23, Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by a white cop in front of his three young children, leaving the father-of-six paralyzed from the waist down.

A week later on August 30, Dijon Kizzee, 29, was gunned down in the street by LA cops who allegedly shot him 20 times and then handcuffed his dead body after trying to pull him over for an alleged bicycle code violation.
Amazon.com failed to meet British regulators' deadlines to hand over emails between senior bosses, including chief executive officer Jeff Bezos, during a probe of the retail giant's investment into Deliveroo.

Mr Bezos is the world's richest person.

The UK's competition watchdog fined Amazon 55,000 (61,274) for being late in providing internal documents crucial to the investigation. A total of 189 documents were provided between a few days and more than two months after deadlines, and only after repeated follow-ups by the regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said in a report published yesterday.

Amazon was required to produce all emails sent or received in the last two years by an unnamed senior executive and key custodian of the company, which included any of a specified list of terms provided by the watchdog.

The missing communications included an email chain between Mr Bezos and other senior executives that ended April 2, 2019. The report didn't reveal what was discussed in the messages.

Amazon handed over the email chain nearly two months after the deadline set by the regulator.

Expand Close Billionaire: Jeff Bezos is the worlds richest man and is worth around $200bn. Photo: Brent N. Clarke/Invision/AP / Facebook

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"We are committed to supporting regulatory bodies in their work," an Amazon spokesperson said by email. "We cooperated fully with the CMA's inquiry and worked hard to provide large volumes of information in a timely manner. All requested documents were provided to the CMA."

Amazon's minority investment in the food delivery service was approved by the CMA last month after a roller-coaster investigation. The CMA concluded that the 16pc stake won't substantially lessen competition - but warned of a potential further probe if Amazon went on to acquire a greater level of control over Deliveroo. Amazon will not appeal the fine.

Bloomberg
Prince William has paid tribute to the air ambulance community in a moving open letter months after revealing he was considering a return the charity to do his bit in the fight against coronavirus.

The Duke of Cambridge, 38, who flew as a medic for two years with the East Anglian Air Ambulance until 2017, praised the front line workers in the letter, which was shared yesterday on Twitter.

Prince William penned: 'Having seen first-hand the incredible work of air ambulance teams both on the front line and behind the scenes, I hold a profound respect for all that you do.'

Earlier this year it emerged that Prince William wanted to return to the NHS as an air ambulance pilot to help efforts during the Covid-19 crisis.

Prince William, 38, paid tribute to the air ambulance community in a moving open letter months after revealing he was considering a return the charity to do his bit in the fight against coronavirus

Sharing the letter online, the charity wrote: 'We're delighted to mark the start of Air Ambulance Week 2020 with an open letter written by HRH The Duke of Cambridge to the UK's 21 air ambulance charities thanking all who work, volunteer & support them in their tireless efforts in helping to save lives every day across the UK.'

William penned: 'As we mark Air Ambulance Week 2020, I wanted to send my personal thanks to each and every member of the air ambulance community for the vital role you play in saving lives every day.

He said he had 'profound respect' for those working for the air ambulance, adding: 'Whether you are part of the critical care team bringing vital medical support to patients when every second counts; an engineer who ensures that crews can be safely deployed at a moment's notice; or a volunteer working to keep the service running, the country owes you an enormous debt of gratitude.'

William went on to address the challenges of the pandemic, saying: 'The outbreak of Covid-19 has presented an immeasurably difficult challenge to all emergency responders.

The Duke of Cambridge worked as a pilot for the service for two years and was said to be contemplating a return to service earlier this year

'You have had to adapt to new ways of working throughout the pandemic - while continuing to provide a crucial lifeline to those who need it most.

'However, I know from experience that a wonderful spirit runs through the air ambulance community and I encourage everyone to continue to take time to support one another through these difficult times.'

The Duke also recognised that it had been a difficult period for an emergency service, writing: 'This will have been an unsettling period for you all as fundraising activities have been curtailed.

'I am enormously grateful to all those who support the work of air ambulance services across the country  even through the most challenging of times.

The Duke penned the open letter to the UKs 21 air ambulance charities thanking all who work, volunteer and support them

'This Air Ambulance Week, more than ever, I am delighted to see a spotlight shone on the work of this community and all those who support you. Your tireless dedication to saving lives and helping those in times of greatest need is a source of huge pride for our country.'

It comes after the Duke suggested he missed his work for the air ambulance earlier this year during a visit to a NHS call centre in Croydon, south London.

Prince William worked as a pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance for 18 months between 2015 and 2017, before stepping down to take on more Royal roles on behalf of the Queen.

He left the role to spend more time in London when his children started school at Thomas's, Battersea, and take on more royal duties to support the Queen.

The royal reportedly suggested he missed his work for the air ambulance during a visit to an NHS call centre in March of this year

A source told the Sun in March that the royal was contemplating a return to service.

The insider said: 'William has been seriously considering returning as an air ambulance pilot to help in the current pandemic.

'He knows the whole country is doing its bit and he wants to help. But it's complicated as he was originally grounded from the job so that he could become a senior working royal.'

The insider added that Prince William was 'very keen to to do anything he can to help.'
Colors hit reality show, Bigg Boss is returning with Season 14, which is slated to go on air on October 3, 2020. The broadcaster has roped Mobile Premier League as 'Presenting' Sponsor, while Dabur Dant Rakshak Ayurvedic Paste and an HUL brand (the name of which is not revealed yet) have come on board as 'Powered By' Sponsors.

The interest in associating with Bigg Boss 14 remains strong as categories like auto, e-commerce, handsets, appliances, grooming brands, and foodtech have shown advertising interest. Were signing new sponsors every day, remarks Mahesh Shetty, Head, Network Sales, Viacom18.

This year, Viacom18 launched their subscription video on demand OTT (Over-The-Top) service VOOT Select and the Bigg Boss property will leverage this platform to create value for its viewer base. VOOT Select will offer unlimited access with 24-hour Live feeds from the Bigg Boss house on weekdays and stream the episode before TV ad-free.

Shetty observes, In the past six months, weve all been living a Bigg Boss kind of life. This year, we will have sets which will represent all the things we missed during the lockdown. There will be malls, movies, restaurants and spa/ massage parlors in the show. These luxuries wont be easily available to housemates as they will have to complete tasks or challenges to enjoy them. This innovation creates an opportunity for many brands to come in.

He adds, Since our sponsor, Mobile Premier League, is a gaming brand, we are planning an interesting innovation called Bigg Boss Fantasy League, which will help the brand with awareness, downloads and platform engagement.

Starting October 3, new episodes of Bigg Boss 14 will air for 106 days and clash with the Indian Premier League 13 in the months of October and early November. However, Shetty is unconcerned about the scheduling conflicts. He observes, There is an overlap of 37 days, from October 3 to November 8. From a viewership standpoint, IPL starts at 7.30 pm and ends at 10.30 pm, while Bigg Boss starts at 10.30 pm. So, a consumer can watch both IPL and Bigg Boss. The clash is only for four weekends. For a 106-day property, an 8-day clash isnt much.

Last year, Bigg Boss had signed on eight digital sponsors. According to Shetty, the property is well on its way to sign 8-10 digital sponsors this year as well. MPL is already on board.

Theres a lot of pent up demand across the board, which will come out strongly during the festive season. Thats the trigger were seeing as interest for Bigg Boss as a property. We want to air throughout the festive period in India and become a strong pull for brands. I dont really see brands cutting spends on TV and digital in H2, because they have already cut spends in H1, he signs off.
Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe attends the opening session of the National Peoples Congress in Beijing, May 22, 2020.

Visiting Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe met with his Indonesian counterpart, Prabowo Subianto, to discuss tensions in the South China Sea and to coordinate efforts against COVID-19, an Indonesian Defense Ministry spokesman said Tuesday.

Weis Indonesia visit came one day after he met Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in Kuala Lumpur, and ahead of a series of ASEAN ministerial meetings from Wednesday to Saturday, where tensions in South China Sea are expected to be discussed.

Prabowo spokesman Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said the ministers discussed cooperation in the defense sector.

On the South China Sea, Indonesia is committed to promoting intense dialogue to maintain peace in the region, Dahnil told BenarNews.

Dahnil said Weis visit was in response to Prabowos trip to China in December 2019 when he met military leaders and visited the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) headquarters. The two also met in Moscow on June 24 during the 75th anniversary ceremony of Russias victory in World War II.

In a statement, the Indonesian Defense Ministry said Wei and Prabowo also discussed strategies to fight COVID-19.

Indonesia on Tuesday reported more than 200,000 infections and more than 8,200 deaths as a result of the coronavirus, which emerged in Wuhan, China, according to disease experts at U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University. Globally, more than 27.4 million infections and more than 894,000 deaths have been recorded.

Tensions have been notching up in the South China Sea, where six other Asian governments have territorial claims or maritime boundaries that overlap with the sweeping claims of China. They are Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

While Indonesia does not regard itself as party to the South China Sea dispute, Beijing claims historic rights to parts of that sea overlapping Indonesias exclusive economic zone.

The Indonesian government earlier this year accused Chinese fishing boats of operating in the nations waters off the Natuna Islands, triggering diplomatic tensions.

Tight-lipped in Malaysia

Wei was in Kuala Lumpur on Monday for meetings with Muhyiddin and Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, according to Chinas state-run Xinhua news agency.

But Malaysian officials were tight-lipped about the visit. A spokesman for the Malaysian Ministry of Defense declined to comment, while an aide to Muhyiddin did not respond to text messages and calls.

Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said Weis meeting with Muhyiddin was likely to iron out details before the ASEAN meetings later this week.

The fact that Chinas defense minister himself flew down to Kuala Lumpur is a surprise, Oh told BenarNews.

Wei, meanwhile, issued a statement to Chinas state-run Xinhua news agency.

As the overall situation in the South China Sea has remained stable, China is willing to work with countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations including Malaysia, to meet each other halfway so as to keep the peace and tranquility of the South China Sea, he said.

However, ship-tracking data and satellite imagery show that a Chinese coast guard ship has been patrolling in Malaysian waters near the Luconia Shoals since at least July 31.

The shoals are a series of features at the southernmost end of the South China Sea, most of which are completely submerged. While China claims them as part of its historic rights, they are completely within 200 nautical miles off the coast of Sarawak, Malaysia, and thus sit within Malaysias waters and exclusive economic zone, or EEZ.

Malaysia has endured repeated incursions in the past  its auditor-general in July noted that Chinese ships had entered Malaysian waters 89 times between 2016 and 2019.

Last week, Chinas Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui spoke at an international forum on the South China Sea, emphasizing China-ASEAN relations and reiterating Beijings rejection of a 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration case that struck down virtually all of Chinas claims to the disputed waters.

Hadi Azmi in Kuala Lumpur and Drake Long in Washington contributed to this report.
Glaciers in Jammu, Kashmir and are melting at a "significant" rate, according to a first-of-its-kind study which used satellite data to find that over 1,200 glaciers in the Himalayan region saw an annual reduction in mass of 35 centimetres (cm) on average between 2000 and 2012.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, was carried over the Jammu, Kashmir, and region, including areas across the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC), and in all 12,243 glaciers were studied for thickness and mass changes.

"In general, it was observed that the glaciers in the Pir Panjal range are melting at the higher rate -- more than one metre per year -- while as the glaciers in the Karakoram range are melting relatively at slower rate, around 10 cms per year," noted Professor Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, corresponding author of the study.

"Some glaciers are even advancing or stable in the Karakoram range. In other mountain ranges like the Greater Himalayan range, Zanaskar range, Shamabari range, Leh ranges, the glaciers are undoubtedly melting but the rate of melting is variable," Romshoo, Dean of Research at the University of Kashmir in Srinagar, told PTI.

The research team, including Tariq Abdullah and Irfan Rashid, both from Geoinformatics Department, University of Kashmir, used two satellite observations made in 2000 by NASA and in 2012 by German space agency DLR.

They employed this data to determine the glacier thickness changes over the entire Upper Indus Basin, comprising of over 12,000 glaciers.

"There is no such data (satellite observations) available in the world after 2012. This is a first of its kind study in the region and provides a very good idea about what is happening to the glaciers in the region," Romshoo explained.

Till date, he said, only six to seven glaciers have been studied in the region for thickness and glacial mass changes using field observations.

The researchers noted that while glacier melting is a continuous process and the shrinkage in area of the glaciers is being estimated routinely, thickness and mass changes are not possible always because of the lack of satellite data.

There are also limitations and challenges associated with field based studies in the mountainous Himalaya, they said.

The team noted that during one decade of observation in this study, the region has lost about 70.32 gigatonne of glacier mass, which is "quite significant."



Romshoo noted that the continued melting of glaciers will have significant adverse impacts on every sector of economy in the region and beyond, particularly in the downstream areas which are already water scarce.

"It is pertinent to mention here that the waters emanating from this region are shared between the neighbouring countries in the south Asia," the professor at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Kashmir, added.

The knowledge generated about the glacier thickness changes across different mountain ranges in the data-scarce Himalayan region is vital for determining the sustainability of water resources in the south Asian region, according to the researchers.

Melting of the glaciers in Jammu, Kashmir and is going to impact the water, food and energy security with the consequent adverse effect on the dependent livelihoods, they noted.

The researchers explained that the main drivers of the glacial melt in the Himalayan region are increasing temperatures and decreasing snow precipitation, resulting from greenhouse gas emissions from industrialisation and increasing use of fossil fuels the world over.

Romshoo noted that though there is "almost no industrialisation" in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Himalaya, the mountainous region is facing the brunt of climate change happening globally.

A study, published in the journal Climatic Change on July 29, found that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh may witness a temperature increase of up to 6.9 degrees Celsius by the end of the century due to climate change, warning that the glaciers in this Himalayan region could shrink by 85 per cent if the projections come true.

The latest study was conducted as part of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) research project "Centre of Excellence for glacial research in the western Himalaya.

(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.)
British engineering company Meggitt cancelled its interim dividend on Tuesday as it posted a 37% drop in first-half profit after the coronavirus crisis hit its business supplying parts to aerospace manufacturers.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which dragged the airline industry to a standstill, led to a 27% drop in sales at Meggitts civil aerospace business, which counts planemakers Airbus and Boeing as customers.

However the companys defence business, which accounted for 43% of group sales, saw a 7% organic growth in sales on strong demand for aeroplane and helicopter parts to customers in the United States.

Meggitt, which paid an interim dividend of 5.55 pence last year, said the decision to scrap the current payout would help it retain cash, manage its debt and preserve flexibility.

Its shares, which have more than halved in value this year, were down 2.9% at 291.1 pence at 0828 GMT, having risen as much as 5% earlier.

While its too early to precisely predict the trajectory of the return to prior levels of activity in civil aerospace, we continue to focus on ensuring that the business is well positioned to benefit from the recovery," Chief Executive Officer Tony Wood said.

Meggitt, which supplies jet parts such as braking systems, sensors and fuel systems, and provides follow-on services, has been on a cost-cutting drive early this year. It said in April it would axe about 1,800 jobs.

On Tuesday, it said the job cuts were substantially" completed, adding that it still expected to deliver cash savings of 400-450 million pounds ($524-590 million) this year.

However, the Coventry-based company said it expects to be free cash flow neutral for the full year as some of its equipment would remain unsold into early 2021.

We regard the inventory reduction slipping into FY21 largely as a matter of timing. A possible long-term negative is a potential increase in pension-deficit funding," Jefferies analysts said.

Meggitts underlying operating profit fell to 102 million pounds in the six months to June, while overall revenue dropped 14% to 917 million pounds.

($1 = 0.7631 pounds)

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
Ink Ghana in collaboration with the European Union(EU) Delegation in Ghana and Heart Out Foundation has embarked on a COVID-19 intervention care package drive for head potters known as Kayaye in the Mallam Atta market in Accra Newtown.

The care package drive dubbed #covid19 #care4kaya took place on Sunday, September 6 with support from the Islamic Ummah Relief (IUR), and Brothers Media Production, at the Mallam Atta market Day Care Center.

Items including 500 facemasks, two Veronika buckets, two gallons of liquid soap and hand sanitizers donated by the EU Delegation were presented to the Kayaye.

The facemasks were distributed to Kayaye, volunteers, and other people in the market.

The #care4kaya is an initiative of Ink Ghana Organization, which seeks to engage Kayaye in a series of activities that culminate into empowering them and addressing their challenges and vulnerabilities realistically.

In line with SDG17, which emphasizes the importance of partnership in achieving all the SDGs by 2030, Ink Ghana partnered with Heart Out Foundation and Islamic Ummah Relief (IUR) to make this outreach successful, as a means to achieve SDG3- Good Health and well-being, and SDG10- Reduced Inequalities.

Heart Out Foundation donated sanitary pads, soaps and toothbrushes each to 300 Kayaye, while IUR provided 300 packs of food and water to the Kayaye.

This was the sixth care package distribution outreach to Kayaye in the Accra metropolis since November 2019, following similar ones in Mamobi, Nima and Mallam Atta.

The outreach was spurred by the EU Delegation in Ghana's donation of PPEs to Ink Ghana on Wednesday, August 26,2020

Mallam Atta is one of 3 main Kayaye populated areas in the Accra metropolis, with a population of over 1200 Kayaye, from across the Northern part of Ghana.

Individuals and corporate organizations are welcome to support this noble initiative with items including sanitary pads, toothpastes & toothbrushes, soaps, any other forms of partnership that will empower Kayaye and other vulnerable groups in society.
Disallowing sharing of notebooks, pens/pencils, water bottles etc among students, prohibition of assemblies and sports, encouraging online learning, entry of asymptomatic persons are some of the health ministry's guidelines for partial reopening of schools for students of classes 9th to 12th from September 21 on a voluntary basis.

IMAGE: Students from a slum area, who do not have access to internet facilities and missed their online lessons, attend an open-air class, at Yamuna Khadar in New Delhi. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo

However, written consent of the students' parents or guardians will be required and such visits for teacher student interactions must be organised in a staggered manner, the guidelines stated.

According to the 'SOP for partial reopening of Schools for students of 9th to 12th classes on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers: In the context of COVID-19', a seating arrangement has to be made to ensure a distance of 6 feet between chairs, desks etc and the teaching faculty will ensure that they themselves and students wear masks throughout the conduct of the teaching/guidance activities.

'Sharing of items like notebook, pens/pencil, eraser, water bottle etc. amongst students should not be allowed. Cafeteria/mess facility, if any within the premises, shall remain closed,' the SOPs stated.

For ensuring queue management inside and outside the premises, specific markings on the floor with a gap of 6 feet may be made.

Similarly, physical distancing shall also be maintained in staff rooms, office areas including reception area, and other places such as mess, libraries, cafeterias, etc.

Weather permitting, outdoor spaces may be utilised for conducting teacher-student interactions, keeping in view the safety and security of students and physical distancing protocols, the guidelines said.

The concerned teaching and non-teaching employees (up to 50 per cent of the strength) may be called to schools for online teaching/tele-counselling and related work.

'Installation and use of the Aarogya Setu App may be advised wherever feasible,' the SOPs said.

Appropriate back-up stock of personal protection items like face covers/masks, visors, hand sanitizers etc shall be made available by management to the teachers and employees, it said.

'Provide an adequate supply of thermal guns, alcohol wipes or 1 per cent sodium hypochlorite solutions and disposable paper towels, soap, IEC materials on COVID. Pulse oximeter to check oxygen saturation levels of any symptomatic person must be arranged,' the guidelines stated.

The guidelines also call for ensuring regular counselling for students and teachers reporting mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. It is advisable that teachers, school counsellors and school health workers should work in unison to ensure emotional safety of the students, it said.

Entrance should have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitiser dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.

For conduct of skill-based training in workshops/laboratories, a floor area of 4 square metre per person should be made available for working on equipment or work stations.

Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1 pc sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (door knobs, elevator buttons, hand rails, chairs, benches, washroom fixtures, etc.) to be made mandatory in all class rooms, laboratories, lockers, parking areas, other common areas etc. before beginning of classes and at the end of the day, the guidelines stated.

'All employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions to take extra precautions. They should preferably not be exposed to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the students,' the guidelines said.

If transportation facility is being managed by the school, proper physical distancing, sanitisation of buses/other transport vehicles (with 1% sodium hypochlorite) shall be ensured.

Prior to resumption of activities, all work areas intended for teaching/demonstrations etc., including laboratories, other common utility areas shall be sanitized with 1 per cent sodium hypochlorite solution, with particular attention to frequently touched surfaces.

Schools that were used as quarantine centres will be properly sanitsed and deep cleaned before partial functioning is resumed.

In case a student/teacher/employee develops symptoms, the ill person should be in a room or area where they are isolated from others and the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) should be informed.

Read the full list of guidelines HERE
CHICAGO, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In-depth analysis and data-driven insights on the impact of COVID-19 included in this Europe camping tent market report.

The Europe camping tent market is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 8% during the period 20192025.

Key Highlights Offered in the Report:

Europe camping tent market will contribute over 58% absolute growth during 2019-2025. Registering a growth CAGR of over 8%, Europe camping tent market will contribute over $446 million incremental growth during 2019-2025. Germany will continue its market dominance during the forecast period. The UK is expected to witness second highest incremental growth of over $67 after Germany during the forecast period. Among segmentation by material type, polyester is expected to witness highest incremental growth of around $156 million during the forecast period.

Key Offerings:

Market Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20192025

Market Dynamics  Leading trends, growth drivers, restraints, and investment opportunities

Market Segmentation  A detailed analysis by material, product, capacity, end-users, and distribution

Competitive Landscape  4 key vendors and 32 other vendors

Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/camping-tent-market-europe

Europe Camping Tent Market  Segmentation

In 2019, the tunnel tent segment became the largest category in the Europe camping tent market. The demand for tunnel tents is expected to rise during the forecast period on account of the increasing number of adventure tourists in Europe from both within and outside the region.

camping tent market. The demand for tunnel tents is expected to rise during the forecast period on account of the increasing number of adventure tourists in from both within and outside the region. Family tents contribute a significant sale to the industry due to party and neighborhood camping development. Several sites in Europe have developed luxury camping villages that cater to the specific needs of community buyers. Besides, suppliers focus on convenience, which is expected to lead to innovation.

have developed luxury camping villages that cater to the specific needs of community buyers. Besides, suppliers focus on convenience, which is expected to lead to innovation. The popularity of live music events across Europe is expected to drive the growth of the event organizer segment. The number of overseas visitors coming to the UK for live music has risen in recent years, along with the number of domestic tourists traveling to live music events within the UK.

Europe Camping Tent Market by Material

Nylon

Polyester

Cotton

Others

Europe Camping Tent Market by Capacity

Family

1-person

2-person

34 person

Europe Camping Tent Market by Product

Dome

Tunnel

Geodesic

Others

Europe Camping Tent Market by End-user

Individual

Government & Defense

Event Organizers

Europe Camping Tent Market by Distribution

Online Stores

Specialty Sporting Goods Stores

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

Wholesaler/Distributors

Other Retails

Europe Camping Tent Market  Dynamics

Glamping is referred to as luxurious camping that gives customers the convenience of a hotel when looking for natural experiences. The growth in disposable income and the rising need for adequate housing, accessibility, and connected devices are increasing the need for glamping in the European market. Some premium campsites offer extra space and facilities and are built to provide greater customer security. Courtyards, bathtubs, kitchenettes, minibars, outdoor dining, prepared dinners, mood lighting, books and DVDs, and private deck terraces are some of the services provided by leading service providers in the European market. The growing emphasis on improving the efficiency of these accommodation models is enabling vendors to produce new goods and achieve greater market share in the European market. The attractiveness of this segment is encouraging estate farms and various startups to offer glamping opportunities and boost revenues in the European camping tent market.

Key Drivers and Trends fueling Market Growth:

Availability of Technologically Advanced Tents

Sensitivity to Environment

Growth in Nature & Adventure Tourism and Outdoor Activities

Increasing Awareness of Physical Wellbeing

Europe Camping Tent Market  Geography

The rising number of mini-camps in Germany is expected to gain traction in the camping tent industry in Europe during the forecast period. The growing trend of mini-camps that are connected to farms with diversified camping experiences is reaching a broader number of customers by tapping into specialist criteria such as expertise in the countryside. This is expected to fuel the demand for camping tents in Germany. Additionally, increasing sustainable tourism efforts will have a positive impact on the growth of the camping tent market in Europe during the forecast period.

Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/camping-tent-market-europe

Europe Camping Tent Market by Geography

UK

Germany

France

Spain

Italy

Austria

Norway

Sweden

Netherlands

Switzerland

Belgium

Others

Prominent Vendors

Oase Outdoors

Johnson Outdoor

AMG-Group

The Coleman Company

Other Prominent Vendors

ADL-Tent

Bell Tent

Bharat Tent Manufacturers

Big Agnes

BIGHEAD Glamping Tents

Blacks Outdoor

Boutique Camping

Cabanon

CanvasCamp

Canvas Tent Shop

Dometic

Eco Structures

Gelert

Heimplanet

GO Outdoors

Hilleberg

HUSKY

Jack Wolfskin

King Tents

LuxeTenten (YALA)

M2C Innovation

Mocadazu

MSR Gear

NEMO Equipment

The North Face

Outdoor Revolution

Sai Tents & Exports

Tentickle Tents

Terra Nova Equipment

Trigano MDC

Wildcraft

Zempire Camping Equipment

Explore our IT & media profile to know more about the industry.

Read some of the top-selling reports:

About Arizton:

Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.

We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.

Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.

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SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence
Fire risk is high across California, with two of the three largest fires burning in the San Francisco Bay area.

New wildfires ravaged bone-dry California during a scorching Labor Day weekend trapping campers and prompting the states largest utility to turn off power to 172,000 customers to try to prevent its power lines and other equipment from sparking more fires.

California is heading into what is traditionally the teeth of the wildfire season, and already it has set a record with two million acres (809,000 hectares) burned this year. The previous record was set just two years ago and included the deadliest wildfire in state history  the Camp Fire that swept through the community of Paradise and killed 85 people.

That fire was started by Pacific Gas & Electric power lines. Liability from billions of dollars in claims from that and other fires forced the utility to seek bankruptcy protection. To guard against new wildfires and new liability, PG&E last year began pre-emptive power shutoffs when conditions are exceptionally dangerous.

Jeremy Hedrick holding his son as smoke from the Creek Fire fills the air in a marina, where campers were being held due to impassable roads, caused by the fire in Shaver Lake, California [AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez]

That is the situation now in Northern California, where strong and dry winds are expected until Wednesday. PG&E received criticism for its handling of planned outages last year. The utility said it has learned from past problems, and this year will be making events smaller in size, shorter in length and smarter for customers.

Two of the three largest fires in state history are burning in the San Francisco Bay Area. More than 14,000 firefighters are battling those fires and about two dozen others around California.

The fire danger is also high in Southern California, where new fires were burning in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. The US Forest Service on Monday decided to close all eight national forests in the region and to shutter campgrounds statewide.

The wildfire situation throughout California is dangerous and must be taken seriously, said Randy Moore, regional forester for the Forest Services Pacific Southwest Region that covers California. Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behaviour, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire.





Lynne Tolmachoff, spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, said it is unnerving to have reached a record for acreage burned when September and October usually are the worst months for fires because vegetation has dried out and high winds are more common.

While the two mammoth Bay Area fires were largely contained after burning for three weeks, firefighters struggled to corral several other major blazes ahead of the expected winds. Evacuation orders were expanded to more mountain communities on Monday as the largest blaze, the Creek Fire, churned through the Sierra National Forest in Central California.

It was one of many recent major fires that have displayed terrifyingly swift movement. The fire moved 24 kilometres (15 miles) in a single day during the weekend and burned 145.04 square km (56 square miles). Since starting on Friday from an unknown cause. it has burned 549sq km (212sq miles).

Debra Rios was not home on Monday when the order came to evacuate her hometown of Auberry, just northeast of Fresno. Sheriffs deputies went to her ranch property to pick up her 92-year-old mother, Shirley MacLean. They reunited at an evacuation centre.

I hope like heck the fire doesnt reach my little ranch, Rios said. Its not looking good right now. Its an awfully big fire.

Mountain roads saw a steady stream of cars and trucks leaving the community of about 2,300 on Monday afternoon.

Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters work to douse brush fires in the Sepulveda Basin in the Sherman Oaks area of Los Angeles [AP Photo/Richard Vogel]

Firefighters working in steep terrain saved the tiny town of Shaver Lake from flames that roared down hillsides towards a marina. About 30 houses were destroyed in the remote hamlet of Big Creek, resident Toby Wait said.

About half the private homes in town burned down, he said. Words cannot even begin to describe the devastation of this community.

A school, church, library, an historic general store and a major hydroelectric plant were spared in the community of about 200 residents, Wait told the Fresno Bee.

Sheriffs deputies went door to door to make sure residents were complying with orders to evacuate. Officials hoped to keep the fire from pushing west towards Yosemite National Park.

On Monday night, a military helicopter tried but failed to land near Lake Edison to rescue people trapped by the fire, the Fresno Fire Department said on Twitter. The department tweeted: Military pilots tried valiantly to land but heavy smoke conditions prevented a safe approach, another effort will be made shortly to evacuate the trapped people in Lake Edison and China Peak using night vision.

Updated info on MCI event at FYI: rescue efforts were unsuccessful, military pilots tried valiantly to land but heavy smoke conditions prevented a safe approach, another effort will be made shortly to evacuate the trapped people in Lake Edison and China Peak using night vision.  Fresno Fire PIO (@FresnoFire) September 8, 2020

In Southern California, crews scrambled to douse several fires that roared to life in searing temperatures, including one that closed mountain roads in Angeles National Forest and forced the evacuation of the historic Mount Wilson Observatory. Late Monday night, the Los Angeles County Fire Department told residents of Duarte, Bradbury and Monrovia near the forest to get ready for a possible evacuation.

Cal Fire said a blaze in San Bernardino County called the El Dorado Fire started Saturday morning and was caused by a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device used by a couple to reveal their unborn babys gender. In eastern San Diego County, a fire destroyed at least 10 structures after burning 41.44sq km (16sq miles ) and prompting evacuations near the remote community of Alpine in the Cleveland National Forest.

Firefighters battling the Creek Fire as it threatens homes in the Cascadel Woods neighbourhood of Madera County, California [AP Photo/Noah Berger]

California has seen 900 wildfires since August 15, many of them started by an intense series of thousands of lightning strikes in mid-August. There have been eight fire deaths and more than 3,300 structures destroyed.

Homes were also burned to the ground in Oregon and Washington amid strong winds and high temperatures hitting the Pacific Northwest.

Washington County Sheriff Brett Myers told Spokane TV station KXLY fire had destroyed up to 80 percent of the homes in the town of Walden.

Local resident Shannon Thornton recounted the hasty evacuation, as she surveyed the ruins of her home. Everything is gone, she said, adding that she was still looking for her cat.

The Lionshead Fire in Oregon grew to 65sq km (25sq miles) by Monday and the Beachie Creek Fire reached 2sq km (500 acres) as fire officials prepare for high winds and dangerous conditions across both wildfires late Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Fire officials overseeing the Evans Canyon Fire in southeast Washington state issued a Red Flag Warning until Monday due to strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures.
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Golden Arrow Resources Corporation (TSXV: GRG) (FSE: G6A) (OTC: GARWF)

The Meeting

Golden Arrow Resources Corporation ("Golden Arrow" or the "Company") is reminding all shareholders of the upcoming Annual General & Special Meeting (the "Meeting") to be held on September 17, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver Time). Unfortunately, we will not be holding an in person meeting this year in light of ongoing concerns related to the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, in order to mitigate potential risks to the health and safety of the Company's shareholders, employees, communities and other stakeholders, the Company will be holding the Meeting entirely by teleconference.

The teleconference numbers are 1-800-319-4610 in North America and 1-604-638-5340 for International calls.

Shareholders are encouraged to read the meeting materials which provide more information on the resolutions. These have been filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and are on Golden Arrow's website at

www.goldenarrowresources.com/investors/shareholder-documents.

-----------------------

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT  PLEASE VOTE WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE PROXY VOTING DEADLINE ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 AT 10:00 a.m. (VANCOUVER TIME)

-----------------------

How to Vote



Beneficial Shareholders

Registered Shareholders









Shares held with a broker, bank or other intermediary

Shares held in own name and represented by a physical certificate







Internet: www.proxyvote.com

www.investorvote.com







Phone: Call the number(s) listed on the voting instruction

form and vote using the control number provided

therein

18667328683







Mail: Return the voting instruction form in the

enclosed postage paid envelope

Return the form of proxy in the enclosed postage paid envelope

Shareholder Questions and Assistance with Voting

If you have any questions or require assistance voting your shares, please contact Golden Arrow's proxy solicitation agent, Laurel Hill Advisory Group ("Laurel Hill"), at 1 877-452-7184 toll-free in North America, or call collect outside North America at 1 416-304-0211, or by email at [email protected].

Golden Arrow has also elected to utilize Broadridge's QuickVote service which allows Laurel Hill to assist shareholders to conveniently vote their shares directly over the telephone.

About Golden Arrow

Golden Arrow Resources Corporation is a mining exploration company with a successful track record of creating value by making precious and base metal discoveries and advancing them into exceptional deposits. The Company is well-leveraged to the price of gold, having recently monetized its Chinchillas silver discovery into a significant holding in precious metals producer SSR Mining Inc.

Golden Arrow is actively exploring a portfolio that includes advanced projects in Chile, a district-scale frontier opportunity in Paraguay, and more than 185,000 hectares of properties in Argentina.

The Company is a member of the Grosso Group, a resource management group that has pioneered exploration in Argentina since 1993.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Joseph Grosso"

_______________________________

Mr. Joseph Grosso,

Executive Chairman, President and CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements about the Company's plans for its mineral properties; the Company's business strategy, plans and outlooks; the future financial or operating performance of the Company; and future exploration and operating plans are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of COVID-19; risks and uncertainties related to the ability to obtain, amend, or maintain licenses, permits, or surface rights; risks associated with technical difficulties in connection with mining activities; and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Company's public disclosure documents for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, unless required pursuant to applicable laws.

SOURCE Golden Arrow Resources Corporation
By Akbar Mammadov

The Turkic Council always supports Azerbaijan's fair position over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which is based on justice and international law, Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States (Turkic Council) Baghdad Amreyev has said.

Amreyev made the remarks during the meeting with Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov on September 8.

During the meeting, the Azerbaijani minister emphasized the principled position of the Turkish Council over the aggressive policy of Armenia, which is a major threat to Azerbaijan's security. The Turkic Councils position is based on the norms and principles of international law, especially UN Security Council resolutions and decisions of other international organizations, Bayramov said.

Bayramov spoke with satisfaction about Azerbaijan's cooperation with the Turkic Council, the increase in the number of participating countries within the organization, the successful implementation of the last summit of the organization in Baku and the results achieved.

Amreyev praised Azerbaijan's role in the Turkish Council. Noting that the last Baku Summit held in Baku in 2019 was a qualitatively new stage in the organization's activities, the Secretary-General noted that steps have been taken to implement closer cooperation and integration on a wide range of issues within the organization.

Congratulating Azerbaijan on its successful chairmanship of the Turkic Council, Amreyev also expressed confidence that Azerbaijan will successfully continue to lead the organization until the next chairmanship.

The sides also exchanged views on the agenda of cooperation in a wide range of areas within the Turkish Council, the organization of the next summit, as well as ways to further develop the organization.

In addition, the cooperation of the Turkish Council with international and regional organizations and the status of the organization on international platforms have also been noted.

Established in 2009, the Turkic Council is an intergovernmental organization of Turkic Speaking Countries. The founding member states of the organization are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey. During the seventh summit of the Turkic Council held in Baku in October 2019, Uzbekistan joined the organization as a full member, while during the sixth summit held in Cholpon-Ata (Kyrgyzstan) in September 2018, Hungary received observer status at the organization.

---

Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  Asymptomatic local air travelers will be required to undergo antigen tests before departure or upon arrival at their destination, Inter-Agency Task Force spokesperson Harry Roque stated on Tuesday.

Roque said the COVID-19 task force has given the green light for the use of antigen tests as a pre-boarding requirement for domestic travelers.

"IATF allowed the use of the antigen test [....] when it is used as a pre-boarding requirement for asymptomatic domestic tourists before departure and travel to tourist destinations, or as a requirement upon entry at the place of destination if in accordance with the protocols of the local government unit," he declared in a statement.

The antigen tests will serve as a substitute for real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests.

The government earlier bared that select areas in Northern Luzon will be reopening their doors to domestic travelers, as officials have implemented less stricter quarantine measures in several parts of the country.

Speaking to CNN Philippines, Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon said the department has launched a tourism bubble, which covers travelers within Baguio City, La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur.

Aside from fulfilling the usual health protocols like social distancing and frequent hand washing, local tourists are expected to observe additional safety measures.

This includes taking a COVID-19 test before being allowed entry to the area. Travelers will only be permitted to roam around once they test negative.

Local tourists are also required to present pre-arranged accommodations and turn them over to authorities for easier regulation of movement inside the travel bubble, according to the DOT.
ALGIERS, Algeria - An Algerian prosecutor on Tuesday sought a four-year sentence in the high-profile appeals trial of Algerian journalist Khaled Drareni, more than the original term handed down a month ago that has been criticized for ignoring press freedoms.

The prosecutor also asked the court to hand down four-year sentences to two prominent pro-democracy protesters appealing their convictions alongside Drareni. That exceeded the pairs initial three-year conviction, that had all but four months suspended.

Drareni was sentenced to a full three-year term on Aug. 10. Before that, he had been in pre-trial detention for more than five months.

All three men were arrested at a March 7 march in Algiers. The two protesters were released pending their appeal trial.

Drareni was imprisoned for inciting an unarmed gathering and endangering national unity, charges linked to his coverage of Algerias Hirak protest movement.

Some two dozen defence lawyers presented their arguments on behalf of the three men in the hours-long hearing that lasted into the night. The judge set the verdict for Sept. 15, in a week, said the vice-president of the Algerian League for the Defence of Human Rights, Said Salhi.

The two protesters appealing with the journalist, Samir Benlarbi and Slimane Hamitouch, are known figures in Algerias Hirak protest movement that helped force President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign in April 2019 after 20 years in power.

A group of protesters outside the Algiers courthouse, including from the Hirak movement, carried signs reading Journalism Is Not a Crime and Algeria Free and Democratic. A small and peaceful rally in support of Drareni was held Monday at the capitals press complex. Small demonstrations were also held in Paris, as well as the Tunisian capital of Tunis, on Monday.

Drareni founded the Casbah Tribune news site and works for French TV channel TV5 Monde, among others, as well as for the NGO Reporters Without Borders.
08.09.2020 LISTEN

For westerners, witch hunting is a relic of the past, a phenomenon that belongs to early modern Europe, and 17th century Salem America. Witch-hunt features in contemporary discourses as a metaphor to describe the persecution of ones political opponents. Otherwise, the term, witchcraft, encapsulates entertaining anthropological tales. But in many parts of Africa, this is not the case.

Far from being a metaphorical expression, witchcraft is a frightful reality. Witch persecution persists, rages, and manifests in most vicious forms across the region. In recent months, there have been horrific attacks and vigilante killings of alleged witches in Nigeria, Ghana, and Malawi. As in early modern Europe, alleged witches in Africa are still targeted. They are burnt, stoned, and subjected to various trials by ordeal. Here are some recent examples:

In May, a local politician set ablaze 15 persons suspected of witchcraft in Cross River State in Southern Nigeria. Among the victims were the politicians mother, uncles, and other family members. According to eyewitnesses, the politician stormed the village with his witch finding team, dragged these relatives from their apartments, and threw them into the fire.

He embarked on this witch cleansing exercise after he claimed to have seen these family members in a dream threatening to kill him. Three of the suspected witches have died as a result of the burns while other survivors are battling for their lives. Local authorities have yet to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators. Justice continues to elude victims of this horrific violence.

In July, a local mob lynched Akua Denteh, a 90-year-old woman accused of witchcraft in Ghana. A diviner claimed that Denteh was responsible for the death of her children and intended to deploy her magical powers against persons in the community. Her accusers brought her to a public square where she was beaten, stoned, and eventually set ablaze while other community members looked on. Dentehs granddaughter was among her assailants.

Like Nigeria, Ghana is notorious for persecuting witches. Hundreds of victims have taken refuge at some protective shrines known as witch camps in the countrys northern region. Unlike the Nigerian case, the authorities in Ghana have arrested and are prosecuting the witch bloodletters.

In a related development, some angry mob reportedly stoned a man to death for allegedly killing a relative through witchcraft. The incident took place in Dedza in Central Malawi on September 1, 2020. The bewitched relative bewitched was living in South Africa. Western anthropologist, Peter Geschiere, aptly described this transnational bewitchment as African witchcraft going global, as opposed to the localized, village-bound witchcraft manifestations. Witch believing African migrants who take ill or who experience difficulties in far off places due to lack of documents, inability to access to social benefits, lack of jobs and employable skills ask family members back home to consult local diviners, pastors, prophets, and mallams.

Very often these charlatans, based on the information that witchcraft fearers provide, point out these enemies within who are usually family members. Certified witches are attacked or murdered in cold blood as the above-mentioned cases have vividly illustrated. These attacks and killings are not isolated incidents but frequent occurrences in many African societies.

Witch persecution predates colonialism and is linked to primitive health/security management and healing practices. Witchfinders are social/health care providers. Before the introduction of orthodox medicine, the line demarcating magic and medicine was blurred. Knowledge of medicine was quite rudimentary.

Herbal concoctions and rituals were the main components of the health care enterprise. Malevolent witchcraft was widely accepted as a narrative for making sense of death and diseases that defied natural understanding of the common sense of medicinal knowledge of traditional priests and healers.

But colonialists brought some change. They introduced orthodox medicine and enacted legislation that prohibited these harmful practices. Incidentally, the measures taken during the colonial era had limited impact; they fell short of realizing a sea change in understanding, and the management of causes and cures for various misfortunes. The colonial policies were unable to contain and dispel occult fears and anxieties. Instead, these measures drove witch finding and persecution underground consigning this medieval European throwback to rural communities and places with little or no contact with the colonial administration.

In postcolonial Africa, foreign political hold and influence on Africa weakened and in some cases completely disappeared. Limited police presence, poor health infrastructure, and a school system that mixes education and indigenous, Christian and Islamic religious indoctrination, a habitual disdain for critical thinking have yielded a reinforcement of magical potencies and efflorescence of occult fears.

This postcolonial climate provided a subsoil for the manifestation and valorization of witchcraft beliefs. For instance, police posts exist in these communities in Nigeria, Ghana, and Malawi where vigilante groups lynched or stoned alleged witches to death. But the police did not intervene. Very often there are few officers at these police posts and they lack the equipment to tackle the lynch mobs. Many of these police officers believe in the reality of witchcraft. Witch hunters execute their violent campaign at the invitation of community members including students and teachers who strongly believe in the reality of witches.

But I must acknowledge that nothing has testified to the intellectual rot and corrosive effect of witchcraft fears more poignantly than a protest by Christian university students in November last year. Christian students at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka opposed the organization of an academic seminar on witchcraft at the university. They claimed that the event was an open invitation to witches and wizards to take over the campus. These students organized a parallel prayer conference to spiritually counteract the event. The program went ahead but after the organizers moved the event to another venue because the initial venue was canceled. The organizers also changed the theme of the seminar from, Witchcraft: Meaning, Factors, and Practices to Dimensions of Human behaviors.

In addition to the widespread horrific attacks of alleged witches and impunity including the unimaginable torture and abuses that are meted out to suspected witches, the controversy over this academic conference on witchcraft was for me the tipping point. I could not believe that university students, petrified by occult anxieties could rally against an academic event in such a bizarre and embarrassing manner.

So in response to this outrageous situation, I launched in January the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AFAW) project. I outlined the vision of ending witch persecution in Africa by 2030. AFAW seeks to realize this objective by defending and empowering alleged witches; educating and enlightening witchcraft accusers and believers, pressuring state authorities to protect citizens and maintain law and order, and fostering critical thinking in schools.

Since January, AFAW has organized two campus meetings at universities in Ibadan and Nsukka on the theme: Who is afraid of witches/witchcraft on campuses? AFAW has intervened in cases of witch persecution in Nigeria, Ghana, and Malawi. In fact, in less than a year after the launch, AFAW is overwhelmed by requests to respond and intervene in cases of persecution and abuses liked to the belief in witchcraft and occult harm.

Since April this year, AFAW has successfully intervened in a case where a man was almost lynched for 'stealing' the destinies of youths in the community through occult means. AFAW has supported victims of witch-burning in Cross River state, child witch victims in Plateau, and Ogun states. We continue to draw the attention of local authorities to the disgraceful witch-hunting activities in Mokwa Niger state.

In this case, a local Muslim witch hunter, Hassan Patigi performs witchcraft exorcism using sachets of water and subjects alleged witches to torture, inhuman and degrading treatments. AFAW has petitioned the authorities in Ghana, Zambia, Nigeria, and Malawi drawing their attention to witch persecution in these countries.

We continue to urge the government of Malawi to take urgent step to end vigilante killing of alleged witches in the country. AFAW has asked the police to investigate the activities of a local witch hunter who imposes heavy fines on alleged witches and abducts those who are unable to pay, holding them hostage until they pay up. Plans are underway to organize critical thinking workshops in schools and to encourage African youths and students to question ideas and beliefs. To realize a witch-hunting free Africa, a critical mass of Africa must embrace the habit of critical examination of beliefs.
The Bangalore Metro Rail



Corporation Limited and the South Western signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bangalore International Airport Limited on Tuesday in order to upgrade connectivity from Bengaluru to the Kempe Gowda International Airport.

The three key service providers joined hands on Tuesday in the presence of Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, senior bureaucrats of the state government, top functionaries of Railways, BMRCL and the BIAL.

Speaking on the occasion, Yediyurappa emphasised that all the agencies should work in tandem towards achieving the goal of the comprehensive and integrated multi-modal connectivity infrastructure for the new century.

He also thanked the Government of India for supporting these projects.

According to the SWR, the construction of this Railway Station is near completion and is scheduled to be operationalised shortly.

The BIAL is constructing the station and will hand it over to the Indian Railways, which will operate and maintain it.

The BIAL has also decided to provide free shuttle service from the Airport Halt Station to the Terminal and other parts of the Airport, as per the schedule of the train services.

The BMRCL said it will construct the Airport Metro section, along with civil, electro-mechanical, other associated facilities, works and related assets, whereas the BIAL will develop, manage and maintain the two metro stations that will be located within the Airport boundary.

According to the BMRCL, the Metro Rail connectivity to the airport is likely to be commissioned by December 2024.

This Airport section is a part of the total 56 km Metro line named "Outer Ring Road-Airport Metro" from Central Silk Board Junction to Kempe Gowda International Airport, Bengaluru Terminals via KR Puram and Hebbal.

The ORR-Airport Metro is being established by BMRCL at a total estimated cost of Rs 14,844 crore and is likely to serve 7.8 lakh commuters daily.

The two stations within the Airport boundaries are likely to see the daily ridership of 0.6 lakh commuters in 2024, increasing to 1.88 lakh commuters by 2041.

Besides them, the Embassy Group, a leading real estate developer, on Tuesday signed an MoU with BMRCL to construct the Bettahalasur Metro Station with an investment of Rs 140 crore.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Yediyurappa.

(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.)
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Like most enterprises and government entities, information technology (IT) is vital for the US Department of Defense (DoD), specifically for its communications, situational awareness, and combat systems. As it continues standardization and quality improvement efforts, the DoD is currently searching for input from large established IT firms and innovative start-ups to save costs, speed up integration, and improve capabilities. To help IT providers understand the available opportunities in the defense sector, the Aerospace & Defense team at Frost & Sullivan will showcase the recent DoD program funding and contract activity for IT hardware, software, networks, and services.

Join Defense Industry Analyst Brad Curran for a Growth Opportunity briefing, "Top Growth Opportunities for IT Providers in the US Department of Defense," on September 17 at 11 a.m. EST. The briefing will provide a framework of the IT products and services sought by the DoD, identify the leading influencers and market participants, and outline practical go-to-market strategies.

For more information and to register for the webinar, please visit: http://frost.ly/4g8

Critical insights for the audience to understand include:

Obstacles to overcome, such as size, weight, and power (SWaP), and algorithms for cybersecurity .

. The DoD's digital modernization strategy.

strategy. How commercial technology insertions , while speeding development, also increase competition and lower market participants' margins.

, while speeding development, also increase competition and lower market participants' margins. How both traditional defense companies and commercial IT firms can help the DoD meet operational goals and enable an Internet of Battlefield Things.

The event will also be recorded and available on-demand at http://frost.ly/1ti.

About Frost & Sullivan

For over five decades, Frost & Sullivan has become world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion.

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Linkedin Ghina Ghaliya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 8, 2020 19:15 499 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c438816e 1 National Fachrul-Razi,Religious-Affairs-Minister,radicalism,Lawmakers,house-of-representatives,DPR,preacher-certification,preacher-standardization,preachers,MUI,PAN,politics Free

Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi has found himself in hot water again as lawmakers question him over his controversial remarks on radicalism and the ministrys preacher certification program.

In a working meeting on Tuesday, lawmakers of House of Representatives Commission VIII overseeing religious affairs asked him about his recent remarks about the spread of radical teachings among civil servants and society through "good-looking" hafiz (Quran memorizers).

Chairman of the commission Yandri Susanto lambasted Fachrul, saying the minister was too ignorant for saying such remarks, putting the hafiz on a par with radicals.

"I personally told my children to speak Arabic and memorize the Quran. The government cant accuse them of being radicals, the National Mandate Party (PAN) politician said.

Deputy chairman of the commission Ace Hasan Syadzily of the Golkar Party also criticized Fachrul for the insensitive remarks, arguing that Fachrul had failed to see social media as one of the platforms used to spread radicalism in Indonesia.

"If this was being discussed comprehensively, I think it would not be a problem, but dont make controversial remarks like that, he said.

Fachrul said earlier this month during a virtual webinar held by the Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Ministry that "good-looking" people had spread radicalism through educational institutions and houses of worship.

He argued that he did not know the aforementioned event was open to the public. The retired military general also claimed his statement had come from his knowledge about intelligence work, which he said often involved attractive and smart people to socialize with residents in carrying out their operations.

Read also: Minister plays down plan to involve TNI in fostering religious harmony

"That's how intelligence agencies work [...] they assign good-looking and clever people to certain communities," Fachrul said, adding that houses of worship should always do a background check on preachers they want to invite.

Other lawmakers also criticized Fachrul for coming up with the certified preachers plan for all religions, a program initiated by Vice President Ma'ruf Amin.

The ministry's program will involve the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the National Defense Institute (Lemhanas), the Agency for Pancasila Ideology Education (BPIP), the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) and other mass organizations.

Hidayat Nur Wahid of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) called on Fachrul to scrap the plan and end the controversies surrounding the program.

The House has never discussed the program with the ministry. We havent agreed on that, he said.

In response to the critics, Fachrul explained that the government would not ban preachers who had not yet participated in the certification program.

He said the program was voluntary and aimed to promote nationalism and spread positive messages of rahmatan lil alamin (blessing for the whole universe) through moderate Islam.

He further said the ministry would ensure that the program could be welcomed by many parties.

We want everyone to accept the program, because the purpose is good for the people and the nation in the future, Fachrul said in the hearing.

Prior to this, the minister had been under fire several times for a number of controversial statements and policies, including a proposed plan to ban the wearing of the niqab in government institutions, the issuance of a ministerial regulation that requires Quran study groups to be registered with the ministry and the sudden haj cancellation over COVID-19 concerns.
By CHRISTINA A. CASSIDY and FRANK BAJAK, Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP)  Thousands of absentee ballots get rejected in every presidential election. This year, that problem could be much worse and potentially pivotal in hotly contested battleground states.

With the coronavirus creating a surge in mail-in balloting and postal delays reported across the country, the number of rejected ballots in November is projected to be significantly higher than previous elections.

If ballots are rejected at the same rate as during this years primaries, up to three times as many voters in November could be disenfranchised in key battleground states when compared to the last presidential election, according to an Associated Press analysis of rejected ballots. It could be even more pronounced in some urban areas where Democratic votes are concentrated and ballot rejection rates trended higher during this years primaries.

It is the number one thing that keeps me up at night  the idea that voters will do everything they can to ensure their ballot is returned on time and the system will still fail them, said Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Ballot rejections occur even under the best of circumstances. They go uncounted because they arrived too late in the mail, voters forgot to sign them or signatures didnt match the one on file at local election offices.

Those problems could be compounded this year as millions of voters cast mail-in ballots for the first time because of election changes forced by the coronavirus. Large numbers of uncounted ballots could be used to sow doubts about the election; President Donald Trump has been claiming for months without evidence that widespread mail-in voting will lead to fraud.

The sudden leap is worrisome: 22 states are going from absentee ballots comprising less than 10% of all ballots four years ago to perhaps half or more this November. Pennsylvania is among them: Nearly 51% of all votes cast during its June primary were mail-in.

If voter turnout is the same as 2016 and the ballot rejection rate equals the 1.4% from this years primary, nearly 43,000 voters in Pennsylvania could be disenfranchised this fall, according to APs analysis. Thats almost the same number of votes by which Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton in the state four years ago, when some 2,100 ballots were rejected.

In Philadelphia, a far higher percentage of absentee ballots cast in June were rejected  3.9%. Most of those arrived too late to be counted, even though Gov. Tom Wolf extended the deadline by a week.

Amy Campbell, a 26-year-old University of Pennsylvania medical student, had her ballot rejected for another reason: a missing signature.

Campbell is upset she didnt have a chance to fix her ballot. She received an email two days after the vote count ended telling her officials couldnt obtain (her) required signature.

The first communication I got from the state was basically to tell me that my ballot had been canceled, Campbell said.

Philadelphia Board of Elections spokesman Nick Custodio said thats not supposed to happen, but couldnt explain why it did.

Vote-by-mail rejections could be of special concern to Democrats, who have seen a surge in absentee ballot applications this year. In Pennsylvania, for example, more than twice as many Democrats as Republicans voted by mail in the June primary.

Only 21 states have defined procedures for notifying voters if absentee ballots are rejected so they have a chance to fix it.

For its analysis, the AP also collected absentee ballot data from Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. Based on the percentage of those ballots cast in each states primary this year, between 185,000 and 292,000 voters in the seven states examined could be disenfranchised if Novembers turnout matches that of four years ago and the rejection rate remains flat. That compares to nearly 87,000 ballots rejected in those states in 2016.

The ballot rejections could be pivotal in close races. In 2016, Trump won Wisconsin by roughly 23,000 votes.

Reasons for rejection can vary. In a few states, a witness or notary must sign the ballot envelope for the ballot to be valid. Where ballots received after Election Day are counted, a legible postmark from that day is generally required.

There could be a lot of people who are voting this way for the first time, and they tend to make the errors that lead to lost votes, said Larry Norden, an elections expert with the Brennan Center for Justice.

New, young, Black and Hispanic voters  who tend to favor Democratic candidates  are disproportionately affected, according to research by University of Florida political scientist Daniel Smith. All have had absentee ballots rejected at higher rates than white and more experienced mail-in voters.

Being able to notify voters of problems in time to fix them will be difficult enough for understaffed election offices. It doesnt help that election officials in some states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania, are not allowed to begin looking at absentee ballots until Election Day. That leaves a narrow window for identifying problems and allowing voters to fix them.

Experts say voters must be diligent about requesting and returning absentee ballots well ahead of Election Day; the Postal Service advises allowing seven days for a ballot to reach an election office.

Drop boxes can help. Michigan, Georgia, Colorado and Arizona are among states adding more. Colorado, which has been mailing ballots to all voters since 2013, saw a slight increase in rejections from about 1% in 2016 to 1.6% in this years primary; the rejection rate doubled in Denver but still remained below 2%.

Joe Bernal, a 31-year-old tech analyst in Miami, expects to be driving to the nearest drop box to deliver his ballot ahead of Nov. 3. His ballot was rejected in Floridas March presidential primary for arriving after the deadline, even though Bernal said he mailed it at least three weeks before.

Bernal, who lost an aunt to COVID-19, said he is unwilling to vote in person: Im asthmatic. I dont want to have to risk it.

But drop boxes only solve one problem. The process of authenticating voter signatures on ballot envelopes  an anti-fraud measure  is so troublesome that lawsuits have been filed seeking to end the practice barring an adequate remedy.

Jennifer Morrell, a former election official in Utah and Colorado, said voters need to be certain they will be given an opportunity to fix a problem. Some jurisdictions are adding software that quickly alerts voters via text or email, but Morrell said the problem is being unevenly addressed.

States that are really new to this, most likely they will just be sending out a letter in the mail and hope the voter gets it in time and fills it out, she said.

That wasnt the case for Tasha Young, a 43-year-old teacher in metro Atlanta who found a letter from her local election office buried in a pile of mail after Georgias primary in June. It said she had failed to sign her ballot, but by then it was too late for her to submit the required affidavit.

She plans to vote in person in November.

For one thing, I dont want to have to worry about a deadline or missing a signature, Young said.

___

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Calif. church appeals governor's ban on Bible studies, in-person worship: 'Church more essential than ever'

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The Pasadena-based Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry have appealed their case regarding Gov. Gavin Newsoms ban on all in-person worship, including home Bible studies and fellowship with anyone who does not live in the home.

On behalf of Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministries, which is a nonprofit corporation with 162 member churches statewide and over 65,000 affiliates worldwide, the religious rights law group Liberty Counsel has filed a lawsuit in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

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, Liberty Counsel said in a statement.

Harvest Rock 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.

While he discriminates against churches, home Bible studies and fellowship meetings, the governor continues to encourage thousands of protestors to gather throughout the state," Liberty Counsel argued. "Like Gov. Newsom, Pasadena has allowed hundreds and thousands of protestors. Neither the Pasadena Public Health Department nor the Pasadena Prosecutor has attempted to stop the protests in which people are crowded together, many of them not wearing masks.

On Aug. 12, Judge Jesus G. Bernal denied the churchs request for a preliminary injunction. The following day, the Pasadena prosecutor sent the church and its pastor, Che Ahn, a letter demanding that all in-person worship services cease. The letter threatened daily criminal charges and fines to the pastor, the church, staff and parishioners, saying each criminal charge would be punishable by up to one year in prison.

The Supreme Court has clearly stated that under the First Amendment, the state cannot prohibit people from attending church against their will, Liberty Counsel founder and Chairman Mat Staver said.

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.

Pastor Ahn recently posted a video on Instagram with a message to the congregation: If you do show up and get a ticket, Harvest Rock Church is going to underwrite that ticket; well pay for your citation. Were really doing a prophetic act here in obedience to what we believe the Holy Spirit is directing us. Ive said this a number of times, Im willing to go to jail for what I believe is my constitutional right and what I believe the Holy Spirit is asking me to do as your pastor.

Harvest Rock Church asks that attendees abide by the churchs guidelines for safe attendance during the pandemic.

The church asks those who are high risk and those who live with people who are high risk to stay home and watch online. Meanwhile, the church also encourages families with children and those who experience symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing to watch online.

Attendees are asked to wear a mask when entering and exiting the auditorium and practice social distancing while entering, exiting and while on-site.
Government Reminds Public to Take Precautions in Spain

The Government has said it would like to remind the public to take extra care when travelling to Spain in the light of an upsurge in cases of COVID-19.

'It is important that everyone is familiar with the laws and rules that apply in Spain and that they are aware that these rules may differ from one region to another.'

The latest figures show that there are nearly 700 hospitalised cases of COVID-19 throughout Andalucia, of which over 100 are in intensive care. In addition to this, local lock-downs are in place in some areas like the nearby town of Barbate.

La Linea has reported 97 active cases and Algeciras 245.

A spike of cases in Gibraltar in August was linked directly to a party in Marbella attended by a number of young people from Gibraltar. Govt also said it is important that everyone should understand that such activities pose a risk to other relatives in particular those who are elderly or vulnerable to the effects of the virus.

'COVID-19 poses a risk to human health and already nearly 900,000 people worldwide have contracted the virus and died.'

The Government urges those persons going to Spain to make sure that they follow the rules and that they take adequate precautions, including the use of face masks, frequent hand-washing and maintaining social distance.
Police in Georgia are hunting for two men considered 'armed and dangerous' who shot and wounded a sheriffs deputy before crashing their stolen trailer and running off into the woods.

Dalton Lee Potter, 29, was wanted in Texas when he was pulled over in a white Chevrolet Tahoe, pulling a stolen utility trailer, in Whitfield County, Georgia, on Sunday evening.

Potter opened fire on Deputy Darrell Hackney, who was saved only by his bulletproof vest.

Potter, from Leakey, Texas, then sped off in the stolen trailer, crashing it on I-75 South.

Dalton Potter, 29, was pulled over on Sunday evening in Whitfield County, Georgia

Potter, from Leakey, Texas, was driving a white Chevrolet Tahoe with a stolen trailer behind

On Monday morning Georgia sheriffs issued an alert for Potter, following Sunday's shooting

A second wanted Texas fugitive, Jonathan Hosmer, 47, was later identified by the wreck

A second man, Jonathan Hosmer, 47, also from Leakey, was captured on a home surveillance system in a subdivision near the truck wreck.

Both men are now being sought by police - with Potter being seen taking off into the woods.

Hosmer was wanted in Texas for burglary.

Potter has been charged with aggravated assault on the deputy; Hosmer has not yet been charged but an arrest warrant has been issued for him.

'Potter is considered armed and dangerous and a 'Blue Alert' has been issued for Potter's capture,' the Georgia Bureau of Investigations said.

Scott Chitwood, Whitfield County sheriff, said the deputy was treated at a hospital and is now at home.

'Thank goodness that his vest protected it,' said Chitwood.

'He was treated and released at the hospital last night. Had a burning sensation, little abrasion, but overall fine, right below the rib cage.'

Whitfield County Sheriff Scott Chitwood speaks about the incident on Monday

Deputy Darrell Hackney saved only by his bulletproof vest during the Sunday night shooting

Hosmer, also from Leakey, Texas, was wanted for burglary of a building

Local residents are assisting police, WRCBtv reported.

John Locklear, who lives near the crash site, said he told police he had seen him on Monday morning.

'He walked, went down that road, went over the railroad tracks and went that way, I said about five minutes ago,' Locklear said.

'I looked at him and he turned his head, he didn't want me to look at his face.

I said, well, there's something weird about that. So I got back here and checked my stuff out to see if anything was missing.

'But they said he was armed,' Locklear added.

Chitwood said eyewitness reports have helped them narrow their search, which was filmed by Fox5 Atlanta.

'One of the neighbors gave the description, we felt like it was legitimate, we focused on that area.

'But we've come up with nothing at this point. We did come up with a pack of fresh cigarettes we felt like possibly could be his,' Chitwood added.

It's unclear why Potter came to Georgia.

Helicopters are pictured searching for the two fugitives in Georgia
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 8 : Even as the Kerala Crime Branch police has initiated a probe against Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) opposition legislator, M.C.Kamaruddin after investors complained of being cheated, he said he has not cheated anyone.

"Our business did not do well and hence I will return all the amount to those who have invested with us in a matter of four months. There is no cheating involved at all. A few investors have approached the court, while many have not. Those who have gone legal, will be dealt in the same manner," said the opposition legislator.

Kamaruddin and his business partners had allegedly flouted a jewellery firm and had collected money from several investors.

When the business failed, anxious investors went into panic and complaints also surfaced and the Crime Branch is now probing it.

"I am the UDF Kasargode district chairman and till date neither my party nor the UDF has asked me to step down from my post," added Kamaruddin.

Incidentally Kamaruddin won the Manjeswaram Assembly by-election held last year, after the sitting legislator passed away.
By Jessica Jaganathan and Anshuman Daga

SINGAPORE, Sept 8 (Reuters) - The global commodities chief at Standard Chartered Plc (StanChart) is leaving the bank as part of the division's restructuring, with many commodities team executives switching to the bank's financial markets unit, according to a company memo and one person familiar with the matter.

In a memo sent to staff earlier this month and reviewed by Reuters, Roberto Hoornweg, StanChart's global head of financial markets, said Cengiz Belentepe, global head of commodities and regional head of Financial Markets West, was leaving the bank after a four-year stint.

It wasn't immediately clear whether the exact role that Belentepe is relinquishing will be retained. Hoornweg said in the memo that with Belentepe's departure, he would "re-align" the financial markets regional head structure and the commodities team.

A StanChart spokeswoman confirmed the contents of the memo late on Monday, declining to comment further.

The bank's commodities business is housed within the bank's financial markets business, which includes foreign exchange, credit and capital markets and rates.

The moves see StanChart joining a growing list of global banks restructuring or reducing their commodities business to cut risk following a series of commodity trader collapses which shocked banks after instances of fraud were laid bare by the coronavirus crisis. Many put their trade finance divisions under review as they scrambled to recoup billions of dollars in debt.

The collapse of Singapore-based oil trader Hin Leong has also affected many banks, with StanChart having an exposure of $240 million, according to a court filing by the trader. StanChart hasn't commented directly on its exact exposure to Hin Leong.

In its first quarter, StanChart reported credit impairment of $956 million and said a large portion of that was accounted for by two clients - in commodity trading and healthcare - but didn't identify the clients.

Story continues

A person familiar with the matter said while some commodities staff members would switch divisions, some would be leaving the bank, without providing further details. The person declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media.

In his memo, Hoornweg said the commodities business was a "critical value proposition" for StanChart's clients, across both corporate customers and financial institutions, and he would align the commodities business with the rest of financial markets.

He said the bank will integrate both the commodities sales and structuring teams with financial markets sales and structuring. (Reporting by Jessica Jaganathan and Anshuman Daga; Additional reporting by Lawrence White in London; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
According to the Robert Krieps Foundation, SIFs ("Specialised Investment Funds"), are misused to speculate on the property market without paying taxes.

An "immoral legality", that is how Max Leners of the Robert Krieps Foundation describes the use of "SIFs", the "Specialised Investment Funds", by large property developers. In a note, the think tank close to the Luxembourg Socialist Worker's Party (LSAP) proposes that these funds should be more strictly regulated in order to move towards greater tax justice.

The foundation does not criticise the existence of these funds, whose main purpose is to avoid double taxation, i.e. prevent things that are already taxed abroad from being taxed again in Luxembourg. This is legitimate, says Max Leners, one of the authors of the note.

According to Leners, the funds are basically designed so that there is no double taxation, but if a Luxembourg resident uses this financing instrument, the bottom line is that they are not taxed. Leners argues that this meant that these funds were a financing instrument that had been created to attract foreign investors, who could make use of them to obtain a minimum taxation in the Grand Duchy. However, the promoters in question were now abusing it in order to end up paying no tax.

Leners gives an example: In 2018, the financial company "La Luxembourgeoise" contributed two properties to a SIF with a total value of 30.3 million, which brought in almost 300,000 in rental income in 2019.

Within "La Luxembourgeoise", Leners explains, this rental income would theoretically be taxed at 19%, but within the SIF, they are taxed at 0.01%.

This meant that instead of paying 60,000 in taxes, the company only paid around 3,000.

According to Leners, it was even more complicated in a fund, because as soon as someone sells their share of the fund, again no tax is due, depending on how the person in question set up their fund. While complicated overall, it is possible to avoid taxation completely by respecting 2-3 criteria which in themselves are not very complicated.



Even the government acknowledges that there is a problem. The 2018 coalition programme states that abuses due to the use of the SIF tax regime in the real estate sector must be avoided. The Robert Krieps Foundation calls for this to be taken to the next level and proposes taxation at the shareholder level.

Leners explains that ideally, as soon as a Specialised Investment Fund held a property in Luxembourg, i.e. the property was located in Luxembourg, from that moment on, taxation would no longer take place at the fund level, but authorities would act, through the fund, on the shareholder. A normal tax rate would then apply, i.e. up to 42%, instead of just 0.01%.



However, could this change not ultimately lead to even higher housing prices, with landlords passing on higher contributions to their tenants?

Leners counters that this instrument was never created to act on the housing market, which meant that should it disappear, it would not lead to normal property developers having to pay more taxes. In fact, Leners argues that it actually leads to unfair competition between property developers who can set up a SIF  which are only the biggest developers in the country  and developers who do not have this possibility, because such a SIF involves very high costs.

At the same time, the supply side of the housing market should be increased, which means that the state has to invest, adds Max Leners of the Robert Krieps Foundation.
In its 14th year of honoring books by and about Arab Americans, the Arab American Book Awards honors works in the categories of Children & Young Adult, Non-Fiction, Fiction and Poetry.

This one-of-a-kind literary competition is one of many of the Arab American National Museums (AANM) programs that highlight the achievements and contributions of Arab Americans and help build community through the arts.

Each year, this signature program brings together Arab American voices and talent from across the nation to share their stories and celebrates Arab American contributions to the American literary landscape, said Diana Abouali, Director of AANM. The submissions this year reflected the increasingly rich variety and diversity of Arab American experiences.

This year, the Arab American Book Awards present its Children/Young Adult Award to Filipino Egyptian American artist, journalist and writer Malaka Gharib for her graphic memoir, I Was Their American Dream (Clarkson Potter, 2019).

A coming-of-age story at heart, the Washington, D.C.-based Gharibs memoir speaks to a universal theme amongst youth-especially immigrants and children of immigrants-of not belonging or fitting in. Shedding light on questions of identity and culture while navigating adolescence in a Filipino and Egyptian household, Ghalibs relatable story is a reminder that there is more than one American Dream.

One of two winners for the Evelyn Shakir Non-fiction Award, When We Were Arabs: A Jewish Familys Forgotten History (The New Press, 2019) by Massoud Hayoun, also takes up questions of identity, but with an important twist: Hayoun has an answer to his identity. In the first chapter of his book, he writes, My intention is to reclaim the Jewish Arab identity for me and to recuperate it to reclaim the Jewish Arab identity. Quickly becoming a community favorite for its intricate layering of narrative and scholarly themes, When We Were Arabs showcases the role of memory in how we understand history and construct identity. It also brings attention to the legacy of colonialism its impact and simultaneously working to debunk it.

This years George Ellenbogen Poetry Award winner is Zaina Alsous for A Theory of Birds (University of Arkansas, 2019), which is also the recipient of the 2019 Etel Adnan Poetry Prize. A self-proclaimed abolitionist and a daughter of the Palestinian diaspora, Alsous wields language as a tool for revolutionary change. The birds, found on every page, become a metaphor for the violence perpetrated on othered bodies and Earths ecology as the poems encourage a decolonized mind.

Though the Museum remains closed in response to the pandemic, the annual Book Awards ceremony will shift to an online platform at 6 p.m. Nov. 11. Details are forthcoming.

SOURCE: AANM
Amazon is a great place to find some fashion gems, with plenty of dupes for designer items available if you're prepared to do a bit of hunting.

The CRZ YOGA Women's Naked Feeling Gym Leggings have caught the attention of thousands of Amazon shoppers, thanks to their impressive quality and incredibly flattering fit. In fact, the CRZ Leggings have caused a bit of a storm among reviewers online, with many comparing the quality to Lululemon leggings - but with a far more reasonable price tag.

The leggings, which cost between $24 and $28 depending on the size and color you choose, have close to 7,000 reviews on Amazon, nearly three-quarters of which award them a full five stars.

The CRZ YOGA Women's Naked Feeling Gym Leggings are being snapped up in a range of colours and sizes

Finding a pair of soft, sweat-wicking leggings that are also squat proof and super comfortable is no-mean feat, especially when you're on a budget.

The CRZ YOGA Women's Naked Feeling Gym Leggings show that you don't need to spend a fortune for high-quality workout pants, with shoppers raving about the 'buttery soft' texture and 'super flattering' fit. In fact, there are hundreds of Amazon reviews that have compared the quality to that of $98 leggings.

'Seriously the BEST Lululemon dupes our there! I'm convinced! one reviewer raved. And they are so affordable.... This is my second pair and I'm definitely getting more.'

Another shopper wrote: 'OMG I don't normally write reviews but these leggings are amazing. They're an actual dupe for Lululemon aligns, and I might even argue they're better since the aligns lose some of their silkiness and these don't.'

The high waistband on the leggings cinches you in, helping you feel supported, while the side pockets are handy for keeping gym essentials like your phone, keys and card

While perhaps not as sweat-wicking as more expensive brands, the soft-hand feel is very similar. Designed with a Spandex blend, the CRZ leggings are soft and stretchy, giving you that naked feeling, so you're free to run, squat and lunge without restriction. The high-rise fit means you're tummy is pulled in and supported too.

The leggings' flattering fit is often mentioned in the reviews, with Amazon shoppers praising the form and comfort.

One very satisfied shopper wrote: 'I'll never buy lululemon leggings again. These are a fraction of the cost & in my opinion the exact same feel & durability.

'They are so comfortable, stretchy & don't show sweat while at the gym. Plan on buying more in more colors.'

Another added: PERFECT PANTS!! I love these, comparable to lulus. I am a HUGE legging lover, I have basically every brand, and for the price of these, you HAVE to try them... The double seam above the butt is so flattering and really accents the body well. I love these!!'

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Editors Note: The headline of this article has been updated to better reflect the story. It previously stated that the Massachusetts Public Health Association recommended teachers be required to get the flu vaccine. The MPHA only recommended that adults and children get vaccinated.

As some in the medical community predict dual outbreaks of the coronavirus and influenza this fall, some experts are urging officials to extend a flu vaccine mandate for students to teachers as well.

In mid-August, state health officials announced that all children aged 6 months or older attending Massachusetts child care, pre-school, K-12, colleges and universities would be required to get flu shots as part of an effort to curb respiratory illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, The Boston Herald reported, the mandate does not extend to teachers. Now several medical professionals across the region are urging Massachusetts Department of Public Health officials to address this gap to protect staff and students in schools.

As we face the threat of two simultaneous outbreaks this winter - coronavirus and the flu - it is more important than ever that we take all possible precautions to prevent the spread of these viruses that can cause serious illness, hospitalization and death, the Massachusetts Public Health Association told MassLive in a statement.

The MPHA recommended that every child and adult get vaccinated for the flu this year, calling the vaccine a way not only to protect your own health, but also the health of your loved ones, your neighbors, your colleagues and our communities.

Students are expected to get vaccinated for influenza by the end of December for the 2020-2021 flu season unless a medical or religious exemption is provided, according to the state Department of Public Health.

K-12 students who are homeschooled as well as higher education students who stay completely off campus and are being taught via remote learning only are also exempt, the department said.

Still, the order has received backlash from some parents and educators who believe it is a parents right to choose whether or not their child should receive a flu vaccine. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the Massachusetts State House late last month to protest the mandate.

Contrastingly, several medical professionals in the Northeast are saying both students and teachers should get vaccinated before heading back to school.

If you are going to mandate a vaccine for children, it should be mandated for teachers as well in order to most adequately protect the population at the school, Dr. Nicole Avena of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York told the Herald. Many hospitals have flu vaccine mandates for employees, and everyone from the doctors to the mail room workers are expected to get it.

Jeannie Kenkare, chief medical officer of PhysicianOne Urgent Care, also argued that all teachers should absolutely get their flu shots and DPH should follow up with instructors about getting the vaccine, according to the Herald.

With people congregating in schools, it just seems like common sense to get the vaccine to prevent the spread and protect our vulnerable populations, especially as were facing this twindemic of flu and COVID-19 this fall, she told the news outlet.

According to the Department of Public Health, state law allows the agency to mandate school vaccinations for students but not for other individuals.

There are specific regulations for health care workers as well, and some but not all health care employers mandate vaccination for their employees, the department said.

The agency recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu vaccine every year, though. Particularly this year, when the effects of influenza are similar to those of the coronavirus, it is especially important get ones flu shot, officials said.

Every year, thousands of people of all ages are affected by influenza, leading to many hospitalizations and deaths, said Dr. Larry Madoff, medical director at DPHs Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences. It is more important now than ever to get a flu vaccine because flu symptoms are very similar to those of COVID-19 and preventing the flu will save lives and preserve health care resources.

Doctors in Massachusetts have also expressed the importance of getting vaccinated for influenza this year ahead of flu season, when two different viral outbreaks are expected to overlap.

Dr. David Hooper, chief of the infection control unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, pointed out that unvaccinated flu patients going to hospitals for treatment or to get diagnoses creates more respiratory illnesses that need to be evaluated and tested for.

It is even more important than ever. We strongly encourage the vaccination of everybody above 6 months of age," Hooper said. Its particularly important this year with the overlap in symptoms of the flu and COVID are substantial.

The sentiment was echoed by Dr. Armando Paez, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Medicine at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. The doctor noted that getting vaccinated for the flu could potentially stave off transmission of the coronavirus and combat a second surge.

I cannot overemphasize this during this time of COVID-19 pandemic, where another respiratory infection like the flu, which is potentially preventable by vaccination, can lead to a surge of respiratory infections in the background of COVID-19, he said in a statement. This surge could result in health care resources being strained and ultimately affect patient care.

Influenza vaccinations for teachers are needed, as they work closely with children, who are considered to be an at-risk population for flu complications, according to Paez.

Thus, flu vaccination is important for the teachers as well as other school employees and students to prevent flu transmission, he said.

Massachusetts General Hospital already has a mandate in place, where employees are required to get flu vaccines, though medical exemptions are allowed. The system has worked very well, according to Hooper.

For nearly everyone, getting a flu shot is a relatively easy experience, the doctor added.

The vaccination, whats not to like about it?," Hooper said. "Its pretty cheap. Its well-tolerated, and it prevents you from getting the disease.

We think its valuable for the individual and for the health care system," he added. The more people we can get vaccinated one way or another the better.

More information on school immunizations can be found online.

Related Content:
BEACHWOOD, Ohio, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Up until recently, small business owners processing payroll had to pay their employees along with paying hefty fees to payroll processors to make employee paychecks happen. Payroll4Free.Com changed all that by offering totally free payroll processing to small businesses.

Payroll4Free.com Raising Funds via Equity Crowdfunding to Continue Disrupting Payroll Processing Payroll4Free.com Raising Funds via Equity Crowdfunding to Continue Disrupting Payroll Processing

This paradigm shift in the payroll industry initiated by Payroll4Free.com is best explained by their President and CEO Michael Rosenberg: "We noted that virtually all payroll services charge fees, including a base fee, plus fees per employee or check. As a result, the smallest companies are charged the largest amount per employee or check. By focusing on the very small business, Payroll4Free.com addresses a great need for a very under-served market."

Payroll4Free.Com has validation of proof of concept thanks to the praise bestowed on the company by CPAs and small business owners across America. As this company is already generating revenue through an established customer base and a proven business model of great appeal to the tens of millions of small business owners across America, investors are invited to take a very close look at this unique investment opportunity.

With Covid-19 crushing small businesses in various ways, any relief by eliminating expenses to keep Americans working and getting paid is welcomed. In more than one sense, an investment in Payroll4Free.com could be considered impact investing.

Interested investors are invited to review the formal investment offering - https://bit.ly/3lPoRpu

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About Payroll4Free.Com LLC. Payroll4Free.com is the only provider of free online payroll services. They are headquartered in Beachwood, Ohio-a lovely suburb of Cleveland. Started in 2012 with two local clients they experienced explosive growth. By 2014 they had clients in nearly every state in the US. The company provides a full range of payroll services at no cost to small-business clients. Their proprietary software was designed to accommodate all payroll situations from the simplest to the most complex, while staying secure and easy to use. The Payroll4Free.com team is comprised of friendly and experienced industry professionals who really enjoy what they do.

Contact:

Howard Sherman

(833) 276-9377

SOURCE Payroll4Free.com
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A Chinese military spokesperson has slammed as unfounded a recent article by U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper against the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The article was full of Cold War mentality and ideological bias, groundlessly misrepresented the PLA, and hyped up the so-called "Chinese military threat," Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said Sunday.

Published in late August, the article titled "The Pentagon Is Prepared for China" claimed that the PLA "is not a military that serves the nation," but belongs to and serves the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Voicing firm opposition to the article, Ren said facts have proved that any attempt to sever the close ties between the Chinese military and the people is doomed to fail.

China's Constitution has made it clear that the Chinese armed forces belong to the people. Led by the CPC, the PLA shares the purpose of the Party, which is to wholeheartedly serve the people, Ren said.

The armed forces have made huge sacrifices for national independence and the people's liberation, and made outstanding contributions to economic growth, disaster relief and safeguarding lives and property, he added.

Since its founding in 1949, the People's Republic of China has never started a war or occupied an inch of others' land. The development of China's military force contributes to the growth of world's peaceful forces, Ren said.

Calling the U.S. attempt to play up regional tensions and sow discord between China and other countries in the region a pipe dream, Ren said the Chinese armed forces will continue to play their due role in building a world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity.
No political pretext has been confirmed in the attack.

The National Police in Ukraine have classified the attack on the Kremlin's former political prisoner Volodymyr Balukh as robbery.

That's according to a statement by Kyiv Police Department.

"The information collected into this fact has been filed in the Unified Register of pre-trial Investigations. The Investigation Department of the Dnipro District Police Unit of Kyiv has started criminal proceedings under Part 4 of Art. 187 (robbery) of the Criminal Code Of Ukraine," the statement says.

The article envisages a prison term of eight to 15 years with confiscation of property.

Assault on Balukh: background

Former Russian political prisoner Oleg Sentsov said Volodymyr Balukh has been assaulted in Kyiv overnight Tuesday, September 8. Meanwhile, September 7 marked a year since his successful return to Ukraine after he was released from a Russian prison.

Sentsov said Balukh was found this morning, with his arm and collarbone fractured.

Read alsoUkrainian political prisoner Balukh testifies about tortures in Russia (Video)Balukh has undergone surgery, having suffered a severe head injury. He has since remained in grave but stable condition.

Who is Volodymyr Balukh
Recently, China announced its plans to launch its own series of global data security standards after the United States released its standards. The US previously moved to urge other countries to ringfence themselves from Chinese technology.

Chinese data-security initiative

On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced the decision during a Beijing seminar tackling global digital governance. The official continued to detail increasing risks to the country's data security from what he called attempts at politicizing security issues.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Wang said that to counter the challenges, China must move forward with the development of international rules that tackles that nation's data security. The official also added that the rules must mirror the perspective of other countries.

Wang's announcement comes during a time of heightened international tensions with the United States government over several issues, including territorial disputes, international sanctions, and trade that has created an increasingly divided online environment.

The United States government has continuously moved to defend itself from what is considered as threats to its national security. Trump has since proposed to take action against Chinese tech firms, including Huawei and other Chinese-owned mobile apps such as TikTok and WeChat.

However, Chinese officials have seen Trump's orders as imposing a double standard and only moves to sabotage Chinese-owned businesses from expanding their reach within the United States.

Wang made the announcement a month after United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo revealed the Clean Network Program. The order aims to ban all Chinese telecommunication firms, apps, and other technology services from accessing internet infrastructure used by the US and several other countries.

Also Read: Hong Kong Police Arrest 289 People For Massive, Violent Protest Against Legislation Election Postponement

Development of technological capacity

On the other hand, China's initiative includes eight key points, one of which is refraining from using technology to hinder other countries' technological activities and development or steal their data.

The order also includes a provision that ensures service providers respect their customers by not creating backdoors to their systems and illegally accessing private data.

The Chinese foreign minister added that the initiative aims to end the infringement of personal information and rivals the use of technology for mass surveillance against other states, as reported by CNBC.

The initiative also details that companies must respect other countries' laws and put an end to the coercion with local firms to store data acquired from their original territory. Analysts said that most of the initiative's details address the US government's claims.

According to Channel News Asia, Wang accused anonymous countries of decisions that support aggressive unilateralism and accusing other nations by spreading baseless claims. The official added some countries have continued to bully other nations by specifically targetting leading companies, arguing that they pose a national security threat.

The government heavily controls China's cyberspace through what most people refer to as the "Great Firewall," which has continued to restrict access from several major US firms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Alphabet, the owner of Google.

Last week, Wang revealed Beijing's plans to release its own data-security initiative during a video conference attended by foreign ministers from a group of 20 nations.

Related Article: Hong Kong's New Security Law Denies Visa for Foreign Journalist, Marking Attack on Press Freedom

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Mary Kay Letourneau, the former Seattle middle school teacher who was convicted of raping a sixth-grade student in the 1990s before marrying him, has left her entire estate to him and their two children.

Letourneau died of stage four colon cancer on July 6 at the age of 58.

Before her death she decided to leave her estate to her former husband Vili Fualaau and their two daughters.

Letourneau made headlines in 1997 when it was revealed she abused Fualaau when he was just a 12-year-old student and she was a teacher.

She was sentenced to jail but later married him. The couple were together for 12 years before they separated.

'She loved Vili to the end. She had built a life with him and he deserved to inherit what little she had,' a source close to Letourneau said to People Magazine.

'He got the photos, the memories, a lot of sentimental things. They didn't have a ton of money, but he and the girls are going to divvy that up. They're more interested in the sentimental things, though,' the source added.

Letourneau has four other children with her first husband Steve Letourneau. It's not clear if they'll receive anything from her estate.

Mary Kay Letourneau, the former Seattle middle school teacher who was convicted of raping Vili Fualaau, then a sixth-grade student, in the 1990s before marrying him, left her entire estate to him and their two children. Letourneau and Fualaau and their daughters Georgia and Audrey above

Mary Kay Letourneau has her handcuffs removed during a court hearing in Seattle in February 1998. That year she was sentenced to seven years in prison on second-degree child rape charges and for violating a no-contact order

Fualaau was a troubled Samoan boy from a broken home living in a rough part of Seattle at the time of the scandal. His father served time in prison for an armed robbery, and he had a difficult relationship with his mother

In 1996 Letourneau, a 34-year-old sixth-grade teacher, began sexually abusing Fualaau, who was then her 12-year-old student.

She was jailed twice, in March 1997 when she was initially sentenced to three months in jail and in February 1998 when she was sentenced to seven years in prison on second-degree child rape charges and for violating a no-contact order.

She gave birth to two kids with Fualaau while he had still not yet turned 15, despite court orders trying to keep them apart.

Letourneau and Fualaau then once again shocked the world when tied the knot in 2005.

They remained married for 12 years, until Fualaau filed for divorce in 2017. It was finalized in 2019.

Steve Letourneau filed for divorce in 1997 and got custody of their four children, Steven Jr., Mary Claire, Nicholas, and Jacqueline.

The family on vacation together in New York in 2015, with their daughters Georgia, left, and Audrey, right

Letourneau (above in 1997) was a sixth-grade teacher at Shorewood Elementary in 1997 when she was discovered to be having sexual relations with Vili Fualaau, then 12

LeTourneau holds her first daughter in 1997 when Faulaau was just 14

TIMELINE OF THE MARY KAY LETOURNEAU AND VILI FUALAAU 1992: Letourneau first meets Fualaau when he joined her second grade class, aged 8 1996: Their sexual relationship began when he was 12 and she was 34. She says it began when they went to dinner after a day of summer classes and that he asked to kiss her in her car. She let him They had sex later that summer which they described as the start of their physical relationship 1997: Letourneau's husband Steve finds love letters between the pair. One of his relatives alerted the school and Letourneau is arrested on statutory rape charges. Steve files for divorce and gets custody of their four kids. August 1997: Mary Kay gives birth to her first daughter with Fualaau while awaiting sentencing November 1997: She serves three months in prison as part of a plea deal August 1998: The pair are caught having sex in a car again and she is sentenced to seven years in prison. She is already pregnant with their second daughter October 1998: Their second daughter is born in prison August 2004: Mary Kay is released from prison 2005: The pair get married 2017: Fualauu files for separation but they reconcile August 2019: The separation is finalized July 2020: Mary Kay dies from colon cancer Advertisement

Fualaau was a troubled Samoan boy from a broken home living in a rough part of Seattle at the time of the scandal. His father served time in prison for an armed robbery, and he had a difficult relationship with his mother.

Though the couple finalized their separation in August last year, Fualaau had been providing her with 24 hour care in the final stages of her life.

In a joint statement following Letourneaus death the Fualaaus and the Letourneaus said they were 'deeply saddened' and shared that she died 'peacefully' after a six-month cancer battle.

The insider said there will now be no controversy over Letourneaus estate.

'No one is going to fight over what she had. They are all mourning her death, and they family has drawn very close together. And now everyone is going to be able to move forward,' the source said.

Though their controversial romance never found its happily-ever-after, in the three years since their separation the pair remained close and 'still had a lot of love for one another', a friend said in July.

'They didn't speak every day, but she would update him on her cancer treatment,' a source told PEOPLE.

'At the beginning, the talk was that she was going to beat it, that even though the prognosis wasn't good, that she'd fight with everything she had, and that she had a shot of surviving it.'

In an interview with TODAY, her friend and longtime attorney David Gehrke said after her death that Fualaau uprooted his life to ensure he could be there to carry out that care.

'Vili moved back from California, gave up his life there, and for the last two months of Marys life he stood by her 24/7 taking care of her,' he said. 'So yes, they were divorced and they had their spats, but they were always in love with each other.

'He knew that this was Mary's end coming, fast moving, and for her sake and the family's sake, and for his sake, he came back up and was with her, and it meant the world to her, Gehrke said. 'And I know it meant the world to Vili, as painful as it was,'

'Their marriage lasted longer than most,' he continued. 'But they always, always deeply cared for each other.'

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
HEFEI, China, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- iFLYTEK, Asia's leading artificial intelligence (AI) and speech technology company, released its first global corporate social responsibility report today. The report details the company's commitment to social responsibility and its mission to build a better world with artificial intelligence.

Since its founding 20 years ago, iFLYTEK has continually practiced social responsibility by ensuring greater access to high-quality education and healthcare, preserving local cultures, and improving the lives of vulnerable groups with artificial intelligence.

"Joined by thousands of the best and brightest minds, iFLYTEK's corporate social responsibility initiatives create a better future for local and global communities," said iFLYTEK Founder, Chairman and President Liu Qingfeng. "We continue to invest significant resources into the research and development of AI technologies that provide unique practical solutions to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to improving access to quality education and healthcare, eradicating poverty, and protecting the environment."

Increasing Access to Quality Education

In the education space, iFLYTEK offers its online teaching system that relies on an intelligent learning network to personalize learning and streamline teaching preparation. Today, the program is used in 16,000 schools nationwide and assists more than 25 million teachers and students. The platform is especially advantageous for children in rural communities who typically do not have access to quality educational resources. The company also continues to expand its AI Education Public Welfare program, which teaches disadvantaged children about the latest AI technology and its applications. In 2019, iFLYTEK donated an entire smart classroom, targeted teaching system, and other smart education products to two middle schools in China.

Improving Healthcare and Accessibility

iFLYTEK's AI-Assisted Medical Centers and AI Medical Assistants improve medicine and increase access to quality healthcare for those who live in medical deserts. AI-Assisted Medical Centers help detect diseases and reduce misdiagnosis while iFLYTEK's AI Medical Assistants assist with diagnosis, treatment, inquiries, and contain an AI voice care center that provides follow up services for post-operative patients.

Preserving Local Cultures

As a company devoted to AI and speech technology, iFLYTEK is in a unique position to help preserve rare Chinese dialects through its AI dialect protection project. iFLYTEK records and documents disappearing dialects to prevent their extinction and preserve Chinese culture for future generations.

Improving the Quality of Life of Vulnerable Groups

Through the company's language poverty alleviation project, iFLYTEK helps to reduce the language barrier facing many ethnic minorities who do not speak Mandarin Chinese. By providing the Language Poverty Alleviation App to minority populations in China, iFLYTEK helps to eliminate communication and economic inequities.

Additionally, iFLYTEK's AI Accessibility and Public Welfare program proudly bridges the chasm of communication for the hearing and visually impaired with its smart speech and AI technologies, which has served 500,000 hearing impaired patients and more than 60,000 visually impaired people.

Combatting COVID-19

iFLYTEK constantly uses its technology to respond to the most pressing global needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, iFLYTEK deployed its technology and expertise in healthcare and education to help screen and monitor patients and allow students to learn virtually at no cost. iFLYTEK donated medical supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE) and successfully mobilized its international network for additional donations to hospitals in regions that had a high number of coronavirus cases.

Protecting the Environment

iFLYTEK actively engages in environmental protection initiatives that encourage energy conservation, emission reduction, green offices, and sustainable cities. The company has designated sustainability staff who monitor the implementation of environmental protection measures, including new office policies that promote environmentally conscious practices.

About iFLYTEK  iFLYTEK is one of the world's leading artificial intelligence (AI) and speech technology companies with approximately 10,000 employees worldwide, annual revenue of approximately $1.44 billion and publicly traded with a market capitalization of over $12 billion. For more information, please visit https://www.iflytek.com/en/.

SOURCE iFLYTEK

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Partner of populist minister accused of targeting own family and vandalising home while blaming activist theatre troupe.

The partner of Norways former justice minister is on trial, accused of staging attacks against the couple and blaming an anti-racist theatre troupe.

In the extraordinary case, Laila Anita Bertheussen, who is a member of a right-wing anti-immigration party, is accused of vandalising her own family home and threatening her relatives on several occasions, making it appear as though the Black Box theatre group was to blame.

On Tuesday, the first day of her trial in an Oslo court, the 55-year-old pleaded innocent.

In December 2018, Bertheussen filed a complaint against Black Box for showing pictures of the homes of several politicians  including theirs  as part of a play aimed at demonstrating who was profiting from a more segregated and racist Norway.

Around the same time, a series of attacks began against the couple.

Among other things, their home was vandalised in December 2018. A swastika and the word racist were drawn on their house and car, and the vehicle was set ablaze outside the building in mid-March.

Police later concluded that Bertheussen was responsible for those acts and for sending a threatening letter to another couple in the Progress Party.

Bertheussen faces up to 16 years in prison if found guilty of attacks against democracy.

The goal was to make believe that someone from the play or who sympathises with it was behind these acts, prosecutor Marit Formo argued.

The scandal prompted Bertheussens partner, Tor Mikkel Wara of the populist Progress Party, to resign as justice minister in March 2019. He is due to testify in the case.

The unusual scandal has garnered broad attention in Norway and the trial was broadcast live on the main television channels.

Norways conservative Prime Minister Erna Solberg was herself accused of trying to curb freedom of expression at the time of the vandalism, when she blamed the theatre troupe for contributing to a tougher climate for politicians in Norway.

The trial is scheduled to last nine weeks.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday that her government will create a new public holiday to celebrate the Maori New Year if it is reelected next month.

Ardern, who leads the liberal Labour Party, began her election campaign by saying she'd heard people throughout the country calling for the holiday.

Its time has come, she said.

New Zealand currently marks 10 national public holidays plus one more for each region and hasn't added any new holidays for nearly 50 years.

Many people have argued that marking the day would help recognize the nation's indigenous people. The date of the mid-winter holiday would vary each year to coincide with the reappearance of Matariki, a star cluster associated with the start of the lunar year in Maori tradition.

New Zealand currently marks Waitangi Day, which commemorates the signing of an 1840 treaty between Maori and the British that's considered the nation's founding document. Some protest the day, viewing it as a symbol of Maori being unfairly dispossessed of their land and rights by colonizers.

Ardern made the announcement after the parliament was dissolved Sunday and politicians hit the campaign trail ahead of the general election on Oct. 17, a date that was delayed by four weeks due to a coronavirus outbreak in Auckland last month.

Some business groups say they are opposed to the idea.

Conservative lawmaker David Seymour, from the opposition ACT party, said thousands of people had lost their jobs due to the virus and struggling businesses couldn't afford another holiday.

If Jacinda Ardern considers this the sort of policy we need during a recession, shes not fit to govern," Seymour said in a statement.

Labour Party Deputy Leader Kelvin Davis, who is Maori, said celebrating the day would allow Maori to share their unique culture and history and would be a step forward in uniting the nation.

Ardern said the holiday would not begin until 2022 to give businesses time to recover from the virus.

Opinion polls indicate Ardern is favored to win a second term.
In some good news for millions living in hope for a Covid-19 vaccine shot, the Russian Health Ministry said on Tuesday that the first batch of Sputnik V vaccine has been produced for civilian circulation.

The first batch of the Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, developed by Russias Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) has been released into civil circulation, regional deliveries are planned in the nearest future, the Russian Health Ministry informs.

The first batch of the Gam-COVID-Vac [Sputnik V] vaccine for the prevention of the new coronavirus infection, developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Health of Russia, has passed the necessary quality tests in the laboratories of Roszdravnadzor [medical device regulator] and has been released into civil circulation, the ministry said in a statement.

The Russian health ministry registered the first vaccine against COVID-19, named Sputnik V, on August 11.Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin expressed hope on Sunday that the majority of the Russian capitals residents would be vaccinated against the coronavirus within several months.

According to the health ministry, the delivery of the first batches of the Russian vaccine to the countrys regions is planned in the nearest future.

ALSO READ: Donald Trump calls NAFTA, China entry into WTO as most disastrous deals in history

Meanwhile, preliminary results published in The Lancet journal said Russias COVID-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, appears to be safe without any serious adverse effects and has developed long-term antibody response in humans during clinical trials.

ALSO READ: Amid India China standoff, students in for long wait: Indian Embassy issues advisory
The Department of Defense and the US Navy awarded to Fincantieris subsidiary, Marinette Marine (FMM), a $7 million contract for design and engineering work of the Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (LUSV), the future large-size unmanned surface vessels, able to operate without a crew on board.

The Department of Defense and the US Navy awarded to Fincantieris subsidiary, Marinette Marine (FMM), a $7 million contract for design and engineering work of the Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (LUSV), the future large-size unmanned surface vessels, able to operate without a crew on board.

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Fincantieri FFG(X) Design based on the FREMM. (Picture source: Fincantieri)

Fincantieri Marinette Marine has been shortlisted with five other companies. Each of them will develop the conceptual design within August 2021. The contract includes an option for an additional study phase to develop detailed engineering work that, if exercised, would extend the duration to May 2022.

The award process will follow the scheme of the tender for the 10 first-in-class guided-missile FFG(X) frigates of the US Navy, awarded to Fincantieri Marinette Marine four months ago, collectively worth $5.5 billion.

With this success, Fincantieri reaps the rewards of a long-lasting commitment started 12 years ago with the acquisition of the shipyards in the US. In the meantime, the facilities have been modernized and improved in efficiency so much that today they are undoubtedly acknowledged as excellence in shipbuilding.

Fincantieri FFG(X) Design based on the FREMM. (Picture source: Twitter/Cavaship)

In addition to the recent milestone of the FFG(X) frigates, the Group is currently developing the Littoral Combat Ships program for the US Navy, envisaging the construction of 16 vessels (10 of which already delivered). The US subsidiary is also involved in the construction of 4 Multi-Mission Surface Combatants (MMSC) for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of the US Foreign Military Sales program.

FMM is the spearhead of Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG), which controls two other shipyards also located in the Great Lakes (Wisconsin) - Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding and Fincantieri Ace Marine. The company serves commercial and government customers, including the U.S. Coast Guard.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to leave their royal lives while taking a new path in Hollywood.

After months of looking for opportunities in America, Prince Harry and Meghan kicked off their month of September by signing a multi-million deal with the streaming giant Netflix.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined other high-profile figures, including former U.S. president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, in establishing a production deal with the firm.

However, unlike the Obamas, the royals have already failed to get the support they need.

The YouGov poll published by The Express discovered that majority of the people in the U.K. are not interested in watching the Netflix shows that will be produced under Prince Harry and Meghan's name.

A total of 64 percent of the public shrugged them off and refused to offer a single care about the Sussexes' newest milestone. Meanwhile, another 20 percent were "not very interested" in seeing them.

Furthermore, the remaining three and nine percent said that they were "very interested" and "fairly interested," respectively.

Currently, Netflix has over 192 million subscribers across the globe, 13 million of which are users from the U.K.

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's Netflix Deal

The poll's results came out a few days after Netflix announced that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are now officially part of their growing family.

On Wednesday, the firm disclosed that the deal will see the royal couple produce documentaries, films and children's programs for the platform. Although it remains unknown how much they could earn from it, The Sun estimated that the deal could bring up to $89 million (76million).

Ted Sarandos, the chief content officer at Netflix, expressed how pleased the company is to have the two onboard in providing quality content.

"Harry and Meghan have inspired millions of people all around the world with their authenticity, optimism and leadership," Sarandos said. "We're incredibly proud they have chosen Netflix as their creative home."

Sarandos also said that they aim to tell stories that can help build resilience and raise awareness for audiences worldwide.

Meanwhile, the Sussex couple also released their own statement to confirm the deal.

Accoridng to Prince Harry and Meghan, now that they are living independently as a couple, it has allowed them to "understand the power of the human spirit, of courage, resilience and the need for connection."

They also mentioned that their work with different communities and environment-related campaigns will be the focus of their contents. In the end, they assured everyone that they will produce something that informs and gives hope to people.

"As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us, as is powerful storytelling through a truthful and relatable lens," the couple went on.

They have reportedly held meetings with several Hollywood studios, including Netflix's rivals, ever since they relocated to California. Variety reported last month that the couple met with NBC Universal as well.

READ MORE: Tyler Perry Net Worth: How Rich Is Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Benefactor?
At 6:57 a.m. on September 3, Air China CA746 carrying passengers from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, landed at Beijing Capital International Airport. It was the first international flight to Beijing Capital International Airport since the Civil Aviation Administration of China announced the gradual resumption of direct international flights to Beijing without passing through one of the designated first points of entry into China.

To strengthen quarantine efforts and ensure convenient customs clearance for passengers, Beijing Customs has improved the customs clearance process and further enhanced its nucleic acid testing capacity.

Passengers are required to present their health QR code to match their health status with their identity information, effectively meeting data sharing requirements among departments of on-site quarantine, tracing, and joint prevention and control mechanism.

In addition to the infrared thermometers, negative pressure isolation chambers, negative pressure isolation transfer cabins, and hematology analyzers, Beijing Customs has also added self-service health declaration machines, workstations, temporary sampling cabins, and other equipment to improve the efficiency of on-sitequarantine.

It's reported that passengers only need to present the health QR code to pass through Beijing Customs. The whole process, being paperless and contactless, avoids cross-infection and cuts the time needed for customs clearance by half compared with before the flight diversion.

To control the risk of imported infections, all international passenger flights scheduled for Beijing have been diverted to other airports as their first point of entry since March 23. Passengers who passed quarantine inspection can fly to Beijing on their original flights.

Content in partnership with Science and Technology Daily
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 20:38:06|Editor: huaxia

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ULAN BATOR, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Mining operations have damaged at least 18,366 hectares of land across Mongolia as of 2020, the country's Environment and Tourism Ministry said Tuesday.

"Mongolian government's action plan (2020-2024) includes 10 key green development activities. One of them is the rehabilitation of areas damaged by mining activities," the ministry said in a statement.

It is estimated that of the total degraded land, over 7,600 hectares can be rehabilitated.

At present, over 1,050 hectares of the degraded land are being rehabilitated, according to the ministry.

Mining is the most important sector for Mongolia's economy. The country is rich in natural resources such as gold, iron, coal and copper.

However, mining-related ecological degradation has become one of the main challenges facing the Asian country.

More than 700 mining licenses in the country have been revoked for violations of laws and rules over the past several years. Enditem
A Bridgeton Police Department officer died Sunday at home hours after he jumped into the Cohansey River in an attempt to rescue a woman who went into the water during a chase, authorities said.

Sean Peek, 49, of Millville, was a 15-year veteran of the department, according to Police Chief Michael Gaimari, who said an official cause of death is pending an autopsy.

Peek, who was assigned to the patrol bureau and working the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift over the weekend, was dispatched to the Bridgeton Fire Departments EMT satellite station on Mayor Aitken Drive around 1:30 a.m. Sunday for a report of someone striking an ambulance with an unknown object as it was leaving the facility.

Peek spotted a woman running near the Washington Street bridge over the Cohansey River and saw her either fall or jump into the water, Gaimari said.

Sean made a decision as would any officer and entered to water in attempt to pull the person from the running waters no matter what the circumstances, the chief said in a statement.

The woman made it across the river, but Peek had a hard time returning to shore because he was still wearing all of his gear, the chief noted. Other responding officers assisted Peek, who was treated at the scene and taken to Inspira Health Center in Bridgeton for evaluation.

Peek was released from the hospital and sent home until he could be cleared to return to work, Gaimari said. Family members found him unresponsive at home later Sunday morning.

Other officers apprehended the woman, who was identified as Sarah Jeanne Davis, 29, of Canton, Connecticut. She was also evaluated at the medical center, then charged with burglarizing several city-owned structures along Mayor Aitken Drive, including the fire department building. She is accused of breaking windows and damaging equipment, causing more than $1000 in damage.

She was jailed pending completion of the investigation.

Peeks death has shaken his colleagues. He leaves behind a wife and child.

We are naturally devastated here at the department, Gaimari said. Sean was a fine officer and a friend to all and always acted in an exemplary fashion when representing the department and the City of Bridgeton. He will be sorely missed and our hearts collectively go out to Megan and their 8-year-old daughter, Kate.

Funeral services had not been announced as of Monday morning.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / Digital marketing is a tough area to navigate for most start-up companies. Cansoft Technologies in Vancouver is just the company to get your business on the digital rise.

Digital Marketing in Vancouver for Start-Ups

When beginning the journey of building a start-up company, no matter what the industry, there are many marketing decisions to be made. Analog marketing is the thing that many people head towards first, billboards, flyers, and radio ads. Digital marketing in Vancouver is an area that many people ignore in their first few years, mostly because it is difficult to understand the conversion rates between a kickin' social media account and real customers that buy from you, for example.

This is why working with a company who understands digital marketing in Vancouver is important. When trying to decide between Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Media Marketing (SMM), and Search Engine Marketing (SEM), SEO usually is the best first step for most start-up companies. There are many reasons why search engine optimization is the best first step for any start-up. These reasons include the kind of traffic gained, the conversion rate, and the cost of the service.

What is Search Engine Optimization in Vancouver?

Search engine optimization sounds like something that is difficult, hard to implement, and something that takes lots of work. This is usually never the case. While working with SEO can be challenging for someone who doesn't know what they are doing, there are plenty of businesses out there to help with something like this, including Cansoft Technologies.

SEO is a practice of engaging with certain keywords to assist in ranking your business' website higher on the Google results. This leads to more traffic, which is organic which helps people to find your business online easier. This leads to customers either making online purchases, or coming in store to buy a product or service.

Cansoft Technologies, Digital Marketing in Vancouver

As discussed, SEO is an important part of the growth and buildup of a business' reputation. Search engine optimization in Vancouver can be a tough road to tackle, which is why you should hire Cansoft Technologies.

Cansoft (https://cansoft.com/seo-vancouver.html) is a Vancouver based digital marketing company, which focuses on different areas of digital marketing including search engine optimization. The team also works on social media marketing and managing, search engine marketing, website development, and eCommerce. All of these different areas work together to make your business the most well-known. The team at Cansoft is incredibly professional, and works gets done on time, while still being a fun working team environment. Meetings are planned in advance and clients are always kept in the loop, and client feedback and changes are encouraged. Cansoft Technologies is client focused, leading to the best discourse and discussion around!

Media Contact:

Kazi Mamun

Vancouver, BC, Canada

Email: kazi@cansoft.com

Phone: 778-251-6525

Web: https://cansoft.com

SOURCE: Cansoft Technologies

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/605232/Where-Should-a-Startup-Company-Focus-for-Business-Growth-SEO-SMM-SEM-The-Options-are-Endless
A man sent menacing packages to the Department of Health containing leaflets with "distressing" content, it has been alleged.

Mark Watts (50) was ordered to have no contact with any minister, TD or Government department as part of his bail terms when he appeared in Dublin District Court.

Judge Michael Walsh adjourned the case for the accused to consider how he intends to plead. Mr Watts, with an address at Nicholastown, Athy, Co Kildare, is charged with sending a postal packet containing a leaflet with handwriting that was offensive or menacing.

He is facing four counts of the offence in 2019.

The prosecuting garda said she arrested the accused at Pearse Street station yesterday. He was charged at 10.03am and made no reply after caution.

He was handed copies of the charge sheets.

The DPP was directing summary disposal of the charges at District Court level, she said.

The garda said in relation to one charge sheet, it was alleged that a package was received by the Department of Health on Baggot Street in March last year.

Objection

When opened by a staff member it contained an envelope which had "very distressing" text.

The other charge sheets were all "pretty much similar", the garda said.

Judge Walsh accepted jurisdiction to deal with the case in the District Court.

There was no garda objection to bail, subject to conditions.

The judge granted Mr Watts bail in his own bond of 1,000.

Under bail conditions he is to appear in court for each remand date, be of good behaviour and not commit any offences.

He is also to have no contact directly or indirectly with any minister or TD, or any member of the Oireachtas, or Government department.

The judge said this included contact by any electronic means.

At the request of the defence, the judge ordered disclosure of prosecution documents, to include "all offending material", custody records and copies of the accused's Garda interview.

The judge granted free legal aid after Mr Byrne said his client was unemployed. There was no garda objection.

The judge said the defence would need some time to consider the charges and adjourned the case to October 12.
Once the states largest, VFW post hopes to survive by selling property

Hedrick-Rhodes VFW Post 5206 members Bill Manke, a Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam, and Desert Storm veterans Ed Scrivenak and Jim Young pose in front of the VFW insignia and tributes to the two Navy sailors for which its named.

Jim Young remembers one day, when he was 6 or 7, as he sat at his grandfathers diner on Asheville Highway, the Smokehouse. A young veteran who was obviously down on his luck walked in and sat down at a table. Youngs grandfather, Red Lemons, fixed the stranger a ribeye steak, baked potato and tossed salad.

The young man looked up at my grandfather, Sir, I cant pay for this, Young said. And my grandfather looks down at him and says, You already have, and turns around and walks off. So that always stuck with me.

Service to veterans is much on the mind these days for Young and a remnant corps of combat veterans desperately trying to save the Hedrick-Rhodes Post 1506 from closing down. After an episode of bad bookkeeping by former commanders who are now banned from the property, the remaining post commanders  Young, who is junior vice commander, Senior Vice Commander Robert Bobby Sumner, Commander Ed Scrivenak, and District Commander Johnny Taylor  are holding the post together.

The post has 234 members, although thats down from the early 1950s, when it had 1,600 members and was the biggest Veterans of Foreign Wars post in the state.

Formed in 1946, the post is named for two Navy sailors from Henderson County who died aboard the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

Born in 1911, Paul H. Hedrick was the son of Mr. and Mrs. O.H. Hedrick. He joined the Navy in 1929 at age 19 and had served for 12 years when the Japanese attacked the Navy base in Hawaii.

A Henderson County native, Mark Alexander Rhodes, a seaman 1st class when he died, attended Edneyville High School before joining the Navy in 1939. News of his death reached his mother, Stella Ruff, on Dec. 16, 1941, in the form of a telegram signed by Rear Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who would go on to command the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen who came home from World War II formed the new post and bought property at Five Points for its home.

It was dedicated in 1948, Young said. They built it with their own money and paid it off in the first year.



Weve had a rough patch

A native of Hendersonville, Young, 53, joined the Army out of Hendersonville High School in 1985. He served as a nuclear, biological and chemical engineer during Desert Storm. In other words, when they thought they had chemical rounds drop, which they thought they had a few, we would have to go check it, he said.

After he retired as a Spec. 4 in 1993, he came home and joined the VFW post, just as his dad had. Military service runs in the family. Young also had two uncles who landed at D-Day and came home to tell about it.

The VFWs been in this community and volunteered I dont know how many millions of hours  they still do, he said. We still have a college fund for the children of Henderson County. If theyre a member of this VFW they can put in for a scholarship.

The VFW no longer operates a bar and it stopped hosting bingo and dances. The post has no money  in fact, it has a small amount of debt  and its trying to sell its largest asset, the building and property, either to the city of Hendersonville or another buyer.

The fact is, weve had a rough patch, Young said. We took what we had to the Hendersonville police department. They said there was nothing to prosecute other than bad bookkeeping.

The new leaders ousted the old guard, changed the locks and barred them from coming back, Young and Sumner said.

Weve had individuals that didnt do their job or due diligence to their job, so were having to rebuild and the problem is it doesnt seem as if Hendersonville the city is as willing to help us as we have been to the city in the past, Young said. I dont mean that in a bad way.

As I explained to the city manager, we not only gave when we came back but we gave when we were at war, he continued. And it doesnt matter if you were handing out food to a soldiers or you were handing out bullets or you were shooting a bullet, you were still boots on the ground.



City is willing to work with VFW

The VFW has offered the property to the city for $535,000, Young and Sumner said, but negotiations hit an impasse over the price and VFWs demand for space at a city building to continue to operate.

Weve made a counter offer back to them but we have not heard back from them, City Manager John Connet said Tuesday. We are absolutely willing to talk to them about providing them with a space to meet. We could work with them to provide them a space. But they wanted some exclusive rights, which we could not give them.

The city is open to a deal because it could combine the post property with the Edwards Park land to make room for a new Fire Station 1. At the same time as the VFW post sale is under consideration, the city is also negotiating with the Henderson County School Board to swap Berkeley Mills Park for Edwards Park.

City Council member Jeff Miller, who is also the cofounder of HonorAir, the national organization that has honored thousands of veterans with a flight to Washington, said he hopes the city can reach an agreement that helps save the Hedrick-Rhodes post but not at a price that fails to protect city taxpayers.

We would love to (buy the property) but its kind of hit the wall right now, he said. The city is trying work with them, with one of our facilities to provide them a meeting place, a room to keep all their things they would need to have their meetings and to have a dance once a month, things like that.

When you go from owning your own building and doing anything you want to sharing a facility, theres a lot of challenges you have to address, he said. Youre not going to get ownership. Were more than willing to work with our veterans and try to help them with that. Some of the requests, almost demands, were what we felt was not doable, almost asking for ownership. Were not going to do that. We definitely would love to help them with that and it would help us with the new fire house to make that all a part of it. Everyone needs to take a deep breath and understand everybody is not going to get exactly what they want.



We have to ask for help

Young, who lives in Spindale and works as a custodian for the Spartanburg County, South Carolina, school system, talks about the legacy of the post, which hosted the 14-state Southern Conference of the VFW in the late 1940s. He and Sumner, whos working closely with him to save the post, both have sons in the military they hope would join the Hedrick-Rhodes post when theyre discharged.

For us its about lineage, he said. When you sit down with a fellow veteran, you sit there and you talk about, say for example, digging that foxhole. Well, digging a foxhole in 1941 or 1942 is no different than digging one in 2020. Its a shared bond that you share with guys that walk through that door or women that walk through that door that served in combat.

Young said he knows that many veterans, new ones coming home now, shoulder a heavy burden, suffering from PTSD, and could use the fellowship of other veterans in order to heal.

Some gave their lives, others give their lives but in a drawn-out matter, he said. Its the old saying: Nobody comes back from war unwounded. So I guess the long and short of it is we are looking to survive for those that come after us. I think for once were to a point we have to ask for help.
Amid tensions on the Line of Actual Control between India and China, villagers in border areas of Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh recalled the 1962 War and said they were committed to serve the country.

Photograph: Wikimedia Commons

"We are ready to face the enemy whenever the Army needs our help," 80-year-old Gopal Singh Napalchayal, a resident of Napalchu village in Vyas Valley, said.

"We have a strong sense of commitment towards the nation and its armed forces," he added.

Recalling the 1962 War, Napalchayal said when Chinese troops reached near the Darma, Vyas and Johar valleys in the district, villagers helped the Army carry ammunition and food to border posts on sheep and mules.

"Our women donated their gold and silver ornaments to help the nation," he said.

"It was time for our winter migration after harvesting our crop in October when the War with China began in 1962 but our villagers decided to remain here," he recalled, adding that they did not vacate their villages till the conflict ended.

"We used to come down to Chiyalekh Malpa and Jipti camps to carry ammunition to our shoulders up to Garbiyans from where it used to be taken to the last posts on sheep back," Napalchayal said.

Johar Valley villagers said they draw their inspiration from the late Laxman Singh Jangpangi, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 1959 for his services to the nation as an Indian trade agent in Gartok town of Tibet.

"He was the first Indian who had informed the then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru of the ill-intentions of the Chinese," said Sriram Singh Dharmashaktu, a resident of upper Johar Valley.

According to Dharmashaktu, villagers of the Shauka community in high-altitude areas carried all military essentials from the lower areas on their shoulders up to Munsiyari from where these were carried on sheep back to border posts.

"This time, the military infrastructure and air connectivity to border posts is far more improved but if needed, villagers in Johar Valley are fully prepared to make any sacrifice for their motherland," Dharmashaktu said.

Meanwhile, an official claimed that of the three significant border roads in the region, the stretch to Lipulekh Pass has been completed.

"The one leading to the border post in Darma Valley is nearing completion while only a small portion of the stretch in Johar Valley remains to be completed," he said.

A 55-km-long motorable road from Munsiyari to Milam is also likely to be completed by next year, he said.

"Major portion of the road has been constructed from both sides and civilian vehicles are plying on it," BRO Chief Engineer Vimal Goswami said.

According to a defence expert, in recent years, the construction of military infrastructure on the Sino-India border has been speeded up.

"If we had perceived the Chinese threat earlier, we would have been even better prepared in terms of military infrastructure," said Lt Gen (Retd) M C Bhandari, an Army spokesperson during the Kargil War.

According to him, the air connectivity along the India-China border is 100 times better than 1962.

"We are in a position to land all types of helicopter in the border regions of Darma, Vyas and Johar Valleys to support to our troops," he said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has approved the request to suspend inbound travel of locally stranded individuals in Western Visayas, Iligan City, and Lanao del Sur.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Thursday said the travel suspension in the region and two other areas will only last for 14 days or from Sept. 7 to 21.

The IATF approved the requests of the concerned local governments through Resolution 69 in relation to the country's updated quarantine protocols.

Iligan City and Lanao del Sur are currently under modified enhanced community quarantine until Sept. 30 to tighten their lockdown restrictions and control surging coronavirus cases.

Lanao del Sur also said its newly-issued guidelines regarding movement within the province will be limited to accessing essential goods and services, work in the offices or establishment, and other permitted activities.

Meanwhile, local officials of Western Visayas previously called on returning residents, including overseas Filipino workers, to undergo mandatory quarantine and testing upon arrival in the region to prevent the risk of more infection in localities.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared on Monday that the Philippines has finally "flattened the curve" in its COVID-19 fight, and acknowledged the efforts of local governments in their "vital role" in implementing anti-virus measures.

The IATF previously directed local government units to strictly implement minimum public health standards, increase health system capacity, and enforce localized community quarantine to ensure availability of quarantine facilities in critical areas.

All returning citizens, especially suspects and probable cases, were also advised to undergo immediate facility-based isolation in localities to decrease chances of community transmission.
The second was the CDCs new guidance on testing for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, released on Aug. 24. It amended the agencys guidance to recommend that people who have been exposed to the virus  typically defined as being within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes  do not necessarily need a test if they do not have symptoms. This flies in the face of evidence that the time of highest virus shedding and infectivity is in the days shortly before symptoms emerge and would seem to represent an abandonment of any attempt at contact tracing and isolation of infected persons. It has baffled the public health community.
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WARREN, MI  The man allegedly responsible for the death of a 10-year-old girl is charged with second-degree murder and other offenses related to the fatal traffic crash, FOX 2 Detroit reports.

Giana Giannini, 10, was killed when a crane fell off a trailer in Warren on July 25, the report said. A dump truck driven by Timothy Otto was pulling a trailer loaded with a crane when it allegedly ran a red light and hit a car, causing the crane to fall and crush the vehicle. Giana Giannini died while her mother, Angel Giannini sustained minor injuries.

RELATED: 10-year-old Michigan girl killed, mother injured after crane falls from trailer

Otto is charged with vehicular manslaughter and reckless driving causing death in addition to second-degree murder, the report said. He could face up to life in prison.

Otto was lodged at the Macomb County Jail, but was released on bond. His next court appearance is set for Sept. 22, the report said.

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Butternuts, N.Y.  A man has been accused with using a pellet gun to shoot a young pig in Central New York.

Robert W. Youngblood, 34, of South New Berlin, has been arrested by the New York State Police and charged with animal cruelty. He was arrested Aug. 30, troopers announced Tuesday in a news release.

The investigation started Aug. 16 with a 911 call.

A caller reported a 6-month-old pig had been repeatedly shot with a pellet gun on Dunhams Cross Road in Butternuts, Otsego County, troopers said. The pig was alive, troopers said, but in obvious distress.

Youngblood lied to state police about the incident, troopers said, and was arrested after a series of interviews. While he was with the state police, Youngblood also violated an order of protection by contacting a person he had been ordered to leave alone, troopers said.

Youngblood was charged with:

Overdriving, torturing and injuring animals

Second-degree criminal contempt

Obstructing governmental administration

Second-degree making an apparently sworn false statement

He was released from custody.

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.
The clinical trials of Sputnik V vaccine for coronavirus will be held this month in several countries including India, confirmed Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) on Monday.

Dmitriev told Sputnik that the clinical trials in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Philippines, India and Brazil will begin this month.

"The post-registration studies involving more than 40,000 people started in Russia on August 26, before AstraZeneca has started its Phase 3 trial in the US with 30,000 participants. Clinical trials in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Philippines, India and Brazil will begin this month. The preliminary results of the Phase 3 trial will be published in October-November 2020," said Dmitriev.

Russia was in close dialogue with the Indian government and the leading drug manufactures of India regarding the localization of production of Sputnik V vaccine in India.

On August 11, the Sputnik V vaccine developed jointly by RDIF and the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology was registered by the Ministry of Health of Russia and became the world's first registered vaccine against COVID-19.

According to Russian researchers, Sputnik V is a human adenoviral vector vaccine which fights against coronavirus disease.

"India has historically been a very important partner of Russia. India is one of the leading countries in production. Around 60 percent of all the vaccines in the world are produced in India. We are in close dialogue with the corresponding ministries and the India government and the leading manufacturer of the country regarding localisation of production of Sputnik V vaccine in India. And we have achieved certain agreements with the leading companies," Dmitriev said earlier in response to an ANI query on the talks between India and the Russian government on Sputnik V vaccine.

"We do recognise India and it's potential to become one of the support for the production of the vaccine not only in Indian markets but for other countries too. We very much appreciate the well- balanced approach expressed by the Indian partners as from the very beginning they started asking questions how our vaccine works and we appreciate it that they did not try to attack our vaccine but try to understand it," Dmitriev adding that their (India's) desire to understand our vaccine got to realize that their approach based on the human adenoviral vaccine platform is the most reasonable approach.

On September 4, a medical journal The Lancet has published the results of clinical trials of Phase I-II of the Russian vaccine demonstrating its safety and efficacy."Phase I-II clinical trials of Sputnik V showed no serious adverse events (SAE, Grade 3) for any of the criteria, while the incidence of serious adverse events for other candidate vaccines ranged from 1 per cent to 25 per cent," RDIF press note stated.

"In 100 per cent of participants in the clinical trials, Sputnik V generated a stable humoral and cellular immune response. The level of virus-neutralizing antibodies of volunteers vaccinated with Sputnik V was 1.4-1.5 times higher than the level of antibodies of patients who had recovered from COVID-19," RDIF press note further read.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 22:49:11|Editor: huaxia

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KABUL, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Roadside bombs largely used by militants to target security personnel often caused civilian casualties in Afghanistan and seven people including four civilians were killed on Tuesday, officials said.

In the latest roadside bomb attack which hit central Daikundi province at noon, two policemen were killed, Naqibullah Malistani, a senior police officer in the province, said.

Earlier in the day, two civilians lost their lives when a roadside bomb planted by militants struck their car in Darabad district of western Farah province, police spokesman Mohibullah Mohab confirmed.

Similarly, three people including a security personnel were killed and three civilians were injured as a roadside bomb went off in Nishgam area of Ghazi Abad district in eastern Kunar province on Monday, provincial government spokesman Abdul Ghani Musamim said.

Officials have blamed the Taliban militants for the deadly roadside bombings.

The police have also discovered two weapon caches containing explosive materials in Achin and Durbaba districts of Nangarhar province, Interior Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

The armed group which largely rely on roadside and suicide bombings have not commented on the reports.

Civilians often bear the brunt of war in Afghanistan as more than 1,200 civilians had been killed and over 1,700 others injured in conflicts and violent incidents in Afghanistan in the first half of 2020, said a report of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission released in July. Enditem
Machhadie Assi in Dearborn, Mich. (Emily Elconin / For The Times)

The five young Muslim Americans huddled around a table inside the Yemeni coffee shop, pouring adeni chai into curved red and gold glasses. Voice by voice the discussion turned to why they must make their presence felt on Nov. 3, and the need to hold politicians' feet to the fire on issues like immigration, racial justice and foreign policy.

"For a long time, Muslims have felt a lot of bigotry and racism, and just feeling like our contributions in society werent looked at or held like other communities," Adam Abusalah, 19, told the group from behind his mask.

That era is ending, Abusalah went on, because young Muslims like him are putting traditional career aspirations on hold in favor of getting politically active.

"Trump's election, that was just the icing on the cake, he told the gathering, whose members are of Lebanese, Palestinian, Iranian, Yemeni and Iraqi ancestry. Muslims said, we're not going to only be doctors and engineers, but journalists and policymakers."

Amid the cacophony of baristas grinding coffee and mixing drinks, they debated the efficacy of voting for president compared with voting down the ticket, or participating in community outreach and street marching.

Machhadie Assi, a 35-year-old Lebanese immigrant who phone-banked for Sen. Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign in 2019, said that experience gave her a sense of how many local Muslims felt that their votes wouldn't make any difference. She persuaded at least 10 of her friends to cast their ballots in the primary election, she said, and helped three elderly women register to vote.

"Muslim people have been more engaged since 2016, post-Muslim ban, because they became more aware of their Muslim identity," she said, referring to President Trumps controversial 2017 order suspending immigration from several predominantly Muslim nations.

In few places is that spike in engagement, particularly among younger people, as clear as in this southeastern corner of Michigan, home to one of the oldest and largest Arab American and Muslim communities in the country.

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Four years ago, then-candidate Trump won this battleground state by fewer than 11,000 votes. Michigan overall recorded a 19-point increase in Muslim voter turnout between the 2014 and 2018 midterm elections, according to data from Emgage, a national get-out-the-vote group that focuses on Muslims. Analysts believe that Muslim Michiganders  who surveys indicate are focused on such issues as civil rights, education and healthcare  could help play a decisive role in this years election if they turn out in equal, or even greater, numbers.

The surge in Muslim voter participation in Michigan parallels an increase in the number of Muslims running for office. Muslim politicians in the state hold office at all levels  from school boards to the House of Representatives.

It's a trend that's picking up in other cities and states. Nationwide, a record number of Muslims ran for office in 2018. More than 80 ran for state and local offices across the country in 2019; at least 39 of those won, according to a report from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, known as CAIR, and Jetpac.

Moshtok Alamri prepares food for customers at Qahwah House in Dearborn. (Emily Elconin / For The Times)

Muslims and Arab Americans began arriving in the Detroit metro area in the late 1800s and early 1900s to work in the booming auto plants, including Henry Ford's legendary River Rouge complex. Today, roughly 43,500 of Dearborn's 95,000 residents claim Arab ancestry, many of them from Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen and the Palestinian territories, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2018 American Community Survey five-year estimates. Community estimates put that figure higher, with at least 60% of Dearborn's residents coming from an Arab background.

Although not all Arab Americans are Muslim, the majority in this town are. Dearborn is the site of one of the largest mosques in North America, whose congregation can trace its history back 100 years.

The state also is the birthplace of the Nation of Islam, a Black political and religious movement founded by Wallace Fard Muhammad in 1930. More broadly, Black people account for one-fifth of U.S. Muslims, according to the Pew Research Center.

In Dearborn, it's not uncommon to hear a group of friends mixing Arabic and English as they walk by. Drive down Schaefer Road, you'll pass by Masri Sweets, Alsaeedah Grocery and Spices, and Alghadeer before reaching Qahwah House, the shop where Abusalah and others had gathered on a recent afternoon.

"Michigan is home to many different kinds of Muslims," said Nada Al-Hanooti, executive director of Emgage Action Michigan, an arm of Emgage. "The Nation of Islam was started in Detroit  its foundational to African American Islam. And we have a huge Pakistani, Desi Indian community and the Arab American community."

Nada Al-Hanooti, executive director of Emgage Action Michigan, at Lapeer Park in Dearborn. (Emily Elconin / For The Times)

In the decades since the Lebanese civil war, Iran's Islamic Revolution and other upheavals in the Middle East and North Africa drove thousands of refugees to the United States, conventional wisdom has held that voters in enclaves such as Dearborn and L.A.s Westwood were primarily focused on issues affecting their homelands.

But top of mind for many voters here this fall are not only long-standing issues of immigration and Middle East foreign policy, but also hyper-local concerns including air pollution and asthma rates, particularly in the industrial south end of Dearborn, where there is a large Yemeni community, and rising healthcare concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community leaders attribute the uptick in civic engagement in part to Trump's election and his anti-Muslim rhetoric and restrictive immigration policies. But they also point to the influence of decades of grass-roots organizing and outreach by Muslim organizations as the community itself matured.

Although Muslims  who make up about 1% of the nation's population  are a small voting bloc, experts say that their votes, and their rate of participation, can play a role in close elections. Activists say that Michigan Muslims' support for Sanders helped to put him ahead of Hillary Clinton in the battleground state's Democratic primary in 2016.

"American Muslims are definitely at a cross point, a major juncture of where they stand in the U.S.," said Karam Dana, an associate professor of Middle East politics at the University of Washington, Bothell. "Muslim Americans are playing the most significant role they have played ever, in 2020."

Youssef Chouhoud, an assistant professor of political science at Christopher Newport University, said much of the credit for Muslim voters' growing involvement in politics belongs to Muslim American organizations doing outreach and educational work.

"I think what we have been seeing," he said, "is really sowing the seeds for what will be the foundation of perhaps Muslim political consciousness for years to come."

The Muslim community is still fairly nascent in its political identity, Chouhoud added. Muslim Michiganders have been running for office for decades, but in other states it's historically been a harder ladder to climb.

"There have been more Muslims that have run for public office going back to the second year of the [George W.] Bush term, and it has steadily increased," said Dawud Walid, executive director of CAIR's Michigan office. "It's a natural maturation of the Muslim community, like other immigrant groups in previous decades."

After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Walid said, many Muslims who had previously been apolitical were "forced out of that box" because of "the rise of racism and xenophobia, which Muslims have faced from not simply individuals but as it relates to government policy."

Walid also pointed to what he called a "Trump effect" that he said has pushed the Muslim community farther to the left than it was when President Obama first ran for office. About 76% of Muslims who cast ballots in the 2018 midterm election voted for a Democrat, while only 13% voted for a Republican, according to a 2019 study by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. At the same time, only 73% of eligible Muslim voters report being registered to do so, the least likely among religious groups surveyed.

But the study also found that, despite this registration gap, Muslims ran in the 2018 midterm election "in unprecedented numbers, recording as many as 131 wins at local and state levels, and securing three congressional positions."

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Storefronts along Warren Avenue in Dearborn. (Emily Elconin / For The Times)

The Detroit metro area has a rich history of Muslims in politics. But it wasn't until 2016 that Dearborn residents who weren't previously civically engaged felt hyped up for a candidate, Al-Hanooti said.

"The first candidate we got excited about was Abdullah Hammoud," she said, referring to the first Arab American Muslim elected to represent Dearborn's 15th District in the state House of Representatives, in 2017. "Theres living proof that people who have started in the grass-roots level, people who started out by canvassing, are doing big roles. Its about inspiring your community, and it starts from the ground."

And it was the 2018 midterm election  the one that saw Rep. Rashida Tlaib's historic, successful run for Congress  that brought people out in droves. Tlaib, 44, the Detroit-born daughter of Palestinian immigrants, is one of the four female Democrats  along with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota  who make up the progressive group of first-term U.S. House members, and outspoken Trump adversaries, collectively known as "the Squad." Both Tlaib and Omar are Muslim.

In Wayne County, which includes the city of Detroit, 32,126 Muslims turned out to vote, roughly 44% of the entire states Muslim voter turnout in the 2018 midterm, according to data from Emgage.

"People don't want to sit on the sidelines," said state Rep. Hammoud, a Dearborn native, who attributes his victory three years ago to the greater turnout of Arab American and Muslim voters. "As we mature in American life, you see that Muslim Americans are part of the fabric and at every level of decision-making."

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Then-presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks to supporters in Dearborn in March. (Tannen Maury / European Pressphoto Agency )

When George W. Bush ran for president in 2000, the Republican Party seemed like it could be a natural home for many Muslims. A group of Muslim organizations at that time called for a meeting with both Bush and Al Gore, the Democratic nominee, to discuss whether Muslims would be included in the candidates' administrations, said Hussam Ayloush, executive director of CAIR's Greater Los Angeles office.

Bush, who had made an effort to court Muslims during his campaign, accepted the invitation; Gore did not, according to Ayloush. Surveys at the time showed that about 80% of American Muslim voters supported Bush, Ayloush said.

"Obviously things changed," he said. "After the election came 9/11. Here comes the Patriot Act ... and U.S. foreign policy took a major shift, even worse than before."

Then came Barack Obama, whose election showed the community that "you could be different from mainstream and make it," Ayloush said, adding that Obama brought a new and inclusive tone to the White House.

But it was Sanders' presidential campaigns that truly energized Muslim voters.

"We felt that in the primary election," Al-Hanooti said. "We had such a large number of old Muslim women and grandfathers crowded at City Hall the day of the primary to vote for Bernie Sanders."

Other Democratic presidential hopefuls have visited mosques on the campaign trail over the last two years, or spoken to Muslim groups. But Sanders went further, naming a Muslim as his campaign manager, tapping a prominent Muslim Palestinian American activist as a surrogate and visiting Muslim communities.

"Obama, his first four years he didnt visit a mosque because of allegations that he was Muslim. It took his second term to visit a mosque  I mean, come on," Al-Hanooti said. "With Bernie, what was so remarkable was he hosted a rally in the south end, with the Yemeni community."

She paused, fighting back tears.

"It was beautiful. This is what we strive for. Thats what we want. We want to be seen as equal," Al-Hanooti said. "One thing that really engaged the Arab American and Muslim community was Palestine. The fact that he recognized their right to exist played a huge role in their support of Bernie."

With Sanders out of the race, many in the community plan on backing Democratic nominee Joe Biden, even if he wasn't their first choice, she added. The former vice president and his team have made overtures of their own to Muslim voters, through virtual voter summits, fundraisers and roundtable phone calls with community leaders.

Biden also has appointed a "senior advisor for Muslim engagement" to his presidential campaign, according to his website, which hosts a page dedicated to his "agenda for Muslim-American communities."

The Islamic Center of America in Dearborn. (Emily Elconin / Los Angeles Times)

Kassem Allie, executive administrator for the Islamic Center of America, cautioned that although presidential candidates now recognize the influence of Muslim voters, "the Muslim voting bloc, if there is one, cannot be taken for granted," especially by Democrats.

Seated in his office at the Dearborn mosque, the 62-year-old emphasized that Muslim voters aren't monolithic; just because the majority lean toward the Democratic Party, it doesn't mean that others won't vote for a Republican in a local, state or federal race.

"We are not a community that can be ignored like in the past, because we have gained so much in terms of stature in different sectors of the political landscape," said Allie, who immigrated to the U.S. from Lebanon nearly 40 years ago. "This time around we will be effective."
The EVFTA gives preferential access to Vietnamese seafood

Based on the details of the agreement, Fitch Solutions believes Vietnamese seafood exports are perfectly placed to take advantage of improved market access in the EU. Of all seafood products Vietnam exported in 2019 ($7.8 billion), approximately 13.5 per cent went to the EU. With the ratification of the EVFTA, Vietnamese seafood will see improved market access via either duty-free quotas or the full liberalisation of tariff structures.

This includes urimi (a quota of 500 tonnes free of tariff, after which tariffs will apply) as well as canned, fresh, and chilled tuna (11,500 tonnes) will be subject to strict rules of origin. Unprocessed shrimp will be liberalised from day one. Tariffs on processed shrimp will fall to zero after seven years. Catfish will be liberalised in three years.

In 2018, the EU was Vietnam's third-largest export market for seafood products, at $1.2 billion (or 13.3 per cent of total seafood exports). Only the US ($1.6 billion) and Japan ($1.4 billion) import more seafood from Vietnam. Following the FTA, the EUs share of Vietnams total seafood exports could potentially rise.

Vietnam is a main trade partner in seafood to the EU. Source: Trade Map, Fitch Solutions

From the EU's perspective, Vietnam is the region's fourth-largest non-EU country for seafood imports in 2019, after China, Ecuador, and Morocco. Over the past 10 years, annual EU seafood imports from Vietnam were stable but have slipped from being the second-largest import market in 2010.

Ecuador joined the EU-Colombia/Peru Trade Agreement in 2016, which saw the elimination of all tariffs on fishery products. Similarly, Morocco has an Association Agreement with the EU, which gives preferential treatment for agricultural, processed agricultural, and fishery products. This highlights how FTAs have been utilised to successfully increase the amount of fish products exported to the EU. The fact that Vietnam is already a top trade partner for the EU, despite only recently signing an FTA, highlights the opportunities that preferential treatment and trade liberalisation will create for Vietnamese seafood producers.

Fitch Solutions say that non-processed shrimp will benefit the most out of all Vietnamese seafood products, from increased trade between the EU and Vietnam. As mentioned, non-processed shrimp has seen tariffs completely liberalised from the ratification date (July 2020), meaning that Vietnamese shrimp is now more price competitive. In 2019, Ecuador, Argentina, and India all exported more shrimp (to the EU than Vietnam. Neither Argentina nor India have FTAs with the EU, meaning Vietnam will be able to quickly capitalise and increase its share of the EU market.

In addition, the trade agreement will give immediate tariff exemptions to 11,500 tonnes of canned, fresh, and chilled tuna. Vietnam exported 26,700 tonnes of tuna products to the EU in 2018. While strict rules of origin apply here, just over 40 per cent of Vietnamese tuna exports to the EU will be duty-free. Vietnamese producers can then average out the lower cost onto other products, resulting in better price margins.
The message was clear: stay at home to save lives.

Early in the pandemic, nursing homes, unlike hospitals which benefited from intensive efforts to equip them for the coming surge, were sitting ill-equipped and woefully unsupported. Yet their employees also worked the front lines, caring for society's most vulnerable.

With the country in enforced hibernation, lockdown meant hundreds of residents were locked in, facing a battle with an invisible enemy that many would ultimately not win.

Every day, the number of cases in nursing homes and residential institutions rose; the same for deaths in those settings. In April, as the virus ran through care homes and claimed hundreds of lives, the figures leapt up every night. The statistics for the month would tell a harrowing story. On April 1, there were 85 Covid-19-related deaths and 3,447 confirmed cases of the virus in Ireland. By April 30, there were 1,011 deaths and 20,612 confirmed cases. Of the deaths, 630 were in nursing homes.

"Looking back now, April was when the tsunami really hit," recalled Dr Jack Lambert, a specialist in infectious diseases at the Mater Hospital. "We had people in the Mater who were working in nursing homes and they were seriously ill. At that time there was no guidance on using masks, there was no effective way to get testing done and these issues contributed to the problem of spread. There was a shortage of preparedness, support and PPE in these homes and it was very evident with what was coming through the door in the hospital.

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"We also had patients from all of the north Dublin care homes being admitted. Some were admitted because they needed care while others were admitted just to get them out of nursing homes so they wouldn't spread it.

"Our intensive care units were maxed out during April and by the middle of May it had all settled down."

On April 17, the death toll from Covid-19 was rising sharply. During a 90-minute meeting, the National Oversight Group for the Covid-19 mortality plan decided to activate a temporary mortuary at Royal Kilmainham Hospital (RHK) in Dublin.

The group had been mandated by the Department of An Taoiseach to meet and make recommendations in relation to the pandemic.

Minutes from a previous meeting on April 7 had noted that an "average of six out of 10 funerals are now Covid-19-related" and "that the supply of body bags is being consumed rapidly".

Rene Gapert, an independent forensic anthropologist who applied to the Ireland on Call initiative, ended up working as the senior anatomical pathology technician in Kilmainham.

"I had been involved with the Mass Fatalities Expert Group since 2017," he told the Irish Independent.

"I was asked to advise, given my previous experience in the context of procedures on how to activate temporary mortuary facilities here in cases of mass fatalities.

"As it turned out, the plans that were put in place were tested for the first time this year during Covid with the establishment and the activation of the two body-holding facilities."

Contingency plans for mass fatalities have been in place after the Government signed a 545,000 contract for temporary mortuary facilities. The contract, with UK company De Boer, is for the provision of facilities to hold 100 bodies at a time, extensible if necessary, and was signed for a five-year period in 2015.

The National Oversight Group decided to activate the temporary mortuary contract immediately. On April 22, the group was told there had been an increase of up to 60pc in the number of bereavements.

A temporary body-holding facility was erected in Dublin as well as one at Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick, which was never activated. Both were later stood down with the proviso that they could be reactivated within 72 hours.

Minutes from a meeting of the National Oversight Group for the Covid-19 mortality plan in May noted: "While neither of the two national facilities nor the additional facilities provided by the Regional MEM (Major Emergency Management) Groups have been needed, it was acknowledged that it was better to have been over-prepared than under-prepared given the experiences in other jurisdictions."

But many families suffered the pain and loss of bereavement during a dark month, amid the depths of the Covid crisis in Ireland.

On April 12, Easter Sunday, Charlie Bollard became one of a growing number of individuals living in long-term care facilities across the nation to succumb to coronavirus.

Mr Bollard had been a resident in his care home in Co Meath for only about a year when visitor restrictions were imposed.

His story, one of weeks without a visit from his family followed by a solitary death, sadly became a familiar narrative in the battle against the Covid-19.

"He died alone," his daughter Sarah said this week. "We weren't there, like we hadn't been there for him in the nursing home for five weeks before because of the visitor restrictions. We were kept out to keep him safe and that didn't work."

Due to Covid restrictions relating to funerals, Mr Bollard's family decided to have his remains cremated. Last weekend, they finally held a funeral service for him.

"It meant we could have friends and family, especially his brothers and sister," said Sarah. "And we could place him to rest with my mam. She passed away four years ago and Saturday would have been my mam and dad's 49th wedding anniversary. It was important to be able to come together and get closure.

"It was still small, not what you would normally have, but it was something we wanted to wait and do. It was emotional though, like living it all over again, so that was hard. All these months on, I look back and wonder if Dad's death could have been prevented. I look at the number of deaths now, now that all the protocols are in place, and I wonder why he died with so many others. Was enough done to protect him? There are still so many unanswered questions."

Records of the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) show that in January and February there was no reference to long-term care facilities or nursing homes in a list of places being checked for preparedness.

Dr Lambert, who warned of an impending tragedy in nursing homes in February and March, believes this was a huge oversight.

"Looking back, there were big mistakes made," he said.

"There wasn't a timely protocol in place even though we knew this was coming because we had seen what was happening in Italy. The plan was to just isolate everybody, not test in the nursing homes and send all staff home to isolate when they had symptoms. That contributed to the numbers that we saw in terms of cases. It was a total disaster."
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the treatment of the employees had been shabby, shoddy and unacceptable. Photo: Gareth Chaney, Collins

All sides need to get back around the table in the Debenhams dispute the Taoiseach said, as he saluted the courage of the workers  who have occupied stores in Dublin, Cork and Tralee.

I salute their courage and perseverance, said Mr Martin, who met workers on the picket line in Cork. Ive nothing but admiration for them.

He did not comment directly on the occupations, which has led to the arrest of workers, but said the treatment of the employees had been shabby, shoddy and unacceptable.

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Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said the workers had taken their action after more than 150 days of campaigning for fair treatment from the company without success.

I'm sure you understand the anger, and the frustration of those workers at this time, Ms McDonald told the Taoiseach, after the withdrawal KPMG offer of 1 million  or one-tenth of their entitlement under collective agreements.

The withdrawal was itself a very provocative action, especially considering the duration of the dispute, she said.

She called for urgent reform of company law, so that this disgraceful scenario can never happen again to another worker.

At the time of the Clerys closure, the Taoiseach had promised it would not happen again, but it had happened again, she said , along with the arrest of some Debenhams workers.

The Government should review company law. You know which options to use to protect workers, and to prevent rogue companies treating their staff in such a disgraceful.

We should think about legislation to stop unscrupulous employers using tactical insolvencies to avoid paying redundancy to their workers.

She called on Mr Martin to intervene directly on their behalf by lifting the phone to Debenhams and also to KPMG, and to request that they enter back into negotiations.

Mr Martin said the company had behaved in a very shabby, shoddy and unacceptable way, notwithstanding its trading difficulties.

He said he had met Debenhams workers in the Taoiseachs office and also on the picket line, and the Government had been in contact with the company in the UK.

What is now need is for all sides to ge back around the table, he said. The Government has committed to reviewing company law, more generally, and to make it impossible into the future, or very difficult, for companies to tactically create situations of this kind. These loopholes have to be closed..

Ms McDonald said the industrial relations machinery of the State had been has run its course t and yet there remained this deeply unjust situation where workers who have given decades of service, have been essentially neem thrown on the scrapheap by Debenhams.

KPMG have withdrawn the "offer" made to exDebenhams workers. The Govt have let these workers down very very badly. Offers outside liquidation guidelines CAN be made (one just was) and a better offer (4 weeks per year of service) needs to be put in place now. #OccupyDebenhams  Mick Barry TD (@MickBarryTD) September 8, 2020

Mr Martin said: What we shouldn't do to pretend to the workers that we can do everything in the world and end up with a perfect solution.

A lot of false dawns had painted to the workers, who were in a desperate and very unfair situation.

Solidarity PBP TD Mick Barry said many in the workforce will have silently cheered when they heard on the radio that the workers ad occupied Debenhams stores.

They had been made an insulting offer, which amounted to the statutory minimum, plus one days pay for every year of service.

It amounted to a payment of 615 for a part-time worker with 18 years service and 137 for another with six years service. It was one-tenth of what they would be entitled to under a collective agreement with the company which had 95 million in the bank, he said.

Mr Martin said he never had sight of that rejected proposal, but told Mr Barry: Yes we need to change the law, as well as protect collective agreements.

A study was underway, but the area was complex and Government needed to be careful, as well as making sure that it boxed off loopholes, he said.
Two Australian journalists have fled China after harassment from Beijing's security forces amid diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Bill Birtles and Michael Smith had taken refuge at Australian diplomatic missions after police carried out synchronised midnight raids on their homes.

They were told they faced questioning in unspecified 'national security' investigations. They feared being stuck in an embassy like Julian Assange until a deal was struck to let them return home.

Birtles, ABC's Beijing correspondent, said it was a 'relief to be back in a country with genuine rule of law' as he landed in Sydney today.

ABC journalist Bill Birtles (pictured) arrived in Sydney today after having his home raided in Beijing last week and taking refuge in an Australian diplomatic mission

The pair's ordeal began almost a week ago, when police raided Birtles's home in Beijing and Smith's in Shanghai, where he worked for the Australian Financial Review.

Both men were told they were part of an unnamed 'national security' investigation, were barred from leaving the country and faced questioning.

'I felt like I suddenly, unintentionally, had become a pawn in some sort of diplomatic tussle,' said Birtles.

Fearing arrest, they fled to their closest Australian diplomatic missions until agreeing to answer Ministry of State Security questions in return for safe passage home.

'We didn't really have any option. You don't want to be a Julian Assange and stuck in an embassy for years,' the ABC reporter said, referring to the WikiLeaks founder who was holed up in the Ecuadorian embassy in London from 2012 to 2019.

The journalists flew out of Shanghai late Monday accompanied by Australian diplomats, and arrived in Sydney early Tuesday.

They are the latest in a string of foreign journalists to be barred, detained or pushed out of China as the Communist Party targets unfriendly reporters.

Beijing's security services earlier this month detained another Australian journalist, Cheng Lei, who worked for China's state-run CGTN TV, and both men were asked about Cheng in their interrogations.

China confirmed the two men had been questioned, but insisted the move had been legitimate.

'As long as foreign journalists obey the law... they have no reason to worry,' foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said in Beijing.

Several reporters for US media have had their visas revoked and been forced to leave the country.

The Australian Financial Review's editors insisted the two Australian correspondents 'were going about their normal reporting duties' and described the incident as 'regrettable and disturbing'.

Australian Financial Review journalist Michael Smith arrives at Sydney airport today after having his home raided in Shanghai

Their exit came following days of secret diplomatic wrangling between Beijing and Canberra, whose relationship is already at the lowest point in decades.

Tensions escalated earlier this year when Australia led international calls for an inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic, which first emerged in China.

China's embassy accused Australian foreign minister Peter Dutton of 'ignorance and bigotry' after he called for Beijing to be more transparent about the outbreak.

Australian PM Scott Morrison was also one of the few leaders to voice sympathy with Donald Trump's criticisms of the World Health Organization, which he accuses of bias towards China.

Since then, China has taken steps to curb key Australian imports and encouraged Chinese students and tourists to avoid the country.

A Chinese envoy in Canberra recently portrayed Australia's behaviour as a betrayal that caused 'indignation, anger and frustration' in China.

In June, suspicion immediately fell on China when Australia announced that a 'sophisticated state-based actor' had launched a massive cyber attack. targeting companies, hospitals, schools and government officials.

Australia earlier this year warned its citizens they faced the risk of arbitrary detention in China.

James Curran, an Australian former intelligence analyst and prime ministerial adviser, said the media crackdown and the fact no major Australian media were now represented in China would only hinder public understanding.

'The lens through which we are going to get a picture of this country is going to become increasingly shrouded, if not blocked altogether,' he said.

Author and former China correspondent Richard McGregor said the incident 'marks a new low'.

'Other countries grappling with China will take note. If their bilateral relationship deteriorates, then their own nationals will be in the firing line as well.'
V Velayudham By

Express News Service

CHINTHAMANI (CHIKBALLAPUR): On the credible information under the direct supervision of Chikballapur SP Mithun Kumar, Chinthamani police arrested two persons and seized ganja weighing about 32 kgs valued at about Rs 10 lakhs and also seized a Indica car which was used for transportation, said IG (Central Range) Semanth Kumar Singh.

Speaking to The New Indian Express, Singh on Monday evening said that the police had received information that ganja is likely to be sold in Chinthamani after which a team, headed by Circle Inspector Anantha Kumar under the supervision of Mithun, was formed.

The team noticed an Indica car, bearing number plate AP-29-AH-9210 (Andhra Pradesh registration), which was stationed near Ramakunte Road with two persons moving suspiciously near the car.

The IG said that the team rounded the suo and seized the car and on detail verification the police found the ganja in the vehicle. "We are still verifying the details," he added. Mithun said that the arrested are Shankara (33), a resident of Guntapalli village in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district and Shahbaz (26), resident of Siddlaghtta.

Preliminrary investigation has revaled that Shankara, who is facing criminal cases, was supplying ganja to various places from past three years. along with Shahbaz. Semanth said that a detailed investigation will be taken up, after getting all the information from the accused persons and a team will also be sent to Chittoor to nab both the accuseds' associates.

It may be recalled that during the recent visit of the IG to Chikballapur, Kolar, KGF, Bengaluru (Rural), Tumkuru and Ramanagar, he instructed his officers to arrest those who are selling all types of narcotics drugs.

Accordingly, all district SP under the range are collecting information with the help of middlemen and arresting those who are selling such drugs.

Semanth Kumar also appealed that the general public also should join hands with the police to give information on the selling and using of narcotic drugs which will help them to uproot the same and said the names and identity of the informer will be kept a secret.
After being placed in a medically induced coma, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is "being weaned off mechanical ventilation" and is "responding to verbal stimuli," Berlin's Charite Hospital announced on Monday.

Last week, the German government said tests showed "unequivocal evidence" that a "chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group" was used to poison Navalny, a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Charite Hospital said it "remains too early to gauge the potential long-term effects" of Navalny's "severe poisoning."

Navalny became sick on Aug. 20 while on a flight from the Siberian city of Tomsk to Moscow. Before being flown to Berlin, Navalny was treated by Russian doctors who claimed he was not poisoned. The Kremlin has denied playing any role in the incident.

In 2018, a Novichok nerve agent was used to poison Sergei Skripal, a former Russian spy living in England, and his daughter. These chemical weapons were first developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War, and few scientists outside of Russia have much experience working with them, CNN reports.

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It was - once again - an unusually hot year: in 2018, large parts of Europe were beset by an extremely hot and dry summer. In Switzerland, too, the hot weather got people sweating - right on the heels of a string of unusually warm months. It was - at the time - the third hottest summer and the fourth warmest spring since measurements began in 1864.

A solid base of measurements

Obviously, such unusual weather conditions also had an impact on ecosystems. Scientists from the group led by Nina Buchmann, Professor of Grassland Sciences, have now used extensive measurement data to show exactly how forests, fields and meadows reacted to the exceptional conditions in 2018. The researchers evaluated measurements from five sites, all of which are part of the Swiss FluxNet initiative, explains Mana Gharun, a postdoc in Buchmann's group and the study's lead author: "The five sites cover all altitude levels from 400 to 2,000 metres above sea level. This means we've taken very different ecosystems into account."

At each of these sites, Buchmann's group has been taking measurements for years at very high temporal resolution of how much CO2, water vapour and other greenhouse gases are exchanged between plants, the atmosphere and the soil, right across the entire ecosystem. This allows the researchers to determine how the sites react to different climatic conditions.

Sharp drop in productivity

Their evaluation, which the researchers have just published in a special issue of the journal Phil Trans B, shows that the heat and drought of 2018 had a particularly severe impact on ecosystems at lower altitudes. In the mixed forest on the Lageren mountain near Zurich and in the meadows close to Chamau, productivity fell by an average of 20 percent compared with the two previous years. The situation is different for ecosystems at higher altitudes: the coniferous forest near Davos, the meadow near Fruebuel and the Weissenstein alpine pasture on the Albula Pass all benefited from warmer temperatures and a longer growing season. The more favourable growth conditions there led to higher productivity in these ecosystems.

However, respiration rates for plants and soil organisms also increased at almost all the sites. This means that while these systems absorbed more CO2 from the atmosphere, they also released more CO2 back into it. "Overall, this results in a lower net carbon uptake for the two forests and the Chamau meadow," Gharun notes. "This finding is unfortunate, since the general expectation is that under warmer conditions these ecosystems would act as carbon sinks to help mitigate climate change," she adds.

Buchmann points out that it is still too early for a final assessment: "We definitely need long-?term data series before we can put these findings in their proper context." She and her group have been collecting measurement data at the abovementioned sites for many years, so she has a good foundation for such long-?term studies.

A lot of snow after the winter

What made 2018 exceptional was not just the warm temperatures in spring and summer, but also the heavy precipitation during the preceding winter: when spring came, the mountains were covered by snow, which then melted very quickly due to the warm conditions. This benefited the higher-?altitude ecosystems in particular. In contrast, the situation at lower altitudes was more difficult, as the ecosystems there were unable to use the excess water from winter to build up a soil moisture reservoir for the summer. Accordingly, they suffered more from the summer drought and heat.

"Water availability is a decisive factor in how ecosystems survive periods of heat," Buchmann says. "Thus, it is important to look beyond the actual dry period when studying a drought." Another unsettling consideration is that the new CH2018 climate change scenarios predict more rain and less snow in winter. The higher levels of precipitation expected in the winter months is therefore of limited benefit to ecosystems when the water runs off quickly, rather than being stored as snow.

Stressed trees

Forests are now in a critical situation. There are several indications of this, one of which is that not only spruce trees but also old beech trees are now showing stress symptoms in many places across the Swiss Plateau. This is probably also due to the fact that the following year, 2019, was also warmer and drier than average. "What we are seeing in the forests is a memory effect," Buchmann explains, "so it's possible that the impacts of such periods may not show up until long after the actual extreme event."

How well the trees survive periods of drought and heat also depends on the depth at which they absorb water. Beech roots, for example, penetrate the soil to a depth of 50 or 60 centimetres and are therefore more likely to reach deeper moist layers. Spruce roots, on the other hand, reach a depth of only about 20 centimetres, making them more likely to be affected by droughts. "Things are going to get uncomfortable for lowland spruce in the medium term," Buchmann notes. "That's not a good forecast for forestry."

Gloomy outlook for farmers

What about the meadows? The two researchers have not yet found a memory effect there because meadows recover more quickly after a dry period. Nevertheless, meadows at lower altitudes produce significantly less forage in a year like 2018 - bad news for farmers. Grassland farming is the central pillar of Swiss agriculture. If less grass grows on meadows in the future because of increasing summer droughts, this will have direct consequences for milk and meat production.

###

Reference

Gharun M et al. 2020 Physiological response of Swiss ecosystems to 2018 drought across plant types and elevation. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 375: 20190521. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0521
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 7, 2020 / In this globally competitive world, various players from the business and entrepreneurial landscapes have been on their toes as they strive to leave legacies and make marks in their respective industries. And as someone who has gained recognition for being a frontrunner in his field, Scott Keever has made it his mission to help others stay on top of their games.

Scott Keever, the esteemed founder of Scott Keever SEO, has been in the digital marketing field for over ten years. He has a well-established track record for assisting businesses with their growth. As such, he has been featured in Forbes, INC, Entrepreneur, USAToday, and Thrive Global. On top of that, he is also an official member of the Forbes Agency Council.

Known for his expertise in search engine optimization and digital marketing, Scott Keever has worked hard to earn his sterling reputation in the Miami area. And taking the reins on his company, a small but mighty SEO firm, he has charted new directions that allow local businesses to compete with larger entities by increasing their visibility online.

Moreover, the company also turns its clients' websites into a revenue-generating machine that creates a buzz on social media. As a result, Scott Keever SEO has become an instrumental piece in elevating brands and businesses that need to enhance their reachability.

At a very young age, Scott found himself gravitating toward the thrill and excitement brought by the fast-paced work environment. However, he realized that the thing piquing his interest the most was delivering value to the people he worked with. And stumbling upon this enthralling passion, he decided to dive into a retail sales career for the Fortune 100 Company, Verizon Wireless.

Proving to be a man of remarkable skill and talent, Scott got hold of a management position in the said company. And after fifteen long years of being committed to Verizon Wireless, he went from being an associate to the manager of one of the busiest and most successful retail locations in the country.

Although Scott was doing well in his position at that time, he felt that he was ready to take on a new challenge. And moving forward to the next chapter of his life, the go-getter threw in his analytical, creative, and managerial acumen to the burgeoning economic market. So in 2011, he was able to start a document-filling agency that quickly began generating thousands of dollars in revenue per day.

Pounding the pavement with his marketing flair, Scott mastered the art behind pay-per-click ads and ran major campaigns on Google and Bing. But as he got deeper into his work, he noticed that his revenue stream produced significant inconsistencies. From there, he realized that his venture would be made more valuable if he used a holistic approach that increased revenue and search rankings.

After going through his fair share of challenges and bumps along the road, Scott was finally able to create Scott Keever SEO, an agency emboldened by the vision of helping other small business owners like himself succeed online and in the area.

Today, Scott Keever SEO is prominently known for offering web design, local SEO, social media and reputation management, and many more.

To know more about Scott Keever and his company, you may head on to their website or follow them on Instagram.

Company: Scott Keever SEO

Email: scott@scottkeeverseo.com

Phone number: (813) 455-1455

Website: ScottKeeverSEO.com

SOURCE: Scott Keever SEO

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/605071/Scott-Keever-on-Elevating-Businesses-and-Transcending-Challenges-of-the-Times
The Navy ended search-and-rescue efforts Tuesday for a sailor believed to have gone overboard this weekend from an aircraft carrier deployed to the Middle East.

Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Ian McKnight, 29, was not found following an extensive search in the North Arabian Sea after he was reported missing Sunday. McKnight is assigned to the carrier Nimitz, which searched for him, aided by the guided-missile cruiser Princeton and Navy and Air Force aircraft.

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"We are deeply saddened as we call off the search for IT2 Ian McKnight," Capt. Max Clark, commanding officer of the Nimitz, said in a statement Tuesday. "We hold his family and friends in our hearts during this difficult time."

McKnight, a newly frocked petty officer second class, remains listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown. His family has been notified of his status, according to the Navy news release announcing the end of search-and-rescue efforts.

His disappearance, which remains under investigation, prompted a search of the ship and man-overboard alert. McKnight and the rest of the Nimitz crew have been operating in the Middle East since July.

The Nimitz is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11, which left the U.S. in June. The strike group, according to the Navy, is deployed to ensure maritime stability and security in the region connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean.

McKnight, who's from North Carolina, according to his service records, enlisted in the Navy in February 2018. Before reporting to the Nimitz last year, he attended Information Warfare Training Command Corry Station in Pensacola, Florida.

He is at least the third sailor or naval officer believed to have gone overboard in the last two years.

Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Slayton Saldana was declared dead last summer following a search after he was believed to have fallen into the Arabian Sea while deployed on the carrier Abraham Lincoln. In 2018, Lt. j.g. Asante McCalla was reported missing from the guided-missile cruiser Lake Erie off the coast of California.

"The strike group team sends our thoughts and prayers to the family of Petty Officer McKnight," said Rear Adm. Jim Kirk, Carrier Strike Group 11's commander. "And I offer my thanks to all the Sailors and Airmen who were involved in the search for our shipmate."

-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins.

Related: Search Underway After Sailor Goes Missing from Carrier Nimitz
New Delhi, Sep 8 : 'We, as society remember, but the earth too remembers. Its each fragment remembers, the trees and soil remember.' Building on this premise, and presenting art as a site to unravel a planet's memory, a group exhibition featuring South Asian artists is all set to open in the Gulf.

The exhibition's title 'Every Soiled Page' draws inspiration from Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poem 'Memory' that was written in 1953 while he was imprisoned in the Montgomery Central Jail in Pakistan. Taking cue from the poem, the exhibition proposes art as a site for reverse archaeology, where materials, voices, inscriptions and testimonies produce a field of resonance for bearing witness and remembering as an act of resistance.

Faiz's verses powerfully invoke that to remember we must apprehend every soiled page, listen to the reverberations collectively, even sing with them the songs that rise with each day.

"What if there are other ways of bearing witness and reading what's inscribed on every soiled page?" asks the exhibition.

It opens at the Dubai-based Ishara Art Foundation, the first permanent space in the Gulf dedicated to South Asian art, later this month.

Image Source: IANS News

The exhibition is curated by Sabih Ahmed and features works from the Prabhakar Collection by artists Anju Dodiya, Astha Butail, Neha Choksi, Praneet Soi and Sunil Padwal, and a newly commissioned performance installation by Inder Salim that will expand the exhibition into aspace of readings, recitals, inscriptions and annotations. Works in the exhibition focus on different surfaces and materials on which memories, traces, imprints and songs reside.

'Every Soiled Page' is the Foundation's fourth exhibition dedicated to exploring ways in which art expands our sensitivities to witnessing and forming collective memories. Taking an etching of an olive tree by artist Praneet Soi as a point of departure, the exhibition ventures into the the planetary dimensions of remembering, beyond the human.

(Siddhi Jain can be contacted at siddhi.j@ians.in)

-- Syndicated from IANS
Without angel investors, most startups wouldn't be able to survive. In the U.S. alone, angel investors pour $25 billion into 70,000 companies every single year. Yet despite being such key players in early-stage companies' growth, many founders have limited knowledge of how to access angel investments.

Angel investors work predominantly with new ventures because they set their sights on passion projects, personal commitment, and innovation. At the same time, angel investors tend to be more approachable for entrepreneurs, with their more 'human' touch compared to big venture capitalists. Angels are also more hands-off and agile than traditional firms.

Nonetheless, when navigating the close-knit world of angel investors, founders who aren't well-prepared risk quickly diluting their pool of potential benefactors. So, here are four expert tips to secure angel investment for your new business venture:

Related: Sign Up For a Risk-Free Trial of Our On-demand Start Your Own Business Course

1. Bootstrap before starting your search.

When you decide to launch a startup, it's best to start by using your own money to fund the business. Whether you have savings set aside, or you want to immediately bring in customer revenue and reinvest it, bootstrapping means that you continue to own 100 percent of your venture. The early days of any company are some of the most crucial, and you should use them to prove that your business can reach its first milestone independent of an angel investor.

For example, if you're aiming to build a restaurant, you should have the concept, proposed menu, spatial design, and sample dishes, before you raise any money. At the very minimum in any industry, have a pitch deck ready prior to searching for investors. Completing these steps using your own money will place you in a better light when you come face-to-face with investors, who will have evidence that you're organized, driven, and business savvy.

Gabe Zichermann, chief executive of Failosophy, says that the majority of bootstrapped funding comes from the four Fs: founders, friends, family, and fools. When you're starting out, these people are going to be more forthcoming than angel investors and should be approached first, if possible. Not everyones friends and family will have the means to support their venture, in which case youll have to rely more heavily on personal income, pre-order sales, and early sales. "Only once you've exhausted all early funding options" adds Zichermann, "is it time to reach out to angels."

Bootstrapping does not by any means lower the ambitiousness of your goals: Craigslist, GitHub, and GroPro all began as bootstrapped companies, and today are worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

2. Find your founder niche.

As Zichermann notes, there are angel investment groups for just about every sector of the population, many of which are helping to close the gender and ethnic gaps in the investment sphere.

There are many angel communities geared towards non-majority founders, and if youre from an underrepresented background in your industry, it's important to do your research and find a community that speaks to you. Tara Sabre Collier, angel investor and entrepreneur in residence at Oxford University, recommends leveraging your educational and professional networks such as alumni and civic organizations, as well as industry associations, LinkedIn, and Crunchbase. She continues, "be conscious to hone in on investors who have backed people from the same background as you, and who have similar companies. Once you've pinpointed your group, make an active effort to be part of the conversations taking place there and establish connections with others."

Noteworthy angel investors for non-majority founders including people of color, LGBTQ+ members, and women are Angel Academe, Black Angel Tech fund, and Pipeline Angels.

To listen in to Gabe Zichermann and Tara Sabre discuss the best ways to access support as a non-majority founder sign up to our live webinar on 09/09/20 at 3pm ET

3. Be selective with your angel meetings.

The moment you step into the investment world, you'll start creating a reputation for yourself. Any contact you have with investors and the way you present yourself will be discussed among investors. That means the pressure is not only on making a good impression, but also leaving a positive trail behind you.

If you were to enter talks with a number of people, you would have to try especially hard to minimize the number of no's you receive. Because investors will speak among themselves, and if you have a predominantly negative track record that could impact how future angels view your pitch.

Related: Sign Up For a Risk-Free Trial of Our On-demand Start Your Own Business Course

To avoid getting stuck at the investment stage, Zichermann advises not agreeing to meetings speculatively, as you might do in later fundraising rounds. Instead, ensure that you pre-qualify every encounter with investors - that means being confident that their tactics, vision and typical demands are a suitable match for your venture, but also making sure youve reached certain targets. These include surpassing your first business milestone without angel help, and having concrete data about your startup's performance so far. Also avoid asking for more money than necessary to get to your next milestone.

AngelList is a great resource for getting an overview of the current startup and investment ecosystems, while the Angel Capital Association is a collective of accredited angel investors in the United States. Both tools can help you nail down your competitive advantage and assess where and how to pitch your venture.

4. Draw up a standardized investor agreement.

Founders can expect anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 per angel, Zichermann, says. To finalize an angel offer, you need to have a standardized document that confirms you're taking the capital. Rather than custom-making your own form, SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) is the most common and secure one to use, and templates of it can be found online for free. SAFE is a convertible note and essentially states that in exchange for money, your investor has the right to purchase future equity in your business.

SAFE will be attractive to angel investors because it gives them the option to own a slice of your company down the line. For you, as a founder, SAFE lets you fundraise in a faster, more agile way.

Related: Sign Up For a Risk-Free Trial of Our On-demand Start Your Own Business Course

Remember, your relationship with an investor doesn't end after formalizing the funding. You need to have regular communication with one another: send out detailed updates (monthly if not quarterly), and be transparent about anything you need along the way. This isnt just to be polite - it's vital in case you need more funding from them later on.

Angel investment is invaluable for startups, however, it shouldn't be the first funding resource you look to in your business journey. If you can bootstrap, it is a powerful way to develop and strengthen your company until its ready to present itself to angel investors. Then, understanding how the sector operates and finding your niche will empower you to successfully close the right angel investor for your startup.

Related:

Seed, Sow, Water, Grow: 4 Expert Tips to Secure Angel Investment for Your New Business Venture

Reflections While #StayingHome: Great VC Stories Have Been Born Out Of Chaos

Five Ways To Raise Money To Launch Your Own Startup



Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Council Bluffs Fire Chief Justin James recently took to social media praising first responders for their efforts that saved the lives of two small children Friday when a fire engulfed a Bluffs home.

Its an effort that required the arriving team to act as a cohesive, singular unit, James wrote in a Saturday Facebook post.

It takes a perfect orchestra of individuals who all in the moment understand their part of the performance, James said. "Each individual could move to another instrument, but they all need to know their part of the song at all times. That perfection comes from repetitive exercise and experience.

It comes when they show up every day willing to put in the work both physically and mentally to master their trade. But when the day comes that the orchestra gets to play their song, its priceless.

The fire was investigated by Council Bluffs Fire Marshal Alex Ford in conjunction with the Iowa State Fire Marshals Office and the Council Bluffs Police Department. The cause of the fire was determined to be juvenile fire play, according to a news release issued Tuesday by Fire Investigator Dan Roberts.

Firefighters responded at 7:27 p.m. to a home in the 300 block of Lawton Terrace where two children  3 years old and 18 months old  were trapped on the dwellings second floor. A 21-year-old man was also present in the home when the fire started prior to ultimately getting outside before rescue units arrived, as previously reported by the Nonpareil.

The fire was contained to the upstairs apartment of the structure and was quickly extinguished by Bluffs firefighters, according to a news release.

The 21 year old and 3-year-old boy were transported to CHI Mercy Hospital and the 18-month-old boy was transported in critical condition to Nebraska Medical Center with burns covering approximately 60% of his body, according to his grandfather, Dave Smith, through a GoFundMe page.

The 18 month old also sustained serious injuries to his lungs, Smith wrote. The 21 year old, identified as Sheldon Adkins, suffered injuries prior to first responders arriving attempting to help the juveniles, a news release said.

Adkins and the 3-year-old child were treated and released from CHI Mercy and Childrens Hospital in Omaha, respectively. The 18 month old was taken by medical helicopter from Nebraska Medicine to CHI Health St. Elizabeth in Lincoln, Nebraska, before being transferred to the University of Iowa Stead Family Childrens Hospital in Iowa City, according to Smiths post.

Chief James attributed the rescue to swift action by first responders.

In the end, this harmony was executed perfectly, James wrote. It was as good as it can get considering the terrible circumstances. It was swift and effective from start to finish. I often say that it doesnt matter how many certificates or diplomas we have. It doesnt matter how many awards or accolades.

We are here to SERVE and it only matters how good we are in the street. Last night, you all (first responders) were as good as it gets. You gave a second chance to the victims with seconds to spare.

Though rescued, Smith said in the GoFundMe page that it will be a lengthy, up-hill battle for the child in critical condition.

Ezekiel arrived at UICH at sunrise and settled in for what will be a long and enduring journey of recovery, expected to be six to nine months; these first 48 (hours) are the most critical to cleanse and restore his damaged lung capacity, Smith wrote.

He will experience a lifetime of care over the next few months and be engaged with reconstruction and restoration of tissue for his lifetime. How does one begin to estimate these costs?"

As of Tuesday afternoon, the GoFundMe had raised more than $8,700 of a $10,000 monetary goal set by the childs family.

Raised funds are going toward medical expenses, purchasing new clothing and helping the displaced individuals secure new housing, according to the GoFundMe account.
Only 35% of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math students in higher education globally are women, according to recent data from the UNESCO Institute for Science, and that has a direct impact on the workforce. Even though women constitute about 50% of the total labor market, as of 2018 there were only 28% of women in STEM fields.

STEM has long been a mans world, but many business schools are trying to change that. The latest to make headway is a public school in the southern United States, Georgia State University Robinson College of Business, which reports that women are flocking to its graduate programs in record numbers, including Robinsons five STEM-designated masters programs, where women comprise 53% of new enrollees. In the schools Flex MBA  which has several STEM concentrations and which is ranked No. 28 overall and 16th among public schools in U.S. News 2020 part-time MBA ranking the incoming cohort is 61% women. Robinsons MBA population overall is now 54% women.

Across all of Robinsons graduate programs, there are nearly 1,500 students. Half are women.

Creating opportunities for students of all backgrounds to succeed in business is a defining passion for Robinson, and our incoming graduate class speaks volumes to our commitment, says Richard Phillips, dean of the Robinson College.

7 PATHWAYS IN A HIGHLY RANKED MBA

Richard Phillips. Robinson College photo

In terms of sheer numbers, Atlanta-based Georgia State Robinson already was one of the top accredited U.S. business colleges for graduate enrollment, and it has only gotten bigger in the age of Covid-19. In preliminary figures for this fall (final numbers wont be available until October), the school welcomed 862 new graduate students, a 78% increase over 2019s incoming class of 484. That wave of new students enrolled in 14 different degree programs, including the Flex MBA and executive MBA, a dual-degree MBA/Master of Health Administration, 10 master of science programs, and an Executive Doctor of Business Administration. In all, Robinson has more than 1,500 students across all its undergraduate and graduate programs.

Story continues

Not only is 2020 the largest graduate school class in Robinsons history, its also the most diverse: More than half (51%) of U.S. students identify as racial or ethnic minorities that the Graduate Management Admission Council describes as underrepresented in graduate business education; of that number, 40% are Black or African American, 7% are Hispanic, 5% are multiracial, and 0.1% are American Indian, Alaskan Native or Native Hawaiian.

But Robinsons big coup is in attracting so many women. Dean Phillips tells Poets&Quants that because there are limits on what a public school can offer in the way of gender-based scholarships, Robinsons success comes to down approach.

We havent gone out to say, Lets make sure we have gender parity,' he says. Thats not the intention. The intention is that we want to make sure that we can support and demonstrate that students of all backgrounds can show success in our graduate programs.

And so the question is, how do you do that? And what you need to do is look at your systems and try to figure out why it is that certain groups struggle. Is it because they not have the raw intellectual ability to do graduate school? Or is there something systemically thats stopping them  something in the way weve organized ourselves as an institution  that makes it hard for them to progress? Certain groups have different challenges than other groups. And if you study what it is that this group or that group has a challenge with, and then attack that problem, you make it possible for them to demonstrate what theyre capable of doing.

And Ill give you a simple example. Women, for a long time, were discouraged from studying science-based disciplines in undergraduate degrees or in high school. And so if they were discouraged from doing that in earlier eras of their education, then theyre not going to necessarily  from transcripts  be as well-prepared or have the profiles and backgrounds to present well in the traditional ways that we would look at from a graduate admissions perspective. But that doesnt mean they dont have the innate capabilities to do that. So thats just a way that weve organized ourselves as an industry.

A SECOND CHANCE IN A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

To counter the cultural obstacles that women face, Robinson has created seven career pathways; those who demonstrate an aptitude for STEM pre-term are admitted into STEM-based programs, Phillips says. This year that resulted in a huge boost to the schools number of enrolled women.

Weve built what we call pathway courses to give people, Phillips says. It doesnt have to be just women, it could be anybody, but weve given people pathways to demonstrate what theyre capable of, and if they demonstrate that theyre capable of studying and having success in STEM-based disciplines and programs, then we can admit them on that basis into our STEM-based programs.

Well, it just so happens that a lot of women are able to take those pathway programs, demonstrate that theyre capable of doing well in those programs, be admitted into those programs, and then continue on and have academic degree success.

What do those pathways look like? Phillips offers an example.

We have a computer coding course which is offered in the summer as a pathway course, he says. We also have a math and statistics pathway course that allows students to demonstrate what theyre capable of. A lot of times thats because people didnt study that as undergraduates, because they were discouraged, in a lot of cases, from doing that in earlier eras.

But right now, given the way the economy is moving  in this digital era that were in today  theres just tremendous demand from industry for those jobs. And we want to provide opportunities for people. Who knew that this would be this important today? But I want a second chance. So we provide that in a supportive environment.

Applications and acceptance rates for the past three MBA intakes, Georgia State Robinson

Applications Accepted Acceptance Rate Fall 2018 429 219 51% Fall 2019 405 167 41% Fall 2020 764 473 62%

THE DIVERSITY THE UNIVERSITY OFFERS IS UNPARALLELED

Because of coronavirus, Georgia State Robinson, like most B-schools, extended its deadlines and relaxed its testing criteria. The result was a boom in applications: nearly 3,000 across all graduate programs, of which the school offered admission to 1,770, for a 60% acceptance rate. In the Robinson MBA, preliminary numbers show the school receiving a whopping 764 apps, up from 405 the year before, a nearly 89% increase. The school admitted 473 for a 62% acceptance rate; 220 enrolled, among them 116 women, or 53%.

Thats up from 45% women in each of the last two fall intakes.

Its a trend thats been building over time, Phillips says.

Ana Contreras-Rodriguez is one of the women studying for a graduate degree at Georgia State Robinson. Pursuing a STEM-designated MS in Information Systems, she says the biggest risk shes ever taken is continuing my education after six years working in the field. My parents migrated from Mexico so I could have opportunities like this, and that motivates me to take risks and get out of my comfort zone.

I chose Robinson because I know I will be challenged and guided by some of the best professors, Contreras-Rodriguez says. Plus, the diversity the university offers is unparalleled.

GEORGIA STATE NAMED SECOND-MOST INNOVATIVE UNIVERSITY

Georgia State University was ranked second on U.S. News 2020 list of Most Innovative Schools. Dean Phillips says thats the result of a lot of hard work and dedication.

It is largely based on student success initiatives and the reputation that the university has built over the last decade for working with students from different backgrounds and providing a supportive environment, and being able to work with nontraditional students or students with backgrounds that have historically not performed as well in higher education, he says. And it shows that we can create environments and support systems that will help them demonstrate what it is that theyre innately capable of doing in academic settings.

Were really proud because its the quality of those programs, too. Theyre really, really high-quality academic programs that are very competitive to get into.

DONT MISS 2020 40 UNDER 40 PROFESSORS: QIAN (CECILIA) GU and THE BIG PICTURE IN BUSINESS ANALYTICS

The post This School Just Enrolled 61% Women In Its MBA Program appeared first on Poets&Quants.
According to Dvidshub website, the US Navy's USS Mustin successfully conducted live-fire drills. Currently, the warship is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to Dvidshub website, the US Navy's USS Mustin successfully conducted live-fire drills. Currently, the warship is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

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The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) steams during the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Cambodia 2014 exercise. (Picture source: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cody Beam)

USS Mustin (DDG-89) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer in the United States Navy. She is named in honor of the Mustin family who has devoted over a century of U.S. Naval service. This ship is the 39th destroyer of her class. USS Mustin was the 18th ship of this class to be built at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and construction began on 15 January 2001. She was launched on 12 December 2001 and was christened on 15 December 2001. On 26 July 2003, a twilight commissioning ceremony was held at the Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California.

In terms of specifications, the USS Mustin has a full load displacement of 9,200 tons and total length of 509 ft 6 in (155.30 m), a beam of 66 ft (20 m) and a draft of 31 ft (9.4 m). With a maximum speed of 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph), the USS Mustin offers a range of 4,400 nm.

The USS Mustins main armaments comprise of 1  5 inch (127 mm)/62 caliber Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun, 2  25 mm Mk 38 Autocannons, 4  .50 cal (12.7 mm) machine guns, 1  20 mm Phalanx CIWS, 2  Mk 32 triple torpedo tubes for Mk 46 torpedoes. It is also fitted with 96-cell Mk 41 VLS for RIM-66 Standard Missile 2, BGM-109 Tomahawk, RUM-139 VL-ASROC missiles.

Gunners Mate 2nd Class Dustin Tipton, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89), fires an M240B during a live-fire exercise. (Picture source: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Declan Barnes)
By exaggerating the scope and ambitions of the prospective deal, the US media is once again fanning the flames of war.

The mainstream US media and think-tanks based along the Washington, DC, beltway have been gripped by two recent momentous developments in the Middle East, both interpreted as escalations in the geopolitical conflict between the US and Iran: the news of a prospective strategic partnership agreement between Iran and China, and the normalisation of relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel.

In fact, the first development was a media creation. The New York Times (NYT) ran a front-page story citing a leaked draft of the 25-year strategic partnership agreement under negotiation between China and Iran since 2016.

It was provocatively headlined: Defying US, China and Iran near trade and military partnership.

The investment and security pact would vastly extend Chinas influence in the Middle East, throwing Iran an economic lifeline and creating new flashpoints with the United States, read the accompanying blurb.

There was no mention of a military partnership in the reported draft agreement, however, and speculation that Iran could lease strategic Gulf islands to China was spread by former-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and members of Irans parliament suspicious of Beijings intentions.

Nonetheless, the NYT headline set the breathless tone for the US medias coverage of the August 13 establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE.

It was not long before the US media was discussing how the UAE-Israel agreement represented the formation of a US-led grand alliance against a new axis of evil between Iran, China and possibly also Turkey.

This echoed earlier US media scoops about confidential negotiations between Israeli and Emirati leaders.

Gripping, is it not?

Well, it is also a disservice to the medias audiences. There is no grand alliance or evil axis  just tentative diplomacy and proxy warfare amid shifts in the balance of power in the Middle East, necessitated in part by the withdrawal of US combat forces from the region, as well as the seepage of power to Beijing from Washington.

This information is not hard to come by. A little digging quickly uncovers the large, eloquent body of research and analysis that is maintained and constantly updated by very capable academics.

These genuine experts are easy to find on Twitter, where they share each others work and chat about the latest news.

Unsurprisingly, they have not been impressed with the mainstream medias melodramatic coverage of US-China competition in the Middle East.

Guy Burton, author of the recently published book, China and Middle East Conflicts, took exception to a story published by The Hill, headlined: A China-Iran partnership would make China the Middle East arbiter.

Articles like this overplay Chinas investment and influence in Iran (and Israel), Burton tweeted.

How much of this is intentional (to influence US policy) or because of a misunderstanding of Chinese interest and capacity? he asked.

Ironically, his question was answered by the State Departments own media arm, Voice of America (VoA), in a nicely balanced article pegged to Secretary of State Mike Pompeos recent bombast on the subject.

In an August 2 interview with Fox News, Pompeo claimed that the prospective China-Iran deal would put Communist cash in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corpss hands.

Chinas entry into Iran will destabilise the Middle East. Itll put Israel at risk. Itll put the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Emirates at risk as well, Pompeo said.

The VoA report quoted two Washington-based think-tank hawks supportive of Pompeos rhetoric. Then  braving the Trump administrations campaign to turn the VoA into a partisan parrot  the report cited interviews with three acknowledged experts on the region who debunked Pompeos rhetoric.

I suspect the VOA Farsi service journalists who conducted those interviews had come across articles written by these specialists, all deploring the twisted portrayal of the media.

Writing for the aptly-named website Responsible Statecraft, Jacopo Scita, a doctoral fellow at Durham University, said: The news of a 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement secretly signed between the Iranian government and China has been the hot topic of the last few weeks, generating a considerable amount of speculation, exaggeration, and politically biased interpretation.

In reality, the accord does not seem to have the potential to revolutionise the path of China-Iran relations, which has been quite consistent since 1979, he said.

Scita and his fellow academics have explained in great detail where the misleading hype originated from, why China has no motivation whatsoever to take sides in the Middle Easts conflicts, and why Pompeos alarmist rhetoric is driven by the prospect that he and his boss might soon lose their jobs.

Karen Young, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, summed up the Trump administrations failures in an article for Al-Monitor entitled: The false logic of a China-US choice in the Middle East.

She said countering China in the Middle East has proven challenging due to inconsistencies within US policy and with the growing perception of Chinas attractiveness to the region.

Framing the discussion of Chinas rise or role in the Middle East to a zero-sum game of choosing either US or Chinese patronage and partnership has served rhetorically only to increase Chinas stature among the regions political leadership, she said.

And relatedly, Young said, the US security strategy that explicitly mentions the importance of allies and shared values has failed to rely on those strengths in counterarguments to the Chinese choice.

Burton explained that the real target of Washington is Beijings Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). While the Trump administration was busy setting the Middle East alight by withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, the Chinese were building ports and industrial zones around the region.

Primarily a means of projecting soft power, the BRI may eventually become a cause of conflict in the Middle East because it may result in greater competition by countries to attract Chinese interest and investment, Burton said.

The outcome may be that China ceases to be an outside observer of conflict and becomes an active  albeit reluctant  participant, he said.

In other words, China risks being sucked into other nations rivalries, but it will not be the one to pick a fight.

At the risk of spotlighting my own inadequacies as a journalist, I can not help wondering why editors and writers seem so willing to fan the flames of war.

They have evoked painful memories of how the US media  with the Pulitzer Prize-winning exception of Knight Ridder  unquestioningly propagated the entirely false weapons of mass destruction justification for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

The long-suffering peoples of the Middle East could do without journalists once again playing cheerleader for American politicians who perpetuate their domestic power by igniting conflict in others backyards.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
The jury is out as to whether the 'party mode' ban that began at Monza has kicked off a new era of better racing in Formula 1.

Mercedes scoffed at those, like Red Bull, who predicted that the ban would ease the reigning world champion team's utter dominance.

However, it did at least coincide with Mercedes not even being on the podium last Sunday.

"Every merit of the dominance of recent years by Mercedes must be recognised," said Sky Italia correspondent Carlo Vanzini.

"But with the frozen engine maps, we saw what Valtteri Bottas was able to do without his 'magic button'. He could not overtake."

Vanzini also said Lewis Hamilton's fight-back after his penalty was less convincing than in the past.

"Something seems to have changed," he surmised.

Hamilton said after Monza: "The new rule is not good for the racing. It was more fun in the past to manage the engine and the overtaking boost."

Bottas added: "It may well be that this (ban) influenced the amount of overtaking, but only to some extent."

Ross Brawn, F1's sporting boss, is now behind a renewed push for a reverse-grid sprint race in future which he says could spit out more Monza-like results such as Pierre Gasly's win.

The original reverse grid idea was voted down by the teams for 2020.

"But the concept is still something we and the FIA want to work through in the coming months and discuss with the teams for next year," Brawn said.

"The Italian GP showed the excitement a mixed-up pack can deliver and our fans could be treated to the similar drama we saw at Monza."

(GMM)
STARTING on September 17, the Pigtown festival 2020 will run until the end of October with a host of dining events and more, to celebrate Limericks food culture, its food producers, and famous food heritage.

Developed by the Limerick Food Group and supported by Limerick City & County Council, the theme of this years festival is Support Local - with many businesses fighting for survival this year, it is more important than ever to support local producers, market traders, and restaurants.

2020 may have seen the cancellation of many events and festivals, but the people behind the Pigtown Culture & Food Series, Limericks leading food festival, are determined to give locals and staycationers something to enjoy.

Pigtown is organised by Limerick Food Group, a voluntary non-profit group from industry working together to promote Limerick food.

One of the organising committee and head chef at No. 1 Pery Square, Keith Piggot, explained: "We had to make some changes to our festival programme this year, obviously we are missing the annual Culture Night Pigtown Parade that would usually kick off the festival, but hopefully that will be back next year. We have a big focus on dining events for 2020 celebrating local produce, with a few online surprises in store too so keep an eye on our social media.

The festival opens with the Pigtown dinner at the Mustard Seed restaurant in Ballingarry on Thursday September 17.

Other dining events include the Pigtown dinner in the River Restaurant at the Strand Hotel every Friday from September 18 -October 30; Daily Pigtown special at 1826 Adare from September 23 - 27; Pigtown dinner at the East Room Restaurant on Thursday September 24; Pigtown specials at the Cornstore Restaurant every Thursday from September 24 - October 29; Pigtown pinxtos at No.1 Pery Square on Thursday October 15; and more to be announced.

For the duration of the festival, The Limerick Strand Hotel are offering The Little Piggy Package which features one night B&B and locally sourced Pigtown-themed dinner, and includes a tour of Treaty City Brewery.

The Milk Market would usually play a big part in the festival, hosting cooking demos and food tours, but this year Pigtown wants to remind people that one of the most famous Farmers Markets in Ireland takes place every Saturday morning in the heart of our city with its quality food traders and unique atmosphere.

Along with that, a new second Saturday market has been launched with crafts and plants at the Potato Market. On Saturday September 19 at 11am to 4pm, Pigtowns Giant Piggy will visit the Potato Market for Pigtown2020 so families will get the opportunity to see Piggy in this open air market on Merchants Quay.

For full details on this years festival programme and booking links to the dining events visit the website at pigtown.ie and look out for updates on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Kangana has been given Y-plus security by the Union home ministry, as her war of words with Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut heated up. However, actresses Kubbra Sait and Swara Bhasker are among netizens who raised questions as to whose money is being spent on Kanganas security.

Kubbra tweeted that she wants to know if her taxes have in any way contributed to Kanganas special security. In response to a news report announcing that Kangana would receive Y-plus security cover ahead of her visit to Mumbai, the Sacred Games actress tweeted, Just checking, is it going out my taxes?"

Just checking, is it going out my taxes? https://t.co/z6xYxXPqEv Kubbra Sait (@KubbraSait) September 7, 2020

A Twitter user wrote to Swara that considering the constant attacks against her on social media, she should be given protection. The Veere Di Wedding actress responded, Thank uuuuu Nazma but no.. Id rather that taxpayers money be used for real issues.. like development.. or malnutrition."

   Thank uuuuu Nazma but no.. Id rather that taxpayers money be used for real issues.. like development.. or malnutrition. https://t.co/FydU9rh56U Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) September 7, 2020

Kangana is the first Bollywood star to be guarded by a posse of elite commandos of the CRPF, officials said. Those getting CRPF cover usually make payments in lieu of the security they get from the government. A report by news agency PTI stated that it is immediately not known whether Ranaut will have to pay or not to the government for the security she is getting now.

After Kangana compared Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Sanjay Raut had hit back at her in an editorial. Addressing the Sushant Singh Rajput death case, Kangana had said she was afraid of living in Mumbai. Her comments were condemned by Raut, who said that he will not allow her to set foot in Maharashtra.
The impact of COVID-19 could be calamitous for some small colleges after international students and the schools they plan to attend have been left hanging in a policy quagmire, says the head of a website that matches students with post-secondary courses.

The premium rates paid by students coming to Canada from abroad have for years boosted the bottom lines of universities and colleges, and theyre more reliant on them due to cuts to their public funding.

But with the pandemic curtailing movement across borders and gatherings on campus, schools face the need to move as much curriculum online as possible while hoping students, especially those from abroad, dont choose to stay home and drop out.

Students in some countries are going to face a firewall issue (and) if an online course in Toronto starts at 2 p.m., I think that would be 2 a.m. in Beijing. So how do you do that? said Robert Furtado, the chief executive of education marketplace Course Compare.

Schools must grabble with the need to make massive investments in online learning while losing revenue from international students, he said. While at the same time, students are saying that the perceived quality of their learning experience is diminished as a result, and they dont want to pay as much.

Thats an extremely difficult situation to be in, Furtado said, predicting further disruption in education, online and otherwise.

Furtado said Ottawa had made two promising moves; announcing $450 million in funding for academic research back in May, and then just last week, tweaking rules so that international students could study online from abroad without losing eligibility for a post-graduation work permit.

But he said the federal government should have allowed universities and colleges to communicate earlier and more clearly to international students, including by confirming they would even be allowed to enrol, which would have helped the schools stem any eventual loss in enrolment and revenue.

If you didnt know whether or not you would be able to sell in a given market, that would obviously be highly problematic, and I think thats effectively whats happened here, he said.

He said Ottawa could also be more proactive, pointing to a pilot program in Australia that will allow international students to return to some research universities under strict conditions before broader restrictions are relaxed, and said providing financial support to those who must quarantine on arrival would limit the risk of losing talent to other jurisdictions.

Even though virtual frosh week has wrapped up and campuses are set to reopen this week, many universities wont know just how bad the financial hit is until various deadlines for tuition payment come due later in the year.

When we look at all of our data, the one thing that really strikes me is how much uncertainty still exists around fall pandemic plans, Furtado said, adding that post-secondary schools in Canada are expecting a drop in total revenue, between 10 per cent and 35 per cent or more, from lost international student fees.

Private colleges are especially vulnerable to revenue shortfalls, and I think this could be calamitous for some of them, he said, noting they often have a particularly large portion of international students and smaller alternative revenues streams.

Some schools have cut classes, while almost all have had to add some remote component, with more than half saying they would invest heavily in additional technology.

Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ont., said earlier this month it was suspending admissions for 17 of its courses, citing low demand. Dalhousie University in Halifax, N.S., said in June that it expects a decline of up to $37.8 million in tuition revenue and another $12 million in other losses.

Furtado said that 53 per cent of the 150 institutions whose plans they have tracked will deliver curriculum online-only, while another 40 per cent plan run a hybrid model balancing in-person and online classes.

The remainder are mostly small, private schools with religious affiliation, often in the Atlantic region, which has created its own COVID-19 bubble, he said.

People wanting to come to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island must isolate for 14 days on arrival, but residents of the four provinces have been able to travel between them unimpeded since early July.

This reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.
Infrastructure minister elaborates on construction of airport in Zakarpattia region

17:50, 08.09.20 1656

This is a very important and long-awaited project for all infrastructure in the region.
Army Cpl. Waverly Woodson returned from World War II a hero. A medic from 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only Black Army unit that landed at Omaha Beach, Normandy, on D-Day, he'd labored 30 grueling hours, fighting through his own shrapnel wounds to save the lives of dozens, perhaps hundreds, of men.

But despite multiple public accounts of his bravery, Woodson was thwarted from receiving the military's highest combat honor twice, a bipartisan group of lawmakers says: once because of the color of his skin and again because of an Army administrative technicality. Now, that group is planning to take legislative action to ensure that Woodson gets his medal.

Read Next: Navy Ends 3-Day Search for Sailor Missing from Carrier Nimitz

Four lawmakers in the House and Senate announced Tuesday that they are introducing legislation that would authorize President Donald Trump to award Woodson the Medal of Honor, bypassing the traditional military approval process. The group is led by Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., who first called on the Army to act on Woodson's case in 2015. It also includes Maryland representatives Anthony Brown and David Trone, both Democrats, and Sen. Pat Toomey, a Pennsylvania Republican.

While Woodson's widow, Joann, lives in Maryland, his original hometown was Philadelphia. Woodson died in 2005 at age 83, having received only the Bronze Star in recognition of his bravery.

"Back home, Black newspapers hailed Woodson as the 'No. 1 invasion hero,' and Stars and Stripes wrote that he and his fellow medics 'covered themselves with glory,'" Van Hollen said. "But Waverly Woodson returned home to an America that still did not guarantee basic civil rights and equal treatment under the law, much less equal recognition for his heroism."

No Medals of Honor were presented to Black troops at the conclusion of World War II; it was only after then-President Bill Clinton acted more than half a century later that seven Black veterans received the medal. Van Hollen says the Army has declined to reconsider Woodson's case as it lacks an original recommendation from his command -- a document he believes perished in a famous 1973 records fire.

Brown, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, said that, despite the administrative roadblocks, the time is right for Woodson to be recognized fully.

"Corporal Woodson is deserving of the Medal of Honor. And there is a record that supports that. And you know, for reasons that the Army is trying to articulate, they can't get beyond that," Brown said. "But ... I don't think we can ignore the fact that what has changed is in this country. We do have a heightened sensitivity of the racial inequities and disparities that have plagued this country for four centuries. ... And now is a day of reckoning for all of us to step forward and say, 'How do we correct this horrible record?'"

Woodson's wife, who participated in a press call with the four lawmakers, discussed how her husband had been recalled to service during the Korean War and, in yet another act of racism, been denied an instructor posting at a base in the still-segregated state of Georgia.

Joann Woodson, now 91, was aided in her advocacy of her husband by historian Linda Hervieux, who researched Woodson's record extensively for her book, "Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-Day's Black Heroes, at Home and at War." It was their work that first caught Van Hollen's attention.

"We had a long marriage, and we want to have a legacy for our family," Joann Woodson said. "And it is now the time to right the wrong, and it can be done. He deserves it. And I just keep pulling. I think that we have to keep history alive, and history has to be as correct as it possibly can. And this is one way to get it correct."

Van Hollen said he and Toomey would work to pass the bill by unanimous consent in the Senate and added he is hopeful it will swiftly reach the president for final passage.

The new push closely follows news that Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe, who sacrificed his life in 2005 to pull fellow soldiers out of a burning vehicle, now has the support of Defense Secretary Mark Esper for the Medal of Honor. Cashe would be the first Black service member to receive the Medal of Honor for heroism in the post-9/11 wars.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.

Related: Army's XVIII Airborne Corps Highlights Black D-Day Hero Denied Medal of Honor
Press Release

8 September 2020

Covivio, through its subsidiary Covivio Hotels held at 43.3%, has completed the acquisition of the portfolio of eight hotels located in Rome, Florence, Venice (x2), as well as in Nice, Prague and Budapest (x2) for 573 million (248 million in Group share), including 86 million of capex. This portfolio of high-end establishments in prime locations includes several emblematic hotels such as the Palazzo Naiadi in Rome, the Carlo IV in Prague, the Plaza in Nice and the NY Palace in Budapest.

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A strengthened partnership with NH Hotel Group

Totalling 1,115 rooms, the hotels will be operated by NH Hotel Group through long term triple net lease contracts1 with minimum guaranteed variable rent, generating a minimum yield of 4.7%. The agreement has an initial duration of 15 years, extendible at NH Hotel Group's option to 30 years.

Besides, Covivio is pursuing a capex program of 86 million for the entire portfolio, that shows great potential for growth:

6 hotels are currently open and will undergo rebranding works (around 30 million)

The hotels in Florence and Nice, under renovation (around 56 million of capex expected), will reopen respectively by end-2020 and in the second semester of 2021.

Thanks to their strong long-term partnership, Covivio and NH Hotel Group have completed this acquisition, which was announced last January and postponed to September due to the health environment. Initiated in 2014, the collaboration with NH Hotel Group began with the acquisition of a hotel in the centre of Amsterdam and then continued between 2016 and 2018 with the purchase of ten hotels in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain.

A portfolio ever more strategic for major hotel operators

With this acquisition, Covivio bolsters its status as European leader in the hotel real estate market, with a portfolio of 6.8 billion (2.6 billion Group share) located in the city-centre of major European touristic destinations.

Despite an unprecedented crisis, Covivio, through this investment, highlights its confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the hotel industry and its capacity of recovery. Covivio, with its recognized platform and solid track record, is currently partnered with nearly 20 hotel operators, representing about 30 brand names spread out over 12 European countries.

Read the full press release
Another federal court has dismissed a COVID-19 business interruption lawsuit, finding that a closure order does not constitute a covered direct physical loss and that the policy excluded damages caused by viruses anyway.

The ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan continues a losing streak for attorneys who argued that government agency closure orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19 should trigger coverage for lost business income. Federal courts in Florida, California, Texas, the District of Columbia and a state court in Michigan have dismissed similar lawsuits.

On the other hand, the U.S. District Court for Western Missouri allowed a COVID-19 business-interruption lawsuit by a group of hair salons that were shuttered because of coronavirus to proceed, without ruling on the merits. The insurance policies for the Missouri plaintiffs did not contain a virus exclusion.

Turek Enterprises, which does business as Alcona Chiropractic, filed suit against State Farm after the carrier denied a claim for business income lost because of a COVID-19 closure order that lasted from March 24 to May 28. Although the policy excluded coverage for damages caused by fungi, virus or bacteria, Turek argued that the exclusion did not apply because the loss of income was not caused by the virus. The loss was caused by a government closure order which was covered under the civil authority section in the policy, lawyers for the chiropractic clinic argued.

The lawsuit asked the court to certify a class that would include all Michigan businesses that had purchased similar State Farm policies.

State Farm filed a motion to dismiss the suit, arguing that there was no direct physical loss to the property and even if there were, any loss caused by a virus was excluded.

Judge Thomas L. Ludington concluded the insurer was correct on both points.

While Turek argued that the closure order was the sole cause of its income loss, Ludington said there would not have been an order but for COVID-19. Furthermore, plaintiffs position essentially disregards the Anti-Concurrent Causation Clause, which extends the Virus Exclusion to all losses where a virus is part of the causal chain, the judge wrote in his order.

Ludington said Tureks lawsuit was distinguishable from the Missouri case that was allowed to proceed, titled Studio 417 v. Cincinnati Insurance Co. In that case, the policy covered accidental physical loss or accidental physical damage. Tureks policy, in contrast, covered accidental direct physical loss to property.

The judge also rejected an argument that the virus exclusion does not apply because the coronavirus was never on the insured premises. The judge said the policy requires a direct physical loss to trigger coverage. While that term is not defined in the policy, Ludington said the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals gave guidance in a 2012 ruling, Universal Image Prods. Inc. v Fed. Ins. Co.

In that case, the appellate court affirmed a ruling that a business that had to close down for mold remediation did not suffer a direct physical loss and therefore its lost income was not covered. Ludington noted that a Texas federal court had rejected similar arguments, finding that direct physical loss to a property is not the same thing as loss of use of a property.

Based on the foregoing, accidental direct physical loss to Covered Property is an unambiguous term that plainly requires plaintiff to demonstrate some tangible damage to covered property, the order states.
FRESNO, Calif.  Wildfires whipped through isolated communities in two states and left backcountry campers and hikers stranded, requiring helicopters to airlift more than 140 to safety, authorities said.

About 40 wildfires were burning in California alone. Blazes were also reported in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming and Montana. Smoke has been detected at least as far east as New Mexico.

The fires devastated some isolated communities. In Oregon, a fast-moving wildfire caused "catastrophic damage" and probably loss of life in the town of Blue River, east of Eugene, Lane County officials said. At least 80 to 100 homes burned, said County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky at an emergency commissioners meeting Tuesday.

"We expect that other homes and businesses within the fire area have burned," Mokrohisky said. "And we should expect loss of life from this fire."

About 30 homes were destroyed in the town of Big Creek in California, resident Toby Wait said.

The fires came during a Labor Day weekend that trapped many outdoors enthusiasts in the back country. Helicopter pilots braved thick smoke to locate stranded people and their pets.

The fires also led to power outages. California's largest utility cut off power to more than 170,000 customers Tuesday as intense heat, dry conditions and high winds fueled historic wildfires across the Pacific Northwest.

Almost 1,000 fires have raged in California since Aug. 15, many sparked by lightning strikes. The state already has set a grim record with more than 2 million acres burned this year  more than 3,000 square miles  with several weeks remaining in the heart of fire season.

California ablaze: Striking satellite imagery shows how the fires are unfolding

In Oregon and Washington state, almost 250,000 homes and businesses in the two states were without power, and the small town of Malden, in Washington's Whitman County, was devastated by flames.

Story continues

"The scale of this disaster really can't be expressed in words," Whitman County Sheriff Brett Myers said in a statement. "The fire will be extinguished but a community has been changed for a lifetime."

Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz tweeted that "were still seeing new fire starts in every corner of the state.''

Two massive San Francisco Bay Area fires were largely contained but a third, the fast-growing Creek Fire, had raced through about 212 square miles and remained 0% contained. Fire officials haven't even begun to assess the structures lost to the wildfire but know it's extensive, they said.

"This fire has already hit us hard," said Dean Gould, Sierra National Forest supervisor. "I know on the forest staff, personally, there's been loss of homes."

More than 60 hikers and campers were initially unable to evacuate Lake Edison and China Peak areas due to the dense smoke cover. Fresno County Lt. Brandon Purcell said the trapped people were safe but "can't get out because of roadblocks."

The California National Guard said later Tuesday that a Stockton-based Chinook helicopter shuttled 46 people and four dogs to safety at Fresno Yosemite International Airport. More aircraft were attempting to rescue others trapped by the fire, the guard said.

Volunteer firefighter Brian Fowlie worked alongside his crew to protect homes in the community of North Fork, where he lives. He had been on duty for 48 hours.

"It's tough, physically. You're breathing the smoke. Your feet hurt. Your knees hurt," Fowlie said. "But we're not going home until we're done."

Choppers rescue more than 140 from Creek Fire near Fresno

More than 140 people were rescued Tuesday as the Creek Fire exploded in size in the Fresno and Madera counties in California

Rescue missions began around 3 a.m. PST Tuesday and the California National Guard and Navy helicopter pilots successfully completed eight trips to the wilderness bringing dozens of people back each time.

Smoke hampered rescue efforts much of Monday but later in the evening weather improved, National Guard Col. David Hall said. The fire is at more than 140,000 acres.

Isaac Rodriguez of San Diego and a group of friends went backpacking above Shaver Lake and planned to camp near Frog Lake. The group mistook the plume of smoke as an approaching thunderstorm. "They took care of us pretty well there," he said. "...We knew we couldn't get out."

 Sheyanne N Romero and Joshua Yeager, Visalia Times-Delta

Camping trip became race from flames

Lor Her never imagined his High Sierra fishing getaway would nearly cost him his life.

We ran into flames half a mile out of our campsite," Her said. If wed stayed another hour or two, wed be gone.

Her, of Fresno, was just one of hundreds of people trapped in the raging Creek Fire that crept up on Labor Day revelers. He had gone to the Kaiser Pass area, deep in the Sierra National Forest.

When Her and his friends saw smoke billowing, they packed up their campsite and attempted to drive away. A wall of flames blocked their way. They turned around and were able to find an alternate route down Highway 168.

Abandoned tents, tarps and campsites littered the road on the way down. But the made it.

 Amy Alonzo, Reno Gazette Journal and Josh Yeager, Visalia Times-Delta

Dad guided to safety by worried daughter as fire closes in

For a few anxious hours, Ali Amaya tried to help her father navigate past blocked roads and traffic jams to safety from the wildfires closing in on his home in Talent, Oregon.

There were more than a few anxious moments. Amaya said her relatives told her they feared the town was in danger. It was "so scary and stressful hearing him and all his neighbors screaming," she said. "We got him out on a back road heading towards a small town. No idea about the house or his neighbors."

A friend suggested a way out and it couldn't have come soon enough. At times, her dad's car was "at a complete standstill with power lines down from fallen trees," Amaya said.

 Ashley Shaffer

Truckers abandoned semis as fire closes I-5

Some truckers abandoned their rigs as a wildfire spreading north from Ashland, Oregon, resulted in the closure of Interstate 5, the vital transportation link spanning the West Coast.

Drivers heading north on I-5 were being turned back at the California-Oregon border due to the fire in Jackson County, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. Freeway traffic was also stopped from south Ashland to south Medford.

At least one Ashland, Oregon, neighborhood was under an evacuation notice.

 Mike Chapman, Redding Record Searchlight

'At least I have my life'  Evacuees fled with few belongings

Harrowing stories emerged Tuesday from families who sought safety at a shelter after hastily leaving their homes as the flames of a wildfire closed in on their Oregon neighborhoods.

"A lot of people lost their homes last night," said Clyde Nance, who feared his own Mill City residence might be among them.

Nance, 59, had evacuated the home about 2:30 a.m. PST after seeing the fire encroaching the ridge and watching fire trucks arrive. "You could tell, it's time to get the heck out of here," he said at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, where a temporary evacuation site has been set up.

About 100 families  with cats, dogs and horses in tow  evacuated to the fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. NE in Salem. Volunteers from Red Cross Cascades Region set up an intake center for those impacted by the fires in the parking lot across from the Jackman-Long Building.

Ricky Woods and his five children evacuated from their Stayton home not long after 4 a.m. They jumped in the car without grabbing much of anything. "If it burns down all my (stuff), at least I have my life," he said.

 Connor Radnovich and Capi Lynn, Salem Statesman Journal

California governor says fires already way worse than a year ago

California Gov. Gavin Newsom says wildfire count in the state so far this year is far beyond the number last year, evidence of the effects of climate change.

Newsom tweeted that there have been 7,606 fires so far this year, compared to 4,927 last year. And when it comes to acreage, fires have blackened 7,606 acres so far in 2020, up from 118,000 acres in 2019.

About 40 wildfires were burning in California on Tuesday, taxing the state's ability to fight them.

Wildfire smoke shrouds Southwest

Smoke from about 40 wildfires across California has thrown a shroud over Southern California  reaching as far as New Mexico. In some areas, it could be days before residents get to see blue skies again.

Collectively, fires are producing smoke that's headed east into other portions of the Southwest.

"There's thick smoke covering most of Arizona," said Phil Gonsalves, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego. "I can say with some confidence it's east of Albuquerque."

Thick smoke is high in the atmosphere and should not directly impact anyone at lower elevations, according to the National Weather Service. Conditions, however, may be worse in areas several thousand feet above sea level.

"It's more hazy than it should be this time of year. Not what you'd expect from a desert in September. Very gloomy," said Brian Kraus, 74, a resident of Yucca Valley, elevation 3,300 feet and about 25 miles north of Palm Springs.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory for Southern California through Tuesday because of the El Dorado and Bobcat fires.

Evacuation orders issued in Oregon

In Oregon, a fast-moving wildfire caused "catastrophic damage" and probably loss of life in the town of Blue River east of Eugene-Springfield, Lane County officials said. Hundreds of people were evacuated. At least one fire responder re at least 80 to 100 homes burned, said County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky at an emergency commissioners meeting Tuesday.

"We expect that other homes and businesses within the fire area have burned," Mokrohisky said. "And we should expect loss of life from this fire."

Evacuations were ordered for several communities in Marion County, home to the state capital of Salem. The Sheriff's Office issued a Level 3  "Go"  notice to residents in the communities of Gates, Mill City, Detroit, Idanha, Mehama and the North Fork corridor. Residents were urged to leave the area immediately.

"The extreme fire activity in the area poses an imminent danger to anyone who chooses to remain in the evacuated area," Sheriff Joe Kast said in a statement. "Our deputies are committed to helping keep our community safe. However, conditions have become too dangerous for them to continue with evacuation efforts at this time."

Mill City resident Mike Ferris said he was able to evacuate his home around 2 a.m. "As soon as we got to the edge of town we could see houses and trees burning on both sides of the road," Ferris said.

Eric Johnson, deputy fire staff for Northwest Oregon Fire Management, warned that the wildfire weather forecast is "extremely rare and occurs only a few times a century." Almost 140,000 homes and businesses were without power.

Blackouts in place for parts of at least 22 California counties

Pacific Gas and Electric, which serves Central and Northern California, said it was working to limit the number of customers facing blackouts. Parts of 22 counties and seven tribal communities were facing some "de-energization," the utility said. The utility said it hoped to start bringing power back to some areas Wednesday.

"Once the weather subsides and it is safe to do so, PG&E crews will begin patrolling power lines, repairing damaged equipment and restoring customers," the utility said in a statement. Safety inspections of approximately 10,625 miles of transmission and distribution lines "equivalent to twice the distance from San Francisco to Tokyo" will be conducted, PG&E said.

The power news was a bit better to the south. Southern California Edison tweeted that "Third straight day of #energyconservation paid off. No ISO-ordered power outages during the #LaborDay2020 #heatwave. We truly appreciate your thoughtful use of energy."

Southern California also battling fires, one sparked by gender reveal event

In Southern California, crews scrambled to douse several fires that roared to life in searing temperatures, including one that closed mountain roads in Angeles National Forest and forced the evacuation of the historic Mount Wilson Observatory. The Los Angeles County Fire Department told residents of Duarte, Bradbury and Monrovia near the forest to get ready for a possible evacuation.

In San Bernardino County, Cal Fire said the El Dorado Fire that started Saturday morning was caused by a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device used by a couple to reveal their babys gender. Authorities said the couple was cooperating with investigators and that no determination on criminal charges had been made.

Fire and emergency managers said Tuesday the fire had grown to about 16 square miles and was 16% contained.

In eastern San Diego County, a fire destroyed at least 10 structures after burning 16 square miles and prompting evacuations near the remote community of Alpine in the Cleveland National Forest.

More: California's oldest state park, home to iconic redwoods, expects to close for year due to fires

Washington town of Malden ravaged by flames

Malden, a town of about 200 people 30 miles south of Spokane, was torn apart by multiple blazes driven by 45-mph winds. Sheriff Myers said the largest began Monday afternoon and raced through the tiny downtown. The fire station, post office, city hall/library complex and other prominent buildings "completely burned to the ground," he said. He estimated that 80% of the homes and structures in Malden were destroyed.

Authorities were working on a plan to take inventory of the damage and to account for residents who were in their homes or in the communities when the firestorms hit.

"I just hope we don't find the fire took more than homes and buildings," Myers said. "I pray everyone got out in time."

Charred rubble remains after a wildfire decimated the small town of Malden, Wash., Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, destroying an estimated 70% of homes in the northern Whitman County community, The Spokesman-Review reports.

Bacon reported from McLean, Va. Contributing: Sheyanne N Romero and David Rodriguez, Visalia Times-Delta; Zach Urness and David Davis, Salem Statesman Journal; Sherry Barkas and Colin Atagi, Palm Springs Desert Sun; The (Eugene, Ore.) Register Guard; The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fire updates: Malden, WA destroyed; Oregon evacuations; Calif. outages
Note: This story has been updated to reflect Jack Windsors story mentioning FEMA camps. While not the first on the Internet, his story was the first, and thus far only, mention of FEMA camps among reporters who attend the governors coronavirus briefings.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday denied Internet rumors that the state intends to create FEMA camps, and that he has no intention of separating families.

Theres just absolutely no truth in this," he said during his Tuesday coronavirus briefing. "Theres no substance behind it. Its just garbage.

DeWine acknowledged that its rare for him to address internet rumors during his coronavirus briefings. Normally he packs in information about the virus, the states response, interviews with experts, his non-coronavirus policy goals such as gun bills and folksy stories behind the different college mascot ties he wears each day. But he said rumors about one of his latest public health orders got out of control, and he needed to address it.

An Aug. 31 public health order, titled Directors Second Amended Order for Non-Congregant Sheltering to be utilized throughout Ohio, was the source of the rumor, said DeWine, a Republican.

DeWine said the order, although new, has history dating back to the beginning of the outbreak in Ohio. It is necessary to obtain federal funding for shelters for people who cannot be a home for risk of infecting others, he said.

He said the Federal Emergency Management Agency money has reimbursed the costs of putting up in hotels a handful of hospital workers when they couldnt go home and put vulnerable family members at risk.

Ohio FEMA Camps  Still More Questions Than Answers, was the headline of a story written by Jack Windsor for the right-leaning Ohio Star.

Windsor was the first, and thus far, only reporter who attends the governors briefings to describe the sheltering as FEMA camps, saying in an interview with Cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer that he made the conclusion after reading the order several times and questioning the governor at Thursdays briefing about the matter. He also asked questions of DeWines spokesman, and a spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Health in an attempt to better understand the order. At the time, he didnt get the clarity he sought, he said.

From there, people online began to make their own conclusions.

There were two or three stories I saw floating around online that werent mine," Windsor said.

Specifically, state Rep. Nino Vitale, a Republican from Urbana, who has been a vocal critic of DeWines public health orders and wants to impeach him, wrote on his Facebook page that concentration camps are coming to the state.

Vitale wrote they will be for people who have just one home bathroom or when a child tests positive for COVID-19, they will remove your child from your home, he said.

If you have been following me, you know that almost 4 months ago ,I reported that if you have one bathroom in your home... Posted by Rep. Nino Vitale on Saturday, September 5, 2020

Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof responded to Vitales claim of concentration camps" in Ohio.

To suggest otherwise is fear mongering at its worst, Obhof said in a statement. This is one of the most patently offensive claims I have ever seen, and any public official who spreads this rumor is unfit for the office that he holds."

DeWine was adamant that families are not going to be separated because of the virus in Ohio.

Let me just say this is absolutely ridiculous, he said. It is not true. There is no intention to separate children.

DeWine said on March 13, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency because of the pandemic. On March 20, Ohio and FEMA entered into an agreement in which Ohio could apply for emergency protective measures, including non-congregate sheltering.

In other words, the federal government would help us pay for that, if that was needed, DeWine said.

On March 31, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Ohio, which the state asked for a day before.

Also on March 31, the Ohio Department of Health issued an order to comply with federal request requirements, including for non-congregate sheltering. That order was renewed April 29 and again on Aug. 31, DeWine said.

So, the bottom line: Neither President Trumps FEMA nor the Ohio Department of Health are going to set up FEMA camps for anyone to quarantine against their will, he said. What we are doing is making available a safe place for people to stay when they have loved ones theyre trying to protect and they have no other place to go.

Other stories:

Ohio reports just 656 new coronavirus cases: Tuesday update

Gov. Mike DeWine to update the public on the coronavirus outbreak in Ohio: Watch live

All 4 Ohio Supreme Court candidates will participate in a virtual forum Oct. 9

College parties causing coronavirus concern in Ohio: Capitol letter
The Portland metro became a steadily more hazardous place to be Monday night as strong easterly winds snapped branches, downed trees, cut off electricity and dumped wildfire smoke that made the air dangerous to breathe.

The winds will likely peak Monday night, start to ease up come Tuesday morning and keep going through Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.

By 9 p.m. Monday, six air monitors stretching from Tualatin to Vancouver, Wash., registered hazardous levels of particulate matter coming from wildfire smoke. That means it is dangerous for anybody to be outside, and especially so for children, seniors, pregnant women and people with lung conditions.

The smoke will probably settle in the Willamette Valley overnight, said Treena Jensen, a senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service. The state Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality and advisory and is recommending people stay inside, windows and doors closed.

Wildfire smoke smothers the Portland-metro area on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020. Sean Meagher/Staff

The winds have also toppled trees, Jensen said, and will likely continue to do so as wind gusts strengthen to reach about 50 miles per hour. Jensen said people should avoid going hiking in forests while the winds persist.

Stay away from trees, Jensen said.

So far, the only property damage the weather service has heard of was a plastic sheeting roof torn off of a greenhouse, Jensen said.

But Portland Fire & Rescue said on Twitter it had responded to multiple reports of trees that had fallen on homes and branches that had fallen on passersby. There were no serious injuries as of the 8:20 p.m. tweet, but it warned people to stay inside.

Tens of thousands of people lost power, meanwhile, including 49,000 in the Portland area and 11,000 in Clark County, Jensen said.

Much of the Northwest is under a red-flag warning for high risk of fire. The warning will remain in place at least until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Portland General Electric also took the unprecedented step of preemptively cutting power to about 5,000 people near Mount Hood due to fire risk.

Hot, dry weather has left brush primed to ignite, and the winds could help dangerous fires spread rapidly. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, which serves parts of four metro-area counties, said it was responding to multiple brushfires simultaneously as well as a barn fire just after 8 p.m. Monday.

Firefighters work to put out a small fire in Heather Canyon at Mount Hood Meadows. The fire was discovered Monday morning.

The intense east winds are a rarity for the area, last seen during the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire that torched large swaths of the Columbia River Gorge. Now, the winds are bringing smoke from a fire in Washington state and one in the Oregon cascades.

Besides for being dangerous to breathe, the smoke the winds have brought has cut visibility up and down the Willamette Valley. On a normal day, people can see more than six miles away. Now, the average visibility is two-and-a-half miles, Jensen said. The airport in Eugene had one-mile visibility.

-- Fedor Zarkhin

fzarkhin@oregonian.com| 503-294-7674| @fedorzarkhin
Conservation ecologist Dr Debbie Saunders is difficult to pin down for an interview; at first attempt a colleague says shes out of range while tracking critically endangered regent honeyeaters through the bush.

Pangolins, swift parrots, honeyeaters, orange-bellied parrots, banded hare wallabies, koalas  Dr Saunders has found them all using an Australian-made wildlife tracking drone that allows researchers to keep tabs on endangered animals.

Ecologist Debbie Saunders with her wildlife-tracking drone.

When shes back in range, Dr Saunders explains that during a 20-year career focused on endangered species  primarily rare migratory birds such as the swift parrot  she realised very little was known about the animals' movements and how they travel.

Dr Saunders, who works at the Fenner School of Environment and Society at the Australian National University, put together a research team to develop the worlds first drone-mounted radio tracker, which took three years.
A Sydney underworld figure was in bed with a woman he 'may have been having an affair with' when assassins burst into his unit and executed him in a hail of bullets, a court has heard.

Kemel 'Blackie' Barakat, 29, was murdered by masked assailants as he allegedly slept alongside Fatima Hage at his unit in Mortlake, in the city's south, about 2.30am on March 10, 2017.

His one-time friend, Ahmed Jaghbir, 31, is standing trial at the New South Wales Supreme Court charged with being an accessory before the fact to murder.

Jaghbir is accused of handing Barakat's killers a key to his unit block after recently helping 'Blackie' fix his front door, which police had smashed down.

Witness Ms Hage came under cross-examination during Jaghbir's trial on Tuesday where she was grilled over allegedly posting a Snapchat image of his body and denied opening the door for the killers.

And in a sordid twist, Jaghbir's defence lawyer, Gregory James QC, suggested Barakat was having an affair with her when he died.

Fatima Hage may have been having an affair with Sydney crime figure Kemal 'Blackie' Barakat and was in his bed when he was allegedly killed in a hail of bullets, a court has heard

Ms Hage and a friend worked desperately to try and shield her face from photographers outside the NSW Supreme Court on Tuesday

Slain Sydney crime figure Kemel 'Blackie' Barakat is pictured with his wife, who Daily Mail Australia has chosen not to name

On left: Sydney crime figure Kemel Barakat prior to his death at home in the city's south in March 2017. On right: Ahmed Jaghbir, above, is standing trial accused of being an accessory before the fact to Barakat's slaying

Ms Hage allegedly told her close friend Candice Charyoub after the shooting that she was worried 'the boys' would be angry at her, the court heard.

Mr James asked Ms Hage if she was worried they would be angry because 'you might have been having an affair with Mr Barakat?'

'I don't know,' Ms Fage said.

In evidence this week, Ms Hage claimed in court that she was asleep in bed with Barakat at the time of his killing.

She claimed she woke up to a group of men shouting in Mr Barakat's unit before he was gunned down next to her.

CCTV footage tendered as evidence showed a group of men entering Barakat's apartment building through a rear fire door, gaining entry to his apartment and then fleeing in a stolen Mercedes C63 wagon which was later found burnt-out at Belmore.

Barakat was married to another woman at the time of the incident. Daily Mail Australia reported four years ago that she was in Thailand at the time of his killing.

The trial heard this week that Ms Hage may have allegedly sent a Snapchat photo pronouncing he was dead, immediately following the killing.

'A Snapchat photo ... had gone forth to the world indicating he was dead,' Mr James told the court in his opening address.

In the witness box, Ms Hage denied sending the Snapchat, claiming she could not remember many events of the evening.

Ms Hage (right) hides her face behind a handbag as her friend Candice Charyoub attempts to protect her from photographers on Tuesday

Ms Hage told the Supreme Court at trial on Tuesday that Barakat was 'anal' about security at his home - which was clearly foiled with fatal consequences. His wife is pictured on right

The court heard Ms Hage later told her friend Candice Chayoub in a text message: 'Yes I'm just worried all the boys will be angry at me.'

When Mr James asked: 'Were you worried at any stage about the boys being angry at you?' Ms Hage said she did not remember who 'the boys' were.

Mr James accused Ms Hage of deleting some messages from her phone after the incident.

He also accused her of keeping Barakat's phone on her person until it started to ring in her bag while she stood with a police officer.

She told the court she could not remember that: 'I don't deny picking it up, because i can't remember picking up that phone.

'(Police would) have every record that's happened on that phone'.

Police found a burnt out car in Belmore shortly following Barakat's assassination in Mortlake, in Sydney's south

Accused murder accessory Jaghbir, right, with his lawyer Mahmoud Abbas at court earlier this week

In re-examination, Crown prosecutor Christopher Taylor asked Ms Fage: 'Did you have anything to do with the murder?'

'Of course not, no,' she said.

Ms Hage and her friend Candice Charyoub leave court together on Tuesday

Ms Fage denied telling anyone how to access the building via the fire stairs or opening the door to anyone before her bed buddy was murdered.

Mr Taylor asked her to explain how she felt at the time of the killing.

In dramatic evidence, Ms Fage said: 'My emotional state was, still is, "wish they had taken me with them."

'I wish that I didn't make it.'

'I just thought I was dead, I was going to die ...

'They could've just done me a favour and ended it'.

The judge-alone trial continues before Justice David Davies.
Here are Tuesday's biggest analyst calls of the day: Disney, Delta, Nio, Roku, Boeing & more

Published Tue, Sep 8 2020 8:33 AM EDT
A University of Queensland-led research team has revealed that many endangered mammal species are dependent on protected areas, and would likely vanish without them.

Professor James Watson, of UQ and the Wildlife Conservation Society, said despite the success of protected areas, their popularity as a go-to conservation tool has started to wane.

"Since the 1970s, the global network of protected areas has experienced a fourfold expansion, and some of these protected sites have been crucial to protect and even enhance wildlife populations," he said.

"However, there's increasing debate around the role of the global protected area estate in sustaining and recovering threatened species.

"What our research has clearly shown is that protected areas, when well-funded and well-placed, are incredibly effective.

"In fact, 80 per cent of mammal species we monitored in these protected areas have at least doubled their coverage in protected areas over the last 50 years.

"And 10 per cent of the species analysed live predominantly on protected land."

The scientists compared current distributions of 237 threatened terrestrial mammal species from the 1970s to today, measuring changes in species' ranges, then overlaid them with the protected area network.

"A great example is the greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), which now has 80 per cent of its range in a protected area," Professor Watson said.

"Their numbers have been decimated elsewhere - the species has lost more than 99 per cent of its distribution in the last 50 years.

"Now about 87 per cent of the remaining animals live in just two protected areas - Kaziranga National Park in India and Chitwan National Park in Nepal."

Professor Watson said mammals were retreating into protected areas and more than ever, protected areas were vital to protecting the world's biodiversity.

"There is little doubt that without protected areas we would have lost amazing species like tigers and mountain gorillas," he said.

"This science clearly shows that to abate the extinction crisis, we need better funded and more protected areas that are well-supported and well-managed by governments and other land managers.

"At the same time, we need to reward efforts that ensure re-expansion and restoration of wildlife populations into territories beyond protected area boundaries.

"We must focus on retaining Earth's remaining intact ecosystems that contain key protected areas and prioritise efforts to restore habitat corridors between isolated reserves, providing opportunities for movement and genetic exchange."

###

The research has been published in Conservation Letters (DOI: 10.1111/conl.12748).

The team included members from UQ, the Sapienza University of Rome and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Yves here. I hate to be a stickler, but author Ben Phillips may have unintentionally cherry-picked the data about Martin Luther Kings popularity. King went quickly from being celebrated for his role in achieving civil rights reforms to being demonized in the press for his early opposition to the War in Vietnam. Needless to say, his assassination changed all that. Despite this nit, Phillips makes important points about the persistence needed in in organizing and proselytizing in order to change the attitudes and structures that promote inequality.

By Ben Phillips, the author of How to Fight Inequality (Polity Press). He is an advisor to the United Nations, governments and civil society organisations, was Campaigns Director for Oxfam and for ActionAid, and co-founded the Fight Inequality Alliance. Originally published at openDemocracy

2020 isnt just the year of the Covid-19 pandemic. Its also the year when protest has gone viral. Covid-19 has both supercharged our inequalities andshone a sharper light on them, exposing the reality that the status quo cannot hold. It has opened up a moment of opportunity, and young people are showing how we can seize that moment by building up a movement.

It doesnt seem that long ago that young people were being lectured to stop being so disengaged and start getting involved. Now they get told no, not like that. Discussions in newspapers and news studios, whether about Black Lives Matter, essential workers striking over poor safety and low pay, or young climate justice campaigners, involve friendly advice to activists to tone it down and be less demanding  to be less in the way. Such complaints often include references to history: why cant they be more like the protestors of yesteryear  you know, the uncontroversial ones?

For my new book, How to Fight InequalityI investigated the history of social justice organizing and found conclusive evidence that  contrary to the false distinctions made between then and now  todays protestors stand absolutely in the tradition of those who have gone before them. The reactions they are facing are also uncannily similar, but history also shows that we have real reasons for hope based on action.

In 1966, for example, a Gallup Opinion pollshowed that Martin Luther King was viewed unfavourably by 63 per cent of Americans, but by 2011 that figure had fallen to only four per cent. Often, people read the current consensus view back into history and assume that King was always a mainstream figure, learning the false lesson that change comes from people and movements who dont offend anyone.

The true lesson of changemakers is that fighting inequality requires us to be disruptive. As King himself said, frankly I have yet to engage in a direct action movement that was well-timed in the view of those who have not suffered unduly; this wait! has almost always meant never. Icons who today are sanitized as unchallenging terrified the powerful at the time because they refused to be deferential.

The same lesson is true today: we must be ready to be difficult to overcome the deference that can keep us quiet. As Zambian musician and activist Pilato shared with me in a recent conversation:

Those who go against the social norms are treated as outlaws. Yes everyone is scared, and I am too, but what gives me courage is that I have something that I am more scared of. When our quiet enables one group of people to become so powerful to do whatever they want to us, then that quiet has become enabling, and I know I must be loud, to remind people of the power we have when we use it.

As well as the courage to be difficult, history also shows that we need the strength that comes from collective organising. Marshall Ganz, for example, worked as an organiser with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committeeduring the Civil Rights struggle and then with Cesar Chavez in the National Farm Workers Association. As he shared with me:

Pop-ups werent enough  they had to be structured into organised power. We had to be patient. The Montgomery Bus Boycott took more than a year of people walking to work. The Farm Workers movement took five years before our first victory. And when we won changes, our victory was not only that we had achieved the win but that we had created greater collective capability. People said, We are stronger than we were.

Building power together like this is hard work. Its about methodology, not just philosophy. Jay Naidoo, who founded the trade union coalition in South Africa which helped bring down apartheid, once told me this:

It was not about how brilliant our argument was  no one cedes power because of a great powerpoint. What matters is the balance of power between your side, the peoples side, in the confrontation and negotiations with the other side, the side of the elite.

Inequality is a system of dominance that we can only overcome if we have enough strength. As even research by the IMFnotes, the weaker trade unions become, the worse inequality will get. The record is clear: we have to get organised.

As well as shifting power, history shows that winning the fight against inequality involves shifting norms, which means not just sharing lists of policies but also creating new stories, because the everyday phrases and images we develop are just as important as the think pieces we publish. As the great American workers organizer Joe Hillonce noted, a pamphlet, no matter how good, is never read more than once, but a song is learned by heart and repeated over and over.

Ironically, we can learn this from perhaps the greatest victory forinequality  neoliberalism. As modern myth-makers, the neoliberals were hugely successful. They developed a high-level intellectual agenda, but that alone didnt bring them a breakthrough. So they developed a way to sell a cold economic approach as something rooted in a much warmer yearning for freedom and respectability, connecting individualism with nationalism and tradition in the process.

They did so through stories that were told and retold in the mass media from magazines to movies. Its no coincidence that the most famous voice of neoliberalism was not one of its intellectuals like Milton Friedman, but an actor-cum-politician, Ronald Reagan.

Theres a tendency among some progressives to see themselves as valuing reason over emotion, and facts over myths. This is understandable, but its not a winning proposition. Technocracy will not deliver us from inequality.

Even if we have all the science on our side, we will lose if we cede all the great stories, passion and moral conversation to the other side. So we need to get comfortable at creating conversations which make people cry and laugh and not just think; which make people angry, hopeful, excited and determined. For example, the success of social movements in the reform of Mexicos labour law to provide domestic workers with guaranteed access to social security and paid holiday was facilitated by the popularity of the movie Roma, which has no explicit policy message but which moved millions to understand the challenges domestic workers face.

A good society is about the values we want to live by and the relationships we want to have. The fight against inequality is at root a struggle for dignity: social and economic exclusion break the lives of the poor and dehumanize the rich, so in fighting for a more equal world we are working to heal society. The fight against inequality is beautiful, not just rational.

Of course policy is vital, but we know what needs to be done: investing in public services including health, education and early child care; providing social protection including child benefit, old age pensions, and forms of Universal Basic Income; widening access to land and redistributing large private land holdings; shifting away from indirect taxes and making income taxes more progressive; raising minimum wages and instituting maximum wage differentials; recognizing, redistributing and reducing womens unpaid care burden; strengthening trade union rights; instituting a wealth tax; increasing corporate democracy by increasing employees decision-making role in companies; and limiting private finance for political parties and campaigns.

Policies to tackle climate change are also those that help fight inequality, including massive investment in public transport and public infrastructure to generate millions of quality jobs, create common assets and services, improve public health, and foster the collective experience that comes when people use services together. The tired debate about people versus the environment is over; we know what a just transition looks like.

The conversation on overcoming inequality is the most exciting weve had in a generation. Were not suffering from a dearth of ideas. The key challenge is make them happen. Policy-making is not working for ordinary people because power has been captured by elites; we need to claim it back.

Amidst the tragedy and trauma of the Covid-19 crisis, history provides many reasons for hope. It also helps to guide us on how to realise that hope. The current worldwide wave of protests shows that people are ready to get into good trouble as the late John Lewis put it. We have an opportunity to build power anew, and create a new story. As before, we can win the fight against inequality together.
Sub-Saharan Africa will benefit five billion euros from the EU Green Economy Recovery Plan, an EU official has said.

The Head of Unit, Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, European Commission, Leonard Mizzi, made this known at the ongoing 2020 virtual summit of the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) hosted by Rwanda.

Speaking at a panel discussion tagged: The Key Role of SMEs in Serving Urban Food Markets, Mr Mizzi said the fund set aside for sub-Saharan Africa was part of the EUs seven-year green plan from 2021 to 2027.

The head of the unit, who also specialises in Rural Development, Food Security and Nutrition, said that the fund would be used to address water, health, sanitation and social economy.

In a team of European context, which is the full firepower of the European Commission, all EU member states, the EU Investment Bank (EIB) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), member states mobilised 11 billion euros; European Commission mobilised 14 billion euros; EIB mobilised 14.5 billion euros; and EBRD mobilised 4 billion euros.

Sub-Saharan Africa will benefit around five billion euros. The money is a composite amount for emergency, humanitarian with a focus on saving lives but it was also made to address water, health, sanitation and social economy.

Mr Mizzi, however, said that the region must demonstrate economic recovery strategies in line with the EUs green recovery plan to access the fund targeted at the African Continental Free Trade Area.

He said that sub-Saharan nations should focus on developing local and regional markets as well as bridging infrastructure gaps.

Mr Mizzi said that the region should also ensure harmonised standards of products and trade operation, identify opportunities for SMEs and address issues of food fortification in the region.

The EU since April is providing fiscal space through budget support and budget support modalities.

We inject fiscal space so that African countries mobilise support which would also include loans for local companies and SMEs, and also support agro-food companies, Mr Mizzi said.

He said that the ACFTA was a continental-driven agenda as the EU would want high-quality products for its trade partners including basic food safety and standards-setting.

Figures show Europe remains an important market and we will like to be a key partner in international trade.

The key aspect of COVID-19 shows that we need to focus more on local and regional markets.

You cant expect good flow of goods from countries to sub-Saharan or within the region if you have problems around road logistics, cargo logistics and port logistics.

This is key, because Africas urban population cannot support major infrastructure gaps if it is not addressed.

Mr Mizzi emphasised the need for harmonised standards at all agricultural value chains and trade sectors in the continent.

He said this would be in addition to scaling up training at the primary, secondary and vocational levels.

We want to continue the support of the rescaling of laboratories, research in African universities and post-university researches.

He said that supporting academic and post-university research would ensure Africas non-dependency on foreign expertise.

Mr Mizzi urged SMEs to link into tertiary institutions, researches and public policies to support climate-change driven and innovative value chains transformative process.

This is the way the EU wants to do business in the next seven to ten years.

(NAN)

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Meeting: Michelle ONeill and Arlene Foster celebrate Chinese New Year with Madame Zhang Meifang in January

A human rights campaigner has urged Stormont's top office to "come clean" over what was discussed in a controversial video conference call with a senior Chinese diplomat.

Patrick Corrigan called on the First and deputy First Ministers to disclose minutes from July's private video conference meeting with Chinese Consul Madame Zhang Meifang.

The Executive Office has refused a request from the Belfast Telegraph to release minutes from the call.

Mr Corrigan, Amnesty's programme director in Northern Ireland, has called for "a clear public condemnation of China's human rights abuses."

Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill faced criticism when a Chinese Government report from the meeting at the end of July said that "the Northern Ireland Government cherishes friendship with China, understands and respects Hong Kong's national security legislation, and sincerely wishes Hong Kong more prosperity and stability, and expressed that Northern Ireland is willing to further strengthen its cooperation with China in the epidemic."

Mrs Foster and Ms O'Neill said that those reports had misrepresented their views on Hong Kong.

Mrs Foster said her position on Hong Kong was the same as the UK Government's, while the deputy First Minister tweeted that she made it clear that she "supported the 'One Country, Two Systems' international agreement".

The Chinese Consulate later removed the comments from its website.

The meeting had been held against the backdrop of comments from Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab who said Hong Kong's security legislation "constitutes a clear and serious breach" of the Joint Declaration between Britain and China of 1984, violating "the high degree of autonomy of executive and legislative powers and independent judicial authority" for Hong Kong that had been agreed.

The Belfast Telegraph attempted to obtain minutes of the call from the Executive Office, under the Freedom of Information Act. However, officials have declined to release details.

A response said: "It is considered that the release of the minutes would be prejudicial to relations between the UK (NI) and China and is likely to be prejudicial to the interest of the UK (NI) abroad and the promotion of the UK (NI) abroad."

Amnesty has called for public condemnation of abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

Mr Corrigan said: "The Executive Office is refusing to publish a record of the meeting, claiming it could harm relations between Northern Ireland and China.

"It is not appropriate for Northern Ireland's First and deputy First Minister to hold what are effectively secret meetings with the Chinese Government. The public has a right to know what is being said on our behalf to a government responsible for atrocious human rights abuses.

"The original Chinese report of this meeting recorded that Northern Ireland's political leaders appeared to endorse their crackdown in Hong Kong and remained silent about the internment of a million Uighurs in Xinjiang, just days after footage emerged of hundreds of prisoners shackled and blindfolded on a train station platform.

"If the First and deputy First Minister did challenge these human rights abuses, we need clear evidence of that.

"The Northern Ireland Executive must publish its note of the meeting.

"We also now need a clear public condemnation from Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill of what the Chinese Government is doing in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

"Following this meeting, silence is no longer an option."

The Executive Office was contacted for comment.
Yet the act had a neuralgic effect on the Russian government, because it hit where it hurt. As Julia Ioffe noted in The Atlantic, What made Russian officialdom so mad about the Magnitsky Act is that it was the first time that there was some kind of roadblock to getting stolen money to safety  safety often meaning a condo in Miami, a townhouse in Belgravia or a Channel Island bank account. By threatening to unmask some of the faceless apparatchiks whose goal in life is to loot Russia so they may leave it, the Magnitsky Act threatened the incentive structure of the regime itself. Why work for a pirate if you dont get to share in the booty?
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 02:15:00|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- A senior UN official on Tuesday hailed cooperation between the world body and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).

Bintou Keita, assistant secretary-general for Africa, highlighted cooperation between the United Nations and the OIF in early warning and conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

"I would like to commend the joint work of the United Nations and the International Organisation of La Francophonie in the fields of early warning and conflict prevention, as well as in electoral assistance and the observation of electoral processes," she said.

Recently, the United Nations and the OIF have cooperated in these areas in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Comoros, Gabon, Guinea, Madagascar, the Central African Republic (CAR), and the Democratic Republic of Congo, she noted.

In terms of prevention, the OIF plays an important role in the establishment of a Francophone network for the prevention of radicalization and violent extremism that may lead to terrorism. This is a considerable contribution, especially in the Sahel, she told the Security Council in a debate on the role of the OIF in the context of cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organizations.

Conflict prevention also relies on the promotion of fully inclusive societies, especially of women and young people. This is a key area of collaboration between the United Nations and the OIF, she said.

Keita welcomed the strong support that OIF members are giving to peacekeeping operations.

Joint efforts are being made to increase the level of French-speaking personnel in peacekeeping operations deployed in French-speaking host countries. The United Nations encourages the OIF members to continue their efforts to build the capacity of French-speaking civilian and uniformed personnel, in particular, to enable them to access high-level positions in peacekeeping operations, she said.

It is important to underline the role of the OIF in the field of peacebuilding, in cooperation with various organizations which each plays a role that is as unique as it is essential, she said.

She commended the participation of the OIF in the work of the Peacebuilding Commission devoted to Burundi, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and the CAR, as well as in ad hoc meetings of the commission on other French-speaking countries affected by conflicts. Enditem
Two-time Grammy nominee Demi Lovato celebrated six months with her fiance, four-time Daytime Emmy nominee Max Ehrich, on Monday.

To mark the romantic milestone, the inseparable couple passed around a single red rose and the 29-year-old Jersey Boy serenaded the New Mexico-born 28-year-old with his rendition of Daniel Caesar's 2017 track Best Part.

'Happy six months to my darling,' Lovato - who boasts 201.1M social media followers - gushed via Instastory.

Still going strong! Two-time Grammy nominee Demi Lovato celebrated six months with her fiance, four-time Daytime Emmy nominee Max Ehrich, on Monday

'I love you, baby!' To mark the romantic milestone, the inseparable couple passed around a single red rose and the 29-year-old Jersey Boy serenaded the New Mexico-born 28-year-old with his rendition of Daniel Caesar's 2017 track Best Part

'[You're] the best father these pups could ever ask for. I love you beyond. Thank you for making my life so much better @maxehrich. I love you, baby!'

With his five-o-clock shadow and single dangly earring, Max appeared to be emulating the late great pop star George Michael circa 1987.

'I met my fiance in March and I fell in love with him. We've had this whirlwind romance and have been able to spend this time together,' Demi (born Demetria) told Vogue last week.

'I knew that I wanted to learn something from this time that could actually better my life, my mental health and my emotional wellbeing in the long term. Initially I was resistant, but because my fiance is so positive all the time, I just started picking up on the things he does. I started meditating and doing yoga. I started journaling, painting, taking pictures and being creative, and learning to appreciate nature, after realizing I'd been taking it for granted all this time.'

Lovato gushed: 'Happy six months to my darling, the best father these pups could ever ask for. I love you beyond. Thank you for making my life so much better @maxehrich'

Faith realness! With his five-o-clock shadow and single dangly earring, Max appeared to be emulating the late great pop star George Michael (R) circa 1987

Demi told Vogue last week: 'I met my fiance in March and I fell in love with him. We've had this whirlwind romance and have been able to spend this time together' (pictured August 30)

'My fiance is so positive all the time!' After only four months of love in lockdown, Ehrich popped the question to the former Disney Channel star on a beach (posted July 22)

After only four months of love in lockdown, Ehrich popped the question to the former Disney Channel star on a beach and she excitedly accepted.

July also happened to mark the second anniversary of Lovato surviving an opioid overdose inside her $8.3M Hollywood Hills mansion, which ended six years of sobriety.

Up next, Demi will finally release her long-awaited collaboration with Marshmello titled Ok Not to Be Ok.

The sexually-fluid bipolar belter and the Philadelphia-born DJ (real name Christopher Comstock) drops their song this Thursday night at midnight EST.

Days away! Up next, Lovato (R) will finally release her long-awaited collaboration with Marshmello (L) titled Ok Not to Be Ok (pictured August 3)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Sunday said a deal between the White House and Congress would fund the federal government through the beginning of December and that details of the spending bill should be finalized by week's end.

The measure would help avert a government shutdown when current funding runs out Sept. 30. Mnuchin and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had agreed to extend funding, according to a Democratic aide, but details on the bill have yet to emerge.

"We're going to move forward with a clean CR (continuing resolution), hopefully through the beginning of December," Mnuchin told reporters at the White House, adding: "I hope by the end of the week we'll have something firmed up."

The government funding bill would keep U.S. agencies operating but would be separate from a parallel effort to provide another batch of financial aid amid the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic.

Pelosi, after a call with Mnuchin on the virus aid, said last week there were serious difference remaining between the Republican Trump administration and Democrats, who control the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mnuchin on Sunday said he was willing to sit down with Pelosi to further discuss those efforts.

"I'm willing to sit down with her anytime to negotiate, no conditions. But right now she won't do that unless we make a large commitment up front," he told reporters, reiterating that Senate Republicans would move ahead with their own COVID-19 bill.

"Our current plan is to keep the coronavirus discussion separate," Mnuchin said, adding that there might be one or two technical areas of overlap with the government funding bill.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
- A race car driver named Rashed Capitle asked help from Raffy Tulfo regarding his former live-in partner

- Capitle claimed that his ex-girlfriend broke up with him and left him for another man

- He also complained that his possessions and money were allegedly taken away from him by his partner

- Furthermore, his former lover allegedly posted a picture of him at the entrance of her subdivision saying that he is banned from entering the said subdivision

- Tulfo was able to talk to Kawahara and she clarified that it was the subdivision officials who posted the picture of Capitle after she complained that she does not want him to go to her house anymore

- She also clarified that she is completely willing to give the possessions back to Capitle as long as he is accompanied by a member of Tulfos staff since she is scared of him

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Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Source: UGC

A race car driver named Rashed Capitle called Raffy Tulfo on his famous program to complain about his former live-in partner, Noemy Kawahara.

According to Capitle, his ex-girlfriend broke up with him and left him for another man.

However, his main complaints are about some of his possessions that were allegedly taken away from him by his partner.

He also complained about the picture posted at the entrance of the girls subdivision saying that he is banned from entering the said subdivision.

According to Tulfo, they can file a case against the girl for libel due to the photo posted at the subdivisions entrance and they can use it as a bargaining chip to make the girl return his possessions.

Tulfo also got shocked when Capitle started crying during their call. The race car driver explained that he is super emotional about this issue because he is still in love with his ex-girlfriend.

Later on, Tulfo was able to talk to Kawahara and she clarified that it was the subdivision officials who posted the picture of Capitle after she complained that she does not want him to go to her house anymore.

She also clarified that she is completely willing to give the possessions back to Capitle as long as he is accompanied by a member of Tulfos staff since she is scared of him.

Kawahara also claimed that she left Capitle since he has repeatedly cheated on her but he would not agree whenever she tried to break up with him.

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Raffy Tulfo is a prominent broadcast-journalist on TV5. Many people adore him because of his willingness to help especially those who are in need. He is also considered as one of the most famous YouTubers in the Philippines.

He recently commended Tim Sawyer for being a gentleman amid the heavy issue that he and China Roces are facing. Due to his help, Tim and China were able to reconcile and resolve their issues with each other.

The said personality also laughed out loud after knowing that a complainant was complaining against a person who was just beside her. Many netizens applauded Raffy Tulfo for remaining light-hearted and positive despite always dealing with peoples personal problems.

Please like and share our amazing Facebook posts to support the KAMI team! Dont hesitate to comment and share your opinions about our stories either. We love reading about your thoughts and views on different matters!

Source: KAMI.com.gh
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Hailing an autonomous driving taxi, the scenario that was previously seen in sci-fi films, has come into reality and is about to enter people's day-to-day life.

(Apollo Rotaxi in Cangzhou, photo source: Baidu's WeChat account)



On August 21, Baidu launched the full operation of its Robotaxi service Apollo Go in Cangzhou, Hebei province, which allows local commuters to enjoy a free self-driving taxi ride through a simple click on Baidu Maps, a desktop and mobile web mapping service application provided by the Chinese Internet giant.



(Apollo Robotaxi in Changsha)



The latest move came after the tech giant fully opened the same service in April in Changsha. However, as for the location where the service is deployed, Cangzhou is the first city in China makes the Robotaxi available in downtown.

(Photo source: Auto X)



Shortly after Baidu's significant progress in Changsha, AutoX announced on April 27 that its autonomous vehicles were available on AutoNavi's Amap app, also known as Gaode in Chinese, which is one of the most popular navigation and mapping platforms in China.

At the initial stage, users in Shanghai had the chance to experience the self-driving ride after delivering an application via the Amap, while the chance was quite rare. The public launch was announced in mid-August, which was first available in Jiading District, starting with a fleet of 100 vehicles.

Baidu and AutoNavi's launches of Robotaxi service indicate that high-level autonomous driving technologies have been gradually applied in some commercial scenarios. So, will you hail a self-driving car for your daily trip?

Baidu must be one of the players standing at the forefront of China's autonomous driving domain. In March 2019, Hunan Apollo Intelligent Transportation, a joint venture between Baidu and several Hunan's local companies and institutions, was founded for the scale operation of Apollo Robotaxi fleet. On September 26, 2019, Baidu announced in Changsha the beginning of trial operations of its Robotaxi service. From then on, local citizens can apply via Apollo's official website to be among the earliest seed users to have test rides.

Gasgoo was invited by Baidu in early August to experience the Robotaxi service in Changsha. As far as I saw and heard in person, a passenger between the age of 18 and 65 can hail an Apollo Robotaxi through the Baidu Maps app or Baidu App's Dutaxi smart mini program after inputting the ID information and selecting the departure and destination spots from nearly 100 given options, which is quite similar to hailing a normal taxi. Unlike the traditional taxi ride, the passenger cannot change his destination during the Robotaxi trip.

During the trip, the vehicle was running at a steady speed rate under 50km/h required by local regulations. Like a human-controlled taxi, the Apollo Robotaxi is able to change lanes as appropriate, lower speed to avoid pedestrians and the vehicles that intend to overtake from a close distance, fend obstacles off and make a turn.

Most of the time, the car can drive itself without human intervention, while in accordance with the current regulations, a safety driver and a so-called navigator should sit at the front in case any accident happens.

According to Baidu, the Apollo Robotaxi adopts a multi-sensor solution consisting of LiDARs, millimeter-wave radars and cameras. If it merely relys on the car-borne sensors, the road conditions beyond the sensors' detection range are out of reach. However, I still was informed of such information as vehicle numbers, the countdown of traffic light timers, road works and road occupations ahead where the in-car sensors cannot detect. The clairvoyance effect is made possible primarily by the V2X (vehicle-to-everything) system along roads composed of RSU (roadside unit), edge computing units, intelligent traffic lights, roadside sensors, and other facilities.

The V2X system can also benefit normal vehicles equipped with connected system, so as to cut the urban traffic management cost and enhance the transport efficiency for the whole city, said the navigator.

Compared to other developers who put much more weight on the intelligence level of single vehicle, Baidu has adopted a different technical approachthe vehicle-infrastructure cooperative system. As Li Zhenyu, Corporate Vice President of Baidu and General Manager of its Intelligent Driving Group, said in an internal e-mail released in April, Baidu believes that the vehicle-infrastructure cooperative system solution will reduce the cost of developing a single autonomous car and offer greater safety redundancy guarantee.

As China's first mobility platform that launched ride-hailing aggregation service, AutoNavi has given access to over 40 car-hailing platforms in China with 100 million regular active users on the app on a daily basis.

As same as Baidu, AutoNavi also uses its navigation service App as the gateway for Robotaxi service.

AutoNavi's option to cooperate with AutoX might be for such reasons. The startup has not only forged partnerships with a number of OEMs, but also has gained the investment from two state-owned automakers SAIC Motor and Dongfeng Motor.

On the other hand, both Auto X and AutoNavi are backed by Alibaba Group. AutoX raised a $100 million Series A last year from supporters including Dongfeng Motor, Plug and Play's China fund, HKSTP Ventures and Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund. Thus, their cooperation can be reckoned as a tie-up formed within Alibaba Group, signaling Alibaba's offensive into mobility service area.

(WeRide Robotaxi in Guangzhou, photo source: WeRide)



In late June, WeRide become another Chinese self-driving startup that made its autonomous vehicles available for ride-hailing on AutoNavi's Amap app. Customers can hail one of WeRide's self-driving cabs via Autonavi or proprietary ride-hailing app WeRide Go in a geo-fenced area across the Huangpu and Guangzhou Development districts.

WeRide implements the strategy of advancing technologies and operation simultaneously. While operating our self-built WeRide Go platform, we are opening the Robotaxi business to more and more platforms, said Zhang Li, Chief Operating Officer of WeRide.

He added that the collaboration with AutoNavi will make WeRide's Robotaxi service hook up to maturer mobility service market, so as to let more citizens enjoy the autonomous car service.

Aside from Baidu and AutoNavi, Didi Chuxing (DiDi), China's biggest ride-haling platform, will never miss the development trend of autonomous driving.



(DiDi's Robotaxi in Shanghai)



On August 5, 2019, DiDi claimed that its autonomous driving arm had been upgraded into an independent company to focus on R&D, production application and other business development pertain to autonomous driving. DiDi's CTO Zhang Bo serves concurrently as its CEO.

On June 27, 2020, the trial operation of DiDi's Robotaxi service kicked off in Shanghai, where signed-up passengers can apply for free self-driving rides within a designated area that covers Shanghai Automobile Exhibition Center and nearby business districts, subway stations, and downtown hotels.

Compared to Baidu and AutoNavi, DiDi might be more starving for the practical usage of autonomous driving technologies as it is getting harder to satisfy the increasing car-hailing demands with the platform's current transport capacity. Robotaxis are expected to efficiently make up the shortfall of drivers.



(Photo source: Cao Cao Mobility)



Some OEM-backed ride-hailing platforms also join the Robotaxi game. Cao Cao Mobility, the ride-hailing arm of the Chinese automaker Geely, announced on August 19 its autonomous cars jointly developed with DeepRoute.ai, a Shenzhen-based full-stack self-driving solution developer, has been put into road tests and trial operation in Hangzhou after being given green light by local authorities.

According to platform, the autonomous driving fleet will be enlarged to 10 cars in the second half of 2020 and will be connected to Cao Cao Mobility's App. Besides, the test drive service is expected to be opened to the public next year. During the 2020 Asian Games, the fleet may be grow to several hundreds of vehicles, which will be deployed key areas of Hangzhou.

As the technologies are maturing gradually, using autonomous cars will greatly help elevate passengers' commuting efficiency and safety, and will enable operators to offer mobility services with uniform standards and high quality, said Rong Jian, general secretary of the ride-sharing division of China Communications and Transportation Association.

For car-hailing platforms, their deployment of RoboTaxi service is not only to reap the first-mover advantages in autonomous driving domain, but more importantly, to cope with some existing problems.

In comparison with other types of autonomous driving technology developers, ride-hailing platforms are much closer to actual mobility scenarios, making them easily grasp a vast amount of data collected from numerous taxi trips and self-driving road tests.

To cooperate with the R&D of autonomous driving technologies, DiDi is making its own high-definition (HD) maps by using the massive fleet to collect data, according to DiDi's CTO Zhang Bo.

From the angle of HD map, AutoNavi does boast greater merits. Moreover, the collaboration with over 40 ride-hailing platforms also renders an enormous data pool for the company's autonomous driving R&D.
During a Labor Day news conference outside the White House, President Trump unleashed a personal screed against his rival for president and criticized a reporter for asking him a question while wearing a mask.

The issue of what happened when you were in France continues to be a story  the reporter, Jeff Mason of Reuters, began.

The president cut him off.

Youre going to have to take that off, please, Mr. Trump said. Just, you can take it off, youre  how many feet are you away?

Mr. Mason declined to comply. Ill speak a lot louder, he said.

Well, Mr. Trump said, if you dont take it off, youre very muffled, so if you would take it off would be a lot easier.
Women allowed to vote

New Zealand. Wellington, Friday. After an animated debate, the Woman's Franchise was carried in the Legislative Council by a majority of two. The result was in doubt up to the last moment. The lower house had passed such a bill several times previously but this time the Legislative Council did not block it. It was consented by the governor on September 19, giving all the women in New Zealand the right to vote.

Comedy 'Struck Oil'

The revival of Struck Oil has proved a complete success, the mingled chic and tenderness with which Miss Maggie Moore plays her famous role as Lizzie Sofel, have ensured the continued run of the piece. The interest of the story is very well sustained and the interpolated songs and dances in which Miss Moore excels, are neatly pieced into the drama, which is rightly received with roars of laughter.

Sydney Hunt Club meets
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --

SUMMARY NOTICE OF PROPOSED CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT

If you entered into a U.S.-Related Transaction in or on any over-the-counter market or exchange in physical silver or in a derivative instrument in which silver is the underlying reference asset from January 1, 1999 through and including September 6, 2016 ("Settlement Class Period"), your rights may be affected by a pending class action settlement and you may be entitled to a portion of the settlement fund.

This Summary Notice is to alert you to a proposed settlement totaling $38,000,000.00 reached with Deutsche Bank AG, Deutsche Bank Americas Holding Corporation, DB U.S. Financial Markets Holding Corporation, Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., Deutsche Bank Trust Corporation, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, and their subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively "Deutsche Bank"). Deutsche Bank denies any liability, fault, or wrongdoing of any kind in connection with the allegations in the Action. By entering into the proposed settlement, Deutsche Bank has not admitted to any such liability, fault, or wrongdoing, and nothing in the Settlement Agreement or this Notice shall be construed as such an admission.

The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (the "Court") authorized this Notice. The Court has appointed the lawyers listed below to represent the Settlement Class in this Action:

Vincent Briganti Lowey Dannenberg, P.C. 44 South Broadway, Suite 1100 White Plains, NY 10601 Telephone: (914) 733-7221 [email protected] Robert Eisler Grant & Eisenhofer P.A. 485 Lexington Avenue, 29th Floor New York, NY 10017 Telephone: (646) 722-8500 [email protected]

Who Is a Member of the Settlement Class?

Subject to certain exceptions, the proposed Settlement Class consists of all persons and entities who or which entered into a U.S.-Related Transaction (1) in or on any over-the-counter market or exchange in physical silver or (2) in a derivative instrument in which silver is the underlying reference asset (collectively, "Silver Instruments") during the Class Period.

"U.S.-Related Transaction" means any transaction in a Silver Instrument: (a) by any person or entity domiciled in the U.S. or its territories; or (b) by any person or entity domiciled outside the U.S. or its territories but conducted, in whole or in part, in the U.S. or its territories.

The other capitalized terms used in this Summary Notice are defined in the detailed Notice of Proposed Class Action Settlement, April 8, 2021 Fairness Hearing Thereon and Class Members' Rights ("Notice") and the Settlement Agreement, which are available at www.SilverFixSettlement.com.

If you are not sure if you are included in the Settlement Class, you can get more information, including the detailed Notice, at www.SilverFixSettlement.com or by calling toll-free 1-800-254-2939 (if calling from outside the United States or Canada, call 1-414-961-6577).

What Is This Lawsuit About and What Does the Settlement Provide?

Plaintiffs allege that each Defendant, including Deutsche Bank, conspired to dictate the price of silver during a daily, secret, and unregulated meeting (the "Silver Fix"). Defendants are alleged to have coordinated manipulative silver transactions in advance of the daily Silver Fix call. The alleged goal of Defendants was to manipulate the Fix price in their desired direction. Defendants allegedly agreed to fix the "bid-ask spread" artificially wider when offering to buy or sell silver in the public silver market trading with Plaintiffs and the Class. Defendants also allegedly implemented coordinated trading strategies to manipulate and maintain the price of Silver Instruments at artificial levels during the Class Period. Plaintiffs have asserted legal claims under the federal antitrust law, Commodity Exchange Act, and common law.

To settle the claims in this lawsuit and without admitting any liability, fault, or wrongdoing, Deutsche Bank has agreed to pay a total of $38 million (the "Settlement Fund") in cash for the benefit of the proposed Settlement Class. If the Settlement is approved, the Settlement Fund, plus interest earned from the date it was established, less any Taxes, any Notice and Administration Costs, any Court-awarded attorneys' fees, payment of litigation costs and expenses, and service awards for Plaintiffs, and any other costs or fees approved by the Court (the "Net Settlement Fund") will be divided among all Settlement Class Members who file valid Proofs of Claim and Release.

Will I Get a Payment?

If you are a member of the Settlement Class and do not opt out, you will be eligible for a payment from the Net Settlement Fund if you file a Proof of Claim and Release ("Claim Form"). You also may obtain more information at www.SilverFixSettlement.com or by calling toll-free 1-800-254-2939 (if calling from outside the United States or Canada, call 1-414-961-6577).

Claim Forms must be submitted online at www.SilverFixSettlement.com on or before 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on March 1, 2021 OR mailed to and received by the Settlement Administrator, A.B. Data by March 1, 2021.

What Are My Rights?

If you are a member of the Settlement Class and do not opt out, you will release certain legal rights against Deutsche Bank and the DB Released Parties, as explained in the detailed Notice and Settlement Agreement, which are available at www.SilverFixSettlement.com . If you do not want to take part in the Settlement, you must opt out by February 11, 2021. You may object to the Settlement, Distribution Plan, and/or application for an award of attorneys' fees, payment of litigation costs and expenses, and/or service awards for Plaintiffs. If you want to object, you must do so by February 11, 2021. Information on how to opt out or object is contained in the detailed Notice, which is available at www.SilverFixSettlement.com .

When Is the Fairness Hearing?

The Court will hold a hearing at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse, 40 Foley Square, Courtroom 443, New York, NY 10007, on April 8, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. to consider whether to finally approve this Settlement, Distribution Plan, and application for an award of attorneys' fees, payment of litigation costs and expenses, and any service awards for Plaintiffs. Given the current COVID-19 situation, the Court reserves the right to conduct the final fairness hearing remotely. You or your lawyer may ask to appear and speak at the hearing at your own expense, but you do not have to. Any changes to the time and place of the Fairness Hearing, or other deadlines, will be posted to www.SilverFixSettlement.com as soon as practicable.

For more information, call toll-free 1-800-254-2939 (if calling from outside the United States or Canada, call 1-414-961-6577) or visit www.SilverFixSettlement.com.

**** Please do not call the Court or the Clerk of the Court for information about the Settlement. ***

SOURCE Lowey Dannenberg, P.C.; Grant & Eisenhofer P.A.
A: This merger was in discussion for over a year, well before COVID. We focus on housing, nonprofit finance and small business financing. Broadway also focuses on commercial lending and has a very strong affordable housing practice in Southern California. Well be able to increase the amounts of capital we can offer and offer more systemic solutions for the issues we talked about earlier. This is about creating a national platform where we can scale our solutions to help with these problems impacting these communities.
Residents of Sukwai, a farming community in the Atwima Nwabiagya North Constituency of the Ashanti Region, have expressed concern over the poor nature of their roads and bridges, making movement difficult for motorists to adjoining communities.

Nana Adjei Addo, the Chief of Sukwai, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the community was virtually cut off from the rest of the constituency.

He said the bad nature of the roads had brought untold hardships since the people found it difficult to undertake meaningful economic activities.

Sick and pregnant women are dying needlessly as a result of the poor nature of the roads, which make it almost impossible for effective emergency services in the area, he said.

Nana Addo said the community had, over the years, not seen any development project to improve the living conditions of the people.

He called on the Government to go to their aid and open up the area to promote socio-economic activities to enhance the living conditions of the people.

GNA
A SINN Fein TD launched an angry off camera verbal attack on Independent TD Mattie McGrath as politicians waited to vote in the Dail on Tuesday.

Sinn Fein whip Padraig MacLochlainn, a TD for Donegal, lambasted the Tipperary politician as TDs were waiting to vote, repeatedly accusing him of being completely dishonest.

Youre the most dishonest TD Ive ever seen in all my nine years in here, a visibly angry Mr MacLochlainn said as he pointed at Mr McGrath.

The exchange was not picked up by the Dail television monitor or microphones in the chamber as a vote had been called, but it was witnessed by journalists on the Press Gallery.

The incident followed a heated row over whether the Dail can avoid a return to the Convention Centre for future sittings.

The use of the venue on Dublins North Wall Quay has become increasingly controversial among TDs. The estimated cost of 25,000-a-day has prompted some to question sustainability of the arrangement, which is in place to comply with social distancing rules.

At a restricted sitting of the Dail in Leinster House on Tuesday, Sinn Feins Matt Carthy called for workable solution to end the Convention Centre sittings. He pointed out that the Government had approved guidelines to allow more people to sit in the Dail bar than in the chamber and objected to this Thursday's sitting in the Convention Centre.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the issue was that votes with all 160 TDs cannot take place safely in Leinster House under public health guidelines.

However, Mr McGrath was incensed by Sinn Feins intervention, claiming the party had failed to support his proposal to end the Convention Centre sittings at the most-recent meeting of the Dail business committee.

A series of heated exchanges followed before a vote was called on whether to proceed with Thursdays Dail sitting in the quayside venue or reconsider a proposal to return to Leinster House full-time.

It was at this point that Mr MacLochlainn approached Mr McGrath and shouted repeatedly: What proposal have you put to address public health concerns? What proposal have you put to address public health concerns?

Mr MacLochlainn told Mr McGrath that his strategy is to be dishonest every week and concluded: Youre the most dishonest TD Ive ever seen in all my nine years in here, he said.

Completely dishonest.

Mr McGrath told Independent.ie afterwards: I objected week in, week out and then last week it came for a vote and I proposed that we come back [to Leinster House] and I got no seconder. It is gross hypocrisy from Sinn Fein

I value my integrity and my honesty with my life, I won't be lied about and the crass hypocrisy that they go on with. Why come over shouting down to me that utter diatribe.

"Records of the meeting would show that I have consistently opposed this. The medical advice is that with one-metre distancing we could come back. It is total bullying and intimidation, that's what it is.
A long-lost medal belonging to a Great War veteran from Dublin has been recovered following years of research.

The medal belonged to soldier James Murray who first joined the British army as a young man and fought with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers during the Second Boer War (1899-1902).

During the First World War Mr Murray re-enlisted with his old regiment and participated in both the Battle of Messines and the Passchendaele offensive in 1917.

He received two separate commendations for gallantry and also the Military Medal for Bravery during those significant actions.

NUI Galway academic Dr John Murray had been researching his great grandfather over a number of years.

He said: During the Great War James had to leave behind a very young family, including my own grandfather Michael who was only three years old.

They must have waited very anxiously at home for him during all of the times he faced extreme danger in the trenches of the Western Front.

He was immensely brave and experienced a number of highs and lows in life.

It was a privilege to unearth his life-story, and also something of an emotional roller-coaster.

James Murray was reunited with his young family following the Armistice and returned to working class life in Dublin.

He died in 1949 and his widow Jane survived him by some 28 years.

Tragedy struck in 1963 when her dilapidated tenement home on Fenian Street catastrophically collapsed, killing two young girls.

Mrs Murray lost everything in the disaster, and the event helped to precipitate the Dublin housing crisis of the 1960s, which eventually led to the clearing of the remaining tenement slums and the reshaping of Dublins urban landscape.

During the course of his investigation Dr Murray discovered that eight years previously someone else had been searching for information online about the Great War soldier.

Gerard Del Delaney, originally from Dublin and now living in the UK, had inherited some old medals from his mother and one of them, a First World War Victory Medal, clearly bore Mr Murrays name and regimental number on the rim.

The pair made contact through a member of an online military discussion forum.

Mr Delaney, himself a decorated former soldier with the Royal Logistic Corps, said: I was never quite sure how Jamess medal came to be in my familys possession, particularly as no clear relationship could be traced back to him.

When John and I first spoke by phone, I immediately realised the importance of returning this precious item to Jamess direct descendants.

Mr Delaney and John Murray finally met for the first time in Dublin last year and Private James Murrays Victory Medal was presented back to the Murray family.
Mayor Eric Johnson said he had not spoken to the chief in advance of her decision to step down but was not terribly surprised by it considering the recent public statements of my City Council colleagues.

Mr. Johnson, who is African-American, had been openly frustrated by the chiefs unsuccessful efforts to reverse violent crime. But he said that Chief Hall, in addition to the demands of the City Council, also had the burden and the distinction of being the first woman  a woman of color no less  to serve as the police chief in Dallas. That was not lost on me.

Several police chiefs around the country have resigned or been fired in recent months as cities reassess their police departments treatment of African-Americans and Latinos and the use of tear gas, pepper spray and other measures in seeking to control public protests.

Police chiefs in Seattle, Atlanta and Louisville are among those who have departed. On Tuesday, the police chief in Rochester, N.Y., and several of his departments highest-ranking officials resigned in the aftermath of the death of Daniel Prude, a Black man who suffocated after he had been placed in a hood by city police officers and pinned to the ground.

When Ms. Hall took the Dallas job, after serving as deputy police chief in Detroit, she noted that she had served in a city that faced challenges over budgeting and policing and had managed to overcome many of them. She said on Tuesday that she had overseen similar strides in Dallas.

I am proud that this department has not only coped with an unthinkable series of events, but we have also managed to implement critical reforms that were clearly needed for the Dallas Police Department to meet our 21st-century policing goals, she said in her resignation letter.

The chief also disclosed that she had received a number of inquiries about future career opportunities but declined to discuss her future plans.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, declares himself "outraged" by the "policy of harassing and arresting of members of the opposition in Belarus" and calls for respect for fundamental human rights.

"I am outraged by the continued policy of harassing and arresting of members of the opposition in Belarus. There is a need to fully respect fundamental rights, to stop such kind of intimidating actions and to initiate political dialogue!," the Romanian diplomat wrote on Twitter.
FILE PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shakes hands with Chad's President Idriss Deby, during their meeting in N'Djamena, Chad

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel and a Chadian envoy discussed a possible upgrading of relations on Tuesday that would include a mutual exchange of ambassadors, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.

Chadian President Idriss Deby visited Israel in 2018 to start a process of reviving ties that the African country severed in 1972. Israel has cast the process as part of an outreach to the Arab and Muslim world.

That process now includes the announcement last month of a normalisation deal with the United Arab Emirates.

In Tuesday's talks, a Chadian delegation led by Abdelkarim Deby, the president's son, and Netanyahu discussed "appointing ambassadors and opening diplomatic missions, including (by Chad) in Jerusalem," a statement by the prime minister's office said.

The delegation could not immediately be reached for comment.

According to the Israeli statement, the delegation - which included Chad's intelligence chief - also discussed bilateral cooperation on counter-terrorism and other matters.

In a separate statement, Israeli Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen said Netanyahu government's would send a business delegation to develop possible mineral projects in Chad.

(Writing by Dan Williams, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Hungary's trade surplus increased in July, amid a fall in both exports and imports, data from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office showed on Tuesday. The trade surplus increased to EUR 262 million in July from EUR 78 million in the same month last year. Economists had expected a surplus of EUR 235.0 million. Exports fell 5.6 percent year-on-year in July, following a 3.2 percent decrease in June. Imports decreased 7.7 percent annually in July, following a 5.1 percent fall in the preceding month. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
New Delhi: Sanjay Dutt's wife Maanyata took to Instagram to share an inspiring note for the star as he battles cancer. She also shared a picture of Sanjay Dutt along with the post and captioned it, "Rukk jaana nahin tu kahin haarke....kaanto pe chalke milenge saaye Bahar ke!! We have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of our lives!! Never quit."

Sanjay Dutt was diagnosed with Stage-3 lung cancer in August. He was expected to fly abroad. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, he is being treated in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, the 61-year-old star has resumed work. He was spotted at a film studio on Monday evening.

Sanjay Dutt was first hospitalised on August 10 due to breathing problems. He stayed in the hospital for two days. A couple of days later, he revealed that he is taking a sabbatical from work for medical treatment. However, he didn't reveal about his ailment.

Ahead of his initial treatment, Maanayata issued a statement to update about the actor's health, but refrained from speaking about the cancer diagnosis.

Maanayata said that Sanjay Dutt's initial treatment would continue in Mumbai and the family would consider going abroad for further treatment when the coronavirus pandemic situation eases.
Chinese president says Beijing taking steps to save millions amid pandemic as deaths rise worldwide and economies sink.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has defended his countrys handling of the coronavirus saying Beijing acted in an open and transparent manner, and that it had taken concrete efforts that helped save tens of millions of lives around the world during the pandemic.

Speaking at a ceremony honouring those at the forefront of the fight against coronavirus, Xi declared on Tuesday that China was the first large economy to return to growth during the pandemic  a fact he said demonstrates the countrys strong abilities and vitality.

China has been facing intense criticism by several countries, including the United States and Australia, over its response to the disease, which first emerged in Wuhan late last year and has now spread around the world with some 27.3 million confirmed cases and a death toll exceeding 892,000.

Lockdowns imposed to curb the virus have also ravaged economies, and with no effective vaccine yet developed, the disease continues to spread worldwide raising the risk of further disruption.





Xi has also been criticised within China over the coronavirus outbreak, with one outspoken professor, Xu Zhangrun, accusing him of ruling tyrannically.

Xu, who was arrested in July, also blamed the culture of deception and censorship fostered by Xi for the spread of the disease.

China touts vaccines

Beijing has been trying to reframe the story of COVID-19, with top government officials declaring it too soon to conclude that the deadly disease originated from China.

State media and officials are also emphasising the recovery in Wuhan as a success story in the fight against the virus.

They are also touting progress on domestic vaccines as a sign of Chinese leadership and resilience.

Xis speech took place as the country put its first homegrown coronavirus vaccines on display, with vaccine candidates produced by Chinese companies Sinovac Biotech and Sinopharm unveiled at the Beijing trade fair.

Neither vaccine has hit the market yet but the makers hope they will be approved after all-important phase-three trials as early as year-end.

A Sinovac representative told AFP news agency on Tuesday that his firm has already completed the construction of a vaccine factory able to produce 300 million doses a year.

Chinese state media and officials have been emphasising the revival of Wuhan as a success story in the fight against coronavirus [Stringer/EPA]

On Monday, people at the trade fair crowded around booths showing the potential game-changing vaccines.

In May, President Xi pledged to make any potential vaccine developed by China a global public good.

The potential vaccines are among nearly 10 worldwide to enter phase-three trials, typically the last step ahead of regulatory approval, as countries race to stamp out the virus.

Sinopharm said it anticipates the antibodies from its jab to last between one and three years  although the final result will only be known after the trials.

Chinas state-owned Global Times reported last month that the price of the vaccines will not be high.

Every two doses should cost below 1,000 yuan ($146), the report said, citing Sinopharms chairman, who told media he had already been injected with one of the candidate vaccines.

Chinas official Xinhua news agency also reported on Monday that another vaccine candidate, developed by Chinese military scientists, was able to deal with mutations in the coronavirus.

As of last month, at least 5.7 billion doses of the vaccines under development around the world had been pre-ordered.

However, the World Health Organization has warned that widespread immunisation against COVID-19 may not be on the cards until the middle of next year.
Multiple provinces reported COVID-19 cases linked to schools just as thousands more students returned to class Tuesday, raising fears over what's in store for a segment of the population largely sheltered from exposure over the past six months.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 8/9/2020 (499 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Students are dropped off at school ahead of their first day of classes in Pickering, Ont., Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston

Multiple provinces reported COVID-19 cases linked to schools just as thousands more students returned to class Tuesday, raising fears over what's in store for a segment of the population largely sheltered from exposure over the past six months.

The fallout from earlier openings in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec cast a shadow over giddy reunions and hopes for a quick return to normal as more elementary, junior and high school students tested pandemic precautions that have touched nearly every aspect of school life, from the lunch room to the playground.

Support Our Students Alberta, a non-partisan, non-profit public education advocacy group, released an online tracker for kindergarten to Grade 12 schools that suggested 22 schools have had cases since reopening a week ago.

Opposition NDP education critic Sarah Hoffman said there were at least 20 COVID-19 cases in schools, with 16 of those infections reported since Friday.

"This is a very disturbing trend just days into the school year," Hoffman told a news conference.

Alberta Health Services said it was compiling a list of schools with confirmed cases. None of the schools have declared outbreaks and all remained open.

In Ottawa, officials told 193 students and seven staff to stay home after linking them to novel coronavirus infections.

Those cases were associated with five French-language Catholic schools where some students returned earlier this month, and officials said they were not contracted in the school setting.

Meanwhile, in Saskatchewan, students at an elementary school in Indian Head, a town east of Regina, began the year online because a staff member tested positive for the virus.

The Prairie Valley School Division said other staff must isolate for 14 days and the plan is to start in-person classes next week.

Canada's chief public health officer emphasized the importance of reducing community transmission in order to shield schools from infection.

"This week I think is a really critical week  and for sure next week  because then you would have had some idea of what happens when you go back to school," said Dr. Theresa Tam, also noting the difficulty in recognizing COVID-19 in children who can display vague symptoms easily mistaken for other ailments.

"I think the prudent thing when someone is symptomatic is keep them at home, don't go to school, but also call up the local public health hotline and figure out if a child needs to be tested."

The Quebec government said up to 120 schools may have already been affected by COVID-19 since classes began last week.

Seventy schools have recorded at least one case since Sept. 1, ranging from elementary through high school. The remaining 50 schools, including 19 in the Montreal area, are listed as having potential cases.

Education Minister Jean-Francois Roberge told a news conference in Quebec City there have been 118 confirmed COVID-19 cases among teachers and students since classes resumed, but that the numbers should be put in perspective.

"When we talk about 120 schools possibly affected, that's out of a total of 3,100, and when we talk about 118 people, that's out of 1.4 million," said Roberge.

In Ontario, concerns over class sizes preoccupied Adam Walker as his two daughters returned to school in Kingston.

He said one daughter told him her Grade 10 class has 31 students. He said his other daughter, in Grade 7, is in a class of 28 students being taught in the library to help with physical distancing.

"It's scary and we're concerned for our health as well," said Walker.

Ontario is among the provinces offering a mix of in-person classes and online learning for students who opt to stay home. In some provinces, remote learning is limited to those with medical conditions.

Experts say returning to class is important for children's social and academic development. Ontario's education minister said a successful return depends on following health guidelines.

"If we continue to follow public health advice ... I do believe that students can return to a safe and positive environment," Stephen Lecce said in an interview.

Other boards in Ontario have delayed their restart over the next two weeks, with the country's largest, the Toronto District School Board, set to begin a staggered opening next Tuesday.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, Education Minister Tom Osborne said the majority of $13 million in federal school funding has gone to address busing.

Osborne said $10 to $11 million will go towards contracting additional bus services to allow for more space between students travelling to school.

In Halifax, teachers at Joseph Howe Elementary School set up a desk outside to address parent concerns and used flags to indicate where children should line up.

Wafa Ali, who has a boy and a girl, said she felt the school was safe and well prepared. The province only had three active cases Tuesday, and Ali said she'd be more concerned if daily counts rise to 10 or 15 in the community.

"Until now, what we are seeing is good. They (the children) are wearing masks, there is sanitizing," she said.

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Still, Ali said she'd likely withdraw her children if a single case appeared at the school.

"It's best to be safe."

Tam urged a shared effort to contain cases as they emerge and closely monitor for any sign of COVID-19.

"It's not going to be easy, but I think reacting very quickly to an initial individual with any kind of symptom remains very much a cornerstone of our response," Tam said.

This article by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 8, 2020.

With files from Stephanie Taylor in Regina, Shawn Jeffords in Toronto, Julian McKenzie in Montreal, Jordan Press in Ottawa, Michael Tutton in Halifax and VOCM in St. John's, N.L.
TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen called on Tuesday for an alliance of democracies to defend against "aggressive actions" and protect freedom, alluding to Chinese actions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait as major threats to regional stability.

China, which claims democratic Taiwan as its own, has ramped up its military activities around the island, as well as in the disputed East and South China Seas.

Speaking in Taipei at a forum attended by top Taiwanese security officials and senior Western diplomats, Tsai said Taiwan stood at the forefront of defending democracy from "authoritarian aggression".

While Taiwan is committed to boosting its defensive capabilities, maintaining regional peace and security needs collaborative efforts, she added.

"The rapid militarisation of the South China Sea, increasing and frequent grey-zone tactics in the Taiwan Strait and East China Sea, coercive diplomacy used against countries and corporations...are all destabilising the Indo-Pacific region," Tsai said, without directly naming China.

"It is time for like-minded countries, and democratic friends in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, to discuss a framework to generate sustained and concerted efforts to maintain a strategic order that deters unilateral aggressive actions."

She called for a strategy that avoided war, yet conveyed the resolve to protect democracies by encouraging cooperation, transparency and problem-solving through dialogue.

China has stepped up pressure on Taiwan to accept its sovereignty over the island, which has responded by seeking closer ties with what it calls "like-minded" democracies.

This is primarily the United States, but also includes Australia, Britain, Canada, the European Union and Japan, none of which maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

Apart from the United States, Taiwan's main arms supplier, the other nations generally only offer occasional moral support, such as calling for the World Health Organization to grant proper access to non-member Taiwan.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
Actor Swara Bhasker has written in defence of Rhea Chakraborty, who has been accused by Sushant Singh Rajputs family of abetting his suicide and misappropriating his funds. Swara compared the medias treatment of Rhea to the Salem witch trials in the 17th century.

She wrote in The Week that watching the narrative around Rhea unfold in the news, she was reminded of Arthur Millers play The Crucible, a dramatisation of the trials that saw 20 women being executed on suspicion of practising witchcraft. In recent weeks, Ive often thought of The Crucible as I watched the public sentiment around the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, ostensibly by suicide, turn from emotional outpouring of grief by fans into a media-fuelled hysteria and blind certitude that he was murdered, she wrote.

She continued that after the initial debate around nepotism, attention was diverted to Rhea after Sushants father filed an FIR against her in Patna. This led to a shocking slander campaign and hysterical media trial that has practically declared Rhea to be a murderess, with no proof, based on contorted facts, rank misinformation and what are now being proven to be lies, Swara wrote.

Also read: Sushant Singh Rajputs sister Shweta slams Rhea Chakrabortys fake FIR, says nothing is going to break us

Rhea has been investigated by three agencies -- the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Enforcement Directorate. And yet, Swara wrote, She has been vilified and called slanderous names by social media ecosystems and #JusticeForSushant warriors. Salacious conspiracy theories about her have done the rounds and she, her family and staff at her building have been physically hounded by shameless media personnel.

Swara wrote that while there has been no evidence to prove that Sushant was murdered, evidence that suggests that Rajputs family has lied is emerging. Writing that along with Sushant, public decency also seems to have died, Swara continued, Watching this case play out and turn into a senseless, hysterical, conspiracy-heavy TV soap-like reality-show, one cannot help but wonder at the human condition.

This isnt the first time that Swara has spoken in defence of Rhea. On August 10, Swara tweeted, Rhea is being subjected to a bizarre & dangerous media trial fuel led by hugely problematic impulses of mob justice. I hope the Honble #SupremeCourt will pay heed & take fake news spinners & conspiracy theorists like Repooplic, Poopindia & others to task. Let the law decide.

Also read: Swara Bhasker rejects idea of getting police protection like Kangana Ranaut: Id rather that taxpayers money be used for real issues

About the tweet, she told Hindustan Times in an interview, I cant speak for others. I always stand up for what I think is right and we should not act like the judges, lawyers and investigators. Its not our job as a society but a job for the courts.

Rhea on Monday filed a counter complaint against two of Sushants sisters for procuring a forged prescription for him mere days before his death. The FIR was registered by the Mumbai Police and the case was subsequently transferred to the CBI, as per Supreme Court directives.

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Brazil fires. Photo: Ernesto Carrico/NurPhoto via Getty Images

In 2019, Brazil sustained historic, irreversible damage due to deforestation-related fires. Over the course of a year, more than 80,000 fires tore through the country at alarming speed, ravaging large swaths of the Amazon rain forest, the most diverse ecosystem in the world. Indigenous communities watched their territories burn to the ground. Countless habitats were destroyed and animals displaced. More than 2,000 people were hospitalized with respiratory illnesses caused by exposure to the air pollution. By the end of the year, the fires had destroyed 28,000 square miles of tree cover.

Now, Brazil has yet again been consumed by flames  this time without the same level of international attention. Yet the fires look just as bad as last years: According to preliminary reports from Brazils National Institute for Space Research, blazes have charred more than 13,200 square miles of the Amazons tree cover, and now, the Pantanal, the worlds largest tropical wetland, spanning 42 million acres across Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, is also aflame. According to satellite data from NASA analyzed by the New York Times, fires have charred an estimated 7,861 square miles  about 10 percent of the wetland region  since January. In an interview with the Times, Douglas Morton, the chief of the Biospheric Sciences Laboratory at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center, called the fires unprecedented. Manuel Costa, a park ranger who has fought against the fires in the Pantanal, said they were almost impossible to fight.

Like the fires that ravaged the Amazon last year, this years blazes can be linked to farmers and ranchers, who intentionally set the fires to clear land for cattle. According to Yale Universitys Global Forest Atlas, this activity accounts for 80 percent of deforestation in all Amazon countries.

During his tenure, Brazils far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro, has blatantly pursued business interests at the expense of environmental and indigenous protections. As one former top official for Brazils environmental agency told the Guardian, under Bolsonaros administration, the Amazon is condemned to destruction. After facing international condemnation and boycott threats over his negligent response to last years fires, Bolsonaro this past July issued a 120-day ban on fires in the Amazon and Pantanal, which has been experiencing a dangerous confluence of climate conditions: drought, low rainfall, and record-high temperatures. But according to the Times, experts see Bolsonaros actions as little more than a public-relations stunt, and they claim they have been widely ignored. Most fires weve seen in 2020 were started after the moratorium went into effect, Morton told the Times. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro  who has not prosecuted those who have driven illegal deforestation efforts  has responded defensively to recent reports of fires in the Amazon, disputing them as a lie. In some cases, he has attempted to argue that the blazes, which were captured via satellite imagery, were campfires.

Theres a sense that environmental laws can be ignored with impunity, Ane Alencar, the science director at the Amazon Environmental Research Institute in Brazil, told the Times. Thats largely a result of how the government has been handling these issues.
Newly discovered deep seabed channels beneath Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica may be the pathway for warm ocean water to melt the underside of the ice. Data from two research missions, using aircraft and ship, are helping scientists to understand the contribution this huge and remote glacier is likely to make to future global sea level rise.

Researchers from UK and US International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC), collected data from the glacier and adjoining Dotson and Crosson ice shelves during January-March 2019. While one team collected airborne data flying over the glacier and ice shelf in a British Antarctic Survey Twin Otter aircraft, the other mapped the sea floor at the ice front from the US Antarctic Program icebreaker RV Nathaniel B Palmer.

Publishing this month (9 September) in the journal The Cryosphere the two research papers describe the discovery. Thwaites Glacier covers 192,000 square kilometres (74,000 square miles) - the size of Great Britain or the US state of Florida - and is particularly susceptible to climate and ocean changes.

Over the past 30 years, the overall rate of ice loss from Thwaites and its neighbouring glaciers has increased more than 5-fold. Already, ice draining from Thwaites into the Amundsen Sea accounts for about four percent of global sea-level rise. A run-away collapse of the glacier could lead to a significant increase in sea levels of around 65 cm (25 inches) and scientists want to find out how quickly this could happen.

Lead author Dr Tom Jordan, an aero-geophysicist at British Antarctic Survey (BAS), who led the airborne survey, says:

"It was fantastic to be able to map the channels and cavity system hidden beneath the ice shelf; they are deeper than expected - some are more than 800 metres deep. They form the critical link between the ocean and the glacier.

"The offshore channels, along with the adjacent cavity system, are very likely to be the route by which warm ocean water passes underneath the ice shelf up to the grounding line, where the ice meets the bed."

Dave Porter at LDEO Columbia University, who flew over Thwaites Glacier for the airborne survey, says:

"Flying over the recently-collapsed ice tongue and being able to see first-hand the changes occurring at Thwaites Glacier was both awe inspiring and disconcerting, but also gratifying to know the airborne data we were collecting would help reveal the hidden structures below."

Exceptional sea-ice break up in early 2019 enabled the team on the RV Nathaniel B Palmer to survey over 2000 square kilometres of sea floor at the glacier's ice front. The area surveyed had previously been hidden beneath part of the floating ice shelf extending from Thwaites Glacier, which broke off in 2002, and in most subsequent years the area was inaccessible due to thick sea-ice cover. The team's findings reveal the sea floor is generally deeper and has more deep channels leading towards the grounding line under the ice shelf than was previously thought.

Lead author, Dr Kelly Hogan, is a marine geophysicist at BAS. She was part of the team surveying the seabed. She says:

"We found the coastal sea floor, which is incredibly rugged, is a really good analogue for the bed beneath the present-day Thwaites Glacier both in terms of its shape and rock type. By examining retreat patterns over this sea-floor terrain we will be able to help numerical modellers and glaciologists in their quest to predict future retreat.

"This research has filled a critical data gap. Together the new coastal sea floor maps and the cavity maps track the deep channels for over 100 km to where the glacier sits on the bed. For the first time we have a clear view of the pathways along which warm water can reach the underside of the glacier, causing it to melt and contribute to global sea-level rise."

###

New gravity-derived bathymetry for the Thwaites, Crosson, and Dotson ice shelves revealing two ice shelf populations by Jordan, T. A., Porter, D., Tinto, K., Millan, R., Muto, A., Hogan, K., Larter, R. D., Graham, A. G. C., and Pade, J. D. is published in The Cryosphere, 14, 2869-2882, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-2869-2020, 2020.

Revealing the former bed of Thwaites Glacier using sea-floor bathymetry: implications for warm-water routing and bed controls on ice flow and buttressing by Hogan, K. A., Larter, R. D., Graham, A. G. C., Arthern, R., Kirkham, J. D., Totten Minzoni, R., Jordan, T. A., Clark, R., Fitzgerald, V., Wahlin, A. K., Anderson, J. B., Hillenbrand, C.-D., Nitsche, F. O., Simkins, L., Smith, J. A., Gohl, K., Arndt, J. E., Hong, J., and Wellner, J. is published in The Cryosphere, 14, 2883-2908, https://doi.org/10.5194/10.5194/tc-14-2883-2020, 2020.

Issued by the British Antarctic Survey Press Office on behalf of the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC).

Please contact Senior Communications Manager: Athena Dinar email: amdi@bas.ac.uk,

tel: +44 (0) 7909 008516

Corporate and Internal Communications Manager: Livia Oldland email: livand@bas.ac.uk. Tel: +44 (0) 7850 541910

Images and video of researchers working on the ship and from the air are available from the Press Office as above.

ITGC is a five-year, $50 million joint U.S. and U.K. mission to learn more about Thwaites Glacier, its past, and what the future may hold. Significant contributions to the research are also coming from Sweden, Germany, and South Korea. The ultimate goal of the project is to predict how much Thwaites will contribute to global sea-level rise, and how soon a transition to more rapid ice retreat might occur. ITGC is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and U.K. Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). http://www.thwaitesglacier.org

Ice shelf - is a large floating platform of ice that forms where a glacier or ice sheet flows down to a coastline and onto the ocean surface. Ice shelves are only found in Antarctica, Greenland, Canada, and the Russian Arctic.

Ice sheet - also known as a continental glacier, is a mass of glacial ice that covers surrounding terrain and is greater than 50,000 km2 (19,000 sq mi).

Glacier - is a huge mass of ice that moves slowly over land. The term "glacier" comes from the French word glace (glah-SAY), which means ice. Glaciers are often called "rivers of ice."

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is the UK's main agency for funding and managing research, training and knowledge exchange in the environmental sciences. Our work covers the full range of atmospheric, Earth, biological, terrestrial and aquatic science, from the deep oceans to the upper atmosphere and from the poles to the equator. We coordinate some of the world's most exciting research projects, tackling major issues such as climate change, environmental influences on human health, the genetic make-up of life on Earth, and much more. NERC is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid from the UK government. Find out more at nerc.ukri.org.

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) The U.S. Congress in 1950 established the Foundation "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity and welfare; to secure the national defense; and for other purposes." NSF is vital because its supports basic research to create knowledge that transforms the future. With an annual budget of $7.8 billion (fiscal year 2018), NSF funds discovery, learning, innovation and research infrastructure to boost U.S. leadership in all aspects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) research and education. In contrast, other federal agencies support research focused on specific missions, such as health, energy or defense.

Through its Office of Polar Programs, the U.S. National Science Foundation manages the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). Under a Presidential Mandate, the Program coordinates all U.S. research on the Southernmost Continent, funds Antarctic research carried out by university researchers nationwide, operates three year-round Antarctic research stations and two research vessels and provides or coordinates all of the logistical support required to make the science possible.

British Antarctic Survey (BAS), an institute of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Its skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through its extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. For more information visit http://www.bas.ac.uk @basnews
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press)

Senate Republicans plan to vote later this week on another economic relief package for Americans dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, but the slimmed-down plan  which does not include new checks for individuals  is already a deal-breaker for Democrats, ensuring that the stalemate will continue.

The Republican proposal would restore enhanced unemployment benefits through Dec. 27 but halves the amount to $300 per week. It would also provide funding for schools and childcare centers, a new round of the popular Paycheck Protection Program and liability protections for businesses.

The $500-billion plan is far less than the minimum $2.2 trillion that Democrats want to spend on a new package, and even less generous than the $1-trillion plan Republicans unveiled just weeks ago.

In July, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) proposed a package that included $1,200 checks to many individuals and $500 for each qualifying child. But seemingly unable to get support from his own party's members, McConnell abandoned the provision for checks in the latest proposal.

The new GOP effort is designed to pressure Democrats to move ahead with ideas both parties can accept, rather than risk passing nothing at all.

The two parties have been mired in a standoff over a new bill since House Democrats approved their own $3.4-trillion package in May.

McConnell, who has refused to bring up the House plan in the Senate, on Tuesday accused Democratic leaders Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) of holding up further economic relief for political reasons.

Everything Speaker Pelosi and [Senate Minority] Leader Schumer have done suggests one simple motivation: They do not want American families to see any more bipartisan aid before the polls close on President Trumps reelection," McConnell said in a statement. "They have taken Americans health, jobs, and schools hostage for perceived partisan gain.

But Democrats say they wont support a piecemeal approach and have already rejected the GOP plan as emaciated. Schumer and Pelosi said Republicans should have been working on this legislation months ago.

Story continues

As they scramble to make up for this historic mistake, Senate Republicans appear dead-set on another bill which doesnt come close to addressing the problems and is headed nowhere, they said in a statement.

In addition to lacking individual payments, the new GOP plan does not include any funding for state and local governments, a priority for Democrats.

The standoff comes as political control of the Senate remains up in the air. Democratic challengers in several states are within striking distance of unseating Republican incumbents, which could flip control of the chamber from Republicans to Democrats.

Republicans in those close races  as well as some House Democrats facing formidable challengers  are particularly eager to approve a new coronavirus relief package. But other Republicans are more concerned with how much additional economic stimulus should be provided at the expense of the federal debt.

It is unclear how much support the bill has among Senate Republicans. After introducing the GOP package in July, McConnell never even brought it to a vote amid Republican skepticism.

But GOP lawmakers will have to show their cards on Thursday when a procedural vote on the measure is held. With Democrats lined up against it, it is all but certain not to get the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.

McConnell said some Republicans would like to see a more generous package. Yet Republicans believe the many serious differences between our two parties should not stand in the way of agreeing where we can agree and making law that helps our nation, he said.

In a nod to the U.S. Postal Service's controversial service cuts and financial challenges, the Republican plan would forgive $10 billion in debt held by the agency. Republicans said it mirrored an offer the administration made to Democrats.

The legislation would provide a series of tax breaks for parents dealing with virtual learning as the virus has shuttered schools in some parts of the country. Parents would be able to use tax-advantaged 529 savings plans for expenses such as books, online materials and licensed tutoring for students. Parents who home school could use the money for educational expenses.

The plan also includes a school-choice initiative that would provide a two-year tax break for donations to nonprofit organizations that offer scholarships to private-school students.

The plan would provide $105 billion for schools and $15 billion for childcare centers. An additional $16 billion would fund coronavirus testing, contact tracing and surveillance. Another $31 billion would go toward the development of a vaccine, therapeutics and diagnostics, as well as vaccine distribution.

The new round of the Paycheck Protection Program would be valued at $258 billion to assist struggling small businesses.

The legislation also provides funding for programs to benefit two industries hit hard by the pandemic. Farmers would get $20 billion in assistance, and fisheries would get $500 million in assistance.

The bill is partially paid for by redirecting at least $350 billion in unspent money from the CARES Act, the coronavirus relief bill approved earlier this summer.
PSPS Events Across California View Photo

Update at 7:45 a.m.: PG&E gave the weather all clear for most of the counties impacted by the Public Safety Power Outage (PSPS), including Tuolumne and Calaveras counties. That means that electric crews have begun patrolling in the air, in vehicles and on foot nearly all the 10,750 miles of transmission and distribution power lines that were de-energized. Utility officials say that once lines are inspected and found free of damage or hazards, it can proceed with restoring power to customers.

Restoration for the vast majority of customers impacted by this PSPS event is expected to be completed by the end of the day Wednesday. However, company officials say restoration could be slowed if there is too much smoke from nearby fires to permit safe air inspections by PG&Es helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

Regarding the call for the PSPS, utility officials point to these statistics, Within the PSPS-affected area, PG&E weather stations registered 40 to 60 mph wind speeds overnight Monday with reports of 66 mph wind gusts in the Northern Sierras. These Diablo winds are strong enough to break tree limbs, blow them into power lines, and cause rapid fire spread.

Further details on the restoration process are below .

Update at 6 a.m.: PG&E reports the all clear is expected to be given at daybreak, allowing restoration patrol crews to turn the lights back on in the Mother Lode. All electricity is projected to be restored by 7 p.m. tonight. Further details are below on the restoration process.

Update at 8 p.m. Tuesday: PG&E reports that some areas of the Mother Lode have already had power restored, including in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties. Currently, the total number of customers impacted by the PSPS is 167,000 in 21 counties and 7 tribes, according to PG&E Senior Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response Mark Quinlan. During a PSPS briefing Tuesday evening he detailed, There is a block of customers, ranging between 30 to 35,000 customers that we believe can be able to be restored. So, we are in the process of doing that work. He added that a large patrol force, described in the chart below, got underway restoring power late Tuesday afternoon, including in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties.

While the choppers were grounded at dusk, the other crews will continue working overnight restoring power, but specific areas were not identified. Clark Broadcasting did receive a couple of calls from residents in Sonora, Columbia, Jamestown, and Sugar Pines who reported their electricity was restored. However, the company is sticking to its official Wednesday evening timeframe for all power to be restored. Quinlan stressed that the all-clear for the PSPS is expected to be given at daybreak tomorrow, meaning that it could take crews up to 12 hours to restore power to all areas, barring any damage to lines or equipment that could take longer.

Regarding meeting the utilities pledged to reduce the impacts of power shutoffs by a third, Quinlan touted, I can tell you with a high degree of confidence that were tracking at or better than that goal so far.

Details on charging and cooling stations in both counties are below.

Update at 4:30 p.m.: Tuolumne County OES relays that PG&E is still anticipating the PSPS will be restored by 7 p.m. tomorrow for all customers in the county, once the weather subsides after tomorrow morning.

OES officials remind that Community Resource Centers, which are listed below, remain open until 10 p.m. However, at this time, they are only set up for medical and smaller device charging. An additional cooling center will open tomorrow due to the sizzling temperatures. Currently, one station is open at the Jamestown Community Hall from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and tomorrow. The new station will be at Motherlode Fairgrounds off Stockton Road in Sonora at the Creekside Building operating at the same hours.

Below written by BJ Hansen.

Update at 9:39am: TUD is postponing its Board of Directors meeting that was scheduled for two oclock this afternoon.

The Tuolumne County Senior Center drive-thru lunch is canceled today and will resume on Thursday. Interfaith Social Services is closed today.

Update at 9:07am: The Tuolumne Utilities District is asking everyone to conserve water as much as possible during the PG&E planned power outage, and limit or delay outdoor watering.

The same message is being released this morning by the Calaveras County Water District. CCWD has also canceled todays planned public outreach meeting regarding the Highway 4 Reach 1 Water Pipeline Replacement project. It will now be held on Tuesday, September 15 at 5:30pm.

In addition, todays Sonora City Council meeting has been postponed due to the power outage. It will now be held this Thursday at 6pm.

Many schools are canceling classes due to the outage. Click here to find the list of those who called in to confirm.

More details regarding the planned power outages can be found below.

Original story posted at 6am: Sonora, CA  The power was turned off late Monday evening for much of the Mother Lode as part of the PG&E Planned Power Outage.

Meanwhile, smoke from the Creek Fire in Fresno County has been inundating much of the region this morning. The latest on the situation in Tuolumne County is that the outage is impacting around 29,800 customers and in Calaveras County it is around 13,000.

PG&E reports that the plan is to restore power to the region by late in the day on Wednesday.

During the duration of the outage, Community Resource Centers will be open in Tuolumne County at the Columbia Elementary School, Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora, Eproson Park in Twain Harte and Mary Laveroni Park in Groveland. The centers will be open from 8am-10pm. There will be wi-fi, device charging stations, water, snacks and restrooms.

Also, the Tuolumne County cooling center is being moved to the Jamestown Community Hall at 18250 Main Street. It will be open from 11am-7pm today and tomorrow.

In Calaveras County, Community Resource Centers are open at the Chapel of the Pines in Arnold, the Murphys Fire Protection District, the VFW building in West Point and the Saint Matthews Church in San Andreas. The hours are 8am-10pm.

Clarke Broadcasting reached out to PG&E on Sunday to see if there was a safety message for the community ahead of the outages, given the possibility of smoke from the Creek Fire, and near triple-digit temperatures projected today. However, there was no response.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been chastised by a leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Lawyer Edudzi Tamakloe for hiiting back at the latter's flagbearer over a social media he recently shared.



The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, earlier this week, described as divisive, comments by former President Mahama that sought to liken President Akufo-Addo and his clansmen as Akyem Sakawa Boys.



Addressing a durbar of Chiefs and people of Gushegu on Sunday, Dr. Bawumia expressed surprise and disgust at the former Presidents comments, saying Ghana is a united country which has moved beyond the kind of divisive and tribal politics by the former President.



The recent utterances of John Mahama referring to Akyem Sakawa boys; how do you take a whole tribe and say they are sakawa. How do you do that?, Dr. Bawumia said.



But to the private legal practitioner, who was speaking on OkayFMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, the Vice President only jumped into the discussion because he is seeking to make himself relevant on the political scene again.



This is a Vice President who today has become a butt of public jokes; completely not relevant as far as Ghanas politics. People dont take him serious whenever he speaks. This is a Vice President who goes about to do public delivery or whatever and less than 24 hours, nobody talks about it. He is a discredited person, he slammed.



Lawyer Edudzi Tamakloe wondered why Dr Bawumia forego to touch on the economy during his campaign trail, and only trumpeted tribalism.



Why is he no longer talking about public debt? In all the campaigns he is doing at the northern part of the country, have you seen him talk about public debt again? This is because he has no credibility, he indicated.



He told us that he once worked as a Deputy Governor of Bank of Ghana and that we have money in the country. Since he came into office as a Vice President, within the space of three years, they have taken our public debt from 120 billion Ghana Cedis to 250 billion Cedis, he added.







Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Website uohyd.ac.in uses latest and advanced technologies like: JQuery. It is very popular on the web, it's within the 1 million most visited websites of the world at position 40942 by Alexa. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 285294 bytes (278.61 kb uncompressed) and 42077 bytes (41.09 kb compressed).

This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-10-18, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.
Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh has ordered a probe into the claims made by Adhyayan Suman  the purported former boyfriend of actor Kangana Ranaut  in an interview three years ago that she was on drugs and had forced him to consume the narcotic substances as well.

Deshmukh also announced that Mumbai Police would conduct a probe into the death by suicide of interior designer Anvay Naik three years ago.

Naik, in his suicide note, had named a few persons, including a news channels editor, who allegedly did not pay his dues worth several crores of rupees, according to the deceaseds kin.

Also Read: Mumbai civic body asks Kangana Ranaut to take corrective measures against illegalities in her Bandra office

Replying to the point raised by Shiv Sena legislators Pratap Sarnaik and Sunil Prabhu, Deshmukh told the Maharashtra legislative assembly on Tuesday that the Mumbai Police would be asked to probe into the claims made by Suman, the son of actor Shekhar Suman.

Deshmukh said that Mumbai Police would look into Sumans three-year-old statement.

Sena lawmakers Prabhu and Sarnaik had raised the issue about the revelation against Ranaut that she was on drugs. Suman was in a relationship with her and he had said that she used to force him to do drugs as well. Mumbai Police will look into the allegations, Deshmukh said.

He also made a statement in relation to the tweets by Ranaut, where she likened Mumbai with the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He said that such a statement was unfortunate and is an insult to Mumbai and Maharashtra and its proud people. Mumbai and Maharashtra have given Ranaut everything, but in return she has played with the sentiments of the people. At least, 106 people had laid their lives for a unified Maharashtra. Not only the ruling parties, but even the opposition BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) must also condemn her statement, he said.

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut warns movie mafia against harming her: Trust me it will hurt you even more

Earlier on Monday, Maharashtra assemblys deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal directed Deshmukh to make a statement within 24 hours. Deshmukh made the statement in response to a letter written by Sena legislator Sarnaik seeking unanimous resolution must be passed by the assembly against Ranaut for her anti-Maharashtra rants on social media.

State food and civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal and energy minister Nitin Raut have demanded a bid to expedite the probe in the Naik death case.

They said that the interior designer and his mother had died by suicide three years ago while holding the editor of a news channel responsible for non-payment of their dues against the construction of the channels studio in Mumbai.

The case has been registered. Mumbai Police will be ordered to conduct a probe into it, Deshmukh said.

Ranaut is yet to react against Deshmukhs statement.

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Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who appeared at a press conference with U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, Gov. Jared Polis, Secretary of State Jena Griswold and Denver Clerk and Recorder Paul Lopez, acknowledged that he is in conversations with other AGs across the country about a possible lawsuit to protect the right to vote, with specific importance over preserving the postal service's ability to handle elections.
Coronavirus lingering on chilled salmon may be infectious for more than a week, according to researchers in China, where imported fish have been investigated as a potential source of infections.

Researchers at the South China Agricultural University and Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Guangzhou found SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, collected from salmon samples could survive for eight days at 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit). Thats roughly the temperature at which the fish are transported. The research was released Sunday in a report ahead of publication and peer review.

Chinese authorities have been investigating imported meat, packaging and containers as a potential source of Covid-19 since June after repeatedly finding traces of the pathogen on packaging and food. Six of more than 500,000 samples tested have been positive for the coronavirus, Chinas customs agency said in a report Tuesday.

SARS-CoV-2-contaminated fish from one country can be easily transported to another country within one week, thus serving as one of the sources for international transmission," the researchers said, noting the fish must be kept at a temperature of 0-4 degrees Celsius during shipping.

The government is striving to prevent contamination by strengthening cooperation with meat exporting countries. As of Monday, China had halted imports from 56 companies in 19 countries after employees there were infected.

The first outbreak of the pandemic-causing disease was initially associated with the Huanan Seafood Market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019, and an outbreak in June was associated with the Xinfadi Seafood Market in Beijing, they said.

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A Beijing-based artist currently detained on public order charges in the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing is critically ill in hospital after beginning a hunger strike following his trial on Aug. 13, RFA has learned.



Liu Jinxing -- who is better known by his artist name Zhui Hun -- was detained by Nanjing police in late May 2019 alongside five other prominent and outspoken artists who had exhibits in the city at the same time.



While activists initially believed them held temporarily ahead of the politically senstive anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre on June 4, Zhui was later held under criminal detention on suspicion of "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble," a charge commonly used to target peaceful critics of the ruling Chinese Communist Party.



His family were informed by the authorities at the Nanjing No. 3 Detention Center of his transfer from to a critical care facility at a hospital in the city, his wife Liu Lijiao told RFA on Tuesday.



Liu said Zhui's father had received notification on Aug. 21 that his son was critically ill after refusing food in detention.



She said details of how Zhui had gotten so sick are currently vague.



"I asked the lawyer to ask them for me," she said. "Then, I called the detention center, myself. I couldnt get through for a long time, but when I finally spoke to a staff member, they said they couldn't give out any information because they had no way of verifying my identity."



Zhui's lawyer Xie Yanyi said his client stood trial at the Xuanwu District People's Court in Nanjing on Aug. 13, where he had stated that he would go on hunger strike.



"When he made his final statement on the day of the trial, Zhui said he would refuse to eat in detention out of protest that he didn't get a fair trial," Xie told RFA, adding that the court has yet to issue a verdict or a sentence in the case.



"We later communicated that to the judge, and the judge said that he wanted to meet with him," he said.



"Then, the detention center issued a notice about his condition ... but the fact that he was already critically ill by then shows that he had been on hunger strike for some time," Xie said.



Xie said the case against Zhui was a violation of his freedom of expression and basic human rights, and that Zhui had refused to "confess" or plead guilty to the charge against him.



Repeated calls to the Nanjing No. 3 Detention Center rang unanswered during office hours on Tuesday.



Zhui, 48, is a well-known member of Beijing's Songzhuang Artists' Village.



His "Scream" series of performance artworks has taken aim at official wrongdoing, and he has auctioned off artworks to provide financial aid to the families of Chinese prisoners of conscience.



His detention came as he traveled to Nanjing to hold a fund-raising art auction alongside other artists.



Reported by Wong Siu-san and Sing Man for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2020) - QuantGate Systems Inc. (OTC Pink: QGSI) expands its global broker network by signing a private label distribution agreement of its AI driven application, Pilot, with 8topuz Wealth Fintech, a leading AI trading and wealth management software provider.

As the demand for cutting-edge AI-powered trading automation platforms continues to rise, QuantGate continues to be recognized by global brokers as a key differentiator. 8topuz's decision to select QuantGate as a technology partner accelerates the democratization of what was in the past only available to the most astute traders and institutional investors.

Pilot enables investors to conveniently trade with cutting-edge artificial intelligence and gain significant performance benefits. The application enables users to easily and securely login with their existing brokerage account and trade directly in-app via a rich, AI powered experience.

"We are extremely excited about our (distribution partnership) and new collaboration with 8topuz and how it enhances the growth trajectory of our business," said Ilan Yosef, COO of QuantGate. "8topuz is an ideal partner with retail investor reach in MENA, Middle East and Africa regions. 8topuz's business model offers scalability and distribution through select partners and is expanding worldwide. Our agreement covers worldwide distribution to a vast target audience customized for FX and the active retail trader markets. Pilot's mission is to make trading easier for everyone, and we are excited for this opportunity to continue delivering on that promise at a global scale."

Consumers rely on performance driven tools and services to assist in the investment decision making process. Too often, connecting the dots is complicated, time consuming and results in traders making ineffective decisions that end in capital loss. With Pilot, traders no longer need to be concerned about technical setup or analysis. Pilot addresses the complexity of trading, by providing traders with the information they need (when to buy and when to sell), when they need it, so that they can trade confidently and with ease.

"We are delighted to enter into this agreement with QuantGate. Pilot is a performance driven AI platform that suits our target audience perfectly. We work with brokers and their clients and Pilot is our choice for seamless integration and trader performance benefits. Over the years 8topuz has developed effective new tools by focusing on how FX trading and AI can be combined to simplify trader experience."

"Retail traders should have the same benefits as their institutional counter-parts, and we are in alignment to offering a premium user experience tailored for active trader performance in the FX markets," said Abdoulkader ABDI Co-founder & Executive Director of 8topuz.

This agreement, effective immediately, presents both an entry into new distribution channels, partnerships and enhancements to Pilot's offering. 8topuz is an established fintech company with over 83 online brokers in its current distribution network. The agreement covers an initial 6-month target of 10,000 subscribers in the mentioned regions. The combination of Pilot's technology and 8topuz's solution will enhance the user experience, onboarding and customer experience across the regions.

About QuantGate Systems Inc.

QuantGate Systems Inc. (OTC Pink: QGSI) (www.quantgatesystems.com) is a diversified fintech company that is engaged in the business of researching, developing and deploying proprietary artificial intelligence trading platforms. The company's unique approach, developed over 20 years of modeling and testing, utilizes radically innovative psychology-based models to quantify market participant sentiment and trader perception through real time analysis of market participant activities.

Since 2019, the Company has set on a new course with a clear objective to expand its suite of disruptive solutions through active development to retail and institutional trading channels.

About 8topuz Wealth Fintech:

8topuz Wealth Fintech, is a European based artificial intelligence and machine learning software provider currently expanding operations to the MENA region in partnership with the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum in the UAE.

8topuz is an award-winning automated A.I software for trading in the currency markets.

The system analyses and recognizes patters of accumulated historic data over a multitude of data points to better forecast and react to future outcomes and adapt according to its environment.

Employing an effective combination of human knowledge, discretionary trading, artificial intelligence and oversight, our systems helps members cut risks, increase profits and simply investment decisions.

Forward-Looking Statements



Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth above may include forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties. Words such as "may", "could", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan", and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements.



QuantGate does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements and cautions investors to consider all other risks and uncertainties, including those disclosed in QuantGate filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Media Contacts

QuantGate Systems:

Ronnie Shporer

info@quantgatesystems.com

8topuz:

Anthony Munns

anthony@8topuz.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/63380
Just a week after a tough primary season ended with Sen. Ed Markey defeating challenger Rep. Joe Kennedy III, the pair will join forces on Tuesday night in a Massachusetts Democratic Party virtual unity event as part of the effort to help flip the U.S. Senate seat in Maine.

Sara Gideon, the speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, is taking on four-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins, whos known for her independence and bipartisanship but whos frequently rankled Democrats during the Trump administration.

Gideon, a state representative for four terms, has out-raised Collins this summer and leads the most recent polls by an average of 4.5 points, according to Real Clear Politics.

Kennedy  whos pushed for using his position as a four-term congressman and potential senator to mobilize and campaign for Democrats nationwide  will join with Markey Tuesday to help launch MassDems Mobilize Maine, a series of phone banks to aid Gideon, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and running mate Sen. Kamala Harris.

Markey, who pledged last week to work with Kennedy to advance the progressive agenda, still faces a general election challenge from Republican attorney Kevin OConnor.

The MassDems YouTube channel will live stream the unity event, which begins at 6 p.m.

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The Vietnamese Government is considering reopening six international air routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (the Republic of Korea), Chinese Taipei, Guangzhou (China), Laos and Cambodia. The routes will be operated with one flight per week and passengers are required to comply with strict regulations on mandatory medical quarantineand isolation of 14 days. With such a cautious policy of resuming air routes, international airports will not be immediately bustling. As a result, travel businesses will not haveenough guests so they cannot call all employees back to work; and restaurants and hotels will not immediately improve their revenues. However, the resumption of international air routes is essential for the entry of thousands of foreign experts to maintain and expand production at projects related to foreign capital and equipment. In addition, the reopening will help foreign enterprises continue to seek investment opportunities in Vietnam which were interrupted due to broken aviation demand.

The reopening of trade with several countries that have controlled the epidemic well and who are important partners of Vietnam was proposed and discussed by the National Assembly in late June. However, the second Covid-19 outbreak happened in Da Nang, while the reopening had not been finalised. Currently, some economies in the EU and the Asian region have reopened in bilateral relations, on the basis of considering the possibility of controlling the epidemic and the long-term harm of border closures to fight against the pandemic.

As an export-oriented country with extensive international economic integration, Vietnam must take into account the possibility of gradually reopening the economy at this time,especially when the country has become a model for Covid-19 control. The economys reopening, firstly the international air routes and the restoration of entry and exit activities, will create favourable conditions for enterprises and investors to boost cooperation in production and business activities, promoting visits to relatives and tourism. The resumptioin will be seen as a guarantee for Vietnam's export goods to be circulated more smoothly in terms of procedures in import markets.

During the outbreak of Covid-19, economic and trade relations between Vietnam and important partners have not been maintained through many different channels. However, this method has not been enough for economic recovery and development. In the context that it is impossible to determine when the Covid-19 epidemic is fully repelled, the formation of a new normal state in all socio-economic aspects, including the implementation of the roadmap to open the economy, will be the lifesaver for all nations. The Vietnamese Government is carefully calculating the countrys reopening so there will be no risks regarding epidemic prevention and control in the country.
New Delhi: Union Health Ministry on Tuesday (September 8) issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for a partial reopening of schools for students of 9th to 12th classes on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ministry issued the SOP in the wake of the Centre's decision to allow phase-wise unlocking of activities. It has issued generic preventive measures including simple public health measures that should be followed to reduce the risk of COVID-19.

Teachers, employees, and students have been asked to follow the measures given below:

1. The physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed as far as feasible.

2. Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory.

3. Frequent handwashing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds) can be done wherever feasible.

4. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves the strict practice of covering ones mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing of used tissues properly.

5. Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest.

6. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited.

7. Installation and use of the Aarogya Setu App may be advised wherever feasible.

All schools (with classes IX to XII) shall specifically ensure the following arrangements:

1. Online/distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged.

2. Students of class 9th to 12th shall be permitted to visit their school on a voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers. This will be subject to the written consent of their parents/guardians.

3. Such visits and teacher-student interaction must be organized in a staggered manner.

.@MoHFW_INDIA issues SOP for partial reopening of schools for students of 9th to 12th classes on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers, in the context of #COVID19 Read herehttps://t.co/j3WWXKBeg9 pic.twitter.com/7C4qkYY54h  PIB India (@PIB_India) September 8, 2020

The schools have also been advised to follow certain measures prior to opening the schools.

1. School outside the containment zones only shall be allowed to open. Further, students, teachers, and employees living in containment zones will not be allowed to attend school. Students, teachers, and employees shall also be advised not to visit areas falling within containment zones.

2. Prior to resumption of activities, all work areas intended for teaching/demonstrations, etc., including laboratories, other common utility areas shall be sanitized with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution, with particular attention to frequently touched surfaces.

3. Schools that were used as quarantine centers will be properly sanitized and deep cleaned before partial functioning is resumed. Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for disinfection of common public places including offices may be referred to in this regard)

At the entry point, the schools should mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions. Multiple gates/separate gates, if feasible, should be used for entry and exit.



Only asymptomatic persons (teachers, employees, and students) to be allowed on the premises. If a teacher/employee/student is found to be symptomatic, he/she should be referred to the nearest health center.

The schools have also been asked to display posters/standees on preventive measures about COVID-19 prominently. They should have proper crowd management in the parking lots, in corridors, and in elevators  duly following physical distancing norms shall be organized.

The entry of visitors should be strictly regulated/restricted.
The quick background: Rittenhouse came from Antioch, Illinois, about 20 miles away, to join with other armed citizens to protect Kenosha businesses from a reprise of the arson and vandalism that had broken out the previous night during protests over the police shooting of Jacob Blake on Aug. 23. Close to midnight, the teen ended up shooting three people in what my review of the available evidence and the law suggested were acts of self-defense, even though Kenosha County has charged him with first-degree intentional homicide among other offenses.
We have had misgivings about the Achievement School District from the beginning. Conservatives bemoaned the loss of local control. For others, it was the lack of resources and not understanding the underpinnings of poverty that concerned policymakers. Parents called the ASD school takeover process a scam. However, desperate times drive desperate measures. The ASD was created in 2010 as part of Tennessees Race to the Top plan.

Tennessee enacted the ASD to much national fanfare. Its been downhill ever since. In the ASD, we created false and misleading hope for truly the most vulnerable of children. These children will not discover the promise of the future without quality education. Now they are seemingly abandoned. As far back as 2017, Gary Henry, then a Vanderbilt University researcher, found in his research of the ASD that there was no data to support that the program was helping students. ASD schools were less effective than district-run schools. Currently, across all subjects, less than ten percent of students in the ASD are meeting state academic standards when last measured. The absentee rate is also roughly 30 percent.

While much of the focus has been on the charter schools in the ASD, the four state-run schools of the ASD have been largely under the radar. These are schools that should have been converted to charter schools, but trying to implement too much, too fast, left the state without a charter operator for these schools. This means that while charters are subject to closure, scrutiny, data reporting, and performance management, the state does not have to report the performance of these schools to anyone, leaving no accountability and oversite to ensure children are learning. It reminds us why President Ronald Reagan once proclaimed that the most terrifying words in the English language are Im from the government and Im here to help.

If someone were to look behind the curtain of these state-run schools, they would find higher than usual teacher and principal turnover while the Shelby County schools grades 1-3 outperform these schools by double digits. In other words, like most of the ASD schools, they arent doing much better - and in some cases worse  than the district schools.

The TN Department of Education has not demonstrated a sustained commitment by investing the time and resources necessary to create lasting change in their four state-run schools. In a recent two-day visit to Memphis, Commissioner Schwinn visited an ASD charter school and a municipal school, but not her own state-run schools. This isnt unusual  shes abnormally hands off of the ASD, but during a pandemic, we would think she would want to see the state schools for herself, the children, and the safety protocols she is directly responsible for. However, she would have only been only able to visit two or her schools, as two still are not open.

Thats right - as Governor Lee stands at podiums and insists that its safe for students to return to school, at least two of his own schools have yet to open. Frayser and Corning pushed back the start of the school year to September 2nd and then it will be virtual, their Facebook pages say, until Sept. 14, 2020. It seems to conflict with the objective of the state. Even the devices were not handed out until Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, 2020. These students are falling through the cracks, and nobody at the state notices it? We have to do better, and I am certain local control is preferential to state control at this point.

Not opening a state-operated school in a pandemic is the least of the issues in the ASD. A search firm was hired to identify a new leader, perhaps someone with actual turnaround experience, and then abruptly halted. The state hosted multiple community meetings last spring with promises of hiring a leader, closing the ASD low-performing charters, and returning the state-run schools back to their district  but none of this has come to fruition, leaving most of Memphis to wonder if the Commissioner will at least follow her own laws for the closure of its low-performing charter schools. All of this, however, would take work, commitment, and actual execution of promises made. This cannot be accomplished by the Departments infamous toolkits, no more than the toolkits have been adequate responses to a pandemic.

In 2020, the Tennessee General Assembly wisely passed Public Chapter 777. Once enacted, this will require the Commissioner to develop a transition plan to plan the return, no earlier than the 2024-2025 school year, of schools in the ASD to the LEAs from which the schools were removed. It will also require the Commissioner to submit the plan to the education committees of the Senate and House by Jan. 1, 2021. The new law clarifies that a school that has been placed in the ASD must remain in the ASD until the school is authorized to return to its LEA according to the transition plan. The state should accelerate that process and immediately end the failed ASD. The Tennessee House Education Committee should preview that plan in their Summer Study meeting on September 22nd and 23rd this month. Surely, the failure to reopen these schools, in person, virtually, or by hybrid - and the delay in getting devices - falls under the criteria for the purpose of the Summer Study meeting.



To be fair, leadership is hard, and Commissioners are easy targets for all sorts of criticism. We should not look at the personality, but rather look at the work. Tennesseans have always believed that if we faced our problems and worked at them, they could be resolved. Herein is the critical point: In the case of Penny Schwinns leadership in Tennessee, there is nothing to actually show for the work. No new policies, no initiatives to support the learning of children, no newly forged bridges or support to marginalized or high-risk populationsnothing. Most stakeholders and policymakers feel completely left out of the process. Education impacts successes in all other policy areas, and we need many voices to be heard. For Governor Lee, who boldly proclaimed he wanted to be the education Governor we are still waiting in public education.



*********

JC Bowman

Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee
HALIFAXNova Scotia is ready to deal with a second wave of COVID-19 should a resurgence occur, the provinces chief medical officer of health told a legislature committee on Tuesday.

Dr. Robert Strang told the health committee that any future response would also include lessons learned from an outbreak that claimed 53 lives at the Northwood long-term care facility in Halifax this spring. Nova Scotia has seen 65 deaths overall.

Look across the country, theres no doubt that COVID has highlighted long-term care as an issue, Strang said.

The province is conducting a review into the Northwood outbreak along with another looking broadly at infection control in the long-term care sector.

Strang said work is ongoing to ensure strengthened plans are in place at individual long-term care facilities in the event of another outbreak.

Deputy health minister Dr. Kevin Orrell, said the two reviews are on course to be ready with recommendations by Sept. 15.

In response to a question from NDP committee member Susan LeBlanc, Orrell said an increase to operational funding is under consideration. He pointed out that money has not been an issue since the beginning of the pandemic.

We are $368 million in deficit at the Department of Health and Wellness, and we still will do what we have to do for the people of Nova Scotia and for the vulnerable people in these nursing homes, Orrell said.

Orrell was also questioned by Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Houston about the resumption of non-emergency health procedures and tests that were put on hold on March 17 to free up hospital beds.

The deputy minister said procedure rebookings are underway, although a backlog remains. Orrell said hospital admissions across the province have also ramped up to a range of between 90 to 100 per cent of capacity.

In fact thats probably more than we would like because we still have to maintain capacity for the next wave, so there has to be some adjustment of that.

Nova Scotia currently has three active cases of COVID-19 and Strang said measures currently in place around border entry, the mandatory use of masks in most indoor areas, and the required testing of students returning to universities and colleges has the province well positioned for whats to come.

He also credited the response of the public, who he said acted quickly to comply with the measures taken by health officials.

All-in-all Nova Scotia has fared well, Strang said. What got us through the first wave  strong preparation and a commitment to keeping cases low  will get us through the second wave.

So far, Nova Scotia has had 1,086 positive COVID-19 cases with 1,018 cases now resolved. No one is currently in hospital.

Strang said testing capacity had increased since the onset of the pandemic from less than 200 a day to 1,500 a day.

At our peak of new cases we were testing more people per capita than any other province, he said.

To date, Nova Scotia has had 80,682 negative test results.

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Days after the Maharashtra government extended the price cap on the treatment of Covid-19 patients in private hospitals, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has decided to hold a peaceful rally against the decision at Azad Maidan on September 10.

All branches of the IMA in Maharashtra will also burn replicas of their medical registration certificates at the branch office or at prominent places.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, around 100 doctors will gather in the morning. We will meet the chief minister with our memorandum and demands, said Dr Avinash Bhondwe, president of IMA, Maharashtra.

IMA is a pan-India government accredited association of doctors. In Maharashtra, they have 216 branches with over 45,000 registered doctors.

In April, the state government had mandated that private hospitals would have to allocate 20% beds for Covid-19 patients. Out of these, 80% beds are regulated by the civic body.

On August 21, the health department issued a circular extending the duration of the price cap till November 30. The circular also stated that private hospitals can begin charging regular rates for the 50% beds reserved for non-Covid patients, even as the government rates will be applicable to the remaining 50% beds meant for Covid-19 patients.

Following this, the Maharashtra unit of the IMA has come down heavily on the health department for unilaterally extending the Covid-19 price cap on private hospitals without consulting its members. Maharashtras Covid-9 tally stands at over 9.23 lakh.

The IMA claims that hospitals are finding it difficult to meet the cost of oxygen, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, biomedical waste charges, staff salaries, disinfection at the current government rates.

For this, the health minister had convened a meeting to increase the rates, and it was decided to hold a meeting with IMA representatives, before August 31, to discuss the hike. However, without holding such a meeting, the state health secretary issued a circular on August 31 to maintain the rates and add more items in it to make it more unaffordable, Bhondwe said.

The association had informed the state health minister, Rajesh Tope on September 1 who apparently promised to hold a meeting within three days but till September 8 noon he had not responded.

In an open letter, the IMA said doctors are being unjustly criticised.

On one hand the unaffordable rates have been forced on the doctors and on the other hand doctors are being prosecuted by sending auditors if there is any minor mistake in the bills prepared with the unaffordable rates. At the same time, ministers and leaders have continuously been proclaiming that the doctors are robbing patients. Because of this unjust criticism the doctors in the state of Maharashtra are losing their self confidence, reads the open letter of Maharashtra unit of the IMA.

The IMA claims over 150 private doctors have succumbed to Covid-19 while treating patients. But unlike government and municipal employees, they are not eligible for the Covid-19 insurance of Rs 50 lakhs.

The reason for the failure of the coronavirus pandemic in Maharashtra state lies in the short-sighted, unscientific, inhumane and repressive practices of the administrators, who are fully responsible for controlling the epidemic in this fashion, by tyrannizing the doctors instead of consulting with them. All the citizens know that the contribution of all the private hospitals in controlling the coronavirus outbreak in Maharashtra is invaluable, said Dr Bhondwe.

Simultaneously, such protests will also be conducted all across the state in front of the administrative offices like collectors, municipal commissioners among others in their respective regions seeking justice for doctors.
Apple, via an update on its events page, unveiled that it will be hosting a special event at Apple Park on September 15 at 10AM PDT (or 10:30PM IST).

Apple on Tuesday evening announced that it will be hosting its annual fall event on September 15 wherein the company is expected to unveil iPhone 12 series smartphones and Apple Watch Series 6 among other things.

The company, via an update on its events page, unveiled that it will be hosting a special event at Apple Park on September 15 at 10AM PDT (or 10:30PM IST). Apple typically hosts its annual event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, which is attended by hundreds of people from all across the globe. However, this year, the company will be hosting the event virtually the way it hosted WWDC 2020 in June this year.

As far as the product lineup is concerned, Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 12 series smartphones at the event. Reports so far have hinted towards the iPhone 12 series comprising of four iPhone models. Two budget models with screen sizes of 5.4-inches and 6.1-inches, and two Pro models with screen sizes of 6.1-inches and 6.7-inches. Reports have also hinted towards the company opting for a staggered launch for its iPhone 12 series with the premium iPhone 12 models being launched later in October. If this is indeed true, it is possible that the company would launch the budget variants at its September 15 event while keeping the Pro variants for a later date.

Apart from the iPhone 12 series smartphones, Apple is also expected to launch the Apple Watch Series 6 at its upcoming event. Reports have hinted towards the Watch Series six getting two variants this year, one that will succeed the premium Watch Series 5 and the other low-cost variant that will succeed the Watch Series 3 and compete with the likes of Fitbit and Samsung.

Additionally, the company is expected to launch the iPad Air 4 at its September 15 event. This new iPad Air is tipped to get an iPad Pro 2020 like design and support for Apple Pencil 2.

Apple hasnt mentioned anything as to what it has in store for its upcoming event and so we will have to wait until September 15 to figure out the details.
HOUSTON - (Sept. 8, 2020) - If you're looking for an unconventional approach to doing business, select a CEO with an uncommon name, according to new research co-authored by an expert at Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business.

"Using 19 years of data on 1,172 public firms, we show that firms' distinctive strategies are systematically linked to their CEOs' uncommon names," wrote co-authors Yan Anthea Zhang, the Fayez Sarofim Vanguard Professor of Strategy at the Jones School, and Yungu Kang and David H. Zhu of Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business.

Past studies have examined how organizational outcomes are associated with leadership personalities, values, experiences and demographic characteristics, but not CEO's names -- "one of the most fundamental attributes," the authors argue. A person's name influences their behavior, cognition and sense of self, according to the paper.

"Studies suggest that individuals with uncommon names tend to have a self-conception of being different from their peers," they wrote. "Although many people may not have the confidence to exhibit how unique they believe themselves to be, CEOs do -- they are generally confident individuals."

CEOs who have uncommon names are motivated to differentiate themselves from other CEOs, they argue, which influences strategic distinctiveness, or the degree that a business' strategy differs from industry peers.

"This is consistent with findings from psychological research that successful professionals who have uncommon names tend to view themselves as more special, unique, interesting and creative," they wrote.

Developing and implementing unique business strategies is "critical for firms to obtain competitive advantage and achieve superior performance," according to the authors. They argue that CEOs with uncommon names tend to adopt strategies that deviate from the industry norm, leading to distinctive strategies.

"Our findings can help all stakeholders to better understand and predict a CEO's strategic decisions, they wrote. "Because CEOs with uncommon names tend to pursue distinctive strategies, boards that seek to enhance the distinctiveness of their firms' strategies may want to hire CEOs with uncommon names."

"Other top executives, middle-level managers and employees can also expect a higher likelihood of implementing distinctive strategies when their CEOs have more uncommon names," the authors continued. "Competitors can expect a firm to engage in unusual competitive moves when the CEO has an uncommon name."

###

To schedule an interview with Zhang or for more information, contact Avery Franklin, media relations specialist at Rice, at averyrf@rice.edu or 713-348-6327.

Zhang bio: https://business.rice.edu/person/yan-anthea-zhang.

Paper: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/smj.3231.

Follow the Jones Graduate School of Business via Twitter @Rice_Biz.

Follow Rice Business Wisdom via Twitter @RiceBizWisdom.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - The U.S. Navy said Tuesday it halted its search for a sailor believed to have gone overboard from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz in the northern Arabian Sea.

The Navy identified the missing sailor as Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Ian McKnight. He disappeared Sunday, sparking a ship-wide search before the Navy sounded a man overboard alert for him.

We are deeply saddened as we call off the search, said Capt. Max Clark, the vessels commanding officer. We hold his family and friends in our hearts during this difficult time.

The Navy said an investigation continued into McKnights disappearance.

The Nimitz, whose home port is Bremerton, Washington, has been in the Arabian Sea since late July with its 5,000 sailors and Marines. It replaced the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The Eisenhower had spent months in the Arabian Sea on a deployment that saw the carrier break the Navys previous at-sea record. Navy officials have limited port calls due to the ongoing pandemic.

The Nimitzs arrival in the Mideast saw Iran conduct a live-fire drill targeting a mockup aircraft carrier resembling it.

The drill underlined the lingering threat of military conflict between Iran and the U.S. after a series of escalating incidents last year led to an American drone strike that killed a top Iranian general in Baghdad. Tehran responded to that strike by firing ballistic missiles that wounded dozens of American forces in Iraq.
Google's next flagship smartphone Pixel 5 release is expected to be released by the end of September. The next generation of Pixel smartphones is likely to arrive this month as Vodafone Germany has already listed the device in its internal database, as per a leaked document.

According to German YouTuber Techcheck, telecoms carrier Vodafone has the Pixel 5 tipped to arrive in stores in Germany on September 25, suggesting that Google launch event could merely be a couple of weeks away.

The leaked document also reveals that the Pixel 4a 5G is expected to be released alongside Pixel 5.

There was no word on the cost of Pixel 5 in this leak, but a previous leak has hinted that the Pixel 5 would be priced at around 629 euros. This would make new Pixel 5 much cheaper than Pixel 4 at its launch, which might be possible given the Pixel 5's mid-range chipset.

Google Pixel 5 specs

Google is expected to equip the Pixel 5 with 128GB of internal storage as standard and offer 6GB or 8GB of RAM. The other rumoured Pixel 5 specs are 6.67-inch display and 4,000 mAh battery pack.

In terms of camera, Pixel 5 may come with triple-lens rear camera setup including a wide-angle lens. The phone will also offer 5G connectivity.

The upcoming smartphone is likely to get a punch-hole camera module for selfies, along with a relatively faster 90Hz screen refresh rate. The overall design will be similar to the Pixel 4A. The Pixel 5 is also rumoured to support 15W fast charge and 5W reverse wireless charging.

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By PTI

LEH: India on Tuesday said Chinese troops attempted to close in on its position in eastern Ladakh a day earlier and fired shots in the air, in a rapid escalation of tensions where firearms were used along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after 45 years.

The fresh confrontation in Rezang-La ridgeline in eastern Ladakh on Monday evening where the soldiers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army(PLA) carried clubs and spears erupted three days after the defence ministers of India and China held talks in Moscow, and ahead of an expected meeting between their foreign ministers in the Russian capital on Thursday.

As India and China accused each other of firing in the air near the Pangong lake at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh on Monday.

ALSO READ | China confirms 5 missing Arunachal youths 'found by their side': Rijiju

the Indian Army said that despite the "grave provocation" its troops exercised "great restraint" and behaved in a mature and responsible manner.

"In the instant case on September 7, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own (Indian) troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops," the Army said in a statement.

An identical statement was also issued by the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA).

The previous instance of shots being fired at the de-facto border was in 1975. Provisions of an agreement of 1996 and another inked in 2005 mandate the two sides not to use firearms during any confrontation.

The statement by the Indian Army came after the PLA late on Monday night alleged that the Indian troops crossed the LAC and "outrageously fired" warning shots near the Pangong lake.

"At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing. It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress," the Army said.

Government sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the top echelons of the government have been apprised about the situation in eastern Ladakh and the Army has been told to maintain the highest level of alert along the LAC in Ladakh.

On Monday evening's incident, they said Chinese troops carried rods, spears, clubs and pole weapons called 'Guandao' in aggressively trying to close in on an Indian position in Mukhpari area of Rezang-La ridgeline.

The sources said around 50-60 soldiers of PLA approached the Indian post in the southern bank of Pangong lake area at around 6 PM but the Indian Army personnel posted there strongly confronted them, forcing their retreat.

It may be recalled that the Chinese troops had mounted a savage attack on Indian soldiers with stones, nail-studded sticks, iron rods and clubs during the Galwan Valley clashes in eastern Ladakh on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed.

The sources said the Chinese army may have planned to engage Indian troops on Monday evening in a way similar to the clashes in Galwan Valley as its soldiers were seen carrying rods, spears, clubs and 'Guandao'.

ALSO READ | China asks Indian students to stay in touch with Chinese colleges for updates on academic progress

The sources said Indian troops did not use any firearm, adding the attempt of the Chinese troops was to remove Indian Army from the strategic heights in Mukhpari peak and Rezang-La areas.

The sources said Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a standoff at a location near North of Rezang-La ridgeline around the southern bank of Pangong lake and the number of PLA personnel was around 40.

Senior Colonel Zhang Shuili, a spokesperson of PLA's Western Theater Command, in a statement on Monday night alleged that Indian troops illegally crossed the LAC and "outrageously fired" warning shots on Chinese border patrol soldiers who were about to negotiate.

Chinese troops were forced to take countermeasures to stabilize the situation, he said without elaborating.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian hoped that disengagement of troops can be achieved as soon as possible through mutual consultations, flagging approaching harsh winter in the region.

He spoke about disengagement when asked at a media briefing about restoration of the status quo by disengaging the troops.

"You have a good wish. We all hope our troops get back to their camping area and there won't be any more confrontation in the border areas. You know that place has a very bad natural condition and it is above a height of 4,000 metres," he said.

"I also want to stress in this incident, the Indian side fired shots to the Chinese border troops first. This is the first time since 1975 that the tranquility is interrupted by the shots. And the Chinese side always stresses that both sides should peacefully settle our differences through dialogue and consultations. Confrontation won't benefit either," he added.

Tensions escalated manifold along the LAC in eastern Ladakh after the Galwan Valley clashes.

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.

The border situation deteriorated again after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake on the intervening night of August 29 and 30.

ALSO READ | After fresh tensions in Ladakh, China says it 'hopes for disengagement as soon as possible'

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.

The PLA has been eyeing to capture the strategic heights in the last three-four days, the government sources said, adding the Chinese troops also damaged an iron fence on Monday evening which was put up by Indian troops in the area.

India continues to dominate strategic peaks around the southern bank of Pangong lake area overlooking key Chinese formations in the Moldo area. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following China's transgression attempts.
The hit that Indias dreams have taken from the coronavirus pandemic can be found in the hushed streets of Surats industrial zone.

You can see it in textile mills that took generations to build but are now sputtering, eking out about one-tenth of the fabric they used to make.

You can see it in the lean faces of the families who used to sew the finishing touches on saris but, with so little business, are now cutting back on vegetables and milk.

You can see it in the empty barbershops and mobile phone stores, which shoppers have deserted as their meager savings dwindle to nothing.

Ashish Gujarati, the head of a textile association in this commercial hub on Indias west coast, stood in front of a deserted factory with a shellshocked look on his face and pointed up the road.

You see that smokestack? he asked. There used to be smoke coming out of it.

Not so long ago, Indias future looked entirely different. It boasted a sizzling economy that was lifting millions out of poverty, building modern megacities and amassing serious geopolitical firepower. It aimed to give its people a middle-class lifestyle, update its woefully vintage military and become a regional political and economic superpower that could someday rival China, Asias biggest success story.

But the economic devastation in Surat and across the country is imperiling many of Indias aspirations. The Indian economy has shrunk faster than any other major nation. As many as 200 million people could slip back into poverty, according to some estimates. Many of its normally vibrant streets are empty, with people too frightened of the outbreak to venture far.

Much of this damage was caused by the coronavirus lockdown imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which experts now say was at turns both too tight and too porous, both hurting the economy and spreading the virus. India now has the fastest growing coronavirus crisis, with more than 80,000 new infections reported each day.

India still has strengths. It has a huge, young workforce and oodles of tech geniuses. It represents a possible alternative to China at a time when the United States and much of the rest of the world is realigning itself away from Beijing.

But its stature in the world is slipping. Last quarter the Indian economy shrank by 24%, while Chinas is growing again. Economists say India risks losing its place as the worlds fifth largest economy, behind the U.S., China, Japan and Germany.

This is probably the worst situation India has been in since independence, said Jayati Ghosh, a development economist at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. People have no money. Investors arent going to invest if there is no market. And the costs have gone up for most production.

Many neighborhoods in the capital of New Delhi where low-paid workers used to live are deserted, shell-like, a hot wind blowing through empty, tin-walled shacks. A few years ago, when the economy was expanding at a 9% clip, it was difficult to find a place to rent.

When Modi was swept to power in 2014 on a tide of Hindu nationalism, many Indians felt their nation had finally found the forceful leader to match their aspirations.

But Modi has concentrated his energies on divisive ideological projects, like a new citizenship law that blatantly discriminates against Muslims or tightening the governments grip over the mostly Muslim region of Kashmir.

Quarter by quarter, Indias economic growth rate has been dropping, from 8% in 2016 to 4% right before the pandemic. Four percent would be respectable for a developed country like the U.S. But in India, that level is no match for the millions of young people streaming into the workforce each year, hungry for their first job.

Many of the complaints that investors make about India  the cumbersome land policies, the restrictive labor laws, the red tape  predate Modi. But his confidence and absolutism, the same qualities that appealed to many voters, may have added to the problems.

Four years ago he suddenly wiped out nearly 90% of Indias paper currency to tamp down corruption and encourage digital payments. While economists cheered both goals, they say the way Modi sprang this move on India did long-lasting damage to the economy.

That impulsiveness emerged again when the coronavirus struck. On March 24, at 8 p.m., after ordering all Indians to stay indoors, Modi shut down the economy  offices, factories, roads, trains, borders between states, just about everything  with four hours notice.

Tens of millions of Indians lost their jobs instantly. Many worked in factories or on construction sites or in urban homes, but they were migrants from rural India.

Fearing they would starve to death in city slums, millions poured out of the urban centers and walked, rode bicycles or hitched desperate rides back to their villages, an epic reverse migration from city to countryside that India had never seen. That dragged coronavirus into every corner of this country of 1.3 billion people.

Now, looking back on it, many economists trace the root of Indias interlocking crises  spiraling infections and a devastated economy  to this moment.

Indias embarrassing slowdown in the second quarter of 2020 is almost entirely because of the nature of the lockdown, said Kaushik Basu, a former chief economist at the World Bank and now a professor at Cornell. This may have been worth it if it arrested the pandemic. It did not.

He called the approach lockdown-and-scatter and said Modis policies had been a failure.

In Surats textile market, Jagdish Goyal sat scowling in his deserted shop with piles of womens suits in teals and oranges, priced for the working poor, now stacked to the ceiling.

Nobodys buying, he said. Why? Because there are no social functions. No weddings to dress up for. No places to go. No big birthday parties. People are scared to go out.

Fear of catching the virus seems to be a decisive factor in Indias economic crisis, extending beyond the lockdown. Going out to shop means risking illness in a time when sick people are sometimes turned away from hospitals.

According to a recent Google Mobility Report, which tracks cellphone data, trips to retail and recreation areas have dropped by 39% compared with before the pandemic. In Brazil and the U.S., the only countries with more coronavirus infections, the drops were less than half as severe.

Anxiety hangs in the humid air of Surats textile zone.

No one comes for a shave anymore, lamented Akshay Sen, a young barber with a few coins in his pocket.

His words echoed off the shuttered shops. Behind him stood a bunch of men milling around a tea stand but not buying any tea.

Behind all that, like a warning sign on the horizon, stood yet another tall brick smokestack, smokeless.
Redtail-1 is 18th discovery on the Stabroek Block

Follows discovery at Yellowtail-2

Adds to previous recoverable resource estimate of more than 8 billion barrels of oil equivalent

Hess Corporation (NYSE: HES) today announced another oil discovery offshore Guyana at the Redtail-1 well, the 18th discovery on the Stabroek Block, which will add to the previously announced gross discovered recoverable resource estimate for the block of more than 8 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

Redtail-1 encountered approximately 232 feet (70 meters) of high quality oil bearing sandstone and was drilled in 6,164 feet (1,878 meters) of water. The well is located approximately 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) northwest of the Yellowtail discovery and is the ninth discovery in the southeast area of the block.

In addition to the Redtail-1 discovery, drilling at Yellowtail-2 resulted in the discovery of additional reservoir intervals adjacent to and below the Yellowtail-1 discovery. Yellowtail-2 encountered 69 feet (21 meters) of high quality oil bearing reservoirs, which comprise the 17th discovery on the Stabroek Block. This resource is currently being evaluated for development in conjunction with other nearby discoveries.

"The Redtail-1 and Yellowtail-2 discoveries further demonstrate the significant exploration potential of the Stabroek Block and will add to the recoverable resource estimate of more than 8 billion barrels of oil equivalent," CEO John Hess said. "Redtail is the ninth discovery in the southeast area of the block which we expect will underpin future development."

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres. ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25 percent interest.

Hess Corporation is a leading global independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. More information on Hess Corporation is available at http://www.hess.com.

Cautionary Statements

This news release contains projections and other forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These projections and statements reflect the company's current views with respect to future events and financial performance. No assurances can be given, however, that these events will occur or that these projections will be achieved, and actual results could differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risk factors. A discussion of these risk factors is included in the company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

We use certain terms in this release relating to resources other than proved reserves, such as unproved reserves or resources. Investors are urged to consider closely the oil and gas disclosures in Hess Corporation's Form 10-K, File No. 1-1204, available from Hess Corporation, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036 c/o Corporate Secretary and on our website at www.hess.com. You can also obtain this form from the SEC on the EDGAR system.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005585/en/

Contacts:

Investor Contact:

Jay Wilson

(212) 536-8940

jrwilson@hess.com



Media Contact:

Lorrie Hecker

(212) 536-8250

lhecker@hess.com
LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / Patriot Gold Corp. (CSE:PGOL)(OTCQB:PGOL) Patriot Gold Corp. ("Patriot") provided the following update today to shareholders.

Patriot Gold owns a 3% royalty on the Moss Mine, now in commercial production and owned by Northern Vertex Mining Corp("Vertex"). The Moss Mine is an open pit, heap-leach, gold-silver operation located in northern Arizona.

Vertex has continued to make significant progress in expanding monthly production, recently reporting record monthly production of 4,218 gold ounces and 37,171 silver ounces for July 2020. Vertex has also been conducting a drilling program with the goal of identifying additional ounces near the current pit and expanding the resource.

Patriot recorded $929,780 in royalty revenue during the first half of 2020, compared to $537,337 in the first half of 2019.

Patriot also owns a 2% royalty on the Bruner gold project ("Bruner"). The Bruner is owned by Canamex Gold Corp ("Canamex"). Although the Bruner is not in production, a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) was completed on it in 2016, and an updated PEA in 2018.

Patriot also owns a 100% interest in three exploration projects: the Windy Peak gold project, the Rainbow Mountain gold project, and the Vernal gold project.

Patriot's Windy Peak gold project ("Windy Peak") is located approximately 45 miles southeast of Fallon in the state of Nevada, and consists of 114 unpatented claims totaling approximately 2,337 contiguous acres. Windy Peak is situated in a gold-producing region which hosts such deposits as the Paradise Peak and Rawhide. Windy Peak has been the focus of extensive historical work, including geologic mapping, rock and float sampling, geophysical surveys and drilling. Patriot has completed two drilling programs on the Windy Peak, the first consisting of a core drilling program in 2018, and the second consisting of a reverse-circulation drilling program in 2019. Both drilling programs have returned positive results, and further drilling is planned.

Patriot's Rainbow Mountain gold project ("Rainbow") is located approximately 23 km southeast of Fallon, in the state of Nevada, and consists of 81 unpatented lode claims totaling approximately 1,620 contiguous acres. Surface sampling has been conducted on Rainbow by Patriot and a drilling program is now permitted.

Patriot's Vernal gold project ("Vernal") is located approximately 140 miles east-southeast of Reno in the state of Nevada, and consists of 12 unpatented mining claims totaling 120 contiguous acres. Patriot has conducted geologic mapping and rock chip sampling, and has completed a National Instrument 43-101 technical report on the project.

About Patriot Gold Corp

Patriot is exploring its 100%-owned gold projects in Nevada, which include the Windy Peak gold project, Rainbow Mountain gold project, and Vernal gold project. Patriot owns a 3% royalty in the Moss Mine in Arizona, now in commercial production. Patriot also owns a 2% royalty in the Bruner gold project in Nevada.

On Behalf of the Board of Patriot

Trevor Newton, President, Director

Contact: 702-456-9565

www.PatriotGoldCorp.com

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this news release may include statements in relation to the timing, cost and other aspects of future plans, objectives or expectations of Patriot Gold Corp. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Patriot's plans include the risk that actual results of current and planned exploration activities will not be consistent with Patriot's expectations; the geology, grade and continuity of any mineral deposits and the risk of unexpected variations in mineral resources, grade and/or recovery rates; fluctuating metals prices; unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and geological tests; availability of capital and financing required to continue Patriot's programs and preparation of geological reports and studies; delays in the preparation of geological reports and studies; general economic, market or business conditions; competition and loss of key employees; regulatory changes and restrictions including in relation to required permits for exploration activities (including drilling permits) and environmental requirements; timeliness of civil government or regulatory approvals; and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by Patriot with securities regulators. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, Patriot has made numerous assumptions, including that Patriot's future exploration programs will proceed as planned and within budget. Patriot expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. More information is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and may be accessed through the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov

SOURCE: Patriot Gold Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/604889/Patriot-Gold-Provides-Shareholder-Update
Directed by Ciro Guerra, written by J.M. Coetzee, based on the novel by Coetzee

Ciro Guerras Waiting for the Barbarians is a remarkable work that outrages one, and ought to outrage one. In our view, it is a film WSWS readers and others ought to see and support.

Based on the 1980 novel by South Africa-born writer J.M. Coetzee, withimportantlya screenplay by Coetzee, the film is set on the remote outskirts of a fictional (or composite) Empire sometime apparently in the 19th century.

The viewer is first introduced to the Magistrate (Mark Rylance), a middle-aged civil servant attempting to work and live out his days without too much stress and bother, who spends much of his time researching artifacts produced by the local barbarian populationnomads who live some distance away in a mountainous regionand dallying with various local women.

The Magistrate receives a visit out of the blue one day from a member of the state security, a policeman, one Colonel Joll (Johnny Depp), complete with an unusual pair of dark glasses, who goes on about the danger represented by the indigenous tribes. True to his word, Joll has a man and his nephew jailed (at this point the outpost has no proper cells) as sheep rustlers. (Soldiers stopped us for nothing, they tell the Magistrate). Joll presides over the torturing of the pair, leading to the older mans death and the nephews making a fantastical confession about a planned uprising, grist for Jolls mill. After all, his position depends on the existence of such threats to the Empire.

Gana Bayarsaikhan and Mark Rylance in Waiting for the Barbarians

The Magistrate remonstrates with the state security man, pointing to the absurdity of the supposed conspiracy. The latter then explains his general theory of extracting information from prisoners, which requires patience and persistence. When he is probing for the truth, he needs to exert pressure to find it. First I get lies  then pressure, then more lies, then more pressure, then the break, then more pressure, then the truth. That is how you get the truth. Pain is truth, explains the torturer, all else is subject to doubt.

Colonel Joll embarks on various missions. Prisoners, innocent nomads and others, are brought back, and beaten and abused. The Magistrate objects at various points, to no avail. Joll plans a longer, more ambitious excursion. The Magistrate tells him, If you get lost, it will be my job to bring you back to civilization. I advise you not to go. Joll, of course, goes off again. The Magistrate assures everyone that they will soon be gone for good and everything will return to normal. He frees the barbarian prisoners and has the area in which they were held scrubbed clean.

In Jolls absence, the Magistrate encounters a young woman (Gana Bayarsaikhan), who appears to be crippled, begging in the street. She turns out to be one of the former prisoners, who was tortured, nearly blinded, and witnessed her father killed. The Magistrate treats her kindly, mending her mangled ankles (the work of Joll and his men, the Magistrate presumes), and develops an affection for her. His servants assume she is now his concubine. What are they doing up there? The usual.

After refusing for a long time to answer the Magistrates questions, the woman finally explains that the interrogators broke her feet and held a red-hot fork to her eyes. Do you want me to take you back? he asks, hoping she will say no. Eventually, the Magistrate and several of his men return the woman to her people. On his arrival back at the outpost, the Magistrate is accused of consorting with the enemy (theres no enemy that I know of, he responds blandly), treason and so forth.

Later, a new group of prisoners is brought back. They are attached by a wire, as the novel explains, that runs through the flesh of each mans hands and through holes pierced in his cheeks. It makes them meek as lambs, I remember being told by a soldier who had once seen the trick: they think of nothing but how to keep very still.

The Magistrate, now freed, intervenes vainly to save the detainees from a horrible fate, which also involves the authorities implicating the local population in their depravity. Brought in for further questioning by Joll and his equally sadistic accomplice, Mandel (Robert Pattinson), the Magistrate turns the tables, accusing them of being criminals. Joll mockingly observes that the Magistrate apparently desires to be the one just man, when, in fact, he is nothing but an insignificant clown. This is nowherepeople are not interested.

Events unfold. Jolls imperial mission ends in a disaster for nearly everyone involved.

This is a very strong film, painful at times to watch, and a thoughtful, devastating work of art, rare in our day. Colombian director Ciro Guerra (Embrace of the Serpent, Birds of Passage, Green Frontier) has taken considerable care with every aspect of the production.

Robert Pattinson in Waiting for the Barbarians

He is assisted immensely by the great British cinematographer Chris Menges, who began working in the film industry in the late 1960s and early 1970s with Lindsay Anderson (If), Ken Loach (Poor Cow, Kes) and Stephen Frears (Gumshoe). In an interview with Cineuropa, Guerra explained that Menges was a pleasure to work with, both for me and for my regular cinematographer, David Gallego, whom I brought in as a camera operator so that he could learn from a real master. For me, though, I always work very closely with my cinematographers, and I try to study their process, but in Chris Menges case, I just have no idea how he did it. It was astonishing. I could not hope to replicate it. Hes 78 years old but had more energy than any of the rest of us.

Rylance is one of the most extraordinarily intelligent and sensitive contemporary theater, film and television performers. It is difficult to imagine him offering the public a single dishonest, fraudulent or unnecessary word or gesture. Depp, at long last, has done something worthy of his genuine talents, after appearing in a great deal of junk. Guerra, in the same interview, noted, a little irreverently, that Depp was very happy to work with actors againwhen you do special-effects films, it can be lonely with all the green screens. So he jumped at the opportunity from page one. Pattinson too, a victim at an early age of the dreadful Twilight Saga film series, demonstrates his artistic seriousness, bringing a brutal policeman to life.

Guerras Waiting for the Barbarians is unusual in that, for once, an allegory, often a weak, abstractly universal device, which drains the specificity and concreteness from people and events, serves here rather to heighten the overall historical and social realism. Although the time period and settingMongolia, Morocco, Afghanistan?are vague, the hard, cold facts of life presented are not. There is no way to seriously interpret this film as anything but a searing indictment of imperialism, and American imperialism in particular. Indeed, it is hard to think of a more uncompromising indictment in recent decades.

Coetzees short novel focused a good deal on the position and tragedy of an older, liberal-minded figure who suddenly encounters the savagery of the administration he has complacently served for decades, and subsequently becomes one of its victims. In the novel, at one point, the Magistrate asks himself: Why should it be inconceivable that the behemoth that trampled them will trample me too? I truly believe I am not afraid of death. What I shrink from, I believe, is the shame of dying as stupid and befuddled as I am. He later adds, What, after all, do I stand for besides an archaic code of gentlemanly behaviour towards captured foes, and what do I stand against except the new science of degradation that kills people on their knees, confused and disgraced in their own eyes?

In a 1982 interview, the novelist explained that the Magistrates situation was riddled with contradictions. On the one hand he wants the ease of the life that he has had. That is an imperial life. Its a life that has been based on conquest. Its just that the sharper edge of conquest isnt visible to him during his particular lifetime. And then he is brought up against the reality of what imperialism is and makes a choice in that situation but its not a choice that is historically viable, that people can follow on a large scale as a way of life.

In the novel, the Magistrate finally recognizes the disagreeable truth that he has not been, as I liked to think, the indulgent pleasure-loving opposite of the cold rigid Colonel. I was the lie that Empire tells itself when times are easy, he the truth that Empire tells when harsh winds blow. Two sides of imperial rule, no more, no less.

The screenplay simplifies, uncomplicates the novel, and, in many ways, improves upon it. The Magistrates somewhat murky sexual and fantasy life, along with his self-interrogations and self-recriminations, is pushed into the background. The need to create a two-hour work for the cinema no doubt had something to do with that, but one would imagine that two decades of unceasing imperialist violence in the Middle East and Central Asia have also played a role. In his screenplay, Coetzee unapologetically places central emphasis on the unrestrained aggression and viciousness of the occupying forces.

Johnny Depp in Waiting for the Barbarians

In any case, the writer has retained the novels strongest moments. Rylances impassioned, but level-headed speech before Joll is a moment of great moral power in both works. You are the enemy, he declares. You are an obscene torturer. You deserve to be hanged! How rarely contemporary filmmakers and others dare to put such honest words in their characters mouths, words that millions will agree with, and how healthy, how refreshing, how necessary it is!

Likewise, the Magistrate later mildly inquires of Mandel, referring to the latters torture activities, as the novel puts it (condensed somewhat in the film), How do you find it possible to eat afterwards, after you have been . . . working with people? That is a question I have always asked myself about executioners and other such people.  Do you find it easy to take food afterwards? I have imagined that one would want to wash ones hands. But no ordinary washing would be enough, one would require priestly intervention, a ceremonial of cleansing, dont you think? Some kind of purging of ones soul toothat is how I have imagined it. Otherwise how would it be possible to return to everyday lifeto sit down at table, for instance, and break bread with ones family or ones comrades?

Waiting for the Barbarians, as it should, has made the critics generally nervous and uncomfortable. Who wants to see a film like this when, after all, it is perfectly possibleand quite easyto avoid such unpleasantness and remain a self-satisfied philistine?

The New York Times sneeringly disparaged the film. Depp, for instance, its review claims, makes a show out of pretending to be understated and seems under the impression that hes still working with Tim Burton. Pattinson, as a cruel Joll underling, joins the evil-doing, kicking in a few cartoon-imperialist sneers and sadistic laughs.

The Times, as it must, cynically and deceitfully harnesses the dismissal to its identity politics obsession. Its comment points out, grudgingly, that the magistrate is not posited as a potential white savior. Then why bring it up, except to plant the inference in the readers minds? The review goes on to argue that the central character is also not meaningfully aware of how, as a functionary of colonialism, hes part of the problem. The movies disinclination to dig into this circumstance deprives it of potential dramatic depth. Barbarians instead aspires to hook an anti-colonialist mentality to an old-school Orientalist narrative style. What nonsense. The films unabashed anti-imperialism is what the Times cannot stomach.

Such reviewers dare not suggest their hearts lie with Joll, but they barely conceal their resentment of the Magistrates moral qualms and pestering. They would have preferred a more nuanced treatment of these murderers, whereby everything is relativized and made conveniently ambiguous, and where the dividing line between criminality and humanity is effaced, and the torturer and his victim are equally deserving of sympathy, or hostility.

The condescending half-heartednessor worseof the reviewers as a whole (Waiting for the Barbarians is dramatically ponderous, proudly unsubtle, a sinister, heavy-handed allegory, a misguidedly straight-faced bore), a bare majority of whom gave this extraordinary work a positive treatment, speaks unmistakably to their social position. An art work that directly addresses the ferocity of colonialist violence is not what this affluent layer, benefiting from the stock market boom and other parasitic financial operations and immersed in gender and racial concerns, would prefer to seeor have anyone else see. There is an awareness, partial or otherwise, within this milieu that imperialist violence at home and abroad protects their wealth and privilege. Hence, their effort to place a cordon sanitaire around Guerras film.
MILWAUKEE  Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris met the family of a Wisconsin man shot by police last month to kick off her Labor Day visit to a critical swing state while President Donald Trump assailed the Democratic ticket and put the halting economic recovery under the best light.

Harris gathered with Jacob Blakes father, two sisters and members of his legal team at the airport in Milwaukee while Blakes mother, attorney Ben Crump joined by phone. Blake also joined the conversation by phone. Joe Biden met with the family last week in Milwaukee before visiting Kenosha, the city where police shot Blake.

The meeting kicked off a packed day of Labor Day campaign events, with Harris meeting IBEW union workers and Black business owners in Milwaukee, while Vice President Mike Pence, also sent to Wisconsin, toured an energy facility in La Crosse before delivering a speech that touched on jobs, the economy and protests in Kenosha.

We will have law and order in every city in this country for every American of every race and creed, Pence said.

At a news conference from the White House, Trump attacked Biden as a leader incapable of handling the coronavirus and reviving the economy and pledged his own undying loyalty to the American worker. He said Biden and Harris would destroy this country and would destroy this economy.

Trump boasted of adding more than 10 million jobs since May without mentioning thats only about half of the jobs lost since the pandemic.

Biden, meanwhile, was collecting a trio of endorsements from organized labor as he headed to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for an AFL-CIO virtual town hall with union President Richard Trumka.

Meeting first with local labor leaders in the backyard of a supporters home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Biden spoke about trade, coronavirus and the economy as he criticized Trump for refusing to deal with the problems that affect ordinary people and called for strengthening unions.

The four attendees expressed support for Biden and frustration with Trumps policies.

I cant understand whats going on today, Im lost, said Bob Faust, a member of the local Ironworkers Union. I get choked up when I think about the direction this countrys going in at this time. We need your help.

Harris morning meeting with Blakes family again underscored the two campaigns differing approaches to addressing police shootings of Black men and women and the resulting protests, including some that have been violent. While Harris and Biden have met with Blakes family, Trump did not in a recent visit to Kenosha, instead meeting law enforcement officials and touring damage to businesses from the protests.

Trumps narrow win in Wisconsin in 2016 helped to send him to the White House. The states importance was underscored by all four candidates campaigning there over the past week.

The Biden campaign believes its labor support could help get out the vote in states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

According to details shared first with The Associated Press, the campaign will announce three union endorsements: the Laborers International Union of North America, the International Union of Elevator Constructors and the National Federation of Federal Employees, collectively representing hundreds of thousands of union workers nationwide who can be mobilized to support the campaign.

Labor Day typically marks the unofficial start to the fall campaign season as candidates accelerate their activity for the final sprint to Election Day. But Mondays events are playing out this year against the backdrop of a pandemic that has upended campaigning, forcing much of the candidates traditional activity online.

Indeed, this marks Harris first solo foray out on the campaign trail for in-person events since she was announced as Bidens running mate nearly a month ago. But Biden himself has stepped up his campaigning over the past week, traveling to Pittsburgh and Kenosha and holding two news conferences. Aides say to expect both Biden and Harris to increase their campaigning for the remaining weeks.

While the presidential campaign was roiled this past week by multiple reports recounting comments Trump allegedly made disparaging fallen soldiers, as well as the police shooting and violent protests in Kenosha, the focus on Labor Day is likely to return to the issue that polls consistently find at the top of voters minds: the economy.

A strong economy that was Trumps biggest asset for reelection has now become a potential liability, brought down by the coronavirus. The Biden campaign has emphasized the economic damage wrought by what Biden argues was an inadequate response to the pandemic that resulted in more loss of life and jobs than necessary. Its a line both Biden and Harris are likely to push while speaking to union voters.

The U.S. economy has been steadily rebounding from its epic collapse in the spring as many businesses have reopened and rehired some laid-off employees. Yet the recovery is far from complete. Only about half the 22 million jobs that vanished in the pandemic have been recovered.

Economic inequalities also appear to have widened, with lower-income and minority workers suffering disproportionately while affluent Americans have lost fewer jobs and even benefited from rising stock and home prices.



Ronayne reported from Sacramento, California. Jaffe reported from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Michael Ryan(L), executive director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Emergencies Program, addresses a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 18, 2020. (Photo by Chen Junxia/Xinhua)

Michael Ryan, executive director of the WHO's Health Emergencies Program, attributed China's success to a "huge partnership between communities, scientific institutions, public health institutions in the government" and "a lot of cooperation, very sustained commitment to getting the job done."

GENEVA, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Senior World Health Organization (WHO) officials on Monday congratulated the front-line health workers and the people in China for having reached a successful outcome in fighting COVID-19.

"Our deepest congratulations go to the front-line health workers in China and the population who worked together tirelessly to bring the disease to this very low level," said Dr. Michael Ryan, executive director of the WHO's Health Emergencies Program, at a routine WHO press briefing.

He was responding to questions about the fact that China has had no local COVID-19 infections for more than two weeks, as all new cases have been imported from abroad but quarantined right after detection.

Ryan attributed to China's success to a "huge partnership between communities, scientific institutions, public health institutions in the government" and "a lot of cooperation, very sustained commitment to getting the job done."

"So we congratulate the front-line workers and the communities in China for having reached such a successful outcome," he said.

"But as we've learned in other countries... it's not over anywhere until it's over everywhere," Ryan said, adding that "there's no room for complacency" as China continues to have imported cases from outside.

"As normal life returns in many countries and especially in China, there's always the risk that the disease can flare up again," he said.

Technical lead for the WHO's Health Emergencies Program Maria van Kerkhove (R) speaks during a daily briefing in Geneva, Switzerland, on March 5, 2020. (Xinhua/Chen Junxia)

Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead for the WHO's Health Emergencies Program and also a member of the international team that visited China in February, said she was impressed then by the public health infrastructure, the systems in place and the strong workforce in China to deal with infectious diseases and COVID-19, which is being activated in many other countries.

"Let's celebrate the successes where we can, (and) not become complacent because it's not over, but be at the ready ... So we look forward to more celebrations of success in the sharing of knowledge across the world," she said.

Bruce Aylward, an epidemiologist who led an advance team from the World Health Organization (WHO), speaks during a press conference of the China-WHO joint expert team in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Dr. Bruce Aylward, senior advisor to the WHO director-general and lead of the COVID-19 international experts' mission in China, said China is passing a "milestone" since it reported no local COVID-19 infections, though 20 days without local transmission doesn't mean it doesn't have the virus.

"But it provides an opportunity to reflect a little bit on what we saw when we were in China," Aylward said.

China's success today, he said, can be attributed to three aspects -- namely investment at the state level in the public health infrastructure, the sense of individual responsibility among the Chinese people, and the incredible effort to build additional capacity and preparedness even when infection was heading down.

"I think all of those things are part of the reason that we're seeing today the very low levels of transmission that hopefully can be maintained," he added.

Photo taken with a mobile phone on Feb. 23, 2020 shows medical workers checking a patient's CT image with a movable CT machine at a makeshift hospital in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. (Photo by Gao Xiang/Xinhua)
The prospect of the Government banning two-for-one offers in shops and supermarkets has been bitterly condemned in the Dail.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald suggested that the measure was envisaged by the Green Party as a way of reducing consumption and waste.

A Green Party spokesman confirmed the draft measure was part of a Waste Action Plan under preparation by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, party leader Eamon Ryan.

Read More

But the Taoiseach said: Nothing has come before Government in terms of two-for-one offers.

The Governments programme will be published next week, including the Climate Bill, he acknowledged. The Programme for Government had committed to publishing such a draft flaw in the first 100 days of the new coalition.

There is a consistent trend of being populist on these issues, he said, whereby Opposition generally supported the alleviation of climate change -- but balked at carbon taxes and other specific measures.

A Government spokesman said: The Waste Action Plan was approved by cabinet on July 27th. The plan outlines a number of proposals which will be brought forward over the coming years.

Specific proposals around tackling food waste will have to be developed further before coming back to cabinet.

Any such measures will to be carefully designed to ensure that they do not impact on lower-income households.

Ms McDonald said that as she understood the propositions from Eamon Ryan, they were wholly unacceptable and frankly off the wall, and entirely out of touch with the day to day realities of ordinary families.

The answer was not to target the very households that had borne the brunt of the Covid emergency, and which had struggled to get their kids back to school and who would struggle again at Christmas, she said.

Have a word with your Government colleagues, she urged.

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett agreed they were off-the-wall proposals, but the said there were others  including the targeting of taxi-drivers, whose earnings had collapsed.

Taxi drivers were not able to earn a living during the lockdown, have had very little business since, and now they have Eamon Ryan urging that they get out of the bus lanes as if they are not part of the public transport network, he said.

The idea amounted to kicking taxi drivers when they are down, Mr Boyd Barrett said. I hope you will tell Minister Ryan that is not acceptable.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said Mr Ryan was always up for negotiation and dialogue.

A Green Party spokesman said this idea had developed via a Green councillor on Dublin City Council and was under consideration in that forum.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Ambassador to Ukraine Tigran Seyranyan met with Ukraines Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova at her Office, the Armenian Embassy said on Facebook, adding that the sides discussed international legal cooperation issues.

Ambassador Seyranyan conveyed the appreciation of the Armenian Prosecutor Generals Office over the level of cooperation with the Ukrainian colleagues. The sides agreed that the existing legal base, including also the 2008 November 13 agreement between the Armenian and Ukrainian Prosecutor Generals enable to conduct the partnership at the highest level.

The Ambassador said Armenia is interested in deepening the relations with the Ukrainian law enforcement system within the frames of international agreements.

In response Mrs. Venediktova said: We have established a productive cooperation with Armenia in terms of international legal mutual support. The regular bilateral contacts allow to effectively solve the issues between the two countries, the challenges and general problems in the fight against crime.

During the meeting issues relating to the Armenian community of Ukraina were also discussed.



Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
Editors note: The original version of this article reported the distribution was taking place Sept. 21. It is happening Sept. 11.

MIDDLETOWN  The Middlesex United Way is working with the city of Middletown and Fellowship Church to distribute fresh produce boxes as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmers to Families Food Box Program.

The USDA has been partnering with farmers, ranchers, specialty crop producers, food processors, food distributors, and nonprofit organizations to ensure that people have access to the fresh and wholesome food they need due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The distribution will be a contact-less, drive-through distribution with families staying in their car throughout the entire process. We ask that you drive up to Fellowship Church in Middletown, 1002 Saybrook Road, at the Brooks Road entrance, and a box will be placed in your car. Please watch for signs and volunteers to guide you.

This is open to all residents, regardless of where you live. There are no income guidelines for receiving food assistance through the program.

The upcoming distribution, Sept. 11 from noon to 4 p.m., will be first-come, first-serve. Volunteers will safely place your produce box in your car while wearing protective masks and gloves.

The program has distributed more than 75 million food boxes in support of American farmers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, the Middlesex United Way partnered with the Cromwell Fire Department and state Rep. Christie Carpino to distribute 35,000 pounds of fresh produce to families in Middlesex County.

A total of 1,400 boxes were donated to families experiencing pandemic-related food insecurity.

Laura Santa Maria from Fellowship Church explained her involvement. We are grateful to be part of this opportunity to distribute fresh produce to people in need. Its a tangible way to show love to our neighbors.

Families and individuals already struggling with food security have been especially challenged by the pandemic, as thousands of residents have lost their jobs and many with health conditions are fearful to enter crowded grocery stores. Volunteers have stepped up in this time of need and continue to amaze us. We are all in this together and are again reminded how important it is to give back to the community you love.

To continue our increased focus on basic needs, including food insecurity, we currently fund the Amazing Grace food pantry and Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantry.

One box per household will be distributed and no pre-orders will be accepted. No identification is necessary.

Christina Heckart is the community impact director at the Middlesex United Way in Middletown.
Jenna Karvunidis on the "Tamron Hall Show" in December 2019. Tamron Hall Show

California's El Dorado Fire, still burning in San Bernardino County as of Tuesday, has been blamed on a gender-reveal party gone wrong.

This prompted Jenna Karvunidis, the blogger credited with starting the gender-reveal trend more than 10 years ago, to condemn the practice on Monday.

"Stop it," Karvunidis wrote on Facebook. "Stop having these stupid parties. For the love of God, stop burning things down to tell everyone about your kid's penis."

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

The woman who popularized the gender-reveal party is calling for an end to the practice after one such event was blamed for a wildfire that has burned for several days in California.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Jenna Karvunidis wrote that it was time to "stop having these stupid parties."

"For the love of God, stop burning things down to tell everyone abour your kid's penis. No one cares but you," she said.

"It was 116 degrees in Pasadena yesterday and this tool thought it would be smart to light a fire about his kid's d---. Toxic masculinity is men thinking they need to explode something because simply enjoying a baby party is for sissies."

Karvunidis is believed to have started the gender-reveal trend when she wrote a blog post back in 2008 detailing how she revealed the sex of her unborn child with cake that had pink icing on the inside.

Karvunidis sought to show that there was a difference between her display and the more dramatic ones involving pyrotechnics that expecting parents have been coming up with lately.

"Excuse me for having a cake for my family in 2008. Just because I'm the gEnDeR rEvEaL iNVeNtoR doesn't mean I think people should burn down their communities," Karvunidis wrote on Facebook. "STOP."

A plume of smoke from the El Dorado Fire seen from Interstate 10 in Loma Linda, California, on Saturday. Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP

California's El Dorado Fire, which is burning in San Bernardino County, has been blamed on a gender-reveal party gone wrong. Fire officials said Saturday that the fire was sparked by a "smoke-generating pyrotechnic device, used during a gender-reveal party."

Story continues

As of Tuesday morning, the fire had grown to nearly 10,000 acres, CNN reported.

Such parties were also blamed for a 2017 fire in Arizona that spread to 47,000 acres and a 10-acre brush fire in Florida in April.

A firefighter battling the Creek Fire in Madera County, California, on Monday. Noah Berger/AP

This isn't the first time Karvunidis has expressed regret over starting the popular trend.

Last year, she wrote that she'd developed "mixed feelings" about applying gender stereotypes before a child is born.

Her perspective on this was changed after she became a mother and her firstborn daughter, Bee, started defying gender norms by dressing in a more masculine style.

"Who cares what gender the baby is?" Karvunidis wrote in the post. "I did at the time because we didn't live in 2019 and didn't know what we know now  that assigning focus on gender at birth leaves out so much of their potential and talents that have nothing to do with what's between their legs."

In an interview with Insider after writing the blog post, Karvunidis said another incident that made her question gender reveals was when another of her daughters, who she described as more "girly," got upset when she was gifted Lego blocks for Christmas.

"She started to cry, and when I asked her what was wrong she said: 'Why would Santa bring me a boy present? It's not pink.'

"Everything is being pinkified these days," Karvunidis said. "While it might come from the right place, what is really happening is that they're boxing girls into a smaller and smaller space. That's not what I want. I want all of the things for all of the kids  let them decide."

Read the original article on Insider
Thousands of trainee doctors in South Korea returned to work on Tuesday after ending a more than two-week strike as the country grappled with sustained three-digit rises in new daily coronavirus infections.

The Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 136 new cases as of midnight Monday, after the rate fell to a three-week low of 119 a day earlier. The total infections rose 21,432, with 341 deaths.

The daily tally has steadily dropped since it reached a peak of 441 last month after the government imposed unprecedented social distancing rules to blunt a second wave of outbreaks from churches and political rallies.

Efforts to curb the latest epidemic has been complicated by the strike launched on Aug. 21 by some 16,000 intern and resident doctors against the government`s medical reform proposals.

The trainee doctors restarted work after agreeing to end the walkout on Monday, though many medical students continued to resist final licensing exams as part of the protest.

The intern and resident doctors are the backbone of healthcare services in emergency rooms and intensive care units, and hospitals increasingly grappled with delays and disruptions amid constant rises in COVID-19 patients.

Authorities are weighing whether to extend the social distancing curbs ahead of Chuseok, one of the country`s biggest holidays this month, which would see tens of millions of people travel nationwide.

President Moon Jae-in said the daily numbers are expected to drop below 100 by the holiday, though health officials have urged against visits and gatherings.

The curbs, including limiting the operation of on-site dining after 9 p.m. (1200 GMT) in the Seoul metropolitan area, were extended for another week until September 13.

Seoul city on Tuesday imposed an entry ban on some of the biggest parks along the Han River which saw a surge in the number of nightly visitors since the restrictions took effect. Cafes, convenience stores and parking lots in all 11 riverside parks will be closed after 9 p.m.

"If you don`t keep distance without wearing a mask properly for a long time, the risk of infection goes quite higher even though you`re outside," KCDC deputy director Kwon Jun-wook told a briefing.
Voters will be asked to decide on three ballot questions in November, but only one  about whether to legalize recreational marijuana  has garnered much attention.

The other two ask if New Jersey should extend tax breaks to veterans who didnt serve during wartime, and if it should delay legislative redistricting if the U.S. Census is late with its data.

This year, legislators expect it to be late because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Redistricting is an issue way below most peoples radar, yet it has a really significant impact on our democracy, said John Froonjian, executive director of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University. It really has major implications for representative government, how representatives are chosen and who is eligible to represent you.

Data from the latest U.S. Census is used every 10 years to redraw legislative districts, based on population changes and the evolving makeup of communities.
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Future Market Insights in its latest report titled Geosynthetics Market: South Asia Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017  2027, presents a comprehensive and a detailed outlook on the South Asia geosynthetics market. The report starts with an executive summary that gives the market outlook of the South Asia geosynthetics market consisting of the pertinent market numbers, CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2017  2027, and market volume numbers in terms of million square metre of geosynthetics consumed. The market overview also lists the most important region in the South Asia geosynthetics market and the corresponding market share of that particular region. The executive summary also contains a brief mention of the drivers, restraints and opportunities present in the South Asia geosynthetics market so that the report audience get to know in brief the important factors impacting the growth of this market. Also, a list of important market players operating in the South Asia geosynthetics market is also given in the executive summary.

The executive summary also lists the various segments in the South Asia geosynthetics market and their market value split for the year 2016. At the end of the executive summary, Future Market Insight analysis is presented, which is a concise and yet informative representation of the overall market approach of the leading players operating in the South Asia geosynthetics market and also the target segment and the target region that are most attractive in this market. The differentiating strategies of key market players operating in the South Asia geosynthetics market is also listed in the executive summary. The section that follows is the market introduction section that gives the market definition explaining what this market is all about and the explanation of the different products, materials, primary functions and the applications of geosynthetics. After this, there is a section devoted to the market taxonomy.

For more insights into the Market, request a sample of this report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-as-3849

Market Taxonomy

By Product Type By Material By Primary Function By Application By Region/Country Geotextile



Geomembrane



Geogrid



Geonet



Geocomposite



Geosynthetic Clay Liner



Others (Geofoam and Geocell) Polyethylene(HDPE/LLDPE, Others)



Polypropylene (PP)



Polyester



Natural Fibres



Others (PVC, Synthetic Rubber, etc.) Separation



Drainage and Filtration



Containment



Reinforcement Road (Paved & Unpaved



Railways



Retaining Walls



Dams, Riverbanks, Waterworks



Landfill & Erosion Control



Others (Agriculture, Nursery, etc.) India



ASEAN



Australia



New Zealand



Rest of South Asia

After the market taxonomy, there is a section of the report devoted to South Asia geosynthetics market analysis scenario that gives the pricing analysis of various geosynthetics by product type in various regions as mentioned in the market taxonomy. Prices are calculated on a weighted average price model, based on percentage volume sales for the year 2016. After this, geosynthetics market value chain analysis is given from which we can infer that the South Asia geosynthetics market is characterised by the significant presence of local manufacturers and distributors serving products of different qualities. A section of the report is devoted to the market dynamics of the South Asia geosynthetics market. In this detailed and comprehensive section, the drivers, restraints, opportunities and trends operating in the South Asia geosynthetics market are explained in detail. Through this informative section, the report audience can gather a sense of direction of where the market is heading. This section gives a detailed explanation of all the factors that are encouraging and challenging the growth of the South Asia geosynthetics market. After the market dynamics, the subsequent sections of the report give the South Asia geosynthetics market analysis and forecast by product type, by material, by primary function, by application, and by region/country. In these sections, important information on the South Asia geosynthetics market is presented like the Basis Point Share analysis, year-on-year growth projections, incremental dollar opportunity and market attractiveness analysis.

Last but not the least, there is an entire section of the report devoted to the competition landscape of the South Asia geosynthetics market. This competition landscape gives a dashboard view of the key companies operating in the South Asia geosynthetics market along with their important information and broad strategy adopted to stay as leaders in the South Asia geosynthetics market. Each of the leading companies is also profiled individually and important information about the company such as company details, company description, product portfolio along with key developments concerning the company and strategic analysis is presented. A SWOT analysis of each leading market player is also presented which gives detailed information about the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats that the company is dealing with. This competition landscape is the most important section of the report as it imparts a deep understanding of the leading companies operating in the South Asia geosynthetics market and is valuable for new entrants in the field to get a learning about how the companies are leading this lucrative market and also for the established market players to get a better understanding about their competitors.

For information on the research approach used in the report, request methodology @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-as-3849

Research Methodology

Overall market size has been analysed through historical data, primary responses, and public domain data. Revenue of companies operating in the geosynthetics market has been benchmarked to ascertain the market size for the base year. Macroeconomic indicators such as GDP and industry growth have been considered to forecast the market size over the assessment period. The historical growth trend of end-use industries, market participants performance, as well as the present macro-economic outlook has been taken into consideration for estimating the overall market trend forecast. This data is then validated using the triangulation method and is extensively scrutinised using advanced tools to garner quantitative and qualitative insights into the South Asia geosynthetics market.
Centre has allowed partial reopening of schools for students of Classes 9 to 12 from September 21 as the process to ease lockdown restrictions continue across the country. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) for students of senior classes to attend school on voluntary basis for taking guidance from teachers. The Health Ministry clarified that online classes will continue in the meantime and shall be encouraged. The ministry did not specify when schools will be reopened for students of junior classes.

"Students of class 9th to 12th shall be permitted to visit their school on voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers. This will be subject to written consent of their parents/guardians. Such visits and teacher - student interaction must be organized in a staggered manner," Health Ministry mentioned in the guidelines.

ALSO READ: Delhi Metro to resume in 3 stages, stations in containment zones to remain shut

At least 6 feet of physical distance has to be maintained by all teachers, students and employees coming to school, the ministry cautioned. Use of face masks or coverings, frequent handwashing and use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers, respiratory etiquettes, use of Arogya Setu app, prohibition on spitting and self monitoring of health has been listed as generic measures that have to be followed by all going to schools later this month.

The Health Ministry SOP in detail lists the steps that schools need to follow before and after resumption, conduct in workshops, laboratories and other common areas like libraries, canteens, etc., and transport to and from schools. The SOP also lists measures to be followed if any teacher, student or employee develops symptoms associated with COVID-19.

#IndiaFightsCorona



Health Ministry issues SOP for partial reopening of Schools for students of 9th-12th classes on a voluntary basis, for taking

guidance from their teachers in the context of #COVID19.https://t.co/i1I8pPwXyTpic.twitter.com/6c9datyVOC a Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) September 8, 2020

Schools were closed across the country as intial coronavirus cases appeared in February and March. While the Ministry of Home Affairs has allowed several parts of the economy to reopen after months of lockdown, schools and educational institutions had found no mention in the guidelines for past Unlock phases. Even the board examinations for Class 10 and 12 were affected due to the lockdown.

ALSO READ: Unlock 4.0: Railways plans more special trains, seeks state govts consent
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Even though there is no indoor dining in New York City right now due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, P.F. Changs is gearing up for next year in anticipation that restaurants will be able to go back to serving customers inside.

The worldwide chain restaurant, known for its Asian-style wok cooking, is planning to open its first Staten Island location in the Staten Island Mall, New Springville, in June 2021, according to a P.F. Changs spokesperson.


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TAIPEI, Taiwan, Sept. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aetina Corporation, the provider of high-performance GPGPU and edge AI computing solutions, announced the new AN810-XNX edge AI computer leveraging powerful capabilities of the NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX. This edge AI computer provided various alternatives of I/O slot, nicely expand its range of edge AI systems built on the Jetson platform for robotics, drone, UAV, industrial inspection, medical imaging, and deep learning.



The AN810-XNX combines the NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX and Aetina brand new AN810 carrier board in a Nano-ITX form factor. It supports full M.2 slot with M-key, E-key, and B-key and the interface with PCIe/SATA/USB 3.2 Gen2/USB 2.0. AN810-XNX features prospective communication capabilities. Since 5G technology has become a sensation in IoT applications, AN810-XNX integrated with the 4G/5G module beforehand for high-speed wireless connection and data transferring. Meanwhile, AN810-XNX equipped an onboard SIM slot, building seamless global connectivity for edge devices. For better management of numerous edge devices, AN810-XNX supports the Innodisk InnoAGE out-of-band management SSD solution through M.2. With this solution, it reduces the massive cost of manually repairing the edge device and primarily minimizes the equipment's downtime, making the remote-control of the edge device more convenient.

With widespread use of vision AI application, AN810-XNX supports single 120-pin connector for MIPI CSI-2 interface. It can handle intensive AI workloads ultra-high-resolution cameras to more accurate image analysis. For backup support, Aetina offers BSP and DTB configuration updates for both standard and customized platforms in their service policy.

Aetina focuses on delivering edge AI computing solutions based on the Jetson platform for embedded applications. NVIDIA Jetson benefits the users by supporting cloud-native technologies across AI solutions and various SDK. Moreover, Aetina AN810-XNX got Microsoft Azure Certified for Internet of Things (IoT), ensuring the IoT solutions could fasten development and work with Microsoft Azure IoT services.

"AIoT environment is diverse and complex. Throughout the edge AI systems, GPU-based platform has the most flexibility and Azure cloud services enhance the overall performance. Benefits the customer with shorter development period," said Joe Lo, general manager of Aetina. AN810-XNX, high compatibility platform with well-backup service from edge to cloud, could deploy high-quality, software-defined features on embedded and edge devices.

The AN810-XNX is available now. For more information, please directly contact at sales@aetina.com or visit the website at www.aetina.com .

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4c66cfd-36d4-45b0-8a11-bdbc8ac21828
By Yang Kunfu

When Donald Trump ran for the US presidency for the first time in 2016, he borrowed Reagan's slogan in 1980, "Make America Great Again". Now, Trump has wielded the slogan "Keep America Great" in the campaign. Trump declared that "we can't say 'Make America Great Again,' because I already did that." Such shameless brag meets nothing but head shakes.

Ironically, the Trump administration has suddenly declassified the "Six Assurances" telegrams to Taiwan at a sensitive moment and accelerated its involvement in the Taiwan question. This once again sent the wrong signal to the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces. The DPP authorities were overjoyed. Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen trumpeted the significance of this move by the US on August 31 and declared that this means the US has made its security commitment to Taiwan clearer. However, in my opinion, this behavior of the Trump administration will only make the US less credible. It will undoubtedly seriously impact the international prestige of the US, thus making it difficult to "keep America great".

It should be understood that the three joint communiques signed by China and the US all emphasize the adherence to the one-China principle, which has become the political basis and fundamental prerequisite for the establishment and development of diplomatic relations between China and the US. It is also a norm that the Chinese and American governments must abide by. Even though the US government introduced the so-called "Taiwan Relations Act" in the form of domestic law and made the so-called "Six Assurances" in the form of telegrams to appease the Taiwan authorities, these are all unilateral acts by the US, cannot challenge the documents officially signed by China and the US and mean nothing at all in terms of justification and legitimacy.

As the US election is approaching, President Trump is constantly playing the so-called "Taiwan card". However, under the circumstances that the hype measures, such as sending health officials to Taiwan, close-in reconnaissance by military aircraft and warships crossing the Taiwan Strait, have gained little effect, the Trump administration, irritated and embarrassed, had to increase the doses of gunpowder again to constantly challenge the bottom line of the Chinese mainland.

In addition to the intention to stimulate the Chinese mainland, the Trump administration's hype about the "Six Assurances" for Taiwan is also seeking "legitimacy" and "reasonability" for intervening in the Taiwan question, and for further "arms sales to Taiwan". Moreover, in the process of this hype, the outside world can see that the Trump administration and the DPP authorities are constantly talking about the "threat to peace" and shifting the responsibility for the increasingly tense situation in the Taiwan Strait to the Chinese mainland. Such behavior is like a thief yelling: "Catch the thief," which highlights the narrow mindset of the Trump administration. Violation of the three China-US joint communiques and the one-China principle will also hollow out the international credibility of the US government.

Under such circumstances, the DPP authorities, who take the initiative to cooperate with the Trump administration, have become an American puppet. According to Douglas H. Paal, former director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the Trump administrations move to announce the declassification of the so-called "Six Assurances" to Taiwan means more in publicity. Paal believes that the Trump administration is just bluffing to look tough, although it is close to the red line of the Chinese mainland, the US will not cross the line. Judging from the logic of Paal's research and judgment, the US is only using the Taiwan region to challenge the Chinese mainland, and the DPP authorities have obviously overestimated its role.

(The author is a research fellow with the DPP Research Center of the Graduate Institute for Taiwan Studies of Xiamen University)

Disclaimer: This article is originally published on china.com.cn and translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.
Paedophiles will face up to 20 years jail for owning a child sex doll under tough new laws passed in Queensland.

The new laws, which came into effect on Tuesday, will target suppliers, producers and possessors of child sex dolls.

The move is part of a series of measures introduced following the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Queensland Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D'Ath said the new laws were designed to send 'a clear message that child sexual abuse(was) never OK'.

People caught with child sex dolls could be jailed for up to 20 years in Queensland after passing new legislation. Pictured: A child sex doll allegedly seized during a NSW investigation

Queensland Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D'Ath (pictured) said the new laws were designed to send 'a clear message that child sexual abuse(was) never OK'

'These tough laws herald a new era of delivering justice to victims,' she said in a statement.

'They create a new offence of failing to report and failing to protect a child from institutional child sexual abuse.

'The new laws also clarify that priests will not be able to rely on the seal of confession to avoid the reporting of abuse.'

The new laws are the result of extensive public consultation that saw more than 50 submissions received from a number of organisations, stakeholders and individuals.

A collection of dolls and clothing seized by police during recent raids

The Bill follows Australian Border Force officers seizing a number of lifelike child sex dolls in July, after they were ordered online and sent via post or air cargo (pictured)

The Bill follows Australian Border Force officers seizing a number of lifelike child sex dolls in July, after the items were ordered online and sent via post or air cargo.

Thirty-one packages were intercepted in the first half of 2020, and 86 childlike sex dolls were seized in the 12 months to June 30, news.com.au reported.

'ABF officers at our air cargo and mail facilities are actively targeting these dolls, which are a prohibited import and are considered child abuse material,' an ABF spokesman said.

'The ABF has a zero tolerance approach to child abuse material, including childlike sex dolls, and we use all powers available to us to protect Australians from anyone associated with these sickening activities.

'Child-like sex dolls and other child abuse material are symptomatic of the broader global threat posed by child sexual abuse, that's why the ABF works with its law enforcement and intelligence partners to further investigate these imports.'

Police arrest one of the three men (pictured) after searching his home and allegedly finding a child sex doll in NSW

Police remove a child sex doll from a property after raids on three homes in Turramurra and Grafton last week

The ABF operation resulted in three men in New South Wales facing the prospect of 15 years in jail after they allegedly bought child-like sex dolls.

The men were arrested in Grafton, northern NSW, and the northern Sydney suburb of Turramurra over two days in May.

They were arrested after the ABF allegedly intercepted sex dolls being imported into the country in March and April.

Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Lesa Gale said at the time the 'child-like sex dolls' could desensitise people who used them to 'the physical, emotional and psychological harm caused by sexual abuse.'

'These dolls sexualise children, they are not harmless and do not prevent people from offending in the future,' she said.

'Research by the Australian Institute of Criminology suggests that use of the dolls may lead to an escalation in child sex offences  from viewing online child abuse material to contact sexual offending.'
Julie and Davy Gray from Grays Clip with Claudine Owens (centre), HBAN co-ordinator in Northern Ireland

A former electrician and his wife have won 350,000 in funding for their invention after turning down offers on BBC's Dragons' Den.

Gray's Clip, run by Davy and Julie Gray, secured 250,000 from nine investors through the Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN) and 100,000 from Co-Fund NI, part of Invest NI's Access to Finance portfolio.

The company's ViperClip is an insulated clip with battery-powered stapler for securing electrical cables to wooden joists and structures.

As an electrician, Davy said he wanted to find a faster and safer way to secure electrical cables to joists.

They appeared on the BBC's Dragons' Den show and received four offers, even accepting one from Deborah Meaden for 80,000 in return for a 25% stake. But instead, the business raised even more through HBAN and Co-Fund NI.

The investment will be used to get the product ready for launch next year. Chief executive Julie Gray said: "While we are very grateful for the offers made by the Dragons, especially Deborah, having this group of accessible local investors on board will be so valuable in our next phase.

"They have a wealth of experience and will be an amazing resource to tap into."

ViperClip was designed for the trade but also has potential for the consumer home-improvement market.
A custom officer guides a woman to complete health procedures before entering Vietnam at Moc Bai International Border Gate in Tay Ninh Province, southern Vietnam, March 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa.

Five Vietnamese citizens returning from abroad, including a two-year-old boy, have raised Vietnams Covid-19 tally to 1,054.

Patients 1050 and 1051 are women aged 51 and 28. They returned from the Philippines on September 6 and were quarantined in the southern city of Can Tho on arrival. Both tested positive for the new coronavirus on Monday.

"Patient 1052" is a 35-year-old man who traveled with his two-year-old son, "Patient 1053," back from Cambodia via the Moc Bai border gate in Tay Ninh Province on August 26. Their first tests were negative but the second returned positive, also on Monday.

"Patient 1054," 26, is also a Cambodia returnee entering Vietnam on August 25. She first tested negative before Monday's positive result came in.

With the five new cases, Vietnam's Covid-19 tally has gone up to 1,054 with 868 recoveries and 35 deaths. Fourteen people were confirmed Covid-19 free on Tuesday.

Of the total number of cases, 691 were locally transmistted, including 551 since July 25 when community transmissions resurfaced in Vietnam after more than three months.

Vietnam has gone five days without a domestic infection. Ho Chi Minh City has stayed clean for 36 days and Hanoi 22 days.

Worldwide, 897,530 people have died of Covid-19.
New Delhi: A day after Chinese troops tried to lock down Indian posts at Pangong Lake in Ladakh, pictures of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) armed with rods, spears and machetes have surfaced. This is the first direct evidence of the use of such weapons by the Chinese army against Indian troops along the LAC.

The pictures clearly indicate that the Chinese Army intended a skirmish similar to June 15 in which both sides suffered casualties. While at least 20 Indian jawans were killed in the violent clash, it is believed that 35-50 Chinese troops were also killed in the incident.

Meanwhile, Indian Army claimed that on September 7 night, Chinese Army PLA troops attempted to close-in on one of the Indian forward positions and undertook 'provocative activities to escalate'. According to the Indian Army, Chinese troops had also fired shots in the air. The incident happened around the height of Rezang La at LAC. Sources told WION that around 40 PLA soldiers attempted to close in on an Indian position in eastern Ladakh on September 7.

Also Read: Indian Army consolidates position at several areas in Chushul; fencing done to prevent intrusion by China's PLA

In a midnight statement on Monday, the Chinese Army claimed that the Indian side crossed the LAC and outrageously fired warning shots near the Pangong lake, a statement rebutted by the Indian army in a statement on Tuesday morning.

The use of firearms along the LAC marks a serious escalation in border tensions, as the previous instance of shots being fired at the de-facto border was in 1975.

India has already called on China to work jointly for complete disengagement and de-escalation on the LAC, saying the future of the bilateral relationship is dependent on the situation along the border.

Meanwhile, sources claimed armies of India and China held communications in the aftermath of the incident even as Chinese troops are in a face-off position with Indian troops near Rezang La Heights.

The developments come days before India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Foreign Ministers meeting in Moscow.
PopSQL, a startup that builds a collaborative SQL editor for teams, today announced that it has raised a $3.4 million seed round led by Google's AI-focused Gradient Ventures fund. Other participants include Y Combinator and FundersClub, as well as angel investors Max Mullen, the co-founder of Instacart; Calvin French-Owen, the CTO of Segment; and Guillermo Rauch, the CEO of Vercel.

Like most startups at this stage, the company plans to use the new capital to execute on its product roadmap.

"I started PopSQL because I was frustrated with the existing tools on the market. I wanted a SQL editor that was beautiful, easy to use and collaborative. Just as new collaboration tools like Slack changed the way teams communicate, our vision is that PopSQL will change the way teams analyze and share data," said Rahil Sondhi, CEO and founder of PopSQL. "The new capital from Gradient allows us to scale the company and pursue our vision of creating the best tools for teams to analyze data together."

With PopSQL, teams can write a database query once and then easily share it within their company (and build a library of shared queries in the process). That's a massive timesaver for many companies, where queries like this are often still shared by email or as code snippets in Slack, which PopSQL also integrates with. With this tool, developers and data analysts can also easily create different versions of a query.

Image Credits: PopSQL

PopSQL currently supports a wide range of databases, ranging from Snowflake, Google Cloud's BigQuery, AWS Redshift, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, MongoDB and Cassandra.

Image Credits: PopSQL

In addition to the collaborative features, though, PopSQL also offers a number of other interesting features, including the ability to schedule recurring queries using what is essentially a visual cron editor.

The tool also features some basic charting functions and while these are mostly meant to easily allow users to visualize their queries, you can also use this feature to build basic dashboards, for example. Sondhi noted that he doesn't necessarily think of PopSQL as a business intelligence tool, but the core functionality is there if you want it.

Image Credits: PopSQL
NEW DELHI : At a high-level strategy meet on Tuesday, senior leaders of Congress party decided they would reach out to other opposition as well as like minded parties to come together and field a joint opposition candidate for the post of the deputy chairman in Rajya Sabha. Ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament, which begins on Monday, Congress also decided that it will aim at better coordination with other opposition parties on key issues to be raised.

The decisions were taken at a meeting of Congress parliamentary strategy group which was chaired by party chief Sonia Gandhi. The election for the post is necessitated after the tenure of deputy chairman Harivansh ended as a Rajya Sabha member. To be sure, he has already returned as a member of the Upper House again after he got elected from Bihar in April this year.

The discussion was started by leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad who said that the opposition parties have been discussing the issue unofficially and the general consensus is that there should be a joint opposition candidate. We are going to reach out to like minded parties for further discussion on this," a senior party leader who is member of the strategy group said requesting anonymity.

According to people aware of developments, the name or party of the joint opposition candidate is not yet finalized and more clarity could emerge when talks take place. The developments are significant because an earlier attempt by the Congress in 2018 had failed. Then its candidate and senior leader B K Hariprasad, who got support of 105 Rajya Sabha members, was defeated by Harivansh who drew support from 125 members.

The meeting of the strategy group on Tuesday also discussed key issues that the Congress would actively raise in the upcoming session including union governments handling of the covid-19 pandemic, the nearly three-month long lockdown to control its spread, state of the economy, compensation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and border standoff with China.

The meeting on Tuesday was also the first time that Gandhi interacted with some of the leaders who were signatories of the letter which had called for a systematic overhaul in the party organization, ever since the key CWC (Congress Working Committee) meeting last month.

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MUSKEGON, MI  In the face of unprecedented financial need brought on by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a local nonprofit is giving away more than $750,000 to help people struggling to pay rent.

Community enCompass, a social and community services organization, is administering Eviction Diversion funds, approved in July by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), to local renters who have fallen behind in their monthly checks at any point since March 1, according to Michael Ramsey, a Muskegon city commission member who recently joined the nonprofit full-time as its director of Homeless Services.

The program is designed to keep local renters in their homes while ensuring that landlords, including property management companies, continue collecting rent, Ramsey said. So far, $200,000 has been paid out in sums of $5,000 apiece to 40 tenants, he said.

Many of the hundreds of renters that Ramsey said have reached out are finding themselves in need for the first time, he added.

People who have never had to look for help are finding themselves now in a situation where they may have to find assistance, because of the pandemic, he told MLive. (Its) not just people who would be considered low-income, everybody has been affected by this.

The money is also aimed at keeping people out of the tenant-landlord court system, which is expensive for all sides, said Ramsey. Although Muskegon operates a unique problem-solving court, aimed specifically at eviction prevention, that is intended to be a second step, Ramsey said, with eviction diversion as the first.

All of these efforts and dollars right now are focused on keeping people out of court, period, he said.

Statewide, MSHDA has made $50 million available to renters and landlords, out of $880 million allocated federally through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

At a time filled with a lot of uncertainty, the Eviction Diversion Program offers some peace of mind for tenants and landlords, said Kelly Rose, MSHDAs chief housing solutions officer, in a statement when the states funding was announced in July.

The money covers rent only, Ramsey said, which can include both back rent owed and up to two months of future rent as needed. The money is paid out in lump sums to landlords, and landlords, in exchange, agree to forgive late fees and up to 10 percent of the amount owed.

He said the group is receiving 15 to 20 calls a day from tenants and property owners looking for assistance funds.

Most landlords are interested in keeping their tenants in place, he added. They understand its the right thing to do.

Unemployment has become its own epidemic nationwide in the face of the ongoing virus, and hundreds of thousands of Michiganders have lost work.

The money was released in July, coming months after unemployment began to skyrocket nationwide in the face of the pandemic. Locally, Muskegon Countys unemployment rate reached 29 percent in April, and is still dire at 12.8 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Thats caused a significant increase in people reaching out to enCompass for a variety of services, Ramsey said.

We are serving a ton of people right now. We are literally serving people from all walks of life, he said. Were mostly seeing people who have been affected by job loss.

Community enCompass is the administrator of Muskegon-area funds, and can make them available to people who earn up to 100 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), which is defined by MSHDA as $44,800 for an individual, or $63,900 for a family of four, in Muskegon County.

A statewide moratorium on evictions, imposed in March, expired in July. Earlier this week, following an order from President Donald Trump, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a four-month ban on most evictions, but experts, including Legal Aid of Western Michigan, are still working to determine what that will mean locally, Ramsey said.

There will still be need, regardless of what this relaunch of a moratorium means, Ramsey said.

Read more on MLive:

See which Michigan counties have the highest rate of eviction filings

Michigan renters, advocates and courts brace for estimated 80,000 eviction cases as moratorium expires

Crowd rallies to hold off eviction of disabled Ann Arbor retiree amid pandemic
NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for over 11,000 U.S. and global securities, today announced Unigold Inc. (TSX-V: UGD;OTCQX: UGDIF, FSE: UGD1), a growth oriented, junior natural resources company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. Unigold Inc. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink market.

Unigold Inc. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "UGDIF." U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

"We are pleased to meet the criteria for upgrading from the Pink market to trading on the OTCQX," said Joseph Hamilton, Chairman & CEO of Unigold. "This will facilitate trading for our U.S. shareholders, and in conjunction with our Frankfurt Stock Exchange listing, our investors can now find corporate information and pricing quotes on multiple platforms."

Securities Law USA, PC acted as the company's OTCQX sponsor.

About Unigold Inc.

Unigold Inc. is a Canadian-based, growth oriented, junior natural resource company focused on exploring and developing its gold projects in the Dominican Republic- a country highly prospective for gold and polymetallic mineralization. Unigold has been actively involved in exploration in the Dominican Republic for the past decade and is concentrated within the 75km-wide Cretaceous-age Tireo-formation volcano sedimentary rocks, known for hosting major deposits.

About OTC Markets Group Inc.

OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market and the Pink Open Market for 11,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors.

To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN are SEC regulated ATSs, operated by OTC Link LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.

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WATERLOOA Kitchener man has been charged with driving offences after a silver Acura sedan collided with a building at approximately 4:20 a.m. on Saturday morning near Weber Street North and Albert Street.

Waterloo Regional Police said the car crashed into the side of a business building, causing significant structural damage. The driver, a 29-year-old man, was located by police in a nearby business.

A Kitchener man is charged with operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
Hu Jia's prize brings SAKHAROV's wife to "EuroFora" on murders of Journalists Politkofskaya, Gongadze and Adali :

- Elena Bonner : "All Journalists' murders must be fully investigated", without Double Standards.



During a special Mega-Event to celebrate 20 Years of SAKHAROV Prize for "Freedom of Thought", attributed in 2008 by EU Parliament to jailed Chinese Cyber-Dissident Hu JIA, the move was reinforced by strongly criticizing the persisting impunity in three cases of Journalists' Murders, such as POLITKOVSKAYA in Russia, GONGADZE in Ukraine, and ADALI in Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus.



Any bureaucratic doubt about whether Cyber-dissidents like Hu JIA might have, or not, a right to be protected as all Journalists must be, particularly when they take risks to search, find and publish original and critical News on issues of general interest to the society, could not resist to the emotion provoked by the message of his Wife, Zeng JINYAN spectacularly transmitted at a big screen in EU Parliament's hemicycle :



- "The most important and most interesting thing he did was to ... say the Truth :.. to write about the phenomena he observed... He never stopped Publishing.. on websites, so that the Public could learn about the reality .. and understand it. In my view, this has been his greatest contribution", stressed the young wife of the jailed man, eager to cite also the cases of other critical journalists who faced various kinds of "harassment".



- "Welcoming all those who have suffered for defending Human Rights", EU Parliament's President, German MEP Hans Gert POETTERING, who had invited to Strasbourg all former Sakharov prize-winners from various Countries throughout the World, said that "China needs Europe, and Europe needs China : A great nation" with which "we want to have a good relationship", "association and ..friendship". "But we are never going to stop our fight for Human Rights, and No Government can expect this from us".



- "It's impossible to achieve goals of Peace, if Human Rights are left out. In fact, Peace and Human Rights are intrinsequaly linked", added POETTERING.



It's in this spirit that MEPs adopted, on Thursday, a Resolution denouncing that "the criminal

investigation and trial following the murder of (a) Journalist ...raises serious concerns with regard to transparency and respect for the rule of law", when a "brutal killing has not yet been fully investigated and solved in a satisfactory way".



The text refered to dissident Journalist "Anna POLITOVSKAYA", a critic of Tchechen conflict, killed some years ago in Moscow, where Russian Authorities have found, arrested and are currently judging two executants, while also searching to arrest also a 3rd one, allegedly escaped in Belgium. But they have not yet found the instigators.

Similar texts were adopted recently also on dissident Ukranian Journalist Georgiy GONGADZE's murder, for which Ukranian Authorities have at least found, arrested and condemned 2 executants to 12 and 13 Years of jail, but not yet the instigators. For that purpose, they recently accepted an International Experts team to participate to the investigations.

But, it's only for the Murder of dissident Turkish Cypriot Journalist ADALI, in the occupied territories of Cyprus, that Turkey has NOT yet found ANYONE responsible, and even claimed recently inside CoE that it would be "impossible" to do so !

These astonishing differences exist despite the fact that ECHR condemned alike Ukraine and Turkey with 2 Judgements on the same year : 2005, for the murders of Journalists GONGADZE and ADALI, strong critics of Corruption in Ukraine, and of Ankara's policies on mass-influx of Turkish Settlers in the Occupied Territories of Cyprus, respectively.

Regarless of that, CoE's Committee of Ministers, who is entrusted with the duty to supervise execution of ECHR's judgements, has just asked Ukraine's Government to reply to further questions on Gongadze's murder before March 2009, while Turkey, curiously, got a longer postponement for answering questions on Adali's murder, until June...

A comparison of these cases, raises serious questions about Double Standards :

------------------------

On TRANSPARENCY :

--------------------------

On Gongadze's murder, CoE's body speaks even about the participation of

"an INTERNATIONAL group of Experts" in the Investigation, (f.ex. of "Tape Recordings"), accepted by Ukraine.

On the contrary, on Adali's murder, CoE is obliged to repeatedly ask (for a 2nd

time) Turkey whether, at least, it informed the victims' Family, or not...

------------------------------

- On EFFICIENCY :

-----------------------

On Gongadze's murder, CoE formally "recalls that the Committee (of Ministers) ..URGED the Ukranian authorities.. to TAKE ALL NECESSARY INVESTIGATIVE STEPS TO ACHIEVE CONCRETE and VISIBLE RESULTS in the INVESTIGATION, aimed at the Identification of the INSTIGATORS and Organisers of the Murder", and "STRONGLY INVITED the Ukranian Authorities to provide information on the PROGRESS IN THE INVESTIGATION", before MARCH 2009.



But, on Adali's murder, on the contrary, CoE's body merely .. "took note" of the "arguments presented by" Cyprus, which denounce the absence of any proof of new "investigation" by Turkey. Following Turkey's own suggestion (!), it simply "noted" that there is "no limitation period" for "any new element" to "lead potentialy (sic !) to a Re-Opening of the Investigation". Without saying who might find any such "new" fact, since Turkey stoped searching... It also POSTPONED the issue until .. JUNE !

-----------------------

- On the PUNISHMENT OF THOSE RESPONSIBLE :

----------------------

- On Gongadze's murder case, Ukranian Authorities already arrested and condemned, at least 2 suspects, to 12 and 13 Years of jail. And on Politkovskaya's murder at least 2 suspects are judged, and a 3rd one "wanted".



On the contrary, on Adali's murder case, the Turkish authorities simply claim that "it had not been possible to obtain new .. information .. on the basis of which criminal charges could be brought against ANY person" !...



Moreover, a LETTER sent by Turkey ...2 Years after CoE's 2006 call to re-investigate anew Adali's murder case, is totally EMPTY of Facts ! As Cypus' Delegation denounced earlier, Turkey's Letter ONLY CLAIMS that a "New Investigation" was made without any result, but does NOT even cite ANY FACT to prove it :



F.ex.,on the crucial issue of the "MOTIVATIONS" behind Adali's murder, noted by ECHR, Turkey MERELY CLAIMS that "all allegations were investigated; without result", but OMITS ANY FACT TO PROVE IT !..(It doesn't even remind which were these "allegations").. .



+ On ECHR's astonishment that the Turkish Occupation regime didn't produce any "BALLISTIC REPORT" on the Shots which murdered Adali, Turkey again repeats, 12 years later, that, still, even until now, "it was not possible to obtain the BalisticReport"...



- As for the astonishing absence of key-WITNESSES' Testimonies, denounced by ECHR, Turkey agains repeats various pretexts avoiding to reveal anything, (Fex. that a person "left" the Occupied Territories "on 2002", or that another witness was heard, but without revealing nothing of what he said, etc).



Turkey obviously "FAILS TO MEET THE CRITICISM made BY THE COURT" for lack of any efficient Investigation in Adali's case, concluded Cyprus' Government.

---------------------------------------------

Replying to our Question which COMPARED these 3 outstanding cases of "JOURNALISTS MURDERS", Adali, Gongadze and Politkovskaya, in order to avoid "Double Standards" by asking from Ukraine and Russia more than what is asked EU candidate Turkey, many European personalities were critical /



They criticised Ankara's recent claim at the CoE to stop investigating, because it would be "impossible to find anyone" responsible for the 5 bullet shots which killed Kutlu ADALI in front of his Family Home, contrary to the other two Journalists' murders, where Ukraine and Russia at least arrested the executants, searching now for the instigators :

----------------------------------





- "Where was that ? In Turkish Occupied Cyprus ? WITHOUT ANY DOUBT : Any murder of Journalist should be investigated in full ! All these Murders must be investigated !", replied the famous SAKHAROV's wife, Elena BONNER to our question on Adali's case, compared to Gongadze and Politofskaya.



Elena Bonner spoke us EXCLUSIVELY shortly after being honored by the President

of EU Parliament on the occasion of 20 Years of her husband's SAKHAROV Prize.



A strong personality, Sakharov's wife even had to struggle against an anonymous EU staffer who, astonishingly, tried to stop her speaking when h heard our question on "Turkey" (!) : - "Please, let me translate, she continues

speaking, don't stop us !", had to cry Sakharov's daughter, (a Journalist

herself), who was translating her mothers' reply, (obliged to speak louder to

make her voice heard despite the harassment).. (= + Audio Proof !)



Earlier, Elena Bonner also fustigated "Double Standards" at another case, on

Western countries' attitude vis a vis Kosovo and the Kurds : -F.ex. "You have

recognized a few 400.000 Kosovars as an "independent" country, but you still

deny that to 30 millions of Kurds in Turkey !", she denounced.

-----------------------------

- "This (ADALI's murder) is an issue which should be pursued by the Committee

for Human Rights. That's why we have one, and it's its duty to examine cases of

Journalists' murders as the one you referred to. You should bring the case in

front of that Committee", suggested in reply to our question on Adali, EU

Parliament's President, German MEP Hans Gert POETTERING.



- "It's impossible to achieve goals of PEACE, if HUMAN RIGHTS are left out :

in fact, Peace and Human Rights are intrinsequaly linked", added POETTERING.

--------------------------------------

+ "For us (European/International Federation of Journalists) it's clear :

Whenever a Journalist is Murdered, the Investigation should continue until

those Responsible are found !", replied earlier to another question on ADALI

EFJ/IFJ's Secretary General, Aidan WHITE.



Speaking as a matter of General Principle, White asked us for "concrete data"

on the execution of ECHR's judgement on Adali case, in order to "look at it in

depth" and "make a formal statement", in comparison with the other Murdered

Journalist case, also pending at CoE's Ministers for completing its execution,

on Ukranian Gongadze.

----------------------------------------------------

From EU Rapporteur on Human Rights, vice-President of EU Parliament Liberties' Committee, MEP Giusto CATANIA, we were told that, since there is an ECHR judgement in both Adali and Gongadge's cases, "Turkey must naturally execute the judgement and make a full and efficient investigation, until those responsible for the Journalist's murder are found and punished".



Even if "we (Catania's "EuroLeft" Group) support Turkey's EU perspectives, this does not mean that Ankara should not behave properly. On the contrary, it means that they have to meet tough conditions, particularly on Human Rights", was added on the occasion of Adali's murder case.



Moreover, "since you raise the issue of Mr. Adali's muder as a part of a Series of Journalist's murders, including fex. Gongadze, Politkovskaya, ao., tthen we (EU) could also act together with CoE's Commissioner on Human Rights, Thomas HAMMARBERG, it was suggested.



- "We (EU) must step up efforts against the problem of IMPUNITY : Real Peace cannot exist without Justice", stressed also this week at EU Parliament in Strasbourg, French Minister on Human Rights, Mrs Rama YADE.

------------------------




Jaipur, Sep 9 : Coordination between the Governor and the state government ensures round-the-clock development of the state in a better way, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra said on Tuesday.

He was addressing a function held at Raj Bhavan here on his completing a year's tenure as Governor. On this occasion, the book "Nai Soch-Naye Aayam", detailing Mishra's initiatives during his tenure so far, was released by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Assembly Speaker C.P. Joshi.

The Governor said that if he praises the state government for good works, then he also calls the CM separately for a discussion when some kind of a deficiency is seen.

"I want Rajasthan's Raj Bhavan to present an example in the country and hence have decided to build a Constitution Park here," he added.

Gehlot said that Mishra has an unmatched warmth and his working is laudable. "He calls me on his own and is seen worried for the state. During Covid, he spoke to MLAs and District Collectors to discuss the issue. His sensitivity and behaviour is worthy of respect." Joshi said: "Unique coordination was seen between the Governor, Chief Minister and Opposition during the pandemic."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Photo: The Canadian Press Unifor national president Jerry Dias

Unifor says Ford Motor Co. will be the target of this year's labour union negotiations, ahead of a strike deadline later this month.

The union renegotiates wages, pensions and benefits every four years, targeting one of the Detroit Three automakers.

This year, Ford will be the focus of negotiations, and the company's deal with Unifor will serve as a pattern for agreements with the other two manufacturers, Fiat Chrysler and General Motors Co.

Unifor National President Jerry Dias says the company was chosen in part because workers at the Ford plant in Oakville, Ont., are the most vulnerable in the union.

The country's largest private-sector union has been pushing for commitments that new products will be made at Canadian plants, especially electric vehicles.

Workers have voted to support a potential strike if the automaker and union can't reach a deal by Sept. 21 at 11:59 p.m.
ROCHESTER, N.Y.  Naked except for spit hoods in a reference to the killing of Daniel Prude, several protesters sat outside Rochesters police headquarters Monday morning to push for police accountability.

Six naked or nearly naked protesters  some with Black Lives Matter written across their backs  sat silently on the street facing Rochester's Public Safety Building on a rainy, chilly Monday morning.

They wore "spit hoods," the mesh fabric bag that Rochester police used on Prude on March 23. Prude died of asphyxiation as police restrained him, according to the county medical examiner.

After sitting unclothed in the rain, the protesters were wrapped in blankets and led from the site, symbolizing the care that many found lacking in video of the Rochester Police Department's treatment of Prude.

Paul Hypolite of Brooklyn was among the six who demonstrated in the rain. He lived in Rochester for five years and has friends and family in the area. "I love the people of this city," he said.

He said he felt enraged as he sat in the rain. "It doesn't seem possible that humans could treat each other that way," he said, referring to the body-worn camera video of Prude. "I don't understand how someone can see another human in that position and not feel compassion and want do whatever they can to help them."

The group that organized the protest, which they simply labeled as community members, said they were in solidarity with the Rochester group Free the People Roc. The protesters distributed a list of demands for New York state, including having police not respond to mental health calls, changing policies for police misconduct and banning the use of chemical agents against peaceful protesters.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump tweeted that Rochester was among cities that had bad nights, while Mayor Lovely Warren commended activist leaders, police and community elders on a night of calm protest Sunday.

Rochester N.Y., Brooklyn N.Y., Portland - All had bad nights, all weakly run by Radical Left Democrat Governors and Mayors! Get the picture?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 7, 2020

The president's tweet does not accurately reflect the course of events in the city Sunday night, which saw no arrests or injuries despite a group of nearly 1,000 people marching to the Public Safety Building. A police statement thanked a group of elders for "keeping the protest safe."

Story continues

A statement issued by Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren an hour after Trump's social media asked that " all involved ignore the commentary from the President. It is clear his only desire is to bait people to act with hate and violence that he believes will benefit politically. We will not give him what he wants. We will continue to act with grace and do the work necessary to improve Rochester and out entire community."

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office responded shortly after the president's tweet, accusing Trump of delighting in conflict and distorting the narrative of the protests.

"Sadly for this President, a peaceful protest is a 'bad night'  he thrives on anarchy and stokes the flames of division," read one of two tweets from Melissa DeRosa, secretary to Cuomo.

DeRosa added: "We know you thrive on anarchy and seek to fan the flames of hate, but Sunday night's protest in Rochester was described as peaceful by both demonstrators and RPD  Knock it off and get to work, Mr President."

Monday night, protesters with the Demand Justice for Daniel Prude rally gathered again in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park in downtown Rochester.

Protesters gather at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Rochester on Sept. 7, 2020. It's the sixth straight night of protests in the city following the release of video footage in the death of Daniel Prude.

Organized by Free the People Roc, organizers said they will continue to gather and march until their list of demands is met. Organizers said they are prepared to assemble every night if that is what it takes.

Among its demands, the group is calling for the resignation of Warren and Police Chief La'Ron Singletary.

In a Facebook post, the group also demanded: "The officers involved in Prude's killing must be fired and prosecuted. And the Rochester Police Department must be stopped from responding to mental health calls and defunded."

The gathering at MLK Park was short-lived as rally-goers left the park and began marching. One smaller group headed toward the Public Safety Building which is the headquarters for both the Rochester police and fire departments.

Thousands of Black Live Matters protesters fill Exchange Blvd. in front of the Public Safety Building during a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest held Sunday night, Sept. 5, 2020 in downtown Rochester.

The demonstrators ended up at Rochester City Hall which is where they gathered two nights before. From the steps of City Hall, organizers reiterated their demands.

"We are making progress," Ashley Gantt, one of the organizers and founders of Free the People Roc, said. She noted state Attorney General Letitia James announced Saturday she would call a grand jury to investigate Prude's death.

"We need bold, honest, integral leadership," she continued as she demanded the resignation of Warren and Singletary. She said the group has crafted letters of resignation for the two community leaders.

The letter was then read to applause.

Unlike previous nights when the street in front of the police headquarters was blocked off by barricades and throngs of law enforcement officers, protesters were able to reach the front of the Public Safety Building unencumbered.

The building has become the central gathering point for local protest since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May.

Joe Prude, brother of Daniel Prude, took to the microphone and echoed the demands of other protesters. He called for the resignation of city officials and reflected on the loss of his brother.

"They didn't want that tape to come out of my brother being assassinated by some cold-blooded killers," Prude said.

Protesters gather outside of the Public Safety Building in Rochester on Sept. 7, 2020.

Prude continued: "If I would've done that to the police, what the hell would've happened to me? I wouldn't be here tonight. Let's love each other and continue to fight the good fight."

After police declared the Justice for Daniel Prude rally an unlawful gathering about 10:20 p.m., protesters stood their ground. Chants continued. Some protesters kneeled in front of police. Others approached police with their hands raised.

For the second consecutive night, police didn't use pepper balls, tear gas, flash bangs or other tools against protesters.

Rally-goers began to disperse early Tuesday after staring down police officers for nearly three hours.

Amid chants of "We'll be back," protesters vowed to return the next night to the Public Safety Building.

Contributing: The Associated Press; N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Daniel Prude: Naked protesters wear 'spit hoods' on 6th day of protest
Fans of classic Vietnam war epic Apocalypse Now will doubtless recall Colonel Kilgore  the rough, tough, Captain Ahab-like soldier who loves nothing more than the crackle of gunfire in his ears and the whiff of napalm in his nostrils.

In one memorable scene, the Colonel, played by Robert Duvall, gives the smouldering battlefield one last tour dhorizon and laments: Someday this war is gonna end. But viewers are left in no doubt  its a day he hopes will never come.

There are times when I cant help but wonder whether Matt Hancock hasnt developed a faint strain of Kilgore syndrome.

Matt Hancock, pictured arrived in the chamber yesterday fizzing at the prospect of locking down Bolton following an increase in infections

Robert Duval played Colonel Kilgore in Apocalypse Now, a hard-bitten soldier who appeared to view the end of war as a tragic thing

While the rest of the Government is desperate to get the country back to work, the Health Secretary appears determined to yank up the drawbridge and keep us all inside.

Yesterday he arrived in the chamber, fizzier than a packet of popping candy as usual, to say he was locking down Bolton after a recent jump in infections. Thanks to his much vaunted (though possibly hopeless) test and trace system, he was able to blame the spike squarely on the towns thirsty youth.

Under Captain Hancocks orders, restaurants in the area will now be takeaway only. Meanwhile, last orders at the bar will be 10pm. My, my. Freshers week will be fun!

Hancock curled his fingers gleefully around his ring binder. He never looks happier than when issuing instructions. This is not over, he warned in that ominous, headboyish tone.

I bet he was an absolute so-and-so to the younger boys at school...

The opposition benches hardly kicked up a fuss. They were more concerned about testing cock-ups after some people were told to travel hundreds of miles to get swabbed.

Labours health spokesman Jonathan Ashworth referred to people in Devon being advised to cross the sea over to Swansea. The Secretary of State may walk on water, said Ashworth. Most constituents cant. And Philippa Whitford (SNP, C Ayrshire) knew of people in Plymouth who had been told to go to Inverness.

The SNP welcomed this new lockdown announcement. Of course they did. Alyn Smith (SNP, Stirling) was smarmy enough to acknowledge that Hancock is doing a difficult job in difficult circumstances.

But Sir Edward Leigh (Con, Gainsborough) wasnt so generous. Rather than nannying Boltons yoof, he felt they should be encouraged to exercise common sense.

He pointed out that telling the young how to behave usually has the opposite effect. The mild exasperation in courtly Sir Edwards voice suggested he was speaking from experience.

The Government benches bore an oddly subdued atmosphere. Most sat glued to their telephones, possibly monitoring the fall-out from Brandon Lewiss previous statement, when he casually admitted todays bill to amend the UKs Brexit deal with the EU will break international law.

Lewis was addressing a question from Sir Bob Neill (Con, Bromley and Chislehurst). The look on Sir Bobs face at Lewiss response! Like a nun whod just been told shes expecting.

Venues across Bolton had to remove seating as a result of the re-imposed restrictions

Earlier, the culture committee heard evidence from composer and theatre impresario Lord Lloyd-Webber on the crisis facing our theatres.

His Lordship spoke a great deal of sense. Luvvieland, he warned, was at the point of no return. There was the odd flash of anger, but  despite repeated invitations by Kevin Brennan (Lab, Cardiff W)  he resisted the chance to kick chunks out of Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden who was up against a brick wall not of his making.

The old boy looked drained at times. I suspect his head has not sufficiently met with pillow these past six months. At 72, few would have blamed him for swanning off to enjoy his well-earned squillions. But the fact is, the plight of the UKs arts industry matters a great deal to him. He genuinely does care.
The Taoiseach did not comment on President Trump  but appeared to praise his rivals love of Ireland (Damien Storan/PA)

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has spoken in praise of Democratic candidate Joe Biden as he battles for the White House with incumbent Donald Trump.

Mr Martin said he had met the former Vice President, who had a love of Ireland and was aware of his heritage and roots in this country.

But he did not endorse candidate Biden, saying: We take a non-partisan approach to elections in other countries, particularly in other democracies.

Read More

Ireland must deny Donald Trump any public relations opportunities in the run-up to Novembers US elections, the Dail was earlier told.

Richard Boyd Barrett warned about even inadvertent publicity for the Republican candidates re-election bid, adding: This guy is a threat to democracy.

The Taoiseach did not comment on President Trump  but appeared to praise his rivals love of Ireland.

He said he had met the Democratic candidate, former Vice President Biden some years ago at a breakfast event.

Mr Martin said: He is proud of his Irish heritage and has a great love for this country. Mr Biden has roots in Mayo and Galway.

But the Taoiseach added: We will continue to work consistently with both sides of the aisle in the United States' political system and that will not change.

The Taoiseach said he recently spoke on the phone with Mick Mulvaney, President Trump's special envoy for Northern Ireland. He also spoke to Rep. Richard Neal of the Congressional Friends of Ireland.

Both of them were still concerned about the situation here with Brexit, and so on. We speak to both sides of the aisle on a continuing basis and we do not interfere in the electoral contest itself, Mr Martin said.
Talking autonomous robots could help curb the epidemic of loneliness plaguing the elderly.

A study equipped a popular robot, called Pepper, with AI-powered software designed to give the machine a 'cultural component'.

Pepper is made by engineering giant SoftBank Robotics and the conversational personality trait is created by a company called Caresses.

These robots were tested in care homes in the UK and Japan and researchers found that older adults who used them  up to 18 hours across two weeks  saw a significant improvement in their mental health.

Experts who developed the technology say it is no substitute for genuine human carers but the robots could offer extra support alongside current systems.

A study equipped a popular robot, called Pepper, with AI-powered software designed to give the machine a 'cultural component'. It found that elderly people were less lonely and had improved mental health when they had access to the robot

The study,led by the University of Genova, is the first time researchers have collaborated to explore the possibility of developing culturally competent robots.

After two weeks of using the system there was a small but positive impact on loneliness severity among users, the researchers say.

Pepper was able to hold conversations with participants and offer them activities which it believed would be of interest to them.

This includes playing music, helping a person learn a language or talking a certain point in the person's past.

The humanoid assistant communicates via a screen on its chest and has a mouth, eyes and ears on its round head.

Pepper's components come from Asia but are assembled by French firm Aldebaran Robotics, a subsidiary of the mobile carrier Softbank.

Makers SoftBank have said it  or 'he' as the company calls the robot  could become a companion in people's homes in the future too.

Equipped with a camera and sensors, Pepper weighs in at 62lb. It can react to human emotions by offering comfort or laughing if told a joke, and the robot has the ability to learn.

The humanoid assistant communicates via a screen on its chest and has a mouth, eyes and ears on its round head. Pepper's components come from Asia but are assembled by French firm Aldebaran Robotics, a subsidiary of the mobile carrier Softbank

Caresses, which stands for Culture-Aware Robots and Environmental Sensor Systems for Elderly Support, says the more time the system spends interacting with a person, the more natural a conversation becomes.

The researchers also note that the interactions with Pepper had a significant positive impact on participants' attitudes towards robots.

Lead author of the evaluation, Dr Chris Papadopoulos, from the University of Bedfordshire, said: 'This study is ground-breaking because it is the largest ever investigation into the use of autonomous social robots for older adults in care settings.

Pepper the robot comforts coronavirus patients being quarantined at hotels Coronavirus patients with mild symptoms were quarantined at hotels in Tokyo staffed by robots back in May. Five hotels around the city used robots to help limit the spread, one being the world's first social humanoid Pepper. 'Please, wear a mask inside,' it says in a perky voice to welcome those moving into the hotel and also offers words of support - 'I hope you recover as quickly as possible.' Other facilities have employed AI-powered robots that disinfect surfaces to limit the need of human workers who are at risk of being exposed. Kan Kiyota, marketing director of SoftBank, which makes the Pepper robot, said: 'Since patients are infected with COVID-19, it is not possible to have a real person to interact with. 'This is where the robot comes in.' The machine is wearing a protect face mask and interacts with humans as they walk in. Advertisement

'The results show that using the Caresses artificial intelligence in robots such as Pepper has real potential benefit to a world that is witnessing more people living longer with fewer people to look after them.

'Poor mental health and loneliness are significant health concerns and we have demonstrated that robots can help alleviate these.'

Irena Papadopoulos, professor of transcultural health and nursing at Middlesex University, was responsible for developing the cultural concepts and guidelines so that the robots were able to respond to the culture-specific needs and preferences of older people.

'Socially assistive, intelligent robots for older people could relieve some pressures in hospitals and care homes.

'No-one is talking about replacing humans  the evaluation demonstrates that we are a long way from doing that  but it also reveals that robots could support existing care systems,' she said.

Dr Sanjeev Kanoria, surgeon, founder and chairman of Advinia Health Care, one of the largest providers of dementia care in the UK, said: 'Robots were tested and improvements in functionality made following trials at Advinia care homes.

'This is the only artificial intelligence that can enable an open-ended communication with a robot and a vulnerable resident.

'We are working towards implementing this into routine care of vulnerable people to reduce anxiety and loneliness and provide continuity of care.

'The robot was tested in Advinia's care homes in the UK. Now we are working towards bringing the robot into routine care, so it can be of real help to older adults and their families.'

Experts who developed the technology say Pepper is no substitute for genuine human carers but the robots could offer extra support alongside current systems
Its looking good for the UKs first bond sale through banks since June, not least because of the latest saga in trade talks between the nation and European Union.

This weeks offering of 15-year debt should attract investors seeking safety in sovereign securities amid concern Britain is headed for a no-deal Brexit, according to ING Bank NV. The prospect of increased bond buying by the Bank of England by year-end should also spur demand, said Antoine Bouvet, senior rates strategist at the bank.

Benchmark UK gilts gained Monday following a report suggesting Prime Minister Boris Johnsons administration is preparing to end the Brexit transition period without an economic agreement with the EU. Last week, BOE Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden told lawmakers that the central bank has the capacity to increase the pace and size if needed.

Also read: UK urges more realism from EU ahead of crucial post-Brexit talks

On the one hand, the last BOE meeting boosted market hopes of another round of quantitative easing and seemed to downplay the odds of negative rates, Bouvet said. On the other, the approaching Brexit deadline and trash talking ahead of the next round of negotiations is dampening risk appetite, prompting investors to favor safer assets, he said.

Record Borrowing

Such conditions look set to spur a narrowing of the yield premium on longer-maturity gilts over shorter-dated ones -- and that prospect should support demand at the planned issuance, he added. The sale may be held as early as Tuesday. Barclays Plc estimates the sale size at 4 billion pounds ($5.3 billion).

The offering is the first to be arranged by banks since a 30-year bond was sold in June. A similar syndication of 10-year notes in May attracted record orders in excess of 82 billion pounds. Theyre part of the UKs plan to sell an unprecedented 385 billion pounds of debt this financial year to fund a surge in fiscal spending to counter the economic shock from the coronavirus.

Syndications have been an increasingly popular way to issue debt this year as governments ramp up borrowing to fight the pandemic, as the method allows larger-than-usual amounts to be raised. Banks involved in the deal agree to underwrite the offering in return for fees, avoiding the embarrassing possibility of failing to find sufficient demand.

The UKs Debt Management Office said the securities on offer this week will have a 0.625% coupon and mature in July 2035. That compares with a yield of 0.51% for 15-year notes in the secondary market.
Six people in South Carolina face federal charges in connection with rioting in Charleston and Columbia that erupted in late May following protests over the death of George Floyd, the Black man whose killing by Minneapolis police led to civil unrest from coast to coast.

The charges come amid a wave of crackdowns by federal authorities across the country following hard-line calls from President Donald Trump and U.S. Attorney General William Barr to quell the violence seething through America's cities. Prosecutors have leaned on federal laws enacted in the tumultuous 1960s to pile stiff penalties on unruly protesters from Oregon to Minnesota, where Floyd died after a White police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

The smashing, burning and pillaging that consumed downtown Charleston on the night of May 30 represented the worst rioting the city had seen in a century. More than 2,000 protesters came to the city that afternoon to rally against Floyd's killing, but the peaceful event devolved into chaos as night fell, leaving more than 150 businesses damaged. Columbia's rioting that same weekend left several police cars destroyed, shops vandalized and graffiti sprayed across many locations.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for South Carolina announced the charges Tuesday morning. They include firearms violations, arson, violating the federal Anti-Riot Act and interfering with law enforcement during a period of civil unrest.

"On May 30, 2020, violent agitators disrupted and distracted from peaceful protests in Columbia and Charleston and committed violent acts against citizens and law enforcement officers, vandalizing businesses and destroying public property," Peter McCoy, the U.S. Attorney for South Carolina, said. "By escalating and inciting violence, these individuals interfered with the legitimate forms of expression and constitutionally-protected activity."

Court documents lay out the charges against six people:

Charleston residents Abraham Jenkins, 26, and Tearra Guthrie, 23, entered plea agreements on one count each of interfering with law enforcement during a civil disorder.

Kelsey Jackson, 28, of Charleston, entered a plea agreement on one count of arson related to setting fire to a Charleston police car during the rioting.

Orlando King, 31, of North Charleston, entered a plea agreement on one count of violating the federal Anti-Riot Act. He was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in connection with an unrelated incident on April 25.

Karlos Gibson-Brown, 24, of Columbia, entered into a plea agreement on one count each of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition for a riot-related incident in Columbia on May 31.

One defendant, 28-year-old Columbia resident Marcello Woods, does not have a plea agreement. He is accused of setting fire to a Columbia police car.

The Post and Courier reached out to attorneys representing the defendants. Most did not return calls or declined to comment on the pending cases.

Chris Adams, an attorney representing King, said his client went to Charleston to participate in peaceful protesting on May 30.

"At the time when peaceful protests gave way to some looting, Mr. King participated in looting and hes accepting responsibility for that," Adams said.

The attorney said he's reviewed video footage and there is no evidence of his client breaking windows, throwing bricks or engaging in any kind of violence, he said. The full extent of King's looting was taking a six-pack of Angry Orchard hard cider from a business, he said.

Federal intervention

During a Charleston Public Safety Committee meeting Tuesday, Police Chief Luther Reynolds said he met with Barr, McCoy, S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott about the riot.

"In that meeting they shared their full support for prosecution of those cases and they have made good on their commitment and good on their word to make sure we've got as many federal adoptions as possible," Reynolds said. "In the federal side we tend to get significant jail times and that's what these offenders need."

Councilman Peter Shahid, a local attorney who also serves as the committee's chairman, said the people involved in the "higher-level violent" crimes were charged in federal court.

"Four of the six were directly related to Charleston and I understand there are more to come," Shahid said.

Mayor John Tecklenburg praised the collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement in getting the cases into federal court.

During Tuesday's meeting, Susan Herdina, the city attorney, said 47 people were arrested on May 31, the day after the riot, when police again clashed with protesters. Most faced low-level charges like disobeying officers' orders to disperse and curfew violations.

Cases were scheduled for June 16 but prosecutors requested a continuance to review body camera footage, supplemental reports and interview police officers. Each case was considered by city attorneys, who recommended 27 cases be dismissed because they could find no evidence of violent activity.

"These were peaceful protesters exercising their First Amendment right," Herdina said.

Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, who oversees prosecutions of felony-level crimes in Charleston and Berkeley counties, said her office is working with federal prosecutors to ensure all of the alleged crimes from the riot are pursued at one level or another. She plans to forge ahead with the state charges that have been lodged, which include burglaries and some other crimes not covered in the federal indictments.

We arent looking to duplicate, but we do want to make sure all the crimes and all of the victims are covered by charges, Wilson said.

Cracking down

Trump has pledged for months to bring federal intervention to bear to squash turbulence in the nations streets, and Barr has been in close lockstep with the president. The day after the Charleston riot, the attorney general issued a statement saying federal authorities would pursue charges against radical agitators in cities across the country who have hijacked peaceful protest and are engaged in violations of federal law.

The next day, McCoy issued a similar call to action, saying his office would work with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to protect citizens First Amendment rights while "protecting our communities from violence and destruction." That included using the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force to "to identify criminal organizers and instigators."

McCoy, a former 9th Circuit prosecutor and state representative from James Island, became acting U.S. attorney for South Carolina in March and was confirmed for the job in mid-June. His office worked with city leaders in Charleston and Columbia, as well as the Richland and Charleston County sheriffs offices, to review alleged acts from the riots that possibly constituted federal crimes. A few of them, such as setting fire to police cars, jumped off the page as clear federal offenses, federal officials said.

Similar approaches have been employed in Portland, Ore.; Minneapolis; and other cities that underwent violent unrest this summer. In doing so, authorities have relied on federal rioting and civil disorder statutes enacted in 1968 amid national protests over the Vietnam War and civil rights. The civil disorder law made it a federal crime to to obstruct, impede, or interfere with firefighters or police officers performing their duties or obstruct commerce.

In an Aug. 24 opinion, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals pared back some of the anti-riot law, finding that, "it treads too far upon constitutionally protected speech  in some of its applications." The opinion stated that "while the category of speech that lies at the core of the Anti-Riot Acts prohibition, called 'incitement,' has never enjoyed First Amendment protection, the statute sweeps up a substantial amount of speech that remains protected advocacy."

Critics have accused the Trump administration of using the laws and resulting prosecutions to score political points ahead of the November elections. They contend that the approach is a heavy-handed overreach, inserting the federal government in looting, vandalism and assault cases that are more appropriately handled by local and state authorities.

Jonathan H. Adler, a professor at Ohios Case Western Reserve University School of Law, championed this view in a June article he penned for Reason magazine. He argued attempts to turn local criminality into federal crimes allows federal authorities to select cases for federal prosecution not based upon any legitimate federal interest, but rather on whether a given case serves the political interests of the office, the Justice Department, or the Administration.

Still, it is not particularly uncommon for state and federal prosecutors to pursue parallel cases stemming from the same crime, particularly in high-profile incidents. Thats what happened in the case of former North Charleston police officer Michael Slager, who ultimately received a 20-year federal sentence in the April 2015 killing of Walter Scott. And it happened in the case of white supremacist Dylann Roof, who killed nine Black worshippers at Emanuel AME Church in June 2015. Convicted in both state and federal court, Roof is currently on federal death row.

More commonly, state prosecutors have handed off gun cases involving repeat felons to their federal counterparts because the federal system carries heavier penalties for those offenses and longer prison terms.

Mikaela Porter and Avery Wilks contributed to this report.
TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa General Hospital has been named a 2020 Best Organization for Leadership Development (BOLD) Award Winner by the not-for-profit National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL).

The NCHL Survey analyzes participating health care systems to determine their capacity to develop leaders and improve health care outcomes through inclusive leadership and organizational excellence.

To be considered for the BOLD Award, organizations are measured using the NCHL Scorecard which tracks effective leadership development practices in 12 key areas and then compares those to other health systems across the country. Tampa General Hospital ranked among the top 10 organizations overall in the nation, as well as in the top 10 percent in four key areas:

Preparing new leaders for success

Attracting and selecting leaders

Developing for diversity and inclusion

Leadership and well-being

"Tampa General is committed to the continued growth of all team members," said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. "Being named a BOLD Award winner validates the important work we are doing to develop our team members who aspire to be in a leadership role. I am proud of our culture at Tampa General and the programs we have in place around talent management, giving our team members the tools and resources they need to develop their leadership skills and be successful within the organization."

Tampa General offers professional leadership training for its team members through its Organizational Development department and through progressive academic partnerships with local institutions. Internally, Organizational Development has seamlessly converted its most popular face-to-face programs into e-learning and virtual opportunities to accommodate current safety standards. Programs addressing diversity and inclusion are consistently popular through e-learning platforms while virtual presentations focused on emotional intelligence and team member engagement are always well-attended online.

During the pandemic, TGH pivoted to accommodate new leader onboarding virtually and continues to build out that program to ensure a successful transition to these new leadership roles. Additionally, in 2018, Tampa General established an internal leadership development program called Leadership Enrichment And Development  or LEAD TGH. This year-long program provides mentoring and leadership training to team members in the early stages of their careers and prepares them to become better leaders.

To further augment learning opportunities, TGH has collaborated with academic partners in the Tampa Bay community for many years. Both the University of South Florida's Muma College of Business and the University of Tampa's Sykes College of Business offer a variety of programs for TGH team members to expand their skills through external certification programs. These new learning opportunities are key for recruitment and attracting the best candidates for leadership roles and underscore Tampa General's commitment to supporting the career growth of team members through formalized professional development.

"This BOLD award clearly indicates we're one of the best in health care," said TGH Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Chris Roederer. "The work that Organizational Development has accomplished within our organization and what we have done in collaboration with USF and UT demonstrates that this is a journey and we're definitely heading in the right direction."

Tampa General Hospital and the other health care organizations who received the prestigious award will be recognized at a virtual event on Wednesday, November 18 in conjunction with the National Center for Healthcare Leadership's Human Investment Conference. The NCHL is a Chicago-based not-for-profit organization that serves as an industry catalyst to improve health care leadership through inter-organizational collaboration and learning.

Media Contact: Karen Barrera

Asst. Director of Communications & Partnerships

(813) 928-1603 (cell)

[email protected]

SOURCE Tampa General Hospital
UofSC enrollment increases

Preliminary data shows increase in number of SC residents, 28 percent jump in African American freshman enrollment

The University of South Carolina welcomed almost 7,800 new students to the Columbia campus this fall and the incoming freshman class is more diverse and has more in-state students than any previous class.

Im thrilled and honored to greet this extraordinary class of first-time students to campus and to Columbia, university President Bob Caslen says. The diversity and academic talent represented in this new group of students will make us even stronger, and I look forward to seeing these students become an integral part of our Gamecock community.

Here are a few highlights of the new class (all numbers are preliminary):

Of the 7,750 estimated new students who are freshmen, transfers and participants in the residential bridge program, more than 4,700 are from South Carolina.

African American freshman enrollment grew by 28 percent over last year and has grown by 84 percent since 2016.

Underrepresented minorities make up 25 percent of the new students, with their numbers growing 9 percent in this year's freshman class compared with last year.

Hispanic freshman enrollment is up 55 percent since 2016.

Nearly 18 percent of the new freshman class are first-generation college students.

In addition to in-state residents, there are new students from 44 other states and the District of Columbia.

About 580 freshmen are enrolled in the South Carolina Honors College and an estimated 1,490 freshmen are participating in the Capstone Scholars program.

Including graduate students, overall enrollment at the Columbia campus is at a record 35,500 students.

Our continued success in attracting top students from South Carolina and beyond is directly related to the transformative experiences of current and former students, says Scott Verzyl, associate vice president for enrollment management.

UofSC not only offers students tremendous opportunities inside the classroom to obtain a world-class education, but our vibrant and diverse campus culture also affords students the opportunity to engage in beyond-the-classroom experiences, grow as individuals, master critical skills, develop strong relationships and become future leaders. It is no surprise that more and more South Carolina residents are realizing the value of a UofSC degree and choosing to become Gamecocks.

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The latest arrest marks the 106th time that Christine Diliberto (shown in 2016), of Saugerties, has been taken into custody by police in just the last four years

A drunk woman was arrested numerous times over the weekend in upstate New York after she repeatedly called a police department and emergency responders to scream and yell at operators, tying up vital phone lines for hours, police revealed.

The latest arrest marks the 106th time that Christine Diliberto, of Saugerties, has been taken into custody by police in just the last four years.

Diliberto was first arrested at around 2am on Friday morning in a reported intoxicated condition after she allegedly called the Saugerties Police Department repeatedly for hours.

The 41-year-old called with no emergencies, and instead berated emergency dispatchers, screaming and shouting obscenities, police said. She then also started calling the Ulster County 911 center, tying up county emergency dispatchers as well.

Police located Diliberto and charged her with a misdemeanor count of obstruction of governmental administration, police said.

Then on Saturday, between the hours of 12.49am and 2.52am, Diliberto contacted the Saugerties PD emergency number a total of nine times, and Ulster County 911 on four occasions, police said.

Once again, none of the calls were made in the nature of an emergency service request and were purely frivolous. Police characterized the calls as harassment, which prevented dispatchers and officers from responding to real emergencies.

The 41-year-old called with no emergencies, and instead berated emergency dispatchers, screaming and shouting obscenities, police said. She then also started calling the Ulster County 911 center, tying up county emergency dispatchers (Pictured Saugerties Town/Police Station)

Diliberto was temporarily detained and issued another obstruction of governmental administration appearance ticket. On account of her dangerous level of intoxication, she was transported to the Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley Broadway Campus Hospital for medical treatment, police say.

Later Saturday, at 4pm, police responded to a residence on Bridge Street to reports of an intoxicated female repeatedly contacting police emergency telephone lines between 12.56pm to 3.45pm for no legitimate purpose.

Upon arrival, police made contact with Diliberto for the third time in 36 hours. She was again described as being highly intoxicated.

She was processed on another misdemeanor charge of obstruction of governmental administration second degree and then escorted back to the Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley to undergo a mental evaluation and be treated for acute alcohol poisoning.

Saugerties Police Department Chief Joseph Sinagra said in a press release that Dilibertos case is evidence that our mental health system is broken.

This is why Ulster County needs a Stabilization Center like the one in Dutchess County! There is a major gap in our dismantled mental health care system that is allowing individuals suffering from substance abuse to continually slip through, Sinagra said.

Since June 2016, Saugerties police have arrested Diliberto a total of 106 times. The vast majority of those arrests have been made under the New York State Mental Hygiene Law 9.41, the police department said.

This underscores the failure of NYS to provide adequate and equitable mental health care for those suffering from mental health issues, Sinagra added. I am disheartened over the failure of our 21st century mental health system in caring for individuals such as Christine. Its time to address the inequities in our mental health system in NYS- Time to re-envision what a caring an adequate mental health care system should look like!

Since June 2016, Saugerties police have arrested Diliberto a total of 106 times. The vast majority of those arrests have been made under the New York State Mental Hygiene Law 9.41, the police department said

In July 2016, Diliberto called Saugerties PD reporting that she had just killed her boyfriend at home. However, when police arrived at the residence they discovered her partner was very much alive and completely unharmed.

She was taken to the police station and processed on a misdemeanor charge of filing a false police report. Police never said what prompted her to make the call.

Over the next few years, Diliberto was arrested more than 100 times. Including one instance of being arrested twice in a seven hour period following confrontations with police officers in which she tried to tackle one officer to the ground, and threatened to shoot another.

Both of the incidents occurred when police responded to her home to investigate numerous harassing phone calls to the Ulster County 911 center and Saugerties Police.

Diliberto, then 39, was described as highly intoxicated. She slammed into the attending female officer and attempted to tackle her. She was taken into custody on second-degree harassment charges.

She was taken to hospital for alcohol poisoning but, within hours, police once again returned to the residence on account of a harassment complaint. Police said Diliberto was highly intoxicated and became abusive, threatening to shoot officers.

She was issued a second charge of second-degree harassment and along with a misdemeanor count of reckless endangerment.

Following her latest spate of arrests, Diliberto has been ordered to appear in the Village of Saugerties Justice Court on September 14.
Alister Jack said jobs would be at risk without the legislation (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Jobs in Scotland would be put under serious risk without new legislation on post-Brexit trading rules, the Scottish Secretary has insisted.

While Scottish Government ministers have branded the controversial UK Internal Market Bill a Westminster power grab, their UK Government counterparts insist the legislation will see more powers transferred to all the devolved governments.

From January 1, when the UKs transition period comes to an end, powers will be returned from Brussels to the administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, they stated.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said the new legislation was about respecting and strengthening devolution by ensuring trading between the four nations can continue as it currently does.

Holyrood Constitution Secretary Mike Russell has, however, vowed the Scottish Government will not consent to the Bill.

Expand Close The Scottish Government will not give its consent to the UK Internal Market Bill, Constitution Secretary Mike Russell said. (Fraser Bremner/Scottish Daily Mail/PA) PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp The Scottish Government will not give its consent to the UK Internal Market Bill, Constitution Secretary Mike Russell said. (Fraser Bremner/Scottish Daily Mail/PA)

He insisted that Scottish ministers couldnt recommend consent to a Bill that undermines devolution and the Scottish Parliament, and which, by the UK Governments own admission, is going to break international law.

Mr Russell said: This is a shabby blueprint that will open the door to bad trade deals and unleashes an assault on devolution the like we have not experienced since the Scottish Parliament was established.

We cannot, and will not, allow that to happen.

It will open the door to a race to the bottom on food standards, environmental standards and will endanger key public health policies such as minimum unit pricing.

It will also deliver a hammer blow to the Scottish economy by making it harder for the UK Government to conclude free trade agreements if other countries think the UK wont meet its obligations.

UK Business Secretary Alok Sharma said the legislation would protect the UKs highly integrated market by guaranteeing that companies can continue to trade unhindered in every part of the UK after the transition period ends and EU law falls away.

He added: Without these necessary reforms, the way we trade goods and services between the home nations could be seriously impacted, harming the way we do business within our own borders.

Now is not the time to create uncertainty for business with new barriers and additional costs that would trash our chances of an economic recovery.

Our Scottish brand is known throughout the UK and it is vitally important to us that we can continue to trade freely in all parts of the country Audrey Baxter, Baxters Food Group Limited

Mr Jack said: Without this legislation there would be a serious risk to our jobs and businesses which is not surprising given the rest of the UK is Scotlands biggest market, worth 55 billion a year, and a massive 60% of all our exports.

Some business leaders in Scotland welcomed the new Bill, with Audrey Baxter, chief executive of Baxters Food Group Limited, stating: Our Scottish brand is known throughout the UK and it is vitally important to us that we can continue to trade freely in all parts of the country.

We welcome the UK Governments internal market legislation which will preserve and protect the current trading conditions. This will continue to guarantee a level playing field for companies like ours and is crucial to our continued success.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: Scottish consumers and our economy as a whole benefit enormously from the UKs largely unfettered internal single market, as economies of scale and regulatory consistency helps reduce business costs which in turn keeps down shop prices and provides greater consumer choice.

We welcome the governments recognition of that and the aim to keep it as simple and as easy as possible for retailers and other firms to continue to trade.


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(Newser)  Giuseppe Mastini has been convicted of multiple murdersand he just escaped from jail for the fourth time. Mastini, 60, who "terrorized Rome," per the Guardian, in the 1970s and 1980s, was on day release from a high-security Italian prison and failed to return at the appointed time Sunday. Mastini, who was sentenced to life behind bars in 1989, previously fled during day release in 2017, 2014, and 1987. Mastini killed a tram driver during a robbery gone wrong when he was 15, his first murder. He has since been convicted of more murders, plus other crimes including kidnapping, burglaries, and robberies.

story continues below

Police unions are, not surprisingly, wondering why he's still being granted day release. "In 2014, after being awarded a day release permit, he showed he was responsible for irregularities and in 2017 he did exactly the same thing," the president of a police union told Italian media. "The legislation that enables people, who should clearly not be allowed to leave prison, to do so, must absolutely be changed." During his first escape, he was on the run for two years, and murdered a police officer during that time, RTE reports. A country-wide manhunt is underway. (Read more escaped criminal stories.)
New Delhi, Sep 8 : As long as the Indian Army was at its peace-time locations due to the coronavirus, the Chinese were able to sneak into Indian territory at Pangong Tso lake and set up their bases. Once their chicanery was detected and the Indian forces roused from their locations, the Peoples Liberal Army (PLA) is having a rough time in actual combat.

Experts say that by threatening India, China is showing its true colors. Under President for Life Xi Jinping, the country will continue to be more nationalistic and driven by the power that the PLA provides the country with. After Xi ascendancy to power, the decision-making authority in the country has become highly centralized. China now feels that the land and maritime territorial issues, which it has a long list of, should be resolved in a manner that it seeks.

Jagannath P. Panda, Research Fellow, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (MPIDSA), says: "China has become highly nationalistic and pursues an aggressive agenda under Xi Jinping. He will not make any concessions or show flexibility to India. What China wants is that India should stop building border infrastructure. Through its aggression, China is showing its reservations about India carrying out infrastructure development, building a strong military and even strengthening relations with the US." Panda says, by leading the transgressions across the border, China is putting pressure on India.

Although the Chinese strategy of trying to browbeat India militarily has resulted in failure, the dragon will keep trying to harassing India. It will make more attempts to encroach and take over Indian territory as per its snitching habit-the salami slicing strategy. Also, these encroaching tactics will help during talks in a quid pro quo-in Beijing's perception, Indian troops should withdraw further into India while the Chinese troops remain in India or on the border.

Panda says that through these manoeuvres China wants India to compromise. "But India will not show flexibility because New Delhi knows that being flexible with the communist system will lead to bigger problems. Therefore, we can't compromise but have to stand up to the dragon. India has to accept that the Chinese problem will linger on, hence stay prepared." For India it is important to keep talking to China even if there is no breakthrough. Right after the Galwan Valley incident, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had spoken with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss peaceful ways to resolve the border problem. Similarly, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh too held talks with his Chinese counterpart Gen. Wei Fenghe in Moscow immediately after the Aug-Sept border clashes.

Talks do not hold much meaning for China, as it is not in the habit of respecting these whether it is with India or it is with the smaller nations in the South China Sea. The communist system does not bother about international covenants or UN mandates either.

Therefore, with India, China wants that its southern neighbor should accept its sovereignty in Asia and recognize China as the ultimate power and bow to its wishes. As the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) follows grander geo-political objectives for the country, it expects India to remain a subordinate power.

Panda feels that China was only looking for a suitable time to move against India. "The CCP finds that the current climate is suitable for a number of reasons. China is under global pressure due to the corona pandemic, therefore does not want India to be critical over Covid. The CCP celebrates its 100 years next year so Xi has to show the country's might and prestige before the people. As Xi has been building a national consolidation strategy, this is the right time to have a showdown with India." However, with the Indian military humiliating the Chinese troops a number of times on the border, the latter's strategy to show India poorly has floundered. Even during the sneak attack on Indian troops at Galwan Valley on June 15, the PLA was repulsed and forced to go back to their territory behind the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The India Army lost 20 men while the Chinese are believed to have lost over 40 soldiers. It has been difficult to verify their exact numbers as the PLA and the top Chinese brass have kept quiet about their casualties.

Once again when the Chinese decided to take usurp more Indian territory through army action at Pangong Lake between August 31-Sept 2, they were forced to go back by Indian soldiers. As an angry PLA is licking its wounds repeatedly on the Indian border, a humiliated China has rushed even more arms and troops at the border.

He adds that China has made a big mistake by not acknowledging India's capability. "The way we have retaliated against China, they have been taken by surprise. Now, that China is caught in a Catch-22 situation, it is studying India's response on the border carefully," adds Panda.

The lesson for India is that the China problem is not going to go away, so India has to be cautious. The way out is to keep engaging China diplomatically and militarily.

(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
A commercial litigation can be a complex process, far more complicated than a civil litigation between two people. That is because the laws governing the operation of a business are far more complicated than those governing the personal interaction between individuals. Aside from the increased complexity of commercial and business litigation, another difference between the two is that the latter is generally far more expensive and takes a longer time to resolve than civil litigation.

There are some similarities between civil and commercial litigation and one of them is that an experienced attorney is necessary if the party that was wronged wants to be successful in their case. A business litigation lawyer is a necessity in cases of commercial litigation because they will be able to understand the complexities of the case and give the plaintiff the best chance of a successful outcome. If you live in Florida and have a business litigation case, then contact Orlando business lawyer Parikh to get the help you need.

The Stages of Commercial Litigation

A commercial litigation case follows many of the same steps as a civil litigation case, the main difference is that many of the stages may take a longer time to complete because of the complexities involved in the case. Additionally, there may be many more twists and turns along the way that could make the commercial litigation case more complicated. Once there is some sort of commercial dispute, each party must take the following steps:

Hire an Attorney - This is vital because an attorney can help with all of the subsequent steps and provide a much greater chance of victory.

Conduct Investigations - You, or specifically, your attorney needs to conduct an investigation to get all the facts involved in the commercial litigation. That way they can present a strong case and give you a better chance of winning.

Research the Applicable Laws - There are many different types of commercial litigation, each of which has different laws that apply to it. Your attorney will conduct diligent research to take a deeper dive into the relevant laws and how they apply to your case. This is done to make sure that all the bases are covered and that there are no loopholes that can be slipped through by the defendant.

Sending a Demand Letter - As in civil litigation, a demand letter is a letter sent by the plaintiff to the defendant that shows how much compensation the plaintiff is demanding for the damages caused by the defendant.

Settlement Negotiations - Once the demand letter has been sent and received, both parties will try to reach a resolution before the case goes to trial. They will try to reach a settlement agreement that will satisfy both parties.

Filing a Lawsuit - If an agreeable settlement cannot be reached, then a lawsuit will be filed. That means each party and their attorneys will prepare their cases. They will conduct their respective discovery and practice their motions before the case goes to trial.

The Trial - Once both parties have done the necessary preparations, the case will be taken before a judge and jury who will decide the fate of the involved parties. If the party who is defeated is unsatisfied with the outcome, then they can file an appeal.

Types of Commercial Litigation

There are quite a few different kinds of commercial litigation cases that a business may encounter while it is active. Some of them include the following:

Employment litigation

Breach of contract

Partnership disputes

Product liability

Real estate litigation

Antitrust

Cybersecurity litigation

Tax disputes

Unfair competition

Contact an Attorney If You Are Involved in a Commercial Litigation

Commercial litigation can be a lengthy, complex, and expensive process, which is why you need a lawyer to guide you through it. You do not want to enter into such an exhaustive process without a good chance of it ending up in your favor. A business litigation lawyer will give you the best chance of success if you get involved in any kind of business dispute. Such a dispute could spell the end of your business if you are not successful, so contact an attorney to prevent that from happening.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Dhaka:

Bangladesh authorities have seized a luxury Rolls-Royce brought into the country illegally for a former North Korean diplomat expelled for smuggling. Customs intelligence chief Moinul Khan said Han Son Ik intended to bring in the car without paying duty due to his diplomatic status and sell it on to a local buyer.

Officials said the luxury car would have been liable for import duties of more than 800 percent had it been brought in legally. Han was first secretary of the North Korean embassy in Dhaka until he was expelled in August after being accused of smuggling more than a million cigarettes as well as electronics worth half a million dollars.

We had intelligence that Han made a deal with a local buyer to bring the person a Rolls-Royce with Hans diplomatic immunity, therefore he attempted to evade customs tax, Khan told AFP. Han has been marked as a frequent offender.AFP was unable to contact the North Korean embassy for comment.

In March 2015 a North Korean diplomat was forced to apologise after he was caught at Dhaka airport trying to smuggle nearly 27 kilograms (60 pounds) of gold worth $1.7 million into the country. A North Korean restaurant in Dhaka was shut down the same year after officials found it was selling wine and drugs such as Viagra without permission.In 2012 customs authorities imposed a 2.5-million taka fine after seizing illegal wines from another North Korean envoy.





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The Bombay high court last week refused bail to a 60-year-old Finnish national arrested for helping a Sri Lankan national to illegally migrate to Europe.

Justice Sarang Kotwal rejected the bail plea of Miira Mirva Helena Pasma observing that there were strong circumstances against her.

Pasma was arrested after Sri Lankan national Kuhapriya Thevarasa was found carrying a forged French passport issued in the name of Pasma on June 28, 2019 at Mumbai airport. Thevarasa was stopped from boarding a flight to Frankfurt after the airline staff suspected immigration stamps on her passport and handed her over to the Sahar police.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Thevarasa had entered the airport with a ticket for Ahmedabad, whereas Pasma had a French passport and a ticket and boarding pass for the Frankfurt flight. Pasma allegedly passed on the forged passport with purportedly fake immigration stamps to Thevarasa after she cleared immigration checks. Thevarasa attempted to board the Frankfurt flight on the basis of the forged documents, whereas Pasma took a domestic flight to Ahmedabad, where she was apprehended on June 30, 2019.

Pasmas interrogation revealed that she had come in contact with an agent who along with others was illegally sending Sri Lankan nationals to European countries from Mumbai, and Thevarasas parents had paid the gang Rs. 14 lakh. Pasma, who claimed to be a teacher, was promised 1,500 Euros for helping Thevarasa migrate to Europe.

Both of them were then booked by Sahar police for offences punishable under sections 370 (dealing any person as a slave), 465 (forgery), 468 (forgery for the purpose of cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged document), 419 (cheating by personation), 420 (cheating) read with section 34 (common intention) of Indian Penal Code.

Pasma had moved the high court for bail contending that the offences of human trafficking and cheating were not attracted in the case, as no one was being trafficked for exploitation and there was no dishonest inducement for cheating anybody.

Justice Kotwal agreed that there was no material to support the charge of human trafficking, but there was material supporting other charges levelled against the 60-year-old.

The offence is serious. The immigration officers of this country were deceived. Indian territory was used by these two accused for their personal gain, said the judge.

The court refused to take sympathetic view of the fact that she was behind bars for about 14 months and the trial has not started yet. It is unfortunate that the trial could not start immediately, but the court cannot be oblivious to the current situation which has arisen because of Covid-19 pandemic. All the under-trial prisoners are similarly awaiting trial.

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YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. The European Union and WHO today handed over 100 oxygen concentrators, 20 electrocardiographs and 10,000 PCR tests for COVID-19 to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia, the EU Delegation to Armenia told Armenpress.

The supplies, procured by WHO with EU support, will help increase testing capacity and help patients recover from severe illness due to COVID-19.

Oxygen concentrators are a non-invasive way of providing oxygen to patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Such supplemental oxygen is the first essential step for the treatment of patients with low blood oxygen levels due to severe COVID-19.

Electrocardiographs help health professionals listen to and monitor a patients heart for complications. ECGs are especially important for patients being treated in intensive care units.

The 10,000 tests delivered will ensure timely detection, isolation and management of patients, which is important both for patient care and for containing the epidemic in the country. The tests are of a type included in WHOs list of quality-assured supplies and are capable of producing accurate results in just 75 minutes. This short processing time saves healthcare workers time and energy, helps decrease the probability of human error and allows a larger number of tests to be carried out per day.

Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin, WHO Representative in Armenia, Egor Zaitsev, RA Deputy Minister of Health, Lena Nanushyan were at the Republican Center for Humanitarian Aid SNCO to receive the shipment of tests and equipment.

The EU Ambassador and WHO Representative handed over the tests and equipment to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia as part of a larger assistance package to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country. The tests and equipment will be provided to the national laboratory and healthcare institutions.

Background Information

The EU and the WHO Regional Office for Europe have been actively supporting Armenia in its battle against the virus since the start of the COVID-19 crisis. On 20 June, a group of experts co-funded by WHO and the EU arrived in Armenia to help scale up the response in the country. On 1 July, 10 000 PCR tests were delivered to help increase testing capacity.

This support is part of the EUs response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which currently affects more than 216 countries and territories. On 27 March 2020, the EU announced an assistance package of 30 million to help prevent, detect and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in six countries of eastern Europe and the Caucasus, including Armenia.

The funds are initially being used to meet immediate emergency needs, such as procuring critical supplies for health-care workers, frontline responders and patients. In the longer term, the assistance will go towards strengthening the countrys capacity to respond to public health emergencies.
In my second critique of Kwamena Ahwois Working with Rawlings, I followed the qualitative research convention of making a full disclosure to the reader about my educational and career shortcomings, background, biases and possible conflicts of interest to aid the reader appreciate the particular position from which I was writing the critique. The author, a boastful Rhodes Scholar, intentionally failed or refused to make a full and frank disclosure of his educational and career shortcomings likely to affect his narratives, the research method of his qualitative work, his biases and possible conflicts of interest, to the reading public to appreciate the particular position from which the author wrote his so-called scholarly book: Working with Rawlings. (See Bodgdan, R. C, & Biklen S. K. (1998 at page 47).

The author states in the preface to the book (at page xxi) a laudable reason for writing it - to give present and future leaders some ideas about governance at the highest levels, the dos and donts of governance; the skills required for governance and the importance of human relationship as a leadership trait. The authors laudable purpose was, however, immediately negated by narratives showing a glaring lack of scholarship, leadership qualities of ethics, candor, keeping confidences and secrecy of official information, courage, character, and training as a trusted practitioner or lecturer on good governance and above all the importance of human relationship as a leadership trait. Any scholar learned in the philosophy and methods of scholarly research wishing to achieve the authors laudable purpose would have done so ethically with the consent of the subjects the author writes about while at the same time protecting the subjects from any harm. Scholarly ethics is the first quality of a teacher of good governance and human relationship as a leadership trait. A critical reading of the book does not vindicate the authors pretended laudable purpose.

Special Assistant, PNDC Secretariat  Breach of confidentiality and secrecy with Mr. Kufuor

The author states at pages 13 to 15 of Working with Rawlings that between 31st December 1981 and August 1982 the author operated at the PNDC Secretariat with no specific schedule or appointment letter. Instead of describing himself modestly as an errand boy he says that he performed as a kind of Special Assistant performing some routine assignments like handling some of his mail, minuting on some of them and sometimes drafting replies to be signed and issued originally by Mr. B. B. D. Asamoah the first Secretary to the PNDC (see pages 13 to 14 thereof). It was in this position that he was chosen as part of a 5-member delegation led by Brigadier- General Joseph Nunoo-Mensah, member of the PNDC to Nigeria to negotiate for the restoration of oil supplies to Ghana by President Shehu Shagari of Nigeria.

The author who writes for present and future leaders to emulate good governance skills was sent on a serious confidential state assignment by the PNDC to convince Mr. J. A. Kufuor who was a political detainee at Nsawam prison to be part of the delegation because of his friendship with the Nigerian President. The author was in a power position when he went on that state errand to Nsawam prison. Mr. Kufuor on the other hand was in incarceration there without any liberties whatsoever. Mr. Kufuor had every reason to assume that having been sent by the PNDC to him the author was under an obligation to keep their discussions confidential and secret for disclosure only on a strictly need to know basis to the PNDC Chairman and his approved cohorts.

The author, a scholar who wishes to teach present and future leaders the dos and donts of leadership and governance discloses what transpired between Mr. Kufuor and him at Nsawam prison to the whole world in his book. In the scholarly and considered view of this Rhodes Scholar, breaching the confidentiality and secrecy of the conversation with the incarcerated Mr. Kufuor is a good leadership quality for present and the future leaders to emulate. The authors unauthorized disclosure of the content of that confidential and secret encounter in the book clearly demonstrate lack of leadership qualities in the author who touts long-service in public office as his qualification to teach others leadership and good governance. The authors wanton breaches of confidences and state secrets with impunity is a recurring hallmark of the authors narratives in Working with Rawlings.

CVC, NIC, PUBLIC TRIBUNALS and all that - The indispensable Kwamena Ahwoi

Kwamena Ahwois Working with Rawlings appears as an attempt to demonstrate to the reader how indispensable the author was to the PNDCs ability to create the necessary conditions for its survival during the early days of the revolution. The narrative is all about Kwamena Ahwoi negotiating with Mr. Kufuor so that Ghana could get oil, it is about how important the author was not part of a ministerial government delegation led by Dr. Obed Asamoah, PNDC Secretary for Foreign Affairs but on the Presidential delegation led by Chairman of the PNDC himself to an abortive OAU Summit in Tripoli, it is also all about the author composing a panel to interview persons for training as intelligence officers in Eastern Europe some of whom would rise to the highest levels of Ghanas intelligence and administrative circles in later years. Mr. Prosper Bani who was serving with the UNDP abroad when he visited me in 2010 as the then Minister for the Interior and from which UNDP position he was invited to be Chief of Staff in the NDC 4 Government is dishonestly presented by the author at page 18 of his book as having risen through the Ghanaian intelligence and administrative circles to become Chief of Staff.

The authors narrative evinces a mindset determined never to give credit to the leadership of the PNDC which enabled him to perform the errands assigned to him. Kwamena Ahwoi takes credit for the appointment of persons whose names he suggested to the PNDC for consideration. The author appears to be so self-conceited that he does not have the humility of telling his readers that most of those whose names he suggested were selected by the PNDC and appointed on their own merit after an interview to assess their competences and trust worthiness. The author so vainly takes credit even for those persons whose qualities and suitability for appointment were identified by the PNDC before the author was sent on the public service errands to contact them for their concurrence for appointment.

The author when he intends to fabricate or doctor data becomes blind to giving concrete dates for the events he writes about. Where he supplies some dates such as stating at page 13 of the book that between 31st December 1981 and August 1982 he operated at the PNDC Secretariat with no specific schedule or appointment letter, he contradicts himself soon thereafter in stating at page 24 that: I was appointed Coordinator in July 1982, replacing Flying Officer Ebenezer Odoi who had occupied that position from January 1982 to July 1982, at that time coordinating the activities of the NIC only. The author at page 24 of his book states that in March 1988 while he was in Zimbabwe he was relieved of his post as Coordinator. He does not, somehow, remember the date and does not also remember when he was appointed the PNDC Secretary for Local Government and Rural Development except to say 1988. By being evasive about the accurate date of events he disables his academic peers from being able to investigate his claims. No ethical and competent scholar writes a scholarly research work without rigorously collecting the qualitative data, including dates necessary for the enterprise. Our Rhodes scholar is an exception.

In a very few cases the author gets the date correct, such as the fact that on 22nd April 1985 the three members of the Regional Public Tribunal of the Upper East Region serving the Upper West Region died on their return journey from Wa in the Upper West Region. He, however, immediately doctors the data by stating that they were travelling by taxi and the driver of the taxi also died. I was still a PNDC Deputy Secretary for the Upper East Region when this narrated accident took place at Chiana. The late Mr. J. E. Sekyi (a retired A. C. P) was the PNDC Secretary with the late Mr. Simon Abingyah as the PNDC Deputy Secretary for the Upper East Region in charge of Operations. Mr. Joseph Yileh Chireh, Esq, who was the PNDC Secretary for the Upper West Region and his deputy can confirm that the deceased were traveling from Wa to Bolgatanga in their official saloon car after adjudicating cases in Wa when the accident occurred. One cannot travel from Wa to Bolga without by-passing Tumu in the Upper West and going through Chiana in the Upper East, otherwise they performed no duties in Tumu. I visited the scene of the accident immediately the news reached us in Bolgatanga. Edward Bukari Badusi, a Tribunal member, and a bosom friend of mine was the person at the wheels when the vehicle veered headlong into a tree at Chiana. The author, a self-acclaimed scholar fabricated the data, pure and simple! According to Bogdan, R. G. & Biklen, S. K. (1998, at page 45) writing on Qualitative Research for Education: Fabricating data or distorting data is the ultimate sin of a scientist.

The author who is enamored with public positions and titles narrates how he was appointed in July 1982 as the Coordinator of the Citizens Vetting Committee, National Investigation Committee and the Public Tribunals which he states were collectively referred to as the judiciary and quasi-judiciary organs of the revolution. He also narrates that other quasi-judicial organs were established and placed under the Office of the Coordinator (see page 24 thereof).

On page 22 of the book the author narrates the establishment of the Public Tribunal Board consisting of not less than five and not more than fifteen members appointed by the PNDC. The law required that at least one of them had to be a lawyer of not less than five years standing on the roll of lawyers. The Board functioned as the collective administrative head of the tribunal system. The first two co-chairmen of the Board, the reader is told, (who were lawyers), were Mr. George Agyekum and Kwaku Addo-Aikins (see page 23). What the author does not tell the reader is his own professional legal qualification as the Coordinator or the extent of his control over the Board of Public Tribunals chaired by two lawyers enrolled to practice law in Ghana. This omission is unethical as it disables the reader from judging the competences of the author as the Coordinator of such judicial and quasi-judicial organs of the revolution.

This intentional omission enabled the author to create the impression that the Public Tribunal Board presided over by two eminently qualified professional lawyers were mere appendages of the Coordinators Office chariot to which he could issue instructions as to how cases may be adjudicated. This omission also hid the fact that the author dared not to have conveyed any messages from Chairman Rawlings to either Mr. George Agyekum or Mr. Kweku Addo-Aikins on how to perform their judicial functions. The author by this disingenuous stratagem set the foundation for his narrative on Stop the Executions! in which he comes out as the guiltless hero with Chairman Rawlings as the blood thirsty villain.

But the contradictory nature of the authors narrative will dawn on the patient reader who reads the authors assertion of almost unregulated independence and liberties in assignments given to him by the Chairman of the PNDC/President of the Republic at page 233, paragraph 2, and page 242 paragraph 1. Speaking for himself, the author states at page 233, paragraph 2 of the book that:

As Coordinator, Revenue Commissioners, Investigations and Tribunals under the PNDC, I had the freedom to put together the judicial and quasi-judicial organs of the revolution as well as the personnel to man them. I only approached him for his approval as required by law when all the necessary groundwork had been done, and he very seldom said no.

The author reinforces his alleged self-importance and absolute control over the Chairman of the PNDC at page 242 paragraph 1 when he declares that it was in the area of the values of probity, accountability, integrity, equity, and transparency which Rawlings articulated every so often that: ..I worked very closest with him, using the judiciary and quasi-judicial organs of the revolution, such as the NIC, CVC (ORC), SHAPIC and Public Tribunals. This is clearly what is commonly referred to in social discourse as importance by association. But one has to critically read this whole narrative of the author to objectively assess the credibility of the fragments of fabricated data and distortions in the narrative. It is with this unethical data fabrication mindset of the author that one can appreciate the authors narrative from pages 34 to 37 of Kwamena Ahwois Working with Rawlings: Stop the Executions.

Stop the Executions!

I have tried various analytical methodologies in an endeavour to understand the rhetorics deplored by the author and the purpose of the narrative contained in his exposition entitled: Stop the Executions. I tried the symbolic interactionist perspective of creating and analyzing reality, Kenneth Burkes guilt-redemption cycle as a rhetoric tool, including redemption through victimage, and Walter Fishers narrative paradigm to locate, if any, the coherence and fidelity of the authors narrative and to understand the authors claim to scholarly work.

It was still a challenge to understand the authors narrative on Stop the Executions for several reasons. The author portrays himself as the Chief Justice of the new Revolutionary Judicial System running parallel with the traditional Western democratic system of justice. Secondly, the author claimed profound influence over the Chairman of the PNDC resulting in the Chairmans diffidence to the authors proposals on judicial and quasi-judicial matters that ensured that his proposals are very seldom refused. Thirdly the Chairman of the PNDC is thus portrayed by the author as wholly dependent on the author for legal advice concerning the the judiciary and quasi-judicial organs of the revolution, such as the NIC, CVC (ORC), SHAPIC and Public Tribunals. The narrative, accordingly, makes it challenging to appreciate the guilt -redemption cycle and redemption through victimage rhetoric deployed by the controlling author of their relationship.

The author, the Chief Justice on whom the Chairman of the PNDC, for all we know, assumed was also a qualified legal practitioner, (I did not know he was not one until 1993), led the Chairman on to sign execution warrants for ritual murders, armed robberies, and white collar crimes, only to turn round to cast the blame for the executions on the lay Chairman. Characteristic of most of the narrative in Working with Rawlings the author redeems his guilt by casting the person who depended on his professional legal advice as the victim in the narrative.

The authors narrative on Stop the Executions on deeper analysis for narrative rationality fails both in narrative coherence and fidelity. The reading audience who know and have lived through the same occurrences such as the Chairmen of Public Tribunals and panel members who adjudicated the cases the author used in the narrative disown the authors narrative as irrational, fabricated, and incoherent within the context of the authors own narrative.

Is does not make sense that any well qualified practicing lawyer holding the office of Chief Justice for the judicial and quasi-judicial organs of the revolution will act on the mere wishes of a Head of State, urging the head of state on to sign execution warrants not grounded in any rule of law. It also does not make sense that any ethically qualified practitioner of law will influence a judicial tribunal such as the Public Tribunal to convict a citizen and sentence him to death for ritual murder, armed robberies and white collar crimes just to satisfy the wishes of a head of state. Who has the blood on his hands? The ordinary lay Head of State without any training whatsoever in the law or the University law lecturer turned Chief Justice who without any qualification to practice as a professional lawyer convinces the ignorant Head of State that his wishes are legally doable?

The most worrying thing for any empathetic reader of such narratives should be the state of mental health of any scholar making such admissions and confessions in a scholarly work. I have just recalled the doctor in Macbeth saying at Act 5, Scene 1 that: Infected minds to their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets. More needs she the divine than the physician. God, God forgive us all! But here am I critiquing an already published scholarly work of Professor Kwamena Ahwoi adjudged publishable by the greatest interviewer of all time, Professor (Mrs.) Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, PhD/FGA. God, God still forgive us all for this temptation put in my path.

The narrative definitely discloses to any critical reader the mental health problems such an author must be going through in imagining that he has the blood of his executed countrymen on his hands, the guilt of which he tries to redeem with fabricated data about a group led by Naval Captain Baffuor Assasie-Gyimah (Rtd.) as the advocate to Chairman Rawlings to plaintively and politely asked him to let us stop the executions as it was` threatening the survival of the revolution.

Naval Captain Baffuor Assasie-Gyimah has disowned this narrative as reported in the post scriptum to my third critique that he was not part of any such group, if it ever took place. George Agyekum, the tribunal Chairman who tried the Kofi Kyintoh ritual murder case, and the accused Flight Lieutenants murder case both at first instance before the cases went on appeal to the appellate tribunal disowns the authors narrative on the powers of the author to fix cases on signs from Chairman Rawlings. I know as a matter of fact that George Agyekum who was called to the Bar in the United Kingdom and later enrolled in Ghana was a mortal enemy of the author and his self-confessed triumvirate of friends who could not be influenced by the author. The author has profound experiences of how difficult the bar exams were both in the UK and Ghana.

I was the only qualified lawyer and also the Deputy Attorney-General on a three-man administrative committee Chaired by the late respectable Mr. Nathan Quao, with the late then Col. John Kofi Attipoe (later Major-General) as a member appointed by the PNDC to investigate the bail from the Castle scandal in a narcotic case involving one Afiriyie an old student of Sekondi College in which Mr. Agyekum had remanded the accused and administrative bail was purportedly granted by letter from the Castle-Osu. Mr. Agyekum declined to continue to handle the Afiyies narcotic case any further. The Committee exonerated Mr. Agyekum of any judicial misconduct in insisting on the independence of his tribunal. The author could not have dared talked to George Agyekum about the Kofi Kyintoh or the Flight Lieutenants cases when it was pending before the Agyekum tribunal. Chairman Rawlings never interfered with the 3-man Committees investigation and recommendations which demonstrates that he was not part of the bail from the Castle scandal and secondly that it is not his style to send signals to interfere with pending cases.

But a critical and detailed analysis of the whole narrative on stopping the executions lacks coherence and fidelity using the method of qualitative content analysis as well.

The Sefwi Bekwai case of the ritual murder of Kofi Kyintoh and the execution of Nana Kwasi Adjei:

Chairman Rawlings wanted to stamp out ritual murders which were becoming rampant in the country, especially in the Sefwi area of the Western Region and in the Volta Region. He wanted a deterrent and sent a signal to me that if the Public Tribunal sentenced any ritual murderers to death, he would authorize their execution, which he thought would be an effective deterrent.

Then in relation to the alleged convictions and sentences to death by firing squad of armed robbers the author tells the reader that:

Again, he sent a signal that he would authorize the execution of convicted armed robbers sentenced to death by firing squad. The signal was conveyed to the members of the Public Tribunals.

The author then regales the reader with a signal Chairman Rawlings allegedly sent him about executing any person sentenced for white collar crime thus:

Chairman Rawlings signaled that he would authorize their execution if sentenced to death.

The author fails or refuses on each occasion to state the medium by which Chairman Rawlings conveyed his wishes of executing anybody sentenced to death by firing squad for ritual murder, armed robbery or white-collar crime to him as Chief Justice of the revolutionary judiciary, the Public Tribunal. Were the signals sent at a face to face interaction with the author, the acclaimed Chief Justice of the Tribunals, through agent(s) and who was/were that/those agent(s), or were the signals sent by any other secure means of communication? Were the signals sent to the author privately or in his official capacity as the Chief Justice of the judicial and quasi-judicial organs of the revolution? What were and are the impact of the States Secrets Act, 1962 (Act 101) on those conversations between a sitting Head of State and a public officer?

The authors narrative when critically analyzed gives the impression of a deliberate one-sided self-serving narrative for guilt-redemption image of self and victimage of the other participant, Chairman Rawlings. Certainly if the signals were transmitted symbolically in a face to face interaction, then the reader ought to have been told how the author convinced the lay Chairman Rawlings to believe that his wishes were doable in law for him to require them of the author. If the messages or signals were transmitted through the agency of a third party or parties did the author as the Chief Justice of the revolutionary tribunals send a return signal explaining to Chairman Rawlings that conveying his wishes to the members of the tribunal interfered with the rule of law and the independence of the tribunals?

The author comes out as a person who without the requisite legal qualification to practice law imposed himself on the unsuspecting Chairman Rawlings who relied on him for legal advice to stop ritual murders, armed robberies and white-collar crimes. The author is not even forthcoming with the fact that he is paternally from Sefwi and had a vested interest in stopping ritual murders in that area. The author by the import of his own narrative, misadvised and let down the well-intentioned Chairman Rawlings into thinking that sending signals accorded both morally and legally with the rule of law and the independence of the judicial tribunals. The authors narrative on this subject in Working with Rawlings lacks rationality regardless of whatever method of qualitative analysis and critique one uses to assess his narrative rhetoric. The authors narrative smacking of such hollow and irrational confessions of knowingly colluding in the execution of accused fellow citizens on grounds of expediency puts his mental health in issue and represents a cry for assistance. This cannot pass for a scholarly transparent and accountable narrative upon which Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, PhD/FGA staked her integrity as a Ghanaian leader or lack of it in the foreword, and as a reviewer and editor who declared the acclaimed law professors scholarly work  Working with Rawlings - publishable!

The Public Tribunals: The Doctrine of Autrefois Acquit and Autrefois Convict side stepped

The author in his enthusiasm to display his erudition in the law bamboozles the reader with the words autrefois acquit and autrefois convict to demonstrate how those hallowed principles and rules of criminal justice administration were put asunder by Chairman Rawlings in his determination to achieve justice and fairness. Shamefully, the authors narratives do not fit any of these hallowed principles of legality. In the words of the author:

Rawlings was always very concerned about issues of justice and fairness. He always tried to avoid any perception of bias in his decision-making, but doing so he sometimes went overboard to side-step accepted principles of legality.

The cases of Flight Lieutenant Kojo Lee his very close friend and colleague in the Air Force, and his half-brothers son, Nii Amoo Addy both of whom were charged with the murder of different persons, tried and acquitted by different Public Tribunals are cited to support this point. Their acquittals were annulled and their retrials ordered. They were each convicted and sentenced to death and executed by firing squad. The true narrative is that no retrials were ordered in both cases.

The Ghanaian criminal justice system forbid a suspect who has been tried and acquitted or convicted of a criminal offence from being tried again on the same facts for the same offence or offences. The author appears to have deliberately fabricated the data or misrepresented it in his narrative or refused to tell the full story to enable the reader appreciate the true circumstances of the trial and the subsequent appeals to the appellate Tribunals.

The case of the Flight Lieutenant was tried by the Public Tribunal panel with Mr. George Agyekum presiding. The accused was convicted and sentenced to death by firing squad. He filed an appeal against his conviction and sentence. He was executed while the appeal was pending. The author owes Ghanaians an explanation as the Chief Justice on how come the supporting documents were prepared and transmitted to the PNDC for confirmation of the death sentence while the appeal was pending. This case is available online in a google search. I have confirmation from the late Flight Lieutenants wife whom I know personally, and George Agyekum who presided over the case at the trial Tribunal that there was only one trial without any annulled trial and retrial ordered by Chairman Rawlings.

Richard Nii Amoo Addys case went on appeal upon the orders of Chairman Rawlings after he was acquitted of manslaughter. Africa Watch, (News from Africa Watch, Vol. IV, Issue No. 1, January 31, 1992), which is not a friend of the 31st December Revolution was more generous in its narrative of what happened when it states at page 23 thereof that:

In August 1984, Flt. Lt. Rawlings nephew, Richard Nii Amoo Addy, was acquitted of manslaughter after shooting a man dead while policing a petrol queue

As the killing is said to have happened in broad day light and because the accused was related to the head of state, there was public outcry that Nii Amoo had not been convicted of the more substantive charge of murder. The Tribunal reportedly ruled that the accused had not intended to murder his victim, but rather to enforce government price controls.

Reacting to the negative public reaction prompted by the accusation of favoritism by the National Public Tribunal, Flt Lt. Rawlings ordered the state to appeal. The Tribunal panel, who found themselves in an embarrassing dilemma, this time found Nii Amoo guilty of murder rather than manslaughter and passed a death sentence, but recommended that the PNDC should pardon the accused. In order to avoid charges of nepotism (Flt. Lt. Rawlings signs all death warrants on behalf of the PNDC), the PNDC was thus presented with little choice but to confirm the sentence of death, and Nii Amoo was executed by firing squad.

The Africa Watch, an anti-PNDC body understood that the Chairman of the PNDC always acted on decisions of the PNDC that is why it states that the PNDC confirmed the death sentence. The PNDC regrettably confirmed the death sentences otherwise Chairman Rawlings who was under intense mob pressure and emotional pain to vindicate accusations of favoritism against him could not on his own have authorized the two executions to be carried out without being guilty of murder himself.

The authors narrative was as usual intended to victimize Chairman Rawlings while the Africa Watch narrative presents him as a person under pressure of public opinion to demonstrate that he was not nepotistic on grounds of friendship or affinity of blood relation. It is amazing that the author who held himself out as a law lecturer and Chief Justice of the Tribunal system does not know the difference between an appeal from an acquittal and a retrial at a trial court again after an acquittal. Autrefois acquit does not apply to someone acquitted by a lower court and convicted by an appellate court such as the Nii Amoo case. Autrefois acquit or convict are pleas at the bar upon arraignment for ones plea to be taken and not a defence on an appeal where no pleas are taken again from an acquittal or conviction by a lower court or tribunal.

Conclusion

The foregoing analysis and critique demonstrates that Professor Kwamena Ahwoi, the author of Working with Rawlings and Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, PhD/FGA, the writer of the foreword who was also the avowed lead editor, reviewer and the greatest interviewer of all times who declared the book publishable lack the ethics and integrity  to be sincere leaders of Ghana intending to give present and future leaders some ideas about governance at the highest levels, the dos and donts of governance; the skills required for governance and the importance of human relationship as a leadership trait. God, save Ghana!

MARTIN A. B. K. AMIDU

POSTSCRIPT: This critique will be followed by a sequel which is ready for publication, within the next few days, dealing with the authors narrative on Operation hawk and The Soussoudis Affair to exhaust the theme of this fourth critique.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that he discussed strengthening India's bilateral cooperation and reviewed regional developments after meeting Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif in Tehran. The EAM had made a stopover in Iran as part of his key Moscow visit.

Calling the meeting "productive", the EAM, taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, said "discussed strengthening our bilateral cooperation and reviewed regional developments. Thank him for his gracious hospitality." Javad Zarif had visited India in 2020 to be part Raisina Dialogue.

"A productive meeting with FM J Zarif during a stopover in Tehran. Discussed strengthening our bilateral cooperation and reviewed regional developments. Thank him for his gracious hospitality," tweeted Jaishankar.

EAM will be reaching Moscow later on Tuesday for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meet. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. Iran is an observer member of the grouping.

This is the second time any top Indian minister is visiting Iran within a week. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had visited Iran over the weekend while coming from Russia and met with Iran's Defence Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami. During Rajnath Singh's visit, Afghanistan and regional security were discussed in over one hour long bilateral.

A productive meeting with FM @JZarif during a stopover in Tehran. Discussed strengthening our bilateral cooperation and reviewed regional developments. Thank him for his gracious hospitality. pic.twitter.com/Ec9sqO5I6U  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 8, 2020

The high-level visits by India to Iran are been considered as a major reached out by New Delhi to a country it considers part of its extended neighbourhood. Iran plays an important role in India's connectivity project via Chabahar port that provides it link to Afghanistan and wider Central Asian region.
Techniques of Visual Persuasion: Create powerful images that motivate Many people think media belongs only to experts. But, as this book makes clear, improving our ability to communicate with pictures is available to all of us. This book explains how.

Visual content creation just became a whole lot easier for beginners to learn thanks to Larry Jordans latest book, "Techniques of Visual Persuasion: Create powerful images that motivate," published by New Riders (a division of Pearson). Author, professor, producer and director, Jordan, who is best known for his Final Cut Pro X training, delivers a book filled with techniques to create compelling images, and designed for those who are new to visual communication but need to make their voices heard on the web and social media.

In todays highly-distracted, work-from-home world, clear, persuasive visual communication is more important than ever, Laura Peters, Jordans director of marketing said. Persuasive images that attract, hold and motivate an audience are essential.

This 400 page book delivers. Filled with almost 500 images and illustrations, along with practical examples, real-world stories and hands-on exercises, this full-color guide illuminates the why and the how of powerful visual communication. Topics include:



Visual literacy for non-professionals

Techniques for better story-telling - especially for video and motion graphics

Directing the emotions associated with words, fonts, colors and images

Building outstanding business presentations to avoid death by PowerPoint

Crafting effective photos, and working with both amateur and professional talent

Editing, repairing, and compositing still images

Create motion graphics that compel attention with a clear, powerful messages

Recording and editing effective video

This is my tenth book and I am very proud of it, Larry Jordan said. It starts by presenting the foundations of visual composition, powerful writing, effective fonts and compelling color, then spends the rest of the book providing concrete examples readers can put to work right now. I wrote it for people that need to communicate with images, but don't know how.

"Techniques of Visual Persuasion: Create powerful images that motivate" is a book for people creating content today. It is a must-have for anyone in business or education trying to tell a story, communicate persuasively, or effect change using digital media.

ABOUT LARRY JORDAN

Larry Jordan is a producer, director, editor, author, and internationally-renowned consultant in digital media with more than 45 years experience; with national broadcast and corporate credits. Based in Los Angeles, hes a member of the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America, as well as recognized as one of the Top Corporate Producers in America.

His informative and entertaining teaching style provides video editors around the world with unique resources to increase productivity and enhance their skills. Jordan writes and edits the free Larry Jordan Edit Smarter newsletter, which provides essential information to media editors around the world. Jordan is also the author of thousands of technical articles and host of hundreds of hours of podcasts and training.

RELATED LINKS:
Nagoya, Japan, Sept. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NGMEX, a full-service commodity and multi asset exchange that incorporates the complete workflow of a trading venue and also provides on-line commodity futures and options trading, is pleased to announce that NGMEX and a leading commercial bank in PRC, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to maintain and reinforce the further strengthening of their business relationship. The name of the bank will be disclosed once all the regulatory and agreement steps will be finished.

Under the MOU, the Bank also intends to participate in the Silver Pricing, as administered by NGMEX, as well as to facilitate the trading of NGMEX products for customers in Peoples Republic of China.

"We are pleased to partner with one of the leading Chinese commercial banks and the official clearing bank of Chinese Renminbi," said Yasutomo M. Izumi, Executive Chairman and President of NGMEX. "We at NGMEX are convinced that this relationship will bring many benefits for the marketplace and will stimulate new innovations across a range of asset classes."

Physically deliverable futures contracts for USD/CNH and EUR/CNH have been available on NGMEX. Now that NGMEX Clearing intends to work with the Chinese bank, it also plans to amend these contracts so that physical delivery will bring cost and time-saving advantages to market users.

"The ability to transact during local and foreign hours represents a high priority to those organizations who value flexibility in managing their positions in markets where prices can move sharply in short time frames," said Tadayo Shimizu, Senior Managing Director, and President of NGMEX Clearing. "Our primary target right now is to build out all the necessary infrastructure and RMB products for a flourishing marketplace as well as extending our partnership into other areas," added Mr. Shimizu.

Nagoya Mercantile Exchange (NGMEX)

NGMEX is a full-service multi asset exchange that incorporates the complete workflow of a trading venue and also provides on-line commodity futures and option trading. The organization believes in delivering nothing but the best to its loyal customers. From the individuals to the corporations, from institutions to the government agencies, NGMEX has always been a trusted establishment offering genuine industry insights and information on the benchmark commodity prices. NGMEX mission is to provide traders with state-of-the-art order entry capabilities, extremely competitive execution timing and the professional service that today's financial world demands.

Sadao Endo

+81-9078960105

News via KISS PR Brand Story https://story.kisspr.com

Attachment
Figure 1

KATFISHand ALARS  Storage Position

KATFISHand ALARS  Storage Position

Figure 2

KATFISHand ALARS  Deployed Position

KATFISHand ALARS  Deployed Position

Figure 3

Polish Navy KORMORAN II MCMV

Polish Navy KORMORAN II MCMV

ST. JOHNS, Newfoundland, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kraken Robotics Inc. (TSX-V: PNG, OTCQB: KRKNF), Canadas Ocean Company, is pleased to announce that on September 1st, it signed a contract to supply minehunting systems to the Polish Navy. As part of this contract, Kraken will deliver its KATFISH towed Synthetic Aperture Sonar, Tentacle Winch and Autonomous Launch and Recovery System (ALARS) in the second half of 2021. Krakens equipment will be integrated onboard the Polish Navys new KORMORAN II Mine CounterMeasure (MCMV) vessels in Gdansk, Poland.



Kraken CEO Comments

Karl Kenny, Kraken President and CEO noted: We are very pleased to sign this contract to supply our KATFISH and ALARS systems for the Polish Navys new minehunting vessels. Kraken is honoured to be working with such a strong NATO ally. Due to confidentiality reasons, Kraken cannot disclose specifics about the contract  other than to say that it is significant and that we expect it to be a strong enabler within other NATO nations. Should the Polish Navy be successful in exporting its new KORMORAN II MCMVs to other countries, we could see additional KATFISH and ALARS sales opportunities in these international markets.

Polish Navy Comments

Captain Piotr Sikora, Chief, Naval Warfare Systems Branch, Armament Division, Polish Navy Inspectorate noted: The building of new capabilities and acquiring the most advanced equipment is necessary to counter the naval mine threat in the difficult Shallow Water and Very Shallow Water zones. This was our goal during long and complex trials of our first ship, ORP KORMORAN. Krakens KATFISH has met all our requirements, as evidenced by our tests at sea. The unique capabilities of this system will provide us with much greater efficiency and will allow us to build strength for the 21st century. We are convinced that with such an advanced Synthetic Aperture Sonar onboard, our new MCM Vessels under the Polish and NATO flag will make a huge contribution to build both national and international security at sea as we face the naval mine challenges of the 21st century.

Story continues

ABOUT KRAKEN ROBOTICS INC.

Kraken Robotics Inc. (TSX.V:PNG) (OTCQB: KRKNF) is a marine technology company dedicated to the production and sale of software-centric sensors, subsea batteries and thrusters and underwater robotic systems. The company is headquartered in St. Johns, Newfoundland with offices in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; Toronto, Ontario; Bremen & Rostock, Germany; and Boston, Massachusetts. Kraken is ranked as a Top 100 marine technology company by Marine Technology Reporter. For more information, please visit www.krakenrobotics.com, www.krakenrobotik.de, www.krakenpower.de. Find us on social media on Twitter (@krakenrobotics), Facebook (@krakenroboticsinc) and LinkedIn.

Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, the words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "seek", "propose", "estimate", "expect", and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements with respect to, among other things, business objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business projects and opportunities and financial results. These 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. Such statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events based on certain material factors and assumptions and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, changes in market, competition, governmental or regulatory developments, general economic conditions and other factors set out in the Company's public disclosure documents. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to vary from those described in this news release, including without limitation those listed above. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this news release and such forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by reference in this news release, should not be unduly relied upon. Such statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provide (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release, and the OTCQB has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

For further information, please contact:



Joe MacKay, Chief Financial Officer

(416) 303-0605

jmackay@krakenrobotics.com

Greg Reid, Chief Operating Officer

(416) 818-9822

greid@krakenrobotics.com

Sean Peasgood, Investor Relations

(647) 955-1274

sean@sophiccapital.com

Shauna Cotie, Marketing Manager

(709) 757-5757 x 241

scotie@krakenrobotics.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8083b1ad-8348-4ef7-a556-4ec9fccee429

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a295d77-8653-4ae8-aa30-0c1e2016605b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0a9770fa-87c2-4c90-b8e2-4e0abe029c0b




United States Seizes Domain Names Used by Foreign Terrorist Organization

Washington, DC - The United States has seized Aletejahtv.com and Aletejahtv.org, two websites, which were unlawfully utilized by Kataib Hizballah, a Specially Designated National and a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Once again we see designated foreign terrorist organizations turning to the internet to push their message and recruit followers for their violent causes, said John Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. We will continue to fight terror recruitment and propaganda efforts in the digital world, as we do elsewhere.

Our system of commerce and our infrastructure, whether physical or electronic, is to be used by lawfully, said U.S. Attorney Byung J. BJay Pak for the Northern District of Georgia. We will not allow groups that have been rightfully prohibited from obtaining goods and services in the United States to use our internet services  especially to further their terrorist agenda. This seizure underscores national collaboration and a commitment to protecting our commerce and infrastructure.

The District of Arizona is home to many successful technology companies whose goods and services are capable of being used by individuals across the world, said U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey for the District of Arizona. We will not allow members of terrorist organizations to illegally use those goods and services to further their propaganda and agenda.

The National Security of the United States is, and will always be, the top priority for the Bureau of Industry and Securitys Office of Export Enforcement. Attempts to surreptitiously utilize U.S. based online networks and services to promote Iran backed terrorist propaganda will immediately be disrupted, disabled, and seized, said P. Lee Smith, Performing the Non-exclusive Functions and Duties of the Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement at the Department of Commerce. The Bureau of Industry and Security is committed to ensuring the stability of the Iraqi government and protecting our troops and Allied Forces against terrorist acts of violence

On July 2, 2009, the U.S. Secretary of Treasury designated Kataib Hizballah, an Iran-backed terrorist group active in Iraq, as a Specially Designated National for committing, directing, supporting, and posing a significant risk of committing acts of violence against Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces. On the same day, the U.S. Department of State designated Kataib Hizballah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization for committing or posing a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism.

Aletejahtv.com and Aletejahtv.org, acted as Kataib Hizballahs media arm and published internet communications such as videos, articles, and photographs. These communications included numerous articles designed to further Kataib Hizballahs agenda, particularly destabilizing Iraq and recruiting others to join their cause. They also functioned as a live online television broadcast channel, Al-etejah TV. Portions of the communications expressly noted that they were published by Kataib Hizballah.

Federal law prohibits designated entities like Kataib Hizballah from obtaining or utilizing goods or services, including website and domain services, in the United States without a license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Aletejahtv.com and Aletejahtv.org are domain names that are owned and operated by a United States company based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Kataib Hizballah did not obtain a license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control prior to utilizing the domain names.

On August 31, 2020, pursuant to a seizure warrant, the United States seized Aletejahtv.com and Aletejahtv.org. Visitors to the site received the following message:

This seizure was investigated by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Northern District of Georgia, Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the District of Arizona, and trial lawyers from the Department of Justice National Security Division prosecuted the seizure.
A man has admitted to hurling his 17-month-old stepson against a sofa with the horrific injuries killing him days later.

Phillip John Welsh pleaded guilty to manslaughter after throwing Malcolm Robert Bell into the couch at a home in Auckland in June last year.

Upon appearing at the High Court on Tuesday, it was heard the 52-year-old had become angered by his partner, Savanna Bell, who left him alone with Malcolm while she went out with friends.

Welsh became furious he was being treated like the 'babysitter' and threw a crying Malcolm into the frame of the sofa before he crashed onto the floor.

Malcolm suffered severe injuries to his head and died six days later on June 29, 2019.

Phillip John Welsh pleaded guilty to manslaughter after throwing Malcolm Robert Bell (pictured) into the couch at a home in Auckland in June last year

After throwing the baby, Welsh had told Ms Bell he came out of the bathroom to see Malcolm having a seizure, Stuff reported.

Malcolm was rushed to hospital but police intercepted a phone call between Welsh and Ms Bell.

Ms Bell said: 'He was fine when I left' to which Welsh replied: 'Oh yeah, course he was, aye. You tell me what happened, Savanna? What'd you do to him before I even had him?'.

In other calls listened in on by police, Welsh said Ms Bell was to blame.

The family had been involved with child protection staff from Oranga Tamariki - a government department in New Zealand responsible for the wellbeing of children.

Medical experts claimed the force Malcolm was thrown into the couch was almost the equivalent of the force from a car crash.

Crown prosecutor Fiona Culliney said Welsh was more than a metre away from the couch when he threw Malcolm.

'Mr Welsh picked up Malcolm and threw him with significant force at the couch, he did so out of anger and frustration,' Ms Culliney said, TVNZ reported.

'Malcolm hit the back of the couch which has a wooden frame covered by thin foam and fabric. There were no cushions on the couch at the time, which made the couch a harder surface than most couches.'

The High Court of Auckland (pictured) heard on Tuesday Malcolm's death came about an argument between his stepfather and his mother Savanna Bell

Malcolm was admitted to Auckland's Starship Hospital in a critical condition with severe head injuries.

Police believed the baby's death was non-accidental.

Malcolm had emergency surgery on his brain and Ms Culliney said if he survived he would have gone blind in both eyes due to the trauma.

'Structures normally positioned in the middle of the brain were pushed to the left side by 10mm, the ventricle in the middle of the brain was almost completely flattened,' she said.

Welsh was charged with murder in July last year.

He will face sentencing on October 30.

Malcolm's maternal uncle is convicted murderer, William Bell.

He killed three people and left another fighting for their life during a gun attack in 2001.

He was sentenced to life behind bars and will be eligible for parole in 2033 where he will be 55-years-old.
Amid rapidly rising COVID-19 infection rates, Mayor John Tory is pleading with Torontonians to avoid crowd scenes including weddings and beach parties.

In response to questions at unrelated news conferences Tuesday, Tory expressed strong concern over the climbing infection rates, saying he wont hesitate for one second to impose new restrictions if public health officials deem them necessary.

Ontario has banned gatherings of more than 50 people indoors and more than 100 people outdoors, with anti-virus rules including physical distancing for legal gatherings.

But people continue to ignore precautions, even as kids start to head back to school.

More than 20 people were infected at a late-August wedding and related celebrations at three different GTA sites.

Overnight dance parties continue at Cherry Beach, with video from the weekend showing people dancing closely and socializing without masks.

Toronto officials said they prevented the weekend transportation of bushels of firewood to Toronto Island for an unauthorized public event.

Tory said: Were pleading with people in all age groups to continue to stay the course, and follow anti-virus precautions including masks and physical distancing, particularly at gatherings including parties, weddings and while dining out.

According to the Stars count, the rate of infections has been rising steadily in Toronto since the city entered Stage 3 of reopening at the end of July.

On Aug. 1, Toronto had seen an average of about 15 new cases reported daily over the previous week, near the lowest the citys seven-day average had been since March 20  shortly before the city had reported its first death from COVID-19 and well before the pandemic first peaked in Ontario.

Torontos seven-day average has gone up every week since Aug. 1. As of Monday, it had tripled to about 45 cases daily but remains well below the peak infection rate of about 230 cases a day, seen in late May

The mayor told reporters he has asked public health officials to report to him on the most common infection sources.

Dr. Eileen de Villa, Torontos public health chief, recently cited congregate settings where people gather, he added.

The bottom line is were going to get to the bottom of this, said Tory, citing new data highlighting the growth of COVID-19 infections among young Torontonians.

Of 968 people infected in the past month, he said, half were between the ages of 20 and 39, with another 15 per cent younger than 20.

Toronto police monitored but did not shut down the latest Cherry Beach party. City officials said tickets and more than 500 cautions were issued on the weekend at Toronto sites over physical distancing, alcohol, bonfires and littering bylaws.

Noting he doesnt direct enforcement, Tory slammed the party organizers, saying They are inconsiderate, they are irresponsible and they should be dealt with.

Toronto Police spokesperson Connie Osborne said: The city is leading on education and enforcement of emergency orders and by-laws. We continue to work with them in a supporting capacity.

A city spokesperson, asked if more action will be taken to break up illegal gatherings, said she could not provide the information until Wednesday.

While Toronto Public Healths online dashboard of key pandemic indicators switched last month from green to yellow, indicating the infection rate is no longer in line with the citys goals, cases have been rising in other parts of the GTA.

Peel Region, which entered Stage 3 on July 31, has seen its seven-day average quadruple since Aug. 1, from 12 cases daily to nearly 50.

York Region has seen its average more than double over the same period to 14 cases a day.

With files from Ed Tubb

David Rider is the Stars City Hall bureau chief and a reporter covering city hall and municipal politics. Follow him on Twitter: @dmrider
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

There were three times as many suspected COVID-19 cases presented to GPs during the peak of the pandemic than shown in official COVID-19 test results, according to research led by Queen Mary University of London.

The study, published in the British Journal of General Practice, also shows that black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) groups were twice as likely to present with COVID-19, and this is not explained by other factors such as other health conditions, obesity and social deprivation.

Lead author Dr. Sally Hull from Queen Mary University of London said: "Our results suggest that COVID-19 prevalence during the peak of the epidemic was higher than previously thought. The official COVID-19 test statistics are likely to have underrepresented the extent of the epidemic, as many people with COVID-19 would not have been tested, including those with milder symptoms or those who could not access testing centers. Much of the COVID-19 epidemic is being managed in primary care which has had to adjust rapidly to online consultations. We need timely reporting of COVID-19 test results to practices, and diagnostic information from NHS 111, so that practices can provide continuing care to patients with more severe episodes. It's going to be very important how GPs record and manage cases in their community, as this can provide an early warning system if cases are rising again in an area and if we're about to see a second wave of infection."

Attention on COVID-19 initially focused on hospital presentations and intensive care, but little was known about the pattern of early presentations at GP surgeries. Community testing ceased in England on 12 March 2020, hence the extent of asymptomatic and milder symptomatic cases in community settings remains unknown.

The researchers studied anonymised data from the primary care records of approximately 1.2 million adults registered with 157 practices in four east London clinical commissioning groups (Newham, Tower Hamlets, City and Hackney, and Waltham Forest) during the peak of the London epidemic during March and April. Three of the four boroughs had death rates in the top five for London boroughs and 55 percent of the population are from ethnic minorities, hence the area is well placed to examine the over-representation of black and South Asian populations in suspected COVID-19.

The study found that:

GPs recorded 8,985 suspected COVID-19 cases between 14 February and 30 April 2020triple the number who tested positive at government test centers over that period.

There was a two-fold increase in the odds of suspected COVID-19 for South Asian and black adults compared with white adults. This risk remains even after accounting for other factors, such as multiple health conditions, obesity and social deprivation, which are also strongly associated with increased risk of a suspected COVID-19 diagnosis.

The odds of suspected COVID-19 increased with social deprivation, numbers of long-term conditions and BMI.

There was a seven-fold increase in risk of suspected COVID-19 for those with dementia, which may reflect the excess risks to older people living in care homes.

In contrast with other studies, the current study did not find an excess of male cases, but found that females had a slight increase in risk of suspected COVID-19, which suggest that the known higher risks for men emerge later in the disease trajectory.

There was a sharp seasonal decline in upper and lower respiratory infections during the period that saw a rise in suspected COVID-19 cases, which may have been magnified by social distancing.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

More information: Sally A Hull et al. Prevalence of suspected COVID-19 infection in patients from ethnic minority populations: a cross-sectional study in primary care, British Journal of General Practice (2020). Journal information: British Journal of General Practice Sally A Hull et al. Prevalence of suspected COVID-19 infection in patients from ethnic minority populations: a cross-sectional study in primary care,(2020). DOI: 10.3399/bjgp20X712601
SALT LAKE CITY  Summer came to an abrupt halt in parts of the Rocky Mountains on Tuesday as temperatures reaching into the 90s plunged about 60 degrees in less than 24 hours, with a powerful surge of cold air from Canada unleashing snow and damaging winds in several states.

The roller coaster weather ripped up trees by their roots, piled up snow that shut down parts of the scenic road through Glacier National Park and knocked out power to tens of thousands. But the temperature drop is helping with wildfires in Colorado and Montana that had ballooned in hot, windy weather and forced people to flee their homes.

Heat and strong winds also hit California and parts of the Pacific Northwest over the holiday weekend, igniting destructive wildfires.

Snow fell in Colorado, Montana and Wyoming. Far from the ocean and its moderating effect on weather, Colorado is no stranger to extreme shifts. However, Denvers temperature drop, from 93 on Monday to 32 on Tuesday, is much earlier than we usually get this, state climatologist Russ Schumacher said.

The National Weather Service has recorded six other days since 1872 where the temperature dropped by 60 degrees or more in Denver, but they were all during the winter. The latest plunge came after the city hit a record high of 101 on Saturday, one of its hottest days ever in September, he said.

While Schumacher, an associate professor at Colorado State University, believes climate change has been contributing to the heat across the U.S. West that has been fueling wildfires, its not clear yet whether its also playing a role in the cold front and the extreme temperature drop.

In Utah, where temperatures plummeted by 40 degrees, wind gusts of nearly 100 mph roared through Salt Lake City, downing trees and canceling the first day of online school. Officials warned people to stay inside to avoid flying debris, downed power lines and other dangers. Several semitrailer trucks blew over on northern Utah highways.

Josephine Bradburys two daughters were looking forward to remote classes after months of missing friends and teachers because of the coronavirus pandemic. But the girls couldnt log on for their first- and sixth-grade classes, so they all went to their Salt Lake City school for help, fighting whipping wind and passing a broken tree in front of the playground.

It was literally like a force pushing you, Bradbury said. Ive never seen anything like it before.

Classes were eventually canceled as thousands of families struggled with power outages.

You get them all geared up, get their laptops, get them all ready to go, and now theyre not starting until Thursday, she said.

A utility reported almost 200,000 customers lost power in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming, where portions of Interstate 80 were closed. Some could be without electricity for days, officials said.

Six inches (15 centimeters) or more of snow could fall in the northern and central Rockies, with 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) dropping in the highest peaks, the National Weather Service said. It has issued scattered winter storm warnings and weather advisories from southern Montana to southern Colorado. Freeze and frost warnings also were posted for parts of Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Nebraska, North Dakota and Minnesota.

The cold and snow will help the fight against the Cameron Peak Fire in northern Colorado, which nearly quadrupled in size over the weekend, sending smoke and ash into Denver. The weather was gradually expected to warm up, with temperatures back up in the 80s by the weekend in the Denver area.

In Montana, where the weather began to shift Sunday night, the small city of Red Lodge, a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, had received 10.5 inches (27 centimeters) of snow. Farther north in Glacier National Park, snow closed the higher elevations of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

A windstorm in western Montana on Monday knocked down trees and power lines and damaged docks and boats on massive Flathead Lake. Ken and Karen Brown, who live in Safety Bay on the southwest side of the lake, told NBC Montana that the community usually lives up to its name but that wind-driven waves took most of the planks off their dock.

This is probably one of the stronger storms weve had in the 23 years Ive been here, Ken Brown told the TV station.

Warm weather in Montana over the weekend also fueled the rapid growth of a wildfire near the university town of Bozeman, forcing people to evacuate their homes and trapping three firefighters who had to deploy their fire shelters  a last-ditch effort to protect themselves  as the blaze burned over them, the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation said.

After the fire passed, they were able to walk out of the area and were taken to the hospital for evaluation, The Great Falls Tribune reported.

____

Slevin reported from Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Associated Press writer Mead Gruver in Cheyenne contributed to this report.
Pranab Mukherjee's stewardship of the economy will stand out as much for the manner in which he managed controversies as for creating quite a few of them, says A K Bhattacharya.

IMAGE: Then prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh with then finance minister Pranab Mukherjee soon after the latter filed his nomination for President. Behind them is Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Photograph: B Mathur / Rediff.com

Only five finance ministers of India have had the privilege of holding that prized portfolio twice in their career in different stints. Pranab Mukherjee was one of them.

But there was a big difference.

The gap between the two tenures of all other finance ministers -- T T Krishnamachari, Morarji Desai, Yashwant Sinha and P Chidambaram -- ranged between four and seven years.

For Mukherjee, it was 25 years. That long a gap is testimony as much to his longevity and utility as a politician as to his ability to survive under different Congress regimes.

The performance of the Indian economy during Mukherjee's tenures as finance minister -- from January 1982 to December 1984 and from January 2009 to June 2012 -- was hardly spectacular (see table).

Neither did Mukherjee significantly raise the performance of the economy, nor did he let it go down precipitously.

But his stewardship of the economy will stand out as much for the manner in which he managed controversies as for creating quite a few of them.

Mukherjee's induction into the corner room of North Block, headquarters of the finance ministry, on January 15, 1982, was preceded by an economic crisis, which also led to a political controversy.

The government had obtained a $5.8 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund in November 1981 to manage its balance of payments situation.

When Mukherjee became the finance minister, only a month-and-a-half was left for him to present his first Budget to Parliament. He rose to the occasion and presented a Budget speech that made a stout defence of India's decision to seek the IMF loan.

In his first stint, Mukherjee managed the political fallout of India receiving an IMF loan quite adroitly. That the Indian economy began turning around helped him.

Thus, when he presented his third Budget in February 1984, Mukherjee actually made the grand announcement that the government did not need the final installment of the IMF loan as the economy had recovered from its balance of payments crisis and the international body could divert the unused portion of the loan sanctioned for India to countries that may need such assistance.

He also opened doors to non-resident Indians, or NRIs, to invest in the stock markets and in shares of already listed companies in India.

This became controversial as the permission led to the infamous bid mounted by London-based NRI, Swraj Paul, to take over Escorts and DCM.

Rajiv Gandhi, at that time a member of Parliament from Amethi, welcomed NRI investments, but suggested that limits should be fixed on their purchase of shares in Indian companies. Eventually, such limits were imposed to ensure that owners of Indian companies did not feel threatened.

The NRI investment issue also gave rise to a difference of opinion between Mukherjee and Manmohan Singh, who was then the governor of the Reserve Bank of India.

The government had over-ruled the RBI, which had objected to the move on relaxing NRI investment rules. Dr Singh later admitted to a build-up of tension between the RBI and the government on that issue.

Mukherjee crossed swords with Dr Singh one more time. This was in 1983 when the government wanted to allow the controversial and poorly regulated foreign bank, the Bank of Credit and Commerce International, to open a branch in Bombay (now Mumbai). Dr Singh as the RBI governor opposed the move.

The government then issued directives to the RBI to allow BCCI to open a branch in Bombay. Dr Singh was upset.

But the government did not stop at that. Its Cabinet decided to deprive the RBI of its powers to grant licences to banks. In response, Dr Singh sent in his resignation to Mukherjee and to Indira Gandhi.

After some consultation and rethinking, the government retracted its steps and a crisis was averted.

Mukherjee's return to North Block after 25 years was also against the backdrop of an economic crisis, growth plummeting after a global financial meltdown and the problem of twin deficits (fiscal and current account) rearing its ugly head.

His second term as finance minister will be remembered mostly for his controversial decision to make a retrospective amendment in the direct taxes law that would allow the government to tax overseas companies on their share transactions involving companies with substantial and operating assets within the Indian jurisdiction.

The retrospective amendment in the law became necessary after the foreign owners of Hutchison Essar Limited, a mobile phone company operating in India, sold their controlling stake to Vodafone of the UK at a profit, but the new owners challenged the tax notice served on them and got a favourable verdict from the Supreme Court.

Many of his ministerial colleagues, and even the prime minister, were wary of the adverse impact such a retrospective amendment to the law would have on the country's climate for foreign investment.

However, Mukherjee stood his ground and went ahead with the retrospective amendment to the relevant tax laws, which also came to be known as the Vodafone tax.

Mukherjee believed that successive governments retaining the retrospective amendment was a vindication of his stance in 2012.

Mukherjee initiated many other moves, like the setting up of the committee on financial sector reforms, headed by Justice B N Srikrishna, and preparing the ground for a public debt management office outside the ambit of the RBI. But during his tenure, these initiatives made slow progress.

Success eluded him even in his other two tax reform measures -- the Direct Taxes Code and the Goods and Services Tax. Mukherjee laid the ground for implementing reforms in those areas, but in the end fell short of achieving those goals during his tenure.
CHINGOLA, Zambia, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Andrew Mwewa, a 23-year-old Zambian youth, had a dream to become a teacher after completing his secondary education, unluckily his dream has not came true because of lack of finances. However, Mwewa had seized a golden opportunity to get trained in rearing village chickens by the Chinese experts who have partnered with the Zambia Cooperative Union.

"My dream was to become a teacher, but I could not, I now thank God I got some information from Zambia Co-operative Union coordinator Thomas Banda that there were Chinese who were training youths in village chicken rearing, so that is how I become interested," said Mwewa.

He said after training for three weeks, he started rearing his own chickens in Luanshya's Walale Compound, a highly densely populated area in the mining district.

Training of youths and women in village chicken is going to economically empower farmers not only in Luanshya district but the entire Copperbelt province and Zambia as a whole.

"I am rearing over a thousand chickens, and I mostly sell my Chickens to Chinese nationals, I have customers from China Non-Ferrous Metal mining Luanshya Mine, the Chinese enjoy village chickens very much," said Mwewa, adding that the training in poultry farming by the Chinese experts has greatly helped him to improve his living standards economically and make the ends meet for his family.

"From my chicken rearing business I have been able to buy a plot and soon I will start building my own poultry house, I am copying the Chinese way of doing things," he said with a smile on his face.

Mwewa said that he is also training four of his peers in village chicken rearing as one way of empowering them economically.

"I am helping my fellow youths on how to keep village chickens so that they can improve their lives economically, all these is because of the training I got from Zambia Co-operative Union which partnered with Jilin University of China to train us in Village Chicken rearing," he said.

According to Mwewa, in a month he makes about 160 U.S. dollars, about Kwacha three thousand local currency, from the sale of his birds.

Further, he has encouraged his fellow youths who were complaining about lack of jobs to get involved in projects like village chicken rearing which he said was lucrative and could better their lives economically.

"As youths, let us change our mindsets, and let us emulate the Chinese way of doing things if we are to develop our nation," he said.

Alfred Daka aged 22, a friend of Mwewa also a Luanshya resident says he has learnt a lot from his friend who was trained by the Chinese in village chicken rearing.

"It is my wish that I could have this opportunity to be trained in village chicken rearing," said Daka.

Meanwhile, Thomas Banda who is the Luanshya district coordinator of Zambia Co-operative Union, is impressed with the Chinese assistance towards the training of youths in village chicken rearing in the district solely dependent on mining.

"New small scale projects in village chicken rearing will definitely help alleviate poverty levels in our district," Banda said.

According to Banda, over 300 youths have been trained so far in village chicken rearing by the Chinese and a good number of the trained youths will become employers for their fellow youths thereby reducing of unemployment levels in the district.

And Luanshya District Commissioner Patrick Maipambe commended the Chinese for their commitment towards training youths in the district in rearing village chickens.

"I would commend the Chinese for goodwill in training our youths in the village chicken project," Maipambe concluded.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 8

Trend:

Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, received a delegation headed by the Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States (Turkic Council), Baghdad Amreyev, the ministry told Trend.

During the meeting, Bayramov spoke about Azerbaijan's activities within the Turkic Council, the growth in the number of member countries of the organization, the successful holding of the last summit of the council in Baku, and the results achieved, as well as Azerbaijan's cooperation with the Turkic Council.

The cooperation of the Turkic Council with international and regional organizations and its status in the international arena were discussed at the meeting.

Emphasizing the principled position of the Turkic Council, based on the norms and principles of international law, in particular the resolutions of the UN Security Council, as well as decisions of other international organizations, in connection with the occupation policy of Armenia, which is the main threat to the security of Azerbaijan, the minister expressed his gratitude to the secretary-general in this regard.

Amreyev highly appreciated the participation and role of Azerbaijan in the Turkic Council.

Noting that the last summit in Baku became a qualitatively new stage in the organization's activities, the secretary-general said that steps are currently being taken towards closer cooperation and integration on a wide range of issues within the organization.

Speaking with satisfaction about the successful chairmanship of Azerbaijan in the Turkic Council, organized by the initiative of the President of Azerbaijan, the summit in the format of a video conference and dedicated to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, Amreyev expressed confidence that Azerbaijan will continue to successfully chair the organization.

During the meeting, the parties also exchanged views on the agenda for cooperation within the Turkish Council in a wide range of areas, including the organization of the next summit, as well as ways of further development of the organization.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : India now has close to 4.5 million confirmed Covid-19 cases and has overtaken Brazil to become the second most infected country in the world after the US.

Cities like Delhi, which seemed to have got a grip on how to manage the infection, have again started to witness a spike in the number cases with daily caseload quadrupling in the last three weeks.

After a lot of dialogue in various circles about how citizens are coping up with Covid-19, LocalCircles conducted a survey to understand the extent of the spread among social networks of people, and psychology and fear of the virus.

The survey received over 24,000 responses from people residing in 221 districts across the country.

In the first question, citizens were asked what is the one thing that they are most fearful about with regard to the pandemic. Five per cent said social alienation, 29 per cent said infecting their family members or colleagues, 22 per cent said being in a hospital, 8 per cent said their case becoming extreme, and 6 per cent said dealing with local officials.

Seventeen per cent mentioned other reasons and loss of earnings, family care, lack of information etc. were their biggest fear, while 13 per cent said they were not fearful about anything.

This shows that when it comes to Covid-19, infecting family members and colleagues and being in a hospital are two things which the highest number of Indians are fearful of.

In the second question, citizens were asked how Covid-19 has impacted their social network, which is their family, extended family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, business associates etc., including themselves.

Thirty-one per cent said they knew six or more individuals who had Covid-19 while 34 per cent said they knew 2-5 individuals who have contracted the disease. Twelve per cent said they knew one individual who had Covid while 20 per cent said that no one around them has been infected so far.

This means that 77 per cent citizens now have one or more contacts in their social network who had been infected with Covid-19.

In a similar survey conducted in May and July this year, this number stood at 31 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively, showing how quickly the virus is spreading in the social networks of people.

When asked how many individuals in their social network in the last six months did not get a Covid test done despite having symptoms and instead went into self-quarantine or treatment at home, 14 per cent said more than 10 people, 10 per cent said 6-10 people, 14 per cent said 2-5 people and 10 per cent said one individual. As many as 52 per cent of the respondents were unsure about it.

Many people are scared of getting a test done due to the fear of getting admitted to a government hospital or due to the high treatment expenses involved in some private hospitals.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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It was once the height of luxury: a swish private airliner befitting a jet-setting billionaire and VIP passengers including Presidents, Princes and Hollywood superstars.

But exclusive images taken by DailyMail.com reveal how Jeffrey Epstein's infamous Boeing 727, the so-called 'Lolita Express' has fallen into disrepair as it sits mothballed beside a Georgia runway racking up thousands of dollars in storage fees.

In its pomp, the 1969-built plane whisked prominent guests including Bill Clinton, Britain's Prince Andrew and actor Kevin Spacey to exotic locations across the globe.

But federal prosecutors say it was also used by Epstein to shuttle young sex trafficking victims between his sprawling homes in New York, New Mexico, Paris, the US Virgin Islands and Palm Beach, where the dead pedophile owned a waterfront mansion.

Call sign N90JE took its final flight on July 11, 2016, taking off from Palm Beach International Airport at 11:39am and landing at Georgia's Brunswick Golden Isles Airport 51 minutes later.

Since then it has been parked up near a maintenance hangar, slowing corroding in the humid Southern air and costing around $1,000 a month in storage.

When DailyMail.com boarded the dormant jet, we found the once-plush interior, including deep-pile carpets, throw blankets and fluffy pillows, infested with mold and mildew.

There are numerous creepy pointers to its notorious former occupant, including a garish red couch, mirrored walls, monogrammed tissues and a bottle of baby lotion stored in a wood-paneled bathroom.

Exclusive images taken by DailyMail.com reveal how Jeffrey Epstein's infamous Boeing 727, the so-called 'Lolita Express' has fallen into disrepair. Pictured: The large bed in the rear bedroom cabin of Epstein's plane that is stocked with extra linens

When DailyMail.com boarded the dormant jet, we found the once-plush interior, including deep-pile carpets, throw blankets and fluffy pillows, infested with mold and mildew. Pictured: Wet wipes, tissues with Epstein's tail number on them, baby power and other toiletries that are now collecting mildew in a cabinet in the plane's bathroom

Mundane items including bedding, toilet paper, water bottles and instant coffee were also reminders that the plane - now badly corroded and virtually worthless - was in regular use as recently as four years ago. Pictured: Baby lotion and some towels in the plane's bathroom

There are numerous creepy pointers to its notorious former occupant, including a garish red couch and mirrored walls (pictured) on the plane

Federal prosecutors say the plane was used by Epstein to shuttle young sex trafficking victims between his sprawling homes in New York, New Mexico, Paris, the US Virgin Islands and Palm Beach, where the dead pedophile owned a waterfront mansion

Mundane items including bedding, toilet paper, water bottles and instant coffee were also reminders that the plane - now badly corroded and virtually worthless - was in regular use as recently as four years ago.

Federal aviation records reveal the aircraft has been unregistered since 2019, meaning it cannot be legally flown, a moot point since its three Pratt & Whitney engines were stripped and sold three years ago.

It's still registered to Delaware-based JEGE Inc., which is named in several lawsuits as a company linked to 66-year-old Epstein, who hanged himself last August while awaiting trial.

The plane is still registered to Delaware-based JEGE Inc., which is named in several lawsuits as a company linked to 66-year-old Epstein, who hanged himself last August while awaiting trial

DailyMail.com understands that the records are out of date, however, and that it's changed hands several times since 2016.

The plane is currently parked up on a ramp belonging to Stambaugh Aviation, an independent jet maintenance firm that has repaired numerous military and civilian aircraft including President Donald Trump's personal Boeing 757 and a 727 belonging to Peter Nygard, another tycoon facing sex trafficking allegations.

The firm's joint owner Mark Stambaugh said he was initially happy to store the aircraft for free because he expected to be doing work on it, but he started charging around $1,000 a month when it became clear nothing was happening.

'As a father of two daughters, I'm not real thrilled with having it here. But I guess an airplane is just an airplane,' Stambaugh told DailyMail.com.

'Somebody needs to come and do something with it or it needs to be scrapped because it's just going to sit here and keep deteriorating.'

Stambaugh said he's owed $11,000 in unpaid storage, a figure dwarfed by the estimated $2 to $3 million he says it will take to make the 51-year-old plane airworthy.

The plane is currently parked up on a ramp belonging to Stambaugh Aviation, an independent jet maintenance firm that has repaired numerous military and civilian aircraft including President Donald Trump's personal Boeing 757 and a 727 belonging to Peter Nygard, another tycoon facing sex trafficking allegations. Pictured: The plane's rear bedroom cabin

Federal aviation records reveal the aircraft has been unregistered since 2019, meaning it cannot be legally flown, a moot point since its three Pratt & Whitney engines were stripped and sold three years ago. Pictured: The rear cabin's bedroom

DailyMail.com understands that the records are out of date, however, and that it's changed hands several times since 2016. Pictured: The red garish couch in the middle of the plane with an exectutive table and chairs

The firm's joint owner Mark Stambaugh said he was initially happy to store the aircraft for free because he expected to be doing work on it, but he started charging around $1,000 a month when it became clear nothing was happening

'As a father of two daughters, I'm not real thrilled with having it here. But I guess an airplane is just an airplane,' Stambaugh told DailyMail.com. 'Somebody needs to come and do something with it or it needs to be scrapped because it's just going to sit here and keep deteriorating'. Pictured: The front cabin of the plane with a circular seating area

Stambaugh said he's owed $11,000 in unpaid storage, a figure dwarfed by the estimated $2 to $3 million he says it will take to make the 51-year-old plane airworthy. Pictured: The front lounge behind the cockpit

'The paint is chalking because it's been sitting in the sun for so long. Until it gets to the point where the paint bubbles out you won't see it, but trust me, there's a lot of corrosion on that airplane,' he added.

'Internally, in the belly, when you open that up you're going to find corrosion and other issues as well.

'As far as the interior, given that it's been sitting in this heat for years it's not in bad shape but I don't know that it has any real value.

'There's a lot of mold and mildew. That just happens, it's the southeast.'

It's been frequently reported that Epstein's 727 was given its Lolita Express moniker by curious locals in the US Virgin Islands who would see the warped financier flying into his privately-owned Little St. James Island with numerous young girls.

The reality may be more mundane: the name appears to have been conjured up by tabloid journalists eager for a lurid headline.

In 2015 Virginia Giuffre filed a lawsuit against Epstein claiming that he recruited her as a 'sex slave' at the age of 15, sexually abusing her for years and forcing her to 'entertain' prominent friends on board the jet.

Her alleged abusers include Prince Andrew, as well as Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz, whose names appear on flight logs, but both have denied the allegations.

The flight logs also list Bill Clinton as a passenger on the plane on 26 occasions, jetting to locations such as Brunei, Norway, Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, the Azores, Africa, Belgium, China, New York, and Belgium.

Call sign N90JE took its final flight on July 11, 2016, taking off from Palm Beach International Airport at 11:39am and landing at Georgia's Brunswick Golden Isles Airport 51 minutes later. Pictured: The back bathroom on Epstein's Lolita Express with two bottles of Voss water

In 2015 Virginia Giuffre filed a lawsuit against Epstein claiming that he recruited her as a 'sex slave' at the age of 15, sexually abusing her for years and forcing her to 'entertain' prominent friends on board the jet. Pictured: The front bathroom on the private plane

Giuffre's alleged abusers include Prince Andrew, as well as Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz, whose names appear on flight logs, but both have denied the allegations. Pictured: The Boeing 727's kitchen area

Inside the plane's rear bedroom is a bed and a closet with a chest of drawers, which were emptied out

The flight logs also list Bill Clinton as a passenger on the plane on 26 occasions, jetting to locations such as Brunei, Norway, Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, the Azores, Africa, Belgium, China, New York, and Belgium. Pictured: The stairs leading into the private plane

Also traveling regularly with Epstein on the private jet was his alleged madame, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is now in custody in New York facing a slew sex trafficking charges for allegedly procuring victims. Pictured: The cockpit of the Lolita Express

Stambaugh Aviation said the 727 jet has been owned by Florida-based World Aviation Services since March. When DailyMail.com contacted the firm's owner he responded: 'I don't want to answer questions. I don't want to get involved'

DailyMail.com published never-before-seen earlier images last month of the 42nd President of the United States receiving a neck and shoulder massage from Epstein victim Chauntae Davies during a stopover in 2002.

Spacey and the comedian Chris Tucker were also part of the same mission to raise awareness about poverty and the AIDS crisis in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda and Mozambique.

'President Clinton knows nothing about the terrible crimes Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty to in Florida some years ago, or those with which he has been recently charged in New York,' a statement released by his office read.

'In 2002 and 2003, President Clinton took a total of four trips on Jeffrey Epstein's airplane: one to Europe, one to Asia, and two to Africa, which included stops in connection with the work of the Clinton Foundation,' the statement read.

'Staff, supporters of the Foundation, and his Secret Service detail traveled on every leg of every trip.'

Also traveling regularly with Epstein on the private jet was his alleged madame, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is now in custody in New York facing a slew sex trafficking charges for allegedly procuring victims.

Stambaugh Aviation said the 727 jet has been owned by Florida-based World Aviation Services since March.

When DailyMail.com contacted the firm's owner he responded: 'I don't want to answer questions. I don't want to get involved.'
Victoria's devastating bushfires have raised fresh concerns for the long-term survival of a native rodent already rendered endangered by decades of climate change.

Museums Victoria has issued a conservation callout for the Tooarrana, otherwise known as the broad-toothed rat.

Researchers will return to rat's habitats in Victoria later this year as part of the state's biodiversity response and recovery program after last summer's catastrophic bushfires.

Museums Victoria has issued a conservation callout for the Tooarrana, otherwise known as the broad-toothed rat

During his recent fieldwork in Victoria's eastern alps, Museums Victoria's senior curator of mammals Dr Kevin Rowe noted the fires had charred much of the thick undergrowth the rats use as runways.

'Getting on the ground to understand the intensity and severity of the fires is essential to know how populations within the burn are faring,' Dr Rowe said in a statement.

'Impacts like feral horses and predators can worsen after a fire and we need to know about how these impacts have changed.'

The rodent species, unique as they feed almost entirely on sedges and grasses, is only found in southeast Australia.

It is officially listed as threatened but the Victorian population has been classed endangered and was in decline before the bushfires swept through the Victorian high country, burning out many of its few remaining strongholds.

Climate change is seen as a major contributor for the species disappearing from the majority of Victorian sites where they had been found before 1990.

Museums Victoria has issued a conservation callout for the Tooarrana, otherwise known as the broad-toothed rat

The long-term study, published in April and co-authored by Dr Rowe, only detected the rats at 32 of 68 historical sites surveyed.

At each site, historical climate data showed the annual average temperature had lifted by 0.7 per cent since the species was last seen there.

When the rodents were observed at the same historical sites, it was more likely to be at higher elevations with higher precipitation and lower temperatures.

'If the current climate trend continues, we could see this species pushed further and further upwards, eventually disappearing from warmer, low-elevation areas,' Dr Rowe said.

'Climate change poses a significant threat to the persistence of broad-toothed rats, and to many other Australian animals.'

Dr Rowe plans to return to study sites with his team as they open up after the snow season.

He remains hopeful of spying the shy and gentle critters, but for now is keen to put the lesser-known species on Victoria's environmental radar.

'There is no greater threat to rodents and small mammals in Australia than lack of knowledge and we can take action on that,' Dr Rowe said.
Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 2:00PM

by Claudio Alves

On March 13th, 1978, John Cazale died of lung cancer at the age of 42. Before his untimely end, the Massachusetts-born actor had amassed an impressive list of credits, both on stage and onscreen. His filmography, as far as features are concerned, is of particular interest and amazement. He appeared in five films, six if you count The Godfather Part III, all of which were nominated for the Best Picture Oscar (a record!). Not only that, but his quintet from the 70s (The Godfather, The Conversation, The Godfather Part II, Dog Day Afternoon, and The Deer Hunter) represents a list of era-defining classics.

Of them, 1975's Dog Day Afternoon was surely the closest the actor ever came to a much-deserved Oscar nomination

Part of the reason why Cazale never nabbed that elusive validation from AMPAS probably lies in his style of performance and approach to roles. In all of his features, the actor played supporting parts and, unlike other thespians would have done, one never gets the sense that Cazale is aiming to steal the spotlight. Instead, his virtuosity emerges from the subtle naturalism with which he reacts to the chaos around him. Some of his best work is done in the background of shots, often out of focus, imbuing the screen with a sense of overwhelming authenticity while never demanding that the spectator focus on his craft.

In Dog Day Afternoon that is particularly evident. Director Sidney Lumet shoots this true bank-robbing story with an eye attuned to the cinematic possibilities of stressed people stuck together in a small, uncomfortable, emotionally charged space. While the framing may privilege the mercurial explosivity of Al Pacino's Sonny Wortzik, the camera doesn't lose sight of the people living at the margins of this star turn. That's what makes the film into such an unexpectedly humane drama, one whose tension electrifies the screen and is born out of lived-in characters trying desperately to survive through its narrative.

Cazale plays Salvatore "Sal" Naturale, Sonny's partner in the robbery of the First Brooklyn Savings Bank. He's the first to enter the scene of the crime, a ball of gangly nerves that suggest the terror that's about to be unleashed. Before any gun's been revealed, Cazale's walk, posture, and awkwardness have already ramped up the tension to an unbearable degree. Moreover, his stone-faced determination feels more dangerous than Pacino's boisterous criminal incompetence.

As an audience, we get to know Sonny and feel like we're able to predict his actions. Sal, however, remains an ominous wild card, especially as the film unfolds and his anxiety becomes impossible to ignore. Whatever confidence we've seen in Sal at the beginning quickly collapses under the weight of fear. At times, his hands look unrestful, searching for something to support him, like a wall, a table, a salvation that isn't there to lean on. Even the way Cazale holds his gun speaks to Sal's internal devastation.

His hands contort around the weapon as if it were a lifeline, making us dread the pull of a trigger. When he's not talking to Sonny, his eyes are often found observing the hostages with frightening unsureness, predatorily scanning his targets, or perhaps checking on the only things standing between him and a bullet from the police. Through Cazale's performance, Sal becomes anxiety made flesh with a gun in its hand. Sickly-looking and ghoulish, Sal's a man falling apart in front of our eyes. As the story's final act arrives, Sal's barely holding it together through clenched teeth and only Sonny's delusional hope seems to be keeping him from completely imploding.

Still, what most surprises when re-watching Dog Day Afternoon is how Cazale leans into a more fatalistic register during Sal's last few scenes inside the bank, delivering panicked dialogue with a wounded sincerity. At times, there's even a hint of morbid desire in the saturnine demeanor of this man who has nobody to say goodbye to. It's as if he starts to wish for death, drowned by defeat, and unable to find his way out. There's a moment when he looks at Pacino with such an expression of hopelessness, it's difficult not to shed a tear. For his last sequence, Cazale plays Sal as a dead man walking who knows he's a dead man walking, feverishly sweating his way to the inevitable.

Sal is one of John Cazale's greatest creations, a miracle of nervousness and subdued realism. More even than Pacino's iconic Sonny, Sal feels like a real person, full of idiosyncratic oddness and little behavioral traits, full of contradictions and dashed dreams. Unfortunately, none of that excellence swayed the Academy. Cazale got as far as a Golden Globe nomination, but AMPAS chose to reward his co-star, Chris Sarandon, with Dog Day Afternoon's sole Best Supporting Actor nod. The other performances that complete that year's lineup are Brad Dourif in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Burgess Meredith in The Day of the Locust, Jack Warden in Shampoo, and, the winner, George Burns in The Sunshine Boys.

Dog Day Afternoon is newly available to stream on HBO Max.

more "Almost There" episodes

more on Dog Day Afternoon
Winding up his four-year term in Budapest, the ambassador of the United Kingdom praises Hungary as the single most friendly EU member country toward Britain over the past four Brexit years.

In a farewell interview, departing UK ambassador Iain Lindsay praised Hungarys attitude towards Britain during the Brexit process.



While much of the European press, as well as part of the British media described the leave referendum as a misstep, he said, the Hungarian government was the only one to express respect toward Britains decision, although regretting the departure of a friend.



Mr Lindsay acknowledged that many people in Hungary have been hurt by the British decision but assured Hungarians that Britain will continue to respect Hungary as a close friend and ally and guarantee the rights of Hungarians living in the United Kingdom. Were not going anywhere, he added.



Magyar Nemzet reports that Ambassador Lindsay has been extremely popular in Hungary as the socially most active and visible foreign diplomat, and a lover of Hungarian poetry.



He also sang in Hungarian at the most recent XpatLoop.com anniversary event - see video below.



MTI Photo: Zoltan Mathe
SUSS MicroTec and DELO cooperate in the optimization of imprint manufacturing processes for the production of wafer-level optics (WLO). These optics are essential for emerging applications in the automotive and consumer electronics industries, among others. The combination of SUSS' imprint technology with DELO's high-performance materials adds considerably to the capability of the SUSS Imprint Excellence Center, offering its customers significant competitive advantages, for example in the terms of time-to-market.

SUSS MicroTec, leading supplier of equipment and process solutions for the semiconductor industry, announces the cooperation with DELO, a leading manufacturer of high-tech adhesives and other multifunctional materials. The central focus of the cooperation is the development and qualification of enhanced process solutions for micro-imprint lithography applications, especially the interaction of equipment and materials. The use of imprint lithography has become indispensable in the field of data communications, autonomous driving, lighting, medical and consumer electronics. It is emerging as a key technology for many booming applications such as face recognition, light carpets and augmented reality. Due to rapid technological developments in these areas, the need for industrial level robust manufacturing solutions is growing.

The technological solutions arising from this cooperation will be accessible to customers via the SUSS Imprint Excellence Center in Neuchatel, Switzerland, a combined effort of SUSS MicroTec and SUSS MicroOptics. In addition to clean rooms and imprint equipment, the infrastructure in Neuchatel provides access to an experienced workforce with extensive optics and process expertise and established supply chain relationships.

The alignment between the equipment and the materials used, such as the polymer adhesives for micro-imprinting, is a core component of the cooperation. To this end, DELO light-curing products are already integrated in the latest generation of SUSS imprint systems, offering users a perfect match between the curing unit and the materials to be cured.

"The synergies between material and equipment manufacturers are of great importance in the further development of key technologies and their transfer to series production, especially in today's world," comments Franz Richter, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of SUSS MicroTec. "In-depth knowledge of each other's products and the ability to closely coordinate them form the basis of a fruitful partnership. Reliability and competence play an equally important role. We are looking forward to developing future-oriented imprint solutions and technologies together with a strong and experienced partner like DELO."

"With their excellence center and its experienced partners for every aspect of wafer-level optics processes, SUSS MicroTec has created a premium offering for manufacturers of consumer and automotive electronics. It will significantly reduce their learning curves and enable a faster entry into the market," says Robert Saller, Managing Director of DELO. "As the interplay of imprint material, processing technology and curing equipment is pivotal for reducing costs and increasing output, we are excited to contribute our strong expertise in materials and processes for wafer-level optics."

About SUSS MicroTec

SUSS MicroTec is a leading supplier of equipment and process solutions for microstructuring in the semiconductor industry and related markets. In close cooperation with research institutes and industry partners SUSS MicroTec contributes to the advancement of next-generation technologies such as 3D Integration and nanoimprint lithography as well as key processes for MEMS and LED manufacturing. With a global infrastructure for applications and service SUSS MicroTec supports more than 8.000 installed systems worldwide. SUSS MicroTec is headquartered in Garching near Munich, Germany. For more information, please visit www.suss.com

About DELO Industrial Adhesives

DELO is a leading manufacturer of high-tech adhesives and other multifunctional materials as well as the corresponding dispensing and curing equipment. The company's products are mainly used in the automotive, consumer, and industrial electronics industries. They can be found in almost every mobile phone and every second car worldwide, for example in cameras, loudspeakers, electric motors, or sensors. Customers include Bosch, Daimler, Huawei, Osram, Siemens, and Sony. DELO's headquarters are in Windach near Munich, with subsidiaries in the USA, China, Singapore, and Japan as well as representative offices and agencies in numerous other countries. The company has 800 employees and achieved a turnover of 163 million euros in the last financial year. www.delo.de

Language: English Company: SUSS MicroTec SE Schleissheimer Strasse 90 85748 Garching Germany Phone: +49 (0)89 32007-161 Fax: +49 (0)89 32007-451 E-mail: ir@suss.com Internet: www.suss.com ISIN: DE000A1K0235 WKN: A1K023 Listed: Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005627/en/

Contacts:

Hosgor Sarioglu-Zoberbier

Tel: +49 89 32007-397

Email: marcom@suss.com



Matthias Stollberg

Tel: +49 8193 9900 212

Email: matthias.stollberg@delo.de
Ottawa, Sep 8 : Canada reported an average of 545 daily Covid-19 cases last week, up 25 per cent from the previous week which saw a daily average of 435, Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam said.

Overall, in the last week, 3,955 people tested positive across Canada, and 28 people died of the disease, reports Xinhua news agency.

In a statement on Monday, Tam said that a steady increase in the number of positive cases was concerning.

"This is a concern and a reminder that we all need to maintain public health measures to keep Covid-19 on the slow-burn path that we need.

"As we enter the fall, Canadians will need to be even more vigilant about following public health guidance, particularly as the cold weather shifts activities indoors," she added in the statement.

Tam reminded Canadians not to get complacent about their risk of contracting the novel coronavirus, saying people need to assess both their personal risk if they contract the disease, and the risk of severe illness in people in their household.

Canada has reported a total of 131,895 cases with 9,145 deaths, according to the country's Public Health Agency.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Never before have we seen this much high-level criticism of the president of our country.

More than 70 former Republican national security officials, including ex-CIA and FBI chiefs, are publicly endorsing Joe Biden for president while launching a scathing indictment of President Donald Trump, calling him corrupt and unfit to serve, Reuters reports.

Former Department of Homeland Security Chief of Staff Miles Taylor, who served under Trump from 2017 to 2019, wrote in a Washington Post op-ed that he thinks the country is less secure because of Trumps actions; that Trump has tried to turn DHS, the nations largest law enforcement agency, into a tool used for his political benefit and that Trump failed to make effective use of the federal crisis response system, painstakingly built after 9/11, concluding that years of DHS planning for a pandemic threat have been largely wasted.

Now 81 winners of the Nobel Prize in chemistry, medicine, and physics have endorsed Biden for president, citing his willingness to listen to experts and his deep appreciation for using science to find solutions.

Even Fox News is reporting that more than 175 current and former law enforcement officials, including former sheriffs and police chiefs, are endorsing Biden.

Jeff Enterline,

Medina
Almost all infrastructure ministries continued spending on capex throughout the lockdown, even as the Centre tried to maintain some semblance of economic normalcy.

Indias economy might have shrunk by a quarter with Covid-19 gathering pace, but the Centre has walked the talk on capital expenditure (capex), shows the data from the Controller General of Accounts (CGA).

Figures released by the CGA show that capex for April-June, of Rs 88,273 crore, was 40 per cent higher than the same period last year.

However, by July-end, that gap had narrowed to just 4 per cent.

Capex in July was Rs 23,576 crore, compared to Rs 44,605 crore in July 2019 - a drop of 47 per cent.

What explains the huge difference between the Centres capex in the first quarter (Q1) of 2019-20 (FY20, a non-pandemic year) and 2020-21 (FY21)?

What explains the narrowing of that gap between June and July?

The answer, for the most part, is the 2019 general elections.

It is well known that in an election year, while the incumbent finance minister presents an interim Budget for the full year, the Parliament passes a vote on account for Q1 only.

After the elections, a full-year Budget is presented in late June or early July.

There was less capex in April-June last year, compared to other years, since the election cycle was in full swing.

"It is only after the government retained power and a new Budget was presented that the capex picked up from July 2019, a senior government official told Business Standard.

However, lower than usual spending in an election quarter does not tell the whole story.

The data shows that almost all infrastructure ministries continued spending on capex throughout the lockdown, even as the Centre tried to maintain some semblance of economic normalcy.

The ministry of civil aviation spent 18 per cent of its FY21 capex allocation in April-June, compared to none for the same period last year.

The ministry of petroleum and Natural Gas spent 3x its capex allocation, compared to the same period last year.

The road transport ministry spent 21 per cent, compared to 1 per cent, while the rail ministry spent 29 per cent, compared to 25 per cent.

And it showed up in the gross domestic product (GDP) data.

India saw the biggest fall in GDP in its independent history, as the April-June GDP contracted 23.9 per cent year-on-year.

However, at constant prices, the Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE) was 18.1 per cent of GDP, compared to 11.8 per cent for the same period last year.

Public administration, defence, and other services contracted 10.3 per cent, even as sectors like construction and manufacturing contracted 50.2 per cent and 39.3 per cent, respectively.

At current prices, GFCE was 19.1 per cent of GDP, compared to 12.3 per cent for the same period last year.

Public administration, defence and other services contracted 5 per cent, compared to construction and manufacturing, which contracted 51.4 per cent and 39.3 per cent, respectively.

As for the relatively slower pace of capex in July, officials say the month-on-month (MoM) variations will get balanced out at the end of a quarter.

These monthly figures are misleading because we have various quarterly expenditure controls, which accumulate and pay at the end of the quarter.

"Quarterly figures are more reliable than monthly numbers to extrapolate trends.

"These may get balanced out in the last month of the quarter, which, in this case, is September, said a second government official.

Analysts agree with that assessment as well, and say there is a need to wait a few more months to gauge the governments commitment to its capex plans.

It is actually difficult to predict what the capex will look like this year, because of MoM variations in spending, as well as revenue squeeze.

"According to my calculations, the Centre will spend Rs 50,000 crore more on the capex side.

"So far it is Rs 4,000 crore more till July-end, whereas if you look at end-June, it was Rs 25,000 crore more, said Aditi Nayar, principal economist, ICRA.

We will probably need a few more months of data and perhaps wait till the end of the first half of FY21 (September 30) to reach any conclusion, said Nayar.

Despite the hit on revenue, finance ministry officials are confident about the Centre meeting its capex target of Rs 4.12 trillion this fiscal year, which is Rs 63,178 crore higher than the Revised Estimates for FY20.

For the second half of the year, the Centre is planning a major infrastructure push to create more jobs and spur demand.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, meanwhile, is holding meetings with various infrastructure ministries and their state-owned companies.

They have been instructed not to compromise on their capex targets.
Picasa 2.7 | Getty Images

A video reportedly showing a Texas Tech University student at a party while she claims to have COVID-19 went viral over the weekend.

"Everyone's like, 'Kaleigh, don't you have COVID? Don't you literally have COVID?'" the woman in the video says before flipping the camera to show what appears to be the backyard at a house party. "Yes, I f------ have COVID, the whole f------ world has COVID. All of these people have COVID."
Mexico City :

Mexicos new foreign minister vowed that his country will negotiate with US President-elect Donald Trumps administration without fear.

President Enrique Pena Nieto brought former finance minister Luis Videgaray back to his cabinet last week to seek constructive relations with Trump, who has vowed to upend trade ties with Mexico.

Videgaray had resigned as finance minister in September, a week after it was revealed that he orchestrated a much-criticized pre-election meeting between Trump and Pena Nieto in Mexico City.

We will negotiate with great confidence in ourselves, without fear, knowing how important Mexico is for the United States in economic, social and political terms, Videgaray said yesterday at a meeting with Mexican ambassadors.

Trump has angered Mexicans with his anti-immigrant rhetoric and his vow to make the neighboring country pay for a giant wall along their border.

The Republican billionaire, who takes office on January 20, has also caused the peso to plunge as investors fret over his plan to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Mexico and Canada.

He has also pledged to slap import tariffs of as much as 35 per cent on companies that ship jobs abroad.

Trump made similar threats to US auto-maker General Motors and Japans Toyota last week for making cars in Mexico, while Ford announced the cancellation of a new USD 1.6 billion factory in the neighboring country.

Despite concerns about Trumps protectionist policies, exports of Mexican-made cars to the United States rose by 9.6 per cent in December compared to the same month in 2015, according to the Mexican Automobile Industry Association (AMIA). Trump was elected on November 8.

AMIA president Eduardo Solis said the United States would have to withdraw from NAFTA in order to impose tariffs because the pacts rules keep such import taxes for cars at zero percent.

The Mexican government could also take legal action at the World Trade Organization if tariffs of more than 2.5 per cent are imposed on light vehicles and 25 per cent on pickup trucks, Solis said.

The five biggest exporters of Mexican-made cars by volume in 2016 were GM, Nissan, Fiat Chrysler, Ford and Volkswagen, while Toyota was eighth.

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ST. LOUIS  City sheriffs deputies this week will begin providing security on MetroLink trains in St. Louis as part of an expansion of an agreement with the regions light rail system that put deputies at some transit centers earlier this year.

Bi-State Development CEO Taulby Roach and St. Louis Sheriff Vernon Betts announced the agreement Tuesday to enlist 42 deputies to work part-time security shifts on Metros two lines within the city.

Deputies working in pairs on Metros red and blue lines will be paid by Metro on shifts outside their regular hours providing security at St. Louis courthouses.

One thing the public demanded is for better collaborations and better partnerships like this one, Roach said Tuesday. So our folks, the Metro folks, will be concentrating more on fares and checking fares, telling people Good morning, trying to create situations where they have a more comfortable ride. But then when we get to professional policing, we rely on the folks who are properly trained and properly in uniform for that. And youre going to see both.

Roach said Metros budget already covers the cost of training and employing off-duty sheriffs deputies. A spokeswoman for Metro said deputies will be paid $33 per hour and that the budgeted annual amount to pay city deputies is $600,000. The agreement caps each deputys hours for Metro to 30 per week.

The plan to put deputies on trains expands an agreement with Metro last year that has deputies posted at the Civic Center station off 14th and Spruce streets, and at the Forest Park-DeBaliviere and the Delmar Loop stations. The transit agency last year announced contracts with St. Louis County police and St. Clair County sheriffs deputies for MetroLink patrols in St. Louis and St. Clair counties.

Bi-State also approved a multiyear, $28.5 million contract with G4 Security Solutions to take over security operations beginning in February.

Sheriff Betts said Tuesday the authority to make arrests on MetroLink trains rests with city police. He said deputies will detain people suspected of crimes on trains but turn over those people to St. Louis police.

I think the St. Louis Sheriffs Department can be that one partner with MetroLink to bring the safety and security to our MetroLink system, Betts said.

Using deputies on trains wont detract from security at St. Louis courthouses because the deputies will be off-duty from their primary jobs, Betts said.

Roach said crime on MetroLink has declined as a result of security improvements along the transit system.

St. Louis police on Tuesday provided crime statistics showing 41 reported crimes on Metro trains in 2018, 26 in 2019 and 16 so far in 2020. According to police, officers have investigated five robberies, seven assaults and four thefts on the rail system through August, compared with two robberies, seven assaults and eight thefts through August 2019.

Theres no question that public perception is also part of it, Roach said. And also the reality of just being vigilant every single day. We are never going to be through with safety and security on MetroLink. It should be a focus of ours every single day. We can always get better.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 21:03:06|Editor: huaxia

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MOGADISHU, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Somali National Army (SNA) on Tuesday killed 14 al-Shabab militants following an early morning attack at the strategic town of Bal'ad, 30 kilometers north of the Somali capital Mogadishu.

Ismael Mukhtar Omar, government spokesman who confirmed the incident, said a government soldier also died in the attack while seven civilians were injured in the latest attack in the Horn of Africa nation by al-Qaida linked terrorist group.

"Situation in the town of Bal'ad is calm now following the earlier attack by al-Shabab; 14 terrorists were killed, one government soldier also died, seven civilians were wounded," Omar said in a statement.

Residents said al-Shabab fighters entered Bal'ad town in a surprise attack amid reports the militants took control of local government headquarters and police stations and later discharged inmates from prisons.

The latest attack comes after two SNA soldiers were killed and three others including a U.S. officer wounded in a car bomb attack on Monday within the vicinity of Jana Cabdalle, a town near the coastal city of Kismayo.

The militants have intensified attacks in Somalia despite government forces having made consecutive operations against the extremists in central and southern regions in recent months in an attempt to uproot al-Shabab cells. Enditem
A mother's packed lunches for her children have been criticised online for containing too much sugar after she revealed they often contain pancakes, fruit, Nutella and honey.

Christa Spafford, from Lancashire, shared a picture of the low-cost meals on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook page, where she was met with severe criticism from outraged parents.

The lunch consisted of a small box of mixed fruits paired with pancakes, a Nutella spread and a pot of honey each.

Many parents said the lunch was unhealthy and would be 'thrown in the bin', while others pointed out that some schools might not allow the Nutella in case any pupils had nut allergies.

Christa Spafford from Lancashire, was slammed online for sharing a picture of her kids' packed lunches (pictured) because it was too high in sugar

Parents said the lunches were unhealthy and would be 'thrown in the bin.' Others added that adding fruit did not make the lunch healthier (above)

'Packed lunch idea,' Christa wrote on the Facebook group yesterday.

'Pancakes aldi - less than 60p ; Fruit - less than 50p ; Nutella - 2.99 for 12 in B&M; Honey - 24 pots for 3.50 in my local bargain store,' she added, listing all the ingredients.

All the items were neatly prepped in a lunch box paired with some mixed fruits in another container.

However, the meals did not sit well with some parents, who said they were more 'desserts' than 'lunches' and contained too much sugar.

Christa updated her post explaining her children's school did not ban nuts and that the snack was healthy

'That would be thrown in the bin! X very unhealthy,' one said. 'Bit of a sweet tooth going on there,' one observed.

'People saying its healthy You cant just stick a bit of fruit with something full of sugar and has no nutritional value and say its healthy,' another added, while a fourth wrote: 'Our school wouldnt allow the Nutella or honey.'

Other parents said the Nutella would not be allowed in some schools due to nut allergies.

Some parents pointed out that the mother had 'a bit of a sweet tooth' due to the fact the lunch was high in sugar

Other parents pointed out some schools would not allow Nutella because of nut allergies scares

'Sadly they cant take Nutella into school as its got hazelnuts,' one parent said. 'If I sent that to my childs school they wouldnt allow it,' another wrote.

'So apparently people are haters and "karens" by stating about the nuts. Do you all realise that a nut allergy sufferer could literally die within minutes of being in contact with nuts?. Great idea for out of school though,' one said.

In an update to her post, Christa later addressed the criticism she had been facing: 'Please note. You can do this without the Nutella! My kids school is tiny and it's ok, but I understand most won't allow so of course no Nutella.

'But as for the "sugar" content the honey is natural sugars as are the fruit. Please remember it's just an idea am just trying to help others out,' she added.

People came to the defense of Christa, saying they'd love to have the snack themselves and said the critical parents needed to 'get a grip'

Some people also defended the mother's idea, saying others should stop trying to police her lunches.

'As a grown adult I may do these for myself tbh thanks,' said one. 'Omg all the haters in here,' said another.

'I think its a wonderful idea my kids would love it as a once a week treat,' one wrote. 'Fab idea for a change for a school dinner. Fruit is healthy. TO THE FOOD POLICE - GET A GRIP PEOPLE,' said another.
(Photo : Weibo Screenshot) (Photo : Weibo Screenshot)

China's attempt in joining the big leagues in the atmosphere with its Gaofen 11 Earth-orbit constellation satellite seen a successful launch with its Long March 4B rocket system; However, horror strikes when the rocket's booster is falling from the heavens and pummels into a cloud of smoke near a school and town in China's Shaanxi province.

In what seems to be a supposed celebration for China's successful efforts in sending a satellite up in space, a rocket booster is seen crashing down, having no control for itself, and colliding on the ground causing it to produce clouds of orange smoke.

Daily Mail reports that the booster rocket exploded upon its impact and collision to the ground on the nearby Lilong Village, Gaoyao Town right in the Luonan Country of the Shaanxi Province in Northern China. The booster was seen and captured by spectators in a video that realized the booster rocket to be crash landing back to the surface.

This happening caused an alarm for the onlookers who were panicking and screaming as the booster is seen colliding down to the ground. The rocket booster has travelled of its supposed return path and almost hit a school on its impact to the surface.

Spectators who captured the video posted it on the Chinese social media website, Weibo, and amassed 770 likes, 209 comments, and 116 shares as of today.

ALSO READ: LOOK: China's Air Force Gets Deadlier with 5th Gen Stealth Fighter Jets, New Attack Drones, Russian-Built Defense Systems

Gaofen 11-Its Significance to China

China launched the Gaofen-11 Earth observation satellite at 03:00 UTC today via a Long March 4B rocket from Taiyuan. With it, China has already matched its record for launches in a year, 22, set in 2016. pic.twitter.com/0r6NTqGQ6k  Andrew Jones (@AJ_FI) July 31, 2018



The Earth-orbiting satellite that was the primary reason why the launch happened is called the Gaofen 11 (02). This satellite is mainly for surveying and determining landscapes for city planning, land rights confirmation, road network design, crop yield estimation, and disaster prevention migration, according to Space.com.

The Gaofen 11 will join the country's roster of satellites up in the cosmic space that was launched way back in 2018. The new satellite will join the China High-resolution Earth Observation System (CHEOS) network in monitoring the country's landscape.

The Gaofen 11 is a large aperture telescope for Earth observation. However, other details about the spacecraft were not indicated by the Chinese government.

Despite being a satellite, the Gaofen 11 will not be transmitting and monitoring space data, unlike its famed use and function.

China's Secretive Space Program

The crash is indeed a failure on China's space program due to its inability to control the trajectory of the booster's return to the ground. Footages even show a different compilation of shots that are seen from long to short proximity.

Another shot even showed the debris and pieces of the rocket that spread throughout its crash and explosion.

The first seen video of the launch and details was from 2018 with the same Gaofen 11 satellite launch. China is very secretive of their launches and space programs that stemmed on for quite some time.

The recent September 7 launch is China's 25th launch of the satellite system and network since 2010 and has resulted in three failures, including this one.

ALSO READ: Elon Musk Likes Tweet Calling Him a Hypocrite for "Launching Rockets While Selling Green Cars"

This article is owned by Tech Times





Written by Isaiah Alonzo

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Several motives for a recent surge of shootings across Staten Islands North Shore have been offered up by authorities pursuing those cases, including domestic disputes, the marijuana trade, and neighborhood crews embroiled in ongoing feuds.

But those are just symptoms of a societal illness thats festered for decades in generationally-impoverished, underserved areas of the borough, said Mike Perry, 39, project manager and conflict mediator with True2Life Staten Island.

The groups mission is to resolve potentially violent disputes, while educating youth about their economic surroundings, the history of their community and the potential to break the cycle of crime and poverty.

Were dealing with economic violence in our neighborhood, said Perry in a recent interview with the Advance/SILive.com. We live on top of each other, were poor, were under-resourced. Of course theres domestic violence, drugs and conflicts.

True2Life falls under the citys Crisis Management System (CMS) and Cure Violence Movement, a consortium of civilian-led groups which operate independent from law enforcement. CMS has a budget of about $45 million, funded by a combination investment from Mayor Bill de Blasios administration and the City Council.

Perry, who grew up in the Richmond Terrace Houses in New Brighton, was tapped to lead the group about five years ago, deemed a credible messenger by city leaders based on his own criminal past involving drug-dealing and violence on Staten Islands North Shore.

I know what its like to wanna kill someone, I know what its like to almost be killed, so I absolutely pull from my experiences, Perry said. Being in (that lifestyle), youre not fully conscious. You dont really have an understanding about life or how this thing works... until you grow up and understand that its an evil, wicked lifestyle to be in.

Perry estimates that for every violent confrontation this summer, two more have been prevented through mediation by True2Life members. The group scours social media and is in contact with residents to pinpoint disputes that could result in violence.

Outside of domestic issues, shootings often have involved feuding neighborhood crews, sparked over money, girls or in retaliation for a prior robbery or assault. In some instances, people of different generations are battling over control of the drug trade.

Some issues have existed for decades between groups of young people in different neighborhoods -- Only the Africans (OTA) in Park Hill and Stapleton, Young Paper Chasers (YPC) in West Brighton, and the Paybacc Crips, to name a few.

The crews often identify with the Bloods, and in some cases the Crips, throwing hand signs affiliated with those gangs in group photos on social media. But authorities say they typically operate independently from gangs outside the borough and/or city.

Law enforcement sources have pointed to neighborhood drama in recent years thats pitted West Brighton against New Brighton, Mariners Harbor against West Brighton, and New Brighton against Mariners Harbor.

MAINTAINING TRUST

Headquartered in Stapleton, True2Life travels to different neighborhoods in attempt to resolve ongoing disputes.

City data from 2010 to 2019 show the Crisis Management System has contributed to an average 40% reduction in shootings across program areas, compared to a 31% decline in shootings in the 17 highest-violence precincts in New York City.

On Staten Island, leaders of True2Life regularly meet with the NYPD during morning roll-call to maintain a relationship and familiarity with officers in the neighborhood.

The group has a policy of not sharing information gained about ongoing conflicts with police, otherwise losing trust with the families theyre trying to help.

True to Life stopped in to visit and talked about how they mediate conflicts to stop the violence in Mariners Harbor especially for this Labor Day weekend. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/7RySM7CFCv  NYPD 121st Precinct (@NYPD121Pct) September 4, 2020

A NEW ERA OF VIOLENCE

Generational poverty has long been statistically linked to lower life expectancy, poor education and mental health issues.

Perry explained that those factors, combined with a feeling of low self-worth in a money-driven society-- and layers of childhood trauma-- can easily lead a young person to a lifestyle of drug dealing, seeking the attention of girls and firing weapons at each other. A lifestyle thats demonized by some in American society, and romanticized by others.

These days though, there is a generational difference, in terms of the speed at which violence and acts of retaliation are occurring, said Perry, who in his former life was involved in some of those disputes. The difference, he said, is due in large part to social media.

What happens in society now is that, when you have an issue, you dont call your friend about it, you dont talk to nobody about it, you go straight to social media, he said. You have a fight with (someone), and now everyone can see it.

Part of the counseling carried out by mediation groups on Staten Island -- True2Life, Occupy the Block and Mothers Against Senseless Killing -- involves connecting youth with the experiences of their parents and grandparents, and the history of their communities through decades of civil unrest in America.

We want to empower young men and women involved in the conflict, and make them aware of their surroundings. Whats happening with them and their families, and their communities. Turn their minds off from what theyre getting into, and on to whats going on, Perry said.

38 Scenes from the "Take that Knee" march

CHILDHOOD TRAUMA

Perry grew up in the Richmond Terrace Houses, a New York City Housing development in New Brighton. When he was 10 years old, his father was stabbed to death in a case of mistaken identity. He said the killer was targeting his fathers older brother.

At 13 years old, he began selling fireworks, then later in his teen years moved on to marijuana, and eventually crack and heroin. As a member of a crew in New Brighton -- protecting his own money and street credibility -- he was a perpetrator and victim of violence, describing the feeling of invincibility and power after firing a gun and being fired at.

Then, he had a terrifying epiphany, while stationed one day at the Richmond Terrace Houses, selling drugs at a 100 miles an hour.

I had a moment, where I thought, My father was killed right up the street from here, Perry said.

He thought about his daughter who he was working to support, realizing that it all could be for nothing. Losing so many people to gun violence, family, friends, it was all in the back of my mind.

That was the first step in self-rehabilitation that ultimately lead him to True2Life, and a new mission in life to impact young lives in a different way.

Several studies have shown the impact of trauma involving violence in childhood can lead to behavioral, emotional, and/or learning problems. Officials say anecdotal evidence from youth programs on Staten Island have shown more incidents of trauma in impoverished neighborhoods.

In a lot of the neighborhoods where were seeing reoccurring violence on Staten Island, children and adults and young adults are experiencing multiple layers of trauma, from a very young age, and its never being adequately addressed, said Ashleigh Owens, chief of staff to Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon.

Once a young person enters a city jail with a criminal record, the chances of finding mental health care, a legitimate path toward success and/or a decent-paying job decreases. According to data released at a 2019 City Council meeting examining New York City jails, the overall recidivism rate for detainees was about 20%, however, for those with mental illness it was about 47%.

In a recent meeting with the Advance/SILive.com editorial board to discuss violence on the North Shore, McMahon said theres many cases on Staten Island in which a person who was incarcerated resumes the illegal activity that led to their initial arrest.

Theres counseling, parole, probation...intensive supervised parole -- and we dont seem to see anything that is systematically successful, he said.

COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS

For decades, cities across the U.S. have struggled to implement housing policies that effectively integrate neighborhoods and place better schools, parks and other resources in reach for Black and Hispanic residents-- issues spawned from discriminatory federal housing laws instituted during the drafting of the New Deal, and again after WWII as part of the G.I. Bill.

Sociological experts over the years have surmised that violent crime amid a lack of generational equity, education, poor living conditions and disproportionate drug-related incidents is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

As part of an ongoing effort to end the cycle, McMahon said his office is working with community groups on improving factors outside of just crime enforcement, as a way to prevent violence from happening in the first place.

Part of the district attorneys action plan involves enlisting organizations to form teams and adopt neighborhoods, such as Port Richmond, Stapleton, West Brighton and the Arlington section of Mariners Harbor, in an effort to find community-based solutions.

7 Hundreds March to End Gun Violence

Conditions of each neighborhood, from specific demographics to resources, are then assessed and considered to make individualized plans for each area. The action plans will then be disseminated between the sponsor groups, elected officials and city agencies to bring the ideas to fruition. McMahons office plans to provide regular updates to the progress of the initiatives.

Additionally, as part of an effort to slow the recent back-and-forth violence between feuding neighborhoods, community leaders are pushing a message of peace to the shot-callers within those crews.

Given the past success of True2Life, Occupy the Block and other groups, McMahon said he would like to see them spread to more areas through additional funding.

Mayor De Blasio reportedly has implemented a $10 million boost over the past year to help expand the coverage area for some of the anti-violence groups that fall under CMS--none of which are on Staten Island.
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Now, maybe Cixin really believes this, or maybe he's just saying whatever will protect him and his family back home. I've called Ted Bundy "misunderstood" to get out of moving furniture, I'm in no position to judge. But The Three-Body Problem, without getting into spoilers because we'd be here all day if we did, is still a series where the cold-hearted realpolitik of authoritarian rule solves problems that liberal democracies concerned with human rights don't have the stomach to handle.

Again, The Three-Body Problem is a sprawling epic, and it's unfair to write the whole thing off as Communist propaganda like websites with Eagle and Patriot in their names will probably be doing in due time. China and sci-fi have a complicated relationship that people much smarter than I have written about but, in short, while there's some leeway for criticism (Cixin, after some negotiation with his publisher, was able to slam the Cultural Revolution that banned science fiction), books ultimately need the approval of government censors, and some of China's most interesting science fiction is therefore officially unavailable in China itself.

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But what Cixin really believes is irrelevant, because we're here to talk about what the intricate nuances of geopolitics mean for you, the person watching Netflix because it's embarrassing to eat an entire bag of Cool Ranch Doritos in grim silence. And are you currently in the mood for a dark, social Darwinist struggle for survival? One where the men primarily exist to be philosophy output machines and the weak feminine ways of women cause problems for humanity? Made by the guys who recently looked at America, a country where white supremacism is on the rise, and said, "a drama about a modern Confederacy sounds fun" until the idea was mocked into oblivion?
UP Election 2022: BJP announces first list of candidates, Yogi Adityanath to contest from Gorakhpur

UP Elections Opinion Poll: What percentange of people want BJP's Yogi Adityanath to return as CM?

UP lifts weekend curbs on markets

India

pti-Madhuri Adnal

Lucknow, Sep 8: The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday revoked its order of mandatory closure of markets on Sunday, reverting to the pre-coronavirus lockdown arrangement.

According to a statement, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said in a review meeting that markets will now close as per their earlier schedule instead of the weekly closure on Sunday.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurates new COVID-19 hospital in Gorakhpur

He said except containment zones, hotels and restaurants should be made operational in all areas and it should be ensured that all safety measures are followed.

The chief minister asked officials to take measures for the protection of health workers from the infection. At the meeting, the CM also directed to speed up development work at seven cities under the Smart City Project and asked officials for a regular monitoring.
Saudi Arabia cut pricing for oil sales in October, a sign the worlds biggest exporter sees fuel demand wavering amid more coronavirus flare-ups around the globe.

The kingdoms state producer, Saudi Aramco, reduced its key Arab Light grade of crude by a larger-than-expected amount for shipments to Asia, its main market. It also lowered pricing for U.S. buyers.

Aramco cut Arab Light to Asia to a discount against the benchmark oil price used by the Saudis for the first time since June. Its the second consecutive month of reductions for barrels to the region and the first month in six that U.S. refiners will see a cut. Aramco will trim pricing, too, for lighter barrels to northwest Europe and the Mediterranean region.

CARTEL: Did OPEC+ ease production cuts too soon?

Oil demand has plunged this year after the pandemic forced governments to lock down economies, airlines to cancel fights and workers to stay at home. Saudi Arabia, Russia and other OPEC+ producers agreed in April to slash output by almost 10 millions barrels a day, roughly 10% of global supply, to bolster prices.

Those cuts and a demand recovery in China have since helped oil prices more than double. But theyre still down around 35% this year. Brent crude fell to $42.66 a barrel on Friday, suffering its biggest weekly loss in almost three months as infection rates continued to climb in nations such as the U.S. and India.

Aramco understands the importance of China for the global oil market, said Giovanni Staunovo, a commodities analyst with UBS Group AG. The cut for October might help to support stronger imports from China over the coming months.

The company is reducing pricing for Light exports to Asia in October by $1.40 a barrel to 50 cents below the regional benchmark. It was expected to pare pricing by $1 a barrel to a 10-cent discount, according to a Bloomberg survey.

FUEL FIX: Now more than ever, you need our energy news in your inbox

The market will interpret these numbers to have been fair, Mike Muller, head of trader Vitol Groups Asian operations, said on a Sunday conference call hosted by Dubai-based consultancy Gulf Intelligence. There are some that wanted an even greater decrease. But, on the whole, people will say: OK, well take that.

The Saudis raised pricing from June to August for Asia. However, refinery demand has softened due to weak profits from turning crude into gasoline and other fuels. Asian refiners are also working through large stockpiles built up earlier in the year when crude prices troughed.

Aramco is cutting prices for the U.S. for the first time since April after Saudi oil exports to the country dwindled to the lowest in decades in August.

Saudi Arabia usually sets the tone for pricing decisions by other Middle Eastern petrostates, including Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, the second- and third-largest producers in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

2020 Bloomberg L.P.
Cavotec SA hereby invites you to participate in an investor information meeting in Stockholm. CEO Mikael Norin and CFO Glenn Withers, together with select members of the Executive Management Team, will give an update on the company's execution during the Corona pandemic and on future strategy and growth plans, including a strategy and market update on each segment by the respective Division Presidents. Topics that will be covered include how Cavotec leverage on trends such as automation, sustainability and workplace safety as leading ports and airports move towards more safe and efficient operations with a smaller environmental footprint.

The meeting will be held in English and is only for investors and analysts.

Date and address

The investor meeting will be held 1 October at 14.00 - 16.30 CEST in Kreugersalen at Vastra Tradgardsgatan 15 in Stockholm, Sweden.

Registration

To join the investor information meeting, please register by sending an email to: investorinformationday@cavotec.com

Live video webcast

The meeting can be followed live or as replay here: https://financialhearings.com/event/13005 and also at http://ir.cavotec.com and in the section Investor Meetings.

Conference call

If you wish to listen to the presentation via telephone, please dial the following number:

SE: +468 5055 8357

UK: +4433 3300 9030

US: +183 3526 8396

Presentation

The presentation will be available once the presentation has started at http://ir.cavotec.com and in the section Investor Meetings.

For further details please contact:

Johan Hahnel, Investor Relations Manager. Telephone: +46 70 605 63 34. Email: johan.hahnel@cavotec.com

The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 08:00 CEST on September 8, 2020.

Cavotec is a leading engineering group that designs and manufactures automated connection and electrification systems for ports, airports and industrial applications worldwide. Cavotec's innovative technologies ensure safe, efficient and sustainable operations. To find out more about Cavotec, visit our website at cavotec.com .

Attachment
By PTI

GODDA: A woman preacher was allegedly gang-raped at an ashram in Jharkhand's Godda district on Tuesday, police said.

A group of men scaled the wall of the ashram around 2.30 am, entered it and held the ascetics and preachers at gunpoint, they said.

At that time there were four women preachers and a sadhu present in the ashram, located in Ranidih in Muffasil police station area, they added.

They locked the others in a room and took turns in raping the young preacher who was staying in the ashram since February, said Superintendent of Police YS Ramesh.

She came to the ashram in February to attend a religious function but got stuck there due to the lockdown, he said.

The other sadhus informed some locals over the phone while being held inside the room but by the time they could arrive, the accused fled from the spot, police said.

"Among the accused was a man from the Pathwara area whom we knew. We urged him to let go of us but they didn't care," said an inmate of the ashram.

The woman has been sent for medical examination and a team has been formed to investigate the matter, the officer said.

Some people have been detained for questioning but the main accused is absconding, he added.

"The woman, who is in her early 30s, is in a state of trauma but we have assured her that we will soon arrest those behind the incident," the officer said.
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis has admitted legislation altering the Northern Ireland protocol, due to be tabled on Wednesday, "will break international law".

Mr Lewis was speaking after it was reported that Downing Street would seek to alter parts of the protocol, which was agreed last year and designed to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland.

Read More

Speaking in the commons on Tuesday, Conservative MP Robert Neill asked Mr Lewis: "The Secretary of State has said he is committed and the Government is committed to the rule of law. Does he recognise that adherence to the rule of law is not negotiable?

"Against that background, can he assure us that nothing proposed in this legislation does, or potentially might, breach international legal obligations or international legal arrangements that we have entered into?"

Read More

In response, Mr Lewis said: "I would say to (Sir Bob Neill) that yes this does break international law in a very specific and limited way.

"We are taking the power to dis-apply the EU concept of direct effect required by Article 4 in a certain, very tightly defined circumstances."

He added that "there are clear precedents for the UK and indeed other countries needing to consider their international obligations as circumstances change".

Shadow NI Secretary Lousie Haigh tweeted in response: "Absolutely astonishing that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has confirmed the government WILL be in breach of international law by undermining the Northern Ireland Protocol.

"This seriously undermines our authority on the international stage."

Read More

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long tweeted: "The Secretary of State for NI has just conceded in Parliament that Govt are about to break international law. His defence seems to be that 'it's only in a very limited way'.

"I'm not sure you can be a little bit illegal. It's a bit like being a little bit pregnant."

Former PM Theresa May also raised concerns regarding trust.

"The UK Government signed the Withdrawal Agreement with the Northern Ireland protocol, this Parliament voted that Withdrawal Agreement into UK legislation," she said.

"The Government is now changing the operation of that agreement. Given that, how can the Government reassure future international partners that the UK can be trusted to abide by the legal obligations of the agreements it signs?"

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said no one in Northern Ireland can "trust a word" the Government says.

This government has been skirting around the edges of the obvious for far too long  there is no way to reconcile the needs of people, businesses and communities in Northern Ireland with the promises that theyve made to Brexit ultras," he said.

"The scaffolding of mistruth has come crashing down with the Secretary of States admission that the government will break international law when it reneges on commitments made to people and businesses here in the Withdrawal Agreement."

DUP MP Ian Paisley said he hopes Mr Lewis agrees that any customs arrangement that affects trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, in either direction, is "unacceptable" and "must be stopped".

"Has this Government the mettle, or do they have a tinfoil spine when it comes to standing up to our detractors in Brussels and our debtors in the Republic of Ireland?" he said.

"Give the people of Northern Ireland the certainty, give the businesses the certainty they deserve."

Critics have accused the Government of attempting to undermine the Good Friday Agreement, however the Prime Minister's official spokesperson said Downing Street was proposing only "limited clarifications" to the law in order to protect the 1998 peace accord in the event of a no deal and provide assurances to businesses.

These "limited clarifications" are due to be outlined in the Internal Market Bill on Wednesday.








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MONTREAL/CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada Vacations announced today that a COVID-19 Coverage and Assistance Plan, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, will be offered at no additional cost to customers booking with Air Canada Vacations. The plan is designed to cover emergency medical and quarantine expenses if COVID-19 is contracted while travelling.

Aimed at providing travellers with greater confidence to book their next dream vacation, this plan will be included in all flight and hotel Air Canada Vacations packages to select destinations in Mexico and in the Caribbean at no extra cost, as Air Canada Vacations will cover the cost of the coverage. A full list of applicable destinations is available here.

"We're pleased to be the first Canadian tour operator to ensure coverage is in place for emergency medical and quarantine expenses relating to COVID-19 through Allianz Global Assistance and the brokerage firm TW Insurance Services as a part of our vacation packages. Our strategy, in conjunction with Air Canada CleanCare+, has been to be at the forefront of travel safety measures, including through the implementation of our Health and Safety Standards in our Sun destinations. We look forward to continuing to work with Allianz Global Assistance to turn our customers' travel dreams into reality," said Nino Montagnese, Managing Director at Air Canada Vacations.

"As Canadians look forward to travelling again, safety while abroad is top of mind for travellers more than ever before," said Chris Van Kooten, Chief Executive Officer at Allianz Global Assistance. "Air Canada Vacations' customers can once again travel with confidence and enjoy their holiday to the fullest with peace of mind about COVID-19 related medical emergencies."

All eligible customers who book an Air Canada Vacations package on or after August 31, 2020 for travel between September 4, 2020 to April 30, 2021 to applicable destinations will be covered under the COVID-19 Coverage and Assistance Plan.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday asserted that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has confirmed that five youths missing from Arunachal Pradesh have been found by them. Taking to the micro-blogging site, Twitter, Rijiju added that the PLA responded to the hotline message sent by the Indian Army and the handing over process of the youth to Indian authorities is being worked out.

The five youths had gone missing on September 4 from the Sino-Indian border in the Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. China had on September 7 brushed off concerns over the whereabouts of the youths from a village in Arunachal Pradesh allegedly abducted by the PLA and said it has never recognised the northeastern state which it claims is part of south Tibet.

China's PLA has responded to the hotline message sent by Indian Army. They have confirmed that the missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh have been found by their side. Further modalities to handover the persons to our authority is being worked out.  Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 8, 2020

"China's PLA has responded to the hotline message sent by Indian Army. They have confirmed that the missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh have been found by their side. Further modalities to handover the persons to our authority is being worked out," Rijiju tweeted.

"As a result of persistent efforts of Indian Army five missing hunters from the Indian side of LAC in Upper Subansiri, who had inadvertently crossed over to the other side on 02 Sept 2020, were traced. Chinese Army on 08 Sept responded on Hotline and confirmed that the missing Indians have been found on their side. Formalities for their early transfer is being coordinated with the Chinese Army.," confirmed the Defence PRO Tezpur.

The Indian Army had told its Chinese counterpart about the five civilians, who were engaged as guides and porters by the Army in the Upper Subansiri district on the Sino-India border, on September 5. Those allegedly kidnapped have been identified as Toch Singkam, Prasat Ringling, Dongtu Ebiya, Tanu Baker and Ngaru Diri. The Arunachal villagers had gone for hunting in a jungle when they were allegedly kidnapped by the PLA.

Two members of the group reportedly returned home and informed that they had been whisked away by the Chinese troops from Sera-7, an Army patrol zone located about 12 km further north of Nacho, which is the last administrative circle along the McMahon Line and is around 120 km from the district headquarters Daporijo.

"We spoke with them on the hotline and told them that it's suspected that some people have crossed across to your side and we will be grateful if you could hand them over back, as per what we do normally," Lieutenant Colonel Harsh Wardhan Pande, an Indian Army spokesman, told news agency Reuters.

"There is no earmarked line going through the forest or the mountains, so they keep moving here and there. So they might have gone there. It's a very normal thing," he said, adding they were yet to hear back from the Chinese.

On September 7, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing, "China's position on the eastern sector of the China-India boundary, or Zangnan--the southern part of China's Xizang (Tibet), is consistent and clear." He added the Chinese government has never recognized the so-called "Arunachal Pradesh". "I'm not aware of the situation you mentioned," the Chinese spokesperson said when asked about any updates about the missing Indian nationals.

The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) has condemned the Chinese statement dubbing the state as part of "South Tibet". "The people of the state outrightly reject the dubious statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry dubbing our state as part of 'South Tibet'. We strongly condemn such statements and advise the Chinese government to refrain from such notoriety," the union said in a statement in Itanagar.

The development comes at a time when the Indian army has enhanced its deployment along the 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control(LAC) in view of the tense border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh.
Civil rights activist Rev Al Sharpton says defunding the New York Police Department is something a 'latte Liberal' in the Hamptons might support but that proper policing on the ground is necessary.

Sharpton made the comments during an appearance on MSNBC's Morning Joe on Tuesday amid a wave of rising crime in New York City and a gun violence filled Labor Day weekend.

He pushed back at recent calls to defund the NYPD and other police departments across the country, saying that policing needed to be re-imagined instead.

'To take all policing off is something I think a latte liberal may go for as they sit around the Hamptons discussing this as some academic problem,' he said.

Al Sharpton made the comments during an appearance on MSNBC's Morning Joe on Tuesday amid a wave of rising crime in New York City and a gun violence filled Labor Day weekend

'People living on the ground need proper policing.

'Yes, we need more resources in different areas like mental health but we do not need our grandmothers (to be) prey to those that are being the users of products of the big gun manufacturers in this country.'

Sharpton also addressed the rising crime rates in his native NYC.

The NYPD has reported that shootings were up 166 percent in August compared to the same time last year.

'We've always heard about the tale of two cities. On the side of the city that I come from, which is blacker and poorer, we've seen more in terms of gun usage,' Sharpton said.

'I got a lot of attention when I did the eulogy for George Floyd's funeral, but I also, a month later, preached (at) a one-year-old kid's funeral in Brooklyn who was killed by a stray bullet,' Sharpton said.

'Six people were shot over Labor Day weekend at a festival in Brooklyn, so I would say statistically we're not much higher than where we were, but on the ground it is certainly feeling more violent, feeling more unsafe in unsafe communities.'

He pushed back at recent calls to defund the NYPD and other police departments across the country, saying that policing needed to be re-imagined instead

The New York Police Department released surveillance footage of a gun fight the took place inside an apartment building lobby on August 25

One man (right) can be seen holding a firearm as people scramble out of the way when someone opens fire

New York City saw a concerning spike in shootings over Labor Day Weekend, with at least 10 people shot as the surge in gun violence continues.

In one instance, a 62-year-old Brooklyn resident was shot dead on Monday morning while walking his dogs near his home.

Just two hours before that, a six-year-old boy and his mother were among three others who were shot during a festival in the same borough.

Meanwhile, surveillance footage from the NYPD showed a shootout on August 25 inside the lobby of Marlboro Houses in the Gravesend neighborhood.

A group of unidentified men are seen standing inside an apartment building lobby and appear to be looking towards something outside. One man, who brandishes a gun in his right hand, walks further into the lobby before raising the firearm towards the door.

It isn't clear who opened fire first but the group of men suddenly scrambles out of the way. A different man runs into the lobby and appears to fire a round out of the open door.
CARs Catholic Bishops are concerned about the continued proliferation of guns in the country, armed gangs, mercenaries looting mineral resources and a disarmament project yet to be implemented.

Paul Samasumo  Vatican City

Let my People go! is the latest Pastoral Letter of the Bishops of Central African Republic. It was read in all Churches last Sunday. The Pastoral Letter of the Catholic Bishops of Central African Republic comes three months before scheduled Presidential and Parliamentarian elections. The elections are due on 27 December. The Bishops call upon authorities to prepare adequately for the elections.

There are too many weapons in circulation

The overall security situation in the country continues to be a cause for concern. There are still many weapons in circulation, and the Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration and Repatriation ( of armed gangs) has been slow and is yet to be implemented, the Bishops have said.

The Bishops further say it saddens them greatly to note that armed groups occupy between seventy and eighty per cent of the Central African Republic. Some of the leaders of these gangs are mercenaries who are internationally known. As merchants of war, the presence of mercenaries is not helpful for the prospects of peace in country. The Bishops say mercenaries are only interested in the large-scale looting of the countrys mineral resources.

Peaceful and transparent elections

Worried about an election fall-out that could lead to civil strife, the Bishops have appealed to politicians to agree on a code of good conduct and its application that will support a credible (electoral) process. All in all, they ask politicians to ensure peaceful and transparent elections.

According to the observation of the Bishops, the Central African Republic is in a delicate and precarious period that requires wise and responsible leadership.

The Central African Republic is a country in crisis, in a delicate period of its destiny, requiring wise and courageous, humanistic and responsible leadership in the face of national, regional, continental and international challenges, the Bishops write.

paul.samasumo@spc.va
A former Portland police detective, who left the bureau last fall after he was demoted for misusing his take-home police car, is now suing the city of Portland, alleging racial discrimination.

Robert N. Hollins III had racked up nearly 100,000 miles in three years on his take-home detectives car, including 15,635 miles in under five months, according to a police summary of the findings released earlier this year.

He also left a police surveillance assignment to take care of family affairs out of town without notifying a supervisor, the summary report disclosed.

In his suit, Hollins contends he was allowed with his commanding officers' knowledge to drive his take-home car to his homes in Kalama and Kelso, Washington, which were beyond the 35-mile distance that the bureau allows for detectives with take-home vehicles.

He also argued that the Police Bureau fails to treat white officers the same as minority officers accused of misconduct. Hollins is Black.

Hollins said in the suit that the high mileage resulted from the extensive amount of overtime he regularly worked and the fact that he was regularly on call for 24 hours at a time, according to the suit.

He seeks $960,000 in damages, arguing that his demotion has hampered his ability to obtain another investigative job outside of the city.

A unanimous Police Review Board in April 2019 recommended Hollins be fired for untruthfulness for not being honest about what led to the excessive mileage on his unmarked police car. Then-Chief Danielle Outlaw didnt agree that Hollins was untruthful and instead demoted him.

The demotion became effective last Sept. 7, 2019, and Hollins left the bureau at the end of that month. He had been part of a retire/rehire program, which was to end at that time in any case.

Less than two months after he filed a notice of intent to sue the city, the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office informed Hollins that his name might be added to its Potential Impeachment Disclosure Index, more commonly known as a Brady list of officers with credibility problems, due to his disciplinary record.

Under the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Brady v. Maryland, prosecutors are required to learn and turn over any favorable information to a defendant about people acting on behalf of the government, including information about police officers. Subsequent case law requires police and prosecutors to provide defense attorneys with an officers past record of any falsification of reports and all "credible allegations'' of untruthfulness that could affect their credibility as a witness, not just sustained findings.

Brent Weisberg, spokesman for the district attorneys office, said Hollins' name isnt currently in the index.

City attorney Tracy Reeve and Police Bureau spokesman Officer Derek Carmon both declined comment on the lawsuit.

Portlands Police Review Board, made up of peer officers, supervisors, a community member and representative of the citys Independent Police Review oversight division, found the mileage Hollins put on his take-home car was "excessive.'' It reviewed two investigations into Hollins' misuse of his police car, once in December 2018 and again in April.

Hollins' extracurricular use of the car was discovered after it needed repairs because of the additional mileage, according to multiple sources familiar with the inquiries who werent designated to speak publicly about them.

The Police Bureau prohibits the personal use of city-owned cars. Officers may drive them to and from work and for other police-related activities, but not for recreation or vacation trips.

The detective admitted to taking multiple trips with his wife to Seaside in the police car, including overnight stays, in clear violation of the take-home vehicles intended use and with no explanation of why he didnt use his personal car, according to the Police Review Boards report.

"Some members said the inappropriate use of city resources could be considered criminal,'' the report said.

Hollins referenced in his suit misconduct by several white officers that he says was handled differently by the Police Bureau.

Among the cases he referenced were that of Cmdr. Steven Jones and Sgt. Gregg Lewis, who have had their police certifications yanked.

Last fall, former Cmdr. Jones had his certification revoked for 10 years and former Portland police Sgt. Gregg Lewis had his certification suspended for three years.

Jones drove drunk while on call in a police SUV and crashed into a light pole. He faced criminal charges and pleaded no contest to reckless driving and driving under the influence of intoxicants in Multnomah County Circuit Court. Jones' drivers license was suspended for three months, and he agreed to pay the city $38,240 in restitution within 60 days to cover damage to the police SUV and the pole, according to court records. Jones was alone in the SUV and uninjured.

Lewis, who made racist and inflammatory remarks at a roll call, was allowed to retire after he was reinstated with back pay following his initial firing on Feb. 2, 2018, under the condition that he never wear a city police uniform again, under a city settlement. Lewis' remarks on Feb. 12, 2017, came just three days after the controversial fatal police shooting of a Black teen, 17-year-old Quanice Hayes. About 16 officers and three other sergeants were present at the 4 p.m. roll call in Central Precinct when Lewis said, "If you come across a black person, just shoot them,'' according to his termination letter.

Lewis had been a sergeant who also was rehired after retiring under the same bureau program that Hollins returned to the Police Bureau through - a program that was designed to help fill vacancies due to staffing shortages.

Hollins also cited the case of Robert Bruders, who resigned from the Police Bureau in 2016 after his beating of a man led to the citys largest police brutality jury verdict, only to be rehired as a non-sworn employee to do background checks on new police recruits.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212

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NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C. , is proud to announce the winner of its Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship , Nazhir Carter. Each year, the firm offers a higher education scholarship in memory of Avonte Oquendo, a nonverbal 14-year-old boy with autism who left his Queens public school undetected in 2013 and tragically drowned in the East River. David Perecman , Founder and Lead Trial Lawyer, represented Avonte's mother, Vanessa Fontaine, in a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of her son.

Each year, The Perecman Firm offers the scholarship to directly benefit students with autism and those with autistic family members. This year, in honor of the scholarship's fifth year being offered, the firm has increased the award amount from $1,000 to $5,000.

Nazhir, this year's scholarship winner, is a recent graduate from The Colony High School in The Colony, Texas, and is an incoming freshman at Prairie View A&M University. His submission essay titled "When The School Bus Ends" discussed his personal story living with autism as well as how autistic students often lack meaningful systems of support as they mature into higher education and adulthood. By furthering his education, Nazhir hopes to help bridge this gap by partnering with schools, community leaders and service organizations to create and develop transition programs that help students with autism and disabilities achieve their full potential.

"The Perecman Firm congratulates Nazhir Carter on being named the recipient of this year's Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship," said Mr. Perecman. "We are proud to offer this scholarship in Avonte Oquendo's name to help students with autism and those directly impacted by autism to pursue higher education opportunities and further their career interests."

More information about the Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship can be found at www.perecman.com/avonte-oquendo/autism-scholarship .

For more information about The Perecman Firm, visit www.perecman.com .

About The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C.

Founded in 1983 by David Perecman, The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C. is a full-service personal injury law firm with offices in New York, New York, and Jericho, New York. The firm's attorneys concentrate their legal practices in all aspects of personal injury, including construction accidents, premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, and civil rights matters, as well as workers' compensation and Social Security Disability. Recognized by U.S. News for the past eight consecutive years as one of the Best Law Firms in America for Plaintiff's Personal Injury in New York, and distinguished among their peers for their professionalism, knowledge, and results by nationally-recognized organizations, including Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers, the firm and its attorneys have recovered more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements on their clients' behalf. For more information, visit www.perecman.com .

SOURCE The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C.

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Pastor Tony Evans talks Kingdom voting,' says Church has become bad example of who God is

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Pastor Tony Evans, the longtime pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Texas, launched a new sermon series, titled Kingdom Voting, on Sunday, preaching on what God has to say to Christians about how to vote.

The pastor began his sermon acknowledging that a conversation on voting can easily become toxic, as people take sides and remain dedicated to their positions.

Theres divisiveness not only in the culture but also in the Church that has facilitated disharmony, disunity and conflict in the broader society, he said months ahead of the presidential election.

And that is due to a lack of proper Kingdom perspective when it comes to Gods activity in society," the Dallas pastor noted. This is why the Church has become as bad as, or worse than, the world, allowing ourselves to be a poor example of who God is and how God functions with regards to government.

So how should a Christian vote?

Until the Church gets it right, the culture cant get it right, he emphasized.

The Kingdom perspective is in the Bible but the problem, he said, is that people who profess to be Christians often change books, or take part of the book, when it comes to their political positioning. We cant ignore the whole counsel of God, he warned.

Kingdom voting is the opportunity and responsibility of committed Christians to partner with God by expanding His rule in society through civil government, Evans explained. Its only to the degree that you include Gods person and Gods policies in society through civil government  as He defines it, not as you prefer it  that we can begin to see healing in the Church so that it can be modeled in the culture.

The further God is removed from the life of an individual, from the life and definition of a family, form the life and definition of the Church, from the life and definition of the citizenry of a society, the more chaotic those entities become.

He quoted Joshua 5:13: While Joshua was near Jericho, he raised his eyes and saw one who stood facing him, drawn sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, Are you one of us or one of our enemies?

Some can interpret that to mean, in the context of voting, that conservative candidates are on Christians side because they too are conservatives, and that Democrats are against us as they are against conservatives, the pastor told the congregants.

Reading the next verse, Evans underlined that the commander of the army of the Lord said hes on the side of neither.

Gods political position" is that He is a Kingdom independent.

God is not on our side just because we are Christians, he emphasized.

You may decide to vote for a Republican or a Democratic or a libertarian candidate, he said, but every Christian should be a Kingdom independent.

God does not want to take sides, Evans added. He is there to take over because He rules the nations.
Caprice has criticised the government for 'not doing enough' to track and trace travellers amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The model, 48, recently returned to her London home from a trip to Ibiza and is now entering her second week of quarantine  during which she has been seen taking on the viral wine challenge as she passes time at home.

But the star, who has been outspoken about the way in which British officials should be handling the novel coronavirus crisis, is now urging from more stringent action, sources have exclusively revealed to MailOnline.

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Speaking out: Caprice has criticised the government for 'not doing enough' to track and trace travellers amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

A source said: 'Caprice and family are in their second week of quarantine after returning from Ibiza. She was surprised she received a call from someone to check she was actually at home and quarantining.

'She was impressed by this but doesnt think the government is doing enough. She feels there could be much smarter airport testing like in other countries.'

According to the source, Caprice cites 'official research' in insisting that while airport testing detects 7 per cent of potential cases, conducting a second test five days later would pick up 85 per cent, while a space of eight days would yield 96 per cent.

Viral challenge: The star has been isolating at home, after returning to London from Ibiza. On Tuesday, she shared a clip of herself taking part in the viral wine challenge

'This has been successful in other countries,' explained the source. 'It is just another thing that is crippling the economy and what we all need now is to stabilise and help it grow, not weaken the economy even more.'

As she spends her time at home, the California native took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a clip of herself taking on TikTok's popular #WineChallenge.

During the challenge, one person holds the stem of a wine glass in their mouth, as they lean back to feed the contents of the glass to the person sitting behind them.

In Caprice's case, she was seen taking on the role of the wine drinker, though she was left in fits of laughter as the challenge didn't prove to be too successful.

Glamorous: The star also shared snaps of herself getting glammed up for a 'date night' at home

Criticism: Caprice has made headlines in recent months for speaking out against the way the British government has been handling the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic

However, after a little red wine spillage, she got glammed up for a 'date night' at home with her financier husband Ty Comfort, 54.

Said the source: 'She is trying to pass the time by having fun with her family, concentrating on her By Caprice Home brand and she even got dressed up for a date night with her hubby Ty.

'She loves making the effort and looking sexy for her man, even if they are just at home.

'Caprice usually doesnt drink much alcohol and even though she can cook a meal, after the "wine challenge" inspired by Cameron Diaz and Molly Simms she ended up burning the entire dinner and had to order in pizza.'

Testing: A source said of Caprice, '[She] doesnt think the government is doing enough. She feels there could be much smarter airport testing like in other countries'

Economy concerns: The source added of the star's view on the pandemic, 'It is just another thing that is crippling the economy and what we all need now is to stabilise and help it grow'

The star's social media post comes one week after she shared an impassioned video on Instagram in which she slammed celebrities for letting charities down, leaving her to donate thousands.

She said: 'This week I've been upset. A lot of my charities have been calling me and asking to pick up the pieces. They've had a lot of people let them down.'

Model Caprice said both she and her millionaire husband Ty have been helping out where they can.

A source close to Caprice told MailOnline: 'Caprice received a call on her mobile phone from a charity who urgently needed a private donation because they had been let down by a celebrity whod promised some funds but didnt see it through.

Let down: Last week, Caprice claimed on Instagram that she and her husband Ty Comfort are bailing out charities after they've been let down by celebrities

'Caprice is sick and tired of rich people not digging deep into their pockets, not just money but time too. '

The source added: She understands it is a really tough time, but now is the time to really reach out and to help the communities to survive.

'Caprice and her husband financier Ty, have literally given tens of thousands of pounds to charities in recent years.

'Yet some people are keen to promote the hell out of charities on social media but never actually pull money out of their own pockets.'

Caprice has been inundated with charity requests but she sadly cant get to everyone, she wishes she could.

Donations: A source told MailOnline, 'Caprice and her husband financier Ty, have literally given tens of thousands of pounds to charities in recent years' (pictured in 2018)

Talking to her followers, Caprice said: 'It's a really tough time. Some days we have great days that inspire us, instigate creativity, that bring us closer to our family.

And then we have really bad days, loneliness, really looking deep within and wanting to make changes, scared of the future.

'A lot of people in fortunate positions - I understand. It's a really tough time right now and it's a scary time but these charities rely on us and so I am going in and doing the best that I can.'

She added: 'Of course I can't do as much as I could in the past but I am still making it a priority to try and help people with whatever I can do.

'It's upsetting to hear that so many people are letting these charities down. Even the smallest bit helps.'
Two men rushed inside a burning car Monday night to free the driver who had just crashed into a tree in a Massachusetts town.

The actions of the two Good Samaritans were lauded by the Lakeville Fire Departments chief, who believe the two men likely saved the drivers life.

The incident all unfolded around 10:40 p.m. on Labor Day on Pierce Avenue in Lakeville.

First responders were notified about a crash and learned the driver was still trapped inside the vehicle, according to the Lakeville Fire Department. The car caught fire after the driver crashed into a tree.

Firefighters and police officers rushed to the scene. The two men freed the man from the burning car.

Had these two men not intervened when they did, it is likely we would have a much more horrific and tragic outcome, Lakeville Fire Chief Mike OBrien said of the men and added that they likely saved the life of the injured driver.

There were no passengers in the vehicle, police said.

Fiery Crash on Pierce Avenue One adult male was transported to Rhode Island Hospital by Lakeville Fire Department... Posted by Lakeville, MA Fire Department on Tuesday, September 8, 2020

It took just eight minutes for firefighters to arrive at the scene and by then the entire car was engulfed in flames.

The driver was rushed to a Rhode Island hospital for treatment to his injuries. Fire officials did not release the extent of the mans injuries.

Got a news tip or want to contact MassLive about this story? Email newstips@masslive.com or message us on Facebook orTwitter. You can also call our news tips line at 413-776-1364.
PHILADELPHIA  Vanessa ORourke, 32, formerly of Harleysville and last known to be residing in Queensland, Australia, was charged with wire fraud in connection with falsely stating that she had cancer in order to solicit donations, including on gofundme.com, U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced.

The indictment was previously under seal until it was unsealed on Tuesday.

The indictment alleges that from approximately October 2015 through July 2016, ORourke falsely represented to others that she had a terminal form of brain cancer known as Glioblastoma.

The defendant also allegedly lied about needing to raise money to travel to Australia to receive experimental cancer treatments, McSwain said in a release.

Based on these and other allegedly false representations, more than 140 people donated a total of $11,740 to ORourkes fundraising campaign through gofundme.com, a legitimate online fundraising platform, McSwain said.

The indictment also alleges that while ORourke did travel to Australia, she did not receive any cancer treatment while she was there and instead used the donated money for personal expenses, including a variety of leisure activities.

The allegations in this case are nauseating, McSwain said. ORourke is charged with preying upon the kindness and generosity of good people who wished to help those in need. As alleged, there was no need here  only lies, greed and callous manipulation.

Misleading people about a significant medical diagnosis in order to take advantage of their kind hearts and open wallets is reprehensible, said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Philadelphia Division. As alleged, Vanessa ORourke scammed friends and family alike, convincing them to donate money toward her supposed medical care. Instead, those funds supported her lifestyle and leisure. When someone commits such financial fraud, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will work to hold them accountable.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Towamencin Township Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne.

An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A senior DUP MP has insisted the party is not divided on its position to the Northern Ireland protocol.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson maintained there was only one train of thought among his colleagues on the Brexit withdrawal deal amid questions around seemingly contrasting positions taken by leader Arlene Foster and other party figures.

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Scrutiny of the DUPs stance has intensified as speculation continues over the Governments apparent desire to use domestic legislation to override elements of the contentious protocol.

On Monday night the DUP issued a statement saying the Withdrawal Agreement must be scrapped or changed to ensure Northern Irelands place within the Union is protected.

Expand Close Arlene Foster said she had to accept the reality that the protocol was the law (Liam McBurney/PA) PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Arlene Foster said she had to accept the reality that the protocol was the law (Liam McBurney/PA)

However, in an interview aired on Friday Mrs Foster said she had to recognise the reality that the agreement is now law and she has to be part of the process that sees the Northern Ireland protocol implemented.

In an interview with Sky News, she said: I mean, there are some who would continue to fight against the protocol; I have to recognise that that is the reality now.

Under the protocol agreed by the EU and UK in the withdrawal deal, Northern Ireland will continue to follow single market rules for goods and administer the EUs customs code at its ports.

It was designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, but unionists have been vehemently opposed to it, insisting it instead creates an economic border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

The Governments critics have accused it of bad faith after it was reported that it would seek to use Westminster legislation to changes aspects of the protocol related to state aid and customs administration.

Expand Close Sir Jeffrey said the DUP had always been opposed to any move to create a customs border for goods moving across the Irish Sea (Niall Carson/PA) PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Sir Jeffrey said the DUP had always been opposed to any move to create a customs border for goods moving across the Irish Sea (Niall Carson/PA)

Sir Jeffrey said such moves would be welcome.

We hope this bill will now address some of the key issues that present a real challenge for business in Northern Ireland if the EU are to have its way, he said.

Asked if his party leader had a different view, he told BBC Radio Ulster: Theres only one train of thought in the DUP and that is reflected in the statement published last night, which was agreed by the party leader and by our leadership team generally.

He insisted Mrs Fosters comments to Sky did not relate to the prospect of a customs border in the Irish Sea.

Weve rejected that completely and will continue to oppose vigorously any move to create a customs border in the Irish Sea because it would be harmful for businesses, but also it would drive up the cost to the consumer in Northern Ireland and that is unacceptable, said the Lagan Valley MP.

Arlene was very clear that we have and continue to oppose the elements of the Northern Ireland protocol that would require a customs border in the Irish Sea.

That has consistently been our position and that position wont be changing. It is unacceptable.
A boy allegedly killed a girl, who lived in his neighbourhood in Indore, located 188 kilometres south-west of Madhya Pradeshs capital Bhopal, on Monday afternoon, because she would consistently beat him in games, including those played on mobile phones, and also killed his pet mouse a few days ago.

Also read: 17-year-old boy in Kolkata kills 14-year-old friend in scuffle

The minor has been detained under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

The murder was allegedly committed by smashing the head of the girl with a stone in a vacant plot of land near the housing complex, where the victim and the alleged minor offender lived, said police.

The girl studied in class 5 and belonged to a middle class family. The boy is a student of class 6. He, too, belongs to a middle class family. Both the families are neighbours and live in apartments of a housing society under the jurisdiction of Lasudia police station in Indore.

Deputy inspector-general (DIG) of police, Indore, Harinarayanchari Mishra, said, Preliminary investigation has revealed that the girl went out of her flat to collect flowers on Monday afternoon. She didnt return for a considerable period of time. Her anxious father went out of his flat to look for her and spotted her body. Her head was smashed and hidden under a stone.

He said, The boy was taken into custody after a police team spoke with several children in the housing complex and the neighbourhood and also examined the CCTV (closed circuit TV) footage of the complex. The girl was last seen with him. A boy told the police team that he had seen the boy returning and he had blood stains in his hands and clothes. The boy confessed to having committed the crime during interrogation.

The DIG added, The boy told the police that the girl was her friend but he was angry with her because she would consistently beat him in games, including those played on mobile phones. She also allegedly killed his pet mouse a few days ago. This further infuriated him and he killed her to take revenge.

The victims elder sister said, We cant believe that the boy killed her over such petty issues. Police should investigate the murder as adult persons could be involved in the crime.

Dr Vinay Mishra, a Bhopal-based psychologist, said, Defeat in games or killing of a pet mouse might not have been a significant reason to provoke the boy. Such children suffer from a conduct disorder. They display strange behaviour at an early age while deriving pleasure from hurting animals and setting things on fire. They have a strong desire to destroy things. Usually, they are poor in studies and thats not because of their low intelligence quotient (IQ). They dont like discipline in schools.

He added, The conscience, which tells us what is right and what is wrong, is not fully developed in such children. Even after destroying things, hurting animals and indulging in unlawful activities they dont repent it. They dont feel that they have committed anything wrong.
Standing by the Thames, enjoying one of London's prettiest views, I can't help humming the tune from that children's classic, We're Going On A Bear Hunt. As the characters find their path blocked by a river, they all sing: 'We can't go over it, we can't go under it. Oh, no! We've got to go through it.'

And that, I am afraid, is the real-life situation here at Hammersmith. The grand old green and gold suspension bridge, familiar to millions of viewers of the annual Boat Race, is not merely closed off to traffic.

It is closed to everyone and everything, following a major panic three weeks ago when the bridge's owner, the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, was suddenly informed that it might collapse at any minute.

Hammersmith bridge is closed to everyone and everything, following a major panic three weeks ago when the bridge's owner, the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, was suddenly informed that it might collapse at any minute

Pictured: Children of local residents display their banners in protest

All traffic had been banned a year earlier. Now, overnight, this 133-year-old link between Barnes, on the south side, and Hammersmith, to the north, was sealed off to pedestrians, cyclists  even dogs.

And because it could now fall into the Thames without warning, the authorities have also decreed that nothing shall pass underneath either  not even a kayak.

As a result, all river traffic is banned  indefinitely. It means that for the first time since the reign of George III, when the river last iced up in the Great Freeze of 1814, the Thames is now shut.

Nothing west of here can head for the open sea unless it is small enough for a complex detour through the Middlesex canal system. Nothing can come in from the North Sea and head upriver, by order of the Port of London Authority. If Oxford and Cambridge held the Boat Race today, they would be arrested.

And tens of thousands of people for whom the bridge is a vital route to school, hospital or work must now make a five-mile detour. Those attempting it by car or bus face delays of up to an hour and a half each way.

Walkers and cyclists face a choice of unlit paths and a road that floods at high tide or a pavement next to a six-lane highway. There is no indication of when life may get back to normal. That is because three separate local authorities and the Government have been unable to agree on who is to blame, who is in charge and who should foot the bill.

Overnight, this 133-year-old link between Barnes, on the south side, and Hammersmith, to the north, was sealed off to pedestrians, cyclists  even dogs

Yet it is part of a much greater problem. To follow the Thames through London is to witness a metropolis gradually being sawn in half. For, one by one, London's bridges seem to be falling apart. At the same time, the Mayor of London's solution is not to free up the city's blocked arteries but to clog them with more cycle lanes and 'safe' pavements.

Most of the city's office space is still unoccupied. For the first time in history, airports in Frankfurt and Paris carry more passengers than the once-mighty Heathrow. Britain is being bypassed.

And our rivals are thrilled. This week, the New York Times  which loves any tale of UK hubris and decline  has run a piece painting Hammersmith as emblematic of terminal decay in Brexit Britain.

It's an easy case to make. Drive east along the Thames from Hammersmith and you will soon come to Wandsworth Bridge, now reduced from four lanes to two. Four miles further on, Vauxhall Bridge has just been sealed off to everything except foot traffic for 'emergency repairs'. It also marks the boundary of London's Congestion Charge zone.

In his latest salvo against the motorist, London's Mayor Sadiq Khan has just increased the charge to 15 and extended it to evenings and weekends. At a stroke, millions of casual visitors now have a good reason not to bother with Central London at all.

Keep going and you will pass Waterloo Bridge  Mayor Khan wants to make it a pedestrian zone  and then London Bridge. Sorry, no cars here either. It is shut for 'essential works'.

Drive east along the Thames from Hammersmith and you will soon come to Wandsworth Bridge, now reduced from four lanes to two. Four miles further on, Vauxhall Bridge has just been sealed off to everything except foot traffic for 'emergency repairs'

Even dear old Tower Bridge has not escaped the bridge plague. The other day, it got stuck in the upright position for over an hour, causing gridlock.

This is not merely a London problem. Nothing is going to improve in the rest of country if the capital  with its 26 billion annual surplus  grinds to a halt.

And nothing symbolises the malaise at every level of government  from town hall to Cabinet table  than the shambles here at Hammersmith.

Hence I am standing at the southern end of the bridge in an early evening downpour as a crowd cheers an impassioned William Blackshaw. 'I am angry,' he says. 'We need more rallies like this  more rallies until someone on high makes our voices heard!'

William is 11. He is still in his new school blazer fresh from starting at his new state school on the other side of the river. Week one of big school should be an exciting moment. Instead, it has been a grim experience.

'He was so pleased to be going. But instead of a 700-metre walk or scoot to school, it's an hour extra each way by bus,' says his father, property manager Tim Blackshaw, 44. I hear numerous tales of people left waiting for an extra hour on top as one emergency bus after another turns up full.

Although the bridge belongs to Labour-run Hammersmith and Fulham Council on the north side, most of the 16,000 pedestrians and 22,000 drivers who once crossed it each day would come via the Liberal Democrat-run Borough of Richmond to the south.

The councils both argue, not unreasonably, that since it is a vital piece of London infrastructure, it should be adopted by the (Labour) Mayor and his Transport for London team. However, TfL, in turn, say they can do nothing until the (Tory) Government writes out a very large cheque.

All the residents want is some sort of temporary crossing. But TfL say they can't consider this until the Government promises them cash for the whole project.

In the meantime, lives are thrown into chaos. I hear miserable tales of pensioners who can no longer visit their surgery across the bridge, of local businesses on the cusp of bankruptcy. The nearest pedestrian route is a mile and a half away, via the rail crossing at Barnes Bridge. On one side, the stairs are right next to a very narrow, very busy A-road. On the other is an unlit muddy path through woods.

I arrive one breakfast time and find it heaving with people lugging bikes or children (or both).

The locals have now given up with the councils and are shouting at the Government. Certainly, the costs involved are way beyond any local authority. The Conservative MP for Chelsea and Fulham, Greg Hands, has compiled a dossier on the bewildering sums.

Between 2015 and 2019, TfL spent 5.3 million on 'monitoring' the structure. By 2016, a repair plan budgeted at 27 million had been agreed but TfL never quite got round to starting it. Last year, a few days after the Boat Race, engineers suddenly noticed that things were much worse and so the bridge was closed overnight to all traffic. By then, the repair bill was put at 40 million. Now, it is 140 million.

Mr Hands has submitted a Freedom of Information request to find out why. Hilariously, that has just been rejected on grounds of 'national security'. Hammersmith Bridge has, indeed, been the target of three failed IRA bomb attacks  in 1939, 1996 and 2000  but can't we be told why the repair bill has rocketed by 400 per cent?

All sorts have turned up at this demo in Barnes, from schoolchildren holding 'London's Bridges Are Falling Down' banners to a former Buckingham Palace aide, a former Coalition transport minister (Baroness Kramer of the Lib Dems) and a retired engineer with a plan for a 5 million temporary road bridge.

A popular refrain is: 'Send in the Army.' After all, the Royal Engineers managed to put up pontoon bridges over the Rhine  under enemy fire  in a matter of hours 75 years ago.

Sarah Olney, the local MP on the south side, tells me that she has written to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps without reply.

The leaders of Hammersmith and Richmond councils have just written jointly to the Prime Minister. 'What a terrible metaphor it would be if we allowed this achievement from a high point in British history to simply crumble away,' they say, adding that the bridge needs a minimum of 46 million just to make it safe for pedestrians. No reply has been received.

The councils are now exploring an emergency ferry service thanks to a local businessman who has lent his wharf for free and a team of marine experts who handled the boat scenes for the last Bond movie (that could make for a fun school run).

TfL says it wants 'an urgent solution' but is pleading poverty. 'The ownership of London's bridges varies, and there is no coherent national strategy for how to fund the maintenance of such critical infrastructure,' says a spokesperson. 'Hammersmith Bridge is a strategically significant river crossing, whose much-needed repair is heavily reliant on Government funding.'

At the very moment the demo is taking place on the bridge, I learn from Department for Transport insiders that Grant Shapps has summoned his officials for an emergency meeting. TfL and Hammersmith council have since been summoned and told that this is now a national matter. Expect further details in days.

'London is stuck,' says Shaun Bailey, the Tory nominee for next year's mayoral election. 'If businesses and residents aren't being hit by Sadiq Khan's congestion charge hike, they're being hit by traffic jams and closed bridges.

'Residents and businesses have a right to safe, reliable roads. If the Mayor won't deliver them, then the Government unfortunately needs to step in.'

Back in the 19th century, Hammersmith Bridge was seen as a masterpiece. It was the model for one of the jewels of the Austro-Hungarian Empire  the 'Chain Bridge' across the Danube uniting the twin cities of Buda and Pest into the single metropolis we still see today.

Sadly, our capital seems to be going the other way. How long before the residents of Lon- find themselves completely cut off from -Don?
Sixty two per cent of Nigerian households who needed yams were unable to purchase them, while 37 per cent of households who needed rice could not purchase it during the COVID-19 lockdown, the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS) has disclosed in its COVID-19 impact monitoring report.

Details of the impact monitoring report for July said access to agricultural inputs for crop production was limited by the pandemic.

The report said purchased inputs which include inorganic fertiliser, pesticide and herbicides seem to be the most impacted.

Also, the report indicated that 72 per cent of farming households that needed inorganic fertiliser and 47 per cent of farming households that needed pesticide/herbicides could not access them.

The report may mean that farmers are expecting lower yields which will further compound the food security crisis in the country.

Access to hired labor, animal traction, and organic fertiliser were less impacted as around two-thirds of households that needed each of these inputs were able to access them, the report revealed.

The NBS said the pandemics impact on farming input accessibility seems to be more prevalent among poorer farming households.

About 81 percent of the poorest quintile of farming households that sought to use inputs were not able access at least one input compared to just 49 percent of farming households in the richest quintile, it said.

Since the easing of the lockdown, the difficulties faced by Nigerian households in purchasing staple foods seem to be reducing but constraints remain for many households.

It said share of households that needed staple foods but could not purchase them decreased between April/May and July for four out of the major staple foods.

The report also said the largest improvement was for cassava, for which the share of households who were not able to purchase it decreased from 34 per cent in April/May to 18 per cent in July.

However, the share of households unable to purchase some staple foods remained high in July.

The bureau said lack of money and increase in prices were the predominant reasons households could not purchase these staples, indicating the continued economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.

Background

The Nigeria COVID-19 National Longitudinal Phone Survey (COVID-19 NLPS) 2020 third round was implemented by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in July 2020.

This survey is part of a World Bank global effort to support countries in their data collection efforts to monitor the impacts of COVID-19.

READ ALSO:

World Bank teams from the Development Data Group and the Poverty and Equity Global Practice provided technical support.

The survey is the third of a planned 12 rounds of the COVID-19 NLPS of households in Nigeria.

It said 1,950 households from the baseline were contacted and 1,820 households, fully interviewed.

These same households will be contacted in subsequent rounds of the COVID-19 NLPS.

The data are representative at the national level and survey weights were calcu-

lated to adjust for non-response and under coverage.
It looks bubbly, craggy or maybe even fluffy, but what is it?

It's spray foam furniture, and you may have seen it go viral on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Artists and DIYers alike have been spraying polyurethane-based foam on a wide array of household items, such as benches, couches, mirrors, shelves and tables. Interior designers have begun showing foam furniture in their work as demand for the unexpected look rises.

The foam mirror, also known as the "cloud mirror" or "popcorn mirror," has become one of the most popular new items.

But the textured look of foam furniture has attracted varying opinions, ranging from disgust and curiosity to awe and praise.

"I personally didn't find a huge love for them at first. I was like, this looks so strange, like it doesn't look amazing," said digital creator Drew Scott (not to be confused with the "Property Brothers" star) in a YouTube video that has more than 367,000 views so far. Scott then explained how he changed his mind and tackles the project himself, showing viewers his process.

Gustaf Westman's foam furniture series includes this

"I've been seeing a lot of side tables and coffee tables and vases. And I actually have a vase that I did too," Stockholm-based designer Gustaf Westman told TMRW via email. "I've been seeing a lot of really cool do-it-yourself things on the internet because of quarantine. Side tables are really cool because they just do the top and the side, and it just gives it that texture."

On one of Westman's Instagram photos of a foam-covered sideboard, reactions have been mostly positive. One commenter even wrote, "This makes me feel really weird but also its beautiful."

Westman, 26, has been making art "for a long time" but only started selling his pieces two years ago. He created his first foam furniture piece in November 2019. "I had a small wood shelf (at) home that I didn't have any use for. So i just thought if I could upcycle it in any way and that's when I tried the foam. So it was kind of a coincidence that (it turned) out cool!" the artist said.

Story continues

Westman working on one of his

Westman explained that he only works with recycled furniture to create the pieces and uses the foam in ventilated areas. "Always outside and using a long sleeve shirt and mask! I use a ecological foam so its toxic-free, but don't want to have it on my skin so that is why (I use) the protection. I take the recycled furniture and then I do one first layer of foam. I'm not that precise on the first layer. Then I always do a second and sometimes a third layer to get the feeling I want," he wrote.

Some DIYers say they first learned of the trend from Westman's "popcorn" furniture series, prompting them to make their own. "I get a lot of questions about people copying me. But I don't have a problem with that since its impossible for me to produce to all those people anyway. And I think people do their own design with me as inspiration, that's cool!"

A yellow vase and a teal blue magazine adorn a foam side table from Gustaf Westman. (Courtesy Gustaf Westman)

Interior designer Amanda Beaubien, 25, who recently started her own private design business in the Los Angeles area, had just moved into a new home when she discovered spray foam furniture.

"I was looking for a very large mirror that looked funky and different. The one I really wanted was over budget," Beaubien recalled. "I saw something on Instagram in March or February of an influencer who had done a mirror and then she had done a couple other furniture items and so it really sparked something in me and I was like, I can make my own for under $200 ... (within my) budget."

Beaubien recommends putting cardboard under a mirror because the spray foam process

Beaubien uses the extra-large foam mirror in her bedroom. (Courtesy Amanda Beaubien)

"It looks complex, but then when you do it, you're like, 'Oh wow.' It was an easy few steps that didn't take much time. ... It's affordable, and the end result is so incredible. It's so fun.

Beaubien's mirror originally had gold trim. Using spray foam, she gave her mirror a new chunky and textured border. (Courtesy Amanda Beaubien)

"Everybody that comes into my house is just in awe and they have a million questions, so I totally get it. I had a million questions and I had to wing it because I didn't know anybody, so I was like, 'Alright, we're just gonna try this and see how it goes' and it just turned out so over what I thought it was going to be. It was amazing."

Beaubien spent approximately $75 for a secondhand mirror she bought online and about $7-8 for four or five spray foam cans. She has had experience working with foam before and said it took about 45 minutes to spray the border of her mirror that is over 70 inches tall. She has since made a smaller foam mirror for a client and customized it with pink spray paint.

Beaubien, an interior designer, created a small pink foam mirror for a client. (Courtesy Amanda Beaubien)

"I made one for a client who loved it so much that I would love to keep making more pieces," Beaubien said. "This is a cool, easy, personal item that you could have in your home ... something foam is a custom piece and it's specialized for your house."
The Department of Government Support in Abu Dhabi has launched an open data platform to enable public and private sectors to exchange and share open data with users, start-ups, and academic institutions to improve public services, support decision-making, and strengthen the Abu Dhabi economy.



The launch of Abu Dhabi Open Data has come in conjunction with the recent visit of Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, to the Department of Government Support in Abu Dhabi, where he was briefed on the Departments strategy, its plans for the next five years, and the recent updates on the Abu Dhabi Open Data platform.



Abu Dhabi Open Data platform aims to create a digital ecosystem that provides quick and safe access to reliable data sources, in addition to proactive services that enrich the customer experience. Offering more than 550 open source datasets across 10 vital sectors in 6 different formats, the open-data platform was launched with the participation of the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADAA) in partnership with 23 government entities.



Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Open Data platform strengthens cooperation between the public and private sectors and opens up new horizons which make it easier for government entities to share data while securing huge investment opportunities for private sector companies, thus ensuring continuity of success and appropriate decision-making.



Twenty-three government entities are participating in the first phase of Abu Dhabi Open Data, playing an active role in the open-data sharing process, which is considered an essential foundation for achieving the objectives of the Abu Dhabis digital transformation strategy.



The platform covers 10 vital sectors, including agriculture, environment, health, transportation, society, economy, tourism, education, energy, and technology.



Among the objectives of the platform is to strengthen the Abu Dhabi economy, support the growth of key sectors in line with the Abu Dhabi Vision, and the Ghadan 21 accelerator programme. The platform also aims to improve the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi in international indices of open data, increase levels of transparency by providing reliable and updated data at the appropriate time, and improve cooperation between all government entities, helping them to make informed decisions, in addition to facilitating better information sharing between government entities to improve public services in the interests of citizens, residents, and investors.



Ali Rashid Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Department of Government Support, said he was very pleased with the launch of the Abu Dhabi Open Data platform, which contributes to consolidating the position of Abu Dhabi as a leading city in open-data sharing by building and developing the emirates digital infrastructure.



Al Ketbi praised the cooperation between government entities in Abu Dhabi to launch the platform, which is designed to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors and open up new horizons.



He pointed out that providing access to data for government entities, companies, and individuals will create social and economic benefits and help them make better decisions based on the accurate and rich information provided by the platform.



Major General Maktoum Ali Al Sharifi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Police, said: The Abu Dhabi Polices participation in the launch of the Abu Dhabi Open Data platform was driven by our belief in the importance of open data as a national asset and an important strategic resource. Our participation is also in line with a philosophy that relies on understanding the needs of society and meeting global competitiveness requirements.  TradeArabia News Service


Chennai: The fire on-board very large crude carrier (VLCC) MT New Diamond off the Sri Lanka coast was doused on Tuesday and boundary cooling is being done to prevent re-ignition. The fire, which had re-ignited on September 7, had almost risen to a height of up to 60 meters from the main weather-exposed deck of the ship, also known as the weather deck.

Owing to the use of large quantities of water and other suppressants to control the fire, it is said that the rear portion of the ship (aft) has gone down into the water by about three feet. However, there is no significant tilt (list) in the ship caused by the same.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has said that the blaze has been visibly doused and that measures are being undertaken to prevent re-ignition. Sustained firefighting efforts by ICG Ships Sujay, Shaurya, Sarang, specialised ICG Pollution Response Vessel Samudra Paheredar along with Sri Lankan Ships and tugs ensured the intensity and magnitude of the fire was reduced considerably by Tuesday morning.

The master of MT New Diamond, on board ICGS Shaurya has also intimated the Coast Guard that the fire appears to have been doused. The situation is being monitored closely and boundary cooling with seawater and application of foam has been enhanced to avoid re-ignition.

The MT New Diamond is being held about 30 miles from the Sri Lankan Coast by a tug boat and join firefighting and pollution response operations are being carried out by the assets of the Indian Coast Guard, the Indian Navy and their Sri Lankan counterparts. It is also observed that the accommodation superstructure in the merchant's vessel has been weakened owing to the blaze. This refers to the tower-like structure, which is the tallest portion and also houses the accommodation for the crew in a Marchant's vessel.

The ICG vessels have been deployed for fire-fighting and consequential pollution response for MT New Diamond off since September 3rd. A bilateral MoU between ICG and SLCG covers co-operation in the Marine pollution Response domain. The Indian Coast Guard is also the Competent National Authority under South Asian Co-operative for Environment Protection (SACEP) for responding and coordinating pollution response in South Asian Sea region.

In order to supplement the surface firefighting efforts with aerial dropping, the Lankan Navy had requested the Indian Coast guard for Dry Chemical Powder (DCP). To facilitate this, ICGS Abheek with 1.5tons of DCP was diverted from on-scene to enter Trincomalee harbour for the handing over. ICG Dornier aircraft with 700 kgs DCP was also dispatched on Thursday morning from Chennai to Trincomalee.

An ICG Dornier aircraft continues to operate from Mattala, Sri Lanka besides CG Helicopter embarked on ICGS Sarang being launched regularly for aerial assessment. No oil spill has been reported so far.

A 16-member salvage team including Marine Chemists and Naval Architects who are onboard Tugboats on-location are in agreement with the methodology adopted by ICG to fight the fire and are providing suggestions to make the firefighting more effective.

This very large crude carrier- MT New Diamond is a Greek-owned vessel, under charter by Indian Oil Cooperation. The vessel has been ablaze following a major explosion in the engine room while transiting Sri Lankas Exclusive Economic Zone. The first information about the vessel being on fire was received at Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai.

MT New Diamond is reportedly carrying more than 2.7 lakh MT Kuwait export crude oil that was destined for Paradip, Odisha. According to Marinetraffic.com, MT New Diamond is a 20-year old Crude oil tanker that is 333 meters long and 60 meters wide.
LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Belal Hamideh, a car accident lawyer in Long Beach , assists clients who have been injured in accidents involving rideshares. This is true whether the injured party is a driver or a passenger, as well as whether or not the accompanying app was "turned on." Recently, there has been some question as to whether or not different rideshare apps would continue to operate in California.

Belal Hamideh Law

When drivers for Uber, Lyft, and similar rideshare companies have their app turned to on and they are waiting for a request, those companies only provide liability coverage. However, once a passenger is inside the driver's vehicle or even if the driver is on their way to pick up the passenger, Uber and Lyft offer far more insurance. As of this writing, it includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, $1 million third-party liability coverage, and others.

Hundreds of thousands of California workers may be impacted if Uber and Lyft decide to cease operations in California. California Assembly Bill 5 (AB5 abbreviated) would force the rideshare companies to treat their drivers not as "independent contractors" but rather "employees." Both Uber and Lyft have claimed that this will cause them to have to leave the state.

"During this time, no one is exactly sure how or if Uber and Lyft will continue to operate within the state. Even if they do leave, something similar, some form of rideshare option, will almost assuredly pop up. Whether that occurs or if Uber and Lyft will continue their California business, we're committed to making sure that you receive the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. Rideshare cases can be tricky, as the insurance situation can be very complex, intentionally so. We have a proven track record of helping drivers, passengers, and all victims of vehicular accidents to receive proper restitution," said Belal Hamideh.

Belal Hamideh Law also serves as a workers' compensation attorney in Long Beach.

For more information about Uber and Lyft accident cases, vehicular accidents in California, or to make a press inquiry, contact Belal Hamideh Law at (562) 526-1224 111 W Ocean Blvd. #424 Long Beach, CA 90802.

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On Aug. 22, Vancouver immigration officers quietly deported a Danish journalist making a film about opposition to the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion (TMX). He was told that, during COVID, media is not an essential service.

As a public health physician and scientist blocking the TMX, I would disagree.

The pandemic has, understandably, caused many Canadians to forget the TMX and the threat it poses. But a lifetime of research suggests to me that we cannot look away. Sadly, the action of the immigration officers seemed to be aimed at helping us do just that.

Kristian Lindhardt, the deportee, prepared carefully for his return to Canada and seemed to have everything required.

He was also qualified. Since 2014, he had got to know Canada and more recently invested months covering protests, talking to residents along the pipeline route and seeking an interview with the federal minister of environment. Jonathan Wilkinson declined, repeatedly, but many others were ready to contribute, including me.

One of Lindhardts first stops, post-quarantine, was to be a TMX blockade in Burnaby, B.C. that I initiated in August. I never expected to find myself living in a tree at 63, but there I was: 25 metres off the ground in a grove of cottonwoods, trying to stop the construction.

For 30 years, Ive been studying and working on policies related to climate change. Like other scientists and medical experts, Ive spent those years informing politicians about the risks climate change poses to human health, from drinking water quality to asthma and other diseases.

I used to think our message was sinking in. Last year, Parliament declared a climate emergency and Trudeaus Liberals promised to get to net-zero emissions. But then, pressured by the oil industry, the government bought the TMX pipeline project from Texas fossil fuel company Kinder Morgan. The pipeline is to facilitate increased oil extraction and exports from the oilsands  already Canadas fastest-rising source of emissions.

As Lindhardt would highlight, the TMX is slated to run from Alberta to the B.C. coast, through Indigenous territories without consent and past Simon Fraser University (where I work). Along the way, it would jeopardize the drinking water sources of communities, threaten salmon populations and threaten the heavily populated Burrard Inlet.

So, when I heard that the government planned to clear important water crossings to make way for construction in a matter of days, I knew I had to do more. Now, Im exercising my right to peaceful protest.

I should be thinking about retirement. Instead, top of mind for me are my children, their children, and future generations.

No economic benefits from boosting oil exports can outweigh the climate-related health dangers this pipeline poses to communities. I and fellow land protectors are putting our bodies on the line in the hope that our elected officials will get the message  among them Justin Trudeau and Terry Beech, the Liberal MP for Burnaby NorthSeymour, terminus of the pipeline.

Climate change is a threat that moves slower than COVID-19, but its here and its bigger. Canadas phenomenal response to COVID-19 is a reminder of how important it is to deal with such threats decisively. Yet I witnessed first-hand how the National Energy Boards environmental review refused to address the health impacts of climate change and deadly local health risks: the impact of a pipeline spill (diluted bitumen from the oilsands is carcinogenic), low air quality worsened by heat waves and wildfires, etc.

At the current rate, as carbon emissions increase globally, the Earths average surface temperature will likely increase by more than 2 degrees C by 2060  a threshold that most scientists agree would be catastrophic.

Building a pipeline in the middle of this climate crisis is like walking into a crowded supermarket without a mask, knowing you have COVID.

The federal governments response to the pandemic has been swift and effective. We need to respond with an equal sense of urgency to climate change. Here and now is the right place and time to rethink TMX.

Canadian media have largely forgotten this story, making the Danish filmmakers work all the more essential. Pity our border authorities disagreed.
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Beijing, China  Tue, September 8, 2020 10:40 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c43622ae 2 World India-China-conflict,border-clash,border-conflict,border-closure Free

China on Tuesday said its troops were forced to take "countermeasures" after Indian soldiers crossed their tense Himalayan border and opened fire.

The relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbors has deteriorated since a clash in the Ladakh region on June 15 in which 20 Indian troops were killed.

Beijing's defense ministry accused India of "severe military provocation" after soldiers crossed the Line of Actual Control in the western border region Monday and "opened fire to threaten the Chinese border defense patrol officers".

"The Chinese border defense troops were forced to take corresponding countermeasures to stabilize the terrain situation," said Zhang Shuili, spokesperson for the Western Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Zhang said India had violated agreements reached by the two countries and warned their actions could "easily cause misunderstandings and misjudgments".

He called for India to withdraw the troops who crossed the border and investigate the officers who opened fire.

Both sides have sent tens of thousands of troops to the disputed Himalayan border, which sits at an altitude of more than 4,000 meters.

Their troops have had a number of showdowns since a clash in the Ladakh region on June 15 in which 20 Indian troops died. China has also acknowledged suffering casualties but not given figures.

Defense ministers from both countries talked in Moscow on the sidelines of an international meeting last week -- with both sides later releasing rival statements accusing each other of inflaming the showdown.

And earlier this week an Indian minister said Delhi had alerted China to allegations five men had been abducted by the People's Liberation Army close to the disputed border.

There was no immediate comment or confirmation of Monday's incident from the Indian military.
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Paris  Tue, September 8, 2020 12:05 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4367abf 2 Entertainment Christiane-Eda-Pierre,France,Opera,obituary Free

Christiane Eda-Pierre, a French soprano who broke ground as the country's first black woman to make her mark on the international opera stage, has died at 88, her family told AFP on Monday.

She died of natural causes at her home in Deux-Sevres, western France, on Sunday.

Born on March 24, 1932, in France's Caribbean territory of Martinique, Eda-Pierre was steeped in the arts from an early age -- her aunt Paulette Nardal, an author and journalist, was the first black female student at the Sorbonne.

She learned to read music from her mother, a piano teacher, while still a young child.

"Her first experience with opera was through her grandfather, who knew all sorts of arias from ensembles which would stop for performances in Saint-Pierre or Fort-de-France while travelling between Europe and the United States," her biographer Catherine Marceline told AFP.

After arriving in Paris for piano studies in the late 1950s, she made the acquaintance of the Swiss baritone Charles Panzera, who proposed to help her get into the rigorous Conservatoire de Paris music school.

"My eyes nearly popped out of my head because I thought, 'Me, a black girl, in the Conservatoire, it's just not possible'," she recalled in a 2013 podcast.

She soon made her debut at the Opera de Nice in southern France, performing in Bizet's "The Pearl Fishers" alongside Gabriel Bacquier, the French bass-baritone who died in May.

Read also: 'Batman Forever' and 'Lost Boys' director Schumacher dies at 80

That led to a series of major roles in Paris, including the prestigious Opera Garnier, before she embarked on tours that brought her to arts capitals including London, New York and Vienna.

A highlight of her career was a triumphant turn in a 1977 production of "The Tales of Hoffmann" directed by Patrice Chereau.

Her experiences made her a steadfast promoter of black artists in all fields.

"She would say that the more often you put them on stage, the more normal it would eventually be," said Marceline.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 23:23:53|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese military medical scientist Chen Wei was awarded the national honorary title -- "the People's Hero" -- Tuesday for her outstanding contributions to the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

At a meeting held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping presented medals to her and other recipients.

Chen, a 54-year-old researcher at the Institute of Military Medicine under the Academy of Military Sciences, has made major achievements in COVID-19-related basic research and development of vaccine and protective medicine.

On Jan. 23, China locked down Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei Province, to curb the spread of the infectious disease. Three days later, Chen arrived in Wuhan to focus on vaccine development.

Chen cut her black hair short for the convenience of working in a protective suit. After months of intense lab research and on the frontline battle against the virus, some of her hair turned grey.

"It is the call of duty because I'm a person in uniform. I was obliged to do all that I did," she said.

On March 16, the adenovirus vector vaccine developed by Chen's team started phase-one clinical trials, the first in the world. According to the data published in the medical journal The Lancet in May, all 108 vaccinated participants produced antibodies.

"By releasing our testing methods and indicators to the world, we have helped researchers from other countries take fewer detours and promote global vaccine research," Chen said.

In July, the data of the vaccine's phase-two clinical trials was also released to the world. The results of the two phases of clinical trials verified the efficacy and safety of the vaccine.

It was not the first time that Chen has stood on the front line against viruses over the past decades.

Her team developed a nasal spray that helped protect medical staff against SARS viruses in 2003, and developed a vaccine for Ebola in 2014.

She attributes the outstanding achievements to her team. "Everyone in the team has shown extraordinary perseverance and contributed their wisdom," she said.

Chen was born in the city of Lanxi, east China's Zhejiang Province, in 1966. On April 12 this year, she sent a voice message to more than 80,000 middle and primary school students in Lanxi.

"We must bring good to society so that our lives will be meaningful, and your world will be even more splendid by bringing warmth to others," Chen said in the message. Enditem
The number of cases of the coronavirus reported by Pennsylvania State University has doubled since Friday to 433, according to the university.

The university has administered 13,169 tests on its campuses since Aug. 7, including both testing of people who have symptoms or are concerned about exposure, and random testing of about 1% of the campus population daily.

Penn State warned last week it was contemplating a temporary or semester-long switch to remote instruction and encouraged students to follow social distancing guidelines over the Labor Day weekend. University spokesperson Lawrence Lokman said officials are weighing the data, but have not made a decision.

 READ MORE: How Philly-area colleges are planning to test students and staff for coronavirus

We continue to be concerned with the numbers, and we will continue to assess our status this week as the results from tests administered later in the weekend are returned," Penn State president Eric Barron said in a news release. "We know our community is anxious, but these data are just some of the many variables we consider every day in determining our next steps.

At Penn States main campus in State College, Lokman said things went pretty well over the weekend, with the exception of some larger crowds gathering on Saturday afternoon. Barron had issued a stern warning after a party outside freshmen dorms last month.

 READ MORE: As Penn State students return, the local business community fights to survive

The university continues to have enough space for isolation and quarantine, Lokman said. Nearly 150 students who have tested positive or are showing symptoms of the virus are in isolation, up from 58 on Friday, and 76 who have had potential exposure to the virus are in quarantine, up from 26 last week.

The Penn State case count is among more than 2,000 cases reported by the state and state-related universities in Pennsylvania and private schools in the Philadelphia region, including those in the Lehigh Valley and some in central Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The data are reported by the universities, which have coronavirus dashboards on their websites, but their methods for reporting vary. And not all schools have dashboards.

 READ MORE: Amid virus outbreak, Temple moves most instruction online for the rest of the semester

Temple University, which switched to almost all remote learning last week, reported 283 active cases Tuesday afternoon. Earlier in the day, the total stood at 350. Temple spokesperson Ray Betzner explained that some students who have since recovered have come off the list. Bloomsburg University, which moved to remote instruction last month, had 267 cases as of Monday, according to its dashboard.

The University of Pittsburgh has reported 139 cases, 82 of which are active. In New Jersey, Rowan University has reported 147 cases since March 15, 97 of them since Aug. 25.

At Penn State, the bulk of the new positive results are from tests going back to Aug. 28 through Sept. 3, the university said. Some are from a more recent batch of tests. The vast majority of cases are at the main campus. Locally, the Abington and Brandywine campuses each have one case, according to the university.
Many special products, including flora and fauna, in Vietnam often surprise foreign visitors. Here are a few:

The insect that lives for a few hours, a famous specialty of Hanois Red River

The insect called vo vo. Photo: Duong Manh Cuong (Dan Viet).

There is a strange insect in Hanois Red River, which only lives a few hours. This kind of insect can be processed into unforgettable dishes. The insect is expensive, priced millions of VND per kilo.

Few people know about the insect, which is called vo vo, as they live on the riverbed and only rise to the surface for a few hours to molt in the early morning.

This is one of the shortest-lived species of insect as they live only for a few hours. It is a special kind of creature that gives birth only once a year. Starting from larvae, they grow to become small dragons, then molting out and dying soon after that to float on the river.

This insect can be processed into delicious dishes. Due to its scarcity, the price for vo vo is very high, up to millions of VND per kilo.

Bo guava - rare specialty of Thai Binh Province

Mr. Trongs Bo guavas. Photo: Thai Binh Newspaper

Bo Xuyen village in Hoang Dieu ward, Thai Binh city is known as the home to the famous Bo guava of Thai Binh Province. Bo guava was once believed to disappear but visiting Hoang Dieu ward today, visitors still have the opportunity to enjoy this rare specialty. The one who is credited with preserving this "treasure" is Mr. Bui Huu Trong.

It took Trong a lot of time and effort to take care of his guava trees because if there is a change in the environment or soil, Bo guava no longer retains its original flavor. It is said that Bo guava reveals seven flavors (fragrant, sweet, creamy, crunchy, spongy, and if it's a bit green, it's tart, but if overripe, it's sweet and sour).

Mr. Trong's family annually collects 5-7 quintals of Bo guava but do not sell the fruit. The familys Bo guavas have become a rare gift.

Ancient streblus tree with strange shape

The owner of the 130-year old streblus tree is Mr. Huynh Thanh Tuyen in Tuy Phuoc district, central province of Binh Dinh. Tuyen said that he once refused to sell the tree for a bonsai collector for a price of VND3.5 billion.

This tree is praised by bonsai collectors for having a unique shape and its canopy is very special. The tree satisfies the highest criteria set by bonsai collectors.

500-year-old ficus tree in Hanoi

This tree belongs to Mr. Pham Lan in Dong My commune, Thanh Tri district, Hanoi. The tree is considered a "hidden treasure" because it has never been included in any bonsai exhibition.

Lan said a businessman offered 100 taels of gold to buy the tree but Lan refused. According to bonsai collectors, the ficus tree looks like an ancient painting. The more one sees the tree, the more the hidden beauty can be explored, with copper color from the top of the root, and large roots crawling from the top to the bottom, intertwining to create bizarre spaces.

The 300-year-old house built in one night

Son Dong village in Hoai Duc district, Hanoi is famous for making statues and worshiping objects. This land is also known for an old house that was built within one night. The house was created in 1676 and after 300 years, it is still nearly like the original.

Mr. Nguyen Viet Vy, 79, and his family live in this house. He said that the house belonged to a senior mandarin of the Le Dynasty, minister Nguyen Viet Thu (1644-1692).

Vy is the 11th descendant of the family who is assigned to look after the house. The history of the old house is not recorded in books, but for many generations, people in Son Dong village have talked about the house origin via word of mouth.

In 1675, under King Le Hy Tongs reign, Admiral Nguyen Cong Trieu used court elephants to pull construction materials to build temples and roads for the people. Unfortunately, the elephant became exhausted and died. According to the old law, the admiral had to return by a gold-made elephant of similar weight or be subject to the death penalty.

The Admiral could not afford to make that golden elephant. The mandarin who was assigned to judge the case was minister Nguyen Viet Thu, who tried to defend the Admiral. Thanks to the ministers effort, the admiral was removed from all guilt. The admiral wanted to do something to give thanks to the minister. However, all gifts were refused by the minister. Finally, the admiral decided to build a house as a gift for the minister as his house was too old.

It was difficult to refuse, so the minister offered a condition: If the admiral could build the house in just one night, he would receive it. And the admiral satisfied that condition: building a house of five compartments, 18.5m length and 7.2m width, within one night in 1676.

The house was overhauled twice in 1975 and 1995. Vy sai the house is not only the pride of the family but also of Son Dong villagers.

Compiled by Hanh Nguyen

A specialty from Mekong Delta Suong noodle soup is served with shrimp paste, pork hocks and herbs. The specialty from the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh is made with a secret recipe broth that will indulge your taste buds.
President Muhammadu Buhari has charged his cabinet members to be offensive in spreading the successes of his administration and not allow politically motivated statements drown his governments message of successful performance.

Mr Buhari said his administration, which aimed at lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, has done well in the last one year.

His assertions come amidst rising unemployment and recent protests by Nigerians over the recent hikes in electricity tariff and pump price of fuel.

The president made his stance known on Tuesday, in his address at the retreat for ministers, permanent secretaries and other top government officials working with him.

The event held at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday and Tuesday.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, at the first day of the retreat, on Monday, said the first year of Mr Buharis second term in office has been the most productive of this government.

Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Buhari said the scorecard of the cabinet members shows that progress has been made on all fronts, in spite of the multiple challenges.

Let me reassure all Nigerians that this administration remains resolute in initiating programmes aimed at improving the quality of lives and uplifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty over the next ten years.

He also said his administrations policies include the protection of lives and properties and ensuring equitable distribution of the nations wealth.

I am glad that these policies, programmes and projects have recorded appreciable successes. Our renewed vigour on agriculture has been demonstrated through our Anchor Borrowers Programme and the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative.

We have made progress on the railway projects with a view to connecting different parts of the country. The Lagos-Ibadan rail line is up and working. The Abuja-Kaduna rail line is efficiently running. Arrangements are being made to complete the Ibadan  Kano, commence the Port Harcourt  Maiduguri line which will connect the Southern and Eastern States to the Northern States.

Work is ongoing at the 2nd Niger Bridge and is at 46 per cent completion. We hope to commission the project before the end of our tenure in 2023. Several contracts have been awarded to rehabilitate, reconstruct and construct our arterial roads, to reduce the hardship to commuters and increase economic activities across the States.

President Muhammadu Buhari at the ministers retreat [PHOTO CREDIT: @ProfOsinbajo]

We have flagged off the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project which is being developed at this critical time in Nigerias commitment to increasing our infrastructure assets and promote the use of gas in the domestic market.

Mr Buhari also rated his administration high in the fight against insecurity and anti-corruption.

Our security operations in the Niger Delta, North Central and North Western States are yielding desired results. We hope to get rid of bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in these regions, he said. The advent of COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant negative effect is being addressed through the constitution of a Presidential Task Force for proper coordination and the launch of the twelve-month Economic Sustainability Plan to cushion the effect of the pandemic on our citizens and business owners.

Undaunted

Reacting to the various criticism against his government, Mr Buhari brushed them off, describing them as politically motivated.

I have to charge all of you to defend the government vigorously and not allow any irresponsible and politically motivated statements to keep spreading falsehoods about this government. Information to the public should be better packaged, go on the offensive, we are proud of our achievements and we should blow our own trumpets, the Nigerian leader said.

Let me also reiterate that all submissions for my attention or meeting requests be channelled through the Chief of Staff. While all Federal Executive Council matters be coordinated through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

I have directed the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, and all other responsible Agencies to ensure speedy and timely release of funds to MDAs for implementation of the N2.3 Trillion Economic Sustainability Plan and the Capital Projects in the 2020 Budget. I also enjoin ministers to ensure that funds released are utilized efficiently and transparently in implementing the programmes and projects along the 9 Priorities of Government, he said.

The current ministers were sworn in on August 21, 2019, with many of them making various promises.

Meanwhile, in the last two weeks, PREMIUM TIMES has been reviewing the performance of the ministers. While some of them posted modest performances, many performed below expectations.
International

UK judge rejects delay in Assange extradition hearing

London, Sep 8 (AP) | Publish Date: 9/8/2020 10:09:42 AM IST

A British judge on Monday rejected a request by lawyers for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to delay his extradition hearing until next year to give his lawyers more time to respond to US allegations that he conspired with hackers to obtain classified information.

The adjournment request came on the first day of a London court hearing where Assange is fighting American prosecutors attempt to send him to the US to stand trial on spying charges. US prosecutors have indicted the 49-year-old Australian on 18 espionage and computer misuse charges over WikiLeaks publication of secret U.S. military documents a decade ago. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 175 years in prison.

Assanges lawyers say the prosecution is a politically motivated abuse of power that will stifle press freedom and put journalists around the world at risk.

The US Justice Department expanded its case against Assange in a new indictment announced in June, though it did not introduce new charges.

But Assange attorney Mark Summers said it was an impossible task for the legal team to deal with the new allegations in time for Mondays court hearing, especially since they had only limited access to the imprisoned Assange.

He said District Judge Vanessa Baraitser should excise the new American claims, which he said were sprung on the defense out of the blue. The judge rejected the request, saying the defense had declined an earlier opportunity in August to postpone the hearing. The defense then asked for the case to be adjourned until January. Baraitser refused, saying Assanges lawyers had ample time before Monday to express their concerns. The case has already been held up for months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Assange, who has spent 16 months in a British prison, sat in the dock at the Old Bailey criminal court and formally refused the US extradition demand.

Assange, who lawyers say has suffered physical and mental ill-health because of his ordeal, wore a suit and tie and spoke clearly to confirm his name and date of birth. Several dozen supporters, including fashion designer Vivienne Westwood and Assanges partner, Stella Moris, gathered outside the courthouse, chanting, banging drums and calling his prosecution a threat to press freedom. Julian Assange is the trigger, he is shining the light on all the corruption in the world, Westwood said.

American authorities allege that Assange conspired with US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to hack into a Pentagon computer and release hundreds of thousands of secret diplomatic cables and military files on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The new June indictment accuses Assange of recruiting hackers at conferences in Europe and Asia, recruiting a teenager to hack into the computer of a former WikiLeaks associate and conspiring with members of hacking groups known as LulzSec and Anonymous.

US prosecutors say the evidence underscores Assanges efforts to procure and release classified information, allegations that form the basis of criminal charges. Assanges lawyers, however, argue that he is a journalist entitled to First Amendment protection and say the leaked documents exposed US military wrongdoing. Among the files released by WikiLeaks was video of a 2007 Apache helicopter attack by American forces in Baghdad that killed 11 people, including two Reuters journalists.

The extradition hearing opened in February but was put on hold when the UK went into lockdown in March to slow the spread of coronavirus. It is resuming with social distancing measures in court and video feeds so journalists and observers can watch remotely.

The case is due to run until early October. The judge is expected to take weeks or even months to consider her verdict, with the losing side likely to appeal.
MILPITAS, Calif., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Soaring pandemic-inspired demand for chips that power everything from communications and IT infrastructures to personal computing, gaming and healthcare electronics will drive an 8% increase in global fab equipment spending in 2020 and a 13% increase in 2021, SEMI announced today in its World Fab Forecast report. Rising demand for semiconductors for datacenter infrastructures and server storage along with the buildup of safety stock as U.S.-China trade tensions intensify are also contributing to this year's growth.

The bullish trend for overall fab equipment investments comes as the semiconductor industry recovers from a 9% decline in fab spending in 2019 and navigates a roller-coaster 2020 with actual and projected spending drops in the first and third quarters mixed with second- and fourth-quarter increases.

Of all chip sectors, memory will see the largest spending increase in 2020, growing US$3.7 billion, or 16% year-over-year (YoY), to US$26.4 billion, and tack on an 18% increase to reach US$31.2 billion in 2021. 3D NAND spending will log the largest percentage surge this year, expanding 39%, and register modest growth of 7% in 2021. DRAM is expected to see 4% growth after a slowdown in the second half of 2020 before jumping 39% percent next year.

Equipment spending forecasts for other semiconductor sectors:

Foundry, the next largest sector in equipment spending for 2020, is forecast to rise US$2.5 billion , or 12% YoY, to US$23.2 billion and edge up 2% to US$23.5 billion in 2021.

, or 12% YoY, to and edge up 2% to in 2021. MPU equipment spending will decline US$1.2 billion , or 18%, in 2020 and rise 9% to US$6 billion in 2021.

, or 18%, in 2020 and rise 9% to in 2021. Analog spending will grow a robust 48% in 2020 and rise 6% in 2021, an expansion chiefly driven by equipment investments for mixed-signal/power fabs.

Image sensors equipment spending is expected to rise 4% to US$3 billion in 2020 and jump 11% to US$3.4 billion in 2021.

The SEMI World Fab Forecast report covers more than 1,300 fabs and lines and includes capacity and technology by fab and construction investments. The report shows 21 new construction projects - ranging from R&D to volume and including high- and low-probability parameters - starting in 2020. China accounts for the most (nine) of the new projects; followed by Taiwan at five; Southeast Asia and the Americas at two each; and Japan, Korea, and Europe/Mideast at one each. The report also tracks 18 new construction projects planned to begin next year - 10 in China, four in the Americas, three in Taiwan, and one in Europe/Mideast.

About SEMI

SEMI connects more than 2,400 member companies and 1.3 million professionals worldwide to advance the technology and business of electronics design and manufacturing. SEMI members are responsible for the innovations in materials, design, equipment, software, devices, and services that enable smarter, faster, more powerful, and more affordable electronic products. Electronic System Design Alliance (ESD Alliance), FlexTech, the Fab Owners Alliance (FOA) and the MEMS & Sensors Industry Group (MSIG) are SEMI Strategic Technology Communities, defined communities within SEMI focused on specific technologies. Visit www.semi.org to learn more, contact one of our worldwide offices, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and Twitter .

Association Contact

Michael Hall/SEMI

Phone: 1.408.943.7988

Email: mhall@semi.org

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There are few economic debates more likely to turn into partisan shouting matches than those on superannuation. It's telling, therefore, that in the recent discussion about next year's increase in minimum super contributions, some participants haven't always barracked in the way you might expect.

Labor has, of course, slagged off the Coalition for its ambivalence towards the legislated increase in super contributions, and the Coalition has returned fire. Former prime ministers Paul Keating and Kevin Rudd joined forces in an attack last week, and Keating grabbed headlines with this comment on Thursday: "The last thing you want is some bitchy performance from the Liberal Party trying to knock off the wages of ordinary people via super.

Illustration: Simon Letch Credit:

Days earlier, Assistant Minister for Superannuation Jane Hume said Labor was opening "the crypt" to bring out the former PMs, while some Coalition backbench MPs are also loudly voicing their long-held opposition to super.

Beyond this predictable political fight, however, there have been some more surprising views, which suggests there might be more to this argument than the usual "super wars" stoush.
BERLIN, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- China is on its way to become the biggest market for electric vehicles (EVs) again by the end of the year, according to a market assessment published by the German Center for Automotive Research (CAR) on Monday.

Sales of electrified cars in the first half of the year were slightly higher in Europe but the "(Elon) Musk factor" would support the development of the Chinese market which would not give up its leading position in the electric car market for the next 50 years, according to the CAR forecasts.

In total, almost 400,000 fully electric cars and plug-in hybrids were sold in Europe in the first half of the year. In China, only 7,200 fewer electrified vehicles were sold in the same period, according to CAR.

China made a "great leap" in all-electric vehicles with Tesla. According to CAR, the Tesla Shanghai gigafactory contributed the sales of almost 50,000 fully electric cars in China in the first half of the year.

Thanks to high purchase premiums for electric cars in many European countries, sales of all-electric (BEV) and partially electric (plug-in hybrid) vehicles in Europe "picked up significantly," the CAR noted.

China and Europe were "decisive for the global breakthrough of electric mobility," said Ferdinant Dudenhoefer, director of the CAR in a statement, noting that the two regions were "significantly supporting emission-neutral mobility."

The director told Xinhua that 1.2 million EVs were sold in China in 2019, the most in the world.

In terms of sales of all-electric vehicles in the first half of the year, China was already a market leader while more plug-in hybrid cars were sold in Europe, according to the CAR.
BEIRUT - The U.S. Treasury on Tuesday sanctioned two former Lebanese Cabinet ministers who are allied with militant Hezbollah in a rare move against politicians close to the Iran-backed group.

The sanctioned officials are former finance minister Ali Hassan Khalil and former public works and transportation minister Youssef Fenianos. Khalil is currently a member of the Lebanese Parliament.

The sanctions appear to be a strong message to politicians in the country, which is experiencing its worst economic and financial crisis in decades. It is also a strong warning to Hezbollah and its allies who control majority seats in Parliament that the sanctions could target more politicians.

Khalil is a senior official with the Shiite Amal group that is headed by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri while Fenianos is a member of the Christian Marada group that is allied with Hezbollah and the Syrian government.

The U.S. Treasury said Khalil and Fenianos provided material support to Hezbollah and engaged in corruption.

U.S. officials have been warning that a new wave of sanctions will target allies of Hezbollah, which is considered a terrorist organization by Washington.

Political allies of Hezbollah should know that they will be held accountable for enabling its terrorist and illicit activity, said David Schenker, the assistant secretary in the State Departments Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. He said in a briefing with reporters that Washington will continue in the coming weeks and months to maintain pressure on Hezbollah.

Schenker warned that sanctions targeting Hezbollah and its supporters and other corrupt actors will continue and we will use all available authorities to hold Lebanons leaders accountable for failing to live up to their obligations to the Lebanese people.

The U.S. has been targeting Hezbollah with sanctions for years but this is the first time it has imposed sanctions on officials of Amal and Marada that are closely allied with Hezbollah.

Hezbollah used its relationship with officials in the Lebanese government, including Fenianos as minister, to siphon funds from government budgets to ensure that Hezbollah-owned companies won bids for Lebanese government contracts worth millions of dollars, the U.S. Treasury said.

It added that Finianos also helped Hezbollah gain access to sensitive legal documents related to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and served as a go-between for Hezbollah and political allies. The Special Tribunal for Lebanon last month convicted a Hezbollah member in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

It added that Khalil used his position as finance minister to attempt to have U.S. financial restrictions on Hezbollah eased so that the group would have less difficulty moving money.

The Treasury said the designations underscore how some Lebanese politicians have conspired with Hezbollah at the expense of the Lebanese people and institutions. The U.S. supports the Lebanese people in their calls for a transparent and accountable government free of corruption, it added.

Nationwide protests broke out in mid-October with people demanding an end of the rule of the political class that has been running the country for decades and brought the tiny nation to the brink of collapse amid widespread corruption and mismanagement.

The crisis worsened when nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate stored at Beiruts port exploded last month killing nearly 200 people and wounding thousands.

Corruption has run rampant in Lebanon, and Hezbollah has exploited the political system to spread its malign influence, said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. The United States stands with the people of Lebanon in their calls for reform and will continue to use its authorities to target those who oppress and exploit them.

____

Fox reported from Washington.
Their demands have ricocheted around the country at student-led protests calling for a new constitution and an end to the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, who led a successful military coup in 2014 and prevailed in an election last year widely seen as rigged. His government has staked much of its reputation on a promise to protect and preserve the monarchy, which many Thais still revere as semi-divine.

Human rights lawyer Anon Nampa broke a decades-long taboo by challenging the king's powers in public at a pro-democracy protest in the capital, Bangkok, on Aug. 3. At another protest a week later, activists unveiled a bold 10-point plan to reform the monarchy that would, among other things, bar the royal palace from expressing political opinions and repeal a defamation law that can land any critic of the king in jail for up to 15 years.

Thailand's largely decentralized protest movement and evolving internet landscape will make it tough for the country's conservative government to mute mounting calls to rein in the country's powerful monarchy, observers say.

 Young and Restless

Younger Thais are less enamored. They make up the bulk of the pro-democracy protesters and see a royal palace playing politics well beyond its constitutional constraints to maintain the status quo.

Prayut had warned the protesters to steer clear of criticizing the monarchy back in June and said they "really went too far" after the August 10 rally where activists read out their 10-point reform plan. Since then authorities have arrested more than a dozen activists and charged them with a spate of offenses from sedition to incitement. Anon, the human rights lawyer, was among them.

But David Streckfuss, an independent scholar and author on Thai history and politics, said the arrests are unlikely to stop a movement that seems to lack a clear central leadership. "These people are representatives of a movement, not so much leaders where you can take out the top tier and everything goes quiet," he told VOA.

Now that "the genie is out of the bottle," Streckfuss added, the government will have to decide whether to try and manage a public debate on the monarchy that has been brewing below the surface for years or to crush it. "I would say that it would require a great deal of suppression at this point to quiet what's been on a lot of people's mind for... more than a decade," he said.

 The Dilemma

The military has tried to smother dissent before. In the wake of the 2014 coup, Prime Minister Prayut's junta rounded up hundreds of activists, academics and journalists it saw as threats, with some success.

The junta then spent the next five years preparing for the 2019 election to make Thailand at least look something like a democracy again. Streckfuss said Prayut's rebranded regime may be reluctant to throw all that work away with more mass arrests and will at least think twice before it does. There was also the risk, he added, that a much heavier hand from authorities will backfire by drawing even more people to the protesters' cause.

If the calls for royal reform do continue to grow and spread, they could also spark violence, warned Pavin Chachavalpongpun, an associate professor at Japan's Kyoto University who studies Thai politics. "I think the government will continue to rely on legal instruments for now. But should the students intensify their protests then there is a possibility of the use of force," he said. "The students [will] not back down on their demand. So it is a great test of the government's patience."

Titipol Phakdeewanich, head of the political science faculty at Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani University, said the arrests won't stop the reform calls at the protests but may still slow them down. He said security forces recently threatened to sue one of his own students over a Facebook post about the monarchy.

Others have already been sued or arrested for posting critical comments or merely sharing news about the king, Maha Vajiralongkorn. "This actually makes students quite scared of the consequence," Titipol said. Compared with taking to the streets, though, he still sees the internet as a relative "safe zone" where talk of reforming the monarchy has mushroomed and will prove even tougher to quell.

 A Digital Revolution

On August 24 Facebook acceded to government demands to block access in Thailand to the "Royal Marketplace," a Facebook account critical of the monarchy with more than one million members set up by Pavin, or face legal action under the country's Computer Crimes Act. By the end of the month, a new account under a similar name had attracted nearly all the old members back -- with access in Thailand.

Over the past several months, tens of thousands of Thai have also switched from Twitter to an alternative social media platform, Minds, over reports that Twitter users posting comments criticizing the king were getting visits from police. Twitter's new privacy policy had as well raised fears that it would be more prone to sharing data with the government.

"The government cannot entirely stop this generation to think or to look for alternative sources of information," Titipol said. "It is not that easy in the 21st century with all kinds of technologies and different platforms of social media."

The spread of encrypted messaging also makes it harder for authorities to track and block accounts selectively, "so the landscape [has] changed," said Arthit Suriyawongkul, co-founder of the Thai Netizen Network, a digital rights advocacy group.

A government could in theory block access to entire platforms, as in China, or the way Thailand itself did with Facebook for a few days after the 2014 coup. But Arthit said the social media giants have become so vital to Thai businesses, and to the government's own propaganda, that the authorities will hesitate to pull that trigger. Blunt force, he said, "no longer works in the new setting of the internet."
The Finance Ministry on Monday said banks have sanctioned loans of about Rs 1,61,017 crore under the Rs 3-lakh crore Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) for the MSME sector reeling under the slowdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic. However, disbursements against this stood at Rs 1,13,713 lakh crore till September 3.

The scheme is the biggest fiscal component of the Rs 20-lakh crore Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan package announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in May to mitigate the distress caused by lockdown due to COVID-19 by providing credit to different sectors, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The latest numbers on ECLGS, as released by the finance ministry, comprise disbursements by all 12 public sector banks (PSBs), 24 private sector banks and 31 non-banking financial companies (NBFCs). "As of 3 Sept 2020, the total amount sanctioned under the 100% Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme by #PSBs and private banks stands at Rs 1,61,017.68 crore, of which Rs 1,13,713.15 crore has already been disbursed," the finance minister said in a tweet.

The loan amounts sanctioned by PSBs increased to Rs 78,067.21 crore, of which Rs 62,025.79 crore has been disbursed as of September 3, she said. At the same time, private sector banks have sanctioned Rs 82,950 crore of loans and disbursed Rs 51,687 crore.

"Compared to 24 Aug 2020, there is an increase of Rs 5,022.06 crore in the cumulative amount of loans sanctioned & an increase of Rs 7,786.16 crore in the cumulative amount of loans disbursed by both #PSBs and private sector banks combined as on 03 Sept 2020," Sitharaman said. Market leader SBI has sanctioned Rs 24,388 crore of loans and disbursed Rs 18,971 crore.

It is followed by Punjab National Bank, which has sanctioned Rs 10,511 crore. However, its disbursements stood at Rs 8,264 crore as of September 3. On May 20, the Cabinet approved additional funding of up to Rs 3 lakh crore at a concessional rate of 9.25 per cent through ECLGS for MSME sector.

Under the scheme, 100 per cent guarantee coverage will be provided by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) for additional funding of up to Rs 3 lakh crore to eligible MSMEs and interested Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) borrowers in the form of a guaranteed emergency credit line (GECL) facility.

For this purpose, a corpus of Rs 41,600 crore was set up by the government, spread over the current and next three financial years. The scheme will be applicable to all loans sanctioned under GECL facility during the period from the date of announcement of the scheme to October 31 or till the amount of Rs 3 lakh crore is sanctioned under GECL, whichever is earlier.

Also read: Demonetisation, GST, lockdown were 'disaster-strokes': Congress attacks Centre over economy woes

Also read: 'Committed to compensate entire GST shortfall to states,' says Finance Ministry
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Nearly 150 people have been airlifted to safety and at least 65 remain stranded after being trapped by one of the two dozen wildfires that have torched a record two million acres in California.

Firefighters and the National Guard used helicopters equipped with night vision on a dangerous mission to rescue dozens of people stranded in the Sierra National Forest by the Creek Fire on Tuesday morning, hours after their first attempt was thwarted by heavy smoke and towering flames.

Col David Hall of the Army National Guard said search teams dispatched Chinook and Black Hawk helicopters from four different locations in Fresno County and managed to carry 148 people to safety.

Video showed weary hikers stepping off a Chinook chopper at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport with camping gear in tow after 46 people and four dogs were rescued from Lake Edison. One of the hikers offered applause to the National Guard members who carried out the mission.

At least 65 more hikers and campers are believed to be trapped near Chinese Peak and Lake Edison as the rescue efforts continue.

'We're going to keep working tirelessly throughout the night until we get as many people out as we can,' Hall told NBC News.

Officials said that one hiker had been confirmed dead from an apparent heart attack and warned there may be multiple more casualties.

The frantic rescue attempt came as wildfires blazed across swathes of the western United States - including Washington, Utah Colorado and Oregon - on Monday night, destroying homes and devastating forests and grasslands, as record high temperatures and strong winds made the task of fire fighters even more challenging.

In California, 14,100 fire fighters were battling 25 separate blazes, which have collectively burned more than two million acres and left 172,000 people without power during a record heat wave in the drought-stricken state.

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Video showed weary hikers stepping off a Chinook chopper at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport with camping gear in tow after 46 people and four dogs were rescued from Lake Edison on Tuesday

The hikers streamed off the helicopter carrying camping gear. At least 65 more hikers and campers are believed to be trapped near Chinese Peak and Lake Edison as the rescue efforts continue

Twenty-five separate blazes across California have collectively burned more than two million acres and left 172,000 people without power during a record heat wave in the drought-stricken state. Pictured: The Creek Fire on Tuesday

California's largest utility Pacific Gas and Electric has cut off power to 172,000 customers to avoid creating additional blazes. Pictured: Workers stand along Highway 168 as the Creek Fire advances on Tuesday

A scorched truck rests on Highway 168 after the Creek Fire burned through the area on Tuesday

A melted slide stands in the playground at the Pine Ridge School in Fresno County after the Creek Fire tore through Tuesday

Wildfires are blazing across swathes of the western United States, from California and Washington to Colorado

The Creek Fire has consumed at least 143,929 acres since the sparks were first lit on Friday evening

In California 14,100 fire fighters are battling 25 separate blazes, which have collectively destroyed two million acres

On the southern end of the state, Los Angeles County set an all-time temperature record of 121 degrees on Sunday, during a historic Labor Day weekend heat wave.

The all-time county record was set at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, a suburb of LA.

In the nearby Santa Monica Mountains, a 41-year-old woman died after hiking in extreme 110 degree heat on Saturday.

In Washington state, a small town of 300 people saw 80 percent of the homes destroyed.

And in Oregon and Idaho, fires close to power lines shut off the electricity, adding to the misery amid the heatwave.

Fresno Fire Department said on Monday evening that they had been unable to rescue the trapped hikers

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday night declared a state of emergency as his hard-hit state struggled to beat back the blazes.

The Labor Day weekend heat wave fueled new fires that pushed the state to set a new record for number of acres burned with more than two million as of Monday.

The previous record was set just two years ago and included the deadliest fire in state history, the Camp Fire, which ripped through the town of Paradise and killed 85 people in November 2018.

Cal Fire spokeswoman Lynne Tolmachoff said the new record was especially alarming because of how early in the year it was set.

'It's a little unnerving because September and October are historically our worst months for fires,' Tolmachoff told AP. 'It's usually hot, and the fuels really dry out. And we see more of our wind events.'

California's largest utility shuts off power to 172,000 customers Pacific Gas & Electric, California's largest utility, has turned off power for 172,000 customers in an effort to avoid adding to the fires already ravaging the state. The utility company is on high alert after its power lines started the deadliest fire in state history two years ago, when the Camp Fire ripped through Paradise, killing 85 people. Liability from billions of dollars in claims from that and other fires forced PG&E to seek bankruptcy protection. To guard against new wildfires and new liability, PG&E last year began preemptive power shutoffs when conditions are exceptionally dangerous. That's the situation now in Northern California, where high and dry winds are expected until Wednesday. PG&E received criticism for its handling of planned outages last year. The utility said it has learned from past problems, 'and this year will be making events smaller in size, shorter in length and smarter for customers'. Advertisement

California has seen 900 wildfires since August 15, many of them started by an intense series of thousands of lightning strikes in mid-August. There have been eight fire deaths and more than 3,300 structures destroyed.

Randy Moore, regional forester for the Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Region, warned that the blazes are expected to worsen in the coming days.

'The wildfire situation throughout California is dangerous and must be taken seriously,' Moore told AP. 'Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behavior, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire.'

Among the most devastating fires was one in northern California, caused by lightning, which was burning through Napa, Sonoma, Lake, Yolo and Solano counties.

The LNU Lightning Complex began on August 17 and has so far burnt 375,209 acres, killing four people. The fire is now 91 percent contained.

As that complex is brought under control, another inferno to the southwest is quickly gaining speed.

The Creek Fire was first sparked on Friday evening and quickly exploded to 143,929 acres as of mid-day Tuesday.

That fire is currently zero percent contained and is being fought by almost 1,000 firefighters as it encroaches on the communities of Shaver Lake, Big Creek and Huntington Lake.

In addition to the Lake Edison campers, the Creek Fire trapped another 214 people over the weekend, who had to be rescued by helicopter after the roads were blocked.

Beginning on Saturday night and continuing through Sunday morning, a Black Hawk helicopter and a large Chinook helicopter flew the 214 people to the National Guard base at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

The two aircraft conducted three lifts from the Mammoth Pool Reservoir along the Fresno/Madera County border, the National Guard said.

Once at the base, emergency medical workers helped triage and take the injured to local hospitals, including Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC).

Twenty of them were to nearby hospitals and six are in CRMC's burn unit, EMS officials told Action News.

In Yosemite National Park, officials said evacuation orders could be issued soon as the Creek Fire drew near, casting an apocalyptic orange haze over the idyllic landscape.

The Creek Fire cast an apocalyptic orange haze over Yosemite National Park, which is under threat of evacuation

Firefighters Nick Grinstead and Trevor While battle the Creek Fire in the Shaver Lake community of Fresno County on Monday

Some outdoor shelters near Shaver Lake were engulfed with flames (pictured) as authorities ordered people to evacuate

The Creek Fire burns along a hillside in the Cascadel Woods community of Madera County on Monday

The Creek Fire also claimed at least two dozen homes in the small mountain town of Big Creek, a fire official said on Monday.

Chris Donnelly, the longtime chief of the volunteer fire department in the nearby town of Huntington Lake, said three propane tanks totaling 11,000 gallons exploded, and an elementary school also caught fire - although it wasn't clear whether it burned.

The school's superintendent, Toby Wait, told The Fresno Bee that a church, a library and a historic general store appear to have survived the fire, although Wait's home burned after his family was evacuated early Saturday.

'Words cannot even begin to describe the devastation of this community,' he told the newspaper.

Jim Smart is among thousands of people to be evacuated from their homes as wildfires rage across the western U.S.

A father and his son look at a fire truck as they wait to be evacuated from the Creek Fire on Monday

Firefighters, pictured on Monday, have been working around the clock to put out the Creek Fire in northern California

Seth Sandstrom rushes to repair a dock that separated as the Creek Fire approaches the Sierra Marina with 430 boats docked

Firefighters walk through the site near Shaver Lake as they continue to battle against the Creek Fire which started on Friday

The Creek Fire (pictured) is currently blazing across the Sierra National Forest, 250 miles east from San Francisco

The Creek Fire has rapidly increased in size, and is currently being fought by 800 fire fighters from across the region

Residents evacuate with their pets during the Creek fire in the North Fork area of unincorporated Madera County on Monday

Annette Smart (R) and her granddaughter Malina Sandoval, 10, check on their animals while evacuating during the Creek Fire

Woman dies after hiking in extreme heat in Santa Monica Mountains A 41-year-old woman died on Saturday after she went for a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains near Calabasas as temperatures climbed above 110 degrees. The woman, who has not been identified, began to feel sick while out on a trail in Malibu Creek State Park with a friend, according to the LA County Sheriff's Department. The pair turned around and headed back to their car, but the woman collapsed before she reached it. Paramedics arrived and conducted CPR on the woman for about 20 to 30 minutes but were unable to resuscitate her. Deputy Morgan Arteaga said the woman's death was likely caused by the heat and 'natural causes of some kind'. An autopsy is underway to determine the official cause. On Sunday, the California Department of Parks and Recreation closed all Santa Monica Mountains hiking trails through 5pm Monday due to the heat. Advertisement

In southern California, the El Dorado wildfire was sparked on Saturday by a gender reveal photoshoot, when the pyrotechnical smoke device sent sparks into the bone-dry brush.

The fire has burned 10,574 acres so far, and is only 16 percent contained.

More than 520 firefighters are involved in attempts to stop the spread of the fire, near San Bernardino.

The fire started on Saturday at 10.23am, the authorities said, and 527 people from 10 fire crews are currently trying to halt the fire's progress.

It spread from the El Dorado Ranch Park north, onto the Yucaipa Ridge. The ridge separates Mountain Home Village and Forest Falls from the City of Yucaipa.

Bennet Milloy, spokesman for the department, told DailyMail.com that the people hosting the party were still on the scene when the firefighters arrived.

'We know how it started because they were still there,' he said. 'That, and the fact that there were surveillance cameras in the park.'

Milloy said that it was a relatively small family gathering, and that the relatives had gathered for a photo opportunity.

He did not know if they were local people, but he said they were potentially both civilly and criminally responsible for the fire - facing jail time and a massive fine. The family could be held responsible for the entire cost of putting the fire out, amounting to many millions of dollars, he said.

The civil costs were deemed 'suppression costs' - the charges associated with hundreds of fire fighters, engines, helicopters and planes.

The criminal charges could fall under 'a variety of charges', he said - which would be more severe if homes were destroyed. The family could be hit with violations of public resources codes and even arson, under California's penal code section 452. Arson convictions can result in a sentence of up to nine years.

Asked if the family realized the seriousness of their predicament, Milloy said: 'They understood the seriousness of the fire.

'They genuinely believed it was an accident. But I think now they understand the gravity of the situation.'

He did not have their names, but said they would be released if charges were pressed.

The fire spread rapidly north from where it started at the El Dorado Ranch Park north, onto the Yucaipa Ridge

The wildfire is pictured moving up the hillsides of San Bernardino National Forest on Sunday

The fire spread from the El Dorado Ranch Park north, onto the Yucaipa Ridge and into the San Bernardino National Forest

Satellite images on Saturday gave a sense of the scale of the El Dorado fire, which was started by a gender reveal photoshoot

A firefighter monitors the El Dorado Fire as it burns a hillside near Yucaipa on Monday

Firefighters stop along Oak Glen Road while working the El Dorado Fire in southern California on Monday

Roads are block at Bryant St. and CA Hwy. 138 near Yucaipa, as the El Dorado Fire entered its third day on Monday

Fire officials have confirmed that the El Dorado wildfire was started by a gender reveal photoshoot on Saturday morning

The El Dorado Fire burns a hillside near Yucaipa in the San Bernardino National Forest on Monday

Residents watch as the El Dorado Fire burns a hillside near Yucaipa in the San Bernardino National Forest on Monday

A fire retardant-sprayed house sits below the burn scar of the El Dorado Fire near Yucaipa on Monday

In southern California, near San Diego, the Valley Fire (pictured) begun on Saturday afternoon and has spread rapidly

North of California, in Washington state, the town of Malden was almost entirely destroyed.

Whitman County Sheriff Brett Myers said that 70-80 percent of homes in the town of 300 people have gone up in flames.

Local news network KREM showed pictured of the charred Malden post office, a fire still burning inside the gutted building.

Larry Frick, who lives in Malden, told KXLY that he spent three hours to save his house amid the flames.

'It's gone, brother,' he texted his sibling after the fire swept through.

'The entire town is gone. Everything from here to Pine City is gone. The scariest time of my life.'

KREM said that at least nine wildfires were burning throughout the Inland Northwest on Monday, amid dry and windy conditions.

Houses are pictured going up in flames in Malden, Washington, on Sunday as wildfires destroy parts of the northwest

Washington's wildfires had also spread to neighboring Idaho.

Evacuations were being ordered around the town of Blanchard, as a result of the Hunters Fire.

Adding to the misery, more than 60,000 electric customers in Idaho, Oregon and Washington were without power on Monday afternoon, as high winds blew over trees, snapping power lines.

The downed electricity lines further added to fears of wildfires.

Nearly 100,000 people in the Portland, Oregon area were without power on Monday night as gusts approaching 50 mph toppled trees and power lines, according to The Oregonian.

Portland General Electric (PGE) reported that 40,000 in the city of Portland were without power; plus nearly 30,000 customers in Clackamas County; 18,000 in Washington County; and 6,000 in Multnomah County.

In the Mount Hood area of Oregon, 5,000 people had their electricity cut pre-emptively - an unprecedented move for PGE.

In Colorado, the capital city, Denver, was cloaked in smoke from the Cameron Peak Fire, which began on August 13 and has so far burned 96,462 acres.

The state has 829 people battling to contain the fire, but evacuations have been ordered.

The Cameron Peak Fire is burning strongly through the timbers around Fort Collins, and officials do not expect it to be fully extinguished until Halloween.

And in Utah, homes were being evacuated on Monday as a wildfire near Mapleton and Springville spread quickly due to strong winds.

The Ether Hollow Fire was sparked by target shooters, state wildfire officials have determined.

It began shortly before 6.30pm on Monday and is currently estimated at 500 acres.

The wind was preventing aerial firefighting resources from flying in the area.

The town of Mapleton in Utah was evacuated on Monday as the wildfires spread across the surrounding hills

Firefighters in Mapleton, Utah, were having their task complicated on Monday by strong winds

Smoke envelopes the downtown Denver skyline as winds carry the smoky air from the Cameron Peak Fire in Colorado

The Cameron Peak Fire, west of Fort Collins in Colorado, is now one of the largest wildfires in the state's history

Californian wildfires obscure the sun in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Monday evening
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 02:33:21|Editor: huaxia

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JERUSALEM, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chad Cabinet Chairman Abdelkerim Deby on Tuesday discussed the exchange of ambassadors to advance the bilateral ties, the Israeli PM's office said.

During a meeting in Jerusalem, Netanyahu and Deby, who is also Chadian President Idriss Deby's son, talked about "the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of representations," said a statement issued by the Israeli PM's office.

They also discussed the possibility of Chad opening its embassy in Jerusalem and "strengthening bilateral cooperation in a range of areas including the war on terrorism, cyber, water and agriculture," it added.

The meeting was also attended by Ahmed Kogri, the head of Chadian intelligence service.

"I mentioned our relations in the discussions about beginning peace with the Emirates," Netanyahu told the Chadian officials, referring to the recent announcement of normalizing ties with the United Arab Emirates.

"I mention it and I want to do more than mention it. I want to be able to advance it even further," the Israeli leader added.

Chadian President Deby first visited Israel in 2018, announcing his wish to restore diplomatic ties between the two countries that were severed in 1972. In January 2019, Netanyahu visited Chad to renew the Chad-Israel diplomatic relations. Enditem
Students return to class in Manitoba and Saskatchewan today, and the differences this year due to COVID-19 begin with how they will arrive at school.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 8/9/2020 (500 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Students return to class in Manitoba and Saskatchewan today, and the differences this year due to COVID-19 begin with how they will arrive at school.

Parents in both provinces are encouraged to transport their children to school if they can, and in Saskatchewan children who ride the school bus may be assigned seats and a partition may separate the kids from the driver.

As far as mask wearing, Saskatchewan says it's up to school boards to decide whether to make them mandatory, although the chief medical health officer advises Grade 4 to 12 students should wear them in busy areas such as hallways and on buses.

Manitoba, meanwhile, requires masks for grades 5 to 12 when physical distancing isn't possible, and they will be required on the bus.

But kids in the Winnipeg School Division may not be able to ride the bus on their first day back, since the union representing the drivers have been preparing for a strike that's to begin today.

The union and the school division have been bargaining since October 2019 after the drivers' contracts expired in June of last year, and a spokeswoman for the division said late Monday there had been no movement on negotiations.

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Students in Saskatchewan were originally scheduled to return to school as early as Sept. 1, but the province pushed back the date last month, explaining it wanted to give teachers and school staff a bit more time to prepare for a safe return.

Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan's chief medical health officer, has also encouraged people to reduce their contacts as summer draws to a close and schools prepare to reopen.

Manitoba has said that if health officials confirm a positive case in a school, contact tracing is to begin within 24 hours. Close contacts of a student will be advised to self-isolate and whether testing is necessary.

Health officials are also to inform the school and other parents will be notified if there was a risk the child was infectious inside the classroom.

Students in both provinces are being discouraged from venturing outside cohort groups in order to minimize contact with others.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 8, 2020.
NEW DELHI: Amid reports of the latest confrontation between the Indian Army and China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) at Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh, the Indian Army has reportedly consolidated its position at several key points in the Chushul area.

According to information, the Indian Army has laid barbed wire around the peak which it has occupied, so as to prevent the Chinese army from approaching. In the last meeting held with Chinese authorities, it was conveyed from the Indian side that if China tries to repeat the Galwan Valley like incident again, the Indian Army won't sit silent.

According to reports, Chinese Army were spotted at the general area near the LAC with rods and sharp-edged weapons on Monday night. Armed Chinese soldiers were spotted at some post of LAC. Shocked and disturbed by the action and alert Indian Army, China has been continuously making failed attempts to infiltrate Indian territory.

Earlier in the day, the Army said Chinese troops fired shots in the air and attempted to close in on an Indian position in eastern Ladakh a day earlier as it rejected charges by China's PLA that it transgressed across the LAC.

The remarks by the Army came after the PLA late on Monday night alleged that the Indian troops crossed the LAC and "outrageously fired" warning shots near the Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh.

The use of firearms along the LAC marks a serious escalation in border tensions as the previous instance of shots being fired at the de-facto border was in 1975.

India and China exchanged accusations just four days after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart Gen. Wei Fenghe held talks in Moscow on ways to ease tensions at the border. They met last Friday on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet.

Separately, the Ministry of External Affairs termed as false reports in Chinese media attributing some comments to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. "We have seen reports in Chinese state media, including in China Daily and Huanqiu Shibao (Global Times), which had attributed some comments to NSA Shri Ajit Doval. These reports are completely false and are not based in facts. We urge the media to refrain from such speculative reporting," it said in a release.

Tensions escalated manifold along the LAC in eastern Ladakh after the Galwan Valley clashes 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.

The border situation deteriorated again after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake on the intervening night of August 29 and 30.
No casualties have been reported, but this is first time since 1975 that live ammunition has been used along the disputed border. The two sides have been concentrating troops in Ladakh and Tibet since May. Both oppose road construction on the others side of the border. India has accused China of abducting five young Indians from Arunachal Pradesh. Delhi could play the "Tibet card" in talks. For an Indian expert, the ongoing actions are just a symbolic show of force.

Beijing (AsiaNews)  China and India have traded accusations that their troops fired at each other on the Himalayan border. Since May, both sides have been concentrating troops along the border.

No casualties have been reported, but this is the first time that live ammunition has been used by either country since 1975.

The alleged incident occurred yesterday at the Pangong Tso, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that divides Indian-controlled Ladakh territory from Chinese-occupied Tibet.

According to the Chinese army, Indian troops crossed the border. Once Chinese troops responded, Indian forces fired at them. The Indian Ministry of Defence gave a different version, saying that Indian troops approached the border post and then opened fire.

In 1996 the two governments had agreed not to use firearms within 2 km of the LAC. This however did not stop fist fights between soldiers.

On 15 June Indian and Chinese troops faced off in the Galwan valley, between Ladakh and Chinese Aksai Chin. Some 20 Indian soldiers were killed along with an unknown number of Chinese soldiers.

According to press reports, China sent troops in response to Indian road construction along the border.

The two countries share a 3,488 km of border in the rugged Himalayan region, which was the scene of a brief but bloody war in 1962.

India claims large parts of Aksai Chin (which the Chinese obtained from Pakistan). China claims the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Over the past 45 years, troops from both sides have faced off several times, with no casualties.

Making things worse, five young Indian men disappeared recently in Arunachal Pradesh. Their families claim they were kidnapped by Chinese soldiers. The Indian government has not yet made an official statement on the matter.

Ram Madhav, general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party, today attended the funeral of an ethnic Tibetan member of Indias elite Special Frontier Force who was fatally wounded on 29 August by a mine along the LAC.

For analysts, Madhav's presence is a sign that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party is ready to play the Tibet card in the border dispute.

Occupied by China in 1950, Tibet has become heavily militarised in order to wipe out the identity of the indigenous Buddhist culture and people.

The foreign ministers of the two countries are expected to meet in Moscow in the coming days to try to de-escalate the crisis.

Speaking to AsiaNews, Swaran Singh, professor of international studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi, said that As long as top leaders are engaged, these [clashes] will only be tactical and symbolic muscle flexing."

For Singh, the two giants are intensely and intrinsically too intertwined" for tensions to escalate into open warfare.
India and Uzbekistan on Monday reviewed the implementation of various key projects as well as initiatives including the status of negotiations for a bilateral investment treaty to boost economic ties.

The review was carried out at the first meeting of the national coordination committees for monitoring implementation of mutually agreed projects between India and Uzbekistan, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The new framework to monitor the implementation of important projects and initiatives was constituted under the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The virtual meeting was co-chaired by Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan Sardor Umurzakov.

"Both sides comprehensively reviewed the ongoing and planned activities of bilateral economic and trade cooperation, including the status of negotiations for concluding a bilateral investment treaty, preferential trade agreement, mutual market access for agricultural produce of both countries," the MEA said in a statement.

It said the meeting also reviewed the implementation of projects under Indias Lines of Credit and cooperation between the state of Gujarat and the Andijan region of Uzbekistan.

"The co-chairs expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in various projects and expressed hope that the expeditious completion of the projects will further strengthen bilateral trade and investment," the MEA said.

President Mirziyoyev visited India in 2018 during which both sides inked a total of 17 agreements providing for cooperation in a range of areas including agriculture, tourism, health, medical science, pharmaceuticals and space exploration for peaceful purposes.

(Photo Credit: Twitter/MOS_MEA)
Celebrate Halloween in September at 13th Floor Haunted House San Antonio, which is offering discounted tickets for its opening day.

The local attraction announced on its Facebook page Monday that its 11th season will begin Sept. 18 and run until Nov. 7. For opening night, the performance venue is allowing visitors to use a coupon code that will knock $5 off of their ticket prices.

Guests can buy their tickets online and use the code 13SAN5 for the discount. Admission prices begin at $20, according to the attraction's website.

On its website, 13th Floor Haunted House San Antonio is asking guests to buy tickets as soon as possible because it will run at a limited capacity due to the coronavirus pandemic.

READ ALSO: Spirit Halloween stores opening soon in San Antonio

For its safety measures, the venue will require all of its staff, including actors, to wear a face mask while inside the haunted house. The team will also have their temperatures checked before entering the building.

The haunted house is also requiring its guests to wear face coverings while inside the building.

On its website, the attraction teased that visitors will travel through its "Dead End District," which is known for "being a forgotten area filled with decay and filth."

"Make your way through the streets as you encounter hordes of the living dead," the venue wrote about its storyline. "Can you stomach the dismay long enough to survive? Or will you become one of the undead who roams the streets?"

The haunted house advertises itself as "the longest and largest haunted attraction in San Antonio."

Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre
Two women who had lodged sexual abuse complaints against Nobel Peace Prize laureate and two-time Costa Rican President Oscar Arias have withdrawn those complaints.

The prosecutors office said Monday that the two victims decided not to continue the criminal process.

The decision to drop the complaints means that a court could drop the charges, given that it appears prosecutors have no other evidence to rely on in the case.

There was no immediate explanation for the victims decisions.

Rafael Rodrguez, a lawyer for former Miss Costa Rica Yasmn Morales, who filed one of the complaints, said he could not comment on the decision to drop it. Rodriguez simply said for us, this is over on the legal level.

The other woman did not respond to text messages seeking comment. In 2019, Arias met with prosecutors to give a statement in the two criminal complaints against him which alleged sexual assault and sexual abuse in 2014 and 2015.

The 1987 Peace Prize winner denied the first accusation when it surfaced earlier that year.
A former soldier injured in a 1974 IRA bomb attack in Co Tyrone in which two of his colleagues were killed took part in the Extinction Rebellion newspaper protests, it has been claimed.

Donald Bell is believed to have joined the organisation last week as it targeted two printing presses in England as it accused the media of failing to "report on the climate and ecological emergency".

More than 100 protesters used vehicles and bamboo structures to block roads outside the facilities, which print News UK titles including the Sun, Times, Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and the London Evening Standard.

Mr Bell (64), who is from Cambridge, was one of seven soldiers hurt in a booby-trap landmine explosion at an electricity sub-station outside Stewartstown during the Troubles.

Two other soldiers, 30-year-old father-of-two Vernon Rose and 35-year-old John Charles, a father-of-four, were killed in the explosion, while a policeman lost an eye.

Mr Bell has previously spoken of his service in Northern Ireland when explaining his support for Extinction Rebellion.

"I have been blown up in Northern Ireland and suffered an injury, and here I am still defending the people," he said.

The activist said he was prompted to support Extinction Rebellion after writing letters to the Government for nearly 50 years but was always ignored.

He said: "We had to be more disruptive.

"I just felt compelled to do something for my children and grandchildren."

Earlier this year, Mr Bell was injured while taking part in another Extinction Rebellion protest.

At the time, he said he was facing possible surgery after he was struck by a car during an Extinction Rebellion protest in Cambridge.

Mr Bell, who described the incident as a "deliberate attack", said he suffered lasting injuries as a result of the collision.

The former soldier completed four tours of Northern Ireland.

According to a newspaper report from the time of the 1974 explosion, the two soldiers were killed instantly while an investigation was ongoing into an earlier bomb attack at the sub-station.

At first, it was thought that three soldiers had died such was the devastation caused by the explosion.

A man who was first at the scene said: "It was horrific, the worst I have ever seen. Blood and limbs were everywhere.

"One of the injured soldiers had half his face blown off."

Two civilians were also injured in the blast.

Meanwhile, Extinction Rebellion's protests led to a night of chaos and 81 arrests in Knowsley, Merseyside, and Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, while Boris Johnston has condemned the protest as "completely unacceptable".
A key gauge of business conditions in Japan rose slightly in July, but the uptick was not enough to change the assessment of the economy as "worsening".

The Cabinet Office says the Coincident Index rose 1.8 points from June, climbing for the second month in a row. Officials attribute the rise to improving economic activities that were hampered due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The production and shipment of vehicles and auto parts picked up. And exports to the United States increased.

However sluggish retail sales and a worsening job market weighed on gains for the index.

The view that the economy is "worsening" has continued for 12 months.
In this Jan. 4, 2017 file photo, a man adjusts a victim's photograph displayed with floral tributes and Turkish flags, outside the Reina night club following the New Year's Eve attack, in Istanbul, Turkey. (Emrah Gurel/AP Photo)

Turkey Gives ISIS Terrorist 40 Life Sentences for 2017 Attack

ISTANBULA Turkish court on Monday sentenced an ISIS terrorist suspect to life in prison over the New Years Eve attack on a nightclub in Istanbul that left 39 people dead in 2017.

The suspect, Albulkadir Masharipov of Uzbekistan, was convicted of 39 counts of murder and one count of attempting to overthrow the constitutional order. He was handed 40 separate life sentences without parole. The court also sentenced him to a total of 1,368 years in prison for the attempted murder of 79 people who escaped the attack with injuries.

Ilyas Mamasaripov, who was accused of aiding Masharipov, was sentenced to a total of 1,432 years, on charges of aiding murder, aiding attempted murder, and aiding an attempt against the constitutional order, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

Of the 58 other defendants in the case, eleven were acquitted of the charges, while others received various sentences for membership in a terror organization, the agency said.

Early on Jan. 1, 2017, an assailant shot his way into Istanbuls Reina nightclub where hundreds were partying to celebrate the New Year. The assailant escaped from the scene and the ISIS group later claimed the massacre.

Several revelers jumped into the waters of the Bosporus to escape the attack. Most of the dead were foreigners.

Police arrested Masharipov in a police raid 15 days after the attack. Masharipov initially admitted that he had carried out the attack but later denied the charges against him, Anadolu reported.

In his final words of defense on Monday, Masharipov asked that he be acquitted, saying his initial testimonies were taken under torture and pressure. He insisted there was insufficient evidence against him, Anadolu said.

He is expected to appeal his conviction.

A lawyer representing Ali Akyil, the father of one victim, said her client would seek compensation for the loss of his son, Kerim.

Obviously, as nothing would ease his pain, he found the punishment to be lacking, Ruya Beril Calis told The Associated Press. With this in mind, we are continuing our process of legal compensation.

Kerim Akyil, a dual Turkish-Belgian citizen, had traveled to Istanbul from Belgium to celebrate the New Year at Reina, Calis said.

Turkey has been hit by a string of attacks since 2015 by Kurdish militants and ISIS terrorists that have left more than 300 people dead.
Some lawmakers and unsuccessful applicants are decrying the states process, saying it defeats the stated goals of diversifying the largely white-owned industry. The lawsuit, filed Friday in Chicago federal court, is at least the second formal attempt to pause the process. The Illinois Legislative Black and Latino caucuses are calling on the Pritzker administration to suspend the lottery until the public can learn more about how and why the 21 groups were selected.
Ukraine intends to resume and expand agricultural exports, attract Chinese investment in agricultural, industrial and technology parks in Ukraine, infrastructure and energy projects.

Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna said this during a meeting with with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Ukraine Fan Xianrong on September 7, the Government portal reported.

"Ninety percent of corn imported by China in 2019 was of Ukrainian origin. We do not relax our efforts and strive to create even more opportunities for Ukrainian export business to China, as well as re-export to other countries, in particular through free customs zones in China. This applies to products such as cereals, meat, fish, eggs, berries and fruits, dairy products, vegetable oils, confectionery and alcoholic beverages, animal feed components and other products. We are discussing this with our Chinese partners," Stefanishyna stressed.

The sides discussed further cooperation in investment projects, in particular, the development of industrial parks specializing in storage, processing, transhipment of food products; technology parks for the development and integration of production and processing of agricultural products; and investment projects in the field of transport infrastructure and energy, expanding the list of such projects under China's One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative.

"Ukraine has already approved an action plan with China to implement the initiative of joint construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road of the 21st century. We are now moving towards the development of a roadmap and the establishment of a working group between the Chinese Embassy and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine to enhance cooperation," Stefanishyna noted.

ish
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  The Supreme Court and the PNP launched the Enhanced e-Warrant System on Tuesday which aims to speed up the issuance and serve as a database of arrest warrants in the country.

In a statement, the Supreme Court said it was a "monumental first for the Philippine justice system."

The statement said, "Spearheading the paperless transmission of documents, in timely response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Enhanced e-Warrant System is set to operate as an online database of warrants of arrest, providing real-time updates on the status of warrants and the specific actions taken by law enforcement agents."

Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta witnessed the launch together with Philippine National Police Chief Camilo Cascolan at the En Banc Session Hall of the Supreme Court.

The country's first e-Warrant was issued today by Hon. Maria Gracia Cadiz-Casaclang, Presiding Judge of Branch 155, Regional Trial Court, Pasig City, involving a case of qualified theft.

The Supreme Court statement explains once probable cause has been determined, details are encoded to and generated by the Enhanced e-Warrant system, for instantaneous transmission to the police station which has jurisdiction over the residence of the accused, and to the station which filed the complaint.

Upon receipt, the concerned police stations have 10 days to provide feedback on whether the warrant has been served or the reasons why it has not been given. This real-time feedback mechanism is viewable by all the courts nationwide.

Courts can also use the system to see whether any accused has pending cases in other courts.

There will be a nationwide rollout of the system to around 2,600 courts and 1,900 police stations all over the country, and it is expected to be fully implemented before the end of the year.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday said that it has broadly accepted the recommendations of the K.V. Kamath-led Expert Committee on Resolution Framework for Covid-19-related stress.

The expert committee has recommended financial parameters including aspects related to leverage, liquidity and debt serviceability. It has suggested financial ratios for 26 sectors, which can be factored by lenders while finalising a resolution plan for a certain borrower.

The sectors identified by the panel include auto components, auto manufacturing, aviation, cement, construction, pharma manufacturing, power, real estate, consumer durables, hotels, restaurants and tourism among others.

The committee selected five parameters based on their relevance while considering the resolution plan. These include ratios such as "Total Outside Liability/Adjusted Tangible Net Worth (TOL/Adjusted TNW), Total Debt/EBIDTA, Current Ratio, Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) and Average Debt Service Coverage Ratio (ADSCR)".

The lenders can also consider other financial parameters in addition to five mandatory parameters and may, at their discretion, adopt a graded approach depending on the severity of the impact on the borrowers, as per the report.

In respect of sectors where ratios have not been specified, lenders can make their own assessment towards the resolution plan.

The panel has recommended that the resolution framework should be invoked by December 31, 2020.

As per the recommendations, the resolution process should be treated as invoked once lenders representing 75 per cent by value and 60 per cent of lenders agree to do so.

The residual tenor of the loan may be extended by maximum two years, with or without payment moratorium. The moratorium period, if granted, shall come into force immediately upon implementation of the resolution plan.

The asset classification may be maintained as standard or upgraded to standard subject to the resolution panel being implemented as per the framework, said the report of the panel.
After Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh said that the Mumbai Police will look into Kangana Ranauts alleged drug links, she has expressed her willingness to undergo drug tests and have her call records examined. In a new tweet, she said that if she is found to have ever had any connection with drug peddlers, she will leave Mumbai forever.

I am more than happy to oblige @MumbaiPolice @AnilDeshmukhNCP please do my drug tests, investigate my call records if you find any links to drug peddlers ever I will accept my mistake and leave Mumbai forever, looking forward to meet you, she wrote on Twitter.

I am more than happy to oblige @MumbaiPolice @AnilDeshmukhNCP please do my drug tests investigate my call records if you find any links to drug peddlers ever I will accept my mistake and leave Mumbai forever, looking forward to meet you  https://t.co/gs3DwcIOvP  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 8, 2020

The home minister said on Tuesday that Kanganas alleged drug links will be investigated on the basis of an old interview of her ex-boyfriend Adhyayan Suman, in which he said that she persuaded him to do cocaine. Earlier, Shiv Sena leaders Sunil Prabhu and Pratap Sarnaik had submitted copies of Adhyayans interview to the government and demanded an inquiry into the allegations against Kangana.

In the interview, which is from 2016, Adhyayan said that he got into a huge fight with Kangana after he refused to do cocaine at her birthday party in 2008. On her birthday in March 2008 at The Leela, she had invited everybody that she had worked with. She said Lets do cocaine in the night. I had smoked hash with her a couple of times before and didnt like it so I said no. I remember getting into the biggest argument that night because I said no to cocaine, Adhyayan had told DNA.

Also read | Aamir Khans brother Faisal Khan says Karan Johar insulted me at a party: If your work flops, they dont treat you well

Recently, Kangana claimed that 99% of Bollywood engages in the use of drugs. Several Bollywood stars including Raveena Tandon objected to this generalisation of the industry and said that like every profession, the film industry also has a mix of good and bad people.

The Producers Guild of India, in an open letter, objected to the portrayal of the film industry as a murky den of substance abuse and criminality. 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, the producers association wrote in the letter.

Meanwhile, Kangana has been engaged in a face-off with the Maharashtra government after she compared Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and called the Mumbai Police a sham.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Boris Johnson was last night urged to think very carefully before imposing a new lockdown in response to a spike in virus cases.

Business leaders, MPs and scientists told the Prime Minister to consider other options first, with one think-tank warning a second shutdown would be 'catastrophic'.

Concern within government was prompted by figures on Sunday showing there had been 2,988 new infections in the previous 24 hours, the highest daily rate since May 22.

Monday's numbers were at a similar level, with an additional 2,948 positive cases up to 9am, a jump from the 1,175 reported on Saturday. The latest death toll of 30 was the highest in six weeks.

But Christopher Snowdon of the Institute of Economic Affairs said: 'With UK case numbers at a fraction of where they were back in March, a second lockdown would be catastrophic and should be avoided.

Business leaders, MPs and scientists told the Prime Minister to consider other options before going into a second nation-wide lockdown, with one think-tank warning a second shutdown would be 'catastrophic'

'Sweden has shown us a more sensible way to balance risk, liberty and the economy. The Government's justification for the nationwide lockdown in March was to protect the NHS. After six months of preparation, it is very unlikely that the NHS will be overwhelmed by a second wave.'

Mike Cherry of the Federation of Small Businesses said the first national lockdown was incredibly damaging, adding: 'If we can avoid a second through the utilisation of alternative measures to contain the virus, that would give hope to a lot of small firms as they try to get back on their feet.'

Tej Parikh of the Institute of Directors said business leaders would be flinching at the prospect of a return to heavy restrictions.

'It's paramount that whatever measures have to be taken, the support for businesses matches them,' he said.

'The Government should also be wary of withdrawing existing support too quickly, as the virus isn't done and dusted yet.'

Revellers take to the streets in Bolton city centre after further coronavirus lockdown measures were put in place

Concern within government was prompted by figures on Sunday showing there had been 2,988 new infections in the previous 24 hours, the highest daily rate since May 22. Pictured: People taking a coronavirus test at a walk-in facility in Bolton

Shaun Fitzgerald, a Cambridge professor and government adviser on social distancing, urged the public to take more responsibility. He said: 'Perhaps the question should be 'could I be doing something differently to help?' For example, can I reduce the frequency I go to the shops by planning ahead more rigorously with my grocery shopping?

'Am I washing my hands as regularly as lockdown? There are lots of things perhaps which we can all do to help.'

Responding to last night's Government announcement that social gatherings of more than six people will be banned from Monday, former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith said: 'This is just mad. It's ludicrous.

'This will be a hammer blow to the economy just as we were starting to get things on track.

'Why is it that we are having this 'push me pull you' approach? This can't go on.'

Former environment secretary Theresa Villiers said: 'Going back into lockdown would be a huge setback for the economy. I hope the Government will exhaust all other possible options before they consider the drastic step of closing down the economy all over again.'

Tory MP Steve Baker, a former Brexit minister, said: 'A new national lockdown would spell economic, non-Covid health, educational, civic and social doom. It cannot be allowed to happen.'

Yesterday Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he would not 'shy away from taking targeted local action', such as that imposed yesterday in Bolton.
Kenyan medics on Monday issued a two-week nationwide strike notice to the government if their grievances are not met.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union through a presser said: because of persistent failure and lacklustre approach to address the HRH challenges endemic, in the health sector worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, KMPDU has resolved to consult and mobilise its members for industrial action if challenges remained unresolved.

KMPDU Ag Secretary-General Dr Chibanzi Mwachonda noted that one of their grievances is the withdrawal of the Covid-19 allowance with no commitment or indication of its payment despite the increased risk that healthcare workers continue to face.

It is now evident that the focus on COVID-19 was skewed towards procurement that bore the COVID-19 tenderpreneurs at the expense of the much-needed human resource for health, Dr Mwachonda said.

The KMPDU Secretary-General also pointed out that more than 1,000 healthcare workers have been exposed to the virus, with more than 16 succumbing yet they had not been provided with a comprehensive cover.

Six months into the pandemic the Government of Kenya is yet to fulfil its pledge on the provision of comprehensive medical insurance and compensation for those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, he said.

The medics attributed the disrupted healthcare services at the county level to the unresolved Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) issues between the National Government and KMPDU.

The CBA is in its final year of implementation, several issues remain unresolved. Failure to fully operationalise the CBA has directly been linked to the scattered approaches that individual county governments and the national government have taken, he said.

Dr Mwachonda added that failure to resolve the CBA had also caused some doctors to be denied of the gains of on-call and risk allowances.

According to Dr Mwachonda, the solution to all the above issues was the creation of a Health Service Commission which would address myriad of HR challenges the country has faced pre-COVID, worsened by COVID.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  The impending release of US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton may have raised emotions in the country, but there was nothing objectionable about it, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Tuesday.

In an interview with CNN Philippines, Guevarra said it is within the President's exclusive prerogative under the Constitution to pardon anyone "for whatever reason he deems fair and reasonable." The President is not even obliged to explain it to the public, he added.

On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte granted Pemberton absolute pardon after less than six years in jail for killing Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude. It was a surprise move in the midst of the appeals filed by the Laude family and even the Philippines' own Department of Justice to block Pemberton's early release due to good conduct.

Duterte said it was unfair to keep Pemberton detained pending the court's resolution and that he should be given "the good character presumption."

Guevarra said, "I do not see anything really very objectionable about his (Duterte's) reason for granting Pemberton that absolute pardon."

The Justice Secretary explained Duterte did not actually consult him but "just informed" him about the planned pardon. "It seems to me that he had already made up his mind and was just probably sounding me off if it's something that can actually be done."

As to the motion for reconsideration against the September 1 court order for Pemberton's release, Guevarra said his department had already filed a motion for reconsideration prior to learning about the presidential pardon.

"We are not in the position to question the President's judgment regarding the exercise of a purely personal act of grace," Guevarra said. "So we will just let it go and let the motion for reconsideration die a natural death. It will become moot and academic."

The Jennifer Laude case

The Olongapo City Regional Trial Court's Branch 74 ruled that Pemberton should be freed, crediting to him more than four years worth of good conduct time allowance, a privilege given to detainees who exhibit exemplary behavior in prison.

The Laude camp, along with some law experts questioned the basis for Pemberton's good behavior when he has been staying solo and comfortably in a special detention facility  a far cry from the country's overcrowded jails. In line with the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US, Pemberton has been detained in Camp Aguinaldo, the headquarters of the Armed Forces in Quezon City, instead of the New Bilibid Prison.

The Court of Appeals initially sentenced Pemberton up to 12 years of imprisonment, but this was later reduced to a maximum of 10 years. In October 2014, Laude was found dead in an Olongapo City motel room after a night out with then 19-year-old Pemberton. Laude's neck was blackened with strangulation marks, head rammed into a toilet, after Pemberton learned that she was transgender.

The high-profile case sparked 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.

Pemberton relieved, critics dismayed

Pemberton's lawyers maintained there was no preferential treatment for Pemberton, saying his jail cell was also small, and he has served his time there.

"Ang pinakamatinding damdamin niya ay relief," Rowena Flores, Pemberton's counsel, told reporters. "Hindi naman po selebrasyon, kung hindi po sa paghihintay ng anim na taon na nasa kulungan siya, ang pakiramdam niya ay salamat naman po at natapos na ito at kung maaari ay magpanibagong buhay na siya."

[Translation: What he really feels is relief. It's not really a celebration, but after six months in jail, he's grateful that this is over and he can turn a new leaf.]

Vice President Leni Robredo was among those who questioned the commutation of Pemberton's sentence. "Isa lang ang kasong ito sa maraming patunay ng pagkiling sa makapangyarihan na nakikita natin mula sa pamahalaan. Ang nakikita natin: Kapag mahirap, may parusa; kapag mayaman at nasa poder, malaya," she said in a statement.

[Translation: We are asking if the decision was fair and just. This case is only one of the many proof that the government coddles the powerful. From what we see, the poor are punished, but the rich are allowed to be free.]

Despite public outrage, Guevarra said nothing can stop Pemberton from walking free since a presidential pardon is not appealable.
LONDON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- IPC, a leading global provider of secure, compliant communications and networking solutions for the global financial markets, is delighted to announce that our flagship Unigy platform has won the "Best Infrastructure Provider" award in Hedge Fund Magazine's (HFM) European Technology Awards 2020.

"At IPC, we are always focused on creating a more efficient and productive trading environment through our unified communications solution, Unigy," said Bob Santella, Chief Executive Officer, IPC. "We are honoured to receive further recognition for our industry-leading platform from leading hedge fund CTOs and technology leaders."

Santella added: "As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to changes in the market, IPC continually strives to design new solutions and develop our offerings to meet the needs of global financial market participants."

Unigy has consistently been recognized globally as the industry's leading trading communications platform over the years. With more than 110,000 users, it is a widely adopted, secure, compliant, end-to-end solution that is purpose-built to address the specific needs of the global regulated financial markets community. Unigy has experienced robust growth in installations over the past year and seamlessly interoperates with IPC's global financial cloud ecosystem of nearly 7,000 customer locations in more than 750 cities around the world.

With access to other industry-leading partners and providers, the unified communications platform offers financial organizations greater control, reliability, and a fully effective integrated communications solution. Unigy also offers a broad array of capabilities for the surveillance, management and maintenance of a firm's trading communications infrastructure.

The HFM awards give recognition and celebrates IT, software vendors and service providers in the hedge fund industry that have demonstrated excellent service and innovative product development over the last year. The award was formally announced at a virtual awards ceremony for senior technology professionals within European hedge funds on September 3, 2020 as part of the virtual HFM European Technology Forum.

Market participants interested in speaking to IPC's subject matter experts can schedule a meeting with our teams here.

About IPC

IPC is a technology and service leader powering the global financial markets. We help clients anticipate change and solve problems, setting the standard with industry expertise, exceptional service and comprehensive technology. With a customer-first mentality, IPC brings together one of the largest and most diverse global financial ecosystems spanning all asset classes and market participants. As the enabler of this ecosystem, IPC empowers the community to interact, transact and react to market changes and challenges, and we collaborate with our customers to help make them secure, productive, compliant and connected. Visit ipc.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter (@IPC_Systems_Inc).

Certain statements contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projection and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Media Contacts:

Patrick Chambeau Drew Pierson IPC Systems, Inc. Finn Partners for IPC +33 1 55 82 91 50 +1 212 529 4810 Patrick.Chambeau@ipc.com Drew.Pierson@finnpartners.com



Jaskiran Shergill

Finn Partners for IPC

+44 207 017 8422

Jaskiran.Shergill@finnpartners.com



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Linkedin Mardika Parama (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 10, 2020 08:29 498 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4374fa9 1 Business tourism,Catch-22,COVID-19,mitigation,positivity,rate,Bali-tourism Free

The nations tourist industry is facing a catch-22 as a rise in COVID-19 cases hampers its recovery, while strict closures will also severely impact businesses, experts and a business group have said.

Griffith University epidemiologist Dicky Budiman told The Jakarta Post on Monday that the slow government response during the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in Indonesia had created a prolonged economic effect, especially for tourism.

Health experts had warned the government since early May to strengthen its pandemic mitigation effort by increasing the quality and quantity of testing capacity, to prevent further disruption on economic and social sectors, he said in a phone interview.

However, even in late August, the country still lagged behind the recommended testing rate by the World Health Organization (WHO) of one test per 1,000 population per week, only meeting 35.6 percent of the agencys testing rate target, the COVID-19 task force announced on Aug. 25. The country has recorded more than 196,000 cases as of Monday.

Dicky said the governments decision to relax large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) for tourism was done prematurely and could add fuel to the fire. It should delay the reopening of vacation spots and apply PSBB in regions with high infection rates, he added.

We wasted time when we still had a chance. If we dont want to make things worse, we must start adopting evidence-based reopening policy, he said, adding that the government should only reopen regions that had a COVID-19 positivity rate of below 5 percent, in accordance with WHO advice.

Tourism has been dealt a huge blow from the COVID-19 outbreak as people cancel travel plans due to social restrictions and international border closures. The pandemic has wiped out around Rp 85 trillion (US$5.9 billion) from Indonesias tourism revenue as of July, data from the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) shows.

Regional administrations have since reopened some tourist spots, while Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto issued a decree on health guidelines for tourist destinations and hotels, among others.

The countrys main attraction, Bali, also reopened on July 31. However, since then, cases in Bali have surged to 6,549 cases as of Tuesday, almost double from 3,407 confirmed cases on July 31, Bali government data show.

The WHO also stated in its situation report on Sept. 2 that the possible spike in infections was caused by increased mobility among the public in August.

Epidemiologists have suggested that the recent surge in cases was caused by the two long weekends for Independence Day and Islamic New Year, which saw increased mobility among the public. They raised concerns that the spike in infections could lead to a crisis at health facilities and urged the government to take serious measures to control the transmission, the report reads.

According to Health Ministry data on Monday, Indonesias positivity rate reached 13.9 percent, up from 13.5 percent on Sept. 1.

Read also: Indonesias COVID-19 testing positivity remains far above WHO standard for new normal

Meanwhile, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) tourism expert M. Baiquni told the Post that the industry could not afford another shutdown, as many hotels and travel agencies were already short on cash.

The industry had the capacity to withstand three months without revenue back then. However, the industry has become so weak that it would be hard for it to face another closure, he said.

Baiquni said the industry was facing a dilemma between the threat of a potential collapse if another closure occurred and a prolonged pandemic, which would also affect the industry.

It is an extremely complex situation that we need to solve. All stakeholders need to work together to save the industry and develop a new tourism model, he said.

PHRI chairman Hariyadi Sukamdani echoed Baiqunis statement, saying that the rising number of cases had cause the public at large to become reluctant to go on vacation or hold events despite the industrys effort to reassure the public of facility safety.

We have been following strict health protocols, including limiting the number of people at a venue. However, its hard to attract customers if the [infection rate] keeps rising, he said.

While hotels in popular vacation spots such as Yogyakarta and West Javas capital of Bandung have seen their occupancy rate rise to around 60 percent during long holidays in August, other tourism regions such as Bali continue to suffer from low occupancy rates, according to Hariyadi.

The PHRI also warned that another closure to avoid COVID-19 transmission would create a detrimental effect on the industry and the general economy amid the possibility of layoffs.

All of this happened because we were not serious at the beginning [of the pandemic]. If we handled it better earlier, maybe all of this would not have happened, he said.
Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled its newly enhanced Kona subcompact SUV and introduced the exciting all-new Kona N Line variant.

Hyundai Konathe 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Yearis back with a bold design update that retains the models winning personality. The B-SUVs exterior design is upgraded with various enhancements that make it even more appealing to customers who lead active lifestyles.

At the same time, Hyundai is expanding its B-SUV lineup by launching the sporty all-new Kona N Line. This attractive entry point to Hyundais high-performance N brand is distinguished by signature fascia, body colour claddings and large rear spoiler as well as N Line specific design accents.

Interestingly, theres a happy vibe that I feel is common with many Kona drivers, said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President, Head of Hyundai Global Design Centre. Our design inspiration stems from this positive spirit, and this is a dedication to all the adventurers out there who explore life with a smile.

With the latest product enhancement, Kona will be available for the first time as an N Line version, combining fun to drive with a sporty appearance. The Kona N Line stands out through its motorsports-inspired front and rear end, body colour claddings, and diamond-cut wheel design.

Kona N Lines front is characterised by the dynamic features of the front bumper, harmoniously connected and unified with the body colour treatment of the wheel arch claddings.

Instead of the rugged skid plate of the new Kona, the N Line version features a characteristic N-style aerodynamic lip with low-lying corner fins for a road-hugging appearance. Larger, more technical air intake features are further distinguished by a unique mesh design and surface treatment.

On the sides, the body colour claddings and new rocker panels are complemented by the dedicated 18-inch alloy wheel design.

Kona N Lines rear design reinforces the models dynamic image. The rear bumper incorporates a large central aerodynamic diffusor in a contrast colour to the body as well as a one-side double muffler. The bumper fascia is formed with sharply creased corners and N-style fins for better air flow.

The interior is now available with a dedicated N Line colour package in one-tone black with cloth, leather or suede seats. In addition, the distinctive red stitching, metal pedals and N logo on the gear shift and seats all contribute to a sportier look and feel.

With a bold, progressive design and adventurous personality, Hyundai Kona has become an icon in its segment. Design updates, front and rear, give the new Kona a sleek, sophisticated look while keeping its robust signature style.

The striking new front-end design stands out with eye-catching, protective cladding panels. At the top, the stretched bonnet ends sharply over the centre grille with a wide, distinctive shape that gives Kona a powerful look. This effect is further enhanced by the wide, thin LED DRLs. Lower down, the main bumper fascia connects smoothly to the wheel arch claddings, forming a unique and robust armour in a contrasting material to the main body.

On the lower bumper, the robust skid plate appears to embrace the lower air intake, and visually complements the shape of the main upper grille. Integrated into the bumper corners are vertically oriented aerodynamic inlets that improve air flow.

The side body retains the muscular and sculpted shape of the previous Kona, but the sporty wedge-shaped silhouette is further accentuated by the visual connection between the shoulder creases and the sharper, cleaner, more harmonious front end.

At the rear, the new taillights feature horizontally stretched graphics. These reflect the unique identity of the front-end light design. The new rear bumper, which also follows the protective armour concept of the front and sides, also uses a contrasting material.

In addition, the latest model comes with updated 17- or 18-inch wheel designs, in addition to 16-inch wheels carried over from its predecessor. Kona Hybrid will be available with the same 16- or 18-inch wheels as before.

The new Kona is 40mm longer than the previous model, giving it a sleeker and more dynamic look that complements its wide, strong visual stance.

The new Kona comes with five new exterior colours, including Surfy Blue, Dive in Jeju, Ignite Flame, Cyber Grey, and Misty Jungle. These are in addition to five existing colours, including Phantom Black, Chalk White, Dark Knight, Pulse Red and Galactic Grey. Every colour can be combined with the Phantom Black two-tone roof.

The two-tone roof also comes with matching mirror housings. This contributes to its sporty and sleek appearance and gives customers more options for personalisation and self-expression.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The redesigned interior of the new Kona expresses a more upscale and progressive look than its predecessor. It features a rugged yet refined style that matches the exteriors boldness, designed to appeal to customers who lead an active lifestyle.

Extra cargo capacity and rear seat legroom offer more accommodation and comfort. This is in addition to a significant technology upgrade that contributes to the interiors comprehensive update.

The new console area is disconnected from the instrument panel to emphasise the horizontal layout. The dashboard appears wide and airy to create a generously spacious atmosphere. An electric parking brake is added as a new convenience feature in response to customer demand.

Other enhancements that contribute to the interiors higher level of quality and refinement include new ambient light technology that illuminates the centre cup holders as well as in the passenger and driver side footwells, and new aluminium finish rings around the speakers and air vents.

The new Kona interior is completed by new colours and materials. New seat cover options include a black woven houndstooth design, cloth seats with black and grey embossing, and perforated leather seats in black, beige, or khaki.

With the black woven houndstooth seats, industrial-inspired and modern grains accentuate the fine-spun linear seat trim with its three-dimensional pattern. With the black and grey cloth seats, sophisticated visuals are created by shadows and dark nuances in several anthracite grey tones.

Optional leather seats show a classy tartan texture that is also reflected in the material perforation. Both the texture and the colours of the leather seats harmonise the dynamic-looking interior.

As an alternative to the dark interior, Kona is also available with a light beige interior trim, accentuating the fresh look seen in the door panels and seats. With the optional khaki leather seats and the khaki centre console, Hyundai is also offering a natural and premium look as an alternative to the black and beige versions.

The new Konas interior packages include changes in colour to the dashboard as well as the seats and other surfaces.

CONNECTIVITY

The new Kona is equipped with the latest in-car connectivity and technology.

New to this model is a 10.25-inch digital cluster, first seen in the all-new i20. In addition, the new Kona also comes with an optional 10.25-inch AVN screen, providing new connectivity features.

The new AVN screen also comes with a split-screen function and multiple Bluetooth connections. In addition, Kona comes with the latest Blue Link upgrade, which includes User profile, Last Mile Navigation, Connected Routing, Live Parking Information, and more.

Customers can have a personalised User profile that can be transferred to other Hyundai vehicles providing the same feature. Last Mile Navigation helps customers continue the journey to their destination even after the car is parked, using either Augmented Reality or Google Maps. Connected Routing is Hyundais cloud-based navigation system.

Live Parking Information gives users real-time information on the location and price of nearby available parking spaces. In addition, the latest Blue Link upgrade features Free Text Search for users to enter addresses or points of interest.

As standard, the new Kona is equipped with Display Audio that is increased from seven to eight inches, and DAB radio. Its also upgraded with wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play for convenient wireless connectivity of their phones to the Display Audio system.

ADVANCED SAFETY

The new Kona is equipped with a range of safety and driver assistance features.

Smart Cruise Control (SCC) is upgraded to include the stop-and-go function. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), available in combination with the DCT, is enhanced too, engaging the vehicles differential brakes to prevent a collision if another vehicle is detected near the rear corner (blind spot) and the driver attempts to change lanes.

New to this model is Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA), which alerts the driver if they do not react fast enough when the vehicle ahead of them starts moving. Another is Lane Following Assist (LFA), which automatically adjusts steering to assist the driver to keep in the centre of the lane.

Another upgraded feature is Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian and new, optional cyclist detection. The optional FCA uses a sensor in addition to a camera to better detect potential collisions.

This increases the detection range and types of targets that can be detected, and ensures the system works even in bad weather conditions. If the system senses a potential collision and the driver fails to react in time, it automatically applies the brakes.

As another enhancement, FCA now comes as standard (camera based), including pedestrian detection-Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), also a first for the new Kona with the DCT, works to avoid a collision when backing up by applying the brakes if another vehicle is detected.

This is an upgrade from the previously available Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, which only provided a warning.

Another unique feature is Rear Seat Alert (RSA), which alerts the driver if someone or something is in the back seat when they prepare to exit the vehicle. Another safety feature primarily intended for the protection of children, Safe Exit Warning (SEW) is intended to prevent passengers from exiting the vehicle if it is not yet safe to do so. If the vehicle has come to a stop, but the radar detects an oncoming vehicle coming from the rear, it will display a visual and audio warning to alert the passenger of the danger.

Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW) uses the vehicles navigation or the front camera to determine the current speed limit and displays it in the cluster and AVN. If the driver exceeds the speed limit, a visual warning is shown.

In addition, the new Kona is now available with eCall, a feature that automatically alerts emergency services if the airbags are deployed or the e-Call button is being pushed.

COMFORT & ROOMINESS

Several new convenience features allow for a more comfortable and convenient experience, including second-row heated seats and a second-row USB port.

The new Kona with manual seats has also been improved. Passengers in the front row can also now adjust their seat height for an optimised seating position while they ride.

New powertrain options for both sporty and eco-conscious consumers

POWERTRAIN

The new Konas powertrain lineup reaches new heights in terms of performance and sustainability. At the top of the lineup is an enhanced 1.6-litre T-GDI Smartstream engine with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that delivers 198 PS.

This powerful, sporty powertrain is available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variations. For increased fuel efficiency, the new Kona will be equipped with 48-volt mild hybrid technology.

This technology is applied to the 1.6-liter Smartstream diesel engine with 136 PS as standard and is available with a seven-speed DCT (7DCT) or six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (6iMT) as well as optional four-wheel drive. The 1.0-litre T-GDI Smartstream petrol engine with 120 PS can be equipped with 48-volt mild hybrid technology and 6iMT as an option.

First seen in the new i30 and the all-new i20, the iMTs clutch operates purely electronically instead of using a mechanical linkage. The iMT decouples the engine from the transmission after the driver releases the accelerator, saving fuel as the engine can switch off and the car enters coasting mode.

The engine restarts in the same gear as soon as the driver presses either the brake or the accelerator pedals, thanks to the power provided by the Mild Hybrid Starter Generator.

When chosen without mild hybrid technology, the 1.0-liter T-GDI Smartstream engine can be combined with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission and optional four-wheel drive.

KONA HYBRID SYSTEM

The new Kona is also available as a hybrid option, which was added to the Kona lineup in 2019.

This powertrain features a 1.6-litre GDI engine and electric motor with a combined output of 141 PS, paired with a 6-speed dual clutch transmission and with two-wheel drive. The 32kW electric motor draws its energy from a 1.56 kWh lithium polymer battery.

The new Kona is retuned for a smoother ride compared to its predecessor in order to improve

driving comfort, without degrading the Konas sporty character. Next to springs and dampers, the stabiliser bars were modified for better ride comfort and isolation. The rear bump stop was also modified, bringing benefits for primary ride and lateral body control.

The new Kona also comes with improved tires on all sizes of wheels, resulting in less rolling resistance and more efficient driving. The 18-inch tyres are upgraded from Conti Sport Contact 5 to Conti Premium Contact 6 to improve the ride comfort.

This also means drivers can expect better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions while hearing less road noise than before. This creates an excellent balance between eco-friendly driving and sportiness. In addition, several parts of the vehicle have been updated to improve Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH), further increasing cabin comfort.

The steering is fine-tuned to match the new suspension character as well as to fit the new tyres.

The new Kona delivers comfortable yet connected steering that is more linear and well-balanced across the complete speed range.

This set up is applied to the whole Kona range, including the Kona N Line. The only exception is the Kona N Line paired with the 1.6 T-GDI powertrain and four-wheel drive, which received a specific steering tuning to match the character of the vehicle.

The all-new Kona N Line and new Kona will arrive to showrooms towards the end of the year, while the new Kona Hybrid will follow beginning of 2021. The new Kona Electric, which will carry over the powertrain and electric driving range of the current version, will be revealed soon. -- Tradearabia News Service
An electronic signboard shows the cancellations of domestic flights at the Gimpo Airport in Seoul, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020. AP



Every autumn, Gu Mi-hoi gathers with her siblings and their families at her mother's house to celebrate the Chuseok fall harvest holiday. They cook delicacies like "jeon"  meat, fish and vegetables dipped in flour and egg and fried  and enjoy traditional games like "yut nori" while munching on half-moon shaped "songpyeon" rice cakes.



But for the first time ever, the Gu family has decided to call it off and celebrate one of the country's biggest national holidays at their homes, respectively.



"It's a joyous event where more than 20 people spanning four generations gather to enjoy homemade food and relax. But this year we thought it won't hurt to be extra careful," said the 60-year-old Seoul resident on Tuesday.



"We all try to be careful and follow the social distancing guidelines, but it's a bit scary that there's a lot of untraceable cases, and who knows whether I may also be spreading the virus," she said.



Gu is not the only one planning to spend the major holiday, where millions travel to their hometowns or take short trips, low key.



Members of online communities of moms have shared anecdotes of how their families decided not to gather this year, especially considering that the people traveling to their hometowns are mostly those living in greater Seoul, where virus cases are still spiking in three-digit figures.



With the holiday, which will run from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 this year, just three weeks away, the government is also striving to encourage people to spend the holiday with close family members at home.



"We request that citizens minimize traveling and, if possible, stay at home and relax at least during the upcoming holiday," Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Sunday. "The government will push ahead with measures that will (help) lower density on public transportation."



As part of the measure, the national rail operator is selling only half of the 2 million train seats available during the five-day holiday. Only window seats will be available for purchase, while the tickets will be sold online only to prevent people from waiting in long lines for hours at train stations.



"Considering the grave situation of the new coronavirus, we had to only sell window seats for passengers to enjoy a safe holiday. Please understand even if family members have to sit apart," an official at Korea Railroad Corp. said.



The government has deducted highway toll fees during the Chuseok holiday since 2017, but it is considering temporarily scrapping the plan this year to minimize traffic.



Some cemeteries and memorial venues, meanwhile, are planning to restrict entry or limit the number of visitors to prevent crowds forming for "charye," a traditional ritual of giving thanks to ancestors.



Some local governments, like Boseong County in South Jeolla Province, are preparing an online joint "charye," so that people living in urban areas can take part in the tradition without visiting. Wando, also in South Jeolla, is offering grass cutting services at ancestral graves at a discounted price.



The government plans to run a reservation system at indoor memorial venues for the two-week period before and after Chuseok, and offer an online service for people to thank their ancestors without visiting graves



But this is a far-fetched plan for some others who are torn between not visiting their hometowns and complying with pressure from older generation family members who are pushing ahead with the annual reunion.



At least six people have posted online petitions at a site ran by the presidential office, demanding that the government take stronger anti-virus measures during the five-day holiday.



A person who uploaded a petition Monday wrote, "This holiday is a very important day for our people. We have to say hello to the elderly and do 'seongmyo' and 'charye.' But shouldn't living people be prioritized? Won't our ancestors be sad if their offspring contract COVID-19 (while visiting their hometowns) for 'charye'?"



At online forums, some are even calling for the government to impose Level Three social distancing measures, the toughest in the three-tier system, so that all visits can be ultimately banned.



The government, however, has made clear it will rely on voluntary action rather than enforcing safety guidelines.



"The legal grounds are unclear, and limiting traveling was not even on the table when the (government) was drawing up social distancing guidelines," Sohn Young-rae, a senior health official, said Sunday. (Yonhap)


A shopper has been left 'embarrassed' over a little-known alcohol policy after she tried to buy a bottle of red wine at Aldi with her two teenage kids in tow.

The mother, from New South Wales, claimed she was queuing up to pay for her items, including alcohol, when a diligent cashier called over a manager to ask whether she could serve her as she was shopping with her school children.

'While waiting in line, I grabbed a bottle of alcohol to purchase, the cashier said she needed to check with her manager if she could sell the alcohol as I have two children in uniform,' the woman wrote in a Facebook group.

'She called the manager and was told that it was at the cashier discretion if she could sell it to me.'

A shopper has been left 'embarrassed' over a little-known alcohol policy after she tried to buy a bottle of red wine at Aldi with her two teenage kids in tow (file image)

Shortly after, the mother was permitted to buy the wine but she claimed she was left red-faced as the incident happened in front of her kids and other shoppers.

'She allowed me to purchase it but at the same time I felt embarrassed as people were looking at me like I'm some bad parent,' the mother said.

'And no my kids did not handle the alcohol at anytime.'

In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, an Aldi Australia spokesperson said it's the store's responsibility to ban customers - who are shopping with kids - from buying alcohol if they suspect the adult is supplying the drink to minors.

'The sale of alcohol can be refused if a minor has handled alcohol that could be potentially purchased by an adult for the minor's consumption,' the Aldi spokesperson said.

'This also extends to a minor accompanying an adult purchasing alcohol, even if the minor has not physically touched an alcoholic product.

'It is the store's responsibility to refuse any customer who presents a risk and ultimately it is at the discretion of the person serving to decline the sale should they have any doubts or concerns.'

The shopper shared her experiences on social media where she asked fellow parents if they have been been stopped from buying alcohol while shopping with their kids.

Her post quickly sparked a debate among shoppers, with many siding with the cashier for being cautious over serving adults accompanied by children.

According to Liquor and Gaming NSW, it is unlawful to buy or obtain alcohol on behalf of a minor on licensed premises. Adults can face fines of up to $11,000 and/or 12 months behind bars if convicted of underage alcohol supply offences.

One mother said she usually leaves her two teenage children in the car when she's buying alcohol at the shops.

'I personally do not buy alcohol when my children are with me. They wait in the car, yes teenagers are capable and allowed to sit in the car or buy when they're not with me at all,' she said.

'Maybe just something to keep in mind for future reference. No staff member is asking for the fun of it, just to keep their job. So please don't take it personally.'

Full statement from Aldi Australia In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, an Aldi Australia spokesperson said: As a responsible retailer, ALDI Australia supports and adheres to all regulations for the purchase of alcohol including Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA). Under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 it is an offence to supply alcohol to a person under the age of 18 and for a person under the age of 18 to purchase or receive alcohol. The sale of alcohol can be refused if a minor has handled alcohol that could be potentially purchased by an adult for the minor's consumption. This also extends to a minor accompanying an adult purchasing alcohol, even if the minor has not physically touched an alcoholic product. It is the store's responsibility to refuse any customer who presents a risk and ultimately it is at the discretion of the person serving to decline the sale should they have any doubts or concerns. There are severe consequences for breaching laws and policies set in place by the Australian government involving the sale of alcohol. As such ALDI faces heavy penalties should we sell alcohol to any customer who supplies to a person under the age of 18. Advertisement

The mother, from New South Wales, claimed she was queuing up to pay for her items, including alcohol, when a diligent cashier called over a manager to ask whether she could serve her as she was shopping with her school children (file image)

A bottle shop worker weighed in on the issue, saying she'd rather be over cautious than face prosecution for selling alcohol to under-18s.

'I'd prefer to offend someone accidentally than not be cautious, sell alcohol to the wrong person, lose my job and be hit with thousands and thousands of dollars in fine,' she said about her retail store.

'We are not allowed to sell liquor to anyone in a school uniform at work, regardless of 18+. And if we have any suspicions at all that it could be secondary supply, we are within our rights to refuse service to save our own a***s.'

Many shared similar experiences, with one woman claiming a cashier refused to serve her after her 28-year-old daughter didn't have ID on her.

'It happened to me a few times when I was with my 28-year-old daughter. She didn't have ID with her and they wouldn't let me buy the alcohol until she could produce the ID. I left the alcohol, didn't want it after that,' she explained.

Some shoppers suggested the retailer should 'put their policy in writing for all customers to see' to prevent any confusion.
When Tamarack Dispensary opened in the northwestern Montana city of Kalispell in 2009, medical marijuana was legal but still operating on the fringes of the conservative community.

Times have changed. Owner Erin Bolster no longer receives surprised or puzzled looks when she tells people what she does. Now, her business sponsors community events and was recently nominated as a top marijuana provider by a local newspaper.

"We've become a normal part of the community, and it feels good that the community has finally accepted us," Bolster said.

How far that acceptance goes will be tested when voters in Montana and a handful of other states this fall decide whether to legalize recreational or medical marijuana. Five of the six states with ballot questions lean conservative and are largely rural, and the results may signal how far America's heartland has come toward accepting the use of a substance that federal law still considers an illegal and dangerous drug.

Since Colorado first allowed recreational use of marijuana in 2014, 10 other states have done the same. Most are coastal, left-leaning states, with exceptions like Nevada, Alaska and Maine. An additional 21 states allow medical marijuana, which must be prescribed by a physician.

This year, marijuana advocates are using the November elections to bypass Republican-led legislatures that have opposed legalization efforts, taking the question straight to voters.

Advocates point to a high number of petition signatures and their own internal polling as indicators that the odds of at least some of the measures passing are good.

One unknown is what role the pandemic will play in the marijuana measures' fate. Demand for marijuana appears to be rising with people feeling stressed and isolated by COVID-19 lockdown measures, according to a United Nations report on the implications of COVID policies on drug manufacturing, distribution and use. That increased use could work in advocates' favor.

Mississippi and Nebraska voters will decide on medical marijuana measures.

South Dakota will be the first state to vote on legalizing both recreational and medical marijuana in the same election.

Montana, Arizona and New Jersey, all medical marijuana states, will consider ballot measures in November to allow recreational sales, a move opponents consider evidence of a slippery slope.

"This is how all these states have gotten recreational marijuana. They start with medical," said Ed Langton, a member of the Mississippi Board of Health, who opposes his state's legalization efforts.

If all or most of the ballot questions pass, that will leave only a handful of states that have not legalized marijuana in some way, potentially putting pressure on federal lawmakers to change national policy. For now, growers and sellers can't use banks or credit cards or export their products.

The Marijuana Policy Project is helping to coordinate the Montana legalization effort. Its deputy director, Matthew Schweich, said the organization does so only when polling suggests at least half of voters would support the measure.

"It's becoming normalized for people," Schweich said. "People know that other states are legalizing it and the sky has not fallen."

An effort to legalize marijuana in rural, conservative states would have been an uphill battle even a few years ago. But several factors have worked toward changing attitudes there, Schweich said.

They include a gradually increasing acceptance in red states of neighbors that have legalized recreational pot  and seeing the tax revenue that legal marijuana brings. But perhaps the biggest catalyst toward normalizing pot use is having an established medical marijuana program, Schweich said.

After 15 years, Montana's medical cannabis program is firmly rooted and has survived several legislative attempts to restrict it or shut it down. According to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, more than 500 marijuana providers were serving 38,385 people as of July, which represents nearly 4% of the state's population.

A survey conducted by the University of Montana earlier this year found that 54% of respondents thought marijuana should be legalized for recreational use, up from 51% the year before. Six years earlier, a Montana State University-Billings poll found that 60% of residents were against legalization.

Changing attitudes could also stem from states' changing demographics. An analysis of census data by the Montana Free Press in 2019 found that 53% of Montanans 25 and older were born outside the state.

Among them is Brandon Powers, who moved to Montana from Missouri last year. Powers supports legalization and believes its passage will depend largely on who turns out.

"If people like me dominate the polls, then it will pass. But if people like my neighbor who thinks 'the [marijuana] they have today is just too powerful' dominate the polls, then it will fail," he said.

In Mississippi, 20 medical marijuana bills have failed over the years in the Statehouse. This year, 228,000 state residents signed petitions in support of a medical marijuana initiative to allow possession of up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana to treat more than 20 qualifying medical conditions.

In response, lawmakers put a competing measure on the ballot that would restrict marijuana use to terminally ill patients and require them to use only pharmaceutical-grade marijuana products.

Jamie Grantham, spokesperson for Mississippians for Compassionate Care, called the measure an effort by the state to split the vote and derail legalization efforts.

"I'm passionate about this because it's a plant that God made and it can provide relief for those who are suffering," said Grantham, who described herself as a conservative Republican. "If this is something that can be used to help relieve someone's pain, then they should be able to use it."

But opposition is starting to build. Langton, the Mississippi Board of Health member, is working with Mississippi Horizon, a group fighting legalization. Langton said he opposes the original initiative because he believes it's "overly broad" and would allow dispensaries within 500 feet of schools and churches. It could also put Mississippi on a path toward legalized recreational use, he said.

He added: "They say that marijuana is a natural plant, but poison ivy is natural, too. Just because something is natural doesn't mean it is good for you."
Experts: Japan, India, Australia Plan New Global Supply Chain to Counter China

Japan, India, and Australia are planning a new global supply network and are working out an initiative called the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) to reduce dependency on China, experts say.

The initiative is a result of the emerging geopolitics in the post-coronavirus world, they say.

This cooperation is well-related to current U.S. policy toward China, Satoru Nagao, a visiting fellow at Hudson Institute and an expert on IndiaU.S.Japan security cooperation, told The Epoch Times in an email.

Washington has an interest in preventing Beijing from gaining the wealth it needs to rapidly modernize its military.

While the talks on the SCRI are currently at the working level, Japan seeks to bring them to a higher level at some point, Japan Times reported. Meanwhile, the Japanese government is subsidizing some of its companies with reliance on the Chinese supply chain to shift or expand in Japan or Southeast Asian countries; currently, about 87 firms are participants.

The SCRI is a bold policy announcement, but the global community still needs to develop an operational clarity about it, Pratik Dattani, an adviser to the London-based think tank Bridge India and managing director of Economic Policy Group, told The Epoch Times.

Equipment used to unload containers is shown at Patricks Port Botany maritime complex near Sydney on Nov. 26, 2008. (Greg Wood/AFP via Getty Images)

India has traditionally prided itself on its non-alignment, but this bold move marks a shift away, said Dattani, who was the former UK head of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry. On the other hand, the three countries have developed closer relationships in maritime security through the Quad, so this could be seen as a natural evolution of the policy into the economic arena.

The Quad refers to a strategic forum comprising the United States, Australia, India, and Japan.

While the pandemic raised serious questions about Chinas credibility as a supplier, thats not the only factor leading to SCRI; the worsening trade and diplomatic relationships of each of these countries with China are also a concern, experts say.

Nagao said Chinas influence around the world is a result of its wealth and its loans to small countries that are leading them to debt.

Countries with significant Chinese investment (and debt) are also hesitant to criticize Beijing, even when it violates international rules. For this reason, the United States will use trade wars, economic sanctions, or other means in an attempt to weaken China economically, he said.

How should Japan, India, and Australia respond? They should not be economically dependent on China. In the long run, they must reduce their economic dependence to avoid becoming passengers on a sinking ship. Therefore, it is unavoidable.

Dattani said that Chinese leader Xi Jinping this year has made some strategic blunders in a border conflict with India in Galwan, as well as in Hong Kong and elsewhere because of aggressive actions.

At a time when humility and global cooperation would have better achieved Chinas foreign policy objectives, it turned sentiment amongst some of the largest economies in the world quickly sour, Dattani said.

Containers with Chinese goods are organized for trade at the Yangshan Deep Water Port in Shanghai on Feb. 13, 2017. (Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images)

The Situation Is Tough

Japan, India, and Australia have already started to reduce their dependency on China, although experts say that shifting the entire supply chains order from China to elsewhere is no easy matter.

For Japan, China is not a top trading partner, but a big one, Nagao said. The U.S. is nearly 20 percent of the total Japanese export, and the top. But China is 19 percent and second. For India, the situation is similar. In 2018, the U.S. first surpassed China to become Indias top trading partner.

But from 2013 to 2017, China was top and is still a big trading partner. For Australia, the situation is very serious. China is top and dominates 3040 percent of the total. Japan is second for Australia, but one-third of China.

Bibhu Prasad Routray, an Indian geopolitical analyst and the director of the Goa-based think tank Mantraya, told The Epoch Times that it cant happen in the short term.

And to make it happen, investors will have to be attracted to the participating countries, especially India. New Delhis record, in this regard, has not been especially promising. Tax laws, absence of reforms, lack of infrastructure, etc., has made investors look for other destinations, Routray said in a written message.

All those will have to drastically change for such an objective to be realized.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during the virtual meeting of the U.S.India Strategic Partnership Forum on Sept. 3 that the cost of supply networks shouldnt be the only factor, in an indirect dig at the Chinese supply chains.

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.

In April 2020, Japan earmarked $2.2 billion of its record economic stimulus package to help local manufacturers shift production out of China, and indeed, many Japanese companies have relocated their Chinese factories to Southeast Asia or South Asia, Nagao said, adding that India also changed its rules in April making it mandatory for foreign direct investment from countries it shares a land border with to seek its prior approval.

As a result, the number of Japanese citizens living in China is decreasing and has gone from 150,399 in 2012 to 120,076 in 2018. The number of Japanese living in the United States, on the other hand, has increased, from 410,973 in 2012 to 446,925 in 2018.

For Dattani, the goal of the policy isnt to build a supply chain overnight but to push back against Chinese aggression.

The reality, however, is that China is Indias largest trading partner. To simply switch to other countries is not feasible. The announcement should nudge China to recalibrate some of its less benign policy decisions of recent times, in order to restore normalcy in its international relations, he said.

A truck transports a container to be loaded onto a ship at a port in Tianjin, China. Cheap Chinese imports have resulted in a startling loss of manufacturing jobs in Canada and the United States. (AP Photo/Alexander F. Yuan)

Effects on China

The announcement is a coping mechanism for the countries involved, Dattani says, as they feel threatened by China and find it in their best interest to come together. Meanwhile, Nagao said economic development in the Indo-Pacific will face serious damage if this global supply chain alternative to the Chinese supply chain doesnt work.

But at the same time, JapanIndiaAustralia cooperation is important but merely one of the efforts. There are other efforts, too. And the COVID-19 crisis stopped or slowed down the economy itself. This is the time to rethink the whole structure of the economy and supply chain, Nagao said.

Routray suggests that the effort will seriously challenge Beijings monopoly over the global supply chain and threaten its dominance.

If pushed to its logical conclusion, the move can have serious implications for its economy. However, China will certainly unveil its own policies to counter this, he said.

He added that Japan, India, and Australia cant base their cooperation only on their anti-China-ism and will need to expand their partnership into other realms that would need tough choices.

Dattani said any true partnership would need a genuine people-to-people exchange.

So policy and operational clarity would be needed, especially as the Japanese political climate is in a state of flux. Without this, it is window dressing, he said.
As part of its efforts to spin the agreement, the Trump administration claimed that it will halt annexation plans that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel had announced for parts of the West Bank. But shortly after the U.A.E. statement, Mr. Netanyahu declared that annexation is not, in fact, off the table; its on a temporary hold. As for the possibility of a two-state solution, for Palestinians, this deal is not, as some have suggested, a reassuring step forward. Rather, its an indication of how the major parties in earlier peace attempts  the U.S., Israel and Arab countries  are willing to move ahead with plans that disregard Palestinian rights.

The U.A.E. agreement now should serve as a point of reflection for the Palestine Liberation Organization  the body that represents Palestinians worldwide  and its decades-long approach with Israel.

Beginning in 1993 with the signing of the Oslo Accords, the P.L.O. embarked on a process of negotiation with Israel that was supposed to lead  at least as the Palestinians viewed it  to an independent state, kicked off by recognition of Israel. As part of this negotiation process, dozens of countries around the world established economic ties or trade offices with Israel  including Oman and Qatar  in the belief that the era of Israels expansionist plans were over. Yet over time, it became clear those plans had only just begun. Today there are more than triple the number of Israeli settlers living in the West Bank than there were in 1993.

For its part, however, the P.L.O. doubled down: pressing for negotiations despite their futility, pressing for increased international recognition as a state despite the lack of any actual sovereignty or independence, serving as a subcontractor for Israels occupying army, even as Israel continued to destroy Palestinian homes and expropriate territory and resources.

With Palestinians sidelined, the U.A.E. deal makes it very clear that Palestinians can no longer count on Arab states for political support. While King Salman of Saudi Arabia told President Trump in a recent phone call that he is prioritizing a fair and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue, his country had allowed the Israel-U.A.E. flight to travel through its airspace. In any case, a once united diplomatic front of the Arab states supporting the Palestinian cause is clearly crumbling. And if President Trump and Mr. Netanyahu are to have their way, other Arab countries may soon follow the U.A.E.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 00:20:29|Editor: huaxia

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ATHENS, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- In its Annual Report 2019-2020, the Union of Greek Greek Shipowners (UGS) is calling for measures to help the sector deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greek newspaper "Kathimerini" reported on Tuesday.

"Shipping has inevitably also been hit by the global economic and trade shocks caused by the pandemic, resulting in a major deterioration of the freight markets, where there has been a drastic drop in freight rates and in demand for maritime transport services to almost zero for some categories of ships," UGS President Theodore Veniamis said.

"Therefore, the sustainability of shipping companies must be urgently ensured, a basic prerequisite of which is guaranteeing their liquidity and granting flexibility for loan repayments," he stressed.

In 2019 the top five ship owning nations and regions were Greece, Japan, China, Singapore and China's Hong Kong and these five account for more than 50 percent of the world's tonnage, the report noted, citing data from the Review of Maritime Transport 2019 published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The UGS said that the Greek shipping industry is "one of the cornerstones of the global economy and a major facilitator of global trade."

Although Greece accounts for only 0.16 percent of the world's population, Greek shipowners own 20.67 percent of global tonnage and the Greek-owned fleet is the world's largest cross-trading fleet, with more than 98 percent of its trading capacity carrying cargoes between third countries, according to Lloyd's List Maritime Intelligence 2016, the report noted.

The pace of global economic activity remained slow throughout 2019, with declining momentum in manufacturing activity and rising trade and geopolitical tensions, the UGS noted.

The unprecedented global crisis that was brought about by the coronavirus pandemic has made the 2020 outlook for the global economy and international seaborne trade even more precarious and gloomy, with the World Trade Organization (WTO), for example, forecasting that the world trade is expected to fall by between 13 percent and 32 percent this year, according to the report.

Many shipping sectors have been faced with a sudden and steep drop in demand, which in turn has considerably affected freight rates and earnings.

"Though these rates could recover somewhat as Chinese factories come back online, the looming global recession and accompanying drop in global demand resulting from the lockdowns in Europe and north America have severely impacted on demand for shipping services. ... The recession in shipping is projected to last more than a year and shipping activity is not expected to improve in the following few months," the UGS stressed.

The report said that shipping remains one of the pillars of the Greek economy. The shipping industry's total economic contribution, including indirect and induced effects, exceeded 11 billion euros (13 billion U.S. dollars) in 2019, accounting for 6.6 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), according to a Deloitte study released in February. (1 euro= 1.18 U.S. dollars) Enditem
BOSTON - A new software program effectively brings the expertise of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) specialists to many more patients with Down syndrome (DS), according to a study published today in Genetics in Medicine. Down Syndrome Clinic to You (DSC2U) is a first-of-its kind online health tool aimed at improving adherence to US national Down syndrome guidelines. This study finds the tool effective. Most caregivers and primary care physicians (PCPs) also reported high satisfaction with it.

The first author of the paper is Jeanhee Chung, MS, MD, primary care physician at MGH. The senior author is Brian Skotko, MD, MPP, director of the Down Syndrome Program and Emma Campbell Endowed Chair on Down Syndrome at MGH.

The study was a national randomized controlled trial of 230 caregivers who had children or dependents with DS but no access to a specialist. Of these, 117 were randomized to receive DSC2U while 113 received usual care. A total of 213 participants completed a seven-month long follow-up evaluation. Those who received DSC2U had a 1.6-fold increase in the number of guideline-indicated evaluations their primary care provider recommended or completed compared with controls.

Clinicians at MGH's Down Syndrome Program launched DSCU2 in August of this year. The program aggregates the clinical experience of specialists and others who care for these patients. It then connects patients' families with customized information to augment the work of local care providers. Skotko and his colleagues see approximately 600 patients a year at their clinic. DSC2U now brings MGH's expertise in caring for individuals with Down syndrome to families around the globe.

To participate, users are asked to identify current symptoms in their loved one with Down syndrome along with any past medical or behavioral diagnoses and any recent blood work or diagnostic testing. They are additionally offered an optional set of questions about nutrition, education, therapies, life skills and community resources.

Responses are electronically analyzed by an evidence-based set of rules, and the output comprises personalized checklists that can be used during annual wellness visits with the patient's PCP.

"Rather than asking families around the world to come to Boston, we are instead bringing the most accurate and up-to-date information to families in their home settings," says Skotko.

"About 95 percent of patients with Downs syndrome do not have access to specialist care," he adds. Specialist care is particularly important for them as these patients have a wide range of different health, social, and developmental issues.

###

DSC2U was created with the help of a generous grant from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), a federally-funded program established to help patients and their caregivers make better informed decisions about health care. The program was created in collaboration with the MGH Lab of Computer Science, and its development was led by Chung.

DSC2U is available in English and Spanish at http://www.dsc2u.org for $49 per use. MGH is working with several insurance providers about future coverage options. Discount codes are currently available to Down syndrome non-profit organizations through the LuMind IDSC Foundation, the founding philanthropic supporter of DSC2U. Families should contact their local Down syndrome organization to see what financial support may be available.

About the Massachusetts General Hospital

Massachusetts General Hospital, founded in 1811, is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The MGH Research Institute conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the nation, with an annual research budget of more than $1 billion and comprises more than 8,500 researchers working across more than 30 institutes, centers and departments. In August 2020 the MGH was named #6 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in its list of "America's Best Hospitals."

About the LuMind IDSC Foundation

The LuMind IDSC Foundation (LuMind IDSC) is an international nonprofit organization that accelerates research to increase availability of therapeutic, diagnostic, and medical care options for everyone with Down syndrome. The Foundation empowers the largest online community of individuals with Down syndrome and their families with education, resources, and support. Since 2004, LuMind IDSC raised a total of $85M in funding for Down syndrome research to prevent Alzheimer's onset, improve cognition, develop gene therapies, and advance understanding. Visit http://www.LuMindIDSC.org to learn more or get involved.
Hundreds of people gathered Monday afternoon in a small town south of Portland for a pro-President Donald Trump vehicle rally  just over a week after a member of a far-right group was fatally shot after a Trump caravan went through Oregons largest city.

Later, pro-Trump supporters and counter-protesters clashed at Oregons Capitol. Police in Salem arrested people, but it wasnt immediately known how many.

Vehicles waving flags for Trump, the QAnon conspiracy theory and in support of police gathered about noon at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City.

The rallys organizers said they would drive to toward the state capital, Salem, and most left the caravan before that. A smaller group of members of the right-wing group the Proud Boys went on to Salem, where a crowd of several dozen pro-Trump supporters had gathered.

At one point Monday afternoon, the right-wing crowd rushed a smaller group of Black Lives Matters counter-demonstrators, firing paint-gun pellets at them. There were skirmishes, and the Black Lives Matter group dispersed. Shortly after, Salem Police arrived on the scene.

Organizers of the earlier vehicle rally said they did not plan to enter Multnomah County, where Portland is located. Oregon City is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Portland.

On Aug. 29, Aaron Jay Danielson, a supporter of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer, was killed in Portland after a pro-Trump caravan went downtown. Trump supporters fired paint ball canisters at counter-demonstrators, who tried to block their way.

Danielsons suspected killer, Michael Forest Reinoehl, was fatally shot by police Thursday. Reinoehl was a supporter of antifa  shorthand for anti-fascists and an umbrella description for far-left-leaning militant groups.

Demonstrations in Portland started in late May after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and have continued for more than 100 days.

A fire started outside a police precinct on Portlands north side resulted in about 15 arrests during protests Sunday night into Monday morning, police said.

Demonstrators protesting police brutality began marching about 9 p.m. Sunday and stopped at the North Precinct Community Policing Center, the site of several volatile protests in recent months.

Officials warned demonstrators against entering the precinct property, saying they would be trespassing and subject to arrest.

Shortly after arriving, the crowd began chanting, among other things, burn it down, police said. Some in the group lit a mattress on fire.

Most of those arrested were from Portland. Others were from San Francisco; Sacramento, California; Mesa, Arizona; and two from Vancouver, Washington.

Charges included interfering with an officer, resisting arrest, reckless burning and possession of a destructive device.
An article published in The Atlantic on September 3, quoting anonymous sources, claimed Trump made the remarks when he visited France in 2018, Xinhua news agency reported.

Washington: US President Donald Trump has rejected media allegations that he belittled slain American service members by referring to them as "losers" and "suckers".

During the visit, the President had cancelled a trip to a French cemetery where American soldiers killed in the World War I were buried.

"Only an animal would say that," Trump said at a press conference in the White House on Monday.

He added that the article's author, The Atlantic's Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg, is pro-Democrat and has a "tremendously bad history".

"He (Goldberg) made up the story, it's a totally made-up story," Trump said.

On Sunday, Goldberg said the article was just the tip of the iceberg.

"I would fully expect more reporting to come out about this and more confirmation and new pieces of information in the coming days and weeks," Goldberg told CNN on Sunday.

CNN has confirmed several aspects of The Atlantic's reporting, also with sources who chose to remain anonymous.

Trump has previously described Goldberg as a "slimeball" and called for the firing of a Fox News reporter who also confirmed some details of the article.

The latest Military Times poll, conducted before the Democratic and Republican conventions as well as The Atlantic's reporting, showed a steady decline in troops' opinion of Trump since his election four years ago.

Among active-duty service members surveyed in the poll, 41 per cent said they would vote for Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee, while 37 per cent said they plan to vote to re-elect Trump.

In a poll conducted at the start of Trump's presidency, 46 per cent of troops had a favourable view of him, versus 37 per cent who had an unfavourable opinion, according to a Military Times report.
Sushant Singh Rajput Death Anniversary: A Timeline of the of events that have transpired so far

FIR against Sushant Singh Rajput's sisters, doctor after Rhea Chakraborty's complaint

India

pti-Madhuri Adnal

Mumbai, Sep 08: Mumbai police have registered an FIR against actor Sushant Singh Rajput's sisters and others for abetment to suicide and criminal conspiracy by prescribing him medicines banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, an official said on Tuesday.

The case was registered after the actor's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty claimed they prescribed drugs to him without consultation, the official said. An offence has been registered against Sushant's sisters Priyanka Singh and Meetu Singh, Delhi-based doctor Tarun Kumar and others, the official said.

Sushant Singh Rajput case: Rhea Chakraborty appears before NCB for questioning on 2nd day

Rhea in her complaint claimed these persons hatched a conspiracy and obtained false prescription on the letterhead of a government hospital for banned medicines and administered the same to the actor without supervising doses and quantity. The case has been registered at Bandra police station under sections 420, 464, 465, 466, 468, 474, 306, 120(B) and 34 of IPC and sections 8(c), 21, 22(A) and 29 of NDPS Act, a Mumbai police spokesperson said.

In her police complaint, Rhea had sought that an FIR be registered under IPC, NDPS Act and Telemedicine Practice Guidelines. She had also accused Priyanka of molesting her.

Rhea had accused Priyanka Singh, Dr Tarun Kumar of Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and others of forgery and preparing a "fake" prescription of medicines for anxiety for the 34-year-old actor, who was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14.

In accordance with orders of the Supreme Court, this case has been transferred to CBI for further investigation, the spokesperson said. Unhappy with Mumbai police probe in the actor's death, his father K K Singh had registered a case with the Bihar police against Rhea Chakraborty, her family members and others for abetment to suicide and criminal conspiracy. The case was transferred to the CBI by the Supreme Court.

Sushant Singh Rajput case: Rhea Chakraborty appears before NCB for questioning on 2nd day

Rhea was interrogated by the CBI probe team, camping at the DRDO guest house in Mumbai's western suburb Santacruz. She was also questioned by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case and by Narcotics Control Bureau in a drug supply case in which her brother Showik Chakraborty and Sushant's manager Samuel Miranda have been arrested.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Central government has been working tirelessly to achieve the goal set by Prime Minister's "Education for All" mission.

Greeting the nation on the International Literacy Day on Tuesday, the Minister said the government is trying to achieve the goal through reforms like New Education Policy 2020, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and many more such initiatives.

"Our government under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been empowering the children and working tirelessly towards its mission 'Education for All' through reforms like NEP, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan," Shah tweeted.

The Minister said the International Literacy Day 2020 focuses 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, he said. September 8 was declared International Literacy Day by UNESCO on October 26, 1966 at the 14th session of UNESCO's General conference. It was celebrated for the first time in 1967. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
"Neil brings world-class multi-brand operational experience to Marquee Brands and has a track record of successfully building and repositioning brands. We are very excited to have him lead the team as the company's first chief executive officer. Neil has the leadership track record and breadth of business experience we believe are critical to lead Marquee," said Sam Porat, Managing Director, Neuberger Berman.

Founded in 2014, Marquee Brands has become an industry leader in brand acquisitions and brand building and today manages a portfolio with $3 billion of retail sales across 11 brands and four consumer segments. This includes the recent acquisition of the iconic brand Sur La Table which further builds upon the Home and Culinary portfolio within Marquee Brands.

"As we continue to build and evolve the Marquee Brands business model, it was the right time for us to find a CEO with the experience and strategic foresight to take advantage of the unprecedented market opportunities ahead of us," said Zachary Sigel, Managing Director, Neuberger Berman. "Neil shares our vision for Marquee and will position us well to fully capitalize on the current dislocation across the retail and consumer industry. We welcome him to the Marquee Brands team, and we are excited about the future."

Over the past six years, Marquee has successfully built a portfolio of category leading brands, steeped in heritage and history with a strong consumer identity and diversified channels of distribution. Marquee has created a best-in-class platform including its Marquee Direct e-commerce business to drive significant organic growth post acquisition. Marquee's focus on building brands by investing in them to ultimately deliver unique offerings to retailers and customers has helped their portfolio standout in a rapidly changing retail environment.

"Marquee Brands has one of the best portfolios in the industry with premium brands that are truly meaningful to the consumer, have clear identities and competitive positionings, and a runway of growth ahead of them." said Fiske. "I am fortunate to join a company that has a proven formula for success, a strong team adapting quickly to this ever-changing environment, and investing at a time when many are in retreat. With the full backing of Neuberger Berman, I look forward to working closely with Michael DeVirgilio, Cory Baker and the executive team to grow this business and capitalize on the rich set of opportunities so clearly in front of us."

Fiske's career as a CEO has focused on building brands, transforming businesses, and adapting to a seamlessly omni channel consumer environment. Prior to the Gap, Fisk served as chief executive officer at Billabong International, where he restored the flagship Billabong brand to a position of market leadership and multi-year share growth. He also spent five years as president and chief executive officer at Eddie Bauer, repositioning the company to focus on its heritage as America's original outdoor outfitter. Fiske was also chief executive officer at Bath and Body Works, where he led a complete brand transformation, reversing a multi-year trend of negative comp store sales. Fiske began his career at Boston Consulting Group, focused on consumer goods and retail. He graduated from Harvard Business School with a Masters of Business Administration and received a B.A. in Political Economy from Williams College. He also has private equity experience as a retail industry partner for Onex. He has been named WWD's "Marketer of the Year" and "Retailer of the Year", as well as co-authoring the award-winning brand building book "Trading Up: The New American Luxury."

About Marquee Brands

Marquee Brands is a leading global brand owner, marketer and media company. Owned by investor funds managed by Neuberger Berman, one of the world's leading employee-owned investment managers, Marquee Brands targets high quality brands with strong consumer awareness and long-term growth potential. Marquee Brands seeks to identify brands in various consumer product segments with the goal of expanding their reach across retail channel, geography and product category while preserving the brand heritage and enhancing the ultimate consumer experience. The portfolio includes Martha Stewart, BCBG, Ben Sherman, Dakine, Sur La Table Body Glove, Emeril Lagasse, Motherhood Maternity, A Pea in a Pod, and Bruno Magli. Through its global team of professionals and partners, Marquee Brands monitors trends and markets in order to grow and manage brands in partnership with retailers, licensees and manufacturers through engaging, impactful strategic planning, marketing, and ecommerce. www.marqueebrands.com

About Neuberger Berman

Neuberger Berman, founded in 1939, is a private, independent, employee-owned investment manager. The firm manages a range of strategiesincluding equity, fixed income, quantitative and multi-asset class, private equity, real estate and hedge fundson behalf of institutions, advisors and individual investors globally. With offices in 24 countries, Neuberger Berman's diverse team has 2,300 professionals. For six consecutive years, the company has been named first or second in Pensions & Investments Best Places to Work in Money Management survey (among those with 1,000 employees or more). The firm was awarded an A+ in every category in the latest 2019 PRI report for our approach to ESG integration across asset classes. The firm manages $357 billion in client assets as of June 30, 2020. For more information, please visit our website at www.nb.com.

SOURCE Marquee Brands
Christmas came really early for the Manila Police District-Special Weapons Action Team (MPD-SWAT) after they received some six brand new SWAT Vehicles.

Donated by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) to the City of Manila, The six new units are Toyota Hilux pick-ups modified by Overland Kings as part of the groups way of supporting the governments moves against crime and terrorism.

During the flag-raising ceremony, FFCCCII Vice President Dr. Cecilio Pedro turned over the keys of the vehicles to Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso.

Black Rhino MPD-SWAT Manila

Pedro expressed the groups full support to the initiatives of the local government as well as its police force.

We are proud to support the local government of Manila and the MPD-SWAT during this time when we need to come together as a nation to face this pandemic, Pedro said.

The said donation is on top of the 20 Toyota Vios patrol vehicles that the organization gave to the MPD.

Black Rhino MPD-SWAT Manila

Meanwhile, Domagoso conveyed his gratitude over the new units.

Since the early beginnings of this nation, the patriotism and heroism from the Filipino-Chinese community has been very helpful to our nation building. Maraming bayani ng ating bansa ay may dugong Chinese, Domagoso said. We are very grateful for the generosity of the FFCCCII the Manila mayor added.



The newly-handed over MPD-SWAT units custom-made by Overland Kings and DAWG Outfitters have the following equipment fitted with the following:

breaching ladders,

steel bumpers and rock sliders,

auxiliary lights,

fire extinguishers,

12,000-pounder winch with remote,

snorkel,

first aid kit,

high lift jack,

siren with PA system,

rear bench seats,

17-inch Black Rhino wheels and Nitto Exo Grappler All-Weather Tires.

Black Rhino MPD-SWAT Manila

Overland Kings Chief Adventure Officer Joel Pedro cited that the build was made after being inspired by the vehicles used by the Israeli and Mexican SWAT teams. We want to hand over a vehicle thats ready to use and flexible for any sort of operation that the MPD-SWAT might face Pedro claimed.

Story continues

On the other hand, Black Rhino Wheels-Philippines President Sam Liuson noted that Nitto Exo Grappler that was fitted on the new SWAT vehicles can deliver on any terrain.

We chose the Nitto Exo Grappler because of its 10-ply rating which can carry heavier loads and also give the SWAT vehicles better traction on any type of terrain. Our Black Rhino wheels have been tested in off-road terrain all around the country so the MPD-SWAT will surely have no problem fulfilling their mission he explained.

The FFCCCII is currently headed by its president, Henry Lim Bon Liong.

Photo/s from Black Rhino Wheels

Also read:

Off-Road Enthusiasts, Take Advantage of 4x4 Expo This Weekend

Patriot Tires Now in PH

Rally Driving Immersion Program Eyes to Boost Rallycross Education
The well-known ECU ARRRGH! makes its presence known in the Main Campus Student Center. | Photos: Cliff Hollis

The Pirate statue on the mall glistens in the sun.

This post appears here courtesy of ECU News Services . The author of this post is Crystal Baity East Carolina University ranked in the top 15% of schools picked as a Best Bang for the Buck in the Southeast in Washington Monthly's 2020 College Guide released Aug. 31. And for the third year in a row, ECU is included on the magazine's honor roll for Best Colleges for Student Voting.ECU ranked 42nd out of 278 schools for Best Bang for the Buck in the Southeast. ECU is in the top 22% of 51 North Carolina schools listed in the section. Institutions identified as Best Bang for the Buck colleges help non-wealthy students obtain marketable degrees at affordable prices, the magazine said.A total of 157 schools including ECU were listed as Best Colleges for Student Voting described asTo make the list, institutions met multiple criteria including submitting an ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge action plan in 2018 and 2020, signing up to receive National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement data about campus registration and turnout rates, and making the data available to the public.according to the magazine.In other highlights, ECU was listed 8th for social work on the ranking of Colleges Where Majors Popular with Black Students Pay Well . ECU's School of Social Work was recognized with 32.2% of recent program graduates who are Black, and median first-year earnings for all program graduates of $31,400.Washington Monthly ranks four-year schools (national universities, liberal arts colleges, baccalaureate colleges, and master's universities) based on contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research, and providing opportunities for public service.Of 389 national universities ranked, ECU was 106th (top 27%). ECU also was at 106th in the service category, 243rd for research, and 100th for social mobility. ECU was one of 13 universities in North Carolina ranked among national universities.The methodology for the rankings weighted each equally, meaning that top-ranked colleges needed to be excellent across the full breadth of the three measures, rather than excelling in just one, according to the magazine.
Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will officially sign an agreement establishing relations at the White House next week.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a tweet on Tuesday that he will travel to Washington after being invited by US President Donald Trump to the ceremony. UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan will also attend, and the event will take place on Sept. 15, Reuters reported.

The UAE and Israel agreed on Aug. 13 to establish full diplomatic relations. The agreement was brokered by the United States. The UAE is the third Arab country to recognize Israel after Egypt and Jordan. Unlike Egypt and Jordan the UAE does not border the Jewish state and is the first country in the oil-rich Gulf to recognize Israel.

The historic deal has had ripple effects throughout the wider region. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have both agreed to allow flights from Israel to utilize their airspace to travel to the UAE, though both countries have yet to follow the UAE in officially recognizing Israel.

Last week, Serbia and Kosovo agreed to move their embassies to Jerusalem. Kosovo is the first Muslim-majority country to move its embassy to Jerusalem  a city that has religious significance for Jews, Christians and Muslims. Most of the international community recognizes Tel Aviv as the capital of Israel, but some countries have recognized Israels capital as Jerusalem after the United States did so in 2017.

The United States has been lobbying other countries in the Middle East and Africa, including Sudan, to normalize ties with Israel following the UAEs decision. No other countries have agreed to do so yet.

Having the Israel-UAE ceremony at the White House could bolster Trumps foreign policy credentials as the US presidential election in November nears. The president talked up the deal at the Republican Party convention last month. Supporting Israel plays well with some Jewish and evangelical Christian voters, though some Jewish groups are now critical of US support to Israel.
The Philippines is taking a different approach in treating COVID-19. As the world is waiting for a vaccine, the Philippines is looking at the wonders of one of their most abundant resources, and that is the virgin coconut oil or VCO.

Trials on VCO

The Department of Science and Technology in the Philippines stated that the use of virgin coconut oil or VCO in the treatment of COVID-19 had shown favorable results in patients that have mild symptoms, according to Inquirer.

DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Pena spoke about VOC at the Laging Handa briefing on September 3 and said that they have conducted trials to see the effects of VCO to patients and if it can help combat COVID-19.

Secretary De la Pena said that the trials are ongoing and that the trials for PGH or Philippine General Hospital have not yet started, but the trials in Sta. Rosa Community Hospital is now happening.

Also Read:Fauci Says COVID-19 Vaccine Could Be Approved Earlier Than Expected, Might Oblige Researchers to Halt Trials

De la Pena added that the flow of the patients is not as frequent as before, but records show that those patients with mild symptoms were given VCO, and they were able to go home.

De la Pena stated that they want more patients to participate in the ongoing trials of VCO in order to have a comprehensive conclusion.

However, he said that the fact that so many have been released from the hospital was a good indication. He added that the patients are still being administered VCO at home, as reported by Rappler.

The secretary said that the methodology at the trails done in Sta. Rosa Community Hospital is that they will be given VCO during their three meals, and their condition is monitored and measured from day one, as soon as they enter or as soon as they participate. They are then checked on day 14 for improvements, and again on day 28.

Different approach

In June 2020, DOST announced that VCO or virgin coconut oil trials would be conducted on coronavirus patients of the Philippine General Hospital.

De la Pena said that PGH is a perfect place to test VCO because it is where patients with moderate and severe cases were placed. The ethics board of the University of the Philippines approved the trials.

The secretary explained that the patients would be given VCO for 14 days to check whether the substance has any good results and if any improvement will be seen.

The first batch of patients was around 100, half were given VCO, and the other half was not given VCO for comparison purposes.

De la Pena also noted that while VCO trials in the Sta. Rosa Community Hospital in Laguna had started a month ago; they are not able to meet the recommended number of 90 patients enrolled in the clinical trial as the arrival of patients for COVID-19 in the area was slow.

In February 2020, Ateneo de Manila University Professor Emeritus Fabian Antonio Dayrit and Dr. Mary Newport of Spring Hill Neonatology in Florida, USA, proposed a clinical study on the use of coconut oil to treat patients, saying that it is affordable and risk-free.

Related Article:Canada's Top Doctors Advise to Wear Mask During Intercourse and Avoid Kissing New People

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Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company, today announced plans to set up a Digital Innovation Hub in Dusseldorf, Germany.

The proposed Digital Innovation Hub will serve as Wipro's flagship centre in Europe and will offer digital transformation expertise to companies in Germany, enable organisations to cross skill and upskill besides supporting talent development in local communities. Wipro will also collaborate with institutions and universities in the North Rhine-Westphalia state to develop tailored programs and career opportunities for young graduates in advanced digital skills and technologies.

The Digital Innovation Hub will aim to galvanise adoption of new skills and technologies by companies to innovate and re-imagine their products and services, improve operational efficiencies, and drive customer and employee delight, thereby transforming their ability to compete and thrive in the market.

Prof. Andreas Pinkwart, State Minister of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalization und Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, said, "Our state is already a leading region in areas such as telecommunications, cybersecurity and smart manufacturing. With the establishment of the Digital Innovation Hub in Dusseldorf, Wipro is now expanding its successful business here. I am convinced the company as well as the North Rhine-Westphalian economy will strongly benefit from this decision."

Mr. Thomas Geisel, Mayor of Dusseldorf said, "The successes are visible! With the establishment of Wipro's Innovation Hub, Dusseldorf has finally become the leading location for Indian IT companies in Germany. Nowhere else do Indian IT companies reach a greater customer potential and a better talent pool than in the Dusseldorf region. This is due in no small part to the fact that the Economic Development Agency of the state capital of Dusseldorf, in close cooperation with our partners NRW. Invest, the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Dusseldorf has continuously worked to establish a first-class service for new market participants. This enables Indian companies to quickly and successfully establish their business models in Dusseldorf."

According to the European Commission, only 1 out of 5 companies across the EU are highly digitalised. In addition, around 60% of large industries and over 90% of small and medium-sized enterprises lag in digital innovation.

Thierry Delaporte, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Wipro Limited said, "We will offer our customers in the German and EU market the ability to leverage our global scale, technical expertise and strategic investments to digitally transform their enterprises. Our Digital Innovation Hub will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology-enabled infrastructure with advanced capabilities, a large pool of experienced digital professionals and a global delivery model to achieve and scale highly integrated capabilities."

"Wipro has built significant expertise around such Digital Hubs/Pods globally. Germany is an attractive destination for world-class talent and innovation, which we're excited and committed to harnessing in collaboration with our clients. This Hub will serve and be relevant to multiple industry segments," said Barath Narayanan SS, Head, Continental Europe, Wipro Limited while announcing the plan to set up this centre in the presence of Prof. Andreas Pinkwart, senior government officials and Wipro leadership team.

About Wipro Limited

Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company. We harness the power of cognitive computing, hyper-automation, robotics, cloud, analytics and emerging technologies to help our clients adapt to the digital world and make them successful. A company recognized globally for its comprehensive portfolio of services, strong commitment to sustainability and good corporate citizenship, we have over 180,000 dedicated employees serving clients across six continents. Together, we discover ideas and connect the dots to build a better and a bold new future.

Forward-Looking Statements

The forward-looking statements contained herein represent Wipro's beliefs regarding future events, many of which are by their nature, inherently uncertain and outside Wipro's control. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Wipro's growth prospects, its future financial operating results, and its plans, expectations and intentions. Wipro cautions readers that the forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in our earnings, revenue and profits, our ability to generate and manage growth, complete proposed corporate actions, intense competition in IT services, our ability to maintain our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which we make strategic investments, withdrawal of fiscal governmental incentives, political instability, war, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our business and industry. The conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could decrease technology spending, adversely affect demand for our products, affect the rate of customer spending and could adversely affect our customers' ability or willingness to purchase our offerings, delay prospective customers' purchasing decisions, adversely impact our ability to provide on-site consulting services and our inability to deliver our customers or delay the provisioning of our offerings, all of which could adversely affect our future sales, operating results and overall financial performance. Our operations may also be negatively affected by a range of external factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic that are not within our control. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, Annual Reports on Form 20-F. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. We may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005597/en/

Contacts:

Wipro Media Contact:

Purnima Burman

Wipro Limited

purnima.burman@wipro.com
The Columbus Dispatch reported that wastewater from the well-drilling process in an injection well in Washington County migrated to gas-producing wells 5 miles away, according to Ohios Department of Natural Resources. The state is investigating to ensure the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing do not get into sources of drinking water.

Townsend-Small, an associate professor in geology and geography in UCs College of Arts and Sciences, said that is a priority.

Thats the biggest concern for people who live in shale gas producing areas, Townsend-Small told the Dispatch.

According to the Dispatch, Ohio has more than 200 injection wells that contain chemicals natural gas companies do not have to disclose publicly.

The wastewater from that injection well, was apparently migrating to the surface through an idle or an orphan well. Otherwise they wouldnt have been able to find it, Townsend-Small said.

Read the story.
We were climbing towards Ramvan from Chakrata at a slow pace. Suddenly someone screamed. We drove the car forward. At the next bend of the road, we saw a number of soldiers in military fatigue near a cave on the hilltop. A rope was hung from the cave down to the road. An instructor was training them to absail down. Before the jump, the trainee had to shout aloud, and we thought that someone was screaming.

We stopped the car. There was no board of any army camp nearby. During their break, I asked the instructor the name of their unit. The instructor said this was the Special Frontier Force (SFF), and said most of the soldiers were Tibetans. During the conversation, I found that they were angry with China and were waiting for their turn. More than three decades have passed, but the incident remains alive in my mind.

At the moment when there is unprecedented tension on the Line of Actual Control with China, everyone is talking about SFF. Till now this force was unknown to most. It was kept on the backstage as a strategy during the 1971 Bangladesh War in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, in 1984 for hoisting the tricolour at the Siachen and during the Kargil war in 1999. The army has not yet officially said anything about it, but its the talk of the townthat these fighters have captured the inaccessible peaks of Pangong.

This is the first time that India had taken such action on the China border. Earlier through Balakot and surgical strikes, the Modi government had sent a message not only to Pakistan but to everyone across the border. We have been trying to resolve Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and Chinese incursions at the diplomatic level till now. Now the army will respond to the action and the diplomat will reach the point through dialogue. Xi Jinping and his junta failed to understand this.

No wonder defence minister Rajnath Singh has visited Moscow twice in the last two months. Last week he went there for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting. Chinas defence minister Wei Fenghe was also there. The talks between them was not on the agenda but Wei took the initiative, with Russia pushing for it as well. This is the first high-level dialogue amid unprecedented tension at the border. What happened? What arguments were given by both sides? Will there be a solution? The answers are not known yet. We have to be vigilant. China never keeps its promises. The martyrdom of Indian soldiers from Rezang La to Galwan alerts us to this fact.

Singhs visit was also important because we still depend a lot on Russia for essential military supplies and historically it has been our friend. Russia always supported us during the wars with Pakistan. Things have changed in the last few years, so there is a need to renew this bond. It is said that the outcome of the biggest wars are decided finally on the negotiating table and that if this negotiation is already done, there is no need for war. And now, foreign minister S. Jaishankar is going to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow on 10 September. Is Moscow going to add a new chapter in Indias strategic history after Tashkent?

Even if China had not encroached on our land, India still had to acquire the power to deal with it. The Pentagon has revealed in a report this week that China is looking to double its nuclear stockpile in 10 years. Not only this, China also wants to besiege India from all sides. It has ambitions to build military bases in the UAE, Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles and Angola along with Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. China claims that it has the largest navy in the world. It is a different matter that due to the diplomatic efforts of New Delhi, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have thrown out Beijings offer. Is Nepal next?

It is said of World War II that if Hitler had been prevented from advancing from Munich, there would not have been a second world war. Isnt it an easy way to deal with fears of a Third World Warthat the whole world makes a meaningful effort to stop Xi Jinpings expansionist attitude? Perhaps this is why the US has increased its deployment of warships and warplanes in Diego Garcia and South China Sea. It is needed in the current situation.

The manner in which the foreign ministry of China is talking these days tells us a lot about it. Earlier this week, when the Czech Republic criticized it, China rebuked that the Czech Republic would have to repent for it. Australia has also been threatened in the same manner. Chinese spokesperson has even threatened that China will make things worse for India than in 1962. Everyone knows that a lot has changed in India between 1962 and 2020. The peaks of southern Pangong Tso bear witness to this. Beijing is not so deaf as not to hear the echoes from here.

Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief, Hindustan. His Twitter handle is @shekarkahin

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Many aspiring guest workers have delayed plans to go abroad

Since the beginning of March, BIC International Co., Ltd. has been hanging posters and advertisements across Hai Duong city as well as on social networking sites like Facebook and Zalo to call for those interested in studying or working abroad. Though the company has been to recruiting workers and students to travel to South Korea and Japan, months have passed and no-one has applied.

With interrupted business and no revenue, BIC International was forced to lay off almost all of its employees, and only one accountant was kept. The country also had to liqTwo out of three language teachers for the company also had to liquidate their contracts.

Discussing the difficult situation, BIC director Nguyen Viet Chinh said, The labour export market has been almost entirely frozen by COVID-19. Before the Lunar New Year, we had more than 10 students learning the language to go to South Korea in the next few months. However, most have now dropped out. Only a couple of students are trying to finish the Korean language course, but we do not know when they can depart.

In the last five months, the company has been regularly posting information about Japanese and South Korean training courses, and a number of counselling sessions for those wishing to work there have also been held in preparation for the two countries to gradually ease visa restrictions for Vietnamese workers, but the situation has yet to improve.

It is a common situation for many enterprises operating in the same fields. An employee of Hoa Binh Human Resource Co., Ltd., based in Hoang Mai district of Hanoi, said the company has let employees quit their jobs since the beginning of the year due to difficulties in recruiting people to work abroad.

In fact, the demand for labour recruitment in many foreign enterprises is still high. Due to fear of the pandemic among foreign business owners and domestic workers and the suspension of receiving foreign workers in some key markets, labour export activity has stalled.

Apart from workers that have been granted visas, the common path for many Vietnamese workers is to find a temporary job and wait for the pandemic to be controlled, then register for vocational training and language learning.

Thu Thuy (32) currently lives in Nam Dinh and applied for an apprenticeship to work in Japan but the plan was cancelled because of the pandemic. Working abroad with a high income has been my dream for a long time. But at this time, the pandemic is not controlled and Japan is also restricting the number of foreign workers, so I decided to delay the course and wait, she said.

Over the past month the labour export market has been showing signs of recovery as markets such as South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan (which account for more than 90 per cent of the total number of Vietnamese workers) seek to receive Vietnamese workers to restore production and business after the pandemic.

Since May, Taiwan has opened up for a large number of Vietnamese workers because while Indonesia and the Philippines have been the main sources of labour for the market, both countries are still heavily affected by the global health crisis.

Meanwhile, in July the Human Resources Development Service of Korea organised Korean language proficiency tests in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang, giving hope that the market would be soon reopened.

At the end of July, Japan announced the re-issuance of visas for Vietnamese workers.

However, in the first stage of receiving such workers, both countries have priority policies for skilled workers in machinery and technology-related industries. Meanwhile, Vietnamese labour exports are mainly unskilled and have lower value than many neighbouring countries.

To support businesses operating in labour export and facing difficulties, Dang Sy Dung, deputy director of the Department of Overseas Labour (DoLAB), said that the department has collaborated with the Ministry of Finance to develop Circular No.54/2020/TT-BTC dated June 12, regulating a reduction of 50 per cent of fees for the verification of papers and documents, as well as fees for permits for sending workers abroad under definite-term contracts until December 31.

In addition, the simplification of administrative procedures and the enhancement of online settlement for contract registration, licensing for enterprises, and research on deferred payment of the contribution of 1 per cent of the service fee revenues of enterprises to the Fund for Overseas Employment Support during the pandemic is also actively proposed by the DoLAB.

According to a representative of the DoLAB, in order to have qualified candidates meet the rising recruitment needs of post-pandemic labour markets, businesses now need to link with training institutions for both vocational and foreign language training to propagate and guide workers wishing to work abroad.
Carolyn Reidy, the late president and chief executive of Simon & Schuster, will be honored with the Literarian Awards at the 2020 National Book Award in November. (Simon & Schuster)

The National Book Foundation announced today that Carolyn Reidy, the late president and chief executive of Simon & Schuster, will be the recipient of its Literarian Award at the 2020 National Book Awards. This will be the first time the award has been presented posthumously.

The lifetime achievement distinction, which honors American literary figures for outstanding service in expanding the audience for books and reading, will be announced in a video tribute featuring authors and colleagues from Reidy's four decades in publishing. The award will be accepted by her husband, Stephen, and the $10,000 prize will be donated to her favorite charity, Worldreader.

"Carolyn would have been enormously humbled by this award," said Stephen Reidy. "In all her publishing career and her work at the National Book Foundation, she put authors and their works in the forefront and worked to keep all her focus on them. So for the National Book Foundation to depart from that focus and award Carolyn its Literarian Award this year is to put her in the forefront in a way that would have surprised and honored her."

"Carolyn Reidy was a singular force in the world of books," said Lisa Lucas, executive director of the National Book Foundation, which presents the awards, in a statement. "And we are forever grateful for her passion and advocacy not just for the foundation but for authors and readers everywhere," Lucas said in a press statement. "It was an honor to work alongside her and see firsthand how she always brought her keen vision, business acumen and relentless compassion to everything she did."

Maya Angelou delivers her acceptance speech for the Literarian Award at the National Book Awards ceremony in 2013. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

David Steinberger, chair of the foundation's board of directors, also released a statement that read in part: "Books and readers around the world have benefitted deeply from having Carolyn Reidy at the helm of the publishing industry." Mentioning her leadership of the foundation's program committee, he added, "In her almost two decades of generous service she instilled energy, creativity and insight into all of the National Book Foundation's programming."

Story continues

Reidy, who died May 12 at age 71, became the first woman to head Simon & Schuster when she was promoted to president and CEO of the publishing house in 2008. She got her start in the industry in 1974 at Random House and later served as publisher of its Vintage Books imprint. Eventually she moved to Avon Books as president and publisher. In 1992, she joined Simon & Schuster as president of its trade division before becoming president of the Adult Publishing Group in 2001.

Reidy guided Simon & Schuster through a recession, digital disruption and industry-wide financial difficulties. The publisher, whose parent company, ViacomCBS, announced it was up for sale in early March, appointed Jonathan Karp as Reidy's successor. Dana Canedy, a publishing outsider and the first Black woman to hold the position, was selected to take his place as publisher of the flagship imprint.

During Reidy's time at Simon & Schuster, the company published books by National Book Award honorees including Stephen King, Jesmyn Ward, Isabel Allende, Anthony Doerr, Walter Isaacson, David McCullough and Annie Proulx.

Past recipients of the Literarian award include Maya Angelou, Joan Ganz Cooney, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Terry Gross, Oren J. Teicher and Kyle Zimmer. Nominations are made by former National Book Award winners, finalists and judges as well as writers and literary professionals from across the country. Finalists are selected by the National Book Foundation's board of directors.

The 71st National Book Awards ceremony will be held on Nov. 18, 2020.
Chinese troops lined up with spears last night on the Himalayan border with India where soldiers fought in deadly hand-to-hand combat three months ago.

Indian soldiers responded with warning shots after China's forces gathered menacingly with 'rods, spears and sharp weapons' on the disputed border between the nuclear-armed rivals.

The Chinese troops were 'expecting close combat with the Indian Army soldiers', Indian media suggested - raising fears of a repeat of the deadly clash in June.

China also allegedly fired warning shots in what Beijing called the first exchange of gunfire along the frontier for 45 years, which both sides blamed on each other.

While gunfire is theoretically banned under an old agreement, tensions boiled over in June into a medieval-style clash where soldiers fought with stones, nail-studded batons and even their fists, leaving 20 Indians dead in the deadliest violence on the border since 1967.

Armed with spears: Chinese troops near the disputed Himalayan border with India last night where gunfire is banned but soldiers fought in deadly hand-to-hand combat in June

The Chinese troops (pictured) were accused of trying to surround an Indian military post, but China says India fired warning shots at a Chinese patrol

Indian government sources told the Press Trust of India that the soldiers armed with spears were 'aggressively' approaching an Indian outpost near the border.

The sources claimed that China's People Liberation Army had fired 10 to 15 rounds in the air to 'intimidate our troops' after India warned of retaliation.

New Delhi accused the Chinese border forces of 'blatantly violating agreements' and firing the rounds to intimidate their Indian rivals.

Indian colonel Aman Anand accused China of 'provocative activities', saying the Chinese soldiers tried to surround an Indian military post and adding that Indian troops 'exercised great restraint.'

However, China said Indian forces had crossed into territory it holds and fired warning shots at a Chinese patrol.

'The Indian troops brazenly made gunshot threat to the patrolling Chinese border guards who came forwards for negotiations, and the Chinese border guards were forced to take countermeasures to stabilise the situation,' said Zhang Shuili, a representative of the PLA's western theater command.

China's foreign ministry said Indian troops had illegally crossed the LAC and were the first to fire shots.

'This is a serious military provocation,' spokesman Zhao Lijian told a daily news conference in Beijing today, urging India to discipline its front-line troops.

'We request the Indian side to immediately stop dangerous actions...and strictly investigate and punish personnel who fired shots to ensure that similar incidents do not occur,' he said.

Officially no shots have been fired in the area since 1975 when four Indian troops were killed in an ambush.

Indian soldiers pay their respects in Leh during the funeral of their comrade, Tibetan-origin India's special forces soldier Nyima Tenzin, amid rising tensions between India and China over their shared western Himalayan border

An Indian Air Force's (IAF) C-17 Globemaster transport plane flies over a mountain range in Leh in the Ladakh region, September 8. Both India and China claim shots were fired along the disputed border below, in a further escalation of military tension between the nuclear-armed nations

Hundreds of troops are in eyeball-to-eyeball proximity along the remote border, where a full-scale war was fought in 1962 that ended in an uneasy truce.

Both continue to lay claim to thousands of square miles of territory stretching from the snow deserts of Ladakh in the west to mountain forests in the east.

The clash occurred along the southern coast of Pangong Lake, in an area known in China as Shenpaoshan and in India as Chushul.

The glacial lake in the barren, uninhabited mountains was where soldiers began facing off in early May.

Amid weeks of tensions, both sides accused each other of intruding over the other's border and building roads or observation towers.

Satellite images appeared to show China deploying new machinery and possibly diverting the course of a river near the Line of Actual Control.

India meanwhile finished building a 200ft strategic bridge over the river which was intended to allow for 'rapid military mobilisation'.

The tension came to a head in a night-time clash on June 15 which became the deadliest conflict in 45 years between the two countries.

India said 20 of its soldiers were killed in the hours-long brawl which is thought to have involved up to 900 soldiers, while China acknowledged casualties but did not give figures.

Post-mortems showed that the 'primary reason for death is drowning and it looks like they fell from a height into the water because of head injuries,' one Indian official said.

Both sides blamed each other for provoking the conflict, while the US took India's side by offering 'deepest condolences' to the soldiers killed.

Indian protesters burn a poster of Chinese president Xi Jinping in July after a mass brawl which left 20 soldiers dead. India has now accused Beijing of kidnapping five of its citizens

At least 20 Indian soldiers, including a colonel, were killed in June during a mass brawl at the border

Since the deadly June incident, India has stepped up economic pressure by banning Chinese apps, blocking Chinese products at ports and stopping its companies from bidding for contracts.

The two sides have since renewed patrols along the 2,000-mile frontier, while military commanders and diplomats have made little progress in several rounds of talks to reduce tension.

Before the latest clash on Monday, India accused China of kidnapping five of its citizens along the disputed border.

An Indian government minister said a military hotline meant to defuse border tensions had been activated over the possible kidnapping.

India said it brought the issue of the missing civilians to the attention of the PLA on Saturday.

'We spoke with them on the hotline and told them that it's suspected that some people have crossed across to your side and we will be grateful if you could hand them over back, as per what we do normally,' Lieutenant Colonel Harsh Wardhan Pande, a spokesman for India's defence forces, told Reuters.

'There is no earmarked line going through the forest or the mountains, so they keep moving here and there. So they might have gone there. It's a very normal thing.'

As of Monday, he said they were yet to hear back from the Chinese on the matter.

Indian soldiers pay their respects during the funeral of their comrade, Tibetan-origin India's special forces soldier Nyima Tenzin in Leh on September 7

Relatives attend the funeral of Tibetan-origin India's special forces soldier Nyima Tenzin in Leh on September 7

Separately, a Tibetan member of an Indian special forces unit who died days ago in a mine blast near the site of a border flare-up with Chinese troops in the western Himalayas was cremated on Monday.

His death gave a rare glimpse into a little-known group of elite, high-altitude warriors drawn mainly from Tibetan refugees in India.

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.

Nyima was part of the Special Frontier Force (SFF), a little-known group of elite, high-altitude warriors drawn mainly from Tibetan refugees in India.

Few details are publicly known about the covert force set up soon the 1962 war. Two officials estimated its strength at more than 3,500 men.

The force recruits mostly from the hundreds of thousands who have made India their home since the Dalai Lama fled Tibet following a failed uprising in 1959.

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.

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'.

An Indian army convoy moves on the Srinagar- Ladakh highway at Gagangeer, northeast of Srinagar, Indian-controlled Kashmir
The bodies of two missing American tourists, 78 and 73, have been found in a well in northern Mexico days after their abandoned car was discovered in a remote area.

Ian Hirschsohn, 78, and Kathy Harvey, 73, both of San Diego, vanished while vacationing near El Socorrito, south of San Quintin, about 200 miles south of the United States-Mexico border, reported CBS8.

The retired couple, who own a home in the area, were last heard from on August 28 when they texted relatives to say they were going to explore a gold mine or visit a beach.

Their remains were found at the bottom of a well in a remote area south of Ensenada days later.

A law enforcement official who spoke to DailyMail.com under the condition of anonymity said Tuesday that Baja California authorities have identified a male suspect and were in the process of obtaining a warrant for his arrest.

The bodies of two missing American tourists, Ian Hirschsohn, 78, and Kathy Harvey, 73, (pictured together) have been found in a well in northern Mexico days after their abandoned car was discovered in a remote area

A law enforcement official who spoke to DailyMail.com under the condition of anonymity said Tuesday that a suspect has been identified in connection with the deaths of Ian Hirschsohn (pictured) and his partner Kathy Harvey

The Baja California state prosecutor's office confirmed in a statement Monday that the bodies recovered from the well were identified as that of the elderly couple.

Hirschsohn and Harvey were reported missing September 2, the statement said.

Harvey's son, Robert Harvey, told CBS8 he received a text from his mom on the evening of Friday August 28 saying they were planning on going to a gold mine or to a beach.

The couple were never heard from again.

They were due to return to San Diego on August 31 after spending around a week on holiday together.

Mexican authorities discovered the couple's car - a navy-blue Toyota Land Cruiser - in Ensenada earlier last week, Robert told CBS8.

Investigators then spotted human remains matching the couple's description at the bottom of a nearby well Thursday.

The bodies were recovered Friday and Saturday and later identified as the couple, the Baja California state prosecutor's office said.

Hirschsohn and Harvey, both of San Diego, vanished while vacationing near El Socorrito, south of San Quintin, about 200 miles south of the Mexican border

Mexican authorities discovered the couple's car - a navy-blue Toyota Land Cruiser - in Ensenada earlier last week. Pictured the couple's car

Pictured Hirschsohn. The retired couple were last heard from on August 28 when they texted relatives to say they were going to explore a gold mine or visit a beach

No information regarding the cause of death or motive was provided.

The investigation is ongoing and foul play is suspected.

Harvey's distraught son paid tribute to his mom, who worked for more than three decades as a physical therapist in Chula Vista before her retirement.

'She was really enjoying retirement and had multiple groups of friends,' Robert told CBS8.

He said the couple loved traveling together and often stayed in the community of expats near El Socorrito.

'She loved walking and traveling. She had a huge bucket list of where she wanted to go,' Robert added.

Hirschsohn's daughter Ava Setzer wrote in a Facebook post that the couple had been staying in a home in El Socorrito that Hirschsohn bought back in 1985.

She described him as a keen windsurfer and 'seasoned veteran of Baja travel' who had visited the area for more than three decades.

According to Hirschsohn's LinkedIn account, the California retiree graduated from the University of The Witwatersrand in Johannesburg in 1963 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He obtained a master's degree in engineering sciences from Purdue University in 1966, and completed a second master's degree in aerospace, aeronautical and astronautical engineering in 1967 from Princeton University.

The couple's remains were found at the bottom of a well in a remote area south of Ensenada. Pictured the coast of Ensenada

Craig Harrison's body was found at a beach in Baja California, Mexico, on Saturday. The 65-year-old was stabbed in the chest. He had been living in Mexico since 1997 after working as an accountant and a wine importer in Canada

Their deaths come as the body of another man was found on a beach at the southern end of the Baja Peninsula on Saturday evening.

Craig Harrison, 65, was found dead on the beach in Cabo Pulmo with stab wounds, said the Baja California Sur state prosecutor's office.

An autopsy revealed he had been stabbed in the chest and was wearing a backpack filled with rocks before ending up in the ocean.

Harrison, a citizen of South Africa and Canada who settled in Mexico, had been missing since August 29.

According to his real estate website, Harrison settled in Cabo San Lucas in 1997 after working as an accountant and a wine importer in Canada.

He ran a vacation rental business in Cabo.
But quesabirria usually starts with beef, and the addition of cheese and the crisping of the tortillas on the griddle makes it stand out. In an article on Eater, taco scholar Bill Esparza is quoted as saying he first noticed the dish in Tijuana, Mexico, before it made its way to Los Angeles and San Francisco, where it almost immediately drew raves. It was just a matter of time before it landed in Chicago.
Former Married At First Sight stars Jules Robinson and Cam Merchant are set to welcome their first child in the coming weeks.

And Cam gave fans an update about who will be in the delivery room with them when Jules goes into labour - and it's not who you would expect.

Appearing on the podcast The Babble on Monday, the reality star joked that A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw could be the one deliver their baby.

Delivery room: Cam Merchant gave fans an update about who will be in the delivery room with them when Jules Robinson goes into labour - and it's not who you would expect

'Tracy Grimshaw potentially could deliver our baby,' Cam joked.

'We got married on A Current Affair, so why not. And, Tracy, she's a good friend.'

But all jokes aside, Cam revealed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic at one stage they were concerned that Cam wouldn't even be allowed in the room.

Surprise guest: Appearing on the podcast The Babble, the reality star joked that A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw (pictured) could potentially deliver their baby

'There was one stage where we thought I might not even be able to get into the hospital room to deliver the baby and how shattering would that be.

However, restrictions have begun to ease since then, and Cam will be holding Jules hand throughout the whole experience.

Meanwhile the couple are racing against the clock to renovate their new $1.8million home ahead of the birth of their first child.

Keeping busy! Jules (pictured) and Cameron Merchant are racing against the clock to renovate their new $1.8million home ahead of the birth of their first child

But it seems that things are really coming together for the couple.

Jules, 36, shared a series of posts to Instagram on Monday, giving fans an update on their renovations.

In one video, a tradesman can be seen laying down flooring in the hallway, after having painted the walls, and Jules also revealed that she had chosen a bright red colour for their front door.

Nice and bright: Jules also revealed that she had chosen a bright red colour for their front door

It was reported earlier this month that Jules and Cam had bought a $1.8million property in Sydney's Northern Beaches.

The purchase came after Cam sold his apartment in Kirribilli for $900,000.

Their contemporary family home features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a large outdoor entertaining area.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : The Centre has given cash support to more than 42 crore beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), totalling Rs 68,820 crore, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) till September 7, the Finance Ministry said on Tuesday.

The Rs 1.7 lakh crore PMGKP package was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on March 26 to protect the weaker and most vulnerable sections of society from the impact of the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

Under the package, the government had announced free food grains and cash payments to women and poor senior citizens and farmers. It's swift implementation is being continuously monitored by the central and state governments.

So far, 8.52 crore Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) cylinders have been booked and delivered during April and May under the scheme. It includes 3.27 crore PMUY free cylinders delivered to beneficiaries for June 2020, 1.05 crore for July 2020, 0.89 crore for August 2020, and 0.15 crore for September 2020.

In a statement, the Finance Ministry said that as of now, the Union government has released Rs 2,476 crore for the benefit of 0.43 crore Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) account-holder employees, wherein the government had decided to make the entire 24 per cent PF contribution of both the employers and employees for a further period of six months till August.

Moreover, 36.05 lakh members of the EPFO have taken benefit of online withdrawal of non-refundable advance from their respective accounts, totalling Rs 9,543 crore.

The government has also released the first instalment of PM-KISAN (Rs 17,891 crore) and transferred it to 8.94 crore identified farmers who were given Rs 2,000 each directly in their bank accounts.

The government has also disbursed Rs 30,952 crore to women Jan Dhan account holders. A sum of Rs 10,325 crore was disbursed to 20.65 crore women Jan Dhan account holders (100 per cent beneficiaries) as the first instalment, which came to Rs 500 each.

Moreover, Rs 10,315 crore was also credited to 20.63 crore women Jan Dhan account holders (100 per cent beneficiaries) as the second instalment. A sum of Rs 10,312 crore was credited to 20.62 crore (100%) women Jan Dhan account holders as the third instalment.

In addition, the government also released Rs 2,814.5 crore to about 2.81 crore elderly persons, widows, and disabled persons in two instalments. Each beneficiary received an ex gratia cash of Rs 500 under the scheme as the first instalment and another Rs 500 as second instalment. For each instalment, the Centre disbursed Rs 1,407 crore to 100 per cent of the identified beneficiaries.

Also, 1.82 crore building and construction workers have so far received financial support totalling Rs 4,987.18 crore.

So far, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, 37.52 lakh tonnes of food grains has been distributed to 75.04 crore beneficiaries in April 2020, 37.46 lakh tonnes to 74.92 crore beneficiaries in May, and 36.62 lakh tonnes (LMT) to 73.24 crore beneficiaries in June.

The scheme was further extended for 5 months till November.

Since then, 98.31 LMT food grains has been lifted by states/UTs so far. In July, 36.09 lakh tonnes of food grains was distributed to 72.18 crore beneficiaries, in August 30.22 lakh tonnes to 60.44 crore beneficiaries, and in September 1.92 lakh tonnes to 3.84 crore beneficiaries so far.

In addition, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, 5.43 lakh tonnes of pulses was also distributed to 18.8 crore beneficiaries between April-June 2020. This scheme was also extended for 5 months till November 2020 for distribution of 'chana'. About 4.6 LMT 'chana' has been dispatched so far.

As of September 7, 1,475 tonnes of 'chana' was distributed to 0.15 crore beneficiary households in September, 86 MT to 0.008 crore beneficiary households for October, and 40 MT to 0.004 crore beneficiary households for November.

Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Centre announced free food grains and 'chana' to migrants for 2 months. During the distribution period up to August, 2.67 LMT of food grains was distributed to 5.32 crore migrants. This works out to an average of about 2.66 crore beneficiaries per month, which is nearly 95% of the estimated number of migrants.

Similarly, under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, 16,417 tonnes of 'chana' was distributed to 1.64 crore migrant households, which is 82 lakh households on an average per month.

The Government also released Rs 59,618 crore to the states to liquidate pending dues of both wages and material under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), as part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package.

The government also increased the payments for MGNREGS work with effect from April 1 to help the largely migrant workers, who are without work in the wake of the lockdown and suspension of business activities due to Covid-19 pandemic.

So far, in this financial year, 195.21 crore person's man-days of work has been generated under MGNREGS. The government is looking at its employment guarantee scheme to help workers find temporary employment and get wages on their return to hometowns.

The government has increased MGNREGS wages by Rs 20 in this financial year, that will translate into additional benefit of Rs 2,000 annually to a worker.

Under the District Mineral Fund (DMF), the states have been asked to spend 30% of the funds, which comes to Rs 3,787 crore. Of this, Rs 343.66 crore has been spent so far.

An insurance scheme for health workers in government hospitals and healthcare centres has been operationalised w.e.f. March 30, 2020. The New India Assurance is implementing the scheme, which has since been extended to September.
Clarissa Levy and Manoela dos Santos Bonaldo from Brazil, and Ronny Suarez and Carlos Francisco Fernandez from Colombia join the class of 2020-2021 Rosalynn Carter Fellows for Mental Health Journalism

ATLANTA ... The Carter Center and Universidad de La Sabana in Bogota, Colombia, in association with the Gabo Foundation, announce the recipients of the two annual fellowships awarded by the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism in Latin America.

Since 2013, the Carter Center and Universidad de La Sabana have awarded fellowships to journalists in the region to investigate and produce in-depth journalistic work related to mental health or mental illness in Latin America.

Fellowship recipients will receive US$7,000 each and virtual training from The Carter Center at the beginning and end of the fellowship year and mentorship from top journalists and behavioral health experts. Fellowships begin in September 2020.

Initially open to Colombian journalists, the program expanded in 2019 to other Latin American countries, in partnership with the Gabo Foundation. This year, 107 journalists applied from across Latin America.

We received the largest number of applications since the launch of the fellowships in Latin America, and judges were also excited by the extraordinary quality of the proposals and the wide interest of both digital and traditional media to investigate in-depth the mental health challenges in different countries in the region, said Victor Garcia, professor of the Communication School at Universidad de La Sabana and fellowship administrator for Latin America.

The fellowship selection process included three rounds, the first of which involved a committee of the scholarship administrators in Colombia and the Gabo Foundation selecting 12 outstanding projects. In the second round of evaluation, a group of journalists and mental health experts selected finalists for three projects for a final interview with the grant administrators.

The 2020-21 Rosalynn Carter Fellows for Mental Health Journalism in Latin America are:

Clarissa Levy and Manoela dos Santos Bonaldo (freelancers)

The Intercept, Brazil

Clarissa Levy and Manoela dos Santos Bonaldo

Topic: Mal dos Nervos: Depression and suicide in the countryside is a proposal for a multimedia report that will investigate the high incidence of mental illness and suicide among tobacco growers in southern Brazil.

Clarissa Levy is a journalist with experience covering human rights, politics, economics and health issues. She directed a documentary short film about the struggle to maintain the traditions of the Quilombo community on the Northwest coast of Brazil. She is a freelance reporter for Swissinfo.ch, The Intercept and other Brazilian media, and works as a multimedia producer for Trovao Midia, where she develops scripts for podcast series.

Manoela dos Santos Bonaldo is a text and video reporter with experience covering politics, gender inequality and human rights. He received the Fernando Pacheco Jordao Young Journalist Award from the Vladimir Herzog Institute for his work on the inability of the Brazilian State to protect children and adolescents who are victims of sexual violence.

Ronny Suarez Celemin and Carlos Francisco Fernandez

El Tiempo, Colombia

Ronny Suarez Celemin

Carlos Francisco Fernandez

Topic: Multimedia and data journalism proposal that seeks to make visible the mental health status of Colombian health workers who are in the first and second line of response to Covid-19 during the current health crisis.

Ronny Suarez Celemin is deputy editor for health at El Tiempo. He has more than 10 years of experience in the countrys biggest newsrooms of the country. He has specialized in the design of communication strategies and the coordination of journalistic content for the health sector in its medical, scientific, economic and health fields.

Carlos Francisco Fernandez is editor for health at El Tiempo. He is a doctor, communicator, administrator, teacher and union manager with more than 20 years of experience in the health sector in clinical, academic, managerial and journalistic areas. He is director of the Rehabilitation Unit of the San Ignacio University Hospital in Bogota and a professor at the Javeriana University.

For more than two decades, The Carter Center has awarded annual fellowships to over 200 journalists, who have been trained and connected with resources and experts to increase the quality and accuracy of mental health reporting around the world. The program currently operates in Colombia with the inclusion of Latin American journalists, the United States, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and previously New Zealand, South Africa and Romania.

The Carter Center offers training, educational material, advice, evaluation tools and technical assistance to La Sabana to develop a sustainable program adapted to the needs of Latin America. La Sabana administers the program for Latin America and is responsible for the process of selecting journalists, organizing conferences and training for the media, adapting the program to respond to local needs and developing an evaluation of regional strategies.

Since the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism Program was established in 1996, the fellows have produced more than 1,500 stories, documentaries, books and other journalistic work. Their projects have won multiple Emmy Awards, Pulitzer Prize nominations and other prestigious awards.

More information

Follow @CarterFellows on Twitter to learn more about Carter Fellows work.

For more information on Latin American fellows, follow the University of La Sabana on Twitter at @unisabana.

Contact: Rennie Sloan, rennie.sloan@cartercenter.org

###

"Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope."

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
Many Japanese enterprises expressed interest in relocating their manufacturing to Vietnam at a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi on Monday.

The meeting was attended by PM Phuc, senior Vietnamese officials, Japanese business representatives, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio, and representatives of Japanese economic institutions.

Responding to statements of interest in Vietnams investment milieu from Japanese firms, the Vietnamese PM guaranteed the country's welcoming policies that correspond to global supply chain relocation plans of Japanese entities, among others.

Adequate market for ambitious ventures

Speaking highly of the Japanese government and the immense contribution of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo in the recent development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, Phuc also highlighted the timely initiative of supply chain diversification in times of the COVID-19 pandemic by the Japanese government.

Among the 30 Japanese firms who benefitted from the first batch of a supply chain diversification support package from the Japanese government, there were at least 15 firms expressing interest in manufacturing expansion to Vietnam.

From the perspective of the Vietnamese government, Japanese businesses are highly regarded as a community of committed and trustworthy investors who deliver significant efficiency in their business operations, notable contributions to the public budget, as well as environmental protection awareness and responsibility to workers living standards.

Vietnams lawmaking National Assembly has passed a number of laws, including the Law on Investment, amendments to the Law on Enterprises, and the Law on Public-Private Partnership, to improve transparency, convenience, and investment incentives for foreign entities, the premier said.

On top of that, the participation of Vietnam in free trade agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership or the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement testifies for the prospects of the countrys investment environment, living up to international standards, Phuc stressed.

Vietnams investment environment is big enough to accommodate ambitious investment projects. It is also a great fit for plans on restructuring and supply chain diversification on either a global or regional scale by international investors, specifically Japanese [stakeholders], the Vietnamese PM stated while informing the reopening of regular international flights to Japan, slated for later this month.

According to Ambassador Takio, the Vietnamese economy has shown impressive growth and is proving its place in the global scene.

The Vietnam-Japan relationship is being strengthened, a testament to which is a discussion between the countries' government leaders which took place via phone call last month, the ambassador said.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at a conference with Japanese investors in Hanoi, September 7, 2020. Photo: chinhphu.vn

Preferential mechanism to boost investment

As the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to show any sign of dwindling, the Japanese ambassador exalted Vietnam for its good risk management capacity, which enabled the country to enjoy the advantage of global supply chain diversification.

International investors, and specifically Japanese investors, are eyeing Vietnam as a destination for their ventures in the 'new normal' post-COVID-19, the ambassador said.

A survey by the Japan External Trade Organization revealed that a large number of Japanese business entities hold interest in shifting manufacturing to Vietnam, the diplomat added.

As seen at the conference, Japanese entities mentioned an array of fields for investment in Vietnam, among which are human resources, development of new sectors, supporting industries, and research and development.

On the other hand, the Vietnamese side expressed interest in ventures related to infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, high-quality agriculture, information technology, smart cities, financial services, banking, innovation-based startups, as well as strategic partnerships in the privatization of state-owned companies in Vietnam.

Speaking at the conference, a representative of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry proposed a preferential mechanism in favor of investments from the manufacturing and machinery industries of Japan, plus the construction of energy infrastructure under the public private partnership framework, both of which are expected to promote Japanese investments into Vietnam's state-owned companies.

The representative also brought forward preferential mechanisms for high-tech companies and firms mulling over large-scale expansion to Vietnam, as well as incentives for production chains rather than standalone companies.

The Vietnamese PM ordered relevant ministries, departments, and localities to promptly untangle obstacles within their authority.

Vietnam will try its best to allow leeway for the expansion plans envisaged by the 15 Japanese firms during the first batch, all while preparing the mint condition to welcome the next batches, the PM affirmed.

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T he global race to develop a coronavirus vaccine gathered pace today with Japan aiming to get enough jabs for all its citizens by the middle of next year.

The Japanese government has approved spending 671.4 billion yen (4.82bn) from emergency budget reserves with the aim of securing free coronavirus vaccines for its population.

Meanwhile, Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinovac has said its coronavirus vaccine candidate appeared to be safe for older people, according to preliminary results from a trial.

It comes after UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock dramatically raised hopes of a Covid-19 vaccine in the new year.

Countries are desperately trying to develop a vaccine in order to return life to normal.

The issue has also become a bone of contention in the US presidential race, with Donald Trump and Joe Biden trading insults over their positions on a vaccine.

Donald Trump slams Biden over coronavirus plan

President Trump has hinted that a vaccine could be available before the November election, accusing the Democrats of reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric.

At a White House news conference, the President said: Its so dangerous for our country, what they say, but the vaccine will be very safe and very effective.

He made the comments after Senator Kamala Harris, the Democrats vice presidential candidate, said she would not trust his word on getting the vaccine.

Mr Biden said President Trump had said so many things that arent true, Im worried if we do have a really good vaccine, people are going to be reluctant to take it. So hes undermining public confidence.

Mr Hancock said yesterday that it was looking up that the vaccine being developed by experts at the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca would be granted approval for use soon after trials in several countries, including the UK, US and Brazil.

He said the manufacturing of doses had already started so that it could be rolled out across the country when given the all-clear.

It comes as ministers called on people to stick to coronavirus rules or risk them being tightened amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the UK.
KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - Frank Savory says his family is relieved now that they know his cousin is going to be okay. After the shooting, five victims arrived at a nearby hospital. The sixth victim called police from their home. "What I saw last night, I thought I was looking at Baghdad, Iraq.
A variety of topics in African American history and culture from the end of the Civil War to the present are addressed in the exhibition Black Lives Matter, Black Culture Matters in the Kruizenga Art Museum at Hope College.

The exhibition, which features 50 artworks, opened to current Hope College ID holders on Tuesday, Aug. 18, and will open to the public on Thursday, Sept. 17. It will continue through Saturday, Nov. 21.

Admission is free.

The exhibition is an attempt to provide some historical context for the current Black Lives Matter protests against systemic racism in many areas of American life, said Charles Mason, who is the director and the Margaret Feldmann Kruizenga Curator of the Kruizenga Art Museum. We do not pretend that the exhibition offers a comprehensive survey of this important issue, but we hope that the show will lead to contemplation, conversation and ultimately change.

The 50 pieces in the exhibition, which span 150 years of Black American experience, all belong to the permanent collection of the Kruizenga Art Museum. Most of the artworks have been acquired over the past six years as part of the museums mission to educate, engage and inspire the communities of Hope College and West Michigan while fostering the qualities of empathy, tolerance and global understanding that are part of Hope Colleges mission to provide an outstanding Christian liberal arts education, Mason said.

Black Lives Matter, Black Culture Matters was organized by the Kruizenga Art Museum and was made possible by donations from several Hope College alumni and other museum supporters, including Dr. Ronald 62 and Mrs. Gerri Vander Molen, Judith Kingma 56 Hazelton, Roberta VanGilder 53 Kaye, Dr. Arthur and Mrs. Kristine Rossof, Dr. Bruce and Mrs. Ann Haight, and David Kamansky and Gerald Wheaton.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kruizenga Art Museums hours and visitor guidelines have changed. The museum is open to current Hope College ID holders on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will be open to the general public on Thursdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All visitors to the museum are required to wear masks, and to remain at least 6 feet apart from other visitors and museum staff. Additional information about current museum hours and guidelines is available at hope.edu/kam.

The museum functions as an educational resource for Hope College and the greater West Michigan community. The museum features two public galleries as well as a classroom and climate-controlled storage space for its 5,000-object permanent collection. It is named in honor of a leadership gift from Dr. Richard and Margaret Kruizenga, both of whom graduated from Hope in 1952. Margaret Kruizenga died in April 2013, and Richard Kruizenga died on August 15 of this year.

The Kruizenga Art Museum is located at 271 Columbia Ave., between 10th and 13th streets.
That aside, these carbon credits also do nothing for the atmosphere. At worst, using them beyond 2020 could be considered illegal and only opens the back door for other countries to also do less by following Morrison's lead. This will come to a head at the next UN climate talks in Glasgow next year. While Australia has thus far been able to dig in against objections by most of the rest of the world, a Biden victory would only strengthen the hand of the UK hosts to simply ride over the top of any further Australian intransigence. Morrison would be foolhardy to believe that Boris Johnson's government will burn its political capital at home and abroad to defend the indefensible Australian position. Illustration: Dionne Gain Credit: Second, unlike 114 countries around the world, Morrison remains hell-bent on ignoring the central promise of Paris: that all governments increase their 2030 targets by the time they get to Glasgow. That's because even if all those commitments were fully implemented, it would only give the planet one-third of what is necessary to keep average temperature increases within 1.5 degrees by 2100, as the Paris Agreement requires. This is why governments agreed to increase their ambition every five years as technologies improved, costs lowered and political momentum built. In 2014, the Liberal government explained our existing Paris target on the basis that it was the same as what the Americans were doing. In reality, the Obama administration planned to achieve the same cut of 26 to 28 per cent on 2005 emissions by 2025  not 2030 as we pledged and sought to disguise.

So based on the logic that what America does is this government's benchmark for its global climate change commitments, if the US is prepared to increase it's Paris target (as it will under Biden), so too should we. Biden himself has not just committed the US to the goal of net zero emissions by 2050, but has undertaken to embed it in legislation as countries such as Britain and New Zealand have done, and rally others to do the same. Unsurprisingly, despite the decisions of 121 countries around the world, Morrison also refuses to even identify a timeline for achieving the Paris Agreement's long-term goal to reach net zero emissions. As the science tells us, this needs to be by 2050 to have any shot of protecting the world's most vulnerable populations  including in the Pacific  and saving Australia from a rolling apocalypse of weather-related disasters that will wreak havoc on our economy. Democratic presidential nominee former vice-president Joe Biden will ramp up US climate change policy if he wins in November. Credit:Bloomberg For our part, the government insists that it won't "set a target without a plan". But governments exist to do the hard work. And politically, it goes against the myriad of support domestically for a net zero by 2050 goal, including from the peak business, industry and union groups, the top bodies for energy and agriculture (two sectors that together account for almost half of our emissions), as well as our national airline, two largest mining companies, every state and territory government, and even a majority of conservative voters. As Tuvalu's recent prime minister Enele Sopoaga reminded us recently, the fact that Morrison himself looked Pacific island leaders in the eye last year and promised to develop such a long-term plan  a promise he reiterated at the G20  also shows we risk being a country that does not do what we say. For those in the Pacific, this just rubs salt into the wound of Morrison's decision to blindly follow Trump's lead in halting payments to the Green Climate Fund (something Biden would also reverse), requiring them to navigate a bureaucratic maze of individual aid programs as a result.

Loading Finally, Biden has undertaken to also align trade and climate policy by imposing carbon tariffs against those countries that fail to do their fair share in global greenhouse gas reductions. The EU is in the process of embracing the same approach. So if Morrison doesn't act, he's going to put our entire export sector at risk of punitive tariffs because the Liberals have so consistently failed to take climate change seriously. Under Trump, Morrison has been able to get one giant leave pass for doing nothing on climate. But under Biden, he'll be seen as nothing more than the climate change free-loader that he is. As he will by the rest of the world. And our economy will be punished as a result. Kevin Rudd is a former prime minister and is president of the Asia Society Policy Institute. Peter Hartcher is on leave.
Wyndham, on Melbourne's south-west fringe, has topped the list for active cases of coronavirus for much of the pandemic.

One of the fastest-growing local government areas in Australia, the suburb of Werribee and its surrounding areas have taken a harder hit from COVID-19 than almost anywhere else in Victoria.

Suji Sanjeevan manufactures candles in Hoppers Crossing. Credit:Joe Armao

Large clusters of the virus have taken hold there, including in aged care  BaptCare Wyndham Lodge has had 232 cases as of Tuesday, while Glendale aged care home had more than 80 cases in August  and at independent school Al-Taqwa College, which had 210 infections last month.

While infections have dropped back significantly in recent days, Wyndham still has more active cases  203 as of Tuesday  than any other council area in Victoria, something many of its 270,000 residents appear to be feeling acutely.
Comedian and wounded U.S. Army veteran Bobby Henline performs at the "Humor For Heroes" charity event at the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club in San Antonio, Texas, on Aug. 9, 2012. (John Moore/Getty Images)

Iraq War Veteran Demands People Stop Using His Image in Anti-Trump Propaganda

Army veteran Bobby Henline on Monday lashed out at individuals using his image to spread propaganda, after a magazine report published last week claimed, citing anonymous sources, that President Donald Trump had spoken disparagingly about fallen U.S. military personnel.

Henline, an Iraq war veteran, published a video clip on several social media platforms demanding that people stop using his photograph to promote political propaganda.

It followed a report by magazine The Atlantic, published Thursday, that claimed the president in 2018 made disparaging remarks about Marines buried at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris, France. The report also claimed he turned down a trip to visit the cemetery because he feared his hair would become disheveled in rain.

Retired Army Staff Sgt. Henline, of San Antonio, Texas, in his video points to a meme which uses his image.

The veteran, who suffered 38 percent burns to his body when his vehicle was destroyed by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2007, said he had nothing to do with the post. Henline lost four of his comrades in the attack. He now works as a motivational speaker and a stand-up comedian.

I dont know what Trump said, but I am sure he didnt call me a loser. I didnt hear him call me a loser, so this has got to stop. Stop using my image, Henline said. Thats my face. Im here to tell you, its not true.

Look at that. People, stop using me for your propaganda, for your agenda, he added. Im not here for that.

He called on the individuals who have used his image to take them down, branding them lowlifes. It is not clear who created the meme referred to by Henline in the clip, however it appears to have been shared on the MSNBC Rachel Maddow fan group.

Fox News, call me, somebody, lets get this out there on a bigger platform, so people will know not to use me, not put a face to whatever this is they think he said, Henline said. Its ridiculous. Stop the [expletive]. Lets move on, Im not part of all this.

Damn it people! Stop using my image. President Trump lets do lunch. #trump2020, he wrote on Instagram.

The president last week refuted the report that relied entirely on anonymous sources, calling it a disgrace and fake news.

If they really exist, if people really exist that would have said that, theyre lowlifes and theyre liars. And I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes, Trump told reporters in Maryland Thursday. There is nobody that respects them more.

Four other on-the-record sources also rebutted the report. Sarah Sanders, the former White House press secretary, said in a statement that it 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.

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.

White House communications director Alyssa Farah said in a statement that the piece is offensive and patently false.

The Atlantic didnt respond to multiple requests for comment.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- In view of the new developments in globalization seven years ago, President Xi Jinping put forward the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for international cooperation. Since then, China has signed BRI cooperation documents with 138 countries. Trade in goods with partner countries has exceeded 7.8 trillion U.S. dollars, and direct investment surpassed 110 billion dollars, providing a strong boost to local employment and social and economic development.

In the first half of this year, China's investment in BRI countries increased by 19.4 percent.

Xi has emphasized the BRI cooperation on many occasions in the past few years. The following are some highlights of his quotes:

-- The BRI may be China's idea, but its opportunities and outcomes are going to benefit the world. China has no geopolitical motives, seeks no exclusionary blocs, and imposes no business deals on others.

-- Thanks to our efforts in the past few years, a general framework of cooperation has been put in place. It's like completing a drawing: The outline has been sketched; now we must fill in the fine details. And we need to do so with meticulous care.

-- The BRI China launched is designed to mobilize more resources, strengthen connectivity, leverage potential growth drivers, and connect markets. It is designed to integrate more countries and regions into economic globalization and achieve shared prosperity through mutually beneficial cooperation.

-- Belt and Road cooperation embraces the historic trend of economic globalization, responds to the call for improving the global governance system, and addresses people's desire for a better life.

-- China will continue to act in the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and pursue open, green, and clean cooperation under the BRI. China will continue to follow a high-standard, people-centered, and sustainable approach to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with partner countries.
Police, family members and volunteers continued their search for an autistic three-year-old boy who went missing from his home in Ohio last Friday after possibly falling out of a window.

The FBI in Cleveland on Sunday announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the successful recovery of Braylen Noble, who was reported missing at around noon on Friday from his family's home on Gibraltar Heights Drive in Toledo.

On Monday, nearly 100 volunteers spent hours scouring a three-mile radius around the Hunter's Ridge apartment complex and handing out fliers about the missing person case.

Braylen Noble is a three-year-old non-verbal autistic boy who vanished from his family's apartment in Toledo, Ohio, on Friday afternoon. He is the subject of an intense search that has come to involve the FBI

Volunteers are seen on Monday searching for Braylen around his family's apartment complex on Gibraltar Heights Drive

Braylen's mother, Dajnae Cox, took part in the search effort and tearfully appealed to whoever might have her son to return him to her.

'If you want to just drop him off somewhere, please drop him off to the police station, you can drop him off here. Call my phone,' Cox told NBC24 through sobs. 'I know he's crying, I know you can't get him to stop crying. He's being picky, he's not eating and even if he's scared I won't be mad. Please just drop him off to me. I just want him home. That's it.'

Braylen was reported missing at around 12.30pm, about half-an-hour after his mother said her son either jumped or fell our of a third-floor window in the family's apartment in the 3400 block of Gibraltar Heights.

In an interview with WTOL11, Cox clarified that she did not witness her son's fall but assumed it had happened because the screen in the window was pushed out.

Braylen's mother, Dajnae Cox, begged for her son's safe return. She asked whoever might have her child to just drop him off at a police station

She said Braylen could not have snuck out the front door of the apartment because both her and the boy's grandmother were home at the time.

When Cox went downstairs to get her son, he was nowhere to be found.

As a newly released 911 call reporting Braylen's disappearance indicates, the adults in the family spent about 30 minutes searching the apartment complex and the surrounding area for the child before contacting the authorities.

'I'm hoping he's OK, but we don't know where he's at,' the caller, a woman named Bobbie, tells the dispatcher on the call. 'We walked the whole grounds.'

Officers conducted a thorough search for the missing non-verbal boy using drones, K-9 units and dive teams, which scoured Swan Creek that runs behind the apartment complex, but to no avail.

Cox has been interviewed by police but not arrested, despite rumors to the contrary on social media.

Toledo police Lt. Dan Gerken has described Braylen's family as being absolutely cooperative.

On Sunday, as emergency crews continued searching for the missing child, Braylen's grandparents organized a prayer vigil and pleaded for his safe return.

His mother believes that Braylen either fell or jumped from his third-floor window. When she went downstairs to get him, he was nowhere to be found

'Its been stressful. Im emotionally drained. Im physically drained but I keep on pushing on,' Jessie Holloway, Braylens grandmother, told 13ABC.

On Monday, the search for Braylen expanded into neighboring Michigan, where the FBI was said to be checking a trash storage facility.

Braylen was last seen wearing pull-up diapers and a red and white Mickey Mouse shirt. The boy does not like loud noises and he will respond to the nickname 'Fats' or short phrases like 'come here.'

Anyone with any information concerning Braylens whereabouts is being urged to call law enforcement at 419-255-1111.
A federal prosecutor is urging a judge to show no mercy to a former manager of a West Shore bank branch who used her position to commit a $379,000 loan scam.

Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy contends in a memorandum that Karen Ramms argument that she should be considered as a mere bank teller for sentencing purposes is preposterous.

Instead, Clancy claims Ramm should receive a lengthier punishment than any lawbreaking teller would get because she committed her crimes over several years while she was in a position of trust as an executive of Commerce Bank.

U.S. Middle District Chief Judge John E. Jones III is to sentence Ramm, 53, of Camp Hill, later this month. Ramm pleaded guilty last year to bank fraud for committing her scam between 2001 and 2007 while she was a branch manager and loan officer.

Investigators said she wrote and approved seven bogus loans in the name of her former domestic partner using false information and forged signatures. She was arrested after a probe by the FBI and bank officials. Her crime carries a penalty of up to 30 years in prison.

There can be little question that Ramms position significantly facilitated the commission or concealment of the crime, Clancy wrote. With her decade-long occupation of high executive positions with the banks, Ramm certainly was held in high esteem. Any high-ranking bank executive would expect to have an easier time getting loans approved, and that is exactly what Ramm did.

Ramm was able to enjoy a virtual rubber stamp on approvals she submitted for loans in which she had a deep personal interest, the prosecutor added. By any objective measure, Ramm should not have been able to touch the applications supposedly submitted by her partner. Her position allowed her to commit a difficult-to-detect wrong and significantly facilitated the commission of the offense.

Ramms case has taken some unusual turns.

The federal charges were filed against her two years after an attempt to prosecute her in Cumberland County Court derailed. A county judge and the state Superior Court voided that case after concluding county detectives missed a statute of limitations deadline for arresting Ramm.

Investigators said Ramm came under suspicion in June 2010 when her former partner accused Ramm of forging her name on loan documents. Ramm resigned from the bank that same year.
Overnight reports from Jacksonville police:

 A resident of the 400 block of South Mauvaisterre Street told police at 9:03 p.m. Monday that the door of his house was kicked in and there was damage to the inside.

 A 4-foot by 4-foot political sign supporting President Donald Trump was stolen from a field in the 1900 block of West Morton Avenue, according to a report filed at 1:38 p.m. Monday.

 Glen D. Groves, 31, of 301 Fourth St., Manchester, was arrested at 12:28 p.m. Monday on a Morgan County warrant accusing him of possession of methamphetamine and obstructing justice.

 A political sign supporting President Donald Trump was stolen from a yard in the 500 block of Woodland Place, according to a report filed at 10:12 a.m. Monday.

 David C.L. Bauer
Dont let the Democrats and the unions sway you to vote for that fair tax. They make it sound like the rich is getting over and they pay the same rate as teachers and firemen and policemen. Its based on total income so they actually pay more than policemen, fire and teachers so dont let them sway you that your taxes are going to go down or stay the same. When the rich move out guess whos going to get hit? The middle class, and the old people wont pay no taxes but theyll get money back, which is unfair too.
BOSTON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sensors in the water and wastewater treatment industries are an emerging technology market area, forecast to grow to $2Bn+ in 2030. These sensors will make up the wider application of IoT devices in cities, and the hype around them is growing. The sensors required are already in use in other industries, but now are being adopted by water and wastewater companies at a municipal level. IDTechEx has analyzed this market in its new report "Sensors in the Water and Wastewater Treatment Industries 2020-2030".

What is the industry?

The WHO said in 2019 that 71% of the world's population have access to clean water. There is a direct impact on the consumer, and many companies must meet targets and goals set by their country or industry body. However, unlike the oil and gas industry, the water industry is behind with its uptake of digitization and in the monitoring of networks in many countries across the globe. With water shortages occurring across some countries - e.g. Cape Town, South Africa in 2018 - there is a real need to better monitor the usage, supply, and treatment of both supply water and waste-water networks. To achieve these goals, the water industry must digitize, and use smart sensors across all areas of its water networks.

Many water and wastewater networks are currently not digitized. They use analog or slow systems to collect samples, analyze data, and provide data for companies to use. These results are used to meet pollution requirements, policy limits, and ensure that the treatment of both water and wastewater plants are running correctly. The introduction of sensors into these industries can lead to increases in efficiency for the plants, reduction in pollution from contaminants or waste materials, and more.

Where are the synergies?

There are a number of industries which currently require devices to measure and monitor wastewater. For example, semi-conductor manufacturers have to ensure that their wastewater has no trace metals in their wastewater. Chemical or pharmaceutical plants must ensure no trace chemicals. This also applies to industries such as food and beverage, clothes manufacturing, and pharmaceutical plants. Any process which has water during its manufacturing process, cooling and heating process, or similar, and then exits this waste to the environment have to ensure that their plant does not contaminate, pollute, or cause damage to this environment. They, therefore, require sensors to monitor their plants. These same sensors can be used in municipal water and wastewater plants to monitor contaminants in the water and wastewater networks.

Why Now?

Smart meters for gas and electricity have greatly benefited those industries, reducing contact and allowing the measurement of more accurate readings. This saves the customer money as they are paying for utilities they use. Typically, water is not monitored in this way. By greater monitoring of the entire network, it can become more efficient. For example, if a municipal water company wants to identify the source of a contaminant, multiple sensors can narrow down the location. It can also create more accurate records of water use, allowing pressurization of water pipes to occur when needed, reducing damage from over pressurizing the system. Water and wastewater companies are adopting these technologies, and therefore it is an exciting area to diversify into.

What parts of the water and wastewater networks does it apply to?

As there are many stages within the water and wastewater networks, with many properties to measure and monitor. This also means that there are many points in the system where data needs to be collected and analyzed to ensure the correct treatment and processes are applied. Sensors in the Water and Wastewater Treatment Industries 2020-2030 describes the methods used to monitor these areas. In general, there are five key areas:

Storage (e.g. tanks)

(e.g. tanks) Example properties: Water level, pressure, temperature

Pipes , Network

, Network Example properties: pressure, flow speed, level measurements, leaks

Pipes , Distribution

, Distribution Example properties: pressure, flow speed, level measurements, leaks

Treatment - Supply water

- Supply water Example properties measured: pH, chlorine, pressure, temperature, flow speed, level measurement

Treatment - Wastewater

- Wastewater Example properties measured: Pressure, temperature, flow speed, level measurements, chemical properties

What about COVID-19?

As an emerging technology, digitizing and adding sensors to the water and wastewater networks may have both benefit and hindrance. Hindrance, as companies may not wish to spend large sums on new sensors, pipes, or technology, and the barriers for entry into the water and wastewater networks is already high.

The benefit of adopting sensors into the networks outweigh these barriers. There is a real need for remote monitoring, it removes the need for maintenance staff to check pipes as regularly, or to collect samples for lab monitoring. It speeds up the identification of pollution events reduces fines incurred by the water companies. It improves efficiency of the treatment plants. It provides a better service for customers. A steep investment, but the dividends pay off for many years to come.

What will I learn from the report?

This report includes market forecasts, player profiles, investments, and comprehensive company lists. This report is an essential read for those looking for a deep understanding of the use of sensors in the water and wastewater industries.

For a complete overview of this industry, please refer to the IDTechEx report, "Sensors in the Water and Wastewater Treatment Industries 2020-2030". This report falls within the IDTechEx AgriTech portfolio.

IDTechEx guides your strategic business decisions through its Research, Consultancy and Event products, helping you profit from emerging technologies. For more information on IDTechEx Research and Consultancy, contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com.

Media Contact:

Natalie Moreton

Digital Marketing Manager

press@IDTechEx.com

+44(0)1223 812300

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/478371/IDTechEx_Logo.jpg
ALBANY  New York nonprofits warned state lawmakers Tuesday that a recent 20 percent cut in state aid to local governments will have devastating consequences for people with mental illness, addiction and developmental disabilities.

Providers spoke during a virtual hearing organized by the state Assemblys mental health committee, which sought to examine the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on these vulnerable populations. Chairwoman Aileen Gunther encouraged speakers to offer ideas for assisting these groups moving forward, and the overwhelming response was that aid must be restored and even bolstered in order to mitigate fallout from one of the nations worst mental health crises to date.

Studies have found after the Great Recession that a 1 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate led to a 1.6% increase in the suicide rate and a 3.6% increase in the opioid overdose rate, said Nadia Chait, associate director of policy and advocacy for the Coalition for Behavioral Health. We can prevent those deaths but we have to take action now and invest in the system now, instead of cutting the system at this very vulnerable time for our fellow residents.

The state Budget Division confirmed in June it would be withholding the aid as it awaited clarity on a federal relief package designed to offset a massive pandemic-induced revenue loss. That package had yet to manifest as of early September, forcing local governments and school districts to plan for and implement deep spending cuts and layoffs.

Meanwhile, nonprofits that contract with state and local governments to deliver mental health and addiction services noted during Tuesdays hearing that they have already been hit hard by the financial blowback of the pandemic, and are operating on razor-thin margins that leave little room for further aid cuts.

Chait said the providers her coalition represents have stopped filling staff vacancies and anticipate program closures, layoffs and service reductions should the cuts become permanent.

She and others encouraged state lawmakers to pursue revenue raisers (many have proposed a wealth tax) as a solution to the states multibillion-dollar budget hole, rather than cutting services relied on by already marginalized and vulnerable New Yorkers.

We also want to emphasize that these cuts  at a time when we have been reckoning with the racism that has been built into our country  will fall disproportionately on the communities that have been hardest hit by both COVID and racism, because those are the communities that need these services the most at this time, Chait said.

State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Ann Marie Sullivan testified during the hearing and shared statistics that underscore some of those disparities.

OMH surveyed 6,000 clients and found that 22.3 percent who identified as Hispanic reported experiencing challenges in three or more aspects of their life  such as housing, income, employment, food and so on  as a result of the pandemic, she said. Thats compared to 13.5 percent of Black clients and 13.4 percent of white clients.

Meanwhile, a Centers for Disease Control study conducted in late June found that the percentage of people who admitted to seriously considering suicide in the previous 30 days was significantly higher among Hispanic and Black survey-takers (18.6% and 15.1%, respectively) than it was among whites (7.9%). It was even higher among essential workers (21.7%), who are also more likely to be Black and Hispanic.

Sullivan said her office is doing specialized outreach to these communities to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention resources.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Andrea Smyth, executive director of the NYS Coalition for Childrens Behavioral Health, said it would also help to boost diversity among the states behavioral health workforce, of which only 20 percent are Black or Hispanic, she said.

Smyth and other speakers also expressed concern about the staggering number of young people experiencing depression and anxiety throughout the pandemic. The CDC study referenced by Sullivan found that more than a quarter of young people age 18 to 24 had considered suicide in the previous 30 days  higher than any other age group.

Smyth recommended the state direct more resources toward school-based mental health clinics, which were already on the rise before the pandemic. Staffed by a licensed provider from the local community, the clinics operate directly on school campuses and are typically open one or more days a week at schools for students experiencing mental health troubles or teachers whod like to make referrals or seek advice.

School-based mental health can be expanded right now, she said. Guess why? The kids arent in school buildings. Theres actually space  which is the biggest barrier to school-based mental health. We could finally have space for kids to be seen in person in school buildings because the rest of the school isnt operating or may be operating remotely.

Sullivan said shes particularly excited for 2022, when the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will change from its current 10-digit number to 988. Not only will this be easier for the general public to remember, she said, but it can also be used as an alternative to calling the police, who are already overburdened with mental health calls.

I think that will be a big change maker, she said.

Until then, anyone experiencing mental or emotional distress can contact the Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. New York also continues to operate a COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline, which can be reached at 1-844-864-9314.
President Donald Trump has accused the Biden campaign of politicising the search for a Covid-19 vaccine, and said Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris will never be president.

I watched Kamalas whole numbers drop (during the Democratic primaries) from 15 to almost zero and then drop out even before she ran in Iowa because people didnt like it. And I understand why she will never be president, Trump told reporters on Monday in a briefing that he opened with an attack on the Indian-origin California senator.

Harris had said she would not trust any vaccine announced by Trump without credible and reliable information. Calling her the most liberal person in Congress, Trump demanded that she should apologise for the reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric.

He said she is not a competent person, in my opinion; would destroy this country and would destroy this economy.

Trump insisted that a vaccine may be ready even before a very special date, referring to November 3, the Election Day. So now theyre saying, Wow, Trump has pulled this off. Okay, lets disparage the vaccine, he said, adding, Thats so bad for this country.

The president denied he was himself politicising the vaccine search by talking about a breakthrough as early as October. No, Im saying that because we want to save a lot of lives, he said, adding, the faster, the better. With somebody else, maybe they would say it politically, but Im saying it in terms of this is what we need.

When asked if she would take the vaccine if it was announced before the election, Harris had said in an interview to CNN, I will say that I would not trust Donald Trump, and it would have to be a credible source of information that talks about the efficacy and the reliability of whatever hes talking about.

Trump has repeatedly claimed a vaccine will have been found by the end of the year for Covid-19 that has killed nearly 190,000 Americans and infected more tan 6.4 million, and sent the economy into a tail spin, with millions of people left jobless by shuttered businesses.

Questions have been raised about Trumps handling of the epidemic  with most Americans rating it poorly in polls  seriously imperiling his re-election bid.
Sir Jonathan Jones has resigned as the permanent secretary of the Government's legal department

The resignation of the head of the Government's legal department, reportedly over suggestions Downing Street will seek changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol, has been branded "an incredibly serious situation" by the Stormont Justice Minister.

On Monday it was reported that the Government will table domestic legislation to override parts of the protocol, which was agreed in October last year and intended to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland.

It would do this by effectively keeping Northern Ireland in the EU's single marker for goods, meaning products entering NI from the rest of the UK would be subject to checks.

Read More

Northern Ireland's pro-remain parties reacted angrily to the news Boris Johnson's Government would seek changes to the protocol, arguing it would undermine the Good Friday Agreement.

The Prime Minsiter's official spokesman, however, said the Government was proposing only "limited clarifications" to the law in order to protect the 1998 peace accord in the event of a no deal.

Change to the protocol will be outlined when the Internal Market Bill is tabled on Wednesday.

On Tuesday morning, the Attorney General's Office confirmed that Sir Jonathan Jones has resigned as the permanent secretary of the Government's legal department - the latest departure of a top civil servant.

The Financial Times reported Sir Jonathan quit due to a dispute with Downing Street over suggestions it will challenge parts of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

Read More

A spokesman for the Attorney General's Office said: "I can confirm Sir Jonathan has resigned but cannot comment further."

In response to the news, Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long tweeted: "This is an incredibly serious situation. When the head of the Government's legal department resigns over a decision to rewrite the protocol, surely it's time for everyone, regardless of views on Brexit to sit up and take notice of what [Government] is becoming."

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While the news about Downing Street's alleged intentions regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol has drawn fierce criticism from many quarters, the DUP and Ulster Unionists have voiced a degree of support for changes to the mechanism.

A DUP spokesperson said: "We note the speculation that the Government will pursue fall-back measures under the internal market bill to protect Northern Ireland's interests should a deal not be agreed that mitigates the threat of the Northern Ireland protocol. We will want to see the finer details and clauses relating to this and will study them carefully.

"We welcome them in broad terms in so far as they go, but the Government must continue to work to remove any disadvantages to Northern Ireland brought about by its signing up to the protocol."

Ulster Unionist leader Steve Aiken if there is any chance to change the protocol, "it should be changed".

"Nobody should be in any doubt that the Northern Ireland protocol is the worst of both worlds economically and constitutionally for Northern Ireland. It attacks the very foundations of the Belfast Agreement and should be amended," he added.
- The presence of aging business jets in operations, as well as demand for customization in the private jet aircraft, is expected to generate demand for the business jet MRO market during the forecast period.

New York, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Business Jet MRO Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2020 - 2025)" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05867444/?utm_source=GNW



- Currently, there is a shortage of skilled workforce in the business aviation MRO industry, which will affect the aircraft handling capabilities of the MRO providers. This is expected to hamper the growth of the market in the coming years.

- With many new models of business jets entering service and with the aftermarket activity of business jets strengthening, refurbishment providers are experiencing strong demand for their services. Moreover, customers, these days are preferring to change their interiors, with attractive materials, furnishings, and colors, and other custom touches to make their aircraft cabins unique. This trend is also driving the market studied.

- The business jet MRO market is highly consolidated with few players accounting for the majority of the market share.

- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the business jet flight activity witnessed a slight decline in the first half of 2020 compared to business jet flight activity during the same period in 2019. This decline in flight activity has affected the overall revenues of the flight activities, which in turn is expected to affect the spending of the companies towards aircraft MRO.



Key Market Trends

Components MRO Segment of the Market is Expected to Witness Highest Growth



The components MRO segment of the market is expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period. The segment includes repair and modification of aircraft components like brakes, avionic, APU, thrust reverses, landing gears, equipment/furnishings, fuel systems, and flight controls among others. With the slowdown of business aviation around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, various companies are actively performing component checks and inspections to maintain high standards for future operations. Further modification and upgrades of the existing systems on aircraft are necessary for maintaining the aircraft to be up to date with newer technologies. In May 2020, DC Aviation Group was awarded a contract for the comprehensive overhaul of a Challenger 605, including a 48-month check, a cabin refurbishment, and Proline 21 Advanced Upgrade. The Proline 21 Advanced Upgrade includes the installation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment on board an aircraft. Such increasing demand for modifications is expected to accelerate the growth of the segment during the forecast period.



North America Currently Dominates the Market in Terms of Market Share



The large fleet of private and charter aircraft in the United States and Canada, with over 14,000 business jets in active service has driven the need for MRO services in the region. , Besides, the attractive growth prospects of the business jet charter industry in the region has also resulted in the creation of an extensive MRO network in the region. In the last two years, MRO capability expansion activities in North America increased considerably. In December 2019, Gulfstream Aerospace opened its approximately 66,000 square feet second MRO facility at Van Nuys Airport in Southern California. The new facility will serve as a local operating base for Gulfstream FAST Field and Airborne Support Teams. Such expansion plans of the companies in the North America region to capitalize on the growing opportunities in the business jet MRO industry is expected to propel the growth of the market in the region.



Competitive Landscape

The business jet MRO market is highly consolidated with few players in the market-dominating majority of market share. Some of the prominent players in the business jet MRO market are Bombardier Inc., General Dynamics Corporation, Rolls Royce plc, and Raytheon Technologies Corporation (Pratt & Whitney), Lufthansa Technik AG. To further increase their presence in the market, the companies are constructing new MRO facilities at strategic locations and acquiring the local players. Several local players are partnering with OEMs to gain the technical expertise and required MRO certification for performing on-site MRO services to the business jets. For instance, in March 2020, DC Aviation Group and Comlux signed a cooperation agreement, under which DC Aviation will perform the line maintenance and warranty work for Comlux customers based in Europe and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) regions. Such partnerships are expected to help the companies enhance their share and presence in the market during the forecast period.



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Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 20:28:40|Editor: huaxia

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KABUL, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Fighting in Afghanistan has intensified as over 70 people have been killed over the past 24 hours amid preparations for peace talks to end the war in the conflict-battered country, officials said Tuesday.

In the latest violent incident, the armed insurgents gunned down an army soldier in Jawand district of the relatively troubled Badghis province Tuesday morning, member of provincial council Khan Jan Zafar confirmed.

Meanwhile, Afghan warplanes have targeted the Taliban hideouts in Pashtrod district of the western Farah province, killing 16 militants and wounding 11 others since Monday, said an army statement released on Tuesday.

The security forces have also killed five militants and injured three others in Shahr-e-Safa district of the neighboring Zabul province over the past 24 hours.

Fighting between security forces and the Taliban outfit, according to security officials, have claimed the lives of more than 50 fighters with majority of them militants, and dozens other injured in other parts of the country over the period.

Both the Taliban and Afghan forces have intensified activities amid efforts to bring the warring sides into negotiating table.

Under the U.S.-Taliban peace deal signed in February, the Afghan government has set free more than 5,000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for 1,000 Afghan security personnel to facilitate direct talks to find a political solution to Afghanistan's prolonged war.

However, the Taliban has repeatedly delayed the talks over what the group described "delay in prisoners' release" by the Afghan government.

Rejecting the Taliban claim, presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqi told local media that the government negotiating team is ready to fly to Qatar's Doha for talks with the Taliban, but the armed group's unpreparedness has delayed the negotiation.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Naeem Wardak, a spokesman for Taliban political office in Doha, has reportedly accused the government of delaying the release of the inmates, saying no talks would take place unless the process of Taliban prisoners' release completes. Enditem
Global Watch

UK reviews video tour of jail cell where Nirav Modi will be kept

The UK court hearing the extradition case of Nirav Modi has reviewed a recently-shot video of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail where the fugitive diamantaire is to be held if he is extradited to face the fraud and money laundering charges brought by the Indian government. Read here to know more about the Nirav Modi case.
Heres two jobs I would immediately get fired from: 1) Working in an auto garage, one that not only does the oil change bit but also builds cars from the engine up, and 2) working as a bikini-clad hot dog saleswoman.

Yes. If I was hired for either of these jobs, I would definitely be fired by 9:15 a.m. Maybe 9:10.

But fear not! These jobs described above are in more capable hands, namely the hands of Danny Keane, the owner of American Auto Repair and Performance Center on South Olden Avenue in Hamilton, and in the hands  and, if were being honest, a few other body parts  of Ronni Leigh.

Ive been here eight years at this location, in business for myself for 21 years, and a mechanic for 30 years, said Keane. I specialize in hot rods, big engines, show cars, race cars. We just built a 1967 Impala Super Sport, and it made a few magazines. We do everything though, from oil changes to transmissions. Basically, if it has wheels and a motor, well work on it.

You dont own your business for 21 years without knowing what youre doing. Or taking some educated marketing risks. For instance, Keane  who used to have a shop in Bordentown before moving to Hamilton  employed a team of bikini-clad women to pass out flyers near the gas pumps, hyping his business.

It worked. Too well.

It got a huge response, Keane said. Guys were coming out there with their weed wackers, filling up three, four times a day. Gas cans. Lawn mowers. Plus the cars. There was a line down Route 206, and the police ended up coming. They also ended up taking pictures with the women, so that was cool.

Keane never forgot the power of the bikini.

Enter, hot dog stand.

I bought the cart, Keane said. Seemed like a good idea. Then I just had to find the right person to handle it.

Ladies and gentlemen of New Jersey, please welcome Florida transplant Ronni Leigh, who spends her days in a bikini top and Daisy Dukes, selling hot dogs  upwards of 80 a day  to hungry motorists crawling down South Olden. (Yes. Crawling. Keane said there used to be a ton of accidents near the shop at the intersection at Cedar Lane. He said there have been none since Leigh debuted a few months back. She is literally stopping traffic.)

We had a mutual friend introduce us and Danny gave me an offer I couldnt refuse, so I took a leap of faith, left Florida, and here I am, Leigh said. I showed up at his house and he said, youre the one.'

So Leigh packed her things, and she and her four-year-old moved north. And she loves it here.

My dad is from New Jersey, and he was trying to talk me out of it, he said Ill hate it, Leigh said. But I said I have to try, I have to expand, and within two weeks of being here I said Im staying.

Leigh doesnt blush at the fact shes bikini-clad  this is normal attire in Florida, she notes  and has over 20 bikinis to rotate through, keeping things fresh.

Fire trucks honk, police wave, and people have been super supportive, she said. Everyone has been real nice.

Two things: One, a hot dog sounds pretty good right about now, and two: In a time of trouble and woe in this country, with everyone hollering at each other, with a nasty election brewing and riots in the streets and a virus running rampant  well, gimme a beautiful woman in a bikini selling hot dogs and dude pouring all hes got into putting together a 50-year-old car or two, and all of a sudden you get the sense that everything is going to be OK.
Photographs of visibly disturbed and irritated Rhea Chakraborty struggling her way out of the prying reporters hounding her with cameras and microphones emerged on Sunday. With raised elbows, Rhea tried to keep away the reporters from getting near her, even as security personnel struggled to push away the media. The only time we see women walk with raised elbows is in crowded buses and trains to keep away unwanted hands and abusive touches.

However, this crowd was supposed to be of journalists, who we assume must have had classes in ethics, sensitivity and sensibility while reporting from the most unwelcoming situations. But ever since Rheas name emerged in actor Sushant Singh Rajputs suicide case, the witch-hunt has only intensified against the actress. The crowd of reporters hounding her on Sunday was a manifestation of what is being debated and discussed on prime time shows for more than a month now.

A collage of Rhea being hounded by media and that of actor Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan are doing rounds on social media. While Rhea is literally left to fend for herself in the image, Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan are seen flanked by police personnel, walking with as much ease as they would walk to an award function or gala night.

The reaction to the image has been on expected lines. While one section is calling out the gender discrimination, the other group is busy flipping the facts to accuse and abuse Rhea.

This one hits the nail on the head pic.twitter.com/h5MBwY36Li RJ Ira (@irationalised) September 7, 2020

Thank u for this Post. If this does not expose the Dysfunction" in Indian society, nothing ever will  We made a movie glorifying one of the criminal portraying him as a lost soul but the Woman in the picture has been made out to be Cruella even before the trials. Wth! Queen _Stings  (@wakeupbeforend) September 7, 2020

Yeaheven dutt and khans crime were proved still people wanted them to get bail..Here she is just an accused and people are already treating her as some sort of terrorist Susmita Dash (@SusmitaDash11) September 7, 2020

The point of this is the way men vs women are treated, not that rhea is the same as the other two.. Nikhil Taneja (@tanejamainhoon) September 7, 2020

Such stark difference in the two scenarios makes us wonder if the media trial against Rhea comes from a place of misogyny and sexism. It indeed does. Sanjay Dutt faced charges in 1993 Mumbai serial blast case, while Salman Khan was accused in a hit and run case and a case of Blackbuck poaching in Jodhpur. No cameras chased the two men as they faced trial.

On the other hand, Rhea is facing investigation from CBI, ED and the NCB. Prime time shows have already declared her a culprit. Social media campaigns are perpetually running a smear campaign against her. Back when Salman Khan faced charges in the hit and run case, the opposite happened. People glorified him, his charity work was used to justify that he shouldnt face arrest. On the contrary, every personal detail of Rheas life is being fished out to project her as a murderer. If it is not about gender then what is it?

Cameras have invaded Rheas private space. A company of reporters is deployed 24*7 outside her home and everyone from the watchman to the delivery boy and any random person living in her vicinity have been hounded with questions. On news channel did not even shy away from zooming in the camera into her living room to show what the family was watching on the television.

No one knows how that is going to help solve the case.

Her Imma bounce" text to a friend was shown on a news show and it was said that Rhea was talking about a bounced cheque. Tongues clicked as they condemned the gold-digger" Rhea. However, to much embarrassment of the boomers in the newsrooms, it was realised that the phrase is slang for I am leaving".

READ: Dear Boomers in TV Newsrooms, Heres What Imma Bounce Really Means

Rheas brother Showik has been arrested in a drug case. She is being questioned every day by one or the other probe agency. Congratulations India, you have arrested my son, Im sure next on the line is my daughter n I dont know who is next thereafter. You have effectively demolished a middle class family. But of course for the sake of justice everything is justified. Jai hind," Rheas father Indrajit Chakraborty said after his sons arrest.

Lately, prime time news anchors seem to have invested all their resources on the case. Rhea has been accused of doing black magic. She has been called a gold-digger and a drug addict. None of the allegations have been made by the investigating agencies. So, its sufficient to say all the allegations were made without an iota of evidence.
A little more than an hour before the start of the school day, Danyal Nolascos home felt somewhat chaotic Tuesday. But for the first time in months, that early-morning mayhem, harkening to a pre-pandemic normalcy, was a welcome sign..

Nolasco, a mother of three and a kindergarten teacher at the Frank L. Madla Accelerated Collegiate Academy, darted around the house stuffing backpacks with school supplies as her husband Adam assembled salami sandwiches for the kids.

The kids had eaten their cereal and were about to return to in-person learning - a major milestone that many San Antonio schools also scheduled for the day after Labor Day. Across the city, most of the reunited students and teachers had not been together in a classroom since March, when the arriving coronavirus pandemic kept them from returning from spring break.

Of course, classroom learning will be different now.

Its a little stressful, but its not as stressful now that we have a rhythm and a place, Nolasco said. We know theyre going to go back to face-to-face; we know theres protocols in place that have to be followed.

For her children, who this year started kindergarten, third grade and sixth grade remotely, the return was, almost literally, a sight for sore eyes.

I think theyre ready to give back those Chromebooks. I think theyre done with Zoom, Velasco said, chuckling.

As the North East Independent School District welcomed more than 14,000 back to classrooms  less than a quarter of its enrollment  some teachers had to hold back tears at seeing them again, said Aubrey Chancellor, district spokeswoman.

Its been so long, she said.

Letters went home Tuesday to Reagan High School parents after a student whod come to school tested positive for the coronavirus after being sent home for symptoms. There was no close contact with anyone else on campus but NEISD will call other students who interacted with the student over the long weekend, to let them know of the need to quarantine, Chancellor said.

A handful of other NEISD campuses sent individuals home because they started feeling sick, Chancellor said  something that schools now handle differently than before. If a student went to see the nurse, everyone left the classroom for a few minutes while custodians sanitized and disinfected, and their parents got letters alerting them, she said.

It could have been allergies, a cold, a stomach bug, Chancellor said. In this day and age, we have to take a little more action.

Approximately 3,300 students returned Tuesday to campuses in Northside ISD, the largest in Bexar County. Thats about 3 percent of the districts current enrollment and 10.5 percent of the students whose families selected in-person learning, said Barry Perez, school district spokesman.

Jessica Palomares, executive director of elementary administration, said she saw happy children and families when she visited some campuses.

You could tell staff was prepared and that families were well informed of the new safety procedures, Palomares said. It was as if the students had not missed a beat. They were ready and excited to be back.

San Antonio ISD, which welcomed back 10 percent of its students, had a successful first day, with teachers and staff executing its safety plan with care and fidelity, spokeswoman Laura Short said.

The Frank L. Madla school, run by the charter network New Frontiers Public Schools for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, started virtual learning on Aug. 19. About 20 percent of the schools students - about 60 in total - opted to begin in-person learning Tuesday.

The masks, physical distancing and sanitation made Nolascos own return to the classroom easier, she said. Her daughter Alyssa, 5, had told her mom that she was excited to meet real people - a sentiment to which Nolasco could relate, saying she sometimes felt like the childrens cartoon character Dora the Explorer while leading lessons on Zoom.

Her son Adam, 11, added, I like that Ill actually get to play with (my friends) and talk about not-school-related things.

The classroom option was available Tuesday to Madlas elementary school students only. The middle school students, including Adam, will be allowed to return on Monday, said Superintendent Alfredo Segura Jr.

At the morning drop-off, cars backed up as parents who did not fill out a screener questionnaire for their kids were told to wait while a school staff member helped them on an iPad or laptop. The school anticipated some parents might not have read the message explaining the requirement and had teachers ready to help out, Segura said.

We need to make sure grace and patience are extended both ways. We dont know what families are dealing with, Segura said. We need to make sure that we are acting as the counselor, the parent, everything before we can teach. And the same we ask of the parents, because we are human beings as well and the teachers are maybe also experiencing those same things.

Some students got on their toes to reach for a bottle of hand sanitizer outside the entrance, where they also had their temperature checked. Inside the building, footprint decals on the floors showed where they were supposed to walk to maximize physical distancing. In the classroom, students and teachers wore masks and sat at separated desks or tables.

On her first day of face-to-face kindergarten, Alyssa sat on the rug with another student as their teacher read to them and six other classmates  their faces visible on a laptop screen  whose parents had decided to hold off on sending them back to school.

Today its going to be interesting to see how its going to work, said Elizabeth Vega, Alyssas teacher. Things can still change, but so far, so good.

The students took frequent breaks to use the restroom or to remove their masks for a moment when they got too stuffy, all while staying physically distanced.

And at art class later in the morning, Alyssa and three other students each got their own table and their own art supplies.

I know were always being taught to share, but right now we cant, art teacher Frances Hernandez told the students as she handed out pieces of paper.

Staff writer Alia Malik contributed to this report. Andy.Picon@Hearst.com
New Delhi The Delhi government conducted a record 45,797 tests for Covid-19 on Tuesday  days after Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the ramping up of testing to 40,000 daily samples to tackle a resurgence of cases.

This was the first time that the number of daily tests crossed the CMs target of 40,000 announced on August 26 though a gradual increase in testing in Delhi had started from August 31, with the city setting new records for daily tests in five out of the last seven days.

Click here for full Covid-19 coverage

The milestone in Covid-19 testing comes on the same day that the Delhi high court removed the requirement of a doctors prescription to get a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, or RT-PCR, tests in the city.

As testing increased, 3,609 new cases were reported in Delhi  the highest single-day case count since June 24, 76 days ago, when 3,788 new cases were reported. Over the past week, Delhi has recorded 2,868 new cases every day on average.

Cases in Delhi rose rapidly through May and June, and started dropping by end of June after hitting an initial peak. After a steady drop in cases for around three weeks (seven-day average of daily cases dropped to 983 by August 4), cases again started rising alarmingly from mid-August. As of Tuesday, there are 197,135 cases in the city.

Also read | Covid-19: With 3,609 cases, Delhi records highest ever infections in over 78 days

Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain said people should not panic over the rising number of daily cases. The main reason why Covid-19 cases are more now is because we have more than doubled our testing. It is part of our test, track, treat and isolate strategy, which essentially is the Delhi model, he said.

He added the current daily numbers cannot be compared to the cases reported in June, when 18,000-20,000 tests were being conducted daily and the fresh cases ranged between 2,000-3,000.

Also on Tuesday, the Delhi high court said that a doctors prescription is not required anymore for asymptomatic patients to get an RT-PCR test. Until now, if someone who did not have any Covid-19 symptoms wanted to get an RT-PCR test (which is considered the gold standard for tests) in Delhi, they had to produce a doctors prescription. Delhi residents, however, could get antigen tests without any prescription.

Now, only Aadhaar cards (with Delhi address) and an Indian Council of Medical Research form would be required for people who want to get RT-PCR test. On a trial basis, RT-PCR tests for asymptomatic patients would be capped at 2,000 a day, the court said.

With 9,944 RT-PCR tests, Delhi also set a record for the highest number of single-day RT-PCR tests, according to Tuesdays health bulletin. Previously, this record was set on June 29, when Delhi conducted 9,619 such tests.

Also read | Delhi: For some patients, wait for ICU bed is long and agonising

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a tweet on Tuesday: The Delhi government has increased testing multifold. I have directed the health minister this morning that doctors prescription should not be asked for testing. Anyone can get himself tested.

With the increase in tests, the average positivity rate has also started declining. Around 7.9% of tests came back positive on Tuesday. The number, which had dropped from a peak of 31.4% in mid-June to 5.7% at the end of July, was 8.4% in the past week. Overall, 10.7% of all tests done in Delhi have come back positive.

Experts welcomed the increase testing in Delhi and said rising cases are not an immediate concern.

The government has taken a very good step of ramping up testing massively. What we need to see is that the number of positive cases that we are reporting every day is not that bad considering the number of tests. We were reporting the same number of cases with maybe 15,000-odd tests in June. The government has also asked hospitals to test all the patients coming into the OPD and their family members too, if needed. This has resulted in us detecting several asymptomatic cases that might have otherwise transmitted the infection on to others, said Dr SK Sarin, director, Institute of Liver and Biliary Disease where the citys first plasma bank is located.

(With inputs from Richa Banka)

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PUBG (PlayerUnknowns Battlegrounds) has announced that the Chinese technology giant Tencent will no longer be its publishing partner in India.

The news comes as India banned PUBG Mobile and 117 other mostly Chinese-owned apps.

The Indian government had banned 59 other apps previously, including TikTok.

PUBG Corporation fully understands and respects the measures taken by the government as the privacy and security of player data is a top priority for the company, it said in a statement.

The company said that it would no longer authorise the mobile franchise to Tencent Games. Instead, it would be responsible for all publishing within the country.

Recommended Fortnite and PUBG to be banned in Iraq over links with violence and crime

It also said it hoped to work hand-in-hand with the Indian government to find a solution that will allow gamers to once again drop into the battlegrounds while being fully compliant with Indian laws and regulations.

It is currently unknown whether the Indian government would rescind the ban on PUBG following the move.

The Independent has reached out to the Indian government and PUBG Corporation for clarification.

When banning Chinese applications, the Indian government claimed that it had received several reports about misuse of some mobile apps available on Android and iOS platforms for stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users data in an unauthorised manner to servers which have locations outside of India.

It did not mention specific complaints about apps, or any software by name.

Nevertheless, the Indian governments reaction to Chinese companies has made waves on the world stage.

President Donald Trump, when enacting his executive order that would ban TikTok in the US, specifically cited the actions of the Indian government, repeating assertions about data theft and transmission made by the Indian government.

Mr Trump also issued a similar executive order against Tencent-owned WeChat, which is banned in India.

As such, many see the events in India as a precursor for the decisions that will be taken by the Trump administration.

It is unclear whether PUBG and Tencents relationship has changed, or will change, in other markets, but could present a way out for other companies such as TikTok.

Triller, Walmart and Microsoft have put forward bids to buy the viral video app from its parent company Bytedance before it is banned in the United States.

It is unclear whether these companies would only purchase TikToks operations in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, or would take responsibility for other markets.

The Chinese government is seriously concerned and firmly oppose the Indian government to prohibit the mobile apps with Chinese background with the excuse of national security, it said in a post published on the embassys website.

We urge the Indian government to rectify the discriminatory practices violating WTO rules, and provide an open, fair and impartial business environment for all market players from various countries including China, India Counselor Ji Rong added.

As well as concerns about national security  which TikTok has repeatedly denied - tensions between India and China have continued over the summer, which have led to deadly skirmishes over a contested border.

Similarly, Mr Trump has been said to be igniting a Cold War with China with regards to both the pandemic and the economy.
Its not the first day back that they imagined as students of the Conroe Independent School District returned to class today wearing masks and carrying hand sanitizer. About 41,000 students of the 65,000 student body chose to return to the classroom Tuesday after several weeks of online instruction.

The official first day for the district was actually Aug. 12, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a spike in cases locally at the time, the district chose to start all students online. Now, parallel instruction will start as some students will remain online, and others return to their campuses.

For Stockton Junior High School, CISDs newest campus, the wide hallways and generous outdoor space will come in handy as the school navigates bringing back its students with the new pandemic regulations. But the district has been preparing staff gradually over the last few weeks as part of its ramp-up plan, inviting back small groups of students at a time. The preparation seems to have worked, as staff of the school felt confident in their plan.

For Jenna Kellenaers, a seventh-grade language arts teacher, this is her first year in CISD, but shes excited to get started.

Its been so long that we got to teach them in person, so Im super excited, my kids are really excited, its just good to be back in a regular routine, Kellenaers said.

The ramp-up plan helped both the faculty and staff, and the students, practice the new precautions. Kellenaers said she believes the students are going to be prepared and understand the expectations. Because of this, she is not concerned to start the year.

I think our district did a really good job of rolling out our plan, she said. I think everythings been cleaned. We have access to all the sanitation stuff that we need, all the kids know that they have to wear a mask. I feel really safe and I think its going to be good overall for teachers as well as students.

The district has mandated that all students in third grade and older must wear masks and practice social distancing. Stockton is expecting around 850 students in-class now, Principal Bryan Gorka said while greeting everyone that walked in the front door, occasionally reminding a student to put on their mask.

Like Kellenaers, Gorka said he did not have concerns as students filed into the building. He trusted the systems that the district had put in place. The only thing he worried about was a student coming to school sick and not reporting it.

We all want to be here, and I think all of our kids want to be here, so we just got to make sure everybody stays healthy and I think we have the systems in place to help that, Gorka said.

This year, and the way the district has handled it, can be a lesson for the students, he explained.

You dont go into a situation worrying, you go in prepared and you learn every day, and you tweak where you need to, he said. Dont go into a situation letting fear lead your thoughts.

As she dropped off her seventh-grade daughter, Tammy Davis was just as excited to drop her student off as Gorka was to greet her. While the last couple of months have been alright, she knows her daughter is ready to see her friends and teachers and get back on a regular schedule.

Shes really excited, she got up at five oclock this morning, Davis said of her daughter.

The communication from CISD and Gorka has been great, Davis said, and she appreciates his enthusiasm. Her daughter has been coming to campus to practice with the cheer team so she has had several chances to remember to wear her mask and bring her hand sanitizer.

Shes not worried, Im not really worried, as long as everyone does what theyre supposed to do, Davis said. I hope that we can stay in school the rest of the year, thats what Im hoping.

jamie.swinnerton@chron.com
"All we can say is, now we're going to move forward in a positive way to make this right from this point forward," McKenna said. "We can't change what happened in the past, but we can make the future better. And we will."

A breakdown in leadership

Williamsville bungled its reopening of schools, the school board president acknowledged.

And Leatherbarrow pointed her finger squarely at one person: Martzloff.

"We were led to believe school was ready to reopen," she said at a news conference after Monday's meeting.

She said the board members asked Martzloff on Wednesday: "'Are we ready to open?' And he said, 'Yes we are.'"

But then, two days later, the superintendent announced Friday afternoon that the first day of school would be delayed for remote learners in grades 5 to 12.

The school board was just as blindsided as the parents in the district, Leatherbarrow said.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Bawku central and General Manager of the Produce Buying Company (PBC) Shea Processing factory in Buipe Madam Gabiana AGbanwaa Bugri has said, her focus will be on the youth and women empowerment to equip them with skills to manage their own economic activities.

Madam Gabiana Agbanwaa said this at the inauguration of 57 member campaign team chaired by Yusif Musah Salifu.

Madam Gabiana said, in her small way she was able to train some women groups on soap making, batik tie and dye among others.

According to her, when given the nod to represent the good people of Bawku central, she will make sure women and the youth will be given jobs.

She however said, winning the Bawku central seat is possible with a call on party executives and members as a matter of urgency to sink down to the homes of the electorates to canvass for votes to win massively in Bawku central come December 7.

She called on for peace and love during, before and after the general polls.

The Council of State member and party elder, Alhaji Sulemana Yirimeah, called on the constituents to give Madam Gabiana a chance to represent Bawku central for more projects and programmes.

Alhaji Sulemana Yirimeah urges all party members, polling executives and constituency executives to campaign in a peaceful manner.

Mr Yirimeah warns against acrimony, names calling but campaign based on issues and records.

He added that with her as NPP Member of Parliament for the area, the constituency will witness more developmental projects.

Alhaji Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, Chief Executive officer of buffer stock said the party has a message for the good people of Bawku central and Ghana at large.

He noted that one of those is the government flagship programmes such one district one factory has added one district one warehouse to reduce post-harvest loss on farms.

According to him, one village one dam, one constituency one million dollars, free senior high school programme among others are programmes the government introduced within his first term in office and many more will be enrolled when given a second term.

Alhaji Aludiba said, the New Patriotic Party in 2016 didn't have evidence message for the people of Ghana but yet they won the 2016 election with over one million difference against the then ruling National Democratic Congress.

The Upper East Regional chairman of the party Anthony Anamoo called on Bawku central NPP to forgive one another and unite for the victory of the party.

Lawyer Namoo, however, called for forgiveness from various party members in the constituencies especially defeated parliamentary aspirants to unite towards winning the parliamentary seats.

The NPP has only three parliamentary seats in the upper East Region namely Navrongo central, Zebilla and Tempane constituencies whiles the opposition NDC has 12 seats.
NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- InsurTech NY, the largest InsurTech community in the New York metro area, announced today its Virtual Matchmaking Expo, the first dedicated virtual job fair and networking event for InsurTech startups and insurance industry professionals, to be held on October 29, 2020.

InsurTech Matchmaking Expo 2020

"In an environment of record unemployment, associations and technology-based communities need to step up and provide solutions," said David Gritz, InsurTech NY Managing Director. "Hosting a virtual expo for InsurTechs is the safest and most effective way to match growing InsurTechs with prospective co-founders, executives, advisors, and board members."

Research by InsurTech NY found that there are more than 1,500 advertised open positions at InsurTechs that are Series-A or later funding stages. These roles range from senior underwriters to data scientists to digital marketers. Behind the scenes, InsurTechs are also scouting for advisors and board members.

InsurTech NY has been a vital hub for the industry. Its in-person and virtual events have grown and regularly attract thousands across the industry, including startups, carriers, investors, and other participants.

"We are actively hiring in our client solutions group from the insurance industry," said Ben Caggia, Director of Talent Acquisition at Unqork, a no-code software platform. "The InsurTech NY Matchmaking Expo is an ideal way for us to discover talented individuals in the insurance industry to fill our roles."

The Matchmaking Expo will be held virtually on a networking platform that creates a three-dimensional virtual environment where attendees can visit booths and dynamically join video conversations with exhibitors. InsurTechs participating in the Expo will be able to host a virtual booth and dedicated interviewing table to meet prospective new hires, advisors, or board members.

The program will feature association and educational partners including NAAIA New York, Advisen, Quesnay, St. John's University, InsurTech Hartford, Insurance Underwriters, and CT Innovations. For more information about the Expo visit insurtechny.com/event_program/expo/

About InsurTech NY

InsurTech NY supports the insurance innovation community in the New York metro area. InsurTech NY brings together carriers, brokers, investors, and InsurTech startups via bi-monthly programs and its annual insurance accelerator . InsurTech NY's mission is to drive talent to insurance, make regulation innovation-friendly, attract InsurTechs to the metro area, and improve access to investment. See more at insurtechny.com or follow us on LinkedIn ( linkedin.com/company/insurtechny ).

Contact:

David Gritz

[email protected]

212-634-9516

SOURCE InsurTech NY
The timeless modernism of the IKEA catalog, its promise of tidiness, clean, economical lines, and excellent value belie a struggle ahead, an ordeal customers of the global Swedish build-it-yourself juggernaut know too well. Will the bulky, majorly-inconveniently shaped boxes fit in the car? Will the rebus-like instructions make sense? Will we assemble a bed with love and care, only to find ourselves in a pile of its broken parts come morning?

Clearly outweighing such tragedies are the many happy memories we associate with buying, building, and living with IKEA products. The company itself has built such memories over the course of almost eight decades with an empire of Scandinavian design supermarkets.





As of 2019, Marie Patino writes at CityLab, IKEA boasts 433 stores across 53 countries. The IKEA catalog is as widely circulated as the Bible and Quran. The Swedish company with the quirkily named products and legendary cafeteria meatballs defines furniture shopping.

The layout of IKEAs showrooms may turn retail into retail therapy, with corridors filled with monochromatic visions of clutter-free living. In these times, of course, were far more likely to take refuge in those venerable catalogs or the companys always-improving website. Now we can do both at once with a trip through seven decades of IKEA catalogs, uploaded to the website for the 70th anniversary of the first 1950 release.

1951 marked the first proper IKEA catalog, writes Patino, as well as the first iconic cover featuring the first iconic design, the MK wing chair. Covers became more elaborate, with smooth mid-century modern living room layouts that tantalized, but the contents of the catalog looked like government order forms until the late 60s and 70s. It did not appear in English until 1985. In these early layouts we can see just how dated so many of these designs appear in hindsight.

The companys signature business model came together slowly at first. It started in 1943, founded by Ingvar Kamprad in Sweden, as a mail-order business for stationary supplies. The furniture arrived soon after, but it would take another decade or so for the flat-pack idea to fully emerge. The BILLY bookshelf, perhaps the most popular IKEA design ever, debuted in 1979. Other staples followed, and in 2013, the original wingback chair made a modified comeback as the STRANDMON. Through it all, the catalog has documented Swedish design trends in a global marketplace.,

The 21st century has seen not only the return of the wingback but of the mid-century Scandinavian modernism with which the company made its name in the 1950s and 60s. Maybe thats why its easy to think of IKEA as consistently embodying this trend, slightly updated every few years. But browsing through these catalogs shows how thoroughly IKEA absorbed all sorts of European influencesas well as the look of hotel room furniture from Miami Vice.

What kind of therapy is this? Gazing at dated or retro-hip products we are years too late to buy? It offers the same experience as all IKEA catalog shoppingwithout the struggle and expense of transporting and assembling the results: the distraction of a world without distractions. Explore the new archive of IKEA catalogs here.

via Bloomberg and Kottke

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Meet the Memphis Group, the Bob Dylan-Inspired Designers of David Bowies Favorite Furniture

Josh Jones is a writer and musician based in Durham, NC. Follow him at @jdmagness
PHILIPSBURG:---A group of Venezuelan nationals has reached out to the media asking for assistance to return to their country. The group of more than 100 people said they need the government of St. Maarten to arrange a flight for them since they do not have any consulate on St. Maarten that can assist with arranging repatriation.

Based on the information the group provided they said they have no problem paying their own airfare back to Venezuela since they are trapped on St. Maarten and do not know where to go for assistance. For further information on the group, contact can be made with Lice at 1721-5537591 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the (JNU) will hold its fourth convocation online in November, a statement from the varsity said on Monday.

Noting that a convocation is a special moment in the life of a student, JNU Vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar said despite the pandemic, the varsity has decided to hold the convocation to make it a memorable event for students.

The executive council, which met here, approved the holding of the fourth convocation of the varsity, JNU Registrar Pramod Kumar said.

"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the convocation this year will be a virtual convocation. Soon a notification will be issued inviting students to register themselves for participating in the virtual convocation," he said.

Jagadesh Kumar said the university revived the practice of holding convocations by organising its second convocation in 2018. The first was held in 1972.

He said that a "convocation is a special moment in the life of a student".

"It is all about celebrating the scholarly achievement of a student after years of hardwork by the university, family members and friends," Jagadesh Kumar said.

"I have no doubt that the convocation enhances the sense of belonging of students to their alma mater. Therefore, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided to hold the convocation and make it a memorable event for our students," he said.

The convocation committee will work out the details on holding the virtual event sometime in November, the vice-chancellor said.

Last year, thousands of JNU students clashed with police on convocation day during their protest over fee hike, forcing Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' to stay inside the AICTE premises for over six hours.

Students were protesting outside the All India Council of Technical (AICTE), the venue for the varsity's third convocation.

The first convocation was held in 1972 but apparently the ceremony was discontinued due to an controversial speech of the then students' union president V C Koshy.

In a related development, the JNU Teachers' Association (JNUTA) claimed that the original agenda of the Executive Council, which was circulated, was expanded the evening before the meeting.

Some important items were brought in for decision without any papers being circulated, it claimed.

The agenda items included the usual routine of irregularities and violation of norms and reservation policy in appointments, which the council was expected to ratify without any question, the JNUTA alleged.

"The council was also asked to authorise without question a fourfold increase in the financial allocation for legal charges to meet bills of the University's legal counsels, bills that have arisen precisely on account of the large volume of litigations the rampant irregularities in functioning have resulted in," the JNUTA said in a statement.

There is also the now customary presence of items on the agenda that are all "about persecution and harassment of teachers", it said.

"Disparaging remarks about the JNU faculty were made throughout the meeting and the interventions of their elected representatives were repeatedly sought to be cut short, the chair abusing in the process the additional powers' of muting afforded by the online mode of the meeting," the statement said.

"The JNUTA and its office space also came under renewed attack," it said.

However, when the issue of the university's responsibility to run the creche/day care centre was brought up, the matter was "just dismissed" as being of no consequence, the JNUTA alleged.

A similar attitude was expressed when elected representatives sought to raise issues with regard to the registration process of students and the future of teaching-learning inthe university, 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.)
Lupita Nyong'o is breaking her silence about the death of her Black Panther co-star Chadwick Boseman.

After attending his memorial in Malibu over the weekend, Nyong'o posted a social media tribute to the actor, who died Aug. 28 at age 43, after his secret, four-year battle with colon cancer.

"I write these words from a place of hopelessness, to honor a man who had great hope, she wrote, along with a photo of Boseman grinning. I am struggling to think and speak about my friend, Chadwick Boseman, in the past tense. It doesn't make sense. The news of his passing is a punch to my gut every morning. I am aware that we are all mortal, but you come across some people in life that possess an immortal energy, that seem like they have existed before, that are exactly where they are supposed to always be - here! ... that seem ageless.... Chadwick was one of those people."

Nyong'o, who played King T'Challa's love interest Nakia in Black Panther, shared memories from working together, noting that while she didnt know him for a long time, he still had a profound effect on her.

"Chadwick was a man who made the most of his time, and somehow also managed to take his time, she observed. I didn't know him for long, but he had a profound effect on me in the time that I did. When we came together to make Black Panther, I remember being struck by his quiet, powerful presence. He had no airs about him, but there was a higher frequency that he seemed to operate from. You got the sense that he was fully present and also somehow fully aware of things in the distant future. As a result, I noticed that Chadwick never seemed rushed! He commanded his time with ease."

She also wrote about his strong work ethic  and the way he assured her while they filmed.

"And he put in the work with all of us, she continued. He showed up to every rehearsal and training and shoot day with his game face on. He was absorbent. Agile. He set the bar high by working with a generosity of spirit, creating an ego-free environment by sheer example, and he always had a warm gaze and a strong embrace to share. His large hands would descend on my shoulders and give them a squeeze that relieved me of the tensions I did not realize I was holding. Chadwick's hands were strong enough to carry the weight of the film and free enough to clasp mine when I needed it."

Story continues

Nyong'o wrote that Boseman was impeccable with his word and wasnt a complainer despite there being some things worth complaining about.

I think he understood the power of words, she wrote, and chose to manifest power through his word. He used his mouth to build, to edify, never to break. And he used it to tell some regrettably lame dad jokes. He practiced not going against himself. He seemed to really love himself; he expressed who he really was, even when it meant he didn't smile when you thought he should. He accepted himself. And perhaps that's why he was capable of loving so many, so deeply."

She noted that, despite his secret illness, "He used his body in every way he could. He did his own stunts, drummed at his own parties, danced many a night away, mastered martial arts... the list goes on. He loved, honored and respected that body, doing more with it than most. In so doing, he took the risk to be alive, fully alive. So it seems that it was life that gave up on Chadwick long before Chadwick gave up on life."

Nyong'o said that Boseman changed her in many ways. By just being near him, she learned she "wanted to be better, less petty, more purposeful." Thats because "he was fueled by love, not fear. He moved quietly, deliberately, and without imposing himself or his ideals on others. And yet he also made damn sure that his life meant something. He cared so deeply about humanity, about Black people, about his people. He activated our pride by pushing through and working with such high purpose in the films he chose to commit to, Chadwick has made the infinite his home."

She closed her message offering her condolences to the late actor's family  he quietly married girlfriend Taylor Simone Ledward before he died  and friends, and promised to honor him in her future work. "He used his life force to tell meaningful stories. And now we tell his, she wrote, adding the hashtag #TakeYourTimeButDontWasteYourTime to the post.

Over the weekend, Nyong'o was among the group of mourners at Bosemans private memorial in Malibu. The actors wife and other Black Panther co-stars  including Michael B. Jordan and Winston Duke  celebrated his life at the service, which included music from a hang drum and was set in a gorgeous venue overlooking the ocean.

Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:
She gave birth to her second child a little over a month ago.

And on Monday, Brie Bella shared some behind-the-scenes video of baby boy Buddy's first photo shoot.

The former pro wrestler, 36, posted a series of clips to her Instagram Story in which the adorable infant gets ready for his close-up.

Adorable: She gave birth to her second child a little over a month ago. And on Monday, Brie Bella shared some behind-the-scenes video of baby boy Buddy's first photo shoot.

Proud mama: 'You heart's gonna melt, just watch,' Brie, 36, promised as she introduced the video clips on her Instagram Story

Brie shares her newborn with WWE star Daniel Bryan, 39, and they are also parents to daughter Birdie, three.

'You heart's gonna melt, just watch,' Brie promised as she introduced the video clips.

Buddy was seen propped up in a variety of poses although he mostly seemed to sleep his way through it all.

He also had his picture taken with mom, dad, and big sister and also with Birdie holding him in her lap as she sat on a white sofa.

Family: The retired WWE wrestler shares her newborn with husband and WWE star Daniel Bryan, 39,. The couple, who wed in 2014, are also parents to daughter Birdie, three

Snoozy: Buddy was seen propped up in a variety of poses although he mostly seemed to sleep his way through it all

Through her lens: He also had his picture taken with big sister Birdie. Photographer Shannon Lee is seen gently placing him in the little girl's lap as she sits on a white sofa

New life: Brie announced her retirement from the WWE in March 2019 after 11 years and now stars on the reality TV series Total Bellas with twin sister Nikki

Bella has been married to Daniel since April 2014 and while she is retired, he continues to wrestle in the WWE SmackDown brand on Friday nights.

Brie announced her retirement from the WWE in March 2019 after 11 years and her twin sister Nikki also stepped away from the ring at the same time.

The sisters now star on the reality TV series Total Bellas and have their own podcast called The Bellas.

And the day before Brie gave birth to Buddy, Nikki delivered her first child, son Matteo, whose father is her fiance, pro dancer Artem Chigvintsev.

Twinning: And the day before Brie gave birth to Buddy, Nikki delivered her first child, son Matteo, whose father is her fiance, pro dancer Artem Chigvintsev
Deep below California's San Andreas Fault lurks rock-melting forces that are driving tremors underneath a segment 800 mile stretch of the sliding boundary, reveals a new study from the University of Southern California.

To investigate how earthquakes happen, the team looked more than 43 miles below the surface and discovered rocks, friction and fluids play key roles in ruptures.

Researchers studied the section of Parkfield, which has been hit with quakes of magnitude 6 seven times since 1857, and found that after a big earthquake ends, the tectonic plates glide in a way that is a recipe for disaster.

The sliding of the plates causes friction that pushes temperatures above 650 degrees Fahrenheit, which in turn changes rocks from solid to more fluid-like.

Without the rocks as a barrier, the plates slide more until they slip past each other rapidly  triggering an earthquake.

Scroll down for video

The team studied the section of Parkfield, which has been hit with quakes of magnitude 6 seven times since 1857, and found that after a big earthquake ends, the tectonic plates glide in a way that is a recipe for disaster

Sylvain Barbot, assistant professor of Earth sciences at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, said: '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.'

'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 study, conducted in collaboration with Lifeng Wang of the China Earthquake Administration in China, chose the region of Parkfield because it is one of the world's most intensively monitored epicenters.

This area has been hit with magnitude 6 earthquakes in in 1857, 1881, 1901, 1922, 1934, 1966 and 2004, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The team developed mathematical models and laboratory experiments using rocks, along with simulations of Parkfield that shows fault activity a great depths over the past 300 years. 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

However, smaller tremblors have been recorded at greater depths about every few months  leading experts to wonder what could be happening deep below the surface?

The team developed mathematical models and laboratory experiments using rocks, along with simulations of Parkfield that shows fault activity a great depths over the past 300 years.

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.

The plates glide past each other and although disturbance on the surface is minimal, deep below it is setting the stage for an earthquake.

Friction is created by the motion that gradually pushes out heat - temperatures can reach 650 degrees Fahrenheit.

The surrounding rocks lose their solidity and become more fluid-like, which makes the bedrock unstable and allows the plates to slide past each other rapidly - causing an earthquake.

Friction is created by the motion that gradually pushes out heat - temperatures can reach 650 degrees Fahrenheit. The surrounding rocks lose their solidity and become more fluid-like, which makes the bedrock unstable and allows the plates to slide past each other rapidly - causing an earthquake

Scientists typically focus on movement in the top of Earth's crust, anticipating that its motion in turn rejiggers the rocks deep below. Pictured is an aerial view of a surface crack along the San Andreas Fault south of San Francisco

'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.'

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.'
Acting Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long (L) and Japanese Ambassador Yamada Takio sign the exchange note in Hanoi on September 7 (Photo: VNA)



On the behalf of the two governments, Acting Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long and Japanese Ambassador Yamada Takio signed the note.

The ODA grant is worth 2 billion JPY (18.8 million USD) in total, including 1.8 billion JPY for the Vietnamese side and about 200 million JPY for the agents designated by the Japanese Government. It will be disbursed in 18 months, from August 2020 to January 2022.

The assistance aims to provide technical support in upgrading medical equipment at four hospitals of the Vietnamese Health Ministry, namely the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, the National Lung Hospital, the Da Nang C Hospital, and the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, thereby helping to improve their capacity in COVID-19 prevention and control.

Appreciating the grant, Acting Health Minister Long expressed his hope that the equipment will be provided for the hospitals soon, asking them to use the new facilities as efficiently as possible so as to continually improve the quality of health examination and treatment.

For his part, Ambassador Yamada Takio said the Japanese Government highly values the Health Ministry of Vietnams role in successfully containing the novel coronavirus in the country although this pandemic is still ravaging around the globe.

He also noted when Japan faced a face mask shortage in spring, the Vietnamese Government supported it with over 1.2 million masks, adding that the Japanese people appreciated the gift.

The grant for the four central hospitals of Vietnam is an initiative of the Japanese Foreign Minister that is meant to supply medical equipment for other countries, including Vietnam, in the fastest manner to promote their healthcare capacity, the diplomat added./.
T heres no denying this year has been a bit of a  ahem  Tragedy, but now Steps are back to save the day.

The 90s dance-pop heroes will return with their sixth studio album, What the Future Holds, set to arrive on November 27.

Even better, the gang  Lee Latchford-Evans, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee, Faye Tozer and Ian H Watkins  will be heading out on a great big arena tour to celebrate.

Heres everything you need to know about the upcoming shows.

When is the Steps 2021 UK tour?

Theres a while to wait until the shows kick off, with the first date not scheduled until November next year, running throughout the month and into December. The full schedule is below:

November 2  FlyDSA Arena, Sheffield

November 3  Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham

November 5  Resorts World Arena, Birmingham

November 8  Utilita Arena, Newcastle

November 11  AO Arena, Manchester

November 13  P&J Live, Aberdeen

November 15  The SSE Arena, Belfast

November 18  M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool

November 19  First Direct Arena, Leeds

November 22  The SSE Hydro, Glasgow

November 25  Brighton Centre

November 26  The O2, London

November 29  Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

December 1  International Centre, Bournemouth

How to get tickets for Steps 2021 UK tour

Fans can get access to a pre-sale if they pre-order What The Future Holds from the Steps Superstore, with the tickets going live on Tuesday September 15.

General sale will commence on Friday September 18 at 10am. Head here for more information.

What setlist will Steps play on their tour?

There will surely be cuts from Steps new album at each of the shows, but you can count on the old-school favourites getting an airing too: Better the Devil You Know, 5, 6, 7, 8, Tragedy, Chain Reaction, Stomp and all the other hits from the groups heyday all featured during their last run of shows in 2018. Expect a smattering of tracks from their more recent albums, too.

Who is the support act?

Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be the special guest at each of the shows.
SIOUX CITY -- Growing up the oldest of seven siblings in Guadalajara, Mexico, Isaac Quinonez would often listen to the music of great mariachi bands on the radio.

"My dad loves mariachi music and so do I," he said, smiling at the memory of mariachi musicians like Vicente Fernandez whose recordings were often heard over the airwaves. "We connected with the sound."

Sitting inside the control room at Siouxland Public Media, Quinonez, 42, was nostalgic about the love of music he shared with his dad, Luis.

Quinonez was also reflecting upon the 16 years he spent as host of the public radio station's popular "South of the Border" music program.

Since 2004, he has taken listener song requests from 8 p.m. to midnight every Sunday night on 90.3 FM.

Quinonez hung up his headset as the host of "South of the Border" for the very last time on Sunday.

"I loved my time here," he said a few days before his last Siouxland Public Media broadcast. "It is time for me to start the next chapter of my life."

As a kid in Guadalajara, Quinonez never thought he'd someday move to the United States, or have a career in broadcasting, or even graduate from college.

It was his dad who encouraged Quinonez to begin a new life in America in 1997.

"I had just graduated from high school and was looking for a job in Guadalajara," he explained. "My dad, who was living in Sioux City at the time, suggested I move here since people made more money in America."

Indeed, Quinonez's younger brother was already living in Sioux City and attending school here.

"Even though I already graduated in Mexico, I enrolled in high school to pick up some credits and to improve," he said.

Before too long, Quinonez had earned a Mexican high school diploma, a diploma from Sioux City's North High School, and eventually a bachelor's degree in mass communications from Briar Cliff University.

It was while still in college that Quinonez attracted the attention of Siouxland Public Media's longtime general manager, Gretchen Gondek.

"The station has had locally produced Spanish-language programming ever since we went on the air more than 40 years ago," Gondek said. "Over the years, 'South of the Border' has had several different hosts."

Quinonez began co-anchoring a newscast segment on the show while performing other duties for the station.

When the regular host of "South of the Border" decided to leave, Gondek asked Quinonez to be the replacement.

"I knew Isaac had the talent to do the job," the now-retired Gondek said. "He absolutely exceeded everybody's expectations."

One of Quinonez's most significant innovations was to increase the show's visibility in the community by DJing at public events.

That was appealing to Siouxland Public Media general manager Mark Munger.

"Our public station has a diverse and an amazing audience," he said. "Shows like 'South of the Border' allow us to serve an audience that isn't often catered to in commercial radio.

"Having such as exciting show like Isaac's enriches the station immensely," Munger continued. "'South of the Border' serves as a model in how to engage listeners."

For Quinonez, the greatest appeal of "South of the Border" is the music.

On any given Sunday, he can be getting requests all the way from Omaha; Worthington, Minnesota; and beyond.

"With social media and the Internet, we have the potential of being heard all over the world," Quinonez said. "That's been the biggest change over the past 16 years."

What hasn't changed is his love for radio as a medium.

"There is something wonderful about local radio because it reflects the flavor of a community," Quinonez said. "It also allows you to use your imagination since it is all about the sound. We listen to radio at work, at home or in your car."

Ironically, Quinonez will have plenty of time to listen to his car radio. He will soon be driving the nearly 2,000 miles between Sioux City to Guadalajara, Mexico.

"I'm ready to try my luck back in Mexico," he said. "My parents are now back living in Guadalajara. Plus I want to see if I can break into broadcasting there."

Quinonez said he is very pleased that "South of the Border" will continue to be broadcast at Siouxland Public Radio with a new host.

"That was important to me," he said. "I didn't want to disappoint the show's audience."

Even though Quinonez is excited about moving back to a metropolitan area that is home to more than 5 million people, he will always miss Sioux City.

"I've lived in Sioux City longer than I lived in Mexico," he said. "I'll always miss the people I've met and the opportunities I've had here."

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Panthasaurus maleriensis lived about 225 million years ago in what is now India. It is an ancestor of today's amphibians and has been considered the most puzzling representative of the Metoposauridae. Paleontologists from the universities of Bonn (Germany) and Opole (Poland) examined the fossil's bone tissue and compared it with other representatives of the family also dating from the Triassic. They discovered phases of slower and faster growth in the bone, which apparently depended on the climate. The results have now been published in the journal PeerJ.

Temnospondyli belong to the ancestors of today's amphibians. This group of animals became extinct about 120 million years ago in the Early Cretaceous. The Temnospondyli also include the Metoposauridae, a fossil group that lived exclusively in the Late Triassic about 225 million years ago. Remains of these ancestors are present on almost every continent. In Europe, they are found mainly in Poland, Portugal and also in southern Germany.

Panthasaurus maleriensis, the most puzzling representative of the Metoposauridae to date, lived in what is now India, near the town of Boyapally. "Until now, there were hardly any investigation opportunities because the fossils were very difficult to access," explains Elzbieta Teschner from the University of Opole, who is working on her doctorate in paleontology in the research group of Prof. Dr. Martin Sander at the University of Bonn. Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Opole, together with colleagues from the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata (India), have now examined the tissue of fossil bones of a metoposaur from the Southern Hemisphere for the first time. The amphibian, which resembled a crocodile, could grow up to three meters in length.

Valuable insight into the bone interior

"The investigated taxon is called Panthasaurus maleriensis and was found in the Maleri Formation in Central India," notes Teschner with regard to the name. So far, the fossil has only been examined morphologically on the basis of its external shape. "Histology as the study of tissues, on the other hand, provides us with a valuable insight into the bone interior," says Dr. Dorota Konietzko-Meier from the Institute for Geosciences at the University of Bonn. The histological findings can be used to draw conclusions about age, habitat and even climate during the animal's lifetime.

The histological examinations revealed that the young animals had very rapid bone growth and that this growth decreased with age. The Indian site where the bones were found provides evidence of both young and adult animals, in contrast to Krasiejow (south-western Poland), where only young animals were found. Geological and geochemical data show that the Late Triassic consisted of alternating dry and rainy periods, as in the present monsoon climate of India. "This sequence is also reflected in the material examined," says Teschner. "There are phases of rapid growth, known as zones, and a slowdown, known as annulus." Normally, one can still observe stagnation lines in the bones, which develop during unfavorable phases of life, for example during very hot or very cold seasons.

In Panthasaurus maleriensis, however, growth never comes to a complete cessation. In comparison: the Polish Metoposaurus krasiejowensis shows the same alternation of zones and annuli in one life cycle and no stagnation lines, whereas the Moroccan representative of the metoposaurs Dutuitosaurus ouazzoui shows stagnation lines - that is, a complete stop in growth - in each life cycle.

The different growth phases in the bones allow for a comparison of climatic conditions. This means that the climate in the Late Triassic would have been milder in Central India than in Morocco, but not as mild as in the area that today belongs to Poland. Sander: "Fossil bones therefore offer a window into the prehistoric past."

###

Publication: Elzbieta M. Teschner, Sanjukta Chakravorti, Dhurjati P. Sengupta, Dorota Konietzko-Meier: Climatic influence on the growth pattern of Panthasaurus maleriensis from the Late Triassic of India deduced from paleohistology, PeerJ, DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9868
The first batch of Russia's coronavirus vaccine, named "Sputnik V" has been released for public circulation, according to the Russian health ministry.

"The first batch of the Gam-COVID-Vac' (Sputnik V) vaccine for the prevention of new coronavirus infection has passed the necessary quality tests in the laboratories of Roszdravnadzor (medical device regulator) and has been released into civil circulation," the ministry said in a statement.

Earlier, Russia's health minister Mikhail Murashko announced that the Phase-3 clinical trial would start this week.

Recently, a prominent medical journal the Lancet also claimed that early results from trials of Russia's potential coronavirus vaccine showed no major side effects.

The Lancet study reported, "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".

It added, "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".

On 11 August, the world's first vaccine against the COVID-19 'Sputnik V' was registered by the Russian government. The vaccine is developed by Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

After registration, at least 20 countries, including India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Philippines, Mexico and Brazil, have expressed their interest in obtaining the vaccine. Plans include ramping up production of the vaccine to 200 million doses by the end of 2020, including 30 million in Russia.

Reports have emerged that India may conduct a separate Phase-3 clinical human trials of Sputnik V. Russia has shared details of its vaccine's efficacy and safety with India. The Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology has submitted "comprehensive data" on its safety and efficacy to Indian authorities.

Also read: Coronavirus vaccine update: India may conduct separate Phase-3 trials of Russia's Sputnik V

Also read: COVID-19 vaccine: Russia invites Moscow residents to join advanced trials for Sputnik V
Thousands of Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester students returned to the classroom on Tuesday for the first day of school.

For many, this was the first time they'd been inside a school building to see their teachers and administrators face to face since schools statewide closed in mid-March to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

In Charleston County, an estimated 13,000 students, or around 25 percent, showed up for their classes in person. The rest spent the day learning from home, accessing their lessons from behind a computer screen, either via the district's so-called "temporary remote" learning option, or through the long-term virtual academy platform.

The first day of school is always a hectic and confusing time. But what would have been minor issues in the past, such as trouble logging on to school-issued technology, were only amplified this year as students returned to the classroom during a global pandemic.

For the students who do attend school in person this year, one thing is certain: Most of their classrooms look very different this school year compared to the way they were when students left this spring.

Students, teachers and staff in Charleston County schools are required to wear face coverings while inside school buildings or while on student transportation. In classrooms where desks can't be spaced 6 feet apart, students can expect to see clear, plastic barriers installed on their desks.

Around 8 a.m. Tuesday, a handful of backpack-clad students trickled inside Simmons-Pinckney Middle School downtown.

While most were successful, Sherrel Brightman and her sixth grade granddaughter were turned away at the door.

Brightman thought she had successfully registered her granddaughter for in-person learning. She showed up Tuesday morning only to find out that wasn't the case. Her granddaughter needed to go home and sign onto her computer for online classes by 8:30 a.m.

"She's disappointed in some sense because she was waiting for this for a long time," Brightman said.

She plans to talk with administrators later this week to find out if it's possible for her granddaughter to transfer to in-person school.

Although her granddaughter's first day of middle school started with confusion, Brightman said she's still going to make the most of it.

"It's alright. I'm OK with it," she said.

Another parent, Yulonda Clayton, was frustrated to learn that her son, an eighth grader at Simmons-Pinckney Middle, was enrolled in CCSD's online school.

Her son, Jacques, showed up outside the building Tuesday morning after he had trouble logging onto his school-issued Chromebook.

"I dont want my son to be taught online," Clayton said. "I want him to be in school. I didn't know there was a choice."

At West Ashley High School, around 560 students showed up for in-person classes Tuesday.

Another 75 or so students on the in-person waitlist will likely be able to join by the end of this month, said Principal Ryan Cumback. Normally, the school's enrollment sits at nearly 1,800 students. The remaining 1,200 students tuned into their courses virtually.

During class changes, dozens of students flooded the halls. Hallway entrances were marked with large signs and floor arrows that directed the flow of traffic. Almost all students wore their masks properly, although a handful let their face coverings slip below their noses.

The lunchroom, which normally holds up to 550 students, now only hosts 160 students at a time, Cumback said. In order to accommodate everyone, the school alternated its daily schedule and now hosts three separate lunch periods.

Certain seats at the lunch tables were marked off with blue tape to designate where students could sit. Unmarked seats were spaced out so they were at least 6 feet apart.

While most students adhered to the new seating protocol, others ignored it. Teachers and lunch monitors occasionally stepped in to intervene by asking students to move to a different seat not marked off with tape.

"Our staff is doing the best they can," Cumback said.

Tuesday is only the first day of school, he said, and some students will need more time to adjust to some of the new safety measures.

A few students exchanged quick hugs and complimented each other on their colorful face masks before joining the winding line of students waiting to get their food.

In one biology classroom, 11 students listened as she explained how to set up a messaging system for her course on their cell phones. They sat quietly at their desks behind two-sided clear, plastic barriers. Another 10 students were tuned into the class online.

Of those in the classroom, two werent wearing masks at all. One student pulled his down so that it rested underneath his chin. The rest wore face coverings properly.

This morning, Cumback said, several students had issues signing on to the districts virtual learning management platform, Canvas.

"There were some issues with everybody trying to get on the portal and Canvas all at the same time," he said. "And then of course they either clicked the wrong link or we're signing into their first period class instead of homeroom, but little things in terms of the grand scheme of things. We can easily fix those things."

Students that had difficulty signing on were instructed to email their professor directly for the Zoom meeting link, he said.

"I think everybody kind of knows that the first day wasn't going to be absolutely flawless," he said.

Despite the challenges of the first day, Cumback is optimistic.

"Honestly we haven't had kids in here since March. And it seems like all we've been doing is planning and planning and waiting and wondering you know who's going to come back, when are they going to come back, what's it going to look like. So it's nice to just actually get them in the building today."

While some students showed up for the first day of class in person, the majority of students attended school virtually.

Claire Britton, a sixth grader at Allegro Charter School of Music, signed into her online choir class Tuesday morning for her first day as a middle schooler.

She sat in front of a small desk nestled in front of her bedroom window, the blinds drawn. In front of her were two devices: a school-issued iPad and a Chromebook that her parents purchased to help with the transition to virtual learning last spring.

All students at her school will spend the first four weeks of classes learning entirely virtually, said Bethany Britton, Claire's mother. After that, the district will reevaluate its learning plan every two weeks.

"I never thought that we would be here," Britton said of virtual learning. "I just assumed everything would be OK by now."

Claire's choir professor called roll on Zoom, stopping occasionally to ask students the correct way to pronounce their name. Later, he asked students to play a short, interactive game using the "chat" feature.

"It's not ideal," Britton said. "Obviously we want our kids in school because they're missing out on the social aspect."

A small schedule of all of Claire's Zoom meetings and passwords was pinned to a small bulletin board next to her desk. She has seven 50-minute classes throughout the day with a four-minute break between each one, although both of her classes Tuesday morning finished at least 15 minutes early. She recognized some of her old classmates in the Zoom call, but not many. "A lot of kids didn't come," Claire said.

A line of more than 25 cars idled outside Memminger Elementary School on Beaufain Street to pick up students after they were dismissed at 1:15.

Dozens of masked students were led to their parents car one-by-one by school staff.

Tannis James said her second grade son AlVonte did alright with virtual learning this spring, but getting him back into the classroom for face-to-face learning was a priority.

"Hes got to get an education," James said. "In person is most important to me."

AlVonte has had health problems, including asthma and bronchitis, in the past, James said. She is worried about the virus, but shes confident in the additional safety measures the school has taken, such as requiring students to wear masks and installing clear barriers between desks.

"Im very curious to see how theyre going to keep this up through the rest of the year and keep the children safe and healthy," she said.

Dottie Brown, the principal at Memminger, said that overall, the first day of school was very successful.

Around 25 percent of the school's total enrollment signed up for in-person learning, Brown said. After initially being able to accommodate all students who requested in person learning, Brown said that now there's a short waitlist of students hoping to receive face-to-face instruction.

There were some challenges with technology and, Brown said, although that's to be expected. Some students had trouble accessing the internet. Others forgot their online login information. Some parents called the school to say they didn't know how to sign their child on for online learning at all.

"It was multiple problems that we worked through, but overall I think it was pretty strong. And we'll just continue throughout the week to problem solve and make it as smooth as we can make it," she said.

Despite some of the technology hiccups, the school is in a much better place now with virtual learning than it was this spring, she said.

"We will continue to learn," she said. "I'm sure that we'll have big lessons that we've learned by the end of this week. We'll just continue to get better at it until all of our kids can come back."

CCSD dstrict leaders surprised parents Friday after announcing all students who were on the in-person waitlist as of Aug. 28 would be allowed to return to the classroom in person on Sept. 21.

The change in plans sparked frustration and confusion from some parents and teachers who worried the decision would lead to unsafe learning environments and crowded classrooms. The district emphasized that all schools will not exceed their safe building capacity figures.

Berkeley County

As the dozen or so children made their way down the hall at Howe Hall Arts Infused Magnet School in Goose Creek, a teacher reminded them about keeping their social distancing.

A bright, multi-colored, 6-foot long chameleon decal had been put on the floor to emphasis to the mask-wearing students about staying keeping their distance from one another as they made their to the next class.

Howe Hall AIMS principal Christopher Swetckie looked on with the pride of a first-time parent.

"The teachers, the faculty have been working so hard behind the scenes and have made this look very easy today," said Swetckie, who has been principal at Howe Hall for the past decade. "Youd think this was Day 20 and not the first day of classes."

Of the 420 students enrolled at Howe Hall, about 280 showed up Tuesday for in-person learning. The remaining 140 students elected to take their classes online to start the school year.

Swetckie said that classrooms that had a higher percentage of face-to-face learning were outfitted with three-sided Plexiglas to protect the students and teachers. There were other minor alterations like dance class not taking place in the normal room, but in a larger, multi-purpose facility for more space. Physical education classes were being held outdoors. All the teachers were using a "hybrid" teaching model.

"Its like having a studio audience," Swetckie said.

Besides the social distancing and masks for the children and teachers, Swetckie said it was a typical first day.

While Berkeley County School District's official face covering policy encourages, but does not require, students and teachers to wear masks while inside school property, principals, staff and children inside Howe Hall all wore masks Tuesday morning.

"Besides the obvious stuff, its been a great day," Swetckie said. "Learning is happening and thats a great thing to be able to say these days as a principal."

It was Ryan Kerkhoffs first day of high school Tuesday. When he was taking classes online, he didnt have to get out of bed until at least 11 a.m. The ninth grader was forced to rise at 7 a.m. to get to Cane Bay High School  a five-minute drive without traffic from the familys Summerville home  in time for his first class.

"Im not really looking forward this," Kerkhoff said.

His older brother, Tyler Kerkhoff, a senior at Cane bay, just smirked as his younger brother got in the family car and headed out to school. Ryan's first class this morning was online. He didn't have to be at school until at least 11 a.m.

"I didnt enjoy my online experience very much. I did it to get it out of the way," Tyler said. "There will be more interaction with people, my friends, the teachers today and I wont just have to look at a screen all day."

Tyler, who is a percussionist for the Cane Bay High School band, knows there will be differences this year at school. He spent the previous week helping set up the schools band room and noticed that the chairs were farther apart.

"Its pretty obvious that things are going to look a lot different if the band room is any indication," Tyler said.

The traffic getting in and out of the Cane Bay subdivision was heavier than usual Tuesday morning as parents were dropping their children off for the first day of classes. Berkeley County sheriff's deputies were directing traffic but warned parents about lengthy delays around the Cane Bay elementary, middle and high schools.

"I think thats a first-week thing," said Kelli Kerkhoff, Ryan and Tylers mother. "The buses around here can be pretty unreliable, but after a few days, itll calm down."

Berkeley County parent Rob Colantuoni hovered over the stove Tuesday morning, making sure he cooked the bacon just right.

After all, it was a special morning. Tuesday marked the first day of eighth grade for his twins  Gabby and Lucian  and he wanted the day to start out right. Its been six months since Colantuoni, a computer programmer that works out of the family home in Hanahan, has had the house to himself since March.

"I dont know whos more excited, them or me," he said with laugh.

Its a bit of a struggle for Gabby and Lucian to get back into the early-morning routine. When Marrington Middle School of the Arts ended in-person classes in the spring, they got used to waking up later and attending online classes in their pajamas. Those informal days are gone now.

"Its been a long six months," said Gabby Colantuoni, 13. "Im actually kind of excited to get back to school to hang out with some old friends. I didnt like the online classes because they didnt explain things as much. They explain it more in depth in person and the concept kind of gets into my brain better. You cant ask that many question online. Now I can just ask all the questions I want because the teacher is right there."

It's a last-minute scramble to get everyone out the door. But before everyone piles into the fathers car for the ride to school, theres one last family tradition  a photo of Gabby and Lucian  before they head out for the first day of classes.

"We take that photo every year," said Adrienne Colantuoni, who works at the Charleston County School District office.

Dorchester County

Joseph R. Pye Elementary is Dorchester District 2s second largest primary school with 700 plus students. But on Tuesday, the halls were silent as DD2 began the school year entirely virtually.

The school is in a growth area with apartments and neighborhoods being built around it. Staff members say that prior to the pandemic the road in front of the school is typically backed up with cars in the morning with parents and students.

Only one parent has come to the school so far today with questions about technology.

Allyson Kahler has been a kindergarten teacher with the school for 10 years. While she was working with students virtually on phonics on Tuesday, the schools principal, Wanda Gadsden, described her as a modern day Mr. Rogers.

Kahler tries to make sure every student is paying attention to her by asking them to do things like touch their nose or shake their hands.

Not seeing the children in person for the first day of school has been difficult, she said.

"I get 20,000 hugs a day," she said. "Its really hard on teachers.

Kahler said she feels a lot more organized this week in comparison to when schools suddenly had to go virtual in the spring.

Before she didnt know how to take advantage of the mute button so it was hard to get her students attention.

"I know what to expect," she said

She has also been able to work more with parents who may not have a technology background.

Vanessa Mijango is a fifth grade teacher with Joseph R. Pye Elementary. She and her students were lucky since they were already practicing with the applications such as Microsoft Teams before pandemic school closures.

She also taught fourth grade last year so most of her current students were in her class last year.

"It worked out perfectly," she said.

One of her main focuses right now is making sure that her students are socially and emotionally OK. She said she is familiar with some of her students circumstances since some of them kept in touch with her over the summer.

She is looking forward to the moment students are able to return physically. If COVID-19 activity drops in Dorchester County, DD2 will adapt a hybrid model where half of the students will be in school physically while the other half is virtual.

"Im ready to give them their safe space," Mijango said. "Even if its two days a week."

Of the more than 700 students at the school, six students havent picked up their virtual learning equipment.

Mijango said this has been helpful since in the spring all of her students didnt have equal access to technology.

"We feel pretty comfortable," Gadsden said.

Administrative staff still have access all of the virtual classrooms in the school so they can see the students and the how the virtual sessions are going.

Staff say prior to the pandemic that they prided themselves on getting all of their students in class by 7:15. So not seeing the kids faces on the first day of school feels a lot different to them.

"It tugs at your heart," said Assistant Principal Tracey Tayloe.

The Summerville YMCA opened its doors on Tuesday for the first day of its child care program for its members. Its child care program is a way to support members who couldnt remain home with their kids.

"This is really allowing people to keep their job," said Jana Chanthabane, the director of Summerville YMCA at The Ponds.

Around 80 students from kindergarten to seventh grade are signed up to spend their virtual school days at the Summerville YMCA at The Ponds facility.

So far most are DD2 students. A handful go to a school in Berkeley County.

Geny Moringlane, a child development coordinator with the Summerville YMCA, said one of the challenges is getting accustomed to the schedules.

Each school is different, she said.

"Its a learning process," she said. "Were learning as they learn."

Students are separated by two groups. One consists of kindergarten and first graders. The other has second through seventh graders.

Most of the children in the current school program were also in the Ys summer camp. For every 10 students, the facility has one instructor.

The room for the smaller children is colorful and felt like a classroom. The older children were spaced out in the facilitys basketball court. Most of the students sat quietly in front of their devices with headphones on participating in class.

The goal now is to get the children back in the rhythm of being in a school environment.

"Its been different but its been good," said Erin Roach, the Ys marketing director. "Were just happy we can provide this to our community."
Fraud victims are now losing at least 11.5 million a day as scammers seek to cash in on coronavirus, Money Mail can reveal today.

Alarmingly, the true figure is thought to be nearer 80 million a day because only a fraction of all fraud is officially reported.

Experts warned early on that crooks were attempting to capitalise on the panic surrounding the crisis.

Fraud outbreak: The total amount of money lost to fraud has almost quadrupled since the start of the pandemic in March, when losses totalled around 3 million per day

While everyone was locked away at home, they were knocking on our doors, worming their way into our email inboxes and cold-calling us at home.

Preying on people's fear and confusion, they knew their victims would be even more vulnerable than usual and showed no mercy.

Now, exclusive figures from Action Fraud reveal for the first time the true cost of the coronavirus fraud epidemic.

The total amount of money lost to fraud has almost quadrupled since the start of the pandemic in March, when losses totalled around 3 million per day.

There were 22,785 cases recorded in March, with losses totalling 92.3 million. By July cases had jumped by 43 per cent to 32,658, while losses had soared by 286 per cent to 356.6 million. That is around 8,000 of someone's savings stolen every single minute.

But the true scale of the fraud crisis is even more devastating because it is estimated that just 15 per cent of victims alert Action Fraud.

The figures include all types of fraud. Banks will usually refund customers if scammers gain access to victims' accounts without them realising.

Fraud victims are usually refunded if scammers are able to access their accounts without them realising

The most disastrous scams, however, are where fraudsters trick you into handing over your cash because it is often much harder to get your money back.

So today, Money Mail is launching a two-part special to help you fight back against the fraudsters. It builds on our Stop The Bank Scammers campaign, which we launched two years ago as part of a long-term effort to fight fraud.

This week, we share expert tips on how to get refunds if you have been scammed and tell victims' stories to help readers avoid falling for the same traps.

And just in case you think you are too smart to get caught out, we also reveal what happened when we invited a team of cyber experts to try to hack the accounts of Money Mail staff.

Next week we will focus on pension and investment scams. Just last month, The Pensions Regulator revealed that 30 million has been lost in pension scams since 2017.

Remember: two-thirds of Britons believe they can protect themselves from scams  but four in ten fall for the most common tactics, according to the Financial Conduct Authority.

So first, we reveal what those tactics are and how you can combat them.

Be wary if you receive an unexpected call from the police saying they are investigating fraudulent activity on your bank account and ask to confirm your card details over the phone

Don't get nicked by phoney police

Spot it: An unexpected call from the police informs you they are investigating fraudulent activity on your bank account and need your help to convict the criminal.

You are asked to confirm your card details over the phone, or key your PIN into the phone. You may be asked to withdraw a sum of money from your account to be 'forensically examined'.

You are told not to tell bank cashiers why you are withdrawing the money, in case they are involved in the fraud. A smart-looking courier or 'taxi' is sent to your house to collect an envelope with the cash and your cards.

Stop it: Hang up. The police will never ask you to disclose your bank and PIN over the phone or ask you to withdraw cash to give to a courier.

Wait five minutes before calling the police on 999 to report the crime, or use a different phone. The fraudster may still have your line open.

Call your bank using the number of the bank on your card. Bank staff are trained to spot courier fraud and alert the police under the Banking Protocol scheme.

Amazon con cost this 80-year-old 3,000 Venetia Robertson was tricked by phone fraudsters posing as Amazon staff Venetia Robertson received a call from bogus Amazon staff claiming she had accidentally signed up for its Prime service and was owed a 40 refund. The caller asked the 80-year- old to complete a series of tasks, including searching for her computer's IP address which shows the location of a device. Not realising at the time, she believes this allowed the crooks to take control of her machine. Eventually they said she had been refunded 4,000 by mistake and that she needed to transfer the extra money back. Venetia says the fraudsters were even able to make it look as though her online balance was 4,000 higher than it was. A one-time password was then sent to her phone, which the crooks asked her to read out. This gave the go-ahead for a 3,000 payment to be sent to their account. The pensioner did not even have to type in the name and number for the account as these automatically appeared on her screen. She believes the fraudsters asked for 3,000 because a higher figure may have alerted the bank that the payment was suspicious. Venetia felt uneasy as soon as she put the phone down so called TSB. But she was in such a panic that she failed her security questions. The following Monday she visited her local branch where she discovered her account had been drained, with just 504 remaining. Venetia, who lives in Southsea, Hants, says: 'I just feel so sick thinking about it and I keep asking myself how I could have been so stupid.' TSB has confirmed it will refund the pensioner. Ashley Hart, at TSB, says: 'TSB customers who are victims of fraud are always refunded in line with the terms of our Fraud Refund Guarantee.'

Make scam sink without trace

Spot it: A caller claiming to be from the NHS Test And Trace scheme says you have come into contact with someone suffering from Covid-19. You are told you need a test in the post and asked for your home address and bank details so you can pay for it.

Stop it: Described by the Local Government Association as a 'ruthless scam', this is difficult to spot.

Fraudsters hope panic will cause victims to hand over their personal information. The genuine number used by Test And Trace is 0300 0135 000, so a call from any other number is fake.

But the scammers may hide their real number and mimic this one. The simple rule to remember is that testing is free. You will never be asked for bank details by a real Test And Trace caller.

Nor will they request any other detail such as social media accounts, ask you to set up a password or PIN or tell you to call a premium rate service such as an 09 or 087 number. To order a genuine test, go to contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk.

Targeting the vulnerable

Spot it: You are contacted by email, text message, via social media or in person by someone who says they work for Jobcentre Plus.

They offer to claim 'free money' on your behalf, which they say is linked to Universal Credit or an advanced payment of the benefit. But they deduct a fee of 40 per cent or more for their services. They claim to be able to fast-track your application.

Stop it: Don't let anyone apply for Universal Credit on your behalf. You can do it for free. It will also affect the amount you receive in future or you could be asked to pay it back, including the fraudster's fee.

If you need help applying, contact Citizens Advice in England on 0800 144 8444, Wales 0800 024 1220 and Scotland 0800 023 2581.

Student duped by HMRC tax trick Student Ben Griffin was told he would have to pay 754 or face arrest and a court appearance Ben Griffin was alone in his shared house in Brighton in August when he picked up the phone to a scammer claiming to work for HMRC. The caller said he was the subject of a tax fraud investigation. He guided him to the HMRC website and told him he would receive a call from the listed number. Ben's phone rang and he was told he would have to pay 754 or face arrest and a court appearance. Ben, a student at the University of Sussex, says: 'I had a panic attack on the phone, they told me I would get arrested if I hung up.' He had taken up a part-time job at a local pub and feared this had caused a problem with his taxes. The caller also said HMRC was not sending letters during the pandemic. Ben, 21, transferred the cash from his Barclays student account, plus another 400 for 'solicitor fees'. He rang his mother, Fiona, 63, who advised him to call Barclays. After around 90 minutes on hold to its fraud team, an employee reassured him he should get his money back. When Ben (left) heard nothing weeks later, he called again and was told Barclays would not refund him because he had authorised the payment. Ben says: 'I had no idea scammers could clone numbers like that.' Barclays refunded Ben the full 1,154 after Money Mail intervened.

Clean out the virus salesman

Spot it: You receive a call or home visit from a 'salesman' flogging face masks, pills that cure coronavirus or hand-sanitising gels. You are asked for an upfront payment over the phone or an advance cash payment in person but no goods or services will be delivered.

Stop it: Never give your bank details to strangers over the phone or pay in advance to receive products or services. Do not deal with any doorstep salespeople peddling anti-Covid-19 measures. Only buy medical goods from trusted sources such as pharmacies.

Ask to see the doggie in the window

Spot it: You see an online advert selling puppies and kittens that requires a deposit.

The advert is probably on social media or shopping sites like Gumtree.

The seller makes excuses to stop you from seeing your pet first, or from picking it up.

You are asked for more and more payments to cover vaccines, insurance and the delivery of the pet that never arrives.

Stop it: Don't buy a pet online without looking up reviews of the website or person selling the animal. Trust your gut. If it seems dubious, ask a family member for a second opinion. Insist on seeing the animal in person before parting with your cash.

If you are unable to travel, ask for a video call. Challenge any resistance from the seller and walk away if you are suspicious. If you do go ahead, don't pay by bank transfer. Use a credit card or PayPal, which offer more protection if you are a fraud victim.

Press 'one' to be defrauded

Spot it: You receive an automated call that appears to be from HMRC telling you to press 'one' to speak to an operator. The call handler says you have not paid your tax properly and threatens you with arrest if you don't settle up immediately.

Instructions are given on how to pay but they will often claim that the transfer has not been successful, goading you into paying again and again until you have unwittingly emptied your account.

Stop it: HMRC will never email or text you about a tax rebate or penalty, or ask for your personal payment information. Report suspicious activity to HMRC's phishing team at phishing@hmrc.gov.uk or forward the text to 60599. Contact their security team at security.custcon@hmrc.gov.uk if you think you have been scammed.

The errors that reveal a fraud Spot it: You receive a call or email telling you to pay your TV licence. It says the TV licensing agency will have to cancel your licence or pass your details to a debt collection agency if you fail to keep up with payments. It will provide a link for you to pay. The email may have several spelling mistakes. Stop it: The link contains a virus that will infect your device. TV Licensing will never email customers, unprompted, to ask for bank details, personal information or tell you that you may be entitled to a refund. It has started sending letters to anyone aged over 75 asking them to either pay for the licence or apply for a free one. The letter will include your title, last name and licence number. It will only ask you to pay by post, online at tvl.co.uk/75pay or tvl.co.uk/75apply or by calling 0300 790 6151. The address is TV Licensing, PO Box 578, Darlington DL98 1AN. Anything other than this is a scam. Nor will TV Licensing come to your doorstep demanding payment.

Prime yourself... it's not Amazon

Spot it: Another automated call, this time purporting to be from Amazon, saying you have taken out a Prime subscription and should press 'one' to cancel. You are then connected to someone posing as an Amazon customer service agent.

The 'agent' explains that the subscription was purchased fraudulently because of a 'security flaw' on your computer. They say they will need remote access to your device to fix the breach. This gives them access to your passwords and banking information.

Another tactic is to claim you are owed a refund after being overcharged. They make it look as though you have been repaid too much and ask for it back. In reality, they never sent any money to you, so if you make a payment you are handing over your own cash.

Stop it: Amazon will never call customers for payment outside of its website. Do not give unknown sources remote access to your devices. Scammers may also claim you are due a rebate.

Red flag for green home call

Spot it: You are contacted by a so-called adviser, who explains you are eligible for the Government's Green Homes Grant, a voucher worth up to 5,000 that can be spent on making your home energy efficient. The caller will direct you to a fake application to get your personal details to commit identity theft or try to steal money.

Stop it: The scheme does not start until the end of September, so any call now is a scam. If you are contacted in October or later, do not follow the scammer's instruction. To find out how to apply, visit gov.uk/guidance/apply-for- the-green-homes-grant-scheme.

Dodgy links infect device

Spot it: You receive an email purporting to be from your mobile or broadband provider stating you are due a refund. It contains company branding and a link to click to obtain the refund.

Stop it: The link will lead you to a malicious website, which will attempt to infect your device, either locking you out of it or allowing scammers to gain access to it.

Don't click on links or attachments in suspicious emails and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details.

Don't gamble on lottery call

Scammers are calling potential victims saying they have won a lottery or prize draw but to claim the prize, they are told to send money to pay for taxes and processing fees

Spot it: You receive a call saying you have won a lottery or prize draw. To claim the prize, you are told to send money to pay for taxes and processing fees.

Stop it: Genuine lotteries thrive on publicity. No official lotteries contact people to tell them of their win and don't demand fees to collect winnings.

Online discount could be a ruse

Spot it: A website, or seller if it is an auction site such as eBay, is offering you goods for a fraction of the price. The only payment method offered is bank transfer, which means you have to enter your account details. The website is poorly designed and contact details are sparse. The reviews are non-existent.

Stop it: Have a look around the website for telltale signs it is run by scammers. There may be spelling and grammar mistakes and no refund details.

Check the retailer's social media website to see what recent activity there is, and if other shoppers have left comments. If you do decide to proceed, using a credit card gives you more chance of getting your money back.

Signs your email has been hacked

Spot it: You are expecting to part with a large sum of money, possibly to buy a house, and receive an email from someone pretending to be your solicitor or your builder.

They claim to have a new bank account, and tell you how to pay into it. On closer inspection there is a small difference in the spelling of the email address.

Stop it: Your email account has been hacked by scammers who have intercepted a thread of messages and are mimicking a sender you trust. Report the hack to your email provider.

Never transfer money to a bank account number that has been emailed to you. If you receive a message, call your solicitor or builder on a number you trust.

Preying on the bereaved

Another scam involves someone claiming to be from your local council's bereavement service calling you to say that the payment you have made to your funeral director has bounced

Spot it: Someone claiming to be from your council's bereavement service calls you to say that the payment you have made to your funeral director has bounced. You are told to make an immediate payment to them over the phone.

Stop it: Never give your card details out over the phone to an unexpected caller. A bereavement service would not act in this way. Hang up and call your funeral director from a different line.

moneymail@dailymail.co.uk
A medical worker takes a swab sample from a staff member from the AOC computer monitor factory to be tested for the COVID-19 virus in Wuhan, China, on May 15, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Ottawa Orders Review of Pandemic Warning System After Unit Shut Down Prior to Crisis

Canadas Public Health Minister has ordered an independent review after media reports that the federal health agencys early warning unit meant to flag potential pandemics was shut down just months before the COVID-19 pandemic crisis hit.

Health Minister Patty Hajdu ordered an outside review after an investigation by the Globe and Mail published in July found that the federal pandemic early warning system, known as the Global Public Health Intelligence Network, was shut down in May 2019.

The specialists working in the group, who were trained to analyze global health threats, were reassigned to other departments. The Globe article also said warnings from the scientists werent properly sent up the chain of command.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Canadas Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam said the unit within the Public Health Agency has been reinstated and continues to function.

Tam said she doesnt want to pre-empt the findings of any report but will be looking closely at whatever recommendations are made.

She also said she received warnings about the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in China late last year, and that the information would have been passed on to provinces and territories.

Delays in Pandemic Prevention

There have been other reports of early warnings not resulting in action in Canada as well.

In early January, a specialized unit within the Canadian militarys intelligence branch that receives reports from the Five Eyes Intelligence partners began producing warnings and analysis about the emergence of the virus in Wuhan.

Those assessments raised the alarm about the viruss threat and claimed Chinese authorities knew the outbreak was out of control and that crucial information was being withheld from foreign governments and public health agencies, according to a CBC report.

Yet, Ottawa appeared not to hear or heed these warnings and refused to impose travel restrictions on China until mid-March, long after many other countries decided to do so. This move was praised by Beijing, while the regime slammed countries that restricted travel from China.

Canadian authorities also shipped 16 tonnes of personal protective equipment to China in early February, while health professionals later reported a shortage of PPE in Canada.

Asked why Canada wasnt imposing restrictions on travel from China at the time, officials cited advice from the World Health Organization (WHO).

A number of world governments, including the United States, Japan, and Australia, have criticized or raised questions about WHOs handling of the virus outbreak and the cozy relationship with its leadership and Beijing.

With files from The Canadian Press
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) speaks to members of the media at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on March 13, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Rep. Davis: Mail-In Voting May Disenfranchise Millions of Minorities, Young People

Millions of young and minority voters are at risk of their votes not being counted in November due to mail-in voting problems and too few polling places, according to Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.).

Democrats want to stick their heads in the sand and not address this issue, Davis told The Epoch Times on Sept. 8. This issue more disproportionately affects younger voters and voters who are persons of color than anyone else.

Davis pointed to hundreds of thousands of mail-in ballots that were disqualified during primary elections earlier this year in California, New York, and Wisconsin.

These voters are the ones that were most likely to be disenfranchised in these areas where the mail-in ballots were disqualified because they didnt meet a plethora of election laws that exist in those states, Davis said.

Daviss comments echoed concerns he expressed during an Aug. 29 hearing of the Committee on House Administration, of which he is the ranking minority member. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) is chairwoman of the committee, which is responsible for overseeing federal election laws.

A recent analysis by NPR found that nearly half a million mail-in ballots were rejected in 2020 primaries. The same analysis noted, Studies also show that voters of color and young voters are more likely than others to have their ballots not count, Davis said in his opening statement at the hearing.

In California alone, 102,000 ballots were rejected, 84,000 in New York, 23,000 in Wisconsinthese are Democrat states. In the last four elections, more than 28 million mail-in ballots went missing, according to the Election Assistance Commission (EAC).

Yet Democrats on this committee, in this House, and across the country continue to push implementing universal vote-by-mail before the November election just over 60 days away.

Davis also pointed to widespread closings of polling places, which resulted in long lines, forcing many voters to wait hours in line before casting ballots. The polling places are being closed due to worries about spreading the CCP virus, also known as the novel coronavirus.

Washington, D.C., closed more than 120 polling places. In Atlanta, voters waited upwards of five hours to vote because of consolidated polling locations. Milwaukee went from 180 to five polling places, he said.

In Philadelphia, 77 percent of polling locations were closed. In Houston, voters reported waiting close to six hours to vote. All of these areas are run by Democrats.

The hearingtitled Voting Safely in a Pandemicwas called by the panels Democrats to tout a provision of the House-approved $3 trillion HEROES Act, which requires nationwide mail-in voting in the event of an emergency, specifically including the CCP virus.

There was some confusion during the hearing regarding the provision, however, as Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio), who chairs the panels Subcommittee on Elections, claimed the HEROES Act does not require, does not request, universal vote by mail  what it does is it gives people options, so they can be safe when they decide to go out and vote.

But Davis responded that the HEROES provision requires, in the case of an emergency or disaster, including COVID-19, state or local election officials to transmit absentee ballots and balloting materials by mail with a self-sealing envelope and prepaid return postage to every registered voter at least two weeks before the election.

Dirty Voting Rolls

The Illinois Republican also blasted a video supporting mail-in voting that was produced by the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS).

The DASS video compares Republicans to white supremacists with imagery of Nazi symbols, support of segregation, and insinuates anyone who has concerns with vote-by-mail of trying to suppress minority votes, he said.

One of the committee hearings witnesses was California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, the chairman of DASS. Padilla told the hearing that California voters will not have to choose between exercising their right to vote and protecting their health because vote-by-mail has grown from 25 percent of ballots cast 20 years to 72 percent in this years primaries.

California officials are expanding mail-in voting despite disqualifying more than 102,000 votes cast in this years primaries as a result of being submitted late or other mistakes.

Associated Press political reporter Michael Bloods investigation exposed the disqualified ballots and showed that mail-in voting can be fraught with problems at a time when the Pandemic is driving many states to gear up for near-universal vote-by-mail in November and as President Donald Trump casts doubt on the systems validity.

California officials in 2018 settled a lawsuit filed by the nonprofit government watchdog Judicial Watch by agreeing to clean up the voter rolls to ensure dead voters are removed, duplicate names are eliminated, and accurate addresses are available.

But Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton told The Epoch Times that California could still have up to 1.6 million inactive voter names just in Los Angeles County.

California, up until our settlement, had not cleaned up its voter rolls in 20 years, Fitton said, so there is this inordinate number of inactive voters on the rolls.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom had planned to send ballots to all active and inactive voters on the states rolls, but that plan had to be shelved as a result of the challenge by Judicial Watch, Fitton said.

When you are mailing millions of ballots to people who havent asked for them, you are creating a perfect storm of voting fraud opportunities, he said.

When Davis asked Padilla during the Aug. 29 hearing how many inactive voter names have been removed from the Los Angeles County rolls to date, the California official said he didnt know.

Fittons organization has also filed suits that resulted in officials in Kentucky in 2014 and Ohio in 2019 agreeing to clean up their state voter rolls. But the problem of dirty voter rolls remains a serious one across the nation, Fitton said.

The problems are nationwide. The voter rolls are generally a mess, he said.

Contact Mark Tapscott at Mark.Tapscott@epochtimes.nyc
With California suffering through an unprecedented heat wave, with fires up and down the state, its clear that addressing climate change is something we can put off no longer.

Its impacts are being felt here, now. The thing is, we have the tools to address it. Think of (1) pursuing a rapid shift to solar and wind energy plus storage for electricity generation; (2) electrifying transport; (3) enacting enhanced building efficiency standards; and (4) promoting development of reduced carbon fuels for heavy industrial uses.

So we have the tools. What we need is the political will to implement them. Because this isnt about saving the Earth. The Earth will survive. It may become a hot, acrid planet like Venus, but it will survive. But will we? Will we continue to turn our temperate planet into a hot, burning mess, inhabitable to human life? Or have we gotten the message yet? Will this wake us up? We can attack climate change. But will we? Will we force our politicians to stop dithering and mobilize to attack climate change with everything we have? Because our current approach of pretending its not real, or hoping it will go away, isnt working too well.

Fred Etheridge, Albany

Trumps flip-flop

Regarding Stars and Stripes forever (Editorial, Sept. 7): Because the president has regularly smeared our free press as the enemy of the people, his change-of-mind decision to not eliminate funding for Stars and Stripes, a military newspaper, is purely political.

With less than two months before election day, President Trump wants to blunt the impact of reports that he derogatorily called our nations service members losers and suckers. His calling Stars and Stripes a wonderful source of information to our Great Military! after planning to cut its federal funding is simply another phony and calculated gesture to a group of voters whose supports he needs to get re-elected: our heroic military personnel and veterans.

Henrik Lundquist, Tiburon

All about politics

I noticed in Politicization of pandemic hinders hope for solutions (Front Page, Sept. 7) that the Trump administration is referring to a partnership of at least six federal agencies that is supposed to cut bureaucratic red tape and speed the approval process for the development of a coronavirus vaccine as Operation Warp Speed. But given Trumps fervent desire for this vaccine to be announced before Election Day (and help his re-election prospects), even if it hasnt been thoroughly tested and proven to be both safe and effective, Id change the name of this partnership to Operation Warped.

Claire Rosenthal, San Francisco

A super Sunday newspaper

Thank you for Sundays deep feature about California water and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Im not mentioning the reporters byline. Because his work, like all three page one articles that day, is the latest regular example of the outstanding job, in routine and special stories, that The Chronicle performs for our region  despite challenging circumstances in which newspapers of community and global record continue to function.

Ive been reading the papers print edition for 60 years. With several exceptions, you may not boast the nationally unique and celebrated columnists roster of glory-day decades. But its longtime and newest reporters and editors together make The Voice of the West an excellent and indispensable asset of daily life here as ever before. Im grateful, as most citizens, teachers and students likely feel, about the citys strong and colorful pillar of the Fourth Estate.

John Diamante, San Francisco

Poetry appreciation

In response to Susan Walkers Sept. 4 poem The New Ritual I say Amen.

Thank you, Susan, and thank you, Chronicle editors, for that lovely glimpse of shared community.

Isabelle Briand, San Mateo

Respect American heroes

I have lectured many times on the beaches of Normandy. I have also had conversations with D-Day vets and never met a loser or a sucker. President Trump goes on to wonder why someone would sacrifice their lives. Well there is a magnificent monument at the American cemetery on Omaha Beach that would answer his question. Inscribed on a glowing piece of white marble are these words: They traded all their tomorrows so you could have today.

Maybe we should mail this to the president.

Rodney Liner, San Carlos

The 2020 solution

Concerning Too late for 2020, but Electoral College must go (John Diaz, Insight, Sept. 7): Rather than calling for a future constitutional amendment that would abolish the Electoral College (and is as unlikely to secure the 38 states needed for ratification as the Equal Rights Amendment failed to do two generations ago), why isnt Chronicle Editorial Page Editor John Diaz keeping his focus on the 2020 election?

The best way to ensure that the outcome of this presidential contest doesnt end up in the Supreme Court is to constantly encourage all citizens who are at least 18 years of age to exercise their right to vote. If Nate Silver, the statistics whiz and editor in chief of the website FiveThirtyEight, believes that the Electoral College is not really safe for Joe Biden unless he wins by at least five or more percentage points, then the millions of Americans who desperately want a change of leadership in the White House must vote in record numbers to create a Biden landslide.

The current president, who is shamefully stoking fear about a fraudulent election outcome, deserves such a sound repudiation.

Fiona MacPherson, San Jose

Electoral reform option

Some of the problems people see with the Electoral College would be resolved if more states used proportional division of electoral votes. If 10% of the voters vote for the Green Party, then 10% of the electors should be Green. For fractions, round up to the larger percentage. This might also get more attention for the solid states. A moderate percentage of Californias 55 electors would outweigh a number of smaller states total.

Peter Reque, San Francisco
Doctor's prescription is not mandatory from now for those voluntarily going for RT/PCR test to detect COVID-19 infection in the national capital, the Tuesday said, while expressing concern over the sharp and alarming increase in the number of cases.

Till now it was mandatory for a person to have a doctor's prescription or symptoms to get tested for the virus.

A bench of justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad said people need to carry Aadhaar card for Delhi address proof and fill a form as prescribed by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for COVID-19 testing.

The ICMR form specifies the category of patient as per the testing guidelines.

The high court noted there was a sharp increase in the number of cases in Delhi and asked private laboratories to allow 2000 COVID-19 tests per day for those who voluntarily wish for it.

As the sanctioned strength of conducting RT/PCR test is 14,000, the remaining 12,000 testing capacity per day is available with the Delhi government, it noted.

RT/PCR, short for Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction, is a laboratory technique widely used in the diagnosis of genetic diseases and to measure gene expression in research.

The bench examined that there is a sharp rise in cases of COVID-19 in Delhi between August 31 till date and the figures are rather alarming.

On August 31, the number of cases in Delhi were 1358 and on September 7, it went up to 2077.

Delhi government said it was mulling over the issue of allowing RT/PR tests without prescription and needed one more week to make a decision.

However, the high court said having regard to the sharp increase in the COVID-19 cases, it was of the opinion that the situation does not call for any delay.

Henceforth from now, those who want to voluntarily get themselves tested, they need not obtain a prescription from a doctor. The person concerned will only be mandated to fill the ICMR form and attach Aadhaar card to show the proof of a Delhi residence, the bench said.

It further said the private laboratories should prioritise the results of testing samples sent to them by the Delhi government and thereafter give reports of private persons.

In case Delhi government sends additional samples to the private labs, they shall also be catered without any delay, it said.

Delhi government counsel Satyakam informed the high court that in pursuance to its last order, COVID-19 testing camps have been set up at Inter-State Bus terminals (ISBT) Anand Vihar, Sarai Kale Khan and Kashmiri Gate and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station and New Delhi Railway Station.

Indian Railways has started operating more trains so testing at stations will also be increased proportionately, he said.

The high court was informed that presently two mobile van facilities are deputed in each district in Delhi for the testing.

The bench directed the Delhi government to ramp up the mobile facilities from two to four on the sites which the state deems appropriate, if possible at prominent metro terminals.

The high court said Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) should advertise about the nearby COVID-19 testing camps at prominent spots near the entry and exit area of the stations.

This should also be uploaded on Delhi government's website for the convenience of citizens, it said.

As the Delhi government counsel said that the third Sero-survey had commenced in the city on September 1 and concluded on September 7, the high court directed him to place on record the sero survey report along with a fresh status report before the next date of hearing on September 16.

During the hearing, central government standing counsel Anurag Ahluwalia, submitted that social distancing norms are not being followed in district courts and testing camps be organised there.

To this, the bench said camps are being set up at the high court and district courts here on rotation basis and social distancing is something which the legal community has to ensure.

We have opened courts on the saying of lawyers and they should ensure social distancing is maintained. It was the bar associations which were asking for physical hearings. While judges, court staff and support staff are coming to courts, lawyers are desisting from coming to courts and court masters are flooded with requests to put matters through virtual hearing, the bench said.

Ahluwalia and Satyakam submitted that physical hearing be done away with for some more time as the situation is very bad in Delhi and added that lawyers will make a representation on this.

The bench said they can give a representation to this effect to the Chief Justice who is the final authority to take decisions.

The high court had on August 31 expressed concern over spike in cases of COVID-19 in the city and had directed the Delhi government to re-strategise the testing so that maximum number of cases which are turning out to be asymptomatic can undergo a test at private laboratories to prevent spread of infection.

It was hearing a PIL by advocate Rakesh Malhotra seeking increasing the COVID-19 testing numbers in the national capital and getting speedy results.

(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: U.S. President Donald Trump, facing the possibility of a cash crunch, said on Tuesday he would spend his own money to finance his 2020 presidential campaign against Democrat Joe Biden if he had to.

The Republican president told reporters before taking off for a trip to Florida that the campaign had double or triple what it had in 2017 but he would put in whatever it takes.

If I have to, I would," Trump said.

The New York Times reported that Trumps initial financial supremacy over Biden earlier this year had evaporated, and that of the $1.1 billon his campaign and the party raised from the beginning of 2019 through July, more than $800 million already had been spent.

Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien, who took over from Brad Parscale in mid-July, told reporters on a campaign press call on Tuesday that we are now carefully monitoring the budget."

Stepien said the campaign will have more resources to spend than it had in Trumps 2016 victory and that were very comfortable and confident" in how money is now being spent and where.

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
Teachers have complained that the current coronavirus testing system is 'not fit for purpose' after several reported missing classes due to a lack of available tests.

One teacher near Birmingham said she and her son missed school because they were unable to get a home test. The nearest drive-in centres were Oldham in Greater Manchester or Romford in Essex - 92 miles and 132 miles away respectively.

'I think any school is going to have difficulty eventually unless things change,' said the teacher, who asked not to be named. 'I should have been able to walk in today and get a test and be back at my desk in 24 hours. In my opinion the testing system is not fit for purpose and is preventing me from doing my job.'

Another teacher at a school for vulnerable pupils in Greater Manchester said she was the third of its staff members currently self-isolating.

The 38-year-old, from Stockport, said she had eventually got a test for her son at his school, but was unable to get one for herself due to the high demand.

Another teacher at a school for vulnerable pupils in Greater Manchester said she was the third of its staff members currently self-isolating.

She added: 'They needed a much better testing system in place before they reopened schools. It's not like they haven't had six months to sort it out!'

Sarah-Jane Marsh, director of the NHS Test and Trace programme, apologised for the shortage after admitting that capacity was at a 'crucial pinch-point'.

Her comments came after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson insisted the Government was 'very much' in control of the reopening of schools.

In other coronavirus developments in Britain today:

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that bars and restaurants in Bolton will only be allowed to serve takeaway, and must close between 10pm and 5am;

More than 180,000 people in Caerphilly will remain in lockdown until October 'at the very least', Wales's health minister said today;

England reported a further eight Covid deaths across hospitals, while Scotland has suffered the highest daily death toll in more than two months;

The Bank of England's chief economist warned against extending the furlough scheme and said keeping jobs on 'life support' would be bad for the economy;

Nicola Sturgeon risked a fresh row with Boris Johnson today after she said the Scottish government is 'not encouraging people to rush back to the office'.

One teacher near Birmingham said she and her son were missing school because they were unable to get a home test. The nearest drive-in centres were Oldham or Romford

NHS Test and Trace director of testing Sarah-Jane Marsh (pictured) apologised to people unable to get a Covid-19 test as officials consider new lockdown restrictions

Scientists have previously said cases have risen over August as a result of increased testing (pictured, how testing has risen during the pandemic)

More than 180,000 people in Caerphilly will remain in lockdown until OCTOBER at the earliest, say health chiefs after Welsh county's infection rate shot up to one of UK's highest More than 180,000 people in Caerphilly will remain in lockdown until October 'at the very least', Wales's health minister said today. People will not be allowed to enter or leave the area without a reasonable excuse when the restrictions come into force at 6pm on Tuesday. Everyone over the age of 11 will be required to wear face coverings in shops - the first time this will be mandatory in Wales. Meetings with other people indoors and extended households will not be allowed, while overnight stays have also been banned. The measures follow a spike in cases in Caerphilly county borough, where the Welsh Government says there have been 133 new Covid-19 cases over the past seven days. This is equivalent to a rate of 55.4 cases per 100,000 - the highest rate in Wales and one of the highest in the UK. Advertisement

Parents reported children missing classes due to the lack of available testing.

Andy Thompson, 38, a technical manager from Crewe, said his six-year-old daughter is home from school with a cough, but has so far been unable to get a test. 'It's an absolute shambles. No home tests available. And now the nearest test centre is Oldham, a 100-mile round-trip with a sick child,' he said.

'I didn't realise how bad it is. If you haven't got a car, no way you're getting tested. And if you aren't computer literate, don't bother as the phone line is useless. I've tried every option to speak to someone and it just hangs up saying call back later they are busy.'

He said his daughter became sick only two days after returning to primary school and was now unable to go back until she had a negative test or had quarantined for 14 days.

Responding to the teachers' concerns, Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the NEU, said: 'We need a far more robust and accessible trace, track and test system with testing centres within a reasonable distance.

'We are hearing stories of teachers being told they must travel hundreds of miles for a test - the Government must act on this immediately.'

Today a senior official at NHS Test and Trace issued an apology to people unable to get a Covid-19 test as officials consider new lockdown restrictions to curb the current spike in cases.

Director of Testing Sarah-Jane Marsh said there is capacity at testing sites but laboratories processing the tests are at a 'critical pinch-point'.

Ms Marsh added that the system is doing 'all it can to expand quickly'.

There have been reports of people being told there are no appointments available at test centres in England and that there are no home tests kits available to send out.

Ms Marsh wrote on Twitter: 'Can I please offer my heartfelt apologies to anyone who cannot get a Covid test at present.

'All of our testing sites have capacity, which is why they don't look overcrowded; it's our laboratory processing that is the critical pinch-point. We are doing all we can to expand quickly.

'We have additional NHS, Lighthouse, University and Partner Labs all due to open up imminently and we are also expanding the use of non-Laboratory based tests.

'The testing team work on this 18 hours a day, seven days a week. We recognise the country is depending on us.'

Data from Public Health England shows that more than 40 per cent of coronavirus tests done in hospitals were positive in March and April but this has now plummeted and remains below 2.5 per cent in both hospitals and the community. This shows that there remains only a small proportion of people with the symptoms of coronavirus who actually have it

England and Scotland have reported 11 more coronavirus deaths in an early count today

England and Scotland report 11 more coronavirus deaths in early count England has reported a further eight Covid-19 deaths across hospitals, while Scotland has suffered the highest daily death toll in more than two months. Three fatalities were recorded in Scotland in a single day for the first time since June 30. No further deaths have been reported by Wales in the early count and Northern Ireland chiefs said it would give an update at 4pm. Britain's death toll will be officially announced by the Department of Health this afternoon and may be different to the preliminary total calculated by adding up deaths reported by each home nation. New cases will also be reported later after almost 6,000 were diagnosed across Sunday and Monday - the highest since mid-May. Advertisement

Earlier, Gavin Williamson guaranteed every school in England would be supplied with coronavirus home tests to hand out to parents before reopening.

The under-fire Education Secretary used an interview to pledge that teachers would be able to send ill children home with a kit so that a family member can use it to quickly determine whether they have Covid-19.

Staff would also be allowed to use the swab kits under guidance that says they should be handed out by teachers 'where they think providing one will significantly increase the likelihood of them (the ill person) getting tested.'

Under guidance issued by the Department for Education, if the child tests negative either using a home kit or after visiting a testing centre they can return to school with the minimum of disruption.

If they test positive they quarantine at home while the school takes steps to limit the spread.

But many questioned whether every school getting Covid-19 home testing kits before September was an achievable feat in the first place - with sceptical parents vowing to hold the Education Secretary to his word.

Meanwhile Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that bars and restaurants in Bolton will only be allowed to serve takeaway, and must close between 10pm and 5am.

Mr Hancock said the dramatic action was needed as the area has the highest rate of cases in the country, at 120 per 100,000 people.

Flouting of social distancing by 20 and 30-somethings is thought to be largely responsible, and the Cabinet minister said a ban on mixing outside of your own household will now be given legal force.

The news came with Boris Johnson on the verge of slashing the legal limit on private gatherings to assuage concerns about the level of infections in the UK - which has neared 3,000 for two days running.

The number of people legally allowed to meet up in private homes could be reduced in England from the current maximum of 30, potentially to as low as six, and subject to fines running into thousands of pounds. It is not expected the change would cover venues such as pubs, which have 'Covid Secure' measures in place.

Addressing his Cabinet this morning, Mr Johnson warned that in other countries the rise in infections 'was followed a couple of weeks later by a rise in hospitalisations'.

He said that was due to young people picking up the disease and then 'going on to infect other generations'.

No10 refused to confirm that the limit on gatherings will definitely be tightened this week, but insisted the government was taking the situation 'extremely seriously' and 'will not hesitate' to act if necessary.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that bars and restaurants in Bolton will only be allowed to serve takeaway, and must close between 10pm and 5am

Boris Johnson (pictured today) and his senior ministers are holding a socially-distanced meeting with concerns rising about infections - which have neared 3,000 for two days running

However, the move immediately sparked anger from Tory MPs who pointed out that infection levels remain extremely low.

One former minister told MailOnline it would be 'dreadful and disproportionate', an 'enormous intrustion into private life' and 'rule by directive'.

The sharp increase in coronavirus cases over the past few days has caused anxiety about the possibility of a second peak.

But experts point out that the uplift has been concentrated among younger people rather than the more vulnerable older generation.

There has also not yet been any significant rise in hospitalisations or deaths, amid theories that treatments have improved and social distancing could be reducing the viral load - meaning cases are less severe.

Rising Covid-19 cases are headed by a three-fold rise in infections in people in their teens and 20s, data shows - while number of vulnerable older people testing positive is FALLING and has been since lockdown

By Vanessa Chalmers, Health Reporter for MailOnline

Rising Covid-19 cases are being driven by people in their teens and 20s, where cases have tripled since July, official data shows, while the number of positive tests among older generations has continued to fall.

MailOnline analysis shows infections have surged from 9.2 to 28 cases per 100,000 since July 4, 'Super Saturday', in those aged 20 to 29 in England.

And the case rate has also quadrupled among teenagers - those aged 10 to 19 years old - over July and August, before schools reopened, from 4.1 cases per 100,000 people to 16.2.

At the same time, cases in those over 80 have dropped drastically since the height of the pandemic, when they made up the majority of Covid-19 cases, and have halved since July.

Infections among older people - those who are most likely to get seriously ill or die if they catch the virus - have fallen steadily since lockdown.

Those groups may be more likely to take social distancing rules seriously and to continue staying home to protect themselves because they understand the risks the virus brings, scientists have said.

While fears grow of a severe second wave of Covid-19 hitting the UK, the fact that most cases are among younger, healthy generations offers reassurance that hospitalisations and deaths will not be a direct result of small spikes.

Health officials are rattled, however, and are warning young people to stop going to parties and large gatherings and to respect the social distancing laws. Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday appeared on Radio 1 to tell youngsters 'Don't kill your gran' as deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam said people had 'relaxed too much'.

MailOnline analysis shows infections have surged from 9.2 to 28 cases per 100,000 since July 4, 'Super Saturday', in those aged 20 to 29 in England.

At the same time, cases in over 80 year olds have dropped drastically since the height of the pandemic, when they made up the majority of Covid-19 cases, and have halved since July. Infections have stayed stable among those in their 60s and 70s, while very slightly increasing in those between the ages of 40 to 59 years old

Cumulative cases in those aged between 10 to 19 and 20 to 29 over the course of the pandemic. It shows cases have increased from July 5

Cumulative cases in those aged between 70 and above 80 over the course of the pandemic. It shows cases have continued to decline over the summer

On Sunday and Monday together, almost 6,000 new cases were reported by The Department of Health.

Calling the figures 'concerning', Mr Hancock told LBC radio yesterday: 'The message to all your younger listeners [on LBC] and everybody is that even though you are at a lower risk of dying from the coronavirus, if you're that age, if you're under 25, you can still have really serious symptoms and consequences.'

He said the most important point to get across was that the uptick in cases in the past few days have been in younger people under 25, 'especially 17 to 21 year olds'.

He said: 'Over the summer we had particular problems in some of the areas that are most deprived. Actually, the recent increase we've seen over the last few days is more broadly spread and is not concentrated in poorer areas.

'It's actually amongst more affluent younger people especially that we've seen the rise.

'And that is where people really need to hear this message and abide by it - which is that everybody has a responsibility for social distancing to keep themselves safe and to keep others safe.'

He later said on BBC Radio 1: 'The question is, how much are you willing to risk the lives of yourself and others by breaking the social distancing rules?

'Don't kill your gran by catching coronavirus and then passing it on. And you can pass it on before you have had any symptoms at all.'

'PEOPLE HAVE RELAXED TOO MUCH', WARNS TOP MEDIC Coronavirus must be taken very seriously again or the UK will face 'a bumpy ride over the next few months', a deputy chief medical officer has warned after a 'big change' in infections. Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said on Monday that the public had 'relaxed too much' over the summer and described the rising number of cases as of 'great concern', despite the Health Secretary insisting it was not out of control. The deputy chief medical officer for England issued the warning as Caerphilly in south Wales prepared to be placed under local lockdown and stricter measures were extended in Scotland. In an interview with journalists, Prof Van-Tam said: 'This is a big change. It's now consistent over two days and it's of great concern at this point. 'We've been able to relax a bit over the summer, the disease levels have been really quite low in the UK through the summer but these latest figures really show us that much as people might like to say 'oh well it's gone away' - this hasn't gone away. 'And if we're not careful, if we don't take this incredibly seriously from this point in we're going to have a bumpy ride over the next few months.' He said that the rise is 'much more marked' in the 17-21 age group, but noted there is a 'more general and creeping geographic trend' across the UK. 'People have relaxed too much,' Prof Van-Tam said. 'Now is the time for us to re-engage and realise that this is a continuing threat to us.' Advertisement

The daily cases given by the Department of Health are not broken down into age categories. However, Public Health England (PHE) give a more in-depth analysis of cases in a weekly report, showing how people of different age groups, ethnicities and parts of England have fared.

This can be applied to the population of each age group - 2019 data from the Office for National Statistics - to give a case rate per 100,000 people.

MailOnline analysis shows the rate of cases per 100,000 people has tripled in those aged 20 to 29 years old from July 5 to August 30, from 9.2 to 28.

Similarly, the rate in 10-19 year olds has tripled from 4.1 to 16.2 in the same time period.

In comparison, the infection rate has continued to decline in the older populations, particularly in the over 80s.

Some 6.6 cases per 100,000 people were diagnosed in the week to August 30, almost half the 11.8 in the week to July 5.

Infections have stayed stable among those in their 60s and 70s, while very slightly increasing in those between the ages of 40 to 59 years old.

PHE has a similar analysis, but with broader age bands, showing the same trends.

In the age group 15 to 44 years, cases have risen from their lowest point of 8.8 on July 5 to 21.9 now. At the worst point, the rate was 45.7 in the week ending April 26.

In that same week, one of the worst of the pandemic, the case rate in over 85s was 293.9. But now, it has dropped significantly to 8.6.

This the lowest it has been since the pandemic began, showing cases are continuously fizzling out in the older groups while rising in youngsters.

However, the data does not factor in that at the start of the pandemic, it was mostly people in hospitals - who were old and very unwell - that could access tests, and younger, healthier people were very unlikely to show symptoms serious enough to get one.

Now the situation is very different, and its possible for anyone to get a test even if they are not showing any symptoms. This may skew the results slightly.

In PHE's most recent report, the agency gives its own case rate per 100,000 people in the week from August 23 to August 30, and its highest in those in their 20s.

There were 26.5 cases per 100,000, four times higher than that of those in their 80s and beyond, at 6.2.

There are disparities across the country, however, with case rates higher in the north-west, where swathes of towns have been put under tighter Covid restrictions due to rising cases.

There were 49.3 cases per 100,000 people in their 20s in the north-west compared to 17.3 in both the South West and South East - the lowest of all regions.

In London the rate was 24.9, higher than the East (20.1), East Midlands (18.9). Yorkshire and the Humber (35.7), North East (34.9), and West Midlands (29.2) are on the higher end of the scale.

Similar patterns are seen in those in their teens, with the North West (26.2) and North East (24.2) at the top of the table, and the South West (12.6) and South East (16.5) at the bottom.

Data from Public Health England shows for the broader group of those aged between 15 and 44, the case infection rate has doubled over August from 8.8 to 21.9

But they have continued to decline in the older age groups

A number of restrictions on people's lives have been lifted during the summer, allowing those of working age and younger to work and socialise in pubs, parks and summer barbeques

Case rates in young people are higher in the north-west of England. There were 49.3 cases per 100,000 people in their 20s in the north-west compared to 17.3 in both the South West and South East - the lowest of all regions

The Eat out To Help Out scheme over August also drove younger generations to restuarants in their millions, helping kickstart the economy again. Pictured: People queue for Burger King in London for a discounted meal, August 31

Dr Andrew Preston, a reader in microbial pathogenesis at the University of Bath, said a rise in infections among young people was ' inevitable'. Pictured: Diners in Chinatown, August 11

ONS DATA SHOWS INFECTIONS HAVE FALLEN OVER SUMMER Weekly data published by the Office for National Statistics suggests that coronavirus cases in England have declined over the summer. The figures, based on mass testing done in random households around the country, are estimates of how many people are catching the virus each day. The estimates started high in May, during lockdown, then fell in June and July as lockdown ended. There was a spike at the end of July but testing suggests cases have stablised. Here are the ONS's weekly estimates of new cases per day: August-25: 2,000

August-20: 2,200

August-13: 2,400

August-09: 3,800

August-02: 3,700

July-26: 4,200

July-19: 2,800

July-12: 1,700

July-05: 1,700

June-27: 3,600

June-21: 3,100

June-13: 3,800

June-07: 4,500

May-30: 5,600

May-24: 7,700

May-17: 8,70 Advertisement

The North and Midlands are seeing considerable hikes in cases generally, with Bolton, Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester seeing infection rates reaching levels seen in April - the peak of the crisis - May and June.

It comes after a number of restrictions on people's lives were lifted, allowing those of working age and younger to work and socialise in pubs, parks and summer barbeques.

'Super Saturday' on July 4 was the biggest step out of lockdown, when pubs, restaurants and bars were allowed to re-open their doors.

People in England flooded to their favourite spots in their droves after several months in lockdown.

Afterwards came the successful Eat out To Help Out Scheme in August, giving diners 50 per cent of their food bill designed to boost the struggling hospitality industry. It drove the younger generations to restuarants in their millions, helping kickstart the economy again.

Meanwhile, the older generations, some of whom may have been significantly vulnerable to Covid-19 due to health conditions, have continued to voluntarily keep shielding or be extra cautious, scientists say.

Dr Andrew Preston, a reader in microbial pathogenesis at the University of Bath, said a rise in infections among young people was 'inevitable'.

He told MailOnline: 'Easing of restrictions equates to increasing interactions between people which, as the virus was still circulating at that time, means increased transmission.

'The disproportionate increase in infections among the younger age groups is due to a number of factors.

'If you feel less at risk from infection, you're bound to take fewer precautions. It is clear that social distancing is not being adhered to in a number of mainly social situations.

'But was it naive to expect strict adherence in pubs and other venues? But also, are these younger age groups leading the effort to restart the economy by going out and spending?

'It highlights that probably, it is impossible to restart the economy, with service and hospitality being so central to it, without increasing infections.'

PHE data does not clarify the proportion of each age bracket that are tested for Covid-19, and so it is not clear if younger people are more likely to come forward to get a test than those who are older, which would possibly explain the higher cases.

During the height of the pandemic, in March and April, testing was almost exclusively for older people.

For weeks it was only possible to get a test if the person was very unwell or in hospital - which would less likely be the case for young people.

Therefore the significantly higher case rate in the older generations during the months of March and April compared to younger is not a completely fair comparison.

There would have been hundreds of thousands of people of younger generations who could not get a test, and therefore would not show in the data.

But currently, ministers imply there is a true rise in transmission among younger people - and not just a concentration in testing there.

There has not been a rise in hospitalisations or deaths in the past few weeks, which further shows that older, vulnerable groups are not yet catching the disease more.

Hospitalisations have not risen in tandem with cases, further showing older or vulnerable groups are not catching the disease

NORTH EAST COUNCILS URGE AGAINST HOUSE PARTIES Council leaders in the North East have raised concerns about the rising number of positive coronavirus cases in young adults. They say the average number of new cases has doubled in just over a week to about 80 per day, and that figure is expected to continue to rise. They also highlighted incidents where 'reckless' people have gone out after having a test, and before they have received results, and then infected others. The joint statement came from the council leaders in Newcastle, Sunderland, County Durham, Gateshead, Northumberland, North Tyneside and South Tyneside, as well as the North of Tyne elected mayor. It said: 'Don't assume, if you are a contact, that a negative test means you are OK  it doesn't, you could be incubating the virus. 'If you are asked to self-isolate, it is really important that you do so whatever your test status at the time. 'We have seen cases where individuals with symptoms have had a test, then gone out and infected others before getting their results  reckless and selfish behaviour.' The group said a 'significant minority' continued to think it was acceptable to have house parties  despite household transmission being the 'biggest danger'. It said: 'A significant minority believe it is OK to have house parties, hold events with unregulated crowds, ignore the rules  well it isn't. 'Household transmission remains the biggest danger. 'By not following the guidance, advice and legislation you are at greater risk of spreading the virus to your own family, which as we have seen can lead to tragic consequences.' Businesses have been warned that if they fail to properly record their customers' details, in the event of an outbreak they could be shutdown. 'Failure to do so will leave us with no alternative than to shut those premises down,' the leaders warned. 'We all have to do our bit and to play our part if we are to prevent a potential second wave,' the statement says. 'The impact that would have on our health service and the possibility of an economically-damaging lockdown would be devastating. 'We ask that individuals protect themselves to protect others and to protect our region, as well as call on all businesses to make sure their premises and operations are Covid-secure.' They stressed the need for social distancing to continue, as well as for people to wash their hands and wear face coverings when required. People who are asked to self-isolate by track and trace teams should continue to do so for the required time, even if they have a negative coronavirus test. Advertisement

Dr Preston said: 'I would say it is too early to tell what the outcome of this increase will be.

'If it remains focused on cohorts who generally don't suffer disease, or suffer only mild disease, then in theory it might not amount to a major problem.'

However, there is concern that in time, cases among younger people will climb into those groups as families socialise together.

Downing Street warned yesterday the 'concerning' number of cases would generally be expected to lead to a rise across the population as a whole.

Mr Hancock has repeatedly expressed his fears this will happen, saying it was a pattern seen in the US and other parts of Europe.

Dr Preston said young people are most often 'dangerous asymptomatic carriers'.

'This could mean we could build up high levels of infection without necessarily knowing about it, and there is the risk this could lead to a tipping point where it spills over into vulnerable populations and then we have a serious issue,' he said.

He said the rise in cases in people of teenage years and beyond eventually comes down to the 'impossible balancing act of public health versus the economy'.

'Can we get the younger age groups to shoulder the burden of economic activity while allowing the older age groups and vulnerable to shield effectively?

'Only if the two cohorts don't interact, so perhaps that's where attention could be focused: on doing everything we can to protect those who are likely to suffer serious illness if they become infected. This will decrease the seriousness of the almost certain rise in case during the next few months.'

However ministers have spoken out against plans to ask people to shield based on their age - as modelled by some scientists as a way out of lockdown.

Sir David Spiegelhalter, professor of public understanding of risk at the University of Cambridge, recently said: 'The elderly and frail seem to be far better protected than they were at the start of the epidemic, but they need to be able to get their freedom back.'

Oxford professor Sir John Bell today urged the government to keep focusing on the economic damage being done by tight restrictions.

He wrote in the Daily Mail today: 'The spike in infections reported in the past few days was to be expected as life slowly returns to our streets and workplaces.

'They are concerning and, yes, we must be prepared for a second wave of Covid-19 while working hard to contain localised outbreaks to prevent it.

'We must not, however, let this hamper our efforts to return to normality.

'Much of the increase in infections is among the young, who tend to experience moderate or no symptoms. Crucially, we have not yet seen a jump in hospital admissions or deaths.'

It comes after Professor Carl Heneghan, a medicine expert at the University of Oxford who has followed Government statistics closely during the outbreak, said he believes it is safe for much of normal life to return carefully and dangerous for young people to stay in a lockdown.

He wrote in an editorial for Daily Mail on September 1: 'It is vital that people understand that the mortality rate and the number of hospital admissions are the key figures  not the infection rate.

'The evidence is becoming clearer. Young people provide no protection to older members of society by staying away from school, university and work. But they wreak terrible long-term damage in other ways by maintaining their social isolation.

'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.'

Dr Simon Clarke, an associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading, has warned of using young people as 'scapegoats'.

He told MailOnline this week: 'While data do indicate that infections are occurring mainly in a young age demographic, I know of no evidence to suggest that large numbers of younger people are breaking any rules and they shouldn't be used as easy scapegoats.

'It's just as possible that the current control regulations are insufficient or inappropriate for the way younger people lead their lives.

'Greater clarity is needed here before blame is laid or fingers pointed.'

It comes after yesterday's caseload of almost 3,000 pushed the country's infection rate above the quarantine threshold it uses for other counties.

The weekly rate of new cases of Covid-19 in the UK has risen above 20 per 100,000 people. In the seven days to September 7 the rate stood at 21.3 cases per 100,000.

This is up from 13.9 per 100,000 for the seven days to August 31, PA news agency analysis reveals.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, said on Monday that the public had 'relaxed too much' over the summer and described the rising number of cases as of 'great concern'.
A pair of San Antonio anglers reeled in what they are calling a "river monster" last week near Three Rivers Lake.

Daniel Uriegas told mySA.com he and his friend Mark Sanmiguel caught a 6-foot-5-inch alligator gar on Aug. 31 at Choke Canyon, which is a reservoir about 88 miles south of San Antonio.

Uriegas, who has a side business in which he takes clients on fishing trips, said his friend really wanted to catch a gar, so he decided to take him out on the lake. That day, Uriegas said the two caught eight small alligators gar before catching the 6-foot-5-inch gar.

READ ALSO: Texas man catches 9-foot, 300-pound shark off Matagorda Beach

"We ended up landing ourselves a river monster," he said about the gar, which he estimates is about 125 pounds.

The fight between the gar and the anglers was about 13 minutes, Uriegas said, adding that they had to use a rope after hooking it to get the gar on the boat.

"That was the difficult part," Uriegas said about getting the gar on the boat. "They are really big fish and have a lot of power, and they will fight until they can't anymore."

The anglers harvested the meat and ended up with about 40 to 50 pounds of meat, Uriegas said.

During his fishing trips, Uriegas said the largest he's ever caught was a 6-foot-8-inch alligator gar.

Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 19:59:03|Editor: huaxia

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XIAMEN, China, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Leaders in different fields have expressed their appreciation for China's efforts in helping the world economy recover and enhancing global cooperation through video speeches at the 2020 China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT).

The CIFIT 2020, which kicked off here Tuesday, has attracted exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions including Britain, Germany, Japan and South Korea. The event will last till Friday.

Holding such an international event during the pandemic is "of great significance," said Bahlil Lahadalia, head of the Indonesian Coordinating Investment Board when addressing the opening ceremony of an investment forum during the fair.

"It is extremely important for all participants to strengthen the unity of nations in the face of the epidemic," he said.

Calling for closer cooperation between China and Southeast Asian nations, Dato Lim Jock Hoi, secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said that the joint efforts between ASEAN and China to strengthen regional supply chains and the promotion of trade and investment are crucial.

China has offered an important platform for "advancing economic development and trade cooperation worldwide ... (and) has opened favorable prospects for international investments," said Khalifa Elmoktar, chairman of the Mauritanian Parliamentary Group of Mauritanian-Chinese Friendship.

Fahad Al Gergawi, president of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies, recalled his experience attending the CIFIT in 2018, noting that the event is "truly an example of an international event that fosters international investments and trade."

It brings together representatives from governments and businesses and drives cooperation and partnerships for global prosperity, he said. "Humanity is indeed a community with a shared future and mutually beneficial cooperation represents the prevailing trend of time," he added.

Chief Executive of the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) Matthew Rous believes that by holding such a fair, China provides an "invaluable opportunity" for the CBBC to work with its Chinese partners.

Referring to the hit the world economy has taken from the COVID-19 pandemic, Rous said that "we will weather this storm together and emerge stronger from it." Enditem
Carlos Sainz says he has nothing else to prove as a top Formula 1 driver.

The Spaniard has not won a title or a race, but he came close to the latter last Sunday when he chased Pierre Gasly home at Monza.

The McLaren driver's future boss, Ferrari principal Mattia Binotto, applauded Sainz from beneath the podium.

"I didn't notice that," Sainz told AS newspaper.

"I am sure we will speak on the phone and I appreciate that."

Earlier, 26-year-old Sainz denied that he is regretting his decision to accept Ferrari's offer for 2021.

But it seems obvious that, despite the high profile move, he will actually move down the grid to a woefully uncompetitive top team next year.

Asked what he has to do to finally prove himself in Formula 1, Sainz answered: "Nothing.

"What I have to do is keep doing performances like this. The speed, all the ingredients are there, but you have to keep fighting, keep improving as a driver, keep being self-critical.

"Then, when you get a race as good as Monza, you also have to admit that it was a good day and you couldn't do more. If the victory has escaped us it is due to circumstances, but I honestly do not think about what else I have to prove.

"Ferrari signed me after all," Sainz insisted. "You don't have to do or say much more once Ferrari has their eye on you."

(GMM)
Troubled Brazilian operator Oi accepted a joint BRL16.5 billion ($3.1 billion) bid from rivals for its mobile assets, as part of plans to raise funds for debt cutting.

Oi detailed in a statement the offer from Telefonica, TIM and Claro, will be held as a stalking horse bid. Oi entered exclusive negotiations with the above bidders earlier this year with the acquiring operators allowed the right to match other bids for Ois mobile assets.

Brazilian regional operator Algar Telecom and Singaporean sovereign wealth fund GIC, were rumoured to be working together on a possible bid for Oi in July.

The move is a big step forward in Ois saga to offload assets after entering bankruptcy in 2016, although it expects to exit bankruptcy protection by May 2022, around six years after starting the sale process.

In January, cash-strapped Oi sold off its stake in Angolan operator Unitel, to raise $1 billion for debts. Oi is also holding out for $3.7 billion for its TV operation.
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State Bank of India is planning to launch a loan product, SAFAL, primarily focussed on organic cotton growers who don''t have any credit history, said a top official of the country''s largest lender.

The bank is using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in a big way for generating business, SBI managing director C S Setty said speaking at a Fintech conference organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

"We want to go beyond this so-called retail segment and reach out to... like farmers. Today I am not only giving crop loans... We are about to launch a product called Safe and Fast Agriculture Loan (SAFAL). There is a company which brought all the organic cotton growers and created a database on the basis of blockchain," Setty said.

He further said that any buyer of this cotton across the world can check whether the farmer actually is growing the organic cotton.

"We are just taking the data and providing the credit linkage to them because they don''t have the credit history. They are not borrowers of crop loans but we have the ability to pick them up because the technology has brought them together and provided the market visibility to them," he added.

Citing another example of use of AI and ML, Setty said the bank has done 1.7 million pre-approved loans and 21,000 crore businesses have been booked under this product during the lockdown.

Observing that the power of data analytics has been fully appreciated by the bank, he said, "our AI/ML department is not an experimental department, it is a business-oriented department. We have had a net income creation of about Rs 1,100 crore in the last two years."

Currently, he said, the bank has more than 40 Machine Learning based models which it uses across the spectrum for business, risk mitigation, fraud management.

The bank has built a capability which is unmatched in the banking industry, he claimed.
Local residents display "No Crematorium" yard signs in protest of DeVol Funeral Home's plans to build a crematorium in Gaithersburg, MD. The whole community is extremely upset that the City Council might consider approving this plan  it does nothing to better the community  but instead, hurts its residents for the benefit of a private company.

Citizens of Gaithersburg, Maryland have rallied together to express concerns and voice their disapproval of plans submitted for City Council approval to build an industrial crematorium within the heart of the towns quaint residential area.

Proposed by DeVol Funeral Home, the crematorium would be installed in a former single-family home on East Deer Park Road  located a short distance from Gaithersburg High School, Washington Grove Elementary School, Duvall Community Park, Bohrer Park Activity Center, and hundreds of family homes.

In response, residents have formed East Gaithersburg United  a grassroots campaign dedicated to spreading awareness around the proposal and actively encouraging City residents to reach out to City Council members and urge them to deny the application.

Fearing harmful toxins, air pollution, increased traffic and the negative impact on property values posed by DeVols proposed crematorium, the residents have launched a website  http://www.nocrematorium.com  and are posting flyers and yard signs to raise awareness of this issue in their community.

DeVol Funeral Home is playing fast and loose with its neighbors by trying to rush an incomplete proposal for a crematorium right next to apartments, family homes, schools and parks, said Rob Bindeman, a longtime local affordable housing provider to hundreds of nearby families. The whole community is extremely upset that the City Council might consider approving this plan  it does nothing to better the community  but instead, hurts its residents for the benefit of a private company.

The negative impacts on the quality of life and property values are not the only causes for concern. Zoning attorney Michele Rosenfeld, Esq. has conducted an in-depth analysis of DeVols proposal and found it to be in violation of the Citys zoning laws, concluding that a funeral home cannot conduct cremations.

A funeral home cannot carry out the final disposition of a human body. Maryland law unequivocally defines cremation, like burials, as the act of final disposition, stated Rosenfeld. The Council should deny this application for the simple reason that it fundamentally violates City law. Candidly, the application should be withdrawn and never even get to a Council vote.

East Gaithersburg United is encouraging all Gaithersburg residents to reach out to City Council members and ask that they vote against the crematorium proposal.

City Council members include:


For Rachael Hunter and her daughter, Rachael Dooley, the Miss Amazing program has become a family affair.

They are bringing Miss Amazing to Michigan for the first time on Saturday. A dozen young women with disabilities, ages 5 and up, will compete for a chance to move on to the national pageant.

We focus on their abilities that day. Hopefully theyll make some friends, well empower them, said Hunter who is best known as one of the morning voices on 99.5 WYCD. Its all about empowering these girls.

The coronavirus limitations provided challenges for the inaugural program. It was originally scheduled for May, then pushed back to July and now will be outdoors at First Park in Novi. The rain date is Sept. 26.

Were not having volunteers, the girls wont have buddies. The only person touching the girls will be their families who theyve been quarantined with, Hunter said. Were having a touch-free, socially distant event, outdoors at an amphitheater setting.

The program, which is now building self-esteem in 38 states, consists of three elements starting with the passion portion.

It used to be called talent, its now been changed to passion. Every girl has been asked to speak or do whatever they want for 90 seconds. They can dance, they can sing, they can do cheerleading, Hunter said.

A Zoom call on Monday night with the participants answered many of their questions. One girl, who had just lost her cat, asked if she could talk about pets because one day shed like to work for a veterinarian

We had one girl ask if she can go longer than 90 seconds because shes passionate about Girl Scouts, equal rights for women and little children, Hunter said.

Of course she got the green light.

They have to get up in front of a crowd which is something theyve never done. Each one will bring four or five family members. Were keeping it at 100, Hunter said.

In the second portion, the young women will interview with three judges who work in special education.

Then they will have an evening gown portion where they introduce themselves to the crowd.

Each will receive a tiara, roses, a trophy and a gift bag. The winners in each age category will also be awarded with Michigan Miss Amazing sashes.

Normally, we have hair people, makeup people  we want these girls to be pampered all day, Hunter said. (Due to COVID) the girls will be on their own, they seem to be OK with that.

While there is no charge to enter, they are each asked to donate five canned goods which is standard for Miss Amazing events. The food connection also allowed Kroger to get involved as a sponsor.

Hunter presented a plan to the Novi City Council last winter.

The city of Novi has been amazing. Theyre not charging for the venue which is a godsend, its saving so much money, Hunter said.

While next year she hopes to double or triple the number of participants, having a smaller group works out with the crowd limitations and because its a first-time event.

Were testing the water with our toes, said Hunter who learned of Miss Amazing through her daughter.

Dooley, who graduated in 2012 from Novi, went to college in Nashville  first at Belmont, then she transferred to Vanderbilt to earn a degree in disability studies.

While in Tennessee she worked at a group home. One day one of the women asked if shed do her hair and makeup for the Miss Amazing event. She was honored to so and was so impressed she volunteered with Miss Amazing. She was asked to become its Tennessee director while she was still studying at Vanderbilt.

When you need an emcee its easy you just call your mom, Hunter said. It became a family affair. Id fly down every year for Tennessee Miss Amazing weekend. My husband would come along, be a stagehand. Were the ones who clean up when everybodys gone.

When her daughter graduated and moved to Atlanta she took on the directorship of Georgia Miss Amazing, again calling on her mom to emcee.

Her daughter and her fiance recently moved to Michigan. The mother and daughter are now co-directors of Michigan Miss Amazing. They had to make a 3-5 year commitment with the national program and also with the city of Novi. Dooley still also runs the Tennessee Miss Amazing which was virtual this year. This years national event was canceled so the winners that move on will go to nationals in 2021 at Vanderbilt.

Despite every challenge due to the pandemic, here in Michigan they persevered.

Im so excited, were so excited for Saturday, Hunter said. Im nervous because its a first. Talk about happy tears  its the most wonderful feeling. I cant wait to meet the girls.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 8, 2020 18:40 499 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4387159 1 World defense-ministry,KFX-deal,South-Korea,renegotiation,Jet-fighters,Air-Force Free

The Defense Ministry is set to renegotiate funding for a joint-development project for jet fighters with South Korea following payment issues on Indonesias part.

Ministry spokesperson Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said in a statement that the government would proceed to the next phase of renegotiations regarding the countrys share of the bill for the development of the Korean Fighter Xperiment/Indonesia Fighter Xperiment (KFX/IFX).

The government is set to renegotiate [Indonesias] share of the cost, as well as the projects sustainability, Dahnil said on Tuesday as quoted by kompas.com.

He added that South Korea had yet to agree on Indonesias previously stated terms, which entailed reducing the latters share of the development cost to 15 percent from 20 percent.

[Indonesias share of the cost] was only reduced to 18.8 percent, Dahnil added.

An anonymous South Korean official previously disclosed that Indonesia was still due to pay the agreed-upon sum of 500 billion won or Rp 6.2 trillion (US$420.2 million) for the KFX/IFX project.

South Korea had agreed to renegotiations during President Joko Jokowi Widodos visit to the country in 2018 but required them to be completed within a year.

The project agreement was signed in 2015 and initially the first prototype was scheduled to be produced by 2019. The fifth prototype was expected to be produced at state-owned aircraftmaker PT Dirgantara Indonesia in Bandung. Indonesia initially aimed to make the jet fighters operational by 2025.

Indonesia had sought renegotiations because according to the previous provisions, Jakarta would have had to spend hundreds of trillions of rupiah on the project. Indonesia has spent $10 million on the research stage of the project since 2016. (rfa)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 00:26:26|Editor: huaxia

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The logo of TikTok is seen on a smartphone screen in Arlington, Virginia, the United States, Aug. 30, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

"By signing up to our Code of Conduct, TikTok has demonstrated a firm commitment to tackling illegal hate speech online. The EU needs robust cooperation with such prominent actors to make the digital environment a safe place for all."

BRUSSELS, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission welcomed the decision of TikTok to join the Code of Conduct of the European Union (EU) on countering illegal hate speech online.

"I commend TikTok for their decision to sign up to our EU Code of Conduct," EU Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders commented on Tuesday, when retweeting an announcement from the EU's executive arm.

"By signing up to our Code of Conduct, TikTok has demonstrated a firm commitment to tackling illegal hate speech online. The EU needs robust cooperation with such prominent actors to make the digital environment a safe place for all," Reynders said in the announcement.

European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders attends a press conference in Brussles, Belgium, on Sept. 4, 2020. (European Union/Handout via Xinhua)

TikTok is the ninth partner to join the Code of Conduct, joining other giants like Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter, etc.

The Code of Conduct, launched in 2016, has led to IT companies assessing 90 percent of flagged content within 24 hours and removing 71 percent of the content deemed to be illegal hate speech, according to the European Commission.

TikTok is a video-sharing, music and social networking service owned by Chinese technology company ByteDance, and specializes in user-made short videos. 
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2020) - Manganese X Energy Corp. (TSXV: MN) (FSE: 9SC2) (OTC Pink: MNXXF ) ("Manganese" or the "Company") is pleased to present an update of our projects, goals and accomplishments. We are very encouraged to have achieved some major milestones and look forward to an even better third quarter.

Kemetco Research Inc:

The company is advancing and streamlining our metallurgical process for greater economics.

The company completed phase 1 yielding manganese sulphate with a purity exceeding 99.95 per cent and low levels of base and alkali metals using material from its Battery Hill property. This has been a transformational achievement, demonstrating its resource material can be compliant with electric vehicles and other requirements.

Phase 2 metallurgical bulk tests are proceeding and results will be released within the next couple of weeks

Battery Hill Property (New Brunswick):

The company is tendering drill contracts for our upcoming drill program.

We are planning a fall drill program to complete a National Instrument 43-101 technical report, with the intention of upgrading our current classification of mineralization to inferred or higher resource status. The program will focus on near surface, higher grade areas of the deposit such as the Moody Hill zones. Upon successful completion of the programs recommended in the earlier NI 43-101 technical report, work will be initiated toward the completion of a preliminary economic assessment (PEA).

Disruptive Battery Corp.

Disruptive Battery Corp. is continuing to refine and upgrade our US patented system for air sterilization with a US partner. This disinfection system is designed to circulate air disinfection agents (ADAs) through a building's HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) distribution system. Current government compliant lab testing is also being conducted to confirm pathogen mitigation

Discussions continue with potential battery tech companies with the intent to form partnerships inclusive of equity participation.

The Company is also looking to add globally renowned battery tech specialists to its Advisory Board.

Story continues

Lac Aux Bouleau Graphite Project (Quebec)

Manganese X Energy Corp. intends to complete a spin out of its Lac Aux Bouleaux graphite property, located in the province of Quebec, into a separate, yet-to-be-formed publicly traded company (Pubco). The spinout transaction, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021, is intended to enable the company to maximize its focus and provide it with the flexibility to meet its unique business needs and further its development strategy, while providing a dividend to its shareholders. "Separating the LAB graphite property to create an independent publicly traded company will bring greater value to shareholders, enable faster, efficient decision making and enable the new company to devote much needed focus on the development of the LAB graphite property, which is a fairly advanced exploration project," said Dr. Luisa Moreno, proposed Chief Executive Officer of Pubco.

Closing of PP:

The company has closed $ 2 million and is now well funded to pursue an ambitious agenda in battery technology development and other green initiatives.



Martin Kepman comments, "Investor attention is focused on global green initiatives and in particular the EV and Battery space. We believe we have all the right assets to exploit this seismic shift to a more carbon friendly world. Creating a North American supply chain is of paramount importance to North American car companies and in particular Tesla. Further, the air we breathe in a contained environment has become a top priority during this current global crisis and we are accelerating our efforts to provide a product for HVAC with a strong, compliant safety profile."

Manganese's mission is to acquire and advance high potential manganese mining prospects located in North America with the intent of supplying value added materials to the lithium ion battery and other alternative energy industries. In addition our company is striving to achieve new methodologies emanating from environmentally geographically ethical and friendly green/zero emissions, while processing manganese.at a lower competitive cost For more information visit the website at www.manganesexenergycorp.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

MANGANESE X ENERGY CORP.

Martin Kepman

CEO and Director

Email: martin@kepman.com

Tel: 1-514-802-1814

Please follow us on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/Manganese-X-Energy-Corp-102953664741689/

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

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.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" including statements with respect to the future exploration performance of the Company. This forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements of the Company, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, as well as others, are disclosed within the Company's filing on SEDAR, which investors are encouraged to review prior to any transaction involving the securities of the Company. Forward-looking information contained herein is provided as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation, other than as required by law, to update any forward-looking information for any reason. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information.





NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE US OR THROUGH US NEWSWIRE SERVICES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/63366
A major winter storm and frigid temperatures brought summer to a screeching halt in the Rockies on Tuesday.

A day after temperatures soared into the 90s in Denver, highs were only expected to top out in the 30s on Tuesday, forecasters said.

This would be the earliest in recorded history that a swing of this magnitude occurs, AccuWeather meteorologist Jake Sojda said. Usually, such wild swings in temperature occur in the winter, he said.

Weather.us meteorologist Ryan Maue tweeted that "at 10:00 a.m. ET there were 1.3 million Americans in the Lower 48 at or below freezing  on September 8th  in summer!"

Snow is accompanying the chilly temperatures: Away from paved surfaces, Denver is expected to receive 3 to 6 inches of snow by Wednesday morning with higher accumulations expected in the higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains, AccuWeather said.

As much as 2 feet of snow was possible in the highest peaks of Colorado, the National Weather Service said. The Weather Service in Denver warned of broken tree limbs, scattered power outages and slick mountain roads due to the snow.

Historic wildfires rage in Northwest: Washington town devastated; helicopters rescuing stranded California hikers

In addition to Colorado, winter storm warnings were also in effect in portions of Wyoming, Utah, Nebraska and New Mexico.

Strong winds knocked out power in northern Utah, where temperatures dropped by 40 degrees.

The calm before the storm: Smoke envelopes the downtown skyline as winds carry the smoky air from the Cameron Peak Fire burning in Colorado's High Country Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Denver. A winter storm was hitting the city on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Freeze and frost warnings were also posted for parts of Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Nebraska, North Dakota and Minnesota.

One bit of good news was that the heavy snow could suppress the Cameron Peak Fire, a major blaze in northern Colorado that more than quadrupled in size over the hot Labor Day weekend.

Much colder temperatures with snow for today. Gradual change from rain to snow through the morning with snow overnight. #cowx pic.twitter.com/kcuQpkQ7n5  NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) September 8, 2020

The cooler air mass will also spread into the Pacific Northwest and Great Basin, easing the recent heat wave there, the Weather Service said.

Story continues

The searing, record-breaking heat that scorched California over the weekend will also be diminished on Tuesday and Wednesday. The "triple-digit heat that the West Coast has seen over the past few days will be a thing of the past by the middle of the week," Weather.com said.

In the central U.S., the cold front that brought the chill to the Rockies will continue to slowly push east through the end of the week, providing a focus for heavy rain and thunderstorms along and ahead of the front, especially for the Southern Plains, the Weather Service said.

A swath of heavy rain can also be expected across the upper Midwest north of the front.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Denver weather: Snow storm hits Rockies after 90-degree weekend
Amaravati, Sep 9 : The Andhra Pradesh government has suspended an Endowments Department official, making him responsible for dysfunctional surveillance cameras and the upkeep of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Antarvedi village in East Godavari district, where a radham (chariot) was destroyed in a fire.

"N.S. Chakradar Rao, executive officer, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam placed under suspension," ordered P. Arjuna Rao, Special Commissioner, Endowments Department.

When Endowments Minister Velampalli Srinivas Rao visited the temple on Tuesday afternoon to take stock of the situation, several people complained to him about the failings of Chakradar.

Taking cognizance of these complaints and to avoid public criticism over the blaze, the commissioner said he took the decision to suspend the temple officer.

Rao held Chakradar responsible for not maintaining the surveillance cameras, forcing the authorities to go on wild goose chase in finding the culprits responsible for the seven tiered chariot inferno on Saturday midnight.

"Several public and people's representatives have gathered and complained against the executive officer and alleged that the executive officer had failed to see the proper maintenance of CC cameras installed near the radham shed," said Rao.

Incidentally, Chakradar was holding the full additional charge (FAC) of the Antarvedi temple even as he is the regular officer for Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple in Amalapuram, a nearby village.

Following several other allegations on Chakradar, government Group Temples executive officer, Bokka Veera Venkatewara Rao, from Gudimellanka village in Malkipuram mandal has been entrusted with the full additional charge of Chakradar's regular role at Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple.

Meanwhile, more theories have emerged from locals about the chariot fire incident in the district.

"Some people are suspecting that a mentally unstable man who stays around the place could be responsible for the fire as he has the habit of collecting trash and burning it nearby, leaving some scope for sparks to fly on to the easily combustible palmrya leaves used to cover the chariot on the opening side of the room where it is stored," a local resident told IANS.

In another explanation, some locals are also suspecting the power struggle between two groups for one-upmanship in the temple affairs could also be a reason.

According to local sources, Kopanathi Krishnamma family, which had donated lands to the temple dominates its affairs but newer people are emerging to challenge their dominance.

Incidentally, the chariot was also insured only some months ago for the first time in its history.

Vellampalli Srinivas and Amalapuram Assembly Constituency MLA Pinpe Vishwarup urged the people not to believe rumours flying on the social media as well as outside.

Representing the state government, both the leader promised strict action against the culprits.

However, a few Hindu groups have protested against both the leaders for what has come to pass at the temple.

Antarvedi temple is famous for its 'Theerdham' (temple fair), drawing thousands of people from both West and East Godavari districts and beyond.

Known as the second Varanasi, Antarvedi temple is vividly mentioned in the Hindu scriptures and is associated with sage Vasishta and others.

The Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam runs an accommodation facility in the village.

Adorned with lakhs of coconut trees, scenic Antarvedi is located in the lush green Konaseema region of East Godavari district, 200 km east of Vijaywada, 130 km from Kakinada and 57 km southeast of Bhimavaram.

The temple village lies on the east coast of India by the Bay of Bengal, where the mighty Godavari river empties itself into the sea through the Vasishta Godavari distributary.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Mr. Smith said there was no good reason to draw him or Mr. Birtles into the case other than an attempt at intimidation.

They really asked me basic questions, like: Do you know her? Have you met her? And Ive only met her once, at a bar in Beijing with a lot of other journalists, and I didnt actually talk to her, he said in an interview on Tuesday. I didnt have much to offer them, so it bemuses me as to why I was a target of their investigation when obviously I had no connection with her.

In an interview posted on YouTube by the ABC, Australias main public broadcaster, Mr. Birtles said that it appeared that he had become a pawn in a diplomatic tussle. It sort of felt to me like the whole episode was about harassment, he said, adding that it felt very, very political.

Mr. Birtles and Mr. Smith had already been warned of rising pressures  Australian diplomats told them early last week that they should consider leaving China. They had both planned to depart on Thursday.

Mr. Birtles was hosting a farewell dinner when the Chinese officers arrived. Mr. Smith was woken up by their arrival. They were filming me, there was a spotlight on me, and they read me a statement which was asking me if I understood Chinas national security laws, Mr. Smith said.

The officers told them they were barred from leaving the country and asked them to sign a statement saying they understood the message. They were told they would be contacted the next day to schedule a time to be formally questioned.

Mr. Birtles immediately called the Australian Embassy and arranged to be taken there, where he stayed for the next few days. Mr. Smith was also placed under diplomatic protection while Chinese officials repeatedly demanded interviews, which both journalists refused, citing fears for their personal safety.
Hollow multishelled structures (HoMSs), with relatively isolated cavities and hierarchal pores in the shells, are structurally similar to cells. They can be used as a carrier for antibacterial agent.

A recent research led by Prof. WANG Dan and Prof. ZHANG Suojiang from the Institute of Process Engineering (IPE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences studied the diffusion and transport mechanism of antimicrobial molecules through HoMSs, and discovered that the unique temporal-spatial order property of HoMSs can realize the sequential drug release for the first time.

This research was published in Nature Communications on Sept. 7.

"We synthesized TiO 2 -HoMSs through sequential template approach, and introduced antibacterial agent Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) as model molecules into HoMSs," said Prof. WANG.

By analyzing the behavior of HoMSs during drug release, the researchers discovered that the release of the molecules from HoMSs went through sequential release stages, namely burst release, sustained release, and stimulus responsive release.

In detail, by simply adjusting the amount of MIT-HoMSs introduced into the environment, the desired concentration can be quickly reached in the burst release stage due to the MIT molecules absorbed on the outer surface of HoMSs.

The sustained release of MIT molecules in - stacked state in the cavity of HoMSs could maintain the required concentration for a long period and inhibit the growth of bacteria.

The triple-shelled HoMS could provide a long sterility period in a bacteria-rich environment that is nearly eight times longer than that of the pure antimicrobial agent under the same conditions.

"When the foreign pathogens were added to our HoMSs system, the driving force was strong enough to break the energy barrier, and the drug molecules stored between the shells and absorbed on the surface were released, resulting in the responsive release. More importantly, the drug concentration can be recovered to the desired range automatically," said Prof. WANG.

Owing to different adsorption characteristics in HoMSs and physical barriers from the multishells, drug molecules in different locations of HoMSs have different release times.

All these advantages could be attributed to chemical diffusion- and physical barrier-driven sequential drug release, providing a route for the design of intelligent nanomaterials.

###
Syrian Kurds have started to transfer the "least radical" foreign women and their children linked to the Islamic State group out of an overcrowded in northeast Syria to begin rehabilitation, an official said Tuesday.

So far 76 families have been transferred since July from Al-Hol to the Roj camp at their request after showing remorse over their ties to the jihadist group, Kurdish official Sheikhmous Ahmed told AFP.

He did not give their nationalities, but Kurdish authorities say foreigners in Al-Hol hail from around 50 countries.

After years of spearheading the fight against IS with backing from a US-led international coalition, Syria's Kurds hold thousands of foreigners suspected of supporting the extremist group in their custody.

These include alleged fighters in jails, but also thousands more women and children related to them in displacement camps -- many in the sprawling tent city of Al-Hol.

Aid groups have repeatedly deplored living conditions in the camp where more than half of its 65,000 inhabitants are under the age of five, and Kurdish authorities reported the first coronavirus case among residents in late August.

"The Roj camp has been expanded in coordination with the United Nations... and the international coalition to transfer foreign IS children and women after they asked to leave Al-Hol," Ahmed said.

The "least radical" are "ready to be rehabilitated", he added. "They have asked to return to their countries and reintegrate into society, and have shown remorse."

He said 395 families were expected to be moved from Al-Hol to Roj in total, where they would live in their own individual tent and where the face veil worn by radical IS followers is not allowed.

Western countries have been largely reluctant to repatriate their IS-linked nationals held in northeast Syria, though some have repatriated women and children on a case-by-case basis.

IS jihadists declared a "caliphate" in large swathes of Syria and neighbouring Iraq in 2014, implementing their brutal interpretation of religion on millions under their rule.

But various campaigns against them in both countries whittled away at that proto-state, before Kurdish-led forces expelled them from their last patch of territory last year in Syria's far east.

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FLINT, MI -- A man was arrested after police say he stole a funeral home van on Labor Day and led officers on a chase that ended at a Flint hospital.

The vehicle was stolen Monday, Sept. 7, from Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., in Flint.

It was spotted in Flint Township where a pursuit of the vehicle was initiated by police.

The vehicle was not used as a hearse, but to lead funeral services.

Flint Police Detective Sgt. Tyrone Booth told MLive-The Flint Journal that officers with the department took over the chase after the vehicle crossed back into the city.

The chase ended at a local hospital where the man, whose name has not been released, was arrested.

No injuries were reported or damage to the vehicle.

The incident remains under investigation.
Cabinet starts developing 2030 National Economic Strategy

13:35, 08.09.20 906

Initiatives set out in the strategy will be stipulated in the state target programs and will be launched in 2021.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 21:25:11|Editor: huaxia

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TEHRAN, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The total number of COVID-19 cases confirmed in Iran reached 391,112 on Tuesday, after an overnight registration of 2,302 new infections, official news agency IRNA reported.

Sima Sadat Lari, spokeswoman for the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education, said at her daily briefing 132 people died in the past 24 hours of the novel coronavirus, taking the total death toll to 22,542 in the country.

Out of the 2,302 new cases, 1,226 patients required hospitalization, according to Sadat Lari.

Besides, 337,414 people have recovered and been discharged from hospitals, while 3,713 remain in critical condition in intensive care units.

The number of laboratory tests for COVID-19 carried out in Iran so far is 3,431,646, the spokeswoman said.

The risk of infection is high in 13 Iranian provinces, and 15 others are on alert situation, she added.

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. Enditem


BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The pound fell sharply against its major counterparts in the European session on Tuesday, amid fears that the UK would leave the European Union without a trade deal.



The UK and EU negotiators began the latest round of Brexit negotiations in London today. The talks have stalled because of deadlock over fishing rights and fair competition rules.



News that the UK is drawing up legislation to override key elements of the withdrawal agreement further irked the EU. The bill is due for publication on Wednesday,



The EU warned of a no-trade deal if the U.K. tried to alter the divorce deal.



Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced October 15 as the deadline to reach the deal with the EU. His rhetoric raised no-deal Brexit fears, weighing on the currency.



The pound dropped to 1.3053 against the greenback, its lowest level since August 14. Next immediate support for the pound is seen around the 1.28 level.



The GBP/CHF pair reached 1.1995, marking nearly a 2-week low. The pound is seen finding support around the 1.17 region.



The pound dipped to a 2-week low of 138.75 against the yen from Monday's closing value of 139.80. The next likely support for the pound is seen around the 135.00 level.



Second estimate from the Cabinet Office showed that Japan's economy contracted more than initially estimated in the second quarter, largely due to a sharp downward revision in capital investment.



Due to the restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus spread, gross domestic product shrank by a record 7.9 percent sequentially instead of the 7.8 percent fall estimated initially.



The pound depreciated to a new 2-week low of 0.9040 against the euro, compared to yesterday's closing quote of 0.8967. On the downside, 0.92 is possibly seen as its next support level.



Data from Eurostat showed that the euro area economy contracted less than initially estimated in the second quarter but the pace of decline was the most since the records began in 1995 due to the coronavirus containment measures adopted by the member countries.



Gross domestic product fell by a record 11.8 percent sequentially but this was revised down from -12.1 percent estimated initially. GDP had contracted 3.7 percent in the first quarter.



Looking ahead, U.S. consumer credit for July will be featured in the New York session.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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The owner of Saffrons Restaurant says the wind scared him this weekend.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 7/9/2020 (501 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The owner of Saffrons Restaurant says the wind scared him this weekend.

For months, doors to John Kolevriss Mediterranean restaurant in Winnipeg were closed to diners, as businesses across the city were placed under mandated lockdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Then, patio season happened.

Kolevris said he saw the largest volume of summer customers at his Corydon Avenue eatery in years  almost enough, he said, to make up any losses made during the shutdown.

"It wasnt easy opening up after restrictions happened because people wanted to stay home," he said. "But I think customers just found it much safer to eat outside in the sun and that meant we could easily convince them to come to our restaurant, which is known for having a great patio."

But on Sunday, as Environment Canada issued wind warnings for Winnipeg, the agency said an "abrupt transition to fall" would occur over the Labour Day long weekend.

And as a pandemic winter looms with "risk of widespread frost" across the Red River Valley and throughout Manitoba, restaurant and bar owners in the city are worried.

A recent poll by mobile app Andie.work found that Canadians feel safer dining at patios (21.7 per cent) than indoor restaurants (10.2 per cent).

Jonathan Alward, Prairies director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said thats why "patio season couldnt have been more important this year."

"Places that were closed for so long definitely relied on the outdoor spaces to make their ends meet once they were allowed to reopen," he said. "They could allow more people to sit outside and be socially-distanced and so that way, they eased customers who wanted to go out during this time."

Alward said he "commends" the city for allowing restaurants and bars to open "much faster and with quicker permits" than previous years. "But what I do worry about is what happens now."

"I just wish it was as easy in previous years," he said. "Its already an expense to get set up for patios to begin with, especially on top of their personal protective equipment concerns. And having to worry about meeting permits and regulations is just another issue some places have had to deal with."

Still, Alward said its cause for concern when social-distancing measures allow restaurants and bars to remain only at half capacity. "And not all businesses could afford patios this year," he said.

At The Roost in Corydons Little Italy, co-owner Elsa Taylor said their rooftop terrace and patio quickly became "the easiest way to get people back in our doors."

"While it wasnt nearly in the same amount we were used to seeing and we definitely lost business because of how many tables we were actually allowed to have set up, it did make things easier because we could space everyone outside."

In fact, at Peasant Cookery on Bannatyne Avenue, manager Thomas Johnson said some customers walked out after not being able to get a table at their patio.

"Weve definitely had it easier than some of the neighbouring restaurants in the city though," said Johnson.

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.

"Some of them just didnt get anyone walking in because they didnt have space to socially distance folks."

Thats why Taylor said The Roost plans to put space heaters on the patio.

"We just want to prolong this season for as long as we can," she said.

"At the end of the day, its still pandemic times and were trying to figure out the best ways to keep going."

Temur.Durrani@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @temurdur
Theres barely a spec left on the Sony Xperia 5 II left that we dont know, thanks to copious leaks. Charging speed was one of the few remaining details, but the FCC cleared that up. We already knew that the Mark II will have a 4,000 mAh battery with USB Power Delivery support over a Type C port.

According to the FCC documents, the phone will come with a Sony UCH32 charger  an 18W power brick that has been bundled with previous Sony models, including the original Xperia 5.

The bigger Xperia 1 II technically supports 21W charging despite shipping with that same 18W charger. In our testing we found that the difference in charging time is negligible either way, though. Using the standard charger, the 1 II (which has the same battery capacity as the 5 II) got from 0% to 100% in 1 hour 51 minutes. A 30 minute charge took the battery from flat to 46% (you can find more on that battery test here).

Note that while the accessory listing includes two headsets  one wired (STH40D) and one Bluetooth (STH82D)  these are used for testing purposes only. The phone should come with a wired headset and it will be easy to swap it for your own pair of headphones thanks to the 3.5 mm jack.

The Sony Xperia 5 II will be unveiled on September 17. It will have a 6.1 120 Hz OLED display, a Snapdragon 865 chipset and the same triple camera as the Xperia 1 II. You can check the related links below for more leaked specs.

Source | Via
On Dec. 10, an electrical fire along a Red Line track created hours of commuting chaos, compounded by Metros emergency response, according to the commission. An in-service train was used to check on the fire, endangering passengers onboard, while a lack of correct and clear instructions from the ROCC led the operator to disable the train, causing the cars to go dark and panicking riders. Firefighters were also put into jeopardy when ROCC workers restored power to the third rail before crews had left the tracks.
After having served their time in prison, released inmates are back in the world, ready to work, settle into society and resume life. But they cant vote as long as they remain on post-prison parole. Proposition 17 would lift that unwarranted restriction.

Since 1974, California has allowed felons who completed parole to vote. But this state is among a handful to deny the ballot during that post-prison period. Out of fairness, this group of former inmates should be allowed back in after they have paid their debt to society.

The number isnt great, totaling an estimated 40,000 individuals. Its a tiny expansion of the voter turnout that totaled nearly 10 million in the last election. The proposition is all about inclusion, justice and fairness. These are citizens whove served their time and should be allowed to vote. Also, theres an unmistakable racial angle since Black and Latino populations are overrepresented in this states prison system.

The objections dont hold up. These critics want offenders to serve the full length of their sentences including parole before voting. Others believe that the change will cheapen the concept of voting by extending it to a marginal group.

But these voices arent heeding a much larger message thats gripping the country about the denial of voting rights and a desire for fuller access to the ballot box. While other states battle over suppressing the vote, California has a chance to go in the opposite direction.

The idea behind Prop. 17 sailed through the state Legislature and comes with widespread backing from elected leaders. Among its supporters are the ACLU and the League of Women Voters who argue that denying the vote during the parole period goes too far.

Neither side is launching much of a campaign to stand out on the roster of 12 ballot measures. That makes it important for voters to take notice of the troubling unfairness in voting rules and take action.

Vote yes on Proposition 17.

This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters.
The following is a statement from the Texas Educators Rank-and- File Safety Committee, which has been established to mobilize opposition to the increasingly unsafe conditions in Texas schools and the draconian demands placed on educators and other school workers. For more information and to join the committee, contact us today.

Texas has had over 650,000 cases of COVID-19. More than 80 percent of hospital beds are in use in the states five largest cities, and flu season is right around the corner. Additionally, COVID-19 has recently been shown to transmit primarily through aerosols, which can collect and circulate in small indoor spaces without advanced ventilation systemsthe precise situation in most Texas classrooms. The safety measures deployed so far (masks, social distancing, temperature checks/surface cleaning) do not address these new facts about the nature of the disease.

We are creating and mobilizing the Texas Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee to defend the life of every student, teacher, and family member in this state. Repeated entreaties to local governments have failed. Union-backed lawsuits against unnecessary district reopenings that endanger the most vulnerable have been defeated and subsequently dropped.

Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have comprehensively reneged on the most elementary provisions of security and safety for educators, and these failures fall disproportionately onto the backs of students and teachers in already underfunded districts. Neither the Abbott administration nor the Texas AFT (American Federation of Teachers) are invested in any serious defense of the interests of teachers and paraprofessionals, preferring instead to lend their voices to the back-to-work profit drive on behalf of Wall Street at the expense of the working class.

Educators in Texas are being emotionally and legislatively blackmailed into compliance with unsafe work conditions. The attorney general has shown his willingness to overrule the recommendations of local medical authorities advising school closures, as evidenced by his July 28 memorandum forbidding the preemptive closure of schools based on mandates from supervising health authorities.

Texas universities, pursuing a reckless, unplanned, and murderous reopening that started in mid-August, have seen massive case increases. Teacher Assistants have been forced to choose between teaching in-person or losing their jobs, while university resident halls have turned into quarantine centers.

The assertion that a safe reopening of K-12 schools and universities is possible has already been proven false in practice. Hundreds of infections have taken place in K-12 schools across the state. Baylor University has 824 cases after resuming majority in-person classes on August 24; Texas A&M has 878 cases since August 22; Texas Tech has 717 cases; and the University of Texas Austin has 601 cases.

Texas educators must act in affirmative self-defense and stand their ground on the absolute principle of lives over profit.

Therefore, we issue the following demands and commit ourselves to fighting for them:

1. We unequivocally demand the cessation of in-person instruction for all public schools, private schools, and charter schools in the State of Texas. Any and all decisions on the viability of in-person instruction should be determined democratically by workers, based on the scientifically grounded guidance of trusted health authorities, as determined by rank-and-file educators.

2. The culture of fear and intimidation that has been cultivated by politicians and the media to intimidate teachers into endangering themselves and their loved ones must come to an immediate halt. We demand an end to the coercion and economic blackmail that have been weaponized against educators in Texas.

3. The attacks on evidence-based policy leveled by partisan state lawmakers and the Executive Branch serve only to eradicate public trust in scientific mandates, which endanger each and every Texas resident. We call for an end to the assault on science and scientifically guided public policy, which have been attacked for specific partisan and financial goals.

4. The threat posed to older and/or immunocompromised educators has forced many into a reluctant retirement or resignation. To that end, we demand that every educator facing such a predicament be guaranteed full income and be allowed to return to his or her job once safe conditions are reestablished.

5. Teachers working from home under the current conditions must be compensated at their full salaries. Additionally, teachers must be provided unlimited sick leave to avoid the macabre outcome of rationing sick days based on severity of symptoms. No teacher should lose a cent in compensation due to pandemic accommodations. All K-12 educators, college professors, and Teacher Assistants working from home under the current conditions must be compensated at their full salaries.

6. The life of each and every student is invaluable and non-negotiable. We demand an end to the homicidal herd immunity approach that endangers the most vulnerable children in the most underserved and put-upon communities. To write off the death of even one student as an acceptable casualty or inevitable loss is barbarism of the highest order.

7. The safety of children is not limited to their physical well-being. Parents must be liberated to focus on the issues and concerns that arise with their children without the threat of economic ruination when they prioritize the needs of their children over those of their jobs. To this effect, we demand full income protection for parents who elect to stay home to facilitate their childrens education.

8. The bipartisan expiration of the $600-a-week federal unemployment benefits reveals the bloody intent of both political parties to prosecute a campaign of downward wage pressure upon the workers and their families. We demand a provision of generous economic and educational resources for both short- and long-term unemployed parents to be financed by taxes on oil production and large estates. In addition, all college tuition payments must be frozen, and student loan debt abolished to provide free higher education to all.

9. We demand the provision of rapid-response on-site testing for all faculty, students, and paraprofessional staff. Registered nurses must work alongside administrators to ensure safety protocols are both followed and enforced. Contact tracers must be stationed at every school in every district to provide the public with up-to-date information about the locality and severity of the virus.

10. The events that take place within school are in the public domain, and any efforts by administrators or government officials to conceal the details about the spread of the infection must be opposed and the truth revealed to the public. We demand the protection and support of whistleblowers who draw attention to the problems at hand for students and teachers alike. We refuse to abide the current regime of fear and censorship that has characterized the response to the pandemic at the highest levels of administrative and executive government.

Teachers must not be made to march to their graves!

We, Texas teachers, are calling on our colleagues, caregivers, students, administrators, college admissions officers, custodial and nutritional staff, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, workers in other industries, and anyone else concerned about this threat to join us in protecting ourselves and each other from a reckless and cynical physical return.

Texas is the second most populous state in the United States, with 29 million residents. It is home to a large and powerful working class drawn from all around the world, speaking numerous different languages, and connected to the international process of production by countless channels.

Sitting over this powerful working class is one of the most reactionary state governments anywhere. The law in Texas is that strikes of public employees are illegal, and any attempt to organize work stoppages among public employees will be met with the full repressive force of the state apparatus.

The powers-that-be in the state government are frightened by the immense power that teachers and educators hold, hence their relentless assault on each and every attempt by workers to assert their democratic rights.

Meanwhile, the same unions that collect our monthly dues march us into danger! We are expected to expend untold efforts to provide quality education. In return, we receive no support from the state government, district-by-district financial blackmail from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and a series of insufficient ad hoc solutions to problems that grow worse by the day and more numerous by the hour.

It is high time teachers recognize their essential status! If teachers do not teach, then parents cannot work. If parents cannot work, then business cannot profit. And if businesses cannot profit, then their dividends will cease while the stock market simultaneously craters. There is already a shortage of educators in the state, and we have been put upon for too long.

Already, rank-and-file safety committees are being formed in cities, counties and states across the country. We stand in absolute solidarity with those efforts, and we lend our full structural and material support to those educators and the members of the communities they represent. We encourage educators reading this to get involved in the effort to join a rank-and-file safety committee or to lead the campaign to create one in your area.

We are exercising our First Amendment rights to free speech and freedom of association. We commit ourselves to studying and bringing forward the history of the struggles of the working class in Texas, in America and internationally and reviving the traditions of real workers struggles.

There is no official political organization, union, or body that is working seriously to defend educators and workers from the murderous back-to-school drive and advance their interests. Therefore, we are taking matters into our own hands through democratic self-organization, independent of the unions and the Democratic and Republican parties. We urge all those in agreement to contact us today.
Akhil Bhartiya Akhada Parishad (ABAP), the top decision making body of the 13 recognised Hindu monastic orders of the country, has now demanded liberation of Kashi and Mathura by removing two mosques.

It has also called for support of other Hindu religious bodies including the VIshwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Rastriya Sawayamsevak sangh (RSS) to back their demand.

In Kashi (Varanasi), the Gyanvapi mosque shares a boundary wall with Kashi Vishwanath temple while in Mathura, the Shahi Idgah mosque stands next to the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple premises - both of which the saints want removed.

In a meeting of the Akhada Parishad, held at Shri Mutt Baghambari Gaddi in the city, the saints from all prominent akhadas unanimously passed eight resolutions and demanded that as after a long wait of 500 years, work for starting construction of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya has finally started, it was now also time to free Kashi and Mathura for which, if needed, ABAP was ready to even move Supreme Court.

The Akhada Parishad appeals for voluntary support for liberating Kashi and Mathura from Hindu organisations including Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and also from common man of the country including both Hindus and Muslims. We wish for an amicable solution through consensus to this long pending demand but if this fails ABAP would move the Supreme court, said Akhada prashad president Mahant Narendra Giri.

On the issue of next years Magh Mela, the Akhada Parishad appealed to the state government not to ban the annual religious fair. We want that mela should be held according to the Covid-19 prevention guidelines of the central and state governments. We demand that rather than organisations, only a limited number of saints and all regular kalpwasis be allowed to stay at the mela area so that norms under the present crisis could be followed, said Giri.

The saints also thanked the Uttar Pradesh chief minister Adityanath for his action against so-called love jihad. Mahant Giri said that the Parishad demanded a probe by the CBI into the Palghar incident in Maharashtra where two saints and their driver were lynched a few months ago.
A Republican stimulus package with targeted relief for airlines and almost no student loans assistance was put forward by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

It is a scaled down version of the Republican stimulus bill that addresses relief for targeted sectors like airlines and travel. Student loans were also removed to get slimmer relief bill.

According to Bloomberg News, Mnuchin said the new Republican stimulus will be geared towards relief for major airlines. These were one of the hardest hit by the pandemic.

There also won't be further aid for student loans. This is because President Trump has already extended the CARES Act's suspension of student loan payments through December 31.

Senate Republicans received encouragement from the White House to work on a slimmed down stimulus. It will spend much less money than the $1 trillion offer put forward by Senate GOP last month.

There are no fresh proposals on how to get Democrats back to negotiations. There have been no talks since the last round broke up almost a month ago.

Airline Assistance

Mnuchin said some parts of the economy still needs more support even through some are already recovering. Jobs are returning for some sectors but the travel industries and small businesses still have a long way to go.

United Airlines recently warned that over 16,000 of their employees will go through indefinite furlough. This reduces their work force by 25% amid the pandemic, as said on Morning Edition NPR.

American Airlines and Delta Airlines also announce the same kind of workforce cuts. They will do so through furloughs, layoffs, and buyouts.

Some major airlines have already announced in the past week that they will be cutting travel capacity.

"What is most important is that we deliver some relief quickly to the American workers impacted by this," Mnuchin said in a Coronavirus Crisis hearing Tuesday.

Trump also said he's considering to extend more help to the airlines, maybe through executive action.

Student Aid

As the CARES Act suspension of student loan payments and interest has been extended by Trump, no more relief is expected for student loan borrowers.

The move was criticized by advocacy groups. The groups believe the action was not enough.

They called for a more widespread relief bill that covers all student loans. The CARES Act limits student loan relief to government-held loans only, said a Forbes report. The groups also called for broad student loan forgiveness.

The Student Borrower Protection Center released a statement earlier regarding the matter. They said the actions on student debt "falls short of what Americans need to stay afloat" amid the health and economic crisis.

For other student loans, there also won't be any direct stimulus payments to taxpayers. It will have a scaled-down unemployment benefit of $300 per week, reports claim.

Lower Price Tag

The GOP stimulus plan will cost about $500 billion. This is a far lower price tag than the $2 trillion to $3 trillion relief proposed by Congress Democrats.

The HEROES Act was passed in May. It will include enhanced jobless pay of $600 per week.

Student loans payment will also be extended until September 30, 2021. That is a full 12 months worth of suspension. Notably, the bill will also give $10,000 in federal and private student loan forgiveness for borrowers in economic distress.

Check these out!

Stimulus Update: Here's What You Need to Know About Student Loan Relief

Mnuchin Gives A Positive Message On Stimulus Bill

$500 Dependent Stimulus Payment, Everything You Need To Know
"2020 Vision: Contested Political Futures" Explores Critical Issues in 2020 Elections

The nonpartisan election series is the 8th coordinated by the Muhlenberg College Department of Political Science since 1992.

Tuesday, September 8, 2020 01:10 PM

Events and programs linked to 2020 Vision: Contested Political Futures provide a public forum for discussion about emergent social, political, economic and cultural issues of local, state, national (and potentially international) significance. The first event, Party Politics in the 2020 Election, an interview with David A. Hopkins, associate professor of political science at Boston College, will debut on Muhlenberg Colleges livestream platform on Friday, September 11, 2020, at 2 p.m.

Muhlenberg College and the Department of Political Science are committed to fostering civil debate and to encouraging our community in the cultivation of civic values and public-spiritedness. The series events, unless noted otherwise, will be streamed and viewable by the public.

Event Schedule

Party Politics in The 2020 Election

One-on-one interview with David Hopkins, Boston College

Friday, September 11, 2020, at 2 p.m.

Archived Event Video

David A. Hopkins is an associate professor of political science at Boston College and is an expert on American political parties and elections. He is author of Red Fighting Blue: How Geography and Electoral Rules Polarize American Politics and co-author with Matt Grossman of Asymmetric Politics: Ideological Republicans and Group Interest Democrats, which won the American Political Science Associations 2018 Leon Epstein Outstanding Book Award. Hopkins commentary and analysis appears regularly in media outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post and Vox.





The Constitution and Free Speech Fundamentalism

Live webinar with Mary Anne Franks, University of Miami Law School

Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at 7 p.m.

Archived Event Video

Mary Anne Franks is professor of Law and deans distinguished scholar at the University of Miami School of Law, where she teaches First Amendment law, Second Amendment law, criminal law and procedure and law and technology. She serves as the president and legislative and tech policy director of the nonprofit organization Cyber Civil Rights Initiative. She is the author of the award-winning book The Cult of the Constitution: Our Deadly Devotion to Guns and Free Speech; her scholarship has also appeared in the Harvard Law Review, the UCLA Law Review, The New York Times and The Atlantic, among other publications. Franks drafted the first model criminal statute on nonconsensual pornography (aka revenge porn) and regularly advises legislators and tech industry leaders on issues relating to online abuses.





The Politics of Black Migration: Questions about the Past, Present and Future

One-on-one interview with Keneshia Grant, Howard University

Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at 7 p.m.

Archived Event Video

Keneshia Grant is an associate professor of political science at Howard University. She studies the political impact of Black migration in the United States, and her research focus is the political impact of Black migration from 1915 to the present. Grant is author of the book The Great Migration and the Democratic Party: Black Voters and the Realignment of American Politics in the 20th Century, which describes Black Americans movement into the Democratic Party in the 20th century as a function of their migration to northern cities. Grantss current work questions how gentrification and displacement affect civic engagement among Black populations in cities and inner-ring suburbs. She is a regular media contributor, frequently quoted in national print news outlets and appearing on MSNBC and the Canadian Broadcast Corporation.





The 2020 Elections: The Politics of a Divided America

Live webinar with Terry Madonna, Franklin & Marshall Poll

Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at 7 p.m.



Terry Madonna is a nationally recognized political pollster and commentator. He is director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs at Franklin and Marshall College, where he directs the Franklin & Marshall College Polls. Madonna will assess the Trump presidency, the Trump/Biden presidential election, the politics of a divided America and, where appropriate, examine aspects of Pennsylvania politics. In this webinar, Madonna will spell out the factors likely to matter in the 2020 elections.



Vision 2020: An Election Post-Mortem

Archived Event Video

Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at 7 p.m.





About "2020 Vision: Contested Political Futures"

What is at stake in the 2020 Elections? More than a simple choice between candidates, the 2020 elections point to different possible political futures. What do these competing political futures reveal about American democracy, about the American presidency, Congress and the Courts? How will our choices at the ballot box reflect the prioritization of issues, such as those related to racism and discrimination, immigration, free speech and religion, international relations and global cooperation and the very electoral mechanisms on which American democracy depends? How will the outcomes of the 2020 election shape the future of economic development, social policy, health care, criminal justice reform, race relations and national and international security?

Cosponsorship and support for the 2020 series have been provided by the Forum Fund, awarded by the Faculty Committee on Lectures & Forums; the Office of the Provost; Pi Sigma Alpha (the political science honor society); and the Department of Political Science. The Department is grateful for opportunities to collaborate with the Center for Ethics and its 2020-2021 Speech & Action program, #bergvotes and the College Republicans and College Democrats student organizations.

For questions about the program, please contact Lanethea Mathews-Schultz, Chair and Professor of Political Science at mathews@muhlenberg.edu or 484-695-1390.

About Muhlenberg College

Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a highly selective, private, four-year residential, liberal arts college offering baccalaureate and graduate programs. With an enrollment of approximately 2,200 students, Muhlenberg College is dedicated to shaping creative, compassionate, collaborative leaders through rigorous academic programs in the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences; selected preprofessional programs, including accounting, business, education and public health; and progressive workforce-focused post-baccalaureate certificates and masters degrees. Located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, approximately 90 miles west of New York City, Muhlenberg is a member of the Centennial Conference, competing in 22 varsity sports. Muhlenberg is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
FRANKFURT - The economy of the 19 countries that use the euro shrank by 11.8% in the second quarter, the biggest decline on record and slightly less than originally reported, according to updated figures.

Official data released Tuesday by EU statistics agency Eurostat trimmed the fall in production from the 12.1% figure first reported on July 31.

The second quarter, running from April through the end of June, was marked by the most severe of the lockdowns aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus across Europe. The toughest restrictions on gatherings, travel and businesses such as bars and restaurants came in April and have since been gradually eased. The plunge in economic output was the deepest since figures started being compiled in 1995.

Governments have deployed large-scale tax breaks and payroll support measures that will swell deficits but have helped cushion some of the worst effects of the pandemic. Nonetheless the economy isnt expected to reach pre-virus levels until 2022 at the earliest, say many economists.

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Kamala Harris met privately with Jacob Blake and his family during her visit to Wisconsin in the wake of protests after a police officer fired seven rounds into the 29-year-old black mans back, leaving him paralysed.

Ben Crump, an attorney for the Blake family, said the vice presidential candidate held an inspirational and uplifting hour-long meeting with Mr Blakes sisters and his father Jacob Blake Sr, while Mr Blake and his mother joined by phone from his hospital bed.

She spoke individually with each family member about how they were handling the trauma and urged them to take care of their physical and mental health, according to the familys attorneys.

Mr Blake told Joe Bidens running mate that he was proud her, and the senator told Jacob that she was also proud of him and how he is working through his pain," attorneys said in a statement. Jacob Jr assured her that he is not going to give up on life for the sake of his children."

Theyre an incredible family, and what theyd endured, and they just do it with such dignity and grace," she told reporters after the meeting. Theyre carrying the weight of a lot of voices on their shoulders.

Vice President Mike Pence, meanwhile, was visiting La Crosse, Wisconsin to campaign on behalf of Donald Trump.

The campaign stops follow last weeks visit from the Democratic presidential candidate and his wife Jill Biden two days after the president touched down in Kenosha, Wisconsin to tour buildings damaged during protests and to meet with local and federal law enforcement.

Senator Harris said the purpose of her meeting with the Blake family was to "express concern for their well-being and, of course, for their brother and their sons well-being, and to let them know that they have support.

In Kenosha, the president reinforced his law-and-order rhetoric condemning political violence and casting blame on reckless far-left politicians for property damage following widespread protests against police brutality and systemic racism, though he dismissed those concerns and denied the need for structural reform in American policing.

On Thursday, candidate Biden held a community meeting at a Kenosha church with several local faith leaders, organisers, business owners and first responders, marking a rare, intimate moment in his 2020 campaign to offer a contrasting vision of the US to the president's violent views, which Mr Biden has said has exploited American vulnerability amid several crises for a campaign of fear.

The former vice president also met with the Blake family, joined by Mr Blake by phone, during his Tuesday visit after he arrived in Wisconsin.

We spoke for about 15 minutes, Mr Biden said. He talked about how nothing was going to defeat him, how whether he walked again or not he was not going to give up.
Health bosses are facing mounting questions over patient safety at one of Northern Ireland's largest hospitals after four people died after being diagnosed with Covid-19.

The daughter of one of the patients has raised serious concerns over the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at Craigavon Area Hospital after she was allowed to visit her dying father while wearing just a face mask.

Yvonne Stewart said her father, John Fleming, had no symptoms and was only diagnosed after he was tested when another patient on the ward was confirmed as a positive case.

Expand Close Death: Father-of-four John Fleming (79) will be laid to rest today / Facebook

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Whatsapp Death: Father-of-four John Fleming (79) will be laid to rest today

The father-of-four from Loughgilly, Co Armagh, who would have turned 80 in January, is due to be laid to rest on Tuesday.

Mr Fleming was diagnosed with cancer three years ago and was admitted to the haematology ward on July 26 for treatment.

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He found out he had Covid-19 on August 25 and died 10 days later on September 3, leaving his children and wife of 57 years heartbroken.

On Monday night, Mrs Stewart said: "There are waves of emotion but my youngest brother has taken it particularly bad and was up all last night being physically sick because of it.

"My dad wasn't ready to die, he didn't want to die and we're really, really cross.

"We have just heard today that another patient who was on the same ward and was discharged has been diagnosed with Covid-19 and is now back in the hospital seriously ill, so there could be another person who loses their life." Mrs Stewart said her mum was the only person allowed to visit her dad throughout his month-long stay in the haematology ward.

She tested negative for the virus after her husband was diagnosed.

Mrs Fleming was asked to wear full protective clothing during a subsequent visit.

However, Mrs Stewart said when she went to see her father she was given conflicting advice by several members of staff about the PPE she should wear.

She was subsequently allowed to see her dad while wearing just a mask, she said.

"That was the last time I was able to have a conversation with him, he said he knew he wasn't going to pull through and he wanted his story to be told," she continued.

"The tears were tripping me and he was telling me to be strong, so I told him he had taught me how to be strong.

"I want to meet with the Health Minister, along with my mum, to try and get some answers.

"I don't know how the other families feel but I'm not going to give up.

"Dad went into the hospital because he thought he would be safe, he was getting to ready to leave.

"They just wanted his blood sugar to settle a bit first but his medication was all sitting ready for him to be discharged when he was diagnosed.

"I just want people to wise up, especially younger people out partying - you might think you're not at risk but you never know who you are spreading the virus to."

Mrs Stewart was speaking out after the Southern Trust announced that a fourth patient from the haematology ward at Craigavon Area Hospital died on Monday morning after testing positive for Covid-19.

The trust has not said whether Covid-19 was the primary cause of death; however, the organisation's chief executive, Shane Devlin, expressed his condolences to the patient's family and friends and Health Minister Robin Swann last night vowed that a full and thorough investigation will be carried out into the outbreak.

A level three serious adverse incident (SAI) investigation - the highest level NHS probe possible - has been launched, while efforts are still ongoing to try and establish the source of the outbreak at the hospital, which has experienced three separate clusters in recent weeks.

SDLP MLA Justin McNulty has supported calls for a full and independent investigation.

Mr McNulty said: "This is not and cannot be a witch-hunt - it must be a fact finding mission to ensure whatever has happened, whatever has gone wrong, cannot happen again and that appropriate measures will be implemented to ensure that this is not repeated."

He has also raised concerns that families and pupils and teachers are asked to adhere to social bubbles, while people in hospitals are able to move around more freely.

A spokeswoman from the Southern Trust has said she cannot comment any further due to the SAI proceedings.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 08:39:04|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- China will hold a meeting Tuesday morning in Beijing to commend role models in the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will present medals to recipients of the Medal of the Republic and the national honorary title and deliver a speech.

The meeting will be held at the Great Hall of the People at 10:00 a.m. Enditem
For the next two months, getting around League City is going to be difficult as two east-west arteries experience shutdowns.

Starting Sept. 14, a stretch of FM 2094 that provides access to a major shopping center and the entertainment district in Kemah will be closed weekdays through Oct. 16, according to the Texas Department of Transportations Texas 146 expansion project website.

During the closure, the road will be shut down 9 p.m. Sunday through 5 a.m. Friday each week. The road will be open weekends from 5 a.m. Friday until 9 p.m. Sunday.

The closure is necessary as TxDOT builds bridge foundations at the intersection between the farm-to-market road and the state highway.

The bridge will be part of a years-long $201 million project to widen four-lane Texas 146 to up to 12 lanes, making it an elevated road from NASA 1 south to League City Parkway.

League City communications director Sarah Greer Osborne said the municipalitys traffic department will be watching how the closures affect other roads in the area.

Once the closure occurs, they will begin monitoring the impact of the detours on our city roadways and decide if they need to adjust any times or rates of our traffic signals, she said.

Osborne also said that, to date, the work on Texas 146 has not had any major impacts on League City (traffic.)

During the work on FM 2094, drivers looking to gain access to that road from Texas 146 are advised to turn west on FM 518 and continue until reaching FM 2094 near Clear Creek High School.

Those wishing to reach Texas 146 from FM 2094 should head west on FM 2094, then south on FM 270 and finally east on Texas 96.

When that project wraps up, the eastbound lanes of FM 518, which also provides access to a major shopping center and Kemah, will be shut down for similar bridge foundation construction.

That road will be shut down starting Oct.19 and will reopen Nov. 21.

The roadway closure pattern will be the same  shutting down at 9 p.m. Sundays and reopening 5 a.m. Fridays.

Drivers hoping to reach Texas 146 from FM 518 will be advised to turn south on Kemah Avenue and then head east on Bel Road.

John DeLapp is a freelance writer. He can be contacted at texdelapp@gmail.com.
New insight into mammalian stem cell evolution

The genes regulating pluripotent stem cells in mammals are surprisingly similar across 48 species, Kyoto University researchers report in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution. The study also shows that differences among these 'gene regulating networks' might explain how certain features of mammalian pluripotent stem cells have evolved.

Pluripotent stem cells can self-renew and give rise to all other types of cells in the body. Their characteristics are controlled by a network of regulatory genes and molecules, but little is known about how this network has evolved across mammals.

To this end, Ken-ichiro Kamei of Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), with Miho Murayama and Yoshinori Endo of the Wildlife Research Center, compared 134 gene sets belonging to the pluripotency gene regulatory networks of 48 mammalian species.

They found that this network has been highly conserved across species, meaning genetic sequences have remained relatively unchanged over the course of evolution. This high degree of conservation explains why human genetic sequences can reprogram other mammalian tissue cells to turn into pluripotent stem cells. However, since it is also evident that the regulating networks differ across mammals, there might be more efficient combinations of reprogramming factors for each species. Improving techniques for deriving induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from mammalian cells, including those from endangered species, could provide a big boost to research and conservation.

"We have been trying to generate induced pluripotent stem cells from various mammalian species, such as the endangered Grevy's zebra and the bottlenose dolphin," says Kamei.

Interestingly, the team found relatively high evolutionary changes in genes just downstream of one of the core gene regulatory networks. "This could indicate that mammalian pluripotent stem cells have diversified more than we thought," says Inoue-Murayama.

The differences between gene regulatory networks in mammalian pluripotent stem cells might also be associated with unique adaptions.

For example, the naked mole rat has been positively selected for a pluripotency regulatory gene that could be involved in giving it its extraordinary longevity and cancer resistance. The gene might also be involved in the development of the extremely sensitive hairs that help them navigate underground.

The researchers also found evidence of positive selection for certain pluripotency gene regulatory network genes involved in the adaptation of large animals, such as the minke whale, the African elephant and the flying fox, to their environments. Surprisingly, these same genes are associated with cancer in other mammals. Since these large animals are known for being relatively resistant to cancer, the researchers suggest that the adaptive alterations these genes underwent in these animals somehow also changed some of their functions, thus giving this group a degree of cancer resistance.

The researchers say the study is among the first to compare the pluripotency gene regulatory networks across major taxa, and could be applicable to evolutional biology studies and for facilitating and improving the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from new species.

###

DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa169

About Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS):

At iCeMS, our mission is to explore the secrets of life by creating compounds to control cells, and further down the road to create life-inspired materials. https:/ / www. icems. kyoto-u. ac. jp/

For more information, contact:

I. Mindy Takamiya/Mari Toyama

pe@mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp

This story has been published on: 2020-09-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
By Alexis Akwagyiram LAGOS (Reuters) - When Loveth Metiboba's baby had diarrhoea, she worried that taking him to a clinic near her home in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, might expose them both to the coronavirus. 'The idea of going to the clinic was very scary,' said Metiboba, a researcher for a charity.

By Alexis Akwagyiram

LAGOS (Reuters) - When Loveth Metiboba's baby had diarrhoea, she worried that taking him to a clinic near her home in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, might expose them both to the coronavirus.

"The idea of going to the clinic was very scary," said Metiboba, a researcher for a charity.

Instead, the clinic, run by Nigerian health technology firm eHealth Africa, sent her a web browser link to hold a video chat with a doctor who diagnosed her son with a mild illness and prescribed medicine to avoid dehydration.

Across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated changes in the way medicine is practised as medical care increasingly begins with an online consultation rather than a face-to-face meeting.

But the opportunities in Africa, where access to medical care is often restricted, are transformational and offer growth prospects to companies that provide online consultations and online sales of medicine.

Mukul Majmudar, chief executive of CureCompanion, which developed the online platform Metiboba used, said the Texas-based company had seen a 12-fold increase in business in Africa this year from 2019.

That compares with a 10-fold rise in online medicine across all seven countries - Armenia, Honduras, India, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the United States, as well as Nigeria - where it is present.

Helium Health, a Nigerian company that specialises in digitising medical records, brought forward to February the launch of its online consultation platform, which had been planned for later in the year, to meet demand resulting from the pandemic.

In May, it raised $10 million from investors, including Chinese technology giant Tencent.

Helium Health's CEO Adegoke Olubusi said dozens of hospitals and clinics had subscribed to the service.

They include a private clinic in the Victoria Island business district of Lagos.

It is run by doctor Ngozi Onyia, who said she had signed up for a 150,000 naira ($394.22) monthly subscription with Helium Health and that most of the clinic's patients had opted for online consultations, referred to as telemedicine, within weeks of Nigeria's first cases of the novel coronavirus.

The online consultations cost 10,000 naira each - half the cost of an in-person examination.

"This kept us going - we held on to our patients and even gained new ones," Onyia said.

PRIVATE FUNDING, GOVERNMENT USE

Even before the pandemic, public health experts and investors saw the potential for telemedicine to help Africa cater for the needs of rapidly-expanding populations.

Funding from development agencies and venture capitalists alike has flowed into tech companies providing healthcare in Africa.

Data from San Francisco-based investment firm Partech showed venture capital investment in Africa's health tech companies grew to $189 million in 2019 from around $20 million in both 2017 and 2018. Even in the turmoil of the pandemic, some $97 million was raised in the first half of 2020, Partech said.

Of last year's total, $69 million was spread across 12 deals and $120 million went to Zipline, a Californian drone firm that launched in Rwanda in 2016.

It estimates that its drones, carrying medical equipment, can reach 95% of the mountainous East African country from two distribution centres.

In 2019 it expanded into Ghana, where the government enlisted it during lockdown in May to deliver coronavirus test samples, vaccines and protective clothing, such as gloves.

"It became very handy during this pandemic where we needed to send samples quickly to testing centres," Nsiah-Asare, health adviser to Ghana's president said.

The government is in talks with Zipline about expanding its operations in Ghana by creating three new distribution centres in addition to the four Zipline already operates there, Nsiah-Asare and the company's country director Daniel Marfo told Reuters.

The government in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, has also seen the potential for high tech help.

Authorities in the capital Abuja contracted the charitable arm of eHealth Africa to roll out a system that alerts patients who test negative for the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 with an automated text message.

Those who test positive for the coronavirus require medical help and contact-tracing, but for negative tests, a message is enough.

Chikwe Ihekweazu, who heads the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), said automating the process would help authorities handle increased testing after the resumption of international flights from Sept. 5.

"Almost everything we're doing right now, from logistics to managing the outbreak itself, is being migrated into different technological platforms," Ihekweazu said.

ECONOMIC CRISIS

For all the potential for technology to help, it is likely to be constrained as the COVID-19 pandemic adds to Africa's economic problems.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast a 3.2% contraction in sub-Saharan Africa's gross domestic product in 2020.

In addition, the pandemic has put around 20 million jobs at risk across the continent, the African Union has said, which will reduce people's ability to spend on healthcare.

Already Africa spends less on healthcare than the rest of the world.

It makes up 16% of the world's population and carries 23% of the global disease burden, but accounted for just 1% of total global health expenditure in 2015, according to the most recently available data provided by the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think tank.

In per capita terms, the rest of the world spends 10 times more, it said.

The widespread adoption of health technology may also be stymied by poor internet connectivity and patchy electricity.

Metiboba switches between two network providers to overcome connectivity problems.

It's an approach that is too costly for many, but for Metiboba it means she has continued to use remote consultations since her son's health scare and plans to continue to do so.

"It works for me," she said.

(Reporting by Alexis Akwagyiram in Lagos; Additional reporting by Abraham Achirga in Abuja; Editing by Elyse Tanouye and Barbara Lewis)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Using game magnetization and susceptibility in an analytic investigation of cooperation with infinite numbers of people

WASHINGTON, September 8, 2020 -- When looking at humanity from a macroscopic perspective, there are numerous examples of people cooperating to form societies, countries, religions, and other groupings.

Yet at the basic two-person level, people tend to betray each other, as found in social dilemma games like the prisoner's dilemma, even though people would receive a better payoff if they cooperated among themselves.

The topic of cooperation and how and when people start trusting one another has been studied by various researchers who have addressed this problem numerically. In a paper in Chaos, by AIP Publishing, researchers investigate what drives cooperation analytically.

In order to investigate what happens when an infinite number of people, instead of two people, play a game like the prisoner's dilemma, the researchers mapped the two-player game to a two-spin ID Ising model, which is a 1D line of interacting spins in the presence of an external magnetic field.

Spins can either point clockwise, which is up, or counterclockwise, which is down. The net difference between the fraction of spins pointing up to those pointing down provides the analytic result for the magnetization.

"Game magnetization is an excellent measure of how in the overall scheme of things the total number of players respond to different payoffs," said Colin Benjamin, one of the authors. "In our work, we go beyond game magnetization and look at game susceptibility, too."

An analytical result for susceptibility probes the net change in the fraction of players adopting a certain strategy for both classic and quantum social dilemmas and pinpoints the real drivers of cooperative behavior, which can vary given the situation.

The findings in this research can be applied to analytical solutions to numerous other social dilemma games, such as rock-paper-scissors, Battle of the Sexes, or Stag Hunt. The mapping to ID Ising model can help understand cooperative behavior in many other social dilemmas as well.

"One future area to explore is that of recent COVID-19 infection dynamics," said Benjamin. "A lot of numerical work has been done to explore COVID-19 infection dynamics using tools of evolutionary game theory. An analytical model, however, is lacking."

###

The article, "Thermodynamic susceptibility as a measure of cooperative behavior in social dilemmas," is authored by Colin Benjamin and Aditya Dash. The article will appear in Chaos on Sept. 8, 2020 (DOI: 10.1063/5.0015655). After that date, it can be accessed at https://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/5.0015655.

ABOUT THE JOURNAL

Chaos is devoted to increasing the understanding of nonlinear phenomena in all areas of science and engineering and describing their manifestations in a manner comprehensible to researchers from a broad spectrum of disciplines. See https://aip.scitation.org/journal/cha.
PUBS which do not serve food will be able to re-open from September 21 next.

The move has been welcomed by local publicans Cllr Jerry ODea, Mulgrave Street and Mary Cronin, Meanus, who have urged the government to stick by this date now, having announced three dates previously.

In a joint statement, the Vintners Federation of Ireland and the Licensed Vintners Association said: Its about time.

Pubs were the first part of the economy to close at the beginning of the crisis, with pubs across the country closing their doors in the interest of public health on March 15, 2020.

Government had previously delayed re-openings scheduled for July 20, August 10 and then August 31, with 35,000 pubs nationwide remaining shuttered.

Strict guidelines have been put forward by the Government which will require table service only. The guidelines also put a strong emphasis on social distancing.

Cllr ODea said: Obviously, pubs not just in Limerick but around Ireland feel they can impelement social distancing and want the opportunity to do that. Its an overdue decision, and were glad its been made. Certainly, some of our own customers, our business would be very local and a lot of our customers have missed the contact and the social connection. Theyll be delighted. Theres a caveat, so we just hope Limerick can avoid any kind of lockdown.

Ms Cronin, who runs the Hogan Stand pub in Meanus gave a cautious welcome.

She said: It is a huge relief that they are going to let us open. I sincerely hope they will stick to the date. Weve been here a few times, and theyve pulled the rug from under us. Our customers will be delighted, theres a good lot. They keep ringing to ask me, when, when. At least now we have a date. But we really need government to stick to it.

Draft government guidelines, which were drawn up in conjunction with Failte Ireland, were circulated to vintners' groups last weekend.

They are broadly the same as those that have been brought in for pubs where food is being served.

These include keeping customer records for contact tracing purposes and time slots that are limited to one hour and 45 minutes where physical distancing of one metre can be maintained.

However, time slots of 105 minutes would not be a requirement where physical distancing of two metres can be "strictly maintained".

For more Limerick news click here
Sinduja Jane By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: A 35-year-old government doctor in Chennai who had tested positive for Covid-19 in May and had recovered, has now been infected again, according to the womans husband. Although a few cases of suspected reinfection have been reported from across the world, the State Health Department said that it was yet to start studying the phenomenon.

Scientists are closely monitoring such cases as they may indicate the degree of immunity a person has to the virus, after recovering from the disease.

The woman, a gynaecologist, was on duty when she was tested positive on May 28, said her husband, who is also a doctor. She was kept in isolation and treated for fever and myalgia (pain in a muscle) at the time, and had no signs of chest infection.

She was discharged after 14 days of treatment, after she tested negative for the infection.

She rejoined duty in June and has been reporting to work regularly. About 10 days ago, she developed fever and myalgia again, her husband said, adding that a CT scan had showed that the infection had affected nearly 20 per cent of her lung functioning.

An RT-PCR test was conducted which revealed that she had tested positive. The woman has been admitted for treatment at the Government Omandurar Medical College Hospital.

I am now concerned about the possibility of her being infected for a third time, said her husband. Express found that this was not an isolated instance. A private hospital doctor from Chennai revealed that a male nursing assistant at his hospital has also allegedly been reinfected.

He had tested positive in May, and had recovered. Now, he has tested positive again and is in the ICU of the hospital, the doctor said.

Meanwhile, a senior health department official said these cases might be less than one per cent of the total number of cases.

We havent started to document these cases yet. It will be done later, he said. However, experts were of the opinion that such cases had to be taken seriously and studied more in detail. Dr K Kolandaswamy, former director of public health said, Drawing parallels with something like dengue, where a person can get infected again because of different types of viruses, here the possibility of reinfection is very low.

He pointed out that there were not a significant number of such cases being reported globally as well. In at least two cases -- in Hong Kong and Nevada, USA -- scientists have managed to compare the genomes of the virus. Variations in the genomes have strongly suggested that reinfection has occurred, although further research is needed.

Dr Prabhdeep Kaur, Deputy Director at National Institute of Epidemiology, ICMR said, Many clinicians have been talking about reinfection cases. The problem is unless you do genetic sequencing of old samples and the current sample, we cannot confirm it. This means the samples should be available. We dont know if the reinfection is due to different strains of the virus. Kaur is also a member of the State governments expert committee on Covid-19.

It may be recalled that data collected from the first plasma bank in the State had suggested that antibodies triggered by Covid are short-lived.
Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech Ltd said on Monday its coronavirus vaccine candidate appeared to be safe for older people, according to preliminary results from an early to mid-stage trial, while the immune responses triggered by the vaccine were slightly weaker than younger adults.

Health officials have been concerned about whether experimental vaccines could safely protect the elderly, whose immune systems usually react less robustly to vaccines, against the virus that has led to nearly 890,000 deaths worldwide.

Sinovacs candidate CoronaVac did not cause severe side effects in a combined Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials launched in May involving 421 participants aged at least 60, Liu Peicheng, Sinovacs media representative, told Reuters. The complete results have not been published and were not made available to Reuters.

Four of the worlds eight vaccines that are in the third phase of trials are from China.

For three groups of participants who respectively took two shots of low, medium and high-dose CoronaVac, over 90% of them experienced significant increase in antibody levels, while the levels were slightly lower than those seen in younger subjects but in line with expectation, Liu said in a statement.

CoronaVac, being tested in Brazil and Indonesia in the final-stage human trials to evaluate whether it is effective and safe enough to obtain regulatory approvals for mass use, has already been given to tens of thousands of people, including about 90% of Sinovac employees and their families, as part of Chinas emergency inoculation scheme to protect people facing high infection risk.

The potential vaccine could remain stable for up to three years in storage, Liu said, which might offer Sinovac some advantage in vaccine distribution to regions where cold-chain storage is not an option.

Such estimation is extrapolated from the fact that vaccines readings stayed within acceptable ranges for 42 days at 25 Celsius (77 Fahrenheit), 28 days at 37C (98.6 F), and five months for 2-8C (35.6-46.4 F), Liu said, without disclosing complete data.
To the editor:

During this pandemic, weve focused on being healthy and living our lives day to day while we still can. Weve been in full survival mode, making sure to wash our hands and social distance and taking several precautions to stay alive to enjoy what future days we have left. For those of us on Social Security, an equally large and potentially life-threatening issue exists, however: The defunding of social security.

I recently listened to a fund specialist explain how Social Security is going broke. He opined that if President Trump and his administrations suggestion that payroll taxes (FICA) be eliminated comes to fruition, social security will be eliminated in one year or two at most. As it sits right now, that fund is paying out more than what is coming in and sooner or later, it will be deficient, expedited by the idea that we eliminate the funding coming into it. This is not my opinion  this is fact.

If I have a checking account and I take $2 out and only put $1 back in, it wont be long before Im overdrawn and in trouble. Its that simple. That is the exact scenario playing out with Social Security. Politicians say, Dont worry, we will take money from another fund, to shore Social Security up. But this is one of the reasons the fund is going broke!

Thieving politicians continue to take money from the fund with no intent on replacing it. Many Midlanders are wealthy beyond their needs and may not pay much attention to the benefits of Social Security. God has blessed them, and thats fine. My wife and I, however, have not been that blessed when it comes to finances. We cannot survive without our monthly Social Security income.

We dont look forward to having one day to sell off our assets and perhaps being forced to move in with our children. Hopefully many of you reading this now feel the same way, feel the same fear. Dont think that this fund will not go broke, that this cannot happen. It will  unless changes are made.

WILLIAM SMITH

Midland
BURLINGTON, Mass. and PLANO, Texas, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Keurig Dr Pepper (NYSE: KDP) today announced that JAB Holdings B.V. ("JAB") has indicated its intention for its majority-owned Maple Holdings B.V. subsidiary ("Maple") to convert a portion of the interest of its minority partners into directly held shares of KDP stock.

The minority investors involved in the transaction, which include affiliates of BDT Capital Partners ("BDT"), affiliates of Quadrant Capital Advisors ("Quadrant"), and the significant majority of investors in the JCF Consumer Fund ("JCF"), have all expressed their intentions to remain long-term KDP shareholders.

KDP Chairman and CEO Bob Gamgort said, "JAB and its minority investors have been and continue to be outstanding partners since the take-private transaction of the former Keurig Green Mountain was announced in 2015. Their ongoing support of Keurig Dr Pepper is much appreciated as we proceed on our path to becoming a widely-held company."

To affect the equity distribution, Maple intends to distribute approximately 76 million shares of KDP stock that Maple currently holds, representing approximately 5.4% of the outstanding common stock of KDP. Affiliates of both BDT and Quadrant, as well as JCF investors, the latter of which is largely comprised of sovereign wealth funds, university endowments and family offices, will be subject to a six-month lock-up provision on the distributed shares.

BDT Capital Partners Chairman and CEO Byron Trott stated, "Under the strong leadership of Bob Gamgort and his team, KDP has delivered outstanding returns and we are confident in the Company's strategy and direction. We remain a committed long-term shareholder and plan to participate in the continued value creation that we believe lies ahead."

Quadrant Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Christopher Evison, added, "As long-term shareholders of great businesses, we are extremely pleased with KDP's strong operating performance and our investment returns to date. We continue to be confident in the Company's outlook and excellent management team, and plan to remain a long-term shareholder."

Following the distribution and lock-up period, JAB and Maple will collectively own 44% of KDP, Mondelez International, Inc. will continue to own 12% and the public float will increase to 44%, including shares held directly by the minority partners.

Maple and its affiliates intend to make the required filings with the SEC, including an amendment to Maple's existing Schedule 13D, upon the completion of the distribution.

Media Contact:

Katie Gilroy

T: 781-418-3345 / [email protected]

Investor Contacts:

Tyson Seely

T: 781-418-3352 / [email protected]

Steve Alexander

T:972-673-6769 / [email protected]

About Keurig Dr Pepper

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) is a leading beverage company in North America, with annual revenue in excess of $11 billion and nearly 26,000 employees. KDP holds leadership positions in soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, water, juice and juice drinks and mixers, and markets the #1 single serve coffee brewing system in the U.S. and Canada. The Company's portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partner brands is designed to satisfy virtually any consumer need, any time, and includes Keurig, Dr Pepper, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Canada Dry, Snapple, Bai, Mott's, CORE and The Original Donut Shop. Through its powerful sales and distribution network, KDP can deliver its portfolio of hot and cold beverages to nearly every point of purchase for consumers. The Company is committed to sourcing, producing and distributing its beverages responsibly through its Drink Well. Do Good. corporate responsibility platform, including efforts around circular packaging, efficient natural resource use and supply chain sustainability. For more information, visit www.keurigdrpepper.com.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as "outlook," "guidance," "anticipate," "expect," "believe," "could," "estimate," "feel," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would," and similar words, phrases or expressions and variations or negatives of these words, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements regarding the estimated or anticipated future results of the combined company following the combination of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. ("KGM") and Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. ("DPSG" and such combination, the "transaction"), the anticipated benefits of the transaction, including estimated synergies and cost savings, the long-term merger targets, and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are based on the current expectations of our management and are not predictions of actual performance.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties regarding the company's business and the transaction and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (i) the impact the significant additional debt incurred in connection with the transaction may have on our ability to operate our business, (ii) risks relating to the integration of the KGM and DPS operations, products and employees into the combined company and assumption of certain potential liabilities of KGM and the possibility that the anticipated synergies and other benefits of the transaction, including cost savings, will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected timeframe, (iii) the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and (iv) risks relating to the businesses and the industries in which our combined company operates. These risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks and uncertainties, are more fully discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and our subsequent filings with the SEC. While the lists of risk factors presented here and in our public filings are considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statement made herein speaks only as of the date of this document. We are under no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any obligation to, update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws or regulations.

SOURCE Keurig Dr Pepper

Related Links

http://www.keurigdrpepper.com


The Silent Majority Needs to Speak Up

Commentary

We have seen the videos of uncouth Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Antifa radicals screaming at ordinary citizens and demanding that they yield to the mobs authority by reciting some mantra or raising their fists. The decent people sit there in stunned silence.

Its time for the silent majority to end their silence. Im not talking about violence. Im talking about standing up for values. The silent majority must speak up.

The year 2020 has been a mind-numbing whirlwind. It began with an impeachment trial that completely consumed the media, politicians, and the attention of the nation. What wasnt noticed was a virusfrom communist Chinaslipping into the country through airports in New York, San Francisco, and other international destination points. Just when the president, and the attention of the nation, should have been focused on this dangerous intruder, everyone was preoccupied with a pointless and irrelevant impeachment trial. Its even hard now to remember what it was supposedly about. Something about a telephone call? (And before that it was a couple of years wasted on the completely bogus Russian collusion fairy-tale.)

When the true danger of this brand-new virus began to hit home, everyones attention very suddenly turned from that supposedly important impeachment trial about  whatever it was about, to this pandemic from China. The news channels blasted out coronavirus news 24 hours a day. Lockdowns, death counts, shutdowns, and yet more laws about who can remain open, who has to close, etc. filled the days.

The fear level reached new heights. Above all, people were told, no mass gatherings.

And then suddenly, all of that instantly changed. The death of George Floydwith a knee on his neck, and deadly drugs in his systemstood this pandemic-crazed world on its head. Where one day it was illegal to have gatherings of more than a few people, suddenly it was okay to have thousands of unmasked people on the street and in storesprotesting, rioting, and looting. Woke politicians who had been threatening ordinary citizens with dire punishments for breaching their shutdown laws were themselves in the streets with the mostly unmasked protesters and rioters, encouraging others to join in the free-for-all.

All the while the rhetoric assaulting every ear from all sides accused people of being racist to the core. Anti-racism became an intolerant new religion. All at once, peaceful citizens who thought that they had put the countrys racist past behind them long ago were told that everything about them was deeply racist. Books, like White Fragility and similar thin gruel, insisted that Americans were in fact awful raciststhat the entire nation was irredeemably racist. Business owners desperate to keep the mob from their door grovelled and took the knee. Politicians outdid themselves in their rush to convert to this supposedly anti-racist theology.

People who really didnt even think that much about racial issues were told that they must take sensitivity courses on how to recognize their awful racism. They were told that silence is violence and that even if they didnt have a racist bone in their body, they were part of the problem, simply because of the color of their skin. If their skin was even remotely white they were bad to the bone. Even black people and other people of color who didnt consider themselves victims were told that indeed they were. BLM denounced people of color who didnt accept the radical BLM narrative.

Parents who had carefully taught their children the Martin Luther King truthnamely, that they should judge people by the content of their character and not by the color of their skinwere informed that was not enough. In fact, they were told that such an attitude was evidence of their inherent racism. And even if they were not themselves racists, the country they lived in was systemically racist.

The entire history of the country was being rewritten before the nations eyes. Instead of the real history everyone learned as childrennamely, that the Revolution and the Declaration of Independence came about to preserve freedompeople were told instead in fabrications such as the 1619 Project that the only reason America came into being was to protect the institution of slavery. It insisted that America was not the land of the free and the home of the brave, but instead was a vile place full of racist institutions and racist people.

The only way outthey loudly insistedwas to tear everything down and do whatever the radicals said was necessary to build some utopia where capitalism was ended and some new and wonderfulbut rather vaguesystem prevailed. Burning down courthouses and defunding the police would somehow do that.

And the proof of what the BLM and Antifa radicals were telling us must replace the racist, capitalist system was playing out before our very eyes on our screens. Portland, Chicago, Minneapolis, Seattle, New York, and Los Angelesoh, and Kenosha, too. Thats what needed to happen. Clearly, all the racism and capitalism were being burned and looted right out of those cities. Thats where social justice could be found. Just step over the injured police, the looted buildings, the burned out hulks of vehicles and buildings, and its there right in front of you.

Thats what social justice and an end to racism and inequality apparently looks like. And that odor of burned buildings and smashed vehicles is what it smells like. Critical race theory and critical social justice theory would teach Americans everything they needed to know. Never mind if they believed that America was in fact the best country in the world. Never mind that Americans consider themselves fair-minded people and not at all racists. These people who believe in burning things down tell us different.

Why are we listening to these people? Why are we letting them impose their radical nonsense on us? Why are people not speaking up?

Its always said that theres a silent majority of people who will not accept anarchy and extremism. That is true, and it has always been true. And that silent majority consists of Democrats as well as Republicans. Eventually the silent majority sends extremists packing. But this time around, it might not be enough to wait in silence while this nuttiness plays itself out. Sinister forces are moving fast. Waiting might not be an option this time.

This time around the silent majority needs to end the silence. The silent majority need to speak up.

Before its too late.

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.
We often see insiders buying up shares in companies that perform well over the long term. The flip side of that is that there are more than a few examples of insiders dumping stock prior to a period of weak performance. So before you buy or sell Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NYSE:ARI), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling.

Do Insider Transactions Matter?

Most investors know that it is quite permissible for company leaders, such as directors of the board, to buy and sell stock in the company. However, such insiders must disclose their trading activities, and not trade on inside information.

Insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing. But logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. For example, a Harvard University study found that 'insider purchases earn abnormal returns of more than 6% per year'.

View our latest analysis for Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when Director Eric Press bought US$660k worth of shares at a price of US$6.85 per share. Even though the purchase was made at a significantly lower price than the recent price (US$9.12), we still think insider buying is a positive. Because the shares were purchased at a lower price, this particular buy doesn't tell us much about how insiders feel about the current share price.

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Story continues

Insider Ownership

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. Our data indicates that Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance insiders own about US$6.5m worth of shares (which is 0.5% of the company). We do note, however, it is possible insiders have an indirect interest through a private company or other corporate structure. Whilst better than nothing, we're not overly impressed by these holdings.

So What Does This Data Suggest About Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Insiders?

It doesn't really mean much that no insider has traded Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance shares in the last quarter. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. We'd like to see bigger individual holdings. However, we don't see anything to make us think Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance insiders are doubting the company. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. Be aware that Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance is showing 5 warning signs in our investment analysis, and 2 of those are potentially serious...

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

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.
Maskot | Maskot | Getty Images

If you've been hunkering down in a different state due to Covid-19, your tax situation is about to get a little more complex. The longer you stay away from your home base  particularly as we approach the sixth month of remote work for many people  the greater the chances you might have a tax obligation in your temporary abode. "We are at a stage where most people who have temporarily relocated to another state and are working elsewhere have reached a point where they would owe taxes to that state," said Jared Walczak, vice president of state projects at the Tax Foundation. "In the early days, there were concerns and legit challenges around people spending a week with family," he said. "But if you spent months working elsewhere, you have a tax obligation to that state."

The situation is especially sticky for residents of high-tax states who have been waiting out the pandemic in a more tax-friendly location. States' coffers are bare due to declining revenue from sales and income taxes, so locales that need the money will pursue it. "New York and California are prime examples where they will try to be aggressive about this to protect the income they're used to getting," said Kim Rueben, project director of the state and local finance initiative at the Tax Policy Center. Indeed, as many as 1 in 5 American adults have either gone to a new location due to the pandemic or know someone who has, according to data from Pew Research Center. The group polled 9,654 individuals in June.

Jasper Cole | Tetra images | Getty Images

People who work in one state but reside in another can wind up facing a tax liability in both locations. States have different ways to reduce complexity for these individuals. For instance, there can be reciprocity agreements between two or more locales  as is the case for New Jersey and Pennsylvania  to prevent income from being taxed twice. States can also offer a tax credit to offset dual taxation. For instance, Connecticut offers residents a credit if they work in another state that levies their income. Remote work amid coronavirus throws in another element for some workers. Seven states use a "convenience of the employer" rule, imposing a tax on employees based on their employer's location, according to the Tax Foundation.

Those states are Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York and Pennsylvania. Massachusetts joined the list this spring, when it put in place an emergency rule that would tax out-of-state workers who used to commute to the Bay State. Taxpayers who earn money in a state where they don't reside may also be responsible for non-resident tax returns there. "It's not uncommon to file multiple tax returns for some of these states with reciprocal agreements," said Rueben of the Tax Policy Center.

More than half the year

Warchi | E+ | Getty Images

People who are spending time in another state need to be aware of residency rules. Generally, states apply two tests to figure this out. In order to be a statutory resident  and to be taxed as a resident of a given state  you must have spent at least 183 days there during the year and you must maintain a permanent place of abode there. The other test is one of domicile. Domicile is based on five factors, according to Mark Klein, tax attorney and partner at Hodgson Russ in New York. The factors are your true home base, the location of your business, the amount of time you spend in that state, the location of your cherished possessions and where your family resides. More from Your Money, Your Future:

Trump's payroll tax would 'terminate' Social Security, critics say

Self-employed people may miss out on payroll tax break

Why college students might get less financial aid next year Complexity arises when residents spend more than half of the year in another state, even if they are domiciled somewhere else. Have they lived long enough in the temporary location to warrant paying taxes there? "You can have people who don't intend to permanently move away from a different state, but might spend seven or eight months elsewhere," said Walczak. "This can create challenges in determining where they're domiciled." In that case, two states may claim they're entitled to their share of taxes, he said.

Counting days
Being a contestant on The Bachelor may seem like a fairytale - but producers and former contestants say otherwise.

Multiple sources have told Daily Mail Australia that the Channel 10 dating show isn't half as glamorous as it appears on TV.

One insider said that this year's season was 'a f**king punish' for the production team at Warner Bros. because the cast wasn't up to scratch.

It ain't easy! Being a contestant on The Bachelor may seem like a fairytale - but producers and former contestants say otherwise. Pictured: Locklan 'Locky' Gilbert

'Producers couldn't stand most of the girls,' the source said.

'They just wanted to be on the show to become famous. Some were fame hungry, some had dreams to become actors, and others were there for clout.'

Producers apparently worked overtime to convince Locky Gilbert to keep the few entertaining and engaging women in the mansion for as long as possible.

The 'reality' of reality TV: Multiple sources claim the Channel 10 dating show isn't half as glamorous as it appears on television. Pictured: a Bachelor rose ceremony

They were banking on Areeba Emmanuel being the main villain, but after she was sent home they tried to groom Juliette Herrera to replace her.

'They wanted Juliette to be the new villain, but she was too nice! Instead of being bossy, she was the one getting pushed around,' the insider said.

Another source alleged that many of the producers started to 'hate their jobs' after hearing rumours that Locky already knew contestant Bella Varelis before the show.

The crew apparently felt this made the competition unfair - although Locky has denied having any sort of pre-existing relationship with Bella.

Don't boot the villains! Producers apparently worked overtime to convince Locky Gilbert to keep the few entertaining and engaging women in the mansion for as long as possible

Producers 'control everything'

Nadine Kodsi, who was eliminated at the first rose ceremony, previously told Daily Mail Australia that Locky was just a 'puppet' being controlled by the producers.

She also alleged that he received instructions via an earpiece; however, this is not uncommon for reality shows like The Bachelor.

Many contestants are recruited via social media instead of applying

Daily Mail Australia understands that online applications are only one part of the casting process, and that social media and 'street' casting are also widely used.

Glum: Another source alleged that several producers started to 'hate their jobs' during filming

Contestants are 'discovered' at restaurants, nightclubs and bars, with Coogee Pavilion in Sydney being considered a hotspot for talent scouts.

The women are usually approached by casting producers, before agreeing to meet for coffee. It's not until later that the formal auditions and background checks begin.

Others are simply messaged via social media, with contestant Kristina Abramoff saying: 'I was approached by Instagram DMs to come to the audition.'

Different methods: Daily Mail Australia understands that online applications are only one part of the casting process, and that social media and 'street' casting are also widely used. For example, Kristina Abramoff 'was approached by Instagram DM to come to the audition'

Hectic filming schedules

The first cocktail party is filmed over several nights for as long as 12 hours at a time.

Some of the women end up getting drunk simply out of boredom and find themselves saying things they regret on camera.

One contestant, rumoured to be Zoe-Clare McDonald, actually passed out before the rose ceremony was filmed.

Long hours: The first cocktail party is filmed over several nights for as long as 12 hours at a time

Secret hiding places in the mansion

Carlin Sterritt, who won last year's season of The Bachelorette, recently said there were a few places in the mansion that were hidden from the cameras.

'There's the orchard, the secret place you can go to for chats and stuff... Angie and I kissed [there] at so many cocktail parties,' he said. 'But obviously they didn't show it.'

He claimed that Locky would most likely be doing the same thing.

'If you're wondering, yes, Locky is macking on with many girls at the cocktail parties. It's happening. 100 per cent,' he said.

Hiding spots: Carlin Sterritt, who won last year's season of The Bachelorette, recently said there were a few places in the mansion that were hidden from cameras

Social media ban

The contestants on The Bachelor are not allowed to use Instagram, Facebook or Twitter until they have been sent home.

Their social media activity is then carefully monitored by Channel 10 and Warner Bros. until their elimination has aired on television.

If the women share unsanctioned content, they face potential legal consequences.
A Sicilian mafia boss serving a life sentence bit off and swallowed a prison guard's finger during an altercation, an Italian news report said on Tuesday.

Guiseppe Fanara, 60, who was serving a life sentence at Rome's Rebibbia prison, attacked seven guards in June when they came to inspect his cell, the daily Il Messagero reported.

Fanara, from Sicily's notorious Cosa Nostra clan was nine years into his sentence under Italy's tough '41-bis' penal code reserved specially for mafia members.

The harsh prison regime isolates mobster bosses entirely to prevent them from running their clans from behind bars.

Mafia boss Guiseppe Fanara, 60 (pictured), who was serving a life sentence at Rome's Rebibbia prison, attacked seven guards in June and allegedly bit one of their fingers off during a cell inspection. He was arrested in 2009 as part of a crackdown on the Cosa Nostra clan

'During the altercation he (Fanara) bit off the agent's little finger on his right hand,' the paper said.

'The finger disappeared, leading a Rome prosecutor to conclude it had been eaten,' it added.

The prisoner then charged the six other guards, using a broomstick as a weapon, allegedly shouting 'I'll slit your throats like pigs!'

Fanara has since been transferred to Sardinia's high-security Sassari prison, the paper said, adding he was facing new charges including aggravated assault and resisting arrest.

Fanara, of Santa Elisabetta in Sicily, was arrested in 2011 during the 'Sicania 2' operation, an anti-mafia blitz that investigated five murders and two failed ambushes in the late 1990s.

The Cosa Nostra clan dates back as far as the 19th century, and is a loose association of criminal groups or families that claim sovereignty over a territory.

Following widespread emigration from Sicily in the 20th century, the organisation formed a strong presence in other countries, including North America, where the American Mafia was formed.

Earlier this year Italy decided to release elderly and infirm mobster bosses - including some belonging to the influential Cosa Nostra.

That decision sparked an outcry, forcing the justice ministry to backpedal and review the release decision.

'It is a very alarming situation,' Leo Beneduci, secretary general of Osapp, Italys largest prison police officers union, told the Guardian at the time.

'Members of the penitentiary police have begun reporting detainees who embrace each other with the alleged goal of increasing the possibility of contracting the virus and getting released from prison.'

According to an internal memo seen by the Guardian there are 74 high-profile dons whose ages and health conditions make them particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus.

The septuagenarians, all currently held under the 41-bis protocols which can suspend certain prison regulations by ministerial decree, include bosses of the Bellocco clan of the Ndrangheta and the Sicilian 'boss of bosses' Nitto Santapaola.

Fanara was serving a life sentence at Rome's Rebibbia prison (pictured) but after allegedly attacking the guards, has been transferred to Sardinia's high-security Sassari prison

Italian Justice Minister Alfonso Bonafede, said the government had not approved the releases.

'The risk is that well find the mafia virus on the streets alongside Covid-19,' Lirio Abbate, journalist and national editor of LEspresso, told the Guardian.

'It would be a double pandemic that we mustnt allow to happen.'

Earlier the pandemic, anti-mafia author Roberto Saviano, who wrote the script for Italian crime drama Gomorrah, claimed the Mafia was handing out food to Italy's needy and offering interest-free loans to impose control over people's lives and capitalise on the country's coronavirus crisis.

Saviano told journalists that at the most basic level, the mob is handing out groceries to the poorest Italians to ensure favours once the crisis is over.

He added they are also preparing to snatch up struggling businesses as the country awaits European funding to boost its battered economy.

Saviano, who is currently under police protection in New York after the release of the series, is an expert on mafia groups and how they have successfully expanded beyond drugs and other illegal activity to worm their way into otherwise legitimate businesses and sectors across the world.

His fears have been echoed by both anti-mafia investigators and politicians as the virus batters Italy.

In April, Pope Francis slammed 'the mafiosi and the loan sharks' who are exploiting the pandemic to make a quick profit.
The warning came as the UK's R rate was thought to have risen above 1. (PA)

Coronavirus cases are increasing exponentially ahead of what could be a difficult Christmas, a government scientist has warned.

Professor John Edmunds, a member of the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said the UK is in a risky period because the R rate, which rates the ability of COVID-19 to spread, has risen above one.

In an interview with journalist Robert Peston for ITV News, Prof Edmunds, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: Cases are increasing now exponentially.

They are increasing exponentially now, from a relatively low level, but they are increasing."

On Monday, the number of new daily COVID-19 cases in the UK reached 2,948, the second day in a row it was just below the 3,000-mark.

Sundays tally of 2,988 new cases was the highest daily figure since 22 May.

Prof Edmunds, who has previously said the UK should have gone into lockdown sooner, told ITV: "The epidemic continues to increase and then we have Christmas.

And that is very difficult. What is Christmas? Well it's meeting with your family very close. Restaurants and pubs and stuff like that.

And it's all high risk. And it's all indoors. Indoors makes a difference."

He added: "We've been lucky with the weather  and it's turned.

During the summer, many Britons flocked to packed beaches to enjoy various spells of hot weather, despite warnings to keep away from others.

Professor John Edmunds said coronavirus cases are 'increasing exponentially'. (ITV)

Prof Edmunds said it is quite risky to visit people in their homes.

"You are there for quite a long time, he said. It is impossible to socially distance with family members.

"That is now having an effect. And we can see the epidemic is taking off again. So I don't think we've hit that sweet spot where we've been able to control the epidemic and allow the economy to return to some sort of normality. I don't think we've managed that."

On Tuesday, housing minister Robert Jenrick warned that the virus is still very much with us, it's still concerning.

Story continues

He told BBC Breakfast: We're going to have to be especially cautious as we go into the autumn and winter.

Watch: Robert Jenrick on coronavirus: Caution needed in autumn and winter

On Monday, Englands deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, said the UK could face a bumpy ride over the next few months after a big change in infections.

He said the public had relaxed too much over the summer and described the rising number of cases as a great concern.

He said: Weve been able to relax a bit over the summer, the disease levels have been really quite low in the UK through the summer but these latest figures really show us that much as people might like to say oh well its gone away  this hasnt gone away.

And if were not careful, if we dont take this incredibly seriously from this point in were going to have a bumpy ride over the next few months.

He said that the rise is much more marked in the 17-21 age group, but noted there is a more general and creeping geographic trend across the UK.

Coronavirus: what happened today

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BOSTON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.), the leader in solo-friendly travel for women, reported a surge of 2021 bookings from solo travelersa result of pent-up demand for travel. O.A.T. currently has 24,000 solo travelers booked for 2021 travel.

For 2021, O.A.T has 25,000 single spaces availablean increase of 76% from 2019. To support solo travelers, O.A.T. offers free Single Supplements on all O.A.T. adventures and pre- and post-trip extensions, and free or low-cost Single Supplements on its Small Ship Adventures.

"Solo travelers tend to be resilient and independent-minded, so it's not surprising to see their eagerness to be traveling again in 2021," said O.A.T CEO Brian Fitzgerald. "O.A.T. is considered number one in the U.S. for women's international travel for good reason, since 70 percent of our travelers are women. Nearly half of our travelers are solos, and 85 percent of solos are women."

O.A.T. fosters an intimate and accessible experience for solos, with groups limited to 16 travelers (average of 13) by land and 25 (average of 22) by sea. More than 80,000 solo travelers have traveled with O.AT. in the last five years.

Popular for 2021: Europe

Europe is emerging as a favorite choice with solos planning adventures for next year. While solos often opt for far-flung, exotic locations, traveling abroad "closer to home" appears to be more the norm for 2021.

Among O.A.T.'s Top 10: Most Popular Solo Adventures in Europe for 2021, favorites include Crossroads of the Adriatic: Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Slovenia, Sicily's Ancient Landscapes & Timeless Traditions, and The Baltic Capitals & St. Petersburg.

With the health and safety of its travelers a priority as always, O.A.T. has worked with its 36 regional offices and more than 2,500 regional associates and Trip Experience Leaders around the world to create new health and safety measures and specific itinerary updates.

Independence and flexibility

A majority of solo women travelers85 percentprefer to take control and personalize their O.A.T. adventures. Without the need to check with travel companions, solo travelers can make travel decisions independently to suit their own preferences. Travelers may decide to extend their travels with a pre-trip or post-trip extension, for example, or arrive early or stay later to explore a destination entirely on their own.

Understanding that some travelers may hesitate to make travel plans in the current climate, O.A.T. is offering flexibility if travel plans need to change. For any 2021 or 2022 reservation made by 9/30/20, travelers may transfer to another departure date for any reasonup until 24 hours prior to the original departureand O.A.T. will waive any change fees for 2021 and 2022 reservations. In addition, O.A.T. is offering travelers $500 per person and 10 percent trip cost savings.

For a free catalog or more information about O.A.T., please visit www.oattravel.com or call 1-800-955-1925.

ABOUT OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Established in 1978, Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) is part of Boston-based Grand Circle Corporation's family of travel companies, which also include Grand Circle Cruise Line and Grand Circle Travel. In 1992, owners Alan and Harriet Lewis established the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation to support communities in which Grand Circle works and travels, including some 300 humanitarian, cultural, and educational endeavors worldwideamong them, 100 schools, in 50 countries. The Foundation is an entity of the Lewis Family Foundation, which has pledged or donated more than $200 million since 1981.

SOURCE Overseas Adventure Travel

Related Links

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Jordan on Monday condemned the continuous Israeli violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque, the latest of which is installing speakers over the northern and western walls of the mosque.

Jordan also denounced Israel's arrest of several employees of the Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Department in Jerusalem, which is affiliated with Jordan.

Jordan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Daifallah Fayez said "Israeli forces' absurd practices are irresponsible, utterly rejected and condemned, and constitute a provocation of the feelings of Muslims all around the world," according to a ministry statement.

Fayez said that the ministry had sent an official note of protest through diplomatic channels, calling on Israel to stop its violations and provocations.

He warned against the continuation of such attacks, calling for their "immediate stop" and respect for the historical and legal status quo.

The Jordanian official stressed that the Al-Aqsa Mosque is a "pure" Islamic holy site and that the Jordan-run Jerusalem Awqaf and Aqsa Affairs Department is "the sole authority" tasked with supervising all its affairs.

The spokesperson urged the international community to shoulder its responsibility and exert pressure on Israel to halt its attacks that violate international law.

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A digital reconstruction of a 15th-century monk's face have shown he faintly resembled an elderly Wayne Rooney.

The image of the medieval Benedictine abbot has been digitally constructed from a well-preserved skull.

Drawing on biographical details as well as the remains of Abbot John of Wheathampstead, experts put together the image with CT scans, The Guardian reported.

The remains were unearthed in December 2017 during excavations at St Albans Cathedral, Hertfordshire.

While some have said the digital reconstruction resembles Wayne Rooney, another has said Mikhail Gorbachev, or the former Labour home secretary John Reid.

Experts used a well-preserved skull, unearthed at St Albans Abbey in 2017, and biographical information to put together a digital reconstruction of Abbot John of Wheathampstead

One of those supervising the work, Professor James Clark from Exeter University, said it was the 'first accurate representation' of a monastic figure before 1500 in England, according to the BBC.

The excavation in 2017 took place with the aim of discovering as much as possible before a Welcome Centre for visitors was built, so that any findings weren't damaged or disturbed.

In January 2017, they uncovered a 15-century skeleton which was identified as that of Abbot John of Wheathampstead, who died in 1465.

Experts were able to identify the body because of three papal bulls issued by Pope Martin V which were found accompanying the skeleton.

Scientific foundations and artistic visualisation were done by the team at the Face Lab, based at Liverpool John Moore University.

Biogrpahical information was provided from the documentary sources by Professor James Clark at Exeter University.

Some have said the reconstruction faintly resembles Wayne Rooney but Professor Caroline Wilkinson said, while the ears resemble Rooney, the face proportions are similar to Mikhail Gorbachev

In a post on the St Albans Cathedral website, Professor Clark wrote: 'It is a genial face, suggesting a gentle, even a warm and engaging character; and faintly familiar: this could be the friend or neighbour of many years standing, perhaps the stalwart member of the parish congregation.

'Like any of those, it is a face that speaks of life experience; of the passage of time; of service given.'

He added: 'The facial reconstruction of the abbot equally enhances our view of medieval England.

'His is only the second face from the fifteenth century to be seen, nearly ten years after Richard III was revealed before the nations eyes.

'Abbot Wheathampstead is also only the second churchman of medieval England to be the subject of research of this kind.'

Director of Face Lab based at Liverpool John Moores University Professor Caroline Wilkinson, who led the project, said she doesn't think the reconstruction looks like anyone in particular.

She said the only similarity between the reconstruction and Rooney are the ears, while similar proportions in the face could make it resemble Gorbachev.

Abbot John was known for his florid complexion, according to Professor Clark, unkindly described as 'girlish blushing'.

He suffered with chronic health conditions from his fifties, which was reportedly in his spleen, kidneys, liver and stomach and he only walked with a walking stick.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 04:53:48|Editor: huaxia

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SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Firefighters were making great progress in containing the three major wildfires in Northern California as of Monday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

The SCU Lightning Complex fires that have burned 396,624 acres (about 1,605 sq km) across five Northern California counties were 93 percent contained Monday morning. Firefighters reached 76 percent containment on the CZU Lightning Complex and the LNU Lightning Complex fires that have burned 375,209 (about 1,518 sq km) acres across several northern California counties were at least 91 percent contained as of Monday morning, according to the Cal Fire updates.

Cal Fire said 14,800 firefighters were battling 23 major fires in the state right now. California has seen 900 wildfires since Aug. 15, many of them started by an intense series of lightning strikes. There have been eight fire deaths and more than 3,300 structures destroyed, according to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle on Monday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) also issued a wind advisory for the mountains outside of Northern California's Santa Rosa, Calistoga and San Rafael from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday. The winds may be high enough to down tree limbs and power lines, and isolated power outages are possible, according to the NWS.

The cities in North Bay should expect fire-prevention shut-offs as the outages may affect about 17,000 people in Napa County from Monday night into Wednesday, Pacific Gas and Electric Company said. Enditem
Suite 430, Northbrook, IL 60062 -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/08/2020 -- According to the new market research report "Intelligent Flow Meter Market with COVID-19 Impact by Type (Magnetic, Coriolis, Ultrasonic, Vortex, Multiphase, Thermal, Turbine, Variable Area, & Differential Pressure), Offering, Communication Protocol, Industry, and Region - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global Intelligent Flow Meter Market size was valued at USD 2.5 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 3.1 billion by 2025; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2020 to 2025. The key factors fueling the growth of this market include the benefits of accuracy, stability, and reliability provided by intelligent flow meters, high demand for these flow meters in chemicals and water & wastewater industries, and the growing use of intelligent flow meters for diagnostic information along with measurement data.



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Magnetic Flow Meters are expected to hold the largest size of the intelligent flow meter market by 2025.



Magnetic flow meters are expected to contribute the largest share to the intelligent flow meter market during the forecast period. Magnetic flow meters are most significantly used in the water & wastewater industry, which is the major end user of the intelligent flow meter market. These flow meters are also used for flow measurement in industries such as chemicals, food & beverages, pulp & paper, power generation, metals & mining among others. These flow meters can effectively measure the fluid or gas flow in both the forward and reverse directions in the pipe with high accuracy. Magnetic flow meters require low maintenance costs as they do not have any moving components in them. Owing to these benefits over other types, magnetic flow meters are largely adopted in industries and are expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.



Oil & gas industry accounted for the largest size of the intelligent flow meter market in 2019.



Oil & gas industry contributed the largest share of the intelligent flow meter market in 2019. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for accurate and precise measurement of oil and gases in extraction plants as well as refineries. There has been a major demand for intelligent flow meters from the oil & gas industry compared to other industries however, there is a sharp decline in oil prices as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. This may adversely affect the adoption of intelligent flow meters in the industry in the near future as the industry would be on its verge of recovery and the deployment of intelligent flow meters would cause increasing expenses.



Browse in-depth TOC on "Intelligent Flow Meter Market"

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APAC projected to be the largest market for a intelligent flow meter from 2020 to 2025.



APAC is expected to lead the intelligent flow meter market by contributing the largest share in 2020. This growth can be attributed to a number of factors such as the rising demand for efficient and accurate measurement devices, increasing industrial infrastructural activities, and high demand for intelligent flow meters in chemicals and water & wastewater industries. The presence of prominent players in the intelligent flow meter market such as Yokogawa Electric (Japan), Azbil (Japan), and Fuji Electric (Japan) support the growth of the market in the region to a large extent.



The key players operating in the intelligent flow meter market include ABB (Switzerland), Emerson Electric (US), Siemens (Germany), Endress+Houser (Switzerland), Honeywell International (US), Yokogawa Electric (Japan), Baker Hughes (US), and Azbil (Japan) among others.



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Level Transmitter Market by Technology (Capacitance, Radar, Ultrasonic, Differential Pressure/Hydrostatic, Magnetostrictive, Radiometric), Industry (Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Water & Wastewater, Power, Metals & Mining), and Region - Global Forecast to 2024



Pressure Transmitter Market by Type (Absolute, Gauge, Differential Pressure, and Multivariable), Application, Fluid Type, Industry (Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Power, Pharmaceuticals, Food & Beverages), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2024



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The rumors about Biden's mental competence began concerning the debates. For the Democrats, the Wuhan virus was a blessing because it allowed them to hide Biden from the public, except for scripted appearances from his home. Now, though, even the scripted appearances can't cover for his mental decline. The Democrats are, therefore, trying to level the playing field by launching false attacks against Trump's cognitive abilities.

It's nothing new to American Thinker readers that Joe Biden is not the man he was just a few years ago. We've shared multiple videos showing him struggling to read his notes, giving confused answers, showing signs of emotional incontinence (that is, being unable to control his temper), losing his grip on core facts, and otherwise giving every indication that he is struggling with some form of senile dementia. And when Biden did recently get his act together, he had a funny little bruise on his hand that's remarkably consistent with getting an IV in a location that's customarily used to administer drugs.

When Biden's not seemingly hopped up on something, he's barely there at all. The following footage is so awful that, when I shared it with a friend, my friend's response was, "That's it. He's done for."

When you cant see the teleprompter and gotta answer questions on the fly: pic.twitter.com/DplWz7WN3Q  The Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) September 8, 2020

Here are two more thoughts about Biden before I move on to the Democrats' laughable attempt to "prove" that Trump is failing mentally. First, those people I know who have seen loved ones succumb to dementia say Biden is following the same trajectory. It begins as a slow process but accelerates, with sudden huge deficits in mental competence.

Second, Dan Bongino talks about Biden's mental decline, which he says is real and serious. He refuses to identify his sources, but the fact that he worked as a Secret Service agent for three presidents and has a hugely popular podcast means that he's got a lot of contacts. Since his sources are anonymous, you can give that information whatever weight you wish, but it is consistent with Biden's public behavior.

The big excitement for Democrats on Monday was a tweeted video that allegedly showed a confused President Trump wandering around the White House lawn, unable to find his way to Marine One:

BREAKING

A well known orange lunatic was seen meandering in the White House lawn pic.twitter.com/dU0fABKc1R  Strokebuster (@BionicMD) September 6, 2020

The person who first tweeted the above video was Tom Joseph. He captioned it:

Trump is lost [and] disoriented here. His mind goes blank and he doesnt remember what he's supposed to do next. He's deep into his degenerative neurological disease  Frontotemporal dementia  mindlessly lumbering and zigzagging in the grass towards a puddle.

The video had over 2 million views before Twitter labeled it "manipulated media," and Tom Joseph deleted it. (Joseph, incidentally, is utterly obsessed with his belief that Trump has "Frontotemporal dementia," proving that, to a hammer, everything's a nail.)

In fact, the video shows a chivalrous Trump, having finished talking to the media, circling back to make sure his wife doesn't step in a puddle:

Trending video of Trump walking around on the South Lawn and pointing to a puddle lacks context.



Video is from August 2019  He walks over to meet First Lady Melania Trump - points out the puddle so that she can avoid it and they walk to Marine One together



WATCH: pic.twitter.com/WN4cjkBeZJ  Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) September 7, 2020

The Democrats know there's something deeply wrong with their chosen candidate. They can't fix Biden's brain, so all they can do is the "your guy is worse than our guy" defense. This tactic will convince only the Tom Josephs of the world, people who won't let the facts interfere with their obsessions.

For other people, though, all you need to do is look at Biden to know the truth.

Image: Chivalrous Trump, a Twitter screen grab.
Bell & Evans produces 100% premium Raised Without Antibiotics chicken and Organic chicken, approximately 60% and 40% of its business, respectively. The additional capacity will allow Bell & Evans to continue expanding its organic production to approximately 50% of total production to meet increasing customer demands. According to this 2019 report by IRI , U.S. organic chicken sales are up 13.1% over a 3-year average, while Bell & Evans experienced 69.9% organic growth over that same period.

Bell & Evans is sold nationally at premium health-food markets and upscale retailers including Whole Foods Market, Wegmans Food Markets, Roche Bros. Supermarkets, Lunds & Byerlys, and Publix, among others. You can also find Bell & Evans branded chicken on the menus of the best restaurants in the country.

The new "European-Plus" Chicken Harvesting Facility is being built from the most durable and highest quality materials and finishes for food safety and longevity. The entire operations area will be constructed with Thermomass precast concrete exterior walls that provide superior thermal rating. All production floors will have acid brick flooring to hold up against corrosion, and freezer floors will be insulated with six inches of extruded polystyrene to prevent frost heave. There will be no wood utilized in any production areas nor any painted surfaces in processing spaces. The interior sides of the precast walls are white concrete to offer a bright environment for production team members, and many areas of production will have windows to the outside to allow in natural light.

"I have been all over the world, including Europe dozens of times, visiting poultry operations and suppliers," said Bell & Evans Owner Scott Sechler. "I have a really good grasp of what's out there, and I like to take the best practices I find and make them even better to fit our Bell & Evans model. In Europe, producers have the right mindset. They build to last. I describe our project as 'European-Plus'."

Animal welfare continues to be top priority for Bell & Evans. The New Harvesting Facility will include upgrades to an already superior live receiving area. An innovative automated transport system eliminates the use of fork trucks to off-load drawers of chickens from transportation into harvesting. An upgraded Slow Induction Anesthesia system will also be utilized in the new facility, modeled after the version Bell & Evans pioneered in 2011 that received great praise from leading animal welfare advocates.

At Bell & Evans, sustainability is largely considered in every aspect of construction and operations. The entire new Chicken Harvesting Facility will operate from a fully computerized utility system that ensures water and energy efficiency and reusage. State-of-the-art processing equipment from Marel and an upgraded 100% Air Chill system will dramatically reduce water usage in the plant. Sanitation systems will utilize hot water generated by waste heat at the Organic Rendering Plant, offsetting daily carbon production and reducing the use of a boiler system. The use of hot water instead of chemical agents is an important aspect of organic certification. Additionally, Bell & Evans recycles water from its onsite wastewater treatment plant to wash live haul transportation components.

The new Organic-Certified Chicken Harvesting Facility is being financed with the first green loan in U.S. poultry, provided by Rabobank. Bell & Evans is committed to environmental, sustainable and humane-welfare practices in accordance with the Green Loan Principles.

Bell & Evans contracted design-build firm Stellar for a third time. New for this construction, an innovative 3-D design with complete equipment placement allows for real-time collaboration between project managers, equipment vendors, installers, and Bell & Evans production to ensure no real-life interferences and allow for virtual walk-throughs and training. Stellar was the engineer of Bell & Evans' 2015 Further Processing and Packaging Facility and 2017 World's First Organic Certified, Animal-Welfare-Focused Chicken Hatchery.

"I spent more than 50 years in the chicken business making upgrades to old processes and retrofitting facilities with the most innovative equipment, and now to be building these beautiful, state-of-the-art chicken plants from the ground up is a dream come true," said Sechler.

Bell & Evans' New Harvesting Facility sits on the company's 112-acre greenfield Chicken Harvesting Campus where a second new harvesting facility of similar scale will be built within the next ten years to triple current production. In addition, extra hatchers were added to our Hatchery to increase capacity to support the growth. A new wastewater treatment plant is also currently under construction. 100% of Bell & Evans operations are located within a three-mile radius in the small, rural town of Fredericksburg. Every Bell & Evans facility is organic certified.

About Bell & Evans  Bell & Evans is a 5th generation family-owned business and America's oldest branded chicken company, celebrating 125 years in business and 10 years of organic production. We are the industry pioneer of natural chicken Raised Without Antibiotics and have established the highest set of animal welfare standards in the industry. From our World's First Organic Certified Animal Welfare Focused Chicken Hatchery to Slow Induction Anesthesia and 100% Air Chill production, Bell & Evans is passionate about raising chickens responsibly using common sense practices.

SOURCE Bell & Evans

Related Links

http://www.bellandevans.com/


Chandigarh, Sep 8 : The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Tuesday condemned the Congress government in Punjab for increasing the fee for MBBS course in government medical colleges by 75 per cent and demanded immediate rollback of the hike.

In a statement issued here, former minister Daljit Singh Cheema said that it seemed the government had not learnt any lesson from the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The need of the hour is to reduce MBBS fee to ensure students from ordinary backgrounds can become doctors. It is these students who will be ready to serve the state in rural areas. Instead of following this policy and subsidising medical education to bring it within the reach of the common man, the Congress government has increased fees in both government as well as private medical colleges," he said.

Cheema said students taking admission to government medical colleges would now have to pay a fee of Rs 7.80 lakh instead of Rs 4.4 lakh.

He said in case of private medical colleges, the fee has been hiked from Rs 13.4 lakh to Rs 18 lakh.

Similarly, the fee under the management quota in private medical colleges has been hiked to Rs 48 lakh and that under the NRI quota to Rs 81 lakh, Cheema said.

"Parents, who will have to spend an additional Rs 6-7 lakh on boarding and books, cannot cope with this huge expense during a time when the economy is on a downswing," Cheema added.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Suzuki Philippines Incorporated (SPH) has turned over the initial batch of the All-New Carry to Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) that the latter will use to deliver goods in a reliable fashion.

During the turnover ceremony at the PCPPIs head office in Tunasan, Muntinlupa, Suzuki Auto UN handed the 21 unitsout of the 105of the all-new Carry destined for delivery to the beverage giants office.

The event was attended by Suzuki Auto UNs Willard Keng (Dealer Principal EVP), Roberto Bautista (dealerships General Manager), and Edgar Santiago (Fleet Manager), as well as SPH Sales Special Marko Rivera.

Receiving the vehicles were PCPPI Senior General Manager for Luzon 1, Alvin Valencia, Senior Manager for Sales Information and Systems, Ryan Mariano and National Fleet Senior Manager John Albert Ayro.

Suzuki X Pepsi

According to SPH, the All-new Carrys size, maneuverability and features meet the requirements that would help PCPPI deliver its products around the country.

Backed by more than 40 years of Suzuki compact truck experience in the harshest environments, the All-New Carry is the suitable delivery partner for PCPPI as journeys from the products origin point to their designated destination mean facing different terrains and weather conditions, SPH claimed in its statement.

Built to be tough, rust and corrosion is the least to worry about with galvanized steel plates used for the entire bed of the compact-truck, on top of the sealers and undercoating used for its underbody while its stainless-steel exhaust system is rust-resistant, it added.

Its reliability has been proven early this month, after SPH lent some all-new Carry units to transport frontliners and for logistics and delivery use.

The all-new Carry was launched the same month last year, which is said to be re-engineered to fit the growing needs of commercial businesses.

Further, the position of the All-new Carrys engine air intake is high so that it can drive through floodwaters as high as 30 centimeters.

Story continues

Its 1.5 liter engine can produce around 96 horsepower and a maximum torque of 135 Nm, which are relatively good numbers for transporting hauled products. Speaking of hauling, it has a payload capacity of 940 kilograms.

Available in two variants, the All-New Carry is priced at P499,000 (Cab and Chassis 1.5L) and P509,000 (All-New Carry Truck 1.5L). The all-new Carry can be customized based on the customers requirement.

Photo/s from Suzuki Philippines Inc.

Also read

PH is First Outside Manufacturing Country to Serve S-Presso

Suzuki vehicles now available thru Lazada

Suzuki PH Now Ranks 5th in Overall PH Auto Industry
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 8

Trend:

According to international law and conventions, it is illegal for business entities to do any kind of business investment in the occupied territories, Chairman of Azerbaijani-American Youth Association Vugar Ahmadov told Trend.

"None of the countries can provide a guarantee for the security and continued prosperity of these companies. Additionally, it will undermine the credibility of any company that operates in occupied territories. Even though Armenia has occupied Azerbaijani territory of Nagorno Karabakh since 1993 year and continues to so to this day, some foreign companies continue investing in the occupied Nagorno Karabakh region," he said.

"One of these foreign companies is the Franck Muller Group. This company is world-famous for its grand complications and luxury watches as well as being in business in partnership with Pierre Coffey. Franck Muller watches are worn by celebrities like Demi Moore and Elton John. CEO of this company is Vartan Sirmakes who is of Armenian descent, who is the one most active investor in Armenia as well as in the occupied Nagorno Karabakh region, controlled by the Armenian separatist regime," Ahmadov said.

"Sirmakes promised to implement the various development programs for both Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh which will lead to the creation of new jobs and ensuring economic activity. In October 2014, Gold Star CJSC started the exploitation of the gold mine (referred to by Armenia as Tundurget) near Vejnali village in the occupied Zangilan district of Azerbaijan," Ahmadov noted.

"There is another fact about the investment projects of this company in occupied Azerbaijani territories which are against all international norms and conventions. In November 2015, the Narimanov district court of Baku has ruled to demand the custody of Vartan Sirmakes, who is a citizen of Switzerland. Azerbaijan applied to Interpol for Sirmakes arrest," Ahmadov said.

"Azerbaijani government pleaded several times with the international community, foreign companies, and citizens of foreign countries from refraining of making visits to Nagorno Karabakh, the occupied Azerbaijani territories," he said, adding that those foreign citizens who have violated these rules have faced with appropriate legal actions within the international frameworks.

"We as the civil society of Azerbaijan would like once more to appeal to international foreign companies and citizens to be careful and refrain from any activities in occupied Nagorno Karabakh region because it will undermine the credibility of these companies and may lead to legal actions against them. As long as the Armenian-Azerbaijan Nagorno Karabakh conflict has not been resolved, any business activities, foreign investments in this region may be considered under the threat. As the civil society we protest any kind of similar activity in the occupied Azerbaijani territories," he said.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

New research from the University of Derby identifying the link between the performance of the UK economy and crime trends could predict the consequence of key government policies, including ending the current furlough scheme and Brexit, say academics.

The study, funded by the UK's Economic and Social Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is the first of its kind to find a strong link between the economic downturn in Britain during the 1980s and offending among young people in areas of severe industrial decline, some of whom remained involved in crime for 20 years or so.

The University's Professor Stephen Farrall, Dr. Emily Gray and Dr. Phil Jones analyzed data from the British Cohort Study of over 16,000 people born in one week in April 1970, cross-referencing it with statistics on police cautions and local employment levels.

The researchers found that in areas such as south Wales, central Scotland and northern parts of England, where the coal, steel, ship and railway industries were affected by the economic downturn during the 1980s, young people were much more likely to get into trouble with the police, and to then keep offending for several decades.

They also established that the number of people receiving cautions was directly related to the economic fortunes of the county in which they lived. In those areas with the lowest levels of economic restructuring, less than 10% were offending when aged 26-30, but in the areas with the highest levels of economic change, this figure was almost 15%.

This meant, the researchers argue, that during the 1980s job losses brought on by the shift away from heavy industry, and the lack of alternative employment in the economic downturn associated with this, drew young people into crime, which then became a lifestyle they found hard to leave behind.

Professor Farrall said that the study, now published in full in the journal Politics and Society, is the first to quantifiably link the long-term effects of the collapse of heavy industry on young people's crime records.

He said: "No one has ever attempted to study the link between individual offending careers and political decision-making. Current approaches adopted by criminologists tend to focus on the offender's personal characteristics and have failed to engage with the way that political decision-making shapes the lives and life courses of citizens. This study provides evidence about how important the policies are not just to the economy, but also how these can have a knock-on effect on crime rates and the 'kick-starting' of offending careers. It shows that the process of deindustrialisation took away young people's hope and aspirations when they were young by making their parents unemployed and hitting their own job prospects. That could lead to them turning to drugs and crime."

Professor Farrall said that while it was hard to draw firm comparisons with the upcoming closure of the government's current Job Retention (furlough) Scheme, his team's research did suggest that one consequence of a dramatic increase in unemployment rates might be an immediate increase in crime, and over the long-term it might result in more people becoming entrenched in offending careers which they then found hard to escape from.

He added: "Only time will tell what happens, but it is not unreasonable to expect an increase in some forms of crime over the next few years if the economy is dramatically restructured. If there is a widespread increase in offending, one would also expect that not all of those drawn into it will be able to cease it easily, meaning that they may continue to offend for several years."

Explore further Co-offenders provide key to crime patterns

More information: Stephen Farrall et al. Politics, Social and Economic Change, and Crime: Exploring the Impact of Contextual Effects on Offending Trajectories, Politics & Society (2020). Stephen Farrall et al. Politics, Social and Economic Change, and Crime: Exploring the Impact of Contextual Effects on Offending Trajectories,(2020). DOI: 10.1177/0032329220942395
During last summers blaze, 2,500 properties were destroyed, 5.5 million hectares of land burned, while smoke from the Black Summer bushfires killed nearly 450 people, health experts told a royal commission hearing in May. The unprecedented bushfire also raised concerns over how household insurance would be dealt with in the future.

Read more: New approach needed to mitigate bushfires, say researchers

The first important thing to note was the inquiry did report that [the bushfire] was extreme, and it was extremely unusual, said Kay Jackson (pictured), director of Simplex Insurance Solutions. I think the worst thing that insurers can do is have a knee-jerk reaction to the events that happened last summer.

However, Jackson admitted that she has had some clients concerned over whether they could get insured.

We did, last year, have some clients that contacted us to ask if we were able to insure the bushfire and it was a question that was quite odd coming from the community because its not something that we had had any conversations about within our industry [at the time], she said. So, it was interesting to see there was already community concern about if they could get cover for bushfires.

One positive outcome from the independent inquiry for Jackson, was the push for bushfire preparation. Now that landowners are obliged to safely deposit fuel load and clear land on their property, she believes that fire risks will decrease. Additionally, handing power to firefighters to access land to complete reduction burns will also help insurers feel more comfortable writing risk for those areas.

I dont think were ever going to stop bushfires, but I think what we could do is perhaps prepare for them better and maybe have a better outcome, she said.

For Mike Donnelly (pictured immediately below), executive director at Gallaghers Adelaide CBD branch, there is no risk to the future of household insurance. He is instead confident that higher building codes and scrutiny of high-risk areas will decrease the risk of damage over time.

If its a flood, for example, people have been allowed to build their homes in flood zones where they shouldnt have been allowed to because its simply not maintained properly to protect themselves, he said.

All insurance companies can do is charge extra premiums for those extra exposures which tends to make it more expensive and less affordable I dont see what else they can do.

Donnelly says insurers pay around 20% of household insurance premiums to layoff the risk to overseas insurers.

Now, they have capacity to soak up a lot of that risk itself but, eventually, theres too many disasters like there are in Australia, and the cost of that reinsurance to overseas insurers keeps increasing, he added.

Next year, when it comes up for renewal after paying out all these catastrophe claims, the cost to insurers keeps going up and up which obviously then impacts the cost to consumers.

Read next: Risk expert on climate change perils for insurers

Echoing these sentiments is Michael Olofinsky (pictured below), managing director at Brookvale Insurance Brokers, who says the increase to premiums for household insurance has been substantial.

I think the excesses will be changed and the premium hikes were seeing at the moment, depending on what the location is for clients, could be up to 150%, he said. Certain insurers wont insure in fire areas as, similar to a flood situation, they will pick and choose what postcodes they will cover.
Since the lockdown rules have lifted significantly, Im sure a lot of you are itching to go out on a road trip. If youre in the market looking for something that will help ferry the entire family, heres a list we think could make that choice easier.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on September 3 said the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will be ready within two years.

Speaking at the 60th Annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Gadkari said that the highway will be operational in the next two years.

He also informed that the current rate of road building per day has averaged to 30 km/day, with the highest being 40 km/day for highways.

The 1,200-1,300 long Delhi-Mumbai expressway will cut the travel time between the cities to 13 hours from 24 hours.

Earlier reports suggested that the project was earlier expected to be complete by 2023.

Under Phase-1 of the NHAI's Bharatmala project spanning over a period of five years (2017-18 to 2021-22), the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is one of the flagship highways.

Here's all you need to know about the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway:

> The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will have eight lanes, with a provision to expand to 12 lanes.

> It will be India's longest Greenfield Expressway, with a design speed of 120 km/hour. Access to the expressway will be controlled through closed tolling.

> The project is a part of the Bharatmala Pariyojna Phase-1 program. The expressway has a capital cost of Rs 82,514 crore, out if which Rs 20,928 crore is the land acquisition cost.

> The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has created a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to finance the construction of the project.

>75-way side amenities will be set up along the Delhi-Mumbai expressway, at an interval of 50 km, the report added.

> It will also act as an alternative to the existing route along NH-48, which is longer (1,440 km) as well as more congested.

>The development of the Delhi  Mumbai expressway is estimated to generate employment of nearly 50 lakh man-days during the construction phase.

> With a design speed of 120 kilometres per hour, it is set to be India's longest greenfield expressway. This means one can cover the Delhi to Mumbai stretch in minimum at roughly 11 hours via this route.
NEW DELHI: Motherson Sumi Sysytems Ltd, the countrys leading automotive component manufacturer, on Tuesday announced raising funds though issuance of non-convertible debentures in 1500- 3000 crore range. With businesses hit due to Covid-19 related disruptions, automobile manufacturers and component suppliers have been raising money through debt to stay afloat during the crisis.

The tenure of the NCDs will be three years with a fixed coupon rate. Rating agency India Ratings and Research has assigned 'AAA/Negative' to the debt instruments.

The Committee of Directors (Fund Raising) of the Board of Directors of the company in its meeting held today September 8, 2020, has approved the issuance of Rated, Un-Secured, Listed, Redeemable Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs), with an aggregate amount up to 1500 crore which may be increased up to 3000 crore," the company said in a regulatory filing.

In April, the VC Sehgal-led company had decided to raise 1000 crore following liquidity issues as manufacturing operations were shut due to lockdowns across the globe.

Motherson Sumi reported a consolidated net loss 1191.65 crore in the June quarter due to the shutdown of its factories in India and other markets due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The losses incurred during the period were limited by the significant reduction in taxes paid during the quarter.

The Noida-based component manufacturer reported a net profit 360.64 crore in the corresponding period of last year.

The revenue during the quarter declined by 49.48% year-on-year to 8431.23 crore. It reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization or Ebitda loss of 319.8 crore compared to a profit of 1275.74 crore in corresponding quarter last fiscal.

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The global high-integrity pressure protection system (HIPPS) market size is expected to grow by USD 56.53 million as per Technavio. This marks a significant market slow down compared to the 2019 growth estimates due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the first half of 2020. However, steady growth is expected to continue throughout the forecast period, and the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4%. Request Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impacts

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200907005068/en/

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global High-Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS) Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire)

Read the 120-page report with TOC on "High-Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS) Market Analysis Report by End-user (Oil and gas, Chemicals and petrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals, and Others) and Geography (Europe, APAC, North America, MEA, and South America), and the Segment Forecasts, 2020-2024".

https://www.technavio.com/report/high-integrity-pressure-protection-system-market-industry-analysis

The market is driven by the rise in midstream infrastructure. In addition, the introduction of safety PLC is anticipated to boost the growth of the High-Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS) Market.

The rise in midstream infrastructure is one of the key factors driving the HIPPS market growth. In the midstream sector, production flowlines from the wellhead to the offshore storage facilities and to the end-users' processing plants are usually built to withstand high wellhead shut-in pressures, even if the pressure in the flowline is much lower under normal operating conditions. Building this pressure buffer into the system can be costly and may endanger economic feasibility. HIPPS circumvents this problem by downrating the pipeline pressure. It instantaneously closes the pipeline the moment a preset level is exceeded. HIPPS is equipped with control systems and valves that detect a wide range of safety conditions.

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Major Five High-Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS) Companies:

ABB Ltd.

ABB Ltd. has business operations under four segments such as electrification, industrial automation, motion, and robotics discrete automation. The company offers 800 A platform for DCS and control systems.

Emerson Electric Co.

Emerson Electric Co. operates its business through two segments: automation solutions, and commercial and residential solutions. The company offers a solution comprising of valves, actuators, and valve controller.

General Electric Co.

General Electric Co. has business operations under four segments: power, renewable energy, aviation, and healthcare. The company offers Semstar-5 Subsea Electronic Module (SEM) solution.

HIMA GmbH

HIMA GmbH operates its business through three segments: smart safety services, safety lifestyle services, and safety services. The company offers Distribution Control Systems for monitoring plants.

Honeywell International Inc.

Honeywell International Inc. has business operations under various segments such as aerospace, Honeywell Building Technologies, performance materials and technologies, and safety and productivity solutions. The company offers HIPPS system for flow control.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 22:28:05|Editor: huaxia

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BANGKOK, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- A total of 99 MPs in Thailand filed a joint motion for constitution amendment on Tuesday in a fresh effort to stop all senators from casting votes for a future prime minister.

A total of 76 opposition MPs and 23 government MPs lodged the joint bid to amend the 2017 constitution's Section 272 under which the 250 senators, earlier handpicked by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, can take part in the voting for a post-election prime minister as they just did for the current one last year.

Tuesday's charter amendment bid is primarily meant to deny the legislators in the Senate such decisive role alongside those in the House of Representatives in the picking of the future head of government.

The 76 lawmakers in the opposition bloc, who signed up for the fresh charter amendment bid, include 54 MPs of the Move Forward Party, 10 MPs of the Thai Liberal Party, six MPs of the Prachachat Party, five MPs of the Puea Chat Party and one MP of the Thai People Power Party.

The 23 legislators of the government parties, who endorsed the amendment bid, include 16 MPs of the Democrat Party, one MP of the Bhumjaithai Party, one MP of the Chartthaipattana Party and those of five splinter parties, each of which only has one MP and is practically viewed as a partner of the coalition government.

Nevertheless, the Pheu Thai Party, the biggest opposition party, has declined to join Tuesday's move among the MPs on both sides of the parliament aisle and apparently preferred to focus on the planned amendment to the constitution's Section 256 instead.

A separate motion has been earlier lodged at parliament to amend Section 256 to pave way for the setting up of the so-called Constitution Drafting Committee, members of which may include some who might be elected by the people and others who might be named by the prime minister. Enditem
US Marshals rescue 8 missing children in Indiana; 73 recovered nationwide since August

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Federal agents with the help of local law enforcement recovered eight highly endangered missing children in Indiana last week and arrested one suspect. At least 73 missing children have been recovered nationwide since the beginning of August.

The U.S. Marshals Service announced the conclusion of Operation Homecoming in which its officers in southern Indiana partnered with the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force as well as the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The operation is the first missing child operation conducted by USMS in the Southern District of Indiana, according to the news release. The one-week initiative ran from Aug. 31 until Sept. 4.

After months of planning and coordination, the operation led to the recovery of children between the ages of 6 and 17. All children recovered during the operation were reported missing by local law enforcement. They are considered to be some of the most at-risk and challenging recovery cases in the area based on indications of high-risk factors such as victimization of child sex trafficking, child exploitation, sex abuse, physical abuse and medical or mental health conditions.

They were turned over to the Indiana Department of Child Services for assistance and placement.

One adult, who was not named by USMS, was arrested during the operation and faces charges related to parental kidnapping, intimidation, weapons possession and custodial interference.

The Marshals are committed to assisting state and local agencies with locating and recovering endangered missing children to help prevent their falling victim to crimes of violence and exploitation, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Indiana Dan McClain said in a statement.

The message that we wish to convey to the missing children and their families is that we will use every resource at our disposal to find you.

Participating officers were given the case files and began investigating the childrens whereabouts by starting with last known addresses, friends homes and schools.

The operation in Indiana is one of several missing child operations conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service in coordination with local authorities.

On Aug, 27, the U.S. Marshals Service announced the results of Operation Not Forgotten in Georgia. Thirty-nine children were recovered and nine individuals were arrested in connection with their disappearances. Some of those arrested had sex offender violations. The age of the children ranged from 3 to 17, with some being victims of sex trafficking and abuse.

When we track down fugitives, its a good feeling to know that we're putting the bad guy behind bars. But that sense of accomplishment is nothing compared to finding a missing child," USMS Missing Child Unit Chief Darby Kirby said in a statement. It's hard to put into words what we feel when we rescue a missing child, but I can tell you that this operation has impacted every single one of us out here. We are working to protect them and get them the help they need.

In Ohio, U.S. Marshals helped recover 25 missing children during the first three weeks of Operation Safety Net in northern Ohio.

Were trying to do our part, U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott told WOIO. A number of these children have gone to the hospital after weve recovered them to get checked out. So again, this is something we take very seriously.

According to the television news outlet, there are as many as 200 missing children in northeast Ohio. Elliott stated that there have been some cases where there have been mothers and fathers prostituting their children.

Last Friday, USMS announced one missing 14-year-old child in Kansas City, Kansas, was found. The child also had a warrant out for her arrest and was transported to the Jackson County Juvenile Detention Center.

Last year, the USMS helped recover 295 missing children with help from local law enforcement.

Since the USMS partnership began with NCMEC in 2005, over 1,800 missing children have been recovered.

USMS was authorized to work with local law enforcement agencies through the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015. As a result, USMS created the Missing Child Unit to help local law enforcement agencies locate missing children.
Portrait of an election: US race boils down to six swing states The top six swing states in the 2020 US election were all won by President Donald Trump in 2016, but his Democratic challenger Joe Biden leads in each of them

The US election, eight weeks from Tuesday, is boiling down to a handful of battleground states that Joe Biden must flip in order to snatch the White House from President Donald Trump.

All of this year's top swing states -- Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Arizona -- went to Trump in 2016, including four which had voted for Democrat Barack Obama in 2012.

In a sign of how critical they are, Trump travels to two of them, Florida and North Carolina, on Tuesday alone.

Challenger Joe Biden leads by an average of 3.2 percentage points in the battlegrounds, according to the RealClearPolitics (RCP) poll aggregate.

Should the remaining 44 states vote as they did four years ago, Biden could flip just the two biggest battlegrounds, Florida and Pennsylvania, and win.

Here is a look at the top swing states:

- Pennsylvania -

Biden's birth state is the largest at play in the Rust Belt, a north-central region marked by industrial decline over the past decade.

Trump volunteers are swarming the state, including city suburbs where they are canvassing door-to-door.

Pennsylvania has multiple socio-economic regions and Biden, whose campaign is largely sticking to public health guidelines by organizing primarily online, has poured ad resources into the state.

The state's big cities will vote heavily for Biden, while the rural west and conservative central Pennsylvania are committed to Trump. The suburbs and the state's northeast will be critical.

RCP average: Biden leads by 3.9 percentage points

- Michigan -

Michigan very narrowly tipped for Trump in 2016 and it is being fiercely contested this year.

Trump has visited the Great Lakes state touting an American comeback, but its voters are concerned about the pandemic's impact on the economy, and the president's response.

Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer has clashed with the president, and her enforced lockdowns have angered conservatives, many of whom arrived with guns to protest this summer at the state capitol.

Story continues

RCP: Biden by 2.6

- Wisconsin -

Democrat Hillary Clinton opted against campaigning in America's dairyland in 2016, and voters punished her for it.

This year Democrats made a point of highlighting Wisconsin, locating their national convention there last month, although the gathering moved online over coronavirus concerns.

Trump and Biden both visited protest-hit Kenosha last week as they offered contrasting visions, while Vice President Mike Pence and Biden running mate Kamala Harris each campaigned in the state Monday.

RCP: Biden by 5.0

- Florida -

The largest of the swing states anchors the Sun Belt, the band of states across the US South and Southwest that is rapidly growing in population, and features agriculture and military industry and large numbers of retirees.

Republicans are mounting a fierce defense here, with Democrats accusing them of actively suppressing the vote, particularly in communities of color.

The state's huge Latino population will be key, and polls show them aligned with the Democratic ticket less than in 2016.

Most experts say Florida is a Trump firewall; if it's breached, Trump likely loses the White House.

RCP: Biden by 1.8

- North Carolina -

This traditionally conservative state went to Trump by three percentage points four years ago but both parties acknowledge it is now too close to call.

North Carolina's governor is a popular Democrat who has won praise for his balanced response to the pandemic.

Republicans based their national convention here last month, although it was largely online, and Trump was returning for his third visit in two weeks to the state that has already begun sending out its mail-in ballots.

RCP: Biden by 0.6

- Arizona -

Arizona has been a Republican stronghold for decades, but its electorate is changing, with a growing Latino community and an influx of more liberal Californians.

Conservative voters appreciate Trump's efforts to restrict immigration and build a wall on the border with Mexico.

But Trump has hurt his prospects by repeatedly denigrating the late senator John McCain, who represented Arizona for decades in Washington and still looms large over the state's politics.

RCP: Biden by 5.0

mlm/dw
Yves here. On the one hand, it is very important to look at the efficacy of various approaches to handling offenders. Vengeance might be fun, but is it productive? And given the difficulty of performing actual experiments on rehabilitation versus punishment, this natural experiment is an important data point.

Yet there are so many issues involved in what matters in helping offenders avoiding falling back into criminal activity (even before you get to the US case of disproportionate prosecution and sentencing of people of color), that I dont want readers to think weve ignored an elephant in the room, that of the ease and payoff of getting a job after having served time. For instance, the abstract of a Harvard paper from 2016:

This paper estimates the impact of local labor market conditions on criminal recidivismu sing administrative prison records on four million offenders released from 43 states between 2000 and 2013. Exploiting the timing of each offenders release from prison, I find that being released to a county with higher low-skilled wages significantly decreases the risk of recidivism. The impact of higher wages on recidivism is larger for both black offenders and first-time offenders, and in sectors that report being more willing to hire ex-offenders. These results are robust to individual- and county-level controls, such as policing and corrections activity, and do not appear to be driven by changes in the composition of released offenders during good or bad economic times

And even though many and I would assume most jails and prisons range from bad to horrific (witness graphic descriptions of the New York City jails, Rikers and the Tombs), I take this recent story as evidence that inmates and their guards can have decent relationships (even outside Club Fed settings):

By Giulia Lotti, Economist, Inter-American Development Bank. Originally published at VoxEU

More than half of all young offenders in the US are rearrested within the first year of their release from prison. And yet, the relationship between crime and punishment remains understudied. This column examines three quasi-experiments and the criminal records of 6,444 offenders in England and Wales to compare the effects of harsh versus rehabilitative incarceration practices. The findings suggest that young offenders sent to rehabilitative facilities are less likely to reoffend, while those exposed to harsher facilities are 27% more likely to reoffend, and also more likely to commit future violent offences.

Research into the economics of crime suffers from measurement issues and identification challenges (e.g. Pinotti 2020). The economic analysis of crime poses difficulties that cannot be addressed through randomised control trials and for which the endogeneity problem is hard to tackle. For example, do tough prisons deter young offenders from repeating crimes?

According to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 44% of released prisoners in the US are rearrested within the first year after release, and the figure is even higher (52%) for younger offenders (Alper et al. 2018).1 In England and Wales, the reoffending rate for adult offenders released from custody is 46.8% within one year, and 67.6% for juvenile offenders (Ministry of Justice 2020).2

Crime poses enormous social and economic costs, so it is important to understand which custody conditions can reduce (or worsen) reoffending, especially for young people.

Theory Helps Us Frame the Question

On the one hand, tough policies and harsh sentences may discourage the general population from embarking on criminal activity (a general deterrence effect), or the individual offender from committing new crimes in the future (a specific deterrence effect).3

On the other hand, severe punishment may have a negative effect on offenders who are incarcerated, weakening their already fragile links with society, nourishing negative networks, and, as a result, increasing the likelihood of future criminal activity (Di Tella and Schargrodsky 2013).

The Answer Requires Empirical Testing

The question of whether different types of custodial treatment affect recidivism must be tested empirically. But identifying a causal link between custody conditions and crime rates is challenging. In most cases, self-selection impedes establishing connections that are more than correlations: The most dangerous criminals are more likely to be sentenced to harsher custody conditions, and to reoffend in the future, precisely because they are more prone to criminal activity. Therefore, whether higher reoffending rates are driven by harsher custody conditions or by the offenders higher propensity to reoffend cannot be distinguished.

The complexity of identification is exacerbated by the difficulty in accessing micro-level data on offenders, which is necessary to isolate specific deterrence effects and to determine the causal link between the harsh conditions of a custodial system and the offenders propensity to be reconvicted.

Our Knowledge So Far

In recent years, researchers have gained access to better data and pushed the frontiers of knowledge through carefully constructed quasi-experiments. But the evidence is still mixed, mainly due to the difference in punitive treatments analysed, targeted populations, and time windows in which offenders are observed: It is hard to draw conclusions from few and diverse studies.

While a few papers find evidence of at least some deterrent effects (Lee and McCrary 2017, Hjalmarsson 2009, Katz et al. 2003),4 another stream of researchers finds the opposite, with some cases suggesting that harsh treatment increases the likelihood of recidivism (Aizer and Doyle 2015, Chen and Shapiro 2007, Drago et al. 2011), and that more rehabilitative facilities can have deterrent effects (Mastrobuoni and Terlizzese 2019).

The British Quasi-Experiments

Three quasi-experiments from the 1980s and 1990s in England and Wales  together with access to the criminal records of 6,444 offenders who experienced different custody treatments  offer the perfect setting to test whether harsher or rehabilitative incarceration practices decrease recidivism rates among young people, as I describe in more detail in a new paper (Lotti 2020).

Experiment 1: At the beginning of the 1980s, offenders younger than 21 who were given a custodial sentence were then sent to youth custody and detention centres managed as more punitive facilities than previously had been the case. Thus, young offenders held there experienced a tougher regime than usual.

Experiments 2 and 3: Towards the end of the decade and in the 1990s, these tough regimes were abolished and turned into young offender institutions oriented towards rehabilitation. Offenders younger than 21 were now sentenced to more rehabilitative facilities.

While prisons did not experience a change in regime throughout the period examined, youth custody facilities did. This setup allows me to compare the effects on recidivism from experiencing a milder/harsher custody, as the only reason offenders were sent to the more punitive/rehabilitative type of custody was their age at court appearance. Hence, I adopt a fuzzy regression discontinuity design and exploit the plausibly exogenous variation in the age at which offenders appeared in court, which in turn determined the type of custody they were sentenced to.

I find that young offenders at the margin of the age cut-off who are exposed to the harsher youth facilities are 27% more likely to reoffend in the eight years subsequent to their custody; commit on average nearly three offences more than offenders who experienced prison; and are brought to court on average 1.5 times more. The crimes committed by young offenders exposed to a harsher regime also appear to be more serious, such as violent offences, thefts, and criminal damage.

Keeping young offenders separate from their older peers in prison is beneficial only if the purpose of the offenders custody is rehabilitative.

See original post for references
SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Modern Vascular, a pioneering medical group dedicated to preventing amputation through the treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), today announced the expansion of its national footprint to 12 clinics with the opening of a second office in San Antonio, Texas. This latest Modern Vascular facility opens on Monday, September 14, 2020 for consultations and Endovascular Procedures for qualified patients. There will be an open house for interested doctors on Thursday, September 10 from 5-7 p.m.

September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Month, giving this new opening additional meaning. PAD affects approximately 8-12 million Americans. Senior citizens or those with a history of diabetes, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure or high cholesterol may be at risk for PAD. In addition, the rate of lower limb amputation due to PAD is high, as is the rate of death following amputation: nearly 50% after one year, with the highest incidence of PAD-related amputation occurring in non-white populations. To determine your risk level, visit ModernVascular.com and take an easy online PAD assessment.

"We are thrilled to see the success we have had preventing amputations at Modern Vascular in San Antonio," said Yury Gampel, CEO, Modern Vascular. "There is still more work to be done to increase awareness of PAD and the outpatient treatment options that are available. We look forward to continuing to serve the San Antonio area, where the need remains great."

Modern Vascular is building on the success of its first San Antonio office, which celebrated the completion of its 1,000th successful endovascular procedure in August. The new office's Managing Physician is Dr. Jeffrey Martinez, a native of San Antonio and a board-certified Vascular Surgeon with additional training in Endovascular Surgery. He attended Texas A&M University and received his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He completed his residency in General Surgery in San Antonio as well and his vascular fellowship at the University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis, TN. After serving eight years on active duty in the U. S. Navy, Dr. Martinez has been practicing in San Antonio since 2001. Karen M Summy MSN ACNS-BC, a U. S. Army veteran, is the Clinical Nurse Specialist, with over 20 years of experience treating vascular and cardiovascular disease in San Antonio and South Texas. The Clinical Director of the new office is Cecily Hanna, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, and the Regional Director is Helen Miller, MHA, BSN RN, each of whom has more than five years of experience working directly with Dr. Martinez.

"The development of minimally invasive therapies to treat Peripheral Artery Disease has greatly advanced over the last 10 years and I am proud to be helping Modern Vascular continue and expand on these advances," said Dr. Martinez. "I have deep roots in San Antonio and I'm committed to the care of patients in our community. We have already had a positive impact in saving lower limbs for patients in South Texas, and I am looking forward to increasing that positive impact as we give more people hope to continue a normal life."

PAD is a serious condition and treatment should not be put off. All of Modern Vascular's clinics have rigorous COVID-19 protection protocols, including enhanced cleaning and employee screenings consistent with CDC guidelines. Modern Vascular also offers telehealth consultations. Each facility is a dedicated lab where contagious diseases are not treated. See Modern Vascular's COVID-19 policies.

For more information on Modern Vascular's new office on Lexington Avenue in San Antonio, please visit https://modernvascular.com/modern-vascular-of-san-antonio-lexington/.

About Modern Vascular

Modern Vascular is a group of healthcare companies headquartered in Phoenix, AZ. Modern Vascular clinics specialize in the treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD) through infrapopliteal, inframalleolar and pedal endovascular arterial reconstruction. Most patients report reduced pain, rapid wound healing, and a better quality of life post procedure. Modern Vascular procedures are also an important step in avoiding future limb amputation and extending life expectancy in diabetic, cardiovascular, and peripheral artery disease patients. Modern Vascular now operates and manages twelve clinics across AZ, CO, MS, NM, TX, VA. For more information, visit www.ModernVascular.com . For educational videos on PAD and its treatment, visit our video library.

Press Contact:

Doug Haslam

KNB Communications

[email protected]

617-862-9073

SOURCE Modern Vascular

Related Links

http://www.ModernVascular.com


The economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic has forced yet another popular Massachusetts restaurant to close for good: Riva Restaurant and Bar in Scituate.

Several factors contributed to the popular South Shore restaurant shuttering, including less people traveling and dining out, Rivas building being sold and state-issued guidelines limiting space between tables and prohibiting bar service, the business announced in a Facebook post Sunday.

The cancellation of Scituate Heritage Days, an annual summer event that hosts live music and other activities, also played a part in the restaurant closing, the post said.

It is with great sadness that we have to share this news to our loyal and loving friends, family and community. This past year surely hasnt gone the way we all thought it would. The pandemic has impacted many different industries, and the restaurant business was not spared, the restaurants management said. Throughout Rivas twenty plus years in the harbor, the business has always relied on the summer months and the busy season to get us through the quieter seasons.

Management said the restaurant simply cannot survive another winter. They thanked Rivas customers and urged the public to stay healthy, support local [and] shop small business.

We cannot thank you all enough for spending patio nights with us in the summer, dining by the fire in the dining room, dancing to the music every Heritage Days, packing the cozy bar on a winter night, and all of the many fond memories that we all have at Riva, managements post said. The pandemic has surely brought on change for a lot of people and hard challenges for small businesses, and we are devastated to be one of these businesses.

Riva, which serves a variety of Italian dishes and red and white wines, has been open for more than 20 years. Its current owner, Kara Tondorf, took over the 1,600-square-foot restaurant in 2013, The Patriot Ledger reported.

The restaurants last day of business will be Sept. 19, as management wanted to give patrons the opportunity to use gift cards at Riva one last time, according to the businesss social media post.

It is open for outdoor dining on its patio from Wednesday to Sunday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant is not accepting reservations.

Related Content:
By Layne Dowdall, Jos Fox and Chloe Johnson / News21

Isolation. Timeout. Lockdown. The hole.

Solitary confinement goes by many names, and it can be employed as arbitrarily as the language used to define it.

There is no single standard for anything in the United States when it comes to crime and punishment, which is usually to everyones detriment, said Ian Kysel, a visiting assistant clinical professor of law at Cornell Law School.

In the area of conditions of confinement, that really continues to be the case. Theres really no enforceable national standards for anything in relation to minimally adequate conditions of confinement.

Solitary confinement has its roots in the Quakers, a Protestant sect exploring more humane ways to treat criminals in the late 18th century. Quakers used isolation as a means of purification through introspective prayer  a form of penance.

The practice has since transformed and been institutionalized throughout the U.S. justice system, including in juvenile facilities as a means of discipline, protection and treatment.

Roughly 20% to 26% of youth reported being isolated during their time in juvenile detention. Of these, 87% reported they were isolated for more than two hours, while 53% said it was longer than 24 hours, according to a 2016 report by the federal Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency

Solitary confinement and other forms of isolation remain all too common in juvenile facilities, said Karen Lindell, a senior attorney at the Juvenile Law Center. As described in our 2017 report on the use of solitary confinement, almost half of juvenile facilities report using isolation to control behavior, and more than two-thirds of juvenile defenders we polled say they have clients who spent time in solitary.

Rule 45.1 of the UNs Nelson Mandela Rules of internationally recognized guidelines states that solitary confinement shall be used only in exceptional cases as a last resort, for as short a time as possible.

At the national level, a federal law in 2016 prohibited the use of solitary confinement and involuntary seclusion to punish children  but its only applicable to those in federal Bureau of Prison facilities. However, across the country, its up to state and local officials to regulate the use of solitary confinement.

Jacqueline Rodriguez, then 12, spent the 2009 Christmas holidays at the Hillcrest Juvenile Hall in San Mateo, California. She was held in isolation because state law required roommates to be no more than two years apart in age and there were no other detainees 14 or younger. (Photos courtesy of Jacqueline Rodriguez)

Isolation fraught with consequences

Advocates, researchers, legislators and psychologists agree on the long-lasting, detrimental effects solitary confinement has on youth and adults alike. Despite overwhelming evidence and pressure from these groups, solitary confinement still is utilized in nearly every state for one reason or another. According to the National Conference of State Legislators, 16 states use it without limitations.

One of those states is Louisiana, where juvenile detention centers follow standards outlined by the states Department of Child and Family Services. Long-term correctional facilities follow standards outlined by the Office of Juvenile Justice.

These standards mainly address the process employees must follow after placing a youth in room confinement, room isolation, protective isolation or administrative segregation. Included are mandatory check-ins and proper documentation.

I would say that those standards are still lacking. They still allow kids to be confined in their cells for too long, said Rachel Gassert, policy director at the Louisiana Center for Childrens Rights. Its certainly of no value and its very harmful.

Isolation can have an almost immediate psychological impact and cause lasting trauma in adults, research has shown, but experts say its effects on young people are more detrimental because their brains still are developing.

The extensive psychological effects of solitary can include hallucinations, anxiety, rage, insomnia, self-harm and suicidal thoughts and attempts, according to a 2011 report by Human Rights Watch. Physical damage includes lack of adequate exercise, physical changes, stunted growth, inadequate nutrition, hair loss and problems menstruating.

Experts say young people placed in solitary are more at risk to develop depression, engage in acts of self harm and attempt or die by suicide. Those with a history of mental illness, trauma and abuse are even more at risk.

This was the case for Solan Peterson, 13, of Louisiana. On Feb. 1, 2019, Solan was sent to Ware Youth Center in Coushatta after setting a roll of toilet paper on fire in his middle school restroom. Four days later, he was placed in solitary confinement after taking apart a lamp and using it to break the lock on his cell door.

Suicide in solitary

On Feb. 10, Solan died by suicide in the room he was confined.

I think it was a major contributor to his death, said his father, Ronnie Peterson. He was not the type that would have survived long in solitary confinement.

Two days before Solan took his life, a 17-year-old at Ware had died by suicide while in solitary.

Solan was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and had a history of trauma from his time in the foster care system, where he went from home to home until his adoption in October 2013.

When its like the situation we grew up in, said Siarah Shalom Hall, Solans biological sister. Occasionally after having been adopted it would cross my mind, I wonder if my biological parents are still alive? I wonder how theyre doing or if one of them have killed themselves?

It never even crossed my mind that it was one of my siblings.

Under Louisianas guidelines, corrections officers are supposed to check on young people held in solitary every 15 minutes.

They didnt. About two that morning in 2019, Peterson and his wife received a phone call informing them their son had hanged himself using a bedsheet and died hours before. He had been in isolation for four days.

He would have probably been OK in a regular cell amongst a bunch of other kids in Ware, his father said. It might not have been ideal, and he might have had some problems, but I dont think wed had the same outcome.

Hall, Solans sister, said there were red flags that shouldve been considered before placing Solan in confinement, including his childhood trauma and ADHD medications.

It just blows my mind that every single sign just slipped past everyone, she said. So many people played a role in this happening, and so many people were able to prevent it and just no one did.

If there were even just a few more regulations. There were tons of things that could be put into place. But even if one of those things were there, this could have been prevented.

After Solans suicide, his family became advocates against the use of solitary confinement, working with various groups and lawmakers, including the Louisiana Center for Childrens Rights, to push new legislation. In June 2019, Gov. John Bel Edwards signed House Bill 158, commonly known as Solans Law.

The law provides alternatives to juvenile detention in Louisiana and requires screening that takes into account any factors  such as previous arrests and mental health  that would lessen or increase a sentence.

The idea was just to establish objective criteria that was aligned with the purpose of detention, Gassert said. That does not mean that a child must be detained if they meet certain criteria. But just that they should not be detained if they dont meet the criteria.

Although Solans Law doesnt specifically address solitary confinement, its considered a step in the right direction as an increasing number of advocates push for Louisiana to ban the practice.

Thats by far not all that needs to be done, Hall said. There is so much more. Even through this, I learned a lot thats wrong with solitary confinement.

Isolation practices should only be used when its deemed absolutely necessary through set protocols, she said, such as when a child is putting others in genuine danger.

I would like to see all solitary confinement abolished, Peterson said, but especially for youths because I find it to be a kind of torture.

States and solitary

Seven states have laws that limit or prohibit the use of solitary confinement in youth detention centers, according to the National Conference of State Legislators.

In January 2018, California enacted legislation that provides specific guidelines for juvenile solitary confinement and replaced the term with room confinement.

The law limits room confinement to four hours, after which the minor must be released and checked by medical staff, or given a plan detailing when he or she will be released from the locked room.

You could have a law that bans all uses of solitary confinement, said Lindell with the Juvenile Law Center, and yet the system might still be very often placing kids in a room by themselves for many hours at a time, or perhaps days at a time for their own safety or for something called room confinement or isolation. Theres all these kinds of different euphemisms or terms.

Young people often are put in isolation under the guise of protection from other detainees. This is especially common for youth placed in adult facilities, and children too young to be housed with older juvenile inmates.

Thats why Jacqueline Rodriguez, 12, was placed in isolation at Hillcrest Juvenile Hall in San Mateo, California, in 2009. Rodriguez never had a roommate at Hillcrest because state law at the time required children to be housed with those within two years of their age.

There was no one in there that was 12, 13, 14  nobody, she said.

Rodriguez said her frequent drug use led to an altercation at her middle school that landed her in detention. She was originally sentenced to one month but spent roughly three years in and out of multiple detention centers after violating probation and receiving additional extensions, a process known as bootstrapping.

Rodriguez was sent for a 48-hour lockdown at Hillcrest Juvenile Hall on multiple occasions.

Most of the time I would just feel  guilty, she recalled. I would cry a lot because I would think about my mom.

Now 24, she has kept journal entries detailing how she felt in solitary.

All you think about is the (things) youre going to do when you get out, she said.

Experts and advocates say isolation is a last-resort method of de-escalation that should only be used to allow a child time to calm down. If it doesnt work, Lindell said, employees must try something else.

You dont need to just continue to put that person in the room for longer, she said. You need to get another mental health professional involved. You need to try something different. Theres a whole host of different tools, potentially, but what we dont need is to be next to extend that period.

Lindell said necessary use of solitary confinement should be for a matter of hours, never for punishment and always as a time to calm down.

Kysel, the Cornell law professor, called the continued use of solitary confinement in the U.S. despite widespread condemnation a kind of comprehensive institutional failure.

Youre not going to reform the use of solitary confinement without reforming the way that we treat young people in conflict with the law, he said.

Jos Fox is a Myrta J. Pulliam fellow. This report is part of Kids Imprisoned, an investigation of juvenile justice in America produced by the Carnegie-Knight News21 program. For more stories, visit kidsimprisoned.news21.com.

If you or someone you know is in need of help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor right away.
Lucknow, Sep 8 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team probing the Unnao rape case in which former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar is an accused, has written to the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary, seeking action against one IAS and two IPS officers.

The IAS officer was posted in Unnao as district magistrate at the time of the incident and the two IPS officers were also posted in Unnao. All three have been found guilty of dereliction of duty.

The CBI has sent a letter to the government after the officers came under suspicion during the investigation.

The then Makhi Kotwali station house officer has already been convicted in the case. He is also in jail.

The CBI has already convicted other accused, including Kuldeep Singh Sengar, former MLA of Unnao and his brother in the same case. Sengar has been sentenced to life imprisonment based on the CBI charge sheet. His membership of the state assembly also ended after he was convicted.

Sengar and his associates reportedly gang raped a minor girl in 2017. The case grabbed headlines when the victim attempted to immolate herself in front of the chief minister's residence in Lucknow in April 2018 to protest against police inaction in the case.

Two days later, the victim's father died in police custody, allegedly due to beating by Atul Sengar, the former MLA's brother. The case was handed over to the CBI and Sengar was arrested.

On the direction of the Supreme Court, the matter was transferred from Uttar Pradesh to Tis Hazari Court in Delhi and the entire hearing was also held there.

Kuldeep Singh Sengar, 54, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Tis Hazari court on December 20, 2019 in the rape case. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 25 lakh on Sengar.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
A Brooklyn bar was shut down over the weekend after sheriffs deputies found nearly 300 people inside, including a child under the age of 10, officials say.

Authorities checked in on karaoke bar Legend KTV in Borough Park on 954 61st Street early Sunday morning around 2am and found 281 people inside, including a child.

Indoor drinking and dining is currently banned in New York City as part of the city's coronavirus restrictions.

And even if indoor drinking was not banned, the gathering exceeded the bars occupancy limit of 245.

Deputies also discovered the bar had an obstructed exit and had its liquor license revoked in 2019.

Karaoke bar Legend KTV in Borough Park, Brooklyn was shut down on Sunday around 2am after deputies found 281 people inside and patrons dancing and drinking without masks or social distancing

Deputies say the bar (right behind the truck) had an obstructed exit, excessed occupancy rules, and, had its liquor license revoked in 2019 and six people were arrested for multiple offenses.

Deputies said they found patrons drinking, dancing and smoking, and were not wearing masks or social distancing.

The young child was dancing 'where alcoholic beverages were being served,' the sheriffs office said to the New York Post.

Six people were arrested for multiple offenses including child endangerment.

Those charges include liquor-law violations, violating Mayor Bill de Blasios coronavirus restrictions, using unlicensed security guards and endangering the welfare of a child.

The Sheriff's office announced the shutdown on Sunday

A view of The Legend KTV karaoke bar above

The Liquor Authority revoked the bars license for 'failing to comply with applicable health, safety and governmental regulations' and selling booze in parts of the business where it wasnt licensed to serve alcohol.

Legend KTV is the third karaoke bar closed by New York Citys Sheriffs Office and the State Liquor Authority in the past two weeks.

On September 1 the sheriffs office shut down a Queens karaoke bar for similar violations.

Deputies busted the CJ Diamond Cafe on College Point Boulevard around 11.30pm, leading 100 patrons to sprint for the exits.

On August 31 another Queens bar SOHO KTV & Bar on Farrington Street in Flushing was shut down for serving alcohol and food indoors to about 75 customers. The patrons were forced to leave and two managers were cited for violations.

New York City reports 231,824 cases of COVID-19 and 19,090 confirmed deaths and 4,646 probably deaths as of Monday.

Indoor dining is forbidden in New York City, but places outside the city are allowed to have indoor dining at 50 percent capacity.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said he's hesitant to reopen indoor dining in the Big Apple because bars have not been complaint with coronavirus regulations.
ALBANY  Following a recent large crowd of "young people" gathering at a park near New York University, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday announced colleges will be required to report coronavirus cases to the state Department of Health if they have more than 100 COVID-19 cases in a two-week period.

Cuomo said the health department would be providing specific guidance regarding the reporting requirements later Tuesday, and will also require primary school districts to report COVID-19 testing results daily.
U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Houston, on Tuesday announced an endorsement from the Republican mayor of her districts third-largest city, one week after securing support from the GOP-leaning U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

West University Place Mayor Bob Higley is backing Fletcher over his partys nominee, Army veteran Wesley Hunt. Hilshire Village Mayor Russell Herron also endorsed Fletcher Tuesday, though her campaign identified him as a Republican before putting out an updated news release that labeled him a Jeffersonian.

The endorsement rollout is Fletchers latest move to cast herself as a moderate Democrat who opposes her partys most progressive ideas, while Hunt has portrayed her as an acolyte of Speaker Nancy Pelosi and argued her voting record is too extreme.

Higley in a statement said Fletcher meets us where we live and asks for grass-roots opinions on local, small city issues.

Herron, who represents the smallest city in the district, said he does not identify with either major political party, though the Jeffersonian ideology favors strong states rights and a limited federal government  themes found in todays Republican Party. He said he has never seen a congressional representative that was more concerned with the people they represent than Fletcher.

Higley, who like Herron was elected to a nonpartisan position, identifies as a Republican. He also has endorsed Republican Tom Ramsey, who is running for a seat on Harris County Commissioners Court.

Hunt, meanwhile, announced an endorsement Tuesday from Bill Archer, a Republican who represented Texas 7th Congressional District from 1971 to 2001. Fletcher unseated Archers Republican successor, John Culberson, in 2018. She is the first Democrat to hold the seat since 1967, the year Archers predecessor George H.W. Bush was sworn in.

The battle for moderate and right-leaning voters holds particular weight in the 7th Congressional District, which has undergone a dramatic political shift in recent years. Republican Mitt Romney captured 60 percent of the vote there during the 2012 presidential election, while Democrat Hillary Clinton carried the west Houston district by 1.4 percentage points four years later.

Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who lives in the 7th Congressional District, lost the district by seven points in 2018, while GOP Gov. Greg Abbott won it by the same margin.

Fletcher also announced endorsements Tuesday from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, a Democrat, and the five living former Houston mayors: Annise Parker, Bill White, Lee P. Brown, Kathy Whitmire and Fred Hofheinz.

Hunt has been endorsed by President Trump, Cruz and James Baker, a longtime Bush confidant and former secretary of state. He also has the backing of Hunters Creek Village Mayor Jim Pappas, Bunker Hill Village Mayor Robert Lord and business groups including the National Federation of Independent Business and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Houston.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, meanwhile, endorsed Fletcher last week along with 22 other freshman House Democrats and 29 first-term House Republicans. The group has spent more than $100 million backing Republican candidates during the last 10 years, according to Politico, which reported that the wave of Democratic endorsements was triggering a revolt and drawing fierce pushback from Republican donors.

The chamber, through its political action committee, contributed $2,500 in June to the campaign of Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls, the Republican nominee in Texas 22nd Congressional District, which borders the 7th District.

jasper.scherer@chron.com
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Todays archive page is from Nov. 18, 1973.

The U.S. Navy commissions a ship in honor of the Rev. Vincent R. Capodanno, the hero Navy chaplain from Brighton Heights who was killed in Vietnam in 1967.

The 438-foot destroyer-escort -- the USS Capodanno -- is decked out with colorful signal flags for the ceremony, which takes place in Florida. Sixteen members of the Capodanno family are flown to Florida by the Navy to witness the event.

Capodanno was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal after he was gunned down by enemy machine gun fire while attempting to aid fallen comrades, it is reported.

The commissioning ceremony features a a brass band, Marine honor guard and more.

If you have trouble viewing the page below, click here to enlarge it.
The imperialist powers, with Germany taking the lead, continue to step up the anti-Russia campaign over the case of Alexei Navalny and the crisis in Belarus.

On Monday, the right-wing oppositionist Alexei Navalny awoke from his coma in the Charite in Berlin. Doctors said he was responsive.

Last week, the German government, based on an investigation in a Bundeswehr laboratory, claimed that it was beyond any doubt that Navalny had been poisoned with the Novichok nerve agent. German chancellor Angela Merkel, who has reportedly personally arranged for Navalnys transfer to Germany, issued an ultimatum to the Kremlin to answer serious questions as to who may be behind the alleged poisoning. Her spokesman Steffen Seibert said that, while Berlin had no exact deadline for such a response, we are not taking about months or until the end of the year.

The German media has seized upon the case to escalate an aggressive campaign against the Putin regime and Russia. The Spiegel ran a story last week entitled, It is time to hurt the man in the Kremlin. Bourgeois media outlets are filled with calls for the EU and Germany to step up against Russia.

Increasingly, the campaign over the Navalny case is focusing on the German-Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is about to be completed. Ever more outlets and politicians are calling for an end to the project, which has long been bitterly opposed by the US but involves major German and French energy companies.

On Saturday, the New York Times had published an aggressive opinion piece, calling for a Navalny Act by Congress and attacking Germany for its involvement in Nord Stream. The New York Times raged, thanks to Chancellor Angela Merkels dogged support for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia, Germany has become Putins greatest enabler in Europe. Merkels position that the European Union should keep separate economic and political accounts with Russia was never justifiable. Now its outrageous.

German foreign minister Heiko Maas did not rule out freezing the project in an interview with the Bild am Sonntag on Sunday. On Monday, US president Donald Trump, who has threatened sanctions against European companies involved in the project, reiterated his call upon Germany to stop the project.

While the German government has aggressively demanded answers and an investigation from the Kremlin, it has, in fact, not provided any evidence for its own claims. Not a single toxicological report about Navalny has been released by Germany. Berlin has also not responded for days to a request by the Russian government for data on his case for further investigation and for legal assistance.

The toxin that the German government claims to have found in Navalny is from the same group of poisons that was allegedly found to have been used to poison the former Russian agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, Britain, in 2018. The case of Navalny is at least as murky as the Skripal poisoning which has not been clarified to this day.

Nothing that is said by the media and governments can be taken at face value. One of the many unanswered questions is how Navalny could survive the attack with a nerve agent as strong as Novichok.

It is also unclear why only Navalny fell sick. The Novichok poison is so powerful that it usually has a strong impact on the environment, causing people who are in the immediate surroundings of the poisoned to also fall ill. In the case of the Skripal poisoning, one resident of Salisbury died after coming into contact with a perfume bottle that contained traces of Novichok and there was talk of evacuating and destroying entire buildings that had been contaminated.

However, not a single person that Navalny travelled with fell ill or showed traces of the poison.

Moreover, the Bundeswehr laboratory in Munich reportedly found the traces of Novichok on a water bottle from which Navalny allegedly drank after being poisoned. No one before had ever mentioned a water bottle in his possession, and his assistant had explicitly stressed at the beginning of the case that the only thing he consumed that day was a cup of tea at the Tomsk airport.

Lastly, even if Novichok was used, it does not conclusively point to Russian involvement. While developed by Soviet laboratories, the agent has long been produced internationally, including in Germany. Moscow continues to deny any involvement in the alleged poisoning of Navalny, and the speaker of the Russian Duma (parliament), Vyacheslav Volodin, has denounced the case as a provocation.

The campaign over Navalny is closely tied to the crisis in Belarus, where mass protests and strikes against Alexander Lukashenko, who claims to have won the August 9 presidential elections, have lasted for a month now. The EU is strongly supporting the anti-Lukashenko opposition around Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who is now in exile in Lithuania. Navalny himself had been a prominent supporter of the opposition in Belarus and focused his political activities before his illness on discussing the crisis in the neighboring country.

Following an ever more aggressive intervention by the EU and US in the crisis, the Kremlin switched to openly backing Lukashenko two weeks ago. Since then, the EU has further stepped up its support for the opposition. On Friday, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya spoke at the UN Security Council, demanding that international observers be sent to Belarus. While Tikhanovskaya decried collaboration with the regime as signifying support for violence and a staggering violation of human rights, her opposition, in fact, still focuses on demanding a dialogue with the regime.

On Sunday, tens of thousands again protested in Minsk and other cities in the march of unity that had been called for by the opposition. However, the demonstrations were significantly smaller than the week before. Strikes have reportedly also begun to subside. Several leading oppositionists were arrested and their houses searched.

Alexander Yaroshuk, the head of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions, which supports the pro-NATO opposition, told the EU parliament that the inauguration of Lukashenko in Minsk could lead to mass bloodshed. He called upon the EU to intervene in Belarus, otherwise a tragedy was possible.

On Monday, Maria Kolesnikova, a member of the oppositions Coordination Council, was arrested in broad daylight and has since disappeared. Before her disappearance, Kolesnikova had announced that the opposition would initiate an international investigation into Lukashenko for endangering the national security of Belarus by turning to Russian president Vladimir Putin for help in a domestic crisis.

Another opposition politician, Valery Tsepkalo, stated that we are working with international lawyers in the US and Europe on gathering everything necessary for one or multiple criminal investigations into Lukashenko that can be brought before an international court.

Speaking to the German Bild Zeitung on Monday, the German foreign minister Heiko Maas demanded clarity about the whereabouts [of Kolesnikova] and the immediate release of all political prisoners in Belarus. The ongoing arrests and repressions, including and above all against members of the coordination council, are unacceptable.

The posturing of the imperialist powers as defenders of democracy and opponents of police repression in Belarus is the height of hypocrisy. The German government has overseen violent crackdowns on left-wing protests in its own country in recent years, while funding and building up neo-Nazi networks in the state, police and army.

The EUs intervention in the crisis in Belarus and bolstering of the opposition is motivated above all by two concerns: driven by growing inter-imperialist antagonisms and class tensions at home, the imperialist powers seek to, first, bring the strike movement by the working class under control, and, second, to advance their own economic and geopolitical interests in Eastern Europe.
After her stage performance went viral, she gathered a group of high school friends and other Mississippians in 2017 to discuss the state flag. Among them were Black people who saw it as a symbol of racism and white people who recalled ancestors who fought for the Confederacy. One of them, eventually changed his mind and took his flag down.
Family of KC homicide victim seeks justice 3 years later KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The family of Kendrick Anderson gathered at Coleman Park in Raytown, Missouri, Sunday to celebrate what would've been Anderson's 31st birthday. Anderson died two days before his 28th birthday on Sept. 4, 2017, in Kansas City, Missouri. Police have not arrested anyone for the death, which they ruled a homicide.

A glimpse at the long-term impact of local homicides on families, friends and entire communities. Still, there's a hope for justice and that eventually witnesses will come forward.Read more:
The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) has issued a warning over a distressing video that is circulating social media app TikTok and other online platforms.

While TikTok is working to remove the clip, MHF chief executive Shaun Robinson is urging anyone who may be affected by the video to avoid the app for a few days. He also asks people not to share the video "under any circumstances".

He said parents and caregivers should take proactive steps to check in on young people and anyone who may be at risk of suicide.

"You don't need to mention the video, but it's never a bad time to check in," he said.



MHF said it's difficult to balance the need for parents and caregivers to be aware of any risks to their children with real concerns about alerting more people to the existence of content that may cause harm.

It also said New Zealanders should feel confident they can mitigate harm by having open and supportive conversations, particularly with young people and those who may be at risk of suicide.

MHF offers guidance for parents and caregivers on safely talking about suicide with young people, including what to do when someone sees it talked about in the media.

"It's up to us to bridge the gaps between adults and rangatahi and ensure we're there to help," Robinson said.

"Social media can be a huge positive for many young people - banning it isn't the answer. We need to ensure young people feel they can safely talk to the adults in their lives about distressing things they have seen or heard without fear of punishment or losing access to social media."

Netsafe CEO Martin Cocker said he has two pieces of advice for people who see content online that disturbs them. The first is for parents and caregivers to talk to their children about it, and the second is for people affected by content to speak to any agencies that specialise in helping people, such as Lifeline or Youthline.

"Those agencies are set up to talk to you about how you're feeling. We recommend that you do," Cocker told Newshub.

He also said it's important to report any distressing content online, either to the outlet directly or to Netsafe.

"If you see this content on social media you are doing a significant service by reporting it."

Netsafe's online resources for young people exposed to any upsetting content say one of the "best strategies" is to encourage people disturbed by what they see to talk about it.

"Talking with your child about their experiences from the first time they go online can be helpful in keeping the lines of communication open for when something disturbs them. When you talk with them about school, friends or sport remember to ask about their online lives and friends too," its website says.

"While there is a place in young peoples' lives for filtering tools, as they develop they will want their freedom and privacy. It is quite easy to get around filtering or to use a computer, phone or games console to get online either at home or away from home (at school, at a friend's house or at the library) which is why education remains the most important thing you can do."

Update: Lee Hunter, General Manager of TikTok Australia and New Zealand has released a statemet in regards to the video circulating on their platforms -

"On Sunday night clips of a suicide that had originally been livestreamed on Facebook circulated on other platforms, including TikTok.

This content is both distressing and a clear violation of our Community Guidelines and we have acted quickly and aggressively to detect and remove videos, and take action against accounts responsible for re-posting the content, through a mix of machine learning models and human moderation teams. We appreciate our community members who've reported content and warned others against watching, engaging, or sharing such videos on any platform out of respect for the person and their family.

We have also updated related hashtags to surface a public service announcement, with resources for where people can seek help and access our Safety Centre.

We understand and share the concerns expressed by the Prime Minister, eSafety Commissioner and the wider community that materials like this are made and shared. We are working closely with local policymakers and relevant organisations to keep them informed. We understand the serious responsibility that we have, along with all platforms, to effectively address harmful content and we want to reiterate that the safety of our users is our utmost priority.

If anyone in our community is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or concerned about someone who is, we encourage them to seek support, and we provide access to hotlines and support resources directly from our app and in our Safety Centre."



Where to find help and support:
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 7

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Abbas Mousavi.

Presenting his credentials to President Ilham Aliyev, Ambassador Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said:

- Mr. President, it is an honor for me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to present to Your Excellency my credentials and a letter of recall of my predecessor. Please allow me also to convey to you the most cordial greetings from the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Hassan Rouhani. Thank you!

President Ilham Aliyev: Dear Mr. Ambassador, I sincerely welcome you to Azerbaijan  you are welcome! Please pass my cordial greetings on to my friend and brother, President Rouhani.

I wish you success in your activities. I am sure that you will make a valuable contribution to the relations between our countries, and that our relations will continue to develop successfully in the future too.

As you know, we have had more than 10 meetings with President Rouhani over the past few years. A number of issues discussed and decisions made during these meetings have brought our countries closer together. Many documents covering almost all areas have been signed. We always support each other's position in international organizations. We always show solidarity within the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

About two months ago, following yet another act of military aggression on the part of Armenia against Azerbaijan, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation adopted resolutions supporting the position and just cause of Azerbaijan and condemning the actions of Armenia. The Islamic Republic of Iran as an active member of these two organizations has once again shown its support for Azerbaijan by joining this position. Thank you for that.

Armenia's aggression against Azerbaijan continues. As a result of this aggression, about 20 percent of our lands have been occupied. The fact that Azerbaijani citizens have become refugees is the result of this occupation. A policy of ethnic cleansing has been carried out against the Azerbaijanis, the Khojaly genocide has been committed. Armenia has destroyed our historical and religious monuments and desecrated our religious sites. The Armenians have destroyed our mosques in the occupied territories. They even keep animals in some of the mosques. There is extensive video and photo evidence of these ugly deeds. It can be found on the Internet. This is a crime not only against us but also against the entire Muslim world.

As you know, Azerbaijan contributes to the strengthening of Islamic solidarity and makes great effort towards that. Azerbaijan is always ready to make additional effort to unite the Islamic world and resolve the problems between some countries.

I should also note that our countries are also actively involved in trilateral cooperation formats in foreign policy. The Azerbaijan-Iran-Turkey and Azerbaijan-Iran-Russia trilateral cooperation format has existed for several years, and this format is very effective.

The relations between neighboring countries and the development of these relations are a guarantor of stability and peace in the region. The fact that the legal status of the Caspian Sea has finally been resolved shows the intention of all the Caspian littoral states, our policy and the friendship among these countries.

As for our bilateral relations, I want to say again that our relations are developing fast and have reached a high level. I had a telephone conversation with President Rouhani at the end of July. Many important issues were discussed and we agreed that relevant members of our governments should hold meetings via videoconferencing during this pandemic. In fact, many of these meetings have already been held. This is very important because we do not want to waste time. After all, the pandemic has interfered in our work, of course.

I am confident that the important transport and energy projects that are being implemented today will become even larger in the coming years. As you know, the North-South transport corridor can connect not only our countries but also the entire Eurasia. Both Iran and Azerbaijan are making great efforts to launch and further develop this corridor.

There are good results in all other areas - investment, power engineering and others. In particular, our relations in the military-technical sphere have a long history. New agreements have been reached. I am confident that our cooperation in this area will continue to develop successfully. So you are welcome again!

Ambassador Seyyed Abbas Mousavi: Thank you very much for receiving me today.

You spoke at length about our bilateral relations, and I see no need for any extra words. I convey to you the cordial greetings of Mr. Dr. Rouhani. I also convey greetings from members of our Cabinet, in particular the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

I want to assure you that the determination and intentions of all the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran are to further develop and strengthen bilateral relations. Glory to Allah, thanks to your wisdom, as well as the wisdom of the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the relations between the two countries are developing every day.

The relations with neighboring countries, in particular, with the Republic of Azerbaijan, play an important role in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Our neighbors are 15 countries. We have a special relationship with Azerbaijan. My mission is to further strengthen the relations between two friendly, fraternal and Muslim countries. I see no obstacles to expanding relations between our countries. With your support, as well as with the support of Cabinet members, these relations will develop every day.

The people and state of the Islamic Republic of Iran looked forward to your visit to Iran in March. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, this visit did not take place. The people of Iran and the Iranian state continue to look forward to this visit, and I convey this invitation to you again.

Our friendly and good-neighborly relations are a special relationship that no third force can harm. The Islamic Republic of Iran supports the fair position and just cause of Azerbaijan on the issue of the occupied territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We believe that this conflict must be resolved within the framework of international laws, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

As you noted, our trilateral and quadrilateral regional cooperation will be continued in the future. We have common positions within regional and international organizations, and we will continue to support each other's positions. I am sure that thanks to your wisdom, our relations, which are currently at a high level, will develop in the future. Inshallah, we will witness the further development of our relations at the videoconference upcoming soon with your participation and with the participation of President Hassan Rouhani.
The case relates to the Elgar Parishad event of 31 December, 2017, organised by the Kabir Kala Manch at Shaniwarwada in Pune, where members allegedly made provocative speeches

Mumbai: The NIA has arrested three persons including a woman, all members of the outlawed CPI(Maoist)'s frontal organisation, in connection with the Bhima Koregaon Elgar Parishad case, an official said.

Sagar Tatyaram Gorkhe, 32, and Ramesh Murlidhar Gaichor, 36, were arrested on Monday while Jyoti Raghoba Jagtap, 33, was arrested on Tuesday, an NIA spokesperson said. They all are residents of Pune.

The accused are members of Kabir Kala Manch, a frontal organisation of the banned terrorist organisation CPI(Maoist), the official said.

The case relates to an Elgar Parishad event of 31 December, 2017, organised by the Kabir Kala Manch at Shaniwarwada in Pune, where alleged provocative speeches were made, promoting enmity between various caste groups and leading to violence resulting in the loss of life and property and a statewide agitation in Maharashtra, the official said.

During investigation, it was revealed that senior leaders of the CPI(Maoist), a banned organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, were in contact with the organisers of Elgar Parishad as well as the accused arrested in the case to spread the ideology of Maoism/Naxalism and encourage unlawful activities, the official of the central investigation agency said.

The Pune police filed a charge sheet and a supplementary charge sheet in the case on 15 November, 2018, and February 21, 2019, respectively. Gorkhe, Gaichor and Jagtap were named in the FIR.

The NIA took up the investigation of the case on 24 January this year and arrested Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha on 14 April, the official said.

Further, accused Hanybabu Musaliyavirtil Tarayil, 54, a resident of Gautam Buddha Nagar in Uttar Pradesh and an associate professor in the Department of English, Delhi University, was arrested on 28 July.

The NIA official said Gorkhe, Gaichor and Jagtap were propagating Naxal activities and Maoist ideology and were co-conspirators with other arrested accused. They were in contact with absconding accused Milind Teltumbde about the urban network of the CPI(Maoist), he claimed.

During the visits of the Kabir Kala Manch members to the jungle, they underwent weapon and explosive training, and awareness programmes on various topics related to the Maoist movement, the official said.

In June, 2018, Teltumbde discussed with them the Elgar Parishad Programme which was organised at Pune and the subsequent in-roads made by the CPI(Maoist) in the organisation and execution through the members of Kabir Kala Manch and other frontal organisations, the NIA official said.

The three arrested accused were produced before a special NIA court in Mumbai which sent them to four days of NIA custody.

Further investigation was underway, officials said.
"We leave it in the hands of God, those whose political fortunes depend on the ill-health and death of President Akufo-Addo," Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister of Information, said at a media briefing in Kumasi on Tuesday.



He was responding to a video in which former President John Dramani Mahama was heard telling supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at a rally that the President has a shorter life to live and will not be around to pay Ghana's accumulated debts.



The Minister said all the political parties and their presidential candidates contesting this year's election had pledged to engage in issue-based campaigns, adding; We are, therefore, surprised that Mr Mahama could descend so low.



He expressed the belief that discerning Ghanaian voters would examine the credibility and track records of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC in determining who governs the country.



On the election of President Akufo-Addo as ECOWAS Chairman, the Minister said it was an endorsement of the Presidents good leadership by member countries.



He said the President would work assiduously with member nations towards resolving the challenges faced in the sub-region, including armed conflicts, terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso and Mali, as well as political instability.



He would also delegate his powers to personalities and supervise their work to ensure a successful tenure of office.



President Akufo-Addo was elected by leaders of ECOWAS in Niamey, capital of Niger, during the 57th ECOWAS Summit, replacing the Nigerien President Mohamoudu Issoufou on Monday, September 7, 2020.



With regards to the Antigen Testing at the Kotoka International Airport, Mr Oppong Nkrumah said six persons had, so far, tested positive for COVID-19 at the Airport since its reopening on Tuesday, September 1.



Those who tested positive, he said, were sent to the Ga East Municipal Hospital for further assessment and management.



The Minister announced that $37,000 had been accrued to the private testing agency undertaking the Antigen Testing at the Airport since its reopening.

Source: GNA









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Egyptian Minister of Education and Technical Education Tarek Shawki (R, Front) shakes hands with Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang (L, Front) during a signing ceremony in Cairo, Egypt, on Sept. 7, 2020. Egypt and China signed on Monday a cooperation protocol to teach the Chinese language in pre-university schools in Egypt as a second optional foreign language. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

CAIRO, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Egypt and China signed on Monday a cooperation protocol to teach the Chinese language in pre-university schools in Egypt as a second optional foreign language.

The protocol was signed by the Egyptian Minister of Education and Technical Education, Tarek Shawki, and the Chinese Ambassador to Cairo, Liao Liqiang.

"Egypt is keen to benefit from the unique Chinese experience in economic development as well as other fields," Shawki said during the signing ceremony.

He added that Egyptian-Chinese ties are deeply rooted as Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1956.

"Today's agreement represents an illuminating image of the distinguished and fruitful relations between the two friendly countries, which we always strive to strengthen and support by all means to achieve the desired goals," Shawki said.

The minister said the Chinese side helps the ministry in many areas such as establishing solar power plants in schools, establishing workshops for technical education, installing electronic screens in secondary schools nationwide, and establishing smart classrooms.

According to the Chinese Embassy in Cairo, there are two Confucius Institutes in Egypt, one in Cairo University, the other in Suez Canal University,in addition to three independent Confucius classrooms in Egypt.

A total of 16 universities in Egypt have either established Chinese language departments or teach the Chinese language within their curriculums.

The Chinese government also built two schools under an educational aid program for Egypt.

In March last year, China's Tianjin Light Industry Vocational Technical College, Tianjin Transportation Vocational College, and Egypt's Ain Shams University signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the Egypt Luban Workshop in Cairo.

Luban workshop is the first project of international cooperation on vocational training supported by China's Tianjin Municipality, which aims at improving academic education of top technical talents and serving the local economy and society via vocational training.

In 2019, China provided more than 300 scholarships for Egyptians to finish master and PhD degrees, according to the Chinese Embassy in Cairo.

Meanwhile, Liao said the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped cooperation between the two countries in the field of education.

"We have given each other's international students meticulous care and exchanged experiences in resuming classes. China has also donated 300,000 masks and other anti-virus materials to the Egyptian Ministry of Education and Al-Azhar University," the ambassador said during his speech.

The ambassador noted that the integration of Chinese teaching into the Egyptian national education system reflects the vision of the Egyptian government.

"Similarly, China will further open up education to the outside world to facilitate people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and pave the way for building a China-Egypt community with a shared future," he added.

"We are willing to work with Egypt to implement the agreement step by step and strengthen cooperation in improving the proficiency of teachers, enriching Chinese teaching materials, optimizing teaching methods, and compiling syllabus," the ambassador said.
De La Rey Venter, Executive Vice President, Integrated Gas Ventures of Shell highlights importance of hydrogen for climate aspirations as mission critical

Gastech Hydrogen is set to deliver the latest commercial strategies and trends dominating the hydrogen value chain

LONDON and SINGAPORE, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hydrogen's potential to play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future will be the focus of the first Gastech Hydrogen Exhibition and Conference co-located with Gastech 2021, due to take place in Singapore, in September 2021.

A new addition to Gastech, the world's largest integrated conference and exhibition event supporting the whole gas, LNG and energy value chain, the Gastech Hydrogen Exhibition and Conference (GH2) will provide the global gas industry unprecedented opportunities to gain key insights from, and share knowledge with, the policy makers, technologists, scientists and companies at the forefront of the hydrogen industry.

The inaugural event's conference will address the latest shifts and trends impacting the hydrogen value chain, including scaling up technologies and bringing down production costs, as well as the new regulatory frameworks and infrastructure development necessary to allow hydrogen to become more widely used in transport, buildings and power generation.

Meanwhile, the event's dedicated exhibition will showcase concrete business models that are marketable and profitable, as well as next generation hydrogen technology, R & D advances and the latest products, services and solutions.

The requirement for Hydrogen as an integral part of the low carbon economy of the future was discussed this morning in a Global Business Leader panel session at the Gastech Virtual Summit, with those speaking highlighting the requirement for Hydrogen as part of the energy mix in the near future. De La Rey Venter, Executive Vice President, Integrated Gas Ventures of Shell, said: "How important is hydrogen really in the context of our climate aspirations? Bluntly put, it is mission critical."

Keisuke Sadamori, Director, Energy Markets and Security of International Energy Agency, said: "There's a lot of opportunity now for hydrogen probably more than ever before, so we must start now. What we do between now and 2030 is critical, the challenge is to turn the momentum into investment decisions." Hydrogen has an important role to play in decarbonising the energy industry, Gastech Hydrogen will enable those driving the development of Hydrogen and those investing to convene.

Nick Ornstien, Vice President of dmg events, which organises Gastech, said: "With the addition of the Gastech Hydrogen Exhibition and Conference, Gastech continues to respond to the changing needs of the gas industry as it addresses the key challenges and opportunities created by the energy transition.

"The Gastech Hydrogen Exhibition and Conference will catalyse a wide range of conversations, connections and collaborations around the many exciting market opportunities being created by the growing interest in hydrogen, from governments that both import and export energy, as well as the renewables industry, power utilities, oil and gas companies, big industry, major technology firms and large cities."

For almost 50 years, Gastech has been at the heart of the Gas, LNG and Energy conversation. It is a global platform with the power to convene industry leaders annually in their mission to provide low carbon, affordable energy for all.

Taking place in Singapore, from 13 - 16 September 2021, Gastech 2021, which will be attended by more than 35,000 attendees, including senior decision-makers and energy industry thought leaders, and 700 exhibiting companies, will set the agenda for the global Gas, LNG and Energy industry for decades to come.

About Gastech

For almost 50 years, Gastech has been at the heart of the Gas, LNG and Energy conversation. As the world starts to emerge from the shadow of COVID-19, the Gastech Virtual Summit will engage with, and address, the key issues and most promising opportunities for the Gas, LNG and Energy industries in the 4th industrial age.

Taking place from 13-16 September 2021, Gastech will provide leadership and direction as the Gas, LNG and Energy industries seek to strike a balance between business priorities and their licence to operate, in a post COVID-19 world. With an emphasis on technology innovation; supply and demand dynamics; evolving partnerships; people and talent and governance and influence, the event will set the agenda for the global Gas, LNG and Energy industries for decades to come.

For more information please visit www.gastechevent.com.

Follow us on social media @Gastechevent and use GastechHydrogen GH2 and Gastech for the latest soundbites and news updates as the event happens!
Camila Coelho is best known for creating beauty looks on YouTube and for her equally glamorous life on Instagram, which sees her jetting from her home base in Los Angeles to fashion weeks in Paris and Milan and holidays in her native Brazil. But in quarantine she gave it all up - at least for a little while.

I have to tell you the truth, Coelho says through laughter. In the beginning of quarantine, I was like messy hair, no makeup - I felt so free, she said, noting that after a few weeks she was ready for a routine again. I needed motivation, and a schedule, so it felt good to put an outfit on and some light makeup to kind of feel like I have a routine even if it is from home.

It makes perfect sense that when the 32-year-old launched her own beauty brand in August, she focused on bringing only the essentials to her massive following (over eight million on Instagram and another four million subscribers on her English and Portuguese speaking YouTube channels).

Camila Coelho attends Paris Fashion Week in 2020 / Getty Images

Elaluz, which means She is light in Portuguese, started as an idea that Coelho dreamed up after creating her YouTube tutorials and eponymous lifestyle blog in 2010. But she officially began building the brand two years ago, with a belief in creating products that work for you but that are also good for you.

For Coelho, that meant concentrating on natural ingredients (often from Brazil) housed in sustainable packaging - something that helped make Elaluz an EWG verified and cruelty-free Leaping Bunny certified brand. Coelho also narrowed down Elaluzs products to those that she uses herself, starting with her lip treatment, 24K Lip Therapy, and the two-in-one Lip And Cheek Stain.

We started with lips because thats a standout category to me ever since I was a little girl, Coelho says, noting that in her first passport photo at age six, she proudly sported a red lipstick that her grandmother had given her. All of my main childhood photos, I was wearing bold lipstick - its a very Latina thing, lipstick, so it was part of my story as well.

Two skincare products - the All Day Beauty Water face mist and Beauty Oil - followed Coelhos lip launches on September 8th, but Elaluzs ethos remains the same. I believe that everyone of us, we are born with this beautiful light shining inside of us, Coelho said of the inspiration behind the name.

Courtesy of Elaluz

If you dont love yourself when you look in the mirror, if you dont love who you are, you can put the most expensive makeup on, the most expensive outfit on, and youre still going to look at yourself and feel like something is missing. It starts from within, she said, noting that her own journey towards self-acceptance included opening up about her struggle with epilepsy.

Though she was diagnosed with the neurological disorder at age nine, Coelho only recently shared her condition with her following. Calling it the best thing that I did, Coelho said that talking about her illness also led her to the Epilepsy Foundation of America, where she now serves as an ambassador and board member.

Ahead, Coelho shares more details about how she turned social media into entrepreneurship, developing her beauty brand and why sharing her epilepsy diagnosis turned out to be her best decision yet.

Her social media start

Camila Coelho / Getty Images

After graduating from high school, Coelho took a job selling makeup at the Dior counter in a department store, ultimately deciding to pursue a career as a makeup artist.

I hated the retail hours, but one thing that I loved about that job was my connection with other women, Coelho recalled. It proved to me how transformative and empowering beauty is.

By 2010, Coelho was working as a makeup artist when she decided to share her expertise on YouTube with the goal of helping her family and friends. I saw Kandee Johnson do it, who was one of the first girls to upload a tutorial, and so I started on YouTube as a hobby. Back then, I had no idea that it could become something one day, let alone my job - it never crossed my mind, she stressed.

As engagement on her YouTube channel increased, Coelho did some research on blogging at the suggestion of her growing following. When youre doing video, its not an everyday thing, so I started writing Monday to Friday - not just beauty but also fashion and things I liked, Coelho explained. Within 12 days of publishing her first blog post, Coelho received more than 150,000 unique visitors, something she said inspired her to continue spending her free time creating videos and writing blog entries.

Today, everyone knows that you can build a career out of social media, but back then, I remember getting my first box of makeup at home from NYX cosmetics and I was so excited. I was like, Oh my gosh, Im getting free makeup just by putting these videos up. I dont take any of it for granted because there was very little expectation," she explained.

Enter Elaluz

Courtesy of Elaluz

With a natural business sense, Coelho used her experiences traveling and working with brands as stepping stones to creating Elaluz. After putting my videos out there and working with so many amazing beauty brands, I started to dream about having my own line. I would say to myself, One day, Im going to have my own beauty brand, she said. In addition to having countless products sent to her to test out, Coelho teamed up with Lancome on a lipstick line in 2018.

Following her instincts, she began building her brand around the same time. Ive tested everything thats on the market pretty much, but I find myself - especially traveling so much and being on the go - going back to the essential products, she explained of her decision to be more selective when it comes to what she launches.

24K Lip Therapy / Courtesy of Elaluz

Its overwhelming to see a bunch of products and you dont even know what to buy, Coelho said of why she decided to stick to a handful of products (currently, Elaluz is comprised of four). Before our 24K Lip Therapy, I had two lip balms - one for overnight and another during the day because the overnight formulas are always heavier and stickier, Coelho explained.

You can wear this lip balm as a treatment overnight, but its comfortable for you to wear during the day, too. It has a ton of Brazilian ingredients in it, rich oils like buriti oil and papaya extract, she elaborated on how they achieved the perfect formula. I wanted Brazilian ingredients to be very present in my products, so I will be exploring a lot of products and ingredients going forward.

Lip And Cheek Stain / Courtesy of Elaluz

Elaluzs Lip And Cheek Stain is another multitasking product. I compare it to the white T-shirt in your wardrobe, Coelho said. Its that product youre going to wear by itself when you just want a natural face and a flush to your lips and your cheeks. But its also a great base for your makeup. So even when Im wearing lipstick or lip liner on top, I have that on my lips and on my cheeks under my blush.

It was equally important for her formulas to be as clean as possible and packaged sustainably without compromising on luxury. With skincare, Ive learned from my dermatologist to use products that will work as medicine for your skin and not just cosmetics, so I wanted the brand to be clean, Coelho said, admitting, But when you say that, it can be many things.

Beauty Water / Courtesy of Elaluz

The brand is already EWG verified, meaning the products are free from toxic and potentially harmful chemicals like parabens, formaldehyde and animal-derived ingredients. But that didnt come without its own set of challenges, often resulting in a longer development process.

With our beauty water, I needed it to be very refreshing since its a product youre going to put on your face all day. But I didnt want to use synthetic fragrances, so it took us a while to find a natural oil that could bring that specific scent to our product, Coelho said.

Beauty Oil / Courtesy of Elaluz

Each time we finalize a product its like winning an award because there is so much work that was behind creating each one of them, she added. The beauty oil, for example, is one of the skincare products Im most excited about. Ive been using it for the past six months, and Ive gone through three bottles already.

Breaking from the influencer mold

Camila Coelho / Getty Images

Of course, as social media changes, Coelho has adapted right along with it, although she says she no longer feels pressured to keep up with. A few years ago, I would have said that I felt pressured a lot of times, she admitted. But today, I know what I want, and even though social media is a huge part of my job, its not just about social media, said Coelho, who also has a clothing line with Revolve.

Being authentic with her following matters, too. It started bothering me that social media was so perfect. You look at everyone and you think, Oh my gosh, you have a perfect life, she said, adding, I was even showing a perfect life with traveling the world and not sharing any of my vulnerabilities.

After sharing some of her day-to-day struggles and insecurities, Coelho eventually decided to post about her epilepsy diagnosis, which she has been living with since she was 9-years-old. I struggled with it when I was a teenager, and there was a moment in my life that I didnt accept my condition and I felt different, said Coelho who explained that she eventually ended up in the hospital when she stopped taking her medication without telling her doctor or family.

When I was in the hospital, my mom said, Camila, you are a lucky girl. You take one medication every night, and it controls your seizures. There are people who have seizures every single day even taking medicine, and there are people who are fighting for their lives every single day. What my mom told me then and having a real conversation with her knowing that I was struggling, it transformed me, Coelho recalled. I realized that everyone in this world has a different journey and a different challenge."

Because her epilepsy was controlled, she never felt the need to discuss it, until earlier this year. Now going into thinking of pregnancy and building a family, thats when it started worrying me again. And being more mature, thats also when I started thinking, Should I share this with my following? Would I help other people if I share it? Coelho said.

It was definitely scary even thinking about it, and it took me two years to be able to talk about it. But it was the best thing that I did because it was liberating just letting it out, and hearing other peoples stories helped me - I even asked myself why I didnt do it a while back, Coelho explained. I feel so strong that Ive shared it and everyone knows about it.

Discussing her diagnosis also resulted in the Epilepsy Foundation of America reaching out to Coelho. Though she first started as an ambassador for the nonprofit, Coelhos role has expanded to board member, too. I wanted to be involved and use my platform to help them out in different ways and try to educate people, she said.

Its really exciting to know that I am using my platform to do something thats so good and that will be so good for others. The Epilepsy Foundation is saving lives every single day with the work that they do, and I admire them so much, said Coelho. It is very important for the world to see that no one is alone; were all together in this. Everyone has a different struggle, and there is no such thing as a perfect life or perfection.
N'Djamena, Chad (PANA) - The Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) said on Monday that it is following with "particular attention and great satisfaction" the inter-Libyan talks that started last Sunday in the Moroccon town of Bouznika
SOMERVILLE, Mass., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Greentown Labs, the largest climatetech startup incubator in North America, and Schneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, have selected four startups for Greentown Labs Bold Ideas 2020 in partnership with Schneider Electric. The six-month partnerships accelerator program is focused on enabling the swift deployment, integration, and operation of energy storage assets at scale.

More than 115 startups from six countries applied to Bold Ideas 2020. After a highly competitive recruitment and deliberation process, four companies were selected to participate in the accelerator program:

e-Zinc, based in Toronto , develops a low-cost, flexible, and long-duration electrochemical technology solution that stores energy in zinc metal.

, develops a low-cost, flexible, and long-duration electrochemical technology solution that stores energy in zinc metal. Packetized Energy, based in Vermont , develops a platform solution to transform existing energy devices in homes and businesses into smart, valuable, and flexible energy resources. Packetized Energy has been a Greentown Labs member since January 2020 .

, develops a platform solution to transform existing energy devices in homes and businesses into smart, valuable, and flexible energy resources. Packetized Energy has been a Greentown Labs member since . Salient Energy, based in Nova Scotia , makes a unique zinc-ion battery with a water-based chemistry that is cheaper, safer, and longer-lasting than lithium-ion batteries.

, makes a unique zinc-ion battery with a water-based chemistry that is cheaper, safer, and longer-lasting than lithium-ion batteries. Sensai Analytics, based in Massachusetts and Cork, Ireland , develops a prescriptive analytics engine that rapidly produces robust forecasting models for prescriptive maintenance, demand forecasting, and operations management.

"We are excited to work with Greentown Labs and the selected entrepreneurs to help scale their energy storage ventures," said Edison Almeida, Business Incubation Leader at Schneider Electric. "Energy storage is key to transitioning the world to renewable energy and tackling climate change, and we need bold ideas like these to get there. Accelerator programs are core to Innovation at the Edge, where we incubate new businesses, partner, joint venture, or invest through SE Ventures, a 500 million fund."

Over the next six months, Bold Ideas 2020 will provide the four participating startups with a structured platform to explore potential partnership outcomes with Schneider Electric. In the process, it will connect them with experts, resources, and programming that will help them achieve their commercial and technical milestones. The program is based on Greentown Launch, Greentown Labs' flagship corporate partnerships accelerator platform.

Bold Ideas 2020 follows the success of the first Bold Ideas Challenge, a program run by Greentown Labs and Schneider Electric in 2018. The Bold Ideas Challenge resulted in Schneider Electric entering into a joint development agreement and investment with Titan Advanced Energy Solutions, a program participant whose technology increases charge capacity and battery life. SE Ventures co-led Titan's $10 million Series A funding round.

"Greentown Labs is proud to welcome these innovative young companies to Bold Ideas 2020 and we're excited to see all the progress they'll make during the six-month program," said Dr. Emily Reichert, CEO of Greentown Labs. "Based on the meaningful outcomes that came out of the 2018 Bold Ideas program, we're confident this program will catalyze great partnerships with Schneider Electric and develop solutions needed for the coming energy transition!"

All participating startups will receive:

Acceptance into Greentown Launch, a six-month startup-corporate partnerships accelerator at Greentown Labs, the largest climatetech incubator in North America

A structured platform to explore potential partnership outcomes with Schneider Electric, such as investments, incubations, commercial agreements, and joint ventures

Access to the Schneider Electric network, including market access to a wide range of trusted customers across the world in segments including data centers, residential buildings, commercial and industrial buildings, utilities, communities, and more

Leverage of Schneider Electric's global footprint and access to technical experts and business line leaders for team building, mentoring, and other support

Mentorship, networking opportunities, and partnership-focused programming from the Greentown Labs community of climatetech startup experts

$25,000 in non-dilutive grant funding

in non-dilutive grant funding Membership within Greentown Labs for the duration of the program

Greentown Labs and Schneider Electric will host a public Bold Ideas 2020 Kickoff event on Sept. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET to introduce the participating startups and bring the climatetech ecosystem together around energy storage. At a final showcase event in March 2021, the program partners and participants will share the startups' progress, accomplishments, and successful results of working with Schneider Electric and Greentown Labs throughout the program. Registration for the kickoff event is open to the public here.

About Greentown Labs

As the largest climatetech startup incubator in North America, Greentown Labs brings together startups, corporates, investors, policymakers, and many others with a focus on scaling climate solutions. Driven by the mission of providing ground-breaking startups the resources, knowledge, connections, and equipment they need to thrive, Greentown Labs offers prototyping and wet lab space, shared office space, a machine shop, an electronics lab, software and business resources, a large network of corporate customers and investors, and more. Greentown Labs' 100,000-square-foot campus in Somerville, Mass. is home to more than 100 startups and has supported more than 280 startups since the incubator's founding in 2011. These startups have collectively created more than 6,500 direct jobs and have raised more than $850 million in funding. For more information, please visit www.greentownlabs.com or Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About Schneider Electric

At Schneider, we believe access to energy and digital is a basic human right. We empower all to make the most of their energy and resources, ensuring Life Is On everywhere, for everyone, at every moment. We provide energy and automation digital solutions for efficiency and sustainability. We combine world-leading energy technologies, real-time automation, software and services into integrated solutions for Homes, Buildings, Data Centers, Infrastructure and Industries. We are committed to unleash the infinite possibilities of an open, global, innovative community that is passionate about our Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.

Greentown Labs Media Contact:

Cayman Somerville

Chief of Staff

[email protected]

208-863-9599

Schneider Electric Media Contact:

Meriah Jamieson

Director of Communication, Innovation & SE Ventures

[email protected]

SOURCE Greentown Labs

Related Links

www.greentownlabs.org


Taapsee Pannu shared a news report which said that there was no mention of Rhea Chakraborty consuming any drugs in the remand copy presented by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to the chief metropolitan magistrate court on Tuesday. Taapsee tweeted that Rhea was financing and procuring drugs for late actor Sushant Singh Rajput and asked if he, too, would have been jailed had he been alive.

Correction. She wasnt consuming. Financing and procuring for Sushant. So in that case if he was alive he wouldve been put behind bars too ? Oh no. She mustve forced the drugs onto him. Sushant mustve been force fed marijuana. Yes thats what it is exactly. We did it guys, she wrote on Twitter.

According to the NDTV report shared by Taapsee, the remand copy mentions that Rhea was involved in procurement of drugs and financial transactions. However, there is nothing on record about her consuming said drugs. The NCB has sought judicial custody of her for 14 days.

Correction. She wasnt consuming. Financing and procuring for Sushant. So in that case if he was alive he wouldve been put behind bars too ? Oh no. She mustve forced the drugs onto him. Sushant mustve been force fed marijuana. Yes thats what it is exactly. We did it guys  https://t.co/6f8l7DncuI  taapsee pannu (@taapsee) September 8, 2020

Anurag Kashyap and Dia Mirza sought justice for Rhea as they shared the caption that was on Rheas T-shirt as she reached the NCB office on Tuesday. Roses are red, violets are blue, Lets smash patriarchy, me and you, the text on her T-shirt read.

Sonam Kapoor also shared the caption on Rheas T-shirt and seemed to liken the arrest to a witch-hunt as she shared a quote by Walter Kirn. Everyone loves a witch hunt as long as its someone elses witch being hunted, she captioned her Instagram post.

Rhea was arrested by the NCB on Tuesday afternoon, on the third day of questioning. Last week, her younger brother Showik Chakraborty was also arrested by the NCB in connection with the Sushant case.

Mutha Ashok Jain, Deputy DG of South-Western Region, NCB, told ANI that they had enough cause to arrest Rhea. Whatever she told was sufficient for the arrest. We have arrested her, it means we had enough, he said, adding that they did not recover any contraband from her.

Also read: Sushant Singh Rajputs father files complaint against Susan Walker for professional misconduct

Other Bollywood celebrities including Kubbra Sait and Hansal Mehta also came out in support of Rhea. Kubbra tweeted that Rhea had not yet been proven to be a murderer and hoped that her family finds strength in this devastating time. Hansal, meanwhile, pointed out that no evidence of abetment to suicide, money laundering or murder had been found yet. Not abetment of suicide, not money laundering, not murder? Now I know why marijuana is not legalised in India yet, he wrote on Twitter.

Rheas lawyer Satish Maneshinde called her arrest a travesty of justice. Travesty of justice. Three central agencies hounding a single woman just because she was in love with a drug addict who was suffering from mental health issues for several years and died by suicide due to consumption of illegally administered medicines, drugs, the senior advocate told ANI.

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
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has appeared in court in Iran and has been told she will face another trial on Sunday, an MP has said.

Irans state TV reported on Tuesday that the British-Iranian dual national was facing a new charge, citing an unnamed official.

Labour MP Tulip Siddiq later said she had spoken to Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, confirming that she had appeared in court on Tuesday morning.

Ms Siddiq tweeted on Tuesday: Ive been in touch with Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and can confirm that she was taken to court this morning and told she will face another trial on Sunday.

I've been in touch with Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and can confirm that she was taken to court this morning and told she will face another trial on Sunday. I know many people are concerned about her welfare and I'll keep everyone updated when we have more information #FreeNazanin  Tulip Siddiq (@TulipSiddiq) September 8, 2020

I know many people are concerned about her welfare and Ill keep everyone updated when we have more information #FreeNazanin.

The Hampstead and Kilburn MP also said: This is an extremely worrying development, and I know many people are concerned about Nazanins welfare.

The last four years have been excruciating for her husband Richard and her daughter Gabriella, who is growing up without a mother.

The United Nations have recognised Nazanins imprisonment as arbitrary and unlawful, and any further court case is clearly unacceptable.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said: Iran bringing new charges against Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is indefensible and unacceptable.

We have been consistently clear that she must not be returned to prison.

Story continues

Lisa Nandy MP, Labours shadow foreign secretary, said she found the news deeply concerning.

She said: Reports that a trial could be held as early as Sunday suggest the prospect of her receiving a fair and legitimate hearing is unlikely.

The UK government must now make urgent representations to the Iranian government and reiterate demands for her immediate release and safe return to the UK.

For more than four years, Nazanin and her family have been forced to endure this living nightmare and our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult period.

Former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt tweeted: This is hostage diplomacy and Iran needs to know that Britain will not stand for it.

This mustnt get lost on a busy news day. Nazanin has already served most of her sentence for a crime she didnt commit. This is hostage diplomacy and Iran needs to know that Britain will not stand for it. https://t.co/Cifz2WbTHI https://t.co/XbQJx8w1CQ  Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) September 8, 2020

Amnesty International, which campaigns against human rights abuses worldwide, said the news was a terrible blow to her family and supporters.

Kate Allen, the organisations director, said: Nazanin has already been convicted once after a deeply unfair trial, and there should be no question of her being put through that ordeal again.

There have always been concerns that the Iranian authorities were playing cruel political games with Nazanin, and that looks to be the case here.

As a matter of absolute urgency, the UK Government should make fresh representations on Nazanins behalf, seeking to have any suggestion of a second trial removed.

Richard Ratcliffe, the husband of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, with their daughter Gabriella (PA)

Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was granted temporary release from prison this spring following the coronavirus outbreak after serving nearly all of her sentence.

She was arrested at Tehrans Imam Khomeini airport while travelling to show her young daughter, Gabriella, to her parents in April 2016.

She was sentenced to five years in prison over allegations, which she denies, of plotting to overthrow the Tehran government.

She was later afforded diplomatic protection by the UK Government, which argues that she is innocent and that her treatment by Iran failed to meet obligations under international law.

It has been claimed Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe is being held in order to force the UK into settling a multi-million pound dispute with Iran.

The debt dates back to the 1970s when the then-shah of Iran paid the UK 400 million for 1,500 Chieftain tanks.

After he was toppled in 1979, Britain refused to deliver the tanks to the new Islamic Republic and kept the money, despite British courts accepting it should be repaid.

Her husband Richard Ratcliffe said last month there was clearly a stand-off between the two countries, and that he feared his wife could face a second court case once her sentence comes to an end next spring.
In this photo provided by the Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte talks at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020. Duterte has pardoned a U.S. Marine in a surprise move that will free him from imprisonment in the 2014 killing of a transgender Filipino woman that sparked anger in the former American colony. AP



The Philippine president pardoned a U.S. Marine on Monday in a surprise move that will free him from imprisonment in the 2014 killing of a transgender Filipino woman that sparked anger in the former American colony.



President Rodrigo Duterte said he decided to pardon Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton because the Marine was not treated fairly after opponents blocked his early release for good conduct in detention.



A left-wing human rights group, Karapatan, immediately condemned the pardon as a ''despicable and shameless mockery of justice and servility to U.S. imperialist interests.''



Pemberton was convicted of homicide and has been serving a prison term of six to 10 years for the killing of Jennifer Laude in a motel in Olongapo city, northwest of Manila. His lawyer, Rowena Garcia-Flores, told The Associated Press that Pemberton was already aware of Duterte's decision when she called him.



''I heard the news,'' Garcia-Flores quoted the 25-year-old Pemberton as saying. ''I'm very happy.''



Meeting Pemberton in detention a few days ago, she said he expressed his willingness to apologize to the Laude family even belatedly. Pemberton would likely be removed from the Marines due to his conviction and plans to work in the U.S., Garcia-Flores added.



Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, who once served as a lawyer for the Laude family, said the presidential pardon would mean the immediate release of Pemberton from detention.



''The president has erased the punishment that should be imposed on Pemberton. What the president did not erase was the conviction of Pemberton. He's still a killer,'' Roque told reporters.






It took Johnny Depp years to rebuild his life and career, but Amber Heard seems to be staying around to assure his defeat.

It has been alleged that Heard caused Depp to lose all his past and future movie roles after writing a damaging article about domestic abuse for Washington Post.

She made it clear that her op-ed was not about Depp; however, many people think it was implied she was pertaning to her ex-husband. Disney's decision to not to include Johnny as the lead actor in the future installments of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise only served as fuel to the fire that Depp's career has been destroyed by Heard.

While the actress insisted that she did not harm the actor in any way, Heard made another move that will surely keep Depp away from filming another movie.

Earlier this week, Depp's team submitted a document to the court requesting them to postpone the trial date due to possible conflicts in his filming schedule.

"With conditions in London having improved somewhat, Warner Bros. has now set a shooting schedule that conflicts with the trial date in this case," the new court papers stated.

Depp requested that the trial be postponed until between March and June 2021. The legal papers stated that the actress agreed to meet and discuss the potential delay.

But after a few days, Heard decided to refuse Depp's request since it will entail prejudice to her -- a much less unfair prejudice. Per the Daily Mail, the "Aquaman" star reportedly disapproved the rescheduling of their $50 million defamation trial.

In addition, The Sun got the chance to look into the new legal papers wherein the 34-year-old actress accused Depp of not making any efforts to not let anything affect their planned court dates in January 2021.

Heard also revealed that she will be joining the filming of "Aquaman 2" in February 2021. If she accepts what Depp wants, then her schedule would be the one at risk of clashing with the trial dates.

"Although Mr Depp had been contacted in late June or July with the proposed filming dates, he did not alert them to the trial dates," Amber's lawyers said of the motion. "Mr Depp decided that, rather than speak with his employer to work his film commitments around his trial, he asks this court to subserviently reschedule around his employment and the entire film schedule and production."

To be exact, the court set the trial to take place from January 11 to January 28. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. recently announced that they plan on rolling the cameras for the fantasy sequel "Fantastic Beasts" from October until February 2021.

The 57-year-old Depp will return to the said film as Gellert Grindelwald, who shared a brief cameo in 2016's "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them." Two years later, he landed another spot in the "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald."

His participation in "Fantastic Beasts 3" is important since it will determine the future of the series and Depp.

READ MORE: Johnny Depp Net Worth: Is He Already Broke Amid Amber Heard Scandal?
The "Night of Hun River" opening ceremony concerted by Shenyang symphony. The musicians performed orchestral music such as "The Northeast Wind", "A suite excerpt from The Yellow Fever", "Beautiful Gerati Overture" and "Spanish Cappella", and it will continue to bring an elegant art feast to the audience in ShenShuiWan Park on September 9th. In addition, the Inner Mongolia National Art Theater Symphony Orchestra will hold a concert in Shengjing Grand Theater and ShenShuiWan Park on September 6th and 8th respectively.

Many famous domestic orchestras including Wuhan Symphony Orchestra recorded videos for their performance, which were broadcast on the big live screen to improve the music festival. At the same time, there will also be three sessions of "online concert" and "online course", during which the general public and symphony fans can listen to music on the platform of Einstein FM.

The 6th Hun River Symphony Music Festival showed the brand-new style and features, enriched the amateur cultural life, spread the sweetest voice, highlighted the city cultural, enlarged reputation and popularity, which has expanded to create fashionable, modern, and international metropolis image.

Image Attachments Links:

Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=370855

Caption: The 6th Hun River Symphony Music Festival opened grandly in Shenyang on the evening of September 4th.

SOURCE The Publicity Department of Shenyang Municipality
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By the age of 16, Atticus Sandlin has become a sex education expert.

As a student at Hebron High School in Lewisville Independent School District, in the suburbs of Dallas, he built what he calls a "sex ed mini career," educating himself through internet research, conferences and advocacy groups  then turning around and educating his peers.

Last school year, he says, students would find him in the halls to ask questions like, "What is a hymen?" or "Does this count as sex?" He handed out condoms, pamphlets and dental dams to anyone who asked, and highlighted the importance of respecting other people's boundaries. He even taught sexual education classes specifically for LGBTQ students through Youth First, a program in North Texas for queer teens.

Texas does not require public schools to teach LGBTQ issues in sex education, an omission that frustrates Sandlin, who is bisexual and a transgender boy. "There are some queer people who don't do their own research, and they don't get information from school or any resources," said Sandlin, now a high school junior at public iSchool Virtual Academy of Texas. "It's important that they get that information even when they don't have access to it or it's not safe for them to get access anywhere else."

This week, the Texas State Board of Education, which determines what millions of public school students learn, is expected to approve new standards outlining how schools should teach health and sexual education  the first revisions to that statewide policy since 1997. At an initial public hearing this June, many students, teachers and advocates asked the board to require that students learn about sexual orientation and gender identity, especially since LGBTQ students are more likely to be discriminated against and bullied.

One study conducted by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law estimates that as many as 158,500 LGBT youth live in Texas, about 2% of the state's youth population.

But the final proposal, set for debate and a preliminary vote this week with final approval expected in November, still excludes any direct mention of LGBTQ issues.

Over the last several years, Texas Republican leaders have targeted LGBTQ rights and protections. In 2017, they unsuccessfully pushed a policy preventing transgender people from using public bathrooms that match their gender identity, and last year they encouraged an investigation into whether a mother supporting her child's gender transition was committing "child abuse."

At its June hearing on the new policy, the 15-member elected education board  10 Republicans and 5 Democrats  split down partisan lines, with Democrats pushing for explicit inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity and Republicans largely opposed.

"There likely will not be consensus on this," said Keven Ellis, a Lufkin Republican, who chairs the board, at the June meeting. He told The Texas Tribune in an e-mail that he supported teaching about "different types of bullying, including bullying for sexual reasons."

All Texas public schools must offer health education for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, but health education is optional in high school. The board is considering requiring all seventh and eighth grade health teachers to include lessons about contraceptive methods for the first time, now only a requirement in high school health.

Schools are not required to teach sexual education, but those that do must stress abstinence as the preferred choice for unmarried young people and spend more time on it than any other sexual behavior. Parents can opt their children out of any lesson they want.

Dee Lepine, a 17-year-old senior at Timber Creek High School in Keller ISD, remembers eighth grade health teachers showing students pictures of people with sexually transmitted diseases and telling them not to have sex. That was the last health class Lepine, who is nonbinary and uses gender-neutral pronouns, took. There was no mention in the class of sexual orientation or gender identity.

"I think just knowing that having attractions when you're a teenager is normal and you shouldn't scare kids with scary images," Lepine said. "It's really important that they don't feel like, you know, a freak, because everyone deals with it."

Lepine remembers learning the details of sex education from the media and friends, who were similarly uneducated and confused.

Atticus Sandlin has a variety of pamphlets, stickers, types of contraception and informational resources to provide to anyone who needs them. Credit: Shelby Tauber for The Texas Tribune

Sandlin can clearly remember one of the most uncomfortable assignments he received in a public school sexual education class. Each eighth grade student was given a cup with liquid and told to pour it back and forth among other students' cups.

"At the end of it, they put drops in all of our cups. If your cup turned purple, you had a [sexually transmitted infection]," said Sandlin. "I just remember it being awkward. I was like, are they really trying to get us to simulate sex?"

And most important, the educator at the front of the classroom didn't include very many lessons that would apply to LGBTQ teens. Sandlin sat in the class with a few friends taking notice of the gaps in the lessons, like the statement that all sex risks pregnancy, which is untrue for many queer people.

In high school, whenever Sandlin realized a class had a substitute teacher, he would run to the front of the room to explain his chosen name and pronouns, which differ from the name and gender he was given at birth. Some teachers made a point of ignoring his requests  an indication, he believes, that comprehensive health education classes would be just as useful for those outside of the queer community.

"Pretty much every queer person I know has experienced some level of bullying or just plain ignorance," he said. "One time, I had a teacher straight up say, 'I'm not going to call you that.'" As he's gotten more confident, Sandlin has reported such incidents to counselors, but said it's scary to go up against a teacher.

The State Board of Education debated the importance of adding gender identity and sexual orientation into the standards in June, and a few Republicans suggested strengthening the lessons around bullying, making it clear that students know that they should respect everyone. But they largely opposed making direct references to LGBTQ students.

"If we start delineating things, we need to go back and make sure we include everybody else," said Ken Mercer, a San Antonio Republican on the board.

"If we can save a life because we include this and we allow these students to find that there is no shame in their gender identity, isn't it worth it to you? It's worth it to me," said Ruben Cortez, a Brownsville Democrat on the board. "Hearing and knowing of teens that have [killed themselves] ... because of some of the things they deal with, if we in Texas have the opportunity to correct some of this and save one life, I think it's worth it."

Georgina Perez, an El Paso Democrat on the board, said including LGBTQ students in the health standards would parallel work the board has already done creating standards for Mexican American and African American studies courses over the last couple of years. "LGBTQI is an identity, an identity that's not reflected in any of our curriculum," she said.

"Racism is a lot bigger problem than the sexual thing as far as people being picked on for different things," responded Pat Hardy, a Fort Worth Republican on the board.

The state sets minimum standards for what should be taught, but districts are allowed to include additional topics they feel would benefit their students. Some districts, including Austin ISD and Fort Worth ISD, have adjusted their own health and sex education policies to include lessons on gender identity and sexual orientation.

Conservative groups such as Texas Values have headed the fight against these policies, considering them pro-LGBT "indoctrination" and urging parents to opt their children out of sexuality courses. Left-leaning advocacy groups such as Texas Freedom Network, Planned Parenthood and the Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy have pushed in the other direction.

Sock Trimarco, who is "queer in most senses of the word" and uses gender-neutral pronouns, has taken sex ed workshops through Planned Parenthood after learning abstinence-only sex education in the online public school Texas Connections Academy.

The 17-year-old shies away from coming out as transgender and nonbinary in school or out in the world, worried about people "pushing back or being upset" or even resorting to violence. "I have to think in my head and say, 'Should I introduce myself as my deadname, or should I introduce myself as my name?'" Trimarco said, referring to their previous name.

Sex education that includes LGBTQ students benefits everyone, they said. "To teach people not only that it's OK to be you, but it's also OK for other people to be queer."

Disclosure: Texas Freedom Network and Planned Parenthood have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
Hollywood hunk Zac Efron shattered hearts across the country  and no doubt the world  after he stepped out hand-in-hand with his rumoured new girlfriend in Byron Bay over the weekend.

The High School Musical star, who has been holed up in the NSW coastal town for several months, appeared to confirm his budding romance with local lady Vanessa Valladares.

Zac Efron has a rumoured new Aussie girlfriend, Vanessa Valladares. Photo: Instagram/_is_ness.

The pair looked loved up while stepping out for a bite to eat at Byron hotspot The Farm in snaps published by the Herald Sun, with the 32-year-old Baywatch actor and his new flame unafraid to show off some PDA over lunch.

So, who is Vanessa Valladares?

Vanessa is thought to be a Byron Shire resident who previously worked as a waiter at the popular General Store cafe earlier this year.

After coupling up with Zac in July, the 25-year-old has reportedly since ditched her day job and shacked up with her A-lister beau at his Belongil Beach home.

RELATED:

Zac Efron has debuted a more mature look in his new documentary series, Down To Earth. Photo: Netflix.

The Byron Bay local reportedly used to work as a waiter. Photo: Instagram/_is_ness.

Vanessa currently has a small social media presence, with just over 7k followers on Instagram  but thats surely set to increase in no time.

The brunette beauty enjoys sharing snaps of herself at the beach, going out to restaurants and hanging with her friends. In one pic she carries a surfboard, hinting that her hobbies are in line with keen surfer Zacs.

Vanessa, 25, and her A-lister beau stepped out for lunch over the weekend. Photo: Instagram/_is_ness.

From the looks of some of her photos, Vanessa might also model part-time for fashion brands such as RVCA and Rove Byron Bay. She also posed topless for an artsy black and white shoot with a local photographer in early 2019.

Vanessa and Zac set the rumour mill into overdrive last week when they were spotted at Ballina airport on their way home from a snowy getaway to Thredbo. Their subsequent brunch date in Lennox Head further indicated that the pair were officially an item.

Vanessa appears to have the same hobbies as her boyfriend Zac. Photo: Instagram/_is_ness.

Back in June, rumours swirled that Zac had been secretly living in beachy Byron Bay for months after locals claimed to have spotted the actor in the NSW coastal town during the coronavirus pandemic. Word is, Zac is in for the long haul after reportedly renewing his visa for another 12 months.

Story continues

He was only planning to fly home if he had to, a source told Daily Mail of Zacs travel plans. He didnt really want to go back to America.

Perhaps the Greatest Showman star first fell in love with life Down Under back in December 2019, when he was rushed to an Aussie hospital for urgent treatment after falling ill while filming a doco in Papua New Guinea.

Sign up to our daily newsletter here to get all the latest news and hacks. Or get in touch at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.
With a well-secured entrance this time at the Exchange building, located in Ballard Pier, Rhea Chakraborty arrived for her day 2 questioning, 30 minutes ahead of schedule on Monday at the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

In her questioning, which began at 10 am and lasted over eight hours, Rhea reportedly informed the agency that neither she nor her brother Showik Chakraborty was involved in drug selling.

She even told the NCB that every time she asked Sushant Singh Rajput to stop consuming drugs, he would get furious. Rhea also blamed some friends of Sushant for encouraging him to consume Marijuana regularly. Besides being questioned separately, she was jointly interrogated with her brother Showik, who was Saturday sent to 4-day NCB custody.

According to highly placed sources in the NCB, Rhea was cooperating with the agency during questioning but was evasive" in some instances. She, however, categorically informed the NCB that while she procured marijuana from peddlers and close aides, she never sold the same.

Rhea was first questioned alone for over an hour about her role in drug peddling. The federal agency wanted to find out if Rhea used her networks within Bollywood, to sell contrabands. But she claimed that she only smoked cigarettes and consumed alcohol and procured drugs only for Sushant and his close friends. She even blamed a budding female actor for encouraging Sushant to get hooked up to curated Marijuana.

Post her questioning, she was brought face to face with her brother Showik. This was when the two reportedly got emotional and even hugged each other. Rhea admitted that Showik allegedly consumed marijuana but denied his links to any cartel. Later, she was jointly interrogated with Sushants house staff Dipesh Sawant and house manager Samuel Miranda. NCB arrested Showik and the two members of Sushants domestic staff on the basis of two suspected drug peddlers Zaid Vilatra and Abdel Basit Parihars statements. A Mumbai court on Friday remanded Parihar (23) in the NCB custody till September 9. The NCB said interrogation of another arrested accused, Vilatra, led to the arrest of Parihar. Showiks role and his purported links with the other arrested accused are under the NCB scanner.

Meanwhile, both Sawant and Miranda confessed to buying drugs as per the instructions of Rhea and Showik. Rhea, on day one of her questioning, told the NCB that she met alleged drug peddler Basit Parihar at her residence five times but wasnt aware then of his dealings.

Rhea also claimed that she never gave any drugs to Sushant without his consent and that marijuana and charas were consumed by the late actor and a few of his friends when they partied at his Bandra residence and another home at Pawna, which is located on the outskirts of Mumbai.

Rhea will now be questioned for a third consecutive day on Tuesday by the NCB. When asked about the possibility of an arrest, the NCB sources said that it would all depend on her replies but the possibility couldnt be ruled out. Rhea has already been questioned for more than 14 hours in just two days.

The investigation into the drug angle in Sushant Singh Rajput case is on. The NCB had earlier said that it needed to be investigated thoroughly so as to uproot drug citadel in Mumbai, and especially Bollywood.
Live Panel: Corrupted by China: The College Board and K-12 Education

In exchange for generous Chinese government funding, the College Board has given China strategic access to American K-12 education. A new report from the National Association of Scholars, Corrupting the College Board, details how.

Since at least 2003, the College Board has partnered closely with the Chinese government to design an AP Chinese Language and Culture course, serving as a recruiter for Chinese government initiatives, and helping the Chinese Communist Party design and gain control over American teacher training programs.

As the administer of the SAT and the Advanced Placement tests, the College Board reaches more than 2 million students annually and exerts significant influence over schools, teachers, parents, and policymakers.

In this event, reporter and author Rachelle Peterson, a senior research fellow at the National Association of Scholars, presents the findings of the report.

We also hear from Jan Jekielek, senior editor of The Epoch Times; Rory OConnor, president and chairman of Athenai Institute; and Bruce Gilley, professor of political science at Portland State University.

We discuss not only the College Boards corruption by the Chinese government but also some key policy proposals to protect and restore the integrity of the American education system.

How to Contact the Panelists

Contact Rachelle Peterson or Bruce Gilley at the National Association of Scholars here.

Contact Rory OConnor at the Athenai Institute here.
Arizona News

Phoenix, Arizona - Governor Doug Ducey today announced the appointments of Julie Mata, Max-Henri Covil, Monica Edelstein, and Rusty Crandell to the Maricopa County Superior Court. These appointments are to fill vacancies created by the appointment of Judge Cynthia J. Bailey to Division One of the Arizona Court of Appeals and the retirement of Judges Lisa Daniel Flores, Warren J. Granville and Andrew G. Klein.

Julie Mata has been a Commissioner with the Maricopa County Superior Court since 2013, where she has served in the Criminal and Probate Divisions. As Commissioner, Julie gained broad experience conducting judicial hearings throughout all stages of the criminal process. Prior to serving as Commissioner, Julie worked as an Administrative Law Judge for ADOT from 2011 to 2013. In this position, Julie handled cases involving suspensions, denials, and revocations of drivers licenses and presided over hearings regarding fuel tax evasion, franchise disputes, and dealership and title disputes.



Prior to being an Administrative Law Judge, Julie had her own practice handling criminal, probate, family, personal injury, and corporate matters. During this time, she also served as a Judge Pro Tem for the City of Tolleson from 2010 to 2012. Julie began her career at the Maricopa County Public Defenders Office from 2003 to 2009.



Julie is a member of the Arizona Women Lawyers Association and the Phoenix Rotary 100. Through her involvement in the Phoenix Rotary 100, she has volunteered for the Encanto Reading Program. Julie has also volunteered for the Veterans Stand Down and National Adoption Day events.



Julies determination and professionalism make her an excellent candidate for the bench, said Governor Ducey. I am delighted to announce her appointment to the Maricopa County Superior Court.



Julie received her Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Political Science from the Northern Arizona University in 1996 and received her law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law in 2003.



Max-Henri Covil has been serving as a Commissioner with the Maricopa County Superior Court since 2018. He is currently assigned to the Regional Court Center, a high-volume, felony criminal court.



Prior to serving as a Commissioner, Max-Henri worked as an Administrative Law Judge for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) from 2013 to 2018. In this role, he conducted hearings to address issues arising under the regulatory and enforcement powers of ADOT. During this time, Max-Henri also served as a Judge Pro Tem with the Maricopa County Superior Court, assigned to the Regional Court Center and Probation Violation Court. Max-Henri began his career as a Maricopa County Public Defender from 2008 to 2013.



Max-Henri regularly volunteers for the Arizona Veterans StandDown where he adjudicates criminal cases to assist veterans. He has also been a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club of North Tempe. Max-Henri is an active member of the Arizona Black Bar Association, Arizona Judges Association, Maricopa County Bar Association, and Thurgood Marshall Inn of Court. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Community Legal Services.



Max-Henri is well-respected among prosecutors and defense attorneys alike for his exceptional work and dedication to serving his community, said Governor Ducey. I am pleased to announce his appointment to the Maricopa County Superior Court.



Max-Henri received his bachelors degree in Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania and law degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 2007.



Monica Edelstein has been serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Phoenix since 2013. Monica has managed a diverse caseload including cases involving fraud and white collar crime, public integrity, national security, narcotics, gun trafficking, and violent crime. Monica also serves as the Professional Responsibility Officer for her office and advises colleagues on professional conduct matters. Additionally, she serves as an Evaluator with the Department of Justices Evaluation and Review Staff. In this capacity, she conducts periodic site visits at every U.S. Attorneys Office across the country to provide management assistance, assure compliance with DOJ policy, and share best practices to improve efficiency. Before joining the U.S. Attorneys Office in Phoenix, Monica worked in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorneys Office.



Monica also serves as a Reserve Air Force Assistant Judge Advocate General (JAG). She currently supports the Legal Office at Luke Air Force Base in a primarily civil practice. Additionally, as a member of the Air Forces TRIALS Team, she trains other litigators serving at U.S. Air Force bases.



Monica is invested in helping Arizonas youth and actively volunteers in her community. She recently served on the Board of Directors for Cactus Foothills Little League and volunteers with Feed My Starving Children, Court Works (federal court mock trial competition), and Ninth Circuit Civics Competition (high school competition). Monica serves on the Board of Directors for the University of Arizona Law College Association. She is a member of the Federal Bar Association and South Asian Bar Association. In addition, she was a member of the State Bar of Arizonas Committee on Women and Minority Lawyers, serving as its Vice-Chair in 2016-2017.



Monicas career of service to her country and community as well as her vast professional experience will make her a valued member of the judiciary, said Governor Ducey. I am glad to announce her appointment to the Maricopa County Superior Court.



Monica graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Sociology. She received her law degree from the University of Arizona where she served as Editor in Chief of the Arizona Journal of International and Comparative Law. She subsequently received her Master of Laws (L.L.M) in Taxation from New York University School of Law.



Rusty Crandell has been with the Arizona Attorney Generals Office since 2016, where he currently serves as the Deputy Solicitor General and Chief Counsel of the Federalism Unit. In this role, he handles constitutional law cases before the Arizona Supreme Court and participates in multi-state litigation regarding challenges brought under federal law. Prior to joining the Arizona Attorney Generals Office, Rusty practiced commercial litigation, insurance recovery, and intellectual property at Perkins Coie LLP from 2008 to 2015. After law school, Rusty clerked for Judge Roslyn Silver in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.



Rusty is an active member of several professional organizations, including the State Bar of Arizonas Civil Practice and Procedure Committee and the J. Reuben Clark Law Society.



Rustys brilliance and exceptional skill as a litigator give me great confidence in his ability to faithfully serve the people of Arizona as a member of the judiciary, said Governor Ducey. I am happy to announce his appointment to the Maricopa County Superior Court.



Rusty received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and law degree from Arizona State University. While in law school, Rusty served on the Arizona State Law Journal and graduated first in his class.
By Trend

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) held a foreign exchange auction with the participation of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), during which Azerbaijani banks acquired $74.2 million, Trend reports citing CBA.

According to CBA, demand from the banks at the auction was fully provided.

In accordance with SOFAZs data, from January through August 2020 the fund sold the foreign currency in the amount of $5.4 billion, up 25 percent compared to the same period of last year. Most of the currency, i.e. $1.9 billion was sold in March, with the remaining $334 million in May.

As reported, SOFAZ plans to put up foreign currency worth $6.8 billion for sale this year.

The CBA began to hold foreign exchange auctions through unilateral sale of foreign currency in competitive conditions since mid-January 2017.

In March 2020, it was decided to hold extraordinary foreign exchange auctions in connection with the increased demand of the population for foreign currency amid the failed OPEC+ deal, which entailed a sharp decline in oil prices.

(1 USD = 1.7 AZN on Sept.8)

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Loading Politics aside, the development of a vaccine is obviously a good thing: as former Centres for Disease Control and Prevention director Tom Frieden put it, "there's only one enemy here  and that's the virus". But in the event of an announcement, what happens next? How would we know the vaccine is safe? Would the public get access to the necessary data to ensure its efficacy? Would it be distributed fairly and equitably? Would those disproportionately affected by the virus get priority? And given how many citizens don't trust their governments, would enough people take the vaccine at all? These questions merely add to what is already one of the most unpredictable campaigns in US history. Whichever way you slice it, America is going through an extraordinary period in the run up to the November 3 poll. A virus ravaging the nation. A pandemic-fuelled recession. A national reckoning on racial injustice. Civil unrest in major cities. China and Russia. In other words, if you think a vaccine is merely one of the variables that could shift the race in Trump's favour, think again.

Loading Firstly, on the economy, the US unemployment rate has now fallen below 10 per cent for the first time since March. Putting aside the potential for another downturn  and the fact that millions of people remain unemployed  it's not a bad story for the President to tell. "Remember this: the third quarter is going to be announced sometime prior to the election  by a few days actually  and I think it's going to be record-setting," he predicted this weekend. Secondly, on law and order, George Floyd's death at the hands of Minneapolis police sparked nationwide protests demanding police reform  but with those protests come counter-protests, the infiltration of anti-fascist groups such as Antifa, and ugly scenes of chaos in Democrat-run cities. All Trump needs is another Portland or Kenosha, and his pitch to suburban voters could start to resonate. As former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway told Fox News last month: "The more chaos and anarchy and vandalism and violence reigns, the better it is for the very clear choice on who's best on public safety and law and order." And then there's the prospect of foreign interference. In an interview with CNN on Sunday, Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris was asked if meddling by Russia could cost Joe Biden the White House. As a former member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which examined Russia's role in the 2016 election, she should know. "Theoretically, of course," Harris said. "I do believe that there will be foreign interference in the 2020 election, and that Russia will be at the front of the line."
The Delhi government administered a record 45,797 tests for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in a day and the city registered 3,609 new infectionsthe highest single-day spike in 76 days according to a government bulletin on Tuesday.

The boost in numbers comes after Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had, on August 26, announced that testing in the city would be doubled to 40,000 a day with the city seeing a resurgence of cases since mid-August. On Tuesday, the Delhi government achieved its target of administering 40,000 tests in a single day. The gradual increase in testing had begun from August 31.

As testing increased, 3,609 new cases were reported in Delhi on Tuesdaythe highest single-day case count since June 24, or 76 daysin keeping with the trend of the resurgence of daily infections in the city. There were 3,788 new cases on June 24.

Also Read: No. of containment zones in Delhi over 1,000 likely to increase with more testing: Officials

The total number of cases in the city is 197,135, according to Tuesdays health bulletin. The positivity rate stood at 10.66% as on Tuesday.

The death toll from Covid-19, meanwhile, touched 4,618, with 19 new deaths lodged on Tuesday. As many as 170,140 people have recovered from the disease so far.

With Covid-19 cases on the rise, the Delhi government has also launched an intensive awareness campaign wherein pre-recorded audio messages are being sent to Delhi residents through phone calls and the radio. The government aims to call at least 1 crore phone numbers of Delhi residents in the next few days.

Also Read: Covid-19 vaccine latest developments: Russia releases Sputnik V, India candidate in final phase

The message in all medium of communication is focused on testing. In his pre-recorded messages, Kejriwal is heard reiterating what he said in his press conference on Saturday (September 5).

Some people are not getting tested. They say, nowadays everyone is recovering on their own, so there is no need to get tested. No, please do not do this. Please go and get tested. Please also do wear masks when you step out and follow physical distancing, the chief minister had said.

Kejriwal had also attributed the spike in Covid-19 cases to increased testing in the city.

From 18,000-20,000 tests per day, we are now conducting around 40,000 tests. So, more people are getting identified, treated and isolated to prevent them from spreading the infection to others. Today, if I decrease the number of tests, the number of daily cases will also come down and everyone will be happy. The only way to defeat Covid-19 is aggressive testing. There is nothing to be scared of, but there should be no scope for complacency, he had said.

On September 2, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), in a meeting chaired by lieutenant governor Anil Baijal, had discussed the rising infections in Delhi.

Some probable reasons for the increase in positivity rate in Delhi could be lack of adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour, the impact of festivals in August, late testing, cross-infection, the return of migrants and unlock measures, a DDMA official, who did not wish to be identified, said.

Testing was ramped up in the city by opening camps in all interstate bus terminals (ISBTs), railway stations, construction sites, weekly markets and some mohalla clinics.

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It was worth the drive to Leamington on Monday afternoon for trainer Cassidy Schneider as the young conditioner celebrated her first lifetime win with trotter Yoooukilis.

Schneider recruited Marc St. Louis, Jr. to driver the veteran trotter, and as a team they had no problem getting the job done. Yoooukilis shot to the lead and carved out fractions of :30.2, 1:01 and 1:31 before slipping home in :30.4 to win by four lengths over Jooner in 2:01.4.

It was the 11th lifetime start for the third generation horsewoman who now boasts a 1-1-1 record to date.

To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results  Leamington Raceway.
COVID-19 impact on Canadian VC in H1 2020

With the exception of steep drops in disbursements in May and June, 2020 so far is performing fairly against 2019 and 2018 (please note that the disbursement figure for July 2020 is incomplete and it is still being compiled). The impact of COVID-19 will likely continue to stretch out in the second half.

CPE Analytics strives to accurately report VC activities and deal closing time. It should be noted that several large deals that were announced in Q2 and reported by some data providers as Q2 deals were in fact closed in Q1 2020 or Q4 2019. The measurements of COVID-19 impact by those providers are just as reliable as they dated the VC deals.

US Investor share of H1 2020 VC funding drops below 40%

US investors play important role in supporting Canadian startup companies. For the past three years, the US investor shares have always been above 40%: 46% (2017), 41% (2018) and 46% (2019). It is with concern that the US funding share in H1 2020 dropped to 30% of total disbursements.

"The data for H1, 2020 indicate that venture capital investing has been significantly affected by the eruption of COVID-19, much like the broader economy. The data reflect some particularities of venture capital too as this part of the financial services industry has long relied on face-to-face meetings with startup and early stage firm entrepreneurs prior to making investment decisions. Of note is the decline in the percentage contribution of US-led investment across the board, but acutely in certain parts of the country, notably Quebec," commented Richard Remillard, President of Remillard Consulting Group (RCG).

H1 2020 - Venture Capital disbursements - where the funding went

9 large deals with deal value of $50 million or more attracted $861 million or 33% of the total amount.

or more attracted or 33% of the total amount. Top three provinces: Ontario ( $1,048 million ), Quebec ( $700 million ) and BC ( $553 million ), representing 41%, 27% and 21% of the total amount respectively.

( ), ( ) and BC ( ), representing 41%, 27% and 21% of the total amount respectively. Million-dollar cities: Toronto ( $522 million ), Vancouver ( $471 million ), Montreal ( $406 million ), Quebec City ( $284 million ), Kitchener, ON ( $268 million ), Calgary ( $112 million ).

( ), ( ), ( ), ( ), ( ), ( ). Series A and B financing captured $358 million (14%) and $552 million (21%) respectively.

(14%) and (21%) respectively. ICT and biotech companies raised $1,635 million (63%) and $592 million (23%) respectively.

(63%) and (23%) respectively. Early stage companies raised $1,497 million or 58% of the total amount.

or 58% of the total amount. Companies with the number of employees under 50 raised $1,414 million or 55% of the total amount.

H1 2020 - Venture Capital funding sources - where the funding came from

Top 5 funding sources: Canada ( $1,500 million ), US ( $789 million ), South Korea ( $69 million ), United Kingdom ( $34 million ), Denmark ( $24 million ).

( ), US ( ), ( ), ( ), ( ). Leading investor types: US Private VC ( $529 million ), Canadian Private VC ( $375 million ), Canadian Corporate VC ( $287 million ), Canadian Institutional VC ( $209 million ), Canadian PE ( $177 million ).

), Canadian Private VC ( ), Canadian Corporate VC ( ), Canadian Institutional VC ( ), Canadian PE ( ). Investors from 31 foreign countries or regions or overseas territories invested in Canadian companies.

H1 2020 - USA and foreign investment breakdowns

Western Canada companies attracted largest USA and foreign share of the total amount.

companies attracted largest and foreign share of the total amount. Quebec companies attracted least USA and foreign shares with 15% of the total amount.

companies attracted least and foreign shares with 15% of the total amount. Ontario companies attracted 42% share of USA and foreign investments.

H1 2020 - Fundraising by Canadian VC firms

15 VC funds raised $2,676 million .

H1 2020 - Active VC law firms

Top five active VC law firms: Dentons Canada LLP, Osler , Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, LaBarge Weinstein LLP, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Miller Thompson LLP

The full report can be downloaded from financings.ca website: https://www.financings.ca/reports/

About Remillard Consulting Group (RCG)

Remillard Consulting Group (RCG) is a unique, Ottawa-based, bilingual consulting firm specializing in providing private sector, government & trade association clients with creative, research-grounded solutions to business issues and public policies involving the Canadian financial services industry. For more information: https://remillardconsulting.com/.

About CPE Analytics

CPE Analytics is a provider of comprehensive, unbiased and verified information on Canadian venture capital industry, and Canada's only provider on all Canadian private and public financing activities.

Backed by over 27 years' private capital research experience, we are Canada's only data provider that actively tracks and provides analysis on where the Canadian venture capital funding came from - by investor types and by provinces, countries or regions. We provide this essential information for truly evidence-based policy analysis and decision making, and for the true understanding of the Canadian venture capital ecosystem. INFORMATION YOU CAN USE.

CPE Analytics is the data analytics division of CPE Media Inc.

More Info: https://cpeanalytics.ca, https://financings.ca, https://cpemedia.ca/

SOURCE CPE Media Inc.

For further information: Ted Liu, President, [email protected], 647-782-8818
MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Training magazine named the winners of its 2020 Emerging Training Leaders awards, recognizing 25 training professionals who inspired and engaged their organizations with exceptional leadership, business acumen, and innovation. The winners have been in the industry for two to 10 years and have demonstrated stellar leadership skills, business savvy, and training instincts. These professionals will be profiled in the March 2021 issue of Training magazine and online at www.trainingmag.com, and they will be honored at an awards ceremony on February 23, 2021, at Disney World's Coronado Springs Resort during the Training 2021 Conference & Expo in Orlando, FL.

All Emerging Training Leader candidates had to be nominated by co-workers or industry peers. Training Editorial Advisory Board members and the editor-in-chief judged the nearly 50 nominations and chose the 25 winners.

"The 2020 Emerging Training Leaders are a guiding light as they continue to help their organizations face and conquer the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainty," says Lorri Freifeld, editor-in-chief of Training magazine. "They created innovative solutions for remote learning; communicated with teams and employees suddenly working from home; and managed and trained with trust, empathy, and transparency. They are true leaders in every sense of the word."

Click here to see the list of 2020 Emerging Training Leaders, plus 5 Emerging Training Leaders to Watch.

LINK to: https://trainingmag.com/2020-emerging-training-leader-winners/

About Training magazine

Training is a 56-year-old professional development magazine written for training, human resources, and business management professionals in all industries that advocate training and workforce development as a business tool. Training also produces world-class conferences, expositions, and digital products that focus on job-related, employer-sponsored training and education in the working world. Training is published by Lakewood Media Group.

CONTACT:

Lorri Freifeld

[email protected]





SOURCE Training magazine

Related Links

https://trainingmag.com


Coronavirus Updates: Despite a sharp surge in COVID-19 cases in Delhi, the AAP government has ruled out the possibility of another lockdown, asserting that the economy 'cannot be kept shut for eternity'

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"This is a routine action which has to happen whenever there is a potentially unexplained illness in one of the trials, while it is investigated, ensuring we maintain the integrity of the trials."

"As part of the ongoing randomized, controlled global trials of the Oxford coronavirus vaccine, our standard review process was triggered and we voluntarily paused vaccination to allow review of safety data by an independent committee," a spokesperson said.

The company, which is developing the drug alongside the University of Oxford, is a frontrunner in the global race for a Covid-19 vaccine.

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca said Tuesday it had "voluntarily paused" a randomized clinical trial of its coronavirus vaccine in what it called a routine action after a volunteer developed an unexplained illness.

Russia denounced criticism as an attempt to undermine Moscow's research and a Russian investor claimed vindication when Britain's prestigious Lancet published research that showed patients in early tests developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events."

This raised concerns among Western scientists over a lack of safety data, with some warning that moving too quickly on a vaccine could be dangerous.

Russia announced in August that its vaccine, named "Sputnik V" after the Soviet-era satellite that was the first launched into space in 1957, had already received approval.

Early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine showed encouraging results when details were published Friday, but experts said the trials were too small to prove safety and effectiveness.

"2,479 fresh COVID-19 cases, 2,485 recoveries and 10 deaths reported in Telangana on 8 September," said the state health department.

With nearly 2,500 new COVID-19 infections in Telangana, the overall count in the state climbed to 1,47,642 on Wednesday. Of the total, there are 31,654 active cases.

As part of stage-I of resuming metro services, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) restarts operations on its Blue Line on Wednesday, ANI reported.

As many as 2,579 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Assam on Tuesday, taking the total number of positive cases to 1,30,823 in the state. The total number of cases includes 99,073 recoveries, 378 deaths, and 31,369 active cases, said State Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Over 5.18 crore COVID-19 samples have been tested till now, said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), adding that 11,54,549 samples were tested on Tuesday alone.

"The Blue and Pink lines resumed services today. Slowly and steadily, Delhi Metro will be back to take you places! #MetroBackOnTrack," the DMRC tweeted.

Trains are to operate in batches of four-hour each from 7-11 am in the morning and 4-8 pm in the evening in the first.

Delhi Metro's Blue Line and Pink Line resumed services with curtailed operation timings on Wednesday after being closed for 171 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said.

Tamil Nadu recorded 87 deaths on Tuesday, putting the state toll at 8,012. 84 of them had succumbed due to comorbidities. The state discharged 6599 patients following treatment, putting the total number of recoveries at 4,16,715.

Tamil Nadu recorded 5,684 positive cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the overall count to 4,74,940. Among these, Chennai reported 988 positive cases, bringing the citys total to 1,43,603.

Of the total, there are 8,97,394 active cases, 33,98,845 cured/discharged/migrated and 73,890 deaths, said the health ministry on Wednesday.

India's COVID-19 cases exceeded 43 lakh on Wednesday after 89,706 more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours. The COVID-19 toll climbed to 73,890 after 1,115 new deaths were recorded.

With 33,98,845 COVID-19 patients being cured, India's recovery rate increased to 77.77 percent on Wednesday. While, the fatality rate stood at 1.69 percent after nearly 74,000 patients succumbed to the highly infectious disease.

In early August India became the third country in the world to pass two million cases.

Although India has a low death rate from COVID-19 disease, nearly 1,000 deaths have been recorded every day from across the country for the last nine days. On Wednesday, the toll due to the infectious disease has risen to 73,890 with 1,115 more fatalities.

Twelve fatalities each have been reported from Chhattisgarh, Puducherry and Uttarakhand, 11 from Goa, 10 from Telangana, nine from Tripura, eight from Assam, five from Himachal Pradesh, four each from Bihar and Chandigarh, two from Sikkim, while Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur have registered one fatality each.

Of the 1,115 fresh COVID-19 deaths in India, 380 are from Maharashtra, 146 from Karnataka, 87 from Tamil Nadu, 73 from Andhra Pradesh, 71 from Uttar Pradesh, 67 from Punjab, 57 from West Bengal, 25 from Haryana, 20 from Madhya Pradesh, 19 from Delhi,14 each from Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand, 13 each from Gujarat, Odisha, Kerala and Rajasthan.

So far, 1,609 people have died of COVID-19 in Madhya Pradesh, 1,164 in Rajasthan, 916 in Telangana, 854 in Haryana, 815 in Jammu and Kashmir, 765 in Bihar, 569 in Odisha, 496 in Jharkhand, 407 in Chhattisgarh, 378 in Assam, 372 in Kerala and 360 in Uttarakhand.

Of the total 73,890 COVID-19 deaths in India, Maharashtra has reported the maximum at 27,407 followed by 8,012 in Tamil Nadu, 6,680 in Karnataka, 4,618 in Delhi,4,560 in Andhra Pradesh, 4,047 in Uttar Pradesh, 3,677 in West Bengal, 3,133 in Gujarat and 1,990 in Punjab.

One more fatality has taken the northeastern state's coronavirus toll to nine, a health official said. The fresh infections have pushed Arunachal Pradesh's caseload to 5,402, State Surveillance Officer Dr L Jampa said.

Arunachal Pradesh reported 221 fresh COVID-19 infections for first time in single day, taking the overall count to 5,402 on Wednesday. Of the new cases, 59 security personnel have also tested positive in the state.

India has the second-most reported cases in the world and the third-most reported deaths behind the United States and Brazil.

More than 10 lakh people have tested positive for the coronavirus in India in less than two weeks with the total caseload exceeded over 43.7 lakh on Wednesday. Testing has been ramped up to more than 10 million daily, with cumulative testing exceeding five crore.

"Students of Class 9 to 12 shall be permitted to visit their school on voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers. This will be subject to written consent of their parents/guardians. Such visits and teacher  student interaction must be organized in a staggered manner," stated the guidelines issued by the health ministry.

The government also said that online or distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged.

However, only schools outside the containment zones will be allowed to open. Assemblies, sports and events, which can lead to overcrowding, are strictly prohibited in the schools that are opting to start operations.

In the backdrop of the ongoing 'Unlock 4', partial resumption of activities in schools for students of Classes 9-12 will be allowed from 21 September, the union health ministry said on Tuesday.

Odisha has reported 3,748 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,35,130 on Wednesday. Of the total, there are 1,02,185 recoveries and 32,312 active cases, said the state health department.

"Sorry, we are not inclined to entertain, the bench said.

A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan said that authorities will take all necessary steps for conducting the NEET-undergraduate exam amid the COVID-19 pandemic for admission in medical courses.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a batch of pleas seeking deferment or cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) scheduled for 13 September.

"4.5 lakh street vendors were registered in Madhya Pradesh, with more than 4 lakh vendors having been given identification and vendor certification," the press note stated.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Centre had launched the PM SVANidhi scheme on 1 June, 2020, to help poor street vendors, impacted by coronavirus, to resume livelihood activities.

The lockdown due to COVID-19 has affected the businesses of street vendors. The purpose of this 'Svanidhi Samvaad' scheme is that those people can start afresh and begin their work again easily, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.

Sixty percent of the total cases are recorded only in five states, said the health ministry.

Maharashtra reported more than 20,000 COVID-19 cases alone of the total 89,706 fresh infections reported in past 24 hrs, said the health ministry on Wednesday. This was followed by Andhra Pradesh for recording more than 10,000 cases.

The number of people recovered from COVID-19 in India has surged to 33,98,844, further improving the recovery rate to 77.77 percent, while the case fatality rate has dropped to 1.69 percent, the Union Health Ministry said Wednesday.

The health ministry on Wednesday said that 60 percent of the total 43.7 lakh COVID-19 infections in India were reported in five states. This included Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.

The COVID-19 cases in Himachal Pradesh, with just about 70 lakh population, have reached 7,832, according to the data provided by the state health department till Tuesday.

"The coronavirus cases are increasing day by day and neither their index cases nor travel history is being found which establishes its community spread," she added.

Shimla Chief Medical Officer Surekha Chopra said the recent data of COVID-19 cases established community spread of the virus.

"Total number of positive cases in the police force rises to 17,972, including 3,523 active cases, 14,269 recoveries and 180 deaths so far," said the Maharashtra Police.

With 533 more cops testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Maharashtra, the overall count in the police force has risen to 17,972 on Wednesday. The death of three more police personnel has increased the COVID-19 toll to 180.

Over 78,700 international passengers submitted their self-declaration form through the portal, the DIAL said in a press release.

The government had said last month that from 8 August, if any arriving international passenger has a negative report from an RT-PCR test done 96 hours prior to the journey, he or she need not undergo institutional quarantine in India. Delhi airport had launched an online portal for this purpose.

Delhi airport's online portal has received approximately 45,288 applications from international passengers since 8 August to avail exemption from seven-day institutional quarantine, said its operator DIAL on Wednesday.

The state also reported 728 new cases taking the total number of infected people to 94,854. As per the bulletin, 76,624 people have been discharged after treatment till now

Rajasthan recorded seven more fatalities due to the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, taking the toll in the state to 1,171, according to a health department bulletin.

Over 11.5 lakh COVID-19 samples have been tested for the first time in single day, the Union health ministry said on Wednesday. So far, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has tested over 5 crore samples.

The minister's aide said that Kanwar Pal's report came positive in the morning and he was currently in Chandigarh.

"After some symptoms, I got my Covid test done and it returned positive. I request all those who might have come in my contact to isolate themselves and get their tests done," the minister tweeted.

Haryana Education Minister Kanwar Pal said on Wednesday that he has tested positive for coronavirus. He requested all those who might have come in his contact during the past few days to isolate themselves and get their tests done.

With the addition of 1,392 fresh cases of COVID-19, the tally in Maharashtra's Thane district has reached 1,36,429, an official told news agency PTI. Apart from this, the district also recorded 24 fatalities on Tuesday that has taken the toll to 3,774, the official said.

A sum of Rs 10,339 crore has been released during COVID-19 period under the simplified payment process as envisaged in ambitious Aatm-Nirbhar Bharat scheme. Another sum of Rs 2,475 crore is being processed and likely to be released soon," ANI quoted Ministry of Road Transport and Highways as saying.

Amid a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday directed medical superintendents and senior officials to take every possible step to prevent the spread of the virus in the city.

This is the fourth part of the video series launched by the former Congress president on the economy and the lockdown.

"The lockdown was an attack on labourers, farmers and small shopkeepers. It was an attack on our unorganised sector. We have to understand this. We all have to stand against this attack," he said. "Whatever was done in the name of Corona was the third attack on the unorganised sector," he also said.

"The lockdown was not an attack on corona. The lockdown was an attack on the poor of India. It was an attack on the future of our youth," Gandhi said in a video series on the lockdown triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said the lockdown was not an attack on coronavirus but on the poor people and proved to be a "death sentence" for the unorganised sector as it "finished" jobs and small businesses. Everyone should stand against the attack, he said.

"To defeat coronavirus anywhere, we need to defeat it everywhere."

"Our chances to develop and deploy a safe and effective vaccine have never been higher, both for Europeans here at home, or for the rest of the world," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said.

The European Commission announced Wednesday it has reached a deal with a sixth pharmaceutical firm, this time BioNTech-Pfizer, to reserve a further 200 million doses of a potential coronavirus vaccine.

Journalist Rana Ayyub tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday,. She took to Twitter to share her test result and inform that she was has found a hospital bed in Navi Mumbai.

The Union health ministry says Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu account for 61% of the total active cases in the country.

He said the state government was committed to protect the people from the infection and provide better treatment to all.

"Contact tracing has an important role in controlling the spread of COVID-19 infection. This work should be conducted in a systematic and effective manner. In Lucknow, Prayagraj and Kanpur, contact tracing should be increased," a statement quoted the chief minister as saying. He was speaking at a COVID-19 review meeting here.

According to the health department, the state reported 6,743 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, out of which, 887 cases were found in Lucknow, 431 in Kanpur Nagar, 306 cases in Allahabad, among other places.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday called for increasing contact tracing of coronavirus patients in Lucknow, Kanpur and Allahabad.

The Serum Institute of India says it will continue trials of the Oxford vaccine despite AstraZeneca pausing the study. We cant comment much on the UK trials, but they have been paused for further review and they hope to restart soon, the institute says. As far as Indian trials are concerned, it is continuing and we have faced no issues at all.

Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda on Wednesday expressed happiness after six members of the dwindling Great Andamanese tribe, who tested positive for coronavirus, recovered and returned to their island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.

As many as 582 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Tripura on Wednesday, pushing the state's tally to 16,739, a health official said. Tripura's coronavirus death toll rose to 161 as nine more people succumbed to the infection, he said.

As many as 533 policemen in Maharashtra test positive for the coronavirus in the last 24 hours. The forces tally rises to 17,972. Three more deaths push the toll to 180.

Metro Rail officials said these trains will operate only during peak hours from 8 am to 11 am and 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm.

However, the services are yet to attract large number of passengers as most have apparently kept away due to Covid-19 apprehensions,according to officials.

As part of gradually restoring Metro rail operations,the Bangalore Metro Rail on Wednesday commenced services on another sector--the Green line-- two days after resuming it on another one.

Nine out of the total deaths on Wednesday occurred in Puducherry and the remaining one was reported from Karaikal region. Of the total 18,084 cases, 4,770 were active while 12,967 patients recovered and discharged so far.

Five women and as many men succumbed to COVID-19 in Puducherry on Wednesday while 341 more people contracted the virus, pushing the tally of infections to 18,084. A release from Health and Family Welfare department said 341 new cases were reported at the end of testing of 2,560.

Of the total number of cases, 2,470 patients have already recovered from the infection and discharged from hospitals, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official said. The number of active cases in Dharavi climbed down to 99 on Wednesday.

Dharavi, the largest slum in Mumbai, reported nine new coronavirus positive cases on Wednesday, which took the count of patients to 2,839, a senior civic official said.

In the first eight days of the month, Delhi registered 22,378 fresh coronavirus cases, including 3,609 fresh coronavirus cases on Tuesday, the highest single-day spike in 76 days, as the city moved towards two lakh-mark with over 4,618 deaths due to COVID-19 so far.

The minister also asserted that "extreme caution and not panic" should be the response of the city, and people should exhibit greater alertness and responsibility in public places to deal with this health crisis.

Despite a sharp surge in COVID-19 cases in the national capital over the last fortnight, the Delhi government has ruled out the possibility of another lockdown, with Health Minister Satyendar Jain asserting that the economy "cannot be kept shut for eternity" as livelihoods of millions depend on it.

"I wanted to give you an update. I had to go for 'Roadies' and before that I had to test for COVID-19. Two of my tests were negative, but the result which came today was positive. "BMC has asked me to self-isolate. So I am home quarantining," Raftaar shared in a video posted on his Instagram Story.

Rapper Raftaar on Wednesday said he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently home quarantined. The 31-year-old rapper said he was supposed to start shooting for the latest season of MTV's reality show "Roadies" and therefore got himself tested for coronavirus.

The number of active cases in the state rose to 97,271 after a total of 4,25,607 patients recovered and 4,634 died.

The latest bulletin said 9,842 patients had recovered in 24 hours ending 9 am on Wednesday, while 74 more succumbed to the pandemic in the state.

The Coronavirus graph of Andhra Pradesh continued its progression on a steep incline and reached 5,27,512 on Wednesday as 10,418 cases were added anew.

Jain asserted that Delhi government is committed to taking measures for ease of doing business to catalyse industrial growth, the statement said.

The Industries minister also suggested that there may be a moratorium of no or minimal government interference for at least a year to help the industry get back to growth, said a Delhi government statement.

The COVID-19 pandemic-induced uncertainties has led to a "drastic" drop in the average spend of people, Delhi minister Satyendar Jain said on Wednesday and emphasized that there is need to work towards building consumer confidence to avoid a long-term downward spiralling effect on the industry.

With this, the state has achieved a recovery rate of 82.01 percent. Like Tuesday, the number of recovered cases exceeded the new cases on Wednesday.

As many as 1,336 patients were discharged during the day, which pushed the number of recovered cases to 88,815, the department said in its release.

Gujarat's coronavirus tally rose to 1,08,295 with the addition of 1,329 new cases on Wednesday, the state health department said. With 16 fatalities, the death toll rose to 3,152, it said.

A total of 281 patients were discharged from hospitals, taking the number of recoveries to 17,156, he said. As many as 2,608 swab samples were tested, of which 1,502 were negative, 621 were positive and 485 reports are awaited, he said.

At least 621 persons tested positive for coronavirus in Goa, while six patients died of the infection on Wednesday, an official from the health department said. With the addition of 621 new cases, the tally in the coastal state rose to 22,251, the official said.

With 121 patients being discharged after treatment in the day, the number of recoveries rose to 27,145 in the district, the department said. Of the 171 fresh cases, Ahmedabad city contributed 149 patients while 22 cases were reported from rural areas. All four deaths occurred in the city.

The COVID-19 tally in Ahmedabad district crossed the 33,000 mark and reached 33,037 on Wednesday with addition of 171 new cases, Gujarat health department said. The cumulative toll rose to 1,760 with four new fatalities, it said.

Karnataka on Wednesday reported a spike of 9,540 COVID-19 cases and 128 fatalities, taking the total infection count to 4,21,730 and the toll to 6,808. The day also saw 6,860 patients getting discharged after recovery. Out of new cases reported on Wednesday, 3,419 were from Bengaluru urban alone.

The Chief Minister, who inaugurated the hospital through video conferencing, thanked the Tata Group for showing interest in the health sector of Kerala.

Built by the Tata Group using prefabricated containers in just five months at a cost of Rs 60 crore, the 551 bed hospital has 36 ventilators for the patients.

The first dedicated COVID-19 hospital in Kerala, built by the Tata Group, was inaugurated here on Wednesday by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who said it was an excellent example of how Public Private Partnership can be put to good use.

The central drug regulator has issued a show-cause notice to Serum Institute of India (SII) for not informing it about pharma giant AstraZeneca pausing the clinical trials of the Oxford vaccine candidate for COVID-19 in other countries and also for not submitting casualty analysis of the "reported serious adverse events". The show-cause notice was issued following reports that human trials of the most promising COVID-19 vaccine candidate, being developed by the University of Oxford, have been put on hold after a UK participant had an adverse reaction to it.

In the first eight days of the month, Delhi registered 22,378 fresh coronavirus cases, including 3,609 fresh coronavirus cases on Tuesday, the highest single-day spike in 76 days, as the city moved towards two lakh-mark with over 4,618 deaths due to COVID-19 so far.

The minister also asserted that "extreme caution and not panic" should be the response of the city, and people should exhibit greater alertness and responsibility in public places to deal with this health crisis.

Despite a sharp surge in COVID-19 cases in the national capital over the last fortnight, the Delhi government has ruled out the possibility of another lockdown, with Health Minister Satyendar Jain asserting that the economy "cannot be kept shut for eternity" as livelihoods of millions depend on it.

"I wanted to give you an update. I had to go for 'Roadies' and before that I had to test for COVID-19. Two of my tests were negative, but the result which came today was positive. "BMC has asked me to self-isolate. So I am home quarantining," Raftaar shared in a video posted on his Instagram Story.

Rapper Raftaar on Wednesday said he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently home quarantined. The 31-year-old rapper said he was supposed to start shooting for the latest season of MTV's reality show "Roadies" and therefore got himself tested for coronavirus.

The number of active cases in the state rose to 97,271 after a total of 4,25,607 patients recovered and 4,634 died.

The latest bulletin said 9,842 patients had recovered in 24 hours ending 9 am on Wednesday, while 74 more succumbed to the pandemic in the state.

The Coronavirus graph of Andhra Pradesh continued its progression on a steep incline and reached 5,27,512 on Wednesday as 10,418 cases were added anew.

Jain asserted that Delhi government is committed to taking measures for ease of doing business to catalyse industrial growth, the statement said.

The Industries minister also suggested that there may be a moratorium of no or minimal government interference for at least a year to help the industry get back to growth, said a Delhi government statement.

The COVID-19 pandemic-induced uncertainties has led to a "drastic" drop in the average spend of people, Delhi minister Satyendar Jain said on Wednesday and emphasized that there is need to work towards building consumer confidence to avoid a long-term downward spiralling effect on the industry.

With this, the state has achieved a recovery rate of 82.01 percent. Like Tuesday, the number of recovered cases exceeded the new cases on Wednesday.

As many as 1,336 patients were discharged during the day, which pushed the number of recovered cases to 88,815, the department said in its release.

Gujarat's coronavirus tally rose to 1,08,295 with the addition of 1,329 new cases on Wednesday, the state health department said. With 16 fatalities, the death toll rose to 3,152, it said.

A total of 281 patients were discharged from hospitals, taking the number of recoveries to 17,156, he said. As many as 2,608 swab samples were tested, of which 1,502 were negative, 621 were positive and 485 reports are awaited, he said.

At least 621 persons tested positive for coronavirus in Goa, while six patients died of the infection on Wednesday, an official from the health department said. With the addition of 621 new cases, the tally in the coastal state rose to 22,251, the official said.

With 121 patients being discharged after treatment in the day, the number of recoveries rose to 27,145 in the district, the department said. Of the 171 fresh cases, Ahmedabad city contributed 149 patients while 22 cases were reported from rural areas. All four deaths occurred in the city.

The COVID-19 tally in Ahmedabad district crossed the 33,000 mark and reached 33,037 on Wednesday with addition of 171 new cases, Gujarat health department said. The cumulative toll rose to 1,760 with four new fatalities, it said.

Karnataka on Wednesday reported a spike of 9,540 COVID-19 cases and 128 fatalities, taking the total infection count to 4,21,730 and the toll to 6,808. The day also saw 6,860 patients getting discharged after recovery. Out of new cases reported on Wednesday, 3,419 were from Bengaluru urban alone.

The Chief Minister, who inaugurated the hospital through video conferencing, thanked the Tata Group for showing interest in the health sector of Kerala.

Built by the Tata Group using prefabricated containers in just five months at a cost of Rs 60 crore, the 551 bed hospital has 36 ventilators for the patients.

The first dedicated COVID-19 hospital in Kerala, built by the Tata Group, was inaugurated here on Wednesday by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who said it was an excellent example of how Public Private Partnership can be put to good use.

The central drug regulator has issued a show-cause notice to Serum Institute of India (SII) for not informing it about pharma giant AstraZeneca pausing the clinical trials of the Oxford vaccine candidate for COVID-19 in other countries and also for not submitting casualty analysis of the "reported serious adverse events". The show-cause notice was issued following reports that human trials of the most promising COVID-19 vaccine candidate, being developed by the University of Oxford, have been put on hold after a UK participant had an adverse reaction to it.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates: Despite a sharp surge in COVID-19 cases in Delhi over the last fortnight, the AAP government has ruled out the possibility of another lockdown, with Health Minister Satyendar Jain asserting that the economy "cannot be kept shut for eternity" as livelihoods of millions depend on it.

However, the Bengaluru metro services are yet to attract large number of passengers as most have apparently kept away due to Covid-19 apprehensions,according to officials.

According to the health department, the Uttar Pradesh has reported 6,743 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, out of which, 887 cases were found in Lucknow, 431 in Kanpur Nagar, 306 cases in Allahabad, among other places.

"The lockdown was not an attack on corona. The lockdown was an attack on the poor of India. It was an attack on the future of our youth," Gandhi said in a video series on the lockdown triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Over 11.5 lakh COVID-19 samples have been tested for the first time in single day, the Union health ministry said on Wednesday. So far, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has tested over 5 crore samples.

The death of three more Maharashtra Police personnel in the past 24 hours has increased the COVID-19 toll to 180.

Maharashtra reported more than 20,000 COVID-19 cases alone of the total 89,706 fresh infections reported in past 24 hrs, said the health ministry on Wednesday.

Although India has a low death rate from COVID-19 disease, nearly 1,000 deaths have been recorded every day from across the country for the last nine days.

On Wednesday, the toll due to the infectious disease has risen to 73,890 with 1,115 more fatalities.

India's COVID-19 cases exceeded 43 lakh on Wednesday after 89,706 more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours.

Delhi Metro's Blue Line and Pink Line resumed services with curtailed operation timings on Wednesday after being closed for 171 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said.

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca said Tuesday it had "voluntarily paused" a randomized clinical trial of its coronavirus vaccine in what it called a routine action after a volunteer developed an unexplained illness.

India's daily coronavirus cases on Tuesday saw a slight dip with 75,809 cases reported in 24 hours as against the 90,802 recorded on Monday, but the toll due to COVID-19 surged to 72,775 with a record 1,113 patients succumbing to the virus.

Amid rising cases, the Central Government underlined increasing reports from state governments about people becoming lax in taking precautions against COVID-19, and how it is hampering the efforts to curb the spread of the virus.

The number of recoveries on Tuesday surged to 33,23,950 pushing the recovery rate to 77.65 percent, according to the health ministry data.

The data showed that there are 8,83,697 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprise 20.65 percent of the total caseload of 42,80,422.

During a media briefing, the Centre claimed that India's COVID-19 cases per million population (now at 3,102), is among the lowest in the world.

Niti Aayog member Dr VK Paul also urged people to get themselves tested, stating that the government had facilitated extensive testing and also allowed testing on demand.

Paul, who also chairs the national expert group on COVID-19 vaccine administration, said that the government was considering Russia's request for conducting phase-3 clinical trial and manufacturing its COVID-19 vaccine 'Sputnik V' in India.

The health ministry also released guidelines for the partial re-opening of schools on a voluntary basis, stipulating disinfection of the premises and stressing on ensuring proper distance between students and teachers,

In Delhi, the high court, expressing concern over the sharp rise in cases in the National Capital, said that doctor's prescription will no longer be mandatory for those who want to get themselves tested for COVID-19.

Health minister Satyendra Jain, in an interview with news agency PTI, however, said that there was no reason to panic and that the spike in cases will "plateau" after 10-15 days.

Five states account for 70% deaths, 62% active cases: Health ministry

In a briefing on the COVID-19 situation in the country, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that India's COVID-19 fatality rate is among the lowest globally and currently stands at 1.7o percent.

"The COVID-19 deaths per million population in India is 53 as compared to the world average of 115 deaths per million. This is also among the lowest in the world," he said.

Giving a state-wise break up of India's coronavirus cases and deaths, Bhushan said that five states  Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh account for approximately 70 percent of total COVID-19 deaths in the country.

"A total of 28 states and UTs have COVID-19 case fatality rate lower than the national average of 1.70 percent," the official noted.

He added that the five states also account for 62 percent of total active COVID-19 cases in the country. "While 14 states and UTs have less than 5,000 active COVID-19 cases, Lakshadweep has no active cases," Bhushan said.

Responding to a question, the health secretary said that six persons from a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands had tested positive for the coronavirus but all have recovered now. In the Nicobarese tribe which is not a PVTG, there are still 15 active cases, the official informed.

Jammu and Kashmir reports record spike

Meanwhile, states and Union Territories continued reporting more cases and deaths due to the infection. Jammu and Kashmir witnessed its biggest single-day spike of 1,355 COVID-19 cases, pushing the Union Territory's infection count to 45,925. Among the new cases, 785 were from the Jammu region and 570 were from the Kashmir Valley. The toll in the UT rose to 815 with 14 more dying of the disease.

Maharashtra recorded 20,131 new COVID-19 cases, taking its caseload to 9,43,772, while the toll increased to 27,407 with 380 persons succumbing to the disease.

For the fifth day in a row, Andhra Pradesh, the second worst-affected state in the country by the virus, saw more number of coronavirus patients getting discharged than the addition of new cases. On Tuesday, 11,691 COVID-19 patients got discharged from hospitals in the state while 10,601 fresh cases took the overall count to 5,17,094.

In Tamil Nadu, the toll crossed 8,000 with 87 more fatalities, while 5,684 fresh cases pushed the cumulative case count to to 4,74,940. The toll now stands at 8,012. Recoveries outnumbered new infections for the third successive day with 6,599 people getting discharged, taking the total number of people who have recovered from the disease to 4,16,71, said the state health department.

Delhi also saw a spike of 3,609 fresh coronavirus cases with over 45,000 COVID-19 tests being conducted in 24 hours. According to the latest health bulletin issued by the state government, the total cases crossed 1.97 lakh while the toll mounted to 4,618, with 19 more fatalities.



No prescription needed for testing in Delhi

The Delhi High Court noted that there was a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases from 31 August in the National capital and said that the figures were rather alarming.

To prevent any delays given the situation, the court said that those who want to voluntarily get themselves tested need not obtain a prescription from a doctor. The person concerned will only be required to fill an ICMR form and attach Aadhaar card with Delhi address as proof, the bench of justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad said.

The bench also asked private laboratories to allot 2,000 RT-PCR tests per day for those who want to undergo the test. The bench directed the Delhi government to ramp up the mobile facilities from two to four and said that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) should display advertisements about the nearby COVID-19 testing camps at prominent spots near the entry and exit area of the stations.

While the Yellow Line of the Delhi Metro resumed services with restricted timings from Monday as part of the fourth phase of 'unlocking' activities, the Blue and Pink Line are set to start operations on Wednesday.

Cases will plateau soon, says Delhi health minister

Meanwhile Delhi health minister Satyendra Jain sought to allay fears over the rapid spread of the infection, saying that "the current situation is far better than in June" when the city witnessed a big wave of infections.

He also attributed the rise in cases to an increase in testing.

In an interview to PTI, Jain said,"One of the main reasons why we are seeing such a rise in the number of fresh cases is because we are going aggressive as far as testing is concerned. We have been conducting tests in markets, crowded places, Mohalla Clinics, hospitals, and many other places.

"The scale of testing per day has been almost quadrupled than what was in June," Jain said, claiming that Delhi is doing more tests per million people than any other state.

"There is a spike in the number of cases, but the fact is that we have also increased the scale of testing as we don't want to leave even a single person who has been infected untraced, including asymptomatic ones. This spike will come down in the next 10-15 days, and cases will sort of plateau and stabilise by then," Jain asserted.

When asked about the most effective strategy of the government, Jain said, "home isolation was our biggest strategy, and it proved to be a game-changer. We are on the right course, and we will continue to pursue that strategy for effective COVID-19 management."

Centre issues SOPs for partial re-opening of schools

Even as state governments and UTs released their daily figures on COVID-19, the health ministry issued SOPs for the partial re-opening of schools from 21 September. Under the Unlock-4 guidelines, schools outside containment zones have been allowed to partially reopen for students from Classes 9 to 12 who want to take guidance from their teachers.

Disallowing sharing of notebooks, pens/pencils,water bottles, etc, among students, prohibition of assemblies and sports, encouraging online learning, entry of asymptomatic persons are some of the health ministry's guidelines

However, written consent of the students' parents or guardians will be required and the teacher-student interactions must be organised in a staggered manner, the guidelines stated.

According to the 'SOP for partial reopening of Schools for students of Classes 9 to 12 on a voluntary basis', the seating arrangement has to be made to ensure a distance of six feet between chairs, desks, etc, and the faculty will ensure that they themselves and students wear masks throughout the teaching/guidance activities.

Sanitiser dispensers and thermal screening provisions should be made at the entrance and frequently touched surfaces must be regularly disinfected with one percent sodium hypochlorite, the guidelines stated.

Schools that were used as COVID-19 quarantine centres should be properly sanitised and deep-cleaned before partial functioning is resumed, the document stated.

The guidelines also called for ensuring regular counselling for students and teachers reporting mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. It is advisable that teachers, school counsellors and school health workers should work in unison to ensure emotional safety of the students

With inputs from PTI
Officials issued a health warning to Albuquerque residents Monday evening after wildfire smoke drifted into the area.

Jeff Stonesifer, a spokesman with the city, said the health advisory is in effect from 7 p.m. Monday until 11 a.m. Tuesday.

The U.S. Forest Service sent out a warning earlier Monday that the Medio Fire is putting out more smoke as record high temperatures hit the area.

The southwestern side of the Medio Fire is putting up a fair amount of smoke today as hot, dry conditions contributed to more active fire behavior, Julie Anne Overton, a Forest Service spokeswoman, said.

Stonesifer said those with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activity particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exposure to smoke can aggravate severity of COVID-19 symptoms, and infection with COVID-19 can increase health impacts from smoke exposure, Stonesifer said. The risk of COVID-19 transmission remains very high, and people who are vulnerable should remain at home whenever possible, especially when wildfire smoke is present.
(Newser)  Salt Lake City police received a call about a boy having a "psychological episode" before an officer shot the boy multiple times. "No matter the circumstances, what happened on Friday night is a tragedy," Mayor Erin Mendenhall said Sunday, as the boy was listed in serious condition in a hospital. She added an investigation into the shooting would be "handled swiftly and transparently for the sake of everyone involved." Sgt. Keith Horrocks said police were called just after 10pm to a home where a boy was suffering a "mental episode  and had made threats to some folks with a weapon," per the Salt Lake Tribune. The boyidentified by family as 13-year-old Linden Cameronran from police before an officer opened fire. A GoFundMe page claims Linden was left "with injuries to his shoulder, both ankles, intestines, and bladder."

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No weapon was found Friday, per the Tribune. That's because Linden didn't have a weapon, according to his mother, Golda Barton. She said she called police, asking for a crisis intervention team, because her son was in need of help. He has autism, Asperger's, and severe separation anxiety, and Friday was Barton's first day back at work in almost a year, per KUTV and KJZZ. When officers arrived, "I said, 'He's unarmed. He doesn't have anything. He just gets mad and he starts yelling and screaming,'" Barton told KUTV. She's left wondering why police didn't use less-lethal methods on the "small child." She suggested officers could've just tackled him. Police have refused to comment further, saying more information will be shared by Sept. 21. Body-camera footage must be released by that date under a city ordinance. (Read more police shooting stories.)
MANZINI  A large number of lawyers have raised concerns over a member of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) who is also a full-time practising lawyer.

The gripe of the attorneys interviewed by this publication was that the member of the UEDF was fully employed by the State and also acting as a civilian.

This, they claimed, was an unfair act as he was gainfully employed by government while also practising law as a private citizen. The lawyers claimed that this concern had been communicated in various forums but was yet to be addressed by their professional body  Law Society of Swaziland (LSS).

Deployed

The said lawyer is Mabandla Nxumalo.

Nxumalo also confirmed that he was a lawyer practising under a law firm known to this publication. He also admitted that he was serving the country and deployed by the UEDF at its headquarters at Nokwane.

Nxumalo said his employer was aware that he was also a practising lawyer; however, the soldier declined to comment much on the issue as he said he was not authorised to speak on issues that pertained to the UEDF.

Like I said, Im a soldier and a lawyer but duties of the army involve national security. That is why we are not permitted as individuals to speak on behalf of the army, he said

When Nxumalo was questioned on whether this was permitted by his employer, he insisted that the army was aware of his other occupation.

The soldier further said he could not explain it further as it bordered on national security.

Following this stance, this publication engaged the Public Relations Officer of the UEDF, Tengetile Khumalo.

Her office was sought to assist in shedding light on whether the UEDF permitted its personnel to moonlight and also on how the army allowed the officer in question to practise as a lawyer representing ordinary citizens yet he was a government employee.

Lastly, she was asked on what the army would do to address the matter at hand.

To this, Khumalo said: We acknowledge your concern. The Defence Force PR Office duly notes that this matter has been raised by concerned individuals in the Law Society.

She said the UEDF headquarters would await a formal lodging of a complaint from the pertinent structures; thereupon, the Defence Force would be in a position to address the matter officially.

To this, senior lawyer and Vice President of the Law Society of Swaziland (LSS), Lucky Howe, said his understanding was that when a person was practising law, he/she could only practise law.

You are not allowed to practise law when you are in the gainful employment of somebody else unless you are serving articles and you have exemption from the attorney general for services of articles, Howe said.

Following that, he said that individual who could have been serving articles may then return to their place of employment.






The Sunderbans in West Bengal  a UNESCO world heritage site and home to the only tiger that lives in mangroves  has been categorized as an endangered ecosystem by a team of scientists from four countries.

But there is a silver lining too. The researchers have found that the worlds largest mangrove system, which has been degraded because of unbridled human activities in the past, is showing signs of stabilization and is gradually becoming resilient to climate change.

The Sunderbans, which has seen much degradation in the past, has been categorized as an endangered ecosystem according to the International Union for Conservation of Natures The Red List of Ecosystems. Felling of trees for human settlement over the past few centuries which has degraded the mangrove to a large extent and the declining fish population were the two primary reasons to tag the delta as an endangered one. Ongoing threats, including climate change and reduced freshwater supply may further impact the delta, said Punyasloke Bhadury, who heads the Centre for Climate and Environmental Studies at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research.

The IUCNs Red List of Ecosystems (RLE) is a global standard for assessing the risk of ecosystem collapse. The Giant Kelp Forest in Alaska, the tidal flats of Yellow Sea in east Asia and Lake Burullus in Egypt also fall in the endangered category. The Gnarled Mossy Cloud Forest in Australia and Gonakier forest in Senegal are two critically endangered ecosystems. The Aral Sea which has dried up has been tagged as a collapsed ecosystem.

However, mangrove extent has since stabilised, tiger numbers are slowly recovering and analysis of mangrove condition highlights that only a small proportion of the forest is classified as degraded. We are cautiously optimistic about the future of the Indian Sundarbans, said Michael Sievers, a scientist with School of Environment and Science at Griffith University in Australia and the corresponding author of the research paper.

The study was done by researchers from various institutes including the Oxford University and Griffith University in four countries  India, UK, Australia and Singapore. The findings have been published in the latest issue of Biological Conservation-- a journal of the Elsevier group.

The Sunderbans sprawls over 10,200 sq km. While 4200 sq km lies in West Bengal in India, the remaining 6000 sq km is in Bangladesh. Around 200 tigers have adapted to this mangrove and hence have acquired global importance.

The scientists have analysed data of past five decades till March 2020, which means even though they have included the effects of Cyclone Aila in 2009 and Cyclone Bulbul in November 2019, they missed out the devastation caused by Cyclone Amphan in May 2020. Cyclone Amphan had devastated almost one third of mangrove forest, top forest officials had said.

The scientists have warned that despite the positive signs, several threats remain. Impacts from hydrological modifications and salinity alterations, from climate change and sea level rise, and from coastal erosion and reduced sediment supply all need to be properly monitored and managed where possible.

The findings have been shared with authorities of the state pollution control board and the forest department.

We are planting around 50 million saplings of mangrove species in the Sunderbans to cope with the loss which the delta has suffered during Cyclone Amphan. The tiger population has increased from 88 to 96 in the past one year. A series of measures such as generating jobs though MGNREGA are being taken for the villagers, said VK Yadav, chief wildlife warden of West Bengal.

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Gas industry will be both resilient and critical in the journey to a net zero carbon position by mid-century

Summit delivers the latest commercial strategies and trends dominating the Gas, LNG and Energy industry

LONDON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Delegates at this year's Gastech Virtual Summit Strategic Conference have heard exclusive critical insights from Ministers, policy makers, business leaders, disrupters and innovators. The Gas, LNG and Energy industry's most powerful executives spoke today at Day 2 of the Summit. The world's leading event for the Gas, LNG and Energy industry is taking place digitally from 7 - 11 September.

Gastech has a successful history of attracting the industry's top CEOs as speakers. The renowned strategic and technical conference programmes feature more than 200 speakers, in 89 conference sessions and presentations. Over 1,500 delegates are participating in the global Gas, LNG and Energy industry's premier knowledge exchange platform. Issues impacting the future of the industry; energy security of supply; affordability and sustainability; the prospects for demand and investment recovery; and changes to supply in a post COVID-19 world are top of the agenda.

Joseph McMonigle, Secretary General of International Energy Forum opened Day 2 of the conference with a Keynote Address, he said, "The pandemic increases the stakes by pushing the demand gap out further over the next decade. This opens a new window of opportunity that enables the gas industry to play a larger role in achieving climate, clean air, and energy access goals."

Global Business Leaders discussed the current and future global LNG market, with Atsunori Takeuchi, Executive Officer, Senior General Manager of LNG Optimization & Trading Department at Tokyo Gas saying, "Our company would like to contribute to sustainable development of global energy market and the implementation of low carbon society and the decarbonised society ahead of it. This is our future."

Faisel Khan, Chief Financial Officer of Sempra LNG said, "We're quite optimistic on the growth and need of natural gas and LNG across the world for some time to come, especially in Asia. We see it eventually as competing with coal on a long-term basis both from a social cost perspective in terms of GHG emissions and even potentially on a price basis for a long time."Anatol Feygin, Chief Commercial Officer of Cheniere added, "We're very confident that LNG and US LNG in particular will have a seat at the table and will be part of a long-term multi-decade solution."

Thomas Siebal, Author, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at C3.ai spoke at a Gastech Tech Talk on the digital transformation of the oil and gas industry and the importance of digital technologies in surviving the impact of COVID-19, he said, "When we get to this issue of corporate mass extinction and digital transformation, predictions are that 70% of the existing companies today will go digital and 21% will succeed. The rest will go out of business. They'll be acquired, they'll be merged and they'll cease to exist. This is accelerated by what's been going on. This digital transformation process has clearly been accelerated in the post-COVID economy."

Hydrogen's potential to play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future was discussed during a Global Business Leader panel discussion. De La Rey Venter, Executive Vice President, Integrated Gas Ventures of Shell said; "How important is hydrogen really in the context of our climate aspirations? Bluntly put, it is mission critical."

Keisuke Sadamori, Director, Energy Markets and Security of International Energy Agency said, 'There's a lot of opportunity now for hydrogen probably more than ever before, so we must start now. What we do between now and 2030 is critical, the challenge is to turn the momentum into investment decisions." Hydrogen will play an important role in decarbonising the energy industry, today the Gastech Hydrogen Exhibition and Conference was launched, co-located with Gastech, the event will enable those driving the development of Hydrogen and those investing to convene in Singapore next September.

Lisa Glatch, Chief Operating Officer of Sempra LNG; Tracy Lothian, Senior Vice President, LNG at ExxonMobil; Julie Mayo, Energy Transactions Partner and Head of US Oil and Gas at Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP and Maria Sferruzza, Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific at Baker Hughes discussed diversity and inclusion in energy, addressing how vital it is that companies deploy initiatives to move towards meeting a balance. ExxonMobil hosted Powerplay Panels, connecting women from across the global energy business, highlighting excellence and supporting greater diversity and environments in which women can flourish.

Martin Houston, Vice President at Tellurian wrapped up day 2 of the strategic conference in analysis with Eithne Treaner, Gastech presenter, he stated, "Energy demand is growing, and gas is an important part of that!" The underlying of the Summit was that the gas industry will be both resilient and critical in the journey to a net zero carbon position by mid-century, all gas companies are now energy companies, with the shared mandate to drive a low carbon energy future.

Other speakers leading today's conversation included: Prabhat Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, Petronet LNG; Niek den Hollander, Executive Board Member Uniper SE; Keisuke Sadamori, Director, Energy Markets and Security, International Energy Agency; Sanjiv Lamba, Executive Vice President, APAC, Linde; Thorbjoern Fors, Executive Vice President, Industrial Applications, Siemens Energy and Dan Feldman, Partner, Shearman & Sterling; Hiroki Sato, Managing Executive Officer & Chief Global Partnership Officer, JERA Inc.; Jun Nishizawa, Executive Vice President, Group CEO, Natural Gas Group, Mitsubishi Corporation; Jane Liao, CEO, Natural Gas Business, CPC Corporation, Taiwan; Steve Hill, Executive Vice President for Gas & Energy Marketing & Trading, Shell; Irtiza Sayyed, President, ExxonMobil LNG Market Development Inc and Michael Stoppard, Chief Strategist for Gas, IHS Markit

The topics covered by the Gastech Virtual Summit include the role of natural gas in the energy transition; the criticality of IoT and data security in the future of the energy industry; the impact of deregulation on markets and investment; opportunities and challenges to the energy sector posed by Industry 4.0; hydrogen's ability to deliver on decarbonisation commitments and what impact environmental activism will have on the emerging growth opportunities for the industry.

The Gastech Virtual Summit 2020 is being held in place of the Gastech exhibition and conference, scheduled to take place in Singapore, in September. dmg events and the Gastech Governing Body, in consultation with Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Tourism Board collectively took the decision to postpone that event, to 13 - 16 September 2021, due to concerns around the global pandemic, accessibility and the wellbeing of speakers, delegates, exhibitors and visitors.

About Gastech

For almost 50 years, Gastech has been at the heart of the Gas, LNG and Energy conversation. As the world starts to emerge from the shadow of COVID-19, the Gastech Virtual Summit will engage with, and address, the key issues and most promising opportunities for the Gas, LNG and Energy industries in the 4th industrial age.

Taking place from 7-11 September 2020, Gastech Virtual Summit will provide leadership and direction as the Gas, LNG and Energy industries seek to strike a balance between business priorities and their licence to operate, in a post COVID-19 world. With an emphasis on technology innovation; supply and demand dynamics; evolving partnerships; people and talent and governance and influence, the Summit will set the agenda for the global Gas, LNG and Energy industries for decades to come.

For more information please visit www.gastechevent.com.

Follow us on social media @Gastechevent and use GTVirtualSummit and Gastech for the latest soundbites and news updates as the event happens!
mNotify, a robust communication and information dissemination platform in Ghana has today launched a virtual assistant called Theo for its customers. With the company focused on increasing productivity and efficiency of its clients, this move comes at a time when the whole world is fixated on safety and convenience in the business world.

Speaking at the launch of this highly useful innovation, Managing Partner of the company Mr. Ronald Tagoe said "The WhatsApp-based virtual assistant service, Theo, helps customers to enjoy our services without visiting the mNotify website. With Theo, anyone can now easily create an account to become a customer. Customers can top up their mNotify accounts, patronize mNotifyssignup for our bulk SMS Service, Bulk call services and VoiceVvoice BlastsBblasts and submit complaints or feedback all through WhatsApp.

To start a conversation with Theo, simply send a Hello to +233270009543 on Whatsapp, and enjoy great services while on the go. You can also try this now by clicking this.

With WhatsApp becoming the most common and widely used communication medium on the continent, we are matching our customers needs with technology to provide this amazing service so we can serve you better. We believe this will make it faster for you to reach your customers while staying connected on WhatsApp, the same channel you use for business communications. Whether its advertising or reaching out to your customers, our SMS and Voice solutions have been crucial in helping businesses deliver value. You can send messages to a large number of people at a time using a customized and unique sender name instead of the usual phone number. And now, we make this even easier with Theo the Bot on WhatsApp.

Theo was built with our customers in mind and is available 24/7 to assist with all inquiries and perform everyday services you would have done through the website. This new service falls in line with the companys vision of offering our clients the relevant communication tools that make it cheaper and easier to always keep in touch and engage with their own customers and audience. We are looking to grow our relationship with you, and Theo enables just that. Social chatbots are the future for outstanding customer service.- added Ronald Tagoe, Managing Partner

This app and service are useful to all SMEs, industries, private and public sector firms, schools, religious institutions and other organizations. For businesses who would like to deploy similar virtual assistant services to your customers, please reach out to us on 0302506313 / 0559555728.
IGNOU TEE June 2020: The Indira Gandhi National Open University is expected to release the admit card for IGNOU Term end examination 2020 soon on its official website.

After the admit card is released, candidates who have registered for the IGNOU TEE 2020 exam will be able to download their hall ticket online at ignou.ac.in.

The varsity will conduct the IGNOU TEE 2020 examination from September 17 to October 16, 2020. However, those students who will not be able to appear for the IGNOU TEE examination due to the coronavirus related issue or any other reason will be permitted to appear for the December TEE 2020 examination instead.

How to download IGNOU TEE 2020 admit card:

1. Visit the official website at ignou.ac.in

2. On the homepage, click on the link that reads, IGNOU TEE June 2020 admit card

3. A new page will appear on the display screen

4. Key in your credentials and login

5. The IGNOU TEE June 2020 admit card will be displayed on the screen

6. Download the admit card and take its print out for future reference.
Andrew Westrope is managing editor of the Center for Digital Education. Before that, he was a staff writer for Government Technology, and previously was a reporter and editor at community newspapers. He has a bachelors degree in physiology from Michigan State University and lives in Northern California.
Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) lawmaker Premalal Jayasekera was convicted in a murder case on July 31

Colombo: A Sri Lankan lawmaker from the ruling party, who was elected to Parliament while serving a death sentence in a murder case, was on Tuesday sworn in as an MP by the speaker.

Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) lawmaker Premalal Jayasekera was convicted in a murder case on July 31, just days ahead of the August 5 parliamentary elections which he contested from the south western Ratnapura region.

He was sworn in as a member of parliament by speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.

His oath taking followed the court of appeal issuing an interim order directing the Commissioner-General of Prisons to make arrangements for Jayasekara to attend Parliament.

Jayasekara had filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal asking for a relief. Theappeal court order had come after the Attorney-General Dappula de Livera's ruling last week that Jayasekara is unsuitable to either sit in parliament or vote in the house.

The Attorney General had said that as per section 91 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka, no person shall be qualified to be elected as a Member of Parliament or to sit and vote in Parliament if he is or becomes subject to any of the disqualifications specified in Article 89.

It adds, Section 89 (d) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka notes that no person shall be qualified to be an elector at an election of the President, or of the Members of Parliament or to vote at any Referendum if he is under sentence of death and he will lose his right to vote under such a sentence.

Jayasekera and two others were sentenced to death by the Ratnapura High Court for the 2015 murder of a political activist in the run up to the January 2015 presidential election.

Jayasekera was not able to attend the parliament's inaugural session on August 20 after the SLPP's landslide win.
Britain went into Tuesday's fresh round of Brexit trade talks with a warning to the European Union that it was ramping up preparations to leave without an agreement as both sides bickered over rules governing nearly $1 trillion in commerce.

Britain left the EU on Jan. 31 but talks on new trade terms have made little headway as the clock ticks down to an October deadline for a new deal and then the end of the status-quo transition arrangement in late December.

As diplomats try to gauge whether Prime Minister Boris Johnson is blustering or serious about allowing a tumultuous finale to the four-year Brexit saga, his chief negotiator said yet again that Britain was not afraid of a no-deal exit.

That prospect scares business and weakened the British pound on currency markets.

"We have now been talking for six months and can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground. We need to see more realism from the EU about our status as an independent country," David Frost, Britain's top Brexit negotiator, said in a statement.

"If they can't do that in the very limited time we have left then we will be trading on terms like those the EU has with Australia, and we are ramping up our preparations for the end of the year."

The EU warned Britain on Monday that its international reputation as a pillar of the West would be tarnished and that there would be no trade deal after the Financial Times reported that London might simply undercut the Withdrawal Agreement treaty signed in January.

Britain said it was committed to the treaty but that it needed minor clarifications and a backup plan to support the 1998 Northern Ireland peace deal.

European diplomats said Britain was playing a game of Brexit chicken by threatening to collapse the process and challenging Brussels to compromise first. Some fear Johnson may view a no-deal exit as useful distraction from the coronavirus crisis.

IRELAND WORRIED

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said Britain's trade talks with the EU would be pointless if the Brexit withdrawal agreement it signed up to is not implemented in full,

"The withdrawal agreement is an international treaty and we expect the UK government to implement and to adhere to what was agreed. We trust them to do so or they would render the talks process null and void," Martin told the Irish Examiner.

The latest round of negotiations in London are likely to be tough: Britain says the EU has failed to understand that it is now an independent country - especially when it comes to fishing and state aid.

The EU, weary of wrangling over Brexit, says it needs specifics from London and that Britain cannot make its own rules and have preferential access to its markets.

As Johnson says mid-October is the deadline for a deal, diplomats said the public posturing was to be expected.

"As you get closer to the deadline, its not surprising people ramp up the pressure," one EU diplomat said. "We all believe there has been movement by the EU towards the UK position, but it hasn't been reciprocated, and that's the concern.

"So, time is running out. If we are to get the deal that everybody wants, given the number of open issues and given the amount of time left, any deal is looking thinner and thinner."

Without agreement, trade and financial ties between the world's sixth largest economy and its biggest trading bloc would be thrown into disarray, spreading havoc among markets and businesses.

Brexit nerves boosted sterling-dollar implied one-month volatility to 10% for the first time since mid-June.

"We want to leave with a Canada-style free trade arrangement - that's always been our preference - and we think that's still possible," British Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News when asked if he was looking forward to a no-deal Brexit.

"But... if they don't show the degree of flexibility and realism that we want them to show... then we'll leave with the kind of trading arrangements that Australia and other countries have and we think that's also a good arrangement for the future."

Australia is negotiating a free trade deal with the EU to improve its market access, but for now largely trades with the bloc on World Trade Organization terms.

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This 2020 electron microscope image made available by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases shows a Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 particle isolated from a patient, in a laboratory in Fort Detrick, Md. Coronaviruses, including the newest one, are named for the spikes that cover their outer surface like a crown, or corona in Latin. Using those club-shaped spikes, the virus latches on to the outer wall of a human cell, invades it and replicates, creating viruses to hijack more cells. (NIAID/NIH via AP)

In the early days of the pandemic, doctors noticed something about the people severely ill from COVID-19: Many were obese.

The link became more apparent as coronavirus swept across the globe and data mounted, and researchers are still trying to figure out why.

Excess weight increases the chances of developing a number of health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. And those are among the conditions that can make COVID-19 patients more likely to get very sick.

But there's some evidence that obesity itself can increase the likelihood of serious complications from a coronavirus infection. One study of more than 5,200 infected people, including 35% who were obese, found that the chances of hospitalization rose for people with higher BMIs, even when taking into account other conditions that could put them at risk.

Scientists are still studying the factors that might be at playthe way obesity affects the immune system may be onebut say it's another example of the pandemic illuminating existing public health challenges.

Obesity may be one reason some countries or communities have been hit hard by the virus, researchers say. In the United States, the obesity rate among adults has climbed for decades and is now at 42%. The rate is even higher among Black and Hispanic Americans.

A person who is 5 feet, 7 inches tall is considered obese starting at around 190 pounds, or a body mass index of 30. The increased risk for serious COVID-19 illness appears more pronounced with extreme obesity, or a BMI of 40 or higher.

Researchers say multiple factors likely make it harder for people who are obese to fight a coronavirus infection, which can damage the lungs. Carrying around a lot of extra weight strains the body, and that excess fat could limit the lungs' ability to expand and breathe.

Another issue is chronic inflammation, which often comes with obesity. Inflammation is a natural way our bodies fight harmful intruders like viruses. But long-lasting inflammation isn't healthy and could undermine your body's defenses when a real threat arises.

"It's like pouring gasoline on a smoldering fire," said Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, an obesity researcher and dean of Tufts University's school of nutrition science and policy near Boston.

And even if people who are obese aren't diagnosed with diabetes or heart disease, Mozaffarian notes their health may not be optimal.

How fat is distributed in the body may play a role too. One study found an increased risk for death from COVID-19 for people with severe obesity, but only among men. The findings could reflect that men tend to carry fat around the stomach, said Sara Tartof, a co-author of the study who researches infectious diseases at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. That type of fat is more associated with the production of a hormone that could be contributing to more severe illness, she said.

Scientists are also exploring whether there's something specific about the coronavirus itself that makes the obese more susceptible to getting very sick.

For example, the virus infects cells by attaching to receptors on the surface of certain cells. That receptor is abundant on fat cells and scientists are studying whether that makes them "a good nest for the virus," said Dr. Francois Pattou at the University of Lille in France, who has co-authored research on the link between obesity and severe COVID-19 illness.

Complications in care can arise once hospitalized, too. To help with breathing, for example, doctors have been putting patients hospitalized with COVID-19 on their stomachs. But that can be difficult for the obese, making it more likely they're put on ventilators.

"They need a machine to help just do the work," said Dr. David Kass of Baltimore's Johns Hopkins University, who has co-authored a study on obesity and severe COVID-19 illness.

Yet another concern: A COVID-19 vaccine may not be as effective for the obese, as seems to be the case with the flu and other vaccines.

Why that might be isn't known, but one possibility is that obesity impairs an aspect of the immune system that needs to be activated for vaccines to work, said Dr. Nancie MacIver, who researches how weight affects the immune system at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. And she said whatever factors are at play would likely be applicable to a COVID-19 vaccine, but added that it is still important to get it.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

More information: Christopher M Petrilli et al. Factors associated with hospital admission and critical illness among 5279 people with coronavirus disease 2019 in New York City: prospective cohort study, BMJ (2020). Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ) Christopher M Petrilli et al. Factors associated with hospital admission and critical illness among 5279 people with coronavirus disease 2019 in New York City: prospective cohort study,(2020). DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m1966

 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Having a 1,479 hp (1,500 ps) monster in your garage is nothing if you cant keep it out of harm's way. In the automotive world it doesnt happen like in Hollywood where a certain yellow Chevrolet Camaro battles extraterrestrial robots and the Earths armed forces during the day to come out pristine for a club rendezvous at night (we're looking at you, Michael Bay of Transformers infamy).In real life, if you have such a gem , youre willing to go to great lengths to make sure the first stone chip doesnt ruin your 5-million acquisition. If you live in the UK, theres a quick fix to your worries  just give the guys that took care of the McLaren Speedtail or turned the Brabus 800 Widestar G63 into a golden wonder a quick call. Theyll know what to do next.For starters, they are going to lovingly detail the pristine Bugatti Divo chassis number one. The full decontamination and detailing process is just the preparation for applying the companys custom PPF (paint protection film). But then you wonder if the diamond-cut like styling of the Divo is going to be a challenge for the expert craftsmen.Again, no worries, because the outlet is specialized in tailored solutions  and their good name has been traveling far enough that Topaz just finished with the first Divo and already chassis number two (briefly seen at the 9:50 mark in the video embedded below) is waiting in line.So, everything starts with pre-cut sections of the companys bespoke PPF that are back-rolled into place  the detailers always start the application process from the edges of the film to make sure each and every edge or corner is lined up with millimetric precision.Not sure if they do all that while listening to relaxing music, but for us watching them cover every body panel with such loving care made us appreciate more than ever the level of commitment and patience needed for such high-end, completely manual, jobs.Every vulnerable area  such as the front grille  get extra layers of protection, while nothing is left forgotten, including the engine bay. Large sections get an equally big stretch of PPF to make sure theres seamless transition and at the end everything is heat locked into place.... with the good old hair dryer.
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- CBDCapitalGroup (CCG or the Company), a CBD nutraceuticals investment and scaling company, today announced that it has released its second Medical Outcome Study with results confirming the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) products formulated by Mana Artisan Botanics (Mana Botanics). To gather these results, the Company worked with highly-respected data collection agencies to create a program to measure CBD using a quantitative Short Form (SF)-36 Health Survey.



Our mission is to prove that CBD actually works, and it's amazing to now have two independent studies that have similar outcomes, said CBDCapitalGroup CEO David Metzler. These second results confirm the methodology provides evidence that Manas CBD is improving the Quality of Life for people reporting conditions with anxiety, pain, and insomnia. With this new gold standard for proving efficacy, we plan to help legitimize the industry that many consider snake oil by providing quality data that proves if CBD brands actually work.

Participants in this CBD medical study were required to complete the SF-36 Health Survey twice, which was originally designed by the U.S. Government and Rand Research Corporation and has been given to millions of people within healthcare settings to demonstrate statistical-actuarially validated outcomes.

The data collected from surveying 194 Mana Botanics customers shows a reported increase of 6.62% improvement in health-related Quality of Life (HRQL) for customers who reported using the Companys CBD products for pain, anxiety and insomnia. Data also reveals an interesting revelation that customers using Mana Botanics products for more than 90 days reported a 13.06% increase in Quality of Life.

Steve Myers, former Chief Technology Officer of Optum Behavioral Health, a UnitedHealth Group company, administered the study and commented, "Overall, I was impressed at how rock solid and consistent the results were given that these were two independent studies."

Story continues

Additionally, data shows that most users reported taking CBD for anxiety (54.1%), followed by chronic pain (41.7%), insomnia (34%) and acute pain (22.7%). The majority of respondents are ages 45-54 (22.7%) or 65 or older (22.7%).

The Brightfield Group estimates that the CBD industry grew over 500 percent in 2019, so with over 3,800 CBD products now in the market, large brands are using similar medical outcome studies to differentiate themselves. Unlike many of these studies, CCG's Medical Outcome Study gathers data directly from consumers for feedback that is specific to the brand's products. As the industry continues to grow, CCG is dedicated to providing those CBD companies with a way to establish legitimacy and data-backed insights into the quality of their products.

About CBDCapitalGroup:

CBDCapitalGroup (CCG or the Company) is an investment and scaling company that acquires and develops mid-stage CBD and hemp nutraceutical companies to promote both financial and professional success. The Company is led by a group of seasoned entrepreneurs who have managed over $1 billion in combined revenue over their careers, and now apply their diverse business experiences to establish trust, quality standards and efficiencies in the CBD market. The Company provides CBD industry entrepreneurs a faster path to revenue growth and liquidity with capital, expert advice and operational resources needed to scale already profitable businesses.

About Mana Artisan Botanics:

Mana Artisan Botanics, Hawaiis first wellness-driven hemp company, handcrafts phytocannabinoid-rich products for endocannabinoid system (ECS) support. Based on the Big Island of Hawaii, the company offers artisanal, whole-plant hemp extracts, infused with pure Hawaiian botanicals. The Mana team members all share a deep desire for wholesome, healthful living, and their efforts demonstrate a commitment to regenerative agriculture, the local economy, and holistic health education. Mana Artisan Botanics products are Good for Body & Soil. For more information visit manabotanics.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE:

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.

LEGAL DISCLOSURE:

None of the parties involved, including CBDCapitalGroup and Medix CBD, sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act (US.CSA). Medix CBD does grow, sell, and distribute hemp-based products and are involved with the federally legal distribution of medical marijuana-based products within certain international markets. Cannabidiol is a natural constituent of hemp oil.

PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT:

Kathryn Reinhardt

Account Supervisor, CMW Media

P: 858-283-4005

kathryn@cmwmedia.com

www.cmwmedia.com




Delhi Metro services continued on the Yellow Line on Tuesday with the ridership in the morning shift, between 7am and 11am touching 8,300 passengers as against the 7,500 on Monday, the first day after resuming services.

Also read: Deserted platforms, closed eateries as Delhi Metro resumes services

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said, Passengers who travelled on the Yellow Line between 7am and 11am were nearly 8,300. Operations went smoothly.

Senior DMRC officials said that since more people were aware about the opening now, the ridership saw an increase but this was anticipated and the Metro system was ready for it.

On Monday, the first day of Delhi Metro resuming services after a gap of 169 days because of the Covid-19 lockdown, 7,500 passengers rode the Metro between 7am and 11am while nearly 8,000 passengers took the Yellow Line between 4pm and 8.30 pm.

The Metro will open its operations in a graded manner and on Wednesday, services to the Blue and Magenta line will also be resumed.

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Plans for a 40 million beef processing plant in Banagher, Co Offaly have been put on hold.

This follows Banagher man Desmond Kampff and others lodging an appeal to An Bord Pleanala against the decision by Offaly County Council to give the green light to Chinese-backed Banagher Chilling Ltd last month.

Mr Kampff lives around 1km from the proposed development. A self-described lifelong environmentalist, Mr Kampff has told An Bord Pleanala: We are a group of concerned local people who fundamentally believe there is no justification for the development of a facility of this scale at this location.

The appeal states that existing meat processing plants in the region are currently operating at or under capacity, and the objection states: If this plant was to operate at a viable capacity, it would lead to the failure of one or more of the existing plants under current conditions.

The appeal goes on to state: We are also extremely concerned about the potential impact of this proposed development on the environment, both in terms of carbon emissions and climate change, and in relation to biodiversity.

Last month, after Banagher Chilling Ltd secured planning permission for the development, it emerged that a Government evaluation committee refused an immigrant investor programme application to one of the Chinese investors behind the project.

Policy

The former Minister for Agriculture, Barry Cowen, stated the application was refused after the committee concluded the project did not align with Government policy on the beef processing industry, and that it is not currently policy to pursue the development of additional plants where there is no established deficit in capacity.

A decision on the appeal is due in January.
September is my favourite time of year: I love the back-to-school feel of it. And after a long summer of lockdown, more than ever it feels good to get back into a routine.

I cant tell you how much Ive relished the 7am starts I used to dread, the raking of recalcitrant teenagers out of bed, the shouts of Wheres my bus pass, Mum? and I cant find any clean socks.

Standing in the kitchen in my dressing gown, staring up at my now 6ft 2in, 15-year-old as I knot his tie for him, or yelling at my daughter to pull that bloody skirt down feels just so fantastically, brilliantly normal.

Even that moment when theyve gone, leaving a messy trail of soggy cornflakes, feels somehow special. Who knew something so mundane could feel so magical?

Right from the start of the pandemic, it has been this erosion of the everyday that Ive found so hard to come to terms with.

The vice-like grip of the virus on our freedoms, the way it has made us feel guilty for craving the most basic human interactions: a glass of wine with a friend, a trip to the shops  once normal pastimes, now viewed with the same horror as a Cardinal stumbling across a pagan orgy in full flow.

September is my favourite time of year: I love the back-to-school feel of it. And after a long summer of lockdown, more than ever it feels good to get back into a routine (Pictured: A teacher leads a maths class for Year Four children in their classroom at Greenacres Primary Academy in Oldham, northern England on September 01, 2020)

There is more than a whiff of religious zealotry in the way some seem to have revelled in the more draconian aspects of lockdown.

In some cases, it borders on the cultish. They pursue obeisance to the virus at the expense of all else: our childrens education, the economy, jobs, treatment of other illnesses. And anyone who dares question their logic is quickly shut down, accused of being a heartless granny killer.

Indeed, anyone who challenges the wisdom of lockdown risks being branded a virus-denier, in much the same way as anyone questioning the actions of Extinction Rebellion is labelled a climate-change denier  even though both stances, in most cases, simply represent a more moderate point of view.

The vast majority of people are aware of the dangers this illness presents to the elderly and those with underlying conditions; but they also understand that the repercussions of lockdown  as we are already beginning to see  will be devastating.

It is this impossible dilemma the Government faces. You cant slow the speed of the virus and thus control hospitalisations without shutting down the country; and if you shut down the country, you cant save jobs, preserve the economy and generally stop us all from sliding into hopeless penury.

In order to preserve life we have to kill the country; but if we kill the country well have no life. It is, quite simply, Catch-22.

That is why the messaging is so confusing and why people are so confused: it is an inherently unsolvable situation. And its also why certain sections of the public have, not to put too fine a point on it, slightly given up trying.

Right from the start of the pandemic, it has been this erosion of the everyday that Ive found so hard to come to terms with (Pictured: Passengers wait to board a westbound Jubilee train from Canning Town, East London)

In particular, young people: the 18-30s, for whom a bout of Covid is likely to be no more troublesome than a bad hangover (of which there must have been quite a few recently, given the spate of house parties and raves in the past few weeks), have all but ditched social distancing, with the result that infection numbers are starting to creep up again.

Figures for Sunday showed there had been 2,988 new infections in the UK in the previous 24 hours, the highest daily rate since May 22. On Monday, numbers were at a similar level: 2,948 positive cases.

Objectively, the infection rate is still very low  roughly 22 cases per 100,000 in the week to September 7; but, in the previous week, it was only 13.9 per 100,000, so that represents quite a jump.

Inevitably, that increase will translate into hospitalisations, as we have seen in Spain, where admissions have increased 15-fold since the middle of July, and France, where they have trebled in the past month.

In other words, we are seeing the unavoidable effects of the reopening of shops and businesses, and the gradual return to work and school. It was always going to happen, but knowledge is one thing, cold, hard reality quite another. No wonder the Government is feeling slightly jittery, and that the mood music emanating from No.10 is somewhat ominous.

Indeed, such is the concern that, from Monday, the rules are to be tightened in England so that groups of just six people are allowed to gather indoors or out.

Just when the wondrous normality of life seems to be returning; when some theatres and cinemas have reopened and live sporting fixtures have welcomed fans; when the streets are again full of the chatter of children instead of silent and empty, Covid yanks our chain and reminds us whos boss.

Already, only days into the new term, a number of schools have sent scores of pupils and staff home to self-isolate for two weeks, in several cases on the strength of a single positive test.

But the truth is, the tables are beginning to turn. At the start of the pandemic, when we knew so little about this silent killer, we had hardly any choice but to dance to its tune.

It had us running from pillar to post, working by trial and error almost (I remember my husband scrambling to buy ventilators for the NHS, when, it turns out, ventilators can do more harm than good in a lot of cases), desperately trying to stem the tide of deaths.

But now, six months in, we are starting to get the measure of it.

Not only is testing becoming more reliable and more viable (something that undoubtedly is contributing to the rise in infection numbers), the protocol for dealing with the disease in vulnerable patients is much more streamlined and more effective.

We also understand more about how it works, and who is most vulnerable, so measures can be taken to protect both those at high risk and, by extension, the NHS.

None of this means the danger has passed. But there can be no such thing as a zero Covid risk, just as there is sadly no such thing as a zero cancer risk, or a zero risk of dying in a car accident. All we can do is mitigate.

Every death from coronavirus is a personal tragedy  but so is any death, whether it be from old age, disease, accident or, for that matter, any of the 25,000 cancers that Cancer Research UK estimates will have gone undiagnosed because of lockdown.

Just when the wondrous normality of life seems to be returning; when some theatres and cinemas have reopened and live sporting fixtures have welcomed fans; when the streets are again full of the chatter of children instead of silent and empty, Covid yanks our chain and reminds us whos boss (Pictured: Pedestrians walk along the busy shopping area of Oxford Street in London, Britain yesterday)

And the fact is that the number of deaths is now vanishingly small. At the beginning of this week, there were just 756 patients in hospital with Covid: on Monday, there were three deaths  out of a population of tens of millions.

Yet for most of yesterday we heard warning after warning from scientists and ministers that there could be a second spike on the way, that we have all relaxed too much (as if!), and that further lockdowns may be necessary. So what are we to think?

The challenge for politicians and for the country as a whole is to accept that Covid is just another risk that cannot be wholly eliminated  and learn to live with it in the safest way possible within the parameters of ordinary life.

To do otherwise would spell social and economic disaster for millions in the short to medium term  and undermine our vital services for years to come.

Its at times like these, when those in power face impossible decisions, that we see the true responsibilities that lie behind all that privilege.

Put simply, there are no good choices here, only less bad ones. Whatever you think about the Governments handling of the pandemic, thats a hard cross to bear.

With the exception of a few zealots, this is something most people understand. The onus is on us to act responsibly to ensure the Government does not feel forced into imposing a second lockdown.

Those who are vulnerable  the very old, the obese and those who have other comorbidities  must shield and be shielded.

As for the rest of us, however scared or nervous we may be, we have to find the courage to get back out there and get on with it.

We need to accept that  as generations before us have done in so many wars and natural disasters  there is no such thing as a completely risk-free existence.

That painful, personal sacrifice is the price we pay for living in a free and prosperous society. And that sometimes, no matter how hard you try to avoid it, stuff just happens.

Ill leave you with this thought, lifted from Jonathan Mayos account of the Blitz (extracted this week in the Daily Mail), 80 years ago.

The death toll was devastating: more than 43,000 civilians were killed, 150,000 injured, in the course of just a few months. And yet at the height of the attacks, the capitals pubs were full: Jokes were made to relieve the tension, beer mugs were put down more noisily to shut out other sounds.

The Blitz spirit is evoked all too often these days, often through rose-tinted spectacles nostalgic for a mythical past that probably never quite existed. But sometimes its worth reminding ourselves of what we have faced. And of what, as a nation, we are capable of when we all pull together.
Mumbai, Sep 8 : Actor Hrithik Roshan on Tuesday shared glimpses of the 71st birthday celebration of his father, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, which the family celebrated on Sunday.

The celebration was strictly a family affair, the low-key celebration and Hrithik, posting a fam-jam picture, quipped that he suspects that the family is growing up.

"This sunday was dad's 71st birthday. We , his family with all our idiosyncrasies ended up having a GREAT time . I think that sentence says a lot. I suspect we are all growing up," he wrote on Instagram.

In the image, we can see Hrithik, his former wife Sussanne Khan, sons Hridhaan and Hrehaan, his mother Pinkie Roshan, sister Sunaina Roshan, and uncle Rajesh Roshan among others, posing with Rakesh Roshan.

Pinkie Roshan, too, shared a few pictures from the celebrations. She posted a picture of the R-shaped birthday cake baked by Sunaina's daughter Suranika.

"Best cake ever# @suranikashealthykitchen #suranika, we are blessed with you in our lives for the young lady you turned out to be#god bless you my granddaughter. you are our joy and pride," Pinkie Roshan wrote.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
HOUSTON  Students across the U.S. ran into computer glitches Tuesday as they began the school year with online instruction at home because of the coronavirus threat, adding to the list of problems that have thrust many a harried parent into the role of teachers aide and tech support person.

The online learning platform Blackboard, which provides technology for 70 of the nations 100 biggest districts and serves more than 20 million U.S. students from kindergarten through 12th grade, reported that websites were failing to load or were loading slowly, and users were unable to register on the first day of school.

Three of Texas' largest school districts  Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth  were hit with technical problems, as were school systems in places such as Idaho and Kansas. A ransomware attack forced schools in Hartford, Connecticut, to postpone Tuesdays start of online and in-person classes.

Elsewhere around the country, Seattles system crashed last week. An online learning program used in Alabama and other places recently went down. And North Carolinas platform crashed on the first day of classes last month.

Amanda Mills' 8-year-old son, Rowan, woke up excited to start his first day of third grade, even though it was online through Idahos largest school district, based in the town of Meridian, just outside Boise. But they ran into trouble even after practicing logging in smoothly on Monday.

Whatever happens, well figure it out and well make it work however we can, and rely on the patience of those teachers who are up against their own obstacles, Mills said. Its a weird, wild world right now.

Summer break gave school districts time to iron out kinks that cropped up when the virus forced them to switch to online classes in the spring. But the new school year already has been plagued by some of the same problems, with no end in sight to the outbreak that has infected more than 6.3 million people and killed 189,000 in the U.S.

Erik Rasmussen, a Falls Church, Virginia, resident who has three children taking online classes, said he regularly copes with computer glitches and short attention spans. The divorced dad has his children half the time.

You put your kids in front of the computer, and then I go to do my work, but kids are kids -- theyre going to turn off the video function and start playing a game, he said.

In the Houston school system, with 209,000 students, a web hosting service went down, causing problems for families as they tried to sign into the districts main classwork portal. Families were given a different link to access the portal until the problems were resolved by around noon.

The Dallas and Fort Worth districts said they were working to fix problems with their phone lines and websites.

In this unprecedented school year, we must remain flexible and quickly adapt to changing conditions and circumstances like we noticed this morning, said Houston Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan.

Floridas largest school district, in Miami-Dade County, had assured parents that it had consolidated different programs into one platform that would be easier to navigate. But software glitches and cyberattacks disrupted the first week of the new school year that started Aug. 31.

A high school student was arrested and accused of orchestrating a series of network outages. School administrators believe other people may be doing the same.

Christy Rodriguez, 36, said her third- and fourth-grade boys' classes struggled with connection problems during the first week of school.

Four full days were lost, she said. Either somebody is not able to go on, or the screen goes blank, or the teacher cant hear the kids, so the teacher then just logs off and then sends a message to the parents.

Rodriguez said she has been forced to work until late at night because her children need help fixing connection problems.

The teachers are frustrated. The kids are frustrated. I hope that they soon open up schools, she said.

Another parent, Alessandra Martinez, said her 7-year-old son has struggled with logins, passwords and connection problems. He had a meltdown on Friday when he was moved to a smaller breakout group but didnt see the teacher and didnt know what he was supposed to be doing.

At their age, everything is amplified, and it feels like a big deal, Martinez said.

Martinez said she was against the school district using a product commonly employed by parents who homeschool.

This is a homeschooling program, but for parents who are working from home and have multiple children, it is a bit overwhelming, she said. We have this set up as a one-size-fits-all, and it doesnt work for everybody.

In Hartford, where a new start date for the school year was not immediately announced, parents were upset at what they called the last-minute notice of the delay. They noted that officials knew about the problem since the weekend.

Kate Court said her 13-year-old son was already dressed and ready to go to the bus stop when she learned of the postponement. The shipping warehouse employee counted herself lucky that her mother could watch over the teen and his younger brother so she didnt have to miss work.

This is crazy, Court said. Were looking for normalcy again, whatever that may be.

___

Juan Lozano, Adriana Gomez Licon and Rebecca Boone of The Associated Press wrote this story. Boone reported from Boise, Idaho. Associated Press writers Michael Kunzelman, R.J. Rico in Atlanta and Dave Collins in Hartford, Connecticut, contributed to this report.
Cross the free bridge from Phillipsburg into Easton and youre on Northampton Street in Northampton County.

The street doubles as Route 248 and if you follow it for about 25 miles into Walnutport, you will have experienced Americas diversity without ever leaving the county: Black, white, and Hispanic; wealthy, middle-class and poor; urban, suburban and rural.

And, yes, Republican and Democrat.

In 2016, Northampton County was widely viewed as a bellwether, and indeed became one of a handful of key spots that flipped from blue to red, and ultimately tipped the election to President Trump. The countys voters predict how Pennsylvania will swing, even when they back the loser, and often the nation.

Northampton County voters only twice in the last century backed a candidate who did not win the state. Both times that person won the presidency. The other three times Pennsylvania voters got it wrong, Northampton voters did too.

Yet the countys status as a microcosm of the nation only partially explains why its voters have had such success backing the candidates who ultimately claim victory.

Theres far more to the story of Northampton County, and its critical role in national elections  and its a story we plan to tell as never before.

Today, lehighvalleylive.com announces a major new journalism initiative, Swing County, Swing State, generously supported by a $25,000 grant from The John Farmer Memorial Journalism Fund. The fund  established in memory of the legendary Star-Ledger columnist John Farmer, who died in 2019  seeks to foster work that operates at the nexus of local and national news.

Swing County, Swing State is the first project to receive the Funds support. The Funds support is being matched for an additional $10,000 from an anonymous donor, bringing total support for the Swing County, Swing State to $35,000.

My father loved local stories that had national resonance; loved things that helped people understand how politics intersect with real life; and he loved things that helped people understand complex issues, said John Farmer, Jr. the former New Jersey Attorney General who is now Director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University.

This is exactly the kind of journalism he would have relished being a part of and reading.

The grant will support one of the most in-depth projects ever on lehighvalleylive.com. Nearly two dozen journalists, from both lehighvalleylive.com and our sister website, NJ.com, will contribute to the project, which kicks off in early September with a series of stories on the county and its unique electoral history.

In the weeks leading up to the election, readers can look forward to careful analysis of the countrys electoral history; polling conducted in partnership with Franklin & Marshall College; expert commentary; explanatory pieces that examine the issues that will move the needle for area residents in 2020; and in-depth profiles of voters and their concerns. If we do our job well, we should know ahead of Election Day whether President Trump should plan for another four years or start packing.

Get the latest updates from the Swing County, Swing State project sent to your inbox.



We look forward, too, to incorporating photography, video, audio and social media into the project.

In addition to our partnership with Franklin & Marshall, we will be collaborating with the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. More than a dozen graduate and undergraduate students will provide reporting and research between now and Election Day. The Local Media Foundation, a non-profit that provides support to local news organizations, will provide fiscal sponsorship for the project. Anyone interested in contributing to the John Farmer Memorial Journalism Fund can contact Lindsey Estes of the Local Media Association at lindsey.estes@localmedia.org.

So why are we doing this? For one thing, we want to set the record straight  too often in stories about Northampton County, the national and international media swoops in and puts forth a narrative that fails to capture the nuance of whats happening in the county. Weve been guilty of parachute journalism too, but this election needs careful and locally informed reporting, and we want to illustrate how our local experiences are very much at the center of our national discourse.

The issues and anxieties at the core of the 2020 Presidential Election  the state of the economy; the roiling debates over race relations and policing; the clamor for good jobs and decent wages; our health and safety as the nation reopens  are all being debated right here. Our residents are not red-or-blue ideologues, but everyday folks who see things in complicated shades of purple.

And, of course, theres the very strong argument to be made that whichever candidate wins Northampton County will also win Pennsylvania, its 20 electoral college votes and, likely, the Presidency.

Look for Swing County, Swing State reporting to launch on lehighvalleylive.com and NJ.com later this week. And please consider supporting ambitious local news like this with a subscription to lehighvalleylive.com.
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Rebecca: (L to R) Armie Hammer as Maxim de Winter, Lily James as Mrs. de Winter. Cr. KERRY BROWN/NETFLIX

Netflix has launched the first trailer for Ben Wheatleys new adaptation of Daphne du Mauriers Rebecca, starring Lily James, Armie Hammer and Kristin Scott Thomas.

At turns steamy, at others sinister, the handsome period thriller looks a world apart from Wheatleys previous films such as Kill List, Free Fire and High Rise. It tells the story of a young woman (James) whose life takes a strange turn when she marries an aristocratic widower (Hammer) after a whirlwind romance.

Watch the first trailer below.

The acclaimed 1938 book was first adapted just two years after its release by Alfred Hitchcock, with Laurence Olivier and Jean Fontaine in the leads.

British filmmaker Wheatley says hes gone back to the source material for his new adaptation, which is not a simple remake of the Hitchcock classic.

Read more: Tom Cruises most outrageous stunts

Its not, in any sense, a remake of the Hitchcock film, the director tells Empire, firmly not.

Remaking a film is not that interesting to me, but the original source material is. I watched all the adaptations. Its important to see whats gone before, but thats certainly not the focus.

Rebecca: (L to R) Kristin Scott Thomas as Mrs. Danvers, Lily James as Daphne, Armie Hammer as Maxim de Winter

Heres the synopsis: After a whirlwind romance in Monte Carlo with handsome widower Maxim de Winter (Armie Hammer), a newly married young woman (Lily James) arrives at Manderley, her new husbands imposing family estate on a windswept English coast.

Naive and inexperienced, she begins to settle into the trappings of her new life, but finds herself battling the shadow of Maxims first wife, the elegant and urbane Rebecca, whose haunting legacy is kept alive by Manderleys sinister housekeeper Mrs. Danvers (Kristin Scott Thomas).

Key art for Rebecca (Netflix)

Directed by Ben Wheatley (High Rise, Free Fire) and produced by Working Title Films (Emma, Darkest Hour), REBECCA is a mesmerising and gorgeously rendered psychological thriller based on Daphne du Mauriers beloved 1938 gothic novel.

Rebecca will launch globally on Netflix on 21 October.
CHICAGO, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Medical Radiation Detection, Monitoring and Safety Market by Detector (Gas-Filled Detectors, Scintillators, Solid-State), Product (Personal Dosimeters, Passive Dosimeters), Safety (Full Body Protection), End User (Hospitals) - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global Medical Radiation Detection, Monitoring, and Safety Market is projected to reach USD 1,207 million by 2025 from USD 949 million in 2020, at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period.

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The growth in this market is attributed to the increasing use of nuclear medicine and radiation therapy for diagnosis and treatment, growing number of diagnostic imaging centers, rising prevalence of cancer, increasing safety awareness among people working in radiation-prone environments, and the growing number of people covered by insurance.

Gas-filled detectors accounted for the larger share of the medical radiation monitoring market in 2019

Based on the detector type, the medical radiation detection market is segmented into gas-filled detectors, solid-state detectors, and scintillators. In 2019, the gas-filled detectors segment accounted for the largest market share of market . The large share of this segment can be attributed to the favorable performance-to-cost ratio of gas-filled detectors coupled with their wide application in the medical imaging field.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Medical Radiation Detection, Monitoring, and Safety Market"

363 - Tables

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By medical radiation safety products, the full-body protection products segment accounted for the largest market share in 2019

Based on products, the medical radiation safety market is segmented into full-body protection, face protection, hand safety, and other medical radiation safety products. In 2019, the full-body protection products segment accounted for the largest market share of market . The growing number of radiological procedures performed and increasing awareness among physicians, radiologists, and patients are driving the growth of the full-body protection products segment.

Hospitals are the largest end-users of the medical radiation detection, monitoring and safety market

Based on end-users, the market is segmented into hospitals and non-hospitals. The hospital segment accounted for the largest market share in 2019 due to the increasing number of hospitals across the globe is the major factor driving the growth of this end-user segment

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North America Dominates the Global Medical Radiation Monitoring Market

The market is segmented into four major regional segments, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. In 2019, North America accounted for the largest share of the medical radiation detection, monitoring and safetymarket. The large share of North America can be attributed to factors such as the increasing awareness about radiation safety, growing number of radiodiagnostic procedures performed, and ongoing research aimed at the development of new and advanced radiation detection, monitoring, and safety products are driving the growth of the North American medical radiation detection, monitoring, and safety market.

The major players in the medical radiation safety market are Fortive Corporation (US), Mirion Technologies (US), IBA Worldwide (Belgium), Thermo Fisher Scientific (US), and Sun Nuclear Corporation (US).

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Radiation Dose Management Market by Products & Services (Standalone Solutions, Integrated Solutions, Services), Modality (Computed Tomography, Nuclear Medicine), Application (Oncology, Cardiology, Orthopedic), End User (Hospitals) - Global Forecast to 2025

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/radiation-dose-management-market-82326344.html

Radiotherapy Market by Type (External (IGRT, IMRT, 3D-CRT, Stereotactic), Brachytherapy (LDR, HDR)), Product (LINAC, CyberKnife, Gamma Knife, Tomotherapy, Particle Therapy, Cyclotron), Application (Prostate, Breast), End User (Hospital) - Forecasts to 2023

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/radiotherapy-monitoring-devices-market-567.html

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TORONTO /CNW/ - As Canada prepares for the school year to start, access to COVID-19 testing and influenza immunization are top of mind for the health and wellness of students, teachers, and their families.

Neighbourhood pharmacies can provide access to asymptomatic COVID-19 testing in convenient locations with extended hours, separate from those experiencing symptoms or who have had known contact with the virus. Alberta is now offering asymptomatic COVID-19 testing in pharmacies, and Ontario is on the path to the same delivery.

"We urge all provinces to empower pharmacists to provide point of care testing and specimen collection in partnership with laboratories to increase access," says Sandra Hanna, pharmacist and CEO of the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada. "To alleviate the strain on parts of the health system that are overloaded by COVID-19, it is critical to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists across the country, so that we can provide the care our patients need when and where they need it most."

The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada also encourages all Canadians to get their influenza vaccine every year. With the potential of a second wave of COVID-19, it is particularly important to protect against co-circulating respiratory illnesses this fall.

With 11,000 pharmacies conveniently located in every neighbourhood across Canada, families can receive their annual influenza immunization at their local pharmacy. In recent years, community pharmacists provided over 3.2 million influenza vaccinations. Of all Canadians receiving a flu shot, 48% chose to receive it in their pharmacy.

Pharmacies are taking steps to ensure public health guidelines are followed, and physical distancing is maintained. The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada recommends Canadians ask their pharmacist about their process, as many are planning to schedule appointments to ensure the utmost safety for Canadians seeking to get their flu shot.

The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada represents Canada's leading pharmacy organizations, including chain, banner, long-term care, specialty pharmacies, grocery chains, and mass merchandisers with pharmacies. Our focus is on improving the delivery of care. We advocate for pharmacies' role in caring for Canadians, both behind and in front of the counter. We aim to advance healthcare for Canadians by leveraging close to 11,000 pharmacies conveniently located in communities throughout the country as integral points of patient care.
Suspended Khanna SHO Inspector Baljinder Singh was produced before a local court on Tuesday that sent to 14-day judicial custody in an assault case.

The accused through his counsel appealed to the court to send him to Patiala jail citing threat to life in Ludhiana central jail, as many of the accused arrested by him are lodged there.

However, no recovery has been made from the suspended cop.

Advocate Guninder Singh Brar, counsel to complainant Jagpal Singh, said that the police demanded that Baljinder should be sent to judicial custody as he is not cooperating with them.

Brar stated that the police has made no effort to trace the mobile phone that was used to record the video. He alleged that members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) are hand in glove with the accused cop who are trying their best to save him.

Brar added that they are disappointed with the police and would appeal for CBI inquiry in the case.

Inspector Baljinder Singh surrendered before the IG on Saturday. after his bail application was rejected by the court. The police were after him for the past two months.

The cop was booked for assault, illegal detention, stripping clothes of three men and recording the video. The police had also added sections of the SC/ST Act and the Information and Technology (IT) Act against the inspector in the FIR lodged at City-1 police station of Khanna on July 5.

In the nine-second video, three persons were seen standing nude in front of the SHO, whose voice is audible but his face cannot be seen. After the video went viral, Punjab director general of police (DGP) Dinkar Gupta had directed the inspector general of police (IGP), Ludhiana Range, to carry out a fact-finding inquiry into the matter on April 16.
Chinese soldiers sit atop mobile rocket launchers as they drive in a parade to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, at Tiananmen Square on October 1, 2019 in Beijing, China. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Where Biden, Trump Stand on the Chinese Communist Party

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and President Donald Trump have different approaches when it comes to dealing with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Political advisers and China experts point to Beijings decades-long history with Biden, who as a U.S. senator supported Chinas 2001 entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), leading to permanent normal trade relations with the United States.

Beijing has long been accused of exploiting its position in the WTO as a developing nation by engaging in a barrage of unfair trade practices, which Trump officials and experts have lamented has gone largely unpunishedat least through current WTO rules.

Biden has grown to be more vocal in criticizing the regime over its human rights violations while his campaign has painted him as someone who would confront China economically. Trump, while reaching a trade deal with China, has been a fierce critic of its human rights abuses, meeting with victims of communist persecution in the Oval Office. He has also repeatedly raised the possibility of decoupling from China to end Americas reliance on Chinese manufacturing.

The way the two approach the CCP differ in fundamental ways especially when it comes to economics, according to Brian Kennedy, chairman of the Committee on the Present Danger: China, and author of Communist Chinas War Inside America.

President Trump believes that China presents an economic threat to the American middle class and to our future prosperity as a nation, he told The Epoch Times. Vice President Biden is a globalist who believes that you have to put the economic interests of the world, especially developing nations, before those of the United States.

Unfortunately, [Biden] also considers China a developing nation, he added. Bidens campaign didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.

Trump is holding the CCP accountable for its theft of intellectual property, while with Biden, you see an ongoing desire to make sure that the PRC [Peoples Republic of China] has access to Wall Street, Kennedy added.

In 2013, the Obama administration allowed Chinese companies to invest in U.S. capital markets without having their books inspected by U.S. regulators, after meetings between Chinese officials and Biden.

Michael Johns, a former White House speechwriter for George H.W. Bush and a Heritage Foundation foreign policy analyst, told The Epoch Times that Trump understands how China has manipulated its role in international bodies and is using aggressive and sophisticated efforts to expand its global military, intelligence, and economic influence.

Under Trump, the United States is officially withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO) amid concerns that the agency is heavily influenced by the Chinese regime.

When it comes to Bidens relationship with China, there couldnt be a more clear difference, said Johns, who said he believes there is no doubt Biden leveraged his relations with the CCP for the direct financial benefit of his son, referring to Hunter Biden. That stands in contrast to Trumps warnings going back decades about how China was consciously seeking to destroy our manufacturing base, he said.

Biden and his son, who once served on the board of directors of a Chinese-backed private equity firm, have both publicly denied any wrongdoing when it comes to China.

Throughout his 47-year career in Washington, Biden has been engaged in supporting  one of the biggest foreign policy lies ever told: that Chinas economic ascent would lead to more moderation and liberalization in its approach with the U.S. and the free world, and in its human rights conditions at home, Johns said.

While Chinas economy has grown from about $300 billion in 1980 to $14 trillion last year, its communist leadership has become more, not less, aggressive, Johns said, adding that the CCP now represents one of the worlds most horrific human rights conditions of any country.

U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that Beijing wants Trump to lose this year. Chinese state media have openly voiced support for a Biden presidency, saying he would be smoother for the regime to deal with than Trump.

Record on CCP

Blair Brandt, a political adviser, said that from the authenticity of position, track records, or future plans, Trump clearly recognizes the threat posed by China, while Biden retains the attitude of previous administrations.

Trump has shown time and time again that he fundamentally understands and is willing to confront the existential threat of Chinas rise, while Joe Biden seems complacent to let the status quo reign, Brandt told The Epoch Times.

We can no longer allow American businesses and jobs, which should be within our own shores, to curate Chinas economic growth, which quite ironically is then being used to threaten our national security in the military theater and cyberspace, he added.

Biden initially downplayed the threat posed by China. At a campaign stop in Iowa in May 2019, Biden said, China is going to eat our lunch? Come on, man.

I mean, you know, theyre not bad folks, folks, Biden said at the time. But guess what, theyre not competition for us.

After he received widespread criticism for his comments, his campaign adopted a harsher tone toward China.

Bidens relationship with Chinese leader Xi Jinping goes deeper. They got to know each other when Biden was vice president. In 2015, Biden noted that he and Xi have had countless private discussions that go well beyond the typical talking points.

I told the president [Xi] this after our multiple meetingsthat I came away impressed with the presidents candor, determination, and his capacity to handle what he inherited, he said.

William S. Bike, author of the book Winning Political Campaigns, said Trump believed that Obamas attempt to co-opt China as a strategic partner was a failure and that he has taken both a tougher tone and tougher actions.

If Trump is reelected, Bike says to expect the tough tone and policies to ramp up even more.

If Biden is elected, the United States will not immediately be able to go back to the policies of the Obama days in partnering with China, as relations are too strained, Bike told The Epoch Times via email. Instead, Biden will work on increasing the economic competitiveness of the United States and strengthening its alliances and partnerships in the Far East to put outside economic and diplomatic pressure on China to play ball with the United States.

At a 2011 roundtable in Beijing, Biden said, President Obama and I, we welcome, encourage, and see nothing but positive benefits flowing from direct investment in the United States from Chinese businesses and Chinese entities.

Bidens past relationship with Xi also gives him a chance of building a personal working relationship with the Chinese president, according to Bike.

Countering CCP

During the 2016 campaign, Trump promised to confront China about its unfair economic practices. The presidents approach during his first term is unprecedented in its toughness, experts say. Trump implemented an all-of-government national security approach to counter Chinas infiltration of the United States, a large-scale effort not seen by previous U.S. administrations.

Trump has sanctioned Chinese officials on multiple occasions, including for supporting Chinas new authoritarian national security law in Hong Kong and for human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other minorities.

FBI Director Christopher Wray recently revealed that the bureau currently has more than 2,000 active investigations that trace back to the CCP, marking a roughly 1,300 percent increase in economic espionage probes with links to the Chinese regime.

He said the bureau opens a new counterintelligence investigation that ties back to China every 10 hours.

The State Department has also rebuked the CCPs decades-long war on faith, including its persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. A number of Chinese-backed companies have been blacklisted by the Trump administration over Chinas human rights abuses.
As Bhubaneswar turns into a Covid hotspot with over 5,000 active cases, its fight against the pandemic seems to have become difficult due to lack of ICU beds.

As per the government data, of the 268 ICU beds available in Bhubaneswar, almost all the beds have been occupied though about 40 per cent of its ventilator beds are still empty. But with close to 400 cases being added to Bhubaneswar every day, there is a growing concern that the situation may spiral out of control.

Khurda, of which Bhubaneswar is a part, is among 14 districts in the country with 5,000 plus active cases. So far 50 persons have died in Bhubaneswar, around 10 per cent of the total deaths in Odisha.

Prem Chandra Chaudhury, commissioner of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, however said the situation is under control as around 80 per cent of the cases are asymptomatic. Of the 5,053 active cases till September 8, around 40 per cent are in home isolation while the rest are in Covid care centres and hospitals. Of the 4,300 normal beds available in Bhubaneswar, 80 per cent were occupied though the number of patients from Bhubaneswar in these hospitals was just about 20 per cent.

ICU beds are a matter of concern for us and we are adding more beds. As per ICMR projection, we expect the cases to decline by September 15. But people from other districts too are getting admitted in Bhubaneswar hospitals, said Chaudhury. We are increasing 60 more ICU beds and those would start functioning by September 10. But what is concerning the officials is the rising positivity rate. Though the cumulative positivity rate in Bhubaneswar is 7.56, on Tuesday it went past 10.

In neighbouring Cuttack city too, the situation is no better as almost all the ICU beds have been filled up. With 1,907 active cases as on date, almost all the 34 ICU beds in two Covid hospitals have been filled up, though 6 per cent of patients currently require hospitalisation and 2 per cent require ICU care. Cuttack Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ananya Das said 25 ICU beds in a new Covid hospital have started functioning from Tuesday, while another 50 ICU beds will start operating in another hospital from Thursday evening.

Right now we are able to absorb new patients as some patients dont require ICU after some days of hospitalisation. Our number of cases seem to be flattening as per epidemiologists. But we are still searching for more hospitals, said Das.

Though the government has been trying to create new Covid infrastructure by adding more beds, it is not able to find trained doctors as well as the paramedics needed to man the ICU beds. For intubation of critical patients, some amount of experience is necessary. Though the state has managed to train doctors and paramedics, it is not possible in such a short time. So even if ICU beds are available in districts, they are of little use unless there are trained doctors, said Narayan Rout, president of Odisha Medical Service Association, an organisation of government doctors in the state.

In a state where the doctor patient ratio is a staggering 1: 2597 against a national average of 1: 1,457, the lack of adequate number of doctors as well as paramedics have hit hard its ability to fight the pandemic. A doctor working in Bargarh district - now becoming a new Covid hotspot - growing infection among the healthcare staff was also putting more pressure. Three days ago, the Bargarh CHC was shut down after a staff of the health facility tested positive for Covid-19.

During Covid fight, at least eight doctors have succumbed to the virus while dozens of other healthcare staff and nurses have died. No one knows how many have actually died. The Centre had announced 50 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of doctors who died during Covid. But Odisha is yet to extend that to the doctors here, said a senior doctor.
A watchtower overlooks a high-security facility on the outskirts of Hotan, in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, May 31, 2019.

Authorities in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) have sentenced two young Uyghur brothers to five-year prison terms for viewing illegal videos, according to a local official.

Abdulla Abdurehim, aged 17 at the time, was detained on March 16, 2017 from a classroom at the Urumqi Vocational High School in the XUAR capital Urumqi, a source with knowledge of the situation recently told RFAs Uyghur Service, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.

His brother Abdurekim, then 16 years old, was taken into custody a day later from a restaurant in his home township of Imamlirim, in Aksu (in Chinese, Akesu) prefectures Uchturpan (Wushi) county, where he was completing an internship through the vocational school for his culinary arts education, the source said.

The brothers were scheduled to graduate at the time of their detention, according to the source, who said that Abdukerim was initially taken to an internment camp in Uchturpan, which is part of a vast network of detention centers in the XUAR, where authorities are believed to have held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities since April 2017. He was later moved to a facility in Urumqi.

Abdullas whereabouts remain unknown, the source said.

Abdukerim and Abdulla, whose parents had divorced when they were small children, had previously only received an elementary school education in Uchturpan because their fatherwho they lived withbecame paralyzed when they were 13 and 14 years old, forcing them to take jobs at a restaurant to support their family.

The source said that one of their former elementary school teachers later paid out of their own pocket to send the brothers to the Urumqi Vocational High School.

RFA spoke with a Han Chinese member of the administrative staff at the vocational school who said that she was unable to confirm whether the two young men were enrolled there because we have more than 3,000 people here.

RFA also spoke with a Han Chinese member of the schools security staff who, when asked about Abdulla and Abdurekim said, we dont have anyone by those names here.

Asked whether the brothers are among students from the school who have been detained, he did not respond.

Taken away

However, a Uyghur security officer in Imamlirim confirmed to RFA over the phone that the two boys had been taken away.

One of them [Abdulla] was studying in a classroom [in Urumqi], said the officer, who declined to provide his name. The other one [Abdukerim] was working as a cook in Imamlirim, doing an internshipthey took him away from the place where he was completing his internship.

The officer said that Abdulla had been studying accounting in Urumqi and confirmed that the brothers were taken away in March 2017 within a day of each other.

I dont know much about their situation nowI heard that they got five years, thats it, he said.

The security officer said Abdulla had been taken directly from his school and that Abdurekim was brought to a place in the village brigade here in Imamlirimhe stayed there for five or six days and then they took him to Urumqi.

He said he was contacted by a lawyer from Urumqi in late 2019 who informed him that the brothers were been sentenced to five years in prison.

They told me not to contact them about it, he said.

I heard they were sentenced to five years, but I dont know for what reason or where they are.

The officer confirmed that Abdurekim and Abdulla had been forced to take work at a restaurant in their early teens because of their fathers paralysis.

[Some sort of crime] happened there, he said, adding, I guess I dont really know.

When asked if they had made some sort of mistake at that age that led to their later detention, the officer said that they had.

RFA also spoke with a Uyghur official from Uchturpan who said he knew the brothers and that they had been sentenced for viewing illegal content.

They watched a [sensitive] video on their phone with their friends when they were working at a restaurant, the official said.

Later, someone in detention stated that Abdukerim Abdurehim was also there watching the video. Thats why they were arrested.

Whereabouts unknown

While it has been nearly a year since they were sentenced, no oneincluding the boys father and extended family, as well as local cadres in Imamlirimhas been able to obtain information about where they are serving their prison terms.

Sources have said that their mother, who works in public sanitation in Urumqi, has been unable to use social media effectively to find information about her sons cases. Their father in Uchturpan has been unable to do anything about their situation beyond speaking with local cadres.

Sources also indicate that a number of the brothers classmates have been detained and sentenced, although for what and for how long is unclear.

RFA was unable to learn any information about the elementary school teacher from Imamlirim who sent the brothers to school in Urumqi.

Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by Elise Anderson. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
The genes regulating pluripotent stem cells in mammals are surprisingly similar across 48 species, Kyoto University researchers report in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution. The study also shows that differences among these 'gene regulating networks' might explain how certain features of mammalian pluripotent stem cells have evolved.

Pluripotent stem cells can self-renew and give rise to all other types of cells in the body. Their characteristics are controlled by a network of regulatory genes and molecules, but little is known about how this network has evolved across mammals.

To this end, Ken-ichiro Kamei of Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), with Miho Murayama and Yoshinori Endo of the Wildlife Research Center, compared 134 gene sets belonging to the pluripotency gene regulatory networks of 48 mammalian species.

They found that this network has been highly conserved across species, meaning genetic sequences have remained relatively unchanged over the course of evolution. This high degree of conservation explains why human genetic sequences can reprogram other mammalian tissue cells to turn into pluripotent stem cells. However, since it is also evident that the regulating networks differ across mammals, there might be more efficient combinations of reprogramming factors for each species. Improving techniques for deriving induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from mammalian cells, including those from endangered species, could provide a big boost to research and conservation.

"We have been trying to generate induced pluripotent stem cells from various mammalian species, such as the endangered Grevy's zebra and the bottlenose dolphin," says Kamei.

Interestingly, the team found relatively high evolutionary changes in genes just downstream of one of the core gene regulatory networks. "This could indicate that mammalian pluripotent stem cells have diversified more than we thought," says Inoue-Murayama.

The differences between gene regulatory networks in mammalian pluripotent stem cells might also be associated with unique adaptions.

For example, the naked mole rat has been positively selected for a pluripotency regulatory gene that could be involved in giving it its extraordinary longevity and cancer resistance. The gene might also be involved in the development of the extremely sensitive hairs that help them navigate underground.

The researchers also found evidence of positive selection for certain pluripotency gene regulatory network genes involved in the adaptation of large animals, such as the minke whale, the African elephant and the flying fox, to their environments. Surprisingly, these same genes are associated with cancer in other mammals. Since these large animals are known for being relatively resistant to cancer, the researchers suggest that the adaptive alterations these genes underwent in these animals somehow also changed some of their functions, thus giving this group a degree of cancer resistance.

The researchers say the study is among the first to compare the pluripotency gene regulatory networks across major taxa, and could be applicable to evolutional biology studies and for facilitating and improving the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from new species.

###

DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa169

About Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS):

At iCeMS, our mission is to explore the secrets of life by creating compounds to control cells, and further down the road to create life-inspired materials. https://www.icems.kyoto-u.ac.jp/

For more information, contact:

I. Mindy Takamiya/Mari Toyama

pe@mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Lloyds Bank has been given a slap on the wrist for forcing small businesses who were desperate for an emergency coronavirus loan to open an account with them.

The high street lender was rebuked by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for 'bundling'  making 30,000 customers open a fee-paying account when all they wanted was a Government-backed Bounce Back loan.

Lloyds will now have to write to these customers, telling them that they can switch their account to a new provider while keeping the loan or offering them a fee-free account to service the loan.

Lloyds was rebuked by the Competition and Markets Authority for 'bundling' - making 30,000 customers open a fee-paying account when all they wanted was a Bounce Back loan

The ruling is a setback for chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio as his tenure comes to an end. The Portuguese 56-year-old is leaving next year after a decade in charge in which he has been paid 56million.

Adam Land, senior director at the CMA, said: 'By forcing businesses to open current accounts as a pre-condition to access this [Bounce Back] scheme, Lloyds breached the CMA undertakings it signed, reduced choice and put their customers at risk of being unnecessarily charged.'

After the Government launched its Bounce Back loans in May, more than 1.4m businesses applied for cash to help them make ends meet.

The loans charged low interest and are 100 per cent guaranteed by the Government, meaning the banks cannot lose out.

Thousands of firms which applied were run by owners without a formal business account, who had previously run their business through a Lloyds personal account.

This is not strictly allowed under the terms and conditions of a personal account but, since many firms were under pressure, most banks turned a blind eye.

However, Lloyds had no way to make a business loan to a personal account holder. So, to get money swiftly out of the door to desperate businesses, it forced them to open a business account.

Though Lloyds did not charge for this business account for 12 months, any customer who kept it for longer than that would have ended up paying 7 a month.

The bank was aware that this may have breached the CMA's rules, and referred itself immediately to the watchdog.

Lloyds said: 'Any other solution would have created unnecessary delays at a critical time. All business current accounts benefit from 12 months free banking.

'We proactively informed the CMA of our approach and are now writing to customers to reiterate that they can transfer their account to a free loan servicing account'

Since May, Lloyds has handed out more than 250,000 Bounce Back loans, worth more than 7.5billion. The entire scheme has so far lent 35.5billion to 1.2m small businesses.
Figure 1

KATFISH and ALARS  Storage Position

KATFISH and ALARS  Storage Position

Figure 2

KATFISH and ALARS  Deployed Position

KATFISH and ALARS  Deployed Position

Figure 3

Danish Navy MSF1 Minehunter

Danish Navy MSF1 Minehunter

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kraken Robotics Inc. (TSX-V: PNG, OTCQB: KRKNF), Canadas Ocean Company, is very pleased to announce that today it has signed a contract with Danish Ministry of Defence, Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) to supply mine-hunting sonar equipment to the Royal Danish Navy. This was a competitive bid process and under the program, Kraken will deliver its KATFISH towed Synthetic Aperture Sonar, Tentacle Winch and Autonomous Launch and Recovery System (ALARS). Krakens minehunting system will be integrated onboard the Royal Danish Navys optionally unmanned surface vessels (MSFs as seen in Figure 3). The total contract value is approximately $36 million, with the majority of that received over a 2-year equipment acquisition phase. Product margins on this contract are expected to be in line with historical Kraken averages.



Kraken CEO Comments

Karl Kenny, Kraken President and CEO noted: We are very pleased to sign this contract to supply our KATFISH and ALARS systems to the Royal Danish Navy. This was a very competitive process and we are proud to have been selected. We are looking forward to a long-term relationship with the Danish Navy. As part of its commitment to Denmark, Kraken will be expanding its European presence with the establishment of a new Danish Centre of Excellence in Mine Counter Measures. This new operation will not only conduct research and development to further improve the capabilities of Krakens world-class MCM solutions but will also be able to offer local technical support for Danish customers. Krakens new Danish operation will also engage with local Danish companies, universities and technical institutes, ensuring a long term benefit to Danish technical development.

DALO Comments

The Head of the Maritime Division within DALO, Captain (RDN) Kim Bo Meier noted:

The ability to recognize conditions below sea level on Danish maritime territory is as ever considered a vital task of the Royal Danish Navy and its MCM forces. After a lengthy and rigorous procurement process the Royal Danish Navy has selected Krakens KATFISH 180 system as its future main mine hunting sensor. A modern sensor, which within the months to come is to be fully integrated in to the Danish MCM modular concept of unmanned and remotely controlled MCM drones. With this new sensor the Royal Danish Navy can maintain its MCM capacity and necessary operational preparedness in relation to being able to locate and clear mines in both national and international waters and straits. We look forward cooperating with Kraken ensuring a smooth integration of the new main sensor.

Story continues

ABOUT KRAKEN ROBOTICS INC.

Kraken Robotics Inc. (TSX.V:PNG) (OTCQB: KRKNF) is a marine technology company dedicated to the production and sale of software-centric sensors, subsea batteries and thrusters, and underwater robotic systems. The company is headquartered in St. Johns, Newfoundland with offices in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; Toronto, Ontario; Bremen & Rostock, Germany; and Boston, Massachusetts. Kraken is ranked as a Top 100 marine technology company by Marine Technology Reporter. For more information, please visit www.krakenrobotics.com, www.krakenrobotik.de, www.krakenpower.de. Find us on social media on Twitter (@krakenrobotics), Facebook (@krakenroboticsinc) and LinkedIn.

Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, the words may, would, could, will, intend, plan, anticipate, believe, seek, propose, estimate, expect, and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements with respect to, among other things, business objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business projects and opportunities and financial results. These 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. Such statements reflect the Companys current views with respect to future events based on certain material factors and assumptions and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, changes in market, competition, governmental or regulatory developments, general economic conditions and other factors set out in the Companys public disclosure documents. Many factors could cause the Companys actual results, performance or achievements to vary from those described in this news release, including without limitation those listed above. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this news release and such forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by reference in this news release, should not be unduly relied upon. Such statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provide (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release, and the OTCQB has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

For further information, please contact:

Joe MacKay, Chief Financial Officer

(416) 303-0605

jmackay@krakenrobotics.com

Greg Reid, Chief Operating Officer

(416) 818-9822

greid@krakenrobotics.com

Sean Peasgood, Investor Relations

(647) 955-1274

sean@sophiccapital.com

Shauna Cotie, Marketing Manager

(709) 757-5757 x 241

scotie@krakenrobotics.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/707b6d85-4973-497a-b797-ccc6064c53cf

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e6b6cada-1172-4132-90fd-a781a8410c85

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4a0fb18c-ffef-488e-81ea-81646952b906




A group of Taliban fighters has carried out an attack in Afghanistans northeastern Panjshir Province for the first time in the past 19 years, officials confirmed on September 8.

Panjshir was the home of the late Ahmad Shah Massoud, an anti-Taliban resistance leader, and is considered one of the two safest provinces in the country.

Massoud was assassinated at the instigation of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban in a suicide bombing on September 9, 2001, just two days before the attacks against the United States.

As Massouds supporters gathered in the capital, Kabul, to commemorate the 19th anniversary of his death, the Taliban attacked Panjshir Province's Abshar district on the morning of September 8, a local politician in the province said.

Local officials told dpa the militants might have come from neighboring Nuristan or Laghman provinces.

The insurgents attempted to attack the district headquarters but faced resistance from locals, the provincial police spokesman said.

Twenty villagers were taken hostage by the Taliban but were released later, according to police.

More than a dozen Taliban militants were besieged by local residents and government forces, compelling the Taliban to surrender, police said.

In a statement, the Taliban claimed to have captured checkpoints and taken seven government forces hostage during the fighting.

Of Afghanistan's 34 provinces, the Taliban controls or contests parts of 32, including the capital, Kabul. They do not control any part of Bamyan and Panjshir provinces.

The clashes come as Taliban and Afghan government negotiators are set to hold peace talks in the Qatari city of Doha soon, after the two sides nearly completed a prisoner exchange brokered under a peace agreement between the United States and Taliban in February.

The beginning of the peace talks would be historic, as the Taliban for the past 19 years have repeatedly refused any talks with the Afghan government, calling it a Western "puppet."
Shops on Sydney Road in Brunswick display signs informing customers of their closure in Melbourne, Australia on Aug. 5, 2020. (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Dan Andrews Health Over Economy Lockdown Extension Crushes Commerce

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell has challenged the Victorian government to pick up the costs incurred by small businesses who are unable to open due to the CCP virus extended stage four restrictions.

Carnell said the recently released roadmap out of lockdown by Andrews government has failed to bring hope and has left many business owners uncertain if its worth trying to holding on.

Small businesses are telling us is that they are just giving up really, they have no idea how theyre going to stay afloat going forward, she told Nine Networks Today Show on Sept. 7.

Yes theres a plan, but for many of them they wont be open until the end of November. They have no idea how to hang in until then, she said.

While Carnell noted that Commonwealth and state government support packages such as JobKeeper and commercial tenancy relief do cover some of the costs lockdown had caused, she explained that these packages do not cover business owners for ongoing payments towards staff entitlements, bank loans, and equipment leases.

Surely the government should look at picking up those costsits not the businesses fault they cant reopen, its the government saying well no you cant reopen, Carnell declared.

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews on Sept. 6 announced a highly anticipated four-step roadmap out of the lockdown utilised by his government to combat the second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Under the road map, retail trade and hospitality venues can only reopen in Stage 3, which will be declared when there is only an average of five or fewer traceable new COVID-19 cases occurring in a fortnight.

These targets are so ethereal, its understandable why businesses are seriously thinking of folding, Carnell said.

Carnell believes the Andrews government needs to consider helping business cover the accumulating debts, including helping business break their leases and close down if that is necessary.

We are talking to the Victorian government and they will have to come to the party on picking up these costs that businesses have no control over, she said.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra shared Carnells disappointment with the roadmap.

The business community had high hopes that todays announcement would signal the end of Stage 4 restrictions on 13 September and instead businesses are left frustrated and facing more weeks of lost revenue and mounting costs they cant afford, he said in a media release.

Victorias economy is experiencing its biggest crisis in modern times with thousands of businesses unable to operate for most of this year, and the government needs to allow Victorians to get back to work while managing the health crisis. This cannot continue to be a choice of health over the economy.

Andrews has maintained that his four-step roadmap is the best way forward for Victoria. Step two according to the Victoria Premier will see over 100,000 people from specific industries returning to work, most notably in construction and manufacturing.

The roadmap pays consideration to both the economic stability and health, the state premier said.

Its not an easy task, Andrews said at a press conference on Sept. 6. You have to weigh up public health risk,  with economic dividend.

He acknowledged that not all businesses received the news that they wanted but rejects any claims they were not consulted.

But thats a different thing to not being listened to. I would reject that. Thats simply wrong, he said.
Selecting treatments according to genetic differences could help children and teenagers with asthma, according to research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. [1]

The trial, which compares patients treated according to small genetic differences with patients treated according to existing guidelines, is the first of its kind in children and teenagers.

Researchers say that more work is needed, but their findings hint that children's asthma symptoms could be better controlled with personalised treatments.

The study was presented at the virtual conference by Dr Tom Ruffles, honorary consultant in paediatric respiratory medicine, who worked with the study team led by Professor Somnath Mukhopadhyay, Chair in Paediatrics. Both are at the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK. The trial was conducted and managed by the Tayside Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Dundee, UK.

Dr Ruffles told the conference: "Asthma is a common condition in children that causes coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. In the UK, for example, asthma affects one in 11 children and every 18 minutes a child is admitted to hospital because of their asthma.

"We have a number of medicines that are generally effective in treating children with asthma, but they don't work equally well for all children. We think that genetic differences could have an effect on whether these medicines work, and that's what we wanted to examine in this study."

The research involved 241 children aged between 12 and 18 years who were all being treated for asthma by their GPs. The children were randomly assigned either to receive treatment according to existing guidelines, or to receive treatment according to particular genetic differences (their genotype), an approach known as personalised medicine.

Treatment according to genotype meant the children were asked to give a sample of cells scraped from the inside of their cheeks. These samples were tested for different versions of a particular gene, using a test that costs less than 20.

The researchers were testing for a small difference in the gene that contains instructions for making the beta-2 receptor and they were looking for children who had either with one copy of the altered gene or with two copies of the altered gene. The beta-2 receptor is the molecule that is targeted by asthma treatments. Therefore, researchers believe that different versions of the gene for making this receptor can influence how well treatments work.

Previous research suggests that the majority of children with asthma will benefit from standard treatment with an asthma preventer called salmeterol in addition to their regular steroid inhaler. However, around one in seven children have a small genetic difference that means using this medication could actually result in these children having more asthma symptoms.

In this trial, children in the personalised medicine group who had this genetic difference were treated with an alternative asthma medicine called montelukast.

Researchers followed the children for a year to monitor their quality of life, with a score between one and seven according to how their symptoms were, whether their normal activities were limited by their asthma and how their asthma made them feel.

They compared the average score of the group of children who had their medication decided on the basis of their genetics with the average score of children who were treated according to current practice that does not involve any genetic testing, and found only a small improvement of 0.16 with those who received personalised care.

However, when the researchers looked specifically at the children who were found to have two copies of the altered beta-2 receptor gene, they found a greater benefit, with children experiencing an average 0.42 improvement in their quality of life score. The researchers say this would translate to a noticeably better quality of life for the children with two altered gene copies.

Professor Mukhopadhyay said: "These results are very promising because they show, for the first time, that it could be beneficial to test for certain genetic differences in children with asthma and select medication according to those differences.

"In this study, we saw only a modest effect, but this may be partly because the children's asthma was generally very well controlled and only a few children experienced any serious symptoms during the 12-month period. Larger trials, with a focus on those with poorer asthma control, may help us determine the true benefit for children of prescribing in this way."

Professor Chris Brightling, from the University of Leicester, UK, is European Respiratory Society Science Council Chair and was not involved in the research. He said: "This approach of 'personalised care' for both children and adults with asthma is an important goal for respiratory research.

"In this study, researchers used genetic information that we know is linked to how well patients respond to some inhaler treatments. They found that making use of this genetic information improved the outcome for children with asthma."

###
A desperate mum managed to land a huge payout after investigating her daughter's horror car crash.

Amateur detective Nancy spent almost four years looking into Alicia's accident at Launching Place, east of Melbourne, after her daughter's car collided with a tree.

Police said the 19-year-old was the only person involved in the crash and she had lost control around a bend before she was cut from her car and airlifted to hospital.

Nancy said her 'mother's intuition' told her something else prompted the crash, A Current Affair reported.

Single mum Nancy spent four years investigating her daughter Alisha's (Alisha pictured in hospital) horror car crash after police ruled the 19-year-old was the only driver involved

Alisha suffered a traumatic brain injury and couldn't remember the accident but she told her mum someone else was involved.

'I had a gut feeling that there was a red car involved. But the first thing I remember for that day is getting staples in my head,' Alicia explained.

This prompted Nancy to begin her sleuthing and she returned to the crash site multiple times to try and figure out what happened.

'I had to find the answers, for Alisha's sake, because she kept blaming herself and I wasn't going to have her live the rest of her life thinking that it was her fault,' Nancy said.

The mum also posted in a local community page on Facebook to find any witnesses or the mystery caller.

'I wanted to say thank you to the person that rang me and to try and get any information I could. I just wanted every little bit of information I could so I could keep putting the puzzle together,' she explained.

A family member of the man in the red car reached out to Nancy and she managed to speak to the driver over the phone.

Nancy investigated the details surrounding the crash (Alisha's car pictured) at Launching Place, east of Melbourne, and discovered another driver caused her daughter to swerve

The man told Nancy that Alisha over-reacted to him swerving around the bend and then crashed into the tree.

He later refused to give a statement to police and told Nancy he had the right to remain silent.

The mum also received a tip about a customer at Fast Freddie's Tyre Service, in Healesville, speaking about the crash on the day of the accident.

She managed to speak to a man named Jurgen who turned out to be the mystery caller about Alisha's crash.

Jurgen told Nancy he spoke to the man in the red car and the driver confessed he had been looking at his phone and swerved when he came around the bend.

Nancy urged Jurgen to make a statement about 'the final piece of the puzzle' and he reported the other driver to police.

Alisha was eventually awarded a six-figure compensation from the Victorian Transport Accident Commission since another driver was involved.

The 19-year-old plans to use the payout on further rehabilitation and establish a wildlife charity with her mum.
A survey of 1,500 Irish graduates has found that only 16% of graduates looking for their first job since March have been successful, with the new cohort of graduates from the summer set to hit job hunt fatigue by Christmas.

The research from Walters People Ireland shows that three quarters of young graduates (70%) directly blame Covid-19 for their delayed or lack of entry into the workforce, yet only 6% have taken this opportunity to upskill in other areas outside of their degree choice.

With almost a quarter of young professionals (21%) stating that they anticipate a pay decrease this year, market confidence amongst the young (18-24 yrs) has dropped by almost 20%. In 2019, 85% of graduates felt optimistic about their future, compared to 67% of graduates in 2020.

Furthermore, the average length of time to find your first job is longer in 2020. In 2019, more than 1 in 3 Irish students found their first job before the end of their course or training. In 2020, this has already dropped to 1 in 4 students  with the statistics looking to be more strained by the end of the year.

According to Walters People Ireland, businesses have pivoted their recruitment approach during lockdown which led to a 67% increase in video job interviews and a 40% increase in use of online testing platform. As a result, the number of job offers made remotely during lockdown tripled compared to the general average pre-lockdown.

Commenting on the research, Director of Walters People Ireland, Sarah Owen said, "In times of crisis or uncertainty, companies tend to hire experience over potential  which is why the junior-end of the jobs market has been so badly hit. However, what large firms will miss out on if they do continue to pause graduate-hiring schemes is a generation of fresh ideas, digital know-how, and innovation  hindering Irelands competitive advantage in what is an increasingly global market."

She added, "Typically start-ups and fast-growing SMEs have been quick to hire talented junior professionals who illustrate potential to grow with the business  however with some of the smaller companies hit the hardest, and training & development budgets temporarily frozen; there are less opportunities for those looking to get their first step on the ladder."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
Over the last decade, the number of Americans identifying as Christians dropped by 12%. A Pew Research Center study showed that the decline occurred in many demographics, but most of all in young adults.

Tim Keller, a founding pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, spoke of American secular culture and its current tendency to divert young children from Christianity. Keller explained, "What that means is we're the first culture not only that does not believe there's a truth out here, it's all subjective. Also, it's the first culture that doesn't just think Christians are wrong but they are the problem."

He further described, "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, it's actually very Christian because it has all the same Christian values. But it wants them without God, it needs to change Christians. ... It has to target us. We really can't be there because we're the problem, and so basically it's evangelizing us. Maybe I shouldn't say this ... they are trying to convert us into being secularists and it's extremely important that we convert."

Keller referenced great philosopher Charles Taylor in how "secularism moves forward not with argument but with saying things that are axiomatically taken as just truth." Keller also argues that such claims are "incoherent" but "they are put on you as a given and only evil people disagree with them."

Tim Keller also addressed the dropping numbers in Christian young adults. Pastor Keller spoke to parents saying, "We don't have as much control over what our kids hear now. ... So if you take them to church and to Sunday school or youth group, that's nothing compared to what they're getting." He urged parents to take control and lead by example. "I wouldn't change the doctrine, the Bible is the Bible. It's all the same doctrine, but how you present it has got to change otherwise we are not really inoculating our kids to the culture. We're not forming them as Christians."
Everyone right now is well aware that the Korean drama sweetheart Nam Joo Hyuk is going to star in an upcoming Netflix original drama titled "The School Nurse." The said drama is based on the 2015 award-winning novel "School Nurse Ahn Eun-young" penned by science fiction and fantasy writer Chung Serang and it is scheduled to be broadcasted on September 25, 2020 via Netflix.

"The School Nurse" is a special fantasy themed series that centers its story on a school nurse named Eun Young portrayed by actress Jung Yu Mi. She seems to be a very normal girl but with a hidden secret, she's gifted with a supernatural ability a "third eye" as we call it that makes her see monsters also known as "Jellies" in the drama. These jellies are invisible to everyone except from Eun Young.

On the other hand actor Nam Joo Hyuk will portray the character of Hong In Pyo, a Classical Chinese Literature teacher who is assigned to aid Eun Young as the story progress.

Curious to know more about Nam Joo Hyuk's new leading lady? Do you want to know more about actress Jung Yu Mi? Then, please continue reading to discover some facts about South Korea's most talented star, Jung Yu Mi!

Where have we seen her before?

South Korean actress Jung Yu Mi was born on January 18, 1983. The 37 year old actress has a very impressive portfolio when it comes to acting. And if you have watched some of these dramas, then you would agree that her rom-coms, "I Need Romance" (2012) and "Discovery Of Love" (2014), are very commendable.

Throughout her acting career, Jung Yu Mi mainly focused on taking film projects. She even starred in three critically and commercially acclaimed movies alongside her good friend Gong Yoo in "Silenced (2011)," "Train To Busan (2016)," and "Kim Ji-Young: Born 1982 (2019)," where she was nominated for the Best Actress in this year's Baeksang Arts Awards.

Jung Yu Mi will grace the big screen once again through the sci-fi film titled "Wonderland," which stars Gong Yoo, Park Bo Gum, and more. The said film will air next year (2021).

Which show did Jung Yu Mi recently appeared?

The actress recently appeared in a reality show named "Summer Vacation" together with Park Seo Joon and Choi Woo Shik.

Which management agency is she signed right now?

She's under the same management company with other big-time actors. Yu Mi is signed with the Management SOOP which also handles talented stars like Nam Joo Hyuk, Suzy, Gong Hyo Jin, Gong Yoo, Choi Woo Shik, Jeon Do Yeon, and more.

Where to keep updated about her on Social media? You can find her on Instagram!

Be updated into her daily life and check out some snapshots of her adorable dog by following her account, @_jungyumi.
BURLINGTON, Mass., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CIMCON , the leading global provider of smart city technologies , today announced that is has been identified as a sample vendor in the "Intelligent Street Pole" section of Gartner's Hype Cycle for Smart City Technologies and Solutions 2020 report.

As per Gartner report, "An intelligent streetlight pole is an asset that hosts a variety of different IoT and networking devices, cameras, monitors and displays. It is controlled and monitored from a single operator, and enables EV-charging, interactive lighting, parking management and crowd control. It can provide the backbone for a citywide Wi-Fi or 5G network that can enable computing and communications for intelligent street and district services."

The report states that, "Intelligent street poles are expected to become valuable real estate, as their location as well as the ability to connect a multitude of sensors together avoid mostly costly truck rolls and installations." In the report it is also mentioned that, "As the post pandemic activities in locations in cities, especially in heavily frequented spaces, increase, intelligent street poles will become the center of monitoring and communications platforms." The report further identifies that ecosystems CIOs and their teams will need to:

"Develop scenarios in the infrastructure planning process of infrastructure deployments for smart city initiatives to calculate the connectivity, commuting and powering requirements for multiple IoT sensors and other products on the pole. This is critical, as cyber-physical systems and mesh technologies may define and execute on the linked data analytics or data graphing off the post.

Enforce digital security at the individual asset level of the pole as well as at the edge gateway and the transmission to the core of the street pole ecosystem. With the increasing mesh of interactions and value generation, the access to potential digital intrusions as well as privacy violation is rising.

Architect a data exchange mechanism in a "system of systems" approach to connect different data lakes from various systems together, and make interactions autonomous to accelerate speed. Pool data from government's open data portal to allow for validation as well as transparency.

Analyze electricity generation options to power sensors on the pole, developing a microgrid."

The good news is that CIMCON's NearSky smart city platform addresses all these needs in the following ways:

NearSky 360 is the Smart City Edge Device that provides all of the 3 C's necessary to Connect, Compute and Communicate with multiple IoT sensors.

The platform enforces digital security through a secure registration process, secure application and service updates, secure cryptographic storage of device certificates and keys, multi-factor authentication for local user access, and much more.

NearSky StreetVibe cloud software allows aggregation of different data lakes from various systems to deliver outcomes that cities want.

Finally, the platform removes the issues of power, processing and permitting through the NearSky 360 device connected to the light pole and enables connected sensors to access power without the need for drilling. Utility grade energy meters enable energy costs to be easily sorted between different parties.

We believe that over the course of the next few years, streetlight poles will transcend from being the providers of smart lighting to the most valuable piece of city real estate by serving as both the foundation on which smart city initiatives are built to improve resident life, and as the driver of a new economy that CIMCON calls the "street pole economy."

"We are honored to be identified by Gartner as a sample vendor in their Hype Cycle for Smart City Technologies and Solutions report," said Anil Agrawal, CIMCON CEO. "We have been working with cities and utilities across the globe for over a decade to help them leverage the potential of their streetlight assets and remove any friction that comes in the way and we are delighted to see recognition of CIMCON Lighting by Gartner as a Sample Vendors in Hype Cycle for Smart City Technologies and Solutions, 2020. To further illustrate our commitment to the "street pole economy" and helping cities and ecosystem partners maximize its potential, I encourage you to read my recent blog post 'Streetlight Poles: The Foundation of a New Economy'."

1 Gartner, "Hype Cycle for Smart City Technologies and Solutions, 2020", Bettina Tratz-Ryan, Bill Finnerty, 04 August 2020.

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's Research and Advisory organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About CIMCON Lighting, Inc.

With over 25 years of innovation and experience in industrial automation and outdoor wireless applications, CIMCON provides the most proven and complete smart city solutions to global cities and utilities. The company is the world's leading provider of scalable, intelligent wireless outdoor lighting management solutions for traditional, LED and solar-based street lights, and the company's smart city platform provides an easy way to deploy, manage and maintain smart city devices and applications. Focused on offering solutions that provide the lowest "Lifecycle Cost of Ownership," CIMCON provides hardware and software technologies that allow cities and utilities to monitor, maintain and in many cases, monetize their assets and other devices on or near the light pole. CIMCON's "Just in Time Lighting," reduces energy, maintenance and repair costs while improving the quality of lighting services and enabling the path to a smart city. For more information, please visit www.cimconlighting.com.

Follow CIMCON on LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook , and YouTube .

Media Contact:

Heidi Sporel

Director, Marketing

Tel: 978-846-2659

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE CIMCON Lighting

Related Links

http://www.cimconlighting.com


Gov. Andrew Cuomo has added four more states to New York's mandatory quarantine list, taking the total number to 34.

As of Tuesday, people arriving from Delaware, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia will now have to spend 14 days in quarantine before they are able to head outside.

States are added to the list if their number of positive tests exceeds 10 percent, or the number of positive cases exceeds 10 per 100,000 over a seven-day rolling average.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has added four more states to New York's mandatory quarantine list, taking the total number to 34

New York instituted the mandatory quarantine alongside neighboring New Jersey and Connecticut back in late June.

After initially being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic in March, April and May, residents in the tri-state area have managed to flatten the curve.

On Monday, just 519 New York state residents tested positive to the coronavirus, down from daily highs around 9,600 back in April.

However, officials are remaining vigilant amid fears of a second wave - particularly with colder weather right around the corner.

There is concern that returning residents or travelers from out of state could inadvertently spread the virus if they flout quarantine - with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio revealing a new measure he hopes will help keep locals safe.

On Tuesday, he stated that sheriff's deputies will now board buses that arrive in Manhattan and order those from states on the quarantine list to fill out a form detailing their contact information and quarantine plans.

The form is already a requirement for travelers arriving at New York airports, and those who refuse to complete the paperwork face fines of $2,000.

Travelers arriving at New York airports must complete a quarantine form which includes their contact details. Those who refuse to complete the paperwork face fines of $2,000

After initially being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic in March, April and May, New York City managed to flatten the curve. Pictured: a coronavirus patient is pictured being loaded into an ambulance at the peak of the pandemic on April 17

Meanwhile, Cuomo on Tuesday said he would not reopen indoor dining in New York City despite the infection rate being less than one percent for weeks in a row.

He argued it would double the number of bars currently open and claimed there is no one to enforce social distancing standards.

The reasoning came after a conglomerate of bar and restaurant owners sued the state for $2billion in damages, claiming they were being unfairly shackled and stopped from making money.

New York City - which has more bars and restaurants than any other city in the US - remains the only metropolis in the world that is yet to resume indoor dining.
New Delhi: Deepak Kochhar, husband of former ICICI Bank MD & CEO Chanda Kochhar, on Tuesday has been remanded to Enforcement Directorate custody for further questioning till 19 September by Special PMLA court in Mumbai.

A team of ED officials were today seen escorting Deepak Kochhar from the ED office in Mumbai to a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court.

ED officials arrested him yesterday in connection with ICICI Bank-Videocon case.

The case pertains to the alleged misappropriation cited in loans given by ICICI Bank to Videocon. The Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation have been investigating Deepak Kochhar, head of the company NuPower Renewables and his wife Chanda Kochhar on suspicion of cheating, criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

Officials had said Deepak Kochhar was placed under arrest as the agency wants to put him under custodial interrogation to obtain more details about some fresh evidence gathered in this case, that was filed under the criminal sections of the anti-money laundering law in January last year, PTI reported.

The agency had provisionally attached movable and immovable assets consisting of flat, land, seized cash, plant and machinery, located in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, totalling 78.15 crore in possession of Chanda Kochhar, her husband and the companies owned or controlled by him.

The assets were attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in ICICI Bank loan case. ED initiated an investigation after registering a case under PMLA on the basis of FIR for illegal sanctioning of loans amounting to 1,875 crore to Videocon Group of companies.

"The investigation revealed that 64 crore, out of the loan of 300 crore sanctioned by a committee headed by Chanda Kochhar to Videocon International Electronics Limited, was transferred to Nupower Renewables Pvt Ltd (NRPL, earlier known as NuPower Renewables Limited, a company of Deepak Kochhar, husband of Chanda Kochhar) by VIL on September 8, 2009, just one day after disbursement of loan by ICICI Bank," the ED had said earlier.

"Further, net revenue of 10.65 crore was generated by NRL from these tainted funds. Therefore, proceeds of crime amounting to 74.65 crore were transferred to/generated in NRPL," it had said.

The accusations led to Chanda Kochhar, who had been one of India's few senior women bankers, resigning her position at ICICI Bank almost two years ago.

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Capital to be Used to Complete IND Filing and Commence Phase I/II Clinical Trial for Lead Clinical Compound PT00114



NEW YORK, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Protagenic Therapeutics, Inc. (OCTQB: PTIX) announced today that it has completed a convertible note financing, raising its target amount of $2.0 million. The capital will be used to complete the last remaining components of the Companys investigational New Drug (IND) filing with the FDA for its lead drug compound, PT00114, known scientifically as teneurin C-terminal associated peptide (TCAP). Two-species toxicology GLP testing was recently completed in partnership with WuXi AppTec passing all standard toxicology tests and showing no signs of unexpected adverse effects. The company plans to submit its IND application to the FDA in 1Q 2021. Upon successful IND submission and acceptance by the FDA, the Company plans to sponsor a Phase I clinical trial in the first half of 2021.

These recent steps, and the excitement of external thought leaders toward the clinical efficacy potential of TCAP, have reinforced our optimism and our belief in our central hypothesis that TCAP is the bodys natural regulator of stress response, and that our proprietary, novel synthetic analog of TCAP has profound therapeutic potential in alleviating many stress-related disorders, with little to no safety or toxicity risks, said Garo H. Armen, PhD, Executive Chairman of Protagenic Therapeutics, Inc.

He continued, Before the Covid-19 pandemic began dominating discussions about public health, the most urgent worldwide health crisis was the epidemic of opioid addiction and its tragic consequences. And although they may be squeezed out of todays headlines, opioid addiction, PTSD, chronic anxiety and depression are as endemic as ever. Many features of the worldwide response to Covid, particularly home quarantines, have exacerbated chronic anxiety and depression. Therefore, we believe that the world needs our future product, PT00114, more now than ever. Additionally, many front-line healthcare workers may now need treatment for Covid-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Story continues

Protagenic Therapeutics is developing PT00114 as a therapeutic platform for alleviation and prevention of stress-related disorders, with a focus toward post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), drug & alcohol addiction, anxiety and depression. Animal studies conducted by Protagenic Therapeutics point to the direct effect of TCAP in counteracting the debilitating behavioral and physiological impacts of these diseases, without any toxicity or adverse safety effects.

About Protagenic Therapeutics, Inc.

Protagenic Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCQB: PTIX) is a pre-clinical biopharmaceutical company endeavoring to develop first-in-class neuro-active peptides into human therapeutics to treat several stress related disorders. For more information, visit http://www.protagenic.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding Protagenic Therapeutics product candidates and pre-clinical development and clinical trial plans and activities. Forward-looking statements include words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "could," "believes," "estimates" and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, our ability to obtain additional capital to meet our liquidity needs on acceptable terms, or at all, including the additional capital which will be necessary to complete the pre-clinical testing and eventual clinical trials of our product candidates; our ability to successfully complete research and further development and commercialization of our product candidates; the uncertainties inherent in pre-clinical and clinical testing; the timing, cost and uncertainty of obtaining regulatory approvals; our ability to protect the Company's intellectual property; the loss of any executive officers or key personnel or consultants; competition; changes in the regulatory landscape or the imposition of regulations that affect the Company's products; and the other factors described under the Risk Factors section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.. Protagenic Therapeutics cautions investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this release. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Protagenic undertakes no obligation to update or revise the statements, other than to the extent required by law. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Press Contact:

Protagenic Therapeutics, Inc.

Alexander K. Arrow, MD, CFA

213-260-4342

alex.arrow@protagenic.com




SHERBROOKE, Que. - Two bars in Quebec's Eastern Townships region have allegedly flouted public health regulations meant to stem the spread of COVID-19, police in Sherbrooke said on Monday, as the province reported over 200 new COVID-19 cases for the second straight day.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 7/9/2020 (500 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, blue/pink, cultured in the lab. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. The sample was isolated from a patient in the U.S. According to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research released on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, NIAID-RML

SHERBROOKE, Que. - Two bars in Quebec's Eastern Townships region have allegedly flouted public health regulations meant to stem the spread of COVID-19, police in Sherbrooke said on Monday, as the province reported over 200 new COVID-19 cases for the second straight day.

Public health officials said 216 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases to 63,713 since the pandemic began.

One additional death attributed to the novel coronavirus was also reported.

Authorities said that death occurred between Aug. 31 and Sept. 5, and it brings the total number of deaths to 5,770.

Quebec has seen a steady increase in COVID-19 cases over the past week, prompting government officials to repeatedly urge people to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines.

Monday's figures come after police in Sherbrooke, Que., over 150 kilometres east of Montreal, said they had to intervene this weekend at two local bars where they allege patrons were not respecting regulations meant to stem the spread of COVID-19.

Sherbrooke police said they went to Bar le Figaro, which was hosting a karaoke night from Friday to Saturday, and allege customers were not following public health guidelines.

Police said they went to another venue owned by the same person, Bar du Chat Noir, on Sunday where patrons were allegedly not maintaining physical distancing.

Customers were dancing close to each other and not wearing masks when moving inside the establishment, police said.

Police spokesman Martin Carrier said owner of the bars may face fines for violating public health guidelines.

But the owner, Stephane Goulet, said Monday that he is doing all he can to ensure that regulations are respected at his establishments.

"We put heart and soul (into it),"Goulet said in an interview. "We invested a lot of money to respect the sanitary rules."

Goulet said he found out about the alleged rule violations through the media on Monday morning, and that he didn't know how much any potential fines would be.

"I'm an entrepreneur and when people come into my bar, I can warn them twice, three times, otherwise I ask them to leave," he said. "That's what we were told to do and that's what we're doing."

"We're trying to survive with what we have, with the means at our disposal, and I think we're doing it as best we can."

The Quebec government has urged people to be extra vigilant after a recent karaoke night at a Quebec City bar was linked to dozens of COVID-19 infections.

Also on Monday, public health officials said hospitalizations went up by three cases over the past 24 hours, for a total of 105.

Of those, 18 people were in intensive care  the same number that was reported on Sunday.

Quebec said it conducted 12,737 COVID-19 tests on Saturday, the last date for which the testing data is available.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 7, 2020.
Qu Dongyu, director-general of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), addresses the International Forum for Development and Investment of Modern Supply Chain of Food via video during the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 7, 2020. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)
The Charlie Hebdo cartoonist who was forced at gunpoint to open the satirical newspaper's door to two al Qaida extremists has described the moments of sheer terror during the 2015 attack in France.

Corinne Rey, 38, had tears in her eyes but her voice was clear as she gave evidence at the trial of 13 men and one woman accused of helping three men plot the attacks on January 7-9 2015 in Paris.

Seventeen people, including 12 in and around Charlie Hebdo's offices, eight of whom were Rey's colleagues, were killed. On 9 January, another four at a kosher supermarket and a policewoman were murdered. All three attackers were killed in subsequent police raids.

Today, Ms Rey said: 'I expect justice to be done here. It is the law of men that rules, and not the law of God, as the terrorists would have it.'

Ms Rey had left the weekly editorial meeting a little early to go downstairs for a cigarette when the gunmen came in the door, calling her by her pen name Coco, and ordering her to take them to the Charlie Hebdo offices.

Corinne Rey, 38m who appeared as a witness today, leaves the Paris' courthouse after a hearing of the trial of 14 suspected accomplices in the 2015 Charlie Hebdo and Hypercacher jihadist killings

This court sketch made last week 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

Police and emergency vehicles at the scene after the gun rampage at the Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris in 2015 which left 12 people dead

'I had a sense of dread,' she said, her voice shaking with emotion, recalling as she walked upstairs between the two men armed with assault rifles.

'I was in distress, I could not think anymore,' she told the trial. 'I knew it was a Kalashnikov.'

'I was devastated, as if dispossessed of myself, I could no longer do anything. I moved towards the code keypad and I typed it in,' she recalled. 'I felt that the terrorists were approaching their goal, I felt them growing excited next to me.'

Only at the moment when Ms Rey described leading them accidentally to the wrong floor of the building did she falter, crouching down and holding her arms over her head in a replay of her reaction as the gunmen realised her mistake.

Said and Cherif Kouachi targeted Charlie Hebdo because they believed the newspaper blasphemed Islam by publishing caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed.

They opened fire on the group seated around the offices as soon as they entered, but told Ms Rey they were sparing her life as a woman.

Entering the offices, the attackers shot at Simon Fieschi, the administrator of the weekly's website. Rey said she ran to hide under a desk.

Pictured: Two masked gunmen brandish Kalashnikovs and rocket launchers during the 2015 killings at the offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris

The Kouachi brothers, Cherif (left) and Said (right), entered Charlie Hebdo's premises in Paris and killed 10 people in under two minutes

But after killing 10 people inside the office, the attackers left, leaving behind a vision of 'horror.'

'I saw the legs of Cabu. Wolinski was not moving. I saw Charb - the side of his face was extremely pale. Riss was wounded and he told me, 'Coco, don't worry'.'

Jean Cabut, known as Cabu, 76, Georges Wolinski, 80, and Stephane 'Charb' Charbonnier, 47, were among France's most celebrated cartoonists. All lost their lives in the massacre.

Laurent Sourisseau, known as Riss, was shot and wounded but survived. He is now Charlie Hebdo's director.

'This is the talent that was killed that day, they were models for me,' Rey said. 'They were extremely kind people, who had a talent for being funny ... It's not easy to be funny, but they were able to do it very well.'

Five years later, Rey said she still struggled with the memories of the attacks as well as sensations of impotence and even guilt.

A message of solidarity with Charlie Hebdo - containing the popular slogan 'je suis Charlie' (meaning 'I am Charlie') - is laid out in Paris after the attack in 2015

'It took me a long time to understand that I am not the guilty one. The only culprits are the Islamist terrorists. The Kouachis and those who helped them,' she told the court.

'This is something I will live with the rest of my life. I felt so powerless, felt so guilty,' she said.

The trial, which began on September 2, is expected to continue until November, reopening one of the post painful chapters in France's history even if those on trial are only suspected accomplices of the attackers, who were killed by police in the aftermath of the massacre.

Defiant as ever, Charlie Hebdo last week republished cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed that had sparked anger across the Islamic world, drawing new condemnation from states including Iran, Pakistan and Turkey.
Germany, where the Russian opposition figure is being treated, says he was poisoned by a military-grade nerve agent.

The top United Nations human rights official called on Russia on Tuesday to conduct or cooperate with a full independent investigation into Germanys findings that opposition figure Alexey Navalny was poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent.

Navalny was removed from a medically induced coma and is responding to speech, Berlins Charite hospital said on Monday. It has been treating Navalny since he was airlifted to Germany after falling ill on a Russian domestic flight last month.

Navalny is the most popular and prominent opponent of President Vladimir Putin.

Moscow says it has seen no evidence he was poisoned.

It is not good enough to simply deny he was poisoned and deny the need for a thorough, independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into this assassination attempt, Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a statement.

It is incumbent on the Russian authorities to fully investigate who was responsible for this crime  a very serious crime that was committed on Russian soil.





Profoundly disturbing

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said her government concluded Navalny, 44, was poisoned with Novichok, the same substance the United Kingdom said was used against Russian double agent Sergey Skripal and his daughter, both of whom survived, in an attack in England in 2018.

The number of cases of poisoning, or other forms of targeted assassination, of current or former Russian citizens, either within Russia itself or on foreign soil, over the past two decades is profoundly disturbing, Bachelet said.

Her spokesman, Rupert Colville, cited the Skripal case and the poisoning of Russian defector Alexander Litvinenko, who was killed in London in 2006.

200902170314989

These are not materials that you can buy in a pharmacy or a farm shop or a hardware store, Colville said of Novichok and Polonium-210, with which Litvinenko was poisoned.

Proper legal processes have not been carried out in previous incidents, resulting in close to total impunity in Russia, he said.

Bluffing

Responding to the situation, Russias foreign ministry said it had summoned the German ambassador to Moscow over the statements made by Berlin concerning Navalny.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Germany of bluffing in a statement on her Facebook page.

US politicians called on President Donald Trumps administration on Tuesday to investigate the suspected poisoning of Navalny.

If the Russian government is once again determined to have used a chemical weapon against one of its own nationals, additional sanctions should be imposed, House Representatives Eliot Engel and Michael McCaul said in a letter to Trump.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter. Trump said on Friday his administration had not yet seen proof that Navalny was poisoned.
"The spirit of our learning and teaching culture at CISOSHARE means giving a chance to anyone that wants it."  Mike Gentile

Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) has announced that Mike Gentile, Founder, President, and CEO of CISOSHARE has been recognized as a semifinalist for the 2020 Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Orange County. The awards program, which is in its 34th year, celebrates the unstoppable entrepreneurs whose unbounded ambitions deliver innovation, growth, and prosperity that transform our world.

The spirit of our learning and teaching culture at CISOSHARE means giving a chance to anyone that wants it, including those that are often overlooked, perhaps because of roadblocks that have held them back, a lack of an opportunity, or a support system that keeps them from setting their talents free, says Mike Gentile, Founder, President and CEO of CISOSHARE.

This has been special for me because I was that person, someone who is a mess in many ways, and has only been able to lead CISOSHARE through our business success and community impact programs because of the great mentors, both past and present, a world-class team in leadership and employees at CISOSHARE, and a family support system who believed in me to do it. This is not recognition for me, this is for all of them, says Gentile.

CISOSHARE is a leading provider of cyber security services for leading and rapidly growing organizations founded in 2015 with the mission of improving organizational security programs by enabling better decision-making. Everything CISOSHARE does aligns with the learning and teaching culture that Gentile has cultivated within the team. Gentile and CISOSHARE have been recognized for their innovative approaches that define, differentiate, and are crucial to reaching the vision of being a socially conscious enabler of cyber security progress on a global scale.

Along with managed and professional cyber security services, CISOSHARE also offers a suite of security program and professional development tools in ProgressLink. ProgressLink combines CISOSHAREs patent pending progress-based approach with expert-designed technology to automate program and professional improvement activities.

Gentile also founded CyberForward by CISOSHARE, a program addressing the cyber security resource shortage by tapping often overlooked pools of people that demonstrate aptitudes for success in cyber security. CyberForward is a partner-enabled professional development program that identifies and develops effective, job-ready cyber security professionals by providing valuable perspective-based mentorship and on-the-job experience.

About CISOSHARE

Based in Southern California and serving organizations everywhere, CISOSHARE was founded by Mike Gentile and is the leading provider of security program development, professional, and managed services for leading organizations around the world. Learning and teaching lies at the core of CISOSHARE's culture, focusing on educating employees and clients about information security through our services. We have served hundreds of organizations from, supplying dedicated security leaders to developing world-class security programs from the ground up. Find out more at https://cisoshare.com

Sponsors

Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored by SAP America and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. In Orange County, local sponsors include Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, P.C., Tangram, and Cresa.

About Entrepreneur Of The Year

Entrepreneur Of The Year, founded by EY, is the worlds most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities and more than 60 countries.

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation is available via ey.com.
Thousands of students are heading back to class today in the Houston area.

September 8 is the biggest return to in-person classes since students were sent home in March at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: HISD relaunches curbside student meals

Channelview ISD, Galena Park ISD, Goose Creek CISD, Houston ISD and Sheldon ISD start online classes only today. Conroe, Crosby, Cypress-Fairbanks, Katy, Klein, La Porte, Liberty, New Caney and Tomball ISDs begin in-person classes today.

Safety measures for schools conducting in-person classes include face masks, hand sanitizing stations and encouraging students to keep their distance from one another.

However, the first day hasn't been without challenges. Houston ISD's website has reportedly crashed.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have paid back $3.2 million (2.4 million) of UK taxpayers' money spent on their home renovation at their British residence.





The home renovation was for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Windsor home before they gave up their royal duties early this year.

The couple had just recently moved to California and held true to their promise of stepping away from royal life. Giving back the home renovation money showed that.

The couple's Frogmore Cottage is within the grounds of Queen Elizabeth's Windsor Castle west of London. Its renovation faced criticism from the British media as too expensive, noted the Al Jazeera.

It was a gift from Queen Elizabeth, but the renovations were needed for the home to be habitable. Some of the work included structural work, rewiring, and new flooring, said the Fox Business.

Defective ceiling beams had to be removed, as well as floor joists. Heating and electrical systems were also upgraded. It also included work to convert the 18th-century Grade II house of five apartments into one single dwelling.

The work was finished before the couple's son, Archie, was born on May 6 last year.

"A contribution has been made to the sovereign grant [the source of funding to the royal family] by the Duke of Sussex," a spokesman to Prince Harry said.

The spokesman noted that the contribution was offered by Prince Harry, as reported by The Guardian. It has "fully covered the necessary renovation costs" of the UK home.

The spokesman also said the Frogmore Cottage would remain the duke and his family's UK residence.

News of the repayment came as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, a former actress, seek to build new careers and be more financially independent.

Sussexes Decide on Split UK, US Visits

As the couple chose to step away from royal life, they chose the town of Montecito, near Santa Barbara. They said they plan to split their time between the UK and the US.

The amount of time they spend in the UK raised questions.Graham Smith of Republic was one of the critics of this move. He found it odd that the couple would step away from royal life and still expected UK taxpayers to "provide them with luxury accommodation."

The Republic is campaigning for the replacement of the monarchy with an elected head of state.

Prince Harry, Meghan Seek Financial Independence

In a move to be more financially independent, the Sussexes had also inked a new deal with streaming service Netflix, noted the Hollywood Reporter.

It was a multiyear deal. The terms of the contract have not yet been disclosed. Before the Netflix deal, a bulk of the couple's income was coming from the private estate of Harry's father, Prince Charles.Overall, the UK royal family cost UK taxpayers about $85 million over the past financial year.

This amount is about $25 million more than the previous year. According to an Independent report, the amount was mainly for "maintaining royal palaces across the country." It also included "updating services" at Buckingham Palace.

Check these out!

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Pushkar Banakar By

Express News Service

LADAKH: An incident of firing took place on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh sector where troops of India and China have been engaged in a stand-off for over three months, sources said on Tuesday.

The Indian Army again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake on Monday, The Global Times tweeted quoting the spokesperson of the Western Theatre Command as saying.

According to the paper, the Chinese spokesperson said PLA was forced to take countermeasures to stabilise the situation after Indian troops outrageously fired warning shots at Chinese troops who were about to negotiate.

"The Chinese border guards were forced to take countermeasures to stabilise the situation," a People's Liberation Army (PLA) spokesperson said.

While there is no clarity about the Chinese counter-measures, New Delhi has not responded to the Beijing's charges yet.

The PLA official also said the Indian army "illegally crossed the LAC and entered the south bank of Pangong Lake and the Shenpao mountain area".

"During the operation, the Indian Army blatantly fired threats to the patrol personnel of the Chinese border guards who had made representations, and the Chinese border guards were forced to take countermeasures to stabilize the situation on the ground," he further said.

Calling it a "serious provocation of a very bad nature", China said, "We request the Indian side to immediately stop dangerous actions".

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.

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.

(With Agencies Inputs)
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state has decided to put pressure on Central Government to ensure that the Trivandrum International Airport remains in the public sector, This was decided at the MPs conference chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here on Monday, ahead of the Parliaments monsoon session which is scheduled to begin on September 14.Pinarayi informed that if the Centre is going ahead with the decision to privatise the Thiruvananthapuram airport, then the state will under no circumstances cooperate with the decision.

The decision is that the functioning of the airport should be given to the State Government in the light of the experience in handling the airports through private-public partnership in Kochi and Kannur. The state has also urged the Centre not to withdraw the Dictionary of Martyrs of Indias Freedom Struggle, jointly published by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), containing names of Variyamkunnath Kunjahammed Haji, a leader of the Malabar Rebellion, and Aali Musaliar from. The decision was unanimously supported by the 20 MPs.

Other decisions

1.The Centre should abandon its decision to privatise the largest petroleum company, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. The Kochi Refinery of BPCL was set up with the assistance of the State Government, including financial assistance. The State Government has decided to give a loan worth Rs 1500 crore and also a petrochemical park worth Rs 25, 000 crore is being envisaged in Kochi. Hence under these circumstances the BPCL should be maintained under the public sector.

2.Rs 7000 crore is due from the Centre towards GST compensation until July which should be expedited. The complete compensation dues for the five-year period should be given.

A piece of legislation should be brought forth by the Centre where they should be made liable to pay the compensation as per the Constitution.

The Centre should not solely rely on the cess to pay the compensation. The State Government expressed its displeasure against the Centres decision that the compensation amount should be taken as loan amount for this year as it would only increase the liability.

3.The moratorium should be extended until December 31 and the interest during this period should also be reduced.

4.States should be granted special grants due to the pandemic and this should be included as a priority in the 15th finance commission recommendations.

5.National highway development should be expedited and also the National Highways Authority of India should take steps to settle cases on land acquisition. The State Government recalled that Kerala was the first state in the country to provide 25 per cent of the land cost.

6.States should be given discretion to spend more funds from the State Disaster Response Fund.

7.Steps should be taken to provide Rs 220 crore at the earliest towards the procurement of paddy.

8.Central funds towards the Jal Jeevan Mission which is aimed at providing drinking water in rural areas should be increased to 75 per cent from 50 per cent.

9.Steps should be taken to expedite the setting up of All India Institute of Medical Sciences where already the Centre had been informed of identifying 200 acres at Kinalur.

10. Environmental clearance should be provided by the Union Environment ministry for setting up the Indian Coast Guard Academy at Azheekkal harbour in Kannur.
The COVID-19 crisis has wreaked havoc on people across the globe. Moreover, there are still no signs of it stopping or slowing down, which is a matter of grave concern as the cases have again started to rise exponentially. There are a total of 4,284,103 coronavirus cases in India currently.



At a time like this, the only hope that is keeping people positive is the wait for the release of a vaccine to help contain the spreading of the deadly virus.

 counterpoint research

And lucky for us, Russia has already started distributing its first batch of the COVID-19 vaccine to its public today.



The first batch of the Sputnik V vaccine developed by Gamaleya National Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology as well as the Russian Direct Investment Fund, has been rolled into civil circulation, according to the Russian Health Ministry.

The ministry said in a statement, "The first batch of the 'Gam-COVID-Vac' (Sputnik V) vaccine for the prevention of the new coronavirus infection, developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Health of Russia, has passed the necessary quality tests in the laboratories of Roszdravnadzor (medical device regulator) and has been released into civil circulation."

 Reuters

On August 11, addressing government ministries in a televised video conference, Russian President Putin said that the COVID-19 vaccine offers "sustainable immunity" against the deadly virus. He had said, I know that it works quite effectively, forms strong immunity, and I repeat, it has passed all the needed checks. Besides, reports also suggested that his daughters were vaccinated with Sputnik V and were healthy.



What Are The Concerns With The Sputnik V Coronavirus Vaccine?

As the Russian authorities have claimed that the vaccine is ready for the masses, there are still concerns surrounding the vaccine, especially since it was launched only within months of being under development and didnt have adequate testing.

The sample size for initial phases of human testing was small and a large phase 3 trial isnt complete yet. However, it looks like we might have an answer to this soon.

Will India Also Get The Russian COVID-19 Vaccine?

Well, apparently, yes. Reports have hinted that the vaccine will be undergoing trials in India this month.

Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said, "The post-registration studies involving more than 40,000 people started in Russia on August 26, before AstraZeneca started its Phase 3 trial in the US with 30,000 participants. Clinical trials in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Philippines, India and Brazil will begin this month. The preliminary results of the Phase 3 trial will be published in October-November 2020."

Right now, it does not matter which country the vaccine originates from. All that matters is an effective vaccine is produced which can be distributed to the world as soon as possible. Here is hoping.
The Japanese government has agreed to provide about JPY2 billion (US$18.8 million) in non-refundable aid to four major Vietnamese hospitals to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vietnams acting Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long and Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio on Monday signed a diplomatic note for the grant, which includes JPY1.8 billion ($16.92 million) for the beneficiaries and JPY200 million ($1.88 million) in agent fees.

The four hospitals to receive the funds are the National Lung Hospital, the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion  all in Hanoi, and Da Nang C Hospital in the central city of Da Nang.

The overall goal of the grant is to provide technical assistance to upgrade medical equipment to the four hospitals so that they can meet the prevention and control needs for the COVID-19 pandemic and other diseases and disasters.

The aid will be disbursed over 18 months beginning August 2020, according to the Ministry of Health.

The government of Japan has supplied about $19 million while the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has provided technical support, test kits, personal protective equipment, face masks, and face shields, among other items worth $1.6 million in total to Vietnam since the start of the pandemic, according to Ambassador Takio.

The ambassador also thanked Vietnam for donating over 1.2 million face masks to Japan when the country was in short supply of the items.

On Monday, the Vietnamese acting health minister and the Japanese ambassador also discussed safety measures for passengers after the two countries agreed to resume air routes later this month, the quarantine of Japanese experts in Vietnam, and the licensing of Japanese drugs in Vietnam.

The two sides discussed and agreed to speed up the Japanese-supported project to build Cho Ray 2 Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, which has been on the table for five years but has not been implemented.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Food is delivered by scooters in Gwanghwamun area in Seoul, on Sept. 2. / Yonhap



By Kim Jae-heun



It has become the "new normal" for people to place an order online and receive food in front of their apartment door amid the COVID-19 pandemic.



This has brought about a heyday for food delivery service firms such as Woowa Brothers, Delivery Hero and Coupang Eats, but there is also a fear that the virus might spread through delivery drivers, also known as "riders" here.



The three firms are not that concerned about the riders spreading the virus as they work individually outdoors and they do not gather in a closed area under one roof. Still, they want to make sure that they avoid the very small chance of a COVID-19 infection outbreak among them.



"First, all the delivery workers have to wear a face mask. This is an obligation. Second, we consistently send them messages that those who are in the 14 days of self-quarantine cannot work. Third, their body temperature is checked every day," a Coupang official said.



As another infection cluster raised the number of COVID-19 patients sharply to record over 200 cases per day in the capital area over the last two weeks, more than half of people ordering food online with Coupang Eats have asked delivery workers to leave the meal in front of the door and ring the bell before they go.





Delivered food is left in front of a door at an apartment building in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on Sept. 2. / Korea times file
(Repeats story published late on Monday with no changes)

* More than 50 firms with LNG trading/business development units

* Compares with more than 45 firms in September 2018

By Jessica Jaganathan

SINGAPORE, Sept 7 (Reuters) - More firms have set up liquefied natural gas (LNG) desks in Singapore to capitalise on growing demand for gas in Asia, the city-state's trade minister told a virtual conference on Monday.

Singapore currently has over 50 companies with an LNG trading or business development presence in Singapore, trade minister Chan Chun Sing told the Gastech virtual summit.

This compares with more than 45 firms with dedicated LNG desks as of September 2018.

"This includes key buyers of LNG such as Osaka Gas setting up trading operations in Singapore, complementing the many suppliers and independent trading companies already in the Singapore eco system," he said.

Asia's appetite for the fuel, led by China, is expected to grow over the long term, attracting investment and triggering new LNG trading desks opening globally.

A push for more transparency in the sector has boosted spot trades of Asian LNG. Singapore, which is the Asian oil trading hub, is seen as a natural hub for LNG especially for companies that already have a presence in the city-state and are looking to expand into LNG.

"The growth of LNG derivatives trading has an important impact on the Asian gas market, as liquidity and price transparency will lead to increased spot trading for the region, leading to a greater price influence out of Asia," Chung said.

He added that the companies have chosen Singapore due to the "rich eco-system" of companies across the LNG value chain, Singapore's close links to the growing region and the ease of doing business in the country.

Singapore will continue to develop the use of LNG as a marine fuel and has so far developed various standards for bunkering and for storage, land transportation and handling of the super-chilled fuel, he said. (Reporting by Jessica Jaganathan; Editing by David Evans)
An elementary school in the West York Area School District will be closed for nearly two weeks after two people with connections to the facility tested positive for the coronavirus.

Trimmer Elementary School will be closed from Tuesday until Mon., Sept. 21 out of an abundance of caution, Superintendent Todd M. Davies said in a letter to parents.

The school district consulted with Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines before making the decision, Davies said. Two cases were also confirmed at the West York Area Middle School; however, that school will stay open since the positive cases are household contacts of those from Trimmer Elementary.

Davies said keeping the elementary school shuttered until Sept. 21 will prevent overlapping closures of classrooms and buses.

Please know that the health and safety of students and staff are always at the forefront of all decisions, including the decision to continue with classes at the Middle School, Davies said.

He did not reveal any information on the individuals who tested positive or their connection to the schools, citing privacy reasons.

The Central York School District said all of its schools will remain open after recently receiving its first two coronavirus cases.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2020) - Camino Corp. (TSXV: COR) (OTC Pink: CAMZF) (WKN: A116E1) ("Camino" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has executed a drilling contract with Peruvian based drilling company, AK Drilling International S.A. ("AK"), to commence core drilling at its Los Chapitos copper project, near the coastal town of Chala in Arequipa Department, Peru (the "Chapitos Project"). AK was part of the team that drilled at the Chapitos Project during the discovery drilling in 2017. Camino has received authorization from the Ministry of Energy and Mines to start drilling and plans to commence exploration drilling at the end of September. Camino plans to drill up to 3,000 metres this fall.

"Our fall drill program at Los Chapitos is going to have two main objectives:



- extend the down dip and along strike limits of the known mineralization around the Adriana Zone drilled in 2017 and 2018. We have a good handle on the current mineralization and this phase of the drilling campaign is designed to add potential tonnes to an eventual maiden resource.

- turn undrilled targets into discovery holes. The COVID 19 pandemic has given us time to reinterpret the dataset on the property. We have reworked geochemistry, geophysics, spectral imagery and carried out detailed 1:5000 scale mapping and resampling over the entire approximately 1000 Ha area covered by the current EIA drilling permit. This has given us a number of priority drill targets.



We are confident that these exploration drillholes are based on the best available data and have the possibility of discovering new mineralization at Chapitos in our permitted drill area," said Owen Miller, the Company's Exploration Manager in Peru.

"We are ready to start drilling again at Los Chapitos to follow up on our copper discovery made in 2017 and 2018. We will operate under our COVID-19 operating policies filed with the Peru Ministry of Health and will endeavour to continue our copper discovery efforts in a safe manner," said Jay Chmelauskas, President & CEO. "Our geological team is back in the field with the goal to determine the potential size of the copper system at Los Chapitos."

Story continues





Figure 1. EIA Permitted Drilling Area, Copper Geochemistry and Target Areas



To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/1384/63246_caminoimage1.JPG

About Camino Corporation

Camino is a discovery and development stage copper exploration company. The Company is focused on advancing its high-grade, Los Chapitos copper project located in Peru, towards potential resource delineation and new discoveries. The Company seeks to acquire a portfolio of advanced copper assets that have the potential to deliver copper into an electrifying copper intensive global economy. For more information, please refer to Camino's website at www.caminominerals.com.

Owen D. W Miller, Ph.D FAusIMM(CP) a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this document.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

/S/ "Jay Chmelauskas"

President and CEO

For further information, please contact:

Camino Investor Relations

info@caminominerals.com

Tel: (604) 608-4513

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements: Certain disclosures in this release constitute forward-looking information. In making the forward-looking disclosures in this release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information in the release includes the prospectivity of the Chapitos Project for future exploration, drilling planned on the Chapitos Project in September and that actual results of exploration and engineering activities are consistent with management's expectations. Although the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking information in this release is subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information. Such risk factors include, among others, delays due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, that actual results of the Company's exploration activities will be different than those expected by management, that the Company will be unable to obtain or will experience delays in obtaining any required approvals and the state of equity and commodity markets. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/63246
JERSEYVILLE  A traffic stop during an Illinois State Police DUI checkpoint on Aug. 30 has led to multiple felony charges against a Jacksonville man.

Brent B. Boyd, 37, of Jacksonville, was charged Aug. 31 with being an armed habitual criminal, a Class X felony; unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 1 felony; aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in a vehicle, a Class 2 felony; and aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and driving while drivers license is revoked, both Class 4 felonies.

According to court documents and Jersey County States Attorney Ben Goetten, on Aug. 30 the state police were conducting a roadside safety checkpoint on U.S. 267 southwest of Jersey Street when Boyd approached driving a 2020 Chevrolet.

When Mr. Boyds vehicle approached the checkpoint, he temporarily crossed over the fog line, Goetten said. When the trooper approached the driver side window, he detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from inside the vehicle.

Officers determined that Boyd was impaired, and his drivers license was revoked.

During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a loaded and unholstered Beretta Nano 9mm handgun, and that Boyd had two convictions for violations of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. It was also noted that the handguns serial number had been defaced and the weapon was immediately accessible.

Officers also alelgedly found between 15-100 grams of methamphetamine.

Bail was set at $100,000.

Other felony charges filed recently by the Jersey County States Attorneys Office include:

 Patrick W. Patsaros, 47, of Jerseyville, was charged Aug. 31 with aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony; and on Sept. 2 was charged with criminal damage to property over $500.

According to court documents, on July 21 Patsaros allegedly attacked another man with a knife, cutting him in the lower calf area of both legs. On Sept. 2 Patsaros reportedly damaged the property of another person by slashing four car tires with a knife in the 200 block of Ferguson, Jerseyville.

Bail was set at $25,000 for the aggravated battery charge, and $5,000 for the criminal damage charge.

 Jacob R. Fry, 34, of Jerseyville, was charged Sept. 3 with theft, a Class 3 felony. According to court documents, on Sept. 2 he allegedly had control over stolen property, including six suitcases, a compressor, and a portable heater, all having a value of more than $500.

Bail was set at $10,000.
She has been proudly showing off her recent two-stone weight loss on various European jaunts this summer.

And Zara McDermott flaunted her incredible figure yet again in a throwback bikini Instagram from a recent trip to the Spanish island of Fuerteventura on Tuesday.

The former Love Islander, 23, displayed her incredible abs and toned legs in a tiny tie-dye two-piece for the sizzling snap.

Beach bod! Zara McDermott flaunted her impressive abs in a tiny tie-dye bikini as she shared a throwback snorkelling snap from her recent Fuerteventura getaway on Tuesday

The beauty also had her impressive holiday tan on display as she larked around in her snorkelling goggles for a series of fun poses.

Zara wore her honey tresses slicked back over her shoulders after a cooling dip in the sea for the post which she captioned 'wanna snorkel?'

The sexy snap was from a trip to the Spanish islands last month with her fellow Made in Chelsea star boyfriend Sam Thompson, 28.

Getaway: The beauty also had her impressive holiday tan on display as she larked around in her snorkelling goggles for a series of fun poses

Her social media activity came after her boyfriend Sam told MailOnline when he first met his partner a little over a year ago she 'wasn't happy where she was and never exercised'.

Last August, Zara weighed 10st 7lbs but is now 8st 9lbs, and the media personality said while she was 'always beautiful in my eyes', he can see how much happier she is in herself.

Sam, who has partnered up with Captain Morgan to promote their new Tiki drink, said: 'I think she's in f*****g great shape. When I first met Zara she weighed a lot more and she was not so happy about where she was.

'She was always beautiful': The 23-year-old's boyfriend Sam Thompson recently admitted she 'weighed a lot more and didn't exercise' when they first met (pictured in February)

'She was still beautiful in my eyes- obviously I went out with her didn't I? She looked great either way.

'She wasn't happy with her lifestyle, her health, she never exercised. She's training a lot and eats more than she ever used to, she just eats healthily.'

Earlier this month, former policy advisor Zara announced she had signed up with Storm Management to further her modelling career.

Zara celebrated her new venture by posting a sizzling snap of herself as she declared her new signing as a 'dream come true'.

Stunning: It comes after she revealed earlier this month she had signed up with Storm Management to further her modelling career

She wrote: 'I'm excited to announce I have officially signed with @Stormmodels. What a dream come true.'

In her first picture with the company, Zara sported her voluminous tresses in a loose wave and side part.

Her closest friends and family reposted the picture announcement, congratulating Zara on her big achievement.

Kate Moss left the modelling agency in 2018 after working with them for a whopping 28 years as she decided to manage her work 'in-house' instead.

Career move: Zara reposted the Instagram snap of her signing and wrote: 'I'm excited to announce I have officially signed with @stormmodels. What a dream come true'

The company were the first agency to sign the 14-year-old Kate, and her half-sister Lottie Moss is still signed to them.

The modelling veteran was scouted in 1988 by Storm Management founder Sarah Doukas at JFK airport in New York and had been with the agency since her 2018 departure.

Cara Delevingne, also left the agency in July 2015 after she said she wanted to focus her attention on her acting career, but stars such as Brooklyn Beckham's ex Hana Cross and the iconic Cindy Crawford are signed with the company.
Paula Nordt leaned forward in a recently wiped-off porch chair, getting as close as she could to her 93-year-old mom seated in a wheelchair a fair distance away.

Howve you been feeling? Nordt, 71, asked her mom loudly, speaking through her black mask on the warm Labor Day morning over the whir of a fan.

Her mom, Yvonne Powell, has trouble seeing and suffers from Alzheimers. Nordt got no response and so she repeated: How do you feel?

The pair spoke at a small Katy-area assisted living facility that had gotten approval to allow visitors again  a change Nordt welcomed, albeit under guidelines some still hope the state will ease.

Nordt and her mom, Yvonne Powell, hadnt hugged since March, when state officials first barred visitors as the coronavirus began to spread in Texas. The time apart passed slowly for Nordt, who used to drive from Fulshear to see her mom every weekday.

Others struggled too: Across Texas, family members increasingly argued that the isolation that their relatives felt in nursing homes and assisted living facilities was worse than the risk of contracting COVID-19. In August, the state released guidelines allowing some visits.

Monday morning, Nordt was thankful to sit with her mom in person, telling her about the casserole shed eaten the day before, the cottage cheese she had for breakfast and someone who said to give Powell a hug.

So here, Nordt said, reaching her arms toward her mom, showing the hug she wished to give.

Her moms white hair was a long bob, brushed-back. (Some hope that hairdressers will be allowed under the next set of rules). Nordt only saw her moms lipstick when a staff member removed Powells mask to help her sip her water.

Nordt leaned back, crossed her legs.

Yes, well, Nordt said. Were just relaxing, having ourselves a visit.

This was often how it went, with Nordt chatting as her mom nodded and chuckled. It felt important to Nordt, who also baked pink sweeties cookies for the residents, knowing her mom might forget eating the treats.

Sweeties for the sweeties! Nordt said.

Here, after all, the eight female residents were known as the Golden Girls, owner Mary Monk said.

Monk opened the facility, Larrys Lakehouse, four years ago. The ladies had costume parties and ate in the dining room, where prayer and discussion ensued. Her own mom lived there.

They looked after each other, but without visitors, some grew sad and communicated less. So Monk made sure that when the state allowed visits at long-term care facilities that met certain benchmarks, they were among them.

About one-third of the states 2,000 assisted living facilities have now been cleared. When the visits resumed, Monk said, everybody cried. And she said the residents improved. Their mental status has improved because theyre getting to see their families, she said. They need that. They really, really need that.

The coronavirus has spread at alarming rates in some facilities, and state officials have said theyre trying to balance keeping vulnerable residents safe with opening up. Facilities had to be COVID-free to start visits. (Far fewer nursing homes, which also must test staff weekly, have cleared the bar.)

The visits  spaced out while outdoors or separated by a barrier inside  can also be difficult for some, said Carmen Tilton, vice president of public policy for the Texas Assisted Living Association. She hopes more residents will be allowed a compassionate care visitor to see them in a less-constrained setting.

Earlier that morning, Monks daughter, Melissa Neill, came to see her grandmother. First, she explained to her three-year-old son, Nathan, that he couldnt touch her. Neither had seen Gigi since they celebrated her 87th birthday looking in through the window in May.

Weve got to wear masks to keep Gigi safe, Neill told her son, who wore a plastic face shield decorated with a giraffe. What if you had germs and you didnt know you had germs?

Neills grandmother came out with a walker. Neill worried her son didnt remember who she was, or that her grandmother was confused about who they were. The separation felt strange.

But it was something.

Aw, Gigi, Neill said, leaning forward like Nordt. Its so good to see you.

emily.foxhall@chron.com
As England toiled here in Copenhagen, you couldn't help but wonder what Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden were thinking back home in Manchester.

The team they had left in disgrace just 24 hours prior were labouring, desperately in need of inspiration.

How Gareth Southgate could have done with his fledglings on Tuesday night. That, above all else, should hurt Greenwood and Foden more than anything else.

England were held to a goalless draw against Denmark in their Nations League match

Denmark missed a number of good chances to take the lead, and the match ended 0-0

MATCH FACTS Denmark 4-3-3: Schmeichel, Skov, Christensen, Zanka, Wass, Delaney, Eriksen, Norgaard (Holbjerg 73), Braithwaite (Kjaer 82), Dolberg (Falk 76), Poulsen Subs not used: Andersen, Vestergaard, Maehle, Dalsgaard, Lossl, Christiansen, Larsen, Cornelius, Roennow Yellows: Braithwaite England 3-4-3: Pickford, Alexander-Arnold (Maitland-Niles 87), Trippier, Coady, Gomez, Dier, Phillips (Grealish 76), Rice, Kane, Sterling, Sancho (Mount 60) Subs not used: Ward-Prowse, Abraham, Pope, Mings, Keane, Ings, Henderson Advertisement

Their team-mates were in need of their own brand of youthful genius, yet neither were able to answer the call. What's worse, they only have themselves to blame.

But the unavailability of his two young prodigies, and the reasons behind their absence, was neither here nor there for the England manager as he watched his side stumble to a truly forgettable Nations League point against Denmark.

Had Harry Kane's effort deep into stoppage time not be cleared off the line then Wednesday morning's debrief would have been way easier for Southgate to stomach.

But that would merely have papered over the cracks following a worryingly lacklustre performance.

Following the tumultuous events of the past fortnight, Southgate would have been relieved to turn his focus elsewhere for 90 minutes.

Tuesday night's clash would provide only temporary respite, of course. The repercussions of Greenwood and Foden's clandestine meeting with two Icelandic models on Sunday will continue long into the future for England manager.

So, too, will the questions over Harry Maguire's integrity ahead of his re-trial next year. Southgate has all that to look forward to, or not as the case may be.

But that's life as England manager, Southgate's faced enough crises during his tenure to know the drill.

Winning football matches will help diminish whatever anxieties Southgate may suffer over how he navigates the headaches that lie ahead.

Gareth Southgate gave debuts to four players, including Kalvin Phillips and Conor Coady

Wolves' Coady started but England failed to impress while playing a new system in the 3-4-3

Fans have been calling out for Jack Grealish's inclusion, and he came on as a substitute

England captain Kane reacts after his chance is cleared off the line in injury time

Judging by this performance, however, Southgate can add winning football matches to his list of headaches.

Here in the Danish capital, he took the opportunity to blood two new players - Kalvin Phillips and Conor Coady handed their England debuts from the start as Southgate switched to a back-three.

It's a system Southgate is believed to be giving serious consideration to persisting with until next summer's European Championships. He may want to rethink that plan after this.

Coady certainly appeared to benefit from the formation switch, the Wolves central defender making an accomplished start to life on the international stage.

The fact this was his first time in an England senior shirt - or in the squad for that matter - made no odds to the Liverpudlian as he loudly set about organising his defence with authority.

He certainly wasn't all talk either - three missile-like long range passes out to Trent Alexander-Arnold inside the opening 25 minutes all found their target to set England away on attacks.

INSIGHT FROM CHRIS SUTTON The whole point of an experiment is to see if something works, but for most of this match, England's 3-4-3 didn't. The left wing back role was an issue. Kieran Trippier is right-footed and, with Eric Dier as the left centre half, there was no balance. It was all a bit awkward and there was no rhythm to England's passing. In midfield, Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice are not dictators who are going to make things tick. It is not all down to them, though. This is a problem that England have had for a long time. England were crying out for Jack Grealish, who only got 14 minutes off the bench. The issue? Gareth Southgate doesn't see him as a central midfielder. So it was very difficult for the front three. Harry Kane was feeding off scraps and Jadon Sancho was non-existent. A large part of that is the system and the rest of the team not being able to get them the ball. Advertisement

There was also an appearance for Ainsley Maitland-Niles with a few minutes to go in the game

Kasper Dolberg and Christian Eriksen missed chances to give the hosts a precious win

If there was one positive to take from this night in Copenhagen, then it is Coady's emergence as genuine option in defence.

Phillips, in contrast, didn't necessarily find the transition from club to international football straightforward.

His first attempted pass was wasteful, soon after he was dispossessed inside his own half as he tried to carry the ball away from his own area.

But the Leeds midfielder wasn't the only England player who struggled for rhythm. Southgate's men were largely comfortable - but Jadon Sancho's scuffed effort from Kieran Trippier's clever corner in the 11th minute was all they had to show from the opening 45 minutes.

Indeed, their lack of creativity would have been a prevalent concern for Southgate following this insipid first half display.

Alexander-Arnold had threatening openings down the right, Raheem Sterling had moments down the opposite flank.

But those moments were too infrequent - and when England were in a position to penetrate the final pass was rushed or misjudged.

England had their goalkeeper to thank for keeping them on level terms at half time, Jordan Pickford's save to deny Kasper Dolberg in the 38th minute after Christian Eriksen made his former Tottenham team-mate Eric Dier look a fool provided the highlight of the first half.

It was a frustrating night for Harry Kane, who had a chance cleared off the line at the death

Kieran Trippier was in the wars, especially after a clash of heads in training earlier in the day

Southgate's decision to deploy two holding central midfielders in Phillips and Declan Rice was stunting England's creative flow.

England faced a similar problem in Iceland, having to rely on Sterling's late penalty to earn them victory last weekend.

Yet, Southgate refused any temptation to alter his personnel or system at half-time.

Blind faith? It certainly appeared so, England started the second half just as disjointed as they finished the first.

Southgate's first change arrived on the hour, Mason Mount replacing Sancho, who has flattered to deceive during England's visit to Scandinavia.

Kane's back post header from Trippier's deep cross in the 69th minute followed by Sterling's long-range effort that was turned behind by Kasper Schmeichel soon after at least provided some attacking punch.

But the fact Sterling's effort - that arrived in the 70th minute - was England's first on target of the night told its own story.

Jack Grealish replaced Phillips in the 76th minute for his England debut as Southgate searched of further inspiration.

But Denmark could have wrapped up victory in the 81st minute - Eriksen blazing over from close range before Mathias Jorgensen's brilliantly denied Kane with virtually the last kick of the game as spoils were shared.

Joe Gomez of England puts the pressure on Denmark's Dolberg in the second half of the game

Raheem Sterling takes the knee with his team-mates in support of the fight against racism

Sportsmail's MATT PORTER provided live Nations League coverage including score, lineups and build-up, with full commentary of the match.
The dentist alleged that Allied breached the insurance contract by denying coverage in April. Martinez maintained that his practice also suffered extra costs from cleaning and decontaminating its property during the pandemic.

But US District Judge John L. Badalamenti held that the alleged losses of Gulf Coast Smiles  Martinezs Cape Coral, FL-based dental practice  were not covered by the policy, which he pointed out has exclusions for losses related to viruses.

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 in the order handed September 01, Law360 reported.

The judge also stressed that the loss or damage asserted was not due to a covered cause of loss, prefacing that the policy precludes any insurer liability for loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by any virus.
Indian army today issued a statement after Chinese PLA claimed that Indian soldiers fired warning shots at the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

Indian army rejected Chinese allegations of violating border agreements and accused Chinese troops of firing in the air during a face-off on their tense de facto border.

Indian army said, "In the instant case on 07 September, it was China's PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC & when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops.

India, while is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC, China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate.

The statement further stated, "At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing."

It said Chinese soldiers tried to close in on a forward Indian position in the Ladakh sector in the western Himalayas and when were met by Indian troops, the PLA fired a few rounds in the air.

It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress.

In the instant case on 07 September 2020, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops.

However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner.

The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility, however is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs. The statement by the Western Theatre Command is an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience.

The Indian army issued the latest statement after a China alleged that India took provocative actions in the tensed Himalayan border between the two countries.

"Indian troops crossed the LAC at the west section of the China-India border, into the Shenpao mountain region near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake," the Global Times reported quoting senior Colonel Zhang Shuili, a spokesperson of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) western command theatre.

"The Indian side's move seriously violated related agreements reached by both sides, stirred up tensions in the region, and would easily cause misunderstandings and misjudgments, which is a serious military provocation ...", the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson demanded that the Indian Army personnel "to immediately stop dangerous moves, withdraw personnel who crossed the LAC at once".

"We demand Indian side to immediately stop dangerous moves, withdraw personnel who crossed the LAC at once, strictly control frontline troops, seriously investigate and punish the personnel who fired the provocative shot and ensure similar incidents won't take place again," Zhang was quoted as saying.

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Published on 2020/09/07 | Source

Actors Jun Ji-hyun and Ju Ji-hoon have confirmed roles in 2021's most anticipated blockbuster "Jirisan".

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"Jirisan" is a mystery drama about people climbing the mountain against the backdrop of the vast scenery of Jirisan.

The film is written by Kim Eun-hee-I from the "Kingdom" and "Signal" series and directed by Lee Eung-bok from "Mr. Sunshine", "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" and "Descendants of the Sun".

On top of that, actor Jun Ji-hyun, who needs no explaination and Ju Ji-hoon, who has an irreplaceable presence, have joined the two main characters to lead the drama, making prospective viewers more excited.

Jun Ji-hyun plays Seo I-kang, the best Ranger in Jirisan National Park. She knows instinctively how to ride the mountain, such as dirt roads, ragged roads, rock walls and cliffs and knows everything about Jirisan enough to guess the place of distress with just a blade of grass.

Ju Ji-hoon will transform into Kang Hyeon-jo, a new Ranger at Jirisan National Park. Kang Hyeon-jo, a former Army captain from the Korea Military Academy who keeps a secret he can't tell anyone, will partner with Seo I-kang to save people by traveling through the mountains together.

The production team of "Jirisan" said, "We will make a new attempt with writer Kim Eun-hee-I and director Lee Eung-bok on the stage of Mount Jiri, where countless people climbed and walked with their own stories. I feel reassured to be with the best actors such as Jun Ji-hyun and Ju Ji-hoon".

"We are now fully prepared to start filming in mid-September", he said. "The safety of the cast and staff is a top priority, and they are preparing for the site by thoroughly following the strengthened quarantine rules to prevent COVID-19 infection. We are in a difficult situation, but we are trying our best to overcome it together", he added,
Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh on Tuesday ordered a probe into the claims made by Adhyayan Suman  the purported former boyfriend of actor Kangana Ranaut  in an interview three years ago that she was on drugs and had forced him to consume the narcotic substances as well.

The actor, expected to arrive in the city today and who is in the eye of a political storm over her remarks on Mumbai and the Centres decision to grant her Y+ security, was also issued a notice by the civic body, asking her to take corrective measures regarding structural violations in her Pali Hill office. The civic body will undertake action if she fails to reply in 24 hours. The actor, through her lawyer, has requested for seven days to reply and address concerns in the stop-work notice.

Also, breach of privilege motions were moved and accepted against Ranaut and Republic TVs Arnab Goswami in the legislature for defamatory remarks on Mumbai and derogatory comments against chief minister Uddhav Thackeray respectively.

In response to the probe announced by Anil Deshmukh, Ranaut tweeted, I am more than happy to oblige @MumbaiPolice @AnilDeshmukhNCP please do my drug tests, investigate my call records if you find any links to drug peddlers ever. I will accept my mistake and leave Mumbai forever, looking forward to meet you. (sic)

Replying to the point raised by Shiv Sena legislators Pratap Sarnaik and Sunil Prabhu, Deshmukh said that the Mumbai Police would be asked to probe into the claims made by Suman, the son of actor Shekhar Suman. Deshmukh said that Mumbai Police would look into Sumans three-year-old statement.

Sena lawmakers Prabhu and Sarnaik had raised the issue about the revelation against Ranaut that she was on drugs. Suman was in a relationship with her and he had said that she used to force him to do drugs as well. Mumbai Police will look into the allegations, Deshmukh said.

Deshmukh also made a statement in relation to the tweets by Ranaut, where she likened Mumbai with the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He said that such a statement was unfortunate and is an insult to Mumbai and Maharashtra and its proud people. Mumbai and Maharashtra have given Ranaut everything, but in return she has played with the sentiments of the people. At least, 106 people had laid their lives for a unified Maharashtra. Not only the ruling parties, but even the opposition, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), must also condemn her statement, he said.

Earlier on Monday, Maharashtra assemblys deputy speaker Narhari Zirwal directed Deshmukh to make a statement within 24 hours. Deshmukh made the statement in response to a letter written by Sena legislator Sarnaik seeking unanimous resolution must be passed by the assembly against Ranaut for her anti-Maharashtra rants on social media.

Deshmukh also announced that Mumbai Police would conduct a probe into the death by suicide of interior designer Anvay Naik three years ago. Naik, in his suicide note, had named a few persons, including a TV news channels editor, who allegedly did not pay his dues worth several crores of rupees, according to the deceaseds kin.

State food and civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal and energy minister Nitin Raut have demanded a bid to expedite the probe in the Naik death case.

They said that the interior designer and his mother had died by suicide three years ago while holding the editor responsible for non-payment of their dues against the construction of the channels studio in Mumbai.

The case has been registered. Mumbai Police will be ordered to conduct a probe into it, Deshmukh said.

A breach of privilege motion was moved in both houses of the state legislature against Republic TVs managing director and editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami on Tuesday. A privilege motion was also moved against Ranaut over her remarks comparing Mumbai to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the Maharashtra legislative Council. Council chairman Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar accepted both motions against Goswami and Ranaut, while deputy speaker of Assembly Narhari Zirwal said he will decide (whether to accept it or not) after the scrutiny.

Sena legislator Pratap Sarnaik moved the motion in Assembly, while his party colleague in the council Manisha Kayande moved it in the upper house against Goswami for derogatory remarks against Thackeray, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and other politicians. Parliamentary affairs minister Anil Parab said that the news anchor holds debates as if he was the judge and holding a trial. His derogatory remarks against the CM and other leaders were highly objectionable.

Congresss Ashok Jagtap moved a privilege motion against Ranaut for defaming Mumbai in the Upper house. Congress legislator in Council, Bhai Jagtap referred to 2016 interview of actor Adhyayan Suman and said that Suman had told media that the actor had asked him to consume drugs.

Council chairman Nimbalkar said, I have accepted the breach of privilege of motion. In the absence of a committee for it, I am going to decide on it (on the motion). Ranaut equated Mumbai to PoK and the Sena took offense and criticised her comment. She also got in to a verbal spat with Sena leader Sanjay Raut. The actor is also been in the news for her controversial comments on the Mumbai Polices handling of the Sushant Singh Rajput death case.

Later, Sarnaik said outside Vidhan Bhavan that there was no political vendetta in demanding action against Kangana. Law is same for all citizens. The actors who are given security are idols for society and any allegations against them should be taken seriously. If she is innocent, then action should be taken against the person who has levelled allegations against her. It will come out only after the probe, he said.

Earlier on Tuesday morning, after paying a surprise visit to her office at Pali Hill in Bandra, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a stop-work notice to Ranaut, pointing to 14 types of structural violations, carried out in her office and sought her reply in 24 hours, failing which the illegal portions of her office would be demolished. Replying to the notice, Ranaut, through her lawyer, requested for seven days to reply and address the concerns in the stop-work notice issued by the BMC on Tuesday morning. Her lawyer also demanded that the BMC officials, who visited Ranauts office premises on Monday, be prosecuted for trespassing in her property and intimidating her security staff.

Manikarnika Films Private limited, Ranauts office, which is a ground-plus-two storey structure, is located at Bungalow number 5 in Chetak Row Houses of Pali Hill. When the structural details were cross-checked by the BMC, they found out that the structure exists in their records since 1970s. They also found out that the office has several structural violations, which includes illegal extension, which has been pointed out in the notice.

Vinayak Vispute, assistant municipal commissioner of H-west ward (Bandra, Khar), said, The site inspection was conducted according to the approved plans in BMCs development plan department. We have listed out several violations in the notice and will await her reply on the same. Depending on that, further action will be taken. The BMC is yet to comment if it has granted her the seven-day time period as asked by her lawyer.

The structural violations in her office include converting toilet into an office cabin, constructing new toilets alongside staircase, unauthorised extension of slab on the first, second floor and merging of the bedroom of adjoining bungalow into this office space, on the second floor by removing partition wall.

A report citing all illegalities of the structure is being prepared by the local ward office, H-West ward (Bandra, Khar)

Meanwhile, BMC has filed a caveat in a court stating it should be heard first, if Ranaut challenges the stop-work notice. A caveat is a request to a court that no order should be passed without hearing the person or party which files it. Replying to this, Kangana tweeted, Now BMC has filed a caveat against me, really desperate to break my house, I deeply love what I built with so much passion over so many years but know that even if you break it, my spirit will only get stronger. Go on.

On Monday, Ranaut took to Twitter to share a video clip of the officials visiting her office and accused the BMC of forcefully taking over her office and said that the BMC is going to demolish her property on Tuesday. A team of officials from building proposals department inspected her office to check for alterations comparing the approved plans. In her defence, Ranaut had tweeted, I have all the papers, BMC permissions and nothing has been done illegally in my property. BMC should send a structure plan to show the illegal construction with a notice. Today, they raided my place and without any notice tomorrow they will be demolishing entire structure.

(Inputs by Swapnil Rawal)
Aaron Jay Danielson in an undated photograph. He was shot dead in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 29, 2020. (Danielson family via AP)

Fortitude and Forgiveness at Memorial for Portland Shooting Victim Aaron Jay Danielson

Friends, supporters described Danielson as strong-hearted, kind

People who gathered for a memorial service to honor the life of Portland shooting victim Aaron Jay Danielson spoke about the importance of overcoming anger and hatred, and transcending the situation with forgiveness and courage as they mourned his death.

Danielson, 39, was shot in the chest and killed in downtown Portland on Aug. 29. The shooting occurred after the completion of a rally and caravan in support of President Donald Trump that traveled to Portland from nearby Clackamas County. The suspected killer, Michael Forest Reinoehl, 48, was later shot and killed by police in Lacey, Washington, on Sept. 4.

About 250 people gathered at Esther Short Park in Vancouver, Washington, for an afternoon memorial service on Sept. 5, just one day after what would have been Danielsons 40th birthday. An evening candlelight vigil was held later in the day.

Im out here today for my friend Jay who was murdered, attendee Haley Adams told The Epoch Times. He was a loving man, he was very caring.

Haley Adams, a friend of Portland shooting victim Aaron Jay Danielson, attends a memorial service at Esther Short Park in Vancouver, Washington, on Sept. 5, 2020. (The Epoch Times)

She said she was completely devastated at the news of his death.

The founder of conservative group Patriot Prayer, Joey Gibson, spoke on stage at the memorial service. Danielson was a supporter of the group, and was reportedly wearing a Patriot Prayer hat when he was shot.

Gibson highlighted Danielsons peace and courage, saying, Jay was one of the most courageous people that Ive ever met in my entire life.  Jay was always calm and was always had that smile on his face, even in the middle of that anarchy, he said.

Founder of conservative group Patriot Prayer Joey Gibson speaks at a memorial for his friend, Portland shooting victim Aaron Jay Danielson, at Esther Short Park in Vancouver, Washington, on Sept. 5, 2020. (The Epoch Times)

While acknowledging Danielsons murder and accusing the media of having slandered his name after his death, Gibson urged for forgiveness and letting go of hatred.

I dont want to see one person going to Portland and create one act of violence in the name of Jay.  Jay wants us to stand for what we believe in but he does not want any more violence, he said.

We have to forgive as much as we possibly can, it doesnt mean that we excuse, it doesnt mean that we forget, but we have to forgive, he added.

Event attendee David Sisco told The Epoch Times that finding forgiveness is tough.

David Sisco attends a memorial service for Portland shooting victim Aaron Jay Danielson, at Esther Short Park in Vancouver, Washington, on Sept. 5, 2020. (The Epoch Times)

Thats unity, thats the spirit that we want. Its tough to have that forgiveness, we have so many feelingsrage, anger, sometimes a lack of self-control, so to be able to find that forgiveness in our heart without having the event of someone coming to you to ask for that forgiveness, thats true forgiveness, to forgive on the spot.

Michelle Dawson, a councilor in the rural town of Yacolt who spoke on stage, called Danielsons death an execution. She cried as she recounted to the crowd how she witnessed Danielsons death via a live video on the night of Aug. 29.

Weve been robbed, Ive had anger in my heart  I kind of had to have a reality check because I know Jay would not want that, Dawson said.

Michelle Dawson, a Yacolt city councilor, speaks at a memorial for her friend, Portland shooting victim Aaron Jay Danielson, at Esther Short Park in Vancouver, Washington, on Sept. 5, 2020. (The Epoch Times)

She urged the media to get it right in their reporting about Danielson, adding, Jay was not a Nazi. Jay was not a white supremacist. Jay was not a fascist, Jay was a proud American, Jay loved his country. Jay loved President Trump. And by God, Jay loved Patriot Prayer.

I encourage you and I want you to give him the justice that he deserves, she told the crowd. He was amazing. And Im angry that the media wants to ruin his name, but by God, Patriot Prayer and every one of you standing here today, we will fight, we will fight to keep his good name.

Chandler Pappas, a friend who was with Danielson when he died, told the crowd, Jay was not a violent man. Jay was about peace and Jay was about love.

Chandler Pappas, a friend of Portland shooting victim Aaron Jay Danielson, speaks at a memorial service at Esther Short Park in Vancouver, Washington, on Sept. 5, 2020. (The Epoch Times)

Joni Van Dyne, who was part of the Trump 2020 Cruise Rally event on Aug. 29, expressed anger over media reports that painted Danielson as an extremist. Shed just met Danielson briefly prior to the rally event that day and said that he seemed like a genuine person.

I was more than angry because he was far from that  Just because youre a Trump supporter does not mean that youre a Nazi, does not mean youre fascist, does not mean youre this bad person, she told The Epoch Times.

Joni van Dyne (L) and Haley van Dyne (R) speaks to The Epoch Times at a memorial for Portland shooting victim Aaron Jay Danielson, at Esther Short Park in Vancouver, Washington, on Sept. 5, 2020. (The Epoch Times)

When I found out that they were saying Jay and all the Trump supporters were white supremacists, no, thats far from it, we had Asians, Blacks, Mexicans, all kinds of different races and sexualities there. And everybody was treated the same, she said.

Kareem Patton, a supporter of Patriot Prayer who had known Danielson, told The Epoch Times that Danielson was a very kind guy, very easygoing.

If youre having a bad day hed just gravitate toward you and make you feel better, Patton said. Hes just that spark and that light around everybody, thats how I knew him. Im always having a smile and a laugh when hes around. Its a tragedy.

Kareem Patton speaks to The Epoch Times at a memorial service for Portland shooting victim Aaron Jay Danielson, at Esther Short Park in Vancouver, Washington, on Sept. 5, 2020. (The Epoch Times)

He said that media coverage of Patriot Prayer that has been characterizing the group as being far-right or as advocating for white supremacy conflicts with his personal experience of the group.

Patriot prayer for years had had people of color. We dont allow racist people or extremist or violent people in the group at all. Media just had to [be] against Joey and everybody else, he commented. I know these people personally and theyre not like that.

Patriot Prayers website says the group stands for God and Freedom. The group has regularly held demonstrations in Portland and Seattle, where theyve faced opposition from Antifa, a far-left group, and other activists. Brawls between the groups arent uncommon.

Protests and riots have continued in Portland over the past several months since late May and have often been marked by vandalism and violence.

Roman Balmakov and Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
Akshaya Tritiya 2021: Check the auspicious date and timings here to buy gold in your city

Mandatory gold hallmarking comes into force today: What you should know

Kerala gold smuggling case: Swapna Suresh shifted to ICU after complaining of chest pain

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

Kochi, Sep 08: Kerala gold smuggling case accused Swapna Suresh was shifted to the ICU at Government Medical College (GMC), Thrissur on Tuesday where she had been admitted after complaining of chest pain.

Swapna Suresh, who was lodged at Central Prison, Viyyur in Thrissur district had complained of chest pain yesterday following which she was shifted to GMC, Thrissur, Kerala.

Kerala tops literacy rate chart; Andhra Pradesh worst performer

Although a slight variation has been noticed in the ECG report of Swapna, the GMC authorities, however, stated that her condition is satisfactory.

On Thursday, the Kerala Police recorded the arrest of Swapna, in connection with a case related to the forgery of a fake degree certificate to secure a job in the Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited (KSITIL) under the Income Tax Department.

International Literacy Day 2020: History, theme and how education coping up amid COVID-19 pandemic

The matter, which pertains to the smuggling of gold in the state through diplomatic channels, had come to light after 30 kg gold worth Rs 14.82 crores, smuggled in a consignment camouflaged as diplomatic baggage, was busted by the Customs in Thiruvananthapuram on July 5.

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 10:38 [IST]
Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses the opening ceremony of the fifth annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank via video link, in Beijing, capital of China, July 28, 2020. Xinhua News Agency | Getty Images

GUANGZHOU, China  China launched a global data security initiative on Tuesday outlining principles that should be followed in areas from personal information to espionage. The initiative, announced by Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, comes as the U.S. continues to put pressure on China's largest technology companies and convince countries around the world to block them. China's initiative has eight key points including not using technology to impair other countries' critical infrastructure or steal data, and making sure service providers don't install backdoors in their products and illegally obtain user data. Wang also said the initiative looks to put an end to activities that "infringe upon personal information" and oppose using technology to conduct mass surveillance against other states. Companies should also respect the laws of host countries and stop coercing domestic firms to store data generated overseas in their own territory, the initiative added. Many of those points appear to address some of Washington's accusations.

The U.S. has accused China's technology companies of posing national security threats by collecting user data and sending them back to Beijing. Companies including Huawei and ByteDance have denied those allegations. "We have not and will not ask Chinese companies to transfer data overseas to the government in breach of other countries' laws," Wang said. Anyone signing up to the pledge should also respect the sovereignty, jurisdiction and governance of data of other states and avoid asking companies or individuals located in other countries to provide data without permission. China has its own rules around censorship and data. A system known as the Great Firewall effectively blocks services like Google and Facebook, while China's censors regularly tell the country's internet companies to take down content. Meanwhile, countries like Australia have raised concerns about two pieces of Chinese legislation that appear to compel companies to hand over data to Beijing if asked. It is unclear if any country has signed up to China's initiative and how it will be implemented and policed. But the world's second-largest economy has been looking to increase its role in setting standards around the world from areas from data to telecommunications.

... a certain country keeps making groundless accusations against others in the name of 'clean' network and used security as a pretext to prey on enterprises of other countries who have a competitive edge. Wang Yi China's Foreign Minister
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  The Armed Forces of the Philippines is zeroing in on the remaining Abu Sayyaf troops in Basilan and Sulu this year, as it also grapples with the reported influx of foreign terrorists.

AFP chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said the military's anti-terrorism crackdown seeks to "significantly degrade" rebel forces in these areas.

"As far as the Abu Sayyaf Group, we are striving to really end it this year," Gapay said during the Department of National Defense budget briefing on Tuesday, in response to the query of Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman about ending the reign of terror in Mindanao. "The entire local terrorist group problem would be (resolved) by 2022, before the term of President Duterte ends, 'yun po ang timeline ng Armed Forces."

Wanted Abu Sayyaf leader Abduljihad "Edang" Susukan, notorious for kidnap-for-ransom activities, was surrendered to authorities last month. He has multiple warrants of arrest for murder, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention.

RELATED: AFP intensifies operations vs. Abu Sayyaf in Mindanao after subleader's arrest

Gapay said the three-year target covers other factions like the Maute Group, which attacked Marawi in 2017; the Al-Khalifa group in Sarangani, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Jolo, Sulu fell victim to the most recent terrorist attacks in the country, where twin blasts killed 15 people and injured 78 others in August.

Gapay said there are eight foreign terrorists hiding in the country, most of them affiliated with the Abu Sayyaf group. There are 29 other foreigners on the military's watch list.

Last year's twin explosions, also in Jolo, were triggered by two Indonesian suicide bombers which left 22 dead. The Interior Department previously said the foreigners were likely aided by local Abu Sayyaf members.

"Our counter-terrorism strategy is comprehensive," Gapay said, as he batted for enhanced maritime security to monitor foreigners who sneak in through 'back door' ports.

Better coordination with the Bureau of Immigration will also be useful in detecting foreigners entering air or seaports using different identities, he said.

Lorenzana said local insurgency and terrorism are the country's top security concerns, followed by maritime issues in the West Philippine Sea and illegal drugs.
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NIA court convicts two fake currency racketeers from Bengal

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Sep 08: A special court of the National Investigation Agency has convicted two persons in connection with a fake currency case.

The court convicted Habibur Rehman and Fakirul Seikh, residents of Malda in West Bengal. During investigation, it was revealed that the above accused had hatched a criminal conspiracy for procuring and circulating fake Indian currency notes in India.

Fake: Education minister has not made this announcement on re-opening of schools, colleges

The fake currency was illegally smuggled from Bangladesh and was intended to be circulated in different parts of India.

After the completion of trial, both the accused persons were found guilty of the offence and convicted by the Special NIA Court, Kolkata. They have been sentenced to 4 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 3,000 has been imposed on them.

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 8:39 [IST]
The Armenian Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday that 108 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, sharply down from an average of 550-600 cases a day registered in the first half of July and roughly 250 daily cases recorded in early August.

The ministry said 471 other patients have recovered from the disease, reducing to 3,182 the total number of active cases in the country of about 3 million. The number stood at over 7,700 a month ago.

The ministry data also shows that less than 6 percent of coronavirus tests carried out in the last two days came back positive. The positive test rate hovered between 20 percent and 25 percent in late July and has fallen steadily since then.

If compare the number of tests, newly detected cases and recoveries in the past week or ten days we can say that the downward trend is holding steady, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health, Lilit Babakhanian, told RFE/RLs Armenian service.

The trend has allowed the health authorities to reduce the number of hospitals treating COVID-19 patients. There were two dozen such hospitals across Armenia at the height of the coronavirus crisis early this summer. According to Babakhanian, only eight of them are continuing to deal with the pandemic now.

The countrys infection rates have been falling despite the lifting in early May of the vast majority of government restrictions on peoples movements and business activity. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians government has since put the emphasis of getting Armenians to practice social distancing, wear face masks and follow other anti-epidemic rules. Mask-wearing has been mandatory in all public areas since June.

The government decided late last month to lift virtually all remaining restrictions. It went on to introduce strict safety protocols for Armenian schools and universities that are due reopen on September 15.

Despite the improving epidemiological situation opposition figures and other critics continue to accuse the government of mishandling the coronavirus crisis. They argue that with almost 45,000 coronavirus cases recorded to date Armenia has had one of the highest infection rates in the world. Critics also point to the deaths of at least 1,179 Armenians infected with the disease.

The health authorities say that COVID-19 was the primary cause of 903 of those deaths. The 276 other infected people have died from other, pre-existing conditions, according to them.

Pashinian, Health Minister Arsen Torosian and other government officials dismiss the opposition criticism. In particular, Torosian has argued that Armenias COVID-19 mortality rate is significantly lower than that of many Western nations that spend a lot more on healthcare.
Domestic airlines are resuming routes to Danang to satisfy the demand for travel and business

From September 7, Vietnam Airlines will reopen round-trip flights between Danang and other cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The schedule will be repeatedly updated after September 11, depending on the pandemic situation and the authorities requirements.

Bamboo Airways will also restart Danang-Hanoi and Danang-Ho Chi Minh City flights. Particularly, return tickets will be sold for a daily flight between Hanoi and Danang from September 8 to 15. From September 16, the number of flights will be extended to two flights a day. From October 1, there will be up to five flights a day.

Additionally, there will be one round-trip a day between Ho Chi Minh City and Danang from September 8 to 30, flight frequency will reach three round trips a day from 1 October.

Vietjet will launch flights between Danang and the capital and Ho Chi Minh City with one round-trip a day to meet the demand for travel and revitalise the economy of Danang as well as the Central Vietnamese and Highlands areas.

From September 10, Pacific Airlines will operate a round-trip flight a day between Danang and Ho Chi Minh City.

For now, airlines will be following social distancing instructions from the Ministry of Transport to minimise the risk of infection and recommend passengers to follow preventive measures for their own and the community's safety.

Because of COVID-19, domestic airlines halted their routes to and from Danang from July 28.
Beijing has conveyed to India that it is not allowing foreign students including students from India studying in China to return because of the global Covid-19 pandemic situation and has advised them to be in contact with colleges and universities until further notice.

At present, foreign students in China cannot enter the country, the Chinese ministry of education (MoE) told the Indian embassy in Beijing in a recent note.

It did not specify a time frame for the Indian students to return.

In view of the fact that the epidemic situation in the world is still unclear and relevant policies on entry and exit in China are being gradually adjusted, it is suggested that Indian students should maintain close contact with relevant Chinese colleges and universities and arrange to study in China in strict accordance with the suggestions and guidance of the colleges/universities, the MoE said.

Though not explicitly mentioned in the note, it effectively means that Chinese colleges and universities are unlikely to allow foreign  including Indian  students back in China for the current semester, which began this month and will continue until early 2021.

Indias increasing coronavirus caseload could make the return of Indian students to China even more complex.

The Indian embassy statement pointed out that Beijing is only allowing foreign nationals to return to China in specific cases.

It is reiterated that following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic earlier this year, the Chinese government had restricted the entry of foreigners into China, permitting such entry only in specific circumstances, the statement said.

It added: While some exceptions have since been made with regard to some categories of foreigners who can enter China with a fresh visa, foreign students have not been included in any of these categories.

China allowed a staggered reopening of colleges and universities from late last month under strict anti-epidemic rules including mandatory nucleic acid tests for returning students.

However, only domestic students have been allowed to return to campuses.

According to MoE, until the end of 2018, 4,92,185 international students from 196 countries and regions were studying in China.

With 23,198 students, India was fourth on the list of a country-wise breakup of students studying in China.

South Korea with more than 50,000 students topped it followed by Thailand and Pakistan with over 28,000 students each studying in China.

Most Indian students are enrolled in medical colleges and only a handful of them remain in China at present; the rest having gradually returned to India since January.

Many of them are keen to return to continue on-campus studies, especially medical students who are supposed to complete their hospital internships this year.

A few medical colleges have given final year students the option to postpone their hospital internships by a year.

Many Indian students have petitioned the Indian embassy to take up the matter with Chinese authorities to allow them to return and resume on-campus classes.

The discretion to allow foreign students to return, however, is entirely with the Chinese government.

As per the MoE note, which was shared by the Indian embassy in a statement on Monday evening, the best that Chinese universities can offer now is online learning.

For China, which has effectively controlled the domestic Covid-19 outbreak, to allow hundreds of thousands of foreign students to return is tied with the fear of imported infections.

Until Monday, including 10 new confirmed cases arriving from outside the mainland, 2,595 imported cases of Covid-19 have been reported in China.

As of Monday, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases on the mainland had reached 85,144 and 4,634 had died of the disease, the national health commission said (NHC).

China reported the last locally transmitted case in August in Urumqi in the northwestern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Given Chinas controlled and calibrated anti-outbreak response, it is unlikely that it would allow hundreds of thousands of foreign students to return at the same time to campuses.
CHICOUTIMI, Quebec, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Elkem has decided to invest in a new biocarbon pilot plant in Canada. The project aims to secure industrial verification of Elkem's technology for renewable biocarbon, with a long-term goal of contributing to climate-neutral metal production. The technology also has potential for application in other industry sectors, contributing to reduced CO2 emissions.

The total investment for the pilot plant amounts to NOK 180 million. The project has received financial support from the Canadian government, the Quebec government and the city of Saguenay, reducing Elkem's net investment to NOK 60 million. The plant will be constructed near Elkem's production site in Chicoutimi, Quebec, Canada, with start of construction planned for the second half of 2020. Based on conclusions from the pilot, Elkem will evaluate the basis for a full-scale plant.

"Elkem is one of the world's leading companies in environmentally responsible manufacturing of metals and materials, and we believe that sustainable production is increasingly a competitive advantage with our customers. With this new biocarbon pilot plant in Canada, we aim to secure long-term access to low-cost, high-quality renewable biocarbon to replace fossil coal, and further improve our competitive position for a sustainable future. In addition, we see a potential for scaling up this technology to other industries - helping reduce emissions," says CEO of Elkem, Michael Koenig.

With the new plant, Elkem will pilot an industrial biocarbon process tailor-made for silicon and ferrosilicon production. Using climate-neutral renewable biocarbon instead of fossil coal as a reduction agent is a key part of Elkem's sustainable production strategy. Elkem already uses close to 20 per cent biocarbon in its production in Norway and the company is working towards increasing this to 40 per cent by 2030. Elkem sources 83 per cent of its of electricity consumption from renewable energy.

Elkem also sees a future potential for biocarbon technology to be customised for use in the steel industry, as a replacement for coke as reduction agent. The company is searching for partners for industrialization of the technology.

The pilot plant will source raw materials from local sawmills in Canada, including recycled bark, wood chips, sawdust and wood shaves. This will create new business opportunities within the circular economy and create new green jobs. More than 2 million Green tons (Gt) of potential raw material is already produced within 100 kilometres of the Chicoutimi area in Quebec.

"The Government of Canada continues to invest in emerging clean technologies that support the competitiveness of our forestry sector while creating a clean energy future", says Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, Seamus O'Regan.

"Studies have shown that biocarbon can perform even better than fossil coal in production, and at the same time reduce the carbon footprint. Still, challenges remain to make biocarbon viable at a large scale, including how to optimise quality, how to customise furnaces for biocarbon, how to sustainably source raw materials and how to minimise transportation. I am confident that Elkem's new biocarbon pilot plant in Canada will help us solve these challenges, by enabling close cooperation between people at all levels of the organisation, from the operators who run the furnaces to the plant management, the procurement team, and R&D specialists including our partner Pyrovac. Together, we can accelerate a sustainable step-change that is both economically viable and good for the environment," says Jean Villeneuve, Elkem's Head of Biocarbon Business.

In addition to the Canada pilot plant, Elkem remains involved in several activities related to biocarbon, in Norway and other countries around the world. This includes work to develop competitive and sustainable sources of biocarbon as well as longer-term R&D projects. In 2019, Elkem's plant in Paraguay achieved 100 per cent sustainable biocarbon in its production of ferrosilicon as a pioneer plant in Elkem and the metals industry.

About Elkem

Founded in 1904, Elkem is one of the world's leading suppliers of silicon-based advanced materials with operations throughout the value chain from quartz to specialty silicones, as well as attractive market positions in specialty ferrosilicon alloys and carbon materials. Elkem is a publicly listed company on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker code: ELK) and is headquartered in Oslo. The company has more than 6,700 employees with 31 production sites and an extensive network of sales offices worldwide. In 2019 Elkem had revenues of NOK 22.7 billion. To learn more, please visit www.elkem.com

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Brotherly love is the concern you have for others. Love is experienced in different ways. In fact, there are different kinds of love. When something affects your brother, it must affect you. That is a demonstration of brotherly love! Brotherly love is defined as that love a person has for a brother. It is the strong affection for another that rises out of kinship and personal relationships.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with BROTHERLY LOVE; IN HONOUR PREFERRING one another;

Romans 12:10, KJV

The Mouse, the Chicken, the Pig and the Cow

In this story, the chicken, the pig and the cow did not have brotherly love for their fellow farm animals and paid a high price for it.

One day, the farm mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. What food might this contain? the mouse wondered. He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap. Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning. He rushed to the chicken and told him, There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, Mr. Mouse, what is the meaning of this frenzied outburst? You are talking too much and disturbing our children. We have a job to do on this farm. Honestly, I cannot be bothered by a mousetrap. A mousetrap is no reason for you to disturb the neighbourhood. The mouse turned to the pig and told him, There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house! The pig sympathized, but said, I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing anyone can do about it. If you were to eat more and grow bigger you would not be worried about mousetraps. Anyway, be assured that you are in my prayers.

The mouse then turned to the cow and said, There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house! The cow said, Mr. Mouse, pull yourself together! I can give you some advice. Just be careful when you are walking around and everything will be alright. A mousetrap is not a dangerous thing!

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone. None of the other animals had understood his dilemma. None of them really cared.

That very night they heard a strange sound throughout the house. It was like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake lunged out and bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital where she was treated for snakebite. After three days in the hospital, the farmer's wife returned home but with a persisting fever. Everyone knew that the treatment for fever was fresh chicken soup.

The farmer took a decision to give his wife the fresh chicken soup that she needed. He caught the chicken, killed it and made fresh soup for his wife. The chicken who did not have brotherly love for the mouse had become the first victim.

The farmer's wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbours came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer decided to serve the guests with pork chops, pork stew, spare ribs and some bacon and sausages. The pig was quickly summoned, slaughtered and converted into these delicacies. In spite of the special treatment and care that the farmer's wife received, she did not get any better and eventually died.

So many people came for her funeral. The farmer was not expecting so many guests and had to suddenly cater for hundreds of funeral mourners. His relatives asked him to serve the guests with beef stew, steak, khebab and some meatballs. They said to him, You will be able to buy another cow after the funeral.

Under pressure from his family, he took the decision to slaughter his cow and serve his funeral guests. The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness. Indeed, the chicken, the pig and the cow never thought that the arrival of the mousetrap to the farm would one day affect them all.

Dear leader, when something does not affect you directly, do not think that it passes you by like the idle wind that you respect not. It may boomerang to affect you deeply. When you have brotherly love, you quickly recognize that your brother's problem is actually your problem. It takes wisdom and maturity to realize how another person's problem will eventually come to you.

Culled from 'The Art of Leadership'

[email protected]

By Dag Heward-Mills
JEFFERSON CITY  A state appeals court has finalized language for one of the most controversial items on the ballot this fall after a monthslong legal fight.

At issue was a Republican-sponsored proposal that asks voters to reverse key parts of a redistricting overhaul voters themselves approved in 2018.

Republicans described their proposal with no mention of repeal, prompting supporters of the 2018 proposal, known as Clean Missouri, to cry foul.

Two courts ultimately agreed the Legislature erred, and last week, a Western District Court of Appeals panel wrote that the original language failed to acknowledge lawmakers full intentions. They then rewrote the question as follows:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

Ban gifts from paid lobbyists to legislators and their employees;

Reduce legislative campaign contribution limits;

Change the redistricting process voters approved in 2018 by: (i) transferring responsibility for drawing state legislative districts from the Nonpartisan State Demographer to Governor-appointed bipartisan commissions; (ii) modifying and reordering the redistricting criteria.

That language became final last Wednesday after the state declined to appeal and the court rejected a request from Clean Missouri supporters to modify the language further.

Behind the legalese is a highly charged debate over the future of electoral districts that Missouris state representatives and senators will represent after the latest redistricting cycle next year.

Prior to 2018, maps were to be drawn by commissions appointed by the governor that focused on drawing compact shapes. If the half-Republican, half-Democrat commissions deadlocked on a map, appellate judges took over.

The Clean Missouri initiative created a new demographer position to draft districts aimed at producing more competitive elections and an assembly that better reflects the statewide vote.

Thats key: the two parties have been far more evenly matched in races for governor and U.S. Senate than they have been in the Republican-dominated Legislature.

Since passage of Clean Missouri, the old commissions will still review the maps, but unless they have a two-thirds vote, the demographers draft is final.

Republicans now want to scrap the demographer and put concerns about competitive elections on the back burner.
A new study using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology links astrocyte dysfunction to Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology. The study carried out at the University of Eastern Finland and published in Scientific Reports highlights the role of brain astrocyte cells in PD pathology and the potential of iPSC-derived cells in disease modelling and drug discovery.

PD affects more than 6 million people worldwide, making PD the second most common neurodegenerative disease. PD's exact cause is still unknown, but several molecular mechanisms have been identified in PD pathology. These include neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, dysfunctional protein degradation and alpha-synuclein (-synuclein) pathology. The disease's major hallmarks comprise the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the presence of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. The loss of dopaminergic neurons and the subsequent decrease in dopamine levels are considered responsible for PD's typical movement symptoms. There is no cure for PD and currently, the treatments are targeted to alleviate the motor symptoms with dopamine replacement therapy and surgery.

The greatest risk factor for PD is high age, but some environmental factors, such as toxins and pesticides, have been shown to increase PD risk. Though most PD cases are late-onset and sporadic with no evidence for an inheritance, approximately 3-5 % are monogenic. The most common cause for monogenic PD is mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene. LRRK2-associated PD is clinically closest to sporadic forms of the disease regarding the age of onset, disease progression and motor symptoms. Additionally, mutations in the GBA (glucosylceramidase beta) gene are the most significant risk factor for PD identified to date. The molecular mechanisms by which GBA mutations result in this increased risk are currently the focus of substantial research efforts.

Astrocytes from patients expressed several hallmarks of Parkinson's disease

While studies focusing on dopaminergic neurons have brought new insight into PD pathology, astrocyte contribution to PD has been investigated only sparsely. Astrocytes are glial cells and the most abundant cell type in the human brain. It was long thought that the astrocytes worked solely as supporting cells for neurons, but today the role of astrocytes is known to be far more extensive. Until now, only a few studies have used iPSC-derived astrocytes obtained from PD patients. The current study used iPSC-derived astrocytes from two PD patients carrying a mutation in the LRRK2 gene, one of them presenting with an additional mutation in GBA to further characterize the PD astrocyte phenotype.

The researchers found out that astrocytes from PD patients produced significantly higher levels of -synuclein, a protein that accumulates in PD patients' brain. One of the key pathological features caused by -synuclein aggregation is the disruption of calcium homeostasis, and the study showed increased calcium levels in PD astrocytes. As inflammation is considered to be an important contributor to PD pathology, the response to inflammatory stimuli was studied in astrocytes. The PD patient astrocytes were highly responsive to inflammatory stimuli and more sensitive to inflammatory reactivation than control astrocytes. Additionally, PD astrocytes showed altered mitochondrial function and lower mitochondrial DNA copy number. Furthermore, PD astrocytes showed increased levels of polyamines and polyamine precursors while lysophosphatidylethanolamine levels were decreased, both of these have been reported altered in PD brain.

"The results provide evidence that LRRK2 and GBA mutant astrocytes are likely to contribute to PD progression and offer new perspectives for understanding the roles of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of PD," says Early Stage Researcher Tuuli-Maria Sonninen, the lead author of the study.

###

This study was conducted at the University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, in Professor Jari Koistinaho's research group under the supervision of Docent Sarka Lehtonen. The study was supported by the Finnish Parkinson Foundation, the Olav Thon Foundation, the Sigrid Juselius Foundation and the Joint Programme for Neurodegenerative Disease (JPND) research co-funded by the EU Research and Innovation programme Horizon 2020 through the ERA-NET co-fund scheme.

For further information, please contact: Tuuli-Maria Sonninen, Early Stage Researcher, University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, tuuli-maria.sonninen@uef.fi

Sarka Lehtonen, Docent, University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, sarka.lehtonen@uef.fi

Research article: Metabolic alterations in Parkinsons disease astrocytes. Sonninen, TM., Hamalainen, R., Koskuvi, M., Saarelainen, N., Oksanen, M., Shakirzyanova, A., Wojciechowski, S., Puttonen, KA., Naumenko, N., Goldsteins, G., Laham-Karam, N., Lehtonen, M., Tavi, P., Koistinaho, J., Lehtonen, S. Scientific Reports published online September 2, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-71329-8
The media watchdog has found that KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O Show breached decency standards after it aired comments about the Virgin Mary last year.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority investigated the segment that aired in September 2019, after receiving 180 complaints claiming it was offensive.

The investigation found the comments made by host Kyle Sandilands were 'offensive to listeners of faith but didn't incite hatred or ridicule'.

Breach: The media watchdog has found that The Kyle and Jackie O Show breached decency standards after it aired comments about the Virgin Mary last year. Pictured: Kyle Sandilands

In a statement, ACMA Chair Nerida O'Loughlin said: 'Australians are generally tolerant of irreverent humour and critical discussion about religion.

'But they would not expect a host of a broadcast program to derisively criticise people's intelligence because of their religious beliefs.

'Mr Sandilands overstepped the mark in terms of the generally accepted standards of decency in this case.'

Findings: The Australian Communications and Media Authority investigated the segment that aired in September 2019, after receiving 180 complaints claiming it was offensive

An Australian Radio Network spokesperson said: 'ARN accepts the ACMA's final decision and findings regarding the breach of the Commercial Radio Code in relation to decency standards and no breach of the code in relation to inciting severe ridicule on the basis of religion.

'ARN thanks them for taking into consideration the number of extensive steps ARN took to address the broadcast of September 18, 2019.

'At the time of the broadcast, ARN recognised the sensitivity of the content and acknowledge that its broadcast caused a level of concern in some sections of the community. ARN has not had any breaches of the decency provision in the past 10 years and regrets any distress caused by the segment.

'In the time immediately following the broadcast, ARN took a number of actions to remedy the situation, including broadcasting Kyle Sandilands unprecedented, lengthy and sincere on-air apology which also remains available on the KIIS website. Australia's Christian and Muslim faith leaders accepted Kyles apology, which was also published in a public joint statement.'

Comments: The investigation found the comments made by host Kyle Sandilands were 'offensive to listeners of faith but didn't incite hatred or ridicule'

On September 18, 2019, Kyle offended thousands of listeners by saying the Virgin Mary wasn't actually a virgin at all.

'I thought Mary was his [Jesus Christ's] girlfriend but apparently it was the mother,' he said on air.

'And the mother lied obviously and told everyone, "Nah I got pregnant by a magical ghost". Bulls**t.

'Someone chock-a-blocked her behind the camel shed. You might believe everything that's written down 2,000 years ago to be absolutely accurate and good on you, you're dumb. Dumb as dog s**t.'

After the comments went viral, dozens of furious protesters gathered at KIIS FM's Sydney office to demonstrate against Kyle over his 'ghastly' religious joke.

Comments: On September 18, 2019, Kyle (pictured with co-host Jackie O Henderson) offended thousands of listeners by saying the Virgin Mary wasn't actually a virgin at all

On September 30, Kyle issued a heartfelt apology for his controversial joke, telling listeners of his radio show that he deeply regretted what he'd said.

'I didn't realise the gravity of it. I upset a lot of people,' he said. 'Even friends of mine were like, "Bro how could you say something so dumb like that?"'

Kyle added that he 'only wanted to make people laugh' and emphasised that his joke was 'not planned' in any way.

He confessed that the worst part of the whole experience was that people close to him had received death threats over what he'd said.

But he made it clear to naysayers that he wouldn't be quitting his job over it.

'I am going to quit? No. Am I going to get fired? No. Am I sorry? Absolutely I am sorry because, as I've said, I never intended to purposely upset anyone,' he said.

'Obviously I have upset people and I am sorry for it. There is nothing else I can do. We have all made mistakes in our life and this is just one of the many I have made.'
The Man Who Sold His Skin and 200 Meters will have their regional premieres at the festival in October

Two films by Arab directors, The Man Who Sold His Skin by Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania, and 200 Meters by Ameen Nayfeh, will have their regional premieres at the upcoming El Gouna Film Festival in October.

The two films, which both were among the winners of the festival's Cine Gouna programmes, will be competing in the feature narrative section at the Egyptian festival.

The Man Who Sold His Skin had its world premiere this week as part of the Horizon section of the 77th Venice Film Festival, while 200 Meters premieres as part of the Italian festivals 17th Giornate degli Autori (Venice Days).

It is indeed a proud moment for us when a project that we selected and supported through CineGouna SpringBoard achieves international recognition, said Gouna festival director Intishal Al-Timimi. Not only does this confirm that our mission at GFF is progressing in the right direction, but it also encourages [us] to carry on the work of nurturing films and filmmakers in the region.

The Man Who Sold His Skin follows Sam Ali, a sensitive and impulsive young Syrian who has moved to Lebanon to escape the war, and has covered his body in tattoos in an attempt to access Europe.

200 Meters is an international co-production that involves producers from Palestine, Jordan, Italy, and Sweden. It tells the story of Mustafa and his wife, who come from two nearby Palestinian villages that are separated by a 200-metre dividing wall.

The fourth edition of the El Gouna Film Festival, which will take place from 23 to 31 October, will host many of its activities at outdoor venues, including the opening and closing ceremonies.

Founded by businessman Naguib Sawiris, the festival is under the leadership of director Al-Timimi, assisted by co-founder Bushra Rozza, artistic director Amir Ramses, and festival co-founder Kamal Zadeh, who is also its financial advisor.

Sponsored by Orascom Development Holding, the festival takes place in the luxurious private resort town of El Gouna on the Red Sea.

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

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Desert Financial, the state's largest credit union, will encourage their members, community and team to make donations of any size starting September 1, 2020, through September 25, 2020, at desertfinancial.com/LaptopDrive.

Desert Financial was founded by schoolteachers more than 81 years ago. As a tribute to their legacy, the credit union has always supported teachers and education. The funds raised will benefit Laptops 4 Learning, a local nonprofit organization that provides quality refurbished laptops to students in need.

"Many people have heard of 'food insecurity' where kids don't have enough to eat," says Jeff Meshey, President and CEO at Desert Financial Credit Union. "But since schools have gone virtual, having a laptop is now among basic needs for kids. We're happy to encourage our own members, community and team to do their part to help ensure all children in Arizona have the technology they need to thrive. It's one way we can help break the cycle of poverty."

Districts such as Litchfield Elementary School stand to benefit from these donations. With more than 12,000 kindergarten through eighth-grade students in 16 schools (including six Title I schools) roughly 30% of their total student population is eligible for free and reduced meals. Further, 24% of families reported having no reliable devices at home to accommodate remote learning.

"The technology divide was already wide prior to this looming COVID-19 pandemic era, however, it has now become glaringly wider due to the urgent move to online classes for most students," said Brenda Powell, Executive Director of Laptops 4 Learning (L4L). "Last year L4L had approximately 350 students registered with our program who were in need of laptops. We were able to provide laptops to 87, approximately 25%, of those students. This year, with four months remaining in 2020, we already have 477 students who have expressed a need for laptops, most of whom are socio-economically disadvantaged students. Receiving this financial support would result in up to 63% of the 477 students (300 students) who are currently registered with our program having their own personal laptop!"

Brenda says children in the foster care system tend to be forgotten, such as those at North Star Independent Living Services. The independent living facility for youth and young adults in foster care serves more than 100 youth between the ages of 16-21 at three locations in Phoenix. Their population has been significantly impacted by the shift to remote learning.

"When the shutdown happened this spring, we found ourselves scrambling to find enough resources to ensure our students were successful in finishing their semester. Unfortunately, we fell short with finding enough computers/laptops to support all our students," said Allison Goodwin, MSW, Educational Specialist and On-Going Resident Services Coordinator. "Our students go to school all throughout Maricopa County (about 22 different schools)  some of which have resources to help the students  but many of them are unable to provide laptops or any technology when schools shut down."

Both organizations have appealed to Laptops 4 Learners.

About Desert Financial Credit Union

Celebrating 81 years in Arizona, Desert Financial is the state's largest local credit union with $5 billion in assets, more than 330,000 members and 47 locations across the Valley. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Financial takes pride in sharing success. In 2019, Desert Financial gave nearly $11 million to Valley nonprofits, the community and members.

About Laptops 4 Learning

Laptops 4 Learning (L4L) is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization, that has created a life-changing program focused on providing laptop computers to Elementary through College students. Special focus is given to underprivileged students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds and U.S. Military Veterans. Access to a computer is universally recognized as a required skill set, necessary to succeed in our current educational and work environments.

For more information on Desert Financial Credit Union, along with interviews or images, please contact Diane Meehl at (480) 651-4654. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Desert Financial: Diane Meehl | 480-651-4654

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2020) - Freeman Gold Corp. (CSE: FMAN) (FSE: 3WU) ("Freeman" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has acquired and extinguished a back-in right (the "Back-in Right") from Yamana Gold Inc. ("Yamana") over Freeman's Lemhi Project in consideration of the issuance to Yamana of 4,035,273 common shares of Freeman (the "Transaction"), representing 5% of Freeman's issued and outstanding shares.

Will Randall, President & CEO, commented, "We are delighted to welcome Yamana as a 5% strategic shareholder. Having a major gold producer with Yamana's caliber take a significant position in our Company is a major vote of confidence in the project and the team we have assembled. We hope to work together over the coming months and years. The Transaction removes the existing back-in agreement on five of our patented claims which is a major step in de-risking the Lemhi project. The project is now free of all back-in rights."

Details of the Transaction

Freeman and Yamana have entered into a purchase agreement under which Yamana has agreed to the transfer, termination and extinguishment of the Back-in Right. In consideration, Freeman has issued to Yamana 4,035,273 common shares of Freeman (the "Consideration Shares"), representing 5% of Freeman's issued and outstanding shares. The Consideration Shares are subject to a four month hold period under applicable securities laws. In addition, in order to better ensure an orderly market in the Freeman shares, Yamana has agreed that for a period expiring on the earlier of: (a) one year; and (b) the date on which Yamana holds less than 2% of the outstanding Freeman shares, Yamana will not sell or transfer within a 30-day period shares presenting more than 1% of the outstanding Freeman shares without first providing Freeman with notice and five business days in which to identify a buyer for those shares.

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Following the closing of the Transaction, the Company will issue finder's fees in the amount of 260,000 common shares of the Company.

About Yamana

Yamana is a Canadian-based precious metals producer with significant gold and silver production, development stage properties, exploration properties, and land positions throughout the Americas, including Canada, Brazil, Chile and Argentina. Yamana plans to continue to build on this base through expansion and optimization initiatives at existing operating mines, development of new mines, the advancement of its exploration properties and, at times, by targeting other consolidation opportunities with a primary focus in the Americas.

About the Company

Freeman Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the development of its 100% owned Lemhi Gold property (the "Lemhi Project"). The Lemhi Project comprises 30 square kilometers of highly prospective land. The mineralization at the Lemhi Project consists of shallow, near surface primarily oxide gold mineralization that has seen over 355 drill holes but remains open at depth and along strike and in most directions. The Company is working towards de-risking the asset and producing a maiden NI 43-101 resource estimate as a result of both brownfields and greenfields exploration. The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dean Besserer, P.Geol., the VP Exploration for the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

On Behalf of the Company

William Randall, President & CEO of Freeman Gold

For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.freemangoldcorp.com or contact Mr. Ken Cotiamco at 604-687-7130 or by email at: ken@freemangoldcorp.com

Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, which may include, but are not limited to statements relating to its future business plans. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law.

Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/63295
China on Tuesday said it has made stern representations to the Indian government after Indian troops allegedly crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and fired warning shots at Chinese border personnel on Monday.

Through diplomatic and military channels we have made stern representations asking the Indian side to stop its dangerous actions, immediately withdraw the people who crossed the line and discipline the frontline troops and those who fired the warning shots and make sure similar incidents wont happen again, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian said at the regular ministry briefing on Tuesday.

The Indian army has already dismissed the allegations, first made by the Peoples Liberation Armys (PLA) western theatre command (WAC), early on Tuesday morning.

ALSO READ | Chinas PLA fired shots to intimidate Indian soldiers, says Army

The WAC statement said Chinese troops had to take countermeasures after Indian border troops fired warning shots on Monday near the Shenpao mountain region near the south bank of Pangong Tso .

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Indian Army said its troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner despite the grave provocation by Chinese troops who fired shots to intimidate Indian troops.

It is the Peoples Liberation Army that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political levels is in progress, the Indian army statement said.

At no stage, has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing, the statement said.

In Beijing, the foreign ministry, however, continued to blame the Indian side for the new round of escalation in the ongoing border tension at Pangong Lake near the LAC.

Zhao alleged that it was the Indian army, which fired first.

I also want to stress that in this incident, the Indian side fired shots to the Chinese border troops first, Zhao said.

This the first time since 1975 that the tranquility is interrupted by the shots. And the Chinese side always stresses that both sides should peacefully settle our differences through dialogue and consultation. Confrontation wont benefit either, the foreign ministry spokesperson added.

When asked to elaborate on what countermeasures the Chinese troops took, Zhao said: Currently, I have no further information for you.

Responding to a question on whether the two sides could go back to the status quo of April, he said Beijing hoped that disengagement of troops could be achieved soon.

You have a good wish and we all hope our troops can get back to their camping area and there wont be any more confrontation in the border areas. You know that the place has very bad natural conditions and it is above the height of 4000 metres. In winter, it is not good for humans to live, he said.

So, we hope through diplomatic and military channels and through consultations on the ground, we can achieve disengagement as soon as possible and reach a consensus, Zhao said.

In a statement issued in Mandarin, and tweeted by state media, WAC spokesperson Colonel Zhang Shuili early on Tuesday said Chinese border defence troops were forced to take countermeasures to stabilise the situation after Indian soldiers troops outrageously fired warning shots to PLA border patrol soldiers who were about to negotiate.

During the operation, the Indian army blatantly shot and threatened the patrol personnel of the Chinese border defence forces who had made representations before, and the Chinese border defence forces were forced to take countermeasures to stabilise the situation on the ground, Zhang said in the statement.

The Indian sides move seriously violated related agreements reached by both sides, stirred up tensions in the region, and would easily cause misunderstandings and misjudgments, which is a serious military provocation and is very vile in nature, the spokesperson said.

Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter standoff in multiple places in eastern Ladakh.

Tensions flared up again in the region after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong Tso lake last week when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the border row.

ALSO READ | PLA move in Ladakh is part of Beijing plan to destabilize India

The tension between the two sides escalated after 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.

The rise in the border tension comes days ahead of an expected meeting between external affairs minister, S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, on the margins of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers meeting in Moscow on September 10,

On Monday, Jaishankar, said the failure to observe several understandings on border management dating back to 1993 raises very important questions about the status of ties with China.

If peace and tranquillity on the border is not a given, then it cannot be that the rest of the relationship continues on the same basis, because clearly peace and tranquillity is the basis for the relationship, he said while participating in an online interaction organised by The Indian Express newspaper to mark the release of his book The India Way.
The Lamar Institute of Technology is one of several area community colleges receiving part of a $300,000 award for vocational scholarships from Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, an organization that has given $1.4 million in educational funding over the last 5 years.

According to a press release from HLSR, this year, more than $27 million has been committed to scholarships, junior show exhibitors, educational program grants and graduate assistantships.

There is a continuing demand for skilled personnel in the workforce, and the Rodeo is committed to supporting these students as they pursue an education in these technical fields, said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO.

LIT is joined by Houston Community College, Lee College, Lone Star College, San Jacinto College, Texas State Technical College and Wharton County Junior College, in receiving the funds according to a release.

"We are proud to continue our partnership with these programs, creating more opportunity for students who are seeking a nontraditional postsecondary education, Boleman said.

LIT said in a release that recipients can use the funds towards tuition fees and/or required books, tools and supplies, and that the program is meant to support non-traditional students in their pursuit of an associate degree or certificate in an approved technical field.

Eligible programs include AAS degrees- HVAC, Advanced Engine, Industrial Mechanics, Certificate- Air Conditioning, Diesel Equipment, Industrial Mechanics, Utility Line, and Continuing Education-Truck Driving.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, Texas residents and must have declared a major in one of the covered programs, LIT said in a release.

Students must also maintain continuous enrollment in their major and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in each subsequent semester of the program. All recipients must complete their degree in three years or less.

Since 1995, LIT has received $270,500 from the HLSR Vocational Scholarship Program.

For more information about the HLSR scholarship or others at LIT, students should visit here.

This post may be updated.

isaac.windes@hearstnp.com

twitter.com/isaacdwindes
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 04:51:58|Editor: huaxia

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TRIPOLI, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Justice of the UN-backed Libyan government on Tuesday said that 54 prisoners will be released due to fears about the spread of COVID-19.

The Supreme Judiciary Council decided to release 54 convicted inmates inside the reform and rehabilitation institutions in Tripoli over COVID-19 concerns, the ministry said in a statement.

According to the Libyan National Center for Disease Control, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Libya so far is 19,583, including 2,247 recoveries and 314 deaths. Enditem
Early in the pandemic, scientists uncovered the role of the ACE2 receptor in SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors act as a lock and key for cell infection.

SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, 3D illustration showing surface spikes of the virus Glycoprotein S (red), Hemagglutinin-esterase (light blue), M protein (light green), E protein (dark blue). Image Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock

Now, a team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata has explained the different dynamic structures of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which acts as the molecular machine that permits the entry of the novel coronavirus into cells.

The study, published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, highlights show their findings can help in formulating and developing effective vaccines against the virus, which has now infected more than 27.24 million people across the globe.

What is the spike protein?

One of the describing features of SARS-CoV-2 is the protein spikes that cover the surface, which the virus uses to bind with and enter human cells.

Analyzing the structure of these spikes could provide clues about the virus evolution, and they can act as the key to the development of effective vaccines.

Most of the vaccines being developed across the globe, where some are now in the last phase of clinical evaluation, work in a basic code  revealing the body to the spike protein, which acts as protrusions seen on the outer surface of the virus, to trick the body into believing that it has been attacked by a pathogen, hence, inducing an immune response.

Since then, scientists study the three-dimensional structure of the spike protein, and they are learning about the spike protein and how they can target this part of the virus, which is the key to infecting cells.

Dynamic asymmetry

The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is a smart molecular machine that initiates the entry of the coronavirus into the cell, causing COVID-19. The researchers used a symmetry-information-loaded structure-based Hamiltonian, using recent Cryo-EM structural data to determine the conformational energy landscape of the perfusion spike protein.

The study finds the 2019-nCoV prefusion spike to adopt a unique strategy by undertaking a dynamic conformational asymmetry that results in two prevalent asymmetric structures of spike where one or two spike heads rotate up to provide better exposure to the host-cell receptor, the researchers wrote in the paper.

The team also explained that the stability of every biomolecular structure is controlled by a free energy parameter, which is essential in understanding how the molecule responds to its surroundings. The scientists described the free energy profile for the various structures of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

The constancy of every biomolecular structure is controlled by a parameter called free energy, which is fundamental in understanding how the molecule will react with its surroundings. The spike protein contains three combined chains of amino acids, which are considered the building blocks of proteins.

When these amino acids interact with each other, they create a set of dynamics within spike proteins, which the scientist described as the dance of the spike protein.

In the study, the researchers defined the states wherein these spike proteins are most likely to help the virus bind to the ACE2 receptor sites. The three states induce the immune response, so having a better understanding of these dynamics can help in developing effective vaccines for protection against the infectious disease.

The dynamic asymmetry induced by the identified unique interchain interactions in this study highlights a different mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 S stabilizing more up conformation, the authors wrote. Although in the current situation developing diagnostics and antiviral therapies are of utmost priority, we believe the present structure-based-model-derived information at the microscopic interaction level might provide deep insight into design effective decoys or vaccine to fight 2019-nCoV infection, they added.
Four people addressed the council Tuesday regarding the ordinances, according to the council members. Two farmers spoke in favor of a solar farms and one of the farmers said he saw an increase in revenue after converting his farm from crops to solar, council members said.
Days ahead of a final deadline, activation of a long-planned Algeria-EU trade deal risks unravelling as political and business leaders in the North African country warn it will undermine economic sovereignty.

The deal is meant to come into effect on September 1, a decade and a half after the two sides initially agreed their Free Trade Agreement as part of a wider pact setting out economic, social, cultural and judicial cooperation.

But as the clock ticks, concern has grown in Algiers about the coronavirus-hobbled economy's ability to cope without tariffs on steel, textiles, electronics and vehicles -- protective measures originally meant to end three years ago.

For Ali Bey Nasri, chairman of Algeria's exporters' association, "the agreement was badly negotiated from the start."

"When the deal was ratified in 2005, the EU had only 15 members, while now it is 27 strong and in a few years the membership will grow," said Nasri.

A free trade zone would be a "disaster for the national economy", he added.

In early August, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune called on Commerce Minister Kamel Rezig to reassess the European Union deal.

The head of state insisted that the deal "must be the subject of special attention, asserting our interests for balanced relations", an official statement said.

- Mounting pressure -

Algeria's hydrocarbon-dependent economy is in an extremely fragile state, as the effects of policies around the world to contain the coronavirus pandemic have hit already diminished oil and gas revenues.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts that Algeria's economy will shrink 5.2 percent this year.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad pledged a thorough review of the country's trade terms and promised to revise all economic and commercial agreements "harmful to the country".

Djerad did not mention the EU free trade deal explicitly, but he was clearly alluding to it.

Story continues

The EU is Algeria's largest trading partner, and Algeria is the EU's third-largest supplier of natural gas after Russia and Norway, according to the European Commission.

Algeria imported $320 billion in goods from the EU between 2005 and 2019, according to Nasri, mainly in the form of machinery, transport equipment and agricultural products.

This figure is more than 20 times the $15 billion in non-oil and gas exports Algeria sent to the EU over the same period.

Algiers has repeatedly asked to renegotiate the terms of the agreement.

It says the EU has failed to respect a part of the deal concerning the transfer of technology and the movement of people, with Algerian nationals finding it extremely difficult to obtain EU visas.

Algiers has also asked the EU to encourage European companies to invest in the country, but to little avail.

- 'Pause needed' -

"The Algerian-EU partnership did not fulfil its promises for Algeria," said economics professor Nadji Khaoua.

The deal is not a fair one for the country, the economist contends, and opening up its markets to foreign consumer goods will do little to create an economy less dependent on oil revenues, nor will it make it more productive.

"A pause is needed to discuss afresh fundamental issues that are hindering a fair distribution of economic benefits," Khaoua said, adding that Algeria should renegotiate the deal with the EU.

Nasri agreed that a rebalancing of relations with the Europeans is sorely needed.

"They want to sell (to us) and we are cash-strapped," he said.

"I am one of those who says 'basta'", said Nasri, using an Italian term for 'enough'.

"The EU does not want Algeria to implement measures to protect our already fragile production," he added.

Asked by AFP about the looming deadline for implementation of the trade deal, the ministry of commerce was vague.

An official said only that an inter-ministerial working group had been formed and tasked with "evaluating" the agreement, without giving further details.

amb-agr/hkb/dwo/lg/tom
Electronics has unveiled accessories for its latest wireless earbuds in collaboration with global sportswear brand as the South Korean tech firm aims to attract more young consumers.

The Galaxy Buds Live Accessory Package will go on sale Wednesday in South Korea for $175.

said only 2,000 units of the special package will be released in the market, reports Yonhap news agency.

The package includes the mystic white model of the Galaxy Buds Live wireless earbuds, a mini shoe key ring accessory and cases with the Fila logo.

The world's leading smartphone maker said the latest product targets the MZ Generation, which encompasses millennials and Generation Z, referring to those born between 1980 and 2010.

has been releasing special editions of its mobile devices recently, with others including U.S. fashion brand Thom Browne and K-pop sensation BTS.

--IANS

wh/na

(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.)
Mayor Leirion Gaylor-Baird said in a statement: "Sadness does not begin to describe fully our community's sense of loss with the passing of Investigator Mario Herrera.

"Our hearts are with his wife, Carrie, and their four children, and we remain forever grateful for their family's profound sacrifice in service to keeping our community safe," she said.

Gov. Pete Ricketts ordered flags in the state to fly at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset Friday, which is Patriots Day, in honor of Herrera.

Susanne and I were devastated to learn of the passing of Investigator Mario Herrera, Ricketts said in a news release. Investigator Herreras service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. I also want to thank people across the state who stepped up to support the Herrera family in the midst of this terrible tragedy. From holding prayer vigils to donating blood, the communitys response was powerful and inspiring. Now more than ever, it is critical for all of us to come together and support the men and women who put on the uniform and risk their lives every day to help keep our communities safe.
When a white patch is found on a mountainside in the middle of an Alaskan summer, even the National Park Service cant help but pause to ask questions.

The mysterious spot appeared recently at Denali National Park and Preserve, 125 miles south of Fairbanks, and closer inspection revealed it wasnt snow, park officials said in a Facebook post.

At that point, the National Park Service invited the public to offer ideas.

What caused this white patch on the side of a mountain in Alaska? The National Park Service asked the public to take a guess.

What do you suppose happened here? This white patch of ??? was found half way up the side of Igloo Mountain, Denali National Park and Preserve posted Sept. 5.

Hundreds tried guessing, with many insisting it was Alaska cotton grass, a series of spider webs or an odd growth of fungus.

I dont see any blood, tracks or depressed places were an animal would have laid down. Im guessing it isnt animal related, Cathy Murray posted.

Its 2020: Im sure its nothing (guessed) above. Its gotta be something we all would never get, Joseph Maresca wrote.

He was right. All those guesses were wrong.

The white patch was fur, and it was found alongside piles of animal poop and a jaw bone loaded with sharp teeth, the park said in an update.

Here is what we know happened, the park posted. A Dall sheep died and was eaten. A wolf or wolves ate most of it. Beyond that, here is what happened as best as we can figure  When a wolf or wolves make a big kill, they can eat up to 20 pounds in one meal! However, when they eat that much, they get very sleepy and lethargic. So much so that they will nap right next to what they killed.  And they will often defecate right next to what they killed.

Some people were skeptical, however, noting only one bone found. What happened to the rest? And where was all the blood?

Dall sheep can grow to 3 and a half feet in height and weigh 160 pounds, experts say.

The other bones were carried away by wolves, other scavengers, or perhaps the wolves ate the bones. Wolves can eat bones, the park posted. Another possibility is that a wolverine ate the bones once the wolves abandoned the kill or were scared off.
SPRINGFIELD  Area unions celebrated Labor Day with a rally Monday on the steps of City Hall calling for protections for frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 has exposed vulnerabilities in the American economy, and it is the workers who are most exposed to them, said speakers with the Western Massachusetts Labor Foundation, Springfield Educational Association, University of Massachusetts Professional Staff Union, and United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.

The pandemic has affected all aspects of the economy, speakers said, but people in frontline positions  particularly in health care, custodial roles and the food service industry  have been hardest hit with layoffs or reduced hours, the lapsing of unemployment benefits or health insurance, and limited personal protective equipment (PPE). All of this has come at a time when the federal government seemed paralyzed and unable to offer any relief.

Our leaders have not stepped to the plate, and so here we are together, uniting on a holiday that celebrates all that was made possible by the generations of labor movements that came before us, said James Ryan, a history teacher and member of the Springfield Education Association.

But if there is anything this holiday teaches us, if there is anything that the labor movements of the past have shown us, its that when we fight, we win, he said.

An estimated 50 to 60 people participated in the rally and cheered on the speakers. City Hall was closed for the day in observance of the holiday.

Jeff Jones, president of the Western Massachusetts Labor Federation, said: This coronavirus pandemic has presented the toughest challenge weve seen in modern history. Across the county, millions have been laid off through no fault of their own.

In Massachusetts, the unemployment rate is the highest in the nation at 16%, but Jones said in parts of the state its closer to 25%.

Workers who remain employed have seen reduced hours, have been retaliated against for organizing and speaking out, and lack access to sufficient PPE, he said.

Other frontline workers are already experiencing cuts to the temporary hazard pay they received as (coronavirus) cases continue to rise across the county, Jones said.

Workers are also suffering from inaction by the federal, state and local governments, he said, citing in particular the U.S. Senates delay in acting on the HEROES Act.

The union is calling on elected leaders at the local, state and federal levels to step up at this time of unprecedented challenge, he said.

This is a moment that demands clear action and common purpose, Jones said. Forever you will be answering the question, What did you do during the pandemic?

Ryan said the pandemic has exposed systemic problems in public education, including those rooted in racism and classism. Funding cuts to instructional services, declining facilities, overcrowded classrooms and inadequate technology all preceded COVID-19, he said.

Black and brown students and the educators that serve them have been tasked with overcoming funding gaps, crowded classrooms, outdated curriculum and technology, dilapidated buildings, and a shortage of teachers, he said.

Andrew Gorry, a UMass graduate student and member of the Professional Staff Union, blasted university leadership for furloughing 850 campus employees, including many food service and custodial workers, who are some of the lowest-paid employees on campus.

They claim these are temporary, but it wouldnt be the first time that furloughs were used as dress rehearsals for layoffs, he said.

He also faulted the university for cancelling the contracts of most campus residential assistants after deciding days before the start of the semester to close the dormitories.

He said the university should tap into financial reserves to keep people employed performing other work on campus, including maintenance and cleaning. He said this could be a stopgap measure until assistance comes in through either the federal or state government.

Now is the time to push for full employment, protection for frontline workers and a just recovery, he said.
The first day of Julian Assanges resumed extradition hearing, held in Londons Old Bailey, saw a country that boasts of being one of the oldest democracies in the world sink to the level of a tinpot dictatorship.

Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has exposed war crimes, torture, state surveillance and the diplomatic conspiracies of the US and other imperialist powers. But he was delivered to the court from his cell in a maximum-security prison in an unmarked van, after being imprisoned in conditions worse than those accused of murder. In the cells under the Old Bailey, he was able to see his lawyers in person for the first time in six months and given his first look at the final written submissions in his own case.

Outside, his colleague, WikiLeaks Editor-in-Chief Kristinn Hrafnsson, was denied access to the court, along with veteran investigative journalist John Pilger. Earlier that morning, 40 trial monitors, including representatives of Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders, and EU parliamentarians, had their remote access to the hearing withdrawn by District Judge Vanessa Baraitser. As justification, she referred in Orwellian terms to the need to protect the integrity of the court.

An Amnesty International spokesperson said, We conduct trial monitoring all over the world, week in, week out and indeed are recognised all over the world as an accredited fair trial observer. We were first denied physical access to the court when we applied back in August. We were then granted six remote online observer places, which were reduced just a couple of days ago to one. And now weve found out this morning even that one place has been refused.

Amnesty only issued a statement opposing Assanges treatment on February 21 this year, having come under substantial popular pressure. But the UK is now running such a naked show trial that even its online access to proceedings in the Old Bailey cannot be tolerated.

Protestors hold placards outside the Central Criminal Court Old Bailey in London, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020 (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Throughout the Assange case, the UK judiciary has served two functions. To rubber-stamp the US governments every abuse of Assanges legal and democratic rights, and to prevent as much evidence as possible of that abuse from reaching the public eye.

District Judge Baraitser dutifully performed both tasks during yesterdays proceedings. Her first ruling was to slash the defences suggested timings for questioning their own witnessesa time honoured approach in extradition proceedings, in the words of defence lawyer Edward Fitzgerald QCto just half an hour per witness, meaning the majority of the contents of their submitted written statements will go unreported.

Baraitsers second ruling denied the defences application for new allegations against Assange, introduced by the US government at the eleventh hour in a new superseding extradition request, to be excised from proceedings.

The new request was issued on August 12, just weeks before the current hearing was due to resume. Based on highly compromised sources, it significantly expanded the scope of activities the US government is seeking to criminalise and shifted the axis of the case away from Assanges journalistic and publishing work with brave whistleblower Chelsea Manning towards branding him as a hacker who endangered US national security.

Assanges legal team initially accepted the US governments word that the additional allegations would not constitute charged conduct in their own right, but merely background narrative. Wanting to end their clients harmful detention as soon as possible, they agreed to proceed with the new request in the hearing scheduled for September.

As soon as they informed the court of this decision, the US government issued a revised Opening Note to the new extradition request stating: Contrary to the submission of the defence  the addendum particulars in the Second Superseding Indictment are not mere narrative  These particulars constitute the conduct upon which this court is entitled, and indeed must now, determine that an extradition offence is made out

Fitzgerald noted, It is now being said that even if the court rejects the charges against him, [Assange can be extradited] on the basis of the new material alone. Mark Summers QC, also speaking for Assange, called this a fundamental unfairness  visited on the defence who have had no time to formulate a response to the new alleged conduct and are already long past their deadline for submitting evidence.

Baraitser signed off on this outrageous piece of lawfare without a moments hesitation, saying the defence could have remedied any problem by seeking an adjournment, ignoring the fact that Assange had no opportunity to review the revised Opening Note and provide new instructions.

Her decision means that, since Assange was dragged out of the Ecuadorian Embassy in April last year, the case against him has grown from an initial count of computer hacking with a maximum five-year sentence, to 18 counts under the Espionage Act with a potential sentence of 175 years in a federal prison (mainly in connection with publishing files received from Manning), and now to the same charges of espionage but on the basis of wide array of allegations including involvement with various hacking groups, providing aid to whistleblower Edward Snowden, and his calling for transparency of information.

Baraitser refused a subsequent request made by Summers, after a brief consultation with Assange, to adjourn the hearing until January.

The arbitrary and legally abusive persecution of Assange exemplifies the deepening turn to authoritarian and fascistic methods of rule by governments across the world. In the weeks leading up to Assanges hearing, rights enshrined in the US constitution have been torn apart as demonstrators opposing police violence and murder in cities across America have been met with rubber bullets, tear gas and baton charges. In scenes reminiscent of South American dictatorships, federal agents have bundled US citizens into unmarked cars to be taken away for questioning and protesters have been shot and killed by US police and fascist vigilantes.

Assanges case is the spearhead of this offensive. Through it, the US and British ruling class are making clear they do not care one iota about democratic rights or legal precedent. They are seeking to establish new precedents on the naked class principle that those acting against the interests of the capitalist state should expect brutal repression.

Political responsibility for this pseudo-legal travesty lies with the supposedly liberal media, the Democrats in the US, Britains Labour Party and their pseudo-left hangers-on. It is they who have been responsible for demobilising and suppressing the massive popular sympathy that exists for Assange in the working class and giving free rein to the Trump administration and the Johnson government.

Having supported the disgraceful slander of Assange as a rapist, based on state-manufactured sexual assault smears, the New York Times, the Guardian, the Democratic Socialists of America, Britains Socialist Workers Party, Socialist Party and similar formations the world over, demanded that Assange should be extradited to Swedenwhich would only ever be a staging post towards extradition to the US.

After the secret Grand Jury, prepared against Assange under Barack Obama, was exposed, and the Trump administration sought Assanges extradition, the liberal press cheered his seizure from the Ecuadorian embassy and then wrote of Trumps leniency for seeking his arrest only on a five-year sentence hacking charge.

When the charges were expanded under the Espionage Act, they and the few pseudo-left backers of the Dont Extradite Assange campaign called for faith to be placed in the British justice system and appeals to left politicians like Jeremy Corbyn and Bernie Sanders. The anti-democratic stench of yesterdays court hearing was the rotten fruit of this campaign.

Workers and young people must be warned: Decisive political issues are being fought out at the Old Bailey. The battle lines of this fight are not drawn across the courtroom, but across society.

No twist in this legal farce will change the fact that Assange is in the dock because he revealed imperialist crimes against the international working class. In prosecuting him, the ruling class are affirming their right to carry out even more terrible atrocities in the future. This must be opposed. The only force capable of doing so is a unified movement of workers across the world.
DOHC

The Spider s story begins as a regular 1995 model in Honda s CB750 F2 family. A Polish motorcycle surgeon, by the name of Krzysztof Rogalinski, tackled the painstaking task of breathing new life into this weary two-wheeler. Needless to say, his spectacular creation is (almost) an entirely different animal. However, for comparisons sake, well start by having a quick look at what the original bike was capable of.While the MY '95 CB750 F2 wasnt exactly what youd refer to as impressive or groundbreaking in any way, it wasnt entirely disappointing either. Come on folks, well have to at least give it some credit for the latter, right?It is put in motion by a four-strokeinline-four engine, with a generous displacement of 747cc. At 8,500 revs, the air-cooled mill would generate up to 73 hp, accompanied by 46 pound-feet (62 Nm) of torque output at 7,500 rpm.Additionally, this piece of machinery comes equipped with four 34 mm (1.34 inches) carburetors that help it breathe with ease. As to CB750 F2s drivetrain, a five-speed manual gearbox allows for the powerplants force to be handed over to the rear wheel by means of a chain final drive.Up front, the entire structure rests on a pair of 41 mm (1.6 inches) telescopic forks, joined by dual adjustable shock absorbers on the opposite end. The front wheel wears twin 296 mm (11.65 inches) brake discs, coupled with two-piston calipers. On the other hand, you will find a single 240 mm (9.45 inches) rotor and one-piston caliper at the rear.I know, youre probably thinking this whole shebang sounds painfully average, and Im not about to disagree. Hang in there though, were just about to dive into the exciting part!Krzysztof Rogalinski (aka KrisBiker) specializes mainly in restoring motorcycles of all shapes and sizes. However, he decided to pursue a more creative undertaking and blessed a mediocre 95 Honda CB750 F2 with a welcome makeover. As such, this undistinguished machine morphed into a groovy cafe racer thatd look right at home in a Spider-Man movie.In January, I completely restored a Russian Ural M63 in 30 days using 98% original parts, explains Rogalinski. I thought a cafe racer project would be a walk in the park. I was wrong.Firstly, he modified the bikes frame to accommodate a 70s CB550 Fs fuel tank, as well as a one-off saddle that matches the desired aesthetic. The gifted craftsman continued by installing a fresh set of Gixxer forks, along with a pair of Ohlins shocks on the other end.The Spider rolls on 17-inch Excel multi-spoked wheels, hugged by Pirellis top-of-the-line Night Dragon tires. At the front, the wheel is dressed in dual 318 mm (12.5 inches) floating discs and Brembo brake pads, coupled with a CBX750s caliper and a single brand-new brake disc at the rear.In terms of F2s inline-four powerplant, Rogalinski treated it to a full restoration and recalibrated its carburetors to optimize their behavior. To top it all off, he honored the 747cc mill with a splendid satin black finish, as well as an aftermarket four-into-one exhaust system that guarantees a healthy performance upgrade.Next, he relocated the electric components to Spiders modified swingarm and provided his creation with a full LED lighting kit. Besides a considerable weight reduction of 46 lbs (21 kg), the reborn Honda CB750 F2 prides itself with Accel clip-on handlebars  a must-have item for any respectable cafe racer.And there we have it. Now that weve wrapped this up, why not pay KrisBiker a visit on his Facebook page and show him some love for his two-wheeled marvel?
Then James paused to say hello to a woman walking by with her dog. He asked her how she was doing and made small talk. As she walked away, James turned back to the camera and picked up where he left off. When I get there, Ill make a barbecue, James said of the afterlife. Everyones welcome.
Why did this happen?

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New Delhi: September 8 is marked as International Literacy Day all over the world to raise awareness and remind people about the importance of education to individuals and communities around the world. The UNESCO in the year 1966 had made the declaration of the day in its 14th session of general conference.

Every year the United Nations (UN) gives special themes to this day keeping in line with the current environment. This year the theme has been kept keeping in concern the global Covid-19 pandemic, and it focuses on Literacy teaching and learning in the Covid-19 crisis and beyond. Earlier, there have been themes like Literacy and Health, Literacy and Epidemics, which focused on communicable diseases such as HIV, to Literacy and Empowerment and Literacy and Peace etc.

On this occasion, Union Education minister of India Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said on Twitter,"There can be no joy greater than reading and no friend greater than knowledge" Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi On this #InternationalLiteracyDay, we promise to work towards achieving 100% literacy by complying with the reforms within the National Education Policy 2020.''

"There can be no joy greater than reading and no friend greater than knowledge" Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi

On this #InternationalLiteracyDay, we promise to work towards achieving 100% literacy by complying with the reforms within the National Education Policy 2020. pic.twitter.com/HnG0e8WGra  Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) September 8, 2020

As per UNESCO, about 773 million adults lack the minimum education that is required to be literate worldwide and of those, 60.7 million children are out of school or are rare attendees. It said that this global health crisis has been a stark reminder of the existing gap between policy discourse and reality and they aim to shorten this gap by increasing awareness about lifelong literacy learning.

Every year UNESCO also picks up five country which have made best efforts to promote literacy and this year Ghana, Mexico, Nepal, United Kingdom and Yemen received the award.
Pubs across Ireland have been told they can re-open under strict guideline from September 21.

Cabinet ministers met on Tuesday morning to formalise the date and approve guidelines for reopening the so-called 'wet pubs' of Ireland who do not serve food and have been closed since mid-March.

The reopening is subject to local restrictions, meaning pubs in counties in local lockdowns will not be permitted to re-open There are currently no counties under such restrictions but NPHET has warned that Covid-19 case numbers in Dublin and Limerick are of huge concern.

Offaly, Kildare and Laois were placed under a local lockdown last month after a rise in cases but have since seen numbers fall and businesses reopen once again.

What are the guidelines for wet pubs?

NPHET and Cabinet have drawn up and agreed guidelines for the reopening of wet pubs and they are largely similar to those in place in gastro pubs which reopened in June.

However, the 105-minute time limit on groups at tables will be abolished in establishments where the two-metre social distancing rule can be implemented and strictly maintained.

The 105-minute rule will apply in pubs where distancing of just one metre is possible.

People must still remain at their tables and be served rather than standing and ordering from the bar.

Customers must be off the premises of wet pubs by 11.30pm at night.

Customers must remain seated in smoking areas of bars.

Pubs must keep a record of the arrival times of their customers as well as their contact details.

Group numbers will be limited to six people from no more than three households.
I was watching this unfold on Tiktok and this yt chick just kept lying and changing the story to make herself look like a victim. She claimed they came and were yelling at her in a "foreign language" despite English being one of their official languages.

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my fav was actual people from rwanda dueting her and calling out all her lies

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YESSS that was glorious.

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but also like....it's not a "foreign" language if it's a language local to the place you're in??? like how could you be upset about that????



Edited at 2020-09-08 07:20 pm (UTC)

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i hope she dies either by covid or by gorilla attack.



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i left out a lot of detail here because this girl was posting incessantly and i got bored lol but the tldr is that she sucks

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Imagine your child grows up to be a TikTok ~celeb. The embarrassment and disappointment would be through the roof.

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I dont mind influencers who arent dumbasses.

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Are they out there?

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do those exist?!

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same tbh

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idk. their future would be set if they were smart with their money. that's not the case with 90% of the more serious professions out there.

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unfortunately so many of these kids have parents who push them to do exactly this. their little internet cash cows.

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ban her from Rwanda is my input 

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I'll up you one there: ban her from breathing.

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The idea that this privileged white woman thought she was above travel restrictions and could just 'volunteer' randomly getting snatched from her nice hotel room is hilarious and deserved, never mind the fact that it was (allegedly) negative.

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Yep. Id also like to know her qualifications for helping the gorillas. Whats her degree in? What sort of experience does she have that makes her a good choice for volunteering with these animals?



Edited at 2020-09-08 06:40 pm (UTC)

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She would get cute pics and pay $500-$1000 per week to "volunteer"



Edit: lol no she's paying upwards of $2000 for the gorilla experience



Edited at 2020-09-08 07:05 pm (UTC)

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too bad she wasnt kidnapped and lost to the world

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LMAOOOOOO

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It was so damn imperative that she help the gorillas?

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I dont feel bad for anyone traveling right now unless its essential for work, not anyone else fault you let yourself remain ignorant to the consequences. People shouldnt have to bully accountability out of you either.



Edited at 2020-09-08 06:41 pm (UTC)

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Selfish cow.

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jesus christ

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Are private jets given freely with cereals in the USA or something? Because otherwise she couldn't have been allowed in?

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it's disturbing how any C/D-list celeb in the US has access to a private jet. it's the combo between the two most disturbing aspects of our society: growing wealth inequality + ppl not giving a fuck about global warming.

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anyone can get on a private jet tbh. Get a group of your friends and its not THAT expensive

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Most of these people are probably getting waivers for business or "work" reasons.

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Fuck her and her selfish ass.

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i saw some of tana mongeau's apology video (i have no idea what she was apologizing for and i'm not sure she does either) and she referred to herself as a 22 year old woman and i was honestly taken aback. 22? her? dat it?

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here's a video on tana if anyone is curious/cares:





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Whoa I was pronouncing her name (in my head) totally wrong

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and i'm not sure she does either this sent me



I literally just saw this video (no idea wtf she's apologizing for either sis), but it was from a body language expert and he broke down her whole video on her authenticity. It was fascinating.

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It's because she called her friend whose Black a cotton-picking n-word and then threw microaggressions at a Black woman named SimplyNessa. She tried to talk to Tana, Tana ignored her, and then she found out that Tana's shitty manager, who used to be HER manager, had been telling people that SimplyNessa was angry, loud, and not professional. As a result, she lost out on jobs.

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Good god this bitch. Ban her from TikTok and traveling.





I have so many friends from HS and old coworkers (back in Ontario) who have been traveling to Niagara Falls, Montreal etc with big groups of friends and have been galavanting around without masks. Like wtf?!? I know its not as bad there as it is here in the US but cases are increasing and this shit is why

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The videos of crowds in Niagra Falls made me really mad. I know a nurse who recently went to Montreal for the weekend and then came back and immediately went back to work and idk but I really do not like that.

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Lol I went to Niagara-on-the-Lake with two of my girlfriends. But we are in each others bubbles and I thought that the wineries did a great job of enforcing social distancing.

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That makes sense though! Like if you guys are in each others bubbles and are being diligent when it comes to social distancing, thats safe. The people Im talking about are in close contact with completely different groups of people like every weekend without masks and its just like ?????

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montreal is one of the WORST places in canada with covid cases. quebec as a whole is a nightmare for it right now and i would not be going there.



/from quebec but now in BERTA lol

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My hometown, my parents say this summer has been a hot mess. Apparently the tourists are extra shitty this year too like rude and demanding

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my old coworker keeps flying back and forth to mexico it looks like (I'm pretty sure he's Mexican-American/not Mexican but his fiance is Mexican so he was already doing that before Covid) and idk what he thinks is gonna happen. we both work in a field where we can be 100% remote so i wish he would just stay in Mexico/stop flying back and forth since he clearly needs to be with his fiance

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My cousin had a big church wedding, no one wore masks and now her little sister and several others have tested positive for covid. She (the lil sister) was looking to get a track scholarship. Oh well for that.

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I'm really worried about the province right now. Masks have helped with feeling you wont get it from strangers but this thing was always spread by big groups and close contact and people just hanging out again is no go. You tend to relax and just get closer with people you know and it is a mess.



I'm actually wishing they would being the limit back down to 10 people max for gatherings and just shut down all these 'small' weddings and parties. Keep the stores open but everything else goes back to Satge 2.

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Advocate Ishkaran Bhandari on Tuesday lashed out at Rhea Chakraborty and her lawyer Satish Maneshinde for trying to portray late Sushant Singh Rajput as a 'drug addict', saying that their statements amounted to defamation. Taking to Twitter, Ishkaran expressed outrage over how Team Rhea was attacking Sushant, who was not alive to defend himself. "Attack by Team Rhea against a Sushant Singh Rajput, (person who cant defend himself, who cant explain himself ) by calling him DRUG ADDICT is defamation," said Ishkaran on his Twitter.

Entire Bollywood ecosystem is out to defend Drugs, many attacking me forasking -Justice for Sushant.



I am proud I did it starting 1st July- when powerful people thought they will quietly bury the case!#Warriors4SRR will get Justice!



ISBP!  Ishkaran Singh Bhandari (@ishkarnBHANDARI) September 8, 2020

Rhea files complaint against SSR's sister

Apart from passing derogatory statements against Sushant, Rhea Chakraborty and her lawyer filed yesterday filed a complaint before the Mumbai Police against Sushant Singh Rajput's sister Priyanka Singh and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital authorities over a medical prescription of the late actor accusing them of prescribing Sushant certain drugs that were banned under the NDPS and other Acts.

Sushant Singh Rajput's family lawyer Vikas Singh, on Monday, in a press briefing had countered Rhea's complaint calling it a 'desperate attempt to derail the investigation, tarnish the image of the family' and to 'keep Mumbai Police jurisdiction alive' in the case.

Read: Sushant's Sister Calls Rhea Chakraborty's FIR 'fake'; Says, "nothings Gonna Break Us"

Read: Rhea Chakraborty Arrested By NCB After 3 Days Of Grilling; Medical Test At 4 PM

Rhea arrested by NCB, admits to consuming drugs

Meanwhile, after 19 hours of grilling, Rhea Chakraborty has been arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau on Tuesday in the drugs case. The prime accused in the Sushant Singh Rajput death case will be taken for a medical test next at 4 PM as part of the formalities.

On day three of her interrogation by the Narcotics Control Bureau, Rhea Chakraborty admitted that she was consuming not just marijuana, but also hard drugs, as per sources. The actor had earlier admitted procuring drugs along with her brother Showik, who has been arrested by NCB. This is another major disclosure made by her, apart from reportedly taking the names of Bollywood stars who were also consuming drugs.

Read: Rhea Arrested: Sushant's Sister Shweta Singh Says, 'God Is With Us'; Smita Backs Her

Read: Rhea Chakraborty's Complaint Against Sushant's Sister Baseless, Desperate: Family Lawyer
By Akbar Mammadov

Irans newly-appointed envoy Seyed Abbas Mousavi has voiced his countrys support to Baku over Azerbaijans occupied territories and has said that Tehran is ready to assist in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Mousavi made the remarks while being received by Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jehun Bayramov on September 7.

Touching upon Armenia's continued aggression against Azerbaijan, Bayramov expressed gratitude to Iran for always supporting Azerbaijan's fair position on the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict based on the norms and principles of the international law.

During the meeting, the sides held discussions on the development of relations between the two countries in the form of mutual respect and support, based on deep historical roots. Also, the sides exchanged views on ways to effectively implement the issues on the cooperation agenda.

The issues of continuing successful cooperation on multilateral platforms was also high on the agenda of the meeting.

In the meantime, Iranian Embassy in Azerbaijan issued a statement on September 7 denying reports that its territories were used for Russian military cargo transport to Armenia amid the cross-border escalation in July.

"Regarding the reports in some media about the transportation of Russian weapons and military equipment to Armenia from the Norduz border checkpoint of the Islamic Republic of Iran, we would like to say that these reports are false and unfounded.

The embassy stressed that these reports aim to undermine the developing relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and are untrue.

On the same day, Irans Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Said Khatibzade said during a press conference that Iran does not recognize any boundaries in developing relations with Azerbaijan. He noted that for this purpose, Iran has sent a high-level diplomat as an ambassador to Azerbaijan.

Said Khatibzade added that discussions are underway to organize a trilateral meeting between Iran, Turkey and Azerbaijan.

It should be noted that newly appointed Iranian Ambassador Abbas Mousavi previously served as spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

The Azerbaijani media recently revealed that over 400 tonnes of military cargo have been transported from Russia to Armenia through the air spaces of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran. According to the reports, the military cargo was transported to Armenia during and after the military provocation committed by Armenia in the direction of Tovuz district of the Azerbaijan-Armenia state border last month.

The reports revealed that nine flights were made from Russia to Armenia since last month. Two of these flights were made in the midst of the clashes on July 17. One flight per day was made on 18, 20, 27, 29 July and 4 August, while two flights were made on August 6.

---

Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered 20 individuals inside a box truck in a human smuggling attempt reported at the Interstate 35 checkpoint.

Early Friday, a box truck arrived at the I-35 checkpoint. Agents then discovered several anomalies in the cargo area following a consensual X-ray scan of the vehicle.

Authorities referred the vehicle to secondary inspection, where agents found 20 people inside the cargo area. Agents said only one was wearing personal protective equipment. All were identified as Mexican citizens who were in the country illegally.

Homeland Security Investigations are further investigating the smuggling attempt. The box truck was returned to the rental company.

To report suspicious activity such as human or drug smuggling, download the USBP Laredo Sector app or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.
The Department Related Standing Committee for External Affairs on Tuesday met under the chairmanship of former Union Minister PP Chaudhary to discuss Indias neighbourhood first policy. Foreign Secretary Harshvardhan Shringla and other officials from the Ministry of External Affairs attended.

Several members, including those from the BJP, asked questions on Indias relationship with China. Members were keen on knowing what was Indias response to Chinese aggression at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the situation in Arunachal Pradesh. They also asked about the aggressive actions on the night of September 7 and about Indias response.

India on Tuesday denied firing shots at the LAC where the Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a stand-off for over three months, sources in the government said. The statement came hours after the Peoples Liberation Army accused the Indian troops of illegally crossing the border at the shore of the God Pao Mountain area and firing threat shots.

According to sources, Shringla say said that like any other neighbouring, India was keen on having good ties with theirs but not at the cost of territory. Sources added that Chaudhary did not allow further questions on the issue as it is a matter concerning national security. Chaudhary reportedly told the MPs that the China issue is not on the days agenda.

Those present in the meeting said that Chaudhary told Shringla that he is not obliged to answer or give any details on China if he deems it not fit.

Recently the Lok Sabha Speaker had written to Committee Chairmans to not discuss issues that are sub-judice or of national integrity or national security concern in their Committee meetings.

The MPs were also told that Indias Neighbourhood First policy did not involve China, and that it included Nepal, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Maldives, Bhutan and Pakistan.
The Uttarakhand forest department has decided to ban entry of tourists into the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) without a Covid-19 test confirming their negative status, said forest officials.

The tourists, said forest officials, will have to get the RT-PCR test done 96 hours before the visit to the park.

Kalyani (who goes by her first name), deputy director of the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR), said, Online booking for safari in Corbett will start from September 10. The park will be open for tourists from October 15, 2020.

We have decided to follow the guidelines of the Central and state government regarding visit of tourists to check coronavirus infection inside the CTR she said.

Tourists have also been advised to follow all safety rules.

Tourists should follow the lockdown rules like wearing masks, use hand sanitisers and maintain social distancing in the CTR, said Kalyani.

It is important to follow the rules of lockdown while moving inside the park. Only four tourists will be allowed in one gypsy, she said.

Generally, six tourists are allowed in one gypsy, but in view of the pandemic, said Kalyani, only four tourists will be allowed to sit in a gypsy.

Hotel, resorts, guesthouse rooms, gypsies will be sanitised after every visit of tourists. The staff has also been directed to follow the lockdown rules strictly, she said.

Deepak Budhani, a gypsy owner from Ramnagar, said, Corbetts online booking will increase tourism activities. People suffering from a financial crisis due to Covid-19 will get a lot of relief.

The CTR administration should open all gates of the reserve with a strict following of the lockdown rules. The livelihood of a lot of people in Uttarakhand is dependent on tourism, especially when it comes to Corbett, he said.

All tiger reserves, sanctuaries and national parks, including the Corbett Tiger Reserve, had to shut operations on March 16 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In unlock 4, online bookings for the CTR have been opened again.
Appointment

8 September 2020

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, the latest edition of Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts Group's uber-luxury resort portfolio, THE OZEN COLLECTION, in the Maldives is delighted to welcome Ricardo Leal as the resort's General Manager. Located in South Male Atoll, the ultra -luxurious resort offers an unparalleled island living with grand spaces, access to sun-kissed ocean fronts and gourmet dine-by-design experiences. Each of the 90 villas and suites offer guests absolute seclusion, with a private swimming pool and direct beach or lagoon access.

With more than 20 years of experience under his belt in the global hospitality industry across Europe, Asia, & the Indian Ocean, he joined in September 2020 to lead the team towards excellence and further solidify the brand's reputation as an ultra-high-end luxury resort. He started his career in 1996 and since then he has been associated with brands like Hilton, Pestana, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, and Hyatt Hotels. He brings a wealth of knowledge in Hotel Operations, Sales & Marketing, and Food & Beverage. Before joining OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, he worked as General Manager at Alila Hotels & Resorts (Republic of China).
Scott Sherman, City Councilman from District 7, stated, "Ahmad Shah Massoud, the Lion of Panjshir was the founding father of the resistance against the Soviet invasionand then again against the Taliban and Al Qaeda, he is recognized as a legendary guerrilla commander and an anti-communist resistance leader for his contribution towards an independent Afghanistan."

The Councilman went on to say Ahmad Shah Massoud's devotion to his people and country will allow his legacy to live on after he was assassinated by Al-Qaeda just two days prior to 9/11, he inspired the formation of the Massoud Foundation USA, that aspires to support community development among Afghan diaspora and continually improves relations between Afghanistan and America, Now Therefore Be It Proclaimed that I, City Council member Scott Sherman, on behalf of the City of San Diego, and the proud residents of the Seventh District do hereby declare Wednesday, September 9th 2020, as Ahmad Shah Massoud Day!

The Mayor of "America's Finest City" and its 8th largest, The Honorable Kevin Faulconer signed the Massoud Foundation Day proclamation, establishing it City wide.

Executive Director of The Massoud Foundation USA, Yusuf Dawood Nazar (Yusife Nazir), stated "This moment, and gesture by the officials in the United States, is historical, and could not have come at a better time. Afghanistan and the US are working together to bring lasting Peace, this signifies the friendship, brotherhood, and sacrifice of both nations. Commander Massoud brought the Soviet Union and the communist regime in Kabul to its knees, and for years battled International Terrorism alone....By the time people started to listen to his warnings, he was assassinated by Al Qaeda and other extremist groups. I hope this serves as a reminder, to not repeat the mistakes of our past, and to continue the way of Massoud's vision of peace for Afghanistan and a terror free world."

Ahmad Massoud, Ahmad Shah Massoud's son, survives him, was declared his father's successor and is currently leading a Movement to bring peace in Afghanistan. "It gives me tremendous joy to see Americans commemorate my father in San Diego and I would like to express my utmost gratitude towards all the councilmen and the mayor for making this happen. Like my father, I believe in a lasting partnership between Afghanistan and the US to prevent the spread of extremism and to safeguard the achievements of the past two decades, such as democracy, women's rights and humans rights that both Americans and Afghans have sacrificed so much for."

SOURCE Massoud Foundation USA

Related Links

https://www.massoudfoundation.us


"We saw in 2012 that his vice-presidential debate was similar, I think, to Trump in style and that he [Biden] sort of mocked his opposition a little bit. He laughed at him [Paul Ryan], you know, sort of right in his face," Mercieca said. "I don't think that he [Biden] goes to the extremes that Donald Trump does in terms of mocking his opposition or threatening them. But, you know, he's definitely capable of standing his ground and not allowing himself to be intimidated."

"He regularly uses ad hominem attacks, which is attacking the person instead of their argument. And he isn't shy to do that, to mock people and bully them during a debate. He did that in 2016," she said, adding that Biden's debating history shows he will stand his ground.

"I think that we can expect to see a rowdy debate between the two presidential candidates," said Jennifer Mercieca, assistant professor of Communications at Texas A&M University. "Both of these candidates are fighters." Mercieca says indications of Trump's debating style can be found in how he described his 2016 campaign as a "counterpunch."

Republican President Donald Trump and his Democratic Party rival, former vice president Joe Biden, spent the week after the conventions making their opening arguments in some of the U.S. States critical to winning the election, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina.

Now that the U.S. presidential nominating conventions have ended, the next key date on the campaign calendar is Tuesday, Sept. 29 -- the race's first presidential debate.

 Debates Format

Since the first presidential debate in 1960 and since their resumption in 1976, the format has generally been the same: candidates answering questions from a moderator. "What they basically are, are joint press conferences where they share, you know, press conference soundbites back and forth and they stay on their own message," says John Koch, director of Debate at Vanderbilt University.

Koch proposes different formats, including taking questions from experts instead of a moderator and watching the candidates tackle the issues. "The debate would start with: Here's the issue or the situation. You have 30 minutes or whatever it is to meet with your consultants and advisers and then we want you to come back with a position, explain your position. The other candidates will explain their position. And then we'll have a debate about how you arrived at that decision and then the quality of those decisions, because what we really want out of a president is somebody who can, in a crisis or when an issue presents itself to meet with their consultants or advisers, make a decision and then be able to defend it," Koch explained.

"It is actually informative to see both candidates in contrast to one another. So, to hear how they speak, the tone they use, but also to hear about their policies," Mercieca said. "It allows them to directly accuse one another of doing things. And it also allows them to make rebuttals so that they can defend themselves."

 Do Debates Change Minds?

In 2016, an estimated 84 million Americans watched the first debate between then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. The high interest in the 2020 election may set a new record, but whether it sways voters is questionable.

"A lot of the research on presidential debates have shown that it kind of lets people identify with the candidate that they kind of already identify with and it just kind of lets them see who shares their positions," said Koch. "There's not a lot of evidence per se that changes presidential debates changed minds."

According to Pew Research, 10 percent of 2016 voters said they decided their vote during or just after the debates. Mercieca says it is "a shame" that America's political polarization has gotten this bad. "I really think that, you know for these debates to have any kind of effect like they should, that the audience itself has a responsibility to listen with an open mind."


Embroidered jootis. Cracked CDs. Artificial grass. Paper jhoomars. Just some of the elements that make up this extraordinarily unusual rickshaw.

This evening, the eye-catcher is parked by a Lodhi Road pavement. No sign of the puller. Perhaps that doesnt matter, for his very persona seems to be diffused in the aesthetics of his rickshaw. The jhoomar hanging from the roof is made of coloured papers, golden laces and tiny brass bells. It is of a kind that school students are required to produce for their craft assignments, (and which are inevitably made by their parents).

The footwear dangling at the bottom of the rickshaw is not unusual, for many pullers hang them at the same place for good luck. But here the shoes are ethnic types with Maharajah-style pointed tips, usually worn by a man on his wedding day.

Even the tyres are decked with coloured ribbons, the spokes studded with shiny sitaras (sprinklers).

The rickshaws handle-bar is a dense thicket of unruly plastic flowers, with a single real marigold in the center. Red bridal ornis (veils) are falling down from both sides of the handle.

The floor under the passengers seat is carpeted with a mat of plastic grass.

Broken CDs are fixed on the back wheels as showpiece. Indeed, the rickshaw has most unexpected objects doubling up as decorations. The front wheel is fitted with bunches of green and blue plastic straws. The rear has a dozen drinking glasses stringed into a row.

The only part of the rickshaw thats ordinary is the pullers seatwrapped in a simple mashed-up gamcha.

Meanwhile, the tasteful puller still hasnt appeared. A painted board on the rickshaws back announces in yellow and redMuhammed Taufiq loves (represented by a heart pierced by Cupids arrow) Bilori. And just below is a phone number.

Yes, Im Taufiq and thats my rickshaw. Yes, Bilori is how I call my wife, the voice says on picking up the phone. Im having chai. I will return later.

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Foodies have shown off the incredible grazing platters they have put together at home using budget groceries and buys from the likes of Kmart, Big W and Bunnings Warehouse.

Hundreds posted on Facebook, where they said you do not have to spend a fortune in order to enjoy a feast, whether it's for a birthday, a party or even a wedding reception.

Men and women shared photos of their elaborate grazing platters and revealed exactly how they made them.

Foodies have shown off the incredible grazing platters they have put together at home using budget groceries and buys from the likes of Kmart, Big W and Bunnings Warehouse

Hundreds posted on Facebook, where they said you do not have to spend a fortune in order to enjoy a feast, whether it's for a birthday, a party or even a wedding reception

Many said they relied on trays including the round acacia board from Kmart (pictured) to whip up delicious feasts

One woman called Daynah Jade said she has her own grazing platter business and she revealed that the only boards she uses for her business are from Kmart.

'Their boards are just the best quality,' Daynah said.

Others commented to say that any board from Kmart looks much more expensive than it really is.

Some of the discount store's most popular boards that have been used as grazing platters in the past include the Embossed Wooden Serving Board with Handles for $18, and the Long Acacia Serving Board ($16).

'I bought a $12 plank of plywood from Bunnings and covered it with the Kmart marble contact and made our cheeseboard on that,' one woman called Eliza Reid explained, next to a photo of her grazing board.

'All this food was only $100 and fed 20 people.'

Some topped their boards high with fruits and cheeses, as well as homemade wraps for family birthday events

The key to a good platter (a birthday platter pictured) is to make one where everything is easy to eat and finger food so people can just pick it up and enjoy

Others said they pick up a lot of materials for grazing boards from the likes of Big W, IKEA, Target and Bunnings to make their platters (pictured)

Others said they pick up a lot of materials for grazing boards from the likes of Big W, IKEA, Target and Bunnings.

'Bunnings tiles are a great budget tip!' one womn posted.

'My husband got the idea from a really fancy place and the Bunnings tiles can be about $1 each.'

Founder of KD Grazing Veronika Gentile recommends that you keep everything on your board as fresh as possible if you want to create the perfect platter

'If it's not in season, skip it! Go for bright colours and a variety of sweet and savoury. I absolutely love mixing caramel popcorn with salted pretzels,' the expert said (platter pictured)

While you can have standout pieces like a cob loaf (pictured), it's also important to have lots of little pieces that people want to eat

What are The Blonde Butler's tips for platters? * Pick a platter that is plain enough to let the cheese shine. Steer clear of bright colours, patterns or plastic and go for wood or marble. * He recommends investing in a decent set of cheese knives, they make a huge difference. * To construct, place your cheeses onto the board with equal space between them. * Add your crackers (lavosh) to the board, and if you're going to use grissini as well, place them in a jar or glass. * Place big bunches of grapes in the empty areas on the board (make sure they're generous bunches) and then add your quince, pate (if you like it), fruit, nuts, and chocolate. * Make sure you've got a good balance of colour across the board, and if there are any bland areas, hit it with some strawberries or blueberries. * Less is not more and instead of buying 10 things, buy three and lots of them. * Favourite pairings: His favourite Champagne pairings would be Ruinart blanc de blanc or Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose. Advertisement

Previously, experts including mother-of-two and founder of KD Grazing Veronika Gentile shared their tips for putting together the perfect grazing board.

The 30-year-old told FEMAIL that her biggest tip to putting together a masterful design is to keep it easy for guests to eat, because no one wants to 'stand around holding a big roll at an event'.

Veronika also recommends making the quality of your products the primary concern with only the freshest ingredients on offer.

'If it's not in season, skip it! Go for bright colours and a variety of sweet and savoury. I absolutely love mixing caramel popcorn with salted pretzels,' she said.

While there are meant to be overlaps on the board it's best not to overcrowd the table in general.

'You can have standout pieces like a beautifully cut rockmelon but a big tray of watermelon, even though it tastes good, can look messy,' Veronika said.

Alex Cadger, from Sydney, who runs the business The Blonde Butler, which charges $250 on average for a platter, said he is all about high quality spoils, so you'll never see cabanossi or a Jatz cracker on his boards.

'I love grapes for the fruit but I always use figs, dried apricots, dried pears and dried peaches as well,' Alex told FEMAIL.

'I also love Spanish quince paste, I think it's the best of the quinces.'

He said big no-nos to avoid are placing ingredients on the platter that are off-the-shelf supermarket items.

'You don't need heaps and heaps of colours or that really intense "colours of the rainbow" look,' he continued.
Tuesday, September 8th, 2020 (1:51 pm) - Score 1,174

UK ISP Quickline, which is part of Bigblu group, has today secured a new 9.11 million contract that will see them deploy superfast (30Mbps+) and ultrafast (100Mbps+) capable fixed wireless and Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) based broadband services to 6,700 extra premises across rural West Yorkshire and York.

The contract, which includes coverage for 1,700 businesses and 5,000 homes, was awarded to Quickline via a competitive tender from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). The framework for all this follows the model set out by the Building Digital UK (BDUK) based Superfast Broadband programme.

Apparently, the roll-out itself will take 2 years to complete (i.e. by the end of 2022) and most premises can expected to receive download speeds of 100Mbps. However, Bigblu hasnt revealed precisely how many of these are to benefit from a full fibre connection and instead states that a number of premises will receive it, which suggests that FTTP may be in the minority for this deployment.

The contract itself provides for a total investment of 9.11m in both fibre and fixed wireless networks. This includes a subsidy of 7.646m, with 6.898m funded from DEFRA (via the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) and 748,000 from the Combined Authority. Quickline will also contribute 1.464m of investment to support the roll-out.

Steve Jagger, CEO of Quickline, said: Were excited to be working with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and City of York to deliver high speed internet to local, hard to reach areas. We understand the challenges of delivering rural broadband services that is why we pride ourselves on delivering flexible, hybrid innovative solutions.

Andrew Walwyn, CEO of Bigblu broadband, added: We believe that this is the first of a number of potential contract wins for Quickline under BDUKs Superfast broadband programme. This win emphasises the growth potential within the Group that management highlighted when it announced the disposal of Bigblus UK and European Satellite Broadband Operations. We are delighted that Quickline has secured this contract  with last years 12m funding affording it the flexibility for it to tender for capital intensive contracts as it targets a customer base of approximately 30,000 subscribers over the next three years. Importantly, there are a number of further opportunities and live tenders, that had been delayed by Brexit and COVID-19, which if converted will provide further significant scale and value to the business. We expect that BBB will benefit from Quicklines increased valuation, revenues and profitability as its accelerated growth strategy is successfully implemented.

Quickline added that they expect to see strong take-up of broadband services from these previously under-served areas and as a result of that they also hope to achieve at least its targeted return on capital of c.15% over the life of the contract.

The new deal comes a year after the provider secured an additional investment of 12m (here) to help them roll-out a new unlimited ultrafast broadband (100Mbps+) capable network to 30,000 premises across the north of the United Kingdom.

In February 2020 Quickline also became the lead on one of the Governments new Rural Connected Communities (RCC) projects (here), which aims to build small mobile phone networks in areas that have no mobile coverage. This is on top of their participation in last years 5G Rural Integrated Testbed pilot (here).

Like many ISPs theyre also a government approved supplier under the Rural Gigabit Connectivity Programme, which enables them to secure vouchers worth up to 3,500 per premises to fund the cost of providing gigabit-capable broadband in rural communities.
Various Centres for National Culture across the country will receive facelift if the opposition National Democratic Congress wins power in the 2020 general elections.

This promise was captured in the 2020 Manifesto of the NDC, which was launched on September 7, 2020, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra.

The provision on culture states that the NDC government will renovate, equip and fund existing Centres for National Culture across the country, and ensure efficient and competent management.

Aside from that, the party will commence a programme to construct and resource Centres of National Culture in regions where they do not exist.

In the NDCs 2016 manifesto, the party promised to complete all ongoing rehabilitation of regional centres of National Culture; strengthen national festivals of arts and culture, regional and national drama festivals for schools and colleges, and youth and children's cultural programmes and festivals and organise international exchange programmes for creative arts practitioners to enhance collaboration and improve the capacity of Ghanaian creative artistes.

The party also announced plans to develop modalities to harness the potential of the chieftaincy institution for national development.

Below is the full list of items captured in the NDCs 2020 Manifesto for the Culture sector:

The next NDC Government will:

a. Renovate, equip and fund existing Centres for National Culture across the country, and ensure efficient and competent management

b. Commence a programme to construct and resource Centres of National Culture in regions where they do not exist

c. Revisit and restructure the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) to meet its original objective as a hunting ground for creative and art talents for nurturing and exposure, and to celebrate the arts and culture.

d. Resource the National Dance Ensemble to perform dances in school settings to show the beauty and unity in diversity to help students appreciate the performing arts and to groom potentials for the future

e. Resource the National Commission on Culture to organise effective programmes

f. Partner various traditional authorities to promote various festivals in partnership with the media

---citinewsroom
Penn States wrestling program picked up a major commitment on Monday from the No. 2 pound-for-pound wrestler in the nation in the 2021 class. Blair Academy (N.J.) standout Shayne Van Ness announced his commitment to Cael Sanderson and the Lions on his Twitter account.

The addition of Van Ness is no small feat for Penn State, which now claims the Nos. 2 and 4 wrestlers in the 2021 class on the FloWrestling big board. Van Ness is set to join Michigan product Alex Facundo, who committed in February, as a 1-2 punch in Happy Valley.

Thank you to all of those who have supported me throughout my life. I would not be who and where I am today without everything that you all have done for me. Im extremely proud to announce my commitment and Im looking forward to the years ahead. https://t.co/vgfTukAKiD pic.twitter.com/cnTaiaWuFM  Shayne Van Ness (@shayne_finesse) September 7, 2020

Van Ness had previously listed Cornell, Michigan, Penn State, Princeton and Rutgers as his top five schools. His father, Rodney, is a Rutgers alum who still ranks third in school history with 113 career wins. Shayne Van Ness opted to walk his own path to Penn State, where he could have a chance to make an early impact as the future lineup comes together.

FloWrestling projects Van Ness at 149 pounds after he won a National Prep title and a Whos #1 title at 132 pounds. The New Jersey native finished as a runner-up to current Penn State freshman Beau Bartlett as a sophomore at 126 pounds.
Iraqi health authorities have decided to ease the restrictions imposed across the country to contain the spread of the novel

In a statement on Monday, a statement by Iraqi Higher Committee for Health and National Safety headed by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, said that it has decided to reopen the country's borders exclusively for the commercial movement amid precaution, reports Xinhua news agency.

It also decided to reopen restaurants and tourist facilities of five-star hotels, as well as lifting ae ban on sporting activities and events but without an audience, according to the statement.

In addition, the committee decided to permit up to 50 per cent of the workforce in government institutions after it had permitted 25 per cent last month, it added.

On Monday, the Health Ministry reported 4,314 new Covid-19 cases, which took the overall caseload to 264,684, with 7,589 deaths and 202,859 recoveries.

has been taking a series of measures to contain the pandemic since February when the first case appeared in the country.

--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.)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Marina Cafe in Great Kills takes advantage of the sunny, balmy weather this early September. The restaurant will keep the Tiki Bar open through the fall and, just this week, rolled out a to-go prix fixe menu for the new season.

Seaside dining under the tent
08 Sep 2020, 10:22 AM

ICICI Bank-Videocon case: ED arrests Deepak Kochhar on money laundering charges

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Deepak Kochhar, husband of former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar, over money laundering allegations in the ICICI Bank-Videocon case. Earlier yesterday, he was called for questioning at the ED office in Delhi. The probe agency is investigating alleged malpractices in sanctioning of loans worth Rs 1,875 crore by ICICI Bank to Venugopal Dhoot's Videocon Group in 2017

RBI, govt should work together for economic recovery: SBI research

Even as the economy sees negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic, a coordination between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Ministry of Finance becomes significant, a report said. However, there has been a statistically insignificant negative correlation between the two in the 30-year period ended FY20, according to SBI's Ecowrap research report.

RBI releases KV Kamath panel report on resolution framework for COVID-19 impacted sectorsRBI has released recommendations by the KV Kamath committee on restructuring loans for borrowers from sectors hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. The report listed specific financial parameters for 26 sectors, including auto, aviation, construction, hospitality, power, real estate and tourism, among others, that can be factored in by lenders while finalising resolution plan for borrowers. The recommendations have been broadly accepted, the central bank said in a statement on Monday.

Infosys, HCL, TCS employees availing EPF advances the most

The employees working with major IT companies have availed the maximum Employees' provident fund (EPF) advances under COVID-19 window.

The workforce of the likes of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), HCL Technologies, and Infosys utlilised most of their EPF accumulations in the April-July period.

AAI to Adani: Take over Ahmedabad, Mangaluru, Lucknow airports by November

State-run Airports Authority of India (AAI) wants Adani Group to take control of three airports - Ahmedabad, Mangaluru and Lucknow - by November and the remaining three in the next six months. In one of the most aggressive bids in the sector, Adani Group had won the right to upgrade and operate six AAI-owned airports in late 2018 for 50 years. The six airports are Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru.

China's exports surge at fastest pace in nearly one and half years as economies reopen

China's exports rose for the third consecutive month in August, eclipsing an extended fall in imports, as more of its trading partners relaxed coronavirus lockdowns in a further boost to the recovery in the world's second-biggest economy. Exports in August rose a solid 9.5% from a year earlier, customs data showed on Monday, marking the strongest gain since March 2019.
Kedu town in Pingtang county, southwest China's Guizhou province, is home to the planetarium of the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), a unique advantage that has brought new opportunities for economic development.

The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) (Photo/Xinhua)

Kedu town has 13 administrative villages with a population of 45,000, with the agricultural population previously accounting for 97 percent of this number. In 1994, people who came here to carry out scientific research could still see thatched huts in the villages. At that time, most of the young adults in the town could only make a living by leaving their hometown to find work.

Today, however, people are constantly flowing into this town. Due to the rapid development of highways in Guizhou province, it now takes only an hour and a half to arrive here from Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou.

Kedu has been dubbed the "Astronomy Town" and is an important venue for international astronomy symposiums.

In 2019, the number of tourists coming to Kedu soared to 119,200. According to statistics, since 2016, the number of hotels in Kedu has grown from 6 to 137 and the number of restaurants from 8 to 288.

Peng Xianqun (right), a local resident, shows her embroidery work. (Photo/Lu Peifa)

There used to be 12 families and 63 people living in Dawodang of Pingtang, a local karst depression where the 500-meter radio telescope is located. In June 2009, the 12 families moved to Hongtang Street to begin new lives.

Yang Tianxin is one of those local villagers. Thanks to the renown enjoyed by FAST, more and more researching visitors are driving to Kedu. Yang took advantage of this trend by opening a car repair shop with his wife.

In the towns Qianjin village, Yang used the compensation for the demolition of his home to build their current home - he and his family live upstairs, while his car repair shop is downstairs.

Yang's monthly income is much higher than it used to be. He prefers his present life, as the traffic in the town extends in all directions and is growing.

Night view of Kedu town. (Photo/Dai Chuanfu)

Today, Pingtang has become an important destination for science research and tourism across the country.

At the same time, Kedu has made great efforts to develop rural tourism, building several beautiful villages so that visitors can experience ethnic minorities customs and folk activities, and taste special delicacies and original ecological fruits.

According to Yang Changzhi, head of Luoweng Buyi Ancient Village, thanks to experiential activities such as pushing stone mills, ploughing fields, and bonfire parties, last year the village attracted more than 1,000 visitors, indirectly increasing the incomes of 20 villagers.
Advertisement

Painted entirely in black and red and filled with items containing the band's famous logo, the world's first Rolling Stones store is ready to rock'n'roll.

These are the first glimpse images of the new RS No.9 Carnaby store which is set to open in London tomorrow.

As the name suggests, the store is located in the London's iconic Carnaby Street - synonymous with the swinging 60s culture, which the band - comprised of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts - were at the forefront of.

'Soho has always encapsulated rock'n'roll, so Carnaby Street was the perfect spot for our own store,' the Rolling Stones said in a statement.

'We are confident this exciting project that our friends at Bravado have created will be an unrivalled experience for everyone to come to London and enjoy.'

Painted entirely in black and red and filled with items containing the band's famous logo, the world's first Rolling Stones store is ready to rock'n'roll

These are the first glimpse images of the new RS No. 9 Carnaby store which is set to open in London's Carnaby Street tomorrow

As the name suggests, the store is located in the London's iconic Carnaby Street - synonymous with the swinging 60s culture

The band - comprised of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts - were at the forefront of the 1960s music scene

The shop contains a huge array of branded merchandise including t-shirts, hoodies, hats and various other items of clothing

The shop was jointly curated by The Rolling Stones and Bravado, Universal Music Group's merchandise and brand management company.

RS No.9 will feature 'exclusive collaborations, new fashion and merchandise', as well as stocking the band's extensive music catalogue and latest releases. Items will also be available to purchase online.

Bravado CEO Mat Vlasic said: 'With this innovative partnership, the Rolling Stones add yet another cultural touchpoint to their rich legacy.

'RS No. 9 Carnaby is the result of years of planning and decades of building one of the world's most recognized brands.

'It creates a destination where fans can connect and immerse themselves in the music, style and spirit of one of the world's most iconic and beloved bands.'

The flagship store will include men's, women's and children's fashion and accessories.

A special glassware developed in collaboration with Baccarat and engraved with the Rolling Stone's iconic tongue symbol will also be offer.

The shop was jointly curated by The Rolling Stones and Bravado, Universal Music Group's merchandise and brand management company

RS No.9 will feature 'exclusive collaborations, new fashion and merchandise', as well as stocking the band's extensive music catalogue and latest releases. Items will also be available to purchase online

Bravado CEO Mat Vlasic said the store was the result of an 'innovative partnership which adds yet another cultural touchpoint to the band's rich legacy'

The flagship store will include men's, women's and children's fashion and accessories, including branded Baccarat glasses

Branded decanters for the The Rolling Stones are being sold at the RS No.9 Carnaby store in Carnaby Street, London

RS No. 9 Carnaby also feature chairs and scarves from The Soloist, and raincoats and hats from Swedish raincoat brand Stutterheim.

The band's legendary catalogue of album and singles - including the remastered Goats Head Soup album and Scarlet single - will play through Bowers & Wilkins speakers in the store.

The shop is decorated in the band's signature black and red, with a glass floor adorned with lyrics and the fitting rooms decked out with album artwork.

The store will also boast a collection celebrating the colour of the Stone's logo, with the official colour devised by Pantone.

RS No. 9 Carnaby also feature chairs and scarves from The Soloist, and raincoats and hats from Swedish raincoat brand Stutterheim

The band's legendary catalogue of album and singles - including the remastered Goats Head Soup album and Scarlet single - will play through Bowers & Wilkins speakers in the store

The shop is decorated in the band's signature black and red, with a glass floor adorned with lyrics and the fitting rooms decked out with album artwork

The store will also boast a collection celebrating the colour of the Stone's logo, with the official colour devised by Pantone

You can even pick up a face mask with the Rolling Stones logo on it, if you fancy rocking one on a bus journey or in a supermarket

An employee wearing a branded facemask poses looking at a giant 'tongue and lip' logo inside The Rolling Stones new flagship store in London

staff member poses with a branded 'Rolling Stones' umbrella near to mirrors which feature lyrics from the Rolling Stones

In April, the Stones released their first original music since 2012, the reggae-tinged single Living In A Ghost Town, which they worked on last year and completed whilst in isolation amid the global health crisis.

The song became the band's first number one on the US iTunes chart.

The Rollings Stones - formed in London in 1962 - are one of the most successful bands of all time, with estimated record sales of 240million.

Their 2005-2007 A Bigger Bang Tour and the ongoing No Filter tour which began in 2017 are in the top 10 highest grossing concert tours of all time.

In April, the Stones (pictured in 2019) released their first original music since 2012, the reggae-tinged single Living In A Ghost Town, which they worked on last year and completed whilst in isolation amid the global health crisis

The Stones - formed in 1962 - (pictured here in 1968) are one of the most successful bands of all time, with estimated record sales of 240million

Their No Filter Tour, which saw the band perform in, among other places, London, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Munich, was postponed earlier this year after the outbreak of coronavirus. They were due to tour North America.

In a joint statement in March, AEG Presents and Concerts West said: 'We regret to announce the postponement of the Rolling Stones upcoming 'No Filter' tour of North America due to the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic.

The Stones 15 date No Filter summer tour was due to kick off in San Diego on May 8 and end in Atlanta on July 9.

In a statement, the band said: 'We're hugely disappointed to have to postpone the tour. We are sorry to all the fans who were looking forward to it as much as we were, but the health and safety of everyone has to take priority. We will all get through this together  and we'll see you very soon'
ANN ARBOR, MI - While more than 70% of the University of Michigans classes are being taught online this fall, Kathleen Brown was quick to question which types of instructors would feel the pressure to teach in-person.

The second-year PhD student in UMs American Culture Department said its natural to assume graduate student instructors have been more greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic financially than their faculty counterparts, putting more stress on them to teach the classes the university is offering in-person.

It also has forced graduate employees to apply pressure on the university by striking Tuesday, Sept. 8, marching and chanting at five different locations on the UM campus, asking the university for more transparency in its plans related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including randomized testing.

A universal right to work remotely was one of the unions demands. They also want a universal right to work remotely, childcare subsidies, unarming of the campuss Division of Public Safety and Security and more.

If youre working with someone whos advising you or is responsible for passing you along, how much power do you have to say no if they have expectations for you that differ from what you want? Brown said. "Weve also heard, not just from graduate students, but staff members that are not unionized, that theyve been encouraged, because students are coming back, to be working in the office instead of remotely.

This strike is not just about us. If we can get universal remote work option, it sets a precedent and makes it easier for staff members.

After announcing plans Monday to strike for the first time since 1975, graduate employees from GEO picketed starting at 5 a.m. Tuesday, with plans of continuing the strike for 12 hours a day through Sept. 11. After meeting late Monday, Brown said around 1,200 individuals have signed up to participate in strike actions in the coming week, although not all of those are members of GEO.

While UM announced it would be ramping up testing for up to 3,000 individuals weekly by the end of the month as part of a an opt-in, voluntary surveillance testing program on the Ann Arbor campus, graduate workers believe testing should be completely randomized and for individuals who are asymptomatic to help prevent large outbreaks. For the week beginning Aug. 30, UM conducted 989 tests.

Its so obvious that they could be testing asymptomatic people and doing randomized testing, GEO Secretary Amir Fleischmann said. Thats what the experts are calling for if we want to have a safe reopening. GEO does not have an official position on whether or not campus should be reopened in-person, but the way theyre doing it is not safe and we demand better from our administrators.

UM Spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said the university continues to explore additional ways to increase testing capacity and is ready to continue discussions with GEO more broadly after meeting over Labor Day weekend.

University officials pointed out Monday that the GEO contract and Michigan law prohibits any action that affects university operations like a strike.

Were working to assess the impact of the strike, but our expectation is that classes and other operations will continue as scheduled, Fitzgerald said, noting it is just too early in the process to speculate how graduate students' employment will be impacted by the strike action.

Beyond the impact COVID-19 has had on graduate employees, the strike is intended to continue to press the university on issues related to social justice, GEO leaders say.

Months of prodding over the summer to defund UM police by 50%, as well as cut all ties with the Ann Arbor Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have not been met with any signs of progress, graduate employee Simeon Newman said.

Newman said while the COVID-19 and anti-policing demands are seen as separate issues, there is clearly some crossover, pointing to UMs Michigan Ambassador program previously using armed police officers in providing outreach to remind students about public health best practices.

This was the most hands-on version of a public health policy the university could come up with, Newman said of the Michigan Ambassador program. ... As the university cries about a terrible budget shortfall on the one hand, campus police has gotten an increase in funding over the past year.

Fleischmann agreed that UMs response to GEOs demands regarding policing are out of touch given the national movement to defund law enforcement in favor of more community-centered programming.

Given the national moment were in where there are uprisings against racist policing and police violence all over the country, the universitys administration is so out of touch that they actually are expanding cooperation with Ann Arbor PD, when comparable institutions like the University of Minnesota are cutting ties with local police, Fleischmann said. It shows a lack of attention for what the community is demanding.

Fitzgerald said GEOs on campus policing demands fall outside of the parameters of the GEO contract and are not appropriate for GEO negotiations.

DPSS serves the entire university community, Fitzgerald said.

READ MORE:

University of Michigans graduate student union to strike against in-person classes

As classes begin, faculty still pressing University of Michigan to switch to virtual fall semester

University of Michigan ramping up coronavirus testing to 3,000 per week
WHAT ARE YOU GOING THROUGH

By Sigrid Nunez

Reading Sigrid Nunezs absorbing new novel is somewhat akin to having a long conversation with someone who is telling you something very important, but is telling it in a very quiet voice. You have to really pay attention. Be assured, however, that the experience will be worth it. You will emerge calmer, meditative, more thoughtful, as if you have benefited from an excellent literary massage of sorts.

In What Are You Going Through, Nunez tells the simplest of stories  about a woman accompanying a terminally ill friend through her last months  and expands it into an exploration of the largest of themes: nothing less than the realities of living and dying in this world and how we feel about both. In the opening pages, the woman goes to visit her dying friend in the hospital and attends a talk at a local college given by a famous academic we later discover is her ex. He is the author of a viral article about the imminent apocalypse of climate change, how It was all over, that Our world and our civilization would not endure and We must live and die in this new knowledge. He goes on to say that it is useless to deny that suffering of immense magnitude lay ahead, or that thered be any escaping it. The stoic dispassion of the speaker belies the horror of what he is foretelling, and the narrator wonders if he will offer a crumb, if only a crumb it be, of hope.

This is, of course, a parallel to what the narrators friend is experiencing as she faces the end of her life. After recovering enough to go home and plan how she wants the remainder of her life to be, she decides to end her life on her own terms. To this end, the sick friend persuades the narrator (the lack of names renders the prose plain-spoken and somehow transcendent) to be her companion on her last chapter, although she confides with an amused expression, I know your feelings wont be hurt when I say that you werent my first choice. After the narrator agrees, the friend texts, I promise to make it as fun as possible, then sends her photos of the house she wants to rent as if they are going on vacation together.

Image The title of Sigrid Nunezs latest novel was inspired by a question posed by the French philosopher Simone Weil. Credit... Marion Ettlinger

Her sick friend is perhaps more ambivalent than she seems. Upon arriving at the rental, she bursts into tears when she realizes she has forgotten the pills back home. Later, pills safely retrieved, she curses at the narrator for daring to suggest she might harbor any doubts. They settle in to make the business of dying as pleasant as possible.
Bengaluru, Sep 8 : In a high-profile drugs racket allegedly involving Sandalwood stars and others, the Bengaluru City Crime Branch (CCB) arrested another Kannada actress Sanjjanaa Galrani on Tuesday evening. A city court later remanded her in five-day police custody.

Her's is the second high-profile arrest in the case. Lead actress Ragini Dwivedi was arrested by the CCB four days ago.

After Galrani's arrest, CCB officials took her to KC General Hospital in Bengaluru for the mandatory health checkup and COVID-19 test.

Other than Ragini, police has arrested high-profile party planner Viren Khanna, alleged drug peddlers Loum Pepper Samba, Rahul Tonse, Prashanth Ranka and Niyaz Ahmed in the case.

The police is still on the lookout for Vivek Oberoi's brother-in-law and late former Minister Jeevaraj Alva's son Aditya Alva, who has been named as accused number '6' in the case. Prime accused and Ragini's long-time friend Shiva Prakash is yet to be arrested.

Simultaneous raids were also conducted at the residence of Viren Khanna, who was arrested on Friday by the CCB in New Delhi. During searches, police seized a pair of police uniforms, which he allegedly flaunted during parties he hosted.

Galrani's house in upmarket Indiranagar locality in Bengaluru East was raided early Tuesday morning. Galrani was taken into custody and taken to Police headquarters for questioning.

As part of its ongoing war against the drug menace in the state, the CCB had conducted raids and launched investigations to unearth the drug mafia's links with the regional movie industry, also known as Sandalwood.

Galrani acted in Kannada movie 'Ganda-Hendathi', a remake of superhit Emran Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat starrer 'Murder', a crime thriller.

In a statement, Joint Police Commissioner (Crime) Sandeep Patil said: "After obtaining a warrant from a court, a search is being conducted at Sanjjanaa Galrani's house regarding her alleged role in a drug case." Sandalwood's alleged links with the drug mafia started tumbling out after Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut alleged such links of a section of Bollywood biggies.

Joining the debate, noted Kannada filmmaker Indrajit Lankesh, who was the first to launch Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, had alleged that the drug mafia had gained roots in Sandalwood and that he had shared information with Joint Police Commissioner (Crime) Sandeep Patil last week.

Soon after, raids were conducted on Dwivedi and those close to her four days ago and she was taken into police custody.

According to sources, Indrajit has allegedly given 15-20 names of Sandalwood stars, musicians, and technicians into drugs and frequenting high-end parties in the city.

According to the City Police, the CCB had arrested Niyaz Ahmed, a native of Kerala, on Monday in the drugs case allegedly involving Ragini.
Subscriber content preview

Pentagon orders shutdown of Stars and Stripes newspaper

The agency earlier this year moved to cut $15.5 million in funding for the paper.



By LOLITA C. BALDOR

Associated Press

WASHINGTON  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.



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Hundreds of COVID-19 lawsuits have been filed across the country and business leaders say liability immunity is necessary in order to protect against abusive and meritless lawsuits. The stakes are high. Big and small businesses alike are targets for opportunistic lawsuits. Just the mere threat of litigation may cause many businesses to remain closed or delay reopening because few businesses can afford the costs of defending a lawsuit following weeks of business disruption amid the sudden economic recession. Plaintiffs lawyers across the country are already recruiting individuals to sue businesses by pouring millions of dollars into advertising.

However, federal and state civil immunities vary greatly. Knowing if there are legal protections in your jurisdiction is just the first question when considering the steps necessary to protect businesses from a COVID-19 lawsuit. Sixteen states have enacted legislation providing some form of civil immunity from COVID-19 lawsuits for a broad range of businesses. Those states include Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. About a dozen other states have legislation pending that, if enacted, would provide varying degrees of civil immunity.

On July 21, 2020, 21 governors, including those from many states that already passed some form of civil immunity, forwarded a letter to Capitol Hill seeking new federal protections to preempt the widely inconsistent and ever-changing patchwork of liability-limiting state laws. The letter states it is our duty to provide clarity, consistency, and stability to our citizens and their businesses, and the uniformity that federal law provides is critical to Americas industries that work across state lines. A uniform approach to civil immunity protections is believed to be necessary to prevent unjustified COVID-19 lawsuits and critical to an economic recovery.

Who has immunity and what conduct is protected is a state-dependent inquiry. New York, Alaska, and Oklahoma provide immunity to healthcare providers but not other entities or individuals. North Carolina extends protections to essential businesses. Utah extends liability immunity to any company for injuries resulting from exposure of an individual to COVID-19 on their premises. Tennessee provides civil immunity for all premises liability, product liability, and medical liability claims occurring prior to July 1, 2022. Georgia created a rebuttable presumption that an individual assumes the risk of infection where the premises owner posts a sign warning that there is no liability for injury or death of a person entering the premise that results from contracting COVID-19. Iowa limits COVID-19 lawsuits unless a plaintiff can show a minimum injury such as a diagnosis of COVID-19 that requires inpatient hospitalization or results in death. All sixteen states providing some form of civil immunity have exceptions for wanton, reckless, willful, or intentional misconduct.

Given the wide range of laws, Senate Republicans, led by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Texas Senator John Cornyn, are seeking national uniform COVID-19 civil liability protections in the SAFE TO WORK (Safeguarding Americas Frontline Employees To Offer Work Opportunities Required to Kickstart the Economy) Act, S.4317. The proposed legislation would provide broad liability immunity for businesses, healthcare workers and facilities, educational institutions and local governments. Senator Cornyn claims that this bill would protect those acting in good faith from being sued into oblivion while ensuring bad actors who willingly put their patients, employees, or customers in danger will still be held accountable.

Republican State Attorneys General from 22 states sent a letter to Senate leaders supporting the COVID-19 civil liability protections proposed in the SAFE TO WORK Act, citing a potential surge in frivolous civil litigation targeting well-intentioned businesses, educational institutions and non-profit organizations. The State Attorneys General acknowledge that some states have implemented civil immunities but argue the need for a uniform national baseline of liability protection still exists.

The SAFE TO WORK Act, which was introduced on July 27, 2020, would provide civil immunity to businesses, healthcare workers and facilities, educational institutions and local governments by creating procedural and substantive hurdles for plaintiffs claiming COVID-19 exposure due to negligence. With limited exceptions, the proposed law would create an exclusive federal cause of action for exposure to COVID-19, thus preempting state and tribal laws covering the same activity (unless such laws take a stricter approach). The Act would permit any covered lawsuit to be filed in or removed to a federal district court by any defendant. In addition, it would apply retroactively to all cases filed on or after December 1, 2019.

To safeguard against frivolous claims, the Act would impose heightened pleading requirements. Every COVID-19 plaintiff would be required to show why they believe the defendant is the cause of exposure to COVID-19. Conversely, the plaintiff has to identify all places and persons with whom they had contact with during the 14-day-period before the onset of symptoms and show why they believe those people were not the cause of the exposure. The plaintiff would have to verify, under penalty of perjury the truthfulness of the allegations and provide certified medical records documenting their treatment. The plaintiff would also be required to provide an affidavit from a qualified non-treating physician supporting causation and injury.

The Act limits the award of compensatory damages to economic losses, except that the court may award damages for noneconomic losses caused by the willful misconduct of the individual or entity. Punitive damages would also be available for willful misconduct but may not exceed the amount of compensatory damages awarded. Such limits are designed to reduce the economic incentives for plaintiffs attorneys seeking grossly inflated damages to scare businesses into quick settlements. To add to this deterrent effect, the Act would enable a defendant to sue a plaintiff (and their attorneys) for damages, punitive damages, and attorneys fees if the lawsuit is later determined to be meritless. These protections also extend to presuit demand letters seeking settlement in exchange for releasing, waiving, or otherwise not pursuing a COVID-19 claim.

To limit the inevitable bet-the-company multi-million-dollar class action lawsuits, the Act would require that each putative class member be provided with notice and a description of the lawsuit. The plaintiffs attorneys prosecuting the class action shall include in the notice the attorneys hourly fees being charged or alternatively the contingency fee percentages with an estimate of the total amount that would be paid if the requested damages were to be granted. Only then could a putative plaintiff become a class member by affirmatively opting-in (instead of being automatically included in the class by the courts).

Republican-led efforts have met resistance from Democrats, who say additional legal protections would encourage wrongdoing and put individuals at risk. U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated that Democrats would not support protections against COVID-related litigation. Pelosi stated [e]specially now, we have every reason to protect our workers and our patients in all of this. So we would not be inclined to be supporting any immunity from liability. Such arguments have not been successful in the context of public health emergencies. Indeed, lawmakers have historically placed constraints on the types of lawsuits during public health emergencies.

Federal law currently provides civil immunity to a subset of individuals and entities for damages arising from the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 17, 2020, the Secretary of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency and invoked the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREPA). PREPA, 42 U.S.C.  247d-6d (2005), provides liability immunity to health care providers and businesses such as manufacturers, distributors, and retailers operating mainly in the in the pharmaceutical and medical device spaces, for any claim under federal or state law for damage caused by, arising out of the use of pharmaceuticals, biologics and medical devices to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes claims for wrongful death, personal injury, emotional damage, medical monitoring, property damage, and business interruption loss.

PREPA creates a rebuttable presumption that immunity applies to covered persons engaged in recommended activities pertaining to covered countermeasures. PREPA states [T]here shall be a rebuttable presumption that any administration or use, during the effective period of the emergency declaration  of a Covered Countermeasure shall have been for the category or categories of diseases, health conditions, or threats to health with respect to which such declaration was issued. Thus, the burden is on the plaintiff to show that immunity does not attach. PREPA does not extend immunity to covered persons engaged in willful misconduct. A plaintiff alleging willful misconduct must prove by clear and convincing evidence an act or omission that is taken(i) intentionally to achieve a wrongful purpose; (ii) knowingly without legal or factual justification; and (iii) in disregard of a known or obvious risk that is so great as to make it highly probable that the harm will outweigh the benefit. If suit alleging willful misconduct is initiated, it shall be filed and maintained only in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and requires a verified complaint and an affidavit of a non-treating physician attesting to the causal relationship between the covered countermeasure and the alleged damages. If the complaint is not verified in accordance with the act, it is subject to dismissal.

While the SAFE TO WORK Act would, if it becomes law, provide new procedural and substantive protections from COVID-19 lawsuits, knowing if there is an existing applicable law is the key to successfully invoking civil immunity. Until such time as federal uniform legislation passes, COVID-19 civil immunity will continue to vary across the country and be based on the ever-changing patchwork of liability-limiting state laws.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : Named in the FIR filed by actress Rhea Chakraborty for allegedly issuing a bogus prescription for late actor Sushant Singh Rajput to help him with his anxiety issues, the associate professor of cardiology at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, Tarun Kumar has reportedly stopped attending office ever since his name came up in the controversy.

IANS tried to contact Tarun Kumar repeatedly over the phone, but his phone was switched off.

Sources in RML said that the doctor has skipped coming to the hospital for more than a week no.

Sources also said that the hospital has issued a notice to Tarun Kumar asking him to explain the reasons behind issuing the prescription to the late actor when he was in Mumbai.

Actress Rhea Chakraborty on Monday filed an FIR against Sushant's sisters Priyanka Singh, Meetu Singh, Tarun Kumar and others.

In her six-page long complaint to Mumbai police, the actress shared that Sushant passed away five days after he obtained a prescription wherein "he was unlawfully prescribed psychotropic substances at the behest of his sister Priyanka".

"Rhea Chakraborty has filed a police complaint before the Mumbai Police against Priyanka Singh, Tarun Kumar of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and others for offences of forgery, NDPS Act and Tele Medicine Practice Guidelines 2020, for having sent a bogus medical prescription depicting SSR as an Out Patient Department person," revealed her lawyer on Monday.

The complaint has been filed on the basis of WhatsApp exchanges between the actor and his sister, as the complaint said that Sushant was shown as an OPD patient at the RML hospital when he was actually in Mumbai on June 8. As per the chats, three medicines were prescribed for Sushant.

Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery
Judge Vanessa Baraitser rejected a request by the legal team for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to remove conduct from a fresh extradition request brought by the United States.

Defense attorneys also requested that the court adjourn until January after Baraitser refused to take action.

According to Baraitser, in August, she acknowledged the issues his defense had with the request. She offered to allow them to apply for adjournment of proceedings, which would have moved the trial portion of the extradition hearing, which was previously scheduled for May, to a later date.

Baraitser seemed to believe Assanges legal team shouldve better understood the law and asked for an adjournment instead of demanding she exercise her authority.

The defense did not immediately ask for an adjournment because they did not want to prolong Assanges confinement.

Baraitser insisted what the defense asked her to do was not appropriate during this phase of the proceedings.

Assange is accused of 17 counts of violating the Espionage Act and one count of violating a computer crime law that, as alleged in the indictment, is also an Espionage Act offense.

The trial portion of Assanges extradition hearing in London began on September 7 at the Old Bailey Courthouse. It is expected to unfold over the next three to four weeks.

On June 24, the defense learned when a press release was published that Assange would soon face a third indictment. It was their belief that the indictment only added narrative details and expanded the timeline from 2010-2011 to 2010-2015.

The U.S. government served the indictment to the defense, but not the court, on July 2. Then, on August 12, a fresh extradition request based on the third indictment was issued. (It was dated July 17.)

Prosecutors notified the defense on August 21 that the third indictment does not include any additional charges, contrary to the defenses understanding, the new details are not mere narrative. They constitute the conduct upon which this court is entitled, and indeed must now determine [whether] an extradition offense is made out under the relevant law.

Mark Summers, a lawyer for Assange, referred to two general allegationsCount 1, which involves an alleged conspiracy to release national defense information, and Count 2, which is an alleged conspiracy to commit computer intrusions under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

By adding new material, prosecutors believe they can extradite Assange, even if they do not convince the court that publishing disclosures from Pfc. Chelsea Manning was a criminal act.

The defense focused on the fact that multiple alleged co-conspirators of Assange, when it comes to the hacking elements, were the subject of trials in the U.S. and the United Kingdom a decade ago.

Sigurdur Siggi Thordarson, who is the Teenager in the third indictment, was mentioned by the prosecution in a filing in 2019. So, they could have included any material from Thordarson in the previous indictment.

As the defense noted, Thordarson was convicted in Iceland of fraud, theft, and impersonation of Julian Assange. He sold merchandise through a WikiLeaks store without authorization and embezzled $50,000.

The Icelandic Interior Minister of the time is reported to have ordered a number of FBI prosecutors, who had arrived in Iceland to investigate the teenagers claims, to leave Iceland. The Interior Minister made statements at the time and has made statements since that he believed the investigation was in order to frame Assange,' the defense stated in their argument.

Prosecutors entirely omitted the fact that alleged co-conspirators Sabu (Hector Xavier Monsegur) Topiary (Jake Davis), and Kalya (Ryan Ackroyd) were prosecuted before the Southwark Crown Court in the U.K. for their alleged involvement with LulzSec in hacking.

From the defenses argument:

The U.K. prosecution involved over 45,000 pages of materials. Sabu was a named co-conspirator. That prosecution encompassed alleged criminality in the U.K. and the U.S. Despite competing U.S. indictments being issued during the currency of the U.K. case, the U.K. case continued and was concluded in 2013 by guilty pleas. In short, if it had merit, Mr Assange could and should have been prosecuted for this additional conduct years ago, alongside his so-called conspirators, and that prosecution would have occurred in the U.K. The forum bar is obviously engaged.

In other words, if Assange is a co-conspirator to this offense, why isnt Assange on trial in the U.K. like Ackroyd and Davis were. Why extradite him to the U.S. to try him for this offense?

Sabu was working for the FBI, but how he came to be a source for allegations against Assange is absent from the fresh extradition request.

Summer mentioned Jeremy Hammond, who was prosecuted for his alleged involvement in hacking Stratfor, which was a private intelligence firm. He is in federal prison finishing up a 10-year sentence that was disrupted by a grand jury subpoena to testify before the grand jury investigating WikiLeaks.

Like Manning, Hammond was held in contempt of court by Judge Anthony Trenga after refusing to testify. He was released in March 2020 after the conclusion of the grand jury. The parallels with Mannings treatment are obvious, the defense suggested.

Summers said the prosecution has rebutted the argument that publishing evidence of war crimes was necessary by saying essentially that it was not necessary to hack into an Icelandic bank. They aim to tie Assange to any number of cyber activities that allegedly took place.

As was argued in court, expanding the general allegations should be seen as fundamentally unfair and unjust without the defendant being able to address the development. He is in custody, without access to visits from his legal team for the last five to six months. He has very limited access to legal materials in the case. (Edward Fitzgerald, who is part of Assanges legal team, said he was able to meet in person with Assange today for the first time in six months.)

Prosecutors maintained there was nothing inappropriate about the fresh extradition request, and the court would be making an error if it removed the conduct because the portion where evidence is heard in the case has not occurred yet.

The defense insisted it was unfair six weeks prior to this extradition hearing to issue a new request.

How Baraitser handled the matter was in line with previous decisions she has made, including the ruling she issued in February to keep Assange in a glass box at the back of the courtroom and bar him from sitting with his attorneys. She repeatedly has refused to make rulings for the defense that she says involve case management decisions that should not be made at this point in the proceedings.
Michigan may not have its final election results until the Friday following the election, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) told CNN's "Inside Politics" on Sunday.

Driving the news: It comes days after Josh Mendelsohn, the CEO of Democratic data and analytics firm Hawkfish, told "Axios on HBO" of a scenario in which President Trump will appear to have won  potentially in a landslide  on election night, even if he ultimately loses when all the votes are counted.

Benson said Michigan anticipates twice the usual mail-in and early vote ballots and that workers will be not be allowed to begin opening envelopes that were mailed in until Election Day.

"If that doesn't change, it may be until Friday evening before the full results of Michigan's elections are in."

"If that's the case, then I'm going to spend every minute between when our polls close and when we have the full results proactively letting everyone know that until every vote is counted, he will not be able to say who won any race."

Go deeper: Dem group warns of apparent Trump Election Day landslide
Phuket hotels make urgent plea for help, industry faces massive fallout from failure of domestic tourism

PHUKET: Phukets hotel industry is reaching breaking point and drastic economic support from the government is needed for it to survive the high season, said a release from the Phuket Hotels Association issued today (Sept 8).

tourismeconomicsCOVID-19

By The Phuket News

Tuesday 8 September 2020, 01:17PM

In the wake of the controversial Phuket Model international travel reopening scheme, reality is biting back as hotels in Thailands leading resort island are unable to sustain operating viability based on domestic tourism, noted the release.

New research by consulting group C9 Hotelworks points to COVID-19s crippling implications with airport arrivals plunging, the Phuket Model stuttering and 50,000 jobs expected to be lost if there are no overseas visitors this year, it noted.

According to the Airports of Thailand (AoT), passenger arrivals at the aviation gateway have plunged 65% year-on-year from January through July of this year.

What is clear is that the 86,000 rooms in Phukets registered accommodation establishments cannot realistically break-even or even be cash-flow positive with only domestic demand. This realistically could set the scene for 50,000 job losses in the hotel sector this year if theres no support forthcoming or international visitors are not allowed in.

One of the green shoots is the Alternative Local State Quarantine (ALSQ) program, with over 60 island properties applying. While this program is meant to emulate the ASQ program in Bangkok, given there are no direct flights to Phuket, the government needs wider support of a return of international travelers at a local level and implement inter-ministerial coordination before it could materialize. But this may take months, the release added.

Anthony Lark, President of the Phuket Hotels Association, which represents 78 hotels in Phuket said, The math simply doesnt work with single-digit occupancies being reported. No amount of induced local demand can prevent the dramatic continued loss of jobs and rapidly eroding financial crisis for owners and operators. We strongly advocate a safe, pragmatic, and strategic reopening for foreign travelers.

With tourism being the lead economic indicator in Phuket data newly released by hospitality consulting group C9 Hotelworks reveals the COVID-19 impact on the hotel development pipeline with 69% of hotels now being delayed or put on hold. Looking at the economic consequences, at the end of 2019, there were 1,758 licensed accommodation establishments on the island and today incoming projects stand at 58 hotels, representing a 19% rise in supply with 16,476 additional rooms planned.

C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett said, Thailands failure to relaunch overseas tourism creates a dangerously perilous scenario for Phukets hospitality industry. The domino financial impact is not only on hotels and the expanded tourism sector, but it suffocates the development pipeline. This will negatively trigger the erosion of jobs in construction, real estate, retail and ultimately be manifested in consumer credit defaults. The situation is bad, and likely to get worse, as operating hotels continue to incur losses day in and day out.

In terms of updating the Phuket hotel situation on the ground, there continues to be much controversy and a lack of national and local consensus over the proposed Safe and Sealed sandbox long-stay program. While a stark warning was issued last week by the Bank of Thailand (BoT) over the potential disruption to the heavily tourism-dependent country, the fate of Phukets coming high season remains very challenged, the release added.

Citing a way forward C9s Bill Barnett commented, Any reopening plan must not only be well planned but has to win the hearts and minds of the Thai people to see any chance of success. While the island may hold the keys to the Kingdom in leading a restoration of tourism, but the more critical issue is how hotels can fight for their lives in the current state of limbo.

Speaking about Phukets current situation Anthony Lark added, Firstly, greater proactive dialogue between the public and private sector has to be undertaken. We cant simply say we are now in unknown territory forever. Steps must be taken and a single voice formed.

Secondly, the Bank of Thailand (BoT) has to look at interim measures to assist hotels with short-term operating bridge loans to weather the storm and retain jobs. Tourism is a human endeavor and without protecting and nurturing our Thai workforce there will be no recovery.
Norstat Names New MD in France

Data collection specialist Norstat has appointed Romain Barbet as Managing Director in its Paris office. He will replace Norstat France co-founder Marc-Antoine Jacoud, who is staying with the firm for the next couple of months to assist with the handover.



Owned by Triton and headquartered in Oslo, Norstat offers consumer surveys across nineteen European countries, through more than 650,000 active panelists. The company also offers face-to-face and telephone interviews, mystery shopping and focus groups. Barbet (pictured) joins after sales roles at real estate investment company Aronde Immobilier, prior to which he ran his own wall decoration and image design company Pixopolitan, which operated in both Paris and New York.



Barbet will take over from Jacoud, whose next career move is not yet known. COO Erling Eriksen said Barbet's appointment had been handled in full cooperation with Jacoud, and that he was not aware that Jacoud planned to move on to another company. Eriksen comments: 'We have made great progress since we started Norstat France together with Marc-Antoine in late 2016. We have built a solid consumer panel, hired a very competent team and developed several great client relationships. I believe Romain is exactly the right character to continue the journey we have started and to build a stronger and bigger company'.



Web site: www.norstatgroup.com .




CAIRO, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Egypt is extending a ban on imports of white and raw sugar for three months, the trade ministry said on Tuesday.

The country's sugar reserves stand at around 1.4 mln tonnes, sufficient for more than six months, the ministry said in a statement. (Reporting by Ehab Farouk Writing by Aidan Lewis; editing by David Evans)
Many couples have found spending so much more time together in lockdown a strain.

But that clearly doesn't apply to the Queen and Prince Philip.

Despite having been alone together more in recent months than at any stage of their 72-year marriage  because of the enforced curtailment of Her Majesty's royal duties  they have decided to share even more quiet time.

They will leave the Highland grandeur of Balmoral, their traditional summer retreat, more than three weeks early for the intimate surroundings of Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, where Philip has a five-bedroom home.

Palace officials are in the process of creating a special 'bubble' between Sandringham and Windsor Castle.

The Queen and Prince Philip (pictured) will leave the Highland grandeur of Balmoral, their traditional summer retreat, more than three weeks early for the intimate surroundings of Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate

This is so that when the Queen, 94, returns to the castle in early October and 'commutes' to her limited duties at Buckingham Palace, she and Philip can still travel between their residences to see each other.

Since he retired from public duties in 2017, Philip, 99, has preferred to live in Norfolk, where mod cons  including a new kitchen  have been installed to make Wood Farm more comfortable.

Before coronavirus, he spent his time there quietly reading, walking, corresponding with friends and keeping in touch with some of the charities he supports.

Sometimes family and friends visited, but otherwise he enjoyed the solitary life, except when the Queen stayed for the occasional weekend.

Although the couple's decision to live apart for large swathes of the year raised eyebrows among some, the monarch believes her husband has earned his belated retirement.

Palace officials are in the process of creating a special 'bubble' between Sandringham and Windsor Castle

But sources have suggested the Queen and Philip are now enjoying their unexpected time together so much that it led to the change of plans. 'It's rather sweet,' said one.

Although not confirmed by palace officials, it is understood the Queen could be at Wood Farm for up to a month.

The unassuming red brick cottage, with its spartan furnishings and cosy open fires, has for years been a bolthole from stuffy palace formality.

Normally the Queen, would remain at Balmoral until the second week in October before returning to divide her time between Windsor Castle  now her main residential base and where she and Philip spent more than four months isolating during lockdown  and Buckingham Palace for official engagements.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived at Balmoral (pictured), in Aberdeenshire, at the start of August and have enjoyed visits from family in the weeks since. Pictured: Stock image

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will now spend at least two weeks 'privately' at Sandringham (pictured)

The couple intend to fly down from Scotland next week, freeing up Balmoral, which will open for public tours again on October 3 to raise revenue which goes towards the running of the estate.

Royal insiders say that the traditional Christmas at Sandringham they so enjoy together 'is set in stone' unless there is a dramatic change in national policy as a result of Covid-19.

'This is something that they have been planning for a while and will enable them to create a new bubble in order to continue to see each other while Her Majesty commutes between Windsor and Buckingham Palace for official duties,' the source said.

Buckingham Palace confirmed yesterday: 'Her Majesty's intention is to return to Windsor Castle in October.'
A Georgia state Senate candidate was arrested Friday after authorities say she broke into her old home after being evicted.

Linda Pritchett, whos running to represent Georgias 39th District, is accused of breaking and entering at her former residence before moving her belongings back in, WSB-TV reported, citing City of South Fulton police.

The Senate hopeful was booked on two counts of first-degree burglary and two counts of criminal damage to property, online jail records show. Pritchett is also charged with willful obstruction of law enforcement.

The reason for her eviction is unclear, but Pritchett told police she felt the eviction was improper, according to WSB-TV.

The local politician hopes to win the seat left vacant by Democratic Rep. Nikema Williams in November, according to 11 Alive. Williams was tapped to fill the seat of late Congressman John Lewis, who died in July after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

You can only have good government if you elect good people that will get the job done! If you want people over politics vote for me! #Vote4Linda.com Posted by The Committee to Elect Linda Pritchett on Friday, September 4, 2020

News of Pritchetts arrest sparked demands for transparency from constituents, some of whom said they have doubts about her ability to lead, according to comments posted to her Facebook page.

Ive been transparent in this situation, Pritchett responded to one critic. The problem has been that because this involves me politically many involved have chosen to disregard pertinent facts and draw conclusions based on their biased opinions.

Jail records show Pritchett was released from custody on Saturday, Sept. 5.

McClatchy News reached out to Pritchetts office for comment and is awaiting response.
Purdue and IUs northwest regional campuses have not seen the same spike in cases as students return to the universities larger, flagship campuses.

At Purdue Northwest, only 15 active cases have been reported among students and one among faculty or staff on PNWs Hammond and Westville campuses, according to a weekly dashboard kept by the university.

At IUN, just one case has been confirmed among symptomatic individuals tested, according to the universitys most recent update on Aug. 31.

However, both universities are taking steps, even before students arrival for class, to ensure students self-screen before arriving at the predominantly commuter campuses.

At PNW, students, faculty and staff are asked to sign off on a daily self-screen checklist in the universitys smartphone app. Though completion of the daily exercise is somewhat based on an honor system, the PNW Mobile App screening tool allows university staff to better gauge what days individuals have been on campus and when they began showing symptoms in the event contact tracing is needed.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 20:19:36|Editor: huaxia

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XIAMEN, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The 2020 China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT) and the Belt and Road Investment Congress opened on Tuesday in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province, offering opportunities to promote investment and economic cooperation worldwide.

The fair, which has attracted merchants and delegates from 42 countries and regions including Germany, Britain and Japan, is one of the first major international economic and trade events held by China since the COVID-19 outbreak.

The four-day event includes the 2020 Global Investment Forum and nine sideline forums and seminars, and delegates participating in this year's fair will focus on the trend of global investment and the world economy amid the pandemic.

Covering an area of 110,000 square meters, two exhibition pavilions promoting investment and industry are also expected to facilitate investment cooperation among countries and regions along the Belt and Road.

The participants are mainly from international organizations, domestic government agencies, business associations and enterprises, as well as foreign government offices, foreign embassies and consulates in China.

John Paul Inigo, special trade representative of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, said the Philippines had received an unprecedented accolade as the guest country of honor for two consecutive years.

"Under the increasing connectivity brought by China's Belt and Road Initiative, we are confident that the already-booming trade and investment relationship between the Philippines and China will further grow," Inigo said.

China was the Philippines' top trading partner and the total bilateral trade volume hit 35.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.

With the aid of cloud services from China's tech giant Alibaba, an online fair is also being held.

The CIFIT, approved by the State Council, takes place every September in Xiamen and aims to promote two-way trade and investment between China and the world. Enditem
Womens Health Connecticut (WHC), one of the nations largest and most successful single-specialty groups, announced today that New Britain OB/GYN, has joined its overall network. The move further solidifies WHCs position as Connecticuts premier ObGyn practice.

The addition of New Britain OB/GYN under WHCs umbrella adds to WHCs growth as one of the largest and most successful womens health practices in the nation  with more than 270 providers and over 90 locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. With New Britain OB/GYN joining, both organizations can collaborate to enhance their efforts in providing the highest quality care to patients in their respective communities. With New Britain OB/GYNs privileges at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, this partnership now adds a 24th affiliate hospital to the WHC network.

Nancy Bernstein, President and CEO of Womens Health Connecticut, stated We look forward to our new partnership with New Britain OB/GYN. Our principal purpose is to support our providers in the womens health field by empowering them to more effectively design and deliver optimal care for their patients.

Gerard Roy, MD, spoke about joining WHC and the potential it brings. We are excited to work with Womens Health Connecticut and believe it will enhance our efforts to bring the most advanced, innovative, and highest quality medical care to our community. This partnership allows our providers to continue to advance the quality of our patient care while leveraging WHCs considerable expertise in the business aspects of our practice.

About Womens Health Connecticut

Founded in 1997, Physicians for Womens Health (d/b/a Womens Health Connecticut) is currently one of the largest and most respected womens health practices in the nation, with more than 270 highly-trained and devoted healthcare providers. By focusing solely on womens health, WHC provides unsurpassed expertise and devotion to addressing the changing needs of women across Connecticut, and more recently into Massachusetts. Its commitment and united voice for women has been influential in the womens health sector for more than 2 decades.

About New Britain OB/GYN

New Britain OB/GYN has been an ObGyn physician practice committed to promoting the health and well-being of women in a nurturing environment through supportive, compassionate and committed care. Its six providers will continue their reputation for offering a highly patient-centered environment, a caring experienced staff, comprehensive on-site services and a fully integrated team approach. New Britain OB/GYN currently has two offices located throughout central Connecticut in Southington and New Britain.

If you would like more information about this, please contact Leslie Stedman at 860/678-3400 or lstedman@womenshealthct.com.
Investigators from a war crimes court have seized thousands of files leaked to a Kosovo veterans association that revealed details of protected witnesses, the group said Tuesday.

The collection of around 4,000 documents allegedly reveal the identities of witnesses due to testify before the Hague-based court, the association of veterans from the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) told local media.

The organisation had announced receiving the classified documents on Monday.

The groups leader Husni Gucati said they were delivered to them by a person wearing glasses, a mask and a hat.

He just left the package and ran away, he added.

The tribunal itself, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC), did not publicly confirm the operation.

But the veterans released apparent court documents marked strictly confidential that authorised the seizure at the request of chief prosecutor Jack Smith.

Former commanders from the KLA have gone on to dominate Kosovo politically ever since they helped sever the former province from Serbia in the 1998-99 conflict.

KLA veterans fiercely oppose the work of the Hague-based court and defend their just liberation war against Serbian oppression of Kosovos ethnic Albanian population.

The court operates under Kosovo law but is based in The Hague to protect witnesses, who face threats and heavy pressure not to testify.

President Hashim Thaci  the KLAs former political chief  was the first to face accusations from the courts prosecutors in June.

They accused him of being criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders in addition to other crimes, in an indictment that needs approval from a pre-trial judge.

Top Serbian military and police officials have previously been convicted in other international courts of war crimes during the conflict that left 13,000 people dead, mainly Kosovo Albanians, and ended with a NATO intervention.

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers is probing allegations that the KLA rebels coordinated a campaign of revenge attacks on Serbs, Roma and ethnic Albanian rivals during and after the war.

Prosecutors said they raced to publish Thacis indictment because he and others were trying to obstruct the work of the court.
Chennai, Sep 8 : The scam in the PM-Kisan scheme (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) in Tamil Nadu is to the tune of about Rs 110 crore but Rs 32 crore has already been recovered till date, state Agriculture Secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi said on Tuesday.

Under the PM-Kisan Scheme, small farmers with two hectare or less land are given Rs 6,000 per year as assistance in three equal instalments.

Talking to reporters here, Bedi said as per the probe conducted by the department, ineligible persons in 13 districts have availed the cash assistance by providing false information and about five lakh people are involved.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on Monday said that action is being taken against those who are involved in irregularities in the PM-Kisan scheme.

Palaniswami said some have misused the benefits under the scheme and action is being taken against those people and recoveries of the amount have been made from them.

According to Bedi, 18 persons have been arrested by the Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CBCID) that is probing the scam.

He said as per inquiries, the scam's extent is about Rs 110 crore and about Rs 32 crore have been recovered by freezing the fraudsters' bank accounts.

Bedi also said that over 80 officials have been suspended and 18 persons have been arrested in connection with the scam that occurred in more than 13 districts.

He said the government will ensure that not one genuine farmer would be affected but the scam amount will be recovered by the government by freezing the bank accounts of fraudsters.

The government will recover the entire scam amount in a month's time and the scamsters will be arrested and action will be taken against them, he added.

The scamsters - officials and others - had used the computer passwords of officials to feed in wrong data to illegally cash on the scheme.

Alleging the scam runs into several crore of rupees, DMK President M.K. Stalin said in Palaniswami's home district Salem alone, 10,700 fake farmers have taken about Rs 4 crore under the scheme and their bank accounts have been frozen.

Stalin said Rs 4.20 crore has been recovered from fake farmers in Cuddalore district and Rs 4.50 crore in Villupuram district and complaints of scam has arisen in Tiruvannamalai, Perambalur and other districts.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly has also alleged a scam in the Prime Minister's housing scheme wherein huge sums have been swindled providing fake accounts.

Questioning BJP for supporting the ruling AIADMK in the state, Stalin demanded a CBI probe into these scams.
Worried About Virus Safety and Employment, Calls to Unions Poured In

Contract Negotiations with Textron Aviation Offer New Ways to Communicate

Labor Leaders Focus on Long-Term Strategy, Engagement

(TNS)  It was the first week in March when the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers filed a petition for an election to unionize workers at Johns Manville, a manufacturing plant in McPherson. It had taken nearly a year, but a majority of workers were in support of the union, said Cornell Beard, directing business representative for IAMAW District Lodge 70 based in Wichita, Kan. (The union also represents workers at Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation in Wichita.)Within two weeks, the National Labor Relations Board had suspended all Board-conducted elections, including the one for workers at Johns Manville, due to the coronavirus pandemic. After some back and forth, the NLRB eventually made it a mail-in election over June and July.Beard believes restrictions on in-person gatherings and conversations, and the inability to hold a traditional election in early April, contributed to the union drives failure. Because organizing workers is most successful with face-to-face communication, labor leaders say, the pandemic has created a difficult situation for unions that want to offer support to workers but face new challenges.COVID-19 safety concerns have led more Wichita workers to turn to outside support such as unions to seek answers and air complaints, multiple local labor leaders say. At the same time, the pandemic has hindered unions ability to organize workers through in-person connection, and some unions face financial difficulties from lack of dues caused by workers being furloughed or laid off.The United Teachers of Wichita, which represents teachers in the Wichita district, has heard from new members who want to join because of concerns they have about the return to school, said Gabriel Costilla, vice president of UTW.The union recently created a webpage for interested teachers to join online. While it will help in the short term during the pandemic, its a good tool for the union to have regardless, Costilla said, and has the potential to engage a wider range of teachers.However, while digital sign-up has its advantages, its not typical of organizing.Usually Id be going door to door and talking to people, said Kimberly Howard, president of UTW. Now that were all in our own classrooms and are doing in-service virtually, theres not those conversations that I would have had as easily if we were all down in the cafeteria together.Like many organizations, unions in Wichita had to adapt quickly to changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. That meant connecting with members however they could, even if its not by the preferred method.The Service Employees International Union represents Wichita school employees who are not teachers, such as paraprofessionals and custodians. Esau Freeman, business representative for SEIU Local 513, said the union typically hosts in-person meetings to update members on current events. They have snacks and refrigerators stuffed with soda and water, Freeman said. Now theyve pivoted to Zoom.Despite going virtual, the number of workers seeking information from SEIU has skyrocketed, Freeman said.We went from 24 people in person having dinner, to upwards of 150 to 300 members a meeting, Freeman said. The turnout was so good the first time we used Zoom that in the middle of the meeting, I had to go in and upgrade the account from 100 people to 300 people.Then the next meeting, I had to jump from 300 people to 500 people because we had broken the 300 mark, Freeman said.Although attendance has fallen since the early days of the pandemic in March and April, its still well above pre-virus times, according to Freeman.While more workers have sought support from unions, it doesnt always translate into more dues-paying members. Kansas is a right-to-work state, which means the union is required to represent all workers in a collective bargaining agreement, even if those workers arent union members who pay dues or vote on contracts. Workers who are not union members, but are covered by the contract, can still turn to the union with questions and have done so throughout the pandemic.Jeff Townsend, business manager for the Sheet Metal Workers Local 29 in Wichita, said he receives calls from workers every day seeking a new job opportunity. Building trades like the Sheet Metal Workers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the United Association Plumbers and Pipefitters face the task of connecting their members with new work through contractors at a time when unemployment remains high.Brian Burnett, business manager for UA Local 441 in Wichita, said finding new job sites is one way a union can offer workers value when times are tough. His position has become more difficult, however, when new work is hard to come by and they cant deliver as much as they would like.Trade workers also lean on a union to help make sense of the most recent public health guidance, said Russell Kennedy, business manager for IBEW Local 271 in Wichita. Additionally, people have questions about how to apply for federal sick leave if they need to quarantine because theyve been exposed to the virus.Mike Thomas, organizer for UA Local 441, said the nature of his job has changed. Even while people need more help finding work or have questions, the pace of organizing has slowed.Talking face-to-face will always be a better way to communicate with new and existing workers, he said, in the same way personal connection is a strategy door-to-door salesmen might use.Its really gotta be done face to face, Burnett said of the slowdown. Organizing is like storytelling.In USD 259, the Wichita school district, the union always has specific events each year it organizes around, said Bill Mason, organizer for UTW. New teacher orientation and early enrollment in the spring usually remain the same year after year.Now, the union suspects that organizing will be ongoing throughout the school year. Mason said he typically connects with teachers on specific issues or questions they have, and organizes around it. Right now, that topic is the coronavirus.Unions, like other organizations, arent immune from the effects of the recession. Beard, with the Machinists union, said theyve so far been able to keep representatives on the ground at workplaces like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation to respond to workers questions and concerns.However, the thousands of workers who have been laid off or furloughed during the pandemic and from the fallout of the 737 Max grounding arent paying union dues when they dont receive a paycheck.Signing up new members is one way for the union to counteract those losses. Beard said District Lodge 70 has gained new members since March, balancing out some losses even from furloughs, which are temporary.The Machinists union says its particularly important to organize and unify workers at Textron Aviation, Local 774, as the union and company negotiate a new contract. They say a stronger, more unified membership can help workers win a better contract.The unions current contract with Textron Aviation expires on Sept. 20. Members are seeking a better health care plan and a higher level of job security, meaning they want to ensure jobs remain in the U.S., union leaders said.Also of significance is the length of the new contract. Beard said the union wants to return to a three-year contract rather than a six-year contract or longer. Members are likely to go on strike if the company proposes a contract that would last longer than three years, Beard said.The pandemic has forced changes to how the union communicates with workers about ongoing negotiations too. Beard and other representatives have taken to using Facebook Live and YouTube video messages to broadcast updates with Textron Aviation members. The company also has a website for negotiations updates.The Machinists union would typically hold in-person meetings, but has postponed those for now. Its also working to find a location large enough for members to vote in-person on the newly-negotiated contract and still allow for social distancing.Beard said he knows workers are anxious to receive updates on the contract negotiations, adding that they need to create even more virtual messages to answer questions from employees.The majority of questions the Machinists union receives from aerospace workers and other manufacturing employees are about what to do if they need to quarantine because theyve been exposed to the virus or have tested positive. People want to know whether or not they will be paid for the two weeks spent at home and away from work, Beard said.Most local labor leaders are concentrating on making new members of workers they already represent in a union contract. But some experts say the pandemic presents an opportunity to organize non-union workplaces, too.John Nave, executive vice president of the Kansas AFL-CIO, said organizers need to focus on a long-term strategy. The pandemic exposed existing issues with inequality and safety in a lot of workplaces, Nave said, and those issues wont disappear when and if the pandemic does.In the same vein, Nave said workers need to understand that forming a union wont happen overnight. It takes people sticking together through any pushback from a company.Workers at the ACLU of Kansas used solidarity to help push their union to recognition after they accused the nonprofit of union-busting tactics and hiring an anti-union law firm. The union is now dealing with what it says is retaliation for organizing after one worker was suspended.As of Friday, the ACLU is one of six workplaces in the state to file new representation cases with the National Labor Relations Board in 2020.Unions who file for elections with the NLRB arent all encompassing of new unionization activity across the state, however. For example, city solid waste workers in Lawrence voted to join the Teamsters Local 696 last month, but did not file for an election with the NLRB. Some NLRB elections are also held to add on workers to an existing union.There isnt one single path forward or plan for organizing workers during a pandemic, said Thomas, with the Plumbers and Pipefitters. Until there is a vaccine for the virus, connecting with workers will remain a challenge. The key, he said, is ensuring the unions can adapt and remain flexible as work and life continue to change.Mason, with the United Teachers of Wichita, said his focus isnt just on how to sign up new members, but on what it will take to get them to stay into the future. Its not all about having more members, he said, but about engaging those existing members, too.One way the teachers union does that, he said, is by offering professional development and growth opportunities.We want to invite all our members to become more involved, to not just see their membership as an insurance policy, but to engage and be active members in their buildings, to improve the lives of teachers and students, Mason said.But first, organizers continue to work around the challenges of gathering in person. Beard said when he meets a worker who is hesitant about joining a union, he talks with them about his own personal experiences and how theyve changed him and his workplace for the better.In his mind, that can make or break an employees decision.Workers who organize might be unhappy, but they want to make their workplace better, Beard said. Theyre not leaving, theyre dedicated to it.
New Jersey reported another 284 positive tests for the coronavirus and five new deaths attributed to COVID-19 on Tuesday as the rate of transmission edged slightly higher for the 11th consecutive day and remains above the number indicating the outbreak is increasing.

The rate of transmission increased to 1.10, up from 1.09 on Monday as schools throughout the state continued to reopen this week with a mix of in-person, remote and hybrid learning plans. Any number over 1 indicates that each new case is leading to at least one additional case and the outbreak is expanding. The transmission rate rose above 1 on Friday, the same day the state reopened for limited indoor dining, for the first time since Aug. 21.

The rate of transmission for the coronavirus outbreak in New Jersey increased to 1.10 on Tuesday. It was the 11th consecutive day of increases.

Gov. Phil Murphy announced the total number of positive tests in the state climbed to 194,667 and the death toll stands at 15,996 - 14,213 lab confirmed deaths and 1,783 considered probable COVID-19 deaths. The five new deaths reported on Tuesday all occurred at least two months ago and were just recently confirmed.

Hospitalizations, however, have hovered around new lows for weeks after hitting peaks in mid-April when some of the states 71 hospitals would regularly be on divert status, meaning they could no longer accept new patients.

The state reported 419 coronavirus patients as of Monday night - 227 with confirmed cases and 192 considered under investigation. More than 3 million coronavirus tests have been administered in New Jersey since the start of the outbreak.

Murphy also announced earlier Tuesday that the states coronavirus travel advisory, which calls for a 14-day quarantine, expanded to 35 states and territories. Delaware, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia were re-added to the list after previously being removed. Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were removed from the list this week.

COUNTY-BY-COUNTY NUMBERS

Atlantic County: 3,827 cases (7 new), 242 confirmed deaths (11 probable)

Bergen County: 21,844 cases (27 new), 1,796 confirmed deaths (242 probable)

Burlington County: 6,606 cases (22 new), 444 confirmed deaths (39 probable)

Camden County: 9,355 cases (21 new), 542 confirmed deaths (52 probable)

Cape May County: 944 cases (7 new), 87 confirmed deaths (7 probable)

Cumberland County: 3,638 cases (7 new), 148 confirmed deaths (8 probable)

Essex County: 20,545 cases (21 new), 1,892 confirmed deaths (229 probable)

Gloucester County: 3,853 cases (23 new), 216 confirmed deaths (7 probable)

Hudson County: 20,293 cases (7 new), 1,352 confirmed deaths (160 probable)

Hunterdon County: 1,235 cases (2 new), 70 confirmed deaths (55 probable)

Mercer County: 8,432 cases (11 new), 596 confirmed deaths (36 probable)

Middlesex County: 18,625 cases (22 new), 1,219 confirmed deaths (201 probable)

Monmouth County: 10,966 cases (14 new), 768 confirmed deaths (92 probable)

Morris County: 7,592 cases (10 new), 686 confirmed deaths (144 probable)

Ocean County: 11,522 cases (24 new), 967 confirmed deaths (63 probable)

Passaic County: 18,533 cases (16 new), 1,105 confirmed deaths (143 probable)

Salem County: 999 cases (5 new), 83 confirmed deaths (6 probable)

Somerset County: 5,481 cases (6 new), 493 confirmed deaths (73 probable)

Sussex County: 1,421 cases (5 new), 161 confirmed deaths (36 probable)

Union County: 17,238 cases (21 new), 1,188 confirmed deaths (166 probable)

Warren County: 1,411 cases (1 new), 158 confirmed deaths (13 probable)

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

Murphy has stressed the first weeks of September are big as the state takes closely-watched reopening steps. Gyms were permitted to reopen to limited indoor capacity Tuesday, with indoor dining at bars and restaurants reopening Friday, along with movie theaters and indoor performing arts venues.

Earlier Tuesday, Murphy said he thinks the chances are relatively low there will be any significant spikes in COVID-19 cases after he lifted restrictions on restaurants.

The early returns ... are good, we wont know for, you know, something like another week to 10 days, if there is a flare-up as a result of the steps we took, he said during a morning radio interview. Were going to look back a week or 10 days from now and see.

As of Tuesday, there have been more than 27.3 million positive COVID-19 tests across the globe, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University. More than 893,200 people have died, while more than 18.3 million people have recovered.

The United States has the most positive tests in the world, at more than 6.3 million, and the most deaths, at more than 189,200.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
By Online Desk

BENGALURU: The Central Crime Branch probing the drug abuse in the Kannada film industry, on Tuesday arrested actress Sanjjanaa Galrani here, police sources said.

The development comes in the wake of city police arresting actress Ragini Dwivedi for supplying drugs to people at high-end parties in the city.

Galrani was arrested at the end of a CCB raid at her Indira Nagar residence here early this morning, they said.

A team of officers armed with a search warrant raided the actor's house and conducted searches. Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Patil said besides Sanjana's house, the residence of another accused in the case, Viren Khanna, was also raided after obtaining search warrants from the court.

Sources said that Sanjana's house was raided following information revealed by other accused already in the case.

"Sanjana's name was revealed by the peddlers who were arrested last week. Based on their information and the details we have gathered, the raid was conducted," an official said.

She was taken to the CCB office for interrogation.

According to CCB, Galrani was under its radar ever since her friend Rahul, a realtor, was booked in connection with the drug case, they added.

Sanjjanaa was born in Bengaluru.

She made her film debut in a Tamil movie 'Oru Kadhal Seiveer' in 2006.

She has acted in a Kannada movie 'Ganda Hendathi'.

Meanwhile, the police also raided the house of Viren Khanna, who has already been arrested by the CCB sleuths in connection with the drug abuse in the film industry.

So far 13 people have been booked and six arrested.

(With ENS and Agencies Inputs)
Zac Efron has been staying in the Australian coastal town of Byron Bay for the last few months.

And rumours that the Hollywood star could move there permanently have upset a few local residents, who fear that the town is now losing its 'community atmosphere'.

In a post shared to a Byron Bay Facebook group, one local wrote: 'Byron Bay used to be inclusive. If you don't have a tonne of money forget it.

'Byron Bay used to be inclusive!' Some Byron Bay locals have expressed concerns about Zac Efron potentially moving to the coastal town

'And by the way, I've lived in Byron Bay for nearly forty years, so it's got nothing to do with tall poppy [syndrome]. It's to do with losing the community atmosphere.

'Now it's all AirBnBs, this is what I don't like,' they finished.

Responding to the post, another resident wrote: 'Byron Bay has been destroyed for decades now, long before Efron ever went there. Hasn't been the hippie utopia it used to be.'

Another person wrote: 'They will inflate the prices, next thing the average Aussie can't afford to live there.'

Another resident wrote: 'Byron Bay has been destroyed for decades now, long before Efron ever went there. Hasn't been the hippie utopia it used to be'

Comedian Ed Kavalee, 41, said on Monday that Zac's presence in Byron Bay potentially spells disaster for locals.

'No, no, just even hearing the words... I mean Byron was already teetering and now it's gone... that's terrible news!' he said on the Hughesy & Ed drive show.

Ed warned that an influx of American celebrities could soon follow if word spreads that Byron Bay is a haven for young Hollywood stars.

'Because where one goes, they all follow,' he said.

Speaking out: Comedian Ed Kavalee (pictured with his wife, Tiffiny Hall) said on Monday that Zac's presence in Byron Bay potentially spells disaster for locals

Ed's radio co-host Dave 'Hughesy' Hughes supported Zac and said that he would like to see more celebrities in Byron Bay.

But Ed strongly disagreed, saying that a wave of famous actors would result in house prices going through the roof.

Having so many celebrities in town could also make it difficult for locals to gain entry to venues, he argued.

Locals: Zac isn't the only famous face in the area. Chris Hemsworth (right) and his wife, Elsa Pataky (left), live in a $20million mega-mansion in Broken Head, near Byron Bay

Ed explained: 'It's already expensive. Prices will go through the roof. You'll try and go to a cafe and they'll be like "Sorry, not today" and there's four people in there and it'll be Efron and his buddies and someone else!'

Dave said this was unfair, and pointed out that Zac 'blends in' with the locals and 'wants to hang out in Australia and live a real life'.

He also noted that famous Byron Bay locals, like Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky, don't get special treatment and are considered part of the community.

Zac, who has been living in Byron Bay for several months, is said to be dating a local woman named Vanessa Valladares.

They reportedly met in July when Vanessa, who is also a model, was working as a waitress at the Byron Bay General Store cafe.
The Indian Army on Tuesday handed over 13 calves and four yaks that had crossed the Line of Actual Control and ventured into Arunachal Pradesh to China, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army said. The Chinese officials expressed their thanks to the Indian Army for the gesture, the Eastern Command said in a tweet.

In a humane gesture, Indian Army handed over 13 Yaks and four Calves that strayed across the LAC on 31 Aug 20 in East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh to China on 07 Sep 20. Chinese officials present thanked Indian Army for the compassionate gesture @adgpi," the Eastern Command wrote on Twitter.

#IndianArmy#ArunachalPradeshIn a humane gesture, Indian Army handed over 13 Yaks and four Calves that strayed across the LAC on 31 Aug 20 in East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh to China on 07 Sep 20.Chinese officials present thanked Indian Army for the compassionate gesture@adgpi pic.twitter.com/9MaRpUwX5r EasternCommand_IA (@easterncomd) September 7, 2020

Meanwhile, India on Tuesday denied firing shots at the Line of Actual Control where the Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in stand-off for over three months, sources in the government said. The statement came hours after the Peoples Liberation Army alleged that the Indian troops were illegally crossing the border at the shore of the God Pao Mountain area and firing threat shots.

India and China are embroiled in a tense standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in several key areas, including the Finger area, Galwan valley, Hot Springs and Kongrung Nala. The situation deteriorated following the clashes in Galwan valley in June where twenty Indian soldiers were killed in hand-to-hand fighting, an incident that led to China and India deploying additional forces along the frontier.

In the first incident, several Indian and Chinese army personnel clashed along the northern bank of the Pangong Lake in Eastern Ladakh on the late evening of May 5 and the face-off ended next morning following a dialogue between the two sides. A number of soldiers on both sides suffered minor injuries as they exchanged punches and resorted to stone-pelting, the sources said, adding around 200 personnel were involved in the face-off. Both sides brought in additional troops following the fracas.

It was the first case of troops from both sides exchanging blows after a similar incident had taken place around the Pangong Lake in August 2017.
A Saudi court on Monday overturned five death sentences over journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder in a final ruling that was condemned by his fiancee and slammed by a UN expert as a "parody of justice".

Eight unnamed defendants were handed jail terms of between seven and 20 years in a verdict that comes after Khashoggi's sons "pardoned" the killers in May, paving the way for a less severe punishment.

"Five convicts were sentenced to 20 years in prison... one person was sentenced to 10 years and two others to seven years," the official Saudi Press Agency reported, citing a spokesman for the public prosecutor.

None of the defendants were named in what was described as the final court ruling on the murder, which triggered an international outcry.

Hatice Cengiz, the Turkish fiancee of the slain journalist, branded the verdict a "farce".

"The ruling handed down today in Saudi Arabia again makes a complete mockery of justice," Cengiz said on Twitter.

This is my statement in response to the ruling today. #Khashoggi pic.twitter.com/rPxzWhetb1  Hatice Cengiz /  (@mercan_resifi) September 7, 2020

Agnes Callamard, the United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, slammed the ruling as "one more act today in this parody of justice".

"These verdicts carry no legal or moral legitimacy," Callamard wrote on Twitter. "They came at the end of a process which was neither fair, nor just, or transparent."

#JamalKhashoggi: 1.The Saudi Prosecutor performed one more act today in this parody of justice. But these verdicts carry no legal or moral legitimacy. They came at the end of a process which was neither fair, nor just, or transparent. https://t.co/nt4n2CqS21  Agnes Callamard (@AgnesCallamard) September 7, 2020

The 59-year-old Khashoggi, was killed and dismembered at the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul in October 2018 and his remains have not been found

Riyadh has described the murder as a "rogue" operation, but both the CIA and a UN special envoy have directly linked Prince Mohammed to the killing, a charge the kingdom vehemently denies.

In December, a Saudi court exonerated two of the crown prince's top aides over the murder -- deputy intelligence chief Ahmed al-Assiri and the royal court's media czar Saud al-Qahtani. Both aides were formally sacked over the killing.

The closed-door trial of 11 suspects ended in December with five unnamed people sentenced to death and three others handed jail terms totalling 24 years over the killing.

The sons of Khashoggi said they forgave his killers in May this year.

The family's pardon paved the way for Monday's reduced sentences, including clemency for the five people on death row.

In July, 20 Saudi suspects including Assiri and Qahtani went on trial in absentia in Turkey.

The former top aides were formally charged in March with "instigating the deliberate and monstrous killing, causing torment".

* This story was edited by Ahram Online

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Vietnam sees no new COVID-19 cases, total stands at 1,049

A health worker takes a swab for COVID-19 testing (Photo: VNA)

The COVID-19 tally in Vietnam remains at 1,049 as the country continued to have no new COVID-19 cases to report within 12 hours as of 6am of September 8, according to the national steering committee for COVID-19 prevention and control.

Of the total, 691 were infected with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 domestically, including 551 linked with central Da Nang city since the latest outbreak began there on July 25.

As many as 854 patients have recovered while 35 have succumbed to the disease. Most of the fatalities were the elderly with serious underlying health conditions.

Among those still under treatment, 14 have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 once, 19 others twice and 33 thrice.

There are 37,474 people having close contact with confirmed cases or coming from pandemic-hit regions under quarantine at present, including 834 in hospitals, 13,365 in other quarantine sites and 23,274 at home or accommodation facilities.

Special quarantine zone set up for 53 babies flying home without parents

The Bau Bang District Covid-19 quarantine center in Binh Duong Province has set up a special zone to take care of 53 babies who were repatriated to Vietnam from South Korea unaccompanied by their parents on September 6.

The 53 babies, together with 350 other Vietnamese citizens, traveled home on flight VN409 that landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCMC. They were immediately transported to the Bau Bang District quarantine center, which is 65 kilometers from HCMC, after arriving at the airport and all of them have tested negative for Covid-19.

Most of the babies are under 12 months old. Due to financial hardships caused by the pandemic, their parents, who are mostly low-income workers in South Korea, had to send them back to Vietnam to let their grandparents take care of them.

Doctor Huynh Minh Chin, director of the quarantine center, said the babies are currently in a stable condition and 41 people, who are their relatives, have registered to stay at the center to take care of them.

Vietnam has reported 1,049 Covid-19 infections up to now, including 358 imported cases. Nearly 40,000 people, who were in close contact with Covid-19 patients or returned to Vietnam from Covid-19-hit countries, are being quarantined at home, hospitals or quarantine centers.

Meanwhile, South Koreas Covid-19 tally amounted to 21,177, with 334 deaths, on Sunday, according to Reuters.

COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asian nations on the rise

Malaysia confirmed 62 new COVID-19 cases on September 7, ten times higher than that recorded the previous day, according to the countrys Ministry of Health.

This marked the highest number of new cases in Malaysia in a single day since June 4.

Of the new 62 cases, 56 were local transmissions, including 50 linked to the Benteng Lahad Datu (LD) cluster in Sabah.

Cumulatively, the countrys total number of coronavirus infections since the outbreak began in January is 9,459, including 9,124 recoveries and 128 deaths.

The same day, the Philippines announced the number of new COVID-19 cases at 1,383, the lowest since June 14.

This also marked the third straight day the country reported less than 3,000 new cases.

The bulk of the newest infections were still logged in Metro Manila at 525, followed by Laguna with 137 new cases, Batangas with 99, Negros Occidental with 77, and Cavite with 69.

The countrys tally stands at 238,727, with 184,906 fully recovering and 3,890 fatalities.

In the past 24 hours, Indonesia recorded an additional 2,880 cases of COVID-19 and 105 deaths, bringing the total numbers of infections and fatalities to 196,989 and 8,130 respectively. Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic has spread to all 34 provinces and cities of the country.

Japan aids Vietnamese hospitals in COVID-19 fight

An exchange note on a non-refundable aid for COVID-19 prevention and control was signed between the Vietnamese and Japanese governments on September 7.

On the behalf of the two governments, Acting Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long and Japanese Ambassador Yamada Takio signed the note.

The ODA grant is worth 2 billion JPY (18.8 million USD) in total, including 1.8 billion JPY for the Vietnamese side and about 200 million JPY for the agents designated by the Japanese Government. It will be disbursed in 18 months, from August 2020 to January 2022.

The assistance aims to provide technical support in upgrading medical equipment at four hospitals of the Vietnamese Health Ministry, namely the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, the National Lung Hospital, the Da Nang C Hospital, and the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, thereby helping to improve their capacity in COVID-19 prevention and control.

Appreciating the grant, Acting Health Minister Long expressed his hope that the equipment will be provided for the hospitals soon, asking them to use the new facilities as efficiently as possible so as to continually improve the quality of health examination and treatment.

For his part, Ambassador Yamada Takio said the Japanese Government highly values the Health Ministry of Vietnams role in successfully containing the novel coronavirus in the country although this pandemic is still ravaging around the globe.

He also noted when Japan faced a face mask shortage in spring, the Vietnamese Government supported it with over 1.2 million masks, adding that the Japanese people appreciated the gift.

The grant for the four central hospitals of Vietnam is an initiative of the Japanese Foreign Minister that is meant to supply medical equipment for other countries, including Vietnam, in the fastest manner to promote their healthcare capacity, the diplomat added.

More than 350 Vietnamese citizens in Japan repatriated

The Vietnamese Embassy in Japan and Vietnam Airlines coordinated with Japanese authorised agencies to arrange a flight to repatriate 350 Vietnamese citizens in the country on September 7.

The passengers included children under 18, pregnant women, the ill, students without accommodations, workers with expired labour contracts, and those facing other difficulties.

Security, safety and hygiene measures were carried out throughout the flight to protect their health and prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

Right after landing in Cam Ranh international airport in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa, the passengers and crewmembers received health check-up. They were sent to concentrated quarantine facilities in line with the regulations.

In the future, more flights are set to be conducted in the time ahead to repatriate Vietnamese citizens with disadvantaged circumstances, depending on their need and quarantine capacity at home.

Chinese Ambassador lauds ASEANs cooperation in COVID-19 fight

Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Deng Xijun has highly valued ASEANs cooperation in the fight against COVID-19 as well as post-pandemic economic recovery.

In his article entitled Working together to elevate China-ASEAN relations to higher level, which was published ahead of the 53th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM-53) and related meetings, Deng said China and ASEAN are among main drivers of East Asia cooperation, which has been fully evidenced by the joint fight against the pandemic in recent months.

Specifically, Chinese and ASEAN leaders conducted frequent cloud diplomacy to provide confidence, support and political guidance when they are most needed.

The Special ASEAN 3 Summit on COVID-19 and the China  ASEAN Special Foreign Ministers Meeting on COVID-19 were held at critical junctures, boosting confidence and directing the right way forward for regional anti-pandemic cooperation.

"To work concertedly against the pandemic and stabilise economic and social order, China and ASEAN have carried out regular exchanges at multi-levels in health, economy, trade, transportation, information, disaster management, among others. All these efforts point to the building of a comprehensive anti-pandemic cooperation front," the diplomat wrote.

In order to take care of social and economic recovery both during the pandemic and in the post-pandemic era, China and ASEAN countries, including Singapore, Laos, Myanmar and Indonesia have established fast lanes and green lanes for personnel and goods movement, respectively.

China has resumed direct international flights with Vietnam and some other ASEAN nations. China has been actively exploring with ASEAN countries the establishment of fast and green lane networks between China and ASEAN and in East Asia at large. Both sides are working on a regional financial safety net that stabilises regional supply and industrial chains as well as financial sector, according to the ambassador.

23 COVID-19 patients recover in Da Nang and Quang Nam

Twenty-three COVID-19 patients made full recovery and were released from treatment facilities in a Nang City and central Quang Nam Province on September 7.

They include 19 patients in Quang Nam Province and four patients in a Nang City, lifting the countrys total patients to recover from coronavirus to 838.

In Quang Nam Province, there were nine recovered patients at the Quang Nam Regional General Hospital, including: Patient 521 and 905 residing in ien Ban Town; Patient 547, Patient 625, Patient 594, Patient 840, Patient 842 residing in Hoi An City; Patient 841 and Patient 964 residing in Tam Ky Town. Patient 964 is an employee of the Center for Disease Control in Quang Nam.

At the Quang Nam Central General Hospital, there were 10 recovered patients, including: Patient 464, Patient 461, Patient 593, Patient 715 living in Hoi An City; Patient 837 and Patient 838 living in ai Loc District; Patient 596 living in Thang Binh District; Patient 775, Patient 857 and Patient 796 living in Duy Xuyen District.

These patients have had four tests negative for SARS-CoV-2 and are currently are in a stable condition. They will be isolated and monitored for the next 14 days at home.

In a Nang City, there are four recovered patients at the a Nang Lung Hospital, including Patient 854, residing in Hai Chau 2 Ward, Hai Chau District; Patient 848, residing in An Hai ong Ward, Son Tra District; Patient 454, residing in Binh Hien Ward, Hai Chau District; and Patient 451, residing in Hoa Chau Commune, Hoa Vang District.

The four patients had three tests negative for SARS-CoV-2. They now have no symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. They will also be isolated and monitored at home for a period of 14 days according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health.

As of today, 65 have recovered and 29 patients are still being treated at medical facilities in Quang Nam Province while 280 Covid-19 patients have recovered and 63 others are currently being treated and monitored at medical facilities in a Nang City.

As of Monday morning, Viet Nam reported no new COVID-19 community transmission cases over the past four days. The country confirmed a total 1,049 COVID-19 cases and 35 fatalities.

Indonesia to set aside over 2.7 billion USD for COVID-19 vaccine procurement

Indonesian Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartanto said on September 7 that the government had earmarked 3.8 trillion IDR (256.8 million USD) for the down payment for purchasing COVID-19 vaccines.

At an online press conference, he said the government plans to spend 37 trillion IDR (2.51 billion USD) next year for a multi-year vaccine development programme.

The government is eyeing several potential vaccines that are currently under development. The first is the Merah Putih vaccine, which is being developed by the Research and Technology Ministry and the Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology. The second is the vaccine being developed by state pharmaceutical holding company PT Bio Farma in cooperation with Sinovac Biotech of China. The third vaccine is the one being developed by United Arab Emirates' Group 42 (G42) Healthcare.

According to Airlangga, Indonesia plans to procure 290 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine next year and 30 million doses of the G42 vaccine this year. He explained that the Health Ministry was set to prepare the vaccination process, which is expected to start early next year.

Besides several countries such as Brazil and Bangladesh, PT Bio Farma and Sinovac along with Padjadjaran University (Unpad) in Bandung, West Java are launching phase III clinical trials for a COVID-19 vaccine - the last stage of clinical testing in humans during which the vaccine is given to thousands of people to confirm and expand results on safety and efficacy from phase I and II trials.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2020) - Global Battery Metals Ltd. (TSXV: GMBL) (FSE: REZ) (OTCQB: REZZF) (the "Company" or "GBML") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (the "LOI") with a USA corporation ("USCORP") pursuant to which the parties have agreed to exclusively negotiate an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") that provides GBML with an option to lease the mineral rights of the Sawyer Camp from USCORP.

The Sawyer Camp is located approximately 50 km to the south of the Eagle Mine, which is owned by Lundin Mining Corporation. The Eagle and Eagle East deposits had a Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve of 4.8 million tonnes grading 2.8% Ni and 2.4% Cu along with credits of Co, Pt, Pd and Au (effective December 31, 2016). The Eagle deposit was discovered by Rio Tinto plc and put into production by Lundin in 2014.

Readers are cautioned that the information in this press release regarding the Eagle mine is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the property of interest.

GBML first visited the Sawyer Camp in 2018. No other drilling or ground geophysics have been done; however, GMBL expects that drilling three 250 m core holes will advance its understanding of the geology. The holes will test for the presence of Precambrian aged peridotite intrusions that are the host rock for the nickel-copper mineralization at the Eagle Mine.

The LOI provides that GBML has one year to complete its due diligence and exclusively negotiate the Option Agreement. During this period, GBML intends to drill three test core holes. To achieve this, GBML has: (i) hired a Michigan-based geological and permitting service provider; (ii) a drill permit application in progress; (iii) initiated talks with a local drill contractor; and (iii) planned the drilling to commence in early October, at a maximum cost of US$150,000.

Should the drill results yield satisfactory results, the LOI provides that GBML and USCORP will commence good faith negotiations to execute a mineral lease agreement to be completed within the one-year period after the date of the LOI.

The LOI provides that the Option Agreement will be on terms acceptable to both parties, acting reasonably.

Michael Murphy CEO states "This is an exciting low risk high reward opportunity which, if successful, is expected to create material value for shareholders. We continue to actively search for additional properties including those in the precious metals arena."

Qualified Person

All scientific and technical information in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Cameron Bell, P. Geo. a consultant and Director of GBML, and a "qualified person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. Readers are cautioned that the information in this press release regarding the Eagle mine is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the property of interest. The QP has been unable to verify the information in this press release about the Eagle mine, but such information was publicly disclosed (in a report titled "Technical Report on the Eagle Mine, Michigan, U.S.A." dated April 26, 2017) and the QP believes it is reliable.

About GBML Battery Metals Ltd.

GBML is a mineral exploration company with a focus on metals that make up and support the rapid evolution to battery power. GBML's common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (GBML), OTCBB (REZFF) and Frankfurt (REZ). GBML currently has two projects: (1) an option to acquire up to 90% of the North-West Leinster Lithium property in Ireland, and (2) a 55% stake in Peru based Lara copper property, which has over 10,000 metres of drilling. As previously disclosed, Minsur S.A., a Peruvian mining company, entered into an option agreement with GBML and Lara Exploration Ltd. to acquire the Lara property. Please see the press release of July 28th, 2020 for more information. More information about GBML is available under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or at www.gbml.ca.

Michael Murphy BA, MBA, MSc., ICD

President & CEO

E: MM@gbml.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy and/or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements about the Company's activities during the due diligence and exclusivity period, and the timing for entering into and the proposed terms of the Option Agreement. These statements are based on information currently available to the Company and the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. In certain cases, forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "could", "estimates", "expects", "may", "shall", "will", or "would". These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to the potential for gold and/or lithium at any of the Company's properties, the prospective nature of any claims comprising the Company's property interests, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, dependence upon regulatory approvals, uncertainty of sample results, timing and results of future exploration, and the availability of financing. Please refer to the Company's MD&A for the year ended April 30, 2020 and other disclosure documents filed under its profile on SEDAR for other risks that could materially affect the Company. These and other factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/63364
On Sept. 3 at 11:53 p.m. EDT (Sept. 4 at 0353) NASAs Aqua satellite analyzed Typhoon Haishen using the AIRS found coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as or colder than minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 62.2 degrees Celsius) around a very clear and open eye. Credit: NASA JPL/Heidar Thrastarson

Formerly a typhoon, Tropical Storm Haishen made landfall in South Korea on Monday, Sept. 2 and continued moving north toward China. NASA's Aqua satellite provided an infrared view of Haishen as a typhoon before landfall and a visible image after landfall as an extra-tropical storm.

Infrared view of Haishen as a typhoon

One of the ways NASA researches tropical cyclones is using infrared data that provides temperature information. The AIRS instrument aboard NASA's Aqua satellite captured a look at those temperatures in Haishen and gave insight into the size of the storm and its rainfall potential.

Cloud top temperatures provide information to forecasters about where the strongest storms are located within a tropical cyclone. Tropical cyclones do not always have uniform strength, and some sides have stronger sides than others. The stronger the storms, the higher they extend into the troposphere, and they have the colder cloud temperatures. NASA provides that data to forecasters so they can incorporate in their forecasts.

On Sept. 3 at 11:53 p.m. EDT (Sept. 4 at 0353), NASA's Aqua satellite analyzed the storm using the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder or AIRS instrument. At the time, Haishen was a Super Typhoon with maximum sustained winds near 135 knots (155 mph/250 kph) and strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane/typhoon later that day.

AIRS found coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as or colder than minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 62.2 degrees Celsius) around a very clear and open eye. NASA research has shown that cloud top temperatures that cold indicate strong storms that have the capability to create heavy rain.

On Sept. 7 at 11:40 p.m. EDT (0340 UTC, Sept. 8), the Moderate Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASAs Aqua satellite provided a visible image of Extra-Tropical Storm Haishen over eastern China. Haishens eastern quadrant extended over the northern Sea of Japan. Credit: NASA/NRL

Haishen batters Kyushu, Japan

Before Typhoon Haishen made landfall, it moved past southwestern Japan, knocking out power to around 475,000 houses in Kyushu. Haishen brought very heavy rain, storm surge, flooding and landslides as it moved west of Kyushu toward South Korea. In Japan, over 100 people were reported injured, two people died and four people were reported missing.

Typhoon Haishen made its landfall in South Korea's southeastern coast on Monday, Sept. 7.

Haishen's final bulletin

At 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC) on Sept. 7, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JWTC) issued their final bulletin on Tropical Storm Haishen. At that time, Haishen was located near latitude 40.7 degrees north and longitude 128.9 degrees east, about 233 miles north-northeast of Osan Air Base, South Korea. Haishen was moving quickly to the north at 24 knots (28 mph/44 kph). Maximum sustained winds were near 35 knots (40 mph/65 kph). Haishen was moving north and is becoming extra-tropical.

A visible image of an extra-tropical storm

On Sept. 7 at 11:40 p.m. EDT (0340 UTC, Sept. 8), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA's Aqua satellite provided a visible image of Extra-Tropical Storm Haishen over eastern China. Haishen's eastern quadrant extended over the northern Sea of Japan.

After landfall in South Korea and a track north to China, Haishen moved over China's Jilin Province as an extra-tropical storm. The China Meteorological Department said Haishen started to move out of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture and into Heilongjiang Province at noon (local time) on Tuesday.

Explore further NASA analyzes typhoon Haishen's water vapor concentration
A software engineer resigned from Facebook Tuesday morning because they could 'no longer stomach contributing to an organization that is profiting off hate'.

Ashok Chandwaney, 28, who is non-binary and uses 'they' and 'them' as pronouns, posted a nearly 1,300-word resignation letter on Facebook's internal employee network because they felt it was time to take a stand.

'Im quitting because I can no longer stomach contributing to an organization that is profiting off hate in the US and globally,' Chandwaney wrote in the letter that was obtained by The Washington Post.

Chandwaney said that Facebook is more concerned with profits than promoting social good.

Software engineer, Ashok Chandwaney (pictured), 28, resigned from Facebook Tuesday morning because they could 'no longer stomach contributing to an organization that is profiting off hate'

Chandwaney cited the rise of racism and incitements to violence on the social media platform from members of the Boogaloo Bois (example pictured) and QAnon

The boogaloo movement is a far-right anti-government extremist movement and has oftentimes been described as a militia. QAnon (demonstrator pictured) is a conspiracy theory that has undertones of antisemitism and xenophobia

Chandwaney said that Facebook failed to remove a militia groups event encouraging people to bring guns to protests in Kenosha following the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Kyle Rittenhouse who shot dead two BLM protesters in Kenosha is pictured (left) on August 25

They cited the rise of racism and incitements to violence on the social media platform from members of the Boogaloo Bois and QAnon.

The boogaloo movement is a far-right anti-government extremist movement and has oftentimes been described as a militia. QAnon is a conspiracy theory that has undertones of antisemitism and xenophobia.

More specifically, Chandwaney cited the companys role in fueling genocide in Myanmar and violence in Kenosha, Wisconsin, according to the Post.

Chandwaney said that Facebook failed to remove a militia groups event encouraging people to bring guns to protests in Kenosha following the police shooting of Jacob Blake.

During one of the protests, last month, Kyle Rittenhouse, 17, shot dead two Black Lives Matter protesters, according to police. He has since been charged as an adult with two counts of first-degree homicide.

Ahead of the fatal shootings, Facebook didn't remove the militia group's event despite complaints. Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg called it an 'operational mistake'.

Ahead of the fatal shootings, Facebook didn't remove the militia group's event despite complaints. Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg (pictured) called it an 'operational mistake'

Chandwaney also said they were hoping Facebook would have removed President Donald Trump's 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' post but the company left it up instead. Trump shared the post on Facebook and Twitter

Zuckerberg responded to criticism over the decision to leave Trump's post on the site in a Facebook post (pictured)

Chandwaney also told the Post that they were hoping Facebook would have removed President Donald Trump's 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' post and take recommendations from the civil rights group that demanded an advertising boycott under the hashtag #StopHateForProfit.

'There have been so many comments that have been PR fluff rather than substantive,' Chandwaney told the Post.

Chandwaney also criticized the company's policy that allows politicians to make false claims in campaign ads without fear of having them fact-checked.

'Allowing lies in election ads is pretty damaging, especially in the current political moment were in,' they told the newspaper.

Despite Chandwaney's claims along those from other employees who have quit in recent months over similar issues, Facebook spokeswoman, Liz Bourgeois, said: 'We dont benefit from hate.'

Bourgeois told the Post that Facebook invests 'billions of dollars each year to keep our community safe and are in deep partnership with outside experts to review and update our policies'.

She said that Facebook even launched an 'industry leading policy to go after QAnon, grew our fact-checking program, and removed millions of posts tied to hate organizations  over 96 per cent of which we found before anyone reported them to us'.
CARMEL, Ind., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- KAR Auction Services, Inc., d/b/a/ KAR Global (NYSE: KAR) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire BacklotCars Inc., subject to certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. BacklotCars is an app and web-based dealer-to-dealer wholesale platform featuring a 24/7 "bid-ask" marketplace and comprehensive vehicle inspections performed by automobile mechanics. Upon closing, the acquisition will further diversify KAR's broad portfolio of digital capabilities and accelerate the company's strategy to be a leading digital dealer-to-dealer marketplace provider. The acquisition will also build on the successful foundation of the company's TradeRev auction platform and provide dealers with greater choice, enhanced transparency, and access to an expanded buyer and seller population.

"KAR has led the digital transformation of the remarketing industry for over a decade, and we're 100% committed to providing dealers with the best, most advanced platforms to sell and source inventory," said Jim Hallett, Chairman and CEO of KAR. "BacklotCars has grown rapidly in the highly competitive dealer-to-dealer space and is the perfect complement to our current capabilities and footprint. I'm confident the addition of Backlot's leadership, technology, and exceptional customer-service model will quickly benefit our combined customers, enhance KAR's competitive position and accelerate growth for both organizations."

BacklotCars was founded in 2015 in Kansas City and currently serves dealers in 46 states across the United States. The company's technology platform and marketplace were specifically designed to address dealer pain points associated with digital transactions such as certified inspections and integrated transportation and dealer financing options. The platform allows buyers the flexibility to engage when and where they want, and provides full transparency between buyers, sellers and bidders. BacklotCars' artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities further simplify the buying experience by delivering personalized vehicle recommendations to each individual buying dealer.

After the transaction closes, key BacklotCars leadership including co-founders Justin Davis, Ryan Davis, Josh Parsons and Fabricio Solanes will remain with the company, and KAR intends to continue operating BacklotCars' Kansas City headquarters location.

"KAR Global is the most innovative and progressive digital remarketing company in the world, and their entrepreneurial roots and culture are a great match for BacklotCars," said Justin Davis, co-founder and CEO of BacklotCars. "We're excited to expose Backlot sellers' inventory to KAR's active buyer base while expanding buyer access to quality wholesale inventory beyond their respective local markets. We look forward to completing the transaction and leveraging the power of our combined technology solutions and industry expertise to help our companies and our customers succeed."

The purchase price of the acquisition is $425 million and the transaction is expected to close prior to year-end pending the requisite legal and regulatory approvals. Guggenheim Securities, LLC is acting as exclusive financial advisor to KAR Global and Winston & Strawn LLP is serving as legal advisor. Evercore is acting as exclusive financial advisor to BacklotCars and Stinson LLP is serving as legal advisor.

KAR Global will host an investor call regarding this transaction on September 8, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. (EDT) which can be accessed via the following:

Audioconference: (844) 778-4145, Conference ID: 5445567

Webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/wpsh62xu

KAR Global investor relations page: https://ir.karglobal.com/investor-relations

About KAR

KAR Auction Services, Inc. d/b/a KAR Global (NYSE: KAR), provides sellers and buyers across the global wholesale used vehicle industry with innovative, technology-driven remarketing solutions. KAR Global's unique end-to-end platform supports whole car, financing, logistics and other ancillary and related services, including the sale of nearly 3.8 million units valued at approximately $40 billion through our auctions in 2019. Our integrated physical, online and mobile marketplaces reduce risk, improve transparency and streamline transactions for customers in more than 80 countries. Headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, KAR Global has employees across the United States, Canada, Mexico, U.K. and Europe. For more information and the latest KAR Global news, go to www.karglobal.com and follow us on Twitter @KARspeaks.

About BacklotCars

Based in Kansas City, MO, BacklotCars is a leading online marketplace for auto dealers. Through BacklotCars, auto dealers, auto finance, and rental car companies can transact without having to go to physical auctions. The company's end to end solution is truly seamless for dealers as BacklotCars provides vehicle inspections, transportation, and inventory finance services.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions thereof. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and we caution you not to place undue reliance on such statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of the words "may," "will," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," "project," "continue," or the negative of these words, or other similar words or terms.

Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by us. Factors and risks to our business that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements are described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, potential risks and uncertainties relating to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

SOURCE KAR Global

Related Links

http://www.karglobal.com


Cincinnati isn't especially unusual for a large American city, except in one way: It is perpetually unable to figure out what kind of government it wants. I'm not talking about ideological differences. I'm talking about the most basic rules for how people get elected, how voters express their desires, and how the necessary political institutions are supposed to organize themselves.This has been going on for nearly a century now. Prior to 1925, the city had 26 council members elected by wards and six chosen at large. The wards were outposts of machine politics, petty corruption and endless logrolling, and public business wasn't conducted very well. So local corporate interests pushed through a new system with just nine council members, all of them elected at large, by the whole city. This cut down on machine mischief, but it allowed the affluent neighborhoods to outvote the others and elect the entire council, which was then largely governed by an appointed business-friendly city manager.This began to seem an anachronism in the late 20th century, so in the 1980s the residents tried again. To balance the power of the city manager, Cincinnati created a system in which the top vote-getter on the council became mayor. This was about as bad a choice as you could make. It gave the nine elected legislators incentive to grandstand and denigrate their colleagues in hopes of finishing first in the next election.Then, in 2001, the city's voters made an atypically sensible move: They created a strong mayor, elected directly by the people. This was better. But Cincinnati kept tinkering. In 2012, it extended the length of council terms from two years to four. In 2018, voters decided to move the terms back to two years.Despite all this electoral back and forth, the city still has the century-old council of nine members elected at large. As you might guess by now, there is a move to change it yet again. A group called Fair Cincy spent much of this year pushing a new system with five members elected by wards and four chosen at large. This summer they tried and failed to get the issue on the November ballot. But it seems inevitable that the effort will continue.It isn't only Cincinnati that has been suffering from representational obsession. Nearly a decade ago, St. Louis voters passed an initiative shrinking the number of aldermen from 28 to 14. This seemed to make sense: The population of St. Louis had declined by more than half since the 1950s. If 28 aldermen were right for a city of 800,000, 14 should be plenty for 300,000. But for technical reasons, the change isn't supposed to take effect until 2023. So the city has now spent nearly a decade arguing over efforts to repeal the change and go back to the original 28. There's a movement to do that by referendum right now., but these things make a huge difference. While at-large representation tends to foster unity and relative political peace, it sometimes leaves substantial areas of the city without a voice. Choosing lawmakers by district gives each corner of a city more clout, but often leads to squabbling, balkanization, gerrymandering and in recent years, racial tension. There are plenty of examples of this. But they point in more than one direction.Back in 1966, the mayor of Dallas, Erik Jonsson, decided that the city needed a new program for the next several years. He invited the eight council members, all elected at-large, for a weekend at a local country club retreat. By the time they went home, they had worked out an entire decade or more of public policy. Dallas functioned fairly well in the years that followed, but it's hard to argue that this is the way city councils should operate. And in 1971, the city moved to a mixed system of district-level and at-large elections. Eventually it created a council with 14 members, all chosen by local districts. You can't say that this process has ruined Dallas, and it has brought previously unrepresented neighborhoods into positions of influence, but it created a fragmented legislative body with a cauldron of rivalries  geographical, racial, partisan and ideological. It's hard to argue that this was the right answer either.Nevertheless, what has happened in Dallas prefigured a wave. The overwhelming trend in recent decades has been to scrap at-large municipal government for district-based systems. There were excellent reasons for this. Dozens of southern cities and smaller towns were using at-large elections to keep Black neighborhoods unrepresented. The federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 gradually put an end to that practice. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg called at-large elections "a way to deny equal opportunity." In Alabama, in the case of, most local at-large government was struck down by a U.S. District Court. Within a few years, 183 of the state's jurisdictions had changed their rules. The same thing happened in nearby states. Charleston, S.C., was sued in 2001 under the Voting Rights Act and reached a settlement three years later. By the mid-2010s, its all-white at-large council had evolved into a nine-member body with three Black representatives speaking for the city's one-third Black population.This didn't just happen in the South. In 2013, under intense neighborhood pressure, Seattle switched from all at-large to mostly district representation. This has largely accomplished its intended purpose of broadening neighborhood influence. But the result has not been pretty. A series of mayors has endured virtually constant turmoil and stalemate with a highly fragmented legislative body.Of course, you don't have to elect everybody by ward or district. Philadelphia, like many cities, has a hybrid system: seven at-large, 10 by district. But over the years, this hasn't stopped the "District 10" from exercising parochial vetoes over the most important reforms mayors have wanted to implement. For decades, the council refused to allow a badly needed reassessment of residential properties because it would lead to higher property taxes. This forced Philadelphia to raise required revenue from an assortment of awkward and counterproductive alternative taxes, most notably a tax on labor that succeeded mainly in causing businesses to leave the city. Hybrid systems don't work very well if they fall victim to deeply entrenched norms of local political culture.In the hands of unusually skillfully politicians, however, there are ways around any of these systems. You might be surprised to learn that Chicago, widely associated with "boss rule," isn't exactly a strong-mayor city. The 50-member city council, elected by wards, has a lot of the formal powers. When the council was able to exercise those powers, as it did in the late 1940s and much of the 1980s, the result was balkanization and endless bickering. The reason this hasn't always been the case was the presence for more than 40 years of the two Mayor Daleys, father and son. The elder Daley held control over the nomination of Democratic aldermen in nearly all the neighborhoods of the city, virtually guaranteeing their loyalty to him. Daley the younger dominated the council in large part because he had the authority to choose candidates himself in cases of vacancy, and there were so many vacancies that at one point Daley had hand-picked almost half of the aldermen.Chicago remains a target of criticism in much of the country for its history of violent crime and its perceived racial bigotry. Much of that is justified. But I think it's inescapable that the city has been far better governed over much of the last 65 years by a makeshift at-large autocracy than it would have been by a squabbling, horse-trading collection of aldermen presiding over ward fiefdoms., the issue of district vs. at-large representation is resurfacing in the community where I live. Arlington County, Va., has been governed since 1930 by five board members chosen at large in staggered elections. For most of this history, the five in office at any given time have worked quietly together, making decisions unanimously and rarely arguing in front of the public. But this has led to periodic complaints that Arlington government is somehow "rigged," with little opportunity for dissent and little influence available to minorities and certain parts of the county.There's no doubt that this system concentrated power in its early years among a few affluent white neighborhoods. It's likely that this was its purpose. But that hasn't been a problem in a long time. In fact, the northwest Arlington neighborhoods that used to run things are among those pushing the idea that at-large government has cheated them. Three African Americans have been among the 22 most recent candidates chosen for the board, which works out to about 14 percent in a county that is 9 percent Black overall. It's hard to see that as rank discrimination. As one former board chairman likes to say, "We have numerous distinct neighborhoods, but we have only one community."Let's see if I can make the leap from the minutiae of county elections to the broad reaches of political theory. That requires a detour into the political thought of James Madison. In the constitutional convention of 1787 and in the Federalist Papers that he wrote afterward, Madison pleaded for big constituencies  ones that would be large enough to include a diverse array of interests and avoid the parochialism of narrowly drawn electorates. "Extend the sphere," Madison wrote in the Federalist No. 10 . "and you take in a greater variety of parties and interests; you make it less probable that a majority of the whole will have a common motive to invade the rights of other citizens." Madison was right about many things; this was one of them.It's indisputable that at-large elections were once used to disenfranchise weak segments of a community. But those days are over. The danger now isn't secret manipulation by men who own banks and meet over drinks at country clubs. The danger is fragmentation and the parochial politics of lawmakers who speak for unyielding parochial electorates.We have a desperate need for legislative bodies whose members take a broad view and think first about the interests of the community as a whole. We aren't going to abolish districts; they are now the norm in most of the country. But we ought to think twice before we make a whole lot more of them.
Beloved pastor, father of 4 killed in crash while on his way to help Hurricane Laura victims

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Worshipers from the Northside Assembly of God in Bonifay, Florida, are mourning the loss of their pastor, Rev. Chuck Glass, after he was killed in a crash while traveling to Louisiana to help Hurricane Laura victims on Labor Day.

We are deeply saddened and grieving for one of our West Florida Churches.

Please help us lift up the family, friends, and congregation of Rev. Chuck Glass of Northside Assembly of God, Bonifay, FL, the West Florida District Assemblies of God announced on Facebook Monday.

Pastor Chuck suddenly passed away from an accident while heading to Louisiana to help those affected by Hurricane Laura. We are broken over this loss, and our prayers will be with his family and Northside, the statement continued, noting that Glass was a servant-hearted pastor and faithful husband.

In a statement from Northside Assembly, the church said it was comforted to know that the late pastor, who leaves behind a wife and four children, did not suffer.

As many of you probably know, Pastor Chuck passed away this morning. The doctors said that he was unconscious immediately after the accident and never felt pain. God showed him mercy, the statement published on Facebook said.

The congregation remembered him as a leader who was always smiling and enjoyed making others do the same.

When we went back to see him after he had passed, we saw that he had a grin on his face. Thats the thing about him, he was always smiling. Pastor Chuck influenced so many people, and so many stories are being told about him now. Stories about him when he does something crazy just to make people smile, stories about him giving advice when you didnt know what to do, and stories about how he was there for you when no one else was, the church said. He was an amazing human, and we are all saddened by his sudden loss.

Across social media, many related churches and individuals also shared warm messages to remember Glass.

Just picture the walls of Jasper, the streets of pure Gold, Garments whiter than anything on earth...And picture Jesus with his arms around him! Our hearts are saddened and grieving for our friend, Rev. Chuck Glass of Northside Assembly of God, Bonifay, FL, Live Out Loud Church said.

Our heart is broken for the loss of fellow pastor, friend, and soldier, Rev. Chuck Glass. We will miss his infectious smile and kindness. Our church will lift up the Glass and Bell families as well as Northside Assembly, Grace Assembly at Chipley in Florida added.

Like Glass and his congregation, many churches have been working to help with recovery efforts in Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Laura that has killed 25 people. Last Thursday, Gov. John Bel Edwards urged people sheltering in hotels in Texas to stay there if possible as Louisiana was having difficulty finding available hotel rooms for more evacuees, the Associated Press reported.

More than 92,000 people had registered for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and nearly 12,000 people were being sheltered by the state, mainly in hotels.

We dont think we would be able to quickly absorb another 2, 3, 4,000 people into our hotels, the governor said.
Investors who put their savings into collapsed mini-bond firm London Capital & Finance (LCF) expressed relief on Tuesday after a court ruling meant they may be entitled to compensation that regulators had denied them.

A judge ruled that a judicial review could go ahead into the Financial Services Compensation Scheme's (FSCS) decision not to cover the losses of thousands of LCF investors. The judge rejected the FSCSs request for the case to be dismissed.

Investors said they now saw "light at the end of the tunnel" after a two-year battle to get their money back in what has become one of the biggest financial scandals of recent years.

Some 11,600 ordinary savers put 237m into LCF's bonds and ISAs after being promised high returns from the FCA-regulated firm.

Now the company's directors are being investigated over fraud allegations. The directors have denied wrongdoing.

According to the company's administrators, some of the investors' money paid for thoroughbred racehorses and a helicopter while some went into companies which had links to LCF's directors.

Ian Wilson, who invested thousands of pounds in LCF said news that the judicial review could go ahead was "very welcome".

"The 11,600 of us have been through a very torrid time," he said.

"When you lose a substantial amount of money that is meant for the good of your family, it's a huge blow. It has literally dominated all of our lives for the last two years."

Many people have been hugely affected by this in terms of their mental health and their relationships with their families. For a long time, we thought we going to get absolutely screwed and would get nothing.

Mr Wilson, who recently retired after working in social care for 45 years, said he had hoped to use the savings he lost to LCF for deposits on homes for his two daughters.

"Social care is not a profession known for making you very wealthy. All of us are just ordinary Joes.

"It then felt like the FCA and the FSCS were sticking the boot in by telling us that what we'd bought wasn't regulated which meant we could not get compensation.

Now there's light at the end of the tunnel. It's given us hope at last.

Mr Wilson paid tribute to solicitors at Shearman & Sterling who have agreed to work pro bono bringing the judicial review case.

The law firm argues that the claimants should be allowed compensation because LCF's bonds should have been regulated. The judicial review only applies to investors who put money into LCF after the start of 2018.

Amanda Cunningham, who put 16,000 into LCF bonds to pay for care for her autistic son, said getting her money back would have a huge impact on her life.

The FSCS is trying to get out of paying compensation. We were told it was our own fault we lost our money because we shouldn't have invested in high-risk bonds.

However, like many LCF investors, Ms Cunningham believed she was investing in an ISA and that her money was safe. "I didn't have a clue I was investing in a mini-bond. I didn't even know what a mini-bond was."

The ordeal has been tough and getting her money back will make a "massive difference", she said. "The money was for my son Jack, for his future. It is so, so important to me. He's autistic, I don't know what's round the corner.

"At the moment I still feel quite bereft, I feel upset, foolish. You feel angry that you've been let down, you're embarrassed by it, there are all these emotions.

"I can't get closure on that until that money comes back. It's a huge amount of money to me."

Investors have also been encouraged by the comments of Dame Elizabeth Gloster who is leading a review into LCF and the regulators' handling of it. Earlier this year, Dame Elizabeth criticised the FCA for being slow to hand over documents.

Her review will interview staff at the FCA to establish what they knew about LCF and when.

"The FCA have acted appallingly in all this," said Mr Wilson. "They regulated LCF and then they tried to wriggle out of responsibility."

The FCA has maintained that while it was supposed to oversee the company and had approved its business model and directors, it had no responsibility for the investments it sold to savers.

Mr Wilson described the regulator's stance as "outrageous". He added:"The financial industry in this country is held up as the jewel in the crown but a lot of it is a fetid cesspit."

Thomas Donegan, partner at Shearman & Sterling, said: We are very pleased that the court has given permission for this important case to be heard and that the LC&F investors' quest for justice and recompense will continue.

"We feel confident in our arguments and look forward to presenting them to the court.
The burning of a 62-year-old chariot on the premises of famous Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Antarvedi in Andhra Pradeshs East Godavari district on Sunday has triggered unrest from Hindu religious groups across the state.

Antarvedi is one of the most revered Vaishnavite religious centres in Andhra Pradesh. The chariot, made of teakwood and used during the procession of the Lord in festive seasons, was burnt to ashes in the early hours of Sunday. The closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed near the chariot did not function.

On Tuesday, hundreds of activists belonging to various Hindu groups, including Vishva Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Haindava Sakthi, Hindu Chaitanya Vedika and Dharmaveer Adhyatmik Vedika, etc, stormed the temple located at the confluence of River Godavari.

Raising Jai Sriram slogans, these activists jumped over the barricades put up at a distance from the temple by the police to prevent untoward incidents. The activists lay siege to the temple demanding that the government order a judicial inquiry into the burning of the chariot allegedly by some miscreants.

Alleging that there was a deep-rooted conspiracy behind the burning of chariot, the Hindu activists tried to gherao endowments minister Vellampalli Srinivas, social welfare minister P Viswaroop and BC welfare minister Chelluboina Venugopala Krishna were inspecting the spot where the chariot was burnt. The ministers were whisked away by the police.

The endowments minister told reporters that the government had taken serious note of the incident and ordered an in-depth departmental inquiry. We have already transferred temple executive officer N V S Chakradhar Rao and suspended a couple of other temple employees for their alleged negligence, he said.

Stating that the government would take steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents, Srinivas suspected that a conspiracy was going on against the Jagan Mohan Reddy government and it would be foiled.

The minister promised that a new chariot would be readied at a cost of 93 lakh before the Lords celestial festival in February.

BJP Andhra Pradesh president Somu Veerraju said the Antarvedi incident had badly hurt the sentiments of the Hindus. Ever since YS Jagan Mohan Reddy came to power, there have been attacks on various temples, causing a lot of anguish among the Hindus, he said.

Stating that there was an attempt to wipe out Hindutva in the state, Veerraju demanded that the government act sternly against those accused in the incident. Otherwise, the BJP will have to take a tough stand against the YSRCP government in Andhra, he warned.

Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan also denounced the Antarvedi incident.

Several Hindu seers like Kamalananda Bharati, Swaroopanandendra Saraswati, Dr CS Rangarajan of Chilkur Balaji temple in Hyderabad condemned the burning of the chariot at Antarvedi. They alleged that the government was giving lame excuses whenever there was an attack on Hindu places of worship.

Last time when a chariot was damaged in Nellore district, police said some mentally unstable persons had done it. Now, they are saying a short circuit is the reason. But there is an organised attempt to attack the Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh, Rangarajan said.

Seer of Visakhapatnam Sri Sarada Peetham, Swaroopanandendra Saraswati, described the fire accident as unfortunate. He said it was a matter of sentiment for Hindus. He demanded a probe to identify the reasons for it and punish the guilty.

Meanwhile, the state police set up five special teams to conduct a thorough probe into the incident. The teams are functioning under the aegis of Eluru range deputy inspector general of police K V Mohan Rao, East Godavari district superintendent of police Nayeem Asmi and forensic inspector general Rajendra Sen.

Initial investigations revealed that some miscreants set fire to the dried palm tree leaves covering the chariot to drive away honey bees which formed a hive above the chariot. However, there are no fire safety measures in the temple and there was not even a watchman to oversee the temple protection, an official familiar with the development said.

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Two Australian journalists working in China have arrived in Sydney after a diplomatic stand-off in which police demanded interviews with both reporters.

The China correspondents for The Australian Financial Review and the ABC boarded a flight to Sydney on Monday night after spending five days under protection in Australian diplomatic missions.

AFR journalist Mike Smith with ABC journalist Bill Birtles as they prepared to leave China on Monday night.

State security officers visited the homes of Bill Birtles, the ABC's correspondent based in Beijing, and Mike Smith, the AFR's correspondent based in Shanghai, after midnight on Wednesday last week, telling them they were persons of interest in a national security case.

The move came days after the Chinese government confirmed the arrest of Cheng Lei, an Australian journalist working for Chinese state media.
Jessica Kourkounis, Freelance / For the Chronicle

Movie theaters have taken a massive hit during the pandemic due to nationwide closings, but after months of darkness on the big screen, one Houston theater is ready to raise the curtain again.

River Oaks Theatre says it will reopen its doors Wednesday, with new guidelines in place to promote safety for both employees and patrons, the theater announced on its website.
Slack shares fell as much as 20% in extended trading on Tuesday after the team communications software company reported fiscal second-quarter results and full-year guidance that exceeded analysts' expectations. Although it beat on full-year guidance, revenue growth in the quarter, which ended on July 31, came in below 50% on an annualized basis, in line with the two previous quarters. That's a disappointment compared with video-calling software company Zoom, which showed 355% growth during the coronavirus pandemic.

Here's how the company did:

Earnings: 0 cents per share (break-even), adjusted, vs. loss of 3 cents per share as expected by analysts, according to Refinitiv.

0 cents per share (break-even), adjusted, vs. loss of 3 cents per share as expected by analysts, according to Refinitiv. Revenue: $215.9 million, vs. $209.1 million as expected by analysts, according to Refinitiv.

The company reported a net loss of $73 million, significant progress from the year-ago quarter, when it lost $360 million. Slack's entire quarter saw an impact from the pandemic, as people became more reliant on online tools such as Slack and Zoom because of restrictions on gathering in offices and schools. Revenue grew 50% in the previous quarter, when shelter in place applied for about half of the period, and 49% before that.

Slack did not disclose a new number of daily active users; the company last said it had 12 million in October. In a conference call with reporters CEO Stewart Butterfield said what matters is paying customers. The company said it had over 130,000 paying customers in the quarter, up 30% year over year and above the FactSet consensus estimate of 128,000.

Butterfield warned that the economic slowdown has caused some pain. "On the enterprise side there was also more budget scrutiny especially from new categories with longer adoption curves," Butterfield told analysts on a separate conference call. Slack experienced more paid customer churn and slower expansion inside of existing paying customers in the past two quarters, the company said in a filing.

In the fiscal second quarter Slack announced the acquisition of Rimeto, a start-up with software that companies can use to show profiles of their workers. Slack also said it had filed a complaint against Microsoft with the European Commission, claiming Microsoft, which provides the Teams communication app in its Office 365 productivity-software bundle, engaged in anticompetitive behavior. The European Commission has previously fined Microsoft for not complying with an agreement related to giving people the ability to choose a web browser and ordered the company to license certain Windows technology to competitors.

"We view the complaint as a real one, but also believe it is unlikely to result in Microsoft being forced to only sell Teams as a standalone product," Rishi Jaluria and Philip Rigby of DA Davidson, which has the equivalent of a hold rating on Slack stock, wrote in a note distributed to clients on July 22. "That said, it could result in fines and Microsoft selling a version of Office without Teams, based on precedent set by the EU's fines and actions against Microsoft."

Slack did not see a year-over-year change in its win rate against Microsoft Teams in the quarter, Allen Shim, Slack's chief financial officer, said on the call with reporters. A majority of customers spending over $1 million in annual recurring revenue also use Office 365, Shim said.

With respect to guidance, Slack predicted a fiscal third-quarter adjusted loss of 6 cents to 5 cents per share on $222 million to $225 million in revenue. Analysts surveyed by Refinitiv had been looking for an adjusted loss of 5 cents per share and $223.7 million in revenue.

For the 2021 fiscal year Slack said it expects an adjusted loss of 14 cents to 13 cents per share and revenue of $870 million to $876 million. Analysts polled by Refinitiv had expected an adjusted loss of 16 cents per share, along with $872.3 million in revenue.

Excluding the after-hours move, shares of Slack are up about 31% since the start of the year, while the S&P 500 is up 3%.

WATCH: Slack files European Union antitrust complaint against Microsoft
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse)  Tue, September 8, 2020 09:09 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c4359c70 2 Science & Tech Google-Maps,payment Free

Google Maps went from a straightforward mapping and geolocation service to a sprawling platform.

As Maps enables access to an increasing number of services, most of the times users are rerouted to dedicated applications.

But Google would like to consolidate it all, by providing a payment service without the user exiting Maps.

Read also: Google Maps to alert users about COVID-19-related travel restrictions

Google is already testing this new integrated feature in Austin, Texas, thanks to local parking service Passport. Drivers can now pay directly in Maps, via Google Pay.

In the near future, Google Maps will be able to integrate dozens of services, therefore limiting the need to download multiple third-party apps.
The hormone, ghrelin, may help protect the elderly population from muscle loss, according to a study being presented at e-ECE 2020. The study found that administering a particular form of ghrelin to older mice helped to restore muscle mass and strength.

As muscle-related diseases are a serious health concern in the elderly population, these findings suggest a potential new treatment strategy for muscle loss to enable the aging population to remain fit and healthy.

Age-related skeletal muscle mass loss, in absence of any underlying disease, is defined as sarcopenia, which leads to deterioration of elderly people's quality of life. It causes a decline in muscle mass and functionality, often resulting in poor balance, higher risk of falls or fractures, immobilisation and loss of independence.

Ghrelin is a hormone involved in metabolic regulation and energy balance through activation of appetite, but also plays an important role in protecting against muscle wasting. Both acylated (AG) and unacylated (UnAG) forms are present in the body, but UnAG does not bind to the AG receptor (GHSR-1a), so does not increase appetite.

A growing body of evidence indicates that UnAG is acting at an unidentified receptor, which also mediates some common AG and UnAG biological activities, including a strikingly protective effect against muscle wasting. Ghrelin levels decline as we age and may be involved in the development of sarcopenia, but the role of AG versus UnAG in this process has not been investigated previously.

Dr Emanuela Agosti, and her team at the University of Piemonte Orientale in Italy, investigated how unAG affected age-related decline of muscle mass and function, by either deleting the ghrelin gene in mice, or overexpressing unAG. Muscle function as they aged was assessed through a wire hanging test, during which "falling" and "reaching" scores were recorded, to assess whole body strength and endurance.

Both the deletion of the ghrelin gene and the lifelong overexpression of UnAG reduced age-associated decline in muscle mass and function.

Despite both groups of animals displaying similar aging tendencies in body weight and muscle mass, the mice overexpressing UnAG maintained better muscle structure, performance and metabolism, more typical of muscle in younger mice.

Understanding the causes and effects of sarcopenia will improve our ability to prevent, detect, and hopefully manage this disease. These findings provide novel understanding and point to UnAG, or analogues, as a possible therapeutic target for future treatment." Dr Emanuela Agosti, University of Eastern Piedmont

The study indicates that UnAG, or possibly drugs that mimic it, can preserve muscle function and reduce the risk of age-related sarcopenia, without causing weight gain and obesity.

"Due to the worldwide increase in the elderly population, sarcopenia has an important social impact greatly affecting both aged people's quality of life and government health care costs. Therefore, therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing and/or reducing sarcopenia are of pivotal importance." Dr Agosti adds.

Dr Agosti and her colleagues now plan to identify the receptor mediating UnAG biological activities. This will help better define the molecular pathways involved in AG/UnAG actions and to design treatments that may reduce loss of muscle mass in sarcopenia and other similar conditions.
- The Distributor Finance Scheme aims to facilitate Yara fertiliser distributors across the country with a dedicated kitty to support them to purchase and restock their outlets

- Yara distributors need to open MSME Account with Co-op Bank for them to be able to benefit from the kitty

- The Scheme will enable distributors to increase their stock to meet the high demand for fertiliser during this short rain planting season and beyond

- The distributors can borrow up to a maximum of KSh 20 million to finance the purchase of their fertiliser stocks from Yara East Africa

- They (distributors) will enjoy negotiated banking terms, with a disbursement fee of 2% being the only charge

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Co-operative Bank of Kenya on Tuesday, September 8, a KSh 500 million financing deal with leading fertiliser company Yara East Africa Limited.

This is aimed at facilitating Yara fertiliser distributors across the country with a dedicated kitty to support them to purchase and restock their outlets.

READ ALSO: IG Mutyambai reads riot act to politicians behind hate mongering

Country Manager for Kenya at Yara East Africa Ltd William Ngeno (l) & Ag Director, Corporate and Institutional Banking at Co-op Bank Jackie Waithaka. Photo: Co-op Bank.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Raila hosts delegation from Migori as Okoth Obado's impeachment plot takes shape

The Distributor Finance Scheme launched today is a five-year partnership that kicks off with KSh 62 million being released immediately to the Yara fertiliser distributors who have already applied for the scheme.

In order to access the funds, Yara distributors need to open MSME Account with Co-op Bank.

READ ALSO: KANU cuts ties with MP Johana Ng'eno after unsavoury remarks against Uhuru's family

The Distributor Finance Scheme will enhance fertiliser access by farmers hence boosting the much-needed food production in the country.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Yara Country Manager for Kenya, William Ngeno, noted the importance of offering financial support to actors across the food production value-chain.

This financing program will enable farmers to access the various Yara fertiliser brands with ease. This, in turn, will boost fertiliser use to increase soil fertility and thus promote an increase in food production across the country, he said.

READ ALSO: Mbunge wa Mathira awakashifu wabunge wanaomtusi Rais Uhuru Kenyatta

The Scheme will enable distributors to increase their stock to meet the high demand for fertiliser during this short rain planting season and beyond.

It gives me great joy to announce that Yara will give a 3% discount to distributors making purchases under this Co-operative Bank Distributor Finance Scheme to ensure our fertilisers are readily available and accessible to the farmers for planting and top-dressing purposes, Ng'eno added.

READ ALSO: Opinion: William Ruto has no moral authority to lecture anyone on respect

Co-op Banks acting Director Corporate and Institutional Banking, Jacquelyne Waithaka, explained the importance of providing financial support to input distributors.

The Finance Scheme we have launched today will help distributors of Yara fertilisers to maintain their desired stock levels for fulfilling the requirements of their customers, enabling them to thrive in the marketplace. The distributors can borrow up to a maximum of KSh 20 million to finance the purchase of their fertiliser stocks from Yara East Africa.

The distributors will enjoy negotiated banking terms, with a disbursement fee of 2% being the only charge. In addition, an overdraft with an expiry period of 180 days (6 months) and payment upon utilisation of the overdraft will be due within 45 days, explained. Waithaka.

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Hyderabad: The Telangana Assembly on Tuesday (September 8, 2020) unanimously passed a resolution demanding the Centre to confer the country`s highest civilian award - Bharat Ratna - posthumously on former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, while moving the resolution, also urged the Centre to install Narasimha Rao`s statue and portrait in Parliament.

The resolution also called for renaming the Central University of Hyderabad as PV Narasimha Rao Central University. The resolution urged the Centre to confer - Bharat Ratna - on the son of Telangana, Narasimha Rao, who was the first Prime Minister from South India.

The resolution described him as the architect of new economic reforms, a rare diplomat, a polyglot, an outstanding philosopher who led the country on the path of development and an extraordinary intelligent leader.

Stating that Narasimha Rao fully deserved the countrys highest civilian honour, the Chief Minister called upon the Centre to make an announcement in the ensuing session of Parliament. KCR said it was unfortunate that Narasimha Rao did not get the due recognition and the Telangana government is celebrating his birth centenary to recall contributions of the late leader.

KCR said Narasimha Rao was a reformer who initiated several reforms in the country. He was recognised as a great intellectual all over the world.

The Chief Minister recalled that when land was the only resource for people to have their employment and earnings, Narasimha Rao as the Chief Minister of the then undivided Andhra Pradesh had implemented land reforms daringly. He claimed that this resulted in having 93 per cent small and medium level farmers in the Telangana state now.

The Chief Minister said it was due to economic reforms that Narasimha Rao implemented as the Prime Minister that the country marched ahead on the path of progress and its economy stabilized.

KCR listed out the achievements of Narasimha Rao as the state Chief Minister, Union Minister and later as the Prime Minister. Opposition Congress party supported the resolution. Party leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said Narasimha Rao should be conferred with the country`s highest civilian award.

(With Agency Inputs)
Continued GPS thefts by tech savvy thieves has led to calls for farmers to ensure their property is secure by using pin enabled technology.

The cost of rural crime in the UK reached an eight year high last year as criminal gangs continue to target the countryside, including vital GPS systems.

The technology plays a vital role in modern day farming and thefts of systems have been debilitating for farmers who have been hit during the busy harvest period.

Farmers are now being warned to 'pin it or pen it' when it comes to protecting tractor GPS.

While some kits come with pin enabled security, farmers can get back to basics and indelibly daub postcodes onto their systems to deter criminals.

NFU Mutual said it was seeing an increase in reports of all makes and models of GPS being stolen from farms and machinery dealerships across the UK.

Rebecca Davidson, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist, said: "While replacement systems can be sourced, farmers are working to tight weather windows and it takes time to get up and running again.

The thieves clearly know what they are looking for and we are getting reports of determined criminal gangs using drones to scope out farms, or carefully planning routes around CCTV surveillance to avoid being caught.

"The feeling of being watched and targeted is adding to feelings of anxiety for those living and working in isolated areas, she said.

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) said the message to farmers was simple - 'pin it or pen it'.

"If you have pin enabled technology to protect your GPS system, make sure its up and running and if not, daub your postcode onto kit using indelible ink," DC Chris Piggott of NaVCIS said.

"It might not look pretty but its a big deterrent to thieves who are stealing systems to sell on across the world. Anything that is identifiable and will trace the kit back to its owner will immediately put the thieves off.

Also make sure you report any suspicious sightings to police, which can help build up a picture and share intelligence with other forces.

Farmers buying second hand kit are also urged not to inadvertently buy stolen systems from what appear to be bona fide online sellers.

Both groups have called on buyers to rigorously check where the systems have come from if buying from outside a dealership, and to be suspicious of anything that has had serial numbers removed.

Although all makes and models of GPS are being stolen, to help the checking process, John Deere has a system enabling farmers to call their local dealership to check the serial number of its StarFire GPS system.

The firm's database includes a marker for stolen equipment  but stresses that not all John Deere thefts are reported to it, and that the system cannot provide proof that equipment offered for sale online is legitimate.

If John Deere equipment has been stolen, the theft can be reported to local John Deere dealers so it can be logged in the system.

To make it more difficult for criminals to sell-on stolen StarFire GPS systems, John Deere included a PIN security feature in its StarFire 6000 series, launched in February 2019.

How can I better protect tractor GPS systems?

NFU Mutual has issued a GPS security checklist for farmers:

 Activate PIN security on GPS kit with your own unique number if available

 If your system is not pin enabled, mark your postcode with indelible ink to deter thieves and trace your property back to you

 Keep tractors and combines with GPS fitted stored out of sight when possible

 Remove GPS kit from tractors and other machinery and store it securely when not in use

 Check serial numbers of second-hand kit offered for sale
Qiagen readies launch of rapid Covid-19 antigen test

(Reuters) German diagnostic test maker Qiagen on Tuesday said it planned to launch a Covid-19 antigen test that can provide results in 15 minutes and test about 30 samples in an hour.

The company said it will launch two versions of the antigen test, one for labs and one for use at point-of-care use, such as at airports or stadiums, depending on regulatory clearance.

The test has not yet received authorization from US regulators and the company plans to launch it in November.

Antigen tests are faster than molecular diagnostic tests but generally more likely to fail in identifying positive cases of the virus than the gold-standard molecular diagnostic tests, which are conducted in laboratories.
The playoff series between with the Jazz and Nuggets was arguably the most entertaining of the first round. It featured a brilliant guard duel between Donovan Mitchell and Jamal Murray and wasnt decided until the final buzzer of Game 7.

Denver advanced to play the Clippers, while Utah left Orlando facing an interesting and difficult off-season. Mitchell certainly solidified his status as the teams star and most dynamic player.

The question hovering over the franchise is how can it go from a playoff team to a serious title contender? Its hard to take that next step without multiple All-Stars.

Rudy Gobert is, of course, one of the leagues premier defenders but hes limited offensively in a league where big man are now expected to expand their offensive games beyond the paint.

Mike Conley, who will almost assuredly opt in for the remaining $34.5MM on his contract, didnt have as big an impact on the franchise as hoped when Utah traded for him last summer. His expiring contract, should he opt in, could be their best trade asset.

Royce ONeale and Joe Ingles are solid, if unspectacular, role players with multiple years left on their contracts. The Jazz were missing a key piece in Orlando in Bojan Bogdanovic and they have expressed strong interest in re-signing free agent sixth man Jordan Clarkson, though other teams will be pursuing his services. Bogdanovic could have easily been the difference in the opening-round series, though it must be mentioned that the Nuggets advanced despite injuries to multiple rotation players.

That brings us to our question of the day: What should the Jazz do improve their roster and get to the next level?

Please take to the comments section to weigh in on this topic. We look forward to your input.
Ashley Scott and Renee Walters have a dream  and if you're not black, it doesn't involve you. The two Georgia women are founding an all-black town in central Georgia to shake off 400 years of oppressive racism. Their inspiration is the fictional Wakanda in the movie Black Panther. Unwittingly, they're repeating an old American tradition of utopian communitarianism.

According to Yahoo! News, Scott and Walters inspired 19 black families to purchase 96 acres of land for their "safe haven" (hat tip: Breitbart). The Yahoo article opens with a rote recitation of how awful America is ("the nation continues to confront the toxic legacy of slavery and Jim Crow"). Only then does it get to the actual story, which is Scott's and Walters's plan:

[T]wo Georgia women have come together to build a community that will be a place free of oppression, "a tight-knit community for our people to just come and breathe." They are calling it Freedom, Georgia, and draw their inspiration from Wakanda, the fictional comic-book country that was the setting for the movie "Black Panther." Ashley Scott, a realtor from Stonecrest, Ga., who was driven to seek therapy by her reaction to the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery, a young Black man jogging in a white neighborhood, said that after several sessions she realized that her problem was 400 years of racial oppression and trauma dating back to the establishment of slavery in North America. "We are dealing with systemic racism," she wrote in an op-ed for Blavity last month. "We are dealing with deep-rooted issues that will require more than protesting in the streets." With her friend Renee Walters, an entrepreneur and investor, she founded the Freedom Georgia Initiative, a group of 19 Black families who collectively purchased 96.71 acres of rural land in Toomsboro, a town of a few hundred people in central Georgia, with the intention of developing a self-contained Black community. The space will have small homes for vacation use and will host weddings, retreats and recreational functions, and may eventually evolve into an incorporated, self-sustaining community. "It's now time for us to get our friends and family together and build for ourselves," said Walters, who serves as the president of the organization, in an interview with Yahoo News. "That's the only way we'll be safe. And that's the only way that this will work. We have to start bringing each other together."

If we ignore the loopy-loo psychobabble about living in the freest, least racist country in the world, but nevertheless being rendered dysfunctional by the 1619 Project, and if we also ignore the belief that a Hollywood superhero fantasy provides the answers to that mental fragility, the reality is that Walters and Scott have come up with an all-American plan.

From the moment the Pilgrims arrived, Americans have dreamed of communes that they were sure would free them from the inequities, burdens, and sordid realities of daily life in America. The Shakers, a subset of the Quakers, emerged in America in the 1780s. They settled in small communities that were very egalitarian, for they did not divide themselves along class or sexual lines. Their communities were pleasant places because the residents were hardworking pacifists. They were also celibates, which is why there are no more Shaker communities in America, although they did leave behind some lovely furniture.

In 1825, Robert Owen, a British industrialist, founded New Harmony, in Indiana, a very early commune built along pre-Marxist socialist principles  that is, the property was self-sufficient with shared ownership, but it wasn't seeking world domination. The socialist experiment failed for the same reason the Puritans' socialist experiment failed: people will work harder for themselves than for the community. Also, all socialist communities eventually run afoul of the tragedy of the commons, which sees people hoard what they can of a shared resource for fear of scarcity in a non-market economy.

As every American girl once knew, Lousia May Alcott's father was a transcendentalist in New England. In the 1840s, some of the men dragged their families to Fruitlands, a farm that was supposed to be a paradise of collegial work untrammeled by the sordid outside world. It was a failure. The men were too busy intellectualizing to work, and the women, despite their efforts, were unable to grow enough food to support the vegan commune. Alcott remembered the experiment as a bitter time of poverty and despair.

And there were the hippie communes in the 1960s and 1970s. To the best of my knowledge, as with their 19th-century predecessors, none was successful.

Still, it's an honored American tradition, and I wish the residents of this new Freedom community well. Indeed, if things at Freedom go really well, Scott and Walters may find that, thanks to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, they're going to have to allow people of all races to join them in their successful communal experiment.

Image: Robert Owen's vision for New Moral World, which was never realized. Public domain work.
Border areas on high alert after COVID cases surge in Myanmar

BANGKOK: The Ministry of Public Health is still worried about COVID-19 infections in Myanmar following predictions that the virus could reach the Thai-Myanmar border in the next two weeks.

COVID-19

By Bangkok Post

Tuesday 8 September 2020, 09:03AM

Security authorities patrol the Moei River in Tak province to prevent illegal immigration. Photo: Assawin Pinitwong / Bangkok Post

The director of the Division of Communicable Diseases, Sophon Iamsirithavorn, said the COVID-19 situation in Myanmar was a great concern as the country was now reporting more than 100 cases per day in many cities, reports the Bangkok Post.

The disease had started to spread from Rakhine state on the west coast to the central region, he said, and although Myanmars COVID-19 hotspots were still far from Thailand, it was forecast that the virus would spread to the border areas in two weeks time.

Dr Sophon said stringent measures had already been put in place along the border.

Regarding South Koreas report of a 50-year-old infected man who had just returned from Thailand, he said officials in Bangkok had requested the persons details from the Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea so they could investigate the infection.

Col Akekapong Krittayakiatchuti, Commander of the 12th Ranger Forces Regiment Control Group, on Monday led a team of officers to at-risk patrol areas along the Thai-Cambodia borders in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo, including the famous Rong Kluea Market, in an effort to prevent COVID-19 entering Thailand.

Three Cambodian men were arrested while crawling under razor wire fences from Poipet in Cambodia and all were immediately screened for the virus.

They admitted trying to sneak into Thailand to sell goods at the market, saying they used to be stall vendors there but the pandemic had prevented them from reentering Thailand for more than four months.

The Department of Disease Control on Monday reported the results of COVID-19 investigations after a male inmate tested positive for the virus on Sept 3, saying that 520 of 990 people who had been in contact with him had tested negative for the virus.

Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang said the Department of Health of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration had dispatched a team to the condominium where the infected man lived and found that 149 people there had been in close contact with him.

Six people in his family tested negative, however, and were now staying in a local quarantine facility. The other 143 also tested negative and had self-quarantined.

The inmate works as a DJ at two bars, on Rama III Road and Khao San Road. The authorities have shut both places until further notice.

The government on Monday (Sept 7) reported one new case of the coronavirus over the past 24 hours, a returnee from India, as total cases rose to 3,445.

The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said the Thai worker, aged 27, arrived last Tuesday on the same flight as a previously confirmed case.

He has been quarantined in Bangkok and the infection confirmed in his first test on Saturday, even though he was asymptomatic.

So far, the infection rate among more than 3,000 people who have arrived from India stands at 10.1%. Of Thailands 3,445 cases, 95.2% have recovered and 106 are in hospital.
With the Centre clarifying that the only option available to states to receive the GST compensation is for them to borrow, most states, including some ruled by non-BJP parties, are likely to opt for the first of the two options offered at the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting.

Their acceptance, which is likely to be confirmed to the Union finance ministry soon, will put an end to the controversy surrounding the compensation payments.

The Centre, at the GST council meeting on August 27, gave two option to the states even as it admitted to a total shortfall of Rs 2.35 lakh crore. One, to borrow the projected GST shortfall of Rs 97,000 crore from a special window of the Reserve Bank of India, with both the principal and the interest coming from the compensation cess fund  along with Fiscal Regulatory and Budget Management (FRBM) relaxation of 0.5 percentage point.

Or to borrow the entire projected shortfall of Rs 2.35 lakh crore  both on account of losses arising from implementation of GST and that arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. States have to bear the interest cost in this case.

To be sure, the finance ministry has said it is committed to paying the total compensation  only, states will have to wait for the bit arising from Covid-19 till the compensation cess fund is extended.

Also read: GST compensation to states a legal obligation, Ashok Gehlot tells PM Modi

The compensation cess is derived from taxes on sin and luxury goods such as tobacco, cars and aerated drinks.

Under The GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017, states are guaranteed compensation for loss of revenue on account of implementation of GST for a transition period of five years (2017-22). The compensation is calculated based on the difference between the states current GST revenue and the protected revenue after estimating an annualised 14% growth rate from the base year of 2015-16. The council is also working on extending the 2022 deadline for another five years.

At the GST council meeting, at least five states  Kerala, Punjab, West Bengal, Puducherry and Delhi  voiced their concerns over the proposals. They wanted the Centre to borrow and pay the GST shortfall to the states, a suggestion that was rejected by the Centre.

We have to take what is on the table, said a Kerala finance department official. While noting our dissent to the options, we may opt for the first option as it has lesser burden on the state finances. Everything is under discussion.

Also read: GST means economic apocalypse: Rahul Gandhis latest jibe at govt over economy in new video

Kerala finance minister, Thomas Issac, who tested Covid positive on Sunday, was one of the first ones to oppose the options, and accused the Centre of going back on its commitment.

An official from Maharashtra, another state which opposed the Centres options, said it may also go for the first option. What other option we have? the official asked, adding that without GST revenue, the state would not be able to pay salaries to its employees and fund various anti-Covid programmes.

Manoj Saunik, Maharashtras additional chief secretary, finance, said: We are weighing the options. It will be finalised and conveyed to the Centre in a day or two.

Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi opposing the two options saying they were in violation of the GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017 and said applying 10% (nominal) growth to project a higher revenue loss due to Covid is statistically untenable and factually unsound, a year after the actual growth was just 4.2%. Nominal growth in 219-20 was 7.2%.

It is the obligation of the Central Government to ensure that the states receive, without liability, the full amount of compensation, notwithstanding the shortfall in the collection of cess and that the compensation can neither be increased nor decreased without amending this Act, he wrote.

He also said that late Arun Jaitley , finance minister at the time GST was launched, had stated that the GST Council could consider raising additional resources including through borrowing but it was never the understanding that the states would borrow this additional amount. The Council does not have the power to alter the compensation mechanism without getting the Act amended, he wrote.

The Haryana government has decided to go for option 1 as the borrowing will be over and above any other borrowing ceilings eligible notified by the department of expenditure. The special window will not be treated as debt of the state for any norms prescribed by the Finance Commission, a Haryana official said.

The first charge on the GST compensation cess each year will be the interest payable. The second charge will be the principal repayment. The remaining arrears of compensation accrued during the transition period will be paid after the interest and principal are paid, added this official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A Madhya Pradesh finance department official said the state would go for option 1 . Bihar has already communicated to the Union finance ministry that it has chosen option 1.

We have given in writing to the union finance ministry that Bihar will go with option one, said deputy chief minister cum finance minister Sushil Kumar Modi.

Sowjanya (who goes by just one name), secretary, Uttarakhand finance department, said that the state government has not taken a final decision on the matter and will respond to Central government soon.

(With inputs from state bureau)

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The Jammu and Kashmir administration is set to kick-off its back to village (B2V) programme next month to address the growing disconnect between people and the official machinery amid the pandemic.

However, grassroots level political workers in the Valley have termed it administrations attempt to marginalise them in the absence of an elected regime.

The programme, during which thousands of officers will spread out in different villages of the UT to address public grievances, is a first since Manoj Sinha took over as the new Lieutenant governor of J&K last month. Earlier, two B2V programmes were held in June and November last year.

For the past two weeks, Sinha has been visiting various districts meeting delegations of people and students as part of his public outreach programme.

MP from South Kashmir and senior NC leader, Hasnain Masoodi, said B2V is only a slogan to portray it as an alternative to traditional politics.

We have seen that B2V programmes have not delivered at the ground level. If we go from place to place there is no imprint at all. We find people of marginalised sections have same problems. Affordable housing is not implemented at all and safe drinking water is available for less than 40 percent of the population, Masoodi said.

People have become increasingly conscious of the absence of a political system. The whole exercise is to marginalise the political workers at the grassroots level. It is bureaucracy trying to create an alternative parallel to the conventional politics, but they are not able to do it, he said.

The third phase of B2V programme, scheduled in two steps from September 10 to 20 as pre-B2V and October 2 to 20, would be held at a time when the daily number of Covid-19 cases has been showing a sharp spike in the UT.

Since September 3, the number of daily infections has been hovering above 1,000, a new trend since the pandemic began. On September 8, as many as 1,355 persons tested positive in the highest single-day spike in J&K so far. The total number of positive cases has reached 45,925 till September 8,of which 32,722 are in Kashmir and 13,203 in Jammu. Not only that, the region has recorded 815 deaths  112 of them in first eight days of September, 326 in August and 276 in July.

Notwithstanding the grim Covid-19 statistics, information director Syed Sehrish Asgar chaired a preparatory meeting of her officers to discuss the arrangements for the conduct of the third phase of B2V programme. It was decided in the meeting that to raise awareness, cultural officers of both the divisions of Kashmir and Jammu shall organise Nukad Nataks at block, district, divisional and UT levels by strictly adhering to SoPs and Covid-19 guidelines, a government spokesman said.

Earlier on September 5, Rohit Kansal, principal secretary of power development and information departments, who is also government spokesperson, had claimed in a press conference that the programme has generated huge interest among people and the administration has decided another version of the programme in the form of B2V-III.

We are confident that the entire next month will be a festival of public grievance redressal, public service delivery and development at the panchayat level, he said.
The first World Solar Technology Summit of the International Solar Alliance ( ISA ) to be hosted by India on Tuesday will see efforts to help NTPC Ltd secure solar projects in ISAs 47 least developed and small island members, two people aware of the development said, adding the ISA will also be appointed as the nodal agency to implement Indias global electricity grid plans.

ISA will also help provide solar pumps for Uganda, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Senegal, Mozambique, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga and Kiribati, an assistance which may be extended later to other ISA member countries by partnering with Seoul-based Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).

ISA has managed to bring down the cost of solar pumps by half, Mint reported earlier. Indias state-run Energy Efficiency Services Ltd conducted the largest global price discovery exercise by aggregating demand from 22 ISA member nations, in a potential order valued at $2.7 billion.

GGGI and the ISA will sign a partnership agreement to provide technical assistance in deploying one million solar irrigation pumps.

ISA also plans to sign a partnership agreement with the Paris-based International Institute of Refrigeration to set up solar heating and cooling demonstration projects in member countries.

The whos who of the global solar landscape is expected to attend the virtual summit, hosted by the first treaty-based international government organization headquartered in India. The summit by the alliance, which has become a significant foreign policy tool for India, comes in the backdrop of Chinas attempts to co-opt countries into its ambitious One Belt One Road initiative.

Queries emailed to spokespersons for ISA and NTPC on late Sunday night wasnt immediately answered.

More than 26,000 participants from 149 countries have registered to join the virtual summit which is expected to bring the spotlight on accelerating affordable and sustainable clean green energy by showcasing and deliberating on innovative state-of-the-art next generation technologies in solar power," the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) said in a statement.

The summit will showcase new technologies to boost solar deployment at an affordable cost and will also be attended by ministers of 67 ISA member nations, global chief executives and multilateral institutions.

India and France have front-ended attempts to set up ISA, which has become Indias calling card on climate change, with France terming it a political project".

India has been trying to leverage ISA to execute the ambitious One Sun One World One Grid, that seeks to transfer solar power generated in one region to feed the electricity demands of others. According to the partnership agreement to be inked between the ISA, MNRE and the World Bank, it will be the ISA that will manage the bid process management and the global grid implementation plan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been championing the global electricity grid plan. As many as 84 countries have signed the ISA framework agreement, and 67 have ratified it. Germany has also expressed interest in joining ISA.

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Chinese police wanted to question Bill Birtles and Michael Smith in Cheng Lei case, the Australian presenter arrested on August 14. Canberra had advised the two reporters to leave China. The tensions between the two countries behind the flight. Beijings clamp down on journalists from hostile countries.

Beijing (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Canberra authorities have advised two Australian journalists to leave China immeditaley. This was announced today by Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

Bill Birtles of the ABC and Michael Smith of the Australian Financial Review flew from Shanghai last night: both had found refuge in the diplomatic offices of their country after the Chinese police raided their homes on September 3.

The Chinese law enforcement agencies wanted to ask the two reporters questions about Cheng Lei, an Australian presenter who works for the Chinese state television CGTN, who was arrested on August 14. The woman is now "under surveillance in a designated residence". A few days before the raid, the Australian foreign ministry advised Smith and Birtles to leave China.

According to several observers, the pressure on Smith and Birtles, and the arrest of Cheng Lei, are a retaliation by the Chinese government against Australia. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since Canberra accused Beijing of spying, unfair business practices, violating international norms in the South China Sea, cracking down on dissent in Hong Kong and lying about the coronavirus pandemic.

In January 2019, Beijing had already imprisoned Yang Hengjun, another Australian reporter of Chinese origin: he is charged with espionage.

Foreign journalists, or those who work for publications in countries in poor standing with China are increasingly targeted by the Chinese government.

In recent days, a Los Angeles Times reporter was arrested and then deported from Inner Mongolia as she followed the protests that are shaking China's northern region. In March, Beijing expelled the correspondents of three major US newspapers: a response to the Trump administration's decision to consider some Chinese media operating in the United States as "foreign missions", on a par with diplomatic ones.
After four months of intensive treatment at the Hanoi-based Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, M.J.J, 33, has recovered following his accident and was reunited with his family in the US.

Earlier, on April 20, the hospitals Intensive Care Unit (ICU) received the patient who was suffering from severe traumatic brain injury and had to rely on a ventilator to maintain his life after the traffic accident.

On the CT scan, doctors found that the American had a hematoma under the right hemisphere. He was urgently completed all the necessary tests to have an emergency surgery within the day he was hospitalised at Viet Duc Hospital. Neurosurgery specialists performed surgery to open his skull and remove the hematoma to release the patient's brain.

Dr. Bui Huy Manh, who directly operated the surgery, said an acute subdural hematoma often presents headache, vomiting, nausea, stiff neck, epilepsy, convulsion and coma. If it is left untreated, it can damage the nervous system and lead to death. Most of the dangerous traumatic brain injuries caused by accidents, especially traffic accidents, if not handled in time, can affect the patient's life or cause life-long sequelae.

After the surgery, the patient was transferred to the ICU with a 38C fever receiving mechanical ventilation. 22 days later, thanks to intensive care at the department, the patient was removed from ventilator support and vasopressor. With a stable health status, he was released from the ICU to continue treatment in a normal hospital room.

On June 25, M.J.J was re-examined with good healing surgery scar. His skull CT scan showed an image of a cranial bone defect. The patient was consulted by specialists on cranial neurosurgery and prepared for a second surgery under the autologous cranial bone graft method.

The following day, right after the second surgery, the patient was awake and could communicate with stable survival indicators. Post-operative examination one week later showed that his wound healed well, the brain was in a stable condition and the grafted skull bone was good.

Prof., Dr. Tran Binh Giang - Director of Viet Duc Friendship Hospital visiting the patient.



M.J.J was hospitalised in April 2020 when COVID-19 laid negative impact in Hanoi and the whole country. The patient did not have a relative to take care of him and could not communicate. His visa expired on April 26 and Viet Duc Hospital had to send a notice to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health and the US Embassy in Vietnam to contact his family members in the US and to seek maximum support for him.

The hospitals International Cooperation Department, in close coordination with the US Embassy, actively assisted the patient in foreign affairs, as well as serving as a bridge between his family and the hospital to exchange timely and accurate information between the two sides.

In addition to supporting the foreign patient, the department has helped his family overcome language barriers to motivate them during the treatment for the patient in Hanoi. The hospital also repeatedly conducted consultations under the direction of the hospital director to come up with the best care options.

Thanks to the relentless efforts from medical staff at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital and his friends in Vietnam, M.J.J was discharged late August and allowed to return home. A support team led by Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Duc Chinh  the head of the hospitals International Cooperation Department, and his colleagues accompanied the patient to the airport to return him home in a stable health condition.

The patient has been reunited with his family.



As soon as he arrived San Francisco, USA, his family was happy to report to the hospital that the patient was in a stable condition and would soon receive rehabilitation treatment in his homeland. They once again conveyed their sincere thanks to Viet Duc Hospital.

With a sense of responsibility and high level of expertise, doctors at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital saved the patients life, while dedicating themselves to care and support him in the best conditions during his treatment at the hospital.

Prof., Dr. Tran Binh Giang, Director of Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, said that his hospital is striving to remove all "bottlenecks" in order to develop it into an international-class treatment facility, thus attracting overseas Vietnamese returning home for treatment as well as encouraging foreign patients to choose to stay in Vietnam for medical treatment.
Antifa members line up to challenge a rally in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 17, 2019. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Biden Condemns Antifa, Calls on President to Condemn Far Right Folks

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden for the first time on Monday explicitly condemned Antifa, the far-left, anarcho-communist network linked to violence at a number of protests and riots.

Biden told WGAL, a Pennsylvania broadcaster, that he has condemned violence across the board.

The president still hasnt condemned the far right folks coming out and protesting and using violence, Biden added.

Some supporters of President Donald Trump have wielded paintball guns and other weapons and clashed with counter-demonstrators at recent events. Trump said last week he doesnt want supporters to engage with counter-protesters.

Biden was then asked directly whether he condemns Antifa.

Yes, I do. Absolutely. Violence no matter who it is, the 77-year-old former vice president said.

It is the first time Biden has condemned Antifa.

A recent Epoch Times poll found that only 10 percent of respondents had a favorable view of the far-left network.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden (L) speaks to reporters in Wilmington, Del., on Aug. 13, 2020. (R) President Donald Trump before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on June 27, 2018. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images; Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Both Biden and Trump condemned riots in Kenosha in late August but diverged on how to quell the unrest.

Trump denounced the violence and asked the governor of Wisconsin to deploy the National Guard and accept federal assistance to catch and deter the rioters. Biden suggested that Americans should unite and heal, do justice, end the violence, and end systemic racism in this country now, but omitted any mention of a law enforcement response.

Trump has singled out Antifa multiple times, as have top members of his administration.

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, Attorney General William Barr said last week.

Trump, speaking to reporters in Washington on Aug. 31, noted that Biden in a speech didnt mention Antifa.

He didnt mention the far left, or, from what I saw, I dont believe he mentioned the word Antifa,' Trump said.

Antifa is a criminal organization, and he didnt mention Antifa thugs, but mostly seemed to blame the police and law enforcement.

Ivan Pentchoukov contributed to this report.
The first-day-of-school jitters felt different for Juliette Jijon as she walked to McElwain Elementary school with her mother, Cindy Lilholt.

She already had met her third-grade classmates and teacher over Zoom calls after Katy ISD began classes virtually three weeks ago, but Tuesday was the first time she set foot on the new elementary schools campus. More than that, she said it was the first time she had seen so many people since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools and normal ground to a halt back in March.

Im ready to see somebody because I havent really been able to go outside cause of this virus, Juliette said. Its kind of sad, but now Ill get to see at least some people, you know, standing in front of you.

Tens of thousands of students across greater Houston reported back to their classrooms on Tuesday, marking the largest return to campuses in about six months. More than a dozen local districts began in-person instruction this week, including Katy, Cypress-Fairbanks, Spring Branch, Klein, Pasadena and Conroe ISDs.

Now Playing: First day of in-person school at McElwain Elementary in Katy Video: Houston Chronicle

The districts had pushed back the start of their school years until after Labor Day or had students begin instruction online, hoping the COVID-19 infection rate and number of hospitalizations would decrease.

Houston ISD, the states largest district, also returned to class Tuesday in an online-only format. The district plans to remain virtual for at least the first six weeks of the year.

Almost immediately, families were greeted by a technical glitch that caused trouble logging into the HUB, HISDs central location for accessing classwork. District officials said a web server host, Blackboard Inc., experienced an issue that crashed HISDs website, but families were notified of an alternate link to the HUB about an hour later.

In a statement, a Blackboard official said the company planned for increased traffic Tuesday, but the patterns of usage exceeded what we anticipated.

While the vast majority of HISD students stayed home, a small percentage lacking at-home computer and Internet access were allowed to spend the day at one of 36 learning centers opened by the district and churches across the city. Despite distributing nearly 100,000 computers, tablets and hotspots in the past six months, HISD officials estimated about 12,200 students did not have technology at home by Tuesday.

HISD officials did not specify how many students went to learning centers Tuesday, though only 50 children attended three locations open to the media.

Shortly before 7:30 a.m., Dequandria Russell and her 8-year-old son, Jermiah, arrived at a learning center hosted by Trinity United Methodist Church in Third Ward. About a dozen HISD staff members and church volunteers cheered upon their arrival, ushering them into a building arranged for 50 students.

Inside, students were placed in two rooms at computers spaced several feet apart. Mask-clad HISD administrators and support staffers buzzed around, helping keep the children connected and on task.

My main focus was, I cant give my son what the teachers can, so I was very worried about him not coming to school, Russell said.

While the infection rate is at its lowest point since June, Harris County health officials had warned that it still is too early to bring students back without risking more outbreaks. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Public Health Executive Director Umair Shah set recommended benchmarks for schools to begin reopening, but it still could take weeks to reach them.

After a handful of districts reopened their campuses for in-person instruction, some schools reported cases of students and staff testing positive for COVID-19. In those instances, students and staff who shared a classroom with an infected person were told to self-quarantine and switch to remote learning.

A school nurse at Katy ISDs Morton Ranch High died of the virus Friday. KHOU reported she was hospitalized on Aug. 8, and Katy ISD teachers and staff did not report back to campuses until Aug. 7 and Aug. 10.

Some school leaders and parents argue that children are at lower risk of experiencing complications due to the coronavirus and that the academic and social aspects of in-person education outweigh the potential health risks. Ken Gregorski, superintendent of Katy ISD, said the district took as many safety precautions as it could so students could come back.

In-person instruction, there is no substitute for that, Gregorski said. Being in front of that teacher, having that interaction, talking to your peers. I think thats what everybody is excited about.

About 40,000 Katy ISD students were expected to go back to their schools Tuesday, while roughly 43,000 opted to keep learning remotely through the districts new Katy Virtual Academy.

For Vanessa and Dustin Trautwein, the choice to send their kids back was made easier after consulting with their doctors. Fifth grader Ansley was eager to go back, but 5-year-old twins Brantley and Brynley were diagnosed with asthma when they were 1. One of Brantleys asthma attacks was so bad he had to stay in a hospital for nearly two weeks and was put on a ventilator. They consulted with the twins breathing specialist and pediatrician before opting to send them back.

Their doctors, both of them, said the sooner they get back to school the better. That was their recommendation, Dustin said.

Teachers at their school and across Katy ISD are dedicated 100 percent to their in-person students or 100 percent virtual. Gregorski said high school teachers could teach several class periods in-person and another few just for their online students, creating a clear separation between the two programs. However, a small number of classes have in-person and virtual students learning at the same time.

That is not the case at Spring Creek High School in Spring Branch ISD. Teachers there and in other districts instruct students in the classroom and online at the same time. Only some of the students who chose in-person instruction were on campus Tuesday  the campus is operating on an A/B schedule this week in which two groups of students alternate between in-person and online instruction on separate days.

Only two students sat in Ryan Beelers Advance Placement environmental science class during seventh period Tuesday, while 11 logged in virtually. He had two screens pulled up on his desk: one showed the faces of his students on Zoom while the other let him track their progress on a warm-up assignment in real time.

Although he and his students started the school year virtually two weeks ago, and this is his eighth year teaching, he said it all feels new.

I felt like a brand-new teacher when we started just on Zoom, and today I felt like a brand-new teacher again, Beeler said. All the best practices I developed over eight years do not apply now.

It also felt different to Jonathan Garcia, who sat in the front row of Beelers class, and watched the teacher divide his attention between students learning from home and the two in his classroom.

Its the human interaction part of it, the 17-year-old said. Its more engaging. Humans communicate both through talking and through their bodies. When youre in person, you can just see that. It just feels more normal.

Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect that a small number of Katy ISD classes will teach virtual and in-person students at the same time.

Brett Coomer contributed to this report.

shelby.webb@chron.com

jacob.carpenter@chron.com
Bengaluru, Sep 8 : Leading edtech startup Byju's has raised $500 million (approximately Rs 3,689 crore) in a new funding round led by global technology investment firm Silver Lake, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.

Existing investors Tiger Global, General Atlantic and Owl Ventures also participated in this round which put the edtech startup's valuation at $10.8 billion.

The new investment comes barely a month after Byju's acquired WhiteHat Jr., a Mumbai based coding platform, for $300 million.

Byju's confirmed the new investment round without disclosing the amount raised.

"We are excited to welcome a strong partner like Silver Lake to the BYJU'S family," Byju Raveendran, Founder and CEO of Byju's said in a statement.

"We are fortunate to be in a sector of positive relevance during this crisis. This has brought online learning to the forefront and is helping parents, teachers and students experience and understand its value." In response to the closure of schools due to the ongoing pandemic, the company had made content on its learning app free for all students.

Over the last few months, Byju's has entered the after-school learning space with the launch of Byju's Classes, an online tutoring programme.

"We are delighted to lead this investment and partner with Byju and his impressive team of education technology pioneers in their mission to help children in India and around the world achieve their true potential," said Greg Mondre, Co-CEO of Silver Lake.

"We look forward to working with them as BYJU'S builds on and accelerates its compelling growth trajectory by forging new partnerships and continuing to cultivate a comprehensive ecosystem of innovative educational offerings." Byju's said it has seen over 20 million new students starting learning from its platform for free since the lockdown.

The app currently has over 64 million registered students and 4.2 million annual paid subscriptions.

Byju's said it had doubled its revenue from Rs 1,430 crore to Rs 2,800 crore in fiscal 2019-2020.
Special operation soldiers of the Chinese naval fleet for escort mission wave farewell on the deck at a port in Zhoushan, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 28, 2020. (Photo by Jiang Shan/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese military spokesperson has slammed as unfounded a recent article by U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper against the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The article was full of Cold War mentality and ideological bias, groundlessly misrepresented the PLA, and hyped up the so-called "Chinese military threat," Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said Sunday.

Published in late August, the article titled "The Pentagon Is Prepared for China" claimed that the PLA "is not a military that serves the nation," but belongs to and serves the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Voicing firm opposition to the article, Ren said facts have proved that any attempt to sever the close ties between the Chinese military and the people is doomed to fail.

China's Constitution has made it clear that the Chinese armed forces belong to the people. Led by the CPC, the PLA shares the purpose of the Party, which is to wholeheartedly serve the people, Ren said.

The armed forces have made huge sacrifices for national independence and the people's liberation, and made outstanding contributions to economic growth, disaster relief and safeguarding lives and property, he added.

Since its founding in 1949, the People's Republic of China has never started a war or occupied an inch of others' land. The development of China's military force contributes to the growth of world's peaceful forces, Ren said.

Calling the U.S. attempt to play up regional tensions and sow discord between China and other countries in the region a pipe dream, Ren said the Chinese armed forces will continue to play their due role in building a world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D.  A study by a California research group estimates that the Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota led to more than 260,000 coronavirus cases in the month following the event.

Researchers from the Center for Health Economics and Policy Studies at San Diego State University published their findings Saturday in a 63-page report.

The estimate is dramatically more than the number of cases tied to the rally reported by both the South Dakota health department and the Associated Press.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Tuesday said the study was "fiction," and she criticized journalists who reported on it.

The goal of the study was to estimate the impacts of a single "super-spreader" event on the spread of COVID-19. The same group has conducted similar studies on cases resulting from events like the nationwide Black Lives Matter rallies and the June political rally for President Donald Trump in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Previously: First COVID-19 death linked to massive Sturgis biker rally; cases reported across the nation

Thousands of bikers rode through the streets for the opening day of the 80th annual Sturgis Motorcycle rally Friday, Aug. 7, 2020, in Sturgis, S.D.

Using cellphone data as part of their analysis, the researchers identified areas that saw lots of rallygoers and tracked cases before and after the event. Those findings, paired with a per-case cost estimate from another team of economists, conclude the rally may have generated a public health cost of about $12.2 billion.

"Even though the event benefited South Dakota economically, the majority of the health cost is being borne by the rest of the country," Andrew Friedson, one of four authors of the study, told the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, part of the USA TODAY Network, on Monday.

State epidemiologist: 'The results do not align with what we know'

Noem on Tuesday came to the defense of rally attendees while dealing harsh criticism to the study.

"Under the guise of academic research, this report is nothing short of an attack on those who exercised their personal freedom to attend Sturgis, Noem said in the statement. "Predictably, some in the media breathlessly report on this non-peer reviewed model, built on incredibly faulty assumptions that do not reflect the actual facts and data here in South Dakota."

Story continues

Noem's criticism comes hours after similar scrutiny from the state's top health officials.

The number of cases estimated in the study differs significantly from the number of cases tied to the rally reported by the South Dakota Department of Health. As of Tuesday, the state reported 124 cases among South Dakota residents who got sick after attending the rally.

The Associated Press as of last week identified 290 cases from 12 states tied to the rally.

"The results do not align with what we know for the impacts of the rally," state epidemiologist Josh Clayton said Tuesday.

That discrepancy is because the state is identifying specific cases through contact tracing. The study takes a different approach.

Instead of looking at contact tracing and trying to identify specific people who had the disease and passed it on to others, the San Diego researchers looked at the areas that sent the most people to the rally and how case trends changed after the event.

"We're never going to be able to contact trace every single person from Sturgis," Friedson said. "So if we want a good-faith estimate using, at the moment, the accepted statistical techniques ... this is the best number we're going to get in my opinion."

Smash Mouth is under fire after playing to a packed, unmasked crowd at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.

South Dakota Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon disagreed with the methodology of the study Tuesday, questioning the link between cellphone data and cases. She and Clayton also noted that the research paper is not peer-reviewed at this point.

The public health cost estimate comes in large part from a separate study published last month by two economists. This study found nonfatal COVID-19 cases cost a weighted average of $46,000 per case. Using that number  and assuming all rally cases were nonfatal  the San Diego researchers estimated a public health cost of $12.2 billion.

Where is coronavirus in South Dakota? View data on ages, counties and gender

"This is enough to have paid each of the estimated 462,182 rally attendees $26,553.64 not to attend," the paper read.

Malsam-Rysdon said she hasn't seen the research behind that cost estimate, but she cautioned against taking it at face value.

"I would just caution you about putting too much stock into models ... that can't be verified by other factual numbers," Malsam-Rysdon said in reference to the study. "I think that is the case with that particular white paper."

Earlier studies on the Tulsa and Black Lives Matter rallies didn't find a subsequent uptick in cases, Friedson said, and that's largely because he and his co-authors found the new cases were offset by more people in those areas staying home during those events.

What's unique about Sturgis, though, is its small population. Even if everybody in town stayed home for the duration of the rally, it wouldn't be enough to offset the hundreds of thousands of attendees, Friedson said.

Historic wildfires rage across Pacific Northwest: Smoke reaches as far as New Mexico; Washington town devastated

The classroom and COVID-19: Teachers say they want to be treated like real people

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Sturgis Rally: Study ties 260,000 COVID-19 cases to South Dakota event
Call of Duty: Mobile and Garena Free Fire were among the top three games in the Play Store and App Store last week, shortly after the ban on PUBG Mobile was announced.

PUBG Mobile along with 117 Chinese apps were banned in India last week. Just two days later it was removed from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. PUBG Mobile was one of the most popular games in India, and the top battle royale game. Following its ban, other games such as Call of Duty: Mobile and Garena Free Fire have been witnessing a higher uptick in downloads.

According to a report by Entrackr, Garena Free Fire and Call of Duty: Mobile were among top three downloaded games on Play Store and App Store between September 2 and 5. This is based on data from Sensor Tower, the report said. Garena Free Fire witnessed 2.1 million downloads during this period, while Call of Duty Mobile received some 1.15 million downloads. At present, Garena Free Fire is the top free and grossing game on the Play Store.

Shortly after the ban of PUBG Mobile in India, there was speculation that COD Mobile could be banned in India too due to Activisions partnership with Tencent Games. However, it was reported in August that Activision cut off ties with Tencent following US President Donald Trumps order.

Another game that joined COD Mobile and Garena Free Fire is Ludo King. During the same period, Ludo King garnered 1.52 million downloads in India. Ludo King had even beated PUBG Mobile during the April-June period this year. It achieved around 48.3 million downloads as opposed to the 30.8 million installs of PUBG Mobile in India.

PUBG Mobile can still be played in India but its server could be blocked very soon.
Passengers arrived as Bali's tourism reopened for domestic visitors at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia on July 31, 2020.

A spike in coronavirus infections in Indonesia's holiday island of Bali and Thailand's first locally transmitted case in 100 days have dealt

further blows to Southeast Asian hopes of reviving vital tourism industries.

Plans to reopen Bali to foreign tourists from September have been postponed indefinitely, while Thailand's proposal for the cautious reopening of Phuket island has come into doubt.

As well as trying to encourage domestic tourism industries, some Southeast Asian countries have been considering "travel bubbles" with others as a way to get businesses restarted.

Bali initially appeared to weather the health crisis better than other parts of Indonesia, which has suffered Southeast Asia's biggest death toll by far. But coronavirus cases have spiked after it reopened its borders to domestic tourism at the end of July.

"Increasing domestic tourism is one important factor for increasing cases in Bali," said Dr. Pandu Riono, an epidemiologist from the University of Indonesia.

While Ketut Suarjaya, the head of Bali's health agency, said domestic tourism was not to blame for the spike in cases, others see Bali's experience as a warning of the dangers of reopening borders too soon.

Epidemiologists and public health experts said the arrival of tourists in Bali not only made infection from other parts of Indonesia more likely, but underscored the country's shortcomings in tackling the pandemic, namely a lack of testing and contract tracing.

Public health experts also said another likely contributing factor was the arrival of the more infectious mutation of the virus, known as D614G.

Bali posted a record 196 coronavirus cases on Friday, the fifth consecutive daily record. Daily cases in the holiday island almost tripled on average over the past six weeks, while the death tally doubled to 116 over that period.

Bali souvenir shop owner Kamil, who goes only by one name as is common in Indonesia, said he still wasn't doing much business but tried not to get too stressed.

"I just leave it to God because we cannot predict the future," he said. "All we can do now is run the business according to health protocols."
Another approximately 1,000 grizzly bears roam the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem and recovery area, which covers about 8,900 square miles along the spine of Montanas Rocky Mountains from the Canadian border south almost to Missoula and Helena. Those bears are considered a distinct population segment from the GYE bears and other recovery areas, and would not be affected by a GYE delisting.

The science has long proven that the grizzly bear population in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem has fully recovered, Daines said on Tuesday. Delisting the grizzly bear is in the best interest of our communities, public safety, the ecosystem, wildlife, and the grizzly bear itself. Montana has proven they can conserve and manage the species and its time to return management to the state.

The bill hearing comes two days before Montanas Grizzly Bear Advisory Council delivers its report to the state Environmental Quality Council with recommendations for grizzly management. One member of that council, Stoltze Land and Lumber President Chuck Roady, will testify on Wednesday in favor of the bill. However, another council member, Nick Gevock of the Montana Wildlife Federation, said his organization objected to the bill.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8)  The central bank on Tuesday launched the digital Personal Equity and Retirement Account or PERA platform, which could help more Filipinos save for retirement on top of mandatory pension premiums.

"Leveraging on digital technology, we revolutionized the PERA investment process by creating a one-stop shop digital experience for investor education, client on-boarding, settlement of transactions, and monitoring of PERA investments," Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said during the platform's virtual launch.

Users may open or access their PERA accounts anytime and anywhere using a mobile gadget, he added.

PERA was established under Republic Act No. 9505, which was enacted in 2008, to help Filipinos come up with funds which may be used post-retirement.

Despite its implementation in December 2016, Diokno said PERA is underutilized, with only over 1,500 Filipinos having invested in the platform as of end-July, posting total contributions of 137 million.

Citing a recent survey, Diokno said Filipinos only set aside 3.6 months' worth of income for retirement, which is below Asia's regional average of 2.9 years.

In a separate interview during the 'Laging Handa' briefing on Sept. 30, Diokno said any Filipino with a tax identification number and has the capacity to invest could become a PERA contributor.

He said the maximum contribution is 100,000 per year, except for Filipinos abroad who can contribute up to 200,000 annually. For the married, a husband and wife can contribute up to 100,000 each.

The minimum contribution is 10,000.

With the retirement fund going online, the BSP hopes to get five million Filipinos on board in five years' time. Among its perks are cheaper costs for online transactions and contributions being tax free and even providing tax credits in partnership with the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III welcomed the platform, saying it is "a major step towards the broadening of financial inclusion by enabling a convenient, safe, and seamless medium for both investment and retirement savings for the Filipino people."

The platform also creates a new source of capital for economic growth by deepening the country's local debt market with the conversion of savings into investable funds, which can then be tapped by local companies, he added.
New Delhi: The initial public offer of IT services firm Happiest Minds Technologies was subscribed 2.87 times on the first day of bidding on Monday.

The IPO received bids for 6,67,09,800 shares against total issue size of 2,32,59,550 shares, according to data available with the NSE.

Qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) category was subscribed 8 per cent, non-institutional investors 62 per cent and retail individual investors 14.61 times.

Happiest Minds Technologies has raised Rs 316 crore from anchor investors.

The IPO will close on Wednesday (September 9). The price band of the offer has been fixed at Rs 165 to Rs 166 per equity share.

The offer comprises a fresh issuance of shares aggregating up to Rs 110 crore and an offer for sale of up to 3.56 crore equity shares.

At the upper end of the price band, the IPO will fetch Rs 702 crore.

The company's promoter Ashok Soota will offer 8,414,223 equity shares and CMDB-ll (JP Morgan Asset Management) will offer 27,249,362 scrips through the offer-for-sale route.

Soota was also the founding chairman and managing director of MindTree Ltd. Prior to this, he was the vice-chairman of Wipro Ltd.

The IT company proposes to utilise the net proceeds from the fresh issue for meeting long-term working capital needs and general corporate purposes.

The Bengaluru-based company's shares are proposed to be listed on the BSE and the NSE.

ICICI Securities and Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) are the managers for the offer.
PHOENIX - The Arizona Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected Kanye Wests bid to appear on the states Nov. 3 ballot as an independent presidential candidate, just hours before eight of the states 15 counties faced a deadline for printing ballots.

The decision marked the end of the rappers attempt to run in Arizona. He had appealed a lower-court decision last week that barred him from the ballot.

The Supreme Court concluded Wests electors  who would have cast Electoral College votes if he had won the most votes of any candidate in Arizona failed to file an election document stated their names and political parties. The justices said any nominating signatures collected before presidential electors filed their statements of interest are invalid.

West has qualified to appear on the ballot in several states, including Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Tennessee, Utah and Mississippi. He didnt qualify in Ohio, Montana, West Virginia, Virginia, Wisconsin and other states.

Maricopa, Pima, Apache, Mohave, Pinal, Cochise, Coconino and La Paz counties face a late Tuesday afternoon deadline for printing ballots. The deadline for the remaining counties is late Wednesday afternoon.

A message left Tuesday for Tim LaSota, an attorney representing West, wasnt immediately returned. The attorneys who challenged Wests candidacy said in a statement that they were pleased that the court prevented a candidate who didnt follow Arizonas election laws from getting on the ballot at the last minute.

Last week, Wests campaign turned in nearly 58,000 nominating signatures, well over the 39,000 needed to appear on the Arizona ballot.

Over the last two weeks, more than 140 people living in other states have registered in Arizona as paid signature gatherers for West, who announced his presidential campaign on July 4. His campaign has spent more than $1 million in Arizona.

State resident Rasean Clayton filed a lawsuit seeking to bar from appearing on the ballot, accusing 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 were Republicans until they changed registrations to independent last week.

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.

Attorneys for West brushed aside criticism that West was trying to be a spoiler aimed at hurting Democratic nominee Joe Bidens chances in Arizona. They said Claytons lawsuit was aimed at denying voters a choice.
A stray kitten had to be rescued after it was found stuck inside a discarded office water dispenser in Indonesia.

The cat could barely move as its body was trapped in the plastic bottleneck while its head poked outside of the opening.

Firemen believe that a cruel local might have stuffed the kitten inside before leaving it to die.

A stray kitten was found with its head sticking out of the top of a large water bottle (pictured). A concerned local took the kitten to the local fire department in Jakarta, Indonesia

A concerned local who saw the trapped cat took it to the local firefighters in Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, to ask for help on Thursday, September 3.

The firefighters rushed to rescue the struggling cat out of the bottle, which had a one gallon capacity, by cutting the bottle neck oper using a metal tool.

West Jakarta Fire Service Office head Eko Sumarno said: 'A kind man asked us to free the cat from the bottle. The man said he would do it himself but he was afraid that he might hurt the cat further if he cut the bottleneck.'

The firefighters worked carefully to free the cat from the bottle. One used a small circular saw to cut a slit down the neck of the bottle, while the other held a metal spoon between the saw and the kitten to protect it from harm

Firemen believe that a cruel local might have stuffed the kitten inside the large bottle before leaving it to die

The rescue team first cut open the bottom of the container to easily handle the cat. Afterwards, they cut the bottleneck with a metal cutting tool.

In a video shared of the rescue, two firefighters can be seen working to free the cat from the bottle.

One of the men is shown carefully cutting a slit down the neck of the bottle with a small circular saw.

After 30 minutes, the firefighters were able to rescue the kitten from the bottle. The local who brought the cat to the fire department offered to give it a home

The operation required surgical-like precision to ensure that the kitten was not hurt by the tool.

The other man is shown holding a spoon between the part of the container that is being cut and the cat's body for safety.

The cat was safely freed after 30 minutes and the kind local who took it to the rescuers volunteered to adopt it.

It is still unknown how the cat was trapped on the water gallon, but the firefighter office is now asking residents for evidence if the animal was purposely put inside.
Warbird Digest has just received the August, 2020 report from Chuck Cravens concerning the restoration of the Dakota Territory Air Museums P-47D Thunderbolt 42-27609 at AirCorps Aviation in Bemidji, Minnesota. We thought our readers would be very interested to see how the project has progressed since our last article on this important project. So without further ado, here it goes!

Update

This month, propeller components were inspected for possible overhaul and use in the P-47 project. Wing assembly continued with work on the leading edges and ammunition boxes. Drop tank/bomb release cables and a vent for the main fuel tank were installed in the fuselage.

Propeller

The P-47-23RA used a Curtiss Electric propeller with symmetrical paddle blades to take advantage of the additional power of the water injection system on the -23RA model.

Wing Assembly

As has been the case for several weeks, the wing assemblies are still the main focus for work in the restoration shop.

Ammo Boxes

Leading Edges

Fuselage Systems

P-47 Ancestry

Alexander P. de Seversky was one of the great aviation innovators of the 1930s. The Seversky Aircraft Company he started eventually became Republic, though de Seversky had lost control of the company by the time it was reorganized as Republic Aviation Corporation.

De Seversky hired Alexander Kartveli as assistant chief engineer, and eventually Kartveli would be in charge of all designs created at Seversky Aircraft Company.

Despite being pushed aside, de Severskys influence on the designs that gradually evolved into the P-47B must be recognized. The first major progenitor of the P-47 was the SEV 3, which first flew as a float plane in 1933. One version, using a Wright Cyclone R-1820, set a new world speed record for amphibious airplanes in September of 1935  230 mph.

One reason for the speed attained by the SEV 3 was the semi elliptical wing. Kartveli designed a wing that had almost all of the efficiency advantages of the true elliptical planform, but substituted a straight leading edge that was simpler (and cheaper) to manufacture. The broad thin wing design was a feature of the P-47B and subsequent versions more than 10 years later. The Army Air Corps ordered 30 of the landplane version of the SEV 3 to be used as basic trainers, and designated them as the BT-8. However, they proved to be unsuccessful in that role, and were replaced by the much better known North American BT-9.

The next significant development in the P-47 lineage was the P-35. It was a design based on the SEV 3, but with a completely redesigned fuselage, tail surfaces and retractable landing gear. The design was created to meet the requirements for an Army Air Corps pursuit design competition. The competition took place in August 1935, but the deadline was extended to April 1936 after Curtiss-Wright complained about Seversky having extra time to refine their design.

In 1936, the P-35 was named winner of the competition and 77 were ordered. They were delivered in 1937 and 1938. The P-35 had a range of 1,150 miles, better by 400 miles than any competitor [Roger Freeman, Thunderbolt, a Documentary History of the Republic P-47, (Charles Scribners and Sons, New York, 1978), 10]. Its top speed was 290 mph and cruise was 260 mph.

1939 brought another Army pursuit competition. The Seversky team improved on the performance of the P-35 with the next major design, the P-43 Lancer. It incorporated a belly mounted turbo supercharger, cleaner airframe, and landing gear that was much more streamlined in the retracted position. By 1942, 272 P-43s had been built. An improved more powerful development, the P-44 Rocket was also designed but the contract was cancelled. The US only used the P-43 for training and photo reconnaissance, but about 125 were sent to the Chinese Air Force through the Lend Lease program and saw combat.

The next Kartveli designs the XP-47 and XP-47A, are almost unknown today. They bore little resemblance to the P-47B. They were light weight, inline engine designs, and were much smaller than the production Thunderbolts P-47B through N. The development contract for the two was cancelled before any were produced. Republic started a completely new design, but for some reason, reused the P-47 designation. The XP-47 and XP-47A are now just historical footnotes; but their existence as designs explains why the P-47 Thunderbolt model line begins with the XP-47B.

And thats all for this month. We wish to thank AirCorps Aviation, Chuck Cravens for making this report possible! We look forwards to bringing more restoration reports on progress with this rare machine in the coming months. Be safe, and be well
Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the First Lady, has donated some health items to Ho Municipal Hospital to support the work of the hospital.

The items donated were beds, hand sanitizers, disposable medical masks, blankets, bed sheets, diapers, among others.

The First Lady said the contribution was to support the Municipal Hospital to provide quality healthcare for patients.

Dr Lawrence Kumi, Medical Superintendent of the Hospital, accepted the donation on behalf of the hospital and promised to make good use of the items.

He said the items such as diapers would be presented to the children's and maternity ward.

Dr Kumi also appealed to the First Lady for more support to the facility.

Mrs Rebecca Akuffo Addo promised that she would return to the hospital soon to make more donation.

---GNA
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said the UPA government under him was very selective in allowing projects that impacted the wilderness and wildlife habitat, and was criticised for being "too restrictive".

At the same time, he said, his government believed in maintaining a proper balance between development and ecology.

He was speaking at a virtual award event of Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2019 which was conferred on British broadcaster David Attenborough.

Singh said his government was conscious of its duty to accelerate economic development and raise the standard of living of people, especially those in poverty, which he said, is the first priority of any government.

" we were very selective in allowing projects that impacted the wilderness or the habitat of wild life. Indeed, we were criticised by industrialists and those who thought we were being too restrictive. But I believe that if a proper balance is not firmly held, the results are deleterious and self-defeating," he said at the event.

He said India was an active voice in international forums and discussions on issues concerning the environment and it made positive contributions to protection of the planet.

The UPA dispensation was accused by many in the industry and outside of being slow in granting clearances to projects that affected the environment.

Singh also paid tributes to former president Pranab Mukherjee, who chaired the jury for the award for three years. Mukherjee passed away last month.

"It was under his guidance that last November, the prize was awarded to Sir David. We are very sorry to miss him on this occasion," Singh said.

The senior Congress leader said there can be no more deserving recipient of the award at this time when the world is gripped by growing anxiety over the state of our environment and planet.

He said David for over seven decades has been the human voice of nature.

In recent times, Sir David has become one of the most vocal and effective advocates of environmental protection, raising his voice against the wanton destruction of the natural world in the name of progress and the seemingly insatiable needs of the human race, Singh noted.

"How acute the situation is cannot be clearer than from the pandemic that has gripped the earth, coincidentally almost exactly one century after the great influenza epidemic. To some, this is nature''s way of telling humankind to loosen its tightening grip on the resources of the earth, to be less exploitative, to respect the needs of the natural world, especially the animal kingdom, more and slow down the pace of environmental destruction.

"But it does not need an epidemic to tell us that we are not in good shape. Climate change, the assault on the oceans, pollution of atmosphere, junk floating about in space, reduction of forest cover, extinction of life in rivers, reduction of natural habitat for any life other than humans - all this is evident to anyone who has eyes to see," the former prime minister added.
Sandbag walls set and water being pumped out of ruins of Al-Bajrawiya  site of Meroe pyramids, a World Heritage Site.

Rising Nile floodwaters are threatening to swamp an ancient archaeological site in Sudan after rivers in the country reached some of the highest ever recorded levels, archaeologists said.

Teams have set up sandbag walls and are pumping out water to prevent damage at the ruins of Al-Bajrawiya, once a royal city of the two-millennia-old Meroitic empire, Marc Maillot, head of the French Archaeological Unit in the Sudan Antiquities Service, said on Tuesday.

The floods had never affected the site before, Maillot said.

The area includes the famous Meroe pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.





Farmers along the fertile banks of the Nile, the worlds longest river, depend on its annual floods.

But water levels have risen much further than usual this year.

The situation is currently under control, but if the level of the Nile continues to rise, the measures taken may not be sufficient, Maillot said, adding that the site is usually some 500 metres (1,650 feet) away from the river.

Other ancient sites are also threatened along the Nile, according to Maillot.

Sudanese authorities last week declared a three-month national state of emergency after record-breaking floods that have killed at least 99 people so far.

Officials said they had recorded the highest waters on the Blue Nile  which joins the White Nile in the Sudanese capital Khartoum  since records began more than a century ago.

Faisal Mohamed Saleh, Sudans culture and information minister, visited the site to see the work being done to protect it.

The site, some 200km (125 miles) northeast of Khartoum, was a capital of an empire that controlled vast swaths of land from 350 BC to 350 AD.

Sudans ancient civilisations built more pyramids than the Egyptians, but many are still unexplored.
Brazil Independence Day

Washington, DC - Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo: "On behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people, I congratulate the people of the Federative Republic of Brazil on the 198th anniversary of your independence.

"The ties between the United States and Brazil have never been stronger. As the two largest democracies and economies in the Americas, our growing friendship is built on a foundation of shared democratic values. This year, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we greatly expanded our cooperation in promoting the bilateral trade and investment that helps our societies flourish. We worked together to lead the hemisphere in promoting human rights and democracy. Our partnership is deep and expansive with ongoing collaboration on security and defense as well as aerospace, science, technology, environment, health, and innovation.

"Brazils continued support for the people of Venezuela, especially the more than 264,000 who have been welcomed by the Brazilian people, is a model for the region and a testament to the values we share. President Bolsonaros visits to the United States have reaffirmed our strategic alliance, including collaboration in military research and signing an America Cresce Memorandum of Understanding to catalyze private sector investment in infrastructure and stimulate economic development in the hemisphere.

"As the people of Brazil celebrate, the United States wishes all Brazilians a wonderful 198th Independence Day."
Here are todays leading news stories:

Politics

 Vietnamese National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and Standing Vice-Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong on Monday attended a rehearsal for activities of the 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-41), which will be held online from September 8 to 10.

 Vietnam's acting Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long and Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio on Monday signed a diplomatic note, in which Japan pledged to provide medical equipment worth VND500 billion (US$21,500) to four major Vietnamese hospitals to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Society

 Police in the northern province of Bac Ninh have arrested a 52-year-old man who was caught on camera pointing a rubber bullet gun at a truck driver in a road rage on Saturday morning.

 Two Vietnamese interns have gone missing after Super Typhoon Haishen swept through Kyushu Island, southwest of Japan, early on Monday, the Vietnamese Consulate General in Fukuoka Prefecture confirmed.

 A worker was killed and another severely injured in a gas explosion at a shipbuilding facility in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang on Monday afternoon.

 The first train of Ho Chi Minh Citys metro line No. 1 is expected to be imported into Vietnam in October, an official of the citys Management Authority for Urban Railways said on Monday.

 Two men were sentenced to death while three others were condemned to life in prison by a court in the north-central province of Nghe An on Monday for trading large amounts of crystal meth after transporting the narcotics from Nghe An to southern Dong Nai Province in late 2019.

Business

 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Monday held a dialogue with Japanese economic groups and businesses interested in expanding investment in Vietnam.

 Domestic trade is expected to contribute about 13.5 percent of Vietnams GDP by 2025, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trades target to effectively realize the 2021-25 socio-economic development plan.

World news

 Over 27.4 million people have been infected with the novel coronavirus while more than 19.5 million patients have recovered from COVID-19 around the world, according the Vietnamese Ministry of Health's statistics. Above 896,400 people have died of the disease globally.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Earlier this week a mysterious Oppo phone turned up on TENAA with design similar to the Oppo F17 pair, but with an LED flash behind the fourth circle in the camera setup.

Reports from Weibo claim a new device called Oppo Reno4 SE is on its way, and the specs align with the listing at the Chinese regulatory, meaning a launch is right around the corner.

The leakster claims the Reno4 SE will have a Dimensity 800 chipset, coupled with 8GB RAM and 128 gigs of storage. The front of the phone will have a 6.43 Super AMOLED by Samsung, a single hole for the 32MP selfie camera, and 90Hz refresh rate.

The trio of cameras on the back will come with a 48MP Sony IMX586 sensor for the main shooter + 8MP ultra-wide-angle cam, doubling as a macro shooter + 2MP depth sensor. The battery is said to be 4,300 mAh, which isnt so impressive, but it will charge in no time with the 65W fast charger.

All this body will be just 7.85 mm thin and will weigh 169 grams - this is Oppos answer to the vivo S7 5G smartphone. Price is expected to be CNY2,599, which translates to $380.

Source (in Chinese) | Via
ICASA said the final regulations related to equity ownership by black people and minimum BEE levels for licensees will be published this year.

The authority said it has a mandate to promote the economic empowerment of black people in general, and women, youth, and the disabled in particular.

This, ICASA said, is done through ownership and control and the development of human resources, training, and capacity building of historically disadvantaged individuals.

The regulator said it noted an alarming trend of transfer of control and ownership applications that sought to diminish levels of equity ownership by historically disadvantaged groups (HDGs) in 2014.

In response, it advised that it will no longer approve licence transfer applications which result in less than 30% equity ownership by HDGs in licensees.

This did not have a significant effect. In 2017, approximately 53% of I-ECS and I-ECNS licensees had less than 30% HDG equity ownership.

This resulted in a discussion document in 2017 and a position paper in February 2019 advocating at least 30% equity ownership for all licensees.

A year later, ICASA published draft regulations on equity ownership by historically disadvantaged groups and the application of the ICT sector code in the ICT sector earlier this year.

The draft regulations seek to impose the strict conditions on telecoms licensees like ISPs and telecoms operators, which include:

A requirement for all existing licensees to comply with the mandatory equity ownership requirements  30% equity ownership by black people and Level 4 BBEEE status  within 24 months of the promulgation of the regulations.

Penalties of up to R5 million or 10% of the licensees annual turnover where a licensee fails to maintain the mandatory minimum requirement.

A requirement for annual compliance reporting on the state of equity ownership by black people in the licensee.

The draft regulations require all licensees to be 30% owned by black people if they want to renew, amend, or transfer their licences.

ICASA confirmed that the 30% equity requirement applies to all sorts of applications for individual licences, including new applications, transfers, renewals, and amendments.

In simple terms, this means that all ISPs and telecoms companies operating in South Africa will have to be 30% black-owned.

The final regulations are scheduled to be published in the 2020/21 financial year, ICASA said in a briefing of Parliaments Portfolio Committee on Communications.

What ISPs say about the planned equity ownership regulations

While it is not clear whether there will be significant changes to the final regulations, these new rules sent shock waves through the ISP industry.

Service providers who spoke to MyBroadband said the regulations will have a profound impact on their businesses and will hurt them, their employees, and the economy.

One ISP said it is very challenging to run an ISP in the current tough economy of South Africa, and these regulations will make it even tougher.

Another ISP owner said while they support transformation in the ICT sector, these requirements will have an impact on the red tape required to be able to continue to be licensed.

He added that there will be a cost impact when it comes to preferential procurement requirements.

Another prominent ISP owner said BEE only benefits a few and continues to hinder investment and stunts growth in advancing our economy.

We cannot hope to alleviate poverty and unemployment in our country with archaic policies that stunt growth, he said.

ICASA briefing of Parliaments Portfolio Committee on Communications

The PDF below provides a summary of the State of Transformation in the ICT sector from ICASAs Parliamentary briefing.

Draft Regulations on ownership in the ICT sector

Now read: ICASA sets date for 4G and 5G spectrum auction in South Africa
SAO PAULO, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Embraer S.A. (" Embraer ") (NYSE: ERJ) announced today that its indirect subsidiary, Embraer Netherlands Finance B.V. (" Embraer Finance "), has commenced an offer to purchase (each offer, a " Tender Offer " and collectively, the " Tender Offers ") for cash up to US$250,000,000 (the " Maximum Tender Amount ") aggregate principal amount of outstanding (1) 5.150% notes due 2022 (the " 2022 Notes ") issued by Yabora Industria Aeronautica S.A. (" Yabora ") and guaranteed by Embraer and (2) 5.696% notes due 2023 (the " 2023 Notes " and together with the 2022 Notes, the " Notes ") issued by Embraer Overseas Limited and guaranteed by Yabora and Embraer.

The following table sets forth the acceptance priority level and consideration for each series of the Notes:









Payment per US$1,000 Principal Amount of Notes Title of

Security CUSIP/ISIN Principal

Amount

Outstanding Acceptance

Priority

Level Tender Offer

Consideration(l) Early Tender

Payment Total

Consideration(1)(2) 5.150% notes

due 2022 29082AAA5/

US29082AAA51 US$500,000,000 1 US$987.50 US$30.00 US$1,017.50 5.696% notes

due 2023 Rule 144A: 29081YAD8/

US29081YAD85;

Regulation S:

G30376AB6 /

USG30376AB69 US$540,518,000 2 US$988.50 US$30.00 US$1,018.50

























(1) Excludes accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the applicable Settlement Date (" Accrued Interest "), which will be paid in addition to the Tender Offer Consideration or Total Consideration, as applicable. (2) Includes the Early Tender Payment.

The Tender Offers will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on October 5, 2020, unless extended by Embraer Finance (such time and date, as it may be extended, the " Expiration Date "). Holders of the Notes who validly tender (and do not validly withdraw) their Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 21, 2020, unless extended by us (such time and date, as it may be extended, the " Early Tender Date ") will be eligible to receive the Total Consideration for such Notes, which includes the Early Tender Payment, plus Accrued Interest. Holders of the Notes who validly tender their Notes after the Early Tender Date but at or prior to the Expiration Date in the manner described herein will not be eligible to receive the Early Tender Payment and will therefore only be eligible to receive the Tender Offer Consideration, plus Accrued Interest. Notes that have been validly tendered pursuant to the Tender Offers may be validly withdrawn prior to the Early Tender Date but not thereafter, except as may be required by applicable law (as determined by us).

If the aggregate principal amount of the Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Expiration Date exceeds the Maximum Tender Amount, a prorated amount of the Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) by holders of the Notes at or prior to the Expiration Date will be accepted for purchase.

The " Total Consideration " for each US$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer will include an early tender payment (the " Early Tender Payment ") as set forth in the table above. Holders of the Notes who validly tender their Notes after the Early Tender Date but at or prior to the Expiration Date and whose Notes are accepted for purchase will not be entitled to receive the Early Tender Payment and will therefore be entitled to receive, for each US$1,000 principal amount of Notes accepted for purchase, the tender offer consideration as set forth in the table above (the " Tender Offer Consideration ").

Holders of the Notes that have validly tendered and not validly withdrawn their Notes at or prior to the Early Tender Date and whose Notes are accepted for purchase shall, if we so elect, receive the applicable Total Consideration, plus Accrued Interest, for each US$1,000 principal amount of such accepted Notes on the early settlement date, which date will be two business days following the Early Tender Date but before the Expiration Date (the " Early Settlement Date "). If we do not, in our sole discretion, elect to pay for such tendered Notes prior to the Expiration Date, then the Early Settlement Date will be the same as the final settlement date, which date will be two business days following the Expiration Date (the " Final Settlement Date " and, together with the Early Settlement Date, each a " Settlement Date ").

Embraer Finance's obligation to purchase Notes in the Tender Offers is conditioned on the satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions described in the Offer to Purchase, including our completion of a new debt financing on satisfactory terms and conditions. The Tender Offers are not conditioned upon the tender of any minimum principal amount of Notes of such series or of the other series. However, the Tender Offers are subject to the Maximum Tender Amount. In the event of a termination of a Tender Offer, neither the applicable consideration nor Accrued Interest will be paid or become payable to the holders of the applicable series of Notes, and the Notes tendered pursuant to such Tender Offer will be promptly returned to the tendering holders. Embraer Finance has the right, in its sole discretion, to amend or terminate the Tender Offers at any time.

Embraer Finance reserves the right, but is under no obligation, to increase or decrease the Maximum Tender Amount at any time, subject to compliance with applicable law.

The terms and conditions of the Tender Offers are described in the Offer to Purchase, dated September 8, 2020 (the " Offer to Purchase "). Copies of the Offer to Purchase are available to holders of the Notes from D.F. King & Co., Inc., the tender agent and information agent for the Tender Offers (the " Tender Agent and Information Agent "). Requests for copies of the Offer to Purchase should be directed to the Tender Agent and Information Agent at +1 (877) 732-3617 (toll free) and +1 (212) 269-5550 (collect) or by e-mail to [email protected].

Embraer Finance reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept any tenders of Notes for any reason. Embraer Finance is making the Tender Offers only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so.

Embraer Finance has engaged BB Securities Limited, Banco Bradesco BBI S.A., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Natixis Securities Americas LLC and Santander Investment Securities Inc. to act as the dealer managers (the " Dealer Managers ") in connection with the Tender Offers. Questions regarding the terms of the Tender Offers may be directed to BB Securities Limited at +44 (207) 367 5800, Banco Bradesco BBI S.A. at +1 (646) 432-6642, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC at +1 (800) 624-1808 (toll free) or +1 (212) 761-1057 (collect), Natixis Securities Americas LLC at +1 (212) 891-6100 and Santander Investment Securities Inc. at +1 (855) 404-3636 (toll free) or +1 (212) 940-1442 (collect).

Disclaimer

None of Embraer Finance, Yabora, Embraer, the Dealer Managers, the Tender Agent and Information Agent, the trustee for the 2022 Notes or the trustee for the 2023 Notes, or any of their respective affiliates, is making any recommendation as to whether holders should or should not tender any Notes in response to the Tender Offers or expressing any opinion as to whether the terms of the Tender Offers are fair to any holder. Holders of the Notes must make their own decision as to whether to tender any of their Notes and, if so, the principal amount of Notes to tender. Please refer to the Offer to Purchase for a description of the offer terms, conditions, disclaimers and other information applicable to each Tender Offer.

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase or the solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. Each Tender Offer is being made solely by means of the Offer to Purchase. The Tender Offers are not being made to holders of the Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require any tender offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Tender Offers will be deemed to be made on behalf of Embraer Finance by the Dealer Managers or one or more registered brokers or dealers licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including those related to the Tender Offers. Forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future, and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.

Embraer S.A.

Antonio Carlos Garcia

Head of Investor Relations

+55 (11) 3040-6874

SOURCE Embraer S.A.
Late actor Sushant Singh Rajputs familys lawyer Vikas Singh recently said that Rhea Chakraborty runs to Bandra Police Station over petty matters and called it her second home. This statement came after Rhea filed an FIR against Sushants sister Priyanka Singh at the police station on Monday.

Talking to ANI, Singh said, Bandra Police Station seems to be Rhea Chakrabortys second home as she runs to the police station over all kinds of petty issues.

Responding to the claims, Rhea Chakrabortys lawyer Satish Maneshinde said, Illegal, fabricated prescription and administering scheduled drugs without following the law- these facts have come to light now. The bogus prescription was received within Bandra police station limits. Hence, the FIR.

Illegal, fabricated prescription and administering scheduled drugs without following the law- these facts have come to light now. Bogus prescription was received within Bandra PS limits. Hence, the FIR: Rhea Chakraborty's lawyer on her FIR against #SushantRajput's sister & others https://t.co/4abLi0GvOI ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2020

On Monday, Maneshinde in a statement had confirmed Rhea Chakrabortys FIR in Bandra Police Station, along with the details. Rhea Chakraborty has filed a police complaint before the Mumbai Police against Priyanka Singh, Dr Tarun Kumar of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and others for offences of forgery, NDPS Act and Tele Medicine Practice Guidelines 2020, for having sent a bogus medical prescription depicting SSR as an Out Patient Department person," said lawyer Maneshinde.

The statement further read, When he was in Mumbai on 8th June 2020 prescribing schedule drugs, which are listed in Schedule of NDPS Act listed at items 36 and 37 as Psychotropic Substances and Tele Medicines Practice Guidelines 3.7.4 dealing with Prohibited List, which prohibits prescribing of any Narcotic or Psychotropic Substance listed in the NDPS Act. It is a misconduct under 3.7.1.4 of the Tele Medicine Practice Guidelines."

As of Tuesday, Rhea Chakraborty has been arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in various charges of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act after being grilled for three days. Rhea has been arrested and due process of informing the family has been completed," an NCB official said.
A years-long fight between neighbors and Northampton County over replacing bridges on a winding Slate Belt road is heating up as preliminary work starts for construction next year.

We feel like were being completely ignored, said resident Michele Szoka. I dont know what to do.
A young shop worker was stabbed to death on his way home after finishing a late shift, neighbours said.

The 22-year-old was found with knife wounds in Martlesham Walk, Colindale, at about 11pm on Saturday after police were called to reports of a stabbing in nearby Debden Close.

Officers and medics tried to save him but he was pronounced dead at the scene 45 minutes later.

A shrine with balloons, cards and flowers has been set up near the home he shared with his mother, father and three siblings.

A neighbour said: He was totally innocent. He is the nicest guy you could meet and the family are very well respected and liked.

He was on his way home from work in retail when he was attacked. His family are devastated.

They have no idea why this happened. They need answers. This was a boy who looked out for other people. He had never been in trouble. Its a tragedy.

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference 8540/05SEP, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Pictured: Longboard rider Nick Slater was mauled to death by a great white shark on Tuesday

A surfer who was mauled to death by a great white shark at a netted Gold Coast beach has been identified as a 46-year-old real estate agent.

Longboard rider Nick Slater was just metres away from other surfers at Greenmount Beach when he was mauled at about 5pm on Tuesday, leaving him with catastrophic injuries.

At least 40 surfers were in the water when Mr Slater was attacked in the shallows at the popular break.

His death is the first fatal shark attack in the area since 1958.

The horrific mauling was captured by surf watch cameras and witnessed by at least one other rider.

Mourners descended on Greenmount Beach on Wednesday morning to pay their respects to the Miami local - as helicopter crews continued their search for the great white.

Pictured: Members of the public and paramedics covering the victim who was treated on the back of a beach buggy

Surf cameras captured the moment Mr Slater was killed by a great white shark at a netted Gold Coast beach in the first fatal attack in the region since 1958

Mr Slater is assisted by fellow surfers and beachgoers after he was bitten by a shark on Tuesday

A Westpac Lifesaver Rescue helicopter was circling in the area after first light looking for sharks.

Beaches from Burleigh to Snapper Rocks have been closed for the day and lifeguards are patrolling the waters on jet skis.

Thomas Richard Tate, Mayor of the Gold Coast, offered his condolences to Mr Slater's family on Wednesday morning.

'Last time we've had a shark attack is 1958, over 60 years ago,' he told Today.

'It doesn't matter how long it's been, still a devastating shock to the community of the Gold Coast.'

The mayor said the beaches would remain closed until it's determined the shark is no longer in the vicinity.

Mr Tate said the shark attack was a reminder to all beachgoers to 'look after your mates'.

'I mean really it brings to reality, when we go off the land we go into water, it is the shark's domain,' he said.

Mr Slater was a 46-year-old real estate agent who lived in Miami on the Gold Coast

Two women hug at Greenmount Beach on Wednesday morning, following the death of a surfer

Pictured: Lifeguards on jet skis search the water at Greenmount Beach on Wednesday

Footage from a Swellnet surf camera shows Mr Slater sitting in the water at the end of the line-up before the shark grabs him and pulls him under.

Water can be seen splashing around before the black silhouette of the shark swims away.

Some surfers just metres away seem oblivious to what is happening.

Mr Slater is then seen floating face down in the water before fellow board-riders drag him to shore.

The bite stretched from his upper thigh to his knee and a tooth from the predator remained lodged in his longboard.

A man walks along a boardwalk as Greenmount Beach is closed on Wednesday morning

Two surfers are seen walking near a 'danger' sign on Wednesday morning as beaches are shut from Burleigh to Snapper Rocks

Greenmount Beach will remain closed until it's determined there are no longer sharks in the area

Coastalwatch footage showed the moment directly after the attack, when a surfer paddled the victim to shore with the help of other beachgoers.

Lifeguards are seen waiting on the sand before frantically working to treat the severe injury.

The water was evacuated as lifeguards attempted to save the victim.

Emergency crews rushed to the popular tourist spot but the real estate agent could not be saved.

Mr Slater, who was surfing alone, was pronounced dead minutes after they arrived.

Coastalwatch footage captured the moment a surfer brought the injured man to shore with the help of other beachgoers

Greenmount Beach was closed on Wednesday morning after a surfer was mauled by a shark on Tuesday

Greenmount Beach, located near the Queensland-New South Wales border, has shark control equipment surrounding it including nets

Surfer Jade Parker told 7News he first spotted a school of fish and up to 30 birds near the victim, which is what attracted the shark to the surfer.

He had been walking along the footpath near a lookout when he noticed some commotion in the water.

'There were four or five people yelling and pointing at the water, and I looked out to where they were pointing and I spotted a board floating and a body was next to it,' he said.

Mr Parker just assumed the surfer had been knocked out because he wasn't moving so he ran down to the beach and swam to the victim, who was in waist deep water.

'There were about three on the scene before me and they were all trying to drag him in with the board he had. I helped drag him into the beach as well.'

When they arrived on the sand lifeguards were waiting with a stretcher but Mr Parker said he was 'pretty much gone' by the time they arrived.

Mr Parker said the injury stretched from the 'groin area to just below his knee'.

'It was pretty much all taken... there was nothing there, it was just hanging there by not much,' he said.

'Honestly, I do not want to get to the gory parts but he was in a bad way. He was not conscious. It looked like he had already pretty much passed away at that point in time.'

Mr Parker added that the attack would not put him off surfing.

'I know the sharks are always out there so I will just have to accept that fate,' he said.

Surfer Jade Parker told 7News he first spotted a school of fish and up to 30 birds near the victim, which is what attracted the shark to the surfer

Two lifeguard vans are pulled up on the sand of Greenmount Beach as the sun rises on Wednesday morning

A woman sits on a rock and looks out to the water at Greenmount Beach on Wednesday morning

Queensland Ambulance Supervisor William Houghton said the man had been surfing with a few other gentlemen.

'It was actually witnessed by one of the other surfers, they saw him being attacked by the shark,' he said.

Mr Houghton said lifesavers provided first aid on the beach.

'It was a pretty traumatic event for everybody concerned,' he said.

Greenmount Beach, located near the Queensland-New South Wales border, has shark control equipment including drum lines.

It is not yet known how the shark avoided the nets to get to the man.

A sign at Greenmount Beach alerts swimmers and surfers that the beach is closed on Wednesday

A man walks past a sign declaring Greenmount Beach is closed on Wednesday morning

Pictures show paramedics and lifeguards desperately tending to the man's injuries in the back of a beach buggy.

Members of the public were seen holding up a sheet to cover him as he receives treatment for the bite.

The attack is the first on the Gold Coast since 2012, when a 20-year-old surfer was mauled at Nobby Beach.

It is the first fatal attack in the region in 62 years when Peter Gerard Spronk was killed in 1958.

He was mauled by a shark 250m off Surfers Paradise beach and died of his injuries despite lifesavers coming to his rescue.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 11:29:34|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday summarized China's spirit of combating the COVID-19 epidemic, which features putting people's lives first, nationwide solidarity, sacrifice, respecting science, and a sense of mission for humanity. Enditem
The Alliance of CSOs working on Extractives, Anti-Corruption and Good Governance has described as unfortunate governments decision to proceed with the implementation of the Agyapa Royalties agreement despite still commencing engagements with Civil Society.

The Agyapa Royalties Limited has generated public interest after questions were raised over the deal.

The CSOs had described the deal as opaque, lacking oversight mechanisms and not profitable for Ghanaians.

Despite engagement with the Government on the matter, the Alliance says the governments posturing on the transaction raises doubts about its pledge to further consult.

A member of the Alliance, Dr Steve Manteaw, at a press briefing said critical questions still linger about the deal and its profitability to the nation.

The Minister of Finance has stated that Agyapas asset value of $1 billion approved by Parliament will not be the fair value that will be determined by the market. This is where appreciating the difference between net asset value and pure value becomes extremely important.

Granted that the market will determine the fair value of the market, it is important for the government to determine the appropriate net asset value for the market to consider what it deems fair. Therefore, if the asset is undervalued by the government itself, Ghana cannot expect the market to give a favourable valuation of the IPO. This indicates that Ghana is just gambling on the market for the determination of the value of an important revenue stream to the state.

Meanwhile, six other Civil Society Groups have joined the Alliance in its campaign against the implementation of the Agyapa Royalties agreement.

It will be recalled that the 15-member Alliance initiated an online signature petition to further engender support from other interest groups, including community-based organisations in mining areas.

Six of such groups, including WACAM, Friends of the Nation, the Peoples Project Send Ghana and Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) have since joined the campaign against the gold royalties agreement.

---citinewsroom
Sydneysiders are furious after a mayor threatened to shut down an iconic beach this summer if crowds get too big.

Bondi Beach and other beaches were closed during March and April during the first coronavirus wave, and only reopened in May under strict restrictions.

With more locals heading to the sand as the weather warms up, Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos warned beaches could close if large crowds pose a public health risk.

'If people don't do the right thing, and the beach has become too crowded then we'll have to look at how we manage those numbers because I don't want a repeat of what happened back in in March,' she told the ABC.

With more and more locals heading to the sand as the weather warms up, Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos warned beaches could close if large numbers of people pose a public health risk. Pictured: Coogee Beach on Sunday August 30

Bondi Beach (pictured) and other beaches were closed during March and April during the first coronavirus wave, and only reopened in May under strict restrictions

The warnings come after massive crowds of people flocked to beaches across Sydney last Sunday to enjoy the start of spring (Clovelly Beach pictured in April)

'I think things are different and they'll have to be different because we're still in the middle of a pandemic.'

While Ms Masselos said she hopes beaches can remain open, locals have slammed the possibility as 'increasingly draconian'.

'I think it's probably safer to be outside down the beach rather than indoors at shopping centres and workplaces,' one Sydneysider wrote on Facebook.

'Ridiculous. Beaches are places where people keep their distance naturally. If you can spend your whole day at a shopping centre, why not a couple of hours on the beach?' wrote another.

'The inconsistency of our increasingly draconian governments is getting laughable.'

'How can the beach be any worse than going to a supermarket? Police the behaviour, not the location. Social distancing is the same no matter where you do it,' another comment read.

'How can Scomo hold NSW as the golden state when you cannot go to the beach as normal. Stop messing around and get rid of the virus.'

Northern Beaches Council has also threatened to close its beaches 'if crowds become too large and unmanageable'.

CEO Ray Brownlee said rangers and lifeguards will continue to monitor coastal areas, and ensure the four-square-metre rule is being adhered to.

Sydney locals have slammed the possibility of beach closures as 'increasingly draconian' and said supermarkets pose a higher health risk

'Council is also increasing its cleansing regime of popular outdoor public places, providing extra restrooms in key locations, and reviewing the need for Council-sponsored outdoor events during summer,' he said.

During the first outbreak of COVID-19 in Sydney, some councils closed car parks, erected 'swim and go' signs and used restricted entry points to deter beachgoers.

The warnings come after massive crowds of people flocked to beaches across Sydney last Sunday to enjoy the start of spring.

Bondi and Coogee beaches were packed with thousands of people by midday while Manly Beach was much the same.

Lifeguards used loudspeaker systems to try and encourage swimmers and sunbakers to practice social distancing but photographs showed crowds packed together like sardines on the shore.
Lewis Hamilton says missing his moment to kneel for Black Lives Matter at Monza last Sunday was "not the end of the world".

The six-time world champion, who has championed the race-based push for social justice inside Formula 1 this season, was conspicuously absent when the rest of the drivers gathered on the Italian GP grid.

Sebastian Vettel was also absent.

"It was about the timing," Finland's MTV quotes Hamilton as explaining.

"I had gone back to my garage, which is the furthest away. I tried to make it back with a scooter, but I just ran out of time.

"Normally I know very well how much time I have to go somewhere, but when I got to the garage they said I should go back. And when I got there, everyone was already there," Hamilton added.

However, the Mercedes driver played down the significance of his absence, even though he has been critical even of those who choose to stand rather than kneel for the drivers' anti-racism display.

"Yes, I missed the kneeling, but it's not the end of the world," he insisted. "I saw my whole team kneeling down, which was great to see.

"Maybe next time I won't go all the way to my garage, especially if it's a long way. Usually there is a toilet somewhere that is closer."

(GMM)
Mike Pence, the US vice president, appealed to voters in Wisconsin yesterday to back "the best friend American workers have ever had" in Donald Trump, as he went head to head with rival Kamala Harris in the battle to win over the key swing state.

Mr Pence spoke to employees at an energy plant in La Crosse, a heavily white Mississippi River city at the western edge of the state.

The Trump campaign is keen to win back some of the blue-collar workers who abandoned the president in 2016.

"Joe Biden wants to bury the economy under red tape," Mr Pence told employees at the Dairyland Power Cooperative. "Biden and the radical left would crush American energy, energy that Mr Trump has unleashed."

In a sign of how desperate Mr Trump is to win in Wisconsin this November, he and Mr Pence have made eight visits between them since announcing their bid for re-election.

Ms Harris, in her first public campaign appearance since she was named Joe Biden's running mate, meanwhile, yesterday met with union members and labour leaders before meeting black Milwaukee business owners.

After the presidential campaign was roiled in recent days by reports of Mr Trump making allegedly disparaging comments about fallen soldiers, Mr Pence tried to redirect attention to the issue polls consistently find at the top of voters' minds: the economy.

Mr Pence emphasised achievements made by the administration before the pandemic hit in March. "We've created jobs, jobs, jobs... some 500,000 manufacturing jobs in just three years," he told workers in La Crosse. Mr Trump's "law and order" message - intended to motivate his base and draw new supporters has so far failed to galvanise.

Despite the unrest, Mr Biden has pulled ahead in the crucial battleground, which Hillary Clinton lost by less than a percentage point in 2016.

Ms Harris is trying to woo the black vote in Wisconsin. If Mr Biden is to take the crucial battleground state he must win back support of the black hub of Milwaukee and hope that Mr Trump loses some of the still undecided voters.
Brexit fears have surged this week, returning to market focus after taking a backseat for months and causing huge losses in the British Pound to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate. Some analysts believe that no-deal Brexit fears are only likely to worsen throughout the week, so the Pound may see continued pressure, while the Australian Dollars appeal will depend on a mixture of domestic coronavirus news and rival currency strength.

As the Australian Dollar was sold back from highs last week, GBP/AUD edged higher. GBP/AUD opened the week at the level of 1.8123, and climbed to close the week at around the level of 1.8230.

Since markets opened this week though, GBP/AUD has plummeted in reaction to Brexit developments.

GBP/AUD has already lost over a cent, and at the time of writing is trending close to a low of 1.7970. This is the worst level for GBP/AUD in over a month, since late-July.

The primary cause of movement this week has been the Pounds broad losses, in reaction to revived no-deal Brexit fears.

At the beginning of the week, markets reacted to reports that the UK government was planning to rewrite legislation around the Northern Ireland aspect of the Brexit withdrawal agreement.

It was perceived by analysts as making a no-deal Brexit more likely, if the EU did not bend to Britains negotiation threats. Sterling tumbled yesterday as a result.

The Pounds losses have only accelerated today though. Jonathan Jones, boss of the UK governments legal department, reportedly resigned from his role over the governments latest actions on the withdrawal agreement.

Some analysts speculate that markets have recently been too complacent on the threat of a no-deal Brexit, due to expectations that a last-minute deal could be made. According to John Hardy at Saxo Bank:

In reaction to this latest turn, Sterling is beginning to absorb the implications but pricing still looks complacent here relative to the risks, perhaps as all of the previous cliff edge situations were avoided and the market believes this one will be too, fairly or not.

The UK is also reportedly stepping up preparation for a no-deal outcome, which is further adding to no-deal Brexit fears hurting the Pound this week.

Australian Dollar (AUD) Exchange Rates Benefit from Rival Weakness

Following last weeks Australian Dollar selloff, the currencys movement has steadied somewhat in recent sessions.

Investors are hesitant to keep selling the Australian Dollar, despite domestic coronavirus jitters and some underwhelming Australian data.

Some fresh Australian payroll data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed that jobs continued to fall in the coronavirus-hit state of Victoria. However, the rate of job losses was slower than earlier in August.

It contrasted with some of todays other Australian data, which has come in stronger than forecast.

Australias August business confidence report from NAB softened from -14 to -8, rather than worsening as some forecasters predicted.

The primary cause of GBP/AUD losses was Pound weakness of course. However, the Australian Dollar is also benefitting from the US Dollars (USD) slowing bullishness.

GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Forecast: Brexit Uncertainty Remains the Focus

As no-deal Brexit fears return and hit the Pound lower, some analysts believe they have the potential to keep hurting the British currency going forward.

According to Neil Wilson, Analyst at Markets.com, more Brexit uncertainty and Pound weakness is likely in the coming sessions.

Expect more negative headlines, more risk and more volatility. A positive surprise seems increasingly unlikely, but for this reason would be all the more dramatic should it emerge and produce a sharp reversal for GBP.

Brexit developments are likely to remain the focus for Sterling until Friday, when key UK data is published.

Meanwhile, the Australian Dollar could be influenced slightly by Australian consumer confidence data, due from Westpac tomorrow.

The Pound to Australian Dollar exchange rate will remain sensitive to coronavirus developments and Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) speculation as well.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Jolted awake by a smoke alarm, a Stapleton woman found herself trapped in a fire early Tuesday morning that had engulfed her third-story apartment.

I put my feet out the window and I was going to jump, because there was no other way for me to get out," said the 42-year-old, who asked that her name not be published.

Firefighters responded just after 4 a.m. to the three-story dwelling at 268 Targee St., where flames tore through the second and third floors, according to an FDNY spokesman.

Two firefighters were treated for minor injuries.

Residents watched as firefighters battled flames early Tuesday morning at an apartment building in Stapleton. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

As the woman desperately weighed her options and began motioning toward making the three-story leap, a firefighter shouted, No, no, no -- wait, wait, wait!

They brought a ladder to me and pulled me down," she said. They saved my life.

Hours later, New York City fire marshals surveyed the aftermath amid an ongoing investigation into what caused the blaze.

The residential fire was one of three that occurred within a span of about five hours late Monday night and early Tuesday morning across Staten Island. It was one of five reported over the course of the weekend.
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SEATTLE  Footprint Delridge, at 4546-4548 Delridge Way S.W., sold for a little under $2.6 million, according to King County records.

The seller was EcoDelridge LLC, which acquired the property in 2017 for a little under $2 million.





. . .
Rachel Davis wants to take her volunteer spirit to the Midland ISD school board.

The PTA mom has signed up to represent District 2, which is generally portions of southeast and southcentral Midland. Schools in the district include Franks Elementary on the northside, DeZavala Elementary, Midland High, South Elementary, Travis Elementary and Midland Freshman. The current district representative is Robert Marquez, who is seeking another four-year term.

Davis platform isnt complicated. She wants to create an environment that enriches and educates students. Davis said her time as a volunteer and MISD parent has led her to believe that students and teachers are being shortchanged by the decisions being made at central office and by current District 2 representation. She wants to give teachers their classroom back and said students deserve a safe enriching environment where they can learn.

Now is the time for leaders to step forward and solve problems, celebrate our community, and mentor our children through example, Davis said. It is the time for our leaders to stop providing excuses and start enriching our students, empowering our teachers and listening to the voices of our community.

Davis, a Midlander for the last six years and MISD volunteer for the past four, said the district has continually failed the students and families in the district with inadequate curriculum and underperforming programs such as iStation and Imagine Math. The result has been a lack of academic performance. District 2 is home to Travis Elementary, which MISD had to hand over to a charter school operator -- IDEA Public Schools -- to avoid closing it down or having the state take over operations. The former Crockett campus  also in District 2  had previously posted one of the longest-failing streaks in the state before the school board closed the campus, renamed the school, sent the student population to other campuses and brought students from outside District 2 to fill that campus -- now Franks Elementary, one of four campuses in the district to receive an A or B grade).

Academic performance is appalling, Davis said. There is no excuse with the (number) of amazing teachers (in the district). We need to take care of them and let them do what they are trained to do.

Davis said she wants to be a representative who the constituents can access and communicate with. She said walking the halls of schools in the district and across the city has given her a unique perspective for a board candidate.

As an elected official, you need to listen to (your constituents). You work for your community, she said.

Davis called her district an amazing and diverse community. She said a look at those living inside the district shows all of Midland is represented -- from the wealthy to the blue collar to those struggling to make ends meet.

We are not reinventing the wheel, Davis said. We are just trying to put air in the tire.  I want MISD to succeed and be a school district I know it can be.

The election is scheduled for Nov. 3.
IRONWOOD, MI  A Wisconsin man is facing charges after allegedly stabbing a man several times and slitting his throat in the Upper Peninsula on Sept. 1.

Benjamin Allen Bozile, 30, of Gillett, Wis., has been arraigned on a charge of assault with intent to murder, a felony punishable by up to life in prison, WLUC reports.

The 36-year-old male victim was found lying on the ground in a motel parking lot in Ironwood. He was bleeding excessively; his throat had been slit and he had been stabbed several times. Ironwood Public Safety Department responded to an assault around 11 p.m. on Sept. 1.

The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. He was later airlifted to a Wisconsin hospital where he remains in serious condition.

RELATED: Man arrested in Wisconsin after allegedly stabbing man several times in U.P.

Bozile allegedly fled the scene of the assault, returning to Wisconsin. Police sent a description of the suspects vehicle to nearby agencies. Wisconsin State Police spotted the vehicle. After a short pursuit, Bozile was stopped and arrested. He was jailed in Wisconsin and then extradited to Michigan. He remains in Gogebic County Jail.

The investigation into this case is ongoing.

READ MORE:

State trooper hospitalized after possible fentanyl exposure during drug search

Michigans slice of the Caribbean Torch Lake suffering algae outbreak

Motorcyclist dies in wrong-way crash in Lapeer County

Man arrested at Flint hospital after stealing funeral home van, leading police on chase
Gov't destroys 90% of "tender trolls," Zelensky boasts

19:20, 08.09.20 1020

However, a number of such unscrupulous bidders still exist.
MIDDLETOWN  Oddfellows Playhouse is offering a six-week series of classes outdoors on the front lawn of Middletowns City Hall (between City Hall and deKoven Drive) as well as at the North Pavilion of Middletowns Harbor Park. Classes and performance opportunities for ages 3-20 began Sept. 8 and run through Oct. 17.

Social distancing will be maintained throughout and masks are required for all classes and programs. Class sizes are limited to 12 for most programs; most classes run from 4:30-5:30 p.m., though classes for teens run later.

Stage One classes (ages 6-8) include Out the Box (a class in creative thinking) on Mondays with Lanea Sellem; Circus I Tuesdays with Maegan Fuller; Intro to Acting Wednesdays with Diamond Wynn; Character Movement Thursdays with Nicki LaPorte; and Circrobatics I on Saturdays, 11 - 11:50 a.m., with Megan Berritta.

Stage Two classes (ages 9-11) include Improv for the Actor on Mondays with Nicki LaPorte; Circus II Tuesdays with Allison McDermott; Clowning and Physical Comedy Wednesdays with Maegan Fuller; and Hip Hop Dance Thursdays with Felicia Goodwine.

The Thursday Hip Hop Dance class is open to ages 8-14.

Programs for older students include the Junior Rep Acting and Poetry Project, open to ages 11 - 14, which will meet Mondays, 4:30-6 p.m. under the direction of Laugh the Poet.

The Teen Rep Company Riverside Performance Project, open to ages 14 - 20, will create an original piece to be performed outdoors in Harbor Park October 16 & 17. Rehearsals will be Tuesdays, 4:30 - 6:15 pm, with a dress rehearsal on Thursday, October 15. The Project will be directed by Playhouse Artistic Director Dic Wheeler and new Program Manager Jacque Brown.

Circophony Teen Circus is a fall outdoor circus training class for ages 12 - 20, led by Allison McDermott. Circophony will meet at Harbor Park Wednesdays, 4:30 - 6:15 p.m. and is open to all teens, regardless of circus experience.

Children ages 3-5 can enroll in Circrobatics for Little Fellows, a unique blend of circus, movement and acrobatics, on Saturdays, 10-10:45 a.m. with Megan Berritta.

Musical Mentoring, which provides one-on-one music lessons with Wesleyan music students, will be offered virtually starting September 28. Sessions for ages 6-8 are on Wednesdays, for ages 9-11 Mondays, both 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Tuition for the 6 week fall programs range from $80-$150, and financial aid is available to any family that needs it. It is Playhouse policy never to turn anyone away because of inability to pay, according to a statement.

Oddfellows Fall Outdoor Programs are made possible with support from the City of Middletown, as well as The Fund for Greater Hartford, Connecticut Office of the Arts, Middletown Commission on the Arts, New England Foundation for the Arts, Middletown Youth Services Bureau, Middlesex United Way, Community Foundation of Middlesex County, State of Connecticut Judicial Branch, The Stare Fund, Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, Community Development Block Grant Program, Thomas J. Atkins Memorial Trust Fund, and many generous donors. For more information, or to register, go to Oddfellows.org, email info@oddfellows.org, or call 860-347-6143.
The Gombe State government has said it would provide basic amenities and expand existing ones in view of the upsurge in population resulting from the influx of people fleeing insurgency and other insecurity issues in the North-east.

The assurance was given by the deputy governor, Manassah Jatau, when he took the Resident Coordinator of the United Nation in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, round some sections of Specialist Hospital Gombe and Internally Displaced Persons camp at Wuro Shiye, in Gombe metropolis.

The official said the influx of people from troubled areas has led to the overstretching of facilities in the state, hence the commitment to provide new facilities.

He explained that Gombe has reintegrated the IDPs in the communities to avoid stigma and give them an opportunity to mingle freely within their host communities.

Mr Jatau informed the gathering that the UN officials were taken round the hospital to see how the government used their interventions judiciously.

He said he wanted the UN to see that the government is not only relying on aid in the quest to improve the living standard of the people in the state.

The official also assured of the state governments determination to partner with any individual and organisations towards uplifting the lives of the citizenry.

In his remarks, Mr Kallon said the team was in the state to inspect projects and interact with government officials.

He said, it is unfortunate that just when the region was struggling with insurgency, COVID-19 pandemic reared its ugly head putting a lot of pressure on the means of livelihood of the people.

He commended Gombe for providing a conducive atmosphere for peaceful coexistence and managing diversity in spite of tribal and religious differences.

Meanwhile, an official of State Emergency Management Agency, Mohammed Garba, told the visiting UN Chief that as of May 2020, the total number of IDPs in the state was 38, 993 spread across all the local governments.

Also, the Chairman, Internally Displaced Persons, Gombe State, Abba Jatau, who appreciated the hospitality of the state government, thanked the UN officials for the concern shown to them.
China has asked hundreds of Indian students stranded back home due to the coronavirus pandemic to remain in touch with their respective colleges and follow instructions to protect their academic progress through online courses as foreign students are still not allowed to enter the country.

Indian students studying in Chinese universities and colleges have been advised to remain in touch with their respective educational institutions as Beijing has still not allowed the return of foreign students to resume their studies, the Indian Embassy here said.Responding to the Indian mission in Beijing the Chinese government on Monday said that following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year it was not permitting foreign students to enter the country for the time being and permitting such entry only in specific circumstances. The statement by the Chinese Ministry of Education in response to the concerns raised by Indian embassy was tweeted by the latter.



At present, foreign students in China cannot enter the country for the time being, but the Chinese Government attaches great importance to the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of foreign students in China. It requires relevant universities in China to maintain close contacts with the students, immediately notify relevant information.., posted the Indian Embassy quoting the reply by the Chinese Ministry of Education to its query.



The Chinese Ministry also suggested the Indian students to be in contact with their respective institutions and arrange to study in China in strict accordance with the suggestions and guidance of the colleges and universities.The Indian Embassy, therefore, also advised the students to remain in touch with their respective colleges/universities and also keep monitoring the website of the Indian Embassy/Consulates for latest information regarding their return.

Earlier on September 1 and August 17 too the Embassy had addressed the concerns of Indian students over their return to China.



ALSO READ: Two Australian journalists evicted from China after diplomatic stand-off

Thousands of Indian students, pursuing various courses, had returned to India amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.The statement, however, comes at a time when tensions between New Delhi and Beijing are simmering over the ongoing standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including the 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.



Sources said on Tuesday that recently an incident of firing took place on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh where troops of India and China have been engaged in a stand-off for over three months.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: PLA fired in air, no shots fired by India: Army nails Chinas lies on LaC firing
Inspections triggered by production flaws in Boeings 787 jetliner are further slowing deliveries of the two-aisle planes, compounding Boeings struggle to recover from the grounding of its 737 Max and the coronavirus pandemic.

Boeing said Tuesday it was inspecting separate issues that have been found where rear sections of the 787 fuselage are joined together and on part of the tail called the horizontal stabilizer.

The affected planes havent been delivered to customers yet, and We expect these inspections to affect the timing of 787 deliveries in the near term, spokesman Peter Pedraza said in a statement.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it is investigating the matter.

It is too early to speculate about the nature or extent of any proposed Airworthiness Directives that might arise from the agencys investigation, said the spokesman, Lynn Lunsford, referring to potential safety orders that could be imposed on Boeing.

The Chicago-based company, which builds planes in Washington state and South Carolina, said it delivered 13 airliners last month, including four 787s, which Boeing calls the Dreamliner. It is a popular plane among airlines for international routes.

Boeings slow pace of deliveries since early 2019 has robbed the company of much-needed cash.

During production of the horizontal stabilizer at a Boeing plant, some parts were clamped together with too much force, resulting in improper gaps between sections. Boeing doesnt believe it is an immediate safety issue but could lead to premature aging of the fuselage, and it is delaying some 787 deliveries while determining whether repairs are needed on planes that have already been delivered.

Boeing is still working with U.S. and foreign regulators to clear the Max for return to flying after two deadly crashes. Nearly 400 Max jets were in use when the fleet was grounded worldwide in March 2019 after crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia killed 346 people. The Max was Boeings best-selling plane.

Boeing dispatched a Max to Vancouver on Tuesday for flight tests this week with European regulators. The company has already conducted several test flights with FAA experts to demonstrate changes that Boeing made to computers and software after an automated system pushed down the noses of planes before they crashed.

The company reported Tuesday that it received orders for five Maxes in August, two to Polish charter airline Enter Air and three to a buyer that Boeing did not identify. It also reported selling three 777 cargo freighters.

However, cancellations continue to outpace new orders, and Boeing has removed other sales from its backlog because the financial health of the airline customer makes the orders uncertain.

So far this year, Boeing has lost 932 more orders than it has gained. The pandemic has undermined air travel, leading to fewer flights and leaving airlines with no need for new planes.

Boeing shares fell 4% in midday trading.

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
President Donald Trump has floated the idea of redirecting unused coronavirus funds to provide a second round of stimulus payments to Americans.

But with Congress still undecided on how - or when - to proceed, the prospect of another payment remains uncertain.

Last week, Trump suggested using $300 billion in remaining COVID-19 relief funds to provide direct payments to those who qualify. The president didnt go into details about how much the payments could be but said he would prefer that Congress approve the idea before he acts.

We have $300 billion ready to go, all Congress has to do is say, Use it. Id like to use it without their permission but I guess Im not allowed, Trump said, according to a report in the New York Post.

Were willing to spend it, Id like to get approval from Congress. Theres a theory that I dont have to do that, but Id rather be up front and Id like to get approval from Congress, he added.

The comments come as Congress has failed to reach an agreement on a funding relief package, an impasse that has left additional payments in limbo.

The last round of stimulus payments provided $1,200 for individuals earning up to $75,000 and $2,400 for married couples filing jointly who earn up to $150,000. Recipients who earned more than those amounts saw their payments reduced by $5 for each $100 above the income threshold. Single filers who earned more than $99,000 and joint filers who earned more than $198,000 were not eligible. The stimulus also provided $500 for each qualifying child.

You can go here to see who might qualify for another round of stimulus payments.
Post by Hannah Grannemann, Guest Editor

Part of the series Audiences During the Pandemic

Celebrations and stories about experiencing reopening of arts organizations are being shared, and they are joyous and poignant. Here are four of my favorites:

First, the image of this man unabashedly rejoicing as he enters The Metropolitan Museum of Art needs no further commentary.

Second, writer Gretchen Rubin had undertaken a project to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art every day she was in New York in 2020. She is featured in this thoughtful and personal video from the Met along with Angela Reynolds, Assistant Building Manager of the Met, Taiwanese artist Hai-Hsin Huang, who has published two books of her drawings of Met visitors.

Rubin muses about how the art itself is defined for her by its setting  and being with other people. She used to relish the empty rooms of the members-only hours, but now wants crowds. If I could take a Van Gogh home and put it in my living room, I dont think it would seem like a masterpiece the way that it does if I go see it in the Met and Im with other people who came to this room to see this art object. We all have to experience something together in order for it to achieve its true significance.

She wrote on her own blog about her mixed emotions at being back. There was the thrill of seeing her favorite pieces up close since there were so many fewer people there, but ultimately calling it a little eerie. She says, This pandemic is terrible in its consequences theres so much tragedy, sorrow, grief, disruption, loss, uncertainty. But it has also reawakened appreciation of so many things. Ive always loved the Met, and now it almost breaks my heart to be there.

Third, the Kabuki-za Theatre in Tokyo reopened in early August. Ive seen kabuki in that theatre, and I found it to be an electric experience.** In a BBC video, an audience member returning to see a performance says: There hasnt been much to look forward to these past five months, so I feel as if Ive finally come back to life. What more can we ask of any experience but that it helps us to feel alive.

Finally, Michael Paulson, theater reporter for The New York Times, wrote about the process behind the Berkshire Theatre Groups outdoor, socially distant production of Godspell, and the experience of seeing it with an audience. On an appearance on the Timess podcast The Daily, Paulson described how it took time for the audience to relax and be present with the performance. And at the end:

The crowd absolutely gives a standing ovation. This, like, this enthusiasm like, Wow, they really did this, and wow, they were good, and wow, I really did this. I came back to a show and I lived to tell about it. He continues, Its not what we had before the pandemic, and its not what we hope to have, but I think its meaningful. Its a group of actors, its a theater, showing a way to make art, to see art for now. And its succeeding.

We succeed just by continuing. No, its not the same. Zoom theater is not the same. Museums without crowds are not the same. But whether the attempt is to be as similar as possible to what we knew before, or to seize this opportunity to innovate, its a triumph just to keep going and let the experiences unfold on these new terms.

**I was in Tokyo on a trip during my studies at Yale School of Management getting my MBA. I had seen video of kabuki during a formative experience taking a Japanese theatre class with Carol Martin during my undergraduate studies as a drama major at Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. For all the fancy meetings and tours we had during the trip, my main goal was to seize the opportunity of being in Tokyo during the New Year celebrations to see kabuki in person. I convinced about 15 or so of my business school classmates to go to the theatre with me, most of whom rarely attended theatre at home. Of course I had never been to a Japanese theatre before, but I had the confidence that I could figure it out for all of us and lead the charge. It was a thrill to see the virtuosity of the performances, and witness the audience interaction with the performers that I had only read about and that we rarely experience in American theatre. But the greatest joy was to introduce this unique experience to my classmates.
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka  Sri Lankas government is sending scientists to determine whether a three-day fire on a giant oil tanker off its coast damaged the marine environment, an official said Monday.

Ships and helicopters from Sri Lanka and neighboring India extinguished the fire on the MT New Diamond  carrying nearly 2 million barrels of crude oil  on Sunday. The fire killed one Filipino crew member and injured another.

Navy spokesman Indika de Silva said although the main fire has been extinguished, occasional small-scale fires are taking place from time to time. Firefighters have doused them as they continue spraying water to cool the ship.

The general manager of Sri Lankas Marine Environment Protection Authority, Terney Pradeep, said the scientists from state agencies and universities will prepare a risk assessment, including the potential for an oil leak. The authority has said it plans to take legal action over the fire.

On Sunday, Attorney General Dappula de Livera directed officials to prepare cost and environmental damage assessments.

With its engines shut down, the tanker drifted to within 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers) of Sri Lankas eastern coast on Friday before a tugboat towed it farther out to sea.

Meanwhile, 10 British and Dutch professionals, including rescue operation specialists, disaster evaluators and legal consultants, reached the scene and were waiting to board the tanker to begin the mission of salvaging the ship. The experts were sent by New Shipping Ltd., the commercial owner of the New Diamond in Athens, Greece, the navy said.

The fire began in an engine room boiler but did not spread to the tankers oil storage area and no leak has been reported, the navy said. Sri Lankan officials had warned of possible massive environmental damage if the ship leaks or explodes.

The tanker had 23 crew members  18 Filipinos and five Greeks. Twenty-one crew members left the tanker uninjured as the fire burned.

The 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.

About the photo: This Thursday, Sept.3, 2020 photo released by Sri Lankan Air Force shows smoke rising after a fire broke out on a Panama-registered oil tanker about 38 nautical miles (70 kilometers) east of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankas government is sending scientists to determine whether a three-day fire on a giant oil tanker off its coast damaged the marine environment, an official said Monday. (Sri Lankan Air Force via AP)

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Schapelle Corby is one of the famous faces taking part in Channel Seven's new military-style reality show SAS Australia.

But reports suggest that the 43-year-old convicted drug smuggler was 'iced out' by the rest of the cast during filming in the NSW Snowy Mountains.

Her co-star Merrick Watts addressed the speculation on Hughesy & Ed on Monday, and seemingly hinted that the rumours weren't true.

Scroll down for video

Speaking out: SAS Australia star Merrick Watts (pictured) has broken his silence on rumours that convicted drug trafficker Schapelle Corby was 'iced out' by the celebrity cast

'There has been a lot of conjecture about Schapelle Corby and how she was treated by the rest of the cast,' the 46-year-old comedian said.

'I'm here to tell you the only time anyone got upset with Schapelle was me... because I was brought on the show as the drug trafficker and when I found out she was doing my gear I was very, very upset!' he added.

Merrick's humourous response seems to suggest that the cast warmed to Schapelle despite her notoriety and didn't give her the cold shoulder.

Having a laugh: Merrick joked that he 'was brought on the show as the drug trafficker' and felt upstaged by Schapelle (left), who spent nine years in a Bali jail for marijuana trafficking. His humourous response suggests that the cast warmed to Schapelle despite her notoriety

Merrick went on to say that SAS Australia was '100 per cent real' and that there was 'no script writing and production involved'.

'Once you start that show it is absolutely break-neck speed,' he said.

His comments come after several reports emerged claiming that Schapelle was 'iced out' by her co-stars while filming the series.

Both Woman's Day and New Idea claimed she was shunned by the other celebrities, who did not believe a convicted criminal deserved to be there.

Outcast? His comments come after several reports emerged claiming that Schapelle was 'iced out' by her co-stars while filming the series

'Some of the more high-profile celebs were fuming,' a source told Woman's Day, adding that several stars didn't want to 'associate with her' at all.

Sydney PR queen Roxy Jacenko was allegedly very unhappy to be sharing the screen with Schapelle, who spent nine years in a Bali jail for marijuana smuggling.

'When [Roxy] learnt Schapelle was going on the series, she was not impressed,' a source claimed to New Idea.

'Roxy wanted to be the alpha female, but Schapelle immediately stole her thunder.'
Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton was jailed in 2015 for killing Jennifer Laude in Olongapo City.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has pardoned a US Marine convicted of killing a transgender woman in the country nearly six years ago, sparking widespread condemnation from opposition leaders and activists who described the move as a mockery of justice.

In a televised weekly address to discuss the coronavirus pandemic, Duterte mentioned the full pardon in passing, saying he wanted to be fair to Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton.

Pemberton was jailed in 2015 for killing Jennifer Laude near a former US navy base in Olongapo City. He was convicted in 2016 and placed in a special detention facility inside a military camp. A trial court signed off on his early release for good conduct last week, but was blocked by an appeal from Laudes lawyers.

You have not treated Pemberton fairly. So I will release him (through) pardon, Duterte said after meeting his cabinet, including the justice minister, who cleared the presidents decision.

This is how I see it, he said. So release him. Pardon. There is a time you are called to be fair.

The Presidential pardon of Pemberton is an unbelievable affront to the LGBTQI+ community & to the Filipino people. Many Filipinos who committed lesser crimes are never afforded this privilege. Isang Amerikanong pumatay sa Pilipina pa ang inuna. #JusticeForJenniferLaude  risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) September 7, 2020

Duterte said officials had not accurately measured the jail time served by Pemberton under a law that rewards good behaviour with shorter terms.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin added on social media, Cutting matters short over what constitutes time served, and since where he was detained was not in prisoners control  and to do justice  the president has granted an absolute pardon.

Dutertes spokesman, Harry Roque, said granting a pardon is one of the most presidential of all presidential powers, and that no explanation is required as to why the president chose to do so.

Roque has in the past served as the lawyer for Laudes family and had pushed for Pembertons conviction.

Rewarding criminal behaviour

Rommel Bagares, one of Laudes lawyers, said he was dismayed by the pardon and questioned Dutertes foreign policy commitments.

We see the welfare of our countrymen are set aside, Bagares told DZBB radio.

Chel Diokno, a leading human rights lawyer and former senate candidate for the opposition, contrasted the presidents harsh rhetoric against Filipino offenders with the full pardon for the US serviceman.

This pardon is an affront to the suffering of Jennifer Laude and her family, and rewards criminal behaviour, he wrote on social media.

Cristina Palabay of human rights group Karapatan described Duteres decision as despicable and shameless mockery of justice.

By granting absolute pardon to Pemberton, Duterte is mocking the Filipino people, she said in a statement sent to Al Jazeera.

On social media, the hashtag #JusticeForJenniferLaude and #TransLivesMatter became top trending topics in the Philippines.

Since becoming president, Duterte has been known to take a hardline stand against the US, a longtime military ally of the Philippines, engaging in frequent and infamous tirades and threats against it.

However, he has yet to downgrade ties and in June withdrew his decision to scrap a bilateral troop deployment agreement that is central to the defence alliance.
New Delhi: In a major development, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Tuesday arrested Rhea Chakraborty in the drugs conspiracy related to Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput death case. The actress was summoned on the third consecutive day by the NCB.

Her younger brother Showik Chakraborty, two close aides of Sushant - Samuel Miranda and Dipesh Sawant - and a few others have already been arrested by the NCB in connection with the case.

It has been learnt that Rhea confessed before the NCB that she used to smoke cigarettes filled with marijuana (ganja). Rhea told the NCB officials during the questioning that she used to smoke drugs-filled cigarette with late star Sushant Singh Rajput. Rhea also claimed that Sushant was consuming drugs since 2016

The actress will undergo medical tests including coronavirus examination before the NCB produces her before the court.

Various angles surrounding the death of Sushant are being probed by three federal agencies, including the ED and the CBI.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against actor Sushant Singh Rajput's sisters and others for abetment to suicide and criminal conspiracy by prescribing him medicines banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The case was registered after the actor's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty claimed they prescribed drugs to him without consultation.

An offence has been registered against Sushant's sisters Priyanka Singh and Meetu Singh, Delhi-based doctor Tarun Kumar and others.

Rhea in her complaint claimed these persons hatched a conspiracy and obtained false prescription on the letterhead of a government hospital for banned medicines and administered the same to the actor without supervising doses and quantity.

Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Bandra residence on June 14.
Forrest Fenn, the author and artifacts dealer who led thousands of treasure hunters on a chase for a $3 million chest of gold in the Rocky Mountains, has died. He was 90.

Fenn died of natural causes on Monday at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, police spokesman Greg Gurule told the New Mexican.

For 10 years, thousands of thrill seekers followed the clues left in a poem he published in 2010, seeking the chest full of gold he said that he had stowed somewhere in the Rocky Mountains.

In June of this year, he claimed that the treasure had been found in Wyoming, but refused to reveal exactly where it had been hidden, saying he had promised the lucky winner he would keep it a secret.

Forrest Fenn, the author and artifacts dealer who led thousands of treasure hunters on a chase for a $3 million chest of gold in the Rocky Mountains, has died

Fenn (pictured with the treasure in June) claimed that the treasure had been found in Wyoming, but did not say where. The identity of the person who found it was not revealed

A native of Waco, Texas, Fenn said that his love of antiquities began at the age of nine, when he found an arrowhead in a freshly plowed field.

Fenn served as an Air Force combat pilot in the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of major.

He was decorated with the Silver Star for gallantry in action after he was wounded by enemy fire in April 1968, and with the Distinguished Flying Cross with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster for heroism and extraordinary achievement on two missions in the fall of 1968.

In total, he flew 328 combat missions in 365 days in Vietnam.

Following his military service, Fenn opened the Arrowsmith-Fenn Gallery in Santa Fe with his partner Rex Arrowsmith. It later became the Fenn Galleries, which he operated with his wife Peggy.

The gallery specialized in American Indian artifacts, paintings, bronze sculptures, and other art, including openly selling forged copies of works by Modigliani, Monet and Degas.

Though he was sometimes scorned by competitors in Santa Fe's bustling gallery scene, Fenn's gallery reportedly grossed $6 million a year.

Fenn is seen as a young man. He said that his love of antiquities began at the age of nine, when he found an arrowhead in a freshly plowed field

Fenn served as an Air Force pilot in the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of major. He was decorated with the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster

Following his military service, Fenn opened the Arrowsmith-Fenn Gallery in Santa Fe, dealing American Indian artifacts, paintings, bronze sculptures, and other art

In 1988, Fenn was diagnosed with cancer and given a prognosis that it was likely terminal.

After he recovered, Fenn said he was inspired to create a treasure hunt, publishing the clues in a 2010 collection of short stories about his life, titled The Thrill Of The Chase: A Memoir.

He said that the book contained clues as to the treasure's location throughout, and that in particular, a poem in the book had nine clues that would lead to its location.

'I had several motives,' Fenn told DailyMail.com in 2018 in an interview at his New Mexico estate. 'First of all, we were going into a recession  lots of people losing their jobs. I wanted to give some people hope. Despair was written all over the newspaper headlines.

'And secondly, we're an overweight society  I think not only in this country, but the world,' said Fenn. 'So I wanted to get the kids away from their electronic gadgets  and out into the sunshine, out into the mountains, hiking, fishing, picnicking  and anything but the couch. Get out of the game room.'

Author Forrest Fenn poses for a portrait in his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico on June 24, 2018

An undated photo of the bronze chest, gold coins and other antiques making up the treasure

Fenn shared this image of the treasure chest from when it was supposedly found in June

At one point, as many 350,000 people were believed to have looked for the treasure in the Western United States.

But the search had a dark side, leading to the deaths of at least five people who perished in the wilderness while seeking the hidden booty.

Linda Bilyeu, whose ex-husband, Randy Bilyeu, died in the New Mexico wilderness in January 2016 during the search, accused Fenn of perpetrating a hoax, saying that there never was a treasure.

'He needed attention and this is how he got it,' she told Westworld after Fenn announced the treasure had been found. 'Fenn needed more attention, which is why he said the treasure has been found with 'no proof.''

Fenn insisted, including in multiple interviews with DailyMail.com through the years, that the treasure was real and remained where he'd hidden in 2010 until it was discovered this June.

Fenn said repeatedly the 40-pound treasure chest was not hidden anywhere dangerous or inaccessible, and was somewhere that a 79-year-old man could carry it on his own.

But plenty of searchers who took Fenn at his word that he indeed hid a treasure nonetheless forgot, disregarded or didn't hear about his promise about accessibility.

Some questioned whether the entire treasure hunt was a hoax -- but Fenn always insisted that it was real, and that the treasure was buried for 10 years until it was found in June

During the search for Randy Bilyeau in 2016 - the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers found his remains along the Rio Grande River in northern New Mexico - his relatives and New Mexico State Police pleaded for Fenn to call off the hunt.

Fenn refused, saying that would be unfair to those who spent time and money looking for the chest.

National park officials and rescuers expressed relief when Fenn said in June that the treasure had been found.

'It was under a canopy of stars in the lush, forested vegetation of the Rocky Mountains and had not moved from the spot where I hid it more than 10 years ago,' Fenn said in a statement on his Old Santa Fe Trading Co. website.

'I do not know the person who found it, but the poem in my book led him to the precise spot. I congratulate the thousands of people who participated in the search and hope they will continue to be drawn by the promise of other discoveries. So the search is over,' he added.

With his death, the secret of the treasure's location -- and whether it ever even existed -- may be buried with him.
IRISH businesses will be told to "urgently" intensify preparations for Brexit with just four months to go until the end of the transition period and changes in trade that will take place regardless of whether a new deal is reached with the UK.

Further Brexit supports for businesses are promised when the Government launches it's latest Readiness Action Plan tomorrow.

It comes amid brinksmanship in the ongoing talks between the UK and the EU and concern that the British Government is undermining the Withdrawal Agreement and Irish protocols with new Westminster legislation.

The Cabinet was briefed today on the state of play of the ongoing trade negotiations and the new readiness plan.

Read More

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has not contacted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to relay Irish concerns over the legislation but a Government spokesperson said there have been contacts between "high level officials". They also said the EU's negotiating team led by Michel Barnier is continuing its efforts to strike a trade agreement with the UK.

Mr Martin will be joined by Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney and Green Party Transport Minister Eamon Ryan to launch the 2020 Brexit Readiness Action Plan tomorrow morning.

It will outline how businesses need to prepare for trade changes that will take place even if negotiations on a free trade deal are successful as well as the worst-case scenario of a crash out and tariffs being introduced.

A Government spokesperson said there will be further supports for businesses and they still have time to get ready but with less than four months until the end of the Brexit transition period "the really do need to prepare".

"Irish businesses trading with Great Britain or using the UK landbridge will need to urgently intensify their readiness for the 1st of January," the spokesperson said.

He added: "Failing to engage with and implement these new rules will prevent them from trading with Great Britain or could lead to significant delays in the movement of goods."

He said there are a wide range of supports already in place and additional measures will be annoucned tomorrow and also pointed out that the Government has invested heavily in preparations at ports and airports.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 06:24:17|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government on Tuesday announced sanctions against two former Lebanese ministers, accusing them of supporting Hezbollah.

The Treasury Department said in a statement that former Lebanese government ministers Youssef Fenianos and Ali Hassan Khalil had been blacklisted for corruption and providing material support to Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization.

According to the statement, Youssef Fenianos served as Lebanese Public Works and Transport Minister from 2016 to 2020, and Ali Hassan Khalil was the Finance Minister from 2014 to 2020.

All property and interests of the property of the designated individuals in the United States have been blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging any transactions with them, said the statement. Enditem
I recently re-watched the Spielberg-Tom Cruise big screen adaptation of Minority Report. It still holds up as a great sci-fi film about the dangers of the surveillance state, but it also loses something in the way it strays from the source material. I'm hardly an adaptation purist, but Philip K Dick's original "Minority Report" short story was deeply, deeply chilling in a way that a Tom Cruise movie was never going to be  because instead of being a wrongly-accused hero who wants to restore freedom, the Tom Cruise character says, "Well actually this autism-abuse algorithm system we've devised is working pretty well, and it would make things even worse if I proved it wrong."

He then makes the choice to fulfill the murder he's been algorithmically prophecized to fulfill, thus ensuring that the Minority Report system remains flawless and accurate and good. He literally kills someone to protect the surveillance state apparatus.

I thought of this original ending when I started reading about this Tampa Bay Times investigation into the Pasco County Sheriff Department's terrifying predictive policing dragnet. The comparison popped in my mind before I even reached this passage:

Nocco took over the Pasco Sheriff's Office in 2011 when his predecessor retired early and then-Gov. Rick Scott appointed him to finish the term. Nocco was 35 and a newly promoted major who had joined the Sheriff's Office two years earlier. He had deep ties to Republican politics but far less experience in law enforcement than the outgoing sheriff. He quickly rolled out a plan to remake the department that sounded like a pitch for a Hollywood blockbuster: Moneyball meets Minority Report. The intent was to reduce property crime. The agency, which has 650 sworn law enforcement officers and covers a county of roughly 500,000 residents, would use data to predict where future crimes were likely to take place and who was likely to commit them, Nocco told reporters. Then deputies would find those people and "take them out"  thwarting criminal activity before it happened. "Instead of being reactive," he said, "we are going to be proactive." He later said the approach was not unlike the way the federal government goes after terrorists.

Oh okay cool, so Minority Report was literally an inspiration for this guy's program. He apparently watched that movie and thought, "Actually this is good, and if Tom Cruise was a real hero, he would murdered someone in order to protect the accuracy of the system and keep the world safe."

The Tampa Bay Times article offers a long and comprehensive investigation into a program that's exactly as Draconian as you might exist. I suggest you read the whole thing  but here are a few passages that stood out to me:

First the Sheriff's Office generates lists of people it considers likely to break the law, based on arrest histories, unspecified intelligence and arbitrary decisions by police analysts. Then it sends deputies to find and interrogate anyone whose name appears, often without probable cause, a search warrant or evidence of a specific crime. They swarm homes in the middle of the night, waking families and embarrassing people in front of their neighbors. They write tickets for missing mailbox numbers and overgrown grass, saddling residents with court dates and fines. They come again and again, making arrests for any reason they can. One former deputy described the directive like this: "Make their lives miserable until they move or sue." In just five years, Nocco's signature program has ensnared almost 1,000 people. [] As they make checks, deputies feed information back into the system, not just on the people they target, but on family members, friends and anyone else in the target's orbit. In the past two years alone, two of the nation's largest law enforcement agencies have scrapped similar programs following public outcries and reports documenting serious flaws. In Pasco, however, the initiative has expanded. Last summer, the Sheriff's Office announced plans to begin keeping tabs on people who have been repeatedly committed to psychiatric hospitals.

Aside from the inherently biased data collection they're running here, they're also openly criminalizing mental health problems. Most people killed by police already have a mental disorder, but this is even more cruel.

Here's a little bit more about how their algorithms work:

Potential prolific offenders are first identified using an algorithm the department invented that gives people scores based on their criminal records. People get points each time they're arrested, even when the charges are dropped. They get points for merely being a suspect. The manual says people's scores are "enhanced"  it does not say by how much  if they miss court dates, violate their probation or appear in five or more police reports, even if they were listed as a witness or the victim. [] If the targets, their family members or associates wouldn't speak to deputies or answer questions, STAR team deputies were told to look for code enforcement violations like faded mailbox numbers, a forgotten bag of trash or overgrown grass, Rodgers said. The father of one Sheriff's Office target was fined over the numbers posted on his house. The numbers were there, the document notes in the top-right, but a nearby light made them hard to see. The form indicates the father had to attend a mandatory court hearing. Pasco Sheriff's Office

"We would literally go out there and take a tape measure and measure the grass if somebody didn't want to cooperate with us," he said. Rodgers said people sometimes would fail to pay the fine, which would result in a warrant being issued for their arrest. "We'd get them one way or another," he said.

See how easy it is to manufacture criminals and villains? You don't even need to be convicted of a crime  just pull over a car a few times for a few "random" checks based on prejudiced profiling and bam, that computer will repeat back to you with calculated confidence that that driver is indeed a dangerous villain who must be stopped at all costs!

In response to this huge expose, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office released a statement, pointing out that their Minority Report knockoff has, indeed, been successful in reducing property crime, and is therefore good. They fail to notice that property crimes in their county dropped  at the exact same rate as they did in the seven-largest nearby police jurisdictions. Or that violent crime increased. (We perhaps shouldn't be so surprised that these police would place such importance on the protection of property above all. That is, after all, the fundamental purpose of most police since their founding: taxpayer-funded private property protection for landowners).

Check out the whole horrifying story at the link.

Pasco's sheriff created a futuristic program to stop crime before it happens.

It monitors and harasses families across the county. [Kathleen McGrory and Neil Bedi / Tampa Bay Times]
The National Chairman of the NDC, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, has called on Ghanaians to vote out President Nana Akufo-Addo come December 7.

According to him, voting out Mr Akufo-Addo is part of the rescue mission.

He made the call in a statement at the ongoing launch of the 2020 manifesto of the NDC.

The manifesto is being launched at the University of Professional Studies Accra.

The manifesto is dubbed: 'The People's Manifesto.'

He said President Akufo-Addo was digging a deeper hole for every Ghanaian and that very soon we will all be buried.

As such, he said the president must be voted out to rescue all Ghanaians from danger.

Vote for Mahama let us together move Ghana in the right direction, he urged.

He asked Ghanaians to join the winning team (NDC), saying the rescue mission continues.

---Daily Guide
De Blasio said on Tuesday Labor Day weekend in New York City had been 'overwhelmingly peaceful'

Bill de Blasio praised New York City for what he claimed was an 'overwhelmingly peaceful' Labor Day weekend despite gun arrests reaching a 25 year high last week and although there were 37 shootings on Labor Day alone, including the murder of a 62-year-old dog walker in Bay Ridge.

There were 160 gun arrests the week ending September 6, Commissioner Dermot Sea said during an interview on Tuesday morning.

On Monday, there were 37 alone.

By the end of August, there had been 1,004 shootings in New York City - nearly double the 537 there were last year.

At 12.50am on Sunday, a 25-year-old man was shot in the head as he sat next to his wife in a car in Queens.

Its unclear what the motive was but it is believed the man was caught in a hail of bullets and may not necessarily have been the target.

The woman reported it to police.

An hour later, another man was shot dead after a dispute outside his home - also in Queens.

On Monday morning at 6.50am, Michael Scully, 62, was shot dead while walking his dogs in Bay Ridge.

It's unclear who attacked him or what the motive was. Scully has been described as friends as a peaceful man.

Despite all the bloodshed, de Blasio said on Tuesday: 'Thank God none have life-threatening injuries. Except for that incident, overwhelmingly we had a peaceful weekend in central Brooklyn and it really is because of the hard work of everyone.'

A blood stained sidewalk and clothing are seen behind NYPD police tape, where according to local media reports five people were shot, including a 6-year-old boy, early Monday

EMTs race to recover people from the Caribbean festival in Brooklyn on Saturday night where many were shot

A six-year-old boy was shot at a Caribbean festival in Brooklyn on Saturday. He survived

He was talking about a six-year-old boy was shot during a Caribbean festival in Brooklyn just three hours before a 62-year-old man was killed while walking his dogs.



Michael Scully, 62, was shot dead in Bay Ridge on Monday morning walking his dogs at 6.50am

The NYPD is increasingly frustrated by de Blasios refusal to accept the escalating crime problem.

On Twitter, the SBA - the largest police union - said it was hard to call safe a man being murdered in broad daylight.

There were 242 shootings across New York City in the month of August, more than double the 91 that happened in the same month last year.

De Blasio is among the radical left leaders that President Trump has threatened to eradicate if he wins again in November.

Trump has vowed to bring back New York after watching it turn to lawlessness over the last six months.

The coronavirus pandemic gave way to a rise in homelessness. De Blasio also tried to stop infection rates from growing inside shelters by moving 13,000 homeless people into hotels around the city, some of them luxury establishments in upmarket neighborhoods.

It drove a spike in crime in otherwise gentile family neighborhoods like the Upper West Side.

He also took $1billion from the NYPDs budget which they say has crippled their ability to do their jobs.

The decision was made after a surge in pressure on de Blasio and the city council amid Black Lives Matter protests in June.
At the macroscopic level, there are numerous examples of people cooperating to form groupings. Yet at the basic two-person level, people tend to betray each other, as found in games like the prisoner's dilemma, even though people would receive a better payoff if they cooperated among themselves. The topic of cooperation and how and when people start trusting one another has been studied numerically, and in the journal Chaos, researchers investigate what drives cooperation analytically.This image shows plots of (a) game magnetization mg, and (b) reward susceptibility r versus reward payoff (r) for different game temperatures T. Rest of payoffs are: t = 5,s = 0 and p = 1. Credit: Colin Benjamin and Aditya Dash

When looking at humanity from a macroscopic perspective, there are numerous examples of people cooperating to form societies, countries, religions, and other groupings.

Yet at the basic two-person level, people tend to betray each other, as found in social dilemma games like the prisoner's dilemma, even though people would receive a better payoff if they cooperated among themselves.

The topic of cooperation and how and when people start trusting one another has been studied by various researchers who have addressed this problem numerically. In a paper in Chaos, researchers investigate what drives cooperation analytically.

In order to investigate what happens when an infinite number of people, instead of two people, play a game like the prisoner's dilemma, the researchers mapped the two-player game to a two-spin ID Ising model, which is a 1D line of interacting spins in the presence of an external magnetic field.

Spins can either point clockwise, which is up, or counterclockwise, which is down. The net difference between the fraction of spins pointing up to those pointing down provides the analytic result for the magnetization.

"Game magnetization is an excellent measure of how in the overall scheme of things the total number of players respond to different payoffs," said Colin Benjamin, one of the authors. "In our work, we go beyond game magnetization and look at game susceptibility, too."

An analytical result for susceptibility probes the net change in the fraction of players adopting a certain strategy for both classic and quantum social dilemmas and pinpoints the real drivers of cooperative behavior, which can vary given the situation.

The findings in this research can be applied to analytical solutions to numerous other social dilemma games, such as rock-paper-scissors, Battle of the Sexes, or Stag Hunt. The mapping to ID Ising model can help understand cooperative behavior in many other social dilemmas as well.

"One future area to explore is that of recent COVID-19 infection dynamics," said Benjamin. "A lot of numerical work has been done to explore COVID-19 infection dynamics using tools of evolutionary game theory. An analytical model, however, is lacking."

More information: "Thermodynamic susceptibility as a measure of cooperative behavior in social dilemmas," Chaos, aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/5.0015655 Journal information: Chaos "Thermodynamic susceptibility as a measure of cooperative behavior in social dilemmas,"
Its quite easy to feel bogged down by current events these days. What with the UK plummeting into its worst recession since 2008, and millions of people losing their jobs, its proving a frightening time for us all.

However, good things often come out of hard times, which is very much the case in the realm of small businesses.

It seems months in lockdown, furlough and mass redundancies have inspired a whole generation of Britons to set up their own online businesses, with platforms such as eBay reporting a staggering 335% increase in new start-ups on their site.

We meet some of the savvy entrepreneurs whove overcome the bad and are now thriving on eBay  and show you just how easy it is to do it yourself.

The World Wide Web of business

Since lockdown began, all of us have had to adapt in some form or another  be it working from home while juggling childcare, to being furloughed and thinking of creative ways to fill our time.

Jemma feared that as lockdown eased, eBay sales would drop, but people are loving the money they can save on manicures by using Bluesky kits at home

As times gone on, and the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic has worsened, more and more of us have been seeking alternative financial revenues to stay in the green  or even just to try something new. After all, thousands of British people have found that lockdown has given them the time to reevaluate their lives, leaving many yearning for a fresh start.

Lockdown product categories that are bang on the money Thinking of setting up an eBay business of your own? Check out the top 10 categories that have proven most popular with online shoppers since lockdown began to see where your fortunes could lie 1. Mens clothing 2. Womens clothing 3. Speciality fashion 4. Cycling 5. Cars and parts 6. Mobile phone accessories 7. Fitness, running and yoga 8. Swimming pools and hot tubs 9. DIY materials 10. Facial skin care

Between the start of the pandemic and June this year, eBay saw a 40% increase in people registering businesses on their platform, a jump of 335% since June 2019.

The trigger for so many people to take this leap and go it alone is clear, but why have they chosen eBay  and is it paying off?

For Jemma Robinson, director of gel nail polish brand Bluesky Cosmetics UK, eBay allowed her to save her business and her loyal team, and helped them thrive, too.

She says, We launched Bluesky in October 2018, then a year later we had a pop-up retail store in The Bullring, Birmingham, where we had an extremely successful Christmas period. As a result, we planned to open some permanent retail stores.

However, as many bricks and mortar businesses have found, the lockdown decimated high street trade, and the impact is still felt now even as measures are easing.

But Bluesky Cosmetics UK wasnt affected, because just as the lockdown came in it opened its eBay store so it could continue trading  and its been non-stop ever since.

Over the past six months, theres been a huge surge in home beauty products, and our starter kits have flown off the shelves, explains Jemma. People have realised how easy it is to do your own nails at home  and it saves them a fortune as well!

Even as salons re-open, sales havent diminished, and the Bluesky fanbase are buying more colours and nail art tools as they recreate professional looks at home for less.

While lockdown buying trends have very much been in her favour, Jemma feels a lot of her success is down to eBay. On one hand, she says, with eBays customer base being so vast, there was more or less guaranteed to be a market for our products.

Bluesky gel nail starter kits allow people to create that salon-perfect, lasting gel manicure for themselves at home

Couple this with the fantastic support weve received from eBay as new sellers, such as being assigned our very own dedicated project manager who was always on hand to help with queries and setting up our store, and its easy to see why weve experienced such a significant sales increase.

Jemma narrowly avoided damage to her business by going online instead of opening high street stores in April  but what about the businesses who already had established shops?

A helping hand for new sellers Feeling inspired to launch a business of your own? eBay is offering an exclusive offer to help kick off your new online venture. After seeing such a huge volume of new sellers join its platform, eBay is keen to help out its growing family of start-ups with its exclusive Free to List offer. When you join eBay as a business seller, you will pay zero insertion fees on your first 150 listings during your first 90 days, so you can focus all your attention on getting to grips with the virtual market place and reap the rewards. The Free to List offer is available until September 30, 2020. Find out more by clicking here.

Hitting the sweet spot

Jennie Crowhurst opened Pennyworths sweet shop in Truro, Cornwall, 11 years ago with her mother. After her mum passed away in 2014, Jennie became the sole manager alongside her main career as a business analyst, and gradually accrued a team of four to help her run the store.

Jennie outside Pennyworths, Truro, which has now re-opened for business and is still experiencing a good trade in addition to the rising popularity of her eBay store

When the pandemic hit, she had to shut shop, but also found herself lumbered with lots of newly ordered Easter stock.

We had an immediate problem of what to do with this stock, and decided the obvious way to sell it was to create Easter box bundles to sell on eBay, Jennie says.

The effect of this was two-fold; it prevented perfectly good stock going to waste, but it also enabled Pennyworths to continue trading when it couldnt welcome customers in through its doors as normal.

Going online hasnt just maintained sales, either  its boosted them. Weve been trading on eBay for five months, and weve already seen the business grow during this time, shares Jennie. Weve had plenty of customers place returning orders, and our regular shop customers have been making the most of our online store, too.

Pennyworths has now reopened and customers are overjoyed  yet business continues to grow online for Jennie

The move to eBay has helped keep Pennyworths thriving for Jennie and her customers, old and new. And it was surprisingly simple to set up, as Jennie reveals: Setting up was easy. Once we overcame the challenge of how best to package and price our products for the online market, sales went up and up.

Her success on eBay has meant that Jennie is now looking to open a bricks and mortar store in Dorset, a sister shop to the one in Truro, and this new base will serve as a warehouse for the growing eBay arm of Pennyworths.

Edinburgh-based Sophie Jessop also used eBay to keep her store going, a decision she made just as lockdown was announced this year.

Sophie feared that her high street jewellery business wouldn't survive lockdown, but she found a simple solution that has helped business boom

With no clue about what the future held, Sophie worried about covering the bills for Jessop Jewellers, her familys business which has been going for 50 years. She started selling fine jewellery, watches and giftware through The Jewellers Outlet on eBay  and it proved to be her silver lining.

Business has been BOOMING!, she exclaims. eBay has performed really well for us, and I feel no other platform could allow a small Scottish jeweller like us a global shop window like they have. Were exposed to millions of shoppers; eBay has truly been the biggest success of our lockdown.

Sophie says: 'Despite the current climate, people still want to treat themselves and celebrate special occasions, and that's how our beautiful jewellery has taken off'

For existing small business owners, Sophie cant recommend the platform enough. She says: Its a great place for buyers and sellers to connect in the UK and across the globe, and is the best place for small business to grow incremental sales.

But its also a great base to start out if youre thinking of setting up a business of your own. Sophie suggests the following simple tips for those looking to go into business with eBay:

1. Research your product and make sure its appealing.

2. Look into your competitors to see how theyre selling similar or identical products and learn from them.

3. Be different  can you offer something unique, such as free shipping?

4. If you want to make a living out of eBay, spend the same amount of time on building your store as you would any other full-time job.

5. Remember: The more effort you put into your eBay store, the more youll get out of it!
Border Force officials have detained 223 migrants in 18 dinghies after they crossed the English Channel to reach the UK on Monday - as French authorities stopped another 106 people making the crossing.

More migrants have been setting out from the coast of France while the weather is warm in a desperate attempt to reach the UK before autumn.

It comes after 21 migrants made the journey across the Channel to the UK over the weekend in two separate crossings.

Yesterday's arrivals meant at least 5,800 refugees have now successfully made it to the UK this year.

The Home Office released official numbers late on Monday night relating to the treacherous crossings.

Dan O'Mahoney, Clandestine Channel Threat Commander, said he has been working with counterparts in France to 'make this route completely unviable'.

Dan O'Mahoney, Clandestine Channel Threat Commander, said he has been working with counterparts in France to 'make this route completely unviable'. Pictured, migrants on Monday

Migrants pictured making the treacherous Channel crossing on Monday September 7. It was one of eight boats and 106 people who were stopped making the journey by French authorities

They also revealed a further 106 people in eight boats were stopped by French authorities before they could get into UK waters.

Mr O'Mahoney said: 'These crossings are facilitated by criminals willing to risk people's lives for money.

'France is a safe country with a fully functioning asylum system - those seeking refuge can and should claim asylum there.

'I continue to work with my counterparts in France on a daily basis to make this route completely unviable, and this morning the French stopped more migrants leaving the coastline - though I recognise the number still reaching the UK remains too high.

'We continue to return those who do not have a legitimate asylum claim despite barriers to removals under the Dublin Regulations and legal challenges.'

Meanwhile, a boat with a staggering 45 migrants had to be rescued after getting into difficulty off Dunkirk.

A woman and her young baby, thought to be migrants are brought into Dover, Kent, by Border Force officers following a small boat incident in the Channel

A Border Force officer comforted a young baby as a group of people thought to be migrants were brought into Dover, Kent, on Monday

The zodiac-style craft was spotted just after 9am on Monday and towed back to port by coast guard cruiser Nordet.

A similar boat containing 16 people, including five women and four children, had also suffered engine failure.

They were collected by coastguard patroller Jacques Oudart Fourmentin and brought back to border officers at Dunkirk West port.

Pictures showed a group of four men wearing jackets and backpacks perched either side of their inflatable boat using huge shovels as makeshift oars to paddle across the Channel.

Two migrants were also found suffering hypothermia on board a boat spotted by a passing ferry.

They were recovered by the Jacques Oudart Fourmentin at 5.40pm and evacuated to the port of Calais by the National Sea Rescue Societys all-weather canoe Notre Dame du Risban.

Yesterday's arrivals meant that at least 5,800 refugees have successfully made it to the UK this year. Pictured, young children were among those making the crossing yesterday

The first incident came shortly after 6am when a coastal maritime surveillance boat Escaut rescued 15 people onboard a zodiac boat taking water off Calais.

A merchant vessel warned French authorities of five people in difficulty in the Dyck anchorage area north of Calais.

They were rescued by the all-weather canoe just after noon.

Yesterday, a suspected migrant was found hiding in a tourist's roof box when drivers heard thumping sounds at a Kent service station.

The shocked driver was parked at Maidstone Services, after travelling back from Calais through the Eurotunnel, when a group of concerned motorists gathered after hearing a 'thumping sound' coming from the car's roof box.

A police spokesman said: 'Kent Police was called at around 10.05am on Monday, September 7, 2020, following reports of a suspected migrant inside the roof box of a car at the M20 services near Maidstone.

The shocked driver was parked at Maidstone Services, after driving back from Calais through the Eurotunnel, when a group of concerned motorists gathered after hearing a 'thumping sound' coming from the car's roof box

A police spokesman said: 'Kent Police was called at around 10.05am on Monday, September 7, 2020, following reports of a suspected migrant inside the roof box'

'Patrols attended the scene where the person was detained and enquiries commenced with Home Office immigration officers.'

The driver of the car, who wanted to remain anonymous, had travelled to the UK from Calais through the Eurotunnel.

He told the BBC: 'When I got there, the security checked over the car. They had the dogs, the dog came in the car, they had the radar thing and everything, and they said, ''you're ok to go''.

'They let me through. So, how didn't it detect anything?'

He said he felt sorry for the 'plight of refugees' and that he was 'shocked more than anything'.

The driver of the car, who wanted to remain anonymous, said he felt sorry for the 'plight of refugees' and that he was 'shocked more than anything'

The driver added: 'You'd never believe it, in a roof box on a car.'

It comes after a screaming baby was among migrants rescued from another boat attempting to cross the channel this morning.

Pictures taken in Dover showed Border Force officials hoisting up a baby from a boat to safety after the RNLI picked up another group of migrants in the Channel.

Two men were seen standing over a railing in Dover, preparing to lift the child to safety from a boat brought in from the Channel.

Another Border Force official dressed in PPE and a protective vest clutched the child in his arms before lifting it up to his colleagues.

A Border Force official holds a screaming baby in his arms, as his colleagues stood over a railing above him, prepare to hoist the child to safety

14 migrants were picked up in the Channel this morning and brought back to Dover. The RNLI transported the people using three separate boats

Another 14 migrants were found in a boat in another attempted crossing of the English Channel.

They were brought ashore in three separate boats by Border Force officials.

The inflatable boat used by the migrants was also brought into the harbour from the Channel by the Hunter vessel.

Five men and one woman were picked up by coastal maritime surveillance cruiser Escaut and returned to border police at Boulogne-sur-Mer at 2.50pm on Sunday.

A Border Force officer is seen carrying a baby at the port of Dover yesterday after a group of migrants were rescued from the Channel

No successful crossings were recorded on Saturday as far-right protesters clashed with police in Dover in reaction to a pro-migrant demonstration being held in the Kent town.

Six men have been charged following anti-migration protests in Dover on Saturday, Kent Police said.

All six, aged between 28 and 51, have been bailed to appear at court on a later date, which the force did not state.

Chief superintendent Nigel Brookes said: 'We made it very clear from the start that Kent Police would have officers in Dover and would not tolerate violence or disorder.

'Whilst the majority of people demonstrated their views peacefully, there was a minority who did not. Thankfully our experienced officers intervened quickly when offences were committed, sought to keep the transport routes moving and balance the rights of those taking part in the protests.'

21 migrants made the journey across the Channel to the UK over the weekend in two separate crossings

An exhausted migrant, one of eight to have landed in Deal, Kent, yesterday, shivers as he lies on the beach wrapped in a blanket

Eight migrants were found to have landed on the beach in Deal yesterday and were cared for by the Coastguard

The rival protests took place in the Kent town just days after a record 416 migrants made it to the UK after crossing the English Channel.

Following days of bad weather, a flurry of migrant boats managed to cross the busy shipping lanes of the Dover strait to the UK on Wednesday, last week.

At least 416 migrants packed onto two dozen boats for the crossing, a new single-day record.

On Thursday, senior Home Office and immigration figures appeared before the Home Affairs Committee, which is conducting an inquiry into migrant crossings.

Chairwoman Yvette Cooper pressed them for answers on whether the Home Office will have any legal authority to return migrants to countries like France after December 31.

Another child is carried ashore from a boat by a Border Force official after being rescued in the English Channel

No successful crossings were recorded on Saturday as far-right protesters clashed with police in Dover in reaction to a pro-migrant demonstration being held in the Kent town

However she did not receive a full answer to the question, which she said she was 'really surprised' about.

Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, asked Mr O'Mahoney about suggestions made by a French politician that migrants come to the UK because it is easier to work illegally and 'live undercover'.

Mr Loughton said: 'It would appear that French members of parliament are party to putting around these misconceptions about how they are actually going to be looked after if they do make it to the UK.

'That's part of the problem, isn't it, that people are coming here on a false premise?'

Mr O'Mahoney replied: 'I think that's absolutely correct.'

Later the same day, Home Secretary Priti Patel used Twitter to hail the deportation of 11 Syrian nationals to Spain.

One of the eight migrants that arrived in Deal yesterday shivers as he crouches on the beach wrapped in blanket

An inflatable boat rests on the beach after washing up in Deal today with eight migrants aboard. The engine has fallen off and lies on the stones

She also continued her attacks on 'activist lawyers' which she says are frustrating the removal of migrants.

Amanda Pinto QC, chair of the Bar Council, said that lawyers should not be political targets for simply doing their jobs.

Concerns were raised over the deportation of the 11 Syrians when it emerged that they had been left 'confused and distressed' when they ended up alone on the streets of Madrid.

When their UK Government-chartered flight touched down in Spain authorities declined responsibility for them, and they were left alone until an aid group picked them up.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : Hours after the Mumbai Police registered an FIR on the complaint filed by Rhea Chakraborty against Sushant Singh Rajput's sisters and others, senior advocate Vikas Singh representing the late actor's family launched a scathing attack on the city police force.

Speaking to media here, Singh said, "Today an FIR has been registers by the Mumbai Police. The Bandra Police station is like her second home. The FIR registered by the Bandra Police is a clear violation of the Supreme Court order." The Supreme Court last month closed all options for the Mumbai Police to continue the probe or register a criminal case in future in connection with the unnatural death of SSR.

"The right of registering the FIR with the Mumbai Police in this case was only for the 147 proceedings of the Mumbai Police which were already on. What Rhea is trying to say through this FIR should have been given by her to the CBI as a statement," he added.

The Mumbai police on Tuesday registered the FIR against Sushant Singh Rajput's sisters Priyanka Singh and Meetu Singh, and a doctor from Ram Manohar Lohia hospital in Delhi based on a complaint filed by actor Rhea Chakraborty.

A case has been filed at Bandra police station under sections pertaining to cheating, forgery, abetment to suicide, criminal conspiracy and other sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

The senior advocate said that the Mumbai Police has filled up the NDPS section as if they wanted to make her happy. "This FIR is a clear violation of the Supreme Court proceedings. Moreover, there is another judgment which says that whenever an FIR is being registered agaisnt a Doctor, a medical team shall be constituted and only after that such a step can be taken," Singh said.

He added that if the complaint was bonafide and genuine, their statement to CBI would have been a big enough blow to the family of the late actor.

Earlier on Monday night, Singh had intimidated that if the Mumbai Police takes this complaint forward, he would "initiate a request for Contempt of court proceedings".

"Mumbai Police shall not accept any such complaint as it would be a clear violation of the Supreme Court's order. The order clearly prohibits any other agency apart from CBI from registering any new complaint in this case," said Singh while holding a press conference here.

"This is a clear attempt to deflect the mind of the people and derail the probe. If the Bandra Police wil take this complaint forward, we will initiate contempt proceedings," he added.

Ordering a CBI probe into the matter, Justice Hrishikesh Roy in the apex court had said, "While according approval for the ongoing CBI investigation, if any other case is registered on the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput and the surrounding circumstances of his unnatural death, the CBI is directed to investigate the new case as well." The top court had also noted that in the present case, the Mumbai Police has attempted to stretch the purview of Section 174 without drawing up any FIR and therefore, as it appears, no investigation pursuant to commission of a cognizable offence is being carried out by the Mumbai Police.

Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
CHICAGO, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- After months of COVID-19 risk-mitigation planning, North Park University (North Park) has welcomed its Fall 2020 class of first-year, returning, and transfer students to its Chicago campus this month. With the students' health, safety, and best interests leading every decision, a sense of reassurance permeates the North Park community  and yielded a larger enrollment than in 2019.

From the moment students arrived on campus, every conversation with students and family members echoed gratitude and excitement.

"The students appreciate and have confidence in the complex and detailed planning that went into offering them the opportunity to attend North Park in-person this fall  and our plan is now working well," said North Park President Mary K. Surridge.

Every day Surridge engages in individual and group conversations with students, faculty and staff who are helping to sustain campus community life and support wellness protocols. "We are all in this together  and I could not be prouder of our Reopening Task Force and our campus community overall," said Surridge.

The nearly 3,000 student campus community  with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, large classrooms and ample outdoor green space on Chicago's near northside  is a Christian university with commuters and residential students and no fraternities or sororities.

"We have highly qualified professionals giving daily attention to every detail of our plan and they will continue to do so," added Surridge. A daily temperature and COVID symptom check-in, monitored through a free smart-phone app, clears students, faculty, and staff to appear on campus.

North Park's in-this-together culture promotes guideline compliance such as universal mask wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing. Student athletes are demonstrating their leadership skills by sharing social media posts encouraging their peers to observe the guidelines faithfully.

Contributing to the fall 2020 enrollment increase and campus reopening success is a campus-wide sense of gratitude for having an authentic college experience.

"Our students are grateful for the gift of being together with their friends, faculty and mentors," Surridge said, "and they are sharing responsibility for making the plan work."

ABOUT NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY

North Park University is city-centered, intercultural, and emerging as the model for Christian higher education in 21st Century America.

SOURCE North Park University

Related Links

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New Delhi: Even as India has categorically rejected Chinas claim that the Indian Army crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and fired warning shots near the Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh, its state-run media Global Times has warned that New Delhi has no chance of winning war with Beijing.

Terming Friday's meeting between Indian and Chinese Defence Ministers as a positive step, the Chinese state media had said on Saturday that in case of a border war, India will have no chance of winning.

In an editorial published on Saturday, the Global Times, which is closely linked to the ruling Chinese Communist Party, said, "We must remind the Indian side that China's national strength, including its military strength, is much stronger than India's. Although China and India are both great powers, when it comes to the ultimate competition of combat capability, the Indian side will lose. If a border war starts, India will have no chance of winning."

"We hope that the defence ministers' meeting will be a turning point for the two countries to come back to the consensus of the leaders' meeting. Each side will make its due effort to reduce tensions on the border," the Global Times editorial said.

It, however, supported the meeting of the Defence Ministers in Moscow on Friday. The Global Times editorial opined that it looks like the Indian policies on the border are being dictated by nationalism and public opinion.

"Indian public opinion is too deeply and widely involved in border issues. The Indian troop has been obviously kidnapped by domestic nationalism. Therefore, in addition to the joint control of the border dispute between China and India, India should also manage public opinion and nationalism, and make the best choice for its country and its people," the Global Times said.

"The problem now is that India has drawn an aggressive line on the border issue, misinterpreting China's desire to maintain peace and stability on the border as a weakness that can be exploited by threatening to wage a border war 'at any cost', it added.

External Affairs Ministry has categorically rejected allegations made by China's state-run media and said that it was presenting distorted facts far from reality.

On the other hand, the Indian Army on Tuesday (September 8) rejected China's claim that its troops crossed the Line of Actual Control and fired warning shots near the Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh, stressing that India is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC.

Indian Army said in a statement that China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate and at no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing.

"It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress. In the instant case on 07 September 2020, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops. However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner," said the statement.

"The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity, however, is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs. The statement by the Western Theatre Command is an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience," it added.
Miles deep in the rainforest of the Andamans, a small medical team was greeted by curious and joyful eyes of men wearing headbands and armbands made of wild fruits as well as women adorning themselves with bead jewellery.

Armed with a bow made of chuiood (Sageraea elliptica) and arrows of areca wood, one of them, while expressing his happiness, said in Hindi, Sahab aaya.sahab aayabiscuit degaTV dikhayega (Sir has come, he will give us biscuits, and he will show us television).

Among them were a few children who surrounded the medical team and gave curious looks at a small briefcase carried by one of the medical staff with a red-cross emblem on it.

Welcome to the tribal reserve of the Jarawas along the Andaman Trunk Road. Its members are believed to be descendants of the Jangil tribe and known to be the first successful tribe to move out of Africa (based on their DNA tests) thousands of years ago. Primarily, they are hunter-gatherers and came to the Andamans about 60,000 years ago. They are one of several indigenous tribal groups living in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. They are of short height, with dark skin and curly hair, resembling African Bushmen in appearance.

The Jarawas are no longer hostile to the outside world  they encountered similar experiences in the past when medical teams reached out to them for first-aid for their injuries, which they suffered while hunting and fishing. This medical care service was welcomed by the tribes people and they developed a sense of trust for the local medical staff as they believe that modern medicines heal their wounds faster as compared to their jungle remedies.

Now, when the world is grappling with the novel coronavirus pandemic, the local administration in Port Blair has conducted tests on nearly 280 Jarawa people and all of them have been found to be negative and healthy.

The decision to start testing Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the Andamans was taken in the wake of Covid-19 spread among ten Great Andamanese tribe people. All of them have recovered and most of them have been sent to the Strait Island, which is earmarked for them. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, six members of a PVTGs tested positive for Covid-19, the Health Ministry said.

Speaking to News18.com, Dr Avijit Roy, nodal officer of Covid-19 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, said, We have tested nearly 280 Jarawa tribe people and the good news is all of them tested negative. They all are healthy and doing well. We are following the instructions of the administration and I must say that under the guidance of our chief secretary (Chetan Sanghi), we have done remarkably well in containing the virus in the islands.

When asked about the challenges they face while conducting tests on these tribes, he said, We have a dedicated medical team deployed at health and wellness centre close to the reserve areas. Unlike other tribes, the Jarawas developed a sense of faith in the medical teams because of the medicines that heal their wounds faster. When our medical team visits their reserve territories, they ask for biscuits and ask our team to show their mobile phones. But we maintain all the protocol which is required while dealing with such tribes.

Recently, chief secretary Sanghi tweeted, Primitive Vulnerable Tribes are all safe. Every precaution taken to protect this heritage of humanity. Rumours cause more damage than the Pandemic.

A few weeks ago, similar tests were conducted on nearly 35 Onge tribe people who are confined to Dugong Creek (earmarked for them). They are not considered as uncontacted like the Sentinelese who live on the North Sentinel Island. The test reports of all the Onge came negative.

One Onge tribe woman who is working as an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) worker is assisting our team, Roy said.

The Onges are also semi-nomadic and were fully dependent on hunting and gathering for food, but now the local administration provides them ration and clothes. Though they are not habitual to clothes but slowly they are developing a liking towards covering their bodies.

Over the years, since the establishment of penal settlement in 1858 by the British, the population of primitive tribes like Onge, Jarawa, Shompen, Great Andamanese, Onge and the Sentinelese were decimated due to various reasons, including epidemic (after coming in contact with the British soldiers), exploitation in exchange of alcohol and during confrontation with the Britishers.

Presently the populations of these Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been reduced to about 59 in case of the Great Andamanese, only 238 for Shompen, 520 for Jarawas, 120 for Onges and 50 for Sentinelese.

SA Awaradi, former director of tribal welfare, Andaman & Nicobar Tribal Research Institute, Port Blair, and a renowned tribal expert, said, There is a need to ramp up initiatives to prevent interaction of tribal community people with the non-tribal. All tribes should be sent to their earmarked Islands. In case of the Great Andamanese, they should be sent to Strait Island after proper testing.

On the Jarawa tribe, he said, The first friendly contact with the Jarawa tribe was made in 1974. That was a medical team and since then they consider medical team members to be their friends because the ointment they gave cured their disease quickly. I interacted with them many times and found them less aggressive as compared to other tribes like the Shompen and Sentinelese.

It was learnt that the local administration is also planning to conduct similar tests on the Shompen tribe (approx 230 members are left as per government statistics) but the challenge is they dont like outsiders to enter their territory.

While sharing more about the Shompen, Awaradi said, They are also great hunters and gatherers. They dont trust anyone outside their community and are aggressive in nature. They mainly live on the Great Nicobar Island and prefer to make their huts on the hilltop unlike Jarawa (who make their huts inside the jungles on plains). As per government statistics, their population is nearly 230 but the exact number is still unknown because headcounts deep inside their territory could not be done. They belong to the Mongoloid-Negrito race.

He said, A few of them (Shompen) were contacted as part of their welfare mission. We have a Nicobarese tribe person who understands their language and he helps the team members reach out to them.

Awaradi stressed that during this Covid-19 pandemic, utmost care should be taken to save these Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups as Andaman has already faced four epidemics in the past since penal settlement which led to mass deaths of tribals.

These islands should be completely free from this virus. Since penal settlement in 1858 by the British, the population of primitive tribes like Onge, Jarawa, Shompen, Great Andamanese and the Sentinelese were decimated due to syphilis, influenza, measles, and gonorrhoea like epidemics. This pandemic is worse than the previous ones and the matter of concern is these tribal people are more prone to getting infected due to poor immune systems, he said.

Awaradi worked extensively for tribal welfare in Andamans and he was among the first to visit the North Sentinel Island on January 4, 1991 and among the first to establish contact with the Sentinelese.
The Rajasthan High Court on Monday asked schools in the state to charge only 70 per cent of their total fees during the Covid period when they are closed and are running classes online.

The ruling by a single-judge bench of Justice S.P. Sharma came on three pleas filed by around 200 schools challenging the state government's decision directing schools to defer collection of fees till the time they re-open.

The court also ruled that the parents need to pay the school fees in three instalments till January 31, and also fixed the dates for this. While the first instalment needs to be paid by September 30, the second should be paid by November 30 and the third by January 31.
Moscow:

A new research shows that social media sites like Facebook make feel low and negative when they see someone else seemingly happier lives of their online friends.

The hunt for likes plays a central role in this, with the majority of people feeling down or upset when they do not get as many likes as they expect for a post and with 42 per cent saying they feel jealous when their friends get more likes than them, researchers said.

Also Read: (Good News ! Bilinguals more immune to dementia: Study)

In a survey of 16,750 people worldwide, researchers from Kaspersky Lab in Russia showed people's frustration with social media.

People often experience negative emotions after spending time on social media due to a variety of reasons and these overpower the positive effects of social media.

Consumers visit social media for positive reasons and to feel good. Most people (65 per cent) use social networks to stay in touch with friends and colleagues and to see entertaining and funny posts (60 per cent).

Also Read: (Zika Virus: New structure discovered by Purdue University researchers)

People also devote a significant amount of time to creating their digital profile and filling it with all kinds of positive moments, posting things that make them smile (61 per cent) and telling their networks about the great time they are having during holidays and vacations (43 per cent).

While it is not surprising that 72 percent of people are annoyed by advertising that has become extremely intrusive and interrupts their online communications, the reasons for frustration go deeper.

Despite the desire to feel good from their interactions on social media, when people see their friend's happy posts about holidays, hobbies and parties, they are often left with the bitter feeling that other people are enjoying life more than them.

For example, 59 percent have felt unhappy when they have seen friend's posts from a party they were not invited to and 45 per cent revealed that their friend's happy holiday pictures have had a negative influence on them.

Furthermore, 37 per cent also admitted that looking at past happy posts of their own can leave them with the feeling that their own past was better than their present life.

Previous research has also demonstrated people's frustration with social media as 78 per cent admitted that they have considered leaving social networks altogether.

The only thing that makes people stay on social media is the fear of losing their digital memories, such as photos, and contacts with their friends.

"Our relationship with social media has developed into a vicious cycle. We want to go onto our favourite social platforms to tell all of our connections about the positive things we are doing - that makes us feel good," said Evgeny Chereshnev from Kaspersky Lab.

For all the Latest Lifestyle News, Others News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
(AMF Autorite des Marches Financiers)

Regulatory News:

Genkyotex (Paris:GKTX) (Brussels:GKTX):

Genkyotex shares ISIN code FR00011790542 Euronext Paris Brussels Date Number of shares making up the share capital Number of voting rights August 31, 2020 11,548,562 Theoretical number of voting rights(1): 11,548,562 Number of voting rights exercisable at a shareholders'

meeting(2): 11,538,340

(1) In accordance with Article 223-111 of the AMF's General Regulation, this number of shares is calculated based on all shares carrying the right to vote, including those stripped of voting rights.

(2) Less shares stripped of voting rights.

About Genkyotex

Genkyotex is the leading biopharmaceutical company in NOX therapies, listed on the Euronext Paris and Euronext Brussels markets. Its unique platform enables the identification of orally available small-molecules which selectively inhibit specific NOX enzymes that amplify multiple disease processes such as fibrosis, inflammation, pain processing, cancer development, and neurodegeneration. Genkyotex is developing a pipeline of first-in-class product candidates targeting one or multiple NOX enzymes. The lead product candidate, setanaxib (GKT831), a NOX1 and NOX4 inhibitor has shown evidence of anti-fibrotic activity in a Phase II clinical trial in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC, a fibrotic orphan disease). Based on its positive Phase II results, a phase 3 trial with setanaxib in PBC is being planned. Setanaxib is also being evaluated in an investigator-initiated Phase II clinical trial in Type 1 Diabetes and Kidney Disease (DKD). A grant from the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) of $8.9 million was awarded to Professor Victor Thannickal at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to fund a multi-year research program evaluating the role of NOX enzymes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic lung disease that results in fibrosis of the lungs. The core component of this program is a Phase 2 trial with setanaxib in patients with IPF scheduled to recruit patients in first semester of 2020. This product candidate may also be active in other fibrotic indications.

Genkyotex also has a versatile platform well-suited to the development of various immunotherapies (Vaxiclase). A partnership covering the use of Vaxiclase as an antigen per se (GTL003) has been established with Serum Institute of India Private Ltd (Serum Institute), the world's largest producer of vaccine doses, for the development by Serum Institute of cellular multivalent combination vaccines against a variety of infectious diseases

Disclaimer

This press release may contain forward-looking statements by the company with respect to its objectives. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs, estimates and expectations of Genkyotex's management and are subject to risks and uncertainties such as the company's ability to implement its chosen strategy, customer market trends, changes in technologies and in the company's competitive environment, changes in regulations, clinical or industrial risks and all risks linked to the company's growth. These factors as well as other risks and uncertainties may prevent the company from achieving the objectives outlined in the press release and actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, due to various factors. Without being exhaustive, such factors include uncertainties involved in the development of Genkyotex's products, which may not succeed, or in the delivery of Genkyotex's products marketing authorizations by the relevant regulatory authorities and, in general, any factor that could affects Genkyotex's capacity to commercialize the products it develops. No guarantee is given on forward-looking statements which are subject to a number of risks, notably those described in the universal registration document filed with the AMF on April 30, 2020 under number 20-0434, and those linked to changes in economic conditions, the financial markets, or the markets on which Genkyotex is present. Genkyotex products are currently used for clinical trials only and are not otherwise available for distribution or sale

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005852/en/

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For further information, please go to www.genkyotex.com or investors@genkyotex.com
Lusaka, Zambia (PANA)  The Zambian Government has established a post- COVID-19 clinic to deal with complications that arise in people who have recovered from the pandemic
It wasnt my proudest moment, chef Teng Xiong says, somewhat sheepishly, about the familiar fried Brussels sprouts I spotted at Nam Pa, his year-old Hmong food cart.

Lets back up: Last year, the Minnesota-born chef bought his cart from Angeline Ong and Jessica Wells of Straits Kitchen, a Chinese-influenced Malaysian cart parked in the same spot at Sellwoods Piknik Park pod. Among the former occupants signature dishes? Crispy Brussels sprouts tossed in soy sauce and lime.

After I opened up, it was a week or two of people constantly asking me if I had fried Brussels sprouts, Xiong says. And I would say, No, its a different cart. But after a month, I thought Id just put it on as a way to ease people into my food, only I would do it my way.

Nam Pa, which opened last spring, takes its name from the Lao term for fish sauce, and incorporates the ingredient into almost every dish, including those beautifully fried brassicas, which Xiong dusts with a cart-made powder made from dehydrated Sriracha and fish sauce. Fried Brussels sprouts arent a traditional Hmong dish. But given the inherent adaptability of the Hmong people, whose food blends elements of the cuisines of Laos, Vietnam, China, Thailand and other mostly Southeast Asian countries where they live, it feels appropriate to find it here.

Xiongs parents, who were born in Laos, emigrated before he was born to the Twin Cities, home to the largest Hmong community in America. After coming out after high school, Xiong attended culinary school in Minneapolis, then moved to Oregon in 2012.

I didnt think I was going to fall in love with Oregon like I have, Xiong says. There are so many moments where Im like, This is stuff you only see in the movies. Growing up, I never got to go to a beach at night and stare at the stars and hear the ocean. Or go to a great mountain like Mount Hood. Minnesota is pretty flat. Theres nothing extravagant about it. We do have our 10,000 lakes. But theres only so many lakes you can be amazed by.

Teng Xiong holding his namesake barbecue pork at Sellwood's Nam Pa. The cart, which opened last spring, is named for the Hmong term for fish sauce, and incorporates the ingredient into almost every dish.

Beyond the sprouts, Nam Pas menu leans toward more familiar Hmong fare. Theres purple sticky rice, a fresh papaya salad served over thick rice noodles for a pleasing textural contrast and the boneless chicken wings stuffed with glass noodles and ground pork you might have tried at @Las, the Hmong food cart in Aloha. The mellow red and green coconut milk curries come with bamboo shoots and a custard-yolked six-minute egg. Xiongs barbecued pork is served with spicy kua txob, a ubiquitous Hmong pepper dip floating with green herbs and menacing minced chiles. (If youve tried the grilled pork jowl at Northeastern Thai hotspot PaaDee, youll know what to expect.)

Xiong has a way with the carts fryer, using it not just for those sprouts, but to crisp up translucent spring rolls, and to fry what might emerge as the carts signature dish, platter-sized rice crackers made from spread-out spring roll wrappers dropped into the hot oil and seasoned with that Sriracha and fish sauce powder. For $3, you get six huge crackers, enough to keep the kids busy for a spell, or the perfect accompaniment for a beer bought from the cart at the back of the pod. Also keep an eye out for Xiongs pork adobo, typically made when hes craving it, and tossed in a borderline Creole-rich sauce that reminded me of New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp.

Asked what ties together a menu with Hmong stuffed chicken wings, Filipino-style adobo and Malaysian-inspired Brussels sprouts, Xiong paraphrases nationally recognized Minneapolis-based Hmong chef Yia Vang, describing Hmong food as not so much a cuisine, more of a philosophy of adapting to where we are.

A lot of our culture is adopted from Laos and Thailand, Xiong says. But weve lived in those areas, so the culture is as much ours as theirs. Just because we dont have a country, doesnt mean its not ours.

Noon to 8 p.m. Thursday-Monday, 1122 S.E. Tacoma St., 503-896-6388, check Facebook for menu updates. 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.
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CNX Resources Corporation (NYSE: CNX) ("CNX") today announced the pricing of $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.250% senior notes due 2027 (the "New Notes") at a price of 103.5% of par with an effective yield of 6.34%. The New Notes are being offered as additional notes under an indenture, dated March 14, 2019 (the "Indenture"), pursuant to which CNX previously issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.250% senior notes due 2027 (the "Initial Notes"). The offering is expected to close on September 22, 2020, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The New Notes will be guaranteed by all of CNX's wholly-owned domestic restricted subsidiaries that guarantee its revolving credit facility and have identical terms as the Initial Notes, other than the issue date, and the New Notes and the Initial Notes will be treated as a single class of securities under the Indenture.

CNX estimates that the net proceeds from the offering will be approximately $204.0 million after deducting the initial purchasers' discount and estimated offering expenses payable by CNX. CNX intends to use the net proceeds of the sale of the New Notes, together with borrowings under its revolving credit facility, to redeem, conditioned upon closing of the offering of the New Notes, all of its outstanding 5.875% senior notes due 2022 (the "2022 Notes"), eliminating any senior note maturities prior to 2026.

The New Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and the rules promulgated thereunder and applicable state securities laws. The New Notes will be offered only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and non-U.S. persons in transactions outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.

This press release does not and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any notes, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of notes 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 may be made only by means of an offering memorandum. This press release does not and shall not constitute a notice of redemption under the optional redemption provisions of the indenture governing the 2022 Notes.

About CNX Resources Corporation

CNX Resources Corporation (NYSE: CNX) is one of the largest independent natural gas exploration, development and production companies, with operations centered in the major shale formations of the Appalachian basin. The company deploys an organic growth strategy focused on responsibly developing its resource base. As of December 31, 2019, CNX had 8.4 trillion cubic feet equivalent of proved natural gas reserves. The company is a member of the Standard & Poor's Midcap 400 Index.

Cautionary Statements:

Various statements in this release, including those that express a belief, expectation or intention, may be considered forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements contained in this communication specifically include statements regarding the proposed terms of the New Notes, the size of the proposed offering, and the expected use of proceeds from the sale of the New Notes. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. The forward-looking statements may include projections and estimates concerning the timing and success of specific projects and our future production, revenues, income and capital spending. When we use the words "believe," "intend," "expect," "may," "should," "anticipate," "could," "estimate," "plan," "predict," "project," or their negatives, or other similar expressions, the statements which include those words are usually forward-looking statements. When we describe strategy that involves risks or uncertainties, we are making forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release, if any, speak only as of the date of this press release; we disclaim any obligation to update these statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. These risks, contingencies and uncertainties relate to, among other matters, the risks and uncertainties set forth in the "Risk Factors" section of CNX's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020, in each case, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and any subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE CNX Resources Corporation
Photo: Contributed Whitfield County Sheriffs office.

Authorities searched Monday for two Texas fugitives accused in the shooting of a deputy in Dalton, Georgia.

Dalton Potter, 29, fired numerous gunshots at Whitfield County Sheriffs Deputy Darrell Hackney from inside his vehicle, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Monday. Hackney was struck, but his ballistic vest saved him, the GBI said in a statement. Authorities described Potter as armed and dangerous.

Potter had been hauling a stolen trailer and was pulled over by deputies before the gunfire happened around midnight, authorities said.

Hackney and another deputy returned fire, but Potter made his getaway by driving south on Interstate 75. He wrecked the truck and escaped into the woods on foot, the GBI said. The stolen trailer was found along the southbound lanes of I-75, near the Whitfield-Gordon county line, the agency said.

State agents were searching for him, saying hes considered armed and dangerous.

Potter is facing a charge of aggravated assault on the deputy, GBI spokeswoman Nelly Miles said Monday afternoon.

The GBI later said they were searching for a second Texas fugitive  Jonathan Hosmer, 47  who they said was also involved in the shooting. Authorities said charges were pending against Hosmer, who was spotted on surveillance footage taken near the site of the truck crash. They did not immediately release additional details about Hosmer's involvement.

Dalton is about 90 miles northwest of Atlanta.
Sushant Singh Rajputs family lawyer on Tuesday dismissed the police complaint lodged by Rhea Chakraborty against the late actors sisters and a Delhi-based doctor, accusing them of abetting suicide, cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.

Bandra Police have registered a first information report (FIR) against Rajputs sisters, Priyanka Singh and Mitu Singh, and Dr Tarun Kumar, an associate professor of cardiology from Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. The case has also been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing Rajputs death.

It looks like the Bandra police station of Mumbai Police has become Rheas second home. She runs to it on every small occasion and takes refuge just like someone takes refuge in their house. The FIR lodged by the Bandra Police is absolutely baseless and illegal, Vikas Singh, lawyer of Rajputs father, was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Whatever Rhea Chakraborty is trying to say through this FIR, she could have given the same in a statement to the CBI. And if CBI considered it, it would have given a thought about it in its charge sheet. The second FIR is absolutely invalid in the accordance with the order of the Supreme Court and is in direct violation, Singh added.

Rhea filed a six-page complaint against the three at Bandra police station for allegedly prescribing medicines for Rajput that are banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines, 2020.

She has filed the complaint under sections 464, 465, 466, 468, 474, 306, 120 (B), 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and read with sections 8 (c), 21, 22, and 29 of the NDPS act.

One of Rajputs sister, Shweta Singh Kirti, has called Chakrabortys complaint against her siblings fake.

Nothings gonna break us, definitely not this fake FIR! she tweeted.
In 2020, we celebrated 40 years of Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP). These hands-on programs, based on CDCs Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), train disease detectives to act as boots on the ground, tracking, containing, and eliminating outbreaks before they become epidemics. In 1980, Thailand initiated the very first FETP  then known as Global EIS  outside of North America.

How It All Began

During the 1960s and 1970s, the World Health Organization (WHO) promoted the use of data to inform disease control efforts. The Thailand Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) recognized the value of this approach and sent staff for university-level epidemiology training. Despite their new expertise, staff had challenges managing surveillance systems and investigating disease outbreaks. A search for field epidemiology training led Thai officials to the EIS, which emphasized training people in field epidemiology through a learning-by-doing educational approach. To strengthen its surveillance systems, Thailand sought to replicate this program.

Members of the first Thailand FETP cohort work to verify a cholera outbreak.

Three individuals spearheaded the development of the Thailand FETP: MOPH officer Dr. Suchart Jetanasen, Dr. Herat Gunaratne of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, and CDC EIS Director Dr. Philip Brachman. With strong support from Thai policymakers, they proceeded with a program start-up plan. When we began the Thai FETP, a critical element for success was the willingness of Thai experts, both inside and outside the Ministry of Health, to teach and mentor FETP trainees. We modeled the program on CDCs EIS, and needed experts in multiple fields to teach a month-long introductory epidemiology course and then mentor trainees in programmatic units where they participated fully in public health work, learning and contributing as they develop their skills. We were fortunate to have the strong support and involvement of senior leadership in the ministry and WHO, noted Dr. David Brandling-Bennet, the first CDC Resident Advisor (RA) to Thailands FETP.

Dr. Jetanasen, considered the founder and father of the Thailand FETP, began the resident recruitment process. The program received 30 applications and accepted five individuals who became Thailands first FETP batch or cohort. With residents in place, the newly established program had a hard time finding disease outbreaks for trainees to investigate. At the time, outbreak investigations experienced frequent delays. Thai provinces and municipalities did not expect a rapid response, so by the time FETP received outbreak information, the opportunity to intervene had already passed. Over time, the Thailand FETP solved this problem by encouraging prompt reporting, which allowed FETP residents to investigate active outbreaks.

Expanding and Enhancing to Meet Country Needs

The Thailand FETP conducted disaster surveillance after the 2004 tsunami (submerged buildings shown).

While Thailand pioneered the first FETP model based on EIS, it also developed its own innovative elements to enhance program reach and impact. In 1998, the Thai program began regional support and training with health officials from neighboring countries, including Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Burma, and Vietnam. FETP aimed to include two to three residents from health ministrys outside of Thailand in each cohort. WHO designated Thailand as a Collaborating Centre for Field Epidemiology Training in 2001. Since then, 52 non-Thai epidemiologists from nine Asian countries have graduated from the Thai FETP.

Another Thai FETP innovation encouraged training veterinarians to strengthen One Health approaches to surveillance and outbreak investigations. One Health recognizes the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. In 2009, in response to the emergence and spread of the Nipah virus, SARS, chikungunya, and avian influenza (H5N1) in Asia, the Thai FETP helped create a regional FETP for veterinary epidemiology (FETPV). The FETPV now covers 12 countries in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region and is the only regional training program for veterinary epidemiology.
Russian police carrying opposition leader Alexei Navalny (center) from a demonstration against President Vladimir Putin in Pushkin Square in Moscow on May 5, 2018. Read more

On Friday, President Donald Trump said the United States had no proof yet that the most prominent Russian opposition leader had been poisoned by the Kremlin.

Not true.

German military scientists had confirmed earlier in the week 100% that Alexei Navalny was poisoned by one of the worlds deadliest  and internationally banned  chemical agents, developed by the Soviet Union. (Having fallen ill while he campaigned in Siberia, Navalny had been medevaced to a Berlin hospital.)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the Navalny case an attempted murder with a nerve agent and demanded that Russia explain it. The Kremlin, of course, denied any involvement.

 READ MORE: The Belarus crisis holds lessons for Trump's fragile America | Trudy Rubin

Yet Trump insisted, despite irrefutable evidence, that we have no proof yet. He effectively mouthed the Kremlin line while refusing to join other Western leaders in demanding answers from Vladimir Putin.

No one has any doubts about German science, says former U.S. ambassador to Moscow Alexander Vershbow. Trump is just in a never-say-bad-word mode about Putin. This emboldens Putin to do more of the same.

Whether or not Putin gave the direct order for the Navalny poisoning, political murders have become commonplace on his watch, in Russia and elsewhere in Europe. At a time when democratic norms are under severe threat worldwide, Putins murderous modus operandi further undermines them.

The list of unsolved political murders of Putin critics is so lengthy the world has almost grown to accept them as normal Russian behavior. The attack on Navalny with a banned chemical weapon should shake that complacency.

Poison may have been a favored tool of Russian tsars and Soviet agents, but Putin promotes himself as a pre-eminent global leader for the current era. Trump wants to invite him to the White House.

The Navalny affair reminds us it is long past time to stop accepting Putin as a normal leader.

A very partial list of unsolved murders of Putins opponents reflects the abnormality of Russias president, and why Trumps refusal to criticize him is abnormal as well.

The dead include the American editor of Forbes Russia, Paul Klebnikov in 2004, and the brave Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, who survived a poison attack only to be gunned down in 2006.

Yuri Shchekochikhin, an investigative journalist specializing in corruption, died mysteriously days before planning to meet FBI investigators in the U.S. His colleagues are convinced he was poisoned.

Leading opposition figure Boris Nemtsov was shot dead in 2015 right under the Kremlins walls as he strolled on a bridge with a friend. This perfectly illustrates Putins sense of impunity.

And the poison attacks on Putins opponents grow ever more daring. In 2004, Ukraines former pro-Western President Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned with dioxin, he believed by Russian agents. At the Davos World Economic Forum in 2005, Yushchenko told me he believed he could trace the trail of the killer to Moscow.

In 2006, Russian defector Alexander Litvinenko, who had British citizenship, was poisoned in London by radioactive polonium-210, inserted into a cup of tea by Russian agents. A British public inquiry into Litvinenkos death concluded that Putin probably approved his assassination. Of course, the Kremlin denied all and promoted the alleged killer to membership in parliament.

And in 2018, Sergei Skripal, a double agent for the U.K.s intelligence services, and his daughter, Yulia, were poisoned in Salisbury, England, also with a Novichok nerve agent. The British government accused two Russian agents of the murder attempt, but the Russian foreign ministry called the allegations insane.

This is the Russian government whose leader Trump has been defending for the past four years. In December 2015, when asked about political murders on Putins watch, Trump told ABC: Nobody has proven that hes killed anyone. ... Hes always denied it. When asked the same question on MSNBCs Morning Joe, candidate Trump answered, Well, we do a lot of killings, too.

Trumps indifference to Putins mainstreaming of assassinations hasnt changed since 2015. Indeed, the president has demanded that the Russian leader be reinvited to G-7 meetings of the major industrialized democracies.

Meantime, Trump refuses to confront Putin on Russian bounties for the killing of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, or Russian threats to U.S. troops in Syria.

Nor will the president stand up to Russias efforts to target our 2020 election with disinformation, including false claims that mail-in voting could lead to fraud, efforts the U.S. intelligence community has publicly warned about. Perhaps this is because Trump is making the same false claims that Moscow is amplifying.

When the Kremlin used Novichok on British soil in 2018, Trump did agree to sanctions, pressed by London.

 READ MORE: Navalny poisoning is a litmus test for Putin and Trump | Trudy Rubin

Now Merkel is demanding a collective NATO response to the Navalny poisoning, and may even put the future of an almost completed $11 billion Russian gas pipeline on the line.

Yet Trump still refuses to criticize a Russian leader who normalizes the murder of political opponents. Perhaps the U.S. president envies the ease with which Putin can eliminate them.

Whatever Trumps reasons, the Navalny case is testing him as well as Putin. Two months before the election, Trumps continued refusal to take a strong stand on the poisoning of Navalny is a blatant sign of his indifference to democratic norms.
T Muruganantham By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The monsoon session of the Tamil Nadu Assembly will take place only for three days from September 14 to 16. A decision to this effect was taken at the Business Advisory Committee meeting of the House chaired by Speaker P Dhanapal.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Durai Murugan said the DMK, Congress and IUML demanded that the session should be held at least for a week but it was not accepted by the Speaker.

Durai Murugan said the DMK and its allies would raise all vital issues including the National Education Policy 2020.

Talking to reporters, the Speaker said on September 14 the proceedings of the House would be adjourned without transacting any business after paying homage to sitting MLA J Anbazhagan and H Vasanthakumar, MP, former members of the House who died recently. Besides, homage will be paid to those who died of COVID-19 and former President Pranab Mukherjee.

The Speaker said the first supplementary estimates for the year 2020-21 would be tabled on September 16 and taken up for discussion on the same day. Bills to replace the ordinances promulgated during the past six months would also be introduced during this session.

Dhanapal said COVID-19 tests would be conducted on all those who would be participating in the session -- MLAs, Ministers, officials, journalists and other employees -- 72 hours in advance.

After a gap of 10 years, the venue for the Assembly session is being changed to Kalaivanar Arangam since the present Assembly hall at Fort St George cannot accommodate the 235 members with physical distancing.
Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Consulate General of Canada in Dubai recently discussed opportunities in areas such as digitalization, logistics, e-commerce, life sciences and sustainable technologies.



The virtual meeting was chaired by Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Jean-Philippe Linteau, Consul General of Canada in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.



The two leaders highlighted the fast-growing trade and investment relationships between the UAE and Canada. Recent examples of this include Dnata launching ground handling operations in Vancouver airport and DP Worlds $8.2 billion co-investment platform with Canadas pension fund, Caisse de Depotet Placement du Quebec to expand its global port and terminal operations.



Buamim highlighted Dubais vast competitive advantages and incentives for foreign companies and investors, which he says have strengthened the emirates value proposition in recent years. He lauded the governments swift response in addressing new challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic and accelerating digital transformation, which he said was a key factor helping businesses successfully navigate the new normal.



He described Canada as strategic economic partner to Dubai and stressed the importance of the emirate as a preferred trade and investment hub leveraged by Canadian companies.



Linteau highlighted that the digitalization is certainly facilitating the business opportunities between the two countries as it reduces the distance that exists geographically. He underlined that Dubai is already a select destination as a regional headquarters to many Canadian businesses and, in building upon the strong bilateral economic partnership, expects to strengthen collaboration in the lead up to Expo 2020 Dubai.



The UAE-Canada trade and investment relationship is growing quickly, especially in strategic areas such as energy, infrastructure and life sciences. Our two countries are committed to work together on the post-COVID economic recovery to build a resilient global economy, he added.



There is tremendous potential for Canadian companies and their Dubai-based counterparts to collaborate in innovation-focused sectors, explore new avenues of cooperation and build long-lasting partnerships that create mutual benefits and economic growth, Buamim concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
But Democrats are sounding the alarm  saying that rushing a vaccine could be too risky. On Sunday, Harris told CNN that she would not trust Donald Trump to provide truthful information about a vaccine. I will not take his word for it, she said.

Biden echoed that argument yesterday during an appearance in Pennsylvania, saying that he would want to consult with health experts before taking any vaccine approved by Trumps administration.

One of the problems with playing with politics is hes said so many things that arent true, Biden said. Im worried if we do have a really good vaccine, people are going to be reluctant to take it.

But pray God, we have it, he added. If I could get a vaccine tomorrow, Id do it. If it cost me the election, Id do it. We need a vaccine, and we need it now.

Americans continue to broadly disapprove of Trumps handling of the coronavirus crisis, and polls show that most voters say they would trust Biden over Trump to confront the pandemic. In a conference call with reporters on Friday, top Biden campaign officials affirmed their intention to keep the virus front and center during the races final months.

But Trump, it appears, is hoping that an expedited vaccine could provide him with an ace in the hole  neutralizing Bidens most potent critique and turning voters attention more squarely to the economy and matters of race and policing.

Typically it takes years for a virus vaccine to be safely developed, but Stephen Hahn, the head of the Food and Drug Administration, has said he is willing to skip the normal approval process to fast-track a coronavirus vaccine. He has insisted, however, that he would not let political considerations factor into his decision-making.
Job

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Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Reports to: General

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Key Duties and Responsibilities:



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and maintain high production standards in the section and subordinate

departments to perform all work-related activities applying safety regulations,

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the production at the highest efficiency by planning and monitoring of budget.



Responsible

for developing a cost-effective manpower planning chart ensuring optimization

of resources for all functions.



Implementation

of all Quality and Safety standards like HACCP, ISO 22000, Kosher and BRC



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effective methods and tools are utilized for continuous improvement of product

& service quality Identifying suitable food producing machinery, ordering

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To

proactively ensure development of second line leaders and empowerment,

transparency in operations.



Conduct

internal audits, and enhance capability development through training Up-dating

and maintenance of SOP Ensure optimum utilization & performance of

machinery while minimizing waste and machine delay.



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initiate, plan, and develop processes and projects to define and implement

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maintenance of facilities and equipment: materials management, New product

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People Management skills and experience in multilevel structure. Proven project

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skills. Written & Oral. Quality Standards: ISO, HACCP & BRC



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with can-do attitude and Growth mindset, always challenging the status quo.



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The

applicant must hold a BSc. In Mechanical Engineering



Seven to

ten years of relevant experience (Production & Maintenance)

How to Apply:

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should send and updated CV to career@agrieximfze.com

Deadline: 12th September, 2020

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or

find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
















Tamil Nadu would achieve the target of 50 per cent Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), fixed in the National Education Police (NEP) 2020 for 2035, in the present academic year itself as the States present GER was 49 per cent, Minister for Higher Education K P Anbalagan said on Monday.

In a letter to Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on the NEP, Anbalagan said: We have taken various measures by opening new colleges, introduction of new courses, increasing the capacity of colleges by recruiting teachers, creating labs and other facilities and would continue to do the same and by 2035, Tamil Nadu can achieve an ambitious target of 65% GER.

Pointing out that Tamil Nadu already has a teacher-student ratio of 1:17 as against the national all India ratio of 1:26, he made it clear that the State, which has always followed the "2 language policy" successfully, has already taken a decision to continue with it in future also.

Anbalagan said the NEP was discussed with the Chief Minister and all senior Ministers and the government had now appointed a seven-member committee, headed by the principal secretary of education, to go through the policy and offer comments and recommendations that could be adopted by the State.

Though the government would be in a position to submit its detailed remarks in due course of time, he wanted to put forth his initial remarks on the NEP, the Minister said, welcoming the proposed conversion of the B.Ed programme into a 4 year Integrated Degree Course, including two major subjects.

It will enable the students to complete the degree early and enter into the teaching profession quickly. This would help lot of students who have opted for the core studies, Anbalagan said.

However, on the proposal to conduct Entrance Examination by the National Testing Agency (NTA), he said the move would discourage rural students and Tamil Nadu was it. Further, it would be an added burden on the students, he added.



On Section 10 of the NEP talking about institutional re-structuring and consolidation and Section 10.3 suggesting that either a college should be an autonomous degree awarding college or a constituent college of the University, the Minister said I would like to point out that this strategy of categorizing colleges only as Autonomous or Constituent Colleges, will deprive affiliated colleges the capacity or the capability of becoming autonomous degree granting colleges as they will lack, suitable guidance from the affiliated Universities.



I would like to point out that in Tamil Nadu, out of 587 colleges across the State, only 53 colleges are autonomous colleges and all the other colleges are required to be nurtured suitably by the affiliated Universities and then improve their quality standards. Hence, the present model of Tamil Nadu may be allowed to continue, he said.

Referring to the NEP envisaging Higher Education Institutions offering degree courses in regional languages, he said that it was already being followed in the State.
The mass closure of bars, pubs and restaurants hit tonic sales at mixer maker Fever-Tree, despite rising demand for cocktails at home.

Revenues fell by 11 per cent to 104.2million but it raised its interim dividend by 4 per cent to 5.41p a share.

Fever-Tree shares rose 1.3 per cent, or 27p, to 2147p.

Revenues at Fever-Tree, led by chief executive Tim Warrilow, fell by 11 per cent to 104.2million but it raised its interim dividend by 4 per cent to 5.41p a share

The company, led by chief executive Tim Warrilow, said bar, restaurant and pub sales dived 61 per cent in the lockdown.

As it focused on the off-trade market, which covers supermarkets and other stores, sales rose 24 per cent in the first half in the UK as people drank at home.

Spirit sales were strong and it is 'optimistic that lockdown has been a further catalyst to the long-term trend towards long mixed drinks'.

Fever-Tree expects a 'very gradual recovery' in sales from bars and restaurants as restrictions ease.
Mr Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, the Minister of Information, has asked Ghanaians to critically analyze the manifestoes and promises of the various political parties contesting the December elections.



We should weigh the promises vis-a-vis the track records of the various parties as pertained to areas such as education, health and economic management, he said.



According to the Minister, Ghanaians should judge the parties based on achievements and decide which one to vote for.



If you have a leader of a party, who once promised to implement a one-time premium regarding payment of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), but failed to do so under the eight-year rule of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) then how credible is that person in seeking the mandate of voters? he quizzed.



Again, how can we entrust the destiny of the people in the hands of a leader who for many years has doubted the successful implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) Programme?



Additionally, how can we repose our confidence in a leader whose track record on corruption and economic management under the NDC-led government is nothing to write home about? Mr Oppong-Nkrumah asked.



The Minister, in a media briefing in Kumasi, said the NDCs mismanagement of the economy compelled Ghana to seek financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), saying the nation was not yet ready for another setback.



Doing a comparative analysis of the contesting parties, he said the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) had proved beyond all reasonable doubt that, it is a party that could be trusted to deliver when given the nod.



Mr Oppong-Nkrumah pointed out that the implementation of pro-poor policies such as the Free SHS and Planting for Food and Jobs programmes, under the Nana Akufo-Addo-led Administration, signified the good intentions of the government.



The citizenry, he said, should, therefore, retain the ruling NPP in the December elections for good management of the economy, to bring prosperity to the people.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
A victim of the Manchester Arena bombing was only evacuated from the scene more than 40 minutes after the explosion and chest compressions only started on him more than an hour later, the public inquiry into the attack has heard.

The treatment of John Atkinson, 28, was highlighted as the response of the emergency services came under the spotlight on the second day of the inquiry in Manchester.

Mr Atkinson was only evacuated from the scene of the blast 46 minutes after suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated his home-made bomb packed with shrapnel in the City Room, the foyer of the arena, at the end of an Ariana Grande concert.

He was taken on a makeshift stretcher to a triage area of Victoria Station, which forms part of the arena venue site, and remained there for another 24 minutes but chest compressions were only started on him one hour and 15 minutes after he was first injured in the blast.

Mr Atkinson was one of the 22 murdered and hundreds injured in the attack on May 22, 2017.

Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry, said: 'The issue of John Atkinson's survivability is, as we shall explore, a significant issue for the inquiry to consider.'

He also told the inquiry that Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were not aware 'at an organisational level' about the Ariana Grande concert and had not made plans or provision for the event,

The inquiry also heard that the response from GMP was 'overall good' but police experts highlighted a number of flaws such as non-timely activation of emergency plans, a lack of verification of Operation Plato activation and lack of multi-agency arrangements.

In other development at the inquiry in Manchester today:

The first paramedic arrived on scene in the City Room 19 minutes after the blast and was the only one there for the first 40 minutes.

Only one stretcher was used during the incident, the hundreds of others injured being ferried using crash barriers, makeshift carriers or carried in arms.

The fire service, which did have stretchers, only arrived on scene two hours and six minutes after the bomb went off.

A terror training exercise, matching the real thing, had taken place in the City Room less than a year before the bombing.

BTP officer Jessica Bullough, the first police officer on the scene at the City Room, less than two minutes after the blast, described the scene as a 'war zone'

A desperate 999 call from a member of the public treating a dying victim of the Manchester Arena bombing was played

Sir John said: 'Salman Abedi (left) blew himself up in the explosion but he intended as many people as possible would die with him.' Right: A CCTV image of Salman Abedi at Victoria Station making his way to the Manchester Arena, on May 22, 2017, where he detonated his bomb

The role of the police and other emergency services came under the spotlight as Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry, continued his opening statement.

He said British Transport Police had 'primacy' in policing the area because of the proximity of Victoria Station and the inquiry must consider whether that affected preparedness for any terror attack.

He added: 'GMP did not know at an organisational level of the Ariana Grande concert and had not made any provision or plan for the concert.

'On the face of it that may seem surprising.'

The inquiry also heard a 999 call from Ronald Blake who was trying to help stricken John Atkinson, 28, who had been caught in the blast carried out by suicide bomber Salman Abedi in the City Rooms, the foyer of the arena.

Mr Blake rang within seconds of the blast as he tried to comfort Mr Atkinson and alert the emergency services.

'There's been an explosion at Manchester Arena, in the foyer,' Mr Blake told the 999 call handler.

'There's loads injured. It's manic. Big explosion. I'm with a man now that's injured.'

Mr Blake is then heard telling Mr Atkinson: 'Alright mate. Don't try moving.'

He returns to the call handler: 'There's about 30, 40 injured. I'm with a man that's seriously injured. His legs really pumping.'

Mr Blake, who was at the arena to pick up his daughter after the Ariana Grande show that night, was advised on the call to apply a tourniquet and keep on the line. The rest of the eight-minute call was not played.

Some relatives of those who died wiped away tears or held hands to their faces as the call was played at the inquiry hearing room in central Manchester. Mr Atkinson's family excused themselves from hearing the call.

Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry, said Mr Blake's conduct 'showed the best of our community'.

But the call also raised questions about the response of the emergency services, the hearing was told, in particular the response of North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).

Mr Greaney said the call, 'literally seconds' after the explosion, alerted the emergency services to mass casualties and whether NWAS responded speedily and appropriately will have to be considered by the inquiry.

The first paramedic only arrived on scene 19 minutes after the blast. The hearing was told only two more paramedics were ever deployed, 20 minutes later, to treat the injured in the City Rooms.

Mass casualty vehicles were not deployed by NWAS and neither were stretchers to treat help the 22 who died and the hundreds left injured.

Experts concluded the NWAS response to the attack was 'less than adequate in specific aspects'.

Mr Greaney said that it was important to acknowledge the huge pressure and the 'agony of the moment' emergency service personnel were working under at the time.

'Within the first 10 minutes, at least 12 BTP officers had reached or were in the immediate vicinity of the City Room,' he said.

'Those who entered offered assistance to the people they encountered.

'The inquiry may in due course conclude that in behaving as they did, they showed the very best of humanity, acting selflessly and without apparent regard for the dangers they themselves might be in in order to seek to help those who needed it.'

Salman Abedi was seen 'adjusting wiring' underneath his clothes in the moments leading up to the devastating terror attack which left 22 people dead on May 22, 2017

But he added: 'What we must do is probe deeply, if there were mistakes or failings, they will need to be revealed so the bereaved families know the truth and real lessons are learned.'

He read from the statement of BTP officer Jessica Bullough, the first police officer on the scene at the City Room, less than two minutes after the blast.

It said: 'I can only describe it as a war zone. There was a number of bodies on the floor and blood everywhere. The whole place was smokey and in my words, carnage.'

She immediately sent a message on the radio saying 'it's definitely a bomb', finding nuts and bolts scattered across the scene and repeated requests were made for ambulances and 'as many resources as possible'.

But 24 minutes after the blast a radio message to control from another officer, a Pc Roach, was heard, with him saying: 'You are going to hate me. Where's our ambulances please?'

The controller replied: 'We don't know, we're calling them again.'

Two hours and six minutes after the explosion the first fire engine arrived.

Mr Greaney added: 'An important issue for the inquiry is how that came to pass and whether it made any difference.'

He said less than a year before the atrocity in July 2016, Exercise Sherman had taken place, simulating a terror attack in the City Room, 'the very thing that occurred' 10 months later.

In the timeline outlined by Mr Greaney he said British Transport Police (BTP) reacted 'within seconds' to the sound of the explosion.

CCTV images were shown to the jury showing a PC entering and at 10,33pm a medic is seen making her way to the city room. The inquiry was told this is thought to be Elizabeth Woodcock.

Another BTP officer enter Victoria station at 10.32pm and then two further BTP officers were seen running to the City room.

Mr Greaney said that 10 minutes after the explosion, three PCSOs and eight police constables arrive, Mr Greaney says. At 10.41pm the first armed response from Greater Manchester Police arrived.

At 10.42pm two armed officers were pictured in the Arena. A GMP Inspector took command of the operation.

At 10.47pm Operation Plato is declared and at 10.49pm a North West Ambulance Service advanced paramedic, Patrick Ennis, is shown on CCTV at Station Approach.

The inquiry was told that armed officers took up a defensive position in the arena. Counter-terrorism specialist officers arrived at the Arena at 10.54pm.

From 11.01am doctors attended the scene and an injured person was stretchered out of the City Room at 11.03pm, During the 11.01 to 11.11 period at least eight ambulances were present at the scene.

A NWAS Hazardous Area Response Team - HART - arrive at 11.14pm and they begin to move between casualties, the inquiry is told.

At 11.17pm John Atkinson was moved and carried to the war memorial entrance. Officers also carried Georgina Callander out of the area who was then given care by paramedics.

At 12.27am GMP Detective Chief Superintendent Denise Worth arrived. The inquiry heard how the first fire engine arrived at Manchester Arena two hours and six minutes after the explosion.

On the first day of the inquiry experts said there were 'missed opportunities' to identify Abedi as a threat and take action to stop him as witnesses claim they told officials that someone was acting suspiciously.

The hearing on day one heard that a witness, Julie Merchant, approached BTP officer Jessica Bullough (pictured) around 32 minutes before the deadly bombing, to point out Salman Abedi.

A witness, Julie Merchant, approached BTP officer Jessica Bullough, around 32 minutes before the deadly bombing, to point out Salman Abedi.

Paul Greaney QC said Ms Merchant cannot recall the details of the conversation with the officer but that it was 'to do with praying and political correctness'.

And a man, identified only as witness A, said the suspect looked 'out of place' carrying a large rucksack in a crowded place. Another witness, William Drysdale, spotted Abedi in the City Room of the arena on the night of the attack, and a companion of Mr Drysdale then approached Ms Bullough, the inquiry heard.

Abedi had conducted several 'hostile reconnaissance' trips to the arena and the area outside it ahead of the attack on May 22, 2017, which left 22 people dead.

His first trip to the arena occurred on May 18 - the same day he arrived in the UK from Libya. In this trip, he walked into the City Room after wandering around the outside of the venue.

On May 21, the day before the attack, footage shows Abedi walking into the arena's City Room area (pictured) before sitting on a stairwell leading up to a mezzanine area - apparently on his phone

Abedi (pictured on the day of the attack, shortly before 9pm) is pictured struggling under the weight of his backpack

It was in the City Room that Abedi, surrounded by a throng of elated youngsters leaving an Ariana Grande concert, that he exploded his shrapnel-packed rucksack bomb, sending thousands of nuts and bolts shredding everything in their path.

Chilling footage showing suicide bomber Abedi struggling under the weight of his backpack and 'adjusting wiring' underneath his clothes moments before he murdered 22 people has been shown on the first day of the public inquiry into the terror attack.

Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquest, said a witness had spoken to the suspicious person, asking him 'What have you got in your rucksack?' but received no reply.

Mr Greaney added: '[Witness] A then said, ''It doesn't look very good you know, you with a bag in a place like this. What are you doing?''

The man replied: 'I'm waiting for somebody, mate. Have you got the time? What time is it?'

Abedi's first trip to the arena occurred on May 18 - the same day he arrived in the UK from Libya. Pictured: Abedi (back centre) walking towards the stairs that lead up to the City Room on his first trip

On this first trip, footage shows Abedi (white cursor pointed at him) spending two minutes inside where he 'observes queues into the Arena' (pictured) before leaving on a tram

Witness A then spoke to Mohammed Agha, employed by venue security firm Showsec, but said he was 'fobbed off.'

Mohammed Agha then spoke to fellow Showsec employee Kyle Lawler about the suspicious man and what they should do, the inquiry heard.

Mr Lawler is then said to have tried to radio his security control but could not get through. He then spotted the man get up and start walking towards the arena entrance.

His statement continued: 'I just froze and did not get anything out on the radio. I knew at that point it was too late.'

Mr Greaney QC said the accounts of Showsec employees differ about what happened with 'gaps and discrepancies' between their accounts and the CCTV evidence captured at the arena.

Abedi, 22, was reported to police and security as acting suspiciously in the minutes before he detonated his bomb, the inquiry heard, but no action was taken.

Mr Greaney said that 'of considerable importance, the experts consider, on the basis of the information currently available to them, that, on May 22, there were missed opportunities to identify Salman Abedi as a threat and take mitigating action.'

He said that the experts concluded: 'If the presence of a potential suicide bomber had been reported, it is very likely that mitigating actions would've been taken that could have reduced the impact of the attack.

'This is because there was sufficient time between Abedi first being spotted by, and also reported to (security) staff and his attack to effectively react.'

Mr Greaney said: 'The evidence about these potential missed opportunities will need to be considered with the greatest possible care.'

He said whether there were 'missed opportunities' to prevent the attack or reduce its deadly impact would be a key consideration for the inquiry, which began on Monday.

Loved ones of the 22 people who died in the bombing stood in silent remembrance as the names of the victims were recited at the opening of the hearings.

The sombre proceedings began with Mr Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry, reading the names of each of those murdered by suicide bomber Salman Abedi on May 22 2017.

Sir John Saunders, a retired High Court judge, is leading the probe examining events before, during and after the attack at the end of an Ariana Grande concert.
New York schools will have a daily coronavirus report card that parents and teachers can consult to ensure health and safety plans are being adequately implemented, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday.

Every K-12 school in the state will have its own report outlining the testing and case data.

The state has created a dedicated website that parents can search to find out how many positive cases the school is reporting and whether students who test positive were in the classroom or learning remotely.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that the state's K-12 schools will have a daily coronavirus report card that parents and teachers can consult to ensure health and safety plans are being adequately implemented and learn about cases and testing in their schools

Assistant Principal Melissa Helman walks around setting social distance floor signs to figure out proper placement as Yung Wing School P.S. 124 in New York City prepares to open

Parents will also be able to see the number of students on site, the percentage of students and staff testing positive as well as the number of tests administered by the school.

'I think this will give parents confidence, teachers confidence, they'll know on a day-to-day basis exactly what is happening. They won't be reliant on communication from the school district, from the principal, from anyone else,' Cuomo said at a press briefing.

NY schools COVID-19 report card: The number of positive cases among students and staff by school and school district. Whether the school is teaching remotely, in-person, or a combination of the two. The number of students and staff on-site. The percentage of on-site students and staff who test positive. The number of tests administered by the school, the type of test, the lab used, and how much of a lag there is between the test and getting the results. Advertisement

'If I'm going to make a decision to send my children back to school, I'm going to be darn sure that the plan is smart, they can do the plan and then I want to know if they're actually implementing the plan,' he added.

'It's a big undertaking, I thank the Department of Health in advance, but it's very important.'

Local school districts, testing laboratories and local health departments will all provide the information to the New York Department of Health.

The announcement comes about a month after Cuomo gave the green light for 749 New York school districts to return students to classrooms this Fall, including in New York City.

The decision was left with the schools themselves, however, on how they wished to continue - whether to stay online or use a mixture of both online and in-classroom learning.

'If anybody can open schools, we can open schools. And that's true for every region in the state, period,' Cuomo said.

In August, all schools were required to submit their plan for reopening to the state and required town halls be held with parents and school officials.

Last week, New York City announced it was pushing back the start of the school year until September 21, after striking an agreement with local labor unions asking for additional coronavirus safety measures.

'What we've agreed to is to make sure that the health measures are in place, to make sure there is time for the appropriate preparation for our educators, to make sure that we can have the smoothest beginning of the school year even under extraordinarily challenging conditions,' New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

The site will update numbers on each school daily

Assistant Principal Melissa Helman uses meter sticks to figure out placement of social distance signs in an NYC school. Each school will now have its own coronavirus report card

As New York City schools prepare to bring students back, pictured above, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that K-12 schools will have a daily coronavirus report card

De Blasio revealed Tuesday that the city had inspected more than 1,400 schools and found 96 percent of their classrooms passed ventilation system requirements.

Cuomo also announced Tuesday that New York may force colleges with more than 100 cases to switch to remote learning.

He said the regulations would provide a check on the procedures put in place by colleges.

'You have all your protocols. That's nice,' Cuomo told a news conference. 'If the state sees a cluster - just like colleges, just like workplaces, just like restaurants - we see a cluster in a school we are going to come in, override everything.'

Cuomo criticized the administration of New York University for not preventing a large gathering of students in nearby Washington Square Park in New York City on Saturday night, and listed several other colleges in the state that have had spikes in COVID-19 cases.

He said colleges must now report to the state's health department when they have in excess of 100 cases, a threshold that would require a shift to remote classes unless there were extenuating circumstances.

'Colleges across the country are seeing outbreaks,' he said. 'This is going to be a problem.'

Over the Labor Day weekend, New York hit one straight month of the COVID-19 infection rate remaining below 1 percent.

'Thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers, our state has now gone a full month with our COVID infection rate remaining below one percent,' Cuomo said.

'Our numbers have continued to remain stable even as we reach new milestones in our phased, data-driven reopening. As we close out this Labor Day Weekend, I urge everyone to remain smart so we can continue to celebrate our progress in the weeks and months ahead.

'It took the work of all of us to get here, and to protect this progress we will need to all continue to wash our hands, wear our masks, remain socially distant and above all, stay New York tough.'

There were five new deaths in the state reported Tuesday and 445 hospitalizations.

There have been 440,578 coronavirus cases in New York and 25,367 deaths.

More than 232,000 of these cases and 19,098 confirmed deaths were in New York City.
(Bloomberg) -- TikToks Chinese parent has declared a rare half-months salary bonus for employees, hoping to calm a 60,000-plus workforce across the globe as negotiations around the sale of the video services U.S. operations approach the Trump administrations September deadline.

ByteDance Ltd. will dole out the bonus this month to reward employees at a time of unprecedented economic and social upheaval, the company said in an internal memo seen by Bloomberg News. While the Beijing-based startup is known for paying lavishly to poach experts in critical fields such as artificial intelligence, its unusual for the firm to declare a handout in the middle of the year. A ByteDance representative confirmed the memo.

Over the past few months, we have been working together to overcome challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and changing macro environment, ByteDance said in its memo. To thank everyone for their efforts and dedication, we will be issuing a cash bonus to all eligible employees, it said, adding that it will pay out the bonus together with Septembers salary to any full-timer whos worked at least 26 days between July 1 and August 31.

Read more: ByteDance Chief Reconsiders TikTok Options After New China Rules

ByteDances move contrasts with belt-tightening across scores of Asian startups from Singapores Grab to Indias Oyo. It echoes a handout from Huawei Technologies Co. in 2019, another Chinese company in Washingtons cross-hairs.

ByteDances workforce, particularly in the U.S., is concerned about the companys future now that Trump has banned the viral video phenom and prohibited American residents and entities from dealing with TikTok. While the Commerce Department hasnt defined the scope of that executive order, TikToks once-sizzling pace of growth is slowing, users are migrating to rival apps such as Triller, and Washington officials continue to label the app a security threat.

ByteDance is now embroiled in sensitive discussions about a TikTok takeover in the U.S. with suitors including Microsoft Corp. and Oracle Corp., a deal estimated to fetch upwards of $20 billion. But uncertainty around the deal escalated sharply last week after China asserted its right to approve or block the sale of technology abroad, complicating an already complex process under scrutiny from the White House.

Story continues

Read more: TikTok, Hong Kong and More U.S.-China Flashpoints: QuickTake

(Updates with details from the memo in the third paragraph)

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.

2020 Bloomberg L.P.
Los Angeles: A couples plan to reveal their babys gender went up not in blue or pink smoke but in flames when the device they used sparked a wildfire that burned thousands of acres and forced people to flee from a city east of Los Angeles.

The fire prompted evacuations in parts of Yucaipa, a city of 54,000, and the surrounding area. Water-dropping helicopters were brought in but the fire has proven stubborn  it grew to 30 square kilometres by Monday morning (local time) and more than 500 firefighters on the scene only had minimal containment. No homes have burned and no injuries reported.

A helicopter prepares to drop water at a wildfire in Yucaipa, California, after a couples plan to reveal their babys gender at a party sparked the blaze at El Rancho Dorado Park. Credit:AP

It's the latest in what has become a lengthy list of tragedies at events where typically smoke, confetti, balloons or other coloured objects are used to reveal the soon-to-be-born childs biological sex  pink for girls and blue for boys.

Sometimes the made-for-social-media gatherings are spectacles and include explosives and even guns, and at least one had deadly consequences.
Firefighters work to put out embers from the El Dorado fire in Yucaipa on Sept. 7. (Los Angeles Times)

To the editor: The sun is glowing orange behind a layer of smoke. There is a layer of ash covering everything. The air smells like fire. ("California's biggest fire season may worsen as powerful winds return Tuesday," Sept. 8)

This happened before, when the Camp fire, the deadliest wildfire in California's history, destroyed much of the city of Paradise in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Now it's happening again as California has another record-breaking fire season.

For decades now, we have known that the planet's climate is changing, that the consequences would be catastrophic, and that we are the cause. And for decades now, we have not been doing enough.

There are no more excuses. Ignorance is not acceptable. Greed is intolerable. Procrastination must end. We can no longer assume that there will always be a habitable planet for us  because unless we enact major changes now, there won't be.

Henry Mantel, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: First there were the climate change deniers. Now that global warming has become irrefutable, there are the "oh, well, what can we do?" folks who accept it as an inconvenient truth. The climate elephant in the room has become so large that we can barely move around it.

Most of us would like to see 2020 in the rearview mirror, but when it is over, the climate crisis will still be with us. It affects everything from weather patterns to economics to racial inequality. It is the existential issue of all time.

Fifty years ago there was a largely unheeded call for action. Today this is an emergency of a magnitude that we cannot ignore.

As Oberlin College environmental scientist David Orr said, "Whatever your cause, it's a lost cause on a dying planet." Let's make this the very top news story every day, a litmus test for candidates, and a call to action.

Margaret Baker Davis, La Verne

..

To the editor: Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. It's a lofty ambition, and as a society we should certainly continue to work toward this from a technological perspective.

Story continues

However, our state's trees are going up in flames. How are we ever going to offset this catastrophic disaster?

I was born and raised in California, and it is the only place I have ever lived and called home. It feels and looks and smells to me that our climate has crossed a line.

I'm still personally going solar, but I am pretty much speechless and sad beyond words.

Mitzi Schwarz, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: I recommend that every anti-science spokesman who does not believe in climate change and thinks it is a hoax be required to sit in a room without air conditioning.

Robert Schechter, Los Angeles
A women volunteers' action targeting girls, left-behind women and senior women is launched by the All-China Women's Federation in North China's Tianjin Municipality on August 25. Wu Haiying (C), Vice-President and Member of the Secretariat of the ACWF, attended the launch event. [Tianjin Women's Federation]

A women volunteers' action was launched in a village's cultural center in North China's Tianjin Municipality on August 25. By setting up women volunteers' teams, it aimed to offer diversified voluntary services on a regular basis to care for girls, left-behind women and elderly women.

The action will establish 35 women volunteers' stations in poverty-stricken areas around the country based on cultural practice centers and women and children's homes, according to the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) and the Office of the Central Spiritual Civilization Development Steering Commission, the initiators of the action.

At the launch event, women volunteers in Tianjin and the provinces of Sichuan and Jiangxi shared their stories about fighting against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), preventing floods and caring for women and children.

Liu Xian, owner of a box-meal restaurant chain in Chengdu, capital city of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, shares her story of providing food for frontline medics in Central China's Wuhan City amid the COVID-19 outbreak at the event on August 25. [Tianjin Women's Federation]

Liu Xian, 24, owner of a box-meal restaurant chain in Chengdu, capital city of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, shared her story in Wuhan, capital city of Central China's Hubei Province, amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Liu and her team rushed to Wuhan, then hardest-hit place of China from 1,200 kilometers away and cooked 20,000 meals for frontline medical workers for free in over 40 days from early February to March.

Liu got the nickname "raincoat girl" among residents in Wuhan as she wore raincoat when cooking and delivering food because the protective suits were not enough at that time.

"At the beginning, I sent a notice to our work group, saying that there may be life-threatening risks. Many employees nevertheless took active parts in the aid, which encouraged me a lot," she said.

Liu would establish her own brand of voluntary service based on the needs of elderly people in urban and rural communities and left-behind girls in rural areas whose parents have migrated to cities for work.

Yu Fengying, leader of a square dance team of a village in East China's Jiangxi Province, talks about her experiences of leading her team members to participate in the anti-flood battle at the event on August 25. [Tianjin Women's Federation]

"We can not only dance, but also fight against floods on the front line," said Yu Fengying, leader of a square dance team of a village in East China's Jiangxi Province.

The team members, with an average age of over 50, became a strong anti-flood force at critical moments. They helped fill and move sand bags, transferred people affected by floods, and provided food and drinks to the frontline rescuers.

Yu said that she will continue to work as a volunteer to help build more beautiful hometown and create a well-off life together with people all over the country.

Yu Xueyan, president of a volunteer association in Tianjin's Jizhou District, shares her story of leading women volunteers to care for children in summer vacation during the event on August 25. [Tianjin Women's Federation]

Yu Xueyan, president of a volunteer association in Tianjin's Jizhou District, shared her story about offering childcare services in summer vacation. She led 104 women volunteers to send condolences and school supplies to orphans and left-behind children as well as children in need. Meanwhile, she provided psychological counseling to children who had suffered from psychic trauma in 15 towns and townships.

Diversified activities are expected to be held to care for children, especially girls, including giving safety education, publicizing legal knowledge, spending time with them and providing health service. Volunteers will also monitor the elderly people's physical conditions, teach them how to shop online and use electrical appliances, listen to their stories and expectations, and help them enjoy peaceful and happy lives.



(Women of China)
Police are hunting for a driver who veered into a group of people riding scooters in Denver, killing one man and leaving another seriously injured.

The incident took place at 1:36am at 14th Street and Arapahoe Street in the city's downtown area.

The four scooter riders were turning left on Arapahoe Street when a silver Chevy Colbalt travelling in the same direction veered into the left lane, police say.

Two of the riders were hit by the vehicle, throwing one man from the scooter and onto the sidewalk, causing him fatal injury.

Police are hunting for a driver who veered into a group of people riding scooters in Denver, killing one man and leaving another seriously injured

The other man was seriously injured.

The vehicle did not stop following the incident, police say.

Instead, the driver continued south on Speer Boulevard.

Investigators are now searching for the driver and have been reviewing video to gather information.

The incident took place at 1:36am at 14th Street and Arapahoe Street in the city's downtown area

The two-door Chevy Colbalt, likely a 2005 to 2010 model, sustained 'heavy front-end damage' during the incident, Lt. Robert Rock of the Denver Police Department's Traffic Investigations Unit said.

He added that it would likely also have damaged the driver's side view mirror.

The driver is wanted for vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in a death.
Help.org, a trusted online resource for individuals who struggle with addiction and their loved ones, has announced the Best Rehab Facilities in Long Beach, California for 2020. The informational guide recognizes the top 16 rehab facilities based on cost, treatment options, location, accompanying services and more.

According to recent studies, drug overdose is the leading cause of death among people under age 50. In Long Beach, deaths related to opioid abuse increased significantly from 2011 to 2015. Substance abuse among adolescents is also escalating in Long Beach with 55 percent of high school students reported using alcohol, 38 percent reported using marijuana, 8 percent reported using prescription drugs without a valid prescription, and 2 percent reported using heroin. With the growing need for accessible and high-quality rehab programs, Help.org has developed a unique ranking process to help connect individuals with treatment providers that meet their needs.

The Help.org research team analyzed thousands of facilities across the country and then identified the most cost-effective and highest rated programs in larger cities like Long Beach. Each facility was evaluated based on rehabilitation services, treatment approaches, cost, special programs for unique demographics and ancillary services. The website also provides information about drug use and side effects as well as educational articles. For a detailed listing of the Best Rehab Facilities in Long Beach, California please visit https://www.help.org/drug-and-alcohol-rehab-centers-in-long-beach-ca

2020 Best Rehab Facilities in Long Beach, California (in alphabetical order)

Tarzana Treatment Centers

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Tree House Recovery

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Safe Refuge

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Anaheim Lighthouse

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New Found Life

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Sano Center for Recovery

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Roots Through Recovery

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Oceanfront Recovery

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Ocean Recovery

1115 West Balboa Boulevard Newport Beach, CA 92663

949-942-8495

Hoag Addiction Treatment Newport Beach + Irvine

1 Hoag Drive Newport Beach, CA 92663

888-304-1229

Cambodian Association of America

2390 Pacific Avenue Long Beach, CA 90806

562-988-1863

Salvation Army Long Beach

1370 Alamitos Avenue Long Beach, CA 90813

562-218-2355

ABOUT HELP.ORG

Help.org is an online resource for individuals who struggle with addiction and their loved ones. The website provides the latest research through scientifically proven methods, community recovery resources as well as information about local financial assistance. Help.orgs team of researchers, activists and writers work together with addiction counselors and other professionals to offer useful and accurate resources to help individuals seeking recovery. To learn more, visit https://www.help.org/.
Relations in the Horn of Africa are complex and complicated. They are characterised by deeply ingrained rivalries between Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia in a conflict-ridden region. For decades, it has been known for civil war, conflict, and poor economic development .

Somalia is a textbook example for state collapse and the most fragile state in the world. During the 1990s, the state had disintegrated to a degree that the basic conditions and responsibilities of its government no longer functioned properly.

Eritrea and Ethiopia were at war for years. Ethiopia and Somalia also share a history of violent confrontation. One example of that ongoing conflict is the struggle to control the Ogaden region .

But when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made his historic visit to Eritrea in 2018 , the state of conflict between the two countries came to an end. Abiy Ahmed was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

This peace deal started a dynamic which was followed by the revolution in Sudan and a recent peace deal in South Sudan .

And then on January 27, 2020 the leaders of Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia  President Isaias Afwerki, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, held their third trilateral meeting . They proposed to form a new regional bloc, which has been referred to as the  Horn of Africa Cooperation .

This new bloc would be an addition to their memberships in the African Union , the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa , Eastern Africa Standby Force as well as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development . The Horn of Africa.

The new bloc bears the risk of alienating the other countries in the East African region. It might also undermine the security efforts of other regional organisations. These include the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union, and the Eastern Africa Standby Force.

Thus, the promises and pitfalls of this new bloc could shape the regional architecture and cause new political challenges in the region.

In our recently published paper on the proposed bloc, we assess the factors that led to the proposal for a new regional bloc in the Horn of Africa. We discuss the potential outcomes given the complex security challenges, political tensions among the neighbours, and institutional environment in the region. We argue that security challenges in the Horn of Africa and domestic concerns are core motivations for creating the cooperation.

Why a new regional bloc?

Regional cooperation addresses a number of key issues including cross-border trade, and sustainable environment. It is also key to tackling peace and security threats.

A regional body dedicated to peace and security issues could help to address conflicts between the three states in the proposed of Horn of Africa Cooperation. It could also help them manage domestic security threats.

From an economic perspective, it is not clear how the three states could strengthen their economic ties. This is because a significant amount of trade in the region is small scale, local, informal, and sometimes illegal. In terms of trade, there is limited complementarity between the three states.

As the most advanced country in the bloc, landlocked Ethiopia has an interest to strengthen transportation links and access to the sea . This would be a pathway to the world market.

When it comes to Somalia, the country has neither a reliable economic base to export goods nor the financial resources to import them. In the case of Eritrea and Ethiopia, the recently concluded conflict between the two countries means that economic ties have to be re-established.

Nevertheless, closer cooperation in the Horn of Africa bears the potential to strengthen economic and trade relations between all three states.

The creation of a new regional bloc is also an opportunity for its leaders to show activity and success on the regional stage. Putting the Horn of Africa Cooperation proposal on the table could deflect from domestic challenges in the three countries, such as Ethiopia's current political crisis . With national elections in Ethiopia and Somalia approaching , Ahmed and Farmajo need to gain support for re-election.

In Eritrea, the authoritarian ruler Afwerki has reportedly pushed for the creation of the Horn of Africa regional bloc presumably as an opportunity to boost Eritrea's reputation regionally. It is also a chance to sideline the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, which he has boycotted for several years due to its stance on basic principles of good governance and the influence of Kenya.

Potential consequences for the region

Once established, the Horn of Africa Cooperation would become a direct competitor of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, which is comprised of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda. Its efforts to manage conflicts in Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan have been fairly successful in recent years.

However, it lacks an economic integration perspective. It also suffers from ineffective governance structures and insufficient resources . The Horn of Africa Cooperation proposal could be an attempt to push for reform within the organisation.

But the new regional bloc will have a hard time building a reputation vis-a-vis the authority. The Horn of Africa Cooperation could also affect the East Africa Standby Force's and more importantly the African Union's security efforts in the region through the African Peace and Security Architecture .

The cooperation also stands to alienate regional partners who face the potential loss of strategic influence in the region. In fact, initial reactions from Kenya and Djibouti were frosty. Djibouti is a direct neighbour of all three states  and a potential candidate to join the new bloc.

Yet, Djibouti is home to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. It also hosts the US Combined Joint Task Force  Horn of Africa . Moreover, the Addis AbabaDjibouti Railway is currently Ethiopia's only access to the sea and Ethiopian business generates significant revenue for Djibouti's ports. Therefore, transport links through Eritrea or Somalia could undermine Djibouti's position as an economic and logistical hub.

For regional powerhouse Kenya, closer cooperation between the three neighbours could result in diminished influence in the region. As the dominating actor in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, Kenya's influence in the Horn would be affected by a competing Horn of Africa Cooperation.

Additionally, Kenya's transport-link project with Ethiopia and South Sudan could be threatened by the new cooperation. Therefore, it's no surprise that the Horn of Africa Cooperation has been branded anti-IGAD .

Mixed reactions

There have been mixed responses to the Horn cooperation idea. After the trilateral announcement, former Somalia State Minister Adam Aw Hirsi created a Twitter poll:

The majority of the 1,022 people who responded were in favour of the new regional bloc. Generally, people from Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia welcome the initiative whereas those from Djibouti and Kenya are more questioning.

In summary, the proposed Horn of Africa Cooperation promises to address transnational and cooperation problems between the three countries. Yet, it might create additional distrust, bring about conflicts in the region, affect relations to close neighbours, and complicate cooperation with other regional institutions.

This could negatively impact peacekeeping activities in the Greater Horn of Africa, most imminently in Somalia and South Sudan. But for now, it remains to be seen if the new initiative will pull states together or apart.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

By Ingo Henneberg, Research Associate, Political Science, University of Freiburg And

Soren Stapel, Research Associate, University of Freiburg
Increasing evidence shows that foreign actors, particularly Russia, are looking to exploit similar themes that were used in 2016 and in 2018 to divide the country ahead of this years' election.

Why it matters: There's now a visible pattern emerging across election cycles of which issues our country is most vulnerable to in terms of manipulation.

New data from the Alliance for Securing Democracy shows that in recent mentions of Joe Biden in tweets by Russian state media accounts, there's a clear narrative that Biden is a pro-cop, establishment centrist who can't be trusted by progressives.

Data: Alliance for Securing Democracy Chart: Axios Visuals

"It's something we saw clearly in 2016," says Bret Schafer, Media and Digital Disinformation Fellow, Alliance for Securing Democracy. "Russians were trying to peel off Bernie supporters from Clinton by targeting black voters."

Dividing the Democrats: Starting with the Iowa caucus debacle, there's been a huge push within Russian messaging machine to divide the Democrats between centrists and progressives.

The efforts became visible in February when Schafer's team saw evidence of Russian accounts blaming the DNC and establishment Democrats for the botched Iowa caucus.

Intelligence officials warned last month that Russia is looking to "denigrate" Joe Biden's campaign, similar to how it attacked Hillary Clinton's.

Race and Black Lives Matter: Tweets from Russian accounts have focused on the violence in Kenosha Wisconsin as well as the shooting of Jacob Blake.

Tech companies have taken action on fake Russian accounts this year that have targeted the Black Lives Matter movement, per the AP.

The Senate Intelligence report on Russian disinformation campaigns and election meddling found that race was a primary vector used to sow discord amongst Americans in the 2016 election.

Disrupting confidence in the voting system: A new intelligence bulletin from Department of Homeland Security warns that Russia "is attempting to sow doubt about the integrity of the 2020 elections by amplifying false claims related to mail-in voting resulting in widespread fraud," according to documents obtained by CNN.

" The mail-in voting angle is the key one," says Schafer. "That has come from the president so it's a tough thing for them to shut down as unreasonable."

The mail-in voting angle is the key one," says Schafer. "That has come from the president so it's a tough thing for them to shut down as unreasonable." Suggestions of "rigged elections" have increased in recent months as they pertain to mail-in voting throughout the pandemic, but have long been used to cast doubt in the electoral system by President Trump and his allies online.

Stoking fears around health: Russia has been actively spreading misinformation about the coronavirus throughout the West, according to digital forensics experts and government officials.

There's a history of this: The Senate Intel Report on 2016 election meddling notes the Russian Internet Research Agency spread a hoax concerning poisoned turkeys during the Thanksgiving holiday of 2014.

The big picture: In early August, a report from the State Department accused Russia of using disinformation campaigns to manipulate the U.S. election.

While the report didn't note specific efforts being made by the Russians, it warned that disinformation campaigns were underway, and alluded to ways that efforts in 2016 may be used to stoke fears ahead again of 2020.

The bottom line: Research and data suggests that the Russians and other groups are actively trying to undermine the U.S. elections by sowing fear and discord around issues that have long-been considered contentious in the U.S.
A beloved Twitch streamer is going viral after a visit from a very important guest. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stopped by to see Broxh in what was possibly the first time a world leader has appeared on a Twitch stream. Broxh, who has not yet shared his personal name, . is a Maori craftsman who has been referred to as the Bob Ross of wood carving for his impressive skill, gentle demeanor and charitable spirit. Politicians appearing on Twitch is not new territory . Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stopped by Harris Hbomberguy Brewis stream in 2019 to discuss trans rights. As an avid livestreamer herself, Arderns guest appearance on Broxhs stream is hardly unusual, especially since Ardern is currently on tour for her reelection campaign. The colliding of worlds between one of the most humble, wholesome streamers on Twitch . with one of the most skillful leaders of our generation provided some much-needed content. Everyone that was here just created history, Broxh said on his stream after Arderns visit. And big thank you to everyone that helped with it
Economy minister Diane Dodds told MLAs that she would not bring the British governments Trade Bill before the Assembly until such guarantees are obtained.

Ms Dodds said the UK's international trade secretary Liz Truss had been unable to provide legislative assurances that Northern Ireland would be a full participant in future trade deals post-Brexit.

The Trade Bill, which will create a framework for the UKs trade policy once the transition period is over, is making its way through the UK parliament.

As part of that process, the devolved parliaments in the UK will be asked to give legislative consent to be covered by the terms of the new laws.

Ms Dodds said she would not bring a legislative consent motion to the Assembly until changes were made.

It comes amid continued uncertainty about trading arrangements involving Northern Ireland under the terms of the Northern Ireland protocol contained in the Withdrawal Agreement.

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The protocol will see the region continue to follow single market rules for goods and administer the EUs customs code at its ports.

Ms Dodds said the British government needed to provide clarity that the region could still fully participate in UK-wide trade deals with third countries.

The DUP minister said her party was not prepared to simply follow Londons lead on Brexit issues.

This is challenging London and making sure that London understands the needs of businesses and families in Northern Ireland, she said.

I also want to take the opportunity to indicate to the House today that as the minister responsible for issues in relation to international trade I will be writing to executive colleagues this week to make them aware that, at this stage, I will not be seeking to bring forward a motion to seek legislative consent in the Northern Ireland Assembly for the Trade Bill, which is currently making its passage through Parliament.

It is absolutely essential that Northern Ireland is able to be a full participant in future UK trade deals. So far the Minister for International Trade has been unable to provide the necessary legislative assurance that this will be the case and there are still too many uncertainties around the implications for internal UK trade.

Ms Dodds was speaking during an Assembly debate on post-Brexit preparedness.

Northern Irelands place is within the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland needs to be able to benefit fully from UK trade deals and not just be a named participant in those UK trade deals, she added.

That is vitally important for Northern Ireland businesses, for Northern Ireland families, jobs and prosperity here in Northern Ireland.
Former Punjab Police chief Sumedh Singh Saini faces arrest with the Punjab and Haryana high court on Tuesday dismissing his anticipatory bail petition in the Balwant Singh Multani disappearance case of 1991.

The bench of justice Fatehdeep Singh also dismissed his second petition that sought the quashing of a first information report (FIR) in the case or the transfer of investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Both petitions of the former DGP have been dismissed by the high court, Punjab Police special public prosecutor Sartej Singh Narula said.

Saini can appeal against the judgment before the Supreme Court.

The bench had heard the case for nearly four hours on Monday.

TWO JUDGES HAD RECUSED FROM HEARING CASE

Earlier, two judges had recused from hearing this case. Justice Suvir Sehgal recused from hearing the bail plea on Friday, while on September 2 justice Amol Rattan Singh recused from hearing the petition seeking the quashing of the FIR that was pending in the high court since August 19.

On September 1, a Mohali court had dismissed Sainis anticipatory bail plea.

EX-DGPS WHEREABOUTS NOT KNOWN

The former DGP, whose whereabouts are not known at present, was booked in May for the alleged kidnapping of Multani, a junior engineer with the Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Corporation (Citco) in 1991 and the son of a bureaucrat. Multani had been picked up by the police after a terrorist attack on Saini, the then Chandigarh senior superintendent of police.

Initially, the case against him was registered for offences of causing disappearance and abduction at Mataur police station in Mohali. Section 302 for murder was added in August after two policemen, initially named as accused, turned approver.

SAINI ALLEGES CONGRESS HAND

In his plea, Saini had argued that the FIR was the result of a mala fide act for launching probes against Congress leaders and their relatives to unearth scams. He had also argued that he was granted bail in the case when it was registered for kidnapping, hence, he should be granted anticipatory bail on addition of the murder charge, too. For the same incident, the CBI had registered an FIR in 2008, but the Supreme Court had set it aside. Hence, the second FIR in the same offence is not maintainable, he had argued.

FRESH EVIDENCE AGAINST EX-DGP: POLICE

Punjab Police cited fresh evidence of Sainis involvement in the case and denied any political victimisation. When the accused was granted bail in the kidnapping case, investigation was at its initial stage and there was hardly any evidence collected by the special investigation team (SIT), police said. Now, there is sufficient evidence on record to prove Sainis indictment, the police told the court.

The police had argued that custodial interrogation was required to find out about involvement of other officials in the illegal abduction, detention, torture, and disposal of the body of Multani.

The government had roped in two Supreme Court senior advocates Sidharth Luthra and Harin Rawal to argue its case before the high court.
Tom Cruise just finished a deadly stunt for his upcoming Mission: Impossible 7. The 58-year-old actor of Mission: Impossible franchise is currently shooting his 7th installment.

Also Read: Original Game of Thrones Plan: Maise Williams Reveals Jon Snow Should Have Killed the Night King, But Why did this Change?

He was seen doing the gravity-defying scenes on Sunday, Sept. 6, for his latest anticipated movie that shot in Norway. The actor jumped off a huge ramp on the top of the mountain Helsetkopen, near Hellesylt, while riding a motorcycle.

Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise are taking Mission: Impossible 7 to another level pic.twitter.com/eZaa5z8s5Y  zach (@ZachMacieI) September 7, 2020

After he flew high up into the air, he immediately jumped off his motorbike, letting it fall. Then, he descended gracefully using a parachute.

The viewers said that the actor took four takes before the rolling cameras captured the awe-inspiring stunt. A helicopter was also seen following the Hollywood star while he falls, as the production team continued on the big-budget film.

How Tom Cruise took the train fight scene in Norway

Before the death-defying stunt took place, the actor was seen preparing for another heart-stopping scene, while wearing a face-covering to practice his latest fight. Tom rehearsed his latest brawl with a stuntman on top of a train in Norway. He was seen dressed in all-black.

Also Read: Weird Facebook Friend Selene Delgado Lopez Is on Everyone's List-Is this Another Hoax on Social Media?

He was attached to a harness for the scuffle on the train's rooftop. The fight scene was supposedly taken in the United Kingdom. However, it was relocated after a five-month break because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These stunts were taken in the heart of the Norwegian countryside. The production used a vintage-style train and then recreated it as the movie's setting, surrounded by scaffolding.

Other actors who will take part in MI7

According to Screenrant's latest report, Cruise is not only Hollywood's big-name participating in the upcoming movie. Rebecca Ferguson, the returning Mission: Impossible star, will also show up in the film as she teased the weapons training she's been doing.

The franchise newbie Hayley Atwell also revealed her training regiment over the past few months. These two actresses showed that they're just as dedicated as Cruise and McQuarrie.

Because of the amazing Hollywood actors, Mission: Impossible 7 would not have any trouble satisfying its viewers.

For more news updates about Tom Cruise's upcoming films, 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.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 23:38:39|Editor: huaxia

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JAKARTA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe met with Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto here on Tuesday on bilateral ties and cooperation between the two militaries.

Wei said as important neighbors, China and Indonesia have supported and helped each other since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, which embodied the good-neighbourliness characterized by helping each other through thick and thin.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, both sides should deepen and expand cooperation in various fields, so as to push for the steady and sustainable development of bilateral relations, he said.

Wei said the Chinese military is ready to implement the important consensus reached between leaders of the two countries, and further promote bilateral ties by strengthening strategic communication and enhancing defense and security cooperation.

Currently the situation in the South China Sea remains generally stable thanks to the joint efforts of China and ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, and China is willing to strengthen dialogue and consultation with Indonesia to jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, the Chinese defense minister said.

For his part, Prabowo spoke highly of the significant achievements made by the Chinese government and military in the fight against COVID-19, and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese military for providing epidemic prevention assistance to Indonesia.

He said Indonesia attaches great importance to its relations with China and is committed to further enhancing the close ties between the two countries.

"The Indonesian military is willing to strengthen cooperation with the Chinese side in areas such as exchange of visits, joint training, and equipment technology to promote the continuous development of relationship between the two armies," he added. Enditem
This is the moment a family came across thousands of rare alien-like sea creatures washed up on a beach in Wales.

Martyn Green, 47, and his family were on a trip to Caernarfon on Sunday when they discovered what turned out to be Goosenecked Barnacles, a delicacy that can sell for 25 each.

His video shows the family, from New Brighton, Merseyside, marvelling at the white-shelled creatures clinging to a large piece of driftwood on the beach.

Martyn Green, 47, and his family discovered 'alien-like' creatures clinging to what appeared to be a piece of driftwood while holidaying in Caernarfon, Wales

The camera zooms in at one point to show the tentacled creatures contract back into their shells.

Martyn said: 'My wife Gemma, she found it. We were walking on the beach and she called us and said "come back, look at this".

'We went and had a look and it looked like something not of this world.

'It was quite an attraction for the locals.'

After a quick Google search, Martyn's son Daniel found that the creatures were in fact Goosenecked Barnacles.

After a quick Google search by Martyn's son Daniel, the family learned that they had found a massive concentration of Gooseneck Barnacles - a delicacy in countries such as Portugal and Spain

The rare species of barnacle are a delicacy in countries such as Portugal and Spain where they are known as percebes - which translates to 'do you understand?'.

Martyn estimates that the total value of the Gooseneck Barnacles could be as high as 50,000.

He said: 'It turns out they are one of the most expensive sea creatures you can buy.

'From looking on Google I think it's about 25 each they go for, and on the log there were probably about 2,000 of them.'

At their peak, Gooseneck Barnacles sold for 360 euros per kilo.

Martyn estimates that there are around 2,000 of the Gooseneck Barnacles attached to the piece of wood which could be worth as much as 50,000

After discovering the valuable barnacles, Martyn posted a video and pictures on his Facebook.

People responded by saying that the barnacles looked 'like b****y aliens' while another commented that the discovery was 'spooky'.

Because of the potential value of his family's discovery, Martyn, who runs a marketing agency, has not reveal the exact location of the Goosenecked Barnacles for fear of opportunists turning up to destroy the find.

There have even been reports that fishermen in Galicia, Spain, have risked being targeted by violent groups in order to harvest the rare barnacles.
The current buildup at the border is inherently dangerous, experts said. The use of firearms is an example of unintended escalation that can pick up momentum, said Ajai Shukla, an Indian defense analyst and former army officer who has written extensively about the standoff. All it takes is one red-

blooded guy on the other side to fire back, and before you know whats what, youre in a good old-fashioned firefight.
Our fall arts preview typically offers readers advice on what not to miss. This year, with so much closed or canceled due to the novel coronavirus, we wanted to know what you, the audience, are missing? What would it take to make you feel safe in a theater again? And does it matter to you whether Chicago remains a center for culture?
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Days after the arrest of Ragini Dwivedi, actress Sanjjanaa Galrani has been arrested today after the Central Crime Branch (CCB) wing of the Bengaluru police raided her Indiranagar residence on Tuesday (8 September, 2020) morning. As per reports, the CCB raided her house after obtaining a search warrant from the court in connection with the infamous Sandalwood drug racket case. Sanjjanaa is currently taken to the CCB office for interrogation.

Joint Commissioner of Bengaluru Police Sandeep Patil was quoted as saying by the media, "After obtaining a search warrant from the court, the searches were conducted at Sanjjanaa's house." According to reports, the actress was under the scanner ever since her friend Rahul, an agent, was arrested in connection with the drug scandal. Reportedly, Pruthvi Shetty, a party planner used to organize private parties for Sanjjanaa. The actress' phones have been currently seized by the officials. So far 13 have been booked and six arrested in the case.

Workwise, Sanjjanaa made her film debut in Tamil movie Oru Kadhal Seiveer directed by Ravi Bhargavan. She is the sister of Nikki Galrani, who is also a popular actress in the south.

Sandalwood Drug Scandal: After Ragini Dwivedi, Celebrity Party Planner Viren Khanna Arrested

Ragini Dwivedi Confirms She'll Appear Before CCB On Monday For Probe, Says 'I Have Nothing To Hide'
HONOLULU - The use of an Oahu hotel to quarantine people will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal coronavirus recovery funds each month, officials said.

The cost could run into millions of dollars for the partnership between the 130-room Pearl Hotel Waikiki and the state Department of Health, which manages the hotel quarantine and isolation program, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Monday.

The 30-day contract cost the city $379,375 for exclusive use of the hotel and includes a minimum of four hotel workers to support the health department, Honolulu spokesman Alex Zannes said.

The city will pay for the hotel services from the nearly $400 million allotted by the federal government under the coronavirus recovery program.

The citys contract with the hotel equals about $97 per night per room, whether the space is occupied or not.

The nightly room cost at the property is free to those in quarantine or isolation.

The health department may cover the cost of their food, which is ordered from the hotel or delivered by Medical Reserve Corps volunteers who buy groceries from an approved list.

The funds will also cover towels, linens and toiletries and room cleaning at the end of each stay.

The city has an option to renew for every 30 days or commit to renting the property until Dec 30, 2020, Zannes said. There is a substantial discount by renting the whole property versus the per-room rates.

The city plans to make deals with more hotels as part of a commitment to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 on Oahu.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some  especially older adults and people with existing health problems  it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
To listen to the podcast, click on the play button below:

What do you do when there are massive atrocities taking place but no international tribunal, no national courts, not even the glimmer of a UN enquiry, yet collecting the evidence? One answer has been provided by CIJA  the Commission for International Justice and Accountability  a private NGO dedicated to furthering criminal justice efforts through investigations, in order to prevent the loss and destruction of vital evidence for the purpose of supporting prosecutorial efforts to end impunity, whether at the domestic or international level. Their very early endeavours gathering evidence in Syria, for example, are bearing fruit at trials such as the one in Koblenz, Germany of a senior state official which we featured here.

This model has been lauded in the media. But earlier in 2020 a long running EU investigation into fraud around several NGOs operating in evidence collection in Syria and Iraq brought CIJA some negative headlines.

Nerma Jelacic, director for management, talks about what CIJA is now doing. She also talks about the crimes she covered as a journalist in her home town Visegrad, which were dealt with at the ICTY, where she headed up communications.

Because the sound quality got worse near the end we did not ask our usual Asymmetrical Haircuts questions so we have no recommendations to share here. But in the show both Nerma and Stephanie refer to Caliphate the podcast on collecting evidence against ISIS by Rukmini Callimichi.
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Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis today admitted Boris Johnson's plans to tear up part of the Brexit divorce deal will breach international law.

Mr Lewis sparked an instant backlash as he said the Prime Minister's proposals to override the Withdrawal Agreement will 'break international law in a very specific and limited way'.

Labour described the admission as 'absolutely astonishing' while senior Tory MPs said 'adherence to the rule of law is not negotiable'.

European Parliament President David Sassoli warned any attempts by the UK to undermine the Withdrawal Agreement would have 'serious consequences' as he said Brussels 'fully expects the UK to honour the commitments that it negotiated and signed up to' last year.

Theresa May had earlier warned Mr Johnson the UK will no longer be trusted by other countries to honour international agreements if he goes ahead with plans to row back on existing commitments.

It came after Sir Jonathan Jones quit as Treasury Solicitor and Head of the Government Legal Profession, reportedly over Mr Johnson's plans to depart from parts of the accord struck with Brussels which relate to the Northern Ireland border protocol.

Meanwhile, US politicians warned there will be no trade deal done between Washington and London if the Government's actions on Brexit undermine the Good Friday Agreement.

Brexit trade talks between the UK and EU are on the brink of collapse after Mr Johnson warned the 'contradictory' terms of Britain's split from Brussels must be overhauled.

The EU's top negotiator Michel Barnier is arriving in London today for a make-or-break round of trade negotiations amid mounting gloom about the prospects of a breakthrough.

The standoff turned nasty yesterday as Brussels voiced fury at UK threats to override parts of the Withdrawal Agreement thrashed out last year.

Legislation would unilaterally 'clarify' key parts of the settlement, including customs rules for Northern Ireland, that the EU insists should be resolved by a joint committee.

Sir Jonathan Jones today resigned as the boss of the Government's legal department, reportedly over Boris Johnson's plans to override the Withdrawal Agreement

Why is this happening now and what does the EU say about it? What is the row about? Ministers are acting unilaterally to 'clarify' how parts of Boris Johnson's Brexit deal will operate in Northern Ireland. This involves legislating to tie up 'loose ends' on issues like state aid, tariffs and the paperwork faced by businesses trading with the rest of the UK. Is the PM tearing up the deal he negotiated last year? Downing Street yesterday said the PM would implement the Withdrawal Agreement and the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol regardless of whether or not a trade deal is struck. It was designed to prevent the need for a hard border in Ireland. But some details were left unresolved. They have been the subject of negotiations by a joint EU-UK committee. But, with the UK's departure now approaching fast, ministers decided to act unilaterally on 'minor' issues to prevent 'legal confusion'. These include state aid, tariffs and the paperwork businesses should face. What does the EU say? Senior EU figures were unhappy about the UK's decision to act unilaterally. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said sticking to the letter of the deal was a 'precondition' for any trade agreement. Dutch PM Mark Rutte said it was 'not very reassuring' and warned a deal looked 'very difficult'. But there was no immediate move to halt trade talks. Why is this happening now? Downing Street says it is the last chance to clarify the situation in law before the end of the year. Some Tories believe the timing of the move is part of a broader tactic designed to put pressure on the EU to cut a deal now or risk the UK acting independently in even more areas. What is the UK proposing on state aid? Under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement, Northern Ireland will effectively remain in the EU customs union and single market when the rest of the UK leaves. This means that EU state aid rules will continue to apply in Northern Ireland. Ministers feared that the Commission could try to extend its jurisdiction to British firms with links to Northern Ireland. Under the new provisions, Business Secretary Alok Sharma will decide whether or not a subsidy has to be reported to the EU. Will firms in N. Ireland face extra paperwork? They had been braced to have to make export declarations on goods shipped to the rest of the UK. Boris Johnson last year told firms there they should put any forms 'in the bin'. Ministers have now ruled unilaterally that export declarations will not have to be made. Will goods shipped there face EU tariffs? One of the EU's biggest concerns is that Northern Ireland could become a 'back door' for British goods entering the single market. The Withdrawal Agreement sets out plans to create a list of goods travelling from Britain to Northern Ireland which are 'at risk' of entering the single market via Ireland. These would then face EU tariffs. Under the changes, UK ministers will now decide which exports should be placed on the 'at risk' list. Advertisement

Mr Lewis admitted in the House of Commons this afternoon that the UK's proposals will 'break international law in a very specific and limited way'.

Responding to a question from Tory MP Sir Bob Neill, Mr Lewis said: 'I would say to [Sir Bob] that yes this does break international law in a very specific and limited way.

'We are taking the power to dis-apply the EU concept of direct effect required by Article 4 in a certain, very tightly defined circumstances.'

He added that 'there are clear precedents for the UK and indeed other countries needing to consider their international obligations as circumstances change'.

Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Louise Haigh said the admission was 'absolutely astonishing' and it 'this seriously undermines our authority on the international stage'.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer warned the Government not to 'reopen old wounds' by doing something 'wrong' as he urged ministers to focus on striking a trade deal and then concentrate on 'defeating this virus'.

Sir Bob, the chairman of the Justice Select Committee, later said on Twitter: 'Any breach, or potential breach, of the international legal obligations we have entered into is unacceptable, regardless of whether its in a specific or limited way. Adherence to the rule of law is not negotiable.'

Fellow Tory MP Sir Roger Gale echoed a similar sentiment as he said 'seeking to re-negotiate the Northern Ireland Protocol will be regarded world-wide as an act of bad faith'.

Sir Roger said the UK must not 'undermine our international credibility' and status as an 'honourable country'.

Conservative MP and former minister George Freeman said 'that sound you hear' is the 'Supreme Court preparing to remind ministers that intentionally breaking the law  even in a very specific and limited way  is, well, unlawful'.

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said breaking international law 'will do untold damage to our reputation abroad'.

Mrs May had earlier told the Commons that the Government's approach risked damaging the UK's global reputation.

She said: 'The United Kingdom Government signed the Withdrawal Agreement with the Northern Ireland protocol. This Parliament voted that Withdrawal Agreement into UK legislation. The Government is now changing the operation of that agreement.

'Given that, how can the Government reassure future international partners that the UK can be trusted to abide by the legal obligations of the agreements it signs?'

Mr Lewis's comments prompted a furious response from the EU as Mr Sassoli said in a statement: 'On the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, trust and credibility are key.

'We fully expect the UK to honour the commitments that it negotiated and signed up to last year  especially with regard to citizens rights and Northern Ireland.'

He added: 'Pacta sunt servanda (agreements must be kept). Any attempts by the UK to undermine the agreement would have serious consequences.'

Guy Verhofstadt, the MEP and former chairman of the European Parliament's Brexit coordinating group, said Mr Lewis's comments were 'astonishing' and quoted Margaret Thatcher: Britain does not renounce Treaties. Indeed, to do so would damage our own integrity as well as international relations.

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, yesterday warned the UK against any move which would breach its international obligations.

'I trust the British government to implement the Withdrawal Agreement, an obligation under international law & prerequisite for any future partnership,' she tweeted.

Whitehall was rocked this morning by the surprise resignation of Sir Jonathan from his role as the head of the Government's legal department.

Downing Street confirmed his resignation but provided no reasons for his decision to step down.

However, reports suggest Sir Jonathan chose to walk away because of the PM's decision to try to override parts of the original Brexit divorce accord.

Why do the UKs new Brexit proposals break international law? Brandon Lewis admitted this afternoon that the UK Governments plans to override parts of the Brexit divorce deal will break international law. This is because the UK and the EU formally ratified the Withdrawal Agreement in January of this year which means both sides are legally bound by what is contained within it. The main sticking point is that within the agreement the two sides agreed that a joint committee would make decisions on a number of key issues. But with the chances of a trade deal appearing slim and the end of the transition period in December creeping ever closer the UK wants to act unilaterally - disregarding the joint committee requirement - in order to clarify some parts of the divorce deal relating to Northern Ireland. Mr Lewis today admitted this would constitute a breach of international law but he insisted there are some precedents of countries taking such action in very specific technical circumstances. Meanwhile, UK government officials have argued that without changes the Withdrawal Agreement would clash with the Good Friday Agreement. They said that minor clarifications in extremely specific areas were needed to ensure that as the Northern Ireland border protocol is implemented ministers are able to always uphold and protect the Good Friday peace agreement'. The EU has said that implementing the Withdrawal Agreement in full is a prerequisite for doing a trade deal which means if the UK sticks to its position the talks could collapse. Advertisement

The Financial Times reported that the top lawyer was 'very unhappy' about the stance taken by Mr Johnson. He becomes the sixth senior civil servant to quit Whitehall this year amid an ongoing war between the civil service and Number 10.

Labour said the resignation of Sir Jonathan suggested 'there must be something very rotten about this Government'.

Sir Jonathan's decision to quit came after ministers tried to downplay the significance of Mr Johnson's plans, insisting it amounted to tying up 'loose ends'.

The decision to try to row back on parts of the Withdrawal Agreement has spooked some politicians in the US.

Brendan Boyle, a Democratic member of the US House of Representatives, said any move by the UK which could undermine the peace process in Northern Ireland would scupper any hopes of a trans-Atlantic trade deal.

He said: 'If the UK in leaving the European Union, which is fully their right to do, if the UK does it in such a way that it violates the Good Friday Agreement there will be no US UK free trade agreement. Period.

'So the UK needs to understand there will be consequences that stretch well beyond trust dealings with the EU on this matter.

The PM's chief negotiator Lord Frost increased the temperature again today, demanding 'more realism' from the EU that the UK was now a sovereign country.

In a message kicking off the latest round of discussions, the peer said the two sides 'can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground' and progress on the key stumbling points - fishing rights and the UK obeying EU rules - was essential this week if a deal was to be done in time for the end of the transition period in January.

Medical leaders have also cautioned that a combination of a chaotic change in trade arrangements and resurgent coronavirus this winter could 'overwhelm' the health service.

Mr Johnson sent an ultimatum to the EU that he will 'not back down' yesterday, in another effort to convince the bloc he is not bluffing about reverting to basic trading arrangements at the end of the transition period.

Leaked diplomatic cables showed growing unease among European officials over the UK's hardline stance, with suspicions that Mr Johnson is holding off on a compromise until the last minute to secure the best possible terms.

There is disquiet among some senior Conservatives over 'dangerous' plans to revisit the Withdrawal Agreement.

The UK government is pushing through legislation that could effectively override parts of the divorce deal.

What happens next in the Brexit process? The UK formally left the EU on January 31 this year. However, the two sides moved seamlessly into a status quo transition period lasting until December 31. This time was set aside to allow Brussels and Britain to hammer out the terms of their future relationship. Trade talks started in March and the eighth round of formal negotiations is due to get underway in London tomorrow. However, talks are at a standstill amid disagreements on fishing rights and whether the UK will sign up to Brussels' rules and regulations. Downing Street has said it does not want talks to drag into the autumn while the EU wants a deal done by the of October in order to give member states enough time to ratify it before the end of the transition period. Given the time constraints and the lack of progress being made both sides now view a deal by the end of the year as unlikely. Advertisement

The laws will unilaterally resolve crucial issues in the Northern Ireland protocol - including deciding what goods require customs checks between mainland Britain and the province.

Ministers say that the changes are essential to avoid 'confusion' if there is no settlement by the end of the transition period in December.

However, Brussels insists that under the divorce deal those details can only be finalised by a joint committee made up of members from both sides.

The One Nation group of moderate Tory MPs, which met last night, is said to be alarmed by the strategy, according to the Times.

One of the MPs said: 'This would clearly have some real issues in terms of our status as a country. If we breach an international agreement it will affect our ability to do deals with others. The ramifications of doing this are serious.'

But a No10 source said: 'The protocol is contradictory in some respects - it talks about protecting the EU single market but also giving Northern Ireland unfettered access to the UK market. You can't have both.

'Without a trade deal, all goods passing from the mainland to Northern Ireland would be subject to tariffs, because they would be classed as being 'at risk' of being sold on to the EU market.

'Even though traders could later claim back the money by proving the goods didn't leave the UK, the administrative costs would be considerable.'

Downing Street has sought to increase pressure on the bloc in recent weeks, and it appears to have provoked a reaction, according to messages sent to EU capitals from Brussels, seen by the Guardian.

Michel Barnier (right) is arriving in London for a make-or-break round of trade negotiations with the UK's David Frost (left in Downing Street) amid mounting gloom about the prospects of a breakthrough

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen warned there could be no backtracking by the UK on its previous commitments if it wanted to reach a free trade agreement

EU commission president Ursula von der Leyen delivered a thinly-veiled warning to the UK about breaking 'international law'

No-deal could exacerbate health crisis, medical leaders warn The health service could be overwhelmed by a no-deal Brexit, senior medical leaders have warned Boris Johnson. In a letter to The Times, doctors' leaders, hospital managers and mebers of the UK pharmaceutical industry said that a failure to strike a deal with the EU could jeopardise the health of patients in both Britain and Europe. A combination of a no-deal, winter health issues and the coronavirus crisis could cause huge problems, the letter explained, with potential shortages of medicines as well as coronavirus testing capacity. The letter was written by the Brexit Health Alliance, made up of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry and the group representing senior NHS leaders. Niall Dickson, co-chairman of the alliance and chief executive of the NHS Confederation, wrote: 'Failure [to reach a deal] will result in industry, the NHS, research organisations, public health and regulators having to make significant adjustments to prepare for the end of the year. 'Given the expectation that additional pressure on the health and social care system created by Covid-19 is likely to continue into and past the winter of 2020 (a time when the service is stretched each year) we expect the sector to continue to experience a significant burden and risk being overwhelmed.' Advertisement

Mr Johnson's apparent refusal to make compromises on major issues such as fisheries and state aid in order to gain an eleventh-hour 'trade-off' has been described as 'concerning' by EU chiefs, who say details won't simply be ironed out over a phone call.

There are also fears from Brussels that Home Secretary Priti Patel is opening her own separate talks on internal security as she prepares to meet ministers from the EU's five biggest states later this month.

European Commission leaders have urged diplomats not to agree to any proposals made in those discussions which could potentially affect the wider negotiations.

Speaking ahead of the latest round of talks, Lord Frost said: 'Today, I will sit down with Michel Barnier and drive home our clear message that we must make progress this week if we are to reach an agreement in time.

'We have now been talking for six months and can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground.

'We need to see more realism from the EU about our status as an independent country.'

He said the UK's position derives from the 'fundamentals of being a sovereign state' and called for the EU to 'fully recognise this reality'.

'If they can't do that in the very limited time, we have left then we will be trading on terms like those the EU has with Australia, and we are ramping up our preparations for the end of the year,' Lord Frost added.

The Internal Market Bill to be tabled on Wednesday will ensure goods from Northern Ireland continue to have unfettered access to the UK market while making clear EU state aid rules, which will continue to apply in Northern Ireland, will not apply in the rest of the UK.

In addition, an amendment to the Finance Bill will give ministers the power to designate which goods going from Great Britain to Northern Ireland are considered 'at risk' of entering the EU single market and are therefore liable to EU tariffs.

The spat comes after Mr Johnson declared he will walk away from trade talks in five weeks unless the EU 'rethinks' its demands, saying that would still be a 'good outcome'.

The PM said there was 'no sense' in allowing faltering trade talks to continue beyond October 15, when EU leaders are due to hold a major summit in Brussels.

Mr Johnson said there was 'still an agreement to be had' but he 'cannot and will not compromise on the fundamentals of what it means to be an independent country to get it', such as the freedom for the UK to set its own laws and fish its own waters.
Lynn Bartels thinks politics is like sports but without the big salaries and protective cups. The Washington Post's "The Fix" blog named her one of Colorado's best political reporters and tweeters. Bartels, a South Dakota native, graduated from Cottey College in 1977 and Northern Arizona University in 1980 and then moved to New Mexico for her first journalism job. The Rocky Mountain News hired her in 1993 as its night cops reporter and in 2000 assigned her to her first legislative session. The Gold Dome hasn't been the same since. In 2009, The Denver Post hired Bartels after the Rocky closed, just shy of its 150th birthday. Bartels left journalism in 2015 to join then Secretary of State Wayne Williams's staff. She has now returned to journalism - at least part-time - and writes a regular political column for Colorado Politics.
Hannah Durand is also part of a research team working with NPHET to understand why people do or do not adhere to Covid-19 physical distancing guidelines.

The Herman Schaalma award is awarded annually to acknowledge a PhD dissertation in the field of health psychology of outstanding excellence in terms of originality, significance, and rigour.

Dr Durands research explored reasons why people with fluctuating blood pressure do or do not take their medications as prescribed.

Her research was supervised by Dr Gerry Molloy of the School of Psychology and professor Andrew Murphy of the Discipline of General Practice at NUI Galway.

Speaking about the award, professor Evangelos Karademas, president of the EHPS, said:

"The Herman Schaalma Award aims to highlight excellence in PhD level research and to reinforce early career researchers to address key challenges in health psychology and adopt novel and rigorous theory and methodology. I offer my sincere congratulations to Dr Durand on her well-deserved success.

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"Galway native, Durand is one of several researchers at NUI Galway leveraging their expertise to address aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"With funding from the Health Research Board and Irish Research Council, researchers from the School of Psychology are working with the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to understand why people do or do not adhere to physical distancing guidelines."

Congratulations to Dr Hannah Durand, @nuigalway researcher, who has been awarded the prestigious Herman Schaalma Award and is the first Irish recipient in its history.



Find out more:https://t.co/cQa24LtdDe pic.twitter.com/NYkzfR6jzP  Hospital Professional News (@HospitalProNews) September 8, 2020

Behavioral responses

Speaking about winning the international award, Dr Durand said:

We are using insights from health psychology to understand what motivates individuals behavioural responses to the pandemic. Our aim is to utilise our research findings to inform and refine future government communications about physical distancing.

The first aspect of this research is an online survey conducted in collaboration with researchers at the Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre, is currently accepting responses. For more information or to take part in the survey visit, https://mbmc-cmcm.ca/covid19/

The award ceremony was due to take place at the European Health Psychology Society annual conference in Bratislava, Slovakia, but it was recently held online due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The elaborate shrine to Becket at Canterbury Cathedral, where he was Archbishop and where he was murdered at the altar by King Henry IIs knights in 1170, was smashed to bits by Protestant iconoclasts during the English Reformation. Every remnant and relic of the man was destroyed. Now an illuminated psalter held at one of the Cambridge colleges has been identified as having belonged to Becket.  Apollo
Head of Psychology at the University of Ghana, Professor Joseph Osafo has objurgated this year's Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama for fanning ethnocentric sentiments.



The NDC flagbearer shared an article written by Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo dubbed ''Agyapa Royalties Fraud Is The Last Straw: The Akyem Sakawa Boys and Grandpas Must Go''.



Portions of the article read; ''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.



"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...They will now sell us to borrow to satisfy their insatiable corrupt habits if they are allowed 1 more year in office."



Mr. Mahama is seen as endorsing and supporting the contents of the article which some critics have found to stoke tribal flames.



Although President Nana Akufo-Addo, who comes from the Akyem tribe, has expressed resentments over the article and the fact that Mr. Mahama shared it, the latter is unperturbed as he cautions the President to stop complaining.



President Akufo-Addo's statements



President Akufo-Addo wondered how a former President in the person of John Mahama would support such comments about him and the people of Akyem stressing 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...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 response to the President, Mr. Mahama said; President Akufo-Addo has lost the right to complain because while he was in opposition, he called his predecessors all sorts of names.



He called me Dr. Do Little and called somebody Simpa Panyin and I dont want to repeat some of the things he has said. He is a President who has called his critics naysayers and Jeremiahs, so I dont understand on what standard he will be offended at this time because, when he has precedence of name-calling.



Exchange of Ideas; Not Insults



Professor Joseph Osafo, speaking on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'', asked the former President and all political figures in the country to be mindful of their utterances and writeups.



He called on them to avoid anything that will incite tribal sentiments and violence in the nation.



According to him, politics should be an exchange of ideas not a trade of insults and tribal comments.



To him, more especially that there is impending general elections, ''this is the time to go and vote and we don't need this. It's time for us to move Ghana forward''.



"Ghana isn't a monoethnic country; it's multi. We have a lot of different groups and languages. And at least in my little life, I think that we have done well. We're not very perfect but we have ensured that we'll co-exist. I think these ethnocentric comments in our body politics is very disturbing. You don't build democracy like that. In political psychology, we say you build a nation with psychology of tolerance...It is the exchange of ideas and the exchange of ideas are different from the exchange of insults," he averred.





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.

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A gender reveal party sparked a wildfire that has grown to nearly 10,000 acres in California as of this morning. A woman died over the weekend while hiking amid a record-setting heatwave in the state. And at least 147 COVID-19 cases have been linked to a wedding reception in Maine.

In the midst of all the bad news, one Christian celebrity wants to focus on the good news.

Candace Cameron Bure was asked recently if she would ever reprise her role on the talk show "The View." The actress chuckled and said, No. Im done with that chapter. Im very grateful for that time in my life but I dont want to talk about politics. She explained: Not because I dont believe that my viewpoints and opinions are important, but I would much rather share Jesus with people. Thats really my passion.

Notice that she doesnt want to talk about religion or even Christianity, but about Jesus. Thats because Jesus is a real, living person, not just an idea or a worldview. He has changed her life, and she wants everyone to know that he can change their lives as well.

Over the Labor Day weekend, my wife and I watched A Rush of Hope, Greg Lauries marvelous and moving cinematic invitation to meet Jesus. After blending inspirational films and music about our Lord, the program then focused on the pastor as he explained who Jesus is and what he wants to do in our lives.

Laurie did what Candace Cameron Bure wants to do: share Jesus with people. In a broken world filled with disaster, disease, and despair, He is our only hope. Even more than we need a COVID-19 vaccine and solutions for the divisiveness of our day, we need to know him.

Not just about him. We need Jesus.

The danger of the Thomas theorem

Heres our problem: Secularization has convinced secular people that Jesus is merely an idea or historical figure they can ignore if they wish. Even Christians can fall for this deception, turning a personal relationship with their personal Lord into a religion about him they can observe on their terms.

Such decisions become tragically self-fulfilling.

In sociology, the Thomas theorem states: If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences. For example, thousands of people over the Labor Day holiday refused to take precautions against the coronavirus pandemic. Their false belief that masks and social distancing are unnecessary will lead to very real consequences for them and for the rest of us as well.

Similarly, if like a majority of American adults you believe that Jesus is only a man, you will refuse the salvation only the Son of God can offer (cf. John 14:6). As a consequence, you will spend eternity separated from God and you will miss all that his divinity can do in your life today.

And if you believe that Christianity is about attending church and being religious, you will miss all that the living Lord Jesus wants to do in and through your life today.

The privilege of 'unveiled encounters' with Jesus

Yesterday, we focused on the fact that God wants to use our temporal work for eternal purposes, noting with Oswald Chambers that a river touches places of which its source knows nothing.

Today, lets focus on the work before the work.

Chambers encourages us to, Never allow anything to come between yourself and Jesus Christ, no emotion or experience; nothing must keep you from the one great sovereign Source. When you are connected to the living Lord Jesus, you will find that God has nourished in you mighty torrents of blessing for others.

This is because, when we encounter Jesus, we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18). Commenting on this astounding statement, Craig Denison notes: When we spend time alone with God, the Holy Spirit longs to lead us into direct, tangible, and transformative encounters with the glory of God. Christian spirituality is all about direct connection with our heavenly Father and not about engaging in religious practices just because we feel we should.

You might be thinking, But you dont know my failures and mistakes. You dont know all the ways I am unworthy to experience the holy God. Youre right. You are not worthy to experience God personally. Neither am I. This is one reason so many Christians settle for religion about God rather than an intimate relationship with him. Its why we read the Bible, pray, and attend worship services, but when were done, we are the same as we were before we began.

Heres the amazing good news: you do not have to be worthy to experience God, for he has made you worthy. As Craig explains, The death of Christ has made unveiled encounters with God completely available to you whenever, wherever.

Two questions that can change your world

All across the Gospels, whenever and wherever people chose to trust in Jesus and stepped into a personal relationship with him, he changed their lives. And he is still the same today as he was then (Hebrews 13:8).

As a result, lets close with two questions.

First, when was the last time Jesus changed your life?

When we read the Bible with the prayer that Jesus would speak to us, he will. When we pray with the desire to speak to him and hear from him, he meets with us. When we worship for the purpose of connecting with the living Lord, we do. When we serve in submission to his calling and power, we experience him as we partner with him.

So, Ill ask a second question: When next will Jesus change your life?

Originally published at BreakPoint
Sensex, NiftyHighlights on September 8: Sensex and Nifty reversed trend and closed marginally lower on Tuesday, amid mixed global equities. Sensex ended 51 points lower at 38,365 and Nifty fell 37 points to 11,317. Meanwhile, April-June quarterly earnings announcements by Future Consumer, Jindal Stainless, CESC, Dishman Carbogen Amcis, SML Isuzu, Spencer's Retail, Mafatlal Industries, Bal Pharma, Sharon Bio-Medicine will also set the tone for the stock market today. Yesterday, Sensex ended 60 points higher at 38,417 and Nifty gained 27 points to 11,325.

Here's a look at the updates of the market action on BSE and NSE today

3. 45 PM: Closing session

Sensex and Nifty reversed trend and closed marginally on Tuesday, amid mixed global equities. Sensex ended 51 points lower at 38,365 and Nifty fell 37 points to 11,317.

3. 34 PM: Global markets

Asian markets were trading higher as Japan released revised GDP figures for Q2 at an annualised 28.1%.

U.S. markets were closed on account of Labor Day holiday. Dow & S&P500 futures were trading positive.

European markets had closed higher bouncing back from the recent fall triggered by selling in tech shares.

3. 25 PM:Happiest Minds Technologies IPO

Commenting on Happiest Minds Technologies IPO, Nirali Shah, Senior Research Analyst, Samco Securities said," Firstly, the company carries a larger-than-industry-average level of debt on its books, indicated by a debt to equity ratio of 0.92. This includes high working capital liabilities and current liabilities to the tune of Rs 211 cr. It plans to reduce this liability to an extent with the IPO funds but even then there will be a significant chunk of current liabilities on its books. Happiest Minds' operating cashflows to EBITDA has also declined from 2018 to now. To add to it, promoters have pledged 30% of their total shares to raise capital. All these negatives outweigh the fact that this IT company trades at a fair valuation of 23x P/E. Hence, investors should avoid this IPO since there are a number of red flags and the given uncertainty in the economy.

3. 16 PM: Market turns muted

Sensex and Nifty reversed trend and fell marginally on Tuesday, amid mixed global equities. Sensex traded 12 points lower at 38,405 and Nifty fell 25 points to 11,329.

2. 49 PM: Reliance Industries update

Commenting on Reliance, Jyoti Roy - DVP- Equity Strategist, Angel Broking said," We also believe that the acquisition of future retail business by Reliance Industries Ltd. is a step in the right direction and will help the company further consolidate its position in the retail business and help it increase its leadership position in the retail space. We remain positive on Reliance industries Ltd. and expect that the digital and the retail business will be the future growth driver for the company while the O2C (Oil to Chemicals) business should also stage a recovery in FY2022 once demand normalizes. Strategic investment in the O2C business and the retail business will be key triggers for the company in the near future while listing of the digital and retail business over the next few years would also lead to significant value unlocking for shareholders in the long run. We continue to maintain our buy rating on reliance Industries with a target of Rs. 2,366."

2. 34 PM: Route Mobile IPO

On the upcoming IPO by Route Mobile, Keshav Lahoti - Associate Equity Analyst, Angel Broking said,"Route Mobile provides cloud-communication platform as a service ("CPaaS") to enterprises, over-the-top ("OTT") players and mobile network operators ("MNOs"). Company provides voice, email, and omni-channel communication, SMS analytics, firewall, filtering and monetization, SMS hubbing and Instant Virtual Number solutions.

There are no listed peers for the Company in India. Management has till now infused only 6 lakhs capital in the Company, and it will command a market cap of 1990 crores at the higher price band. This shows that it is a scalable business model, which can grow without capital infusion. Unlike many other businesses, Covid-19 has led to better growth prospects for the Company given increased adoption of digital technologies. At the upper end of the price band, Company demands PE multiple of 25.3x on F.Y.20 EPS, which we believe is quite reasonable considering the future prospects of the Company. As we are positive on the future outlook for the industry as well as the Company, we would recommend to "Subscribe" to the issue for long term as well as for listing gains."

2. 19 PM: Future Enterprises share falls 5%

Shares of Future Enterprises fell up to 5% today after the firm reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 394.77 crore in Q4 against a net profit of Rs 66.58 crore in the March quarter a year ago. Future Enterprises share declined to intra day low of Rs 15.65 against previous close of Rs 16.45 on BSE.

Future Enterprises share falls 5% on Rs 395-crore Q4 loss

2.01 PM: Real estate sector update

peaking on outlook for real estate sector, Prateek Mittal, Executive Director, Sushma Group said, "The real estate sector's demand and supply is highly influenced by the ongoing social and economic situations. Large scale migration towards Tier II and Tier III cities and with no certainty of when will normalcy return, interest towards property buying has witnessed an upscale in small cities with well-planned projects and better infrastructure. We have registered an increase of around 150% in site visits as compared to pre-COVID times for the month of August at our projects. In northern India, realty market of Tricity has emerged as the most preferred destination for end-users. The properties available here have the advantage of strategic location, smooth connectivity with the capital region and well-planned civic structure."

1. 39 PM: Bharat Dynamics share slips over 13%

Bharat Dynamics share slipped over 13% in early trade today after the government said it would sell 15% stake in the defence company through an offer for sale on September 8 and September 9. Share price of Bharat Dynamics fell 13.5% to Rs 332.60 against previous close of Rs 384.50 on BSE. The stock has lost 16.52% in 3 days. It opened with a loss of 12.07% at Rs 338 today.

Bharat Dynamics share slips over 13% as govt selling stake via OFS

1. 25 PM: Market rises further

Sensex and Nifty traded on a bullish note on Tuesday, amid positive global equities. Sensex traded 265 points higher at 38,682 and Nifty gained 62 points to 11,417

1. 10 PM: Info Edge share price rises 4%

Info Edge share rose nearly 4% in trade today after the firm reported a 150% rise in net profit in the first quarter of previous fiscal. Info Edge stock has gained after 3 days of consecutive fall. The stock opened with a gain of 3.28% today. It touched an intraday high of Rs 3,419.85 , rising up to 3.89%.

Info Edge share price rises 4% on strong Q1 earnings

1.08 PM: Top gainers and losers

Reliance Industries, Sun Pharma, Infosys, Axis Bank and ICICI Bank were among the top gainers today. On the other hand, PowerGrid, followed by NTPC, Nestle India, ONGC, L&T, HDFC and M&M were the top losers.

12. 49 PM: Oil prices today

Oil price fell as Saudi Arabia made the deepest monthly price cuts for supply to Asia even as demand recovery expectation during the pandemic cooled. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, fell 0.12 per cent to USD 41.96 per barrel.

12. 34 PM: Rupee falls 29 paise to 73.64 per dollar

Indian rupee depreciated 29 paise to 73.64 per dollar in Tuesday's opening deals amid rise in demand for the US currency from banks and importers.

The Indian currency started off on a tepid note at 73.63 at the interbank forex market, then fell further to 73.64 against the greenback, down 29 paise over its previous close of 73.35 against the US dollar. The local unit traded in a narrow band of 73.54-73.64 per US dollar in early trade.

Rupee falls 29 paise to 73.64 amid strong US dollar, foreign fund outflows

12. 13 PM: Moody's Investors downgrades few PSU banks

On Moody's Investors' downgrade for few PSU banks, Jaikishan Parmar - Sr. Equity Research Analyst, Angel Broking said,"Moody's Investors Service on Friday downgraded the long-term local and foreign currency deposit ratings of Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, and Union Bank of India to Ba1 from Baa3. The rating agency also downgraded Baseline Credit Assessments of all the four lenders to B1 from Ba3. Before the pandemic, PSU banks except for a few had asset quality issues and were reporting subdued ROE. Pandemic has further accentuated asset quality issues.

He added,"We expect credit cost for FY21 to remain elevate considering low economic activity and higher slippages from the moratorium book. We believe Bank of Baroda and Canara bank stock price to consolidate till investors get better clarity on slippage from Morat book. We have a positive view on the State bank of Inia from PSU banks and currently, all PSU banks are trading at a historically low valuation."

12.01 PM: Gold price slips after 3 days

Gold price eased on Tuesday as the dollar strengthened after three straight sessions of gains. Prices of gold and silver were trading a tad lower in Indian as well as international commodity markets on Tuesday, as investors turned cautious awaiting the outcome of the European Central Bank meeting this week.

On the Multi-Commodity Exchange, Gold October Futures traded Rs 185 lower at Rs 50,880, after hitting an intraday low of Rs 50,746 against the previous close of Rs 51,065 per 10 gm. MCX gold futures currently trade almost Rs 5,126 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.

11. 51 AM: Swaraj Engines stock generates 30% returns in the past 3 months

Commenting on Swaraj Engines, that is is engaged in the business of manufacturing diesel engines and hi-tech engine components, Amarjeet Maurya, AVP - Mid Caps, Angel Broking said, " Going forward, we expect strong growth numbers in the tractor industry primarily on account of continued positive sentiment in rural areas, due to increase in Kharif sowing area, thereby indicating a bumper harvest, bountiful monsoon, good rural cash flows and upcoming festive season. Hence, it will benefit the players like Swaraj Engines (CMP:- Rs1,680; TP:-Rs1,931)".

11. 34AM: Amber Enterprises India

Commenting on Amber Enterprises India, that is engaged in the business of Air Conditioners and Its Components, Amarjeet Maurya- AVP - Mid Caps, Angel Broking said," The company has launched QIP on 7 September 20 and floor price is Rs1,798.72 per share (currently trading at Rs1,885 -10:22 am on 8 step 20). In our view, we expect the company will raise Rs300-400cr money for future working and capex requirement which is 5-7% of current share capital. We believe that increasing demand for contract manufacturing in India due to the 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat' initiative by the government. This is a positive move by the company to take advantage of the growing opportunity in India."

11. 12 AM: Repco Home finance result update

Repco Home finance, Jaikishan Parmar, Sr. Equity Research Analyst, Angel Broking said,"Repco Home finance reported subdue numbers for Q1FY21. AUM grew at 5.6% YoY an 1.3% QoQ which is below compared to past growth. Repco Home Finance Moratorium number is high compared to other housing finance companies.Repco home finance trading at 0.65x of TTM Book Value which is lower compared to historical valuation. Though Q1FY21, numbers are subdued, however, considering inexpensive valuation positive price momentum to continue. An investor will closely watch slippage and restructuring from the moratorium book in coming quarter, which will decide next trend of stock movement."

11.01 AM: Market update

Sensex and Nifty traded on a bullish note on Tuesday, amid positive global equities. Sensex traded 250 points higher at 38,668 and Nifty gained 72 points to 11,427.

10. 54 AM: Coronavirus toll

Worldwide, there were 274 lakh confirmed cases and 8.96 lakh deaths from COVID-19 outbreak. Meanwhile, India's death toll from COVID-19 infections rose to 72,816 and total coronavirus cases to 42.80 lakh as of Tuesday.

10. 35AM: Gold outlook

Commenting on gold's trend, Anuj Gupta, DVP- Commodities and Currencies Research, Angel Broking said," Yesterday, Gold prices increased by 0.76% and closed at Rs 51,065 levels. Silver prices also increased by 1.49% and closed at 68,271 levels. In international market, spot gold is trading at $1923 per ounce and silver is trading at $26.73 per ounce levels. Gold and silver is trading lower today on the back of sharp recovery in US Dollar as investors weighed whether an accommodative turn from the European Central Bank later this week could hit the euro, while the pound nursed losses due to Brexit uncertainty.

He added," As of today, traders can go for sell in gold at Rs 51,100 levels with the stop loss of Rs 51,450 levels for the target of 50,200 levels. They can also go for sell in Silver at Rs 68,500 levels, with the stop loss of 69,900 levels and for the target of 65,000 levels. In the Bullion index Bulldex traders can also go for sell at 16000 with the stop loss of 16250 and for the target of 15700."

10. 22 AM: All Cargo Delisting

Yash Gupta - Equity Research Associate, Angel Broking said,"Allcargo Logistics Ltd board approves delisting proposal and set floor price at Rs 92.58, which is 18.8% discount to its current market price of Rs 114.15.Promoter and promoter group of the company will acquire all the fully paid-up equity shares of the company having a face value of Rs 2 held by the public shareholders of the Company. As per the last filling, the public holds 29.99% of paid-up equity share capital of the company. Delisting will be a positive development for the Company but the proposed delisting prices is not upto expectation of public shareholders."

10. 15AM: Global markets

Overseas, Asian stocks are mostly higher on Tuesday. In US, financial markets were shut on Monday for a public holiday. European indices closed lower yesterday, as tensions escalated between the UK and European Union

10.02 AM: Vodafone Idea rebranding plans

The debt-laden telecom carrier, with about 280 million subscribers as of June is rebranding itself. Announcing a major strategic move today, Vodafone Idea, unveiled a new brand identity which will now be called "Vi". Amid efforts to rediscover itself in the highly competitive telecom sector, the telco aims to draw a new set of subscribers while promising them assured quality under the new brand and stop further user erosion. For its survival, essential to avoid a duopoly in the Indian telecom sector, the telco may announce new tariff plans in the coming days.

Under the top BSE 200 scrips, Vodafone's shares have risen 21% MoM. The stock has gained 65% year-to-date, ranking in the fourth position in top BSE 200 scrips, after Adani Green, Aurobindo Pharma, Divi's Labs and Tata Consumer

Vodafone Idea stock is just Rs 12 and the firm has big plans! Should you invest?

9. 53 AM: Bharti Infratel stock

"Bharti Infratel was the best performing stock of the Nifty on Monday (up 7.52%). Bharti Infratel has rallied 22.4% in the last 4 trading sessions. Bharti Infratel is rallying as the Company has got a nod from the board for merger with Indus Tower which has been postponed twice in the past. Merger with Indus will bring in synergy benefits for the Company. Also, the overhang of AGR verdict is removed from Vodafone Idea. After the AGR verdict , Vodafone Idea's board decided to raise up to Rs.25,000 crores from the market clearly showing that Vodafone Idea intention is not to close the shop. Real profit for the Company comes in when the tower is shared by two operators. So the Vodafone Idea surviving in the industry is positive for the Company. If Vodafone Idea is able to raise the required quantum of funds can lead to further rally in the stock."

9. 42 AM: Stocks to watch today on September 8

SBI, Vodafone Idea, Maruti Suzuki, ITC, Dr Reddy among others are the top stocks to watch out for in Tuesday's trading session.

Stocks in news: SBI, Vodafone Idea, Maruti Suzuki, ITC, Dr Reddy

9. 30 AM: FII action

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 6.93 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net sellers to the tune of Rs 815.82 crore in the Indian equity market on 7 September, provisional data showed.

9.22 AM: Opening session

Sensex and Nifty opened on a bullish note on Tuesday, amid positive global equities. Sensex traded 80 points higher at 38,498 and Nifty gained 23 points to 11,378.

9. 10 AM: Earnings Today

Future Consumer, Jindal Stainless, CESC, Dishman Carbogen Amcis, SML Isuzu, Spencer's Retail, Mafatlal Industries, Bal Pharma, Sharon Bio-Medicine, Simplex Projects, Texmaco Rail & Engineering among others are scheduled to announce their June quarter earnings today.

9. 01 AM: Nifty outlook

NSE-NIFTY reversed from its 3-week low and regained 11,350 mark. The index ended the day on an indecisive note forming a Doji pattern. Due to recent recovery in the index from lower levels, its key technical indicators on the near-term timeframe chart reversed from its oversold zone and given buy signal. This could take the index towards 11,584 and 11,794 levels. In case of decline, the index will initially find support at 11,111 and then at 10,806 levels, which coincides with its recent swing low and its 200-day SMA, respectively.

As for the day, support is placed at around 11,277 and then at 11,200 levels, while resistance is observed at 11,407 and then at 11,459 levels.

8. 55 AM: Rupee closing

On a similar note, the rupee on the currency front witnessed high volatility and later settled 21 paise lower at 73.35 against the US dollar, amid weakness in domestic equities and a strong dollar.

On Rupee's outlook, Vaqarjaved Khan- Research Analyst, Angel Broking said, "With risk sentiment improving and global economies recovering from this unprecedented pandemic, USDINR (CMP: 73.19) is likely to move lower towards 72.5 in the coming week."

8. 40 AM: Market outlook

Ajit Mishra, VP - Research, Religare Broking said, "We feel the performance of global markets combined with development on India-China LAC issue will continue to dictate the market trend. Considering the market scenario, traders should maintain positions on both sides and prefer hedged bets."

8. 30 AM: Closing session yesterday

After a volatile session on Monday, Sensex and Nifty closed marginally higher, tracking mixed cues from global equities. Sensex ended 60 points higher at 38,417 and Nifty gained 27 points to 11,325. Traders said subdued global cues and lingering border tension with China continued to weigh on investors' sentiments.

Sensex, Nifty end tad higher amid mixed global cues; Bajaj Finance, M&M top losers
Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to railway minister Piyush Goyal seeking Shramik special trains to states like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra for the smooth return of migrant workers to their workplaces with the resumption of normalcy and the lifting of the nationwide lockdown imposed in March to check the Covid-19 pandemic spread.

The Centre introduced Shramik special trains to help migrant workers, who were left jobless by the pandemic, to return to their homes this summer after tens of thousands of them were forced to walk amid the suspension of transportation services due to the lockdown.

There was a mass exodus of migrant workers from states like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra to Odisha in the wake of Covid-19 lockdown. These workers have highlighted their plights due to the unavailability of livelihood options and difficulty in travelling back to their workplace for re-joining work. Even though some employers are willing to offer bus transport service from Odisha, a long and arduous journey via road is neither feasible nor safe for such long distances due to prevailing monsoon conditions, Pradhan wrote.

Pradhans letter came two days after eight migrant workers, who were on their way from Ganjam in Odisha to Surat, were killed and 20 others injured when the bus they were traveling on collided head-on with a truck in Chhattisgarh. The bus was carrying about 60 migrant workers.

After the lockdown was announced, over 926,000 migrant workers returned to Odisha after losing their livelihood in Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bengal, Delhi, and Haryana. Of these, 358,000 workers returned on 256 Shramik Special trains while the rest came by buses, cars, taxis, and bicycles.

The returnees included 550,000 unskilled workers.
Rhea Chakraborty Arrested LIVE Updates: Actor Rhea Chakraborty has been sent to judicial custody till 21 September, after her arrest in a drug case that came to light during investigation into circumstances leading to Sushant Singh Rajput's alleged suicide

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Rhea, the late actorr's partner, has been in the midst of a storm in the aftermath of Sushant's alleged suicide. The drug angle in the Sushant case came to light when the actors' Whatsapp chat history indicated that the duo procured and consumed contraband narcotics substances.

Actor Rhea Chakraborty has been detained by thee Narcotics Control Bureau and will be formally arrested after due paperwork in a drug case related to actor Sushant Singh Rajput's test.

The Narcotics Control Bureau started its inquiries based on WhatsApp chats retrieved from Rhea's phone, which revealed conversations around procuring drugs, allegedly for Sushant.

KPS Malhotra, Deputy Director, Narcotics Control Bureau told news agency ANI has said that actor Rhea Chakraborty has been arrested by the drug control authority after three days of questioning in connection with drugs-related allegations in the Sushant Singh Rajput case.

Rhea Chakraborty's lawyer, Satish Maneshinde in a statement said, "Travesty of Justice. Three central agencies hounding a single Woman just because she was in love with a drug addict and was suffering from mental health issues for several years under the care of five Leading Psychiatrists in Mumbai, who ended up committing suicide due to consumption of illegally administered medicines and used drugs."

Talking to media, Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey said: "Rhea Chakraborty is totally exposed in the sense that she had connection with drug peddlers. This has been established, that is why she has been arrested. Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) must have found evidence against her:" Speaking to CNN-News18, the senior police officer also added that this was "just the starting" and more revelations will come to light about Rhea. .

Rhea Chakraborty is being taken for a medical test to Sion Hospital in Mumbai shortly after her arrest by the NCB. She will be later produced in a court via video-conferencing at 7:30 pm today, News18 reported.

Sushant Singh Rajput's former girlfriend Ankita Lokhande put out a single-word tweet after the late actor's partner Rhea Chakraborty was arrested on separate charges. Chakraborty, also an accused of abetment to suicide in Sushant's death, was today arrested for drug abuse, procurement and consumption.

Security has been beefed up outside Mumbai's Sion Hospital where Rhea Chakraborty was taken for a medical checkup after her arrest. She will be produced before a magistrate in an hour, via video conferencing.

Various media reports suggest that NCB may not seek remand of actor Rhea Chakraborty when she is produced before a court today following her arrest. NDTV reported that the drug control agency may not seek her custody from the magistrate, while India Today claimed that the actor will most likely be sent to judicial custody, and is even free to apply for bail. CNN-News18 quoted sources in the NCB to claim that the agency may not even oppose the actor's bail plea.

Director General of Police, Bihar, who has been vocal about the Sushant Singh Rajput case on Tuesday indicated that more revelations may come regarding the allegations against Rhea Chakraborty in future. The actor is facing a damning media trial along with separate investigation from three central agencies namely: Narcotics Control Buerau after the actor's chat history indicated she purchased and possessed drugs; Enforcement Directorate for embezzlement of funds and money laundering; and a CBI investigation into abetment to suicide charges laid out by Sushant's family.

Actor Tisca Chopra has slammed the "medieval" treatment meted out to Rhea Chakraborty in the case of Sushant Singh Rajput's death and the incessant media vilifaction of the 28-year-old actor. She took to Instagram to appeal to people to wait for the outcome of the probe in the actor's death.

The Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) on Tuesday issued a statement denouncing the consistent attack on the acting fraternity by sections of the media, following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The CINTAA statement also spoke of the need to uphold the dignity of all women adding that any instance of disrespect to female colleagues was a matter of serious concern. This observation comes in the wake of Rhea being mobbed and heckled by paparazzi on her way to the NCB office on Monday, News18 reported.

Rhea Chakraborty has tested negative for the novel coronavirus. She underwent the test as part of procedural medical examination at the Sion Hospital, Mumbai, after her arrested by the NCB, India Today reported.

Actor Rhea Chakraborty has reached the NCB office in Mumbai. She will be produced before a competent court from here via video conferencing.

Actor Rhea Chakraborty has been sent to judicial custody till 21 September, after her arrest in a drugs case that came to light during investigation into circumstances leading to Sushant Singh Rajput's alleged suicide. Rhea is entitled to apply for bail since the Narcotics Control Bureau -- the primary investigating agency in the case -- has indicated it was satisfied with Rhea's responses during probe and does not require further custodial interrogation at the moment.

#RheaChakraborty will be produced before magistrate shortly. We don't need her custody remand so we'll seek judicial custody. We aren't asking for her custody remand as whatever we wanted to cross with her, we've done already: MA Jain, Dy DG, South-Western Region, NCB (file pic) pic.twitter.com/P8LwAYAVkI

Rhea Chakraborty has tested negative for the novel coronavirus. She underwent the test as part of procedural medical examination at the Sion Hospital, Mumbai, after her arrested by the NCB, India Today reported.

Actor Rhea Chakraborty has reached the NCB office in Mumbai. She will be produced before a competent court from here via video conferencing.

Mutha Ashok Jain, Deputy DG, South-Western Region, NCB, told the media on Tuesday that Rhea Chakraborty has accepted allegations that she used to buy drugs for Sushant Singh Rajput on the latter's insistence. The NCB said that it did not recover any drugs in Rhea's possession and has arrested her on the basis of her own statement and preliminary investigation.

This is NCB's remand report in Rhea case. They have only asked for judicial custody. Read these parts carefully, about Sushant, Rhea and others. #RheaChakraborty pic.twitter.com/ODWN7FARfd

The remand report filed by Narcotics Control Bureau has no mention of Rhea Chakraborty consuming any drugs, media reports said. A copy of the reported tweeted out by journalist Dhanya Rajendran also reveals that the NCB case is based on Rhea's admission of allegations raised against her.

Correction. She wasnt consuming. Financing and procuring for Sushant. So in that case if he was alive he wouldve been put behind bars too ? Oh no. She mustve forced the drugs onto him. Sushant mustve been force fed marijuana. Yes thats what it is exactly. We did it guys  https://t.co/6f8l7DncuI

LJP president Chirag Paswan says arrest of actor #RheaChakraborty will 'silence' those supporting her

LJP and JD(U) leaders also expressed satisfaction on Rhea's arrest and hoped that this will solve the mystery surrounding Sushant's death.

Bihar police chief Gupteshwar Pandey also reacted with an air of vindication on the development. "Rhea has finally been arrested. We have been seeking a CBI inquiry into the case since the very beginning as the Maharashtra government and the Mumbai police seemed intent on driving the probe in a wrong direction.

However, notwithstanding the fact that the current case is unrelated to Sushant's death, Rhea's arrest has found resonance in the late actor's home state, which is also going to hold assembly elections this year. The ruling NDA in Bihar on Tuesday asserted that Rhea Chakrabortys arrest by Narcotics Control Bureau was "an important step" in the direction of securing justice for Patna-born actor.

Rhea Chakraborty has been arrested for procurement of drugs by her own admission by the Narcotics Control Bureau. The arrest comes as part of a tri-agency probe in the wake of actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death by suicide. The current case, however, is not directly connected to Sushant's death but is in relation to drugs abuse, which was revealed from the actors' chat history.

Actor Rhea Chakraborty has been sent to judicial custody till 21 September, after her arrest in a drugs case that came to light during investigation into circumstances leading to Sushant Singh Rajput's alleged suicide. Rhea is entitled to apply for bail since the Narcotics Control Bureau -- the primary investigating agency in the case -- has indicated it was satisfied with Rhea's responses during probe and does not require further custodial interrogation at the moment.

#RheaChakraborty sent to 14-day judicial custody, court also rejected her bail plea. She was arrested by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) today in drug case related to #SushantSinghRajput 's death probe. pic.twitter.com/qy8qWfZg2h

Rhea Chakraborty Arrested Latest Updates: Actor Rhea Chakraborty has been sent to judicial custody till 21 September, after her arrest in a drug case that came to light during investigation into circumstances leading to Sushant Singh Rajput's alleged suicide

Various media reports suggest that NCB may not seek remand of actor Rhea Chakraborty when she is produced before a court today following her arrest.

Rhea Chakraborty's lawyer, Satish Maneshinde in a statement said, "Travesty of Justice. Three central agencies hounding a single Woman just because she was in love with a drug addict and was suffering from mental health issues for several years

Actress Rhea Chakraborty has reportedly been arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in connection with the drug angle in Sushant Singh Rajput's death case, reports Asian News International. As per a News 18 report, the actress, accused of abetting her boyfriend and late actor Sushant Singh Rajput's suicide, will be presented before the court after a round of routine medical tests.

News of Chakraborty's arrest comes after three days of questioning by the NCB, which is probing a drug angle in the case. KPS Malhotra, Deputy Director, Narcotics Control Bureau confirmed the news saying, Chakraborty has been arrested by the NCB.

Actor Rhea Chakraborty arrested by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Mumbai: KPS Malhotra, Deputy Director, Narcotics Control Bureau pic.twitter.com/aB4zKOoawL

The agency had said that it wants to question Rhea and confront her with her younger brother Showik Chakraborty (24), Rajput's house manager Samuel Miranda (33), and his house staffer Dipesh Sawant to ascertain their roles in this alleged drug racket after it obtained mobile phone chat records and other electronic data that suggested some banned drugs were allegedly procured by these people.

These three men were arrested by the NCB in this case over the last few days.

The officials said the actress was questioned on these lines on Sunday.

Rajput, 34, was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra on 14 June following which the Mumbai Police had lodged an Accidental Death Report (ADR). And an investigation of circumstances surrounding his death lead to the discovery of the drug angle in the case.

Apart from the NCB case, Rhea is separately dealing with a CBI investigation in Sushant's death and an Enforcement Directorate probe in money laundering charges.

On 25 July, Rajput's father KK Singh lodged a complaint with Patna police against Rhea Chakraborty, her parents Indrajit and Sandhya Chakraborty, her brother, the late actor's former manager Shruti Modi and his house manager Samuel Miranda.

He accused them of cheating and abetting his son's suicide. He also claimed that the accused persons had siphoned off Rs 15 crore from his son's bank accounts.

Based on this allegation, the Enforcement Directorate is probing money laundering charges.

The FIR lodged by Patna police was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

(With inputs from Press Trust of India)

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A collection of Suicide prevention helpline numbers are available here. Please reach out if you or anyone you know is in need of support. The All-India helpline number is: 022 2754 6669
About 50 hikers spent a second night at a wilderness resort near Fresno, Calif., on Monday with all escape routes cut off by the growing Creek Fire in the Sierra National Forest, an "unprecedented disaster" that ravaged the state over the holiday weekend and nearly doubled in size on Monday alone, fire officials said.

Fresno Fire Battalion Chief Tony Escobedo initially said at a news conference late Monday that one person had died in the fire, but the Fresno County Sheriff's Office later clarified that an older man died due to a "medical episode" after emergency medical services were unable to respond because of the fire conditions.

Escobedo told reporters that the smoke from the fire, which reached up to 135,523 acres with zero percent containment as of late Monday, made it impossible for the Fresno Fire Department's helicopters to rescue the hikers, who have been sheltering at the Vermilion Valley Resort since Sunday night. The rescue operation was suspended around midnight after the helicopters were again unsuccessful in reaching the trapped people, who authorities said are not in immediate danger. Rescue attempts are expected to resume Tuesday morning.

"The ongoing effort is to try to get those people to a safe location," Escobedo said.

The explosive fire, featuring towering clouds of smoke that probably triggered lightning and fire tornadoes, has caused mass evacuations of an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 people, according to authorities. More than 1,000 fire personnel have continue to fight the fire. Although Cal Fire reported late Monday that 65 structures are listed as destroyed in the fire, according to the Fresno Bee, almost 5,300 structures remained threatened. Nick Truax, the incident commander for Cal Fire, told reporters that there has been a "pretty heavy structure loss," including the destruction of homes.

News of the rescue efforts comes after California Air National Guard had rescued more than 200 people over the weekend when evacuation routes were cut off, reported The Washington Post's Jason Samenow.

"This is an unprecedented disaster for Fresno County," Fresno County Sheriff's Office Lt. Brandon Pursell told reporters Monday. He later added: "This is one of the largest and most dangerous fires in the history of Fresno County. I don't think everyone understands that. Playing that game of 'how long can I wait' is just foolish."

At a news conference of local, state and federal officials Monday evening, Dean Gould, spokesman for Sierra National Forest, reeled off several past large wildfires in the region before concluding that the Creek Fire looked to be the most aggressive to date.

"This one is in a class by itself," Gould said. "At least it has been the last couple of days."

The Creek Fire erupted amid one of California's hottest weekends ever observed, with temperatures climbing to 121 degrees in Los Angeles County. The U.S. Forest Service announced that all national forests in Southern California would be temporarily closed because of the increased fire danger. Officials with the Forest Service said that with the fire conditions in the region and the weather worsening, "we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire."

With the weekend blazes, California wildfires have now burned more than 2 million acres this year, the most burned on record in a single season since modern records began more than three decades ago, according to Daniel Swain, a climate researcher at the University of California at Los Angeles.

"I have no doubt just as in those past [major fires], we're going to get through this together as well," Gould said.
Federal minister Michael Sukkar says he is confident an audit of his office employees by the Department of Finance will find none of them took part in party political work during taxpayer-funded hours.

The Assistant Treasurer and influential factional player within the Victorian Liberals division was placed at the centre of allegations of branch-stacking and misuse of Commonwealth employees for political work.

Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar says an investigation will clear him of allegations he used taxpayer-funded staff to do party political work. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

A series of reports by The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes last month alleged party powerbroker Marcus Bastiaan had directed taxpayer-funded electorate officers to recruit party members to boost factional numbers while working for Mr Sukkar and veteran MP Kevin Andrews.

Mr Bastiaan has since resigned from the party, while Mr Sukkar and Mr Andrews referred themselves to the department the day after the allegations were raised.
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) wing of Bengaluru police on Tuesday arrested actor Sanjjanaa Galrani in the ongoing drugs investigation in the Kannada movie industry, also called Sandalwood. A team of police officers led by Inspectors Puneeth Kumar and Anjumala Nayak raided the residence of Galrani earlier in the day. The actresss flat was searched for around four and a half hours.

She was subsequently taken into custody for questioning and later arrested. She was produced before the 8th ACMM court via video conference where the judge remanded her to police custody for the next five days. Galrani was taken for a medical checkup at K C General Hospital before being shifted to a womens remand home for further questioning.

The actor is the second well-known person in the Kannada movie industry who has been arrested after Ragini Dwivedi. The police have filed an FIR against 12 people at the Cottonpet police station with film producer Shivaprakash being named the chief accused.

ALSO READ | Kannada film producer among dozen named in FIR in Sandalwood drug racket

All the 12 accused have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 120b (criminal conspiracy), and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985 under Sections 21, 21C, 27A, 27B, and section 29. The 12 accused are said to have held rave parties where select people would be invited including businessmen, celebrities, some film actors, disc jockeys, software engineers and others who would be supplied with drugs for a price.

Among the 12 accused is Rahul Tonshe who is said to be very close to Galrani. However, the actor in the past has described Rahul as her rakhi brother. A senior officer who did not want to be identified as the investigations are ongoing told HT that there was more than what meets the eye initially, in the relationship between Rahul and Galrani.

The police have also arrested Niyaz Ahmed said to be a small-time Malayalam actor who is believed to have procured drugs from Kerala and also acted as a dealer and conduit for the same.

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President Donald Trump took his re-election bid to Florida on Tuesday where he touted his environmental credentials with an expansion of a ban on off-shore drilling and got in a few shots at Democratic rival Joe Biden.

His environmental claims and campaign pitch - complete with a lighthouse in view behind him - came as a new poll showed him tied with Biden in a state neither man can lose in the November election.

'This protects your beautiful Gulf and your beautiful ocean and it will for a long time to come,' Trump said of his new executive order after signing it.

President Donald Trump made a campaign stop and signed an executive order while in Jupiter, Florida, on Tuesday

Trump and Biden are tied at 48 per cent among likely voters in Florida, an NBC News/Marist poll out Tuesday found while the president has a one point advantage among registered voters, 48 per cent to Biden's 47.

'It's not unusual for Florida to be this close,' Lee Miringoff, the director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, told NBC News.

'If Trump loses Florida, it's game over. If Trump wins, the story of the night will still have to be told,' given the remaining battlegrounds of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, he noted.

Four years ago, Trump won Florida by barely a point and both campaigns are making a play for it this year.

The Biden campaign is sending running mate Kamala Harris to Miami on Thursday for their own round of campaign events.

Biden leads Trump among black voters, women voters and independents, the poll found with the president in the lead among male voters and white voters.

Trump, however, also has the advantage among the all-important Latino voters in the state: 50 per cent to 46 per cent.

While in Jupiter, Florida, on Tuesday, Trump called the state his home. He was 20 miles from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, which is his residence in the Sunshine State.

'It's great to be back at the historic Jupiter inlet. I know it very well. I don't live very far away as you know,' Trump told the cheering crowd. 'It's my home state. It's called the state of Florida and it's a great state.'

The president announced an expansion of a ban on offshore drilling and highlighted conservation projects in Florida. But his administration has overturned or weakened numerous regulations meant to protect air and water quality and lands essential for imperiled species.

Trump spoke beside the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, lambasting Biden's agenda at the taxpayer-funded event.

'The approach of Joe Biden, and the radical left is exactly the opposite their policies will destroy jobs, cause energy prices to double and triple and quadruple to skyrocket beyond belief and the environment will be badly hurt,' he said.

'And very importantly, they'll take away our energy independence and they'll do it quickly and they won't even know what happened to them,' he added.

Trump attacked rival Joe Biden multiple times during his remarks in Florida during the tax-payer funded event

President Donald Trump arrives to speak on the environment at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum - about 20 miles down the road from his Mar-a-Lago home

The trip comes as Trump steps up his travel to battleground states eight weeks before the election. From Florida, he headed for a campaign rally in North Carolina, another must-win state for his reelection.

Trump announced he was extending and expanding a ban on new offshore drilling sites off the Florida coast as well as Georgia and South Carolina. The existing moratorium covers the Gulf of Mexico, and Trump said the new one would also cover the Atlantic coast - a significant political concern in coastal states like Florida.

The moratorium on drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico was set to expire in 2022.

'My administrations proving everyday that we can improve our environment while creating millions of high-paying jobs,' Trump said.

He claimed Biden's environmental plans would 'destroy Americas middle class while giving a free pass to the worlds worst foreign polluters.'

Biden opposes new permits for drilling in federal land and waters. Biden said in a statement that Trump has refused to listen to scientists on climate change and his environmental record has mostly been about eliminating rules on clean air and water and opening up public lands to drilling.

The announcement could open the president up to charges of an election-year flip-flop given that he acted in January 2018 to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans.

Trump offered himself as the greatest environmental president since Theodore Roosevelt.

'Who would have thought. Trump is the great environmentalist?' the president said. 'You hear that? Thats good, and I am. I am. I believe strongly in it.'

Trump, though, has rolled back numerous regulations meant to protect the environment, from power plant emissions to auto fuel standards to clean water. He withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord, a global agreement to address the emission of heat-trapping greenhouse gases.

The Trump administration has made the environment a primary target of his deregulatory push, eliminating or weakening dozens of rules that protect the nations air and water quality and lands essential for imperiled species while reversing Obama-era initiatives to fight climate change.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis tosses pens to the audience after President Donald Trump signed an executive order extending the ban on offshore drilling

President Trump was on a two-state swing on Tuesday with a stop in Florida and then a rally in North Carolina

Trump replaced Obamas Clean Power Plan aimed at slashing greenhouse gas pollution from electric plants and eased automobile fuel economy standards. Under Trump, the Environmental Protection Agency stripped federal protection from millions of acres of streams and wetlands. He lifted restrictions on oil and gas exploration in sensitive areas and shortened environmental reviews of construction projects such as highways and pipelines.

Trump said he had also been discussing extending the moratorium with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who greeted Trump at the airport in West Palm Beach and attended the Jupiter event. Republican Congressmen Matt Gaetz and Brian Mast were also in attendance.

'This protects your beautiful gulf and your beautiful ocean, and it will for a long time to come,' Trump told the audience of about 200 people, including federal and state officials and members of Congress. Few wore face coverings or practiced social distancing.

'The Sunshine State is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth I love it. And together we will preserve its breathtaking natural splendor for generations to come. We're here today to celebrate our incredible record of natural conservation and environmental protection over the last four years,' Trump said.

He signed the order, waved to the crowd and then left. DeSantis stayed and threw pens used in the signing to the cheering crowd.
Dallas, Texas, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Low Code Development Platform Market by Type (Cloud, On-Premises), Application (Aerospace & Defense, Automotive & Transportation, Consumer Products & Retail, Electronics & Semiconductors, Energy & Utilities, Others) and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Latin America), Global Forecast 2018 to 2028 study provides an elaborative view of historic, present and forecasted market estimates.

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Low-code technology platform can create more applications in less time, resulting in inexpensive investments and thus being used in many companies. Large, medium and small-scale enterprises are rapidly implementing this platform as they can integrate with the IT management. Hence, the global low code development platform market size is anticipated to reach USD 83.5 billion by 2028 with a CAGR of over 36%. Adoption of intelligent communication designs, remarkable growth in data traffic, and advancements in technologies are some of the key reasons responsible for the industry growth.

The low code development platform market growth prospects have been showing great promise all over the world with immense growth potential in terms of revenue generation. Escalating demand for business digitization, stringent government norms, and less dependency on information technology (IT) professionals are the key factors fueling the growth of the low-code development platform industry.

Browse the full report with Table of Contents and List of Figures at https://www.adroitmarketresearch.com/industry-reports/low-code-development-platform-market

The easy development of mobile and web apps is forcing organizations to adopt the low-code development platform solution. Because of these reasons the production of low code is increasingly common. Besides, the increasing demand for advanced applications & program automation and easy-to-use features also fuel the growth of a low-cost market for production. However, the growth of the low- code production platform market is expected to be constrained by challenges such as adaptation and application-related shortcomings in the forecast period. Additionally, there are not enough toolkits available on the market to evaluate and address user configuration problems on apps. This problem is likely to hinder market growth for platforms for low code production.

Because of the generation of a huge amount of data, the retail industry requires business tools and solutions on a wide scale. As customer service is an important factor responsible for customer acquisition in the retail industry, multiple organizations have adopted low-code development platforms and services to enhance automation in customer service business functions. Moreover, the penetration of low-cost development platforms is increasing as the operating cost of cloud-based systems is much lower than the on-site installation. It is primarily because cloud computing applications don't need on-site data storage, which would be massive operating expenses (OPEX) for companies. Besides, there are no limitations to the scalability of the low-code cloud platform. Cloud delivery makes it possible for an enterprise to scale up or down, if necessary, without any additional hardware acquisitions. These considerations contribute to an increasingly growing usage of low-code cloud services.

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The report includes a detailed description of the current COVID-19 impact on the global low code development platform market. The research also shines a light on different facets of low code development applications in the communications sector by using value chain analysis to analyze the market. The study discusses many qualitative facets of the low-code platform industry in market dynamics, market constraints, and key developments in the sector. The study includes an in-depth market rivalry evaluation with company profiles of both multinational and local vendors.

The geographically global low code development platform market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America has a range of leading industry players supplying all end consumers in the country with low code production and services. The United States and Canada now have good economic conditions which are projected to add significantly to the development of the low-code market. The regional reach, major R&D operations, alliances, acquisitions, and mergers are the key factors that lead to the introduction of low-code technology services. Besides, APAC countries are the preferred IT outsourcing destination. As a result, IT firms earn significant orders for the production of software, which further boosts the industry advance.

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The major players of the global low code development platform market include Salesforce.com Inc., Caspio Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Alphabet Inc., AgilePoint Inc., Appian Corporation, ServiceNow Inc., Oracle Corporation, Outsystems Inc., MatsSoft Limited, Kony Inc., Mendix Technology B.V., and others.

Major Points from Table of Contents:

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Research Methodology

Chapter 3 Executive Summary

Chapter 4 Market Outlook

Chapter 5 Low Code Development Platform market by Type

Chapter 6 Low Code Development Platform Market by Application

Chapter 7 Low Code Development Platform Market By Region

Chapter 8 Competitive Landscape

Chapter 9 Company Profiles

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About Us:

Adroit Market Research is a global business analytics and consulting company incorporated in 2018. Our target audience is a wide range of corporations, manufacturing companies, product/technology development institutions and industry associations that require understanding of a markets size, key trends, participants and future outlook of an industry. We intend to become our clients knowledge partner and provide them with valuable market insights to help create opportunities that increase their revenues. We follow a code Explore, Learn and Transform. At our core, we are curious people who love to identify and understand industry patterns, create an insightful study around our findings and churn out money-making roadmaps.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

Plainclothes police men with masks picked her up yesterday morning, put her on a minibus and nothing more is known about her. The opposition Council spokesman and the secretary, Anton Rodnenkov and Ivan Kravtsov have also disappeared. Bishop Kosobutskij: We have changed, and there is no return, but there is a great good that awaits us, it is our solidarity. Arrests and beatings at the "March of Unity". In Khabarovsk (Russia), on the 58th day of demonstrations, people shout: "Putin resign!" and "Freedom from east to west!".

Moscow (AsiaNews) - At around 10am yesterday, Maria Kolesnikova, a member of the Coordination Council of the opposition to President Lukashenko was picked up by unknown men masked and it is not known where they took her.

From the outset, Maria Kolesnikova (photo 2) has been alongside candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaja, who is currently in exile in Lithuania. Eyewitnesses say the men who took Kolesnikova, in plain clothes and wearing masks, forced her to board a van with the abbreviation Svjaz, "Communications", to an unknown destination.

Council spokesman Anton Rodnenkov, after trying to contact Kolesnikova, went missing, along with another Council member, Secretary Ivan Kravtsov, according to one of their collaborators, Maksim Znak. The Belarusian Interior Ministry said it had no information on the missing persons. On 6 September another opponent, the political scientist Andrei Egorov, was arrested.

Meanwhile, in the absence of Metropolitan Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, exiled in Poland, the Catholic bishop Jurij Kosobutsky (photo 3), vicar general and regent of the archdiocese of Minsk, spoke in the red church of Saints Simon and Helen before a thousand people gathered for prayer for all those suffering. Many remained outside the church, and listened to the bishop from Independence Square, where over 100,000 people had gathered the previous day for the "March of Unity" (photo 1). The bishop invited everyone to pray for people who want happiness for our homeland, for all people who want to live in a free country, who don't want us to be blackmailed, repressed, oppressed and afraid. We want to be free and peaceful, we want to be Belarusians who build their future of peace.

The bishop recalled that "many have taken to the streets, but many have not returned home, and will never return ... there are those who have given their lives, and this is a tragedy for the entire people".

According to Msgr. Kosobutsky, even though these people were far from God, "He welcomed them into His heart", remembering all those who peacefully expressed their protest "and then they were beaten, maimed and taken to the prisons of Okrestina and Zhodino, where they were mocked and tortured ".

Yet the bishop invited forgiveness, emphasizing that it is not a question of weakness: "Only the strong know how to forgive, and by forgiving they draw close to God". The current tragedy of the Belarusian people, concluded the prelate, "has shown us who we really are, but it has also united us: we have changed, and there is no return, but there is a great good that awaits us, it is our solidarity". The faithful accompanied the bishop's words with a standing ovation, despite the warnings of the police, who from the loudspeakers ordered them to leave the church.

Meanwhile, among the members of the Opposition Coordination Council the idea is spreading to demand the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in Belarus, cutting ties with the patriarchate of Moscow, even if the official program of the opposition does not provide for interventions in the religious field, being focused on calling for new elections.

On 6 September, the Patriarch of Moscow Kirill (Gundjaev) met the Orthodox bishops of Belarus in Moscow, during the ceremony for the elevation of the new bishop of Minsk Venjamin (Tupeko) as metropolitan.

Protests also continue in Russia: in many cities there are demonstrations in favour of Belarusians, and in Khabarovsk the marches in defence of the deposed governor Sergej Furgal have reached the 58th day, amid the shouts "Putin resign!" and "Freedom from east to west!" (photo 4).
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 00:13:32|Editor: huaxia

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SARAJEVO, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Shanghai-based Fosun Foundation, a non-profit organization, has delivered the second shipment of coronavirus test kits it has donated to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the Chinese Embassy in BiH told Xinhua on Tuesday.

According to BiH's Ministry of Civil Affairs, the donation, which includes IgG/IgM Combo Rapid Tests, will be forwarded to the Institute of Public Health of the Federation of BiH (2,945 kits), the Institute of Public Health of the Republika Srpska (1,805 kits) and the Public Health Subdivision of the Brcko District (250 kits).

The total value of this donation is 70,000 U.S. dollars.

This donation provided by the foundation from China "for the people of BiH represents another in a series of assistance to BiH in the fight against the vicious virus," the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH said in a statement.

On Aug. 12 this year, the foundation already donated 4,800 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test kits to BiH. Enditem
A Saudi Arabian court on Monday jailed eight people for between seven and 20 years for the 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, state media reported, four months after his family forgave his killers and enabled death sentences to be set aside.

The trial was criticised by a UN official and human rights campaigners who said the masterminds of the murder remained free.

Khashoggi, a critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was last seen at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018, where he had gone to obtain documents for his impending wedding. His body was reportedly dismembered and removed from the building and his remains have not been found.

The murder caused a global uproar and tarnished the reformist image of Prince Mohammed, the kingdom`s de facto ruler and son of King Salman.

State media reported that five people were handed 20-year prison sentences, one person was sentenced to 10 years and two people received seven-year sentences for the killing.

None of the defendants was named.

The Khashoggi family`s lawyer Motasem Khashoggi told Al Sharq Al Awsat newspaper that the family welcomes the "fair and deterrent" ruling and is satisfied by it.

"The verdict is fair and deterrent to any criminal ... we as a family opted for applying (Islamic) Sharia laws since the beginning and there is no court in the world that applies sharia rules like in Saudi Arabia," Khashoggi told Al Sharq Al Awsat newspaper.

"We have delegated our command to God and to our rulers, who have fulfilled their promise, all our thanks, appreciation, gratitude and loyalty goes to them," he added.

But Khashoggi`s fiancee said the eight jailed were not the only ones responsible for the murder.

"The Saudi authorities are closing the case without the world knowing the truth of who is responsible for Jamal`s murder," Hatice Cengiz wrote in a statement. "Who planned it, who ordered it, where is his body?"

In December, the court sentenced five people to death and three to jail, saying the killing was not premeditated but carried out on "the spur of the moment."

CRITICISM FROM ABROAD

Some Western governments, as well as the CIA, had said previously they believed Prince Mohammed had ordered the killing.

Saudi officials denied he played a role, although the prince in September 2019 indicated some personal accountability, saying that "it happened under my watch".

In May, the family of the slain journalist said it forgave his murderers, paving the way for a reprieve for the five defendants sentenced to death.

In Saudi Arabia, which lacks a codified legal system and follows Islamic law, forgiveness from a victim`s family in such cases can allow for a formal pardon and a stay of execution.

A U.S. State Department official said Washington had seen reports of the sentencing and was "closely monitoring Saudi legal processes" in the case. "We call on Saudi authorities to ensure that all involved in Khashoggis killing, which King Salman rightly labeled a `heinous crime,` are held accountable," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Many Saudis hailed Monday`s ruling in comments on Twitter, a platform favoured by pro-government supporters. Some said the ruling ended one of the most difficult political cases the kingdom has faced. Others said the ruling made Saudi Arabia the "land of justice", a "country where rights are never lost."

But Agnes Callamard, the U.N. special rapporteur for extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, accused Saudi Arabia of making a "mockery of justice" by not punishing more senior officials who, she said, were behind the murder.

She said on Twitter the trial was not fair or transparent and "the responsibility of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has not even been addressed."

Adam Coogle, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa division of Human Rights Watch, said the conviction of individuals "does not hide the fact that the Saudi legal process has shielded top officials from any and all scrutiny."

"How can the regime be accused of the murder and at the same time it is responsible for the trial?" said Yahia Assiri, founder of London-based Saudi rights group ALQST.

Turkey, which launched its own trial against 20 Saudi officials in July, said the verdict in Saudi Arabia fell short of expectations, urging Saudi authorities to cooperate with Turkey`s investigation.

"We still don`t know what happened to Khashoggi`s body, who wanted him dead or if there were local collaborators  which casts doubt on the credibility of the legal proceedings in KSA," presidency communications director Fahrettin Altun said on Twitter, referring to Saudi Arabia.
Revenue published the List of Tax Defaulters in respect of the period 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020

A company linked to the controversial Palas cinema in Galway has been hit with a tax bill, including fines, of 821,353.

Solas Galway Picture Palace Company, now in liquidation, paid a settlement of 821,353 according to the tax defaulters list for the three months to June published by the Revenue Commissioners today (yesterday).

Non-declaration of VAT was the reason given in the release for the figure.

The cinema was beset with controversy since construction began in 2009, with various funding, contractual and structural issues.

Solas Galway Picture Palace Company was the charity behind the project.

It cost the State 8.4m in public funding, which was 2.2m over the initial expected outlay of 6.3m.

The cinema was the focus of an investigation by RTE's Prime Time, which reported that the company behind it recorded no income for 10 years despite getting donations from the public.

In May 2018, the Charity Regulator found it was transferred to private company Element Pictures, which owns Dublin's Light House Cinema, without conducting an independent valuation of the building.

Solas had gone into liquidation in 2017.

Among the others named on the tax defaulters list was medical service provider Dr Kevin Hickey Unlimited, at Ascot Terrace, OConnell Avenue, in Co Limerck, which paid more than 1.2m for under-declaration of Corporation Tax and PAYE/PRSI/USC.

Kevin Hickey, a medical consultant at the same address, was hit with a bill of more than 598,000 for under declaration of income tax.

Fashion designer Elaine Keogh, of Lainey Keogh Knitwear, was hit for 122,533, including fines and penalties by the taxman for under-declaration of income tax and VAT.

In June this year the High Court heard a former accountant, Alan Hynes, effectively controlled the affairs of three companies which later went into liquidation despite being disqualified and restricted from acting as a company director.

These companies featured on todays tax defaulters list, including property developer Tuskar Property Holdings.

It had an outstanding bill of more than 1m for non-declaration of PAYE/PRSI/USC and under-declaration of VAT.

Hynes Jewellers Wexford (HJW) and JW Fashions (JWF) were also on the list, with bills of 437,673 and 627,684 respectively.

During the case, liquidator Myles Kirby told the court he believed Mr Hynes acted as a shadow and/or de facto director of the three companies during the term of a three-year disqualification and five-year restriction from directorships imposed on him by the High Court in October 2013.

Those penalties arose out of his involvement in property company Tuskar Asset Management.

Elsewhere on the list, the largest upaid bill for the quarter was for haulier Colma Mary Moore, based at Sharon Avenue on Browneshill Road in Co Carlow who had a settlement of 1.16m.

A haulage company at the same address, called Tarlu Thigh An Raoilinn Teoranta, paid 274,421 in the period.
India-China Standoff News Live Updates: Indian and Chinese troops engaged in another firing exchange near the Pangong Lake in Ladakh in a late-night development on Monday. While China claims that Indian soldiers illegally crossed the line of actual control (LAC) and entered its territory firing at its troops, army sources say that only warning shots were fired at the Chinese soldiers after they opened fire at the Indian positions late on Monday night. Meanwhile, the situation is said to be brough under control. Issuing a statement Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) blamed India for the exchange saying that the Indian Army illegally crossed the line on September 7 and entered Bangong Hunan, the western section of the Sino-Indian border. Meanwhile the Indian Army is yet to issue an official statement. The latest round of exchange between the two sides comes in the midst of ongoing standoff between Indian and China in the Ladakh region that has been a hotbed of several skirmishes over the past few months. This is the first time gunshots have been fired on the LAC since 1974.

Also read: China says 'shots fired' at Shenpao mountain in Ladakh; no comments from India yet

Also read: China claims Indian Army 'illegally' took over Shenpao mountain

Follow BusinessToday.In for all live updates on India-China border conflict news:

3:15 pm: Indian, Chinese troops continue talks

Indian and Chinese troops continue to communicate with each other even as Chinese soldiers are in a face-off position near Rezang La heights

2:40 pm: Indian troops blatantly fired warning shots, says China

"On 7th Sep, Indian troops illegally crossed LAC and entered south bank of Pangong Tso. Indian troops blatantly fired warning shots at our border patrolling troops who were there for consultation. Our troops were compelled to take measures to stabilise situation. India's behaviour violated agreements. It's serious military provocation. We've made representations through diplomatic and military channels asking them to immediately stop dangerous moves, withdraw people who crossed the line and discipline frontline troops," says Chinese Foreign Ministry.

2:30 pm: Russia on India, China standoff

"We are not interfering unless both sides are inviting us. We are not participating in any negotiations between the two countries," said Russian Deputy Envoy on India-China row.

2:15 pm: Indian, Chinese troops in standoff

Indian and Chinese troops are in a standoff at heights around Rezang La after yesterday's skirmish. There are 40-50 Chinese troops facing off Indian troops that were holding on to mountain heights. China made attempts to dislodge Indian troops and occupy the heights.

12:30 pm: India, China deploy fighter jets along the border

China has deployed J-20 long-range fighter jets and several other key assets in Hotan airbase that is 310 km from eastern Ladakh. Indian Air Force also deployed frontline fighter jets like Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar and Mirage 2000 aircraft in frontier air bases in Eastern Ladakh.

12:00 pm: China blames India

"The Indian troops brazenly made gunshot threat to the patrolling Chinese border guards who came forwards for negotiations, and the Chinese border guards were forced to take countermeasures to stabilise the situation on the ground," said Colonel Shuili, Spokesperson, Western Theater Command.

11:30 am: Rajnath Singh briefed about Ladakh situation

Indian Army chief has briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about the situation in Ladakh. Army Headquarters assessed the situation after discussions with local commanders. High-level meetings are likely today in South Block with Defence Secretary, CDS Bipin Rawat and all three services chiefs.

11:00 am: Indian Army statement on the recent clash

India, while is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC, China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate. At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing. It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress. In the instant case on 07 September 2020, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops. However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner.

The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility, however is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs. The statement by the Western Theatre Command is an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience.

10:20 am: Incident took place between 6-7pm

The latest firing incident took place between 6-7 pm. A Chinese patrol team came very close to Indian post near south Pangong Lake between Gurung Hill and Razangla Hills. The Indian troops preempted the Chinese aggression and responded with warning fire.

10:10: S Jaishankar leaves for SCO

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has left for Moscow for the SCO foreign ministers meet. The minister will stop over in Tehran. He is expected to meet Chinese foreign minister on the sidelines of the SCO.

9:58 am: Kapil Sibal hits out at Modi government

No Control Over :



1) Line of Actual Control

2) Worrisome surge in COVID -19 cases

3) Continuing economic slide

4) Students committing suicide

5) Mainstream media serving their political masters



Play with the ducks

But

Dont score a DUCK Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) September 8, 2020

9:50 am: Not the first firing exchange

Earlier on August 31 also, when Chinese troops attempted to approach and evict Indian positions at the heights in South Pangong, there was a brief firing exchange, though it was also in the manner of warning shots and not offensive firing.

9:40 am: PLA looking to gain edge over Indian side

After the incident took place there was a heavy mobilisation of armoured regiments and ground troops In the Chushul area. The provocation was caused by the PLA troops who are looking to gain an edge over the Indian side in the eastern Ladakh sector. The incident could have escalated into a bigger violent face-off but timely intervention by both the sides at senior level ensured that it did not escalate further. The incident is similar to what happened at the helmet top in Spangur heights in the last week of August when the Indian Army pre-empted the Chinese attempts to gain edge.

9:35 am: Firing took place amid brigade commanders' talks

Firing between the Indian and Chinese army took place at a time when the brigade commanders of both the countries were talking to each other near the Chushul Moldo BPM post. The incident took place in south of the BPM posts in Chushul where both sides were engaged in a skirmish and the Chinese army first fired warning shots in the air. After that, the indian side pushed them back into their territory by warning actions.

9:30 am: Situation very serious, says Jaishankar

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has described the ongoing border situation between India and China in eastern Ladakh as "very serious". Jaishankar added that a "very deep conversation" is required between the two sides at a political level. "If peace and tranquillity on the border are not a given, then it cannot be that the rest of the relationship continues on the same basis, because clearly peace and tranquillity is the basis for the relationship," the External Affairs Minister said.
GENEVA - A Swiss federal commissioner announced Tuesday that a U.S.-Swiss program aimed to protect personal information exchanged between the two countries doesnt go far enough, and has downgraded the United States to rank it as a country deemed to have inadequate data protection.

Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner Adrian Lobsiger, in a new policy paper, recommends that Swiss companies or government should disclose personal data to the U.S. only if safeguards are put in place to protect people from prying U.S. authorities.

Lobsigers paper follows a regular review of the three-year-old U.S.-Swiss program known as Privacy Shield, and his recommendations follow similar concerns expressed by EU authorities about an alleged lack of privacy protections in the United States. Switzerland is not an EU member, but often mirrors or lines up with the positions of the 27-member bloc that all but surrounds the wealthy Alpine country.

In July, the EUs top court ruled that the blocs own Privacy Shield program with the U.S. was invalid because the American government can snoop on peoples data. The ruling complicated business decisions for some 5,000 companies including tech giants and financial firms. The EU court ruling followed a case brought by Austrian activist Max Schrems, who complained about the handling of his Facebook data.

In his paper, Lobsiger determined the United States should be categorized as providing inadequate data protection, a downgrade from its earlier classification of the U.S. as adequate in certain conditions. The U.S. is now placed alongside countries like Russia, China, Cuba, Japan and most African and Latin American states. Most European countries are deemed to have adequate protections.

The recommendations do not have the force of law, but could factor into decisions by corporate chiefs or government officials about whether to share private information about Swiss residents and citizens. Only a court would have final say.

Lobsiger said Swiss residents and citizens do not have sufficient enforceable legal rights in the U.S. and pointed to a lack of transparency in the U.S. ombudsman system - raising questions about the ombudsmans power and independence. He said safeguards were lacking in the United States, and said hoped-for improvements in the U.S. didnt come about.

The Privacy Shield program focuses on data exchange between businesses and guarantees provided by U.S. authorities on protecting personal data transferred between the countries, notably involving the mass collection of non-US citizens data for the purposes of anti-terrorism measures and national security, the paper said.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 8, 2020 / Experion Holdings Ltd. (the "Company" or "Experion") (TSXV:EXP)(OTCQB:EXPFF)(FRANKFURT:MB31) is providing a Strategic Update from the CEO highlighting strategic and operational execution.

Strategic Execution

Over the last three quarters, we have been executing our focused strategic plan consisting of developing, sourcing, and distributing premium, high-quality cannabis products under a strong brand. Execution of our strategy is ultimately measured and reflected in our financial results. We have been trending in the right direction achieving higher revenue growth through increased sales, improved margins and lower operating expenses. Experion continues to lay the foundation to become a profitable and sustainable enterprise in the near-term, through our strategic execution.

Consumer Demand and Citizen Stash

The Canadian cannabis market continues to grow exponentially. Statistics Canada recently reported that national sales in 2020 are on track to double 2019 numbers with dried flower, making up 70% of revenue, continuing to drive the market. Experion continues to capitalize on this trend as we continue to gain market share in the top end of the market as competitors fight for market share at the bottom with low quality inexpensive product. Not only does this best in class positioning help protect our margins long term but allows us to enter the market with different products due to our growing brand awareness and reputation. The cannabis exchanges across the country now know which brands fit into which market segments based on quality and consumer demand at the retail level. Exchanges are becoming more selective regarding new products that they will accept, basing their decisions increasingly on recent sales history. Experion has earned a place as a top performing brand which supports our Company's objective of growth by increasing sales of existing products as well as introducing new offerings into the Canadian market.

Products

To date, Experion's revenue has been derived almost exclusively from the sales of premium dried cannabis flower products. Cannabis flower defines a Company's reputation in the market and Experion delivers some of the very best product in Canada. How you grow, select, handle, and package cannabis products ultimately defines your company and your brand. This has been proven by our success with our premium brand, Citizen Stash , which is highly recognized and in demand across Canada.

Our proprietary strain line up continues to gain market share due to its exceptional qualities and consistent performance. Citizen Stash now has 8 strains available in the market, many as first movers in their category, with a range of cannabinoid and terpene content to appeal to all consumers. For more information, please see our website, www.citizenstash.com.

To complement our flower products and appeal to consumer convenience, Experion introduced Citizen Stash premium prerolls last quarter. Our premium prerolls are made with fresh, high quality all flower product that delivers the same consumer experience as whole flower. We have sold over 92,000 premium prerolls since our launch and continue to see month over month sales growth in this product category.

Experion will soon be launching strain specific premium Hash utilizing a solventless concentration process within the next 60 days. Citizen Stash Hash will be one of the highest potency and effective products on the market.

For consumers wanting to experience the effects of our premium strains, but do not want to inhale product, Experion is also launching edible gummies. Our 5mg THC sugar coated gummies will be one of the first vegan edibles in the market and will be available in the next 60 days.

Product diversification based on a foundation of premium flower has been a key goal of the Company and we are pleased to launch these new products and generate new revenue.

Operations

Over the last nine months, we have continuously improved our facility in Mission, BC expanding our ability to develop, cultivate and process premium in demand strains as well as creating new products to meet growing consumer demand. We have continued to partner with cultivators across Canada to expand the production capacity of our unique genetics that we process and package for distribution under our Citizen Stash brand. Some of Experion's operational successes to date include:

Increased licensed space by adding 20% more premium cannabis flower cultivation capacity and adding 100% more processing space.

Added the capability to produce added value products including pre-rolls, with over 92,000 pre-rolls sold to date.

Received our amended "Health Canada" sales license to include edibles, topicals and concentrates.

Developed a strain specific concentrate line with products scheduled to go to market in the next 60 days.

Developed a vegan gummy edible product scheduled to go to market in the next 60 days.

Path to Profit

We continue to build for the future based on our premium flower, diversified product line, strategic partnerships, growing distribution footprint in new markets and strong positive financial position. Our immediate objective remains the same: to increase revenue and return a profit. We are targeting to reach this objective by the end of fiscal 2020. To support of our path to profitability, we have now completed the following:

Fully utilizing our processing space to ramp up volume and revenue. We have completed all improvements within the facility with all fully licensed space now operational.

Received our amended sales license to include topicals, edibles and concentrates.

Diversified our product lines, selling over 92,000 pre-rolls with increasing demand and developed new concentrates and edibles products scheduled to come online in the next 60 days.

Increased our distribution footprint by signing a master agreement with Ontario and shipping to the province within the next 30 days. We now service BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, NWT and Ontario and are in the process of entering Quebec and the Maritimes by year end.

Selected a sales agent to represent Citizen Stash nationally to drive sales at the retail level.

Partnering with key craft grow partners cultivating our genetics and increasing our capacity with our top strains. We now have 5 strategic partners, increasing capacity by 400% with several more partnerships in negotiation. This will add thousands of kilograms of high quality cannabis annually without any capital deployment.

Right sizing operations. Experion continues to make significant steps in recent quarters, reducing expenses by over 30%, the effects of which will continue to be realized throughout the remaining months of 2020 and beyond.

Financials and revenue trending significant growth. For more information on operational and specific revenue achieving ending Q2, please see our news release July 29, 2020 "Experion Reports Record Revenue Growth in Q2 and Reports on Financial and Operational Highlights."

Why Invest in Experion

Experion continues to be a robust and focused company with significant potential - some key differentiators and highlights:

Healthy balance sheet and cash on hand to execute its business plan. (See financial on SEDAR for more information).

Premium product distribution model executing with 100% growth since Q4 2019.

Targeting to be profitable by the end of fiscal 2020.

Nationally recognized and fastest growing premium brand.

Fully licensed and capitalized.

Under valued with a market cap below cash and assets on hand.

Significant upside as we continue our growth and market the company to the investment community.

Experion is committed to keeping both the consumer and investment community informed of new developments and milestones. We plan to implement an improved communication and marketing program over the next quarter to keep our current shareholders informed and reach a wider investor audience.

As we look forward to the remainder of 2020, we are confident that we will continue to be recognized as a national leader of top branded cannabis products as we seek to become a logical choice for cannabis investors seeking a profitable growth driven opportunity.

For more information about our company, plans and frequently asked questions, please email to ir@experionwellness.com.

On behalf of the Management team, we thank you for your continued support,

Sincerely,

Jarrett Malnarich, CEO

RSU Grant

Experion granted 156,250 restricted stock units (RSUs) to its directors where the RSUs will vest 12 months after the directors resign, for their contribution during the third quarter of fiscal 2020.

About Experion Holdings Ltd.

Experion Holdings Ltd. is the parent company of Experion Biotechnologies Inc., a Health Canada licensed cultivator and processor of Cannabis, based in Mission, BC.

Experion Holdings Ltd. is invested in a portfolio of products to address a wide spectrum of consumer needs' including Adult-use, Wellness and Therapeutic, and Medical products.

Experion trades on the TSX Venture Exchange as a Tier 1 issuer under the symbol "EXP" on the OTCQB Venture under the symbol "EXPFF" and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "MB31"

For further information, please visit the Company's website www.experionwellness.com or contact Investor Relations, Email: IR@experionwellness.com

Disclosure

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Although the Company believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

Forward looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, forecast, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to: the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities; recent market volatility; the Company's ability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies; the risks identified in the Filing Statement, and other risks and factors that the Company is unaware of at this time. The reader is referred to the Filing Statement dated September 25, 2017 and/or the most recent annual and interim Management's Discussion and Analysis for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the Company page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies ofthe TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Experion Holdings Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/605045/Experion-Provides-Third-Quarter-2020-Strategic-Update
The Special Criminal Court trial of Jonathan Hawthorn (47) heard he had taken delivery of fake explosives that were disguised as Play Doh.

Lawyers for Hawthorn, of Ballintyre Downs, Ballinteer, Dublin 16, claimed the headline sentence imposed on him by the Special Criminal Court in October 2018 was excessive and one which was usually reserved for people involved in a leadership role in an illegal organisation.

Hawthorn previously lost an appeal against his conviction, which he had principally challenged over the anonymity granted to six witnesses in the case, including the undercover FBI agent and members of the Garda National Surveillance Unit.

Kerida Naidoo SC, for Hawthorn, said the headline prison sentence of six and a half years imposed by the Special Criminal Court, which was reduced to five years when mitigating factors were taken into account, indicated the court believed his offence was at the upper end of the scale in terms of seriousness.

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Mr Naidoo pointed out that the maximum jail term for a conviction of membership of an illegal organisation is eight years.

He told the Court of Appeal that a separate ruling by the Special Criminal Court had set out parameters for sentencing in such cases and had indicated that a prison term of between 64 months (five years and four months) and eight years should be reserved for the most serious cases.

Mr Naidoo accepted that the Special Criminal Court was entitled to infer from the evidence that Hawthorn was a trusted member of an illegal organisation but not that he was in a senior leadership role.

While aggravating factors could be taken into account, Mr Naidoo said the principal factor in terms of sentencing was ones role in an illegal organisation.

For that reason, he argued the headline figure given to his client should not have exceeded five years and four months.

Mr Naidoo said there were other offences in relation to directing criminal organisations but the DPP had not chosen to charge Hawthorn with any of them.

Opposing the appeal, Paul Greene SC for the DPP, said the nature of ones conduct while a member of an illegal organisation was also of relevance.

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Mr Green said Hawthorn had engaged in deliberate, intentional behaviour and was clearly a trusted member of the IRA by the fact that he was transporting material at the time of his arrest which he believed had the capacity to cause serious harm.

The original trial heard an undercover FBI agent monitoring the dark web was contacted by someone who ordered Semtex, an F-1 Soviet fragmentation grenade, a handgun and 100 rounds of ammunition.

Gardai, who were alerted to the intended purchase of the weapons and explosives, arranged for a fake DHL delivery of the requested items and arrested Hawthorn at St James Hospital on September 14th, 2016 after he had earlier collected the package at Dolphin House in Rialto.

Hawthorn was found guilty by the three-judge court of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on September 14th, 2016.

The President of the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice George Birmingham, said the sentencing parameters set out by the Special Criminal Court in a different case were non-binding and were not even a persuasive authority.

Mr Justice Birmingham said the Special Criminal Court had been entitled to conclude that Hawthorn was a significant player because of his role in acquiring what he had believed was explosive material sources over the Dark Net.

He also said another factor beside ones rank in an illegal organisation was the importance of the task that they were about.

Delivering judgment today, Mr Justice Birmingham, sitting with Ms Justice Una Ni Raifeartaigh and Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly said the appellant was clearly a person of major significance to the unlawful organisation. The offence had to be seen as "very serious offending indeed" and fully justified the headline sentence which fell towards the upper end of the scale. The three-judge court described the sentence as falling well within the normal range and dismissed the appeal.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Union has been accepted to present research, in the form of two poster presentations, around progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and disease-modifying therapies (DMT) at MSVirtual2020: 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting. The poster presentations will be available throughout the conference, starting at 8 a.m. on Sept. 11 until the end of events on Sept. 13.

In both poster presentations, Health Union focused on the treatment landscape, specifically DMTs, for people living with progressive forms of MS, including both primary-progressive MS and secondary-progressive MS. While there are currently 17 approved DMTs for patients with relapsing forms of MS, there are limited options for progressive forms of MS.

The first poster presentation is titled, "Use of disease modifying therapies for improved quality of life among progressive MS patients." This research aimed to understand how progressive MS patients are responding to DMTs - when prescribed off-label - and how their use affects quality of life. The survey results demonstrated positive outcomes - for both MS symptoms and quality of life - for respondents with progressive MS currently using a DMT, as compared to their counterparts who do not use a DMT or report their MS uncontrolled.

The research focus of the second poster presentation, "'Don't give up on us!': Findings from progressive MS patients on disease-modifying therapy," was to examine progressive MS patients' interests in treatment and clinical trials, as well as the perceptions of their interactions with health care professionals (HCPs). The research found that although progressive MS respondents were hopeful and engaged in finding a treatment for controlling their symptoms and progression, some felt like they have been overlooked by their HCP.

Both presentations leveraged data from Health Union's Multiple Sclerosis In America 2019 survey of people living with MS. They also offered insight for how HCPs can work with progressive MS patients to find effective treatment options.

The authors for both poster presentations are Health Union's Alina Ahsan, senior manager of community development; Shelby Comito, associate director of community development; Brian M. Green, MS, vice president of community development; Lauren Lawhon, chief operating officer; and Leslie Beth Herbert, Ph.D., vice president of insights operations.

These and other poster presentations will be available on-demand throughout MSVirtual2020. Participants will be able to engage in conversation with the presenting authors through an online chat feature.

MSVirtual2020: the 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting, the largest international conference focused on MS research, will feature presentations from world-class scientists, neurologists, clinicians and researchers on the latest research, clinical trial outcomes and technology and diagnostic advances in MS. It will be held virtually Sept. 11-13, with a special encore session on Sept. 26.

About Health Union, LLC

Since 2010, Health Union has encouraged social interactions that evolve into valuable online health conversations, helping people with chronic conditions find the information, connection, and validation they seek. The company creates condition-specific online communities  publishing original, daily content and continuously cultivating social conversation  to support, educate and connect millions of people with challenging, chronic health concerns. Today, the Health Union family of brands includes 29 online health communities, including LungCancer.net, ParkinsonsDisease.net, MultipleSclerosis.net and Migraine.com.

SOURCE Health Union

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https://health-union.com


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Public sector Jammu and Kashmir Bank is looking to raise up to Rs 4,500 crore through equities and debt, according to its annual report.

The bank will seek shareholders'' approval for the fund raise proposal in its annual general meeting to be held on September 28, 2020, the lender said in its Annual Report 2019-20.

The implementation of Basel III guidelines has necessitated the need for banks in India to augment their capital base.

This becomes important as Basel III capital requirements call for increase in quantity and quality of capital, besides providing for capital buffer during economic downturn, the lender said in its report.

In the light of the economic and business environment in India besides the downward pressures in the financial sector, increase in NPAs, slow growth in overall business variables, among others, the bank gauges the capital requirements for the near to medium term from time to time, it said.

Based on these factors in the capital planning exercise carried out, the bank needs to augment its capital base in phases up to March 31, 2021, it said.

The bank will augment the capital base by raising common equity issue of additional tier-1 bonds or issue of tier-2 bonds and through internal profit accruals.

"The current issue of raising capital is part of tier-1 and tier-2 capital raising exercise for augmenting banks capital base, to the extent of Rs 4,500 crore..." the report said.

The fund raise is proposed through various modes including "follow-up issue, rights issue, preferential issue to government of J&K, issue to financial institutions/employees (ESPS)/public, institutional placements, and other permitted mode of raising capital including mobilisation of around Rs 1,000 crore of Tier II capital based on the market conditions", it said.

India has been implementing the globally accepted banking norms under the Basel III guidelines. Basel III capital requirements call for increase in quantity and quality of capital, besides providing for capital buffer during economic downturn.

"The board of directors of the bank believes that the proposed issue is in the interest of the bank and hence, recommends the resolutions for the approval of the shareholders by way of special resolution," it said.
Beijing accuses New Delhi of severe military provocation but India denies its soldiers crossed the disputed border.

China and India have accused each other of firing shots on their flashpoint Himalayan border in a further escalation of military tension between the nuclear-armed Asian rivals.

The relationship between the two countries has deteriorated since a hand-to-hand combat clash in the Ladakh region on June 15 in which 20 Indian troops were killed.

Experts fear the latest incident will intensify a months-long standoff between the Asian giants that erupted in late April.

Beijings defence ministry accused India of severe military provocation, saying soldiers crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western border region on Monday and opened fire to threaten the Chinese border defence patrol officers.

According to the Chinese side, Chinese troops approached the India side for negotiations, and then they say some Indian troops fired at the Chinese side, Al Jazeeras Katrina Yu reported from Beijing.

As a result, Chinas military said it was forced to take countermeasures  although we dont know what those countermeasures were, or if there were any casualties, she added.

India denies transgression

New Delhi was swift to give its own account, accusing Chinese border forces of blatantly violating agreements and firing a few rounds in the air to intimidate their Indian rivals.

It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, the Indian army said in a statement on Tuesday.

Despite the grave provocation, (our) own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner, the statement said.

Al Jazeeras Elizabeth Puranam, reporting from New Delhi said that, according to India, Chinas army was trying to close in on one of Indias positions  and that when they [China] were dissuaded by their own troops, they fired in the air.

The countries fought a brief border war in 1962 but, officially, no shots have been fired in the area since 1975 when four Indian troops were killed in an ambush.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) gave no specifics and did not report casualties, calling on India to investigate the incident.

Chinas western military command said the incursion occurred on Monday along the southern shore of Pangong Tso Lake in the area known in Chinese as Shenpaoshan. On the Indian side, the area is known as Chushul, where the two countries local military commanders have held several rounds of talks to defuse the tense standoff.

Zhang Shuili, spokesperson for the Western Theater Command of the PLA, said India had violated agreements reached by the two countries and warned their actions could easily cause misunderstandings and misjudgements.

India has deployed thousands of soldiers following deadly border clashes in June [File: Danish Ismail/Reuters]

Chinas foreign ministry said Indian troops had illegally crossed the LAC and had been the first to fire shots. This is a serious military provocation, spokesman Zhao Lijian told a daily news conference in Beijing on Tuesday.

Late last month, India said its soldiers had thwarted the Chinese militarys moves to change the status quo, also on the southern shore of Pangong Lake, in violation of a consensus reached in past efforts to settle the standoff. In turn, China also accused Indian troops of crossing established lines of control.

Both sides have sent tens of thousands of troops to the disputed Himalayan border, which sits at an altitude of more than 4,000 metres (13,500 feet).

Their troops have had several showdowns since the June 15 clash. China has also acknowledged it has had casualties but not given figures.





Detailed border protocols in place for peaceful disengagement seem to have broken down since the June clash. Indias military has also reportedly changed its rules of engagement, allowing troops to carry guns.

Military commanders and diplomats have held several rounds of talks since July to reduce tension, but have made little progress to calm the border tensions.

Last week, defence ministers from the two countries spoke in Moscow on the sidelines of an international meeting  with both sides later releasing rival statements accusing each other of inflaming the showdown.

And earlier this week, an Indian minister said New Delhi had alerted China to allegations five men had been abducted by the PLA close to the disputed border in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.
Caitlan Taylor gave birth to baby Huxlee via an emergency caesarean at Grafton Base Hospital in New South Wales on August 18

A mother has opened up about her heartbreaking ordeal being separated from her newborn baby for four days because of Queensland's border restrictions.

Caitlan Taylor gave birth to baby Huxlee via an emergency caesarean at Grafton Base Hospital in New South Wales on August 18.

She had been rushed into surgery after her doctor noticed she was tender on one side during her routine 35-week scan.

About two hours after his birth, baby Huxlee had to be transferred to Gold Coast University Hospital in Queensland as he was struggling to breathe.

There had been no room for him at the nearby John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle.

Ms Taylor hadn't been able to hold her newborn before he was transferred, as she was still recovering from surgery and had suffered heavy blood loss.

The mother-of-two battled to be with her baby, but was told she would have to quarantine for two weeks in Queensland under the state's tough border restrictions before she could be with him.

Given her baby was starting to get better, she decided instead to spend four long days waiting until he was stable and could be transferred back to NSW.

The ordeal has left Ms Taylor feeling broken and defeated due to Queensland tough rules.

'Hearing them say that Queensland hospitals were for Queensland people, I was just watching it crying,' she told the Courier Mail.

'They were so cold about it, I don't know how they can be so heartless. It's really scarred me, I'm traumatised by it.'

When Huxlee was being transferred to Queensland, nurses assured Ms Taylor she would be able to be with her baby the following day.

But strict COVID-19 rules meant she'd have to quarantine for two weeks.

Huxlee was close to being stable enough to be transferred back to Grafton Base Hospital, Ms Taylor said there was no point.

After an anxious wait for news of their newborn they then had to chase up the hospital's media team to find out when their baby would be transferred back to them only to be told he was now at a completely different hospital.

'We got a phone call and they said ''Number 16 has left our care and is now at Tweed hospital''.'

Motorists are seen approaching a checkpoint at Coolangatta on the Queensland- New South Wales border

Nurses are seen doing COVID-19 testing at a drive-thru fever clinic in Ipswich on August 24, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia

Four days after the cesarean Ms Taylor was then driven to Tweed Heads Hospital to meet her baby.

'When I picked him up I didn't feel anything, it was like looking at a stranger,' she said.

The next morning an ambulance was supposed to drive the pair back to Grafton but by the time it arrived it was too late in the day to make the journey.

Ms Taylor then had to wait another day before another wardsman and a maternity nurse to drive them back to Grafton.

She said she felt mistreated by Queensland Health authorities, calling it 'heartless' and 'cold'.

Chief Executive Northern NSW Local Health District Wayne Jones said Tweed Hospital was the most appropriate location for the transfer due to the restrictions.

'At the time of the transfer back to NSW, the clinical advice was that a direct transfer to Grafton could impose a risk to the baby,' he said.

'A clinical decision was made to have the paediatric team at The Tweed Hospital care for the baby overnight. Following review by the paediatric team the following morning, the baby was able to be transferred back to Grafton.

'While the border closure has created challenges for medical transfers, our staff are working tirelessly to ensure patients in Northern NSW continue to have access to the care they require.'
This year, Canada has entered a recession that is at least as bad as the worst-case scenario predicted by the central bank last year, according to wealth manager Hilliard MacBeth.

In a recently released client note, MacBeth said that by every measure, the Bank of Canadas adverse scenario in its 2019 forecast considerably outstripped any of the previous three recessions.

The central bank pegged the duration of a worst-case recession at seven quarters, GDP decline at 8.2%, peak unemployment rate at 12.6%, and home price contraction at 40.9%. Even the recession that stemmed from the Great Financial Crisis would appear benign in comparison, with a three-quarter duration, a 4.5% GDP drop, an 8.6% peak unemployment rate, and a 7.8% decline in housing prices.
Former national security adviser John Bolton has added his voice to those denying claims that President Trump disparaged fallen American soldiers in France and said the trip was instead canceled due to bad weather - having initially punted on the claims.

It comes following a controversial report in The Atlantic last week that accused Trump of describing the Aisne-Marne American World War I cemetery in France, also knows as Belleau Wood, as being 'filled with losers' after he canceled a 2018 planned trip.

Bolton dismissed the claims as 'simply false' during an appearance on Fox News' The Story on Monday - adding weight to White House denials given that he and Trump are now enemies.

The former national security adviser has come to Trump's defense on the issue despite having been vocally critical of the President in the past and even writing a bombshell book, 'The Room Where It Happened', which painted Trump as incapable of handling foreign relations and only concerned with his re-election.

Bolton is the latest voice to cast doubt over the report in The Atlantic, after Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie and former acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney last week leaped to Trump's defense saying the report was fabricated.

And the U.S. ambassador to France, Jamie McCourt also offered a denial telling Breitbart: 'In my presence, POTUS has never denigrated any member of the U.S. military or anyone in service to our country.

'And he certainly did not that day, either. Let me add, he was devastated to not be able to go to the cemetery at Belleau Wood. In fact, the next day, he attended and spoke at the ceremony in Suresnes in the pouring rain.'

Bolton dismissed the claims as 'simply false' during an appearance on Fox News' The Story on Monday

The French president pictured with Donald Trump during his visit to France in 2018, when the planned trip to a World War I cemetery was cancelled

Backing: Ambassador to Paris Jamie McCourt was the latest to deny the Atlantic's claims

'According to what that article said, the president made disparaging remarks about soldiers and people buried in the cemetery in connection with the decision for him not to go to the ceremony that was planned that afternoon, and that was simply false,' Bolton said during the interview.

'I don't know who told the author that, but that was false.'

He added that Trump had canceled the trip to the cemetery because of the weather rather than out of any disdain for the fallen soldiers.

'The main issue was whether or not weather conditions permitted the president to go out to the cemetery,' the former national security adviser claimed.

But he added: 'The president has a habit of disparaging people whose name doesn't end in Trump.'

Bolton's denial was a change of tune for the former aide, who on Friday had told the New York Times: 'I didn't hear that.

'I'm not saying he didn't say them later in the day or another time, but I was there for that discussion.'

He also told Bloomberg: 'These comments are despicable. If he made them, they are despicable.'

The report, published by the Atlantic last week, 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.

Trump emphatically denied the report last Thursday night, calling it 'a disgraceful situation' by a 'terrible magazine.'

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron with U.S. President Donald Trump and the first lady, Melania Trump, during their visit to the country in November 2018. Bolton claimed Trump had not visited the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during the trip due to adverse weather conditions

Retired United States Marine Corps general and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly pictured at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in November 2018, marking the 100th anniversary of the 11 November 1918 armistice

Tombs are pictured at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial in Belleau, on November 10, 2018

'It's a total lie. It's fake news. It's a disgrace, and frankly it's a disgrace to your profession,' Trump said, adding the trip was cancelled because of adverse weather conditions making it dangerous to travel by helicopter.

Veteran Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie backed-up the president's protests Sunday, saying he doesn't believe Trump would make such remarks, based on what he's seen for himself.

Wilkie discredited the claims to CNN's State of the Union on Sunday, saying the president described in the report by anonymous sources does not reflect the Donald Trump he knows.

'So what I'm looking at is the Donald Trump that I know; the Donald Trump that has turned around Veterans Affairs from a place that in the Obama administration was 16 out of 17 in terms of best places to work,' he said. 'We're now up to six.'

'I would be offended, too, if I thought it was true,' Wilkie added. 'I am very proud that this president has led to a renaissance in veterans affairs.'

Veteran Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie (right) joined a long list of officials in blasting a recent report in the Atlantic that claimed Trump has repeatedly made disparaging remarks about the US war dead, calling them 'suckers' and 'losers'

He added that the Obama administration had a 37 percent approval rating among veterans in 2014 and 2015, compared to 90 percent for President Trump.

Former acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney also leapt to the president's defense Friday, accusing Goldberg of entirely fabricating the report.

'As you all can probably imagine, I have seen more than my share of outrageous (and false) attacks on the President over the last few years. But this whole injured soldiers thing really, really pushes the envelope,' Mulvaney tweeted Friday.

'I've never heard the President disparage our war dead or wounded. In fact, the exact opposite is true. I was with him at the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion in Normandy. As we flew over the beaches by helicopter he was outwardly in awe of the accomplishments of the Allied Forces, and the sacrifices they paid.'

The rebuttals come as the article's author, and the Atlantic's editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, has defended his decision to keep his sources anonymous and says he expects more information to come out in the coming days to corroborate his story about Trump's remarks

The rebuttals come as the article's author, and the Atlantic's editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, has defended his decision to keep his sources anonymous and says he expects 'more information' to come out in the coming days to corroborate his story about Trump's remarks.

Goldberg said his decision to publish the article was made confidently, because of the number of sources he had, and their close ties to the president.

'The formula is simple,' he continued. 'What you do is you have to say, does the public's right to know or need to know a particular piece of information outweigh the morally complicated and ambiguous qualities of anonymous sourcing.

'Most of us, most of the time, don't rely on anonymous sourcing for most things because there are difficulties there. But in this climate, with information that we judge the voters to need, we are going to use anonymous sources because we think the public has a right to know. Especially when you have four or five or six sources, primary sources, corroborating sources, telling you the same thing.'
Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said Tuesday he will put a slimmed-down version of a coronavirus bill up for a vote later this week in the U.S. Senate after lawmakers failed to come to an agreement on a a second stimulus bill.

The bill is expected to cost about $500 billion, far less than Democrats have sought on as theyve negotiated with White House officials.

It includes an expanded $300 per week unemployment benefit, between $10 and $15 billion for child care, $10 billion for the U.S. Postal Service and new funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses. It also redeploys money left over from the initial PPP program.

Also included is a liability shield for businesses, $105 billion for school reopenings, a $29 billion for a coronavirus vaccine, $16 billion for virus testing and $20 billion of aid for farmers.

But it doesnt include an item many have been waiting for: a new direct stimulus payment to families.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

Earlier this summer, House Democrats passed a stimulus plan that included a $1,200 individual payment  $2,400 for married couples  with another $1,200 for qualifying dependents such as college students and other relatives who were not eligible for the first round of stimulus payments because they are claimed on someone elses tax returns. The payments would be capped at $6,000 per family.

The initial Republican plan had the same payout for singles and married couples, but it had a smaller $500 per person benefit for dependents.

Today, the Senate Republican majority is introducing a new targeted proposal, focused on some of the very most urgent healthcare, education, and economic issues. It does not contain every idea our party likes, McConnell said. I am confident Democrats will feel the same. Yet Republicans believe the many serious differences between our two parties should not stand in the way of agreeing where we can agree and making law that helps our nation.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in a joint statement said the McConnell bill doesnt come close to addressing the problems and is headed nowhere."

N.J. Senator Bob Menendez called the bill dead on arrival, saying its an attempt to appease the Republican base ahead of the election.

Its time the Senate passes a comprehensive bill that includes rental and nutritional assistance for struggling families, funding for the census and election security, and robust funding for our state and local governments to ensure our teachers, first responders, and other essential workers can stay on the job, Menendez said. But the GOP bill fails to meet the moment and it fails to provide New Jersey families with the support they need to weather this crisis.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com.
People in are surprised at the lowest rate of 64 per cent attributed to the state by the Statistical Office (NSO) for the year 2017-18.

"I highly doubt that could fare so badly in terms of rate," Sai Deepak, a native of Guntur who lives in Hyderabad, told IANS.

According to the NSO survey, the southern state is rated lowest in the country, below Bihar, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

T. Suguna Rao, a retired teacher from an aided school in West Godavari district in coastal AP neither agreed nor disagreed with NSO's estimation.

"It seems AP's rate is 64 per cent," said Rao without commenting much but did not look convinced.

Echoing Rao, Bhimavaram resident Pradeep, an MSc fisheries graduate said he also cannot say much about this development. "I am not sure," said Pradeep.

But Rao's wife, T.D. Vakyamani, also a retired teacher from a government school said NSO's estimation could be correct.

AP's literacy rate for males is estimated to be 73.4 per cent and for females 59.5 per cent, a disparity of 13.9 percentage points between the genders.

Though rated lowest in overall literacy rate, the gap between men and women is not the worst and better than Rajasthan (23.2 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (18.4 per cent), Jharkhand (18.3 per cent) and others.

Sagnik Choudhary, a retail professional who studied in Hyderabad when was united, is not convinced with literacy rate variance between men and women.

Irrespective of NSO adjudicating AP as the lowest literate state, several towns and a few cities in the state are major educational hubs, drawing thousands of students for studies.

Vijayawada, Guntur, Nellore, Bhimavaram, Kakinada, Vishakapatnam, Rajamundry, Kurnool and others are known for famous schools, intermediate junior colleges and several engineering colleges.

Some of the private schools such as Sri Chaitany and Naraya have expanded their branches all over the country, originating from the state.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, both the Telugu states, send a sizeable number of students every year to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), premier technical schools in India.

AP is also known for a high number of students who migrate to the US for higher studies.

--IANS

sth/kr

(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.)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister inaugurated a 300-bed COVID-19 hospital at BRD Medical College in and a 320-bed facility at King George's Medical University, Lucknow on Monday.

The state government-run medical college already has 200 beds at the super-speciality block dedicated to COVID-19 patients.

Adityanath told reporters in that there was "no dearth of beds for patients" and said that the state government was determined to defeat the virus.

The chief minister also inaugurated a bio-safety ''level-3'' lab (BSL-3), 100-bed PG hostel and a guest house on the occasion.

He inspected the help desk, the isolation ward and the ICU at the new COVID hospital and held meetings with MP Ravi Kishan, mayor Sitaram Jaiswal and the medical college principal Ganesh Kumar.

"The new hospital has the facility of 50 high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) machines and 65 ventilators. HFNC machines have given good results all over the world and we''ll provide more HFNC machines as per requirement," he said.

"We are all set to defeat novel as we defeated encephalitis which was taking a huge number of lives for the last 40 years and we are successful in controlling 95 per deaths by encephalitis," the chief minister said.

While inaugurating the COVID hospital at KGMU in Lucknow, Adityanath said, "Along with the dedicated COVID hospital established in KGMU, which is already functional, this L3 COVID hospital should function with full capacity."



He also said that in the past 15 days, this is the fourth L3 dedicated COVID hospital in the state. The other such hospitals are in Noida, Gonda and

(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.)
Alex Salmond has offered to go to court to help a Holyrood inquiry - AFP

Alex Salmond has offered to drag Nicola Sturgeon's government back to court to help a Holyrood inquiry obtain key documents that have been withheld about the botched sexual misconduct investigation into him.

In an extraordinary intervention, the former First Minister's solicitor said he was willing to apply to the Court of Session for the documents after the SNP government failed to hand them over to the inquiry.

David McKie, of Levy and McRae, said that he was willing to do this "on behalf of" the cross-party committee conducting the investigation if it agreed to meet all Mr Salmond's legal costs.

However, he noted that it is not known whether SNP ministers would contest disclosing the legal documents from Mr Salmond's victorious judicial review case, thereby "adding to the costs."

Mr McKie also said that the "quickest, and cheapest route for all" would be Mr Salmond providing the committee with a list of relevant documents and the Scottish Government agreeing to hand those it wanted.

He said that he did not understand why the SNP administration had not done this voluntarily, and was instead opting to "delay and to provide partial and incomplete evidence."

But he noted "that pattern is familiar to us from the Judicial Review proceedings, which saw the Scottish Government cave in at a late stage, with 512,250 of taxpayers' money being handed to Mr Salmond to cover his legal costs.

Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans gives evidence at Holyrood to a Scottish Parliament committee examining the handling of harassment allegations against former first minister Alex Salmond - PA

His letter was published as Ms Sturgeon's most senior mandarin told the inquiry's latest evidence session that she was not "at war with Alex Salmond".

Leslie Evans, the Scottish Government's permanent secretary, told the committee the First Minister would have been informed when "three specific incidences" concerning Mr Salmond were referred to Police Scotland.

She denied that the SNP administration had conducted a "fishing exercise" encouraging women to come forward after a new policy was drawn up that allowed complaints against former ministers for the first time.

Story continues

But the Scottish Government faced more accusations of secrecy after Jackie Baillie, a Labour committee member, questioned Ms Evans about a "route map" on the policy that was not handed over to the committee. The mandarin expressed surprise that it had not been provided.

James Wolffe, the Lord Advocate, said the Scottish Government would shortly send a "further written document" about the judicial review but committee members said the letter from Mr Salmond's solicitor disclosed there was much more that could be provided.

@AlexSalmonds solicitor David McKie writes to Holyrood inquiry saying his client is willing to go to Court of Session to apply for documents withheld by @scotgov - but committee must pick up the legal bill pic.twitter.com/R28f8mv3gf  Simon Johnson (@simon_telegraph) September 8, 2020

Officials launched a formal investigation into Mr Salmond in January 2018 following allegations from civil servants that were lodged within weeks of Ms Sturgeon signing off the new policy.

But Mr Salmond won a judicial review last year when Scotlands highest civil court found that the way the Scottish Government investigation was handled was unlawful and "tainted with apparent bias".

The committee's inquiry was kick-started in March this year when Mr Salmond was acquitted of 13 sex offences at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Ms Sturgeon told parliament at the time that the inquiry could have whatever material it wanted, but her government has since withheld evidence on legal grounds and tried to block witnesses.

Lord Advocate James Wolffe is sworn in to give evidence to a Scottish Parliament committee at Holyrood in Edinburgh - AFP

Mr McKie's letter said Mr Salmond was reviewing the papers he holds with the aim of providing a list of documents from the judicial review and trial that "have a direct bearing on the deliberations of the committee."

However, he said Mr Salmond cannot hand over the documents he holds that were lodged by the Scottish Government "or recovered from them" for the legal proceedings "without the consent of the court."

Mr McKie said there was "no reason" why the Scottish Government could not do this "as the party providing those documents".

However, if it refuses, he said Mr Salmond could "return to court to seek the express consent of the court to have those documents passed to the committee."

Mr Salmond is also willing to provide a list of relevant documents he holds from his criminal trial, the solicitor said, but the Lord Advocate would have to provide his "express consent" from them to be handed to the inquiry.

Ms Baillie said: "This explosive letter reveals the extent of the Scottish Government's failure to be fully transparent with the committee and the public."

Murdo Fraser, a Tory committee member, said: "Alex Salmond has now joined the chorus demanding that the SNP give up the documents they dont want us to see. The Scottish public will not tolerate a whitewash."
BANGALORE, India and SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Venture-funded automation company Rocketium has launched daVinci, an intelligence layer for its collaborative design platform. daVinci automates several steps in creating and managing on-brand banners and videos. This helps enterprises eliminate their hodgepodge of creation, collaboration, and storage solutions.

Enterprises face two challenges that became bigger after COVID-19 - the need for more digital content because consumer attention has moved online, and tighter budgets. The biggest roadblock to this is that marketers do not have a way to get on-brand creatives without going to designers. This leads to designers doing repetitive work for every experiment, edit, and adaptation that marketers need.

Rocketium solves this by incorporating lessons from assembly-line manufacturing. The simple insight was that designers and marketers are great at different things and the same platform should help them both. Rocketium lets designers focus on creativity by enabling them to make banner and video templates. Rocketium helps marketers focus on data-driven experimentation by enabling them to make brand-compliant creatives using these templates.

"Rocketium streamlines our time-consuming design process across app assets and digital marketing. It has solved the problem of customizing creative volume while empowering the team to be self-sufficient," says Rahul Deorah, VP Marketing at Urban Company, India's largest home services marketplace.

daVinci brings in automation to eliminate even more steps in today's tedious process. It analyses Photoshop files to make smart templates. It uses AI to transform raw images for compositions, saving hours of painstaking work. Its intelligent spreadsheet connector allows marketers to make thousands of creatives in minutes. daVinci features workflow automations like translation, text-to-speech, automatic sharing. daVinci's configurability enables it to automate any enterprise workflow.

Global e-commerce brands use Rocketium to personalize customer communication at every touchpoint. They can launch multiple campaigns on the same day instead of waiting for weeks. "daVinci combines human creativity with the power of automation. This helps businesses communicate more visually with their customers. We aim to bring the efficiencies of the division of labor to today's digital revolution," says Satej Sirur, CEO of Rocketium.

About Rocketium

Rocketium helps enterprises create on-brand banners and videos at scale. Capabilities like role-based access, brand governance, digital asset management, and 3rd party integrations make Rocketium a complete solution to scale marketing and design operations.

Links

Website: rocketium.com

Get a demo: rocketium.com/is/request-demo

Image: bit.ly/2FeZb4x

Contact

Jatin Rastogi, Head- Product Marketing

jatin@rocketium.com

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1249800/Rocketium_daVinci.jpg
HARRISBURG - Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden spent most of his Labor Day in southcentral Pennsylvania Monday, holding a backyard chat with local labor leaders in Lancaster, and later headlining a Facebook Live event targeted at AFL-CIO members nationally from downtown Harrisburg.

In keeping with a pandemic-limited campaign, these were low-wattage events that did not grab a lot of attention from the general public. At 5 p.m., a crowd estimated at about 50 Biden supporters waited outside the state AFL-CIO state headquarters on North 2nd Street, hoping for a glimpse of Biden as he left.

Biden waved to them from an upper-story window before departing the union offices. It was the closest thing to mixing with the public that the campaign had scheduled for a holiday weekend when candidates traditionally like to touch as many voters as they can.

Inside the offices, however, Biden also met one-on-one with a whos who of area Democrats including Gov. Tom Wolf, 10th District Congressional candidate Eugene DePasquale, 15th District state Senate candidate George Scott, state Rep. Patty Kim, D-Harrisburg, and Dauphin County Democratic Party Chairwoman Rogette Harris.

Its difficult to campaign in this type of environment, Harris said. Unfortunately no one can do the big rallies and events that we would like to do. But I do think he and the campaign is doing the best they can with the current situation.

But what might seem to many like a throw-away event on a Monday off when many Americans, and voters, are trying to catch a last few hours at their favorite beach or pool, carried real importance to the Biden campaign.

Union member voters did not support Democratic Party nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton at their traditional levels in 2016, and it very well may have cost her the race in the states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan that gave President Donald J. Trump the electoral votes he needed to win.

Exit polls from the 2016 election showed Clinton outpolling Trump by 8 percentage points with union voters, but in the previous four presidential elections, the Democratic candidates had won among union voters by an average of nearly 20 percentage points.

One of the keys to a Biden win in Pennsylvania and several other states would be getting his union base support back to those traditional levels.

Biden made a strong pitch for those voters Monday, praising the historic role that unions played in creating Americas middle class and vowing that, if elected, hell be the strongest supporter of unions that has ever occupied the Oval Office.

Joe Biden arrives at the Pa. office of AFL-CIO in Harrisburg as a site to have a virtual chat with union members nationwide. September 07, 2020 Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com

In a Biden Administration, the former vice president said, he would advocate for and sign into law the Protecting the Right to Organize, or PRO, Act, which would give the National Labor Relations Board new powers to levy fines against firms that it finds have unfairly interfered with union organizing activities. Hed also give more workers who are now considered independent contractors by firms like Uber and Lyft employee status for the purpose of forming a union.

The only way to meet... the abuse of power (in workplaces) is with power. And the only power is organized worker power, union power, to deal with abuses, Biden said.

He also repeated his pledge to spend federal tax dollars for goods and services exclusively with American companies that are employing American workers on those contracts.

And he said he would lead an administration that is committed to preserving the social safety net that, at some point in their lives, nearly all Americans rely on, from restoring and expanding the Affordable Care Act to protecting Social Security benefits.

There were no bold new policy pronouncements.

In fact, while the Harrisburg stop was billed as a question and answer session with union members from across the country, Bidens session here came across more like an out-take from the mostly-virtual Democratic National Convention.

Joe Biden waves from a window at the Pa. office of AFL-CIO in Harrisburg after a virtual chat with union members nationwide. September 07, 2020 Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com

Biden began with an opening that was a pure ode to the working man. Its not the financial wizards of Wall Street that made this country run, or make it run. its you. Americas essential workers. Youre the folks breaking your necks, risking your lives, keeping the country going in our hospitals, on our streets, in our schools, Biden said.

From there, the rest of the event consisted of pre-taped videos that set up mini-stump speeches for the former vice president.

But Biden did take the opportunity to attack and repeat his jabs at the president over Trumps handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which has now sickened more than 6 million Americans and derailed a once strong economy.

Biden said his antidote would be a national requirement for Americans to wear masks outside of their homes, investing in strong testing and contact tracing programs and, once the virus is controlled, making major investments in broadband services, transportation facilities and other public infrastructure.

Big projects that will put people to work right away, as well as make sure our country is ready to compete with any country in the future, Biden said.

Joe Biden arrives at the Pa. office of AFL-CIO in Harrisburg as a site to have a virtual chat with union members nationwide. September 07, 2020 Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com

The Republican National Committee was among those listening, and it struck back Monday evening, arguing Bidens plan will require tax hikes for most American households. Thats a cost that those families dont need, RNC spokesman Michael Joyce said.

Simply put, Joe Biden would be a total and complete disaster for the working man and woman of Pennsylvania, Joyce said in a statement.

While the COVID-19 lockdown did cost more than 20 million jobs this spring, Joyce said the comeback has already started under Trumps leadership, pointing to the recovery of 1.4 million jobs in August alone, and nearly 8 million jobs over the last three months combined.

National payrolls are still more than 11 million jobs below their pre-pandemic level.

Joe Biden arrives at the Pa. office of AFL-CIO in Harrisburg as a site to have a virtual chat with union members nationwide. September 07, 2020 Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com

As for why this event happened in Harrisburg?

That may come down to big-state politics. With traditional Labor Day parades called off in the labor strongholds like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Biden could have done his virtual event literally from anywhere, including his home in Wilmington, Del.

But here, the former vice president had a chance - in between his appearances in Lancaster and Harrisburg - to tape sit-down interviews with central Pennsylvanias NBC and ABC television affiliates, guaranteeing Biden some free screen time through the week. (There was not general press availability with the candidate Monday.)

Why does that matter?

The Harrisburg-Lancaster-York television market is a major cornerstone of any Republicans formula for victory, including Trumps win in 2016, when the president scored a 224,000-vote win in its 10 southcentral Pennsylvania counties. Only the southeastern corner of the state has more registered Republican voters as of the end of August.

If Biden can pare that margin back just a little bit, to something like the 167,000 vote margin Republican candidate Mitt Romney racked up against President Barak Obama in 2012, it could be one of the steps that propels him to a win in Pennsylvania, with its 20 electoral votes.

Trump won Pennsylvania by 44,000 votes in 2016. Biden holds a small lead in most recent state polls, just as Clinton did at this stage in the race.

In that vein, Biden veered off his pro-labor message Monday to press another line of attack that presented itself last week, with reports in The Atlantic magazine about off-stage comments by Trump - miffed at requests to stop at a military cemetery during a trip to Europe - denigrating the service of American soldiers.

When it comes to veterans, he is downright un-American, Biden said.

Ive never said that about a president ever, ever, ever. But calling those that have served, risked their lives, even gave their lives to our nation losers and suckers. These are heroes, Biden continued. No president has ever talked about our servicemen and women in that way. And Im sorry if Im getting close to losing my temper, but the simple truth is, if thats how you talk about our veterans, you have no business being president of the United State of America, period.

Biden said the reported remarks, which Trump has denied, again point to the very difference between Trump, who Biden said cares exclusively about himself, and the people both candidates seek to lead, whom Biden said live by an American code of honor, duty and working for something bigger than yourself.

Pennsylvania is home to more than 740,000 veterans, about 7.3 percent of the voting-age population.

More from PennLive

President Trump gives political Labor Day speech from White House: Biden is a stupid person

While Biden visits Harrisburg, Harris and Pence make Labor Day trips to Wisconsin

This Pa. Senate race is a rare political beauty | John Baer
By now, youve probably heard that Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, and United will eliminate change fees on most nonrefundable tickets next year. That means a policy currently in force due to COVID-19 worries will continue indefinitely. United says forever, but you know about airline promises. This sounds like a big deal, but its more likely a meh. The airlines may be giving up on those fees, but theyll get it back on ticket prices. Just watch.

Excessive ticket change fees has been a known travelers pain point for years, so at first blush, the announcement sounds like a win for consumers. It may be, but maybe not so much. A writer I know was considering a headline along the lines of, It took a pandemic to get the airlines to stop s----ing their passengers. Although eye-catching, thats not really accurate. Theyll still continue to s---w you; theyll just change the way they do it.

The five airlines differ a bit in their approach:

-- Alaska, American, Delta, and United will eliminate ticket-change fees for all domestic fares except for their lowest, basic (or equivalent) fare options.

-- Hawaiian will drop change fees on even its lowest-fare tickets and extend the cuts to include its entire route structure, including transpacific flights.

-- American will also drop change fees on tickets to close-in international destinations  Canada and nearby beach centers.

In all cases, if you cancel a flight, you wont get a refund; instead, you get a voucher valid for a future ticket purchase, usually limited to one year. And when you use the voucher, you apply it to what is then the going fare, not your original fare. A big difference between American and United is that Uniteds vouchers are limited to a single future ticket buy: If you apply it toward a ticket with a dollar value less than the voucher value, United keeps the difference. But with American, if you apply the voucher toward a cheaper ticket you can retain the difference to apply toward another ticket. The other lines have not yet announced details on how they will treat voucher use.

American will also introduce a no-fee same-day standby policy. Other lines havent copied, but they may. This is truly a benefit, at least for some travelers.

Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit probably wont copy the five lines, and Southwest doesnt assess change fees. That leaves JetBlue yet to be heard from: Youd expect it to copy, but as of this writing, it has not announced any changes to its change fee policies.

Other than Hawaiian, the other lines do not plan to drop ticket change fees on long-haul international travel. Unfortunately, thats where you find the most outrageous fees  up to $800 in some cases. I dont look for international fees to change in the near future.

The future domestic fare outlook is cloudy. If you can accept the restrictions on those rock-bottom basic or saver fares, youll continue to see some very low prices. But you have to accept:

-- Complete nonrefundability  use it or lose it.

-- Limitations on baggage, seat assignments, upgrades, and frequent flyer earnings.

Trip-cancellation insurance can protect you from some nonrefundability risks. But the other limitations make those rock-bottom fares pretty difficult to use for many travelers. Industry mavens say that the big three lines take from change fees is $500 to $800 million a year, each, and theyll obviously recoup loss of that income stream by raising fares and fees on their other ticket options.

So, if you can cope with limited checked baggage and live with total nonrefundability, youll find that base-economy fares will remain very low. And you can offset total nonrefundability risk by buying bare-bones travel cancellation insurance. But if you want to check bags, select seats in advance, and maybe upgrade to an extra-legroom seats, youll pay an increased premium over the base fare.

(Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net. Also, check out Eds new rail travel website at www.rail-guru.com.)
On September 7, the European Union warned Serbia and Kosovo that they could sabotage their EU membership if they move their Israeli embassies to Jerusalem. This came after the president of the United States of America, Donald Trump, announced the normalisation of economic ties between Serbia and Kosovo in a Washington brokered peace. While calling the normalisation a "truly historic commitment", Trump said the two countries were able to reach a major breakthrough after years of failed negotiations.

Read: Serbia, Kosovo Agree To Normalise Economic Ties In US Brokered Peace Deal

Serbia and Kosovo improve ties

The announcement made by the US President came as a shock to many European countries as they were initiating talks between Serbia and its former territory of Kosovo on improving their relations. The EU expressed serious concern and regret over both countries commitment to move their embassies to Jerusalem. European Commission spokesman Peter Stano reportedly said that there is no EU member state with an embassy in Jerusalem and this is a matter of serious concern as it questions the EU's common position. He added that any such matter that questions the EU's position is a matter of regret.

Read: Serbia, Russia Engage In A Diplomatic Spat After Spokesperson Trolls US-brokered Deal

Serbia and Kosovo share a violent history and there have been no formal diplomatic ties between both the nations ever since the latter declared independence from Belgrade in 2008. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovos Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti have been talking to Trump administration officials for the past few days in Washington before the US President announced the historic commitment by both the nations on September 4. "This is a truly historic day  a very, very important day, especially in a beautiful part of the world. Im pleased to announce a truly historic commitment: Serbia and Kosovo have each committed to economic normalisation. Very expect  very important term. I look forward to seeing Serbia and Kosovo prosper as we work together on economic cooperation in the region," Trump said in a statement on Friday.

In a recent development, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson ridiculed Serbia's President on a social media post after he signed a US-sponsored deal between Serbia and Kosovo sparking a diplomatic spat between traditional allies Moscow and Belgrade. Spokesperson Maria Zakharova shared a picture on Facebook showing Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic sitting in front of US President Donald Trump at his Oval Office in Washington. Zakharova mocked Vucic in a comment on the Facebook post saying, "If you were invited to the DBD, and the chair was put as if you were in questioning, sit down as in photo #2 Whoever you are. Just believe me. UPD I apologize, but my post was misinterpreted! The only thing that was held in it was the rejection of arrogant attitude from the  exceptional ". "Protocol tricks have become one of the techniques that American officials regularly go to artificially create the visibility of their own exclusivity. And this is unacceptable", she added.

Read: Serbia Denies Meddling In Tense Montenegro Election

Also Read: Serbia Surprisingly Joins EU In Condemnation Of Belarus Vote

(With Imputs from AP)

(Image Credits: AP)
Welcome to MicroClimates, The Chronicles climate change newsletter. If someone forwarded you this email, you can sign up here.

Weeks ago, as the pandemic dragged on and protests against police violence ramped up across the region, I spoke to several Bay Area residents involved in different kinds of climate change activism. How had the pandemic affected their efforts  and how did they see multiple crises interacting with each other?

The short version: Everyones frustrated, especially when it comes to planned rallies and in-person education. But theres no other choice except to adapt to virtual efforts amid a world that changed faster than even they expected.

Some of our more disruptive actions, sit-ins, marches  theyre most visual, they make the most political change  those arent as safe right now, one young activist told me. It requires significantly more work (to think through): What are pandemic protesting tactics?

Read more here.

Can we see the pollution impact of shutdown?

Todd Trumbull / The Chronicle

The Bay Area saw sudden steep declines in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the first weeks of the coronavirus shutdown  but did they stick?

New preliminary data from San Francisco company Aclima show air pollutants getting closer to normal levels several months into the pandemic  and big differences in which parts of the Bay Area saw air quality improve and carbon dioxide concentrations decline.

There are also very cool comparison maps showing levels of carbon dioxide change on a street-by-street basis across the first six months of the year and a short explanation on why carbon dioxide is a tricky pollutant to understand.

Rising bay

Before MicroClimates launched, we asked readers how the pandemic had (or hadnt!) affected your thinking on climate change.

For those for whom it had made a difference, there was a split in how: The experience of living through a global pandemic had made some feel more pessimistic about our ability to act on climate change and others more optimistic. The changes in daily life also made an impact: One reader noted that being outside of a heavily air-conditioned office had shifted how aware they were of extreme heat.

Heres a few of your comments:

If the pandemic is any indication of problems humanity face, imagine the problems with a heating world and more migrants coming to the US to escape the heat, the lack of rain. If we are this divided about basic things about wearing a mask, imagine the problems we are about to face regarding water.  Gina Grandini.

It has made me see that we can act quickly in the face of an existential threat. Marina Psaros, co-author of the upcoming The Atlas of Disappearing Places: Our Coasts and Oceans in the Climate Crisis.

For next time: On top of everything else, we have an election coming up: Do you consider yourself a climate voter? Id like to hear from some Bay Area voters who are going into this election considering global warming as one of their top issues, potentially for inclusion here in MicroClimates and also to inform our upcoming coverage of local elections.

How to contact us? Share your tips at this Assignment Editor survey, or email us at climate@ sfchronicle.com.

Climate Chronicles

 How did climate-related bills do in the California Legislature this year? Housing bills and tough plastic rules ran out of time. Meanwhile the Legislature approved a bill to speed approvals for public transit and other sustainable transportation projects during the pandemic.

Sara Gobets / Special to The Chronicle

 Fires in Steinbeck country: Reporter J.D. Morris reports from Monterey County to understand how the impact of three recent major fires in the county intersects with the coronavirus pandemic and climate change.

 More bad news for transit: S.F. Muni light rail expected to stay closed through 2020 after equipment failures, Mallory Moench reports.

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.

 At a time when meatless restaurants are becoming increasingly common in the Bay Area, Lion Dance Cafe is gaining serious buzz before its opening, Janelle Bitker writes. So whats on the menu?

 Sustained hot weather and warm water had led to the worst outbreak of avian botulism in 40 years at the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, killing more than 40,000 waterfowl and shorebirds, biologists say. Outdoors writer Tom Stienstra outlines the issue and shares how a duck hospital saved 2,000 birds.

 West Coast wildfires, Gulf Coast hurricanes: How climate change connects these extreme events.

Changing California

 There are multiple reasons why Joe Biden chose California Sen. Kamala Harris to be his running mate. One of them is her record on climate and her history of cases against oil and gas companies as California attorney general (Inside Climate News).

 As hundreds of electric mopeds arrive on S.F.s streets, lower-income neighborhoods are left out (Hoodline).

 Bike to Work Day becomes ... Bike to Wherever Day.

 University of California system to phase out single-use plastics (San Diego Tribune).

 Moving goods from ship to truck to warehouse accounts for nearly a third of Californias economy, but about half of its air pollution. A pair of rules adopted by the state Air Resources Board seeks to cut thousands of tons of this kind of pollution in nearby communities CalMatters Rachel Becker writes.

 Four fossil fuel power plants along the Southern California coast were scheduled to be shut down at the end of this year, but state regulators have given them a few more years after this summers rolling blackouts, the L.A. Times Sammy Roth reports.

 Your Palo Alto utility payment funds this gas lobbyist, writes Palo Alto Onlines Sherry Listgarten.

MicroClimates is The Chronicles climate change newsletter, written by Taylor Kate Brown, and sent every other week on Tuesday. Email newsletters@sfchronicle.com or taylor.brown@sfchronicle.com.
Press Release

September 8, 2020 Villanueva: Offloading of UK-bound Filipino nurses show disjointed policy on healthcare workers' deployment ban The incident involving seven Filipino nurses bound for the United Kingdom who were offloaded by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Sunday night due to the deployment ban on healthcare workers highlights how disjointed this policy is, to the detriment of our own people, according to Senator Joel Villanueva. Villanueva called on authorities, particularly the Department of Labor and Employment, to immediately sort out the misunderstanding so that no other healthcare worker suffers the trouble caused by the wrong interpretation of government policies. "Malinaw po sa kasalukuyang polisiya na maaaring umalis ang mga healthcare workers na may kontratang pinagtibay bago ang cut-off na March 8. Hindi na po kasama sa usapan kung kailan nabigyan ng visa ang ating manggagawa," Villanueva said in a statement. "Mali po ang interpretasyon ng BI sa umiiral na deployment ban, at patunay dito ang memo na kanilang pinalabas noon Aug. 20 na nagsasaad na bawal umalis ng bansa ang mga healthcare worker na binigyan ng visa matapos ang March 8." (It is clear that the current policy allows healthcare workers with contracts perfected as of March 8. The date when the visa was issued is not part of the discussion," Villanueva said. "The BI's interpretation of the deployment ban is clearly wrong as seen in its memo issued on Aug. 20, which states that healthcare workers whose visas were issued after March 8 are not allowed outbound travel.") The lawmaker, who chairs the Senate labor committee, also reiterated his call to lift the deployment ban on healthcare workers citing the need to balance the regulation with realities on the ground. Most of the affected workers are their families' breadwinners, have left their jobs to pursue overseas employment, and have spent considerable time and money to train and prepare for deployment, he explained. Villanueva also pointed out that during the recent labor committee inquiry, health officials said the country only needed 16,500 healthcare workers to join its ranks. In particular, of the 10,468 slots waiting to be filled, only 7,850 healthcare workers have been filled up. "What DOH should do is to make the terms of employment enticing enough for our healthcare workers to consider working for the government. Aside from the low pay and unclear guidelines on the grant of hazard pay, the employment under the emergency hiring program lasts only three months. I don't think this pandemic will end in the next three months, that's why the terms should be longer," Villanueva said. (Dapat gawing mas maganda ang terms of employment sa ilalim ng emergency hiring program ng DOH para ma-enganyo ang ating mga healthcare workers na magtrabaho. Maliban sa mababang sahod at malabong panuntunan sa pagbibigay ng hazard pay, tatlong buwan lang ang ibinibigay sa kontrata. Hindi po matatapos ang pandemya sa loob ng tatlong buwan kaya po dapat mas mahaba ang kanilang termino," Villanueva said.)
Chinas moves in Ladakh and the South China Sea are based on a historical construct. If a Green Line crafted in 1960 by then paramount leader Mao Zedong is the Peoples Liberation Armys objective in Ladakh, it is the 9, 10 or 11 dash line (depending on political convenience; the concept has a dubious historical basis in the Sino-French war) that is the target of the Red army in the South China Sea.

The PLAs main enemy in the South China Sea is a competing superpower, the US, which is backing Taiwan, even as the members of the ASEAN look the other way. Its adversary in Ladakh, adjoining sensitive and restive Tibet and Xinjiang, is a rising power, India whose neighbours Have all become increasingly cosy with Beijing in recent years.

Although the ambitious western theatre commander of PLA, Zhao Zongqi, portrayed the Indian Army as an aggressor or a warmonger after Mondays clash at the Rezang La  Rechin La ridgeline, the fact is that Indian troops are only preventing the Chinese from reaching their outrageous Green Line claim in the south of Pangong Tso. The Indian Army did the same on August 29-30, and at the same spot. It is quite evident that there is a short-term and a long-term context to the latest clash, both of which are familiar to commanders on the ground.

ALSO WATCH | Indian Army rejects Chinas allegations, says never crossed LAC

Clearly, the latest PLA aggression is aimed at teaching the Indian Army a lesson for using the Special Frontier Force, largely comprising Tibetans-in-exile, on the front line in the August clash. What has upset Beijing the most is that the sacrifice of a Tibetan SFF JCO Nyima Tenzin in the battle on August 29-30, something that has become a rallying point for Tibetans all over the world and sparked a new life to the resistance against the Chinese occupation of the region. To make matters worse, the SFF proved its worth in high mountainous terrain.

Also read: India refutes Chinas LAC allegation, says Chinese soldiers fired in the air

However, the long-term objective of China is to destabilize India by putting continuous pressure along the 3488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC), fully knowing its impact on Indian polity and on the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On August 12, 2013, Shyam Saran, a China expert and then Chairman of National Security Advisory Board, had submitted a report to the then Prime Ministers Office that advocated increased patrolling of the LAC by Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border. Saran said while the patrolling points (65 in Ladakh) within the Indian LAC were identified by the apex China Study group, there was a need for the Indian Army and the ITBP to patrol till the actual LAC as there were significant gaps between the points and the perceived line. While admitting the patrolling mountainous terrain was difficult, the former foreign secretary pointed to increased PLA activity in these areas due to upgrade in border infrastructure by China.

Essentially, what Saran in context of the April-May 2013 PLA intrusion in Depsang Bulge meant was that PLA had the option of nibbling the LAC due to lack of Indian patrolling till the perceived LAC. The 2013 intrusion has ensured that the Indian forces virtually cannot patrol points 10 to 13 with the PLA sitting on the mouth of the Bulge at Raki Nullah. The PLA aggression in the past four months in East Ladakh has left the Narendra Modi government no option but to militarily contest the PLA nibbling of the LAC or lose political equity by ceding territory to Communist China.

India is facing a triple whammy from China. First, its economy has shrunk 23 per cent in the first quarter due to the coronavirus pandemic that originated in Wuhan, China. Second, the economic cost of putting the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force on war-like alert with emergency purchases is significant and mounting each day. It is quite evident that the Chinese economy can afford this deployment, and Beijing would like to tire out the Indian Army and economically bleed India until such time status quo ante is restored in Ladakh. The PLA is an expert in tiring out the enemy since the Korean war. Third, the country it is using its all-weather ally Pakistan to provoke India on the Line of Control (LOC) through cross-border firing and terrorist infiltration. Had it not been for umbilical ties between India and the Nepalese army, Beijing may have well been successful in activating the fourth dimension to bleed India.

While the PLAs attention is today diverted on two fronts with the US activating the Indo-China front, with Australia and Japan, India will feel more military pressure in Ladakh should the US position change after the countrys presidential elections in November. Europe is still to understand the rise of China, which has close economic ties with EU powerhouse Germany. The big picture for India appears to be grim at the moment in context of China but the country will be in pole position if it can ride over this round of Chinese checkers.

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Russias ambassador to the UK has been summoned to the Foreign Office and ordered to explain the circumstances around the poisoning of the countrys opposition leader, Dominic Raab has said.

Escalating pressure on Moscow, the foreign secretary said the UK was registered its deep concern over the alleged use of a nerve agent against Alexei Navalny, who was taken out of an induced coma at a Berlin hospital on Monday.

After a meeting with the Russian ambassador Alexander Yakovenko, Mr Raab said he had called on the country's authorities to hold a full, transparent investigation into the use of a banned chemical weapon against the vocal critic of Vladimir Putin.

His remarks came after the German chancellor said Berlin had concluded Mr Navalny was poisoned with the nerve agent novichok  the same substance the UK government said was used against Sergei Skripal and his daughter in an attack in Salisbury in 2018.

While the Kremlin has denied it was involved in the poisoning, Angela Merkel said last week: There are serious questions that only Russia can answer.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office added: The UK government registered its deep concern with the Russian government about the poisoning of Alexey Navalny with a chemical nerve agent from the novichok group.

The foreign secretary has made it clear that it is absolutely unacceptable that a banned chemical weapon has been used, and that violence has again been directed against a leading Russian opposition figure.

There is a case here for Russia to answer. This took place on Russian soil, against a Russian citizen. They have international obligations to uphold. This is nothing short of an attack against the rules based international system which keeps our societies safe.

Russia needs to conduct a full, transparent criminal investigation into Mr Navalnys poisoning. We will work with our partners, including through action in the OPCW, to hold the perpetrators to account.

On Monday, Berlins Charite hospital said 44-year-old Mr Navalny was being weaned off mechanical ventilation after falling ill on a domestic flight in Russia on 20 August. "It remains too early to gauge the potential long-term effects of his severe poisoning," it said in a statement.

The hospital noted that he was responding to speech but "long-term consequences of the serious poisoning can still not be ruled out".
One woman said she had to talk to four people over the course of five days in order to pick up a hotspot for her grandchild. And after an email last week from Simeon High School informed families it had exhausted its inventory of computers, families were told on Friday more computers had arrived but were available on a first come, first serve basis, according to emails provided to the Tribune.
Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's former fixer and personal attorney, claims his former client once said "only the blacks" could live in difficult conditions as the duo drove through a predominantly black neighborhood in Chicago.

"Only the Blacks could live this way," Mr Cohen told NBC News in an interview to air on Tuesday to coincide with the release of his new tell-all book. "I, of course, said to him, 'Well that's not really true,'" Mr Cohen claimed. "He goes, 'No, only the Blacks could live this way.'"

Mr Cohen also contended to NBC that Mr Trump's longtime disdain for former President Barack Obama stems from the 44th commander in chief being both black and the country's first black president.

Mr Trump's former fixer describes his then boss as a racist who has become the leader of a cult. He also suggests in the interview that the president should step down before he is shamed when hit with possible criminal charges.

"In the book, obviously, I describe Mr. Trump as a cult leader, and I was in this cult," Mr Cohen said of Disloyal: A Memoir.

"So one of the purposes of writing the book is really from one former cult member to the current ones," he told NBC's Lester Holt. "I've said this before, and I'll say it again: Open your eyes as I have. And I want you to appreciate that Donald Trump cares for no one or anything other than himself."

The author is serving a three-year prison sentence for multiple counts related to his work for the president, including lying to Congress and campaign finance crimes.

Mr Cohen also makes bold claims about Mr Trumps views about black leaders of countries.

He contends that following the 2013 death of former South African President Nelson Mandela, Mr Trump "asked me if I had known of any country that's run by a Black that's not a s---hole."

"And I said, 'Well, how about America?'" Mr Cohen responded, indirectly referring to Mr Obama. "To which he gave me the proverbial F you."

Mr Cohen also claims that Mr Obama got under Mr Trump's skin at the 2011 White House Correspondents Association dinner when he lambasted the then-reality television host following his pushing of a theory that the Hawaiian-born president was not a United States citizen.

"Lester, not only did it bother him, it really irritated him," Mr Cohen told the Nightly News host, contending his then-boss hired an Obama impersonator to take part in a later-scuttled video mocking Mr Obama.

"Of course, you know, the script being written, Obama did not come out looking good in this script," Mr Cohen said. "And this was supposed to go out on Trump's social media platform. It was ultimately decided that it was not a smart move for him to do. And this, of course, was all going on during the birther -- 'Birther-gate,' as we'll call it."
Gettyimagesbank




Veteran actress Surekha Sikri, who was seen in popular shows like Balika Vadhu and Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani, has been admitted to Criticare Hospital, after she suffered a brain stroke. The nurse, who takes care of her, revealed that at around 11 am, Sikri had a stroke while she was drinking her juice.

The nurse was quoted by Mumbai Mirror as saying, "I rushed her to the hospital and she is currently being treated. I couldn't get her admitted to any other hospital because of high fees. We do not have that kind of money." She has also appealed to the members of film fraternity to help the actress financially during these tough times.



It has to be recalled that Surekha was last seen in Ayushmann Khurrana's film Badhaai Ho (2018), post which she suffered a stroke. However, she recovered soon and a nurse was appointed to take care of her round the clock. After this, she was not seen in any film or show and had even lost a considerable amount of weight.

Recently, the actress had opened up on government guidelines that asked all actors above the age of 65 to not be present on sets due to the pandemic. She called it an unfair decision as she was not able to work for many months because of lockdown and was not able to generate any income for herself or her family. Surekha had also said that her health is fine and wanted to take up projects. But now that the ban has been lifted, Surekha suffered another brain stroke.

We hope Surekha gets the required help and recovers soon.

Also Read: Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: Nattu Kaka Aka Ghanshyam Requests Fans To Pray For Him

Also Read: Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai's Sachin Tyagi Tests Negative For COVID-19; Will He Resume Shoot?
Oil prices plunged on Tuesday morning, with the Brent benchmark sliding to $40 a barrel, as the market looks increasingly concerned that oil demand recovery is faltering with the end of the U.S. driving season and weak refining margins in Asia.

As of 9:40 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, WTI Crude was down 6.97 percent at $37.00the lowest level since the middle of June, and Brent Crude was plummeting 4.50 percent at $40.04, also the lowest price since June.

The difference in performance between the two benchmarks today is due to a Labor Day settlement mismatch, John Hardy, Head of FX Strategy at Saxo Bank, said.

Rising Covid-19 cases around the world continue to raise concerns about the short-term demand outlook. To the list we can add the end of the US summer driving season, lower Chinese imports and a stronger dollar, Hardy said, noting that the key support in Brent is now at $40.

In a sign that demand recovery is faltering, over the weekend, the worlds top oil exporter Saudi Arabia cut its official selling prices for crude oil for October.

Clearly this suggests that the market is not tightening as quickly as many had anticipated, with supply edging higher, and with demand clearly faltering, ING strategists Warren Patterson and Wenyu Yao said on Tuesday.

Rystad Energys Senior Oil Markets Analyst Paola Rodriguez-Masiu commented on the plunging prices on Tuesday:

Todays oil price move is a clear sign that the market now seriously worries about the future of oil demand and not just plays a bearish-bullish daily trading game that sends prices swinging.

The cocktail of more Covid-19 infections and an expected decline in road fuel demand in the US is strong enough to put healthier WTI prices to sleep for a while until the hangover is over, Rodriguez-Masiu said.

According to the analyst, the widening contango in both WTI and Brent is set to incentivize floating storage again, when traders will charter tankers to store oil to sell at a profit at a later stage.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
It is disturbing enough that American democracy is being threatened by disinformation, the proliferation of which is facilitated by the shadier side of modern technology  phony websites, social-media bots, manipulated video and audio, digitally fabricated deepfakes. How painful to be reminded that among the bad actors spreading such chaos and division are prominent elected officials sworn to serve the public.

Two weeks ago, Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., shared a video clip featuring Ady Barkan, a progressive activist, asking Joe Biden, Do we agree that we can redirect some of the funding for police? To which Biden responded, Yes, absolutely.

Except that Barkan, who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and communicates with the aid of a computerized voice, had not included the words for police in his question. Those were spliced in by Scalises team, making it seem as though Biden was expressing direct support for defunding the police  something he explicitly opposes, no matter how loudly Republicans claim otherwise. Bidens criminal justice plan, in fact, includes $300 million in additional funding for police departments.

Outraged by the violation, Barkan called out the congressman. @SteveScalise, These are not my words, he tweeted. I have lost my ability to speak, but not my agency or my thoughts. You and your team have doctored my words for your own political gain. Please remove this video immediately. You owe the entire disability community an apology.

It is one thing for Russian trolls or shadowy political groups to manipulate videos with an eye toward misleading American voters. For a sitting lawmaker  the No. 2 Republican in the House, no less  to do so is inexcusable.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee filed a complaint against Scalise with the Office of Congressional Ethics, the independent entity tasked with reviewing allegations from the public about congressional misconduct. If deemed appropriate, the complaint could be referred to the House Ethics Committee.

This is a welcome development, but it is not enough. The idea that Scalise is uniquely unscrupulous  that he is the only lawmaker who will let his partisan passions and ambitions get the better of him  is naive. Before the situation devolves further, both chambers of Congress need to establish strict policies prohibiting lawmakers and staff members from engaging in this kind of dupery and clarifying the penalties for violations.

So far, Scalise seems not to grasp the gravity of his offense. He initially responded to Barkans criticism by tweeting more attacks on Democrats. Twitter flagged the disputed video as manipulated. The congressman bowed to the outcry, tweeting that he would remove the clip, even as he argued that he was in the right.

Scalise has clung to this defense, repeatedly insisting that the video was merely edited to capture the true essence of Bidens longer, more involved exchange with Barkan on police reform. We paired the police portion with Barkans final question for clarity because we couldnt include an entire three-minute clip in a one-minute montage, Scalises spokesman told The Washington Post.

But, as even Scalise acknowledged to Fox News, the video should not have been altered. Period. No matter how low-tech or minor the manipulation, it crossed a line, putting the congressman on the wrong side of a battle in which the bad guys are ascendant.

Historically, Congress has not been great about policing its own, and members may ultimately decide to give Scalise a pass for this infraction. This would be a mistake. His deception ought to serve as a red flag. Going forward, the House needs sturdier guardrails and more specific guidelines making clear that it will not tolerate any attempt to defraud the American people through doctored video and audio.

The spread of political disinformation is a danger to the nation, one likely to get worse before it gets better.

Congress needs to get serious about discouraging its own ranks from fueling the problem.

 New York Times
New Delhi: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, for the resumption of "Shramik Special" trains from Odisha to Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, for migrant workers to return to their workplaces.

"Keeping in mind the need to re-ignite our economy and the plight of migrant workers in Odisha who are in urgent need of a livelihood. I request your personal intervention for restarting of Shramik Special Trains from Odisha to States like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra at the earliest," Pradhan wrote in the letter.

Indian Railways started Shramik Specials on May 1 to transport stranded migrant workers to their native states after thousands of them tried to reach home on foot due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown. The last Shramik Special train was operated on July 9.

Pradhan wrote that he has received a number of requests from migrant workers in Odisha who have urged that train services be started from Odisha so that they can reach their workplace.

The letter said, "As we resume our path to normalcy with the lifting of the nationwide lockdown, there is a need to resume rail services for migrant workers back to their workplace. These workers have highlighted their plight due to the unavailability of livelihood options and difficulty in travelling back to their workplace to rejoin work."

"I am informed that even though some employers are willing to offer bus transport service from Odisha, due to the prevailing monsoon conditions, a long and arduous journey via road is neither feasible nor safe," Pradhan added.

In his letter to Piyush Goyal, Pradhan said, "Keeping in mind the need to reignite our economy and the plight of migrant workers in Odisha who are in urgent need of a livelihood. I request your personal intervention for restarting of Shramik Special trains from Odisha to States like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra at earliest."

Last Thursday, the Railways had said that it has met all the existing demand of states for Shramik Special trains to ferry stranded migrant workers home, with the last service being operated on July 9.

Recently, the Railways announced 80 additional special trains which will be run from September 12. This will be in addition to the 230 trains which are currently in operation.

(With Agency Inputs)
New Delhi:

The government on Tuesday has confirmed that online sale of medicines is legally permitted. The health ministry will bring in a clarification to resolve the issues between chemists and e-pharmacies.

The secretary of Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion clarified that Drugs and Cosmetics Act does not prohibit online sale of medicines.

DIPP secretary Ramesh Abhishek said there are about 50 e- pharmacies in the country.

"...but a clarity is required on this. So what the Ministry of Health is doing is (that they are) working on issuing some clarifications which will clarify that this is allowed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act," he told reporters.

He said this while briefing media with Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman after meeting start-ups and incubators.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Mardell Reed says she knows only a couple of people who have been tested for COVID-19. African American seniors are deeply distrustful of government and health care institutions. That is just not going to happen with most of the people I know, says Reed. They dont trust it and I dont trust it. Read more

Old. Chronically ill. Black.

People who fit this description are more likely to die from COVID-19 than any other group in the country.

They are perishing quietly, out of sight, in homes and apartment buildings, senior housing complexes, nursing homes and hospitals, disproportionately poor, frail and ill, after enduring a lifetime of racism and its attendant adverse health effects.

Yet, older Black Americans have received little attention as protesters proclaim that Black Lives Matter and experts churn out studies about the coronavirus.

People are talking about the race disparity in COVID deaths, theyre talking about the age disparity, but theyre not talking about how race and age disparities interact: Theyre not talking about older Black adults, said Robert Joseph Taylor, director of the Program for Research on Black Americans at the University of Michigans Institute for Social Research.

A Kaiser Health News analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention underscores the extent of their vulnerability. It found that African Americans ages 65 to 74 died of COVID-19 five times as often as whites. In the 75-to-84 group, the death rate for Blacks was 3 times greater. Among those 85 and older, Blacks died twice as often. In all three age groups, death rates for Hispanics were higher than for whites but lower than for Blacks.

(The gap between Blacks and whites narrows over time because advanced age, itself, becomes an increasingly important, shared risk. Altogether, 80% of COVID-19 deaths are among people 65 and older.)

The data come from the week that ended Feb. 1 through Aug. 8. Although breakdowns by race and age were not consistently reported  such as in Pennsylvania and New Jersey  it is the best information available.

Mistrustful of outsiders

Social and economic disadvantage, reinforced by racism, plays a significant part in unequal outcomes. Throughout their lives, Blacks on average have poorer access to health care and receive services of lower quality than do the general population. Starting in middle age, the toll becomes evident: more chronic medical conditions, which worsen over time, and earlier deaths.

Several conditions  diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension, among others  put older Blacks at heightened risk of becoming seriously ill and dying from COVID-19.

Yet many vulnerable Black seniors are deeply distrustful of government and health-care institutions, complicating efforts to mitigate the pandemics impact.

The infamous Tuskegee syphilis study  in which African American participants in Alabama were not treated for their disease  remains a shocking, indelible example of racist medical experimentation. Just as important, the lifelong experience of racism in health-care settings  symptoms discounted, needed treatments not given  leaves psychic scars.

In Seattle, Catholic Community Services sponsors the African American Elders Program, which serves nearly 400 frail homebound seniors each year.

A lot of Black elders in this area migrated from the South a long time ago and were victims of a lot of racist practices growing up, said Margaret Boddie, 77, who directs the program. With the pandemic, theyre fearful of outsiders coming in and trying to tell them how to think and how to be. They think theyre being targeted. Theres a lot of paranoia.

They wont open the door to people they dont know, even to talk, complicating efforts to send in social workers or nurses to provide assistance, Boddie said.

In Los Angeles, Karen Lincoln directs Advocates for African American Elders and is an associate professor of social work at the University of Southern California.

Health literacy is a big issue in the older African American population because of how people were educated when they were young, she said. My maternal grandmother, she had a third-grade education. My grandfather, he made it to the fifth grade. For many people, understanding the information thats put out, especially when it changes so often and people dont really understand why, is a challenge.

What this population needs, Lincoln suggested, is help from people who they can relate to  ideally, a cadre of African American community-health workers.

With suspicion running high, older Blacks are keeping to themselves and avoiding health-care providers.

Testing? I know only of maybe two people whove been tested, said Mardell Reed, 80, who lives in Pasadena, Calif., and volunteers with Lincolns program. Taking a vaccine [for the coronavirus]? That is just not going to happen with most of the people I know. They dont trust it and I dont trust it.

Reed has high blood pressure, anemia, arthritis and thyroid and kidney disease, all fairly well-controlled. She rarely goes outside because of COVID-19. Im just afraid of being around people, she admitted.

The building doesnt keep us updated

Other factors contribute to the heightened risk for older Blacks during the pandemic. They have fewer financial resources to draw upon and fewer community assets (such as grocery stores, pharmacies, transportation, community organizations that provide aging services) to rely on in times of adversity. And housing circumstances can contribute to the risk of infection.

In Chicago, Gilbert James, 78, lives in a 27-floor senior housing building, with 10 apartments on each floor. But only two of the buildings three elevators are operational at any time. Despite a two-person-per-elevator policy, people crowd onto the elevators, making it difficult to maintain social distance.

The building doesnt keep us updated on how theyre keeping things clean or whether people have gotten sick or died of COVID-19, James said. Nationally, there are no efforts to track COVID-19 in low-income senior housing and little guidance about necessary infection control.

Large numbers of older Blacks also live in intergenerational households, where other adults, many of them essential workers, come and go for work, risking exposure to the coronavirus. As children return to school, they, too, are potential vectors of infection.

Striving yet never arriving

In recent years, the American Psychological Association has called attention to the impact of racism-related stress in older African Americans  yet another source of vulnerability.

This toxic stress, revived each time racism becomes manifest, has deleterious consequences to physical and mental health. Even racist acts committed against others can be a significant stressor.

This older generation went through the civil rights movement. Desegregation. Their kids went through busing. They grew up with a knee on their neck, as it were, said Keith Whitfield, provost at Wayne State University and an expert on aging in African Americans. For them, it was an ongoing battle, striving yet never arriving. But theres also a lot of resilience that we shouldnt underestimate.

This year, for some elders, violence against Blacks and COVID-19s heavy toll on African American communities have been painful triggers. The level of stress has definitely increased, Lincoln said.

During ordinary times, families and churches are essential supports, providing practical assistance and emotional nurturing. But during the pandemic, many older Blacks have been isolated.

In her capacity as a volunteer, Reed has been phoning Los Angeles seniors. For some of them, Im the first person theyve talked to in two to three days. They talk about how they dont have anyone. I never knew there were so many African American elders who never married and dont have children, she said.

Meanwhile, social networks that keep elders feeling connected to other people are weakening.

What is especially difficult for elders is the disruption of extended support networks, such as neighbors or the people they see at church, said Taylor, of the University of Michigan. Those are the Hey, how are you doing? How are your kids? Anything you need? interactions. That type of caring is very comforting and its now missing.

In Brooklyn, N.Y., Barbara Apparicio, 77, has been having Bible discussions with a group of church friends on the phone each weekend. Apparicio is a breast cancer survivor who had a stroke in 2012 and walks with a cane. Her son and his family live in an upstairs apartment, but she does not see him much.

The hardest part for me [during this pandemic] has been not being able to go out to do the things I like to do and see people I normally see, she said.

In Atlanta, Celestine Bray Bottoms, 83, who lives on her own in an affordable senior housing community, is relying on her faith to pull her through what has been a very difficult time. Bottoms was hospitalized with chest pains recently  a problem that persists. She receives dialysis three times a week and has survived leukemia.

I dont like the way the world is going. Right now, its awful, she said. But every morning when I wake up, the first thing I do is thank the Lord for another day. I have a strong faith and I feel blessed because Im still alive. And Im doing everything I can not to get this virus because I want to be here a while longer.

KHN data editor Elizabeth Lucas contributed to this story.
Police investigating shooting in Sugar Creek SUGAR CREEK, MO (KCTV) - Police in Sugar Creek are investigating a shooting that left one person injured late Sunday evening. According to the Sugar Creek Police Department, officers were called to the scene in the 11500 block of Lexington Avenue just after 10 p.m.

More local gunfire and a hint that even the suburbs are popping off right now.Read more:
Federal Government Revokes Queensland State-Run Fishing License

The federal environment minister will revoke the fishing license of a state-run Queensland fishery for failing to meet the conditions of the permit relating to the implementation of the Harvest Strategy it agreed to in 2018.

Environment Minister Susan Ley wrote to Queenslands Agricultural Minister Mark Furner on Sunday, to revoke the state governments permit for the Queensland Government-managed East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) from Sept. 30.

The Palaszczuk government has failed to reform its sustainable fisheries laws to protect threatened species under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act that the state and federal authorities agreed upon two years ago.

It is deeply disappointing that the reforms underpinning these conditions have stalled and momentum has been lost in progress towards the sustainable management of this fishery, Ley wrote.

Ley acknowledged the impact that revoking the permit would have on the commercial fishing sector amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and urged the Queensland government to support the industry.

I expect this will exacerbate the already difficult operating environment for those fishers who are affected. Therefore, I suggest the Queensland government will need to consider how it could ameliorate those impacts, Ley wrote.

A spokesperson from Leys office told The Epoch Times that the Queensland government confirmed in writing that it had not complied with conditions on the WTO declaration for the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fisheryand that means the declaration must be revoked.

Queensland was required to implement a harvest strategy for the fishery by January 2020 that monitored and managed the fisherys impacts on target species, by-product (non-target fish species of commercial value) and bycatch (including protected species like turtle and dugong), Leys spokesperson said.

Other unmet conditions included failing to ensure all shark caught commercially were able to be identified at the species level.

This is because a number of shark species are threatened and protected under international wildlife trade laws, the spokesperson said via email.

The Epoch Times reached out to Queenslands agricultural minister but did not receive a response in time for publishing.

Queenslands commercial fishing industry produces an average of 18,459 tonnes of seafood per year since 2014, valued at approximately $185 million.

The largest fishery in the state is the East Coast Inshore Finfish Fishery, whose catches in the commercial range from 6,000 to 7,500 tonnes per year.

The industrys commercial net, line, pot, and trawl-based fisheries are comprised of three significant species groups; crustaceans, finfish, and molluscs.

The Humane Society (HSI) welcomed the ban, saying in a media release that it would prevent the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery from exporting products including hammerhead shark fins and black jewfish bladders used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Minister Sussan Ley has made the right decision. An Australian fishery cannot be allowed to continue operating at such a poor standard, particularly when it is happening in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, said Nicola Beynon, HSI head of campaigns.

Poor practices in the ECIFFF have led to the deaths of thousands of endangered sharks, sawfish, dugongs, dolphins, and turtles on the Great Barrier Reef, the group claimed.

The Palaszczuk government is considering its response, saying it had taken significant steps to ensure the state maintains a sustainable commercial and recreational fishing industry.

This has included passing the most significant fisheries reform legislation in decades and working through extensive consultations with all facets of the industry over the last five years, Furner said in a statement.

According to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, revised management arrangements were introduced on July 1, 2009, to tighten up net attendance rules and give formal direction to the shark component of the fishery.

Commercial operators are authorised to use specialised gear within prescribed areas. Gear limitations include restrictions on the number of nets, net design, length, and mesh size. There are also rules about the deployment and attendance of nets.

This article has been updated to include comments by a spokesperson for Environment Minister Susan Ley.
Having flirted recently with the $44/bbl handle and reaching a near 6-month high in late August, crude has since pulled back on signs that the demand recovery may not be as robust as expected.

From a technical perspective, Oil prices have formed a golden cross, with its 50-day simple moving average just about breaking above the 200-day simple moving average. Such a technical event typically heralds more gains for the asset. However, the fundamental outlook remains mired in downside risks, which has served as a drag on prices.

The concerns over the waning demand were evident in Saudi Arabias decision to lower its prices for October sales of its Arab Light grade to Asia, which is the largest oil-importing region in the world. Asian refiners appear hesitant to import more Oil, with Indias transport fuel demand in July and August still over 20 percent lower compared to the same period last year.

For WTI crude in particular, with the summer road trip season in the US coming to a close, transportation fuel demand is expected to be dampened as the worlds largest economy remains a long way from fully reopening. According to data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), US oil demand is stuck around 85 percent of 2019s levels. Saudi Aramco also lowered the prices of its shipments to the US for the first time in six months.

Keep in mind that the above events are coming at a time when OPEC+ had decided to pare back its output cuts from 9.7 million bpd to 7.7 million bpd starting in August. Yet there are signs of rising inventories around the world. Traders are looking to store crude in tankers out at sea in Northwest Europe and the Mediterranean. They hope to sell the Oil thats currently stored at a higher price in a few months.

Yet, such profits remain contingent on a global economic recovery that is still uncertain. Traders will be getting more crucial data over the coming days to help refine their outlook on Oil markets. The EIA will be releasing its short-term energy outlook on September 9, before announcing the US inventory report on September 10.

Story continues

What is more certain is that China will have a major role in helping to support global Oil markets. With the worlds second largest economy leading the way in the post-pandemic era, its recovery will help to chip away at the excess output and inventories. Although Chinas imports of the commodity have not been able to replicate the record high in June of nearly 13 million barrels per day (bpd), its August imports still registered a 12.6 percent year-on-year increase to about 11.18 million bpd. Chinas air travel is also recovering rapidly, with the levels of Oil use in the worlds largest importer rising by almost 20 percent in July!

But China cannot do it all alone. The rest of the world has to pull their weight in getting a grip on their respective outbreaks, and getting their domestic economies back on track. Then only will Oils upward climb be more assured, unless we get a vaccine over the near term.

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Disclaimer: The content in this article comprises personal opinions and should not be construed as containing personal and/or other investment advice and/or an offer of and/or solicitation for any transactions in financial instruments and/or a guarantee and/or prediction of future performance. ForexTime (FXTM), its affiliates, agents, directors, officers or employees do not guarantee the accuracy, validity, timeliness or completeness, of any information or data made available and assume no liability as to any loss arising from any investment based on the same.

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The latest analyst coverage could presage a bad day for Dart Group PLC (LON:DTG), with the analysts making across-the-board cuts to their statutory estimates that might leave shareholders a little shell-shocked. There was a fairly draconian cut to their revenue estimates, perhaps an implicit admission that previous forecasts were much too optimistic.

Following the downgrade, the consensus from four analysts covering Dart Group is for revenues of UK1.5b in 2021, implying a disturbing 59% decline in sales compared to the last 12 months. Prior to the latest estimates, the analysts were forecasting revenues of UK1.8b in 2021. It looks like forecasts have become a fair bit less optimistic on Dart Group, given the sizeable cut to revenue estimates.

Check out our latest analysis for Dart Group

Of course, another way to look at these forecasts is to place them into context against the industry itself. These estimates imply that sales are expected to slow, with a forecast revenue decline of 59%, a significant reduction from annual growth of 24% over the last five years. Compare this with our data, which suggests that other companies in the same industry are, in aggregate, expected to see their revenue grow 19% next year. So although its revenues are forecast to shrink, this cloud does not come with a silver lining - Dart Group is expected to lag the wider industry.

The Bottom Line

The clear low-light was that analysts slashing their revenue forecasts for Dart Group this year. They're also anticipating slower revenue growth than the wider market. Often, one downgrade can set off a daisy-chain of cuts, especially if an industry is in decline. So we wouldn't be surprised if the market became a lot more cautious on Dart Group after today.

Worse, Dart Group is labouring under a substantial debt burden, which - if today's forecasts prove accurate - the forecast downgrade could potentially exacerbate. To see more of our financial analysis, you can click through to our free platform to learn more about its balance sheet and specific concerns we've identified.

We also provide an overview of the Dart Group Board and CEO remuneration and length of tenure at the company, and whether insiders have been buying the stock, 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.
Deputy President William Ruo has downplayed an alleged fallout with his boss President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV Sunday night, the DP said there are people who were determined to push him on a warpath with the President but they had failed.

These people pretend that they are speaking for the President. The Uhuru Kenyatta that I know cannot be that petty. How can Uhuru send people to insult Ruto? the DP posed.

Ruto further told off Jubilee Party Vice Chairperson David Murathe, who recently endorsed Raila Odinga for the presidency. Last week, Murathe also called for the DP to be probed over alleged links to a firm(Kilig) at the centre of KEMSA scandal.

These are people who you have not seen supporting the Jubilee agenda. They are only interested in dividing Kenyans, Ruto said, adding that those who are going against the party would soon be kicked out.

Just relax. We will solve these things with time. Some of them are said to be involved in misappropriation of public funds, the DP said.

Ruto also denied that he and President Uhuru Kenyatta were scheming against Raila saying they were not political conmen.

On reports that he has been locked out of Cabinet and National Security Council meetings at State House, Ruto said: That is some cheap propaganda. There is no meeting that I have been invited to State House and have not attended.

On claims that he was undermining the President by opposing changes to the Constitution, the DP explained: I support President Uhuru Kenyatta but I am not a fool I will not support without asking a question when I have to

Adding: An intelligent person must ask questions. Just because you support someone does not mean that you cannot ask questions.

Ruto explained that he is still friends with Uhuru Kenyatta and expressed confidence that the President would support is presidential bid in 2022.

If Jubilee Party gives me the ticket, I will go to Uhuru and ask him to support me and I believe that he will support me when we get there.
Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media

FAIRFIELD  Just one day before schools reopened, Superintendent of Schools Mike Cummings said robocalls about the first day of school being postponed were fake.

In a Monday memo to families shared by members of the Board of Education, Cummings said parents may have received a robocall about the first day of school being pushed back two weeks.
Chief Scientist Alan Finkel will take Victorian health officials to Sydney to study NSW's "gold standard" contact tracing, as Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton conceded that infection numbers outstripped Victoria's tracing capacity when the second surge took off in July.

The relative performance of the contact tracing in the two states has become a political flashpoint with Prime Minister Scott Morrison describing NSW as the "gold standard" and federal Health Minister Greg Hunt blaming shortcomings in Victoria for the extent of its crippling second wave.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday said experts embedded in the department had already been examining tracing systems in other parts of the country and around the world.

"They have done an amazing job and we are very, very grateful for that advice, providing us with those second and third opinions, giving us that sense of confidence that there is a culture of continuous improvement and we are finding sometimes minutes, sometimes hours, but there is always that work every single day, every shift, to try and be better," he said.
Royal Mail has said it still expects to suffer a 'material loss' this year despite seeing its parcel business surge during lockdown.

People across Britain sent 1.1billion few letters in the five months to 30 August than during the same period a year ago, Royal Mail admitted.

But, the number of parcels passing through Royal Mail was 177million higher over the period than at the same point a year ago.

Warning: Royal Mail has said it expects to suffer a 'material loss' this year

Earlier this year, Royal Mail revealed it planned to cut 2,000 management jobs, representing a fifth of such roles, in a bid to save it 130million.

The FTSE 250-listed group's share price jumped over 15 per cent in morning trading to 200p. A year ago, the share price was at around 220p.

Higher staff absence levels, protective equipment purchases and the implementation of social distancing measures on site meant Covid-19 cost Royal Mail 75million over the period.

'In the first five months of the year, we have seen a substantial shift in our business from letters to parcels', Royal Mail said in a statement to shareholders ahead of its annual general meeting today.

Revenue from letters dropped 21.5 per cent, while parcel revenue jumped 33.1 per cent, meaning total revenue at the group increased by 139million.

'Whilst this has driven better-than-expected revenues, as discussed previously, our legacy in letters has held back operational changes needed to adapt our business to a market that has fewer letters and more parcels, Royal Mail said.

While parcel revenues were far ahead of expectations, Royal Mail's long-term decline in profitability was not halted and the business will make a 'material loss' this financial year.

Costly: Covid-19 cost Royal Mail 75million in the five months to 30 August

The parcel arm of the group 'will not become profitable without substantial business change', Royal Mail bosses said today.

In order to change, Royal Mail is talking to its unions in a bid to adapt the business.

Royal Mail said: 'Currently, too many parcels are sorted by hand and we are failing to adapt our business to fundamentally lower letter volumes and are holding on to outdated working practices and a delivery structure that no longer meets customer needs.'

Talks with Unite and the Communication Workers Union have made good progress in some areas, but a full agreement has not been reached.

Royal Mail added: 'It is disappointing that we have not yet been able to reach agreement. Without these changes, we cannot achieve essential improvements in operational efficiency and better focus our efforts on the ever-increasing demands of our customers.'

John Moore, a senior investment manager at Brewin Dolphin, said: 'As has been the case with a number of companies in recent weeks, the impact of Covid-19 has significantly accelerated the pace of change in Royal Mail's markets.

'In this instance, it has intensified the decline of Royal Mail's letters business and increased the demand for parcels, which has led to greater than expected costs and a greater need to fundamentally change the business to capture some of the structural shift in e-commerce.

'If anything, these trends underline the importance of the transformation programme announced earlier in the year to the company's future.

'However, Royal Mail will have to move quickly to adapt and undertake some major changes, creating a more flexible business and more efficiently dealing with its legacy operations, while keeping its staff on board during this period of transition.'
A rebel warlord who ordered his adult and child soldiers to commit atrocities during the Liberian Civil War deserves no reduction in the 30-year prison sentence he received for lying to obtain 20 years of asylum in the U.S., a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.

Mohammed Jungle Jabbah Jabetah, is serving that sentence thanks to a jury of Pennsylvanians who convicted him in the federal immigration fraud case.

Jabetah had claimed he was a victim of the civil war in that African when he sought asylum after his side was defeated in the conflict, Judge Paul B. Matey noted in the opinion by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit denying his challenge to his conviction.

In fact, Matey said, Jabetah was one of the monsters whose actions during the war were characterized by brazen violence and wanton atrocities.

The crimes committed by Jabetahs Zebra Battalion were breathtaking in their scope and cruelty, including murder, rape, torture, ritual cannibalism, and human enslavement, Matey wrote. Jabateh and fighters acting under his direction routinely tortured and murdered their adversaries.

A favorite practice of Jabatehs troops involved tabay, binding a prisoners arms behind the back tight enough to constrict breathing. In one instance, Jabateh ordered a child soldier to place tires around two prisoners' necks, douse the tires in gasoline, and set them on fire. As the prisoners screamed in agony, Jabatehs fighters shot them, then left their bodies to burn to ashes, the judge added.

As the war, which began on 1989, dragged on Jabetah and his men regularly committed genocide, murdering members of tribes they regarded as opponents of their cause, Matey wrote. It is enough to say without exaggeration that the atrocities documented at trial, and found by a jury, paint a portrait of a madman, he found.

Yet Jabetah claimed to be a refugee from ethnic persecution when he sought asylum in the U.S. in 1999. Twelve years later he lied again while applying to become a permanent U.S. resident, investigators said. They said he answered no when asked if he had ever committed genocide.

Jabetah, who settled in Lansdowne, Delaware County, was indicted for immigration fraud in 2017 and convicted after a trial in U.S. Eastern District Court.

On appeal, Jabetah claimed District Judge Paul S. Diamond wrongly weighed his acts during the civil war against him rather than sentencing him only for his convictions regarding the lies he told to stay in the U.S. His punishment is excessive, he contended.

Although the District Court addressed and considered Jabatehs conduct in Liberia, the sentence was ultimately based on the seriousness of his lies and their effect on the asylum and immigration process, Matey countered. He cited Diamonds conclusion that Jabetahs lies allowed [him] to impugn the integrity of our asylum process for almost twenty years.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, center, talks with Unification Minister Lee In-young during a National Assembly plenary session, Tuesday. Yonhap



By Do Je-hae



A slew of negative headlines on Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's handling of her family's affairs is becoming a major headache for the ruling bloc.



The former chairwoman of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has been bombarded by allegations raised by the opposition that she exercised her influence to get special treatment for her son while he was serving his mandatory military service between 2016 and 2018. It has also been alleged that employees from her office were also involved. The allegations are expanding to include an unapproved extended vacation after a medical procedure and a request for the son, who was serving in the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA), to be assigned to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics as an interpreter.



The allegations have aggravated mistrust in the Moon Jae-in administration, which has promised to establish justice and fairness in all corners of society. In particular, any irregularity involving the mandatory military service of public servants and elected officials has triggered a particularly sensitive reaction from the public in Korea where all able-bodied men have to fulfill the duty.



The DPK is defending Choo by calling the allegations raised by the opposition "a political offensive," amid concerns the situation could result in a decrease in public support for the ruling bloc.



The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) is likening the former five-term lawmaker and former judge to her predecessor and President Moon's close aide Cho Kuk, who stepped down amid allegations that he and his wife used their influence to further their children's academic careers.



"The people who watch the allegations unfold are getting a sense of deja vu from the Cho case, which undermined justice in the education system," said Kim Chong-in, interim leader of the PPP, in a party meeting, Monday. "Choo must resign immediately to take responsibility for the allegations."



The PPP are demanding Choo's resignation and the appointment of a special prosecutor to ensure a fair investigation into the case, which the prosecution has been investigating for the past eight months but with which it has not made much progress. The opposition parties claim Choo's job as justice minister, who has the authority to supervise the prosecution, may hamper a proper investigation.



"The current situation is affecting the President's approval ratings," Rep. Choi Hyung-du of the PPP said in media interview, Tuesday. "If the ruling bloc prevents the appointment of a special prosecutor, then it will cause bigger problems. This could bring about calls for her resignation or dismissal."



The Choo case has become a burden for the President as well. The latest surveys show that the President's job approval rate among people in their 20s, who pay close attention to issues of education and military service, has declined considerably.



Choo has denied the allegations.


The U.S. Department of Defense recently conducted a competition between existing AI (artificial intelligence) software systems designed to replace a pilot in close range air-to-air combat. The testing was done in a realistic flight simulator. The AI competitors were numerous and included Aurora Flight Sciences, EpiSys Science, Georgia Tech Research Institute, Heron Systems, Lockheed Martin, Perspecta Labs, PhysicsAI, and SoarTech. The AI systems competed against each other and the finalist was Heron Systems. This software then fought five battles with a human pilot and won all five.

The pilots participating and observing noted that AI, as advertised, modified its tactics during each engagement. The outcome was no surprise to pilots, most of whom grew up playing commercial air-combat simulators and noticed that the AI opponents in these commercial kept getting better and better. It was also noted that some of the latest commercial air combat software can also handle BVR (Beyond Visual Range) combat in which a long-range radar guided missile is used. These missiles depend on decision making software for their final approach to a target. A future competition with AI software able to handle BVR combat as well as strategy (sorting out the big picture) as well as tactics (which the recent tests confirmed the AI was superior at), would be a better measure of whether software controlled aerial combat was in danger of losing its human pilots. Current air-to-air combat doctrine considers BVR operations the most effective. Close in dog-fight combat is to be avoided and is considered largely obsolete. Software developers see no problem with creating BVR combat software, if only because some of it has already been written and put to use.

The current plan is to have AI piloted aircraft accompanying one or more with a human pilot in overall command. It has already been pointed out that even with this, AI pilots would be superior in strategy as well as tactics. If one side turned the AI piloted aircraft loose, they would probably beat a force of aircraft with one or more human pilots making the strategic decisions. The navy, and especially the air force are reluctant to accept this replacement of human pilots but as the recent close range combat tests demonstrated, the AI is faster and more effective than any human pilot.

Then there is the public relations factor. For a long time, many civilians fretted over the use of fully robotic aircraft. That was not much of problem when such beasts did not yet exist yet. But now robotic pilots have proven themselves and the future is here. If China rolls out such a system, which they are already working on, what would other air forces do? This does not diminish the public fears of robotic weapons being unleashed on the world. That is more than an irrational fear, it is an inaccurate understanding of weapons that have been around for a long time. Robotic killer weapons have existed for over a century and no one seems to have noticed.

Meanwhile the troops cant wait to get truly robotic aircraft. Not just aircraft that can take off, fly around doing something useful, and then land by itself but also software that can interpret what the cameras are seeing. All this isnt science fiction but is already happening bit by bit. Thats how technology works and the troops would like this particular process sped up. Currently there are some smaller UAVs (like Raven) that can be launched by hand (throwing them) and then automatically fly a programmed route, speed and altitude, and then return and land via controlled crash. In this case the operator mainly acts as the observer, looking at the video for anything the unit commander (often standing nearby or looking at the video as well) can use. With these systems the operator can interrupt the automatic flight path and have the UAV circle a spot or control the UAV himself. But these UAVs are not fully robotic and they arent armed.

What the UAV operators want is more powerful and reliable automatic flight software as well as pattern analysis software good enough to understand what is being watched. Flight control software has been around for decades and is regularly used by manned aircraft. Some UAVs currently use this software to simply fly from one air field to another, as well as for automatic takeoffs and landings. What the UAV users want is software that merges with pattern recognition software (used by the video cameras) to alert human controllers if something of interest is spotted below and keep looking at this find until ordered to move on by the human controller.

There is also demand for UAVs that will fire at the enemy on their own. That is on the way. In 2011 an American firm developed software that enabled an armed UAV to seek out, identify, and attack (with a missile) targets, without any human intervention. While this created some alarming headlines, this capability is nothing new and first appeared during World War II. Work on these World War II robotic weapons has continued since then, much to the joy of the occasional journalist looking for a scary story.

Meanwhile the military keeps encouraging research in this area. In 2009 the U.S. Air Force released a report (Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Plan 2009-2047) predicting the eventual availability of flight control software that would enable UAVs to seek out and attack targets without human intervention. This alarmed many people, especially those that didn't realize this kind of software has been in service for a long time.

It all began towards the end of World War II, when "smart torpedoes" first appeared. These weapons had sensors that homed in on the sound of surface ships. This torpedo followed the target until the magnetic fuze detected that the torpedo was underneath the ship and detonated the warhead. The acoustic homing torpedoes saw use before the war ended, and even deadlier wake homing torpedoes were perfected and put into service (by Russia) in the 1960s. The wake homing torpedoes detected the wake of a ship and followed the wake to where the ship currently was and detonated.

Another post-World War II development was the "smart mine." This was a naval mine that lay on the bottom, in shallow coastal waters. The mine has sensors that detect noise, pressure, and metal. With these three sensors the mine can be programmed to only detonate when certain types of ships pass overhead. Thus, with both the smart mines and torpedoes, once you deploy them the weapons are on their own, to seek out and destroy a target. For over a century more primitive contact mines exploded when a ship ran into them. These weapons were not alarming to the general public but aircraft that do the same thing are.

Smart airborne weapons have also been in use for decades. The most common is the cruise missile, which is given a target location and then flies off to find and destroy the target. Again, not too scary. But a UAV that uses the same technology as smart mines (sensors that find and software that selects, a target to attack) is alarming. What scares people is that they don't trust software. Given the experience most of us have with software, that's a reasonable fear.

But the military operates are in a unique environment. Death is an ever-present danger. Friendly fire occurs far more than people realize or even the military will admit. Combat troops were reluctant to talk about friendly fire, mainly because of guilt and PTSD/combat stress, even among themselves, and the military had a hard time collecting data on the subject. After making a considerable research effort, several times after World War II, it was concluded that up to 20 percent of American casualties were from friendly fire. This helps explain why military people and civilians have a different attitude towards robotic killing machines. If these smart UAVs bring victory more quickly, then fewer friendly troops will be killed by friendly or hostile fire. Civilians are more concerned about the unintentional death of civilians or friendly troops. Civilians don't appreciate, as much as the troops do, the need to use "maximum violence" (a military term) to win the battle as quickly as possible.

The U.S. Air Force has good reason to believe that they can develop reliable software for autonomous armed UAVs and then manned aircraft. The air force, and the aviation industry in general, have already developed highly complex and reliable software for operating aircraft. For example, there has been automatic landing software in use for over a decade. Flight control software handles many more mundane functions, like dealing with common in-flight problems. This kind of software makes it possible for difficult (impossible, in the case of the F-117) to fly military aircraft to be safely and accurately controlled by a pilot. Weapons guidance systems have long used target recognition systems that work with a pattern recognition library that enables many different targets to be identified and certain ones to be attacked. To air force developers, autonomous armed UAVs that can be trusted to kill enemy troops, and not civilians or friendly ones, are not extraordinary but the next stop in a long line of software developments.

What civilians fear, and journalists exploit, is capabilities that weapons are a long, long way from having. These include persistence, as in the ability to keep at it for more than a few minutes or hours and replication (robots building robots). Without those two capabilities, robotic weapons are no real threat to mankind. And thats why there was no general panic when robotic torpedoes, smart mines and guided missiles showed up over fifty years ago. But now we have selective memory colliding with headline hunting (or clickbait) and the road to the robopocalypse gets a little foggy.
This April photo shows an envelope containing a 2020 census letter mailed to a U.S. resident in Detroit. Read more

ORLANDO, Fla.  Two days after a federal judge ordered the U.S. Census Bureau to stop winding down 2020 census operations for the time being, the statistical agency said Tuesday in court papers that its refraining from laying off some census takers and its restoring some quality-control steps.

The Census Bureau said its refraining from laying off census takers who were in the late phases of the head count of every U.S. resident and those door-knockers still are being assigned homes to visit in an effort to get answers for the 2020 census questionnaire.

However, the bureau will still terminate workers because of performance concerns, according to the court papers outlining a plan for how the Census Bureau and the Commerce Department, which oversees the statistical agency, will comply with the judges order.

The temporary restraining order issued late Saturday by U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh in San Jose, California, stops the Census Bureau from winding down operations until a court hearing for a preliminary injunction is held Sept. 17.

The once-a-decade head count of every U.S. resident helps determine how $1.5 trillion in federal funding is distributed and how many congressional seats each state gets in a process known as apportionment.

The temporary restraining order was requested by a coalition of cities, counties and civil rights groups that had sued the Census Bureau, demanding it restore its previous plan for finishing the census at the end of October, instead of using a revised plan to end operations at the end of September. The coalition had argued the earlier deadline would cause the Census Bureau to overlook minority communities in the census, leading to an inaccurate count.

The Census Bureaus plan outlining compliance with the order says some quality-control steps that had been eliminated with the changed schedule will be restored. Those include verifying vacant homes, making extra home visits to households with conflicting information about whether they are vacant and making extra home visits when investigating potential cases of fraud.

Attorneys for the federal government asked the judge to convert the temporary restraining order into a preliminary injunction if she planned to extend the order past the Sept. 17 hearing so the Census Bureau can start the appeals process.

Because of the pandemic, the Census Bureau pushed back ending the count from the end of July to the end of October and asked Congress to extend the deadline for turning in the numbers used for redrawing congressional districts from December, as required by law, into next spring. When the Republican-controlled Senate failed to take up the request, the bureau was forced to create a revised schedule that had the census ending in September, according to the statistical agency.

The lawsuit contends the Census Bureau changed the schedule to accommodate a directive from President Donald Trump to exclude people in the country illegally from the numbers used in redrawing congressional districts. The revised plan would have the Census Bureau handing in the apportionment numbers at the end of December, under the control of the Trump administration, no matter who wins the election in November.

More than a half dozen other lawsuits have been filed in tandem across the country, challenging Trumps memorandum as unconstitutional and an attempt to limit the power of Latinos and immigrants of color during apportionment.

During a virtual court hearing Tuesday, government attorney Alexander Sverdlov said the Census Bureau did not see the judges temporary restraining order as stopping the agency from ending the count at the end of the month.

Koh appeared frustrated by the inability of government attorneys to say when precisely the decision was made to the change the plan so field operations would finish at the end of September instead of the end of October.

This was organic. Multiple people spontaneously came to the same conclusion that re-planning was necessary? Is that what the Census Bureaus position is? asked Koh sarcastically.

Sverdlov said there was not a single point when Census Bureau staff realized they would need to shorten the count by a month because Congress wasnt extending the deadline for turning in the apportionment numbers.

Several times, Sverdlov misspoke about the census operations and later had to correct himself.

Attorneys for the coalition are asking for administrative records that show how and why the revised plan was made, but Sverdlov said they did not exist. The government attorney urged Koh to make a decision without them. Even if they did exist, they could be legally withheld because they involved the bureaus decision-making process, he said at one point.

The judge found the lack of administrative records hard to believe.

I do not understand the governments refusal to be transparent about what they have decided to do, Koh said.
The sheriff of Volusia County, Florida, has offered a job to a black man who was detained while jogging on August 27 because he fit a burglary suspects description.

Joseph Griffin was jogging through his neighborhood in Deltona when he was detained by deputies, who said he fit the description of a man suspected of stealing a leaf blower from a nearby home, according to local media reports.

The actual burglary suspect  described in media reports as a black man wearing a white tank top, flip-flops, and a black hat  was later arrested, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said.

Chitwood said Griffin was going to share his perspective of the incident during implicit bias training with the sheriffs office. He also said he would train and hire Griffin in a second if he ever wants a new job.

Griffin was previously an Army staff sergeant and now works as an assistant manager at a hospital and owns a credit-repair business, reports said.

Chitwood said he was extremely proud of the deputies involved.

This footage shows Griffins interaction with deputies on August 27, as well as the arrest of the burglary suspect. Griffin also streamed the incident live on Facebook. Credit: Volusia Sheriffs Office via Storyful
The spread of the Covid-19 is accelerating in northern areas, Sham network reports

The Epidemiological Surveillance Laboratory of the Early Warning, Alert and Response Network (EWARN) in the Assistance Coordination Unit recorded 14 new coronavirus infections in the liberated areas in northwestern Syria.

This is the highest daily toll since the first case was recorded on July 9, bringing the total number of positive cases to 112.

Eight infections were recorded in the city of al-Bab in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, four in the city of Idlib, one in a camp near Sarmada, and one in the village of Babin in Jericho in Idlib countryside.

Four recoveries were recorded in Aleppo, bringing the total number of recoveries to 70.

The 112 injuries were distributed among the cities, towns and villages of Azaz, al-Bab, Jarablus, al-Rai, al-Abzmu, Suran Azaz, Afrin, Darat Azza, Babin, Akhtarin, Hab al-Dam, Raghiya, Zardana, Bab al-Hawa, Sarmada, Atma, Dana, Taftanaz, Sarmin, al-Fuah and Idlib, in addition to Bab al-Salama camp and the Sarmada camps.

A source confirmed that the number of tests done today is 92, bringing the total number of tests to 6,262  112 of which are positive and 6,150 negative.

The first coronavirus case occurred on July 09, a doctor who had returned from Turkey.

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.
AMARIS by Prerna Rajpal, one of the most coveted fine jewellery brands in India specializing in exquisite, handcrafted jewels has recently launched its Virtual Store www.amarisjewels.com.

With an idea to make fine jewellery accessible to its Indian and International customers, AMARIS is the first luxury jewellery brand in India that has unveiled its extensive, 100 per cent made in India collection online.

AMARIS specialises in handcrafted jewels that are the juxtaposition of diamonds, polki, gold, and ethically sourced stones. The brand has been adorned by some of the most iconic Bollywood stars - Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Sonakshi Sinha, Kiara Advani to name a few.

"The website was something that was in the works for our brand for a long time. AMARIS has jewellery patrons spread all across the country and across international hotspots like Dubai, Singapore, London, New York etc. and it's a challenge for them to come to India every time they want to indulge themselves in a unique piece of fine jewellery. Now, the signature AMARIS quality, designs, and workmanship is available to them at the click of a button. I feel this will be a key step in the growth of our brand and for our handcrafted, made-in-India jewels to be available across the globe," said Prerna Rajpal, Founder, Amaris Jewels on the launch.

To make the website customer-centric, AMARIS has focused on adding significant features such as 100 per cent buyback and exchange policy, payment security, round-the-clock whats-app chat facility, complimentary gift wrapping and pan-India shipping and across international key locations.

It also features the most versatile and statement pieces of the brand including its festive and high-end jewellery collection. Additionally, it allows the customers to shop the most beloved jewels of the brand worn by Indian celebrities.

The online jewellery segment is fragmented with mass-market jewellery brands. AMARIS by Prerna Rajpal targets the fashion-forward, on-the-go, multifaceted woman through its user-friendly online store.

Those who shuffle through their busy social and work calendar and dive in from an eventful Monday to a glamorous weekend filled with celebrations; making a bold statement in our exquisite collection.

Additionally, it also endeavours to target the jewellery shoppers residing in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities by making its exclusive collection easily accessible for them. The price range begins at an affordable Rs 50,000 and goes up to Rs 10,00,000.

Besides this, AMARIS envisions to strengthen its digital footprint by establishing an omnichannel presence. It also plans to integrate 360-degree videos, real-time trials, and VR simulations in the coming months to enhance user-experience.

This story is provided by Digpu. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article.

DISCLAIMER

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After Joe Biden announced that he had selected Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate, Bernie Sanders praised her in an interview on MSNBC: I will tell you that Kamala is very smart, very aggressive, he said. And then he delivered the inevitable, racialized compliment that makes many African-Americans cringe: very articulate.

Just a few days earlier, on MSNBC, Steve Schmidt, the former Republican strategist, called Ms. Harris a formidable political leader in this country, adding: Shes smart. Shes quick on her feet. Shes articulate. With this description, both men echoed Todd Gloria, a candidate for San Diego mayor, who said in an interview with News 8 on Aug. 11, She is someone who is incredibly smart, very articulate. Bob Mulholland, a Democratic superdelegate from California, declared outside of his home on the same day, In the era of social media, you got to have someone who looks good on television and is articulate and intelligent, and that fits Kamala Harris. Writing in The Week in December, Damon Linker called her the total package. Smart, articulate, sassy, attractive.

This year has started to feel a lot like 2007, when Joe Biden apologized to Barack Obama after public criticism for calling him the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy.

To paraphrase the question that we asked in our book, Articulate While Black: Why do non-Black people so frequently refer to high-achieving Black people as articulate, and why is it so offensive?
Maharashtra continues to face a surge in the number of Covid-19 casesin the last seven days, the state has recorded 130,789 cases.

Maharashtra recorded 15,765 cases, 17,433 cases, 18,105 cases, 19,218 cases, 20,489 cases, 23,350 cases and 16,429 cases on September 1, 2 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 respectively. Its sharpest single-day spike so far was 23,350 cases on September 6. The average number of fresh cases in a day has increased to 18,684.

Also Read: Mumbai local trains unlikely to resume before Diwali

State authorities have been worried about the rising number of Covid-19 cases over the past few days. We were expecting the spurt in the number of cases after permitting interdistrict movement and allowing more workforce in private and public offices immediately after the Ganesh festival. The number will keep rising at least for two more weeks. Our mechanism for tracking and tracing high- and low-risk contacts is resulting in the rapid rise in number of cases. The lack of coordination between public health and medical education department has resulted in hindering the ramping up of infrastructure in a few districts where there is a surge in cases, said an official from the public health department.

Maharashtra has also reported 2,444 deaths between September 1 and 7, an average of 349 deaths a day. The state is concerned abou the high number of deaths, as it is yet to reduce. There have been 320, 292, 391, 378, 312, 328 and 423 casualties on September 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7 respectively. Sptember 7 saw the highest number of casualties in a day till date.

Also Read: Indias Covid-19 tally surpasses 4.28 million, toll mounts to 72,775

Meanwhile, the state government has once again reduced the rate of the Covid-19 test to Rs 1,200 from Rs 1,900, whcih was revised exactly a month ago. The rate will be applicable to the samples taken at collections sites. The test rate has been slashed to Rs 1,600 from Rs 2,200 for sample collections at Covid Care Centres and hospitals. The rate for the home collection of samples has been reduced to Rs 2,000 from Rs 2,500. The rate is inclusive of all taxes and necessary consumables like PPE kits, RT-PCR kits, VTM, etc.

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New Delhi/Pune, Sep 8 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the demise of Prof. Govind Swarup, describing him as "an exceptional scientist".

"His pioneering works in radio astronomy have attained global commendation. Anguished by his passing," tweeted Modi, giving a glimpse of Prof. Swarup's brilliant scientific career.

Globally acclaimed for his pioneering contributions in radio-astronomy, Prof. Swarup passed away in the Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, late on Monday. He was 91, ailing since some time, and breathed his last in the hospital, said a close family friend.

Prof Swarup is survived by his wife Bina, son Vipin and daughter Anju, both settled in the US.

He was conferred the Padma Shri in 1973 and the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in 1972, among many national and international honours and awards.

His last rites were performed in Pune late on Monday, a family friend told IANS, but declined to be identified.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Tuesday piloted a resolution through the state assembly to ask the Centre to confer Bharat Ratna, the countrys highest civilian award, on former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao to mark his birth centenary being celebrated this year.

K Chandrasekhar Rao, popularly known as KCR, requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make the announcement during the upcoming Parliament session. The assembly also resolved to request the Centre to install a statue and portrait of Narasimha Rao in Parliament annexe, besides renaming the Hyderabad Central University after Indias prime minister between 1991 and 1996. Assembly speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy has already approved a request to unveil the former prime minister portrait in the assembly complex.

The assemblys push to place PV Narasimha Rao is part of KCRs effort to place the former prime ministers contribution on par with the countrys first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

Bhatti Vikramarka, leader of the Congress Legislative Party in the assembly backed the demand. The Telangana unit of the Congress supports the demand to ensure that KCRs Telangana Rashtra Samithi doesnt appropriate his legacy in his home state though Raos uneasy relationship with the Nehru-Gandhi family is well known.

Also Read: TRS, Congress in tussle to claim legacy of ex-PM Narasimha Rao

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen,(AIMIM) the party led by Asaduddin Owaisi, boycotted the discussion in the assembly, saying the party didnt support the resolution seeking Bharat Ratna for the former PM. AIMIM MLAs boycotted Telangana Assembly proceedings following a resolution that proposed Bharat Ratna for PV Narasimha Rao. As Prime Minister, Rao failed to protect Babri Masjid from demolition & his communal politics is well known, the party later tweeted its opposition to the resolution.

KCR had spoken of plans to push for the countrys highest civilian award for Narasimha Rao at his 99th birth anniversary in June, complaining that Telanganas proud son did not get the due respect in the Congress.

The Telangana government has announced events throughout the year to honour the late prime ministers birth centenary, which started at PV Gnana Bhoomi on June 28 this year.

We also want the entire country to remember him and his contributions to the nation, KCR told the state assembly on Tuesday.

Rao described Narasimha Rao as a statesman, intellectual par excellence and a multi-linguist, crediting Rao with introducing modern economic reforms and paving the way for making India one of the largest economies in the world.

Only two leaders turned Indias modern history. One was Jawaharlal Nehru, the architect of modern India and the second one was P V Narasimha Rao who was the maker of global India, he said.

KCR said Rao took over as the prime minister at a time when the country was in the middle of serious economic trouble. He led a minority government for a full five-year term and also introduced revolutionary economic reforms in the country. He opened gates for privatisation and created employment for scores of Indians, the chief minister said, praising Narasimha Rao for appointing Dr Manmohan Singh as his finance minister.

His reforms changed the lives of the poor in India forever and improved the living standards of an average citizen. We are enjoying the seeds sown by him, KCR said, adding that the former PM had also taken steps to build on ties with the US and Israel apart from coming up with the Look East policy that served as the foundation for his successors. The peace on Indo-China borders for over three decades was due to the diplomatic strategies of Rao, he said.

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Chennai, Sep 8 : The Customs officials on Tuesday said it has arrested one person in connection with sending out pseudoephedrine, a raw material for illegal manufacture of methamphetamine, concealed in eight lumbo-sacral belts and two trophies.

In a statement issued here, the Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport, said the Chennai Air Customs intercepted two courier parcels suspected to contain narcotics substances which were destined to Australia from the courier terminal.

The Customs said one of the parcels had eight lumbo-sacral belts. On cutting them, three plastic pouches containing white crystalline powder were found concealed inside each belt.

Each of the 24 pouches contained 2 kg white crystalline powder.

The second parcel contained two trophies and on opening of their wooden base, a plastic pouch containing 1 kg of white crystalline powder was found concealed in both trophies.

The white crystalline powder tested positive for pseudoephedrine, a controlled substance covered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and the 4 kg, valued at Rs 40 lakh, was seized.
Air Serbia is beginning to increase its operations and continues to rebuild its network after recovery efforts stalled in July and the first half of August. According to the European air service provider Eurocontrol, Air Serbia saw its operations grow 8% at the end of last week compared to late August, with the airline restoring flights to Podgorica, Tivat and Brussels over the past few weeks. Furthermore, as of yesterday, the carrier doubled its operations to Zurich to two daily flights after Switzerland lifted quarantine requirements for incoming passengers from Serbia. In addition, the airline has increased capacity on select routes such as Tivat and Tirana and ramped up charter flights to Turkey due to growing demand.





Travel restrictions remain an obstacle for the carrier as the majority of European Union member states, in most cases, do not permit Serbian nationals from entering their country. However, there is growing indication the bloc will advise its members to reopen their borders for Serbian citizens at a meeting on September 15. Although each country makes its own final decision on entry requirements, the advisory has a significant impact on member states. In the coming weeks, Montenegro is also expected to lift its requirement for all passengers from Serbia to be in possession of a negative PCR coronavirus test, which would further boost travel between the two countries.




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Linkedin Anne-Sophie Lasserre / Valentin Bontemps (Agence France-Presse) Paris, France  Tue, September 8, 2020 06:15 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c434c486 2 World Charlie-Hebdo,attack,Prophet-Muhammad,cartoon Free

A Paris court on Monday sat through a viewing of graphic images of the 2015 Charlie Hebdo newsroom attack scene, prompting horrified members of the audience to leave the room in tears.

More than five years after the massacre at the satirical paper, the CCTV images and police pictures taken during and right after the attack stirred strong emotions in the courtroom.

"Some people may find these scenes disturbing," warned the court's presiding judge Regis de Jorna as proceedings got under way.

Once the viewing started, some attack survivors left the room in tears.

In the box of the accused, some watched while others looked away.

Everybody else took in the images of the extreme violence of the attack in shock and icy silence.

'Inhuman'

"What we've just seen is inhuman," said Caty Richard, a lawyer for one of the civil parties. "They were killing machines."

It was 11:33 am on Wednesday, January 7, 2015, when the Kouachi brothers, Cherif and Said, entered Charlie Hebdo's premises in Paris and killed 10 people in under two minutes.

In total 12 people, including some of France's most celebrated cartoonists, were gunned down at the scene.

The former head of the Paris police's anti-terror unit, Christian Deau, walked the court through the events, his calm, almost clinical delivery of the facts accentuating the horror of his account.

The first of the graphic pictures, taken by police right after their arrival, shows the entrance used by the two brothers just before shooting down the paper's webmaster, Simon Fieschi, who was later evacuated, seriously injured.

In the adjacent room Moustapha Ourrad, a copy editor who worked at Charlie Hebdo for 30 years, is seen dying in a pool of his own blood.

A picture of the main conference room shows a tangle of bodies, dead or dying amid printers and stacks of printing paper.

In total, 33 bullet cartridges were found at the crime scene, 21 from Cherif Kouachi's weapon alone.

Police found seven rounds in the body of chief editor Stephane Charbonnier, known as Charb, fired at point-blank range of less than 10 centimeters, Deau said.

Execution-style

The trajectory of the bullets found in the bodies of most of the murdered cartoonists were consistent with execution-style killings from behind, Dead added.

Closed-circuit video recordings showed the killers seemingly calm and determined during the attack, and also during their getaway when they casually killed a police officer, Ahmed Merabet, who was already on the ground.

Following a sustained exchange of fire with several police units, the two killers abandoned their vehicle whose windows had been shot to pieces.

Police later found enough extra weapons in the car to lead them to believe that the brothers may have been planning more attacks, Deau said.

Police killed the brothers two days later after a manhunt.

Fourteen suspected accomplices are on trial in connection with the Charlie Hebdo attack, and with a related attack on a Jewish supermarket.

The killings sparked a series of attacks on French soil, including "lone wolf" attacks by people said to be inspired by the Islamic State group that have since claimed more than 250 lives.

Hearings began last week under heavy security as eleven of the suspects faced the court on charges of conspiracy in a terrorist act or association with a terror group.

Three others, including the wife of one of the gunmen, are being tried in absentia because they fled to IS-held territory in Syria days before the attacks.

The court is to hear the testimony of attack survivors on Tuesday and Wednesday.
BROOKLYN, N.Y., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Building upon nearly two decades of experience closing hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of small-sized transactions, Eastern Union -- one of America's largest commercial real estate finance firms -- has launched a new Small Loans Division.

Ben Schwartz, a senior loan consultant, will serve as lead broker for Eastern Union's new Small Loans Division. He will also continue to work on large deals. Mr. Schwartz executed more than 60 small deals in 2019, and had exceeded 50 such transactions through August of this year. Sarah Steinhardt, director of Eastern Union's new Small Loans Division, says the unit will "support the business goals of investors with smaller assets." She recently closed 75 deals valued at a total of more than $60 million over a six-month period.

Sarah Steinhardt has been named director of the new Small Loans Division, which will primarily focus on multi-family deals valued at less than $1.5 million, with a minimum loan size of $150,000. The division -- which is national in scope -- will also arrange financing for portfolios of single-family rental (SFR) or smaller multi-family properties whose combined value can reach tens of millions of dollars.

In addition to the residential category, transactions handled under the Small Loans Division will encompass asset categories including office, retail, healthcare, hospitality, industrial and self-storage.

Eastern Union has a history of significant success in the small deal space. Over each of the last two years, the company has closed more than 300 small deals valued at a total of $250 million.

Ms. Steinhardt, who had served as a processor and underwriter with Eastern Union since September 2019, carries a dual degree in international business and economics. She has had a prolific record of success with the firm, having recently closed 75 deals valued at a total of more than $60 million over a six-month period. Most of her closings consisted of small-scale transactions.

Ben Schwartz, also an accomplished deal-closer, will serve as lead broker for the new unit.

In addition to numerous larger transactions, he signed up more than 60 small deals in 2019, and has already exceeded 50 such transactions this year. Mr. Schwartz, a senior loan consultant, will also continue to devote a portion of his energies to large deals.

"This new division will ensure that smaller deals will continue to be handled with the same energy and efficiency as larger transactions," said Ira Zlotowitz, Eastern Union's founder and president. "While Eastern Union already has an outstanding record of performance managing smaller transactions, Sarah Steinhardt and Ben Schwartz will introduce new, streamlined systems that will maximize speed and proficiency.

"Smaller loans have always comprised such a large percentage of our business that it made sense for Eastern Union to scale up and devote a full division to their interests," he said.

"I look forward to leveraging Eastern Union's robust banking relationships with big lenders to help support the business goals of investors with smaller assets," said Ms. Steinhardt. "By providing individualized service, the Small Loans Division will customize the process to ensure that each investor secures the best available rate and terms."

"Small deals have historically given new investors a toehold in the real estate industry," said Mr. Schwartz. "At the same time, these smaller transactions often serve as a springboard to long-term success for new lenders and brokers."

About Eastern Union

Founded in 2001, Eastern Union is a leading national commercial mortgage brokerage firm employing more than 125 brokers and real estate professionals and closing $5 billion in real estate transactions annually.

Boasting one of the industry's highest transaction volumes, the Eastern Union team leverages its relationships with banks and its marketplace knowledge to bring clients the best available rates.

The firm arranges financing for complex, multi-state, multi-site portfolios, as well as loans for smaller, single-property transactions. Eastern Union's Multi-Family Group has reset market pricing by introducing an unprecedented quarter-point fee -- with no back-end fees -- for refinancing multifamily properties backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, transactions known as "agency refinancings."

Eastern Union's groundbreaking app serves as an intelligent commercial real estate toolkit. Its eCALC feature enables investors to fully value and underwrite deals instantaneously and in the palm of their hand. It is available for download in the App Store and Google Play Store.

With nationwide operations, Eastern Union is headquartered in New York, with multiple branches along the East Coast.

Eastern Union's capital introductions are handled through its affiliate company, Eastern Equity Advisors.

For more information, visit www. easternunion.com .

Media contact:

Steve Vitoff

516 652 0785

[email protected]

SOURCE Eastern Union

Related Links

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Ranchi, Sep 8 : In a shocking incident, a 'sadhvi' was allegedly gang-raped by four men at an ashram in Jharkhand's Godda district, police said on Tuesday. Three of the accused have been arrested.

Police said the four accused forcibly entered the ashram late on Monday night in Pathwara village, locked its 'sadhus' in a room and gang-raped the 38-year-old woman. One sadhu was brutally beaten up when he protested.

The victim lodged an FIR on Tuesday, after which police reached the crime scene to investigate. Police launched a manhunt for the fourth accused.

BJP's Lok Sabha MP from Godda, Nishikant Dubey, targeted the Hemant Soren government over law and order in the state.

"Criminal Deepak Rana is involved in the gang rape of a sadhvi at an ashram," Dubey tweeted.
Kumar Vikram By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Two aviation experts expressed apprehension of something being covered up or concealed in the Kozhikode air crash, saying that the black box was found without any damage and that the preliminary report should have come much earlier.

The civil aviation ministry is yet to come out with any preliminary investigation report even after one month of the air crash. Incidentally, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had said that it would take five months to submit its final findings.

Aviation safety expert Captain Mohan Rangnathan said that it should not take more than 15 days to come out with a preliminary investigation report. The recorders were available without any damage. The ATC tape was also available immediately. They should have come out with the preliminary report in 15 days. They are taking so much time which means that they want to cover up, he claimed.

Rangnathan also raised questions on investigation reports by the AAIB. If you look at the other reports that AAIB have been bringing out, the DFDR in final report should be in graphical form. Here, they are giving it in Table format which nobody can cross check. It is very obvious that they are not coming out with the truth.

Officials had recovered digital flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder from the Air India plane that crashed in Kozhikode within a day of the accident on August 7. These devices were with the AAIB and subsequently sent to Delhi for further investigation.

Aviation expert Yeshwant Shenoy asserted that most countries release preliminary enquiry report within a week of such accidents.

It is a norm. Preliminary report is done to ensure that what was the cause. In this case, they got the Black Box without damage. How much time it would take to decode and come out with the preliminary enquiry? So, it clearly points out to one fact that they want to hide it. If they are taking one month time, it is unprofessional and incompetence.

Even though the civil aviation ministry had ordered an investigation by the AAIB, many aviation safety experts had raised questions on the move.

They had suggested that there could be a conflict of interest and non-transparency in the probe as it operates under the supervision of the ministry itself.

Experts had also said that in the past, there was a deliberate effort on the part of the investigators to cover up serious violations of air regulations.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: As the Covid-19 cases are on the surge in Uttar Pradesh, 43 prisoners of two jails in Muzzaffarnagar district have tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday. The officials claimed that all the inflicted prisoners were moved to isolation wards within the jail premises.

The 43 prisoners, including 22 of the district jail and 21 in a temporary jail, pushed the tally of infected prisoners across Muzaffarnagar to 400, they added.

With the onset of the pandemic, UP prison authorities had set up isolation wards in all district and temporary jails.

Muzaffarnagar ADM Amit Singh confirmed the cases of infection among prisoners. He said the infected prisoners had been moved to the isolation wards on the jail premises.

Meanwhile, Muzzaffarnagar on Monday registered 107 new Covid-19 cases, which pushed the active number of cases to 912. As many as 1,800 people have recovered from the disease so far.

ALSO READ | Uttar Pradesh man beaten to death over rumour that he was selling his 16-year-old daughter

An undertrial prisoner had died in Banda district jail due to Covid-19 on Monday. Gulbandan, 57, was found Covid-19 positive for the disease on September 1 and he died during treatment on Sunday, Jail Superintendent RK Singh said. Gulbandan was jailed in a case of culpable homicide and that his body was cremated as per protocols after post-mortem.

The Banda District Jail, at present, has 956 prisoners against its capacity of 656.

According to Banda health authorities, 95 prisoners and jail officials in the district jail are currently infected with the virus.

Complying with the Supreme Court orders, the UP government has released over 18,000 prisoners on parole which makes around 15-17% of the total prisoners in the state to check the infections in jails. Even after permissions from the Juvenile Justice Board, 700 children were released on parole from child protection homes.

Due to the spread of coronavirus, the Supreme Court had directed states to release prisoners, facing up to seven years of jail terms, on parole.
Real estate company Embassy Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) for the construction of Bettahalasur Metro Station with an investment of Rs 140 crore.

The station will be part of BMRCLs proposed new line ORR-Airport Metro that will connect the city to the Kempegowda International Airport.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa.

The proposed metro station will be a landmark station considering its location between Bagalur Cross and Trumpet Junction at Bettahalasur.

It will be part of BMRCLs proposed new line ORR-Airport Metro on Outer Ring Road from Central Silk Board to Hebbal via KR Puram and on NH44 up to Trumpet Junction.

The new line helps connect the IT hub with the airport for rapid transit, the company said in a statement.

The MoU states an initial concession period of 30 years from the date of commencement of commercial operations.

In addition to the metro station, a 5-6 meters in width foot over bridge (FOB) walkaway will also be constructed underneath the metro viaduct from the station concourse to the other side of the NH44 by BMRCL.

As part of the MoU, Embassy Group has authority to carry out interior design, fittings and other facilities at the metro station in consultation with BMRCL with an investment of approximately Rs 7 crore.

Embassy Group has been entitled to utilize 1,000 sq feet of wall space in the station premises for branding and advertising activities and an exclusive 3,000 sq ft area for commercial development that may include retail stores, food, beverage and other kiosks.

With this, Embassy Groups investment in Bengalurus Urban Infrastructure is Rs 450 crore towards two metro stations at Kadubeesanahalli and Bettahalasuru, a skywalk and a flyover between the Thanisandra and Nagwara Lake junction.

This metro station will ease the traffic situation on the Outer Ring Road, leading to the International Airport. We are very happy to associate with BMRCL for this second metro project and look forward to continue supporting the creation of world-class public transportation in Bengaluru, said Aditya Virwani, chief operating officer, Embassy Group.

Ajay Seth, managing director, BMRCL said the station is extremely important as North Bangalore is evolving as the citys new central business district.

"This area of Bengaluru witnesses thousands of people travelling daily to work, airport and considering traffic situations in parts of the city like the airport road during peak hours, we expect this new route to ease traffic woes along this busy corridor and provide an alternative solution to a large number of private vehicles," he said.
Russian actor Mikhail Yefremov, an outspoken Kremlin critic, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for killing a person while driving under the influence of alcohol. Crowds of Yefremov's supporters gathered outside the Presnensky district court in Moscow September 8, as he was escorted inside.
Australia has established itself as one of the forerunners in the global transition toward a green economy. Evidently, the country is deploying new renewables 10 times faster per capita than the global average and four times faster per capita than in Europe, China, Japan or the United States, as stated by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in its latest Renew Economic analysis.

Interestingly, about 99% of new renewables in Australia are solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind. In particular, solar rooftop installations grew to record levels in the country. Naturally for solar companies across the globe, the Australian market offers a profitable investment abode.

Secret Behind Australias Solar Success

A combination of natural advantages and favorable policymaking has been driving the solar market boom. Notably, Australia receives an average of 58 million petajoule (PJ) of solar radiation per year, approximately 10 000 times larger than its total energy consumption. However, Australia's current use of solar energy is low with solar energy accounting for only about 0.1% of Australia's total primary energy consumption.

Therefore, there remains ample room for solar expansion in this nation, which is well reflected in the record solar installations. According to the Clean Energy Regulators (CER) latest Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme data, more than 2.46 million solar PV systems were installed in households, community centers, schools and small businesses in the second quarter of 2020. This has resulted in more than 86,000 new installations compared to the first quarter to reach a cumulative installed capacity of 11.4 gigawatts (GW).

Apart from the abundance of the natural solar energy, another key catalyst driving such solid installations in the country is the lack of strict regulations for installations, which in turn has kept the price considerably low. Evidently, residential solar systems are currently priced at about 70 cents per watt in Australia, including installation, which is quite lower than the equivalent price of $2.69 per watt in the United States.

Story continues

Moreover, solar electricity generation is also increasing rapidly backed by government policies, notably the Renewable Energy Target. These include the government's Clean Energy Initiative Solar Flagships Program managed by the Department of Resources Energy and Tourism, which has committed $1.5 billion to support the construction and demonstration of up to four large-scale solar power plants in Australia, using solar thermal and PV technologies. Such investments also play a vital role in the growth trajectory of the Australian solar market.

Will the Solar Boom Continue?

The Clean Energy Regulator projects that Australia will deploy about 22 gigawatts of new solar and wind over 2018-21. According to the Australian Energy Market Operators (AEMO) July Generation Information data, there are currently 95 proposed solar projects with 23 committed and under construction. Considering such an ambitious planned pipeline and current installed capacity, no doubt Australias solar market growth is going to continue in the days ahead.

Stocks to Watch

Considering the aforementioned forecast, solar stocks across the globe have been either investing in or sealing deals with Australia-based solar players.

Below we have mentioned a few such companies, carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), which have already set foot in Australias market and are expected to benefit from the boom. Also, their impressive fundamentals make them desirable choices for investors' watchlist.

You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Enphase Energy ENPH signed a supply deal in August 2020 for its IQ7+microinverters with Australia-based solar energy provider, Solargain. Per the terms of the deal, Enphase microinverters will be used as the premium inverter solution for Solargains turnkey retail solar offerings in Australia. In April, Enphase joined forces with Australian solar industry innovator 5B for supplying its IQ7+ microinverters. The company boasts a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 19.59%, while its current-year earnings estimate indicates year-over-year growth of 22.1%.

JinkoSolar JKS in August 2019 announced the supply of its monocrystalline solar panels to its local arm Vena Energy, which is the largest renewable energy company in the Asia Pacific region. In June 2020, JinkoSolar announced that they have confirmed orders totaling more than 100MW with Australias wholesale distributor, Blue Sun Group. The company hasa long-term earnings growth rate of 20%, while its current-year earnings estimate indicates year-over-year growth of 8.6%.

Canadian Solar CSIQ in August 2019 signed a contract for providing Operations & Maintenance (O&M) services to three local solar photovoltaic (PV) plants with an aim to minimize downtime and increase site availability. The company boasts a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 28.26%, while its current year earnings estimate indicates year- over-year growth of 18.7%.

The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All

Last year, it generated $24 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $77.6 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early.



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A total of 76 factory projects executed over the last three years under the One District, One Factory initiative has been completed and working.



Mr Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, Minister of Information, said an additional 232 of those projects were at various stages of completion.



One of the projects, the Amantin Agro-Processing Factory in the Bono-East Region, which is under construction, would this week be inspected by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as part of his working tour of the Region, according to the Minister.



When completed, the project is anticipated to help reduce post-harvest losses to the barest minimum, increase the yield and income of farmers.



Mr Oppong-Nkrumah, who was addressing the media in Kumasi, said the Ministry of Trade and Industry was working around the clock to realize the governments vision of providing the various districts with the requisite factories.



The aim is to open up the Ghanaian economy, create jobs and wealth for the masses as the country seeks to ensure accelerated growth through industrialization.



According to the Minister, the government was executing the IDIF projects alongside the rehabilitation of roads across the country.



He cited work on the Atebubu-Kwame-Danso-Kwadwokrom stretch, which fell under the Year of Roads programme, saying the President would be cutting sod for its take-off soon.



It is a major link for commuters who ply that stretch of road, and its completion would help boost socio-economic activities for the benefit of the people.



Mr Oppong-Nkrumah said the President on his six-day tour of the Bono, Bono-East and Ahafo Regions, would also cut the sod for some projects, ranging from road and hospital construction and other development projects designed for the wellbeing of the populace.







Source: GNA









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FILE PHOTO: The logo of AB InBev is pictured inside the brewer's headquarters in Leuven

(Reuters) - Budweiser beer maker Anheuser-Busch InBev has started searching for a replacement for its long-serving chief executive Carlos Brito, the Financial Times reported https://www.ft.com/content/101049df-27ee-4362-973e-b763a05dd7b6 on Monday.

The world's biggest brewer is considering external candidates to replace Brito, who has been its CEO for 16 years and has overseen a string of mergers that transformed two Brazilian and Belgium drink-makers into a global giant, the FT reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

AB InBev declined to comment on the FT report, which also said that the company is currently considering only one internal candidate, Michel Doukeris, who heads its North America-based Anheuser-Busch business.

Brito is involved with the board in the process and plans to step down at some point next year, the FT said, citing one person. It is also possible that Brito remains in charge for longer if a replacement is not found, it said, added that Brito was expected to join AB InBev's board after stepping down.

Bernstein Research said in a note that the timing of the leadership change made sense, with the COVID-19 crisis potentially abating and the company needing to shift focus to more internal growth after years of acquisition-led expansion.

It said it also made sense to look outside the company, but it was most likely that an internal candidate would prevail, with Doukeris the clear frontrunner.

AB InBev, which makes Stella Artois and Corona, is working with recruitment firm Spencer Stuart on the search, the FT said.

Brazilian-born Brito's biggest deal to date was the near-$100 billion takeover in 2016 of its nearest rival SABMiller, whose business in Africa plugged a critical hole in the company's global footprint.

However, AB InBev's shares are currently trading 60% below their all-time high of 2015, partly due to concerns over the deal-related debt, which was at a net $87.4 billion at the end of June.

In response, the company has halved its final 2019 dividend and sold assets, including its Australian business to Japan's Asahi.

(Reporting by Maria Ponnezhath in Bengaluru, Martinne Geller in London and Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels; Editing by Susan Fenton and Alexander Smith)
turns after speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One for a trip to Jupiter, Fla., to speak about the environment, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. He will also travel to a campaign rally in North Carolina. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Read more

President Donald Trump has reverted to using graphic depictions of violence as a centerpiece of his campaign strategy, converting his Twitter account, stump speech and even the White House lectern into platforms for amplifying domestic conflict.

His 2016 focus on Islamic radical terrorism and undocumented immigrant crime, which he credited with helping him win the Republican nomination, has been replaced by warnings of new threats, as he elevates gruesome images of Black-on-White crime, street fights involving his supporters and police misconduct riots around the country.

The pattern continued over the holiday weekend, when he tweeted video of a melee between protesters and security officers during a Texas event for a Trump-affiliated group and two celebratory videos of a Portland, Ore., protester with his feet on fire, one of which was scored to the Kenny Loggins song"Footloose" and a second that featured mocking play-by-play commentary by a mixed martial arts announcer.

"These are the Democrats 'peaceful protests,' " Trump wrote. "Sick!" On Monday, he retweeted a prediction that political unrest "could lead to 'rise of citizen militias around the country.' "

The strategy echoes the approach that fueled his rise in politics as he shocked the political world with graphic warnings about "rapists" crossing the border illegally from Mexico, welcomed the families of crime victims to speak at his events and said he favored instructing the military to target the families of Islamic extremists, a likely war crime. He also repeatedly encouraged assaults on protesters at his own events.

In each case, the unprecedented focus on violence by a major American politician allowed Trump to attract attention, turning his rallies into unpredictable and raucous affairs that were widely viewed. They also set the stage for Trump to establish his political persona as a strongman itching to dominate threats foreign and domestic if he was elected.

Nearly four years after winning that race, Trump is making the same argument, albeit about different dangers, using the specter of violence amid Black Lives Matter protests to claim his superior toughness and promising forceful resolution if he is given the chance.

"These people only know one thing, and that is strength," Trump said Wednesday in Wilmington, N.C., of the violent street protests in Wisconsin and Oregon. "That's all they know - strength. And we have strength."

He posted footage on Twitter on Monday of Black protesters in Pittsburgh screaming at White outdoor diners, drinking from their glasses and knocking over their dishes during a protest over the weekend.

"Disgraceful. Never seen anything like it. Thugs!" Trump wrote. "And because of weak and pathetic Democrat leadership, this thuggery is happening in other Democrat run cities and states. Must shut them down fast."

The president is on offense

Amid a pandemic that has killed more than 186,000 Americans, the jarring political gambit has shifted the focus of the presidential campaign, forcing Trump's opponent, former vice president Joe Biden, to air an ad, "Be Not Afraid," focused on his own opposition to the recent violence in Wisconsin and Oregon.

"The president is on offense, and that is always a good thing," said Roger Stone, a former Trump political adviser who received a presidential commutation for seven felony convictions this summer. "The law and order issue really motivates the president's base, and it also appeals to independents."

Although Trump has seen no big boosts in polling, he unapologetically promoted a video last week of his own supporters attacking protesters in Portland, Ore., later arguing at the White House that their firing of paintball guns and pepper spray in city streets from the back of pickup trucks was "defensive." On Twitter, he explained the conflict as logical response to liberal provocation.

"The big backlash going on in Portland cannot be unexpected," Trump wrote in a tweet that included a video of the incident.

He has also returned to using his Twitter account to broadcast falsehoods that fan the flames of racial conflict. For the third time this summer, Trump retweeted a video Aug. 30 of a Black man brutally attacking a White person, this time with a caption falsely suggesting the 2019 assailant in a New York subway assault was somehow connected to Black Lives Matter or antifa.

The posts echo a 2015 Trump retweet, which showed a picture of a Black man with a gun, that falsely claimed Black people commit a majority of White homicides, a racist trope for which he never apologized. The White House argued this month, as Trump did in 2015, that he was not responsible for accuracy of his retweets.

Politically motivated street fights have become more common during his presidency, as politically motivated mass shootings in El Paso, Pittsburgh and Gilroy, Calif., among others, have rattled the nation. Recent conflicts at protests have left injuries across the country in recent weeks, from Kalamazoo, Mich., to Weatherford, Texas, to Bloomington, Ind., as protesters of police misconduct confront counterprotesters, who are sometimes dressed in Trump-branded apparel and claim to be helping to keep the peace. In one case, a gun-wielding Trump supporter was charged with murder after allegedly killing two protesters and injuring a third in Kenosha, Wis.

In the face of this, Trump has condemned the actions of left-wing rioters but declined to condemn violence by his own supporters, even as he falsely claims Biden is refusing to condemn violence on the left.

"I have the tough people, but they don't play it tough - until they go to a certain point," Trump said last year in an interview with Breitbart News when asked about fights over free speech on college campuses. "And then it would be very bad, very bad."

From his start in politics, Trump has brushed aside the idea he has responsibility for any additional violence that results from his campaign style. When a reporter asked in 2015 if he was concerned his tough rhetoric against protesters and immigrants might lead to additional violence in American streets, he recoiled at the question.

"People are getting hurt. People are being decimated by illegal immigrants. The crime is unbelievable," he said, an argument belied by statistics. "Now in my way, I don't want anybody hurt. But people are being hurt. So when you ask that question, it's very unfair."

His answer was notable for its zero-sum view: Suffering in the country was inevitable - the question was who suffered more.

Trump's return to focusing on violent threats and conflict follows a summer in which the president appeared politically adrift as a viral pandemic overtook the nation, infecting at least 6.2 million people and dampening the economy.

He initially wavered in whether to focus campaign advertising on trumpeting his pandemic response or attacking his opponent, before eventually launching attacks on Biden for his ties to China, his mental acuity and his policy positions. Biden's polling advantage widened.

When nationwide protests against police misconduct turned violent this summer, Trump's strategy shifted once again. A July 9 set of talking points distributed around the White House by Stephen Miller, the adviser who wrote Trump's 2016 nomination speech, previewed the message Trump would settle on for the final push to the convention.

The solution Miller described, which Trump soon incorporated into his rhetoric and advertising, was to paint Biden as a fundamental threat to public safety. "No one will be safe in Joe Biden's America," the document read. The Democratic nominee, Miller's document continued, "will surrender America and its citizens to the violent left-wing mob" and "abolish the American Way of Life."

The shift sought to rehabilitate Trump's political message of dominance and shift the discussion away from the pandemic, which public polling showed had become a drag on the president's support.

"You can't really tell people that there is no covid crisis because they are surrounded by it. The only thing you can do is make something else louder," said Harvard political scientist Matthew Baum, who studies political persuasion and misinformation. "You don't have to persuade people. All you have to do is say, 'Don't look over there. Look over here.' "

Trying to distract Americans?

Biden has argued that Trump is trying to distract Americans from his inability to better address the health, economic and race-relations crises facing the nation.

"The whole country is up in flames. Everything is burning, law and order, because he doesn't want to talk about anything, anything at all, about the job he hasn't done," Biden said Sept. 4 during a news conference in Wilmington, Del.

Biden has mocked Trump's effort to cast him as responsible for any street violence, no matter the alleged perpetrator.

"Ask yourself: Do I look like a radical socialist with a soft spot for rioters? Really?" Biden asked during an Aug. 31 speech in Pittsburgh. "I want a safe America. Safe from covid, safe from crime and looting, safe from racially motivated violence, safe from bad cops. Let me be crystal clear - safe from four more years of Donald Trump."

Tim Murtaugh, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, said Trump is focused on helping the communities affected by the violence. "These riots are destroying the life's work of Black, Hispanic and Asian business owners, and they have to stop," he said.

Expressions advocating violence were central to Trump's early political endeavors.

"I'd like to punch him in the face, I'll tell you," Trump said about a protester at an event in Las Vegas. When a nonviolent Black protester was beaten at a rally in Birmingham, Ala., by a White crowd, Trump responded the next day, "Maybe he should have been roughed up."

He argued repeatedly at rallies for the extrajudicial abuse or even murder of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who had left his post in Afghanistan. "Thirty years ago, he would have been shot," Trump said. At another event, he said of Bergdahl's capture by the Taliban: "They beat the crap out of him, which is fine."

Rather than recoil, his crowds embraced the tough talk, and Trump delivered more as president. After a Montana congressional candidate, Greg Gianforte, physically attacked a reporter in 2017, Trump turned the event into an applause line. "Any guy that can do a body slam, he is my type!" the president said.

When Trump addressed a law enforcement group in 2017 in Long Island, N.Y., he urged incaution in policing.

"When you see these thugs being thrown into the back of a paddy wagon, you just seen them thrown in rough. I said, 'Please don't be too nice,' " he said.

The new threat Trump has focused on is no less ominous than his previous targets and is similarly inflated with rhetoric that mixes descriptions of actual events with conspiracy theories for which he offered no evidence. In recent days, he has described "rioters, anarchists, agitators and looters" who he claimed in a Fox News interview, without evidence, have been traveling the country in commercial planes to create havoc and are funded by "people you have never heard of" who operate in "dark shadows."

He has also tried to adjust the historical record by claiming federal actions he instigated have already proven that his solution of physical toughness and law enforcement domination is responsible for clearing streets of violent protesters. On a visit to Kenosha, Wis., he claimed his push to deploy the National Guard saved the city from further rioting after the police shooting in the back of Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man.

"If I didn't INSIST on having the National Guard activate and go into Kenosha, Wisconsin, there would be no Kenosha right now," Trump tweeted last week. Federal officials did work with local law enforcement in quelling the protests, but Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers had ordered the guard to the city a day before Trump's public call for their deployment.

Pollsters have noted a shift in polling around the Black Lives Matter movement, which was initially broad and bipartisan in the wake of the George Floyd killing by Minneapolis police in May. Support for the movement in Wisconsin, according to the Marquette Law School poll, fell from 59% to 49% between June and August.

But national polls continue to show that Biden leads Trump on questions of which candidate would make the country safer. A recent national Quinnipiac poll found that 50% of likely voters said Trump made them feel less safe, compared to 35% who said he made them feel more safe.

By contrast, 42% of voters said Biden would make them feel more safe as president, compared to 40% who said they would feel less safe.
Under Unlock-4, students can visit schools for guidance from teachers, however they will have to compulsorily wear masks and will not be allowed to share notebooks, pens or water bottles, the new guideline said

New Delhi: Disallowing sharing of notebooks, pens/pencils,water bottles etc among students, prohibition of assemblies and sports, encouraging online learning, entry of asymptomatic persons are some of the health ministry's guidelines for partial reopening of schools for students of Classes 9 to 12 from 21 September on a voluntary basis.

However, written consent of the students' parents or guardians will be required and such visits for teacher-student interactions must be organized in a staggered manner, the guidelines stated.

According to the 'SOP for partial reopening of Schools for students of 9th to 12th classes on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers: In the context of COVID-19', a seating arrangement has to be made to ensure a distance of 6 feet between chairs, desks etc and the teaching faculty will ensure that they themselves and students wear masks throughout the conduct of the teaching/guidance activities.

"Sharing of items like notebook, pens/pencil, eraser, water bottle etc. amongst students should not be allowed. Cafeteria/mess facility, if any within the premises, shall remain closed," the SOPs stated.

For ensuring queue management inside and outside the premises, specific markings on the floor with a gap of six feet may be made.

Similarly, physical distancing shall also be maintained in staff rooms, office areas including reception area, and other places such as mess, libraries, cafeterias, etc.

Weather permitting, outdoor spaces may be utilized for conducting teacher-student interactions, keeping in view the safety and security of students and physical distancing protocols, the guidelines said.

The concerned teaching and non-teaching employees (up to 50 percent of the strength) may be called to schools for online teaching/tele-counselling and related work.

"Installation and use of the Aarogya Setu App may be advised wherever feasible," the SOPs said.

Appropriate back-up stock of personal protection items like face covers/masks, visors, hand sanitizers etc shall be made available by management to the teachers and employees, it said.

"Provide an adequate supply of thermal guns, alcohol wipes or one per cent sodium hypochlorite solutions and disposable paper towels, soap, IEC materials on COVID. Pulse oximeter to check oxygen saturation levels of any symptomatic person must be arranged," the guidelines stated.

The guidelines also call for ensuring regular counselling for students and teachers reporting mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. "It is advisable that teachers, school counsellors and school health workers should work in unison to ensure emotional safety of the students," it said.

Entrance should have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.

For conduct of skill-based training in workshops/laboratories, a floor area of four square metre per person should be made available for working on equipment or work stations.

Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1 pc sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (door knobs, elevator buttons, hand rails, chairs, benches, washroom fixtures, etc.) to be made mandatory in all class rooms, laboratories, lockers, parking areas, other common areas etc. before the beginning of classes and at the end of the day, the guidelines stated.

"All employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions to take extra precautions. They should preferably not be exposed to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the students," the guidelines said.

If the transportation facility is being managed by the school, proper physical distancing, sanitization of buses/other transport vehicles (with one percent sodium hypochlorite) shall be ensured.

Prior to resumption of activities, all work areas intended for teaching/demonstrations etc., including laboratories, other common utility areas shall be sanitized with 1 per cent sodium hypochlorite solution, with particular attention to frequently touched surfaces.

Schools that were used as quarantine centres will be properly sanitized and deep cleaned before partial functioning is resumed.

In case a student/teacher/employee develops symptoms, the ill person should be in a room or area where they are isolated from others and the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) should be informed.
Sushmitha Ramakrishnan By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The sudden closure of schools and the prolonged lockdown owing to the pandemic has deepened the learning loss among students. To combat this, schools, when they reopen, should focus on foundational reading and arithmetic and recap the concepts taught through distance education, experts told Express ahead of the International Literacy Day on Tuesday.

Learning loss is defined by reversal of academic progress that usually occurs during summer breaks or prolonged hiatus in education.Many studies internationally have shown that learning loss is greater among the economically disadvantaged. Adding a pandemic to the mix has only deepened the problem.

Foundational skills

Schools, when they reopen, must immediately focus on foundational skills which include basic reading and arithmetic, in order to compensate for the learning loss, says Rukmini Banerji, chief executive officer of Pratham Educational Foundation, a non-profit organisation that helps conduct the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER).

This strategy was successful in Graded Learning Programme, a collaborative effort between Pratham and the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Department, implemented across the State in 2019. Data from the programme suggested a summer loss in reading abilities over three months among Grade 3 students in UP.

The programme used a Teaching-at-the-Right-Level approach, wherein students are classified according to their reading and mathematical skills, not age, as is the traditional practice.

The programme, conducted between January and May 2019, not only cushioned the loss but also caused a learning gain.A similar programme can thus undo the loss caused by the lockdown, which Pratham estimates, will be deeper than summer loss noticed among students after summer vacations.M Anandakrishnan, educationalist and former Vice-Chancellor of Anna University said the State should acknowledge that some children will suffer the disadvantage of schools being closed.

There is no alternative to keeping schools closed right now. Therefore, the State should immediately constitute a committee comprising educationalists to explore meaningful alternatives that will boost literacy among schoolchildren, he said.For kids to read and write they must be trained to do so repeatedly, said Preetha Ganesh, vice-president, Vels Group of Institutions.

The lockdown has been particularly difficult for those from rural areas. Children best learn when they are in the 3-6 age group. They need to be continuously taught to read and write at this age, she said, adding that schools too can better assess conceptual learning by students only when they are equipped with foundational skills.

Basic literacy is inevitable for learning and after that benchmark is achieved the focus should be moved to subject comprehension and association between various concepts, said Sheela Rajendra, dean and correspondent, PSBB group of schools. She said that even when schools reopen, teachers should not pretend that the jump from online to offline mode of education is seamless.

Revisit all lessons

Schools must recap and revisit all the lessons that were taught remotely during the lockdown so that students warm up and have a baseline to begin with, she asserted. It is the responsibility of teachers to assess the learning gaps individual students have and bridge them before racing to complete the annual earmarked syllabus.
Former President Jerry John Rawlings has described the late President Evans John Atta Mills as "a good man with impeccable integrity."



According to him, the late Prez Mills lived by his solid principles and values.



The former president, disclosed this when a team led by the founder and CEO of the Atta Mills Institute Mr. Koku Anyidoho and the son of the late president, Kofi Atta-Mills, called on him today.



In his remarks, Mr Rawlings pointed out that there are a lot of misconceptions about the working relationship between him and the late President Mills, and promised to use his (Rawlings') upcoming explosive autobiography to address all such issues.



The former President also used the occasion to advise Kofi Atta-Mills to support the work of the Atta-Mills Institute to keep the strong legacy of his father alive.



"Your father was a good man, and it is imperative that you support the work Koku Anyidoho is doing to keep your father's legacy alive because it will be in your own interest to do so and not allow yourself to be off-tracked," ex-president Rawlings said.



On his part, Kofi Atta-Mills thanked former President Rawlings for giving his late father the unique opportunity to serve in the very high office of Vice President as well as the highest office as President of the Republic of Ghana.



The AMI Team, which included, Kofi Atta-Mills (son of the late President John Evans Atta-Mills), and Andy Kankam, Chief of Staff of the AMI, visited the former President to thank him for participating in the First Anniversary wreath-laying ceremony of the Institute, which took place at the Asomdwee Park on, July 24, 2020.



The Atta-Mills Institute has been established as an a-political Civic Education and Public Policy Advocacy Think-Tank meant to champion the cause of Mindset Transformation for nation-building.

Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









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The Army on Tuesday said Chinese troops fired shots in the air and attempted to close in on an Indian position in eastern a day earlier as it rejected charges by China's People's Liberation Army(PLA) that it transgressed across the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The remarks by the Army came after the PLA late on Monday night alleged that the Indian troops crossed the LAC and "outrageously fired" warning shots near the Pangong lake in eastern

The use of firearms along the LAC marks a serious escalation in border tensions as the previous instance of shots being fired at the de-facto border was in 1975.

India and China exchanged accusations just four days after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart Gen. Wei Fenghe held talks in Moscow on ways to ease tensions at the border. They met last Friday on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet.

In a statement, the said that at no stage the Indian troops crossed the LAC or resorted to use of any "aggressive means", including firing, as alleged by the Chinese PLA.

"At no stage has the transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing. It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manuveres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress," the Army said.

"In the instant case on September 7, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own (Indian) troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops," the statement added.

It further said that despite the "grave provocation", Indian troops exercised "great restraint" and behaved in a mature and responsible manner.

The Army termed the statement issued by the Western Theater Command of the PLA as an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience.

"The is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility, however is also determined to protect integrity and sovereignty at all costs," the Army said.

"India, while is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC, China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate."



Senior Colonel Zhang Shuili, a spokesperson of PLA's Western Theater Command, in a statement on Monday night alleged that Indian troops again illegally crossed the LAC and "outrageously fired" warning shots on Chinese border patrol soldiers who were about to negotiate.

Chinese troops were forced to take countermeasures to stabilize the situation, he said without elaborating.

The Indian troops crossed the LAC at the west section of the China-India border into the Shenpao mountain region near the south bank of Pangong lake, he alleged.

Separately, the Ministry of External Affairs termed as false reports in Chinese media attributing some comments to Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

"We have seen reports in Chinese state media, including in China Daily and Huanqiu Shibao (Global Times), which had attributed some comments to NSA Shri Ajit Doval. These reports are completely false and are not based in facts. We urge the media to refrain from such speculative reporting," it said in a release.

Tensions escalated manifold along the LAC in eastern after the Galwan Valley clashes 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.

The border situation deteriorated again after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake on the intervening night of August 29 and 30.

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.

(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.)
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Fertigation & Chemigation market accounted for $36.42 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach $74.66 billion by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 8.3 % during the forecast period. Some of the key factors such as increasing demand for quality food products and improved plant growth, yield, and quality of crops are driving the market growth. However, basic supplement application doses and high introductory speculations are the restraining factors for market growth. Moreover, strong progress in new and emerging markets will provide ample opportunities for the growth of the market.

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Fertigation is a farming practice wherein compost is blended with water system water and is splashed equally on field crops through dribble framework or sprinkler framework. Horticulture assumes an essential job in generally speaking monetary advancement of nations. High return guarantees sustenance security, be that as it may, changing climatic conditions has prompted the advancement of new innovations that could fulfill nourishment need among developing populace. Fertigation and Chemigation market includes trickle water system and sprinkler water system that prompted higher harvest yield alongside less work escalated in nature.

By Agri Input, fertilizer segment is likely to grow during the forecast period due to the growing demand for crop inputs for nutrition, fertilizers are projected to grow at a faster rate in comparison to pesticides. By geography, North America is constantly enhancing mainly due to the increasing vehicle production in the country and rising demand for the lightweight and connected vehicles in the region.

Some of the key players in this market include Lindsay Corporation, Valmont Industries, Inc., T-L Irrigation Co., Jain Irrigation Systems Limited, Rivulis Irrigation, Rain Bird Corporation, Nelson Irrigation Corporation, The Toro Company, Netafim, and EPC Industrie Limited.

Irrigation Systems Covered:

 Drip Irrigation

 Sprinkler Irrigation

Agri Inputs Covered:

 Insecticide

 Fertilizer

 Herbicide

 Fungicide

 Other Agri Inputs

 Crop Types Covered:

 Orchard Crops

 Field Crops

 Forage & Turf Grasses

 Plantation Crops

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Applications Covered:

 Greenhouse Irrigation

 Landscape Irrigation

 Agriculture Irrigation

 Other Applications

Regions Covered:

 North America

o US

o Canada

o Mexico

 Europe

o Germany

o UK

o Italy

o France

o Spain

o Rest of Europe

 Asia Pacific

o Japan

o China

o India

o Australia

o New Zealand

o South Korea

o Rest of Asia Pacific

 South America

o Argentina

o Brazil

o Chile

o Rest of South America

 Middle East & Africa

o Saudi Arabia

o UAE

o Qatar

o South Africa

o Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

 Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments

 Strategic recommendations for the new entrants

 Market forecasts for a minimum of 9 years of all the mentioned segments, sub-segments, and the regional markets

 Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)

 Strategic analysis: Drivers and Constraints, Product/Technology Analysis, Porters five forces analysis, SWOT analysis, etc.

 Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations

 Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends

 Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments

 Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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o Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances
Iran on Tuesday told Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe,a British-Iranian woman detained in Tehran, that she faces a new indictment, dampening her supporters' hopes of an early release.

She has already spent more than four years in jail or under house arrest since her arrest at Tehran airport in April 2016 after visiting relatives in Iran together with her young daughter.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who at the time worked for the Thomson Reuters Foundation -- the media organisation's philanthropic arm -- was convicted on sedition charges, which she denies, and sentenced to a five-year jail term.

The new indictment comes after her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, said late last month that he feared his wife could face a second trial.

"I think, behind closed doors, they keep saying there's a second court case," he told the British broadcaster ITV.

On Tuesday, Iranian state television's website Iribnews reported: "The 15th chamber of the Islamic Revolutionary Court summoned Nazanin Zaghari this morning with her lawyer... to notify them of a new indictment".

The report cited "an informed source" but gave no further details on the charges or trial date.

Tulip Siddiq, the British MP for Zaghari-Ratcliffe's constituency, tweeted that she had been in touch with the detainee, confirming that "she was taken to court this morning and told she will face another trial on Sunday".

"I know many people are concerned about her welfare and I'll keep everyone updated when we have more information," said Siddiq, a member of the #FreeNazanin campaign.

Britain's foreign ministry said bringing new charges against Zaghari-Ratcliffe was "indefensible and unacceptable".

"We have been consistently clear that she must not be returned to prison," a ministry spokesperson said.

Already in 2017, when Zaghari-Ratcliffe's family had hoped to obtain her early release, the Iranian Judicial Authority ruled out the possibility, saying there were "two cases" against her.

Story continues

Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been on temporary release from Evin prison in Tehran and under house arrest since the spring due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Iran, the worst-hit country in the Middle East, has released tens of thousands of prisoners from its crowded jails to slow the spread of Covid-19.

- 'Collateral' -

Media in both the UK and Iran have drawn a possible link between Zaghari-Ratcliffe's detention and a British debt dating back more than 40 years, to when the shah of Iran paid the UK 400 million for 1,500 Chieftain tanks.

When the shah was ousted in 1979, Britain refused to deliver the tanks to the new Islamic Republic but kept the money.

The British government has previously admitted it owes Iran up to 300 million ($390 million), but both countries have denied any link with the Zaghari-Ratcliffe case.

"Well, of course there should be no link," the detained woman's husband told ITV. "It's completely outrageous to be holding people and using them as collateral."

British daily The Guardian reported Friday that the UK defence minister, Ben Wallace, had for the first time said he was "actively" seeking to repay a debt to Iran to secure the release of Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other Iranian-British detainees, in a letter to her lawyers.

"With regard to... the outstanding legal dispute, the government acknowledges there is a debt to be paid and continues to explore every legal avenue for the lawful discharge of that debt," he wrote.

A court hearing over the debt is set for November 4, according to The Guardian.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe is among several dual nationals and other foreigners held in Iran on security charges.

They also include Iranian-American businessman Siamak Namazi and his father Mohammad Bagher Namazi.

The Islamic republic does not recognise dual nationality and has lashed out at foreign governments for interfering in what it says are domestic cases.

ap/mj/sw/hc
Evangelical pastor, 2 others killed in Nigeria in Fulani attack; 7 abducted

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The Rev. Alubara Audu from the Evangelical Church Winning All denomination in Nigeria was murdered along with two others during a raid conducted by suspected Fulani radicals on Sunday morning as deadly violence against Christians in the Kaduna state continues.

Three were killed and seven were abducted during attacks by armed assailants said to be of Fulani ethnicity on two Adara communities in the southern Kaduna state.

The London-based human rights organization Christian Solidarity Worldwide notes that the attack began around 2 a.m. local time when a militia swarmed into the Buda community in Buda ward of the Kajuru local government area, a region that has been hit hard in recent years by deadly communal violence perpetrated by suspected radicals from the Fulani herding community.

The United Nations-accredited nongovernmental organization that works in over 20 countries reports that those killed have been identified as Audu, the 45-year-old father of five; 40-year-old Adamu Tata, a father of four; and 37-year-old Ishaku Peter, a father of five.

Those who were reportedly abducted from the community during the attack are 25-year-old Sani Peter and 20-year-old Esther Sani Peter.

The assailants also attacked the neighboring Kemara Rimi community in the Buda ward, where they abducted 16-year-old Grace Mathew, 35-year-old Ojo Aminu, 37-year-old Danfulani Makaranta, 36-year-old Namiji Gwamna and 36-year-old Ali Musa.

CSWs heart goes out to those affected by the continuing violence in southern Kaduna, CSW Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said in a statement. We express our deepest condolences to all those who have lost loved ones in the recent attacks, and continue to call for effective action on the part of the Kaduna State and Nigerian Federal governments to secure the immediate, unconditional, and safe release of all those abducted, and to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

In a statement shared by Nigerian media, Adara Development Association President Awemi Dio Maismari called Sundays attack premeditated and unprovoked.

Maismari decried the violence that the Adara community has suffered in recent years. In 2019, a representative of the Adara community traveled to Washington, D.C., to testify about the plight the community faces as hundreds have been killed and thousands displaced from their ancestral lands.

The Kaduna state is not alone as thousands of others across Nigerias farm-rich Middle Belt states have been displaced or killed in recent years during attacks carried out by suspected herdsman radicals.

These callous and barbaric attacks sometimes abate but never really stop in Adara community, Maismari said, recalling another fatal attack that occurred on Aug. 16 in the Kallah village on the banks of the Kaduna River.

This resulted in the death of Mr. Danladi Abashi, a 50-year-old farmer who ventured near the villages that were invaded and are still occupied by Fulani herdsmen in the Kallah/Gefe/Libere area of Kajuru LGA. His body was only recovered with the help of the police because the herdsmen disallowed Adara people from even approaching the occupied enclave.

Maismari stressed that the trend of people being abducted for ransom has also been troubling as of late. He said four people were kidnapped on Sept. 2 and before that, on Aug. 27, five people were kidnapped in the Kasuwan Magani ward of Kajuru.

With the continuation of such hostilities by Fulani herdsmen even when various peace moves are being initiated, it is becoming clearer that the purported dialogue is serving as a diversion to enable the attackers to continue their diabolical activities, the Adara Development Association president said. We are left wondering whether it is worthwhile engaging in such dialogue and peace talks if this continues.



CSWs Thomas said the situation in southern Kaduna should be of the utmost concern to the international community.



We continue to call on the U.N. Human Rights Council to convene a special session with a specific focus on the ongoing violence, and urge U.N. member states to raise these concerns with Nigeria at every opportunity, including during the upcoming Human Rights Council session, Thomas stressed.

Nigeria ranks as the 12th worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USAs 2020 World Watch List.

Human rights groups and bodies like Jubilee Campaign and Christian Solidarity International have issued warnings stating that the violence suffered by Christians in Nigeria at the hands of radical herdsmen and Islamic extremists is reaching the level of genocide.

Additionally, the U.K. All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief reported in June that the violence against Christians in Nigeria can pave the way for genocide.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- An international team of scientists has identified at least 11 species of fish suspected to have land-walking abilities.

The findings are based on CT scans and a new evolutionary map of the hillstream loach family, which includes the only living fish species caught in the act of walking: a rare, blind cavefish known as Cryptotora thamicola, or the cave angel fish. Pinpointing which species of hillstream loaches have walking capabilities can help scientists piece together how the first land-walking vertebrates might have come to be.

In a new study, researchers from the Florida Museum of Natural History, the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Louisiana State University and Maejo University in Thailand analyzed the bone structure of nearly 30 hillstream loach species, describing for the first time three categories of pelvic shapes. Based on the shape of the bone that connects some loaches' spines to their pelvic fins, the team found that 10 other species of loach shared the cave angel fish's unusually hefty pelvic girdle.

"Fishes don't usually have any connection between their spine and pelvic fin," said biologist Zachary Randall, manager of the Florida Museum's imaging lab and one of the study's co-authors. "But before, the idea was that the cave angel fish was totally unique. What's really cool about this paper is that it shows with high detail that robust pelvic girdles are more common than we thought in the hillstream loach family."

But not all loaches are so gifted: Though more than 100 species of hillstream loach are found throughout Southeast Asia, the cave angel fish is the only one whose walking capabilities have been observed and studied. Its salamander-like wiggle, powered by enlarged ribs bolstered with stabilizing muscle attachments, was first described in Scientific Reports in 2016 by Brooke Flammang, an assistant professor of biology at NJIT and the study's lead principal investigator.

Randall said the cave angel fish's walk is a key adaptation for surviving fast-flowing cave streams. It can grip rocky streambeds and move between habitats - even up waterfalls - as water levels fluctuate in the dry season. The cave angel fish's increased mobility could help it access well-oxygenated stream regions with few or no occupants. Still, little is known about the species, including what it eats.

"These loaches have converged on a structural requirement to support terrestrial walking not seen in other fishes," said study lead author and NJIT Ph.D. candidate Callie Crawford in a statement. "The relationships among these fishes suggest that the ability to adapt to fast-flowing rivers may be what was passed on genetically," rather than a set of specific physical characteristics.

The team used CT scanning and DNA analysis to trace the evolutionary history of the hillstream loach family and found that, rather than evolving from a single origin, a robust pelvic region appeared several times across the hillstream loach family.

"Even though the cave angel fish was first described in 1988, this is the first time it's been included in the hillstream loach family tree," Randall said. "With our Thai collaborators and using DNA analysis, we were able to use hundreds of genes to trace how pelvic shapes in these fish have evolved over time. Now, we have a much more accurate tree that adds a framework for studying how many species can walk and the extent to which they're able to."

"This study brought together a team of researchers with interests and levels of expertise that varied from those of us who do fieldwork and study fishes in their natural habitats to geneticists to comparative anatomists," added Lawrence Page, Florida Museum curator of fishes and a co-principal investigator of the study. "The result is a greatly improved understanding of the evolution of an extremely uncommon event - the ability of a fish to walk on land."

Randall and his team most recently observed the cave angel fish on a 2019 cave excursion in northwest Thailand. Given the rarity of spotting a cave angel fish in the field, Randall said the team was surprised to find six of them clinging to the bed of a fast-flowing shallow stream among glittering stalagmites in one of the cave's chambers. He added that the cave angel fish's rarity meant that museum specimens and CT data were key to mapping the family's evolution.

"The beauty of CT scanning is that you can capture different types of high-resolution data without compromising the integrity of the specimen," Randall said. "For rare species like this one, it even allows you to capture things that are hard to observe in the field, even what it eats."

The team published its work in the Journal of Morphology.

###

Prosanta Chakrabarty, curator of fishes at LSU's Museum of Natural Science, is a co-principal investigator of the study. Pamela Hart of LSU and Apinun Suvarnaraksha of Maejo University are also co-authors.

Some CT scans used in the research came from the National Science Foundation-funded oVert project.
Red Girl: Shield Maiden: a gripping novel about bravery, journeys, and the retrieval of the great sword. Red Girl: Shield Maiden is the creation of published author Joseph Leo DeCelle, a writer who has resided in Arizona, where he gained inspiration to write, since February 1988. Born of Scottish and Czechoslovakian lineage, stories of the highlands have also been an incredible source of inspiration and wonder.

DeCelle writes, The Crucible Steel Saga continues! Rulers come and go. Only legends remain...

This is a tale of a journey. A quest like no other.

The story of Inghen Ruaidh Borson (Red Girl), great-granddaughter of the legendary Nordic ruler, King Ronhan Borson, whose swordthe Borson + Rexis stolen in the night.

The quest to find the swordthe sword of all swordsand the rise of yet another great legend.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Joseph Leo DeCelles new book unravels the exciting mission of a Nordic rulers great-granddaughter as she retrieves the stolen blade and creates a name for herself. Readers of all ages will surely be hooked into this extraordinary tale.

View a synopsis of Red Girl: Shield Maiden on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase Red Girl: Shield Maiden at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Red Girl: Shield Maiden, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Its been 14 years since the world lost Steve Irwin, and his loved ones are remembering his life and legacy.

Irwin, the former TV host known as the Crocodile Hunter, died in 2006 after being stabbed by the barb of a stingray as he was swimming off the coast of Australia.

Irwins wife, Terri, posted an emotional message on Twitter Thursday as she remembered the love they shared.

This is a particularly poignant moment in time for me, she said.

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.

Steve Irwin poses with a 3-foot-long alligator at the San Francisco Zoo on June 26, 2002. Its been 14 years since Irwins passing. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

His children also took to Twitter.

His daughter, Bindi, posted a simple memory of her dad with the caption, Youre always in my heart.

Bindis husband, Chandler Powell, thanked his late father-in-law for inspiring him and let him know he would be so proud of his family for continuing his legacy.

Thank you for inspiring me and the whole world to love all wildlife, Powell said. You would be so proud of Bindi, Terri and Robert carrying on the amazing work you started. We will all make sure your message lives on for generations.

Irwins son, Robert, stuck to posting about his recent crocodile conservation trip as he follows in his fathers footsteps.

Its the end of our annual croc research trip, he said. 39 crocs tagged this month bringing the total to 213 tracked over the last 13 yrs. Using state of the art solar tracking technology were learning so much about these remarkable animals-continuing Dads mission for croc conservation.

Irwins family has continued his work as animal conservationist and wildlife expert. During the wildfires in Australia in January, the Irwins helped save over 90,000 animals.

CNN Wire contributed to this report.
Leh, Sep 8 : The members of the Tibetan community in Leh paid tributes to braveheart Nyima Tenzin by taking out a candlelight march.

The march was taken out on Monday after the last rites were performed.

Nyima Tenzin, the Tibetan-origin officer of the Special Frontier force (SFF) was killed in action on the night of August 30 when his unit was on a mission to dominate the heights of the southern side of the Pangong Lake for thwarting a Chinese ingress to change the status quo on the ground.

"The candlelight march is in remembrance of brave officer Nyima Tenzin, who laid down his life for defending the country," said one participant.

Holding Tricolours in their hands, local Ladakhis also participated in the march organised by the Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing and the Tibetan Youth Congress.

Nyima Tenzin's mortal remains were laid to rest in Leh with full honours. He had 33 years of service in the SFF and left behind his wife and three children.

For the Tibetans, who are living in Ladakh for the last 60 years, this was a moment to renew their resolve for their homeland.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Tavistock gender clinic trial date set; trans-activist groups Mermaids, Stonewall UK banned

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A judicial review date has been set in the U.K. regarding a lawsuit against a London-based gender clinic's medicalized gender-transitioning of children and teenagers.

Amid rising concern that children are being rushed into experimental gender-transitioning treatments that include puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and body-altering surgeries, the effects of which are permanent, a trial date for the suit against the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust has been set for Oct. 7-8.

The lawsuit was brought in part by Susan Evans, a psychiatric nurse and former member of the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) for children at the Tavistock clinic. Evans has voiced repeated concerns that the safety of children being treated at the facility was disregarded in favor of experimental transitioning, and that minors are not cognitively capable of giving informed consent.

Keira Bell, a young woman who once identified as transgender, joined the suit as a claimant in January. Bell says she wasn't adequately informed of the dangers when she was hormonally transitioned as a teenager. She now regrets her transition, which included both hormones and a mastectomy, and is among the growing number of men and women known as "detransitioners" who say they were physically, mentally and emotionally harmed.

Bell told the Telegraph in March that treatments need to change so that young people like her are not put on a "torturous and unnecessary path that is permanent and life changing."

"Hormone changing drugs and surgery does not work for everyone and it certainly should not be offered to someone under the age of 18 when they are emotionally and mentally vulnerable," she added.

Evans said in a Sept. 7 update on her CrowdJustice fundraising page: "It is simply inconceivable that a 15-year-old (and even younger children and teenagers), would have the necessary maturity to fully understand what they were doing in consenting to medical transition. We have also raised serious concerns that the clinical guidelines that are currently followed, have been shaped by activism, rather than science and medical evidence."

She further explained that TransgenderTrend, a trans-critical group that has been documenting the soaring numbers of young people being referred to gender clinics and other information related to gender identity policies, will be "allowed to participate" in the trial as will a transgender-identifying 13-year-old.

By contrast, transgender activist groups Mermaids and Stonewall UK have been denied permission to get involved and will not present evidence in the case.

The Tavistock clinic has come under increased scrutiny in recent years following a 4,000-fold increase of girls being referred to the gender clinic in the past decade.

The subject received renewed attention this summer after Harry Potter series author J.K. Rowling spoke out several times on the issue and the implications of transgender policies more broadly. Rowling said she believed radical transgender activism imperils women's sex-based rights, that a medical scandal was about to erupt, and that gender-transitioning is akin to so-called "gay conversion therapy."

Earlier this summer, the National Health Service quietly removed language from its transgender guidance on its website that had asserted that puberty blockers were "fully reversible."

A BBC Newsnight investigative report in June revealed leaked documents that showed Tavistock staff saying that concerns about patient welfare were shut down. Clinicians there also reportedly expressed concerns that some youth were being fast-tracked into gender-transitioning.

In February, a formal review of the safety of puberty-blocking drugs was set in motion as was a review of the rules surrounding when minors are allowed to decide whether they want to explore gender-transition without first obtaining parental consent.

U.K. Trade Minister Liz Truss said earlier this year that new policies would be coming regarding the medicalization of gender as it pertains to minors in addition to protections for female-only spaces such as changing rooms, women's refuges, and restrooms.

Grown adults should be able to make decisions, to have agency to live life as they see fit, she said in April. But before the age of 18, when people are still developing their decision-making capabilities, they should be protected from making decisions that are irreversible about their bodies that they could possibly regret in the future.

Such revised policies on both subjects were expected this summer but have yet to be announced.

The issue of sex-segregated facilities rose to the fore as proposals to revise the 2004 Gender Recognition Act were considered, especially the permitting of individuals who self-identify as transgender to change their sex marker on legal documents without any formal diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
Jessica Alves has shared graphic images of her botched chin filler after a trip to the beauty salon left her with a deep hole in her face.

The reality personality, 37, admitted she wanted to make her chin 'pointier' after seeing others have the same procedure when she got her lashes done in Essex.

However just weeks after getting the filler injected herself, Jessica noticed her chin had changed shape and she had developed an infection.

Oh no! Jessica Alves has shared graphic images of her botched chin filler after a trip to the beauty salon left her with a deep hole in her face

Explaining her woes, Jessica told MailOnline: 'Three months ago I went to a beauty salon in Essex to have fake eyelashes fitted and while in the salon I saw a few girls coming in and out having had fillers into their lips and chin.

'I liked the results and then asked if I could also have fillers in my chin to make it more pointy. The lady who performed the injections had only finished her training course and I had 1 millilitre of filler in my chin.'

Admitting that things soon took a turn, Jessica said: 'After few weeks I flew to Brazil and I started to see the shape of my chin changing. I had an infection and the fillers started to drip and form a deep hole on the centre on my chin.'

Procedure: The reality personality, 37, admitted she wanted to make her chin 'pointier' after seeing others have the same procedure when she got her lashes done in Essex

The Celebrity Big Brother star went on to reveal that fillers in her legs and feet caused them to swell three shoe sizes after getting the treatment done in Brazil.

She said: ' From size shoes UK 7, I went up to size 9 or 1, losing all my shoes. My legs and feet became really swollen causing me pain and discomfort.'

Jessica revealed all of the London surgeons she asked for help were unable to assist with her problem and she flew out to Istanbul in the hope she could find someone.

However the surgeons in Turkey were also at a loss, as she revealed: 'I met with five surgeons and all of then said that they could not help. They just didn't know how to remove the fillers from my feet or how to close the hole on my chin.'

Worrying: However just weeks after getting the filler injected herself, Jessica noticed her chin had changed shape and she had developed an infection

Jessica admitted that the experience left her feeling 'emotional' because she worries that people think she is 'addicted' to surgery, but she insists she isn't.

Jessica said: 'I had those surgeries for health reasons and also I am transitioning and few more surgeries along the line will be needed to perfect my female look.

'I just hope that people can learn from my mistakes and experiences. It isn't always pretty.'

Jessica, formerly known as the Human Ken Doll Rodrigo Alves, has spent more than 600,000 on surgeries, deciding to transition earlier this year.

Great expense: Jessica, formerly known as the Human Ken Doll Rodrigo Alves, has spent more than 600,000 on surgeries, deciding to transition earlier this year

She has recently undergone facial feminisation surgery, breast enlargement and bottom augmentation.

Jessica, whose surgeon is Ali Gurlek, lists her most recent surgeries as a nose job using ear cartilage, closing hole on the chin after fillers, lipo suction on her neck and jaw line as well as lipo on legs and feet.

She previously told MailOnline she finally feels like her outside appearance reflects her inner self.

She said: 'I wish I had started my transition sooner, rather than wasting time and money trying to become the man that I wasn't.

'I am much happier now and feel more like myself.'
The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park invites visitors to join park staff as they commemorate the 157th Anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga. Due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic, the programs will be hosted virtually. They are scheduled to be conducted on the parks Facebook page (www.facebook.com/chickamauganps) and the parks YouTube page (www.youtube.com/chchnps) from Sept. 18  20.



In addition to ranger-led virtual programs scheduled throughout the days, Park Historian

Jim Ogden will present more in-depth programs daily at 10 a.m. and at 2 p.m. These virtual programs, lasting approximately 45 minutes, will focus on the respective days actions and will be followed by a live Q&A session after the program concludes. If you wish to participate in this Q&A session, there are several ways to submit your questions:



 Mail questions to 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 by Sept. 16;

 Email your questions to chch_information@nps.gov by Sept. 16;

 Direct message your questions via the parks Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages by Sept. 16; or

 Directly ask your questions by watching the live event on Facebook or YouTube.



Kids are invited to participate with a ranger in hands-on activities presented daily at noon. These activities will be administered through the parks Facebook and YouTube pages as well.



"Thank you all for your continued support and participation during this difficult time," officials said. "We hope to see you all again in the field soon."



For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423-821-7786, or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/chch.
The former head of an international election monitoring organisation has warned that confidence in the US electoral process could be damaged by a combination of the coronavirus and questions over mail-in ballots.

Dame Audrey Glover, a veteran British human rights lawyer who led the 2016 US election mission for the democracy arm of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), said voter confidence was absolutely essential for a free and fair election.

I don't think there's ever been an election quite like this in the United States in recent memory. And one cant underestimate what might happen on election day, she told The Independent.

There have been a lot of allegations going around that one hasn't heard in the past, and I think this is worrying the confidence of the individual in the whole system, she said, in reference to questions over the integrity of mail-in ballots.

She added that fears about voting during the coronavirus pandemic would add to the uncertainty, and potentially prevent people from voting.

This election is very different because you have the virus from the very beginning, which is possibly having a greater effect on the voters and their ability to believe in the integrity of the situation, she said.

Dame Audrey, who has more than 15 years of experience monitoring elections around the world, is the latest in a long line of experts to raise concerns ahead of Novembers crucial vote, which will see Donald Trump face off against former vice president Joe Biden.

In recent months, the president has increased his attack on the integrity of mail-in voting, alleging that they are vulnerable to fraud without providing any evidence to back up his claims. As part of those attacks, Mr Trump blocked funding for the US postal service, which delivers mail-in ballots, to make it more difficult for them to be delivered.

The president has also refused to say whether he would leave the White House if he lost the election, and has preemptively claimed the vote could be rigged against him, without providing any evidence.

These questions about the integrity of the election, combined with the added uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, have prompted widespread concerns among election integrity monitors.

Last month, The Independent revealed that the Carter Centre, a democracy promotion organisation founded by former president Jimmy Carter, is to launch its first United States election initiative this year, citing an erosion of democracy in the country.

The OSCEs election monitoring arm, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), recently announced it would be sending 500 election monitors to the US for Novembers vote.

The ODIHR said the elections will be the most challenging in recent decades, primarily due to the coronavirus. A pre-election assessment by the organisation warned that a combination of factors may decrease the level of trust in election administration, potentially affecting the integrity of election day proceedings, and, as a consequence, the acceptance of the election results.

The pandemic is expected to lead to a dramatic increase in the number of Americans voting by mail in this years presidential election. A recent poll found that around half of voters plan to vote by mail this year, compared to 36 per cent in the last election. The poll found that Democrats are 30 per cent more likely than Republicans to vote by mail.

Some observers have raised concerns that the Trump administration may seek to block the full counting of mail-in ballots if he forms a lead on in-person voting on election day.

The Trump campaign is currently pursuing a number of legal cases in swing states to limit expansions in mail-in voting being sought to make the process safer during the coronavirus.

Dame Audrey, who served as director of the ODIHR between 1994 and 1997, and headed election observations to Georgia, Albania and Ukraine, among others, did not single out the Trump administration specifically, but said uncertainty around the safety of mail-in voting could harm peoples faith in the democratic process.

Some people because of the virus may want to vote by post, but on the other hand, having heard what they've heard  that they may not be counted  will they bother to vote at all? she said.

Elections are for voters to choose who they want to govern them. If they lose confidence in the electoral system which is in place for the election, that would be a blow for democracy in a country which prides itself on being democratic, she added.

The OSCE refused to discuss specific concerns about the US electoral process ahead of the vote.
Palmdale, CA (93550)

Today

Sunny skies with gusty winds developing later in the day. High 62F. NNE winds at 10 to 15 mph, increasing to 25 to 35 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Clear. Low 41F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Stronger winds in and below canyons and passes.
This article is part of our guide to tenants rights in Philadelphia. Got a question? Ask us using the form at the bottom of this article.

The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down a federal eviction moratorium, saying its up to Congress to impose any future ban.

Millions of tenants across the country are now at risk of eviction.

But even if Congress extends the moratorium, the ban does not protect all tenants. The federal moratorium only applies if you:

Earn $99,000 or less per year or were eligible for a pandemic stimulus check.

Cant pay rent because you have lost income or have to pay extraordinary medical expenses.

Have tried to get rent assistance from the government.

Have made best efforts to pay as much rent as possible on time.

Would end up homeless or in cramped living quarters if evicted.

Complete a form - https://bit.ly/3ytWulN -- and give it to your landlord.

Landlords also have been allowed to evict tenants for reasons other than nonpayment of rent, such as lease violations.

Philadelphias eviction moratorium, which applied to a broader range of tenants, expired at the end of June, and Philadelphia renters are being evicted for nonpayment of rent. In New Jersey, on the other hand, an eviction moratorium is in place until Jan. 1, 2022, for low- and moderate-income renters.

If you get an eviction notice or fear you might, you have options. Heres advice from housing advocates and attorneys on what you should do if youre behind on rent.

Use the Philadelphia Eviction Diversion Program

The city launched its nationally recognized eviction diversion program last year as part of the renter protections included in a package of housing bills City Council passed. Through Oct. 31, landlords must apply for rental assistance and for the diversion program and then wait 45 days before filing for eviction against a Philadelphia tenant in court, according to Philadelphia Municipal Court order.

Ask whether your landlord has applied for rental assistance and the diversion program. If your landlord has not and has filed for eviction, you can argue in court that your eviction was filed improperly.

 READ MORE: City Council passes housing bills to help Philly renters during the pandemic

Document financial hardship

One thing every tenant affected by COVID-19 should do right now, whether or not theyve received an eviction notice from their landlord, is, they should send their landlord a COVID-19 hardship form, said Vikram Patel, a staff attorney in the housing unit at Community Legal Services.

If you are struggling financially because of the pandemic, send your landlord the COVID-19 financial hardship certification, which you can find on the Fair Housing Commissions website. It entitles you to protections under City Councils Emergency Housing Protection Act, including waiving your late fees, giving you access to mediation before going through the eviction process, and granting you more time to pay back rent. Document that you gave the form to your landlord  such as taking a screenshot if you texted it, or holding onto the email you sent  and keep a copy for yourself.

Talk to your landlord and see if you can work something out

Housing advocates advise reaching out to your landlord as soon as possible if you dont think you can pay your rent, instead of waiting for your landlord to threaten eviction. If you dont pay and your landlord then sends you an eviction notice, contact your landlord right away to see whether you can come to an agreement. In either case, show your landlord you want to work toward a resolution.

 READ MORE: Tenants rights guide: Security deposits

For a lot of landlords, its about whether or not youre willing to engage with them and work something out with them, Patel said. Housing advocates and attorneys can help you negotiate.

Landlords typically want to avoid evictions, which are time-consuming and can be expensive because of lost rent, legal bills, and vacancies. Both landlords and tenants are struggling financially during the pandemic.

There are a lot of people caught between a rock and a hard place, said Judith Jones, vice president of the Philadelphia Tenant Support Organization, which focuses on helping Black, brown, immigrant, and low-income renters.

Make sure you document your interactions with your landlord. For example, after speaking on the phone with your landlord, email or text something like, This is the agreement we came to. Let me know if this doesnt reflect the conversation we just had, Patel said.

 READ MORE: Tenants rights guide: Breaking a lease

When you get to court, its all about what you can prove, he said. Without documentation, the court is probably not going to listen.

Verify that your landlord has a rental license by searching for your address at atlas.phila.gov. If landlords do not have rental licenses, they cannot sue tenants for rent. The same goes for a certificate of rental suitability, which your landlord had to present to you when you signed the lease. This document from the Department of Licenses and Inspections verifies a landlord has necessary licenses and does not have code violations.

Contact a tenant advocacy organization

If you get an eviction notice or think you might, call the Philly Tenant Hotline, which pulls together renter resources, at 267-443-2500 and get an attorney as soon as possible, said Patel at Community Legal Services. An attorney can advise you of your options and put together a defense for court if your case makes it there. Low-income tenants can get free representation, and all tenants can get free advice. A lawyer also can determine whether an eviction was filed legally.

 READ MORE: Advocates, officials try to prevent Phillys coming wave of coronavirus evictions

Having an attorney involved helps because there is a lot of nuance to these cases, he said. There are defenses a tenant may not know about. Tenants with attorneys generally reach more successful outcomes.

Organizations that can help you, if youre in Philadelphia, include:

You can find lots of information on tenants rights from various organizations at phillytenant.org.

Jones of the Philadelphia Tenant Support Organization said to reach out to any of these organizations as soon as possible when you think youll fall behind on rent or have gotten an eviction notice. Theyll give you the information you need or direct you to someone who can help.

 READ MORE: Tenants rights guide: Landlord entry

The Philadelphia Tenants Union can send representatives to support you during court hearings and while youre being removed from a property, said Noah Cote, an organizer with the group.

The Renters United Philadelphia Project at the Public Interest Law Center helps organize tenants to collectively negotiate with the same landlord. There is really true power when tenants take collective action, said Mary Beth Schluckebier, a staff attorney at the law center.

Apply for rental assistance

If youre facing financial hardship because of the pandemic, you can apply for rental assistance through your county before or after receiving an eviction notice. Housing advocates suggest applying as soon as possible when you fall behind on rent.

Bucks County is allowing judges to postpone eviction cases for up to 60 days if a tenant is waiting for rental assistance.

Philadelphia has been racing to distribute aid ahead of the end of the federal eviction moratorium. Tens of thousands of Philadelphians have applied for assistance, and many renters are still waiting to hear whether they will receive the money that could keep them in their homes.

Document disrepair

If your landlord has been neglecting the property and hasnt been fixing issues youve brought up, document and photograph the disrepair. You can try calling L&I and ask for an inspection, and you can use the results during an eviction court hearing to argue against your landlord. You also can reach out to the citys Fair Housing Commission for help.

This article has been updated since it first published.

 READ MORE: Your rights as a tenant: Check out our tenants' rights guide.

Expert sources:
Tammy Hembrow's sisters Emilee and Amy recently opened their own beauty salon on the Gold Coast called Sskin.

And on Tuesday, the 26-year-old fitness influencer showed her family some support by stopping by the clinic.

The mother of two went braless in a tight white tank top that exposed her bare midriff and left little to the imagination.

Stepping out: Tammy Hembrow went braless in a tight white tank top while taking a stroll on the Gold Coast on Tuesday

She paired the top with blue jeans and a matching denim handbag.

The star's blonde hair looked slightly dishevelled due to the windy weather as she made her way into Sskin.

After checking out the clinic, Tammy headed elsewhere to have her nails professionally done.

Amy, 30, and Emilee, 28, only opened Sskin last month, but it's already one of the hottest spots on the Gold Coast.

Thirsty work? The 26-year-old clutched an iced Americano from Starbucks while arriving at her sisters' beauty clinic, Sskin

'The phone has been off the hook. We haven't advertised at all,' Emilee told the Gold Coast Bulletin on Friday.

She said appointments for treatments have been selling like hot cakes, adding: 'Our doctor is already booked out for the next three weeks.'

Emilee also revealed that someone had recently walked into the clinic asking for a treatment, even though the business hasn't been widely publicised.

'I'm not too sure where they found the address, but they said, "When can I get a treatment? I'm not too sure what type of treatments you have but I want one,"' she said.

Nailed it! The influencer was later spotted getting her nails professionally done

Sskin's treatments use the latest technology imported from the United States.

'This place is where we would want to go,' said Amy. 'From the whole aesthetic through to the treatments.'

The Hembrow sisters recently told Daily Mail Australia their clinic's top priority is to enhance, rather than change, their clients' natural beauty.

'We really stand by enhancing your natural beauty, not changing anything on your face,' Emilee said.
Sydney, Sep 8 : The Australian competition watchdog on Tuesday said it will examine the extent of competition between Google Play Store and Apple App Stores and whether more pricing transparency is needed in the mobile apps market in the country.

In a statement, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said that they are "interested in how data is used and shared in the app ecosystem, including the data available to Google and Apple as a result of their control of the major app stores".

"Apps have become essential tools for daily living for many Australian consumers, a trend that is likely to have increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. Apps are, in turn, increasingly important for businesses as they promote, grow and run their enterprises," ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

The ACCC has also released an issues paper seeking views and feedback from app developers and suppliers. A final report is expected in March next year.

The work is part of a five-year ACCC inquiry which will produce reports every six months examining markets for the supply of digital platform services in Australia.

"We want to know more about the market for mobile apps in Australia, including how transparent and effective the market is, for consumers as well as those operating in the market," Rickard said.

"We will also focus on the extent of competition between the major online app stores, and how they compete for app sales with other app providers." While there are various app stores or marketplaces, app sales are dominated by the Apple App Store, for iOS, and the Google Play Store, for Android devices.

"For app developers and suppliers, gaining a spot in one of the major app stores can result in significant sales, while failing to gain access can be a major setback. We are keen to provide greater transparency on how this process works," Rickard said.

On April 20, the Australian government directed the ACCC to develop a mandatory code of conduct to address bargaining power imbalances between Australian news media businesses and each of Google and Facebook.

The draft code called 'News Media Bargaining Code' would allow news media businesses to bargain individually or collectively with Google and Facebook over payment for the inclusion of news on their services.
Chief Minister on Tuesday said he has directed Health minister Satyendar Jain that doctor's prescription should not be asked for COVID-19 testing in Delhi.

Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court ordered that doctor's prescription will not be mandatory from now for those going voluntarily for RT/PCR test to detect COVID-19 infection in the capital.

Till now, it was mandatory for a person to produce a doctor's prescription or symptoms to get tested for the virus.

Kejriwal said he directed Jain in the morning that doctor's prescription should not be asked for COVID-19 testing.

"Delhi government has increased testing multi-fold. I have directed Health Minister this morning that Doctor's prescription shud not be asked for testing. Anyone can get himself tested," the chief minister tweeted.

The High Court said people need to carry Aadhaar card for Delhi address proof and fill up a form as prescribed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for COVID-19 testing.

The court noted that there was a sharp increase in the number of cases in Delhi and asked private laboratories to allow 2,000 COVID-19 tests a day for those who want to undergo the voluntarily screening.

In view of recent increase in COVID-19 positive cases, Delhi government had earlier said that it is scaling up the number of daily tests to 40,000 daily.

Majority of the COVID-19 tests being conducted are rapid antigen tests that give results quickly.
The actress on Monday shared videos on Twitter claiming that the civic officials forcibly entered her office and took measurements.

Mumbai: In a new twist to the war of words between Kangana Ranaut and Shiv Sena, the Bollywood actress has accused the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of planning to demolish her office in Mumbai.

The actress on Monday shared videos on Twitter claiming that the civic officials forcibly entered her office and took measurements. She said that they may demolish the property on Tuesday.

In the first video, Kangana has shown her well-furnished office, saying, This is the Manikarnika Films office in Mumbai. It took 15 years of hard work to achieve this. It was one of my dreams to have my own office if I ever got the opportunity to become a filmmaker. But now it looks like my dream is going to be destroyed. Today, some BMC officials showed up unannounced.

In another video, in which some men were seen visiting her office, she wrote, They have forcefully taken over my office measuring everything, also harassing my neighbors. When they retorted, @mybmc officials used language like, Wo joh madam hain, uski kartoot ka parinam sabko bharna hoga (everyone must pay for that womans behaviour). I am informed that tomorrow they are demolishing my property.

Kangana has claimed that her office is a legal property, having all valid documents. She added, I have all the papers and BMC permissions for my property, nothing has been done illegally. BMC should send a structure plan to show the illegal construction with a notice. Today they raided my place and without any notice tomorrow they will demolish the entire structure.

Meanwhile, the BMC has said that Kangana will be put under home quarantine immediately after she lands in Mumbai. Mayor Kishori Pednekar said, Kangana Ranaut is coming to Mumbai on September 9 from Himachal Pradesh. As per the ICMR rules, people coming from other states are home quarantined. Accordingly, the BMC administration will take action.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has also ruled out apologizing to the actress saying she should first apologize to Maharashtra for calling Mumbai a mini-Pakistan. On Kanganas allegations of calling him anti-women, he said that Shiv Sena respects women and that those spreading misinformation has in fact insulted Mumbais ruling deity Mumba Devi.

Shiv Sena follows the ideology of great Hindutva icons Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Great Maharana Pratap. They have taught us to respect women. But some with malicious intentions are spreading misinformation that Shiv Sena has insulted women. But one should not forget the fact that those making these allegations have themselves insulted Mumbai and our deity Mumba Devi. Shiv Sena will continue to fight for the pride of women, this is what our great Shiv Sena supremo has taught us, Raut tweeted.
(Newser)  About 1,000 people in Georgia are facing felony charges for voting in the state's June primary. The problem is they voted twice, reports the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The issue revolves around mail voting, says Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Roughly 150,000 people who requested a mail ballot also turned up in person to vote at polling sites on Election Day. For the vast majority, this was fine, either because they never received their mail ballot or opted to vote in person instead. But 1,000 voters sent in their mail ballots and were allowed to vote in person as well. In theory, poll workers should be able to flag such duplicate voters in real time and stop the second vote, per the AP, but the backup system somehow failed for 1,000. The double-voting didn't change the outcome of any race.

story continues below

Raffensperger says an investigation is underway, reports the Augusta Chronicle, but he seemed to reject the notion of innocent mistakes on the part of the voters. "They knew what they were doing," he said, adding that cases will be forwarded to local authorities for prosecution when the investigation is complete. The felony is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and 10 years in prison. State Democratic leaders accused Raffensperger, a Republican, of trying to undermine confidence in mail voting. It is clear that rather than do his job of promoting the safety and security of our voting process, the secretary of state is instead pushing the GOPs voting conspiracy theories and disinformation," says a state Democratic party official. (Earlier this month, President Trump made headlines when he suggested that voters who request mail ballots also turn up in person to vote.)
The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Advocate General on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of controversial law 'Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act' or GCTOC Act, also known as anti-terror act, which came into force in December 2019.

A division bench of Chief Justice Vikram Nath and Justice J B Pardiwala issued the notice and sought response within four weeks. The petition has been filed by a 36-year-old Mohammed Hussain Makrani alias Mamu, a resident of Rajkot, through Advocate Virat Popat. The controversial law, which was passed in 2015 and became the law last year, has several contentious issues which have been raised in the petition.

Popat said that Makrani has been booked under the new law for 10-year-old three offences. One of the cases has already been quashed by the high court while another stayed. Despite that, Rajkot police booked Makrani last month for allegedly being a member of a gang which is involved in murder, attempt to murder, rioting, among others based on offences registered a decade back.

Makrani has challenged the constitutional validity of the act and its contentious provisions including Section 2(1)(c), 2(e), 20(3), 20(4) among others on the basis that they are violative of Articles 20 and 21 of the Constitution.

Section 2 (1)(c) of the act has a provision that a person can be booked if he or she continues with offences either singly or jointly, as a member of an organised crime syndicate or on behalf of such syndicate in respect of which more than one charge sheets have been filed before a competent court within the preceding period of ten years and that court has taken cognizance of such offence.

Similarly, Section 2(e) defines organised crime as continuing unlawful activity and terrorist act including extortion, land grabbing, contract killing, economic offences, cybercrime having severe consequences, prostitution or ransom by an individual, singly or jointly, either as a syndicate, by use of violence

The petitioner has said that if both the provisions are read together it would indicate that a person can be arrested, prosecuted and convicted under the act if there is more than one chargesheet filed against the person in the preceding period of ten years. In other words, the act introduces the creation of a new offence for the acts which have taken place even before the enactment of the law.

The petition argues that such provisions under the law which didnt exist when the offence was committed is violative retroactively/retrospectively. Article 20 is not a remedy but a protection which cant be taken away by such legislation. The person accused of an offence also has a fundamental right not to be prosecuted for greater penalty than what existed at the time when the offence is committed, the petitioner has argued.

The petition has also challenged one of the most controversial provisions that allows confession made before a police officer not below the rank of Superintendent of Police to be accepted as admissible evidence.

"This provision violates all statutory and mandatory rights given to the accused. Article 20(3) provides that no person accused of an offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself," the petitioner has said. The petition also challenges provision that prevents a suspect from getting anticipatory bail stating that such a law is contrary to fundamental right safeguarded under Article 21.
Webinar will showcase recent DoD program funding and contract activity for IT hardware, software, networks, and services

SANTA CLARA, California, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Like most enterprises and government entities, information technology (IT) is vital for the US Department of Defense (DoD), specifically for its communications, situational awareness, and combat systems. As it continues standardization and quality improvement efforts, the DoD is currently searching for input from large established IT firms and innovative start-ups to save costs, speed up integration, and improve capabilities. To help IT providers understand the available opportunities in the defense sector, the Aerospace & Defense team at Frost & Sullivan will showcase the recent DoD program funding and contract activity for IT hardware, software, networks, and services.

Join Defense Industry Analyst Brad Curran for a Growth Opportunity briefing, "Top Growth Opportunities for IT Providers in the US Department of Defense," on September 17 at 11 a.m. EST. The briefing will provide a framework of the IT products and services sought by the DoD, identify the leading influencers and market participants, and outline practical go-to-market strategies.

For more information and to register for the webinar, please visit: http://frost.ly/4g8

Critical insights for the audience to understand include:

Obstacles to overcome, such as size, weight, and power (SWaP), and algorithms for cybersecurity .

. The DoD's digital modernization strategy.

strategy. How commercial technology insertions , while speeding development, also increase competition and lower market participants' margins.

, while speeding development, also increase competition and lower market participants' margins. How both traditional defense companies and commercial IT firms can help the DoD meet operational goals and enable an Internet of Battlefield Things.

The event will also be recorded and available on-demand at http://frost.ly/1ti.

About Frost & Sullivan

For over five decades, Frost & Sullivan has become world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Press Contact:

Jaylon Brinkley

Frost & Sullivan

+1 (210) 247 2481

jaylon.brinkley@frost.com
The RapidHIT ID System is a fully automated, sample-to-answer genetic analyzer, allowing for analysis of DNA reference samples in as little as 90 minutes. This frees up DNA analyst time for more complex cases and quickly provides actionable information to help solve crimes faster. Faster turnaround time means law enforcement can more efficiently catch repeat offenders, exonerate the innocent, reduce costs to the criminal justice system and make communities safer.

NDIS approval of the RapidHIT ID System by the FBI paves the way for the technology to be used in booking stations for fast DNA processing. Previously, data generated from the RapidHIT ID System required review and interpretation from a qualified DNA analyst. Now, the system can perform automated review for the vast majority of resulting profiles. Pilot studies have been conducted by the FBI and participating agencies, enabling wider implementation in booking stations nationwide in the near future.

In a multi-site study of over 1,100 buccal samples, the RapidHIT ID System performance was proven suitable for single source reference samples and shown to be comparable to traditional laboratory results. Agencies participating in the study included the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Alameda County Sheriff's Office Crime Laboratory, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Miami-Dade Police Department Forensic Services Bureau.

"NDIS approval of the RapidHIT ID system is a crucial step in supporting the FBI's vision of producing a DNA profile  and searching CODIS  while a qualifying arrestee is in police custody," said Martin Guillet, vice president and general manager for the Human Identification business at Thermo Fisher Scientific. "We remain committed to the standards of quality and integrity set forth by the forensics community, and to partnering with the law enforcement community to ensure booking station implementation is a success."

The NDIS-approved Rapid DNA system comprises the Applied Biosystems RapidHIT ID instrument, GlobalFiler Express typing kit, RapidHIT ID ACE GlobalFiler Express sample cartridge, RapidHIT ID System Software version 1.3, and RapidHIT ID Expert System software version 1.0.

Learn more at www.thermofisher.com/rapidDNA

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $25 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing productivity in their laboratories, we are here to support them. Our global team of more than 75,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services and Patheon. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.

Media Contact

Mauricio Minotta

Director, Public Relations

+1 760 929 2456

[email protected]

SOURCE Thermo Fisher Scientific

Related Links

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Credit: Delft University of Technology

This summer, a team of researchers, engineers and a drone pilot of TU Delft traveled to an airbase in Germany for the first real test flight of the scaled flight model of the energy-efficient aircraft design called the Flying-V. The project was announced last year together with KLM. After a period of extensive wind tunnel testing and a series of ground tests in the Netherlands, it was time to perform the first flight and obtain an impression of the flight characteristics. The aircraft had a very successful maiden flight.

Project leader Dr. Roelof Vos and his team of researchers and engineers took the 22.5 kg and 3-m-wide scale model of the Flying-V for flight tests to a well-guarded airbase in Germany, where they could work together with a team from Airbus. The pilot's task was to take off, fly a number of test maneuvers and approaches until the batteries were nearly empty, and land. And he succeeded.

Vos says, "One of our worries was that the aircraft might have some difficulty lifting off, since previous calculations had shown that 'rotation' could be an issue. The team optimized the scaled flight model to prevent the issue but the proof of the pudding is in the eating. You need to fly to know for sure." Rotation on take-off was performed easily and occurred at a speed of 80 km/h. The plane's thrust was good and flight speeds and angles were as predicted.

But testing new technology is never straightforward. The team had a challenging week in which they had to change the center of gravity of the aircraft and fix the antenna to improve telemetry. The flight has now also confirmed that the current design still shows too much Dutch roll, causing a slightly rough landing. A next step for the team is to use the data collected during the flight for an aerodynamic (software) model of the aircraft. This will make it possible to program it in a flight simulator to be used in future research , while further improving the flight characteristics. The team will also prepare the scale model for future flight tests.

Credit: Delft University of Technology

The Flying-V

The Flying-V is a design for a highly energy-efficient, long-distance airplane. The aircraft's design integrates the passenger cabin, the cargo hold and the fuel tanks in the wings, creating a spectacular V-shape. Computer calculations have predicted that the aircraft's improved aerodynamic shape and reduced weight will reduce fuel consumption by 20% compared to today's most advanced aircraft. KLM has been a partner in the project since 2019. Also due to their support, the project team has been able to build this scale model. It was first presented at the 100th anniversary of KLM in October 2019. Various business partners are now involved in the project, including Airbus. Airbus is also an explicit supporter for the first flight. The partners are working together on a research plan to fine-tune the concept. Next step: providing the Flying-V with sustainable propulsion, taking into account that the design seems highly suitable to carry liquid hydrogen instead of kerosene.

Explore further Airbus tests self-flying taxi

More information: Detailed information about the flight tests, including videos and photos, are available at Detailed information about the flight tests, including videos and photos, are available at https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ae/flying-v/
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 7

Trend:

Azerbaijani Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, received a new Ambassador of Iran, Seyed Abbas Mousavi, Trend reports citing the Azerbaijani MFA.

During the meeting, the ambassador presented copies of his credentials to Bayramov, said the MFA.

The parties noted the development of relations of friendship, brotherhood, and cooperation in the form of mutual respect and support exchanged views on ways to effectively execute other tasks on the agenda of bilateral cooperation.

They also discussed issues on the continuation of successful cooperation on multilateral platforms.

During the period of diplomatic activity in Azerbaijan, I will make every effort to further develop relations between the two countries, stressed Mousavi.

The ambassador conveyed to Bayramov the sincere wishes and congratulations of the Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Mousavi emphasized the great potential for deepening bilateral relations.

Noting the ongoing aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan, Bayramov expressed gratitude for the fact that Iran always supports Azerbaijan's fair position in resolving the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

For his part, Mousavi stressed that in the issue of the conflict and concerning the occupied Azerbaijani territories, Iran always supports the position of Azerbaijan, adding that his country is always ready to help in resolving the conflict.

The parties also discussed other issues of mutual interest at the meeting.
KLM had said in August that it would temporarily resume flights to Cairo for the months of September and October

Dutch airline KLM will temporarily resume biweekly flights from Amsterdam to Cairo starting Wednesday after more than three years of suspension.

KLM had said in August that it would temporarily resume flights to Cairo for the months of September and October.

According to a KLM statement last month, the flights will be operated using Boeing 777-200ER planes.

"We will assess whether Cairo can also be added to KLM's network of destinations during the winter season," KLM said.

In September 2016, the Dutch airline announced that it would suspend its services to Cairo from January 2017 for financial reasons.

It said that the devaluation of the Egyptian pound and the decision of the Central Bank of Egypt to put restrictions on the transfer of foreign currency out of Egypt had had a negative impact on the airline.

Although it halted passenger flights, it did continue cargo flights between the Netherlands and Egypt.

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U.S. Sen. Steve Daines has co-sponsored a bill to remove Endangered Species Act protection from grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and prevent any court challenge. The bill gets its first hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Wednesday morning.

Fellow Republican Sen. Mike Enzi of Wyoming authored the 80-word Grizzly Bear Management Act of 2019, which would reissue the Department of Interiors 2017 delisting rule for Greater Yellowstone grizzlies without regard to any other provision of statute or regulation that applies to the issuance of such rule. Such reissuance (including this section) shall not be subject to judicial review. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyoming, authored an identical companion bill in the House of Representatives. The hearing can be viewed on video at 8 a.m. Mountain Time on Wednesday.

That delisting rule was rejected by both a Missoula U.S. District Court judge and the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals due to problems with the state grizzly management plans and failure to use best available science. Both courts ordered the states and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to redo their plans.

Between 700 and 800 grizzly bears inhabit the 9,209-square-mile Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and recovery area including Yellowstone National Park and parts of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. It is one of six recovery areas in the Lower 48 states where grizzly bears have had ESA protection as a threatened species since 1975. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which oversees grizzly recovery, has failed twice to delist those grizzlies in 2007 and 2017.

Another approximately 1,000 grizzly bears roam the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem and recovery area, which covers about 8,900 square miles along the spine of Montanas Rocky Mountains from the Canadian border south almost to Missoula and Helena. Those bears are considered a distinct population segment from the GYE bears and other recovery areas, and would not be affected by a GYE delisting.

The science has long proven that the grizzly bear population in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem has fully recovered, Daines said on Tuesday. Delisting the grizzly bear is in the best interest of our communities, public safety, the ecosystem, wildlife, and the grizzly bear itself. Montana has proven they can conserve and manage the species and its time to return management to the state.

The bill hearing comes two days before Montanas Grizzly Bear Advisory Council delivers its report to the state Environmental Quality Council with recommendations for grizzly management. One member of that council, Stoltze Land and Lumber President Chuck Roady, will testify on Wednesday in favor of the bill. However, another council member, Nick Gevock of the Montana Wildlife Federation, said his organization objected to the bill.

This is a top-down approach, and we dont need this, Gevock said on Tuesday. States need to adopt solid plans that are sound scientifically and legally. They had them, and then they changed them in 2016 as the delisting came down. They were told the plans were deficient by the Fish and Wildlife Service staff, and they went ahead anyway.

The court rulings against the 2017 delisting rule particularly faulted the three state wildlife agencies for rejecting FWS advice about proper formulas for estimating grizzly populations. The rulings also questioned how removing protections from one recovery area might affect populations in other areas, several of which have few or no bears and depend on the more productive areas for recruitment.

The bills blocking of judicial review is similar to a provision which U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, used to delist gray wolves in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming in 2011. The Montana Wildlife Federation supported that delisting because Montana had a strong management plan for wolves in place.

The key is we had solid conservation plans that ensured wed have wolves on the landscape, Gevock said. The courts said the state-based plans are not adequate. Wyoming wanted the ability to potentially kill hundreds of bears. We need to go back and redo our plans.

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Two gang rape and murder accused, who were among three men arrested by the police in Ratlam on Monday, escaped from custody at night, police said Tuesday.

The accused - Deepak Singh and Ravi Singh  are residents of Gurjarpada village of Ratlam district.

According to police, Kalu Singh, Deepak Singh and Ravi Singh, who are cousins and residents of Gurjarpada village were arrested on Monday for abducting and gangraping a 13-year-old from another village and killing her by drowning her.

Later, the accused allegedly threw the body in a field on Sunday.

They were arrested after the villagers suspected involvement of four villagers in the crime who used to create nuisance in the village in an intoxicated state and one of them on Saturday night tried to mislead villagers when they were searching for the girl saying that she was abducted by some people in a car, said Gaurav Tiwari, superintendent of police, Ratlam.

Three of the four were arrested. They confessed their crime and told the police that they abducted the girl when she was returning home after purchasing some items from a shop. They raped her and killed her, said the SP.

They were produced before the court and the court allowed police remand for three days on Monday.

The SP said, The accused were lodged at Biplank police station. They fought over some issue on Monday night when the police personnel on duty intervened and tried to stop them from fighting. It was when they ran away. Police nabbed one of the accused Kalu Singh but others succeeded in running away.

The police have announced a reward of Rs 10,000 to whosoever give information to police about their whereabouts.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Tuesday that irresponsible behaviour of people could lead to a damaging situation as far as the Covid-19 pandemic is concerned in India.

The Health Ministry officials said that as per the inputs received from the state governments, people are avoiding tests despite having symptoms of the disease.

Besides, many people are also not following the basic Covid-19 preventive measures such as wearing masks and avoiding large gatherings.

"This could damage the situation which is still in our command," said V.K. Paul, Head of the National Task Force on Covid-19, at the weekly press briefing of the Health Ministry on Tuesday.

"The situation is still in our command as we have successfully reduced the mortality rate and the share of active cases. However, we have received complaints from the state governments that people are not confirming to testing and Covid-19 appropriate behaviour. This can make India's case volatile," Paul said.

He also cautioned that avoiding testing could be particularly dangerous.

"If we do not undergo testing despite having symptoms, it is not just dangerous for the individual, but also for the family members and the community at large," he said.

Paul also said that a tendency has been observed in people where they go for tests only after showing severe symptoms.

"We lose crucial time to contain the spread of the virus by such acts. Such an individual could infect many during the period. This attitude should be changed. There is nothing to be afraid of getting tested," he said.

Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that "do gaz ki door" (social distancing) and use of masks is mandatory and should be followed at all times.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
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Este fin de semana Mercurio y Neptuno estableceran una poderosa conexion. Los movimientos astrales este fin de semana serviran para aumentar nuestra capacidad de comprension frente a los problemas. ARIES (21 de marzo - 20 de abril) El ultimo ano se te paso muy lento. Tuviste la sensacion de que se alargo demasiado porque no conseguiste todos tus objetivos. Pero, precisamente, este es el motivo por el cual se te hizo mas tedioso. Nos pasa a todos. La mayoria de ocasiones nos parece que el tiempo
Minister of Finance Florin Citu on Tuesday told a press conference in Iasi that Romania's economy will recover in the third quarter of the year, and that all estimates, national and international, forecast growth for next year for Romania's economy.

"The economy will recover in the third quarter of the year. The National Institute of Statistics presented the data for retail and there we can see very clearly that the economy started to grow in May. The figures for the industry show the same thing. We can see the "V" very clearly in the graph for both trade and industry. So we will see that comeback. In my opinion, it will be in the third quarter. For we all knew how the second quarter would be. And it's clear to me that no one could have expected to see economic growth in the second quarter of the year, knowing that the economy was shut down for 60 days. The comeback I am talking about will be seen in the third quarter," said the Minister.He said expert estimates show Romania's economy will grow next year, too."All estimates, and not just the estimates of the National Commission for Strategy and Prognosis, but also IMF's, European Commission's estimates and of the other international institutions clearly show that Romania's economy will grow next year, similarly to the drop this year. We will try to cancel and be on the plus side in two years' time, or at least to be on zero," said Minister Florin Citu.
NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Ronald Kaplan, executive vice president of research for Rosalind Franklin University, announced today that the university will host its first national forum on brain diseases in a two-day virtual symposium on Sept. 16 and 17. The symposium is sponsored by RFU's Brain Science Institute, which was officially formed in July 2018 to recognize the university's large and diverse research programs into brain diseases, and successful external funding from the National Institutes of Health and brain-disease related foundations.

According to the American Brain Foundation, brain diseases come in many different forms and affect the lives of one in six people in the United States, or more than 50 million people, and costs over $1 trillion in annual treatment, not including the impact on work productivity.

The symposium, titled "Investing in Brain Disease Research," is being organized by Amiel Rosenkranz, PhD, director of RFU's Brain Science Institute. It will feature panels led by each of the institute's three centers, exploring the latest trends for diseases and their diagnosis and treatment in the following respective areas:

Neurodegenerative diseases

Psychiatric disorders

Brain function and repair, including genetic perspectives

In addition to RFU researchers, the symposium will feature researchers from other academic institutions, the NIH, neurological and psychiatric research foundations, and industry, including global pharma companies and early-stage companies spinning out of Chicago universities. Venture capital groups  including corporate venture capital groups that fund early-stage company research  will also participate in the program.

Keynote speakers include Arthur Levine, MD, executive director of the University of Pittsburgh's Brain Institute, former dean of the Pitt School of Medicine, and former senior vice-chancellor of health sciences. Dr. Levine received his medical degree at RFU's Chicago Medical School. Additional keynotes include Norbert Riedel, PhD, president and CEO of one of Chicago's leading neuroscience companies, Aptinyx, which originally was founded on technology from Northwestern University; and Michelle Hastings, PhD, director of RFU's Center for Genetic Diseases. Dr. Hastings was recently awarded an NIH grant to fund work stemming from her recent study published in Nature Medicine demonstrating efficacy of a new type of therapeutic approach for CLN3 Batten disease, a pediatric neurodegenerative disorder.

Dr. Rosenkranz said it is a critical and opportune time to convene the multiple players in brain-disease research fields.

"We want to explore the latest trends and discuss new therapeutic and diagnostic initiatives under development to enhance patient quality of life for these debilitating diseases," he said. "Brain disease is on the rise due to the aging of the U.S. population. It has and will continue to have a significant impact on U.S. health care and the economy, particularly such diseases as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety and numerous genetic disorders.

"As researchers, we need to be innovative about developing new approaches for progress and funding through collaborations with the public and private sector," Dr. Rosenkranz added. "The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated that when these sectors come together as a united front, an acceleration of therapeutic and diagnostic applications can be made available to patients in need."

For more information, visit https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/symposiums/brain-science-institute-2020/.

About Rosalind Franklin University

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. In 2020, the university commemorates the 100th anniversary of the scientist's birth. Recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, RFU encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Pharmacy, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Learn more at rosalindfranklin.edu.

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A conference was held Saturday in Beijing during the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) to provide support for global tourism professionals in reviving the industry.

The World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development is an important meeting which promotes multilateral cooperation, bolsters global tourism and enhances the influence of 2020 CIFTIS amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the most serious global public health crisis after World War II.

Tourism has been "one of the most affected sectors of the economy due to the pandemic," according to Vladimir Norov, secretary-general of Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), shared data to illustrate the seriousness of the situation. "Travel and tourism contribute 330 million jobs around the world. According to our latest research from June, 121 million jobs have been impacted and there are $3.4 trillion tourism GDP losses to the world economy so far."

However, China has led the way in controlling the spread of the virus and its national economy is gradually reopening, said Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). "The lifting of travel restrictions gives hope to millions of people  both in China and worldwide."

As one of four summit forums during the 2020 CIFTIS, the World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development hosted by the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) was held at the China National Convention Center. The theme of the conference was "Rebuilding World Tourism for Prosperity."

Hu Heping, Minister of Culture and Tourism of China, stated that China is willing to deepen cooperation and share its experiences with other countries to jointly promote the successful development of the industry.

The minister pointed out that the development of world tourism amid the COVID-19 pandemic was studied and discussed during the conference, which fully demonstrates the determination of the global tourism industry to overcome difficulties together. The conference brings together global wisdom, experience and power, and promotes the restoration, revitalization and prosperity of the sector.

Hu shared China's main practices in promoting the recovery and development of tourism amid pandemic controls, such as effective anti-virus and stimulus measures for the industry.

Chen Jining, chairman of the WTCF Council and mayor of Beijing, believes that tourism is a resilient and comprehensive industry, while the occurrence of large-scale pandemics often leads to major changes in tourism and related services. "The COVID-19 pandemic has not changed people's love for tourism, but it has given rise to a new model of decentralized, personalized, customized and reservation-based tourism, bringing new opportunities for the rebuilding of tourism and economic recovery."

Chang Yang, vice president of Alibaba Group, concluded that the major effects of the worldwide pandemic have been an acceleration of digitalization, growth in new business models, and changes in consumption capacity. From his perspective, further improvements in, and new driving forces for, the development of the tourism industry are needed to accelerate its recovery.

Taking Alibaba's practical experience as an example, Chang focused on three major aspects driving new growth in the tourism industry: intellectual property, digitalization and green development. "We hope to utilize commercial infrastructure established over the past two decades, connect with users, provide stronger incentives for world travel, and present culture using technology in order to aid in its revitalization," he said.

Later, Chen Dong, secretary-general of the WTCF and director-general of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, released the Action Guide on Recovery and Revitalization of City Tourism Amid COVID-19. In addition, contracts for 21 projects valued at a total of over 15 billion yuan were signed at the Tourism Investment and Financing Conference.
AMMAN, Jordan - The U.N. refugee agency said Tuesday it has confirmed two coronavirus cases in the Azraq camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan, which is home to more than 40,000 people who have fled their countrys civil war.

They are the first infections to be detected among Syrians living in refugee camps in Jordan. The UNHCR said the two patients were transferred to quarantine facilities after testing positive late Monday, and their neighbours have been isolated as more testing is carried out.

More than 5.5 million Syrians have fled the country since the war broke out in 2011, with most settling in neighbouring countries where they often live in close quarters and struggle to make ends meet. Coronavirus lockdowns have taken a heavy toll on the regions economies, making it even harder for refugees to find work.

Azraq is home to around 40,000 Syrian refugees, while the larger Zaatari camp in Jordan houses around 80,000. Jordan hosts a total of more than 650,000 Syrian refugees, most of whom live outside of camps. At least four Syrian refugees living outside the camps in Jordan have tested positive, with three of them recovering.

This is the first confirmed case of coronavirus in refugee camps in Jordan, the UNHCR said in a statement. It is a reminder that everyone has been affected by this epidemic, and solutions must be addressed through international solidarity and co-operation.

UNHCR spokesman Mohammad Hawari said the two patients were transferred to an isolation centre on the Dead Sea. Those who were living with them, as well as their neighbours, were moved to an isolation zone inside the camp, and everyone who had contact with them is being tested, he said.

He added that the camp hospital has 14 beds designated for patients with COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. But he said officials are concerned the virus could easily spread among the crowded population.

Experts and aid agencies have warned of potentially catastrophic outbreaks in the worlds refugee camps, where sanitation is often poor and social distancing is nearly impossible. Over 70 million people worldwide have fled their homes because of war and unrest, and up to 10 million live in refugee camps and informal settlements.

___

Associated Press writer Joseph Krauss in Jerusalem contributed.
While he acknowledged that the use of force by law enforcement should be thoroughly investigated, Mr. Pence did not refer to the police shooting of Jacob Blake, instead focusing on the violent aftermath of the shooting in Kenosha, Wis., much as Mr. Trump did in his visit there last week.

In his own trip there last week, Mr. Biden met with the Blake family, as Ms. Harris did Monday upon arriving in Milwaukee.

She also met with union workers as well as Black business owners and pastors in the city, where Democratic turnout dipped four years ago and aided Mr. Trumps victory.

We have to get this done, I need your help in Milwaukee, Ms. Harris told supporters lined up to greet her on the sidewalk, encouraging them to participate in early voting.

Even before the events in Kenosha, the states evenly divided politics and Mr. Trumps need to keep his 2016 map largely intact were already thrusting Wisconsin to the center of this years race.

After Hillary Clinton memorably failed to campaign here four years ago, Mr. Biden last week chose Wisconsin as his first Midwestern campaign stop after the Democratic convention, and he has assured local party leaders that he will return regularly.

Desperate to keep Wisconsin in their column, local Republicans this summer sought to put the rapper Kanye West on the states ballot in hopes he could drain votes from Mr. Biden and make it easier for the president to win with less than a majority, as Mr. Trump did four years ago. But they were late filing paperwork for Mr. West and are now in court appealing the decision to keep him off the ballot.
President Trump said Tuesday that he will extend a longstanding ban on offshore drilling off the coast of Florida, a critical 2020 swing state, and expand it to Georgia and South Carolina.

Why it matters: The announcement would further seal off the eastern Gulf of Mexico, a region long-coveted by oil companies.

Offshore drilling has bipartisan political opposition in Florida, with opponents including GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis, per the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Where it stands: Much of the eastern Gulf is protected from development only through 2022 under a 2006 law that expanded access in some areas and created a program for nearby states to share revenue from leasing and royalties.

Trump's presidential memorandum puts the areas off-limits through mid-2032.

Most offshore U.S. oil-and-gas production comes from the central and western Gulf.

The intrigue: The amount of industry interest in unexplored regions going forward is less certain amid low energy prices that may persist for a long time, and the pandemic's potentially long-lasting effects on demand.

That said, the area's proximity to the existing Gulf offshore industry and infrastructure would have been a plus for the sector.

One unnamed industry official told Politico that today's move was a "complete ambush."

Flashback: Then-Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said in 2018 that his agency, which regulates offshore drilling, planned to remove areas around Florida from areas it had initially proposed make available for oil-and-gas leasing in the years ahead.
The Navi Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested three men for breaking into an electronics showroom in Kharghar on August 30 to steal mobile phones and laptops worth Rs50 lakh. The accused also robbed the DVR of CCTV cameras installed in the shop, leaving no clues behind for police to investigate.

Bipin Kumar Singh, Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner, said: The taxi used by the accused was also stolen. Hence, the investigating team had absolutely no clue about the accused.

A police officer from the Central Unit Crime Branch, requesting anonymity, said, We tried tracing the taxi used in the crime by using the trail of CCTV footages. But, beyond Mankhurd they could not be traced.

The accused were finally arrested on September 4 after senior police inspector (central unit) Nivrutti Kolhatkar and his team received information about their whereabouts.

The accused have been identified as Ayaan alias Nisar alias Bittu Rafi Ahmad Shaikh (28), a resident of Dharavi and originally hailing from Bihar, Shafikulla alias Sonu Atikullah (24) of Matunga and originally hailing from Uttar Pradesh, and Imran Mohammad alias Immu Bindu Ansari (25) of Nallasopara.

The accused had stolen the taxi from Kurla on August 14 and did a recce of Shiv Electronics in Kharghar. In the wee hours of August 30, they broke into the shop using gas cutters.

Suresh Mengade, deputy commissioner of police (special branch), said: After entering the shop, they covered all the windows with curtains so that none from outside could notice them. They chose this shop as it was surrounded by less CCTVs outside.

After the accused were arrested, police recovered stolen phones and laptops worth Rs 45 lakh from their possession. Police learnt that the accused had planned to take the stolen booty to various states and sell them.

Once the accused crossed the state and sold the stolen booty, it would become challenging to trace the goods. The accused had planned to transport these goods via trucks to various agents in Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana. The stolen phones and laptops were usually sold at half the rate to these agents, Singh said.

The accused have previous history of crime in Mumbai, Thane rural and Palghar. Around 26 cases have been registered against them. They have been remanded to police custody till September 11.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is developing a flood warning system for and Kolkata, Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary M Rajeevan said on Monday.

He said more cities are witnessing flooding because of urbanisation and choking of drainage systems.

The IMD has already developed a flood warning system for Mumbai and Chennai, Rajeevan said, adding that the one for Mumbai was launched in June.

"We are also developing a similar system for and Kolkata," he said at a press briefing.

Rajeevan and IMD Director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra also pointed out that the IMD had very accurately predicted the behaviour of Super Cyclone Amphan in May well in advance and helped save lives and property.

Cyclone Amphan had hit West Bengal.

They admitted that east and west coast cyclones have different weather patterns and tracking them minutely sometimes differ from the forecast.

"Though the Cyclone Nisarga (which hit the Raigad coast near Mumbai in June) was also well tracked and predicted from a low pressure area to its peak, there was some difference about its landfall," Rajeevan said.

To a question on doppler radars, he said their numbers are being increased across the country.

Rajeevan said that a radar is also coming up near the Kannur airport in Kerala.

(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.)
-, Contributor / SPA/AFP via Getty Images



With few signs of a strong surge in demand and a correction in the price of oil, it looks like OPEC+ eased output limits too soon and the price of oil is headed lower, analysts said.



Crude oil prices are testing seasonal lows, with both Brent and West Texas Intermediate sustaining big losses last week.



Crude oil trades lower for a sixth day with both WTI and Brent challenging the July lows at $38.50 and $41.40 per barrel, respectively, Ole Hanson, the head of commodity strategy at Danish investment firm Saxo Bank, told us from Copenhagen. The long overdue correction has been driven by a stronger dollar and emerging concerns that OPEC+ may have lifted production too soon amid the sluggish global oil demand recovery.

COMING SOON: Petrochemical industry facing peak demand for plastics



The core members of OPEC, along with a handful of major oil producers such as Russia, collectively known as OPEC+, flooded the market with another 2 million barrels a day when they reduced daily production cuts to 7.7 million barrels from 9.7 million barrels in August. To compound the issue, Saudi Arabia lowered its official selling price by $1.40 per barrel in Asia, 20 cents per barrel in for Europe and 60 cents per barrel in the United States, putting downward pressure on oil prices.



Market moves were muted by the long Labor Day holiday in the United States, still the worlds largest economy. The holiday marks an unofficial end to summer and the last big chance to take vacation, but the situation may be different under quarantine. Well see how the long holiday and low retail gasoline prices affeced demand, but with more than 29 million people still off the payrolls, and with federal stimulus expired, the weekend could indicate not only the end of summer, but the end of strong demand for the year.
"We are very honored to receive a Corporate Citizenship Award for the fourth consecutive year," said Sushil K. Tuli, Chairman and CEO of Leader Bank. "Leader Bank strives to be a true community bank, which includes giving back to local non-profits and organizations that help serve the needs of our neighbors and friends, and we are proud of our employees who volunteered nearly 2,000 hours of their time last year to worthy causes in Massachusetts. We look forward to continuing this tradition of service to our communities in the years to come."

This list is published annually to showcase companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities.

"During a year filled with unprecedented events and change, it's incredible to think that the Boston Business Journal's Corporate Charitable Contributors list is the largest we have ever compiled. These companies gave back at least $100,000 to the local community, and now we are in a time when giving back and helping one another is more important than ever," said Boston Business Journal Market President and Publisher Carolyn Jones. "These philanthropic companies prioritize the welfare of our communities, and we are excited to be able to honor them."

This year 107 companies qualified for the distinction. Honorees include companies from health care, technology, professional services, retail, and more. Leader Bank will be honored along with the other winners at the BBJ's 15th Annual Corporate Citizenship Awards, to be held virtually this year.

About Leader Bank

With assets of nearly $2 billion, Leader Bank, N.A. is a nationally chartered bank founded in 2002 with seven full-service branches in Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Burlington, and Cambridge. Leader Bank offers a full range of personal and business banking products including personal and business checking accounts, commercial and residential lending products, home equity lines of credit, deposit products with highly competitive rates and free online banking and bill payment services. Visit Leader Bank's website at www.leaderbank.com or any one of the Bank's convenient branch locations for more information. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #449250.

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Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth has postponed sailing from Portsmouth Naval base for the second day in a row after crew members had tested positive for Covid-19.

The HMS Queen Elizabeth was due to head out from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for training exercises at sea, but has remained in the port again today after seven crew members tested positive for coronavirus.

Around 100 further members of crew are isolating onboard because they have been in contact with positive cases, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.

Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (above) has postponed sailing from Portsmouth Naval base for the second day in a row

Seven crew members tested positive for coronavirus and were removed from the ship to self-isolate while 100 further members are isolating on-board

Infected crew members have been removed from the ship and will continue to isolate.

The ship was due to set sail for two weeks today if new tests gave the all-clear, after the aircraft carrier was first postponed from setting off yesterday.

It was previously confirmed that the 3billion warship was set to leave Portsmouth Historic Dockyard yesterday afternoon for training exercises but the departure was put on hold at the last moment.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed that 'fewer than 10' members of the 1,000-strong crew had tested positive for the coronavirus and had been taken ashore to be put into isolation in barracks.

Other sailors who had contact with their infected crew-mates will isolate on board the 65,000 tonne ship which was expected to leave Portsmouth as soon as Tuesday.

It is the second time the carrier has had to postpone its sailing after two crew members tested positive for Covid-19 in April.

It was previously confirmed that the 3billion warship was set to leave Portsmouth Historic Dockyard yesterday afternoon for training exercises but the departure was put on hold

A Royal Navy spokesman said: 'A small number of HMS Queen Elizabeth's personnel have tested positive for Covid during routine preparation for sailing.

'Those affected have been isolated and are working with the NHS Test and Trace system to ensure the virus does not spread further.

'The crew will continue to follow appropriate health guidelines and the HMS Queen Elizabeth will depart once their status has been confirmed.'

The spokesman said that the decision when to sail would be left to the carrier's commanding officer Captain Angus Essenhigh who will act on PHE guidance.

The carrier is expected to carry out training exercises at sea before returning to base for supplies ahead of departing for major international exercises including the embarkment for the first time of both US and UK F35 Lightning jets.

It is aiming to declare strike carrier capability later this year ahead of its first operational deployment in 2021.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed that 'fewer than 10' members of the 1,000-strong crew had tested positive for the coronavirus and had been taken ashore to be put into isolation

The spokesman said that the decision when to sail would be left to the carrier's commanding officer Captain Angus Essenhigh who will act on PHE guidance

The ship was due to set sail for two weeks today if new tests gave the all-clear, after the aircraft carrier was first postponed from setting off yesterday

A number of British and American F-35B stealth jets will also be onboard the aircraft carrier in the largest cohort of jets seen on a British warship in more than a decade.

American aviators from the US Marine Corps arrived at RAF Marham last week to prepare for the role.

The Queen Elizabeth is due to deploy on her first operational mission early next year, which will she her travelling across the world.

Her sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales, is expected to undertaker its maiden operational deployment in 2023.
As part of efforts to mark International Day of Charity, Vodafone Ghana Foundation has donated hampers to 30 newly delivered mothers in designated hospitals in the Greater Accra and Northern Regions.



The hamper which contained essential items such as baby diapers, mosquito nets, soap, disinfectant, lotion, clothes and COVID-19 safety items were given to mothers and babies in hospitals including LEKMA Teshie, Amasaman Government Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital and West Gonja Catholic Hospital in the Savannah Region.



Speaking on the donation, Board Member of Vodafone Ghana Foundation, Mr. Michael N.A. Cobblah, said, the initiative forms part of the Foundations new project dubbed #BirthdayStars Project.



To support sustainable initiatives that drive social change, improve peoples lives and solve pressing social needs, the Foundation has launched an initiative called the #BirthdayStars Project. The project seeks to execute monthly initiatives tied to staff birthday celebrants to mark special days in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations in that particular month.



And as part of activities to mark the project for the month, the Foundation together with Vodafone staff who are celebrating their birthdays in the month of September decided to donate to newly delivered mothers and settle the bills of the mothers who were still in the hospitals because of medical bills. In all, five (5) health facilities in the Greater Accra and Northern Regions have been selected to benefit from this charity, he explained.



Commenting on the initiative, Lead of Vodafone Ghana Foundation Rev. Amaris Nana Perbi, said Vodafone Foundation is committed to invest in strategic initiatives for the betterment of communities.



Over the years, we have freed new mothers who cannot afford to pay for their medical bills to go home and unite with their families and loved ones through initiatives such as homecoming. We will continue to ensure we make a difference in the lives of millions across the country in all the ways we can to ensure we fully execute our mandate of bettering lives.



On his part, Mr. Charles Banafo, Head of Administration, LEKMA Hospital, commended Vodafone Ghana Foundation for the kind gesture and also appealed to some foreign nationals to desist from the attitude of not paying their bills after receiving medical care. This he said does not help hospital facilities to administer healthcare in their full capacities.



The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Vodafone Ghana, Vodafone Ghana Foundation, and birthday celebrants for the support.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Andhra Pradesh chief minister (CM) YS Jaganmohan Reddy is upfront in his criticism of the Telugu Desam Partys (TDP) N. Chandrababu Naidu but is cautious while talking about the Congress or explaining his supportive, issue-based approach to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In an interview to Vinod Sharma, he explained that his vision of three capital cities for Andhra Pradesh was informed by the residuary states past two bifurcations (in which it lost Chennai and Hyderabad) and predicated on decentralisation of development.

How prepared are you in Andhra to contain the spread of Covid-19? The infection has gravely spiked in recent weeks amid reports of the health infrastructure seeming to crumble under pressure. The decision of your deputy CM Amjad Ali and other legislators to seek treatment in private facilities is an expression of no confidence in the states health infrastructure.

We are fully prepared to contain the spread of Covid-19. From being a state with not even a single lab to test for the virus, Andhra Pradesh has, since March 2020 (when the sample of the first case was sent to Bengaluru) has acquired the capacity to test more than 60,000 samples a day. We are pursuing a trace-test-isolate and treat policy. All district health teams supported by line departments are fully involved in cluster containment under the direct supervision and monitoring of district collectors. A look at the spread of infection in Andhra indicates that the cases started spreading after unlocking started.

The recent spike in cases is expected as lakhs of migrant workers have returned to the state. Our health infrastructure is fully prepared to handle any surge with 4,214 ICU [intensive care unit] beds with oxygen, 17,232 non-ICU Beds with oxygen, 17,161 general beds and 1,620 ventilators. In terms of human resources also, we are fully geared up. In addition to the existing health care workers in the system, 2,926-general duty medical officers, 1,598-specialists, 1,461 anesthesiologists and other technicians, 4,487 staff nurses, 11,200 trainee nurses, 4,109-nursing orderlies, 4,394- sanitation workers and 712 data entry operators have been recruited by the district collectors. Above that, 9,712 health professionals are being recruited on regular basis at the state level. That includes 2,000 medical officers, 4,600 staff nurses and other paramedics. The health infrastructure with this kind of manpower and a fully committed administration will be handling any surge without any pressure on the system.

Youve said the people have to learn to live with Covid-19. By official counts, Covid cases are rising in thousands every day. Whats your strategy to contain the pandemic?

It is now an accepted fact that the people have to live along with the virus in the manner we are living with other diseases. To contain its spread, we have to follow Covid-appropriate behavior. We are aggressively tracing and testing (60,000 samples a day) people in containment clusters. We are leveraging on the availability of two lakh volunteers under the newly established 13,000 village and ward secretariats. Each volunteer is allotted 50 households approximately with the mandate to closely monitor their health status. In the last five months, these volunteers, supported by 43,000 ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) and 23,000 auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) have visited 1.4 crore households five times during the fever survey and identified persons with Covid-like symptoms and started testing them. Testing is happening in cluster/containment zones. All primary and secondary contacts of positive person are being tested. Our strategy of aggressive testing has taken cue from international learning and WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines. We have put in place a RCCE (Risk Communication and Community Engagement) strategy with the support of UNICEF (United Nations Childrens Fund), to reach training and awareness on Covid-appropriate behaviour to 1.06 crore households. A month-long mask campaign has also been initiated for 95% mask utilization in urban and rural areas. With such a robust system in place, we are very confident of controlling and containing Covid-19. The curve will hopefully be flattened very soon.

Going by your governments statements, the YSR Cheyutha scheme is said to be a game-changer for rural Andhra, aim as it does to benefit women belonging to the SC (scheduled caste), ST (scheduled tribe), BC (backward class) and minority communities. But there is criticism that its not reaching the targeted beneficiaries across caste and religion.

The idea behind YSR Cheyutha is to help women take up self-employment ventures. Nearly 80% of women between 45- 60 age group are being covered. To make the effort successful, the government is trying for backward and forward linkages to these units with corporate companies like Amul and ITC. The scheme will cover all religions. The scheme is not meant for any particular religion.

Your bid to help the poor through direct benefit transfers is laudable. The flip side is that the outreach will consolidate your vote bank, not the states economy thats in the red.

All states, including the central government, have been implementing several schemes, few are through DBT (direct benefit transfer) and others vide traditional methods. The reform that we brought is to ensure that the DBT system is foolproof, that there are no leakages and benefits reaches the genuine beneficiary directly, completely, in time and without corruption. New schemes such as Amma Vodi and Rythu Bandhu are investments in social sector. What the states responsibility? Maintaining law and order besides focusing on education, health and agriculture. Any investment in these sectors cannot be simple welfare measures. These, in fact, are social capital building investments. If we can provide free education to all depending on their requirement without compromising on quality--- that is the best any state can do towards its people. It is a misconception that only private institutions provide quality education. The IITs {Indian Institujtes of Technology}, IIMs {Indian Institutes of Management}, IISc {Indian Institute of Science} and several other top educational institutions are in public sector. My governments focus is to bring back primacy to education in government sector and schemes like Amma Vodi (for financial assistance to mothers to educate their children) are a step in that direction. Providing school books, improving the quality of mid-day meal, strengthening staff and physical infrastructure are aimed at providing quality education. Investments in such schemes cannot be looked at as a burden on the exchequer. Same is the case with the health sector. Andhras per capita expenditure in the health sector is more than any other state because of schemes like Arogyasri, which has been revamped in terms of coverage and reach. Improving support systems like ambulances and providing some financial relief to the poor after they are discharged from hospitals is something which any government should do. Expenditure on health cannot be considered as a drain on the states finances. To provide good quality and free health services is the fundamental responsibility of the state. Most of our welfare schemes revolve around education, health and agriculture. The services we extend to farmers are limited because we will never be able to do as much as they need. Thats one sector which had always been neglected. A portion of the money is spent on irrigation and the rest on investment subsidy to the farmer. Direct or indirect investments in the primary sectors ultimately come back to the states economy in one form or the other.

My father, late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, studied the ground realities when he came to power in the undivided Andhra in 2004. In 1997, more than 7,000 farmers had committed suicide in the state. Instead of going to the root cause of the problem, the then TDP dispensation brushed the issue under the carpet by passing the buck on to spurious seeds, pesticides and other trivial issues. YSR understood the problem and realized that most of the farmers committed suicide because of debt. They incurred debt for three reasons: childrens education, health issues and for sinking bore wells in the absence of surface water. Thats what brought about the fee reimbursement scheme, Arogyasri; irrigation projects and free power supply to the agriculture sector. These schemes addressed the problem and yielded the desired results. I am carrying forward these schemes with some improvisation besides expanding the base. While continuing fee reimbursement, we are focusing on schools, where the infrastructure is being revamped and the curriculum redesigned to meet high standards of education. In the irrigation sector, we are extending input subsidy to save the farmer from a debt trap. We are doing that while not ignoring infrastructure creation: irrigation projects like Polavaram are going on; three sea ports are coming up; huge investments are being made in the power sector. Some roads and buildings projects are being lined up with the aid of the World Bank.

It is not the large number of welfare schemes which are causing the so-called financial stress. As CM, I inherited pending bills of Rs 40,000 crore in the power sector alone from the previous government. No one was aware of it. This is equal to the money my government spent in a year on all welfare schemes. The state had a debt burden of Rs 1.17 lakh crore when Andhra Pradesh was divided in 2014 and by 2019 it went up to Rs 3 lakh crore. Repayment stress is there. Pending bills were huge. Then to our misfortune, the economy started doing badly and then came the Covid pandemic.

Where was the need for separate village secretariats and village volunteer system? Is the administration unable to reach the people properly at the grass-root level?

The village secretariat and village volunteer system is to provide a delivery mechanism at gross root level; or in panchayat raj parlance (designating) functionaries in the villages itself to ensure that schemes are delivered without pilferage. After the introduction of the village secretariat system, pilferage has come to a nought in DBT schemes and welfare measures. There were some functionaries earlier in the panchayat raj system, the people didnt know who they were and where they sat. Now, they are in the midst of the beneficiaries.

For want of employment, many governments have been trying to give unemployment dole. Instead of a dole, why not we use the youth in a purposeful and service oriented manner--- and pay them Rs 5,000 as an honorarium instead of Rs 2,000 dole. That makes them better and more responsible human beings. In Andhra, they are playing a crucial role in the implementation of welfare schemes. Theyve played a crucial role during natural calamities and against the Covid pandemic. People have positively received the experiment and appreciated the village volunteers for their efforts.

When 60% of the population lives in villages, common sense tells us that 60% of the government employees should be available in villages. In reality, till this government came to power, not even 6% of the government employees were in villages. Most of them were in urban centres. Thats what we have reversed.

The Centre has lagged behind in paying GST compensation to states. If the stalemate lingers, would you be open to borrowing from the market? Whatll be its impact on Andhras exchequer?

It is OK. They are taking time and so far paying a little late. It is not that they have drastically cut down. They have been passing on (the money) with some delays. This is understandable keeping in view the Covid situation and its impact on the countrys economy. The only way to overcome the crisis is borrowing. The Centre has also asked the states to go for additional borrowings. As we cannot tax people more, we are working on possible additional revenue generating options.

In the context of the New Education Policy, how do you move forward with your promise of English medium in schools?

The problem is till Class V. The new education policy says post Class V there is no compulsion to have mother tongue as the medium of instruction. In other words, we can implement English medium in schools from Class VI the way we have designed and planned. Up to Class V, primacy has to be given to the mother tongue. While conforming to the national policy, we can start giving more and more inputs on English up to Class V so that the students are equipped to switch over to English medium from Class VI.

We feel the Centre has done an excellent job in bringing equity in the new education policy. We decided to introduce English medium not because we love English and want to neglect our mother tongue. It is because we wanted to bring in equity. Those who can afford are sending their kids to English medium schools while the children of poor people are being forced to study in regional languages as they cannot afford English medium schools. Students with private school background are taking away major chunk of the jobs in public and private sectors, leaving behind those who are educated in mother tongue in government schools. The idea of English medium education is to create an equal platform. If private schools across the country introduce mother tongue as the medium of instruction till Class V in conformation with the new education policy, then there is no issue at all.

After the creation of Telangana, your predecessor Chandrababu Naidu unsuccessfully sought a special category status from the Centre for Andhra. He wanted to build in the state a revenue-earning city comparable to Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. Not much has been heard of that since you became the CM.

We cannot give up the demand for special category status( SCS). An agro-based state like Andhra can take off industrially only if some quality industrial incentives are given. That would be the biggest incentive as revenue deficit is being taken care of anyhow. Both the previous finance commission and present finance commission have addressed the revenue deficit issue. The so-called financial package is not going to help address the fundamental issue of industrial incentives which the hill states are extended with. We continue to harp on SCS as we cannot afford to give it up.

Coming to the second part of your question on revenue-earning city, I call it a perverted thinking. Nowhere in the world has it been proved. Major cities grow over decades and centuries. Investing Rs 1 lakh crore to build a mega metro is not viable. Forget about additional revenue, you cannot even repay the debt which you have spent on infrastructure. What is the contribution of major cities of the US to its economy? Take for example a place called Omaha. With 4 lakh population, it headquarters 23 of the fortune 500 companies of the world. That is where Warren Buffet stays. Bill Gates operates from Seattle. Revenue gets generated through manufacturing and a proper service sector. Why should industry be located in urban areas? For instance, Visakhapatnam is not our capital. When it was a small town, a steel plant and a few other industries were set up there a few decades ago. Now, it is emerging as a major city.

In a similar way, we can have growth centres where industries can be promoted. The Covid experience tells us that most of the cities ultimately become sick. There is a gradual shift from the so-called major cities or metros to medium and small towns. Look at the top 10 developed countries. None of them have a metro and mega city. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland and Finlandall these developed countries have no mega cities. Development is not industrialisation or urbanisation. Development means many things like per capita income and happiness index.

Instead of pouring in the entire money in building a congested and not-required urban place, spend that money in connecting various places and ensuring faster mobility and cost-effectiveness. It is a wrong perception that cities generate more money. Barring a couple of exceptions, greenfield capital cities did not succeed anywhere in the world. The success of one such city was built on oil money, which was abundantly available in that nation. Infrastructure was created as financial resources were available in plenty. They did not look at it from the economic angle. Do we have that many resources to build the so-called Amaravati? The Boston Consultancy Group analysed it from economic perspective and said its investments are not viable

That brings one to your plans to have separate capitals for the three arms of the state: the executive, the judiciary and the legislature. The matter is sub-judice. But you certainly can share the administrative vision behind the move.

The three capitals is a laymans perception. (In effect) the capital citys functions are being distributed: executive functions from Visakhapatnam; legislative functions from Amaravati and judicial functions from Kurnool. These are the exact words used by Sivaramakrishnan Committee. The capitals functions can be distributed among different places. Why all these functions should be delivered from a particular place? The residuary state of Andhra Pradesh suffered twice in the past on account of Chennai and Hyderabad. That is what history tells us. If you lay all your eggs in one basket, you are going to suffer. Then why you want to continue with the same approach without taking into account the past experiences? It is not logical and rational thinking. The insider trading approach in Madhapur of Hyderabad in late 90s is tried again by the previous regime in Amaravati. If the secretariat and assembly or high court do not mean development, then why bother do not talk about them. The document prepared by the previous regime says that you need Rs 1 lakh crore. Instead of planning to build a so-called city at a place which is not suitable for construction of any mega structures in 33,000 acres land acquired or pooled from farmers, he could have planned something in 500 acres elsewhere.

Why does he need 33,000 acres when a mere 500 acre land is sufficient as per the Sivaramakrishnan report? The special investigating team is probing land deals, unearthing benamis of my predecessor and his cronies. People with vested interests purchased lands from poor farmers. Then came the announcement of the capital and subsequent scam. Those who purchased lands at throwaway prices benefited to the tune of thousands of crores of rupees. It was just a real estate business by the previous regime to benefit a certain section of people. Once the development is diversified and spread across the state, they become centres of growth in near future.

How many major cities does Kerala have? None! And yet, Kerala is ahead of other states in several parameters. Development has to be distributed across the state. Visakhapatnam, Anantapuram, Kurnool and Tirupati and a few other cities can become clusters of development. Ports are being developed. Central Andhra, which is an agriculture hub, can have some agrologistic parks and all can prosper.

Whatll you say to the criticism that you want to downgrade Amaravati to slight Naidu? The charge sticks also because the TDP leader hasnt been too kind to your administration whom he accuses of spying on the Opposition.

This is absurd. Why should we bother about Amaravati? We believe in the overall development of the state. We did not leave Amaravati. The legislature will continue to work from Amaravati. When experts say it is a wrong approach, why dont you respect their opinion?

In India, the concept of referendum isnt in use. The other option available for taking a decision is the experts opinion. Had there been a referendum option available, we would have definitely gone for it. We are confident the people would have given a thumbs up for our decentralised development. Except those 29 villages and 10,000 farmers opposing decentralisation for obvious reasons, the entire state would have stood behind us if a referendum were to be conducted. Since, there is no scope for this, we respected the committee appointed by the central government (and) we appointed our own expert committee. They too have given their opinion. We took the opinion of BCG. Based on the feedback from such quarters, the states political executive took a conscious decision that a decentralised model is far better than a centralised model.

Mega cities are unwanted, they only drain resources and become a burden on the people. The governments role is to provide services at optimum cost. We are for decentralised development; we are going for multi-speciality hospitals and medical colleges in all districts (new districts are going to be carved from the existing 13 districts).

The spying allegation (by Naidu) is absurd. The DGP{director general of police} asked the opposition to produce evidence which they could not. In fact, when we were in the opposition, phones of our senior leaders were tapped and we had provided official proof to that effect.

Your father YS Rajasekhara Reddy was also a political opponent of Naidu. But hed often say that they started in politics at the same time, in the same party and were friends on that count. Isnt there a need for rival parties and leaders to work together when the pandemic is posing serious challenges to public health and the economy?

They are stuck with the single idea that they should protect their investments in Amaravathi. They have no other agenda. In the last 15 months, hes only talking about Amaravati and nothing else. Amaravati is not worth discussing. We have said time and again that we are for decentralised development. Theres no way we can consider one single place for development just because you and your colleagues purchased land there. What cooperation you are referring to? After March, he (Naidu) has not set foot in Andhra while the state is battling the pandemic.

How are you viewing the recent demands for an overhaul of the Congress, your erstwhile party? Can it stay intact without a Gandhi family member at the helm?

Ours is a regional party and is very strong in Andhra. We do not have the numbers to influence national politics despite being the fourth largest party in the Lok Sabha. Our role is confined to the development of the state which was pushed into a disadvantageous position after the bifurcation. We are in the process of rebuilding the state. National aspirations are not of a priority to us.

Howd you describe your equation with the BJP whom your party has often supported in the Parliament? Are you a proximate ally or an issue-based supporter?

We place the interests of our state ahead of other (matters) and navigate in that direction in dealing with every issue. We believe that the special category status for Andhra will be a reality, if not now, then in the near future. We are optimistic on that count. Our support will be issue-based and will dovetail the betterment of our state in every aspect. We are in the process of rebuilding the state after its reorganisation.
The General Secretary of the biggest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has said the partys 2020 manifesto, christened The Peoples Manifesto is the result of out-of-the-box thinking which holds the solutions to Ghanas problems.

Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia said on Monday, 7 September 2020 during the launch of the NDCs manifesto at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) that the party thought it wise to seek solutions from the ordinary people of Ghana rather than pretending its experts and technocrats had all the answers.

He said the NDC used the same strategy used by former President Jerry John Rawlings in forming a Consultative Assembly of ordinary Ghanaians to draft the countrys 1992 Constitution.

Even before the manifesto launch, former President John Mahama had promised to create one million jobs for the youth, legalise okada business, provide free primary health care, fight corruption among other promises.

In July last year, Mr Mahama said the Manifesto Working Committee of the NDC presented to him The Peoples Manifesto for the 2020 general elections.

I have received a copy of our manifesto for the December 2020 elections from the Manifesto Working Committee, Mr Mahama wrote on social media on Republic Day  1 July 2020.

This document, The Peoples Manifesto, will represent the NDC and my social contract with the good people of Ghana, he said.

I thank you all for your contributions to the compilation, and, as I have promised, I look forward to the Policy Dialogue Series through which I will be sharing details of the various sectors and themes of the Manifesto, he said.

Last year, Mr Mahama said the NDCs 2020 manifesto will be a document put together after a detailed consultative process with both party members as well as identifiable bodies who were not necessarily politicians.

Speaking at the inauguration of the partys manifesto committee in Accra on Wednesday, 23 October 2019, the flag bearer of the party said the NDCs activities are aimed at restoring hope and addressing the increasing hardship inflicted on Ghanaians, unprecedented corruption and the family-and-friends governance we are saddled with today.

The former President noted that the NDC, through its manifesto, will provide a robust set of policy options guided by research but most importantly, by broad consultations, to renew hope in the governance of the country to accelerate what was a successful beginning to the diversification and transformation of our economy and significantly improve the living conditions of our people.

According to Mr Mahama, in the past, the NDC manifesto had been drawn up by a technical committee set up by the party largely based in Accra and producing for the party, a document based mainly on the expertise of the membership, but the 2020 manifesto will be different.

He said it will be a manifesto that will be the conclusion of a long, detailed consultative process involving broad interactions with our people, incorporating their concerns, their hopes and their aspirations.

At the time, Mr Mahama charged the committee to put together a document which when the average voter picks up, at a glance, he/she should be able to see in clear and simple terms what the NDC contracts to do in the next four years in his/her life, in his/her region and in every segment of our national life.

The NDC, has, since then, consulted many bodies including the TUC, ICU, Mine Workers Union, student unions, Persons with Disability (PwDs), the Federation of Muslim Council, market women, fishermen and other segments of the population in putting together its manifesto.

---classfmonline
PHILIPSBURG:--- Erwin Romney was awarded the President of Parliament Award 2020.

A youth is awarded annually the President of Parliament Award for being a role model, demonstrating leadership skills as well as contributing to the community.

At the tender age of nine, Mr. Erwin Romney began his journey in making a difference for his country when he joined the first St. Maarten Boys Brigade. At the age of fourteen, he was promoted to Lance Corporal and at eighteen promoted to Sergeant. Twenty-two-year old Romney is the epitome of resilience, persistence, and servant leadership. He has overcome personal odds on many fronts and is still overcoming, but his commitment to his growth, services, and community development have allowed him to persevere against all odds. He is an ambitious, deep-thinking young man who never hesitates to serve his fellow man and community. During his three-year tenure in Victorious Youth Wing (Y2X), he has proven to be a great learner who is always willing to go the extra mile.

This years President of Parliament Award 2020 was awarded by the Hon. President of Parliament Mr. Rolando Brison to Mr. Erwin Romney; this was done in a virtual setting at the conclusion of the Opening ceremony of the Parliamentary Year 2020-2021.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Romney shared how he had overcome many personal challenges through perseverance, and his faith in God. He encouraged his audience to never give up, as their reward will come. He ended by expressing gratitude to the Victorious Living Foundation, for submitting his application and the Parliament of Sint Maarten for awarding him this prestigious award.
A total of 189,000 children under five years in the nine Districts of the Western North Region are expected to receive Polio vaccines in the four-day nation-wide immunization campaign.



Addressing a press conference in Sefwi- Waiwso, Dr Marion Okoh-Owusu, Regional Health Director, said the directorate was targeting a hundred per cent coverage of children.



She said the programme would be in two phases, with the first phase scheduled between 10th and 13th September and the second phase on the 8th October and 11th October.



Dr Okorh-Owusu explained that the Western North Region was selected among seven other regions because of a Polio meningitis case recorded in the Bibiani - Anwhiaso - Bekwai Municipality.



The Regional Health Director said a total of 1,384 trained volunteers and 18 supervisors would assist in the exercise.



She called on stakeholders especially health professionals, assembly and unit committee members, traditional authorities and the Media to give the exercise the needed attention and support to achieve the set target.



Dr Okorh-Owusu appealed to Christian and Muslim leaders to educate their members on the importance of the vaccination to enhance patronage.

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.

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India's third Covid wave likely to peak on Jan 23, daily cases to stay below 4 lakh: IIT Kanpur scientist

India logs over 3.17 lakh new Covid cases in last 24 hours; daily positivity rate up at 16.41 per cent

Warning shots fired by India, claims China as tensions further escalate

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Sep 08: Tensions have escalated further along the Line of Actual Control with soldiers of both India and China exchanging fire on the south bank of Pangong Tso in Eastern Ladakh on Monday night.

China claimed hat its soldiers had been forced to take countermeasures in response to warning shots fired by the Indian Army personnel. Spokesperson of the PLA's Western Theatre Command in a statement said that later at night the Indian Army had again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control on the south bank of Pangong Tso on Monday.

Brigadier level talks between India-China over Pangong Tso remain inconclusive

The Global Times report4ed that the Chinese border troops were forced to take countermeasures to stabilise the situation after the Indian troops outrageously fired warning shots on the PLA border patrol soldiers.

A source in New Delhi told OneIndia that there was an incident, but also added that it is not clear whether there were any casualties on either side. The incident comes just two days a meeting of the foreign ministers of India and China at Moscow. External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar who has termed the issue along the LAC as serious will be meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi on September 10.

Prior to this Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had met with his Chinese counterpart in Moscow. Meanwhile the Brigade Command level talks between the two countries was inconclusive. It is still not clear when the 7th round of talks will be held.

A week back, Indian troops had occupied strategic heights on the south bank of Pangong Tso and Rechin La. 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.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 8:10 [IST]
One hundred nights of rioting in Portland, and what has Antifa gotten for it?

Looks like a Trump surge in the polls and a new role as a national laughingstock.

A Twitter video shows that a rioter who hurled a lit Molotov cocktail at a police car accidentally dropped the thing, set his feet on fire, goose-stepped of there with feet on fire, scurried for cover, thrashed, and made the fire worse, as AT's Andrea Widburg described well here. Then the cops stepped in and ended the foot barbecue right then and there.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANTIFA lights themselves on fire<br><br>5 minutes into the March, officers attempted to put him out. <a href="https://t.co/FVBoEeQJVH">pic.twitter.com/FVBoEeQJVH</a></p> Tayler Hansen (@TaylerUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TaylerUSA/status/1302461688910770176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

After that, Twitter videographers set the moves to actual pop music, and all a viewer can ask is how those moves differ from those of actual circus clowns.

Call it Peak Antifa.

Because based on a lot of things coming out about this big bad self-styled violent "revolutionary" collective, people are starting to find reasons to...laugh.

Ridicule, and better still, scorn, is a brutal antidote to starry-eyed radical delusions, and the extent of it now should affect Antifa's recruiting efforts.

Already Antifa has been getting there. Think of the laughter that's been coming about out about its various other capers, starting from their denizens' mug shots:

Arrested at the Portland #antifa riot:



Michael Skaggs, 23: felony riot https://t.co/Su3OWfOTQS



Joel Beal, 32, of Skull Valley, Ariz.: felony riot https://t.co/lXUFFzuzOz



Jawad Fakhuri, 35: felony riot, felony unlawful use of a weapon & more; bailed out https://t.co/zzBCMZf4yS pic.twitter.com/C9YsSsrp61  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) September 8, 2020

Think also of the existence of a code-violating slop house that feeds them, called "the riot kitchen" which got busted while traveling through Kenosha.

Or the recent incident where a busted Antifa member balled up and bawled when he learned he had been arrested.

Now with these videos, we're getting into reasons for real ridicule  and scorn. President Trump certainly understands it - he tweeted his favorite here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">These are the Democrats peaceful protests. Sick! <a href="https://t.co/8NpRepi8UY">https://t.co/8NpRepi8UY</a></p> Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1302675943241199618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Antifa has been trying to con us for years into thinking it's some kind of army of revolution. Now the truth is out: these people are just clowns setting their pants on fire.

Since this video ran, there's this spontaneous upsurge in video mockery of Antifa from all over.

PJ Media has a hilarious collection of spontaneous artistry, showing the rioter's herky-jerky flight from the fire, set to music  from Rod Stewart's "Hot Legs," to Kenny Loggins's "Footloose," to Boots Randolph's "Yakity Sax," to Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire" to Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" and a whole lot of other worthy artistic interpretations.

At first, I was not inclined to make fun of the incident, let alone laugh, since, at the beginning, when the video got out there, it wasn't known who set the fire, and it was possible the man with his feet on fire had been an innocent bystander. When it was learned he wasn't, well, it got funny  laugh-out-loud funny as the crisp, merciless cadences of music played while the rioter thrashed, and the leftists surrounding the guy on fire fanned the flames, making it worse, huffing and squawling in panic through the whole thing, truly like circus clowns putting on a show.

Here are a few favorites:

This is beautiful



Carpe Donktum is the winner lol  pic.twitter.com/Vac6sfYzSq  The Effing Saddle Tramp  (@tmbsaddletramp) September 6, 2020

Why do these make us laugh? Because they demonstrate what a bunch of filthy incompetents Antifa are, stupid to the extreme, and fully deserving of the consequences of "stupid." They remain problematic to be sure, but they're also easily dispensed with should the cities tolerating them get some actual leadership. They aren't the important force to be reckoned with that they say they are. Far from being big dreaded revolutionaries, they are actually a bunch of doofuses who are easily thrown into confusion, allowed to get away with it only because Portland's leaders are even stupider. That sends a signal to voters that the guy to vote for, for president, is the one who understands leadership. We all know who that is.

Screen shots from Twitter video posted by Andy Ngo, credited to Tayler Hansen. Enhanced with FotoSketcher.
Bottom line: Following a fresh set of leaks around its upcoming Series S and Series X consoles, Microsoft has officially confirmed the existence of its disc-less console, calling the Series S its smallest Xbox ever which itll sell for $299. While the company looks forward to sharing more information soon, several leaks around the consoles design and size comparisons with the Series X have already surfaced on the web, suggesting a $499 price tag for the latter with reports of both consoles launching on November 10, 2020.

Follow up: Xbox Series S vs Series X spec-by-spec comparison

Outside of controller packaging, Microsoft made little to no mention of the smaller Xbox Series S, a different approach from Sony, which revealed both versions of the PlayStation 5 back in June.

That changed today when the company officially confirmed the $299 Xbox Series S. Contrary to previous renders that suggested a cube-like design, the rectangular Series S appears to bear similar dimensions to the current Xbox One X, alongside the lack of a disc slot.

Microsoft's marketing materials for the Series S also highlight its size difference from the bigger, more powerful Series X. Although they don't reveal anything new about the Series S specs, gamers can expect next gen performance thanks to features like Microsoft's Velocity Architecture, backwards compatibility, higher refresh rates and ray tracing support for games at lower resolutions (think 1080p).

A lower performance target helps with the Series S $299 price tag. Meanwhile, it's now been confirmed the Xbox Series X will cost $499, when both consoles launch on November 10.

In addition to retail, Microsoft will reportedly sell the Series S and Series X through its Xbox All Access program at $25/mo and $35/mo, respectively, making it quite a tempting offer considering that theyll come bundled with Xbox Live and Game Pass subscriptions.

With Microsoft firing the first shot on next-gen console pricing, it remains to be seen what Sony is able to come up with for the PS5. For now, it's just asking players to find some time to relax and reflect as it (hopefully) prepares a suitable response.

Find some time to relax and reflect. pic.twitter.com/yO0HpXInZd  PlayStation (@PlayStation) September 7, 2020
Owing to dropping customer base, AGR verdict, and cut-throat competition in the mobile network space, Vodafone Idea on Monday, launched a new brand identity in India called Vi".

Vodafone Idea has seen its user base reduce significantly, dropping to 280 million users at the end of June this year, compared with 408 million users at the time of the merger between Vodafone and Idea two years ago. Since then, the Vodafone and Idea brandings have remained separate.

Vodafone Idea also says that it has completed the network integration- which it says is the worlds largest mobile network integration in record time.

Also Read: Vodafone Idea Is Now VI; Prepaid & Postpaid Price Hike Soon As It Battles Reliance Jio And Airtel

As the news of the brand integration hit social media, new name, Vi, was of particular interest. How is Vi" pronounced? Why is the I" in Vi" upside down? Internet users were riddled with questions.

Who on earth came up with this name for the app, @VodafoneIN? Did they think how difficult a two letter app may be to find on the App Store?" wrote one Twitter user.

Vodafone Idea to be rebranded as VI. Exactly what they are aiming to become in roman letter. 6th best network," chimed in another.

Vodafone Idea's new brand, VI, will be pronounced "WE" Danish (@DanishKh4n) September 7, 2020

Agreed. Who on earth came up with this name for the app, @VodafoneIN? Did they think how difficult a two letter app may be to find on the App Store? Vi, (why) indeed! https://t.co/Env2Vx4zK9 Nakul Shenoy (@NakulShenoy) September 8, 2020

Vodafone/Idea merged into Vi.Hope you know Vi still won't get any network! UnContained Chaos (@Clumseeme) September 7, 2020

#Vodafone and Idea is now ViPahle Live in Relationship Me The Ab Shaadi Ho Gayi   #vodafoneidea    (@officialniraj) September 7, 2020

Okay but.wtf "vi hi here" vodafone ???? pic.twitter.com/Hzv7waSH3P CHUDAIL stan account (@_preet01) September 8, 2020

Orange, Hutch, Vodafone, Vi. Wouldve been better if you guys invested sometime in improving the network quality instead of names. Vibhuti Desai (@we_boottyy) September 7, 2020

Vodafone Idea to be rebranded as VI. Exactly what they are aiming to become in roman letter. 6th best network Vaishali Hooda (@HoodaVaishali) September 7, 2020

Vodafone/Idea changes their name to "Vi" ! Vishwakarma Institute guys K dot K (@kundan_kabra) September 7, 2020

In their various avatars, since the mid-90s, Vodafone and Idea steered the growth of the sector for over decades separately. Both Vodafone and Idea have set new benchmarks in network experience, rural connectivity, customer service, enterprise mobility solutions, said Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of Aditya Birla Group, announcing the rebranding.
A toilet roll factory has been hit by a Covid-19 outbreak after a 'small number' of workers tested positive.

The affected workers at the Kimberly-Clark's Coleshill Mill in Flint, north Wales, are recovering at home.

All employees who had worked closely with them are also self-isolating.

Personal care company Kimberly-Clark's brands include Kleenex, Kotex, Scott and Andrex.

The Coleshill Mill factory alone employs around 200 workers. The site manufactures personal care products for businesses, not consumer products.

It comes after 2,948 were reported yesterday - 133 of which were in Wales.

Kimberly-Clark's Coleshill Mill factory (pictured) in Flint, north Wales has been hit by a Covid-19 outbreak after a 'small number' of workers tested positive

A spokeswoman said: 'Kimberly-Clarks highest priority is to protect the health and safety of our employees around the world.

'We can confirm that a small number of employees at our Kimberly-Clark Professional Mill at Flint - which manufactures personal care products for businesses - have tested positive for Covid-19 and are recovering well at home.

'A small group of employees working in collaboration with the individuals are self-isolating and being tested for Covid-19. Production of our B2B products is not impacted.

'Our consumer products including Andrex, Kleenex and Huggies are not manufactured at this mill and production of these are not impacted in any way.

'In line with our company procedures and local health authority guidelines, we have been following enhanced cleaning and sanitising measures since the start of the pandemic and we are continuing to follow these strict protocols.

'Were also keeping employees up to date on our actions and giving them guidance on how they can continue to protect themselves.'

Kimberly-Clark, founded in Wisconsin, USA, 148 years ago, has 42,000 employees worldwide and sells to 172 countries.

The firm's brand name products include Kleenex face tissue, Kotex feminine hygiene products, Cottonelle, Scott and Andrex toilet paper, Wypall utility wipes, KimWipes scientific cleaning wipes and Huggies disposable diapers and baby wipes.

It was last night announced that local lockdowns are to be enforced in parts of Wales from tomorrow after large spikes in coronavirus cases.

People living in the county borough of Caerphilly will not be allowed to enter or leave the area without a reasonable excuse when the restrictions come into force from 6pm on Tuesday, the Welsh Government said.

Personal care company Kimberly-Clark's brands include Kleenex, Kotex, Scott and Andrex (file image) and the Coleshill Mill factory alone employs around 200 workers

Everyone aged over 11 will be required to wear face coverings in shops - marking the first time this will be mandatory in Wales.

Meetings with other people indoors and extended households will not be allowed, and overnight stays also banned.

There have been 133 new Covid-19 cases in Caerphilly county borough over the past seven days, equivalent to a rate of 55.4 cases per 100,000 population.

Kimberly-Clark, founded in Wisconsin, USA, 148 years ago, has 42,000 employees worldwide and sells to 172 countries. The firm's brand name products include Kleenex (file image) face tissue

This is the highest rate in Wales and one of the highest in the UK - and case numbers are expected to rise, the Welsh Government said.

Health minister Vaughan Gething said: 'We have seen a significant rise in cases in Caerphilly borough over a very short space of time, which are linked to holiday travel abroad and people socialising indoors and not following social distancing guidelines.

Community testing was introduced in Caerphilly at the weekend.

On Saturday, 450 people were tested and 19 had the virus - giving a positivity rate of 4 per cent, which indicates that Covid-19 is circulating in the community.

Caerphilly Council has already introduced measures such as suspending care home visits, and introducing weekly testing for care home staff, in response to the increase in cases.

Philippa Marsden, leader of Caerphilly Council, said: 'We need to create a break in the cycle of infection we are seeing in Caerphilly borough at the moment and unfortunately that means introducing new, tougher restrictions.

People living in the county borough of Caerphilly will not be allowed to enter or leave the area without a reasonable excuse when the restrictions come into force from 6pm on Tuesday, the Welsh Government said

There have been 133 new Covid-19 cases in Caerphilly county borough over the past seven days, equivalent to a rate of 55.4 cases per 100,000 population

'I would urge everyone living in the area to follow these new measures; to follow the social distancing guidelines and to wash their hands regularly.

Earlier on Monday, Public Health Wales reported the highest number of positive Covid-19 cases in months and warned of a 'significant' rise in the Caerphilly area.

It said that a further 133 people had tested positive for coronavirus, representing the highest daily figure since June 27, when 140 cases were reported.

There were no further deaths in people with coronavirus, with the total in Wales since the beginning of the pandemic remaining at 1,597.

Numerous schools have been affected by coronavirus since the start of the autumn term, including one class of 21 pupils at a primary school in the Caerphilly area being told to self-isolate for 14 days.

Dr Giri Shankar, of Public Health Wales, appealed to everyone in the Caerphilly area to use a local testing unit at the town's leisure centre if they were experiencing 'even the mildest' of symptoms or feeling 'generally unwell with no explanation'.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen put former Latvian prime minister Valdis Dombrovskis in charge of the influential trade portfolio in a reshuffle forced by the departure of Irishman Phil Hogan.

Von der Leyen also named Mairead McGuinness, a senior member of the European Parliament, as the new Irish commissioner for financial services and stability and capital markets.

Dombrovskis, one of three executive vice presidents among the 27 commissioners, will continue to oversee the European Union economy and attend Eurogroup meetings of euro zone finance ministers.

Ireland lost the trade portfolio after Hogan resigned following allegations he breached COVID-19 health guidelines on a trip home.

Dombrovskis was already put in temporary charge of trade and faces a busy next few months as the permanent appointee.

The bloc is locked in difficult negotiations over future ties with post-Brexit Britain, faces trade tensions with the United States, pressure to rein in China and a challenge pushing through a trade accord struck with Brazil and other Mercosur countries.

Dombrovskis will hope a transatlantic mini-deal that removes duties on U.S. lobsters can help resolve more significant differences over aircraft subsidies for Boeing and Airbus as well as U.S. tariffs on EU steel and aluminum - all in the run-up to the U.S. election.

The Commission also wants EU members to unite around a new leader for the World Trade Organization, for which a two-month selection process began this week, and is seeking to conclude an overall review of its trade policy.

McGuinness has been an EU lawmaker from Ireland for the MidlandsNorth-West constituency since 2004 and has served as the chamber's deputy head since 2017. She is a member of Fine Gael.

Dombrovskis and McGuinness are with the center-right European People's Party (EPP), the largest grouping in the European Parliament, which will have to vet both appointments. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie
Rochester, N.Y.  Rochester police Chief LaRon Singletary is retiring in the wake of protests over the death of an unarmed Black man named Daniel Prude following a forceful arrest.

In a statement Tuesday, Singletary defended his reputation and that of his department.

As a man of integrity, I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character. The events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity," Singletary said. The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for. The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prudes death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for.

Singletary has been with the Rochester Police Department for 20 years, according to WHEC News in Rochester. Hes been chief since 2019.

Singletary has come under intense scrutiny after details of Prudes death became public last month.

Prude died of asphyxiation after a forceful arrest by officers on March 23. Prude was pinned to the ground with a hood over his head while naked. He stopped breathing, and seven days later was taken off life support .

Video of the arrest was released last month and immediately set off protests and widespread criticism of the chief and the mayor.

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren previously said Singletary misled her about the details of Prudes death. She first saw the video in early August. She said, however, she would not ask Singletary to resign.

On Sunday, both Warren and Singletary held a press conference to say they would not resign, despite rumors to the contrary.

The protests have drawn national attention. President Trump tweeted about the unrest there over the holiday weekend.
Twenty-five churches associated with the Ashland County Ministerial Association collaborated with local elected officials to hold A Call To Sacred Assembly in a small town in Ohio. The event occurred on Aug. 23 at Freer Field and featured speakers like Mayor Matt Miller, State Rep. Darrell Kick and County Commissioner Emmitt Justice.

The main program consisted of prayer movements led by 13 pastors and community leaders. The bulk of the event, which brought together many denominations, took place on a stage area on the side of a barn in Freer Field. Hundreds of participants sat on lawn chairs and under shade structures in the August heat, maintaining social distancing while praising, singing, and repenting their sins.

When asked by the Times-Gazette about the COVID-19 pandemic, John Bouquet, pastor at Bethel Baptist Church in Savannah, responded, " we felt like we needed a spiritual response."

The pastors, according to Bouquet, have taken inspiration for the event from a verse from the Book of Joel.

"A sacred assembly, if you take a peek in the Bible at Joel 1:13-14, is a public calling for repentance from our sins and consecration unto God," Bouquet said. "Because he's our healer, he's the reconciler of all human relationships that go wrong, he's the answer for every question that we have, and faith is to replace fear. And that's what this event is."

After the event, one clergyman, David McNeely said that the community is getting a glimpse of the blessings that God has in store for Ashland.

"There is a sense that God is doing many great things," says Pastor David McNeely of New Life Community Church. "God is re-writing the history of Ashland. I believe with all my heart there will be a great harvest by what has been prayed for here tonight. We are beginning to see the activity and orchestration of God."

In an interview with The ChristianPost, McNeely reflected on the great success of the event.

"It was a wonderful, prayerful evening for our community," McNeely recalled. "We're going to make it an annual event. We're going to at least do it once a year."

At the event, Mayor Matt Miller dedicated the city to Jesus Christ and expressed his hope that all citizens of Ashland would find the love of Jesus Christ.

"May this be a land where He rules supreme," Miller stated. "May this be a land where His love is genuinely felt by believers and nonbelievers alike."

Miller additionally spoke about the relative success of Ashland in keeping COVID-19 cases low. "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 city's history," Miller said in reference to the strong Christian community of Ashland.

McNeely also spoke about the relative safety of Ashland and of his church throughout the pandemic. According to McNeely, "Ashland County has been pretty blessed, we've had very little impact from COVID. ... As of last week, there were no active cases."

"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.

Joel Penton, the Executive Director of Lifewise Academy also prayed for Ashland's public schools at the event. Penton is working with the ACMA to bring Bible education to all of the public school districts in Ashland County, according to FrontLine Ohio.

"For over two generations the Bible has been removed from the nation's education system and now the country is reaping the harvest," Penton said. "However, an

Ohio law passed in 2014 allows high school students to receive school credits for Bible classes. In fact, Van Wert, Ohio has ninety-five percent of their elementary public school students taught from the Bible every week. It is transforming the next generation."

Other speakers included Amanda Nichols, Executive Director of Project One, who gave a testimony about the power of prayer against her husband's drug addiction, and Dr. Carlos Campos, President of Ashland University and Theological Seminary, who asked the crowd to pray for repentance at college campuses across America.
Composer and venue owner Andrew Lloyd Webber and LW Theatres chief executive Rebecca Kane Burton gave evidence in front of a DCMS committee today to discuss the future of theatre and the role of social distancing.

Lloyd Webber did not mince his words: "Theatre cannot operate with social distancing." The composer took time to reflect on the policies introduced in his South Korean production of The Phantom of the Opera (which remained open for all but two weeks of its run) and how he had brought such measures over to the UK to guarantee safe shows without limiting capacity: "We were ahead of the curve and convinced and that, if we took one of our theatres, we could demonstrate that theatres could reopen safely at capacity."

The Jesus Christ Superstar and The Phantom of the Opera creator also stressed that shows will not return overnight if given the green light: "We can't switch on theatre like a tap...Say take Phantom  it would take a minimum of three to four months to get it back up and re-rehearse." A new musical, Lloyd Webber said, would take close to six months, with the opening of his new ''Cinderella'' still up in the air despite a spring premiere date.

He also called on the government to push for greater insurance schemes to help producers feel more secure if another wave of the pandemic comes, noting that while some producers: "shut the theatres up, get rid of all the staff and wait for a vaccine", he is keen to find solutions: "For producers to know that they'd be covered would be a very important measure".

Lloyd Webber was not best pleased with the distribution of the 1.57bn support package, saying a large amount of money will be thrown into a "bottomless pit" rather than being used by brick-and-mortar venues to make themselves Covid-secure, or, in turn, support artists who have been able to find work. At the moment they are just "being given money to keep the light off."

But most of all, Lloyd Webber kept pushing for a date to plan for: "We are at the point of no return now."

Recently, he has taken a trial Covid vaccine, claiming he'd do 'anything to prove that theatres can re-open safely'. In France, events without social distancing (though with mask wearing) are now permitted in non "red zones" where the spread of infection is deemed low.
Major Democratic super PACs are running similar ads in competitive House races. In Californias 21st Congressional District, where former Representative David Valadao is running to reclaim the seat he lost in 2018, House Majority PAC has highlighted votes he made while in Congress to repeal the A.C.A.

If this sounds familiar, it is. In 2018, this was the No. 1 line of attack for Democrats.

Another common attack line from Democrats has been highlighting campaign contributions from pharmaceutical and health insurance companies. In Montana, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee attacked Mr. Daines for taking more than $700,000 in campaign contributions from the drug and insurance industries. In Arizona, Senate Majority PAC, a major Democratic super PAC, attacked Ms. McSally for taking $600,000 from insurance companies.

Of course, this is a common political tactic, and it obfuscates how much of that money might have come from small-dollar donors who happen to work in those heath care fields. But it also shows how villainous the health insurance and pharmaceutical companies have become in the eyes of many voters. On the Republican side, President Trump has railed against pharmaceutical companies and has spent more than $1 million on advertising that denounced greedy drug companies.

In ads supporting Republicans, there is little to no talk of the Affordable Care Act. Rather, pre-existing conditions are discussed anecdotally. In one ad from the campaign of Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a man recalls how Ms. Collins supported research and funding for patients with the genetic muscular disorder that his sons were born with.

Republicans have attacked Democrats on health care by linking candidates to the Medicare for all proposal championed by Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. In New Yorks 24th Congressional District, the National Republican Congressional Committee links Dana Balter, who is challenging Representative John Katko, to Mr. Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, though Ms. Balter supports keeping a role for private insurance under Medicare for all.

Another ad from the N.R.C.C. uses Mr. Bidens criticism of Medicare for all from the Democratic presidential primary debates to attack Kara Eastman, a candidate in Nebraskas Second Congressional District, who supports Medicare for all.
Disney's 'Mulan' remake is facing fresh boycott calls after it emerged some of the blockbuster's scenes were filmed in China's Xinjiang, where widespread rights abuses against the region's Muslim population have been widely documented.

The lavish $200million (153million) film about a legendary female Chinese warrior was already tangled in political controversy after star Liu Yifei voiced support for Hong Kong's police as they cracked down on democracy protests last year.

But the latest furore exploded when views spotted that Disney included 'special thanks' to Xinjiang government in the credits after the movie began showing on the Disney+ channel last week.

A billboard for Disney's 'Mulan' film is seen outside a shopping mall in Bangkok, where calls for a boycott of the movie are growing

Disney's 'Mulan' remake is facing fresh boycott calls after it emerged some of the blockbuster's scenes were filmed in China's Xinjiang, where widespread rights abuses against the region's Muslim population have been widely documented. The file picture reportedly shows detainees in a Xinjiang re-education camp located in the far western Chinese region

This photo taken on May 31, 2019 shows watchtowers on a high-security facility near what is believed to be a re-education camp where mostly Muslim ethnic minorities are detained

The authorities mentioned in the film's credits were eight government entities in Xinjiang - including the public security bureau in Turpan, a city in eastern Xinjiang where multiple internment camps have been documented.

Another entity thanked was the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda department in Xinjiang.

The revelation has sparked renewed anger at a time of heightened scrutiny over Hollywood's willingness to bow to authoritarian China.

Rights groups, academics and journalists have exposed a harsh crackdown against Uighur and Kazakh Muslims in Xinjiang, including mass internments, enforced sterilisations, forced labour as well as intense religious and movement restrictions.

Actress Yifei Liu, who plays Mulan in the mov ie's title role, has been criticised for voicing support for Hong Kong's police in tackling protesters

Isaac Stone Fish, a senior fellow at the Asia Society, said the film was now 'arguably Disney's most problematic movie' since 'Song of the South' - a 1946 glorification of antebellum plantation life that the company has since pulled.

'It's sufficiently astonishing that it bears repeating,' he wrote in a Washington Post column.

'Disney has thanked four propaganda departments and a public security bureau in Xinjiang, a region in northwest China that is the site of one of the world's worst human rights abuses happening today.'

Badiucao, a dissident Chinese artist living in Melbourne, said he was currently working on a new cartoon portraying Mulan as a guard at one of the internment camps in Xinjiang to satirise Disney's new film.

'It's very problematic and there's no excuse. I mean, it's clear, we have all the evidence showing what is going on in Xinjiang,' he told AFP.

Liu Yifei, a Chinese-American actress, plays the young woman Mulan in its live-action remake

The leading actress, Liu Yifei posted a message on Chinese Twitter-like Weibo supporting Hong Kong police. The message led to a hashtag #BoycottMulan to trend on social media

Baduicao accused Disney of 'double standards', embracing western social justice movements such as MeToo and Black Lives Matter, while turning a blind eye to China's rights abuses.

The live-action remake of Disney's 1998 animation classic, 'Mulan' has had a troubled release.

It was meant to hit global theatres in March but became an early victim of the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead, Disney rocked the industry - and its own cast - by announcing the film would in streamed into living rooms in many markets, including the United States, which it started Friday.

Hollywood has been increasingly accused of hypocrisy over its relationship with authoritarian China.

US actor Tzi Ma plays Mulan's heroic father in the movie. The internet has been abuzz with comment on his resemblance to China's leader Xi Jinping

In August the anti-censorship group Pen America published a report which said screenwriters, producers and directors often change scripts, delete scenes and alter content to avoid offending Chinese censors.

The actions include everything from deleting the Taiwanese flag from Tom Cruise's bomber jacket in the upcoming 'Top Gun: Maverick,' to removing China as the source of a zombie virus in 2013's 'World War Z.'

But it also means completely avoiding sensitive issues including Tibet, Taiwan, Hong Kong politics, Xinjiang and the portrayal of LGBTQ characters, the report said.

AFP contacted Disney for comment but has yet to hear back on the Labor Day holiday.

Xinjiang is a resource-rich region home to mostly Turkic-speaking Muslim Uighurs and boasts spectacular desert and mountain backdrops.

After sectarian unrest and attacks by Uighur militants, Beijing blanketed the region in a draconian security crackdown, building dozens of huge internment camps.

Initially China denied the camps existed before switching to describing them as voluntary re-education centres.

Even before the latest Xinjiang controversy the hashtag #BoycottMulan has been trending in recent weeks Hong Kong, Thailand and Taiwan.

Activists in all three places have launched multiple online campaigns critical of China's authoritarianism.

Dubbed the 'Milk Tea Alliance' - named after a shared love of the drink - they seized on social media comments made last year by actress Liu supporting Hong Kong's police.

They have also noted the resemblance of actor Tzi Ma, who plays Mulan's heroic father, to China's leader Xi Jinping.

After her arrest last month under Beijing's new security law, young Hong Kong dissident Agnes Chow was dubbed 'the real Mulan' by supporters.
Konrad Sneed is a twenty-year-old aspiring author, and filmmaker currently working as a contracted actor in his home state of Texas. Sneed enjoys binging movies, music, gaming, working out, and spending time with his family and girlfriend in his free time. He has recently published his new book The Fire Eye Kronicles: Kirikon: Kurse of the Tigris Orb: a riveting introduction to a thrilling new science fiction fantasy series.

Scrappy fifteen-year-old Dallas Marge and his older brother, Logan, strive to live a normal life, in the infamous city of kaspers, Starfall City. However, an unspoken truth between the two siblings leads Dallas to find a mysterious orb imprisoning a malevolent entity called Oryga, the tiger god, that curses him with an unimaginable power.

Training under the supervision of the formerly villainous dragon kasper, Singuard, Dallas adapts to his newfound strength. Anxious to test himself, he disregards Singuards warnings about the dangerously ominous and superpowered criminal underworld and the kasper hunting militia, Gauntlet, challenging them both as Starfalls first-ever vigilante, Kirikon.

However, the novice mask, alongside his friends, struggle to save Starfall from a sinister duo of otherworldly creatures when they target him for reasons unknown.

Discover the truth behind the tigris orb as Kirikon blasts his way into action in this adventurous and gripping chapter of a brand-new series, The Fire Eye Kronicles.

Published by Page Publishing, Konrad Sneeds engrossing book is an excellent choice for avid fantasy readers.

Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase The Fire Eye Kronicles: Kirikon- Kurse of the Tigris Orb at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

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Actor Kubbra Sait wants to know if her taxes have in any way contributed to Kangana Ranauts police protection. In response to a news report announcing that Kangana would receive Y-plus security cover ahead of her visit to Mumbai, Kubbra wrote, Just checking, is it going out my taxes?

Kubbra was recently blocked on Twitter by Kangana. Shed reacted to the development by tweeting in shock, 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!

Just checking, is it going out my taxes? https://t.co/z6xYxXPqEv  Kubbra Sait (@KubbraSait) September 7, 2020

Kangana was accorded Y-plus security by the Union home ministry, as her war of words with Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut heated up. After the actor compared Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Sanjay Raut hit back in an editorial. Addressing the Sushant Singh Rajput death case, Kangana had said she was afraid of living in Mumbai. Her comments were condemned by Sena leader Sanjay Raut, who said that he will not allow her to set foot in Maharashtra. The actor took to Twitter to thank home minister Amit Shah. In a tweet written in Hindi, she said, This proves that a patriots voice cannot be crushed by fascists. I am grateful to Amit Shah, if he wanted, he could have advised me to go to Mumbai after a few days but he respected a daughter of India, protected her pride and self-respect. Jai Hind.

Actor Swara Bhasker had also commented on the topic, when a Twitter user wrote to her that she should consider getting protection, considering the sustained threats she receives on social media. Swara responded, Thank uuuuu Nazma but no.. Id rather that taxpayers money be used for real issues.. like development.. or malnutrition.

Also read: Swara Bhasker rejects idea of getting police protection like Kangana Ranaut: Id rather that taxpayers money be used for real issues

Previously, Kubbra had reported Kanganas Twitter account, back when it was operated by her team. On August 10, Kubbra had written on Twitter that she would support the suspension of Kanganas account. Yah! I would passionately support this suspension. It would be grand if @TwitterIndia sees it too. Today was the only day the handle shared something positive, which is a rarity. But now, enough no? shed written. Kanganas team had responded, sharing a picture of the actor with Kubbra: Dear @KubbraSait you and Kangana have shared a lot as friends as colleagues which can be called positive, what damage has she done to you that you are campaigning against her freedom of speech? What is bothering you? Or you just want to please a few?

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Ryanair has said that it will close its bases at Cork and Shannon airports if quarantine restrictions are not lifted.

In a letter to crew in Cork and Shannon, CEO Eddie Wilson said that bookings this winter in the two airports and to a lesser extent Dublin have suffered significant damage.

The letter hits out at the governments travel restrictions and the Green List, which have been harshly criticised by the airline from the outset.

The Govt [sic] have promised a review of the Green List restrictions on Monday 14th next, but you should be aware that if these quarantine restrictions from EU states are not lifted before the end of Sept, we will have no alternative but to close our Cork and Shannon bases, on a temporary basis for this winter season, he wrote.

In those circumstances, all pilots and cabin crew will be put on unpaid leave from the end of Oct (you may be able to benefit from Government support schemes).

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He writes that Ryanair will do our best to reopen the two bases in March but only if these failed restrictions to other EU states have been lifted in time for traffic to recover.

Ryanair will continue to operate flights into Cork and Shannon from bases elsewhere, such as London Stansted, Manchester and Liverpool, but the frequency of these flights will be significantly reduced for the winter season, and for as long as these defective quarantine restrictions remain in place, Mr Wilson adds.

The CEO also hit out at the Taoiseach and his trip to Brussels after stating that the news will come as a major shock and disappointment.

I know that the news will come as a major shock and disappointment to all of you who have worked so hard since July to restore our flights and services, but bookings and loads continue to be weak and we cannot sustain flights from Cork and Shannon when our Govt ignores the EU safe travel policy and instead actively bans our customers flying without 14 days of quarantine (except in the case of Micheal Martins visits to Brussels when he observed no quarantine at all), he added.

A Ryanair spokesperson said: Ryanair does not comment on negotiations with its people.
After Chhattisgarh State Tribal Advisory Council gave its approval to a proposal by the forest department for rehabilitation of three villages located in the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve in states Bilaspur district, the forest department has sent a request to the central government for the same.

As per Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF) (wildlife) Arun Pandey, there are a total of 25 villages in the core area of tiger reserve out of which six villages were relocated and rehabilitated in 2010.

Out of remaining 19 villages, proposals of relocation of three villages have been sent to the ministry of environment and forest for the clearance of forest land diversion, said Pandey.

The officer further said that the survey report of the remaining 16 villages of core area of the tiger reserve has started and soon a proposal for their rehabilitation will also be sent to the Central ministry.

We are starting a door-to-door campaign to record everything about the families to be displaced and soon it will also be completed, said Pandey.

The Achanakmar Tiger Reserve was established in 2009. The total area of the reserve is 911.017 square kilometers in which 626.1 square kilometer is core area and about 287.8 is buffer zone. In between 2009 and 2011, a total of six villages were relocated by the forest department.

The people of these villages were initially reluctant to move out and there were other reasons due to which the relocation was stalled, said a senior forest officer.

The forest department claimed that they are giving all benefits to these villagers as per the relocation guidelines of the Central government.

When these villages are removed, we will get many grasslands in the reserve and then we can develop the tiger reserve, said Pandey.

Meanwhile, the wildlife activists also claimed that the relocation is a welcome step.

The people were agreed to be relocated from a long time but the forest department is relocating after 10 years of formation of the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve. This is very good for wildlife and tiger reserve, if it happens, said Meetu Gupta, member of the State Wildlife Board.

Chhattisgarh has two national parks, three tiger reserves, eight sanctuaries, and one biosphere reserve covering 11,310.977 sq km, which is 8.36% of the states total geographical area and 18.92 % of the states total forest area of 59,772 sq km.

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President Donald Trump hinted Monday that the US could approve a coronanvirus vaccine in October, ahead of the November election, as Joe Biden demanded transparency from the government as it studies the shots.

This couldve taken two or three years, and instead its going to be -- going to be done in a very short period of time, Trump said during a news conference in which he criticized Biden for his skepticism that the FDA is operating free of political pressure.

Could even have it during the month of October, Trump added, calling Bidens doubts political lies.

Many public health officials and scientists have expressed concerns that the Food and Drug Administration is under pressure from the White House to approve a vaccine before Trump faces re-election on Nov. 3. Americans may be unwilling to receive a shot if they believe it was rushed to market based on the campaign timetable.

The vaccine will be very safe and very effective, the president said Monday. And itll be delivered very soon. Now, you could -- you could have a very big surprise coming up.

Follow latest updates on coronavirus here

Before Trumps news conference, Biden said he would heed the advice of scientists about whether to get a coronavirus vaccine if one were to become available before Novembers presidential election.

Id want to see what the scientists said, he told reporters Monday outside a supporters home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Asked if he would trust Anthony Fauci and the Food and Drug Administration, Biden redirected, saying hed want full transparency on a vaccine.

Biden has previously expressed concern about President Donald Trump and political appointees pushing for the premature approval of a vaccine in hopes of boosting his re-election chances. Hes undermining public confidence, Biden said of Trump.

Trump fired back during news conference on Monday.

Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, should immediately apologize for the reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric that theyre talking right now, talking about endangering lives, and it undermines science.

Click here for complete coronavirus coverage

Biden said he worries Trumps behavior will damage public confidence if theres an effective vaccine.

One of the problems with the way hes playing with politics is hes said so many things that arent true Im worried if we do have a really good vaccine, people are going to be reluctant to take it, he said.

Biden also said hed want an effective vaccine no matter the electoral consequences.

If I could get a vaccine tomorrow Id do it, he said. If it cost me the election Id do it. We need a vaccine and we need it now.

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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The Hague, September 8, 2020 - The Board of Royal Dutch Shell plc (RDS) today announced the pounds sterling and euro equivalent dividend payments in respect of the second quarter 2020 interim dividend, which was announced on July 30, 2020 at US$0.16 per A ordinary share (A Share) and B ordinary share (B Share).

Dividends on A Shares will be paid, by default, in euros at the rate of 0.1353 per A Share. Holders of A Shares who have validly submitted US dollars or pounds sterling currency elections by August 28, 2020 will be entitled to a dividend of US$0.16 or 12.09p per A Share, respectively.

Dividends on B Shares will be paid, by default, in pounds sterling at the rate of 12.09p per B Share. Holders of B Shares who have validly submitted US dollars or euros currency elections by August 28, 2020 will be entitled to a dividend of US$0.16 or 0.1353 per B Share, respectively.

Euro and pounds sterling dividends payable in cash have been converted from US dollars based on an average of market exchange rates over the three dealing days from 3 to 7 September 2020.

This dividend will be payable on September 21, 2020 to those members whose names were on the Register of Members on August 14, 2020.

Taxation - cash dividend

Cash dividends on A Shares will be subject to the deduction of Dutch dividend withholding tax at the rate of 15%, which may be reduced in certain circumstances. Non-Dutch resident shareholders, depending on their particular circumstances, may be entitled to a full or partial refund of Dutch dividend withholding tax.

If you are uncertain as to the tax treatment of any dividends you should consult your tax advisor.

Royal Dutch Shell plc

ENQUIRIES:

Media: International +44 (0) 207 934 5550 Americas +1 832 337 4355

CAUTIONARY NOTE

The companies in which Royal Dutch Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this announcement Shell, Shell Group and Royal Dutch Shell are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words we, us and our are also used to refer to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. Subsidiaries, Shell subsidiaries and Shell companies as used in this announcement refer to entities over which Royal Dutch Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. Entities and unincorporated arrangements over which Shell has joint control are generally referred to as joint ventures and joint operations, respectively. Entities over which Shell has significant influence but neither control nor joint control are referred to as associates. The term Shell interest is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

This announcement contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Royal Dutch Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on managements current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Royal Dutch Shell to market risks and statements expressing managements expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as aim, ambition, anticipate, believe, could, estimate, expect, goals, intend, may, objectives, outlook, plan, probably, project, risks, schedule, seek, should, target, will and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Royal Dutch Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this announcement, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shells products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; (m) risks associated with the impact of pandemics, such as the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak; and (n) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Royal Dutch Shells Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019 (available at www.shell.com/investor and www.sec.gov). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this announcement and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this announcement, September 8, 2020. Neither Royal Dutch Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement.

We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this announcement that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov.

LEI number of Royal Dutch Shell plc: 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70

Classification: Additional regulated information required to be disclosed under the laws of a Member State
The search for answers to big questions led humanity to develop theories and ideas about the metaphysical nature of existence. Metaphysics is part of philosophy that deals with abstract concepts like what it means to be, how to know something, and what constitutes identity.

Certain ideas have come together to create a worldview that gains popularity, and manifests itself in the classroom, in art, music, and in theological debates. One such movement that gained traction in the 19th century was the Transcendentalist movement.

The core tenets of this philosophy was that divinity is in all nature and humanity, and it emphasized a progressive view of time. Some of the great artistic movements of that century found their origins in this philosophical movement. Transcendentalism is a movement defined by a focus on the natural world, emphasis in individualism, and an idealized perspective of human nature.

While there is some overlap with Christian values and the art from this movement provided value to the arts, its eastern influences and deistic outlook means much of the thoughts in the movement are not in alignment with the Bible.

What Is Transcendentalism?

The transcendentalist movement began in earnest as a school of thought in Cambridge, Massachusetts as a philosophy that focused on the individuals relationship with God through the natural world; it is closely related to, and drew some of its ideas from, the Romanticism movement happening in Europe. A small group of thinkers formed the Transcendental Club in 1836 and laid the foundations for the movement.

These men included Unitarian ministers George Putnam and Frederic Henry Hedge, as well as poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. It focused on the individual finding God on their own path, through nature and beauty. There was a flourishing of art and literature; landscape paintings and introspective poetry defined the era.

These transcendentalists believed that each person was better off the less institutions interfered with the natural man. The more self-reliant a person is from government, institutions, religious organizations, or politics, the better a member of a community that person can be. Within that individualism, there was also the concept of the Over-Soul purported by Emerson, a concept that all of humanity is part of one being.

Many transcendentalists also believed that humanity could achieve Utopia, a perfect society. Some believed a socialistic approach could achieve this dream, while others believed that a hyper-individualistic society could. Both relied on an idealistic belief that humanity tends to be good. Preservation of natural beauty, like countrysides and forest, was important to Transcendentalists as cities and industrialization increased. Outdoor sight-seeing trips increased in popularity, and the idea that man could find God in natural beauty was very popular.

Many members of the club were the A-Listers of their day; writers, poets, feminists, and intellectuals embraced the ideals of the movement. Henry David Thoreau and Margaret Fuller embraced the movement. Little Women author Louisa May Alcott embraced the label of Transcendentalism, following in both her parents and poet Amos Alcotts footprints. Unitarian hymn-writer Samuel Longfellow embraced a second wave of this philosophy later in the 19th century.





Photo credit: Getty Images/Molchanovdmitry

What Does The Transcendentalism Philosophy Think of God?

Because transcendentalists embraced free-thinking and individual thought, there was not one unifying thought on God. As demonstrated by the list of prominent thinkers, different figures had varying thoughts about God.

One of the ways that Transcendentalists agree with Protestant Christians is their belief that man does not need a mediator to speak to God. One of the most important differences between the Catholic church and Reformation churches was the disagreement that a priest is necessary to make intercession on behalf of sinners for the forgiveness of sins. However, this movement took that idea further, with many believing that church, pastors, and other religious leaders from other faiths can inhibit, rather than promote, an understanding or God. While some thinkers studied the Bible for themselves, others rejected it for what they could detect in nature.

This way of thinking is closely aligned with the Unitarian Church, drawing heavily from it.

While the Unitarian Church has expanded since the Transcendentalist movement, it is important to understand what they believed about God in America at that time. One of the key doctrines of Unitarianism, and most of the religious members of the Transcendentalists, was that God is one, not a Trinity. Jesus Christ is the Savior, but inspired by God, rather than the Son - God Incarnate. This idea contradicts the Biblical statements about Gods character; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:1-5).

It is also contrary to what Jesus Christ said about Himself when He gave Himself the title I AM in John 8, or when He said,  I and the Father are one (John 10:30). The Unitarian church rejects these statements as symbolic. There was also a rejection of the infallibility of the Bible. Because of their belief in idealism, Unitarians at the time, as well as Transcendentalists, rejected the notion of original sin, despite the record in Genesis 3.

Transcendentalists mixed these Unitarian beliefs with eastern philosophy. Emerson took inspiration from the Hindu text Bhagavat Geeta. Asian poetry was published in Transcendentalist magazines and similar publications. Meditation and concepts like karma became part of the movement over time. The focus of God in nature was partly inspired by this fascination with eastern religion.

Is Transcendentalism Biblical?

Despite the eastern influence, the Transcendentalists were not entirely wrong that nature reflects God. The Apostle Paul wrote, For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse (Romans 1:20). It is not wrong to say one can see God in nature, but one should not worship it, nor should it be the only source of knowledge about God.

While some Transcendentalists believed that salvation from Jesus Christ was essential for salvation, not all of them did. Over time, this philosophy began to embrace the belief that good people can go to Heaven, if they sincerely believe in any religion that encourages them to be morally upright. However, Jesus said, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). The only way to be saved from sin and be with God in eternity in Heaven is through Jesus Christ.





Photo credit: Getty Images/Pixelheadphoto

Are People Truly Good?

One of the key beliefs of Transcendentalism is in the inherent goodness of the individual, who can overcome his meaner instincts, and that over time humanity can be perfected. If people are inherently good, then if humanity collectively can eliminate the sources of evil  whether it is lack of education, monetary need, or some other problem  people will behave well and society can be perfected. The Bible does not support this belief.

Verses about the inherent wickedness of man include:

- Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

- Romans 3:10-12 as it is written: None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.

- Ecclesiastes 7:20 Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.

- Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned  every one  to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Despite the artistic inspiration that stemmed from the movement, the Transcendentalists did not understand the wickedness of the human heart. By presenting humans as naturally good, and that evil grows in the human heart because of material condition and can therefore be fixed by humans, makes God more of a guiding compass of goodness, rather than the source of morality and redemption.

While the religious doctrine of Transcendentalism misses the mark on important doctrine of Christianity, it does encourage people to spend time contemplating how God manifests Himself in the world, to enjoy nature, and to pursue art and beauty. These are good things, and, ...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

It is not wrong to pursue the arts, enjoy nature, and try to get to know God in different ways, New ideas must be tested against the Word of God, and not embraced merely because they are new. Transcendentalism shaped a century of American culture, and produced a myriad of art, but it strived to help man transcend their need for a Savior, and ultimately is not a substitute for a real relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sources

Gura, Philip. American Transcendentalism A History. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2008.

Myerson, Joel, Sandra Petrulionis, and Laura Walls. The Oxford Handbook of Transcendentalism. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010.

Phillips, Jerry, Andrew Ladd, and Karen H. Meyers. Romanticism and Transcendentalism (1800-1860). New York: Chelsea House, 2010.

Other Sources to Check Out

Echoes of Old Heresies Still Among Us

What Is Transcendentalism? Beliefs of this American Movement

Photo credit: Getty Images/demaerre

Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer and editor. She maintains a faith and lifestyle blog graceandgrowing.com, where she muses about the Lord, life, culture, and ministry.
The Australian share market finished higher for straight second session on Tuesday, 08 September 2020, with stocks rising across the board, as positive developments regarding COVID-19 vaccine development along with a rise in China's export performance in August kept investor sentiment high.

At closing bell, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index advanced 62.99 points, or 1.06%, to 6,007.80. The broader All Ordinaries added 60.28 points, or 0.98%, to 6,190.20.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday that Australia will buy about 85 million doses of two potential Covid-19 vaccines if trials prove successful, with the first batches of the doses expected to be received by early next year.

The agreement between Australia and biotech firm CSL to manufacture two potential vaccines came on Monday.

Shares of miners were the top boosts to the benchmark index, on rising iron ore futures and improvement in exports to China, Australia's largest trading partner. Global miners BHP Group and Rio Tinto gained up to 1.4% each.

Heavyweight financials were also higher, with top lenders Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Westpac Banking Corp rising 1% each.

CURRENCY NEWS: The Australian dollar changed hands at $0.7298 after seeing a momentary fall below $0.726 late last week.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A senior lawyer and rights activist, Femi Falana, has alleged that one of the evidence presented against the suspended Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) boss, Ibrahim Magu, is false.

He wrote the Justice Ayo Salami-led presidential panel investigating allegations of abuse of office and insubordination against Mr Magu while making a case for his client, Rachidatou Abdou.

It was gathered that two French nationals, Gnahouse Nazaire and Senoue Modeste, were remanded in prison custody in 2015.

The duo and a lawyer, Ferdinand Egede, were arraigned before the court by the EFCC over alleged forgery and altering of documents in 2007.

According to a Vanguard newspaper report, the defendants were accused of conspiring among themselves to forge the resolution of a company, Rana Prestige Industry Ltd, purported to have been signed by Mrs Abdou.

Also, on November 22, 2005, the defendants allegedly forged a Corporate Affairs Commission form CAC 17 and said that it was signed by the woman. The case is still subsisting, although the defendants have been granted bail.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that a petition recently emanated from the case which formed one of the the evidence in the probe of Mr Magu.

The anti-graft agencys acting chairperson was forcefully arrested in July and driven to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he was held for more than four days.

Mr Buhari had approved the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Enquiry under the Tribunals of Inquiry Act (Cap T21, LFN, 2004), for the investigation of the activities of the EFCC from May 2015 to May 2020.

Mr Magu has, however, denied all the allegations of corruption and insubordination made against him.

False Evidence

In the letter dated September 4, Mr Falana advised Mr Salami not to recommend the termination of the charge involving the two French nationals and the lawyer.

He said that Mrs Abdou who is the complainant in both criminal cases informed his firm that the defendants submitted a petition to the presidential panel claiming that Mr Magu abused his office by charging them with forgery and stealing in the Lagos State High Court.

We have since confirmed that the Honourable Judicial Commission entertained the petition, reviewed the two criminal cases pending in the Lagos State High Court and took evidence from the 2nd defendant who has been dismissed from the company on grounds of fraud. The tainted evidence of the defendants was said to have been corroborated by his lawyer who alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is currently prosecuting Mr. Ricky Tarfa SAN for defending the defendants in the criminal cases.

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Mr Falana alleged that the defendants had been boasting in Cotonou that both criminal cases pending against them in the Lagos State High Court would soon be terminated based on the assurance from the judicial commission.

Femi Falana writes about the unquestionable powers of state judicial panels to indict military and police officers.

Embarrassed by the development, our client has instructed us to protest the decision of the Honourable Judicial Commission to deny her the opportunity to react to the contemptuous and misleading evidence of the defendants who have deliberately stalled their trial at the Lagos State High Court, the letter read.

He said Mrs Abdou has already given evidence as the complainant in the pending criminal cases before the Lagos State High Court where the defendants are standing trial for forgery, altering of documents and stealing the sum of N630 million from her company.

Mr Falana said it would amount to a dangerous precedent if the administrative commissions of inquiry stopped the prosecution of the criminal suspects.

While giving the background of the case, the senior lawyer said it all started in 2007 when Mrs Abdou decided to incorporate her company called RANA HAIR PRESTIGE in Nigeria.

Out of her own volition, our client made her friend, Mr. Gnahoue Sourou Nazaire, a co-director in the company. Thereafter, the two business partners became close and our client became pregnant shortly after they started dating. But while our client travelled to France to deliver her baby Mr. Nazaire diverted the fund of the company and forged vital documents in order to reduce her shares in the company. Upon her return to the country in May 2012, our client wrote a petition to the Special Fraud Unit of the Nigeria Police Force.

In the said petition which was written by Akingbolu & Salawu, her counsel at the material time, Mr Falana said his client alleged fraud, forgery and stealing of the fund of her company by her partner, Mr. Nazaire and a former Managing Director of the company, Mr. Senou Modeste.

The Police investigated the allegations and confirmed that they were true. Even though the defendants were indicted the Police declined to arraign them in court based on their plea to resolve the dispute with our client in an amicable manner. On the basis of the assurance of the defendants our client withdrew her petition from the police.

The defendants, however, failed to resolve the dispute and threatened thereafter to deal ruthlessly with Mrs Abdou, Mr Falana stated.

They boasted that they are well connected in Nigeria. It was at that stage that our client briefed us to take over her case. We accepted the brief on the condition that our office would collaborate with the law firm of Akingbolu & Salawu to secure justice for her. As soon as she accepted our terms we reviewed the case and petitioned the EFCC via our letter dated December 16, 2013.

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Contrary to the spurious evidence of the defendants before the Honourable Judicial Commission, our clients petition was submitted to the EFCC under the chairmanship of Ibrahim Lamorde, Mr Falana wrote.

According to him, the EFCC painstakingly investigated the complaint before commencing prosecution in 2015.

It was later established by the anti-corruption agency that the judgments were purchased by the applicants counsel and that there were regular telephone conversations between the counsel and the judge when the fundamental rights cases were pending at the Federal High Court.

Hence, Mr. Ricky Tarfa SAN was charged with obstruction of justice contrary to section 97(3) of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State. We have confirmed that the Honourable Judicial Commission has also taken evidence from the representative of Mr. Ricky Tarfa SAN with a view to making a recommendation to the President to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to terminate the criminal case pending against him at the Lagos State High Court.

Mr Falana further alleged that the defendants lied on oath with the aim of perverting the course of justice when they claimed that his clients petition was submitted to the EFCC under the leadership of Mr Magu before the Judicial Commission.

He acknowledged several attempts to deport the complainant through the Nigeria Immigration Service and the police in a bid to frustrate the trial of the defendants.

(They) have decided to subvert the Nigerian criminal legal system by praying the Judicial Commission to recommend to the President to direct the Attorney General of the Federation to terminate the criminal cases pending against them in the Lagos State High Court.

Mr Falana then urged the judicial commission of Inquiry to refrain from further reviewing the criminal cases pending in the Lagos State High Court.
The results show how a particle's surface and interior influence each other, an important thing to know when developing more robust batteries.

The particles that make up lithium-ion battery electrodes are microscopic but mighty: They determine how much charge the battery can store, how fast it charges and discharges and how it holds up over time - all crucial for high performance in an electric vehicle or electronic device.

Cracks and chemical reactions on a particle's surface can degrade performance, and the whole particle's ability to absorb and release lithium ions also changes over time. Scientists have studied both, but until now they had never looked at both the surface and the interior of an individual particle to see how what happens in one affects the other.

In a new study, a research team led by Yijin Liu at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory did that. They stuck a single battery cathode particle, about the size of a red blood cell, on a needle tip and probed its surface and interior in 3D with two X-ray instruments. They discovered that cracking and chemical changes on the particle's surface varied a lot from place to place and corresponded with areas of microscopic cracking deep inside the particle that sapped its capacity for storing energy.

"Our results show that the surface and the interior of a particle talk to each other, basically," said SLAC lead scientist Yijin Liu, who led the study at the lab's Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL). "Understanding this chemical conversation will help us engineer the whole particle so the battery can cycle faster, for instance."

The scientists describe their findings in Nature Communications today.

Damage both inside and out

A lithium-ion battery stores and releases energy by moving lithium ions through an electrolyte back and forth between two electrodes, the anode and the cathode. When you charge the battery, lithium ions rush into the anode for storage. When you use the battery, the ions leave the anode and flow into the cathode, where they generate a flow of electrical current.

Each electrode consists of many microscopic particles, and each particle contains even smaller grains. Their structure and chemistry are key to the battery's performance. As the battery charges and discharges, lithium ions seep in and out of the spaces between the particles' atoms, causing them to swell and shrink. Over time this can crack and break particles, reducing their ability to absorb and release ions. Particles also react with the surrounding electrolyte to form a surface layer that gets in the way of ions entering and leaving. As cracks develop, the electrolyte penetrates deeper to damage the interior.

This study focused on particles made from a nickel-rich layered oxide, which can theoretically store more charge than today's battery materials. It also contains less cobalt, making it cheaper and less ethically problematic, since some cobalt mining involves inhumane conditions, Liu said.

There's just one problem: The particles' capacity for storing charge quickly fades during multiple rounds of high-voltage charging - the type used to fast-charge electric vehicles.

"You have millions of particles in an electrode. Each one is like a rice ball with many grains," Liu said. "They're the building blocks of the battery, and each one is unique, just like every person has different characteristics."

Taming a next-gen material

Liu said scientists have been working on two basic approaches for minimizing damage and increasing the performance of particles: Putting a protective coating on the surface and packing the grains together in different ways to change the internal structure. "Either approach could be effective," Liu said, "but combining them would be even more effective, and that's why we have to address the bigger picture."

Shaofeng Li, a visiting graduate student at SSRL who will be joining SLAC as a postdoctoral researcher, led X-ray experiments that examined a single needle-mounted cathode particle from a charged battery with two instruments - one scanning the surface, the other probing the interior. Based on the results, theorists led by Kejie Zhao, an associate professor at Purdue University, developed a computer model showing how charging would have damaged the particle over a period of 12 minutes and how that damage pattern reflects interactions between the surface and interior.

"The picture we are getting is that there are variations everywhere in the particle," Liu said. "For instance, certain areas on the surface degrade more than others, and this affects how the interior responds, which in turn makes the surface degrade in a different manner."

Now, he said, the team plans to apply this technique to other electrode materials they have studied in the past, with particular attention to how charging speed affects damage patterns. "You want to be able to charge your electric car in 10 minutes rather than several hours," he said, "so this is an important direction for follow-up studies."

###

SSRL is a DOE Office of Science user facility. Researchers from Stanford University, Virginia Tech, the Advanced Light Source at DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of California, Santa Cruz also contributed to the study, which was funded by the DOE Office of Science.

Citation: Shaofeng Li et al., Nature Communications, 7 September 2020 (10.1038/s41467-020-18278-y)

SLAC is a vibrant multiprogram laboratory that explores how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invents powerful tools used by scientists around the globe. With research spanning particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, materials, chemistry, bio- and energy sciences and scientific computing, we help solve real-world problems and advance the interests of the nation.

SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 23:51:23|Editor: huaxia

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XIAMEN, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The 2020 China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT) and the Belt and Road Investment Congress opened on Tuesday in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province, offering opportunities to promote investment and economic cooperation worldwide.

The fair, which has attracted merchants and delegates from 42 countries and regions including Germany, Britain and Japan, is one of the first major international economic and trade events held by China since the COVID-19 outbreak.

The four-day event includes the 2020 Global Investment Forum and nine sideline forums and seminars, and delegates participating in this year's fair will focus on the trend of global investment and the world economy amid the pandemic.

Covering an area of 110,000 square meters, two exhibition pavilions promoting investment and industry are expected to facilitate investment cooperation among countries and regions along the Belt and Road.

The participants are mainly from international organizations, domestic government agencies, business associations and enterprises, as well as foreign government offices, foreign embassies and consulates in China.

John Paul Inigo, special trade representative of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, said the Philippines had received an unprecedented accolade as the guest country of honor for two consecutive years.

"Under the increasing connectivity brought by China's Belt and Road Initiative, we are confident that the already-booming trade and investment relationship between the Philippines and China will further grow," Inigo said.

China was the Philippines' top trading partner and the total bilateral trade volume hit 35.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.

With the aid of cloud services from China's tech giant Alibaba, an online fair is also being held.

The CIFIT, approved by the State Council, takes place every September in Xiamen and aims to promote two-way trade and investment between China and the world.

COMPELLING DESTINATION FOR INVESTMENT

The fair, which aims to promote international cooperation and economic globalization, has drawn investors and enterprises from all over the world and offers hope for the recovery of the world economy.

Simon Ryley, who runs Herm Studio, a watch business based in London, said the Xiamen fair was a great opportunity to showcase their products with the British Chamber of Commerce Guangdong.

"We are confident in the Chinese market, which has a growing middle class, and young people are interested in contemporary fashion and accessories," Ryley said.

Established in 2016, the brand was first introduced to China at the end of last year, and they came to the fair looking for partners to open physical stores in the country.

Sodick Amoy Co., Ltd., a Japanese-funded manufacturer of CNC discharge machines, attended the international event for the 15th consecutive year.

Yoshiaki Daichi, deputy general manager of the Xiamen-based company, said they remained bullish on the Chinese market and vowed to expand investment in China.

"The booming maritime and railway shipping network will serve as a new driver for our growth," said Daichi. "This year we will invest approximately 60 million yuan (about 8.77 million U.S. dollars) to expand our Xiamen plant. Once completed, the annual production output will increase by 50 percent." Enditem
Though the federal government has commenced the implementation of the N2.3 trillion stimulus package, the economic distortions and hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic require the relevant ministers and stakeholders to expedite action on the plan adopted to mitigate the effect of the crisis on the economy, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Emphasizing the need for a quick implementation of the plan, the vice president said everything that we are doing has to be done immediately.

Continuing, he said, We are already in Day 67 since the plan. Nothing is going to happen by magic, we have to simply do this stuff. We got to ensure that we have the money and ensure that day by day, we are measuring our achievements and trying to ensure that we do the things that we need to do. And we simply are not favoured by time, every single day the poverty situation and the economic distortions deepen.

In a presentation which ended with the headline The Urgency of Now, the vice president stated this on Monday while presenting an overview of the Economic Sustainability Plan at the First Year Ministerial Performance Review Retreat organized for Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and top government functionaries. Mr Osinbajo made his presentation after delivering the presidents opening speech. The 2-day retreat ended Tuesday.

According to Mr Osinbajo, everybody recognizes that the only way out of this particular problem is to ensure that we fund production, enable consumer spending so that people can go and buy things, and we have to put money in peoples hands.

For instance, the vice president noted that the Mass Agriculture programme is one where we envisaged that we will be engaging many farmers. So far, we have enumerated at least 4 million farmers. So, these are farmers who are tied to their lands and we have the geo-statistics that shows where their land is and we have about 4 million of them. And we expect that with each state contributing acreage for farming, we will be able to do significant numbers. The plan is designed in such a way that in each one of the programmes, we are engaging as many Nigerians as possible.

The expected outcome for agriculture, even if each farmer employs an additional person, this will result in an additional 4 million jobs and even more jobs along the value chain. We also will be looking at developing rural roads to reduce post-harvest losses.

Then guaranteed off-take of the produce. The way the programme is designed is that we have anchor farmers who are big farmers. They engage several thousands of farmers and they ensure that these farmers have all of their requirements and they guarantee the offtake of their produce. We have done the survey and it is very evident that so long as there is funding, we will be able to do this programme.

For the Mass Housing Programme, the Vice President said the programme is one where we are looking at building 300,000 homes across the country. We are looking at ensuring that the price of those homes do not exceed N2 million. We already have models which have been put up in Borno State by the Family Homes Fund where the figure is at about N2 million. This is the social housing scheme.

Continuing, he said there are two tracks to the housing programme. There is one which is ongoing by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, and the one under the Family Homes Fund is also supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

The strategy is one that ensures that we use local materials as much as possible on each site. So, on each site, block making is going on. The making of doors, windows, tiles are going on. The whole idea is to make sure that we patronize the local industry and engage many of the young men and women who are at the moment out of work.

One of the critical success indicators for us will be the number of young engineers, builders who are engaged in these projects. So, we are opening up the space for them and ensuring that they are able to bid for the jobs so that the jobs are not given to big contractors who will take it all up. There will be some big contractors who are supervising smaller businesses and builders.

He added we are looking at funding from the structured loans of the CBN and the expected funding is about N217 billion. We look at the demand, 1.5 million doors, 1.8 million windows, 7.8 million hinges, for 300, 000 homes. This is huge by any standards and if we are able to focus on the local industry, we can actually start a major revolution in building in our own country and patronize local industry and ensure that our people get the jobs and the experience that they require.

For the MSMEs and Solar Power components of the plan, the vice president said the solar power and MSMEs strategy are also focused on creating jobs.

For the Solar Home System, Mr Osinbajo said the Solar Power strategy is also focused on creating jobs. What has happened for Solar Power energy in our country is that, for those who have been following, in the past few years, we have been able to demonstrate that if we enable the private sector to install solar power in homes and businesses, government itself does not have to worry about any of these things, unlike what is happening today, where whatever happens in the power sector almost invariably becomes the problem of government.

If you look at the projects that we have done in Ariaria Market for example, or Sabon Gari in Kano, where these solar systems have been installed in shops, and in other establishments, there have been no default in payments. The private sector people who put these systems there, receive their pay constantly. In Sokoto also where the project has been implemented, people are happy to pay. Jobs are created, the installers, those who are servicing the system, those who are running the payment systems, these are jobs for so many Nigerians.

So, using that same strategy, we will be enabling about 5 million solar home systems to be installed across the country. What government will do is to provide the loans through the CBN supported structured loans to the manufacturers of these solar home systems, and many of them are assembled locally. We are already working with these providers of the facilities. One other point is that the World Bank is working closely with us, and supporting the scheme so that once we are able to get fully out there, if we are able to do all of the 5 million homes, we should be able to provide 250,000 new jobs in low and high skilled categories, 25 million individuals with new or improved access to electricity. We are looking at 5 individuals per home, the vice president added.

The MSMEs sector, the vice president said, is one important area of supporting job creation and productivity in the economy.

ALSO READ:

He said We have the MSMEs support which has many aspects. But the Survival Fund which the President spoke about in his speech, is the Payroll Support and the Guaranteed Offtake, and then registration of new businesses. Guaranteed Offtake of products will support continued production of priority items and benefit 100,000 SMEs and sustain 300,000 jobs.

I think that the MSMEs support and the support for businesses is particularly important because we are looking for payroll support for MSMEs which will include payment to teachers of private schools, private businesses for a period of 3 months, just to ensure that people do not lose their jobs. We also expect that the MSMEs support will be one that will enable industries like the hospitality industry, especially the lower cadre to benefit.

Highlighting specific funding requirements and the expected outcomes in the plan, the vice president said Agriculture requiring N637.2 billion funding will provide 5,000,000 jobs; the Solar power project funding requirement is N152.4 billion is expected to provide 250,000 jobs; the Mass Housing programme with a funding requirement of N217.3 billion is expected to create 1,500,000 jobs; while Public Works funding is N52 billion to provide 774,000 jobs: and N100 billion is required to provide 500, 000 jobs in the SMEs.

Speaking further about the importance of implementing a stimulus plan, the vice president said there was no other way of correcting the distortions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said, I think that if we are able to implement this faithfully, if we are able to ensure that we bring in the resources, then we certainly will be able to turn around, the economic fortunes of Nigeria.

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The truth is that, if you look at stimulus packages all over the world, what has happened is that, in many economies that have been able to lessen the impact of COVID-19, the funds have been provided and they have been provided at great pains.

Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity

Office of the Vice President

8th September 2020

Copyright  2020, Office of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, All rights reserved.
JUMP TO RECIPE

Why It Works Soaking and boiling the salt cod in several changes of fresh water leeches salt from the fish and makes it palatable.

Adding ackee right at the end of cooking and just warming it through ensure it will retain some texture.

Ackee and saltfish isnt just Jamaicas national dish; its also a favorite breakfast or brunch for Jamaicans everywhere. Ackee is a savory fruit with thick red skin; when unripe, the skin forms a sealed pod, but when the fruit ripens, the skin opens up to reveal a beautiful petal-like shape containing three or four yellow pegs topped with a single black seed. Native to West Africa, ackee came to Jamaica along with enslaved Africans, who used its seed as a talisman.

If incorrectly prepared, fresh ackee can potentially be poisonous, but it is perfectly safe to eat if harvested and prepared correctly. The skin must be naturally open before picking; the pegs, once extracted from the pod, are thoroughly cleaned by removing the seed and the red membrane that is embedded in the flesh of the peg; the fruit is then boiled in salted water. Outside of Jamaica, ackee isnt sold fresh, but its readily available in cans and can be found in online groceries and mainstream supermarkets throughout the USA, Canada, and the UK.

Salt cod, known as saltfish in the islands, is a staple in the cuisine of almost all Caribbean islands as it formed part of the Triangular Trade between Europe, Africa and the Americas, tying its history to that of the African slave trade, slavery on Caribbean plantations, and the production and trade of West Indian sugar and rum. While high-quality North American salted cod was being exported to Europe, a lower quality product of poorly cured fishcalled West India Curewas being sold to plantation owners in the Caribbean. The West Indian slave owner relied on imported salt cod as a cheap form of nourishment for slaves. In fact, trade in salt cod from Nova Scotia to plantation and slave owners in the Caribbean was so high that by 1889 the Bank of Nova Scotia opened a branch in Kingston, Jamaica, to support the lucrative trade, becoming the first bank ever to expand outside of its country of origin.

What makes this dish original and surprising is how well these two very different ingredients combine to create a meal that is both subtle and bold. Ackee has a soft texture and delicate nutty taste, neutral enough to absorb the flavor of whatever its cooked with; this tempers the sharp, bright, saltiness and firm, dry texture of saltfish. The addition of Scotch bonnet pepper, garlic, thyme, green peppers, onions, and scallion, along with a side of avocado, fried ripe plantain, steamed callaloo and johnnycakes, or fried dumplings, makes an unforgettable feast.
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The anti-racism demonstrators who were caught on video confronting restaurant diners in Rochester said the footage only showed one side of the story and that the incident began after three men yelled 'Blue Lives Matter.'

The explanation from anti-racism protesters comes after footage of the incident surfaced on social media.

Cellphone footage shows a crowd taking over the outdoor dining space with one person even approaching an older couple's table before drinking their beer in front of them; another smashed a glass from a table.

One protester, identified as Lorenzo Rulli, tells the diners: 'F**k the white people that built the system.' He adds: 'F*** 12'; a reference to police.

Another protester, identified as Nique Craft, is seen approaching an older couple, taking a glass of beer off their table and gulping the drink.

Others eating at the restaurant pick up their belonging and leave after a demonstrator calls them an 'embarrassment'.

Black Lives Matter protesters screamed in the face of white elderly outdoor diners during protests in Pittsburgh on Saturday, disturbing new video shows

Posted by Grace Harvey on Sunday, September 6, 2020

A second video taken in Pittsburgh over the weekend shows a demonstrator speaking with a megaphone while walking next to a cyclist. It's unclear what is said, but the demonstrator nudges the cyclist with his megaphone. The cyclist swats the demonstrator in response, but a second unidentified person hits the man from behind with a skateboard.

Similar scenes have played out across the county with a diner in Washington D.C. last week cornered by a group of anti-racism protesters outside a restaurant. In another incident, diners in Rochester were also confronted by a large group of demonstrators.

The demonstrations are in response to several black Americans who have died in police custody, with the recently shared footage of the death of Daniel Prude in Rochester, New York in March, sparking the new wave of outrage.

'We're shutting your party down,' one woman was seen shouting in the face of a New York diner as demonstrators smashed the customer's glasses in front of their faces, broke plates, overturned chairs and chanted at them to get out.

When demonstrators entered the outdoor dining space, one person took a couples' drink and drank it herself before leaving

Nique Craft (left and right) said the older couple invited her over to discuss the situation and to have a drink

But on Monday, Craft said footage shared online only showed a fraction of what actually happened.

Craft, who identifies as nonbinary, told Post-Gazette that protesters marching through the area were confronted first by a group of three men who screamed 'Blue Lives Matter.' It's unclear if the men were pedestrians in the area or diners.

When demonstrators approached the group, one man reportedly began swinging a bicycle at people.

According to Craft, a man grabbed Craft's hair and placed a hand on Craft's chest, claiming that he was trying to stop Craft from interacting with another person.

After the confrontation, an older man in the restaurant reportedly began admonishing the protesters for their actions. The older woman who sat with him invited Craft over to have a beer and discuss the situation, Craft said.

'So, being a theatrical, snarky type of person that I am, I said that I dont have time to wait for you to order another beer; I will take the one you have,' Craft told Post-Gazette.

Police in Pittsburgh are said to have launched an investigation into both clips; there were no arrests during Saturday's protest.

'Even though people [at the restaurant] saw that whole thing, they still saw me as an aggressor,' Craft said.

Similar scenes have played out across the county with a diner in Washington D.C. last week being cornered by a group of anti-racism protesters outside a restaurant

The footage of the diners in Pittsburgh being approached sparked outrage online. One Twitter user, Michele Lippert, wrote: 'I am so sick of this!!!'

Another, Ricardo Dinero, said: 'These terrorists have no place in Pittsburgh or anywhere in America. They dont care about black lives, they care about chaos.'

Bob Billen wrote: 'I just don't understand what the endgame is for this insult, smash and dash style of "protesting". Who is sympathetic to it?'

Lorenzo Rulli, who was seen in footage wearing a purple top, also said that video online doesn't show protesters being harassed by several agitators.

'We dont target businesses,' he told the Post-Gazette.

'Our restaurant industry in the city supports us very much. We were talking to people that were talking to us. The beer that was consumed was an offer. The glass that fell was a mistake.'

Lorenzo Rulli (left and right): 'The reason I engaged the individual man and his wife is because ... her husband called me 'an embarrassment' and "disgusting'

He added that people in the restaurant were actually cheering protesters on, but the video doesn't show that because it only captured on version of the events.

'The reason I engaged the individual man and his wife is because ... her husband called me 'an embarrassment' and "disgusting,"' said Rolli.

In addition to shock online, GOP Sen. Pat Toomey condemned the videos on social media.

'Intimidating people to get your demands met isn't peaceful protesting. Damaging or destroying reeling businesses hurts workers and isn't peaceful protesting,' he wrote.

'These are crimes. Until elected officials support the prosecution of these criminals, they'll continue.'

But Rulli doesn't believe the video has caste anti-racism protesters in a negative light.

'Honestly, the protesters could never be in a good light in this city until the people who have the power to convey the message properly are doing so.' he told Post-Gazzette.

Authorities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, are investigating after social media footage showed demonstrators and civilians clashing on Saturday

One demonstrator and a cyclist get into a brief slapping match as others watch the exchange from restaurants and businesses (pictured)

In Rochester a man attending a demonstration was struck by a car on Sunday.

Shared by Carolyn Delvecchio Hoffman, footage shows a group of demonstrators standing in an intersection during the city's third night of protest.

Protesters watch a vehicle turning right out of the intersection with a screech, but a few voices suddenly scream out in warning.

Seconds later, a red vehicle accelerates into the crowd and the driver unleashes a wave of yellow spray paint at protesters.

Meanwhile, the unidentified man was crouching down on the concrete and did not see the vehicle coming in time.

The man manages to jump in the air, but is still hit by the vehicle and thrown to the ground.

The group of witnesses then call for volunteer medics as the man remains on the ground.

Hoffman said: 'The driver was not arrested at the scene. Volunteer medics responded to the injured protesters.'

She added that over the course of the night she was shot with rubber bullets and pepper spray during confrontations with the Rochester Police Department.

A man attending a demonstration in Rochester, New York, was struck by a car on Sunday

The driver of the vehicle was spraying yellow paint at demonstrators as he drove through the crowd and hit the unidentified man on Friday night in Rochester, New York

Demonstrators take part in a protest over the death of a Black man, Daniel Prude, after police put a spit hood over his head during an arrest in March, in Rochester, New York

A demonstrator wear protective glasses, a hoodies and holds a trash can top as a makeshift shield as he takes part in a demonstration on Sunday in Rochester

On Saturday, police used batons, pepper balls and tear gas to push back about 2,000 protesters who marched toward the Public Safety Building on Saturday night, chanting 'Black Lives Matter' and 'Daniel Prude.'

The Rochester Police Department said in a statement that protesters had ignored their orders to disperse, and that some hurled bottles, rocks and fireworks at officers.

A group of local 'elders' arrived early to the protest to act as a human barricade between demonstrators and the Rochester Police Department, according to The Democrat & Chronicle.

The mayor of Rochester on Monday promised reforms are coming to the citys police department.

The demonstration held in Rochester, New York, on Sunday night was the fourth consecutive protest in the city over the death of Daniel Prude

Demonstrators hold signs reading 'Black Lives Matter' while standing outside in the streets of Rochester on Sunday to continue to protest the death of Daniel Prude

Sunday's protest ended peacefully with demonstrators playing music and dancing outside the Public Safety Building in Rochester

Two demonstrators hold up signs reading 'Defund The Police' on Sunday after protests sparked in Rochester, New York, this week

People look at a makeshift memorial during a protest over the death of a Black man, Daniel Prude, after police put a spit hood over his head during an arrest and died from 'complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint'

By 8pm on Sunday, a rally had begun on Jefferson Avenue, the street where Prude was restrained by officers and suffocated to death, and continued to the Public Safety Building.

Once at the Public Safety Building, protesters made calls for police reform and an end to inequality. The night ended with music and dancing in front of the Public Safety Building.

On Friday night, the Mayor of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was confronted over his city's policies and law enforcement at his home by upset residents.

Around 100 people met in the East Liberty neighborhood for 'Civil Saturdays,' the name given to their continued protests, they traveled through downtown.

The Post-Gazette reports that Saturday's demonstration was meant to disrupt restaurant diners and residents with a call for Black Lives Matter.

'Out of the bars and into the streets,' the group chanted.

The eventually rounded to the home of Mayor Bill Peduto after criminal charges were filed against four protest leaders.

Once outside Peduto's home, demonstrators were met with a half-dozen Pittsburgh police officers standing in front of the mayor's door.

After standing there for a short time, Post-Gazette reports that officers began putting on their riot helmets.

'I don't see a riot here why are you in riot gear?' protesters chanted in response.

The group eventually left Peduto's home and the demonstration peacefully dispersed just after 10pm.

Mayor Peduto's home was surrounded by a line of Pittsburgh police officers who stood guard at the front door (pictured)

A crowd of demonstrators hold their fists in the air in solidarity on Sunday night as they protest the death of Daniel Prude and other black Americans who died in police custody

Pictured: a protester wearing protective gear and holding a makeshift shield stands among a crowd of other demonstrators in Rochester

In Portland, Oregon, officials revealed that 59 people had been arrested on the 101st night of protests in the city - a new record.

The majority of arrests were over low-level misdemeanors that Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt said he will dismiss, Oregon Live reports.

Oregon State Police was responsible for 16 of the 59 arrests, and they have not yet released the identities.

A rally and march at Alberta Park was scheduled to take place on Sunday, but authorities later received word that protesters were outside the North Precinct blocking traffic.

KOIN reports that a fire was started on NE MLK Boulevard, and fire emergency crews put out the flames without further incident.

The night before, hundreds of protesters continued to clash with law enforcement as nearly 30 people were arrested, a swarm of fireworks were launched into the air and one person caught on fire from a deployed Molotov cocktail.

In one video, officers implore residents to disperse from the area as Molotov cocktails crash against the pavement and fire erupts.

'This has been declared an unlawful assembly,' officers say. 'All persons immediately leave the area. Failure to adhere to this order may subject you too arrest, citation or the use of crowd control agents including but not limited to tear gas and, or impact weapons.'

During the 100th night of protest in Portland, a man's shoes caught on fire after some people launched Molotov cocktails into roadways

Seconds later, a Molotov cocktail is thrown but drops dangerously close to a protester standing in the roadway.

A wave a gasps are heard as a man rushes out of the inferno with both his feet on fire. The man desperately tries to kick the fire away but needs assistance from other demonstrators.

'Stop, drop and roll!' one person shouts. The man on fire rolls across the ground but is forced to take his shoes off as the fire continues to burn the fabric.

After the riot was declared, a BLM 'snack van' that hands out food to protesters pulled up to an intersection blocked by police and faced officers in a tense standoff.

When a line of riot police charged the BLM demonstrators they scattered, and officers were filmed sprinting after the fleeing protesters down normally quiet streets lined with family homes, pinning them to the ground and cuffing them while others shouted insults and taunts.

Neighbors blocked their roads with traffic cones and barrels to prevent protesters parking and joining the demonstration that devolved into a riot.

A local standing outside his home told DailyMail.com that at one point a line of hundreds of marchers trooping down East Burnside Street by Ventura Park stretched almost twenty city blocks.

A protester holds a megaphone as he takes part in a protest outside the Portland Police Bureau's North Precinct on the 101th consecutive night of protests against police violence and racial inequality in Portland

Protesters gather outside the Portland Police Bureau's North Precinct on the 101th consecutive night of protests against police violence and racial inequality
Boeing has warned of delays in deliveries of its 787 Dreamliner, as three separate production flaws over the past year hamper efforts to develop an alternative cash cow to its grounded 737 MAX.

In the latest issue, Boeing learned during fabrication of the 787 horizontal stabiliser that some components were clamped with greater force than specified, which could result in improper gap verification and shimming. Boeing identified the problem in February and announced it on Tuesday.

Boeing shares slid by nearly 6 per cent on the news. Credit:AP

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it "is investigating manufacturing flaws affecting certain Boeing 787 jetliners. The agency continues to engage with Boeing."

A person briefed on the matter said the horizontal stabiliser issue could require the inspection of as many as about 900 airplanes.
Rwanda accuses Rusesabagina of leading a terrorist group that has killed Rwandans. It points to a video posted online in late 2018 in which he expresses support for an armed wing of his opposition political platform and says 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.
Police are looking for information on two people suspected of stealing money and credit cards from vehicles on two occasions.

The Lower Allen Township Police said that on August 21, they were called by a woman reporting a theft of her purse and other items from her vehicle, worth an estimated $185. The womans credit card had been taken and used for several purchases in the area, totaling another $102 in fraudulent charges.

A similar call was made on August 24, where another womans purse had been taken from her car and $41 worth of charges were made on her stolen credit card.

According to police, video taken from the crime scene suggests that both thefts were carried out by the same two suspects, a man and woman driving a blue or light green minivan. Anyone with information on the two suspects is asked to reach out to the Lower Allen Township Police Department.
Getting a flu shot belongs on the top of the to-do list during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The preventive health measure could help avert what health officials are calling a potential twindemic  simultaneous outbreaks of two dangerous respiratory viruses.

Many of us start with good intentions about getting vaccinated before the flu season hits. But sometimes that visit to the doctor, drugstore or neighborhood clinic is delayed for weeks as other life issues take priority.

Things are different this year. Its paramount hospitalizations for the flu are kept to a minimum so the health care system, which has been dealing with a large number of COVID-19 infections, is not overwhelmed.

It has been encouraging to see the percentage of available hospital beds in our community steadily increase as the number of coronavirus infections decreases. But that number is still cause for concern  especially coming off another holiday weekend in which family gatherings may have happened and with some school districts set to resume in-person learning. The potential for an uptick in COVID-19 cases is certainly possible.

Texans would do well to heed Gov. Greg Abbotts advice and get a flu shot as soon as possible.

With a flu season that could be prolific, if that leads to greater hospitalizations coupled with the hospitalizations that were seeing from COVID-19, you can easily see how hospitals in this region as well as across Texas will be completely overrun, Abbott said in Dallas recently.

Its a message Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and public health officials are also stressing at daily COVID-19 briefings.

At a recent briefing, Nirenberg presented a model from the health care intelligence company Sg2 showing local hospitalizations will continue to decline through this month. But he warned residents need to continue to take precautionary measures to keep those numbers down.

The clear message is we cannot afford to let our guard down when it comes to COVID-19 or the flu.

It is possible to get COVID-19 and the flu at the same time, and there is also the possibility a patient could develop pneumonia from either of the illnesses, according to Dr. Barbara Taylor, an associate professor of infectious diseases and an assistant dean at UT Health San Antonio.

The social distancing practices that have become second nature in the last several months, and the wearing of masks, might help keep flu cases down this season. We certainly hope so, but a flu vaccine is another layer of protection.

The flu is a life-threatening respiratory illness. It can land patients in the emergency room or intensive care unit. It can also leave patients vulnerable to a harsher case of COVID-19.

In 2018-19, an estimated 35.5 million people in the United States came down with the flu. An estimated 6.5 million people had to go to the doctor for treatment and 490,600 required hospitalization, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were 34,200 deaths.

Despite the dire statistics, the majority of adults do not get a flu shot. In 2018, only 45.3 percent of adults got the vaccine, and many of those were older than 50.

The flu season occurs in the fall and winter, with the highest number of cases occurring from December to February. The shot is generally recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

We had a mild flu season last year, but we cant count on that happening again. Do your part to avoid any potential twindemic and get a flu shot.
A fire that forced evacuation of the Alabama State House last week has drawn new attention to problems with the building that serves as home for the Alabama Legislature.

An exhaust fan in a third-floor bathroom caught fire on Friday, causing heavy smoke and forcing the evacuation of the eight-story building.

One week earlier, Alabama Senate Secretary Pat Harris said an electrical outlet caught fire in his office on the seventh floor. It was put out with a fire extinguisher.

Harris said both fires could have grown worse had they happened on a weekend or evening when the building was not occupied.

Harris said he plans to meet Wednesday with the company that manages the fire alarm system in the State House. One concern, Harris said, is that the alarm did not go off on the seventh floor on Friday. Another concern is that a fire could trigger the buildings sprinkler system and damage computers and other equipment.

Othni Lathram, director of the Legislative Services Agency, said a report on the condition of the State House and its systems, including the electrical system, is due by September 30. The report on the buildings condition is not specifically related to the fires but was part of an annual maintenance agreement with the state Finance Department.

ISES Corporation of Duluth, Ga., is doing the assessment for $14,260, according to the Finance Department. The company is also under contract to assess other buildings in the Capitol complex.

The State House was completed in 1963 to serve as headquarters for what was then known as the State Highway Department, which is now called the Alabama Department of Transportation.

The Legislature moved into the building in the 1980s for what was expected to a temporary stay to allow renovations of the Capitol. But the Legislature never went back to the Capitol.

About 250 people work in the State House year-round, Lathram said. That includes employees of the Senate, House of Representatives, Legislative Services Agency, Executive Budget Office, and Secretary of State. The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the number of people in the building on a regular basis.

Lathram said the building is a concrete structure that was retrofitted with air conditioning and has had problems with moisture.

Alabama House Clerk Jeff Woodard said he did not know about many recent problems with the electrical system in the House offices, which are on the fifth floor, although he said a couple of outlets have burned in the past.

Woodard said mold has been an issue in the State House for some time. He said that includes mold on multiple walls and mold discovered behind wall coverings during renovations.

The House this year adopted a resolution to set up a nine-person committee to study the environmental conditions and physical plant systems of State House and make recommendations to the Legislature.

The resolution said the State House has many problems, including air quality, plumbing leaks, electrical power surges, flooding, inconsistent heating and air conditioning, accessibility, and lack of space for public access to committee meetings and other legislative business.

The Senate did not pass the resolution.

The condition of the State House came up earlier this year when lawmakers were considering how to allocate the $1.8 billion the state received from the federal government from the CARES Act, which was to help with the costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Kay Ivey released a list of 16 suggestions from legislators that included $200 million for a new State House and blasted that idea as an inappropriate use of the money. Federal guidelines would not have allowed the money to be used that way, and the idea was dropped.

This story was updated at 8:51 a.m. on Sept. 9 to add the name of the company doing the evaluation of the State House.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Centros new top executive director has continued working two outside jobs after taking the reins at Central New Yorks public bus authority.

While Brian Schultz received the states approval to continue to own a private financial investment firm, Centro did not seek the states required advice on whether he should keep his third job.

Since becoming a full-time administrator at Centro in April, Schultz has kept his part-time, $34,333-a-year job as secretary for the DeWitt Fire District.

Schultz was hired for the $172,000 CEO job without undergoing a formal interview or submitting a resume. He had been chairman of the Centro board. He had recused himself from voting on or discussing his potential appointment.

He also didnt include the fire district job on his most recent financial disclosure form as he had in previous years.

Schultz didnt seek state approval for the fire job because, he says, its a moot point. He says hes leaving the fire district job this month. He says hed planned that exit all along.

It was always my intention that if I got the Centro position I would leave the fire district, Schultz told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. He said he plans to quit the DeWitt job this month, after the districts only other administrative staffer returns from family leave.

Still, that means for the past five months, Schultz has been working for three entities: his own financial firm, the fire district and Centro, a transit system that provides about 10 million bus trips to riders across four counties each year.

In the fire district job, Schultz handles the districts insurance policies, workers compensation issues and other personnel matters. It requires up to 20 hours of work a week, Schultz said.

Its a workload he admits is too much.

I was not going to try to do all three, he said.

Yet he has been working for all three since April 1, when he stepped into an executive vice president position at Centro to work with outgoing CEO Rick Lee. On Aug. 1, Schultz took over the top position.

The board members hired Schultz, who served as their chair for eight years, for the top job back in March.

They did so with no formal interviewing process, no external search and no review of a resume or credentials, Centro officials said last month. The hiring process was expedited because the need to fill the top job arose as the coronavirus was beginning to spread across New York, Centro officials have said.

Schultz said he cant say for sure that every board member knew he was working the fire job while stepping in to run a transit system with more than 600 workers and a budget of $78 million.

I know they knew I was very involved with the fire department, Schultz said when asked if the board members knew about this third job before voting unanimously to name him to Centros top post.

Board member Tina Fitzgerald said Schultz did tell the board about his fire district job while they considered him for the top spot at Centro. He let us all know, she said.

The board, she added, felt comfortable with Schultzs heavy workload because he planned to leave the fire district job this month. He couldnt exactly walk out on them, she said. You cant leave a fire department with no help.

Calls and messages to three other Centro board members were not returned.

Centro Board Chairman Nicholas Laino also said he knew the full scope of Schultzs workload, and that he planned to leave the fire district job in early fall. Laino told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard he couldnt recall if he told the board about Schultzs fire job or if it was discussed amid the hiring.

Centros board members knew Schultz planned to remain president of his financial firm before unanimously hiring him as CEO. In late 2012, Schultz founded Choice Point Advisors, where he continues to serve as president.

The states ethics commission signed off on Schultzs work at the financial advising business.

Schultz said he didnt take the same notification steps with the fire job because he is planning to resign. I was quitting anyway so it wasnt an issue, he said. Schultz confirmed this week his last day at the DeWitt job is Sept. 30.

Generally, state workers designated by their agencies as policymakers, like Schultz, are required to seek approval from the Joint Commission on Public Ethics for any outside income above $5,000 a year.

Schultz has been working at the fire district since 2013, DeWitt Fire Chief Jason Green confirmed. Schultz is also a fire commissioner in DeWitt. Municipal law allows fire commissioners to work compensated jobs for the same fire district.

Schultz also didnt list the fire district income on his most recent state financial disclosure form. He had listed it on all previous years that he worked for the fire district and served on Centros board.

He said hes unsure why the information was missing on the most recent form, which covers 2019. He said he thought he did what hes done in subsequent years, copying the same financial information from the previous form to the new one.

Last Wednesday, he amended the form to reflect the third job in 2019.

When asked if the board would further review Schultzs hiring, Laino said the board stood by its decision.

I think Brian did a stellar job leading us through this Covid, he said. He didnt let us down at all, during the five months, thats all I can say. During one of the hardest times at Centro.

Schultz said hes been putting in at least 40 hours a week at Centro since he was hired in April.

Im there every day, he said, adding that working long hours is in his nature.

This is one of the only things Ill say about myself, tooting my own horn: Im a hardworking person. I always have been, he said. I never miss a deadline. I always get my work done.

Got a story idea or news tip youd like to share? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : Power Finance Corporation (PFC) is likely to increase foreign currency borrowing going ahead, said Ravinder Singh Dhillon, the CMD of the company.

In his speech at the 34th Annual General Meeting of PFC, Dhillon said that in the financial year 2019-20, the company raised $3 billion from international markets. "In the last financial year, PFC raised about USD 3 billion from international markets. Now, the share of foreign currency borrowings in the overall borrowing has increased to 16 per cent. Going forward, we expect the foreign currency borrowings to contribute to our portfolio to a greater extent," he said.

The CMD noted that on the borrowing front, the company's efforts towards diversification of the borrowing portfolio has started yielding results. He said that PFC Group disbursed more than Rs 1.4 lakh crore in the last financial year.

"The loan assets also crossed the Rs 3.5 lakh crore milestone and saw a robust growth of 10 per cent during the year," Dhillon said. He also noted that there have been significant developments on the stressed assets front. GMR Chhattisgarh and RattanIndia Amravati, two of PFC's large stressed assets were resolved during the year. Also, resolution plan for Suzlon Energy and Essar Power Transmission were approved, Dhillon said.
A day after proposing its voluntary retirement scheme, the State Bank of India (SBI) has said that it will recruit 14,000 employees this year. The SBI said in a statement, "It has been employee-friendly and is expanding its operation and requires people, which is evidenced by the fact that Bank has plans of recruiting more than 14,000 employees this year". It also added that its VRS is not cost-cutting.

SBI's statement on hiring came after former Finance Minister P Chidambaram slammed the proposed VRS Scheme.

"News reports say that SBI plans to implement a VRS scheme as an 'economic measure'. In normal times the plan would be debatable. In these abnormal times, when the economy has collapsed and jobs are scarce, it is cruel," Chidambaram tweeted.



News reports say that SBI plans to implement a VRS scheme as an economy measure



In normal times the plan would be debatable. In these abnormal times, when the economy has collapsed and jobs are scarce, it is cruel P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 7, 2020 "The plan is ostensibly voluntary but we know that subtle pressure will be brought on the employees that the Bank wants to get rid of. If the current rules provide for genuine voluntary retirement, why announce a new plan and give out an exact number like 30,190?" Chidambaram added. If Indias biggest lender has to shed jobs, imagine what other big employers and MSMEs are doing



The plan is ostensibly voluntary but we know that subtle pressure will be brought on the employees that the Bank wants to get rid of P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 7, 2020 If the current rules provide for genuine voluntary retirement, why announce a new plan and give out an exact number like 30,190? P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 7, 2020

Yesterday, SBI proposed a voluntary retirement scheme under which the bank said about 30,190 employees are eligible. SBI has an existing workforce of around 2.50 lakh. Against this backdrop, the bank has decided to provide a congenial solution to employees "who expressed a desire for making strategic shifts in their vocations, either due to professional growth limitations, physical health conditions or other situations," SBI said.

The SBI has reportedly prepared a draft scheme for VRS and only board approval is awaited. As per the draft scheme, 'Second Innings Tap VRS-2020' will be opened to all permanent officers and staff who have put in 25 years of service or completed 55 years of age on the cut-off date.

The VRS will open from December 1, 2020 till February 2021. As per the proposed eligibility criteria, a total of 11,565 officers and 18,625 staff members will be eligible for the scheme.

According to the SBI, total net savings would be Rs 1,662.86 crore if 30 per cent of eligible staff opt for retirement, as per estimates based on July 2020 salary.

The SBI staff whose request for retirement under VRS will get accepted will get ex-gratia amounting 50 per cent of salary for the residual period of service (up to the date of superannuation).

Other benefits like gratuity, pension, provident and medical benefits will be given to employees seeking VRS.

"A staff member retired under the scheme will be eligible for engagement or re-employment in the bank after a cooling-off period of two years from the date of retirement," SBI added.

Also read: SBI VRS scheme 2020: Check out eligibility, compensation, other details

Also read: SBI moots VRS scheme to optimise costs, 30,000 employees eligible
The clearance operation began at 3 a.m. in western Myanmar, the soldier says.

The colonel in charge told the troops in Myanmars 565th light infantry battalion their task was to wipe out the Rohingya villagers in the area, ordering them to shoot all that you see and all that you hear, Pvt. Myo Win Tun says in video testimony obtained by NBC News.

His unit carried out the order, the private says, raping women first before killing them along with children and the elderly. The troops buried 30 bodies in a mass grave near a cell phone tower and an army base, the soldier says.

The Muslim men were shot on their foreheads and kicked into the grave, the soldier says.

His shocking testimony, along with that of another soldier deployed to a nearby township, marks the first time members of Myanmars military have confessed to mass killings in August 2017 that United Nations officials and human rights groups call a genocidal campaign against the Rohingya minority.

The testimony of the two soldiers, which was first reported by the New York Times, echoes the accounts of many Rohingya refugees and could have a dramatic impact on future proceedings at the International Criminal Court, which is examining whether Myanmar military officers committed crimes against the Rohingya community.

It remains unclear if the two soldiers will be charged, or serve as witnesses for the prosecution of senior military leaders.

This is the first time that Myanmar soldiers are coming forward in this way, said Matthew Smith, chief executive officer at Fortify Rights, a human rights group.

Smith said the soldiers detailed testimony confirms acts of violence against Rohingyas that amount to genocide and crimes against humanity, and could open the door for others in the military to come clean.

Image: A member of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) tells a Rohingya girl not to come on Bangladesh side, in Cox's Bazar (Mohammad Ponir Hossain / Reuters file)

This is the crack in the armor of impunity in the history of the Myanmar armys campaign against the Rohingya and other ethnic nationalities, Smith told NBC News.

The two soldiers fled Myanmar and have been flown to The Hague, where the International Criminal Court is located, according to a source with knowledge of the matter.

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NBC News could not independently confirm the statements from the soldiers but their testimony appears to match accounts from human rights groups and Rohingya refugees.

Myanmars mission to the United Nations did not respond to a request for comment.

In his video testimony, Pvt. Myo Win Tun says the same colonel who gave his unit the original orders, Col. Than Htike, told the troops to exterminate all Rohingya.

Both soldiers, speaking without emotion in a flat monotone, described how the troops from all ranks raped Rohingya women before destroying the villages.

We also raped Muslim women prior to shooting them, Pvt. Myo Win Tun says. There were the Corporals, Sergeants, and Officers who raped Muslim women. I also raped one time.

Image: Rohingya refugees, 2017 (UNHCR)

In the same region, another unit was carrying out a massacre against Rohingya under similar orders, according to video testimony from a second soldier, Pvt. Zaw Naing Tun of the 353rd Light Infantry Battalion.

We wiped out about 20 Muslim villages, Pvt. Zaw Naing Tun says in the video. His unit of roughly 80 troops was told to kill all, irrespective of children and adults, he says.

Pvt. Zaw Naing Tun says fellow troops and officers raped Rohingya women. He did not take part as he was ordered to guard the area where the rapes were carried out, the soldier says.

I was sentry outside while they were raping. I had to do the sentry because I am a private, he says. I cant remember all of their names and ranks because there were a lot of them.

Over a period of days, Pvt. Zaw Naing Tun says his battalion launched attacks on 20 villages in Maungdaw Township, including Doe Tan, Ngan Chaung, Kyet Yoe Pyin, Zin Paing Nyar and U Shey Kya.

Related: Half a million Rohingya Muslims have poured over the Myanmar border into Bangladesh in the last seven weeks, fleeing ethnic violence.

He says he and fellow soldiers shot and killed seven Rohingya in Zin Paing Nyar. He also says in the video that they abducted 10 unarmed Rohingya, tied them up with ropes, killed them and buried them in a mass grave. He and other privates dug the hole for the mass grave, he says.

The August 2017 military campaign against the Rohingya Muslims forced an estimated 730,000 to flee the country, mostly in neighboring Bangladesh.

An international fact-finding team appointed by the United Nations concluded that top military commanders in Myanmar should be investigated and prosecuted for genocide and other crimes against humanity. The crimes included murder, rape, torture, sexual slavery, persecution and enslavement, the investigators said.

According to the United Nations, about 200 Rohingya villages were razed from 2017 to 2019.

Image: Smoke billows above what is believed to be a burning village in Myanmar's Rakhine state as members of the Rohingya Muslim minority take shelter (K.M. Asad / AFP - Getty Images file)

Myanmar has denied it carried out a pogrom against the Rohingya. The countrys civilian leader and winner of the Nobel peace prize, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, spoke in defense of Myanmar in another case at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

The United States has labeled the 2017 events as ethnic cleansing and demanded Myanmar hold those responsible to account, but the Trump administration has stopped short of defining the armys actions as genocide.

Gambia, acting on behalf of the 57 countries in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, has filed a case before the International Court of Justice, accusing Myanmar of trying to destroy the Rohingya as a group, in whole or in part, by the use of mass murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, as well as the systematic destruction by fire of their villages.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-09 07:00:31|Editor: huaxia

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Brazil will launch a mass vaccination drive against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in January, the government said on Tuesday.

"We are signing contracts with those who manufacture the vaccine and the expectation is that the vaccine will reach us starting in January. In January of next year we will begin to vaccinate everybody," the acting Minister of Health Eduardo Pazuello said during a cabinet meeting.

Brazil's government signed an agreement with the state-run Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), which is working with the University of Oxford to develop a vaccine.

The plan is to initially receive 100.4 million vaccines, which would serve to immunize half the population. A second supply of dosages is expected to be ready in the second half of next year.

Minister of Tourism Marcelo Alvaro Antonio, who also attended the meeting, said he expected the availability of a vaccine to make next summer season "the one with the highest volume of domestic tourism."

The sector "will come back strong" from the health crisis, he predicted. Enditem
The police chief in Rochester, New York, announced his retirement Tuesday as his department faces scrutiny over the March death of Daniel Prude, a 41-year-old Black man who died in police custody. Chief La'Ron Singletary, a 20-year veteran of the department, was appointed to the role by Mayor Lovely Warren last year.

Singletary issued a statement saying he was retiring because he would not "sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character. The events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity."

"The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prude's death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for," he added.

Warren on Tuesday said she had not asked Singletary to resign and later said Singletary will remain on the force until the end of the month.

Prude's death was largely unknown until last week when his family released body camera footage of his encounter with police. The footage showed officers confronting a naked Prude, who his family said was having a mental health episode, on a Rochester street on March 23.

The footage, which sparked protests in the city, showed officers handcuffing Prude, putting a spit sock over his face and shoving his face into the ground for more than three minutes. Seven officers involved in the arrest have been suspended.

Rochester Police Chief La'Ron Singletary on September 6, 2020. / Credit: Brendan McDermid / REUTERS

Warren last week claimed Singletary had originally told her that Prude had died of an overdose in police custody and that she had not seen the footage of Prude's death until early August.

"l have addressed with Police Chief La'Ron 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 said at the time. "He knows he needs to do better to truly protect and serve our community and I know he will."

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Warren and Singletary have pushed back against accusations of covering up Prude's death, saying they were instructed to allow the New York Attorney General's Office to complete its investigation before publicly releasing information on the case. State law requires all police custody deaths to be investigated by the attorney general's office.

Singletary's resignation comes days after the attorney general announced that she will set up a grand jury to investigate the case, and on the same day Prude's family filed a civil rights lawsuit against Singletary, the city, and other members of the police department.

Deputy Chief Joseph Morabito and Commander Fabian Rivera also announced their retirements, while Deputy Chief Mark Simmons and Commander Henry Favor returned to their previous ranks as lieutenants, the department said. The Rochester police union said it was surprised by the resignations, but claimed that "the problems of leadership go directly to the mayor's office."

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Samsung recently received several orders for its foundry business, including some from IBM, Cisco, Nvidia, and Google. As per the latest report, the company has received a new order from Qualcomm. Samsung will be manufacturing Qualcomms mobile application processor (AP), which is also known as System on Chip (SoC), for low-cost 5G smartphones.

The affordable 5G processor from Qualcomm could be the upcoming Snapdragon 4-series 5G mobile platform. According to Qualcomm, its budget 5G chipset will make its official debut in the first quarter of 2021.

Samsung to make Qualcomms affordable 5G processor

Motorola, OPPO, and Xiaomi already announced to be one of the first OEMs to launch 5G smartphones powered by the new Snapdragon 4-series 5G SoC. As of now, the company is yet to reveal the specifications of this new chipset.

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In June this year, Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon 690 mobile platform as its first 5G chipset in the Snapdragon 6-series. The recently unveiled Samsung Galaxy A42 5G could be the first smartphone to come powered by the Snapdragon 690 SoC.

It is the worlds second-largest semiconductor company

Samsungs foundry business is the second largest in the world with a market share of 17.4 percent. However, it is still far behind the 53.9 percent market share of TSMC. Samsung has promised to invest KRW 133 trillion (approx. $112 billion) to become the worlds No. 1 logic chipmaker by 2030.

Both of these companies offer advanced technologies that make the chipsets powerful and power-efficient. The US export ban on Chinese companies should also help both these companies increase their market share in the coming months.

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With the increasing demand for the chips, Samsung is eyeing for strong growth in the semiconductor industry. It also received orders for manufacturing the recently announced IBM POWER 10 processor using a 7nm process and Nvidias RTX 3000-series GPUs using a 5nm process.

Last week, Huawei was expected to unveil the worlds first 5nm mobile chipset manufactured by TSMC at IFA 2020 trade show in Berlin. However, the Chinese company has reportedly decided to skip the unveiling to avoid drawing unnecessary attention during the current crisis.

Even the upcoming flagship Snapdragon and Exynos chipset will be based on the 5nm process. While the 5nm chipsets are yet to hit the market, Samsung already started prototyping 3nm chips.

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TSMC is reportedly continuing to use the current FinFET process for 3nm chips. Whereas, Samsung has opted for a more advanced Gate All Around Field Effect Transistor (GAA-FET) process.
New York's junior senator and a law enforcement union endorsed in the 126th Assembly District, while a longtime statewide elected official is taking sides in the 50th state Senate District contest.

Here is The Citizen's latest election roundup:

Gillibrand backs Carabajal

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is endorsing Democratic candidate Dia Carabajal in the 126th Assembly District race.

"Dia has served our community both as an educator, and an elected official," Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said. "She will make a great addition to the Assembly and I look forward to working with her to improve the lives of New Yorkers across central New York."

Carabajal, a Cayuga Community College professor, is a former Auburn city councilor and school board member. She is running to succeed state Assemblyman Gary Finch, who announced he will not seek reelection this year. Finch served as a state lawmaker for more than two decades.

Gillibrand has endorsed other candidates vying for congressional and state legislative seats in New York. She is supporting Dana Balter, a Democrat, in the 24th Congressional District.

"Senator Gillibrand has consistently delivered for central New Yorkers and working families in Washington," Carabajal said. "It's an honor to be endorsed by her and I am proud to have her support."

Troopers union endorses Lemondes

John Lemondes, the Republican candidate in the 126th Assembly District race, has the support of the Police Benevolent Association of New York State Troopers.

According to Lemondes' campaign, the union representing more than 6,000 active and retired members noted "the lack of support and trust from state legislators" in its endorsement of the GOP candidate. The campaign added that the union believes "with the help of individuals like Lemondes, they hope to begin to do the good work of coming back together."

Lemondes, R-LaFayette, says the endorsement means a lot to him.

"Coming from a background of military service, I get the same sense of camaraderie from police officers that I do from the soldiers I served with," he said. "With the advent of bail reform in New York and the increasingly hostile calls to 'defund the police,' while at the same time refusing to acknowledge the people behind the organization doing the good work of serving their communities, I think it's high time Albany gave way to faces and voices that support law enforcement. And I'm committed to being just one of those many voices going to Albany in January to do so."

Lemondes is running to represent the 126th district, which includes parts of Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland and Onondaga counties. Carabajal is his opponent in the general election.

The winner will succeed Finch as the district's representative in the state Assembly.

Oberacker also wins support of troopers union

Peter Oberacker, who is seeking the 51st state Senate District seat, also has been endorsed by the troopers union.

The union criticized calls to "defund the police" and the passage of bail reform at the state level.

"Our members are honored and proud to stand alongside and support Peter Oberacker and he will do for us," said John Clark, second vice president and legislative director for the New York State Troopers PBA.

Mannion gets DiNapoli's endorsement

New York Comptroller Tom DiNapoli endorsed John Mannion in the 50th state Senate District race last week.

DiNapoli has served as state comptroller since 2007. He is the first statewide elected official to endorse Mannion, a Democrat, in this central New York state Senate race.

"As a teacher of more than 20 years and a lifelong central New Yorker, John Mannion's neighbors know that he's the kind of representative we need in Albany  now more than ever," DiNapoli said. "I look forward to working with him next year as we weather the crisis of COVID-19 and begin the work of building an even more vibrant and resilient state in its wake."

Mannion is running to fill the vacant 50th Senate District seat. The seat has been open since the resignation of Bob Antonacci, who left the Senate at the end of 2019 after being elected to serve as a state Supreme Court judge.

The race in the 50th pits Mannion against Republican candidate Angi Renna. While Mannion ran for this seat two years ago, Renna is a first-time candidate.

Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

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The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is ready for a possible second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and has a plan to support allies in case of need, the Deputy Secretary-General of NATO Mircea Geoana stated on Tuesday.

He sent a video message to the participants in the Annual Meeting of the Romanian Diplomacy."NATO is ready for a possible second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and has a plan to support the allies, our partners, with a stock of medical supplies, an acquisition fund for medical equipment, so that we are prepared at all times for a more difficult situation," said the NATO official.He also spoke about NATO's priorities during the pandemic."NATO's main priority was to get sure that this health and economic crisis won't turn into a security crisis, that our forces remain vigilant and that we are ready at all times to defend all of our allies, a billion citizens that is, against any threat, so this is what we do every day and this is the most important thing," Mircea Geoana pointed out.
DENVER  Police were searching for the driver of a vehicle that veered into a group of people riding scooters in downtown Denver Monday morning, killing one person and seriously injuring a second.

The hit-and-run reportedly occurred at about 1:30 a.m. when a silver vehicle veered into a turning lane with four people riding on scooters, police said. Two of the riders were hit by the vehicle, including a man who was thrown to the sidewalk and died, KMGH-TV reported.

The vehicle, identified as a Chevy Cobalt, did not stop and fled the scene, police said. The driver is wanted on potential charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
India's largest Covid Care Centre (CCC) - the 10,100-bed facility at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) - will be shut down from September 15 for lack of patients

The civic body has taken this decision after the head of CCC taskforce, Rajendra Kumar Kataria had suggested such a move, following discussions with Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa.

Started with much fanfare, the facility housed migrant labourers for some time in quarantine earlier during the lockdown, under the vigil of police.

Furniture and beds bought for the large convention facility's CCC will be given away to government and university hostels.

The Social Welfare Department will receive 2,500 sets of furniture for its hostels, and the Bagalkot Horticulture University hostel, the Minority Welfare Department hostels and GKVK 1,000 each.

BIEC is famous for hosting several global events such as the CeBIT and others.

--IANS

sth/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.)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to visit Tehran this week to meet Iranian Foreign Minister M Javad Zarif.

He will have a stopover in Tehran on his way to Moscow to take part in a conclave of the Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also had a stopover in Tehran while returning from a SCO meet in Moscow last week. He had a meeting with his counterpart in the Iranian Government, Amir Hatami, on Sunday.
In hospital: But Alexei Navalny was said to be responding to verbal stimuli

Alexei Navalny, the poisoned Russian opposition leader, has regained consciousness and is reacting to stimuli, doctors announced yesterday.

He has been brought out of a medically induced coma for the first time since his suspected poisoning with the nerve agent Novichok, and has started to breathe on his own.

Mr Navalny's doctors said it was too early to determine whether he had suffered any long-term damage.

The prominent Kremlin critic is being treated at Berlin's Charite hospital after being transferred from Russia.

"The patient has been removed from his medically induced coma and is being weaned off mechanical ventilation. He is responding to verbal stimuli," the hospital said. "It remains too early to gauge the potential long-term effects of his severe poisoning."

Mr Navalny (44) fell ill on an internal Russian flight last month. He was put into a coma by Russian doctors after the plane made an emergency landing in Omsk.

Russia initially claimed he was too sick to be moved but later bowed to international pressure and agreed to his transfer to Berlin.

Angela Merkel announced last week that a German lab had found traces of Novichok in his body. The nerve agent, developed by the Soviet Union, was the same poison used in the 2018 attempted assassination of Sergei Skripal in England. It is thought to be so sophisticated it could only be manufactured by a state.

Mr Navalny is an outspoken critic of Vladimir Putin, and Western governments have pointed the finger of blame squarely at Russia. So far the Kremlin has refused to co-operate with investigations. A spokesman for Mr Putin said yesterday: "Attempts to somehow associate Russia with what happened are unacceptable to us, they are absurd."

Meanwhile, Mrs Merkel indicated yesterday she could be prepared to cancel a controversial gas pipeline project over the poisoning. She has faced calls to pull out of Nord Stream 2, which will allow Russia to pump gas directly to Germany.

So far Mrs Merkel has defended the pipeline, which is opposed by the US on the grounds it will make Europe too dependent on Russia for its energy needs. But her spokesman said yesterday she now believes it would be "wrong to rule anything out". ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
A man who lost his smartphone in a shop got it back a few days later after the person who stole it returned the device as he could not operate it.

Police said on Monday that the man left his mobile phone worth Rs 45,000 by mistake at a sweet shop at Jamalpur in East Burdwan district on September 4. The phone was soon stolen from the shop counter, where it was lying, by a 22-year-old person.

The phone owner had lodged a complaint with the police as the phone could not be traced at the sweet shop, a police official said.

He had tried to make a call to his number from another phone but found it was switched off, the police said.

But the situation looked up on Sunday when he repeated the attempt and the man who had stolen the phone answered the call and told him that he wanted to return the phone as he did not know how to operate it.

I was surprised when the man took the call and said he wanted to return my phone. I collected the cell phone that very day from his residence with police help, he said.

He even expressed remorse for his act, the phone owner said when asked of the mans demeanour.

The police did not take any action against the man on the request of the complainant as he had returned the phone, the official added.

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Bill Birtles and Michael Smith arrive in Sydney on Tuesday, seeking diplomatic shelter after being questioned by police.

Two of Australias leading foreign correspondents in China have flown home for their own safety after they were questioned separately by Chinas Ministry of State Security, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on Tuesday.

The China correspondents for the ABC and the Australian Financial Review (AFR) sought shelter in Australias embassy in Beijing and consulate in Shanghai as diplomats negotiated with Chinese officials to allow them to leave the country, the ABC and the AFR reported.

The two journalists  ABCs Bill Birtles, who was based in Beijing, and AFRs Michael Smith, who was in Shanghai  had been banned from leaving China until they answered questions about detained Australian citizen and television anchor Cheng Lei, AFR said in a report.

Reports said that just after midnight on Thursday, seven officers simultaneously visited the homes of both journalists, where they were told of the ban on them leaving China.

Both journalists were told they were persons of interest in an investigation into Cheng, a high-profile business anchor on Chinese state television, who has been detained without charges by authorities, the AFR report said.





The journalists flew out of China on Monday night and arrived in Sydney on Tuesday morning following what public broadcaster the ABC called an extraordinary diplomatic standoff.

Birtles told reporters at Sydney airport it was very disappointing to have to leave China under those circumstances.

But this was a whirlwind and it was not a particularly good experience, he said.

Regrettable and disturbing

The ABC said it brought Birtles back to Australia following advice from the Australian government.

The AFR said in a statement that the two journalists were going about their normal reporting duties.

This is chilling (massive understatement): top-notch Australian journalists Bill Birtles and Mike Smith have been rushed out of China amid a diplomatic row. Theyd spent the previous four/five days sheltering in the Australian embassy/consulate. https://t.co/q7GpbI5XPK  Anna Fifield (@annafifield) September 8, 2020

It added that the incident was regrettable and disturbing and is not in the interests of a co-operative relationship between Australia and China.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Birtles and Smith were the last journalists working for Australian media organisations in China. The last time that this happened was in the 1970s, the report noted.

In a statement, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne confirmed that Canberra provided diplomatic support to bring Birtles and Smith back to Australia.

It also said that the Australian government continues to provide consular support to Australian citizens detained in China, including Ms Cheng Lei.

Relations between Australia and China have soured this year in the wake of Canberras calls for an independent international investigation into the source of the coronavirus pandemic.

Australia has also expressed its opposition to the national security law that China imposed on Hong Kong.

Beijing was angered by those moves and has since blocked Australian beef imports, placed dumping tariffs on Australian barley, and launched an anti-dumping investigation into Australian wine.
A female entrepreneur is challenging the Garrick Club over its gentlemen-only membership policy by claiming women are being treated as second class citizens.

The exclusive West End club  which counts Sir Laurence Olivier and Charles Dickens among its illustrious roster of former members  has continued to be open to gentlemen members only throughout its 189-year history.

Women can attend but only as guests of men. They are barred from paying their own way and cannot attend members-only events.

Emily Bendell, the founder of lingerie brand Bluebella, is now threatening legal action against the Garrick, demanding that it throw open membership to women for the first time.

Only men are able to become members of the Garrick Club and make full use of the services that it provides, said barrister Jennifer Danvers, acting for Ms Bendell with Leigh Day solicitors.

The Garrick Club advertises on its website that it is open to gentleman members only. Male members are allowed to bring female guests into the club, but women are not able to pay for themselves when they attend, become members themselves, book the facilities that men can book, access certain parts of the club at all or access exclusive member events.

In essence, women are only able to access the clubs services as second-class citizens on the whim of a man who has to both invite and pay for them.

This is not the first time the Garrick  a bastion of the British establishment with politicians, actors, judges and diplomats in its ranks  has faced calls to ditch its men-only policy.

A 2015 ballot failed to reach the required two-thirds majority for a rule change, despite members including Stephen Fry, Damian Lewis, and Hugh Bonneville expressing support for letting in women.

Baroness Hale, the former president of the Supreme Court, has been among the critics, expressing shock that so many of my colleagues belong to the Garrick.

The club, founded in 1831 and one of the oldest in the world, was originally formed as a meeting place for men working in drama. Notable former members include Sir Richard Attenborough and PG Wodehouse. Winnie the Pooh author AA Milne left some of his celebrated works to the Garrick, and actor Benedict Cumberbatch has praised the oasis of quiet in the clubs library.

Ms Bendell, a keen patron of the arts, asked for membership in March and was turned down, so engaged lawyers to mount a legal challenge under the 2010 Equality Act.

They say the club is bound by the equalities law as a venue providing services to the public, including dining, overnight accommodation, a bar, lounge and computer room.

By stating that use of the Garrick Club is restricted to gentlemen members only, only allowing men to become members and use all of the services it offers, and treating women who attend the club differently to men  for example, by not allowing them to pay for themselves  the Garrick Club treats women less favourably than it treats men, Ms Danvers wrote. By advertising that it is for gentlemen only and only allowing men to become members, the club has treated Ms Bendell, who wishes to become a member, less favourably than it has treated or would treat a man who wished to do the same.

The legal letter has been sent to Ann Robbie, the secretary of the Garrick, with a request for a reply by October 5.

We look forward to receiving confirmation that the Garrick Club intends to change its policy in relation to admission of female members in its response to this letter, added Ms Danvers.

The Garrick has been contacted for comment.
Trials of Oxford University's coronavirus vaccine have been put on hold after a British volunteer was rushed to hospital with suspected swelling in their spinal cord.

UK drug giant AstraZeneca, which owns the rights to the vaccine, announced last night that all studies of the jab had been paused indefinitely while it investigates whether the patient's side-effect is connected to the vaccine.

This means no-one else will be given the vaccine until an investigation has been completed.

AstraZeneca did not reveal any information about the volunteer's condition other than to say they had suffered a 'serious adverse reaction'. There is currently no proof that the volunteer's illness was caused by the jab.

It's unclear what the exact nature of the reaction was, but the New York Times quoted a source claiming the patient had transverse myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord that can cause permanent paralysis in some patients.

The disorder can be triggered from a number of causes that set off the bodys inflammatory responses, including viral infections, which is what a vaccine is intended to do.

The development is a worrying blow to worldwide hopes for a jab being ready by Christmas because the Oxford vaccine was considered by many - including the World Health Organization - to be the frontrunner.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the pause to the Oxford vaccine trial is not necessarily a setback and that trials of the jab were put on hold over summer when a patient fell ill.

He told Sky News: 'It is obviously a challenge to this particular vaccine. It's not actually the first time it has happened to the Oxford vaccine and it's a standard process in clinical trials.'

Asked if it will push back the roll-out of the vaccine, Mr Hancock said: 'Not necessarily - it depends on what they find when they do the investigation. There was a pause earlier in the summer and that was resolved without a problem.'

Trials for AstraZeneca's shot are underway in the US, UK, Australia, Brazil (pictured) and other nations. Phase 3 testing will now be paused while safety data is reviewed

AstraZeneca's candidate vaccine, known as AZD1222, is in phase 3 trials - the final stage before safety and efficacy data can be submitted to regulators. Pictured: A Brazilian volunteer receiving the Oxford vaccine, July 24

Professor Terry Nolan from the University of Melbourne, said it was entirely plausible the volunteer had suffered transverse myelitis (TM) as a direct result of the vaccine.

The exact cause of TM is unknown, but it has been reported to occur after infections and vaccinations.

WHAT IS TRANSVERSE MYELITIS? HOW DISORDER CAUSES INFLAMMATION OF THE SPINAL CORD AND CAN LEAD TO PARALYSIS The term myelitis refers to inflammation of the spinal cord, transverse refers to the pattern of changes in sensation. Transverse myelitis is the broad name of the disease, and there are various sub-types. Causes of the condition include infections, sometimes caused by bacteria in raw foods, immune system disorders, and other disorders that may damage or destroy myelin, the fatty white insulating substance that covers nerve cell fibers. Inflammation within the spinal cord interrupts communications between nerve fibers in the spinal cord and the rest of the body, affecting sensation and nerve signaling below the injury. That can lead to paralysis. Condition can affect people of any age, gender, or race. It does not appear to be genetic or run in families. Some people recover from transverse myelitis with minor or no long-term problems, but most suffer permanent impairments that affect their ability to perform ordinary tasks of daily living. There is no cure for the disease. Advertisement

Medical news site Stat first reported the pause in the study and said the possible side-effect occurred in a testing volunteer in Britain, who was expected to recover.

The vaccine, developed by Oxford University, is being tested in thousands of people in Britain and the US, and in smaller study groups in Brazil and South America.

An AstraZeneca spokeswoman said the pause is part of a standard review process which occurs in trial if there is a 'potentially unexplained illness' reported in any trial subject, and that the subject's illness could also be coincidental.

'As part of the ongoing randomised, controlled global trials of the Oxford coronavirus vaccine, our standard review process was triggered and we voluntarily paused vaccination to allow review of safety data by an independent committee,' the spokeswoman said in a statement.

'This is a routine action which has to happen whenever there is a potentially unexplained illness in one of the trials, while it is investigated, ensuring we maintain the integrity of the trials.

'In large trials illnesses will happen by chance but must be independently reviewed to check this carefully.

'We are working to expedite the review of the single event to minimise any potential impact on the trial timeline. We are committed to the safety of our participants and the highest standards of conduct in our trials.'

No details about the patient suffering the potential side-effect, or the nature of the reaction, were given.

Temporary holds of large medical studies are not uncommon, and looking into any unexpected reactions is a mandatory part of safety testing. It was not immediately clear how long AstraZeneca's pause would last.

Two other vaccines are in huge, final-stage tests in the United States, one made by Moderna Inc and the other by Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech.

Stats reported a total of nine vaccine candidates in late stage, or phase 3, trials, with AstraZeneca's the first trial known to have been put on hold.

Despite some figures, such as US President Donald Trump, insisting a vaccine will be ready in a matter of months, Oxford University has said a vaccine might not be ready before 2022.

The university stressed that clinical trials have to be conducted with the utmost care.

'It takes time to develop safe and effective vaccines - usually five to 10 years on average. Despite promising reports about potential coronavirus vaccines being developed worldwide, it could still take an estimated 12-18 months to develop one,' a document on the university's website, dated August 25, reads.

WHICH COUNTRIES HAVE ORDERED OXFORD'S VACCINE ALREADY? UK The UK is the host of research and development efforts of the vaccine, which has been developed by researchers in Oxford and will be manufactured by AstraZeneca, a company based in Cambridge. The British Government has ordered 100million doses of the jab and has already started manufacturing them so they're ready to go if and when clinical trials are successful. The price paid has not been disclosed. US The US Government has ordered 100million doses of the vaccine and contributed $1.2billion (910m) to the research and development of the jab. European Union (EU) The European Commission has agreed a deal for 300million doses of the vaccine if its clinical trials work, with the option to buy a further 100million. The deal has been made on behalf of countries in the EU. The amount of money spent is unknown. Australia Australia has confirmed it ordered enough doses of the vaccine to give one to its entire population of 25million people. It is not clear how many doses the nation has ordered. The UK - with a population of 66m but an order of 100m - ordered more than it needs. China One company in China has agreed a deal with AstraZeneca to make at least 100million doses of the vaccine. Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products, based in the city of Shenzhen, will increase capacity to 200m per year by the end of 2021. Russia A Russian company, R-Pharm, also has a deal to produce and distribute the vaccine, but it is unclear how many it will make or what it will pay to AstraZeneca. Brazil Brazilian officials have set aside $360million (274m) for at least 100million doses of the vaccine. Brazil is currently in one of the worst Covid-19 crises in the world with more than 3.6million official cases so far and 114,000 deaths. Advertisement

'It is essential that clinical trials are conducted with great care to ensure the safety of the participants and to fully establish the safety profile of the new products.

'Safety is overseen closely during the trials both by the national regulator with a requirement of safety reporting placed on investigators throughout the trial, and inspections of the trial processes and procedures by the regulator, and an independent safety monitoring committee who reviews safety actively during the conduct of the clinical trial.

'When an application for use of the vaccine is made to a regulator, they will fully assess the safety and efficacy data from the trials and use that to inform on their decision about potential use.'

Development of the AstraZeneca vaccine and eight others in phase 3 trials is being closely watched in the hopes they can stem the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 894,000 people worldwide, including nearly 190,000 Americans, and cost tens of millions their jobs.

It comes after vaccine developers - including AstraZeneca - pledged not to cut corners on safety and efficacy testing, despite US President Trump's urgent push for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to give emergency approval to a vaccine ahead of the November 3 election.

'As part of the ongoing randomised, controlled global trials of the Oxford coronavirus vaccine, our standard review process was triggered and we voluntarily paused vaccination to allow review of safety data by an independent committee,' an AstraZeneca spokesperson told DailyMail.com.

'This is a routine action which has to happen whenever there is a potentially unexplained illness in one of the trials, while it is investigated, ensuring we maintain the integrity of the trials.

'In large trials, illnesses will happen by chance but must be independently reviewed to check this carefully. We are working to expedite the review of the single event to minimise any potential impact on the trial timeline. We are committed to the safety of our participants and the highest standards of conduct in our trials.'

AstraZeneca's candidate vaccine, known as AZD1222, is in phase 3 trials - the final stage before safety and efficacy data can be submitted to regulators for approval - at dozens of sites across the US, and around the world.

Along with Pfizer, and Moderna, AstraZeneca and its partner Oxford University had hoped to know whether the shot worked and was safe by year-end.

Mr Hancock said on Monday the UK's 'best-case scenario' was to get the vaccine to the most-vulnerable patients within months, a timeframe that now appears less likely to be met.

'We have got 30 million doses already contracted with AstraZeneca,' he said on UK radio station LBC.

'In fact they are starting to manufacture those doses already, ahead of approval, so that should approval come through - and it's still not certain but it is looking up - should that approval come through then we are ready to roll out.

'The best-case scenario is that happens this year. I think more likely is the early part of next year - in the first few months of next year is the most likely.

'But we've also bought vaccine ahead of it getting approved from a whole different series of international vaccines as well.'

More than 50,000 people worldwide had been taking part in 'phase 3' studies to see whether the Oxford jab can actually prevent people getting infected with Covid-19.

In these tests the vaccine is being given to tens of thousands of people in real-world environments to see if it stops them from catching Covid-19 in the community.

While trial holds to review safety data are not necessarily damning, the pause on AstraZeneca's trial may very well delay the highly-anticipated results and completion of one of the fastest vaccine development pipelines in human history.

The jab was expected at the end of 2020 but its creators have had to temper expectations after community transmission began to fizzle out in Britain and stall crucial trials needed to seal its approval. It was called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 before Oxford teamed up with AstraZeneca to manufacture it

Shares for AstraZeneca plummeted by eight percent in after-hours trading

Market confidence in the pharmaceutical giant took a hit as soon as reports of the trial hold emerged.

Shares for AstraZeneca plummeted by eight percent in after-hours trading.

President Donald Trump has hinted that he thinks a vaccine could be ready before a 'special date' - likely the November 3 election

The company is in now in mitigation mode to try to stay as close to its trial completion date as possible.

AstraZeneca is 'working to expedite the review of the single event to minimize any potential impact on the trial timeline,' the spokesperson told Stat News.

Disconcerting though any signs that could suggest potential flaws in a leading vaccine for the disease that's killed nearly 190,000 Americans is, the move to pause a trial over safety concerns may be reassuring to some.

Hours before the trial was temporarily halted, AstraZeneca and eight other companies working on COVID-19 vaccines signed a pledge to prioritize safety of their shots over speedy development.

They promised to 'uphold the integrity of the scientific process as they work towards potential global regulatory filings and approvals of the first COVID-19 vaccine.'

The pledge was made in response to growing concerns that governments would press firms and research institutions to rush a vaccine through trials and approval processes in an effort to bolster political capital and restore normalcy amid the pandemic.

Last week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent instructions to state health departments to prepare for the potential arrival of one of two coronavirus vaccines by the end of October.

Subsequently, President Trump hinted at the hopeful possibility that a vaccine could be ready before a 'special date,' prompting speculation that he was referring to the November 3 presidential election - just days after the end-of-October potential finish line in the CDC guidance.

Health officials like infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci, US Surgeon General Dr Jerome Adams and Trump's own vaccine czar Dr Moncef Slaoui were all quick to assure the American public that it was possible, but unlikely, that a shot would be ready by then, and that the FDA would pay no mind to the date, but only the data, to determine when a vaccine is ready for distribution.

Pfizer, however, confirmed that it hoped to have sufficient trial data to know whether its shot was safe and effective by late October, and would submit for FDA approval 'immediately' afterwards.

Most experts and observers speculate that the two unnamed shots referenced in the CDC guidance were Moderna's and Pfizer's, not AstraZeneca.

The trial hold casts even further doubt over the possibility that the firm's vaccine will be the first ready for the US market.

Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administration's effort to speed vaccine development, primarily by contributing funding to private companies working on shots, announced that AstraZeneca would be awarded up to $1.2 billion in funding for its vaccine development in May.

The US has inked a deal with AstraZeneca for 300 million doses of its shot - if the vaccine is greenlit as safe and effective by the FDA - and had set its sights on an approval date as early as October, which seems increasingly improbable.
Ghaziabad Parents' Association president Seema Tyagi was admitted to a hospital on Tuesday after her health deteriorated on the seventh day of their hunger strike against private schools in Ghaziabad. Chief Medical Superintendent of MMG Government Hospital, Dr Anurag Bhargav, said a team of doctors was sent to examine Tyagi on Monday but she refused to get herself checked. Parents are up in arms against the schools over the issue of the fee for the coronavirus lockdown period from April to June. According to association media incharge Vivek Tyagi, schools are demanding the fee of the three months.

Expressing concern over it, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra too has lent support to the parents and demanded the state government's intervention in their interest. The Congress leader in a Facebook post on Monday said the condition of several protesting women was critical.

Gandhi said people of all sections are facing financial issue so the government should intervene and take a decision in the interest of parents and schoolchildren. She demanded that the government order private schools not to drop schoolchildren of they fail to pay their fee for the next three months. Congress district president Bijendra Yadav on Monday night met the parents and shared the concern expressed by Gandhi. Yadav assured the protesters that his party supports them in their protest and had carried out a protest candlelight march against the schools on Monday. The CPI(M) and the Bharatiya Kisan union also lent their support to the parents.

Earlier, a woman, Sadhana Singh, had fallen ill due to the strike but now she recuperated. District Magistrate Ajay Shankar Pandey too on Tuesday visited the hunger strike spot at the district headquarters and apprised them of the latest situation.

But the protesting parents refused to break their hunger strike. The matter of fee exemption has been sent to government for orders. When the administration receives order, action will be initiated, the DM added.
Pick Up Pennsylvania, a program of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, runs through November 30. During this time, residents are encouraged to improve their communities by picking up litter.

The program supports the Ocean Conservancys International Coastal Cleanup, the largest volunteer-based cleanup focusing on the health of the worlds waterways and oceans.

Cleanups can be along waterways or be land-based since a significant portion of waterway pollution originates on land. When it rains, trash on sidewalks and streets accumulates and can be swept into storm drains. Most storm drain systems discharge directly into the nearest creek or river, eventually flowing to the ocean taking all the trash with it.

According to the Ocean Conservancy, if we dont act now, there could be a pound of plastic for every three pounds of fish in the ocean within the next decade. Litter that makes its way to our waterways harms physical habitats, transports chemical pollutants, threatens aquatic life, and interferes with human uses of river, marine and coastal environments.

We need to stop litter at its source before it reaches our waterways and ultimately our oceans. Many cleanups and community improvement events were cancelled or postponed this spring, making the need for increased participation even greater this fall. Now, in addition to bottles, cans and wrappers, there are gloves, masks and wipes. We need to do better and not litter in the first place, but everyones participation would make a difference. If we dont clean up now, who knows what we will be facing this spring, said Shannon Reiter, president of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

Litter is much more than an eyesore. We are finding out that litter, especially plastic, ends up in our food and drinking water. Litter has a huge impact on our health and safety and our economy.

Registered clean up events receive free trash bags, gloves and safety vests provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, Keep America Beautiful, GLAD Products Company and the Ocean Conservancy, as supplies last.

Participants are encouraged to observe the most recent local, state and federal guidelines and/or restrictions to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and are encouraged to clean up in small groups, with family members or solo.

To host or join a cleanup event near you visit keeppabeautiful.org and choose Pick Up Pennsylvania. Questions can be answered by Michelle Dunn, Pick Up Pennsylvania Program Coordinator, at 877-772-3673 ext. 113 or mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.

Current 2020 Pick Up Pennsylvania supporters include: Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania funded by the NiSource Charitable Foundation, Coca-Cola, The GIANT Company, Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association, Sheetz, Wawa, Weis Markets, Mahantango Enterprises, Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, Wegmans Food Markets, Giant Eagle, Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority, Luminant, a subsidiary of Vistra Corporation and Republic Services.

If interested in becoming a Keep Pennsylvannia Beautiful program supporter contact Barb Christner at 724-836-4121 or bchristner@keeppabeautiful.org.
Ruling Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Lee Nak-yon delivers a speech to fellow lawmakers during a plenary session at the National Assembly on Yeouido, Seoul, Monday. Lee had to stay home for a day after a reporter covering the National Assembly tested positive for the virus the same day. Yonhap



By Jung Da-min



Ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman Rep. Lee Nak-yon has to date not tested positive for COVID-19. But he has been placed under self-quarantine five times so far after coming into indirect contact with people infected with the coronavirus. In the four times he has been tested for the coronavirus, each result has been negative.



As a lawmaker and ruling party leader, he has had to visit many locations and participate in events and in each of the five cases another visitor or participant later tested positive for COVID-19. A virus outbreak at a radio broadcasting company in mid-August, in particular, put Lee into self-quarantine as he used a microphone that a radio show panelist had previously used and who tested positive only hours after Lee's visit.



He was in the middle of campaigning to become party leader, but had to suspend all face-to-face campaign activities and instead participated in online ones. Before the end of the quarantine period, he was elected as party chief.



Most recently, Lee had to stay home for a day after a reporter covering the National Assembly tested positive for the virus, Monday. Lee did not have direct contact with the reporter but met the party's policy planning committee chief Rep. Han Jeoung-ae who was in a meeting room where the reporter was present.



Although Lee has consistently tested negative for the virus, concerns are rising that he could enter self-quarantine again or be infected with the virus himself while meeting with other politicians and residents. If he is infected, it could cause a larger stir as he regularly meets with ranking government officials and President Moon Jae-in.



The National Assembly closed some facilities, Monday, following the latest coronavirus case, with all meetings slated for Tuesday morning being delayed to the afternoon. The latest partial shutdown of the Assembly came just two days after it reopened following a two-day total shutdown following an opposition party official testing positive for COVID-19, Sept. 3.


Rajasthans 39-year-old Bhushan Awasthi lost his job at a textile manufacturing facility in April 2020 due to the lockdown. After a long search, Awasthi found another job and he will be joining in October. However, his unemployment led to the delay in the fee payment of his son, who has now been thrown out of the online classroom by his school.

We were given a one-month grace period to pay the fees. However, I was unable to make the payment. So, my son was removed from the classes, and we have been informed that he will be taken back once we make the payment, said Aswathi.

On September 7, the Rajasthan High Court said in a judgement on a slew of petitions filed against fee collection during COVID-19 that schools can charge 70 percent fees and students can pay them in three installments.

However, the court said that while non-payment of fees should not result in students being expelled from school, he/she can be removed from online classes.

Also read: Schools, students spar over fee payment issue

It is not just in Rajasthan. A slew of petitions have been filed in courts in Delhi, Gujarat and West Bengal on the issue of private schools demanding fees during lockdown. All these petitions seek a reduction in school fees since classes are being held online.

In the meantime, schools are using previous court judgements to remove students from online classes.

Anupama Dastidar, vice-principal of a Kolkata-based school, told Moneycontrol that schools dont have an option. This private school had barred 10 students from online classes till they pay the full fees.

Schools cannot run classes without students fees. We understand the difficulties but how will we pay teachers if we dont collect fees? Parents also need to understand the issue, she said.

The Calcutta High Court has restrained schools from removing students from virtual classes for non-payment of full fees. Further, it has also set up a committee to look into the financials of the schools in the wake of petitions seeking fee concessions.

The July Delhi HC order

There was a perception that schools are legally prohibited from debarring students from online classes. However, the order given by the Delhi HC in a case pertaining to Queen Marys School, Northend, showed that this may not be the case.

The school had filed a case against a Delhi government circular. The Aam Aadmi Party government had, in an April 2020 circular, said that even if parents are not able to pay the fees due to the COVID-19 financial crisis, no student can be denied the ID and password for getting online access.

The school, in its plea, said that taking unfair advantage of the above clause, 40 percent students are defaulting payment of tuition fee, resulting in a grave financial crisis to the school.

Justice Jayant Nath, in the July 8 order, said that when parents default on tuition fee payment for more than two months, the school is free to issue an appropriate notice to seek reasons for the delay.

In case, parents are able to convince the school about their financial inability, no action should be taken, the order said. But if parents are unable to satisfy the school about their financial difficulties, the school can communicate the same to the parents and decline students the ID and password.

However, a public interest litigation was filed in Delhi HC in August 2020 seeking a waiver of school fees. But the court denied to hear the plea.

Gujarat fee issue

A similar case is pending before the Gujarat HC. The Gujarat school education department said in a July 16 resolution that private schools can neither charge any fee nor hike it till the time physical classes dont resume.

This was opposed by self-financed private schools, which had to temporary stop online classes from July 23 due to this order. However, the online classes were restored after a few days.

In August, the Gujarat HC quashed this order and allowed private schools to collect tuition fees as usual. This was followed by a series of meetings between the state government and private schools, with the former seeking a 25 percent reduction in fees.

On the other hand, schools have started declining login details to students who have missed paying fees since March.

Pay cuts and job loss are understandable. But many parents have not even paid 30 percent fees. At the end of the day, we are not a charitable institution and need funds to run the school. We have also read court orders that have permitted students to be removed from online classes if the fee is not paid, said the trustee of an Ahmedabad-based school.

Since a consensus was not reached, the Gujarat government filed an application in the Gujarat HC on August 24, seeking further directions.

Till a unilateral decision is announced by the different high courts handling the issues of fee hike and online classes, students will continue to suffer.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 13:36:50|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- China held a meeting Tuesday morning in Beijing to commend role models in the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, presented medals to recipients of the Medal of the Republic and the national honorary title at the Great Hall of the People. Xi also delivered a speech at the meeting.

Before it started, Xi and other Chinese leaders met with the role models and had a group photo taken with them.

The meeting started with all participants rising to sing the national anthem. The participants then observed a moment of silence for every life lost due to COVID-19.

Renowned respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan received the Medal of the Republic, the highest state honor.

The national honorary title, "the People's Hero," was conferred on three other outstanding medical professionals:

-- Zhang Boli, a traditional Chinese medicine expert who presided over the research of the COVID-19 treatment scheme combining traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine;

-- Zhang Dingyu, head of Wuhan's designated coronavirus-treating Jinyintan Hospital;

-- Chen Wei, a military medical scientist who made major achievements in COVID-19-related basic research and development of vaccine and protective medicine.

In addition, 1,499 individuals, 500 groups, 186 CPC members and 150 primary-level Party organizations were commended for their roles in fighting the epidemic. Another 14 Party members were posthumously awarded. Enditem
Whether Mr. Abubakar Audu looted the treasury of Kogi State to the hefty tune of eleven billion naira while serving as Kogi State governor in the years between 1999 to 2003 as alleged by the Economic Financial and Crimes Commission, EFCC, is now for the court to decide. However, that no judicial decision has been reached since the allegations were raised against the accused in about a decade is certainly an issue which will continue to mystify many watchers of the case.

Simply put, while the EFCC on the one hand has cried foul by claiming that the accused, Mr. Audu has been delaying the trial with unnecessary interlocutory injunctions, the accused on the other hand, aside denying all the multiple charges, has argued that the trial is politically motivated. Nevertheless, Mr. Audus witty commentaries in various interactions with the media about the trial when combined with his recent venture into politics for pursuit of Kogi state governorship seat, perceptibly depicts a man at peace with whatever that is happening around him. Even so, one does not really have to be a psychologist to know that such seeming calmness bothers more on personal attitude or a make believe script than probable outcome of the trial.

Fortunately, the case of F.R.N Vs Abubakar Audu & 1 other Charge No: FCT/CR/115/ 2013of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo Abuja is not a movie. It is about justice, the Kogi people and EFCCs quest to recover alleged stolen wealth of Kogi State. Sadly, President Buharis APC seems to have a different agenda on such. Emphatically, the APCs desire for the Kogi people is definitely far from addressing the alleged loot of 11 billion naira under the Audu Abubakar led administration. Otherwise, the APC would not have extended to Mr. Audu the privilege of being its nominee for the forthcoming Kogi State governorship race. Infact, that this was done against a purported advice of the EFFC which unfortunately was ostensibly subdued by the same National ruling party of Nigeria that prides itself as an administration that upholds anti graft as its major focus, speak volumes.

Succinctly put, the lesson from here is that the APC and the Kogi people are on different pages on this EFCCs legal tussle with Mr. Audu. From all reasonable logic, the APC certainly has its intentions well spelt out and such does not conform with the EFCC efforts to assist Kogi State on an issue that has been investigated by the nations anti corruption agency and Mr. Audu found wanting. What this clearly shows is a strange contradiction that portrays APC as aggressively fighting its own agenda, the President Buharis highly praised anti graft battle. Certainly, any objective analyst would appreciate that this is a very uninteresting story and twist for Nigerias democracy. The obvious truth is that where commonsense prevails, it will be tragic error for anyone to give the key of a warehouse that has just being burgled to a gatekeeper that the police is prosecuting over indictable theft charges related to the same warehouse. The plain truth is that such a prosecution is best regarded as scuttled before judgement, indeed, even if the policeman charged with the responsibility of handling such a case is a dullard, he would need no person to tell him that he has reached the end of the road. Sadly, this is what the APC in its capacity as the ruling party in Nigeria appears to have done to the EFCC on its case involving Mr. Audu. What a wish for the Kogi people!

With benefit of hindsight, that the Kogi state people believed in the good intentions of the Major General Muhammadu Buharis candidacy is akin to repeating the obvious as it was openly demonstrated through their votes for the APC in the presidential elections that thrust President Buhari to the nations number one throne about eight months ago. Even though Kogi State was then predominantly PDP, a rival party to the APC, the Kogi electorate could not resist Buharis attraction as a man of integrity. Indeed, Buharis call for change must have contributed to what the Kogi people anticipated would be of tremendous benefit to them. Unfortunately, with just the passage of five months in President Buharis leadership, emerging actions from his APC, particularly regarding the support to Mr. Audu, are considered contrary indications that the promises of President Buhari on anti corruption is working in Kogi state. This is certainly an issue of great worry and shock to the Kogi public especially on their support for Muhammadu Buharis presidency.

The point here is that it is highly paradoxical, that a government which is prosecuting an individual through the nations anti graft agency is on the converse assisting the same individual through its political party to become a state governor, a status which will automatically suspend or terminate a trial of alleged looting of public treasury involving over 11 billion naira. On this, the perception by any objective mind is that should this trial be left inconclusive and an accused like Mr. Audu is allowed to rule again, if truly he is guilty as charged, the possibility of being unrepentant is very high as criminals are known to be continuous offenders where fitting rehabilitative effects of the criminal law is not meted upon them or in situations where justice seems easy escape. To a large extent, this may permit such a person to go on irreparable damage on the Kogi treasury as much as he may desire. In such a situation, the victim will be the Kogi people and the entire Kogi society may never get justice. As such, the temptation of allowing Mr. Audu to cunningly get a postponement of his trial should be highly resisted as the consequences of further lengthening or delaying of the trial puts the Kogi public at great risk.

Without doubt, what President Buharis APC is doing in Kogi State by supporting Mr. Audu as its candidate for the Kogi governorship election is unrealistic and runs against the common interest of the Kogi people. Supposedly, what the APC wants to do in Kogi state is to impose upon the Kogi people, a man in the complexion of a governor that is already carrying a baggage of alleged financial criminality of multiple charges. This is where there is resounding worry that the APCs hidden agenda is to use the immunity clause extended to governors to protect an accused, Mr. Audu. However, in the spirit of patriotism, the Buhari Administration must be reminded that it owes the society the responsibility to bring accused persons to trial rather than providing a safe haven for them to deceitfully postpone justice in the name of politics. Otherwise, anyone found abetting such irregularity, will be termed an accomplice in irrationally deferring justice.

Even though it seems clear that APC may stop at nothing in order to save Mr. Audus political future and trial, the APC must desist from making the concerted efforts of Nigerians to fight corruption a walking skeleton awaiting death. The very sad fact herein is that with Mr. Audu as a contestant in the Kogi election, the Buharis anti corruption sword may be assumed to have a double edge. Nevertheless, any good citizen of Kogi state must understand that the obvious support of President Buharis party to Mr. Audu will amount to nothing if they decide to cast their votes for the protection of the Kogi state treasury and common good.

*Shaibu, is Chief Communications Manager to Kogi State Governor.
A woman and a man are detained by police officers during rioting in Portland, Ore., Sept. 5, 2020. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

Portland Police Arrest More Than 100 Over the Weekend, Mugshots Released

Authorities in Portland, Oregon, have arrested more than 100 people over the weekend as protests and riots hit 100 straight days.

About 59 people were arrested on Saturday after officials declared a riot. Authorities said multiple firebombs, rocks, mortars, and other objects were thrown at them, according to a police blotter.

On Sept. 7, 15 people were arrested and booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center, and a day before that 27 were arrested on riot-related charges. Fifty-nine people were arrested during a riot on Saturday night and Sunday morning, officials said.

Officials said that on Sept. 7, a large fire was started outside Portlands North Precinct.

North Precinct has been the site of numerous violent protests over the past few months, including instances where arsonists attempted to burn down the building with people inside. It is an active, working community policing facility, is a critical part of city infrastructure, and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, police said.

Mugshots released by the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office pertaining to the arrests. (Multnomah County Sheriffs Office)

When police arrived, the crowd chanted a number of anti-police slogans and also chanted, burn it down, in reference to the building.

Some dragged a mattress into the street, Northeast Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard at Northeast Emerson Street, and lit it on fire. Because it was not an immediate threat to life safety or structures, officers remained far back and did not engage, officials said. Another mattress was added to the fire, as was some yard debris. The larger fire began to send lit embers into the air.

Police said that Multnomah County has a burn ban in effect due to extremely dry conditions before calling the fire department to put out the fire.

The names of those who were arrested over the weekend were published on the police blotter website.
The ramp entrance to Martin Luther King Drive (MLK, at Strawberry Mansion Bridge) remains closed to vehicular traffic May 27, 2020. The 24-hour closure has been in effect since March 20 in the interest of facilitating social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. Advocates have banded together on a larger "Recovery Streets" plan which includes calls for more closed streets since MLK Drive has gotten more crowded. Read more

Kelly Drive is closed for a race. The Schuylkill Expressway is a clogged madhouse  both ways. And there is no such thing as zipping down Broad Street with all those lights.

Why cant Martin Luther King Drive be an option when this is the traffic reality?

A reader wrote into Curious Philly  The Inquirers platform that lets people send in questions for our reporters to answer  to ask just that.

Why is Martin Luther King Drive closed ... even when Kelly Drive is closed for activity or flooding and the expressway is jammed? Cant the city open it up when needed for traffic? Who controls this decision? asks a reader.

Considering the roads are a lifeline into the city, we thought wed find the answer  especially now that Martin Luther King Drive has been closed to motor vehicles for six months.

 READ MORE: Got a question for one of our reporters? Ask us through Curious Philly.

No magic switch

Just because both Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill Expressway are having slow traffic days, doesnt mean the citys office of transportation can flip a switch and open up Martin Luther King Drive, says Michael Carroll, the citys deputy managing director of transportation, infrastructure and sustainability. There are operations involved in opening MLK Drive back up on any given day Carroll said. It takes a few hours to get all of the people off the road so we can open it up to traffic.

In other words, if the city tries to reopen MLK Drive every time there is a traffic jam, by the time it gets the drive open, the snarly traffic situation would likely be over.

 READ MORE: Read more curious Philly questions answered

But why is Martin Luther King Drive closed in the first place?

Martin Luther King Drive is part of the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation system, Carroll explained. In the mid-1990s, city officials began closing MLK Drive from Friday evening through Sunday evening from March through November  daylight savings time  so that city dwellers can run, bike, and walk the drive in peace.

In the early days of the pandemic, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia successfully pushed to block car traffic on Martin Luther King Drive every day. The idea was to give cooped-up Philadelphians a way to safely appreciate nature, mask use and crowds notwithstanding.

 READ MORE: Why do highway signs on the way to Philly only point people to NYC?

Will MLK Drive ever get back to normal?

The answer is yes, but not any time soon, Carroll said. The city is getting ready to start a construction project that will close the four-mile stretch of MLK Drive from Falls Bridge to MLK Bridge.

Heres whats planned:

Resurfacing the road.

Demolishing the existing trail and re-building an entire new trail with better drainage.

The trail will be closed for vehicular traffic, however, the roadway will be open to commuters and recreational users. The city is in the midst of taking bids. The work will likely start later this fall, Carroll said. The commonsense thing is to take advantage of the closure" and get the project done, he said.

And that wont be until spring  at the earliest.

Its going to be a long winter.

Have a question of your own related to the region? Send them your burning questions to us through Curious Philly, inquirer.com/askus.
A man in his 50s has been found dead at a home in Perth, with officers questioning a 36-year-old man.

Emergency services were called to a home on Halvorson Street, Morley, 10km northeast of Perth's CBD, at 8.10pm on Monday.

A 36-year-old man is helping police with their investigation.

Emergency services were called to a home on Halvorson Street, Morley, 10km northeast of Perth's CBD, at 8pm on Monday

A 36-year-old man is helping police with their investigation and an animal ranger was also called to the scene

An council animal ranger was also called to the scene, in addition to homicide detectives.

A dog is understood to have been at the address, the ABC reported.

Titan Wiwanno, who lives nearby, confirmed a big dog lives at the home, and it often barked and tried to climb the fence.

He told the West Australian he didn't know the man but often saw him come in and out of his home.

Police, along with forensics team, are expected to be at the property for most of the day

'I came back from the gym (last night) and all I saw were all police cars and ambulances,' he said.

'It's sad... he seems like a pretty nice guy.

'I always see him and wave.'

Police, along with forensics team, are expected to be at the property for most of the day.
Pioneering scientists at the Francis Crick Institute, Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH) have grown human intestinal grafts using stem cells from patient tissue that could one day lead to personalised transplants for children with intestinal failure, according to a study published in Nature Medicine today (Monday 7th September).

Children with intestinal failure cannot absorb the nutrients that are essential for their overall health and development. This may be due to a disease or injury to their small intestine.

In these cases, children can be fed intravenously via a process called parenteral nutrition, however this is associated with severe complications such as line infections and liver failure. If complications arise or in severe cases these children may need a transplant. However, there is a shortage of suitable donor organs and problems can arise after surgery, such as the body rejecting the transplant.

In their proof-of-concept study, the research team showed how intestinal stem cells and small intestinal or colonic tissue taken from patients can be used to grow the important inner layer of small intestine in the laboratory with the capacity to digest and absorb peptides and digest sucrose in food.

This is the first step in efforts to engineer all the layers of the intestine for transplantation. The researchers hope that one day, laboratory grown organs could offer a safe and longer-lasting alternative to traditional donor transplants.

"It's urgent that we find new ways to care for children without a working intestine because, as they grow older, complications from parental nutrition can arise," says Dr Vivian Li, senior author and group leader of the Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory at the Crick.

"We've set out a process to grow one layer of intestine in the laboratory, moving us a step closer to being able to offer these patients a form of regenerative medicine, which uses materials created from their own tissue. This would reduce some of the risks that transplant patients face, such as their immune system attacking the transplant."

The researchers took small biopsies of intestine from 12 children who either had intestinal failure or were at risk of developing the condition. In the lab, they then stimulated the biopsy cells to grow into "mini-guts", also known as intestinal organoids, generating over 10 million intestinal stem cells from each patient over the course of 4 weeks.

The researchers also collected small intestine and colon tissue, that would otherwise have been discarded, from other children undergoing essential surgery to remove parts of their gut. Using laboratory techniques, cells were removed from these tissues leaving behind a skeleton structure which formed scaffolds.

The researchers placed the "mini-guts" onto these scaffolds, where they grew on this structure to form a living graft. Due to specific culture conditions, the stem cells changed into many of the different types of cells that exist in the small intestine. The grafts were able to digest and absorb peptides, the building blocks of proteins, as well as digest sucrose into glucose sugars.

"Although this research is in the lab right now, we're concentrating on making this a realistic and safe treatment option," explains senior author NIHR Professor Paolo De Coppi, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at GOSH and Head of Surgery, Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine Section at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH).

"What's significant here is we've shown that scaffolds can be created using tissue from the colon, not only tissue from the small intestine. In practice, it is often easier to obtain tissue from the colon, so this could make the approach much more feasible. It's an important step forward in regenerative medicine and we're optimistic about what this means for patients, but more research lies ahead before we can safely and effectively translate this approach to treatment."

As well as proving that biopsies taken from children could be used to grow functioning intestinal grafts, the researchers also demonstrated that the grafts survive and mature when transplanted into mice.

"By applying our basic science knowledge of intestinal stem cell biology, we have developed a time efficient and clinically relevant method for rebuilding human small intestine grafts for transplantation," says Laween Meran, lead author, Gastroenterology Registrar and Clinical Research Training Fellow at the Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory at the Crick and the ICH.

"Now that we've shown the grafts are successful on a small scale, the next crucial steps will be to start growing the other layers of the intestine such as muscle and blood vessels, whilst also scaling up our methods to create viable grafts relevant to individual patient needs".

###

Notes

A GOSH patient case study is available on request.

For further information, contact: press@crick.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 3796 5252.

For the GOSH comms team, contact: media@gosh.nhs.uk

The Nature Medicine paper referenced in this release is entitled 'Engineering transplantable jejunal mucosal grafts using patient-derived organoids from children with intestinal failure'. The paper as a DOI number of: 10.1038/s41591-020-1024-z

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-1024-z

This work was funded by the Francis Crick Institute, which receives its core funding from Cancer Research UK, the UK Medical Research Council, the Wellcome Trust, and the Horizon2020 INTENS Consortium; Paolo de Coppi is supported by National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Professorship and Oak Foundation, via Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity (GOSH Charity); and Laween Meran is funded by a Clinical Research Training Fellowship from the NIHR, UCL, the NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre and the Crick.

About the Francis Crick Institute

The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical discovery institute dedicated to understanding the fundamental biology underlying health and disease. Its work is helping to understand why disease develops and to translate discoveries into new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases.

An independent organisation, its founding partners are the Medical Research Council (MRC), Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and King's College London.

The Crick was formed in 2015, and in 2016 it moved into a brand new state-of-the-art building in central London which brings together 1500 scientists and support staff working collaboratively across disciplines, making it the biggest biomedical research facility under a single roof in Europe.

http://crick.ac.uk/

About Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust

Founded in 1852, Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is one of the world's leading children's hospitals with the broadest range of dedicated, children's healthcare specialists under one roof in the UK. With more than 252,000 outpatient and 43,000 inpatient visits every year, the hospital's pioneering research and treatment gives hope to children from across the UK with the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening conditions. As an international centre of excellence in child healthcare, our patients and families are central to everything we do - from the moment they come through the door and for as long as they need us. Visit http://www.gosh.nhs.uk

Research at GOSH is underpinned by support from the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and GOSH Charity.

About the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH)

The UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH) is part of the Faculty of Population Health Sciences within the School of Life and Medical Sciences at University College London.

Together with its clinical partner Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust (GOSH), it forms the UK's only paediatric National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre and has the largest concentration of children's health research in Europe.

For more information visit http://www.ucl.ac.uk/child-health
A woman broke coronavirus lockdown restrictions in Melbourne to drive 75km for a kebab.

Victoria Police said they came across the woman in Werribee, south west of Melbourne on Monday night, after the city's 8pm to 5am curfew had come into effect.

The woman told the officers she was from Geelong and had travelled the lengthy distance in search of a kebab. She then had plans to visit her boyfriend in Werribee.

Officers served the woman with a $1,652 (917) coronavirus fine for breaching the curfew.

Another man was fined for visiting his "semi-intimate partner" during the curfew and two women were caught eating ice cream in the street at 2am.

When questioned by police the women claimed they thought it was 6am.

Victoria Police issued a total of 171 fines overnight to people breaching the lockdown guidelines, including 31 people who failed to wear a face covering and 67 for breaching the curfew.

It comes as Victoria recorded its lowest count of new Covid-19 cases in more than 10 weeks on Monday.

The state reported 41 new cases and nine death in the latest 24-hour period on Monday.

Meanwhile there were 55 new infections on Tuesday, said the Department of Health and Human Services.

Eight further deaths were recorded bringing the states death toll to 683.
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Linkedin Moch. Fiqih Prawira Adjie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 8, 2020 15:38 500 e22cd4161040e111d73a5626c43773ab 1 National Jokowi,Jokowi-administration,KPU,Bawaslu,cabinet-meeting,2020-regional-elections,regional-election,Pilkada-2020,pilkada Free

President Joko Jokowi Widodo has doubled down on his message for election organizers to enforce strict health protocols in the lead-up to and on the day of simultaneous regional elections in December so as to avoid COVID-19 transmission during the major political event.

The safety and health of the public is everything, so enforcing health protocols is non-negotiable, Jokowi said during his address in a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

He particularly called for all election stakeholders, including the General Elections Commission (KPU) and Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu), as well as the police, the military, law enforcers and government officials to help promote, enforce and follow the strict health protocols.

The President also urged activists, scholars, religious communities and customary figures in all regions to help support the governments efforts to prevent coronavirus transmission during the election season.

Jokowi said he grew concerned over the issue after witnessing a number of health protocol violations during the election preparation, including a pair who he claimed to have held a public concert to announce their candidacy.

Read also: Bawaslu records 243 health protocol violations during regional elections registration

On Sunday, a video of a concert reportedly held by a pair of candidates running for the top seat in Pohuwato regency in Gorontalo began circulating on social media, showing thousands attending the show despite concerns of COVID-19 transmission.

This kind of situation cannot be tolerated," Jokowi said.

"The election must continue, they cannot wait for the pandemic to end because we don't know [and] no country has any idea when this pandemic will end. Therefore, the election must be carried out in a new way, with a new normal."

The President further urged all stakeholders to maintain the quality of Indonesias democracy, warning against the use of identity politics that could threaten the countrys unity. He also demanded that all election organizers and state officials maintain neutrality.

The KPU concluded on Sunday the registration for candidates running for regional head posts in 270 regions of the country, including nine provinces, 224 regencies and 37 municipalities. Voting will take place on Dec. 9, and it will be the first election to be held in the country amid an ongoing pandemic.
The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on 29 July, nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France

French defence minister Florence Parly will visit India to attend the Rafale fighter jet's induction ceremony on 10 September, reports said.

During the visit, she will hold a meeting with her Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh, and will also meet National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, DNA reported. She will be accompanied by defence officials and French defence industry representatives.

The induction ceremony of the Rafale jets will be held on 10 September in Ambala air force station in presence of Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and the entire top military brass of the country, PTI quoted sources as saying.

The Indian and French sides are in touch with each other on the proposed visit by Parly, the sources added.

In a telephonic conversation with Singh on 2 June, Parly had conveyed her readiness to visit India to further explore ways to enhance bilateral defence ties.

The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on 29 July, nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of the aircraft at a cost of Rs 59,000 crore. The jets are yet to be formally inducted into the IAF.

Ten Rafale jets have been delivered to India so far, of which five stayed back in France for imparting training to Indian Air Force pilots. The delivery of all 36 aircraft is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021.

A second batch of four to five Rafale jets are likely to arrive in India by November.

The Rafale jets, known for air-superiority and precision strikes, are India's first major acquisition of fighter planes in 23 years after the Sukhoi jets were imported from Russia.

With inputs from PTI
Pedestrians walk past a sign outside a business in Huntington Beach urging customers to wear a mask on Aug. 12. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Orange County received some much-anticipated and welcome news in its battle against the coronavirus on Tuesday as it officially moved into the second stage of California's four-tiered, color-coded reopening system.

The reclassification allows for more businesses  including movie theaters, restaurants and places of worship  to ease restrictions and open in limited capacity.

Four other counties also moved from Tier 1 (purple) to Tier 2 (red) on Tuesday: Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Amador and Placer.

Orange joins San Diego as the only counties in Southern California not classified as having "widespread risk" under the state's COVID-19 monitoring system.

Seven other counties are being monitored for potential tier changes, but Gov. Gavin Newsom cautioned against complacency as well as the potential for spread due to the Labor Day weekend.

"Three-day holiday weekends have not been advantageous in terms of the mitigation of the spread of this virus," Newsom said Tuesday, warning that counties can sometimes regress after moving forward.

It will take roughly two weeks to learn whether the combination of Labor Day weekend activity and the states new reopening guidelines leads to a new surge in COVID-19 cases.

Orange County's new risk level  which is still considered "substantial" under the state's monitoring system  allows for the reopening of indoor dining, places of worship, movie theaters, museums, zoos and aquariums at 25% capacity; shopping centers and retail stores at 50% capacity; and gyms and fitness centers at 10% capacity.

The county surpassed 1,000 deaths last week and has recorded nearly 50,000 infections. It is currently reporting 5.2 cases per 100,000 residents and a 4.2% testing positivity rate over a seven-day period, according to the California Department of Public Health. Those two data points are key metrics for a county to move from one tier to another.

To move into a new tier, a county must meet targets for cases per capita and positive test results for three consecutive weeks. If the county doesn't meet both standards, the rules for the stricter tier apply.

Story continues

Los Angeles County, for example, straddles two tiers  Tier 1 for a higher case count per 100,000 residents and Tier 2 for a positivity rate of 4.3%  but remains in Tier 1 because that level is more stringent.

L.A. County has recorded 6,036 COVID-19 related deaths and more than 248,820 infections, including seven deaths and 439 new cases reported Tuesday. Those numbers have declined significantly in the weeks since a statewide surge in cases, hospitalizations and deaths linked to Memorial Day weekend activity and the states first reopening strategy.

In Orange County, officials who had thought they were days away from moving off the original watch list have expressed frustration since the state updated its reopening guidelines last month and placed the county in the strictest tier. The change delayed the countys timetable for reopening schools, which officials had expected to be eligible to do this week.

On Thursday, County Supervisor Michelle Steel said that officials were told Orange County would be eligible to reopen schools on Sept. 22, assuming the county shifted into the red tier.

I hope the state moves faster to accommodate schools, students and families and not change those dates again, she said.

Everyone wants our children back in school. Now that we have a date set, its imperative that we continue on our current course and do what we know must be done: social distancing, good hygiene and wearing masks.

Following the county's change in status, Steel reiterated her message on Tuesday that residents must remain vigilant in order to continue progressing through the state's reopening system.

With our continued hard work, I am confident that we will continue trending in the right direction and move into the orange tier in the not-too-distant future. The county of Orange cant get there without everyones help and participation in observing health guidelines.
Bengaluru, Sep 8 : As part of the on-going war against drug menace in Karnataka, the City Crime Branch (CCB) Police conducted its raid at Kannada actress Sanjjana Galrani's residence in the up market Indira Nagar area early Tuesday.

Sanjjana acted in Ganda-Hendathi a Kannada movie which is a remake of super hit Emran Hashmi and Mallaika Sherawat starrer "Murder".

This is the second high-profile raid on a Kannada actress, after Ragini Dwivedi, who is already in police custody for her alleged role in drug trafficking during high-end parties organized in Bengaluru.

In a statement released by the Joint Police Commissioner (Crime) Sandeep Patil said, "After obtaining a warrant from a court, a search is being conducted at Sanjjana Galrani's house for her alleged role in a drug case." Post Bollywood actress, Kangana Ranaut's revelations about the alleged nexus between drug mafia and a section of Bollywood biggies, noted Kannada film-maker Indrajit Lankesh, about a week back, alleged that the drug mafia had gained its root in Sandalwood as well.

As a fallout of his revelations, the City Police, inquired him and he is alleged to have given 15-20 prominent names of Sandalwood stars, musicians and technicians who are allegedly indulging in drugs and who frequent high-end parties organized in the city.

According to the Bengaluru Police, the CCB arrested Niyaz Ahamed, a native of Kerala on Monday in a drug related case involving Kannada Actress Ragini Dwivedi.

The police sources disclosed that the raid at Sanjjana's house was part of this operation and she is likely to be taken into custody for further investigations.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
When a statue of John A. Macdonald was toppled and beheaded in Montreal last week, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney immediately stepped up and announced that if Montrealers didnt want it Alberta would be happy to take it.

Not only that, he would give it a place of honour in front of the Legislature.

As if Alberta should now rescue and shelter statues from all over North America that have been dumped, or should be, because they honour people who caused other people great hardship for a very long time.

That would include numerous statues of Christopher Columbus. Or how about the statue of General George Custer in Monroe Michigan? His troops killed hundreds of Sioux and Cheyenne in the American West. And then there is the statue of Gassy Jack, the founding father of Vancouvers famous Gastown.

Gassy Jack was saloon owner John Deighton who came to Canada from England and at one point was married to a 12-year-old Squamish girl. Thats certainly a statue worth preserving for the ages.

Granted, John A. Macdonald played a key role in bringing this huge, unruly country together as one nation. And, as our first prime minister, he brought law and order to western provinces besieged by whiskey traders with the creation of the North West Mounted Police, followed by the railroad from coast to coast, and then thousands of settlers seeking their own piece of land.

But Indigenous people in the West paid a high price for that expansion and in many ways are still paying a high price. For Macdonald also conceived the Indian Act, which deprived them of their liberty. He initiated several treaties with the Plains tribes that are seen by Indigenous people as deceptive if not downright theft of their lands. He established a system of church-run residential schools for Indigenous children who were forcibly taken from their parents for years at a time.

From an Indigenous perspective he is no hero. And while toppling his statue enrages some Canadians (Jason Kenney among them) it can also be seen as a necessary symbolic act that brings attention to the dark side of our history that we prefer to shove under the rug.

But it must be exposed and remembered if we are to claim our entire history, Canadas founding narrative.

The toppling also brings to attention the whole idea of statues. Whose idea was that anyway?

These larger than life figures (mostly men) that tower over us as if to say: there is no arguing with me; whatever I did or said is now cast in bronze.

In fact, history is not static; new discoveries, new perspectives, new stories are unearthed all the time.

But statues imply a fixed view, someone on a pedestal who must not be disturbed or questioned. If they were in a Catholic church or a Hindu temple some might refer to them as idols.

But what about those who say, Well, at the time everyone believed Indians were savages and had to be civilized. You cant just hold Macdonald responsible?

Just because everyone (except Indigenous people) believed it, do we still have to honour those beliefs today? Cant we use those icons as examples of how through the ages people have thought they were so right when in fact they were doing harm? Isnt that relevant in 2020?

Theres a prominent statue in Calgary that bears down on passing traffic from a hillside not far from the city centre. Its of an imposing figure on horseback but I would bet that 99.9 per cent of the people who drive by it have no idea who that helmeted horseman is.

Its Scottish King Robert the Bruce, who freed Scotland from the British in 1314. So why is it in Calgary? Because Eric Harvie, a wealthy collector and philanthropist with Scottish roots, thought it would be a great gift to the city, even though Robert the Bruce has no connection to Calgary whatsoever.

That brings up other questions.

Who decides who is worthy of a public statue? The John A. Macdonald statue in Montreal was erected by wealthy railway magnates and business leaders who no doubt profited from his policies.

And why arent there more statues or monuments honouring the people who birthed this country through sheer determination and hard work?

They wouldnt likely get toppled.
- Michael V shared on social media how he imagines Simbang Gabi would look like amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines

- He shared a photo of an online TV mass and a lit-up Christmas tree beside it

- The netizens also reacted to the post of Michael V and acknowledged the changes because of the pandemic

- Earlier, Michael V confirmed that he tested positive for COVID-19 but he was able to recover

PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed

Now that there is still a COVID-19 threat in the Philippines, comedian and actor Michael V has shared the possible look of Simbang Gabi in December.

KAMI learned that the Kapuso star shared his thoughts on Simbang Gabi on social media.

Photo from @michaelbitoy on Instagram

Source: Instagram

In an Instagram post, Michael V shared a photo of an online TV mass beside a Christmas tree.

Hindi ko wini-wish pero nai-imagine ko nang ganito ang itsura ng Simbang Gabi this year, Michael V said in his caption.

The netizens also reacted to the post of Michael V. Here are some of their comments on his post:

Everything will be different now cause of pandemic

Possible bitoy but still blessed thanks to technology

I hope na mas maayos po ito ang sitwasyon after year 2020

Di bale were still blessed basta safe and healthy ang lahat ok na rin

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Michael V is a popular comedian, host, and actor in the Philippines. He became popular as part of the sitcom, Bubble Gang.

Earlier, Michael V confirmed that he tested positive for COVID-19. He was also rushed to the hospital after he experienced another symptom.

Michael V also expressed his love for his wife Carol Ayoi Bunagan who helped him recover and overcome the coronavirus.

Please like and share our amazing Facebook posts to support the KAMI team! Dont hesitate to comment and share your opinions about our stories either. We love reading about your thoughts and views on different matters!

Source: KAMI.com.gh
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has touted China's role in battling the coronavirus pandemic at a triumphant awards ceremony for medical professionals decorated with bugle calls and applause.

He told the audience that China has acted in an 'open and transparent' manner over the contagion while 'passing an extraordinary and historic test'.

The speech comes after Beijing today is holding a special event during which the Chinese President honoured the 'heroes' of China's 'people's war' against COVID-19.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping (pictured speaking today in Beijing) has praised China's role in battling the coronavirus pandemic during a televised ceremony in Beijing on Tuesday

Beijing today is holding a special event during which the Chinese President Xi Jinpinng honoured the 'heroes' of China's 'people's war' against COVID-19. The picture shows a general view of the meeting at the Great Hall of the People (GHOP) in Beijing on Tuesday

Chinese President Xi Jinping (centre) awards medal to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) expert Zhang Boli (left) during a meeting commending role models in the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic at the Great Hall of the People (GHOP) in Beijing today

China has come under intense global scrutiny over its response to the virus, with the US and Australia leading accusations against Beijing that it covered up the origins and severity of the virus.

During the Tuesday ceremony, the nation's propaganda machine has churned out praise for the Chinese government's COVID-19 response, reframing the public health crisis as an example of the agility and organisation of the Communist leadership.

Xi doled out gold medals to four 'heroes' from the medical field in front of hundreds of applauding delegates on Tuesday, all wearing face masks and strikingly large red flower pins.

The upbeat mood in Beijing comes as concerns grow about a resurgence of COVID-19 across Europe, with France tightening restrictions, cases in Britain spiking and schools resuming around the region in recent days.

Worldwide infections to date now stand at more than 27 million and over 890,000 people have died from the disease, with the pandemic showing no sign of peaking.

But in China the virus has been all but banished through a combination of lockdowns and travel restrictions earlier in the year that have officials touting the nation as a coronavirus success story.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is pictured standing with Chinese medical expert Zhong Nanshan (pictured left) after awarding him a medal at an event to honour some of those involved in China's fight against COVID-19 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Tuesday, September 8

Chinese leader Xi Jinping (pictured centre) praised China's role in battling the global coronavirus pandemic and expressing support for the UN's World Health Organization, in a repudiation of US criticism and a bid to rally domestic support for Communist Party leadership

'We have passed an extraordinary and historic test,' Xi said, praising the country for a 'heroic struggle' against the disease.

'We quickly achieved initial success in the people's war against the coronavirus... We are leading the world in economic recovery and in the fight against COVID-19.'

Xi had stern words for China's doubters saying 'selfish moves, any buck-passing and deeds that confuse right and wrong' risked inflicting damage across the world.

Tuesday's lavish ceremony in the Great Hall of the People began with a minute's silence for those who lost their lives during the outbreak.

The four awardees included 83-year-old Zhong Nanshan - the country's most famous medical expert who emerged as the face of China's fight against the contagion.

He was awarded China's top national medal by Xi, who placed it around Zhong's neck.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is seen presenting a medal to an honouree at an event to honor some of those involved in China's fight against COVID-19 at the Great Hall of the People

The speech comes after Beijing today is holding a special event during which the Chinese President honoured the 'heroes' of China's 'people's war' against COVID-19. Members of Chinese military watch an event to honour those involved in China's fight against COVID-19

Attendees wearing protective face masks arrive for a meeting commending role models in the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic at the Great Hall of the People (GHOP) in Beijing

'We will join hands with the... world's medical workers to continue the fight in tracing the origins of the virus,' said Zhong.

Beijing has insisted the source of the virus - which first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year - is still unknown.

Three others were given the honorary title of 'The People's Hero' - biochemical expert Chen Wei, the head of a hospital in Wuhan, and a 72-year-old expert in traditional Chinese medicine.

Some delegates were in tears during a series of speeches.

There was no mention however of whistleblower doctor Li Wenliang, who was among the first to be silenced for raising the alarm about the outbreak and later died from the disease.

Attendees wearing face masks watch an event to honour some of those involved in China's fight against COVID-19 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Attendees applaud as Chinese President Xi Jinping walks to his seat at an event to honour some of those involved in China's fight against COVID-19 at the Great Hall of the People

Before the ceremony, state broadcaster CCTV showed a video montage of Wuhan at the peak of the outbreak set to rousing music, including images of medical staff in hazmat suits and crowded hospitals.

According to official numbers there have been 4,634 deaths in China from COVID-19. The government has largely contained the outbreak through a series of strict lockdowns and travel restrictions.

President Xi also expressed support for the World Health Organization, in a repudiation of US criticism and a bid to rally domestic support for Communist Party leadership.

Xi told the delegates that Chinas battle against COVID-19 demonstrated the strengths of its socialist system and traditional Chinese culture in stirring motivation, building consensus and pooling resources.

'We are willing to do whatever it takes to protect peoples lives!' Xi told participants, most of whom wore masks and exercised social distancing.

Attendees bow their heads during a monmet of silence during a meeting commending role models in the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic at the Great Hall of the People

During the meeting, Xi also conferred the Medal of the Republic, China's highest civilian award, on famed respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan, honouring his work in battling both COVID-19 and SARS, a disease caused by a related virus that occurred in 2002-03

A policeman carries medals and certificates given to honorees after a meeting commending role models in the country's fight against COVID-19 outside the Great Hall of the People

China says it acted swiftly and responsibly but has rejected calls for an independent investigation into its handling of the emergency.

China has also been a key supporter of the WHO against accusations, mainly from the US, that the organisation is too 'China-centric' in its orientation. Washington is in the process of withdrawing from the U.N. health agency, to which it still owes back dues.

Xi said China would continue to support the WHO in playing a 'leading role in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.'

'All selfishness, scapegoating and confusing right and wrong will not only hurt a country and its people, but harm people of all countries,' Xi said.

China itself had 'helped save a great number of lives from COVID-19 around the world with concrete actions,' Xi said, pointing to the export of 209,000 ventilators, 1.4 billion protective suits and 151.5 billion masks. China also sent medical staff to assist a handful of countries.

During the meeting, Xi also conferred the Medal of the Republic, China's highest civilian award, on famed respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan, honouring his work in battling both COVID-19 and SARS, a disease caused by a related virus that occurred in 2002-03.
Editor's Note: This article updates an earlier story on the scope of wildfire damage in California.

In just four days, dozens of wildfires raging across California have scorched nearly a million acres.

To put that into perspective, a total of 1.89 million acres burned over the course of the entire year in 2018, which until 2020 had been the most destructive year in California history.

As of Friday morning, some 3.1 million acres  the equivalent of four Rhode Islands  have been torched this year by a seemingly unending parade of fires, according to Cal Fire. With several of the largest blazes at less than 25-percent containment, that total was certain to rise.

Typically the worst months for wildfires in the state are September and October, when vegetation is tinder dry and winds ramp up. The early start to this fire season means that more wildfires and periods of smoke-choked air are likely for at least another month or two.

Six of the 20 largest blazes in state history are currently burning, although two of them, the SCU Lightning Complex and the LNU Lightning Complex, are nearing 100-percent containment.

The August Complex in Tehama County, where the Elkhorn, Hopkins, Willow and Vinegar wildfires merged, is now the most destructive fire in terms of terrain ever recorded in California. It has seared more than 746,000 acres, Cal Fire said.

Cal Fire

Perhaps the most difficult blaze for firefighters to contain has been the Creek Fire in the Sierra National Forest. Since the fire started on Sept. 4, it has spread across nearly 176,000 acres  many of which were heavily wooded  with only 6 percent containment.

However, a National Forest Service supervisor said Thursday that firefighters were finally making progress.

In all of 2019, just 118,000 acres burned in the state.

MORE WILDFIRE COVERAGE:

Will wildfire evacuations accelerate the spread of coronavirus in the Bay Area?

'It's just crazy': Yosemite's air quality forces massive cancellations

10 things to do if a wildfire is approaching your house



Mike Moffitt is an SFGATE Reporter. Email: moffitt@sfgate.com. Twitter: @Mike_at_SFGate
New Delhi: In yet another attempt of intrusion, the Chinese army on Monday (September 8) tried to infiltrate in the East Ladakh but the Indian Army successfully thwarted China's attempt by firing 'warning shots', pushing them back.

According to sources, the incident took place between 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm on Monday evening in which 2550 Chinese troops were seen moving towards north of Rezang La. The Chinese soldiers were moving towards the Indian territory and the Indian Army opened fire as a warning in retaliation to China's nefarious attempt.

On the contrary, China claimed that the Indian army crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and said that the Indian troops fired warning shots near the Pangong Tso lake in eastern Ladakh to which their soldiers took countermeasures.

Also Read: China accuses India of crossing LAC, firing warning shots in Eastern Ladakh

Spokesperson of China's Western Theater Command, Colonel Zhang Shiuli, said that while acting provocative, the Indian army crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake. He said that during the operation, the Indian Army opened fire and threatened our soldiers.

"India`s actions seriously violated the relevant agreements and agreements between China and India, pushing up regional tensions and easily causing misunderstandings and misjudgments," China stated.

However, there has been no official statement from the Indian Army on China's allegations yet.

India and China are engaged in a four-month-long standoff at the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. Despite several levels of dialogue, there has not been any breakthrough in the India China border dispute and the military conflicts continue even now.

On June 15, at least 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops were killed in a violent clash in the Galwan Valley.
Amid extreme wildfire conditions, Pacific Gas and Electric has deliberately cut off power to some 172,000 California customers mainly in the Sierra foothills, northern Sierra range and pockets of the North Bay. That's more than 500,000 people in the dark if you assume an average of three residents per household.

The Public Safety Power Shutoff is impacting customers in 22 counties: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mariposa, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Sonoma, Tehama, Trinity, Tuolumne and Yuba.

Find an interactive map showing where shutoffs are in effect at PG&E.com. You can also type in your address, to find out if your home is impacted.

Some residents in these counties lost power between 9 p.m. evening and 6 a.m. Tuesday; a shutoff is also expected in Kern County at approximately 2 p.m. Tuesday.

The blackout comes as hot, desiccating offshore winds developed overnight at the tail end of a heat wave that sent inland temperatures soaring to about 110 in the hottest locations. The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the North Bay Mountains and East Bay Hills for 10 p.m. Monday through 8 a.m. Wednesday. The warning is in effect in the Santa Cruz Mountains 10 a.m. Tuesday through 8 a.m. Wednesday.

As of Tuesday morning, gusts of 40-50 mph had been reported in the East and North Bay hills and winds were blowing at 28 mph at Travis Air Force Base, according to the National Weather Services

Northern California has seen well below-average rainfall in 2020 and the concern is the winds can damage equipment and spark wildfires that spread quickly in a dry landscape.

"In 2020, we are aiming to cut restoration times in half over 2019 performance, so that we restore power to a majority of customers within 12 daylight hours after severe weather has passed," PG&E said in a statement on its website.

California's largest utility company has said power shutoffs in 2020 will impact fewer customers and be shorter in duration compared to last year's events when some customers were in the dark for days.

Once the weather subsides, PG&E crews will begin patrolling power lines, repairing damaged equipment and restoring customers. The goal is to restore power within 12 hours after the wind event ends.

Some of the most destructive blazes in the state in recent years were started by PG&E power lines. Winds can knock down live wires and power poles or drive trees and other vegetation into contact with them.

To receive outage alerts via email or text, visit the PG&E website.

Amy Graff is the news editor for SFGATE. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com.
A New Jersey chef is being dubbed a warrior against food insecurity after converting his garage into a local food pantry for those in need. Every other Saturday, his makeshift food store is open to the public, and he invites anyone in need of food assistance to come shop for whatever they need.

Like many others, New Jersey chef Corrigan found himself jobless due to the lockdown caused by the pandemic. Unlike everyone, however, he decided to turn it into an opportunity to help people.

With news of the unemployment spike spread widely, Corrigan decided to build a mini food pantry in his front yard, where he placed free food for anyone in need.

I thought maybe it would be easier for people to grab a couple items without having to ask for help, Corrigan writes on his website.

(Illustration  Eleanor McDonie/Shutterstock)

He told NJ.com, I figured it was the least I could do.

Soon, his neighbors began contributing donations, until one day, Corrigan came home to find the donation basket on his porch overflowing. He even started receiving donations of diapers and baby food.

It was getting crazy, he told the news outlet. But, a good crazy.

He knew the tiny pantry on his front lawn wasnt going to cut it. So, he converted his garage into a food pantry and started opening Barneys Place for regular bi-weekly hours.

Corrigan said he was surprised by the pervasiveness of food insecurity, even in families who are seemingly fine. I dont think anyone should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, he told ABC in an interview.

The media outlet also interviewed some of the food pantry visitors. Among the shoppers were parents like Lisa Davis, a mother of three children. Davis has donated food to Barneys Place in the past, but this time it was she who needed a little assistance.

It helps us to get by because we live check to check, she shared. It means a lot.

His neighbors seem to agree. The community started to pull together to meet the demand, not only with donations, but with loving assistance from all directions.

Another woman, Patti Zelvis, has been visiting the pantry to help the neighbors in her apartment complex. Most of them need some help, she said. I put a little bag on everybodys door and split it all up. Thats spreading the love!

Now, Corrigans garage is nearly bursting with the donations hes already received. Its led to the creation of a nonprofit organization, and Corrigan hopes to expand to a warehouse in the near future.

I would love to make this a full-time thing, he told CNN. I love to cook so the goal is to eventually serve hot meals in addition to pantry items to anyone in need.

Barneys Place is open on a bi-weekly schedule, every other Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The pantry is located at 617 Summit Avenue, Westville, New Jersey. Corrigan invites anyone in need, or anyone who would like to donate, to visit during these hours.

If you cant visit in person, a website has been set up to help accept donations. Hours can also be found on the Barneys Place website.

We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.nyc
"Newer demands, not just from the C-suite but from shareholders and the general public, along with social justice movements such as BLM, have caused corporate America to become more active in improving racial diversity within their own ranks," said Mark Rogers, founder and CEO of BoardProspects.

Currently, about 4.1 percent of Board seats in Russell 3000 Index companies are held by Black board members, a figure dramatically out of line with the population; and 160 of the S&P 500 lacks a single Black board member. Competition for highly-qualified diverse candidates is heating up though, and in just the past two months alone there have been 12 Black board members have been appointed to Fortune 500 firms.

In some states, most notably California, legislation has been passed or is under consideration to require diversity among the biggest companies. Shareholder derivative lawsuits filed against board members, alleging a breach of fiduciary duties by failing to ensure diverse board candidates, are also becoming more common.

"One of the greatest benefits of BoardProspects is that it completely changes the traditionally slow, insular, and very expensive way corporations choose their boards," said Rogers. "Traditionally orchestrated by third-party recruiting firms and frankly, a process dominated by insiders, BoardProspects allows corporations to adopt a new model, searching directly through a prestigious and credentialed community of thousands of board candidates using a variety of search filters, including race." With the largest community of highly-credentialed Black board candidates in the world, including current Black C-suite executives from America's most prominent corporations, BoardProspects allows companies to take a proactive stance on building a more diverse board.

In a recent Harvard Business Review article, it was found that Board-level diversity brings unique perspectives to the company while enhancing overall performance of the company. In addition, a McKinsey study showed that executive teams with the highest levels of ethnic and cultural diversity consistently performed better.

"There is a strong business case for inclusion and diversity at the Board level," said Rogers, "as companies with higher levels of Board diversity consistently outperform those without gender, ethnic and cultural diversity." Corporate boards throughout America are changing, and fast. Already the Business Roundtable issued new guidance on the purpose of a corporation, moving away from the outdated model of shareholder primacy to one that promotes "an economy that serves all Americans". BoardProspects.com has taken a leading role in defining how corporations respond to this new model by starting with a more diverse Board.

About BoardProspects.com

BoardProspects.com is an innovative software platform designed to help corporations cost-effectively identify, assess and recruit world class board members from its community of thousands of highly credentialed board candidates. The BoardProspects platform leverages technology to improve the board recruitment process for publicly traded and private corporations by providing the tools and features necessary to create and maintain a diverse and talented board succession pipeline.

SOURCE BoardProspects, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.boardprospects.com


She's a TV favourite best known for her presenting role on The One Show.

And Alex Jones looked effortlessly cool in a khaki jumpsuit as she filmed a fun driving segment for the show on Tuesday.

The Welsh beauty, 43, wowed in the belted number which she teamed with brown leather heels as she larked around with co-presenter Gethin Jones.

Chic: Alex Jones looked effortlessly chic in a khaki belted jumpsuit as she filmed a fun driving segment for The One Show on Tuesday

The pair looked in high spirits as they test drove the Sinclair C5 battery powered vehicles outside the BBC studios in central London.

Alex wore her honey-dyed tresses in a chic bob and upped the glam with a slick of red lip.

Meanwhile Gethin looked smart in a navy blue t-shirt and jeans and looked thrilled to be in the driving seat.

Glowing: Alex wore her honey-dyed tresses in a chic bob and upped the glam with a slick of red lip

Fun: The pair looked in high spirits as they test drove the Sinclair C5 battery powered vehicles outside the BBC studios in central London

Work: Meanwhile Gethin looked smart in a navy blue t-shirt and jeans and looked thrilled to be in the driving seat

It comes after Alex came under fire from unimpressed viewers for not adhering to social distancing rules on last Tuesday's episode of The One Show.

She was interviewing Max George after he was announced as one of the contestants on this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

After a brief chat about the show, Alex appeared to forget about current guidelines around social distancing as she leaned in and touched Max's arm and patted him into the lift.

In control: Gethin joined Alex to film the fun segment and looked thrilled to be driving around

Glam: The Welsh beauty, 43, wowed in the belted number which she teamed with brown leather heels as she larked around with co-presenter Gethin Jones

All smiles: Gethin beamed as he drove around in the white car as he filmed for the show on Tuesday

Viewers quickly took to social media to hit out at the host for forgetting about the current rules amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

One user said: 'Alex touching Max just then so much for distancing,' while another added: 'Back in the lift, touch him on the arm, no 'distancing' Alex'.

Another viewer said: 'Oh dear, Alex Jones *touched* Max George. They'll be letters!'

The show came to an end before the lack of social distancing could be addressed on the air.
ACSI Charts New Strategic Direction Established on Advancing, Access, and Advocacy





NEWS PROVIDED BY

Association of Christian Schools International

Sept. 8, 2020



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Sept. 8, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- In response to the changing needs of its members and of Christian educators in a rapidly-evolving landscape, the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is renewing its commitment to Christian schools and teachers by embarking on a new strategic direction characterized by three foundational pillars of Advancing, Access, and Advocacy.



According to ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor, the primary goal of the shift is to better equip Christian schools and educators as they adapt to seismic cultural changes and disruptions to the delivery of education.



"Over the last two years we prayed and sought the Lord's leading as we solicited and reviewed extensive feedback from our members against a backdrop of significant upheaval to the Christian education environment," Taylor said. "We believe this new focus allows us to renew our commitment to Christian schools and educators by providing services designed to increase member value and see our schools flourish. This is in alignment with a 40-year commitment to promoting excellence in Kingdom education around the globe."



All ACSI operations, programs and services will now be positioned under the pillars defined as:

Advancing: Leading Christ-centered education toward excellence and flourishing.



Access: Making Christ-centered education available and obtainable.



Advocacy: Promoting and protecting Christ-centered education for today and tomorrow.

Some of the more noteworthy changes the Association is making involves moving toward implementation of a new divisional model that builds school services around school size as well as geographic location; and expanding staffing, reach, and influence in its Legal Legislative Department at its Colorado Springs headquarters and in Washington D.C., to provide increased advocacy for Christian schools, religious liberty, and school choice.



Dr. David Balik, ACSI Vice President, USA believes the new direction will enhance benefits for member schools, as well as improve response time to meet changing school needs.



"We're increasing member value by prioritizing relationship building," said Balik. "We're also expanding our ability to connect with and convene schools and school leaders by providing better programs to existing members, while at the same time anticipating and delivering new opportunities and resources. This grassroots approach is designed to give membership back to our schools and their leaders. Our members spoke, and we listened."



ACSI will also increase investment in research and development to meet emerging needs in Christian education and in digital transformation and delivery of content to better equip schools and teachers, in the U.S. and abroad.



Mike Epp, ACSI Senior Vice President, Global, is excited about the Associations push to create more strategic global partnerships and connections throughout the world with an intent to share and uphold best practices.



"There are thousands of schools around the globe that feel a connection with ACSI because they believe they are in a relationship with us, have been served by us, and want to belong to the worldwide Christian school movement. The exciting thing is they have much to offer and we can learn a lot from them," Epp explained. "I'm particularly thrilled about the opportunity to deliver services through new and different methods to reach and connect educators and schools wherever they are."



ACSI has more than 5,500 member schools worldwide and its services have impacted more than 25,000 other Christian schools in other parts of the world.



"We have a lot to share, and we're inviting anyone involved with Christian education to discover our new offerings, including our all-new website that features an improved user experience and easier navigation for locating ACSI services and programs," Taylor said. "While we are all facing challenges, the steadfast mission of ACSI and the cause of Kingdom education around the globe has never been more relevant and necessary. We believe the future is bright."



To learn more about ACSI and the strategic plan, please visit the updated website at ACSI.org or Connect with the ACSI Care Team by calling 800-367-5391 or at careteam@acsi.org.



About ACSI:

Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., ACSI exists to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. ACSI advances excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing vital support functions for Christian schools by offering multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.



Follow ACSI on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ACSIUSA or on Twitter at @ACSIUSA.



SOURCE Association of Christian Schools International



CONTACT: Larry Lincoln, 719-424-6461, Larry_Lincoln@acsi.org


New Delhi, Sep 8 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear after three weeks a plea by a transgender woman who challenged Air India's refusal to give her a job as a cabin crew.

A bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari, and Sanjiv Khanna said it will hear the matter after three weeks after Senior Advocate Anand Grover, representing the petitioner, contended that the matter has been pending since 2017 and his client had filed an application for early hearing on the main petition.

In 2017, the apex court had sought responses from Air India and the Civil Aviation Ministry on the plea.

The authorities concerned defended their decision and submitted that the petitioner could not secure minimum marks required to qualify for the personality test and group discussion. They insisted that there was no discrimination at all.

In July, the top court had allowed her to amend the plea while challenging the Air India decision.

The petitioner had claimed to have worked for 13 months in the airlines sector and also in the customer support of Air India at Chennai.

The petitioner said she underwent the gender correction surgery in April 2014 and this information was published in the state government gazette.

The petitioner contended she had taken four attempts but could not be shortlisted for the post she had applied for despite faring well in the tests.

In her plea, she contended that she was not shortlisted for being a transgender, as the vacancies in the cabin crew were meant only for women.

"The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016 prohibits discrimination. It is clear that no person shall discriminate against a transgender person in relation to employment or occupation...," her plea said.
The government on



Tuesday told the Bombay High Court that it was not feasible for it to cap charges for all beds at and nursing homes in the state.

Advocate General (AG) Ashutosh Kumbhakoni informed a bench headed by Justice Amjad Sayed that the state had capped charges for beds and ancillary items including PPE kits for 80 per cent of beds at and nursing homes.

Hospitals, however, were permitted to charge their own rates for the remaining 20 per cent beds for treatment of both COVID-19 and other patients, he said.

"We can't take over completely. Regulating charges for all beds, taking over like that will not be feasible, as these are private hospitals and the state is not providing them any aid," Kumbhakoni said.

"If we regulate everything, it will be like nationalisation (of hospitals)," he argued.

Kumbhakoni was responding to the court's previous query on whether the state government had a mechanism to prevent overcharging of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Abhijeet Mangade that stated that some private hospitals were overcharging patients for treatment of both and other ailments for ancillary items such as PPE kits, gloves and N95 masks.

Mangade told the court on Tuesday that his mother had been charged Rs 72,000 for PPE kits for six days when she was admitted to a hospital in the city in June.

The AG told the HC that the state had issued two notifications, one in May and another on August 31 to regulate beds and cap rates for PPEs in private hospitals and nursing homes.

As per the notifications, hospitals and nursing homes can charge maximum of Rs 600 per patient per day for PPE kits in regular wards, while in ICUs, they can charge a maximum of Rs 1,200 per patient per day, Kumbhakoni said.

Similarly, charges for beds, doctors' rounds, treatment etc, had also been fixed for 80 per cent beds, he said.

Mangade, however, urged the court to direct the state government to cap charges for PPE kits for the remaining 20 per cent beds as well.

"My issue is not regulation of all bed charges, but only capping prices for PPE kits for all beds, as these form a major portion of bills," the petitioner said.

The court adjourned further hearing for a week and said that the matter will be heard by the Chief Justice's court.

(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 mother of five was mortified after she was told she failed her driving test because her car was deemed too dirty.

Letticia Pevy, 38, has been driving on a provisional licence in Hamilton New Zealand for 16 years and said she was well prepared to sit the driving test, even taking a practice test with a private driving instructor to prepare.

However, before Ms Pevy could even start the driving text on August 26 with the Vehicle Testing Station in Hamilton (VTNZ) the licence officer told her she had failed, citing her cars passenger front seat as a health risk, according to New Zealand news outlet Stuff.

I said if its because of Covid, I actually have a thing on my phone to say I have had a test recently and its negative, theres no way I pose a risk to you or my car. I have masks and sanitisers, is there anything I can get that you can sit on? Ms Pevy told Stuff.

Mum of five Letticia Pevy (Pictured) failed her driving test because her front seat was a 'health risk'. Source: Facebook

According to the upset mother, the instructor who wasnt wearing PPE told her no, and shortly after she received an email stating she had failed the test due to health and safety.

To be told your car is a health and safety hazard, I dont think Ive ever been in my adult life so mortified and embarrassed. I ended up crying in my car for 45 minutes, Ms Pevy said.

She explained to Seven News that while she had tidied her car before the exam, as a mother of five, her car would never be immaculate.

If I had been informed of their expectations in advance, of course I would have put more effort into getting it up to scratch, Ms Pevy said.

Letticia Pevy was told her car (pictured) was too dirty to pass a driving test. Source: Stuff

VTNZ released a statement to Stuff stating they were regularly updating the health and safety procedures in accordance with the Ministry of Health guidelines, including requiring testing officers to wear masks from August 31.

Ms Pevy said she prepaid a $109.50 fee to sit the test and after raising the issue with VTNZ management who told her they would investigate, she said she had not had a response for six days.

Story continues

After being contacted by the outlet, VTNZ said they would allow Ms Pevy to resit her test at no cost.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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She's coming off of the high of a romance-filled escape to paradise.

But Nina Dobrev looked business-ready in a black blazer worn over matching ensemble on Monday, when she was spotted on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California, headed to the Louis Vuitton store.

The Degrassi: The Next Generation star, 31, was chic in her outfit, which consisted of a black top and leggings underneath the jacket.

Ready for the day: Nina Dobrev looked business-ready in a black blazer worn over matching ensemble on Monday, when she was spotted on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills

Nina added a pop of welcome color with a magenta Louis Vuitton handbag and pink-accented Gucci loafer slides.

The Vampire Diaries star also wore a standard white surgical face mask, and large rounded sunglasses.

Her brown hair was up in a casual top bun and her red manicure was visible as she held her smart phone.

The Degrassi: The Next Generation star was chic in her outfit, which consisted of a black top and leggings underneath the jacket

Luxury accessories: Nina added a pop of welcome color with a magenta Louis Vuitton handbag and pink-accented Gucci loafer slides

Last week, Dobrev returned from a vacation to Mexico, where she was snapped frolicking on the beach with her Olympic Gold Medalist boyfriend Shaun White.

While the pair have been dating for some months now, they've been relatively low-key on each other's social media.

In February of this year, the pair began to spark dating rumors when they each shared similar photos from South Africa, but did not pose together.

Dreamy vacay: Last week, Dobrev returned from a vacation to Mexico, where she was snapped with her boyfriend Shaun White

Then, close to the beginning of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, they finally appeared together on social media when Nina gave Shaun a quarantine haircut.

But apart from that, and aside from occasional shots like Shaun's gallery of poolside snaps with Nina at the beginning of August, the couple prefer to remain largely on the down low.

Case in point  the pair did not post photos of each other to their Instagram feeds at all during their Mexican getaway, which looked to cover Tulum as well as Cabo San Lucas.

As usual: The pair did not post photos of each other to their Instagram feeds at all during their Mexican getaway

Rare moment: Aside from occasional snaps like Shaun's gallery of poolside shots with Nina at the beginning of August, the couple prefer to remain largely on the down low

That changed, however, when Nina celebrated Shaun's 34th birthday on her own Instagram account last week.

The actress poked fun at her star athlete beau, sharing a very candid snapshot of the pair together along with a jokey caption dedicated to 'the most untalented, humorless, least althletic [sic], least coordinated, least gifted and least favorite person.'

'Happy birthday @shaunwhite,' she went on, continuing the gag by telling the world record holder: 'Hang in there. one day you will accomplish something. #dontgiveup.'

Cute post: That changed, however, when Nina celebrated Shaun's 34th birthday on her own Instagram account last week

The artsy photo, which looked like it was shot on film, showed the couple in a silly moment. Shaun hid one eye behind a water bottle while Nina stuck her tongue out.

Later she shared a quick snapshot to her Instagram Story that had just a quick 'HBD' up top.

It's clear that the pair are enjoying their time together.
DUBLIN, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "2020 Study of the Market for Women's Hand & Body Lotion" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

All-purpose hand and body lotion is the dominant type used by women but the use of more specialized types - for hands and feet - has continued to grow, while also boosting spending.

The 2020 Study of Women's Hand & Body Lotion updates trends in the incidence and frequency of use of hand & body lotion among the general population of women and examines trends in attitudes, preferences, and usage among regular users of hand & body lotions - women who use hand & body lotion at least once a week.

Specific topics included in this report:

Incidence and frequency of using hand & body lotion overall as well as specifically on hands and on feet

Motivations for use and benefits sought

Formulations desired and ingredients both sought and avoided

Usage habits, product preferences, and purchase habits

Brand awareness and use

Brand image - ratings of 6 brands on key product attributes

Satisfaction with brand use most often and Key Driver Analysis of satisfaction by brand performance

Changing attitudes towards skincare/skincare products

Impact of Coronavirus pandemic on behavior (e.g., concern for germs, frequency of handwashing, purchase criteria)

Environmental concerns and behavior (e.g., interest in eco-friendly products/brands)

Differences where relevant by age and by race/ethnicity

Market Segmentation analysis to provide insights on how product users segment along attitudinal dimensions.

This analysis will provide manufacturers with attitudinal and behavioral profiles of the target audience.

Deliverables

Summary Volume - Written analysis in PowerPoint including Key Findings, Summary, and Market Segmentation.

- Written analysis in PowerPoint including Key Findings, Summary, and Market Segmentation. Top-line Trends Volume and Excel Tabs - Trended top-line tables detailing findings from all questions, with Excel tabulation tables attached.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/fhuo6a

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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.

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The global frozen pizza market size is expected to grow by USD 3.33 billion as per Technavio. This marks a significant market growth compared to the 2019 growth estimates due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the first half of 2020. Moreover, steady growth is expected to continue throughout the forecast period, and the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4%. Request Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impacts

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Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Frozen Pizza Market 2020-2024 (Photo: Business Wire)

Read the 120-page report with TOC on "Frozen pizza Market Analysis Report by Product (regular frozen pizza, premium frozen pizza, and gourmet frozen pizza) and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA), and the Segment Forecasts, 2020-2024".

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The market is driven by the increase in mergers and acquisitions. In addition, the growing consumer inclination toward vegan frozen pizza is anticipated to boost the growth of the frozen pizza market.

The increase in mergers and acquisitions is another factor that will influence the growth of the market during the forecast period. Large market vendors acquire smaller vendors to gain access to new products and technologies at a low cost. Successful merger and acquisition activities also help in increasing the market share of the companies. For instance, in October 2018, Conagra Brands Inc. (Conagra Brands) announced that it had completed the acquisition of Pinnacle Foods Inc. (Pinnacle Foods). The acquisition helped the company add various brands of Pinnacle Foods, such as Birds Eye, Celeste, Duncan Hines, Earth Balance, and Vlasic, to its product portfolio.

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Major Five Frozen pizza Companies:

Amys Kitchen Inc.

Amys Kitchen Inc. offers frozen pizza under the brand Amys.

Bernatellos Foods

Bernatellos Foods offers various types of frozen pizza, such as thin-crust frozen pizza, foodservice school pizza, and ultra-thin crust frozen pizza. The company offers frozen pizza under the brands BELLATORIA, Real'Za, Orv's, Roma, and others.

Dr. August Oetker KG

Dr. August Oetker KG operates its business through various segments such as food; beer and nonalcoholic beverages; sparkling wine, wine and spirits; and other interests. The company offers frozen pizza under the brand, Dr. Oetker.

General Mills Inc.

General Mills Inc. has business operations under four segments: North America Retail, convenience stores and foodservice, Europe and Australia, and Asia and Latin America. The company offers frozen pizza products under the brands Totino's, Jeno's, and Annie's.

Nestle SA

Nestle SA operates its business through various segments such as AMS, EMENA, AOA, and Nestle Waters. The company offers frozen pizza under the brands TOMBSTONE, Jack's, and DiGiorno.

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Frozen Pizza Market Product Outlook (Revenue, USD bn, 2020-2024)

Regular frozen pizza size and forecast 2019-2024

Premium frozen pizza size and forecast 2019-2024

Gourmet frozen pizza size and forecast 2019-2024

Frozen Pizza Market Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD bn, 2020-2024)

North America size and forecast 2019-2024

Europe size and forecast 2019-2024

APAC size and forecast 2019-2024

South America size and forecast 2019-2024

MEA size and forecast 2019-2024

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report

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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.

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Dr Thomas Anaba, former Medical Director of Ridge Hospital has equipped the Garu Constituency of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper East Region for a landslide victory in the coming December 7 polls.

He assured the constituency of his unflinching support in campaigning for the NDC to capture Presidential power from the ruling government.

Dr Anabah made this declaration when he donated items to Garu constituency of the NDC during the inauguration of its campaign team, with Mr Thomas Lambon as the Campaign Head.

The items include five motor bikes, 300 NDC branded T shirts, 3000 A4 sheet Posters, 2000 motor stickers, 2 Big banners, 20 NDC designer sandals for women.

Dr Anaba surprised the supporters when he indicated his willingness to resource the running and maintenance of the motor bikes presented.

The items, he said, was to equip the executives and parliamentary candidate to enable them canvass votes for standard-bearer of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama and the NDC as a whole.

Addressing the inaugurated campaign team members, Dr Anaba, CEO of Habana Medical Services, in furtherance to his commitment to the party and Garu constituency, encouraged the campaign team members to prioritise the interest of the party above any parochial interest and work indefatigably as team members.

Dr Thomas Anaba admonished the campaign team members to vigorously campaign for JM and the elected parliamentary candidate.

Highlighting on the party's monumental achievements, Dr Anaba said it is time for all to vote massively for the NDC in order to make Ghana a safer haven for all.

According to him, he has a reward for branches of the constituency that would garner massive votes for the party with a special package.

Dr Anaba, having done extensive monitoring during the just ended voter's registration exercise and motivating the grassroots to offer their very best for the party, said all indications point to the fact that the NDC is poised to recapture power.

Parliament Candidate, Hon. Albert Alazuka Akuka received the donated items presented by Dr Anaba and thanked him for the worthy gesture.

He promised to use them for its intended purpose to bring back the NDC to power.

Alongside the inaugural ceremony, a group called Fun Club for JM and JN which is purely an NDC offspring formed purposefully to set records by way of soaring up the party electoral fortunes in the constituency.

"This group's activity must be complimentary and must not be seen conflicting or contradictory", the sole sponsor Dr Anaba emphasized.
Association of Catholic Teachers President Rita Schwartz is shown in this file photo. Schwartz's union, which represents high school teachers in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, is considering a new contract. Read more

High school teachers in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Tuesday overwhelmingly rejected a contract offer that would have given them a small raise, but left them vulnerable to layoffs if enrollment drops because of COVID-19.

The archdiocese is seeking a one-time right to lay off staff represented by the Association of Catholic Teachers if the coronavirus pandemic leads to steep enrollment drops.

The teacher cuts "would only be adopted if the enrollment dropped by more than 3%, a high threshold, Archdiocese spokesperson Ken Gavin said in a statement. Teachers constricted under this emergency situation would have the ability to move to open positions in their field of competency. The system would not need to exercise this clause if all parties work together to maintain a strong enrollment base.

Rita Schwartz, union president, said that negotiations went through the weekend, but that when she presented the archdioceses proposal to her members in a Zoom call Tuesday, things blew up.

Teachers realize the pandemic has created extraordinary conditions, but were uncomfortable with giving the archdiocese the ability to cut at will, she said.

We want to be back in there, and I dont want to lose the parents or kids on this, said Schwartz. But I dont like it when the employer takes advantage of a pandemic to get things they wouldnt normally be asking for. Cutting teachers is one thing. But how do you do it and not make that chaotic during the school year? Thats where we got hung up.

A motion to strike was voted down, Schwartz said. Members authorized her team to continue negotiating until Friday, but Schwartz said she was waiting for a response from the archdiocese.

The archdioceses 17 high schools have adopted a hybrid model to start the school year, with teachers in their classrooms five days a week and the 10,400 students shifting back and forth between in-person and virtual instruction. Teachers are expected back at school tomorrow, with regular classes resuming for all students next week.

Until the archdiocese agrees to come back to the table, its not clear whether teachers will report to school Wednesday, Schwartz said.

Under the current contract, the unions roughly 500 teachers are paid between $40,200 and $82,905, depending on experience and education.

Schwartz said the deal she took to teachers would have given them a two-year contract and raises of $1,200 per year. Their current pact expired Aug. 31, but was extended through Tuesday.

The Catholic school teachers' contract is not the only recent one affected by the pandemic.

Cheltenham public schools struck a new contract with the teachers' union in May that grants raises but allows the district to reopen the agreement if local tax revenue drops by 3% or state aid is cut by $300,000 or more. Districts nationwide have laid off or furloughed thousands of teachers and other staff under existing contracts as the economic effects of the pandemic cause revenues to plummet. Some jurisdictions have asked teachers to agree to reopen contracts.

The pandemic has created challenges for archdiocesan schools, Gavin said, due to difficulties some families have in paying tuition as a result of increased unemployment. The system has also seen a reduction in donations and increased costs in preparing schools for the fall because of the pandemic.

The archdiocese is seeking flexibility in the contract to initiate programs which allow those school communities to be more competitive in their market area; for example, the ability to adjust to a non-traditional schedule or to create programs which allow for specialization of a department or program. Existing provisions, officials said, are not nimble and often involve a lengthy process to move from concept to implementation.

Schwartz took issue with that characterization.

We have been nimble with the archdiocese for years, she said. A number of schools have tried different programs, different initiatives, but the devil is in the details. They can make a great proposal, but you have to figure out how things will work.

Archdiocesan officials warned against a strike.

The system firmly believes that a strike would not be in anyones best interest, particularly our school families, especially as we all navigate the challenge of this pandemic, the archdiocese said in its statement. During a strike scenario, teachers are docked at their per diem rate for every day of a strike. Not every strike day would be made up, so whatever gains there would be in salary would be lost due to the docked days in the event of a strike.

Parish and regional Catholic schools are not unionized or affected by the contract negotiations.
A Supreme Court-mandated committee on content regulation in government advertising noted that some states are yet to constitute their respective committees and this delay might be construed as a contempt of the apex court's orders, according to a government statement issued on Monday.

The statement comes after an online meeting of the Content Regulation in Government Advertising (CCRGA) on Friday.

The CCRGA felt that "non-compliance of its decisions was a serious matter".

"It was of the considered opinion that in the event of any non-compliance of CCRGA's orders, the committee may be constrained to put embargo on issue of further advertisements by nodal agencies of governments concerned, which come under the purview of this committee," the statement said.

The meeting, which was chaired by former Chief Election Commissioner of India Om Prakash Rawat, was attended by two other members Ramesh Narayan of the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations and Ashok Kumar Tandon, part-time member, Prasar Bharati Board.

As per the directions of the Supreme Court, states are mandated to set up their respective three-member committees on content regulation of government advertisements.

Karnataka, Goa, Mizoram and Nagaland have already constituted state-level committees. The Chhattisgarh government has given consent to the central committee to monitor content of the state government's advertisements, the statement said.

The CCRGA during the meeting took serious note that the other states are yet to constitute their respective state-level committees, it said.

It noted that some state governments' delay in setting up the state-level committees may be construed as contempt of the Supreme Court's order, according to the statement.

The CCRGA was informed that some respondents were yet to furnish replies to notices issued to them in response to the complaints received, it said.

In view of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the committee has decided to allow further time to respondents to furnish their replies to the notices in all pending complaints lodged with it.

The committee may, if necessary, also decide to summon officials concerned of the government agencies dealing with release of advertisements in the event of undue delay in responding to the committee's notices, the statement said.

The Centre had set up the three-member CCRGA consisting of persons with unimpeachable neutrality and impartiality and who have excelled in their respective fields, to look into content regulation of government funded advertisements of all media platforms.
Maritime champion Heart And Soul was on top of his game in the $2,800 pacing feature on a special Labour Day program on Monday (Sept. 7) at Red Shores at Summerside Raceway.

Jason Hughes put the George Riley trainee on the point from the start and laid down opening splits of :28.2 and :58.1. JJ Powerball (Brodie MacPhee) took a shot first-over at the halfway point, but Heart And Soul fought back at the three-quarters in 1:27.

The seven-year-old gelded son of Western Paradise pulled away in the stretch to stop the clock in 1:55.4 at 7-1 over Pillage And Burn (Ken Murphy). JJ Powerball settled for third.

Riley Farms Ltd. holds the ownership papers on 28-time winner Heart And Soul.

Euchred did not disappoint in the afternoon's $2,500 sub-feature, rewarding his backers with a 1:54.4 front-end score for the first part of a Walter Walker training double. Corey MacPherson handled the eight-year-old son of Shadow Play from post one and led at every station to win by two lengths over Hunger Pangs (Jason Hughes), while Cowboy Logic (Steven Shepherd) had his win streak snapped at five races with a third-place finiish. Kayla Habicht Walker owns the 59-time winner.

MacPherson and Walker also teamed up to win with Brief Interlude in a lifetime best of 1:57.3.

MacPherson completed a driving triple in the afternoon finale, as Dangle Ona Dime rushed up the passing lane for an 8-1 upset to win in 1:59 for Darla MacEachern.

Adam Merner also recorded a driving triple on the program, teaming up with La Vie En Rose (2:00) from the Stacey Lund stable, Fusspot (2:00.3) for trainer Marc Campbell, and Diamond Call (1:59.2) for trainer Ron Gass.

For race replays and more, go to redshores.ca.

To view Monday's full results, click the following link: Monday Results  Summerside Raceway.

(Red Shores)
What made the tide turn in favour of the Adani group was the Covid-19 pandemic, which shut down airports the world over, including Mumbai. There was no cash flow and the firm started defaulting on salaries July onwards.

IMAGE: Terminal 2 at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters

Unhappy with the 10-month delay in closing the deal to sell 80 per cent stake in its airport holding company to PSP of Canada, ADIA and NIIF, the GVK group decided to open talks with the Adani group in the last two weeks in order to avert a major financial crisis by August end.

The lenders of GVK group also nudged it to start negotiations with Adani as the loan moratorium was coming to an end in August.

A steady fall in the financial metrics of its prized Mumbai airport asset due to Corona pandemic also tilted GVK to initiate talks with the Adani group.

The Adani group offered to not only take over the loans of the GVK airport holding company worth Rs 5,000 crore, but also MIAL's (Mumbai International Airport Ltd) debt of another Rs 6,000 crore and infuse funds in the Navi Mumbai airport project so that the stalled project could take off.

"This gave confidence to GVK to sign the deal with Adani, said a banker privy to the deal.

The Adani group had made the offer to all MIAL shareholders way back in January 2019 and was awaiting their response.

Of the investors, only Bidvest and ACSA (Airport Company of South Africa) had responded positively to sell their 23.5 per cent stake in MIAL, but litigation initiated by GVK over right of first refusal delayed the deal between Bidvest and Adani, the banker said.

In October last year, GVK signed an agreement to sell 80 per cent stake in the airport holding company to Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, National Investment and Infrastructure Fund and PSP of Canada for Rs 7,614 crore which gave effective control of MIAL and its subsidiary, Navi Mumbai International Airport to the new investors.

Going by the same argument of GVK, Bidvest and ACSA then moved the court as ROFR was not offered to them - leading to a legal stalemate.

What made the tide turn in favour of the Adani group was the Covid-19 pandemic, which shut down airports the world over, including Mumbai.

There was no cash flow and the firm started defaulting on salaries July onwards, said a GVK insider.

The outsourced staff even staged a protest as they were not paid since the airport was shut down.

"With dwindling cash balance, GVK clearly needed an immediate partner and Adani was waiting," the source said.

But the talks between Adani and GVK enraged Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, National Investment and Infrastructure Fund and PSP, who complained to the Indian government that GVK was going back on its promise.

The letter to the finance ministry by PSP, ADIA and NIIF was not liked by GVKs top management as it was accusing them of back-tracking.

"However, the fact that these investors withdrew money from the escrow account (which was to be paid to GVK after getting all permission) was not mentioned, said the source.

GVK then informed the three investors that their transaction stood terminated, as it was no longer effective and implementable.

The reason cited by GVK for the termination was the terms envisaged in the transaction were not implementable and the alternative proposals discussed would not provide a resolution to the lenders of airport holding company by August-end, which was a requirement of GVKs lenders.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, one of the world's most high-profile whistleblowers, will fight his extradition to the U.S. this week, after failing to delay the hearing on Monday.

Assange is wanted in the U.S. over the publication of hundreds of thousands of classified documents in 2010 and 2011.

The hearing, at London's Old Bailey, is being heard by District Judge Vanessa Baraitser. It began in February but it was pushed back as a result of the coronavirus.

The U.S. Justice Department issued a new indictment in June alleging that Assange conspired with members of hacking organizations and tried to recruit hackers at conferences in Europe and Asia who could provide WikiLeaks with classified information.

Assange's lawyer, Edward Fitzgerald QC, argued Monday that the latest indictment arrived too late for his team to review and respond to it properly. James Lewis QC will represent the U.S. authorities.

Fitzgerald said he had not seen Assange face-to-face for six months, partly due to the pandemic, according to the BBC. However, a bid to rule out the new charges was unsuccessful, with Baraitser ruling they must be heard.

Assange, whose health has deteriorated while being held in a U.K. prison, is wanted on 18 charges, 17 of which fall under the U.S. Espionage Act.

The U.S. will specifically accuse him of conspiring with army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to decipher a password known as "hash" in order to access a classified U.S. Department of Defense computer and expose military secrets.

Speaking from a glass box on Monday, Assange said he does not consent to extradition.

If the 49-year-old Australian is extradited to the U.S., he could face a prison sentence of 175 years. His mother Christine Assange said on Twitter that he won't survive if he is extradited.

Assange's supporters argue that the U.S. is targeting him for political reasons after his journalism exposed alleged war crimes and human rights abuses.

The hearing is due to last four weeks. Dozens of witnesses are expected to be called to give evidence and a final verdict will be delivered at a later date.

There are a limited number of seats available in the court due to social distancing measures that have been introduced in response to the pandemic.

Assange supporters, including father John Shipton and fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, gathered outside the historic criminal court Monday to protest his extradition.

"Julian is a publisher  and a journalist," Shipton said outside the court on Monday. "It's an oppression of journalism and free press everywhere in the Western world. It can't go on, it has to stop now."

Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary for the National Union of Journalists in the U.K. and Ireland, said in a statement: "If this extradition is allowed, it will send a clear signal that journalists and publishers are at risk whenever their work discomforts the United States government. Media freedom the world over will take a significant backward step if Assange is forced to face these charges at the behest of a U.S. president."

She continued: "The U.K. government makes much of its commitment to free expression  this case is its opportunity to demonstrate the substance behind those warm words."
Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a standoff at heights around Rezang La following Monday's clash. There are 40-50 Chinese troops facing off Indian troops that are holding on to the mountain heights. China made attempts to knock out Indian troops and occupy Indian positions.

As Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a standoff at Rezang La, a Cabinet meeting will take place at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's house today at 6pm to discuss the India-China border tension. Prior to this, a Cabinet Council on Security will also take place.

Here are the latest developments on India-China standoff so far:

A meeting of the Cabinet Council on Security (CCS) will take place today. This will be followed by a cabinet meeting at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's house at 6pm. India-China will be one of the agendas of this meeting.

Russian Deputy Envoy has fleshed out Russia's position vis-a-vis the Ladakh border clash. The Russian Deputy Envoy stated, ''We are not interfering unless both sides are inviting us. We are not participating in any negotiations between the two countries."

"On 7th Sep, Indian troops illegally crossed LAC and entered the south bank of Pangong Tso. Indian troops blatantly fired warning shots at our border patrolling troops who were there for consultation. Our troops were compelled to take measures to stabilise situation. India's behaviour violated agreements. It's serious military provocation. We've made representations through diplomatic and military channels asking them to immediately stop dangerous moves, withdraw people who crossed the line and discipline frontline troops," Chinese Foreign Ministry's official statement read.

Chinese government's mouthpiece Global Times published an editorial about the same on its front page. This editorial is titled "Indian border troops' bravado will backfire." The Global Times reiterated the PLA Western Command spokesperson's claim that Indian soldiers illegally crossed the LAC (Line of Actual Control) on the southern side of the Pangong lake and then fired in the air in front of Chinese troops.

Chinese People's Liberation Army spokesperson Colonel Zhang Shuili said, "Indian Army illegally crossed the line and entered Bangong Hunan, the western section of the Sino-Indian border. During the operation, Indian Army blatantly fired threats to the patrol personnel of the Chinese border guards who had made representations, and the Chinese border guards were forced to take countermeasures to stabilize the situation on the ground."

Indian Army trashed claims pertaining to Indian troops transgressing into Chinese territory. The Indian Army stated, "At no stage, the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing."

Even as the Indian and Chinese soldiers are engaged in a clash near Rezang la heights, Indian and Chinese troops continue to communicate with each other.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described the border conflict between India and China in Ladakh as "very serious". He further said that a "very deep conversation" is required between the two sides at a political level. Ahead of his meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, he stated that the border clashes with China cannot be divorced from the state of the overall relationship with the neighbouring country.

Army chief General Manoj Mukund Narvane has briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the events that have transpired so far in Ladakh. A high-level meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Bipin Rawat and chiefs of the tri-services is likely soon.

Congress leader Kapil Sibal attacked the BJP government over the India-China border clashes at eastern Ladakh. Sibal tweeted, "No control over: 1. Line of Actual Control, 2. Worrisome surge in COVID-19 cases, 3. Continuing economic slide, 4. Students committing suicide and 5. Mainstream media serving their political masters. Play with the ducks but don't score a duck."

Also read: China says never recognised Arunachal Pradesh, calls it 'China's South Tibet region'

Also read: India-China Clash Live Updates: Indian, Chinese troops in a standoff at heights around Rezang La
British holidaymakers have shared their fury as they make the mad dash to return home to the UK from seven Greek islands that will be added to the quarantine list from 4am tomorrow.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps revealed on Monday that Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and Zakynthos are being stripped of quarantine exempt status as of 4am on Wednesday amid fears over a spike in coronavirus cases.

Since the announcement, tourists have had to scramble to make alternative plans, with many frantically booking last-minute flights so they don't have to self-isolate for two weeks once back in Britain.

Flight operators TUI and Jet2 have cancelled holidays to the Greek islands of Crete, Santorini, Zakynthos and Mykonos due to the new quarantine rules. Meanwhile, EasyJet has announced it is cutting flights following the government's decision.

Amid the travel chaos, the rush to return home is now underway, though unimpressed travellers have blasted the government.

Nikki Funnell, from Chester, is in Santorini with her husband Simon. She told MailOnline: 'It's far safer in Santorini than the UK. Social distancing is in place here and I think it's a massive shame for the Greek tourism industry.

'I think the UK government are trying to deflect the blame onto other countries for the increase in cases in the UK, which is clearly not true.

'I would much rather be here than at home, it's definitely so much safer. Luckily myself and Simon work from home, however I will have to cancel any plans I have when I return as now have to stay in. Our friend James will have to take 2 weeks off work.'

Nikki Funnell, from Chester, is in Santorini with her husband Simon and says she feels safer in Greece than in the UK

The Transport Secretary revealed that Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, Mykonos, Crete (pictured), Santorini and Zakynthos are being added to the 'red' list as of 4am on Wednesday

Passengers arriving at Gatwick today from the islands in question told MailOnline of the emotional rollercoaster they had endured over the last 24 hours.

An NHS worker, who asked to not be named as her job restricts her from speaking to the press, said she was forced to come home after a single night in Santorini after the government announced the quarantine list.

She said: 'I had to come back. I work for the NHS. I had planned a week trip so I could relax for the first time this year.

'It was frustrating to come back after one night but it is what it is.

'I had a very lovely dinner at the resort. I swam a little in the sun. Thankfully I didn't have to spend a lot to get my flight home, just 99.

'It feels like a whirlwind.'

Laura Elliott, 19, from Horley, Surrey, was forced to cut her week-long trip to Santorini by half in order to start at Canterbury Christ Church University, to study primary education on Monday.

She said: 'It was a super busy flight. It was completely full.

'But I had to get a flight as I couldn't quarantine when I got back.

'I had to spend 99 but my friend out there had to pay 250 to come home so it was quite a difference there.

'I was supposed to be there for a week, but had to come home three days early.

'I was staying out there with my two cousins, but they decided to stay out there as they can work from home so they can get away with quarantining.

'I'm starting university on Monday. I just thought, oh god, I need to get home as fast as I can! I can't afford to not start uni on time!'

Bruce Calder, 30, a food production officer and Meghann Bamm, 28, an assistant manager, a couple for 18 months from Kettering, were also forced to cut their trip to Santorini short by three nights.

He said: 'It was obviously frustrating. It just feels like Santorini was picked at random.

'When they announced it was Greek islands, we didn't think Santorini would be on the list.

'The first thing I did when I saw the news was just look at Skyscanner and book a trip home as soon as I could.

'We flew out from Heathrow, but Gatwick was the only option that we had. We each spent 100.

'I'd previously been tracked and traced because a guy got it at a pub I drink in, so I've already had to spend two weeks at home, and I wasn't doing that again when I got back.

'Work wouldn't have been very happy. So we made the decision to cut the holiday short by three nights. We were supposed to be out there a week, so we cut it short.

'We had a great time until it got announced. When it was announced, the only thought in my head was just get home.'

Nadia Frost, 32, and Dave Hoey, 33, are a couple who work in retail in Cambridge who were forced to pay out 160 each in order to not miss out on lost wages. The couple spent 10 nights in Crete, cutting their 11 night trip short by a day.

Passengers returned to Gatwick Airport from the Greek islands in their droves today in a bid to avoid the quarantine deadline

This couple were all smiles at Gatwick airport, after making it safely back to the UK well before the 4am cut-off

She said: 'We had to come back today. We were going to come back tomorrow which is frustrating.

'We both work in retail so it's not like we can work from home. We had to weigh up the costs of the flights with the money we would get from working, and decided to head back.

'As soon as we saw Crete was going to be on the quarantine list, it was a frantic rush to book tickets to come home.

'The website crashed as there were obviously so many people trying to do the same thing. We're so lucky we were both able to get tickets and get home before it came into effect.

'It was a nightmare. The website also crashed when we struggled to check in so we had to come to the airport in Chania early and spend a few hours at the airport.

'It wasn't until we were on the flight that we looked at each other and thought, ok, we made it.

'It was an amazing trip and I'm glad we did it. We were out there for 10 nights so it's not like we didn't have a lot of time out there.

'I know some people at the resort we were in had to go home after a night or a couple of nights.'

But there were some people that picked a lucky date to return from the trips abroad.

Dave Paul, 63, a retired quality manager from Southampton, also arrived on the Santorini flight to London Gatwick.

He said: 'Thankfully we pre-booked our trip so we got back today.

'On our resort, there were a lot of people trying to frantically get on our flight.

'The government doesn't realise that by announcing these last minute quarantine measures, it ruins your holiday.'

Stanley Leach, a 21-year-old sales rep, and girlfriend Faye Annes, a 19-year-old student, both from Cambridge, said they were thanking their lucky stars that they came back from Zakynthos today as she would have missed out on starting at the University of Leeds to study law on September 12.

He said: 'We were already coming back today, thankfully.

'I would have been so annoyed if we would have had to quarantine. It's Faye's 20th birthday tomorrow, so you wouldn't want to spend that indoors.

She said: 'It's my birthday tomorrow and I'm going to university to start on the 12th, so that would have been inconvenient to say the least.

'I guess I would have just gone to uni two weeks later and missed everything.'

A passenger wearing a mask successfully made her way back to Gatwick from the Greek islands in time

Scores of travellers wheeled their suitcases through Gatwick after managing to land in time to avoid quarantine

Ruth Forster-Town, 30, who works in IT, from Walthamstow, arrived back at Gatwick from Mykonos.

She said: 'It didn't really impact me much because I was already coming back today.

'I googled the flights just in case and a single flight home would have been 350. That's too much for anyone.

'I work in IT so I can work from home. I'm one of the lucky ones.

'I was in Mykonos for four days. It was a concern for my friends who have to go straight to work and wouldn't have been able to quarantine.

'I have a friend that's going straight from here to work in a hospital tomorrow.'

A young woman said she had been partying in Mykonos for a month and got lucky with her flight home.

Declining to give her name, she said: 'I was in Mykonos from August 12 to today. We were just lucky.

'We booked the flights a couple days ago so we got lucky that we were able to come back and not have to go on lockdown.'

A woman who gave her name as Carol said the airport in Mykonos was not as busy as she was expecting.

She said: 'Our ticket was already booked for today. It was a total relief. I was there for just over a week.

'We were very lucky that we had booked it in January. It could have been a total mess.

'I was expecting the airport to be a nightmare but it was actually ok. The flight was very busy, but it was the same as the flight going out to Mykonos.

'I went with a friend, a girlfriend, for a girls' holiday.

'We had a great time. Honestly, I was worried about the news but not too worried, as it wouldn't be a problem to quarantine when we got home.

'I'm probably going to be a bit safer when I'm home anyway.'

Holidaymakers also slammed the Government for the way officials reacted to rising coronavirus cases on the Continent.

Joel Williams, a father-of-one from Bristol, was forced to leave his wife and young son and fly back to the UK, paying 350 for a flight to Heathrow, then another 36 for a coach home from west London.

He said he had to cut short his trip after just three days and come back to Britain or face losing nearly 800 in lost wages if he stayed in Greece and had to take unpaid leave while self-isolating with the rest of the family.

The 36-year-old said: 'This government has no idea what they are doing.

'They've got so many decisions wrong in the past few months they're desperate to be seen to be doing what they feel the majority of the electorate think is the right thing, regardless of whether it's consistent with messages they've already put out to the public or the data they have to hand.

'Specifically with the imposition of these Greek Island quarantines, I believe they wouldn't have been put in place if both the Scottish and Welsh governments hadn't done so first.

'It feels like those initial decisions were taken by those respective governments for political reasons, either for a game of one-upmanship with Downing street, or detracting attention from their own worrying increases in cases of Covid-19 over the past couple of weeks, rather than making much of a difference to limit the spread of the virus.

'Surely it's more of a priority for the UK and devolved governments to be focusing on policies that reduce community-based transmissions, which are actually going to make a difference.

'Also I'm not sure if [Grant] Shapps or any of the Tories really understands the pain that they are inflicting on a public who on the whole diligently stuck to the quarantine rules whilst watching prominent government officials flout the rules.

'[They have] suffered, continue to face financial uncertainty and now having waited months and used what savings they have to get away, find themselves having their holidays cut short with or ruined with the stress of knowing they have to go back and take unpaid leave.'

Since the announcement, tourists have had to scramble to make alternative plans, with many frantically booking last-minute flights

Matt Walker, 34, from West Yorkshire, also hit out at the government and revealed his daughter will now have to miss nursery because of the quarantine.

He said: 'I just think the situation is stupid, with so few cases here in Crete and Tui aren't helping anyone here to get home early.

Lucky couple who narrowly escaped forced quarantine brand system 'completely ridiculous' A lucky couple who narrowly escaped the prospect of a forced quarantine have branded the system 'completely ridiculous'. Lewis Ross, a 30-year-old operations manager for eBay from Richmond, and girlfriend Lauren Phillips, 23, a PA from Twickenham, flew back on a 10am British Airways flight from Athens to London Heathrow today - with 20 hours to spare before the forced quarantine. They had spent 10 days in Mykonos and in Athens. He said: 'We were thankfully always going to come back today. 'Our flight was full because it was full of people trying to cancel their flights and trying to come back today.' Lauren said: 'It was completely ridiculous. There were so many people in Mykonos trying to figure out a way to get home, trying to rearrange their flights. Lewis added: 'When the rumours started that the Greek islands were going to go on the travel quarantine list, we were nervous. 'But as soon as it got to 48 hours, I didn't think it would be a problem as they had to let us know. I didn't think it'd be a problem as soon as we got past 48 hours.' Lauren continued: 'We were completely prepared that if we were going to go away on holiday then we might have to isolate when we got home. 'It wouldn't have been a problem for either of us.' And Lewis said: 'I was supposed to go to Spain 13 days before we went out to Greece, but because of the risk there that got cancelled straightaway. We got really lucky.' Advertisement

'My daughter won't be able to go to nursery and as such we will have to take time off work to look after her. We will also have to quarantine for her birthday so her party will have to be cancelled.

'I think they are playing politics. Once Scotland went for quarantine I think pressure to follow was too much for the government. I just hope they know how much disruption they are causing. We tried to book a flight home, but the prices were doubling in front of our eyes'

One lucky couple narrowly escaped the prospect of a forced quarantine by flying back from Greece today.

Lewis Ross, a 30-year-old operations manager for eBay from Richmond, and girlfriend Lauren Phillips, 23, a PA from Twickenham, flew back on a 10am British Airways flight from Athens to London Heathrow today - with 20 hours to spare before the forced quarantine.

They had spent 10 days in Mykonos and in Athens.

He said: 'We were thankfully always going to come back today.

'Our flight was full because it was full of people trying to cancel their flights and trying to come back today.'

Lauren said: 'It was completely ridiculous. There were so many people in Mykonos trying to figure out a way to get home, trying to rearrange their flights.'

Another traveller, who was not so lucky, said they had swapped the Canary Islands for Greece after their holiday was cancelled when Spain was suddenly added to the quarantine list.

'Having monitored the quarantine announcements as they were on Thursday effective Saturday we opted to travel on a Friday for a week only, cutting our holiday short, to ensure we had no risk of quarantine.

'We are two hard working public sector employees who haven't had a days leave since March and we will now have two weeks in quarantine for a one week holiday.'

Another traveller also admitted they were 'caught out' by the announcement.

They said: I have been carefully monitoring both the 7 and 14 day infection rates and the decisions made by government to keep a close watch on the situation.

My intention being that if the figures started rising and murmurings of isolation periods start appearing, we would book the first flight home.

'However the decision yesterday completely caught us out.

'It came on a Monday not Thursday as normal, the decision is completely illogical, most of the cases in Greece have been on the mainland and not the islands.'

Others have taken to social media to raise their concerns. On Twitter user said: 'Currently in a half full hotel in Zante. @grantshapps reckless decision to impose a travel ban and lack of advice to @TUIUK has left us not knowing what's happening. Bolton has over 5 times the infection rate of Greece, but people don't have to quarantine when they leave?'

Another said: '3,000 cases in the last 24 hours in the UK and 156 in Greece but I have to quarantine when home, well done Boris.'

A third added: 'We will miss the deadline and there are no seats on flights out of either of the airports, it's very frustrating as #crete has such a low rate and take COVID precautions very seriously.'

TUI has scrapped holidays to Crete, Santorini, Zakynthos and Mykonos while Jet2 has axed holidays to Crete up to and including September 20.

A TUI spokesperson said: 'We welcome the announcement on regional corridors to Islands and believe it's a positive step forward for the travel industry and for our customers, who we know still wish to travel.

'This is exactly the nuanced and pragmatic approach that we've been calling for.

Flights home before quarantine deadline 'went in five minutes' of announcement, holidaymaker claims A holidaymaker who will be forced to quarantine after the government removed seven Greek islands from its quarantine-free list says flights home before the Wednesday 4am deadline 'went in five minutes' of the announcement being made. The public sector worker, who did not want to be named, said they had swapped the Canary Islands for Crete after their holiday was cancelled. The holidaymaker opted for a Friday to Friday holiday, hoping to beat any announcement of a change to the rules - which are usually implemented on a Saturday. But they were caught out when Grant Schapps took Crete and six other islands off the quarantine-free list, from 4am tomorrow. The holidaymaker said 'We are two hard working public sector employees who haven't had a days leave since March and we will now have two weeks in quarantine for a one week holiday. 'There were no flights left five minutes after the announcement. 'Greece and Crete have a much lower infection rate than the UK.' The holidaymaker added: 'The government needs to get a grip. 'They should publish the criteria for quarantine and the timing of when this will happen.' Advertisement

'However, with little notice we have had to cancel holidays to Crete, Santorini, Zakynthos and Mykonos just hours before customers are due to travel due to the change in travel advice.

'Any customers due to travel to these four islands before Tuesday 22 September will be able to amend for free to another holiday on sale, or request a full cash refund.

'We now urgently need to hear more about how the Government will implement a robust regime of airport testing to reduce down the need to quarantine for 14 days, as this remains a barrier for some to travel.'

A spokesperson for Jet2 said: 'Due to the latest government travel advice, we have taken the decision to suspend holidays to Crete up to and including 20th September. We will be in touch with affected customers to discuss options to rebook or receive a credit note/ cash refund.'

EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said: 'Following the imposition of additional quarantine restrictions to seven Greek islands and the continued uncertainty this brings for customers, demand is now likely to be further impacted and therefore lower than previously anticipated.

'We know our customers are as frustrated as we are with the unpredictable travel and quarantine restrictions.

'We called on the Government to opt for a targeted, regionalised and more predictable and structured system of quarantine many weeks ago so customers could make travel plans with confidence.'

Greece's current infection rate is at around 19 cases per 100,000 - well below the threshold of 20.

Holidaymakers are reporting huge price hikes for their journeys back, with some having to pay out three times more than they planned.

Accountant Julie Frew has a tight window of just three hours between her scheduled arrival back in Birmingham and the cut-off point.

The 46-year-old has been in Crete for nearly two weeks with partner David Wort, 48, and is anxious that any slight delay on the journey home could mean both have to quarantine, as well as daughter, Lauren, 23, and her two small children who are due back at nursery over the coming days.

She told MailOnline: 'It's definitely going to be a case of biting our fingernails over the next 24 hours.

'I don't understand it because if anything it seems safer here than in the UK.

'It's been very quiet, there's barely anyone on the beaches, all the staff wear masks and there are hand-sanitisers on every table.

'It's not like it's a party island, everything shuts down by midnight, and I think they've only had one or two cases reported a day for the last few weeks compared to our thousands - we had no concerns coming here.

Get in touch Are you trying to get back from Greece before 4am tomorrow? Let us know: danny.hussain@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement

'The government just don't seem to know what they're doing, they're quoting different numbers and it's like they're playing Russian Roulette.

'Both of us are very angry and frustrated about it because we've followed the rules throughout lockdown and it feels like we might be punished.

'We've been looking forward to this holiday for months and it's been a well-deserved break away from a very hard year.

'Thankfully neither of us are in a position where we'd lose jobs or pay as a result of quarantine but I'm sure plenty of others face that threat.'

Beth Maybury, 24, from Leeds, echoed Ms Frew's view that life in Crete was more comfortable than in the UK.

She said: 'We've felt 100% safer here than back in Leeds as all employees are wearing masks and areas are a lot less crowded.

'Bars etc just seem a lot quieter, the hotel seems not even at half capacity so there's plenty of room round the pool/beach. There just seems to be a lot more awareness in terms of masks too.

'We live near the White Rose (shopping centre) in Leeds which has been consistently heaving throughout with people ignoring social distancing measures while out shopping and going out to eat.

'I've been nervous going out for food or drinks in the UK because it's too busy with no one following rules which is (the) polar opposite to how I feel here.

Julie Frew and David Wort arrive back in the UK just three hours before the quarantine deadline and fear the consequences of a delay to their flight

'I've worked all throughout lockdown as I'm a key worker and I've been so nervous to do anything outside of work. I've had to fly four hours to feel comfortable doing anything.'

Meanwhile, author Fiona Perrin, who has been celebrating her tenth anniversary with husband Alan O'Reilly on the island, booked an earlier flight to come home but had to shall out more than treble the initial cost.

She said: 'We were planning to come back on the Wednesday and thought we'd be fine because the quarantine list is normally announced later in the week.

'It was just the shock of seeing the price surge before our eyes, literally as I went to get my credit card, I looked up and it had risen again, it was extraordinary.

Matt Hancock says government wants to test arrivals in the UK for Covid 'as soon as it's practical' to halve two-week quarantine Matt Hancock today insisted coronavirus testing for arrivals in the UK will be introduced 'as soon as it is practical'. The Health Secretary said the government recognised how much strain the requirement for 14-day quarantine was putting on the travel industry. He warned that doing just one test at the airport 'doesn't work' as too many asymptomatic cases would be missed. But he confirmed that the government is working on a plan for screening incomers after around eight days, which could potentially halve the quarantine period. 'It is one of the things that we are looking to being in as soon as it is practical to do so,' Mr Hancock told an LBC radio phone-in. Ministers have been rattled by mounting Tory anger over the disastrous quarantine policy, with claims that 110,000 jobs linked to the aviation industry are at stake. The arrangements have been cast into further doubt as the UK's number of cases are now nearing the threshold at which it imposes isolation rules on other countries. The government is considering two options to open up the skies and help rescue the Covid-ravaged economy. Under the first, passengers would be given an airport test on arrival followed by a second test a few days later. The second option is for a single test after five to eight days of self-isolation. But aviation chiefs are furious at the slow pace of progress and want a firm commitment to border tests by the end of the week. Advertisement

'We need to get back for work and because we're renovating a house, which is six months behind schedule as a result of Covid and we didn't want to shut our building site down again.

'Luckily in our case it's not too catastrophic but I think there will be a lot of people who will have to take two weeks without pay.'

In his announcement in the Commons, Mr Shapps said that he was stopping short of following Scotland's example by slapping restrictions on arrivals from Greece as a whole.

The grim news came as the Cabinet minister revealed that the quarantine system for England is being overhauled to take account of the widely different risk profile presented by some islands.

The Joint Biosecurity Centre will now consider islands separately from their mainland where possible.

'For the first time we have the data and the capacity to add and remove specific islands from quarantine while still providing maximum protection for the public,' he told MPs.

However, despite the move by the Transport Secretary to add more destinations to the 'red' list, England's approach to imposing quarantine remains less severe than both Scotland and Wales. Scotland has imposed travel quarantine on the whole of Greece while Wales has banned travel to a larger number of Greek islands.

The Foreign Office has updated its guidance to advise against all but essential travel to the seven islands, but not Greece more widely.

The announcement was broadly welcomed by the holiday industry as a step in the right direction.

Paul Charles, CEO of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said: 'It's to be warmly welcomed that the Government is amending its quarantine policy  opening up some islands to British tourists again without them having to quarantine.

'Regional corridors are vital to keep travel and tourism alive and well, and I hope it removes the confusion of different UK governments pursuing different approaches to individual countries.

'It's sad news for the Greek islands who can't yet open up but I hope this policy provides impetus for them to get their cases under control.'

But there were complaints that the government is acting too slowly.

A spokesman for British Airways' owner IAG said: 'It was evident back in July that islands should be treated separately. The Government is being too slow in making obvious decisions.

'For most families summer is now over and the damage to the industry and the economy is done. On testing, we need to get on with it. We are way behind other countries on what has to be a more nuanced approach.'

Shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon criticised the Government's handling of the pandemic, describing its response as 'chaotic'.

He said: 'The Government's response to the Covid-19 crisis has been nothing short of chaotic. At almost every turn, it lacked a clear strategy and this failure has been acutely felt in aviation.

'For months, even when the virus was at its peak, millions of passengers were coming from all over the world without any restrictions placed upon them at all. By the time restrictions were introduced, we were one of only a handful of countries in the world who up to that point had failed to take action in bringing restrictions in place.'

Grant Shapps told the Commons that he was stopping short of following Scotland's example by slapping restrictions on arrivals from Greece as a whole

The quarantine arrangements have been cast into further doubt as the UK's number of cases are now nearing the threshold at which it imposes isolation rules on other countries

It came after Matt Hancock insisted coronavirus testing for arrivals in the UK will be introduced 'as soon as it is practical' to ease the quarantine measures.

The Health Secretary said the government recognised how much strain the requirement for 14-day isolation was putting on the travel industry.

He warned that doing just one test at the airport 'doesn't work' as too many asymptomatic cases would be missed.

But he confirmed that the government is working on a plan for screening incomers after around eight days, which could potentially halve the quarantine period.

'It is one of the things that we are looking to being in as soon as it is practical to do so,' Mr Hancock told an LBC radio phone-in.

Ministers have been rattled by mounting Tory anger over the disastrous quarantine policy, with claims that 110,000 jobs linked to the aviation industry are at stake.

The arrangements have been cast into further doubt as the UK's number of cases are now nearing the threshold at which it imposes isolation rules on other countries.

The government is considering two options to open up the skies and help rescue the Covid-ravaged economy.

Under the first, passengers would be given an airport test on arrival followed by a second test a few days later. The second option is for a single test after five to eight days of self-isolation.

But aviation chiefs are furious at the slow pace of progress and want a firm commitment to border tests by the end of the week.

Leaders from the likes of Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Luton have set the Prime Minister a seven-day deadline to replace mandatory self-isolation with Covid-19 testing at airports.

In the letter seen by the Daily Telegraph - also addressed to Chancellor Rishi Sunak - 20 airport chief executives claimed testing, alongside other measures, could save 110,000 jobs industry-wide.

Having already lost over 4billion due to reduced traffic during the pandemic, they wrote: 'We cannot currently envisage an end to this struggle, and without robust Government support there is real possibility of irreparable damage being done to our once world-beating aviation sector.'

Led by Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith, conservative chair of the Airport Operators' Association, the signatories stressed that testing, along with regional travel corridors, were critical to opening up travel.

It is also believed scores of Tory MPs will today urge the government to back testing in airports to remove a 'barrier to travel'.

TUI managing director Andrew Flintham also criticised the lack of testing at airports last night, writing in the Daily Telegraph: 'This Government wants to get people back to work - but what happens when there's no work for people to come back to.'

In a boost for the Mail's campaign, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab yesterday said a testing regime was under review but would be 'no silver bullet' to end quarantine.

*** Are you trying to get back from Greece before 4am tomorrow? Let us know: danny.hussain@mailonline.co.uk ***
ROCHESTER  Naked except for "spit hoods" in a reference to the killing of Daniel Prude, several protesters sat outside Rochester's police headquarters Monday morning to push for police accountability, local news outlets reported.

Photos and video showed roughly a half-dozen demonstrators, naked or in minimal clothes and some with "Black Lives Matter" written on their backs, sitting silently with their hands behind them, on a rain-slicked street outside the city Public Safety Building. The Democrat & Chronicle reported that after a time, the demonstrators were given blankets and left in cars.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump tweeted that Rochester was among cities that had "bad nights," while Mayor Lovely Warren commended activist leaders, police and community elders on a night of calm protest Sunday.

Prude, a 41-year-old Black man, died after police found him running naked in a street March 23, put a hood over his head to stop him from spitting, then held him down for about two minutes until he stopped breathing. He died a week later after he was taken off life support.

His brother, Joe Prude, had called 911 seeking help for Daniel Prude's unusual behavior. He had been taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation earlier that night but released after a few hours, his brother told officers.

His death sparked outrage after his relatives on Wednesday released police body camera video and written reports they obtained through a public records request.

Seven police officers were suspended Thursday, and state Attorney General Letitia James said Saturday she would form a grand jury and conduct an "exhaustive investigation" into Prude's death. Warren and Police Chief La'Ron Singletary have faced calls for their resignations over the delay in releasing details of Prude's death.

Police union officials have said the officers were following their training.

Protesters have demanded police accountability and legislation to change how authorities respond to mental health emergencies.

Nightly demonstrations continued Sunday, when police said more than 1,000 protesters marched to the Public Safety Building.

Previous nights' demonstrations intensified into clashes between police and protesters, with officers dousing activists with a chemical spray and firing what appeared to be pepper balls to drive them from barricades around the headquarters building. At points, fireworks were shot off and a bus stop was set ablaze.

Local media said there were no such confrontations Sunday night, when community elders served as a buffer between protesters and police. The Police Department said no arrests were made.

"Last night the world saw the true spirit of Rochester," Warren said in a statement, adding that she had told the police department Sunday "to adopt a smaller and more restrained posture."

Trump, however, mentioned Rochester in a Monday morning tweet about cities he said "all had bad nights" and were "weakly run by Radical Left Democrat Governors and Mayors!"

"Get the picture?" the Republican president added.

Warren, a Democrat, urged people to ignore Trump's comments, accusing him of trying "to bait people to act with hate and incite violence that he believes will benefit him politically."

This summer, Trump has repeatedly portrayed Democratic mayors as weak leaders who have let their cities be overrun by violence and disorderly protests, casting himself as the president of "law and order" who will protect the country from chaos.

Shootings, killings and other crimes have increased this summer in cities including New York, Chicago and Detroit, though crime overall remains lower than it has been in years past.

Trump has sought to tie street violence to protests. Criminal justice experts say the crime spikes defy easy explanation in a year with historic unemployment and a pandemic that has killed more than 180,000 people.

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A pair of $18 leggings from Kmart Australia has caught the attention of shoppers online for their comfortable fit and ankle-length coverage.

The Active Women's Ankle Length Yoga Legging received praise on Facebook after one woman said the budget tights are better than her expensive alternatives.

'I bought these leggings from Kmart and they are amazing,' Andrea, a Sydney mum, wrote.

'I normally wouldn't buy leggings from Kmart but the material felt really nice! They are better than my overpriced expensive pair!'

Other customers part of the Facebook community agreed and said the pants are 'true to size' and 'hug' the abdomen area.

A pair of $18 leggings from Kmart has caught the attention of shoppers online for their comfortable fit and ankle-length coverage

The Active Women's Ankle Length Yoga Legging (pictured) received praise on Facebook after one woman said the budget tights are better than her expensive alternatives

'I have the same pair in black and absolutely love them, I wear them every day around house. So comfortable,' one woman said.

'I got a size 12 and they fit well,' another said.

A third added: 'I'm wearing a pair of Kmart leggings ... it just feels like they're lovingly hugging my unhappy abdomen.'

On the Kmart website the product has received an average of 4.5 stars out of five and happy customers said the material is 'good quality', 'good value' and 'holds everything in'.

On the Kmart website the product has received an average of 4.5 stars out of five and happy customers said the material is 'good quality', 'good value' and 'holds everything in'

Customers can choose to purchase black or khaki green leggings, which are available in sizes six to 20.

The leggings are also made with a 'yoga performance' hip print on the side and an elastic waistband for added comfort.

The fitness tights are made from polyester and elastane and have a crisscross detailing at the bottom, but don't have pockets.

Shoppers can purchase the women's leggings in stores across Australia and online.
Eloise Keene, a senior who lives alone, has been sleeping in a chair in her apartment in Hamiltons east end for two weeks.

The 75-year-old woman, who resides in a social housing building at 555 Queenston Rd., which is dedicated to seniors, said she threw out her furniture for the fifth time after a resurgence of bedbugs.

She said pest control has been treating her apartment every month since spring, and the bedbugs still werent going away.

One guy came in ... walked in right to my chair, (and) said Wonder if you still have bedbugs  oh yeah, theres one ... on my chair, she said. I said to myself, I want to get rid of them and I knew the only way to get rid of them was to throw the furniture out; they taught me that.

She said she previously bought a leather couch and chair because she was told bedbugs dont like the material. Before she had her most recent inspection at the end of August, she threw those out, too.

Every time CityHousing Hamilton told me the bugs were gone, Id buy new furniture, said Keene, who is on a fixed income.

The city says theyve been doing better with bedbugs this year.

This years been relatively good in terms of complaints coming through, for both public and private buildings, said Coun. Chad Collins, who is also president of the CityHousing board of directors.

Bedbugs have plagued the city for years at a cost in the millions.

In 2009, the CityHousing Hamilton budget for pest control was $300,000. In 2017, that number was $1.3 million.

So far this year, CityHousing has spent more than $655,000 on pest control, according to numbers provided by city spokesperson Antonella Giancarlo on behalf of CityHousing Hamilton CEO Tom Hunter.

Giancarlo said in an email that 555 Queenston Rd. has had eight bedbug treatments so far this year, plus 46 cockroach treatments. In all the CityHousing buildings, there have been 664 bedbug treatments and 851 cockroach treatments this year.

Laverne Dow, another tenant in the building, said she believes there are more than three units at 555 Queenston Rd. with bedbugs, but acknowledged theres a stigma that prevents some tenants from calling for help.

In 2016, the city implemented a three-year bedbug strategy to help reduce the prevalence of the pests.

A summary of the community engagement report mentions some of the barriers to addressing the problem. Among them are a fear that reporting bedbugs might lead to blame on the tenant or possible eviction. Another is stigma that bedbugs are connected to poverty or unclean conditions.

Bedbugs can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time, the report notes.

When you dont call because you might be embarrassed, theres the opportunity then for the bugs to spread to other areas, said Collins. The longer something goes unchecked, the more that they have the opportunity to get into other places and impact other people.

Dow said shes concerned pest control is only treating the affected units and not the ones surrounding them, as she believes this allows the problem to persist.

Were not randomly going through to other units and just treating them without knowing whether pests are prevalent in the unit, said Collins, noting that staff tries to be proactive. He said one of the units at 555 Queenston had its pests discovered when a resident came into the building office and staff noticed a bedbug on her.

Dow and Keene both said theyve sought assistance from CityHousing to replace their baseboards and caulking to help seal their apartments to prevent the bugs from coming in, but theyve had no luck.

In an email, Giancarlo said CityHousing may provide help with baseboards and caulking depending on how much work is involved, noting that residents can request basic caulking work. But a property managers approval is needed for bigger projects such as replacing baseboards.

In the majority of cases, baseboard replacements and caulking are not necessary for the control of pests, she wrote.

Its actually disappointing that someone whos not just a senior but who lives in CityHousing is being forced to live with no furniture, said Dayna Sparkes, a member of ACORN Canadas Hamilton East chapter.

ACORN has been organizing for better protections for renters in Hamilton, including a licensing process for landlords and proactive enforcement of municipal property standards, including proper pest management, Sparkes noted.

I dont think people realize how extensive and thorough you have to be when youre getting treatment, she said. Its not an easy process.

Sparkes added that its challenging for seniors to remove furniture from their apartments and costly to laundry everything.

She believes CityHousing and other landlords have the responsibility to help their tenants get their furniture replaced.

Its the same thing as with having the pests themselves  its not (the tenants) fault, she said.

Giancarlo said money is available to ODSP and Ontario Works recipients to offset the costs of mattresses, as well as preparation and prevention for bedbugs.

Keene said she hasnt yet received the results from the inspection, but after she threw out her furniture, she hasnt been bitten once.

Even if she could afford new furniture again, Keene said she doesnt see the point in replacing it.

Why buy it again if (the bugs are) going to come back? she said.

Maria Iqbal s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report on stories focused on aging issues.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 22:21:24|Editor: huaxia

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ROME, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- After being severely hit by a two-month national lockdown imposed to contain the coronavirus pandemic, Italy's exports have shown signs of recovery since May.

And, although affected, the country's exporting firms might be able to adapt better to the economic impact of the health crisis, compared to those operating in the domestic market, official data and analyses suggested.

In March and April, most productive activities in Italy were halted, and exports fell sharply. In May, there was an overall improvement, and Italian sales abroad rose month-on-month by some 35 percent, according to the National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT).

"The export recovery in May was determined more or less to the same degree by sales to European Union (33.7 percent) and to non-EU markets (36.5 percent)," ISTAT explained.

Data on June against May also confirmed "the recovery of exports towards non-EU destinations (14.9 percent)," it added.

Yet, a wide gap with 2019 levels remained. Against the same month of last year, exports in June were down by 12.1 percent.

The sectors contributing more to this annual downward trend were refined petroleum (-62.1 percent), transport equipment excluding vehicles (-24.9), motor vehicles (-20.5), other machinery and equipment (-8.4), and basic metals and metal products (-9.4), according to ISTAT.

Those increasing their exports the most were computers, electronic and optical apparatus (12.6 percent) and food, beverages, and tobacco (2.3 percent).

Data in the first half of this year showed exports to the EU fell by 14.1 percent from the same period of 2019, and to non-EU countries by 16.6 percent.

According to ISTAT, considerable drops were seen in sales to China (-18.6 percent), but wider in exports to other Asian countries (-20.7), North Africa (-21.7), and UK (-19.8).

Nonetheless, ISTAT on July 29 unveiled a report on "Exporting companies in the health and economic emergency" that suggested such firms could prove more resilient than average.

"In the March-April period, over 80 percent of manufacturing firms said they experienced a contraction in revenues. Yet, revenues halved for 48.1 percent of exporting firms, a percentage lower than that observed among domestic firms (54.2 percent)," it stated.

The report was based on a survey among about 90,000 firms representative of almost 90 percent of the value added and three-quarters of employment of Italy's productive system.

It explained that about one in three manufacturing firms reported that the COVID-19 crisis could entail "serious operational and business sustainability risks" for them in 2020.

"Compared to 35.6 percent of domestic companies (reporting these risks), 28.5 percent of exporters foresaw a serious danger for their business in the short term," it said.

Economist Lucio Poma, scientific director of Industry and Innovation with Bologna-based Nomisma think tank, said he was confident in exports recovering well, despite some lingering variables.

The expert's attitude was based on an analysis run by Nomisma on Italy's exports to Germany and the United States (the two main reference markets) and the loss in their gross domestic product (GDP) forecast by OECD in 2020 due to the COVID-19.

For the latter, the study considered an average of two forecasts made by OECD -- one for a single pandemic wave scenario and the other for a double-hit scenario.

"We estimated how much of our sales to these countries might be at risk, considering the elasticity shown by 13 of our exporting sectors to their GDP variation between 1995 and 2019," Poma told Xinhua.

In the case of Germany, an expected 7 percent GDP drop in 2020 would put at risk some 11 billion euros of Italian exports (out of total 58.1 billion in 2019), or some 19 percent.

"The two countries' productive systems are deeply interlaced, and most of our exports consist of semi-finished products necessary to their firms," the economist noted.

In the U.S. case, a GDP drop of about 8 percent would put at risk some 17 percent of Italian exports (7.8 billion euros out of total 45.5 in 2019).

Among the first 10 foreign markets of reference for Italy was also China, which imported Italian goods for some 12.9 billion euros in 2019. He noted that much of Italian sales to China involved sectors with low elasticity and they should not be much at risk.

While the Nomisma study was not meant to be an official forecast, it suggested a possible trend for Italy in 2020, and a relatively positive one.

Yet, the expert warned Italy's economy was in recession in the final part of 2019, and the coronavirus pandemic just acted as an accelerator. Thus, recovery could only take place if Italy is able to put in place an industrial policy supporting its most proficient sectors.

Finally, the ISTAT report unveiled in July showed over three quarters of exporting firms have planned strategies to adapt to the post-COVID phase compared to 60 percent of non-exporting ones. Enditem
NOVOSIBIRSK, Russia -- Two attackers threw a glass jar with an unknown chemical liquid into an office housing the independent political coalition supported by opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's team in Russia's third-largest city, Novosibirsk.



The jar broke and the room, filled with dozens of people on September 8, was quickly filled with a sharp, acidic smell. The room was cleared immediately, but two people felt sick and an ambulance was called, Yelena Noskovets, a member of Navalny's team in the city, told RFE/RL and Current Time.



Noskovets added that the attack came as Navalny's group was giving a lecture to staff and volunteers on how to monitor regional elections scheduled for September 13.



A coordinator for Navalny's team and a member of the coalition, Sergei Boiko, warned the attack "will not save the [ruling] United Russia [party] anyway."



Police are investigating the attack.



Navalny's associates have been on edge in recent weeks after the opposition figure fell sick during a trip to Siberia in late August. The plane he was travelling on was forced to make an emergency landing in the Siberian city of Omsk, where Navalny was rushed to hospital.



He was later transferred to Berlin for treatment and on September 2, Germany said that toxicology tests provided "unequivocal evidence" that the gravely ill Kremlin-critic had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent.



The 44-year-old politician continues to be treated at the Charite Hospital in the German capital. His relatives and colleagues say Russian authorities were behind his poisoning, which the Kremlin has vehemently denied.

On September 13, Russians will vote for governors of 20 regions and local lawmakers. Opposition parties in Novosibirsk have united into the Novosibirsk 2020 coalition to challenge the ruling United Russia party.



Navalny's Smart Voting campaign has supported opposition and independent candidates across the country.



Navalny's close associates, Lyubov Sobol and Leonid Volkov said to RFE/RL earlier in separate interviews that one of the most likely reasons for Navalny's poisoning was his Smart Voting initiative, which the Kremlin has started to consider as a serious political challenge.
AMSTERDAM, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Luxembourg became the first European government to sell a 'sustainability' bond on Monday, which raised 1.5 billion euros ($1.77 billion), according to a lead manager memo seen by Reuters.

The 12-year bond priced for a yield of -0.123%, according to the lead manager, on the back of investor demand for over eight times the funding raised, at over 12.5 billion euros.

Half of the proceeds will be spent on environmentally friendly 'green' projects and the other half on those with positive social outcomes, a spokesperson for Luxembourg's finance ministry told Reuters.

Luxembourg's choice of a sustainability bond is in contrast with other European governments, who have so far focused on selling 'green' bonds instead in their efforts to fund climate friendly spending and support the development of sustainable finance.

($1 = 0.8460 euros) (Reporting by Yoruk Bahceli, Editing by Lawrence White)
Donald Trump has been condemned for his endorsement of extremist supporters in an attack advert blaming the US president for two killings that took place in Kenosha, Wisconsin, over the police shooting of an unarmed black man.

The advert, created by the Republican anti-Trump campaign group, The Lincoln Project, draws connections to the presidents rhetoric and the killings of two Black Lives Matter protesters last month.

Mr Trump, who defended teenager Kyle Rittenhouse following that shooting in Kenosha, was also described as being dangerous and someone who was radicalising our young men to become killers.

The minute-long advert expeclity links Rittenhouses alleged shooting of two people at a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on 26 August to Mr Trumps endorsement of the St Louis couple who brandished firearms at protesters in June.

As the advert points out, the killing of two people protesting the Kenosha police shooting of Jacob Blake, an unarmed black man, came 24 hours after Mark and Patricia McCloskey, the St Louis couple, addressed the Republican National Convention on 25 August.

This is sick. This is wrong. This is dangerous, says the Lincoln Project advert. And as long as Trump is president, hell keep encouraging the kooks, the crazies, the extremists, the angry fringe. It doesnt have to be this way.

According to the Morning Consultant, the advert will run for the first time in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, before airing across television networks and online platforms in Florida, Arizona, Pennsylvania and North Carolina later this week.

It comes after Mr Trump on Tuesday labelled Black Lives Matter protesters thugs and anarchists, and went on the attack against anti-racism demonstrators and Joe Biden, his Democratic opponent.
Shipping containers stand on the quayside near empty docking terminals at Singapore port in Singapore, on March 27, 2020. Lauryn Ishak | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Container shipping activity has staged a sharp rebound in recent months and is nearing pre-pandemic levels  but the outlook remains clouded in uncertainty, a top industry executive told CNBC. "Here we are in September, and actually, we've almost recovered back to the levels we had in global container volumes compared with pre-Covid," Jeremy Nixon, the chief executive officer of Singapore-based Ocean Network Express (ONE), told CNBC on Monday. Nixon now sees signs of a V-shaped rebound underway, after a six-month "roller coaster" ride that began as a supply shock concentrated around China and evolved into a worldwide demand problem by Spring. The coronavirus outbreak was first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, and has since spread to the rest of the world, ravaging demand as well as the global economy. He attributed the expected rebound to three main factors: a surge in demand for personal protection equipment (such as masks and gloves), and medical goods;

inventory build-up during the shutdowns are returning online again;

a shift in consumer purchasing behavior as people cut back on travel and hospitality and spend more time and money at home. "What we've seen in the last two or three months, those items around the home  whether it's home improvements or enhancements to people's home offices, electronics or even exercise bicycles  we're seeing that sector has really picked up, and a lot of that production actually moves in containers as opposed to air freight," Nixon explained.

Fragile rebound, weakness remains

ONE's liner network services more than 100 countries, operating in a sector that moves over 90% of global goods, which gives the company a unique window into global economic activity. Though there appears to be a rising tide lifting most boats, the group's CEO says some pockets of weakness remain. "A lot of the automotive production, whether in Europe, America, Asia  particularly in Japan  is still quite weak," Nixon explained. On a regional basis, the recovery has become more widespread as lockdown measures ease. "Maybe some of the demand around intra-Asia is still recovering but we can see Europe is strong, North America is strong and even Latin America has picked up as well."

Our exuberance is curtailed at the moment because we don't really know how 2021-22 is going to play out. How much of this is a temporary build up in demand? Jeremy Nixon CEO, Ocean Network Express

Nixon cautions, however, that relative to the V-shaped recovery that the industry witnessed in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, the current rebound looks more fragile. "Our exuberance is curtailed at the moment because we don't really know how 2021-22 is going to play out. How much of this is a temporary build up in demand?" He also pointed to the risk that in Winter "some pickup in the pandemic situation means curtailment of certain activities and production."

Trade war effect?
Armie Hammer continues to make headlines.

Nearly three months after breaking up with Elizabeth Chambers, the 34-year-old actor seems to be enjoying the single life. The Call Me by Your Name star was recently spotted with another newly single lady, Jessica Ciencin Henriquez, who is the ex-wife of Josh Lucas.

Armie and Jessica were recently photographed sitting close to each other while grabbing food at Osteria Mamma in Los Angeles, Calif.

For the outing, the actor kept things simple with a black oversized t-shirt and black bandana, which he appeared to use as a face mask. The New York Times writer and editor opted for a beige-colored dress and large sunglasses.

While it's unclear how long Armie and Jessica dined out for, a source tells E! News they were hanging out "the same day" the actor was seen with Rumer Willis. Last week, E! News reported The Social Network alum went for an afternoon stroll with Demi Moore and Bruce Willis' daughter.

2020 Celebrity Breakups

Photos showed Armie with his arm wrapped around the actress' waist while out and about in Los Angeles. Another image captured the two smiling at each other, even as they wore matching blue face masks.

Despite the actor's recent outings with Rumer and Jessica, a separate source previously told E! News he isn't looking for anything serious. Given he was with Elizabeth for a decade, it's easy to understand why.

As the source put it, "He isn't dating or in a relationship with anyone. He and his ex were together since his early 20's so he isn't looking for a relationship now."

At this time, Armie and Rumer haven't publicly commented on their hang out. However, Jessica briefly addressed her dine-in with the actor. She told Page Six, "That's just me having lunch."

Back in July, Armie and Elizabeth issued a joint statement announcing their divorce. "Thirteen years as best friends, soulmates, partners and then parents," their statement read on social media. "It has been an incredible journey, but together, we've decided to turn the page and move on from our marriage. As we enter into this next chapter, our children and relationship as co-parents and dear friends will remain our priority."

Story continues

"We understand this news lends itself to public dialogue, but in the interest of our children and our family, we're asking for privacy, compassion and love during this time," their message concluded.

The former pair are proud parents to two kids: Harper Grace, 5, and son Ford Douglas Armand, 3.

Josh Lucas

Although Jessica and Josh called it quits in January 2014 after two years of marriage, they reconnected recently. While it's unclear when the duo reconciled their romance, Jessica made it clear things were over for good in May.

Taking to Twitter at the time, the writer accused the Sweet Home Alabama alum of cheating on her. "Exes are exes for a reason," she began her post, which has now been hidden on her timelime.

"Having a child with someone makes you want to forgive them more than you normally would," she continued. "It makes you believe they are better than they are. But it takes a really s--t human to cheat on their partner (correction: now ex partner) in the middle of a pandemic. Thank you for reminding me why I left you in the first place."

"I deserve better than this. Our son deserves better than this," she added.

Jessica said she was "airing this publicly" to help other women going through the same thing. "...there are a lot of women accepting much less than they deserve because there are kids in the picture," she explained. "You're not stupid for hoping, for believing that people can change. I see you."

Lucas never addressed the infidelity accusations. He and Jessica share a son Noah Rev, 7.
TDT | Manama

Coronavirus (COVID-19) precautionary measures are to be tightened and mitigation efforts expanded, the Cabinet directed yesterday during its weekly meeting, held remotely and chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister.

This is to be done by further strengthening the cooperative efforts of the National Taskforce for Combatting COVID-19, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Health, the Endowment Councils, and the heads of Maatams, in order to ensure additional and efficient preventative measures are in place for any upcoming religious and social occasions.

The Cabinet affirmed that non-compliance with precautionary health measures compromises public health, and praised the continued dedicated efforts of first-responders and their support network. HRH the Crown Prince noted that the well-being of citizens and residents continues to take precedence in all of the governments coronavirus response measures.

HRH the Crown Prince praised the high-level of awareness and cooperative spirit demonstrated by members of Team Bahrain, which include citizens, residents, the executive authority, the legislative authority, and the private sector. HRH the Crown Prince emphasised the depth of community partnership in Bahrain, noting its positive impact on realising desired aspirations.

In this regard, HRH the Crown Prince outlined that every member of society contributes to the success of COVID-19 mitigation efforts through their commitment to precautionary measures, and has a responsibility to protect their community.

Meanwhile, in response to the directives of HRH the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to tighten supervision and intensify inspections of workshops and garages located in industrial and commercial areas in close proximity to residential areas, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism presented the results of the inspection campaigns.

A total of 87 enterprises were inspected from August 11 to 26, of which 66 per cent were in violation. Legal action was taken against violators and periodic inspections will be carried out in coordination with the Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning.

Also during the meeting, the Cabinet recalled the Kingdoms pioneering humanitarian and charitable efforts, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, on the occasion of UN International Day of Charity Work.

The Cabinet also welcomed the signing of the peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the Revolutionary Front, noting that it is a vital step towards lasting peace and stability that achieves the aspirations of the Sudanese people.
The Japanese government approved on Tuesday spending of 671.4 billion yen ($6.32 billion) from emergency budget reserves to secure coronavirus vaccines, the Ministry of Finance said. Japan's government said it would bear the cost of providing coronavirus vaccines to the populace, as it aims for a comprehensive inoculation against the pandemic.

The government also said it planned to establish funds to compensate for possible side effects from the vaccines. The plans were outlined in documents distributed at a briefing by Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who also heads the coronavirus response. Outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had pledged the government would secure enough vaccines for every Japanese citizen by the middle of next year.

Japan has made bilateral agreements with overseas pharma companies to secure hundreds of millions of doses of vaccines that are still being tested. It has also agreed to join a World Health Organisation effort that aims to buy and fairly distribute inoculations.

The government has said it hoped to secure enough vaccines for every citizen by the middle of next year, and provide them for free.

Also read: COVID-19 vaccine: First batch of Russia's Sputnik V released for public
Published on:

7 September 2020



Photograph of a boat sailing through the Artic Ocean Photograph of a boat sailing through the Artic Ocean

On the banks of the River Kolyma, deep into the Arctic circle in north-east Siberia, lies a gently rusting Soviet-era tank. It doesnt look out of place here. After all, just down the river is the hull of a half-sunken ship and the remains of an Aeroflot aeroplane fuselage that met an unfortunate end.

The tank isnt working at the moment  its hard to find parts  but until recently, it was driven by a bearded Russian wearing a beret, a cigarette clamped permanently between his jaws, taking a sort of macabre delight in destroying trees and churning up soil.

This is Sergey Zimov who, together with his son Nikita, is carrying out an experiment on this scrubby patch of Arctic tundra: they want to restore the prehistoric mammoth steppe ecosystem and see if it proves their hypothesis that a grassland grazed by large herbivores has an effect on slowing down  or even reversing  the thawing permafrost.

Currently the landscape is mostly larch forest with very low biodiversity. There are no animals, save for the odd moose and millions of mosquitoes. Meanwhile, Arctic temperatures are increasing twice as quickly as those in the rest of the planet, and the permafrost that covers 65% of Russia is thawing. Fast. Many of the buildings in the town of Chersky  where the Zimov experiment is based  sport deep cracks (some have collapsed altogether), roads are buckled and the ground is humped and hollowed.

The clue to what counts as permafrost is in the name  permanently frozen ground. As with anything frozen, it is liable to thaw if temperatures get too hot. That is precisely what is happening all across the Arctic.

Permafrost is difficult to define. It covers almost a quarter of the Northern Hemisphere and sequesters double the carbon found in the atmosphere today. When frozen, the microbes that feed on the organic material found in permafrost are asleep. When it thaws, they wake up and the anaerobic respiration produced releases greenhouse gases.

Officially, its soil that has been frozen for two years or more, with an active layer that thaws seasonally. But thanks to global warming, permafrost has been thawing with increasing magnitude, with all sorts of disruptive effects. A process called a thermokarst megaslump has opened up huge holes across the tundra and the bodies of mammoths are being found with greater frequency, their flesh decomposing in the Arctic sun. Strange things are awakening. A couple of years ago, a team of Russian scientists reportedly found 30,000-year-old worms in the permafrost which, upon being warmed up gently in a Moscow laboratory, began to wriggle around.

Almost ironically, the mammoths exposed by the thawing of permafrost are what sparked Sergey Zimovs hypothesis: that large herbivores are necessary to maintain the integrity of permafrost. The Zimovs use their tank to mimic the tread and destructiveness of the woolly mammoth in a 144km fenced off area they call Pleistocene Park.

Recreating the mammoths former ecosystem might seem like an impossible task given the creature has been extinct for 4,000 years, but for the Zimovs this is a minor detail. They are concerned with ecological processes  the web of connection that produces a functioning ecosystem. The tank will do just fine as a mammoth-stand in, destroying trees and stimulating grass growth in its wake.

There are animals in the park that play a similar role. Yakutian horses and reindeer have been purchased from local indigenous herders, and other creatures that havent lived in the region for a long time (yak, sheep, Kalmykian cow, musk ox, bison) have come from much further afield. There are around 120 animals in total, although deaths and births happen with regularity. Last summer, Nikita Zimov undertook a perilous journey by truck to transport 12 baby bison all the way from Denmark. The roads are dreadful for most of Northern Siberia, and then they disappear completely. Travelling by barge along the Kolyma is the only way in.

A few seasons before that, an expedition to Wrangel Island in the Arctic Ocean to find musk oxen almost ended in disaster after their boat hit a storm. The discovery on return that all the oxen were males was a particularly frustrating one. The animals in the park roam where they please, encouraged to breed and forage so their behaviours have an effect on the permafrost: trampling compacts ground and keeps it frozen, while grassland reflects solar radiation.

Even though the tank remains out of commission, the Zimovs are hoping that soon they wont need it at all. Theyre hoping that one day a mammoth will return to the Arctic.

Resurrecting the dead

Sometime in the early 2000s, rumblings began in the scientific community of a new form of conservation that would potentially fix a growing problem. What if, instead of fighting what seemed to be an increasingly losing battle against extinction, you could potentially resurrect an extinct creature through cloning methods?

Still reeling from the implications of Dolly the sheep in 1997, in 2003 a team of scientists in Zaragoza, Spain, managed to successfully produce a clone of the extinct Pyrenean ibex, having previously collected genetic material from the last remaining individual of the species. Although the cloned calf only lived for ten minutes, the genie was out of the bottle: extinction didnt have to be forever.

Advances in genetic technology saw the arrival of CRISPR, a type of gene editing software that allowed for swift and cheap splicing of genomes. Now it didnt matter if you didnt have a viable cell for cloning  you could simply create a complete genome in a laboratory. This is what happened with the mammoth, whose genome was sequenced in 2015, becoming the first extinct creature to be catalogued.

While preserved mammoth bodies are common finds in Siberia, their flesh prevented from decomposition by permafrost, living cells begin to degrade at the point of death so a certain amount of cell degradation is inevitable. But by using CRISPR, a scientist is able to plug, say, the genome of an Asian elephant with the genes that make the physical traits of a mammoth (cold adapted blood, thick hair, small ears). Theoretically, if that genome was implanted into an egg and then fertilised, the Asian elephant in question would give birth to a mammoth, albeit one that is genetically a hybrid.

De-extincting the mammoth in the future is a possibility, but the follow up question must surely be: what does one do with such a creature? Enter the Pleistocene Park. The vast expanse of tundra and cold temperatures, not to mention the ready-made connotations with a similar de-extinction project, Jurassic Park, mean it is the obvious place for any newly resurrected (hybridised, to be exact) mammoth to go.

All this talk of restoration, rebirth and resurrection raises further questions: one of them being the ethical implications of playing God. But the other, larger question regards the role of humanity on the planet. We are now unofficially living in the Anthropocene  a new epoch that designates humans as top geological agents, leaving our mark in the rock and influencing just about every planetary process. Most of our actions are not positive ones, evidenced by the tide of environmental destruction, global warming and explosive levels of extinction left in our wake.

Would resurrecting the mammoth be a way for humans to right past wrongs, or would it be an extension of the power and control we wield over a ravaged planet?

We are as gods

I visited the Pleistocene Park in the summer of 2018 to attempt to answer this question. The mammoth is a bit of a thorny conversation topic to the Zimovs. Yes, Sergey Zimov strides around the tundra wearing a t-shirt sporting a stylised cartoon of the massive hairy elephant, but his son is quick to shoot me down when I ask about their level of involvement in de-extinction.

You have a lot of people believing in God, he says. And they dont like this mammoth return. So I try and use it to bring attention to the park, but I dont want any of the criticism! But the relationship between de-extinction scientists and the park is difficult to ignore. A few weeks after I leave the park, the Zimovs are visited by the geneticist George Church, probably the biggest proponent of mammoth de-extinction, and Stewart Brand, lifelong environmentalist and now supporter of what is termed a good Anthropocene (the idea that humans should use their power to benevolently steward the planet). We are as gods, Brand famously quipped: And we have to get good at it.

Im sceptical of this viewpoint. The Anthropocene concept is a flattening one: it categorises all humans as the same, separated from nature, wreaking havoc on a lifeless Earth. It distributes blame equally, rather than directed towards the worst polluters. It ignores the uneven and ongoing effects of climate change on different parts of the globe. Planetary stewardship  no matter how benevolent  reinforces this idea. It suggests things can, and should, be controlled.

But I dont see much evidence of this control during my time at the park. The first day Im taken there (its a 30 minute boat ride away from the science station that houses visitors) Nikita Zimov is informed by his rangers that the herd of musk oxen hasnt been seen for days so he heads into the undergrowth to find the animals. Im left alone, surrounded by flooded plains, no animals to be seen save for a blind yak.

A few days later, the permafrost tunnel floods. A sort of underground laboratory dug to house permafrost cores, scientific equipment and frozen fish, it was supposedly placed at a high enough level that the annual floodwaters of the Kolyma would never reach the entrance - until they did. We spend a day pumping the water out and dislodging the items that had stuck fast to the frozen ceiling. A little way down the river, the expensive scientific equipment owned by a well-funded contingent of German permafrost scientists is submerged under water.

Meanwhile, the Zimovs are furious about the 12 baby bison they have purchased from an Alaskan herder, still stuck in their pen. Theyre unable to find a pilot willing to fly them over in the creaky, old DC-4 plane they have found. Everything that seemingly can go wrong, does go wrong. The Pleistocene Park is showing encouraging signs of becoming a grassland ecosystem, and initial tests show the permafrost is thawing less within the parks boundaries.

But on the summer solstice (a swelteringly hot June day in the Arctic) we take a drill and some thaw depth probes to do some readings outside of the park, and the prognosis for the permafrost is not good. We are fighting global warming, Nikita Zimov says. But global warming is fighting back.

Tusk hunts

When permafrost makes the news, its never good. In early June, a fuel tank at the Norilsk power plant in Siberia collapsed because of thawing permafrost and 17,500 tonnes of diesel spilled into the river. A lot of people live and work on top of permafrost in Russia, and at the time of the Soviet Union, thousands of people were lured to the Arctic on the promise of highly paid jobs and cheap houses as part of a plan to master the North. Now the Soviet Union is long gone, along with all the perks, and thawing permafrost is making Arctic life very difficult.

A sort of black-market industry has emerged, with groups of men heading out onto the tundra for months at a time to look for mammoth bodies that thawing permafrost has exposed. Theyre after the tusks that can be sold for a hefty profit to China, by far the worlds top market for ivory goods. These tusk hunts are often dangerous, with the men using illegal high-powered water cannons to blast holes and tunnels in permafrost, hundreds of miles away from towns or hospitals. Those who find a tusk have struck white gold, but those that dont (most of them) will lose money.

Theres another tension too. To many Siberian indigenous groups, the mammoth is a sacred beast and mustnt be disturbed  to do so could mean death. Tusk hunters face an often-agonising decision: to betray their belief system or to feed their family.

I became aware of an uneasy relationship between tusk hunters and scientists when I visited the Mammoth Museum in Yakutsk, where I spent the winter in 2018. Yakutsk is the worlds coldest and largest city built on permafrost, and it has no roads in or out  in the summer you take the plane, in the winter the frozen rivers become ice roads and a thriving trucking network ferries supplies to and from the Arctic towns.

The Mammoth Museum and the Melnikov Permafrost Institute are institutions dedicated to understanding permafrost and tundra flora and fauna. This includes the mammoth. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the funding for these institutions has dried up. The scientists at the permafrost institute can only wait for international researchers with big grants to show up.

The museum has struck up an awkward partnership with a biotechnology company in Seoul, South Korea. Sooam Biotech is known for cloning pets (most famously, Barbara Streisands dog) and has made no secret of its desire to clone a mammoth. The Mammoth Museum is informed of any mammoth finds by tusk hunters and Sooam Biotech is offered first dibs on collecting genetic material from the body. In exchange, Sooam Biotech has financed a state-of-the-art laboratory and equipment for the museum.

Meanwhile, the Yakutian government has recently passed a law that protects permafrost, enshrining the rights of Yakuts to live on top of solid ground. This law is mostly symbolic. Permafrost thaw is a result of global warming, yet it is Arctic Siberia that bears the brunt.

These smaller, messier permafrost interactions say something important. The Pleistocene Park and the designs of scientists wanting to resurrect the mammoth work very much within a global narrative. The promotional material for the park involve references to the worlds best plan and saving the world. Similarly to the way the Anthropocene concept flattens humanity, constructing the Earth on a purely global scale produces a potential future catastrophe that hasnt happened yet. Think about any Hollywood disaster movie  we must do something to prevent it.

Curating apocalypse in this way means the more local catastrophic events become seen as harbingers of a threat to come, rather than catastrophes in their own right. Permafrost makes the news as a ticking time bomb, something that will blow up unless we do something about it. Yet the people who live in the Arctic, particularly indigenous groups and fragile communities like Chersky, are already dealing with an apocalypse and have been for some time.

The unpredictability of permafrost  now very much impermanent  challenges those proponents of a good Anthropocene who believe we can control the planet.

Putting life on ice

Freezing, being frozen, staying frozen  they all suggest a period of stasis, of suspension. Permafrost itself indicates permanence, but that can no longer be said to be true. What to do, when the planet is warming and the Arctic is warming even faster? Build freezers, thats what.

Cryobanks have emerged in the past decade, often attached to museums, as a response to the rapid rise in species extinction. They offer a way to put life on ice, stored safely away until something can be done, be that captive breeding or de-extinction. Many of these projects have eschatological overtones  the Lazarus Project, The Frozen Ark  and suggest that control can somehow be regained by turning the temperature down.

The 42,000-year-old horse lying in Yakutsks Mammoth Museum is dead. I can smell it. Its body had been found a few months earlier in a permafrost bank, and had been frozen in the museums freezer ever since. The horse has been so well preserved, it looks like its merely sleeping. A delegation from the pet cloning company Sooam Biotech is visiting Yakutsk to take samples, and Ive been invited along to view the autopsy.

The head of the delegation, and CEO of the company, is Hwang Woo-Suk  a once disgraced South Korean veterinary scientist who made headlines in 2005 when he claimed he had cloned human cells. He hadnt, and went from the pride of South Korea to a laughing stock overnight while claiming he had been deceived by a former colleague in the process. A few years later he began showing up in Yakutsk looking for mammoths and other prehistoric creatures. His pet cloning company makes him rich, but cloning a mammoth would bring global fame again.

The Anthropocene may be the time of the human, but really it is the time of certain humans, or certain actions. Actions have consequences. The warming of the Arctic and the thawing of permafrost is but one of these consequences. The reaction to this, to attempt to regain control of planetary processes, whether this be through resurrecting the mammoth or restoring its habitat, is indicative of a commitment to a good Anthropocene that aims to continue human dominance on the Earth.

Having lived on top of permafrost, felt my feet sink into the mushy ground and rolled a ball of it between my fingers like putty, I remain doubtful any of this will work. What impact the Pleistocene Park may have on the permafrost around it is negated thousands of miles away by yet another thermokarst megaslump or another Arctic wildfire. While Nikita Zimov is philosophical about this, saying its better to walk rather than to sit and wait for death, its difficult to imagine the park ever reaching a point where it can mitigate permafrost thaw across the world. The mammoth, should it ever be resurrected, would surely exist as a curio rather than a thriving species, a monument to the hubris of playing God.

Those advocating a good Anthropocene mean well, but a much deeper state change is needed. The continuous layer of permafrost in Arctic Siberia is showing signs of becoming discontinuous through thaw. Discontinuity, I think, must also be our path. We need to halt and refuse the destructive practices that have underpinned the last century and beyond if theres to be any hope of doing better in the future.

Discontinuity isnt just a state of being, it is also a state of mind. The warming of the Arctic and the thawing of permafrost are huge concerns, yes, but attempts to force control of an increasingly out of control situation might well produce terrible gods rather than benevolent ones. Resurrecting mammoths  playing god  speaks to a doubling down of the mastery implied by the Anthropocene moniker.

Discontinuity, conversely, allows for the creativity in thinking of futures that relinquish destructive human dominance. The Pleistocene Park may be one of these futures, or it may not be. The point is, by becoming discontinuous, we become attuned to a radical openness that allows for thinking differently  ethically, collectively, progressively  about our role as humans on a discontinuous Earth.

This feature was originally published in The Conversation on 7 September 2020.
The Junta de Andalucia regional government believes that the situation in Malaga province is no longer one of insolated outbreaks, but rather one of "community transmission", said Junta spokesman Elias Bendodo on Tuesday.

This means that prevalence of Covid-19 is now considered so widespread that infections can no longer be tracked to a specific source.

With a high incidence of positive cases and hospital admissions due to coronavirus, Bendodo has announced a series of recommendations to town halls in a bid to control the spread of the virus.

Bendodo is calling on town halls to limit events to those that are "strictly necessary" and is calling for a series of concerts scheduled for this coming weekend to be cancelled. He also hasn't ruled out other measures next week if the number of infections is not contained.

in context Spain becomes first country in Europe to reach half a million reported coronavirus infections

He said that Malaga is "under observation" this week because "we are very concerned" about the evolution of the pandemic in the province, with 222 Covid patients in hospital (up 32 on the previous day), 30 per cent of the regional total.

A further four people have died after contracting the virus, it was announced on Tuesday, taking the provincial total up to 307 - the highest in Andalucia.

As of Tuesday, thirty people remain in intensive care in hospitals in Malaga.

Bendodo admitted that the large number of tourists in the province could have played a role in this spike and that the Junta will be observing whether the decrease in visitors now will be reflected in the case numbers.
The owner of British Airways faced a shareholder revolt over boardroom pay as it secured a 2.5billion lifeline to help it survive the biggest crisis in its history.

More than 20 per cent of IAG investors who voted rejected its remuneration report, which included an 883,000 bonus for departing boss Willie Walsh, taking his pay for 2019 to 3.2million.

That was enough to put IAG on a blacklist of companies that have seen sizeable rebellions from shareholders.

Jetting off: Departing IAG boss Willie Walsh, was awarded an 883,000 bonus taking his pay for 2019 to 3.2m

The row came as investors backed a 2.5billion emergency fundraising to see it through the Covid crisis.

Handing over to his successor Luis Gallego, long-time IAG chief executive Walsh claimed that the coronavirus pandemic had 'decimated' the aviation industry.

'It is the worst crisis we have ever faced, far worse than both 9/11 and the financial crash in 2008,' he told the annual general meeting.

'We are having to recalibrate everything we do as we anticipate that it will take until at least 2023 or 2024 for passenger demand to recover to 2019 levels.'

IAG, whose airlines include Iberia, Vueling and Aer Lingus as well as BA, was 'disappointed' by the pay revolt.

'The board will continue to engage with shareholders to fully understand their concerns,' it said.

BA passenger numbers were 98 per cent lower between April and June than in the same period last year

The rebellion was large enough for IAG to be included in the Investment Association's 'named and shamed' list of companies that have received a no-vote of 20 per cent or more.

Walsh, 58, has taken home around 33million since IAG was formed in 2011 through the merger of British Airways and Iberia.

The Irish businessman described Gallego, the 52-year-old boss of Iberia, as 'exactly the right man for the job'.

He put off handing over to Gallego by six months after the impact of the pandemic became clear.

The group's share price has plummeted by 67 per cent so far this year, wiping around 8billion off its market value.

IAG has turned to an emergency fundraising, which has the support of its largest shareholder Qatar Airways, after the coronavirus crisis brought global air travel to a standstill

IAG has turned to an emergency fundraising, which has the support of its largest shareholder Qatar Airways, after the coronavirus crisis brought global air travel to a standstill for months and sent the group plunging to a 3.8billion half-year loss.

Passenger numbers were 98 per cent lower between April and June than in the same period last year.

IAG is laying off up to 12,000 of BA's 45,000 workforce and changing the contracts of more than 30,000 remaining workers.

For many this will include taking a pay cut and it has provoked an angry clash with unions.

It has also announced plans to sell BA's art collection, which includes works by Bridget Riley and Damien Hirst. Job cuts are expected at IAG's other airlines.

Although travel tentatively started again in July and August, the summer has not been the antidote to lockdown that the industry had hoped.

The number of flights booked has dropped because of confusing Government advice and quarantine policies that were introduced with almost no notice.

The industry is pushing for the Government to set up an airport testing regime. Easyjet yesterday said it would cut more flights after seven Greek islands were added to the quarantine list.
Late last year, when my husband was very ill, my friend Debbie Goldberg dropped off a tsimmes, a holiday dish that I had not eaten in years. After heating it up and dipping my fork into the meat and sweet potatoes, memories of my own family  the sweet potato-and-pineapple casserole topped with marshmallows at Thanksgiving, and the fork-tender brisket that I always make for holidays  came rushing back.

Traditionally made for Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, which begins on Sept. 18 this year, or the harvest festival of Sukkot, which begins on Oct. 2, this comforting slow-cooked beef stew with sweet potatoes, carrots and sometimes prunes is so tied to Debbies family that she serves it at every holiday and often for Shabbat. She usually makes a double batch, putting one in the freezer to save for emergencies like mine, or for visits from her children or grandchildren.

I have tasted many versions of tsimmes throughout my career writing about Jewish food, always fascinated by the evolution of this dish throughout the diaspora.

The word tsimmes (pronounced SIMM-es) comes from the German zum Essen and then Yiddish, where it came to mean a fuss or big deal. Unlike other holiday dishes where you just put a piece of meat in the oven, this one requires peeling vegetables and cutting them up  so maybe that was the fuss.
Washington, D.C.  The House Oversight Committee is launching an investigation into US Postmaster General Louis DeJoy over a report his former business reimbursed workers who made political contributions to Republican candidates.

Former employees at New Breed Logistics, the North Carolina company DeJoy ran from 1983 to 2014, told The Washington Post that they were pressured to donate to GOP candidates and then repaid by DeJoy through big bonuses. DeJoy sold the company in 2014 and is now facing new scrutiny amid concerns about the U.S. Postal Service; the longtime Republican fundraiser was named Postmaster General in May and has been accused of making changes that have slowed mail delivery ahead of the upcoming November election.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), chairwoman of the House committee, told CNN Tuesday that if the allegations are true, DeJoy could face criminal exposure -- not only for his actions in North Carolina, but also for lying to our Committee under oath.

We will be investigating this issue, but I believe the Board of Governors must take emergency action to immediately suspend Mr. DeJoy, who they never should have selected in the first place, Maloney said.

CBS reports President Donald Trump said Monday that hed support an investigation into allegations leveled against DeJoy and would support his removal if found guilty.

Yeah if something can be proven that he did something wrong, always, the president said during a press conference Monday. Always. Theyve been looking at me for four years, they found nothing. Four years, think of it. For four years. From the day I came down the escalator Ive been under investigation by sleaze. And they found nothing. They found nothing. A friend of mine said you have to be the most innocent, honorable man to ever hold the office of president.

DeJoy testified before the House and Senate last month over the removal of mail-sorting machines and mailboxes as part of sweeping operational changes at the Postal Service. The changes have reportedly slowed down mail delivery amid concerns about the coronavirus pandemic and mail-in ballots for the upcoming election; DeJoy denied attempting to sabotage voting by mail.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) joined local postal union officials Monday outside a post office in East Syracuse, calling on DeJoy to reverse recent changes that included removing four of 15 high speed, sorting machines from the Syracuse distribution facility, which serves areas from Watertown to Binghamton.

In the midst of a pandemic and economic crisis, Postmaster General DeJoy has made harmful changes that jeopardize jobs and our ability to vote by mail, and delay critical deliveries for seniors, veterans, and small businesses. These disruptions are unacceptable and must be reversed, Gillibrand said.
Alhassan Imrani

08.09.2020 LISTEN

Alhassan Imrani, 38, who was nabbed by the Northern Regional Police Command for possessing a number of firearms, ammunition has been transferred to Tema in the Greater Accra region for prosecution.

The Deputy Northern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Atimnilla , told DGN Online that Officers from Tema Regional Police Command where it is believed that the criminal activities of the suspect occurred visited Tamale and transported him to the Command.

According to him, the suspect reportedly shot a victim in the Central region in the leg and robbed him of a Toyota Highlander vehicle and brought it to Tamale.

He said the Toyota Highlander vehicle has since been handed over to the Tema Regional Police Command.

The Deputy Northern Regional Police Commander said an accomplice of the suspect has been arrested by the Northern Regional Police Command upon intelligence and handed over to the Tema police as well.

Police retrieved five vehicles from the suspect including the one he robbed in Tema.

He said they were conducting investigations to establish the owners of the vehicles.

The suspect is believed to be linked to a crime committed earlier in Tema for which the law enforcement officers have been on a manhunt for him.

According a police report, on September 5 following a tip-off, DSP/Mr. Mick Omari Boakye, Tamale Divisional Crime Officer, and D/Const. Vincent Nketiah assisted by a Tamale Patrol team arrested the suspect and sent him to the Divisional Headquarters, Tamale.

The entry was that the suspect was involved in a robbery which was reported to the Tema Regional CID.

When his residence was searched at Banvim in Tamale, three pistols, four mobile phones, one black HP laptop, one AK47 assault rifle bat, one G3 empty magazine, six registered vehicle number plates, one plier, 98-auto 45 live ammunition, 165 auto 389 live ammunition, four pistol empty cartridges and one white Toyota Highlander with registration No. GW 3241-20 were retrieved by the police.

A spraying shop was visited by the police in the course of the investigation and an ash colour Toyota Highlander with its front and rear bumpers removed was found.

The vehicle was suspected to have been snatched at gunpoint in Tema.

Daily Guide
Although the COVID-19 pandemic is not at its peak anymore, we are still fully or partly working from home. However, for those few employees / days at the office, you need to make sure that the building is "Corona-proof". In this article, we provide you with a few tips on how to do so!

"Clean entrance"

Hygiene already starts at the entrance of your building. To prevent people from touching the door handles to your office, you can use a doorstop or hook that keeps the door open. Provide a disinfectant (Dutch: ontsmettingsmiddel) at the entrance and kindly request people to use it before entering the building.

TIP: Stick a note on the door for your colleagues and business clients that informs them about the rules and regulations concerning hygiene in the office. Kindly request them to disinfect their hands, to follow the marking lines and to keep 1,5 m distance from others. You can also kindly inform them in advance that you're not able to shake hands - it is already awkward enough.

Sanitizers for hands and objects

We all know that it's important to wash our hands regularly, especially now. But what we often forget is that we also touch many objects with our hands, for example, our keyboard and mouse. Especially if your company has flexible workplaces, it is important to clean the workplace before and after your workday. Make sure that there are enough sanitizers and cleaning wipes and remind your colleagues to clean before they go.

Reminders

We're not used to keeping our distance and cleaning everything we touch. So we could all use some help! Make sure that you have enough 'reminders' in the office, that help people adhere to the rules. You can use notes or make professional signs that you stick to the wall with some super glue (Dutch: secondelijm). For example, inform people about the disinfectant possibilities in the office and tell them how many people are allowed to sit in a specific area/at a table.

Clean, clean and clean

And last but not least: clean, clean and clean! So not only the floors, toilet and kitchen, but pay additional attention to door and window handles, computers and TVs, chairs, tables - everything we touch by hand. Hygiene is your new best friend!

Your office Corona-proof? With these tips it's a piece of cake.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-09-08 23:46:03|Editor: huaxia

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CAPE TOWN, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday urged South Africans to do all that they can to help rebuild the economy hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He made the appeal after Statistics South Africa released figures showing the country's gross domestic product contracting by about 51 percent in the second quarter of this year.

The sharp drop "reflects the severe impact of the global coronavirus pandemic on the economy," Ramaphosa said.

He said the annualized contraction represents an anomaly due to the COVID-19 lockdown imposed at the end of March which saw most industries closed for months.

The newly released figures nevertheless reinforce the importance of enabling a strong rebound in subsequent quarters, the president said.

Countries across the world are facing significant economic disruption as a result of the pandemic, leading to the worst global downturn in decades, he said.

"South Africa has not been spared these realities," said Ramaphosa.

The coronavirus represents a once-in-a-century social and economic crisis, with disruptions to production, a synchronized decline in export markets and a prolonged decrease in demand for many service industries, he said.

"The economic circumstances created by the pandemic have caused hardship for many South Africans, and threaten the survival of businesses in sectors that are worst affected," Ramaphosa said.

Having acted swiftly and decisively to save lives and bring the epidemic under control, the government's focus now is on economic recovery, said Ramaphosa.

The 500-billion-rand (about 30 billion U.S. dollars) emergency relief package announced in April has prevented the worst effects of the pandemic, he said.

Moreover, tax relief worth over 70 billion rand has been extended to businesses in distress, according to Ramaphosa.

These and other measures have provided necessary relief to vulnerable individuals and businesses across the country, he said.

As the epidemic continues to stabilize, a strong recovery is possible through targeted actions to restore economic growth and protect the livelihoods of South Africans, Ramaphosa said.

"We cannot continue with business as usual. We will use this moment of crisis to build a new economy, and unleash South Africa's true potential,"the president said.

He outlined three ongoing processes to support economic recovery, including the presentation by social partners of a Social Compact on Economic Recovery which identifies areas of convergence and provides a basis for joint action by all partners, the finalization of the Economic Recovery Strategy, and the implementation of the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which will commence next month, to expand opportunities through public and social employment to counteract job losses.

"Now is the time to act quickly and boldly to place South Africa on a rapid growth trajectory," Ramaphosa said. Enditem
Ramani on Tuesday said she felt compelled to speak after seeing women who shared their experiences of having experienced inappropriate behaviour.

Journalist Priya Ramani told a Delhi court on Tuesday that she decided to name former Union minister and editor MJ Akbar in the context of the #MeToo movement as she "felt a responsibility to remove the cloak of anonymity."

Court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate began hearing MJ Akbar's criminal defamation case against Priya Ramani on Tuesday with senior advocate Rebecca John making her final submissions on behalf of Ramani.

Quoting Ramani during the hearing, John said, "I spoke the truth in public interest...I was deliberately targeted to divert attention from the other serious allegations against MJ Akbar," she was quoted as stating in court by Bar & Bench.

Ramani, in an article in Vogue on 12 October 2017, had written about having faced inappropriate behaviour from a male boss, but had not named Akbar then. Nearly a year later, after the #MeToo movement began on Twitter, she said in a tweet that an incident at the beginning of her article was about the former Union minister. After her statement, twenty women came forward describing his behaviour and condemning his sexual advances.

During the court hearing on Tuesday, Ramani said she felt compelled to speak after seeing women who shared their experiences of having experienced inappropriate behaviour.

Significantly, LiveLaw quoted Ramani's lawyer Rebecca John as saying during the hearing, "From the very beginning, she made it clear that she only began her article with Akbar story, and not the entire article is about him." She pointed out that the title of the Vogue article "To the Harvey Weinsteins of the world" is in plural, indicating that she was referring to multiple male bosses, as well as multiple women.

The lawyer also made a reference to an article in Firstpost which listed all the woman who had made allegations against Akbar at the time. She noted that Akbar has stated that he has read the article.

"There is a tacit admission without any refutation that this article carried disclosures of 14 women. It is not an evidence of stellar reputation," she said.

John further said during her arguments in court, "I read Ghazala Wahab's experience. Women, at that time, were told to keep silent. It was a different world in 1993. I cannot say with confidence that that was a fair world. It took us all a lot of time to fight and establish out battles."

Responding to allegations that Ramani made the allegations due to political motives, John said, as quoted by Bar & Bench, "I (Ramani) didn't do it for political motives. But even if I take the allegation at the highest, as per them, I waited for two years since he joined the party to make the allegation. My accusations have no connection with his political journey."

John noted, "She (Ramani) has made a detailed account on oath about what happened to her in 1993...Ramani was just 23 years old, it was her first job interview. She was silent, uncomfortable, due to her young age didn't know how to turn down Akbar's overtures."

The lawyer also pointed out that before Ramani, several women had spoken about their experiences with Akbar, including Ghazala Wahab, Shonali Khullar Shroff, Prerna Bhindra, etc. "These are women at responsible positions, speaking responsibly," she said.

Ramani, speaking futher about why she chose to name Akbar, said, "It was important and necessary for women to speak up. Women are taught that silence is a virtue.. this case has come at a great personal cost. I have nothing to gain.. by keeping silence I could have avoided (at lot of trouble). But that would not have been right."

The court has adjourned the case, and the matter will be heard again on 14 September.

In the previous hearing, John had said that as per law, it is not defamation to impute anything which is true concerning any person if it is for the public good.

A true imputation made in the public good is not defamation... it is not defamation to make an imputation on the character of another when it is made in good faith for the protection of his or other's interest, she told the court during a virtual hearing.

Akbar had earlier told the court that Ramani had defamed him by using adjectives such as "media's biggest predator" against him that harmed his reputation.

Akbar has denied all the allegations of sexual harassment against the women who came forward during the #MeToo campaign against him.

With inputs from PTI
All summer long, educators and officials in Hartford, Conn., readied the citys schools to reopen in the midst of a pandemic. They rearranged classrooms, adjusted schedules and distributed electronic devices as they prepared to welcome some students back to buildings that had been dormant for months.

But on Tuesday, the scheduled first day of the school year, the district found itself paralyzed by a virus entirely different than the one they had been expecting: a ransomware attack that forced Hartford to postpone opening its public schools.

Like many districts across the country, the city had adopted a hybrid model for reopening, in which some students would return to school buildings while others would remain in a virtual setting.

After city employees spent Tuesday restoring systems that were compromised in the attack, Hartfords public schools were expected to open on Wednesday, the superintendent, Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, said.
Fear and fright compel us to blame those we are frightened of; it is quite natural.





by Ali Sukhanver

Views expressed in this article are the author's own





On 25th August the Zee News published a report on Dawood Ibrahim, the so-called India's most wanted terrorist and 1993 Mumbai blasts mastermind. Trying to create a linkage between Dawood Ibrahim and Pakistan, the report says, Once upon a time, Dawood Ibrahim had a great influence on Bollywood and he used to invest in several Bollywood films. Many Indian actors used to go to attend his house parties too. But it seems that Dawood's interest in film industry has not ended even after running away to Pakistan. The compilers of this Mumbo-Jumbo type of report have themselves admitted that Dawood Ibrahim had been investing a lot in the Bollywood and his investments had made him the most influential figure in the film industry. If he were really a criminal, why did the Indian Intelligence and law-enforcement agencies keep their eyes closed on his activities? Does their negligence not point out two things possibly; either these agencies had some very personal type of monitory interests or they were inefficient.













A very important point to be clarified is that as the Muslim community all over the world could not be held responsible for the misdoings of every individual Muslim, in the same way the whole Pakistani nation could not be criticized for the criminal activities of an individual Pakistani. Same is the case with the Hindus; all Hindus are neither extremist nor brutal in their approach, neither prejudiced nor narrow-minded; there are countless Indians who condemned the action of demolishing the Babri Mosque, of burning the houses of Muslim families and abrogation of the Article 35-A and 370. Moreover there are so many Hindus who rescued their Muslim neighbors from the clutches of BJPs violent extremists in incidents of racial violence. If Dawood Ibrahim and his family has some alleged relations with Pakistan, it does not mean, he is enjoying support of the government of Pakistan and people of Pakistan. The Zee News not only abrogated the true basis of fair journalism but also violated all ethical rules and regulations by misreporting that he (Dawood Ibrahim) is not only in Pakistan but has also got the support of the Imran Khan government and its intelligence agencies.





Fear and fright compel us to blame those we are frightened of; it is quite natural. A few weeks back, the Times of India also published the same type of a report prepared by the Global Watch Analysis. This report showed nothing but the fear of Inter Services Intelligence Agency of Pakistan the ISI which is haunting the whole of R&AW set up. The said report was reprinted in different newspapers and on-aired at various news channels; certainly most of these newspapers and channels did it on desire of the R&AW. The report said, Pakistans intelligence agency, ISI, has been using the services of Pakistani crime syndicates operating in several countries, including France and Thailand, to further its agenda.





According to the details provided in the report, Thailand Police arrested a Pakistan national named Baqar Shah who came to the notice of the Thai authorities when he organized an anti-American protest outside the US Consulate in Chiang Mai in September 2012. In February 2016, his name again surfaced when Thailand Police busted a major fake passport syndicate in the country and an Iranian national, Hamid Reza Jafary, and five Pakistanis were arrested. It is nothing but a childish joke that among the arrested six culprits, one was Iranian and five were allegedly Pakistanis, so following the philosophy  majority is authority the whole cart of dirt was awarded to Pakistan.





It is a fact that on one hand tourism strengthens the economy of a country but on the other hand it increases the crime rate. It is also a fact that some criminals also travel frequently to other countries in guise of tourists. They try to establish new contacts in the countries they visit and in this way they try to spread and enhance their criminal net-working. There are so many gangs of criminals which started their journey from America and ultimately their radius of working crossed the American boundaries. There are so many other groups of the same type in different countries; Cosa Nostra is also one of them. Cosa Nostra frequently known as the Sicilian Mafia is an Italian organized crime syndicate, originated somewhere in the 19th century in the region of Sicily. Some experts on history say that its roots can be traced back to the early days of New York City's lower east side. By the 20th century, following wide-scale emigration from Sicily, the organization acquired a strong presence in other countries in North and South America Reports say that Cosa Nostra has around 25,000 members and more than 250,000 affiliates around the world. The members of this organization are always involved in illegal and criminal activities but no Intelligence Agency has ever been blamed of patronizing this organization.





Before linking the ISI with the criminal syndicates working in Bangkok, we must cast a look at a report published in March 2018 in The Little India, a news portal. The report indicated that a total of 84 foreigners were arrested by the Bangkok police for entering the country illegally and breaking the law. The arrested ones included 25 Indians, 31 Myanmar nationals, 18 Laotians, 4 Cambodians, one Vietnamese, one Iraqi, two Nigerians and one Afghan. The total number of the detainees was 117. Moreover, 20 foreigners were arrested for overstaying their tourist visas. The list comprised five Indians, two Egyptians, a Russian, a Dutch, a Laotian, a Myanmar national, a Grecian, four Cambodians, two Chinese, one Vietnamese and one person from Qatar. But the government of Thailand did not blame the Intelligence Agencies of the countries these arrested ones belonged to. Zee News all hue and cry over arrest of just one Pakistani in Bangkok is difficult to understand. People would certainly desire to know if the Zee News had raised the same hullabaloo when 25 Indians were arrested in Bangkok in 2018 and if the Global Watch had done the same willful effort to establish linkage between the arrested ones and the R&AW.








The measures and consequences of coronavirus have a major impact on the functioning of society. KPCN is no exception in such, we too have to contend with this. However, it is not possible for an organization such as the police to scale down as is possible in a non-critical organization.

Thats why a number of measures have been taken to protect both our colleagues and the society of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.

The following are the measures that are taken:

 For prevention we will ask all visitors to the police station to wear a mouth mask; if the visitor does not have one, we can provide this.

 We try to reduce the contact moments at the office as much as possible. For the citizen, this means that the process can run a little differently, meaning that a declarant must in the first instance write down on paper what happened, which will then be completed by telephone or e-mail.

 The uniformed officers on the street can wear masks for prevention, even when they are in the police cars.

The Police Force asks you to comply with the measures taken by the Public Entities of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba for the safety of everyone.

The Police are also fully functional and operational and remain committed to the safety of our society.
For 22 years, the Florida Association of Insurance Agents has been led by Jeff Grady, president and chief executive officer, who admits that when he started all those years ago he did not expect to fall in love with insurance agents.

Grady joined FAIA from the banking world in 1998 and said he quickly learned about  and came to greatly respect  the work done by the 116-year-old associations 2,000 agency members across the state.

Honestly, I just didnt think that I would like it this much. I didnt like banking that much, and I really didnt think I would fall in love with insurance agents, Grady told Insurance Journal in an interview ahead of his retirement from the association on Aug. 31. Theyre the epitome of Americas small businessperson.

Throughout his 22 years at the helm of FAIA, Grady has experienced a number of natural catastrophes, navigated Floridas complicated political waters and been a part of making history with the association. Grady recalled his top 10 moments in an interview with Insurance Journal. The following is an excerpt of that interview, which can be viewed in its entirety online.

His Unexpected Hiring

Gradys career started in banking, and like so many others, he fell into the insurance world. He was executive director of the Community Bankers of Florida when he was hired by FAIA in 1998, a move that was a surprise to even him and one that didnt go over well with some Florida agents. They were still angry about the Barnett Bank v. Nelson 1996 U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed banks to sell insurance from branch offices in small towns and they blamed banking associations for the outcome.

It was an odd beginning; I think they hired me due to search fatigue. They had gone around and tried to find a few people and struck out, Grady said. The members were not real pleased several of them resigned that day when they heard that a banker had been hired because the battle was so fresh in their mind and they had lost at The Supreme Court.

Exposure to the Underbelly of Florida Politics

In his early days leading FAIA, Grady said he quickly learned the harshness of the Florida political world thanks to a former insurance commissioner, Tom Gallagher, who he said made sure it was known how the system worked and that the insurance industry was tightly regulated.

Grady said in his experience, there are few politicians there for the right reasons, and he has witnessed that firsthand.

The insurance lobby and agents are a powerful influence, however, and a hard-working group at the Florida Capitol. FAIA has worked to support and build relationships with candidates to have a positive influence on the industry.

Youve got to take that stuff seriously and FAIA does. We have a huge political action committee; we go hard with lobbyists, he said. And when you walked into that room for the first time, it can be a little stark. I was naive, I didnt really know, but I was glad that I never got used to it.

Governors Betrayal of Insurance Industry

Governor Charlie Crist, then a Republican, who was elected in 2006, made his popularity out of beating up the insurance industry, Grady said, in explaining this moment.

After the 2004-2005 hurricane season and collapse of the states insurance market, Crist made the insurance industry the bad guy even though it had supported his campaign.

We didnt expect him to be our pal and do special favors or things like that, but we didnt expect him to make us the bad guy. And he did it, absolutely did it, and it made life miserable for the insurance industry for those four years, Grady said.

Crist signed controversial legislation that included lower cost reinsurance for insurers that was supposed to lead to rate savings for consumers. The bill also froze the rates of Citizens Property Insurance Corp., thus expanding the market and exposing it to a bigger liability in the case of a bad storm season. According to Insurance Journal archives, property owners were promised rate savings of as much of 24% and state insurance regulators closely scrutinized carrier rate filings.

Grady called the bill probably the worst piece of property insurance legislation ever to be passed in any state in the country, and FAIA spent several years working with Crists successor, former Gov. Rick Scott, to undo it.

Much of it has been rolled back, but in chunks. You get this piece off, you get that piece off thankfully the wind did not blow hard for 10 years almost, and we worked ourselves out of what was a real financial problem, Grady said.

The 2004-2005 Hurricane Seasons

When Grady started in 1998, he heard all about Hurricane Andrew, the 1992 storm that changed the Florida property market. The association set up protocols to help agents in the event of another large catastrophe but nothing like it had yet to happen.

Then Hurricane Charley hit as a Category 4 in 2004, the second major hurricane of the year, followed by six others between then and 2005. Everything FAIA and agents had done to prepare was put to the test.

It was such a hectic time, but we did show up and we helped agents, he said.

The events also again changed the Florida property market, Grady said, with major national carriers pulling out and dozens of domestic carriers cropping up, carriers that now dominate the states market. Florida also went through an 11-year hurricane drought after 2005 that allowed the market to get on more stable footing.

Had we not had that, it would have been a far different story about what Florida has in terms of debt load, because we had some huge [Citizens] assessment potential, Grady said.

The View from the Top & Industry Relationships

Being part of the Florida property insurance market during that 2004-2005 hurricane season was very different than what post-catastrophe response would look like now. In 2005, the claims process wasnt dominated by technology and there werent carrier drones or Google maps to view the damage.

Instead, Grady was asked to ride with the insurance commissioner on a Blackhawk helicopter to assess the damage with actuaries sitting nearby calculating the losses from the air.

I was just some guy from FAIA  I would have never had that opportunity, it was really cool, he said. FAIA afforded me that kind of view over and over and over again.

Grady said ulimately the industry relationships hes formed have been the best part of his job.

No question about it  its the people you get to work with It is a people business, its absolutely that and Ive enjoyed it.

Topics Catastrophe Agencies Legislation Florida Talent Hurricane Property Market
India is considering Russia's request for conducting phase-3 clinical trial and manufacturing of its COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V by Indian firms, officials said on Tuesday, noting there has been 'significant movement' on both these fronts and specific outcomes are expected soon.

Photograph: Anton Vaganov/Reuters

Dr V K Paul, Member (Health) Niti Aayog, who also chairs the national expert group on COVID-19 vaccine administration, said the government attaches 'great importance to this offer of partnership from a very special friend to this nation'.

He said that Indian scientists have looked at the data on Sputnik V, which is in the public domain now, and there would be a need for the phase -3 trial.

"We are paving was for such a phase-3 trial or bridging studies, as per requirements of the regulatory system, to be facilitated by the government of India," he told a press conference in New Delhi.

The Russian government has approached the government of India through appropriate channels to consider the manufacturing of Sputnik V through Indian companies and also conducting its phase-3 clinical trials here, Paul said.

"On both the tracks there has been significant movement," he said.

Several Indian companies are currently studying the proposal, he said.

"The outreach has been extended to several companies in India and a few of them have come forward while others are in discussions with the Russian counterparts and the government is facilitating that process of how that connect can be made. And there may be specific outcomes very soon in that regard," Paul said.

It is a 'win-win situation' for India and the world, he said, underlining the county's ability to manufacture high quality vaccine in large and significant quantities.

It is good for Russia, good for India, and also excess capacities or specific part of the capacities can be offered to the rest of the world, he said.

Sputnik V has been developed by Russia's Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, along with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

The vaccine has not been tested in phase-3 or larger clinical trials.

"We are working in partnership with this vaccine candidate for manufacture for phase-3 trial as well as regulatory facilitation in the spirit of partnership and in the spirit of science for humanity," Paul said.

As far as vaccine development in India is concerned, he said, three candidates are in different stages of clinical trials.

Currently two indigenously developed vaccine candidates -- one by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the ICMR and the other by Zydus Cadila Ltd -- have completed phase 1 of the human clinical trial and moved to phase-2.

The Pune-based Serum Institute of India, which has partnered with AstraZeneca for manufacturing the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine candidate, has also started the process of conducting Phase-2 and 3 human clinical trials of the candidate.

The SII has the capacity to produce 75 to 100 million doses per month, he said.